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Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 July 2023) | Viewed by 58639

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Unit of Human Nutrition and Health, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Istituto Superiore di Sanità - Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: infant nutrition; pediatric nutrition; public health policies; childhood obesity
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Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Interests: microbutrients; metabolism; personalized nutrition; fluid therapy; acute infections
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dietary habits and lifestyle represent the main modifiable determinants of health within the different socioeconomic contexts and beyond predominant genetic factors. Nowadays, the concept of nutrition therapy may encompass either personalized nutrition for the preventive approach as well as supporting nutition therapies in disease. The goal of individually tailored interventions is to take out each individual from either the two edges (representing overnutrition and undernutrition, respectively) of the U-shaped associations with “worst” conditions, compared with “better” conditions in states of balanced nutrition.

These two associations are now recognized as “the double burden of malnutrition” (Lancet 2020; 395: 75–88). Within a global health perspective, moving from immigrant displacement to pandemics in different settings, the early exposure to poor living conditions was associated with malnutrition which was followed later by an over intake of energy associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. This may lead to an increase of the global costs to societies. Similarly, the two types of unbalance may unfavorably affect the course of either acute and chronic inflammatory disorders, as well as other congenital and acquired diseases. Accordingly, effective interventions “require major societal shifts extended to the entire global food system” and a deeper knowledge of the mechanisms linking nutrition-associated metabolic pathways with pathogenic biomechanisms, in particular the cascade of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Prof. Dr. Carlo Agostoni
Dr. Gregorio P. Milani
Dr. Marco Silano
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • special conditions
  • acute diseases
  • chronic disease
  • personalized nutrition

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1025 KiB  
Article
Impact of Chronotype and Mediterranean Diet on the Risk of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
by Gabriele Castelnuovo, Nuria Perez-Diaz-del-Campo, Chiara Rosso, Marta Guariglia, Angelo Armandi, Aurora Nicolosi, Gian Paolo Caviglia and Elisabetta Bugianesi
Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3257; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143257 - 23 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1350
Abstract
Late chronotype, the individual’s aptitude to perform daily activities late in the day, has been associated with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential association of chronotype and adherence to [...] Read more.
Late chronotype, the individual’s aptitude to perform daily activities late in the day, has been associated with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential association of chronotype and adherence to the MedDiet with the liver fibrosis risk in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Liver stiffness was assessed in 126 patients by FibroScan®530. Significant (F ≥ 2) and advanced (F ≥ 3) hepatic fibrosis were defined according to liver stiffness values ≥7.1 kPa and ≥8.8 kPa, respectively. Chronotype (MSFsc) was defined by the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire, and adherence to the MedDiet was defined by the Mediterranean diet score (MDS). Overall, the median age was 55 (46–63) years, and 57.9% of participants were male. The principal comorbidities were type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (26.1%), arterial hypertension (53.1%), dyslipidaemia (63.4%), obstructive sleep apnoea (5.5%) and depression (5.5%). Most subjects (65.0%) had intermediate + late chronotype and showed higher mid-sleep on workdays (p < 0.001) and on work-free days (p < 0.001) compared to those with early chronotype. In the logistic regression model, intermediate + late chronotype (p = 0.024), MDS (p = 0.019) and T2DM (p = 0.004) were found to be significantly and independently associated with the risk of both F ≥ 2 And F ≥ 3. We observed that the intermediate + late chronotype and low adherence to the MedDiet were associated with both significant and advanced liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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10 pages, 438 KiB  
Article
Vitamin D Supply of Multivitamins Commercialized Online by Amazon in Western and Southern Europe: A Labeling Analysis
by Lisa Ponti, Luca Gabutti, Pietro B. Faré, Simone Janett, Mario G. Bianchetti, Peter J. Schulz, Sebastiano A. G. Lava, Carlo Agostoni and Gregorio P. Milani
Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020326 - 09 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2186
Abstract
Multivitamins are commonly used by the general population, often without medical prescription. The purpose of this report is to inform on the daily vitamin D supply provided by multivitamins containing vitamin D that are commercialized online by Amazon in Western and Southern Europe. [...] Read more.
Multivitamins are commonly used by the general population, often without medical prescription. The purpose of this report is to inform on the daily vitamin D supply provided by multivitamins containing vitamin D that are commercialized online by Amazon in Western and Southern Europe. We surveyed multivitamins aimed at adults using the following marketplaces: amazon.es®, amazon.de®, amazon.it®, and amazon.fr®. We identified 199 vitamin D3-containing multivitamins sold by Amazon marketplaces: 77 from amazon.es®, 73 from amazon.de®, 33 from amazon.it®, and 16 from amazon.fr®. No multivitamin contained vitamin D2. The daily vitamin D3 supply ranged from 16 to 2000 IU: it was less than 400 IU daily in 108 (54%), 400–800 IU daily in 53 (27%), and more than 800 IU daily in the remaining 38 (19%) products. The vitamin D3 supply of products sold by amazon.it® was on average higher (p < 0.05) than that of products sold by amazon.de®, amazon.fr®, and amazon.es®. In conclusion, the vitamin D supply of multivitamins sold by Amazon may be insufficient, marginally sufficient, or adequate for subjects at high risk of hypovitaminosis D such as subjects 65 years or more of age, pregnant (or lactating) women, or patients on drug treatment or with an underlying disease, where a vitamin D supplementation is advocated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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13 pages, 586 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with Functional Constipation among Students of a Chinese University: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Yuhan Zhang, Qian Lin, Xin An, Xiuying Tan and Lina Yang
Nutrients 2022, 14(21), 4590; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214590 - 01 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1778
Abstract
Functional constipation (FC) is prevalent worldwide and is an increasingly prominent problem among university students. However, there is a paucity of research on FC in university students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of FC among Chinese university students by the Rome [...] Read more.
Functional constipation (FC) is prevalent worldwide and is an increasingly prominent problem among university students. However, there is a paucity of research on FC in university students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of FC among Chinese university students by the Rome III criteria and investigate its associated factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted by online questionnaires among 929 university students at a Chinese university. Food consumption was assessed with the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQFFQ) and dietary patterns were analyzed using factor analysis. A binary logistic regression model was applied to clarify FC-associated factors. The prevalence of FC among university students was 5.1%. Interestingly, among university students, the prevalence of FC with “complex” dietary pattern was significantly higher than those with “vegetable, fruit, egg and milk-based” and “livestock and aquatic product-based” dietary pattern (9.9% vs. 3.1% vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of FC was significantly higher among university students with moderate to severe sleep disorders than those with the other sleep status (χ2 = 18.100, p < 0.001). Furthermore, after adjusting the covariates, “complex” dietary pattern (OR = 4.023, p < 0.001), moderate to severe sleep disorders (OR = 3.003, p = 0.006), overeating (OR = 2.502, p = 0.032), long mealtime (>30 min) (OR = 6.001, p = 0.007), and poor defecation habits (OR = 3.069, p = 0.042) were positively associated with FC among university students. Based on the above-associated factors for FC, improving dietary patterns and sleep status and developing good bowel and dietary habits are essential to prevent and alleviate university students’ FC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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12 pages, 992 KiB  
Article
Healthy Lifestyle Is Associated with Reduced Mortality in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
by Chengxiao Yu, Jiaxin Gao, Xinyuan Ge, Xiao Wang, Yuqing Ding, Ting Tian, Xin Xu, Wen Guo, Quanrongzi Wang, Zijun Ge, Tao Jiang, Qun Zhang and Ci Song
Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3785; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183785 - 14 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2369
Abstract
Background and Aims: It is unclear whether a healthy lifestyle impacts mortality in the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study aimed to examine the joint association of several modifiable lifestyle factors with mortality risk for NAFLD patients. Methods: We [...] Read more.
Background and Aims: It is unclear whether a healthy lifestyle impacts mortality in the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study aimed to examine the joint association of several modifiable lifestyle factors with mortality risk for NAFLD patients. Methods: We collected lifestyle behavior data form the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III from 1988 to 1994 and follow-up data form NHANES III-linked mortality data through 2015. We estimated joint association between four healthy lifestyle factors (non-smoking, non-drinking, regular physical activity, a healthy diet) after NAFLD diagnosis and mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: During a median of 22.83 years of follow-up, 2932 deaths occurred. The risk of all-cause mortality decreased significantly with the healthy lifestyle scores increasing (p < 0.001). NAFLD patients with a favorable lifestyle (3 or 4 healthy lifestyle factors) reduced 36% of all-cause mortality and 43% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality compared with those with an unfavorable lifestyle (0 or 1 healthy lifestyle factor) (HR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.50–0.81], 0.57 [95% CI, 0.37–0.88]). Compared with the non-NAFLD group, the number of NAFLD patients required to adhere to a favorable lifestyle to prevent one cardiovascular disease death in 20 years was fewer (77 vs. 125). Conclusions: For the NAFLD patients, adopting a healthy lifestyle could significantly reduce their risk of death. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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10 pages, 566 KiB  
Article
Associations between Food Groups and Health-Related Quality of Life in Korean Adults
by Shamirah Nabbosa and Sunghee Lee
Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3643; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173643 - 03 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1426
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the associations between food groups and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The data of 14,979 participants in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016 and 2018 were examined. The HRQoL was assessed with EuroQol-5 [...] Read more.
This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the associations between food groups and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The data of 14,979 participants in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016 and 2018 were examined. The HRQoL was assessed with EuroQol-5 Dimension. The 24-h recall test was used to examine the dietary intake of food groups. Males and females accounted for 13.79% and 21.62% of the low HRQoL groups. The males in the lowest tertile of the “vegetables” and “fish and shellfish” food groups were more likely to have a low HRQoL (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25 (1.05–1.65), 1.45 (1.12–1.89), respectively) than those in the highest tertile, whereas those in the lowest tertile of the “cereal and grain products” were less likely to have a low HRQoL (OR (95% CI) = 0.69 (0.52–0.91)). The females in the lowest tertile of the “vegetables” food group were more likely to have a low HRQoL (OR (95% CI) = 1.56 (1.17–3.01)) than those in the highest tertile. After adjusting for confounders indagated with not only dietary but also non-dietary factors such as stress, we found that low HRQoL was significantly associated with food groups of “vegetables”, “fish and shellfish”, and “cereal and grain products” among males and of “vegetables” among females. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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10 pages, 608 KiB  
Article
Development of a Tool for Determining the Equivalence of Nutritional Supplements to Diabetic Food Exchanges
by Paraskevi Detopoulou, Georgios I. Panoutsopoulos, Garifallia Kalonarchi, Olga Alexatou, Georgia Petropoulou and Vasilios Papamikos
Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3267; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163267 - 10 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1710
Abstract
Malnutrition is a prevalent issue in hospitals, nursing homes and the community setting. Nutritional products can be used by dietitians to supplement people’s diet by adding energy, macronutrients and other constituents. The aim of the present work was (i) to create a database [...] Read more.
Malnutrition is a prevalent issue in hospitals, nursing homes and the community setting. Nutritional products can be used by dietitians to supplement people’s diet by adding energy, macronutrients and other constituents. The aim of the present work was (i) to create a database of nutritional products with information on their energy and macronutrient content, (ii) to estimate the food exchanges of each product and assist in diet plan development for malnourished persons and (iii) to provide a tool for calculation of food exchanges of newly developed products not included in the database. We searched the web for nutritional supplements, and an electronic database with 461 products was generated with data regarding the contained energy and macronutrients of each entry. The following companies were included: Abbott Nutrition, Nestle Nutrition, Nutricia North America, Nutricia Global, Nutricia Europe & Middle East, Axcan Pharma Inc., Kate Farms, Global Health, High Protein, NutriMedical BV, Hormel Health Labs, Hormel Health Labs/Diamond Crystal Brands, Lyons Magnus, Mead Johnson, Medical Nutrition USA Inc., Medtrition, Nutritional Designs Inc., Nutrisens, Humana (Germany), and Vitaflo USA. The created database facilitates product comparisons and categorization into several groups according to energy and protein content. In addition, a tool was created to determine food exchanges for each supplement per serving and/or food exchanges for newly developed products by simply inserting their macronutrient content. The developed tool can facilitate dietitians in comparing products and incorporating them into diet plans, if needed. Such tools may thus serve clinical practice, may be used in dietary or other smart applications and can familiarize dietitians with the digital epoch. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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17 pages, 1624 KiB  
Article
Artificial Neural Network Algorithms to Predict Resting Energy Expenditure in Critically Ill Children
by Giulia C. I. Spolidoro, Veronica D’Oria, Valentina De Cosmi, Gregorio Paolo Milani, Alessandra Mazzocchi, Alireza Akhondi-Asl, Nilesh M. Mehta, Carlo Agostoni, Edoardo Calderini and Enzo Grossi
Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3797; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113797 - 26 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2074
Abstract
Introduction: Accurate assessment of resting energy expenditure (REE) can guide optimal nutritional prescription in critically ill children. Indirect calorimetry (IC) is the gold standard for REE measurement, but its use is limited. Alternatively, REE estimates by predictive equations/formulae are often inaccurate. Recently, predicting [...] Read more.
Introduction: Accurate assessment of resting energy expenditure (REE) can guide optimal nutritional prescription in critically ill children. Indirect calorimetry (IC) is the gold standard for REE measurement, but its use is limited. Alternatively, REE estimates by predictive equations/formulae are often inaccurate. Recently, predicting REE with artificial neural networks (ANN) was found to be accurate in healthy children. We aimed to investigate the role of ANN in predicting REE in critically ill children and to compare the accuracy with common equations/formulae. Study methods: We enrolled 257 critically ill children. Nutritional status/vital signs/biochemical values were recorded. We used IC to measure REE. Commonly employed equations/formulae and the VCO2-based Mehta equation were estimated. ANN analysis to predict REE was conducted, employing the TWIST system. Results: ANN considered demographic/anthropometric data to model REE. The predictive model was good (accuracy 75.6%; R2 = 0.71) but not better than Talbot tables for weight. After adding vital signs/biochemical values, the model became superior to all equations/formulae (accuracy 82.3%, R2 = 0.80) and comparable to the Mehta equation. Including IC-measured VCO2 increased the accuracy to 89.6%, superior to the Mehta equation. Conclusions: We described the accuracy of REE prediction using models that include demographic/anthropometric/clinical/metabolic variables. ANN may represent a reliable option for REE estimation, overcoming the inaccuracies of traditional predictive equations/formulae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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14 pages, 1354 KiB  
Article
Possible Role of Butyrylcholinesterase in Fat Loss and Decreases in Inflammatory Levels in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis after Treatment with Epigallocatechin Gallate and Coconut Oil: A Pilot Study
by Jose Enrique de la Rubia Ortí, Jose Luis Platero, Iván Hu Yang, Jose Joaquin Ceron, Asta Tvarijonaviciute, Pablo Selvi Sabater, María Benlloch, David Sancho-Cantus and Sandra Sancho
Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3230; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093230 - 16 Sep 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3092
Abstract
(1) Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by the loss of muscle throughout the course of the disease, which in many cases is accompanied by obesity and related to inflammation. Nonetheless, consuming epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and ketone bodies (especially β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB)) produced after [...] Read more.
(1) Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by the loss of muscle throughout the course of the disease, which in many cases is accompanied by obesity and related to inflammation. Nonetheless, consuming epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and ketone bodies (especially β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB)) produced after metabolising coconut oil, have exhibited anti-inflammatory effects and a decrease in body fat. In addition, butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), seems to be related to the pathogenesis of the disease associated with inflammation, and serum concentrations have been related to lipid metabolism. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the role of BuChE in the changes caused after treatment with EGCG and ketone bodies on the levels of body fat and inflammation state in MS patients. (2) Methods. A pilot study was conducted for 4 months with 51 MS patients who were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received 800 mg of EGCG and 60 mL of coconut oil, and the control group was prescribed a placebo. Fat percentage and concentrations of the butyrylcholinesterase enzyme (BuChE), paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, triglycerides, interleukin 6 (IL-6), albumin and βHB in serum were measured. (3) Results. The intervention group exhibited significant decreases in IL-6 and fat percentage and significant increases in BuChE, βHB, PON1, albumin and functional capacity (determined by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)). On the other hand, the control group only exhibited a decrease in IL-6. After the intervention, BuChE was positively correlated with the activity of PON1, fat percentage and triglycerides in the intervention group, whereas these correlations were not observed in the control group (4). Conclusions. BuChE seems to have an important role in lipolytic activity and the inflammation state in MS patients, evidenced after administering EGCG and coconut oil as a βHB source. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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12 pages, 1223 KiB  
Article
Impact of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) on the Evolution of Disease in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
by Juan J. López-Gómez, María D. Ballesteros-Pomar, Beatriz Torres-Torres, Begoña Pintor-De la Maza, María A. Penacho-Lázaro, José M. Palacio-Mures, Cristina Abreu-Padín, Irene Sanz-Gallego and Daniel A. De Luis-Román
Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2765; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082765 - 12 Aug 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3923
Abstract
Dysphagia is a highly prevalent symptom in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and the implantation of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a very frequent event. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of PEG implantation on survival and complications in [...] Read more.
Dysphagia is a highly prevalent symptom in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and the implantation of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a very frequent event. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of PEG implantation on survival and complications in ALS. An interhospital registry of patients with ALS of six hospitals in the Castilla-León region (Spain) was created between January 2015 and December 2017. The data were compared for those in whom a PEG was implanted and those who it was not. A total of 93 patients were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 64.63 (17.67) years. A total of 38 patients (38.8%) had a PEG implantation. An improvement in the anthropometric parameters was observed among patients who had a PEG from the beginning of nutritional follow-up compared to those who did not, both in BMI (kg/m2) (PEG: 0 months, 22.06; 6 months, 23.04; p < 0.01; NoPEG: 0 months, 24.59–23.87; p > 0.05). Among the deceased patients, 38 (40.4%) those who had an implanted PEG (20 patients (52.6%) had a longer survival time (PEG: 23 (15–35.5) months; NoPEG 11 (4.75–18.5) months; p = 0.01). A PEG showed a survival benefit among ALS patients. Early implantation of a PEG produced a reduction in admissions associated with complications derived from it. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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Review

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13 pages, 629 KiB  
Review
The Influence of Ketogenic Diet on Gut Microbiota: Potential Benefits, Risks and Indications
by Andrea Santangelo, Antonio Corsello, Giulia Carla Immacolata Spolidoro, Chiara Maria Trovato, Carlo Agostoni, Alessandro Orsini, Gregorio Paolo Milani and Diego Giampietro Peroni
Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3680; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173680 - 22 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4317
Abstract
The ketogenic diet (KD) restricts carbohydrate consumption, leading to an increase in ketone bodies, such as acetoacetate, β-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone, which are utilized as energy substrates. This dietary approach impacts several biochemical processes, resulting in improved clinical management of various disorders, particularly in [...] Read more.
The ketogenic diet (KD) restricts carbohydrate consumption, leading to an increase in ketone bodies, such as acetoacetate, β-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone, which are utilized as energy substrates. This dietary approach impacts several biochemical processes, resulting in improved clinical management of various disorders, particularly in childhood. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the efficacy of KD remain unclear. Interestingly, KD may also impact the gut microbiota, which plays a pivotal role in metabolism, nutrition, and the development of the immune and nervous systems. KD has gained popularity for its potential benefits in weight loss, blood sugar control, and certain neurological conditions. This narrative review sums up KD-related studies published over 30 years. While short-term studies have provided valuable insights into the effects of KD on the gut microbiota, persistent uncertainties surround its long-term efficacy and potential for inducing dysbiosis. The significant influence of KD on epigenetic mechanisms, intracellular pathways, and gut microbial composition underscores its potential as a therapeutic choice. However, a judicious consideration of the potential risks associated with the strict adherence to a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, and high-protein regimen over prolonged periods is imperative. As KDs gain popularity among the adolescent and young adult demographic for weight management, it becomes imperative to undertake additional research to comprehensively assess their impact on nutritional status and gut microbiota, ensuring a holistic and sustainable approach to medical nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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18 pages, 619 KiB  
Review
Effects of Immunonutrition on Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery: A Scoping Review
by Katherine García-Malpartida, Carmen Aragón-Valera, Francisco Botella-Romero, María Julia Ocón-Bretón and Juan J. López-Gómez
Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1776; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071776 - 05 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2788
Abstract
Introduction: There is a large body of evidence about immunonutrition formulas; however, there are still doubts about their usefulness in routine clinical practice as compared with standard formulas. In the age of personalized medicine, new studies appear every year regarding several types of [...] Read more.
Introduction: There is a large body of evidence about immunonutrition formulas; however, there are still doubts about their usefulness in routine clinical practice as compared with standard formulas. In the age of personalized medicine, new studies appear every year regarding several types of patients; therefore, an updated point of view on these formulas is necessary. Methods: The Embase database was searched from 2016 to 14 March 2022. Our criteria were articles published in English and Spanish. The evidence quality was evaluated using GRADEpro, and the review was developed according to the PRISMA statement. Results: In this review, a total of 65 unique records were retrieved; however, 36 articles did not meet the inclusion criteria and were thus excluded. In total, 29 articles were included in the final analysis. In the last few years, many meta-analyses have attempted to identify additional existing studies of surgical patients with certain pathologies, mainly oncological patients. Immunonutrition prior to oncological surgery was shown to cause a decrease in inflammatory markers in most of the studies, and the main clinical events that changed were the infectious complications after surgery. The length of stay and mortality data are controversial due to the specific risk factors associated with these events. Conclusions: The use of immunonutrition in patients who have undergone oncological surgery decreases the levels of inflammatory markers and infectious postoperative complications in almost all localizations. However, more studies are needed to assess the use of immunonutrition based on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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25 pages, 467 KiB  
Review
The Influence of Metabolic Factors and Diet on Fertility
by Klaudia Łakoma, Olha Kukharuk and Daniel Śliż
Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051180 - 27 Feb 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8229
Abstract
Infertility is a disease globally affecting 20–30% of the reproductive age female population. However, in up to 50% on recorded cases, problems with infertility are ascribed to men; therefore, it is important to popularize healthy eating also in this group. During the last [...] Read more.
Infertility is a disease globally affecting 20–30% of the reproductive age female population. However, in up to 50% on recorded cases, problems with infertility are ascribed to men; therefore, it is important to popularize healthy eating also in this group. During the last decade, it has been observed that society’s lifestyle changed drastically: reduced energy expenditure in physical activity per day, increased consumption of hypercaloric and high-glycemic-index foods with high content of trans fats, and reduced consumption of dietary fiber, which negatively affects fertility. Increasing evidence points to a link between diet and fertility. It is becoming clear that well-planned nutrition can also contribute to the effectiveness of ART. The low-GI plant-based diet appears to have a positive effect, especially when it is based on Mediterranean dietary patterns: rich in antioxidants, vegetable protein, fiber, MUFA fatty acids, omega-3, vitamins, and minerals. Importantly, this diet has been shown to protect against chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, which also translates into pregnancy success. As lifestyle and nutrition seem to be important factors affecting fertility, it is worth expanding knowledge in this regard among couples trying to conceive a child. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
13 pages, 475 KiB  
Review
Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance
by Evangelia Papatriantafyllou, Dimitris Efthymiou, Evangelos Zoumbaneas, Codruta Alina Popescu and Emilia Vassilopoulou
Nutrients 2022, 14(8), 1549; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081549 - 08 Apr 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 21176
Abstract
This narrative review presents the findings from intervention studies on the effects of sleep deprivation on eating habits, metabolic rate, and the hormones regulating metabolism, and discusses their relevance to weight loss efforts. Disturbed sleeping patterns lead to increased energy intake, partly from [...] Read more.
This narrative review presents the findings from intervention studies on the effects of sleep deprivation on eating habits, metabolic rate, and the hormones regulating metabolism, and discusses their relevance to weight loss efforts. Disturbed sleeping patterns lead to increased energy intake, partly from excessive snacking, mainly on foods high in fat and carbohydrates. The studies focused mainly on the effects of sleep duration, but also of sleep quality, on dietary intake during weight loss trials, and on weight loss maintenance. It is important to explore sleep routines that could enhance the efforts of obese and overweight people to lose weight, maintain their weight loss, and improve their overall health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Therapy: Personal Diet and Lifestyle and Human Health)
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