Food & Function

IntroductionFiber intake is the most common nutritional inadequacy in the Western diet, with most adults consuming less than half of the recommended intake with only 5% of adults meeting the RDI. A novel, short-chain beta-glucan derived from oats (scOat Fiber), with improved solubility, low viscosity and enhanced palatability, compared to conventional oat fibers, was investigated for its benefits as a source of fiber supplementation. MethodsA 14-day pilot study evaluated the gastrointestinal tolerance and functional benefits of scOat Fiber in 63 healthy adults randomized to receive 5, 10 or 20 g daily doses. The primary outcome, gastrointestinal tolerability, was assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Secondary outcome included glycemic response during rice challenges, measured via continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). CGM was also used to explore overall glucose dynamics. Additional exploratory outcomes (mood, energy, appetite and sleep) were assessed via validated questionnaires. ResultsscOat Fiber was exceptionally well tolerated across all doses, with no increase in GSRS scores, which remained in the low to mild range. Significant reductions in total GSRS scores were observed, with benefits evident after just one week at 5 g/day and maintained over time at both 5 and 10 g/day groups. Evaluation of GSRS sub-categories revealed that the 5 g/day and 10 g/day dose groups experienced significant reductions in abdominal pain symptoms. Both dose groups also demonstrated a significant decrease in constipation at the end of the study. Postprandial glucose responses were attenuated following product use, with a significant reduction in peak glucose during rice challenges after 2 weeks in the 20 g/day group. Both 10 and 20 g/day doses were associated with significant improvement in glycemic metrics during the study, including reductions in glucose mean, all glycemic excursions, and an increase in time-in-range. Exploratory analysis suggested that scOat Fiber may improve mental health and concentration in participants with elevated baseline symptoms. ConclusionsDespite the lack of a placebo control and short duration, the dose-dependent nature of the results supports the potential of scOat Fiber as a well-tolerated and functional source of fiber with benefits including glycemic control, digestive health and mental health (NCT06739941)

Outcomes from the COSMOS trial have reinforced the notion of flavanols as important plant-derived bioactives contributing to cardiovascular health. As discussions continue on whether specific dietary reference values for flavanols are warranted, it is possible that existing dietary guidelines emphasizing fruits and vegetables already yield sufficient flavanol intake levels. If this were the case, developing flavanol specific dietary reference values might be unnecessary. This study therefore aimed at assessing whether adherence to dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake and overall diet quality achieves flavanol intake levels of 500 mg/day, the amount proven to mediate cardiovascular benefits in the COSMOS trial. Flavanol intake was objectively evaluated using two validated and complementary biomarkers, 5-(3{square},4{square}-dihydroxyphenyl)-{gamma}-valerolactone metabolites (gVLMB) and structurally related (-)-epicatechin metabolites (SREMB), in two geographically distinct studies: COSMOS (US; n=6,509) and EPIC-Norfolk (UK; n=24,154). The results showed that higher fruit and vegetable intakes and diet quality (assessed via the alternative healthy eating index-aHEI) were associated with increased flavanol intake in COSMOS. Nevertheless, fewer than 25% of participants meeting dietary guidelines achieved an estimated flavanol intake of [≥]500 mg/day. Similar findings were observed in EPIC-Norfolk as well as through flavanol intake simulations considering fruits and vegetables commonly consumed in the US diet. In conclusion, adherence to existing dietary guidelines does not yield flavanol intake levels comparable to those shown to provide cardiovascular benefits in COSMOS. Thus, specific dietary reference values for flavanols may still be necessary if aiming to increase the intake of these dietary compounds. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=101 SRC="FIGDIR/small/26346949v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (39K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@2966f5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@269232org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@483edborg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@116a957_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

This study investigated the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VB165, a probiotic strain with intrinsic -glucosidase inhibitor (AGI) activity, on metabolic disorders in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin-resistant (IR) mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: normal control diet (NCD), NCD supplemented with VB165, HFD, and HFD supplemented with VB165. After 16 weeks, VB165 supplementation significantly attenuated HFD-induced weight gain and reduced epididymal and inguinal white adipose tissue indices. VB165 also improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance (IR), as demonstrated by oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and insulin tolerance tests (ITT), and lowered fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) levels. Additionally, it ameliorated dyslipidemia by reducing serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while alleviating hepatic steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy. Mechanistically, VB165 enhanced intestinal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and Occludin), reduced systemic inflammation by lowering LPS, IL-6, and IL-1{beta}. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that VB165 modulated community composition, suppressing HFD-enriched genera (e.g., Ileibacterium and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG_002) and promoting beneficial taxa (e.g., Faecalibaculum and Oscillibacter). These findings demonstrate that L. plantarum VB165 improves HFD-induced metabolic disorders via multi-target mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a probiotic intervention for IR and related metabolic diseases.

Functional oligosaccharides, such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), are valued for modulating gut microbiota and promoting health. This study aimed to produce a high-purity GOS ingredient (ALPINA GOS) via nanofiltration/diafiltration and assess its prebiotic efficacy using an in vitro fermentation model. GOS-rich syrup was obtained from transgalactosylation of lactose in concentrated whey permeate (30% lactose) and processed by diafiltration/nanofiltration to reduce monosaccharides and enrich oligosaccharide content. Carbohydrate composition was analyzed by HPAEC-PAD. Prebiotic activity was evaluated using a MicroColon model with fecal inocula from healthy adults, measuring pH, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and microbiota shifts. Membrane processing increased oligosaccharides from 55.5% to 70.2% (dry basis) and reduced monosaccharides from 25.2% to 5.1%. ALPINA GOS induced a dose-dependent pH reduction and significantly enhanced lactate and acetate production, with stronger effects at 10 mg/mL. Microbiota profiling showed increased abundance of beneficial bacteria, especially Bifidobacterium, versus control. The findings confirm that GOS can be sustainably produced from whey permeate and exhibits potent prebiotic activity, supporting its application in functional foods aimed at gut health.

Black rice oligosaccharides (BO) were extracted with 80% aqueous ethanol (v/v) and purified by charcoal-celite chromatography followed by dialysis using a 500 Da molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) membrane, yielding an oligosaccharide fraction with a degree of polymerisation (DP) between three and eight (DP3-DP8; 2.87 {+/-} 0.29% w/w). MALDI-TOF MS showed sodium adduct ions from m/z 527 to 1330, and GC-MS analysis of hydrolysed samples identified glucose and galactose as the major monomers, while ketosyl residues were detected in the intact fraction by selective staining and are most plausibly attributed to fructosyl units based on cereal origin and DP distribution. BO showed high resistance to simulated salivary, gastric, and pancreatic digestion (only 2.08 {+/-} 0.51%, 0.34 {+/-} 0.03%, and 4.29 {+/-} 0.73% hydrolysis, respectively) with approximately 93% remaining carbohydrate available for fermentation. All Lactobacillus strains showed positive prebiotic activity scores, with the highest response observed for Lactobacillus rhamnosus (1.165 {+/-} 0.255) and Lactobacillus plantarum (0.980 {+/-} 0.163). Fermentation produced metabolically relevant short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), mainly acetate (34.82 {+/-} 2.08 mM), as well as strain-dependent propionate and butyrate levels. BO greatly promoted probiotic biofilm formation, with biomass reaching 391.33 {+/-} 26.08% and viable cell counts of 9.01 {+/-} 0.70 log CFU/mL relative to the control. Collectively, the results indicate that BO represents a digestion-resistant, hexose-based oligosaccharide series that is selectively utilised by probiotic lactobacilli, promotes SCFA production and enhances biofilm development. To our knowledge, this work is the first to combine structural profiling with in vitro functional evaluation of a purified, low-DP oligosaccharide fraction obtained from black rice. HighlightsO_LIPurified oligosaccharides (DP3-DP8) were obtained from black rice using charcoal-celite chromatography followed by dialysis. C_LIO_LIStructural analysis confirmed that the oligosaccharides were hexose-based and composed mainly of glucose and galactose. C_LIO_LIBlack rice oligosaccharides exhibited higher resistance to simulated gastric and intestinal digestion compared with starch. C_LIO_LIPositive prebiotic activity scores were observed due to selective utilisation by probiotic Lactobacillus strains. C_LIO_LIFermentation of black rice oligosaccharides significantly increased short-chain fatty acid production. C_LIO_LIPurified oligosaccharides enhanced probiotic biofilm formation, indicating improved colonisation potential. C_LI Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=179 SRC="FIGDIR/small/705216v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (43K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@9a5915org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@14eac7aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1db8baorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@14ad50a_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

Steroidal alkaloids may be responsible for some of the health benefits of a tomato rich diet, but little is known about their metabolic fate after consumption. The objective of this study was to elucidate the pharmacokinetic parameters of plasma steroidal alkaloids and to define their bioavailability and metabolism following a single tomato containing meal. Healthy subjects (n = 11, 6M/5F) consumed 505 g of tomato juice following a two-week tomato washout and blood plasma were collected post-prandially at 11 time points over 12-hours. Plasma steroidal alkaloids were analyzed using UHPLC-MS. The fractional absorption of steroidal alkaloids was 11.8 {+/-} 7% and over 99% of the absorbed dose were present as metabolized products. The maximum concentration of total plasma steroidal alkaloids in subjects was 406.5 {+/-} 377.0 nmol/L occurring at 6 hours after consumption, with an AUC0-12hr of 2529.0 {+/-} 1644.8 nmol*h/L. Liver S9 enzymatic synthesis of steroidal alkaloid metabolites including trihydroxy-tomatidine and sulfonated dihydroxy-tomatidine improved confidence in compound identification. This study reports the first pharmacokinetic data for tomato steroidal alkaloids, demonstrating moderate absorption and extensive metabolism after tomato juice consumption. These data provide context for future studies investigating the potential role that these compounds may play in human health.

BackgroundChronic inflammation and oxidative stress are central drivers of cardiovascular disease progression and remain incompletely addressed by existing pharmacological strategies. Traditional medicinal plants provide a valuable source of multi-target bioactive compounds that may modulate these interconnected pathways. Rauwolfia serpentina, a classical antihypertensive plant in Ayurveda, has been historically valued for cardiovascular indications. Yet, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions beyond blood pressure regulation remain insufficiently characterised in immune-driven inflammatory models. MethodsRoot extracts of R. serpentina prepared using hot and cold ethanol and water were evaluated for antioxidant capacity using DPPH radical scavenging and phosphomolybdenum assays, along with phenolic, flavonoid, and terpenoid quantification. Protective effects against lipid peroxidation were assessed in rat liver and heart homogenates. Anti-inflammatory activity was examined in THP-1 human monocytic cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), arachidonic acid (AA), and oxidative stress. Cytokine secretion and gene expression of TNF-, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 were measured by ELISA and qRT-PCR. Intracellular reactive oxygen species and catalase activity were quantified to assess oxidative regulation. LC-MS-based metabolomic profiling was performed to characterise chemical diversity. The principal alkaloid, reserpine, was evaluated separately, and molecular docking was performed to examine its interaction with IKK. ResultsEthanolic extracts of R. serpentinas root, particularly the cold ethanolic fraction, showed superior antioxidant capacity, higher phenolic and flavonoid content, and potent inhibition of lipid peroxidation. These extracts markedly suppressed LPS-induced cytokine release and gene expression in THP-1 cells, with pronounced effects on MCP-1 and IL-6. Oxidative stress induced by arachidonic acid was attenuated through reduced intracellular ROS and preservation of catalase activity. Reserpine reproduced key features of the extract response, demonstrating strong suppression of IL-6 and MCP-1 at both transcriptional and secretory levels. Docking analysis indicated stable binding of reserpine within the IKK catalytic pocket, supporting a plausible mechanism for modulation of the NF-{kappa}B pathway. ConclusionR. serpentina root extracts exhibit coordinated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in immune cell models relevant to cardiovascular inflammation. These effects are extraction-dependent and are partially mediated by reserpine through modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling pathways. The findings support the translational relevance of R. serpentina as a traditional medicine with mechanistic activity extending beyond antihypertensive action.

It is encouraging to see the growing acceptance of millet among the general public, driven by its numerous health benefits. Various research efforts have focused on the many non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs) in millets, given their significant nutraceutical potential. Barnyard millet is a viable candidate for extracting NDOs owing to its superior nutritional value and affordability. In the present study, crude oligosaccharides were extracted from barnyard millet under optimized conditions: 80% aqueous ethanol (v/v) at a 1:5 sample-to-solvent ratio for 1 h at 60 {degrees}C, yielding 3.61{+/-}0.24%. Extracted oligosaccharides were further purified through adsorption chromatography and dialyzed through dialysis membranes (500 Da). Several significant peaks at m/z values of 527, 689, 852, 1014, and 1338 were detected in the MALDI-TOF mass spectrum, indicating that barnyard millet oligosaccharides (BMOs) comprise various oligosaccharides with degrees of polymerization (DP) from 3 to 8. BMOs were treated with digestive enzymes (porcine pancreatic and salivary -amylase) and an artificial acidic solution, and results showed that approximately 91% of BMOs were not digested. The positive prebiotic scores and the generation of lactic and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) upon fermentation by various probiotic strains indicate the prebiotic potential of BMOs. In this study, the results also showed that the presence of BMOs increased auto-aggregation of lactobacilli and enhanced the adhesion of probiotics to HCT116 cells. Our findings indicate that, with its nutritional benefits, barnyard millet may serve as a viable reservoir of beneficial carbohydrates, including NDOs. HighlightsO_LIExtraction of BMOs under optimized parameters. C_LIO_LIPartial purification of BMOs through charcoal column chromatography and dialysis. C_LIO_LIA positive prebiotic activity score conferred the prebiotic potential of BMOs. C_LIO_LIProduction of short-chain fatty acids by fermentation of BMOs. C_LIO_LIBMOs increased the auto-aggregation percentage of different probiotics. C_LI

The gut microbiota plays an essential role in the conversion of anthocyanins and (epi-)catechins into smaller phenolic acids, which are then absorbed into the blood stream. The phenolic composition of a commercial bilberry extract and grape seed extract was assessed, as well as a formulation extract containing a combination of both extracts. The extracts were subjected to an in vitro salivary, gastric and intestinal digestion environment, based on the INFOGEST Model. The solid fraction end-product of the combined extract from the in vitro digestion was further fermented with faecal samples from six healthy donors, for 72 hours, to assess phenolic acid metabolism, short-chain fatty acid formation and changes in microbial composition. During the in vitro digestion, flavonoid content in all three extract samples (bilberry, grape seed and the formulation extracts) decreased significantly. In the process of anthocyanin and flavonoid digestion, smaller phenolic acid compounds such as benzoic acid, cinnamic acid and mandelic acid increased in bilberry, grape seed and formulation extract samples. All faecal donors harboured unique microbiota compositions, however all faecal microbiota were able to fully convert catechin/epicatechin, the most prominent flavonoids in the formulation extract sample, into smaller phenolic metabolites (phenylacetic, phenylpropionic and benzoic acids) within 24 hours. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, Anaerobutyricum and Enterocloster spp. were correlated with catechin/epicatechin metabolism in the fermentation procedure, however, in single bacterial strain fermentation experiments with the formulation extract or catechin standard, these bacteria were not capable of metabolising flavonoids. HighlightsO_LIFaecal microbiota converted (epi-)catechin to phenolic metabolites within 24 h. C_LIO_LI(Epi-)catechin correlated negatively with Anaerobutyricum and Enterocloster spp. C_LIO_LIFaecal bacterial cultures did not show (epi-)catechin metabolism capacity. C_LI

Todays canola quality rapeseed press cake (RPC) is a protein-rich co-product with potential as human food, but its application is limited due to antinutritional compounds and bitter taste. It remains, however, unknown how introduction of raw RPC to a food matrix affects sensory perception and which metabolites drive the sensation. Here, raw RPC from whole or dehulled seeds was introduced into snack bars at 0%, 7%, 14%, and 21%, and sensory responses were correlated to selected known RPC-derived bitter compounds. A trained panel evaluated 13 RPC-characteristic sensory attributes, and the bitter compounds sinapic acid, kaempferol 3-O-(2'''-O-sinapoyl-{beta}-sophoroside) (KSS), KSS-hexose, selected bitter glucosinolates, and goitrin were quantified using targeted LC-MS/MS. Most dose-dependent sensory responses increased up to 14% RPC and then plateaued, whereas astringent mouthfeel increased almost linearly across the full dose range. Dehulling intensified several odor- and flavor-related attributes but did not increase bitterness or protein content in the final product. Principal component analysis linked bitterness and astringency positively with KSS, KSS-hexose, and goitrin. Dose-over-threshold analysis further showed that goitrin, but not progoitrin, reached concentrations relevant for bitterness perception. Together, the results demonstrate that raw RPC contributes distinct dose-dependent sensory attributes and that metabolite transformations in the food matrix shape final sensory profiles. These findings provide a basis for developing RPC-containing foods and for breeding rapeseed lines with improved sensory characteristics. HIGHLIGHTSO_LIThis study presents the first sensory panel assessment of rapeseed press cake (RPC)-containing in food products (snack bars) made from whole and dehulled seeds. C_LIO_LI13 RPC-characteristic sensory attributes are identified. C_LIO_LISensory profiles of the tasted snack bars differed significantly, influenced by the dosage of RPC and by the dehulling treatment. Bitterness and astringency are positively correlated with the RPC dosage. C_LIO_LIGoitrin, kaempferol 3-O-(2'''-O-sinapoyl-{beta}-sophoroside) (KSS) and sinapic acid are RPC-derived bitter compounds that correlate with bitter taste of RPC-containing snack bars. C_LIO_LIApproximately 90% of glucosinolates introduced with the RPC are not detected in the snack bars, and goitrin levels in snack bars accounts for only [~]10% of introduced progoitrin. C_LIO_LIGoitrin is - for the first time - reported to contribute to the perceived bitterness of an RPC-containing food product. C_LI

BackgroundDiets rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and fiber support gastrointestinal health and the microbiome; however, the effect of whole foods relative to their isolated nutrients remains under-investigated. ObjectiveDetermine the impact of avocado consumption on gastrointestinal health and microbiome beyond the individual effects of MUFAs and fiber. MethodsAdults with overweight and obesity (n=43, mean age=41y, BMI=31.6kg/m2) completed a randomized, crossover, controlled feeding study with three 4-wk dietary interventions separated by 2-wk washouts: average American (AA), oleic acid + fiber (OF) nutrients, and avocado (AV). The base diet was supplemented with 209g avocado (AV), or isocaloric snacks high in MUFA/fiber (OF) or low in MUFA/fiber (AA). Outcomes included fecal microbiome (shotgun metagenomics), fecal microbial metabolites (short-chain [SCFA] and branched-chain [BCFA] fatty acids, phenols, indoles, and bile acids), intestinal permeability (24h urinary sweetener excretion), systemic (CRP, IL-6, LBP) and gut (fecal calprotectin and sIgA) inflammatory markers, and gastrointestinal tolerance symptoms. Statistical analysis included linear mixed models, Friedman tests, and multivariable association analysis. ResultsFecal acetate and total SCFAs were 28% and 18% higher in AV and OF conditions, compared to AA (p<0.001 & p=0.019, respectively). Total secondary bile acids in the AV condition were 34% and 24% lower compared to OF (p<0.001) and AA (p=0.011), respectively. Alistipes communis ({beta}=0.85, q=0.03) and Bacteroides uniformis ({beta}=0.50, q=0.14) were higher following AV, whereas Lachnospira eligens ({beta}=1.79, q <0.001) was higher following OF, compared to AA. Microbial genes involved in pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose degradation were enriched in AV and OF. Fecal calprotectin was lower in AV (30%; p=0.03) and OF (26%; p=0.04) compared to AA, while sIgA was 34% lower following AV, compared to AA (p=0.01). ConclusionsAvocado and MUFA/fiber-matched control had similar fermentation, but distinct secondary bile acid and microbial profiles, emphasizing the food matrix and gut microbiome as key determinants of diet-health relations. Clinical Trial Registry number and website where it was obtainedhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05941728?intr=NCT05941728&rank=1

Reported avocado dietary fiber (DF) content and composition are inconsistently reported, particularly during ripening. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the amount and type of DF in Hass avocados and evaluate DF changes during ripening. Unripe (day 0), ripe (day 5), and overripe (day 12) Hass avocados were freeze-dried and defatted. DF was analyzed using non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) enzymatic-chemical methods. Per 100g of as-is avocado, unripe contained 3.96g total DF, ripe 3.68g, and overripe 3.26g. In ripe avocados, DF comprised 43% soluble (SDF) and 57% insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). SDF consisted primarily of rhamnogalacturonan-1 and arabinan pectins, while IDF was predominantly cellulose (32%), hemicelluloses (23%), and lignin (2%). Total DF decreased with ripening, with pectin undergoing solubilization and depolymerization, while cellulose and hemicelluloses remained stable. These findings are important as dietary fibers differentially influence intestinal microbial fermentation and health benefits.

During weaning period, the intake of dietary fibres changes and increases dramatically. Given the considerable structural differences, we hypothesized that different fibres may vary in their function. The objective of the study was to explore the impact of specific dietary fibres (arabinoxylan, cellulose, pectin and xyloglucan) on the gut microbiome of children below 3 years. By using ex vivo fecal fermentation experiments, cellular models and cohort data analysis, we assessed how these fibres and their combinations influence infants gut microbiota composition, diversity, metabolite production and possible actions on the gut epithelial barrier function. We found that the fermentation with arabinoxylan, xyloglucan and pectin resulted in an increased production of short-chain fatty acids. These fibres also promoted the generation of metabolites with potential health benefits, such as indole-3-lactic acid. By combining the ex vivo fermentation and cellular co-culture experiments, arabinoxylan and xyloglucan were found to be able to maintain gut epithelial barrier integrity upon lipopolysaccharide challenge, and a blend of cellulose, pectin, and xyloglucan dampened different LPS induced cytokines. Moreover, pectin was found supporting the growth of a wide range of microbial species ex vitro and correlated positively with -diversity in young children in an observational cohort. Our findings provided insights into the potential benefits of diverse fibre intakes during early life. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms and the effectiveness of specific fibres on the gut microbiome development in young children.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a key redox cofactor that may modulate gut microbial ecology, yet conventional supplements are absorbed proximally and have limited colonic exposure. We evaluated whether colon-targeted riboflavin alters microbiome composition, function and network structure as well as host biomarkers in healthy older adults. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial (N=348; 50-70 years), participants received colon-targeted riboflavin (1.4, 10, or 75 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in fecal microbial composition, while secondary endpoints encompassed microbiome function, host health biomarkers, and clinical outcomes. Shotgun metagenomics and fecal/blood biomarkers were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 12. Although no significant changes were observed between groups in overall community-wide diversity metrics (alpha and beta diversity), colon-delivered riboflavin significantly altered the relative abundance of several microbial taxa compared with placebo. The most pronounced effects on microbiome composition, function, and network structure were observed with the 10 mg dose at week 12, reflected by within-group increases in alpha diversity, the largest rise in total species counts, higher HACK index values indicating greater community resilience, and distinct shifts in KEGG module abundance, including enhanced potential for riboflavin biosynthesis. Supplementation with 75 mg riboflavin led to higher fecal butyrate concentrations at week 4 versus placebo, while the lowest dose (1.4 mg) significantly reduced the dysbiosis index within groups and modestly improved network structure across groups. All three doses (1.4, 10, and 75 mg) influenced keystone species abundance. No between-group differences were observed for gastrointestinal symptoms, quality-of-life measures, fecal pH, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), calprotectin, or soluble CD14, except for an increase in plasma riboflavin concentrations at 75 mg after 12 weeks, indicating colonic absorption. The product was safe and well-tolerated across all doses. These findings indicate that colon-targeted riboflavin can act as a functional modulator of the human gut microbiome, with the most consistent effects observed at 10 mg and additional dose-specific effects at 1.4 mg and 75 mg. Future studies are warranted to establish related health benefits, either as a standalone intervention or in combination with classical pre-, pro-, or postbiotics, particularly in target populations such as individuals with IBS, stress, mild cognitive decline, or early metabolic or inflammatory alterations.

Background/ObjectivesGlucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a key incretin hormone that regulates glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism. Impaired GLP-1 signaling contributes to the development of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence indicates that gut microbiota-derived components can influence GLP-1 secretion, highlighting the therapeutic potential of microbial modulators. Akkermansia muciniphila, a next-generation probiotic associated with improved metabolic health, remains underexplored for its capacity to stimulate GLP-1 release. This study aimed to investigate the GLP-1- stimulatory effects of live and pasteurized (dead) A. muciniphila strains in human enteroendocrine cells. MethodsHuman enteroendocrine L-cells (NCI-H716) were treated with varying doses of live and dead A. muciniphila from Vidya Herbss proprietary VHAKM strain and a commercially available marketed strain (dead form). Following incubation, GLP-1 levels were quantified from culture supernatants using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Comparative analyses assessed differences in GLP-1 secretion between strains and treatment forms. ResultsBoth live and pasteurized VHAKM strains significantly increased GLP-1 secretion compared to untreated controls. The live VHAKM strain exhibited higher GLP-1 stimulatory activity than its pasteurized counterpart and the marketed strain. The results suggest a strain-specific and viability-dependent modulation of GLP-1 secretion in human L-cells. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that A. muciniphila VHAKM enhances GLP-1 secretion in a strain- and form-dependent manner, with live cells showing superior efficacy. These findings provide foundational insights for developing microbiome-targeted interventions to boost endogenous GLP-1 levels and improve metabolic health outcomes.

Porcine Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron LYH5 demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity, suggesting probiotic potential. Due to poor gastric juice tolerance, LYH5 was encapsulated via extrusion using sodium alginate (SA) and gellan gum. Box-Behnken design optimization yielded optimal parameters: SA 1.5%, gellan gum 0.4%, CaCl2 0.9%, bacteria:glue ratio 1:4, achieving an encapsulation rate of 84.22{+/-}0.17%. Its effect on weaned piglet intestinal health was evaluated using 78 piglets (7.69{+/-}0.52 kg) randomly assigned to 4 groups for 40 days: CON (control), T (basal diet + LYH5 live bacteria, 1x10{superscript 1} CFU/mL), TJ (basal diet + LYH5 microcapsules, 1x10{superscript 1} CFU/mL, J (basal diet + empty capsules). The results of this experiment showed that compared with the control group, LYH5 microcapsule can improve the intestinal barrier function without affecting the growth performance of piglets, and provide ideas and references for the development of human next-generation probiotics (NGP). IMPORTANCEThis study addresses the key bottleneck of poor gastric acid tolerance of probiotics via microencapsulation and provides a practical reference for the development of human next-generation probiotics.

Plant-based foods are complex systems, where a multitude of bioactive molecules, such as (poly)phenols and carotenoids are the outcome of endless interactions defining food chemical composition. Significant progress has been made to develop reliable food composition databases that can be used to assess the intake of dietary plant bioactives. However, many lesser-known phytochemicals, like glucosinolates and monoterpenoids are often excluded, also due to the fragmented information available in the literature. Therefore, we present PhytoFooD, a comprehensive phytochemical food database that collects qualitative and quantitative information on 1,067 bioactive compounds in 1,410 plant-based foods. We evaluated the intake of main plant bioactives in European diets and demonstrated the role of concentration variability within foods in intake assessments. This database represents a promising tool for dietary intake assessors and researchers in nutrition, paving the way for a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of our diet and the interconnected health effects of plant bioactives.

PurposeAlthough secondary metabolites of medicinal plants can modulate the gut microbiota, their prebiotic and synbiotic potential is not fully explored. This study aimed to identify novel medicinal plant-probiotic combination(s) that show prebiotic and synbiotic effects through mutual synergism and reciprocal interactions. MethodsTen Himalayan region medicinal plants were screened for their selective prebiotic efficacy by studying in vitro proliferation of three species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and concurrent suppression of E. coli. The top-performing plants were evaluated for synergism with LAB through fermentation of pure extracts, followed by physicochemical, biological, and metabolomic profiling. ResultsAmong the ten plant species, Picrorhiza kurroa (PK) and Adhatoda vasica (AV) exhibited promising prebiotic attributes with PAS scores of 0.50 and 0.44, respectively, while Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) emerged as the most compatible probiotic strain. Unlike AV, fermentation of PK with LF demonstrated superior probiotic growth (2.2-fold increase), elevated total flavonoids (21.6% increase), and improved antioxidant capacity (24.02% increase) compared to unfermented PK. Fermented PK significantly enhanced cytoprotective effects and mitigated oxidative (ROS levels/lipid peroxidation) and inflammatory damage (NO/IL-6 levels) in macrophages and muscle cells exposed to separate exogenous stressors (LPS and H2O2). Elemental (ICP-OES) and metabolomic analysis (LC-MS/UHPLC) revealed that LF metabolised major elements of PK (Ca/Fe/K/Na/Cu) and induced biotransformation of large secondary metabolites, including the characteristic iridoid glycosides of PK, into smaller, more abundant metabolites. ConclusionsPK-LF combination is identified as a synbiotic, and its fermented product is a superior bioactive product that can be developed into innovative nutraceuticals or herbal formulations.

Frailty is an age-related syndrome characterized by biological dysfunction and reduced physiological reserve in response to stressors. Its prevalence is increasing with population aging, resulting in a substantial health burden due to adverse outcomes on health, such as cardiovascular disease and mortality. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), defined as industrial formulations made primarily from processed ingredients, have received increasing attention due to their potential role in the development and progression of frailty. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the association between ultra-processed food intake and the risk of frailty in older adults. This study systematically searched for all relevant studies published up to January 2026. Ten observational studies involving 105327 participants, comprising 6 prospective and 4 cross-sectional studies, were included in the systematic review, of which 6 were eligible for meta-analysis. Random-effects models were employed to estimate pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Meta-analysis showed that higher consumption of UPFs was significantly associated with an increased risk of frailty (pooled OR = 1.43, 95% CI = [1.02-2.005], p = 0.041). Narrative synthesis further supported a positive association between UPF intake and frailty or related outcomes. Our findings suggest that a higher consumption of ultra-processed foods may contribute to frailty risk, potentially through inflammatory pathways. However, given the high heterogeneity, results should be interpreted with caution. Overall, our findings suggest that reducing UPF consumption may be a promising target for public health strategies to prevent frailty in ageing populations.

The modern Western diet (MWD) provides high linoleic acid (LA) exposure, typically contributing 6-9% of total caloric intake. These high LA levels have fueled a longstanding debate regarding whether this dietary pattern confers benefit or risk. Importantly, LA intake is disproportionately elevated among lower socioeconomic populations due to greater reliance on industrial seed oils and ultra-processed foods. Despite decades of research, controlled dietary intervention studies directly evaluating the biological consequences of varying LA exposure remain limited. The current randomized, double-blind intervention compared the effects of a 12-week Low LA diet (2.5% energy) versus a High LA diet (10.0% energy) in healthy adults. Primary outcomes included plasma highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) concentrations and ex vivo zymosan-stimulated whole-blood oxylipin generation. Fifty- two participants completed the intervention. High LA exposure resulted in a marked reduction in plasma n-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations compared with the LowLA arm. In contrast, levels of arachidonic acid (ARA), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) did not differ by dietary LA exposure. Analysis of oxylipin species revealed that levels of EPA-derived relative to ARA-derived mediators were significantly reduced in the High LA arm. These findings reveal that higher dietary LA selectively suppresses EPA pools and EPA-derived oxylipins without altering ARA, shifting the lipid mediator balance toward a more n-6-dominant profile.