Frontiers in Nutrition

Background: Diets with high inflammatory potential may contribute to asthma and impaired lung function, yet evidence from Asian populations is limited. Objective: We aimed to examine the association between the energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII) and lung function in Korean adults, stratified by asthma status. Methods: Data were analyzed from 12,400 participants in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018). The E-DII was calculated from 24-hour dietary recall using 21 validated food parameters. Lung function (FEV1, FVC) was measured by standardized spirometry, and current asthma was defined as both a physician diagnosis and the presence of current symptoms. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders were applied. Results: Higher E-DII scores were significantly associated with increased asthma prevalence and lower lung function. Notably, the magnitude of the association between E-DII and FEV1 % predicted was markedly stronger in the asthma group (beta = -0.613) than in the non-asthma group (beta = -0.147). This disparity suggests that individuals with pre-existing airway inflammation may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of a pro-inflammatory diet. Conclusions: A pro-inflammatory diet is associated with higher asthma risk and reduced lung function in Korean adults, with more pronounced effects observed in those with asthma. Dietary interventions targeting reduced systemic inflammation may be beneficial for respiratory health management.

BackgroundBoth dietary factors and biological sex are recognized as key modulators of immune responses. Nutritional components, particularly lipids, can influence immune cell metabolism, signaling pathways, and the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory processes. ObjectiveThe present study aimed to examine whether commonly consumed dietary oils exert sex-specific effects on immune cell function and cellular oxidative balance. MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 16 healthy adults (10 men and 6 women; mean age 48 years, BMI 23 kg/m2) using Histopaque density gradient centrifugation. Cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium and stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A) in the presence of olive, Nigella sativa, or walnut oils (23 g/mL) for 48 h. Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay. Intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCAR), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined by spectrophotometric methods. All statistical analyses were performed by Minitab 16 statistical software and Microsoft Excel 2007. Differences between groups were performed by Wilcoxon ranked test ResultsBaseline proliferation, MDA, and PCAR levels were comparable between sexes, whereas GSH levels were higher in male PBMCs. Oil supplementation significantly reduced proliferation in male cells compared to female cells (p = 0.008). In female PBMCs, olive oil significantly increased MDA levels, while all tested oils increased protein carbonyl levels. Walnut and olive oils selectively enhanced GSH levels in female cells. ConclusionDietary oils modulate immune cell proliferation and oxidative balance in a sex-dependent manner. Female PBMCs appear more susceptible to lipid-induced oxidative stress, highlighting the importance of considering sex in nutritional immunology.

This work explores the dietary intake of plant bioactives in the European adult population. The information available in the scientific literature is quite fragmented, with only partial knowledge of dietary bioactive intake and their health effects, and without harmonised figures across populations and phytochemical families. In this context, we comprehensively evaluated the intake of (poly)phenols, terpenoids, N-containing compounds, and miscellaneous phytochemicals in the European adult population, using public data from 26 countries reporting on 38,944 individuals. Further research was conducted to investigate the contributions of classes, subclasses, and individual compounds, as well as their relationships. Main food sources of each class and subclass of phytochemicals were also identified. Finally, variability in phytochemical intake across European countries was evaluated. This work significantly advances the current knowledge of plant bioactive intake and sets the stage for future research in nutrition and health fields.

A fermented-food intervention trial conducted in Pakistan suggested beneficial changes in the composition of the gut microbiota in healthy women. Using a subset (n=17) of the same participants, this study further investigates the impact of fermented food (onion pickle) on gene expression levels using RNA transcriptomics, with a focus on host-microbiome interactions. After consuming pickles (50g/day) for eight weeks, blood and stool samples of participants were collected at baseline and post-intervention to assess inflammatory markers, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, clinical parameters, and RNA sequencing. Among inflammatory biomarkers, lipocalin (LCN-2) levels significantly decreased (pre=86.5{+/-}80.1ng/mL, post=61.0{+/-}59.0 ng/mL, p=0.04, paired T-test). Additionally, the intervention downregulated pathways (p<0.05) involved host responses to microbial stimuli, including response to bacterial origin, chemotaxis, and response to lipopolysaccharide. In gut microbiota, observed -diversity significantly increased post-intervention (p=0.02). Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) revealed differential expressions (LDA [&ge;] 2.0) of Olsenella and Coriobacteriales at week-8, where Olsenella sp. showed a significant negative correlation with LCN-2 (R=-0.36, p<0.05, Spearmans correlation). These findings suggest that fermented onion pickle consumption for eight weeks modestly alters gut microbial diversity and composition and is associated with reduced inflammatory markers and altered host immune-related gene expression, potentially improving intestinal health. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=81 SRC="FIGDIR/small/711246v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (27K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1be865eorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@167b253org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@ec763aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@45db55_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

ObjectiveThe average American consumes 55% of their daily energy from ultraprocessed foods (UPF) created through industrial processes and additives not used at home. We investigated if a high-UPF diet alters brain response to milkshake compared with a diet free-from UPF (NonUPF) in emerging adults, who are in a critical period for brain development and typically consume high amounts of UPF. MethodsIn a randomized controlled crossover trial participants aged 18-25 completed two, 2-week controlled feeding periods including a UPF (81% UPF) and nonUPF (0% UPF) diet. Before and after each diet intervention participants consumed milkshake concomitant with functional magnetic resonance imaging. ResultsIn the entire cohort, there were no differences between diet conditions in brain response. An exploratory analysis revealed orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) response to milkshake decreased after the UPF diet and increased following the NonUPF diet in adolescents (18-21 years) but not young adults (22-25 years). Habitual UPF intake (gs) was positively associated with OFC response to milkshake independent of diet intervention in all participants. ConclusionsAn acute UPF dietary intervention may only alter brain response in adolescents. Further work is needed to determine potential vulnerability of adolescents to changes in dietary UPF on brain response to rewards.

BackgroundShort-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by the gut microbiota as secondary metabolites during fermentation process of dietary fibers. Although SCFAs are beneficial for immuno-related diseases because they regulate the gene expression and functions of myeloid cells, the effects of SCFAs on the development of DCs remain unclear. MethodsWe analyzed the effect of SCFAs on the expression levels of surface proteins and mRNAs, and histone modification in Flt3L-induced bone marrow-derived DCs. ResultsSCFAs, particularly butyrate, regulated the expression of surface molecules on mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs): increases in MHCII, CD86, CD11b, and LPAM-1 (4{beta}7) levels and the ratio of CD11c+/PDCA-1-/B220- conventional DCs (cDCs) to CD11c+/PDCA-1+/B220+ plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). Experiments using inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and Gi proteins, and GPR109A deficient mice indicated that butyrate regulated DCs by suppression of HDACs and not through a stimulatory effect on G protein-coupled receptors. Butyrate and the HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), increased the cDC/pDC ratio, surface LPAM-1 and Itga4 mRNA, while the mRNA level of Itgb7 was not affected by butyrate and was reduced by TSA. ChIP assays showed that butyrate and TSA increased histone acetylation in the Itga4 and Spi1 genes. Furthermore, the butyrate treatment increased the levels of Spi1 mRNA and PU.1 protein and decreased those of Spib/SpiB in DCs. In knockdown (KD) experiments using siRNAs, the gene expression of Itga4 was decreased by KD of Spi1 or Irf8, and cDC/pDC ratio decreased by Spi1 KD. ConclusionsButyrate controls the gene expression and development of DCs through epigenetic regulation and DC-related transcription factors.

ObjectiveTo examine associations between sedentary behaviors, eating habits, and weekly fast food and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among university students in Bangladesh, and to assess whether residential status moderates these associations. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 433 undergraduate and postgraduate students (aged 18-25 years) at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, using structured paper-based questionnaires. Bivariate associations were assessed using Pearsons chi-square and Fishers exact tests. Two separate proportional odds models were fitted for fast food and SSB consumption, incorporating behavioral predictors and residential status interaction terms. The proportional odds assumption was verified using the Brant test. ResultsThe overall prevalence of fast food consumption at least once per week was 91.88%. Frequent snacking (>3 days/week) between breakfast and lunch (OR = 2.17, p = 0.007), between lunch and dinner (OR = 1.77, p = 0.009), and after dinner (OR = 2.17, p = 0.043) was significantly associated with higher odds of frequent fast food consumption. Eating while watching TV or videos very often (OR = 2.68, p = 0.005) and consuming home-cooked meals (OR = 0.32, p = 0.005) were also significant predictors. Commuting more than 30 minutes daily was associated with higher odds of fast food intake (1-2 hours: OR = 2.00, p = 0.010). Among students in rented accommodation, each unit increase in emotional eating score was associated with 28% higher odds of more frequent fast food intake compared to dormitory residents (OR = 1.28, p = 0.034). For SSB consumption, snacking after dinner (OR = 2.55, p = 0.012), eating while watching TV or videos very often (OR = 2.75, p = 0.007), home-cooked meals (OR = 0.42, p = 0.035), and video gaming five or more hours daily (OR = 0.39, p = 0.002) were significant independent predictors. ConclusionSpecific snacking behaviors, screen-associated eating, home-based meal access, and commuting time are independently associated with fast food and SSB consumption frequency among Bangladeshi university students. The moderating role of residential status on emotional eating suggests that dietary interventions should be tailored to students living arrangements.

BackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) with systemic involvement. In mild-to-moderate disease, circulating cytokines may inadequately capture systemic inflammatory burden. Composite haematological indices derived from complete blood counts, such as the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), have emerged as sensitive prognostic markers of systemic inflammation, including in psoriasis. This exploratory post hoc analysis investigated the effects of orally administered herring roe oil (HRO), a phospholipid-rich marine oil, on systemic inflammation in patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis utilizing these biomarkers. MethodsData were analysed from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 26-week clinical study which investigated HRO supplementation in patients (N = 64) with mild-to-moderate psoriasis (NCT03359577). SII, SIRI, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) were calculated at baseline, week 12, and week 26 for patients where baseline complete blood counts (CBCs) were available (n = 60). Patients missing baseline CBCs were excluded from the analysis. Continuous changes were assessed using ANCOVA with baseline adjustment. Categorical responder analyses were performed with 25% and 30% reduction thresholds and stratification by baseline biomarker medians were performed to evaluate treatment responses and impact of baseline inflammation. ResultsCompared with placebo, HRO treatment resulted in significant mean reductions in SII, SIRI, and PLR at week 26, with supportive trends and responder effects observed as early as week 12 compared to placebo. Patients with elevated baseline inflammatory indices showed the greatest reductions in systemic inflammation. Stratification by baseline SII further revealed enhanced clinical benefit, with statistically significant PASI50 response rates in the HRO arm at week 26 among patients with lower baseline SII. ConclusionHRO supplementation was associated with a time{square}dependent reduction in systemic inflammatory biomarkers in mild{square}to{square}moderate psoriasis patients. These findings support the utility of composite inflammatory indices for monitoring systemic inflammation and suggest that baseline SII may have utility in predicting treatment response and may be a useful tool for stratification in clinical trials in mild to moderate psoriasis patients. These results could also suggest platform-potential of HRO for resolution{square}oriented interventions across several inflammatory conditions.

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

BackgroundSkin aging is multifactorial, and finished multi-ingredient oral beauty supplements require dedicated clinical evaluation because their effects cannot be inferred from individual ingredient data alone. ObjectiveTo explore, in a 56-day single-arm open-label study, whether daily oral intake of NatureU(R) Mind Care BeautyU Caps is associated with within-participant changes in crows-feet wrinkle count (primary endpoint), stratum corneum hydration (secondary endpoint), and additional exploratory skin-aging parameters in adult women. MethodsA single-center, open-label, single-arm exploratory study enrolled 33 healthy women aged 36-56 years; 31 completed the protocol and were included in the completer efficacy analysis. Participants took one capsule orally once daily for 56 consecutive days. Assessments were performed at D0, D28 and D56 using PRIMOS CR, Corneometer CM 825, Cutometer MPA580, Glossymeter, Colorimeter CL400, Mexameter MX18, VISIA CR, DermaScan and a structured self-assessment. ResultsPRIMOS CR crows-feet wrinkle count fell from 965 {+/-} 334 at D0 to 514 {+/-} 171 at D56 (within-participant change -46.74%; nominal P = 0.001). Corneometer hydration rose from 44.3 {+/-} 7.8 to 70.3 {+/-} 9.9 (+58.69%; nominal P = 0.001). Exploratory parameters (other wrinkle metrics, elasticity, gloss, ITA{degrees}, melanin, spots, dermal thickness/density) generally moved in directions consistent with the primary signal. No adverse reactions were reported. ConclusionIn this open-label, single-arm exploratory study, daily NatureU(R) Mind Care BeautyU Caps was associated with within-participant reductions in crows-feet wrinkle count and increases in stratum corneum hydration over 56 days. Findings are hypothesis-generating; randomized placebo-controlled trials are required.

Hericium erinaceus (Lions Mane) is a functional mushroom with a long history of culinary and traditional use, as well as potential neurotrophic and mood{square}modulating properties. Evidence for its effects on cognitive performance under real{square}world conditions, however, remains limited. In this randomized, double{square}blind, placebo{square}controlled trial, adults aged 40-75 years with self{square}reported cognitive difficulty completed a one{square}week baseline followed by eight weeks of daily supplementation with 2 g of H. erinaceus fruiting body and mycelial biomass or placebo. Cognitive performance using a computerized battery, as well as daily subjective assessments of sleep and wellbeing, were collected remotely. 109 Participants were included in the primary analysis (H. erinaceus, n = 57; placebo, n = 52). H. erinaceus was associated with significantly greater improvement in visual attention and working memory (Juggle Factor task), subjective sleep quality, morning restedness, and mood compared with placebo (p < 0.05). No adverse events were reported in participants receiving H. erinaceus. Together, H. erinaceus supplementation modestly improved visual attention and was associated with faster improvements in sleep quality, restedness, and mood in adults with subjective cognitive concerns.

Background: Recent food-based recommendations for flavan-3-ols highlight a growing need to understand the breadth of our dietary polyphenol exposure. However, estimation of dietary polyphenol intake remains challenging, requiring custom computational tools that are often difficult to implement or not fully reproducible. Objective: We aimed to an automated, user-friendly tool to estimate polyphenol intake from diet recalls and records. Methods: We developed Polyphenol Estimator, a tool that processes dietary data from the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour (ASA24) Dietary Assessment Tool or the Automated Multiple-Pass Method from the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES). Polyphenol Estimator disaggregates foods using the FDA Food Disaggregation Database into ingredients, matches these ingredients to FooDB, and estimates polyphenol intake at the total, class, and compound level. Optionally, these polyphenol estimates can be used to calculate the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Polyphenol Estimator is freely available online (https://swi1.github.io/polyphenol_estimator) with a tutorial for users with limited programming experience. Results: To illustrate Polyphenol Estimator, we applied it to two days of diet recalls from adults ([&ge;] 20 years) in NHANES 2021-2023 (n = 2778). For 97.7% of participants, less than 2.5% of reported foods went unmapped, with 75.7% of participants having complete mappings. Total polyphenol intake was 517 +/- 439 (mean +/- SD) mg/1000 kcal, largely from green tea, coffee, black tea, apples, wine, oranges, and blueberries. At the class level, polyphenols classified as organooxygen compounds, flavonoids, and cinnamic acids and derivatives were top intake contributors. At the compound level, cyptochlorogenic acid, neocholorogenic acid, and caffeic acid were top contributors. Lastly, the DII was 1.4 +/- 1.9, indicating the average diet had proinflammatory potential. Conclusions: Polyphenol Estimator offers an automated method to obtain total, class, and compound-level polyphenol estimates from dietary data to aid future efforts to understand polyphenol intake exposures and their biological impact on health.

Obesity and related cardiometabolic diseases pose significant global health challenges. Konjac glucomannan, a soluble dietary fiber, has shown promise in managing these conditions. However, rigorous studies are necessary to establish its benefits on human health. We designed a parallel-arm, triple-blind, placebo-controlled RCT to test the effects of glucomannan (3 g/day, 12 weeks) on body weight and composition, lipid profile, glucose metabolism, inflammation, adipokines, intestinal permeability, gut microbiota, and fecal metabolites in 40 adults. Participants were randomly assigned to either the glucomannan or placebo group, with both groups adhering to personalized hypocaloric diets and moderate physical activity. Outcomes were analyzed as intention-to-treat using linear mixed-effect models. Irrespective of the treatment, our intervention reduced body weight (mean: -2.39 kg; 95% CI: -3.38, -1.40), BMI (-0.83 kg/m2; -1.15, -0.52), and waist (-2.70 cm; -3.87, -1.53). Glucomannan promoted additional benefits not obtained with the placebo, reducing body fat measured by DEXA (body fat%: -2.16%; -3.04, -1.28; VAT: -20.0 cm2; - 29.2, -10.8; FMI: -0.98 kg/m2; -1.34, -0.62), LDL (-14.1 mg/dL; -23.4, -4.9), and the atherogenic index (-0.50; -0.80, -0.21). It also diminished the Framingham score of 10-year risk of coronary heart disease (-0.370; -0.625, -0.115), C reactive protein (-1.01 mg/L; -2.18, 0.15), leptin (-2.06 ng/mL; -4.48, 0.365), and leptin/adiponectin (-0.282; -0.603, 0.040). The two treatments had similar intakes, physical activity, and adherence to the intervention. There were no adverse effects. This intervention fostered health benefits in a population at high risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Konjac glucomannan was an effective co-adjuvant for further reducing risk factors.

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.

Introduction: Adults in Nigeria face a growing nutrition challenge: while some struggle with undernutrition, others are increasingly affected by overweight and obesity. This double burden of malnutrition reflects socioeconomic divides, where income, education, and household conditions shape food choices and health. This study examined how socioeconomic factors influence dietary diversity, nutritional knowledge, and nutritional status among adults in urban and rural communities of Ekiti State. Methods and Analysis: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 adults selected via multistage sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Dietary diversity was assessed using food group frequency, and nutritional status was determined by BMI. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: Significant urban-rural divides were identified: urban respondents were more educated (48.8% tertiary), while rural households were more dependent on farming (35.0%) and low-income (62.0% <70,000). Dietary patterns differed significantly: urban diets favored legumes (58.4%) and cereals (56.0%), while rural diets predominated in sugar/honey (90.0%) and roots/tubers (71.0%). Nutritional knowledge was higher in urban areas. Nutritional status revealed a dual burden: 20.4% of urban and 22.0% of rural respondents were underweight, while combined overweight/obesity affected 18.4% of urban and 25.0% of rural participants. Conclusion: Socioeconomic factors strongly dictate dietary choices and health in Ekiti State. Urban areas show greater diversity but rising obesity risks, while rural areas face persistent undernutrition. These findings highlight the need for tailored, state-specific interventions addressing both food insecurity and emerging diet-related chronic disease risks. Keywords: Socioeconomic factors, Dietary diversity, Nutritional knowledge, Double burden of malnutrition, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

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.

IntroductionEating behaviors are consistently associated with weight-related traits, yet the biological factors contributing to individual differences in these behaviors remain poorly characterized. Plasma proteomics offers an opportunity to investigate the biological processes underlying eating behaviors. MethodsParticipants were 730 young adult twins from the FinnTwin12 cohort. Eating behaviors were measured through self-report questionnaires, including the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 and four additional items on eating styles. Associations between plasma proteins and eating behaviors were examined using generalized estimating equation models adjusted for age and sex, with additional analyses adjusting for body mass index (BMI). Within-pair analyses were conducted in both monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic twin pairs to assess whether associations were influenced by genetic or environmental factors. ResultsWe identified 51 significant protein-eating behavior associations involving 35 unique proteins (FDR <0.05). We observed 19 associations for the item "overeating when feeling down" and 12 for the TFEQ factor of emotional eating. The identified proteins were predominantly enriched in immune system pathways, including the complement cascade and adaptive immune signaling. After further adjustment for BMI, 12 associations persisted, most of which were associated with eating-style items, suggesting that BMI had a substantial influence on protein-eating behavior associations. Within-pair analyses of MZ pairs indicated that several associations persist after accounting for genetic effects. ConclusionOur study identifies plasma proteins associated with eating behaviors, largely involving immune-related pathways. While some associations attenuated in twin analyses, several persisted, suggesting environmental influences. These results highlight potential biomarker candidates and indicate that modifiable environmental factors may contribute to the proteomic profiles associated with eating behaviors, with possible implications for weight-related traits.

Introduction. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), defined as foods in group 4 of the NOVA classification system, are a key contributor to chronic disease in the United States. Front-of-package warning labels ('warnings') offer a promising strategy to help Americans reduce consumption of UPFs. Requiring warning labels on UPFs could help reduce consumption of these foods. However, the effects of UPF warnings are largely unknown. The impact of warning labels on UPFs among Latino adults was examined. Study design. Online randomized trial. Setting/participants. 4,107 Latino adults (49% limited English proficiency) in the US. Intervention. Participants viewed one of three labels: control labels displaying barcodes; identity warnings stating 'WARNING: Ultra-processed food'; or health warnings stating 'WARNING: Consuming ultra-processed food and drinks can cause weight gain, which increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes'. Main outcome measures. Participants viewed four UPF products displaying their randomly assigned labels. Participants indicated whether the product was UPF (primary outcome) and rated perceived healthfulness of the product, intentions to purchase the product, and perceived message effectiveness (secondary outcomes). Results. Identity warnings (70% correct) and health warnings (67% correct) both led to higher correct identification of UPF compared to control labels (54%, p<.001), with the identity warning having a larger impact than the health warning (p=.007). Compared to the control label, the identity warning and health warning both elicited higher perceived message effectiveness and lower perceptions of healthfulness and purchase intentions (p<.001 for all outcomes) with no significant differences between UPF labels. The impact of the health warning label (vs. the control label) on correct identification of UPF was greater for participants with high education (p=0.012) compared to those with low education, and participants with limited English proficiency (p=0.001). Conclusions: UPF warnings may help consumers identify UPFs and influence product perceptions and intentions.

Background: Obesity is a global health crisis, contributing to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used in East Asia to manage obesity, but evidence on its efficacy and safety remains limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on TCM for obesity treatment. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to April 2026. Eligible RCTs compared TCM interventions with placebo or conventional treatments in obese patients. Two reviewers independently conducted screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to calculate pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) and odds ratios (OR) for body weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lipid profiles, and adverse events. Results: A total of 33 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 3,053 participants were included in the analysis. TCM significantly reduced body weight (WMD = -5.86 kg, 95% CI: -7.51 to -4.21), BMI (WMD = -2.82 kg/m{superscript 2}, 95% CI: -3.38 to -2.25), and WHR (WMD = -0.04, 95% CI: -0.06 to -0.02). Lipid profiles improved, with reductions in total cholesterol (WMD = -0.82 mmol/L), triglycerides (WMD = -0.65 mmol/L), LDL-C (WMD = -0.39 mmol/L), and increased HDL-C (WMD = 0.29 mmol/L) (all p < 0.001). Adverse events were infrequent, with no significant difference observed between TCM and control groups (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.24 to 1.08). Funnel plots indicated no publication bias. Conclusion: TCM appears effective in reducing body weight and improving lipid profiles in obese patients, with a low incidence of adverse events. It may serve as a complementary treatment for obesity, though further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes.

Background. Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis and may contribute to pain, functional impairment, inflammation, and cartilage degradation. Resveratrol has potential anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects, but its efficacy as an adjunct to dietary intervention remains unclear. Objective. This study evaluated whether resveratrol supplementation provides additional benefits when combined with a low-calorie diet in postmenopausal women with obesity and knee osteoarthritis. Methods. A total of 97 postmenopausal women with obesity and knee osteoarthritis were included in this randomized controlled clinical study. Participants received either a 10-day low-calorie diet alone or the same diet combined with 150 mg/day trans-resveratrol. Anthropometric parameters, body composition, biochemical markers, pain intensity, functional status, and urinary CTX-II were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Results. Both interventions were associated with reductions in body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, fat mass, glucose, HOMA-IR, lipid parameters, hsCRP, VAS, WOMAC, LAI, and urinary CTX-II. Compared with diet alone, resveratrol supplementation did not provide additional benefits for anthropometric parameters, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, or WOMAC score. However, the resveratrol group showed a greater reduction in hsCRP and urinary CTX-II. The obesity class did not modify the treatment effect. Conclusion. A short-term low-calorie diet improved metabolic, inflammatory, and osteoarthritis-related parameters in postmenopausal women with obesity and knee osteoarthritis. The addition of resveratrol did not enhance weight loss or improve most metabolic outcomes but was associated with greater reductions in hsCRP and urinary CTX-II. These findings suggest a potential anti-inflammatory and cartilage-related effect of resveratrol, which requires confirmation in longer randomized trials.