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.

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

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

BackgroundMedical students represent a critical population for photoprotection education, as future physicians responsible for skin cancer prevention counseling. However, no previous studies have characterized knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding photoprotection among medical students in Central America or the Caribbean. ObjectiveTo assess KAP related to photoprotection and identify associated factors among medical students at a Nicaraguan university. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 133 medical students at the Universidad Iberoamericana de Ciencias y Tecnologia (UNICIT), Managua, Nicaragua. An ad hoc questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and photoprotective practices. Domain-specific and global KAP scores were calculated. Bivariate analyses examined associations with sex, academic year, skin phototype, and age. ResultsParticipants were predominantly female (73.7%), with a median age of 20 years (IQR: 18-21). Although 97.0% knew what sunscreen is and 88.0% correctly identified adequate sunscreen characteristics, only 33.1% knew the minimum recommended SPF for daily use, and 21.8% understood endogenous photoprotective mechanisms. Regular sunscreen use was reported by 39.1%, while 24.8% reported never using it. Women demonstrated significantly higher scores across all domains, with moderate effect sizes for practice (d = 0.56) and global KAP (d = 0.60). No improvements were observed across academic years (p > 0.05). Age showed weak negative correlations with practice ({rho} = -0.237; p = 0.006) and global KAP ({rho} = -0.204; p = 0.018). The primary barrier to sunscreen use was forgetfulness (49.6%). ConclusionsThis first KAP study among medical students in Nicaragua reveals a substantial gap between photoprotection knowledge and practice. Current medical training appears insufficient to promote sustained protective behaviors. Findings support integrating practical, behavior-oriented photoprotection education into medical curricula and establish a regional baseline for future interventions.

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.

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.

Hericium erinaceus (Lions Mane) is a functional mushroom with a long history of culinary and traditional use, as well as potential neurotrophic and mood modulating properties. Evidence for its effects on cognitive performance under real world conditions, however, remains limited. In this randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial, adults aged 40 to 75 years with self reported cognitive difficulty completed a one 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.

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.

BackgroundCaloric restriction (CR) improves markers of biological aging, yet long-term effects on the human metabolome remain unclear. ObjectiveThis study examined the effects of CR (2 years) in healthy adults without obesity on circulating metabolites linked to aging and metabolic adaptations. MethodsUntargeted metabolomics was performed using fasted plasma samples collected at baseline, 12, and 24 months (BL, 12M, 24M) from CALERIE participants randomized to CR or ad libitum (AL) control. A total of 864 known metabolites were identified and grouped into nine biologically coherent super pathways to support pathway-level interpretation (amino acid, peptide, carbohydrate, energy, lipid, nucleotide, cofactors and vitamins, xenobiotics, and partially characterized molecules). Principal component analysis (PCA) summarized metabolite variation, and linear mixed models assessed intervention effects on each PC in group-by-time interactions. ResultsThree principal components showed significant group-by-time interactions: PC2 (carbohydrate), PC5 (partially characterized molecules), and PC4 (lipid). Carbohydrate (PC2) and partially characterized metabolites (PC5) decreased from baseline to 12M in both groups; from 12M to 24M, levels stabilized in CR but increased in AL for PC2, while PC5 continued to decline in CR and increased in AL. Lipid metabolites (PC4) decreased in CR and increased in AL at 12M, with the pattern reversing from 12M to 24M. Key contributors included malto-saccharides and related carbohydrate intermediates for PC2, glutamine degradants and lactone sulfates for PC5, and sphingolipids for PC4. ConclusionThis study provided insights into metabolic changes during CR, particularly for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Carbohydrate and lipid metabolites that were reduced by CR during the weight loss phase (BL to 12M) followed by stabilization or compensatory responses during the weight maintenance phase (12M to 24M) may link CR-induced changes in metabolism to inflammation. Future research is needed to tease out CR adaptations versus diet related changes in metabolites and explore the functional significance of these metabolic changes during CR for aging and long-term metabolic health. ConclusionCR produced distinct, time-dependent shifts in carbohydrate and lipid pathways. Early reductions during weight loss followed by stabilization or compensatory responses during weight maintenance suggest dynamic metabolic remodeling that may relate to inflammation-linked mechanisms. Further work is needed to distinguish CR-specific adaptations from dietary influences and to clarify the functional significance of these metabolic changes for aging and long-term metabolic 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.

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 [&ge;]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

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.

Introduction: Eating 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. Methods: Participants 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. Results: We 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. Conclusion: Our 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.

Background: College-attending young adults frequently experience declines in diet quality, physical activity, and psychological well-being during the transition to independent living, contributing to weight gain during the first year of college. Although multicomponent lifestyle interventions have been developed to address these behaviors, the responsiveness to such programs could differ across demographic factors associated with health behaviors, such as sex, race, and ethnicity. Hence, this secondary analysis of large-scale college health trials evaluated whether the effectiveness of such interventions differed by these demographic factors. Methods: Data were combined from two multi-site randomized controlled trials: Young Adults Eating and Active for Health (YEAH) trial and the Get FRUVED trial. Both interventions used theory-based approaches to promote healthy weight management through improvements in diet quality, physical activity, and stress management. Baseline-adjusted linear regression models evaluated the effects of group (intervention, control) and its interactions with sex, race (White, Black, Other), or Hispanic ethnicity. Models were adjusted for baseline outcome values, baseline BMI, study (YEAH vs. FRUVED), and state of data collection. Results: Intervention participants reported higher fruit and vegetable intake, lower processed meat intake, and longer sleep duration compared with controls. However, there was significant heterogeneity in these dietary outcomes by ethnicity, race, and sex. Non-Hispanic participants in the intervention group had higher fruit and vegetable intake compared to controls (p < 0.05). And, within the intervention group, Hispanic females had lower bacon/sausage intake than Hispanic males and non-Hispanic females (p < 0.05). With respect to race, Black participants reported higher total processed meat intake than White and Other race participants (p <0.05). These demographic factors did not moderate the intervention's impact on physical activity, sleep duration, and perceived stress. Overall, the intervention appeared to be the least effective for Hispanic males who exhibited higher body weight and waist circumference compared with Hispanic females and non-Hispanic males (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Multicomponent lifestyle interventions can improve selected dietary outcomes among college students, but effectiveness may differ across demographic subgroups. Culturally and sex-tailored strategies that consider the intersecting influences of sex, race, and ethnicity may enhance intervention effectiveness during the transition to college.

IntroductionMechanistic research has shown that prior obesity induces durable transcriptomic and epigenetic reprogramming in adipose tissue that persists after weight loss and predisposes individuals to weight regain. This phenomenon, termed obesogenic memory (OM), is currently conceptualized primarily as a molecular process. We propose extending OM beyond adipose tissue biology to include interacting biological and sociocultural processes through which past exposures shape present physiological regulation and health-related behavior. MethodsIn-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals living with obesity (n=31) and with healthcare professionals (n=18). The data were analyzed abductively to examine participants lived experiences of obesogenesis. ResultsWe developed a three-phase model of OM comprising memorizing, remembering, and rescribing. The memorizing phase describes the initial acquisition and encoding of biological and sociocultural obesogenic influences. The remembering phase captures the persistence of these influences, contributing to long-term obesity maintenance. The rescribing phase refers to processes through which obesogenic influences may be attenuated or reversed, creating conditions for sustainable health behavior change. ConclusionExtending OM to include sociocultural dimensions provides a more comprehensive understanding of obesity persistence. This integrative framework identifies multilevel targets for obesity prevention and treatment that acknowledge past exposures while supporting resilience and long-term weight management.

The gut microbiota has been implicated in regulating body composition, insulin resistance, and energy metabolism through microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and amino acids. However, evidence in adolescents, particularly regarding sex-specific differences and lifestyle such as alcohol intake, remains limited. Characterizing sex-specific metabolic signatures in adolescence may improve early identification of metabolic risk. To address this gap, we investigated associations between fecal metabolites, body composition, insulin resistance, and energy expenditure in 158 adolescents aged 18 from the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC2000). Quantitative fecal metabolomics was performed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, profiling 32 metabolites. Associations with body composition, insulin resistance, and energy expenditure were evaluated using sex-stratified univariate and multivariate modelling with false discovery rate (FDR [&le;] 0.05 and 0.2). Fecal acetate and ethanol were more associated with fat-free mass index (FFMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) than with body mass index (BMI) in females; in males, no associations remained after FDR. Lysine and leucine showed associations with BMI and insulin resistance in females. Acetate, butyrate, glucose, and methanol were associated with total energy expenditure (TEE) in females, whereas no association survived in males. Alcohol intake was positively associated with fecal ethanol, glucose, and methanol, and inversely with trimethylamine in females, while galactose showed a positive association in males. These findings demonstrate that gut microbiota-derived metabolites are related to body composition, insulin sensitivity, and energy balance in adolescents, particularly females, highlighting the utility of fecal metabolomics in exploring mechanisms underlying metabolic variation.

BackgroundTime-restricted eating (TRE) has gained popularity for weight loss and metabolic health. While some evidence suggests greater benefits when TRE aligns with circadian rhythms--characterized by early daytime eating and avoidance of nighttime intake, often referred to as early TRE (eTRE), other studies report no meaningful differences between eTRE, other TRE approaches with or without exercise, or calorie restriction (CR), and robust comparative evidence remains limited. AimTherefore, the aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to evaluate the physiological effects of eTRE, midday time-restricted eating (mTRE), late time-restricted eating (lTRE), with and without exercise, CR, and control (without prescribed energy or fasting windows) on anthropometric measures and cardiometabolic markers in adults with cardiometabolic risk factors. MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in four major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase) up to April 24, 2025. A Bayesian NMA was performed, using a control group as the reference comparator across interventions. Treatment effects were expressed as mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. The relative ranking of the included arms on the outcomes was assessed using surface under the cumulative ranking curve, values derived from the NMA, where higher values reflect a higher probability of superior effectiveness. Resultsa total of 40 trials comprising 3259 subjects were included in the analysis. There were significant reductions in most anthropometric measures in all intervention groups compared to control group. Whereas eTRE and eTRE + exercise (EX) significantly improved glucoregulatory outcomes compared to control, eTRE + EX showed superior results over other interventions. ConclusionWhile our results did not detect statistically significant differences between TRE patterns and CR, the consistent SUCRA rankings in favor of eTRE (particularly with exercise) suggest that meal timing may play an important role in metabolic regulation.