Frontiers in Nutrition

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

A gut microbiome-targeted diet can potentially mitigate chronic diseases like malnutrition. In a prospective 12-week intervention trial, we evaluated the effects of six different plant-based fermented pickles ([~]50g/day) on clinical, inflammatory, and gut-microbiome parameters in women (n=230) in a rural setting with a high prevalence of undernutrition. Blood was collected at two, whereas stool was collected at three timepoints. Among fecal biomarkers, myeloperoxidase (MPO), Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), and 16S rRNA sequencing were measured at baseline, 8th, and 12th weeks. Overall compliance rate was >70%. WBC and neutrophils significantly decreased among radish (p=0.002, p=0.01) and carrot (p=0.005, p=0.006) groups compared to controls. In lemon-chili groups, platelets significantly decreased (p<0.001) while MCV increased (p=0.02). In onion and lemon-chili groups, the alpha ([p]=0.001 and p=0.0005, respectively) and beta diversities (p=9e-04 and p=0.0223, respectively) were significantly increased. Post-intervention linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identified 25 bacterial taxa markers at 8th and 12th week, that included Eggerthellaceae and Oscillospiraceae, Erysipelatoclostridiaceae and Subdoligranumlum, predominantly in lemon-chili group. Correlation analysis revealed six taxa negatively associated with inflammatory markers such as CRP, LCN2, and platelets. Our study provides preliminary information about consumption of culturally acceptable fermented pickles exerting beneficial changes in hematological and gut microbiome profiles of women, post-intervention.

The growing prevalence of obesity necessitates innovative treatments. This study investigates a spray-dried konjac glucomannan-montmorillonite (KGM-MMT) hybrid designed to combine the fermentable, satiety-promoting effects of KGM with the lipid-binding and anti-inflammatory properties of MMT. In HFD-fed mice treated for 42 days with 2% w/w KGM-MMT, body weight gain was reduced by 7.6%, with an AUC of 5094[{+/-}[52.95, compared to 5513[{+/-}[81.35 in HFD controls (p < 0.0001). Serum IL-6 concentrations were reduced by 97% (p = 0.0002), while blood glucose decreased by 46% (p < 0.0001), outperforming reductions seen with MMT (24%, p = 0.0271) and KGM (16%, ns). Gut microbiota profiling demonstrated a significant 6.2-log[ fold increase in Lactobacillaceae (p = 0.023) and a 2.4-log[ fold increase in Enterococcaceae (p = 0.015) with KGM-MMT treatment. Predicted functional shifts revealed a 1.9-fold increase in short-chain fatty acid synthesis pathways and a 5.4-fold increase in bile acid deconjugation. Although the KGM-MMT hybrid did not consistently outperform its individual components in all measurements within the current study, it generally consolidated their metabolic benefits within a single dosage form. These findings support the utility of spray-dried KGM-MMT as a gut-targeted dietary strategy with additive effects on metabolic health. Future studies should explore underlying mechanisms and dosage effects of the hybrid formulation. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=110 SRC="FIGDIR/small/701163v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (34K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@738445org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1f0d465org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@86e5aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@184fba8_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG HighlightsO_LISpray-dried KGM-MMT reduced HFD-induced weight gain by 7.6% in obese mice C_LIO_LISerum IL-6 and glucose levels decreased by 97% and 46%, respectively C_LIO_LI6.2-log[J and 2.4-log[J increases in Lactobacillaceae & Enterococcaceae relative abundance C_LIO_LIBile acid deconjugation and SCFA pathways increased 5.4- and 1.9-fold C_LIO_LIKGM-MMT microparticles offer additive gut-targeted benefits in metabolic disease C_LI

Hair loss and scalp dysfunction are widespread concerns with limited safe and effective long-term care options. This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of a topical scalp care essence formulated with Centella asiatica extracellular vesicles (C. asiatica EV) and recombinant Fc-fusion long-acting insulin growth factor-1 (rIGF-1) and fibroblast growth factor-7 (rFGF-7) on scalp health and hair growth. Sixty healthy adult participants aged 18 to 60 years were randomly assigned into five groups: (1) Placebo control; (2) Base formula consisting of 0.1% caffeine and panthenol; (3) Base formula with long-acting rIGF-1 and rFGF-7; (4) Base formula with C. asiatica EV; and (5) Base formula combined with rIGF-1, rFGF-7, and C. asiatica EV. Participants applied the assigned product once daily for 56 days. Parameters, including sebum content, hair length, thickness, and density, and hair loss, were assessed at baseline and Days 14, 28, 42, and 56. Outcome measures included sebum content, hair density, scalp condition, hair length, and overall hair loss. The formulation with C. asiatica EV and growth factors was found to be most effective, with all parameters increased significantly on Day 56 compared to the placebo. This study highlights the potential of plant-derived EVs combined with growth factors as a synergistic strategy for promoting scalp and hair health.

BackgroundThe continuous outbreak of COVID-19 poses a devastating threat to the global public health, and theres no special therapeutic drugs. This paper is to explore the effect of high fiber whey short peptide enteral nutrition on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19, to find ways to prevent patients from progressing to severe illness, and to reduce the harm of epidemic situation to human beings. MethodsThe course of fighting against COVID-19 in our hospital for 49 days was reviewed. Three nutritional interventions including five-step nutrition treatment, 46early intervention of whole protein, and high fiber whey short peptide intervention were conducted consecutively.The effect of high fiber whey short peptide on nutrition, immune function and prognosis of patients with COVID-19 was compared with that of whole protein intervention. ResultsHigh fiber whey short peptide group when compared with whey protein group, can significantly improve prealbumin in patients with covid-19, improve the negative nitrogen balance of patients, and reduce the average period of turning negative by 39.06%. ConclusionHigh fiber whey short peptide can significantly improve the recovery speed of patients with covid-19. Fundingnone

Skin damage results from the natural aging process, physical damage, UV light, and environmental pollutants. Centella asiatica (Cica) is a traditional medicinal herb known to have therapeutic effects on skin and wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the effects of skincare formulation Kristen Claire Supreme Rejuvenation Essence with Cica EV as the main active ingredient, on facial appearance and skin quality in healthy participants. Twenty healthy participants (4 males and 16 females; average age 36.5) were enrolled and underwent a 24-hour skin patch test on the forearm to assess potential irritation or allergic reactions. The test product was applied twice daily for 28 days. Facial skin quality assessments were conducted before use and at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of product application. Measured parameters included skin hydration, melanin content, skin elasticity, wrinkle percentage, redness area percentage, and pore percentage. After 28 days of test product treatment, significant improvements were observed in skin hydration and elasticity, wrinkle, redness, and pore distribution, while skin melanin content was reduced significantly. Kristen Claire Supreme Rejuvenation Essence effectively improved skin hydration, elasticity, and texture, and brightened the complexion, making it a promising candidate for skincare applications.

Limited information linking dietary intake to gut metagenomic data in bariatric surgery patients is available. We examined whether there were correlations between macronutrient intake and the gut microbiome and related gene pathways prior to and following bariatric surgery. Participants were 29 adults living with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery (93% females). Three-day food records were analyzed prior to and after surgery to estimate mean daily intakes of macronutrients to derive measures of diet quality [glycemic index, added sugar intake, and the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015)]. Pre- and post-operative stool samples were sequenced using whole-genome shotgun sequencing to identify changes in microbial composition. Diversity indices and differential abundance were calculated, and correlations between dietary intake and outcomes were assessed using linear regression and machine learning models. At the phylum level, pre-operative Synergistetes abundance was positively correlated with soluble fiber intake, and Proteobacteria was inversely linked with HEI-2015 scores. Post-operatively, Lentisphaerae was inversely correlated with dietary glycemic index. The change in Verrucomicrobia abundance was inversely correlated with the change in glycemic index, and the change in Fusobacteria abundance was positively correlated with the change in glycemic index. The changes in several functional gene pathways were positively linked to the change in HEI-2015 scores, the change in soluble fiber intake, and the change in insoluble fiber intake. In adults undergoing bariatric surgery, intakes of specific macronutrients pre-operatively and as a function of the change after surgery were correlated with several microbial phyla, genera, and nutrient-related functional gene pathways.

BACKGROUNDThe United States (U.S.) is the leading country in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, accounting for 60% of caloric intake, compared to a range of 14 to 44% in Europe. Given the increasingly evident health risks of UPF consumption, this is a major health problem. Common UPFs include soft drinks, snacks, processed meats, cookies, and candy. We hypothesized that even basic staple foods in the United States are ultra-processed and aimed to study the UPF prevalence in food staples from popular U.S. supermarkets compared with European countries. METHODOLOGYWe analyzed staple food products (bread, canned goods, cereals, eggs, milk, vegetables, and yogurt) stocked in U.S. supermarket chains (Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods), France (Carrefour), and Spain (Mercadona). Using an algorithm that identifies UPF values based on the NOVA and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations guidelines, we identified the UPF prevalence and average number of UPF markers (cosmetic ingredients/additives). RESULTSThe prevalence of UPFs in budget-friendly supermarkets, Walmart, and Target, is 41-42% higher than Whole Foods, a store focused on quality. Furthermore, UPFs in Walmart and Target have 75% and 57% more UPF markers, respectively, than UPFs in Whole Foods. Around 58% of staples in U.S. leading supermarkets are ultra-processed, which is 41% more than supermarkets in Europe. Furthermore, the U.S. UPFs contain 41% more UPF markers than their EU counterparts. CONCLUSIONMost of the staple food products at mainstream U.S. budget-friendly retailers are ultra-processed, which is not the case at a more premium, quality focused store. Compared to supermarkets in Europe, the U.S. mainstream supermarkets have more UPFs, and those foods also have more UPF markers. Making healthy food choices in the United States is a challenge that is compromised by the high availability and accessibility of UPFs, even among everyday products that constitute the dominant part of the diet of a population. The European model shows the possibility of decreasing the UPF availability in large supermarkets. American consumers need more tools and guidance to identify UPFs along with greater regulation of UPF products to prioritize healthy choices and reduce UPF availability.

The relationship between growth and gut microbiota establishment is critical but under-investigated during late childhood. This is an important knowledge gap since the adult microbiota connects with other organs to influence health. We studied gut microbial communities composition and dietary patterns in 13 years old males and females from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort (Brazil). We had previously shown that three BMIZ and HAZ patterns of growth since birth are present in this cohort, reflecting the nutritional status of these children. Here, we show that there is an association between growth patterns and gut microbiota, which encompasses the five pubertal stages, and which is affected by sex. Using Partial Least Square Path Modelling, we also show that there is a strong relationship between dietary patterns and gut microbiota, in males but not females. These data provide the microbiota and dietary profiles of highly phenotyped children and highlight the importance of childhood growth and sex for the maturation of the gut microbiota and long-term healthy growth. The role of pubertal diet in the relationships identified, further underlies the importance of dietary patterns establishment during adolescence while providing an opportunity for late modification of growth-microbiota relationships.

Obesity and mental health disorders are among the greatest public health challenges of the twenty-first century. Interestingly, an altered microbiome profile has been associated with both conditions. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with a specific probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP051) on body composition and gut microbiome balance, together with measures of mood state, in a population of healthy overweight subjects. Sixty healthy, moderately stressed, non-depressed and overweight or obese volunteers were supplemented for 12 weeks with probiotic (L. plantarum KABP051; 1 billion cfu/day) or placebo (microcrystalline cellulose). The KABP051 group experienced significantly greater improvements compared to placebo on body composition measurements, including a reduction in body weight and waist circumference, which decreased in 1.97{+/-}0.77 (mean{+/-}SE) kg and 2.15{+/-}0.81 (mean{+/-}SE) cm vs. placebo at the end of the intervention (both p< 0.05, MMRM and post-hoc analysis). Microbiome composition improved in KABP051 group, with significant increase in the relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus spp. vs. placebo. Body fat percentage, POMS fatigue, and confusion sub-scores showed a global trend toward improvement compared to placebo, with the change at 12 weeks being significant in the three measurements in post-hoc analysis (p=0.015, p=0.014 and p=0.016, respectively). No serious adverse events were registered during the intervention period. These results suggest that a specific strain of probiotic bacteria (L. plantarum KABP051) may have both metabolic and psychobiotic effects and may be beneficial for enhancing weight loss and body composition, improving energy and mood levels while embarking on a healthy lifestyle regimen.

Background: Despite growing evidence that personalised nutrition (PN) can improve dietary behaviour and health outcomes, the implementation of PN food services in real-world settings remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated the feasibility of a comprehensive PN service for delivering personalised nutrition products (PNPs) in a military setting and assessed consumer acceptance following repeated consumption. Methods: A complete PN service was developed to design, produce, and distribute personalised nutrition products (PNPs). Twenty-five participants from the Royal Netherlands Army took part in a feasibility study, using a single-cohort pre-test post-test design. Each participant consumed a PNP on 10 consecutive days during a two-week combat training exercise. Product liking was assessed through daily questionnaires, while broader user experiences were assessed at baseline (t=0), one week follow-up (t=1) and two-week endline (t=2). Results: The PN service was succesfully implemented during a real-life military training exercise. In total, 229 PNPs were produced and distributed. Participants evaluated all aspects of the PN service from just below neutral to slightly positive (3.4 to 5.0 on 7 point scales). Across the different product combinations, mean overall liking and all sensory attributes were slightly positive (5.7 to 6.1 on 9 point scales). Overall liking did not change over time (F (9,194) = 1.242, p=0.27). Attitudes toward a PNP service in the army decreased over time, but remained just-above neutral at study end. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of a personalised nutrition service in a military setting. Both the service and PNPs received modestly positive evaluations, while repeated exposure did not change overall liking of the products. Although further optimisation of the service is warranted, these findings support the potential for broader implementation of PN services in military and other high performance environments.

Hormesis is defined as dose response phenomenon characterized by low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition (Calabrese & Mattson, 2017). To date, low doses of several stressors (intermittent fasting, caloric restriction or selected phytochemicals) have been shown to exert beneficial effects on health (Martin et al., 2006). In the present study, we aimed to determine hormetic factors in a series of diets used in mice. We found that animals fed high-sugar diet (HSD) or high-fat diet (HFD) containing relatively high amounts of mono- and disaccharides become obese compared to animals fed standard diet (STAND) or ketogenic diet (KD) containing low doses of these compounds. Underlying the observed metabolic phenotype may be changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota, showing u-shaped features in selected species. It is noteworthy that a short-term dietary regimen of several weeks resulted in difficulties in achieving effective scores on a complex cognitive test based on spatial procedural acquisition in the HSD and HFD groups. Our data identify dietary mono- and disaccharide content (commonly known as sugars) as a critical hormetic factor with beneficial/harmful effects at multiple levels of body function.

This study investigated the availability, price, nutritional composition, and quality of PBMAs in supermarkets and hypermarkets in Petaling, the most populated district in Malaysia. The survey covered 85 stores through on-site visits, identifying 251 unique PBMA products from 42 brands. The PBMAs were categorized into nine groups: Burgers/Patties, Coated Meat, Luncheon Meat, Minced Meat, Pastries, Pieces/Chunks/Fillets/Strips, Prepacked Cooked Meals, Sausages, and Seafood Balls/Cakes/Meatballs. The survey indicated widespread availability of PBMAs in Petaling, with premium supermarkets offering the most extensive selection. The median prices of PBMAs across categories were below MYR 7 ([~]USD 1.6) per 100 grams, with Pieces/Chunks/Fillets/Strips being the most affordable. Nutritionally, PBMAs exhibited lower energy, total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and protein levels than meat equivalents, while showing higher carbohydrate content. Nutri-Score profiling revealed generally favourable scores (Grade A to C), indicating moderate to good nutritional quality. These findings suggest that PBMAs offer a viable alternative for consumers in Malaysia seeking healthier and more sustainable food options, particularly for those aiming to reduce their intake of fat and sodium. However, PBMAs may not be recommended for individuals seeking a higher protein and lower carbohydrate diet. Further research is recommended to explore micronutrient profiles to enhance dietary decision-making.

Both increased dietary intake of {omega}-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and subsequent increases in colonic mucosal {omega}-3 PUFA concentrations have been linked to improved gut barrier function and decreased risks of metabolic diseases and cancer. In addition, increased dietary {omega}-3 PUFA has been linked to eubiosis in mouse studies. Increased {omega}-3 PUFA function in part to reduce cyclooxygenase-(COX) mediated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, a biomarker of cancer risk linked to compromised gut barrier function. We analyzed data from a dietary intervention study in individuals at increased risk of colon cancer to determine whether changes in the mucosal microbiome composition were associated with changes in colonic mucosal {omega}-3/ {omega}-6 PUFA ratio. Microbiome analyses of colonic biopsies before and after the dietary intervention from 86 participants were done by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate further whether changes in Akkermansia was associated with changes in each colonic tissue variable: {omega}-3/{omega}-6 PUFA ratios, PGE2 concentrations, and expression of COX-1 and COX-2. The median dietary intake and mucosal {omega}-3/{omega}-6 PUFA ratio increased after intervention. Greater increases in mucosal {omega}-3/{omega}-6 PUFA ratios after intervention were significantly associated with several changes in taxon abundance, including increased Akkermansia muciniphilia relative abundance. An increased abundance of Akkermansia muciniphilia also was associated significantly with decreased PGE2 concentrations but not with changes in COX expression. Further studies are warranted to elucidate mechanisms by which Akkermansia may affect or is affected by these pathways and the relative importance of individual dietary components.

Child-targeted marketing on packaged foods can shape children's food preferences and parents' purchasing decisions, yet many products with child-targeted marketing are ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and contain cosmetic additives such as food colorings, which have raised concerns about adverse effects on children's health and behavior. This mixed-methods study examined the prevalence of food colorings in child-directed UPFs and explored parents' perceptions and knowledge of these additives in beverages commonly consumed by children. Quantitative data were obtained from the Mintel Global New Products Database to identify child-directed products launched in Brazil between 2018 and 2021, measured as having at least one child-targeted marketing strategy in the food package, and whether they contained food colorings. Qualitative data came from seven focus groups with parents of children aged 2-5 and 6-11 years in Brazil, alongside a brief survey assessing participants' ability to identify food colorings on product labels. Among 5,078 UPFs launched during the study period, 23.0% contained child-targeted marketing, and 40.3% of these had food colorings. The highest prevalence was observed in carbonated beverages, candies, and ice creams, in which more than half of products contained food colorings. Parents generally understood that food colorings are used to make products more attractive to children and associated them with potential health risks, but reported difficulties avoiding them. These findings highlight the widespread presence of food colorings in child-targeted UPFs in Brazil and underscore the need for stronger regulatory measures to restrict the use of food colorings and improve labelling on food packages.

The gut microbiome may be both helpful and harmful, and not only is it affected by diet, it has also been shown to affect mental health including personality, mood, anxiety and depression. In this clinical study we assessed dietary nutrient composition, mood, happiness, and the gut microbiome in order to understand the role of diet in the gut microbiome and how that affects mood and happiness. For this pilot study, we enrolled 20 adults to follow this protocol: recording a 2-day food log, sampling their gut microbiome, and completing five validated surveys of mental health, mood, happiness and well-being, followed by a minimum 1 week diet change and repeating the food log, microbiome sampling and the 5 surveys. The change from a predominantly Western diet to vegetarian, Mediterranean and ketogenic diets led to changes in calorie and fiber intake. After the diet change, we observed significant changes in measures of anxiety, well-being and happiness, and without changes in gut microbiome diversity. We found strong correlations between greater consumption of fat and protein to lower anxiety and depression, while consuming higher percentages of carbohydrates was associated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression. We also found strong negative correlations between total calories and total fiber intake with gut microbiome diversity without correlations to measures of mental health, mood or happiness. We have shown that changing diet affects mood and happiness, that greater fat and carbohydrate intake is directly associated with anxiety and depression and inversely correlated with gut microbiome diversity. This study is an important step towards understanding how our diet affects the gut microbiome and in turn our mood, happiness and mental health.

A randomized, placebo-controlled citizen science-based dietary intervention was conducted among 147 healthy adults to evaluate the effects of 8-week high dietary fiber (HDF) and high fermented food (HFF) diets on gut microbiota, immune function, gut transit time, well-being, and sleep quality. The HDF group significantly increased fiber intake ({Delta}10.3 g/1000 kcal/day) following high dietary fiber recipes with addition of dried chicory root, while the HFF group increased fermented food consumption (+6.3 portions/day), including a fermentation-derived liquid supplement. At the 21-week follow-up, modest improvements in fiber and fermented intake were sustained, compared to baseline. Microbial diversity significantly increased within the HFF and control groups, especially in HFF participants over 50 (p = 0.04). Compared to CG, HFF showed no difference in microbial diversity, whereas the HDF group showed a significant decrease. The HDF intervention enhanced butyrogenic potential by increasing Anaerostipes, Faecalibacterium, and Bifidobacterium spp., and significantly reduced gastrointestinal transit time (p = 0.01). The intake of high fiber improved and sustained sleep quality (p = 0.03). The HFF intervention significantly increased blood immune markers including CD5, CD6 and CD8A (T-cell activation), IL-18R1 (inflammatory signaling) and SIRT2, a longevity-associated deacetylase (Q < 0.05), and induced a modest shift in the gut microbiota of participants over 50 years toward a composition characteristic of younger participants. These findings highlight distinct biological pathways through which dietary fibers and fermented foods modulate host physiology. This is the first randomized controlled nutritional intervention using a citizen science approach that demonstrates the feasibility and scientific value of engaging participants in healthier food choices. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=96 SRC="FIGDIR/small/25332853v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (38K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@15055c5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@12efc43org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1b3a8dborg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@12cf0b_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

IntroductionThe effects of front-of-package nutrition labels among Latino and Hispanic ("Latine") adults in the US, including those with limited English proficiency, remains largely unknown. We examined the impact of different types of labels among Latine consumers and whether effects differed by English proficiency. Study designOnline randomized trial. Setting/participants3,053 Latine US adults (49% limited English proficiency). InterventionParticipants viewed one of three labels: numerical labels displaying numerical information about sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar; text high-in labels stating when foods are high in these nutrients of concern; and icon high-in labels identical to the text labels plus a magnifying glass icon. Main outcome measuresParticipants viewed three frozen pies, three frozen pizzas, and three frozen meals displaying randomly assigned labels and identified the healthiest and least healthy product within each group (based on nutrient content). ResultsText high-in labels (49% correct) led to higher correct identification of the least healthy foods compared to the numerical labels (44%, p<.001) though the icon high-in labels did not (47%, p=.07). Neither the text high-in labels (46% correct) nor the icon high-in labels (46%) led to better identification of the healthiest food compared to the numerical labels (45%, all p>=.71). Neither type of high-in label led to more correct identification of foods high in nutrients of concern or higher selection of the healthiest food for purchase compared to the numerical labels (all p>=.09). English proficiency moderated the impact of label type on correct identification of the least healthy food (p-interaction=.003) such that the benefit of high-in labels was only present for participants with high English proficiency. ConclusionsHigh-in labels helped Latine consumers identify unhealthy foods more than numerical labels, but only among those with high English proficiency. Future food labeling research should include participants with limited English proficiency. Trial registrationNCT06293963.

Context and objectiveWhen considering the health-related impact of foods, nutrient profile (content in salt, sugar, fibre, etc.) and (ultra-)processing are two complementary dimensions. The Nutri-Score, a summary graded front-of-pack label, already used in seven European countries, informs on the nutrient profile dimension, i.e. the one with the strongest evidence. Recently, mounting evidence linked ultra-processed food consumption to various adverse health outcomes, independently of their nutrient profile. To inform consumers about each of these two health-related dimensions of food (i.e., nutrient profile and ultra-processing), we aimed to test, in a randomised controlled trial, if a graphically modified version "Nutri-Score 2.0", including a black "ultra-processed" banner, would improve the capacity of consumers to rank products according to their nutrient profile but also to detect those ultra-processed, compared to a no-label situation. MethodsA total of 21,159 participants included in the NutriNet-Sante web-cohort were randomly assigned to a control arm (no front-of-pack label) or an experimental arm (Nutri-Score 2.0), and were presented an online interactive questionnaire with 3 sets of food products (8 cookies, 7 breakfast cereals, and 7 ready-to-eat meals) to rank according to their nutrient profile, and to identify ultra-processed foods. The primary outcome was the objective understanding of nutrient profile and ultra-processing, represented by a score of correct answers. Secondary outcomes were purchasing intentions and the healthiest-perceived product. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed. ResultsThe Nutri-Score 2.0 increased significantly the objective understanding of both the nutrient profile dimension of food products from 0.9% to 24.2% (OR = 29.0 (23.4 - 35.9), p<0.001), and the ultra-processing dimension from 4.4% to 77.7% (OR = 174.3 (151.4 - 200.5), p<0.001), compared with no front-of-pack label. The results followed similar trends for cookies, breakfast cereals, and ready-to-eat meals. The Nutri-Score 2.0 also had a positive impact on purchasing intentions and on the products perceived as the healthiest, guiding consumers towards a better nutrient profile and non-ultra-processed products. ConclusionThis randomised controlled trial demonstrates the interest of a front-of-pack label combining the Nutri-Score (informing on the nutrient profile dimension) with an additional graphic mention indicating when the food is ultra-processed, compared to a no-label situation. Our results show that participants were able to independently identify and understand these two complementary dimensions of foods. Trial registration numberNCT05610930

BackgroundRestricting animal-based products from diet may exert beneficial effects on weight status, however whether this is also true for emotional health is unclear. Moreover, differential personality traits may underlie restrictive eating habits and therefore potentially confound diet-health associations. To systematically assess whether restrictive dietary intake of animal-based products relates to lower weight and higher depressive symptoms, and how this is linked to personality traits in the general population. MethodsCross-sectional data was taken from the baseline LIFE-Adult study collected from 2011-2014 in Leipzig, Germany (n = 8943). Main outcomes of interest were 12-month dietary frequency of animal-derived products measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), and the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Personality traits were assessed in a subsample of n = 7906 using the Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). FindingsHigher restriction of animal-based product intake was associated with a lower BMI (age-, sex- and education-adjusted, n = 8943; {beta} = -.07, p < .001), but not depression score. Personality, i.e. lower extraversion (F (1,7897) = 9.8, p = .002), was related to frequency of animal product intake. Further, not diet but personality was significantly associated with depression, i.e. higher neuroticism ({beta} = .024), lower extraversion ({beta} = -.006), lower agreeableness ({beta} = -.001), lower conscientiousness ({beta} = -.007) and higher BMI ({beta} = .004) (all p < .001, overall model, R2 = .21). The beneficial association with lower weight seemed to be driven by the frequency of meat product intake and not secondary animal products. Likewise, the overall number of excluded food items from the individual diet was associated with a lower BMI (age-, sex- and education-adjusted, n = 8938, {beta} = -.15, p < .001) and additionally with lower depression scores ({beta} = -.004, t = -4.1, p < .001, R2 = .05, corrected for age, sex and education), also when additionally correcting for differences in personality traits ({beta} = -.003, t = -2.7, p = .007, R2 = .21). InterpretationHigher restriction of animal-based products in the diet was significantly associated with a lower BMI, but not with depressive symptoms scores in a large well-characterized population-based sample of adults. In addition, we found that certain personality traits related to restricting animal-based products - and that those traits, but not dietary habits, explained a considerable amount of variance in depressive symptoms. Upcoming longitudinal studies need to confirm these findings and to test the hypothesis if restricting animal-based products, esp. primary animal products ((processed) meat, wurst), conveys benefits on weights status, hinting to a beneficial relationship of animal-based restricted diets in regard to prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity. FundingWe thank all study participants. We very much appreciate the help of the physicians who performed the clinical examinations and data collection, in particular Ulrike Scharrer, Annett Wiedemann, Kerstin Wirkner and her team. This work was supported by LIFE--Leipzig Research Centre for Civilisation Diseases, University of Leipzig. LIFE is funded by means of the European Union, by means of the European Social Fund (ESF), by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and by means of the Free State of Saxony within the framework of the excellence initiative. This work was supported by a scholarship (EM) by the German Federal Environmental Foundation and by the grants of the German Research Foundation contract grant number CRC 1052 "Obesity mechanisms" Project A1 (AV) and WI 3342/3-1 (AVW). The corresponding author had full access to all the data in the included in the analysis and had final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=146 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/940460v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (23K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1f81d8org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@85bd35org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@48fd83org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1fbc053_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG