The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between leptin and adiponectin gene polymorphisms, circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin, adiposity and clinical markers in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 adults and elderly MDS patients and 102 age- and sex-matched controls. Clinical characteristics, co-morbidities, anthropometric data, laboratory evaluation and genetic analysis (polymorphisms −2548G > A/rs7799039 of the LEP gene and +276G > T/rs1501299 of the ADIPOQ gene) were investigated. Serum leptin was higher and adiponectin lower in MDS when compared with controls. There was a significant positive correlation between serum leptin levels and BMI (r = 0·264, P = 0·025), waist circumference (r = 0·235, P = 0·047), body fat percentage (BF %) (r = 0·373, P = 0·001) and the fat mass index (FMI) (r = 0·371, P < 0·001). A lower mean adiponectin was found among patients with high BF %, higher visceral adiposity index and metabolic syndrome. A significant association was found between the AA genotype (mutant) of the LEP polymorphism rs7799039 and male sex and blast excess (≥ 5 %). In addition, a significant association was observed between the TT genotype (mutant) of the ADIPOQ rs1501299 polymorphism and Fe overload. These results demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive and systematic evaluation in patients with MDS in order to identify and control negative factors not related to the disease at an early stage.

Long-chain n-3 PUFA (LC n-3 PUFA) prevent, in rodents, insulin resistance (IR) induced by a high-fat and/or fructose diet but not IR induced by glucocorticoids. In humans, contrasting effects have also been reported. We investigated their effects on insulin sensitivity, feed intake (FI) and body weight gain in genetically insulin resistant male obese (fa/fa) Zucker (ZO) rats during the development of obesity. ZO rats were fed a diet supplemented with 7 % fish oil (FO) + 1 % corn oil (CO) (wt/wt) (ZOFO), while the control group was fed a diet containing 8 % fat from CO (wt/wt) (ZOCO). Male lean Zucker (ZL) rats fed either FO (ZLFO) or CO (ZLCO) diet were used as controls. FO was a marine-derived TAG oil containing EPA 90 mg/g + DHA 430 mg/g. During an oral glucose tolerance test, glucose tolerance remained unaltered by FO while insulin response was reduced in ZOFO only. Liver insulin sensitivity (euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp + 2 deoxyglucose) was improved in ZOFO rats, linked to changes in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase expression, activity and glucose-6-phosphatase activity. FI in response to intra-carotid insulin/glucose infusion was decreased similarly in ZOFO and ZOCO. Hypothalamic ceramides levels were lower in ZOFO than in ZOCO. Our study demonstrates that LC n-3 PUFA can minimise weight gain, possibly by alleviating hypothalamic lipotoxicity, and liver IR in genetically obese Zucker rats.

This study evaluated the importance of a correction for amino acids (AA) released into the hindgut on a measure of AA absorption kinetics and tested whether AA absorption kinetics are related to the extent of AA absorption using the growing pig as a model for humans. Thirty-six nine-week-old pigs (22·3 kg) received a diet containing whey protein as the sole protein source for 8 d. Pigs received their last meal containing the indigestible marker titanium dioxide before being euthanised at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 h post-feeding. The entire content of each gastrointestinal tract (GIT) region was collected to determine AA released into the hindgut, and the kinetics and extent of AA absorption (uncorrected and corrected for AA entering the hindgut). Amounts of AA released into the hindgut increased over time (e.g. 33 and 180 mg of Glu for 4 and 6 h post-feeding). The corrected apparent amount of each AA absorbed from the GIT lumen after 4 h post-feeding was generally lower (P ≤ 0·05) than the uncorrected counterpart. Differences in both the kinetics and extent of AA absorption were observed across AA. For example, the time to reach half of the apparent AA absorption (T50) was 1·5 and 3·4 h for Met and Arg, respectively, whereas their extent of apparent absorption was 93 and 73 %. Negative correlations between parameters related to kinetics and the extent of apparent absorption were observed (e.g. for T50 r = −0·81; P < 0·001). The kinetics of AA absorption is related to the extent of AA absorption.

Metabolomics has been utilised in epidemiological studies to investigate biomarkers of nutritional status and metabolism in relation to non-communicable diseases. However, little is known about the effect of prandial status on several biomarker concentrations. Therefore, the aim of this intervention study was to investigate the effect of a standardised breakfast meal followed by food abstinence for 24 h on serum concentrations of amino acids, one-carbon metabolites and B-vitamin biomarkers. Thirty-four healthy subjects (eighteen males and sixteen females) aged 20–30 years were served a breakfast meal (∼500 kcal) after which they consumed only water for 24 h. Blood samples were drawn before and at thirteen standardised timepoints after the meal. Circulating concentrations of most amino acids and metabolites linked to one-carbon metabolism peaked within the first 3 h after the meal. The branched-chain amino acids steadily increased from 6 or 8 hours after the meal, while proline decreased in the same period. Homocysteine and cysteine concentrations immediately decreased after the meal but steadily increased from 3 and 4 hours until 24 h. FMN and riboflavin fluctuated immediately after the meal but increased from 6 h, while folate increased immediately after the meal and remained elevated during the 24 h. Our findings indicate that accurate reporting of time since last meal is crucial when investigating concentrations of certain amino acids and one-carbon metabolites. Our results suggest a need for caution when interpretating studies, which utilise such biomarkers, but do not strictly control for time since the last meal.

Sufficient vitamin D status is crucial for successful pregnancy and fetal development. The assessment of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations is commonly used to evaluate vitamin D status. Our objective was to examine the interrelated biodynamics of maternal and neonatal total, free and bioavailable 25(OH)D in maternal–neonatal dyads at birth and their associations with homeostasis and neonatal birth anthropometry. We analysed a cohort of seventy full-term mother–child pairs. We found positive associations between all neonatal measures of vitamin D status. Maternal forms exhibited a similar pattern of association, except for the bioavailable maternal form. In multivariate analysis, both total and free maternal 25(OH)D concentrations were correlated with all neonatal forms (neonatal total 25(OH)D: 1·29 (95 % CI, 1·12, 1·46) for maternal total 25(OH)D, 10·89 (8·16, 13·63) for maternal free 25(OH)D), (neonatal free 25(OH)D: 0·15 for maternal total 25(OH)D, 1·28 (95 % CI, 0·89, 1·68) for maternal free 25(OH)D) and (0·13 (95 % CI, 0·10, 0·16), 1·06 (95 % CI, 0·68, 1·43) for maternal free 25(OH)D), respectively, with the exclusion of the bioavailable maternal form. We observed no significant interactions within or between groups regarding maternal and neonatal vitamin D parameters and maternal calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations, and neonatal birth anthropometry. Our study indicates that bioavailable maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D have no significant effects on vitamin D equilibrium, Ca homeostasis and neonatal anthropometry at birth. However, we observed an interaction between maternal and neonatal total and free 25(OH)D concentrations at the maternal–neonatal interface, with no associations observed with other calciotropic or anthropometric outcomes.

The relationship between dietary habits and microbiota composition during adolescence has not been well examined. This is a crucial knowledge gap to fill considering that diet–microbiota interactions influence neurodevelopment, immune system maturation and metabolic regulation. This study examined the associations between diet and the gut microbiota in a school-based sample of 136 adolescents (Mage = 12·1 years; age range 11–13 years; 48 % female; 47 % Black, 38 % non-Hispanic White, 15 % Hispanic or other minorities) from urban, suburban and rural areas in the Southeast USA. Adolescents completed the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants and provided stool samples for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Parents reported their child and family socio-demographic characteristics. The associations between diet and socio-demographics with gut microbiota diversity and abundance were analysed using multivariable regression models. Child race and ethnicity, sex, socio-economic status and geographic locale contributed to variation within microbiota composition (β-diversity). Greater consumption of processed meat was associated with a lower microbial α-diversity after adjusting for socio-demographic variables. Multi-adjusted models showed that frequent consumption of nutrient-poor, energy-dense foods (e.g. sugar-sweetened beverages, fried foods, sweets) was negatively associated with abundances of genera in the family Lachnospiraceae (Anaerostipes, Fusicatenibacter and Roseburia), which are thought to play a beneficial role in host health through their production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These results provide new insights into the complex relationships among socio-demographic factors, diet and gut microbiota during adolescence. Adolescence may represent a critical window of opportunity to promote healthy eating practices that shape a homoeostatic gut microbiota with life-long benefits.

The association between sarcopenia and kidney function remains poorly investigated. We aimed to evaluate the associations between sarcopenia status and kidney function (rapid kidney function decline and chronic kidney disease (CKD)) in middle-aged and older Chinese population. A total of 9375 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011 were included in the cross-sectional analyses. A total of 5864 participants with eGFRcr-cys ≥ 60 ml/min per 1·73 m2 at baseline were included in the longitudinal analyses and were followed up in 2015. Sarcopenia status was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. In the cross-sectional analyses, possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia were significantly associated with an increased risk of CKD. During the 4 years of follow-up, 359 (6·12 %) participants experienced rapid decline in kidney function and 126 (2·15 %) participants developed CKD. After multivariable adjustment of baseline eGFRcr-cys level and other risk factors, possible sarcopenia (OR, 1·33; 95 % CI 1·01, 2·12) and sarcopenia (OR, 1·49; 95 % CI 1·05, 2·12) were associated with an increased risk of primary outcome (composite of rapid decline in kidney function (annualised decline in eGFRcr-cys ≥ 5 ml/min per 1·73 m2) and progression to CKD (eGFRcr-cys < 60 ml/min per 1·73 m2). Individuals with low muscle mass or low muscle strength alone also had an increased risk of rapid decline in kidney function and progression to CKD.

Plant-based diets have emerged as athletic performance enhancers for various types of exercise. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effectiveness of plant-based diets on aerobic and strength/power performances, as well as on BMI of physically active individuals. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted and reported according to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus, was performed. On the basis of the search and inclusion criteria, four and six studies evaluating the effects of plant-based diets on aerobic and strength/power performances in humans were, respectively, included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Plant-based diets had a moderate but positive effect on aerobic performance (0·55; 95 % CI 0·29, 0·81) and no effect on strength/power performance (–0·30; 95 % CI −0·67, 0·07). The altogether analyses of both aerobic and strength/power exercises revealed that athletic performance was unchanged (0·01; 95 % CI −0·21, 0·22) in athletes who adopted plant-based diets. However, a small negative effect on BMI (–0·27; 95 % CI −0·40, –0·15) was induced by these diets. The results indicate that plant-based diets have the potential to exclusively assist aerobic performance. On the other hand, these diets do not jeopardise strength/power performance. Overall, the predicted effects of plant-based diets on physical performance are impactless, even though the BMI of their adherents is reduced.

Several meta-analyses investigating the efficacy of n-3 PUFA in alleviating depression symptoms have reported conflicting findings. In the present study, we aimed to perform an umbrella meta-analysis to provide a definite conclusion. A comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Library was performed up to June 2021. Meta-analysis studies evaluating the effects of n-3 PUFA on depression symptoms were included. The quality of the included meta-analyses was assessed using AMSTAR questionnaire. Out of 101 studies, twenty-two studies with twenty-six effect sizes (ES) were eligible for inclusion. Sixteen ES showed significant improving effect of n-3 supplementation on depression symptoms among which eleven ES had small ES. The other studies observed no significant effect. Available evidence suggests that n-3 PUFA (EPA, DHA) supplementation could be considered as an effective add-on therapeutic approach in relieving depression symptoms.

The aims of the present study were to assess secular trends in breast-feeding and to explore associations between age at introduction of solid foods and breast-feeding duration. Data from three national dietary surveys in Norway were used, including infants born in 1998 (Spedkost 1, n 1537), 2006 (Spedkost 2, n 1490) and 2018 (Spedkost 3, n 1831). In all surveys, around 80 % of the infants were breastfed at 6 months of age. At 12 months of age, breast-feeding rate was 41 % in Spedkost 1, increasing to 48 % in Spedkost 2 and 51 % in Spedkost 3. Compared with earlier introduction, introduction of solid foods at ≥ 5 months of age was associated with a lower risk of breast-feeding cessation during the first year of life in the two most recent Spedkost surveys. In Spedkost 2, the adjusted hazard ratio for breast-feeding cessation during the first year of life for those introduced to solid foods at ≥ 5 months of age was 0·43 (95 % CI (0·31, 0·60)), P < 0·001, while the corresponding number in Spedkost 3 was 0·44 (95 % CI (0·29, 0·67)), P < 0·001. In conclusion, breast-feeding at infant age 12 months increased over time. Introduction of solid foods at ≥ 5 months of age was positively associated with breast-feeding duration in the two most recent Spedkost surveys. As breast-feeding contributes to numerous health benefits for infant and mother, and possibly improved dietary sustainability in infancy, findings point to the importance of continued protection, support and promotion of breast-feeding.

There is a strong association between soya food consumption and health, but there are few studies on the association with muscular strength, especially in adolescent groups. This study was conducted to understand the status of soya food consumption and its association with muscular strength among secondary school students in southern China. A stratified whole-group sampling method was used to investigate and test the status of soya food consumption and muscular strength of 13 220 secondary school students in southern China. Linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyse the correlations between soya food consumption and muscular strength. Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with secondary school students with soya food consumption ≥ 3 times/week, male students with soya food consumption ≤ 1 time/week (OR = 1·896, 95 % CI: 1·597,2·251) and female students with soya food consumption ≤ 1 time/week (OR = 2·877, 95 % CI: 2·399, 3·449) students had a higher risk of developing lower grip strength (P < 0·001). The frequency of soya food consumption among secondary school students in southern China was 49·00 %, 28·77 % and 22·23 % for ≥ 3 times/week, 2–3 times/week and ≤ 1 time/week, respectively. There is a positive association between soya food consumption and muscle strength among secondary school students in southern China. In the future, increasing the consumption of soybean products can be considered for the improvement of muscle strength.

This study examined differences in food groups consumed at eating occasions by the level of adherence to dietary guidelines in Australian adults (≤19 years) and whether consumption differed with respect to age, sex and education levels. Secondary analysis of the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n 9054) was performed, using one 24-h dietary recall with self-reported eating occasions. Dietary Guideline Index scores were used to assess adherence to the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines. Mean differences (95 % CI) in servings of the five food groups and discretionary foods at eating occasions were estimated for adults with higher and lower diet quality, stratified by sex, age group and education. Using survey-based t-tests, differences of at least half a serving with P values < 0·05 were considered meaningful. Compared with adults with lower diet quality, women and men aged 19–50 years with higher diet quality consumed more serves of vegetables at dinner (mean difference (95 % CI), women; 1·0; 95 % CI (0·7, 1·2); men: 0·9; 95 % CI (0·6, 1·3)) and fewer serves of discretionary foods at snacks (women: −0·7; 95 % CI (−0·9, −0·5); men: −1·0; 95 % CI (−1·4, −0·7). Other food groups, such as grains, dairy products and alternatives, meats and alternatives, were not significantly different between adults with lower and higher diet quality, across any eating occasions and age groups. Discretionary food intake at lunch, dinner and snacks was consistently greater among adults with lower diet quality, regardless of education level. Our findings identify dinner and snacks as opportunities to increase vegetable intake and reduce discretionary food intake, respectively.

Dietary education is a core component of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). It is unknown how or what dietary education is delivered across the UK. We aimed to characterise practitioners who deliver dietary education in UK CR and determine the format and content of the education sessions. A fifty-four-item survey was approved by the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) committee and circulated between July and October 2021 via two emails to the BACPR mailing list and on social media. Practitioners providing dietary education within CR programmes were eligible to respond. Survey questions encompassed: practitioner job title and qualifications, resources, and the format, content and individual tailoring of diet education. Forty-nine different centres responded. Nurses (65·1 %) and dietitians (55·3 %) frequently provided dietary education. Practitioners had no nutrition-related qualifications in 46·9 % of services. Most services used credible resources to support their education, and 24·5 % used BACPR core competencies. CR programmes were mostly community based (40·8 %), lasting 8 weeks (range: 2–25) and included two (range: 1–7) diet sessions. Dietary history was assessed at the start (79·6 %) and followed up (83·7 %) by most centres; barriers to completing assessment were insufficient time, staffing or other priorities. Services mainly focused on the Mediterranean diet while topics such as malnutrition and protein intake were lower priority topics. Service improvement should focus on increasing qualifications of practitioners, standardisation of dietary assessment and improvement in protein and malnutrition screening and assessment.

Nuts are an important component of a healthy diet, but little has been known about their effects on muscle health. Therefore, this study examined the association between nut consumption and low muscle strength among Korean adults. This cross-sectional analysis was conducted using single 24-h recall and handgrip strength data from 3962 younger adults 19–39 years, 6921 middle-aged adults 40–64 years and 3961 older adults ≥65 years participated in the seventh cycle (2016–2018) of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Low muscle strength was defined as handgrip strength <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women. Sex-specific OR were obtained for younger, middle-aged and older adults using multivariable logistic regression analyses. About one in four Korean adults were consuming nuts (using a culinary definition) with peanut being the most frequently consumed type. After adjustment for age, BMI, total energy intake, household income, alcohol consumption, smoking, resistance exercise, medical history and dietary protein intake, nut consumption was associated with the lower risk of low muscle strength among older adults ≥65 years (men: OR 0·55, 95 % CI (0·38, 0·79); women: OR 0·69, 95 % CI (0·51, 0·93)); however, this association was not observed among younger adults 19–39 years or middle-aged adults 40–64 years. Our results suggest that consuming nuts might be beneficial in lowering the risk of low muscle strength among Korean older adults.

There is a dearth of data on Se status in very old adults. The aims of this study were to assess Se status and its determinants in 85-year-olds living in the Northeast of England by measuring serum Se and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) concentrations and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) activity. A secondary aim was to examine the interrelationships between each of the biomarkers. In total, 757 participants (463 women, 293 men) from the Newcastle 85+ Study were included. Biomarker concentrations were compared with selected cut-offs (serum Se: suboptimal 70 µg/l and deficient 45 µg/l; SELENOP: suboptimal 4·5 mg/l and deficient 2·6 mg/l). Determinants were assessed using linear regressions, and interrelationships were assessed using restricted cubic splines. Median (inter-quartile range) concentrations of serum Se, SELENOP and of GPx3 activity were 53·6 (23·6) µg/l, 2·9 (1·9) mg/l and 142·1 (50·7) U/l, respectively. Eighty-two percentage and 83 % of participants had suboptimal serum Se (< 70 µg/l) and SELENOP (< 4·5 mg/l), and 31 % and 40 % of participants had deficient serum Se (< 45 µg/l) and SELENOP (< 2·6 mg/l), respectively. Protein intake was a significant determinant of Se status. Additional determinants of serum Se were sex, waist:hip ratio, self-rated health and disease, while sex, BMI and physical activity were determinants of GPx3 activity. There was a linear association between serum Se and SELENOP, and nonlinear associations between serum Se and GPx3 activity and between SELENOP and GPx3 activity. These findings indicate that most participants had suboptimal Se status to saturate circulating SELENOP.

Later timing of eating has been associated with higher adiposity among adults and children in several studies, but not all. Moreover, studies in younger children are scarce. Hence, this study investigated the associations of the timing of evening eating with BMI Z-score and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and whether these associations were moderated by chronotype among 627 preschoolers (3–6-year-olds) from the cross-sectional DAGIS survey in Finland. Food intake was measured with 3-d food records, and sleep was measured with hip-worn actigraphy. Three variables were formed to describe the timing of evening eating: (1) clock time of the last eating occasion (EO); (2) time between the last EO and sleep onset; and (3) percentage of total daily energy intake (%TDEI) consumed 2 h before sleep onset or later. Chronotype was assessed as a sleep debt-corrected midpoint of sleep on the weekend (actigraphy data). The data were analysed with adjusted linear mixed effects models. After adjusting for several confounders, the last EO occurring closer to sleep onset (estimate = −0·006, 95 % CI (−0·010, −0·001)) and higher %TDEI consumed before sleep onset (estimate = 0·0004, 95 % CI (0·00003, 0·0007)) were associated with higher WHtR. No associations with BMI Z-score were found after adjustments. Clock time of the last EO was not significantly associated with the outcomes, and no interactions with chronotype emerged. The results highlight the importance of studying the timing of eating relative to sleep timing instead of only as clock time.