Nutrition
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Historical Article
An error in concept and definition of recommended dietary allowance developed in 1941: Time to create new ones.
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C differs greatly (40-110 mg/d) across countries. In addition, vitamin D deficiency is, effectively, a pandemic, with a prevalence of approximately 25% to 80% across countries according to the findings in the recent scientific literature. ⋯ This is an extremely high intake level for a specific nutrient affecting only a few individuals (the upper 2.5%) of the generally healthy population. The RDA should be redefined by investigating at which intake level of a specific nutrient the incidence of a specific disease or mortality increases or decreases based on prospective cohort studies.
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Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a seriously increasing liver disorder affecting nearly 32% of adults globally. Hepatic triglycerides (TG) accumulation is the hallmark of MASLD, which results from dysregulated lipid and fatty acid uptake, increased de novo lipogenesis (DNL), and decreased lipid removal. More recently, selective autophagy of lipid droplets (LDs), termed lipophagy, has emerged to be closely associated with disrupted hepatic lipid homeostasis. ⋯ Therefore, lipophagy could be a new approach for natural products to be used to improve MASLD. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the interrelationship between dysregulated lipid metabolism, lipophagy, and MASLD pathogenesis. In addition, the role of some natural products as lipophagy modulators and their impact on MASLD will be discussed.
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Comparative Study
Assessing clinical and metabolic responses related to hyperlipidemia, MASLD and type 2 diabetes: sleeve versus RYGB.
Both Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are effective at inducing weight loss, but more information is needed on their comparative effectiveness at improving clinical/biochemical outcomes related to the presence of hyperlipidemia, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), or type 2 diabetes (T2D) at baseline. Here we aimed to assess this in real-world practice. ⋯ RYGB versus LSG leads to greater reductions in body mass index and lipid parameters, especially in those with hyperlipidemia, whereas LSG showed greater improvements in liver enzymes in those with MASLD.
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Gut microbiota dysbiosis is among the risk factors for breast cancer development, together with genetic background and dietary habits. However, caloric restriction has been shown to remodel the gut microbiota and slow tumor growth. Here, we investigated whether the gut microbiota mediates the preventive effects of long-term chronic or intermittent caloric restriction on breast cancer predisposition. ⋯ Our study revealed the role of gut microbes in the preventive effects of caloric restriction against breast cancer development, implying the significance of diet and microbiome interplay.
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Complementary feeding is a process starting at 6 months of age when breastfeeding alone cannot provide the nutrients infants require. Foods and liquids are started along with breastfeeding up to 24 months, while complementary foods are available either from a garden or local market appropriate to complement breast milk at 6 months to satisfy the nutritional needs of the infant. Infancy is from birth to 12 months of age, and the term young child is used when referring to infants and children from 12 months to 2 years of age. Infants and young children require a sufficient diet that includes all nutrients that support overall growth and development. Appropriate feeding practices are crucial during infancy and early childhood. In addition to breastfeeding, complementary feeding should be started on time, administered safely and appropriately, and in sufficient amounts with regularity, consistency, and a variety of foods to meet nutritional needs. ⋯ The responses of mothers from all age strata regarding factors that hinder appropriate infant and young child feeding show a lack of awareness about initiating early breastfeeding. Extreme work overload prevented the feeding of breast milk and preparation of a complementary diet as per protocol, low utilization of family planning, and a perceived shortage of food items to prepare a balanced diet for complementary feeding were factors that hindered appropriate infant and young child feeding. Concerned stakeholders should work to alleviate the extreme workload among mothers with children under 2 years old and reduce their lack of awareness by designing appropriate infant and young child feeding education; cooking demonstrations are strongly recommended.