Nutrients
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We aim to systematically review the efficacy of prebiotics in reducing anthropometric and biochemical parameters in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A systematic search using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, clinicaltrials.gov, Cinahl, and Web of Science of articles published up to 20 March 2020 was performed for randomized controlled trials enrolling >20 adult patients. Random-effect meta-analysis for metabolic outcomes in NAFLD patients was performed for anthropometric data in addition to liver enzyme, carbohydrate, and lipid parameters. ⋯ Hence, the results show that fiber supplements result in favorable changes as reflected in the measurement of anthropometric, metabolic, and liver-related biomarkers, i.e., body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). These effects suggest the potential benefits of fiber consumption for NAFLD populations. More prospective, controlled studies should be conducted to reveal specific details regarding the fiber type, dosage, and duration for optimal intervention.
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High consumption of fructose and high-fructose corn syrup is related to the development of obesity-associated metabolic diseases, which have become the most relevant diet-induced diseases. However, the influences of a high-fructose diet on gut microbiota are still largely unknown. We therefore examined the effect of short-term high-fructose consumption on the human intestinal microbiota. ⋯ Abundance of Bacteroidetes positively correlated with plasma cholesterol and LDL level, whereas abundance of Firmicutes was negatively correlated. Different formulations of high-fructose diets induce distinct alterations in gut microbiota composition. High-fructose intake by HFS causes a reduction of beneficial butyrate producing bacteria and a gut microbiota profile that may affect unfavorably host lipid metabolism whereas high consumption of fructose from fruit seems to modulate the composition of the gut microbiota in a beneficial way supporting digestive health and counteracting harmful effects of excessive fructose.
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As a consequence of COVID-19, millions of households have suffered mobility restrictions and changes in their lifestyle over several months. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 home confinement on the food habits, lifestyle and emotional balance of the Spanish population. This cross-sectional study used data collected via an anonymous online questionnaire during the month before lockdown finished in Spain, with a total of 675 participants. 38.8% of the respondents experienced weight gain while 31.1% lost weight during confinement. ⋯ We also identified that 39.7% reported poorer quality sleep, positively correlated with BMI (Rs = -0.18, p < 0.05) and with age (Rs = -0.21, p < 0.05). 44.7% of the participants had not performed physical exercise during confinement with differences by sex (p < 0.05), by age (p < 0.05), by BMI (p < 0.05) and by sleep quality (p < 0.05). According to an emotional-eater questionnaire, 21.8% and 11% were classified as an emotional eater or a very emotional eater, respectively. We emphasize the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, as the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing.