More than 57% of US adults take dietary supplements with the most common being daily multivitamins. Daily multivitamins are typically formulated in a pill or tablet form, however new options using a powder form to be mixed with diluent (water) are being utilized to increase bioavailability. While limited data is available, the theory is that multivitamins tablets must be adequately dissolved before entering the small intestine for assimilation, while powders come pre-dissolved before consumption and theoretically ensures enhanced bioavailability. Our aim was to investigate the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of minerals [magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K)] using a novel Foundational Nutrition supplement called AG1 compared to a tablet multivitamin. AG1 contains vitamins and minerals comparable to multivitamin tablets, but also includes prebiotics, probiotics, and phytonutrients. We employed the adapted Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) model to assess bioavailability and bioaccessibility of the study products using a simulated stomach and small intestine physiological environment equipped with a dialysis membrane (methylcellulose) to emulate absorption. Luminal contents were collected at the end of the stomach, duodenum, and 1-, 2-, and 3-hours after small intestine absorption simulation (dialysis) to assess bioaccessibility. The dialysis solution was measured at 1-, 2-, and 3-hours to assess bioavailability. A significantly higher (p < 0.05) percentage of the total amount of all minerals given at baseline was present at the end of the stomach and duodenum portion for the powder form vs. the tablet. There was a significantly higher % concentration_maximum (C_max) for Mg, Ca, and Zn for AG1 vs. tablet. Similarly, Mg, Ca, and Zn were more bioavailable but only Ca and Zn were more bioaccessible for AG1 compared to tablet. These preclinical data demonstrate that a greater proportion of minerals in AG1 enter the small intestine, have a higher C_max, and several are more bioaccessible and bioavailable than a tablet multivitamin in vitro.

Neuronutrition is defined as an interdisciplinary area that studies the influence of various aspects of nutrition on brain health prevention, and treatment of neurological disorders across the lifespan. The brain requires specific nutrients to maintain its structural integrity, support cognitive processes, and protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Leveraging advancements in genetic testing, metabolomics, and other cutting-edge technologies, precision neuronutrition aims to identify personalized nutrient requirements to optimize brain health outcomes and prevent neurological disorders.

In this scoping review, we synthesized recent data on biomarkers indicative of brain health status, such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress markers, gut-brain disturbances, and nutrient deficiencies. These biomarkers could provide real-time feedback on the effectiveness of dietary interventions. For instance, the evaluation of neuroinflammation hinges upon quantification of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Oxidative stress is amenable to assessment through quantification of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels. Equilibrium pertaining to the gut-brain axis finds reflection in the proportions of short-chain fatty acids, composition of the microbiota consortium. Moreover, deficiencies in essential nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline can serve as discernible indicators of brain health status.

Additionally, we analyzed personalized interventions (diets and nutrient supplementation) for maintaining brain health and optimizing outcomes to provide a comprehensive overview of nutriomics. High consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce mucosal inflammation, which is one of the reasons for neuroinflammation and impaired neurotransmitter metabolism.. Nutrients including tryptophan, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, phenylalanine, tyrosine, histidine, magnesium, choline and glutamic acid were found to be effective in the regulation of mood, appetite and cognitive function.

Precision neuronutrition offers a promising approach to optimize brain health through personalized dietary interventions. Continued research in this field hold great potential for revolutionizing the way we approach nutrition for the brain and improving brain health outcomes.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the primary global cause of death, with profound negative effects on individuals, families, communities, and healthcare systems. The escalating burden of chronic illnesses, particularly in low and middle-income countries, necessitates effective disease management. This study investigates barriers to medical service access and adherence to prescribed regimens for NCD patients attending Divisional Hospital Thalangama's NCD clinics. Conducted through a descriptive cross-sectional approach, the study engaged 400 participants via random sampling. Data collection employed a pre-tested questionnaire with five sections, and analysis featured descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-Square tests using SPSS version 25 and Microsoft Excel. Ethical clearance and permissions were obtained from relevant authorities.Demographic findings reveal a sample primarily composed of married, Buddhist, Sinhalese females (56%), with a mean age of 63.0 ± 10 years and income of 34,462.65 ± 16,496.7 LKR. A majority had primary education (73.5%) and was unemployed (53%). Notably, most refrained from alcohol (75.5%) and smoking (81.25%).Prevalent NCDs were diabetes type-II (69.3%), hyperlipidemia (79.3%), and hypertension (84.3%), with average disease durations of 9.16 ± 6.29 years for hypertension and 9.7 ± 7.13 years for diabetes type-II. Key prescribed drug groups included Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (54.3%), Biguanides (64%), Sulfanauria (49.8%), and dyslipidemia drugs (82.3%).Adherence to recommended diets was low, with only 22.5% and 25% following diabetic and low sodium diets, respectively. Aerobic exercises and jogging were undertaken by 21.3% and 51%, while larger proportions abstained from aerobic exercises (31.3%), exercise (64.3%), sports (89%), yoga (96.8%), and Ayurveda (90.8%) for NCD management.The study's outcomes emphasize the urgency of overcoming barriers to medical service access and adherence for optimal NCD management. Tailored interventions can enhance patient outcomes, alleviate healthcare strain, and curtail NCD-related burdens on societies.

This research delves into diabetes self-management practices among patients at District General Hospital Polonnaruwa's medical clinic. A comprehensive dataset from 100 participants over two weeks reveals insights. The majority were male (77%) from the Sinhala Buddhist community (97%). Education varied from up to O/L qualifications (53%) to no formal education (26%), while 63% were employed and 27% unemployed. Challenges in dietary adjustments, physical activity, and timely insulin administration were evident. Focus on dietary patterns highlighted the need to reduce rice consumption and increase protein and vegetable intake. Physical activity was evenly distributed, with 50% inactive and 50% active. Awareness of hyperglycemic management was notable, but gaps existed in foot care consciousness (41%) and recognizing familial diabetes history (28%). Complications like retinopathy (65%), neuropathy (33%), and nephropathy (22%) were significant concerns. Therapeutic drug familiarity was proficient, with 89% knowing oral hypoglycemic drugs and 21% understanding insulin. Education played a crucial role, shaping hygiene and self-management awareness. Complications were pertinent, but neuropathy and nephropathy instances were comparatively lower. Contributory factors—personal hygiene, physical activity, family support, dietary habits, and foot care—shaped diabetes self-management. Education emerged as a catalyst. Specific domains need attention for optimal outcomes. Dietary paradigms gain significance, emphasizing protein and vegetable integration. Surprisingly, 54% demonstrated commendable dietary practices, challenging previous claims of suboptimal approaches among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus participants (56.7%). This study underscores education's pivotal role and the importance of addressing self-management domains for improved diabetes outcomes.

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are poorly synthesised in the human body, and are substantially lower in Western diets compared with their shorter chain omega-3 essential fatty acid precursors α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3; ALA). However, ALA does not provide the health benefits observed with the intake of EPA and DHA, which have been associated with healthy aging, and importance in foetal development and neural, retinal and immune system function. The aim of our work was to assess intake of PUFAs, EPA, DHA and ALA in a young cohort of students attending De Montfort University (DMU), a British university located in the East Midlands. Comprehensive nutrient intake was collected from 111 (20.45 ± 1.16 yrs-old; 78 female) DMU students between 2015-16 from three major ethnic backgrounds (41 Asia, 41 Africa, 27 Europe), using a validated variant of the Nutrition Norfolk Food Frequency Questionnaire with more than 130 food items, which also records portion size. Questionnaires were processed with Nutritics dietary software. BMI values were calculated with the formula BMI = kg/m². Moreover, body total and visceral fat, water, muscle and bone mass were directly obtained by a Tanita scale. Only 9.2% of this population was underweight, meanwhile 25.7% and 8.3% were overweight and obese, respectively; three times the national average in this age group. The dietary intakes of total fat (100.55 vs. 81.72 all in g/day; p-value=0.032), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; 14.61 vs. 12.91; NS), linoleic acid (18:2n-6; LA; 27.254 vs. 19.506; p-value=0.0019), ALA (5.857 vs. 3.725; p-value=0.00008), arachidonic acid (AA; 0.765 vs. 0.578; p-value=0.0303), EPA (0.620 vs. 0.523; NS) and DHA (1.069 vs. 0.847; NS) were significantly higher or higher in male participants, respectively. The high intakes of LA and ALA versus EPA and DHA observed would be consistent with that reported in Western countries. However, none of them presented statistical differences according to ethnic background or BMI, except for the intake of total fat (p-value=0.0069) and PUFA (p-value=0.0013), which were significantly higher in students from Asia and Europe. However, although without significance, the higher intakes of EPA and DHA were seen in Asian [values as mean and range (in g/day); 1.006 (0.011-5.724) and 0.605 (0.032-3.484)] and African [0.875 (0.075-5.064) and 0.545 (0.067-3.586)] students versus European [0.826 (0.089-2.810) and 0.480 (0.0498-1.755)], possibly due to differences in the diet between these individuals based on their different traditions. The dietary intakes of DHA plus EPA in the group monitored (0.551 + 0.912 g/day) exceed the recommended intake of 0.2 g/day recommended by the UK, including the RDI of 0.5 g/day that considers the intake of one to two portions of fish per week. The higher intakes of EPA and DHA in the monitored group than that reported in 19-24 years-old UK population (97 and 98 mg/day, in males and females, respectively) could be explained by the higher intake of fish observed (59.4) when compared with that reported in general UK adult population (31 g/day). However, the intake of total fish was higher in Asian and European students than those reported in African participants (65.895, 63.899 vs. 49.972 g/day), although these differences were not statistically different. Further analysis will evaluate the potential contribution of poultry, milk and eggs to the intake of EPA and DHA in the monitored group for each ethnical background. Finally, male and female participants (1.817 and 1.503) would cover the adequate intake of omega-3s (1.6 and 1.1; g/day) established by the US National Institutes of Health.

The present study aims to comprehensively assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer potential of hydro-methanolic extracts derived from dried noni fruits and seeds grown in Sri Lanka. The extraction process involved mixing one gram of fresh fruit flesh samples with 8 mL of 80% methanol, followed by vortexing and centrifugation. The resulting extracts underwent filtration and were subsequently utilized in multiple colorimetric assays. The IC50 values of total antioxidant capacity for dried noni fruits and seeds were found to be 38.17 ± 1.23 µg/ml and 39.79 ± 0.30 µg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the IC50 values of alpha-amylase inhibitory activity for dried noni fruits and seeds were 22.62 ± 0.46 µg/ml and 19.70 ± 0.56 µg/ml, respectively. Additionally, the IC50 values of proteinase inhibitory activity for dried Noni fruits and seeds were observed to be 26.28 ± 0.22 µg/ml and 19.31 ± 0.21 µg/ml, respectively. Further analysis using the MTT assay revealed the median lethal concentrations (LC50) of the dried crude extracts of Noni fruits and seeds on the cytotoxicity of BHK normal cells to be 1.0409 µg/ml and 1.6822 µg/ml, respectively. For Hep2 cancer cells, the LC50 values were 0.9537 µg/ml and 1.08 µg/ml, respectively. These findings suggest that the hydro-methanolic extracts of dried Noni fruits and seeds exhibit promising bioactivity, making them potentially valuable candidates for further investigation and the development of natural remedies for various health conditions, including cancer.

In this study, we investigate the associations between Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and gut microbiota in a sample of the Spanish population. The exploration of these connections is of great importance as VDR plays a crucial role in mediating the biological effects of vitamin D, and the gut microbiota is known to influence various aspects of human health. By analyzing genetic variations in the VDR gene and their potential impact on gut microbial composition, we aim to shed light on the interplay between these factors in the context of the Spanish population.

We recruited a total of 87 healthy participants (57 men and 30 women), aged between 18 and 48 years. To ensure homogeneity and eliminate potential confounding factors, exclusion criteria were applied, including any form of pathology within six months prior to the study, previous gastrointestinal surgery, antibiotics intake within three months prior to the study, smoking, usage of prebiotics, probiotics, or nutritional supplements, being vegetarian or vegan, and pregnancy or lactation. All participants were of Caucasian ethnicity and residing in Spain.

To test if we were having a homogeneous sample representative of the Spanish population, conditions for checking Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for the VDR (rs2731236). Allelic discrimination analysis was performed with predesigned Applied Biosystems TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays: and the StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR system from ThermoFisher Scientific. The SNP exact test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was conducted for the entire population and separately for males and females. The whole population (p-value=0.071), as well as the male (p-value=0.52) and female (p-value=0.24) subgroups, were all in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for the studied SNP.

The samples were analyzed using a metataxonomic approach based on the V3-V4 regions for sequencing. Anthropometric measures, as well as dietary habits, were also studied. Statistical analysis was carried out using QIIME2 v2019.10, SPSS software v26.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL), and the R statistical package v4.1.1.

No differences were found in both body composition parameters and diet.

LEfSe (Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size) statistical analysis shows that the GG genotype is enriched in the g__Solobacterium whilst the AA genotype was enriched in g__Victivallaceae g__Moryella g__Enterococcus f__Enterococcaceae p__Desulfobacterota c__Desulfovibrionia o__Desulfovibrionales f__Desulfovibrionaceae f__Selenomonadaceae and f__Ruminococcaceae.

These findings suggest that genetic variations may influence gut microbiota composition, leading to different associations with specific microbial taxa. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the potential impact of these microbial variations on human health and disease.

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroid hormones responsible for increasing the intestinal absorption of important minerals including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphate (PO₄^2-), and maintaining their homeostasis to support bone metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency is becoming common in developed countries; specifically, about 30-40% of the general population in the United Kingdom (UK) has been reported to have vitamin D deficiency during winter months, representing a public health risk. The aim was two-fold: a) to assess the dietary intake of vitamin D in a young population of university students at De Montfort University (DMU, UK), to identify potential deficiencies in this relevant group of the population, who are little studied in epidemiological studies; b) to investigate the effectiveness of a previously validated food frequency questionnaire (specifically the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Norfolk Food Frequency Questionnaire, EPIC-Norfolk FFQ), which was specifically tailored to include individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, as DMU has a diverse student population mainly comprised of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups. Comprehensive nutrient intake was collected from 111 (20.45 ± 1.16 yrs-old; 78 female) DMU students between 2015-16 from three major ethnic backgrounds (41 Asia, 41 Africa, 27 Europe). Questionnaires were processed with Nutritics dietary software. The dietary intake of vitamin D was slightly higher in male participants (4.287 vs. 3.853 µg/day; p-value=0.196), which could be attributed to the generally higher intake of food products rich in this vitamin, specifically fish (72.656 vs. 53.907 g/day; p-value=0.826), eggs (17.625 vs. 16.998 g/day; p-value=0.860), and meat (271.553 vs. 193.063 g/day; p-value=0.016) in male students. However, our results should be considered as preliminary as further analysis will need to analyse further potential differences in the intake of types of fish and meat, as oily fish and red meat are the food products with the highest content of vitamin D. Moreover, the intake of vitamins and supplements should also be considered in further studies as they can affect the dietary intakes of micronutrients. The dietary intakes of vitamin D recorded are lower than the recommended amount of 10 µg/day by the UK’s National Health Service and much lower than the 15 µg/day recommended dietary allowance described by the US’s National Institutes of Health. The ranges recorded for males (0.252-10.719 µg/day) and females (0.338-18.151 µg/day) highlight that some DMU individuals would be at risk of vitamin D deficiency that should be further explored by measuring levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D to identify individuals at risk, especially in males. Moreover, the intakes did not show statistical differences according to ethnic background [Asian (3.708) < African (4.109) < European (4.199); all in µg/day], which might reflect poor and similar dietary habit/choices when they transition from home into university regardless of their ethnic background. A higher intake of foods naturally rich and fortified in vitamin D may be recommended in university students.

This literature overview describes the potential benefits associated with the integration of precision nutrition and artificial intelligence (AI). PubMed was searched up until June 2023 to identify clinical studies that focused on AI dietary apps used in precision nutrition. The search yielded a total of 198 results, out of which 7 clinical studies were deemed relevant and included in this analysis. These studies examined some applications of AI mobile apps in various areas, including regulating nutrient intake, aiding in weight loss, enhancing dietary treatments for chronic diseases, and predicting metabolic parameters such as glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. Despite some limitations, the findings indicated that these apps demonstrated a satisfactory level of accuracy in accomplishing their intended tasks. The advantages and limitations of utilizing AI-based tools for nutritional support are then discussed. In conclusion, the integration of precision nutrition and AI presents transformative opportunities for personalized health. By harnessing the computational power of AI, researchers and healthcare practitioners can unlock the potential of large-scale data analysis for tailored dietary interventions.

Understanding the optimal diet for human health and its impact on the planet has been a subject of extensive research (Craig, 2022, Feiertag et al., 2023). In recent years, a consensus has emerged that a plant-based diet, rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds, offers significant health benefits and contributes to environmental sustainability (Willett et al., 2019; Springmann et al., 2018). This dietary pattern has been linked to the prevention and management of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Furthermore, adopting plant-based eating habits can help mitigate the environmental impact of food production by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural resources (Jeyakumar et al., 2021). However, despite the availability of well-defined dietary guidelines, the long-term adherence and effectiveness of nutritional therapies remain challenging (Sacks et al., 2021; Ash et al., 2019). Individual variability in response to dietary interventions necessitates a personalized approach to nutrition, considering factors such as genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle. Within the realm of personalized nutrition, exploring gender differences in taste preferences and food habits holds significant potential for tailoring dietary recommendations to improve compliance and achieve desirable health outcomes.

The study sample consisted of 2,021 subjects (1,276 females and 745 males) enrolled in a weight-loss intervention at an obesity center in Rome, Italy. Exclusion criteria included age below 12 years or above 75 years, pregnancy or nursing, body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m² or above 40 kg/m², and any previous lifestyle treatment. Eating behaviours were assessed using a questionnaire composed of 12 questions concerning food habits, 17 concerning food taste, and four about healthy eating.

Results revealed significant gender-specific differences in dietary habits and taste preferences. Women showed a higher preference for whole grain foods, cereals such as barley, cooked vegetables, and liked salty foods more than sweet foods. On the other hand, men had lower consumption of eggs, meat, and processed meat. Women consumed more water, sugar-sweetened beverages, and alcoholic drinks compared to men. Men exhibited faster eating habits, more nighttime eating, and poorer sleep quality. Additionally, women reported missing more meals and experiencing more uncontrollable eating episodes. Men tended to eat out more frequently and had a tendency to be hungrier later in the day.

These findings emphasize the need for gender-specific approaches to promote a healthy lifestyle. Tailored programs considering the distinct dietary habits, taste preferences, and eating behaviors of men and women could prove more effective in supporting individuals in achieving their health and wellness goals. Furthermore, the study highlights the influence of societal perceptions, such as body weight ideals, on nutritional behavior and underscores the importance of considering social factors in understanding and addressing gender-related differences in eating behavior. Integrating the knowledge obtained from nutriomics approaches with the investigation of gender differences in taste and food habits offers a holistic understanding of the complex interactions between genetics, diet, and gender-specific responses. Such insights can inform the design of precision nutrition strategies that account for individual variations in taste preferences, nutrient metabolism, and genetic profiles, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and long-term adherence of personalized nutrition interventions.

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Springmann, M., Wiebe, K., Mason-D'Croz, D., et al. (2018). Health and nutritional aspects of sustainable diet strategies and their association with environmental impacts: a global modelling analysis with country-level detail. The Lancet Planetary Health, 2(10), e451-e461. doi:10.1016/S2542-5196(18)30206-7

Willett, W., Rockström, J., Loken, B., et al. (2019). Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems. The Lancet, 393(10170), 447-492. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31788-4