Whey protein supplementation reduced the liver damage scores of rats fed with a high fat-high fructose diet.

Different functional foods with bioactive nutrients are being explored for the management of NAFLD. Whey proteins are rich in bioactive peptides and are suggested to show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We aim to test the hypothesis that the whey protein supplementation following a high fat-high fructose (HFHF) diet would protect against liver damage, inflammation, endotoxemia and steatosis in male Wistar rats. 36 rats were randomized into four groups for 8 weeks as the HFHF diet group, HFHF diet and whey protein isolate (WPI-200mg/kg/day) group (HFHF+WPI), control (C) group, and C+WPI (200mg/kg/day) group. Rats fed with a HFHF diet had higher final body weight compared to C and C+WPI groups (p = 0.002). Thus, WPI showed no significant effects for the body weight of rats with a HFHF diet. On the other hand, the HFHF+WPI group had significantly lower abdominal circumference when compared with the HFHF group (p<0,001). Higher serum CRP levels were observed in the groups with a HFHF diet (p<0,001) and WPI supplementation showed no effects on CRP levels. Whey protein supplementation resulted with lower total liver damage score in HFHF+WPI group compared with the HFHF diet group (p<0,001). Conversely, higher liver damage scores were observed with the C+WPI group compared to C group (p<0,001). HFHF diet resulted with higher expression of TLR-4 in the liver meanwhile WPI supplementation showed no effects on liver TLR-4 expression. We observed higher colon Occludin expression in HFHF+WPI and C+WPI groups compared with HFHF and C groups (p<0,001). Our results showed that, whey protein supplementation might help improve liver damage associated with a high fat-high fructose diet and increase the expression of Occludin in the small intestine and colon.

Intake of dietary advanced glycation end products may be associated with depression and sleep quality in young adults.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the relationship between dietary intake of advanced glycation end products (dAGEs) and depression and sleep quality in young adults. METHODS: This study, which included 420 university students (F = 80.2 %; M = 19.8 %), is observational and cross-sectional. Dietary AGEs intakes of individuals were taken with a 24-h food consumption record system. Measuring the depression status of the participants was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the assessment of their sleep quality was evaluated with the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Individuals' dAGEs intakes were divided into three equal groups (low, medium, and high). The energy was adjusted in all analyzes of dAGEs intake. Study data were analyzed with the SPSS (27.0 version) and GraphPad program (8.0 version). RESULTS: The BDI and PSQI total score averages of individuals in the high dAGEs intake group were higher than the other groups, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There is no significant difference between individuals' dAGEs intakes and energy and macronutrient intakes. Students' dAGEs intake was affected by BDI (ß = 0.722, 95 % Cl = 0.639;0.811) and PSQI (ß = 0.286, 95 % Cl = 0.179;0.431) scores (p < 0.001). This effect persisted even when various confounding factors were included (age, gender, smoking, body mass index, chronic disease) (p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: These data are cross-sectional, which limits the generalizability of results and establishing cause-effect relationships. CONCLUSION: There may be an association between dAGEs intake and the development of depression and sleep quality in young adults. Clinical intervention studies using objective measurement methods should be conducted on this issue in the future.

Whey proteins as a functional food: Health effects, functional properties, and applications in food.

Functional foods are defined as foods and ingredients that exhibit health benefits beyond their nutritional value. Research on functional foods is increasing rapidly as they may help prevent and manage some non-communicable diseases. Whey proteins are recognized as a high-quality nutrient source and known to contain some bioactive components. They are rich in essential amino acids such as cysteine, branched-chain amino acids such as leucine, valine, and isoleucine, and bioactive peptides. Whey proteins look promising as a potential functional food, given its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure lowering, anti-obesity, and appetite suppressing effects that is discussed in the literature. Whey proteins also show functional properties that play an essential role in food processing as an emulsifier, fat-replacer, gelling and encapsulating agent and are known to improve sensory and textural characteristics of food. This review focuses on the functional food aspects of whey proteins, associated health effects, and current food applications.

Current literature suggests the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and blood-pressure-lowering effects of whey proteins.Whey proteins are rich in essential amino acids and bioactive peptides.Whey proteins can improve textural and sensory characteristics of food with its physiochemical properties.Developing a novel functional food that includes whey proteins may potentially address some non-communicable diseases and may have additional benefits regarding sensory and textural characteristics.

Possible effects of dietary advanced glycation end products on maternal and fetal health: a review.

Excessive accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the body has been associated with many adverse health conditions. The common point of the pathologies associated at this point is oxidative stress and inflammation. Pregnancy is an important period in which many physiological, psychological, and biological changes are experienced. Along with the physiological changes that occur during this period, the mother maintaining an AGE-rich diet may cause an increase in the body's AGE pool and may increase oxidative stress and inflammation, as seen in healthy individuals. Studies have reported the negative effects of maternal AGE levels on maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. Although gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, endothelial dysfunction, and pelvic diseases constitute maternal complications, a number of pathological conditions such as intrauterine growth retardation, premature birth, neural tube defect, neurobehavioral developmental disorders, fetal death, and neonatal asphyxia constitute fetal complications. It is thought that the mechanisms of these complications have not been confirmed yet and more clinical studies are needed on this subject. The possible effects of dietary AGE levels during pregnancy on maternal and fetal health are examined in this review.

The relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity, clinical parameters, and oxidative stress in fibromyalgia syndrome: A novel point of view.

Objectives: This study aims to reveal the relationship between serum total antioxidant status (TAS), clinical parameters, and nutrition (dietary total antioxidant capacity [TAC]) in patients with fibromyalgia. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 60 female participants (mean age: 44.7±9.7 years; range, 18 to 50 years) at Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital between July 2020 and February 2021. Thirty female patients with fibromyalgia were compared with 30 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched healthy individuals. The short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index were used. Total antioxidant status, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured. Dietary TAC was calculated using the ferric reducing ability of plasma according to a food frequency questionnaire. Results: Total antioxidant status showed no significant difference between groups (p=0.080). Total oxidant status and OSI were significantly higher in the patient group (p<0.001 and p=0.005, respectively). The mean dietary TAC was 16.5±6.5 in the patient group and 17.2±6.2 in the control group, and it was similar between groups (p=0.492). Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index global score was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p<0.001). Dietary TAC showed a moderate positive correlation with serum TAS in both groups (r=0.373, p=0.042 for the patient group, and r=0.380, p=0.038 for the control group). In the patient group, TOS and OSI showed a moderate positive correlation with FIQ total scores (r=0.420, p=0.021 and r=0.450, p=0.013, respectively). The mean polyunsaturated fatty acid and omega-6 intake of the patient group was significantly lower than the control group (p=0.025 for both). Dietary antioxidant intake from vegetables (p=0.025), legumes/nuts (p=0.049), and meat (p<0.001) was significantly lower, whereas dietary antioxidant intake from cereal and potatoes was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p=0.028). Conclusion: The results indicate that oxidative stress can be reduced by increasing dietary antioxidant intake in fibromyalgia.

Effects of prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin on gut-derived uremic toxins and disease progression in rats with adenine-induced chronic kidney disease.

Recent studies suggest that dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases gut-derived uremic toxins (GDUT) generation, leads to systemic inflammation, reactive oxygen species generation, and poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation on GDUT levels, inflammatory and antioxidant parameters, renal damage, and intestinal barrier function in adenine-induced CKD rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control group (CTL, n = 12) fed with standard diet; and CKD group (n = 16) given adenine (200 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage for 3-weeks to induce CKD. At the 4th week, CKD rats were subdivided into prebiotic supplementation (5g/kg/day) for four consecutive weeks (CKD-Pre, n = 8). Also, the control group was subdivided into two subgroups; prebiotic supplemented (CTL-Pre, n = 6) and non-supplemented group (CTL, n = 6). Results showed that prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation did not significantly reduce serum indoxyl sulfate (IS) but did significantly reduce serum p-Cresyl sulfate (PCS) (p = 0.002) in CKD rats. Prebiotic supplementation also reduced serum urea (p = 0.008) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels (p = 0.001), ameliorated renal injury, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (p = 0.002) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p = 0.001) in renal tissues of CKD rats. No significant changes were observed in colonic epithelial tight junction proteins claudin-1 and occludin in the CKD-Pre group. In adenine-induced CKD rats, oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation resulted in a reduction in serum urea and PCS levels, enhancement of the antioxidant activity in the renal tissues, and retardation of the disease progression.

Comparison of daily bisphenol A intake based on dietary and urinary levels in breastfeeding women.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an artificial chemical, and one of the significant external routes of daily BPA exposure is diet. Dietary BPA exposure can be calculated by urinary BPA concentration and dietary recall data. This cross-sectional study investigates exclusively breastfeeding women's BPA exposure by urinary total BPA concentration and nutritional records, including the 24 h Dietary Recall (HDR) and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). In this study, we included exclusively breastfeeding, healthy women volunteers (n = 80; 18-40 years), collected spot-morning urine samples and conducted a comprehensive face-to-face survey. Moreover, the women's urine BPA concentration was adjusted according to their urine creatinine concentrations. We assessed dietary BPA intake with the 24HDR and FFQ. Estimated daily BPA exposure according to urinary output volume and urinary creatinine concentration median values were 0.0507 and 0.06 µg/kg bw/day, respectively. Moreover, dietary BPA daily intake was found to be 0.17 and 0.95 µg/kg bw/day according to 24HDR data and FFQ data. The milk and dairy product group's and soft drinks group's contributions to the daily intake of BPA were 55.9 % and 25.92 %, respectively. The hazard ratio for BPA exposure was within limits according to references, including US EPA, Health Canada, and EFSA. This study indicates that BPA exposure, based on both total urinary BPA concentration and dietary recall data, was within the recommended daily intake level (4 µg/kg bw/day). However, further studies are required to understand the influence of seasonal, multicentre, and socioeconomic differences on BPA exposure.

Osteopontin Levels in Human Milk Are Related to Maternal Nutrition and Infant Health and Growth.

Background: Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycosylated phosphoprotein found in human tissues and body fluids. OPN in breast milk is thought to play a major role in growth and immune system development in early infancy. Here, we investigated maternal factors that may affect concentrations of OPN in breast milk, and the possible associated consequences for the health of neonates. Methods: General characteristics, health status, dietary patterns, and anthropometric measurements of 85 mothers and their babies were recorded antenatally and during postnatal follow-up. Results: The mean concentration of OPN in breast milk was 137.1 ± 56.8 mg/L. Maternal factors including smoking, BMI, birth route, pregnancy weight gain, and energy intake during lactation were associated with OPN levels (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were determined between body weight, length, and head circumference, respectively, and OPN levels after one (r = 0.442, p = < 0.001; r = -0.284, p = < 0.001; r = -0.392, p = < 0.001) and three months (r = 0.501, p = < 0.001; r = -0.450, p = < 0.001; r = -0.498, p = < 0.001) of lactation. A negative relation between fever-related infant hospitalizations from 0-3 months and breast milk OPN levels (r = -0.599, p < 0.001) was identified. Conclusions: OPN concentrations in breast milk differ depending on maternal factors, and these differences can affect the growth and immune system functions of infants. OPN supplementation in infant formula feed may have benefits and should be further investigated.

Bisphenol A Exposure in Exclusively Breastfed Infants and Lactating Women: An Observational Cross-sectional Study

Objective: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a known endocrine disruptor and free BPA will interact with estrogen. BPA is also fat soluble and will therefore contaminate breast milk. The European Food Safety Authority has set a limit for temporary tolerable daily intake of 4 µg/kg body weight/day in breastfeeding infants. The aim of this study was to measure human milk BPA concentrations in Turkish women and thus exclusively breastfed infants' exposure to BPA. Methods: Healthy, postnatal, exclusively breastfeeding women were recruited and breast milk samples were collected. Free BPA concentration was analyzed in the milk samples using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants' demographic characteristics and nutritional habits were investigated through face-to-face interviews using a detailed questionnaire. Results: Eighty women participated. Median milk free BPA level was 0.63 µg/L. There was no statistically significant association between maternal body mass index, birth type, parity, infant birth week, infant birth weight, and human milk BPA concentration. Nevertheless, there was a significant association between human milk BPA level and consumption of fast-food and carbonated drinks (p=0.022 and p=0.018, respectively). Exclusively breastfed infants' mean BPA exposure was 0.0099±0.0079 µg/kg bw/day. There was a moderate negative significant correlation between infant BPA exposure and infant current body weight (r=0.327, p=0.003). Conclusion: BPA exposure in exclusively breastfed infants was within accepted limits and the current dietary exposure level of infants in this cohort was safe.

Nesfatin-1: A novel regulatory peptide associated with acute myocardial infarction and Mediterranean diet.

We evaluated the relationship between nesfatin-1 and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and Mediterranean diet scores. 67 patients with AMI and 33 patients with normal coronary arteries (control group) were included in the study. The patients with AMI were divided into 2 groups based on low (<32) (n = 33) and high values of the synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with Taxus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) scores (≥34) (n = 35). Mediterranean diet score, serum nesfatin-1 concentrations and all other data were compared between the groups. Serum nesfatin-1 concentrations were significantly lower in 67 AMI patients (both the high and low SYNTAX groups) than in the control group (p < 0.001). Moreover, serum nesfatin-1 concentrations were lower in the high SYNTAX group than those in the low SYNTAX group (p < 0.001). There were positive correlations between the serum nesfatin-1 concentrations and Mediterranean diet scores in both the AMI patients and the control subjects, and there was a negative correlation between the serum nesfatin-1 concentrations and SYNTAX scores in the AMI patients. This study has shown that serum nesfatin-1 concentrations are closely related to the severity of AMI and Mediterranean diet scores.

Lower vitamin D levels during the second trimester are associated with developing gestational diabetes mellitus: an observational cross-sectional study.

In this study, we aimed to compare serum 25(OH)D levels in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to identify the serum 25(OH)D levels associated with GDM. We recruited 40 women with GDM and 40 healthy pregnant women, aged 20-40 years and in the second trimester, at Gulhane Education and Research Hospital. We excluded women with chronic diseases, preeclampsia, pre-GDM, multiple pregnancies, and those taking medications related to calcium or vitamin D metabolism. We took anthropometric measurements and blood samples during the second trimester. Of the 80 pregnant women, pre-pregnancy body mass index was significantly higher among the GDM group than the healthy group (26.4 ± 5.73 kg/m2 vs. 22.6 ± 3.56 kg/m2, p = .001). Serum 25(OH)D levels in women with GDM were significantly lower than those in healthy women (16.8 ± 9.90 ng/mL vs. 20.9 ± 8.16 ng/mL, p = .016). The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency was as high as 72.5% among women in the GDM group, with a 1.74-fold increased risk of deficient status. Levels of 25(OH)D lower than a cutoff value of 14.0 ng/mL were determined to be related to GDM. These study results suggest that maternal vitamin D deficiency in mid-pregnancy is significantly associated with development of GDM.

Association Between Magnesium Status, Dietary Magnesium Intake, and Metabolic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Hypomagnesemia could worsen glycemic control by impairing insulin release and promoting insulin resistance. On the contrary, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may induce and/or exacerbate low serum magnesium levels, and this could, in turn, worsen glycemic control of diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum magnesium level, dietary magnesium intake, and metabolic control parameters in patients with T2DM. METHODS: The study included 119 patients with T2DM (26 male, 93 female; mean age 54.7 ± 8.4 years). Serum magnesium level was measured by spectrophotometric method. Magnesium intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken. The General Linear Model procedure was applied to determine the relationship of serum magnesium with quantitative variables. RESULTS: Of the 119 patients, 23.5% of the patients had inadequate magnesium intake (lower than 67% of the recommended daily allowance), and 18.5% had hypomagnesemia. In patients with hypomagnesemia (< 0.75 mmol/l), serum levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), and serum glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were higher compared to patients with normomagnesemia. FPG levels were significantly higher in patients with hypomagnesemia in Model 1 (179.0 ± 64.9 vs. 148.7 ± 52.0 mg/dl, p = 0.009) but the significance disappeared in other models. PPG levels were significantly higher in patients with hypomagnesemia in all models (287.9 ± 108.4 vs. 226.8 ± 89.4 mg/dl, p = 0.006 for Model 1, p = 0.027 for Model 2, p = 0.016 for Model 3). Serum HbA1c levels were significantly higher in patients with hypomagnesemia, and this significance proceeded (8.0 ± 1.9% vs. 6.5 ± 1.2%, p = 0.000 for all models). Body fat mass was significantly higher in patients with hypomagnesemia as compared to patients with normomagnesemia in model 3 (35.4 ± 9.4 kg, 34.6 ± 10.2 kg; p = 0.034). Dietary magnesium intake was not significantly associated with either metabolic parameters or anthropometric measurements. CONCLUSION: Hypomagnesemia in T2DM is directly associated with poor metabolic control. Clinical assessment should, therefore, focus on augmentation of magnesium status and adequate magnesium intake in patients with T2DM.

The Potential Role of Dietary Antioxidant Capacity in Preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disorder among people aged ≥50 years. Some dietary factors associated with the susceptibility to AMD include dietary glycemic index and glycemic load, as well as intake of antioxidants and other nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fatty acids. Methods: This case-control study was conducted between July 2015 and February 2016 on 100 case subjects with AMD and 100 healthy controls without AMD. The participants were recruited from the Department of Ophthalmology of Hacettepe University Hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. Dietary intake was estimated from a 3-day food intake record and food frequency questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. The relationship between nutritional factors and AMD was assessed using logistic regression. Results: Dietary total antioxidant intake of AMD group was found to be lower (p < 0.05) than that of healthy individuals. In a multivariate analysis, smoking, daily red meat intake, omega-6 intake, and higher glycemic index were identified as risk factors for AMD development. Meanwhile, daily fruit intake, daily fish intake, omega-3 intake, and zinc intake were associated with a protective effect. However, no difference was found in dietary total antioxidant capacity. Conclusions: In this study, a high dietary intake of carotenoids, vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3, as well as maintaining optimal waist circumference, were found to substantially reduce the risk of developing AMD in people aged >50 years. By contrast, in addition to smoking and old age, obesity, high red meat intake, and omega-6 intake might increase the risk of developing AMD. Therefore, a better understanding of nutritional risk factors is necessary for preventing AMD.

The Relationship between Nesfatin-1 Levels and SYNTAX Score in Patients with Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Nesfatin-1 is a novel anorectic neuropeptide with potent metabolic regulatory effects. It regulates blood pressure, heart rate, cardiomyocyte metabolism and permeability. SYNTAX score, which is an angiographic scoring system, defines the grade and complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between nesfatin-1 level and severity of CAD according to the SYNTAX score in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). METHODS: A total of 109 subjects were enrolled into the study, of whom 80 underwent coronary angiography (CA) with the diagnosis of NSTEMI and 29 had normal coronary arteries detected in CA. NSTEMI patients were divided into 2 groups: low SYNTAX score (< 32) (45 patients) and high SYNTAX score (≥ 32) (35 patients). RESULTS: The NSTEMI patients with a high SYNTAX score (score ≥ 32) had a lower serum nesfatin-1 level (62 pg/ml; 39-98) compared to the NSTEMI patients with a low SYNTAX score (score < 32) (138 pg/ml; 65-286) and the control group (392 pg/ml; 178-1320). There was also a negative correlation between serum nesfatin-1 level and SYNTAX score (r = -0.594, p < 0.001). A lower serum level of nesfatin-1 (odds ratio = 0.116; 95% confidence interval: 0.138- 0.094; p < 0.001) was an independent predictor for high SYNTAX score in the NSTEMI patients after multiple linear regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Serum nesfatin-1 level was lower in the high SYNTAX group than in the low SYNTAX group in patients with NSTEMI. Nesfatin-1could have a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic burden in patients with NSTEMI.

Impact of three different plate colours on short-term satiety and energy intake: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Plate colour was previously shown to alter the amount of food consumption due to its environmental effect on food intake. However, different studies have indicated that the effect of plate colour cannot be generalized. In light of this finding, the main objective of this study was to determine whether food consumption during an open buffet meal was different when using same-sized white, red or black plates. METHODS: This study was a crossover study conducted with 54 female participants aged 18-30 years with normal BMIs. On experimental days, participants ate a standard breakfast and were then randomly assigned to eat ad libitum lunch (pasta with tomato sauce and soft drinks) using white, red or black plates. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores on satiety outcomes were measured for all meals. Energy and macronutrient intake during lunch was recorded. RESULTS: The results showed that plate colour exerted a significant effect on food intake during the test days (p = 0.021). The average total energy intake with red (1102.16 ± 47.12 kcal, p = 0.05) and black plates (1113.19 ± 47.12 kcal, p = 0.034) was significantly increased when compared to that with white plates (945.72 ± 47.12 kcal). There were no differences between red and black plates (p = 0.985). Overall, mean VAS scores did not indicate a significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Plate colour may be a crucial determinant of energy intake.

Nesfatin-1 levels in patients with slow coronary flow.

BACKGROUND: Nesfatin-1 is a novel anorectic neuropeptide with potent metabolic regulatory effects. AIM: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between nesfatin-1 levels and slow coronary flow (SCF). METHODS: A total of 60 consecutive patients with SCF and 60 consecutive patients with normal coronary flow (NCF) were enrolled into the study. Nesfatin-1 level was measured from blood serum samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. RESULTS: Serum nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in the SCF group compared to the NCF group (p < 0.001). Low levels of nesfatin-1 were found to be significantly and independently associated with the SCF (odds ratio 0.982, 95% confidence interval 0.969-0.995, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that serum nesfatin-1 level was lower in the SCF group than in the NCF group. Nesfatin-1 could play a role in the pathogenesis of SCF phenomenon with mechanisms such as inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Further studies are needed to determine the relation between SCF and nesfatin-1.

Chia seed (Salvia Hispanica L.) added yogurt reduces short-term food intake and increases satiety: randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Several studies have reported that consumption of Salvia Hispanica L.,commonly known as chia seed, may exert beneficial effects on health outcomes. The main purpose of this study was to examine the influence of chia seed consumption as a mid-morning snack on short-term satiety. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Subjects (n = 24) were tested using a randomized, cross-over design consisting of three mid-morning snacks. Yogurt with no chia seed, yogurt with 7 g chia seed, and yogurt with 14 g chia seed were given to subjects on different test days. After subjects were asked to report visual analog scale (VAS) scores on sensory outcomes, ad libitum lunch was served, and energy intake of individuals was measured. RESULTS: VAS scores indicated that participants reported significantly lower scores for hunger (P = 0.033), prospective food consumption (P = 0.031), amounts of food that could be consumed (P = 0.017), desire for sugary foods (P = 0.015), and higher scores for satiety (P = 0.031) on the test days with 7 g and 14 g chia seed. Energy intake of individuals during ad libitum lunch was significantly lower when they consumed yogurt with 7 g or 14 g chia seed (P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that chia seed consumption as a mid-morning snack may induce short-term satiety in healthy individuals.

Trends in fluid consumption and beverage choices among adults reveal preferences for ayran and black tea in central Turkey.

AIM: Beverages are globally significant sources of water in the diet. There is a lack of knowledge about fluid intake from beverage and water consumption in Turkey. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the type of drinks preferred at meals and snacks as well as the daily fluid, beverage and water intakes based on age and gender. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 3411 randomly chosen adult participants (n = 1522 male, n = 1919 female) representing the general profile of central Turkey. The survey consisted of a demographic/personal information questionnaire, 24-hour dietary recalls and mealtime-based beverage frequency questionnaires. Body weights and heights were measured. RESULTS: Daily average total fluid consumption was 2270 mL/day, of which water was 1470 mL/day, and other beverages were 800 mL/day. More than 90% of the participants drank black tea at breakfast and snacks. For lunch and dinner, young participants' major choices were carbonated soft drinks followed by ayran (diluted salty plain yoghurt); middle aged and older participants' choices were ayran followed by black tea. Carbonated soft drinks were preferred over ayran in subjects aged 19-39 years. CONCLUSIONS: Older participants prefer healthy, traditional choices such as ayran and black tea, but younger participants prefer high energy-containing drinks with low nutritional value. Thus, this unique information contributes to the data on beverage consumption patterns in different countries and might be useful for increasing consumption of nutritious fluids and decreasing sugar usage in Turkey.

Evaluation of dietary habits during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy is a special period of increased nutritional needs during which conscious nutritional support is required. Insufficient and imbalanced nutrition in this period of life causes serious conditions that affect both child and mother. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between pregnancy and nutrition/nutritional habits during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive study, a questionnaire was conducted on a voluntary basis to pregnant women who were admitted to the Pregnancy Outpatient Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital. Questions about general information, pregnancy-related information, thoughts and knowledge about breastfeeding, nutritional habits, and meal frequency were asked to pregnant women. Three hundred fourteen questionnaires were assessed in the study. SPSS for Windows Version 16.0 and MS-Excel 2007 were used for statistical evaluations. P<0.05 was accepted as statistical significance. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant relationship between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and number of pregnancies; level of education and income levels; number of children and history of caesarian section as an additional problem within previous pregnancies. The change of nutritional habits during pregnancy was examined; we found that consumption of fruits (51%) and vegetables (40.8%) increased the most, while intake of tea (26.1%) and redmeat (21%) mainly decreased during pregnancy. It was found that during pregnancy 20.4% of pregnant women had never consumed fish, 13.1% abstained from red meat, and 12.4% excluded white meat from their diet. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this study will help to raise awareness about adequate and balanced nutrition during pregnancy and to define special nutritional recommendations.

Effects of a traditional fermented grape-based drink 'hardaliye' on antioxidant status of healthy adults: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The antioxidative effects of the traditional grape-based beverage, hardaliye, were investigated with a 40-day randomized controlled clinical trial on 89 healthy adults. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups: high hardaliye (HH), low hardaliye (LH) and control group. HH and LH groups consumed 500 mL and 250 mL hardaliye per day, respectively, and the control group did not consume any hardaliye. Dien conjugate (DC), malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin C, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and homocysteine concentrations were measured in fasting blood samples collected at baseline and after intervention. RESULTS: Significant decreases in DC, MDA and homocysteine concentrations were observed in HH and LH groups (P < 0.001) after intervention, whereas the control group showed no change. The reduction in homocysteine was significantly different between HH and LH groups (P < 0.001), except for DC and MDA. TAC and vitamin C were slightly increased; however, the change was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation with hardaliye affect the MDA, DC and homocysteine levels in blood, possibly due to the presence of antioxidant compounds. Dose response was only observed for homocysteine. Further studies need to be performed to assess the effects on antioxidant capacity.