Flavor and taste recognition impairments in people with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Adherence to dietary recommendations is a critical component in the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Taste and flavor significantly influence food choices. The aim of this study was to investigate taste sensitivity and flavor recognition ability in adults with T1D compared to healthy individuals. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Seventy-two people with T1D and 72 matched healthy controls participated in the study. Participants underwent the gustometry test for sweet, sour, salty, and bitter tastes and the flavor test, which consisted of oral administration of aqueous aromatic solutions identifying 21 different compounds. RESULTS: Participants with T1D had significantly lower flavor scores and gustometry scores than controls (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0063, respectively). T1D individuals showed a lower perception of sour, bitter and salty tastes than controls, while the perception of sweet taste was similar. The sex differences and age-related decline in flavor perception observed in controls were not present in the participants with T1D. Neither BMI nor disease-related parameters such as fasting blood glucose on the day of the study, glycosylated hemoglobin, age at onset of diabetes, duration of diabetes, or type of insulin treatment (insulin pump or multiple daily injections) correlated with flavor and taste perception in the T1D participants. CONCLUSIONS: Flavor and taste perception are impaired in adults with T1D, potentially affecting dietary adherence and food choices. This highlights the need for further research into the mechanisms underlying sensory changes in T1D and emphasizes the importance of targeted dietary interventions to improve health outcomes and quality of life in this population.

Low- versus High-Glycemic Index Mediterranean-Style Eating Patterns Improved Some Domains of Health-Related Quality of Life but Not Sleep in Adults at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: The MEDGICarb Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: A healthy eating pattern such as the Mediterranean-style healthy eating pattern (MED-HEP) is associated with favorable effects on both cardiometabolic risk markers and self-reported health outcomes. Limited evidence exists regarding the influence of the glycemic index (GI) of carbohydrate foods consumed within a healthy eating pattern on self-reported health status and sleep. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of a low- compared with high-GI MED-HEP on changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and sleep. METHODS: The MEDGICarb-intervention trial is a 12-wk randomized, controlled, parallel multi-center trial in adults with ≥2 features of the metabolic syndrome. Participants consumed an eu-energetic diet profiled as a MED-HEP with either low GI (experimental) or high GI (control). HRQoL and sleep were measured with Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form health survey version 2, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale at baseline and postintervention. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty adults with ≥2 features of the metabolic syndrome completed the intervention [53% females, age 56 ± 10 y, body mass index (kg/m2) 31.0 ± 3.1]. Low- compared with high-GI MED-HEP resulted in differential changes between the groups in the HRQoL domains role physical [5.6 ± 2.2 arbitrary units (AU) compared with -2.5 ± 2.5 AU) and vitality (6.9 ± 1.7 AU compared with 0.0 ± 1.8 AU] (P < 0.05), which were driven mostly by improvements in the low-GI group. There were no significant differences between the MED-HEPs for changes in aggregated physical or mental components or for the other individual domains of HRQoL (physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, social functioning, role emotional, and mental health) or for sleep quality or daytime sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS: Low compared to high GI in the context of a MED-HEP resulted in modest improvements in some, but not all, health domains of HRQoL. No major differences were seen between the groups for measures of sleep. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03410719.

Eating habits and sleep quality in individuals with type 1 diabetes on continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sleep disorders are bidirectionally linked with eating behaviors and glucose metabolism, which could be clinically relevant in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We investigated the relationship between dietary habits and sleep quality in individuals with T1D on insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). METHODS AND RESULTS: In a cross-sectional study, dietary habits (7-day food diary, EPIC questionnaire) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire) were assessed in 59 men and 58 women with T1D, aged 19-79 years, using CGM and insulin pump. Differences in dietary habits and blood glucose after dinner (6 h) between participants differing in sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep onset latency were evaluated. Bad Sleepers (n = 81) were twice as prevalent as Good Sleepers (n = 36) and had a significantly higher intake of fat than Good Sleepers (dinner: 30.7 ± 10.7 vs. 24.0 ± 10.5 g, p = 0.004). Short sleepers had a significantly higher usual intake (g/1000 kcal) of coffee and tea (90.4 ± 71.7 vs. 62.0 ± 35.6), alcoholic (47.8 ± 51.1 vs. 28.9 ± 31.5) and carbonated beverages (21.8 ± 38.1 vs. 9.3 ± 17.2) (p < 0.05 for all) than Long Sleepers. Long Sleep Onset Latency was associated with a significantly higher fat intake at dinner (41.8 ± 7.4 vs. 38.1 ± 9.1 % total energy, p = 0.029) than Short Sleep Onset Latency. No significant differences in post-dinner blood glucose levels were detected between participants with good or bad sleep quality. CONCLUSION: Sleep disruption is common in T1D and is associated with unhealthy dietary choices, especially at dinner, independently of post-dinner blood glucose control.

Clusters of adipose tissue dysfunction in adults with type 2 diabetes identify those with worse lipidomic profile despite similar glycaemic control.

AIMS: To investigate clusters of adipose tissue dysfunction, that is, with adipose tissue insulin resistance (ADIPO-IR) and large waist circumference (WC), identify a worse lipidomic profile characterised by a high proportion of lipids rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hierarchical clustering based on WC and ADIPO-IR (calculated as fasting plasma non-esterified fatty acids times fasting plasma insulin, FFA×INS), was performed in 192 adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with metformin (HbA1c = 7.8%). Free fatty acid composition and lipidomic profile were measured by mass spectrometry (GC-MS and LC-MSQTOF). Indexes of fatty acid desaturation (stearoyl-coA desaturase-1 activity, SCD116 = palmitoleic acid/palmitic acid and SCD118 = oleic acid/stearic acid) and of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were also calculated. RESULTS: Three clusters were identified: CL1 (ADIPO-IR = 4.9 ± 2.4 and WC = 96±7 cm, mean ± SD), CL2 (ADIPO-IR = 6.5 ± 2.5 and WC = 114 ± 7 cm), and CL3 (ADIPO-IR = 15.0 ± 4.7 and WC = 107 ± 8 cm). Insulin concentrations, ADIPO-IR, and HOMA-IR significantly increased from CL1 to CL3 (all p < 0.001), while fasting glucose concentrations, HbA1c, dietary lipids and caloric intake were similar. Moreover, CL3 showed significantly higher concentrations of monounsaturated free fatty acids, oleic and palmitoleic acids, triglycerides (TAG) rich in saturated FA and associated with de novo lipogenesis (i.e., TAG 46-50), higher SCD116, SCD118, ceramide (d18:0/18:0), and phosphatidylcholine aa(36:5) compared with CL1/CL2 (all p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: High ADIPO-IR and large WC identify a worse lipid profile in T2D characterised by complex lipids rich in SFA, likely due to de novo synthesis given higher plasma monounsaturated FFA and increased desaturase activity indexes. REGISTRATION NUMBER TRIAL: ID NCT00700856 https://clinicaltrials.gov.

Differential Effects of Two Isocaloric Healthy Diets on Postprandial Lipid Responses in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: High blood concentrations of triglycerides (TG) in the postprandial period have been shown to be more closely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than fasting values in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Dietary changes are the primary determinants of postprandial lipid responses. METHODS: We investigated the effects of an isocaloric multifactorial diet, rich in n-3 PUFA, MUFA, fiber, polyphenols, and vitamins, compared to an isocaloric diet, containing the same amount of MUFA, on the postprandial lipid response in T2D individuals. Following a randomized, controlled, parallel group design, 43 (25 male/18 female) T2D individuals were assigned to an isocaloric multifactorial (n = 21) or a MUFA-rich diet (n = 22). At the beginning and after the 8 weeks of dietary intervention, the concentrations of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol were detected at fasting and over a 4-h test meal with the same composition as the prescribed diet. RESULTS: The concentrations of fasting plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol did not change after both diets. Compared with the MUFA diet, the 8-week multifactorial diet significantly lowered the postprandial response, which was evaluated as the incremental area under the curve (iAUC), of triglycerides by 33% (64 ± 68 vs. 96 ± 50 mmol/L·240 min, mean ± SD, respectively, p = 0.018), total cholesterol by 105% (-51 ± 33 vs. -25 ± 29, p = 0.013), and non-HDL cholesterol by 206% (-39 ± 33 vs. -13 ± 23, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: In T2D individuals, a multifactorial diet, characterized by several beneficial components, improved the postprandial lipid response compared to a MUFA diet, generally considered a healthy diet being reduced in saturated fat, and probably contributed to the reduction of cardiovascular risk.

Effects on cardiovascular risk factors of a low- vs high-glycemic index Mediterranean diet in high cardiometabolic risk individuals: the MEDGI-Carb study.

BACKGROUND: The role of dietary Glycemic Index (GI), independently of fiber intake, in modulating cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among non-diabetic individuals has not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a low- versus a high-GI diet, based on a Mediterranean dietary pattern, on cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals at high CVD risk, participating in the MEDGI-Carb intervention study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 160 individuals, aged 30-69 years, BMI 25-37 kg/m2, with a waist circumference >102 cm (males) or >88 cm (females) and one feature of the metabolic syndrome, participated in a multi-national (Italy, Sweden, USA) randomized controlled parallel group trial. Participants were assigned to a low GI (< 55) or high-GI MedDiet ( > 70) for 12 weeks. The diets were isoenergetic and similar for available carbohydrate (270 g/d) and fiber (35 g/d) content. Fasting metabolic parameters were evaluated in the whole cohort, while an 8-h triglyceride profile (after standard breakfast and lunch) was evaluated only in the Italian cohort. RESULTS: Blood pressure and most fasting metabolic parameters improved at the end of the dietary intervention (time effect, p < 0.05 for all); however, no differences were observed between the low- and the high-GI MedDiet groups (time x group effect; p > 0.05 for all). Conversely, the low-GI diet, compared with high-GI diet, significantly reduced the 8-h triglyceride profile (p < 0.017, time*group effect) that was measured only in the Italian cohort. However, it induced a reduction of plasma triglycerides after lunch (tAUC) that was of only borderline statistically significance (p = 0.065). CONCLUSIONS: Consuming a low-GI in comparison with a high-GI MedDiet does not differentially affect the major cardiometabolic risk factors at fasting in individuals at increased cardiometabolic risk. Conversely, it could reduce postprandial plasma triglycerides. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: NCT03410719, ( https://clinicaltrials.gov ).

Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.

Evidence of associations between ultra-processed foods (UPF) and increased risk of cardiovascular disease is emerging, but it is unclear how much this is influenced by the methodology used to assess the UPF intake or by the level of consumption. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate 1) the association between UPF consumption and risk of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity, using prospective cohort studies; 2) the differential associations depending on the methodology used to assess UPF intake and the level of UPF consumption and 3) the quality of evidence using the NutriGrade scoring system. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus through 1 April, 2023, on studies conducted in humans providing data for the highest compared with the lowest UPF consumption categories. Summary relative ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using a random-effects model. Out of 4522 articles retrieved from the literature search, 25 reports met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis, 7 for diabetes, 5 for hypertension, 3 for dyslipidemia, and 13 for obesity. A consistently positive association between high UPF intake and increased risk of developing diabetes (37%), hypertension (32%), hypertriglyceridemia (47%), low HDL cholesterol concentration (43%), and obesity (32%) was observed, even if the quality of evidence was not satisfying. However, these risks varied significantly depending on the methodology used to assess UPF consumption, with a difference of more than 50% between the methods. Based on the level of intake, we did not observe significant differences in the results. These findings show that UPF consumption is associated with higher risk of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity, but the level of risk consistently changes depending on the methodology used to assess UPF intake. Therefore, caution should be used when interpreting and extrapolating the results.

Erythrocyte membrane fluidity: A novel biomarker of residual cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: Improving the composition of circulating fatty acids (FA) leads to a reduction in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in high-risk individuals. The membrane fluidity of red blood cells (RBC), which reflects circulating FA status, may be a valid biomarker of cardiovascular (CV) risk in type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: Red blood cell membrane fluidity, quantified as general polarization (GP), was assessed in 234 subjects with T2D, 86 with prior major CVD. Based on GP distribution, a cut-off of .445 was used to divide the study cohort into two groups: the first with higher GP, called GEL, and the second, defined as lower GP (LGP). Lipidomic analysis was performed to evaluate FA composition of RBC membranes. RESULTS: Although with comparable CV risk factors, the LGP group had a greater percentage of patients with major CVD than the GEL group (40% vs 24%, respectively, p < .05). Moreover, in a logistic regression analysis, a lower GP value was independently associated with the presence of macrovascular complications. Lipidomic analysis showed a clear shift of LGP membranes towards a pro-inflammatory condition due to higher content of arachidonic acid and increased omega 6/omega 3 index. CONCLUSIONS: Increased membrane fluidity is associated with a higher CV risk in subjects with T2D. If confirmed in prospective studies, membrane fluidity could be a new biomarker for residual CV risk assessment in T2D.

Differential Responders to a Mixed Meal Tolerance Test Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors and Gut Microbiota-Data from the MEDGI-Carb Randomized Controlled Trial.

The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has surged in recent decades, and the identification of differential glycemic responders can aid tailored treatment for the prevention of prediabetes and T2DM. A mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) based on regular foods offers the potential to uncover differential responders in dynamical postprandial events. We aimed to fit a simple mathematical model on dynamic postprandial glucose data from repeated MMTTs among participants with elevated T2DM risk to identify response clusters and investigate their association with T2DM risk factors and gut microbiota. Data were used from a 12-week multi-center dietary intervention trial involving high-risk T2DM adults, comparing high- versus low-glycemic index foods within a Mediterranean diet context (MEDGICarb). Model-based analysis of MMTTs from 155 participants (81 females and 74 males) revealed two distinct plasma glucose response clusters that were associated with baseline gut microbiota. Cluster A, inversely associated with HbA1c and waist circumference and directly with insulin sensitivity, exhibited a contrasting profile to cluster B. Findings imply that a standardized breakfast MMTT using regular foods could effectively distinguish non-diabetic individuals at varying risk levels for T2DM using a simple mechanistic model.

The effects of Mediterranean diets with low or high glycemic index on plasma glucose and insulin profiles are different in adult men and women: Data from MEDGI-Carb randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Recent evidence suggests that the ability to regulate glucose and insulin homeostasis is different in men and women. Against this background, it has been hypothesized that the impact on daily plasma glucose and insulin profiles of the glycemic index (GI) of the habitual diet may differ according to sex. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether 8-h average plasma glucose and insulin profiles during a low- or a high-GI diet in individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes are influenced by sex. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, controlled, parallel group dietary intervention, comparing high-versus low-GI diets in a multi-national (Italy, Sweden, and the United States) sample of 156 adults at risk for type 2 diabetes. For 12 weeks, 82 vs 74 participants consumed either a low-GI or high-GI Mediterranean diet, respectively. The two experimental diets contained the same quantity of available carbohydrate (270 g/d) and fiber (35 g/d) and the same foods and beverages, except for the major sources of starch that was specific to the low-GI and high-GI groups (pasta, brown rice, flatbread, all bran, and wheat bread plus rye and seeds, vs jasmine rice, potato, couscous, wholegrain bread, and rusks). At baseline and after the intervention plasma glucose and insulin profiles were evaluated for 8 h in the two intervention groups - separately for men and women - with both breakfast and lunch resembling food choices of the assigned diet. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-six adults (82 women, 74 men) with at least two traits of the metabolic syndrome completed the intervention. In women, the high-GI induced significantly higher (23%, p < 0.05) 8-h average plasma glucose concentrations in comparison to the low-GI diet already on the first day of the intervention; the difference increased up to 37% (p < 0.05) after 12 weeks of diet. Conversely, there were no significant differences between the two diets in men. These results were confirmed by the two-way analysis of variance showing a statistically significant interaction between the effects of sex and diet on the glucose profile after breakfast and lunch (F = 7.887, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The results of our intervention show that women, compared to men, are more sensitive to the metabolic effects of the dietary GI. This has a strong clinical and scientific relevance and, if confirmed in further studies, it might have important implications for dietary strategies for diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention in the context of personalized nutrition. REGISTRATION NUMBER OF CLINICAL TRIAL: Clinicaltrials.gov n. NCT03410719.

Evaluation of eating habits by 7-day food record: web-PC vs. traditional paper format.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a web-based 7-day food-record using METADIETA-web link (Meteda s.r.l.) - a professional software used in nutritional practice and research - compared with the traditional paper format. Twenty-six healthy adults of both sexes were recruited in this cross-over study based on the number coming from the sample size calculation, and randomly assigned to start with METADIETA-web or traditional 7-Day Food-Diary. All the 7-day food-diaries were recorded in the Metadieta-software. The System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire was administered to evaluate the participants' preferences in terms of usability, acceptability, and feasibility. Differences in energy intake, nutrient composition, and SUS between the digital and traditional modalities were evaluated. Energy and nutrients were not significantly different between the two methods with a variation <15%, with alcohol intake showing the strongest relation (0.1% variation). The Interclass Correlation Coefficient showed a grade of consistency between the two methods excellent for alcohol, good for proteins, carbohydrates, and fibre, moderate for energy and saturated fat, and poor for total fat and cholesterol. SUS suggested that the web-based platform was in general well accepted, but highlighted some inconsistencies and complexity compared to the written food diary. The web-based 7-day food-record may allow an accurate and quicker analysis of food timing than conventional approaches, seeming reliable for energy and macronutrient composition, making it a potentially attractive tool for nutritional research. However, the reported inconsistencies and complexity must be considered and addressed.

Legume Consumption and Blood Pressure Control in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension: Cross-Sectional Findings from the TOSCA.IT Study.

BACKGROUND: Our aims were to evaluate the relationship of habitual legume consumption with blood pressure (BP) control in a large cohort of people with T2D and hypertension, and to investigate whether specific nutritional components of legumes or other foods may contribute to regulate BP levels. METHODS: We studied 1897 participants with T2D and hypertension. Dietary habits were assessed through a validated food frequency questionnaire. Sex-specific quartiles of legume consumption were created. RESULTS: Higher legume consumption was associated with a lower intake of energy, carbohydrates, glycaemic load, alcohol, and sodium, and a significantly greater intake of proteins, fat, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, fibre, potassium, and polyphenols. Significantly lower systolic and diastolic BP values were observed in the highest vs. lowest quartile of legume consumption (132.9 ± 6.7 vs. 137.3 ± 7.0 mmHg, p < 0.001; 78.9 ± 4.1 vs. 81.0 ± 4.2 mmHg, p = 0.002; respectively), as well as the proportion of people meeting the treatment targets (61.3% vs. 37.4% and 71.3% vs. 52.4%, respectively, p < 0.01). This association was independent from other foods whose consumption is associated with the high legume intake. CONCLUSIONS: In people with T2D and hypertension, three servings of legumes per week are associated with significantly better BP control. This gives further support to current dietary guidelines in recommending the frequent consumption of legumes, as a "ready-to-use" dietary strategy to achieve optimal BP control.

High Amylose Wheat Bread at Breakfast Increases Plasma Propionate Concentrations and Reduces the Postprandial Insulin Response to the Following Meal in Overweight Adults.

BACKGROUND: High amylose starchy foods modulate the postprandial metabolic response in humans. However, the mechanisms of their metabolic benefits and their impact on the subsequent meal have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate whether glucose and insulin responses to a standard lunch are influenced by the consumption of amylose-rich bread at breakfast in overweight adults and whether changes in plasma short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations contribute to their metabolic effects. METHODS: Using a randomized crossover design, 11 men and 9 women, BMI 30 ± 3 kg/m2, 48 ± 19 y, consumed at breakfast 2 breads made with high amylose flour (HAF): 85%-HAF (180 g) and 75%-HAF (170 g), and control bread (120 g) containing 100% conventional flour. Plasma samples were collected at fasting, 4 h after breakfast, and 2 h after a standard lunch to measure glucose, insulin, and SCFA concentrations. ANOVA posthoc analyses were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Postprandial plasma glucose responses were 27% and 39% lower after breakfasts with 85%- and 70%-HAF breads than control bread (P = 0.026 and P = 0.003, respectively), with no difference after lunch. Insulin responses were not different between the 3 breakfasts, whereas there was a 28% lower response after the lunch following breakfast with 85%-HAF bread than the control (P = 0.049). Propionate concentrations increased from fasting by 9% and 12% 6 h after breakfasts with 85%- and 70%-HAF breads and decreased by 11% with control bread (P < 0.05). At 6 h after breakfast with 70%-HAF bread, plasma propionate and insulin were inversely correlated (r = -0.566; P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Amylose-rich bread reduces the postprandial glucose response after breakfast and insulin concentrations after the subsequent lunch in overweight adults. This second meal effect may be mediated by the elevation of plasma propionate due to intestinal fermentation of resistant starch. High amylose products could be a promising tool in a dietary prevention strategy for type 2 diabetes. THIS TRIAL WAS REGISTERED AT CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY AS: NCT03899974 (https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT03899974).

Association between Diet Quality and Index of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in a Large Population of People with Type 2 Diabetes: Data from the TOSCA.IT Study.

Background: There are still open questions with respect to the optimal dietary treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coexisting non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of this study is to investigate, in patients with T2D, the association between NASH, dietary component intake, food groups and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 2026 people with T2D (1136 men and 890 women). The dietary habits were assessed with the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) questionnaire. NASH was identified by the Index Of NASH (ION). Based on the cluster analysis two dietary patterns were identified: the NASH and the NO-NASH pattern. Results: The macronutrient composition of the diet was similar in the two patterns. However, the NASH pattern compared with the NO-NASH pattern was characterized by a significantly lower content of fibre (p < 0.001), ß-carotene (p < 0.001), vitamin C (p < 0.001), vitamin E (p < 0.001), polyphenols (p = 0.026) and antioxidant capacity (p < 0.001). With regard to food consumption, the NASH pattern compared with NO-NASH pattern was characterized by higher intake of rice (p = 0.021), potatoes (p = 0.013), red (p = 0.004) and processed meat (p = 0.003), and a lower intake of wholegrain bread (p = 0.019), legumes and nuts (p = 0.049), vegetables (p = 0.047), fruits (p = 0.002), white meat (p = 0.001), fatty fish (p = 0.005), milk and yogurt (p < 0.001). Conclusions: NO-NASH dietary pattern was characterized by a food consumption close to the Mediterranean dietary model, resulting in a higher content of polyphenols, vitamins, and fibre. These finding highlight the potential for dietary components in the prevention/treatment of NASH in people with T2D.

Good for the heart, good for the Earth: proposal of a dietary pattern able to optimize cardiovascular disease prevention and mitigate climate change.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Human and planetary health are inextricably interconnected through food systems. Food choices account for 50% of all deaths for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) - the leading cause of death in Europe - and food systems generate up to 37% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on a systematic revision of meta-analyses of prospective studies exploring the association between individual foods/food groups and the incidence of CVD, we identified a dietary pattern able to optimize CVD prevention.. This dietary pattern was compared to the current diet of the European population. The nutritional adequacy of both diets was evaluated according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended nutrient intake for the adult population, and their environmental impact was evaluated in terms of carbon footprint (CF). As compared to the current diet, the desirable diet includes higher intakes of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, low glycemic index (GI) cereals, nuts, legumes and fish, and lower amounts of beef, butter, high GI cereals or potatoes and sugar. The diet here identified provides appropriate intakes of all nutrients and matches better than the current Europeans' one the EFSA requirements. Furthermore, the CF of the proposed diet is 48.6% lower than that of the current Europeans' diet. CONCLUSION: The transition toward a dietary pattern designed to optimize CVD prevention would improve the nutritional profile of the habitual diet in Europe and, at the same time, contribute to mitigate climate change by reducing the GHG emissions linked to food consumption almost by half.

Consumption of different animal-based foods and risk of type 2 diabetes: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of prospective studies.

We performed an umbrella review of dose-response meta-analyses of prospective studies reporting the incidence of type 2 diabetes associated with the consumption of animal-based foods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase according to PRISMA. Thirteen meta-analyses are included in the study providing 175 summary risk ratio estimates. The consumption of 100 g/day of total or red meat, or 50 g/day of processed meat, were associated with an increased risk; RR and 95 % CI were respectively 1.20, 1.13-1.27; 1.22, 1.14-1.30 and 1.30, 1.22-1.39. White meat (50 g/day) was associated with an increased risk, but of lesser magnitude (RR 1.04, 95 % CI 1.00-1.08). A risk reduction was reported for 200 g/day of total dairy (RR 0.95, 95 % CI 0.92-0.98) or low-fat dairy (RR 0.96, 95 % CI 0.92-1.00) or milk (RR 0.90, 95 % CI 0.83-0.98), or 100 g/day of yogurt (RR 0.94, 95 % CI 0.90-0.98). No association with diabetes risk was reported for fish or eggs. In conclusions animal-based foods have a different association with diabetes risk. To reduce diabetes risk the consumption of red and processed meat should be restricted; a moderate consumption of dairy foods, milk and yogurt, can be encouraged; moderate amounts of fish and eggs are allowed.

True Cost Accounting of a healthy and sustainable diet in Italy.

It is widely upheld that global food systems are unsustainable. Sustainable diets are gaining prominence as key components to entangle global food system challenges, as well as to transition towards the pathway of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, sustainable and healthy diets are at the core of much research with the aim to bring together nutritional adequacy, cultural acceptability, environmental sustainability, economic affordability, and shape future consumption patterns. This article contributes to advancing knowledge on sustainable diets by proposing a True Cost Accounting method to assess the cost and impact of the adoption of a more sustainable and healthier diet, using Italy as an illustration. The research analyses the complexity of a diet from an environmental, health, and socioeconomic point of view and defines a new assessment framework that can be replicated and adapted to other contexts. Results show that in Italy, the adoption of a sustainable and healthy diet has a 47% lower carbon footprint and 25% lower water footprint than the current diet, while impacting 13% less on the average income and food monthly expenditure. Also, the desirable diet has a 21% lower impact on the sanitary costs related to cardiovascular disease. This study corroborates that the consumption of the desirable diet would provide a total cost saving of 741 EUR per year per capita, if we consider its impact on the environment, health, and socio-economic costs.

Association between chronotype, sleep pattern, and eating behaviours in a group of Italian adults.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the possible relationship between chronotype, sleeping, and eating patterns in 74 Italian adults (71.6% women). Based on Morningness-Eveningness Questionnare (MEQ) score, participants were classified as morning (n = 24), intermediate (n = 25), and evening (n = 25) chronotypes. From analysis, no significant differences among chronotypes emerged for sleep habits. As to eating behaviours, the evening subjects showed a significant (p < 0.05) shift towards later hours of the day in the consumption of all meals, except dinner. In addition, the evening subjects had a later midpoint of energy intake (EI) of about 35 min and 1 h (p < 0.001), respectively, than the intermediate and morning subjects. Analysing the diet quality, morning subjects reported significantly (p = 0.030) lower consumption of sweets and sweeteners, and significantly (p = 0.035) lower intake of ultra-processed fats and seasonings. Evening subjects showed a significant delay in EI during the day, while morning subjects reported a better-quality diet.

Circulating short-chain fatty acids in type 2 diabetic patients and overweight/obese individuals.

AIM: aim of the study was to evaluate serum short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentrations in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and overweight/obese individuals. METHODS: In forty-three patients with T2D and twenty-eight overweight/obese patients SCFA were determined by Gas-Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detector (GC/FID). RESULTS: Acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total SCFA were significantly reduced in T2D patients compared to overweight/obese in the unadjusted model. Adjusting for all variables only propionic acid remained significantly lower in T2D. CONCLUSION: Only reduction of propionic acid was closely related to diabetes itself, regardless of all other factors.