Lipids and lipid signaling molecules in human milk and infant formula, a chemical characterization of relevant biochemical components.

Breastfeeding is the gold standard in infant nutrition and continuous researches aim to optimize infant formula composition as the best alternative available. Human milk lipid content provides more than 50% of energy requirements for infants together with essential vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and other bioactive components. While fatty acids and vitamins human milk content has been extensively studied and, when needed those have been added to infant formulas, less is known about polyunsaturated fatty acids functional derivatives and other bioactive components. Here we describe the comparison of lipid compositions in breast milk from 22 healthy volunteers breastfeeding mothers and the six most common infant formula devoting particular attention to two families of signaling lipids, endocannabinoids, and eicosanoids. The main differences between breast milk and formulas lie in a variety of saturated fatty and unsaturated fatty acids, in the total amount (45-95% less in infant formula) and a variety of endocannabinoids and eicosanoids (2-AG, 5(s)HETE, 15(S)-HETE and 14,15-EET).

Effects of Withania somnifera on Cortisol Levels in Stressed Human Subjects: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Withania somnifera (WS), a popular medicinal plant of the Solanaceae family, contains active ingredients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-stress activities. However, its precise mechanisms of action and optimal use as a supplement are not yet fully understood. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the impact of WS supplementation on cortisol levels in stressed humans by analyzing clinical trials conducted prior to May 2023. METHODS: The assessment was carried out following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) by exploring the databases of EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, CENTRAL, and Scopus. RESULTS: Of the 4788 articles identified, only 9 studies met the selection criteria. The selected studies varied in terms of design, results, formulations, dosages, and treatment duration (30-112 days), and involved subjects with varying degrees of stress. WS supplementation decreases cortisol secretion with no significant adverse effects. Nonetheless, none of the studies evaluated the potential impact of cortisol reduction on adrenal function and long-term effects. CONCLUSIONS: Brief-term supplementation with WS appears to have a stress-reducing effect in stressed individuals. However, since the long-term effects of WS supplementation are not yet fully understood, WS supplements should be used under medical supervision.