Understanding the nutritional benefits through plant proteins-probiotics interactions: mechanisms, challenges, and perspectives.

The nutritional benefits of combining probiotics with plant proteins have sparked increasing research interest and drawn significant attention. The interactions between plant proteins and probiotics demonstrate substantial potential for enhancing the functionality of plant proteins. Fermented plant protein foods offer a unique blend of bioactive components and beneficial microorganisms that can enhance gut health and combat chronic diseases. Utilizing various probiotic strains and plant protein sources opens doors to develop innovative probiotic products with enhanced functionalities. Nonetheless, the mechanisms and synergistic effects of these interactions remain not fully understood. This review aims to delve into the roles of promoting health through the intricate interplay of plant proteins and probiotics. The regulatory mechanisms have been elucidated to showcase the synergistic effects, accompanied by a discussion on the challenges and future research prospects. It is essential to recognize that the interactions between plant proteins and probiotics encompass multiple mechanisms, highlighting the need for further research to address challenges in achieving a comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms and their associated health benefits.

Beneficial effects of time-restricted fasting on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease continues to be a leading cause of mortality worldwide, highlighting the need to explore innovative approaches to improve cardiovascular health outcomes. Time-restricted fasting (TRF) is a dietary intervention that involves limiting the time window for food consumption. It has gained attention for its potential benefits on metabolic health and weight management. This study aims to investigate the impact of TRF on key risk factors, including body weight, glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and lipid profile. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search in five databases (Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science) for relevant studies up to January 2023. After applying inclusion criteria, 12 studies were eligible for analysis. Quality assessment was conducted using the ROB-2.0 tool and ROBINS-I. Risk of bias was mapped using Revman 5.3, and data analysis included Hartung-Knapp adjustment using R 4.2.2. RESULTS: The group that underwent the TRF intervention exhibited a significant decrease in body weight (SMD: -0.22; 95%CI: -0.41, -0.04; P < 0.05) and fat mass (SMD: -0.19; 95%CI: -0.36, -0.02; P < 0.05), while maintaining lean mass (SMD: -0.09; 95%CI: -0.08, 0.26; P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: TRF has shown potential as a treatment strategy for reducing total body weight by targeting adipose tissue, with potential improvements in cardiometabolic function.

Effects of whole grains on glycemic control: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Whole grains have recently been promoted as beneficial to diabetes prevention. However, the evidence for the glycemic benefits of whole grains seems to conflict between the cohort studies and randomized control trials (RCTs). To fill the research gap, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of whole grains on diabetes prevention and to inform recommendations. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Clarivate Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until March 2024. We used the risk ratio (RR) of type 2 diabetes to represent the clinical outcomes for cohort studies, while the biomarkers, including fasting blood glucose and insulin, HbA1C, and HOMA-IR, were utilized to show outcomes for RCTs. Dose-response relationships between whole grain intakes and outcomes were tested with random effects meta-regression models and restricted cubic splines models. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021281639. RESULTS: Ten prospective cohort studies and 37 RCTs were included. Cohort studies suggested a 50 g/day whole grain intake reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes (RR = 0.761, 95% CI: 0.700 to 0.828, I2 = 72.39%, P < 0.001) and indicated a monotonic inverse relationship between whole grains and type 2 diabetes rate. In RCTs, whole grains significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (Mean difference (MD) = -0.103 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.178 to -0.028; I2 = 72.99%, P < 0.01) and had modest effects on HbA1C (MD = -0.662 mmol/mol (-0.06%), 95% CI: -1.335 to 0.010; I2 = 64.55%, P = 0.05) and HOMA-IR (MD = -0.164, 95% CI: -0.342 to 0.013; I2 = 33.38%, P = 0.07). The intake of whole grains and FBG, HbA1C, and HOMA-IR were significantly dose-dependent. The restricted spline curves remained flat up to 150 g/day and decreased afterward. Subgroup analysis showed that interventions with multiple whole-grain types were more effective than those with a single type. CONCLUSION: Our study findings suggest that a daily intake of more than 150 g of whole grain ingredients is recommended as a population approach for diabetes prevention.

Protective effect of supplementation with Ginseng, Lilii Bulbus and Poria against PM2 .5 in air pollution-induced cardiopulmonary damage among adults.

Exposure to PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm) has been associated with increased cardiopulmonary outcomes, mediated by a hypothesized biological mechanism of systemic inflammation and oxidation. This randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled trial among 120 healthy adults in Wuhan, China, was conducted to evaluate whether the supplementation of herbal product composed of Ginseng, Lilii Bulbus and Poria (GLP) which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity offers protective effects on PM2.5 -induced damage to cardiopulmonary health. Participants received four rounds of health examinations and two rounds of blood sample collection from November 2018 to January 2019. Compared to the placebo group, the GLP group showed significant increased antioxidant biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and paraoxonase1 (PON1). What is more, interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory biomarker, was significantly decreased in the GLP group. In addition, nitric oxide and club cell secretory protein (CC16) were increased but heart rate was decreased in the GLP group. As for pulmonary function indicators, significantly increased fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was observed in the GLP group. Taken together, we concluded that GLP supplementation is associated with decreased inflammatory biomarker and increased antioxidant biomarkers suggesting cardiopulmonary benefits against PM2.5 exposure among young adults in China.

The combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan protects against chronic superficial gastritis and alters gut microbiota: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

PURPOSE: Chronic gastritis is observed in almost half world population. Traditional medications against chronic gastritis might produce adverse effects, so alternative nutritional strategies are needed to prevent the aggravation of gastric mucosal damage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of the combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan (WPF) on adults diagnosed with chronic superficial gastritis in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Participants were randomized to receive WPF (N = 53) or placebo (N = 53) once daily for 45 days. Pathological grading of gastric mucosal damage was scored using gastroscopy. Fecal samples were collected for the determination of calprotectin, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels and metagenomics analysis. Questionnaires for self-reported gastrointestinal discomforts, life quality and food frequency were collected throughout the study. RESULTS: WPF intervention reduced gastric mucosal damage in 70% subjects (P < 0.001). Significantly less stomach pain (P < 0.001), belching (P = 0.028), bloating (P < 0.001), acid reflux (P < 0.001), loss of appetite (P = 0.021), increased food intake (P = 0.020), and promoted life quality (P = 0.014) were reported in the WPF group. WPF intervention significantly decreased fecal calprotectin level (P = 0.003) while slightly increased fecal SCFAs level (P = 0.092). In addition, we found altered microbiota composition post-intervention with increased Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (P = 0.032), Eubacterium siraeum (P = 0.036), Bacteroides intestinalis (P = 0.024) and decreased Prevotella copri (P = 0.055). CONCLUSIONS: WPF intervention could be utilized as a nutritional alternative to mitigate the progression of chronic gastritis. Furthermore, WPF played an important role in altering gut microbial profile and SCFA production, which might benefit the lower gastrointestinal tract.

A novel botanical formula prevents diabetes by improving insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and the prevalence has increased significantly in recent decades to epidemic proportions in China. Individually, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed, mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) root can improve glycemia in various animal models and humans with impaired glucose metabolism and T2DM. The aim of this study was to design an optimized botanical formula containing these herbal extracts as a nutritional strategy for the prevention of insulin resistance and T2DM. METHODS: Cell-free α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme assays were used to determine inhibitory potential of extracts. Glucose uptake was examined in differentiated human adipocytes using radiolabeled 2-deoxyglucose. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided and glycemia balanced into 5 groups: two controls (naïve and model) and three doses of the botanical test formula containing standardized fenugreek seed, mulberry leaf and American ginseng extracts (42.33, 84.66 and 169.33 mg/kg BW). Insulin resistance and T2DM was induced by feeding animals a high fat diet and with an alloxan injection. Glucose tolerance was examined by measuring serum glucose levels following an oral glucose load. RESULTS: Fenugreek seed and mulberry leaf dose dependently inhibited α-amylase (IC50 = 73.2 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 111.8 ng/mL), respectively. All three botanical extracts improved insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in human adipocytes, which lead to the design of an optimized botanical test formula. In a rat model of insulin resistance and T2DM, the optimized botanical test formula improved fasting serum glucose levels, fasting insulin resistance and the development of impaired glucose tolerance. The reduction in epididymal adipose tissue GLUT4 and PDK1 expression induced by high fat diet and alloxan was blunted by the botanical test formula. CONCLUSIONS: A novel botanical formula containing standardized extracts of mulberry leaf, fenugreek seed and American ginseng at a ratio of 1:1.3:3.4 prevented the development of insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and T2DM. Given the rising need for effective non-drug targeting of insulin resistance and progression to T2DM, complementary and alternative nutritional strategies without intolerable side effects could have meaningful impact on metabolic health and diabetes risks.

Association of low muscle mass index and sarcopenic obesity with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia and knee osteoarthritis are common age-related diseases that have become important public health issues worldwide. Few studies have reported the association between muscle mass loss and knee osteoarthritis. This may be due to the high level of heterogeneity between studies stemming from different definitions of muscle mass loss. METHODS: The systematic searches were carried out in PubMed and Web of Science from the inception of the databases until 13 January 2023, by two independent researchers. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) for overall and subgroup analyses were obtained using either a random effects model (I2 >50%) or fixed effects model (I2 ≤50%) in Stata. RESULTS: Of the 1,606 studies identified, we ultimately included 12 articles on the association between muscle mass and knee osteoarthritis (prospective: n = 5; cross-sectional: n = 7). Low-quality evidence indicated that low muscle mass index and sarcopenic obesity increase the odds of knee osteoarthritis (low muscle mass index OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.13-1.64; sarcopenic obesity OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.35-2.34). However, no association was observed between general sarcopenia or low muscle mass with knee osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that low muscle mass index and sarcopenic obesity were associated with an increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.

Improvement of functional characteristics of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix protein by modification with chitosan oligosaccharide.

In the food processing field, it is very often that fish proteins are denatured affecting the nutritional value of the product which is vital to be solved. By using appropriate sugar donors for glycosylation with protein, improving the stability and emulsification properties of fish proteins can be achieved. This research looks into the impacts of enzymatic chitosan oligosaccharide (CO) at various concentration (0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, 0.60%, w/v) upon the molecular makeup and function of silver carp myofibrillar protein (MP) in an attempt to comprehend the impact of electrostatic binding among MP as well as CO on protein conformation. Analysis was done on the impact of various CO concentrations upon MP's secondary structure, conformational changes, and functional characteristics. Twelve sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) assays were implemented to monitor MP; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy, and UV absorption spectra were carried out to investigate the influence of CO on MP; Particle size distribution, emulsifying activity index (EAI), solubility, turbidity, sulfhydryl content, carbonyl content, foaming capacity, surface hydrophobicity, emulsifying stability index (ESI), and foam persistence were all investigated. In addition, we used dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscope to analyze myosin (MO) and 0.60% CO-MO complex. The results demonstrated that CO and MP form complexes through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. CO modification not only delayed the oxidation of MP but also promoted MP to show better solubility, foaming, and foaming stability. In addition, CO modified myosin particle size decreased, reducing myosin's roughness and making myosin's structure more compact. To sum up, molecular interaction could change functional characteristics, and products with special properties could be developed after modification with chitosan oligosaccharide.

Use of Dietary Fibers in Reducing the Risk of Several Cancer Types: An Umbrella Review.

(1) Background: Numerous meta-analyses have shown that a high intake of dietary fiber plays a protective role in preventing the development of various types of cancer. However, previous studies have been limited by focusing on a single type of dietary fiber and variations in outcome measures, which may not be effectively applied to provide dietary guidance for the general population. (2) Object: We summarized the meta-analysis of dietary fiber and cancer, and provided references for residents to prevent cancer. (3) Methods: Systematic search of relevant meta-analyses on the association between dietary fiber and cancer occurrence in PubMed, Web of Science and other databases was conducted from the time of database construction to February 2023. The method logical and evidence quality assessments were performed by applying the criteria in the "A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2" (AMSTAR2) scale and the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) Expert Report, respectively. (4) Results: Our analysis included 11 meta-analyses, and the AMSTAR 2 assessment revealed that the overall methodological quality was suboptimal, with two key items lacking sufficient information. Nonetheless, our findings indicate that a high intake of dietary fiber is associated with a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including esophageal, gastric, colon, rectal, colorectal adenoma, breast, endometrial, ovarian, renal cell, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. The majority of these associations were supported by a "probable" level of evidence. (5) Conclusions: Dietary fiber intake has different protective effects on different cancers.

Biomarkers of Micronutrients and Phytonutrients and Their Application in Epidemiological Studies.

Nutritional biomarkers can be used as important indicators of nutritional status and play crucial roles in the prevention as well as prognosis optimization of various metabolism-related diseases. Measuring dietary with the deployment of biomarker assessments provides quantitative nutritional information that can better predict the health outcomes. With the increased availability of nutritional biomarkers and the development of assessment tools, the specificity and sensitivity of nutritional biomarkers have been greatly improved. This enables efficient disease surveillance in nutrition research. A wide range of biomarkers have been used in different types of studies, including clinical trials, observational studies, and qualitative studies, to reflect the relationship between diet and health. Through a comprehensive literature search, we reviewed the well-established nutritional biomarkers of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, and their association with epidemiological studies, to better understand the role of nutrition in health and disease.

Extraction, functionality, and applications of Chlorella pyrenoidosa protein/peptide.

Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) has been widely used in commercial food and feed production for numerous years. Its high protein content and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive source of novel protein. With a focus on sustainable development and the search for green natural products, current research is dedicated to maximizing the utilization of C. pyrenoidosa protein (CPP) and peptide. Various techniques, such as the use of ionic liquids, freeze-thawing, ultrasonication, enzyme digest, microwaving are employed in the extraction of CPP. The extracted CPP has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bacteriostatic properties. It can also stimulate immune regulation, prevent cardiovascular disease, protect red blood cells, and even be used in wastewater treatment. Furthermore, CPP has shown some potential in combating obesity. Additionally, CPP is being explored in three-dimensional (3D) printing applications, particularly for the creation of biological scaffolds. It is also anticipated to play a role in 3D food printing. This review aimed to supply a comprehensive summary of CPP and C. pyrenoidosa peptide extraction methods, their functions, and practical applications in various industries. By doing so, it seeks to underpin subsequent research efforts, highlight current research limitations, and identify future research directions in this field.

Study on semi-bionic extraction of Astragalus polysaccharide and its anti-aging activity in vivo.

Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus) is a homologous plant with high medicinal and edible value. Therefore, the extraction methods of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) have attracted the attention of many research groups, but the yield of the active components is still not high. The aim of this study was to extract APS by a semi-bionic extraction method, optimize the extraction process, and evaluate the anti-aging activities of APS in vivo. The results showed that the APS yield was 18.23% when extracted by the semi-bionic extraction method. Anti-aging evaluation in rats showed that APS extracted by this method significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity to cope with D-galactose-induced aging. Serum metabolomic analysis indicated that a total of 48 potential biomarkers showed significant differences, mainly involving 5 metabolic pathways. These altered metabolic pathways were mainly related to energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. These results indicated that the semi-bionic extraction method can effectively improve the yield of APS, and the extracted APS exhibited anti-aging activity in rats. Our study provided a novel and effective method to extract APS and indicated that APS can be used as functional food and natural medicine to delay aging and prevent its complications.

NLRP3 and Gut Microbiota Homeostasis: Progress in Research.

The inflammasome is a platform for inflammatory signaling, and the NLRP3 inflammasome recognizes stimuli in vitro and in vivo, and releases inflammatory cytokines that trigger inflammation and pyroptosis. In the gut, the NLRP3 inflammasome is a key sensor for protecting the body from damage and exogenous pathogens. It plays a fundamental role in maintaining the stability of the gut's immune system. We focus on the role of NLRP3 as a key node in maintaining the homeostasis of gut microbiota which has not been fully highlighted in the past; gut microbiota and innate immunity, as well as the NLRP3 inflammasome, are discussed in this article.

Phytonutrients: Sources, bioavailability, interaction with gut microbiota, and their impacts on human health.

Phytonutrients are natural bioactive components present in the daily diet that can exert a positive impact on human health. Studies have shown that phytonutrients may act as antioxidants and improve metabolism after being ingested, which help to regulate physiological processes and prevent metabolic disorders and diseases. However, their efficacy is limited by their low bioavailability. The gut microbiota is symbiotic with humans and its abundance and profile are related to most diseases. Interestingly, studies have shown that the gut microbiota is associated with the metabolism of phytonutrients by converting them into small molecules that can be absorbed by the body, thereby enhancing their bioavailability. Furthermore, phytonutrients can modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, and therefore improve the host's health. Here, we focus on uncovering the mechanisms by which phytonutrients and gut microbiota play roles in health, and the interrelationships between phytonutrients and gut microbiota were summarized. We also reviewed the studies that reported the efficacy of phytonutrients in human health and the future directions.

Gut microbiota modulates differential lipid metabolism outcomes associated with FTO gene polymorphisms in response to personalized nutrition intervention.

Background: Interindividual differences in response to personalized nutrition (PN) intervention were affected by multiple factors, including genetic backgrounds and gut microbiota. The fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene is an important factor related to hyperlipidemia and occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. However, few studies have explored the differences in response to intervention among subjects with different genotypes of FTO, and the associations between gut microbiota and individual responses. Objective: To explore the differential lipid metabolism outcomes associated with FTO gene polymorphisms in response to PN intervention, the altered taxonomic features of gut microbiota caused by the intervention, and the associations between gut microbiota and lipid metabolism outcomes. Methods: A total of 400 overweight or obese adults were recruited in the study and randomly divided into the PN group and control group, of whom 318 completed the 12-week intervention. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of rs1121980 in FTO was genotyped. Gut microbiota and blood lipids were determined at baseline and week 12. Functional property of microbiota was predicted using Tax4Fun functional prediction analysis. Results: Subjects with the risk genotype of FTO had significantly higher weight and waist circumference (WC) at baseline. Generalized linear regression models showed that the reduction in weight, body mass index (BMI), WC, body fat percentage, total cholesterol (TCHO), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was greater in subjects with the risk genotype of FTO and in the PN group. Significant interaction effects between genotype and intervention on weight, BMI, WC, TCHO, and LDL were found after stratifying for specific genotype of FTO. All subjects showed significant increasement in α diversity of gut microbiota after intervention except for those with the non-risk genotype in the control group. Gut microbiota, including Blautia and Firmicutes, might be involved in lipid metabolism in response to interventions. The predicted functions of the microbiota in subjects with different genotypes were related to lipid metabolism-related pathways, including fatty acid biosynthesis and degradation. Conclusion: Subjects with the risk genotype of FTO had better response to nutrition intervention, and PN intervention showed better amelioration in anthropometric parameters and blood lipids than the control. Gut microbiota might be involved in modulating differential lipid metabolism responses to intervention in subjects with different genotypes. Trial registration: [Chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR1900026226].

Personalized Nutrition Intervention Improves Health Status in Overweight/Obese Chinese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Overweight and obesity increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Personalized nutrition (PN) approaches may provide tailored nutritional advice/service by focusing on individual's unique characteristics to prevent against NCDs. Objective: We aimed to compare the effect of PN intervention with the traditional "one size fits all" intervention on health status in overweight/obese Chinese adults. Methods: In this 12-week randomized controlled trial, 400 adults with BMI ≥24 kg/m2 were randomized to control group (CG, n = 200) and PN group (PNG, n = 200). The CG received conventional health guidance according to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents and Chinese DRIs Handbook, whereas the PNG experienced PN intervention that was developed by using decision trees based on the subjects' anthropometric measurements, blood samples (phenotype), buccal cells (genotype), and dietary and physical activity (PA) assessments (baseline and updated). Results: Compared with the conventional intervention, PN intervention significantly improved clinical outcomes of anthropometric (e.g., body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference) and blood biomarkers (e.g., blood lipids, uric acid, homocysteine). The improvement in clinical outcomes was achieved through behavior change in diet and PA. The subjects in the PNG had higher China dietary guidelines index values and PA levels. Personalized recommendations of "lose weight," "increase fiber" and "take multivitamin/mineral supplements" were the major contributors to the decrease of BMI and improvement of lipid profile. Conclusion: We provided the first evidence that PN intervention was more beneficial than conventional nutrition intervention to improve health status in overweight/obese Chinese adults. This study provides a model of framework for developing personalized advice in Chinese population.Chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900026226).

Pea Peptide Supplementation in Conjunction With Resistance Exercise Promotes Gains in Muscle Mass and Strength.

It is generally considered that protein supplementation and resistance exercise significantly increase muscle mass and muscle growth. As the hydrolysis products of proteins, peptides may play the crucial role on muscle growth. In this study, male rats were orally administrated 0.4 g/kg body weight of pea peptide combined with 8 weeks of moderate intensity resistance exercise training. After treatment, the body gains, upper limb grip, muscle thickness, and wet weight of biceps brachii were tested, and the cross-sectional area of biceps brachii muscle fiber and the types of muscle fibers were determined by HE staining, immunofluorescence staining, and lactate dehydrogenase activity, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the level of growth-signaling pathway-related proteins. The results showed that pea peptide supplementation combined with resistance exercise training significantly increased body weight, upper limb grip, muscle thickness, wet weight of biceps brachii, and cross-sectional area of muscle fiber. Meanwhile, pea peptide supplementation obviously elevated the ratio of fast-twitch fiber (type II) and the expression of muscle growth-signaling pathway-related proteins. In addition, the PP2 oligopeptide in pea peptide with the amino acid sequence of LDLPVL induced a more significant promotion on C2C12 cell growth than other oligopeptides.

Supplementation with Ginseng, Lilii Bulbus, and Poria induces alterations in the serum metabolic profile of healthy adults.

The preventive and therapeutic effects of herbal supplementation containing Ginseng, Lilii Bulbus, and Poria (GLP) on inflammation and oxidative stress in healthy adults have been demonstrated in our previous studies. However, the underlying mechanisms of organism protection by GLP remain unclarified, and few studies have used metabolomics to investigate comprehensive changes before and after GLP supplementation. Based on previous research, we conducted a placebo-controlled trial among 82 healthy adults in Wuhan, China, using a metabolomics approach with ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) and multivariate statistical methods to analyze serum metabolite alterations in participants before and after GLP supplementation. Furthermore, 14 discriminant metabolites related to lipid metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and coenzyme A metabolism were significantly different between the before- and after-GLP groups (P < 0.0001). Nine metabolites were significantly decreased in the serum samples from the after-GLP group compared with the before-GLP group, while five metabolites were significantly increased. These metabolites could be critical components associated with the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic activities of GLP, indicating the potential complementary role of GLP supplements in the primary prevention of dysfunctional metabolism caused by potential diseases such as cardiovascular disease. This study provides a valuable reference for cardiovascular health protection and disease prevention.

Personalized nutrition: A review of genotype-based nutritional supplementation.

Nutritional disorders have become a major public health issue, requiring increased targeted approaches. Personalized nutrition adapted to individual needs has garnered dramatic attention as an effective way to improve nutritional balance and maintain health. With the rapidly evolving fields of genomics and nutrigenetics, accumulation of genetic variants has been indicated to alter the effects of nutritional supplementation, suggesting its indispensable role in the genotype-based personalized nutrition. Additionally, the metabolism of nutrients, such as lipids, especially omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, glucose, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin D, iron, and calcium could be effectively improved with related genetic variants. This review focuses on existing literatures linking critical genetic variants to the nutrient and the ways in which these variants influence the outcomes of certain nutritional supplementations. Although further studies are required in this direction, such evidence provides valuable insights for the guidance of appropriate interventions using genetic information, thus paving the way for the smooth transition of conventional generic approach to genotype-based personalized nutrition.

Gut microbiota: Linking nutrition and perinatal depression.

Perinatal depression is a mood disorder that is reported in women during pregnancy (prenatal) and after childbirth (postnatal). The onset of perinatal depression is associated with changes in reproductive hormones, stress hormones and neurosteroids. These chemical compounds can be modulated by the gut microbiota, which may affect maternal mental health during the perinatal period via the gut-brain-axis. Recent studies suggest that nutritional and dietary interventions (vitamin D, ω-3 fatty acids, iron, and fiber) effectively prevent or mitigate maternal depression and anxiety, but their efficacy is confounded by various factors, including the gut microbiota. Probiotics are efficacious in maintaining microbiota homeostasis, and thus, have the potential to modulate the development of perinatal mood disorders, despite no evidence in human. Therefore, clinical trials are warranted to investigate the role of probiotic supplementation in perinatal depression and behavioral changes. This article reviews the interplay between nutrition, gut microbiota and mood and cognition, and the evidence suggesting that probiotics affect the onset and development of perinatal depression.