Micronutrients and Plant Food Bioactive Compounds Against Obesity Related Diseases.

BACKGROUND: The adipose tissue influences by an extensive crosstalk at the local and systemic level the energy balance, including storage, mobilization, and utilization at both central and peripheral sites in response to specific external stimuli or metabolic changes. The balance between energy intake and expenditure is a delicate equilibrium among multifactorial aspects ranging from genetic to environmental influences. AIM: The evidence from several recently published papers dealing with the topic of the beneficial health effects of micronutrient and plant bioactive compounds on obesity and/or comorbidities has been reported in this paper. METHODOLOGY: MEDLINE database (PubMed database; National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD and Google Scholar) was searched by combining the terms of specific micronutrients and/or plant bioactive compounds associated with obesity and related comorbidities. All English language manuscripts published between 2005 and 2021 in the MEDLINE database were searched, selected, and reviewed here. CONCLUSION: People do not consume single food or ingredients but global composite diets; thus, the evaluation of mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety of vitamins and mineral and natural bioactive compounds is still a challenge in research on nutrition and food supplements.

Osteosarcopenia: A Narrative Review on Clinical Studies.

Osteosarcopenia (OS) is defined by the concurrent presence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia. The pathogenesis and etiology of OS involve genetic, biochemical, mechanical, and lifestyle factors. Moreover, an inadequate nutritional status, such as low intake of protein, vitamin D, and calcium, and a reduction in physical activity are key risk factors for OS. This review aims to increase knowledge about diagnosis, incidence, etiology, and treatment of OS through clinical studies that treat OS as a single disease. Clinical studies show the relationship between OS and the risk of frailty, falls, and fractures and some association with Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pathologies such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. In some cases, the importance of deepening the related mechanisms is emphasized. Physical exercise with adequate nutrition and nutritional supplementations such as proteins, Vitamin D, or calcium, represent a significant strategy for breaking OS. In addition, pharmacological interventions may confer benefits on muscle and bone health. Both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions require additional randomized controlled trials (RCT) in humans to deepen the synergistic effect of exercise, nutritional interventions, and drug compounds in osteosarcopenia.

Genetic Polymorphisms and Zinc Status: Implications for Supplementation in Metabolic Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Zinc is an essential component for all living organisms, representing the second most abundant trace element, after iron. This element is widely distributed in the tissues of a human body where it is involved in normal growth, reproduction and several biological functions including immunity, energy metabolism and antioxidant processes. Because of its essential role, zinc levels in the human body must remain constant, independently of dietary intake fluctuations. The homeostasis of zinc is a well-regulated cellular process and has been reported to be chiefly mediated by the expression and activity of zinc-binding proteins such as metallothioneins and zinc transporters. Genes encoding for these proteins are subjected to genetic variants. METHODS: We performed a multi-database electronic search to provide an overview on the relationship between specific polymorphisms (SNP) of genes encoding for metallothioneins and zinc transporters and their relationship with zinc status, immune function and some non-communicable diseases. RESULTS: A number of SNP are implicated in a range of metabolic disease. Some SNP may affect the impact of zinc supplementation on immune function, diabetes, and obesity. CONCLUSION: New studies are needed to clarify the interaction between individual genetic profile and zinc status. Moreover, there is a need for a better interaction between the scientific bodies and health professionals to allow better dietary and behavioural recommendations to promote human health, with particular concern to elderly people.