Vegan diet: nutritional components, implementation, and effects on adults' health.

Vegan diet has emerged as a popular dietary choice for people worldwide in recent times, due to concerns such as health issues, animal rights and welfare, and the sustainability of the environment. The purpose of this literature review was to explain how a vegan diet may affect the health of adults and to point out beneficial components found in it as well as any difficulties associated with its implementation. Evidence supports that a vegan diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. A well-planned vegan diet must include adequate calories and nutrients, as well as the necessary supplements, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D and EPA/DHA. Given the current growing interest in plant-based diets among the general population, it is crucial to understand both the barriers, risks, and benefits of the vegan diet among physicians, policy makers, and the general population.

Post-harvest ripening affects drying behavior, antioxidant capacity and flavor release of peach via alteration of cell wall polysaccharides content and nanostructures, water distribution and status.

Effect of post-harvest ripening on cell wall polysaccharides nanostructures, water status, physiochemical properties of peaches and drying behavior under hot air-infrared drying was evaluated. Results showed that the content of water soluble pectins (WSP) increased by 94 %, while the contents of chelate-soluble pectins (CSP), Na2CO3-soluble pectins (NSP) and hemicelluloses (HE) decreased during post-harvest ripening by 60 %, 43 %, and 61 %, respectively. The drying time increased from 3.5 to 5.5 h when the post-harvest time increased from 0 to 6 days. Atomic force microscope analysis showed that depolymerization of hemicelluloses and pectin occurred during post-harvest ripening. Time Domain -NMR observations indicated that reorganization of cell wall polysaccharides nanostructure changed water spatial distribution and cell internal structure, facilitated moisture migration, and affected antioxidant capacity of peaches during drying. This leads to the redistribution of flavor substances (heptanal, n-nonanal dimer and n-nonanal monomer). The current work elucidates the effect of post-harvest ripening on the physiochemical properties and drying behavior of peaches.

Dietary Nutrient Deficiencies and Risk of Depression (Review Article 2018-2023).

Depression is classified as one of the most common mental disorders. Its prevalence has recently increased, becoming a growing public health threat. This review focuses on clarifying the role and importance of individual nutrients in the diet and the impact of nutrient deficiencies on the risk of depression. Deficiencies in nutrients such as protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids have a significant impact on brain and nervous system function, which can affect the appearance of depressive symptoms. However, it is important to remember that diet in itself is not the only factor influencing the risk of or helping to treat depression. There are many other aspects, such as physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social support, that also play an important role in maintaining mental health. The data review observed that most of the available analyses are based on cross-sectional studies. Further studies, including prospective cohort, case-control studies, are recommended to draw more reliable conclusions.

Concept for the valorization of cereal processing waste: Recovery of phenolic acids by using waste-derived tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol and biochar.

Valorization of agro-food waste by converting it into a renewable resource plays a crucial role in a bio-based circular economy. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the suitability of distillery stillage (DS), which comes from alcohol production from cereals, for producing value-added products that can be used synergistically. The main objective was to investigate the usefulness of two substances for the recovery of phenolic acids, which have antioxidant activity, from the liquid fraction of DS: namely, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) as a solvent and biochar as an adsorbent, both produced from the solid fraction of cereal processing waste. The effect of THFA concentration (80 and 100%) on phenolic acid yield in ultrasound-assisted extraction was studied. The solubilization predictions of phenolic compounds by the Hansen solubility parameters were in accordance with the experimental results: the yield of phenolic acids in the extracts was highest (3.76 µg g-1 dry mass) with 80% THFA. Among the extracted phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids predominated over hydroxybenzoic acids, which may affect the bioactive properties of the extracts and their future applications for industrial purposes. Phenolic acids from the extracts were adsorbed on 17-170 g biochar L-1 and desorbed into water at 40-60 °C. The phenolic acid recovery was highest (∼92%) when the biochar dose was 85 g L-1 and when desorption was performed at 50 °C. After adsorption/desorption, ∼95% of the antioxidant activity of the phenolic acids in the extracts was maintained. As biochar has a smaller specific surface area than commercial powdered activated carbon (PAC), the biochar dose should be about 5 times higher than an equivalent PAC dose for adsorption efficiency above 90%.

Valorization of distillery stillage by polyphenol recovery using microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted and conventional extractions.

An increasing understanding of the negative environmental effects of waste discharges has made valorization of distillery by-products to recover added-value compounds a sound option for distillery stillage management. In this study, the recovery of bioactive compounds, i.e. polyphenols, from distillery stillage was performed by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional solid-liquid extraction (CSLE) to investigate the effects of extraction time, the concentration of ethyl acetate (EA) in a solvent mixture with ethanol and water, and solid-to-solvent ratio on the recovery yield and antioxidant activity of the extracts. The highest yields of total polyphenol content (TPC) (3.73 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and phenolic acid content (2.51 µg/g) were obtained with 8-min MAE with 70% EA. MAE provided 1.2- and 1.4-times higher yield of phenolic acids and 1.2- and 1.6-times higher antioxidant activity than UAE and CSLE, respectively. Due to the approximately 3-times higher rate of extraction, the ratio between energy consumption and extraction yield was better in MAE than in UAE. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the antioxidant activity of the extracts was positively correlated with TPC and phenolic acid content. Six phenolic acids that were identified were present mainly in their free forms (up to 95% of the total), with a predominance of ferulic (up to 0.80 µg/g) and p-coumaric (up to 0.72 µg/g) acids.

Subcritical water extraction of bioactive phenolic compounds from distillery stillage.

Distilleries generate huge amounts of by-products that have a negative impact on the environment, so the management of wastes generated by this sector should be improved. Because distillery by-products are a source of bioactive compounds, the recovery of these compounds not only reduces issues with environmental protection but also provides the basis for a waste-to-profit solution. Following the latest trends in the search for so-called green extraction techniques for recovering valuable products, this study investigated the effect of subcritical water extraction (SWE) conditions (temperature (25-260 °C), time (5-90 min), and solid-to-solvent ratio (1:5-1:50, w:v)) on the efficiency of recovery of bioactive compounds, i.e., polyphenols from distillery stillage, and on the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The highest extraction yield was obtained with 30-min SWE with a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:15 at either 140 °C (for total polyphenol content and phenolic acid content) or 200 °C (for total flavonoid content), as indicated by the Response Surface Methodology analysis. Phenolic acids in the extracts were present mainly in free forms (up to 88% of the total content). The antioxidant activity, which was measured using several assays, correlated positively with the content of phenolic acids, which confirmed their significant contribution to the bioactive properties of the extracts. The antioxidant effects of the extracts were mostly due to hydroxycinnamic acids (especially ferulic and p-coumaric acids). Principal component analysis showed that the temperature and time of SWE were the factors that can explain the greatest amount of variation in the extraction yield, composition, and bioactive properties of the polyphenols. These results will influence the design of further processes, such as purification and concentration, which are necessary before using the extracted compounds as substrates that are applicable in various industries. Based on the analysis of the elemental composition, the biomass remaining after SWE was evaluated to consider the possibilities of its further utilization.

Processing of Distillery Stillage to Recover Phenolic Compounds with Ultrasound-Assisted and Microwave-Assisted Extractions.

This study investigated the effect of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions (extraction time, acetone concentration, solid-to-solvent ratio) on the efficiency of polyphenol recovery from distillery stillage and antioxidant activity of the extracts. The highest total polyphenol content, flavonoid content, and phenolic acid content were obtained with 10-min UAE and 5-min MAE at a solid-to-acetone ratio of 1:15 (w:v). Recovery yield was the highest with an aqueous solution of 60% acetone, confirming the results of Hansen Solubility Parameter analysis. Although UAE resulted in approximately 1.2 times higher extraction yield, MAE showed a better balance between extraction yield and energy consumption exhibited by its 3-fold higher extraction rate than that of UAE. Content of total polyphenols and phenolic acids strongly correlated with antioxidant activity, indicating that these compounds provide a substantial contribution to the bioactive properties of the extracts. Six phenolic acids were extracted, predominately ferulic and p-coumaric acids, and free forms of these acids constituted 91% of their total content, which opens various possibilities for their application in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

The Role of Bioactive Compounds of Nigella sativa in Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy-Current Reports.

Black cumin (Nigella sativa, NS) is included in the Ranunculaceae family and is classified as a medicinal plant due to very high levels of various bioactive compounds. They determine its therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypotensive, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulating properties. The results of scientific studies indicate a supporting role of black cumin in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, due to the health-promoting properties of its bioactive ingredients. The aim of the current article is to analyze the results of scientific publications on the role of bioactive ingredients contained in black cumin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Consumption of dietary supplements to support weight reduction in adults according to sociodemographic background, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, body fat and physical activity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the use of dietary supplements to support weight reduction (DSSWR) in adults according to sociodemographic background, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage (%BF) and level of physical activity (PA). METHOD: Participants (n = 1130) were recruited from a region of Poland with a high rate of adult overweight and obesity. Based on anthropometric data, BMI and WHR were calculated. %BF was assessed using a bioimpedance method. To examine the association between DSSWR use and sociodemographic factors, BMI, WHR, %BF and PA multiple logistic regression were conducted. RESULTS: The rate of DSSWR use in the group studied was high (69.5%). A higher proportion of women, individuals aged 18-35 years, those who had completed higher education, those who did not report financial status as "poor", with a BMI < 18.5, normal %BF and individuals with a high level of PA used DSSWR. In complete case analysis (n = 1108), primarily financial status reported as "good" (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.69, 2.81) or "hard to say" (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.86, 3.12) (vs. "poor") and female sex (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 2.17, 3.08) were associated with DSSWR intake. CONCLUSION: It seems that primarily financial status and sex, but also age, education, and level of PA, have significance in DSSWR use in adults and may be considered when developing appropriate strategies for body weight management and health promotion.

[High plasma folate in patients with phenylketonuria]. / Hiperfolacynemia u chorych na fenyloketonurie.

UNLABELLED: Phenylketonuria is an inborn error of metabolism treated with a closely monitored low phenylalanine diet. Protein substitutes used for treatment are supplemented with vitamins and micronutrients. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate plasma folic acid concentrations in children with phenylketonuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of 73 patients with phenylketonuria and 28 with mild hyperphenylalaninemia (on normal diet) was carried out. Intake of folic acid was calculated on the basis of protein substitute intake. Folate concentrations were analyzed according to their intake, and concentration of homocysteine and phenylalanine. RESULTS: In 76.7% patients with phenylketonuria intake of folic acid exceeded recommended dietary allowance. Serum folic acid concentrations above upper reference level were detected in 75.3% patients with phenylketonuria and only in 25% patients with hyperphenylalaninemia (p<0.0001). Strong positive correlation between daily intake of folic acid (with protein substitute) and concentration plasma folic acid (corr=0.55, p<0.0001) has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: Low phenylalanine diet using protein substitutes currently available in Poland predisposes to high concentration of plasma folic acid. The security of folic acid hipersupplementation in patients with phenylketonuria requires further detailed research.

Recycling potential of air pollution control residue from sewage sludge thermal treatment as artificial lightweight aggregates.

Thermal treatment of sewage sludge produces fly ash, also known as the air pollution control residue (APCR), which may be recycled as a component of artificial lightweight aggregates (ALWA). Properties of APCR are typical: high content of Ca, Mg, P2O5, as well as potential to induce alkaline reactions. These properties indicate that ALWA prepared with a high content of APCR may remove heavy metals, phosphorus, and ammonium nitrogen from wastewater with high efficiency. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the optimal composition of ALWA for potential use as a filter media in wastewater treatment systems. Five kinds of ALWA were produced, with different proportions of ash (shown as percentages in subscripts) in mixture with bentonite: ALWA0 (reference), ALWA12.5, ALWA25, ALWA50, and ALWA100. The following parameters of ALWA were determined: density, bulk density, compressive strength, hydraulic conductivity, and removal efficiency of ions Zn(2+), NH4 (+), and PO4 (3-). Tests showed that ALWA had good mechanical and hydraulic properties, and might be used in wastewater filtering systems. Phosphates and zinc ions were removed with high efficiency (80-96%) by ALWA25-100 in static (batch) conditions. The efficiency of ammonium nitrogen removal was low, <18%. Artificial wastewater treatment performance in dynamic conditions (through-flow), showed increasing removal efficiency of Zn(2+), PO4 (3-) with a decrease in flow rate.

Circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration is downregulated by intralipid/heparin infusion or high-fat meal in young healthy male subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates neuronal differentiation and synaptic plasticity, and its decreased levels are supposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and other disorders. The aim of the current study was to estimate the effects of hyperinsulinemia and serum free fatty acids (FFA) elevation on circulating BDNF concentration in humans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied 18 healthy male subjects (mean age 25.6 ± 3.0 years; mean BMI 26.6 ± 4.8 kg/m(2)). Serum and plasma BDNF concentration was measured in the baseline state and in the 120 and 360 min of euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp with or without intralipid/heparin infusion. Furthermore, plasma BDNF was measured in 20 male subjects (mean age 22.7 ± 2.3 years; mean BMI 24.9 ± 1.5 kg/m(2)) 360 min after a high-fat meal. RESULTS: Insulin sensitivity was reduced by ~40% after 6 h of intralipid/heparin infusion (P < 0.001). During both clamps, serum and plasma BDNF followed the same pattern. Hyperinsulinemia had no effect on circulating BDNF. Raising FFA had no effect on circulating BDNF in 120 min; however, it resulted in a significant decrease by 43% in serum and by 35% in plasma BDNF after 360 min (P = 0.005 and 0.006, respectively). High-fat meal also resulted in a decrease by 27.8% in plasma BDNF (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that raising FFA decreases circulating BDNF. This might indicate a potential link between FFA-induced insulin resistance and neurodegenerative disorders.