Nutri-Score of Meat, Fish, and Dairy Alternatives: A Comparison between the Old and New Algorithm.

Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack label that visualizes the nutritional quality of food products from most healthy (A, dark green) to least healthy (E, red). However, concerns have been raised about discrepancies between Nutri-Score labels and dietary recommendations. Therefore, the Nutri-Score algorithm has recently been adapted. To investigate the effect of the new algorithm, the Nutri-Score of plant-based meat, fish, and dairy alternatives (n = 916) was calculated with the old and new algorithms. In addition, the nutritional values of meat and milk alternatives with Nutri-Score labels A and B were compared under the old and new conditions and subsequently assessed for alignment with the criteria of Dutch dietary guidelines. The new algorithm resulted in a reduction in the number of products with labels A and B, ranging from 5% (cold cuts alternatives) to 55% (milk alternatives). The nutritional composition of products with labels A and B improved for meat alternatives (lower energy and saturated fatty acid contents; higher protein content) and milk alternatives (lower energy, salt, and sugar contents; higher protein and fiber contents). Overall, the new Nutri-Score algorithm is more in line with the Dutch dietary guidelines for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, though challenges remain with respect to micronutrient (iron, calcium, vitamin B12), salt, and protein contents.

Folic Acid-Fortified Iodized Salt and Serum Folate Levels in Reproductive-Aged Women of Rural India: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

Importance: India has a disproportionately high prevalence of neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly (SBA), causing a high number of stillbirths, elective pregnancy terminations, and child mortality; India contributes a large proportion of the global burden of SBA. Thirty years after folic acid was shown to be effective in reducing SBA prevalence, only about one-quarter of such births are prevented globally through cereal grain fortification. Objective: To determine the association of folic acid-fortified iodized salt with serum folate concentrations among nonpregnant and nonlactating women of reproductive age. Design, Setting, and Participants: This nonrandomized controlled trial using a preintervention and postintervention design was conducted in 4 rural villages in Southern India from July 1 to November 30, 2022. All households in the villages agreed to participate in the study. Preintervention and postintervention serum folate levels were analyzed among study participants at baseline and after 4 months, respectively. Intervention: Consumption of approximately 300 µg/d of folic acid using double fortified salt (folic acid plus iodine). Median serum folate concentrations were assessed at baseline and 4 months. Main Outcomes and Measures: Change in median serum folate levels between baseline and study end point as the primary outcome of the study. Results: A total of 83 nonpregnant nonlactating women aged 20 to 44 years (mean [SD] age, 30.9 [5.1] years) were eligible for the study and provided serum samples for analysis at baseline and the end point of the intervention. The median serum folate concentration increased from 14.6 (IQR, 11.2-20.6) nmol/L at baseline to 54.4 (IQR, 43.5-54.4) nmol/L at end of study, a 3.7-fold increase from baseline to study end point. Two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test showed the median difference in preintervention and postintervention serum folate concentrations to be highly significant (P < .001). The participants found the salt acceptable in color and taste. Conclusions and Relevance: Use of folic acid-fortified iodized salt was associated with increased serum folate concentrations in women of reproductive age. This novel evidence can inform public health policy to accelerate SBA prevention. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06174883.

Impact of iodine supply in infancy and childhood.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To assess the most relevant articles on the impact of iodine supply in at-risk populations, namely infants and young children, pregnant and lactating women. RECENT FINDINGS: The 2022 Iodine Global Network Annual Report confirmed the dramatic decrease of severe iodine deficiency over the last 30 years, thanks to universal iodine iodization. However, mild to moderate deficiency is still present in many countries, where recent data showed a decrease of iodine intake and an impairment of iodine status. Unfortunately, there is yet no validated biomarker to classify the iodine status at the individual level. Available data show that there is no clear evidence to link mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency to adverse health outcomes in pregnant and lactating women as well as in infants and children. The description of a negative impact of maternal iodine excess on neurodevelopment of infants is of concern. SUMMARY: Optimization of salt iodization (e.g. careful increase in iodine concentration in salt, use by food industry in processed foods) combined with targeted, personalized supplementation under medical supervision if needed (e.g. low intake of iodine rich foods, vegan diet) seems currently preferable to blanket supplementation.

Early Low-Grade Inflammation Induced by High-Salt Diet in Sprague Dawley Rats Involves Th17/Treg Axis Dysregulation, Vascular Wall Remodeling, and a Shift in the Fatty Acid Profile.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Unrestricted increased table salt (NaCl) intake is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. However, data on salt-induced immunomodulatory effects in the earliest phase of salt loading are scarce. METHODS: In the present study, an animal model of short-term salt loading was employed, including male Sprague Dawley rats consuming a high-salt diet (HSD; 4% NaCl) or standard laboratory chow (low-salt; LSD; 0.4% NaCl) during a 7-day period. The contribution of angiotensin II (ANGII) suppression was tested by adding a group of rats on a high-salt diet receiving ANGII infusions. Samples of peripheral blood/mesenteric lymph node leukocytes, brain blood vessels, and serum samples were processed for flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, total proteome analysis, and multiplex immunoassay. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed the up-regulation of Il 6 gene in the microcirculation of high-salt-fed rats, accompanied by an increased serum level of TNF-alpha cytokine. The high-salt diet resulted in increased proportion of serum mono-unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids, reduced levels of linoleic (C18:2 ω-6) and α-linolenic (C18:3 ω-3) acid, and increased levels of palmitoleic acid (C16:1 ω-7). The high-salt diet had distinct, lymphoid compartment-specific effects on leukocyte subpopulations, which could be attributed to the increased expression of salt-sensitive SGK-1 kinase. Complete proteome analysis revealed high-salt-diet-induced vascular tissue remodeling and perturbations in energy metabolism. Interestingly, many of the observed effects were reversed by ANGII supplementation. CONCLUSION: Low-grade systemic inflammation induced by a HSD could be related to suppressed ANGII levels. The effects of HSD involved changes in Th17 and Treg cell distribution, vascular wall remodeling, and a shift in lipid and arachidonic acid metabolism.

Treatment with Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract Induces Anxiolytic Effects Associated with Reduced Salt Preference and Changes in Barrier Protein Gene Expression.

We have previously identified that low responsiveness to antidepressive therapy is associated with higher aldosterone/cortisol ratio, lower systolic blood pressure, and higher salt preference. Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) contains glycyrrhizin, an inhibitor of 11ß-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type-2 and antagonist of toll-like receptor 4. The primary hypothesis of this study is that food enrichment with GG extract results in decreased anxiety behavior and reduced salt preference under stress and non-stress conditions. The secondary hypothesis is that the mentioned changes are associated with altered gene expression of barrier proteins in the prefrontal cortex. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to chronic mild stress for five weeks. Both stressed and unstressed rats were fed a diet with or without an extract of GG roots for the last two weeks. GG induced anxiolytic effects in animals independent of stress exposure, as measured in elevated plus maze test. Salt preference and intake were significantly reduced by GG under control, but not stress conditions. The gene expression of the barrier protein claudin-11 in the prefrontal cortex was increased in control rats exposed to GG, whereas stress-induced rise was prevented. Exposure to GG-enriched diet resulted in reduced ZO-1 expression irrespective of stress conditions. In conclusion, the observed effects of GG are in line with a reduction in the activity of central mineralocorticoid receptors. The treatment with GG extract or its active components may, therefore, be a useful adjunct therapy for patients with subtypes of depression and anxiety disorders with heightened renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and/or inflammatory activity.

The contribution of sodium reduction and potassium increase to the blood pressure lowering observed in the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study.

The Salt Substitute and Stroke Study (SSaSS) demonstrated significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP), and the risk of stroke, major cardiovascular events and total mortality with the use of potassium-enriched salt. The contribution of sodium reduction versus potassium increase to these effects is unknown. We identified four different data sources describing the association between sodium reduction, potassium supplementation and change in SBP. We then fitted a series of models to estimate the SBP reductions expected for the differences in sodium and potassium intake in SSaSS, derived from 24-h urine collections. The proportions of the SBP reduction separately attributable to sodium reduction and potassium supplementation were calculated. The observed SBP reduction in SSaSS was -3.3 mmHg with a corresponding mean 15.2 mmol reduction in 24-h sodium excretion and a mean 20.6 mmol increase in 24-h potassium excretion. Assuming 90% of dietary sodium intake and 70% of dietary potassium intake were excreted through urine, the models projected falls in SBP of between -1.67 (95% confidence interval: -4.06 to +0.73) mmHg and -5.33 (95% confidence interval: -8.58 to -2.08) mmHg. The estimated proportional contribution of sodium reduction to the SBP fall ranged between 12 and 39% for the different models fitted. Sensitivity analyses assuming different proportional urinary excretion of dietary sodium and potassium intake showed similar results. In every model, the majority of the SBP lowering effect in SSaSS was estimated to be attributable to the increase in dietary potassium rather than the fall in dietary sodium.

Strength development and self-desiccation of saline cemented paste backfill.

Given that many mines around the world are located in areas where fresh water is scarce, and companies are being held to increasingly stringent sustainability and environmental responsibility standards, many mines are looking to use locally available saline groundwater or seawater as mixing water in cemented paste backfill (CPB). However, the impacts of this decision on key engineering properties of CPB (e.g. strength and self-desiccation) that affect its mechanical stability need to be better understood to allow confident selection of this practical and more sustainable solution. Thus, the effect of mixing water salinity and binder type on the strength (unconfined compressive strength, UCS) development and self-desiccation (measured by suction and volumetric water content) of CPB is explored in this research. NaCl concentrations from 0 to 300 g/L were used in CPB made with silica tailings and Portland cement type I (PC). Concentrations of 10 and 35 g/L were found to moderately increase UCS, while a concentration of 100 g/L had comparable UCS to non-saline CPB and a concentration of 300 g/L was found to significantly decrease UCS over all curing times. The overall trend is 10 g/L > 35 g/L > 0 g/L > 100 g/L > 300 g/L. The UCS of the 60-day-old CPB with a NaCl of 300 g/L is significantly lower, registering a 26% decrease compared to the UCS of the 60-day-old CPB without salt. In contrast, the UCS of the 60-day-old CPBs containing 10 g/L and 35 g/L of salt exhibits a notable improvement, being 15% and 10% higher, respectively, than the UCS of the 60-day-old CPB without salt. Water content and suction monitoring were conducted up to 28 days of curing time, and it was found that suction only slightly contributed to UCS gain of the saline CPB, and high salt contents (100 and 300 g/L) significantly inhibited the self-desiccation ability of CPB due to inhibition of cement hydration by the excessive amount of salt. The increase in strength of both saline and non-saline samples was attributed primarily to the increase in cement hydration products, while the increased strength of the samples with salinities of 10 and 35 g/L was mainly attributed to the enhancement of the binder hydration due to the low amount of salt and the presence of Friedel's salt in the pores. The effect of PC replacement by 25 to 75% with slag on CPB with 35 g/L mixing water salinity was also studied. Slag replacement of 50% and higher resulted in significantly higher UCS over most curing times. Suction likely moderately contributed to UCS of the saline CPB with slag, in addition to the presence of Friedel's salt in the pores and the acceleration of cement and slag hydration by the presence of NaCl.

Potassium-Enriched Salt Substitutes: A Review of Recommendations in Clinical Management Guidelines.

Excess dietary sodium intake and insufficient dietary potassium intake are both well-established risk factors for hypertension. Despite some successful initiatives, efforts to control hypertension by improving dietary intake have largely failed because the changes required are mostly too hard to implement. Consistent recent data from randomized controlled trials show that potassium-enriched, sodium-reduced salt substitutes are an effective option for improving consumption levels and reducing blood pressure and the rates of cardiovascular events and deaths. Yet, salt substitutes are inconsistently recommended and rarely used. We sought to define the extent to which evidence about the likely benefits and harms of potassium-enriched salt substitutes has been incorporated into clinical management by systematically searching guidelines for the management of hypertension or chronic kidney disease. We found incomplete and inconsistent recommendations about the use of potassium-enriched salt substitutes in the 32 hypertension and 14 kidney guidelines that we reviewed. Discussion among the authors identified the possibility of updating clinical guidelines to provide consistent advice about the use of potassium-enriched salt for hypertension control. Draft wording was chosen to commence debate and progress consensus building: strong recommendation for patients with hypertension-potassium-enriched salt with a composition of 75% sodium chloride and 25% potassium chloride should be recommended to all patients with hypertension, unless they have advanced kidney disease, are using a potassium supplement, are using a potassium-sparing diuretic, or have another contraindication. We strongly encourage clinical guideline bodies to review their recommendations about the use of potassium-enriched salt substitutes at the earliest opportunity.

Iodine intake in the Swiss population 100 years after the introduction of iodised salt: a cross-sectional national study in children and pregnant women.

PURPOSE: The Swiss voluntary salt iodisation programme has successfully prevented iodine deficiency for 100 years, but dietary habits are changing and today only one-third of processed foods contain iodised salt. We aimed to monitor the current iodine status in children and pregnant women. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study in children (6-12 years) and pregnant women and measured the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in spot urine samples. We estimated the iodine intake using UIC and urinary creatinine concentration (UCC) and determined the prevalence of intakes below the average requirement (AR) using the SPADE method. We measured dried blood spot (DBS) thyroglobulin (Tg), TSH and total T4 in pregnant women. RESULTS: The median UIC was 127 µg/L (bootstrapped 95% CI 119, 140, n = 362) in children and 97 µg/L (bootstrapped 95% CI 90, 106, n = 473) in pregnant women. The estimated prevalence of inadequate iodine intake (< 65 µg/day) was 5.4% (bootstrapped 95% CI 0.0, 14.6) in children. Half (47%) of the women consumed iodine-containing multivitamin and mineral supplements (≥ 150 µg/day). Compared to non-users, users had higher median UIC (129 vs. 81 µg/L, P < 0.001), lower prevalence of inadequacy (< 160 µg/day; 0.2 vs. 31%) and lower DBS-Tg (23 vs. 29 µg/L, P < 0.001). All women were euthyroid. CONCLUSIONS: The Swiss diet and current salt fortification provides adequate iodine intake in children, but not in all pregnant women. Iodine supplements cover the dietary gap in pregnancy but are not universally consumed. Therefore, improved use of iodised salt in processed foods is desired to ensure adequate iodine intake in all population groups. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04524013.

Salt restriction for treatment of hypertension - current state and future directions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Given the adverse effects of excess dietary sodium chloride (also known as table salt) on blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), restriction of dietary sodium is recommended by numerous guidelines. The strictest of these recommend no more than 1.5 g/day of dietary sodium among hypertensive persons. However, average dietary sodium intake in the population is closer to 5 g/day and there is debate about whether too much sodium restriction may be associated with increased CVD risk. Herein, we aim to provide a balanced update on this topic. RECENT FINDINGS: In 2021, the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study (SSaSS) demonstrated a significant reduction in BP, CVD, and death among Chinese adults randomized to a low sodium salt-substitute supplemented with potassium. This trial largely puts to rest any remaining debate about the benefits of dietary sodium restriction among persons with excess baseline intake (dietary sodium intake fell from approximately 5 down to 4 g/day in the active arm of SSaSS). However, whether achieving and maintaining a dietary sodium of less than1.5 g/day is feasible in real-world settings and whether this low an intake is harmful remain open questions. SUMMARY: Aiming for sodium intakes of 2--3 g/day in the general population and as low as 2 g/day in persons with hypertension or CVD seems most reasonable, but there is some uncertainty around lower targets.

Dietary Potassium Supplementation Reduces Chronic Kidney Lesions Independent of Blood Pressure in Deoxycorticosterone-Acetate and High Sodium Chloride-Treated Mice.

We have previously shown that an excess of deoxycorticosterone acetate and high sodium chloride intake (DOCA/salt) in one-renin gene mice induces a high urinary Na/K ratio, hypokalemia, and cardiac and renal hypertrophy in the absence of hypertension. Dietary potassium supplementation prevents DOCA/salt-induced pathological processes. In the present study, we further study whether DOCA/salt-treated mice progressively develop chronic inflammation and fibrosis in the kidney and whether dietary potassium supplementation can reduce the DOCA/salt-induced renal pathological process. Results showed that (1) long-term DOCA/salt-treated one-renin gene mice developed severe kidney injuries including tubular/vascular hypertrophy, mesangial/interstitial/perivascular fibrosis, inflammation (lymphocyte's immigration), proteinuria, and high serum creatinine in the absence of hypertension; (2) there were over-expressed mRNAs of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), fibronectin, collagen type I and III, interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), osteopontin, Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/P65, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1; and (3) dietary potassium supplementation normalized urinary Na/K ratio, hypokalemia, proteinuria, and serum creatinine, reduced renal hypertrophy, inflammations, and fibrosis, and down-regulated mRNA expression of fibronectin, Col-I and III, TGF-ß, TNF-α, osteopontin, and ICAM without changes in the blood pressure. The results provide new evidence that potassium and sodium may modulate proinflammatory and fibrotic genes, leading to chronic renal lesions independent of blood pressure.

Tolerability and Acceptability of an Exogenous Ketone Monoester and Ketone Monoester/Salt Formulation in Humans.

Exogenous ketone ester and ketone ester mixed with ketone free acid formulations are rapidly entering the commercial marketspace. Short-term animal and human studies using these products suggest significant potential for primary or secondary prevention of a number of chronic disease conditions. However, a number of questions need to be addressed by the field for optimal use in humans, including variable responses among available exogenous ketones at different dosages; frequency of dosing; and their tolerability, acceptability, and efficacy in long-term clinical trials. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the tolerability, acceptability, and circulating R-beta-hydroxybutyrate (R-ßHB) and glucose responses to a ketone monoester (KME) and ketone monoester/salt (KMES) combination at 5 g and 10 g total R-ßHB compared with placebo control (PC). Fourteen healthy young adults (age: 21 ± 2 years, weight: 69.7 ± 14.2 kg, percent fat: 28.1 ± 9.3%) completed each of the five study conditions: placebo control (PC), 5 g KME (KME5), 10 g KME (KME10), 5 g (KMES5), and 10 g KMES (KMES10) in a randomized crossover fashion. Circulating concentrations of R-ßHB were measured at baseline (time 0) following an 8-12 h overnight fast and again at 15, 30, 60, and 120 min following drink ingestion. Participants also reported acceptability and tolerability during each condition. Concentrations of R-ßHB rose to 2.4 ± 0.1 mM for KME10 after 15 min, whereas KMES10 similarly peaked (2.1 ± 0.1 mM) but at 30 min. KME5 and KMES5 achieved similar peak R-ßHB concentrations (1.2 ± 0.7 vs. 1.1 ± 0.5 mM) at 15 min. Circulating R-ßHB concentrations were similar to baseline for each condition by 120 min. Negative correlations were observed between R-ßHB and glucose at the 30 min time point for each condition except KME10 and PC. Tolerability was similar among KME and KMES, although decreases in appetite were more frequently reported for KMES. Acceptability was slightly higher for KMES due to the more frequently reported aftertaste for KME. The results of this pilot investigation illustrate that the KME and KMES products used increase circulating R-ßHB concentrations to a similar extent and time course in a dose-dependent fashion with slight differences in tolerability and acceptability. Future studies are needed to examine variable doses, frequency, and timing of exogenous ketone administration for individuals seeking to consume ketone products for health- or sport performance-related purposes.

Oat Peptides Alleviate Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt-Induced Colitis by Maintaining the Intestinal Barrier and Modulating the Keap1-Nrf2 Axis.

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is progressively rising each year, emphasizing the significance of implementing rational dietary interventions for disease prevention. Oats, being a staple agricultural product, are abundant in protein content. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of oat peptides (OPs) in a mouse model of acute colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) and a Caco-2 cell model. The findings demonstrated that intervention with OPs effectively mitigated the symptoms associated with DSS-induced colitis. The physicochemical characterization analysis demonstrated that the molecular weight of the OPs was predominantly below 5 kDa, with a predominant composition of 266 peptides. This study provides further evidence of the regulatory impact of OPs on the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling axis and elucidates the potential role of WGVGVRAERDA as the primary bioactive peptide responsible for the functional effects of OPs. Ultimately, the results of this investigation demonstrate that OPs effectively mitigate DSS-induced colitis by preserving the integrity of the intestinal barrier and modulating the Keap1-Nrf2 axis. Consequently, these findings establish a theoretical foundation for the utilization of OPs as dietary supplements to prevent the onset of IBD.

Comparison of Thyroglobulin and Thyroid Function in Pregnant Women between Counties with a Median Urinary Iodine Concentration of 100-149 µg/L and 150-249 µg/L.

Objective: This study explored whether thyroglobulin and thyroid disease prevalence rates were higher in pregnant Chinese women with a median urinary iodine concentration of 100-149 µg/L, compared with those with a median urinary iodine concentration of 150-249 µg/L maintained through sustainable universal salt iodization. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 812 healthy pregnant women were enrolled to collect samples of their household edible salt, urine, and blood during their routine antenatal care in the 18 counties in Fujian Province, China. The levels of salt iodine concentration, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroid hormone (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroglobulin antibody were assessed during the routine antenatal care visits. Results: The median UIC (mUIC) in pregnant women was 130.8 µg/L (interquartile range = 91.5-198.1 µg/L) in the counties with an mUIC of 100-149 µg/L (Group I), and 172.0 µg/L (interquartile range = 123.5-244.4 µg/L) in the counties with an mUIC of 150-249 µg/L (Group II). Goiter prevalence and thyroid nodule detection rates showed no difference between Group I and Group II ( P > 0.05). Except for FT4 values, the TSH, FT4, FT3, Tg and Tg values > 40 (µg/L) and the thyroid diseases prevalence rate (TDR) showed no significant differences between Group I and Group II ( P > 0.05), whether or not iodine supplementation measures were taken. Conclusion: Compared with an mUIC of 150-249 µg/L, not only there was no difference in thyroid morphology, but also the Tg value, rate of Tg values > 40 µg/L, and TDR were not higher in pregnant women in the counties with an mUIC of 100-149 µg/L achieved through sustainable universal salt iodization in Fujian Province, China.

Saltiness enhancement by "má là" umami flavor in NaCl model aqueous and oil-added systems.

The health concerns associated with high dietary sodium and the quest for a sensory experience have prompted the need for new strategies that can reduce the salt content of foods and have good acceptability. To investigate the cross-modal interaction effects of "má là" umami flavor (total of eight carriers) on the saltiness perception and effective sodium reduction in low-to-strong NaCl aqueous solutions (0.203 %-1.39 %) and oil-added systems (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, 25 % canola oil, wt%), sixteen assessors were selected and two methods including saltiness intensity comparison with a category scale and rating with a generalized Labeled Magnitude Scale (gLMS) were used. The results showed PnSnUn carriers significantly enhance saltiness at moderate-to-strong NaCl solutions, and higher saltiness intensity with the addition of canola oil, especially at 25 % oil level. In addition, based on the developed Stevens' power function the sodium reduction was calculated, it was evident that two "má là" umami flavor combinations (one flavor combination was low "má", low "là" and moderate umami, and the other flavor combination with moderate "má", low "là" and moderate umami) were found to perform best with maximum sodium reduction of 18.88 % and 18 %, respectively, and when incorporating 25 % canola oil, the maximum sodium reduction raised by approximately 10 % (to 28.00 % and 28.42 %). This research not only confirmed the positive modulating effect of the "má là" umami flavor on saltiness perception in NaCl solutions, but also showed that the presence of oil further enhanced this effect. This work offered a new and promising insight into the development of foods with reduced sodium content while maintaining the saltiness properties.

Iodized Salt May Not Be Sufficient to Guarantee an Adequate Iodine Intake in Pregnant Women.

Adequate iodine intake is of crucial importance in pregnancy to meet the thyroid hormone needs of both mother and fetus. In the present study, undertaken as a part of the surveillance actions following the introduction in Italy of a national salt iodination program in 2005, the iodine intake was investigated in 123 pregnant women and 49 control women living in the same area of central Italy. All the participants were screened for urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum level of thyrotropin, free-thyroxine, free-triiodothyronine, and thyroid volume. Moreover, they were provided with a questionnaire on the use of iodine-containing salt or supplements. Control women had a median UIC of 102 µg/L, consistent with an iodine sufficiency, while in pregnant women the median UIC value was 108 µg/L, lower than the endorsed UIC of 150 µg/L. In addition, pregnant women showed a significantly increased median thyroid volume compared to controls. Interestingly, the median UIC did not differ between pregnant women not using iodine-containing salt or supplements and those regularly consuming iodized salt alone, while pregnant women with a daily intake of iodine-containing supplements had an adequate median UIC (168 µg/L). In conclusion, the data reported here showed that pregnant women and their fetuses are still exposed to the detrimental effects of iodine deficiency and that the consumption of iodine-containing supplements should be recommended in pregnancy.

Soy Sauce Lowers Body Weight and Fat Mass in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats.

Soy sauce (SS) is a traditional fermented seasoning. Although fermented foods have diverse health beneficial effects, SS intake has been discouraged because of its high salt level. This study was designed to evaluate the antiobesity outcomes of SS and the potential involvement of salt content in SS by adding a high-salt group. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups: normal diet (ND, 10% fat of total kcal), high-fat diet (HD, 60% fat of total kcal), HD with salt water (HDSW, NaCl = 8%), and HD with SS (HDSS, NaCl = 8%). SS significantly decreased HD-induced body weight gain and lipogenic gene expression without affecting food consumption. Moreover, SS also reduced hepatic injury and lipid accumulation, and also improved hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, SS decreased the mRNA levels related to obesity-derived inflammatory responses, while HDSW did not change the levels of those markers. These observations indicate that SS ameliorates obesity in HD-fed obese rats by attenuating dyslipidemia. Moreover, SS might also have an anti-inflammatory effect in HD-induced obesity, which requires further investigation. Most importantly, SS offers these beneficial effects regardless of its high salt content, implying that different dietary salt sources lead to the distinct health outcomes. In conclusion, the findings of this study improve the understanding of the functional effect of SS.

Sodium chloride alleviates oxidative stress and physiological responses induced by extreme winter cold in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT; Oreochromis niloticus).

A 6-week trial was designed to investigate the effects of dietary sodium chloride supplementation on physiological, metabolic, and molecular stress response parameters. The findings showed that (1) there were no significant differences between sodium chloride supplementation groups (0.05S, 0.1S, and 0.15S) and the control group (P > 0.05), except for the 0.2S diet, which showed better final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio than the control group (P < 0.05). (2) The hypothermic stress experiment results showed that the survival rates in the 0.1S and 0.15S diets were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). (3) Transcription results showed that these enriched pathways in the gill were mainly energy metabolism and apoptosis pathways, while the major enrichment pathways in the liver were mainly amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. (4) The plasma parameter results showed, compared to the control group, the 0.15S diet significantly increased the plasma GLU, TG contents, and Na+ and K+ concentrations and decreased the plasma ALT activity (P < 0.05). In addition, the 0.1S diet increased the plasma ALB content and Cl- concentration (P < 0.05). The gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity decreased markedly when the fish were fed the 0.1S and 0.15S diets (P < 0.05). The antioxidant enzyme activity results showed that the 0.1S and 0.15S diets significantly increased the T-SOD activities (P < 0.05). Gene expression results showed that compared to the control group, the 0.1S and 0.15S diets up-regulated the expression of gys, hsp70, mlcp, mlc, myosin, tnt mRNA, and down-regulated the akt, gk, and erk mRNA expression. Based on the regression analysis, the optimum dietary sodium chloride levels range from 0.10 % to 0.13 % of the diet, which could facilitate energy regulation, improve the immune response, and ultimately strengthen the cold resistance of GIFT.

Dietary sodium restriction reduces blood pressure in patients with treatment resistant hypertension.

PURPOSE: Patients with treatment resistant hypertension (TRH) are at particular risk of cardiovascular disease. Life style modification, including sodium restriction, is an important part of the treatment of these patients. We aimed to analyse if self-performed dietary sodium restriction could be implemented in patients with TRH and to evaluate the effect of this intervention on blood pressure (BP). Moreover, we aimed to examine if mechanisms involving nitric oxide, body water content and BNP, renal function and handling of sodium were involved in the effect on nocturnal and 24-h BP. Also, measurement of erythrocyte sodium sensitivity was included as a possible predictor for the effect of sodium restriction on BP levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: TRH patients were included for this interventional four week study: two weeks on usual diet and two weeks on self-performed sodium restricted diet with supplementary handed out sodium-free bread. At the end of each period, 24-h BP and 24-h urine collections (sodium, potassium, ENaC) were performed, blood samples (BNP, NOx, salt blood test) were drawn, and bio impedance measurements were made. RESULTS: Fifteen patients, 11 males, with a mean age of 59 years were included. After sodium restriction, urinary sodium excretion decreased from 186 (70) to 91 [51] mmol/24-h, and all but one reduced sodium excretion. Nocturnal and 24-h systolic BP were significantly reduced (- 8 and - 10 mmHg, respectively, p < 0.05). NOx increased, BNP and extracellular water content decreased, all significantly. Change in NOx correlated to the change in 24-h systolic BP. BP response after sodium restriction was not related to sodium sensitivity examined by salt blood test. CONCLUSION: Self-performed dietary sodium restriction was feasible in a population of patients with TRH, and BP was significantly reduced. Increased NOx synthesis may be involved in the BP lowering effect of sodium restriction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in Clinical trials with ID: NCT06022133.