Effects of rumen-bypass protein supplement on growth performance, hepatic mitochondrial protein complexes, and hepatic immune gene expression of beef steers with divergent residual feed intake.

We investigated the impact of a rumen-bypass protein (RBP) supplement on growth performance, plasma and urinary N (UN) concentration, hepatic mitochondrial protein complexes, and hepatic mRNA expression of immune genes of beef steers with negative or positive residual feed intake (RFI) phenotype. Forty crossbred beef steers with an average body weight (BW) of 492 ± 36 kg were subjected to a generalized randomized block design over a 42-day experimental period. This study followed a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The factors evaluated were: 1) RFI classification (low-RFI (-2.12 kg/d) vs. high-RFI (2.02 kg/d), and 2) rumen-bypass protein supplement: RBP supplement (RBP; 227 g/steer/d) vs. control diet (CON; 0 g/d), resulting in four distinct treatments: LRFI-CON (n = 10), LRFI-RBP (n = 10), HRFI-CON (n = 10), and HRFI-RBP (n = 10). The RBP supplement (84% crude protein) is a mixture of hydrolyzed feather meal, porcine blood meal, and DL-methionine hydroxy analogue. The beef steers were stratified by BW, randomly assigned to treatments, and housed in four pens (1 treatment/pen) equipped with two GrowSafe feed bunks each to measure individual dry mater intake (DMI). Body weight was measured every 7 d. Liver tissue samples were collected on d 42 from all the beef steers. These samples were used for mRNA expression analysis of 16 immune-related genes and for evaluating the mitochondrial protein complexes I - V. No significant effects due to RBP supplementation or RFI × RBP interactions (P > 0.05) were observed for average daily gain (ADG) and DMI. However, compared to high-RFI steers, low-RFI steers showed a trend towards reduced DMI (12.9 vs. 13.6 kg/d; P = 0.07) but ADG was similar for the two RFI groups. Regardless of RFI status, supplemental RBP increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P = 0.01), with a lower BUN concentration in low-RFI steers compared to high-RFI ones. A tendency for interaction (P = 0.07) between RFI and RBP was detected for the UN concentrations; feeding the dietary RBP increased the UN concentration in high-RFI beef steers (209 vs. 124 mM), whereas the concentration was lower than that of the CON group for low-RFI beef steers (86 vs. 131 mM). Interactions of RBP and RFI were observed (P ≤ 0.05) for mitochondrial activities of complexes IV, V, and mRNA expressions of some immune genes such as TLR2, TLR3, and IL23A. In conclusion, while RBP supplementation did not alter growth performance, its observed effects on hepatic immune gene expression, mitochondrial protein complexes, BUN, and UN depended on the beef steers' RFI phenotype. Therefore, the RFI status of beef steers should be considered in future studies evaluating the effects of dietary protein supplements.

Effects of Alaska Pollack Protein Ingestion on Neuromuscular Adaptation in Young Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Alaska pollack protein (APP), has been reported as a protein source that can enhance muscle hypertrophy more than other protein sources in animal studies. This study aimed to examine the effects of APP ingestion on muscle quantity and quality in young adults. Fifty-five young college students were assigned to two groups: APP and placebo (whey protein: WP) groups, and instructed to ingest 4.5 g of each protein in addition to daily meals, and to maintain their usual daily physical activities for 3 mo. Twenty-one and 23 students completed the intervention and were analyzed in APP and WP groups, respectively. The maximum knee extension torque significantly increased in both groups during the intervention. The motor unit discharge rate, which is an indicator of activation, for a given force level significantly decreased in both groups during the intervention, but its decrease in the APP group was significantly greater than in the WP group. Echo intensity of the vastus lateralis evaluated by ultrasound images significantly decreased in both groups. The muscle thickness and skeletal muscle mass did not change. Small amount of additional APP intake induces greater effects on neural activation than WP, suggesting the greater neural economy of generation of force.

Impact of Plant and Animal Protein-Based Meals on Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 Levels in Healthy Young Men: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is a phosphaturic hormone secreted by osteocytes in response to dietary phosphate intake. An increase in FGF23 level is an indicator of excess phosphate intake relative to the residual nephron number. Therefore, avoiding excessive phosphate intake and inhibiting the elevation of serum FGF23 levels are important to preserve the number of functional nephrons. This randomized crossover trial aimed to determine the potential differences in the impacts on serum FGF23 levels between plant protein and animal protein-based meals in individuals with normal renal function. Nine young men were administered plant (no animal protein) or animal protein-based meals (70% of their protein was from animal sources) with the same phosphate content. The test meals consisted of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Blood samples were collected in the morning, after overnight fasting, and before and after eating the test meals (for two consecutive days at the same hour each day). Furthermore, a 24-h urine sample was obtained on the day the test meal was consumed. No significant interactions were found among serum phosphate, calcium, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels. However, after eating plant protein-based meals, serum FGF23 levels decreased and serum intact parathyroid hormone levels increased (interaction, p<0.05). Additionally, urine 24-h phosphate excretion tended to be lower in individuals consuming plant protein-based meals than in those consuming animal protein-based meals (p=0.06). In individuals with normal renal function, plant protein-based meals may prevent an increase in serum FGF23 levels and kidney damage caused by phosphate loading.

Protein and Amino Acid Adequacy and Food Consumption by Processing Level in Vegans in Brazil.

Importance: Major concerns regarding individuals who adhere to a vegan diet are whether they meet protein and essential amino acid recommendations and how reliant they are on ultraprocessed foods. Objectives: To investigate whether individuals who adhere to a vegan diet meet protein and essential amino acid recommendations and, as secondary objectives, to determine ultraprocessed food intake and potential factors associated with inadequate protein intake in this population. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted between September 2021 and January 2023 in Brazil among male and female adults (aged 18 years or older) who adhered to a vegan diet recruited from social media platforms. Exposure: Adherence to a vegan diet and unprocessed and minimally processed foods and ultraprocessed food consumption. Main Outcomes and Measures: Protein and essential amino acid intake and food consumption by processing level were assessed using a 1-day food diary. Nutrient adequacy ratios were calculated by dividing nutrient intake by its recommendation (using scores truncated at 1) for each participant and then finding the mean across participants for each nutrient. The mean adequacy ratio was the mean of all nutrient adequacy ratios. Results: Of 1014 participants who completed the survey, 774 individuals (median [IQR] age, 29 [24-35] years; 637 female [82.3%]) were confirmed as adhering to a vegan diet and provided adequate food recalls, among whom 558 individuals reported body weight and so had relative protein and amino acid intake values available. The median (IQR) body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of participants was 22.6 (20.3-24.8). The nutrient adequacy ratio of protein was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.91-0.94); for essential amino acids, ratios ranged from 0.90 (95% CI, 0.89-0.92) for lysine to 0.98 (95% CI, 0.97-0.99) for phenylalanine and tyrosine. The mean adequacy ratio for protein and all amino acids was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.94-0.96). The median intake level was 66.5% (95% CI, 65.0%-67.9%) of total energy intake for unprocessed and minimally processed food and 13.2% (95% CI, 12.4%-14.4%) of total energy intake for ultraprocessed food. Adjusted logistic regression models showed that consuming protein supplements (odds ratio [OR], 0.06 [95% CI 0.02-0.14]; P < .001) or textured soy protein (OR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.17-0.59]; P < .001) was associated with decreased odds of inadequate protein intake. Higher ultraprocessed food intake levels were also associated with decreased odds of inadequate protein intake (eg, fourth vs first quartile of intake: OR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.07-0.33]; P < .001), and higher unprocessed and minimally processed protein intake levels were associated with increased odds of inadequate protein intake (eg, fourth vs first quartile of intake: OR, 12.42 [95% CI, 5.56-29.51]; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, most individuals who adhered to a vegan diet attained protein and essential amino acid intake recommendations, largely based their diet of unprocessed and minimally processed food, and had a significantly lower proportion of ultraprocessed food intake compared with previous reports. Participants consuming less ultraprocessed food were more likely to have inadequate protein intake, suggesting a significant reliance on ultraprocessed proteins for this population.

Food for the Brain: Is Vegan/Vegetarian Diet the Way to Go for Hepatic Encephalopathy?

High-protein diet is the cornerstone of supportive care for patients living with hepatic encephalopathy. Although any protein source is better than protein restriction, there is uncertainty regarding the benefits of specific protein types. Using a randomized trial, Badal et al. evaluate the effect on ammonia levels and metabolomics from 3 protein sources in burgers made from beef, vegan products, and vegetarian products. The vegan and vegetarian burgers did not raise ammonia and may result in favorable metabolomic profiles.

Nutritional synergy: optimizing growth in Siruvidai chicken via diverse dietary energy and protein strategies and gene expression analysis - brooder phase.

Nutrient supply regulates overall body growth directly or indirectly through its influence on regulatory factors optimizing nutrient requirements becomes crucial before embarking on genetic improvements. Hence this study addresses this gap by evaluating the effect of feeding varying energy and crude protein levels on growth performance and gene expression related to the growth of indigenous Siruvidai chicken from 0 to 12 weeks. A 360-day-old straight-run Siruvidai chick were randomly distributed into six experimental groups with three replicates of each 20 chicks. The birds were fed corn-soy-based diets formulated with two levels of energy (2500 and 2700 kcal ME/kg) each with three levels of crude protein (16, 18, and 20%) during the brooder stage (0-12 weeks) in 2 × 3 factorial design. Results revealed that there was no significant effect on the energy and protein interaction levels on average feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in Siruvidai chicken at 12 weeks. The results showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower feed intake in 18% protein fed groups and significantly (P < 0.01) lower feed intake in higher energy 2700 kcal ME/kg fed groups. A better feed conversion ratio (4.06 and 4.21) was observed on the effect of protein levels in bird diets with 18% and 20% protein fed groups. The Growth Hormone (GH) and Myostatin (MSTN) gene expression were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in 16% CP and 2500 kcal ME/kg in hepatic tissue. The high protein and low energy diet up-regulated the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) gene expression in hepatic tissue. The study concluded that Siruvidai chicken fed with 18% crude protein and 2500 kcal ME/kg is optimum for 0-12 weeks of age.

Perceptions of three diets varying in animal- and plant-based protein contents: Analysis of participant experience diaries.

The market for new plant protein-based meat substitutes is expanding, although their consumption remains limited compared to animal-based protein sources. Further research is necessary to comprehend the perceptions of diets in which animal-based protein sources are partially replaced with plant proteins. This qualitative study is part of an intervention trial, during which participants adhered to one of the three intervention diets for 12 weeks: the ANIMAL diet (70% animal-based protein/30% plant-based protein), the 50/50 diet (50% animal/50% plant) or the PLANT diet (30% animal/70% plant). The dataset comprises 79 experience diaries from healthy participants aged 23 to 69. The study investigated perceptions of intervention diets, the meat protein (MPPs) and the plant protein products (PPPs) included in the intervention and self-reported changes in perceptions during the intervention period. These perceptions were categorized into eight themes: body-related experiences, practicalities and everyday life, sensory properties, social situations and special occasions, familiarity and novelty, health, ethical aspects, and non-specific liking. Across the diets, body-related experiences were the most frequently mentioned theme. The ANIMAL diet received more negative than positive comments. In contrast, comments on the 50/50 diet were relatively balanced between positive and negative, and the PLANT diet received more positive comments than negative ones. The PPPs were commented on in a positive way more often than the MPPs were. With consistent exposure, participants reported more positive than negative changes in perceptions. However, there is still room for improvement in enhancing the sensory quality and ease of food preparation of PPPs.

Exploring relationships with food after dietary intervention in patients with colorectal cancer: a qualitative analysis from the Protein Recommendations to Increase Muscle (PRIMe) trial.

PURPOSE: Patients with cancer often experience nutritional challenges and are vulnerable to muscle mass loss. While substantial research is directed towards understanding how nutritional interventions affect clinical outcomes, insights into patients' personal experiences during these trials remain limited. This qualitative study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how participation in the Protein Recommendations to Increase Muscle (PRIMe) trial affected patients' relationships with food. METHODS: A subset of patients who completed a minimum of one follow-up visit in the PRIMe trial participated in a semi-structured interview about their experience implementing dietary modifications to increase protein intake. Data from 26 patients with a recent diagnosis of stage II-IV colorectal cancer (non-cachectic) were included. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and qualitative content analysis was applied. RESULTS: Most patients were male (65.4%) with stage II or III (69.2%) colorectal cancer and were a mean age of 57 ± 10 years. Five key themes emerged to provide a deeper understanding of patients' relationship with food after the PRIMe trial: (1) new positive perspectives on nutrition and coping with a cancer diagnosis; (2) embracing a comprehensive approach to food and nutrition; (3) facilitators promoting adherence to the intervention; (4) barriers challenging adherence to the intervention; and (5) shaping future dietary intake. CONCLUSION: This qualitative study explored the emotional and psychological effects of a clinical nutrition trial on patients, focusing on their relationship with food. It underscored the trial's comprehensive intervention and its enduring influence on patients, extending beyond the immediate intervention phase. The role of current perspectives, motivation, and knowledge acquisition on ability to adhere to dietary changes to increase protein intake were emphasized by patients and are key considerations for both clinicians and researchers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02788955; registration posted on 2016-06-02.

Association between protein intake, serum albumin and blood eosinophil in US asthmatic adults.

Background: Presently, numerous studies have indicated that protein consumption and levels of blood albumin serve as important biomarkers for a range of respiratory illnesses. However, there have been few investigations into the correlation between protein consumption, serum albumin, and asthma. Methods: Our analysis incorporated 2509 asthmatics from the 2011-2018 NHANES dataset. The investigation employed three linear regression models and XGBoost model to investigate the potential link between protein intake, serum albumin levels, and blood eosinophil counts (BEOC) in patients with asthma. The trend test, generalized additive model (GAM), and threshold effect model were utilized to validate this correlation. As well, we undertook stratified analyses to look at the correlation of serum albumin with BEOC among distinct populations. Results: In the univariable regression model, which did not account for any covariates, we observed a positive correlation between protein intake and BEOC. However, univariable and multivariable regression analyses all suggested a negative connection of serum albumin with BEOC in asthma populations. In Model C, which took into account all possible factors, BEOC dropped by 2.82 cells/uL for every unit increase in serum albumin (g/L). Additionally, the GAM and threshold effect model validated that serum albumin and BEOC showed an inverted U-shaped correlation. Conclusion: Our investigation discovered there was no independent link between asthmatics' protein intake and BEOC. However, we observed an inverted U-shaped relationship between serum albumin levels and BEOC, suggesting a possible relationship between the overall nutritional status of asthmatics and immune system changes. Our findings provide new directions for future research in the field of asthma management and therapy.

Dietary nutrient intake and nutritional status in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional survey.

PURPOSE: To investigate the dietary nutrient intake of Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, identify influencing factors, and explore the correlation between dietary nutrient intake and nutritional and disease control indicators. METHODS: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study. A dietary survey was conducted using a three-day dietary record method, and a self-designed diet management software was utilized to calculate the daily intake of dietary nutrients. The nutritional status and disease control indicators were assessed using subjective global assessment, handgrip strength, blood test indexes, and dialysis adequacy. RESULTS: A total of 382 MHD patients were included in this study. Among them, 225 (58.9%) and 233 (61.0%) patients' protein and energy intake did not meet the recommendations outlined in the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in Chronic Kidney Disease (2020 update). The average protein and energy intake for these patients were 0.99 ± 0.32 g/kg/d and 29.06 ± 7.79 kcal/kg/d, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that comorbidity-diabetes had a negative influence on normalized daily energy intake (nDEI = DEI / ideal body weight) (B = -2.880, p = 0.001) and normalized daily protein intake (nDPI = DPI / ideal body weight) (B = -0.109, p = 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that dietary DPI (r = -0.109, p < 0.05), DEI (r = -0.226, p < 0.05) and phosphorus (r = -0.195, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to Kt/V; dietary nDPI (r = 0.101, p < 0.05) and sodium (r = -0.144, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum urea nitrogen; dietary DPI (r = 0.200, p < 0.001), DEI (r = 0.241, p < 0.001), potassium (r = 0.129, p < 0.05), phosphorus (r = 0.199, p < 0.001), and fiber (r = 0.157, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum creatinine; dietary phosphorus (r = 0.117, p < 0.05) and fiber (r = 0.142, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum phosphorus; dietary nDPI (r = 0.125, p < 0.05), DPI (r = 0.135, p < 0.05), nDEI (r = 0.116, p < 0.05), DEI (r = 0.125, p < 0.05), potassium (r = 0.148, p < 0.001), and phosphorus (r = 0.156, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to subjective global assessment scores; dietary nDPI (r = 0.215, p < 0.001), DPI (r = 0.341, p < 0.001), nDEI (r = 0.142, p < 0.05), DEI (r = 0.241, p < 0.001), potassium (r = 0.166, p < 0.05), phosphorus (r = 0.258, p < 0.001), and fiber (r = 0.252, p < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to handgrip strength in males; dietary fiber (r = 0.190, p < 0.05) intake was statistically correlated to handgrip strength in females. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary nutrient intake of MHD patients need improvement. Inadequate dietary nutrient intake among MHD patients could have a detrimental effect on their blood test indexes and overall nutritional status. It is crucial to address and optimize the dietary intake of nutrients in this patient population to enhance their health outcomes and well-being.

Microbiome Taxonomic and Functional Differences in C3H/HeJ Mice Fed a Long-Term High-Fat Diet with Beef Protein ± Ammonium Hydroxide Supplementation.

Studies have suggested that alkalinized foods may reduce the effects of the acidogenic Western diet in promoting obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and coronary heart disease. Indeed, a recent study in mice fed a high-fat diet containing dietary beef supplemented with ammonium hydroxide showed improvement in a suite of metabolic outcomes. However, the effects of dietary protein ammonium supplementation on the microbiome remain unknown. In this study, the effects of ammonium supplementation on beef protein towards microbiome taxa and function in a high-fat diet were analyzed. Fecal microbiomes were characterized using a shotgun metagenomic approach for 16-month-old male and female mice after long-term diet treatments. The results for ammoniated diets showed that several bacteria known to be associated with health benefits increased significantly, including Romboutsia, Oscillospiraceae, and Lactococcus cremoris. The beneficial mucin-degrader Akkermansia was especially abundant, with a high prevalence (~86%) in females. Concurrently, the phyla Actinomycetota (Actinobacteria) and Bacteroidota (Bacteroidetes) were significantly reduced. While sex was a confounding factor affecting microbiome responses to ammonium supplementation in dietary protein, it is worth noting that several putatively beneficial microbiome functions increased with ammonium supplementation, such as glycine betaine transport, xenobiotic detoxification, enhanced defense, and others. Conversely, many disease-associated microbiome functions reduced. Importantly, modifying protein pH alone via ammonium supplementation induced beneficial microbiota changes. Taken together, these results suggest that ammonium-supplemented proteins may mediate some negative microbiome-associated effects of high-fat/Western diets.

High-Protein Processed Foods: Impact on Diet, Nutritional Status, and Possible Effects on Health.

Proteins are macronutrients with multiple health benefits, but excessive consumption can negatively affect health. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of a sample of high-protein processed foods (HPPFs), describe how their consumption affects dietary balance, and acquire knowledge of the consumption patterns of these products in a Spanish population. A sample of HPPFs available in supermarkets and on websites was collected. The contribution to recommended protein intakes was calculated using national and international references and considering the single consumption of the HPPFs and the product plus 150 g of meat. Furthermore, an online survey was conducted among a convenience sample. A total of 36 enriched protein products were evaluated. The percentage of proteins in these products ranges from 10 to 88%. The contribution of the protein recommended intake was within a range of 87.4-306.6% and 66.4-232.8% (women and men, respectively), only considering the additional proteins from 150 g of meat. One hundred thirty-nine participants completed the survey; 67.6% affirmed that they had consumed HPPFs, and half consumed them without following any consumption control. Since these products are accessible to everyone in supermarkets and protein intake is generally higher than the recommended limits, regulating the mass sale of HPPFs is essential to ensure they do not lead to protein overconsumption.

Dietary CP and digestion kinetics influence BW loss, litter weight gain, and reproduction by affecting postprandial amino acid metabolism in lactating sows.

To avoid a high body protein mobilization in modern lean sows during lactation, an adequate dietary amino acid (AA) supply and an efficient AA utilization are crucial. This study evaluated the effects of dietary CP and in vitro protein digestion kinetics on changes in sow body condition, litter weight gain, milk composition, blood metabolites, protein utilization efficiency and subsequent reproductive performance. We hypothesized that a slower digestion of dietary protein would improve AA availability and utilization. In total, 110 multiparous sows were fed one of four lactation diets in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with two CP concentrations: 140 g/kg vs 180 g/kg, and two protein digestion kinetics, expressed as a percentage of slow protein (in vitro degradation between 30 and 240 min): 8 vs 16% of total protein. Feeding sows the high CP diets reduced sow weight loss (Δ = 7.6 kg, P < 0.01), estimated body fat loss (Δ = 2.6 kg, P = 0.02), and estimated body protein loss (Δ = 1.0 kg, P = 0.08), but only at a high percentage of slow protein. A higher percentage of slow protein increased litter weight gain throughout lactation (Δ = 2.6 kg, P = 0.04) regardless of CP concentrations, whereas a higher CP only increased litter weight gain during week 3 of lactation (Δ = 1.2 kg, P = 0.01). On Day 15 postfarrowing, serial blood samples were taken from a subsample of sows fed with the high CP diets. In these sows, a high percentage of slow protein resulted in higher plasma AA concentrations at 150 and 180 min after feeding (Δ = 0.89, P = 0.02, Δ = 0.78, P = 0.03, mmol/L, respectively) and lower increases in urea at 90 and 120 min after feeding (Δ = 0.67, P = 0.04, Δ = 0.70, P = 0.03, mmol/L, respectively). The higher dietary CP concentration increased total nitrogen loss to the environment (Δ = 604 g, P < 0.01) with a reduction of protein efficiency (Δ = 14.8%, P < 0.01). In the next farrowing, a higher percentage of slow protein increased subsequent liveborn litter size (Δ = 0.7, P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding sows with a high dietary CP concentration alleviated maternal weight loss during lactation when the dietary protein digestion rate was slower, but lowered protein efficiency. A slower protein digestion improved litter weight gain, possibly by reducing AA oxidation and improving plasma AA availability, thus, improving protein efficiency.

Pulmonary rehabilitation: A cohort study assessing the effectiveness of a multi-professional nutrition intervention.

BACKGROUND: Limited benefit of pulmonary exercise rehabilitation has been associated with fulfilment of energy and protein requirements. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to enhance dietary intake towards requirements and to maintain changes after a pulmonary rehabilitation program. METHODS: This single arm intervention study included multidisciplinary focus on nutrition and three sessions of individual dietary counselling during a 10-week pulmonary exercise rehabilitation in five municipalities centers. Data were collected at baseline (P0), at the end of intervention (P1) and for two municipalities at three months post intervention (P2). RESULTS: Of the 111 included participants, (mean age 70.8 (±9)) 99 (89%) completed the rehabilitation including the three individual dietary counselling's. A very large variation in body composition including body mass index and exercise abilities was found. Protein intake improved from 64 (±22 g) (P0) to 88 (±25 g) (P1) (p < 0.001) and energy intake from 1676 (±505 kcal) (P0) to 1941 (±553 kcal) (p < 0.001) (P1) and Muscle Mass Index increased from 10.6 (±3.2) (P0) to 10.9 (±3.2) (P1) (p = 0.007); number of 30 s chair stand test improved from 10.9 (±2.8) repetitions (P0) to 14.1 (±4.3) repetitions (P1) (p < 0.001), distance in six-minut walking test improved from 377.2 (±131.2 m) (P0) to 404.1 (±128.6 m) (P1) (p < 0.001). Two municipalities completed the three months follow-up. For those, dietary improvements remained stable, including protein intake. CONCLUSION: Including three sessions of dietary counselling in a multi-professional effort was associated with improved individualized dietary intake, as well as physical function. Benefits remained almost unchanged after three months. Improvements in function could not be fully explained by improved intakes.

Effects of protein-enriched nutritional support on skeletal muscle mass and rehabilitative outcomes in brain tumor patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Patients with brain tumors require extensive and prolonged rehabilitation efforts as they suffer from lesion-induced motor weakness as well as treatment-related side effects, often leading to a significant decline in function. Protein supplements have shown positive effects on promoting muscle strength and physical performance in various tumor etiologies. However, reports on their effects specifically in brain tumor patients remain scarce. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of protein supplements in enhancing rehabilitative outcomes via muscle strengthening and functional gain in brain tumor patients with neurological demise. Sixty brain tumor patients were randomly assigned to either a protein supplement or a control group, receiving either protein supplements or a placebo for 6 weeks, in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation therapy. Assessments before and after the intervention included laboratory tests, anthropometric measures using bioimpedance analysis, and functional assessments, which included the MMSE, the modified Barthel Index, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Brief Fatigue Inventory, the Timed Up and Go test, the 6-min walk test, the isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength test, and the handgrip power. After the intervention, the levels of serum hemoglobin, protein, albumin, and C-reactive protein were improved in both groups, however, the change was significant only in the protein group. The muscle strength was enhanced in both groups, however, the significant increase in pinch grasp power was only noted in the protein group (P < 0.05). The distance on 6MWT was also significantly extended at follow-up in the protein group (P < 0.01). In the subgroup analysis according to nutritional status, the moderate malnutrition group showed greater augmentation of muscle mass than those with adequate nutrition (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the amelioration of malnutrition was observed only the in protein group. This study using protein supplements to promote the rehabilitative potential of brain tumor patients revealed a significant effect on improving hemodynamic nutritional indices, muscle power reimbursement, and functional improvement, especially in malnourished patients. The safety and feasibility of protein supplements in brain tumor patients were affirmative in this study. Further studies with more patients may help confirm the secondary functional gain resulting from increased muscle power.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in the Clinical Research Information Service, CRIS no. KCT0009113 on Jan 12, 2024.

Differences in perceived energy and macronutrient requirements across divisions in NCAA athletes.

BACKGROUND: Sports nutrition is an impactful component to sports performance. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the sports nutrition knowledge of National Collegiate Athletic Association collegiate athletes and assess self-reported perceived requirements for energy and macronutrient intake. A secondary aim was to evaluate the awareness of physical and emotional perceptions associated with mindful eating. METHODS: Participants included NCAA Division I (DI, n = 45), II (DII, n = 31), and III (DIII, n = 47) athletes. Athletes completed a validated questionnaire designed to assess sports nutrition knowledge and were asked questions about their perceived dietary energy and macronutrient requirements. Daily energy intake values were calculated using a recommended relative energy intake value of 40, 50, and 60 kcal/kg/day for low, moderate, and high activity levels, respectively. Carbohydrate recommendations were calculated using 4, 6, and 8 g/kg/day, protein recommendations were calculated using relative intakes of 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 g/kg/day, and fat recommendations were calculated from a relative percentage of total predicted daily energy requirements, equating to 15, 25, and 30% of daily energy. Additionally, athletes completed a questionnaire to assess mindfulness regarding eating habits. RESULTS: Overall, athletes answered 45.5 ± 13.5% of questions correctly on the nutrition questionnaire with significant differences observed between male (48.6 ± 13.6%) and female athletes (43.6 ± 13.2%; p = 0.044), as well as significant differences observed between DI athlete scores (38.8 ± 14.1%) and DII athletes (47.7 ± 11.4%; p = 0.002), and DI athletes and DIII athletes (51.71 ± 11.83%; p = <0.001). All athletes significantly (p < 0.001) underestimated daily energy intake requirements (female, 2,112 ± 575 kcal/day; male, 3,283 ± 538 kcal/day). The mindfulness eating habits total score was significantly higher in male athletes (65.1 ± 6.5) compared to female athletes (60.9 ± 9.5; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Division I, II, and III collegiate athletes have poor sports nutrition knowledge, with Division I athletes having exhibited lower scores compared to Division II and III athletes on the sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire. Athletes from all levels of collegiate sports underestimated their energy and macronutrient requirements. Differences in mindful eating habits among female and male athletes were also evident.

Effects of finisher diet nutrients density and slaughter age on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and meat quality of broilers.

BACKGROUND: The current broilers have been greatly optimized for weight gain and breast yield, which necessitates the provision of nutrients-dense diets for maximum potential. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of finisher diet nutrients density (ND) on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and breast meat quality of broilers raised until different slaughter age. METHODS: A total of 600 23-day-old broiler male chicks (Cobb-500) were assigned to 10 treatments with six replicates and 10 birds each. Experimental treatments were included factorial arrangement of five increment (2.5%) levels of finisher diet ND (92.5%, 95%, 97.5%, 100% and 102.5% as strain recommendation) and slaughtered at 38 or 46 days of age. The relative difference in the energy level of experimental diets was used to increase ND levels at the same ratio. RESULTS: Feed intake (FI) and breast meat quality traits exception water holding capacity (WHC) were not affected by finisher diet ND. In response to increasing finisher diet ND, energy and protein efficiency, productive traits, bio-economic index (BEI) and breast relative weight (BRW) linearly improved. However, residual feed intake and breast meat WHC improved with a quadratic trend. By using broken-line regression analysis, the optimum dietary ND was obtained at 97.5%-102% of strain recommendation. Energy and protein efficiency, feed conversion ratio and BEI deteriorated by prolonging rearing period. The BRW, meat lightness (L*), redness (a*), hue angle (h*) and WHC values for the birds slaughtered at 46 days of age were significantly higher, and cooking loss was lower than those slaughtered at 38 days old. CONCLUSIONS: Broilers during the finisher period are not able to regulate their FIs with diet ND. The energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance were reduced when broilers were fed diluted diet or the rearing period was prolonged.

Supplementation Strategies for Strength and Power Athletes: Carbohydrate, Protein, and Amino Acid Ingestion.

It is a common belief amongst strength and power athletes that nutritional supplementation strategies aid recovery by shifting the anabolic/catabolic profile toward anabolism. Factors such as nutrient quantity, nutrient quality, and nutrient timing significantly impact upon the effectiveness of nutritional strategies in optimizing the acute responses to resistance exercise and the adaptive response to resistance training (i.e., muscle growth and strength expression). Specifically, the aim of this review is to address carbohydrates (CHOs), protein (PRO), and/or amino acids (AAs) supplementation strategies, as there is growing evidence suggesting a link between nutrient signaling and the initiation of protein synthesis, muscle glycogen resynthesis, and the attenuation of myofibrillar protein degradation following resistance exercise. Collectively, the current scientific literature indicates that nutritional supplementation strategies utilizing CHO, PRO, and/or AA represents an important approach aimed at enhancing muscular responses for strength and power athletes, primarily increased muscular hypertrophy and enhanced strength expression. There appears to be a critical interaction between resistance exercise and nutrient-cell signaling associated with the principle of nutrient timing (i.e., pre-exercise, during, and post-exercise). Recommendations for nutritional supplementation strategies to promote muscular responses for strength and athletes are provided.