Nutrition
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In our previous study, we showed that among Japanese diets from different time periods, the 1975 Japanese diet has the greatest health benefits and is the most effective to prevent obesity. In addition, exercise is also effective to reduce obesity. Therefore, we conducted a human clinical trial combining the 1975 Japanese diet and exercise and, as a result, found a reduction in body weight, visceral fat, and serum lipids. However, the mechanism of this phenomenon was not determined. Therefore, in this study, we examined this mechanism in mice using a diet that was similar to that used in the human trial. ⋯ A combination of the 1975 Japanese diet and exercise increased lipolysis in white adipose tissue and increased butyrate-producing bacteria in gut microbiota, and thereby suppressed fat accumulation.
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The persistent obesity crisis, with its increased risk for the metabolic syndrome (MetS), type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), continues to damage the health of populations globally, including children. Diets rich in the fiber provided by fruit and vegetables support good metabolic health, although few adults and children achieve the recommended daily target. Daily fiber supplementation, particularly with soluble fiber products, such as psyllium, oat bran, or a newer product such as PolyGlycopleX, may provide a convenient solution. ⋯ Early research has found PolyGlycopleX to provide similar benefits to other soluble fiber products, and suggest it may also assist with weight loss. This critical review demonstrates that soluble fiber supplements used as an adjunct to dietary and lifestyle modifications may assist with the treatment of CVD and MetS risk factors. More research is needed to further clarify the benefits of PolyGlycopleX in particular, as well as to develop safe and efficacious recommendations for fiber supplementation of all types for children in general.
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Adiposity-based chronic disease, critical illness, and nutrition therapy increase the risk for overfeeding and worsened nutritional and clinical outcomes. Hypocaloric, high-protein nutrition therapy provides critically ill obese patients the opportunity to achieve net protein anabolism with a reduced risk for overfeeding-related complications. The intent of this review is to discuss the impact of obesity on clinical outcomes, describe the consequences of obesity that increase complications associated with nutrition therapy, provide the framework to develop a hypocaloric, high-protein regimen, review the scientific evidence to support this mode of therapy, and discuss its limitations. Practical suggestions for patient monitoring are also provided.
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Bioavailability of supplements with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in humans seems to depend on the excipients of formulations and on physiological characteristics of the individuals. The aim of this study was to determine which factors presented in CoQ10 supplements affect the different response to CoQ10 in humans. ⋯ This study highlights the importance of individually adapted selection of best formulations to reach the highest bioavailability of CoQ10 in humans.
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Objective Beta-casein is a major protein in breast milk and an important source for several bioactive peptides that are encrypted within the sequence. Beta-casomorphins (BCMs) are short-chain proteolytic peptides that are derived from the beta-casein protein and have opioid effects in newborns. Human milk is known to contain naturally occurring milk-protein-derived bioactive peptides but the identification of naturally occurring beta-casein-derived BCMs in human breast milk has been limited due to difficulties in the detection of BCM peptides, which are small and circulate in low concentrations. ⋯ Our study provides evidence of beta-casein-derived BCM peptides in human milk before infant digestion. Proteases that are present in milk are likely specific in their proteolysis of beta-casein. The identified bioactive BCM-8, -9, -10, and -11 as well as the precursor peptides meet the structural requirements to elicit opioid, immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and satiety functions in newborns.