Nutrition
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Intense debate surrounds the use of low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diets for the promotion of weight loss and avoidance of cardiovascular disease. The rationale behind these diets is that they promote fat oxidation and minimize the addition of glucose to proteins in the formation of adducts that trigger inflammation. ⋯ Here, the case is made that ketone bodies are more potent than glucose in bringing about the protein modifications to which the harmful effects of glucose have been attributed. It is suggested, therefore, that attempts to minimize such protein modifications through nutritional ketosis are futile and may lead to adverse health outcomes.
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The aim of this study was to determine the best foods for potential vitamin D food fortification and to model the efficacy and safety of different food fortification scenarios in adults ≥50 y of age in Ireland. ⋯ Currently, the majority of Irish adults ≥50 y of age are not meeting dietary recommendations for vitamin D. Fortification of commonly consumed foods such as milk and bread could improve daily intakes such that ∼70% of the cohort would meet the minimum recommendation. Future research should examine the efficacy of different food fortification scenarios to improve vitamin D intakes for older adults.
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Atherosclerosis is an underlying cause of cardiovascular disease, and obesity is one of the risk factors for atherogenesis. Although a gluten-free diet (GFD) has gained popularity as a strategy for weight loss, little is known about the effects of gluten on obesity. We have previously shown a negative effect of gluten on obesity in mice. However, its effects on atherogenesis are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of gluten on atherosclerosis progression during obesity. ⋯ The gluten-containing high-fat diet was associated with a more severe proatherogenic profile than the gluten-free high-fat diet owing to increased inflammatory and oxidative status at atherosclerotic lesions in obese mice.
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Exposure to artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, during childhood and adolescence has been increasing in recent years. However, the safe use of aspartame has been questioned owing to its potentially harmful effects on the developing brain. The aim of this study was to test whether the chronic consumption of aspartame during adolescence leads to a depressive-like phenotype and to investigate the possible mechanisms underlying these behavioral changes. ⋯ The findings revealed that repeated aspartame intake during adolescence is associated with a depressive-like phenotype and changes in brain plasticity. Interestingly, males appear to be more vulnerable to the adverse neurometabolic effects of aspartame than females, demonstrating a sexually dimorphic response. The present results highlighted the importance of understanding the effects caused by the constant use of this artificial sweetener in sensitive periods of development and contribute to regulation of its safe use.
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Although it is known that high fructose intake causes salt-sensitive hypertension, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether chronic intake of high fructose coupled with salt (HFS) might alter the structure of the gut microbiota, which contributes to elevated blood pressure. ⋯ The present results demonstrated that gut dysbiosis develops after chronic fructose plus salt intake and contributes to the increase of blood pressure and the activation of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system. Therefore, targeting gut microbiota provides a helpful therapy method to improve HFS-induced hypertension.