The aim of this systematic mixed-studies review is to summarise barriers/facilitators to adherence to and/or consumption of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) among patients with disease-related malnutrition. In March 2022, the Cochrane CENTRAL, PUBMED, PsycINFO (Ovid) and CINAHL were searched for articles with various study designs, published since 2000. Articles were identified on the basis of ‘population’ (patients ≥18 years with malnutrition/at nutritional risk), ‘intervention’ (ONS with ≥2 macronutrients and micronutrients), ‘comparison’ (any comparator/no comparator) and ‘outcome’ (factors affecting adherence or consumption) criteria. A sequential exploratory synthesis was conducted: first, a thematic synthesis was performed identifying barriers/facilitators; and second, the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were used to support these findings. The five WHO dimensions of adherence guided the analysis. Study inclusion, data extraction, analysis and risk-of-bias assessment (MMAT 2018) were carried out independently by two researchers. From 21 835 screened articles, 171 were included with 42% RCTs and 20% qualitative studies. The two major populations were patients with malignancies (34%) and older adults (35%). In total, fifty-nine barriers/facilitators were identified. Patients’ health status, motivation, product tolerance and satisfaction as well as well-functioning healthcare routines and support were factors impacting ONS consumption. Few barriers/facilitators (n = 13) were investigated in RCTs. Two of those were serving a small ONS volume and integrating ONS into ward routines. Given the complexity of ONS adherence, non-adherence to ONS should be addressed using a holistic approach. More studies are needed to investigate the effect of different approaches to increase adherence to ONS.

This scoping review addresses gaps in the existing literature on dietary guidelines for pregnant and lactating women globally. The study delves into adherence levels, identifies influencing factors and examines outcomes associated with these guidelines. Analysing food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) from around the world, the review reveals that half of the countries lack FBDG, with only 15% providing tailored advice for pregnant and lactating women. Utilising data extracted from forty-seven articles across MEDLINE and EMBASE, the study highlights a scarcity of adherence studies, particularly in low- or middle-income countries (LMIC), and emphasises the lack of research during lactation. Overall adherence to dietary guidelines is low, with disparities in fruit, vegetable, whole grain and fish consumption. Positive correlations with adherence include age, education, employment, social class and certain medical histories, while negative correlations involve smoking, alcohol consumption, metropolitan residence and elevated BMI. The study documented significant associations between adherence and reduced risks of gestational complications but calls for further exploration of intermediate nutritional outcomes such as micronutrient deficiencies and child growth. Emphasising the urgency for globally standardised guidelines, especially in LMIC, this review provides a foundational call for prioritised studies and strategies to enhance dietary practices for pregnant and lactating women worldwide.

Recent advancements in sensory research have brought to light the intricate relationship between taste perception and the oral microbiota, prompting investigations into their influence on human health, particularly in the context of dietary preferences and obesity. This review aims to update the current understanding of how oral microbiota influence taste perception and dietary choices, elucidating shared metabolic pathways between food processing and oral bacteria. Further, this review outlines the mechanisms underlying taste perception, emphasising the role of taste receptors and taste buds in shaping sensory experiences influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Notably, we explore the bidirectional relationship between oral microbiota and taste sensitivity, highlighting the potential impact of microbial composition on taste perception thresholds and implications for dietary habits and health outcomes, such as obesity and dental caries. However, significant research gaps remain, particularly in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms linking oral microbiota with taste sensitivity, as well as the long-term effects of microbiota-targeted interventions. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and experimental interventions to explore these connections more deeply, offering insights into potential strategies for promoting healthier dietary behaviours and managing diet-related non-communicable diseases.

The incidence of cognitive decline is rising, leading to increased attention on the preventive role of healthy foods on brain function. Previous reviews including primarily observational studies suggested that dietary proteins may improve cognitive performance, but evidence from individual randomised controlled trials (RCT) is less consistent. Therefore, this systematic review examined the long-term effects of dietary proteins from RCT, considering both their amount and type, on cognitive performance (psychomotor speed and attention, executive function, memory and global cognition). Alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) – a validated brain vascular function marker – were also considered. A total of 4747 studies were identified through a systematic search, resulting in twenty-three included papers reporting effects on cognitive performance (n = 23) and CBF (n = 3). Improvements were observed in three out of the nine studies that evaluated psychomotor speed which compared a dietary protein intervention with a non-protein or lower-protein control. Of the six beneficial observations on working memory (n = 12), declarative memory (n = 10) and visuospatial memory (n = 10), five were nut interventions from three different trials. Limited studies focusing on global cognition suggested that specific target populations, namely subacute stroke or dementia, may benefit more than healthy individuals from increased dietary protein intake. From the three studies involving CBF, improvements in regional blood flow were associated with most cognitive performance outcomes. The comparative effects of different protein types warrant further investigation. Overall, this review encourages additional research into protein-rich foods or supplements which could potentially prevent or mitigate cognitive decline.

Community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) relies on a food-based approach. However, a comprehensive assessment of their nutrient composition and its impact on treatment outcomes is currently lacking in the extant literature. This narrative review summarises recent evidence on the efficacy of formulations that contain dairy protein and maintain the density of essential nutrients (type I and type II) in managing uncomplicated acute malnutrition at the community level. The literature used for the evidence synthesis was identified using a two-stage screening process. An electronic search was run on PubMed and Cochrane Library, followed by a backward snowball search to identify efficacy studies. A total of twenty-six efficacy studies involving food formulations used to treat uncomplicated severe and moderate acute malnutrition were identified. The review found that, while more evidence favours the inclusion of dairy in formulations as efficacious in supporting recovery from malnutrition, ambiguity in the conclusive findings between dairy and non-dairy formulations remains due to the varied percentages of dairy protein in different formulations. The type of protein source used in a formulation matters, but other approaches, including fortification, can aid in maintaining the nutrient density of formulations, thereby improving the chances of recovery. However, the inclusion of high amounts of added sugar in therapeutic formulations exceeding the World Health Organization norms is a concern that warrants more attention. Future clinical research should assess outcomes such as lean or fat mass changes to confirm the benefits of using dairy or non-dairy formulations to treat moderate and severe acute malnutrition.

Lipids play an important role in human nutrition. Although adequate lipid consumption is necessary for an optimal functioning of the human body, overconsumption of saturated fatty acids can lead to postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia, which triggers the development of atherosclerosis. Important parameters that impact postprandial lipaemia and inflammation are related to the matrix structure and the fat-soluble micronutrient profile of ingested foods/lipids, but the specific effect of these parameters should be further studied, as most of the available studies evaluate their effect at fasting state. This review specifically explores the effects of food structure and fat-soluble micronutrients, from either micronutrient-rich foods or supplements, on postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia and inflammation. The review also highlights the potential of emerging biomarkers such as miRNAs or circulating microvesicles, as an alternative to the widely use biomarkers (e.g. low-density lipoproteins or blood concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines), to identify inflammation associated with postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia at early stages.

As the Mediterranean diet (MDi) has demonstrated a powerful preventative effect on various medical conditions, a positive effect on oral health may also be speculated. Tooth loss, pain or tooth mobility may discourage the consumption of specific food types, affecting MDi adherence. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between adherence to MDi and oral health in adult populations. The study protocol was registered in Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/vxbnh/) and adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The principal research questions were: (1) Does better oral health enable adults to better adhere to MDi? and (2) Does better adherence to MDi enable adult individuals to have better oral health? The content of three databases, Clarivate Analytics’ Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed was searched without language, date or any other restrictions. The search results were imported into the Rayyan environment, and from the initial 1127 studies identified, only 20 remained after the exclusion process. Three articles composed the first group, revealing significant associations between various oral health parameters and adherence to MDi, with large variations in methodology and no safe conclusions. The studies investigating the effect of the level of adherence to MDi on various oral parameters were more numerous and revealed negative associations with the prevalence of periodontal disease and upper aero-digestive tract cancer. Further studies to explore the existence and direction of the association between oral health and MDi are needed, with public health interventions encouraging adherence to the MDi to reduce the burden of oral conditions and other non-communicable diseases.

Coffee is one of the most known and consumed beverages worldwide. Only three species are used in commercial coffee production, that is, Coffea arabica L. (Arabica coffee), Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner (Robusta coffee) and Coffea liberica Hiern (Excelsa coffee). The world population consumes approximately two billion cups of coffee per day, making it an important commercial resource of bioactive compounds in world markets. High interest in coffee consumption described in the literature is due not only to its organoleptic properties (for example, desirable bitterness, amount of flavours and aromas) but also to its ability to stimulate the central nervous system.

It is now known that there are more than 1000 compounds in coffee beverages, several of which have a bioactive activity. Recent studies show that consuming three to four cups of coffee per day, that is, moderate consumption according to the European Food Safety Authority, may be beneficial for health.

The main objective of the proposed review is to provide a comprehensive overview of bioactive compounds in coffee and other caffeine-containing beverages and their effects on neurodegenerative proteinopathies.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition. Omega-3 fatty acid insufficiency has been linked to ASD. This umbrella meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effects of omega-3 supplementation on clinical manifestations in participants with ASD. Based on the PRISMA statement, databases including Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus were systematically searched for published meta-analyses on the effect of omega-3 supplementation on ASD up to December 2023. To assess the risk of bias, the assessment of multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR)-2 was utilised. The outcomes were core and non-core symptoms of ASD including social withdrawal/lethargy, cluttering speech, hyperactivity, irritability and stereotypy. Seven meta-analyses eventually remained in the umbrella review. The results revealed that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation caused a significant reduction in cluttering speech in studies conducted on age ≤8 years (effect size (ES) −0·30; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0·55, −0·06; P = 0·02). Omega-3 supplementation caused a significant reduction in hyperactivity in participants ≤8 years (ES −0·30; 95% CI −0·55, −0·06; P = 0·02) and in participants who received the supplements for more than 14 weeks (ES −0·30; 95% CI −0·55, −0·06; P = 0·02). A dosage of ≤1000 mg/d of omega-3 supplementation led to a significant increase in the stereotypy/restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours (ES 0·19; 95% CI 0·03, 0·35; P = 0·02). This umbrella review revealed that omega-3 fatty acid may be a beneficial supplement to control cluttering speech and hyperactivity in children with ASD who are 8 years old or younger.

The purpose of this review is to examine the effects of hesperidin and hesperetin on liver disorders. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is a complicated disorder influenced by many factors, including inflammation, diabetes and obesity. Currently, the most prominent treatment method is lifestyle changes. If left untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis, liver fibrosis and liver cancer. Hesperidin, which is a flavanone glycoside polyphenolic plant compound, belongs to the flavanone class and was first isolated from citrus peel. Hesperidin includes aglycone hesperetin and rutinoside sugar. It is the most dominant form of flavonoid in citrus fruits. In our review, we discuss the effects of these phytochemicals on liver diseases, focusing on their relationship with inflammation, blood sugar regulation and blood lipids. Hesperidin and hesperetin are seen as promising agents for many diseases. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties support this view. Although their low water solubility limits their potential effects, many studies have demonstrated their benefits. They are thought to play an effective role in inflammatory processes, particularly in liver diseases. More studies are required to find the optimum dosage and to use them as a therapeutic agent for the liver.

Modifying the food environment holds promise for instilling healthier behaviours in children and may be an effective public health strategy for preventing childhood obesity and adverse health outcomes. The school food environment is a valuable setting to influence most children’s dietary behaviours from an early age, yet evidence suggests that the New Zealand and Australian school food environment is not conducive to healthy food and drink consumption. The present study aimed to investigate the level of compliance in New Zealand and Australia with government guidelines for food and drink availability within schools and the subsequent effect on food consumption and purchasing behaviours of children. A systematic review utilising three databases, PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Library, was conducted. The research covered peer-reviewed studies from both New Zealand and Australia that met predefined inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies focused on assessing food availability within schools on the basis of government guidelines, and ten studies explored food purchasing and consumption by students influenced by changes to the school food environment. Results showed low compliance with government healthy food guidelines for schools, and significant socioeconomic disparities. Western Australia’s clear targets as well as the mandatory monitoring systems in place stand out as being a significant enabler of greater compliance with government food policies. Interventions aimed at improving healthy food availability and promoting healthy options in the canteen may positively influence student purchasing and consumption habits. Strategies such as feedback models and incentivisation hold promise for promoting healthier school environments and influencing children’s food choices.

Intake of high quantities of dietary proteins sourced from dairy, meat or plants can affect body weight and metabolic health in humans. To improve our understanding of how this may be achieved, we reviewed the data related to the availability of nutrients and metabolites in the faeces, circulation and urine. All protein sources (≥20% by energy) increased faecal levels of branched-chain fatty acids and ammonia and decreased the levels of butyrate. Some metabolites responded to dairy and meat proteins (branched-chain amino acids) as well as dairy and plant proteins (p-cresol), which were increased in faecal matter. Specific to dairy protein intake, the faecal levels of acetate, indole and phenol were increased, whereas plant protein intake specifically increased the levels of kynurenine and tyramine. Meat protein intake increased the faecal levels of methionine, cysteine and alanine and decreased the levels of propionate and acetate. The metabolite profile in the faecal matter following dairy protein intake mirrored availability in circulation or urine. These findings provide an understanding of the contrasting gut versus systemic effects of different dietary proteins, which we know to show different physiological effects. In this regard, we provide directions to determining the mechanisms for the effects of different dietary proteins.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a global health challenge, with dietary protein intake being a key factor in disease management. This review synthesises evidence on the impact of different protein intake strategies, including low-protein diet (LPD), very-low-protein diet (VLPD), high-protein diet (HPD) and plant-based diet (PBD), on CKD progression and patient outcomes. The review explores personalised nutrition strategies and identifies gaps in the literature. A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus was conducted, covering studies published from 1982 to 2024, including randomised controlled trials (RCT), observational studies and meta-analyses involving adult patients with CKD. The findings suggest that LPD and VLPD may slow CKD progression, particularly when supplemented with ketoanalogues, but adherence and long-term benefits remain uncertain. PBD are associated with reduced renal burden and improved metabolic health, although achieving adequate protein intake from plant sources requires careful planning. HPD, particularly those rich in animal protein, may exacerbate CKD progression, although recent research indicates that higher protein intake may benefit specific populations, such as older adults with mild-to-moderate CKD. In conclusion, managing protein intake in CKD is complex and necessitates a personalised approach. While LPD and PBD offer potential benefits, their long-term success is contingent upon patient adherence, individualised dietary management and further research into their sustained effects. Future research should focus on long-term RCT and the development of personalised nutrition strategies incorporating emerging technologies and multidisciplinary care to optimise CKD management.

At present, the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease involves only symptomatic medications which have continually demonstrated little efficacy, primarily due to the presence of biological barriers. Despite efforts, researchers have yet to discover a therapeutic treatment that delays neurodegenerative progression or restores associated Alzheimer neuropathological processes. For centuries, Hericium erinaceus (HE) has been used predominantly in Asian countries for its culinary and medicinal purposes; however, this mushroom has not yet been utilised in western pharmacology. This review systematically investigates evidence pertaining to the use of HE as a potential future therapeutic treatment for the prevention and delayed progression of Alzheimer’s disease, by highlighting any fundamental neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. In total, three human clinical trials and thirteen animal-model studies were included in review. The use of HE demonstrated positive significant differences in results obtained from behavioural, histological and biochemical assessments from both human clinical trials and animal model studies accentuating its utility for the improvement of cognitive function. In addition, erinacine-A-enriched HE appears to demonstrate the highest bioactive potency of all HE extracted compounds, providing the greatest effects while also showing transportability ease across biological barriers. In conclusion, evidence suggests that intake of HE may be an appropriate and relevant future therapeutic treatment for the prevention and delayed progression of Alzheimer’s disease; however, continued research is necessary to provide further significant evidence of this relationship, through an increased quantity of human clinical trials.

The iron regulation mechanisms are not exactly the same between adulthood and the early postnatal period. Also, neonatal iron status is different in full-term versus preterm infants because the prenatal/gestational period, when hepatic iron accumulates, is shortened. Newborns, especially premature infants, are at high risk of iron deficiency due to inadequate iron stores, which constitute the primary source of iron to satisfy the neonate’s increasing iron requirements. In addition, frequent blood transfusions and congenital haemochromatosis may induce iron overload in the affected neonate. To understand the cause of neonatal iron deficiency/overload and to promote the development of effective therapeutic interventions in humans, different animal models have been generated by genetic engineering, low-/high-iron diets, phlebotomy/transfusion and surgical manipulation. These models use various laboratory and domestic animals to study iron imbalance. They serve as surrogate models for experiments that are ethically or practically unfeasible to conduct on human neonates. Although an animal model for studying neonatal iron disorders may not fully replicate the complexities of human diseases, it is designed to model specific aspects of these conditions. Combined data from multiple models can help to offset the limitations inherent in each individual model. In this review, we outline approaches to induce neonatal iron disorders, current animal models of full-term and preterm neonates, and recommendations for diagnosis.

In Europe, organic food must comply with specific regulations which do not include nutritional criteria. The ability of organic food to meet the nutritional needs of children is not assessed. This narrative review discusses the nutritional composition (macronutrients, micronutrients) of organic food compared with conventional products and its clinical relevance with a paediatric focus, as well as the health impact of these differences and of contaminants which interfere with metabolism. Other potential differences, particularly regarding the direct/indirect exposure to other contaminants in conventional food, are not addressed in this review. The composition of some organic food may differ from conventional food. Protein content was lower in cereals and eggs. A lower n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) ratio was observed in milk, meat and eggs. Long-chain PUFA and vitamin E may be higher in milk, meat and fish, as well as some minerals and antioxidants (phenolic compounds, vitamin C) in fruits, vegetables and starchy food and carotenoids in fruits and vegetables. Epidemiological studies suggest an association between organic diets and lower prevalence of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, whereas the protective effect on allergy and cancer is controversial. Some organic food may be of greater nutritional interest for children’s diet than conventional food. Standardised studies comparing food composition and diet in children are needed. Considering the lower toxicologic risk and the sustainability of organic food, the Committee on Nutrition encourages the use of organic food, provided that such food is affordable, alongside specific baby food which is subject to strict specific European Union regulations.

Entomophagy (eating edible insects) could potentially address human deficiencies of iron, zinc and vitamin B12. This article aims to summarise available evidence about the iron, zinc and vitamin B12 content of raw and processed edible insects and compare these with the nutritional needs of different human life stages. A systematic literature search using specific keywords (edible insects, iron content, zinc content, vitamin B12 content and nutritional composition) in Web of Science and Scopus databases was performed. Forty-six studies were reviewed. To ensure standardised comparisons, articles with nutrient-enriched edible insects were excluded. The quality of records was assessed using standardised protocols. Results indicate that edible insects are generally either ‘sources of’ or ‘rich in’ iron, zinc and vitamin B12 required for optimal nutrition and health of different human life stages. Moreover, iron, zinc and vitamin B12 contents of edible insect species were generally either comparable to or higher than that of (lean) beef, (lean) pork, poultry and kidney beans. Most insect species were oven processed with little/no species-specific data for other processing methods. Variations in micronutrient content existed between processing methods and among oven-processed edible insects. Data inaccuracies, poor data quality control and lack of insect-specific official analytical methods contributed to fairly high variations and made comparisons difficult. Based on available data, edible insects can potentially address human deficiencies of iron, zinc and vitamin B12 despite the observed variations, data gaps and lack of edible insect matrix-specific official methods, in addition to limited human bioavailability and efficacy studies.