This study examined the association between transitions in BMI growth channel (BMI-GC) and the odds of underweight and overweight in young adulthood. Data were drawn from 2,759 participants in the Young Lives study (YL) and 2,782 participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97). Normal Weight (NW) subsamples, consisting of 1,922 participants from YL and 1,477 from NLSY97, were selected for sensitivity analyses. Individual BMI-GC trajectories were estimated using linear mixed-effects models, and classified into four groups: Stable, Crossing Upwards, Crossing Downwards, and Fluctuating. Associations between BMI-GC groups and underweight and overweight at age 22 were assessed using logistic regression models. Compared to the Stable group, participants in the Crossing Downwards group had higher odds of being underweight in YL (OR: 2.62; 95%CI: 1.95–3.54), whereas those in the Crossing Upwards group had higher odds of overweight in YL (OR: 3.96 (95%CI: 2.61–5.99)) and in NLSY97 (OR: 2.55 (95%CI: 1.95–3.33)). In sensitivity analysis (NW subsamples), Crossing Downwards remained associated with underweight in YL (OR: 1.75; 95%CI: 1.23–2.48), and Crossing Upwards remained associated with overweight in both cohorts (OR: 1.95; 95%CI: 1.14–3.34 in YL and OR: 1.67; 95%CI: 1.00–2.78 in NLSY97). Crossing BMI-GC was associated with both underweight and overweight outcomes, including among participants with normal weight during childhood and adolescence. These findings highlight the importance of BMI-GC in weight assessments, offering a more nuanced understanding of growth trajectories and emphasizing the need to move beyond BMI categories alone to predict long-term nutritional risks.

The interaction between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and physical activity (PA) in influencing hypertension remains underexplored. This study aimed to examine their independent and joint associations with hypertension risk among 5327 participants aged ≥ 50 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Participants were categorised by 25(OH)D status (sufficient, ≥ 50 nmol/l; insufficient, ≥ 30 to < 50 nmol/l; deficient, < 30 nmol/l) and self-reported PA levels. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for the season of measurement and sociodemographic confounders, showed that sufficient 25(OH)D (OR = 0·66, 95 % CI 0·56, 0·78) and higher PA (OR = 0·82, 95 % CI 0·71, 0·94) were independently associated with reduced hypertension prevalence. In joint analyses, the group combining higher PA and sufficient 25(OH)D exhibited the lowest odds of hypertension (OR = 0·55, 95 % CI 0·43, 0·70) compared with the lower PA and deficient group. A significant synergistic interaction was identified, indicating that the combined protective effect of these factors was greater than the sum of their individual associations. These results were corroborated by Mendelian randomisation analysis, which identified inverse causal associations between genetically predicted 25(OH)D, vigorous PA and hypertension risk across independent datasets. These findings emphasise that vitamin D sufficiency acts in synergy with an active lifestyle to enhance cardiovascular protection. This relationship underscores the critical importance in nutritional science of integrating micronutrient status with PA to develop more effective, multifaceted lifestyle-based strategies for hypertension management in middle-aged and older populations.

Dietary magnesium (Mg) is a potentially modifiable factor in preventing dementia, but current evidence supporting this remains insufficient and inconclusive. This study aimed to determine whether dietary Mg is associated with the risk of dementia among middle-aged and older people. Participants of this 8-year cohort study were 13,032 community-dwelling individuals aged 40–74 years. Dietary data were collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire in 2011–2013. Mg intake was adjusted for energy intake using the residual method. The outcome was newly diagnosed dementia determined using Japan’s long-term care insurance database. Covariates included demographic characteristics, body size, lifestyles, and disease histories. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). The mean age of participants was 59.0 years. Dementia occurred in 148 males and 138 females. Lower quartiles of energy-adjusted Mg intake were associated with a higher risk of dementia (P for trend = 0.0410) in males, with the lowest quartile (Q1) having an elevated risk of dementia (HR = 1.73, 95% CI:1.07–2.83) compared to the highest quartile (Q4, reference); however, this association was not found in females. In a subgroup analysis by disease history in males, the HR of Q1 was attenuated in both subgroups; HR was 1.52 (95% CI:0.74–3.11) in those with a disease history and 1.40 (95% CI:0.73–2.69) in those without. In conclusion, low dietary Mg intake is associated with increased dementia risk in middle-aged and older Japanese males. However, this association may be partly attributable to underlying disease history.

Adequate protein intake is crucial for preventing frailty and sarcopenia in older adults, but conventional dietary assessments are time-consuming. Developing a rapid screening tool for identifying those at risk of low protein intake is essential; however, no such tool exists for Asian populations. This study developed a prediction model to identify older adults in Japan at risk of low protein intake using a simple food intake questionnaire. The model was developed using data from 4,085 older adults aged ≥65 years from the 2013 and 2017 National Health and Nutrition Surveys. Protein intake was assessed using a one-day dietary record with a semi-weighted method. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to predict low protein intake (<1.0 g/kg adjusted body weight/day), incorporating sex, age, adjusted body weight, and food intake frequency of nine food groups. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and a calibration plot, both adjusted for optimism through bootstrap resampling. Participants had a mean age of 74.1 years (standard deviation = 6.6), and 55.5% of all participants were female. The prevalence of low protein intake was 21.8%. Internal validation showed a bootstrap optimism-corrected ROC area of 0.695 and a calibration slope of 0.921. We developed a 12-item prediction model for identifying older adults at risk of low protein intake. The model provides a practical tool to identify older adults at high risk of low protein intake and is expected to be used in public health settings.

Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) often experience hypozincemia. The clinical factors associated with hypozincemia have not been established. We investigated clinical factors that may be useful to predict hypozincemia in patients with CLD. The serum zinc levels CLD patients were measured; Study 1 investigated the predictive factors of hypozincemia, and Study 2 was performed to validate the factors identified in Study 1. Study 1 included 197 participants, of whom 28 and 106 had serum zinc levels <60 µg/dL and <80 µg/dL, respectively. A multivariate analysis revealed that serum zinc levels <60 µg/dL or <80 µg/dL were associated with the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score and serum albumin level. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the ALBI score ≥ −1.83 and the serum albumin level ≤3.3 g/dL were the cut-off values for a serum zinc level <60 µg/dL, whereas the ALBI score ≥ −2.44 and the serum albumin level ≤3.6 g/dL were the cut-off values for a serum zinc level <80 µg/dL. In Study 2 (n = 177), the diagnostic accuracy rates for serum zinc <60 µg/dL were 81.9% for the ALBI score and 75.1% for the serum albumin level, and those for serum zinc <80 µg/dL were 70.1% for both parameters. Together these findings indicate that the ALBI score may serve as a predictive factor of hypozincemia in CLD patients.

This study systematically evaluates the effects of probiotic interventions on gut microbiota and clinical outcomes in diabetic patients to determine the optimal target population and conditions for effective use, with an emphasis on precision treatment. A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), and Wanfang databases until April 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing probiotics as adjunctive therapy for diabetes were included. The control group received standard care, and the intervention group received probiotics alongside standard care. Data were managed with Endnote and Excel, and analyses were conducted using Revman 5.3 and Stata 16. Twelve RCTs involving 1113 participants were included. Probiotics significantly increased fecal Lactobacillus (standardized mean difference (SMD) 1.42, P < 0.0001, I2 = 95 %) and Bifidobacterium levels (SMD 1.27, P < 0.0001, I2; = 90 %) and reduced fasting plasma glucose (SMD −0.35, P = 0.004). Subgroup analysis showed that shorter intervention durations (≤ 3 months) improved FPG, HbA1c, and Bifidobacterium levels, while younger patients (≤ 60 years) experienced the most significant improvements in Bifidobacterium levels. In conclusion, probiotics improve gut microbiota and clinical outcomes in diabetic patients, with intervention duration and patient age as key factors influencing treatment effectiveness.

The threshold values of visceral fat area (VFA) proposed by existing studies for predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS) are contentious, necessitating further empirical evidence. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess VFA using bioelectrical impedance analysis technology among middle-aged and elderly individuals in the Sichuan area of China. First, we compared the predictive ability of VFA, waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) among participants with MetS (excluding WC). In males, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0·680 for VFA, 0·670 for WC and 0·665 for BMI, with corresponding optimal cut-off values of 77·45 cm2, 83·50 cm and 24·19 kg/m2. In females, the AUC values and optimal cut-offs were 0·628 (103·55 cm2) for VFA, 0·671 (77·50 cm) for WC and 0·643 (24·32 kg/m2) for BMI. Additionally, for MetS defined with WC included, the AUC of VFA for prediction was higher in males (0·785) than in females (0·717), with optimal cut-offs of 85·15 cm2 (males) and 109·55 cm2 (females). Further age-stratified analysis revealed sex-specific VFA cut-offs: in males, 80·95 cm2 (45–59 years), 85·15 cm2 (60–74 years) and 77·50 cm2 (≥ 75 years); in females, 109·65 cm2 (45–59 years), 112·15 cm2 (60–74 years) and 103·05 cm2 (≥ 75 years). In conclusion, VFA is an effective predictor of MetS, with its optimal cut-off value varying by age and being higher in females than in males.

A significant association between tomato consumption and a lower risk of developing hypertension has been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between tomato intake and prehypertension risk among Korean adults. Hypertension was defined according to the criteria established by the Korean Society of Hypertension. The study participants were selected from the Health Examinees cohort study. Tomato consumption was measured using an FFQ and categorised into quintiles based on the amount consumed. Higher tomato consumption was associated with a lower risk of prehypertension in men (hazard ratio (HR) 0·86, 95 % CI 0·80, 0·92, Pfor trend 0·0005). Women in the highest quintile also showed a similar trend (HR 0·94, 95 % CI 0·90, 0·99, Pfor trend 0·0091). Stratified analyses revealed a reduced risk of prehypertension across all subgroups, except underweight individuals and those with a history of alcohol consumption (all Pfor interaction < 0·05). These findings indicate that higher tomato intake may offer potential advantages for managing blood pressure levels.

Male volleyball athletes may be at risk of inadequate energy and carbohydrate intake. This may increase their risk of relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) and impair a variety of physiological and psychological systems involved with performance and health. This study explored the eating behaviours and diet quality of international elite volleyball male athletes and their association on hormones associated with acute energy deficit and primary serum REDs indicators outlined in the International Olympic Committee REDs Clinical Assessment Tool 2. Methods: Using a retrospective design, 30 male athletes from a national indoor volleyball programme were assessed using DXA bone mineral density, hematological analysis, anthropometry, restrained eating behaviour via the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 and the Athlete Diet Index (ADI) questionnaire. Results: All participants met or exceeded dietary recommendations for health and sport with ADI mean score of 95.2/125 ± 10.5. Restraint eating was inversely associated with insulin (r = − 0.37; p  < 0.05). Both the ADI total and core nutrition sub-scores were inversely associated with free-triiodothyronine (r = − 0.58; p < 0.01) but not with total testosterone, insulin or leptin. Conclusion: Male volleyball athletes at risk of inadequate energy intake may not necessarily demonstrate signs of poor diet quality.

Adolescents from low-income households are at increased risk of growth failures due to inadequate food intake. This cross-sectional study assessed dietary practices and nutritional status according to FANTA measurement standards. Among 610 randomly selected adolescents attending public primary schools in rural and semi-urban Kuyu district. Dietary diversity and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and Body Mass Index) were collected and analysed using SPSS version 26 and WHO Anthro Plus software. The study population included 36% females and 69% semi-urban residents. Dietary analysis revealed that most adolescents consumed two or fewer daily meals, primarily cereals and legumes. Over 90% of the households consumed less than four food groups during the 7-day recall period. The anthropometric assessment showed significant undernutrition: 19% of early adolescent girls and 34% of late adolescent boys were underweight; 27.5% were stunted; 8% and 5.9% had moderate and severe undernutrition, respectively; and 13.8% exhibited thinness, with boys more affected (35%) than girls (10%). Additionally, 7% were overweight, and 64% presented single, double, or triple growth failures. Regression analysis showed that Children in female-headed households had 1.7 times higher odds of stunting, adolescent girls had 1.8 times higher odds of thinness, late adolescents had 70% lower odds of being overweight, and adolescents from households with off-farm activities had 4.5 times higher odds of being overweight. Inadequate meal frequency and limited dietary diversity contribute to the high prevalence of undernutrition among Kuyu district adolescents. A school feeding programme is strongly recommended.

Previous studies highlighted the health benefits of coffee and tea, but they only focused on the comparisons between different consumptions. Consequently, the association estimate lacked a clear interpretation, as the substitution of beverages and distribution of doses were not explicitly prescribed. We focused on the ‘relative association’ to ascertain the optimal consumption strategy (including total intake and optimal allocation strategy) for coffee, tea and plain water associated with decreased mortality. Self-reported coffee, tea and plain water intake were used from the UK Biobank. Within a compositional data analysis framework, a multivariate Cox model was used to assess the relative associations after adjusting for a range of potential confounders. The lower mortality risk was observed with at least approximately 7–8 drinks/d of total consumption. When the total intake > 4 drinks/d, substituting plain water with coffee or tea was linked to reduced mortality; nevertheless, the benefit was not seen for ≤ 4 drinks/d. Besides, a balanced consumption of coffee and tea (roughly a ratio of 2:3) associated with the lowest hazard ratios of 0·55 (95 % CI 0·47, 0·64) for all-cause mortality, 0·59 (95 % CI 0·48, 0·72) for cancer mortality, 0·69 (95 % CI 0·49, 0·99) for CVD mortality, 0·28 (95 % CI 0·15, 0·52) for respiratory disease mortality and 0·35 (95 % CI 0·15, 0·82) for digestive disease mortality than other combinations. These results highlight the importance of the rational combination of coffee, tea and plain water, with particular emphasis on ensuring adequate total intake, offering more comprehensive and explicit guidance for individuals.

Differences in appetite, food intake, eating behaviours, and food preferences can occur throughout the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is associated with significant emotional and physiological changes, including altered appetite and food cravings. Therefore, the relationship between PMS and hedonic hunger, food craving of individuals during the menstrual cycle phases were investigated in this study. This study was conducted on 150 women volunteers. Research data were collected using a web-based questionnaire. Four assessment stages were scheduled for each woman, and they were classified in phases according to the onset of menstruation. Participants completed premenstrual syndrome scale and anthropometric measurements were taken based on their statements at the initial assessment stage. In the first, second, and third phases of menstrual cycle, a questionnaire form including the power of food scale (PFS) and Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait (FCQ-T) were applied.

The average age, age of menarche, menstrual cycle length, and bleeding time of the participants were 22.0 ± 2.0, 13 ± 1, 27.7 ± 3, 5.9 ± 1.3, respectively. Women with PMS showed significantly higher total PFS scores compared to those without PMS during the luteal phase (mean ± SD: 3.5 ± 0.6 vs. 2.9 ± 0.7, p < 0.01). Energy intake also increased significantly in the PMS group during this phase (mean ± SD: 2,200 ± 310 kcal/day vs. 1,880 ± 290 kcal/day, p < 0.01). The PFS total scores of participants in phase 1 and phase 2 differ significantly according to BMI classification (p = 0.017; p = 0.013). According to the presence of PMS, phase 1, phase 2, and phase 3, PFS total and sub-factor scores of women differ significantly (p < 0.05). The scores of those with PMS were higher than the scores of those without PMS. In conclusion, the presence of PMS affects hedonic hunger during the menstrual cycle phases.

Sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive compound derived from glucoraphanin in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, has been extensively studied for its therapeutic potential across diverse disease categories. SFN exerts its effects through well-characterised pathways, including the Keap1/Nrf2 axis, which regulates phase II detoxification enzymes, and epigenetic mechanisms such as histone deacetylase inhibition. This review evaluates clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, focusing on those using SFN or broccoli-derived extracts.

As a result, we identified 84 trials, of which 39 have been published. Results suggest SFN’s potential in regulating redox and inflammatory pathways, improving metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes, and exerting anti-cancer and neuroprotective effects. For healthy subjects, SFN enhanced detoxification and reduced inflammation. In cancer patients, SFN showed promise in early-stage prostate and breast cancer, particularly in GSTM1-positive individuals, but had limited effects in advanced cases. For brain disorders, SFN demonstrated symptomatic improvements in autism spectrum disorder and cognitive benefits in schizophrenia but lacked robust biomarker integration. SFN had minimal impact on respiratory diseases but showed supportive roles in allergic rhinitis therapy. Metabolic disease studies revealed glycaemic control improvements in type 2 diabetes but no benefits for hypertension. Approximately 50% of completed trials remain unpublished, raising concerns about publication bias. While published results highlight SFN’s therapeutic potential, limited sample sizes and inconsistent outcomes underscore the need for more extensive, stratified trials. This review emphasises the importance of integrating mechanistic insights and precision medicine approaches to maximise SFN’s clinical utility.

This study aimed to explore the associations between weight gain during infancy with pre-pregnant body mass index (BMI) later in life, focusing on risks of being overweight or underweight. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from women (n = 1082) who visited the National Center for Child Health and Development between 2017 and 2021. The participants provided their Maternal and Child Health Handbook, which included records of their own birthweight and weight gain from birth to 1, 3, and 6 months. The infant weight gain was divided into quintiles. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of weight gain during infancy with pre-pregnant underweight (BMI < 18.5) and overweight (BMI ≥ 25) later in life, adjusting for potential confounders. The current study found that the largest weight gain category (5230–7700 g) by 6 months was associated with a decreased risk of “pre-pregnant underweight,” compared to the third weight gain category (4355–4730 g) by 6 months (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.22–0.73). In contrast, no significant association was observed between weight gain category in infancy and being overweight in adulthood. In conclusion, greater weight gain during the first 6 months of life was associated with a reduced risk of “adult underweight,” without increasing the risk of being overweight.