Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism

Pathomechanisms of dementias involve increasing damage to neuronal energy metabolism, resulting in degeneration-related insulin resistance and glucose hypometabolism. In this case, ketone bodies can provide an alternative energy source. Supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can induce ketogenesis, may alleviate brain energy deficits and improve neuronal function. This review aims to determine the effectiveness of MCT as a symptomatic treatment approach. The systematic literature search was conducted in April 2023 following the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA guidelines. A total of 21 studies were included, comprising eight uncontrolled trials and 13 RCTs investigating the effects of MCT on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A substantial increase in plasma ketone levels and brain metabolic rates was observed. Cognitive assessments showed only occasional or domain-specific performance improvements. The effects on functional abilities or psychological outcomes have been inadequately studied. Besides gastrointestinal side effects, no harmful effects were observed. However, the evidence was severely weakened by heterogeneous and poorly designed study protocols, bias, and conflicts of interest. In conclusion, the ketogenic properties of MCTs may have beneficial effects on brain metabolism in AD and MCI but do not always result in measurable clinical improvement. Current evidence is insufficient to recommend MCT as a comparable symptomatic treatment option.

Whey, a component of milk and a useful by-product of the dairy industry’s casein and cheese-making, has been used for generations to augment animal feed. It contains a range of proteins, including α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, heavy and light chain immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, glycomacropeptide, and lactoperoxidase. Whey proteins exhibit great potential as biopolymers for creating bioactive delivery systems owing to their distinct health-enhancing characteristics and the presence of numerous amino acid groups within their structures. Whey has considerable factors such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties in addition to chelating. The global market of whey protein stood at USD 5.33 billion in 2021, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 10.48% spanning the interval from 2022 to 2030. The escalating demand for whey protein is intrinsically linked to the amplifying consciousness surrounding healthy lifestyles. Notably, protein supplements are recurrently endorsed by fitness and sports establishments, thereby accentuating the focal point of customers toward whey protein. This review focuses on nutritional composition, whey bioactives, and their bioavailability with potential health benefits.

Background. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a global health challenge. The complex etiology of NCDs involves genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, including dietary habits. Chronic latent metabolic acidosis has been associated with an increased risk of NCDs. Alkalizing diets and mineral water consumption have shown promise in improving acid-base balance and potentially impacting NCDs. Methods. In this randomized controlled intervention study, the effect of drinking 1,500–2,000 mL of mineral water daily on acid-base balance was evaluated. Ninety-four healthy participants were divided into two groups: one consumed mineral water with a high bicarbonate and sodium content (HBS, n = 49) and the other consumed mineral water with a low bicarbonate and sodium content (LBS, n = 45). Changes in venous blood gas and urinary acid-base parameters were measured over a short-term (3 days) and long-term (28 days) intervention period. Potential renal acid load (PRAL) and nutrient intake were calculated at baseline and after 28 days. Results. HBS water consumption led to increased urinary pH (24-hour urine and spontaneous urine, both ) and bicarbonate levels (), accompanied by reduced titratable acids () and ammonium (), resulting in a lower renal net acid excretion (). These changes occurred in the short term and persisted until the end of the study. LBS consumption showed no significant effects on urinary pH but led to a slight decrease in bicarbonate () and NH₄⁺ (), resulting in a slight decrease in NAE (). Blood gas changes were modest in both groups. Mineral water consumption in the HBS group altered dietary intake of sodium and chloride, contributing to changes in PRAL values. Conclusion. The study demonstrates that the consumption of mineral water high in bicarbonate and sodium (1,500 mL–2,000 mL/day) can positively influence urinary acid-base parameters and reduce NAE, suggesting potential benefits in maintaining acid-base balance without adverse effects on human health. These findings highlight the importance of mineral water composition in acid-base regulation. This trial is registered with DRKS00025341.

Background. Imbalance of the gut microbiome and decrease in the number of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria often affect human health by altering intestinal and immune homeostasis. The use of probiotics has been shown to be an attractive method to modulate gut microbiota to prevent or treat intestinal dysbiosis. Likewise, this study aimed to determine whether the oral consumption of heat-treated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum nF1 (HLp-nF1) induces changes in the gut environment in healthy infants by measuring changes in fecal SCFAs. Methods. The study enrolled 43 infants aged under 2 months, with 30 infants in the HLp-nF1 group receiving HLp-nF1 orally (2.5 × 10¹⁰ cells/g/pack, daily dose of two packs) for 8 weeks. The fecal samples were collected and the questionnaires were administered at weeks 0 and 8. Results. The concentrations of the total SCFAs, acetate, propionate, and butyrate significantly increased following HLp-nF1 supplementation (, , , and , respectively). Conclusions. Supplementation of HLp-nF1 has a positive effect on SCFA production and could be a potentially useful and straightforward method to manipulate SCFA formation.

COVID-19 infection and its consequences (long-term COVID-19 syndrome) have implications for weight loss, body composition, and diet quality. In the context of the “PostCovSwim” project, which is part of a broader international study, the impact of an eight-week swimming program on post-COVID-19 patients’ nutritional status (i.e., body composition and dietary intake) was evaluated. Body composition and dietary intake were assessed by medically approved and calibrated bioelectrical impedance (Tanita 780 S MA) and food frequency questionnaires. At the baseline, most participants were classified as overweight based on their body mass index (BMI). However, their body fat percentage (BF%) classification indicated normal weight, although females were near obesity thresholds. Furthermore, at the baseline, according to the BMI classification, 62% of females and 61% of males were female, whereas according to the BF% for obesity classification, 44% of females and 43% of males were considered overweight or obese. Surprisingly, despite the eight-week program, there were no significant changes in body composition. Additionally, the assessment of dietary intake, which remained consistent throughout the study, revealed dietary imbalances characterized by an unhealthy low-carbohydrate, high-fat dietary pattern. This dietary pattern entailed excessive consumption of ultraprocessed foods; reduced carbohydrate intake (39% E vs. 37% E); increased total fat intake (46% E vs. 47% E); increased saturated fatty acids (14% E vs. 13% E); increased cholesterol (412 mg/d vs. 425 mg/d); increased free sugars (7% E vs. 7% E); and inadequate intake of fibre (24 g/d vs. 20 g/d), polyunsaturated fatty acids (6.6% E vs. 7.7% E), vitamin B12 (in females: 3.1 µg/d), vitamin C (86 mg/d vs. 66 mg/d), vitamin D (2 µg/d vs. 3.2 µg/d), folate (in males: 258 µg/d), calcium (777 mg/d vs. 743 mg/d), and selenium (in males: 66 µg/d). After an eight-week swimming program following COVID-19, no significant changes were observed in the subjects’ body composition. Their dietary intake was found to not align with the dietary recommendations. These findings underscore the urgency of implementing comprehensive dietary and lifestyle interventions for post-COVID-19 patients to optimize their recovery and overall well-being. Physical activity, like a swimming program, may positively affect various aspects of human well-being.

Background. The prevalence of taste change (hypogeusia) and its association with zinc deficiency is unclear due to differences in methods of assessment. We investigate the prevalence of hypogeusia using mixed methods and link it with changes in zinc levels following mini gastric bypass (MGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Methods. This was a prospective observational study of MGB (N = 18) and SG (N = 25). Hypogeusia was evaluated by using a validated questionnaire and by taste strips procedure along with serum zinc levels and salivary flow rate measurements. Results. The mean age was 40.0 ± 9.7 years; 60.5% were female. By using a questionnaire, MGB patients experienced greater hypogeusia than SG at 3 months (72.0% vs 36.0%; ()), but not at 6 months (56.0% vs 45.0%; ()), respectively. Using taste strips, at 6 months, more MGB patients experienced hypogeusia compared with SG (44.0% vs 11.0%; ). Zinc level was reduced following MGB at 6 months (85.6 ± 16.9 μgm/dl vs 67.5 ± 9.2 μgm/dl; ()) but was increased at 6 months following SG (76.9 ± 11.4 vs 84.9 ± 21.7 μgm/dl). Reduction in the rate of salivary flow was observed in 66.0% and 72.0% of MGB and SG patients, respectively, at 3 months and in 53.0% and 70.0% at 6 months. Conclusion. Taste change is more prevalent following MGB compared with SG, especially at 6 months postoperation which parallel with changes in zinc levels. More than half of all patients who had undergone bariatric surgery (BS) had low to very low salivary flow rates during the follow-up. This study suggests an association between low zinc levels and reduced salivary flow with hypogeusia following BS.