The Endocannabinoid System and Eating Behaviours: a Review of the Current State of the Evidence
The objective of the current report is to summarise the available evidence on the ENS and eating behaviour from both animal and human studies.Recent FindingsThe literature reviewed demonstrates a clear link between the ENS and eating behaviours. Overall, studies indicate that 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) via cannabinoid receptor-1 (CNR1) binding may stimulate hunger and food intake while oleylethanolamide (OEA) may inhibit hunger. Mechanisms of these associations are not yet well understood, although the evidence suggests that there may be interactions with other physiological systems ...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - August 18, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Endometriosis-Related Pain: A Systematic Review
ConclusionsThe studies we included showed promising results in the use of antioxidants in endometriosis-related pain. However, many scientific studies are needed for clear statements. (Source: Current Nutrition Reports)
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - August 11, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Survival –Epidemiologic Evidence and Potential Biologic Mechanisms
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the biologic mechanisms that may be operative between physical activity and survival after breast cancer.Recent FindingsPhysical activity decreases risk of mortality from breast cancer by up to 40%. Several biologic mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain this association. Previous cohort studies and randomized trials have examined the primary mechanisms that appear to be operative, which involve a decrease in sex hormone levels, insulin resistance, and inflammation. The evidence is still inconsistent and several limitations in the existing literature exist.SummaryUnderstanding the b...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - August 11, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

Appraisal of Gene-Environment Interactions in GWAS for Evidence-Based Precision Nutrition Implementation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to analyse the currently reported gene-environment (G  × E) interactions in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), involving environmental factors such as lifestyle and dietary habits related to metabolic syndrome phenotypes. For this purpose, the present manuscript reviews the available GWAS registered on the GWAS Catalog reporting the interacti on between environmental factors and metabolic syndrome traits.Recent FindingsAdvances in omics-related analytical and computational approaches in recent years have led to a better understanding of the biological processes underlying...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - August 11, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

Therapeutic Potential of GLP-2 Analogs in Gastrointestinal Disorders: Current Knowledge, Nutritional Aspects, and Future Perspectives
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAlthough Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists have been used for almost two decades in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 and, lately, in obesity, recent years have seen an increasing interest in the pharmacological agonism of other proglucagon-derived peptides, including GLP-2. Herein, we aimed to review the available evidence on the effects of GLP-2 agonism from animal and clinical studies. Furthermore, we summarize the current clinical applications of GLP-2 agonists among patients with intestinal failure associated with short bowel syndrome (SBS-IF) as well as potential future ...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - August 6, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

Improving Iodine Status in Lactating Women: What Works?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIodine deficiency is a global concern, and in recent years, there has been a significant improvement in the number of countries identified as being iodine-sufficient. This review considers the best strategies to ensure iodine sufficiency among breastfeeding women and their infants.Recent FindingsFortification strategies to improve iodine intake have been adequate for school-age children (SAC); however, often, iodine deficiency remains for breastfeeding women and their infants. Daily supplementation with iodine is not an ideal strategy to overcome deficiency.SummaryCountries defined as iodine-suffic...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - July 22, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

The Role of Betaine in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: a Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis narrative review aimed to explore the functions of betaine and discuss its role in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Recent FindingsSome studies on CKD animal models have shown the benefits of betaine supplementation, including decreased kidney damage, antioxidant recovery status, and decreased inflammation.SummaryBetaine (N-trimethylglycine) is an N-trimethylated amino acid with an essential regulatory osmotic function. Moreover, it is a methyl donor and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, betaine has positive effects on intestinal health by regulating the...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - July 6, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

Pregnancy as a Fundamental Determinant of Child Health: a Review
We examined contemporary pregnancy-related determinants of child health.Recent FindingsWhile maternal undernutrition remains a major contributor to low birth weight, maternal obesity affects foetal growth, birth weight, survival and is associated with childhood obesity, asthma and autistic spectrum disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic changes, the prenatal microbiome and maternal immune activation (MIA), a neuroinflammatory process induced by diet and other exposures cause foetal programming resulting in these chronic childhood diseases.SummaryMaternal diet is potentially a modifiable risk factor for contr...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - July 5, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

The Underexplored Dimensions of Nutritional Hormesis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHormesis is biphasic response wherein low and high doses of chemical and nutrient confer beneficial and toxic effects respectively, typically in a U-shaped manner. Hormesis is intricately related to bioenergetic state of a cell, and therefore, nutrition impacts it. Excessive nutrition can halt the endogenous antioxidant synthesis leading to cytotoxic effects. While low and optimum doses of the same bring about hormetic stimulation that can exalt the antioxidant response and reduce susceptibility towards degenerative diseases. The sirtuin family of proteins is triggered by mild stress of calorie res...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - June 20, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

Prevalence and Determinants of the Double Burden of Malnutrition with a Focus on Concurrent Stunting and Overweight/Obesity in Children and Adolescents
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewTo determine the prevalence and determinants of concurrent stunting and overweight/obesity  (CSO) in the same child or adolescent.Recent FindingsAfter searching PubMed and the Web of Science, 26 articles comprised the prevalence and/or determinants of concurrent stunting and overweight/obesity.SummaryMost of the articles were published from 2018 onwards. There is great variation in the prevalence of concurrent stunting and overweight/obesity across the globe. For children under five years the prevalence of CSO is higher among children under two years compared with those 2-<5 years. The main...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - June 18, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

Diet, Microbes, and Cancer Across the Tree of Life: a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCancers are a leading cause of death in humans and for many other species. Diet has often been associated with cancers, and the microbiome is an essential mediator between diet and cancers. Here, we review the work on cancer and the microbiome across species to search for broad patterns of susceptibility associated with different microbial species.Recent FindingsSome microbes, such asHelicobacter bacteria, papillomaviruses, and the carnivore-associatedFusobacteria, consistently induce tumorigenesis in humans and other species. Other microbes, such as the milk-associatedLactobacillus, consistently i...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - June 15, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

A Review: Cereals on Modulating the Microbiota/Metabolome for Metabolic Health
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDiet can modulate both the composition and functionality of the human gut microbiota. Cereals are rich in specific macro and functional elements that are considered important dietary components for maintaining human health; therefore, it is important to examine precise nutritional mechanism involved in exerting the health benefits via modulating gut microbiota. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent research on how different cereals in the diet can regulate the microbiota for health and disease.Recent FindingsThere is an increased interest in targeting the gut microbiome for the treatmen...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - June 3, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

Intermittent Fasting in Cancer: a Role in Survivorship?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo discuss the historical development of intermittent fasting, its potential underlying mechanisms, and the state of clinical trials, and to reflect on considerations for practice and future recommendations.Recent FindingsPreclinical studies consistently show the robust disease-modifying efficacy of intermittent fasting in various metabolic diseases which may hold implications for cancer prevention and survivorship. Twenty-one clinical trials have or are being conducted on fasting in cancer, utilizing various fasting regimens across different tumor types as a stand-alone intervention or in adjunct ...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - May 31, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

The Use of Medications and Dietary Supplements by Masters Athletes — a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMasters athletes (MA) are generally considered healthier than their sedentary peers. However, the prevalence of chronic conditions in any population increases with age. Treatments involve pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. A substantial proportion of the general population also use dietary supplements (DS). This raises questions about the potential for drug-nutrient interactions which may lead to adverse effects. We sought to determine the potential for drug-nutrient interactions MA may be exposed to by examining the prevalence of chronic conditions treated with medications and ...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - May 30, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research

Nutrition and Health Claims: Consumer Use and Evolving Regulation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe value of nutrition and health claims (N&HC) depends on how consumers use them and the regulatory framework that enables them. This paper aims to explore the impact of claims on consumer behaviour and identify evolving regulatory challenges, using the Australian experience as a reference point.Recent FindingsN&HC can influence consumer food purchasing and consumption, but how consumers interpret and act on specific claims is less well understood, and regulatory frameworks are evolving. In the last 10  years, changes to the Australian regulatory framework have exposed greater opportuniti...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - May 24, 2022 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research