Background Sarcopenia is characterized by a decline in muscle mass and quality and has emerged as a life-threatening aging-related syndrome. However, the association between adult weight trajectories and muscle health remains unclear. Methods Using data from 1,007 adults aged ≥50 years from the United States. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 cycles, a cross-sectional analysis of body mass index (BMI) trajectories across four adult life stages was conducted using growth mixture modeling. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)–derived appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) and muscle quality indices, including the appendicular muscle quality index (MQI.app) and total muscle quality index (MQI.total), calculated as grip strength per unit of muscle mass, were used to assess muscle health. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to evaluate the associations between BMI trajectories and muscle outcomes. Results Three BMI trajectories were identified: stable normal (38.5%), rapid increase (16.5%), and stable high (45.0%). The ASMI was greater, whereas the MQI was markedly lower in the rapid increase group than in the stable normal group, with odds ratios (ORs) of 11.38 (95% CI: 6.18–20.98) for the extremely low MQI.app category and 10.07 (95% CI: 5.85–17.11) for the extremely low MQI.total category. The stable high group also showed increased odds of lower MQI categories. Conclusions BMI trajectory was heterogeneously associated with muscle phenotype. Static indicators such as BMI and the ASMI alone may not fully capture functional risk. These findings highlight the need for further research on muscle quality and long-term weight dynamics, and for prospective studies before any clinical screening or intervention implications can be considered.

Background Perimenopause is often accompanied by changes in metabolism and body composition, including loss of lean soft tissue (LST). The purpose of this study was to compare measured resting energy expenditure (mREE) via indirect calorimetry to predicted REE from common equations in perimenopausal women. The secondary purpose was to examine the effect of LST on differences between mREE and metabolic equations. Methods REE was assessed using indirect calorimetry in 45 perimenopausal females. Estimated REE was calculated from Cunningham (C), De-Lorenzo (DL), Harris-Benedict (HB), Mifflin St. Jeor (MS), Molnar (M), and ten Haaf (TH) equations. LST (kg) was determined using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. mREE vs estimated were compared using a mixed-model ANOVA. A linear regression was used to examine the effect of LST on predictive equations and mREE. Results Significant differences were seen between mREE vs estimated REE for C (mean difference ± standard error [mREE-C]: −157.8 ± 28.7 kcals, p = 0.001), DL ([mREE-DL]: −381.9 ± 32.8 kcals, p < 0.001), HB ([mREE-HB]: −100.5 ± 30.5 kcals, p = 0.033), and TH ([mREE-TH]: −142.2 ± 33.1 kcals, p = 0.003). MS ([mREE-MS]: −18.5 ± 31.7 kcals, p = 0.99) and M (29.9 ± 34.0 kcals, p = 0.99) equations most closely predicted REE. LST accounted for 1.1-2.2% range of variance in REE. Conclusions Estimated REE significantly overestimated caloric expenditure compared to mREE by an average of ∼215 kcals/day, with some equations (MS, M) more accurately estimating REE in perimenopausal women. The MS equation may be most beneficial for REE estimates in midlife women. LST may not be driving differences between mREE and predictive equations.

Objective: The Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the key health crises facing the world, with the prevalence expected to surpass 783 million adults by the year 2045. It causes premature disability, death and enormous social and economic costs. It is believed that the number of diabetes mellitus (DM) may increase to 592 million in 2035. Although there are conventional therapies, they are very expensive and limited. Despite the fact drugs that are produced synthetically are effective in controlling the disease, there are some side effects that are related with their long-term use. Consequently, the role of the traditional medicine such as plant extracts and pharmacological compounds derived out of plants is becoming very popular. The purpose of this review is to bring together the existing research on the effectiveness of herbal medicine in treating T2DM and especially phytochemicals based on in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. Methods: This review is the first to put a list of mechanisms into seven functional domains (1): insulin secretion and 2 -cell protection (2), insulin signaling facilitation (PI3K/Akt, AMPK, GLUT4) (3), carbohydrate digestion inhibition (alpha -amylase, 3 -glucosidase) (4), lipid metabolism control (5), carbohydrate oxidative stress (6), 3 -cell inflammation, and (7) gut microbiota control. It addresses also a wide range of herbal extracts and commercial products in order to estimate their capacity in the symptoms and complications of T2DM alleviation. Results: Some of the plant-derived metabolites, including antidiabetic properties expressed in their antioxidant, alkaloids and polysaccharides, are discussed. Growing evidence shows that phytochemicals control the secretion and activity of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor and is another natural way of using incretin-based therapy. Conclusion: The results of the researches suggest that plant-based compounds are effective in the management of T2DM due to different biochemical processes such as restoration of the pancreatic β-cells functions, insulin sensitization, the stimulation of insulin secretion, the inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis, enhancement of glucose absorption, and the suppression of G-6-phosphatase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase activity.

Objective Osteoporosis is a growing public health burden. Trabecular bone score (TBS) from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) reflects trabecular microarchitecture and predicts fractures beyond bone mineral density (BMD). The relationship between Healthy Eating Index 2020 (HEI-2020) and TBS is unknown. Methods We modeled the HEI-2020 in relation to TBS in a cross-sectional sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2008 (n = 7,007), using multivariable linear regression, restricted cubic splines for nonlinearity, stratified and interaction analyses for effect modification, and mixture and clustering analyses. Results Higher HEI-2020 scores were positively associated with TBS. Per 10-point increase: β = 0.0052 (95% CI 0.0026-0.0079). The highest versus lowest tertile had higher TBS (β = 0.0133, 95% CI 0.0063-0.0204; P for trend = 0.0242). The dose-response was linear. Associations were stronger in males and individuals with obesity, with significant interaction by sex (p = 0.0262) and body mass index (BMI; p < 0.0001). Mixture and clustering analyses supported positive dietary pattern effects, with the high-quality dietary cluster showing higher TBS (β = 0.0133, 95% CI 0.0053-0.0212). Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness. Conclusion Higher HEI-2020 scores were linearly associated with higher TBS, with effect modification by sex and BMI. While these cross-sectional findings suggest better diet quality may benefit trabecular bone microarchitecture, longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality.

Introduction This case report presents the methodology and the outcomes of a Personalized Nutrition intervention with a menopausal female over seven weeks and two online consultations. The report details the pathophysiological reasoning approach to the patient assessment and the recommendation of interventions with the supporting clinical evidence and learnings. Case A 47 year old working mother (Patient A) with maternal family history (FH) of osteoporosis (OP), a body mass index (BMI) of 24.2 kg/m2 and a waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) of 0.86. Patient A had seen her medical practitioner (MP) regarding fatigue, lack of concentration and low mood and was prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Patient A’s sleep and mood remained unstable, and she presented with late afternoon fatigue, lower belly bloating and mild headaches. A chiropractor had diagnosed scoliosis. Patient A was seeking support for energy and bone health. Analysis of dietary recall and frequency data indicated that her current macronutrient intake was contributing to blood sugar imbalance, influencing energy levels and impacting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function, potentially exacerbated by a change in estrogen levels. A FH of OP encouraged the practitioner to promote bone health. Adjusted macronutrient intake was recommended to support blood sugar balance, increase and sustain energy and promote muscle synthesis. A supplementation plan with regular weight-bearing exercise aimed to support bone mineral density. Caffeine reduction, yoga and meditation to help rebalance the HPA axis. Patient A reported an increase in energy, a reduction in snacking and improved sleep. There was no change to her mood and bloating persisted. Her headaches worsened and the MP prescribed amitriptyline (10 mg) toward the end of the therapy period. Her bone health was not measured. Conclusions This case provides observational evidence of the potential efficacy of personalized nutrition utilizing pathophysiological reasoning to assess health status, an evidence-based approach to support intervention decisions and coaching skills to embed dietary change.

Objective Various bacterial Bacillaceae and Bacillus strains have demonstrated health benefits, but less is known about probiotic characteristics of strains of Bacillus velezensis. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we investigated the safety and efficacy of B. velezensis BV379 supplementation for 8 weeks (2 × 109 colony-forming units (CFU)/day). Methods During the baseline and final weeks, GI symptoms were recorded daily using the 8-item Gastrointestinal Tolerance Questionnaire (GITQ). The primary outcome was the proportion of participants showing an improvement from baseline to week 8 in the 7-day, 3-item composite score for abdominal distention/bloating, burping, and gas/flatulence. Plasma chemistry, hematology, intestinal permeability, and fecal metagenomes were also investigated. Results Eighty participants (54% female; age: 50.3 ± 10.1 years) were randomized to BV379 (n = 39) or placebo (n = 41). At end of study, no significant difference was observed in the percentage of participants with improvement in the 3-item composite GITQ score (BV379: 36.1%; placebo: 28.2%; p = 0.46). Analysis of individual GI symptoms showed that more participants experienced improvement in abdominal distention/bloating with BV379 compared to placebo (38.9% vs 17.9%; p = 0.044). There were no clinically meaningful changes in plasma chemistry, hematology, or intestinal permeability between groups. Fecal metagenomic analyses showed no overall shifts in microbial composition between groups. In addition to B. velezensis, a few commensal species such as Lacticasei bacillus casei were significantly enriched in the BV379 group. Conclusion Despite not significantly improving the composite GITQ score of distention/bloating, burping, and gas/flatulence, BV379 supplementation was a well-tolerated approach to specifically lower abdominal bloating.

Objective Intake of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may be related to the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and menstrual symptoms through inflammation. The present study aims to investigate the relation between diet-derived AGE (dAGE) intake levels, DII, and menstrual symptoms among university students. Method The study was conducted with 380 female students between November 2023 and January 2024. Participants were administered a questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Demographic information, dietary habits, physical activity status, and findings from the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) were evaluated. Additionally, participants’ 24-hour dietary intake records were collected. Results The average intake of dAGEs among students was 6483.82 ± 4084.75 kU/d, with mean DII scores of 7.14 ± 4.06 and mean MSQ total scores of 3.10 ± 0.76. In terms of AGE intake levels, students who preferred frying as a cooking method had statistically higher median values compared to those who preferred baking and boiling. As individuals’ dAGE intake increased, there was an observed increase in energy, protein, and fat consumption. Conversely, an increase in DII total scores was associated with decreased intake of dietary fiber, vitamin E, vitamin B1, potassium, magnesium, and copper. Conclusions As participants’ dAGE intakes increased, a decrease in DII total scores was observed; statistically significant correlation was not found between dAGE intake levels and MSQ total scores. This study revealed the relationship between dAGE intake and DII and menstrual symptoms and suggests the need for comprehensive studies to achieve clearer conclusions.

Objective Obesity is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, and the mechanisms through which excess fat negatively impacts the pancreas remain largely unclear. Our objective was to examine the impact of a high-fat diet (HFD) on pancreatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, along with the potential protective and therapeutic effects provided by bee bread. Method Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 6 per group): Standard diet (SD), HFD, HFD with bee bread (HFD + Bb) (0.5 g/kg body weight/d given concurrently for 12 wk as a protective model), and obese with bee bread (OB + Bb) (0.5 g/kg body weight/d given for 6 wk after obesity induction as a therapeutic model). After 12 wk, the body and organ; food intake; and blood serum levels were measured. Results Bee bread supplementation in both protective and therapeutic models notably decreased the Lee obesity index (303.1 ± 7.00; 308.6 ± 5.07), serum blood glucose (67.17 ± 4.45 mg/dL; 71.50 ± 3.94 mg/dL), serum insulin levels (0.72 ± 0.28 ng/mL; 1.22 ± 0.49 ng/mL), and lipid concentrations (TG, TC, FFA) in both serum and pancreatic tissue. Furthermore, bee bread inhibited Keap1 and enhanced Nrf2 cytoplasmic and nuclear translocations, resulting in improved pancreatic oxidative stress parameters. Moreover, bee bread reduced pancreatic inflammation and improved β-cell function and its regulator levels (AMPK, Sirt1). Conclusions These results showed that bee bread has protective and therapeutic effects against obesity-induced pancreatic lipotoxicity and dysfunction.

Background Frailty, falls, and disability are related to aging, which involves a decline in biological function. Proper nutrition can reduce frailty. When consumed in significant quantities, phytochemical compounds carry out a variety of biological tasks. Altermor®, a nutritional supplement containing hesperidin, diosmin and proanthocyanidins, optimizes blood microcirculation. The purpose of the study is to evaluate improvements in cognitive function, balance, fatigue, and some aspects of quality of life by introducing supplementation with Altemor® in the elderly. Methods This is a randomized, crossover-controlled pilot study. Thirty-six elderly patients were randomized into three groups: G-ALT12, G-ALT21, and G-CON. G-ALT12 patients took 1 stick/day of Altemor® for 8 wk, did 4 wk of wash-out, and then took 2 sticks/day of Altemor® for another 8 wk; G-Alt21 patients took 2 sticks/day of Altemor® for 8 wk, did 4 wk of wash-out, and then took 1 stick/day of Altemor® for another 8 wk. G-CON patients took any supplements beyond their daily routine. All patients were assessed at baseline, after 8 wk, after 12 wk, and after 20 wk for cognitive and motor performance, mood, fatigue, and quality of life. After 1 week and 13 wk, patients were evaluated for attention only. Results Both experimental groups showed statistically significant differences from the control group in cognitive function, particularly attention, and fall risk. No domains showed statistically significant differences between the two experimental groups. No significant differences were found in any domain when comparing the two experimental doses (1 stick/day vs. 2 sticks/day). Conclusion In the older adults, dietary supplementation with hesperidin, diosmin and proanthocyanidins showed a positive effect on improving cognitive functions (attention, learning, memory) as well as significantly reducing the risk of falling. In the future, the use of Altermor® should be studied in moderate cognitive impairment and other cognitive disorders. Trial registration. NCT06352099.

Objective Selenium, an essential mineral with antioxidant properties, can potentially prevent atherosclerosis and maintain cardiovascular health. However, the association between selenium and ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the impact of selenium on global IHD incidence (IHDi) and mortality (IHDd) over a 28-year period from 1990 to 2018, using open data for global comparisons. Method IHDi and IHDd per 100,000 people were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 database and estimated selenium intake from the Global Dietary Database. Covariates were obtained from the World Bank and GBD databases. The associations of selenium intake with IHDi and IHDd in the 28 years from 1990 onward were analyzed for 149 countries with populations >1 million, using a Bayesian generalized additive mixed model, controlling for covariates. Results A nonlinear relationship existed between selenium intake and IHDi and IHDd. The selenium intake levels with the lowest risk for IHDi and IHDd were 93.3 and 78.5 µg/d, respectively. The risk ratios (RRs) for IHDi were 2.30 (95% CI, 1.82–2.84) and 1.40 (95% CI, 1.13–1.73) for selenium intakes of 10.0 µg/d and 200.0 µg/d, respectively. For IHDd, the RRs were 3.40 (95% CI, 2.62–4.40) for intakes of 10.0 µg/d and 1.72 (95% CI, 1.31–2.20) for 200.0 µg/d. The risk was higher for selenium underintake than for overintake. Conclusions This study revealed a nonlinear relationship between selenium intake and IHDi and IHDd, aiding in establishing a selenium target intake for the primary prevention of IHD and addressing public health problems.