The circadian system orchestrates metabolism in daily 24-hour cycles. Such rhythms organize metabolism by temporally separating opposing metabolic processes and by anticipating recurring ...feeding-fasting cycles to increase metabolic efficiency. Although animal studies demonstrate that the circadian system plays a pervasive role in regulating metabolism, it is unclear how, and to what degree, circadian research in rodents translates into humans. Here, we review evidence that the circadian system regulates glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism in humans. Using a range of experimental protocols, studies in humans report circadian rhythms in glucose, insulin, glucose tolerance, lipid levels, energy expenditure, and appetite. Several of these rhythms peak in the biological morning or around noon, implicating earlier in the daytime is optimal for food intake. Importantly, disruptions in these rhythms impair metabolism and influence the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. We therefore also review evidence that circadian misalignment induced by mistimed light exposure, sleep, or food intake adversely affects metabolic health in humans. These interconnections among the circadian system, metabolism, and behavior underscore the importance of chronobiology for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidemia.
Oxidative stress (OS) contributes towards Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. OS can be a result of increased reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, reduced antioxidants, oxidatively damaged molecules ...and/or a combination of these factors. Scientific literature is scarce for the markers of OS specific for detecting AD at an early stage. The first aim of the current review is to highlight potential OS markers in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid, blood and/or urine that can be used for early diagnosis of human AD. The reason for exploring OS markers is that the proposed antioxidant therapies against AD appear to start too late to be effective. The second aim is to evaluate the evidence for natural antioxidants currently proposed to prevent or treat AD symptoms. To address these two aims, we critically evaluated the studies on humans in which various OS markers for detecting AD at an early stage were presented. Non-invasive OS markers that can detect mild cognitive impairment and AD at an early stage with greater specificity and sensitivity are primarily related to lipid peroxidation. However, a combination of OS markers, family history and other biochemical tests are needed to detect the disease early on. We also report that the long-term use of vitamins (vitamin E as in almonds) and polyphenol-rich foods (curcumin/curcuminoids of turmeric, gingko biloba, epigallocatechin-3-gallate in green tea) seem justified for ameliorating AD symptoms. Future research on humans is warranted to justify the use of natural antioxidants.
Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a form of intermittent fasting that involves having a longer daily fasting period. Preliminary studies report that TRF improves cardiometabolic health in rodents and ...humans. Here, we performed the first study to determine how TRF affects gene expression, circulating hormones, and diurnal patterns in cardiometabolic risk factors in humans. Eleven overweight adults participated in a 4-day randomized crossover study where they ate between 8 am and 2 pm (early TRF (eTRF)) and between 8 am and 8 pm (control schedule). Participants underwent continuous glucose monitoring, and blood was drawn to assess cardiometabolic risk factors, hormones, and gene expression in whole blood cells. Relative to the control schedule, eTRF decreased mean 24-hour glucose levels by 4 ± 1 mg/dl (
= 0.0003) and glycemic excursions by 12 ± 3 mg/dl (
= 0.001). In the morning before breakfast, eTRF increased ketones, cholesterol, and the expression of the stress response and aging gene
and the autophagy gene
(all
< 0.04), while in the evening, it tended to increase brain-derived neurotropic factor (BNDF;
= 0.10) and also increased the expression of
(
= 0.007), a major nutrient-sensing protein that regulates cell growth. eTRF also altered the diurnal patterns in cortisol and the expression of several circadian clock genes (
< 0.05). eTRF improves 24-hour glucose levels, alters lipid metabolism and circadian clock gene expression, and may also increase autophagy and have anti-aging effects in humans.
Nuts hold prime significance throughout the world as they offer multiple health benefits owing to their highly nutritious profile. A number of scientific studies have demonstrated their actions ...against inflammation, oxidative damage, the aging process, as well as dementia or memory loss. However, only walnuts, followed by almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios, have shown promising results in empirical studies for memory improvements. So, the current review focuses on presenting hypotheses regarding anti-dementia property of nine different nuts: almond, walnut, pistachio, Brazil nut, peanut, pecans, cashew, hazelnut, and chestnut. The nutritious profile of nuts contains essential fats (mostly mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids), proteins (source for arginine, lysine and tryptophan), vitamins (riboflavin, folate, and various tocopherols), fibers, minerals (calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium) and trace elements (copper, zinc, and selenium). Interestingly, the constituents of natural products, nuts being an excellent example, work synergistically and/or in a side-effect neutralizing manner. These latter properties can make nuts an alternate therapy for humankind to fight against memory loss.
The integration of personalized dietary assessments (PDA) in a foundational course aims to enhance student engagement, nutritional self-awareness, and appreciation for nutrition science, particularly ...among non-biology majors.
Grounded in experiential learning theory, the curriculum was designed to provide a hands-on, interactive learning experience, enabling students to apply nutritional theories in analyzing dietary habits using four assessment tools.
Undergraduate students from diverse majors, including computer science, social development and policy, communication and design, and electric engineering enrolled in a 100-level Nutrition course at a Liberal Arts University in Pakistan.
Students engaged in a comprehensive PDA module, utilizing the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), 72-hour recall, 7d-food record, and a digital nutrition tracker to inspect nutrient profiles, identify dietary gaps, and explore the pros and cons of each tool in research and health management.
The study employed qualitative analyses of students' reflections on their experiences, highlighting their perceived utility of each tool, and changes in nutritional behavior and awareness.
Students expressed excitement and intrigue in discovering their dietary shortcomings. The online tracker was favored for its accuracy and ease of use, while the FFQ, despite limitations, was valued for its research relevance in identifying missing food groups. The record and recall's independence from technology was appreciated by less tech-savvy, manual nutrient calculation challenge was noted. The activity fostered a deeper appreciation of nutrition science across disciplines, with students recognizing the importance of integrating nutritional awareness into their respective fields.
PDA facilitated enhanced understanding and equipped students from diverse fields with the capability to envision integrating nutrition into future endeavors. They were inspired to design final-year projects on launching public awareness media campaigns for nutrition education and creating AI tools and IoT solutions for nutrition. Such pedagogies effectively bridge the gap between theory and practical application in nutrition education by incorporating experiential learning and contributing to the broader goal of improving foodways globally.
None
To compare the effect of Pakistani and American almonds on serum concentration of liver enzymes in coronary artery disease patients.
The randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Cardiology ...Clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from February to July, 2012, and comprised patients who were randomised into intervention PA and AA groups and the control NI groups. Subjects in the intervention groups were provided Pakistani and American varieties of almonds 10g/day respectively with instructions to soak them overnight, remove the skin and eat them before breakfast for 12 weeks. The control group underwent no intervention. Serum concentrations of aspartate transaminase, Alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase were analysed and compared.
Of the 150 subjects, 110(73.3%) completed the study. Of them, there were 38(34.5%) in PA group, 41(37.3%) in AA, and 31(28.2%) in the NI group. Dietary almonds significantly reduced serum concentrations of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in the two intervention groups compared to the controls group (p<0.05) at 12-week follow-up.
A low dose of almonds was found to be an effective strategy to protect the liver.
Given the pronounced disparities in access to nutritious foods among urban street youth who use drugs, their dietary patterns starkly highlight the broader issue of food insecurity they face. These ...challenges, rooted in complex socio-economic and environmental factors, severely limit their nutritional choices and health outcomes.
This study, therefore, aims to explore the nutrition literacy of street youth and the specific impacts of addiction on their eating behaviors, viewed through the lens of foodways, to identify targeted interventions that can address these critical gaps.
Employing a mixed-methods approach, we quantitatively assessed the dietary intake of 12 drug-using street youth against 12 healthy age-matched controls, focusing on macronutrients and food group consumption.
Qualitative focus group interviews further explored participants' abilities to access, understand, and utilize nutritional information. The assessment highlighted food insecurity issues, with a detailed examination of missing food groups in participants' diets.
The quantitative analysis revealed that drug-using youth diets significantly lacked variety, with most major food groups underrepresented or entirely missing due to severe food insecurity and extremely limited access to healthy foods. For instance, the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources was markedly lower compared to controls, reflecting a profound gap in essential nutrients. Qualitatively, participants demonstrated a critical lack of nutrition literacy, struggling with obtaining, processing, and applying nutritional information to make healthful dietary decisions within their constrained foodways.
The intersection of drug use, compromised nutrition literacy, and the adverse foodways experienced by street youth present a significant challenge to their health and well-being, necessitating focused interventions. The findings advocate for the development of contextually adapted nutrition education interventions that consider the complex foodways of drug-using street youth. Such programs should aim to improve nutrition literacy, facilitate access to nutritious foods, and encourage healthful eating behaviors, despite the constraints of food insecurity and limited resources.
None
Sub-optimal HDL is a prognostic marker of cardiovascular disease. South Asia has a high prevalence of sub-optimal HDL compared to other parts of the world. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a type of ...energy restriction which may improve serum HDL and other lipids thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of IF on lipid profile and HDL-cholesterol in a sample of South Asian adults.
A 6-week quasi-experimental (non-randomized) clinical trial was conducted on participants with low HDL (< 40 mg/dl for men and < 50 mg/dl for women). Participants of the control group were recommended not to change their diet. The intervention group was recommended to fast for ~12 h during day time, three times per week for 6 weeks. Pulse rate, blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference, serum lipid profile, and blood glucose levels were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks.
A total of 40 participants were enrolled in the study (
= 20 in each group), while 35 (20 control and 15 intervention) completed the trial and were included in data analysis of the study. Body measurements, including body weight, BMI and waist circumference, showed significant interaction effects (
's < 0.001), indicating that there were larger reductions in the IF group than in the control group. Significant interaction effects were also observed for total (
= 0.033), HDL (
= 0.0001), and LDL cholesterol (
= 0.010) with larger improvements in the IF group.
This study suggests that intermittent fasting may protect cardiovascular health by improving the lipid profile and raising the sub-optimal HDL. Intermittent fasting may be adopted as a lifestyle intervention for the prevention, management and treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
NCT03805776, registered on January 16, 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03805776.
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