An algorithm to simulate missing data for mixed meal tolerance test response curves.

Background: Response curves formed by analyte concentrations measured at sampled time points after consuming a mixed meal are increasingly being used to characterize responses to differing diets. Unfortunately, owing to a variety of reasons, analyte concentrations for some of the time points may be missing.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop an algorithm to estimate the missing values at sampled time points in the analyte response curve to a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT).

Development of a Comprehensive Food Data Citation Standard: A Surprising Gap in the Nutrition Research Literature.

Currently, there is no standard for the citation of food composition data. This leads to the questions: how are food and nutrient data cited in research papers, and are they presented in a way that allows studies to be reproduced? To answer these questions, we performed a review of the literature and quantified the accuracy and completeness of data citations from publications (January to December 2020) in the top 5 nutrition journals as ranked by the Scimago Journal Rankings. We then performed a review of citation guidelines currently in place in other disciplines.

An Improved Validated Method for the Determination of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Human Fecal Samples by Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID).

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites produced by the gut microbiota through the fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates. Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota composition, diet and metabolic status play an important role in the production of SCFAs. The primary objective of this study was to develop a simplified method for SCFA analysis in human fecal samples by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID).

Perspective: Challenges and Future Directions in Clinical Research with Nuts and Berries.

Consumption of nuts and berries are considered part of a healthy eating pattern. Nuts and berries contain a complex nutrient profile consisting of essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phenolics in quantities that improve physiological outcomes. The spectrum of health outcomes that may be impacted by the consumptions of nuts and berries includes cardiovascular, gut microbiome, and cognitive, among others.

Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Herbs and Spices' Phytochemicals over 24 h after Consumption in Overweight/Obese Adults.

Scope: This study aims to characterize the phytochemicals in commonly consumed herbs/spices (H/S) in the United States and their pharmacokinetic profile (PK) over 24 h in humans after consumption.

Method And Results: The clinical trial is a randomized, single-blinded, four-arm, 24 h, multi-sampling, single-center crossover design (Clincaltrials.gov NCT03926442) conducted in obese/overweight adults (n = 24, aged 37 ± 3 years, BMI = 28.

Phytochemical Composition and Health Benefits of Figs (Fresh and Dried): A Review of Literature from 2000 to 2022.

With their rich history dating back 6000 years, figs are one of the oldest known plants to mankind and are a classical fruit in the Mediterranean diet. They possess a diverse array of bioactive components, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their health-promoting effects addressing gastrointestinal, respiratory, inflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular issues. This review summarizes the updated information on the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and other functional properties of fresh and dried figs cultivated in various parts of the world, highlighting variation in phenolic composition based on cultivar, harvesting time, maturity stage, processing, and fig parts.

Establishing a Common Nutritional Vocabulary - From Food Production to Diet.

Informed policy and decision-making for food systems, nutritional security, and global health would benefit from standardization and comparison of food composition data, spanning production to consumption. To address this challenge, we present a formal controlled vocabulary of terms, definitions, and relationships within the Compositional Dietary Nutrition Ontology (CDNO, www.cdno.

Avocado Consumption for 12 Weeks and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Insulin Resistance.

Background: Diets emphasizing unsaturated fat and high fiber are associated with reducing cardiometabolic risk factors. Avocados are rich in MUFA and PUFA fats and fiber.

Objectives: Assess replacement of carbohydrate energy with avocado energy for 12 wk on glucose homeostasis and cardiometabolic risk factors in self-selecting free-living adults who are overweight or with obesity and have insulin resistance.

Red Raspberry and Fructo-Oligosaccharide Supplementation, Metabolic Biomarkers, and the Gut Microbiota in Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.

Background: Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota and cardiometabolic status are associated, suggesting dietary interventions that alter the microbiota may affect metabolic health.

Objectives: We investigated whether supplementation with (poly)phenol-dense red raspberries (RRB), alone or with a fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) prebiotic, would improve biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in individuals with prediabetes (PreDM) and insulin resistance (IR) and whether the effects are related to modulation of the gut microbiota.

Methods: Adults with PreDM-IR (n = 26; mean ± SEM age, 35 ± 2 years; fasting glucose, 5.

Endothelial Function and Postprandial Glucose Control in Response to Test-Meals Containing Herbs and Spices in Adults With Overweight/Obesity.

Objectives: Herbs and Spices (H/S) contain bioactive compounds with purported health benefits. This study investigated the effect of H/S intake on indicators of vascular and metabolic health over 24 h using a test-meal challenge paradigm in adults with overweight or obesity.

Methods: In a randomized, single-blinded, 4-arm, 24 h, multi-sampling, crossover clinical trial, adults ( = 25) aged 36.

Watermelon and L-Citrulline in Cardio-Metabolic Health: Review of the Evidence 2000-2020.

Purpose Of Review: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) distinctively contains L-citrulline and L-arginine, precursors of nitric oxide (NO), along with polyphenols and carotenoids suggesting a role in cardio-metabolic health. The goal of this paper is to review the preclinical and clinical trial evidence published from 2000 to 2020 to assess watermelon intake and L-citrulline, as a signature compound of watermelon, on cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes, and to identify future directions important for establishing dietary guidance and therapeutic recommendations actionable by health care professionals, patients, and the general public.

Recent Findings: Watermelon and L-citrulline supplementation reduced blood pressure in human trials.

Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Red Raspberry (Poly)phenols from Two Doses and Association with Metabolic Indices in Adults with Prediabetes and Insulin Resistance.

This study aimed to investigate pharmacokinetic variables of two doses of red raspberry (RR) (poly)phenols and their association with metabolic indices in adults with prediabetes and insulin resistance (preDM-IR) compared to metabolically healthy adults (reference). Thirty-two adults (preDM-IR, = 21; reference, = 11) consumed three meals containing 0 g (control), 125 g, or 250 g of frozen RR on three separate days in random order. Plasma (poly)phenolic metabolites and metabolic indices were characterized over a 0-8 h period and again at 24 h.

The berry health tool chest - an evidence map and interactive resource.

Berry consumption is linked to diverse health benefits, but numerous questions remain regarding mechanism of action, dose efficacy, and optimal duration and frequency of intake. Addressing these outstanding questions requires an organized assessment of current research, to inform future study designs and fill critical knowledge gaps. Tools that organize such information will also facilitate consumer messaging, targeted nutritional health initiatives, and dietary intake guidelines.

Strawberry Consumption, Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, and Vascular Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Adults with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia.

Background: Certain fruits, such as strawberries, may impart cardiometabolic benefits due to their phytochemical content.

Objectives: Study aims were to assess the effects of strawberry intake on cardiometabolic risk factors and vascular endothelial function in adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia.

Methods: This study was a randomized, controlled, double-blinded, 2-arm, 2-period (4-wk/period) crossover trial.

Addition of Orange Pomace Attenuates the Acute Glycemic Response to Orange Juice in Healthy Adults.

Background: Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet and is known to attenuate postprandial glycemia. Orange pomace (OP) is a by-product of orange juice (OJ) production and is a rich source of fiber.

Objective: Two separate studies determined the impact of added OP to 100% OJ on postprandial glycemic response compared with sugar-matched OJ or whole orange fruit (WOF).

Comprehensive Characterization of Bile Acids in Human Biological Samples and Effect of 4-Week Strawberry Intake on Bile Acid Composition in Human Plasma.

Primary bile acids (BAs) and their gut microbial metabolites have a role in regulating human health. Comprehensive characterization of BAs species in human biological samples will aid in understanding the interaction between diet, gut microbiota, and bile acid metabolism. Therefore, we developed a qualitative method using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) to identify BAs in human plasma, feces, and urine samples.

Blueberry phenolics are associated with cognitive enhancement in supplemented healthy older adults.

Blueberries (BB) contain an array of bioactive phenolic compounds that may play a protective role against various age-related diseases. Here we explored the metabolic fate of BB phenolics and their relationship to cognitive function after chronic (90 days) supplementation of freeze-dried BB (24 g d, equivalent to 1 cup of fresh BB) or control in a randomized, double-blind, parallel study with 38 healthy older adults (60-75 years). Blood samples were collected at fasting (t = 0 h) and 2 h after a breakfast meal on days 0 (no treatment), 45, and 90, and a battery of cognitive tests was also conducted on these days.

Pharmacokinetic Characterization of (Poly)phenolic Metabolites in Human Plasma and Urine after Acute and Short-Term Daily Consumption of Mango Pulp.

Pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation of polyphenolic metabolites over 24 h was conducted in human subjects ( = 13, BMI = 22.7 ± 0.4 kg/m) after acute mango pulp (MP), vitamin C (VC) or MP + VC test beverage intake and after 14 days of MP beverage intake.

Functional Deficits in Gut Microbiome of Young and Middle-Aged Adults with Prediabetes Apparent in Metabolizing Bioactive (Poly)phenols.

Background: Gut microbiota metabolize select dietary (poly)phenols to absorbable metabolites that exert biological effects important in metabolic health. Microbiota composition associated with health/disease status may affect its functional capacity to yield bioactive metabolites from dietary sources. Therefore, this study assessed gut microbiome composition and its related functional capacity to metabolize fruit (poly)phenols in individuals with prediabetes and insulin resistance (PreDM-IR, = 26) compared to a metabolically healthy Reference group ( = 10).

Plasma and Urinary (Poly)phenolic Profiles after 4-Week Red Raspberry ( L.) Intake with or without Fructo-Oligosaccharide Supplementation.

Red raspberries (RRB) are high in anthocyanin- and ellagitannin- type (poly)phenols. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 4-week RRB supplementation on (poly)phenolic metabolism in adults with prediabetes and insulin-resistance (PreDM-IR); and whether adding fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), prebiotics, would augment the microbial metabolites of RRB (poly)phenols. In a randomized crossover clinical trial, subjects (n = 35: PreDM-IR, n = 25; healthy Reference group, n = 10) consumed 1 cup RRB (fresh weight equivalence) per day and RRB with 8 g FOS per day each for 4 weeks in random order separated by 4-week washout.

Improved metabolic function and cognitive performance in middle-aged adults following a single dose of wild blueberry.

Purpose: Research has demonstrated cognitive benefits following acute polyphenol-rich berry consumption in children and young adults. Berry intake also has been associated with metabolic benefits. No study has yet examined cognitive performance in middle-aged adults.

Varying roles of glucoregulatory function measures in postprandial cognition following milk consumption.

Purpose: Past work suggests milk consumption may facilitate cognition in children and college students with higher fasting glucose compared to other beverages (e.g., fruit juice).

Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Watermelon (Rind, Flesh, and Seeds) Bioactive Components in Human Plasma: A Pilot Study to Investigate the Relationship to Endothelial Function.

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic fate of bioactive components in watermelon and explore their effect on endothelial function. Six healthy overweight/obese (BMI: 28.7 ± 1.