Evidence suggests that polyphenol-rich foods like berries may help counteract aging-related disorders such as vascular dysfunction and arterial stiffness. However, few intervention studies have been conducted in older adults. This study aimed to assess whether the consumption of blueberries may improve vascular function in older subjects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGrowing evidence showed the capacity of (poly)phenols to exert a protective role on intestinal health. Nevertheless, the existing findings are still heterogeneous and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the potential benefits of a red raspberry () powder on the integrity of the intestinal barrier, focusing on its ability to mitigate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced intestinal permeability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFElicitors of plant defence responses can trigger defence mechanisms that are able to protect plant tissues from biotic or abiotic stresses. Since one defence response involves the activation of secondary metabolites' biosynthesis, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of chitosan and melatonin pre-harvest treatments on the quality and the nutritional parameters of the fruits of blueberry ( L.).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSeveral studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of consuming red raspberries on human health thanks to their high content of phytochemicals. However, the products used in these studies, both in the raw or freeze-dried form, were not fully characterized for nutrient and phytochemical composition. In this study, we aimed to determine the nutrient and non-nutrient compounds present in a freeze-dried red raspberry powder widely used by the food industry and consumers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe gut microbiota is believed to be a critical factor in the pathogenesis of IBS, and its metabolic byproducts, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), are known to influence gut function and host health. Despite this, the precise role of SCFAs in IBS remains a topic of debate. In this study, we examined the bacterial community structure by 16S rRNA gene profiling and SCFA levels by UPLC-MS/MS in fecal samples from healthy controls (HC; = 100) and non-constipated patients (IBS-D and IBS-M; NC-IBS; = 240) enrolled in 19 hospitals in Italy.
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