Publicações
2026
Associations Between Hydration, Sodium Intake, and Body Mass in Ultra-Endurance Trail Runners Under Ecological Race Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Field Study
Rafael Mendes Amorim, Larissa Quintão Guilherme, Mariana de Santis Filgueiras, Guilherme Pereira Saborosa, Gabrielle Ferreira Pires, Nathan de Oliveira Neumann, Volker Scheer, Luciano Bernardes Leite, Pedro Forte, Alexandra Malheiro, Marcus Vinicius Lucio dos Santos Quaresma, Helton de Sá Souza, Ana Claudia Pelissari Kravchychyn
Physiologia v. 6, 21-32
Fator de impacto: 2.3
DOI: 10.3390/physiologia6010021
Resumo: Background: Hydration and electrolyte strategies are critical in mountain ultra-endurance events, yet field-based evidence from trail races remains limited. This study examined the relationship between fluid intake, sodium consumption, and body mass changes in trail runners competing under real environmental conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional field study was conducted during La Misión Brasil 2024. Athletes of both sexes competing in the endurance race (35 km; EG: n = 15; age = 37.0 [29.5–46.0] years; 12 men and 3 women) and the ultra-endurance race (80 km; UEG: n = 13; age = 42.0 [37.0–46.0] years; 11 men and 2 women) were included in the study. Pre- and post-race body mass were assessed, and in-race fluid and food intake were collected using an adapted 24-h dietary recall. Water and sodium intake were expressed as total (L and mg, respectively) and per-hour (mL/h and mg/h, respectively) values. Environmental temperature and humidity were obtained from a local weather station. Group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test, and associations were examined with Spearman’s correlation (p < 0.05). Results: EG (n = 15) and UEG (n = 13) showed similar absolute and relative body mass changes (2.6% to −3.0%; p > 0.05). EG runners presented greater weight loss rate (−270 vs. −115 g/h; p = 0.002), while UEG consumed higher total water (7.11 vs. 4.14 L; p = 0.008) and sodium (5789 vs. 2857 mg; p = 0.003). Water intake per hour was higher in EG (626 vs. 427 mL/h; p = 0.017). Body Mass Index was negatively correlated with hourly weight loss (r = −0.605; p < 0.001). Water and sodium intake per hour were positively correlated (r = 0.607; p < 0.001), though neither predicted hourly weight loss. Conclusions: Hydration responses may differ according to environmental stress and pacing demands. Changes in body mass may not necessarily reflect hydration adequacy, suggesting a possible multifactorial nature of hydroelectrolyte balance during mountain endurance events.
Associations of economic vulnerability and food insecurity with the Planetary Health Diet in children: PASE study (Brazil)
Érica Priulli, Mariana de Santis Filgueiras, Dayane de Castro Morais, Bruna Clemente Cota, Juliana Farias de Novaes
Frontiers in Nutrition, v.12, p.1-10
Fator de impacto: 5.1
DOI: 0.3389/fnut.2025.1706243
Resumo: Background/objectives: This study investigated the associations of economic vulnerability and food insecurity (FI) with the Planetary Health Diet (PHD).Methods: This cross-sectional study included 378 children aged 8 to 9 years from Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Food consumption was assessed using 24-h dietary recalls, and adherence to the PHD was measured using the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI). Child and family sociodemographic characteristics were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Food insecurity was evaluated using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Data were analyzed using adjusted linear regression models.Results: The mean PHDI score was low (37.5), indicating limited overall alignment with the PHD recommendations. Higher relative alignment with the PHDI scoring criteria was observed among children from more economically vulnerable households, including those living in poverty (≤US$5.50 per capita/day), with moderate or severe food insecurity, receiving government assistance, and in households with a higher number of residents. Moreover, poverty was associated with reduced consumption of animal-based foods, whole cereals, fruits, red and orange vegetables, and increased intake of affordable staples such as legumes and vegetable oils.Conclusion: While children in economically vulnerable households appeared to follow dietary patterns more relatively aligned with the PHD, it seems to be incidental, and likely reflects financial constraints due to economic hardship rather than active sustainability choices. Policymakers should interpret such adherence cautiously and prioritize equitable access to diverse, nutritious foods that align with both health and environmental goals. Further studies are needed to clarify how socioeconomic disparities shape relative adherence to the PHD.
BRS 305 sorghum bran and its extract present a high phenolic profile and high antioxidant activity in vitro, and reduce oxidative stress in vivo
Vinícius Parzanini Brilhante de São José, Bárbara Pereira da Silva, Álvaro Luiz Miranda Piermatei, Douglas Correia de Souza, Rafael de Araújo Miguel, Carlos Wanderlei Piler Carvalho, Valéria Aparecida Vieira Queiroz, Hércia Stampini Duarte Martino
Food Chemistry, v. 507, p.148255-148263
Fator de impacto: 5.9
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.148255
Resumo: This study evaluated the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of sorghum bran, extruded whole-grain sorghum, and a dry phenolic extract from sorghum bran, and evaluated the dry phenolic extract from sorghum bran toxicity and oxidative stress resistance using nematode model (C. elegans). Sorghum bran presented higher content of moisture, ash, lipid, total and insoluble fiber, resistant starch, condensed tannins, total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, free and bound phenolic acids, and in vitro antioxidant activity compared to extruded sorghum. Extrusion reduced bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity. Dry phenolic extract remained a source of phenolics with strong antioxidant activity. Also, it presented hormetic behavior, being pro-oxidant in high doses and an antioxidant in appropriate doses, in the toxicity and resistance stress test. Concentrations up to 0.4 μM were safe for C. elegans, whereas 4 μM reduced survival. Therefore, sorghum bran and its extract have potential for developing functional products.
Chia flour and chia oil (Salvia hispanica L.) modulate the satiety and inflammation in brain of rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet
Patrícia Nayara Estevam, Renata Celi Lopes Toledo, Vinícius Parzanini Brilhante de São José, Luiza de Paula Dias Moreira, Bárbara Nery Enes, Mariana Grancieri, Neuza Maria Brunoro Costa, Hércia Stampini Duarte Martino, Bárbara Pereira da Silva
NUTRITION, v. 142, p. 113008-113017
Fator de impacto: 3.0
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2025.113008
Resumo: Objectives: Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a functional food that can help control the metabolic changes caused by unbalanced diets. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chia flour (CF) and chia oil (CO) on satiety, inflammation, and antioxidant potential in the brain of rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHF). Methods. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: AIN-93M (n = 8) and HFHF (n = 24) for 8 wk. Subsequently, HFHF-fed animals were subdivided (n = 8) into: HFHF, HFHF+CF, and HFHF+CO for 10 wk. Gene expression of satiety and inflammation-related proteins was analyzed by RT-qPCR; leptin and adiponectin levels were quantified by ELISA; and antioxidant potential was assessed via SOD and CAT activity. In silico analysis was performed using molecular docking, and the correlations were evaluated via Pearson’s analyses. Results. The HFHF+CO group showed higher POMC/CART gene expression, as well as reduced leptin levels compared to the HFHF+CF and AIN-93M groups. Both chia flour and oil reduced NPY, LEP-r, and NF-κB gene expressions compared to the HFHF group. The HFHF+CF group showed increased Nrf2 gene expression compared to the HFHF group. All main phenolic acids found in chia flour showed good interactions with the analyzed markers LEP-r, MC4R, and NPY-Y1. Main positive correlations were observed beteween adiponectin and SOD, phenolics consumption and ALA, MC4R and NPY, NPY and AgRP, and AgRP and MC4R. Conclusions. Thus, this study highlights chia flour and oil as potential modulators of satiety and inflammatory response in the brain, in addition to reinforcing the antioxidant effect of flour.
Effects of anthocyanins on the modulation of neuroinflammation: a systematic review of studies
Karina Vitória Cipriana Martins, Randerson André Fernandes de Souza, Lívia Carvalho Sette Abrantes, Ceres Mattos Della Lucia, Ana Claudia Pelissari Kravchychyn, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, v. 2026, p.1-17
Fator de impacto: 8.8
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2026.2638474
Resumo: Inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) is involved in the pathophysiology of several neurological and psychiatric diseases. In this regard, anthocyanins – natural flavonoids belonging to a group of polyphenols – stand out for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. This systematic review aimed to answer the questions “What are the impacts of anthocyanins on modulating neuroinflammation in vivo?” and “What are the possible molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of anthocyanins on neuroinflammation?”. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, and the risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE. Data analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. Eleven studies conducted in animal models, evaluating the effects of purified or standardized anthocyanins on neuroinflammation, were included. The dose used ranged from 2 to 630 mg/kg of body weight per day and the duration of the treatment varied from 1 day to 20 wks. The main results identified reduced IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3, MAPK and COX-2. These findings were accompanied by antioxidant effects, reduced microglial activation and apoptosis, and cognitive enhancement, highlighting the potential of anthocyanins in controlling neuroinflammation and providing support for the development of future studies
Effects of Avocado (Persea americana) Fruit and Byproducts on Molecular Pathways Related to Oxi-inflammation: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials Purchased
Thaís Victória Lopes Fortini, Madalena Geralda Cupertino Ribeiro, Flávia Galvão Cândido, Daniela Mayumi Usuda Prado Rocha, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff
Nutrition Reviews, v. 2026, p.1-16
fator de impacto: 4.9
DOI:10.1093/nutrit/nuag021
Resumo: Context Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis (OA), and cardiovascular conditions, while avocado (Persea americana) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, which supports its nutritional and nutraceutical prescription. Objective In this review we sought to investigate the effects of acute and chronic consumption of avocado and its byproducts on molecular pathways related to oxi-inflammation in adults. Data Sources In this systematic review, we searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from May 2024 through April 2025. Data Extraction To identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs), we used Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes, Study design (PICOS) criteria and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for result presentation. The risk of bias analysis was performed using the JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) tool. Additionally, a nutrigenomic theoretical model was developed and validated by experts to integrate clinical findings with mechanistic evidence on transcriptional pathways related to oxi-inflammation. Data Analysis Among 982 studies identified, 14 RCTs (n = 2438) of moderate to high quality were included in this review, with 10 studies evaluating avocado pulp, 3 evaluating avocado and soy unsaponifiable (ASU), and 1 study evaluating the effect of avocado pulp and powder skin. The byproducts included fresh pulp, pulp combined with meals, freeze-dried pulp flour, and fatty acids extracted from pulp (ASU). From the 4 postprandial studies (n = 67), with doses ranging from 68 to 489 g of avocado pulp, 3 had reduction in inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), nuclear factor–κB (NF-κB), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), as well as an increased total antioxidant capacity. In the 10 chronic studies (n = 2371), with a mean duration of 18.4 ± 5.6 weeks, doses of 300 mg/d of ASU or avocado in various quantities and types, concentrations of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), TNF-α, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were reduced, while antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) increased in individuals with overweight, obesity, or osteoarthritis compared to the placebo control group. Among the studies, only 1 chronic study investigated gene expression of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, highlighting a research gap in this area. Although this review was conceptually grounded in a nutrigenomics perspective, we acknowledge the limited number of RCTs directly assessing gene expression or transcriptomic outcomes. The validated model highlighted potential modulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2-) dependent antioxidant pathways and inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling by bioactive compounds from avocado and its byproducts. Conclusion Despite the limited data on gene expression, the results suggest that both acute and chronic avocado consumption may beneficially modulate oxi-inflammation, especially in pro-inflammatory conditions. The theoretical model reinforces the biological plausibility of the clinical findings and provides a mechanistic framework for understanding how avocado components may influence oxi-inflammatory responses. Further studies are necessary to evaluate these effects using a molecular approach.
Effects of jabuticaba, a Brazilian berry, on obesity, metabolic parameters, and gut health in high-fat diet animal models: a systematic review
Lívya Alves Oliveira, Kelly Aparecida Dias, Stephanie Michelin Santana Pereira, Lívia Carvalho Sette Abrantes, Stefany da Silva Paes, Thaís Cupertino Fialho, Ceres Mattos Della Lucia
Food & Function, v. 17, 1145-1168
Fator de impacto: 5.4
DOI: 10.1039/D5FO03883A
Resumo: Obesity induces metabolic disturbances, chronic inflammation, and gut dysbiosis, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome and related diseases. Functional foods rich in bioactive compounds are promising strategies to modulate some of these metabolic pathways. Brazil hosts one of the most biodiverse floras in the world, with native fruits rich in bioactive compounds that remain underexplored. Among these, jabuticaba (Plinia spp.), a Brazilian berry, is rich in phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, which confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits. This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether jabuticaba consumption can attenuate the changes caused by a high-fat diet on obesity-related outcomes in vivo. Following PRISMA guidelines, 323 articles were identified from four databases, and 21 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Interventions included jabuticaba powder or extracts from the whole fruit or peel. Findings showed that jabuticaba intake reduced inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in adipose tissue, liver, colon, and skeletal muscle, improved insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance. Additionally, it reduced weight gain and adiposity, promoted improvements in the blood lipid profile, reduced hepatic steatosis, modulated fecal pH and lipid content, strengthened the intestinal barrier, and remodeled the gut microbiota. Although studies show promising metabolic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of jabuticaba in obesity models, variability in study designs, dosages, and intervention protocols limits comparability. Evidence on bioavailability and mechanisms remains scarce. Further research is needed to confirm the safety, efficacy, and bioavailability of jabuticaba in humans.
Evaluation of obesity phenotypes from childhood to adolescence: Does diet quality in childhood matter? (PASE Study–Brazil)
Bruna Clemente Cota, Mariana de Santis Filgueiras, Leidjaira Lopes Juvanhol, Patrícia Feliciano Pereira, Juliana Farias de Novaes
Nutrition, v. 143, p. 113027-113036
Fator de impacto: 3.0
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2025.113027
Resumo: Objectives. Children with normal-weight obesity (NWO) are at increased risk of obesity, and poor diet quality can worsen this condition in the long term. This study aimed to analyze the influence of diet (via the NOVA classification and the Children’s Dietary Inflammatory Index [C-DII]) on the transition of obesity phenotypes from childhood to adolescence. Methods. This was a cohort study the baseline of which was carried out on 378 children aged 8–9 y in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, during 2015–2016. The same participants were re-evaluated during adolescence (15–18 y) between 2022 and 2024 (n = 277). Weight status was assessed against body mass index and age. Those with normal weight were classified as NWO (high body fat, assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) or as normal-weight lean (NWL; without excess body fat). Food consumption was evaluated at baseline by three 24-h dietary recalls. Results. The incidences of NWO and excess weight were 36.28% and 8.51%, respectively. Children with NWO presented a higher risk of excess weight in adolescence compared with NWL (relative risk = 2.89; 95% confidence interval: 1.20, 6.98). Children with a higher consumption of culinary ingredients and a lower consumption of processed foods, ultra-processed foods, and C-DII showed decreases in body fat (from NWO to NWL) during adolescence. Children with a higher consumption of processed foods showed increases in body fat (from NWL to NWO, and from NWO to excess weight) during adolescence. Conclusions. Improved diet quality in childhood was associated with decreased body fat in adolescence, regardless of body mass index. These findings demonstrate the importance of reducing the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods during childhood.
Evidence of the effectiveness of projects, programs, and/or strategies for curricular innovation in undergraduate health courses: systematic review and meta-analysis
Magno Marcio de Lima Pontes, Vitoria Karoline Rodrigues Molica, Liriel Aparecida Miranda, Emily de Souza Ferreira, Tiago Ricardo Moreira, Ramón López Martín, Rosângela Minardi Mitre Cotta
BMC Medical Education, v.26, p. 1-17
Fator de impacto: 3.2
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-025-08306-0
Resumo: Context. The need for curricular innovation, especially in university education, is incorporated into the agenda of universities for undergraduate health courses, whether through the models adopted in educational institutions, referenced by their curricula, or through traditional practices that still prevail in the 21st century as a form of teaching, to the detriment of innovative practices. With high retention and dropout rates in university courses, the contemporary scenario calls for the development of strategies to reorganize curricula that meet the new demands of student training, implementing new projects, programs, and/or tools that stimulate new teaching and learning processes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the evidence of the effectiveness of projects, programs, and/or strategies for curricular innovation in undergraduate health courses through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and were carried out in two stages: (a) search and selection and (b) analysis and evaluation. Eight databases were used: Cochrane Library; Education Resource Information Center (ERIC); Embase; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS); PubMed-Medline; SCOPUS; Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO); and Web of Science. The review included qualitative research, cohort studies, cross-sectional and quasi-experimental analytical studies that addressed evidence of the effectiveness of projects, programs, and/or strategies for curricular innovation in undergraduate health courses. The quality of the selected studies was assessed based on the Joanna Briggs Institute evaluation criteria. The meta-analysis was based on data on student satisfaction prevalence, self-efficacy, and academic performance. Publication bias was investigated by visual inspection of funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results. Ninety-nine studies were included in the systematic review and 23 in the meta-analysis, covering publications from 1995 to 2024 in 19 countries, with a time span of almost three decades of studies on curricular innovations and evaluations in the health field, which provided an overview of the advances in this area. The interventions were classified into seven thematic areas: clinical simulation, interprofessional training, diversity and equity, assessment and feedback, educational leadership, humanistic education, and digital teaching. The studies analyzed highlighted that curricular innovations promote the improvement of critical skills, such as critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and interprofessional teamwork, in addition to increasing student satisfaction and engagement. Advances were also observed in the development of humanistic skills, cultural sensitivity, and adaptation to digital technologies and online education. These interventions positively impacted health education, strengthening technical competencies and clinical skills, while transforming institutional culture by valuing collaborative teaching practices. Students exposed to early practical experiences reported greater motivation, confidence, and satisfaction with the course, reflecting more robust preparation for professional challenges. In addition, the results of the meta-analysis showed a weighted prevalence of 82% (76%-88%) for student satisfaction, 67% (49%-86%) for self-efficacy, and 70% (64%-75%) for academic performance after the implementation of curricular interventions. Furthermore, it was observed that most studies showed significant positive effects on outcomes after the adoption of these interventions. Conclusion. The findings suggest that curricular interventions have the potential to positively impact the training of health professionals. Thus, we conclude that curricular innovation strategies in health courses are promising, based on improvements in self-efficacy, academic performance, and student satisfaction, promoting indicators of teaching quality in the contexts in which they were carried out. We recommend the development of longitudinal and multicenter studies that investigate the effects of these innovations on professional practice and the quality of health care, considering different cultural and institutional contexts.
Folate Intake and Breast Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Mariana Reis Eleotério, Larissa Souza Ferreira, Francilene Maria Azevedo, Aline Carare Candido, Sylvia do Carmo Castro Franceschini, Eliana Carla Gomes de Souza
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, v. 70, p. 1-8
Fator de impacto: 4.2
DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.70354 JCR 4.2
Resumo: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between folate intake and breast cancer risk in adult women. A blinded paired-matched search was conducted in Embase, PubMed/Medline, and Web of Science. Cohort and case-control studies assessing folate intake or supplementation and breast cancer risk were included. The search yielded 377 studies. After exclusion of duplicates and reading of the titles and abstracts, 13 were selected for full-text reading, and 11 met the eligibility criteria. Most studies (n = 8) found a direct association between folate intake and reduced breast cancer risk, with one study observing a U-shaped relationship between dietary folate intake and breast cancer risk. Conversely, three studies found no association with breast cancer risk. Some studies report inconsistencies in the literature. A meta-analysis comparing mean folate intake between case and control groups revealed no statistical significance. Some studies have indicated a possible association between folate consumption and the risk of breast cancer, however the meta-analysis of this study did not confirm this relationship. Results were inconsistent, and the meta-analysis indicated no significant effect.
Healthy plant-based and healthy Brazilian dietary patterns are associated with a lower incidence of metabolic syndrome (CUME Study).
Aline Rosignoli Conceição, Marina Amaral Cruz, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff, Adriano Marçal Pimenta, Josefina Bressan
Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases v. 2026,
Fator de impacto: 3.7
DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2026.104633
Resumo: Background and Aims. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition and a growing public health concern due to its association with cardiometabolic diseases. Given the central role of dietary patterns in the prevention of MetS, this study aimed to examine the association between various diet quality indices and the incidence of MetS in Brazilian adults. Methods and Results. This longitudinal study included 4,287 participants from the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME Study, 2016-2022). Data were collected through an online questionnaire. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Diet quality was assessed using validated scoring indices, including the overall, healthful, and unhealthful Plant-Based Diet Index (PDI, hPDI, and uPDI, respectively) as well as the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index – Revised (BHEI-R). Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate the associations, using sociodemographic and lifestyle factors as covariates. During the follow-up period (mean: 3.6 years), 215 participants (5.0%) developed MetS, with an incidence rate of 14.1 per 1,000 person-years. Higher hPDI scores were inversely associated with MetS incidence (HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.42–0.85; p=0.004). Similarly, higher BHEI-R scores were associated with a lower risk of MetS (HR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44–0.93; p=0.021). No effect modification was observed by age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, or physical activity. Conclusion. Greater adherence to a healthy plant-based diet, as assessed by the hPDI and BHEI-R, was associated with a lower incidence of MetS. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating overall diet quality, rather than food origin alone, in preventing chronic diseases.
Hypertension incidence according to branched-chain amino acid intake in Brazilian adults: a six-year follow-up of the CUME study
Fernanda Maria Oliveira da Silva, Adriano Marçal Pimenta, Leidjaira Lopes Juvanhol, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff, Josefina Bressan
European Journal of Nutrition, v. 65, p. 91-103
Fator de impacto: 4.3
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-026-03903-1
Resumo: Purpose. Recent studies show that dietary intake of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) may be associated with chronic diseases, including hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the association between BCAA intake and the incidence of hypertension. Methods. This longitudinal study included 3192 participants (M = 1067, F = 2125; mean age = 34 years) from the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME Study, 2016–2022), Brazil. BCAA intake was assessed using a validated 144-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Participants were classified as an incident case of hypertension when they were free of this disease at baseline and had systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, or used antihypertensives or received a diagnosis of hypertension by a physician in at least one follow-up. Crude and adjusted Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between BCAA intake and incidence of hypertension. Results. After a median follow-up time of 2.21 years, 213 new cases of hypertension were identified. A direct association was shown between the second tertile of total BCAA (HR = 1.76; 95% CI 1.06–2.90) and isoleucine (HR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.14–3.62) consumption and the incidence of hypertension in males. A direct association was observed between the second tertile of valine (HR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.01–3.02) and leucine (HR = 1.94; 95% CI 1.10–3.41) intake and hypertension incidence among adults aged 30–39 years. Conversely, among younger participants (18–29 years), leucine intake in the second tertile was inversely associated with hypertension (HR = 0.36; 95% CI 0.14–0.89). The main foods that contributed to BCAA intake were unprocessed chicken (16.56%), dairy (16.33%), unprocessed beef (14.98%), fish (7.85%), and beans/lentils (6.44%). Conclusion. Our findings may provide valuable evidence to support dietary interventions for the primary prevention of hypertension.
Interaction of intrauterine Zika virus exposure on the relationship between body adiposity and dyslipidemia in school-aged children
Aline Ribeiro Murta, Mariana de Santis Filgueiras, Cíntia Pereira Donateli, Milena Sales Thomé, Rosângela Minardi Mitre Cotta, Tiago Ricardo Moreira, Hércia Stampini Duarte Martino, Marcela Benevenuto Ferreira Glauce Dias da Costa
Frontiers in Pediatrics, v. 14, p. 1-11
Fator de impacto: 2.0
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2026.1675914
Resumo: Introduction/objectives: Intrauterine exposure to the Zika virus (ZIKV) has been primarily associated with neurological outcomes, while its potential metabolic and nutritional consequences remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association between anthropometric indicators body mass index (BMI)-for-age, waist circumference, and neck circumference and lipid profile alterations in school-aged children born during the ZIKV epidemic.Methods: This retrospective cohort included 93 children aged 5–9 years (mean 6.5 ± 0.7 years; 58.1% boys) from the Belo Horizonte Region, Brazil. Participants were classified as exposed (59.1%) or unexposed to ZIKV in utero. Anthropometric measurements followed standardized protocols and included BMI-for-age, waist circumference, and neck circumference. Lipid profile assessment included total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides. Cardiovascular risk was estimated using Castelli indices I and II. Behavioral and sociodemographic factors, including screen time, caregiver education, and family income, were also recorded. Associations between anthropometric indicators and lipid outcomes were analyzed using Poisson regression models with robust variance, including interaction terms to assess the modifying effect of ZIKV exposure.Results: Lipid abnormalities were common: low HDL-c (44.1%), high total cholesterol (33.3%), high LDL-c (26.9%), and high triglycerides (44.1%). Children exposed to ZIKV had a higher prevalence of low HDL-c compared with unexposed peers (54.6% vs. 29.0%; p = 0.015). BMI-for-age was inversely associated with low HDL-c (PR 0.87; 95% CI 0.78–0.97) and showed significant interactions with ZIKV exposure for total cholesterol (p interaction = 0.005) and triglycerides (p interaction = 0.008). Waist circumference interacted with ZIKV exposure regarding total cholesterol (p = 0.029; PR 1.09; 95% CI 1.03–1.16). Neck circumference was positively associated with total cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglycerides, with stronger associations among ZIKV-exposed children. Castelli Index I was higher in the exposed group (p = 0.0389), while Castelli Index II did not differ significantly (p = 0.1087).Conclusions: Intrauterine ZIKV exposure influences the relationship between adiposity and lipid profile in children. Central adiposity measures including waist circumference, neck circumference, and BMI—provide complementary information for early metabolic risk assessment. These findings highlight the importance of longitudinal monitoring of children exposed to ZIKV in utero to detect early metabolic alterations and guide preventive interventions.
Jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) Modulates Intestinal Inflammation, Liver Homeostasis, and Brain Gene Expression Along the Gut-Liver-Brain Axis in a DSS-Induced In Vivo Model.
Stephanie Michelin Santana Pereira, Vinícius Parzanini Brilhante de São José, Melissa Y. Huang, Lívya Alves Oliveira, Kelly Aparecida Dias, Júlia D’Almeida Francisquini, Italo Tuler Perrone, Ceres Mattos Della Lucia, Elad Tako
Nutrients, v. 18, p. 903-925
Fator de impacto: 5.0
DOI: 10.3390/nu18060903
Resumo: Background/Objectives: Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) is widely used to induce intestinal injury, reducing intestinal barrier integrity and thus contributing to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which may affect liver homeostasis and central nervous system function. In this context, the intake of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins from fruits such as jabuticaba has gained attention due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the effects of jabuticaba in the form of freeze-dried whole fruit, freeze-dried peel, and microencapsulated peel extract on DSS-induced damage to the gut–liver–brain axis in an in ovo model. Methods: Fertile eggs were assigned to five groups: water, DSS, DSS plus whole jabuticaba (WJ), DSS plus jabuticaba peel (JP), and DSS plus microencapsulated jabuticaba peel (JM). Duodenal, colon, and liver gene expressions; and histomorphometry, cecal microbiota, and brain gene expressions were evaluated at hatch. Results: DSS administration increased NF-κB expression and reduced MUC-2 in the duodenum, induced colonic inflammation, altered cecal microbiota, and caused hepatic oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated iNOS and enlarged fat globules, while reducing brain BDNF levels. Jabuticaba treatments mitigated intestinal, hepatic, and neural damage by reducing inflammatory markers; enhancing MUC-2, ZO-2, JAM-2, and claudin-1 expression; increasing villus area and goblet cell numbers; normalizing CAT and SOD activities in the liver; decreasing COX-2; increasing dopamine; and restoring BDNF in the brain. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that jabuticaba exerts protective effects along the gut–liver–brain axis, highlighting its potential as a functional food to support intestinal, hepatic, and brain health.
Kefir and Its By-Products Supplementation Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, Improves Intestinal Barrier Integrity, and Modulates the Gut Microbiota in Animal Models of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review
Maria Alice Spadarotto Neves, Rayanne Santos de Paulo, Josefina Bressan, Solange Silveira Pereira, Ana Claudia Pelissari Kravchychyn & Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, v.2026, p. 1-27
Fator de imapcto: 4.4
DOI: 10.1007/s12602-026-10948-5
Resumo: Kefir is a beverage obtained by fermenting milk or sugary solutions with a symbiotic community of bacteria and yeasts, presenting promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence from preclinical studies evaluating the effects of kefir or its by-products on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut health in animal models of IBD. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, utilizing the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases. The quality of the studies was assessed using SYRCLE’s Risk of Bias tool. Sixteen experimental studies were included, comprising 585 rodents with chemically induced colitis. The interventions included traditional milk kefir, rice and water kefir, as well as isolated microorganisms and kefir-derived supernatants. Most studies reported reductions in inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and inflammatory enzymes (iNOS, COX-2, MPO), along with increases in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-4). Reductions in MDA and H₂O₂ were reported, supporting the antioxidant effects of kefir and its derivatives. Changes in antioxidant enzyme activity, including SOD, were also observed. In addition, kefir modulated gut microbiota composition, upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins, and influenced immune and molecular signaling pathways. Improvements were also observed in clinical parameters of IBD models, including disease activity index, rectal bleeding, and histological damage. Kefir and its derivatives exhibit beneficial effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, gut permeability, and immune modulation in animal models of IBD, suggesting a potential alternative for treating these diseases in humans. Although the findings are promising, heterogeneity among study protocols and methodological limitations highlight the need for further studies.
Kefir modulates brain biomarkers and intestinal inflammation in IL-10−/− mice: a novel psychobiotic perspective
Gabriela de Cássia Ávila Alpino, Mariana de Fátima Albuquerque Pereira, Mariana de Moura e Dias, Ananda Pereira Aguilar, Iasmim Xisto Campos, Larissa Gabriela Morais de Ávila, Bruna Cristina dos Santos Cruz, Lukasz Grześkowiak, Tiago Antônio de Oliveira Mendes, Maria do Carmo Gouveia Peluzio
Nutritional Neuroscience (Online), v. 29, p. 1-18
Fator de imapcto: 3.6
DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2026.2619846
Resumo: Background: Recent studies indicate that maintaining a healthy gut microbiota balance positively influences brain function through the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis. Intestinal inflammation disrupts gut microbial homeostasis, exacerbates inflammatory and oxidative processes, and reduces beneficial microbial metabolites essential for brain health. These alterations may impair MGB axis signaling and increase intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, facilitating the translocation of inflammatory mediators and potentially contributing to neurological dysfunction. Kefir has emerged as a fermented food with potential psychobiotic properties due to its ability to modulate gut microbiota and its metabolites. However, its effects on brain-related outcomes during intestinal inflammation remain poorly understood. Aim: To investigate the association between milk kefir consumption and selected brain biomarkers in IL-10−/− mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were allocated into four groups (n = 5/group): wild-type mice receiving water (WWT), wild-type mice receiving milk kefir (KWT), IL-10−/− mice receiving water (WKO), and IL-10−/− mice receiving milk kefir (KKO). Brain analyses included cytokine levels, antioxidant activity, tight junction protein expression, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), while histological evaluation focused on the small intestine. Results: Kefir consumption was associated with improved intestinal morphology in IL-10−/− mice (p < 0.03), increased brain SCFA levels (p < 0.001), reduced malondialdehyde concentrations, and higher occludin expression in brain tissue. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that milk kefir intake may influence specific brain biomarkers in IL-10−/− mice. These observations provide preliminary insights and support the need for further studies to elucidate the potential psychobiotic role of kefir in intestinal inflammation.
Milk Kefir Beverage Improves Histomorphometry, Reduces Inflammatory Infiltrates and Desulfovibrio and Increases Lactobacillus in IL-10−/− Mice
Iasmim Xisto Campos, Vinicius Fernandes Paris, Mariana de Fátima Albuquerque Pereira, Gabriela de Cássia Ávila Alpino, Andressa Ladeira Bernardes, Larissa Gabriela Morais de Ávila, Marcella Duarte Villas Mishima, Manoela Maciel dos Santos Dias, Soraya Torres Gaze Jangola, Tiago Antonio de Oliveira Mendes, Maria do Carmo Gouveia Peluzio
Journal of Food Science, v. 91, p. 1-10
Fator de imapcto:3.4
DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.70879
Resumo: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of milk kefir on parameters related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in interleukin-10 knockout (IL-10−/−) mice. Sixteen C57BL/6J IL-10−/− male mice were divided into two experimental groups. The control group (n = 8) received 0.4 mL of whole milk (UHT) and the kefir group (n = 8) received 0.4 mL of a fermented beverage made from milk kefir grains (2.4 × 108 colony-forming units [CFU]), both administered via gavage for 4 weeks. Feces were collected and body weight was measured weekly. At the end of the study, the animals were anesthetized and euthanized, and the small intestine and cecum content were collected for analysis. Proximate composition of kefir and microbiological analysis were conducted. Histomorphometry measurements and quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were conducted in small intestine. SFCAs were also evaluated in cecum content, and microbiota composition was evaluated in fecal samples. The kefir beverage improved histomorphometry characteristics of the small intestine, increased the number of goblet cells, reduced inflammatory infiltrates, increased Lactobacillus, and reduced Desulfovibrio, suggesting attenuation of the inflammatory process. Furthermore, the kefir beverage increased the concentration of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties, in the small intestine, which may also be associated with reduced inflammation in this group.
Multicomponent Nutritional Approach (NutrirCom) and Its Effects on Anthropometric, Metabolic, and Psychoemotional Outcomes in Women with Obesity: A Three-Arm Randomized Clinical Trial
Irene da Silva Araújo Gonçalves, Tatiana do Nascimento Campos, Dayse Mara de Oliveira Freitas, Leticia Paiva Milagres, Marina Tosatti Aleixo, Ana Clara Gutierrez Souza Lacerda, Tiago Ricardo Moreira, Danielle Cabrini, Bianca Guimarães de Freitas, Jéssica Aparecida da Silva, Monica de Paula Jorge, Nicolly Oliveira Custodio, Rosangela Minardi Mitre Cotta, Glauce Dias da Costa
Nutrients v.18, p.414-436
Fator de impacto: 5.0
DOI: 10.3390/nu18030414
Resumo: Background/Objectives: Obesity is a multifactorial condition and a major public health challenge. Conventional treatment centers on caloric restriction, which is often unsustainable and may cause stigma and psychoemotional harm. This study aimed to describe the methodology and assess the effects of a multicomponent nutritional intervention not focused on caloric restriction on psychoemotional outcomes. Women were selected as the target population because of the higher prevalence of obesity-related psychoemotional distress, body dissatisfaction, and weight-related stigma in this group, as well as their greater vulnerability to the psychosocial impacts of weight-focused interventions. Methods: This randomised, parallel, open-label trial included 89 obese women from primary care in Viçosa, Brazil. The participants were allocated into three groups: Group 1 (Control), which received a personalised hypocaloric diet (from 500 to 1000 kcal/day); Group 2 (NutrirCom (NutrirCom is a multicomponent, person-centred nutritional intervention protocol that is not focused on caloric restriction, conceived by a group of researchers at the Federal University of Viçosa for the care of women with obesity in Primary Health Care. It integrates nutritional, psychoemotional, behavioural, and social strategies, with an emphasis on promoting eating autonomy, mental health, and quality of life through a humanised, integrated, and sustainable approach, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of health care delivery and clinical practice)), which received 10 individual NutrirCom-based sessions; and Group 3 (NutrirCom + Social Support), which combined individual NutrirCom sessions with monthly group meetings for social support. Randomisation was stratified by body mass index via Excel® with concealed allocation. The six-month intervention assessed changes in stress, anxiety, depression, and self-compassion, along with anthropometric and metabolic markers. Results: All groups presented reductions in waist circumference, fasting glucose, and total body fat, with increased lean mass. Anxiety remained unchanged in Group 1 but decreased significantly in Groups 2 (p = 0.002) and 3 (p = 0.005). Only Group 2 showed a significant reduction in depression symptoms (p = 0.023). Self-compassion improved significantly in groups 2 and 3. Conclusions: NutrirCom is a low-cost, scalable, and human-centered intervention that integrates emotional, social, and nutritional aspects of care. This approach shows promise as a sustainable strategy for obesity treatment in primary health care. Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) (no. RBR-87wb8x5).
Nutri – Infância: ações para promoção da saúde e nutrição de crianças atendidas em creche filantrópica
Érica Aparecida Coelho, Maria Teresa Fialho de Sousa Campos, Wellington Adilson Domingos Júnior, Matheus Magalhães Gouvea, Carina Lima Miranda Scarabelli, Débora Caroline Almeida Alves, Jéssica Rodrigues Nogueira, Ana Iris Mendes Coelho, Regina Célia Rodrigues de Miranda Milagres, Eliana Carla Gomesde Souza, Sylvia do Carmo Castro Franceschini
REVISTA ELO – Diálogos em Extensão, v. 16, p. 1-14
DOI: 10.21284/elo.v16i.21670
Resumo: O Nutri – Infância objetivou desenvolver ações para a promoção da saúde e nutrição de crianças atendidas em creche filantrópica. Com base nos problemas diagnosticados participativamente, foram delineadas as atividades desenvolvidas que envolveram palestras, oficinas e reuniões com as colaboradoras da instituição, as famílias/comunidade e atividades com as crianças. Todas as atividades abordaram temas relacionados à alimentação e nutrição infantil, oferecendo momentos de reflexão e autoavaliação que auxiliaram nas alterações individuais e coletivas para a criação de hábitos alimentares saudáveis nos educadores, crianças, famílias e comunidade, impactando positivamente na saúde coletiva.
Physicochemical properties and metabolic effects of cowpea protein isolate
Andressa Alvarenga Silva, Valéria Aparecida Vieira Queiroz, Valeria Silva de Lana, Monique Barreto Santos, Renata Celi Lopes Toledo, Edimar Aparecida Filomeno Fontes, Carlos Wanderlei Piler de Carvalho, Barbara Pereira da Silva, Hercia Stampini Duarte Martino
Food Research International, v.233, p. 118895-118907
Fator de impacto: 5.9
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2026.118895
Resumo: This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties, protein quality, and metabolic and intestinal parameters associated with the consumption of cowpea protein isolate (CPI). CPI was obtained by alkaline extraction, followed by isoelectric precipitation and freeze-drying. Its proximate composition, bioactive compounds content, and thermal, morphological, optical, and color properties were evaluated, along with amino acid profile, chemical score, and true digestibility. Male Wistar rats were fed with experimental diets containing 9% protein for 30 days. CPI showed high protein content (86.46%), total phenolics (1.79 mg GAE·g−1), and 0.36 IU·mg−1 of trypsin inhibition. Electrophoresis revealed predominant bands between 50 and 75 kDa and an endothermic peak at 83 °C. Tryptophan, methionine, and cysteine were identified as limiting amino acids, supplying approximately 70% of nutritional requirements. In vivo analyses showed that CPI presented protein efficiency ratio higher than 2.75, net protein ratio of 3.55, True Digestibility of 89%, decreased LDL-c, triglycerides, and Castelli Index II. Regarding intestinal health, CPI preserved acetic and propionic acid production and reduced butyric acid, aminopeptidase, sodium–glucose cotransporter 1, and sucrase-isomaltase gene expression while maintaining Peptide transporter 1 levels. Further, CPI decreased superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde content, increased claudin and zonulin gene expression, and decreased occludin gene expression. Overall, CPI demonstrated good nutritional properties, supported efficient protein utilization, and improved lipid and oxidative parameters. However, some intestinal effects suggest potential limitations related to bioavailability and epithelial function under the conditions tested.
Precision nutrition in weight loss and neuroendocrine control of people with obesity: The study protocol of a factorial randomised controlled trial (GenON Programme)
Karla Pereira Balbino, Ana Claudia Pelissari Kravchychyn, Flávia Galvão Cândido, Mariana de Moura e Dias, Tiago Antônio de O. Mendes, Leandro Licursi de Oliveira, Luiza Carla Vidigal Castro, Josefina Bressan, Ana Laura de la Garza, Fermín I. Milagro, María A. Zulet, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, v. 28 p. 1661-1672
Fator de impacto: 5.7
DOI: 10.1111/dom.70414
Resumo: Aims: Precision nutrition, guided by genetic testing, has emerged as a promising approach for managing obesity. However, robust clinical trials testing its effectiveness in real-world dietary interventions remain scarce. The GenOn Programme aims to evaluate whether tailoring nutritional care based on genetic risk for obesity enhances weight loss, satiety control, and metabolic outcomes in adults with overweight and obesity. Materials and methods: The GenOn Programme is an 18-week, 2 × 2 factorial, randomised controlled trial including 120 adults classified as high or low genetic risk for obesity (variants: FTO rs9939609 and rs1121980; MC4R rs1782313; LEP rs7799039). Participants are randomised to standard or satiety-focused dietary counselling. Both groups receive five calorie-restricted (-500 kcal/day), nutritionally balanced meal plans. The satiety arm additionally includes a high-protein breakfast, daily granola supplementation and behavioural strategies. Assessments at baseline, Week 12, and Week 18 include weight loss, body composition, satiety perception, quality of life, cardiometabolic markers, (epi)genetics, inflammation, neuroendocrine regulation, and metagenomics. Results and conclusions: The GenOn Programme is a randomised controlled trial to test a precision nutrition approach for overweight and obesity, integrating genetics, dietary strategies, and behavioural support. Findings may inform dietitians and healthcare systems on the clinical value of genetically guided nutritional care to improve outcomes in the treatment of overweight and obesity.
Progressive increase of cardiometabolic risk in Brazilian children according to obesity phenotypes
Bruna Clemente Cota, Mariana de Santis Filgueiras, Nalva de Paula Dias, Leidjaira Lopes Juvanhol, Patrícia Feliciano Pereira & Juliana Farias de Novaes
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition v. 80, p.270–277
Fator de impacto: 3.3
DOI: 10.1038/s41430-026-01700-x
Resumo: Objective. We investigated the association of obesity phenotypes with MetS and components scores, subclinical inflammation, anti- and oxidative markers in children. Subjects/Methods. This is a cross-sectional study with 364 children (8 and 9-year-olds) in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Children were classified as: 1.“normal-weight lean” (NWL) when they had normal-weight by BMI and adequate fat percentage assessed by DXA; 2. “normal-weight obesity” (NWO) for those with normal-weight and excess fat; and 3. “excess weight” for those with overweight/obesity and excess fat. The score for the MetS and its components was estimated, and the inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were measured. Multiple linear regression was used. Results. Of thirteen cardiometabolic risk factors investigated, five were positively associated with the NWO, compared to NWL. Moreover, eleven cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with excess weight, compared to NWL. When the two phenotypes of excess body fat were contrasted, we found eight cardiometabolic risk factors associated with excess weight, compared to NWO. Conclusion. An intermediate cardiometabolic risk was observed in children with the NWO phenotype when comparing the status of NWL to excess weight. This study reinforces the importance of investigating cardiometabolic risk in early ages, independent of BMI.
Ready-to-eat expanded parboiled brown rice and beans snacks consumption promote good protein quality and improve lipid and glycemic profiles and intestinal health
Francielle Barbosa Pena, Hércia Stampini Duarte Martino, Renata Celi Lopes Toledo, Marcella Duarte Villas Mishima, Monique Barreto Santos, Rosemar Antoniassi, Carlos Wanderlei Piler de Carvalho, Bárbara Pereira da Silva
Nutrition, V. 2026, p.
Fator de impacto: 3.0
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2026.113184
Resumo: Objectives. In this study we evaluated the effects of an extruded parboiled brown rice and cowpea bean snack (RBS) and an extruded cowpea bean snack (BS) on protein quality in vitro and in vivo, biochemical profile, and intestinal health. Methods. Twenty-nine male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: a casein control (CC) group (n = 8), a parboiled brown rice and cowpea bean snack (RBS) group (n = 8), and a cowpea bean snack (BS) group (n = 8), for 30 days. A protein-free diet group (n = 5) was used to calculate true digestibility and net protein ratio.
Results. The RBSs and BSs exhibited distinct chemical compositions and antioxidant profiles. In Wistar rats, compared with the BS group, the RBS group showed lower glucose concentration and lower circular muscle thickness in the colon, higher acetic acid production, and higher peptide transporter 1 and aminopeptidase gene expression. In relation to the CC group, the RBS and BS groups demonstrated a similar protein efficiency ratio, net protein ratio, and in vivo and in vitro protein digestibility as well as similar reductions in triglyceride levels, increases in fecal moisture, and increases in the number of goblet cells in the colon. The BS group showed higher reductions in total cholesterol, colon crypt depth, and duodenal crypt thickness and depth and a higher increase in colon longitudinal muscle thickness compared with the RBS group. Conclusions. Our results showed in the RBS-fed group good protein quality and improved lipid and glycemic profiles, as well as intestinal health.
Regular black tea kombucha consumption is associated with improved insulin resistance and increased ADIPOQ expression in adults with obesity: a pre–post clinical trial
Mirian Aparecida de Campos Costa, Gabriela Macedo Fraiz, Rodrigo Rezende Cardoso, Alessandra da Silva, Vinícius da Silva Duarte, Carlos Eduardo Soares Gazzinelli Cruz, Evando Geraldo Rodrigues, Maliha W. Shaikh, Ali Keshavarzian, Bruce R. Hamaker, Viviana Corich, Alessio Giacomini, Hércia Stampini Duarte Martino, Josefina Bressan, Frederico Augusto Ribeiro de Barros
Food & Function, v. 17, p. 1-19
Fator de impacto 5.4
DOI: 10.1039/D5FO02226F
Resumo: Kombucha is a fermented beverage obtained by a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY). Although in vitro and animal studies suggest that kombucha has anti-inflammatory and anti-obesogenic properties, no clinical trials have confirmed that. In this pre–post clinical intervention study, we aimed to evaluate whether regular black tea kombucha consumption would impact metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers; body weight and composition; and obesity-associated genes in individuals with and without obesity. This study follows the Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomized Designs (TREND) guidelines. Individuals with normal weight (Group 1; n = 20) and with obesity (Group 2; n = 16) received 200 mL of black tea kombucha for 8 consecutive weeks. Blood and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were collected at the baseline (T0) and after 8 weeks of intervention (T8). Most inflammatory (hs-CRP, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12p70) and oxidative stress markers (FRAP, MDA, and NO) showed significant changes over time following the intervention. However, interaction analyses revealed that responses to kombucha consumption differed between groups for only a limited number of variables: body weight, conicity index, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP. An upregulation of the gene ADIPOQ in the SAT (p = 0.0481) was also observed, alongside a positive correlation between the BMI and PPARγ (r = 0.58; p = 0.030), and between HOMA-IR and both NFκB (r = 0.73; p = 0.002) and SREBF1 (r = 0.66; p = 0.010). In conclusion, metabolic and inflammatory pathways may respond differently to kombucha consumption depending on the obesity status. The results are mainly attributed to the high number and diversity of phenolic compounds identified in the black tea kombucha, which confer a high antioxidant capacity to the beverage.
Sex-specific differences in salivary microbiota composition and their associations with metabolic health in adults with excess body weight: a secondary cross-sectional analysis
Jhenifer Pereira da Costa, Gabriela Macedo Fraiz, Dandara Baia Bonifácio, Fermín I. Milagro, Josefina Bressan
Clinical Oral Investigations, v. 142, p.1-13
Fator de imapcto: 3.1
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-026-06826-7
Resumo: Kombucha is a fermented beverage obtained by a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY). Although in vitro and animal studies suggest that kombucha has anti-inflammatory and anti-obesogenic properties, no clinical trials have confirmed that. In this pre–post clinical intervention study, we aimed to evaluate whether regular black tea kombucha consumption would impact metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers; body weight and composition; and obesity-associated genes in individuals with and without obesity. This study follows the Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomized Designs (TREND) guidelines. Individuals with normal weight (Group 1; n = 20) and with obesity (Group 2; n = 16) received 200 mL of black tea kombucha for 8 consecutive weeks. Blood and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were collected at the baseline (T0) and after 8 weeks of intervention (T8). Most inflammatory (hs-CRP, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12p70) and oxidative stress markers (FRAP, MDA, and NO) showed significant changes over time following the intervention. However, interaction analyses revealed that responses to kombucha consumption differed between groups for only a limited number of variables: body weight, conicity index, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP. An upregulation of the gene ADIPOQ in the SAT (p = 0.0481) was also observed, alongside a positive correlation between the BMI and PPARγ (r = 0.58; p = 0.030), and between HOMA-IR and both NFκB (r = 0.73; p = 0.002) and SREBF1 (r = 0.66; p = 0.010). In conclusion, metabolic and inflammatory pathways may respond differently to kombucha consumption depending on the obesity status. The results are mainly attributed to the high number and diversity of phenolic compounds identified in the black tea kombucha, which confer a high antioxidant capacity to the beverage
Sorghum BRS 305 bran phenolic extract modulates the intestinal inflammation, morphology, and ileum-brain satiety pathway in vivo (Gallus gallus)
Vinícius Parzanini Brilhante de São José, Hércia Stampini Duarte Martino, Stephanie Michelin Santana Pereira, Melissa Yaxing Huang, Valéria Aparecida Vieira Queiroz, Bárbara Pereira da Silva, Elad Tako
Food Bioscience, v. 78, p. 1-10,
Fator de impacto: 5.9
DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2026.108571
Resumo: Sorghum phenolic compounds present potential to improve inflammation, intestinal health, and modulate hunger/satiety pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sorghum BRS 305 bran phenolic extract on ileum morphology, inflammation, and the ileum-brain satiety axis in vivo, under both healthy and intestinally-inflamed conditions. Fertile eggs (n = 24) were randomly divided into 4 groups: 18 MΩH2O, induced intestinal inflammation by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), sorghum BRS 305 bran phenolic extract (PE), and DSS + PE. After hatching, the ileum and brain tissues were collected for morphological and molecular analyses. DSS increased ileum inflammation by increasing nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) gene expression, and PE administration reduced the NFκB gene expression in both healthy and inflamed groups and reduced the IL-1β gene expression in the DSS + PE group. DSS administration increased leptin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene expression while reducing peptide YY (PYY) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC), whereas the DSS + PE normalized these responses, enhancing PYY and POMC while decreasing leptin and NPY gene expression. Morphological analyses revealed that PE increased ileal villus height, villus surface area, and goblet cell numbers. The PE, rich in Apigeninidin and Luteolinidin, presented potential binding to NFκB in silico docking. These findings indicate that PE exerts anti-inflammatory effects, enhances intestinal morphology, and modulates key components of the ileum-brain satiety pathway. This provides evidence of its potential as a functional ingredient for intestinal health and appetite regulation. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm whether these molecular changes translate into reduced food intake and weight gain.
The Content of Dietary Melatonin in 119 Food Items and Its Relationship With Chronic Diseases: Results of the CUME+ Study
Gilmara Alves Zanirate, Josefina Bressan, Arieta Carla Gualandi Leal, Adriano Marçal Pimenta, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, v. 39, p.1-23
Fator de impacto: 2.5
DOI: 10.1111/jhn.70193
Resumo: Background. Dietary melatonin, naturally occurring in plant- and animal-based foods, has been linked to beneficial effects on sleep, mood and metabolic health. Although evidence suggests that food-derived melatonin may elevate circulating levels, few studies have assessed its intake through habitual diets or explored associations with chronic disease outcomes in adults. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis within an open cohort of university graduates (baseline data). Dietary intake was evaluated using a validated 144-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and melatonin intake was estimated based on published concentrations. Sleep duration was also assessed through the questionnaire. Associations between dietary melatonin and selected health outcomes, including depression, obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnoea and sleep duration, were examined across quintiles of intake using logistic regression and Poisson regression models with robust variance, adjusted for potential confounders. Results. Melatonin content was assigned to 82.6% of the FFQ items, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 169.9 ng/g. Among 8320 participants, most were women (67.7%), with a mean age of 35.9 ± 9.6 years; 48.1% were single. Mean dietary melatonin intake was 25554.7 ± 13876.2 ng/day. In multivariate models, obesity was inversely associated with melatonin intake in Q2 (IRR 0.81, 95%CI 0.69–0.96); Q3 (IRR 0.72, 95%CI 0.60–0.86) and Q4 (IRR 0.79, 95%CI 0.67–0.94). Depression was inversely associated in Q3 (IRR 0.79, 95%CI 0.67–0.93) and Q4 (IRR 0.79, 95%CI 0.67–0.94), suggesting a nonlinear dose–response pattern. Conclusion. Dietary melatonin intake was inversely associated with obesity and depression, with a non-linear dose–response pattern observed for depression. No significant associations were found with other chronic conditions or sleep duration. Longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify underlying mechanisms
The excess body fat is a potential mediator between consumption of ultra-processed foods and cardiometabolic risk in normal-weight Brazilian children
Bruna Clemente Cota, Leidjaira Lopes Juvanhol, Mariana de Santis Filgueiras, Patrícia Feliciano Pereira, Juliana Farias de Novaes
Frontiers in Nutrition, v.12, p. 1726016-1726024
Fator de impacto: 5.1
DOI: 1 0.3389/fnut.2025.1726016
Resumo: Background/objective: Studies indicate an association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and cardiometabolic risk; however, this relationship is still unclear in normal-weight children, and it is not yet known whether the Normal-Weight Obesity (NWO) phenotype may be a mediator between this relationship. We aimed to evaluate the mediating role of the NWO phenotype in the association of UPF consumption with cardiometabolic risk factors.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out with 242 normal-weight children aged 8 to 9 y in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cardiometabolic risk was assessed as a latent variable using the following indicators: homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and waist circumference (WC). Three 24-h dietary recalls were performed to evaluate NOVA classification groups. The NWO phenotype was defined as normal-weight according to body mass index and high body fat assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. A structural equation model was used to test direct and indirect associations.Results: We found a direct association of UPF consumption [SC (standardized coefficient): −0.193, p = 0.02] and the NWO phenotype (SC: 0.819, p < 0.001) with cardiometabolic risk; as well as between UPF consumption and the NWO phenotype (SC: 0.212, p = 0.03). In addition, an indirect association was observed between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk, being mediated by the NWO phenotype (SC: 0.174, p = 0.04).Conclusion: Our findings indicate the potential influence of excess body fat on the pathway between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk in children with adequate BMI/age.
The Incorporation of Sorghum and Cowpea Protein Isolate Into Plant-Based Burgers Improved Their Physicochemical and Sensory Properties
Andressa Alvarenga Silva, Valéria Aparecida Vieira Queiroz, Francielle Barbosa Pena, Cícero Beserra de Menezes, Mária Herminia Ferrari Felisberto, Renata Celi Lopes Toledo, Barbara Pereira da Silva, Hércia Stampini Duarte Martino
Journal of Food Science, v. 91, p. 70953-70966
Fator de impacto: 3.4
DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.70953
Resumo: This study aimed to evaluate the consumer acceptance test, purchase intention, and physicochemical and technological properties of cooked plant-based burgers formulated with sorghum and cowpea protein isolate, compared with a commercial burger (CO). Five formulations were tested: F1 (tannin-free sorghum, 19% protein), F2 (tannin-rich sorghum, 19%), F3 (tannin-free sorghum, 24%), F4 (tannin-rich sorghum, 24%), and CO (commercial hamburger made from soy). No differences were observed between sample F1 and the CO regarding color preference, flavor, texture, and overall impression. Sample F2 was selected for further analysis due to its equivalent protein content and the presence of tannins in its composition, as well as exhibiting aroma, flavor, and overall impression similar to CO. Following sensory screening, only the two most accepted formulations were selected for physicochemical and technological characterization. F1 and F2 showed excellent sources of protein, dietary fiber, iron, and zinc. F2 presented the highest tannins, p-coumaric and ferulic acids, 7-methoxyapigeninidin, and antioxidant capacity, with lower pH and higher mechanical resistance. Burgers formulated with sorghum and cowpea protein isolate proved to be promising for the development of meat analogues, with the presence of anthocyanins and phenolic acids contributing to the improvement of nutritional, technological, and sensory properties.
The Role of Sleep on Physical and Cognitive Performance of Ultra-Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review
Larissa Quintão Guilherme, Bruno Otávio Rodrigues, Carla de Oliveira Barbosa Rosa, Luciano Bernardes Leite, Volker Scheer, Pedro Forte, Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff, Ana Claudia Pelissari Kravchychyn, Helton de Sá Souza
Journal of Clinical Medicine, v. 15, p. 1398-1414
Fafor de impacto: 2.9
DOI: 10.3390/jcm15041398
Resumo: Background/Objectives: Sleep is an important factor for recovery and performance in endurance sports, yet its role in ultra-endurance events remains unclear due to extreme physical and cognitive demands and disrupted sleep patterns. This systematic review aimed to analyze the role of sleep in physical and cognitive performance in ultra-endurance athletes. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in May 2025 across PubMed/Medline, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Two researchers independently screened, selected, extracted, and assessed data quality using the JBI tools (PROSPERO ID: CRD420251042220). Results: Of 424 articles, 16 met inclusion criteria, totaling data from 1389 athletes. Regarding physical performance, better outcomes were associated with no or less sleep during competition (TST), extended sleep the night before, and increased time in light sleep. In contrast, longer wake time, lower sleep quality, greater sleepiness during competition, and higher sleep efficiency were linked to poorer performance. Cognitive performance was positively associated with pre-race sleep quality and mid-race naps. Conversely, greater accumulated sleep before testing was linked to worse cognitive outcomes. Conclusions: Sleep, particularly total sleep time (TST), plays an important role in ultra-endurance performance, although this relationship may be non-linear and influenced by race context and individual strategies. Pre-race and intra-race sleep strategies such as napping and extended sleep may benefit performance. Further rigorous and longitudinal studies are needed to clarify sleep’s impact on performance and recovery in ultra-endurance contexts.