Introduction: Lutein+Zeaxanthin (L+Z) are the major constituents of macular pigments of the retina. There is a lack of information on the bioavailability of the two compounds in the presence and absence of omega-3 fatty acids in L+Z supplements which are commonly prescribed to treat macular degeneration. Despite growing interest in L+Z supplementation, there remains a limited understanding of their short-term bioavailability dynamics and the potential added value of omega-3 co-supplementation. This pilot study reports on the bioavailability of serum responses to L+Z supplements in the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and evaluates time-resolved analytical approaches using Area Under the Curve. Subjects/Methods: A total of 10 men and six women with an average age of 31.38 ± 1.27 years participated in this randomised, non-blinded, controlled study for a total of 19 days (7-day wash-out period plus 12-day intervention period). The control group (n = 9) consumed the L+Z supplement (12 mg/d) only, while the intervention group (n = 7) consumed the L+Z supplement along with 900 mg/d of an omega-3 supplement (540 mg EPA + DHA 360 mg). Each group adhered to a comprehensive low-carotenoid and omega-3 diet list (LCOD) for the 7-day wash-out period and the 12-day intervention period. The participants reported the foods they consumed daily in their diet logbooks, online logs, and the ASA 24 diet assessment log over the study period. The body composition of each subject in the two groups was assessed before and after the study using a SECA body composition analyser, and the relative serum L+Z response in both groups was determined using Area Under the Curve (AUC and incremental AUC) by trapezoidal approximation. Results: The mean ± SEM baseline serum lutein+zeaxanthin (L+Z) concentrations measured at the end of the wash-out period (Day 7) were 2.23 ± 0.65 µg/mL in the control group and 1.20 ± 0.53 µg/mL in the intervention group. Following wash-out, serum L+Z concentrations increased in both groups, reaching 2.81 ± 0.90 µg/mL (control) and 2.63 ± 1.21 µg/mL (intervention) at Day 13, and 2.98 ± 0.69 µg/mL (control) and 3.02 µg/mL (intervention) at Day 19. Total exposure assessed by AUC7-13 and AUC13-19 did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). Incremental exposure analyses identified the post-wash-out period as the primary biologically responsive window, with higher mean incremental L+Z bioavailability in the intervention group (4.36 µg/day/mL) compared with the control group (3.00 µg/day/mL), although this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant effect of omega-3 co-supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers was observed (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Omega-3 co-supplementation did not demonstrate a consistent additional benefit on L+Z bioavailability or oxidative stress markers. Day-resolved analyses using iAUC revealed temporal patterns not captured by conventional AUC measures. These exploratory findings should be interpreted with caution and confirmed in larger, longer-term studies.
Microalgae are promising sustainable sources of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). However, conventional stress-based strategies for increasing omega-3 accumulation often reduce biomass productivity and may compromise overall process efficiency. This review evaluates the use of exogenous phytohormones to modulate microalgal growth and omega-3 biosynthesis, with a focus on potential applications in culture engineering and bioprocess design, as well as in a wastewater-based production system for sustainable omega-3 manufacturing. Across reported studies, phytohormone responses are highly species-, dose-, and condition-dependent, with outcomes ranging from omega-3 enrichment with limited biomass penalties to neutral or inhibitory effects, and to hormetic dose-response behavior. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of carbon flux allocation, photosynthesis, redox balance, and lipid biosynthetic pathways, although these effects are not general across microalgae. Technical, economic, and regulatory considerations are discussed, and the integration of phytohormone supplementation with wastewater-based microalgal culture for omega-3 production is presented as a promising yet underexplored strategy that requires validation under scale-relevant conditions. Overall, phytohormones should be regarded as conditional metabolic modulators that require species-specific optimization rather than universal solutions for enhancing omega-3 levels.
Icosapent ethyl (IPE), an ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3), is thought to have immunomodulatory properties and may protect against colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to assess the effect of IPE on changing total marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and individual fatty acid composition in colorectal tissue. We conducted a prospective, single-arm clinical trial of 4g/d IPE (VASCEPA®) treatment for 8-12 weeks among patients with a recent history of adenoma. We collected pre- and post-treatment colorectal biopsies through flexible sigmoidoscopy, and participants' diet and lifestyle via questionnaires. The primary outcome was the change in total marine omega-3 PUFA in colorectal tissue measured by gas-liquid chromatography. We examined changes in individual fatty acids exploratorily. Among a total of 81 patients enrolled, 72 had paired pre- and post-treatment tissue fatty acid data. After intervention, the tissue composition (median [interquartile range]) of total marine omega-3 PUFA increased from 2.10% (0.96%) to 5.21% (1.97%), with a fold change of 2.40 (0.82). With a slight decrease in omega-6 PUFA (fold change = 0.96 [0.27]), the ratio of marine omega-3 to omega-6 PUFA increased (fold change = 2.58 [0.81]). Among individual fatty acids, EPA increased the most (fold change: 5.88 [3.63]). The cumulative amount of IPE treatment, rather than daily dosage, showed a positive correlation with changes in tissue EPA composition (Spearman's ρ=0.23, P=0.051). The treatment effect on tissue EPA changes appeared to be stronger for participants with lower than higher dietary EPA intake at baseline, although the interaction tests did not reach statistical significance (P for interaction=0.26). IPE treatment substantially increased incorporation of marine omega-3 PUFA, particularly EPA, into the colorectal tissue while reducing tissue omega-6 PUFA composition. The PREvention using EPA against coloREctal cancer (PREPARE) trial was registered as ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04216251.
Does adherence to a pro-fertility diet (PFD) combined with omega-3 supplementation improve the fertilization rate and embryo quality in infertile women undergoing IVF? A randomized, single-blind, parallel clinical trial was conducted from June 2024 to June 2025 among 180 infertile women aged 18-42 years undergoing IVF at Hazrat Maryam Fertility Center, Isfahan, Iran. Participants were randomized (1:1) to receive either a structured PFD with daily omega-3 (1000 mg), vitamin D (1000 IU), folate (1 mg) and vitamin B12 (500 µg) supplementation for 60 days, or general dietary advice based on the Healthy Eating Plate model plus 500 µg/day folic acid. Fertilization rate, embryo formation rate and embryo quality (grades A-D) were evaluated. Compared with controls, the intervention group had significantly higher fertilization rates (0.81 ± 0.16 versus 0.66 ± 0.24; P < 0.001) and embryo formation rates (0.79 ± 0.26 versus 0.62 ± 0.30; P < 0.001), and an increased number of embryos formed (3.78 ± 2.34 versus 2.22 ± 1.46; P < 0.001). Additionally, the proportion of grade A embryos was markedly higher in the intervention group (45.2% versus 21.7%; P = 0.003). Adherence to a PFD combined with omega-3 supplementation significantly improved the fertilization rate and embryo quality in women undergoing IVF. This combined nutritional intervention represents a safe, feasible and cost-effective adjunctive approach to optimize embryological outcomes in assisted reproductive technology.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which alterations in the gut microbiota and dietary lipid composition play a central role; this study aimed to evaluate the effects of synbiotics, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and their combination on clinical, macroscopic, microbiological, and histopathological outcomes in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in Wistar rats. Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 18/group) and received 5% DSS in drinking water for eight days to induce colitis. Following DSS withdrawal and histological confirmation of colitis in sentinel animals, groups were treated for 8 days as follows: DSS (control), DSS-S (synbiotics, Ecologic® 825), DSS-Ω3 (omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diet, ProSure®), or DSS-S&Ω3 (combined therapy). Eight rats per group were sacrificed on days 4 and 8 post-DSS. Body weight, Disease Activity Index (DAI), distal colon length, hematologic parameters, bacterial translocation to the liver and mesenteric lymph nodes, histological colitis score, and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-positive cell counts were assessed. DSS induced severe colitis characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and extensive mucosal erosions. After 8 days of treatment, the DSS-S&Ω3 group showed the greatest body-weight recovery (206.1→222.9 g, p < 0.05 vs. other groups), significantly preserved distal colon length, and the largest reduction in DAI (p < 0.05). Both the DSS-S and DSS-S&Ω3 groups demonstrated reduced bacterial translocation compared with DSS. The DSS-Ω3 group demonstrated persistent MPO-positive neutrophil infiltration compared with the DSS-S and DSS-S&Ω3 groups, whereas combined therapy was associated with lower MPO-positive cell counts. Histological colitis scores were significantly improved only in the DSS-S&Ω3 group (p < 0.05). In this DSS colitis model, the DSS-S&Ω3 group demonstrated superior clinical and histological outcomes compared with DSS-S or DSS-Ω3 alone, supporting further evaluation of combined synbiotic and omega-3 therapy as an adjunctive approach in ulcerative colitis.
Omega-3 fatty acids transferred from breeder hens to their developing offspring via the egg may affect the offspring's emotional reactivity and fearfulness. In one experiment, broiler (meat) parent flocks were fed flaxseed or control diets during rearing, laying, or both. In a second experiment, ISA Brown and Shaver White layer (egg) parent flocks were fed flaxseed or control diets throughout rearing and laying. Male and female broiler offspring and female layer offspring underwent a five-minute social isolation test at 4-6 days of age. Vocalisations, escape attempts, and freezing (immobility) durations were recorded. In the broiler experiment, maternal laying diet and sex interacted to affect vocalisation frequency (χ2 = 5.57, p = 0.02). Male broiler chicks from the flaxseed maternal laying diet vocalised most frequently (p < 0.04). An interaction between the rearing diet, laying diet, and sex affected escape attempts in broiler offspring (χ2 = 6.03, p = 0.01). Control-control males made the fewest escape attempts. In the layer experiment, no maternal diet effects were observed in any offspring, but Brown chicks vocalised substantially more than White chicks (χ2 = 4.56, p = 0.03), and White chicks spent more time frozen (χ2 = 5.86, p = 0.02). We found sex-specific effects of maternal flaxseed diets on measures of anxiety and fear of broiler chickens in social isolation. Genetic strain-dependent effects in layer chickens suggest differing behavioural responses to isolation.
Infertility and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) are common reproductive disorders with rising incidence. Both fatty acid (FA) metabolism and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are known to be associated with reproductive outcomes. However, their interaction and distinct roles in infertility versus RSA remain poorly understood. This retrospective study included 388 women (64 controls, 135 infertility cases, 189 RSA cases). FA profiles were measured from dried blood spots by gas chromatography. Candidate FAs were identified by FDR-corrected univariate analyses and refined by random forest. Core FAs were defined as the intersection of significant FAs and random forest-important variables. Associations between core FAs and aPL positivity were assessed by logistic regression. Mediation analysis used structural equation modeling. An elevated omega-6/omega-3 ratio and lower DPAn3 were seen in both infertility and RSA. Infertility also showed a broader decline in omega-3-related FAs (omega-3, EPA, DHA; all P < 0.05), while RSA featured higher behenic acid (P = 0.023). The omega-6/omega-3 ratio was positively associated with aPL positivity in both groups (infertility: adjusted OR = 3.51, 95% CI 2.24 - 5.91, P < 0.001; RSA: OR = 4.87, 95% CI 3.15 - 8.05, P < 0.001); DPAn3 was inversely associated with aPL positivity in both groups (infertility: P < 0.05; RSA: adjusted OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.18 - 0.53, P < 0.001). In mediation analysis, aPL positivity partially mediated the relationship between the omega-6/omega-3 ratio (indirect effect 0.110, 30.7% mediated, P = 0.045) and DPAn3 (indirect effect 0.080, 40.1% mediated, P = 0.022) with RSA, but not with infertility. Infertility and RSA exhibit overlapping yet distinct FA profiles. aPL positivity partially mediates the associations of the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and DPAn3 with RSA, but not with infertility. These findings demonstrate metabolic and immunological heterogeneity associated with different adverse reproductive outcomes.
Current evidence supports the role of Immunonutrition Support (IMNS) to improve surgical outcomes in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, but the optimal formula and prescription timing remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of IMNS on postoperative outcomes in patients with GI cancer. The systematic search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library) in March 2024. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO under registration number CRD42024524537. Studies were selected based on the PICOS framework. Population: GI cancer patients; Intervention: immunonutrition support; Comparator: isonitrogenous and isocaloric supplementation, or standard care; Outcome: mortality, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications; Study design: randomized controlled trial (RCT). Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 90 RCTs were included in the systematic review, with 55 eligible for meta-analysis. Data from 7,462 patients were analyzed. IMNS formula based on arginine, nucleotides, and omega-3 fatty acids, administered perioperatively, orally or enterally, significantly reduced the odds of anastomotic leak (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.50-0.76), infectious complications (e.g., respiratory (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.33-0.64), urinary (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.38-0.89), wound (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.46-0.98), and sepsis (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.28-0.70), and shortened hospital stay by a mean of 2.47 days (95% CI -4.13 to -0.80). In contrast, omega-3 fatty acids alone did not improve postoperative morbidity. IMNS with arginine, nucleotides, and omega-3 fatty acids improves infection odds and hospital stay without a significant effect on overall survival, while omega-3 fatty acids alone did not decrease morbidity odds in GI cancer patients undergoing surgery.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by core deficits in social interaction, often accompanied by behavioral challenges such as irritability and hyperactivity. In recent years, various nutritional supplements have been employed to alleviate ASD-related symptoms, yet the relative efficacy of different interventions remains unclear. This study employs network meta-analysis to compare the effects of distinct nutritional supplementation strategies on impaired social functioning and behavioral disorders in ASD. Systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from indexing to December 20, 2025. Studies evaluating the effects of nutritional supplements on social functioning, irritability, and hyperactivity symptoms in children with ASD were included. A network meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted to calculate mean differences (MD) and 95% credible intervals (CrI). Interventions were ranked using SUCRA values. Data analysis was performed using R version 4.5.0. A total of 16 RCTs involving 736 children with ASD were included. The results of the network meta-analysis indicate that in terms of social functioning, Omega-3 [MD = - 2.29 (- 3.52, - 1.07)] and Vitamin D (VD) [MD = - 2.89 (- 5.08, - 0.72)] were associated with lower scores compared to UT, and both were superior to probiotics (Omega-3 vs. Probiotic: MD = - 1.74; VD vs. Probiotic: MD = - 2.34). For social functioning, the network estimates suggested that VD and omega-3 may be associated with lower symptom scores compared with usual treatment; however, these estimates were based on sparse and imprecise evidence. SUCRA rankings were calculated as exploratory indicators only and were not used to draw definitive conclusions regarding clinical superiority. For irritability, omega-3 and probiotics showed potentially favorable network estimates, whereas no clear intervention effect was observed for hyperactivity. Current evidence does not support recommending any nutritional supplement over usual treatment for children with ASD. Although some network estimates suggested possible benefits for social functioning and irritability, these findings were limited by non-significant direct evidence, small sample sizes, sparse networks, heterogeneity, and imprecision. No clear effect was observed for hyperactivity. Further large, well-designed RCTs are needed. Not applicable.
To evaluate the dietary nutritional profile according to the suggestions of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) in Turkish patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study included patients diagnosed with non-neovascular AMD in one or both eyes and who underwent routine follow-up in retina clinics at tertiary centers in İstanbul between May 12 and May 27, 2025. An ocular nutrition questionnaire prepared according to AREDS2 suggestions was translated into Turkish. The survey was conducted among our cohort after its reproducibility and validity were confirmed. Consumption of fish-shellfish, hazelnut-walnut-peanut, eggs, leafy greens, red pepper, carrot-pumpkin, and peppers-green tea-strawberry-citrus (eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, omega 3, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and antioxidant-rich foods, respectively), micronutrient supplementation, smoking, physical activity, anxiety about vision loss, education level, and monthly income were recorded. A total of 530 patients from 7 clinics who answered all questions were evaluated. Adequate consumption of omega-3-rich foods consumption was reported by 19.3% of participants, whereas 57.2% reported no fish intake in the last week. Adequate consumption of foods rich in lutein/zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and antioxidants was reported by 63.6%, 41.7%, and 4.7% of patients, respectively, and regular micronutrient supplementation was reported by 35.5%. Of the patients, 23.6% reported high anxiety about vision loss, 69.8% reported elementary or lower education, and 64.9% had a 20,000 TRY or lower monthly income. Micronutrient intake was positively associated with anxiety (p=0.0001) and education (p=0.02) but not with monthly income (p=0.1). According to this first report in Turkish patients with AMD which was evaluated nutrition profile based on AREDS2 suggestions, patients showed low adherence to AREDS recommendations for micronutrient intake and lifestyle modifications. Awareness among patients and ophthalmologists needs improvement. Yaşa bağlı maküla dejenerasyonu (YBMD) olan Türk hastalarda, Yaşa Bağlı Göz Hastalıkları Çalışması (“Age-Related Eye Disease Study”, AREDS) önerileri doğrultusunda diyetle alınan beslenme profilinin değerlendirilmesidir. İstanbul’daki üçüncü basamak retina kliniklerinde 12-27 Mayıs 2025 tarihleri arasında rutin takipleri yapılan, bir veya iki gözünde non-neovasküler YBMD tanısı bulunan hastalar çalışmaya dahil edildi. AREDS2 önerilerine göre hazırlanmış olan oküler beslenme anketi Türkçeye çevrildi. Tekrarlanabilirliği ve geçerliliği doğrulandıktan sonra çalışma grubuna uygulandı. Balık ve kabuklu deniz ürünleri, fındık-ceviz-yer fıstığı, yumurta, yeşil yapraklı sebzeler, kırmızı biber, havuç-kabak, biber-yeşil çay-çilek-turunçgiller (eikosapentaenoik asit, dokosahekzaenoik asit, omega-3, lutein, zeaksantin, beta-karoten ve antioksidan açısından zengin besinler) tüketimi; mikronütrisyon kullanımı, sigara alışkanlığı, fiziksel aktivite, görme kaybı kaygısı, eğitim düzeyi ve aylık gelir kaydedildi. Tüm soruları yanıtlayan yedi klinikten toplam 530 hasta değerlendirildi. Omega-3 açısından zengin besin tüketim oranı %19,3 olup, hastaların %57,2’si haftalık balık tüketmediğini bildirdi. Lutein/zeaksantin, beta-karoten ve antioksidan açısından zengin besinlerin tüketim oranları sırasıyla %63,6, %41,7 ve %4,7 idi. Düzenli mikronutrisyon takviyesi kullanan hastaların oranı %35,5 idi. Hastaların %23,6’sının görme kaybı kaygı düzeyi yüksekti; %69,8’i ilkokul veya daha düşük eğitim düzeyine sahipti, %64,9’unun aylık geliri 20.000 TL veya altındaydı. Mikronutrisyon alımı ile kaygı düzeyi ve eğitim seviyesi arasında anlamlı ilişki saptanırken (sırasıyla p=0,0001 ve p=0,02), aylık gelir ile mikronutrisyon alımı arasında anlamlı ilişki gözlenmedi (p=0,1). YBMD olan Türk hastaların beslenme profilinin AREDS2 temelinde değerlendirildiği bu ilk çalışmada hastaların yaşam tarzı değişikliklerine yönelik AREDS2 önerilerine uyumunun ve mikronutrisyon alımının düşük olduğu görülmüştür. Hastaların ve oftalmologların bu önerilere yönelik farkındalığın artırılması gerekmektedir.
Maternal obesity is a major public health challenge that elevates pregnancy risks and predisposes offspring to lifelong metabolic disorders. Nutrition, as a modifiable determinant of the intrauterine environment, offers opportunities to interrupt this intergenerational cycle. This review synthesizes evidence on polyphenols, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, whole grains, and iron, highlighting underlying mechanisms and translational implications for maternal and offspring health. Preclinical studies demonstrate that these interventions improve maternal metabolism, modulate placental function, regulate gut microbiota, alter breast milk composition, and influence epigenetic programming. Clinical evidence is relatively strong for folic acid and vitamin D, whereas evidence for dietary fiber is emerging, with long-term offspring outcomes still insufficiently investigated. Polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but translation is constrained by low bioavailability and limited safety data. Probiotics and prebiotics show potential in modulating maternal-infant gut health, yet trial outcomes are inconsistent and strain-specific. Whole grains and fortified foods may represent feasible options for population-level implementation, although robust longitudinal studies in obese pregnancies are still lacking. Dietary interventions hold promise for mitigating maternal obesity by improving metabolism, reducing inflammation, supporting placental function, and modulating gut microbiota, breast milk composition, and epigenetic programming. However, evidence is largely preclinical and long-term human data are limited. Future research should prioritize well-designed clinical trials and personalized approaches tailored to maternal phenotype and nutritional status to enable effective, scalable strategies for breaking the intergenerational cycle of obesity.
Background: Sarcopenia and frailty are highly prevalent extrapulmonary manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are strongly associated with reduced exercise tolerance, exacerbation risk, hospitalizations, and mortality. Beyond inflammation, oxidative stress, and physical inactivity, emerging evidence highlights nutrition as a major modifiable driver of muscle deterioration in COPD. Nutritional deficits impair anabolic signaling, exacerbate proteolysis, worsen mitochondrial dysfunction, and contribute to frailty progression. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes evidence from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to 2025, integrating mechanistic, metabolic, nutritional, and biomarker-related pathways underlying muscle dysfunction in COPD. Studies examining inflammation, hypoxemia, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance, nutrition, and emerging biomarkers were included. Results: COPD-related sarcopenia results from converging inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6), catabolic (FOXO, UPS), metabolic, and vascular mechanisms, compounded by energy deficiency, protein insufficiency, and micronutrient deficits. Inadequate intake of protein, vitamin D, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids increase anabolic resistance, enhance muscle catabolism, and worsen frailty. Nutritional interventions, particularly high-protein supplementation, leucine-enriched formulas, vitamin D repletion, omega-3 fatty acids, and multimodal nutrition-exercise programs, demonstrate benefits in muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. Biomarkers such as GDF-15, CAF22, and specific microRNAs reflect nutritional status and correlate with muscle health in COPD. Conclusions: Sarcopenia and frailty in COPD arise from a complex interplay of inflammatory, metabolic, nutritional, and lifestyle-related factors. Integrating nutritional assessment and targeted dietary interventions with exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation is essential to counteract anabolic resistance and improve functional outcomes. Advances in biomarker research may support earlier diagnosis and personalized nutrition-based therapeutic strategies.
Seafood provides important nutrients to our diets, particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Compared with other common seafood, sea snails represent an underutilized resource that may be exploited to help meet global PUFA demands. However, sea snails exhibit complex fatty acid (FA) profiles, making an accurate and detailed characterization a considerable analytical challenge. By employing an advanced mass spectrometry (MS) technique, i.e., covalent adduct chemical ionization (CACI), we characterized the FA profiles of five commonly consumed sea snail species. A straightforward method was established to distinguish monounsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from isobaric dimethyl acetals (DMA), verifiable by retention-time models. FAME double-bond positional isomers were further identified by CACI-MS/MS diagnostic ions. Sea snails are abundant in plasmalogens at 82-333 mg/100 g food and long-chain omega-3 PUFA up to 174 mg/100 g food. Therefore, sea snails, particularly saltwater varieties, show promise as mainstream seafood because of their high nutritional values.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognized as a neurodevelopmental condition shaped by early-life biological and environmental factors. Emerging evidence highlights the role of nutrition in modulating key brain processes involved in ADHD, from gestational development through childhood. This review aims to examine how dietary interventions influence neuroimaging outcomes in individuals with ADHD, assessing whether nutritional approaches can modulate brain structure, function, or connectivity. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted to identify studies examining the effects of dietary interventions on neuroimaging outcomes in individuals with ADHD. Study quality was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2.0, ROBINS-I, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist, according to study design. A total of 1059 records were identified, and 4 studies met the final inclusion criteria. The included studies suggest that prenatal vitamin D exposure, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients such as zinc may be associated with structural, functional, and neurometabolic brain characteristics relevant to ADHD. Reported findings included associations with brain volume, glutamatergic regulation, white matter organization, resting-state network integrity, and inattentive symptom. Current evidence supports the hypothesis that nutrition may influence neurodevelopmental processes involved in ADHD, including brain maturation and neural network organization. Although findings remain heterogeneous and limited in number, nutrition appears to represent a biologically plausible and potentially modifiable factor within the developmental framework of ADHD. Further longitudinal and multimodal neuroimaging studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms linking nutrition, brain development, and ADHD.
Omega fatty acids (FA) have been shown to benefit cognition during infancy and adulthood. However, adolescence remains under investigated, despite being a critical period for development of executive functions and emotion regulation. The current objective was to investigate the impact of daily treatment with a proprietary omega-FA blend on cognitive performance, mood, and emotion regulation in healthy adolescents aged 13-14 years. Using a parallel, double-blind, placebo controlled design, participants were randomly allocated to consume the omega blend (2 capsules/day providing 925 mg blend of algae-derived omega 3-, 7-, and 9-FAs) or a placebo (2 capsules/day of MCT oil) for 16 weeks. Episodic memory, executive function, mood, emotion regulation, EEG measures, and omega-3 index (O3I) were recorded at baseline and following 16 weeks of intervention. O3I increased significantly only in the omega blend group, indicating compliance with the intervention and improved O3I status. Improvements were observed for immediate word recall and delayed word recall aspects of episodic memory in the omega blend group only. Significantly faster reaction times were also observed on an attention network executive function task in the omega group. Alongside cognitive benefits, changes in EEG activity were observed, including increased N200 ERP deflections during 0-back task performance, and reduced PSD activity during sustained attention and at rest. Combined, these cognitive and physiological findings suggest that an omega-FA blend may support cognitive development in healthy adolescents aged 13 & 14, potentially through facilitation of brain maturation and more efficient allocation of neural resources. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05581108. Registration date: 11/10/2022.
Anorexia nervosa (AN) and obesity represent the extremes of the nutritional spectrum, both being associated with an increase in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The objective of this study was to analyze atherosclerotic risk through the determination of advanced lipoprotein profiling (ALP), fatty acids, and inflammatory markers in adolescents with different weight profiles. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 122 adolescents (aged: 10-17 years), divided into three groups based on their Body Mass Index (BMI): underweight/AN (n=47), normal weight (n=33), and moderate-to-severe obesity (n=42). Clinical evaluations, echocardiography to determine structural changes (left ventricular mass index: LVMI) and both conventional and specialized blood analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) were performed to quantify ALP, fatty acids, and plasma glycoproteins (GlycA). Multivariate partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models were employed. The AN group presented with bradycardia, systolic hypotension, and a significant decrease in LVMI, whereas obesity was associated with ventricular hypertrophy and a chronic inflammatory state (elevation of GlycA, leukocytes, and ESR). Although the AN group showed higher total cholesterol and LDL-C levels than the normal-weight group, ALP revealed that this increase is due to larger LDL particle size. Furthermore, subjects with AN exhibited elevated levels of medium HDL particles and cardioprotective fatty acids (omega-3 and DHA). In contrast, the obesity group presented the classic high-risk lipid triad: elevated triglycerides, large VLDL, and small dense LDL. PLS-DA analysis confirmed that BMI is the primary determinant of metabolic and cardiovascular segregation between the groups. Hypercholesterolemia in adolescents with AN constitutes a low-risk physiological adaptation, whereas obesity manifests an early atherogenic profile and adverse cardiac remodeling. Conventional laboratory testing is insufficient to assess real cardiovascular risk in these populations, with ALP proving to be a superior diagnostic tool.
Fish is widely recognized as a valuable source of high-quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential micronutrients. However, these nutritional benefits are increasingly compromised by marine pollution, particularly plastics and microplastics (MPs), particles smaller than 5 mm that enter the food chain after ingestion by marine organisms. These emerging pollutants represent a growing threat to both marine ecosystems and human health. In this study, laser direct infrared microscopy (LDIR) was used, an innovative technique based on a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser that enables precise and sensitive characterization of MPs. Samples from multiple species inhabiting the Mar Menor lagoon (Spain) were analysed, including muscle tissue, liver, and gastrointestinal contents. The muscle and liver samples were treated using acid digestion, while the gut contents were processed using oxidative digestion combined with density flotation. The results showed a predominance of particles between 50 and 100 μm (over 70%), primarily rounded in morphology. Polyethylene was the most frequently detected polymer, representing more than 45% of particles in all the samples. Statistical analyses demonstrated trend toward MP accumulation in gut contents, with no significant differences among marine species. Additionally, a cytotoxicity assay using marine fish cells (SAF-1 cell line) revealed a decrease in cell viability in response to polyamide MP, highlighting the urgent need for monitoring their environmental and food safety implications.
The association between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, during the third trimester of pregnancy and obstetric outcomes is not well established. This prospective birth cohort study included 12,050 women who delivered at Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) between 2013 and 2024, and completed a questionnaire about supplementation after 28 weeks of gestation. Data were obtained from the KUH Birth Register and the questionnaire. The primary outcomes were maternal blood loss and the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), while secondary outcomes included pregnancy complications and neonatal well-being. Approximately 10 % of women reported daily PUFA supplementation during the third trimester. Regular daily use was associated with significantly greater blood loss in vaginal deliveries, although the increase was modest. A trend towards increased PPH was observed among PUFA users, whereas no similar association was found among women undergoing caesarean delivery. PUFA users tended to have a lower prevalence of pre-eclampsia, and their newborns had fewer low Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, whereas no significant differences in umbilical artery pH or base excess values were observed between PUFA users and non-users. Discontinuing PUFA supplementation approximately 1 month before the expected date of delivery or elective caesarean delivery may be reasonable. However, the potential beneficial effects of PUFA supplementation on the development of pre-eclampsia warrant further investigation in future studies.
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is increasingly recognized as a function-limiting condition in which pain, neuromuscular impairment, and reduced physical activity interact with sarcopenic vulnerability to accelerate functional decline. This review reappraises commonly used oral nutraceuticals through a muscle-joint framework and examines whether they can be conservatively positioned as adjuncts that reduce symptom-related barriers to exercise-based care rather than as disease-modifying therapies. This review was conducted as a structured narrative synthesis informed by SANRA principles, using a structured and transparent search process and dual-independent study selection, without quantitative meta-analysis or formal certainty-of-evidence grading. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for English-language studies published from January 2000 to March 2026, supplemented by reference screening of key reviews and international guidelines. Mechanistic and clinical evidence supports a plausible pathway linking KOA pain, arthrogenic muscle inhibition, reduced loading, physical inactivity, and sarcopenic vulnerability. Across glucosamine/chondroitin, collagen peptides, omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and Boswellia, symptomatic benefits were modest, heterogeneous, and formulation-dependent, with no consistent evidence of structural disease modification. Direct evidence that nutraceuticals improve exercise adherence or long-term physical activity remains limited; however, selected exercise-integrated or function-oriented studies show participation-relevant signals in gait speed, activity volume, and performance-based outcomes. Nutraceuticals should be interpreted as optional, time-limited adjuncts within exercise-centered KOA management. Their potential value lies in modest symptom support that may facilitate rehabilitation participation in selected patients, not in stand-alone treatment of KOA or sarcopenia.
This structured narrative review is a study of foods specifically mentioned in the Quran and for which recent scientific findings support several nutritional observations mentioned in the hadith literature. The two-phase method was used: searching for scripturally described foods and summarizing the literature (2016-26) available in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. It was found that 16 foods were plant-, animal-, or marine-based. Compositional analysis revealed common bioactive components, including polyphenols, flavonoids, unsaturated fatty acids, soluble fiber (such as 0-glucan), thymoquinone, gingerols, and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Mechanistic proof suggests common antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, glycemic-regulatory, lipid-modulating, and microbiota-associated routes. The strength of clinical substantiation of the clinical benefits of olive oil, fish, and barley represents a continuum of evidence: there is comparatively strong evidence of cardiometabolic benefit in these three items, but weak to mottled evidence of promise in pomegranate, grapes, Nigella sativa, ginger, vinegar, and dates. All in all, most of the scripturally discussed foods are consistent with modern functional food paradigms; nevertheless, their health implications can be most appropriately viewed through the lens of balanced diets rather than singular therapeutic assertions. More, longer, and standardized clinical trials are required to shed light on dose-response relations and long-term disease outcomes.