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Term Infant Formulas Influencing Gut Microbiota: An Overview.
Fabiano, V, Indrio, F, Verduci, E, Calcaterra, V, Pop, TL, Mari, A, Zuccotti, GV, Cullu Cokugras, F, Pettoello-Mantovani, M, Goulet, O
Nutrients. 2021;(12)
Abstract
Intestinal colonization of the neonate is highly dependent on the term of pregnancy, the mode of delivery, the type of feeding [breast feeding or formula feeding]. Postnatal immune maturation is dependent on the intestinal microbiome implementation and composition and type of feeding is a key issue in the human gut development, the diversity of microbiome, and the intestinal function. It is well established that exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months or more has several benefits with respect to formula feeding. The composition of the new generation of infant formulas aims in mimicking HM by reproducing its beneficial effects on intestinal microbiome and on the gut associated immune system (GAIS). Several approaches have been developed currently for designing new infant formulas by the addition of bioactive ingredients such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), probiotics, prebiotics [fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs)], or by obtaining the so-called post-biotics also known as milk fermentation products. The aim of this article is to guide the practitioner in the understanding of these different types of Microbiota Influencing Formulas by listing and summarizing the main concepts and characteristics of these different models of enriched IFs with bioactive ingredients.
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2.
Molecular Immune-Inflammatory Connections between Dietary Fats and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Which Translation into Clinics?
Mattavelli, E, Catapano, AL, Baragetti, A
Nutrients. 2021;(11)
Abstract
Current guidelines recommend reducing the daily intake of dietary fats for the prevention of ischemic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Avoiding saturated fats while increasing the intake of mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acids has been for long time the cornerstone of dietary approaches in cardiovascular prevention, mainly due to the metabolic effects of these molecules. However, recently, this approach has been critically revised. The experimental evidence, in fact, supports the concept that the pro- or anti-inflammatory potential of different dietary fats contributes to atherogenic or anti-atherogenic cellular and molecular processes beyond (or in addition to) their metabolic effects. All these aspects are hardly translatable into clinics when trying to find connections between the pro-/anti-inflammatory potential of dietary lipids and their effects on CVD outcomes. Interventional trials, although providing stronger potential for causal inference, are typically small sample-sized, and they have short follow-up, noncompliance, and high attrition rates. Besides, observational studies are confounded by a number of variables and the quantification of dietary intakes is far from optimal. A better understanding of the anatomic and physiological barriers for the absorption and the players involved in the metabolism of dietary lipids (e.g., gut microbiota) might be an alternative strategy in the attempt to provide a first step towards a personalized dietary approach in CVD prevention.
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3.
The Role of Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Probiotics on the Neonatal Microbiome and Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Narrative Review.
Nolan, LS, Rimer, JM, Good, M
Nutrients. 2020;(10)
Abstract
Preterm infants are a vulnerable population at risk of intestinal dysbiosis. The newborn microbiome is dominated by Bifidobacterium species, though abnormal microbial colonization can occur by exogenous factors such as mode of delivery, formula feeding, and exposure to antibiotics. Therefore, preterm infants are predisposed to sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a fatal gastrointestinal disorder, due to an impaired intestinal barrier, immature immunity, and a dysbiotic gut microbiome. Properties of human milk serve as protection in the prevention of NEC. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and the microbiome of breast milk are immunomodulatory components that provide intestinal homeostasis through regulation of the microbiome and protection of the intestinal barrier. Enteral probiotic supplements have been trialed to evaluate their impact on establishing intestinal homeostasis. Here, we review the protective role of HMOs, probiotics, and synbiotic combinations in protecting a vulnerable population from the pathogenic features associated with necrotizing enterocolitis.
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4.
The Effects on Immune Function and Digestive Health of Consuming the Skin and Flesh of Zespri® SunGold Kiwifruit (Actinidia Chinensis var. Chinensis 'Zesy002') in Healthy and IBS-Constipated Individuals.
Eady, SL, Wallace, AJ, Hedderley, DI, Bentley-Hewitt, KL, Butts, CA
Nutrients. 2020;(5)
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that results in constipation (IBS-C) or diarrhoea with abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea and bloating. Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) are nutrient-dense fruit with a number of reported health benefits that include lowering glycaemic response, improving cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers, and enhancing gut comfort and laxation. This study investigated the effect of consuming three whole Zespri® SunGold kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis 'Zesy002') with or without skin on cytokine production and immune and gut health in healthy people and those with IBS-C symptoms. This study enrolled thirty-eight participants in a 16 week randomized cross-over study (19 healthy and 19 participants with IBS-C). Participants were randomized to consume either three kiwifruit without eating the skin or three kiwifruit including the skin for 4 weeks each, with a 4 week washout in between each intervention. There was a significant decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, for both the healthy and the IBS-C participants when they consumed whole kiwifruit and skin, and also for the healthy participants when they ate whole kiwifruit without the skin (p < 0.001). The kiwifruit interventions increased bowel frequency and significantly reduced the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale constipation and Birmingham IBS pain scores for both participant groups. We have demonstrated that consuming the skin of SunGold kiwifruit might have beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health that are not produced by consuming the flesh alone.
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5.
Nutrition, Microbiota and Role of Gut-Brain Axis in Subjects with Phenylketonuria (PKU): A Review.
Verduci, E, Carbone, MT, Borghi, E, Ottaviano, E, Burlina, A, Biasucci, G
Nutrients. 2020;(11)
Abstract
The composition and functioning of the gut microbiota, the complex population of microorganisms residing in the intestine, is strongly affected by endogenous and exogenous factors, among which diet is key. Important perturbations of the microbiota have been observed to contribute to disease risk, as in the case of neurological disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, among others. Although mechanisms are not fully clarified, nutrients interacting with the microbiota are thought to affect host metabolism, immune response or disrupt the protective functions of the intestinal barrier. Similarly, key intermediaries, whose presence may be strongly influenced by dietary habits, sustain the communication along the gut-brain-axis, influencing brain functions in the same way as the brain influences gut activity. Due to the role of diet in the modulation of the microbiota, its composition is of high interest in inherited errors of metabolism (IEMs) and may reveal an appealing therapeutic target. In IEMs, for example in phenylketonuria (PKU), since part of the therapeutic intervention is based on chronic or life-long tailored dietetic regimens, important variations of the microbial diversity or relative abundance have been observed. A holistic approach, including a healthy composition of the microbiota, is recommended to modulate host metabolism and affected neurological functions.
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6.
Inadequacy of Immune Health Nutrients: Intakes in US Adults, the 2005-2016 NHANES.
Reider, CA, Chung, RY, Devarshi, PP, Grant, RW, Hazels Mitmesser, S
Nutrients. 2020;(6)
Abstract
A well-functioning immune system is essential for human health and well-being. Micronutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc have several functions throughout the immune system, yet inadequate nutrient intakes are pervasive in the US population. A large body of research shows that nutrient inadequacies can impair immune function and weaken the immune response. Here, we present a new analysis of micronutrient usual intake estimates based on nationally representative data in 26,282 adults (>19 years) from the 2005-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Overall, the prevalence of inadequacy (% of population below estimated average requirement [EAR]) in four out of five key immune nutrients is substantial. Specifically, 45% of the U.S. population had a prevalence of inadequacy for vitamin A, 46% for vitamin C, 95% for vitamin D, 84% for vitamin E, and 15% for zinc. Dietary supplements can help address nutrient inadequacy for these immune-support nutrients, demonstrated by a lower prevalence of individuals below the EAR. Given the long-term presence and widening of nutrient gaps in the U.S.-specifically in critical nutrients that support immune health-public health measures should adopt guidelines to ensure an adequate intake of these micronutrients. Future research is needed to better understand the interactions and complexities of multiple nutrient shortfalls on immune health and assess and identify optimal levels of intake in at-risk populations.
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7.
Rehabilitation Nutrition for Injury Recovery of Athletes: The Role of Macronutrient Intake.
Papadopoulou, SK
Nutrients. 2020;(8)
Abstract
An adequate and balanced diet is of utmost importance in recovery and rehabilitation. "Rehabilitation nutrition" for injury recovery of athletes is similar to sports nutrition, except for the differences that concern the prevention of the risk or presence of sarcopenia, malnutrition, or dysphagia. Rehabilitation nutrition also aims, combined with training, to an adequate long-term nutritional status of the athlete and also in physical condition improvement, in terms of endurance and resistance. The aim of this paper is to define the proper nutrition for athletes in order to hasten their return to the sports after surgery or injury. Energy intake should be higher than the energy target in order to fight sarcopenia-that is 25-30 kcal/kg of body weight. Macro- and micro-nutrients play an important role in metabolism, energy production, hemoglobin synthesis, lean mass and bone mass maintenance, immunity, health, and protection against oxidative damage. Nutritional strategies, such as supplementation of suboptimal protein intake with leucine are feasible and effective in offsetting anabolic resistance. Thus, maintaining muscle mass, without gaining fat, becomes challenging for the injured athlete. A dietary strategy should be tailored to the athlete's needs, considering amounts, frequency, type and, most of all, protein quality. During rehabilitation, simultaneous carbohydrates and protein intake can inhibit muscle breakdown and muscle atrophy. The long-term intake of omega-3 fatty acids enhances anabolic sensitivity to amino acids; thus, it may be beneficial to the injured athlete. Adequate intakes of macronutrients can play a major role supporting athletes' anabolism.
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8.
Ricin Poisoning after Oral Ingestion of Castor Beans: A Case Report and Review of the Literature and Laboratory Testing.
Lopez Nunez, OF, Pizon, AF, Tamama, K
The Journal of emergency medicine. 2017;(5):e67-e71
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ricin is a protein toxin derived from the castor bean plant Ricinus communis. Several cases secondary to its consumption have been published and, more recently, its use as a potential bioterrorism agent has also been reported. Oral absorption of ricin is highly erratic, leading to a wide spectrum of symptoms. In addition, conventional urine drug screening tests will not be able to detect this compound, posing a diagnostic challenge. CASE REPORT A male teenager intended to die by ingesting 200 castor beans after mixing and blending them with juice. Eight hours later, he presented with weakness, light-headedness, nausea, and vomiting and sought medical treatment. The patient was admitted and treated conservatively. An immune-based standard urine toxicology drug screen panel was reported as negative. A comprehensive untargeted urine drug screen test showed the presence of ricinine, a surrogate marker of ricin intoxication. He was transferred to the psychiatric service 3 days after admission. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case highlights the importance of knowing the peculiar pharmacokinetic properties of ricin after oral ingestion of castor beans and toxin release through mastication. Emergency physicians should be aware that oral absorption of ricin is dependent on several factors, such type and size of seeds and the geographic harvesting region, making it extremely difficult to estimate its lethality based solely on the number of ingested beans. Finally, comprehensive untargeted urine drug screening testing is highly valuable as a diagnostic tool in this context.
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9.
Are the Gut Bacteria Telling Us to Eat or Not to Eat? Reviewing the Role of Gut Microbiota in the Etiology, Disease Progression and Treatment of Eating Disorders.
Lam, YY, Maguire, S, Palacios, T, Caterson, ID
Nutrients. 2017;(6)
Abstract
Traditionally recognized as mental illnesses, eating disorders are increasingly appreciated to be biologically-driven. There is a growing body of literature that implicates a role of the gut microbiota in the etiology and progression of these conditions. Gut bacteria may act on the gut-brain axis to alter appetite control and brain function as part of the genesis of eating disorders. As the illnesses progress, extreme feeding patterns and psychological stress potentially feed back to the gut ecosystem that can further compromise physiological, cognitive, and social functioning. Given the established causality between dysbiosis and metabolic diseases, an altered gut microbial profile is likely to play a role in the co-morbidities of eating disorders with altered immune function, short-chain fatty acid production, and the gut barrier being the key mechanistic links. Understanding the role of the gut ecosystem in the pathophysiology of eating disorders will provide critical insights into improving current treatments and developing novel microbiome-based interventions that will benefit patients with eating disorders.