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Alba BK, Greenfield AM, Yurkevicius BR, Jones ML, Castellani JW. Short-term cocoa bioflavanol supplementation does not improve cold-induced vasodilation in young healthy adults. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024; 124:1523-1534. [PMID: 38150009 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05380-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) is an oscillatory rise in blood flow to glabrous skin that occurs in cold-exposed extremities. Dietary flavanols increase bioavailable nitric oxide, a proposed mediator of CIVD through active vasodilation and/or withdrawal of sympathetic vascular smooth muscle tone. However, no studies have examined the effects of flavanol intake on extremity skin perfusion during cold exposure. We tested the hypothesis that acute and 8-day flavanol supplementation would augment CIVD during single-digit cold water immersion (CWI). METHODS Eleven healthy adults (24 ± 6 years; 10 M/1F) ingested cocoa flavanols (900 mg/day) or caffeine- and theobromine-matched placebo for 8 days in a double-blind, randomized, crossover design. On Days 1 and 8, CIVD was assessed 2 h post-treatment. Subjects immersed their 3rd finger in warm water (42 °C) for 15 min before CWI (4 °C) for 30 min, during which nail bed and finger pad skin temperature were measured. RESULTS Flavanol ingestion had no effect on CIVD frequency (Day 1, Flavanol: 3 ± 2 vs. Placebo: 3 ± 2; Day 8, Flavanol: 3 ± 2 vs. Placebo: 3 ± 1) or amplitude (Day 1, Flavanol: 4.3 ± 1.7 vs. Placebo: 4.9 ± 2.6 °C; Day 8, Flavanol: 3.9 ± 1.9 vs. Placebo: 3.9 ± 2.0 °C) in the finger pad following acute or 8-day supplementation (P > 0.05). Furthermore, average, nadir, and apex finger pad temperatures during CWI were not different between treatments on Days 1 or 8 of supplementation (P > 0.05). Similarly, no differences in CIVD parameters were observed in the nail bed following supplementation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION These data suggest that cocoa flavanol ingestion does not alter finger CIVD. Clinical Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04359082. April 24, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billie K Alba
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 10 General Greene Ave., Bldg. 42, Natick, MA, 01760, USA.
| | - Andrew M Greenfield
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 10 General Greene Ave., Bldg. 42, Natick, MA, 01760, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Beau R Yurkevicius
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 10 General Greene Ave., Bldg. 42, Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - Myra L Jones
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 10 General Greene Ave., Bldg. 42, Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - John W Castellani
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 10 General Greene Ave., Bldg. 42, Natick, MA, 01760, USA
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Nocella C, D’Amico A, Cangemi R, Fossati C, Pigozzi F, Mannacio E, Cammisotto V, Bartimoccia S, Castellani V, Sarto G, Simeone B, Rocco E, Frati G, Sciarretta S, Pignatelli P, Carnevale R. NOX2 as a Biomarker of Academic Performance: Evidence from University Students during Examination. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:551. [PMID: 38790656 PMCID: PMC11118804 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cortisol levels, oxidative stress, and lower cerebral performance seem to be closely related. This study aimed to evaluate the question of whether exam stress affected oxidative stress and endothelial function parameters in the salivary samples of students. METHODS A total of 114 healthy students were recruited. All students were subjected to a 21-item DASS questionnaire to assess perceived stress. Cortisol levels, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and endothelial function were evaluated at T0, during the semester, and T1, in the morning before the exam, in saliva samples. In vitro, HUVECs were stimulated with cortisol, and oxidative stress and endothelial function parameters were evaluated. RESULTS At T1, cortisol levels were significantly increased compared with the levels during the semester. Moreover, exam results correlated inversely with the DASS score at T1. In addition, NOX2, H2O2 and endothelin-1 significantly increased, while NO bioavailability decreased. In vitro, HUVECs treatment with human cortisol determined the increase of oxidative stress and the decrease of endothelial function, in association with impaired eNOS phosphorylation. CONCLUSION NOX2-mediated oxidative stress is a mechanism that could mediate cortisol-induced transient endothelial dysfunction during academic examination. Therefore, strategies to monitor or modulate oxidative stress could help students to reduce the impact of examination-related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Nocella
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Alessandra D’Amico
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (A.D.); (S.B.); (G.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Roberto Cangemi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Chiara Fossati
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (F.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Fabio Pigozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (F.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Elena Mannacio
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (F.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Vittoria Cammisotto
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Simona Bartimoccia
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (A.D.); (S.B.); (G.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Valentina Castellani
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery “Paride Stefanini”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gianmarco Sarto
- Cardiology Division, ICOT, University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (G.S.); (B.S.); (E.R.)
| | - Beatrice Simeone
- Cardiology Division, ICOT, University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (G.S.); (B.S.); (E.R.)
| | - Erica Rocco
- Cardiology Division, ICOT, University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (G.S.); (B.S.); (E.R.)
| | - Giacomo Frati
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (A.D.); (S.B.); (G.F.); (S.S.)
- IRCCS Neuromed, Località Camerelle, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Sciarretta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (A.D.); (S.B.); (G.F.); (S.S.)
- IRCCS Neuromed, Località Camerelle, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pignatelli
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Roberto Carnevale
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (A.D.); (S.B.); (G.F.); (S.S.)
- IRCCS Neuromed, Località Camerelle, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - SMiLe Group
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Course E, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy;
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Hamel R, Oyler R, Harms E, Bailey R, Rendeiro C, Jenkinson N. Dietary Cocoa Flavanols Do Not Alter Brain Excitability in Young Healthy Adults. Nutrients 2024; 16:969. [PMID: 38613003 PMCID: PMC11013095 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The ingestion of dietary cocoa flavanols acutely alters functions of the cerebral endothelium, but whether the effects of flavanols permeate beyond this to alter other brain functions remains unclear. Based on converging evidence, this work tested the hypothesis that cocoa flavanols would alter brain excitability in young healthy adults. In a randomised, cross-over, double-blinded, placebo-controlled design, transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess corticospinal and intracortical excitability before as well as 1 and 2 h post-ingestion of a beverage containing either high (695 mg flavanols, 150 mg (-)-epicatechin) or low levels (5 mg flavanols, 0 mg (-)-epicatechin) of cocoa flavanols. In addition to this acute intervention, the effects of a short-term chronic intervention where the same cocoa flavanol doses were ingested once a day for 5 consecutive days were also investigated. For both the acute and chronic interventions, the results revealed no robust alteration in corticospinal or intracortical excitability. One possibility is that cocoa flavanols yield no net effect on brain excitability, but predominantly alter functions of the cerebral endothelium in young healthy adults. Future studies should increase intervention durations to maximize the acute and chronic accumulation of flavanols in the brain, and further investigate if cocoa flavanols would be more effective at altering brain excitability in older adults and clinical populations than in younger adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Hamel
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rebecca Oyler
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Evie Harms
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rosamond Bailey
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Catarina Rendeiro
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ned Jenkinson
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Ross FC, Mayer DE, Gupta A, Gill CIR, Del Rio D, Cryan JF, Lavelle A, Ross RP, Stanton C, Mayer EA. Existing and Future Strategies to Manipulate the Gut Microbiota With Diet as a Potential Adjuvant Treatment for Psychiatric Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:348-360. [PMID: 37918459 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Nutrition and diet quality play key roles in preventing and slowing cognitive decline and have been linked to multiple brain disorders. This review compiles available evidence from preclinical studies and clinical trials on the impact of nutrition and interventions regarding major psychiatric conditions and some neurological disorders. We emphasize the potential role of diet-related microbiome alterations in these effects and highlight commonalities between various brain disorders related to the microbiome. Despite numerous studies shedding light on these findings, there are still gaps in our understanding due to the limited availability of definitive human trial data firmly establishing a causal link between a specific diet and microbially mediated brain functions and symptoms. The positive impact of certain diets on the microbiome and cognitive function is frequently ascribed with the anti-inflammatory effects of certain microbial metabolites or a reduction of proinflammatory microbial products. We also critically review recent research on pro- and prebiotics and nondietary interventions, particularly fecal microbiota transplantation. The recent focus on diet in relation to brain disorders could lead to improved treatment outcomes with combined dietary, pharmacological, and behavioral interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona C Ross
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Dylan E Mayer
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Arpana Gupta
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Chris I R Gill
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
| | - Daniele Del Rio
- Department of Food and Drugs, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aonghus Lavelle
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Catherine Stanton
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Teagasc Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Emeran A Mayer
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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Ross FC, Mayer DE, Horn J, Cryan JF, Del Rio D, Randolph E, Gill CIR, Gupta A, Ross RP, Stanton C, Mayer EA. Potential of dietary polyphenols for protection from age-related decline and neurodegeneration: a role for gut microbiota? Nutr Neurosci 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38287652 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2298098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Many epidemiological studies have shown the beneficial effects of a largely plant-based diet, and the strong association between the consumption of a Mediterranean-type diet with healthy aging including a lower risk of cognitive decline. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high intake of olive oil, fruits and vegetables and is rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols - both of which have been postulated to act as important mediators of these benefits. Polyphenols are large molecules produced by plants to protect them from environmental threats and injury. When ingested by humans, as little as 5% of these molecules are absorbed in the small intestine with the majority metabolized by the gut microbiota into absorbable simple phenolic compounds. Flavan-3-ols, a type of flavonoid, contained in grapes, berries, pome fruits, tea, and cocoa have been associated with many beneficial effects on several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, cognitive function and brain regions involved in memory formation. Both preclinical and clinical studies suggest that these brain and heart benefits can be attributed to endothelial vascular effects and anti-inflammatory properties among others. More recently the gut microbiota has emerged as a potential modulator of the aging brain and intriguingly polyphenols have been shown to alter microbiota composition and be metabolized by different microbial species. However, there is a need for well controlled studies in large populations to identify predictors of response, particularly given the vast inter-individual variation of human gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Ross
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - D E Mayer
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - J Horn
- Oppenheimer Centre for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - J F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
- Department Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - D Del Rio
- Department of Food and Drugs, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - E Randolph
- Oppenheimer Centre for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - C I R Gill
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - A Gupta
- Division of Digestive Diseases, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
- Goodman Luskin Microbiome Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - R P Ross
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - C Stanton
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - E A Mayer
- Oppenheimer Centre for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
- Goodman Luskin Microbiome Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Kongor JE, de Pascual-Teresa S, Owusu M, Kyei-Baffour VO, Oduro-Yeboah C. Investigating the effect of red beetroot powder concentration and processing time on the bioactive compounds composition and antioxidant capacity of beetroot dark chocolate. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:184-195. [PMID: 37549223 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of functional foods is receiving increased recognition as a result of the general interest in healthy diets as part of a healthier lifestyle. This project sought to incorporate red beetroot in dark chocolate and investigate the effect of beetroot powder concentration and processing time on the chocolates' bioactive compound composition, antioxidant capacity, and sugar content. RESULTS The results showed the presence of bioactive compounds such as betalains and vitamin C in the red beetroot with relatively high antioxidant capacity. The addition of beetroot powder to dark chocolate increased the majority of the bioactive compounds (e.g. catechin, epicatechin, betalains, vitamin C) while at the same time increasing the antioxidant capacity. It also resulted in a decrease in sugar content. Except for vitamin C, processing for more than 12 h had an increasing effect on the majority of the bioactive compounds. Beetroot powder incorporation at a maximum of 30% and processing for 24 h was regarded as optimal. CONCLUSION Overall, the present study suggests that red beetroot powder could be added to dark chocolates and processed for more than 12 h to increase the bioactive compounds and overall antioxidant capacity. This research would help to diversify beetroot utilization, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the overall health-promoting properties of dark chocolate for improved consumer well-being. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Edem Kongor
- Food Technology Research Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Food Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sonia de Pascual-Teresa
- Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Institute of Food Science, Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Margaret Owusu
- Food Technology Research Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Food Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vincent Owusu Kyei-Baffour
- Food Technology Research Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Food Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charlotte Oduro-Yeboah
- Food Technology Research Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Food Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
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Baynham R, Weaver SRC, Rendeiro C, Veldhuijzen van Zanten JJCS. Fat intake impairs the recovery of endothelial function following mental stress in young healthy adults. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1275708. [PMID: 38024378 PMCID: PMC10665837 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1275708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mental stress has been identified as a trigger of cardiovascular events. A single episode of stress can induce acute impairments in endothelial function in healthy adults. Importantly, during stressful periods, individuals often resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as increased consumption of high-fat foods, which is also known to negatively impact endothelial function. Therefore, this study examined whether consumption of a high-fat meal would further exacerbate the negative effect of mental stress on vascular function. Methods In a randomized, counterbalanced, cross- over, postprandial intervention study, 21 healthy males and females ingested a high-fat (56.5 g fat) or a low-fat (11.4 g fat) meal 1.5 h before an 8-min mental stress task (Paced-Auditory-Serial-Addition-Task, PASAT). Plasma triglyceride (TAG) concentration was assessed pre-and post-meal. Forearm blood flow (FBF), blood pressure (BP), and cardiovascular activity were assessed pre-meal at rest and post-meal at rest and during stress. Endothelial function, measured by brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was assessed pre-meal and 30 and 90 min following mental stress. Results Plasma TAG concentration was significantly increased following the high-fat meal compared to the low-fat condition. Mental stress induced similar increases in peripheral vasodilation, BP, and cardiovascular activity, and impaired FMD 30 min post-stress, in both conditions. FMD remained significantly impaired 90 min following stress in the high-fat condition only, suggesting that consumption of fat attenuates the recovery of endothelial function following mental stress. Discussion Given the prevalence of fat consumption during stressful periods among young adults, these findings have important implications for dietary choices to protect the vasculature during periods of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Baynham
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel R. C. Weaver
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Catarina Rendeiro
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Ditchfield C, Kushida MM, Mazalli MR, Sobral PJA. Can Chocolate Be Classified as an Ultra-Processed Food? A Short Review on Processing and Health Aspects to Help Answer This Question. Foods 2023; 12:3070. [PMID: 37628068 PMCID: PMC10453203 DOI: 10.3390/foods12163070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chocolate is a confectionery product whose consumption has increased, particularly dark chocolate. Chocolate is produced with varying amounts of cocoa liquor (CL), cocoa butter (CB) and cocoa powder (CP). The main chocolate types are dark, milk and white. Processing steps for chocolate production are described, and nutritional compositions examined for benefits and risks to health. Chocolate processing comprises steps at farm level, initial industrial processing for production of CL, CB and CP (common for all chocolate types) and mixing with other ingredients (like milk and sugar differing according to chocolate type) for industrial chocolate processing. All chocolate types present similar processing levels, and none involve chemical processing. Nutritional profiles of chocolate products differ according to composition, e.g., dark chocolate contains more CL, and so a higher antioxidant capacity. Chocolate is an energy-dense food rich in bioactive compounds (polyphenols, alkaloids, amino acids). Studies have demonstrated benefits of moderate consumption in reducing cardiovascular risk and oxidative and inflammatory burden, improving cognitive functions, maintaining diversity in gut microbiota, among others. In our view, chocolate should not be classified as an ultra-processed food because of simple processing steps, limited ingredients, and being an important part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Ditchfield
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (M.M.K.); (M.R.M.); (P.J.A.S.)
| | - Marta Mitsui Kushida
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (M.M.K.); (M.R.M.); (P.J.A.S.)
| | - Monica R. Mazalli
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (M.M.K.); (M.R.M.); (P.J.A.S.)
| | - Paulo J. A. Sobral
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (M.M.K.); (M.R.M.); (P.J.A.S.)
- Food Research Center (FoRC), University of São Paulo, Rua do Lago 250, Semi-Industrial Building, Block C, São Paulo 05508-080, SP, Brazil
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Shinozaki F, Kamei A, Shimada K, Matsuura H, Shibata T, Ikeuchi M, Yasuda K, Oroguchi T, Kishimoto N, Takashimizu S, Nishizaki Y, Abe K. Ingestion of taxifolin-rich foods affects brain activity, mental fatigue, and the whole blood transcriptome in healthy young adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Food Funct 2023; 14:3600-3612. [PMID: 36946764 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo03151e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The antioxidant properties of polyphenols, which are found in most plants, have been shown to be useful for maintaining health, including enhancing brain function and alleviating stress. We aimed to investigate the effect of a single intake of taxifolin-containing foods on cognitive task performance and whole blood gene expression in healthy young adults. This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial in which healthy young adults were administered a single dose of either a placebo or food containing taxifolin. Cognitive tests (serial 3s, serial 7s, and rapid visual information processing) to examine brain activity and visual analog scale questionnaires to analyze mental fatigue were applied. The set of tests was repeated four times. The findings showed that taxifolin intake improved calculation abilities and reduced mental fatigue. An analysis of whole blood gene expression before and after the test revealed that the expression of foreign substance removal-related genes increased following the ingestion of taxifolin and that most differentially expressed genes were enriched in granulocytes. Taxifolin intake was shown to affect the brain activity of healthy young adults and demonstrated an antifatigue effect, thereby reducing subjective fatigue. A single intake of taxifolin may enhance the removal of foreign substances by strengthening the innate immune system and suppressing the occurrence of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumika Shinozaki
- Group for Food Functionality Assessment, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Asuka Kamei
- Group for Food Functionality Assessment, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Kousuke Shimada
- Group for Food Functionality Assessment, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | | | - Takeo Shibata
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Studies, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mayumi Ikeuchi
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Studies, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kayo Yasuda
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Studies, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Keiko Abe
- Group for Food Functionality Assessment, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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From Cocoa to Chocolate: Effect of Processing on Flavanols and Methylxanthines and Their Mechanisms of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214365. [PMID: 36430843 PMCID: PMC9698929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the health benefits associated with the ingestion of the bioactive compounds in cocoa, the high concentrations of polyphenols and methylxanthines in the raw cocoa beans negatively influence the taste, confer the astringency and bitterness, and affect the stability and digestibility of the cocoa products. It is, therefore, necessary to process cocoa beans to develop the characteristic color, taste, and flavor, and reduce the astringency and bitterness, which are desirable in cocoa products. Processing, however, affects the composition and quantities of the bioactive compounds, resulting in the modification of the health-promoting properties of cocoa beans and chocolate. In this advanced review, we sought to better understand the effect of cocoa's transformational process into chocolate on polyphenols and methylxanthine and the mechanism of action of the original flavanols and methylxanthines. More data on the cocoa processing effect on cocoa bioactives are still needed for better understanding the effect of each processing step on the final polyphenolic and methylxanthine composition of chocolate and other cocoa products. Regarding the mechanisms of action, theobromine acts through the modulation of the fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and energy metabolism pathways, while flavanols mainly act though the protein kinases and antioxidant pathways. Both flavanols and theobromine seem to be involved in the nitric oxide and neurotrophin regulation.
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Maeda-Yamamoto M, Honmou O, Sasaki M, Haseda A, Kagami-Katsuyama H, Shoji T, Namioka A, Namioka T, Magota H, Oka S, Kataoka-Sasaki Y, Ukai R, Takemura M, Nishihira J. The Impact of Purple-Flesh Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. "Shadow Queen" on Minor Health Complaints in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14122446. [PMID: 35745176 PMCID: PMC9227939 DOI: 10.3390/nu14122446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purple-flesh potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar "Shadow Queen" (SQ) naturally contains anthocyanins. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study determines whether ingesting purple potatoes increases the number of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and improves stress response, a minor health complaint in healthy adults (registration number: UMIN000038876). A total of 15 healthy subjects (ages: 50-70 years) with minor health complaints were randomly assigned to one of two groups. For 8 weeks, the placebo group received placebo potatoes cv. "Haruka" and the test group received test potato cv. SQ containing 45 mg anthocyanin. The MSC count and several stress responses were analyzed at weeks 0 and 8 of the intake periods. The ingestion of a SQ potato did not affect the MSC count but markedly improved psychological stress response, irritability, and depression as minor health complaints compared with "Haruka". No adverse effects were noted. Hence, an 8-week intake of SQ could improve stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Maeda-Yamamoto
- Food Research Institute, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba 305-8642, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-29-838-8800
| | - Osamu Honmou
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (O.H.); (M.S.); (A.N.); (T.N.); (H.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.-S.); (R.U.); (M.T.)
| | - Masanori Sasaki
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (O.H.); (M.S.); (A.N.); (T.N.); (H.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.-S.); (R.U.); (M.T.)
| | - Akane Haseda
- Department of Medical Management and Informatics, Hokkaido Information University, Ebetsu 069-0832, Japan; (A.H.); (H.K.-K.); (J.N.)
| | - Hiroyo Kagami-Katsuyama
- Department of Medical Management and Informatics, Hokkaido Information University, Ebetsu 069-0832, Japan; (A.H.); (H.K.-K.); (J.N.)
| | - Toshihiko Shoji
- Food Research Institute, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba 305-8642, Japan;
| | - Ai Namioka
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (O.H.); (M.S.); (A.N.); (T.N.); (H.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.-S.); (R.U.); (M.T.)
| | - Takahiro Namioka
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (O.H.); (M.S.); (A.N.); (T.N.); (H.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.-S.); (R.U.); (M.T.)
| | - Hirotoshi Magota
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (O.H.); (M.S.); (A.N.); (T.N.); (H.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.-S.); (R.U.); (M.T.)
| | - Shinichi Oka
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (O.H.); (M.S.); (A.N.); (T.N.); (H.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.-S.); (R.U.); (M.T.)
| | - Yuko Kataoka-Sasaki
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (O.H.); (M.S.); (A.N.); (T.N.); (H.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.-S.); (R.U.); (M.T.)
| | - Ryou Ukai
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (O.H.); (M.S.); (A.N.); (T.N.); (H.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.-S.); (R.U.); (M.T.)
| | - Mitsuhiro Takemura
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (O.H.); (M.S.); (A.N.); (T.N.); (H.M.); (S.O.); (Y.K.-S.); (R.U.); (M.T.)
| | - Jun Nishihira
- Department of Medical Management and Informatics, Hokkaido Information University, Ebetsu 069-0832, Japan; (A.H.); (H.K.-K.); (J.N.)
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Dietary inflammation score is associated with perceived stress, depression, and cardiometabolic health risk factors among a young adult cohort of women. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 51:470-477. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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