Scientific Evidence for the Beneficial Effects of Dietary Blueberries on Gut Health: A Systematic Review

Emerging evidence indicates the association between an unhealthy gut and chronic diseases. A healthy gut comprises an intact gut epithelium and balanced gut microbes. Diet is one of the critical factors that modulate gut health by positively or negatively affecting the intestinal barrier and gut microbes. Blueberries are an excellent source of health-promoting bioactive components, and this systematic review is conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary blueberries on gut health. A literature search is conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases to review relevant studies published between 2011 and 2022 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation Risk of Bias (SYRCLE-RoB) tool is used for methodological quality assessments. Sixteen studies included from four countries are reviewed and the results are synthesized narratively. This data analysis indicates that blueberry supplementation improves gut health by improving intestinal morphology, reducing gut permeability, suppressing oxidative stress, ameliorating gut inflammation, and modulating the composition and function of gut microbes. However, there are significant knowledge gaps in this field. These findings indicate that further studies are needed to establish the beneficial effects of blueberries on gut health.

Effects of Curcumin Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers, Muscle Damage, and Sports Performance during Acute Physical Exercise in Sedentary Individuals

Exhaustive and acute unusual physical exercise leads to muscle damage. Curcumin has been widely studied due to the variety of its biological activities, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it has shown positive effects on physical exercise practitioners. However, there is no literature consensus on the beneficial effects of curcumin in acute physical activities performed by sedentary individuals. Therefore, we systematically reviewed evidence from clinical trials on the main effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory markers, sports performance, and muscle damage during acute physical exercises in these individuals. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, and only original studies were analyzed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The included studies were limited to supplementation of curcumin during acute exercise. A total of 5 studies were selected. Methodological quality assessments were examined using the SYRCLE's risk-of-bias tool. Most studies have shown positive effects of curcumin supplementation in sedentary individuals undergoing acute physical exercise. Overall, participants supplemented with curcumin showed less muscle damage, reduced inflammation, and better muscle performance. The studies showed heterogeneous data and exhibited methodological limitations; therefore, further research is necessary to ensure curcumin supplementation benefits during acute and high-intensity physical exercises. Additionally, mechanistic and highly controlled studies are required to improve the quality of the evidence and to elucidate other possible mechanisms. This study is registered with Prospero number CRD42021262718.

Comparison of bioactive compounds and nutrient contents in whey protein concentrate admixture of turmeric extract produced by spray drying and foam mat drying

We developed a whey protein admixture of turmeric extract by spray drying (TWPC-SD) and by foam mat drying (TWPC-FMD) and compared its bioactive compounds and nutrients contents. TWPC samples were evaluated for preference and acceptability. Vitamins and carotenoids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Total phenolics, curcumin and antioxidant capacity were determined by spectrophotometry. Centesimal composition was performed according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Chemical elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. TWPC containing 3.6 mg of curcumin showed good acceptability. Carotenoids and riboflavin were not detected in either TWPC. Vitamin C content was maintained, and antioxidant capacity was increased in both products (p < 0.05). TWPC-SD showed higher total phenolic and curcumin contents compared to TWPC-FMD (p < 0.05). Thus, the TWPC-SD is a good alternative for human consumption since it showed good sensory acceptability and its nutrients and bioactive compounds can contribute to human health.