Despite limited researches revealed potential relationship between dietary habits and diseases in recent years, there is still a lack of systematic underst

The gut microbiota are increasingly recognised as key mediators of diet-related health outcomes. This systematic review primarily aimed to comprehensively

Despite limited researches revealed potential relationship between dietary habits and diseases in recent years, there is still a lack of systematic underst

Background Diet and genetic risk are established risk factors for kidney cancer, but their interaction remains unclear. This study aims to systematically investigate the associations between various dietary patterns and kidney cancer risk, as well as to evaluate the combined effects of diet and genetic risk on kidney cancer risk. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 113,594 participants from the UK Biobank who completed at least two 24-hour dietary recalls, and adherence to four dietary patterns (Alternate Mediterranean Index (aMED), Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI), dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH), and dietary inflammatory index (DII)) was assessed. Incident kidney cancer cases were ascertained via records. Genetic risk was quantified using polygenic risk score (PRS). Associations were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for confounders. Furthermore, mediation analyses were conducted to identify potential mediators. Results During a median follow-up of 11.44 years, 425 participants developed kidney cancer. Higher aMED (HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54–0.94) and DASH (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49–0.90) were associated with reduced risk of kidney cancer, while higher DII was associated with increased risk (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02–1.79). Moreover, participants with high genetic risk combined with low aMED, AHEI and DASH scores or high DII score presented the highest kidney cancer risk. Additive interaction was observed between genetic risk and AHEI as well as DII. Moreover, a series of biochemical indicators were identified as potential mediators, with the mediation proportions ranging from 0.76% to 8.40%. Conclusion Adherence to healthy dietary patterns, such as aMED, AHEI, and DASH is associated with a reduced risk of kidney cancer, whereas a pro-inflammatory diet confers a greater risk, particularly in high-genetic-risk populations. These findings provide strong evidence that promoting these healthy dietary patterns represents a promising public health strategy for the primary prevention of kidney cancer.

Dietary restriction (DR) refers to a broad set of interventions that limit the intake of specific nutrients or overall food consumption, either in quantity or timing, without causing malnutrition. DR has long been considered the most robust intervention for increasing healthspan and lifespan. This includes, not exhaustively, caloric restriction (CR), protein restriction (PR), amino acid restriction (AAR), intermittent fasting (IF), and time-restricted fasting (TRF), each with overlapping but distinct metabolic and physiological effects. This brief review examines the current scientific understanding of how some of the most commonly employed DR regimens may impact metabolism, lifespan, and healthspan. Particular attention is given to the underlying biological mechanisms and supporting evidence derived from both human clinical studies and fundamental biological research conducted with model organisms ranging from yeast to non-human primates.

Background Mobile apps show promise in supporting patients with heart failure (HF) in adhering to dietary guidelines for sodium and fluid. Though numerous apps to support HF management exist, only a few have dedicated features to support dietary adherence. Objectives To describe the process and outcomes from the development and testing of Sodium NavigatorHF, a mobile app intervention to engage patients with HF in dietary education and adherence. Methods Background research in app development, behaviour change, nutrition and qualitative interviews with patients and healthcare providers informed app content and design. Weekly team meetings were held to establish learning objectives, content, and features of the app until a prototype was developed and approved by the research team. Using a quasi-experimental mixed-methods design, patients with HF (≥ 18 years) evaluated the prototype via one-on-one online user-testing sessions. App engagement, satisfaction, and usability were measured using a 12-question patient-reported Likert-scale questionnaire. Participant feedback on app content and features was gathered using qualitative interviews. Results Six educational modules (dietary sodium recommendations, contributors of sodium in the diet, nutrition labelling, lowering dietary sodium, fluid restriction and goal setting), ten behaviour change techniques (e.g., feedback on behaviour, social support) and gamified components (i.e., avatar, point-system) were integrated into the app. Participants with HF (n = 10, 56±15 years, 80% women) enjoyed using the app (90%), strongly agreed that the information was meaningful and useful for their general health (80%) and was easy to use (70%). Conclusion Results demonstrate the potential of Sodium NavigatorHF to support patients with dietary education and adherence for HF management.

This review examines the health benefits, market potential, and sustainability of A2 milk products derived from cattle with the A2A2 β-casein genotype, highlighting their role as a tool in rural transformation, particularly in the Global South, where integrated perspectives on nutritional innovation and socioeconomic development remain underexplored. By addressing this knowledge gap, this synthesis combines current scientific evidence, market data, and policy discussions to examine the biochemical basis of A2 milk, its health benefits, and the socioeconomic opportunities associated with promoting its production through sustainable, rural-based livestock systems. The global A2 milk market, valued at USD 4.0 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at an annual rate of 18.5% through 2030, driven by rising health consciousness and consumer willingness to pay premium prices for high-value agricultural (HVA) products. Indigenous cattle breeds with naturally high frequencies of the A2A2 genotype offer sustainable production pathways while supporting genetic conservation, and non-bovine species such as water buffaloes exhibit exclusive A2A2 homozygosity, making all buffalo milk naturally A2, while goats and sheep show higher A2 allele frequencies compared to cattle, positioning them as safer alternatives with lower β-casomorphin release potential. Small-scale dairy farming systems, especially those organized through cooperatives, present opportunities to enhance rural livelihood through premium pricing for HVA products such as A2 milk. However, scientific validation, regulatory standardization, and supply chain segregation remain. Limited clinical trials and inconsistent certification frameworks continue to constrain broader market expansion. This review presents A2 milk as a convergence point of nutritional innovation and rural development, emphasizing value-added products, niche market segments, and the potential of indigenous cattle, non-bovine species, and cooperative models in scaling sustainable dairy production.

BMC Medicine

Dietary restriction (DR) refers to a broad set of interventions that limit the intake of specific nutrients or overall food consumption, either in quantity or timing, without causing malnutrition. DR has long been considered the most robust intervention for increasing healthspan and lifespan. This includes, not exhaustively, caloric restriction (CR), protein restriction (PR), amino acid restriction (AAR), intermittent fasting (IF), and time-restricted fasting (TRF), each with overlapping but distinct metabolic and physiological effects. This brief review examines the current scientific understanding of how some of the most commonly employed DR regimens may impact metabolism, lifespan, and healthspan. Particular attention is given to the underlying biological mechanisms and supporting evidence derived from both human clinical studies and fundamental biological research conducted with model organisms ranging from yeast to non-human primates.

BMC Medicine

Background Following a plant-based diet is associated with reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, the determinants of plant-based diet adoption in the United States remain poorly understood. Objective Our study aimed to identify motivators and barriers to following a plant-based diet in Baltimore-area vegan and vegetarian communities. Methods Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted in person or via videoconference during July and August 2023. Men and women, white and non-white adult participants (n = 12), who were either currently consuming a plant-based diet or interested in starting to consume a plant-based diet, were recruited from Baltimore-area communities. Thematic analysis was performed using verbatim transcripts and coded with NVivo R1 (2020) (version 1.7.1). Results Six key themes related to motivators and barriers to consuming a plant-based diet were: 1. personal factors and cultural beliefs; 2. social influences; 3. consumption of plant-based diets at home and away from home; 4. challenges in awareness and access; 5. perceptions of meat and dairy alternatives; and 6. external facilitators. Beliefs driving dietary adoption were related to animal welfare, environmental concerns, health, and culture. Influences from loved ones played an important role in shaping dietary choices. Barriers included a lack of inclusiveness, insufficient education on nutritional quality and food preparation skills, and limited availability of plant-based products. Meat and dairy alternatives were common components of plant-based diets and helped with diet transition, though nutritional quality was a concern. Facilitators included improved access to affordable, healthy foods, recipes, and support from others. Conclusions Findings can inform strategies for promoting plant-based diets by supporting individuals to overcome social challenges, providing nutrition-related information and education, and improving access to affordable, high-quality plant-based products and meat alternatives.

Joe Biden was hounded for his age-related gaffes, but Trump’s increasingly strange behavior has largely been ignored

Much of scientific nutrition research still relies on animal testing practices, which are rooted in tradition. However, modern technologies that do not rely on animal lives are much more accurate and ...