Justyna Godos
@oasi.en.it
Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Justyna Godos, Francesca Scazzina, Corrado Paternò Castello, Francesca Giampieri, José L. Quiles, Mercedes Briones Urbano, Maurizio Battino, Fabio Galvano, Licia Iacoviello, Giovanni de Gaetano,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
AbstractOver the last decades, the Mediterranean diet gained enormous scientific, social, and commercial attention due to proven positive effects on health and undeniable taste that facilitated a widespread popularity. Researchers have investigated the role of Mediterranean-type dietary patterns on human health all around the world, reporting consistent findings concerning its benefits. However, what does truly define the Mediterranean diet? The myriad of dietary scores synthesizes the nutritional content of a Mediterranean-type diet, but a variety of aspects are generally unexplored when studying the adherence to this dietary pattern. Among dietary factors, the main characteristics of the Mediterranean diet, such as consumption of fruit and vegetables, olive oil, and cereals should be accompanied by other underrated features, such as the following: (i) specific reference to whole-grain consumption; (ii) considering the consumption of legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices often untested when exploring the adherence to the Mediterranean diet; (iii) consumption of eggs and dairy products as common foods consumed in the Mediterranean region (irrespectively of the modern demonization of dietary fat intake). Another main feature of the Mediterranean diet includes (red) wine consumption, but more general patterns of alcohol intake are generally unmeasured, lacking specificity concerning the drinking occasion and intensity (i.e., alcohol drinking during meals). Among other underrated aspects, cooking methods are rather simple and yet extremely varied. Several underrated aspects are related to the quality of food consumed when the Mediterranean diet was first investigated: foods are locally produced, minimally processed, and preserved with more natural methods (i.e., fermentation), strongly connected with the territory with limited and controlled impact on the environment. Dietary habits are also associated with lifestyle behaviors, such as sleeping patterns, and social and cultural values, favoring commensality and frugality. In conclusion, it is rather reductive to consider the Mediterranean diet as just a pattern of food groups to be consumed decontextualized from the social and geographical background of Mediterranean culture. While the methodologies to study the Mediterranean diet have demonstrated to be useful up to date, a more holistic approach should be considered in future studies by considering the aforementioned underrated features and values to be potentially applied globally through the concept of a “Planeterranean” diet.
Nowell H Phelps, Rosie K Singleton, Bin Zhou, Rachel A Heap, Anu Mishra, James E Bennett, Christopher J Paciorek, Victor PF Lhoste, Rodrigo M Carrillo-Larco, Gretchen A Stevens,et al.
Elsevier BV
Samuele Laudani, Justyna Godos, Giovanni Romano, Lucia Gozzo, Federica Di Domenico, Irma Dominguez Azpíroz, Raquel Martínez Diaz, Francesca Giampieri, José Quiles, Maurizio Battino,et al.
MDPI AG
Isoflavones are a group of (poly)phenols, also defined as phytoestrogens, with chemical structures comparable with estrogen, that exert weak estrogenic effects. These phytochemical compounds have been targeted for their proven antioxidant and protective effects. Recognizing the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), there is a growing interest in understanding the potential cardiovascular benefits associated with these phytochemical compounds. Gut microbiota may play a key role in mediating the effects of isoflavones on vascular and endothelial functions, as it is directly implicated in isoflavones metabolism. The findings from randomized clinical trials indicate that isoflavone supplementation may exert putative effects on vascular biomarkers among healthy individuals, but not among patients affected by cardiometabolic disorders. These results might be explained by the enzymatic transformation to which isoflavones are subjected by the gut microbiota, suggesting that a diverse composition of the microbiota may determine the diverse bioavailability of these compounds. Specifically, the conversion of isoflavones in equol—a microbiota-derived metabolite—seems to differ between individuals. Further studies are needed to clarify the intricate molecular mechanisms behind these contrasting results.
Agnieszka Micek, Paweł Jagielski, Izabela Bolesławska, Anna Maria Witkowska, Anna Waśkiewicz, Zbigniew Wajda, Anna Kamińska, Aneta Cebula, and Justyna Godos
MDPI AG
Background: There has been an increasing global prevalence of depression and other psychiatric diseases in recent years. Perceived stress has been proven to be associated with psychiatric and somatic symptoms. Some animal and human studies have suggested that consuming foods abundant in lignans and phytosterols may be associated with lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Still, the evidence is not yet strong enough to draw firm conclusions. Thus, we investigated the association between dietary intake of these phytochemicals and the level of stress experienced by adult individuals. Methods: Diet was assessed using self-reported 7-day dietary records. The intakes of lignans and phytosterols were estimated using databases with their content in various food products. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was implemented to measure the level of perceived stress. A logistic regression analysis was used to test for associations. Results: The odds of elevated PSS were negatively associated with dietary intake of total phytosterols, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol, with evidence of a decreasing trend across tertiles of phytochemicals. The analysis for doubling the intake reinforced the aforementioned relationships and found protective effects against PSS for total lignans, pinoresinol, and campesterol. Conclusions: Habitual inclusion of lignans and phytosterols in the diet may play a role in psychological health. To address the global outbreak of depression and other mental health issues triggered by stress, it is important to take a holistic approach. There is a need to develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment, among which certain dietary interventions such as consumption of products abundant in lignans and phytosterols may play a substantial role.
Justyna Godos, Raffaele Ferri, Giuseppe Lanza, Filippo Caraci, Angel Olider Rojas Vistorte, Vanessa Yelamos Torres, Giuseppe Grosso, and Sabrina Castellano
MDPI AG
The prevalence of sleep disorders, characterized by issues with quality, timing, and sleep duration is increasing globally. Among modifiable risk factors, diet quality has been suggested to influence sleep features. The Mediterranean diet is considered a landmark dietary pattern in terms of quality and effects on human health. However, dietary habits characterized by this cultural heritage should also be considered in the context of overall lifestyle behaviors, including sleep habits. This study aimed to systematically revise the literature relating to adherence to the Mediterranean diet and sleep features in observational studies. The systematic review comprised 23 reports describing the relation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and different sleep features, including sleep quality, sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia symptoms. The majority of the included studies were conducted in the Mediterranean basin and reported a significant association between a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a lower likelihood of having poor sleep quality, inadequate sleep duration, excessive daytime sleepiness or symptoms of insomnia. Interestingly, additional studies conducted outside the Mediterranean basin showed a relationship between the adoption of a Mediterranean-type diet and sleep quality, suggesting that biological mechanisms sustaining such an association may exist. In conclusion, current evidence suggests a relationship between adhering to the Mediterranean diet and overall sleep quality and different sleep parameters. The plausible bidirectional association should be further investigated to understand whether the promotion of a healthy diet could be used as a tool to improve sleep quality.
Justyna Godos, Agnieszka Micek, Pedro Mena, Daniele Del Rio, Fabio Galvano, Sabrina Castellano, and Giuseppe Grosso
Wiley
ScopeThis study aims to systematically review observational studies investigating the relation between dietary (poly)phenol consumption and various cognitive outcomes.Methods and resultsEmbase and PubMed databases are searched from inception to April 2023 for observational studies investigating the relation between dietary (poly)phenol intake and cognitive outcomes. For quantitative analyses, random effects models, subgroup analyses, and dose–response analyses are performed. A total of 37 studies are included in the systematic review. Among (poly)phenols, a higher intake of flavonoids is associated with better cognitive function and lower odds of cognitive decline (although with some exceptions). A quantitative meta‐analysis shows an overall inverse association with cognitive impairment and reduced association with the incidence of dementia or related disorders for total flavonoids (relative risk (RR) = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76, 0.89), anthocyanins (RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.89), flavones (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.94), flavan‐3‐ols (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.91), and flavonols (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80, 0.96). Data on other (poly)phenolic compounds (i.e., phenolic acids) are promising but too preliminary.ConclusionHabitual inclusion of flavonoids in the diet may play a preventive role against cognitive disorders.
Justyna Godos, Sabrina Castellano, Raffaele Ferri, Filippo Caraci, Giuseppe Lanza, Francesca Scazzina, Amer M. Alanazi, Wolfgang Marx, Fabio Galvano, and Giuseppe Grosso
Elsevier BV
Samuele Laudani, Justyna Godos, Federica Martina Di Domenico, Ignazio Barbagallo, Cinzia Lucia Randazzo, Gian Marco Leggio, Fabio Galvano, and Giuseppe Grosso
MDPI AG
Hypertension and derived cardiovascular disease (CVD) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Increased oxidative stress and inflammatory state are involved in different alterations in endothelial functions that contribute to the onset of CVD. Polyphenols, and in particular anthocyanins, have aroused great interest for their antioxidant effects and their cardioprotective role. However, anthocyanins are rarely detected in blood serum because they are primarily metabolized by the gut microbiota. This review presents studies published to date that report the main results from clinical studies on the cardioprotective effects of anthocyanins and the role of the gut microbiota in the metabolism and bioavailability of anthocyanins and their influence on the composition of the microbiota. Even if it seems that anthocyanins have a significant effect on vascular health, more studies are required to better clarify which molecules and doses show vascular benefits without forgetting the crucial role of the microbiota.
Maria P. Mogavero, Justyna Godos, Giuseppe Grosso, Filippo Caraci, and Raffaele Ferri
MDPI AG
Orexin plays a significant role in the modulation of REM sleep, as well as in the regulation of appetite and feeding. This review explores, first, the current evidence on the role of orexin in the modulation of sleep and wakefulness and highlights that orexin should be considered essentially as a neurotransmitter inhibiting REM sleep and, to a much lesser extent, a wake promoting agent. Subsequently, the relationship between orexin, REM sleep, and appetite regulation is examined in detail, shedding light on their interconnected nature in both physiological conditions and diseases (such as narcolepsy, sleep-related eating disorder, idiopathic hypersomnia, and night eating syndrome). Understanding the intricate relationship between orexin, REM sleep, and appetite regulation is vital for unraveling the complex mechanisms underlying sleep-wake patterns and metabolic control. Further research in this field is encouraged in order to pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to sleep disorders and metabolic conditions associated with orexin dysregulation.
Elizabeth Gamage, Rebecca Orr, Nikolaj Travica, Melissa M. Lane, Thusharika Dissanayaka, Jee Hyun Kim, Giuseppe Grosso, Justyna Godos, and Wolfgang Marx
Elsevier BV
Bruno Trovato, Justyna Godos, Simone Varrasi, Federico Roggio, Sabrina Castellano, and Giuseppe Musumeci
MDPI AG
The last decades of global development have, due to rapid urbanization, pressuring entire populations to changes in lifestyle and dietary habits, led to an increase in the prevalence of mental disorders, including stress. This study explored how lifestyle and dietary factors, such as physical activity, sun exposure, and vitamin D intake are related to perceived stress in a Mediterranean-based population. Physical activity level was evaluated using the international physical activity questionnaires (IPAQ), sun exposure was evaluated using the sunlight exposure measurement questionnaire (SEM-Q), and validated food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were used to assess dietary intakes. The perceived stress of the study participants was evaluated using the perceived stress scale (PSS). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test for potential associations. In the most adjusted model, an inverse association between physical activity level, sunlight exposure, vitamin D intake, and high perceived stress was found (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.51, 1.00, OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.99, OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.89, respectively). However, when stratifying the population by level of physical activity, the retrieved associations with sunlight exposure and dietary vitamin D intake were significant only among those individuals reporting being moderately to highly physically active (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.33 and OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.76, respectively), while results on low physically active participants were null. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that higher dietary intake of vitamin D and sunlight exposure are associated with a lower likelihood of having high perceived stress among physically active individuals.
Justyna Godos, Giuseppe Grosso, Raffaele Ferri, Filippo Caraci, Giuseppe Lanza, Wahidah H. Al-Qahtani, Giuseppe Caruso, and Sabrina Castellano
Elsevier BV
, Anu Mishra, Bin Zhou, Andrea Rodriguez-Martinez, Honor Bixby, Rosie K. Singleton, Rodrigo M. Carrillo-Larco, Kate E. Sheffer, Christopher J. Paciorek, James E. Bennett,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
AbstractOptimal growth and development in childhood and adolescence is crucial for lifelong health and well-being1–6. Here we used data from 2,325 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight from 71 million participants, to report the height and body-mass index (BMI) of children and adolescents aged 5–19 years on the basis of rural and urban place of residence in 200 countries and territories from 1990 to 2020. In 1990, children and adolescents residing in cities were taller than their rural counterparts in all but a few high-income countries. By 2020, the urban height advantage became smaller in most countries, and in many high-income western countries it reversed into a small urban-based disadvantage. The exception was for boys in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in some countries in Oceania, south Asia and the region of central Asia, Middle East and north Africa. In these countries, successive cohorts of boys from rural places either did not gain height or possibly became shorter, and hence fell further behind their urban peers. The difference between the age-standardized mean BMI of children in urban and rural areas was <1.1 kg m–2 in the vast majority of countries. Within this small range, BMI increased slightly more in cities than in rural areas, except in south Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and some countries in central and eastern Europe. Our results show that in much of the world, the growth and developmental advantages of living in cities have diminished in the twenty-first century, whereas in much of sub-Saharan Africa they have amplified.
Walter Currenti, Justyna Godos, Amer M. Alanazi, Giuseppe Lanza, Raffaele Ferri, Filippo Caraci, Giuseppe Grosso, Fabio Galvano, and Sabrina Castellano
MDPI AG
The increase in life expectancy led to a significant rise in the prevalence of age-related neurological diseases, such as cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Although genetics certainly play a role, nutrition emerged as a key factor in maintaining optimal cognitive function among older adults. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate whether specific categories and subcategories of dietary fats, based on carbon-chain length, are associated with cognitive status in a cohort of 883 Italian participants over the age of 50. Methods: The intake of total, single class of dietary fat, such as saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and also single fatty acids grouped according to carbon-chain length, were evaluated by food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Cognitive health was assessed using the short portable mental status questionnaire (SPMSQ). Results: After adjustment for potential confounding factors subjects with a moderate consumption of both short-chain SFA (for Q2 vs. Q1, OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.66) and middle-chain SFA specifically lauric acid (C12:0) intake (for Q2 vs. Q1, OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.77) were less likely to suffer from cognitive impairment. Among single MUFAs, erucic acid (C22:1) intake resulted in an inverse association, in a linear way, with cognitive impairment (for Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.39). Conversely, moderate intake of linoleic acid (C18:2) was associated with cognitive impairment (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 4.59, 95% CI: 1.51, 13.94). Regarding other PUFAs, individuals consuming moderate intake alpha linolenic acid (C18:3) were less likely to have cognitive impairment (for Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.64). Conclusions: Total SFA intake appeared to be inversely associated with cognitive impairment. Regarding specific subtypes of fatty acids, the results mostly referred to short- and middle-chain SFA. Further studies are needed to validate the results of the present study.
Agnieszka Micek, Joanna Jurek, Marcin Owczarek, Ida Guerrera, Sebastiano Alfio Torrisi, Sabrina Castellano, Giuseppe Grosso, Ali A. Alshatwi, and Justyna Godos
MDPI AG
Emerging evidence suggests that diets rich in plant-based foods and beverages may exert plausible effects on human health tackling the risk of chronic diseases. Although the data are promising for numerous outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases, the data on mental health are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between individual polyphenol-rich beverages intake and mental health outcomes, such as perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality, among adult individuals living in the Mediterranean area. The demographic and dietary characteristics of a sample of 1572 adults living in southern Italy were analysed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, controlling for confounding factors, were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between individual polyphenol-rich and alcoholic beverages containing polyphenols and mental health outcomes. The multivariate model adjusted for background covariates and the Mediterranean diet showed that individuals with a moderate intake (up to 1 cup/glass per day) of coffee and tea were less likely to have high perceived stress (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.45–0.84) and depressive symptoms (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.39–0.80), respectively. Furthermore, regular coffee and moderate/regular red wine drinkers were less likely to have depressive symptoms (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54–0.95 and OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.54–0.99, respectively). No significant associations were retrieved for the intake of polyphenol-rich and alcoholic beverages and sleep quality. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that polyphenol-rich beverages may be associated with mental health, in terms of depressive symptoms and perceived stress. Nonetheless, further research exploring how the polyphenol-rich beverages impact brain health and what the optimal patterns of consumption are for different populations are warranted.
Justyna Godos, Marialaura Bonaccio, Wahidah H. Al-Qahtani, Wolfgang Marx, Melissa M. Lane, Gian Marco Leggio, and Giuseppe Grosso
MDPI AG
Excess consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is currently under investigation for its potentially detrimental impact on human health. Current evidence demonstrates a substantial association with an increased risk of metabolic disorders, but data on mental health outcomes are just emerging. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the consumption of UPFs and depressive symptoms in a sample of younger Italian adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 596 individuals (age 18–35 y) recruited in southern Italy. Food frequency questionnaires and the NOVA classification were used to assess dietary factors; the Center for the Epidemiological Studies of Depression Short Form (CES-D-10) was used to assess presence of depressive symptoms. Individuals in the highest quartile of UPF consumption had higher odds of having depressive symptoms in the energy-adjusted model (odds ratio (OR) = 1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 3.28); the association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.01) and became even stronger after further adjustment for adherence to the Mediterranean diet as a proxy of diet quality (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.32, 5.51). In conclusion, a positive association between UPF consumption and likelihood of having depressive symptoms was found in younger Italian individuals. Given the consistency of the findings after adjustment for diet quality, further studies are needed to understand whether non-nutritional factors may play a role in human neurobiology.
Walter Currenti, Justyna Godos, Amer M. Alanazi, Giuseppe Lanza, Raffaele Ferri, Filippo Caraci, Fabio Galvano, Sabrina Castellano, and Giuseppe Grosso
MDPI AG
Background: Depression represents one of the major causes of disability worldwide, with an important socioeconomic cost. Although many risk factors have been considered in its pathogenesis, nutrition seems to play a determinant role in its prevention. With regard to individual macronutrients, dietary fats and especially n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are the most studied. However, previous data about other dietary fatty acids, such as n-6 PUFA, are conflicting, and little is known about saturated fatty acids (SFA), especially when considering carbon chain length. Thus, we investigated whether single types and subtypes of dietary fats are related to depressive symptoms in Italian individuals living in the Mediterranean area. Methods: Dietary and socio-demographic data of 1572 individuals were analyzed. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were used to determine the consumption of total dietary fat and each specific class of dietary fat, such as SFA, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and PUFA. The intake of fatty acids was also assessed according to the carbon-chain length of each single class. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used as a screening tool for depressive symptoms. Results: After adjustment for potential confounding factors, a significant inverse association between low/moderate levels of PUFA intake and depressive symptoms (Q2 vs. Q1, odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.84) was found. On the other hand, moderate saturated fat consumption was associated with depressive symptoms (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.04). However, when considering carbon chain length, individuals with a lower to moderate intake of short-chain saturated fatty acids (SCSFA) and medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCSFA) were less likely to have depressive symptoms (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.75), while moderate intake of arachidic acid (C20:0) was directly associated with depressive symptoms (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.77). Among single MUFAs, higher myristoleic acid (C14:1) intake was directly associated with depressive symptoms (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.61), while moderate intake of erucic acid (C22:1) was associated with lower odds of having depressive symptoms (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.86). When considering individual PUFAs, individuals with moderate and higher intakes of arachidonic acid (C20:4) were less likely to have depressive symptoms (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.91; OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.91, respectively). Similarly, higher eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5) intake was inversely associated with depressive symptoms (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.98), while a significant association for docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6) was retrieved only for low intakes (Q2 vs. Q1, OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.88). Conclusions: Dietary fat intake may be associated with depressive symptoms, underlying the importance of distinguishing between different fat types. This study confirms the pivotal role of PUFAs and reopens the debate on the role of saturated fatty acids, suggesting plausible effects of moderate intakes of short-chain fatty acids.
Justyna Godos
Informa UK Limited
Samuele Laudani, Federica Martina Di Domenico, Nadia Paladino, Ida Guerrera, Giuseppe Grosso, and Justyna Godos
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Abstract: Curcumin is a polyphenol compound widely investigated for its potential health benefits. Clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials shows substantial positive effects in healthy individuals but contrasting results for patients with cardio-metabolic disorders. There is growing evidence that the gut microbiota may play a role in curcumin transformation and absorption of more bioactive compounds, suggesting that the baseline health status (or other unmeasured variables) may explain the observed variability of the results.
Agnieszka Micek, Izabela Bolesławska, Paweł Jagielski, Kamil Konopka, Anna Waśkiewicz, Anna Maria Witkowska, Juliusz Przysławski, and Justyna Godos
Frontiers Media SA
ObjectivesDevastating consequences of COVID-19 disease enhanced the role of promoting prevention-focused practices. Among targeted efforts, diet is regarded as one of the potential factors which can affect immune function and optimal nutrition is postulated as the method of augmentation of people’s viral resistance. As epidemiological evidence is scarce, the present study aimed to explore the association between dietary intake of total polyphenols, lignans and plant sterols and the abundance of immunomodulatory gut microbiota such as Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli and the risk of developing COVID-19 disease.MethodsDemographic data, dietary habits, physical activity as well as the composition of body and gut microbiota were analyzed in a sample of 95 young healthy individuals. Dietary polyphenol, lignan and plant sterol intakes have been retrieved based on the amount of food consumed by the participants, the phytochemical content was assessed in laboratory analysis and using available databases.ResultsFor all investigated polyphenols and phytosterols, except campesterol, every unit increase in the tertile of intake category was associated with a decrease in the odds of contracting COVID-19. The risk reduction ranged from several dozen percent to 70 %, depending on the individual plant-based chemical, and after controlling for basic covariates it was statistically significant for secoisolariciresinol (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11–0.61), total phytosterols (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22–0.95) and for stigmasterols (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14–0.72). We found an inverse association between increased β-sitosterol intake and phytosterols in total and the occurrence of Escherichia coli in stool samples outside reference values, with 72% (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08–0.86) and 66% (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.10–1.08) reduced odds of abnormal level of bacteria for the highest compared with the lowest tertile of phytochemical consumption. Additionally, there was a trend of more frequent presence of Enterococcus spp. at relevant level in people with a higher intake of lariciresinol.ConclusionThe beneficial effects of polyphenols and phytosterols should be emphasized and these plant-based compounds should be regarded in the context of their utility as antiviral agents preventing influenza-type infections.
Agnieszka Micek, Walter Currenti, Cristiana Mignogna, Alice Rosi, Ignazio Barbagallo, Ali A. Alshatwi, Daniele Del Rio, Pedro Mena, and Justyna Godos
Frontiers Media SA
BackgroundThe consumption of 100% fruit juices has not been associated with substantial detrimental outcomes in population studies and may even contribute to improving the cardiometabolic profile if included in a healthy balanced diet. The main contributors to such potential beneficial effects include vitamins, minerals, and likely the (poly)phenol content. This study aimed to investigate whether the (poly)phenols contained in 100% fruit juices may mediate their effects on cardiometabolic risk factors based on published randomized controlled trials (RCT).MethodsA systematic search in PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase, updated till the end of October 2022, was carried out to identify RCT providing quantitative data on (poly)phenol content in 100% fruit juices and used as an intervention to improve cardiometabolic parameters such as blood lipids, glucose, and blood pressure. Meta-regression analysis was performed to calculate the effect of the intervention [expressed as standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI)] using the (poly)phenol content as moderator.ResultsA total of 39 articles on RCT investigating the effects of 100% fruit juices on cardiometabolic risk factors reporting data on total (poly)phenol and anthocyanin content were included in the analysis. Total (poly)phenol content was substantially unrelated to any outcome investigated. In contrast, each 100 mg per day increase in anthocyanins was related to 1.53 mg/dL decrease in total cholesterol (95% CI, −2.83, −0.22, p = 0.022) and 1.94 mg/dL decrease in LDL cholesterol (95% CI, −3.46, −0.42, p = 0.012). No other potential mediating effects of anthocyanins on blood triglycerides, glucose, systolic and diastolic pressure were found, while a lowering effect on HDL cholesterol after excluding one outlier study was observed.DiscussionIn conclusion, the present study showed that anthocyanins may mediate the potential beneficial effects of some 100% fruit juices on some blood lipids. Increasing the content of anthocyanins through specific fruit varieties or plant breeding could enhance the health benefits of 100% fruit juices.
Mariagiovanna Cantone, Giulio Geraci, Justyna Godos, and Giuseppe Lanza
Frontiers Media SA
COPYRIGHT © 2023 Cantone, Geraci, Godos and Lanza. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Editorial: Nutrients and brain: from bench to the bedside
Agnieszka Micek, Ali A. Alshatwi, Nadia Paladino, Ida Guerrera, Giuseppe Grosso, Sabrina Castellano, and Justyna Godos
Informa UK Limited
The prevalence of cognitive disorders is growing and evidence suggests the putative role of plant-based foods and beverages containing (poly)phenols. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the consumption of (poly)phenol-rich beverages, including wine and beer, resveratrol intake, and cognitive status in a cohort of older adults. The dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and cognitive status using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that individuals in the second and third tertile of red wine consumption were less likely to have cognitive impairment than those in the first tertile. In contrast, only individuals in the highest tertile of white wine intake were having lower odds of cognitive impairment. No significant results were found for beer intake. Individuals with higher resveratrol intake were less likely to have cognitive impairment. In conclusion, consumption of (poly)phenol-rich beverages may potentially affect cognition among older adults.
Justyna Godos, Raffaele Ferri, and Giuseppe Grosso
Frontiers Media SA
COPYRIGHT © 2022 Godos, Ferri and Grosso. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Editorial: Nutrition and sleep medicine
Justyna Godos
MDPI AG
In recent decades, numerous studies provided consistent and convincing evidence that the adoption of healthy plant-based dietary patterns is a valuable strategy to reduce the risk of most non-communicable diseases [...]