Maxim extract reduces body weight and fat mass in obese humans
Aster spathulifolius Maxim (AS), a perennial herb of the genus Aster within the family Asteraceae, induced weight loss in a rat model of diet-induced obesity. We hypothesized that AS could also reduce body weight in obese humans. Therefore, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in Korea to evaluate the effect of AS extract (ASE) on body weight and fat mass and its safety in obese humans. Forty-three obese subjects (body mass index [BMI] 25–30 kg/m2) aged ≥20 years were randomly assigned to the placebo or ASE group (700 mg/day of ASE), and were instructed to take a once-daily pill fo...
Source: Nutrition Research - March 3, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: In-Jin Cho, Se Young Choung, You-Cheol Hwang, Kyu Jeung Ahn, Ho Yeon Chung, In-Kyung Jeong Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

High fat diet enriched with saturated, but not monounsaturated fatty acids adversely affects femur, and both diets increase calcium absorption in older female mice
Diet induced obesity has been shown to reduce bone mineral density (BMD) and Ca absorption. However, previous experiments have not examined the effect of high fat diet (HFD) in the absence of obesity or addressed the type of dietary fatty acids. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effects of different types of high fat feeding, without obesity, on fractional calcium absorption (FCA) and bone health. It was hypothesized that dietary fat would increase FCA and reduce BMD. Mature 8-month-old female C57BL/6J mice were fed one of three diets: a HFD (45% fat) enriched either with monounsaturated fatty acids ...
Source: Nutrition Research - March 3, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Yang Wang, Peter Dellatore, Veronique Douard, Ling Qin, Malcolm Watford, Ronaldo P. Ferraris, Tiao Lin, Sue A. Shapses Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Introduction of complementary feeding before 4 months of age increases the risk of childhood overweight or obesity: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
The association between the age at introduction of complementary feeding and the risk of overweight or obesity during childhood has been hotly debated, but the result remains uncertain. This meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies attempted to evaluate this association, as well as provide evidence for infant feeding recommendations. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for relevant original articles published prior to March 1, 2015 that met predefined inclusion criteria. (Source: Nutrition Research)
Source: Nutrition Research - March 3, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Jing Wang, Yuanjue Wu, Guoping Xiong, Tingting Chao, Qiu Jin, Rui Liu, Liping Hao, Sheng Wei, Nianhong Yang, Xuefeng Yang Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Introduction of complementary feeding before 4months of age increases the risk of childhood overweight or obesity: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
The association between the age at introduction of complementary feeding and the risk of overweight or obesity during childhood has been hotly debated, but the result remains uncertain. This meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies attempted to evaluate this association, as well as provide evidence for infant feeding recommendations. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for relevant original articles published prior to March 1, 2015 that met predefined inclusion criteria. (Source: Nutrition Research)
Source: Nutrition Research - March 2, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Jing Wang, Yuanjue Wu, Guoping Xiong, Tingting Chao, Qiu Jin, Rui Liu, Liping Hao, Sheng Wei, Nianhong Yang, Xuefeng Yang Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Ethanol extract of Cyclolepis genistoides D. Don (palo azul) induces formation of myotubes, which involves differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cells
In this study, we examined the cell differentiation effect of an ethanol extract of Cyclolepis genistoides D. Don, an herbaceous perennial belonging to the family Asteraceae (vernacular name: palo azul). Palo azul has numerous physiological effects that contribute to the prevention of metabolic syndromes, although the mechanism remains unclear. We previously suggested that palo azul has anti-diabetic activity via an adipose differentiation effect. Here, we focused on whether palo azul promoted the differentiation of myoblasts. (Source: Nutrition Research)
Source: Nutrition Research - February 27, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Hiromi Sato, Asami Funaki, Yuki Kimura, Mai Sumitomo, Hiroya Yoshida, Hideki Fukata, Koichi Ueno Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Ethanol extract of D. Don (palo azul) induces formation of myotubes, which involves differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cells
In this study, we examined the cell differentiation effect of an ethanol extract of Cyclolepis genistoides D. Don, an herbaceous perennial belonging to the family Asteraceae (vernacular name: palo azul). Palo azul has numerous physiological effects that contribute to the prevention of metabolic syndromes, although the mechanism remains unclear. We previously suggested that palo azul has anti-diabetic activity via an adipose differentiation effect. Here, we focused on whether palo azul promoted the differentiation of myoblasts. (Source: Nutrition Research)
Source: Nutrition Research - February 27, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Hiromi Sato, Asami Funaki, Yuki Kimura, Mai Sumitomo, Hiroya Yoshida, Hideki Fukata, Koichi Ueno Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Anti-edema effects of Siberian ginseng in humans and its molecular mechanism of lymphatic vascular function
The lymphatic system in the skin plays a major role in tissue fluid homeostasis, in the afferent phase of the immune response and in tumor metastasis. Although lymphangiogenic factors involved in embryonic development and the metastatic spread of tumor cells have been well studied, little is known about small-molecule compounds that activate lymphatic function, especially under physiological conditions. We hypothesized that the identification of a lymphatic-activating compound could provide a method for improving edema. (Source: Nutrition Research)
Source: Nutrition Research - February 27, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Kaedeko Fukada, Mika Kajiya-Sawane, Yuko Matsumoto, Tatsuya Hasegawa, Yukitaka Fukaya, Kentaro Kajiya Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Antiedema effects of Siberian ginseng in humans and its molecular mechanism of lymphatic vascular function in vitro
The lymphatic system in the skin plays a major role in tissue fluid homeostasis, in the afferent phase of the immune response, and in tumor metastasis. Although lymphangiogenic factors involved in embryonic development and the metastatic spread of tumor cells have been well studied, little is known about small-molecule compounds that activate lymphatic function, especially under physiological conditions. We hypothesized that the identification of a lymphatic-activating compound could provide a method for improving edema. (Source: Nutrition Research)
Source: Nutrition Research - February 26, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Kaedeko Fukada, Mika Kajiya-Sawane, Yuko Matsumoto, Tatsuya Hasegawa, Yukitaka Fukaya, Kentaro Kajiya Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Assessment of lutein and zeaxanthin status and dietary markers as predictors of the contrast threshold in two age groups of men and women
Lutein and zeaxanthin (L+Z) status is associated with the macular pigment (MP). The relationship between MP and visual function is controversial. We hypothesized that, within the framework of nutrition, visual function was related to MP and nutritional and/or/ dietary factors influencing it. A cross-sectional study was performed in 108 volunteers divided into two age groups (20–35 y; 45–65 y), each 27 women and 27 men, to assess the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and contrast threshold (CT), considering the influence of L+Z and, fruit and vegetable (F+V) intake MPOD, L+Z in serum and dietar...
Source: Nutrition Research - February 22, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Rocío Estévez-Santiago, Begoña Olmedilla-Alonso, Beatriz Beltrán-de-Miguel Source Type: research

Fiber content of diet affects exhaled breath volatiles in fasting and postprandial state in a pilot crossover study
Our pilot study examined the potential of exhaled breath analysis in studying the metabolic effects of dietary fiber (DF). We hypothesized that a high-fibre diet (HFD) containing whole grain rye changes volatile organic compound (VOC) levels in exhaled breath and that consuming a single meal affects these levels. Seven healthy men followed a week-long low-fiber diet (LFD; 17 g/d) and HFD (44 g/d) in a randomized crossover design. A test meal containing 50 g of the available carbohydrates from wheat bread was served as breakfast after each week. (Source: Nutrition Research)
Source: Nutrition Research - February 22, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Kaisa J. Raninen, Jenni E. Lappi, Maria L. Mukkala, Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen, Hannu M. Mykkänen, Kaisa S. Poutanen, Olavi J. Raatikainen Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Date syrup derived polyphenols attenuate angiogenic responses and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity mediated by VEGF and COX-2 expression in endothelial cells
Bioactive components such as polyphenols, present in many plants, are purported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties. Date syrup, produced from date fruit of the date palm tree has traditionally been used to treat a wide range of diseases with etiologies involving angiogenesis and inflammation. It was hypothesized that polyphenols in date syrup reduce angiogenic responses such as cell migration, tube formation and matrix metalloproteinase activity in an inflammatory model by exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the prostaglandin enzyme cyclooxyg...
Source: Nutrition Research - February 22, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Hajer Taleb, R.Keith. Morris, Cathryn E. Withycombe, Sarah E. Maddocks, Ara D. Kanekanian Source Type: research

Date syrup–derived polyphenols attenuate angiogenic responses and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in endothelial cells
Bioactive components such as polyphenols, present in many plants, are purported to have anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties. Date syrup, produced from date fruit of the date palm tree, has traditionally been used to treat a wide range of diseases with etiologies involving angiogenesis and inflammation. It was hypothesized that polyphenols in date syrup reduce angiogenic responses such as cell migration, tube formation, and matrix metalloproteinase activity in an inflammatory model by exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the prostaglandin enzyme cyclooxy...
Source: Nutrition Research - February 21, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Hajer Taleb, R.Keith. Morris, Cathryn E. Withycombe, Sarah E. Maddocks, Ara D. Kanekanian Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

HMB attenuates the cytokine response during sustained military training
This study tested the hypothesis that of 23-days of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation can maintain muscle mass and attenuate the immune and inflammatory response in combat soldiers during highly intense military training. Soldiers were randomly assigned to either a HMB (n=6) or placebo (PL; n=7) group and provided with 3 g·day−1 of either HMB or PL. During the final week of supplementation soldiers participated in extreme physical training, which included night navigation of 6–8 hours across difficult terrain carrying heavy loads combined with sleep deprivation (3.8±3.0 h per night). (Source: Nutrition Research)
Source: Nutrition Research - February 21, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: Jay R. Hoffman, Yiftach Gepner, Jeffrey R. Stout, Mattan W. Hoffman, Daniel Ben-Dov, Shany Funk, Ido Daimont, Adam R. Jajtner, Jeremy R. Townsend, David D. Church, Ilan Shelef, Philip Rosen, Guy Avital, Yacov Chen, Hagai Frankel, Ishay Ostfeld Source Type: research

Consumption of a healthy dietary pattern results in significant reductions in C-reactive protein levels in adults: a meta-analysis
Consumption of healthy dietary patterns has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Dietary intervention targets disease prevention, so studies increasingly use biomarkers of underlying inflammation and MetS progression to examine the diet-health relationship. The extent to which these biomarkers contribute to the body of evidence on healthy dietary patterns is unknown. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of healthy dietary patterns on biomarkers associated with adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammation in adults. (Source: Nutrition Research)
Source: Nutrition Research - February 21, 2016 Category: Nutrition Authors: E.P. Neale, M.J. Batterham, L.C. Tapsell Tags: Review Source Type: research