Urolithiasis (UL) is a multifactorial condition whose global prevalence has been increasing in recent years, and it is closely associated with dietary factors. Diet is one of the key elements linked to the development of UL due to the intake of many nutrients that cause metabolic alterations associated with the crystallisation process and the risk of developing urinary stones. Despite the crucial role of diet, few studies have implemented dietary interventions. In this sense, dietary modifications play a fundamental role in the prevention, control and management of UL. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to summarise the main beneficial effects of dietary interventions in populations with UL. A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, Scielo and Redalyc databases for intervention studies published up to July 2025 that reported dietary interventions aimed at preventing and controlling UL. The risk of bias and quality of studies were assessed. A total of twenty-six articles were included, focusing on dietary interventions such as controlling sodium, oxalate, calcium, citrate and protein intake, as well as low-calorie diets. In addition, foods such as lemon, orange, melon, lime, cranberry, apple juices, milk, vinegar, black seed, green bean extract, probiotics and synbiotic were also explored, which promoted significant changes in serum and urinary parameters related to UL. This review compiles evidence on dietary intervention strategies that lead to significant improvements in biochemical parameters in populations with UL (PROSPERO CRD42022361702).

Vitamins B (that is, pyridoxin and its analogues) and B (that is, biotin or vitamin H) are essential molecules for many physiological processes. In addition to their well-known involvement in several enzymatic reactions, recent discoveries revealed their participation in other processes, for example, in gene expression via epigenetic processes, such as biotinylation of proteins in the case of biotin. Plants, fungi, archaea and most bacteria synthesise both vitamins, whereas animals and humans lack enzymes for their biosynthesis and depend on their exogenous supply. At least in the case of biotin, human gastrointestinal microbiota can likely partly satisfy the need. Both vitamins are water soluble and require a transporter for efficient absorption after oral administration; they can be rapidly excreted; hence, they are considered largely non-toxic. In addition to physiological and kinetic aspects of vitamin B and biotin, this review, which is based on a search in PubMed up to 2023, covers sources of these vitamins, the impact of food treatment on their content, causes and symptoms of deficiency and specific mutations related to their function. Currently available literature on the analytical determination of these vitamins in biological fluids, possible pharmacological uses and symptoms of toxicity, although rare, are also included.

Reducing crude protein in amino acid-adequate diets for broiler chickens is effective in reducing nitrogenous emissions and competition for resources between the food and feed sectors. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the literature on the relevance of nonessential amino acids in low protein diets for broiler chickens. Glycine and serine, owing to their interconvertibility summarised as glycine equivalents (Gly), limit growth when dietary crude protein is reduced below 19% in up to 3-week-old birds. Considering essential amino acids and the variable Gly requirements enables the reduction of dietary crude protein to ∼16% without compromising growth. Variation in Gly requirements likely occurs predominantly from the varying amounts of uric acid formed. Other influences seem to exert lower impacts on dietary Gly requirements. Asparagine or glutamine is probably the growth-limiting amino acid when crude protein is reduced below 16%. Alternatively, nonspecific amino-nitrogen may be lacking in such diets. The current potential to reduce dietary crude protein when using free essential and nonessential amino acids enables to increase the efficiency of nitrogen utilisation to a value above 80%. This coincides with reduced uric acid synthesis and energy expenditure for nitrogen excretion. The lower nitrogen excretion via the urine results in a lower energy expenditure. Hence, dietary energy may prospectively be reduced once the energy-sparing effect is quantified, thereby further reducing the competition for resources between food and feed.

Cognitive decline is a hallmark of brain ageing. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) has emerged as a candidate biomarker related to brain ageing and neurodegeneration; however, reported associations with cognition and brain structure vary across cohorts. Long‑chain omega‑3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), notably docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), exert anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may, in some contexts, relate to slower telomere attrition. Here, we synthesize evidence on n‑3 PUFAs, telomere biology, and cognitive outcomes, integrating clinical, epidemiologic, and experimental data. We emphasize biological plausibility (oxidative stress/inflammation, membrane remodeling, mitochondrial function and expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) through PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NRF2 and epigenetic modifications) while acknowledging heterogeneous human findings and methodological considerations (assay variability, life‑course timing, cognitive domains, and biomarker stratification). We outline priorities for future studies to clarify causal pathways and inform dietary strategies that support healthy cognitive ageing.

This review summarises findings from studies in companion animals with chronic diseases receiving omega-3 supplementation. Investigated conditions included dermatopathies (dogs = 7), osteoarthritis (dogs = 7, cats = 2), cardiovascular diseases (dogs = 7), dyslipidaemias (dogs = 1), gastroenteropathies (dogs = 2), chronic kidney disease (dogs = 2, cats = 3), cognitive impairment (dogs = 4, cats = 1), and behavioural disorders (dogs = 3). When possible, dosages were standardised to mg/kg using available data on food intake and EPA/DHA concentrations. The minimum and maximum ranges of EPA and DHA, along with their ratios, were as follows: for dermatology 0·99-43 mg/kg EPA and 0·66-30 mg/kg DHA (ratio 1·4-3·4); for osteoarthritis 48-100 mg/kg EPA and 20-32 mg/kg DHA (ratio 1·5-3·4); cardiology 27-54·2 mg/kg EPA and 18-40·6 mg/kg DHA (ratio 1·3-1·5); dyslipidaemia 58·8 mg/kg EPA and 45·4 mg/kg DHA (ratio 1·3); cognition (1/5 studies) 225 mg/kg EPA and 90 mg/kg DHA (ratio 2·5); behaviour (1/3) 31 mg/kg EPA and 45 mg/kg DHA (ratio 0·7). Nephrology and oncology studies lacked sufficient data for calculation. Gastrointestinal diseases do not appear to benefit from omega-3 supplementation, likely due to inflammation-related malabsorption, although few adverse effects were reported in dogs. Other enteropathy studies were low-quality (case reports/series). The lowest omega-6/omega-3 ratio with anti-inflammatory effect was 1:3·75, and the highest was 5·5:1. In conclusion, the reviewed EPA and DHA doses appear effective for atopic dermatitis, osteoarthritis, cardiac disease, hyperlipidaemia, and cognitive and behavioural disorders. Further research is needed to clarify efficacy in gastrointestinal and oncological conditions.

The health benefits of the long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been known for over 50 years and underpin the UK population recommendation to consume >450 mg EPA + DHA per day. These recommendations, last revised in 2004, are based mainly on epidemiological evidence. Much research has been conducted in the interim. Most randomised controlled trials (RCT) use doses of EPA + DHA of 840 mg/d or more. For anti-inflammatory, triacylglycerol-lowering and anti-hypertensive effects, >1.5 g EPA + DHA per day is needed. Cognitive benefits are also likely to require these higher intakes. Farmed salmon now contains considerably less EPA + DHA relative to farmed fish of 20 years ago, meaning one portion per week will no longer provide the equivalent of 450 mg EPA + DHA per day. Oily fish alone can only provide a fraction of the EPA + DHA required to meet global needs. Furthermore, there is low global oily fish consumption, with typical intakes of <200 mg EPA + DHA per day, and limited intakes in vegans and vegetarians. Therefore, there is an urgent need for affordable, acceptable, alternative EPA + DHA sources, including vegan/vegetarian friendly options, such as bio-enriched poultry, red meat and milk products; fortified foods; enriched oilseeds (for example, genetically modified ); algae and algal oils; and approaches which enhance endogenous EPA/DHA synthesis. In this narrative review, we suggest that current EPA + DHA intake recommendations are too low, consider EPA/DHA from a holistic health-sustainability perspective and identify research, policy and knowledge mobilisation areas which need attention.

Manganese (Mn) is a crucial trace element that actively participates in a diverse array of physiological processes. Mn is maintained at appropriate levels in the body by absorption and excretion by the body. Dysregulation of Mn homeostasis can lead to a variety of diseases, especially the accumulation of Mn in the brain, resulting in toxic side effects. We reviewed the metabolism and distribution of Mn at multiple levels, including organ, cellular and sub-cell levels. Mitochondria are the main sites of Mn metabolism and energy conversion in cells. Enhanced Mn superoxide dismutase activity reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress and inhibits cancer development. In addition, Mn enhances anti-cancer immune responses through the cGAS-STING pathway. We introduced various delivery vectors for Mn delivery to cancer sites for Mn supplementation and anti-cancer immunity. This review aims to provide new research perspectives for the application of Mn in the prevention and treatment of human diseases, especially by enhancing anti-cancer immune responses to inhibit cancer progression.

Obesity pathophysiological conditions and obesogenic diet compounds may influence brain function and structure and, ultimately, cognitive processes. Animal models of diet-induced obesity suggest that long-term dietary high fat and/or high sugar may compromise cognitive performance through concomitant peripheral and central disturbances. Some indicated mechanisms underlying this relationship are discussed here: adiposity, dyslipidaemia, inflammatory and oxidative status, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, altered gut microbiota and integrity, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, apoptosis/autophagy dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, vascular disturbances, cerebral protein aggregates, impaired neuroplasticity, abnormal neuronal network activity and neuronal loss. Mechanistic insights are vital for identifying potential preventive and therapeutic targets. In this sense, flavonoids have gained attention due to their abundant presence in vegetable and other natural sources, their comparatively negligible adverse effects and their capacity to cross the blood–brain barrier promptly. In recent years, interventions with flavonoid sources have proven to be efficient in restoring cognitive impairment related to obesity. Its modulatory effects occur directly and indirectly into the brain, and three fronts of action are highlighted here: (1) restoring physiological processes altered in obesity; (2) promoting additional neuroprotection to the endogenous system; and (3) improving neuroplasticity mechanisms that improve cognitive performance itself. Therefore, flavonoid consumption is a promising alternative tool for managing brain health and obesity-related cognitive impairment.

Proper nutrition enhances athletes’ performance and recovery during sports activities. This review aims to investigate the effects of nutrition education interventions on dietary intake, nutrition knowledge, and body composition of female athletes. From a comprehensive search, we identified twenty single-arm and eight double-arm studies that met the inclusion criteria. The interventions in these studies ranged from personalised consultations to group workshops. The mode of delivery was mainly face-to-face. Most of these interventions consisted of group sessions with variable duration and frequency. From the studies finally included, nutrition education intervention significantly increased the nutrition knowledge of female athletes in 76% and improved their dietary intake in 67%. However, only 44% of the studies that measured changes in body composition reported significant changes. Moreover, only a minority of studies (14%) maintained follow-up assessments to measure the lasting impact of the interventions. Overall, 60% of interventions were delivered by professional nutritionists or dietitians, ensuring high-quality education. There is a need for standardised methodologies and more robust study designs to better assess the effectiveness of nutrition education interventions. Knowing athletes’ preferences when planning education may improve engagement and intervention efficacy. Also, longer-term follow-up of athletes would allow for a more accurate evaluation of the consolidation of acquired knowledge. Including coaches in nutrition education interventions would probably amplify the impact on athletes’ dietary behaviours. Nutrition education can positively influence the knowledge and eating habits of female athletes, but its effect on body composition represents an area where much remains to be explored.

Impaired glycaemic control is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), a worldwide health epidemic intrinsically linked to diet and obesity. Whey proteins (WP) are increasingly popular supplements that are a rich source of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), essential for muscle protein synthesis and metabolic regulation. In humans, fasting plasma concentrations of BCAA are maintained around 350 µM but become chronically elevated by 10-25% in persons with T2D. Little is known about whether BCAA from WP impacts circulating BCAA concentrations and contributes to this phenomenon. This narrative review used a systematic search approach with relevant keywords to identify evidence from randomised controlled trials in normoglycaemic humans and those with insulin resistance or T2D, on the effects of WP intake on plasma BCAA and glycaemic control. This review is, to the authors' knowledge, the first to specifically examine the effects of WP intake on plasma BCAA concentrations in relation to glycaemic control. Whilst the majority of acute studies identified ( = 6) reported that WP consumption between 10 and 50 g significantly elevates postprandial BCAA and insulin responses (as evidenced by peak concentration and/or area under the curve), evidence from chronic studies ( = 3) report inconsistent findings on the impact of 9-51 g of WP/d on fasting BCAA and glycaemic control (for example, fasting glucose and insulin, insulin clearance). Findings from this literature review highlight the need for further studies that investigate the relationship between WP consumption with BCAA and glycaemic control, and to determine underlying mechanisms of action.

Lipids are essential for child development. Nutritional recommendations are numerous, evolving over time and are often based on expert opinions more than evidence-based medicine. The objective of this review is to critically analyse the evolution of current nutritional recommendations, identify existing knowledge gaps and propose avenues for improvement to optimise infant nutrition and development. A narrative literature review on Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases (2001-22) was conducted with the keywords: 'alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, children, cholesterol, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, guidelines, infant, long-chain (LC) PUFA, linoleic acid, lipids and dietary intakes, newborn, palmitic acid and toddler'. Among 861 articles identified, 133 were selected. The main current recommendations are issued by the French Agency for Food Safety (AFSSA), French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) and the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization (FAO-WHO). In infants from 0 to 3 years of age the main challenge is to increase lipid intake while maintaining an optimal omega 6/omega 3 ratio. Current recommendations are focused on polyunsaturated fatty acids, emphasising the intake of linoleic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids without any specific recommendation for arachidonic acid before the age of 6 months. Points of interest, but without any recommendation, are the incorporation of milk fat, cholesterol, monounsaturated fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids for infants under 6 months. In conclusion, this article identifies knowledge gaps regarding the structural aspect of lipids and the integration of new categories of lipids in future recommendations to promote the quality of infant formulas.

Coffee is a widely consumed beverage, which has been extensively studied for its potential effects on health. We aimed to map genetic evidence for the effect of habitual coffee consumption on health. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and two preprint repositories from inception to 30 September 2022, and included fifty-nine studies, spanning 160 disease or biomarker associations. We evaluated the articles for certainty of evidence using a modified GRADE tool and robustness of the associations by comparing Mendelian randomisation (MR) sensitivity analyses. Coffee consumption was associated with smaller grey matter brain volume in one study, and there was probable evidence for an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and younger age of onset of Huntington’s disease. MR studies provided probable evidence for an association with increased risk of oesophageal and digestive cancers, but protective effects for hepatocellular carcinomas and ovarian cancer. We found probable evidence for increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, menopausal disorders, glaucoma, higher total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and ApoB, and lowered risk of migraines, kidney disease and gallstone disease. Future studies should aim to understand underlying mechanisms of disease, expand knowledge in non-European cohorts and develop quality assessment tools for systematic reviews of MR studies. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021295323.

Several dietary strategies are designed to achieve optimal glycaemic control in managing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), considering factors such as energy needs, the glycaemic index, high fibre content and the reduction or exclusion of sugary foods and drinks. However, in achieving therapeutic goals, there is a lack of consensus in the formulation of uniform recommendations. This article reviews the literature to assess the impact of dietary interventions on GDM risk - measured by the percentage of at-risk women who develop GDM - and on the progression of GDM pregnancies, including weight gain, hyperglycaemia severity, insulin requirements and perinatal outcomes such as macrosomia, hypertensive disorders, caesarean delivery and neonatal size. We conducted a thorough search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library, focusing on randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses involving women either at risk of or diagnosed with GDM. These search criteria yielded 2800 articles, whose titles and abstracts were reviewed to determine their relevance to the research objective. In the initial search, 192 relevant articles met the inclusion criteria. The comprehensive analysis of these studies highlights the current uncertainty regarding the long-term consequences of recommended diets during pregnancy, especially among women with GDM. While the available literature is substantial, conclusions drawn from various methodologies and study populations have not yielded a consensus on the most effective diet for reducing perinatal complications. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to advocate for the early initiation of dietary interventions, particularly during pregnancy planning, especially among women exhibiting risk factors for GDM.

The dietary inflammatory index (DII) has emerged as a promising tool associated with the development of cardiovascular risk factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis, developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (the protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under number CRD42022323267), aimed to synthesise observational studies that evaluated the association between the DII and indicators of body adiposity and blood pressure in children and adolescents. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched, without time and language restrictions. The methodological quality of the studies and the certainty of the evidence were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, respectively. The meta-analysis revealed that a higher DII (pro-inflammatory diet) was significantly associated with increased odds of body adiposity, as indicated by body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR] = 1·62; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1·38–1·86), waist circumference (OR = 1·45; 95% CI 1·10–1·81) and the waist-to-height ratio (OR = 1·76; 95% CI 1·38–2·14) in adolescents, compared with those with a lower DII (anti-inflammatory diet). In addition, for every unit increase in the DII, there was a small but significant rise in mean BMI ( = 0·06 kg/m). The children’s dietary inflammatory index (CDII) showed no association with cardiometabolic risk factors. There were no consistent associations between the DII or CDII and blood pressure. In conclusion, while a pro-inflammatory diet (based on the DII) is linked to body adiposity, additional longitudinal studies are needed to explore these associations, particularly regarding the CDII and blood pressure.

Frailty is an ageing-related syndrome of physiological decline, heightening vulnerability and increasing risk of adverse health outcomes. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins B, B and D, are prevalent among the elderly owing to physiological changes and reduced food intake. Research suggests a correlation between low levels of these vitamins and an elevated risk of frailty. Vitamin B, crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division, shows potential in frailty prevention, although evidence regarding supplementation remains inconclusive. Similarly, vitamin B, essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation, presents conflicting findings regarding its impact on frailty prevention. Vitamin D, essential for bone health and muscle function, is linked to frailty risk, yet studies on the efficacy of supplementation yielded mixed results. The mechanisms involving these vitamins, including their roles in DNA methylation and inflammation regulation, highlight the need for further research to clarify their direct impact on frailty prevention. Maintaining optimal levels of vitamins B, B and D may reduce frailty, but older individuals need a complete approach that includes proper nutrition, physical activity and other preventive measures.

Malnutrition results from inadequate nutrient intake, assimilation or utilisation, negatively impacting clinical outcomes and quality of life. It likely compromises gut barrier integrity, increasing intestinal permeability (IP), which impairs nutrient absorption or utilization and increases the risk of infections and inflammation. This systematic review aims to examine the current evidence on the association between malnutrition and IP, identifying existing research gaps. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to June 2024. According to PECOS strategy, "P"= individuals malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, assessed for intestinal permeability, "E"= malnutrition or risk of malnutrition, "C"= well-nourished individuals, "O"= increased intestinal permeability, and "S"= all study types. The PRISMA checklist was followed, and the Study Quality Assessment Tools (NIH) were used for methodological quality analysis. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with a moderate/high risk of bias. Malnourished individuals exhibited increased IP across various conditions (e.g., anorexia nervosa, cancer and liver cirrhosis) or setting (hospital and community). A wide heterogeneity was observed in malnutrition assessment tools which consider different parameters such as body mass index, body weight loss, and food intake. Similarly, diverse biomarkers/methods for assessing IP, including direct and indirect approaches, were used. Despite methodological heterogeneity, findings show an association between malnutrition and increased IP. Standardized research, including comprehensive biomarker panels, is needed to improve comparability, facilitating the development of targeted interventions for preventing malnutrition and managing its complications.

This systematic review examined the associations of dietary factors such as nutrients, food intake, dietary patterns, and dietary biomarkers with structural and functional brain MRI biomarkers, focusing on macrostructural, microstructural, lesion, and perfusion measures and functional activity/connectivity. Articles published in English were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo up to July 19, 2024. A total of 38 prospective cohort studies (23 cross-sectional and 15 longitudinal analyses) and 13 intervention studies were included. Cross-sectional analyses revealed heterogenous associations: baked fish correlated with larger hippocampal volumes (β=0.21), while oily fish, dairy products, and tofu adversely related to ventricle grade. Pro-inflammatory dietary patterns were positively associated with silent infarct risk (DII Q4 vs. Q1:OR=1.77), whereas anti-inflammatory patterns tended to favor brain preservation. Longitudinal studies demonstrated more consistent protective associations: green tea consumption (+100 mL/day) reduced hippocampal atrophy by 0.024%/year, prudent dietary patterns preserved +203 mm left hippocampal volume over 4 years, and higher plasma carotenoids decreased medial temporal lobe loss by 0.02 cm³/year. However, null findings were common across multiple dietary factors. Interventions showed limited structural benefits (only 2 of 6 studies effective), while polyphenol-rich supplements more consistently improved cerebral perfusion and functional connectivity. Longitudinal and intervention studies demonstrated more consistent patterns than cross-sectional analyses, however, current evidence remains limited for clinical translation. Findings from cross-sectional analyses, despite being from prospective cohorts, require careful interpretation. Further replication across diverse populations and standardized long-term studies are needed before translating these associations into clinical practice.

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is currently undergoing rapid urbanisation, a transition that is closely linked to the adoption of sedentary lifestyles and Westernised dietary habits. This shift has contributed to a substantial rise in obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (DR-NCDs), placing a significant strain on already burdened healthcare systems. Among the key modifiable risk factors driving this epidemiological transition are changes in dietary patterns. Western-style diets have been shown to promote inflammation and trigger metabolic and immune dysregulation, factors that underlie the development of DR-NCDs. Conversely, many Tanzanian heritage diets incorporate a diverse array of nutrient-rich foods prepared using techniques that minimise the use of oils, sweeteners and preservatives. These diets predominantly use whole grains, legumes and fruits, foods high in dietary fibre and nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are known to have both immunomodulatory and metabolic benefits and could potentially counteract the negative effects associated with Western-style diets. However, the limited scientific documentation of these heritage diets endangers future research into their potential health benefits. This underscores the need for targeted efforts to preserve and promote traditional dietary practices. In this review, we summarise the diversity of heritage diets from four distinct tribes in Northern Tanzania – the Maasai, Chagga, Pare and Hadzabe – who have historically exhibited low rates of DR-NCDs but are now experiencing rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes. We briefly describe the dietary patterns of these tribes and examine the potential links between the declining usage of traditional dietary practices and the rising prevalence of DR-NCDs in Tanzania.

A major driver of the link between poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and child stunting is hypothesised to be a sub-clinical condition of the small intestine termed environmental enteric dysfunction (EED). This systematic review aimed to collate research investigating the association between biomarkers of EED and child linear growth outcomes. A systematic search of literature was conducted to identify articles that contain a measure of a domain of EED and its association with linear growth outcomes published up to 31 December 2024. Data pertaining to the measure of EED and child linear growth, as well as study characteristics, were extracted and tabulated. A total of eighty-one studies comprising 31 996 children were included, which suggested that all EED domains, including intestinal damage and repair, intestinal absorption and permeability, microbial translocation, intestinal inflammation and systemic inflammation, were associated with child linear growth. Nuances in the measurement of association were apparent and impacted the observation of significant associations. This review found that whilst the role of EED in child stunting is relatively well established, there are challenges faced in measuring biomarkers in relation to linear growth with possible ambiguities. These issues are discussed in detail to provide aid in interpretation of existing studies and to inform future studies of this kind.

The long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC -3PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5-3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6-3) are beneficial for health. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of worldwide dietary recommendations for LC -3PUFA across life-stages for general healthy populations from technical and scientific documents (TSD) that underpin food based dietary guidelines (FBDG) or TSD from expert groups. Using the Food and Agriculture Organization global online repository of FBDG and structured Google searches, forty-two TSD were identified for inclusion. Seventy-one percent of TSD included quantitative dietary intake recommendations which varied widely across life-stages with gaps for some groups, 62% included health messages related to LC -3PUFA consumption, 33% discussed supplementation and 29% gave guidance on high intakes. The most frequently recommended intakes for adults were 250 mg/day EPA + DHA and 250 mg/day EPA + DHA plus an additional 100-200 mg/day DHA in pregnancy. This overview is useful for nutrition science, medical, industry and consumer communities since it identifies the recommendations available and the gaps of interest to national or international groups wishing to set dietary intake recommendations for LC -3PUFA. Low dietary intake of LC -3PUFA from seafood is a risk factor for suboptimal health. Intake recommendations can be challenging to achieve. Most countries for which data are available show that LC -3PUFA intakes fail to meet recommended targets, highlighting the need for accessible, innovative, sustainable alternative EPA + DHA sources e.g. bio-enriched foods and supplements to support higher population intakes, LC -3PUFA status and health benefits.

Growing evidence has linked both the onset and symptoms of various mental disorders to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and sleep. The link between diet and mental health in particular in depressive disorders has gained interest in recent years. Previous reviews assessing the link between the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and mental health predominantly focused on depression, whilst others failed to integrate a summary of possible underlying mechanisms related to a link between MedDiet and mental health to complement their findings. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of evidence on the MedDiet and diverse mental health outcomes complemented by narration of potential mechanisms involved. A literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane library, Google scholar, CINAHL and Embase database. A total of 10,249 articles were found through the primary literature search and 104 articles (88 observational and 16 interventional studies) were eligible for inclusion. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been associated with favourable mental health outcomes in adult populations, including reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms, lower perceived stress, and improved quality of life and overall well-being, both in healthy individuals and those with comorbidities, across diverse geographical settings. Mechanisms involved include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory potential of MedDiet and its effect on gut microbiota. Further research is warranted to rigorously establish causal inferences and to guide the optimal incorporation of Mediterranean diet principles into comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies aimed at improving mental health outcomes.