Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Cinta Puell, Sonia de Pascual-Teresa
Summary: This study investigated the effects of polyphenols from cocoa and red-berries on visual acuity and dark adaptation, showing that neither cocoa nor red berries significantly improved participants' visual acuity and dark adaptation.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Corinna Zeli, Mauro Lombardo, Maximilian Andreas Storz, Morena Ottaviani, Gianluca Rizzo
Summary: Cognitive decline is a common problem in older individuals, and the lack of effective pharmacological treatments has led to the exploration of lifestyle interventions. This review collected evidence on the neuroprotective effect of chocolate and cocoa in the elderly, suggesting that cocoa may offer promising tools for managing cognitive decline if given in adequate dosages and duration of treatment.
Article
Plant Sciences
M. Grassia, M. C. Messia, E. Marconi, O. Sakiyan Demirkol, F. Erdogdu, F. Sarghini, L. Cinquanta, O. Corona, D. Planeta
Summary: Polyphenols were recovered from cocoa bean shells using green extraction technologies, encapsulated with maltodextrin, and added to chocolate bars. The enriched chocolate bars showed a smaller reduction in polyphenol content after accelerated storage compared to the control bars, demonstrating successful enrichment of phenolic antioxidants without increasing bitterness and astringency.
PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Valerie Lemarcq, Viena Monterde, Emmy Tuenter, Davy Van de Walle, Luc Pieters, Eleni Sioriki, Koen Dewettinck
Summary: This study investigated the effect of microwave roasting on the aroma and phytochemical profile of dark chocolates. The results showed that microwave roasting resulted in chocolates with a distinctive aroma profile, while the impact on the phytochemical profile was comparable to conventional roasting methods.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia Ruiz-Iglesias, Malen Massot-Cladera, Francisco J. Perez-Cano, Margarida Castell
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of flavonoid-enriched diets on immune alterations caused by intensive training and exhausting exercise. The results showed that a flavonoid diet could attenuate the increase in plasma cortisol, prevent the alterations in spleen Th cell proportion, and enhance serum immunoglobulin concentration and spleen natural killer cytotoxicity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia Ruiz-Iglesias, Malen Massot-Cladera, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Angels Franch, Mariona Camps-Bossacoma, Francisco J. Perez-Cano, Margarida Castell
Summary: A cocoa-enriched diet can prevent oxidative stress induced by intensive exercise, but it does not protect against exercise-induced immune function impairment.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rosalind Baynham, Jet J. C. S. Veldhuijzen van Zanten, Paul W. Johns, Quang S. Pham, Catarina Rendeiro
Summary: The study shows that cocoa flavanols can counteract mental stress-induced endothelial dysfunction and improve peripheral blood flow during stress, suggesting that flavanol-rich dietary strategies can help protect vascular health during stress.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Cristina Nocella, Elena Cavarretta, Chiara Fossati, Fabio Pigozzi, Federico Quaranta, Mariangela Peruzzi, Fabrizio De Grandis, Vincenzo Costa, Carwyn Sharp, Massimo Manara, Antonia Nigro, Vittoria Cammisotto, Valentina Castellani, Vittorio Picchio, Sebastiano Sciarretta, Giacomo Frati, Simona Bartimoccia, Alessandra D'Amico, Roberto Carnevale
Summary: This study assessed intestinal permeability in elite football players and found that intense exercise can increase intestinal permeability. However, intake of cocoa polyphenols in dark chocolate can decrease intestinal permeability. In vitro experiments also showed that polyphenols can improve intestinal damage.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Simona Jacimovic, Jelena Popovic-Djordjevic, Beka Saric, Aleksandar Krstic, Violeta Mickovski-Stefanovic, Nebojsa D. Pantelic
Summary: This study evaluated the antioxidant activity and nutritional composition of commercially available dark chocolate samples with different cocoa contents. The results showed that chocolates with higher cocoa percentage exhibited stronger antioxidant activity. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid content of the samples depended on the cocoa content and the addition of dried fruit pieces. Additionally, the chocolates were found to be a good source of minerals such as magnesium, iron, manganese, and copper.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Joaquin Garcia-Cordero, Alicia Pino, Constanza Cuevas, Veronica Puertas-Martin, Ricardo San Roman, Sonia de Pascual-Teresa
Summary: The elderly population has been increasing, leading to a rise in age-related diseases. To address this global health issue, researchers conducted a study on the effects of cocoa flavanols and red berry anthocyanins on cognitive performance in older adults. The intervention resulted in improved executive function and reduced time needed to complete a cognitive test.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ji-Hee Shin, Chong-Su Kim, Lina Cha, Sojeong Kim, Seokoh Lee, Suyeon Chae, Woo Young Chun, Dong-Mi Shin
Summary: The study showed that daily intake of dark chocolate can significantly reduce negative emotions, especially in the DC85 group; the gut microbial diversity was significantly higher in the DC85 group compared to the CON group; the prebiotic effects of dark chocolate may improve negative emotional states by restructuring the intestinal bacteria.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Elizabeth J. Simpson, Buddhike Mendis, Mandy Dunlop, Hagen Schroeter, Catherine Kwik-Uribe, Ian A. Macdonald
Summary: This study investigated the effects of cocoa flavanols (CF) on insulin-mediated glucose uptake in overweight/obese females, and found that consuming high-flavanol cocoa drink did not improve fasting insulin sensitivity or insulin-mediated glucose uptake. Therefore, there is currently no evidence to support the recommendation of cocoa flavanol supplementation for glycemic control.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Babak Hooshmand Moghadam, Reza Bagheri, Matin Ghanavati, Fatemeh Khodadadi, Neda Cheraghloo, Alexei Wong, Michael Nordvall, Katsuhiko Suzuki, Fatemeh Shabkhiz
Summary: The study showed that a combination of dark chocolate consumption and jump rope exercise led to significant increases in antioxidant markers in obese adolescent boys. This combination was more effective in improving antioxidant capacity compared to consuming dark chocolate or performing jump rope exercise alone.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Esra Akdeniz, Elif Yakisik, Haniyeh Rasouli Pirouzian, Sedef Akkin, Busra Turan, Ece Tipigil, Omer Said Toker, Ozge Ozcan
Summary: The study found that lower content of carob powder in chocolate can improve color parameters, mean particle size and hardness. The addition of carob powder in dark chocolates reduces yield stress, while milk chocolates can successfully replace 40% of cocoa powder with carob powder without significant differences in sensory properties. Overall, the results suggest that carob powder can be utilized as a substitute for cocoa powder in chocolate production to enhance nutritional values and maintain agreeable sensory attributes.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Palma-Morales, Sonia Melgar-Locatelli, Estela Castilla-Ortega, Celia Rodriguez-Perez
Summary: This review analyzes the effect of flavanol-fortified cocoa-derived products on human health through the analysis of existing clinical trials. The results show that the consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa products has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and cognitive function. Therefore, fortifying cocoa products and other highly consumed foods with cocoa flavanols could be an effective strategy for health promotion.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ling Ling Ho, Yoke Mun Chan, Zulfitri Azuan Mat Daud
Summary: This study investigated the associations between dietary factors and sleep quality among hemodialysis patients. The results showed that more than half of the patients had poor sleep quality, and poor sleepers had significantly increased dietary intake of protein, potassium, and sodium. In addition, there was a lower percentage of energy from carbohydrates and a higher percentage of energy from fats in their diets. Skipping dinner on non-dialysis days and having supper on dialysis days were also associated with poor sleep quality.
JOURNAL OF RENAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Hi-Ming Ng, Ban-Hock Khor, Sharmela Sahathevan, Ayesha Sualeheen, Karuthan Chinna, Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor, Bak-Leong Goh, Ghazali Ahmad, Zaki Morad, Zulfitri Azuan Mat Daud, Pramod Khosla, Tilakavati Karupaiah
Summary: The study found that malnutrition diagnosis by MIS, but not PEW, was associated with HRQOL in HD patients. Individual nutritional parameters related to higher HRQOL included BMI < 30 kg/m², better dietary phosphorus control, greater muscle strength, and a higher visceral protein pool.
QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Zalina Abu Zaid, May Kay Neoh, Zulfitri Azuan Mat Daud, Nor Baizura Md Yusop, Zuriati Ibrahim, Zuwariah Abdul Rahman, Norshariza Jamhuri, Aishah Zafirah Abdul Azim
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the weight loss during and post-treatment among head and neck cancer patients. The study found that the average weight loss during treatment was 7.4%, and post-treatment weight loss was 2.1%. One month after treatment completion, patients showed significant improvements in nutrition status and muscle mass, but there was a decrease in oral nutritional supplement intake.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ice Yolanda Puri, Barakatun-Nisak Mohd Yusof, Zalina Abu Zaid, Amin Ismail, Hasnah Haron, Nur Indrawaty Lipoeto
Summary: The study investigated the individual nutrition education needs of patients with type 2 diabetes in Padang, Indonesia. Findings revealed that while most patients attended individual nutrition education sessions, some did not due to lack of recommendation from doctors or their own reluctance. Patients expressed a high demand for nutrition education, particularly seeking more information on diabetes food recommendations.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Madeleine Benton, Iklil Iman, Kimberley Goldsmith, Angus Forbes, Siew Mooi Ching, Iliatha Papachristou Nadal, Nicola Guess, Helen R. Murphy, Barakatun-Nisak Mohd Yusof, Anisah Baharom, Nur Hafizah Mahamad Sobri, Nurul Iftida Basri, Mazatulfazura Sf Salim, Irmi Zarina Ismail, Faezah Hassan, Khalida Ismail, Boon How Chew
Summary: This study aims to test the feasibility of a digital intervention for type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Malaysia. The intervention includes a smartphone app and group support, providing tailored information and support to encourage weight loss through adapted dietary intake and physical activity. This will be the first study in Malaysia focusing on T2D prevention among women with GDM using a digital intervention.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wan Ling Chiang, Azrina Azlan, Barakatun-Nisak Mohd Yusof
Summary: This study conducted a scoping review of research on the impacts of dietary sugar on cardiometabolic related health outcomes over the past decade. The findings showed that dietary sugar intake was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, and body weight. This suggests that dietary sugar intake significantly increases cardiometabolic risks.
CURRENT DIABETES REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Wan Ling Chiang, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Azrina Azlan, Irmi Zarina Ismail, Zalina Abu Zaid
Summary: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a nutrition education module in modifying sugar consumption and cardiometabolic risk-related outcomes. The study is a parallel-randomized controlled trial with three groups: a control group and two intervention groups receiving nutrition education and consuming different types of sugar. The results indicate that the intervention groups have lower sugar consumption and better cardiometabolic outcomes compared to the control group. Furthermore, participants in the intervention group consuming minimally refined brown sugar show better outcomes at the end of the study.
CLINICAL NUTRITION ESPEN
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wan Ling Chiang, Azrina Azlan, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof
Summary: Educational intervention is effective in reducing the consumption of SSBs and 100% fruit juice in children and adolescents, and the use of psychosocial theories improves the effectiveness of the intervention. Further research is needed to investigate the impacts of fruit juice on obesity, dental caries, and co-morbidities in children.
EXPERT REVIEW OF ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Heng Yaw Yong, Zalilah Mohd Shariff, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Zulida Rejali, Yvonne Yee Siang Tee, Jacques Bindels, Eline M. van der Beek
Summary: This study investigates the association between height and the risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), as well as the moderation effect of early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on this association. The findings suggest that there is a significant association between shorter height and GDM risk in overweight/obese women, particularly in those with excessive GWG at the end of the second trimester.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Noraida Omar, Shazli Illyani Shafiee, Siti Hazimah Nor'hisham, Zuriati Ibrahim, Rosita Jamaluddin, Syafiqah Rahamat, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Halimatus Sakdiah Minhat, Hakimah Sallehuddin, Nur Syazwani Mazlan
Summary: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Malaysian Geriatric Patients' Hospital Foodservice Protocol (MYGERYFS). The first phase of the study showed that dietary intake and mealtime barriers were significantly associated with patients' foodservice satisfaction. The second and third phases involve collaboration with healthcare professionals and a feasibility study to determine the practicality of the protocol.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Farah Yasmin Hasbullah, Barakatun-Nisak Mohd Yusof, Sangeetha Shyam, Rohana Abdul Ghani, Hannah Izzati Mohamed Khir
Summary: This study examined the association between dietary patterns and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in women post-gestational diabetes mellitus. It found that the "cereals-confectionaries" dietary pattern was significantly associated with AGT. Therefore, targeted lifestyle modifications, including dietary interventions, are needed for women post-gestational diabetes to reduce the risk of AGT.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Premmala Rangasamy, Hooi Ling Foo, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Shu Yih Chew, Amilia Afzan Mohd Jamil, Leslie Thian Lung Than
Summary: The safety characteristics of Limosilactobacillus reuteri 29B (L29B) strain were evaluated through genome sequencing and animal study. The strain was found to colonize and adhere to the mouse vaginal tract without causing inflammation. The administration of L29B significantly reduced the number of Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcaceae, improving the balance of the vaginal microflora without harm or irritation.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mafauzy Mohamed, Roberto Luis Zagury, Kalpana Bhaskaran, Joel Neutel, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Linda Mooney, Lihe Yeo, Bridget-Anne Kirwan, Olivier Aprikian, Maximilian von Eynatten, Odd Erik Johansen
Summary: Controlling diet, especially using multi-ingredient food adjuvants containing mulberry leaf extract, can significantly reduce postprandial blood glucose spikes, which is crucial for glycemic management in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mansor Fazliana, Zubaidah Nor Hanipah, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Nur Azlin Zainal Abidin, You Zhuan Tan, Farah Huda Mohkiar, Ahmad Zamri Liyana, Mohd Nawi Mohd Naeem, Norazlan Mohmad Misnan, Haron Ahmad, Mohd Shazli Draman, Poh Yue Tsen, Shu Yu Lim, Tikfu Gee
Summary: This prospective study aims to evaluate the effects of metabolic surgery on body composition, biochemistry parameters, molecular and metabolomics analyses, and other factors among obese diabetic patients in Malaysia, in order to explore the remission of type 2 diabetes.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lee-Fang Teong, Ban-Hock Khor, Kristo Radion Purba, Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor, Bak-Leong Goh, Boon-Cheak Bee, Rosnawati Yahya, Sunita Bavanandan, Hi-Ming Ng, Sharmela Sahathevan, Sreelakshmi Sankara Narayanan, Zulfitri Azuan Mat Daud, Pramod Khosla, Tilakavati Karupaiah
Summary: This study describes the development and validation of a mobile application for clinical phosphate management. The application was found to be acceptable and useful by adult Malaysian HD patients in low-resource settings.
