Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aoife E. Mcnamara, Xiaofei Yin, Cassandra Collins, Lorraine Brennan
Summary: It has been well-established that consuming cruciferous and brassica vegetables is correlated with reduced rates of negative health outcomes. This study aimed to identify biomarkers of broccoli intake and examine the dose-response relationship using metabolomic approaches. The results showed that urinary S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO) and several LC-MS features appeared as potentially promising biomarkers of broccoli consumption.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marzena Kwapinska, Italo Pisano, James J. Leahy
Summary: The disposal of waste-activated sludge from milk processing companies is an increasing concern due to nutrient loss and soil contamination. This study proposes the recovery of nutrients through biochar obtained from the slow pyrolysis of the waste. The properties of the biochar were examined, and it was found that most biochars meet the specified limits for nutrients and contaminants required for organic-mineral fertilizer. However, a minimum solid content of 30% in the waste is necessary for energetically sustainable biochar production.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Toshitaka Yamauchi, Naoko Koyama, Ayumi Hirai, Hiroyuki Suganuma, Shigenori Suzuki, Koichi Murashita, Tatsuya Mikami, Yoshinori Tamada, Noriaki Sato, Seiya Imoto, Ken Itoh, Shigeyuki Nakaji
Summary: This cross-sectional study included 1019 healthy individuals in a rural area of Japan, and found a positive correlation between dietary patterns rich in vegetables and fruits and the intestinal microbiota. This is the first study to reveal this correlation in a rural area of Japan.
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Lessmann, A. Kanellopoulos, J. Kros, F. Orsi, M. Bakker
Summary: Recovering nutrients from organic materials and reducing artificial fertilizer inputs can be costly and involve logistics. Direct application of organic materials to agricultural land can contribute to pollution. Assessing the cost of increased recycling requires a spatially explicit approach. A multi-objective model was developed to estimate the trade-offs between costs of nutrient recovery and improvements in nutrient distribution. Results showed limited potential for replacing nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers through nutrient recovery. Increasing manure processing for nutrient recovery led to a redistribution of nutrients and trace metals. Our model provides a methodology for assessing the trade-offs between increased recycling and spatial effects for sustainable agriculture.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alessandra Trinchera, Melania Migliore, Dylan Warren Raffa, Sarah Ommeslag, Jane Debode, Sindhuja Shanmugam, Sandra Dane, Joran Babry, Pirjo Kivijarvi, Hanne Lakkemborg Kristensen, Liga Lepse, Tapio Salo, Gabriele Campanelli, Koen Willekens
Summary: Crop diversification through multi-cropping can optimize nutrient availability in soils and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms, resulting in improved soil health and crop productivity.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Secundino Cigarran Guldris, Juan Antonio Latorre Catala, Ana Sanjurjo Amado, Nicolas Menendez Granados, Eva Pineiro Varela
Summary: Fibre consumption is beneficial for patients with chronic kidney disease by preventing risk factors, improving intestinal microbiota composition, and reducing metabolic acidosis and inflammation. Western dietary practices increase mortality risk in CKD patients due to low fibre, high animal protein, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar intake. On the other hand, diets with higher fibre and vegetable protein intake, such as Mediterranean, vegetarian, or PLADO, have a preventive effect on risk factors and influence CKD progression.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sowmya Natarajan, Vijayakumar Ponnusamy
Summary: Growing organic food is challenging due to increasing demand and food fraud activity. Spectroscopic methodologies are used to identify chemicals in food and differentiate between organic and conventional products. This study designed a portable multispectral sensor system to detect organic and conventional vegetables, achieving 92% and 89% accuracy with random forest and neural network models. A two-stage enhancement mechanism further improved accuracy to 100%. The detected adulterants are displayed on a web page through an IoT-developed application module.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li-Juan Tan, Ye-Rang Yun, Sung Wook Hong, Sangah Shin
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between kimchi intake and weight loss among middle-aged and older Koreans. The results showed that moderate kimchi consumption was associated with weight loss, especially in men.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Neide Torres de Castro, Ernandes Rodrigues de Alencar, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, Heesup Han, Antonio Raposo, Antonio Ariza-Montes, Luis Araya-Castillo, Raquel Braz Assuncao Botelho
Summary: The study findings suggest that different types of vegetables under organic and conventional cultivation have varying effects on minerals and carotenoids based on different cooking methods.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Sofie Theresa Thomsen, Ricardo Assuncao, Claudia Afonso, Geraldine Boue, Carlos Cardoso, Francesco Cubadda, Alberto Garre, Johannes W. Kruisselbrink, Alberto Mantovani, Janos G. Pitter, Morten Poulsen, Hans Verhagen, Ermolaos Ververis, Hilko van der Voet, Bernhard Watzl, Sara M. Pires
Summary: This article reviewed risk-benefit assessments of fish and other seafood, finding variations and commonalities in methodologies, findings, and limitations among studies. Data suggested a diverse diet including lean and fatty fish and other seafood is recommended for the general population, but women of childbearing age and children should limit consumption of contaminated fish and seafood types. The review highlights the importance of evidence-based, up-to-date, and harmonized approaches in risk-benefit assessments.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Victor Dubas da Silva, Gabriele Veronica de Mello Gabriel, Wander Gustavo Botero, Andrea Pires Fernandes, Janaina Braga do Carmo, Luciana Camargo de Oliveira
Summary: This study evaluated the levels of potentially toxic elements and nutrients in four leafy vegetables cultivated using conventional and organic farming methods. The results showed that the levels of certain elements differed depending on the cultivation method, with higher levels of Al, Ba, Fe, and Sr in conventional samples, and higher levels of K, Pb, and Zn in organic samples.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jie Chen, Jinfeng Ling, Bo Sun, Jian Wang, Baoxue Zhou, Xiaohong Guan, Yuankui Sun
Summary: The study investigated the abatement of TrOCs in real waters using the PM/BS process and evaluated its feasibility as a pretreatment process. The results showed that the removal efficiency of TrOCs was influenced by the concentration of dissolved organic matter and halide ions. The PM/BS process showed advantages and could be combined with traditional water treatment processes.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Memet Varol, Kazim Gunduz, Muhammet Rasit Sunbul, Halil Aytop
Summary: This study investigated the levels of trace metal(loid)s in various vegetables in Malatya province, Turkey, and assessed the non-carcinogenic health risks associated with consuming these crops. Overall, the levels of most trace metal(loid)s were below the maximum permissible concentrations. However, the consumption of tomatoes was found to pose a non-carcinogenic risk due to the combined intake of certain trace metal(loid)s.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Asigbaase, Evans Dawoe, Barry H. Lomax, Sofie Sjogersten
Summary: The study in organic and conventional cocoa agroforestry systems in Suhum, Ghana revealed that shade tree species in organic systems contribute significantly higher amounts of leaf litter compared to conventional systems, indicating the potential of organic management in supporting nutrient cycling in cocoa production.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Klaudija Ivankovic, Karlo Jambrosic, Iva Mikac, Damir Kapetanovic, Marijan Ahel, Senka Terzic
Summary: A wide-scope LC-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitative determination of multiclass drugs and their metabolites in water and fish samples. The method allowed reliable determination of 44 drugs. Different combinations of extraction and cleanup techniques were systematically examined to obtain a reliable and robust analytical protocol.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nguyen H. D. My, Matty Demont, Wim Verbeke
Summary: The introduction of food safety certification in Vietnam has raised concerns about inclusivity, as lower-income consumers are less likely to purchase certified rice. This poses a challenge for Vietnam in ensuring food safety for staple crops like rice. The ultimate goal is to propose policy guidelines to enhance inclusiveness of food safety as a fundamental consumer right.
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
David Claeys Bouuaert, Mario Van Poucke, Lina De Smet, Wim Verbeke, Dirk C. de Graaf, Luc Peelman
Summary: This study developed and validated high-throughput qPCR assays for discriminating eight single-nucleotide variants associated with suppressed mite reproduction in honey bees. Additional variants in the primer/probe binding sites were identified, and supplementary primers and probes were developed to ensure correct genotyping outcome. The availability of this assay allows genotyping for the suppressed mite reproduction trait and facilitates marker assisted selection in breeding programs.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ieben Broeckhoven, Wim Verbeke, Juan Tur-Cardona, Stijn Speelman, Yung Hung
Summary: The study highlights the importance of increasing protein intake for older adults in the EU to prevent malnutrition, with a focus on sustainable choices. The majority of older adults prefer protein-enriched red meat and poultry burgers with carbon labels for lower environmental impact, while distinct consumer segments with different preferences and motivations were identified. Factors such as gender, country, health and sustainability concerns, as well as knowledge on protein and the environment, influence older adults' intentions to consume sustainable protein-enriched products.
FOOD QUALITY AND PREFERENCE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Alessandra C. Grasso, Yung Hung, Margreet R. Olthof, Ingeborg A. Brouwer, Wim Verbeke
Summary: Protein intake is crucial for older adults' health, but many are not consuming enough. Meat has a significant environmental impact, making sustainable dietary choices important. Understanding older consumers' meat consumption behavior can help design strategies to meet their protein needs in an environmentally sustainable way.
FOOD QUALITY AND PREFERENCE
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marjolein Visser, Yung Hung, Wim Verbeke
Summary: The study revealed that protein knowledge is lacking among community-dwelling older adults, with over half of the participants having poor knowledge on the subject. Factors such as being male, having walking difficulties, lacking autonomy in food decisions, and having lower income were associated with a higher likelihood of poor protein knowledge. Strategies for communication should be tailored to target these identified risk groups.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Wim Verbeke, Yung Hung, Chad M. Baum, Hans De Steur
Summary: This study found that improved animal welfare is the strongest motive for consumers to consider eating cultured meat, while perceived unnaturalness is the biggest barrier. Males are more willing to eat cultured meat, as willingness decreases with age and is lower among vegetarians. Perceived barriers have a greater impact on shaping consumers' willingness to eat cultured meat compared to motives.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Simone G. van Breda, Karen Mathijs, Harm-Jan Pieters, Virag Sagi-Kiss, Gunter G. Kuhnle, Panagiotis Georgiadis, Giovanna Saccani, Giovanni Parolari, Roberta Virgili, Rashmi Sinha, Gert Hemke, Yung Hung, Wim Verbeke, Ad A. Masclee, Carla B. Vleugels-Simon, Adriaan A. van Bodegraven, Theo M. de Kok
Summary: The addition of natural extracts to conventionally processed red meat products can significantly reduce the excretion of endogenously formed N-nitroso compounds in feces, potentially reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, high nitrate levels in drinking water in combination with processed red meat intake may stimulate NOC formation, but this effect can be mitigated by replacing E250 with natural plant extracts.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ellen J. Van Loo, Fien Minnens, Wim Verbeke
Summary: The study reveals heterogeneity in consumer preferences for organic food, with three consumer segments identified based on their preferences for juice and eggs. The majority of consumers prefer the national brand for orange juice, while about half prefer private label and organic production for eggs.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Margot Cooreman-Algoed, Fien Minnens, Lieselot Boone, Kyara Botterman, Sue Ellen Taelman, Wim Verbeke, Brecht Devleesschauwer, Yung Hung, Jo Dewulf
Summary: Food wastage is a global environmental concern, with households being a key focus. This study found that households with lower levels of food wastage are often older, without children, and have better household routines and skills. Purchasing organic products and products with shorter shelf lives were also linked to lower food wastage in households.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Frank A. M. Tuyttens, Sophie de Graaf, Sine Norlander Andreasen, Alice de Boyer des Roches, Frank J. C. M. van Eerdenburg, Marie J. Haskell, Marlene K. Kirchner, Luc. Mounier, Miroslav Kjosevski, Jo Bijttebier, Ludwig Lauwers, Wim Verbeke, Bart Ampe
Summary: The Welfare Quality (R) consortium has developed standard protocols for monitoring farm animal welfare, but the uptake for the dairy cattle protocol has been low. In order to achieve widespread adoption for monitoring dairy cattle welfare, they revised and simplified the protocol into a user-friendly tool that calculates a welfare index based on a minimal number of key animal-based measures.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chad M. Baum, Wim Verbeke, Hans De Steur
Summary: This study explores the use of counter-messaging to promote acceptance of cultured meat and investigates the determinants of acceptance change. The focus of counter-messaging was found to be insignificant, but such an approach generally enhances consumer acceptance. Acceptance of cultured meat is higher among men, younger consumers, and frequent meat-eaters, and the change in acceptance is influenced by perceived consumer effectiveness and prior knowledge.
FOOD QUALITY AND PREFERENCE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Duc Tran, Ieben Broeckhoven, Yung Hung, Nguyen Hoang Diem My, Hans De Steur, Wim Verbeke
Summary: The concern for food safety and quality pushes governments and private sectors to improve consumers' confidence in food systems through certifications and traceability systems. However, little is known about consumers' valuation of food labelling schemes. This study explores Vietnamese consumers' willingness to pay for existing certifications, branding, and traceability labelling schemes and finds that trust is a critical factor shaping their willingness to pay for products bearing VietGAP label.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hans Dagevos, Wim Verbeke
Summary: This paper provides a narrative descriptive review of meat consumption in the Netherlands and Belgium from 2010 to 2020. The analysis shows that meat consumption in the Netherlands is relatively stable, while Belgium has experienced a steady decline in meat consumption over the past decade. Both countries face an increase in flexitarians and consumers who intend to reduce their meat consumption. However, there are important differences in research methodologies and sample compositions, making direct comparisons between countries challenging. The findings suggest that attitudes and intentions towards meat reduction are more prevalent than actual dietary behavioral change.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sebastien Lizin, Sandra Rousseau, Roselinde Kessels, Michel Meulders, Guido Pepermans, Stijn Speelman, Martina Vandebroek, Goedele Van Den Broeck, Ellen J. Van Loo, Wim Verbeke
Summary: Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are commonly used in food research to uncover trade-offs made in choosing among alternatives. Understanding consumers' decision-making process is crucial for food-related policies. While many methodological advances have been adopted in food research, there is still room for improvement.
FOOD QUALITY AND PREFERENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie Van Espen, James H. Williams, Fatima Alves, Yung Hung, Dirk C. de Graaf, Wim Verbeke
Summary: This study aims to assess the impacts of climate change on the European beekeeping sector and whether beekeepers have had to adapt their practices accordingly. The results show regional disparities in perceived impacts, with Southern European beekeepers expressing more negative outlooks. Factors such as professionalism, years in beekeeping, floral resources availability, environment, and local policy measures were found to distinguish heavily impacted beekeepers from others.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)