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Green consumption is an emerging environmental topic receiving global attention. Because livestock production is a primary source of greenhouse gas emission, the “low-carbon diet” has become a new trend in the catering industry. Fast food companies have been launching vegetarian products because artificial meat requires less water and land resources than traditional livestock and has lower carbon emissions. This study explores the influence of consumers’ attitude, subjective norms (SNs), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) on their purchase intention for vegetarian burgers from the product knowledge (PK) and environmental concern (EC) perspectives. Based on the theory of planned behavior, the purchase intention of people from different food cultures to pay for fast food burgers is discussed. Five hundred questionnaires were distributed, of which 436 were valid. The results revealed that: (1) consumers’ SNs, PBC, and EC significantly affect purchase intention (PI), and SNs and PK have no significant relationship with PI; and (2) vegetarians are willing to pay higher prices than nonvegetarians. This study recommends that industry personnel should attempt to increase consumers’ knowledge regarding artificial meat and expand marketing channels to improve the convenience of purchasing artificial meat foods by conducting lectures and media promotion, respectively.

Context:Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss: Fr) Karst. (Polyporaceae) is an oriental medicinal fungus, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating various condition or diseases such as hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hepatitis and cancer.Objective: The current study examines whether triterpenoids and polysaccharide-enriched G. lucidum (GL) influence antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy by suppressing oxidative stress.Materials and methods: Forty-two healthy subjects (22 male and 20 female) were recruited and segregated into two groups as experimental or placebo and requested to intake GL (n = 21) or placebo (n = 21) capsule (225 mg; after lunch or dinner) for six consecutive months and vice versa with one month washout period in between. The anthropometric analysis and biochemical assays, as well as abdominal ultrasonic examination were performed.Results: Consumption of GL substantially improved (p < 0.05) the total antioxidant capacity (TEAC; 79.33–84.04), total thiols and glutathione content (6–8.05) in plasma as well as significant (p < 0.05) enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Whereas, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; 3.37–2.47), 8-hydroxy-deoxy-guanosine (8-OH-dG; 15.99–11.98) and hepatic marker enzymes (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase; GOT and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase; GPT) were concomitantly reduced (42 and 27%) on treatment with GL. Furthermore, the abdominal ultrasonic examination in GL subjects displayed a notable alteration on hepatic condition by reversing from mild fatty liver condition (initial) to normal condition.Discussion and Conclusion: The outcome of the present intervention demonstrated the antioxidation, anti-aging and hepatoprotective nature of GL by effectively curbing oxidative stress.

Background/Objectives: Whether saponins aid in whey protein supplementation remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of Astragalus and Panax saponins (APS) on whey protein absorption, intestinal permeability, and muscle function in healthy adults across different age groups. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was conducted with 30 healthy participants equally stratified into three age groups (18–25, 26–59, and 60–80 years), over two phases: a single-dose trial to measure immediate amino acid absorption from whey protein and a 4-week phase combining daily supplementation with resistance training to assess long-term effects on amino acid absorption kinetics, muscle function, and gut health. Results: Immediate APS supplementation resulted in a 6.67% higher area under the curve for valine, 3.62% for leucine, and 0.15% for isoleucine, compared with the placebo. After 4 weeks, APS supplementation significantly increased the absorption of valine (14.07%) and leucine (8.34%) and improved the absorption of isoleucine (6.33%). The effects were most pronounced in older adults (60–80 years), who showed a 12.74% increase in total essential amino acid absorption. APS also caused a substantially greater increase (APS: +5.20% vs. placebo: +2.44%) in grip strength, an increase (APS: +0.85% vs. placebo: +0.68%) in muscle mass, and a reduction in blood zonulin levels (APS: −13.01% vs. placebo: −0.9%), indicating improved muscle function and intestinal barrier integrity, without adverse effects on liver or kidney function. Conclusions: APS supplementation enhances amino acid absorption from whey proteins, muscle function and gut barrier integrity, especially in older adults. These findings highlight its synergistic role in improving protein supplementation efficacy for those with age-related muscle loss.

Background: Malnutrition and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) are prevalent in cancer patients, significantly impacting prognosis and quality of life. Oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) enriched with protein and ω-3 fatty acids may improve nutritional status and mitigate CRF. This study evaluates the effects of a high-protein, fish oil-enriched ONS (FOHP-ONS) on nutritional intake, body composition, fatigue, and quality of life in malnourished cancer patients. Methods: Cancer patients with malnutrition or inadequate food intake received 8 weeks of FOHP-ONS (2 cans/day, providing 4.2 g/day of ω-3 fatty acids). Dietary intake, body weight, handgrip strength, serum biochemical markers, nutritional status (PG-SGA), fatigue (BFI-T), and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Results: Of the 33 enrolled patients, 30 completed the study. Energy and protein intake significantly increased (p < 0.05), and body BMI and handgrip strength showed significant improvements (p < 0.05), while muscle mass did not change significantly. Nutritional status, assessed by PG-SGA, improved, with the proportion of severely malnourished patients (Stage C) decreasing from 46.7% to 13.3%, and moderately malnourished patients (Stage B) improving to well-nourished status (Stage A) from 10.0% to 30.0% (p < 0.001). Serum albumin levels increased significantly (p < 0.05), while fasting blood glucose significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Additionally, triglyceride levels significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while total cholesterol and LDL-C showed a downward trend. Cancer-related fatigue scores improved across all domains (p < 0.05), and quality of life significantly increased, particularly in physical and role functioning (p < 0.05). Conclusions: FOHP-ONS supplementation improved nutritional intake, body composition, and muscle strength while alleviating CRF and enhancing quality of life in malnourished cancer patients. These findings support its potential role in nutritional intervention for malnourished cancer patients.

Context: Royal jelly (RJ) has been reported for its health promoting factors such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid lowering activities.Objective: The present randomized, placebo-controlled study examines the hypolipidemic beneficial effect of RJ through evaluating anthropometric measurements, lipid profile and various hormone levels in mildly hypercholesterolemic participants.Materials and methods: Forty subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia (180–200 mg/dL) were randomly selected and divided into two groups as experimental or placebo, who requested to intake nine capsules (350 mg/capsule) of RJ or placebo/day, respectively, for three months with one month of follow-up without any supplementation.Results: No significant changes were noted in any of the anthropometric parameters like body weight, waist and body fat. The serum total cholesterol (TC; 207.05–183.15 mg/dL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; 126.44–120.31 mg/dL) levels were reduced significantly (p < 0.05) after administration of RJ. However, triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels were not considerably altered. Moreover, three months of RJ consumption significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) the concentration of sex hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S; 1788.09–1992.31 ng/mL). Also, intake of RJ did not elicit any hepatic or renal damage.Discussion and conclusion: Intervention with RJ for three months considerably lowered the TC and LDL-c levels through improving the levels of DHEA-S and thus alleviates the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

In Taiwan, the recent enactment of the Nutrition and Health Diet Promotion Act underscores national efforts to promote dietary fortification and improve public nutritional status. However, gaps remain in public awareness, dietary behavior, and acceptance of fortified foods. This study investigates the relationship between dietary consumption patterns, self-perceived sub-health symptoms, and attitudes toward nutritional fortification among Taiwanese adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between September and December 2024 using a structured online questionnaire targeting Taiwanese adults aged 18 years and older. A total of 5,870 valid responses were analyzed. The questionnaire assessed demographics, dietary habits, sub-health symptoms, nutrition knowledge, and preferences for fortified products. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression. The findings reveal significant gender differences in nutrition knowledge, symptom perception, and acceptance of fortified foods. Subhealth symptoms appear to be closely associated with low intake of fiber and magnesium. Public health strategies should prioritize targeted nutrition education, improve food labeling transparency, and increase access to affordable, fortified products—particularly for vulnerable subgroups such as women, middle-aged adults, and the elderly. These efforts are essential for addressing hidden hunger and promoting sustainable dietary improvements in Taiwan.

Black raspberry is known to contain a diverse number of phytochemicals, especially polyphenols which have shown health benefits. These compounds might play a role in alleviating β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐induced neurotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the effect of black raspberry in reducing Aβ toxicity and improving mitochondrial function in the HT‐22 cell model. HT‐22 cells were co‐cultured together with black raspberry extract (BRE) and Aβ and various markers for apoptosis and mitochondrial function were assessed. BRE treatment significantly improved cell viability, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis via upregulation of PGC‐1α and Sirt1 expression. Among the isolated fractions, the ethanol fraction (Et‐F1) demonstrated the most potent neuroprotective effect. High‐performance liquid chromatography identified rutin as a major compound in Et‐F1, though it did not account for the full protective effect. In conclusion, our results suggest that BRE might be used as a natural supplementation for combatting Aβ‐associated dementia. This study clearly identify the role of black raspberry on neurodegeneration. After the fraction isolation, the ethanol elution showed perfect effect. The potential contributors could show mixing effect.

Several studies have reported that probiotics could modulate host lipid metabolism via altering the intestinal microbiota. Hence, the current study was aimed to assess the efficacy of a mixture of probiotic-contained milk formula (PMF) with three different bacterial strains [ Lactobacillus acidophilus (La5), Lactobacillus casei (TMC), Bifidobacterium lactis (Bb12)] on lipid profile and intestinal function in healthy mild hypercholesterolemic volunteers. Totally, 40 healthy mild hypercholesterolemic subjects (180–220 mg/dL) were randomly assigned into two groups as placebo or experimental group. All the subjects were requested to drink either PMF (experimental) or skimmed milk drink formula-placebo (30 g mixed with 200 mL of water) for 10 weeks and continued by 2 weeks of the follow-up period. Supplementation of PMF for 10 weeks significantly improved ( p  < 0.05) the fecal weight, fecal movement (decreased fecal gastrointestinal passing time) by improving intestinal microbiota (increasing beneficial bacterial species like Lactobacillus , Bifidobacterium spp.), and lag time of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Also, intake of PMF substantially reduced ( p  < 0.05) the levels of total cholesterol (TC; 8.1%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; 10.4%) and thus showcasing its cardioprotective efficacy. PMF considerably improves gastrointestinal function by modulating fecal movement, intestinal microbiota, and decrease cholesterol and might be helpful in the management of hypercholesterolemia.

Context:Prunus domestica Linn (Rosaceae) has been considered a functional food, owing to its various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anticancer.Objective: This placebo-controlled, randomized study was framed to check the beneficial activity of prune essence concentrates (PEC) in corroboration with intestinal function and lipid profile in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects.Materials and methods: Sixty healthy mild hypercholesterolemic subjects were randomly chosen and segregated into three groups as placebo (consume 50 mL of simulated prune drink), PEC I (consume 50 mL of PEC/day) and PEC II (consume 100 mL of PEC/day) for 4 weeks with 2 weeks of follow-up without PEC consumption.Results: Intake of PEC (I and II) for 4 weeks substantially ameliorated (p < 0.05) the colony number of Bifidobacterium spp. (1.18- and 1.19-fold) and Lactobacillus spp. (1.07- and 1.16-fold), but markedly lowered (p < 0.05) the colony number of Clostridium perfringens (5.97 and 8.35%) and Escherichia coli (6.25 and 9.38%). Meanwhile, the total cholesterol (TC; 5.90 and 6.99%) levels and LDL-c (6.68 and 6.53%) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), but no change in other lipid parameters. Whereas, the antioxidant capacity was also concomitantly elevated (p < 0.05) upon administration with PEC.Discussion and conclusion: Overall, the results suggest that the use of PEC may positively regulate the intestinal microflora and thereby effectively lower the TC levels and thus act as a hypocholesterolemic agent.

Pearl is one of the well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescribed for treating various skin and bone related disorders due to its abundant proteins and mineral contents. The present investigation focused on antioxidation and life span prolonging effects from different extracts of pearl powder. During in vitro studies, various oxidative indices were evaluated, along with lifespan-prolonging effect were checked using wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans. For the clinical trial, 20 healthy middle-aged subjects were recruited and separated into 2 groups as experimental and placebo group, who received 3 g of pearl powder/d (n = 10) and 3 g of placebo/d (n = 10) for 8 weeks, respectively. During the initial, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th weeks the blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The protein extract of pearl powder recorded maximum (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity (20–68%) as well as efficiently prolonged the life span of C. elegans by 18.87%. Pearl powder supplemented subjects showed a substantial increase (p < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity from 0.45 to 0.69 mM, total thiols from 0.23 to 0.29 mM, Glutathione content from 5.89 to 9.19 μM, enzymic antioxidant activity (SOD-1248 to 1308; Gpx-30 to 32; GR-2.4 to 2.9) as well as considerably suppressed the lipid peroxidation products from 4.95 to 3.27 μM. The outcome of both in-vitro and in-vivo antioxidant activity inferred that protein extract of pearl powder was a potent antioxidant and thereby prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans. Hence, pearl powder could be recommended for treating various age-related degenerative disorders. [Display omitted] •The antioxidation and anti-aging efficacy of various extracts of pearl powder were assessed.•The protein extract of pearl powder exhibit highest antioxidant activity as well as effectively prolonged the life span of C. elegans to showcase its anti-aging property.•Pearl powder administration showed a substantial increase in total antioxidant capacity, total thiols, Glutathione content, enzymic antioxidant activity as well as considerably suppressed the lipid peroxidation products.•Pearl powder can be beneficial for treating various age-related degenerative disorders.