Sze Yen Tan - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Sze Yen Tan

Biomedicines, Sep 9, 2022

European journal of nutrition, Jan 31, 2022

The global prevalence of overweight remains high; effective strategies that consider patterns of ... more The global prevalence of overweight remains high; effective strategies that consider patterns of body weight changes to identify periods when adults are susceptible to weight gain are warranted. This systematic review aimed to investigate body weight patterns, and how they were associated with dietary intake and/or dietary behaviours (Prospero CRD42020161977). Systematic literature search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, and CINAHL databases until November 2020. Observational studies in adults (18 years and over) that reported at least two measurements of weight and dietary intake in a year were included. Risk of bias was conducted using the Evidence Analysis Library by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics tool. This review included 16 unique studies after title, abstract, and full-text screening, and findings were narratively synthesised. Of the six studies conducted in the farming populations, five were conducted in countries with two seasons (dry vs. rainy seasons) and all studies observed higher body weight during the dry season (up to 3.1 kg difference between seasons). The remaining study was conducted in a sub-tropical country and did not observe temporal weight patterns. Higher dietary intake was also reported during the dry season in the tropical countries. In non-farming populations (n = 10), temporal patterns were also seen, where higher body weight and adiposity was observed during colder seasons (autumn and winter). However, the opposite was found in a study conducted in Iran, where higher weight was seen in summer. Concurrent with higher body weight, higher energy, fat, carbohydrate and soda consumption, and lower fiber and vegetable intake were observed. Temporal weight and dietary patterns exist, and they were country- and context-specific; these patterns were also related to factors such as activity levels, seasons and occupation. Future interventions should consider temporal patterns in the design and delivery of timely and tailored dietary interventions to promote optimal body weight. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42020161977.

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2014

Snacking may contribute to overweight and glucose dysregulation because snack foods often elicit ... more Snacking may contribute to overweight and glucose dysregulation because snack foods often elicit weak dietary compensation and promote glycemic swings. Almonds are satiating and moderate post-prandial glycemia, but it is not known if these properties hold when consumed specifically as a snack. Following an initial OGTT, an acute feeding trial was conducted where participants (49M, 89F) at risk for diabetes consumed 43g of roasted, lightly-salted almonds with breakfast (N=28) or lunch (N=26), alone as a morning snack (N=28) or afternoon snack (N=28) or no almonds (N=27). Appetitive sensations and blood glucose concentrations were monitored over 515 minutes during which standardized meals were provided. Participants then consumed almonds as per their group assignment for 4 weeks followed by another acute feeding trial and OGTT. Almond consumption as snacks led to significant reductions of appetitive sensations and blood glucose concentrations. They blunted (non-significantly) glucose rises at meals. There w...

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience physiological changes that likely impair... more Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience physiological changes that likely impair salt taste function and perception. Sodium restriction is a cornerstone of CKD management but dietary sodium plays an important role in food enjoyment and may interfere with compliance to this intervention. Therefore, confirming that taste deficits are present in CKD will improve our understanding of how taste deficits can affect intake, and inform dietary counselling in the future. A systematic review was conducted. Studies that included adults with CKD and healthy controls, and assessed salt taste sensitivity, perceived intensity, and/or hedonic ratings were included. Study quality was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Library Quality Criteria Checklist: Primary Research. Of the 16 studies, the majority reported decreased salt taste sensitivity, but no consistent differences in intensity or hedonic ratings were observed. Higher recognition thresho...

Reference Module in Food Science, 2021

Trials

Background Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics are used frequently by a... more Background Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics are used frequently by athletes either prophylactically for the prevention of pain, or to accelerate recovery following an injury. However, these types of pain management strategies have been shown to inhibit signalling pathways (e.g., cyclooxygenase-2) that may hinder muscular adaptations such as hypertrophy and strength. Nutraceuticals such as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) have analgesic properties that act via different mechanisms to NSAIDS/analgesics. Furthermore, PEA has been shown to have a positive effect on sleep and may contribute positively to muscle hypertrophy via PKB activation. Although PEA has not been widely studied in the athletic or recreationally active population, it may provide an alternative solution for pain management if it is found not to interfere with, or enhance training adaptations. Therefore, the study aim is to investigate the effects of daily PEA supplementation (Levagen + ®) with ...

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

Diet therapy for diabetes involves controlling carbohydrate intake in order to manage blood gluco... more Diet therapy for diabetes involves controlling carbohydrate intake in order to manage blood glucose concentrations. Simple carbohydrates, like sucrose, quickly and potently raise blood glucose when ingested, and are typically perceived as sweet. Sweetness is innately pleasurable and contributes to the positive hedonic evaluation of foods and beverages. There is some evidence to suggest that individuals with diabetes mellitus may be less able to detect sweetness, which could result in increased intake and, thus, more difficulty managing blood glucose. A systematic review that included PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria included observational studies that investigated the sweet taste function of adults with and without diabetes mellitus (Prospero CRD42021225058). The quality of the final included studies was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Evidence Analysis Library Quality Criteria Checklist: Primary Research tool. Eighteen studies that compared sweet taste thresholds, intensity ratings, or hedonic responses in adults both with and without diabetes were included. Differences in sweet taste thresholds, both detection and recognition, indicated that individuals with diabetes were less sensitive than healthy controls. The same findings were observed for intensity ratings. Only two studies examined hedonic responses; results were inconclusive.

Handbook of Obesity, 2014

European Journal of Nutrition

Purpose To assess the association between nut and seed consumption, both combined and separately,... more Purpose To assess the association between nut and seed consumption, both combined and separately, and metabolic syndrome and its components, including fasting glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, central obesity, and blood pressure. Methods This cross-sectional analysis used data from 22,687 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) involved in seven cycles (2005–2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Habitual nut and seed intakes were estimated by the Multiple Source Method using data from two 24-h dietary recalls. Metabolic syndrome was ascertained using biochemical data and self-reported medication use. Sex-specific effect estimates were obtained using logistic and linear regressions adjusting for lifestyle and socioeconomic confounders. Results Compared to non-consumers, female, but not male, habitual consumers of either nuts or seeds had lower odds of having metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.71, 0.97). Both nut intake alone an...

The Journal of Nutrition, 2022

Background Vitamin D deficiency is a common health concern during winter. Eggs are one of the few... more Background Vitamin D deficiency is a common health concern during winter. Eggs are one of the few rich dietary sources of vitamin D, containing cholecalciferol (vitamin D-3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 [25(OH)D3], with the latter reported to be 5 times more potent at increasing serum 25(OH)D concentrations, the major circulating form of vitamin D. However, whether there is an optimal dose of eggs to increase or maintain 25(OH)D concentrations during wintertime is not known. Objectives To evaluate the dose–response effect of consuming 2, 7, or 12 commercially available eggs per week on serum 25(OH)D concentrations during the autumn-winter months in young adults. Secondary aims were to investigate changes in serum lipids, and the feasibility (adherence) and acceptability to consuming the eggs. Methods In a 12-wk randomized controlled trial, 51 adults aged 25–40 y were randomly assigned to consume 2 eggs/wk (control, n = 17), 7 eggs/wk (n = 17), or 12 eggs/wk (n = 17). Change in serum 25...

BMC Geriatrics, 2022

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is represented as the most common liver dise... more Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is represented as the most common liver disease worldwide. NAFLD is associated with metabolic risk factors underpinned by insulin resistance, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, leading to extrahepatic changes in central nervous diseases such as cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The aim of the review is to explore the association between NAFLD and cognitive function. Methods Using the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic electronic literature search was conducted in four databases: MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase and CINAHL from inception until March 2021. Neuropsychological tests utilised within each study were grouped into relevant cognitive domains including ‘general cognition’, ‘reasoning’, ‘mental speed, attention and psychomotor speed’, ‘memory and learning’, ‘language’, ‘visuospatial perception’ and ‘ideas, abstraction, figural creations and mental flexibility’. Results Eleven observational studies that in...

Food Quality and Preference, 2021

Abstract Salt is commonly used in food processing and as a flavour enhancer. Dietary salt intake ... more Abstract Salt is commonly used in food processing and as a flavour enhancer. Dietary salt intake often exceeds the recommended levels and high intake is associated with several health concerns such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to examine if individuals’ salt taste function and perception is associated with dietary intake. Interventional studies were excluded in order to investigate the taste-diet relationships of free-living individuals. The systematic literature search was conducted in five electronic databases and twenty articles that reported on salt taste function and perception, as well as dietary intake, were identified and included. Of these, eleven studies measured salt taste sensitivity as detection and/or recognition thresholds, seven measured salt taste intensity, and twelve assessed hedonic ratings (preference or liking). Based on the studies included in this review, salt taste sensitivity and intensity ratings were poorly associated with dietary intake. Hedonic ratings, on the other hand, were relatively more predictive of dietary intake. Considerable variations in the methods used in salt taste and dietary intake assessment were noted, which may explain the lack of taste-diet associations or inconsistent findings between studies. Although definitive conclusions cannot be drawn, this review suggests that a simple tool that assesses salt taste hedonic ratings may be a useful strategy to identify individuals who consume high levels of salt in a clinical setting and subsequently inform the selection of strategies to improve dietary salt intake in these individuals. Future studies investigating taste-diet relationship should emphasise high quality methodology and adequate statistical power for robust outcomes.

Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, 2017

European Journal of Nutrition

Purpose Early satiety has been identified as one of the mechanisms that may explain the beneficia... more Purpose Early satiety has been identified as one of the mechanisms that may explain the beneficial effects of nuts for reducing obesity. This study compared postprandial changes in appetite-regulating hormones and self-reported appetite ratings after consuming almonds (AL, 15% of energy requirement) or an isocaloric carbohydrate-rich snack bar (SB). Methods This is a sub-analysis of baseline assessments of a larger parallel-arm randomised controlled trial in overweight and obese (Body Mass Index 27.5–34.9 kg/m2) adults (25–65 years). After an overnight fast, 140 participants consumed a randomly allocated snack (AL [n = 68] or SB [n = 72]). Appetite-regulating hormones and self-reported appetite sensations, measured using visual analogue scales, were assessed immediately before snack food consumption, and at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min following snack consumption. A sub-set of participants (AL, n = 49; SB, n = 48) then consumed a meal challenge buffet ad libitum to assess subsequent energ...

Nutrients

The world’s ever-growing population presents a major challenge in providing sustainable food opti... more The world’s ever-growing population presents a major challenge in providing sustainable food options and in reducing pressures on the Earth’s agricultural land and freshwater resources. Current estimates suggest that agriculture contributes ~30% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, there is an increased demand for animal protein, the production of which is particularly polluting. Therefore, the climate-disrupting potential of feeding the planet is likely to substantially worsen in the future. Due to the nutritional value of animal-based protein, it is not a simple solution to recommend a wholesale reduction in production/consumption of animal proteins. Rather, employing strategies which result in the production of low carbon animal protein may be part of the solution to reduce the GHGs associated with our diets without compromising diet quality. We suggest that farmed mussels may present a partial solution to this dilemma. Mussel production has a relatively low GH...

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Although the beneficial effects of nuts on cardiometabolic diseases have been well established, l... more Although the beneficial effects of nuts on cardiometabolic diseases have been well established, little is known about the effects of nuts on age-related diseases. Given that age-related diseases share many biological pathways with cardiometabolic diseases, it is plausible that diets rich in nuts might be beneficial in ameliorating age-related conditions. The objective of this review was to summarise the findings from studies that have examined the associations or effects of nut consumption, either alone or as part of the dietary pattern, on three major age-related factors—telomere length, sarcopenia, and cognitive function—in older adults. Overall, the currently available evidence suggests that nut consumption, particularly when consumed as part of a healthy diet or over a prolonged period, is associated with positive outcomes such as longer telomere length, reduced risk of sarcopenia, and better cognition in older adults. Future studies that are interventional, long-term, and adequ...

Biomedicines, Sep 9, 2022

European journal of nutrition, Jan 31, 2022

The global prevalence of overweight remains high; effective strategies that consider patterns of ... more The global prevalence of overweight remains high; effective strategies that consider patterns of body weight changes to identify periods when adults are susceptible to weight gain are warranted. This systematic review aimed to investigate body weight patterns, and how they were associated with dietary intake and/or dietary behaviours (Prospero CRD42020161977). Systematic literature search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, and CINAHL databases until November 2020. Observational studies in adults (18 years and over) that reported at least two measurements of weight and dietary intake in a year were included. Risk of bias was conducted using the Evidence Analysis Library by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics tool. This review included 16 unique studies after title, abstract, and full-text screening, and findings were narratively synthesised. Of the six studies conducted in the farming populations, five were conducted in countries with two seasons (dry vs. rainy seasons) and all studies observed higher body weight during the dry season (up to 3.1 kg difference between seasons). The remaining study was conducted in a sub-tropical country and did not observe temporal weight patterns. Higher dietary intake was also reported during the dry season in the tropical countries. In non-farming populations (n = 10), temporal patterns were also seen, where higher body weight and adiposity was observed during colder seasons (autumn and winter). However, the opposite was found in a study conducted in Iran, where higher weight was seen in summer. Concurrent with higher body weight, higher energy, fat, carbohydrate and soda consumption, and lower fiber and vegetable intake were observed. Temporal weight and dietary patterns exist, and they were country- and context-specific; these patterns were also related to factors such as activity levels, seasons and occupation. Future interventions should consider temporal patterns in the design and delivery of timely and tailored dietary interventions to promote optimal body weight. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42020161977.

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2014

Snacking may contribute to overweight and glucose dysregulation because snack foods often elicit ... more Snacking may contribute to overweight and glucose dysregulation because snack foods often elicit weak dietary compensation and promote glycemic swings. Almonds are satiating and moderate post-prandial glycemia, but it is not known if these properties hold when consumed specifically as a snack. Following an initial OGTT, an acute feeding trial was conducted where participants (49M, 89F) at risk for diabetes consumed 43g of roasted, lightly-salted almonds with breakfast (N=28) or lunch (N=26), alone as a morning snack (N=28) or afternoon snack (N=28) or no almonds (N=27). Appetitive sensations and blood glucose concentrations were monitored over 515 minutes during which standardized meals were provided. Participants then consumed almonds as per their group assignment for 4 weeks followed by another acute feeding trial and OGTT. Almond consumption as snacks led to significant reductions of appetitive sensations and blood glucose concentrations. They blunted (non-significantly) glucose rises at meals. There w...

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience physiological changes that likely impair... more Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience physiological changes that likely impair salt taste function and perception. Sodium restriction is a cornerstone of CKD management but dietary sodium plays an important role in food enjoyment and may interfere with compliance to this intervention. Therefore, confirming that taste deficits are present in CKD will improve our understanding of how taste deficits can affect intake, and inform dietary counselling in the future. A systematic review was conducted. Studies that included adults with CKD and healthy controls, and assessed salt taste sensitivity, perceived intensity, and/or hedonic ratings were included. Study quality was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Library Quality Criteria Checklist: Primary Research. Of the 16 studies, the majority reported decreased salt taste sensitivity, but no consistent differences in intensity or hedonic ratings were observed. Higher recognition thresho...

Reference Module in Food Science, 2021

Trials

Background Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics are used frequently by a... more Background Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics are used frequently by athletes either prophylactically for the prevention of pain, or to accelerate recovery following an injury. However, these types of pain management strategies have been shown to inhibit signalling pathways (e.g., cyclooxygenase-2) that may hinder muscular adaptations such as hypertrophy and strength. Nutraceuticals such as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) have analgesic properties that act via different mechanisms to NSAIDS/analgesics. Furthermore, PEA has been shown to have a positive effect on sleep and may contribute positively to muscle hypertrophy via PKB activation. Although PEA has not been widely studied in the athletic or recreationally active population, it may provide an alternative solution for pain management if it is found not to interfere with, or enhance training adaptations. Therefore, the study aim is to investigate the effects of daily PEA supplementation (Levagen + ®) with ...

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

Diet therapy for diabetes involves controlling carbohydrate intake in order to manage blood gluco... more Diet therapy for diabetes involves controlling carbohydrate intake in order to manage blood glucose concentrations. Simple carbohydrates, like sucrose, quickly and potently raise blood glucose when ingested, and are typically perceived as sweet. Sweetness is innately pleasurable and contributes to the positive hedonic evaluation of foods and beverages. There is some evidence to suggest that individuals with diabetes mellitus may be less able to detect sweetness, which could result in increased intake and, thus, more difficulty managing blood glucose. A systematic review that included PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria included observational studies that investigated the sweet taste function of adults with and without diabetes mellitus (Prospero CRD42021225058). The quality of the final included studies was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Evidence Analysis Library Quality Criteria Checklist: Primary Research tool. Eighteen studies that compared sweet taste thresholds, intensity ratings, or hedonic responses in adults both with and without diabetes were included. Differences in sweet taste thresholds, both detection and recognition, indicated that individuals with diabetes were less sensitive than healthy controls. The same findings were observed for intensity ratings. Only two studies examined hedonic responses; results were inconclusive.

Handbook of Obesity, 2014

European Journal of Nutrition

Purpose To assess the association between nut and seed consumption, both combined and separately,... more Purpose To assess the association between nut and seed consumption, both combined and separately, and metabolic syndrome and its components, including fasting glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, central obesity, and blood pressure. Methods This cross-sectional analysis used data from 22,687 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) involved in seven cycles (2005–2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Habitual nut and seed intakes were estimated by the Multiple Source Method using data from two 24-h dietary recalls. Metabolic syndrome was ascertained using biochemical data and self-reported medication use. Sex-specific effect estimates were obtained using logistic and linear regressions adjusting for lifestyle and socioeconomic confounders. Results Compared to non-consumers, female, but not male, habitual consumers of either nuts or seeds had lower odds of having metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.71, 0.97). Both nut intake alone an...

The Journal of Nutrition, 2022

Background Vitamin D deficiency is a common health concern during winter. Eggs are one of the few... more Background Vitamin D deficiency is a common health concern during winter. Eggs are one of the few rich dietary sources of vitamin D, containing cholecalciferol (vitamin D-3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 [25(OH)D3], with the latter reported to be 5 times more potent at increasing serum 25(OH)D concentrations, the major circulating form of vitamin D. However, whether there is an optimal dose of eggs to increase or maintain 25(OH)D concentrations during wintertime is not known. Objectives To evaluate the dose–response effect of consuming 2, 7, or 12 commercially available eggs per week on serum 25(OH)D concentrations during the autumn-winter months in young adults. Secondary aims were to investigate changes in serum lipids, and the feasibility (adherence) and acceptability to consuming the eggs. Methods In a 12-wk randomized controlled trial, 51 adults aged 25–40 y were randomly assigned to consume 2 eggs/wk (control, n = 17), 7 eggs/wk (n = 17), or 12 eggs/wk (n = 17). Change in serum 25...

BMC Geriatrics, 2022

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is represented as the most common liver dise... more Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is represented as the most common liver disease worldwide. NAFLD is associated with metabolic risk factors underpinned by insulin resistance, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, leading to extrahepatic changes in central nervous diseases such as cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The aim of the review is to explore the association between NAFLD and cognitive function. Methods Using the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic electronic literature search was conducted in four databases: MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase and CINAHL from inception until March 2021. Neuropsychological tests utilised within each study were grouped into relevant cognitive domains including ‘general cognition’, ‘reasoning’, ‘mental speed, attention and psychomotor speed’, ‘memory and learning’, ‘language’, ‘visuospatial perception’ and ‘ideas, abstraction, figural creations and mental flexibility’. Results Eleven observational studies that in...

Food Quality and Preference, 2021

Abstract Salt is commonly used in food processing and as a flavour enhancer. Dietary salt intake ... more Abstract Salt is commonly used in food processing and as a flavour enhancer. Dietary salt intake often exceeds the recommended levels and high intake is associated with several health concerns such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to examine if individuals’ salt taste function and perception is associated with dietary intake. Interventional studies were excluded in order to investigate the taste-diet relationships of free-living individuals. The systematic literature search was conducted in five electronic databases and twenty articles that reported on salt taste function and perception, as well as dietary intake, were identified and included. Of these, eleven studies measured salt taste sensitivity as detection and/or recognition thresholds, seven measured salt taste intensity, and twelve assessed hedonic ratings (preference or liking). Based on the studies included in this review, salt taste sensitivity and intensity ratings were poorly associated with dietary intake. Hedonic ratings, on the other hand, were relatively more predictive of dietary intake. Considerable variations in the methods used in salt taste and dietary intake assessment were noted, which may explain the lack of taste-diet associations or inconsistent findings between studies. Although definitive conclusions cannot be drawn, this review suggests that a simple tool that assesses salt taste hedonic ratings may be a useful strategy to identify individuals who consume high levels of salt in a clinical setting and subsequently inform the selection of strategies to improve dietary salt intake in these individuals. Future studies investigating taste-diet relationship should emphasise high quality methodology and adequate statistical power for robust outcomes.

Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, 2017

European Journal of Nutrition

Purpose Early satiety has been identified as one of the mechanisms that may explain the beneficia... more Purpose Early satiety has been identified as one of the mechanisms that may explain the beneficial effects of nuts for reducing obesity. This study compared postprandial changes in appetite-regulating hormones and self-reported appetite ratings after consuming almonds (AL, 15% of energy requirement) or an isocaloric carbohydrate-rich snack bar (SB). Methods This is a sub-analysis of baseline assessments of a larger parallel-arm randomised controlled trial in overweight and obese (Body Mass Index 27.5–34.9 kg/m2) adults (25–65 years). After an overnight fast, 140 participants consumed a randomly allocated snack (AL [n = 68] or SB [n = 72]). Appetite-regulating hormones and self-reported appetite sensations, measured using visual analogue scales, were assessed immediately before snack food consumption, and at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min following snack consumption. A sub-set of participants (AL, n = 49; SB, n = 48) then consumed a meal challenge buffet ad libitum to assess subsequent energ...

Nutrients

The world’s ever-growing population presents a major challenge in providing sustainable food opti... more The world’s ever-growing population presents a major challenge in providing sustainable food options and in reducing pressures on the Earth’s agricultural land and freshwater resources. Current estimates suggest that agriculture contributes ~30% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, there is an increased demand for animal protein, the production of which is particularly polluting. Therefore, the climate-disrupting potential of feeding the planet is likely to substantially worsen in the future. Due to the nutritional value of animal-based protein, it is not a simple solution to recommend a wholesale reduction in production/consumption of animal proteins. Rather, employing strategies which result in the production of low carbon animal protein may be part of the solution to reduce the GHGs associated with our diets without compromising diet quality. We suggest that farmed mussels may present a partial solution to this dilemma. Mussel production has a relatively low GH...

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Although the beneficial effects of nuts on cardiometabolic diseases have been well established, l... more Although the beneficial effects of nuts on cardiometabolic diseases have been well established, little is known about the effects of nuts on age-related diseases. Given that age-related diseases share many biological pathways with cardiometabolic diseases, it is plausible that diets rich in nuts might be beneficial in ameliorating age-related conditions. The objective of this review was to summarise the findings from studies that have examined the associations or effects of nut consumption, either alone or as part of the dietary pattern, on three major age-related factors—telomere length, sarcopenia, and cognitive function—in older adults. Overall, the currently available evidence suggests that nut consumption, particularly when consumed as part of a healthy diet or over a prolonged period, is associated with positive outcomes such as longer telomere length, reduced risk of sarcopenia, and better cognition in older adults. Future studies that are interventional, long-term, and adequ...