Articles publicats en revistes (Nutrició, Ciències de l'Alimentació i Gastronomia)

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‘Medical Fatphobia Is Not Something We Invent’: Weight Stigma in Healthcare Experienced by Women in the Antifatphobia Movement in Brazil and Spain
(2025-06-06) Gaspar, Maria Clara de Moraes Prata, 1985-; Verthein, Úrsula; Sato, Priscila de Morais
Fatphobia, defined as the stigma and discrimination against fat individuals, is a pervasive phenomenon in contemporary societies, embedded in various social contexts, including healthcare. This qualitative, cross‐sectional and descriptive study explores the experiences of medical fatphobia among women involved in the antifatphobia movement in Brazil and Spain, drawing on 14 individual semi‐structured interviews. In both countries, biomedical field was identified as a central agent in the construction and perpetuation of fatphobic discourses. Participants described multiple forms of discrimination: structural discrimination at the macrosocial level, rooted in biomedical discourses that pathologise fatness and individual discrimination at the interpersonal level, encountered in healthcare settings where moral judgements shape professional attitudes and practices. This situation positioned the interviewees as inferior subjects, presumed to lack self‐awareness, rationality and self‐ control. It perpetuates a form of symbolic violence—justified under the guise of promoting ‘health’—with wide‐ranging consequences. However, involvement in the antifatphobia movement and the development of a political and collective discourse around the body fostered mechanisms of resistance grounded in empowerment. This enabled interviewees to challenge stigma,critically engage with biomedical discourses and practices and cultivate a more nuanced, socially situated understanding of health and the body.
Associations of PFAS-related plasma metabolites with cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations
(Elsevier, 2022-10-13) Schillemans, Tessa; Bergdahl, Ingvar A.; Hanhineva, Kati; Shi, Lin; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Koponen, J.; Kiviranta, Hannu; Landberg, Rikard; Åkesson, Agneta; Brunius, Carl
The wide-spread environmental pollutants per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have repeatedly been associated with elevated serum cholesterol in humans. However, underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Furthermore, we have previously observed inverse associations with plasma triglycerides. To better understand PFAS-induced effects on lipid pathways we investigated associations of PFAS-related metabolite features with plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. We used 290 PFAS-related metabolite features that we previously discovered from untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectometry metabolomics in a case-control study within the Swedish Västerbotten Intervention Programme cohort. Herein, we studied associations of these PFAS-related metabolite features with plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in plasma samples from 187 healthy control subjects collected on two occasions between 1991 and 2013. The PFAS-related features did not associate with cholesterol, but 50 features were associated with triglycerides. Principal component analysis on these features indicated that one metabolite pattern, dominated by glycerophospholipids, correlated with longer chain PFAS and associated inversely with triglycerides (both cross-sectionally and prospectively), after adjustment for confounders. The observed time-trend of the metabolite pattern resembled that of the longer chain PFAS, with higher levels during the years 2004-2010. Mechanisms linking PFAS exposures to triglycerides may thus occur via longer chain PFAS affecting glycerophospholipid metabolism. If the results reflect a cause-effect association, as implied by the time-trend and prospective analyses, this may affect the general adult population.
The Mediterranean diet protects renal function in older adults: A prospective cohort study
(MDPI, 2022-01-19) Bayán-Bravo, A.; Banegas, José Ramón; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Sandoval Insausti, Helena ; Gorostidi, Manuel; Rodríguez-Artalejo, Fernando; Guallar-Castillón, Pilar
Background: Chronic kidney disease entails a high disease burden that is progressively increasing due to population aging. However, evidence on the effect of the Mediterranean diet on renal function is limited, in particular among older adults in Mediterranean countries. Methods: Prospective cohort study with 975 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 60 recruited during 2008-2010 in Spain and followed up to 2015. At baseline, food consumption was obtained using a validated dietary history. Two Mediterranean dietary patterns were used: (i) An a priori-defined pattern, the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS score: low adherence: 0-5 points; moderate: 6-8 points; high: 9-14 points); (ii) An a posteriori Mediterranean-like dietary pattern, based on 36 food groups, which was generated using factor analysis. Renal function decline was calculated as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease ≥1 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year of follow-up. Results: A total of 104 cases of renal function decline occurred. Compared with participants with a low MEDAS adherence, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confident interval) for renal function decline risk were 0.63 (0.38-1.03) for moderate adherence, and 0.52 (0.29-0.95) for high adherence (p-trend: 0.015). Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for renal function decline risk according to increasing quartiles of the adherence to the a posteriori Mediterranean-like dietary pattern were 1.00, 0.67 (0.38-1.20), 0.65 (0.35-1.19), and 0.47 (0.23-0.96) (p-trend: 0.042). Conclusion: A higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of renal function decline in older adults, suggesting benefits to health of this dietary pattern in Mediterranean countries.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and risk of myocardial infarction and stroke: A nested case-control study in Sweden
(National Institute of Environmental Health Science, 2022-03-14) Schillemans, Tessa; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Lindh, Christian H.; de Faire, Ulf; Wolk, Alicja; Leander, Karin; Åkesson, Agneta
BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread and persistent pollutants that have been associated with elevated cholesterol levels. However, data on incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) is lacking. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the association of exposure to PFAS with risk of myocardial infarction and stroke and, subsidiary, with baseline blood lipids. METHODS: This population-based nested case–control study included first incident myocardial infarction and stroke cases with matched controls from two Swedish cohorts: the Swedish Mammography Cohort-Clinical (SMC-C) and the Cohort of 60-year-olds (60YO). Baseline blood sampling occurred during 2003–2009 and 1997–1999 with follow-up through 2017 and 2014 for the SMC-C and the 60YO, respectively. Eight plasma PFAS concentrations were measured using targeted liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Five of these were quantifiable in both cohorts; individual values and their standardized sum were categorized into tertiles based on the controls. First incident myocardial infarction (n= 345) and ischemic stroke (n= 354) cases were ascertained via linkage to the National Inpatient Register and the Cause of Death Register. Controls were randomly selected from each cohort after matching for age, sex, and sample date. Baseline blood lipids were measured in plasma or serum after overnight fasting. RESULTS: Among the 1,528 case–control subjects, the mean (standard deviation) age was 66 (7.7) y and 67% of them were women. In multivariableadjusted analyses, the third tertile of the standardized sum of five PFAS associated with higher cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels among controls at baseline (n= 631). The corresponding results were odds ratios = 0:70 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53, 0.93] for CVD, 0.60 (95% CI: 0.39, 0.92) for myocardial infarction, and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.46, 1.50) for stroke. DISCUSSION: This study indicated that exposure to PFAS, although associated with increased cholesterol levels, did not associate with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or their composite end point. The findings improve our knowledge on potential health effects of environmental contaminants in the CVD context
Cooking methods are associated with inflammatory factors, renal function, and other hormones and nutritional biomarkers in older adults
(Nature Publishing Group, 2022-10-01) Rodríguez-Ayala, M.; Banegas, José Ramón; Ortolá, Rosario; Gorostidi, Manuel; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Rodríguez-Artalejo, Fernando; Guallar-Castillón, Pilar
Evidence of the role of cooking methods on inflammation and metabolic health is scarce due to the paucity of large-size studies. Our aim was to evaluate the association of cooking methods with inflammatory markers, renal function, and other hormones and nutritional biomarkers in a general population of older adults. In a cross sectional analysis with 2467 individuals aged ≥ 65, dietary and cooking information was collected using a validated face-to-face dietary history. Eight cooking methods were considered: raw, boiling, roasting, pan-frying, frying, toasting, sautéing, and stewing. Biomarkers were analyzed in a central laboratory following standard procedures. Marginal effects from generalized linear models were calculated and percentage differences (PD) of the multivariable-adjusted means of biomarkers between extreme sex-specific quintiles (Q) of cooking methods consumption were computed ([Q5 - Q1/Q1] × 100). Participants' mean age was 71.6 years (53% women). Significant PD for the highest vs lowest quintile of raw food consumption was - 54.7% for high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP), - 11.9% for neutrophils, - 11.9% for Growth Differentiation Factor-15, - 25.0% for Interleukin-6 (IL-6), - 12.3% for urinary albumin, and - 10.3% for uric acid. PD for boiling were - 17.8% for hs-CRP, - 12.4% for urinary albumin, and - 11.3% for thyroid-stimulating hormone. Concerning pan-frying, the PD was - 23.2% for hs-CRP, - 11.5% for IL-6, - 16.3% for urinary albumin and 10.9% for serum vitamin D. For frying, the PD was a 25.7% for hs-CRP, and - 12.6% for vitamin D. For toasting, corresponding figures were - 21.4% for hs-CRP, - 11.1% for IL-6 and 10.6% for vitamin D. For stewing, the PD was 13.3% for hs-CRP. Raw, boiling, pan-frying, and toasting were associated with healthy profiles as for inflammatory markers, renal function, thyroid hormones, and serum vitamin D. On the contrary, frying and, to a less extent, stewing showed unhealthier profiles. Cooking methods not including added fats where healthier than those with added fats heated at high temperatures or during longer periods of time.
Digestion and matrix interactions drive phenolic compounds transformation in tomato sauce formulations
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-09-01) Abarca-Rivas, Clara; Pérez Bosch, Maria; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Corrado, Marina
This study investigated the digestive fate of tomato phenolics and how processing and matrix interactions influence their release, transformation, and partitioning during digestion. Conventional tomato sauce, pomace-enriched sauce, and the enriched sauce co-digested with boiled rice underwent in vitro digestion (INFOGEST 2.0). Phenolic compounds were profiled in soluble and insoluble fractions across oral, gastric, and intestinal phases using untargeted and targeted LC-MS. Pomace enrichment did not significantly increase total phenolic concentration compared with conventional sauce. Digestion induced compound-specific transformations, including the breakdown of complex caffeoylquinic acids and dynamic redistribution between soluble and insoluble fractions. Co-digestion with rice modified phenolic partitioning in a compound-dependent manner, generally reducing soluble phenolic concentrations while increasing glycosylated flavonoids such as quercetin 3-β-D-glucoside. Digestion phase was the dominant driver of phenolic behaviour, while matrix composition modulated the direction of these changes through phase-dependent interactions. These findings suggest that phenolic accessibility during digestion depends not only on initial phenolic composition but also on matrix-dependent retention and release mechanisms. Overall, this study provides new insight into the digestion-dependent behaviour of tomato phenolics and quantifies compound-specific changes, highlighting the importance of matrix structure and meal composition when designing tomato by-product-enriched foods with improved phenolic delivery.
Topliss-guided optimization of acetanilide-basedsoluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors: exploring thepentafluorosulfanyl group as a potency-enhancing motif
(Wiley-VCH, 2026-08-13) Sáez, Elena; Pineda-Lucena, Antonio; Hammock, Bruce D.; Luque Garriga, F. Xavier; Loza, María Isabel; Brea, José; Vázquez Cruz, Santiago; López-Ruiz, Alba; Pujol, Eugènia; Ramos Méndez, Carmen; Rizzo, Valeria; Morisseau, Christophe; Val, Cristina; Ginex, Tiziana; Vázquez Lozano, Javier; Codony Gisbert, Sandra; Turcu, Andreea L.; Pérez, Belén
The inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy through the stabilization of endogenous bioactive epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Most of the inhibitors developed to date contain a central urea pharmacophore; however, these compounds often suffer from physicochemical limitations, particularly limited aqueous solubility. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a new family of 2-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)acetamides inspired by the reference sEH inhibitor 1-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)urea (TPPU). Replacement of the urea pharmacophore in TPPU with an amide significantly improved aqueous solubility but reduced inhibitory potency. Surprisingly, substitution of the trifluoromethyl group of TPPU with a pentafluorosulfanyl substituent restored potency against human sEH, leading to the identification of a promising hit compound. Subsequent structure–activity relationship studies guided by the Topliss Batchwise Scheme (TBS) enabled systematic optimization of the aromatic substitution pattern and revealed that electronic effects are the main drivers of inhibitory potency, leading to several analogs displaying strong activity across human, mouse, and rat sEH. However, their further development was discontinued due to safety-related liabilities identified during the screening cascade. Nevertheless, these results highlight the utility of the underexplored pentafluorosulfanyl group and the TBS strategy for optimizing amide-based sEH inhibitors.
Associations between dietary intake of flavonoids and adiposity: cross-sectional findings from the Fenland Study, the United Kingdom
(Nature Publishing Group, 2026-05-01) Gil Lespinard, Mercedes; Forouhi, Nita G.; Imamura, Fumiaki; Zamora-Ros, Raul
Background Prospective and experimental evidence supports beneficial effects of flavonoids on weight management and metabolic health, but their impact on specific adiposity parameters remains unclear. We aimed to investigate associations of total and subclasses of dietary flavonoids with adiposity markers, several of which have been linked to metabolic risk. Methods We evaluated cross-sectional data from 11,568 adults recruited to the Fenland Study between 2005 and 2015 in Cambridgeshire, the United Kingdom. Habitual diets were evaluated using food frequency questionnaires. Flavonoid intakes were calculated mainly using the United States Department of Agriculture food composition databases. We examined associations using robust regression adjusted for relevant confounders and corrected for false discovery rate (FDR) for multiple flavonoids and adiposity parameters: body fat (BF) (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), visceral fat (VAT), subcutaneous fat (SCAT), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), VAT:SCAT ratio, and a body shape index (ABSI). Results Median flavonoid intake was 428 mg/d (interquartile range 258.5–568.6). Doubling in total flavonoid intake was inversely associated with BF [betalog2 −0.54% (95% CI −0.70; −0.40)]; VAT [−0.13 cm (−0.17; −0.08)]; SCAT [−0.05 cm (−0.08; −0.02)]; BMI [−0.33 kg/m2 (−0.44; −0.22)]; WC [−0.84 cm (−1.13; −0.55)]; and WHR [−0.004 (−0.006; −0.002)]. Most of flavonoid subclasses showed similar results, except isoflavones that were positively associated with BF, VAT and WC. Intakes of proanthocyanidins and anthocyanidins showed the strongest negative associations independently of BMI. Subgroup analyses resulted in stronger negative associations in women, older adults, and non-smokers. Conclusion Flavonoids may influence adiposity, a potential pathway for the relationship between flavonoid-rich foods and metabolic risk. Proanthocyanidins and anthocyanidins may affect site-specific fat distribution, particularly visceral adiposity. Further investigation in prospective, interventional, and mechanistic studies is warranted to understand the link between flavonoids and adiposity.
Greater fragmentation of the daily rhythm of energy intake is associated with better insulin sensitivity in rotating shift workers
(Informa Healthcare, 2026-05-15) Pereira Marot, L.uisa; Zerón-Rugerio, María Fernanda; Cambras Riu, Trinitat; Tibiletti Balieiro, Laura Cristina; Rosa, Dayane Eusenia; Vale Cardoso Lopes, Tássia Do; Castro Moreno, Claudia Roberta de; Izquierdo Pulido, Maria; Crispim, Cibele Aparecida
Shift workers are essential to sustaining the modern 24 h society. However, they experience a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a vulnerability thought to arise from recurrent misalignment between their sleep-wake and fasting-eating schedules. This study aimed to investigate the association between the daily rhythms of energy and macronutrient intake, motor activity (MA), and wrist temperature (WT) with anthropometric and biochemical parameters in rotating shift workers (RSW). Thirty male RSW participated in this 10 d cross-sectional study. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were collected, and a 10 d 24 h food recall was used to assess energy and macronutrient intake. From these data, daily rhythms of energy intake were characterized, and actigraphy was used to evaluate daily rhythms of MA and WT. Daily rhythms were analyzed using non-parametric analyses including the intradaily variability (IV) and interdaily stability (IS), and associations with outcome variables were tested using partial correlations. A negative association was observed between the IV of the daily rhythms of energy and carbohydrate intake with insulin levels (p < 0.05), HOMA-IR (p < 0.05), and triglycerides (p < 0.05). In contrast, higher IV in the daily rhythm of WT was associated with higher total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05). These results suggest that a higher fragmentation (higher IV) of the daily rhythm of energy intake is associated with better glucose tolerance among RSW.
Reviving ancient winemaking: Effects of ceramic vessels and organic coatings in wine production
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-05-15) Abarca-Rivas, Clara; Corrado, Marina; Campins Machado, Francesc Miquel; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; Pecci, Alessandra
The revival of ancient winemaking techniques using ceramic vessels and organic coatings such as pitch, resin, and beeswax has gained renewed interest among producers seeking distinctive sensory profiles, sustainability, and cultural heritage preservation. This review synthesizes multidisciplinary evidence on the role of ceramic containers and coatings in wine production, integrating archaeological insights with contemporary practices. Ceramic vessels enable micro-oxygenation and thermal stability, influencing phenolic polymerization and wine complexity without introducing exogenous compounds. Organic coatings historically served to waterproof vessels and impart antimicrobial and aromatic properties, with modern applications observed in traditional wines such as Georgian qvevri, Portuguese talha, Greek retsina, and Canary Islands tea wines. These techniques have been associated with enhanced poly(phenol) content, unique volatile profiles, and reduced reliance on chemical preservatives. Despite promising findings, research remains fragmented, with gaps in sensory characterization, mineral migration, and coating performance. Addressing these gaps through integrated chemical, microbiological, and sensory studies could transform these heritage practices into scientifically validated strategies for producing high-quality, low-intervention wines.
Indole Content Profiling During Biological Ageing of Cava Sparkling Wine
(MDPI, 2025-02-20) Abarca-Rivas, Clara; Martín Garcia, Alba; Riu Aumatell, Montserrat; López Tamames, Elvira
Indoles are bioactive components found in wine products and are associated with yeast activity. Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, is characterized by aging in contact with lees, making it a potential matrix for indoles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the indole content in Cava produced at an industrial scale. Nine indoles were analysed by Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography—Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Cava samples with different ageing times (n = 74). Significant amounts of tryptophan (2.3–1680.4 µg/L), tryptophan ethyl ester (0.1–5.2 µg/L), 5-methoxytryptophol (0.3–29.2 µg/L) and n-acetyl serotonin (0.3–2.3 µg/L) were determined. Tryptophan and tryptophan ethyl ester were positively correlated and decreased with ageing time. In fact, a concentration of less than 0.56 µg of the latter indole can become a marker of the most aged Cavas. The ageing time in contact with lees seems to play a key role affecting the indole content, since base wines show high amount of tryptophan and tryptophan ethyl ester while aged sparkling wines have values around the lower 95% confidence limit. Notably, the identification of tryptophan ethyl ester as a potential marker for aging in Cava suggests a new avenue for further research and quality assessment in its production
Resting-state brain connectivity following extra virgin olive oil intake in healthy adults: a randomised crossover pilot neuroimaging substudy
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026-04-08) Estruch Riba, Ramon; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; Gutiérrez-Romero, Rocío M.; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Muñoz-Moreno, Emma; Hinojosa-Moscoso, Alejandro; Galkina, Polina; Arancibia Riveros, Camila; Domínguez-López, Inés; Hurtado Barroso, Sara; Pérez Bosch, Maria; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Casas Rodríguez, Rosa M.
This pilot randomised crossover neuroimaging substudy (n = 9) identified increased resting-state occipital functional connectivityfollowing daily consumption of (poly)phenol-rich extra virgin olive oil compared with regular olive oil. Urinary hydroxytyrosol-glucuronideexcretion increased significantly, and a significant interaction between intervention and metabolite levels was observed on occipitalconnectivity. These preliminary findings require replication in larger, adequately powered studies.
Central Adiposity Assessed with Body Roundness Index and Mortality: The Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra Prospective Cohort
(MDPI, 2025-10-23) Dominguez, Ligia J.; Sayón Orea, Carmen; Toledo Atucha, Estefanía; Bes Rastrollo, Maira; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Barbagallo, Mario; Martínez-González, Miguel Ángel, 1957-
Background/Objectives: Obesity is currently a global pandemic and a major risk factor for the development of chronic disease and increased mortality. Common methods used to define obesity, such as body mass index (BMI), do not accurately reflect body fat content or distribution. Methods: We investigated the prognostic significance of the body roundness index (BRI) on incident death in 12,642 participants (60.2% women, mean age: 39, standard deviation (SD): 12 years) from the “Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra” prospective cohort and compared it to waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) and waist circumference (WC). Participants were monitored through biennial questionnaires. The mean of the baseline BRI was 3.6 (SD: 1.4) units. Multivariable-adjusted Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI) of death. Results: Over a median follow-up period of 11.5 years, 380 participants died (absolute mortality rate 1.74 × 10−3). In multivariable-adjusted models, higher quartiles of BRI were significantly associated with all-cause death, specifically in those ≥ 60 years (Quartile 4 vs. Quartile 1: HR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.70). Considering the whole group (all ages), each 2-unit increase in BRI was linked to a 21% higher all-cause mortality risk in both men and women. This association was even stronger for participants aged over 60 years (multivariate adjusted HR for 2-unit BRI increase: 1.31; CI: 1.00, 1.72), while it was not significant when considering only those under 60 years. The associations of z-WtHR and z-WC with incident mortality for all participants were also significant in the fully adjusted model (HRs: 1.14; CI: 1.01, 1.27, and HRs: 1.16; CI: 1.04, 1.30, respectively). Mortality associations assessed using the BRI, WtHR, and WC were superior to associations based on the BMI. Conclusions: BRI shows a linear link with all-cause mortality in healthy adults ≥ 60, while WtHR and WC were also mortality predictors. Thus, lower central fat may help reduce early death risk.
Dietary patterns and neuropsychological function in adolescents: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
(BioMed Central, 2026-12-01) Manidis, Alexios; Ayala-Aldana, Nicolas; Bernardo-Castro, Sara; Pinar-Martí, Ariadna; Galkina, Polina; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; Papandreou, Christopher; Julvez, Jordi; Fernández Barrés, Silvia; Ramírez-Carrasco, Patricia
Background. Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, during which dietary patterns may influence neuropsychological functioning. Objective. To examine cross-sectional associations and determine if baseline adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is associated with changes in adolescent neuropsychological outcomes over 6 months. Methods. This study represents a secondary analysis of the WALNUTs Smart-Snack Trial. We evaluated 653 adolescents (aged 12–16 years) from Barcelona at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. All dietary data used for these analyses were collected at the baseline timepoint only. MD adherence was measured with the KIDMED index and UPF consumption was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and classified using the NOVA system. Cognitive domains were assessed at both time points using standardised computer-based tasks: attention (alerting, orienting, executive control) with the Attention Network Test; working memory (4-back) with the N-back task; fluid intelligence with the Primary Mental Abilities-Revised; decision-making with the Roulettes Task; and emotion recognition with the Emotion Recognition Task. Behavioural outcomes were also evaluated at both time points using the self-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and teacher-reported Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-DSM-IV scales. Associations were examined using multivariable generalised linear models. To further validate UPF consumption estimations, polyphenol biomarkers were measured in urine in a subsample of 257 participants. Results. Greater adherence to the MD was cross-sectionally linked to fewer behavioural problems and higher scores of executive functioning, while higher UPF consumption was associated with poorer emotion recognition, reduced alerting attention, less advantageous decision-making, more behavioural problems and internalising symptoms. Longitudinally, higher UPF consumption was associated with more internalising symptoms and less advantageous decision-making, whereas MD adherence showed no associations. Conclusions. Greater MD adherence appears associated with more favourable behavioural and cognitive profiles. In contrast, higher UPF consumption seems to be associated with less favourable profiles across multiple neuropsychological domains in adolescents. However, the limited longitudinal evidence points to complex relationships that warrant further investigation. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of promoting healthier dietary habits during adolescence.
Green optimisation of microwave-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from rice straw lignocellulosic residues and LC-HRMS-based cultivar profiling
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-05-15) San Sebastián, Laura; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; Jiménez, Alfonso; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Garrigós, María Carmen; Ramos, Marina; Laveriano-Santos, Emily P.
Rice straw was valorised as a source of antioxidant phenolic compounds. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was optimised using a Box–Behnken design to assess the influence of temperature, ethanol concentration, solvent volume and extraction time on yield, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity. Temperature and time were the key factors. Optimal conditions (80 °C, 60% ethanol, 50 mL, 40 min) produced an 18.9% yield and 796 mg GAE/100 g DW, with high antioxidant activity (FRAP 32.3; ABTS 43.2 μmol TE/g DW). LC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap-HRMS/MS enabled detailed profiling of phenolic compounds, with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin-3-glucoside as major contributors. The optimised workflow was applied to eleven cultivars harvested in 2019–2020, revealing cultivar- and year-dependent differences in phenolic fingerprints and antioxidant performance. Overall, the integrated MAE–Orbitrap approach efficiently produced phenolic-rich extracts and supported comparative cultivar profiling, although further evidence on stability, safety and regulatory aspects is needed for food-related applications.
TAS2R5 and TAS2R38 are bitter taste receptors whose colonic expressions could play important roles in age-associated processes
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-06-01) Jalševac, Florijan; Segú, Helena; Balaguer Prunés, Francesc; Ocaña, Teresa; Moreira, Rebeca; Abad Jordà, Laia; Gracia-Sancho, Jorge; Fernández Iglesias, Anabel; Andrés Lacueva, Ma. Cristina; Martínez Huélamo, Miriam; Beltrán-Debón, Raúl; Rodríguez Gallego, Esther; Terra, Ximena; Ardévol Grau, Anna; Pinent, Montserrat
Ageing disrupts how our bodies process nutrients, leading to deregulation of nutrient-sensing and increased inflammation. Dietary interventions can promote healthy ageing, which demonstrates the importance of both metabolism and the gastrointestinal tract for our health. Bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) present in the intestine are key members of metabolic regulation. TAS2R are involved in controlling enterohormonal secretion, detect phenolic compounds in our diet, and potentially have a great impact on the ageing process. Here, we aimed to analyze the potential role of intestinal TAS2R on the ageing process and establish potential impact of these receptors on the biomarkers. Healthy subjects were divided into two age cohorts: young (38.9±6) and aged (63.6±6). TAS2R expression was analyzed in the colon. Analyses of metabolomics and of phenolic markers were performed in plasma. Best discriminatory parameters were obtained using three machine-learning methods. Finally, Spearman's rank correlation was performed. The best separators of the age cohorts were docosahexaenoic acid and multiple lipoprotein fractions. Two TAS2R were also identified: TAS2R5 and TAS2R38. TAS2R5 correlated with multiple lipoprotein-derived fractions, inflammatory marker IL-6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids. TAS2R38 was much more selective, correlating with a few parameters, including membrane lipid sphingomyelin, ketone body acetone, and omega acids. Both TAS2R5 and TAS2R38 correlated with β-hydroxybutyrate. The parameters that correlated with TAS2R have known effects on the ageing process. This suggests that TAS2R5 and TAS2R38 are the bitter receptors most likely to play a role in the development and progress of ageing.
Tomato Intake Improves Cognitive Performance and Modulates Functional Brain Networks in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial
(MDPI, 2026-05-19) Ruiz-León, Ana María; Casas Rodríguez, Rosa M.; Estruch Riba, Ramon; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Corrado, Marina; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; López-Solís, Ricardo; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Ramírez-Carrasco, Patricia; Gutiérrez-Romero, Rocío M.; Pérez Bosch, Maria; Castellví, Magdalena; Bosch Capdevila, Beatriz; Arancibia Riveros, Camila; Hinojosa-Moscoso, Alejandro; Muñoz-Moreno, Emma; Laredo Gregorio, Carlos
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of lycopene, a carotenoid that crosses the blood–brain barrier and exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the impact of tomato consumption on cognitive function in healthy adults remains unclear. This study assessed the effects of concentrated tomato paste on cognitive performance and explored potential mechanisms, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and functional brain connectivity. A randomized, two-period crossover trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05891977) was conducted in 47 healthy adults aged 40–55 years assigned to two 3-month interventions separated by a 1-month washout: (a) daily consumption of concentrated tomato paste (0.5 g/kg body weight) and (b) a lycopene-restricted control diet. Cognitive performance was evaluated using validated neuropsychological tests (d2-R, Face-Name Associative Memory Exam, Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), alongside plasma lycopene and BDNF, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Forty-two participants completed the study. Tomato intake improved selective attention (concentration performance: +7.2 points; processing speed: +8.3 points) and associative memory (face-name matching: +0.8 points). Plasma BDNF showed a borderline increase with tomato intake (mean difference 15.2 ng/mL). Resting-state fMRI revealed changes in brain networks, including reduced connectivity in frontoparietal and auditory networks, contrasting with reductions in the dorsal attention network during the control period. These findings provide evidence that tomato consumption may support cognitive function and modulate brain connectivity in healthy middle-aged adults.
Dietary Polyamine Intake Across Age Groups in Spain: A Comprehensive Assessment
(MDPI, 2026-05-01) Toro Funes, Natalia; Comas Basté, Oriol; Latorre Moratalla, Mariluz; Veciana Nogués, María Teresa; Vidal Carou, Ma. Carmen
Background: Polyamines, including putrescine (PU), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM), are ubiquitous bioactive compounds essential for cell proliferation, genomic stability, autophagy, and the regulation of oxidative and inflammatory responses. Growing evidence, particularly for SPD, suggests that polyamine-rich diets may protect against age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative disorders. As endogenous polyamine synthesis declines with age, dietary intake becomes increasingly important, especially in older adults. Methods: This study estimated each polyamine (PU, SPD and SPM) and total polyamine intake in the Spanish population using food consumption data from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Intakes were evaluated across four age groups, and major dietary sources were identified. Results: Total polyamine intake increased with age, reaching 393 µmol/day in adults over 65 years. PU accounted for 49% of total intake, followed by SPD (29%) and SPM (22%). Plant-based foods were the primary contributors to SPD intake, particularly vegetables (36%), fruits (26%), and cereals (18%). PU intake was also predominantly plant-derived, mainly from fruits (58%) and vegetables (23%), whereas SPM intake was largely associated with meat products (59%). A theoretical Mediterranean diet model yielded a slightly higher total polyamine intake of 406.6 µmol/day and a substantially greater SPD intake than that observed in older adults (193.99 µmol/day versus 121.62 µmol/day). Conclusions: Overall, estimated polyamine intake in the Spanish population fell below the optimal level of 540 µmol/day proposed in the literature. These findings highlight the need for public health strategies promoting consumption of polyamine-rich foods, particularly vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits, to support healthy aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
Modulation of volatile profiles in wine produced following ancientpractices: A comparison between pitch-coated and uncoated amphorae
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-07-01) Abarca-Rivas, Clara; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Pérez Bosch, Maria; Corrado, Marina; Zifferero, Andrea; Chessa, Riccardo; Rossellini, Daniele; Reynolds, Paul; Pecci, Alessandra
Reviving ancient winemaking techniques, such as so called amphora fermentation, is gaining attention for producing wines with distinctive sensory profiles. This is the first study that investigates the impact of Pinaceae pitch coating on experimental wine volatile composition in coated and uncoated ceramic vessels. Using HS-SPME/GC-MS, we identified 52 compounds, with significant differences between samples. This highlights the influence of pitch coating on fermentation dynamics and volatile profile development, with potential implications for aroma. Several pitch-derived compounds, including pitch biomarkers, were detected exclusively in wines produced in coated vessels, suggesting direct migration from the pitch. Coating also modified the abundance of esters, acids and alcohols, likely due to differences in micro-oxygenation and potentially by yeast metabolism. These preliminary findings provide new insights into the role of vessel coatings in shaping wine aroma and open avenues for targeted modulation of wine profiles through material selection.
Managing bioactive amines in plant-based fermented products
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-03-01) Costa-Catala, Judit; Tabanelli, Giulia; Diez González, Alicia; Latorre Moratalla, Mariluz; Vidal Carou, Ma. Carmen; Comas Basté, Oriol
The fermentation of vegetable products is gaining interest due to its ability to extend shelf life and reduce food waste. Additionally, the perceived health benefits of certain fermented foods and the growing popularity of plant-based diets have led to greater consumption and diversification of fermented products. However, fermentation can also promote the accumulation of biogenic amines, which may pose health risks. This study investigated the content of bioactive amines in various commercial plant-based fermented products and evaluated a novel strategy to reduce biogenic amine accumulation by the addition of an active ingredient derived from lyophilised green pea sprouts containing the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). Among the tested products, sauerkraut and soy sauce exhibited the highest total biogenic amines levels, with the greatest variability between samples. In contrast, average biogenic amines levels in kimchi, tempeh, miso, soybean paste and a cashew-based cheese analogue were moderate with less variability. No biogenic amines were detected in kombucha. Spermidine and spermine were present in most products, reflecting their natural occurrence in plant ingredients. When the DAO-containing active ingredient was added to laboratory-scale sauerkraut, it significantly reduced biogenic amine levels after seven days: cadaverine decreased by 80 %, putrescine by 70 %, histamine by 23 % and tyramine by 11 %. When all four biogenic amines were simultaneously present in the sauerkraut, the selectivity and effectiveness of the active ingredient were maintained. This novel approach may contribute to the development of safer, higher-quality fermented plant products while benefiting histamine-intolerant consumers.

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