Topic Editors

Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
1. Department of Basic Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
2. High Performance Research Group in Physiopathology and Pharmacology of the Digestive System (NeuGut-URJC), University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Alcorcón, Spain

Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders

Abstract submission deadline
31 March 2025
Manuscript submission deadline
31 May 2025
Viewed by
4506

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a call for papers for a Topic focusing on "Nutrients, Food Bioactives, and Functional Foods in Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Disorders". This MDPI Topic aims to gather the latest research and developments in the field, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge and identifying future directions. The Topic focuses on the critical roles of nutrients, food bioactives, and functional foods in the prevention and management of digestive diseases and metabolic disorders, whose growing prevalence underscores the need for the analysis and identification of novel bioactive food-derived compounds and innovative dietary strategies to target the pathophysiology of these alterations. This Topic aims to gather cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that explore the mechanisms through which specific nutrients and bioactive compounds potentially influence gut health, metabolic pathways, molecular and cellular mediators, and, ultimately, overall disease outcomes. The topics of interest include but are not limited to the health impact of dietary components on inflammation, gut microbiota, metabolic regulation, glycemic and lipid disorders, along with the design, development, and application of functional foods. Through this collection, we seek to advance our understanding of the preventive potential and health benefits of food-based approaches in managing digestive and metabolic disorders.

Dr. Samuel Fernández-Tomé
Dr. Ortega Moreno Lorena
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • functional foods
  • food bioactives
  • gastrointestinal diseases
  • metabolic disorders
  • mechanisms of action
  • health benefits
  • gut microbiota
  • glycemic and lipid alterations
  • inflammation
  • metabolomics

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
cimb
2.8 2.9 1999 16.8 Days CHF 2200 Submit
Foods
foods
4.7 7.4 2012 14.3 Days CHF 2900 Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
ijms
4.9 8.1 2000 18.1 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Scientia Pharmaceutica
scipharm
2.3 4.6 1930 31.4 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Antioxidants
antioxidants
6.0 10.6 2012 15.5 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Nutrients
nutrients
4.8 9.2 2009 17.5 Days CHF 2900 Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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19 pages, 2976 KiB  
Article
New Pipeline for Analysing Fruit Proteolytic Products Used as Digestive Health Nutraceuticals
by Iván Benito-Vázquez, Ana Muñoz-Labrador, Manuel Garrido-Romero, Gema Hontoria-Caballo, Carlos García-García, Marina Diez-Municio and F. Javier Moreno
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910315 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 702
Abstract
Proteolytic products are extensively used in the nutraceutical sector to improve protein digestion and muscle quality in target populations (e.g., athletes or elderly). These products are processed using techniques that often lead to low purity but competitive pricing. Despite their widespread use and [...] Read more.
Proteolytic products are extensively used in the nutraceutical sector to improve protein digestion and muscle quality in target populations (e.g., athletes or elderly). These products are processed using techniques that often lead to low purity but competitive pricing. Despite their widespread use and well-established production methods, the industry lacks standardized analytical methods for assessing these products and detecting potential fraud. This study proposes a comprehensive and harmonized pipeline for their analysis, which includes quantifying total soluble protein and proteolytic activity, as well as the determination of product stability and protein profile using SDS-PAGE and proteomic techniques. Despite the fact that protease extracts from pineapple had the highest protein content, most of the bromelain remained inactive, unlike in kiwi and papaya. SDS-PAGE revealed partial protein degradation of pineapple extracts, whereas kiwi extracts reflected a lower purification level but a higher protein integrity. The application of proteomic approaches strengthened the identification and origin tracing of the proteases. This study contributes to the development of a robust framework for analyzing proteolytic extracts, spanning from soluble protein quantification to protein profiling and activity determination. It may also ensure reliable supplier selection, high-quality manufacturing practices, and the implementation of optimal storage and formulation strategies in the nutraceutical industry. Full article
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8 pages, 4098 KiB  
Article
Dietary Isoflavones Intake and Gastric Cancer
by Arianna Natale, Federica Fiori, Maria Parpinel, Claudio Pelucchi, Eva Negri, Carlo La Vecchia and Marta Rossi
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2771; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162771 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 921
Abstract
Dietary isoflavones have been associated with a lower risk of gastric cancer (GC), but the evidence for this association is still limited. We investigated the association between isoflavone intake and GC risk using data from a case–control study including 230 incident, histologically confirmed [...] Read more.
Dietary isoflavones have been associated with a lower risk of gastric cancer (GC), but the evidence for this association is still limited. We investigated the association between isoflavone intake and GC risk using data from a case–control study including 230 incident, histologically confirmed GC cases and 547 controls with acute, non-neoplastic conditions. Dietary information was collected through a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and isoflavone intake was estimated using ad hoc databases. We estimated the odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) of GC using logistic regression models, including terms for total energy intake and other major confounders. The OR for the highest versus the lowest tertile of intake was 0.65 (95%CI = 0.44–0.97, p for trend = 0.04) for daidzein, 0.75 (95%CI = 0.54–1.11, p for trend = 0.15) for genistein, and 0.66 (95%CI = 0.45–0.99, p for trend = 0.05) for total isoflavones. Stratified analyses by sex, age, education, and smoking showed no heterogeneity. These findings indicate a favorable effect of dietary isoflavones on GC. Full article
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13 pages, 1661 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Pectin Extraction from Melon Peel as a New Source of Pectin and Pectin Hydrolysate with Prebiotic Potential
by Saroya Bilraheem, Sirasit Srinuanpan, Benjamas Cheirsilp, Apichat Upaichit, Fusako Kawai and Uschara Thumarat
Foods 2024, 13(16), 2554; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162554 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 938
Abstract
Food wastes have a large number of functional ingredients that have potential for valorization. Melon peels are increasingly produced as waste in food industries in Thailand. This study aimed to optimize pectin extraction conditions from melon peel for its prebiotic potential. Optimization was [...] Read more.
Food wastes have a large number of functional ingredients that have potential for valorization. Melon peels are increasingly produced as waste in food industries in Thailand. This study aimed to optimize pectin extraction conditions from melon peel for its prebiotic potential. Optimization was conducted using a response surface methodology and Box–Behnken experimental design. An analysis of variance indicated a significant interaction between the extraction conditions on extraction yield and degree of esterification (DE). These include pH and solvent-to-sample ratio. The conditions for the extraction of pectin with low DE (LDP), medium DE (MDP) and high DE (HDP) were optimized. Pectin hydrolysate from LDP, MDP and HDP was prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis into LPEH, MPEH and HPEH, respectively. LDP, MDP, HDP, LPEH, MPEH and HPEH were compared for their efficiency in terms of the growth of three probiotic strains, namely Lactobacillus plantarum TISTR 877, Lactobacillus casei TISTR 390 and Enterococcus faecium TISTR 1027. Among the samples tested, HPEH showed the highest ability as a carbon source to promote the growth and prebiotic activity score for these three probiotic strains. This study suggests that melon peel waste from agro-industry can be a novel source for prebiotic production. Full article
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13 pages, 5475 KiB  
Article
Naringenin Promotes Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice by Impacting the SCF/c-Kit Pathway and Gut Microbiota
by Lei Wu, Yao Niu, Boyang Ren, Shengyu Wang, Yuhong Song, Xingyu Wang, Kai Zhao, Zhao Yue, Yaru Li and Jianhua Gao
Foods 2024, 13(16), 2520; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162520 - 12 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1268
Abstract
Naringenin (NRG) is widely found in citrus fruits and has anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. Previous studies have shown that NRG promotes gastrointestinal motility in mice constipation models, but there are few systematic evaluations of its effects on normal animals. This study first [...] Read more.
Naringenin (NRG) is widely found in citrus fruits and has anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. Previous studies have shown that NRG promotes gastrointestinal motility in mice constipation models, but there are few systematic evaluations of its effects on normal animals. This study first clarified the promotive effects of NRG on gastric emptying and small intestine propulsion (p < 0.01). NRG can also regulate the release of gastrointestinal hormones, including enhancing gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) (p < 0.01), while reducing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) secretion (p < 0.01). Using NRG to stimulate the isolated stomach, duodenum, and colon showed similar promotive effects to those observed in vivo (p < 0.01). A Western blot analysis indicated that this effect may be mediated by increasing the expression of stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor (c-Kit) in these three segments, thus regulating their downstream pathways. It is worth noting that NRG can also increase the proportion of beneficial bacteria (Planococcaceae, Bacteroides acidifaciens, Clostridia_UCG-014) in the intestine and reduce the quantity of harmful bacteria (Staphylococcus). These findings provide a new basis for the application of NRG. Full article
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