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    Can Dietary Supplements Support Muscle Function and Physical Activity? A Narrative Review
    (MDPI AG (Basel, Switzerland), 2025-11-06) Brough L; Rees G; Drummond-Clarke L; McCallum JE; Taylor E; Kozhevnikov O; Walker S; Willoughby DS
    Dietary supplementation is commonly used by athletes to gain muscle mass, enhance performance, and improve recovery. Most adults engage in insufficient physical activity. Yet healthy muscles are also critical for activities of daily living (ADLs), maintaining a good quality of life and positive ageing. There is growing interest in whether dietary supplementation is of value, particularly among subgroups such as the occasionally active, the ill and elderly, and peri- and menopausal women. By focusing on function, performance, mass and strength, ADLs, exercise-induced muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness, this review sought to examine muscle health through a nutritional lens. Further, to look at the potential benefits and harms of some commonly proposed dietary supplements in non-athlete adults, while exploring the emerging role of the gut–muscle axis. Inflammation appears central to cellular events. Several supplements were identified that, alone or in combination, may help optimise muscle health, particularly when combined with exercise or where a deficit may exist. Although supportive evidence is emerging, real-world clinical benefits remain to be substantiated. Though dietary supplements are generally safe, their regulation is less stringent than for medicines. Adherence to recommended dosage, seeking medical advice regarding possible side effects/interactions, and obtaining supplies from reliable sources are recommended.
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    Nutrient-adequate diets with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions or price are the least acceptable—insights from dietary optimisation modelling using the iOTA model®
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2025-08-01) Tavan M; Smith NW; Fletcher AJ; Hill JP; McNabb WC; Das A
    Over the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in the environmental sustainability of diets because food systems are responsible for a third of the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). However, less attention has been paid to the nutrient adequacy, consumer acceptability, and affordability of such diets. Such knowledge is particularly scarce in New Zealand, where approximately 40% of adults and 20% of children may live under severe to moderate food insecurity. The iOTA Model® is a country-specific dietary optimisation tool designed to fill this gap by bringing the various aspects of diet sustainability together and providing evidence-based knowledge on not just the environmental impact of food but also its economic and nutritional sustainability. The iOTA Model® was constructed using mixed integer linear programming by integrating New Zealand-specific dietary data. Features such as digestibility and bioavailability considerations have been incorporated as part of the iOTA Model®, allowing for a more accurate estimation of nutrient supply. The model is available as an open-access tool and allows users to explore various dimensions of a sustainable diet. Eight optimisation scenarios, along with baseline diets, were investigated for adult males and females in New Zealand. Results showed that reducing dietary GHGE or price by approximately 80% was possible while meeting nutrient adequacy requirements. However, such diets deviated substantially from the baseline eating patterns, indicating lower consumer acceptability, and only included a limited variety of foods. On the contrary, diets with minimum deviation from baseline remained realistic while adhering to nutrient targets and reducing GHGE by 10 and 30% in female and male consumers aged 19–30 years, respectively, and weekly price remained below the baseline. Expansion of the model to additional countries and its open-access nature will allow independent dietary sustainability research through optimisation.
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    The Relationship Between Stature and Live Weight of Dairy Cows Between Birth and Maturity
    (MDPI (Base, Switzerland), 2025-03) Gibson MJ; Sneddon NW; Rogers CW; Back PJ; Dittmer KE; Martín NP; Bezerra LR; Lancaster P
    Lactational and reproductive performance are strongly associated with cow live weight and capacity. However, there are limited data published describing capacity (thoracic) growth and the prediction of final stature and capacity from measurements at birth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between stature and live weight of female dairy cattle between birth and maturity. Forty dairy cows, with records of stature and capacity from birth up until two years of age, underwent follow-up measurements for live weight, height at withers, wither-rump length, girth circumference and leg length on four occasions between 42 and 52 months of age. Measures of wither height, leg length and wither rump length at fourth mating had the strongest association with measures at birth (R2 > 0.90) compared to girth and live weight (R2 = 0.88 and 0.82, respectively). The weaker association between birth and maturity measures for girth is likely a reflection of the stronger relationship with live weight resulting in a later maturity (approximately 810 days) compared to linear measures such as height (approximately 730 days). Therefore, to maximise capacity, adequate nutrition is required until approximately 810 days of age when capacity growth is most sensitive to environmental input.
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    Attitudes and beliefs people with head and neck cancer hold towards food and nutrition : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Young, Ruby
    Background: Head and neck cancers (HNC) are devastating diseases that have significant impacts on a person’s ability to achieve adequate nutrition. HNC treatments and subsequent side effects often cause nausea, taste changes, appetite loss, and most harmfully malnutrition. The severity of these side effects can leave people searching for ways to improve their condition and can lead to the development of strong attitudes and beliefs towards nutrition, some of which are evidence-based and others which are not. Dietary changes that are not evidence-based can lead to reduced recovery, and survival. Objectives: Explore the attitudes and beliefs people with HNC hold towards food and nutrition in HNC prevention, causation, treatment, and recovery. Methods: This study collected qualitative data using an online survey. Data was analysed manually using an inductive thematic analysis. All 39 participants were over 18 years of age, had been diagnosed with, and treated for, HNC in New Zealand (NZ), were currently living in NZ, and could independently complete the survey. Results: The themes were participants’ sources and perceptions of nutrition information, perceptions of food and nutrition, and participants’ desire for additional support. The information sources people with HNC accessed the most and held in the highest regard were dietitians and survivors of HNC due to their relatable support and focus on evidence-based information. Alcohol, energy and protein were correctly identified to have significant roles in HNC. Additionally, very few participants believed the alternative dietary therapies mentioned were effective (ketogenic diet, high-dose vitamin C, prioritisation of fruits and vegetables), further indicating that participants valued evidence-based information and support. Finally, participants desired support for unintentional weight loss, involvement in treatment decision-making, receptivity to their opinions, and advice regarding long term recovery recommendations. These findings highlighted the need for open communication between healthcare professionals and people with HNC. Conclusion: The nutrition beliefs identified in this study highlighted the quality and range of dietary support available to people with HNC in NZ. The findings of this study provided insight into the areas of nutrition education and support that require improvement to ensure that people with HNC achieve the best possible health outcomes.
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    Reassessing the sustainability promise of cultured meat: a critical review with new data perspectives
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2025-02-21) Tavan M; Smith NW; McNabb WC; Wood P
    There are currently over 170 companies in the field of cultured meat (CM) which have attracted over US$3 Billion in investments since 2019. The CM industry owes much of this success to the many claims around environmental benefits and alleviating animal welfare concerns, while being equally nutritious and as acceptable as conventional meat. This review aims to provide a much needed discussion on the latest research findings concerning the nutritional and environmental sustainability of CM and provide an evidence-based discussion around some of the challenges that the industry faces today. Recent developments in the field have revealed that some of the sustainability claims of the CM industry are overly ambitious and not supported by evidence. Environmental assessments have revealed that CM production is highly energy intensive and its environmental footprint can only be improved if renewable energy sources are used. In terms of nutritional quality of CM, there are many unknowns and gaps in the knowledge that require investigation.
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    Global protein sustainability and the United Nations, through to the 2030 agenda
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2024-10-15) Burlingame B; Moltedo A; Cafiero C; Hendriks W
    Organizations and initiatives concerned with food security and nutrition have long positioned protein, together with dietary energy, as the keystone for life itself. Indeed, the word protein, derived from the Greek proteios, means ‘of primary importance’. There is a long history of attention to, and controversies over, proteins in UN processes, beginning in the 1930s and continuing to this day. The importance of protein for agriculture, health, food security and nutrition is reflected in the data collected and presented in the statistical databases of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAOSTAT), available per commodity, per country and over an extensive time series. Protein features directly and indirectly in all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which constitute the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Most directly involved is SDG 2. The short title for SDG 2 is ‘zero hunger’. The long title offers more detail: end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
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    Exploring the Nutrition-Related Health of the Ageing Population in Fiji: A Narrative Review.
    (SAGE Publications, 2024-10-18) Naliva S; Kruger M; Havea P; Wham C
    Fijis' older population aged 55 years and over makes up 14% of the total population and is expected to reach 20% by 2050. This narrative review aimed to examine the health and nutrition status of the aging population of Fiji and sociodemographic determinants. A search strategy was conducted throughout databases, and gray literature from relevant websites was searched. Due to the limited evidence regarding the nutrition, health, and socio-economic factors that impact the aging population in Fiji the inclusion criteria were broad and included both genders (male and female), all publications up until December 2022, all study designs, and gray literature (government/institutional reports, conference proceedings, guidelines, Act, and Policies) . There was no filter for date applied in the search criteria. Studies that did not meet the search criteria were excluded. 20 documents including published articles were included for analysis and result synthesis. Life expectancy at birth for the Fiji population is 68 years. A significant annual increase in mortality rate from endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases has been observed in women aged 75+ but not older men. Women of low-income status are more at risk than men. However, as most investigations aggregate those ≥18 years, there is a lack of information on older adults (≥65 years) health and nutrition status. To improve the health status of older adults, an understanding of the nutritional status of older adults is warranted, especially concerning lifestyle and sociodemographic determinants.
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    Reduced anthelmintic use on 13 New Zealand sheep farms: farmer motivations and practical implementation
    (Taylor and Francis Group on behalf of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, 2024-09-19) Ridler AL; Hytten K; Gray DI; Reid JI
    AIMS: To describe the personal drivers, sources of information and gastro-intestinal parasite control methods used by a group of New Zealand sheep farmers identified as low users of anthelmintic (AHC), and their perception of the efficacy and impacts of this approach. METHODS: A convenience sample of 13 sheep farmers farming with a policy of reduced AHC use (no pre-determined routine treatments of ewes >19 months old and/or lambs not routinely treated at pre-determined intervals from weaning through to late autumn) were identified. Semi-structured interviews were conducted regarding their farming philosophy, motivations for reducing AHC use, perceptions of the impacts of farming with reduced AHC use, and parasite control practices. Semi-quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics for demographic data and categorising participants' use of AHC and non-chemical control methods. Qualitative data regarding participants' motivations, approaches and rationale were analysed by systematic analysis of the transcripts and distillation of key concepts. RESULTS: Participants had been operating with reduced AHC use for 3 to  ≥20 years. Key motivators for reducing AHC use were a diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance (AR) or concerns about AR developing. Parasite management information came from a wide range of sources. All respondents expressed overall positive views regarding the impacts of reduced AHC use but detailed information was not available.All identified that regular monitoring, based primarily on subjective animal and non-animal factors was important for their parasite control strategy. Most used faecal egg counts (FEC), often in an ad hoc manner. Five never treated adult ewes, two routinely treated ewes prior to lambing with short-acting AHC and the remainder occasionally treated a small number in low body condition. Four routinely treated some or all lambs at 28-30-day intervals from weaning to late autumn while the remainder based their treatment decisions for lambs on monitored information. All placed heavy emphasis on feeding sheep well, ensuring high post-grazing residuals, and cross-grazing. CONCLUSIONS: AR was a key motivator for participants to reduce AHC use, and a range of information sources and decision-making processes were used. Key parasite management practices were monitoring, primarily using subjective assessments, emphasis on feeding stock well and cross-grazing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The rising prevalence of AR will likely result in increasing the motivation for sheep farmers to reduce their AHC use. Veterinarians will play a key role in providing advice and assistance to facilitate changes in parasite management.
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    Advancements in Non-Thermal Processing Technologies for Enhancing Safety and Quality of Infant and Baby Food Products: A Review
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2024-09) Pasdar N; Mostashari P; Greiner R; Khelfa A; Rashidinejad A; Eshpari H; Vale JM; Gharibzahedi SMT; Roohinejad S; Moreno DA; Baenas N
    Breast milk is the main source of nutrition during early life, but both infant formulas (Ifs; up to 12 months) and baby foods (BFs; up to 3 years) are also important for providing essential nutrients. The infant food industry rigorously controls for potential physical, biological, and chemical hazards. Although thermal treatments are commonly used to ensure food safety in IFs and BFs, they can negatively affect sensory qualities, reduce thermosensitive nutrients, and lead to chemical contaminant formation. To address these challenges, non-thermal processing technologies such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, radio frequency, and ultrasound offer efficient pathogen destruction similar to traditional thermal methods, while reducing the production of key process-induced toxicants such as furan and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF). These alternative thermal processes aim to overcome the drawbacks of traditional methods while retaining their advantages. This review paper highlights the growing global demand for healthy, sustainable foods, driving food manufacturers to adopt innovative and efficient processing techniques for both IFs and BFs. Based on various studies reviewed for this work, the application of these novel technologies appears to reduce thermal processing intensity, resulting in products with enhanced sensory properties, comparable shelf life, and improved visual appeal compared to conventionally processed products.
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    The role of meat in the human diet: evolutionary aspects and nutritional value
    (Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science, 2023-04-15) Leroy F; Smith NW; Adesogan AT; Beal T; Iannotti L; Moughan PJ; Mann N
    Implications Aspects of human anatomy, digestion, and metabolism diverged from other primates, indicating evolutionary reliance on, and compatibility with, substantial meat intake. Implications of a disconnect from evolutionary dietary patterns may contribute to today’s burden of disease, increasing the risk for both nutrient deficiencies and chronic diseases. Meat supplies high-quality protein and various nutrients, some of which are not always easily obtained with meat-free diets and are often already suboptimal or deficient in global populations. Removal of meat comes with implications for a broad spectrum of nutrients that need to be accounted for, whereas compensatory dietary strategies must factor in physiological and practical constraints. Although meat makes up a small part (<10%) of global food mass and energy, it delivers most of the global vitamin B12 intake and plays a substantial role in the supply of other B vitamins, retinol, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, several minerals in bioavailable forms (e.g., iron and zinc), and a variety of bioactive compounds with health-improving potential (e.g., taurine, creatine, and carnosine). As a food matrix, meat is more than the sum of its individual nutrients. Moreover, within the diet matrix, it can serve as a keystone food in food-based dietary interventions to improve nutritional status, especially in regions that rely heavily on cereal staples. Efforts to lower global meat intake for environmental or other reasons beyond a critical threshold may hinder progress towards reducing undernutrition and the effects this has on both physical and cognitive outcomes, and thereby stifle economic development. This is particularly a concern for populations with increased needs and in regions where current meat intake levels are low, which is not only pertinent for the Global South but also of relevance in high-income countries.