https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/ Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health en daily 1 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26929.html Introduction: Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound with well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been suggested to enhance muscle recovery and overall well-being among athletes. This study aimed to systematically review the literature to assess the effects of curcumin supplementation on physical performance and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy individuals. Methods: The study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of nineteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating oral curcumin supplementation versus placebo were included. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) framework was applied, focusing on healthy individuals, curcumin interventions, and outcomes related to physical performance and inflammatory biomarkers. Results: A total of nineteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of curcumin supplementation in healthy individuals were included. Several studies reported that curcumin exerted beneficial effects on performance-related biomarkers, such as maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max) and extension power, as well as reductions in inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and creatine kinase (CK). However, the meta-analysis revealed that these changes were not statistically significant and that substantial heterogeneity existed among the studies. Conclusion: The findings indicated that curcumin supplementation did not result in significant improvements in aerobic performance, muscle strength, or inflammatory biomarkers. The absence of consistent effects may be attributed to the considerable heterogeneity across studies, as well as variations in dosage, intervention duration, and participant characteristics. https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26362.html Introduction: Diabetes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), has a high global prevalence and remains a significant public health concern. The pathophysiology of GDM involves carbohydrate intolerance and can have substantial effects on pregnancy outcomes. Probiotics—naturally occurring microorganisms in the human gut—have been suggested to confer health benefits. Inflammatory processes play a central role in the development of GDM, and probiotics may influence immune system function and modulation. This study aims to explore the potential role of probiotics as a therapeutic intervention for GDM through a comprehensive review of the literature published between 2010 and 2024. Key search terms included: "probiotics," "symbiosis," "Bifidobacterium," "Lactobacillus," "gestational diabetes," "infantile consequences," and "metabolic profile." Only studies involving human subjects were included in this review. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature from 2010 to 2024 was conducted to clarify the role of probiotics as a treatment for GDM. Key search terms included "probiotics," "symbiosis," "bifidobacterium," "Lactobacillus," "Gestational diabetes," "Infantile consequences," and "Metabolic profile." This research includes human articles. Results: Although the evidence is limited, probiotics have a positive effect on blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance, making them potentially effective in treating GDM. Conducting more studies on different types of probiotics and in larger patient populations can provide further insights into this issue. https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26170.html Introduction: The Iranian population faces heightened vulnerability to food insecurity due to multifaceted factors, including poverty, economic instability, climate change, and the protracted socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, necessitating targeted assessments of this critical public health issue. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of food insecurity and its predictors among pregnant women in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Qazvin from 2022 to 2023, enrolling 422 healthy pregnant women attending comprehensive health centers. Data were collected using a researcher-developed checklist for sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, while food insecurity was assessed via the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Logistic regression analysis identified predictors (P < 0.05). Results: Food insecurity prevalence reached 71.4% (95% CI: 66.89-75.51), with 48.9% moderate-to-severe food insecurity. In adjusted analyses, rural residence (OR: 0.20; P: 0.015), smoking (OR: 0.20; P = 0.041), and hookah consumption (OR: 0.29; P: 0.001) were significantly associated with lower food security. Conversely, family income status at the level of savings (OR: 25.10; P< 0.001) and sufficient (OR: 5.18; P< 0.001), supplemental health insurance coverage (OR: 2.05; P: 0.006), and higher maternal education levels (OR: 1.96; P: 0.012) correlated with increased probability of food security. Conclusion: Food insecurity is prevalent among pregnant women in Qazvin, disproportionately affecting rural populations, those with lower education, inadequate income, lack of supplemental insurance, and substance use (smoking/hookah). Intervention programs should prioritize these high-risk groups to mitigate nutritional disparities. https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26475.html Introduction:Today, obesity and insulin resistance are recognized as significant factors in the development of metabolic diseases. This study aimed to examine the effects of resistance training combined with black seed consumption on specific glycemic indicators in overweight women. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, the researchers randomly assigned 48 overweight and obese women to control, training, black seed, and combined training and black seed groups. The two training groups (with and without black seed supplementation) performed a resistance training program at 50–80% of 1RM, three sessions per week. The black seed group consumed two 1000 mg capsules daily. Tukey’s post-hoc test and one-way ANOVA were used for intergroup data analysis, while intragroup analysis was performed using a paired-sample t-test with SPSS version 26. Results: Compared to their pre-test values and the control group, all three experimental groups showed a reduction in blood glucose, insulin, and the insulin resistance index after eight weeks. A significant decrease was observed in the insulin resistance index (p = 0.0001), insulin (p = 0.001), and glucose (p = 0.001) levels in the resistance training + black seed group. Furthermore, the training + black seed group exhibited a significant reduction in blood glucose (p = 0.001) and the insulin resistance index (p = 0.01) compared to the resistance training group alone. Conclusion: Resistance training combined with black seed consumption can improve blood glucose levels, insulin levels, and the insulin resistance index in overweight or obese individuals predisposed to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.  https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26536.html Introduction: Fasting is a method used to enhance metabolic flexibility toward lipid utilization. However, there are concerns about hypoglycemia or protein breakdown in exercise. The present study investigated the physiological responses to sprint interval exercise with different rest durations in a fasting state. Methods: For this randomized crossover study, 10 healthy active men (aged 22.70 ± 1.15) were selected from eligible volunteers. In 2 separate sessions, following 14 hours of fasting, participants randomly performed 5×15s all-out sprints on an E894 MONARK ergometer with 30 or 60s rest intervals. Results: Diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were lower with longer rest intervals. Blood glucose, insulin, and urea remained unchanged after both protocols compared with baseline levels. There was a marked increase in lactate levels after both protocols, independent of the rest duration. The immune response was significantly higher with longer rest intervals than with short rest intervals or baseline levels. Conclusion: Sprint interval exercise performed in a fasted state did not induce hypoglycemia or evidence of protein degradation, suggesting that such training may be safe for active men. Longer rest intervals were associated with lower post-exercise heart rate and diastolic blood pressure, as well as an enhanced immune response. These findings suggest that coaches and practitioners may consider manipulating rest intervals to achieve targeted physiological adaptations. https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26545.html Introduction: The rising global consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables has highlighted concerns about their microbiological safety, particularly regarding contamination with antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli). This study aimed to isolate E. coli from green vegetables and salads sold in Mashhad, Iran, and assess their antimicrobial resistance profiles. Methods: A total of 120 RTE vegetable samples were analyzed using microbiological procedures outlined in the Iranian National Standard ISIRI 2946. Confirmatory identification of E. coli was performed via culture-based methods and indole testing. Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, following CLSI guidelines. Results: Out of 120 samples, 40 (33.33%) tested positive for E. coli. The highest susceptibility rates were to nalidixic acid (57.5%) and chloramphenicol (55%). However, significant resistance was observed against cefazolin (67.5%), cefixime (62.5%), and ciprofloxacin (62.5%). Intermediate resistance to colistin (47.5%) raises concern due to its role as a last-resort antibiotic. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was prevalent, with 80% of isolates resistant to at least two antibiotics. Conclusion: The detection of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in one-third of RTE vegetable and salad samples from Mashhad highlights a significant public health concern. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced hygiene practices, regular microbial surveillance, and antibiotic resistance monitoring to ensure the safety of RTE produce and prevent potential transmission of resistant strains through the food chain. https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26602.html Introduction: The effects of combined pomegranate and barberry juice supplementation, as well as the influence of exercise sequence on hematological, hemodynamic, and acid–base responses during and after sports preparation, remain unclear. Methods: This study aimed to investigate hematological, hemodynamic, and acid–base responses to different sequences of high-intensity anaerobic–resistance exercises following the ingestion of a combined pomegranate and barberry juice supplement in athletes. A total of 12 athletes (mean age: 24.33 ± 0.78 years; height: 176.75 ± 3.08 cm; weight: 73.93 ± 3.71 kg) participated in a double-blind crossover design. Each athlete received either the combined supplement (220 mL of pomegranate and barberry juice) or a placebo in four separate trials. The exercise protocol involved sequential anaerobic–resistance exercises performed in four different orders: (1) power–velocity–strength with supplement/placebo, and (2) power–strength–velocity with supplement/placebo. Results: The results showed that, across all four trials, supplementation significantly decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC; P = 0.007) and increased respiratory rate (P = 0.024) compared with placebo. Although no significant between-group differences were observed for other hematological variables (HCT, MCH, HGB, WBC, LYM, PLT), significant within-group changes were detected for each marker (P < 0.05). Similarly, no significant between-group differences were found for hemodynamic indicators (HR, SBP, DBP, MAP, SaO₂, BR), although significant within-group alterations were observed (P < 0.05). Acid–base markers (LA, pH, HCO₃⁻) also showed no significant between-group differences, but significant within-group changes occurred (P < 0.05).  Conclusion: In conclusion, supplementation with a combination of pomegranate and barberry juice appears to enhance athletic performance by reducing metabolite accumulation. Furthermore, the order in which exercises are executed influences physiological responses. These findings emphasize the importance of both nutritional supplementation and appropriate exercise sequencing in mitigating the adverse effects of anaerobic training. https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26626.html https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26434.html The myonectin and myostatin genes are two genes involved in the regulation of muscle growth. Myostatin is a suppressor of muscle growth, while myonectin is a muscle builder that can help with growth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance training in combination with L-arginine supplementation on the expression of myonectin and myostatin genes in the soleus muscle of young male rats. Thirty two young male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 control groups, supplement (L-arginine), combined (resistance exercise + L-arginine supplement) and exercise (resistance exercise). Resistance training consisted of eight weeks of ladder training with moderate intensity (70% of MVCC) and five days a week. The rats in the L-arginine supplement group and the supplement + exercise group received L-arginine supplement after exercise at the same times as the exercise (5 days a week for 8 weeks). kg was gavage to the exercise and supplement group. The relative expression of myonectin and myostatin genes was obtained using the Real-time PCR method. The data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and post hoc test. The results of the two-way analysis of variance test showed that the expression of myonectin gene in the soleus muscle of young male rats in the groups trained with and without L-arginine supplementation was significantly higher (P=0.001) and the expression of myostatin gene (P=0.002) was significantly lower than in the untrained groups with and without supplementation. These molecular adaptations suggest enhanced muscle growth potential and reduced inhibitory signaling, creating a favorable environment for muscle maintenance and development. The combination of resistance exercise and L-arginine supplementation may therefore be an effective strategy to promote muscle hypertrophy and prevent muscle atrophy in young skeletal muscles. Further studies are warranted to clarify the mechanisms underlying these effects and to explore their clinical relevance. https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26722.html Introduction: Nutrition literacy is an influential factor in choosing healthy eating behaviors and lifestyles. The aim of this study was to assess the nutrition literacy, healthy lifestyle and related factors in the employee of the International Conference Center of Health Martyrs of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.in Iran. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, data were collected from 113 employees working at the International Health Martyrs Conference Center through a census. The data collection tools included the Evaluation Instrument of Nutrition Literacy for Adults (EINLA) and the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire (HLQ). The study was conducted between 2023 and 2024, and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Statistical methods employed for analysis included the independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and simple/multiple linear regression. Results: The average age of the participants was 37.3 years (SD = 7.8). Most employees had moderate nutrition literacy, with significantly higher scores among females and those with higher education levels. Nutrition literacy was inversely correlated with age (P = 0.028), but showed no significant association with overall lifestyle scores. However, healthier lifestyles were associated with lower BMI and younger age. Conclusion: The results underscore the importance of implementing tailored nutrition education programs, particularly for male employees and those with lower educational attainment. Furthermore, the lack of a significant association between nutrition literacy and lifestyle suggests that effective promotion of healthy behaviors in workplace settings may require comprehensive, multifaceted approaches that extend beyond knowledge dissemination alone. https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26791.html Introduction: Inadequate sleep quality is a prevalent health concern worldwide. University students are at a particularly higher risk of experiencing poor sleep quality. Dietary factors can modulate sleep performance. To the best of our knowledge, no study has yet examined the relationship between the dietary insulin index (DII) and dietary insulin load (DIL) with sleep quality among university students. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between DII and DIL and sleep quality among Iranian university students. Methods: In 2023, this cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 students enrolled at Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Dietary intake was evaluated through a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) comprising 117 items. Multivariable regression models were applied to adjust for potential confounding factors, and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After adjusting for all potential confounders, participants in the highest quartile of DII had 64% lower odds of experiencing sleep disturbances compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14–0.88). Similarly, individuals in the fourth quartile of DIL had 65% lower odds of experiencing sleep disturbances compared to those in the first quartile (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14–0.84). However, no statistically significant associations were observed between DII or DIL and overall sleep quality or its subcomponents. Conclusion: Higher DII and DIL were associated with lower odds of sleep disturbances among university students. These findings suggest a potential role of diet-induced insulin response in regulating sleep health. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more robust designs, such as prospective cohort studies, are warranted to confirm these results.  https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_26832.html Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effects of a 12-week aerobic training program combined with salvia supplementation on thyroid hormone secretion and the secretion of the stimulating hormone. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 48 young male athletes (aged 20–35 years) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12 per group): (1) aerobic training, (2) aerobic training with Salvia supplementation, (3) Salvia supplementation only, and (4) control. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and included three one-hour aerobic training sessions per week. Participants in the Salvia groups received three coated Salvigol tablets daily (100 mg each). Groups without supplementation performed only the aerobic training protocol for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to assess normality. To test the study hypotheses, a two-way ANOVA was conducted; paired t-tests compared pre- and post-test values within groups, and Tukey’s post hoc test was applied for between-group comparisons. All analyses were performed in SPSS version 27, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The findings demonstrated that 12 weeks of aerobic training combined with Salvia supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum T3 concentrations and its stimulating hormone (p = 0.001). Furthermore, aerobic training with Salvia supplementation significantly increased T4 levels (p = 0.001). However, no significant change in TRH concentrations was observed (p > 0.05). Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in T3 and T4 between the aerobic + Salvia group and each of the aerobic, Salvia-only, and control groups. Additionally, significant differences in T3 and T4 were observed between the aerobic and control groups, whereas no other significant differences were observed among the remaining groups. Conclusion: Considering the beneficial properties of Salvia supplementation, its combination with aerobic exercise may have a synergistic effect on the regulation of thyroid hormone levels and their stimulating hormone. https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_27169.html Given the increasing prevalence of nutrition-related diseases, choosing suitable food items for different age groups has become a critical concern in modern societies. Food choices are influenced by a combination of individual characteristics, social context, and cultural factors. Understanding these determinants can help policymakers design more effective interventions to promote healthy eating behaviors among the population. This study aimed to identify key nutritional factors and examine the motivations underlying food selection, as well as to investigate the factors affecting the purchase and consumption of food items among residents of Tabriz, Iran. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 209 valid and reliable questionnaires, developed by the researchers, were randomly administered to volunteer citizens of Tabriz. The collected data were analyzed across multiple domains, including nutritional knowledge, healthfulness of food, cost, weight management, sensory appeal such as appearance and taste, natural ingredients, ease of preparation, accessibility, and the reputation of the producer. Demographic analysis revealed that the majority of participants were female (61%), with a mean age of 36.53 ± 7 years, and most were married. About 60% of respondents had education levels above a master’s degree, and 32.5% reported an income range of 20–40 million IRR. Occupation was found to significantly influence both price (p=0.046) and health considerations (p=0.006), with housekeeping also showing significant effects on these two factors. Education had a significant impact on price (p=0.001) and weight management (p=0.004), while occupational category affected price (p=0.004) and weight control (p=0.002). Income level showed a significant association with price (p=0.040) and health (p=0.011). Among the factors studied, price, health, and ease of cooking emerged as the most influential determinants of food choices, whereas the sense of cheerfulness had the least impact. The researcher-designed questionnaire demonstrated high validity, indicating that it can effectively be used to assess motivational and influencing factors in food selection in Iran. https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_27288.html Introduction: Digital health, particularly social media, has become a pivotal factor influencing health by enabling widespread information sharing, but it also facilitates the rapid spread of nutritional misinformation that can adversely affect public health. Given the growing importance of nutrition literacy in preventing chronic diseases and the emerging role of social media as a health information source, this study aims to examine the relationship between social media usage intensity and nutritional literacy among adults in Mashhad City. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a multistage cluster sampling technique was employed to recruit 360 adults aged 18–65 years from selected districts of Mashhad between December 2024 and September 2025. Data collection involved demographic variables, self-reported anthropometric measures, and validated questionnaires assessing food literacy, patterns of social media usage, and mobile social media engagement. Social media usage was quantitatively categorized into low, moderate, and high usage groups. Statistical analyses will be conducted using SPSS version 21, with a two-tailed significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean nutritional literacy score (± SD) was 14.03 (±2.77), and the mean (± SD) social media usage score was 63.71 (±11.58.  There was no significant association between social media usage and nutritional literacy in both the crude model (B=-0.009, P-value =0.772) and the adjusted model (B=-0.01, P-value =0.714) in participants. Furthermore, there was no significant association between demographic characteristics and nutritional literacy scores.  Conclusion: Social media usage was not significantly associated with nutritional literacy in adults. Additionally, studies with larger sample sizes and more diverse populations, as well as qualitative assessments of social media content, are needed to better understand this relationship. https://jnfh.mums.ac.ir/article_27403.html Introduction: Optimizing post-exercise recovery and mitigating metabolic stress are central challenges in competitive sports. Limited data currently exist concerning the synergistic impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and L-Arginine on immune-metabolic regulation in footballer players. This study aimed to compare the effects of six weeks of combined HIIT and L-Arginine supplementation on inflammatory/anti-inflammatory indices, hepatic enzymes, and key physical and skill performance factors. Methods: Twenty male football players were randomly divided into two intervention groups: HIIT plus L-Arginine (HIIT+ARG) and HIIT plus placebo (HIIT+PL). The six-week intervention involved three training sessions per week, with progressive HIIT intensity reaching 110% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) by weeks 5-6. The HIIT+ARG group consumed 6 grams of L-Arginine daily. Data were analyzed using covariance (ANCOVA).  All statistical analyses for this study were conducted using SPSS software (version 26). The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: The results of the analysis of covariance, controlling for pre-test values, revealed a significant between-group difference at the post-test stage regarding interleukin-10 levels (IL-10) (F = 11.31, P = 0.004) and alanine aminotransferase (F = 4.94, P = 0.04); specifically, the 'exercise + supplement' group exhibited more favorable improvements compared to the placebo group. However, after adjusting for baseline values, no significant between-group differences were observed in interleukin-6 (F = 3.20, P = 0.09) or aspartate aminotransferase levels (F = 2.88, P = 0.107). Within the HIIT+ARG group, IL-6 (P=002), ALT (P= 0.043), and AST (P= 0.005) all significantly decreased, while IL-10 significantly increased (P= 0.001). Concurrently, this combined regimen resulted in significant functional gains: anaerobic power and VO2max significantly improved, and agility and dribbling/shooting time significantly decreased (indicating performance enhancement). The HIIT+PL group showed no significant change in these markers. Conclusion: The simultaneous use of HIIT and L-Arginine induced a significant dual-directional modulation of immune and metabolic markers, alongside notable functional gains in anaerobic capacity and agility performance. These findings underscore the specific benefit of L-Arginine as an ergogenic aid; therefore, coaches and athletes are recommended to incorporate this combined approach to enhance metabolic health and functional capacity.