Disease: malnutrition

Substrate composition effect on the nutritional quality of Pleurotus ostreatus (MK751847) fruiting body

Researchers studied how different growing materials affect the nutritional value of oyster mushrooms. They found that mushrooms grown on palm oil waste mixed with wheat or rice bran had better nutritional quality than those grown on single materials. The best mushrooms for protein came from materials containing wheat bran, while fermented materials produced the most vitamins. This research shows how agricultural waste can be recycled into nutritious food.

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Efficacy of prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic administration in improving growth in children aged 0–59 months living in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This comprehensive review examined whether giving children special dietary supplements containing beneficial bacteria and their food sources (prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics) helps them grow better in low-income countries. The analysis of eight studies found that these supplements may help children gain weight, especially those who are malnourished, though the evidence remains limited. More research is needed to fully understand whether these supplements are truly effective for promoting healthy growth in young children.

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Health benefits of fish and fish by-products—a nutritional and functional perspective

Fish is an excellent food that provides many important nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that help protect our hearts, brains, and overall health. Different fish species offer various health benefits including protecting against heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and brain disorders. However, some fish can contain harmful contaminants like mercury, so choosing safer options like salmon and cod is important for children and pregnant women.

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Mycelium: A Nutrient-Dense Food To Help Address World Hunger, Promote Health, and Support a Regenerative Food System

Mycelium, the thread-like root structure of fungi, could help solve world hunger by providing nutritious, sustainable protein in just days. Unlike meat production which takes months to years, mycelium grows rapidly using minimal water and produces far less greenhouse gas. Early research suggests it may help lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar control while supporting a healthier planet.

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Advanced Fungal Biotechnologies in Accomplishing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): What Do We Know and What Comes Next?

Fungi are remarkable organisms with tremendous untapped potential for solving global challenges. They can be engineered to produce life-saving medicines like antibiotics and cholesterol-lowering drugs, create nutritious food alternatives, clean up polluted environments, and help fight climate change. As we transition to more sustainable living practices, fungi represent a natural solution that has been used for centuries but is only now being fully appreciated through modern biotechnology.

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Editorial: Enhancing nutrient profile, safety, and sustainability with fermentation technology

Fermentation is an ancient food preparation method that science is rediscovering as a powerful tool for making foods more nutritious and safer to eat. By using specific bacteria and fungi to ferment various foods like soybeans, grains, and vegetables, researchers have found that fermentation increases the availability of vitamins and minerals our bodies can absorb, reduces harmful compounds in foods, and helps preserve them naturally. This technology also offers sustainable solutions by making use of overlooked crops and reducing food waste, all while potentially lowering salt content in traditionally salty foods.

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Editorial: Dietary polysaccharides and brain health

This editorial examines how eating foods rich in polysaccharides, such as grains, fruits, and mushrooms, may help protect brain health and cognitive function as we age. The research suggests these foods work through the gut microbiota, which communicates with the brain via the gut-brain axis. While single fiber sources show modest effects, combining different types of fermentable fibers may be more effective for improving memory and preventing age-related cognitive decline.

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Co-existence of potentially sustainable indigenous food systems and poor nutritional status in Ho indigenous community, India: an exploratory study

This study found that the Ho indigenous people of India have access to hundreds of nutritious traditional foods but still experience widespread malnutrition. Even though their indigenous foods are rich in essential minerals and vitamins, factors like unpredictable rainfall, shift to growing only rice instead of diverse crops, and the availability of cheap processed foods in markets prevent people from using these nutritious foods. The research highlights the need to support traditional food systems and farming practices to improve both health and environmental sustainability in indigenous communities.

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Research on Development and Challenges of Forest Food Resources from an Industrial Perspective—Alternative Protein Food Industry as an Example

This research examines how forests can provide alternative protein sources including insects, plants, fungi, and lab-grown meat to help feed our growing global population. The market for these forest-based proteins is rapidly expanding, with insect protein reaching USD 3.2 billion in 2023 and plant-based alternatives growing even faster. However, challenges remain including high production costs, consumer skepticism, and varying regulations across countries that must be overcome for these innovations to reach mainstream markets.

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Mixing oak and eucalyptus sawdusts improves shiitake (Lentinula edodes) yield and nutritional value

This research explores growing shiitake mushrooms on different wood sawdust mixtures available in Lebanon. A combination of eucalyptus and oak sawdust outperformed oak alone, producing more mushrooms with better nutritional content including higher protein and fiber. This discovery helps local farmers improve mushroom production using readily available materials while creating healthier, more nutritious food.

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