This year, the Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety (formerly the Institute of Nutrition) celebrates its 95^th anniversary. All these years, its main focus has been on the quality and safety of food, which affects our health to the greatest extent of all environmental factors. Nutrition was of great importance during the Great Patriotic War. The Institute of Nutrition contributed to its development and organization at the front and in the rear. Currently, the Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety continues to deal with nutrition aspects for special contingents (military personnel, astronauts, etc.), as well as the search for noval food sources, nutrition epidemiology, the development of foods for special dietary uses for various population groups, etc.

An analysis of the nutrition structure of the Russian population shows that the diet of the majority of citizens contains an excessive amount of dietary salt. According to the official statistics, the average daily salt intake is 10–11 g, which is twice the WHO recommended level (no more than 5 g/day) and makes it one of the main risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases. Excessive salt intake, first of all, leads to an increase in blood pressure, as a result of which diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidneys can develop. Studying the regional characteristics of the nutrition structure allows timely adjustment of preventive measures, which is also important in the context of evaluating the effectiveness of the federal project “Strengthening public Health” of the national project “Demography” implemented in 2018–2023.

The purpose of the study was to provide a hygienic assessment of the level, structure, and dynamics of salt consumption of the adult population of the Omsk region in 2006–2023.

Material and methods. A descriptive observational epidemiological study of the actual nutrition, eating habits and dietary preferences of the adult population of the Omsk region in dynamics for 2006–2023 was conducted (four observation points: 2006, 2013, 2018 and 2023, the sample at each stage included from 228 to 241, in 2023 – 506 adult residents aged 18 to 85 years). The values of the actual consumption of dietary salt were estimated by analyzing the frequency of food intake. The calculation of the amount of salt consumed was carried out in accordance with WHO recommendations based on the calculation of sodium intake. The collection of the information about eating habits and preferences was carried out by means of an active questionnaire.

Results. The median daily intake of dietary salt in the population of the Omsk region in 2006 was 10.67 [7.66; 13.50] g, in 2023 – 8.61 [6.55; 10.82] g, which significantly exceeded the level recommended by WHO. The proportion of the adult population of the Omsk region with adequate salt intake in 2023 was 11.5%. The intake of dietary salt in men was higher than in women (8.63 [7.10; 11.34] vs 8.42 [6.31; 10.46] g/day, respectively; p=0.0247), as well as in the age group 65 years and older (8.72 [7.11; 11.72] g/day; p=0.0059). The main sources of salt were dishes and products that were consumed most frequently: bread (11.2%) and various soups (9.9%), as well as processed meat products (12.8%) and canned food (5.7%). Residents of the region showed a positive trend in changing their own eating habits towards a healthy lifestyle: 49.9±2.1% tried to use less salt in their diet in 2023 (compared to 33.0±3.0% in 2006; p<0.001).

Conclusion. Although a significant decrease in dietary salt consumption has been established over the period from 2006 to 2023, exceeding the recommended levels is still typical for 88.5% of the adult population of the region, which creates an increased risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases. Despite some positive changes in dietary practices, there was an increase in salt consumption in 2018–2023. The established sources of salt in the diet and trends in changing eating habits make it possible to concentrate preventive measures, including in the direction of correcting educational programs in the field of healthy nutrition in the region, implemented both by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being.

The dietary intake of the population depends on a number of external socio-economic and individual behavioral factors. External factors, including physical and economic availability of food, are indicators of food security of the population, the absence of which increases the risk of malnutrition. The importance of the cost of food in combination with the income of an individual or family is an significant factor in food choice, affecting the quality of the diet.

The aim of this study was to examine the most significant socio-economic and demographic factors that could affect the nature and quality of diets of the adult population of the Russian Federation.

Material and methods. The work processed and analyzed the primary data obtained by the Federal State Statistics Service during the implementation of the program «Sample monitoring of diets of the population» in 2023 based on a random representative sample of 45 thousand households in all constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The actual food consumption of adult household members was studied using the 24-hour recall method in 70,995 respondents aged 19 years and older (40.2% men, 59.2% women). The basic socioeconomic variable of the analysis was the quintile distribution of average monthly per capita monetary income in households, calculated by the State Statistics Service based on data for each subject of the Federation, and not for the country as a whole.

Results. The distribution of the adult population by the level of average monthly income is characterized by pronounced differentiation in the analyzed socio-demographic groups. The most of the adult population (78.4%) is concentrated in the first three income quintiles and only 21.6% are in the 4^th and 5^th quintiles. Differences in gender distribution are revealed only in the 5^th quintile, which includes 7.5% of men and 5.6% of women. The minimum share in the 5^th quintile is represented by the age group over 65 years. Significant differences in the distribution of adults by income depending on the level of education were revealed: the share of people with minimal income is the lowest with higher education. More than 50–60% of the population of the Federal Districts (FDs) are included in the 2^nd and 3^rd income quintiles, and the smallest share of the adult population in all FDs is concentrated in the 5^th income quintile. The energy value of the diets of the population on average in Russia increases linearly with the growth of quintiles of average per capita household income. Data for five FDs indicate a linear direct dependence of the energy intake on the income level. However, data for the Far Eastern, Ural, and North Caucasian FDs show a more complex dependence of energy consumption on income level. In all FDs, with the exception of the North Caucasian FD, energy consumption in the 5^th income quintile is higher than at lower incomes. Energy consumption in the 5^th income quintile is lower than in the other quintiles only in the North Caucasian FD. In Russia as a whole, the average daily consumption of energy and most nutrients, with the exception of the sum of carbohydrates and their fractions, is significantly higher in adults with high incomes (5^th quintile) compared to the 1^st quintile. Consumption of protein, fat, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, i.e. nutrients of animal origin, as well as vitamins C, B₂, PP, A, beta-carotene, and mineral elements (calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium) is significantly increased in the 5^th quintile. A direct dependence of the % of energy of fat, saturated fatty acids and protein on the value of the average per capita income was established. On the other hand, a statistically significant inverse dependence of the consumption of the sum of all carbohydrates, polysaccharides, and added sugar on the income level was shown. Thus, the economic station of the family in terms of per capita monetary income is reflected not only in the quantitative indicators of energy and nutrient consumption, but also significantly affects the basic parameters of the diet structure in terms of macronutrient energy, which are a consequence of changes in the structure of the food set. With an increase in the per capita family income, the consumption of animal products – meat, dairy, fish and seafood, as well as sugary confectionery products increases, although the consumption of added sugar with a high income was lower than with lower incomes. With an increase in income, the consumption of vegetables and fruits also elevates. An inverse dependence on income was established for grain products (the sum of bread, flour, cereals, pasta) and flour confectionery products (pastry), the consumption of which is higher with low incomes. Assessing the structure of the food set of the «poor» part of adults (1^st income quintile), it should be noted that they consume lower amounts of dairy products and animal meat, which is reflected in the daily intake of vitamins A and B₂, calcium and iron. The dependence of the nutritional value and food set of daily food rations on the share of family expenditure on food is also shown: with an increase in the share of food expenditure, the structure of the diet is formed, resembling that of low quintiles of per capita monetary income, which is explained by a higher share of food expenditure in low-income groups.

Conclusion. The study of the dietary intake and the quality of the diet of adults based on representative national data made it possible to demonstrate a significant impact of the per capita income of the household (family) on the actual consumption of energy and nutrients, as well as on the structure of the food set of the diet of adult household members. Conditionally called «poor» diet with low household incomes is characterized by a higher consumption of grain products and flour confectionery (pastry), which is reflected in an increase in the % of energy of the sum of carbohydrates and polysaccharides (starch). Accordingly, at high incomes, the consumption of these dietary factors is lower than at low incomes. However, with an increase in income, the consumption of fat, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, the so-called critical nutrients of animal origin, increases, which cannot be assessed as a positive feature of a “rich” diet.

Recently, there has been growing concern about contamination of dry foods for infants with the bacteria of the Cronobacter genus (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii), since its ingestion during feeding can lead to severe health problems, including disability in certain categories of this age group. The development of methods for Cronobacter spp. detection with high sensitivity and resolution is an urgent task due to the growing need for foods for infant artificial feeding.

The aim of the study was to compare methodological approaches to the detection of Cronobacter spp. in dry foods for the nutrition of infants and to propose an optimized scheme for the isolation and identification of the pathogen.

Material and methods. A comparative analysis of the literature and current methods (international and regional) for the detection of Cronobacter spp. (and in particular C. sakazakii) in dry foods for infants was carried out. The search was performed using the following databases: Russian Science Citation Index, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, the “TekhExpert” Russian information system, as well as on the websites of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) using the keywords: Cronobacter spp., Enterobacter sakazakii.

Results. Methodological approaches have been substantiated that make it possible to conduct studies of dry foods for infant nutrition (including formulas) with a greater degree of efficiency and reliability for the presence of Cronobacter spp.: an increase in cultivation time at the stage of non-selective enrichment by 33%; the use of two differential diagnostic media and two temperature cultivation modes at the stage of culture isolation.

Conclusion. It is suggested that the use of the only one nutrient medium at the stages of selective cultivation and isolation, and incubation at elevated temperatures can lead to the loss of isolation of fastidious microorganisms that are present in the product in low concentrations. An optimized scheme for the microbiological testing of dry foods for infant nutrition for the presence of the Cronobacter genus bacteria based on a combination of cultural and/or PCR techniques has been proposed.

The trend towards the use of non-traditional sources of food raw materials, in particular edible insects, which has been gaining momentum in recent years, predetermines the need to develop a methodology for research on such products. Analysis of publications devoted to the problem of insect research reflects the accumulation of a very significant evidence base for their safety. Currently, 7 types of insect-derived products have been approved for food use in the European Union, and the results summarized in the materials of the European Food Safety Authority for each of them also indicate the safety of such products. Based on the considerable experience of the Russian Federation in the field of safety assessment of novel food, the design of complex toxicological studies was developed, including the study of reproductive function, pre- and postnatal development of offspring, to assess the safety of larvae of the Black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens), included in the list of agricultural products by the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 10.10.2023 No. 2761-r.

The purpose of the research was to assess the safety of Black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens) larvae dry biomass in toxicological and reprotoxicological studies on 4 generations of rats.

Material and methods. Comprehensive studies of Black soldier fly larvae dry biomass were conducted on 4 generations of Wistar rats (generations F0, F1, F2, F3). A total of 650 adult animals, 1975 pups and 1146 fetuses were used, the experiment duration was 485 days. Throughout the experiment animals of the control group F0–F3 received semi-synthetic casein diet (SCD), rats of the test group received SCD with dry biomass of Black soldier fly larvae. The biomass dose was 11 000–40 000 mg/kg body weight per day depending on age and sex. Ingredients of the diet of the test group were replaced taking into consideration the content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the administered product while observing the principle of isocalorie content. Reproductive function was evaluated by fertility of males and females F0, F1, F2, and by prenatal and postnatal development of offspring F1, F2, F3. Material for toxicological studies was taken on the 225^th, 347^th and 485^th days of the experiment from males of F1, F2, F3 generations (age 143, 135 and 130 days, respectively), which received the investigated product throughout the whole period of ontogenetic development. Hematological, biochemical, morphological studies were carried out, indicators characterizing antioxidant status and apoptosis activity were studied.

Results. The general condition of F0–F3 rats was satisfactory, the animals of the test group did not differ from the control in appearance, quality of hair coat and behavior. The efficiency of mating, physiological course of pregnancy, blood level of sex hormones in the pregnant females F0–F2 of both groups were within normal limits, indicating normal generative and endocrine function of reproductive glands of experimental animals fed with dry biomass of Hermetia illucens larvae. The study results of pre- and postnatal development of F1–F3 offspring indicate that there were no significant differences between animals fed dry biomass of Hermetia illucens larvae and standard diet. Physical development was within the normal range, survival rate of offspring in both groups corresponded to the optimal level for rats of this line, anomalies of formation of the main anatomical systems were not revealed. Toxicological studies on males of F1–F3 generations, during which gravimetric, hematological, biochemical, morphological parameters, antioxidant status and apoptosis activity were studied, did not reveal any negative effect of Hermetia illucens.

Conclusion. The complex analysis of data obtained in toxicological and reprotoxicological studies of Hermetia illucens larvae dry biomass in the experiment on 4 generations of rats did not reveal any toxic effect of Black soldier fly. All parameters were within the physiological norms typical for Wistar rats. Daily consumption of agravated amounts of Hermetia illucens biomass by several generations of rats had no effect on their physiological and biochemical status and on the offspring’s development.

Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents create serious risks of metabolic disorders in adulthood. Exogenous-constitutional form of obesity (ECO) is associated often with chronic inflammation, accompanied by endogenous intoxication and oxidative stress. Identification of ethnic differences of metabolic reactions in adolescents with ECO will contribute to the development of personalized approaches to the treatment and prevention of this pathology.

The aim of the study was to identify ethnic characteristics of the manifestation of ECO in adolescents.

Material and methods. The objects of the study were 203 adolescents aged 11–17 years, residents of the cities of Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude. The main group consisted of 86 children with ECO: 52 Caucasians (28 boys, 24 girls), 34 Mongoloids (18 boys, 16 girls). The control group included 117 adolescents without ECO: 62 Caucasians (29 boys, 33 girls), 55 Mongoloids (19 boys, 36 girls). The study employed spectrophotometric, enzyme immunoassay, and statistical research methods.

Results. In Caucasian girls with ECO, an increase in the level of endogenous intoxication markers – medium molecular weight peptides (MMP) 280 (p=0.002), MMP 238 (p<0.001), as well as in the DNA oxidation index [8-Hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level] (p=0.001) compared to the control has been noted. In Mongoloid girls there was an increase in MMP 280 (p=0.002) values compared to the control. Ethnic differences included lower values of MMP 238 (p<0.0001), MMP 254 (p<0.001), MMP 280 (p=0.013), glutathione-S-transferase (G-S-T) level (p=0.025), elevated levels of 8-OHdG (p<0.0001) and glutathione peroxidase (GPO) (p<0.0001) in Mongoloid girls with ECO relative to Caucasians. Caucasian boys with ECO had higher 8-OHdG level (p=0.025), advanced oxidation protein parameter (AOPP) (p=0.006), and lower GPO level (p=0.044) compared to the control. In Mongoloid young men with ECO, there were reduced values of AOPP (p=0.023) and higher GPO level (p=0.041) compared to the control. Ethnic differences among young men with ECO were represented by higher 8-OHdG level (p<0.0001) and reduced values of G-S-T (p<0.001), MMP 238 (p=0.002) and MMP 254 (p<0.001) in Mongoloid compared to Caucasians.

Conclusion. The study revealed higher values of endogenous intoxication indicators, imbalance in the glutathione enzyme system, and an increase in the level of DNA damage marker in adolescents with ECO regardless of gender and ethnicity. Ethnic differences in adolescents with ECO consisted of lower parameters of endogenous intoxication, increased values of DNA destruction indicator and activity of thiol-disulfide system enzymes in Mongoloid adolescents compared to Caucasians. The data obtained will allow us to expand our understanding of the etiopathogenesis of obesity and develop approaches to personalized correction of this condition in adolescence, taking into account the patient’s ethnicity.

Dietary characteristics are the most significant factor in the development and dynamics of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The aim of the research was to study the nutritional characteristics of patients with NAFLD compared with the control group without NAFLD.

Material and methods. An analysis of a patient database (n=613) generated from 2021 to 2023 was conducted. A case-control study was carried out on 77 pairs of patients (NAFLD group and control group) matched by gender, age and body mass index. The assessment of the stage of liver steatosis and fibrosis was carried out using vibration-controlled liver elastometry. The nutrition of the patients was assessed by the frequency of food intake for the previous 1 mon. To analyze the diet of a particular person, the actual level of consumption was compared with the optimal level of the main food group consumption calculated in accordance with the calorie content of his diet according to the recommendations of the healthy eating pyramid, as well as with consumption according to dietary patterns associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD

Results. When comparing the consumption of basic macronutrients and energy between the studied groups, a higher consumption of total fat, including saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was found in patients with NAFLD. Patients with NAFLD consume more often foods from the «oils and fats» (1.5 [1.1; 2.3] vs 1.1 [0.9; 1.9] times per day; p=0.003) and the «vegetables and mushrooms» group (3.6 [2.6; 4.3] vs 3.0 [2.0; 4.0] times per day; p=0.046). Within the food groups, it was found that patients with NAFLD consume more sausages (0.8 [0; 6.7] vs 3.3 [0.4; 14.3] g/day, p=0.03), smoked meats (0 [0; 3.3] vs 2 [0; 7.1] g/day; p=0.03), hard cheeses (12.8 [4.3; 17.1] vs 17.1 [4.3; 30.0] g/day; p=0.02), eggs (25.7 [12 .8; 51.4] vs 25.7 [17.1; 51.4] g/day; p=0.03), greens (6.4 [2.9; 10.0] vs 10.0 [4.3; 20.0] g/day; p=0.03), onion (15.0 [4.3; 30.0] vs 25.7 [8.6; 50.0] g/day; p=0.04), dumplings (6.7 [1.2; 16.7] vs 13.3 [5.0; 28.5] g/day; p=0.01). At the same time, they consumed less dried fruits (3.6 [0.4; 21.4] vs 3.3 [0; 10.7] g/day; p=0.03), fermented dairy products (13.3 [0; 85.6] vs 0 [0; 28.5] g/day p=0.02). Both groups demonstrated eating habits that differed from those recommended by the healthy eating pyramid: consumption of fish and seafood, nuts and seeds amounted to 80%, milk and dairy products – 40%, legumes and vegetable oils – 20% of the optimal values.

Conclusion. The dietary pattern of patients with NAFLD is characterized by reduced consumption of food groups that are protective against the development of NAFLD: nuts, fish, vegetable oils, milk and fermented milk products.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic skin diseases, which is a serious medical and social problem and requires an integrated approach to treatment and prevention due to its high prevalence and tendency to progressive course in most patients.

The aim of the study was to analyze the dose-dependent effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) consumption on erythrocyte fatty acid composition in AD patients using nonparametric multifactorial analysis.

Material and methods. The study included 65 patients (aged 18 to 59 years) with AD of varying severity (28 moderate and 37 severe). For 30 days, patients received ω-3 PUFAs in addition to the main diet: 19 patients – with 3.6 g of fish oil (200 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 240 mg of docosahexaenoic acid), 46 patients – with 0.72 g of fish oil. Erythrocyte fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography with flame-ionisation detection (GC-FID). There were used nonparametric methods of multifactor planning. The main methods of this study were: the Kruskal-Wallace criterion (H-criterion), as well as the Fisher z-transformation of dependent variables.

Results. Significant differences in the content of some fatty acids in erythrocytes were revealed between the groups. In the group with the 2:1 ratio, a statistically significant decrease in the content of saturated (6:0, 8:0, 10:0, 20:0, 22:0, 24:0), monounsaturated fatty acids (15:1 10-cis, 16:1 9-cis, 17:0, 17:1, 18:1 trans, 22:1 13-cis), ω-3 PUFA (18:3 ω-3 all cis 9,12,15) and elaidic acid (18:2 9-cis, 12-trans) was noted compared to the 10:1 group. In the 2:1 group, there was an increase in the content of 20:1 11-cis and 22:6 ω-3 all cis 4,7,10,13,16,19. Three-way analysis of the data showed significant changes in the fatty acid profile depending on the severity of AD, mainly in patients with a severe course, characterized by both a decrease (15:1 10-cis, 16:1 9-cis, 17:1, 18:2 9-cis, 12 trans, 18:3 ω-3, 22:6 ω-3) and an increase (8:0, 10:0, 17:0, 22:1 13-cis) of certain fatty acids. In women with AD, a decrease in the level of short-chain saturated fatty acids (6:0, 8:0, 10:0) was found.

Conclusion. The obtained results indicate that PUFA intake positively affects the lipid profile of red blood cells in patients with AD. The identified changes may be associated with a potential impact on the course of the disease, but further studies, including an assessment of the AD clinical manifestations and long-term observations, are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

The gut microbiome is critically important for human health. Intestinal bacteria are involved in nutrient metabolism, immune modulation, maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, and protecting against pathogenic bacteria. Soluble corn fiber (SCF) has been shown to possess prebiotic properties, improve intestinal peristalsis, affect blood glucose and insulin levels, improve calcium absorption and reabsorption in bone tissue.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating soluble corn fiber into a low-calorie diet (LCD) in obese patients with dysbiosis, and its effect on the metabolic activity and composition of the colonic microbiota.

Material and methods. 48 patients with reduced amounts of Bifidobacterium and/ or Lactobacillus in their stool, who were included in the study, were divided into 2 groups – the main group and the control group. They followed LCD for 28 days. Patients in the main group, in addition to the LCD, received soluble corn fiber (1.8%) at the dose 7 g 3 times daily (dissolved in 200 ml of liquid). Drug therapy was administered according to standard regimens for therapeutic diseases and was not adjusted during the study. The groups were compared using clinical and functional methods (assessment of actual nutrition, determination of body composition, a stool change assessment scale, a scale for assessing the organoleptic properties of dishes), and laboratory methods (biochemical blood serum analysis, microbiological stool diagnostics by cultural method).

Results. After the course of diet therapy, all patients showed a statistically significant decrease in body weight, but in patients of the main group it occurred due to skeletal muscles and lean mass decrease (p<0.005), while against the background of the SCF intake, a statistically significant decrease in body fat mass (p=0.015) was noted with a tendency to decrease skeletal muscle mass and lean mass (p<0.10). After the course of diet therapy, the number of Bifidobacterium in the feces of patients in the main group statistically significantly increased from 8.75±0.61 to 9.04±0.20 lg CFU/g (p=0.035), while in patients from the control group, on the contrary, the number of these bacteria was significantly lower upon repeated examination (7.96±1.12 versus 8.46±0.78 lg CFU/g, p=0.046). The inclusion of SCF in the LCD was accompanied by a significant decrease in the number of individuals with reduced levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, a positive effect on the populations of commensal and transient (opportunistic) representatives of the microbiota and an improvement in stool characteristics. Upon repeated examination, patients in both groups showed a statistically significant decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusion. Therefore, SCF can be used in dietary therapeutic and preventive nutrition as a source of soluble dietary fiber. It can be used as part of a diet for direct consumption after pre-dissolving in water, juice, or fermented milk drinks, and can be used as an ingredient in the production of foods enriched with soluble dietary fiber.

The most effective and expedient way to improve the supply of the population with the essential nutrients is additional enrichment of food and the use of functional food, food for special dietary uses and dietary supplements in nutrition. One of the micronutrient delivery systems is liposome – microscopic phospholipid vesicle.

The purpose of the review was to characterize the methods of obtaining liposomal forms of nutrients, to analyze the range of liposomal forms of nutrients of domestic and foreign production.

Material and methods. Literature data were searched using library platforms PubMed, eLIBRARY, scholar.google mainly for the last 5 years, by keywords: liposomes; liposomal dietary supplements. E-commerce platforms (pharmacy aggregators Apteka.ru, Yuteka, marketplaces Amazon, ebay) have been analyzed.

Results. The review describes classification, methods of obtaining liposomal forms of nutrients. Foreign manufacturers produce liposomal forms of individual vitamins (D₃, B₁₂, C) and their combinations, mineral elements (magnesium, iron), as well as coenzyme Q₁₀, peptides. Liposomal forms of individual vitamins (A, B₉, C), iron, vitamin B complex, glutathione had been registered in the Russian Federation as dietary supplements. There are evidences of a faster increase in serum calcidiol level compared to the oil form when taking vitamin D₃ in liposomal form and improved correction of iron deficiency in patients when using liposomal forms of iron.

Conclusion. The creation of liposomal forms of micronutrients is a promising direction for the production of foods for special dietary uses.

Today, the use of dietary supplements and unhealthy weight loss methods is becoming increasingly common, particularly among athletes who compete in weight-class sports like wrestling.

The aim of this study was to investigate the eating habits and weight cutting methods of wrestlers.

Material and methods. The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in 96 male wrestlers between the ages of 18–30 years who have been wrestling for at least 3 years. The participants’ dietary habits, fluid consumption, nutritional supplement use, pre- and post-training eating habits and weight cutting methods were collected by face-to-face interview method with a questionnaire form.

Results. Most participants (70.8%) consumed three main meals a day, but only 37.5% had one snack a day. The reasons for skipping meals were lack of time (41.8%) and lack of habit (19.0%). Among the wrestlers, 33.3% used nutritional supplements and usually due to the influence of the coach (50.0%) or their own will (46.9%). In addition, 61.5% of the athletes practiced certain weight cutting methods, and the most common methods were excessive activity (43.8%), low-calorie diet (37.5%) and sweating in sauna/ham (36.5%). Although the use of nutritional supplements and weight cutting methods was more common in wrestlers who were in the national team and had a ranking (more successful wrestlers), the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion. Since regular and balanced nutrition and the application of healthy methods of weight reduction not only maintain the health and performance of athletes, but also reduce the risk of injury, it is essential to educate athletes in terms of nutrition and health.