This year marks the 95^th anniversary of the Federal Research Center of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety (formerly the Institute of Nutrition) and the 93^rd anniversary of the founding of the journal “Voprosy Pitaniia”. The main areas of activity were the study of the chemical composition of the diet, the nutritional epidemiology in various groups of the Russian population (children, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, athletes), food and noval food safety, as well as the development of therapeutic diets for various diseases and food for special dietary uses for different groups of the population. Throughout all these years, the latest scientific achievements of the Institute’s staff and other outstanding specialists in the field of optimal and therapeutic nutrition have been published in the journal “Voprosy Pitaniia”.

This review is an abridged translation of selected chapters of the report “Prevention and control of iodine deficiency in the WHO European Region: adapting to changing diets and lifestyles”, published by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the Iodine Global Network (IGN) in 2024. It presents data on the main sources and iodine intake levels, as well as the production and use of iodized salt in 54 European WHO countries. Along with iodized salt, milk and dairy products are also important sources of iodine in many countries of western and central Europe, especially for children, but salt iodization remains the main strategy to ensure adequate iodine intake in the WHO European Region. In addition to the use of iodized salt in households, the use of iodized salt in industrially produced foods (IPF) plays an important role, as they are the main sources of salt in the Region. Lifestyle choices and dietary trends, including increased use of IPF and a shift to plant-based diets, contribute to the persistence and, in some countries, to the increase of iodine deficiency. Mandatory salt iodization in WHO European countries ensures adequate iodine intake in all population groups, with the exception of a few countries where these programs are poorly implemented.

The effectiveness of micronutrient-enriched foods depends on the preservation of the micronutrients introduced into the product and the food matrix into which the micronutrient is introduced over the entire shelf life. Microencapsulation of micronutrients, i.e. enclosing them in a polymer coating layer (shell), protects sensitive to oxidation and photodegradation molecules when exposed to high temperatures, light or oxygen, increases stability, masks taste and ensures micronutrient controlled release, especially from matrices in which these substances could not otherwise be included.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using encapsulated (liposomal) forms of vitamins and minerals to improve its preservation during food fortification and correct micronutrient deficiencies.

Material and methods. The literature review in recent years was carried out using the RSCI, PubMed databases, as well as Google Scholar systems.

Results. The development of liposomal micronutrient forms is a complex multi-stage technology that requires special equipment, control over the size and properties, which increases the cost and complicates scaling up production. Microencapsulation improves the preservation of vitamins in fortified foods. Most studies are devoted to assessing the effect of liposomal application on the effectiveness of vitamin D and iron to correct deficiency. Comparison of pharmacokinetic parameters showed that liposomal forms of vitamin D, calcium and sodium ascorbates are absorbed faster than in conventional forms. Intake of liposomal vitamin-mineral formulations affects individual pharmacokinetic profiles of micronutrients. Intake of individual liposomal vitamins (C, D) by healthy volunteers on an empty stomach resulted in higher maximum blood plasma level and total area under the concentration-time curve. However, the interpretation of these results is ambiguous. Higher plasma levels may indicate that the micronutrient is not absorbed into tissues as quickly, while lower levels may indicate that redistribution into tissues occurs more quickly. In clinical studies, the effectiveness of iron status correction over 4–12 weeks in terms of hemoglobin levels with liposomal iron forms was comparable to the effectiveness of other forms of this trace element.

Conclusion. Micronutrient microencapsulation technology is in demand in the food industry to improve the safety of fortifying additives. Additional research is needed to confirm the benefits of liposomal forms of micronutrients in eliminating vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Human cells primarily utilize glucose as an energy source, and its uptake into cells is largely dependent on insulin. Therefore, insulin signaling is crucial for glucose homeostasis in insulin-sensitive tissues. Disruption of various molecular pathways can lead to a decrease in insulin sensitivity, a condition known as insulin resistance (IR).

Aims. In this study, we focus on IR and examine how its markers respond to the presence or absence of breakfast intake, regardless of the nutritional composition of the meals consumed.

Material and methods. The study was performed on 40 healthy Iraqi participants (both females and males) aged range (20–50 years with) a BMI of 21–35 kg/m² recruited into this study and divided into two groups, the first group (20 participants) took normal breakfast, the second one that skips the meal. Anthropometric parameters and biochemical parameters (fasting glucose level, and serum insulin level) were measured, Index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined.

Results. We found that levels of fasting blood glucose (85.6±4.4 mg/dl), serum insulin (5.61±1.69 IU/mL), and HOMA-IR (1.18±0.37) of persons who eat in the morning showed a highly significant decrease (p<0.01) in comparison to the breakfast skippers (97.8±8.4 mg/dl, 14.20±2.82 IU/mL and 3.46±0.83, respectively). Also the BMI was reliably higher (p<0.01) among the breakfast skipping group (33.4±4.3 vs 23.1±3.4 kg/ m²).

Conclusion. The study supports the hypothesis that breakfast eating is associated with lower insulin resistance. However, the non-randomized sampling and the significant BMI differences between groups limit the ability to isolate breakfast as an independent factor. Further studies with matched cohorts or randomized controlled designs are needed to confirm these associations and to clarify causality. Nonetheless, the findings reinforce the potential metabolic risks of irregular eating patterns and support public health messaging promoting regular, balanced meals.

Polyphenols such as rutin (RUT), quercetin (KVC) and tras-cinnamic acid (TKR-k) are sought-after components of dietary supplements and functional foods for the prevention of metabolic diseases due to their bioactivity. Studies devoted to the evaluation of the complex effect of mixtures of these polyphenols are very few.

The aim of this research was to evaluate mixtures consisting of different amounts of RUT, KVC and TKR-k isolated from plant cells in vitro, to exhibit hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic potential in vivo.

Material and methods. The objects of the study were mixtures of bioactive compounds (mixture No. 1 – RUT : KVC : TKR-k in a weight ratio of 1:1:1; mixture No. 2 – in a weight ratio of 2:1:1; mixture No. 3 – in a weight ratio of 1:2:1; mixture No. 4 – in a weight ratio of 1:1:2). To determine hypoglycemic activity, Wistar rats weighing 250±15 g were used as a model organism. After 12 hours of fasting, they were orally administered a mixture of bioactive compounds (100 mg/kg body weight), and then, 1 hour later, they were orally given glucose at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Then, after 30 min, 1, 1.5, 2, 4 and 6 hours, blood plasma glucose and total cholesterol (TC) levels were estimated. To determine hypocholesterolemic activity, C57Bl/6 mice were used, which were orally administered a mixture of bioactive compounds (100 mg/kg body weight) daily for 14 days, and hypocholesterolemia was created using poloxamer P407 (three times a week intraperitoneally at a dose of 400 mg/kg). At the end of the experiment, blood plasma levels of glucose, TC, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides were estimated.

Results. In the hypoglycemic load experiment, mixture No. 3 reduced blood glucose level (р<0.05). In the hypocholesterolemic load experiment, all mixtures reduced blood glucose levels (р<0.10). Only mixture No. 4 caused a reliable decrease in the level of TC (2 fold lower compared to the control group, р<0.01) and LDL (1.72 times lower compared to the control group, р<0.10).

Conclusion. The relationship between the ratio of bioactive compounds in mixtures and their activity has not been established. According to in vivo experiments, it is advisable to use mixture No. 3 to normalize glucose levels, and mixture No. 4 to normalize glucose and cholesterol levels.

The digestive tract performs an important barrier function, protecting the internal environment of the organism from excessive intake of various macromolecules, especially of food origin. Despite numerous works devoted to the study of the mechanisms of development of food allergy (FA), many aspects of its pathogenesis require further interpretation and research. This is necessary for the introduction of effective diagnostic methods and new therapies.

The purpose of the research was to determine the diagnostic and pathogenetic significance of markers of increased intestinal permeability and inflammation in children with FA.

Material and methods. The criteria for inclusion in the research were the age of children from 3 to 7 years old; patients with a diagnosis of FA. 45 children with FA were examined, the clinical marker of which was atopic dermatitis (AtD) associated with underlying disease (AtD + FA). The control group consisted of 20 practically healthy children. The levels of zonulin, calprotectin, eosinophilic neurotoxin and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in coprofiltrates, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), specific IgE antibodies to food allergens and eosinophilic cationic protein in the blood serum were determined for all children.

Results. The examined children with AtD + FA showed high levels of blood total IgE 273.89 [157.2; 597.2] IU/L, hypersensitivity to a number of foods (cow’s milk, egg, fish, wheat), eosinophilia (6.90±1.15%). Zonulin levels were increased (p<0.05) in patients with moderate FA compared with mild FA and amounted to 84.3 [67.8; 93.5] and 26.5 [17.5; 62.3] ng/ml, respectively, versus 21.5 [13.2; 30.9] ng/ml in healthy children. The amount of calprotectin in the stool was within the normal range. The sIgA content in feces was reduced in all patients, amounting to 32.3 [1.66; 50.7] μg/g versus 61.4±3.2 μg/g in children from the control group (p<0.05). The amount of eosinophilic neurotoxin in feces (1025.65 [327.96; 1739.54] ng/g) and eosinophilic cationic protein in blood serum (35.23 [30.12; 39.78] ng/ml) was increased, unlike in children of the control group (610.4 [300.25; 1101.97] ng/g and 29.67 [25.43; 32.75] ng/ml respectively, p<0.05).

Conclusion. The study revealed the signs of increased intestinal permeability, eosinophilic inflammation, and impaired mucosal immunity in children with AtD + FA. Patients with moderate disease severity showed increased intestinal barrier permeability, as evidenced by high levels of zonulin in coprofiltrates, as well as activation of eosinophilic inflammation, as indicated by elevated levels of eosinophilic neurotoxin and cationic protein. In addition, a decrease in mucosal immunity was detected, as evidenced by low values of secretory IgA, which indicates a disruption of the barrier function of the gastrointestinal mucosa. These findings suggest an important role of intestinal permeability and eosinophilic inflammation in the pathogenesis of moderate forms of AtD + FA, which may have significant implications for the development of new therapeutic approaches.

The prevalence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance, associated with the global obesity pandemic, makes modern healthcare necessary to improve diagnostic tools aimed at early detection and further evaluation of the effectiveness of therapeutic measures. Bioimpedance is a modern diagnostic tool in dietetics and endocrinology. Differences in body composition, as well as the accumulation of fat mass in patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism, become an urgent issue to study.

The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the body composition of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and insulin resistance (IR).

Material and methods. The analysis of medical records of 1003 patients who received individual consultations from a dietitian and an endocrinologist at the bases of medical, preventive and diagnostic organizations in Samara has been carried out. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the disease history: with diagnosed DM2 (288 people); with clinically established IR (319 people) and without carbohydrate metabolism disorders (396 people). The data of the morbidity history and the results of bioimpedance have been analyzed.

Results. A significant difference in the component composition between patients with DM2, insulin resistance and without impaired carbohydrate metabolism was revealed in all parameters, except for active cellular and musculo-skeletal mass in kilograms and basal metabolism in women and except for the percentage of fat mass in men. DM2 patients were found to have the highest median values of body weight and body mass index (BMI), fat mass, total body water, and the lowest values of active cellular and skeletal muscle mass relative to lean body mass, as well as the current metabolic rate (specific basal metabolic rate and phase angle). The results of the component composition in patients of different sexes had a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in patients with IR and DM2 for all indicators except body fat mass in kilograms and BMI. At the same time, in the group of patients without carbohydrate metabolism disorders, statistically significant differences were not found for any of the indicators, except for the phase angle and fat mass in kilograms, which may indicate the presence of certain gender-specific characteristics of the influence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders on the component composition of the body. Significant differences in fat mass and proportion of fat mass were found for patients with and without carbohydrate metabolism disorders depending on the body mass index. There were also significant differences in fat mass and the fat mass available for patients with and without impaired carbohydrate metabolism, depending on BMI.

Conclusion. Bioelectrical impedance analysis as a method of analyzing the body structure and nutritional status of patients is an effective and easy-to-use tool capable of detecting abnormalities in the accumulation of adipose tissue and metabolic processes in patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Differences in the fat component of body composition in individuals with excess body weight and obesity in the presence and absence of DM2 and IR confirm the need to assess the body composition in patients of dietary and endocrinological profiles for early detection of these disorders and their control in view of the diabetogenic effect of adipose tissue.

The intestinal mucosa selectively passes food antigens, which are foreign agents but do not provoke an immune response in the intestine. The increased permeability of the intestinal barrier is affected by chronic sluggish inflammation, deficiency of IgA, impaired paracellular transport and the frequency of food consumption.

The aim of the study was to provide a comparative quantitative assessment of IgG class antibodies to food antigens in patients with metabolic syndrome and practically healthy people, depending on the type of diet and levels of general inflammation.

Material and methods. In the prospective cohort study in 230 people, including 110 patients with metabolic syndrome (average age 33.9±1.1 years), clinical and biochemical parameters: total cholesterol, low and high density lipoproteins, triglycerides and glucose, cytokines: IL-1b, IFN-γ, IL-10, C-reactive protein, levels of apoptosis and necrosis of lymphocytes, catecholamines: adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, as well as levels of specific IgG to food antigens in blood serim have been compared. The analysis of personal data on the nutrition (frequency of food consumption) and hereditary predisposition to metabolic syndrome was carried out.

Results. It was found that the parents of the examined individuals with metabolic syndrome are twice as likely to have obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (correspondingly in 73.3 and 36.4% vs 36.7 and 23.3% in healthy persons, p<0.05). The diet of people with metabolic syndrome is characterized by more frequent consumption of foods containing refined carbohydrates, salt, saturated and trans-isomers of fatty acids, with low levels of plant products, dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids and complex carbohydrates. A 3-fold increase in IgG levels to food antigens in patients with metabolic syndrome was associated with a higher (p<0.05) blood serum level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β – 8.99±1.05 vs 1.99±0.30 pg/ml in healthy persons, IFN-γ – 22.21±6.50 vs 7.59±0.96 pg/ml), IL-10 (13.90±1.96 vs 5.03±0.81 pg/ml), C-reactive protein (1.96±0.31 vs 4.47±0.61 mg/ml), noradrenaline (168.4±6.8 vs 131.3±2.8 ng/ml), which was not compensated by adrenaline (52.3±9.3 vs 54.3±2.4 ng/ml).

Conclusion. Against the background of impaired glucose and lipid homeostasis in metabolic syndrome and higher levels of general inflammation, epithelial dysfunction is formed, resulting in increased permeability to antigens through the intestinal barrier. Changes in the level of antibodies to food antigens in metabolic syndrome are non-specific, which is reflected in an increase in IgG levels for all food groups independent from the frequency of their consumption.

The athletes’ energy and nutrient requirements are calculated based on individual energy expenditure and body composition indicators. This takes into account the different ratios of proteins, fats and carbohydrates recommended for sports with different physical activity levels, as well as the changing ratio of macronutrients depending on the physical activity coefficient.

The purpose of the research was to assess the energy and nutrient requirements of female athletes involved in synchronized skating based on the results of assessing morphological indicators and daily energy expenditure.

Material and methods. The study involved female athletes (n=22, age 21.4±4.5 years) specializing in synchronized skating, who were divided into three groups according to their sports ranks (8 candidates for master of sports, 10 masters of sports of Russia and 4 masters of sports of Russia of international class). Overall dimensions were assessed using anthropometry, body composition and basal metabolic rate were assessed using bioimpedancemetry, resting metabolic rate was assessed using indirect calorimetry, a dosed load test was performed on a bicycle ergometer, daily heart rate monitoring was performed, and athletes’ daily activity was recorded using self-registration.

Results. Changes in morphological indices were revealed that occur when female athletes move from one athletic skill group to another, higher one. With the growth of athletic skill, female athletes become taller and more massive, their indices of metabolically active tissues (lean and skeletal-muscular) increase while maintaining the level of fat mass. In general, the basal metabolic rate of female athletes in the group was 1426 [1382; 1486] kcal/day, daily energy expenditure was 3177 [2788; 3507] kcal/day. Daily energy expenditure varied significantly and depended on both the training and non-training activities of the athletes. The calculation of the need for nutrients and energy complies with the requirements of MR 2.3.1.0253-21, as well as recommendations for the ratio of macronutrient shares in the diet of female athletes in complex coordination anaerobic sports, and with a Physical Activity Coefficients (PA Values) of 2.4, 2.6 and 2.8 was made based on the principle of not exceeding the need for macronutrients per 1 kg of body weight: in proteins – no more than 1.96 g/kg body weight; in fats – no more than 1.66 g/ kg body weight; in carbohydrates – on a residual basis.

Conclusion. For athletes whose requirements exceed the regulated norms with PA Values of more than 2.2 (according to MR 2.3.1.0253-21), when calculating the need for proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and their share contribution to the calorie content of the diet, the percentage ratio of macronutrients should be changed depending on the need in grams per 1 kilogram of body weight.

Adolescence is a critical period for growth, bone development, and hormonal regulation which are profoundly influenced by nutritional status and energy balance. In the context of competitive sports, young female athletes face increasing pressure to perform, often under dietary restrictions or high training loads that compromise their health. Low Energy Availability (LEA), a precursor to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), remains a silent but significant threat in this population. Despite its global relevance, research on LEA and REDs in adolescent athletes, particularly in developing nations like India, is scarce. This study addresses a vital gap by exploring these conditions in adolescent team sports athletes.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of LEA and the risk of REDs among female adolescent athletes participating in team sports.

Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 female athletes aged 12–17 years (mean age 14.9±1.6 years) training for the KHELO India Youth Games. Inclusion criteria included ≥5 years of training (mean 5.91±0.87 years), ≥10 hours of physical activity per week (mean 15.14±4.31 h), and post-menarcheal status. Screening tools used were the low energy availability in females questionnaire (LEAF-Q), cumulative risk assessment (CRA), calculated energy availability (EA), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). EA was determined from dietary intake and exercise energy expenditure. Bone mineral density (BMD) and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed via DEXA using Z-scores.

Results. LEAF-Q identified 79.3% of athletes at risk for LEA, with basketball players showing the highest proportion of severe risk – 8.2% versus 0–6.9% among representatives of other sports (volleyball, hockey, football, kabaddi, kho-kho) (p=0.050). CRA indicated that 35.0% of athletes were restricted from sport, while 37.4% received full clearance (p=0.718). Mean EA was 23.46±7.23 kcal/kg FFM, reflecting a significant energy deficit. Low BMD (Z-score <-2.0) was found in 34.5% of athletes (p=0.926).

Conclusion. This study revealed that adolescent female team sports players had a high prevalence of LEA and REDs risk. Importantly, the findings suggest a new direction regarding the way coaches, nutritionists, parents, and governing bodies approach adolescent athlete welfare, prioritizing health, growth, and long-term performance over short-term success. This study serves as an important indication to prioritize energy balance and athlete education as the foundations of long-term sports performance.