Problems of Nutrition

Blue tea, also known as anchan, is traditionally used in Southeast Asia for medicinal purposes and as a natural dye. The beverage has been noted to exert a range of positive health effects, particularly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuro-, hepato-, and cardioprotective properties. However, reviews focusing on the health benefits of anchan rarely emphasize the metabolic transformation and bioavailability of its main bioactive components, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which is critical for understanding the actual impact of the beverage on the human body.

The objective of the research was to analyze and summarize available data on the chemical composition of C. ternatea and the mechanisms of biological action of its components in the context of their metabolic transformation and bioavailability.

Material and methods. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases using the following keywords: Clitoria ternatea, butterfly pea, anthocyanins, ternatins, bioavailability, antioxidant activity, cyclotides, phytochemistry, biological activity, polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, safety, toxicity. A total of 45 publications (research articles and reviews), primarily from the last ten years (2016–2026), were selected for analysis and synthesis. These publications contained information on the chemical composition, bioactive properties, bioavailability, and safety of the main components of blue tea.

Results. The chemical profile of blue tea is characterized by a high polyphenol content, primarily comprising polyacylated anthocyanins (ternatins), flavone glycosides, and a complex of phenolic acids. Additionally, the extract of C. ternatea contains pentacyclic triterpenoids and a unique group of cyclic peptides known as cyclotides. In vitro and animal model studies have demonstrated the antioxidant, hypoglycemic, neuro-, hepato-, and cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties of the main components of the C. ternatea extract. Toxicological analysis confirms a favorable safety profile of blue tea upon oral administration; however, several studies indicate the need to consider concomitant pharmacotherapy during regular consumption of anchan. For instance, the ability of flavonoid components to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme suggests a potential enhancement of the effect of antihypertensive drugs, requiring cautious use of anchan in patients receiving such pharmacotherapy. Studies show that anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in blue tea exhibit low intestinal absorption rates and undergo intensive biotransformation by the gut microbiota. Only a minor fraction reaches the systemic circulation, which is significantly lower than the effective doses used in laboratory settings. Approaches to improve the delivery of blue tea bioactive components include microencapsulation of the C. ternatea extract and the development of effervescent granules.

Conclusion. Metabolic transformation in the gastrointestinal tract and the low bioavailability of the bioactive components of anchan are the main factors limiting its effects. Furthermore, despite the diverse biological effects reported for C. ternatea extract, most data have been obtained from in vitro or animal model studies, limiting the ability to fully extrapolate the results to humans consuming traditional C. ternatea tea. A promising direction for future research is the development of innovative formulations capable of enhancing the bioavailability of C. ternatea bioactive compounds and amplifying their primary biological effects.

Hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HADs) of plant origin (sennosides A and B, aloins A and B, emodin, aloe-emodin, rhein, chrysophanol, physcion, frangulins A and B, cascarosides A, B, C, D) are widely used as medicinal products for the treatment of situational and chronic functional constipation. At the same time, HADs with laxative action are included in a large number of food supplements (FS) in dosages that often don’t differ from the dosages of the corresponding drugs. Long-term uncontrolled consumption of these compounds may cause colonic atony, melanosis coli, hypokalemia, hypovolemia, secondary hyperaldosteronism, albuminuria, hematuria and other side effects, which makes it relevant to collect and analyze data on the use of HADs with laxative action in medicinal products and FS.

The aim of the research was a hygienic assessment of the use of plant-derived HADs with laxative action in FS.

Material and methods. The information base of the study included legislative and regulatory acts of the Russian Federation, the Technical Regulation of the Customs Union TR CU 021/2011 «On the Safety of Food Products», the State Pharmacopoeias of the Russian Federation of the XIII–XV editions, the pharmacopoeias of the countries of the European Union (EU), Great Britain, USA, Japan and China, regulatory documents and regulatory acts of the EU countries; official statistical and analytical materials, data from the Unified Register of State Registration Certificates of the Eurasian Economic Union and analytical reviews of the pharmaceutical market; as well as monographs and articles in Russian and foreign peer-reviewed publications indexed in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, reflecting the current state of the analytical chemistry of anthracene derivatives and related safety issues.

Results. This retrospective review systematizes current data on plant sources, pharmacopoeial requirements for medicinal plant raw materials, extracts and medicinal products, as well as the main approaches to the regulation of HADs in FS in Russia, European countries and the United States. An analysis of the Russian market of FS containing HADs with laxative action has been performed. Current analytical methods for the determination of HADs are reviewed in detail, including: spectrophotometry, which allows rapid assessment of total content but does not provide identification of individual components; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which is currently used as the main method for routine analysis; ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), which provides higher speed, resolution and sensitivity compared to classical HPLC; gas chromatography; thin-layer chromatography and its improved version, high-performance thin-layer chromatography, which are more economical methods; and finally, capillary electrophoresis, which is a promising method characterized by high separation efficiency and a different selectivity mechanism compared to chromatographic techniques, making it a valuable tool for result verification.

Conclusion. The necessity for quality control of FS containing HADs with laxative action the registration stage and post-registration, as well as the need for updating and development of new analytical methods for their determination, is substantiated.

The influence of alcohol and tobacco exposure on the antioxidant defense system in pregnant women in early gestation, taking into account the age of the mother, remains insufficiently studied.

The aim of the research was to assess the level of retinol, α-tocopherol and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in pregnant women in the I trimester with different plasma levels of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) 16:0/18:1 and cotinine (as biomarkers of alcohol and tobacco exposure) in the depending on age.

Material and methods. The study involved 159 pregnant women. Depending on plasma level of PEth 16:0/18:1, women consuming different doses of alcohol were divided into groups: group 1 – ≤8 ng/ml (non-drinkers, n=59), group 2 – 8–45 ng/ml (drinkers less than 1 drink over the past 28 days, n=66), group 3 – ≥45 ng/ml (drinkers more than 1 drink over the past 28 days, n=34). All groups were divided by age: 18–29 and 30–40 years. Considering that alcohol consumption is often accompanied by smoking, the content of cotinine, the main metabolite of nicotine, was also determined. The levels of PEth 16:0/18:1 and cotinine were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-MS), SOD activity – by spectrophotometry, α-tocopherol and retinol level – by fluorometry.

Results. In pregnant women aged 18–29 years, compared with the control group (non-drinkers), an increase in α-tocopherol level (by 28.2%, p=0.013) was revealed with the consumption of less than one dose of alcohol; with the consumption of more than one dose of alcohol, an increase in the levels of α-tocopherol (by 90.1%, р<0.001) and retinol (by 66.7%, р=0.003) was noted. In pregnant women aged 30–40 years with PEth 8–45 ng/ ml, higher levels of retinol (by 104.7%, p=0.017), α-tocopherol (by 63.1%, p=0.007) and SOD activity (by 7.7%, p=0.007) were recorded compared with the control; with PEth>45 ng/ml, only higher levels of retinol (by 127.9%, p=0.015) and α-tocopherol (by 69.8%, p=0.002) were observed. The cotinine level was significantly higher only in pregnant women aged 18–29 years with consumption of more than one dose of alcohol (p=0.003). Positive correlations in pregnant women aged 18–29 years were found between PEth 16:0/18:1 with retinol (ρ=0.30, p=0.005) and α-tocopherol (ρ=0.39, p<0.001), as well as between cotinine and retinol (ρ=0.28, p=0.008); at the age of 30–40 years – PEth 16:0/18:1 with retinol (ρ=0.33, p=0.006) and α-tocopherol (ρ=0.41, p<0.001) and cotinine with α-tocopherol (ρ=0.25, p=0.037).

Conclusion. Phosphatidylethanol and cotinine levels are associated with changes in antioxidant system parameters in I trimester pregnant women, and maternal age may modify the nature and severity of these changes.

A preference for soft-textured foods and disordered eating behavior are associated with overeating, which is a risk factor for obesity. The relationship between these variables in older adults has been poorly studied.

The aim of this study was to test a hypothesis that there are relationship between the frequency of consumption of foods with soft (ST) and hard (HT) texture, dental health, and eating behavior in older adults.

Material and methods. A total of 634 individuals aged 50 to 95 years (median 70 [65; 75], women – 78.1%) participated in the online questionnaire survey. They reported their sex, age, height, body weight, place of residence, income level, education, and dental health. Consumption of foods with ST and HT was determined by the frequency of consumption of 24 foods (12 in each group), of which seven pairs were similar in taste and composition, but differed in texture. Actual consumption of ST and HT foods (servings per day) over the past month was assessed using a frequency questionnaire for quantitative food assessment, which was accompanied by an illustration of a standard serving of food. Consumption frequency was expressed as the sum of servings of each food category consumed per day. The severity of restrained (RES), external (EXT), and emotional (EMO) eating behaviors was assessed using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and food addiction (FA) was assessed using the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the variables, calculating odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results. A positive association was observed between dental health and the consumption of foods with HT in older adults from the age group of 50–95 (OR [95% CI]) (1.37 [1.10–1.70], р=0.004) and 50–69 years (1.57 [1.14–2.18], р=0.006). In the 70–95 age group, a positive association was observed between the consumption of foods with ST and body mass index (1.38 [1.00–1.89], р=0.048). In 50–95-year-olds, a positive association was observed between the consumption of foods with ST and EXT (1.78 [1.34–2.38], р<0.001), ST and FA (1.21 [1.04–1.40], р=0.013), and a negative association was observed between ST and RES (0.72 [0.58–0.89], р=0.002). In the 50–69 age group, a positive association was also observed between the consumption of foods with ST and EXT (2.14 [1.41–3.26], р<0.001) and a negative association was observed between ST and RES (0.64 [0.48–0.87], р=0.004).

Conclusion. In older adults, dental health is a factor associated with the consumption of hard-textured foods, while external and restrained eating behavior, food addiction, and body mass index are associated with the consumption of soft-textured foods.

The quality of nutrition is a key indicator of public health, directly impacting morbidity, life expectancy, and economic well-being. Given the rise in diet-related diseases, monitoring the diet of the Russian population is critically important.

The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the diet quality of the adult population of the Russian Federation using the proposed Diet Quality Index (DQI).

Material and methods. This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Russian population’s diet using a DQI. The analysis utilized primary microdata from Rosstat’s 2023 national health survey, encompassing a total of 98 194 adults. The DQI (maximum 100 points) was calculated based on the consumption frequency of 20 food groups, with statistical analysis performed using IBM SPSS Statistics.

Results. The average value of the DQI in the adult population of the Russian Federation was 61.6±8.5 points. A significant age-related increase in DQI was observed. The DQI consistently increased with age, reaching its maximum values in individuals over 65 years of age (p<0.01). In all age and socio-demographic groups, women had higher DQI values compared to men. A statistically significant relationship between the DQI and self-assessment of health, body mass index, and material well-being was established. A pronounced regional variability of the indicator was identified: the highest DQI values were recorded in the regions of the Volga and North Caucasus Federal Districts, while the lowest values were observed in several regions of the Far Eastern Federal District. A decrease in the DQI was associated with a deterioration in material conditions and an increase in the share of income spent on food.

Limitations. The DQI was developed using food frequency questionnaire data, which rely on self-report and are therefore subject to recall bias. In addition, the questionnaire does not collect information on portion sizes; consequently, the index reflects the frequency rather than the quantity of food consumed.

Conclusion. The DQI is a convenient and informative tool for rapid monitoring of food quality, which allows for a comprehensive assessment of the population’s diet based on data on the frequency of food consumption. The use of an integral quantitative indicator ensures standardization and simplifies the interpretation of large datasets, which is particularly important for large-scale epidemiological studies and population monitoring.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a significant pediatric problem due to their increasing prevalence. Eating disorders and appetite selectivity are not only most common behavioral problems in this pathology, but can also lead to nutritional status disorders over time.

The aim of the research was to study the characteristics of physical development and nutritional status of children with ASD, taking into account the influence of existing eating disorders.

Material and method. A total of 150 children (2–15 years old) from the Udmurt Republic of the Russian Federation were examined: 120 with ASD (main group) and 30 apparently healthy children (control group). The survey included anthropometric measurements (height, weight), calculation of body mass index (BMI) using the Quetelet formula, and calculation of SD (standard deviation) values according to WHO tables (2007). Parents were asked to complete a modified BAMBI (The Brief Autism Mealtime Behaviors Inventory) questionnaire with additional questions about dietary supplement use.

Results. The study revealed a high frequency of growth and nutritional status disorders in children with ASD. Short stature was registered in 17.5% of children with ASD, while no one in the control group has short stature (p<0.001). Obesity was more common in children with ASD (19.1 vs 3.3% in control group; p=0.035). Almost all (98.4%) children with ASD had an inadequate diet due to selective eating (p<0.001), with 65.0% of parents reporting difficulty expanding their diet. Half of the children with ASD preferred mashed foods due to chewing and/or swallowing difficulties, and 25% required parental assistance with eating. 58.3% of parents compensated for nutritional deficiencies by taking dietary supplements. This situation was exacerbated by the sedentary lifestyle of children with ASD: а quarter of respondents had physical activity of less than 60 min per week.

Conclusion. Selective appetite and a sedentary lifestyle are among the factors influencing growth and nutritional status problems in children with ASD. The frequent, uncontrolled use of dietary supplements by parents attempting to compensate for a limited diet is concerning.

Exposure to various environmental factors and dietary changes can manifest as dysbiotic disorders of varying severity in all crew members who have completed both short and long-term space missions. Of particular importance is the acute adaptation phase to unfavorable environmental conditions (up to 14 days), during which the intestinal microbiome changes leading to the development of symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a fiber-rich diet on the quantitative composition of the gut microbiota of people undergoing long-term isolation in a sealed facility with an artificial habitat.

Material and methods. 6 apparently healthy volunteers (four women and two men, aged 26 to 37 years) participated in the study. During 120 days of isolation in a sealed facility with an artificial habitat, the diet consisted of specialized foods intended for cosmonauts and industrially produced foods similar in nutritional value and production methods. The energy value of the diet was 2900 kcal/day, with a protein, fat, and carbohydrate ratio of 15:30:55%, respectively. The menu consisted of a 14-day cycle, including all major food groups. Meals were served four times a day: three main meals and one snack. Food and dishes were available in freeze-dried, canned, and fresh forms. For the first 60 days, a dietary supplement containing arabinogalactan (5 g) and lactoferrin (10 mg iron) was included in the diet. Dietary intake was assessed for the month preceding isolation, and during isolation, by analyzing individual food diaries completed daily by the participants. Gut microbiota composition was determined by culture method. Stool samples were collected 30 days before isolation and on days 14, 30, 60, 75, 90, and 120 during isolation.

Results. Dietary modification and enrichment with arabinogalactan and lactoferrin have contributed to an increase in the quantitative indicators of Bifidobacterium species, reaching normal values in all subjects by day 30, and had a preventive effect on clinical gastrointestinal symptoms in the subjects.

Conclusion. The study confirmed the effectiveness of dietary modification and the introduction of prebiotic components in optimizing the gut microbiome under isolation conditions. Despite the limited sample size, the data obtained support the feasibility of using this approach to prevent dysbiotic conditions in extreme and isolated conditions.

Data on the glycemic index (GI) of amaranth products are rather scarce and contradictory.

The purpose of the study was to determine the glycemic index of amaranth groats.

Material and methods. The open randomized study involved 40 volunteers aged 21 to 63 years, including 25 women and 15 men. The GI was determined in accordance with the ISO 26642:2010 method – Food products – Determination of the glycaemic index (GI) and recommendation for food classification. The capillary blood glucose level of the volunteers was determinate using the glucometer «Satellite Express». The glucose level was determinate in the morning on an empty stomach and 4 times within 2 hours every 30 minutes after intake of the amaranth product or glucose solution. Amaranth groat in the form of porridge was prepared portioned for each volunteer as follows: 34 g amaranth groats (25 g of carbohydrates) was added to 200 ml of hot water and boiled over low heat for 10 minutes. The volunteers consumed the porridge in a warm form for 5 minutes. As a control, 25 g of anhydrous glucose (dextrose) was dissolve in 200 ml of water. The intake of amaranth product and control glucose was carried out at weekly intervals.

Results. The GI of amaranth porridge made with water from amaranth groats was 67.82 on a 100-point glucose scale, which corresponds to the average level of glucoselevel when consuming this product. The GI value may be relate to the chemical composition of amaranth grain and the specific technology used to produce foods from it.

Conclusion. Based on the findings, amaranth groats can be recommended for inclusion in the diets of healthy individuals.

Periods of hormonal restructuring, including the climacteric period, are characterized by a clinically significant impact on daily functioning, work capacity, and quality of life in women, and may also contribute to the development of somatic and psychoemotional disorders. Non-hormonal agents are widely used worldwide to manage these conditions, underscoring the relevance of their study.

The aim of the research was to summarize and analyze the data on the physiological role, effects, and safety profile of the vitamins, minerals, and minor plant-derived bioactive compounds comprising the dietary supplement Estrovel^®, in support of women’s health during periods of hormonal transition.

Material and methods. A literature search on the potential use of vitamins B₆, E, K₁ and folic acid, L-5-hydroxytryptophan, indole-3-carbinol, boron, isoflavones, diosgenin, aucubin and their combinations was conducted in the validated bibliographic database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the international clinical trial registry ClinicalTrials, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP), the Scilit database, and the Russian online scientific library eLibrary.

Results. The review presents current data on the role of the components in supporting women’s health. The phytoestrogens, vitamins, and boron comprising dietary supplement exert estrogen- and progestogen-modulating effects, contribute to the relief of vasomotor and psychoemotional symptoms, and possess neuroprotective and osteoprotective properties, as well as cardiometabolic and antioxidant activity, reducing the severity of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and climacteric syndrome. Clinical studies have provided evidence of improved functional status across multiple organ systems during Estrovel^® supplementation. Complete resolution of vasomotor symptoms was recorded in 83.3% of patients with climacteric syndrome; headache frequency was reduced 2.5-fold; and statistically significant improvements in psychoemotional and metabolic parameters were observed, including reductions in body weight and waist circumference and a trend toward blood pressure normalization. Instrumental assessment confirmed a reduction in sympathicotonia and enhancement of parasympathetic tone, which accounts for the positive dynamics of vasomotor symptoms. These effects are accompanied by a favorable clinic safety profile.

Conclusion. The use of this complex of bioactive compounds may be recommended for the management of PMS symptoms and mild-to-moderate climacteric syndrome.

The organization of optimal nutrition, including the use of sports foods (SF) and dietary supplements (DS), at all stages of sports activity is the starting point of medical and biological support of sports. This is necessary for ensuring both optimal performance under psycho-emotional and physical exertion, and adaptive potential throughout the training and competition period.

The aim of the research was to study the consumption of certain vitamins and to evaluate vitamin status, using biochemical blood and urine indicators in the athletes professionally engaged in rowing.

Material and methods. The study involved athletes from the Russian national rowing team: 18 men and 18 women aged 18 to 22 years. The actual nutrition was studied by the frequency method using the computer program “Analysis of the human nutritional status” (registered by the Russian Patent and Trademark Agency on 09.02.2004 No. 2004610397). Fasting blood serum levels of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherols and β-carotene were determined by reverse-phase HPLC, riboflavin in serum and urine (morning portion, collected on an empty stomach, within 40–90 minutes) – by fluorometric method using riboflavin-binding apoprotein, thiamine and 4-pyridoxic acid in urine – by fluorometric method.

Results. The intake of vitamins A and C (1196 mcg and 130 mg) with the basic diet was higher than the recommended daily intake (RDI), while the consumption of vitamins B₁, B₂, and niacin per 1000 kcal (0.42, 0.68 mg, and 7.2 mg niacin equivalent, respectively) was lower than the RDI. The majority of surveyed rowers (91.7%) used at least one type of SF or DS, most often a vitamin-mineral complex. The total consumption of vitamins B₁, B₂ and niacin above the upper tolerable level (UL, for SF and DS established in the Russian Federation) was observed in 64–69% of athletes, and vitamins A and C – in 16.7%. The intake of vitamin B₁₂ only with SF or DS was > UL in 41.7% of athletes, vitamin B₆ – in 38.9%, folates – in 13.9%. Moreover, deficiency of vitamins B₁, B₂, B₆, A, E, assessed by biochemical indicators, was detected in 2.8–11.4% of rowers, β-carotene – in 33.3%. With additional intake of vitamin E (200% of the RDI) and β-carotene (40% of the RDI), the proportion of athletes with deficiency and suboptimal supply of these antioxidants was lower, and α-tocopherol serum level was higher than in rowers who did not consume SF and DS containing these micronutrients (p<0.05). With the exception of higher riboflavin urinary excretion (p<0.05), other biomarkers of vitamin status (thiamine and 4-pyridoxic acid urinary excretion, serum riboflavin and retinol levels) and the frequency of their reduced levels in rowers who consumed micronutrients in amounts >UL, did not significantly differ from the indicators in individuals whose diet provided vitamin intake in the RDI – UL range.