Celiac disease or gluten-dependent enteropathy is a chronic autoimmune pathology triggered by dietary gluten in genetic predisposed individuals, mediated by transglutaminase 2 IgA autoantibodies and associated with a deteriorating immune and inflammatory response. This leads to intestinal villous atrophy, impairing the intestinal mucosa structure and function of secretion, digestion, and absorption. The result is macro- and micronutrient deficiency, including fat soluble vitamins and minerals, and a consequent nutritional status depletion. A lifelong gluten-free diet is the only available treatment for celiac patients in order to assure normal intestinal mucosa and remission of gastrointestinal symptoms. However, a gluten-free diet can itself cause other nutritional deficiencies due to its restrictive nature regarding gluten-containing cereals. A group of gluten-free cereals, known as pseudocereals, is increasingly recognized as valuable options for gluten-free diets due to their high nutritional value. Amaranth, quinoa, millet, and buckwheat are examples of gluten-free nutrient-dense grains that can be used as alternatives to the conventional gluten-containing grains and improve the variety and nutritional quality of the celiac diet. Current work reviews the nutritional pitfalls of a gluten-free diet and analyses how pseudocereals can contribute to revert those deficiencies and optimize the nutritional value of this mandatory diet for the celiac population.

Crithmum maritimum L. (sea fennel), an edible xerophyte of coastal habitats, is considered an emerging cash crop for biosaline agriculture due to its salt-tolerance ability and potential applications in the agri-food sector. Here, the nutritional value and bioactive properties of sea fennel are described. Sea fennel leaves, flowers, and schizocarps are composed of carbohydrates (>65%) followed by ash, proteins, and lipids. Sea fennel’s salty, succulent leaves are a source of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. Extracts obtained from flowers and fruits/schizocarps are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols and show antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis. Plant material is particularly rich in sodium (Na) but also in other nutritionally relevant minerals, such as calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S), beyond presenting a potential prebiotic effect on Lactobacillus bulgaricus and being nontoxic to human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 model cells, up to 1.0% (w/v). Hence, the rational use of sea fennel can bring nutrients, aroma, and flavor to culinary dishes while balancing microbiomes and contributing to expanding the shelf life of food products.

The Metabolic Syndrome increases the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Increased fructose consumption and/or mineral deficiency have been associated with Metabolic Syndrome development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks consumption of a hypersaline sodium-rich naturally sparkling mineral water on 10% fructose-fed Sprague-Dawley rats (Metabolic Syndrome animal model). The ingestion of the mineral water (rich in sodium bicarbonate and with higher potassium, calcium, and magnesium content than the tap water used as control) reduced/prevented not only the fructose-induced increase of heart rate, plasma triacylglycerols, insulin and leptin levels, hepatic catalase activity, and organ weight to body weight ratios (for liver and both kidneys) but also the decrease of hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity and oxidized glutathione content. This mineral-rich water seems to have potential to prevent Metabolic Syndrome induction by fructose. We hypothesize that its regular intake in the context of modern diets, which have a general acidic character interfering with mineral homeostasis and are poor in micronutrients, namely potassium, calcium, and magnesium, could add surplus value and attenuate imbalances, thus contributing to metabolic and redox health and, consequently, decreasing the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Background: We recently reported protection against metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) induction and endothelial dysfunction by natural mineral-rich water intake in fructose-fed Sprague-Dawley rats. As glucocorticoids are critical to MetSyn development, we aimed to further characterize the beneficial effects of mineral-rich water intake in that animal model, by assessing relevant effectors in glucocorticoid-signaling in liver and subcutaneous (SCAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissues, sites with a central role in metabolic (dys)regulation. Materials and methods: Adult male rats had free access to standard diet and different drinking solutions (8 weeks): a) tap water (CONT), b) 10% fructose/tap water (FRUCT) or c) 10% fructose/mineral-rich water (FRUCTMIN). 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1-α) and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) tissue protein expressions were evaluated by Western blot. Plasma corticosterone (ELISA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels were quantified spectrophotometrically. Results: Expectedly, Sirt1 and PGC1-α significantly decreased in liver, 11β-HSD1 tended to increase in VAT and tended to decrease in liver and SCAT, and plasma corticosterone tended to increase in FRUCT vs. CONT. Mineral-rich water showed a trend towards a reduction of these fructose effects and significantly increased hepatic Sirt1 vs. CONT and FRUCT. GR significantly increased in VAT and plasma NEFA strongly tended to increase in FRUCTMIN vs. CONT and FRUCT. Conclusions: Glucocorticoid-signaling was different among SCAT and VAT and also in liver. Mineral-rich water modulation of fructose effects on glucocorticoid-signaling and Sirt1 underlines the better metabolic profile found earlier.