(1) Background: Spermidine is a biogenic polyamine that plays a crucial role in mammalian metabolism. As spermidine levels decline with age, spermidine supplementation is suggested to prevent or delay age-related diseases. However, valid pharmacokinetic data regarding spermidine remains lacking. Therefore, for the first time, the present study investigated the pharmacokinetics of oral spermidine supplementation. (2) Methods: This study was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blinded, two-armed crossover trial with two 5-day intervention phases separated by a washout phase of 9 days. In 12 healthy volunteers, 15 mg/d of spermidine was administered orally, and blood and saliva samples were taken. Spermidine, spermine, and putrescine were quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The plasma metabolome was investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics. (3) Results: Compared with a placebo, spermidine supplementation significantly increased spermine levels in the plasma, but it did not affect spermidine or putrescine levels. No effect on salivary polyamine concentrations was observed. (4) Conclusions: This study’s results suggest that dietary spermidine is presystemically converted into spermine, which then enters systemic circulation. Presumably, the in vitro and clinical effects of spermidine are at least in part attributable to its metabolite, spermine. It is rather unlikely that spermidine supplements with doses <15 mg/d exert any short-term effects.

Choline is an essential nutrient that is involved in various developmental processes during pregnancy. While the general adequate choline intake (AI) for adults has been set at 400 mg/day by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an AI of 480 mg/day has been derived for pregnant women. To date, the choline intake of pregnant women in Germany has not been investigated yet. Therefore, in this survey, the total choline intake from dietary and supplementary sources in pregnant women was estimated using an online questionnaire. A total of 516 pregnant women participated in the survey, of which 283 met the inclusion criteria (13 to 41 weeks of gestational age, 19–45 years). 224 (79%) of the participants followed an omnivorous diet, 59 (21%) were vegetarian or vegan. Median choline intake was 260.4 (±141.4) mg/day, and only 19 women (7%) achieved the adequate choline intake. The median choline intake of omnivores was significantly higher than that of vegetarians/vegans (269.5 ± 141.5 mg/day vs. 205.2 ± 101.2 mg/day; p < 0.0001). 5% (13/283) of pregnant women took choline-containing dietary supplements. In these women, dietary supplements provided 19% of the total choline intake. Due to the importance of choline for the developmental processes during pregnancy, the study results prove the urgent need for an improved choline supply for pregnant women.

Background: Nutrition during pregnancy affects the health of both the mother and the child with potential long-term consequences. Consequently, educating pregnant women about recommended nutritional practices is essential. This cross-sectional study examined dietary information sources used by pregnant women in Germany and evaluated their adherence to clinical guidelines. Methods: Pregnant women (≥ 6th week of gestation) were recruited nationwide via social media (January–June 2022), and completed an online questionnaire assessing sources and content of their nutritional information. The data were subsequently analyzed for their alignment with guidelines provided by the Germany-wide Healthy Start Network of the Federal Center for Nutrition and the German Nutrition Society. Chi-square and t-tests were used to explore associations, and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify significant predictors of supplement use and dietary practices, considering sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Results: Of 3,363 participants, 68.66% reported dietary changes during pregnancy, yet 82.76% received limited or no counseling from healthcare providers. Most women (77.70%) sought information online. While 89.03% took dietary supplements, this percentage was significantly higher among pregnant women with higher income (OR = 1.55, CI 1.18–2.03, p < 0.001) and higher educational levels (OR = 1.47, CI 1.15–1.88, p = 0.001). Although most of the women (87.87%) supplemented with folic acid, only 66.10% supplemented with iodine. However, when considering dosage and supplementation period, at least 37.08% of women for folic acid and 46.06% for iodine did not meet recommendations or did not supplement at all. Conclusions: While recommendations to avoid specific foods and to take a folic acid supplement are widely recognized, the dietary practices of pregnant women frequently deviate from professional guidelines. These results emphasize the importance of targeted education and standardized counseling by qualified professionals to ensure optimal nutrition during pregnancy and reduce potential risks to both mother and child. Future research should identify strategies to effectively address these problems.

It is well-appreciated that the diet is a crucial tool to counteract cardiometabolic disturbances due to its impact on blood glucose concentration and gut microbiome. This retrospective analysis aimed to examine whether the inclusion of isomaltulose and prebiotic inulin-type fructans (ITF) into the habitual diet has an impact on glycemic control and gut microbiota. Furthermore, we examined interindividual differences in glycemic response to sugar replacement with isomaltulose. We retrospectively analyzed data of 117 individuals who participated in a digital nutrition program including a 14-day continuous glucose measurement. Participants underwent six test days with sweetened drinks (isomaltulose vs. sucrose) consumed with their usual breakfasts and lunches. Dinner was supplemented with ITF for 11 days. Postprandial glycemia and 24 h-glycemic variability were determined following test meals and days, respectively. Fecal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing before and after test phase. Meals with isomaltulose-sweetened drinks compared to meals with sucrose-sweetened drinks induced lower postprandial glycemia. Moreover, glucose oscillations over 24 h were lower on isomaltulose when compared to sucrose test days and improved further during ITF supplementation. Furthermore, ITF modulated gut microbiota composition beneficially. Responder analysis revealed that 72% of participants benefited from the sugar replacement with isomaltulose and that their gut microbiota differed from the low responders. Taken together, the incorporation of isomaltulose and ITF into the habitual diet was shown to be an effective strategy to improve glucose control and beneficially modulate gut microbiota, and thereby aid to maintain metabolic health. Data indicate interindividual differences in glycemic response to ingredients and suggest that gut microbiota might be somehow related to it.

Zusammenfassung: Soziale Medien (SoMe) sind für viele Menschen eine wichtige Quelle für Informationen über Nahrungsergänzungsmittel (NEM); gleichzeitig werden hier potenziell gesundheitsgefährdende Fehl- und Desinformationen verbreitet. Inhalte zu NEM sind in der Regel ökonomisch motiviert, ohne dass dies für die Nutzer*innen transparent erkennbar wäre. Hinsichtlich des gesundheitlichen Verbraucherschutzes ist diese Situation sehr problematisch. Andererseits bieten SoMe sehr gute Möglichkeiten für die evidenzbasierte Aufklärung breiter Bevölkerungsgruppen über NEM-bezogene Nutzen und Risiken. Während die Auswirkungen von SoMe auf Gesundheitsverhalten, Gesundheit und Ernährung der Nutzer*innen bereits gut untersucht sind, liegen zu NEM bisher nur sehr wenige spezifische Daten vor. Deshalb werden im vorliegenden Beitrag die Datenlage zu NEM-bezogenen Informationen in den SoMe zusammengefasst sowie spezifische Risiken und Chancen aus der Perspektive des gesundheitlichen Verbraucherschutzes identifiziert. Auf dieser Grundlage werden konkrete Handlungsempfehlungen abgeleitet, um NEM-spezifische Strukturen im Kontext von SoMe so zu gestalten, dass dies sowohl den Verbraucher*innen als auch den seriösen Herstellern von NEM zugutekommt.

Introduction: Overweight and a lack of physical activity not only increase the risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients but also negatively impact overall and long-term survival, as well as quality of life. The results presented here are the first real-world data from the DiGA PINK! Coach examining the physical activity and BMI of app users. Based on the literature, an approximate weight gain of 10% over 6 months and a decrease in physical activity can be expected. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively investigate the effects of the PINK! Coach in a real-world setting on patients’ BMI and physical activity level during acute therapies. such as chemotherapy (CHT) and antihormone therapy (AHT). Material and Methods: The PINK! Coach app accompanies breast cancer patients during and after acute therapy to bring about a sustainable lifestyle change. The patients are encouraged to establish a healthy diet, become physically active, and make informed decisions. In this study, real-world data from the app were analyzed over 6 months from baseline to T1 (after 12 weeks) and T2 (after 24 weeks). The patients were under acute therapy or in follow-up care receiving either CHT or AHT. Results: The analyzed data indicate that all patients were able to maintain a consistent BMI over 6 months independent of pre-defined subgroups such as AHT, CHT, or BMI subgroups. In the subgroup of patients undergoing AHT, overweight patients were even able to significantly reduce their BMI by 1-score-point over 6 months (p < 0.01). The subgroup of patients undergoing CHT also showed an significant overall reduction in BMI (p = 0.01). All patients were also able to significantly increase their daily step count as well as their physical activity minutes per day. After the first 12 weeks, 41.4% of patients experienced weight gain, 33.4% were able to maintain their weight, and 24.2% reduced their weight. Conclusion: The presented data provides intriguing insights into the users of the PINK! Coach app and the impact of this usage in regards to BMI and physical activity. At the current time, there are only a few effective concepts for encouraging all breast cancer patients to engage in moderate physical activity and reduce body weight. Often, these concepts apply to selected patient groups. The data presented here include all age groups, tumor stages, and therapies, providing an initial insight into a comprehensive approach. Data over an even longer period would be one way to better contextualize the results in current research.