The benefit of not containing the gluten complex protein also provides problems with the achievement of typical and proper texture, especially in bakery products. Ultrasound (US) treatment has been previously studied on buckwheat as assistance treatment facilitating the release of antioxidant compounds. However, there is no study regarding the changes occurring in US-treated buckwheat grains regarding the structure-creating capacity, like water absorption, gelling, and pasting. The aim of this study is to the impact of US-treatment of buckwheat grains at 1:10, 1:5, and 1:2.5 solid:liquid ratio (in water). The particle size distribution, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), swelling power (SP), pasting characteristics, color, soluble, insoluble and total polyphenols content (SPC, IPC, TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH) were assessed in resulting flours. US-treatment caused specific agglomeration, resulting in bigger particles for 1:5, and 1:2.5 ratio treated samples, while higher dilution (1:10) increased smaller particle size fractions. The WAI and SP were the highest for the1:5 solid:liquid ratio sample, and the same sample revealed the highest peak viscosity, breakdown, and setback values. The ultrasound treatment increased the WSI, which was positively correlated with insoluble polyphenols content. The soluble polyphenols content decreased, and insoluble polyphenols content increased in all ultrasound treated samples. The DPPH scavenging activity remaining in grain after US treatment was lowered compared to the control sample. The relocation of pigments resulted in a redness and yellowish increase in all treated samples, while lightness was also increased but was most pronounced for a 1:10 ratio treated sample. The results suggest that ultrasound treatment of grain can improve the essential functional properties of buckwheat flour.

Bread is among the most common foods for the world’s population. Therefore, it can be fortified to eliminate deficiencies of nutrients or be a carrier of other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, bringing health benefits to its consumers, thus impacting sustainable health. This systematic review aimed to analyze clinical studies on the effects of bread fortification on human health. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines for transparency and utilized databases Scopus, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science to search clinical trials focused on the effects of bread fortification on human health over the entire last decade. The methodological quality of selected studies was assessed using the Jadad scale. As a result, twenty-six studies meet the inclusion criteria. Clinical trials have shown health benefits from consuming bread fortified with vitamins (B₉, C, D₂, D₃), minerals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Se), fiber, proteins, and polyphenolic compounds. Conclusions reveal that mandatory fortification aligns with the sustainable development goals. Thus, collaborative partnerships are essential for successful implementation and accessibility, fostering public health advances and progress developing into sustainable health.

Sustainable health approaches promote functional food alternatives that support metabolic well-being while reducing reliance on added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Monk fruit extract (MFE), a natural, non-caloric sweetener, is gaining interest for its potential metabolic benefits, but its effects and regulatory status require further evaluation. Objective: This PRISMA-guided systematic review synthesizes findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of MFE on metabolic health, lipid profiles, inflammation, and regulatory considerations. Methods: The literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, covering studies published between 2015 and 2025. Inclusion criteria were human RCTs evaluating MFE’s metabolic effects, while animal studies, reviews, and mixed-intervention trials were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Jadad scale. Results: Five randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, demonstrating that monk fruit extract (MFE) reduces postprandial glucose levels by 10–18% and insulin responses by 12–22%. No severe adverse effects were observed. Regulatory analysis indicated that MFE is approved for use in the United States and China, while its status remains under review in the European Union. Conclusions: MFE shows potential as a functional food ingredient for metabolic health. However, long-term clinical trials and a harmonized regulatory framework must confirm its safety and efficacy within sustainable health strategies

Monk fruit extract (Siraitia grosvenorii, MFE) is a natural, non-caloric sweetener known for its intense sweetness, antioxidant properties, and potential metabolic health benefits. While certain aqueous monk fruit decoctions are recognised as non-novel foods in the UK and Ireland due to significant pre-1997 consumption, the European Union (EU) has adopted a more cautious approach under the Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. As of October 2024, only one specific aqueous extract of monk fruit has been authorised in the EU under Regulation (EU) 2024/2345, permitting its use in several food categories. However, highly purified mogrosides and non-aqueous extracts remain unapproved due to gaps in toxicological data and the absence of industry-led applications. This review systematically analyses the EU’s regulatory barriers, comparing MFE’s legal status with other approved non-caloric sweeteners such as steviol glycosides and erythritol, and examining regulatory frameworks in the EU, United States, United Kingdom, and China. Findings indicate that although 18 non-caloric sweeteners are currently authorised in the EU, regulatory constraints continue to hinder the broader approval of MFE, limiting innovation and the availability of natural sweeteners for consumers. Harmonising regulations, leveraging international safety assessments, and promoting industry engagement are recommended to advance MFE’s authorisation and support sustainable food innovation in the EU. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure that European consumers and industry can benefit from safe, innovative, and health-promoting alternatives to sugar, aligning food policy with broader public health goals and sustainability commitments.

Sustainable health approaches promote functional food alternatives that support metabolic well-being while reducing reliance on added sugars and artificial sweeten-ers. Monk fruit extract (MFE), a natural, non-caloric sweetener, is gaining interest for its potential metabolic benefits, but its effects and regulatory status require further evaluation. Objective: This PRISMA-guided systematic review synthesizes findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of MFE on metabolic health, lipid profiles, inflammation, and regulatory considerations. Methods: The lit-erature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were human RCTs evaluating MFE’s metabolic effects, while animal studies, reviews, and mixed-intervention trials were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Jadad scale. Results: Ten randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, demonstrating that monk fruit extract (MFE) reduces postprandial glucose levels by 10–18% and insulin responses by 12–22%. Some studies also reported reductions in inflammatory markers (↓IL-6, ↓TNF-α). No severe adverse effects were observed. Regulatory analysis indicated that MFE is approved for use in the United States and China, while its status remains under review in the European Union. Conclusions: MFE shows potential as a functional food ingredient for metabolic health. However, long-term clinical trials and a harmonized regulatory framework are essential to confirm its safety and efficacy within sustaina-ble health strategies.