The objective of this study was to explore the influence of nanocellulose type (nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)) and concentrations (0.05–0.20%, w/w) on the physicochemical properties, microstructure, and in vitro digestion of β-carotene loaded emulsions and β-carotene bioaccessibility. The optimum conditions for the formation of stable β-carotene loaded emulsions were found when NCC was used as a stabilizer at a concentration of 0.2% w/w. This was due to the rod-shaped structure of NCC, which led to more stable emulsions with smaller droplet size and reduced flocculation. During the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, NFC emulsions at increased concentrations were found to retard free fatty acid (FFA) release from the emulsions and reduce the bioaccessibility of β-carotene. On the other hand, NCC emulsions at concentrations of 0.2% w/w promoted lipolysis and demonstrated highest β-carotene bioavailability. Hence, these emulsions could be used for the delivery of β-carotene with potential applications in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals.

The pretreatment process is an essential step for nanofibrillated cellulose production as it enhances size reduction efficiency, reduces production cost, and decreases energy consumption. In this study, nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) was prepared using various pretreatment processes, either chemical (i.e., acid, basic, and bleach) or hydrothermal (i.e., microwave and autoclave), followed by disintegration using high pressure homogenization from oat bran fibers. The obtained NFC were used as an emulsifier to prepare 10% oil-in-water emulsions. The emulsion containing chemically pretreated NFC exhibited the smallest oil droplet diameter (d₃₂) at 3.76 μm, while those containing NFC using other pretreatments exhibited d₃₂ values > 5 μm. The colors of the emulsions were mainly influenced by oil droplet size rather than the color of the fiber itself. Both NFC suspensions and NFC emulsions showed a storage modulus (G′) higher than the loss modulus (G″) without crossing over, indicating gel-like behavior. For emulsion stability, microwave pretreatment effectively minimized gravitational separation, and the creaming indices of all NFC-emulsions were lower than 6% for the entire storage period. In conclusion, chemical pretreatment was an effective method for nanofiber extraction with good emulsion capacity. However, the microwave with bleaching pretreatment was an alternative method for extracting nanofibers and needs further study to improve the efficiency.

Coffee cherry pulp, a major waste product from coffee manufacturing, contains polyphenols with antioxidant activity. However, its clinical safety and health benefits are unclear. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the safety and potential efficacy of coffee cherry pulp juice concentrate. A total of 61 participants were randomly divided into a study group (n = 30), receiving the juice, and a control group (n = 31), receiving a placebo drink of 14 g twice daily for 12 weeks. Adverse symptoms, changes in body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters, vital signs, and heart function were evaluated using subject diaries, interviews, blood and urine tests, and electrocardiograms. The results showed no intervention-related adverse events. Body weight, liver, renal function, complete blood counts, blood glucose, urinalysis, and electrocardiograms were not significantly altered throughout the study. Consuming the juice for at least 8 weeks significantly decreased cholesterol and LDL levels. The glucose levels were maintained significantly better than those of the placebo group. The findings suggest that continuously consuming 28 g/day of coffee pulp juice concentrate for 12 weeks is safe in healthy volunteers. Future studies could employ a dose of ≤28 g/day to investigate the efficacy of this novel food, especially for preventing dyslipidemia and diabetes.

Complete nutrition drinks with a low glycemic index (GI) provide nutritional support and prevent hyperglycaemia. The present study identified GI and factors predicting individual glucose response to a new complete nutrition drink. A randomised cross-over controlled trial was conducted in eighteen healthy volunteers (FPG < 100 mg/dl). Complete nutrition drinks containing retrograded starch, glucose solution and white bread were assigned in a random sequence with 14-day wash-out intervals. Plasma glucose and insulin levels were measured from baseline to 180 min after consuming each food. Results show the adjusted GIs of the drink was 48.2 ± 10.4 and 46.7 ± 12.7 with glucose and white bread as the reference, respectively. While the drink has low GI (<55), the individual glucose responses varied (GI: 7–149). Comparing characters in individual GI < 55 (n =12) and GI ≥ 55 (n =6) groups revealed significantly higher baseline insulin in the low GI group (14.86 ± 16.51 μIU/mlv. 4.9 ± 3.4 μIU/ml,P< 0·05). The correlation matrix confirms only two predictive factors for having individual GI <55 were baseline insulin (r= 0·5,P= 0·03) and HOMA-IR (r= 0·55,P= 0·02). ROC curve reveals fasting insulin above 1.6 μIU/ml and HOMA-IR above 1.05 as the cut-off values. The findings suggest that the complete nutrition drink has a low GI, but there was wide variability in individual responses partly explained by fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR. Screening for fasting insulin and HOMA-IR may be encouraged to maximise the functional benefit of the drink.

β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan is an immune‐modulating functional ingredient. To enhance solubility, β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan oligosaccharides were developed from polysaccharides through gamma‐irradiation. Nevertheless, whether their safety and efficacy profiles are different remains unclear. Our previous study identified 2000 mg/day as the maximum short‐term tolerable dose of Ophiocordyceps dipterigena BCC2073‐derived β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. However, the long‐term safety of this dosage was unknown. This randomized, blinded, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted to evaluate their safety over 12 weeks. Ninety‐six healthy participants were randomly assigned to receive 2000 mg daily of either β‐glucans oligosaccharides, β‐glucans polysaccharides, or placebo capsules ( n = 32 each group). Adverse symptoms, changes in body weight, defecation, hematological, and biochemical parameters, vital signs, and heart function were assessed using subject diaries, interviews, blood and urine tests, and electrocardiograms. No serious adverse events or changes in body weight, liver or renal function, complete blood counts, blood glucose levels, urinalysis, or electrocardiogram were observed in any of the groups. Notably, supplementation with β‐glucan oligosaccharides, but not polysaccharides, resulted in significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels compared to the control group. Only the polysaccharides group had significant positive (easier defecation) and negative (constipation, loose stools) defecation‐related symptoms. The negative symptoms (found in 3%–19% of participants) were mild. These findings indicate that daily supplementation with 2000 mg of β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan oligosaccharides or polysaccharides for 12 weeks is safe in healthy individuals. The oligosaccharides demonstrated superior lipid‐lowering efficacy with fewer adverse events compared to the polysaccharides. Possible defecation‐related side effects of β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan polysaccharides should be considered. Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trial Registry: TCTR20240622005

The cover image is based on the article Differential Safety and Lipid Control Efficacy of β-1,3/1,6-Glucan Oligosaccharides and Polysaccharides Derived From Ophiocordyceps dipterigena BCC 2073 in Healthy Volunteers by Numphung Rungraung et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.71379.