The elevated levels of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL6) are supposed to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Frequent high glycemic load (GL) consumption, central obesity, and a lack of physical activity are considered to be T2DM risk factors. This study aimed to determine the difference of these inflammatory markers as well as GL in individuals with versus those without T2DM in rural Thais. A total of 296 participants aged 35–66 living in Sung Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, were recruited. Blood was collected to evaluate blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers. A Semi-food frequency questionnaire was utilized to assess GL followed by socioeconomic and anthropometric assessment. Statistical analysis was subsequently performed. Elevated CRP and IL6 levels were associated with increased risk of developing T2DM [OR (95% CI): 7.51 (2.11, 26.74) and 4.95 (1.28, 19.11)], respectively. There was a trend towards increased risk of T2DM with elevated TNF-α levels [OR (95% CI): 1.56 (0.39, 6.14)]. GL correlated significantly with fasting blood glucose (r = 0.289, P = 0.016), suggesting that it is involved in T2DM in this study group. In this study, CRP, IL6, and TNF-α associated with T2DM. Our findings suggested that these inflammatory markers, especially CRP, may initiate T2DM.

Purpose of Review: This review aims to examine adolescent nutrition as a critical and often neglected component of global health agendas. Adolescence represents a period of rapid growth and development with increased nutritional and energy demands, remaining a ‘hidden crisis’ in nutritional health. The review explores the ‘triple burden’ of malnutrition affecting this population—undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition—and analyzes the individual, social, environmental, and socio-economic factors influencing adolescent nutritional status. Recent Findings: Poor nutrition during adolescence has been linked to both immediate and long-term health consequences, including micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, and cardiometabolic conditions. Evidence suggests that adolescents’ heightened receptivity to societal influences can be leveraged through targeted interventions. Family-led programs, environmental reforms, and comprehensive policy measures have shown promising results in promoting healthier nutritional behaviors among adolescents. Summary: The nutritional challenges facing adolescents require urgent attention through comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategies. Effective interventions during this critical developmental window can foster long-term health outcomes and help break intergenerational cycles of malnutrition. This review emphasizes the importance of prioritizing adolescent nutrition within global health initiatives to address this significant and often overlooked public health concern.

Increased inflammation occurs with excessive adiposity and yeast β-glucan modulates immune responses. This study investigated the potential effect of yeast β-glucan on inflammatory cytokines in overweight/obese people. A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial design enrolled 44 overweight/obese participants with body mass index ≥23 kg/m², randomized to two groups receiving β–glucan 477 mg/capsule (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) orally for six weeks. At weeks one to two, participants received 1 β–glucan or placebo capsule/day and at four weeks two tablets/day. Anthropometric changes, lipid profiles, liver and renal functions, and inflammatory cytokines were measured. β-glucan reduced waist circumference (p = 0.037) and blood pressure (p = 0.006) compared with controls after six weeks of intervention. No statistical significance between groups was observed for triglyceride, cholesterol, lipid profile, liver and renal function, or energy and nutrient intake compared with controls at week six. β-glucan increased interlukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, by 23.97% from baseline at week two (p < 0.001) and 31.12% at week six (p < 0.001) and was significantly increased compared with controls at week two (p < 0.001) until week six (p < 0.001). β-glucan reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 at week six (p = 0.005) and tumor necrosis factor-α at week two (p = 0.037) compared with controls. Supplementation of yeast β-glucan for six weeks modulated pro-cytokines that accelerate overweight/obese comorbidities and reduced blood pressure as well as waist circumference, the strong risk factors for cardiovascular disease, in overweight/obese subjects. Thus, β-glucan might have the potential to decrease comorbid conditions associated with overweight/ obesity.

This cross-sectional study explores the impact of FTO gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs9939609 and rs1421085 on dietary habits contributing to obesity risk in Thai adults. The study enrolled 384 participants from Bangkok, categorized as non-obese (BMI < 25 kg/m²) or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) based on WHO Asia Pacific Guidelines. Genotyping for FTO variants was performed using DNA from blood samples. While both SNPs adhered to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, the association between risk alleles and anthropometric measurements was not statistically significant. However, risk allele carriers showed significantly higher intakes of sugar and saturated fat compared to homozygous dominant individuals. In the obese group, the odds ratio for high-sugar intake was 2.22 (95% CI 1.13–4.37, p = 0.021) for rs9939609 risk allele carriers. For high-saturated fat intake, the odds ratio was 1.86 (95% CI 1.02–3.40, p = 0.041). Similar associations were observed for rs1421085. Risk allele carriers also exhibited significantly higher leptin levels (p < 0.043) and a positive correlation with myeloperoxidase levels (p < 0.038). These findings highlight the complex relationship between FTO risk alleles, increased consumption of sugar and saturated fat, and obesity-related parameters. The insights emphasize the importance of considering both genetic and dietary factors in obesity prevention strategies.

Bacillus subtilis strain AP-1, which produces α-glucosidase with transglucosidase activity, was used to produce a series of long-chain isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) with degree of polymerization (DP) ranging from 2 to 14 by direct fermentation of maltose. A total IMOs yield of 36.33 g/L without contabacillusmination from glucose and maltose was achieved at 36 h of cultivation using 50 g/L of maltose, with a yield of 72.7%. IMOs were purified by size exclusion chromatography with a Superdex 30 Increase column. The molecular mass and DP of IMOs were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS). Subsequently, linkages in produced oligosaccharides were verified by enzymatic hydrolysis with α-amylase and oligo-α-1,6-glucosidase. These IMOs showed prebiotic properties, namely tolerance to acidic conditions and digestive enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulation of probiotic bacteria growth to produce short-chain fatty acids and no stimulating effect on pathogenic bacteria growth. Moreover, these IMOs were not toxic to mammalian cells at up to 5 mg/mL, indicating their biocompatibility. Therefore, this research demonstrated a simple and economical method for producing IMOs with DP2–14 without additional operations; moreover, the excellent prebiotic properties of the IMOs offer great prospects for their application in functional foods.