Defatted rice bran (DRB) is a by-product of rice bran derived after the oil extraction. DRB contains several bioactive compounds, including dietary fiber and phytochemicals. The supplementation with DRB manifests chemopreventive effects in terms of anti-chronic inflammation, anti-cell proliferation, and anti-tumorigenesis in the azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) model in rats. However, little is known about its effect on gut microbiota. Herein, we investigated the effect of DRB on gut microbiota and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, colonic goblet cell loss, and mucus layer thickness in the AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated CRC rat model. The results suggested that DRB enhanced the production of beneficial bacteria (Alloprevotella, Prevotellaceae UCG-001, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, Butyricicoccus) and lessened the production of harmful bacteria (Turicibacter, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Escherichia–Shigella, Citrobacter) present in colonic feces, mucosa, and tumors. In addition, DRB also assisted the cecal SCFAs (acetate, propionate, butyrate) production. Furthermore, DRB restored goblet cell loss and improved the thickness of the mucus layer in colonic tissue. These findings suggested that DRB could be used as a prebiotic supplement to modulate gut microbiota dysbiosis, which decreases the risks of CRC, therefore encouraging further research on the utilization of DRB in various nutritional health products to promote the health-beneficial bacteria in the colon.

Defatted rice bran (DRB) is gaining immense popularity worldwide because of its nutritional and functional aspects. Emerging evidence suggests that DRB is a potential source of dietary fiber and phenolic compounds with numerous purported health benefits. However, less is known about its chemoprotective efficacy. In the present study, we determined and examined the nutrient composition of DRB and its chemopreventive effect on azoxymethane and dextran sulphate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) in rats. The results showed the presence of several bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber, phytic acid, and phenolic acids, in DRB. In addition, DRB supplementation reduced the progression of CRC symptoms, such as colonic shortening, disease activity index (DAI), and histopathological changes. Interestingly, a significant decrease was observed in total numbers of aberrant crypt foci (ACFs) and tumors with DRB supplementation. Furthermore, DRB supplementation suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6) and inflammatory mediators (NF-κB and COX-2) through the inactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The administration of DRB revealed a negative effect on cancer cell proliferation by repressing the expression of nuclear β-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-Myc. These findings suggest that DRB supplementation mitigates chronic inflammation and cancer cell proliferation and delays tumorigenesis in rat AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated CRC. Therefore, the establishment of DRB as a natural dietary food-derived chemopreventive agent has the potential to have a significant impact on cancer prevention in the global population.

The aim of the study is to determine dietary lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z) consumption and to evaluate its association with macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in Thai subjects. Methods. This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 120 ophthalmologically healthy subjects aged between 40 and 72 years were recruited from Bangkok and the vicinity area. Demographic data were collected using a questionnaire, while a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire assessed the L/Z intake. MPOD was determined using the reflectometry method (VISUCAM 500®, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG). Pearson’s correlation coefficient analyzed the relationship between L/Z consumption and MPOD. Results. The mean age of the participants was 50.7 ± 7.5 years. The mean consumption of L/Z was 3.03 ± 2.65 mg per day. The mean MPOD was 0.102 ± 0.023 density units. Consumption of foods rich in L/Z, including ivy gourd (r = 0.217, ), Chinese flowering cabbage (r = 0.194, ), balsam pear (r = 0.193, ), lettuce (r = 0.182, ), sweet corn (r = 0.181, ), and pumpkin (r = 0.181, ), was positively associated with the mean optical density (mean MPOD). Consumption of green onion (r = 0.212, ) was positively associated with the sum of optical densities (MPOD volume). In contrast, chilli pepper consumption showed a negative association with mean MPOD (r = −0.220, ) and amaranth showed a negative association with MPOD volume (r = −0.283, ). No association was found between total L/Z consumption and MPOD. Conclusion. L/Z consumption is low among Thais living in Bangkok and the vicinity area, which may not be sufficient to ensure eye health, and total L/Z consumption is not associated with MPOD.

Defatted rice bran (DRB), a by‐product of Thai Oryza sativa , is rich in dietary fiber and antioxidant phytochemicals. This study investigated the bioaccessibility, antioxidative efficacy, and prebiotic potential of DRB in colorectal cancer (CRC) models. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion demonstrated high bioaccessibility of flavonoids (79%) and phenolics (62%), along with substantial antioxidant activity: DPPH (57%), FRAP (83%), and ORAC (74%). In vitro, digested DRB significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS; −33%, p < 0.05) and suppressed IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α production in Caco‐2 cells. In vivo, male Wistar rats ( n = 5/group) were exposed to azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS) and supplemented with DRB (3 or 6 g/kg body weight/day) for 90 days. High‐dose DRB markedly reduced protein carbonyls (−71%) and 8‐OHdG (−29%), while restoring glutathione (+26%), superoxide dismutase (+125%), and catalase (+50%) relative to AOM/DSS controls ( p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a reduction in Proteobacteria (−58%) and an increased abundance of Akkermansia , Lactobacillus , and a genus belonging to Ruminococcaceae, which positively correlated with short‐chain fatty acids and antioxidant biomarkers ( r > 0.6, FDR < 0.05). These findings indicate that DRB possesses potent antioxidative and prebiotic properties, supporting its use as a safe, multifunctional dietary ingredient for CRC risk reduction.

Childhood nutrition is fundamental to children’s growth and learning, yet recent national data indicate 13.3% of Thai children aged 6–14 years have overweight and 15.2% have obesity despite nationwide School Lunch and School Milk Programmes. This qualitative study examined how parents and school personnel perceive their roles, challenges, and collaboration in promoting healthy eating among pupils in three public schools in Chiang Mai. Using purposive recruitment, 16 mothers and 10 school personnel (seven teachers and three directors) participated in parent focus groups and individual interviews; data were transcribed in Thai and analysed thematically. Three themes were identified: fragmented role division within and between home and school food actors, varied meal-management models under constrained staff and budgets, and food procurement challenges restricting healthy options. Parents described limited opportunities to contribute views on school food practices and primarily discussed supporting children’s eating at home, whereas school personnel described a broad mandate encompassing menu planning, procurement, and problem-solving with insufficient guidance and institutional support. Both groups identified children’s preferences for unhealthy snacks and the surrounding food environment as challenges, but emphasised different forms of support. While parents suggested that improved home–school communication could be beneficial in similar settings, school personnel highlighted structural support and clearer policy direction.