Psoriasis is a chronic immune-dysregulated inflammatory disease and hypovitaminosis D is considered a risk factor. We conducted an online database search to review and meta-analyze the relationship between vitamin D, other bone metabolism parameters, and psoriasis. The efficacy of oral vitamin D supplementation in improving Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was also evaluated. Non-original articles, case reports, and animal studies were excluded. Bias risk was assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case–control studies, respectively. Unstandardized mean differences were used for data synthesis. Twenty-three studies reported serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in 1876 psoriasis patients and 7532 controls. Psoriasis patients had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than controls (21.0 ± 8.3 vs. 27.3 ± 9.8, p < 0.00001). Conversely, 450 psoriasis patients had lower levels of parathormone than 417 controls (38.7 ± 12.8 vs. 43.7 ± 16.5, p = 0.015). Four RCTs examined the effect of oral vitamin D supplementation on psoriasis for 173 patients and 160 patients were treated with placebo. No significant differences were found in PASI after 3, 6, and 12 months of supplementation. It is shown that 25(OH)D serum levels are significantly lower in psoriasis, but, although the granularity of RCT methodology may have influenced the pooled analysis, vitamin D supplementation did not seem to improve clinical manifestations.

Recent scientific research has shown that the ketogenic diet may have potential benefits in a variety of medical fields, which has led to the diet receiving a substantial amount of attention. Clinical and experimental research on brain tumors has shown that the ketogenic diet has a satisfactory safety profile. This safety profile has been established in a variety of applications, including the management of obesity and the treatment of drug-resistant epileptic cases. However, in human studies, the impact of ketogenic therapy on the growth of tumors and the life expectancy of patients has not provided results that are well characterized. Consequently, our purpose is to improve the comprehension of these features by succinctly presenting the developments and conclusions that have been gained from the most recent study that pertains to this non-pharmacological technique. According to the findings of our study, patients with brain tumors who stick to a ketogenic diet are more likely to experience improved survival rates. However, it is required to conduct additional research on humans in order to more accurately define the anti-tumor efficiency of this diet as well as the underlying processes that support the therapeutic effects of this dieting regimen.

Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). During pregnancy, physiological changes elevate cholesterol and triglyceride levels to support fetal development, which can exacerbate pre-existing conditions and lead to complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and increased ASCVD risk for both mother and child. Effective management strategies are necessary, especially for pregnant women with inherited forms of dyslipidemia (i.e., familial hypertriglyceridemia, hyperchylomicronemia), where personalized dietary adjustments are crucial for successful pregnancy outcomes. Pharmacological interventions and lipoprotein apheresis may be necessary for severe cases, though their use is often limited by factors such as cost, availability, and potential fetal risks. Despite the promise of advanced therapies, their widespread application remains constrained by limited studies and high costs. Thus, a personalized, multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimizing outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current strategies and evidence-based practices for managing dyslipidemia during pregnancy, emphasizing the balance of maternal and fetal health. Additionally, it discusses the physiological changes in lipid metabolism during pregnancy and their implications, particularly for women with inherited forms of dyslipidemia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multidimensional disorder in which intense chronic pain is accompanied by a variety of psychophysical symptoms that impose a burden on the patients’ quality of life. Despite the efforts and the recent advancement in research, FM pathogenesis and effective treatment remain unknown. Recently, the possible role of dietary patterns and/or components has been gaining attention. The current study aimed to investigate a potential correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and FM severity in a sample of Italian FM patients. An online survey was designed, composed of customized questions and validated questionnaires with the aim of investigating the intensity and type of pain, the presence of other psychophysical symptoms, the overall impact of FM, general food and lifestyle habits, and adherence to the MedDiet. The collected responses were analyzed for descriptive statistics, linear regression, and propensity score analyses. The results show that, despite considerable use of pharmaceuticals and supplements, FM participants suffered from a high-severity grade disease. However, those with good adherence to the MedDiet experienced a lower pain intensity and overall FM impact. A propensity score analysis indicates a positive influence of the MedDiet against FM severity, thus unveiling the need for well-designed intervention studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of different dietary patterns.

Background/Objectives: Nutrition during the reproductive years shapes women’s immediate health, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term offspring well-being. This position paper narratively synthesizes and critically appraises evidence on how dietary patterns, macro-/micronutrients, and supplementation influence women’s health, female fertility, and reproductive outcomes, to inform practical recommendations. Methods: We narratively reviewed recent reviews, cohort studies, clinical trials, and public-health guidance on macronutrients, key micronutrients, dietary patterns (with emphasis on the Mediterranean diet), ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, and targeted supplementation relevant to menstrual, metabolic, cardiovascular, skeletal, and reproductive outcomes. Results: Balanced, diverse diets rich in whole and minimally processed foods support hormonal regulation, ovulatory function, healthy gestation, and chronic-disease risk reduction. Priority nutrients include iron, folate, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin B12, and long-chain omega-3s (DHA), with supplementation considered when dietary intake or bioavailability is inadequate. Evidence consistently links Mediterranean-style eating to improved metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, IVF success, lower gestational diabetes risk, and favorable neonatal outcomes. High UPF consumption is associated with poorer diet quality, inflammation, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and potential reproductive impairment, warranting a reduction in favor of nutrient-dense foods. Diet also influences cardiovascular and bone health through effects on lipids, glycemia, blood pressure, and mineral/vitamin status, with fiber-rich carbohydrates, unsaturated fats (notably olive oil), and adequate calcium–vitamin D emerging as central levers. Conclusions: For women of childbearing age, a Mediterranean-aligned, minimally processed dietary pattern—tailored to individual needs and complemented by prudent use of folate, iron, vitamin D, calcium, B12, and DHA when indicated—offers robust benefits across reproductive, metabolic, cardiovascular, and skeletal domains. Public-health actions should improve access to healthy foods, curb UPF marketing, and embed personalized nutrition counseling in routine care; further longitudinal research from preconception through postpartum is needed.

This study examined regional disparities in food security and food safety knowledge and behavior among Italian adults. Between January and June 2024, we conducted a cross-sectional anonymous online survey targeting Italian residents aged ≥18. The sample size was calculated a priori assuming a 50% prevalence, 95% confidence, and 3% margin of error, yielding a target of 1067 participants. Validated Italian versions of the Food Security Survey Module (It-FSSM) and the Food Safety Knowledge and Behavior Questionnaire (It-FSKB) were employed to assess participants' knowledge and behaviors. Sociodemographic data, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), educational level, physical activity, smoking habits, and food apps usage, were collected. Multinomial logistic regression-adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and educational level-was used to evaluate regional differences. Among 1752 participants (70.4% women; mean age: 36.01 ± 13.84 y), those in the South area and Islands were significantly less likely to report high food safety knowledge (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.82; P = 0.000) and high food safety behaviors (RRR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.52-0.79; P < 0.001), and more likely to experience moderate food insecurity (RRR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.00-2.69; P = 0.048) compared to participants to the North. Participants in the Center were over twice likely than those in the North to report high food security versus very low (RRR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.15-6.43; P = 0.023) and were also 30% less likely to use food delivery apps rarely rather than not at all (RRR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.50-0.97; P = 0.034). This study highlights significant regional disparities, with the South area and Islands facing the greatest challenges. These findings provide evidence to guide targeted public health interventions and policies promoting food safety and security across Italy.