Background: Human breast milk is a complex biological fluid containing multifaceted biological compounds that boost immune and metabolic system development that support the short- and long-term health of newborns. Recent literature suggests that human breast milk is a substantial source of nutrients, bioactive molecules, and exosomes. Objectives: This review examines the factors influencing exosomes noted in human milk and the impacts of exosomes on infant health. Furthermore, it discusses potential future prospects for exosome research in dietetics. Methods: Through a narrative review of the existing literature, we focused on exosomes in breast milk, exosome components and their potential impact on exosome health. Results: Exosomes are single-membrane extracellular vesicles of endosomal origin, with an approximate radius of 20–200 nm. They are natural messengers that cells secrete to transport a wide range of diverse cargoes, including deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid, proteins, and lipids between various cells. Some studies have reported that the components noted in exosomes in human breast milk could be transferred to the infant and cause epigenetic changes. Thus, it can affect gene expression and cellular event regulation in several tissues. Conclusions: In this manner, exosomes are associated with several pathways, including the immune system, oxidative stress, and cell cycle, and they can affect the short- and long-term health of infants. However, there is still much to learn about the functions, effectiveness, and certain impacts on the health of human breast milk exosomes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial metabolic disorder described by chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, as well as low-grade inflammation. Recent research highlights the vital role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and progression of T2DM. Dysbiosis can impair intestinal barrier integrity, promote systemic inflammation, and contribute to insulin resistance and glucose metabolism dysfunction. This review article investigates the mechanisms by which probiotics interact with gut microbiota and host signaling pathways to impact the onset and complications of T2DM. Databases were searched, and related articles were added, to get a thorough overview of the relationship between probiotics and T2DM and its complications. Probiotics have appeared as potential modulators of the gut microbiome, capable of restoring microbial balance and strengthening intestinal barrier function. Probiotics can influence glucose homeostasis through their multifaceted effects on the gut microbiota and host metabolism. Through the production of beneficial metabolites, suppress α-glucosidase activity, enhance short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, competitive inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, regulation of gut-derived neurotransmitters such as serotonin, improve intestinal, and immune functions, probiotics may alleviate key mechanisms involved in T2DM development and its complications.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with autoimmune and neurodegenerative features that affect the nervous system. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as vitamin D deficiency and dysbiosis activating a pro-inflammatory response, have a role in the etiology of the disease. In this context, the interactions of vitamin D with the gut microbiota and immune system have attracted attention in recent years. Vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) modulates the immune response by binding to the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). This pathway supports the functions of regulatory T cells by suppressing the activity of T helper cells 1 and 17 (Th1 and Th17). In MS patients, dysbiosis is characterized by a decrease in microbial diversity, and an increase in pro-inflammatory species is observed when compared to healthy individuals. Vitamin D has protective effects on eubiosis via VDR in intestinal epithelial cells, also reducing intestinal permeability by regulating tight junction proteins. In this way, vitamin D may contribute to the prevention of systemic inflammation. Although the relationship between vitamin D and the immune system is well documented, studies that address the triad of vitamin D level, gut microbiota, and immune response in MS are still limited.

Food neophobia, the fear of trying new foods, may reduce dietary variety, posing risks for nutritional deficiencies. This study examined the links between food neophobia, dietary quality, and diversity among Turkish young adults. A cross-sectional study with 949 participants (470 males, 479 females) aged 18-35 years used the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) and a 24-h dietary recall to assess food intake. Dietary diversity score (DDS), food variety score (FVS), mean adequacy ratio (MAR), and healthy eating index (HEI-2015) were calculated. The mean neophobia score was 37.07 ± 12.17, with 13.4% high, 67.9% average, and 18.8% low neophobia. The average neophobia group had higher diet quality scores (MAR, DDS, FVS) than the low and high neophobia groups (p < 0.01). Positive relationships with food neophobia were found for niacin, calcium, zinc, plant protein, and cholesterol (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that food neophobia may affect dietary quality variably, with certain micronutrients positively linked to it.

The Mediterranean Lifestyle Index (MEDLIFE) differs from similar scales in that it concurrently includes diet and lifestyle. The current study translated MEDLIFE into Turkish, and assessed its reliability and validity. A questionnaire was administered to 300 individuals 19–65 years of age. The questionnaire was subsequently re-administered to 87 research participants. The questionnaire, asking for general information, MEDLIFE, and information regarding anthropometric measurements, was sent to the users of an online platform. The scale was converted into the applicable Turkish form by an expert group. Test-retest reliability was evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). In addition, kappa coefficients (k) and Bland–Altman graphs were determined for each item to assess reliability. The mean scores before and after were 14.5 ± 3.68 and 14.3 ± 3.81, respectively, and the intercorrelation coefficient r was 0.817 for test-re-test reliability. The validity and reliability of the scale in the Turkish language was confirmed. This study is the first to translate MEDLIFE into another language and may aid in assessing the scale's adaptability to other languages. Food consumption record and physical activity record studies must be performed to ensure validity.