1. High prevalence of probable sarcopenia and its associations with nutrition, cognitive, and physical function in hospitalized patients with Alzheimer’s clinical syndrome : a cross-sectional studyVesna Simič, Nina Mohorko, Polona Rus Prelog, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Probable sarcopenia, indicated by low handgrip strength, is a prevalent condition among hospitalized older adults and may reflect broader functional and nutritional decline. Methods: We examined differences in nutritional, functional, and cognitive status between Alzheimer’s clinical syndrome (ACS) patients with probable sarcopenia and those without sarcopenia. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 194 hospitalized older adults with ACS. Probable sarcopenia was defined using European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) handgrip strength thresholds. Results: Patients with probable sarcopenia (n = 137) had significantly lower Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), albumin, hemoglobin, and gait speed compared to those without. After age and sex adjustment, MMSE (p = 0.023), GNRI (p = 0.002), hemoglobin (p = 0.022), albumin (p = 0.003), and gait speed (p < 0.001) remained significantly different. In the sex- and age-adjusted multivariable model (adjusted R2 = 0.442), higher nutritional risk (β = 0.26, p = < 0.001), lower MMSE scores (β = 0.17, p = 0.029), polypharmacy (β = −4.20, p = 0.002), and slower gait speed (β = 4.12, p = 0.010) were associated with reduced handgrip strength. In the multivariable binary logistic regression model (adjusted for age and sex), moderate or high nutritional risk and slow gait speed emerged as independent predictors of probable sarcopenia, with OR 5.14 (95% CI 1.34–19.75; p = 0.017) and OR 3.13 (95% CI 1.30–7.52; p = 0.011), respectively. Conclusions: Probable sarcopenia in hospitalized older adults with ACS is highly prevalent and is associated with higher nutritional risk, poorer cognitive and physical function, and polypharmacy; its early recognition may help to guide more targeted nutritional and functional interventions.
Keywords: sarcopenia, muscle strength, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive function, gait speed, nutrition risk
Published in RUP: 25.01.2026; Views: 189; Downloads: 2
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4. Redox state is similar in subjects following omnivorous, vegan, vegetarian, and low-carbohydrate high-fat dietNives Bogataj Jontez, Karin Šik Novak, Zala Jenko Pražnikar, Ana Petelin, Nina Mohorko, Saša Kenig, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Age-related noncommunicable diseases are a major health burden in developed countries, with oxidative stress being a key contributing factor. This cross-sectional study aimed to test the hypothesis that redox status among 88 participants with a particular interest in nutrition and habitually following 4 popular dietary patterns (vegan, vegetarian, low-carbohydrate high-fat, and omnivorous), is similar, but correlates with diet quality. Dietary intake was assessed using food diaries, and venous blood samples were collected to measure serum total antioxidative capacity (TAC), bilirubin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)/reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) ratio, and sirtuin 1 concentration, and the expression of antioxidative enzymes in leukocytes. TAC and the NAD⁺/NADH ratio were higher in the vegan group compared with the vegetarian group, whereas bilirubin concentration was higher in the omnivorous compared with the low-carbohydrate high-fat group. Other differences between the dietary groups were not significant. NAD+/NADH ratio and sirtuin 1 were positively correlated with diet quality, assessed with the Healthy Eating Index. Correlation analysis between dietary variables and redox markers revealed only a few weak to moderate associations. However, a hierarchical regression model including age, gender, and dietary variables explained 19.8% of the variance in TAC, 21.2% of the variance in the NAD⁺/NADH ratio, and 44.3% of the variance in sirtuin 1 concentration. Therefore, in healthy, relatively young participants with appropriate energy intakes, endogenous mechanisms are able to compensate for oxidative stress to a similar extent, regardless of dietary pattern. Nonetheless, overall diet quality and food selection appear to play a meaningful role in redox balance.
Keywords: oxidative stress, total antioxidative capacity, sirtuin 1, diet quality
Published in RUP: 02.12.2025; Views: 341; Downloads: 2
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7. Comparing the influence of early and late time-restricted eating with energy restriction and energy restriction alone on cardiometabolic markers, metabolic hormones and appetite in adults with overweight/obesity : per-protocol analysis of a 3-month randomized clinical trialBernarda Habe, Tanja Črešnovar, Ana Petelin, Saša Kenig, Nina Mohorko, Zala Jenko Pražnikar, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background It remains unclear whether adding time-restricted eating (TRE) to energy restriction (ER) offers additional cardiometabolic benefits, particularly in metabolic hormone regulation, and insulin sensitivity. This per-protocol analysis assessed whether early TRE (eTRE) or late TRE (lTRE), when combined with ER, additionally improves insulin resistance indexes, and cardiovascular and liver biomarkers compared to ER alone. Methods We analysed per-protocol data of 90 participants, 31 from the eTRE with ER (eTRE + ER) group, 28 from the lTRE with ER (lTRE + ER) group and 31 from the ER group. As chronotype-adapted diets have already been shown to produce better outcomes than non-adapted ones and in line with real-life behaviour, randomisation was performed on the basis of the individuals’ chronotype. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements for analysis were taken at baseline, and after first and third month of intervention. The primary outcome was mean change in body mass, while the secondary outcomes were mean changes in glycaemic markers (fasting glucose, fasting insulin), indexes of insulin resistance, cardiovascular and liver markers and metabolic hormones (adiponectin, ghrelin, leptin, leptin/ghrelin ratio). Additionally, participant’s subjective appetite was also assessed at baseline and in third month of the intervention. Results We confirmed that participants who adhered to eTRE + ER for 3 months showed greater improvements in % of fat mass, BMI, and fasting glucose compared to those in the lTRE + ER and/or ER group. These greater reductions in % of the fat mass and BMI were accompanied by more pronounced decreases in leptin levels, with eTRE + ER showing larger leptin reductions than lTRE + ER or ER. Additionally, the eTRE group showed a significantly greater decrease in desire for food and greater reduction in capacity to eat than ER. However, insulin levels, insulin resistance indexes, lipid profiles, adiponectin, ghrelin, visceral fat indexes, and liver enzymes showed similar changes across all groups. Conclusions This analysis showed that eTRE + ER is more effective weight management strategy, while eTRE + ER, lTRE + ER and ER are comparable effective on cardiovascular, liver and insulin resistance markers. Trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05730231 (NCT05730231, registered on February 6, 2023).
Keywords: obesity, nutrition, metabolism
Published in RUP: 30.07.2025; Views: 791; Downloads: 17
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8. Nutritional strategies for minimizing gastrointestinal symptoms during endurance exercise : systematic review of the literatureJanez Mlinarič, Nina Mohorko, 2025, review article Abstract: Background The gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays a critical role in achieving peak athletic performance either during training or in competitions. Despite its significance, the GI tract’s role in the training process of athletes is often neglected, resulting in frequent GI symptoms. These disturbances are particularly prevalent in endurance sports, where GI function is commonly compromised, leading to adverse effects on performance. In this review, we examine potential nutritional causes of the GI symptoms and provide possible solutions to mitigate them, aiming to enhance athletes’ overall performance and well-being. Methods PRISMA methodology was used to search through PubMed Database from January 2023 to March 2023. The selected studies were comprised of randomized controlled trials, crossover trials and case studies. Results Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. The studies were categorized into five distinct areas of research on GI symptoms in endurance exercise: gut training protocols, effects of different carbohydrate solutions and mixtures, low FODMAP diet, hydrogel CHO technology, and probiotic supplementation. Gut training protocols seem promising in improving GI symptoms over time. Optimizing carbohydrate intake during exercise according to current recommendations has been associated with lower incidence and severity of GI symptoms as well. The low FODMAP diet also shows potential to reduce GI symptoms, although its restrictive nature could negatively affect athletes in other ways. Hydrogel carbohydrate products, at present, do not demonstrate any benefits over standard carbohydrate products. Probiotic supplementation shows mixed evidence regarding its effectiveness in alleviating and reducing GI symptoms during endurance exercise. Conclusion We have acknowledged that the onset of GI symptoms is very complex, and that onset is influenced by a huge variety of factors. It should be emphasized that the elimination of GI symptoms in each athlete must be approached individually and thoughtfully.
Keywords: gastrointestinal distress, carbohydrates, FODMAP, gut training, probiotics
Published in RUP: 23.07.2025; Views: 1135; Downloads: 7
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9. Effects of time-restricted eating (early and late) combined with energy restriction vs. energy restriction alone on the gut microbiome in adults with obesityBernarda Habe, Tanja Črešnovar, Matjaž Hladnik, Jure Pražnikar, Saša Kenig, Dunja Bandelj, Nina Mohorko, Ana Petelin, Zala Jenko Pražnikar, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Early time-restricted eating combined with energy restriction (eTRE + ER) has been shown to reduce fat mass, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and fasting glucose more effectively than late TRE with energy restriction (lTRE + ER) or energy restriction (ER) alone. Given the gut microbiome’s sensitivity to circadian rhythms, we examined whether adding TRE, particularly eTRE, to ER alters gut microbiota composition beyond ER alone, and whether such effects persist during follow-up. Methods: We analysed anthropometric, biochemical and gut microbiome data from 76 participants at baseline and after a 3-month intervention (eTRE + ER: n = 33; lTRE + ER: n = 23; ER: n = 20). Follow-up microbiome data 6-months after the end of intervention were available for 43 participants. Gut microbiota composition was assessed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing of stool samples. Results: No significant between-group differences in beta diversity were observed over time. However, changes in alpha diversity differed significantly across groups at the end of the intervention (Shannon: F = 5.72, p < 0.001; Simpson: F = 6.72, p < 0.001; Richness: F = 3.99, p = 0.01) and at follow-up (Richness: F = 3.77, p = 0.02). lTRE + ER led to the greatest reductions in diversity post intervention, while ER was least favourable during follow-up. Although no significant between-group differences were observed at the phylum level either at the end of the intervention or during follow-up, only the eTRE + ER group exhibited a significant decrease in Bacillota and an increase in Bacteroidota during follow-up. At the genus level, differential abundance analysis revealed significant shifts in taxa such as Faecalibacterium, Subdoligranulum, and other genera within the Ruminococcaceae and Oscillospiraceae families. In the eTRE + ER, Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum increased, while in other groups decreased. Notably, the changes in Faecalibacterium were negatively correlated with fasting glucose, while the increase in Subdoligranulum was inversely associated with DBP; however, both associations were weak in strength. Conclusions: eTRE + ER may promote beneficial, lasting shifts in the gut microbiome associated with improved metabolic outcomes. These results support further research into personalized TRE strategies for treatment of obesity.
Keywords: eating window, energy restriction, microbiota, alpha and beta diversity, metabolic health, obesity
Published in RUP: 17.07.2025; Views: 723; Downloads: 7
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10. Early time-restricted eating with energy restriction has a better effect on body fat mass, diastolic blood pressure, metabolic age and fasting glucose compared to late time-restricted eating with energy restriction and/or energy restriction alone : a 3-month randomized clinical trialTanja Črešnovar, Bernarda Habe, Nina Mohorko, Saša Kenig, Zala Jenko Pražnikar, Ana Petelin, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background & aims Time-restricted eating (TRE) has attracted increasing attention from researchers and the public. Recent studies suggest that the combination of TRE with energy restriction (ER) may have more favourable effects on both physical and biochemical aspects compared to ER alone. The aim of the present 3-month intervention study was to determine the effects of an 8-h early time-restricted eating and an 8-h late time-restricted eating with ER (eTRE + ER and lTRE + ER) compared to 12-h ER alone on body mass and other anthropometric and cardiometabolic risk factors in participants with overweight and obesity. Methods Participants (n = 108) were allocated to three different groups according to their personal chronotype: eTRE + ER (37 participants), lTRE + ER (37 participants) and ER (34 participants). Ninety-three participants completed the entire 3-month intervention (34 in eTRE + ER, 28 in lTRE + ER and 31 in ER). Anthropometric and cardiometabolic risk factors were measured at baseline and after 1, 2 and 3 months of the intervention. Sleep quality and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of the intervention. ER was determined based on the individual's resting metabolic rate. Effects were analyzed using the per-protocol approach. Results Results showed a significant time main effect (p < 0.001), suggesting a decrease in body mass at the end of the 3-month intervention with a mean loss of −5.0 kg (95 % CI, −5.7, −4.3) for the eTRE + ER group, −4.4 kg (95 % CI, −5.2, −3.6) for the lTRE + ER group and −4.3 kg (95 % CI, −5.0, −3.6) for the ER group, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.319). eTRE + ER had greater improvements in fat mass (−1.2 % (95 % CI, −2.1, −0.2), p = 0.013) and fasting glucose (−0.35 mmol/L (95 % CI, −0.63, −0.06), p = 0.012) than participants in the lTRE + ER group and greater improvements in fat mass (−1.1 % (95 % CI, −2.0, −0.1), p = 0.022), metabolic age (−3 years (95 % CI, −5, −0), p = 0.028) and diastolic blood pressure (−4 mmHg (95 % CI, −8, −0), p = 0.033) than the participants in the ER group. No significant changes were found between the groups for the other parameters measured. Conclusions There was no difference in body mass between the eTRE + ER, lTRE + ER and ER groups after 3 months of intervention. However, eTRE + ER showed a greater benefit for fasting blood glucose, certain anthropometric parameters and diastolic blood pressure compared to lTRE + ER and/or ER alone. Other anthropometric, biochemical and health-related parameters were not affected by eating window.
Keywords: time-restricted eating, overweight, chronotype, body composition, intermittent fasting, energy restriction
Published in RUP: 30.05.2025; Views: 1290; Downloads: 21
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