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- A scoping review of the health effects of fermented foods in specific human populations and their potential role in precision nutrition: current knowledge and gapsPublication . Humblot, Christèle; Alvanoudi, Panagiota; Alves, Emilia; Assunção, Ricardo; Belovic, Miona; Bulmus-Tuccar, Tugce; Chassard, Christophe; Derrien, Muriel; Fevzi Karagöz, Mustafa; Karakaya, Sibel; Laranjo, Marta; Th Mantzouridou, Fani; Rosado, Catarina; Pracer, Smilja; Saar, Helen; Tap, Julien; Treven, Primož; Vergères, Guy; Pertziger, Eugenia; Savary-Auzeloux, IsabelleBackground: Diets and specific foods have a significant impact on health, and individual responses to nutritional factors vary. This variability among humans can be considered a basis for developing personalized or precision nutrition. Fermented foods (FF) contain a wide range of macro- and micronutrients, bioactive compounds, and live or dead microorganisms. FF represent a diverse range of products and have garnered significant interest due to their potential health benefits. However, consistent evidence remains limited, possibly due to heterogeneity in individual responses. Objectives: The objective of this review is to assess and compile existing evidence on the variable responses of populations to FF and to determine whether FF could be integrated into a precision nutrition strategy. Design: Interventional and observational human studies were systematically collected. The publication identified the main factors likely to contribute to variable responses to FF across all health outcomes. The question was systematically addressed to assess the available evidence and identify knowledge gaps, guiding future research. A pragmatic approach was employed, following EFSA health claim guidelines, which require an assessment of food characteristics and mechanisms of action, as well as conducting a systematic search of human interventional studies. A similar approach was used to analyze data extracted from observational studies. The population included all humans (healthy and non-healthy, of all ages), encompassing both observational and interventional studies. The intervention consisted of the ingestion of any FF, while the control was defined as the absence or lower consumption of FF or consumption of a corresponding non-FF. Outcomes included all markers of the population's health status. Results: The main factors contributing to variable responses to FF across all health outcomes were related to initial phenotypic characteristics (biological sex, geographical origin, hormonal status, and age), baseline health status [metabolic syndrome [MetS], chronic metabolic pathologies, cancer, and psychological disorders], and genetic background. Additionally, since the gut microbiota is person-specific and influences metabolic responses, particular attention was paid to its functions and role in the variability of population responses to FF. Conclusion: Collectively, this review represents a first step toward evaluating the feasibility of using FF in tailored nutritional strategies.
- Glyphosate in the Iberian Peninsula: Evaluating risks to Iberian wildlifePublication . Baptista, Catarina Jota; Marques, Gonçalo Nogueira; Gonçalves, Luísa Lima; Assunção, Ricardo; Martinez-Haro, MónicaGlyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] (GlyP) is an herbicide extensively used worldwide, including the Iberian Peninsula. It is mainly used in agricultural landscapes but also in urban areas, in railways, and even in water bodies. Despite glyphosate’s large use, there is a paucity of research on its exposure and its potential effects on wildlife living treated environments. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have warned about the effects of this herbicide namely, on oxidative stress, and on liver and kidney in different taxa. Additionally, some studies also suggested endocrine disruption capacity in reptiles or genotoxicity in fish. Most of these studies have been carried out on experimental animals, in laboratory conditions, so the real exposure and potential effects on wildlife is largely unknown. In this context, this review is intended to help understand the ecological consequences that glyphosate may be exerting on wildlife that inhabit the Iberian Peninsula.
- Genomic Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Profiles in Escherichia coli Linked to Sternal Bursitis in Chickens: A One Health PerspectivePublication . Ribeiro, Jessica; Silva, Vanessa; Freitas, Catarina; Pinto, Pedro; Vieira-Pinto, Madalena; Batista, Rita; Nunes, Alexandra; Gomes, João Paulo; Pereira, José Eduardo; Igrejas, Gilberto; Barros, Lillian; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Reis, Filipa S.; Poeta, PatríciaAbstract: Sternal bursitis is an underexplored lesion in poultry, often overlooked in microbiological diagnostics. In this study, we characterized 36 Escherichia coli isolates recovered from sternal bursitis in broiler chickens, combining phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCRbased screening, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The genetic analysis revealed a diverse population spanning 15 sequence types, including ST155, ST201, and ST58. Resistance to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin was common, and several isolates carried genes encoding β-lactamases, including blaTEM-1B. Chromosomal mutations associated with quinolone and fosfomycin resistance (e.g., gyrA p.S83L, glpT_E448K) were also identified. WGS revealed a high number of virulence-associated genes per isolate (58–96), notably those linked to adhesion (fim, ecp clusters), secretion systems (T6SS), and iron acquisition (ent, fep, fes), suggesting strong pathogenic potential. Many isolates harbored virulence markers typical of ExPEC/APEC, such as iss, ompT, and traT, even in the absence of multidrug resistance. Our findings suggest that E. coli from sternal bursitis may act as reservoirs of resistance and virulence traits relevant to animal and public health. This highlights the need for including such lesions in genomic surveillance programs and reinforces the importance of integrated One Health approaches.
- Preliminary characterization of Vibrio cholerae strains isolated from seafood samples marketed in PortugalPublication . Lopes, Teresa; Lopes, David; Moura, Isabel Bastos; Sousa, Isabel; Rodrigues, João; Fernandes, Camila; Barreira, Maria João; Maia, Carla; Correia, Cristina Belo; Pintado, Cristina; Saraiva, Margarida; Batista, Rita; ElsevierVibrio cholerae, a natural inhabitant of aquatic ecosystems, has been related with gastrointestinal infections, particularly those associated with seafood consumption. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the presence and characteristics of Vibrio cholerae, in seafood marketed in Portugal, given its potential role as a foodborne pathogen. Thus, the occurrence of Vibrio cholerae in 129 seafood raw samples (105 of shrimp and 24 of oysters), marketed in Portugal, was assessed. Isolates’ characterization regarding the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and of pathogenicity-specific genetic traits was attained by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Core-genome Multi Locus Sequence Typing (cgMLST) analyses to evaluate the genetic relatedness among the isolates, and with other V. cholerae strains isolated in the world, as well as phenotypic AMR (performed by disc diffusion), were also attained. Overall, 43/129 (33.3 %) of the samples tested positive for V. cholerae (41/105 (39.1 %) of the shrimp and 2/24 (8.3 %) of the oysters’ samples). WGS analyses classified the studied strains as non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae (NOVC), lacking the main cholerae virulence factors encoded by the CTX phage. However, they carry diverse virulence factors similar to those found in O1 and O139 strains and/or in NOVC clinical strains. Furthermore, eight strains were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). The cg-MLST analyses revealed six genetic clusters among the 43 isolates (three identified sequence types - ST829, ST833, ST1085). Although it was not possible to find a close genetic relatedness between the studied V. cholerae strains and other deposited in PuBMLST database, a high genetic proximity among some strains isolated in different countries and from different sources (environmental and human) was observed, reinforcing the importance of a One Health approach. Assessing occurrence, pathogenic potential and genetic relatedness of Vibrio cholerae strains in the Portuguese food supply chain, this study contributes to understand their public health significance and supports a One Health approach to prevent foodborne outbreaks, contributing to food safety.
- Mapping the Quantitative Dose–Response Relationships Between Nutrients and Health Outcomes to Inform Food Risk–Benefit AssessmentPublication . Mateus, Gabriel; Ferreira-Pêgo, Cíntia; Assunção, RicardoIn the context of the global food system transformation towards sustainable and healthy diets, risk–benefit assessment supported by quantitative dose–response relationships between nutrients and health outcomes is crucial for evaluating the public health impact of dietary modifications, particularly those involving novel foods. The primary aim of this review was to establish a foundational basis for RBA by compiling and synthesising quantitative dose–response relationships identified through a comprehensive literature review. This review encompassed the last 15 years up to March 2025, utilising databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. This review prioritised recent meta-analyses of observational studies and randomised controlled trials with a low risk of bias, as assessed using the ROBIS tool. This review identified significant dose–response relationships across 12 nutrients and their associations with various health outcomes. While dietary fibre has demonstrated broad protective effects, cereal fibre has been found to be the most beneficial for colorectal cancer prevention. Calcium has been shown to have inverse associations with several cancers, although high dairy intake may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Haem iron was linked to an increased risk of several chronic diseases, whereas non-haem iron showed less consistent associations. Zinc exhibited a potential U-shaped relationship with colorectal cancer risk. These findings underscore the complexity of nutrient–health relationships, highlighting the importance of considering dose–response gradients and nutrient sources. Although this overview primarily summarises quantitative associations without exploring in-depth mechanistic or population-specific details, it underscores the complexity of nutrient effects, including nonlinearity and source dependency. This analysis offers a valuable foundation for future risk–benefit assessments of various food scenarios, thereby informing dietary recommendations and public health strategies.
- Ciguatera toxins, a potential health risk emerging in Europe: overview of progress and challengesPublication . Alvito, Paula; Gago-Martínez, Ana; AlvitoCiguatera Poisoning (CP) is considered an emerging risk of concern in several places worldwide. The risk of CP in Europe is currently being investigated, and important advantages have been achieved under two EuroCigua projects, which allowed the characterization of Caribbean Ciguatoxins as the main responsible for the contamination in the European Coastal areas investigated. Important challenges and limitations, particularly the ones related to the lack of reference materials and of relevant samples that enable to associate the contaminated fish consumption with human intoxication, are the most critical aspects hindering the progress from both analytical and toxicological perspectives. This review aims to provide an update on the most recent advances in CP in Europe on the source of the toxins involved in contamination, their toxicology and pharmacology, and their detection and characterization in order to contribute to envisioning the toxic mechanism of CP in humans.
- Comparative analysis of the nutritional quality of plant-based processed foods and animal-origin counterparts in the Portuguese and UK marketsPublication . Brazão, Roberto; Batista, Rita; Fernandes, Paulo; Lopes, Andreia; Dias, Maria da GraçaThe increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable foods has led to the rise of plant-based processed foods that serve as alternatives to animal-origin products. While plant-based diets are often considered healthful, these products frequently present nutritional limitations. This study aimed to compare the nutritional composition and quality of plant-based and animal-origin processed foods available in the Portuguese and UK markets. A total of 1170 plant-based and 2452 animal-origin counterparts were analysed, using two reference frameworks: the Portuguese Integrated Strategy for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (EIPAS) and the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) Label Decoder reference values. Findings indicated that 92.9 % of plant-based foods in Portugal, and 95.4 % in UK, exceeded EIPAS sugar and salt limits (evaluated together), suggesting that the perceived health benefits may not be aligned with their nutritional content. Compliance with EIPAS varied significantly by food type, for each country. Plant-based alternatives often had higher energy, carbohydrates, and fibre, but lower levels of saturates and protein compared to their counterparts. According to the DGS Label Decoder, 17.7 %, 18.1 %, and 29.0 % of plant-based alternatives in PT market, and 18.4 %, 22.6 %, and 26.7 % in UK market, had high levels of fat, saturates, and salt, respectively. These findings underscores that, despite the perceived health benefits of plant-based foods, not all present a balanced and healthy nutritional profile. Additionally, this study highlights significant nutritional variability across plant-based alternatives and markets. This reinforces the need for informed consumer choices, better product formulations, and public health actions to improve their nutritional quality.
- Coffee Pulp from Azores: A Novel Phytochemical-Rich Food with Potential Anti-Diabetic PropertiesPublication . Costa, Anabela S.G.; Peixoto, Juliana A. Barreto; Machado, Susana; Santo, Liliana Espírito; Soares, Thiago F.; Andrade, Nelson; Azevedo, Rui; Almeida, Agostinho; Costa, Helena S.; Oliveira, Maria Beatriz P.P.; Martel, Fátima; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Alves, Rita C.Coffee pulp, a by-product of wet coffee processing, shows significant potential in the food and health domains, but its real applications remain underexplored. This work investigated the chemical composition and bioactive properties of coffee pulp from São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal). The studied coffee pulp exhibited high fiber content (52% dw), mostly insoluble; notable mineral levels (10.6%), mainly K, Ca, and Mg; and 6% dw of total amino acids, with hydroxyproline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and leucine in higher amounts. Despite containing low fat (1.6% dw), mainly saturated, it also showed considerable amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids with a favorable n6/n3 ratio (1.40) and vitamin E (α-, β-, and γ-tocopherols). Its antioxidant capacity can be partially explained by the chlorogenic acid content (9.2 mg/g dw), and caffeine (0.98%) was present in similar amounts to those observed in some arabica coffee beans. A decrease in glucose uptake in Caco-2 cells was found, but not in fructose, suggesting selective inhibition of SGLT1 and potential antidiabetic effects. These results show that Azorean coffee pulp has potential as a sustainable and bioactive ingredient for incorporation into functional foods or dietary supplements.
- Nutritional and Bioactive Profiling of Cucumis melo L. By-Products: Towards a Circular Food EconomyPublication . Silva, Mafalda A.; Albuquerque, Tânia G.; Ferreira, Diana M.; Alves, Rita C.; Oliveira, Maria Beatriz P.P.; Costa, Helena S.Food waste, due to the high quantities produced, becomes a significant environmental, economic, and social challenge worldwide. Simultaneously, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases has intensified the demand for healthier food options. A promising approach to address these issues involves the valorisation of food by-products for the development of innovative and healthier food products. Cucumis melo L., commonly consumed as a fruit, generates peels and seeds that are typically discarded. In the present study, the nutritional composition and antioxidant potential of pulp, peel, and seeds of C. melo L. (yellow and green melon) were comprehensively evaluated. The seeds were identified as a rich source of dietary fibre (39.0 and 39.7 g/100 g dw; p > 0.05) and protein (21.0 and 21.3 g/100 g dw; p > 0.05), exhibiting an appealing fatty acid profile. The peel contains high levels of dietary fibre (39.7 and 47.1 g/100 g dw; p > 0.05) and total phenolic compounds (1976 and 2212 mg GAE/100 g dw; p > 0.05), suggesting significant bioactive potential. The peels showed a high antioxidant capacity for both methods used, DPPH• (120 and 144 mg TE/100 g dw; p > 0.05) and FRAP (6146 and 7408 mg TE/100 g dw; p > 0.05) assays. Potassium emerged as the predominant mineral in the seeds (799 and 805 mg/100 dw; p > 0.05), while glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid (4161 and 4327 mg/100 g dw; p > 0.05). These findings emphasise the antioxidant and nutritional properties of C. melo L. by-products, highlighting their potential for inclusion in novel food formulations. This study not only advances the understanding of C. melo L. properties but also supports the reduction of food waste and promotes sustainability within the food supply chain.
- Extension of Poultry Meat Shelf Life Using Cynara cardunculus L. Leaf Extracts as a Natural PreservativePublication . Barbosa, Cássia H.; Andrade, Mariana A.; Vilarinho, Fernanda; Silva, Ana Sanches; Fernando, Ana Luísa;Food additives are used to prevent food spoilage and extend its shelf life. However, con cerns regarding the potential health implications associated with some synthetic additives have prompted research efforts aimed at identifying natural alternatives, such as plant extracts. Cynara cardunculus L. (cardoon) is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of ethanolic food-grade extracts from cultivated cardoon and globe artichoke leaves to preserve poultry breast meat during refrigerated storage. A total of seven treatment groups were tested: one control group (no extract) and six active groups with 0.5%, 1%, and 2% (w/w) of either cultivated cardoon or globe artichoke leaf extracts. Lipid oxidation, moisture, colour, pH, acidity, and microbial growth were assessed in poultry meat samples over 15 days. Both extracts were effective in extending shelf life, up to 11 days, by delaying lipid oxidation and microbial growth. Cardoon extract (1% w/w) displayed superior antimicrobial efficacy, maintaining microbial counts below 5 Log CFU/g meat until day 15, compared to the control. Culti vated cardoon leaf extract proves promising as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant, extending the shelf life of poultry meat. This presents an opportunity to maintain the quality of meat products, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients and sustainable practices.