Aging is a progressive degenerative condition accompanied by an increasing loss of physiological integrity and function. Aging is an inevitable process that includes, among other things, an imbalance between antioxidant defenses and reactive oxygen species, changes in protein and mitochondrial turnover, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, epigenetic changes and stem cell depletion. These conditions are associated with mild to moderate inflammation, which always accompanies the aging process and age-related diseases. Skin aging is a very complex biological phenomenon controlled by many internal and external factors. Natural substances are preferred to improve the health and appearance of the skin.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are serious health problems with different epidemiological profiles. The long-term goal of treating chronic hepatosis is to prevent the progression of cirrhosis and/or liver cancer and prolong survival and patient’s quality of life. Herbal supplements containing medicinal plants, such as milk thistle, triphala, ginger and plants of the genus Phyllanthus, have great potential in optimizing the therapeutic effect in such patients.

Аim: to analyze and summarize literature data on the effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) on cardiometabolic parameters in chronic non-infectious diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Materials and methods: a comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases, including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, on the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) on cardiometabolic parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Results: the relevance of research into the identification of structural determinants responsible for the binding and activation of PPAR is shown. Their contributions are particularly relevant in the characterization and optimization of new PPAR modulators of different origins, taking into account their activity, selectivity and safety profiles. Identification of known PPAR agonists found in foods makes a potential contribution to the comprehensive treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. PPAR receptors play a key role in lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, as well as in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.
Conclusion: further research on the role of PPAR agonists of various isoforms opens up new perspectives with the use of dietary and drug therapies in a number of metabolic diseases.

Optimal maternal nutrition plays a critical role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and normal fetal development. Maternal fatty acids are essential for the growth and development of the fetus, newborn and future adult. Humans are unable to synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and depend on dietary intake of PUFAs. Adequate maternal intake of two major omega‑3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), during pregnancy and/or lactation is considered fundamental for normal fetal development to adulthood.

In the last decade, there has been a rapid increase in the incidence of both stress-induced mental disorders and metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes, etc.). These disorders may be based on common pathogenetic mechanisms, including activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, changes in cellular homeostasis and energy metabolism. Nutrition can have both positive and negative effects on the body’s adaptive reserves and metabolism. Our article is devoted to the description of the role of micronutrients rarely used to optimize the diet, such as tyrosine, magnesium, trivalent chromium and vitamin-like substances in the regulation of metabolism and stress resistance.

A review of the literature in recent years was carried out using the RSCI, Google Scholar, Pubmed, and ResearchGate databases.
The purpose of the review was characterization of the influence of dietary micronutrients on the intestinal microbiome and assessment of the role of the microbiome in providing the host with micronutrients.
Results. Approximately half (40–65 %) of all types of prototrophic bacteria inhabiting the intestine are capable of synthesizing all B vitamins and are donors for auxotrophic bacteria. Only four vitamins (B6, folate, B12, niacin) can be produced in quantities that represent about 25 % of a person’s physiological requirement, but the lack of transporters for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the colon makes it unavailable to the host. Vitamin K (menaquinones) synthesized by intestinal bacteria does not enter the systemic circulation, which does not exclude their local effect on the intestinal epithelium. A lack of micronutrients (vitamin A, iron, zinc, folate) in the host’s diet disrupts the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota; taking vitamins (groups B, C, D, E) improves the composition of the microbiome. Excessive consumption of some vitamins causes them to enter the large intestine, where they have a beneficial effect on the number and diversity of bacteria. Micro- and macroelements are necessary to ensure the viability of representatives of the intestinal microbiota, which is also necessary to maintain optimal elemental homeostasis. Taking prebiotics (soluble dietary fiber) improves the bioavailability of iron, calcium and other minerals.
Conclusion. Microorganisms inhabiting the human gastrointestinal tract bidirectionally interact with micronutrients included in the diet, which affects, on the one hand, the species diversity and functions of microorganisms, and on the other hand, the microbiome affects the absorption and bioavailability of micronutrients.

by many factors, including the course of labor, the child’s diet and antibiotic therapy. According to the hygiene theory, the development of dysbiosis at an early age can lead to an increased risk of sensitization and allergic diseases. Moreover, a decrease in the number of certain microorganisms can lead to disruption of intestinal barrier function and differentiation of naïve T cells. The goal of this review is to study the relationship between the levels of various microorganisms that make up the intestinal microbiota and the risk of developing various allergic conditions in children. A review of the literature published on this topic was conducted using the Pubmed and ResearchGate databases. The level of microorganisms in the intestinal microbiota that produce butyric acid, such as Ruminococcus, Lachnospira and Roseburia, attracts special attention. This compound plays a role in the immune system’s ability to suppress excessive immune responses. A decrease in the levels of microorganisms that produce butyric acid was noted in 4 of 6 studies examining its level in patients with allergic diseases. Providing a high level of microbiota that produces the chemical compounds necessary to maintain the intestinal barrier and form the immune response is a key to a new approach to the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.

In Russia, an automated system for monitoring the nutrition of primary school students has been successfully operating for 3 years, in which 39 thousand catering units participate, providing meals to 7.6 million students. The database contains 13.2 million actual nutrition menus and standard menus of 31 thousand catering units, in digital form, available for scientific analysis by nutritionists and commodity experts. Information from the federal monitoring system is used in the operational management of school meals; detected deviations from school consumption standards are used to correct and improve the menu.

This review examines the consequences of excessive consumption of sweet products on human health and explores the potential of sugar substitutes and intensive sweeteners, including sweet proteins, as their healthier alternatives. Analyzing statistical data on the prevalence of diabetes and obesity, the study highlights the health risks associated with high sugar intake. An extensive review of the properties of various sugar substitutes and sweeteners has been conducted, focusing on their glycemic index and sweetness level. Special attention is given to sweet proteins, such as monellin and brazzein, their structure, and biological effects. Sweet proteins have a significantly high sweetness index and can serve as an alternative to traditional sugar in food production. However, their application in the food or pharmaceutical industry is limited. The study emphasizes the potential of sugar substitutes and sweeteners, especially sweet proteins, in developing food products by reducing sugar content. Nonetheless, further research is required to ensure the safety of sweet proteins and understand their long-term effects on human health.

In this review of the subject field, the brain natriuretic peptide and its predecessor, the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, are considered as a marker for evaluating the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, including physical activity, in diseases such as arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure, coronary heart disease and other diseases. In addition, the reaction of this peptide to physical activity in healthy people is considered.

The ever-increasing competition in combat sports requires the introduction of optimal nutritional and metabolic support factors. Among popular supplements, caffeine is one of the most consumed substances in the world of sport and is recognised as an ergogenic agent.
Objective. To evaluate the effect of different doses of biologically active caffeine supplement on speed and strength performance parameters in freestyle wrestlers.
Methods. A cross-sectional study included 5 highly qualified athletes involved in freestyle wrestling. Genetic variations of the CYP1A2 enzyme were determined. In a double-blind method, participants took 60 minutes before testing: placebo; caffeine: 6 mg/kg body weight, 3 mg/kg body weight, and 1.5 mg/kg body weight. Participants performed a 30-second Wingate anaerobic test on a manual ergometer. Oxygen demand and oxygen debt were recorded using a gas analyzer, and blood lactate levels were recorded at 3, 5 and 7 minutes after the end of the test.
Results. Caffeine ingestion according to the protocol of 1.5 mg/kg body weight showed no differences compared to placebo. Caffeine administration under the protocol 3 mg/kg body weight decreased oxygen consumption values, while the other parameters were not changed. Caffeine administration under the protocol of 6 mg/kg body weight did not change the time to reach maximal power, oxygen consumption parameters, but power parameters were decreased. Blood lactate was increased at the 7th minute of running compared to the 3rd minute when taking placebo. Caffeine administration at a dosage of 1.5 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significant increase in lactate compared to the 3rd minute, but the changes were not statistically significant. A caffeine dosage of 3 mg/kg body weight resulted in an increase in lactate compared to the 3rd and 5th minute. Caffeine administration at a dosage of 6 mg/kg body weight showed a decrease to its baseline level at the 7th minute.
Conclusions. Wrestlers did not improve speed and strength performance and recovery after caffeine ingestion in the 30-second Wingate anaerobic manual ergometer test.

Introduction. The absolute amount of total, extracellular and intracellular water of the body directly depends on the overall dimensions and component composition of the body, therefore, to assess the hydration status of the body, relative indicators of the water sectors of the body are used (as a percentage of body weight) and coefficients of water distribution in the body are used: ECW/TBW and ECW/ICW.
Purpose. Determine what the difference is in assessing water distribution and body hydration status using bioimpedance analyzers of various modifications and manufacturers.
Results and discussion. When the bioimpedance analyzers using to assess hydration status and the distribution of water in the body, it should be borne in mind that they have different standard values for the ECW/TBW and ECW/ICW indices. The obtained values should be interpreted only in accordance with the standards presented in the user instructions for the analyzer on which the assessment was carried out. The main differences between assessments by different analyzers are that normal index values increase with the age of the subject when measured by the InBody and Accuniq analyzers and decrease when measured by the Medass analyzer. At the same time, in the Accuniq and Medass analyzers, the normal limits depend on gender and age and have values higher than in InBody.
Conclusion. Based on the results of the analysis of literature data and user instructions for the InBody, Accuniq and Medass analyzers, it was shown that different values and multidirectional trends in changes in the ECW/TBW and ECW/ICW indices with increasing age of the examined people can be associated both with different body positions during measurement using bioimpedance analyzers from different manufacturers, and with different standards for index values developed on populations with their own characteristics of hydration status.

Ashwagandha dietary supplement has become popular among Russians. Information about side effects associated with Ashwagandha supplementation is available in case reports and case series, although none may be available.
Objective. To conduct a systematic review of clinical case reports and case series on suspected liver damage caused by Ashwagandha.
Methods. The study was conducted in accordance with the statement of preferred reporting rates for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This review considered articles published between December 2018 and December 2023.Several scientific databases were used for the systematic search: PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The level of evidence of included studies was classified using the Oxford Centre for Evidencebased Medicine level of evidence.
Results. A total of 76 references were identified in the databases, 11 studies were included in the review during the screening procedure.
Conclusions. We thus present 23 cases of drug-induced liver injury caused by Ashwagandha, with similar liver injury patterns and outcomes.