by Folayemi J. Isaac-Bamgboye  , Bukola S. Salami  , Daniel S. Ajewole  and Ireoluwa T. Isaac-Bamgboye

Received: 13 May 2026;  Published: 04 August 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2603019

The unbalanced nutrient density and low microbiological quality of many complementary foods are still the primary causes of infant malnutrition in poorer countries. In this study, complementary food was produced using blends of grain amaranth, African yam bean, and carrot flour. The resultant complementary food was analysed for proximate, mineral, antinutrients, antioxidant compositions, vitamin C, beta-carotene, microbial properties, and sensory evaluations. Principal component analysis was also used to assess nut [...]

by Dylan J. Stephens  , Evan B. Johnson  and Bradley J. Johnson

Received: 21 February 2026;  Published: 30 July 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2603018

Berberine is an alkaloid chemical found in plants, including Berberidaceae, Coptis rhizomes, and Hydrastis canadensis. Berberine has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, promote adipocyte loss, and is associated with higher levels of skeletal muscle protein synthesis. The purpose of this study was to examine berberine’s dose-dependent effects on C2C12 myoblast proliferation and 3T3L1 adipocyte differentiation. Cells were grown out over 3 weeks, and once confluent at 90%, they were treated with berberine to ex [...]

by Neha Bakshi  , Vritti Loomba  and Arvinder S. Soin

Received: 24 February 2026;  Published: 27 July 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2603017

Dietary and lifestyle choices have considerable effects on skin health, which reflects overall well-being. Nutrition is now a key component in the management and prevention of skin-related issues due to the increasing incidence of dermatological disorders and the growing demand for anti-aging remedies. This review examines the complex relationship between nutrition, diet, and skin aging, with a focus on the functions of probiotics, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. Evidence suggests that [...]

by Xin Qi  and Richard Tester

Received: 23 March 2026;  Published: 26 July 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2603016

Excess dietary calories relative to energy expenditure lead to increased body weight, a problem now widely described as an epidemic because of its association with numerous disease states. Although free digestible sugars are to the most extent absorbed relatively easily from foods in healthy individuals, this is not the case for starches; where the physico-chemical properties control the rate and extent of enzymatic hydrolysis in the small intestine. Thus, even when the quantity of starch in a food product is known [...]

by Valentin P. Shichkin  and Oleg V. Kurchenko

Received: 15 February 2026;  Published: 13 July 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2603015

Thyroid disorders are an actual global health concern requiring diverse therapeutic strategies. Potentilla alba (P. alba), commonly known as White cinquefoil, has been used in folk medicine for its rich composition of microelements and pharmacologically essential phytocompounds. It has now also gained recognition in evidence-based medicine for its potential to treat thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism and nodular goiter. However, the complicated composition of P. alba extracts makes it difficult to pre [...]

by Israel Rios-Castillo  , Leslie Landaeta-Díaz  , Karla Santos-Guzmán  , Laura Merelez-Ceuppens  and Alex Brito

Received: 01 January 2026;  Published: 09 July 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2603014

Climate change, biodiversity loss, and malnutrition are interconnected global challenges that increasingly threaten food security, healthy diets, and environmental sustainability. Current dietary patterns characterized by high consumption of ultra-processed foods have negative environmental impacts, including increased greenhouse gas emissions, water and land use, malnutrition, and biodiversity loss. Sustainable and healthy diets that emphasize plant-based foods, minimize food waste, and promote ecosystem conservat [...]

by Weijie Yi  , Jiamei Lian  and Chao Deng

Received: 20 November 2025;  Published: 09 July 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2603013

Risperidone is a commonly used antipsychotic drug in juveniles, but with serious metabolic side-effects. Previous evidence suggests that exercise mitigates risperidone-induced hypertriglyceridemia and adipose accumulation, yet the underlying hepatic mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, female juvenile rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8/group): Vehicle + Sedentary, Risperidone (0.9 mg/kg, twice daily) + Sedentary, Vehicle + Exercise (3-hour voluntary access to a running wheel/day), and Risperidon [...]

by Hyong Woo Choi

Received: 09 April 2026;  Published: 05 July 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2603012

Despite industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) being long recognized for its diverse bioactive phytochemicals, most scientific studies have predominantly focused on aerial tissues, leaving the roots relatively underexplored. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical architecture, biological functionalities, and nutraceutical prospects of hemp root extracts. Characterized by a unique metabolic profile featuring pentacyclic triterpenoids, phytosterols, specialized alkaloids, and neolignans, hem [...]

by Esther E. Odungide  , Loveth A. Emokpae  , Orobosa Aikoriogie  , Grace E. Obasuyi  , Elizabeth M. Babatunde  and Mathias A. Emokpae

Received: 21 January 2026;  Published: 24 June 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2602011

During pregnancy, the increased demand for elemental iron makes pregnant women particularly susceptible to iron deficiency anemia. The management of iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis is controlled by hepcidin and erythropoietin. A comprehensive assessment that incorporates the stimulus, the regulatory gatekeeper (hepcidin), and the resulting iron status provides a robust, mechanistic framework for comprehending the initial disruptions in iron metabolism during pregnancy. This study aims to evaluate alterations in [...]

by David Goldman  and Matthew Nagra

Received: 11 January 2026;  Published: 22 June 2026;  doi: 10.21926/rpn.2602010

Traditional public health messaging prioritizes disease prevention, whereas individual motivations for dietary change frequently focus on appearance and social outcomes. Physical attractiveness functions as a multimodal signal, combining facial appearance, body odor, and body composition. Evolutionary models posit that such cues communicate fitness-relevant information regarding health status. This narrative review integrates empirical evidence linking plant-forward dietary patterns to facial attractiveness, body o [...]