1. An overview of the nutritional requirements of honey bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758)Leticia Salvioni Ansaloni, Janja Kristl, Caio Eduardo da Costa Domingues, Aleš Gregorc, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Honey bees are known for their wide global distribution, their ease of handling, and their economic and ecological value. However, they are often exposed to a wide variety of stress factors. Therefore, it is essential for beekeepers to maintain healthy bee colonies. In this context, a balanced diet is recommended to support the growth of strong and healthy honey bee colonies. The purpose of this review is therefore to provide an overview of the nutritional requirements of Apis mellifera and their importance for the maintenance of healthy bee colonies. An adequate diet includes the consumption of sufficient amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, water, and essential sterols, and a diet based on multi-floral pollen is desirable. However, when honey bee colonies are located near agroecosystems with lower resource diversity, both brood rearing and colony longevity may decrease, making them more susceptible to parasites and diseases. On the other hand, efforts have been made to improve the health of honey bee colonies with the help of nutritional supplements consisting of a variety of components. Nevertheless, studies have shown that even with these supplements, a lack of nutrients can still be an issue for honey bee colonies. Furthermore, future research should focus on identifying nutritional supplements that can better replicate natural diet diversity and assessing long-term effects on honey bee colony resilience, especially in low-flowering areas. This review discusses the interaction between nutrient requirements and the effects of supplements on colony health.
Ključne besede: development, health, nectar, nutrition, pollen
Objavljeno v DKUM: 08.08.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1
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2. Improving personalized meal planning with large language models: identifying and decomposing compound ingredientsLeon Kopitar, Leon Bedrač, Larissa Jane Strath, Jiang Bian, Gregor Štiglic, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background/Objectives: Identifying and decomposing compound ingredients within meal plans presents meal customization and nutritional analysis challenges. It is essential for accurately identifying and replacing problematic ingredients linked to allergies or intolerances and helping nutritional evaluation. Methods: This study explored the effectiveness of three large language models (LLMs)—GPT-4o, Llama-3 (70B), and Mixtral (8x7B), in decomposing compound ingredients into basic ingredients within meal plans. GPT-4o was used to generate 15 structured meal plans, each containing compound ingredients. Each LLM then identified and decomposed these compound items into basic ingredients. The decomposed ingredients were matched to entries in a subset of the USDA FoodData Central repository using API-based search and mapping techniques. Nutritional values were retrieved and aggregated to evaluate accuracy of decomposition. Performance was assessed through manual review by nutritionists and quantified using accuracy and F1-score. Statistical significance was tested using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests based on normality. Results: Results showed that large models—both Llama-3 (70B) and GPT-4o—outperformed Mixtral (8x7B), achieving average F1-scores of 0.894 (95% CI: 0.84–0.95) and 0.842 (95% CI: 0.79–0.89), respectively, compared to an F1-score of 0.690 (95% CI: 0.62–0.76) from Mixtral (8x7B). Conclusions: The open-source Llama-3 (70B) model achieved the best performance, outperforming the commercial GPT-4o model, showing its superior ability to consistently break down compound ingredients into precise quantities within meal plans and illustrating its potential to enhance meal customization and nutritional analysis. These findings underscore the potential role of advanced LLMs in precision nutrition and their application in promoting healthier dietary practices tailored to individual preferences and needs.
Ključne besede: artificial intelligence, food analysis, LLM, Ilama, GPT, mixtral, ingredient identification, ingredient decomposition, personalized nutrition, meal customization, nutritional analysis, dietary planning
Objavljeno v DKUM: 08.05.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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3. Pre-conception nutrition estimated from milk composition characterises the sex ratio of offspring in cattleJanez Belšak, Janez Jeretina, Maja Prevolnik Povše, Dejan Škorjanc, Janko Skok, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In livestock breeding, offspring of a particular sex are often favoured. Various biological mechanisms influence the offspring sex ratio (OSR). It has been hypothesised that maternal bodycondition/nutritional status influence OSR. We analysed the relationship between the nutritional status of the cow and OSR. The analysed dataset contained 40,913 milk recordings of 39,192 cows from 3625 farms. Nutritional status was estimated based on the fat-to-protein (F:P) ratio and urea content in milk in the seven to fourteen days prior to conception. Somatic cell count (SCC) was
also considered. Cows with > 150,000 SSC were analysed separately. When SSC was normal (≤150,000), high urea with high F:P resulted in a higher probability of male offspring (61 %), with OSR significantly deviating towards male (1.47). Conversely, a high urea level and low F:P resulted in a higher probability of female offspring (57 %), with OSR significantly in favour of females (0.79). At normal or low milk urea, the sex of the offspring did not change within F:P classes. The sex ratio did not deviate from 1:1 when F:P and urea were in the normal range. When
SCC was high, the probability of particular sex did not change significantly in either combination of F:P and urea, but OSR showed a tendency toward males (OSR>1) when F:P and urea were low or normal. Our results confirmed the influence of maternal nutritional status on the offspring sex. Thus, adjusting nutrition in the pre-insemination period seems to be a way to influence the sex ratio of offspring in dairy cows.
Ključne besede: cattle, sex ratio, nutrition, composition of milk, sex allocation
Objavljeno v DKUM: 16.04.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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4. A comprehensive approach in medical nutrition therapy for adults' weight loss management in LebanonMarie Therese Khalil, Joseph Matta, Mateja Videmšek, Damir Karpljuk, Maja Meško, 2020, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The objective of the research is to identify the different factors of Lebanese culture that interfere with weight loss therapy and assist the field of nutrition in homogenising in a standardised manner the protocol of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). The first part of the study is based on a literature review, and, in the second part, quantitative analysis was used. The research was conducted on 514 Lebanese adults via questionnaire. The analysis was performed with the AMOS (Version 22, IBM®, Amonk, NY, USA) statistical tool. For the analysis of correlations, chi-square and non-parametric tests were used. Variables affecting weight loss management were identified with the aid of seven hypotheses using structural equation modelling (SEM). Body shape and Body Mass Index (BMI) were found to be inter-related to cognitive behaviours toward food, lifestyle practices, medical conditions, food and beverages. In parallel, and based on the research results, younger adults, in particular women, have better BMI and look better in terms of body shape. Ageing has a direct impact on weight gain. Older people have a lower activity level, which is more prevalent among women, and they also prefer to eat typical Lebanese food. Habits, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, are directly related to obesity and some medical conditions. Low physical activity influences the problems related to body shape. For further studies, one should also include types of physical activities in terms of intensity and number of hours. This would assist the study in being more specified and credible toward the effect of exercise on weight loss management.
Ključne besede: medical nutrition therapy, weight loss management, cost-effectiveness, anthropometry, culture, stress, physical activity
Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.01.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 10
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5. Sarcopenia, obesity, and their association with selected behavioral factors in active older adultsKaja Teraž, Miloš Kalc, Manca Peskar, Saša Pišot, Boštjan Šimunič, Rado Pišot, Primož Pori, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction: The number of obese people in the world is increasing, as is the number of sarcopenic people among the older adults. Although both states are concerning, they can be positively influenced by selected behavioral factors such as adequate nutrition and physical activity. We were interested in the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in active older people and the influence of behavioral factors on this phenomenon.
Methods: The study included 38 older adults (21 women) with a mean age of 75.3 ± 5.0 years. Sarcopenic parameters were determined with different tests: Handgrip Test, Chair Stand Test, Gait Speed, Timed Up and Go Test, and Short Physical Performance Battery. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Physical activity level was measured using accelerometers, and nutritional status was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment and MEDLIFE Index questionnaire.
Results: Of all included active participants (the average number of steps per day was 8,916 ± 3,543), 47.4% of them were obese. Of all included women, 52.4% were obese. Sarcopenic obesity was found in three (7.9%) participants. Nutritional status correlated with strength of lower extremities and physical performance tests (gait speed, Timed Up and Go Test and Short Physical performance battery). Higher number of steps per day positively correlates with physical performance.
Discussion: Interestingly, we did not find any correlation between the main obesity parameter such as percent body fat or body mass index (and thus sarcopenic obesity) and any of the selected behavioral factors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, or dietary habits). In conclusion, reaching the recommended levels of physical activity in older adults may not be sufficient to prevent the occurrence of obesity and sarcopenic obesity.
Ključne besede: aging, physical activity, nutrition, healthy lifestyle, body composition, sarcopenia
Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.05.2024; Ogledov: 174; Prenosov: 14
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6. Resveratrol food supplement products and the challenges of accurate label information to ensure food safety for consumersMaja Bensa, Irena Vovk, Vesna Glavnik, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The food supplement market is growing as many consumers wish to complement their nutrient intake. Despite all the regulations in place to ensure food supplements safety, there are still many cases of irregularities reported especially connected to internet sales. Twenty resveratrol food supplement products sold on the Slovenian market were evaluated on their compliance of declared vs. determined resveratrol content, as well as the compliance of labels with the European Union (EU) and Slovenian regulatory requirements. Both the ingredient contents and food information are important parts of food safety. Analyses of 20 food supplements performed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled with densitometry showed that 95% of products had contents different from what was declared and 55% of products contained higher contents than declared. In 25% of the products the determined content per unit exceeded the maximum level (150 mg/day) specified in EU novel food conditions for food supplement with trans-resveratrol. Evaluation of the 20 food supplement labels included mandatory and voluntary food information, food supplement information, novel food information, health claims and nutrition claims. Most labels contained the necessary information, but multiple errors were observed ranging from typos to misleading practices. From a food safety perspective there is still a lot of improvement needed in the field of food supplements.
Ključne besede: trans-resveratrol, dietary supplements, food safety, regulation, labels, health claims, nutrition claims, novel foods, high-performance thin-layer chromatography, HPTLC
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.04.2024; Ogledov: 199; Prenosov: 16
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7. FORMULATION, PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOEMULSIONS FOR PARENTERAL NUTRITION : doctoral disertationDušica Mirković, 2019, doktorska disertacija Opis: The aim of this doctoral research was to develop and optimize parenteral nanoemulsions as well as the total parenteral nutrition (TPN) admixture containing a nanoemulsion obtained in the course of the optimization process (hereinafter referred to as optimal nanoemulsion), and to examine their physicochemical and biological quality as well. In addition, the quality of the prepared nanoemulsions was compared with the quality of the industrial nanoemulsion (Lipofundin® MCT/LCT 20%), and, in the end, the TPN admixture initially prepared was also compared with the admixture into which the industrial emulsion was incorporated.
Parenteral nanoemulsions that were considered in this dissertation were prepared by the high-pressure homogenization method. This method is the most widely applied method for the production of nanoemulsions due to the shortest length of homogenization time, the best-obtained homogeneity of the product and the smallest droplet diameter.
For the nanoemulsion formulation, preparation and optimization purposes, by using, firstly, the concept of the computer-generated fractional design, and, after that, the full experimental design, the assessment of both direct effects of different formulation and process parameters (the oil phase type, the emulsifier type and concentration, a number of homogenization cycles and the pressure under which homogenization was carried out) as well as the effects of their interactions on the characteristics of prepared nanoemulsions was performed.
Monitoring the nanoemulsion physical and chemical stability parameters was carried out immediately after their preparation, and then after 10, 30 and 60 days. It included the visual inspection, the measurement of the droplet diameter (the mean and volume droplet diameter), the polydispersity index, the ζ-potential, the pH value, the electrical conductivity, and the peroxide number. After the preparation and after 60 days, the biological evaluation (the sterility test and the endotoxic test) of the prepared nanoemulsions was carried out. As far as the characterization of the TPN admixture is concerned, it included practically the same parameters. The dynamics of monitoring the characteristics of the TPN admixture was determined on the basis of practical needs of hospitalized patients (0h, 24h and 72h).
The scope and comprehensiveness of this issue indicated the need to divide the doctoral dissertation into three basic stages. The first stage was preliminary. Using the 24-1 fractional factorial design, nanoemulsions for the parenteral nutrition were prepared. They contained either a combination of soybean and fish oil, or a combination of medium chain triglycerides and fish oil. In addition, the type and the amount of an emulsifier used, a number of high-pressure homogenization cycles, and the homogenization pressure, were also varied. The measurement of the above-mentioned parameters for the industrial nanoemulsion was parallely carried out (Lipofundin® MCT/LCT 20%). The objective of this part of the research was to identify critical numerical factors having the most significant effect on the characteristics that define the prepared parenteral nanoemulsions. Parameters that were singled out as the result of this stage of the research (the emulsifier concentration and a number of homogenization cycles) were used as independent variables in the second stage of the research.
Ključne besede: nanoemulsions, total parenteral nutrition admixtures, high pressure homogenization, design of experiments, optimization, analysis of variance, artificial neural networks
Objavljeno v DKUM: 07.06.2019; Ogledov: 11996; Prenosov: 24
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8. Grain amaranth as an alternative and perspective crop in temperate climateSilva Grobelnik Mlakar, Matjaž Turinek, Manfred Jakop, Martina Bavec, Franc Bavec, 2010, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: As a consequence of globalisation and industrialisation of agriculture, global food security has become increasingly dependent on only a handful of fertilisation and energy high demanding plant species. This involution has increased the vulnerability of agriculture, reduced genetic diversity, provoked some environmental problems and impoverished the human diet. The mentioned facts stimulate the retrieving of alternative crops into the production. The present paper briefly describes crop importance, botany, nutritional value and utilisation of grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), one of the alternative crops discussed in the book Organic Production and Use of Alternative Crops. The immediate objective of this paper is to present information gained as a result of a national project on grain amaranth.
Ključne besede: grain amaranth, nutrition value, utilisation
Objavljeno v DKUM: 29.03.2018; Ogledov: 1436; Prenosov: 150
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9. The effect of dietary fibre content on skatole and indole production in faeces of immunocatrsted male pigsMartin Škrlep, Nina Batorek Lukač, Maja Prevolnik Povše, Urška Tomažin, Etienne Labussière, Marjeta Čandek-Potokar, 2015, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Opis: The effect of dietary fibre content on intestinal production of indolic compounds was studied in immunocastrated pigs (IC). In addition, entire males (EM) and IC were compared on control diet (with low fibre content). For the study 32 crossbred pigs were assigned, within a litter to 4 treatment groups; 24 pigs were immunocastrated (at the age of 77 and 112 days) and 8 pigs were kept as entire males (EM). IC were split into three groups (IC_H, IC_M and IC_L) fed three diets differing in crude fibre (34, 60 and 80 g/kg dry matter, respectively) and net energy (NE) (10.0, 9.3, 8.5 MJ NE/kg/DM, respectively). EM were fed high NE i.e. low fibre diet. The experiment started when pigs were 84 days old and finished at the age of 172 days, when pigs were sent to slaughter. Skatole and indole concentrations were determined in the samples of intestinal content taken from caecum (CE), ascending (AC) and descending colon (DC). The concentration of indole was the highest in CE and proximal part of the colon, while skatole concentration increased in the distal parts of the large intestine. Concentrations of indolic compounds did not differ between EM and IC that were fed the same diet. Lowering dietary NE by inclusion of high fibre ingredients reduced the production of indole in the intestinal content of IC pigs, whereas the production of skatole was not affected.
Ključne besede: indole, skatole, dietary fibres, pig, entire males, immunocastrates, pig nutrition, immunocastration
Objavljeno v DKUM: 20.07.2017; Ogledov: 1023; Prenosov: 226
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