Micronutrients and Plant Food Bioactive Compounds Against Obesity Related Diseases

Background The adipose tissue influences by an extensive crosstalk at the local and systemic level the energy balance, including storage, mobilization, and utilization at both central and peripheral sites in response to specific external stimuli or metabolic changes. The balance between energy intake and expenditure is a delicate equilibrium among multifactorial aspects ranging from genetic to environmental influences. Aim The evidence from several recently published papers dealing with the topic of the beneficial health effects of micronutrient and plant bioactive compounds on obesity and/or comorbidities has been reported in this paper. Methodology MEDLINE database (PubMed database; National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD and Google Scholar) was searched by combining the terms of specific micronutrients and/or plant bioactive compounds associated with obesity and related comorbidities. All English language manuscripts published between 2005 and 2021 in the MEDLINE database were searched, selected, and reviewed here. Conclusion People do not consume single food or ingredients but global composite diets; thus, the evaluation of mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety of vitamins and mineral and natural bioactive compounds is still a challenge in research on nutrition and food supplements.

Automated summary

Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in regulating energy balance at both local and systemic levels. Recent studies have highlighted the beneficial health effects of micronutrients and plant bioactive compounds on obesity and related comorbidities. However, evaluating the mechanisms, efficacy, and safety of vitamins, minerals, and natural bioactive compounds in the context of global composite diets remains a challenge in nutrition and food supplement research.