Association between consumption of different food groups and risk of chronic kidney disease: a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Inlight of varying outcomes from prior research concerning the relationship between different food groups and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), this study was conducted to examine the relationship between the consumption of various food groups and CKD risk via a dose-dependent meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Searches were conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar databases through January 2025. Out of 6460 publications, twenty-one studies were selected for final analysis. The results revealed that red meat consumption is associated with an increased risk of CKD (RR: 1·39; 95 % CI: 1·13, 1·71). Conversely, consumption of fish (RR: 0·88; 95 % CI: 0·80, 0·97), grains (RR: 0·87; 95 % CI: 0·77, 0·99) and legumes (RR: 0·83; 95 % CI: 0·72, 0·92) showed a protective effect against CKD. The linear dose-response analysis indicated that for every 100 g/d increment in red meat and total meat consumption, the risk of CKD escalated by 34 and 2 %, respectively. Furthermore, an increase of 15 g/d in dietary fish, 28 g/d in nuts and 50 g/d in legumes was associated with a 6, 21 and 13 % decreased risk of CKD, respectively. Overall, higher red meat intake correlates with a heightened CKD risk, whereas the consumption of fish, grains and legumes is associated with a lowered risk. Further longitudinal cohort studies with extended follow-up are recommended to validate our findings.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114525104005
Daily walnut consumption increases 6-sulfatoxymelatonin urinary levels and can improve sleep quality: a randomized crossover trial
We aimed to study the potential impact of daily consumption of walnuts on urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (6-SMT) levels and sleep quality parameters. We conducted an open-label randomized crossover trial (NCT04799821) in 76 young adults (24.1 ± 3.4 years; 85.5% women) who either ingested 40 g of walnuts daily during dinner (intervention) or refrained from eating walnuts or any other nuts (control) for 8 weeks, with a 2-week washout period. Outcome variables included the determination of 6-SMT in urine samples collected in two consecutive periods: evening (from 20:00 to 23:00) and nighttime (from 23:00 to 07:00), the measurement of sleep quality parameters (latency, wake after sleep onset, awakenings, and efficiency) and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). Tryptophan and melatonin contents of the walnuts used for the intervention were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The 8-week walnut intervention significantly increased evening urinary 6-SMT concentrations (p = 0.029) and improved sleep latency (p = 0.001), while no differences were found between the baseline and control conditions. Likewise, the walnut intervention resulted in increased global sleep quality (p = 0.002) and lower daytime sleepiness (p = 0.002). Partial correlation analyses indicated that during the intervention, evening urinary 6-SMT concentrations were significantly associated with higher sleep efficiency (p = 0.026) and an improved global sleep quality (p = 0.006). Our findings highlight the potential of walnuts as sleep-promoting foods among young adults. Specifically, we demonstrated that a daily serving of 40 g of walnuts increases urinary 6-SMT levels, reduces sleep latency, and improves global sleep quality. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms involved in the diet-sleep association.
https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fo00971e
Nut Intake, Functional Limitations, and Quality of Life in Older Adults: Findings From NHANES 2003-2012
Background: Increased nut consumption has positive effects on physical and cognitive function, but whether these translate into lower functional limitations in older adults is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between nut intake, functional limitations, the severity of these limitations and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included data from 5807 adults (53.4% female) aged 60 years and older who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2003 and 2012. Nut intake was assessed using two 24-h dietary recalls. Functional limitations were assessed using the NHANES Physical Functioning Questionnaire. Quality of life was evaluated using the four-question HRQOL-4 questionnaire. Negative binomial regression, linear regression and logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between nut intake and both functional limitations and quality of life. Results: Nut consumption (> 0 g/day) was associated with significantly fewer functional limitations (β = −0.12; 95% CI: −0.24, −0.01; p = 0.048) and lower severity of these limitations (β = −0.67; 95% CI −1.11, −0.23; p = 0.004) compared to no consumption. Compared to nonconsumers, nut consumers (> 0 g/day) also had lower odds of reporting poor physical health (OR = 0.81; 95% CI 0.68, 0.98; p = 0.027) and activity limitations (OR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.55, 0.95; p = 0.023). When participants were categorised by intake level (nonconsumers, < 6.9 g/day, and ≥ 6.9 g/day), consuming ≥ 6.9 g/day was associated with fewer (β = −0.19; 95% CI: −0.32, −0.06; p = 0.004) and lower severity of functional limitations (β = −0.84; 95% CI: −1.30, −0.37; p = 0.001) compared to no consumption. Intake ≥ 6.9 g/day was also associated with lower odds of poor general health (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.906; p = 0.023), poor physical health (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.97; p = 0.027) and limitations in daily activities (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.82; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Consumption of nuts, particularly at above-median levels, in older adults may be linked with experiencing fewer functional limitations, lower severity of these limitations and fewer general and physical unhealthy and inactive days.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.70022
INC Tariff Report & Updates
Canada: 25% Tariff on US Peanut Butter Removed
Canada has removed most of its retaliatory tariffs against goods from the United States, including a 25% duty on US peanut butter, as of September 1, 2025. According to a statement published by the Canadian government, this measure was taken in recognition of the US allowing most Canadian goods to enter the US tariff-free under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The peanut butter tariff had been in place since March, when Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of US goods in response to Trump’s announcement of a 25% blanket tariff on Canadian goods.
China: Application Period Extended for Tariff Exclusion Requests
According to a GAIN Report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Service in August, the Chinese Ministry of Finance has reportedly extended the application period for requesting exclusions from Section 301 retaliatory tariffs to October 30, 2025, with approved applications set to expire after December 13, 2025. Chinese importers report that the pop-up window on the Ministry of Finance website now states: “No new applications will be accepted for this tariff line after October 30, 2025, and approved applications will remain valid until December 13, 2025.” This policy update appears to apply to all agricultural products from the United States subject to Section 301 retaliatory tariffs, including but not limited to grains, oilseeds, meat, pulses, tree nuts, alcoholic beverages, leather/hides, and fruit.
This update comes after an earlier GAIN Report noted that the application system indicated that no new applications would be accepted after August 1, 2025, and that approved exclusions would only remain valid until September 14, 2025.
EU: Commission Proposes Suspension of Trade Concessions With Israel
On September 17, 2025, the European Commission presented a proposal that includes the suspension of certain trade-related provisions of the association agreement between the EU and Israel. The suspension concerns the core trade-related provisions of the agreement, and in practice means that imports from Israel would be charged duties at the level applied to any other third country with whom the EU has no free trade agreement. As for next step towards adoption of the proposal, the Council will need to adopt the decision with a qualified majority.
Türkiye: Some Tariffs on US Imports, Including Tree Nuts, Eliminated
On September 22, 2025, Türkiye announced that it had terminated retaliatory tariffs imposed in 2018 on certain US imports, as reported by Reuters. The presidential decision published in Türkiye’s official gazette repealed the original order from 2018, which had imposed a 10% retaliatory tariff on tree nuts from the US.
Nut Consumption Associated With Lower Chronic Kidney Disease Risk
A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition looked at how different foods affect the risk of chronic kidney disease, a condition that gradually reduces kidney function.
In this meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies, researchers combined data from multiple observational studies that followed people over time to see how diet relates to disease risk.
The results showed that nuts may help protect kidney health. Eating about 28 grams (roughly a handful) of nuts per day was linked to a 21% lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Other foods associated with reduced risk included legumes, grains, and fish, while high red meat intake increased the risk.
These findings suggest that including nuts in the daily diet could be a simple way to support long-term kidney health.
Sadeghi, S., Imani, H., Talebi, S., Naeini, F., Moradi, S., Wong, A., & Mohammadi, H. (2025). Association between consumption of different food groups and risk of chronic kidney disease: a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. The British Journal of Nutrition, 1–11. Advance online publication.
Eating a Large Handful of Walnuts Daily May Improve Sleep Quality
New research published in Food & Function explored whether eating walnuts every day could affect levels of melatonin —a hormone that helps regulate sleep— and improve sleep quality.
In a randomized crossover trial of 76 healthy young adults, participants ate 40 grams (a large handful) of walnuts with dinner for eight weeks and avoided nuts for another eight weeks, separated by a two-week break. The researchers measured levels of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (a key biomarker of melatonin production), several sleep quality measures (how quickly participants fell asleep, how often they woke up at night, and the percentage of time in bed spent asleep), and daytime sleepiness.
The findings showed that eating walnuts significantly increased evening levels of the melatonin biomarker. Participants also fell asleep faster, reported better overall sleep quality, and felt less sleepy during the day after the walnut intervention. These benefits were not seen during the nut-free control phase.
With improvements observed across several measures of sleep quality, this study highlights the potential of walnuts as a sleep-promoting food among young adults.
This study was funded by the California Walnut Commission.
Zerón-Rugerio, M. F., Ibarra-Picón, A., Diez-Hernández, M., Comas-Basté, O., Pérez-Cano, F. J., Cambras, T., & Izquierdo-Pulido, M. (2025). Daily walnut consumption increases 6-sulfatoxymelatonin urinary levels and can improve sleep quality: a randomized crossover trial. Food & Function, 10.1039/d5fo00971e. Advance online publication.
Nut Intake Linked to Better Physical Function and Quality of Life in Older Adults
A recent study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle investigated whether eating nuts is related to how well older adults can carry out daily physical tasks and their overall quality of life.
This cross-sectional study included data from more than 5,800 adults 60 years or older who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2003 and 2012. The researchers compared outcomes in people who did not eat nuts, in people whose nut consumption was below the median level of 6.9 g/day (roughly a spoonful), and in people whose nut consumption was above the median level.
People who ate nuts —even in small amounts— reported fewer and less severe physical limitations than non-nut eaters and were less likely to report poor physical health. Those who ate nuts at above-median levels had the lowest odds of reporting poor overall or physical health and were less likely to say that health problems limited their daily activities.
The findings suggest that regular nut consumption may be linked with better physical functioning and quality of life in older adults.
Feyesa, I., George, E. S., Scott, D., Abbott, G., Hettiarachchi, J., Daly, R. M., Dalla Via, J., Georgousopoulou, E. N., & Tan, S. Y. (2025). Nut Intake, Functional Limitations, and Quality of Life in Older Adults: Findings From NHANES 2003-2012. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 16(4), e70022.
Almond Shell Utilization in Next-Generation Biocomposite Packaging: A Review
Background: The profound use of polyethylene-derived packaging materials has generated significant environmental problems with its non-degradability. The necessity of sustainable substitutes has resulted in intensive research on bio-based packaging materials. Almond shells are the byproduct of almond production, either discarded or burned in the almond industry. Scope and approach: Almond shells have potential food packaging applications that focus on waste reduction and sustainability. This review examines the prospect of almond shells, a cheap agro-industrial waste, as a desirable building block for next-generation biocomposite packaging material. Transitioning to almond shell-based food packaging can emphasize biodegradability, recyclability, and use of renewable resources. Key findings and conclusions: Almond shells are abundant in lignocellulosic content and improve the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and barrier behavior of biodegradable polymer matrices, hence providing a potential reinforcement of biopolymers like polylactic acid (PLA) and starch composites. Although potentially valuable, processing inefficiency, cost, and regulatory issues deter wide-ranging applicability. Future breakthroughs in nanotechnology, intelligent packaging, and advanced manufacturing processes, including 3D printing for customized and functional biocomposite packaging, can further enhance almond shell-based biocomposites' functionality and commercial potential. There must be a strategic transition towards bio-based packaging, accompanied by policy encouragement and industry cooperation, to mitigate plastic pollution and create a more sustainable packaging sector.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2025.105258
Effect of different drying methods at temperatures on nutrition quality of pecan
There are fewer reports on the nutritional quality of pecans subjected to drying temperatures. In this study, we explored the effects of four drying temperatures (freeze-drying (FD), low-temperature drying (LD), medium-temperature drying (MD), and high-temperature drying (HD)) on the nutritional quality of pecans (Carya illinoinensis). The results demonstrated that MD significantly increased (p < 0.05) the content of C18:3 (ω-3) and most amino acids in both pecan varieties. Notably, C18:3 (ω-3) levels were over 4 % higher under MD compared to the other three drying temperatures, while the characteristic amino acids Arg, Cys, and Tyr were more than 7.5 % higher than other drying temperatures. In comparison, FD excelled in retaining Mn, with its Mn content significantly increased (p < 0.05) by over 25 % compared to LD. OPLS-DA analysis revealed significant differences in nutrient composition among the drying temperatures. Key biomarkers, including C16:1 (ω-7), C18:3 (ω-3), the E/T ratio, and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), were identified as distinguishing factors for the various drying temperatures. Additionally, the study uncovered intricate relationships among nutrients, highlighting a strong positive correlation among amino acids and a significant negative correlation between C18:1 (ω-9) and other components. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing drying processes to maximize the nutritional value of pecans.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2025.107894
The Effect of Vermicompost on the Biochemical Properties of Hazelnuts
To date, no studies have been conducted exploring the effect of vermicompost on the biochemical properties of hazelnut; therefore, more research is needed on this subject. This study was conducted between 2018 and 2020 to determine the effect of vermicompost (3–5 kg/ocak; VM1 and VM2, respectively) on total fat and protein content, total carbohydrate and ash, energy value, mineral matter composition, sterol composition, beta carotene, total phenolic, tocopherol composition, total antioxidant capacity, antibacterial activity, and fatty acid composition parameters of hazelnut. The effect of vermicompost was found to be significant overall (p < 0.001); however, it was observed that different treatment doses showed varied effects on the properties of hazelnut. We found that the VM2 treatment resulted in higher proximate composition (protein, carbohydrate, and energy value) and mineral composition (copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, and manganese). Considering sterol composition, cholesterol, 5,24-stigmastadienol, β‑sitosterol, and total sterol values were higher after the VM2 treatment, while stigmasterol, 5,23-stigmastadienol, 7‑avenasterol, ∆7-stigmasterol, sitostanol, and ∆5-avenasterol values were higher after the VM1 treatment. The evaluation of fatty acid composition demonstrated that oleic (C18:1ω9), palmitic (C16:0), and stearic acid (C18:0) values were higher following the VM2 treatment. In conclusion, it can be suggested that the VM2 treatment has a partially favorable impact on certain hazelnut traits and is a promising method for improving hazelnut farming.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10341-025-01567-5