This study evaluated the correlation between vitamin D levels and thyroid function in a diabetic population (HbA1c > 6.5%) from southern Saudi Arabia, involving 2918 participants (54.9% of females and 45.1% of males). The results indicated that 18% were vitamin D deficient, 69.4% were vitamin D insufficient, and 12.7% were vitamin D sufficient. Gender-specific analyses revealed that 10% of females and 8% of males were vitamin D deficient. Among those with primary hypothyroidism, 0.9% were vitamin D deficient, while for subclinical hypothyroidism, 7.2% were vitamin D deficient. For primary hyperthyroidism, only 0.3% were vitamin D deficient, with no deficiencies in subclinical hyperthyroidism. A partial correlation analysis, controlling for age and gender, showed a significant negative correlation between vitamin D and thyroid hormone levels (r² = –0.328). Multinomial regression indicated that individuals with vitamin D deficiency had a 1.511 times higher risk of subclinical hypothyroidism. Those with vitamin D insufficiency showed an increased risk for both primary (Exp(B) = 1.189) and subclinical hypothyroidism (Exp(B) = 0.719). In conclusion, this study highlights a significant link between vitamin D levels and thyroid function in diabetics, with deficiency and insufficiency associated with higher risks of specific thyroid disorders.

Brown rice is rich in bioactive compounds like gamma-oryzanol that offer nutritional advantages over white rice. This study aimed to investigate the potential of brown rice to enhance insulin sensitivity by increasing the expression of insulin-sensitive glucose transporters 4 and 12 in the adipose tissue of rats with diet-induced obesity. Rats were induced to develop obesity by being fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet. These obese rats were then divided into five treatment groups: (i) high-fat, high-fructose diet only; (ii) high-fat, high-fructose diet with brown rice; (iii) white rice; (iv) white rice + gamma-oryzanol; and (v) gamma-oryzanol only. The treatment was administered for 12 weeks. Insulin resistance was evaluated using the glucose tolerance test and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance calculation. The expression of glucose transporters 4 and 12 was assessed through immunofluorescence assays of adipose tissue. In obese rats, supplementation with brown rice or gamma-oryzanol in combination with the high-fat, high-fructose diet might improve fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance values. Brown rice additionally elevated the expression of not only glucose transporter-4 but also glucose transporter-12 in visceral adipose tissue (p < .05). Brown rice is preferable as a staple food alternative to white rice, particularly for obese individuals, because of its capacity to increase insulin sensitivity.

Sleep difficulty is relatively common among people, and those affected often resort to short-term use of herbal supplements to ease the symptoms. This randomized, single-blind trial investigated the effects of a novel composite product, NatureU Sleep, that contains sustained-release gamma-aminobutyric acid and alpha-s1 casein hydrolysate, on sleep quality compared to the commercially available drug melatonin. The exploratory clinical trial was designed to assess the deep sleep conditions, including 17 adult participants, with the expectation that 15 would complete the trial. Utilizing wearable monitoring devices, the study evaluates the impact of the test product on deep sleep duration and proportion. The results indicated a significant increase in deep sleep duration and proportion for participants consuming sustained-release gamma aminobutyric acid and alpha-s1 casein hydrolysate, suggesting its potential as an effective sleep aid without any observed adverse events.

Obesity is a global health issue with significant implications for individual well-being and healthcare systems. Enhancing the body’s satiety can effectively control obesity. The pursuit of effective weight management strategies has led to the investigation of natural supplements such as Irvingia gabonensis seed extract and inulin. A single-blind clinical trial shown in this work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a dietary supplement, NatureU Burn, containing these ingredients on weight control and satiety. The study enrolled 14 participants, with 12 completing the trial, and assessed satiety indicators over a 240-minute period post-ingestion. Results indicated that NatureU Burn significantly enhanced satiety and reduced food intake compared to a control group, without any reported adverse effects. The findings suggest that NatureU Burn has potential as a natural weight management aid, supporting health by improving satiety and reducing the desire to eat.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues of the upper aerodigestive tract, caused by the reflux of gastric or duodenal contents. Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease, this condition does not necessarily present with typical symptoms such as heartburn or inflammation of the esophagus, making its diagnosis more complex. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment based on hyaluronic acid, Malva sylvestris, and sodium alginate in reducing the symptoms and clinical signs of the disease. A prospective study with a control group was conducted on 30 patients affected by this condition, randomly assigned either to a group receiving the combination of active ingredients or to a control group following only an anti-reflux diet. Clinical outcomes were assessed at the beginning of the study, after 1 month, and after 3 months. The treatment showed a significant improvement in symptoms compared to the control group, with no reported adverse effects. These findings suggest that this combination of active ingredients could represent a valuable complementary therapeutic option, although further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

This study aimed to examine the clinical impact of vitamin D supplementation combined with exercise during pregnancy among patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Pregnant women (n = 120) were divided into a control group and an exercise group, with 60 patients in each group. Participants in both groups received 400 IU of oral vitamin D drops daily between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. Before delivery, the pregnant women in the control group did not receive exercise intervention, while those in the exercise group received physical exercise intervention. Fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance levels, and proinflammatory factor levels among pregnant women in the exercise group were lower than those among pregnant women in the control group. At birth, the neonatal weight and head circumference in exercise group were lower than control group. No statistical significance was observed in neonatal age (weeks) between both groups. Vitamin D intervention combined with physical exercise during pregnancy can elevate vitamin D levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and reduce newborn weight, effectively reversing the effects of gestational diabetes mellitus on newborns.

This comprehensive review examines the relationship between diet and cognitive function across life stages, from fetal development through advanced age. We examine how nutritional needs evolve through different life periods, supporting brain development and cognitive capabilities. The review analyzes the impact of key nutrients on cognitive function, including macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins B6, B12, folate, A, C, E, D, and minerals). We explore phytonutrients, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids, which demonstrate neuroprotective properties. Dietary patterns, including Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diets, show consistent benefits for brain health, while the Western diet is associated with cognitive decline. The review explores biological mechanisms, including neurotransmitter synthesis, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and the gut-brain axis. Age-specific nutritional considerations are discussed, emphasizing tailored dietary interventions. This work provides foundation for future research in optimizing cognitive health through targeted nutritional strategies, including longitudinal studies and personalized nutrition.

The incidence of prostate cancer is increasing, and its poor prognosis is associated with metadherin overexpression; however, its molecular mechanisms are unclear. This study used Western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and tumorigenicity assays to investigate metadherin and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer. We found that metadherin was highly expressed in prostate cancer tissues, especially PC-3 cells. Metadherin overexpression promoted t epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor growth. Bioinformatics analysis and assays revealed that lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 directly activates the metadherin promoter. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumorigenicity were suppressed by the silencing of lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1; however, these effects were reversed by metadherin overexpression. Vitamin D treatment downregulated metadherin and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1, counteracting lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1-induced metadherin upregulation. Our findings indicate that metadherin enhances epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumorigenicity through lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1, with vitamin D modulating this interaction in prostate cancer.

In a pivotal study on polycystic ovary syndrome, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] was found to significantly mitigate palmitic acid-induced apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells, which is crucial for oocyte development. The study used a high-fat cell model with palmitic acid to simulate the elevated free fatty acids found in obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Findings revealed that pretreatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3 reversed the detrimental effects of palmitic acid, including decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis, by modulating the inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase endoribonuclease-1α/ X-box-binding protein 1 spliced pathway. These results suggest a promising role for vitamin D in treating polycystic ovary syndrome and offer a new theoretical basis for its application in reproductive health.

This review and meta-analysis assessed the relationship between vitamin D levels and the risk of breast and endometrial cancers, and the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation as a preventive strategy. We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library using “vitamin D” and “breast and endometrial cancer,” focusing on human studies in English. Ten high-quality studies were selected based on robust design and data integrity. We analyzed effect sizes—odds ratios, risk ratios, and hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals—using a random-effects model. Our findings suggest that higher vitamin D levels are linked to a lower risk of these cancers, especially in premenopausal women and those with greater sun exposure. Although some studies found no significant links, the overall evidence supports vitamin D's protective potential. Further randomized trials are necessary to confirm these results and define vitamin D deficiency standards in cancer risk assessment.