Caffeinated Beverages Research Articles

Nutrients mediate caffeine inhibition of Escherichia coli.

The consumption of coffee and other caffeinated drinks is increasingly popular across the globe. In the United States, 90% of adults consume at least one caffeinated beverage a day. While caffeine consumption of up to 400 mg/d is not generally associated with negative effects on human health, the impact of caffeine on the gut microbiome and individual gut microbiota remains unclear. We examined the effect of caffeine on the growth rate of Escherichia coli, a bacterium commonly found in the human gut, when grown aerobically or anaerobically in nutrient-rich or minimal medium. A significant negative correlation was observed between caffeine concentration and growth rate under all conditions, suggesting that caffeine can act as an antimicrobial agent when ingested. Caffeine reduced growth rates significantly more in nutrient-poor, but not in anoxic, conditions. Given the highly variable nutrient and oxygen conditions of the gut, these results suggest a need to further explore caffeine's inhibitory effects on the gut microbiome and its relation to human health.

Effect of Different Beverages on Intraocular Pressure

Purpose: Young individuals regularly consume a wide range of drinks with caffeine content. In this study, healthy young subjects' intraocular pressure (IOP) was evaluated in relation to energy drinks, tea,coffee and water. Methodology: A prospective longitudinal, multi-centered study was conducted from March 2022 to August 2022. Data was collected through non-probability consecutive sampling technique. A total of 100 subjects of both genders (male and female) age ranging between 15 to 30 years were included. A thorough ophthalmic examination was required for subjects to satisfy a set of study protocol, that included not suffering any ocular diseases, intraocular pressure of 10-20 mmHg, absence of systemic diseases. Exclusion criteria included patient who had undergone anterior and posterior segment ophthalmic surgeries. The participants were randomized into four groups at random. Each group comprises of 25 subjects. IOP was measured before as baseline and after 60 min of intake. SPSS was used for data analysis. Results: Out of 100 subjects 77 were female and 33 were male. The first group consumed tea, the second group coffee, the third group energy drinks, and the fourth group water. Baseline IOP on average in each group water, tea, coffee and energy drink intake was 15.58 ± 1.79, 15.49 ± 1.87, 15.23 ± 1.05, 15.68 ± 1.32 respectively. While IOP was 14.89±2.01, 15.01 ± 1.23, 15.67±1.98 and 16.01 ± 2.33 after 60 minutes of consuming water, tea, coffee, and energy drinks. IOP fluctuations between before and after consuming water, tea, coffee, and energy drinks were 0.69, 0.48, -0.75, and -1.29. Practical Implication: This study has important clinical implications since it may help people realise they should limit their intake of certain beverages in order to lower their intraocular pressure (IOP). No research on the impact of beverages on intraocular pressure (IOP) has been done in Pakistan, as far as we are aware. This led to the formulation of the current investigation. Conclusion: Two groups demonstrated an increase in IOP, whereas the IOP in the other two groups declined. Compared to tea consumption, which has a modest quantity of caffeine, consuming coffee and energy drinks raises intraocular pressure. This study suggested avoidance of coffee and energy drinks intake should be emphasized prior to IOP measurement to avoid any potential error. Keywords: intraocular pressure, beverages, energy drinks, tea, coffee, water

Caffeinated hot beverage consumption and their caffeine contents and health related problems

Background: Caffeinated beverages include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks, and energy drinks. The main active ingredient in caffeinated beverages is caffeine. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to determine the caffeine contents of the most popular caffeinated hot beverages and their related health problems. Methods: This cross sectional study accrued out a number of café to collect caffeinated hot beverages for determine their caffeine contents by analytical methods. The next second part of this study was done through predesigned questionnaire to study the most consumed beverages and health problems related hot caffeinated beverages consumption. The data was analysis by Chi-square or T test at α<0.05 for statistical differences. Results: The intake volume of one cup of Espesial hot beverages has mean ± SD 87.6±3.7 ml, Espresso 27±7 ml, green tea 138.33±6 ml, red tea 129.3 ± 14 ml, Nescafe 114.33±17ml and coffee 132±34 ml. Similarly, has been estimated for volume intake of homemade hot beverages and found that mean± SD for coffee, cacao and red tea 58.4±6 ml, 61.7±4 ml, and 57.6±7 ml respectively. Green tea contains an averages caffeine 16.5%, red tea 21.9%, cacao 10.4%, Nescafé 32.2%, Expresso 207.3%, Espesial 50.3%, coffee 132.6% and homemade coffee 102.3%. The total volume intake of caffeine based on the type of cup volume purchased form the café shown that the real intake of caffeine in the beverages were as following 23g/138.33 ml drinkable green tea, 28.5g/129.3 ml drinkable red tea, 6.5g/61.7 ml drinkable cacao, 29g/129.3 ml drinkable Nescafe, 56g/27 ml drinkable Expresso, 44g/87.6 ml drinkable Espesial, 175g/132ml drinkable coffee and 60g/58.4 ml drinkable homemade coffee. This result further shown that, highest caffeine intake was found in Expresso (56g/27 ml), coffee (175g/132ml) and homemade coffee (60g/58.4 ml) while the other hot beverage have least amount of caffeine was that cacao 6.5g/61.7ml, and almost similar amounts of caffeine found in green tea, red tea and Nescafe (about 29g/130 ml for each) and the moderate levels of caffeine found in Expresso, 44g/87.6 ml. The symptoms and complication have been reported by one third of the participants were insomnia, nervousness, headache. The positive effect of caffeine intake reported was improved in mood. Conclusion: The present study revealed that, some caffeinated hot beverages contain higher amounts of caffeine and the people should be aware for such products to avoid the negative or positive effect of caffeine.

Nursing interventions reduce postoperative urinary retention in fast-track total hip arthroplasty: A pilot study

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a common complication of spinal anesthesia that occurs in 10-80% of patients after total hip replacement (THR). Bladder catheterization carries risks for urinary tract infections, mechanical urethral trauma, urethral inflammation and subsequent strictures, pain, discomfort, an increased length of hospital stay, and a loss of patient dignity. We investigated whether simple postoperative nurse-driven intervention protocols, including the sound of running tap water, followed by caffeinated hot beverages (tea or coffee) and pouring warm saline on the perineal area, could reduce POUR and the need for bladder catheterization. This pilot study included 60 patients undergoing elective fast-track THR with spinal anesthesia and early patient ambulation. Patients with postoperative voiding difficulties received nursing interventions, including hearing running tap water, ingesting caffeinated beverages (tea and coffee), and warm saline poured over the perineal area. If voiding difficulties continued, bladder distention was examined by ultrasound. Catheterization was performed if the volume exceeded 500 mL or if distension caused discomfort or pain. Seven patients (11%) were excluded from the study due to prophylactic preoperative catheterization. Among the 53 included patients, 27 (51%) experienced spontaneous voiding difficulties and received nursing interventions, which induced voiding in 24 patients (45%, p = 0.0027), while 3 (6%) required catheterization. Simple nursing interventions reduced the need for bladder catheterization after fast-track THR.

The Correlation of Sleep Quality and Cognitive Function In Students Of the Faculty Medicine during the Covid-19 Pandemic

<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p><em>Sleep deprivation often occurs in those who live in social situations and lifestyles that support the occurrence of these conditions, for example in people who have a large workload or academic demands, including medical students. Moreover, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020 has made various universities suspend face-to-face learning which has an impact on increasing assignment assignments. This study aims to determine the relationship between sleep quality and cognitive function in the Class of 2020-2021 Students of the Faculty of Medicine of Tarumanagara University during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research method used is an analytical observational study using a cross-sectional analysis design. Data was collected online through filling out the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Indonesian-language Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-INA) questionnaires by respondents during the period of December 2021 to May 2022. The results of the study obtained 249 respondents, of which 159 respondents had poor sleep quality (63.9%). Poor sleep quality was more commonly found in respondents in the age group of 20-22 years (67.2%), female gender (68.2%), group with history of routine drug consumption (88.2%), and history of consuming caffeinated drinks >2x/day (76.3%). There is a significant relationship between sleep quality and cognitive function in the Class of 2020-2021 Students of the Faculty of Medicine of Tarumanagara University during the COVID-19 pandemic (RR=6.575, p<0.0001) as a conclusion. It is hoped that the results of this study can serve as educational material and reference especially for university students so that they can apply good sleep hygiene practices to optimize sleep quality and cognitive function.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><strong><em> </em></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><strong><em>Keywords: COVID-19, PSQI, MoCA-INA</em></strong>

PREVALENCE AND PERCEPTIONS OF CAFFEINATED PRODUCT CONSUMPTION IN NOAKHALI REGION, BANGLADESH

Caffeine is a complicated chemical that is naturally occurring and can be synthesized, manufactured, and added to food, dietary supplements, cosmetics and drugs. Caffeine, particularly in the form of coffee or tea, is used by the majority of people worldwide. The current study data represents that most respondents take tea (90% male and 83% female), coffee (82% male and 71% female) and soft drinks (81% male and 64.5% female) as caffeine-containing products. Few respondents take caffeine as a medicine. This data shows that male respondents take more caffeine as a medicine than female respondents. For all ages, male respondents essentially get caffeine-containing products through a day at work/study more than females. The data suggest that in all ages, both respondents believe that caffeine has increased their activeness and alertness during the day. Most respondents replied that their behaviour does not change after taking caffeine-containing products. The majority of the neurobehavioral work suggests that the desirable benefits of caffeine (e.g., increased alertness) are ubiquitous. Caffeine is a potent drug that complies with the criteria of an addictive substance regarding dependence, tolerance and withdrawal. We observed that 46% of males and 34% of females (age ; 20 years), 49% of males and 36% of females (age 20-30 years), 40% of males and 24% of females (age >30 years) respondents are addicted to above caffeine-containing products, without a proper diagnosis by a specialist. The respondents mostly take caffeine for refreshment (21% male and 17% female), enjoyment (18.5% male and 24.5% female), habitually (19.5% male and 15.5% female), and most respondents (32.5% male and 40% female) take caffeine-containing products two times per day according to above data. Female respondents (38%) respond that they can continue their work without the intake of caffeine-containing products more than 24 than male respondents (20.5%). We inferred that the prevalence of caffeinated drinks was higher in males compared to female students. Caffeine could lead to discomfort and impaired cognitive performance, and over-intake can cause adverse effects such as headache, drowsiness, depression, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating in students. KEYWORDS: Caffeine; Cognitive performance; caffeinated product; students; addiction

Dietary patterns and fertility status in men: Mediterranean diet does make a difference in ameliorating the rise in male infertility problems due to changing lifestyle

Dietary patterns and fertility status in men: Mediterranean diet does make a difference in ameliorating the rise in male infertility problems due to changing lifestyle

일부 대학생들의 시험 유무에 따른 카페인 섭취와 식이장애 분석

This study investigated the caffeine intake and eating disorders of some college students according to whether an examination was imminent or not. The survey contained questions on general characteristics, caffeinated beverage intake, eating disorders, and height and weight. 76.53% of the subjects recognized the dangers of highly caffeinated beverages, and 87.76% of the subjects responded that they needed nutrition education related to the risk of caffeine. The intake of high-caffeine energy drinks, coffee shop coffee, instant coffee, coffee with milk, green tea, black tea, and cola increased during the examination period compared to the non-examination period. The symptoms of eating disorders were more frequent during the examination period. During the examination period, it was found that male students consumed more caffeinated energy drinks than female students, and female students consumed more drinks at coffee shops than male students. The result of investigating caffeine intake according to the body mass index revealed that the overweight-obese group consumed more high-caffeine energy drinks, instant coffee, coffee with milk, and total caffeine than the underweight-normal group. There was a high correlation between caffeine intake and the frequency of eating disorders. These results suggest that it is necessary to educate college students so that they can maintain good health by consuming less caffeinated beverages during examination periods.

The Effects of Rising Caffeine Consumption in Adolescents

In recent years, the growth of companies selling caffeinated beverages has led to a rise in the caffeine consumption of adolescents. While there are many studies examining the effects of caffeine in adults, there are significantly less findings regarding its effects in adolescents, even though caffeine is likely to affect each demographic differently. This literature review examined the positive and negative effects of caffeine specifically on adolescents. While there could be a few positive effects on athletic and cognitive performance, most of the existing evidence suggests that caffeine is harmful to adolescents’ sleep, mood, and physical functioning. Therefore, until more research is available, limiting caffeine intake in adolescents could help prevent potential harmful effects.

Caffeine and the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Findings from Clinical and Experimental Studies

The aim of this study was to assess the potential benefits of caffeine intake in protecting against the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Furthermore, we tested the effect of topical administration of caffeine on the early stages of DR in an experimental model of DR. In the cross-sectional study, a total of 144 subjects with DR and 147 individuals without DR were assessed. DR was assessed by an experienced ophthalmologist. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was administered. In the experimental model, a total of 20 mice were included. One drop (5 μL) of caffeine (5 mg/mL) (n = 10) or vehicle (5 μL PBS, pH 7.4) (n = 10) was randomly administered directly onto the superior corneal surface twice daily for two weeks in each eye. Glial activation and retinal vascular permeability were assessed using standard methods. In the cross-sectional study in humans, the adjusted-multivariable model showed that a moderate and high (Q2 and Q4) caffeine intake had a protective effect of DR (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 0.35 (0.16-0.78); p = 0.011 and 0.35 (0.16-0.77); p = 0.010, respectively). In the experimental model, the administration of caffeine did not improve either reactive gliosis or retinal vascular permeability. Our results suggest a dose-dependent protective effect of caffeine in the development of DR, while the potential benefits of antioxidants in coffee and tea should also be considered. Further research is needed to establish the benefits and mechanisms of caffeinated beverages in the development of DR.

Energy drinks at adolescence: Awareness or unawareness?

Energy drinks (EDs) are beverages similar to soft drinks, characterized by high caffeine concentrations with additional ingredients like taurine and vitamins, marketed for boosting energy, reducing tiredness, increasing concentration, and for their ergogenic effect. The majority of consumers are children, adolescents, and young athletes. Although EDs companies claim about the ergogenic and remineralizing properties of their products, there is a serious lack of evidence at preclinical as well as clinical level to validate their benefits. The regular intake and long-term consequences of these caffeinated drinks are not well documented, especially the possible negative effects in adolescents whose brain is still developing. EDs combined with alcohol are also gaining popularity among adolescents and different publications indicate that this combined consumption might increase the risk to develop an alcohol use disorder, as well as produce serious adverse cardiovascular effects. There is an increasing need to disseminate knowledge on EDs damage on health, so that adolescents can be aware about the potential harmful outcomes of consuming these drinks.

Beverage preference (coffee vs. tea) according to CYP1A2 gene rs2470893 SNP genotypes in the Tunisian population

BackgroundCaffeine intake has been positively or negatively associated with the risk of chronic disease. Genome-wide association studies identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2472297 and rs2470893) in Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) gene that are involved in habitual caffeine intake. In this study, we investigated the association of common CYP1A2 SNPs (rs762551, rs2472297 and rs2470893) with most consumed caffeinated beverages intake (coffee and tea) in the Tunisian population. Five hundred and twenty healthy blood donors were enrolled. Coffee and tea intake data were extracted from dietary questionnaires of the participants. Genotyping was performed using PCR–RFLP. p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThere were no significant genetic effects of rs762551 and rs2472297 SNPs on coffee (p = 0.083 and p = 0.70) or tea (p = 0.49 and p = 0.49) consumption, respectively. However, rs2470893 SNP A carriers displayed higher coffee consumption [p = 0.001, OR (95% CI) 1.46 (1.16–1.86)] and lower tea consumption [p = 0.001, OR (95% CI) 0.80 (0.70–0.97)]. After stratification by confounding factors, the genetic effect was observed in women (1.2% of variation in coffee intake and 9.6% of variation in tea intake), subjects ≤ 35 years (1.5% of variation in coffee intake) and nonsmokers (1.4% of variation in tea intake).ConclusionsOur data are consistent with a beverage preference (coffee vs. tea) according to rs2470893 SNP genotypes (A carriers vs. GG). Furthermore, genetic variation is significant at the condition of lower CYP1A2 enzyme activity (among women, nonsmokers and younger age groups).

Fluids in the diet of people practicing mountain tourism - consumption assessment

Proper hydration of the body and preventing dehydration is a factor that determines the preservation of health and life. The state of water and electrolyte homeostasis is necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. In conditions of increased physical activity, there is a greater exposure to the risk of dehydration, which deteriorates the functional efficiency of the body and the ability to perform physical effort, and increases the risk of thermal disorders. The aim of the study was to assess quantitatively and qualitatively the consumption of fluids among people practicing mountain hiking and to compare the obtained results with the current recommendations regarding the principles of proper hydration of the body. The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of open questions and choices regarding the method of hydration on a daily basis and in the post-exercise period. The research group consisted of 355 people aged 16 and over, including 263 women and 92 men. Daily fluid intake was usually between 1-2 l/day and 2-3 l/day. Insufficient hydration in the peri-exercise period has been observed. 39% of people start hydrating the body only during the hike, which is wrong. 61% of the respondents declare the consumption of liquids in an insufficient amount of 0.1-05 l for each hour of physical exertion, which leads to progressive dehydration. Among the surveyed people, 44% reach for caffeinated beverages in the pre-exercise period, 15% consume alcoholic beverages during this period. Introduction Forms of physical activity practiced in difficult terrain and climatic conditions in the mountains, such as: trekking, nordic walking, skyrunning, mountain biking, mountain climbing, rock climbing are demanding types of physical activity with an increased level of risk. Practicing physical activity at high altitudes above sea level and in various climatic conditions, it is extremely important, in addition to the appropriate supply of clothing and mountain equipment, to provide the body with the right amount of energy, fluids, macro and microelements according to the level of strenuous physical effort and energy expenditure. It is especially important to properly hydrate the body and prevent dehydration. A balanced balance of water and electrolytes is necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. Aim The aim of the study was to assess quantitatively and qualitatively the consumption of fluids among people practicing mountain hiking. Material and methods The study was conducted using the diagnostic survey method in January 2022 with the use of a proprietary survey questionnaire. The diagnostic survey using a questionnaire was conducted in an electronic form (on-line). The study involved 355 people aged 16 and over, including 263 women and 92 men. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: the metric and the proper part. The proper questions concerned the subject of hydration during mountain tourism, covered issues related to the habits and choices of the respondents in terms of the amount and quality of fluids supplied before, during and after the mountain hike. Questions about the type of fluids used and their knowledge of fluid needs. They were asked about recognizing the symptoms of dehydration and how to deal with dehydration. The collected results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results The vast majority of the respondents practiced mountain tourism in a recreational way, which was declared by 92% of the respondents (328 people). The surveyed people declared a varied frequency of mountain hiking. More than half of the participants set out on mountain trails several times a year, which was confirmed by 181 people. The remaining people practiced mountain tourism several times a month, which was declared by 15% (53 people), once a month by 14% (47 people), and once a year by 13% (44 people). Once a week 5% (16 people), several times a week 3% (13 people). The level of knowledge and the method of irrigation of the surveyed people, both in quantitative and qualitative terms, showed great diversity. Conclusions Among the surveyed people, 42% do not know their basic needs for fluids. On a daily basis, fluid intake is usually in the range of 1-2 l / day and 2-3 l / day. In conditions of increased physical activity, most of the surveyed people do not meet their fluid requirements and do not properly implement the strategy of pre-exercise hydration of the body. 61% of the respondents declare the consumption of liquids in the amount of 0.1-05 l for each hour of physical effort, which is below the recommended amount. Too little fluid during exercise leads to dehydration of the body. Among the surveyed people, 44% reach for drinks with caffeine in the composition in the pre-workout period. Among the surveyed people, 15% consume alcoholic beverages (mainly beer) in the period around exercise. There is a need for education in this area.

Identification of Calcium Oxalate in Urine Sediment for Consuming Caffeinated Drinks at Pauwo Village in 2021

This study aimed to determine urinary calcium oxalate sediment in men and women who consume caffeinated drinks in the Pauwo Village, Bone Bolango district in 2021. The method in this study used a qualitative approach with the type of research used was descriptive univariate. The type of data used was primary data and secondary data sourced from questionnaires. The sampling technique in this study used a purposive sampling technique using a sample of 30 people consisting of men and women who consumed caffeinated drinks.&#x0D; The results showed that of the 30 samples of men and women who consumed caffeinated drinks in the Pauwo Village of Bone Bolango district found abnormal urine sediment as many as 21 people from 30 samples and normal urine sediment as many as 9 people from 30 samples which contained calcium oxalate urine sediment in it. The factors that influence the presence of calcium oxalate in men and women include age, gender, and duration of consuming caffeinated drinks.

Does Drinking Coffee Reduce the Incidence of Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an increasing threat to first-world nations as their populationages, with around one in 100 suffering from it by age 60. Incurable, with treatments that do little to delaydisease progression, PD induces severe disability and even death in those afflicted. The search for preventative measures has revealed the widely used psychoactive stimulant caffeine, which competitively inhibits adenosine receptors to induce a wide variety of effects. The inhibition of inflammation and microglial cell activation to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced cellular damage and the resultant mitochondrial dysfunction of the dopaminergic neurons appears to be the main pathway, inducing neuronal loss via the activation of the intrinsic pathway to apoptosis. Mouse models and human data reinforce that caffeine delays the onset of PD in a dose-dependent manner. Evidence suggests it is more beneficial in men than womenand is not beneficial at all in women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Additionally, some studies suggest that although caffeinated drinks such as cola and tea are beneficial, there may be other products in coffee that prevent the effect, though this requires further research. Although there is strong evidence that caffeine is neuroprotective, there is less evidence that it delays the onset of PD. Given the association with cardiovascular disease, it may be disadvantageous overall to the majority of the population to supplement caffeine, though still a beneficial preventative technique for individuals with a genetic predisposition to PD that may otherwise suffer early onset.

Association between occupational stress, markers of inflammation, and oxidative stress in intensive care unit workers: a cross-sectional study.

Health care workers in intensive care units have a high propensity to develop burnout syndrome. To evaluate the relationship between occupational stress and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in health care workers in intensive care units. The sample consisted of 133 intensivists from the city of Colatina, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The Maslach Inventory Burnout Survey was used to assess burnout syndrome. Oxidative stress was measured in proteins and lipids, and cytokine levels were assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The highest levels of burnout syndrome (emotional exhaustion dimension) were found in nurses and physical therapists and showed greater changes in markers of protein damage and inflammation. On the emotional exhaustion dimension, it was higher among professionals who consumed some type of alcoholic beverage and some type of stimulant, whether caffeine, tea, or soft drinks, at least twice a week. There was a positive relationship between the development of burnout syndrome, specifically in the dimension of low personal involvement at work, and oxidative damage in lipids (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). There is evidence of relationship between occupational stress and oxidative stress in professionals with low personal involvement in their work.

Selected Aspects of Nutritional Habits of Polish Women in the Preconception Period and During Pregnancy

Abstract Background The diet of women in the preconception period and during pregnancy has a crucial impact on the development of the fetus and the health and metabolism of the baby. The energy requirements of a pregnant woman are higher, in addition, she should ensure an appropriate intake of particular nutrients and fluids. Folic acid supplementation is the most effective intervention in reducing congenital neural coil defects, as is stopping the consumption of alcohol and minimizing the intake of caffeinated beverages. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the dietary habits, including caffeine and alcohol consumption, of women who are pregnant or preparing to conceive a child. Material and methods The study population comprised (n=539) Polish women. An original questionnaire was used, including a metric and questions about preparation for pregnancy and dietary habits. Responses were collected via the Internet in forums for pregnant women. Results Of the total of the women surveyed, 73% said they were preparing for pregnancy. 64% of the respondents began taking folic acid supplements and 49% had started vitamin and mineral supplementation. Only 21% of women said they had changed their diet in preparation for conceiving offspring. As many as 34% of women said they themselves had adequate knowledge about nutrition during pregnancy, while 43% searched for information on this topic on the Internet. The factor that differentiated the practiced eating habits to the greatest extent was the level of education. Conclusions Despite numerous recommendations, there are still many women who do not prepare for pregnancy and do not follow preconception recommendations. A large number of Polish women with lower education still do not take folic acid. It is necessary to educate the society also about harmful effects of alcohol on the developing fetus. Knowledge should be spread with the use of social media, because women often look for information about nutritional rules on the Internet.

ASSESSMENT OF CYTOTOXICITY OF A CAFFEINATED SOFT DRINK USING ALLIUM ASSAY

One of the most consumed caffeinated soft drinks by millions of people globally is Coca-Cola. For healthy adults, caffeine consumption is relatively safe, but for some vulnerable populations, caffeine consumption could be harmful. Therefore, we considered this cytogenetic study to be appropriate for assessment of cytotoxicity effects of Coca-Cola in meristematic cells of plants, through Allium test. A. cepa has assayed to be one of the best model plants for standard use in cytological analysis of different toxins for their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity to plants and animals. The meristematic roots were treated with various concentrations of Coca-Cola (3, 5 and 10ml/cl) for 8 hours, at room temperature, along to an untreated control. It was found that Coca-Cola induced a strong cytogenotoxic effect in meristematic cells of A. cepa as the concentration of Coca-Cola was increased. The clastogenic and aneugenic effect of the tested product was manifested by the decrease of mitotic index (12.5-3.5%) and the occurrence of several types of chromosomal and nuclear abnormalities (12.6-23.2%): bridges, laggards, stickiness and disrupted nucleus. These results suggest that the caffeinated soft drinks can be harmful to health and their regular intake must be avoided. The problem can arises when the consumption is regularized in everyday life, as, unfortunately, many people do.

Role of the Proper Nutrition for Indian Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)

Two or more miscarriages or biochemical pregnancy losses are treated as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Conditions like immune deficiency, thrombophilia, endocrine dysfunction, and obesity have all been linked to an increased likelihood of miscarriage. There is currently no documented treatment for repeated miscarriages; hence, diet and drug aspects must be implemented nationally or internationally. Databases like Google Scholar, the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Semantic Scholar, etc., were used to find publications relevant to this study's objectives. From the Indian perspective, a pregnant woman's daily calorie intake should increase by 350, with an additional 9.5 g of protein in the second and 22.0 g in the third trimester. Prenatal folic acid supplementation has been linked to managing proper birth weight and reduced rates of congenital disabilities. During pregnancy, a woman's ideal weight gain is around 10 kilograms, which is the case for women who eat healthily. Limiting salt intake is necessary to prevent hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy. Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks should be used in moderation. Vegetables like papaya, cabbage, pumpkin, milk derivatives, sugar cane, and fruits like bananas, mangoes, pineapple, avocados, etc., are the most taboo foods in developing countries like India and Africa. The widespread avoidance of these foods during pregnancy can be attributed to myths that they contribute to foetal obesity, evil eye, abortion, and other delivery difficulties. In rural India, pregnant women are primarily not adequately informed about the significance of eating a healthy, well-rounded diet. To ensure maternal dietary diversity, even modest; well-targeted awareness-raising programs should go a long way. Hence expected mothers should get compulsory nutritional guidance on what to eat and how much from experts like dietitians, physicians, or other experienced mothers through personal meetings or social media platforms to minimize recurrent pregnancy loss.

Electrocardiographic Changes in Young Healthy Male Smokers

Background: Smoking increases the risk of CVD, however, the magnitude of this increase in risk varies substantively according to a range of factors. Smoking-related CVD risks are highest in current and recent smokers, compared to never smokers and those who have quit in the more distant past. Risk also increases with increasing duration of use and with greater intensity of smoking, as measured by the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Methods: In the present study, a total of 60 male smokers having a history of smoking of more than 2 years and smoking at least 3 cigarettes per day were included in the study, provided they met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 60 healthy male patients were included as controls/non-smokers. Demographic details were noted. Past, present and other relevant histories were recorded. Physical examination was done. Standard 12 lead ECG was done in the resting state after 2 hours of abstinence from strenuous physical activity, smoking and/or any caffeinated beverages. Results: In the present study, it was observed that the mean age of the non-smokers was lower (27.85 ± 5.11 years) than that of smokers (30.22 ± 5.26 years); P value: 0.014. Only males were included in the present study. The BMI and heart rate were similar in the smokers and non-smokers; P value: more than 0.05. The majority of the cases had normal axis on ECG in both the groups (86.66% in non-smokers and 70% in smokers). Left axis deviation was more common than the right axis deviation in both the groups. The difference between the two groups was statistically insignificant; P value: 0.063. The width and height of the P wave were similar in both the groups; P value: more than 0.05. The R wave was significantly bigger in the smokers (12.53 ± 4.63 mm) than in the non- smokers (10.05 ± 2.93 mm); P value: 0.001. The duration of PR interval was significantly more in the smokers (140.10 ± 18.37 ms) as compared to non-smokers (129.45 ± 19.90 ms); P value: 0.003. T wave inversion was present in 10% cases of smokers while no case in the non-smoker group had T wave inversion; P value: 0.027. The ST segment was normal in most of the cases (98.33% in the non-smokers and 96.66% in the smokers’ groups); P value: more than 0.05. All the cases in both the groups had normal sinus rhythm with normal PR interval, no tall T wave, no wide QRS interval or shortened QT interval. Conclusion: The study concluded that the smokers have a mean age of 30.22 ± 5.26 years. The heart rate is similar to non-smokers. In general, normal axis on ECG is more common. Left axis deviation is more prevalent than right axis deviation. Smokers have bigger R waves, increased PR duration and inverted T waves. This may be because smoking generally causes a transient increase in heart rate and ECG changes, especially those pertaining to ST-T segment.