Dietary Antioxidant Intake Research Articles

Dietary antioxidants are associated with presence of intra- and sub-retinal fluid in neovascular age-related macular degeneration after 1year.

To assess whether dietary intake of antioxidants, fruits, vegetables and fish is associated with 12-month treatment outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. A total of 547 participants were diagnosed with nAMD at baseline, of whom 494 were followed up after 12months of antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Dietary intakes were determined using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Presence of intra-retinal and sub-retinal fluid (IRF, SRF), pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded from optical coherence tomography images. Best-corrected visual acuity was recorded using log of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (LogMAR) charts. Participants in the upper three quartiles combined compared to those in the first quartile of baseline dietary zinc intake had 49% reduced odds of SRF 12months later, multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.51 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30-0.89]. The upper three quartiles combined compared to the first quartile of β-carotene intake had 90% greater odds of IRF presence at 12-month follow-up, multivariable-adjusted OR 1.90 (95% CI 1.04-3.46). The highest versus lowest quartile of dietary β-carotene intake had a nearly twofold greater odds of PED presence, multivariable-adjusted OR 1.99 (95% CI 1.03-3.84). A higher intake of dietary zinc was associated with a reduced likelihood of SRF at 1year. Conversely, a higher intake of dietary β-carotene was associated with an increased risk of IRF and PED. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing nutritional advice for nAMD patients presenting for treatment.

Dietary or supplemental intake of antioxidants and the risk of mortality in older people: A systematic review.

Antioxidants have a protective role in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. The association between dietary or supplemental intake of various antioxidants and all-cause mortality or cause-specific mortality among older populations is inconclusive. This systematic review aimed to systematically evaluate whether higher dietary or supplemental intake of antioxidants can lower the risk of all-cause mortality or cause-specific mortality in the older population. Five electronic databases were searched to identify studies that evaluated the effects of dietary or supplemental intake of antioxidants on cause-specific or all-cause mortality in the older population aged ≥65 years. The overall quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Twenty-two longitudinal, prospective observational studies and randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies involving 1 090 844 cases of cause-specific and all-cause mortality were included. The overall quality of studies was high with a low risk of bias. Of the 22 studies, 16 were observational studies and 6 were RCTs. The overall quality of evidence for observational studies and RCTs were rated down as low (due to very serious risk of bias and indirectness) and moderate (due to unable to rule out publication bias), respectively. Nine studies showed significant decreases, four found significant increases and nine reported no association between antioxidant intake and risk of mortality. There was inconclusive evidence on the associations between dietary or supplemental intake of antioxidants and mortality in the older population. More clinical trials are required to confirm the associations.

Dietary Habits and Dietary Antioxidant Intake Are Related to Socioeconomic Status in Polish Adults: A Nationwide Study.

The aim of this study was to estimate dietary habits and dietary antioxidant intake in a Polish adult population in relation to socioeconomic status. The subjects (4774) were participants in the Polish National Multi-Centre Health Examination Survey (the WOBASZ II study) performed in 2013–2014. Socioeconomic status (SES) scores were calculated by multiplying ordinal numerical values assigned to consecutive categories of education level and monthly income per capita in a family. In the Polish adult population, a higher socioeconomic status was significantly associated with a better lifestyle (more physical activity and less smoking), a better health status (lower occurrence of overweight individuals and metabolic syndrome in both genders, and lower occurrence of central obesity, hypertension, and diabetes in women), and better dietary habits, including a higher intake of dietary antioxidants.

Romatoid Artritli Kadın Hastalarda Beslenme Durumunun Değerlendirilmesi

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı; romatoid artritli (RA) kadın hastaların beslenme durumunun saptanması ve fonksiyonel durum ile kas gücü arasındaki ilişkilerin incelenmesidir.
 Bireyler ve Yöntem: Çalışma Romatoloji Polikliniği’ne kontrol amaçlı gelen, en az bir sene önce RA tanısı konmuş ve 10 mg’dan az metilprednizolon kullanımı olan 35-64 yaş arası kadın bireyler üzerinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden hastaların beslenme durumu ve beslenme alışkanlıkları değerlendirilmiştir. Antropometrik ölçümler alınmış, bir günü hafta sonuna gelecek şekilde birbirini izleyen 3 günde bireysel besin tüketimi kaydedilmiş ve 24 saatlik fiziksel aktivite kayıtları sorgulanmıştır. Rutinde biyokimyasal parametrelere hasta dosyalarından ulaşılmıştır.
 Bulgular: Hastaların ortalama 10.8±7.88 yıl önce tanı aldığı, 9.9±7.65 yıldır tedavi gördüğü saptanmıştır. Beden kütle indeksine (BKİ) göre hastaların % 9.9’u normal vücut ağırlığına sahipken, %46.5’i hafif şişman, %36.6’sı birinci derece obez, %7’si ise ikinci derece obezdir. Hastaların %88.7’sinin bel çevresi değeri ≥88 cm; %74.6’sının bel/kalça oranı 0.85’in üzerindedir. Bireylerin diyetle antioksidan alımlarına göre; C vitamini ile hemoglobin ve albümin seviyeleri, β-karoten ile karaciğer fonksiyon testleri, toplam kolesterol ve Serum-Reaktif Protein (CRP) arasında pozitif ilişki saptanmıştır (p˂0.05). Çoklu doymamış yağ asidi alımı ve alkalen fosfataz (ALP) değerleri arasında ise negatif ilişki bulunduğu gözlenmiştir (p˂0.05). Hastaların diyetle günlük ortalama enerji, karbonhidrat, potasyum, kalsiyum ve demir alımlarının gereksinmenin altında olduğu saptanmıştır.
 Sonuç: RA’in tedavisinde, semptomların azaltılması ve yaşam kalitesinin arttırılmasında hastaların tanı sonrasında diyetisyene yönlendirilerek beslenmeye ilişkin bilgi düzeyleri arttırılmalıdır. Yine bu hastalarda değerlendirme yapılırken BKİ’nin yanı sıra vücut yağ yüzdesi ve kas gücü gibi yöntemlerin de kullanılması gerektiği sonucuna varılmıştır.

Determination of the relationship between total antioxidant capacity and dietary antioxidant intake in obese patients.

Adipokines secreted from adipose tissue in obese individuals increase oxidative stress in the body and sufficient antioxidant consumption is recommended to reduce the effects of this stress. Consumption of foods rich in antioxidants is thought to be related to serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) but the effect of dietary antioxidant amount on serum antioxidant capacity is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary antioxidant intake and serum TAC in obese and normal-weight individuals. Around 36 obese and 24 normal weighted volunteers participated in this study. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and antioxidant food consumption from frequency questionnaires (questionnaire TAC) of individuals were recorded. The amount of antioxidant intake from diet (dietary TAC) was calculated from food consumption records. Serum TAC values were measured calorimetrically according to the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The dietary TAC levels of the experimental group were higher than the control group (5.45 ± 6.15 mmol/day vs. 3.20 ± 7.27 mmol/day, P = 0.006); whereas, the ratio of serum TAC per body weight was significantly lower in obese participants (0.013 ± 0.0134 mmol/L vs. 0.017 ± 0.003 mmol/L, P< 0.001). However, a positive relation (r = 0.339, P = 0.008) was observed between dietary TAC and serum TAC. Moreover, a positive correlation between the serum TAC levels of the individuals and the weight in both groups (r = 0.335, P = 0.046 in obese participants, and r = 0.523, P = 0.009 in control group), and the BMI in the experimental group (r = 0.384, P = 0.021). Likewise, there is an association between the diet TAC level and the diet protein ratio (r = 0.478, P = 0.018) in obese participants. Dietary TAC intake was significantly higher and the TAC/weight lower in the experimental group. Moreover, the relationship between diet TAC and serum TAC was significant.

The Relationship Between Antioxidants and Inflammation in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Introduction:Recent studies have identified Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an inflammatory condition associated with immunological and oxidative responses. Therefore, it is necessary to examine these processes in these patients. The present study aimed at investigating the relationship between the dietary intake of antioxidants, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, and the serum levels of inflammatory factors in ADHD students.Methods:This retrospective case-control study was conducted on 64 ADHD children aged 6 – 13 years. The demographic questionnaire, Food Frequency Questionnaire, and Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire were used for data collection. SOD activity and the serum level of inflammatory factors (homocysteine, interleukin-6, and C-reactive Protein (CRP)) were measured in all patients. According to the CRP values, 32 patients were included in the case group (CRP≥1 mg/L) and 32 patients in the control group (0≤CRP<1 mg/L).Results:There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, sex, weight, height, and body mass index. In the case group, the mean SOD activity (P=0.034), the physical activity (P=0.04), zinc intake (P=0.02), and homocysteine levels were higher than the control group (P=0.001). Of all studied variables, the best predictors were homocysteine (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.082–1.670, P=0.029) and physical activity (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.761–0.952, P=0.022) respectively, whereas other variables were not significant predictors.Conclusion:The present study showed that the level of inflammatory factors in the case group was significantly higher than the control group. Homocysteine and physical activity can predict the inflammation status induced by CRP.

Pineapple And Kumquat Powders Used To Combat The Oxidation Stress Induced By Potassium Bromate In Male Albino Rats.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Dietary intake of antioxidants can inhibit or delay the oxidation of susceptible cellular substrates so prevent oxidative stress. The present study was designed to investigate potential protective and ameliorate effects of pineapple and kumquat powders against potassium bromate (KBrO3)-induced oxidative stress using experimental rats. Whole kumquat (seedless), kumquat seeds, pineapple flesh and pineapple leaves were analyzed for phenolic compounds. Measurement of potential of cytotoxicity against the liver carcinoma cell line (HEPG2) carried out by SRB assay of the ethanolic extract of whole kumquat seedless, kumquat seeds, whole kumquat, pineapple flesh, pineapple leaves, pineapple (flesh +leaves) and mixture of them.

New Opportunities to Mitigate the Burden of Disease Caused by Traffic Related Air Pollution: Antioxidant-Rich Diets and Supplements.

Air pollution is associated with premature mortality and a wide spectrum of diseases. Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is one of the most concerning sources of air pollution for human exposure and health. Until TRAP levels can be significantly reduced on a global scale, there is a need for effective shorter-term strategies to prevent the adverse health effects of TRAP. A growing number of studies suggest that increasing antioxidant intake, through diet or supplementation, may reduce this burden of disease. In this paper, we conducted a non-systematic literature review to assess the available evidence on antioxidant-rich diets and antioxidant supplements as a strategy to mitigate adverse health effects of TRAP in human subjects. We identified 11 studies that fit our inclusion criteria; 3 of which investigated antioxidant-rich diets and 8 of which investigated antioxidant supplements. Overall, we found consistent evidence that dietary intake of antioxidants from adherence to the Mediterranean diet and increased fruit and vegetable consumption is effective in mitigating adverse health effects associated with TRAP. In contrast, antioxidant supplements, including fish oil, olive oil, and vitamin C and E supplements, presented conflicting evidence. Further research is needed to determine why antioxidant supplementation has limited efficacy and whether this relates to effective dose, supplement formulation, timing of administration, or population being studied. There is also a need to better ascertain if susceptible populations, such as children, the elderly, asthmatics and occupational workers consistently exposed to TRAP, should be recommended to increase their antioxidant intake to reduce their burden of disease. Policymakers should consider increasing populations’ antioxidant intake, through antioxidant-rich diets, as a relatively cheap and easy preventive measure to lower the burden of disease associated with TRAP.

Nontraditional (non-Western pharmaceutical) treatments for chronic kidney disease.

Nontraditional, non-Western medicines, often called complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are, potentially, a huge low-cost therapy resource for poorer populations in the world. Use of CAM, particularly from plant sources, is common in poorer communities, but the scientific basis for their use is still under-researched and under-published. This review presents information on the treatment of kidney disease with CAM, particularly CKD and its closely associated cardiovascular disease (CVD), which might benefit vulnerable populations. The challenges of developing CAM therapies for resource-limited environments are also discussed, particularly with reference to targeting oxidative stress, a known cause of progressive diseases such as CKD and CVD. Oxidative stress is a mechanism often targeted by CAM, with good scientific basis. Dietary supplementation with antioxidants is one approach to reducing CKD incidence or morbidity. Antioxidant supplementation in populations with sufficient dietary antioxidant intake often report little benefit. In comparison, poorer populations that may have restricted nutritional dietary antioxidant intake may benefit from supplementation with antioxidants. Also needing consideration are the recorded instances of nephrotoxicity from CAM therapies, particularly related to nephrotoxic plant extracts, extract-drug reactions, and toxicity from contaminants within the extracts. As long as the possible toxicity of plant-derived CAM is considered, we argue that populations having marked deficiency in, or poor access to, dietary antioxidants, or high exposure to environmental oxidants, may benefit from these nontraditional medicines.

Association between antioxidant vitamins and oxidative stress among patients with a complete hydatidiform mole

OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to evaluate the potential relationship between oxidative stress, dietary intake, and serum levels of antioxidants in patients with a complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) compared with controls.METHODS:This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 140 women were enrolled in this study and divided into four groups: 43 patients with CHM, 33 women who had had an abortion, 32 healthy pregnant women, and 32 healthy non-pregnant women. All participants underwent blood sampling, assessment using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, and anthropometric measurement. Blood samples were collected after overnight fasting (10-12 h). Vitamin levels (A, C, and E) were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were assessed using an automated quantitative analysis system (Dimension®, Siemens).RESULTS:Although all groups showed sufficient serum vitamin A and E levels, the participants had inadequate dietary intake of these vitamins. Conversely, all groups had an insufficient serum level of vitamin C, despite adequate intake. The gamma-glutamyl transferase values did not differ significantly among the groups. However, elevated serum levels of this enzyme were observed in several patients.CONCLUSIONS:All groups exhibited high levels of oxidative stress, as evaluated by gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, and had inadequate intake of antioxidant vitamins. Therefore, the high exposure to oxidative stress found in our study, even in healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women, may increase the incidence of CHM in this region.

Negative Mood Is Associated with Diet and Dietary Antioxidants in University Students During the Menstrual Cycle: A Cross-Sectional Study from Guangzhou, China.

Postpubescent females may have negative mood or premenstrual syndrome during the menstrual cycle; with the emotional and physical symptoms interfering with their quality of life. Little is known about the relationship of dietary behaviors and dietary antioxidant intake with negative mood or premenstrual syndrome in university students in China; so we explored the relationship between negative mood and dietary behavior in female university students during the three menstrual cycle phases. Random sampling was used to enroll 88 individuals from a university in Guangzhou; China in the study. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. During the menstrual phase, tea, black coffee and carbonated beverage intake was higher in the group with a high negative affect scale score than in the low score group (p < 0.05). Likewise; during the premenstrual phase, fresh fruit (banana and red Chinese dates) intake was higher in the group with a high negative affect scale score than in the low-score group (p < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis results showed that negative mood was positively associated with tea, coffee, and carbonated beverage intake during the menstrual phase (β = 0.21, p = 0.0453, odds ratio = 1.23), and negative mood was positively associated with banana and red Chinese dates intake during the premenstrual phase (β = 0.59, p = 0.0172, odds ratio = 1.81). Our results suggest that negative mood may be associated with diet and specific food in university postpubescent females.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased fecal calprotectin in patients with ulcerative colitis after pouch surgery.

Mediterranean diet (MED) is associated with health benefits, yet scarce data exist regarding the role of MED in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Herein, we aimed to evaluate the association between MED and inflammatory markers in patients with IBD after pouch surgery. Consecutive patients after pouch surgery due to ulcerative colitis (UC) were recruited at a comprehensive pouch clinic. Adherence to MED was calculated according to MED score, ranging from 0 (low adherence) to 9 (high adherence), based on food-frequency questionnaires. Pouch behavior was defined as normal pouch (NP) or pouchitis based on Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) and disease activity was defined as active or inactive. C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin were assessed. Overall 153 patients were enrolled (male gender 47%; mean age 46 ± 14years; mean pouch age 9.5 ± 7years). MED scores were higher in patients with normal vs. elevated CRP and calprotectin levels (4.6 ± 1.8 vs. 4.4 ± 1.6, p = 0.28; 4.8 ± 1.8 vs. 4.07 ± 1.7, p < 0.05, respectively). In a multivariate regression, MED score was associated with decreased calprotectin levels (OR = 0.74 [0.56-0.99]). Adherence to MED was associated with dietary fiber and antioxidants intake. Finally, in a subgroup of patients with NP followed up for 8 years, higher adherence to MED trended to be inversely associated with the onset of pouchitis (log rank = 0.17). In patients with UC after pouch surgery, adherence to MED is associated with decreased calprotectin levels. Thus, MED may have a role in modifying intestinal inflammation in IBD.

Dietary antioxidant intake in school age and lung function development up to adolescence.

Dietary antioxidant intake has been hypothesised to influence lung function. The association between total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the diet at age 8 years and lung function development up to 16 years in 2307 participants from the Swedish population-based birth cohort BAMSE (Children, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiology) was investigated.Information on TAC was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire at 8 years. Lung function was measured by spirometry at 8 and 16 years, impulse oscillometry (IOS) and exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) at 16 years. Low lung function was defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) z-score below the 25th percentile. Longitudinal associations between TAC and lung function were analysed by mixed effect models adjusted for potential confounders. Stratification by asthma at 8 years was performed to examine effect modification.The median TAC intake was 10 067 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE)·g−1, with males having a lower mean compared to females (9963 versus 10 819 μmol TE·g−1). In analyses of lung function change between 8 and 16 years, there were no statistically significant associations between TAC in tertiles and spirometry results for the total study population. Among children with asthma at 8 years (prevalence 7%), higher TAC was associated with higher mean FEV1 (0.46 sd, 95% CI 0.11–0.80) and decreased odds of low lung function at 16 years (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12–0.65). There were no associations between TAC and forced vital capacity or IOS/FeNO results.High dietary antioxidant intake in school age may be associated with improved lung function development from school age to adolescence among children with asthma.

Maternal Dietary Antioxidant Intake in Pregnancy and Childhood Respiratory and Atopic Outcomes: Birth Cohort Study

To investigate the associations between maternal intake of dietary antioxidants in pregnancy and childhood respiratory and atopic outcomes (including lung function) and to explore whether these associations were modified by maternal smoking during pregnancy and common maternal antioxidant gene polymorphisms.The study was focused on 8915 mother-child pairs who participated in a population-based birth cohort in Avon, United Kingdom.Researchers in this study analyzed associations between maternal intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamins C and E, carotene, zinc, and selenium in pregnancy and current doctor-diagnosed asthma, atopy, and lung function in 8915 children at age 7 to 9 years. To explore potential interaction from environmental exposures, results were stratified for maternal smoking history and by maternal antioxidant intake during pregnancy.After controlling for confounders, positive associations were observed between maternal intake of zinc and childhood forced expiratory volume at 1 second and forced vital capacity with evidence of a dose-response relationship. Post hoc analyses of the associations between maternal zinc intake and childhood forced expiratory volume at 1 second and forced vital capacity at 15 years (n = 3669) showed similar findings to those observed at 8 years. In contrast to these findings, there was no evidence that maternal intake of dietary antioxidants is associated with a risk of childhood asthma or atopy.Researchers in this study found that higher maternal intake of zinc during pregnancy may be associated with better lung function in their children.This study is the first to demonstrate an association between maternal zinc intake during pregnancy and respiratory outcomes in their offspring. Despite the findings that zinc is associated with decreased lung function values, there was no association between childhood asthma or atopy. This suggests that early intervention during pregnancy to increase antioxidant intake would be unlikely to succeed as a prevention strategy for these conditions.

Red guava juice (Psidium guajava linn.) suppress TGF-β protein expression in secondary hyperuricemia mice (Mus musculus) model

Background: Secondary hyperuricemia can increase the risk of renal dysfunction in the form of fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis mediated by TGF-β signalling. Non-pharmacological therapy through high dietary antioxidant intakes can help in controlling and preventing renal dysfunction by suppressing TGF-β expression. This study aimed to analyse the effect of red guava juice (Psidium Guava Linn.) on TGF-β protein expression in mice (Mus Musculus) kidneys with secondary hyperuricemia model. Method: This was an experimental study with a post-test only design. Forty-eight mice (Mus Musculus) were choosen as samples, which were distributed into six different treatment groups. The mice were induced with potassium oxonate for 14 days and given red guava juice for 21 days. TGF-β protein expression in mice (Mus Musculus) kidneys was identified through immunohistochemistry using TGF-β antibodies. The preparation was observed in the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret using the Olympus XC10 light microscope. Data were statistically analysed using the Kruskal Wallis test, followed by the Post-Hoc Mann Whitney test. Results: The results of this study showed that the administration of red guava juice had a significant effect on TGF-β expression (p = 0.001). There was a significant difference between the negative control treatment and treatment of red guava juice at a dosage of 5 ml/kg/day (p = 0.043).Conclusion: It can be concluded that the administration of red guava juice in mice (Mus Musculus) with secondary hyperuricemia model can suppress TGF-β expression, and therefore, can be used as non-pharmacological therapy.

Bee Collected Pollen and Bee Bread: Bioactive Constituents and Health Benefits.

Bee products were historically used as a therapheutic approach and in food consumption, while more recent data include important details that could validate them as food supplements due to their bioproperties, which support their future use as medicines. In this review data, data collected from bee pollen (BP) and bee bread (BB) essays will be discussed and detailed for their nutritional and health protective properties as functional foods. Dietary antioxidants intake derived from BP and BB have been associated with the prevention and clinical treatment of multiple diseases. The beneficial effects of BP and BB on health result from the presence of multiple polyphenols which possess anti-inflammatory properties, phytosterols and fatty acids, which play anticancerogenic roles, as well as polysaccharides, which stimulate immunological activity. From the main bioactivity studies with BP and BB, in vitro studies and animal experiments, the stimulation of apoptosis and the inhibition of cell proliferation in multiple cell lines could be one of the major therapeutic adjuvant effects to be explored in reducing tumor growth. Tables summarizing the main data available in this field and information about other bio-effects of BP and BB, which support the conclusions, are provided. Additionally, a discussion about the research gaps will be presented to help further experiments that complete the tree main World Health Organization (WHO) Directives of Efficiency, Safety and Quality Control for these products.

Dietary intake of fatty acids and antioxidants in relation to radiographic knee osteoarthritis: results from a case-control study.

The present study aimed to investigate levels of nutrient intakes, including dietary antioxidant quality (DAQ) score, among Saudi females with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA). We also aimed to examine the relationship between nutrient intakes and knee OA severity. One hundred female participants with symptomatic primary knee OA were matched for age with 100 apparently healthy females and were sequentially recruited from the Orthopaedics Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia, in a case-control study design. Radiographic disease severity of OA was assessed by the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system. Symptomatic severity was evaluated according to the Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis scores. Dietary intake was assessed using a prevalidated food frequency questionnaire. The DAQ score was calculated considering the risk of an inadequate intake (<2/3 reference nutrient intake) for selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C and E. A higher intake of saturated fatty acids [15.4(0.3) as a mean (SD) percentage of energy supplied] and monounsaturated fatty acids [16.6(0.2) as a percentage of energy supplied] than the recommendations was evident among the study population. OA patients consume less antioxidants than non-OA subjects as determined by their DAQ score [8.41(0.1) versus 9.17(0.1), P<0.0001]. After adjusting for potential confounders, DAQ score, and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, most of the micronutrient intakes were found to be negatively associated with the prevalence of radiographic knee OA. Dietary antioxidants could be implicated in the development and progression of knee OA. Modifying dietary fatty acids may be one way of reducing the development and subsequent burden of knee OA.

Effect of addition of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage on the biological leavening, physical, nutritional, antioxidant and sensory aspects of bread

The addition of active compounds to enhance the functional properties of foods is a quite common practice. Recently, bread became one of the target foods to incorporate functional ingredients such as those deriving from Opuntia spp. So far, only Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes in powder has been tested. The addition of fresh O. ficus-indica mucilage (in substitution to water) did not influence the biological leavening of the doughs. The resulting breads showed a biological role of the cactus mucilage, because their antioxidant activity was higher than that of control wheat bread. The sensory analysis indicated a general appreciation of the breads enriched with O. ficus-indica mucilage by the judges. The inclusion of fresh cactus mucilage in bread production might increase the dietary antioxidant intake due to its daily worldwide consumption.

The relationship between dietary antioxidant intake and physical activity rate with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A case – Control study

Although dietary intakes, especially micronutrients, can be associated with the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), investigations on the amount of vitamins and antioxidants consumption and their relationship with NAFLD are very limited and incomplete. Therefore, we decided to investigate the relationship between antioxidant compounds intake and physical activity rate with NAFLD. In this study, 200 patients with NAFLD for the case group and 400 healthy subjects for the control group were selected. Patients were diagnosed as NAFLD after giving blood tests and performing Ultrasonography by a radiology specialist. Dietary intakes were evaluated through a validated 168-items semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Physical activity rate was estimated by a validated short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short IPAQ). The study population was between 20 and 60 years old and 46% of them were women. Weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, WHR, and BMI in the cases were higher than the controls. Physical activity comparisons showed that controls had higher physical activity rate than cases. Mean consumption of vitamins C, A, D and alpha-tocopherol in case group was less than the other group. After adjustment for all potential confounder, subjects who were in highest tertile of vitamin A intake -in comparison to those in the lowest tertile of intake-decreased risk of NAFLD (OR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.30-0.55). The same finding was obtained for vitamin D; [Top category vs. bottom category of vitamin D of intake (OR=0.35, 95%CI: 0.20-0.61)]. We found that more intakes of vitamins A and D are related to lower risk of NAFLD in this group of Iranian adults. Physical activity rate in cases was less than the controls. Further prospective studies are required to confirm causal association between antioxidant compounds intake and NAFLD.

Is the Intake of Antioxidants Associated With Risk of Coronary Artery Disease? A Jordanian Case-Control Study

This study aimed to determine whether the intake of antioxidants was a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. A total of 399 participants who underwent coronary angiography were included in the study, and patients with coronary artery disease (cases) were compared with patients with a normal coronary angiography (controls). Antioxidant consumption was higher in the control group than in the cases. Specifically, the controls had a higher consumption of foods rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and lycopene, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The findings of the study suggest a possible beneficial association between coronary artery disease and the intake of dietary antioxidants.