Dietary Antioxidant Intake Research Articles

Effects of curcumin on cardiovascular risk factors in obese and overweight adolescent girls: a randomized clinical trial.

Obese adolescents are at higher risk of development of cardiovascular risk factors and obesity in later life. Dietary intake of antioxidants, particularly curcumin, as an active ingredient of turmeric extract, may have noticeable effects on obesity and its important complications such as cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of curcumin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors among overweight and obese female adolescents. Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial; Pediatric Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan, Iran. 60 adolescent girls (aged 13-18 years) were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or intervention. The adolescents were asked to consume one 500 mg tablet per day, containing either standardized 95% turmeric extract or placebo, and to undergo a weight maintenance or a mild weight loss diet for 10 weeks. Anthropometric and biochemical indices were assessed at the baseline and the end of the intervention. Curcumin supplementation had beneficial effects on body mass index (P = 0.019), waist circumference (P = 0.008), hip circumference (P = 0.030), high-density lipoprotein levels (P = 0.042) and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein ratio (P = 0.021). However, in univariate analysis of covariance, no significant differences were found between the intervention and placebo groups after 10 weeks of supplementation (P > 0.05). Prescription of curcumin supplementation along with use of a slight weight loss diet might have beneficial effects on some cardiovascular risk factors among overweight and obese female adolescents. Larger clinical trials with higher curcumin doses and longer duration are needed to confirm the results from the current study. IRCT20171107037302N1.

Intake of Nutrient and Non-Nutrient Dietary Antioxidants. Contribution of Macromolecular Antioxidant Polyphenols in an Elderly Mediterranean Population

The intake of antioxidants in the diet is a useful parameter to estimate the potential of diet to prevent chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress and ageing. The objective was to estimate the intake of nutrient and non-nutrient antioxidants associated with the dietary fiber matrix in a healthy and functionally independent population aged over 80, estimating the intake of antioxidant nutrients and including soluble low molecular weight and macromolecular polyphenols in the non-nutrient antioxidant group. Specific nutrients related to oxidative stress (copper, zinc, selenium, manganese, vitamins A, C and E) were ingested in optimal quantities according to reference values. Total intake of non-nutrient antioxidants was 2196 mg/person/day, and macromolecular polyphenols were found to be the main dietary antioxidants, contributing 71% to the total intake of phenolic compounds. The intake, metabolism and physiological effects of all nutrient and non-nutrient dietary antioxidants must therefore be taken into account when evaluating their health benefits.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity is positively associated with muscular strength in cirrhotic outpatients: a cross-sectional study.

Cirrhosis is the end-stage of progressive fibrosis, in which oxidative stress and inflammation-related pathways can modulate the cellular and tissue events involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Dietary intake of antioxidants has been suggested to protect against oxidative damage and related clinical complications. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association of the dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) with anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers, as well as the severity of the disease, in cirrhotic outpatients. Sixty-two outpatients (38 men and 24 women) with a mean (SD) age of 59.1(9.9)years were evaluated. Dietary TAC was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. Aetiology and severity of liver cirrhosis, lifestyle characteristics, occurrence of comorbidities and oedema, and anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers were all assessed. Cirrhotic outpatients with higher dTAC also had higher values of the hand-grip strength (P=0.029) and arm muscle area (P=0.027). After adjusting by sex, age, smoking and alcohol intake, the addition of 1mmolday-1 of dTAC contributed to increase 0.552kgf-1 in hand-grip strength (P<0.05). The addition of one mmolday-1 of dTAC contributed to an arm muscle area increase 0.565cm2 (P<0.05) on average. The dTAC was positively associated with hand-grip strength and arm muscle area in cirrhotic outpatients. The implications of the present study are important in clinical practice because a diet rich in antioxidants may be an ally in the control of excessive reactive oxygen species production in cirrhotic outpatients with repercussion on muscle mass and strength.

Dietary vitamin E and C intake is inversely associated with the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background & aimsAlthough antioxidants have a protective potential in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH), there is limited evidence regarding the role of dietary intake of antioxidants. The aim was to test the association between dietary vitamins E and C intake and NAFLD, NASH and fibrosis markers. MethodsCross-sectional study of a large cohort of subjects undergoing colonoscopy. The presence of NAFLD was evaluated by ultrasonography. The level of steatosis was defined using SteatoTest, moderate-severe NASH using new quantitative NashTest and borderline-significant fibrosis ≥ F1–F2 using FibroTest. Nutritional intake was measured by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). ResultsOverall, 789 subjects were included (52.6% men, age 58.83 ± 6.58 years), 714 had reliable FibroMax. Adjusting for BMI, dietary and lifestyle factors, the upper tertile of vitamin E intake/1000 Kcal was associated with lower odds of NASH (OR = 0.64, 0.43–0.94, P = 0.024). There was an inverse association between reaching the recommended vitamin E intake and NASH (OR = 0.48, 0.30–0.77, P = 0.002). The upper tertile of vitamin C intake/1000 Kcal was associated with lower odds of NAFLD and NASH (OR = 0.68, 0.47–0.99, P = 0.045; OR = 0.57, 0.38–0.84, P = 0.004, respectively). Both vitamins were related with the level of steatosis according to SteatoTest. ConclusionVitamin E and C intake may be protective from NAFLD-related liver damage.

Correlation between Dietary Antioxidant Intake and Sperm Parameters in Infertile Men with Oligozoospermia

Correlation between Dietary Antioxidant Intake and Sperm Parameters in Infertile Men with Oligozoospermia

The association between total antioxidant capacity and resting metabolic rate (RMR) / respiratory quotient (RQ) in overweight and obese woman

ObjectiveThe effect of total antioxidant capacity on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and respiratory quotient (RQ) of overweight and obese woman has been debated globally. Total Antioxidant Capacity may have an independent effect on resting metabolic rate and respiratory quotient. Methods and materialsA study population of 263 aged 18–50 years participated in this cross-sectional study from the communities of Tehran based on cluster sampling. Dietary intake assessed by using a semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) Demographic questions. Anthropometrics measurements for each participant were done. Dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) was calculated by the 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and FRAP assay. Resting metabolic rate and respiratory quotient was measured by Indirect calorimetry. ResultsThe mean DTAC of the study participants was 1251.8 (SD 893.60). There was a statistically significant relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and respiratory quotient (P > 0.013). People with high dietary total antioxidant capacity have tended to show a lower RQ than those with a lower one. There was a significant correlation between DTAC and RQ for both the adjusted model for age, total energy intake, BMI, physical activity, higher DTAC diet and the crude model which were (β = 0.011; SE = 0.005; CI = −0.021_0) and (β = −3.143E-6; SE = 0; CI = 0), respectively. However, we found no correlation between the DTAC and RMR/FFM-RES (P < 0.49). Also, a significantly higher relationship was demonstrated between dietary total antioxidant capacity and intake vegetables (P ≤ 0.006), fruits (P ≤ 0.009), white meet (P ≤ 0.03) and dairy products (P ≤ 0.005). ConclusionRQ is correlated with total antioxidant capacity. Increased intake of high DTAC foods may result in weight loss maintenance. This result may suggest a beneficial role of higher-DTAC diets in the prevention of obesity.

Association Between Intake of Antioxidant Vitamins and Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Among Korean Adults (P24-001-19)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the association between intake of antioxidant vitamins and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Korean adults. MethodsBased on the data from the 2013∼2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a total of 10,351 adults aged 19∼64 years were included. Presence of metabolic syndrome was determined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel Ⅲ criteria. Intakes of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E) were estimated by combining a 24-h dietary recall data with an antioxidant vitamin database for common Korean foods. We analyzed through the multiple logistic regression method to assess the association between dietary antioxidant vitamins and metabolic syndrome. ResultsMen in the highest tertile of vitamin C (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.58–0.95, p for trend = 0.0212) and vitamin E (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.60–0.96, p for trend = 0.0212) intakes showed a significantly lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome than those in the lowest tertiles. Women in the highest intake group of vitamin A had a lower OR for increased waist circumference (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.66–0.99, p for trend = 0.0618) than the lowest intake group. The OR for elevated triglycerides was lower among women in the highest tertile of vitamin C compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.61–0.93, p for trend = 0.0016). ConclusionsThese results suggest that the dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins might be associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Korean adults. Further prospective research is required to elucidate the association between dietary antioxidants intake and the incidence of metabolic syndrome and other chronic diseases. Funding SourcesThis research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT(NRF-2018R1A2B6007070). Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪

Flavin Oxidase-Induced ROS Generation Modulates PKC Biphasic Effect of Resveratrol on Endothelial Cell Survival.

Background: Dietary intake of natural antioxidants is thought to impart protection against oxidative-associated cardiovascular diseases. Despite many in vivo studies and clinical trials, this issue has not been conclusively resolved. Resveratrol (RES) is one of the most extensively studied dietary polyphenolic antioxidants. Paradoxically, we have previously demonstrated that high RES concentrations exert a pro-oxidant effect eventually elevating ROS levels leading to cell death. Here, we further elucidate the molecular determinants underpinning RES-induced oxidative cell death. Methods: Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the effect of increasing concentrations of RES on DNA synthesis and apoptosis was studied. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of cell survival or apoptosis genes, as well as protein kinase C (PKC) activity were determined. Results: While high concentrations of RES reduce PKC activity, inhibit DNA synthesis and induce apoptosis, low RES concentrations elicit an opposite effect. This biphasic concentration-dependent effect (BCDE) of RES on PKC activity is mirrored at the molecular level. Indeed, high RES concentrations upregulate the proapoptotic Bax, while downregulating the antiapoptotic Bcl-2, at both mRNA and protein levels. Similarly, high RES concentrations downregulate the cell cycle progression genes, c-myc, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and cyclin D1 protein levels, while low RES concentrations display an increasing trend. The BCDE of RES on PKC activity is abrogated by the ROS scavenger Tempol, indicating that this enzyme acts downstream of the RES-elicited ROS signaling. The RES-induced BCDE on HUVEC cell cycle machinery was also blunted by the flavin inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), implicating flavin oxidase-generated ROS as the mechanistic link in the cellular response to different RES concentrations. Finally, PKC inhibition abrogates the BCDE elicited by RES on both cell cycle progression and pro-apoptotic gene expression in HUVECs, mechanistically implicating PKC in the cellular response to different RES concentrations. Conclusions: Our results provide new molecular insight into the impact of RES on endothelial function/dysfunction, further confirming that obtaining an optimal benefit of RES is concentration-dependent. Importantly, the BCDE of RES could explain why other studies failed to establish the cardio-protective effects mediated by natural antioxidants, thus providing a guide for future investigation looking at cardio-protection by natural antioxidants.

Prospective Associations Between Dietary Antioxidant Intake and Frailty in Older Australian Men: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the prospective associations between antioxidant intake and incident frailty among older Australian men aged ≥75 years. Seven hundred and ninety-four men participated in a detailed diet history interview at the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP) study third wave (considered baseline nutrition here) and 781 men participated at the fourth wave (considered 3-year follow-up here). The main outcome measurement was incident frailty at 3-year follow-up, using the Cardiovascular Health Study definition. Dietary adequacy of antioxidant intake was assessed by comparing participants' median intakes of four dietary antioxidants (vitamin A, E, C, and zinc) to the nutrient reference values (NRVs). Attainment of the NRVs was incorporated into a dichotomized variable "poor" (meeting ≤2 antioxidants) or "good" (meeting ≥3 antioxidants) as the independent variable using the cut-point method. Also, intakes of each individual dietary antioxidant at baseline nutrition were categorized into quartiles. Analyses were performed using multinomial logistic regression. Incidence of pre-frailty was 53.0% and frailty was 6.4% at 3-year follow-up. Poor dietary antioxidant intake (meeting ≤2) at baseline nutrition was associated with incident frailty at 3-year follow-up in unadjusted (OR: 2.59 [95% CI: 1.47, 4.59, p = .001]) and adjusted (OR: 2.46 [95% CI: 1.10, 5.51, p = .03]) analyses. The lowest quartile of vitamin E intake (<7.08 mg/d) was significantly associated with incident frailty (OR: 2.46 [95% CI: 1.01, 6.00, p = .05]). Poor antioxidant intake, particularly vitamin E, is a plausible factor associated with incident frailty among older men. This supports the need for clinical trials of diets rich in antioxidants or possibly low-dose antioxidant supplements, for prevention of frailty.

Plasma Malondialdehyde and Risk of New-Onset Diabetes after Transplantation in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is a frequent complication in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Although oxidative stress has been associated with diabetes mellitus, data regarding NODAT are limited. We aimed to prospectively investigate the long-term association between the oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde (measured by high-performance liquid chromatography) and NODAT in an extensively phenotyped cohort of non-diabetic RTR with a functioning graft ≥1 year. We included 516 RTR (51 ± 13 years-old, 57% male). Median plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) was 2.55 (IQR, 1.92–3.66) µmol/L. During a median follow-up of 5.3 (IQR, 4.6–6.0) years, 56 (11%) RTR developed NODAT. In Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses, MDA was inversely associated with NODAT, independent of immunosuppressive therapy, transplant-specific covariates, lifestyle, inflammation, and metabolism parameters (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36–0.83 per 1-SD increase; p < 0.01). Dietary antioxidants intake (e.g., vitamin E, α-lipoic acid, and linoleic acid) were effect-modifiers of the association between MDA and NODAT, with particularly strong inverse associations within the subgroup of RTR with relatively higher dietary antioxidants intake. In conclusion, plasma MDA concentration is inversely and independently associated with long-term risk of NODAT in RTR. Our findings support a potential underrecognized role of oxidative stress in post-transplantation glucose homeostasis.

Association between dietary intake of some antioxidant micronutrients with some inflammatory and antioxidant markers in active Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. Antioxidants intake and body antioxidants status are important in patients with RA. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary intake of some antioxidant micronutrients with some inflammatory and antioxidant markers in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and comparison with Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, eighty-seven patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were included. Dietary antioxidants intake was measured using 24-hour recall questionnaire and food record (3 days). Blood levels of inflammatory and antioxidant markers were determined by laboratory tests. The association between intake of antioxidants with inflammatory and antioxidant markers, and also with RDA were determined using Paired-Samples t-test and Pearson correlation by SPSS software. Results: The findings showed that intakes of vitamin E, zinc, and magnesium in patients were significantly lower and intakes of copper and selenium were significantly higher than RDA (P<0.05). Significant negative correlations were observed between vitamin A intake with PGE2 [R=-0.31], vitamin C intake with IL-1β [R=-0.25], zinc intake with PGE2 [R=-0.30], IL-2 [R=-0.23], and the activity of glutathione reductase enzyme [R=-0.21], magnesium intake with PGE2 [R=-0.24], IL-1β [R=-0.23] and IL-2 [R=-0.25], and selenium intake with PGE2 [R=-0.21] (P<0.05). Also, significant positive correlations were observed between intakes of vitamin E and copper with catalase enzyme activity [R=0.22 and R=0.21 respectively] (P<0.05). Conclusion: Some of the antioxidant micronutrients play important roles in the reduction of inflammatory conditions and improve the function of antioxidant enzymes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity is inversely associated with depression, anxiety and some oxidative stress biomarkers in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPostmenopausal women are at higher risk of mental disorders. Oxidative stress has implication in the development of these disorders. Dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) has been proposed as a tool for assessing dietary antioxidants intake. The relationship between DTAC with depression, anxiety and stress has not been investigated in postmenopausal women. Thus, we aimed to assess the association between DTAC and depression, stress and anxiety as well as oxidative stress biomarkers.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out on 175 postmenopausal women. Data on dietary intake and mental health were collected by 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42), respectively. Dietary and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized-LDL, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. ANOVA test was applied to compare the mean of variables across the tertiles of DTAC. The relationship between DTAC and oxidative stress biomarkers was determined through ANCOVA method. Simple and multivariate linear regression tests were performed to measure the relationship between DTAC and mental health.ResultsSerum MDA level was significantly lower in the subjects at the highest tertiles of DTAC (P-value < 0.001). In addition, serum TAC level was significantly higher in subjects at the second tertile of DTAC (P-value = 0.04). DTAC was inversely and independently related to depression (β = − 0.16, P-value = 0.03) and anxiety scores (β = − 0.21, P-value = 0.007). There was no significant association between DTAC and stress score (β = − 0.10, P-value = 0.1).ConclusionAn inverse relationship was found between DTAC with depression, anxiety scores and some oxidative stress biomarkers in postmenopausal women. These findings indicate DTAC may be used for developing effective dietary measures for reducing depression and anxiety in these women.

Dietary and Biochemical Characteristics Associated with Normal-Weight Obesity.

Background: Inflammation and oxidative stress have been reported to be higher in subjects with normal weight obesity (NWO) syndrome [normal body mass index (BMI) (<25kg/m2) but excessive body fat (for women≥30% and for men≥20%) according to World Health Organization (WHO) definitions]; however, it is unclear whether this is due to inadequate dietary antioxidant intake or the pathophysiology of NWO. The aim of present study was to assess the association between dietary factors and body antioxidant status with NWO syndrome in male university students. Methods: This study was a case-control study carried out on ninety age-matched male university students [30 normal weights (NW), 30 NWO and 30 overweight-obese (OB)]. A validated food frequency questionnaire (98 items) and 3-day 24-h recalls were used for dietary assessment. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of diet and serum and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations were also measured. Results: Dietary intake of fruits (frequency factor (FF)=2.3 vs 2.9, p<0.05), legumes (FF=0.7 vs 1.3, p<0.01), nuts and seeds (FF=0.4 vs 0.8, p<0.05), beta-cryptoxanthin (p<0.05), lycopene (p<0.05) and serum TAC levels (p<0.01) were significantly lower in NWO compared to the NW group. No significant differences in these parameters were observed between NWO and OB group. A significant negative correlation was observed between serum TAC levels and BMI (r=-0.57, p<0.001) and body fat percent (r=-0.52, p<0.001). Conclusions: This study shows that NWO male subjects consume lower amounts of dietary antioxidants and share the same low body antioxidant status as obese individuals, although they appear lean.

Associations of macro and micronutrients and antioxidants intakes with preeclampsia: A case-control study in Jordanian pregnant women

Background and objectivesA study was conducted to evaluate whether preeclampsia in pregnant women is associated with dietary factors and antioxidant intake (vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, and selenium). Methods and resultsIn this case–control study, a group of 79 pregnant Jordanian women (36 preeclamptic pregnant women and 43 healthy pregnant women aged 18–45 years with a gestational age ≥20th week of pregnancy) were recruited from the obstetrics and gynecology clinics at Royal Medical Services, King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan. Information about socio-demographics, anthropometric measurements, biochemical measurements, nutritional intake, and dietary habits was collected through a structured interview. Three 24-hour dietary records were also made. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and dietary intake was analyzed using ESHA software. Prepregnancy BMI, age, multiple pregnancies, energy intake, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and sodium showed significant difference between preeclamptic pregnant women and healthy pregnant women. The odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) show that a strong association with preeclampsia exists for the intake of fat (OR = 6.40, 95% CI: 1.85–22.17) and saturated fat (OR = 3.35, 95% CI: 1.0–11.54). Inverse associations with preeclampsia were found for fruit intake (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.47–0.55) and olive oil intake (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05–0.78). ConclusionIn this case–control study in Jordanian pregnant women, preeclampsia was associated with a high intake of fat, saturated fat, and sodium and a low intake of fruits, fiber, vitamin C, B-carotene, and olive oil.

Dietary Antioxidant Intake in Relation to Semen Quality Parameters in Infertile Men: a Cross-Sectional Study.

The objective of this study was to assess the association between dietary antioxidant intake and semen quality parameters in infertile men. In this cross-sectional study, dietary antioxidant intake was evaluated in 175 infertile Iranian men by a validated dish-based 106-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Men were asked to abstain from ejaculation for at least 72 hours before sample collection. Semen parameters were assessed by a sperm counting chamber and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay methods. Linear quantile regression was used to determine the associations between antioxidant nutrient intake and semen quality parameters (including total sperm count, sperm density, total motility, DNA damage and DNA fragmentation). Mean age of study participants was 32.19 ± 2.34 years. Compared with the lowest quartile, men in the highest quartile of dietary β-carotene and vitamin C intake had lower sperm DNA fragmentation index (Ptrend = 0.042 and Ptrend = 0.03, respectively). Also, dietary intake of beta-cryptoxanthin had a positive association with sperm density (Ptrend = 0.02), and dietary lutein was associated with total sperm count (Ptrend = 0.045). Dietary intake of other antioxidants did not significantly correlate with the indicators related to the quantity and quality of sperm (p > 0.05). These data suggest that dietary intake of some of the antioxidants is associated with semen related parameters.

Relationship between Antioxidant Status and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children.

Background:Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders in childhood. In general, diagnoses of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recent studies have reported increased oxidative stress in psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, but the results are conflicting. This research aimed to study the relationship between antioxidant status and ADHD in children of 6–13 years old.Methods:From schools, 32 ADHD students whose diseases were diagnosed by child and adolescence psychiatrist based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV index were recruited; moreover, 32 healthy subjects, which according to the medical history questionnaire of psychiatric disorder had not had chronic disease, were selected. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and malondiadehyde (MDA) were measured. General information, health history, and medication history were collected. All participants completed a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Dietary intakes of antioxidants were obtained through this questionnaire.Results:There was no significant difference between mean of energy intake and Zn, Se, vitamin E, C, and β-carotene as antioxidants between the two groups. The mean of serum TAC, GSH level, and CAT level in the patients were significantly lower than the healthy group (P < 0.001), but the mean of MDA was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.18).Conclusions:The result of this study indicates that, in ADHD, the serum levels of GSH, CAT, and TAC decrease; the level of antioxidant in the serum has been compromised to fight oxidative stress. More perspective studies with large sample sizes are essential to confirm these findings.

Dietary Intake of Antioxidants in the Elderly People under Nursing Care: A Case-Control Study.

Background:Nutrient deficiency such as antioxidants is a common problem in the elderly; it can result in different diseases such as cancer. Accordingly, assessment of the dietary intake of antioxidants is necessary to design a specific plan for solving this problem.Methods:This case–control study was conducted on 152 old people (≥60 years) with and without nursing care in nursing care centers in Isfahan, Iran, in 2017. Nutritional assessment was performed by an expert nutritionist using semi-quantitative validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Nutrition IV software was used as food analyzer. Analysis of covariance and independent t-test were used for data analysis.Results:The mean age of the participants was 68.6 ± 4.9 and 68.9 ± 6.1 years in case and control groups, respectively, and the percentage of male/females in these groups was 46.3%/53.7% and 51.4%/48.6%, respectively. Dietary intake of energy, vitamin E, and selenium was significantly higher (P = 0.041; 0.007; 0.017) while beta-carotene intake was significantly lower in the elderly under nursing care than in the control (P = 0.002).Conclusions:The findings indicated that nursing care leads to improved intake of energy, vitamin E, and selenium, while diminished beta-carotene intake in the elderly. Intake of vitamin E, A, C, zinc, and selenium was high among elderly people with and without care, compared with the dietary reference intake. It seems that further studies are required to confirm these findings.

Role of diet-related factors in cerebral aneurysm formation and rupture

Cerebral aneurysms (CAs) are dilations of the wall of an artery in the brain filled with blood. The prevalence of unrupted CA in general population is estimated at approximately 3%. Ruptured aneurysms are the cause of 85% of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) cases. The formation of cerebral aneurysms results from various factors, including chronic inflammation, hemodynamic stress and vascular wall remodeling. Reactive oxygen species may induce the endothelial dysfunction possibly through the activation of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B, which is a key regulator of the proinflammatory genes. Hypertension may additionally increase the hemodynamic stress and activate the local renin-angiotensin system. The aim of this review was to assess the role of selected diet-related factors in the formation and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. It appears that inadequate intake of dietary antioxidants, hyperhomocysteinemia, hypertension (including incidental elevated blood pressure) and alcohol consumption may increase the risk of intracranial aneurysms. Individuals at high risk of CA formation and/or rupture should consume adequate amounts of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids), B vitamins (vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate), flavonoids and n-3 fatty acids, limit alcohol and caffeine consumption and regularly control their blood pressure. Vegetables, fruits, grains, pulses, nuts and fish, as well as herbs, spices and tea, should be the major components of the daily diet. Due to the synergistic effect of various dietary components on health, Mediterranean diet or Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, as they meet abovementioned requirements and have high anti-inflammatory potential, are thus recommended for the prevention of cerebral aneurysm formation and rupture.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity as a preventive factor against depression in climacteric women.

ABSTRACTDepression is characterized by physical or psychological distress and in many cases can lead to suicide.Objective:to assess the prevalence of depression and its possible relationship with dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and nutritional parameters in climacteric women participating in an extension university program in a Southern Brazilian city.Methods:data were obtained through questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Diet was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess the intensity of symptoms of depression.Results:DTAC of the population ranged from 435.60 to 4502.62 mg VCE/day. Among the most consumed antioxidant food/beverages, coffee ranked highest. Polyphenols were found to be directly linked to the antioxidant capacity of fresh foods (r=0.905; p=0.0001). Prevalence of depression in the population was 44%, and depressed women had lower intake levels of polyphenols (p=0.022; Cohen's d=0.80), and vitamin B6 (p=0.038; Cohen's d=0.65), vitamin A (p=0.044; Cohen's d =0.63), and vitamin C (p=0.050; Cohen's d =0.61). There was a significant negative correlation between BDI scores and polyphenol intake (r=-0.700; p=0.002).Conclusion:these results may contribute to a better understanding of the recommended dietary antioxidant intake as an adjuvant for preventing depression in women.

The Potential Role of Dietary Antioxidant Capacity in Preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disorder among people aged ≥50 years. Some dietary factors associated with the susceptibility to AMD include dietary glycemic index and glycemic load, as well as intake of antioxidants and other nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fatty acids.Methods: This case-control study was conducted between July 2015 and February 2016 on 100 case subjects with AMD and 100 healthy controls without AMD. The participants were recruited from the Department of Ophthalmology of Hacettepe University Hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. Dietary intake was estimated from a 3-day food intake record and food frequency questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. The relationship between nutritional factors and AMD was assessed using logistic regression.Results: Dietary total antioxidant intake of AMD group was found to be lower (p < 0.05) than that of healthy individuals. In a multivariate analysis, smoking, daily red meat intake, omega-6 intake, and higher glycemic index were identified as risk factors for AMD development. Meanwhile, daily fruit intake, daily fish intake, omega-3 intake, and zinc intake were associated with a protective effect. However, no difference was found in dietary total antioxidant capacity.Conclusions: In this study, a high dietary intake of carotenoids, vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3, as well as maintaining optimal waist circumference, were found to substantially reduce the risk of developing AMD in people aged >50 years. By contrast, in addition to smoking and old age, obesity, high red meat intake, and omega-6 intake might increase the risk of developing AMD. Therefore, a better understanding of nutritional risk factors is necessary for preventing AMD.