Weight Loss Program Research Articles

Pressure Ulcers and Nutrients: From Established Evidence to Gaps in Knowledge.

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are caused by continuous pressure or friction on the skin that damages tissue, especially over bony prominences. A critical factor in the development and progression of PUs is poor nutritional status, which often involves deficiencies in essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins (A, C, D, E, K, and the B complex), and trace elements (including zinc, selenium, copper, iron, and manganese). These micronutrients are vital for effective wound healing, as they play significant roles in cellular repair, immune function, and tissue regeneration. Laboratory tests for serum albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, retinol-binding protein, and anthropometric measures like height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) are used to evaluate a patient's nutritional status. Screening tools such as the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), LPZ questionnaire, and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) are commonly employed. Emerging evidence from various studies, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials, underscores the importance of personalized nutritional interventions in managing PUs. Unlike generic dietary plans, tailored nutrition that addresses the specific needs of individuals shows greater potential in promoting wound healing and improving clinical outcomes. This synthesis of existing research highlights the critical influence of micronutrients on the healing process of PUs. It suggests that a personalized approach to nutrition, which takes into account individual patient requirements and deficiencies, is likely to be more effective than a one-size-fits- all strategy in the management of these complex wounds.

The Impact of Combined Cranberry Supplementation and Weight Loss Diet on Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Apoptosis Biomarkers in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of combined weight loss diet and cranberry supplementation on anthropometric measurements, inflammation and antioxidant biomarkers in patients with NAFLD. Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded, and controlled clinical trial, 41 NAFLD patients were supplemented with either cranberry or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. Both groups followed a diet of 500-1000 calories less than the estimated energy requirements. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), cytokeratin 18 M30 (CK-18 M30), chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured at both baseline and the end of the study. Results: Significant improvements in TAC were observed in the cranberry group and between the two groups (P=0.006 and P=0.011, respectively), but the changes in the placebo group were not significant (P=0.325). There were no statistically significant differences in the serum levels of MDA, CK-18 M30, CCL2 and TNF-α between the cranberry and the placebo groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: It seems that daily consumption of cranberry supplement would be beneficial in increasing serum levels of TAC. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cranberry on NAFLD.

Personalized Nutrition: Tailoring Diets Based on Genetic Profiles

Personalized nutrition represents a transformative approach in dietary science, utilizing genetic information to tailor dietary recommendations that enhance individual health outcomes. This field combines insights from nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics to understand how genetic variations influence nutrient metabolism, dietary preferences, and chronic disease susceptibility. By leveraging advancements in genetic testing methods, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and whole genome sequencing, healthcare professionals can offer customized dietary plans that align with an individual’s unique genetic profile. The implementation of these plans, while promising to improve health and wellness, faces challenges related to ethical considerations, accessibility, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. This paper discusses the role of genetics in nutritional needs, examines various genetic testing methods, outlines the practical implementation of personalized nutrition plans, and evaluates the benefits and challenges associated with this innovative dietary approach. Keywords: Personalized Nutrition, Nutrigenomics, Nutrigenetics, Genetic Testing, Dietary Recommendations.

The effect of the keto diet on lipid profile with type two diabetic patients

Introduction. In the developed world, among the main causes of disease and death is type 2 diabetes. It is a significant public health issue with rising prevalence, with more than 380 million patients estimated to be affected by 2025.Aim. To evaluate the effect of ketogenic diets on glycemic control in patients with type II DM in Kirkuk and Mosul provinces.Materials and methods. Patients with T2DM in both Mosul and Kirkuk cities were enrolled in this study to evaluate the effect of keto diet on HbA1c level and Lipid profile variations between 1/9/2022 to 1/4/2023.Results and discussion. This study shows that the distributions of patients according to age and gender there was about 43.3 % female and 56.7 % male and the age variations, female with age above 56 years old was 30 % while male 60.7 %. A significant p value was shown in HbA1C variations before and after keto diet (0.0001), also in lipid profile of a significant p value before and after keto diet (0.001) regarding total Glyceride a significant p value highly was (0.002). Due to the large particle size of LDL-C, it has been hypothesized that this elevation in LDL-C would not likely cause cardiovascular problems. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, the low-calorie-ketogenic VLCK diet (<50 g of carbohydrates per day) is a safe, well-tolerated, and recognized medical nutritional therapy option when used in conjunction with an interventional weight loss program that offers support for lifestyle and behavioral modification over a 4-month period.Conclusion. Diabetic and ketogenic diet there is a good clear relationship regarding the HbA1c and lipid profile. Further studies are required for larger numbers of patients and longer duration follow up.

Enhanced Absorption of Omega-3 Fatty Acids from a Novel Krill Oil-Derived Phospholipid Formulation Compared to Fish Oil Ethyl Esters: A Randomized, Two-Way Crossover Pharmacokinetic Study

BackgroundEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) offer many health benefits, yet the absorption from standard ethyl ester (EE) formulation requires concurrent intake of a fatty meal. This study aimed to evaluate the absorption of EPA and DHA from a novel omega-3 formulation, phospholipids + (PL+), which combines krill oil (KO) and EE, in comparison to a standard EE product under a low-fat dietary condition in healthy adults. MethodsIn this randomized, cross-over, single-dose study, the pharmacokinetic profiles of EPA and DHA from PL+ and EE product was assessed. Each products contained approximately 1200mg EPA+DHA. Participants consumed a single dose of the capsules under a low-fat diet regimen, with plasma samples collected at baseline and over a 72-hour period after dosing. Following a 14-day washout period, participants crossed over to the alternate treatment. Plasma concentrations of EPA, DHA, and combined EPA+DHA were analyzed. ResultsTwelve participants (six women and six men) were included, completed all study visits and were included in the analyses. The participants' mean age was 34.3 years (SD = 12.4), and the mean BMI was 22.6kg/m² (SD = 3.2). The baseline-corrected incremental area under the curve (iAUC0-12h) for combined EPA+DHA was significantly higher for PL+ (255.5 [SD = 81.4] μg/mL*h) compared to EE (34.2 [SD = 33.4] μg/mL*h; P < 0.001). The treatment ratio of iAUC0-12h for PL+ relative to EE was 10.5 (95% CI: 6.1 – 18.1; P < 0.001). Similar patterns were observed for iAUC0-24h and iAUC0-72h for combined EPA+DHA, as well as for EPA and DHA individually. Sensitivity analyses by adjusting the minimal difference on dose between products yielded consistent findings. ConclusionsThe results indicate that PL+ significantly enhances the absorption of EPA and DHA compared to standard EE in a low-fat dietary condition. These outcomes suggest that the absorption of EE formulations can be significantly improved through combination with krill oil, as evidenced by the performance of the PL+ formulation.

DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs in metabolic disorders: Epigenetic Roles of Nutrients, Dietary Patterns and Weight Loss Interventions for Precision Nutrition.

Dysregulation of epigenetic processes and abnormal epigenetic profiles are associated with various metabolic disorders. Nutrition, as an environmental factor, can induce epigenetic changes through both direct exposure and transgenerational inheritance, continuously altering gene expression and shaping the phenotype. Nutrients consumed through food or supplementation, such as vitamin B12, folate, vitamin B6, and choline, play a pivotal role in DNA methylation, a critical process for gene regulation. Additionally, there is mounting evidence that the expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) can be modulated by the intake of specific nutrients and natural compounds, thereby influencing processes involved in the onset and progression of metabolic diseases. Evidence suggests that dietary patterns, weight-loss interventions, nutrients and nutritional bioactive compounds can modulate the expression of various miRNAs and DNA methylation levels, contributing to development of metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, several studies have proposed that DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) expression could serve as biomarkers for the effects of weight-loss programs. Despite ongoing debate regarding the effects of nutrient supplementation on DNA methylation levels and the expression of ncRNAs, certain DNA methylation marks and ncRNA expressions might predict the risk of metabolic disorders and act as biomarkers for forecasting the success of therapies within the framework of precision medicine and nutrition. The role of DNA methylation and miRNA expression as potential mediators of the effects of weight loss underscores their potential as biomarkers for the outcomes of weight loss programs. This highlights the influence of dietary patterns and weight-loss interventions on the regulation of miRNA expression and DNA methylation levels, suggesting an interaction between these epigenetic factors and the body's response to weight loss.

Data-driven development and validation of a nutrient-based score to measure nutritional balance of meals in the Philippines

BackgroundThe goal of the present study was to design an easily computable score, based on nutrient composition data instead of food groups, to evaluate the nutritional quality and balance of meals, adapted to the nutritional recommendations for Filipino adults.MethodThe score was defined as a weighted average of 9 nutrient scores. Protein, total fat, saturated fat, free sugars were scored as % of energy; calcium, fiber, sodium, vitamin C, magnesium were scored based on the local dietary reference intakes. The scoring algorithm was an adaption of a score previously developed by the authors based on US data. In the present study, the score was applied to 69,923 meals reported by 31,218 adult Filipinos aged 20 to 59 in the 2018 edition of the Philippine Expanded National Nutrition Survey to evaluate its validity and compare against exemplary meals designed as part of 24 h diet plans that meet local dietary guidelines.ResultsMeals from these exemplary menu plans, developed by local nutrition experts, scored on average 72.2 ± 13.9 (mean ± standard deviation) while those of survey participants scored 46.1 ± 12.9. Meal scores were significantly associated with the density of positive micronutrients (e.g., Vit A, Vit C) and favourable food groups (e.g. fruits, whole grains) not directly included in the algorithm.ConclusionThe score, between 0 and 100, is a valid tool to assess the nutritional quality of meals consumed by the PH population, accounting for both shortfall and excess nutrients, adjusted for the energy content of the meal. If applied to consumer-facing applications, it could potentially help users to understand which meals are nutritionally balanced.

A 6-month Randomised Controlled Trial to Compare the Effectiveness of Telenutrition Versus Telenutrition Supported by Telemonitoring and Health Coaching in a Weight Loss Program: A Study Protocol.

One of the main challenges in weight loss programs is compliance with diet and achievement of sustainable changes in eating habits and lifestyles. Most clients desire to lose weight quickly, rather than looking at long-term changes. The literature suggests applying telenutrition, owing to its convenience and easy access in combination with both telemonitoring and health coaching, where confounding factors in the diet are tackled. A 6-month randomised controlled trial will be conducted to compare the effectiveness of Telenutrition Versus Telenutrition supported by weekly telemonitoring and monthly health coaching in a weight loss program. Participants are obese and overweight adults of both sex groups, aged 20-50 years who will be randomized to join a control or an intervention group. A total of three visits will be scheduled for all participants: at baseline, after three months, and after six months. This study aims to answer the question of whether participants following a weight loss program supported by telemonitoring and health coaching will increase their weight loss and compliance to the diet in comparison with the control group. This will be the first trial to assess the impact of integrating telemonitoring and health coaching in weight loss programs, including the evaluation of associated confounding factors such as general nutrition education, eating behaviour, Sensory modalities and hunger, and stress. This trial will support dietary weight loss programs, contribute to the emerging field of telenutrition, and provide advice for clinical dietitians and health coaches to work together to help individuals lose and maintain weight.

Mobile-Based Platform With a Low-Calorie Dietary Intervention Involving Prepackaged Food for Weight Loss for People With Overweight and Obesity in China: Half-Year Follow-Up Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Obesity is a rapidly increasing health problem in China, causing massive economic and health losses annually. Many techniques have emerged to help people with obesity better adhere to intervention programs and achieve their weight loss goals, including food replacement and internet-delivered weight loss consultations. Most studies on weight loss interventions mainly focused on the change in body weight or BMI; however, body fat, especially visceral fat mass, is considered the main pathogenic factor in obesity. In China, more reliable evidence is required on this topic. Moreover, it is unclear whether an integrated weight loss program combining food replacement products, mobile app-based platforms, and daily body composition monitoring using a wireless scale is useful and practical in China. In this 2-arm, parallel-designed, randomized study, we explored the effectiveness and safety of the Metawell (Weijian Technologies Inc) weight loss program in China, which combines prepackaged biscuits, a wireless scale, and a mobile app. Participants in the intervention group were guided to use food replacement products and a scale for weight loss and monitoring, whereas participants in the control group received printed material with a sample diet and face-to-face education on weight loss at enrollment. The intervention lasted for 3 months, and follow-up visits were conducted at months 3 and 6 after enrollment. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and quantitative computed tomography were used to assess body fat. A multilevel model for repeated measurements was used to compare differences between the 2 groups. In total, 220 patients were randomly assigned to intervention (n=110) and control (n=110) groups. Participants in the intervention group had significantly greater decreases in BMI, total body fat, visceral adipose area, and subcutaneous adipose area (all P<.001) than those in the control group. However, the rate of change in lean mass was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P=.62). Further, 35 participants in the intervention group reported adverse events. Constipation was the most frequently reported adverse event (11/110), followed by dizziness (6/110), hypoglycemia (4/110), fatigue (3/110), and gastritis (3/35). The Metawell program was effective for weight loss. After the intervention, participants in the intervention group lost more body weight and body fat while retaining muscle mass than those in the control group.

Effects of three different strains of Bacillus-based probiotics and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based prebiotic on performance, egg components and gene expression of laying hens during phase II of production

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of three strains of probiotics (Bacillus spp. (B.)) and one prebiotic based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall (SCCW) supplements on performance, egg quality and immune-related gene expression of laying hens. The experiment lasted 16 weeks (52–68 weeks), during which 450 Hisex white layers at 52 weeks were randomly allocated into five dietary regimens (five replications of 18 birds per floor pen): T1, basal diet; T2, basal + 0.5 g/kg B. subtilis (DSM17299); T3, basal + 0.5 g/kg B. subtilis (DSM 5750) and B. licheniformis (DSM 5749); T4, basal + 0.4 g/kg B. subtilis PB6; and T5, basal + 0.25 g/kg SCCW. The results showed that hen-day egg production (HDEP) improved in T4 and T5, egg mass (EM) improved in T3, T4 and T5, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved in T4 and T5 compared to T1 (p < .001). Relative wet and dry yolk weight were higher in hens received T2, T4 and T5 (p < .05) and T2, T3, T4 and T5 (p < .001), respectively, compared to T1. Moreover, T2, T4 and T5 had higher expression of GnRH-2 gene compared to T1 (p < .01). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of SCCW-based prebiotic (T5) and Bacillus spp. probiotic strains, especially T4 B. subtilis PB6 improved production performance, egg components and GnRH-II gene expression of laying hens during phase II of the production cycle and hold a great promise for boosting productivity and supporting health status of layers raised on AGPs-free diets.

A Review of Lifestyle Interventions in Weight Loss Programs for Community-Based Psychiatric Patients

Abstract Background Psychiatric patients face aggravated physical health issues and reduced life expectancy, primarily due to premature cardiovascular diseases. The intricate relationship between lifestyle factors, illness, and psychotropic medications contributes to this phenomenon. The focus of this research is to evaluate weight management interventions for individuals with Severe Mental Disorders through a comprehensive scoping review, focusing on diverse study designs, outcomes, and their clinical implications. Methods 20 studies were analyzed to understand the effectiveness of interventions and characteristics, such as duration, delivery, and professional involvement. Assessment criteria included weight modifications, BMI changes, and metabolic measures like blood pressure and lipid profiles. Results The total number of participants included in the 20 studies evaluated was 3886. All trials included individuals of all genders. The studies included patients with a weighted mean age of 44.37 (SD = 4.72) and a mean BMI of 34.7 kg/m2 (SD = 3.56). Varied interventions, mostly conducted in the US, showed promising weight reduction and cardiovascular risk management results among psychiatric patients. However, disparate methods used in the studies hindered the evaluation of outcomes. The studies which yielded more interesting results included Gaughran F. et al, 2017 who showed improvements in HDL cholesterol and metabolic indicators, (HR 0.085; 95% CI:0.007-0.16), and Bartels S. et al, 2015 who reported that 51% of participants achieved clinically significant reduction in overall cardiovascular risk. Conclusions Although interventions displayed potential benefits for beneficiaries, the lack of standardized protocols and non-uniform endpoints poses challenges in effectively addressing weight-related concerns in psychiatric patients. Clear guidelines and standardized assessments are necessary to implement psychiatric patients’ weight management interventions. Key messages • The health issues and reduced life expectancy of psychiatric patients is a major health burden. The mean BMI of 34.7 kg/m2, indicating a prevalence of Obese individuals needs to be addressed. • Psychotropic medications are associated with increase in weight. More effort in increasing awareness and including mandatory nutritional educational classes when prescribing these drugs is needed.

Association between wearable activity trackers usage and levels of physical activity among Athens Medical Society members

Abstract Introduction Wearable Activity Trackers (WAT) provide real-time feedback on activity levels and play a pivotal role in fostering an active lifestyle. Moreover, WAT can encourage doctors’ awareness to be more conscious of their daily physical activity whose exercise habits range between different medical specialties. Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of WAT usage on physicians’ exercise habits according to the recommendations of ESC Guidelines. Methods This cross-sectional study comprised 742 physicians of the Athens Medical Society (AMS), Greece. The study instrument was a self-administered questionnaire mailed in October 2023 to evaluate physicians’ usage of WAT, baseline characteristics of population, specialty, and physical exercise habits. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines recommend at least 150 min/week of moderate-intensity exercise in all healthy adults. Subjects were divided in two groups according to their usage of WAT or not in their everyday life: 1. Daily usage of WAT (Group A); 2. No regular or even on usage of WAT (Group B). Results A considerably high proportion of the total population use WAT daily (38%). Between Group A and Group B there was no difference in age (49±12 years vs. 51±13 years, p=0.07), male sex prevalence (55% vs. 49%, p=0.08) and BMI (25.7± 4.6 kg/m2 vs. 25.2± 4.1 kg/m2, p=0.11). Interestingly, there was statistically significant difference in mean exercise endurance training time between Group A and Group B (301±304 min. vs. 209±268 min., p&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure 1) and in the proportion of the doctors who follow the ESC Recommendations (63.5% vs. 47.2%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Furthermore, most of the physicians who use WAT have awareness for ESC Guidelines (59% vs. 47%, p&amp;lt;0.001), and most of them apply diet to lose weight (36% vs. 29%, p=0.04). Finally, WAT were mostly used by 4 main specialties: Cardiology (47%), Endocrinology (44%), Surgery (35%) and Internal Medicine (25%), with cardiologists reporting the higher use (p=0.045). Conclusion This study underscores the widespread adoption of WAT among physicians, highlighting their potential to positively influence exercise habits and adherence to ESC Guidelines. Physicians using WAT demonstrated increased exercise endurance training time, greater awareness of ESC Guidelines, and a higher propensity to implement weight loss diets compared to non-users. Additionally, variations in WAT usage and awareness of ESC Guidelines across medical specialties emphasize the need for targeted interventions to promote physical activity and enhance overall health among healthcare professionals.

Inhibition of ceramide de novo synthesis mitigates atherosclerosis

Abstract Background Atherosclerosis is the primary underlying cause of cardiovascular disease. Plasma ceramides are positively correlated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and serve as an alternative biomarker for cardiovascular disease. Importantly, ceramide levels are notably higher within atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, inhibiting the ceramide de novo synthesis pathway in the plaques may serve as a potential therapeutic intervention for atherosclerosis. Purpose We aim to assess the therapeutic efficacy of a nano-formulation of myriocin, a targeted inhibitor of serine-palmitoyl transferase, the key enzyme in ceramide de novo synthesis, in treating atherosclerosis. Methods Myriocin was encapsulated within the hydrophobic core of lipid-based nanoparticles specifically designed for this study. Male and female ApoE-/- mice, subjected to an 8-week high-fat diet regimen, received either myriocin nanoparticles (treatment group) or empty nanoparticles (control group) intravenously once a week for 4 weeks at a dose of 1.3 mg/kg body weight while still on the high-fat diet. At the study endpoint, whole aortas were harvested and subjected to Oil Red O staining to quantify the total lesion area. Histological staining was performed on serial sections of the aortic root to analyze the cellular composition within the plaques. Plasma samples were collected for total cholesterol measurement and lipidomic analysis. Results Upon intravenous administration, myriocin nanoparticles exhibited preferential accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques. Compared to control mice, those treated with myriocin nanoparticles exhibited a 58.7% reduction in total lesion area in male ApoE-/- mice and a 64.6% reduction in female ApoE-/- mice (p&amp;lt;0.0001). Consistently, the lesion areas in the aortic root were also reduced in the treated mice. Notably, myriocin nanoparticles enhanced collagen and alpha-smooth muscle content, while reducing macrophages and neutral lipids within the plaques, leading to a reduced plaque vulnerability index and preventing rupture events. TUNEL staining revealed reduced cellular apoptosis in the atherosclerotic plaques, resulting in a smaller necrotic area in the treated mice. In vitro experiments demonstrated that myriocin nanoparticles effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Furthermore, myriocin nanoparticles restored the gene expression of enzymes involved in the fatty acid beta-oxidation pathway, such as ACOX1 and CPT1A, in foam cells. Conclusion Using myriocin nanoparticles to inhibit excessive ceramide production due to inflammation reduces inflammation, and ROS production, while restoring fatty acid beta-oxidation in macrophages. This approach emerges as an effective strategy for targeting ceramide de novo synthesis within atherosclerotic plaques, thereby mitigating atherosclerosis progression and improving plaque stability.

Effect of DASH vs. Mediterranean diet on metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic profile in adults with high normal blood pressure or grade 1 hypertension: the DASH-MedDiet randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Lifestyle interventions are recommended as the first-line treatment to control metabolic syndrome components and improve cardiometabolic profile. However, studies directly comparing the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) vs. the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on metabolic syndrome prevalence and cardiometabolic risk factors are currently lacking. Purpose We aimed to assess the effects of a 3-month intensive dietary intervention implementing salt restriction either alone or on top of the DASH and MedDiet compared to no/ minimal intervention on metabolic syndrome prevalence and cardiometabolic profile in never drug-treated adults with high normal blood pressure (BP) or grade 1 hypertension. Methods We randomly assigned individuals to the control group (CG, n = 60), salt restriction group (SRG, n = 60), DASH diet with salt restriction group (DDG, n = 60), or MedDiet with salt restriction group (MDG, n = 60). All patients were followed monthly for 3 months in individual sessions coordinated by the clinical dietician. For the patients of all four study groups, the goal was to maintain the initial body weight unchanged. Patients in the CG received general advice on dietary principles for BP control. For the patients in all three intervention groups, the goal was to limit sodium intake to 2,000 mg/ day (equivalent to 5,0g salt/ day). In addition, patients in the DDG and the MDG received an individualized dietary plan with six daily sample menus to facilitate the adoption of the assigned dietary pattern. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake, office BP, and fasting blood samples were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Results According to the intention-to-treat analysis, at 3 months post-intervention, the DDG and the MDG had lower odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) of metabolic syndrome [0.29 (0.12, 0.72), and 0.15 (0.06, 0.41), respectively] compared to the CG. Moreover, the MDG had lower odds of elevated BP levels compared to both the DDG and the SRG [0.08 (0.03, 0.19), and 0.13 (0.05, 0.34), respectively], and lower odds of metabolic syndrome compared to the SRG [0.25 (0.09, 0.67)]. In addition, the DDG and the MDG had lower odds of elevated fasting glucose compared to both the CG and the SRG, whereas the study groups did not differ regarding the odds of elevated waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, and reduced HDL- cholesterol. Regarding cardiometabolic indices, total and LDL-cholesterol, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and systolic/ diastolic BP were reduced in all three intervention groups compared to the CG. Conclusions On a background of salt restriction, the MedDiet was superior in BP reduction, but the DASH and MedDiet reduced the prevalence of metabolic syndrome to the same extent.

A IMPORTÂNCIA DA EDUCAÇÃO PERMANENTE PARA OS AGENTES COMUNITÁRIOS DE SAÚDE NO ACOMPANHAMENTO DE PACIENTES COM SÍNDROME METABÓLICA

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a series of metabolic disorders or abnormalities that together are considered risk factors in the same individual for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. artery, with the dietary plan being the treatment of first choice. Community health agents play an important role in helping to promote health and prevent diseases through home care, in addition to creating links with the community, promoting humanization, acceptance and accountability. They also provide guidance to the population on the use of and access to health system services. They have great responsibility in educating patients, enhancing health care actions. Community health agents encounter difficulties in carrying out educational work, often caused by the community due to the culture of medicalization, in addition to there being people in the community without comorbidity repressing the capacity of health education to carry out prevention. Therefore, the importance of educational practices is undeniable, as from them society obtains sufficient information to opt for healthier choices and modify their risk behaviors, resulting in a reduction in cases of metabolic syndrome.

Study of the Nutritional Value of the Snail Achatina Achatina and Its Importance in Specific Dietary Regimes

Study of the Nutritional Value of the Snail Achatina Achatina and Its Importance in Specific Dietary Regimes

Metabolic Reprogramming via Ketogenic Diet: A Novel Approach to Combating Neurological Diseases

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by a persistent tendency for the brain to generate seizures, affecting approximately 0.5–1% of the global population. Despite advances in pharmacological treatments and surgical interventions, around 30% of individuals with epilepsy continue to experience seizures, leading to significant impacts on quality of life. Among these individuals, many suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), where seizures persist despite optimal drug therapy or surgical interventions.In recent years, the ketogenic diet (KD)—a high-fat, low-carbohydrate dietary regimen—has emerged as an effective non-pharmacological strategy for managing DRE. The KD works by inducing ketosis, a metabolic state where the body uses fat as the primary energy source instead of carbohydrates, which has been associated with neuroprotective effects and significant seizure reduction. Variants of the KD, such as the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) and Low Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT), offer less restrictive alternatives that have shown similar efficacy in reducing seizure frequency.This review explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the KD, evaluates its safety and tolerability across different age groups, and assesses its efficacy in treating epilepsy, particularly DRE. The findings underscore the potential of personalized dietary interventions to serve as effective adjunctive therapies in the management of epilepsy, offering new hope for individuals who do not respond to conventional treatments.

One Year Follow-Up Assessment of Impact of Rigorous Diet Regimen and Adequate C-PAP Therapy on Obese Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Retrospective Study

One Year Follow-Up Assessment of Impact of Rigorous Diet Regimen and Adequate C-PAP Therapy on Obese Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Retrospective Study

The effect of laboratory diet and feeding on growth parameters in juvenile zebrafish

Despite being one of the most used laboratory species in biomedical, behavioral and physiological research, the nutritional requirements of zebrafish (Danio rerio) are poorly understood, and no standardized laboratory diet exists. Diet and feeding regimen can substantially impact the welfare of the fish and, in turn, experimental reproducibility. Consequently, the establishment of a standardized diet and feeding protocol for laboratory zebrafish is imperative to enhance animal welfare, guarantee research reproducibility and advance the economic and environmental sustainability of laboratory dietary practices. Here the aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the parameters that need to be standardized in future nutritional studies to facilitate future meta-analyses for confirmation of an optimal juvenile diet for growth. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus to identify relevant studies published up to August 2023, and the studies were selected on the basis of the predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The databases yielded a total of 1,065 articles, of which 14 were included in this review. We conducted data extraction and risk-of-bias analysis in the included studies. Statistical comparisons for specific growth rate, weight gain (%) and length gain (%) parameters were performed to determine the optimal feed for enhanced juvenile growth. We identified significant heterogeneity and caveats to our findings owing to a lack of standardization of experimental conditions in nutritional studies. Our findings highlight an urgent need for research on zebrafish nutrition. Therefore, the standardized parameters we have reported here represent a critical starting point for studies.

Modulation of gut microbiome in response to the combination of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and sugars: a pilot study using host-free system reflecting impact on interpersonal microbiome.

The differential effects of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic formulations on human health are dictated by the inter-individual gut microbial profile. The effects of probiotics such as Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (ECN) on gut microbiota may vary according to the microbiome profiles of individuals and may be influenced by the presence of certain carbohydrates, which can impact microbial community structure and treatment results. Processed fecal samples from donors having contrasting lifestyles, dietary patterns, and disease histories were mixed with 5 × 106 CFU/mL ECN with or without 1% (w/v) sugars (glucose, galactose, or rice starch) in a host-free system. Post-incubation, 16 s rRNA sequencing was performed. Microbial diversity and taxonomic abundance were computed in relation to the probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic treatment effects and interpersonal microbiome variance. Baseline gut microbial profiles showed significant inter-individual variations. ECN treatment alone had a limited impact on the inter-personal gut microbial diversity and abundance. Prebiotics caused a substantial enrichment in Actinobacteria, but there were differences in the responses at the order and genus levels, with enrichment shown in Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, and Megasphaera. Subject B exhibited enrichment in Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria, but subject A showed more diversified taxonomic alterations as a consequence of the synbiotic treatments. Despite negligible difference in the α-diversity, probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic treatments independently resulted in distinct segregation in microbial communities at the β-diversity level. The core microbiota was altered only under prebiotic and synbiotic treatment. Significant correlations primarily for minor phyla were identified under prebiotic and synbiotic treatment. The interindividual microbiome composition strongly influences the effectiveness of personalized diet and treatment plans. The responsiveness to dietary strategies varies according to individual microbiome profiles influenced by health, diet, and lifestyle. Therefore, tailored approaches that consider individual microbiome compositions are crucial for maximizing gut health and treatment results.