Dietary Supplement Intake Research Articles

Association Between Pre-diagnostic Dietary Supplements Intake and Ovarian Cancer Survival: Findings From a Prospective Cohort Study in Chinese Women.

Background: As a result of a limited number of studies and inconsistent findings, there remains uncertainty in whether pre-diagnostic dietary supplements intake affects survival after ovarian cancer (OC) diagnosis.Methods: The association between pre-diagnostic dietary supplements intake and all-cause OC mortality was examined in the OC follow-up study, which included a hospital-based cohort (n = 703) of Chinese women diagnosed with OC between 2015 and 2020. Pre-diagnostic dietary supplements information was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Deaths were ascertained up to March 31, 2021, via death registry linkage. Cox proportional hazards were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the aforementioned association.Results: A total of 130 women died during the median follow-up of 37.2 months (interquartile: 24.7–50.2 months). We found no evidence that any pre-diagnostic dietary supplements intake compared with never is associated with OC survival (HR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.47–1.18). Furthermore, our study suggested no association for ever supplements intakes of vitamin A (HR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.07–3.46), vitamin C (HR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.27–1.54), vitamin D (HR = 1.19, 95%CI: 0.28–5.03), vitamin E (HR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.06–3.87), multivitamin (HR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.14–1.67), calcium (HR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.53–1.72), and fish oil/DHA (HR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.04–2.37) with OC survival. Interestingly, we only found a detrimental effect of vitamin B supplementation intake (HR = 3.78, 95%CI: 1.33–0.69) on OC survival.Conclusions: We found no evidence that any pre-diagnostic dietary supplements intake is associated with OC survival. Considering lower exposure of dietary supplements before OC diagnosis in the present study, further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Comparison of the History of Food Intakes of Diabetic, Hypertension, and Heart Disease Patients with Clinical Symptoms of COVID-19 and Asymptomatic Controls

Background: In recent months, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a global health challenge. Nutrition is a determining factor for health. Objectives: In the present research, we assessed and compared dietary food groups and nutrient supplements intake of diabetic, hypertensive, and heart disease patients with clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and asymptomatic controls. Methods: This retrospective case-control research was conducted on 98 patients with diabetes, hypertension, and/or heart disease, of whom 37 cases were COVID-19 positive with clinical symptoms. Dietary intakes of participants were recorded using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), which was designed and validated for the Iranian population. Results: We found that 54% of all subjects had consumed nutritional supplements in the last six months, and there was no significant difference in the type of nutritional supplements between cases and controls. There was no significant difference in the median intake of food groups in the last year in patients with metabolic syndrome and clinical symptoms of COVID-19 compared to controls. The CRUD odds ratio (OR) showed that adequate consumption of any food group was not associated with the occurrence of COVID-19. Conclusions: Although dietary intake and nutritional supplements are effective in preventing clinical symptoms of COVID-19, up to now, adequate data are available for recommending these supplements above the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19.

Comparison of the History of Food Intakes of Diabetic, Hypertension, and Heart Disease Patients with Clinical Symptoms of COVID-19 and Asymptomatic Controls

Background: In recent months, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a global health challenge. Nutrition is a determining factor for health. Objectives: In the present research, we assessed and compared dietary food groups and nutrient supplements intake of diabetic, hypertensive, and heart disease patients with clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and asymptomatic controls. Methods: This retrospective case-control research was conducted on 98 patients with diabetes, hypertension, and/or heart disease, of whom 37 cases were COVID-19 positive with clinical symptoms. Dietary intakes of participants were recorded using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), which was designed and validated for the Iranian population. Results: We found that 54% of all subjects had consumed nutritional supplements in the last six months, and there was no significant difference in the type of nutritional supplements between cases and controls. There was no significant difference in the median intake of food groups in the last year in patients with metabolic syndrome and clinical symptoms of COVID-19 compared to controls. The CRUD odds ratio (OR) showed that adequate consumption of any food group was not associated with the occurrence of COVID-19. Conclusions: Although dietary intake and nutritional supplements are effective in preventing clinical symptoms of COVID-19, up to now, adequate data are available for recommending these supplements above the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19.

Pharmacological Approaches to Attenuate Inflammation and Obesity with Natural Products Formulations by Regulating the Associated Promoting Molecular Signaling Pathways.

Obesity is a public health problem characterized by increased body weight due to abnormal adipose tissue expansion. Bioactive compound consumption from the diet or intake of dietary supplements is one of the possible ways to control obesity. Natural products with adipogenesis-regulating potential act as obesity treatments. We evaluated the synergistic antiangiogenesis, antiadipogenic and antilipogenic efficacy of standardized rebaudioside A, sativoside, and theasaponin E1 formulations (RASE1) in vitro in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), 3T3-L1 preadipocytes respectively, and in vivo using a high-fat and carbohydrate diet-induced obesity mouse model. Orlistat was used as a positive control, while untreated cells and animals were normal controls (NCs). Adipose tissue, liver, and blood were analyzed after dissection. Extracted stevia compounds and green tea seed saponin E1 exhibited pronounced antiobesity effects when combined. RASE1 inhibited HUVEC proliferation and tube formation by suppressing VEGFR2, NF-κB, PIK3, and-catenin beta-1 expression levels. RASE1 inhibited 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation by downregulating adipogenesis- and lipogenesis-promoting genes. RASE1 oral administration reduced mouse body and body fat pad weight and blood cholesterol, TG, ALT, AST, glucose, insulin, and adipokine levels. RASE1 suppressed adipogenic and lipid metabolism gene expression in mouse adipose and liver tissues and enhanced AMP-activated protein kinase levels in liver and adipose tissues and in serum adiponectin. RASE1 suppressed the NF-κB pathway and proinflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in mice which involve inflammation and progression of obesity. The overall results indicate RASE1 is a potential therapeutic formulation and functional food for treating or preventing obesity and inflammation.

Vitamin D status and its influencing factors among pregnant women in Szeged, Hungary

Abstract Background During pregnancy vitamin D plays an important role in maternal and fetal immune regulation as well. The aim of our study was to evaluate vitamin D serum level and its influencing factors among pregnant women and their newborns. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed among women delivering at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2019. Altogether 301 women were included into the study, who filled the questionnaire one or two days after delivery. Data collection was based on a self-administered questionnaire, health documentation, and maternal serum and infant cord-blood vitamin D laboratory tests. Vitamin D intake was evaluated by dietary and vitamin D containing dietary supplement intake. Statistical analyses (descriptive statistics, chi square, Pearson's correlation, Kruskal-Wallis test) were performed with the IBM SPSS 26.0 program. The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Szeged (number: 4419). Written informed consent was obtained from each participant of the study. Results The average maternal age of the included women was 33.28 years. More than half of women did not eat sea fish during the pregnancy, 66.3% drank daily milk, 51.5% ate daily yoghurt, and 30.2% used daily margarine as a spread. During pregnancy 77.6% of included women took some kind of vitamin D containing dietary supplement with which their average daily vitamin-D supplementation was 17.19 microgram (SD = 22.45 microgram). The average serum vitamin D level was 52.81 nmol/L in mothers and 72.96 nmol/L in newborns' cord-blood. Only 12.1% of mothers, and 43.1% of their newborns reached the optimal (75 nmol/L) level. Conclusions Our results showed that dietary and supplementary vitamin-D intake are insufficient among pregnant women, and consequently vitamin D serum levels are also lower than the optimal among mothers and their newborns, consequently. Grant support: University of Szeged, Faculty of Medicine, Hetényi Géza Grant Key messages Low vitamin D level is a global public health issue. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is important to maintain the optimal vitamin D serum level.

Correlation analysis between Hypertension and Dietary Supplements intake in Koreans: Report Based on Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES)

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for preparing an appropriate and correct dietary supplement management program by examining the correlation between hypertension and dietary supplements intake. Methods/Statistical analysis: Using the 2019 KNHANES VIII-1 data, the prevalence of hypertension and the intake of dietary supplements for 2 weeks in the past year were statistically analyzed by age, sex, house income and education level. Findings: High blood pressure was the highest with ' Yes ' at 18.9%, and ' No ' at 1.0%. A person with a ‘yes’ of hypertension took dietary supplements for at least 2 weeks in the past year (58.6%). Improvements/Applications: Based on this study, we intend to use it as a guideline for follow-up studies on the High Blood Pressure and whether dietary supplements are consumed according to the guidelines of education on the recognition of the benefits and harms of diseases.

Use of Nutritional Supplements Among Gym Clubs Participants in Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Introduction: Using dietary supplements has gained interest amongst people who desire to enhance their body composition. However, there are scant published data regarding the use of nutritional supplements and gym users. This study is to assess the intake of nutritional and dietary supplements among gym members in Sulaymaniyah city, Iraqi Kurdistan.
 Methods: The results of this study are based on the responses of one hundred gym members (aged over 18 years) to a self-manage questionnaire.
 Results: Almost half of the sample reported taking nutritional supplements and hormones. Thirty percent of the participants were consuming different protein powders. Most dietary supplement users noticed some side effects. Supplement users should always consult their physicians and been under the supervision of professional trainers and medical practitioners. In this manner, dietary supplements should not cause any side effects such as hypertension, hepatic disturbance, kidney disorders, hepatic, kidney disturbance, and muscle pain. However, some people (gym participants) may experience allergies, upset stomach/abdominal pain, and frequent urination.
 Conclusion: The usage rate of fitness supplements is very high, and the users are not aware of the potential consequences or dangers of unsupervised practice or unprescribed products. Therefore, there is an immediate need to promote consumers’ awareness of this issue, and the latest scientific data must be provided to users and coaches concerning consuming supplements.

Melatonin and Phytomelatonin: Chemistry, Biosynthesis, Metabolism, Distribution and Bioactivity in Plants and Animals-An Overview.

Melatonin is a ubiquitous indolamine, largely investigated for its key role in the regulation of several physiological processes in both animals and plants. In the last century, it was reported that this molecule may be produced in high concentrations by several species belonging to the plant kingdom and stored in specialized tissues. In this review, the main information related to the chemistry of melatonin and its metabolism has been summarized. Furthermore, the biosynthetic pathway characteristics of animal and plant cells have been compared, and the main differences between the two systems highlighted. Additionally, in order to investigate the distribution of this indolamine in the plant kingdom, distribution cluster analysis was performed using a database composed by 47 previously published articles reporting the content of melatonin in different plant families, species and tissues. Finally, the potential pharmacological and biostimulant benefits derived from the administration of exogenous melatonin on animals or plants via the intake of dietary supplements or the application of biostimulant formulation have been largely discussed.

Assessment of Dietary Supplements Use among American University of Beirut Students: Prevalence, Knowledge, and Reasons for Supplementation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and type of supplements used among university students, level of knowledge in this respect, reasons to supplement their diet, and the sources for information about dietary supplements. A sample of 100 students at the American University of Beirut were surveyed through a questionnaire composed of 22 questions and divided into four sections: socio-demographic, anthropometric, dietary supplement (DS) knowledge, DS intake and reasons. Descriptive statistics were conducted to determine the frequency of respondents for each variable and appropriate statistical tests were used for associations according to variable type and data. A total of 100 participants were included in the study of which 49 (49.0%) were males and 51 (51.0%) were females. Sixty-eight participants were dietary supplement users, of which 27 (39.7%) were males and 41 (60.3%) were females. Supplementation reasons differed: 53 consumed supplements to improve energy and vitality, 22 to enhance cognitive performance, 22 to promote hair, skin and health, and 13 to prevent or treat cold. A significant association was observed between dietary supplements use and female gender (OR = 5.66, 95% CI: 1.60-20.10). No significance was found between consuming dietary supplements and smoking status, BMI, living conditions, medical condition, age, exercise, major, dietary knowledge, and side effects. More than half of the participants are dietary supplements users with females being more likely to use them. The main reason for both genders to resort to dietary supplement use is to improve their energy and vitality.

TEMPORARY REMOVAL: Dietary Supplement Intake and Factors Associated with Increased Use in Preadolescent Endurance Runners

The prevalence of dietary supplement intake among preadolescent endurance runners is currently unknown. Our aim was to describe use of dietary supplements, higher-risk supplements, and sport foods among preadolescent endurance athletes and identify associated characteristics of dietary supplement users in this population. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Participants were 2,113 preadolescent endurance runners (male: n= 1,255, female: n= 858; mean age ± standard deviation= 13.2 ± 0.9 years). Use of dietary supplements, higher-risk dietary supplements, and sport foods on 2 or more days per week during the past year. Mann-Whitney U tests, χ2 tests, univariate and multivariate analyses. Twenty-six percent (n= 551) of preadolescent runners used dietary supplements on 2 or more days per week during the past year; 1.3% (n= 27) reported taking higher-risk supplements. Compared with male runners, female runners reported higher use of 1 or more supplements (32.5% vs 21.7%; P < .001) and 4 or more supplements (4.0% vs 1.9%; P= 0.005), multivitamin/minerals (24.2% vs 14.4%; P < .001), vitamin D (12.4% vs 5.6%; P < .001), calcium (8.9% vs 4.8%; P < .001), iron (3.1 vs 1.1%; P < .001), probiotic supplements (8.2% vs 1.3%; P < .001), and diet pills (0.5% vs 0.0%; P= .02). Male runners reported higher use of creatine (1.3% vs 0.0%; P < .001) and sport foods, including protein bars and drinks (19.5% vs 8.4%; P < .001), energy bars (23.5% vs 9.7%; P < .001), and carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks (27.9% vs 13.3%; P < .001) than female runners. Factors independently associated with a higher likelihood for dietary supplement use included weight loss in the past year, female (vs male) gender, following a vegetarian diet, skipping meals, attempting to gain weight, and history of a running-related bone stress injury. More than one-quarter of preadolescent runners regularly consumed dietary supplements. Behaviors consistent with dietary restriction and history of bone stress injury were associated with higher likelihood for supplement use. Further work to understand supplement use patterns and potential value for nutrition education is advised to optimize health of preadolescent runners.

Liver and kidney function markers among gym users: the role of dietary supplement usage.

Dietary supplements have been increasingly used by gym users and are often consumed without the guidance of a health professional. Moreover, the indiscriminate supplements use can have adverse health effects, such as changes in liver and kidney function. The aim of this study was to verify the association between dietary supplements intake with alterations in the liver and kidney function among gym users. A cross-sectional study was conductedwith 594 gym users (mean age 37 (sd 14) years, 55·2 % women) from a city in southern Brazil. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the use of dietary supplements. The markers of the liver (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase) and renal (creatinine and urea) function were also evaluated on a subsample of the study population. Data were analysed by binary logistic regression, adjusted for sex, age and education. The prevalence of dietary supplement intake was 36·0 %. Individuals who intake dietary supplements showed a higher prevalence to present slight alterations in the AST enzyme and in the urea after adjustments for potential confounders. In conclusion, the use of dietary supplement was associated with slight alterations in AST enzyme and in the urea among gym users. These findings show the importance of using supplements correctly, especially with guidance from professionals trained to avoid possible risks to health.

IMPACTS OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND NUTRIENT-RICH FOOD FOR PREGNANT WOMEN ON BIRTH WEIGHT IN SUGH EL-CHMIS /ALKHOMS – LIBYA

This study aims to determine the prevalence of low birth weight in Sugh El-Chmis /Alkhoms -Libya and the associated factors with the low birth weight of the baby. A cross-sectional study was performed in Libya, in 2015 using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire on a stratified sample of 408 pregnant women. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out for statistical analysis. Out of a total of 408 respondents, the prevalence of low birth-weight baby was 23.5%. The most of participants were aged between 19-26 years old (49%). Dietary supplements (folic acid, iron, omega and vitamin A, D, E, S, M), natural fruits (apple, grape, watermelon, plum, figs, strawberry and peaches), all milk and dairy products (milk, cheese and yogurt), meat, fish, egg, legumes were significantly associated with baby weight (P ˂0.05) using bivariate analysis. Furthermore, other factors such as culture and lifestyle and popular diets such as breakfast time, additional meal, soft drink, stimulants, barley wheat brown bread and dates also closely associated with the low-birth weight of new-borns (P ˂0.05). The intake of dietary supplements and nutrient-rich food for pregnant women influenced on the birth weight in Sugh El-Chmis /Alkhoms- Libya. Therefore, awareness regarding intake of dietary supplements and nutrient-rich food is highly recommended.

Dietary intake and blood concentrations of folate and folic acid in relation to serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Folate may counteract the effects of environmental chemical exposures. This study aimed to explore the associations of dietary folate and folic acid intake with serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). METHODS: We included 505 children (aged 3-11), 345 adolescents (aged 12-19), and 1,458 adults (aged 20-80) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES), 2013 - 2014 cycle. Dietary intake of folate and folic acid in food and supplementation were evaluated by dietary recall in the last 24h and 30 days, respectively. Biomarker concentrations of folate and folic acid in serum and folate in red blood cells were also assessed. We examined serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). Multivariable regression models were used to assess change in log2-transformed PFAS concentrations in relation to dietary intake and folate and folic acid biomarkers, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS:Children’s dietary supplement intake of folic acid was negatively associated with PFOA, PFOS and PFNA concentrations (for example, PFNA: -13%; 95%CI: -29%, 0.07%). In adolescents, significant negative associations were found for folate in red blood cells and all four PFAS concentrations (for example, PFNA: -25%; 95%CI: -43%, -1%); total serum folate concentration and PFNA; and dietary intake of folate in food and PFOA and PFHxS concentrations. In adults, significant negative associations were found for dietary supplement intake of folic acid and serum concentrations of PFOA, PFOS and PFNA (PFNA: -10%; 95%CI: -18%, -2%); folate concentrations in red blood cells and all four PFAS concentrations; as well as serum folic acid and total folate concentrations and PFOA, PFOS and PFNA. CONCLUSIONS:Dietary intake and biomarkers of folate and folic acid were negatively associated with select PFAS concentrations in the U.S. population. These findings may have important implications for reducing PFAS body burden. KEYWORDS: PFAS, folate, folic acid, exposure reduction

Efficacy and Safety of Sesame Oil Cake Extract on Memory Function Improvement: A 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

The goal of treatment for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is to reduce the existing clinical symptoms, delay the progression of cognitive impairment and prevent the progression to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). At present, there is no effective drug therapy for AD treatment. However, early intake of dietary supplements may be effective in alleviating and delaying the MCI. This study aims to evaluate the effects of sesame oil cake extract (SOCE) supplementation on cognitive function in aged 60 years or older adults with memory impairment. A total of 70 subjects received either SOCE (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35) for 12 weeks based on random 1:1 assignment to these two groups. Cognitive function was evaluated by a computerized neurocognitive function test (CNT), and changes in the concentrations of plasma amyloid β (Aβ) proteins and urine 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine) were investigated before and after the experiment. Verbal learning test index items of the CNT improved markedly in the SOCE group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, plasma amyloid-β (1–40) and amyloid-β (1–42) levels in the SOCE group decreased significantly compared to that in the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in urine 8-OHdG between the two groups (p > 0.05). Collectively, intake of SOCE for 12 weeks appears to have a beneficial effect on the verbal memory abilities and plasma β-amyloid levels of older adults with memory impairment.

Risk score to stratify miscarriage risk levels in preconception women

Spontaneous miscarriage is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Even though some risk factors are well documented, there is a paucity of risk scoring tools during preconception. In the S-PRESTO cohort study, Asian women attempting to conceive, aged 18-45 years, were recruited. Multivariable logistic regression model coefficients were used to determine risk estimates for age, ethnicity, history of pregnancy loss, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake and dietary supplement intake; from these we derived a risk score ranging from 0 to 17. Miscarriage before 16 weeks of gestation, determined clinically or via ultrasound. Among 465 included women, 59 had miscarriages and 406 had pregnancy ≥ 16 weeks of gestation. Higher rates of miscarriage were observed at higher risk scores (5.3% at score ≤ 3, 17.0% at score 4–6, 40.0% at score 7–8 and 46.2% at score ≥ 9). Women with scores ≤ 3 were defined as low-risk level (< 10% miscarriage); scores 4–6 as intermediate-risk level (10% to < 40% miscarriage); scores ≥ 7 as high-risk level (≥ 40% miscarriage). The risk score yielded an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.67, 0.81; p < 0.001). This novel scoring tool allows women to self-evaluate their miscarriage risk level, which facilitates lifestyle changes to optimize modifiable risk factors in the preconception period and reduces risk of spontaneous miscarriage.

Dietary Supplement Intake, Folate and Vitamin B12 Status, and Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011–2014

ObjectivesCognitive decline is a major public health issue among older adults. Dietary supplement use is common among older adults, and a concern has been raised about high folic acid intake among those with vitamin B12 (vB12) deficiency and exacerbation of cognitive decline. We evaluated supplement intake and folate and vB12 concentrations among older adults with measured cognitive function. MethodsWe used NHANES 2011–2014 data on adults aged 60 + years (n = 3266) and estimated folic acid and vB12 intake from dietary supplements. We defined vB12 insufficiency as serum vB12 concentration ≤ 258 pmol/L and high folate concentrations as either serum folate ≥ 59 nmol/L or RBC folate ≥ 1609 nmol/L. Cognitive impairment was defined as a test score < 34 (< 25th percentile of the distribution) using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. We adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education, poverty income ratio (PIR), and creatinine/albumin ratio in our analysis. We performed statistical analyses using weighted procedures in SAS-SUDAAN. ResultsOlder adults with cognitive impairment compared to those without were more likely to have less than a high school education; elevated serum methylmalonic acid; lower PIR; or to be non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic. Adults with cognitive decline were also less likely to use folic acid (29.2%) and vB12 (34.3%) supplements compared to those without cognitive decline (43.1% and 46.7%, respectively). Among vB12 insufficient adults, 18.0% were taking a vB12 supplement. After adjustment, compared to persons with normal folate and normal vB12 concentrations, persons with high folate and normal vB12 concentrations had a lower odds of having cognitive (adjusted OR [aOR]: 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47, 0.85), and persons with high folate and insufficient vB12 concentrations had no significant difference in cognitive decline (aOR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.36, 2.14). Among those who had cognitive decline with high folate and insufficient vB12 concentrations, 34.3% used a vB12 supplement. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that contrary to previous reports having concurrent high folate and insufficient vB12 concentrations was not associated with cognitive impairment. Adults who reported taking vB12 supplements orally and continue to have low vB12 concentrations may have vB12 malabsorption issues. Funding SourcesNA- CDC.

Plasma GDF-15 concentration is not elevated in open-angle glaucoma.

AimRecently, the level of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in blood, was proposed as biomarker to detect mitochondrial dysfunction. In the current study, we evaluate this biomarker in open-angle glaucoma (OAG), as there is increasing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in the pathophysiology of this disease.MethodsPlasma GDF-15 concentrations were measured with ELISA in 200 OAG patients and 61 age-matched controls (cataract without glaucoma). The OAG patient group consisted of high tension glaucoma (HTG; n = 162) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG; n = 38). Groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test with Dunn’s multiple comparison post-hoc correction. GDF-15 concentration was corrected for confounders identified with forward linear regression models.ResultsBefore correcting for confounders, median plasma GDF-15 levels was significantly lower in the combined OAG group (p = 0.04), but not when analysing HTG and NTG patients separately. Forward linear regression analysis showed that age, gender, smoking and systemic hypertension were significant confounders affecting GDF-15 levels. After correction for these confounders, GDF-15 levels in OAG patients were no longer significantly different from controls. Subgroup analysis of the glaucoma patients did not show a correlation between disease severity and plasma GDF-15, but did reveal that for NTG patients, intake of dietary supplements, which potentially improve mitochondrial function, correlated with lower plasma GDF-15.ConclusionThe present study suggests that plasma GDF-15 is not suited as biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction in OAG patients.

Qualitative exploration of the factors influencing the use of dietary supplements in Iranian women: introduction to areas of focus for developing interventions

BackgroundLiterature shows that the consumption of Dietary Supplements (DS) is more common in Iran. This study aimed to explore the experiences of a sample of Iranian women regarding the factors influencing the use of DS. MethodsThis qualitative content analysis study was conducted in Qods city, Tehran province, Iran from January to March 2020. Forty-two semi-structured in-depth interviews were performed with women. The participants were asked about their experiences about the determinants of the consumption of DS. After the first round of the interviews was done, we performed content analysis of the data and continued up to data saturation. ResultsTwo main themes including personal factors (with 5 subthemes including sociodemographic characteristics, perceived benefits of DS, history of illness, physiological conditions, and lifestyle factors) and socio-economic factors (with 3 subthemes including subjective norms, the price of food and commercial considerations of the sectors involved in the production and sale of DS) emerged as the experiences of the participants as to the intake of DS. ConclusionsThese variables may suggest areas which need to be focused on for performing more effective interventions to affect appropriate consumption of DS in Iran.

Optimal Dosing Regimen of Osteoporosis Drugs in Relation to Food Intake as the Key for the Enhancement of the Treatment Effectiveness-A Concise Literature Review.

Bisphosphonates and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) represent the two most important groups of medications taken orally and employed in osteoporosis treatment. Effectiveness of the therapy may be affected by poor patient adherence, in particular, due to the inconvenient dosing regimen of oral bisphosphonates. With this review we aimed to assess the effects that food, beverages, and dietary supplements consumed during treatment, along with the dosing regimens, may have on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral drugs employed in treating osteoporosis; we also aimed to shape the recommendations valuable for professional patients’ counseling and education, to provide appropriate dosing regimens in order to improve adherence to the therapy. Food, beverages such as coffee, juices, and mineral water, as well as dietary supplements containing multivalent cations, e.g., calcium, magnesium, aluminium, iron, showed to have a deleterious effect on the bioavailability of all the investigated oral bisphosphonates, specifically alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, minodronate, and etidronate. For risedronate, a delayed-release (DR) tablet was designed to solve the malabsorption problem in the presence of food, hence DR risedronate can be ingested following breakfast. For other oral bisphosphonates, the proper interval between drug and food, beverages, and dietary supplements intake should be maintained to minimize the risk of interactions. The effect of food on pharmacokinetic parameters of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) was found to be clinically irrelevant.

Polish students’ knowledge of dietary supplements

BackgroundThe increasing intake of dietary supplements (DS) can be observed worldwide. These preparations are classified as a special category of foods and are subject to food law, not pharmaceutical regulations. As a result, the requirements for DS are much less restrictive than for medications.MethodologyThis research was conducted in a group of young Polish students of pharmacy at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice (SUM) and of finance and accounting at the University of Economics in Katowice (UE). The survey contained questions concerning DS, such as difference to drugs, scope of use, and safety.ResultsThe respondents answered questions about taking DS and the effects of their use. DS were used either currently or in the past by about 70% of the respondents, while about 30% of the surveyed population declared that they did not use these preparations. Women and UE students predominated among those not taking DS.ConclusionMulti-component products taken for a period of less than 3 months to supplement a deficit for a given component were used the most often. One product was taken at a time. The respondents read product information and followed the recommended doses. Over 50% of the studied population was aware of the negative effects of DS. Adverse symptoms of DS use were observed by 5% of the respondents.