Free Vitamin Research Articles

The impact of vitamin D level on serum lipids in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Vitamin D is considered an important regulator of many metabolic processes in the body. Its deficiency was reported to associate with many pathological conditions, with contradicting reports on its role in dyslipidemia. Objectives: To evaluate the role of vitamin D (total and/or free) in improving dyslipidemia of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Sixty-four patients with T2DM, and 73 apparently healthy normal subjects were enrolled in the study from March to October 2020. Their fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c, and serum lipids (cholesterol, its fractions and triglycerides) were measured in addition to total and free vitamin D. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between total vitamin D and each of cholesterol and LDL-C in the diabetic group. The correlations between serum vitamin D and all other lipid parameters (HDL-C, VLDL-C and triglycerides) were non-significant in the diabetic group, while in the control groups none of serum lipids showed significant correlations with vitamin D. Conclusions: The significant negative association of vitamin D with total cholesterol and LDLC in the diabetics reveals the important action of vitamin D in reducing the atherogenic indices, and consequent reduction in the rate of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease or stroke.

Is Bioavailable Vitamin D Better Than Total Vitamin D to Evaluate Vitamin D Status in Obese Children?

Objective:Free hormones are biologically more active in target tissues. Thus, measurement of vitamin D taking into account bioavailability and free vitamin D may be preferable, especially when evidence is contradictory, as in obese children. In order to assess bioavailablity and free vitamin D, using a previously reported formula, vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) level was measured and VDBP polymorphisms were also evaluated because of variations in binding affinity.Methods:Eighty-four obese and 78 healthy children were included. Anthropometry, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline-phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], bioavailable-free vitamin D, and VDBP concentration and polymorphism were evaluated in the whole group.Results:Obese girls had significantly higher PTH than normal weight girls (p=0.001). Regardless of gender, obese children had significantly higher concentrations of VDBP (p=0.008) and PTH (p=0.002). When samples taken in winter were analyzed, PTH and VDBP were found to be higher and bioavailable and free vitamin D lower in the obese group. There was no difference in terms of total vitamin D between groups during the winter season.Conclusion:While total, free, and bioavailable vitamin D in the obese group was similar to the control group in autumn, free and bioavailable vitamin D in the winter was lower in the obese than the control group. In addition, PTH was higher in the obese group in both autumn and winter. Therefore, more research is needed to evaluate the variability of free and bioavailable vitamin D according to body habitus, season and the effect any differences may have.

Prospects of studying and using Saussurea elegans Ledeb. in the foothills of the Zhetysu Alatau

The conservation and rational use of plant resources combined with global warming and other environmental stresses and human activities can lead to the rapid destruction of existing ecosystems, especially in arid regions, which include most of the territory of Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan's Second National Communication, 2009). The article represents the results of studies of a promising medicinal plant Saussurea elegans Ledeb including of phytochemical research, the compositional analysis of the main groups of biologically active substances. The quantitative content of S.elegans was determined such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, extractives, free organic acids, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin C, and groups of 15-component fatty acid. Additionally, ethnobotanical studies have shown the purpose of this plant usage (forage, ornamental, etc.) by geobotanical, floristic, ethnobotanical, resource, physico-chemical methods. The resource data of S. elegans are presented in three gorges (the Krutoe tract, the right bank of the Terekti River valley (Topolevka), the Karasyryk Gorge) of the Zhetysu Alatau. elegans is practical interest for introduction into medical practice as a source of biologically active substances. At the moment, the anthropogenic load on the S. elegans site leads to their gradual reduction (haymaking, fires, plowing the land for agricultural purposes), or causes a succession of phytocenosis. A detailed literature overview shows the distribution and resources together with chemical composition of the S. elegans have not been properly studied in the Zhetysu Alatau. Keywords Saussurea elegans Ledeb, Asteraceae Dumort., flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharides, vitamins, resources.

유색 파프리카의 영양성분

This study was conducted to examine the nutritional components of three different colored varieties of paprika―the red, the orange, and the yellow. Their nutritional value was investigated based on the approximate composition of free sugar, organic acid, free amino acid, fatty acids, vitamins, and mineral content. All 3 paprika varieties were rich in the free sugars―fructose and glucose, with red paprika (RP) having the highest sugar content. Amongst organic acids, the succinic acid content in RP was 3.6–5.3 times higher than orange paprika (OR) and yellow paprika (YP). Aspartic acid and glutamic acid were highest among the major free amino acids in all the paprika varieties, with the lowest content in the RP. Altogether, 6 saturated fatty acids and 4 unsaturated fatty acids were detected; the former were highest in the RP while the latter were highest in the OR and the YP varieties. YP and RP contained significantly higher content of vitamin C and vitamin E respectively, in comparison to OR. The colored paprika were rich in the following minerals, with significantly high content in the YP: potassium>phosphorus>magnesium. In conclusion, the findings indicate a difference in the nutritional composition of the colored varieties of paprika that can potentially be used as an index affecting the consumer consumption.

Directly measured free and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in relation to metabolic health in multi-ethnic postmenopausal females in Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundMeasurement of free 25-hydroyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status has been suggested as a more representative marker of vitamin D status than that of total 25(OH)D. Previously, free 25(OH)D could only be calculated indirectly; however, a newly developed direct assay for the measurement of free 25(OH)D is now available. The aim of this study therefore was to investigate directly measured total and free vitamin D levels association with metabolic health in postmenopausal healthy women living in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA sample of 302 postmenopausal women aged ≥50 years (n = 302) living in Saudi Arabia were recruited in a cross-sectional study design. Blood samples were collected from subjects for measurement of serum levels of total 25(OH)D, directly measured free 25(OH)D, metabolic bone parameters, lipid profile, and other biochemical tests.ResultsA positive correlation was found between directly measured free and total 25(OH)D (r = 0.64, P< 0.0001). Total but not free 25(OH)D showed significant association with serum intact parathyroid hormone (P = 0.004), whilst free 25(OH)D but not total 25(OH)D showed a significant association with total cholesterol and LDL-C (P = 0.032 and P = 0.045, respectively).ConclusionsFree 25(OH)D and total 25(OH)D were found to be consistently correlated but with different associations to metabolic health parameters. Further research is needed to determine which marker of vitamin D status would be the most appropriate in population studies.

Vitamin E Delivery Systems Increase Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Red Deer Sperm Cells: Hydrogel and Nanoemulsion Carriers.

Oxidative stress has become a major concern in the field of spermatology, and one of the possible solutions to this acute problem would be the use of antioxidant protection; however, more studies are required in this field, as highly contradictory results regarding the addition of antioxidants have been obtained. Vitamin E is a powerful biological antioxidant, but its low stability and high hydrophobicity limit its application in spermatology, making the use of organic solvents necessary, which renders spermatozoa practically motionless. Keeping this in mind, we propose the use of hydrogels (HVEs) and nanoemulsions (NVEs), alone or in combination, as carriers for the controlled release of vitamin E, thus, improving its solubility and stability and preventing oxidative stress in sperm cells. Cryopreserved sperm from six stags was thawed and extended to 30 × 106 sperm/mL in Bovine Gamete Medium (BGM). Once aliquoted, the samples were incubated as follows: control, free vitamin E (1 mM), NVEs (9 mM), HVEs (1 mM), and the combination of HVEs and NVEs (H + N), with or without induced oxidative stress (100 µM Fe2+/ascorbate). The different treatments were analyzed after 0, 2, 5, and 24 h of incubation at 37 °C. Motility (CASA®), viability (YO-PRO-1/IP), mitochondrial membrane potential (Mitotracker Deep Red 633), lipid peroxidation (C11 BODIPY 581/591), intracellular reactive oxygen species production (CM-H2DCFDA), and DNA status (SCSA®) were assessed. Our results show that the deleterious effects of exogenous oxidative stress were prevented by the vitamin E-loaded carriers proposed, while the kinematic sperm parameters (p ˂ 0.05) and sperm viability were always preserved. Moreover, the vitamin E formulations maintained and preserved mitochondrial activity, prevented sperm lipid peroxidation, and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (p ˂ 0.05) under oxidative stress conditions. Vitamin E formulations were significantly different as regards the free vitamin E samples (p < 0.001), whose sperm kinematic parameters drastically decreased. This is the first time that vitamin E has been formulated as hydrogels. This new formulation could be highly relevant for sperm physiology preservation, signifying an excellent approach against sperm oxidative damage.

Uji Aktivitas Antioksidan Ekstrak Buah Kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) Menggunakan 1,1-Difenil-2-Pikrilhidrazil

Kersen, also known as Muntingia calabura L. is a fruit with numerous health benefits that can be ingested instead of medication. The goal of this study was to see how effective the extract Muntingia calabura L. was as an antioxidant. This study used DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) as a source of free radicals and vitamin C as a positive control to measure antioxidant activity. A UV-VIS spectrophotometer was used to determine the antioxidant activity of Muntingia calabura L. extract. The fruit powder of Muntingia calabura L. was extracted using the maceration process using ethanol as a solvent. The antioxidant activity of the extract was next examined at various concnetration of 20, 40, 60, and 80 ppm. Muntingia calabura L. extract had a strong antioxidant power with an IC50 value of 69.662 ppm, while vitamin C had also a strong antioxidant power with an IC50 value of 79.615 ppm, according to the findings. Muntingia calabura L. fruit extract is a good source of natural antioxidants, according to the IC50 value, because it has a high antioxidant activity value.

Genome-wide association study and population structure analysis of seed-bound amino acids and total protein in watermelon.

BackgroundWatermelon seeds are a powerhouse of value-added traits such as proteins, free amino acids, vitamins, and essential minerals, offering a paleo-friendly dietary option. Despite the availability of substantial genetic variation, there is no sufficient information on the natural variation in seed-bound amino acids or proteins across the watermelon germplasm. This study aimed to analyze the natural variation in watermelon seed amino acids and total protein and explore underpinning genetic loci by genome-wide association study (GWAS).MethodsThe study evaluated the distribution of seed-bound free amino acids and total protein in 211 watermelon accessions of Citrullus spp, including 154 of Citrullus lanatus, 54 of Citrullus mucosospermus (egusi) and three of Citrullus amarus. We used the GWAS approach to associate seed phenotypes with 11,456 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated by genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS).ResultsOur results demonstrate a significant natural variation in different free amino acids and total protein content across accessions and geographic regions. The accessions with high protein content and proportion of essential amino acids warrant its use for value-added benefits in the food and feed industries via biofortification. The GWAS analysis identified 188 SNPs coinciding with 167 candidate genes associated with watermelon seed-bound amino acids and total protein. Clustering of SNPs associated with individual amino acids found by principal component analysis was independent of the speciation or cultivar groups and was not selected during the domestication of sweet watermelon. The identified candidate genes were involved in metabolic pathways associated with amino acid metabolism, such as Argininosuccinate synthase, explaining 7% of the variation in arginine content, which validate their functional relevance and potential for marker-assisted analysis selection. This study provides a platform for exploring potential gene loci involved in seed-bound amino acids metabolism, useful in genetic analysis and development of watermelon varieties with superior seed nutritional values.

A Review on Protective Action of Herbal Drugs Against Fall-Off Libido Due to Chronic Use of Β-Blockers(Propranolol)

From the ancient times human have always tried to correct the sex related problems from various herbal medicinal plants and their extracts with various dosage forms. The history of sex therapy is very old and herbal drugs have been the great reliever as the sex therapy from the evolution of human. Instead of the current scenario with the synthetic compounds the herbal drugs are far more safe and comparatively effective without any serious side effects. Antihypertensives such as β-blockers can cause the side effects which are responsible for the diminished quality of life. The chronic use of such drugs can be more fatal in some cases than their actual gain. Several sexual problems can occur such as erectile dysfunction , loss of libido, ejaculation disorders etc. The phytochemicals found in the plants which are having aphrodisiac properties shows sildenafil like effect on human body without the side effects of synthetic compound. The pharmaceutically active compounds found in natural aphrodisiacs such as flavonoids , saponins, free amino acids and vitamins are known to be libido enhancer and hence useful in treating sexual disorders. The natural aphrodisiacs can be derived from any source including medicinal plants , vegetables, flowers ,roots or fruits and their pharmacological potential varies as per the part of the plant used. The target of this review article is to deliver information about medicinal plants for the protective action against fall-off libido due to chronic use of β-blockers and to investigate for further secondary phytochemicals for aphrodisiac potential.

Comparison of nutritional compositions of foxtail millet from the different cultivation regions by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS based metabolomics approach.

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv) is cultivated throughout most parts of Shanxi province. Although quite a number of reports have been conducted on the bioactivities of foxtail millet, little information was available on the metabolite differences of the foxtail millet seeds from different cultivation regions. In this study, a systematic study on the metabolite composition of the foxtail millet seed from Shanxi province was conducted by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry, and 158 compounds were characterized through analysis of mass fragmentation patterns and comparison with the data in the databases and literatures. Then the metabolomic analysis, in combination with heatmap and hierarchical clustering analysis revealed the significant differences between the foxtail millet from northern and southern Shanxi province, which was ascribed to 20 differential metabolites. Then metabolic pathway analysis was performed based on these differential metabolites, and three metabolic pathways were selected as the key contributors. The results showed that foxtail millet from different cultivation regions showed obvious metabolite differences, which was probably related to environmental factors. In addition, the findings also provide an important reference for further research on the functional food development from foxtail millet. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv) as a staple food among the majority of people, is rich in bioactive nutrients, including free fatty acids, triglycerides, cellulose, protein, vitamins, and polyphenol, et al. The metabolite composition of the foxtail millet seed was investigated systematically and the results showed that the climate conditions can directly affect the metabolite composition of foxtail millets, and provided important reference for the further research on the resource utilization and functional food development from foxtail millet.

Chemical Ingredients of Fresh and Dry Wild Mushrooms from Bosnia and Herzegovina

&lt;p&gt;Many species of wild mushrooms are used as a delicacy in the diet, but data on their nutritional value and the effects of their storage on nutritional values are rare. The aim of this study was to determine the content of Free Amino Acids (FAAs), total carbohydrates, vitamin C, and total anthocyanins in six wild mushroom species collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Results showed that the drying of mushrooms does not have much influence on the presence of essential and non-essential amino acids. Mushrooms are an excellent source of amino acids whether they are fresh or dry. The total carbohydrate content varied between 12.25-62.75 mg g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; for fresh mushroom extracts and 40.98-167.24 mg g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; for dry mushroom extracts. The total carbohydrate content in dry mushrooms is significantly higher than in extracts of fresh mushrooms. The vitamin C content of mushrooms varied between 0.02-1.95 mg g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; for fresh mushrooms and 0.0-0.63 mg g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; for dry mushrooms. A lower vitamin C content was found in dry mushrooms, which can be affected by the method of drying mushrooms. The total anthocyanins content varied between 0.39-0.66 mg CGE mL&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; for fresh mushroom extracts and 0.10-0.19 mg CGE mL&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; for dry mushroom extracts. Lower total anthocyanins content was found in dry mushroom extracts, probably due to the destruction of anthocyanins by drying. Our research shows that selected wild edible mushrooms, fresh and dry, have considerable nutritional potential. However, further research is needed on both other nutrients and anti-nutrients in these mushrooms to support their nutritional dominance.&lt;/p&gt;

Vitamin D Incorporation in Foods: Formulation Strategies, Stability, and Bioaccessibility as Affected by the Food Matrix.

Inadequate intake of vitamin D is a global health issue related to severe diseases, mainly involving subjects with dark skin pigmentation, patients affected by malnutrition, malabsorption syndromes, or obesity, and elderly people. Some foods fortified with vitamin D have been tested in vivo, but fortification strategies with a global outreach are still lacking. This review is focused on food fortification with vitamin D, with the aim to collect information on (a) formulation strategies; (b) stability during processing and storage; and (c) in vitro bioaccessibility. Approaches to add vitamin D to various foods were analyzed, including the use of free vitamin D, vitamin D loaded in simple and double nanoemulsions, liposomes, casein micelles, and protein nanocapsules. Numerous studies were reviewed to elucidate the impact of food technologies on vitamin D’s stability, and mechanisms that lead to degradation were identified—namely, acid-catalyzed isomerization, radical-induced oxidation, and photo-oxidation. There is, however, a lack of kinetic data that allow for the prediction of vitamin D’s stability under industrial processing conditions. The roles that lipids, proteins, fibers, and antioxidants play in vitamin bioaccessibility have been clarified in various studies, while future needs include the design of specific food matrices that simultaneously achieve a balance between the long-term stability, bioaccessibility and, ultimately, in vivo functionality of vitamin D.

Total and free vitamin D metabolites in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

To evaluate total and free vitamin D metabolites and hormone-to-prohormone [1,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D] "activation ratio" in PHPT patients with low or insufficient vitamin D status. Thirty female patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and 30 age and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of calcium, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), vitamin D binding protein (DBP), albumin, total 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were measured. The activation ratio of vitamin D was calculated as total 1,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D. Calculated serum-free 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D levels were also reported. Compared to the control subject, patients with PHPT had a lower total 25(OH)D and DBP levels (p < 0.001). The serum concentration of free 25(OH)D and total 1,25(OH)2D were similar between the two groups; but free 1,25(OH)2D levels were about 26% higher in the PHPT patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). PHPT patients had a significantly higher activation ratio (p < 0.01), although their total 25(OH)D were lower than controls. The free (but not total) 1,25(OH)2D level was inversely correlated with DBP (p < 0.01). Both free 1,25(OH)2D levels and activation ratio were positively correlated with iPTH and calcium levels (p < 0.01). The activation ratio was highly correlated with levels of total vitamin D stores and free vitamin D metabolites (p < 0.001). Patients with PHPT had significantly higher free 1,25(OH)2D levels and activation ratio compared to control subjects. We suggest that levels of free vitamin D metabolites and vitamin D activation ratio may provide additional values for the diagnosis and therapeutic choices in these patient populations with compromised vitamin D status.

Longitudinal changes in vitamin D and its metabolites in pregnant South Africans

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been associated with adverse maternal and foetal outcomes and is determined by measuring 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). The 25(OH)D is catabolized to 24, 25-(OH) 2D and the ratio of 25(OH) D to 24, 25-(OH)2D, the vitamin D metabolite ratio (VMR), is thought to be a superior marker of VDD, being elevated in such states. The aims of this study were to assess the longitudinal vitamin D status of pregnant women by measuring cholecalciferol, 25(OH)D, 24, 25-(OH)2D and VMR at two time points and also to determine any association of vitamin D and metabolites with gestational age at birth, birth length and weight. MethodsWe recruited 400 pregnant black African women in their first trimester (V1) and measured weights and heights. Ultrasound scans were performed for gestational age. Blood was drawn at V1 and at about 26 weeks (V2) of gestation for cholecalciferol, 25(OH)D, 24, 25-(OH)2D, VMR and parathyroid hormone (PTH). An OGTT was performed at V2 where fasting glucose, insulin and 30-minute glucose were measured. At birth, we measured birth weight, length and gestational age. Maternal insulin, PTH and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) were measured by immunoassay. Maternal albumin was measured colorimetrically. Maternal cholecalciferol, 25(OH)D and 24, 25-(OH)2D, were measured by mass spectrometry and free and bioavailable vitamin D were calculated. Initial gestation was determined by ultrasound. We compared analytes by visit as well as by 25(OH)D status. Vitamin D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) was defined according to the National Academy of Medicine guidelines. Linear regression analysis was used to determine associations of vitamin D molecules with maternal blood pressure, fasting and 30-minute insulin and blood glucose and neonatal parameters. ResultsResults are presented for participants for whom we had complete data (n = 330–346 depending on variable). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was 35.8 % at V1 and 32.4 % at V2. Levels of 25(OH)D did not change significantly between visits. Levels of 24, 25(OH)2D dropped from the first to the second visit (17.64 ± 12.64 to 9.39 ± 9.07 nmol/L; p < 0.0001) while VMR increased ((3.15 (1.31; 7.67) to 7.90 (2.44; 25.98); p < 0.0001). The proportion of women with the lowest cholecalciferol concentrations increased at V2 compared to the V1 (36.1–42.8 %; p = 0.02). In multivariable regression models 25(OH)D was negatively associated with 30-minute glucose concentrations (p = 0.038) whilst 24, 25-(OH)2D was positively associated with fasting insulin (p = 0.017) and HOM A-I R (p = 0.023). There was no correlation of 25(OH)D or metabolites with infant birth weight, birth length or gestational age. ConclusionsMaternal VDD is common in pregnant black South African women. Decreased VMR suggest that catabolism of 25(OH)D is reduced in pregnancy to maintain adequate free vitamin D levels.

The total and free vitamin D in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Baghdad city

Background: The free-form of vitamin D has been used by many researchers as an index of vitamin D status in health and disease. Several methods are there to estimate free, total, and even bioavailable vitamin D. Objective: The present work was carried out to measure free vitamin D using a special formula suggested by Bikle and Schwartz in 2019, which includes the vitamin D binding protein (VDBP). The results will be used to evaluate the vitamin D status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and its relation to the disease progression. Methods: Sixty-four patients with T2DM and 73 healthy subjects, all from Baghdad city, were enrolled in the current study from March to October 2020. For each participant, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance HOMA-IR, and body mass index (BMI) were measured in addition to the total vitamin D and VDBP. Moreover, free vitamin D was calculated by the formula of Bikle &amp;amp; Schwartz. Results: There were highly significant correlations between total vitamin D and absolute values of free vitamin D or its percentage. The difference in total vitamin D was significant between patients and healthy controls with no significant change in VDBP, free and bio-available vitamin D, while free vitamin D% was higher in the patient’s group. Correlations between vitamin D and each of BMI, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR were not significant; however, there was a negative correlation with BMI and fasting glucose in the healthy control subjects only. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of vitamin D in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was poor. Conclusion: Total vitamin D can represent vitamin D status, but it cannot be used as a factor for diagnosing T2DM. However, it could be of importance to change the glycemic status.

An Overview on Coconut Water: As A Multipurpose Nutrition

Coconut water and coconut are two natural thirst-quenching foods that are commonly available in most countries. Both the water and the meat of the tender coconut stimulate the body by releasing nutrients. In recent years, researchers have been interested in the health and medicinal benefits of tender coconut products. Sugars, proteins, free amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and growth promoting factors are among the biologically essential elements contained in it. Since, current research on coconut water is mainly focused on its properties, uses, and nutritional benefits, this review will concentrate on the human health aspect. It describes original properties and applications, which vary from the most simple to the most complex. It also describes its biochemical structure, which is affected by the stage of maturity and hence the variety. The purpose of this review was to learn about the most widely recorded components of coconut water, as well as other research towards their impact on animals and human body. Coconut water contains bunch of nutrition such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phyto-hormones. The recent discovery of coconut water on the medicinal properties shows its real potential for improving human health. The possible anti-cancer properties of particular cytokinin could open up new and exciting avenues for finding cures for various cancers. It's a gift from nature to provide the best remedy for thirst and better health. Because of the antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of different ingredients, it is a more sensible option for removing the poisoning effect of other food that is a part of modern life. Understanding the functions and properties of the individual components of coconut water requires further study, but it will enable us to properly exploit this wonderful and multipurpose liquid with unique biological properties.

Different threshold levels of circulating total and free 25-hydroxyvitamin D for the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency in obese adolescents.

The total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)DT] level is lower in obese individuals than in their nonobese peers, despite similar bone turnover markers and bone mineral density. This study aimed to investigate whether the threshold level of 25(OH)D for the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in obese adolescents was lower than that in controls and to compare 25(OH)DT, free [25(OH)DF] and bioavailable [25(OH)DB] vitamin D with VDBP levels in obese individuals and their controls. A total of 173 adolescents (90 obese individuals and 83 controls) aged 12-18 years were included in the study. The metabolic and anthropometric parameters of the participants were recorded, the 25(OH)DT, 25(OH)DF, and VDBP levels were measured, and the 25(OH)DB levels were calculated. The cutoff values for VDD were estimated according to the level of 25(OH)D below which parathyroid hormone begins to rise. The obese subjects had lower 25(OH)DT (12.1 ± 5.8 vs. 16.4 ± 9.3 ng/mL, p < 0.001), 25(OH)DF (12.6 ± 4.2 vs. 16.7 ± 7.6 pg/mL, p < 0.001), 25(OH)DB [4.8 (2.3) vs. 6.1 (5.2) ng/mL, p = 0.012], and VDBP [112.2 (51.3) vs. 121.9 (95.5) μg/mL, p < 0.001] levels than the controls. The cutoff values for 25(OH)DT and 25(OH)DF levels for VDD were lower in the obese group than in the control group (9.4 vs. 14.1 ng/mL; 12.2 vs. 16.8 pg/mL, respectively).Conclusion: The vitamin D cutoff values for the diagnosis of VDD were different in the obese and control groups. Using the same cutoff value for VDD may cause overtreatment in obese adolescents. What is Known: • Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in obese children than nonobese controls, despite the same bone turnover markers and bone mineral density • The cutoff value of vitamin D level for the diagnosis of VDD is based on the PTH elevation What is New: • In obese adolescents, total and free vitamin D cutoff value for the diagnosis of VDD was lower than nonobese peers • Using the same cutoff value for vitamin D deficiency in both obese and nonobese adolescents may cause overtreatment.

Testosterone, cortisol, vitamin D and oxidative stress and their relationships in professional soccer players.

The testosterone/cortisol ratio has been used in sport physiology to evaluate the balance between anabolism and catabolism; its decrease below 30% has been considered a marker of overtraining. In this framework recent studies in soccer players have investigated the relationships between testosterone, cortisol, vitamin D and reactive oxygen species, but with unconvincing results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the behavior of such biological parameters and their relationships both in winter (the season of championship) and in summer (off-competition season), characterized by different homeostatic situations. Twenty-seven professional male football players (Second Italian Division), were studied. Blood levels of free testosterone, cortisol, vitamin D and reactive oxygen species were evaluated in August (pre-season training) and in February, in the midseason. A comparison between these two periods was performed and for each of them the relationships between the biological parameters were evaluated. Blood levels of testosterone were higher during summer whereas those of cortisol were higher in winter. Vitamin D levels were higher in summer; in this season a positive significant relationship between vitamin D and testosterone was observed (P=0.001), but not in winter (P=0.592). Reactive oxygen species were higher in winter; in this season a significant positive relationship between these substances and cortisol was observed (0.000), but not in summer (P=0.325). In professional soccer players it was found a positive relationship between vitamin D and testosterone in summer and between reactive oxygen species and cortisol in winter. However, the question whether such results are genuine cause-effect relationships or mere casual or spurious statistical correlations is still unsolved. As matter of fact, such results could be dependent from other determinants which might drive the aforementioned biological parameters in the same direction. These conclusions must be considered valid only in relation to the experimental conditions (training workload, diet and sun exposure) of the present study.

African oils in dermatology.

Plant and seed oils have been used for centuries and possibly millennia in Nigeria and Africa for the maintenance of healthy skin and the traditional treatment of skin disorders. In recent times, some of these oils have regained popularity due to their availability and affordability coupled with concerns about the side effects of commercially processed skin care products. This is to assess the chemical properties, current knowledge, source of procurement, indications for topical use, benefits, and possible adverse effects of six plant oils and one animal fat commonly used in Nigeria. This is a literature review and interview with traditional healers and alternative health practitioners to document the traditional, medical, cosmetics, and other usage of oils for skin and scalp care in the African context. Literature review was done on the biochemical and pharmacological properties of each of the seven oils. Searches were made from PubMed, African Journal online, Medline, and Google scholar. Medical subject heading terms used in the search include shea butter, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, palm oil, soy oil, Baobab oil, and python oil. Plant and seed oils used locally in Nigeria and other African countries for skin care and treatment have several benefits due to the constituents of the plant oils (free fatty acids, triglycerides, ceramides, phospholipids, vitamins and antioxidants) which have been shown to promote healthy skin barrier function, wound healing and have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. They are however not without adverse effects, which may be mainly due to processing and storage hygiene. Further studies are required on these oils in view of their potential in the development of novel skincare products and dermatological therapies.

Total and free vitamin D metabolites in female primary hyperparathyroidism patients

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)