Supplement Intake Research Articles

Protein supplement intake by non-athlete gym attendees in Jazan region: misconceptions and gender differences.

Protein supplements (PSs) have gained widespread popularity among non-athlete gym attendees, who often perceive them as essential tools for muscle growth and recovery. However, misinformation surrounding PSs may lead to inappropriate use and negative health consequences. This study aimed to assess whether non-athlete gym attendees using PSs have greater misconceptions than non-users while also examining the prevalence of PS consumption and gender differences. A cross-sectional study of 387 participants in the Jazan region was conducted. Customers of 10 fitness centers were screened with a questionnaire comprising questions to measure PS misconceptions. Participants were divided into PS users and non-users. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test to assess the associations between variables. An independent t-test was used to compare the PS Misconception Index Score between the two groups. A total of 82.4% of non-athlete gym attendees consumed at least one PS. Our findings revealed a significant association between gender and PS utilization (P<0.001), with a higher proportion of females (90.8%) consuming PS than males (77.6%). PS users had a significantly lower PS Misconception Index Score than non-users (26.8 vs. 28.3; P=0.006), indicating that PS users had a higher number of misconceptions. The internet (41.37%) and coaches (gym instructors/trainers) (34.48%) were the most common sources of information about PSs, with muscle gain being the primary reason for consumption (82.75%). PS consumption is highly prevalent among non-athlete gym attendees in the Jazan region, with many individuals having misconceptions about their benefits and potential risks. Targeted educational interventions are needed to promote evidence-based knowledge about PSs for gym attendees, as well as for coaches, given that they were among the primary sources of information on supplements.

Chitosan associated with technical cashew nut shell liquid in supplements for grazing beef steers: nitrogen balance and rumen metabolism

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of the chitosan (CHI) and technical cashew nutshell liquid (CNSLT) on nitrogen metabolism and ruminal fermentation on pasture system. Five steers (5 × 5 Latin square); kept of Marandu grass and supplemented daily by up to 0.4% BW. The experimental diets were: CON (mineral supplement); PRO (protein supplement); CHI supplementation; CNSLT supplementation and CC (CHI + CNSLT supplementation). Animals supplemented with CNSLT showed a reduction of pasture intake. The combination CC increased the intake of supplement. Steers supplemented with the combination of CNSLT, and CHI showed a higher supplement intake. The ruminal pH for the animals that received the combination of CNSLT and CHI, showed the lowest values. CHI decreased rumen acetate concentration, and increased propionate. Animals fed CC had a higher concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and a reduced value for purines. CNSLT increased the excretion of total purines, microbial nitrogen synthesis and crude protein. Animals that received CC showed higher urinary excretion of N compared to the other treatments. The CHI + CNSLT proved to be favourable, with a higher total concentration of SCFA and positive effect on nitrogen balance.

Nearly Half of Extreme Preterm Infants Are Iron Deficient at 4-6 Months of Corrected Age Despite Prophylactic Iron Supplementation

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency globally and has been associated with negative neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes in infants and young children. Susceptibility to ID is heightened in preterm infants due to lower iron reserves at birth, rapid growth during the initial weeks of life, immature erythropoiesis, and frequent blood samplings during hospitalization. To mitigate this problem, international bodies recommend prophylactic iron therapy from 2-6 weeks of age until at least 6-12 months in preterm infants. Currently, the literature regarding iron status in extremely preterm infants (EPI, infants born less than 28 weeks gestational age) who receive prophylactic iron supplementation after birth is limited. Considering the potential long-term detrimental effects of ID on the developing brain of these high-risk preterm infants, examining the prevalence and risk factors for ID are crucial to implement prevention strategies. Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with ID in EPI Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a population-based Provincial Perinatal Follow-Up database on all live EPIs born in Nova Scotia between 2005 and 2018. Infants with congenital malformations, chromosomal anomalies, blood disorders or those who died before outcome assessment were excluded. Prophylactic iron supplementation (2-3 mg/kg/day) starting at 2-4 weeks of chronological age was a standard of care for all included infants. Further, the dosage of iron was adjusted regularly during the hospital stay based on serum ferritin (SF) levels. Discharge instructions recommended continuing iron prophylaxis until 9-12 months corrected age (CA). At 4-6 months CA, all infants underwent blood tests to evaluate hemoglobin, and SF levels. ID was defined as SF levels below 20g/L or 12g/L at 4 and 6 months CA, respectively. A univariate analysis was performed by using a series of single-variable logistic regression models to identify the factors associated with presence of ID. Factors with a p-value &amp;lt; 0.20 in the univariate analysis were entered into a multivariable risk model using a backward selection procedure. Variables with a p-value &amp;lt; 0.05 were retained. Results: Among 146 infants, 67 (45.9%) had ID. Ferritin (16.4 µg/L vs 50.0 µg/L, p &amp;lt; .001) and reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (28.4pg vs 31.6pg, p &amp;lt; .001) were significantly lower in the ID group than non-ID group. The prevalence of ID decreased over time, from 59.7% in 2005-2011 to 40.3% in 2012-2018 (p = 0.52). Table 1 compares the antenatal and neonatal characteristics of the ID and non-ID groups. Table 2 compares sociodemographic variables and clinical variables at 4-6 months CA between two groups. Breastfeeding (exclusive or partial) versus formula alone at a 4-6 months CA was identified as an independent factor protective for ID (Odds: 0.2 (0.1 - 0.6), p = 0.003). Iron therapy at follow-up was also protective for ID but did not remain significant in the final model. Of note, iron therapy was stopped in 40 (27.4%) EPI before 4-6 months CA. Supplemental iron intake at 4-6 months CA was significantly lower in the infants receiving exclusive formula feeding (66.1%) compared with those breastfed (99.1%, p = 0.006). Conclusion(s): Despite prophylactic iron supplementation, nearly half of the EPI had ID at 4-6 months CA, and iron therapy was discontinued in roughly a quarter of all EPI before 4-6 months CA. Breastfeeding at 4-6 months follow-up was found to be protective for ID. High prevalence of ID in EPI highlights the need for further research in this area to avert the negative neurodevelopmental consequences of ID on the developing brain of these high-risk infants. Closer monitoring of iron status and early identification of children at high risk for ID is imperative to maximize the benefits of prophylactic iron supplementation in EPI. Further, there is lack of sufficient data for iron requirements in EPI leading to a variability in iron therapy recommendations by different professional organizations. Future prospective studies to investigate specific iron requirements of EPI as well as risk factors for ID in this high-risk vulnerable population are essential to optimize their neurodevelopmental outcomes.

The effect of acute and 14-day exogenous ketone supplementation on glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes: two randomized controlled trials.

Acute ingestion of the exogenous ketone monoester supplement [(R)-3-hydroxybutyl-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] lowers blood glucose, suggesting therapeutic potential in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism. However, it is unknown how acute or repeated ingestion of exogenous ketones affects blood glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We conducted two randomized, counterbalanced, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trials to determine if 1) acute exogenous ketone monoester (0.3 g/kg body mass; N = 18) or 2) 14-day thrice daily premeal exogenous ketone monoester (15 g; N = 15) supplementation could lower blood glucose in individuals living with T2D. A single dose of the ketone monoester supplement elevated blood β-OHB to ∼2 mM. There were no differences in the primary outcomes of plasma glucose concentration (acutely) or serum fructosamine (glycemic control across 14 days) between conditions. Ketone monoester ingestion acutely increased insulin and lowered nonesterified fatty acid concentrations; plasma metabolomics confirmed a reduction in multiple free fatty acids species and select gluconeogenic amino acids. In contrast, no changes were observed in fasting metabolic outcomes following 14 days of supplementation. In the context of these randomized controlled trials, acute or repeated ketone monoester ingestion in adults with T2D did not lower blood glucose when consumed acutely in a fasted state and did not improve glycemic control following thrice daily premeal ingestion across 14 days. Future studies exploring the mechanistic basis for the (lack of) glucose-lowering effect of exogenous ketone supplementation in T2D and other populations are warranted.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exogenous ketone supplements can acutely lower blood glucose, suggesting therapeutic potential in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism. However, the effect of exogenous ketones on glucose metabolism in adults with type 2 diabetes has not been investigated in a controlled setting. In adults with type 2 diabetes, ketone monoester ingestion did not lower blood glucose acutely in a fasted state and did not improve glycemic control across thrice daily premeal ingestion across 14 days.

Management of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Comparative Analysis of Intramuscular Injections versus Oral Medications

Abstract Introduction: Regular monitoring of Vitamin B12 (VB12) levels and intake of supplements is crucial since their deficiency may cause serious health conditions including neurological and cardiovascular complications. Medical professionals recommend supplements in the form of oral tablets and parenteral replacement for patients who cannot obtain these nutrients through diet or who are deficient due to other health conditions. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of oral medications and parenteral administrations, especially intramuscular (IM) injections for managing VB12 deficiency. Methods: The patients diagnosed with confirmed VB12 deficiency (&lt;211 pg/mL) were divided into two groups. One group received oral tablet (Mecobal 1000 μg); the other received VB12 injection (1000 μg) IM. The blood levels of both the groups were assessed after 6 months. The data were statistically analyzed to compare the efficacy of both routes. Results: The mean age of oral and IM groups was 57 ± 10 years and 53 ± 11 years, respectively. The baseline serum VB12 values for the oral and IM groups were 158 pg/mL and 139 pg/mL, respectively (P = 0.01), and the mean VB12 values after treatment for the oral and IM groups were 301 pg/ml and 1416 pg/ml, respectively (P &lt; 0.0001). The oral group observed a mean change of 143, while the IM group experienced a change of 1277 pg/ml (P &lt; 0.0001). Conclusion: Our findings support the use of parenteral replacement over oral medications for the management of VB12.

Polyphenols in Inner Ear Neurobiology, Health and Disease: From Bench to Clinics.

There is substantial experimental and clinical interest in providing effective ways to both prevent and slow the onset of hearing loss. Auditory hair cells, which occur along the basilar membrane of the cochlea, often lose functionality due to age-related biological alterations, as well as from exposure to high decibel sounds affecting a diminished/damaged auditory sensitivity. Hearing loss is also seen to take place due to neuronal degeneration before or following hair cell destruction/loss. A strategy is necessary to protect hair cells and XIII cranial/auditory nerve cells prior to injury and throughout aging. Within this context, it was proposed that cochlea neural stem cells may be protected from such aging and environmental/noise insults via the ingestion of protective dietary supplements. Of particular importance is that these studies typically display a hormetic-like biphasic dose-response pattern that prevents the occurrence of auditory cell damage induced by various model chemical toxins, such as cisplatin. Likewise, the hormetic dose-response also enhances the occurrence of cochlear neural cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation. These findings are particularly important since they confirmed a strong dose dependency of the significant beneficial effects (which is biphasic), whilst having a low-dose beneficial response, whereas extensive exposures may become ineffective and/or potentially harmful. According to hormesis, phytochemicals including polyphenols exhibit biphasic dose-response effects activating low-dose antioxidant signaling pathways, resulting in the upregulation of vitagenes, a group of genes involved in preserving cellular homeostasis during stressful conditions. Modulation of the vitagene network through polyphenols increases cellular resilience mechanisms, thus impacting neurological disorder pathophysiology. Here, we aimed to explore polyphenols targeting the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway to neuroprotective and therapeutic strategies that can potentially reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, thus preventing auditory hair cell and XIII cranial/auditory nerve cell degeneration. Furthermore, we explored techniques to enhance their bioavailability and efficacy.

Association of Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acid Intake with Low Birth Weight in the Second Trimester: The Japan Pregnancy Eating and Activity Cohort Study.

This study examined the association of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake during the second trimester with low birth weight (LBW) in pregnant Japanese women and was conducted in conjunction with the Japan Pregnancy Eating and Activity Cohort (J-PEACH) study. The study included 504 pregnant women from four Japanese sites. During the second trimester (14-27 weeks), the participants filled out a self-administered questionnaire assessing the frequency of DHA and EPA supplement intake in the past month, as well as a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). The analysis involved data from two time points: responses to the BDHQ and infant data at birth. In total, 471 and 33 participants were classified into the normal birth weight and LBW groups, respectively. The participants were divided into high-, medium-, and low-intake groups based on their total dietary and EPA and DHA supplementary intakes. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to analyze the data; the prevalence of LBW was higher in the low-intake group (p = 0.04). There was no significant sex-based trend (p = 0.27 and p = 0.35). In Japanese women, low dietary and supplementary EPA and DHA intake until the second trimester were risk factors for LBW.

The impact of vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc supplements on immune status among Jordanian adults during COVID-19: cross-sectional study findings

Background and aimsNutritional status is essential for the maintenance of the immune system, with malnutrition suppressing immunity. The aims of the current study were to assess the immune status of a group of Jordanian adults and to evaluate the association between vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc consumption and the Immune Status during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA total of 615 adults Jordanian participants were enrolled in this study, an online- based cross sectional survey was used as a tool for this study. Data was collected by distributing the questionnaire form link through social media platforms. The association between ISQ score and the supplement intake pattern (daily, weekly, monthly and rarely) was assessed using multinomial logistic regression analysis, described as Odds ratio and 95% CI.ResultsData have indicated that the majority of the participants did not take Vitamin D supplements during the pandemic (46.3%). Also, there was a significant association between the frequency of Vitamin D supplement intake and ISQ (r = 12.777; P < 0.05). Data showed that the majority of participants used vitamin C supplementation (49.4%). Also, there was a significant association between the frequency of Vitamin C supplement intake and ISQ (r = 12.797; P < 0.05). Data also have indicated that the majority of the participants did not increase their consumption of Zinc during the COVID-19 pandemic (55.6%).ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest a significant association between the frequency of Vitamin D, and vitamin C supplement intake and ISQ. Nutritional status is essential for the maintenance of the immune system, with malnutrition suppressing immunity.

Vitamin D Status During Adolescence and the Impact of Lifestyle Changes: 2 Years' Follow-up From the Fit Futures Study.

Longitudinal data regarding vitamin D status in adolescence is scarce. This study presents population-based data from an Arctic adolescent population (n = 589) at 16 and 18 years. The aims of this study were to investigate changes in vitamin D status during 2 years in adolescence, and whether lifestyle changes were associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (s-25(OH)D) at follow-up. Fit Futures is a longitudinal study at 69°N in Norway. Participants had their s-25(OH)D levels analyzed in their first and third year of upper secondary school (median age 16 and 18 years), in Fit Futures 1 (FF1) and Fit Futures 2 (FF2), respectively. Self-reported lifestyle habits were registered through questionnaires. The association between lifestyle changes and s-25(OH)D levels at follow-up were calculated by regression analyses, controlling for baseline s-25(OH)D levels. Longitudinal data were available for 309 girls and 280 boys. The proportion of adolescents with s-25(OH)D <50 nmol/L were 73.7% in FF1 and 77.1% in FF2, while the proportion <30 nmol/L constituted 35.7% in FF1 and 40.9% in FF2. Of those with s-25(OH)D <30 nmol/L (severe vitamin D deficiency) in FF1, 73.3% remained severely deficient in FF2. Among boys, an increase in UV exposure was significantly associated with higher s-25(OH)D levels in FF2 (beta; CI [nmol/L] 12.9; 9.1, 16.7). In girls, decreased vitamin/mineral supplement intake was significantly associated with lower s-25(OH)D at FF2 (-6.7; -10.2, -3.1), while increased UV (10.8; 7.0, 14.7) and combined hormonal contraceptive exposure (12.1; 6.0, 18.1) in FF2 was significantly associated with higher s-25(OH)D levels in FF2. Severe vitamin D deficiency was prevalent throughout adolescence. Lifestyle changes may alter s-25(OH)D levels in this age group.

Effects of supplementary thyme on immunity responses, antioxidant indices, rumen enzymes concentrations and rumen bacteria composition in Hu sheep

The thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) plant contains volatile oils, flavonoids and monoterpenoids, which are reputed to possess medicinal properties. The present study examined the effects of supplementary thyme intake on immunity responses, antioxidant indices, rumen enzymes concentrations and rumen bacteria composition in sheep. Six rumen-fistulated, 12-month-old Hu rams (63.1 ± 8.54 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design in which three levels of air-dried thyme were offered: 0 g/d (CON), 16 g/d (T16) and 80 g/d (T80). The serum concentrations of albumin (p = 0.06), total proteins (p = 0.06) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (p = 0.07) tended to increase linearly with an increase in thyme intake. Concentration of serum non-esterified fatty acids increased (p = 0.03) and changed quadratically (p = 0.02) with an increase in thyme intake. Serum antioxidant indices were not affected by thyme intake. The concentration of rumen lipase increased linearly (p < 0.01) with an increase in thyme intake, and was greater in the T80 than the CON rams. Thyme intake increased (p < 0.05) the abundance of the rumen probiotics f__Lactobacillaceae, g__Lactobacillus and o__Lactobacillales, and the abundance of g__UCG-002 and g__Eubacterium_saphenum_group. It was concluded that thyme can: 1) promote protein synthesis and utilization; 2) enhance immunity responses; 3) mediate energy metabolism; and 4) increase the abundance of rumen probiotics in sheep. In the current study, the best response was observed at an intake of 80 g of air-dried thyme/d.

Dietary and supplementary vitamin C intake and the risk of lung cancer: A meta‑analysis of cohort studies.

Previous cohort studies reported inconsistent findings regarding the association between dietary or supplementary vitamin C intake and lung cancer risk. These associations were investigated by conducting a meta-analysis of cohort studies. The PubMed and EMBASE databases were utilized, using keywords related to the topic from inception to April 15, 2022. Pooled effect sizes, such as relative risk (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated using a random-effects model. A total of 20 cohort studies from 13 articles were included in the final analysis. In a meta-analysis of all studies, there was no significant association between dietary or supplementary vitamin C intake and lung cancer risk (RR/HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.80-1.01; I2=56.4%; n=20). In the subgroup meta-analysis by the source of vitamin C, dietary vitamin C intake decreased the risk of lung cancer (RR/HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.73-0.92; I2=42.5%; n=14), whereas there was no association between supplementary vitamin C intake and lung cancer risk (RR/HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.84-1.22; n=4). The present meta-analysis of cohort studies found that dietary vitamin C intake is beneficial for preventing lung cancer, whereas its supplementary intake does not have a beneficial effect.

The impact of calcium and vitamin D supplement intake on survival in patients with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valve disease

Abstract Background Calcium and vitamin D supplement intake has increased among the elderly population, who are prone to deficiency. We sought to assess the association between calcium and vitamin D supplementation and the long-term outcomes in patients diagnosed with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valve disease. Methods We included 3257 patients (aged 71.7 ± 12.9 years; 55.2% male; 83.1% white), who presented to the Cleveland Clinic between 2010 and 2018, diagnosed with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valves disease. The patients were followed up with a mean period of 21.8 months (range 1-155.8). Patients were stratified based on the supplementation with calcium and vitamin D. Focusing on the aortic component of the concomitant valvular disease, patients were further subdivided into two groups; Aortic Stenosis (AS) with either Mitral Regurgitation (MR) or Stenosis (MS)(group 1), and Aortic Regurgitation (AR) with either MR or MS(group 2). The primary endpoints were death and heart failure hospitalization. The data was analyzed using Kaplan Meier survival analysis on SPSS. Results Of the total 3257 patients included in this study, 2273 (70%) were not supplemented, and 984 (30%) were supplemented with calcium and vitamin D. Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D was significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.114, 95% CI [1.003-1.237]; p=0.043) (Figure 1). However, no significant association with heart failure hospitalization was noted (HR=1.003, 95% CI [0.884-1.139]; p=0.958). On further sub-group analysis of the aortic component, 1045 (32%) patients in group 1 and 2212 (68%) patients in group 2 were assessed. In group 1, 701 (67%) patients were not supplemented, and 344 (33%) were supplemented. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation was associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients with AS (HR=1.203, 95% CI [1.017-1.425]; p=0.031). Conversely in patients with AR (group 2), 1572 (71%) patients were not supplemented, and 640 (29%) were supplemented, and no significant association was exhibited in this group (HR=1.044, 95% CI [0.913-1.193]; p=0.531) (Figure 2). Conclusion In our cohort of patients with concomitant moderate aortic and mitral valve disease, the intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements was associated with higher mortality specifically in patients with aortic stenosis.Figure 1Figure 2

PSIV-9 Describing the Consumption of Chlortetracycline-Containing Supplement Offered Free-Choice to Commercial Beef Cows on Pasture

Abstract Extensive beef cattle production systems depend on forage as the predominant nutrient source. However, mineral requirements are not always met solely through forage consumption. To maintain optimum animal productivity, beef cattle producers must provide mineral supplementation and free-choice supplements are most common. Free-choice supplement intake by grazing cattle is highly variable and is dictated by season, individual animal preference, supplement palatability and other factors. Variation in supplement intake is problematic for delivering medication such as chlortetracycline (CTC), which is aimed to mitigate the risk of bovine anaplasmosis in beef herds. Research investigating the relationship between individual animal attributes and supplement consumption in extensive settings is limited. Recently, adoption of technology such as a portable, self-contained individual feeding unit (SmartFeed; C-Lock Inc.) into supplementation programs has facilitated unprecedented data collection in grazing cattle. The study objectives were to describe the consumption patterns of a granular CTC-containing supplement and to evaluate the factors contributing to consumption variability by gestating cows on pasture. A total of 103 nonlactating, pregnant, crossbred cows were assigned to this experiment on d -28 and allocated to 1 of 3 pastures equipped with a SmartFeed unit to record individual supplement intake. Cows were offered dried distillers grains for 27 d of acclimation to the units (mean intake of 0.29 kg of supplement/cow daily; 74% of cows) before transition to a commercially available granular mineral supplement containing CTC for 46 d. Supplement was formulated such that a 630 kg cow must consume 113 g/d to receive the label CTC dose (1.1 mg/kg). Cow intake and unit visit frequency data were analyzed using a general linear model (PROC GLM) and differences evaluated using Least Squared Means. The runs test for serial randomness was used to evaluate clustering of feeding and non-feeding events. Feeding and non-feeding events during the 46-d observation period were not randomly distributed (P &amp;lt; 0.01), and the mean number of consecutive days a cow did or did not consume mineral supplement were 1.8 and 5.6 days, respectively. As cow age increased, visits to the feeding unit decreased and total supplement consumption also decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.01). According to supplement label instructions, each cow was expected to consume 5.2 kg of supplement in total over 46 d to receive the total recommended 32.2 g CTC dose. Mean supplement consumption was 40.5 g· cow-1· d-1, providing 0.25 g CTC· cow-1· d-1, and only 1.9% (2/103 cows) consumed enough supplement to receive the recommended dose. Collectively, results indicate that providing a granular free-choice supplement containing CTC is not an effective method of ensuring cows consume an adequate amount of supplement to receive CTC at the label-directed dose and frequency.

314 Dehydrated Garlic Powder Did Not Influence Enteric Gas Fluxes in Feedlot Steers

Abstract This 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate the biochemical profiles of commercial dehydrated garlic powder (DGP) and its associated influence on enteric gas fluxes, mineral intake, and body performance at a 5% inclusion level. The DGP was assessed for the stability of the bioactive compounds, especially those responsible for garlic flavor. Each year, resealed (NE) and exposed-to-air (E) DGPs were sampled serially in storage at months 0, 1, 2, and 3. Crossbred steers (n = 40 in year 1; n = 80 in year 2) were assigned to either 5%DGP or 0%DGP treatment group in a randomized complete block design, balancing for initial body weight and breed composition. Feed and supplement intakes for individual animals were monitored using an automatic feeding system. Each year, steers were fed high-grain rations in feed bunks separate from mineral supplement bunks on a free-choice basis over 72 and 82 days, respectively. Methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen (H2) fluxes were also measured using an automatic head-chamber emission monitoring system. Data were analyzed using a linear model in R software with year and treatment as fixed effects. Organosulfur compounds were quantified using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography. No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) were observed for allicin, allyl methyl sulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, allyl propyl disulfide, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide concentrations in NE-DGP. In E-DGP, the greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrations of allicin, diallyl sulfide, and 2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiin were recorded at month 1, while other compounds remained stable (P &amp;gt; 0.05) throughout storage months. There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in dry matter intake, average daily gain, and the gain-to-feed ratio between 5%DGP and 0%DGP groups. Garlic supplementation did not also influence (P &amp;gt; 0.05) body composition (ribeye area, intramuscular fat, rump fat thickness, and rib fat thickness) of steers, but supplement intake was higher (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) in 5%DGP (204.31 gd-1) compared with 0%DGP (148.04 gd-1) group. There were no differences in the enteric fluxes from 0%DGP and 5%DGP groups for CO2 (8854.04 g·d-1, 9322.69 g·d-1; P = 0.12), CH4 (139.75 g·d-1, 154.12 g·d-1; P = 0.29), O2 (6327.84 g·d-1, 9107.30 g·d-1; P = 0.27) and H2 (0.87 g·d-1, 0. g·d-1; P = 0.17). Results suggest that organosulfur compounds in dehydrated garlic powder can be stable and contributed to enhanced mineral supplement intake of feedlot cattle but did not affect enteric gas fluxes and body performance.

PSXIV-12 Evaluation of an Ensiled, Self-Fed Diet for Backgrounding Beef Cattle

Abstract Self-feeding of ensiled forages consists in allowing the animals to feed from the silo face through a physical barrier. Energy, protein, and mineral supplements are offered separately in free-choice portable feeders. Compared with offering a total mixed ration, the self-feeding system could result in differences in ensiled forage and supplement intake and may increase animal performance variability. Ensiling a complete diet may contribute to overcome these drawbacks. This study compared the performance of calves that consumed an ensiled backgrounding diet from a silo-bag face (self-feeding, SF) with that of calves fed a diet mixed and delivered daily in a feed bunk (TMR). A single forage sweet sorghum crop was harvested and bagged to be used in the TMR treatment, or harvested and added a dry supplement (45% finely-ground corn grain, 50% extruded soybean meal, and 5% vitamin-mineral premix without ionophore) during bagging, using an adjustable-discharge hopper mounted above the bagger’s packing rotor, to be used in the SF treatment. Regardless of treatment, the diet consisted of 61% forage sorghum and 39% dry supplement (DM basis; 9.9 and 11.6% CP, 42.3 and 43.8% NDF, and 9.8 and 9.5% starch for TMR and SF diets, respectively). Bagged feeds were allowed to ensile for 50 d before experiment began. Two hundred fifty-two, non-implanted Angus calves (224 ± 4.6 kg) were blocked by body weight (BW) and coat color resulting in 6 blocks and 1 pen/block per treatment with 12 or 30 animals per TMR or SF pen, respectively; more animals were required in the SF pens to maintain feed fresh and reduce spoilage, though BW was measured on 12 calves. Pens assigned to SF treatment were each equipped with a silo bag blocked off with an iron fence. The TMR animals were fed ad libitum once a day. In SF pens, feed was carved from the silo-bag face manually twice daily using a pitchfork onto a pile on the fence’s bag side. Cattle were fed for 70 d and held off feed and water for 16 h to record initial (day 1) and final BW (day 70). Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design. Rate of BW gain, DMI, and DMI relative to BW were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01; Table 1) for SF calves compared with TMR, resulting in greater (P = 0.03) final BW but similar (P = 0.36) ADG:DMI. Coefficient of variation (CV) of final BW and ADG and the increase in CV of BW did not differ (P ≥ 0.93) between treatments. Similar feed efficiency and animal performance variability were achieved by feeding an ensiled ration offered in a self-feeding system or a traditional TMR. The former might represent a simple and feasible feeding alternative for small-size beef cattle operations.

PSVI-24 A Phytogenic Feed Additive Improves Performance By Nellore Growing Bulls Grazing on Tropical Pastures

Abstract Our objective was to evaluate the effect of including a phytogenic additive in protein supplement on performance of grazing Nellore bulls during growing phase in the rainy season. One hundred and fourteen animals (iBW, 273 ± 4.46 kg) were allocated for 152 days in six paddocks of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu (~7 ha each), with automatic feeders and scales (in drinkers, Intergado, Brazil); and randomly distributed in six treatments fed on protein supplement (30% Crude protein): 1) Negative Control (CON), with no additive; 2) Monensin (MON; positive control, 15 ppm) 3) Digestarom (DSM Nutritional Products) at 0.2 g· animal-1· /day-1 (D0.2); 4) Digestarom at 0.4 g· animal-1· /day-1 (D0.4); 5) Digestarom at 0.6 g· animal-1· /day-1 (D0.6) and 6) Digestarom at 0.8 g· animal-1· /day-1 (D0.8). Supplement offered and additives inclusion were adjusted weekly, based on the intake of the previous week. Supplement intake (SI, measured by the automatic feeders) and Average Daily Gain (ADGs; measured subtracting final and initial fast BW, divided by 152 days; and ADGf; measured by the automatic scales) were evaluated during this study. Data were analyzed by SAS PROC GLIMMIX and significance of 5% was adopted. Means of Digestarom levels were compared with the CON and MON, and of the MON was compared with the CON using a Dunnett test. MON reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) SI (175 g/d) compared with CON (433 g/d) and all Digestarom levels (423, 303, 468 and 332 g/d respectively). D0.4 and D0.8 also reduced SI when compared with CON. The ADGs and the ADGf of animals on D0.6 (927 and 1.262 g/d) were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with CON (0.860 and 1.127 g/d) and MON (0.840 and 1.114 g/d). The other levels of Digestarom [D0.2 (0.886 and 1.107 g/d), D0.4 (0.823 and 1.054 g/d), and D0.8 (0.853 and 1.071 g/d)] did not differ from CON and MON. D0.6 did not reduce SI (compared with CON; P &amp;gt; 0.05) and increased ADGs and ADGf (compared with CON and MON; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Feeding Digestarom at the dose of 0.6 g· animal-1· /day-1 may increase BW gain of grazing growing bulls during rainy season.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and the Ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 Fatty Acids Consumption among Women in the Adventist Health Study-2.

To assess the associations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids consumption, and the ratio between the two, with self-reported doctor told Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) diagnosis. Further, to assess whether initiation of omega-3 supplements intake was related to time/year of SLE diagnosis. Data from 42,398 women in the Adventist Health Study-2 cohort were used for this cross-sectional study. Unconditional logistic regression modeling was used for all analyses with the following candidate covariates: age, race, education, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). Compared to non-cases, participants with a diagnosis of SLE reported higher intakes of total omega-3 fatty acids and about the same intakes of omega-6 fatty acids. Overall, they had higher ratios of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. When assessing odds ratios of SLE diagnosis by quartiles of omega-3 to omega-6 and DHA+EPA to omega-6, there was a positive significant trend (p trend = 0.005). Additionally, among those reporting intake of fish oil, 87% had initiated fish oil consumption around the time of SLE diagnosis. SLE was more likely to occur among Black women compared to White women, among ever smokers compared to never smokers, among overweight women compared to women with normal/underweight, and among women 50-59years compared to those 30-49year old. When a smaller 6year follow-up study identified 64 incident SLE cases and assessed their omega-3 intake at baseline (6years earlier and before the SLE diagnosis) their intake of omega-3 and fish oil was no different than among non-cases. We observed a significant positive association between the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids consumption and prevalence of SLE. Among those with prevalent SLE, their year of starting supplementation of omega-3 and fish oil was closely linked to year of SLE diagnosis. Further, baseline intake of omega-3 fatty acids was not increased among 64 incident SLE cases identified during 6years of follow-up. Our surprising finding can best be explained by reverse causation. This could be an example of how public health information is assimilated and acted upon by a health conscious public.

Maternal folic acid supplementation and the risk of ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in infants; a systematic review.

Maternal folic acid supplementation is protective against the development of neural tube defects (NTDs) in babies. However, recent public-facing communications have raised concerns about a causal relationship between folic acid supplementation, particularly after the first trimester, and ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in infants. Non-evidence-based communications are potentially harmful because they could adversely affect adherence to folic acid supplementation, increasing NTD occurrence. This study aimed to review evidence on the relationships between maternal folic acid supplementation during preconception and/or pregnancy and the risk of ankyloglossia in infants. We searched the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus. We searched for observational, and interventional studies, and systematic reviews investigating the effect of maternal folic acid supplementation during preconception or pregnancy on the occurrence of ankyloglossia in offspring. The search was registered on PROSPERO on 01/12/2022, ID: CRD42022375862. The database searches yielded 93 articles. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 26 remained. One article was judged relevant for inclusion in analyses; a case-control study that directly mentions the relationship between folic acid supplementation and ankyloglossia. This study reported that regular intake of folic acid supplements was higher in women with infants with ankyloglossia. However, this study has limitations regarding design, selection bias, and confounding, calling the findings into question. Insufficient evidence exists for a relationship between folic acid supplementation and ankyloglossia. Currently, the benefits of folic acid supplementation far outweigh the risks. This must be clearly communicated to patients by their clinicians during preconception and antenatal care.

Knowledge regarding of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Adolescent Girls of Chitwan

Growth spurts and menarche in adolescent Girls increase iron requirements. Iron deficiency anemia, one of the common nutritional deficiency condition of adolescent girls, is related to poor dietary intake and lack of iron supplementation puts them into the high risk group. The objective of this study is to find out the “Knowledge regarding Iron Deficiency Anemia among Adolescent girls. Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used for the study. Among the 5 government school of this Municipality, three were selected by simple random method and among those schools probability proportional sampling was used for the selection of the adolescent girls of the schools. Data were collected from 156 adolescent school girls through self-administered structured questionnaire developed by researcher and analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used for the analysis. This study revealed that more than half (53.2%) of the adolescents girls had low knowledge regarding iron deficiency anemia and remaining had just moderate knowledge. There was significant association between age (p=0.03), education (p= 0.001) and father’s occupation (p=0.004) with level of knowledge on iron deficiency anemia. The study concludes that adolescent girls have low knowledge regarding iron deficiency anemia, so school administration need to plan and organize anemia preventive campaign and provide information, education and communication (IEC) materials and screening services related to anemia.

Understanding How Minerals Contribute to Optimal Immune Function.

Sufficient mineral supply is vital not only for the innate immune system but also for the components of the adaptive immune defense, which encompass defense mechanisms against pathogens and the delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory regulation in the long term. Generally, a well-balanced diet is capable of providing the necessary minerals to support the immune system. Nevertheless, specific vulnerable populations should be cautious about obtaining adequate amounts of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium. Inadequate levels of these minerals can temporarily impair immune competence and disrupt the long-term regulation of systemic inflammation. Therefore, comprehending the mechanisms and sources of these minerals is crucial. In exceptional circumstances, mineral deficiencies may necessitate supplementation; however, excessive intake of supplements can have adverse effects on the immune system and should be avoided. Consequently, any supplementation should be approved by medical professionals and administered in recommended doses. This review emphasizes the crucial significance of minerals in promoting optimal functioning of the immune system. It investigates the indispensable minerals required for immune system function and the regulation of inflammation. Moreover, it delves into the significance of maintaining an optimized intake of minerals from a nutritional standpoint.