Supplement Intake Research Articles

Effect of increased intake of concentrates and sodium butyrate supplementation on ruminal epithelium structure and function in growing rams

Increased ruminal butyrate production is considered to have a positive impact on rumen epithelium growth and function. However, excessive ruminal butyrate production may affect the rumen negatively, particularly when the rumen is already challenged with low pH. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the inclusion of concentrates in the diet and sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on ruminal epithelium growth and function in growing rams. Forty-two rams (27.8 ± 7.3 kg; 9–14 months of age) were allocated into six treatments and fed a diet with low (22.5% of diet DM; LOW) or high (60% of diet DM; HIGH) inclusion of concentrates in combination with no (SB0), 1.6% (SB1.6) or 3.2% (SB3.2) of diet DM inclusion of SB. There was no impact of the investigated factors on papilla dimensions and mucosa surface area, either in the atrium ruminis or ventral rumen (P ≥ 0.11). Stratum corneum thickness was higher for HIGH compared to LOW treatments (P ≤ 0.04), independently of the location in the rumen. In the atrium ruminis, the epithelium and living strata thickness quadratically increased due to SB supplementation for LOW treatments but quadratically decreased for HIGH treatments (concentrate inclusion × butyrate supplementation interaction; P ≤ 0.03); conversely, in the ventral sac of the rumen, a thicker epithelium was observed due to both increased concentrate inclusion in the diet and SB supplementation (P < 0.01) but living strata thickness was increased only by SB supplementation (linear effect; P < 0.01). The epithelium damage index in the ventral sac of the rumen was higher for LOW compared to HIGH treatments (P = 0.02). Increased inclusion of concentrates in the diet increased mRNA expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 in both the epithelium of the atrium ruminis and ventral rumen, occludin in the epithelium of the atrium ruminis and downregulated in adenoma in the epithelium of the ventral rumen (P ≤ 0.02). Protein expression of claudin-4 in the epithelium of the ventral rumen was the highest for the HIGH/SB1.6 and HIGH/SB3.2 treatments (significant effect of interaction between main effects; P < 0.01). Under the conditions of the current study, increased intake of concentrates had mostly positive effects on ruminal epithelium in growing rams, and the same was observed for the effect of SB supplementation. However, the effect of SB supplementation was at least partially affected by the inclusion of concentrates in the diet.

P-585 Iron intake in relation to ovarian reserve among women seeking infertility treatment

Abstract Study question Is there an association between iron intake and ovarian reserve among women seeking fertility care? Summary answer Supplemental iron intake above 45mg/d is associated with lower ovarian reserve among women seeking fertility care. What is known already Although the literature regarding iron intake in relation to ovarian reserve is scant and inconsistent, some evidence suggest that iron may have gonadotoxic effects. Study design, size, duration Observational study including 582 female participants attending the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center (2007–2019) enrolled in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study Participants/materials, setting, methods Iron intake was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Markers of ovarian reserve included antral follicle count (AFC) (assessed via transvaginal ultrasound) and day 3 FSH, both obtained during the course of infertility evaluation. The association between iron intake and ovarian reserve was evaluated using Poisson regression models for AFC and quantile regression models for day 3 FSH adjusted for age, menstrual cycle characteristics, physical activity, carbohydrate intake and total energy intake. Main results and the role of chance Participants had a median age of 35 years and median total iron intake of 29 mg/d. Total iron intake was inversely related to AFC and this association was driven by intake of supplemental iron. Compared to women with a supplemental iron intake ≤20mg/day, women consuming 45-64mg/d of supplemental iron had a 17% (-35%, 0.3%) lower AFC and women consuming ≥65mg/d of supplemental iron had a 32% (-54%, -11%) lower AFC after adjusting for potential confounders (p, linear trend=0.003). Similarly, in multivariable-adjusted analysis, day 3 FSH levels were 0.9 (0.5, 1.3) IU/mL higher among women with a supplemental iron intake ≥65mg/d when compared to women with a supplemental iron intake ≤20mg/d (p, linear trend=0.02). Limitations, reasons for caution Iron intake was estimated using a method that relies on self-report and we had no biomarkers of iron status in our participants. Also, only 36 women consumed ≥45mg/d of supplemental iron. Wider implications of the findings Since all study participants were seeking fertility treatment, our findings may not apply to women in the general population. Although our findings are consistent with studies of women with iron overload, given the paucity of literature on this topic it is essential that this question is revisited in future studies. Trial registration number Not applicable, not a randomized trial

Response of cows with osteomalacia grazing sub-tropical native pastures to phosphorus supplementation with loose mineral mix or feed blocks

Osteomalacia outbreaks often occur in cattle grazing native pastures in regions with endemic phosphorous (P) deficiency. This study evaluated the responses of two groups of cows, initially with clinical signs of chronic P deficiency, to P supplements (100 g P/kg) offered ad libitum for 13 weeks as a loose mineral mix (LMM group) or the same mineral mix offered as blocks (BMM group). Half of the cows in each group were categorized as ‘with’ or ‘without’ severe osteopenia according to a test that depended on the resistance to penetration of a needle through the left lateral process of the L4-L5 lumbar vertebra. The groups grazed two paddocks that were switched each 3 weeks. The liveweight, supplement intakes, and the P-concentrations in soil, forage, blood, and external cortical bone (ECB) of the ribs were measured.The bicarbonate-extractable P in soil was 3.5 mg/kg. The mean of total P in forage (0.95 g/kg/DM), inorganic P in serum (iP, 0.96 mmol/L), and total P in the ECB of the ribs (85 mg/mL) at the beginning of the experiment were all low and consistent with severe chronic P deficiency. The P supplementation allowed clinical recovery in 18/20 cows with their serum and ECB P and calcium approaching normal values and in the two remaining cows the only sign was abnormal gait. Cows consumed more of the LMM than BMM supplement (means 8.3 and 6.6 g P/day, respectively). After 13 weeks cows initially classified as ‘with severe osteopenia’ and supplemented with LMM had higher (P < 0.05) final liveweight (difference = 21.6 kg), iP (difference = 0.74 mmol/L), bone Ca (difference = 65.7 mg/mL) and bone P (difference = 26.5 mg/mL) concentrations and lower (P < 0.01) final serum Ca/iP ratio (difference = −0.65) than cows with severe osteopenia but supplemented with BMM. The treatment of severe P deficiency cows grazing P deficient sub-tropical grasslands by P supplementation for 13 weeks was more effective with LMM than BMM.

P-594 A prevalence study of vitamin D insufficiency among infertile women in Sweden, its determinants and IVF outcome.

Abstract Study question What is the prevalence and the determinants of vitamin D insufficiency and do women with insufficiency have worse IVF outcome compared with them with sufficiency? Summary answer Women from Non-Nordic countries, with avoiding sun behavior and low intake of vitamin supplementation have higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency but comparable IVF outcome. What is known already Vitamin D seems to have an important role in human reproduction and infertility. Vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent around Europe, yet studies from north latitude countries, where sunlight exposure is undetectable during the winter, describing the prevalence and determinants of this condition in women with infertility lacking. Moreover, there is still discrepancy in the existing evidence whether insufficient vitamin D status is associated with poor IVF/ICSI outcome and no published studies in this field exist from Nordic countries. Study design, size, duration Prospective cohort study that was conducted between September 2020 and August 2021 at Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg in Sweden. Gothenburg is a city located in southwestern Sweden (latitude 57.7o N) with highly variating duration of daylight between seasons. Participants/materials, setting, methods Women with infertility who were scheduled for IVF/ICSI treatment were included. Venous blood samples for measurement of serum 25(OH) vitamin D concentration and questionnaires assessing vitamin D intake and sun exposure habits were collected from 265 women. Main results and the role of chance The overall prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 27%, ranging from 7% in summer to 33% in winter. The odds for vitamin D insufficiency were higher for women originating from non-Nordic Europe (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.26-8.80, adjusted p=0.015), Middle East (OR 14.46, 95% CI 5.20-40.20, adjusted p&amp;lt;0.001) and Asia (OR 6.46, 95% CI 1.79-23.27, adjusted p=0.004) compared with women originating from Nordic countries. It was more likely for women who did not use vitamin D supplements to have insufficiency compared with them using supplements (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.69-7.20, adjusted p&amp;lt;0.001). The odds for vitamin D insufficiency were also higher for women staying “in the shade all the time” compared with women who were exposing themselves “in the sun all the time” (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.43-9.27, adjusted p=0.007) and with them staying “both in the sun and shade” (OR 3.57, 95% CI 0.88-14.43, adjusted p=0.074). The reproductive outcome of IVF/ICSI treatment between women with serum 25(OH) vitamin D insufficiency and sufficiency was comparable. Limitations, reasons for caution The use of a questionnaire has intrinsic limitations (recall bias, low accuracy of the provided information). Moreover, the questionnaire did not include questions about sun protection factor usage during sun exposure. Blood sampling was underrepresented during summer due to limited resources during the summer months with closed IVF clinics. Wider implications of the findings Pre-IVF/ICSI treatment vitamin D serum concentration do not seem to influence IVF success. However, information about vitamin D should target women from non-Nordic countries and to advise them for supplementation and sun exposure. The aim is to avoid vitamin D insufficiency and the associated adverse long-term health consequences. Trial registration number not applicable

Effects of egg yolk choline intake on cognitive functions and plasma choline levels in healthy middle-aged and older Japanese: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled parallel-group study

BackgroundCholine, as a neurotransmitter acetylcholine precursor, is reportedly associated with cognitive function. Although there are several cohort and animal studies on choline-containing foods and cognitive function, only a few interventional studies were reported. Egg yolk is a rich source of different choline-containing chemical forms, such as phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and α-glycerophosphocholine (α-GPC). This study aimed to investigate the effect of consuming 300 mg of egg yolk choline per day on cognitive function of Japanese adults.MethodsA 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted in 41 middle-aged and elderly males and females (43.9% female) aged ≥ 60 years and ≤ 80 years without dementia. Participants were randomly assigned to placebo and choline groups. The choline group received a supplement containing egg yolk choline (300 mg/day), and the placebo group received an egg yolk supplement free from choline for 12 weeks. Assessments of Cognitrax, Trail Making Tests (TMT) part A and B, the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Simplified Japanese Version of the WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and plasma choline levels were performed before and 6 and 12 weeks after supplement intake. In the present study, 19 subjects (9 in the placebo group and 10 in the choline group) were excluded due to the violation of the discontinuation criteria or participant compliance, and 41 subjects were analyzed.ResultsThe change amount of verbal memory scores and verbal memory test-correct hit (delay) was significantly higher in the choline group than in the placebo group at baseline-6 and baseline-12 weeks. The plasma free choline level was significantly higher in the choline group compared with the placebo group at 6 weeks. Conversely, the choline group showed significantly lower Cognitrax processing speed scores, symbol digit coding testing correct responses, and SF-36 physical quality of life summary scores compared to the placebo group at 6 weeks.ConclusionsThe results suggested that continued 300 mg/day intake of egg yolk choline improved verbal memory, which is a part of cognitive functions. To confirm the observed effects of egg yolk choline, more well-designed and large-scale studies are warranted.Trial registrationStudy protocols were pre-registered in the Clinical Trials Registration System (UMIN-CTR) (UMIN 000045050).

Assessment of Nutritional Status for Nutritional Rickets Identification in Children Less Than Five Years of Age

Aim: To estimate the nutritional status for nutritional rickets identification in children &lt;5 years of age. Study design: Prospective study Place and duration of study: Memon Hospital Hyderabad from 1st February 2022 to 31st January 2023. Methodology: One hundred children under the age of 5 were enrolled. Nutritional rickets diagnosis was based on clinical and biochemical examination followed by radiological imaging. The radiological X-ray was used for identifying spraying, fraying, cupping and widening of wrist presence. A 2cc blood of each patient was withdrawn and test for the levels of 25(OH) vitamin D3, serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) through Enzyme linked immune sorbent assay and calorimetric method respectively. For each patient a food frequency chart was fulfilled which included their breast feeding, supplementation, cerelac and cow milk diet intake as well as intake of other dairy products. Results: Radiological assessment of present study showed that cupping was the most prominent determinant followed by wrist widening and splaying in all age groups. In present study, rural participants are more exposed to sun light as compared to urban participants. Biochemical analysis revealed that means calcium, ALP and vitamin D levels was lower in almost every age group. Food frequency chart proved, 66% of the children were on breastfeeding but only 34% of the patients were taking supplements along with breastfeeding. Practical Implication: supplementation and adequate awareness are the key elements that can prove substantial in improving the vitamin D status in developing regions of the world. Conclusion: Majority of the children of present study were vitamin D and calcium deficient. Keywords: Rickets, Vitamin D, Calcium, Sunlight

Iodine deficiency and real-life supplementation ineffectiveness in Polish pregnant women and its impact on thyroid metabolism.

Iodine is a pivotal component of thyroid hormones, and its deficiency leads to negative pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, during gestation, additional iodine supplementation is recommended. By evaluating a group of women from western Poland, the study updated on iodine status during pregnancy and the effectiveness of iodine supplementation in relation to the maternal and neonatal thyroid function. A total of 91 women were recruited before the delivery between 2019 and 2021. During the medical interview, the patients declared their dietary supplements intake. Thyroid parameters (TSH, ft3, ft4, a-TPO, a-Tg, and TRAb) were measured in the serum of mothers and in the cord blood of newborns after birth. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and urine/creatinine (UIC/crea) ratio were assessed in single urine samples using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). Neonatal TSH screening from dried blood spot was analyzed. Pregnant women showed a median (interquartile range) UIC of 106 (69-156) µg/liter and UIC/crea ratio of 104 (62-221) µg/g, whereas approximately 20% had UIC/crea below 50 µg/g, indicating iodine deficiency. The iodine supplementation ratio was 68%. No significant differences in UIC, UIC/crea and thyroid parameters were found between iodine supplemented and non-supplemented groups; however, the highest ioduria was detected when iodine was supplemented in addition to levothyroxine in comparison with both substances administered separately. Patients with UIC/crea within 150-249 µg/g demonstrated the lowest TSH and a-TPO levels. Screening TSH was above 5 mIU/liter in 6% of children. Despite the national salt iodization and the recommendation to supplement iodine during gestation, the status of the abovementioned microelement and real-life intake revealed the ineffectiveness of the current iodine-deficiency prophylaxis model in pregnancy.

Evaluation of cattle tallow and hen excreta´s in rations for the raising of semi-confined Brahman pre-weaning

Two levels of incorporating cattle tallow (CT) and agricultural or agro-industrial byproducts of regional abundance were tested in the supplement to be compared with the usual practice of supplementation of the farm, using to cover the limitations of base ration in calves at the end of the lactation. Using a completely randomized design with three treatments, to determine their effect on weight gain (WG), food intake, animal behavior and cost of supplementation; with 78, 77 and 76 animals, respectively per treatment, there are: T0 farm ration (without tallow, with hen excreta´s.-HE.-49.22%, wheat bran 39.6% and sesame cake 11.72%). T1: ration with 3.5 % of CT, from the industrial slaughters from Barquisimeto, (50% H, corn byproduct meal.-CBM.- 30.9%, sugar cane molasses.-SCM.- 15%, salt-sulfur flower 4:1.-SSF.- 0.6%). T2: ration with 7% CT (T1, with 30.9% CBM). All animals receive distilleries vinasse ad libitum. The experiment was 7 d for adaptation for rations and 98 d to make measurements. The animals were confined in corrals 20 m by 20 m, live weight of 265 ± 4.96 kg (age 10 to 11 months). To aggregate 3.5% CT in the ration with 50% HE and substituting CBM with 15% of SCM, permitted increase the food intake and WG, with reduction of supplementation cost and the time to sell the animals. Whereas the use 7% CT was disadvantageous in all variables evaluated and lower that farm ration.

Adherence to iron supplement intake during pregnancy and associated factors in Ethiopia: Further analysis of a national population-based study.

Iron deficiency during pregnancy is a risk factor for anemia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Poor adherence to iron supplement intake remains a problem in many countries including Ethiopia. This analysis aimed at determining the proportion of adherence to iron supplement intake and its associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. We used the data from the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS), which is a cross-sectional and nationally representative survey. A weighted sample of 3927 pregnant women was included in the study. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with adherence to iron supplement intake. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value <.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Our analysis revealed that out of 2356 (60.0%) pregnant women who took iron supplements during their most recent pregnancy, only 417 (17.7%; 95% CI: 0.162-0.193) adhered to the WHO-recommended iron intake for 90 days or more. The subnational regions, level of education, literacy, the timing of first antenatal care booking, and past place of delivery were significantly associated with iron supplement intake. Interventions to enhance the uptake of iron supplementation better focus on improving women's education and literacy, early initiation and frequency of ANC visits, and institutional delivery. Raising community awareness through educating pregnant women is also recommended to improve adherence to iron supplement intake.

Cross sectional study of vitamin B12 supplementation in Slovak and Czech vegans.

The number of vegans in the world is growing and in Slovakia and the Czech Republic they make up 1% of the population. Vegan diet excludes all foods of animal origin and vegans who do not use vitamin B12 supplements are at risk of the vitamin B12 deficiency. The aim of this study was to determine what proportion of Czech and Slovak vegans use vitamin B12 supplements regularly, irregularly or not at all and what is their supplemental cobalamin intake. The research involved 1337 self-identified vegans from Slovakia and the Czech Republic who were interviewed using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) method. Participants were recruited by posts in veganism-themed social media groups. Out of 1337 vegans 55.5% supplemented cobalamin regularly, 32.54% irregularly and 11.97% were not supplementing. Rate of not supplementing individuals was 5.04% higher in Slovaks than in Czechs. Short-term vegans had a significantly higher rate of not supplementing individuals (17.99%) compared to medium-term (8.37%) and long-term vegans (7.50%). Mean weekly cobalamin intake from supplements was 2938.34±2566.60 μg in regularly supplementing vegans compared to 1630.31±1949.27 μg in irregularly supplementing vegans, particularly due to the lower weekly supplementation frequency among irregularly (2.93) compared to regularly supplementing vegans (5.27). The rate of supplementation in Slovak and particularly Czech vegans was higher than in other countries. The number of not supplementing individuals was significantly higher among short-term vegans, indicating that there is still a need for education on the importance of adequate and regular cobalamin supplementation, especially in new vegans. Our results support the hypothesis that the reason for higher rate of cobalamin deficiency in irregularly compared to regularly supplementing vegans is the lower cobalamin intake caused by lower supplementation frequency.

Very low Omega-3 Index in young healthy students from Palestine.

Oily fish is rich in long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have been associated with several health benefits. However, fish consumption is generally low in many countries, including the Middle East, resulting in low omega-3 blood levels. In Palestine, no data on the omega-3 blood status is available. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the omega-3 status and related factors in young healthy subjects from Palestine. Omega-3 status was assessed using the Omega-3 Index-defined as the sum of EPA + DHA in relation to the total fatty acid content of erythrocytes. A total of 149 subjects, 50 males and 99 females (age range: 18-24 years), were included in the study. In addition to the Omega-3 Index, data on anthropometrics, physical activity, smoking status, fish intake, dietary supplement intake, blood lipid profile, and whole erythrocyte fatty acid pattern were collected. The mean (SD) Omega-3 Index was 2.56 (0.57)%, with 97.9% of subjects having an index below 4%. The majority of participants (91.8%) consumed less than two portions of fish per week, and only 4% reported taking omega-3 supplements, mostly irregularly. Our findings show that young Palestinian students have an alarmingly low omega-3 status. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the omega-3 status is also low in the general Palestinian population.

A national cross-sectional analysis of dietary copper intake and abdominal aortic calcification in the US adults: NHANES 2013–2014

Background and aimsCopper is an essential dietary element with a crucial role in physiological regulation. However, the relationship between dietary copper intake and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) remains uncertain. Methods and resultsThis study encompassed a cohort of 2535 adults aged over 40 years, derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014. Dietary copper intake from both food sources and supplements was assessed through two 24-h dietary recall interviews. AAC was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and classified into 3 groups using the Kauppila score system. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association between dietary copper intake and AAC.Among the participants, a total of 771 individuals (30.4%) were diagnosed with AAC, of which 239 (9.4%) exhibited severe AAC. Higher dietary copper intake was significantly associated with a lower incidence of severe AAC. Specifically, for each 1 mg/day increase in dietary copper intake, the incidence of severe AAC decreased by 38% (odds ratios [OR] 0.62, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.39–0.98) after adjustment for relevant covariates. Moreover, individuals in the third tertile of copper intake had a 37% lower incidence of AAC compared to those in the first tertile [OR 0.63, 95% CI (0.43–0.95)]. However, no significant associations were found between supplemental copper intake or serum copper levels and AAC. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that lower dietary copper intake, rather than serum copper levels or supplement copper intake, is significantly associated with a higher prevalence of AAC in adults ≥40 years old in the United States.

GLUCOMANNAN AND RED RICE EXTRACT REDUCE BLOOD LIPID LEVELS IN OVERWEIGHT PATIENTS

Objective: This study aims to explore the changes in blood lipid levels, body composition, and blood pressure in healthy middle-aged overweight people with mild hypercholesterolemia following the 45-day intake of a dietary supplement containing both glucomannan and red rice extract. Design and method: The survey was designed as a single-arm non-randomized, non-blind intervention study. 31 study participants consumed a dietary supplement containing dietary fibers (Konjak glucomannan, E425ii) and red rice extract (Monascus purpureus) for 45 days. Participants were asked not to change their current diet. Their body weight, body composition, and blood pressure were measured every two weeks. Blood lipids were tested at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. Results: After 45 days, there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol (by 16-18%), LDL cholesterol (by 20-24%), and triglyceride levels (by 11-23%) in both genders. In addition, women lost on average about 1 kilogram of body weight, 1.5 kilograms in body fat, and decreased their body mass index by 0.5 kg/m2. No changes in body composition were observed among men, but their systolic pressure decreased by six mmHg on average. Conclusions: Concurrent use of glucomannan and red yeast rice extract resulted in a significant reduction in blood lipid levels in both genders. It could be a safe and effective treatment option for the population of healthy middle-aged overweight people with mild hypercholesterolemia.

A tertiary care study to assess the effectiveness of 'Supplement adherence kit' on intake of nutritional supplements among pregnant women.

An antenatal mother undergoes significant changes throughout pregnancy and most of which occur during the second trimester. Supplements are important for normal growth and development of fetus, Deficiency of supplements during pregnancy leads to anemia and can have a negative impact on perinatal and maternal outcomes. These complications can be prevented by supplementing needed vitamins and minerals. A Quasi-experimental study was conducted on 137 subjects visiting gynecology OPD enrolled by total enumerative sampling technique. Hemoglobin level and the adherence of supplements were assessed during the second trimester of antenatal mothers in both the groups. Adherence of supplements has increased significantly (p value = 0.005, 0.004, and 0.040 for iron, folic acid, and calcium, respectively) among subjects in the experimental group. Results of SMAQ shows that there is increase in adherent mothers from 33.3% to 71.2% experimental group. Supplement adherence kit was effective in increasing supplement adherence level along with an improvement in hemoglobin levels among antenatal mothers in the Experimental group.

Long-term dietary exposure to copper in the population in Germany - Results from the BfR MEAL study.

The German Total Diet Study (BfR MEAL Study) measured copper in 356 foods. In 105 of these foods copper was determined separately for conventionally and organically pooled samples. Mammalian liver, nuts, oilseeds, cocoa powder and chia seeds contained the highest copper levels. Organically produced foods tended to have higher levels compared to conventionally produced foods. Children's copper exposure was between 0.04mg/kg body weight per day (mg/kg bw/day) and 0.07mg/kg bw/day (median). High exposure (95th percentile) ranged between 0.07mg/kg bw/day and 0.11mg/kg bw/day. Adult's exposure ranged between 0.02mg/kg bw/day (median) and 0.04mg/kg bw/day (95th percentile). Grains and grain-based products were main contributors for all age groups. Copper intake was about 10% higher in a scenario where consumers select the organically produced variants. Children's median and high exposure was above the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.07mg/kg bw/day set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, according to EFSA's evaluation this is not of concern due to higher requirement related to growth. For adults, frequent consumers of mammalian liver exceeded the ADI in median and 95th percentile. Intake of copper-containing dietary supplements may also lead to exceedance of the ADI in all age groups.

Impact of Maternal Essential Fatty Acid Intake on the Birth Weight of Infants.

Increased uptake of essential fatty acids during pregnancy through seafood and supplementation has been shown to positively correlate with gestational age and increased infant birth weight. We aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal dietary intake of essential fatty acids, supplementation on gestational period and infant birth weight. A literature search with the help of various databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus was conducted. Original research articles and intervention-based studies, which involve an association between dietary intake and supplementation of essential fatty acids during full-term pregnancy on human infant birth outcomes and published from 2011 to 2021, were included. In total, there were 21 intervention-based studies, including full-term pregnant women with or without existing comorbidities, which compared essential fatty acids in the form of dietary sources and supplementation with dietary counseling and with or without placebo. The intervention trials included in this review were conducted in developed and developing countries. Half of the pregnant women who enrolled in the study had comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension, which might increase their risk of adverse maternal and infant birth outcomes. Most of the studies included in the review have reported a positive association between improvised dietary and supplementation intake of essential fatty acids with increased length of gestation, infant birth weight and other parameters such as head circumference, infant birth length and growth velocity. Positive correlations were found between increased consumption of essential fatty acids in food sources and supplements with improvised infant birth weight and gestational period.

Prevalence and influencing factors of anaemia among pregnant women in rural areas of Northwestern China

ObjectivesAnaemia during pregnancy is a significant public health problem that adversely impacts both the mother and foetus. However, the factors influencing maternal anaemia in deprived areas of Northwestern China have not yet been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and potential influencing factors of anaemia among expectant mothers in rural areas of Northwestern China. Study designThis was a cross-sectional survey. MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 586 expectant mothers was conducted to investigate the prevalence of anaemia, prenatal healthcare coverage, dietary diversity and nutrient supplementation intake. The study population was selected from the sample areas using a random sampling method. Data were collected through a questionnaire, and haemoglobin concentrations were measured by a capillary blood test. ResultsThe results show that 34.8% of the study population were anaemic, with 13% having moderate-to-severe anaemia. The results of the regression analysis showed that diet was not significantly associated with haemoglobin concentrations or the prevalence of anaemia. However, regular prenatal healthcare attendance was found to be an important influencing factor for both haemoglobin concentration (β = 3.67, P = 0.002) and the prevalence of anaemia (odds ratio = 0.59, P = 0.011). ConclusionsPregnant women receiving regular prenatal care were less likely to be anaemic; thus, it is essential to implement strategies to improve attendance at maternal public health services to reduce the prevalence of maternal anaemia.

Evaluation of Parameters Which Influence Voluntary Ingestion of Supplements in Rats.

Drug safety and efficacy studies frequently use oral gavage, but repetitive usage may cause problems. Administration through voluntary ingestion represents an opportunity for refinement. We aimed to develop a protocol for voluntary ingestion of gelatin-based supplements in rats, assessing the influence of age, sex, fasting (4 h), and additives (vanilla, VF; sucralose, S), and to test it in lactating dams. Three-week-old and 5-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were placed individually in an empty cage containing a gelatin cube and trained daily (5 days/week), recording the day the whole cube was consumed (latency). Rats trained prior to gestation were offered a gelatin containing 250 mg/kg cocoa shell extract (CSE) during lactation. Rats that did not eat the cube after 8 training days were considered non-habituated, with a proportion similar in young males (7.1%), young females (11.1%), and adult females (10.3%), but significantly higher in adult males (39.3%). Excluding non-habituated rats, latency was 2-3 days, without differences between young and adult rats (p = 0.657) or between males and females (p = 0.189). VF or VF + S in the gelatin did not modify latency, while fasting significantly reduced it in females (p = 0.007) but not in males (p = 0.501). During lactation, trained females ate the CSE-gelatin within 1-5 min without litter problems. Conclusions: Acceptance of a gelatin-based supplement is negatively influenced by male sex, facilitated by fasting, and not modified by additives. Training is remembered after 2 months and does not interfere with lactation. Gelatin-based voluntary ingestion is suitable to administer drugs that need to pass through the digestive system, ensuring adequate dosage, and is important to detect non-habituated rats prior to the study. The current protocol may be implemented by training the rats in their own cage.

고강도 운동을 통한 Lactate상승에서 경구투여 β-Carotene의 항산화 및 피로도 회복력에 미치는 효과

The purpose of this study is to identify the antioxidant effect of oral administration of β-carotene in order to effectively prevent body acidification of lactate, an oxidizing substance that rapidly increases through high-intensity exercise, and to suggest a method for preventing acidosis in the body. The study subjects were 22 males and females between the ages of 20 and 29 while performing high-intensity CrossFit exercise in common, and 11 each of the G1 group, which performed high-intensity CrossFit exercise and orally administered β-carotene during the study period, and the G2 group, which controlled intake of health supplements. assigned randomly. The study period was 8 weeks in total, and the intensity of HRmax 70 Over % was regularly conducted twice a week for 30 minutes each. As a result 1. Oral administration of β-Carotene to the rapid increase in lactate caused by high-intensity exercise has the effect of preventing body acidification by increasing antioxidant power. 2. Oral administration of β-Carotene to the rapid increase in lactate caused by high-intensity exercise has the effect of recovering from fatigue by suppressing the increase in lactate. 3. There is a significant correlation between the increase in lactate and antioxidant activity.

Analyzing the Prevalence of Fat-Soluble Vitamins in the Diets of Georgian Elderly Care Facilities

Vitamin overdose is often not researched in comparison to its counterpart risk, malnutrition. As the general topic of vitamin overdose is already under-researched, I specifically looked at fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, and K) in elderly care facilities in Georgia to determine if any posed the unrecognized risk of vitamin over supplementation. The examination of these risks are paramount since many elderly residents are dependent on the facility to provide food as well as their supplements. Thus, this would mean that even a facility-provided diet high in vitamins may assume a vitamin risk since supplementation on top of this diet is unnecessary and may lead to over supplementation. Other commonly researched risks are also explored by analyzing prevalence. Through a sequential mixed methods approach, I analyzed qualitative interviews on medical and dietary staff from 8 respective care facilities to determine dietary vitamin intake and content analyses on their meal plans for supplemental intake. The results of my study found that there were no conclusive vitamin deficiency risks, most vitamins were in the adequate range, and Vitamin A and potentially Vitamin D were at the highest risk for over supplementation. These factors may be due to the common emphasis of vitamins in diet (as opposed to supplements) and the frequent shift in supplement responsibility to medical professionals. Thus, future research should look at the extent of this issue in Georgia and potential prevention measures.