Supplement Intake Research Articles

Functional integration of services during the antenatal period can potentially improve childhood growth parameters beyond infancy: findings from a post-interventional follow-up study in West Bengal, India

BackgroundDespite progress, the prevalence of childhood undernutrition in India remains amongst the highest globally.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the impact of a functional integration interventional package during the antenatal period on childhood growth parameters.MethodsThis is a post-interventional follow-up study of a maternal nutrition interventional study conducted between 2018 and 2019 among women in their first trimester of pregnancy from three districts in West Bengal, India. Pregnant women received a package of augmented interventions from study staff which supplemented those provided to them under the state-run programmes, that included body-mass-index measurement at pregnancy registration, monthly weight monitoring, targeted dietary counselling, supervised supplementary nutrition intake and iron-folic acid supplementation during daily anganwadi center visits. In the current follow-up study conducted in 2021, age-matched pregnant women from the same areas who were pregnant during the same period as in the original study and had received standard-of-care under the state-run programmes were recruited into a comparison group. Study staff collected data regarding maternal height and serial weights that were recorded at antenatal visits in 2018-19, and birth and infant characteristics. Child height and weight were measured during the follow-up visit in 2021, which were used to calculate the relative risks of stunting, wasting and underweight using generalized linear models, to understand the sustained impact of the intervention beyond infancy. Eight-hundred-nine mother-child dyads (406 intervention; 403 comparison) were followed.ResultsMedian age of women in the intervention and comparison group was 23 (IQR 20–25) and 25 (IQR 24–27) years respectively. Median gestational-weight-gain was higher amongst intervention group women (9 vs. 8 kg, p = 0.04). Low-birth-weight prevalence was 29.3% (119/406) and 32.0% (129/403) in the intervention and comparison group. At 12–35 months of age, children born to women in the intervention group had significantly reduced risk of stunting (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.44–0.94), wasting (RR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.33–0.97) and underweight (RR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.42–0.88).ConclusionsThese results indicate that functional integration and strengthening of routine antenatal care services including targeted nutritional counselling to expectant mothers can have distal beneficial effects on childhood undernutrition beyond the immediate post-natal period.

Knowledge, Prevalence, and Consequences of Dietary Supplements Intake among Iranian Bodybuilders

BackgroundThis study investigated the nutritional knowledge and prevalence of dietary supplements (DSs) among Iranian bodybuilders. MethodsThis cross-sectional research study involved sampling 648 bodybuilding clubs in Iran. A researcher distributed questionnaires among clubs in various regions and analyzed categorical variables, DS, nutritional knowledge, and sports nutrition data from 160 bodybuilders aged 18 and above in Iran. The analysis was conducted using the results obtained from a quantitative questionnaire. ResultsThere was a significant relationship between DS use and gender (P = 0.001, r = 0.330, males > females), bodybuilding history (P = 0.045; r = 0.158), and exercise sessions/wk (P = 0.050, r = 0.156). Whey protein (45.6%) and branched-chain amino acid (33.7%), vitamin D (50%), caffeine (34.3%), and generally vitamin C (56.2%) were the most common DS used. The most information sources for bodybuilders regarding DS were fitness coaches (35.6%) and registered dietitians/nutritionists (34.3%). Drug stores (36.7%) and fitness coaches (19.3%) were the most prominent sources for purchasing DS. Increasing performance (54.3%), increasing the need for DS through exercise (53.6%), preventing injury, and improving recovery (36.2%) were the most important reasons to consume DS. Skin problems (21.0%), increased liver enzymes (10.8%), and hair loss (9.4%) were the most common side effects of DS use. Total nutritional knowledge (macronutrients, micronutrients, and sports nutrition) was 58.6%. ConclusionsThis study concluded that fitness coaches and registered dietitians/nutritionists were the most common information sources for bodybuilders. It also revealed a moderate level of nutrition knowledge among bodybuilders. The most commonly used DS were vitamins C, D, and whey protein. Also, gender, bodybuilding history, and exercise sessions had a significant relationship with the prevalence of DS. However, the study also revealed some concerning findings; bodybuilders commonly experienced adverse side effects such as skin rashes, increased liver enzymes, and hair loss.

Vitamin D, Folate, Vitamin B12, and Iron Status in Pregnant/Postpartum Old Order Anabaptist Women in Southwestern Ontario.

Purpose: To assess vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, and iron status in Old Order Anabaptist (OOA) pregnant/postpartum women.Methods: Blood was analyzed for plasma 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), red blood cell (RBC) folate, serum vitamin B12, and iron status indicators. Dietary intakes (food and supplements) from 3-day estimated records were compared to Dietary Reference Intakes and Canada's Food Guide (2007).Results: Fifty women participated in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Concentrations of 25(OH)D were low (<50 nmol/L for 20% and < 75 nmol/L for 63%); 42% had total vitamin D intakes < estimated average requirement (EAR). All women had RBC folate above the 1360 mmol/L cut-off. Nineteen percent had folate intakes <EAR; 80% had folic acid supplement intakes >upper limit. One woman had low serum vitamin B12 (<148 pmol/L); serum vitamin B12 was high (>652 pmol/L) for 24%. None had vitamin B12 intakes <EAR; intakes were high compared to the recommended dietary intake. One woman had low hemoglobin; 13% had ferritin <15 μg/L. Thirteen percent had total iron intake <EAR.Conclusions: Overall, dietary intake and serum micronutrient status of OOA pregnant and postpartum women in our study were similar to those reported in previous studies of Canadian women. While some women had low intakes of vitamin D and iron, most had high intakes of folate and vitamin B12. These findings provide guidance to ensure appropriate dietary and supplement intakes in this potentially vulnerable and rarely studied population.

Causal association of micronutrients and supplements with pressure ulcer: A Mendelian randomization study.

Pressure ulcer (PU) is known to be associated with abnormalities of micronutrient status. However, to date, it is not clear whether a causal relationship exists between circulating levels of micronutrients and their supplementations and PU. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted using summary statistics from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Genetic instrumental variables (IVs) for 13 micronutrients were identified from a GWAS of 67582 participants, IVs for supplement zinc were acquired from 18826 cases and 44255880 controls, and IVs for PU were obtained from 663 PUs and 207482 controls. The MR analysis was conducted using the MR base platform. The main analysis method was inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis, supplemented by MR Egger, Weighted median, Weighted mode, and Simple mode analyses. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q statistic for MR-IVW and Rucker's Q statistic for MR-Egger. Pleiotropy was determined bythe MR-Eggerregression. Sensitivityanalysiswasconductedusingthe leave-one-outmethod, and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots. Genetically predicted lower circulating zinc levels were found to be causally linked to the development of PU (OR=0.758, 95%CI 0.583-0.987, P=0.040). However, there was no significant evidence of a causal relationship between supplemental zinc intake and PU development (P>0.05). Additionally, no causal association was observed between the other circulating micronutrients and the occurrence of PU. Furthermore, there was no indication of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity among genetic variants (P>0.05), and the robustness of the findings was confirmed through leave-one-out tests and funnel plots. Our findings indicate a potential causal association between circulating zinc levels and decreased risk of PU. However, zinc supplementation did not demonstrate a significant reduction in the risk of PU. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which zinc influences the pathogenesis of PU and evaluate the efficacy of zinc supplementation in the prevention and management of PU.

The Impact of the Dietary Intake of Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, and Vitamin D3 on Homocysteine Levels and the Health-Related Quality of Life of Levodopa-Treated Patients with Parkinson's Disease-A Pilot Study in Romania.

Previous studies have shown that the levodopa treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) elevates circulating homocysteine levels, which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and neurological disorders, or thrombosis. The present trial aimed to examine whether the intake of vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D3 supplements improved homocysteine level and quality of life (QoL). An interventional prospective trial was conducted in multiple centers across Romania. Participants with clinically established PD taking at least 300 mg/day of levodopa for more than 1 year received a daily tablet of a supplement containing 800 UI of vitamin D3, 1000 µg of folic acid, and 15 µg of vitamin B12. They were followed for 6 months and their serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and QoL scores were measured at baseline and at 6 months of treatment. QoL was measured using a 15D questionnaire, which assesses mobility, vision, hearing, breathing, sleeping, eating, speech, excretion, usual activities, mental function, discomfort and symptoms, depression, distress, vitality, and sexual activity. Twenty-four PD patients with a mean age of 71 ± 5.04 years (54.2% male and 45.8% female) finished the study. After the intervention, the mean score of speech, mental function, discomfort and symptoms, depression, and QoL significantly increased (p < 0.05 for all). Also, the serum homocysteine and vitamin D were significantly enhanced (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.025, respectively). Changes in vitamin B12 were not statistically significant at 6 months of treatment (p = 0.996). No gender differences were found among the changes that we have demonstrated for homocysteine, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and QoL levels (p < 0.05 for all). The findings of this study showed that the dietary intake of vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D3 remarkably decreased the dimensions of homocysteine and finally increased the total score of QoL in PD patients. We have successfully captured the potential benefits of the supplementation regimen over time and provided insights into the broader implications for managing PD with a focus on nutritional support.

Evaluating women’s knowledge about dietary supplement use during pregnancy

PurposeDietary supplements are important in improving maternal health and birth outcomes during pregnancy. This study aims to assess women’s knowledge about the benefits, sources and proper intake of dietary supplements during pregnancy.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted among women at Jordan University Hospital in Amman, Jordan from July to October 2023.FindingsA total of 448 women completed the questionnaire. Analysis of the results showed that among all questions, participants perceived sufficient knowledge about dietary supplements' beneficial effects. Around 50% of the participants did not recognize the importance of vitamin B12 and vitamin A. Most participants identified that iron supplements should not be taken with dairy products, coffee, tea, calcium and antacids. Most participants did not know the source of vitamin A (82.1%), and only 44% knew the correct source of vitamin B12. Less than half of the participants recognized the appropriate administration time for each dietary supplement.Originality/valueThe knowledge level of the interaction between iron and food, natural sources of vitamins and their benefits was high, less than half of the participants showed poor knowledge about the proper time to take the dietary supplement. Patient education and counseling is important to improve health outcomes.

Assessment of lifestyle and health-related behaviors and correlates during the COVID-19 pandemic among Lebanese adults

IntroductionThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly become a worldwide threat to human health and has significantly impacted people’s lives and changed their lifestyles and health behaviors. This study aims to assess lifestyle and health-related behaviors (LHBs) and associated factors among the general population in Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 Lebanese adults. The study questionnaire was developed on Google Forms in English and Arabic. It included self-reported questions about sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19, and perceived behavioral changes (smoking, alcohol consumption, sexual and hygiene behaviors, and intake of nutritional supplements and immunity-boosting foods). It also comprised three scales, i.e., the Lifestyle and Health Behaviors questionnaire (LHB-17), the WHO-5 Well-being Index, and the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S).ResultsThe mean age of participants was 29.74 ± 10.81 years, with 51.2% females. Most participants reported that COVID-19 negatively affected their LHBs, mainly diet, sleep, and psychological well-being, while physical activity aspects remained unaffected. Female gender (Unstandardized Beta (ß) = − 2.336), living in Lebanon (ß = − 7.502), nargileh smoking (ß = − 3.433), high BMI (ß = − 0.263), and increased daily usage of electronic devices during the COVID-19 lockdown (ß = − 0.853) were significantly associated with lower LHB-17 scores, indicating worsened LHB. However, living in urban areas (ß = 2.464), employment status (ß = 1.920), good overall health (ß = 3.543), a higher quality of life (ß = 0.204), and unaffected physical (ß = 2.101) and mental (ß = 1.586) health during the COVID-19 lockdown were all significantly associated with higher LHB-17 scores, reflecting positive LHB.ConclusionLebanese adults reported several unfavorable lifestyle changes and psychological problems during the lockdown due to COVID-19, particularly affecting women, non-workers, waterpipe smokers, electronic device heavy users, people of lower socioeconomic status, and those with chronic diseases. Health promotion strategies are needed to assess negative changes both in physical and mental health and maintain as many positive health-related behaviors as possible among the Lebanese population.

Attenuation of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness with Acute Consumption of Essential Amino Acids

Introduction: Prior studies of the acute benefits of protein supplementation have determined a benefit in improving post-exercise muscle anabolism and aiding the recovery of muscle function and performance. Previous acute protein supplement studies in post-exercise protein synthesis and anabolic intracellular signaling reported no attenuation in muscle damage or elevated muscle function. The aim of this study is to implement a specific content of essential amino acids with resistance and aerobic exercises to quantify the difference in strength, endurance, and flexibility during the delayed onset muscle soreness common with a new exercise protocol. Methods: We enrolled 42 participants (22 EAA and 20 Controls) completed an hour-long aerobic and resistance exercise protocol including flexibility, resistance, and aerobic exercises for three consecutive days. The study participants were randomly assigned to the EAA (6.6g) per day (EAA + Gatorade) group or the control (Gatorade) group. The data was analyzed in a double-blinded format. Results: Both groups improved the initial flexibility respectively throughout the three exercise days but were not significantly different (p=0.32) in the sit and reach. For the resistance/power activities, the EAA group improved in the repetitions for push-ups (p=0.014 vs 0.21) and dips (0.0002 vs 0.59) compared to the controls. The EAA group was faster although not statistically significant in the 20-meter sprint and improved in the 1.5-mile run during the third day (P=0.002 vs 0.48) compared to the control group. Conclusions: The data in the results supports that acute ingestion of the essential amino acid supplements provides increased physical performance and decreases the DOMS symptoms in sedentary participants over the three-day trial period of exercise.

Prenatal determinants of anxiety symptoms in middle childhood. Evidence from Growing Up in New Zealand

BackgroundEarly life environments can have long-lasting impacts on future health and wellbeing. Maternal health during pregnancy, including experiencing stress or mood disorders, has been associated with psychopathology in later life. Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting approximately 7 % of children and adolescents globally, with a lifetime prevalence of 15–20 %. Identifying prenatal risk factors can support future and current public health interventions and maternity care. MethodsData were obtained from the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal study of child development. Prenatally, mothers provided sociodemographic information as well as data on their mental health, potential teratogens, and lifestyle factors such as supplement intake and exercise levels. At 8-years old, 4922 children self-completed the PROMIS-SF anxiety measure. Bivariate analyses and backward stepwise regression were used to determine the best multivariable model. ResultsSignificant prenatal predictors of anxiety symptoms at 8-years old included elevated maternal depression symptoms, body mass index in the overweight/obese range, exercise patterns, and paracetamol, anti-inflammatory and alcohol intake. LimitationsSample attrition from baseline to 8-year may have affected statistical power. To further untangle the effect of timing and duration of the exposures reported in this study, larger sample sizes would be required. ConclusionsPrenatal mental health and wellbeing was significantly associated with child anxiety symptoms at 8-years of age. This study highlights the importance of supporting expectant mothers' health and wellbeing during pregnancy to ensure children have the best opportunity to have good mental health.

Periconceptional maternal supplement intake and human embryonic growth, development, and birth outcomes: the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort.

Is periconceptional multiple-micronutrient supplement (MMS) use including folic acid (FA) compared to FA use only associated with increased embryonic growth, development, and birth weight in a high-risk population? Women with MMS intake show no significant differences in first-trimester morphological embryo development, but increased first-trimester embryonic growth trajectories and fewer neonates born small for gestational age (SGA), less than the 3rd percentile (<p3), compared to women using only FA. Periconceptional maternal FA intake in the general population is associated with increased embryonic and fetal growth, and reduced risks of neural tube defects, other congenital malformations, low birth weight, and neonates born SGA. A prospective tertiary hospital-based cohort study (the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort) was conducted from January 2010 to December 2020. We included 1076 women from the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort, before 10 weeks of pregnancy with follow-up until delivery. Embryonic growth was assessed by measurement of crown-rump length (CRL) and embryonic volume (EV), and embryonic morphology was described by Carnegie stages using longitudinal three-dimensional ultrasound scans and virtual reality techniques. Birth outcomes were extracted from medical records. General characteristics and supplement use were extracted from research questionnaires. This study showed increased embryonic growth trajectories (adjusted models, CRL: β = 0.052, 95% CI 0.012-0.090, EV: β = 0.022, 95% CI 0.002-0.042) in women using MMS compared to those using only FA. Moreover, a 45% reduced risk of a neonate-born SGA (<p3) was shown in women using MMS compared to FA users (adjusted OR = 0.546, 95% CI 0.308, 0.969). Embryonic morphological development (Carnegie stages) and the occurrence of miscarriages did not differ between women using MMS or solely FA. Following the heterogeneity of the composition and dose of MMS preparations, it is unclear which specific micronutrient, combination, or dose explains the increased embryonic growth trajectory and reduction in risk for SGA. This also hampers the possibility of differentiating between the effects of FA alone or as a component of MMS. Our findings emphasize the importance of periconceptional maternal MMS use as a potential preventative intervention against reduced embryonic growth and neonates born SGA. Therefore, we recommend the periconceptional use of MMS in women at risk of inadequate micronutrient intake. However, awareness of potentially harmful side effects of high doses and combinations of micronutrients is essential, therefore the optimal composition and dose need to be investigated, and careful surveillance is recommended. This research was funded by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and the ZonMw grant Open Competition 2018 (09120011910046). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. NTR4356.

Meta-analysis of the effect of curcumin supplementation on skeletal muscle damage status.

Meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effect of supplemental curcumin intake on skeletal muscle injury status and to propose an optimal intervention program. In accordance with the procedures specified in the PRISMA statement for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, the Review Manager 5.3 was used to analyze the results of creatine kinase (CK), muscle soreness, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and range of motion (ROM) as outcome indicators in the 349 subjects included in the 14 articles. The effect size of curcumin supplementation on muscle soreness, mean difference (MD) = -0.61; the relationship between curcumin supplementation and muscle soreness for time of measurement (I2 = 83.6%)、the relationship between curcumin supplementation and muscle soreness for period of intervention (I2 = 26.2%)、the relationship between whether one had been trained (I2 = 0%) and supplementation dose (I2 = 0%) were not heterogeneous for the relationship between curcumin supplementation and muscle soreness; The effect size on CK, MD = -137.32; the relationship between curcumin supplementation and CK (I2 = 79.7%)、intervention period (I2 = 91.9%)、whether or not trained (I2 = 90.7%)、and no heterogeneity in the relationship between curcumin supplementation and CK for the time of measurement (I2 = 0%); The effect size MD = 4.10 for the effect on ROM; The effect size for IL-6 was MD = -0.33. This meta-analysis highlights that curcumin supplementation significantly mitigates skeletal muscle damage, with notable improvements in CK levels, muscle soreness, IL-6 levels, and ROM. The results highlight the importance of curcumin dosage and timing, revealing that prolonged supplementation yields the best results, especially for untrained individuals or those less exposed to muscle-damaging exercise. For muscle soreness and ROM enhancement, a pre-emptive, low-dose regimen is beneficial, while immediate post-exercise supplementation is most effective at reducing CK and IL-6 levels.

Classification-Predictive Model Based on Artificial Neural Network Validated by Histopathology and Direct Immunofluorescence for the Diagnosis of Oral Lichen Planus.

The diagnosis of oral lichen planus (OLP) poses many challenges due to its nonspecific clinical symptoms and histopathological features. Therefore, the diagnostic process should include a thorough clinical history, immunological tests, and histopathology. Our study aimed to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of OLP by integrating direct immunofluorescence (DIF) results with clinical data to develop a multivariate predictive model based on the Artificial Neural Network. Eighty patients were assessed using DIF for various markers (immunoglobulins of classes G, A, and M; complement 3; fibrinogen type 1 and 2) and clinical characteristics such as age, gender, and lesion location. Statistical analysis was performed using machine learning techniques in Statistica 13. The following variables were assessed: gender, age on the day of lesion onset, results of direct immunofluorescence, location of white patches, locations of erosions, treatment history, medications and dietary supplement intake, dental status, smoking status, flossing, and using mouthwash. Four statistically significant variables were selected for machine learning after the initial assessment. The final predictive model, based on neural networks, achieved 85% in the testing sample and 71% accuracy in the validation sample. Significant predictors included stress at onset, white patches under the tongue, and erosions on the mandibular gingiva. In conclusion, while the model shows promise, larger datasets and more comprehensive variables are needed to improve diagnostic accuracy for OLP, highlighting the need for further research and collaborative data collection efforts.

Determinants of birth weight and length: an analysis of the 2020 mothers' cohort register data

A woman's nutritional status significantly impacts the qualities of the baby she delivers, as assessed by the baby's weight and length at birth. This study aimed to identify factors influencing birth weight and length using a retrospective case-control design with secondary data collected from the mothers' cohort register at the Community Health Center in 2020-2021. The study included 100 samples, comprising 25 cases and 75 controls. Several determinants of birth weight and length were examined: the mother's age (OR=4.1, 95% CI 1.41-12.0), weight gain during pregnancy (OR=3.6, 95% CI 1.051-12.553), mid-upper arm circumference (OR=2.9, 95% CI 1.061-8.220), hemoglobin level (OR=4.711, 95% CI 1.57-14.11), and iron supplement intake (OR=1.837, 95% CI 0.600-5.624), with hemoglobin level identified as the most influential factor on birth qualities. Mothers with less than normal hemoglobin levels have a 4.7 times higher risk of delivering babies of lower weight and length than mothers with normal hemoglobin levels. The impact of low hemoglobin in pregnant women includes reduced oxygen supply for both the mother and fetus, resulting in low birth weight, child anemia, premature birth, and child mortality. Given these significant effects, it is crucial to establish standards for health services in Indonesia, ensuring that pregnant women with low hemoglobin receive comprehensive care aligned with Indonesia's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) standards.

Urinary concentrations of mineral elements and their predictors in pregnant women in Jinan, China

BackgroundThe essential mineral elements play important roles in proper growth, development and maintenance of physiological homeostasis of an organism. Women are at greater risk of mineral deficiency during pregnancy. However, the predictors of mineral element levels in pregnant women remain unclear. This study was conducted to determine the urinary levels of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se) in women during early pregnancy and to explore the predictors of urinary exposure to each mineral element and high co-exposure to mineral element mixture. Methods298 pregnant women in first trimester were recruited when they attended antenatal care in a hospital in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. We collected their spot urine samples and questionnaire data on their sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, food and dietary supplement intake, and residential environment. The concentrations of Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Se in all urine samples were measured. LASSO regression, multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the predictors affecting mineral element levels. ResultsThe geometric means of creatinine-corrected Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Se concentrations were 99.37 mg/g, 1.75 µg/g, 8.97 µg/g, 0.16 µg/g and 16.83 µg/g creatinine, respectively. Factors that influenced the concentrations of individual mineral element were as follows: (1) Se and Ca concentrations increased with maternal age; (2) women taking tap water as family drinking water had higher Ca levels and those taking polyunsaturated fatty acids intermittently had higher Cu levels; (3) Fe was adversely related to consumption frequency of barbecued foods; (4) Pregnant women with more frequent consumption of shellfish/shrimp/crab and living near green spaces or parks had higher Mn exposure, and those with higher frequency of meat consumption had lower Mn exposure. In addition, maternal age and the frequency of egg consumption were associated with odds of exposure to a mixture of high Ca, Fe, Cu and Se. ConclusionsThe pregnant women in this study had comparable concentrations of urinary Cu and Se but lower concentrations of Ca, Fe and Mn compared with those in other areas. Predictors of urinary mineral elements included maternal age (Se and Ca), type of domestic drinking water (Ca), consumption frequency of barbecued food (Fe), polyunsaturated fatty acid use (Cu), the presence of urban green spaces or parks near the home and frequency of meat and shellfish/shrimp/crab intake (Mn). Moreover, maternal age and egg consumption frequency were significant predictors of high-level co-exposure to urinary Ca, Fe, Cu and Se.

The Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, the Omega-3 Index in Pregnant Women, and Their Correlations with Gestational Length and Newborn Birth Weight.

During pregnancy, the demand for omega-3 fatty acids, notably docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), escalates for both maternal and foetal health. Insufficient levels can lead to complications and can affect foetal development. This study investigated omega-3 status and its relation to dietary intake in pregnant Latvian women, along with its impact on gestational duration and newborn birth weight. The study comprised 250 pregnant and postpartum women with a mean age of 31.6 ± 4.8 years. Nutrition and omega-3 supplementation data were collected through a questionnaire covering 199 food items and 12 supplements. Fatty acids in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids were analysed via gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The median omega-3 fatty acid intake, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA from diet and supplements, was 0.370 g/day, which is deemed sufficient. However, the median weekly fish intake (126.0 g) and daily nut/seed intake (7.4 g) were insufficient. The median omega-3 supplement intake was 1.0 g/day. No correlation between omega-3 supplement intake and the omega-3 index was observed. There was a weak correlation between the DHA intake from fish and the omega-3 index (r = 0.126, p = 0.047), while a significant correlation between the total EPA and DHA intake from various sources and the omega-3 index was noted (r = 0.163, p = 0.01). Most women (61.6%) had an omega-3 index < 4%, while 34.8% had an index between 4 and 8%, and only 3.6% had an index > 8%. Notably, significant differences in EPA levels and the omega-3 index were found among respondents with differing infant birth weights (p < 0.05). The omega-3 intake during pregnancy adheres to the established guidelines, although fish consumption remains insufficient. A preconception evaluation of the omega-3 index is advocated to optimize prenatal intake. The indications suggest potential correlations between EPA levels, the omega-3 index, and infant birth weight.

Gestational exposure to organochlorine compounds and metals and infant birth weight: effect modification by maternal hardships

BackgroundGestational exposure to toxic environmental chemicals and maternal social hardships are individually associated with impaired fetal growth, but it is unclear whether the effects of environmental chemical exposure on infant birth weight are modified by maternal hardships.MethodsWe used data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a pan-Canadian cohort of 1982 pregnant females enrolled between 2008 and 2011. We quantified eleven environmental chemical concentrations from two chemical classes – six organochlorine compounds (OCs) and five metals – that were detected in ≥ 70% of blood samples collected during the first trimester. We examined fetal growth using birth weight adjusted for gestational age and assessed nine maternal hardships by questionnaire. Each maternal hardship variable was dichotomized to indicate whether the females experienced the hardship. In our analysis, we used elastic net to select the environmental chemicals, maternal hardships, and 2-way interactions between maternal hardships and environmental chemicals that were most predictive of birth weight. Next, we obtained effect estimates using multiple linear regression, and plotted the relationships by hardship status for visual interpretation.ResultsElastic net selected trans-nonachlor, lead, low educational status, racially minoritized background, and low supplemental folic acid intake. All were inversely associated with birth weight. Elastic net also selected interaction terms. Among those with increasing environmental chemical exposures and reported hardships, we observed stronger negative associations and a few positive associations. For example, every two-fold increase in lead concentrations was more strongly associated with reduced infant birth weight among participants with low educational status (β = -100 g (g); 95% confidence interval (CI): -215, 16), than those with higher educational status (β = -34 g; 95% CI: -63, -3). In contrast, every two-fold increase in mercury concentrations was associated with slightly higher birth weight among participants with low educational status (β = 23 g; 95% CI: -25, 71) compared to those with higher educational status (β = -9 g; 95% CI: -24, 6).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that maternal hardships can modify the associations of gestational exposure to some OCs and metals with infant birth weight.

Association of maternal fish consumption and ω-3 supplement use during pregnancy with child autism-related outcomes: results from a cohort consortium analysis

BackgroundPrenatal fish intake is a key source of omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids needed for brain development, yet intake is generally low, and studies addressing associations with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related traits are lacking. ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine associations of prenatal fish intake and ω-3 supplement use with both autism diagnosis and broader autism-related traits. MethodsParticipants were drawn from 32 cohorts in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Cohort Consortium. Children were born between 1999 and 2019 and part of ongoing follow-up with data available for analysis by August 2022. Exposures included self-reported maternal fish intake and ω-3/fish oil supplement use during pregnancy. Outcome measures included parent report of clinician-diagnosed ASD and parent-reported autism-related traits measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS)-second edition (n = 3939 and v3609 for fish intake analyses, respectively; n = 4537 and n = 3925 for supplement intake analyses, respectively). ResultsIn adjusted regression models, relative to no fish intake, fish intake during pregnancy was associated with reduced odds of autism diagnosis (odds ratio: 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77, 0.92), and a modest reduction in raw total SRS scores (β: −1.69; 95% CI: −3.3, −0.08). Estimates were similar across categories of fish consumption from “any” or “less than once per week” to “more than twice per week.” For ω-3 supplement use, relative to no use, no significant associations with autism diagnosis were identified, whereas a modest relation with SRS score was suggested (β: 1.98; 95% CI: 0.33, 3.64). ConclusionsThese results extend previous work by suggesting that prenatal fish intake, but not ω-3 supplement use, may be associated with lower likelihood of both autism diagnosis and related traits. Given the low-fish intake in the United States general population and the rising autism prevalence, these findings suggest the need for better public health messaging regarding guidelines on fish intake for pregnant individuals.

Intestinal permeability in migraine male patients upon omega-3 and tocopherol administration

Background. Gut microbiome may affect CNS, while an important neurotransmitter in migraine patients can be expressed in enteric neurons. Omega-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) and vitamin E are reported to decrease neuroinflammation, have beneficial effects on intestinal wall, and microbiota of the small intestine. This study aims to find the effect of omega 3 PUFA and vitamin E on intestinal permeability in migrainous, and their possible modulation effect on certain vitamins that have relations for both migraine and intestinal integrity. Methods. A total of 21 migrainous men are included in this study. Blood samples were drawn before and after intake of omega-3 PUFA and vitamin E supplementation softgel once daily for 30 days to compare with 13 apparently healthy men (control group). The blood samples are used to measure serum lipopolysaccharide, zonulin, amylase, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and albumin. serum lipopolysaccharide, and zonulin. Results. Body mass index, serum lipopolysaccharide and serum zonulin of migrainous men are higher, but vitamin B12 and vitamin D are lower than in the control group. Upon intake of supplement, serum zonulin and lipopolysaccharide are decreased in migrainous men indicating an improvement of intestinal integrity, but vitamin B12 and vitamin D showed no significant difference. Serum albumin and amylase showed no significant differences. Conclusion. Omega 3 PUFA and vitamin E supplements decreased intestinal permeability and can be a useful as an adjunct therapy for migrainous men because of its positive effect on intestinal integrity and gut brain axis, but it has no significant effect on vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels.

Adherence to Essential Nutritional and Lifestyle Practices among the Residents of Urban and Rural Settings during COVID-19 at Jashore District in Bangladesh

Background: High population density makes Bangladesh more vulnerable to a pandemic situation like COVID-19. It is evident from the scientific literature that proper nutritional practices might be effective in preventing various infections. The objective of this research work was to explore the nutritional as well as lifestyle practices among the urban-rural residents of Jashore district and to assess the association of those practices with their residential settings. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study where about 134 respondents (18-50 years) were selected by convenience sampling method from eight rural and seven urban areas of Jashore district in Bangladesh. Association between residence type and various concerned practices have been explored by Pearson chi-square test, binary and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: It was found from the results of binary and multinomial logistic regression that, the intake of vitamin D rich foods (OR: 3.45; 95% CI: 1.48,8.07), folic acid rich foods (OR:0.20; 95% CI:0.09,0.46), vitamin B12 rich foods (OR:0.11; 95% CI:0.02,0.52), iron rich foods (OR:0.23; 95% CI:0.08,0.66), and melatonin rich foods (OR:0.15; 95% CI:0.05,0.40) were significantly associated (P&lt;.05) with residential area (urban and rural) of the respondents. On the other hand, no association was found (P&gt;.05) between other immune-boosting nutrient-rich foods such as complex carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fatty acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, Pyridoxine, zinc and selenium rich foods and respondents’ residential area. Moroever, the association was not observed (P&gt;.05) in case of supplement intake of various immune boosting nutrients and area. Among the lifestyle practices, no significant association was found regarding sleep patterns among the respondents but various daily physical movements (OR: 0.19; 95% CI:0.07,0.48) were found higher among the rural respondents. Conclusion: Daily intake of vitamin D rich foods was found higher among the urban respondents but daily intake of folic acid, vitamin B12, iron and melatonin rich foods were found higher among the rural residents. It was also observed that the physical activities were better maintained among the rural respondents than their urban counterparts. Bioresearch Commu. 10(2): 1545-1552, 2024 (July)

Evaluating the Impact of Airborne Fine Particulate Matter and Heavy Metals on Oxidative Stress via Vitamin Supplementation.

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the interrelationships between PM2.5 exposure, heavy metal concentrations, and oxidative stress indicators, while evaluating the impact of antioxidant intake, such as vitamins, on these associations. PM2.5 exposure assessments were conducted using portable sensor-based monitors; biomarker analyses for heavy metals and oxidative stress were performed in 114 non-smoking adults. We observed that personal or ambient PM2.5 exposure levels were not associated with increased levels of heavy metals in blood and urine, nor with oxidative stress levels in urine. However, the concentrations of cadmium and lead in blood, and those of chromium and nickel in urine, were significantly associated with the urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Additionally, increases in blood cadmium, urinary chromium, and nickel levels were significantly associated with higher urinary MDA concentrations in the non-vitamin-supplement group, but this trend was not observed in the regular vitamin supplement group. Our findings suggest that a regular intake of vitamin supplements might modulate the relationship between heavy metal exposure and oxidative stress, indicating potential protective effects against oxidative damage induced by PM2.5 and heavy metals. This study highlights the complexity of environmental pollutant exposure and its impact on human health, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore potential protective strategies.