Intensive Nutrition Education Research Articles

Nutritional rehabilitation of special cases of malnourished children aged 0 to 6 months at the Maradi Regional Hospital, Niger

Malnutrition is a pathological state resulting from the relative or absolute deficiency or excess of one or more essential nutrients, whether this state manifests itself clinically, or whether detectable only by biological, anthropometric, or physiological analyses. This study uses a cross-sectional survey conducted on a representative sample of 60 mothers with their children aged 0–6 months (special cases) admitted at the Intensive Nutritional Education and Recovery Center of the Maradi Regional Hospital from May 23 to July 23, 2022. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the nutritional rehabilitation of children in special cases within this service. Data collection was done on 60 children with severe acute malnutrition. A questionnaire was addressed to the mothers of malnourished children. The hospital records were also used to access information on the anthropometric parameters, thus determining the nutritional status of the children studied. The study results show that children aged 0–3 months are the most affected by malnutrition and are special cases with a weight/height ratio below minus 3 z-score. They most often suffer from diarrhea with a rate of 41.6% and fever with a rate of 21.7%. These children generally come from parents with no schooling and with limited resources. It can also be noted that most of these malnourished children come from mothers who practiced mixed breastfeeding. To get done, during treatment, the majority of patients have to use the diluted F100 as the type of diet and a mode of feeding with the cup. The supplementary suckling technique was applied to get heal the special cases in need. In conclusion, the study affirms that socioeconomic and environmental factors play a very important role in the persistence of malnutrition in this part of the world.

Nutrition Education and Assistance Based on Behavior Change in Adolescent Girls to Improve Nutritional Status and Hemoglobin Levels

Inappropriate nutritional behavior is a common cause of nutritional issues among adolescents, often leading to conditions like underweight and anemia. This study aimed to assess the impact of nutrition education and behavioral change-based support on the nutritional status and hemoglobin levels of adolescent girls. The study included 75 adolescent girls aged 16-18 years from Singosari Village, Gresik District, chosen through purposive sampling. Over a 30-day period, intensive nutrition education and assistance were provided, utilizing various methods such as lectures, discussions, role play, and practical exercises. The results revealed significant improvements in various aspects. Participants exhibited increased nutrition knowledge, energy and protein intake, body weight, nutritional status, and hemoglobin levels after the intervention (p < 0.05). The rise in knowledge was linked to higher protein intake (p=0.009), while adequate protein intake was associated with weight gain (p=0.025). Weight gain, in turn, correlated significantly with improved nutritional status based on BMI/U (p = 0.041). Hemoglobin levels also significantly increased, shifting from 11.6 + 0.2 mg/dl (low) to 13.4 + 0.1 mg/dl (normal) after the intervention. This improvement in hemoglobin levels was linked to increased energy intake (p = 0.012) and a change in the practice of consuming iron supplementation, shifting from no usage to weekly consumption. In conclusion, nutrition education and behavioral change-based support can effectively enhance energy, protein, and iron intake, leading to improved nutritional status and hemoglobin levels among adolescent girls.

Effect of intensive nutrition education and counseling on hemoglobin level of pregnant women in East Shoa zone, Ethiopia: randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of intensive nutrition education and counseling on hemoglobin level during pregnancy.Methods and materialsThe study was a one year two-arm parallel design cluster randomized controlled trial in East Shoa zone, Ethiopia. End-line data were collected from 163 intervention and 163 control group pregnant women. The intervention was a three consecutive trimester based counseling sessions using health belief model, weekly regular SMS sent on mobile phone containing core message and providing leaflet with food menu of Iron rich diet. The women in the control group received routine nutrition education from facilities. After adjusting for potential confounders, a linear mixed-effects model was used to assess the intervention effect.ResultsThere was a significant change in both hemoglobin level and proportion of anemia in the intervention group. The mean hemoglobin level within intervention group before and after intervention was (12.08± 1.15, 12.53± 1.18) with p value of 0.01. The prevalence of anemia among intervention group declined from 14.7 % at the baseline to 9.2% after intervention. At the end of the trial, women in the intervention group had significantly better hemoglobin level than women in the control group (β = 0.50, p < 0.01).ConclusionThe intervention was effective in improving the hemoglobin level and consumption of iron rich diet among pregnant women. Therefore, employing trimester based counseling by using HBM constructs and regular reminding messages have to be provided to pregnant women as part of the regular antenatal care service.

Effects of intensive nutrition education and counseling on nutritional status of pregnant women in East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia.

Nutritional status is defined as an individual's health condition as it is influenced by the intake and utilization of nutrients. Maternal malnutrition is widespread throughout the world, with Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia bearing the brunt of the burden. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intensive nutrition education and counseling on nutritional status during pregnancy. The study was a one-year, two-arm parallel design cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in the East Shoa zone, Ethiopia, from January 1, 2021, to February 30, 2022. A total of 374 participants were enrolled in the intervention (n = 185) and control (n = 189) groups. End-line data were collected from 163 women, from each group. The intervention package provided three counseling sessions by trained midwives, three-page take-home brochures prepared in local languages, and the delivery of 18 weekly serial short text messages. The women in the control group received routine nutrition education from the health facilities. After adjusting for potential confounders, a linear mixed-effects model was employed to assess the intervention effect. After the intervention, the mean mid-upper arm circumference in the intervention group increased by 1.8% (23.08 vs. 23.44, p < 0.01). Similarly, the proportion of undernutrition in the intervention group was 11% (25 vs. 36%, p = 0.02) lower compared to the control arm. At the end of the trial, women in the intervention arm had significantly better nutritional status than women in the control group (β = 0.47, p < 0.01). The findings showed that intensive nutrition education and counseling using the health belief model was effective in improving nutritional status and reducing undernutrition among pregnant women. As a result, nutrition education and counseling using HBM constructs, as well as regular reminder messages, should be provided to pregnant women as part of the routine antenatal care service.

Mortality among Malnourished Children Admitted to the Intensive Nutritional Recovery and Education Unit (URENI) of the Fana Reference Health Centre

A cross-sectional study with two collection techniques, a retrospective collection involving 347 files and a cross-sectional collection by face-to-face mode interview of the mothers of the 9 children who died during the collection period and part of the nursing staff. It aimed to assess mortality among malnourished children aged 6-59 months and to contribute to the improvement of their health status. The mortality rate among the malnourished is relatively low 3.69%. Malaria was frequently associated with malnutrition: 53.65%. Hypovolaemic and septic shock were the most common causes of death with 46.15 and 38.46%. In view of these results, emphasis should be placed on early referral of children with complications and also on vaccination campaigns, awareness-raising on exclusive breastfeeding and dietary diversification. In Mali in general and in Fana in particular, malnutrition remains a huge health problem in children aged 6-59 months.

Evaluation of medical nutrition therapy using the food-based index of dietary inflammatory potential (FBDI) in diabetes mellitus patients.

Inflammation is often associated with chronic diseases, and numerous studies suggest that certain foods can modulate inflammatory status. This study aimed to assess the impact of intensive nutrition education on glycemic control and inflammation in patients with diabetes mellitus using the Korean food-based index of dietary inflammatory potential (FBDI). A total of 120 patients (male: 70, 58.3%) were randomly divided into two groups of 60 each, to be given intensive nutritional education (IE) and basic nutritional education (BE), respectively. As part of the nutrition education intervention, basic diabetes-related nutrition education was provided to both groups initially. In addition, the IE was provided two face-to-face nutrition education sessions based on FBDI over six months, and text transmissions were made at least eight times. We surveyed the anthropometric measurements, biochemical indicators, inflammatory markers, and dietary intake before and after the interventions. We analyzed the effects of the intensive nutrition education using the t-test, χ2 test and paired t-test. Of the subjects, 76.7% (46/60) of the IE and 86.7% (52/60) of the BE completed the study. The results of the paired t-test to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education using FBDI showed that high density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased significantly from 42.6 mg/dL before intervention to 49.2 mg/dL after intervention (P = 0.009), tumor necrosis factor-α significantly decreased from 1.25 pg/mL before intervention to 1.11 pg/mL after intervention (P =.012) in the IE. Also, glycated hemoglobin decreased from 8.0% to 7.5% in the IE but increased from 7.4% to 7.7% in the BE, and the differences between the groups were significant (P = 0.008). These findings suggest that providing intensive FBDI-based education on anti-inflammatory foods positively affected glycemic control and inflammatory status in diabetes patients. Therefore, practical dietary plans using FBDI should be considered for diabetes patients to prevent increased inflammation.

Intensive Nutritional Counseling and Education for Management of Hyperphosphatemia in Hemodialysis Patients at Al-Khor Hospital- Hamad Medical Corporation - State of Qatar

Objectives: To assess the dietary phosphate intake of hemodialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia and the effects of a dietetic intervention focused on limiting dietary phosphate load. Design: Cross-sectional dietary phosphate intake assessment and prospective intervention study. Setting: Hospital hemodialysis units of AL-Khor hospital – Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Subjects: sixteen stable adult hemodialysis patients, who had phosphorus serum levels ≥1.6 mmol/L. Intervention: Analysis of dietary composition and of the effects of individual dietetic counseling to reduce phosphorus intake while preserving the same or improving protein intake. Main outcome measures: Differences in nutrient intake between pre and post-dietary intervention among hyperphosphatemia patients, and changes in phosphorus–protein ratio, and serum phosphate, after the dietetic intervention. Results: Significant differences in nutrient intake including energy, protein, and phosphorus were detected after the intervention. After dietetic intervention in the hyperphosphatemia patients, a decrease in the dietary phosphate–protein ratio (28.9 -13.4 mg/g, P &lt;0.05) also occurred. Serum phosphate showed a trend of a significant decrease after the dietary intervention (2.2mmol/L-1.68mmol/L), P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Individual intensive nutritional education and counseling may be useful in reducing phosphate load and improving serum phosphorus with a positive effect on nutrient intake. A phosphate-controlled diet has a role in an integrated therapeutic approach to hyperphosphatemia and positive calcium-phosphorus balance in hemodialysis patients.

Intensive Nutritional Counseling and Education for Management of Hyperphosphatemia in Hemodialysis Patients at Al-Khor Hospital- Hamad Medical Corporation - State of Qatar

Intensive Nutritional Counseling and Education for Management of Hyperphosphatemia in Hemodialysis Patients at Al-Khor Hospital- Hamad Medical Corporation - State of Qatar

The Influence of Parents' Nutritional Education Program on Their Infants' Metabolic Health.

Childhood obesity is considered an epidemic in both developing and developed countries. Children obesity plays a vital role in children’s development and has a profound impact on their health in adult life. Although the etiology of obesity is multifactorial, it can be prevented. According to research, feeding practices, developing eating habits, and parenting styles are of primary importance. Despite the widespread access to information on children’s nutrition, parents still make many mistakes preparing their meals. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of parents’ nutritional education on children’s selected anthropometric-metabolic parameters during their first year of life. The study comprised a group of parents of 203 Polish infants. Their parents were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention group received intensive mobile nutritional education for a year, while the control group received no intervention. Blood tests and anthropometric measures were performed on both groups at the beginning of the study and one year later. Our study showed that parental nutritional education influences, among others. the BMI Z-score (the difference between the groups was 1.039) and the TG/HDL ratio (p < 0.001) in children. The final results of our study showed that proper nutritional education could improve children’s nutritional status at the population level.

The Influence of Intensive Nutritional Education on the Iron Status in Infants.

Iron is an essential nutrient for a child’s proper development at every growth stage. It is crucial for the production of red blood and muscle cells, DNA replication, and the development of the brain, nervous and immune systems. Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency in children worldwide. Despite widespread access to nutritional information for children, parents continue to make many feeding mistakes. This study aimed to assess whether any nutritional intervention would affect the iron status in children. The parents of 203 children were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the study group received intensive mobile nutritional education for a year, while the control group received no intervention. Blood tests were performed on both groups at the beginning of the study and one year later. The educational intervention resulted in statistically significantly higher levels of RBC (red blood cells; p = 0.020), HGB (haemoglobin; p = 0.039), HCT (haematocrit; p = 0.036), MCV (mean cell volume; p = 0.018) parameters and iron dietary intake (p ≤ 0.001). Even a non-targeted dietary intervention improves the iron status in children. As iron management is insufficient in most children, an iron-targeted nutritional intervention appears necessary.

Barriers to Optimal Iron Supplementation by Pregnant Women Attending the Mutare City Clinic, Manicaland, Zimbabwe

The optimal use of iron supplements by pregnant women is important in ensuring healthy pregnancy outcomes. However, some barriers may prevent the optimal use of iron supplements by pregnant women in developing countries, subsequently resulting in iron deficiency anaemia, threatening the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. This study aimed to identify possible barriers to optimal iron supplementation among pregnant women and possible strategies for alleviating these barriers. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mutare City Clinic in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. A total of 64 Black African pregnant women aged between 17 and 39 years participated in 8 focus group discussions. The pregnant women identified several barriers to the optimal use of iron supplements. The major barriers were poor compliance mainly due to erratic supplies of iron supplements at the healthcare centre, inadequate nutrition education on the benefits of iron supplements, side effects, and religious and cultural beliefs. Poverty and the influence of family members were other barriers. Most pregnant women were accustomed to receiving iron supplements free of charge from the healthcare centres and could not afford to buy them from private pharmacies. Despite erratic supplies at healthcare centres, continuous reinforcement of positive iron supplementation could motivate pregnant women to take iron supplements. Intensive nutrition education programmes may help to improve perceptions of women towards iron supplements. This could possibly help to overcome barriers to optimal iron supplementation, and thus reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among pregnant women in Zimbabwe.

Factors associated with food taboos among pregnant women in the Dimma district, Gambella, Ethiopia

Background/Aims A food taboo is a food or drink that people are prohibited from consuming, often as a result of an incorrect perception of the food or for religious reasons, especially in low- and middle-income countries. During pregnancy, many women are subject to food taboos that can have deleterious effects on the fetus. This study aimed to assess the magnitude ofand factors associated with food taboos among pregnant women in Dimma district, Gambella, Ethiopia. The findings of this study can advise how to address the cultural malpractices that affect dietary behaviours of pregnant women, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 pregnant women from March 6 to May 8 2019, in Dimma district, Gambella. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. A total of 14 key informant interviews were conducted. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to isolate independent predictors of food taboo practices. All tests were two sided and P&lt;0.05 was used to set statistical significance. Qualitative data were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Results Over one-third (34.7%) of the study participants restricted themselves from at least one food item during pregnancy. Common food taboos were fruits, cereals, honey, sugarcane, garden cress, mustard seed and yam. The main reasons behind food taboos were fear of maternal and fetal complications, including abortion, cardiac problems and anaemia. Food taboo practice was more common in participants aged ≥25 years (adjusted odds ratio=2.72; P=0.002), who had only attended primary education (adjusted odd ratio=2.56, P=0.019) and had a gestational age ≥7 months (adjusted odds ratio=4.33, P&lt;0.001). Conclusions More than one-third of pregnant mothers were practicing food taboos during pregnancy in Dimma Woreda, Gambella region, which was significantly associated with older participants and a lack of formal education. Therefore, intensive nutrition education should be given by both government and non-government organisations, focusing on pregnant women.

227-OR: The Effect of Dietary Fiber in Combination with Metformin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes

Background: The efficacy of increasing dietary fiber intake (DFI) to ameliorate glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is still controversial. In this randomized open-label comparator-controlled study we tested the effect of high-fiber diet and fiber supplement on glycemic control in patients with T2D on metformin monotherapy. Methods: Seventy-eight T2D overweight patients on metformin monotherapy were randomized 1:2:1 to 12 weeks intensive nutrition program to follow high-fiber diet (HFD), dietary fiber supplementation (FS) or standard diet recommendations (SDR). Dietary recommendations were reinforced in all groups every 4 weeks by study dieticians. Biochemistry, anthropometric measures, food frequency questionnaires to asses DFI were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: At baseline groups did not differ in terms of mean age, BMI, metformin intake, HbA1c, fiber and calorie intake (p&amp;gt;0.05 for all). After three months, DFI significantly increase in both HDF and FS group but not in SDR group (HFD: 19.8 ± 6.1 g vs. 24.3 ± 6.8 g, p= 0.0001; FS: 17.5 ± 5.9 g vs. 27.0 ± 6.2 g p&amp;lt; 0.0001; SDR: 22.8 ± 9.1 g vs. 21.2 ± 6.4 g, p= 0.32). HbA1c significantly improved in all groups (HFD: 7.1 ± 0.5 % vs. 6.6 ± 0.6 %, p&amp;lt; 0.0001; FS: 7.1 ± 0.5 % vs. 6.8 ± 0.5 % p&amp;lt; 0.001; SDR: 7.2 ± 0.4 % vs. 6.7 ± 0.5 g, p&amp;lt; 0.001). All HFD, FS and SDR intervention reduced mean body weight by 2.1 ± 2.6 Kg (p&amp;lt; 0.0001), 1.0 ± 1.8 Kg (p&amp;lt; 0.05) and 1.1 ± 2.1 Kg (p&amp;lt; 0.05), respectively. Changes in HbA1c and body weight did not differ among groups. A significant correlation between calorie intake and the reduction of HbA1c levels was seen across groups (r= 0.307 p&amp;lt;0.01). No significant correlation between DFI and HbA1c levels was observed. Conclusions: Intensive nutrition education programs with monthly meetings similarly reduced HbA1c in all groups. Furthermore, our study suggested that rather than fiber intake, caloric restriction followed by moderate weight loss is the main driver for glycemic improvement in overweight patients with T2D. Disclosure F. Tramontana: None. E. Maddaloni: Consultant; Self; Merck KGaA. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Pikdare. S. Greci: None. G. Defeudis: None. R. Strollo: None. P. Pozzilli: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company. Research Support; Self; Medtronic, Sanofi. N. Napoli: None.

Effect of Nutrition education toward stimulation practices of stunting in children aged 12-24 months

A total of 59% of Indonesian children aged 6-24 months were given food that inappropriate with the recommendations of timing, frequency, and quality. The lack of proper feeding can be reduced by education to mothers. The purpose of this research was to analyze stimulation practices of stunting in children aged 12-24 months in Biaro, Primary Health Care work area. This study was a quasi-experimental with non-randomized one group pretest-postest design. Samples of 48 mothers were divided into two groups, that were 24 mothers who received intensive nutrition education at the intervention group and 24 mothers at the control group in Biaro Primary Health Care work area. The intervention group was given nutrition education intervention for one month provided in two sessions. The first session will be given education about complementary feeding and the second session about stimulation. The study was conducted in March-July 2019. Data were analyzed using paired sample t-test to analyze before-after differences in stimulation practices. The Wilcoxon Sign Rank test was used to assess the differences between the two groups. Results. The results showed that before the intervention, there was no significant difference in maternal stimulation practice in both groups, intervention group (p=0,078) and control group (p=0,575), after the intervention, maternal stimulation practice were significantly different respectively p-value = 0.001 and P-value = 0,018. Conclusion. Nutrition Education using booklets effectively increased stimulation practices.

Prelacteal feeding practice and its associated factors among mothers of children age less than 24\u2009months old in Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundAlthough Pre-lacteal feeding is a barrier for implementation of optimal breastfeeding practices and increases the risk of neonatal illness and mortality, still it is continued as a deep-rooted nutritional malpractice in developing countries. In Ethiopia pre-lacteal feeding continued as one of the nutritional malpractices in newborns. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess pre-lacteal feeding practice and its determinants among mothers of children less than 24 months of age in Sodo zuria district, Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsCommunity-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 15, 2017 to March 12, 2017 in Sodo zuria district, Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia. Five hundred five (505) mothers of children aged less than 24 months were selected by multistage randomized sampling technique and the data were collected by using interview based structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed to identify the factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practices. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were identified as statistically significant factors.ResultsThe prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding practice was 20.6%. The common type of pre-lacteal feeding given was plain water; 38(7.7%) and the major reason was insufficient breast milk 32(6.5%). Mothers living with extended family type (AOR = 10.64, 95% CI: 1.05, 10.71), Lack of breastfeeding counseling (AOR = 5.16, 95% CI: 1.76, 15.13) and mothers who avoid colostrum (AOR = 9.72, 95% CI: 3.46, 27.30) were statistically significant positive predictors of pre-lacteal feeding practice.Conclusion & RecommendationPre-lacteal feeding is commonly practiced in Soddo zuria district. Mothers who live with extended family type, mothers who did not get breastfeeding counseling and mothers who avoid colostrum were statistically significant positive predictors of pre-lacteal feeding practice. Therefore, strengthening breastfeeding counseling about the risks associated with pre-lacteal feeding and colostrum feeding intervention should be integrated. Promotion of intensive nutrition education program, on the benefit of colostrum by giving special emphasis to extended family mothers should be implemented in the community.

Systematic Review: Frameworks Used in School-Based Interventions, the Impact on Hispanic Children's Obesity-Related Outcomes.

Childhood obesity among Hispanic children is a public health concern in the United States and Mexico. Although experiences from school-based intervention programs aimed at influencing obesity-related behaviors have been positive, the understanding of those framework elements that are associated with successful outcomes is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the frameworks used within school-based intervention programs in the United States and Mexico that showed improvements in obesity-related outcomes among Hispanic children. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using 4 electronic databases. Inclusion criteria included: incorporating a framework or aspects of frameworks within an intervention, more than 50% of Hispanic children used in the study and obesity-related outcomes (eg, dietary behaviors and anthropometric measurements). Data extraction and evaluation were completed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Manual. Ten articles (United States = 4; Mexico = 6) meeting inclusion criteria were evaluated. Eight studies that included a community-based framework, intensive nutrition education, and continuous communication among stakeholders resulted in improvements in dietary behaviors and anthropometric measurements among children compared to control groups. Incorporating community-based frameworks may increase the efficacy of school-based intervention programs to reduce obesity-related outcomes among Hispanic children.

Prevalence of anaemia amongst adolescents attending OPD at rural health and training centre, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital

Background: Nutritional anemia is worldwide problem with highest prevalence in developing countries. Causes of anemia are inadequate intake and poor absorption of iron, malaria, hookworm infestation, diarrhea, heavy menstrual blood flow etc. It involves population of all age group and sex. But adolescent are more vulnerable to it. The objective of the study was to find prevalence of anemia amongst adolescents attending rural health and training Centre of Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Era’s Lucknow Medical College. All the adolescents attending OPD at RHTC for any health problem were included in the study. Study period was about one year i.e. from November 2016 to October 2017. Blood sample was collected for hemoglobin estimation. Hemoglobin estimation was done by Sahli’s hemoglobinometer. Hb criteria were taken according to WHO standard.Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 55.1 % for both males and females. 64.7% of the females and 32.5 % of the males were anemic. The proportion of mild anemia was 55.6% (53.9% in females and 68.1% in males), moderate anemia was 33% (35.2% in females and 25% in males) and severe anemia was 11.2% (10.7% in females and 6.8% in males).Conclusions: Anaemia was significantly higher in females in comparison to males in moderate and severe category. There is need to develop strategies for intensive adult education, nutrition education and dietary supplementation and anemia prophylaxis.

Dietary tartary buckwheat intake attenuates insulin resistance and improves lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

Tartary buckwheat (TB) is rich in protein, dietary fiber, and flavonoids and has been reported to affect type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in animal experiments, but limited information on the benefit of TB as a whole food in T2DM patients is available. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that a daily replacement of a portion of the staple food with TB will improve risk factors of T2DM, including fasting glucose, insulin resistance, and lipid profile. In a parallel, randomized, open-label, controlled trial, 165 T2DM patients were randomly assigned to a control diet group (DC group; systematic diet plans and intensive nutritional education) or a TB intervention group (TB group; daily replacement of a portion of staple food with TB food). Blood samples and diet information were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention. The TB group decreased fasting insulin (2.46-2.39 Ln mU/L), total cholesterol (5.08-4.79 mmol/L), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.00-2.80 mmol/L) compared with the DC group at 4 weeks (P<.05). No significant differences in blood glucose or glycated hemoglobin levels were noted between the TB and DC groups. In addition, subgroup analyses based on daily TB intake dose showed a reduction in insulin, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but also insulin resistance was observed when TB intake dose was greater than 110 g/d. These results support the hypothesis that TB may improve insulin resistance and lipid profile in T2DM patients.

Protective effect of tartary buckwheat on renal function in type 2 diabetics: a randomized controlled trial.

Tartary buckwheat (TB) has been reported to be associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and T2DM has had a major impact on the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Thus, the hypothesis that a daily intake of TB will improve DKD risk factors, including urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR), urea nitrogen (UN), serum creatinine, and uric acid was tested. In a parallel, randomized, open-label controlled trial, 104 T2DM patients were randomly assigned to a diet control group (systematic diet plans and intensive nutritional education) or a TB intervention group (daily replacement of a portion of staple foods with TB foods). Blood samples and dietary information were collected at baseline and the end of the 4-week study. The primary outcomes were that TB significantly decreased the rela tive changes in UACR (2.43–2.35, logarithmic transformed mg/g creatinine) and UN (5.12–4.91 mmol/L) in the TB intervention group vs the diet control group at 4 weeks (P<0.05), without obvious effect on blood glucose during the 4-week study. In addition, subgroup analyses based on different DKD stages also showed a significant reduction in UACR and UN for the T2DM patients with normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria (P<0.05). These results support the hypothesis that TB as a replacement of staple food probably alleviates renal dysfunction in T2DM patients.

The Effects of Intensive Nutrition Education on Late Middle-Aged Adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

Objective: Many patients with type 2 diabetes find it difficult to maintain good glycemic control. Undesirable glycemic control occurs greatly due to deficiencies of nutritional knowledge and difficulty in obtaining dietary prescriptions. The late middle-aged and elder individuals are the main populations that are affected by type 2 diabetes. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether intensive nutrition education would make benefits for late middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes. Method: 196 patients between 50 to 65 years old meeting type 2 diabetes criteria and eligible for the program were included in a single-blinded, 30-day centralized management of an education program in China. Participants in the program were randomly divided into a usual nutrition education group or an intensive nutrition education group. The usual nutrition education group was used as a control group and received only basic health advice and principles of diabetic diets at the beginning and the end of the study. Participants in the intensive nutrition education group were arranged to receive intensive nutritional lectures about diabetes for 30 days. The primary outcomes were the changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (PG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total glycerin (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). Results: After 30 days of intervention, FPG, PG, and HbA1c in the treatment group decreased significantly than the control group (p < 0.05). HbA1c reduced significantly by 0.6% in the intervention group. No significant differences in the change of blood lipids were observed between groups. However, TG, TC, and HDL-c made improvements compared with the baseline in the experimental group. Both groups had a reduction in weight and BMI within groups, especially in intensive nutrition education group. However, there was no statistical significance between groups. Conclusions: Intensive nutrition education has significant effects on blood glucose control in late middle-aged adults with type 2 diabetes. Intensive education can cultivate good diet habits and increase physical activity, which are important for diabetes patients in the short and long terms. These findings may contribute to improving education methodology and nutrition therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes.