Micronutrient Levels Research Articles

Dietary intake, body composition and micronutrient profile of patients on maintenance hemodialysis attending Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Uganda: A cross sectional study.

Patients on maintenance hemodialysis are at a great risk for altered nutritional status, characterized by protein energy wasting and micronutrient deficiency due to medication interactions and dietary restrictions. This study determined the dietary intake, micronutrient profile and body composition of patients on maintenance hemodialysis at Kiruddu National referral hospital (KNRH), Uganda. A cross sectional study was done among adult CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis therapy at KNRH. Data concerning patients' demographics, clinical history and dietary intake was obtained using interactive and quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Body composition was obtained using the TANITA BC-351, Japan weighing Bathroom scale and anthropometric measurements using standard methods and procedures. Serum micronutrient profile assessment was done using the COBAS Auto analyzer. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software version 20. T-test was used to make comparisons and logistic regression analysis was done to check for any correlations. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the 63 hemodialysis patients, 38% were female, with a median duration of hemodialysis of 12 months and the overall age range of patients was 31-40 years. Majority (92.1%) of the patients had hypertension. Carbohydrates like maize flour were highly consumed, in addition to eggs among the proteins on the daily basis. Fruits and vegetables were not highly consumed. Regarding body composition; 75% of the study participants had normal Body mass Index (BMI), the mean muscle mass was 51.94±8.68, body fat was 15.25±7.35, bone mass was 2.77±0.46 and body water was 62.04±9.06. Patients had deranged micronutrient levels especially for Vitamin D, Potassium and phosphorus. In conclusion, hemodialysis patients at KNRH, have altered nutritional status as evidenced by altered body weight for some patients and deranged micronutrient levels. We recommend that hemodialysis patients should be regularly assessed for nutritional status, appropriately treated and educated about their nutritional status.

Effect of Irrigation Frequencies and Foliar Application of Zinc and Boron on Growth and Yield of Yellow Sarson (Brassica rapa)

A field experiment was carried out during the winter (Rabi) season of 2021-22 on sandy loam soil at C.S. Azad University of Agriculture &amp; Technology, Kanpur (U.P.) to study the Growth, yield of Yellow Sarson (Brassica rapa) influenced by different irrigation frequencies and foliar application of micronutrients (Zinc and Boron). Three irrigation (main plot) and four micronutrients level (sub plot) treatments were tested with "Split Plot Design" to know the influence of irrigation frequencies and micronutrients level on Yellow Sarson. To assess the effect of irrigation frequencies on yellow sarson, the treatment included IR1(one irrigation at 30 DAS), IR2(two irrigations at 30 and 55 DAS) and IR3 (three irrigations at 30 DAS, 55 DAS and 90 DAS) and to assess the effect of micronutrients level, the treatments were F0 (control), F1(0.5% zinc at 30-35 and 40-45 DAS) and F2(0.2% boron at 30-35 and 40-45 DAS) and F3(0.5% zinc+0.2% boron at 30-35 and 40-45 DAS). Treatment IR3 was found to be significantly superior to IR2 and IR1 treatments. The maximum seed yield was with the three irrigation frequencies IR3 (30+55+90 DAS) which were higher by 10.56 and 37.23 per cent than IR2 and IR1 treatments respectively. Regarding micronutrients the maximum seed yield was obtained in F3 treatment which was higher by 8.21, 14.42 and 21.78 percent than F2, F1 and F0 treatments in a relative manner. The maximum seed yield was obtained with IR3 X F3 interaction which was higher by 21.70, 13.20 and 7.92 per cent than then IR3F0, IR3F1, and IR3F2 treatment combination.

Factors associated with foodborne pathogens and indicator organisms in agricultural soils

Soil can be a route for contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables. While growers routinely manage soil nutrient levels, little research exists on the synergistic or antagonistic effects of soil nutrients on foodborne pathogens. Data on foodborne pathogen prevalence in unamended soils is also relatively limited in literature. This study evaluated foodborne pathogen prevalence (Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes) and concentration of indicator bacteria (total coliforms, generic Escherichia coli) in agricultural soils, and characterized associations between soil properties (e.g., macro- and micro-nutrient levels) and each microbial target. Three Virginia produce farms, representing different regions and soil types, were sampled four times over 1 year (October 2021–November 2022). For each individual farm visit, composite soil samples were collected from 20 sample sites (25 m2) per farm per visit for microbial and nutrient analysis (n = 240). Samples (25 g) were processed for Listeria spp. and Salmonella using a modified FDA BAM method; samples (5 g) were enumerated for generic E. coli and total coliforms (TC) using Petrifilm. Presumptive Listeria spp. and Salmonella isolates were confirmed by PCR using the sigB and invA genes, respectively. Soil nutrients from each sample were tested and evaluated for their association with each microbial target by Bayesian Mixed Models. Salmonella prevalence was 4.2% (10/240), with 90% (9/10) recovered on Farm C. Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes prevalence were 10% (24/240) and 2.5% (6/240), respectively. When samples were positive for generic E. coli (107/240), the average concentration was 1.53 ± 0.77 log10 CFU/g. Soil pH was positively associated with L. monocytogenes [Odds Ratio (OR) = 5.5] and generic E. coli (OR = 4.9) prevalence. There was no association between Salmonella prevalence and any evaluated factor; however, Salmonella was 11.6 times more likely to be detected on Farm C, compared to other farms. Results show pathogen prevalence was relatively low in unamended soils, and that factors influencing prevalence and concentration varied by microbial target and farm.

Role of Micronutrients in the Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by increased developmental, educational, and social demands. Recent evidence suggests that up to 40%–50% of symptom variability may be determined by environmental factors including nutritional deficiency of folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin D. Studies exist which advocate the use of micronutrient therapy to improve brain function. However, there is no consensus on their use in ASD and opinions remain divisive. This study aims to identify the role of micronutrients in ASD. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library from the period of January 2010 to January 2022. We excluded animal studies, cross-sectional studies, and less 10 participants in a study. An initial literature search yielded a total of 666 studies, out of which 26 studies were included in the systematic review with a pooled sample of 12086 patients. Twelve studies showed an improvement in the symptoms of ASD patients when they were treated with micronutrients and seven studies found an association between micronutrient levels and ASD symptoms. The results of the meta-analysis in seven studies show that micronutrient therapy has a beneficial effect in reducing the severity of ASD, albeit being statistically insignificant (log odds ratio = −1.03, 95% confidence interval: −2.11–0.05). Our study suggests that in spite of low quality of evidence and randomized data, universal micronutrient supplementation may be started in children diagnosed with ASD due to the potential of reducing the severity of ASD along with a low risk of side effects.

The Role of Micronutrients in Neurological Disorders.

Trace elements and vitamins, collectively known as micronutrients, are essential for basic metabolic reactions in the human body. Their deficiency or, on the contrary, an increased amount can lead to serious disorders. Research in recent years has shown that long-term abnormal levels of micronutrients may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of some neurological diseases. Acute and chronic alterations in micronutrient levels may cause other serious complications in neurological diseases. Our aim was to summarize the knowledge about micronutrients in relation to selected neurological diseases and comment on their importance and the possibilities of therapeutic intervention in clinical practice.

Macronutrient and Micronutrient Intake in Children with Lung Disease.

This review article aims to summarize the literature findings regarding the role of micronutrients in children with lung disease. The nutritional and respiratory statuses of critically ill children are interrelated, and malnutrition is commonly associated with respiratory failure. The most recent nutrition support guidelines for critically ill children have recommended an adequate macronutrient intake in the first week of admission due to its association with good outcomes. In children with lung disease, it is important not to exceed the proportion of carbohydrates in the diet to avoid increased carbon dioxide production and increased work of breathing, which potentially could delay the weaning of the ventilator. Indirect calorimetry can guide the process of estimating adequate caloric intake and adjusting the proportion of carbohydrates in the diet based on the results of the respiratory quotient. Micronutrients, including vitamins, trace elements, and others, have been shown to play a role in the structure and function of the immune system, antioxidant properties, and the production of antimicrobial proteins supporting the defense mechanisms against infections. Sufficient levels of micronutrients and adequate supplementation have been associated with better outcomes in children with lung diseases, including pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, asthma, bronchiolitis, and acute respiratory failure.

Response of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) Hybrids to Micro-nutrients under Protected Conditions

The field experiment was carried out during rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022 at Vegetable Research Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur to find out the response of capsicum hybrids to micronutrients under protected conditions. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design (SPD) with 15 treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The experiment comprised three hybrids viz., Indira, Swarna and Bomby and five levels of micronutrients viz., control (no micronutrients application), soil application of Zn, Fe &amp; B, fertigation of EDTA of Zn &amp; Fe and solubor at 15 days interval, foliar application of vegetable special @ 5g/lit at 15 days interval and foliar application of chelated combo micronutrients @ 1g/lit at 15 days interval. Recommended package of practices for the crop were followed except treatments. Results of the experiment revealed that the hybrid Indira recorded significantly highest plant height (91.30 and 94.89 cm), number of branches (11.87 and 12.30), stem girth (4.31 and 4.60 cm), number of leaves (102.94 and 106.43), internode length (13.82 and 14.01 cm), number of flowers per plant (38.22 and 38.36), fruit set (55.10 and 55.44%), no. of fruits per plant (20.99 and 21.22), fruit weight per plant (3.69 and 3.74 kg) and fruit yield per 1000 m2 (70.36 and 71.35 q) while fruit length (11.45 and 11.71 cm), fruit diameter (10.54 and 10.66 cm), weight of placenta (18.51 and 18.71g) and average weight of fruit (193.31 and 195.90g) were significantly highest in Swarna. In case of micronutrients, foliar application of vegetable special @ 5g/at 15 day recorded significantly highest value of plant height (93.72 and 96.77cm), no. of branches (12.66 and 13.39), stem girth (4.75 and 5.12 cm), no. of leaves (105.52 and 108.68), internode length (14.75 and 15.04cm), no. of flowers per plant (41.34 and 41.95), fruit set (56.66 and 57.45%), no. fruits per plant (20.56 and 20.73), fruit length (11.85 and 12.07cm), fruit diameter (10.62 and 10.80cm), weight of placenta (18.31 and 18.46g), average fruit weight (189.03 and 191.33g), fruit weight per plant (4.12 and 4.17 kg) and fruit yield (78.64 &amp; 79.60q/1000 m2). Hence, hybrid Indira and foliar application of vegetable special @ 5g/at 15 days may be recommended for higher productivity from capsicum crops under protected conditions.

The Long-Term Effect of Maternal Iron Levels in the Second Trimester on Mild Thinness among Preschoolers: The Modifying Effect of Small for Gestational Age.

The supplementation of multiple micronutrients throughout pregnancy can reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes and various diseases in children. However, the long-term effect of maternal multiple micronutrient levels in the second trimester on the overall development of preschoolers remains unknown. Therefore, 1017 singleton mother-infant pairs and 6-year-old preschoolers were recruited based on the China-Wuxi Birth Cohort Study. Meanwhile, information on the demographic characteristics of pregnant women and preschoolers, maternal copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc levels in whole blood during the second trimester, and neonatal outcomes, were collected. We aimed to investigate the long-term impact of maternal copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc levels in the second trimester on mild thinness among 6-year-old preschoolers, and the modifying effect of small for gestational age (SGA), within the Chinese population. Multiple logistic regression models revealed that high-level maternal iron in the second trimester reduced the risk of mild thinness [adjusted OR: 0.46 (95% CI: 0.26, 0.80)] among 6-year-old preschoolers. However, no significant association was found for the remaining four maternal essential metal elements. Additionally, the restricted cubic spline function showed that the risk of mild thinness decreased when maternal iron concentration exceeded 7.47 mmol/L in whole blood during the second trimester. Furthermore, subgroup analysis indicated that the long-term protective effect of high-level maternal iron on mild thinness was only observed in SGA infants. Summarily, high-level maternal iron in the second trimester distinctly lowers the risk of mild thinness among 6-year-old preschoolers, especially in preschoolers with birth outcomes of SGA. Our findings offer evidence for the implementation of iron supplementation in the second trimester as a preventive measure against mild thinness in children.

Role of Humic Acid on Inducing Salt Tolerance of Ivy Geranium (Pelargonium peltatum L.) Plants

Saline water is used in floriculture as an alternative to freshwater in arid regions such as Saudi Arabia (SA). However, salt stress considerably accelerates serious physio-biochemical changes associated with a decline in plant establishment. Recently, humic acid (HA) foliar spraying has induced plant stress tolerance in the era of climate change; however, its precise roles in the floriculture industry within saline conditions are not yet well documented. A factorial pot experiment throughout the 2022/2023 season was conducted in the Nursery of Sustainability and Environmental Developmental Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, SA, to evaluate the potential effects of HA (0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/L) on growth, flowering and some physiological characteristics of Ivy geranium (Pelargoniumpeltatum) plants irrigated with saline water (230 “control”, 2000 and 4000 mg/L NaCl). Irrigation with saline water markedly inhibited plant growth, flowering attributes, the chlorophyll index, as well as macro and micro-nutrient levels, but increased the content of iron, sodium and proline in plant shoots relative to plants irrigated with non-salinized water. However, HA mainly at 1000 mg/L significantly improved plant growth, flowering capacity, nutrient status, proline accumulation and chlorophyll index under salinized or non-salinized irrigation water. Additionally, spraying of HA concentrations (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/L) under normal or salinity conditions significantly increased shoot sodium content relative to non-treated plants under such salinity levels. Our findings highlight the significance of HA concentrations (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/L) in improving the salt tolerance of Ivy geranium. Within the scarcity of irrigation water, it is recommended to irrigate Ivy geranium with saline water up to 4000 mg/L NaCl associated with spraying HA concentrations in special 1000 mg/L.

Exploring membrane vesicles in citrus fruits: a comparative analysis of conventional and organic farming approaches.

Recently, vesicles derived from plant cell membranes have received attention for their potential use as active biomolecules and nanocarriers, and obtaining them from organic crops may be an interesting option because different farming systems can affect production, plant secondary metabolism and biochemistry of cell membranes. The present study aimed to determine how organic and conventional farming affects the mineral nutrition, gas exchange, CO2 fixation and biochemical composition of lemon fruits, which could have an impact on the different fractions of cell membranes in pulp and juice. Organic trees had higher intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) but conventional trees had higher stomatal conductance (gs) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUtE). Also, organic lemons had significantly higher levels of some micronutrients (Ca, Cu, Fe and Zn). Second, the main differences in the membrane vesicles showed that organic pulp vesicles had a higher antioxidant activity and more oleic acid, whereas both types of vesicles from conventional lemons had more linoleic acid. In conclusion, organic farming did not alter carbon fixation parameters but impacted nitrogen fixation and water uptake, and resulted in higher micronutrient levels in lemons. These mineral nutritional changes could be related to the higher production of membranes that showed suitable morphological traits and a high antioxidant activity, positively correlated with a high amount of oleic acid, which could have stronger cell protection characteristics. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Vermistabilization of mango tree pruning waste with five earthworm species: A biochemical and heavy metal assessment

Mango tree pruning results in high biomass output, which is a serious agricultural and environmental problem. Vermicomposting is a potential, fast and sustainable tool to address these challenges. For sixty days, the experiment was carried out in six vermireactors containing five earthworm species by Eudrilus eugeniae, Eisenia fetida, Aporrectodea rosea, Lumbricus rubellus, and Lampito mauritii, as well as composting (without earthworm) using mango tree pruning waste biomass along with cattle dung as an instant preferred feeding material for earthworms. The pH, TOC, C/N and C/P ratios of the waste were substantially reduced by the earthworm activity. However, after vermicomposting, the levels of macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) and microbial count substantially increased. The TOC content of waste was reduced by 42–55%, and the C/N of vermicompost ranged from 5.58 to 11.38. The results showed that earthworm fecundity was highest in vermireactors containing Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia fetida. The current study was ultimately determine that vermicomposting using Eudrilus eugeniae or Eisenia fetida is an effective strategy for utilising mango tree pruning waste, ensuring environmental sustainability and improving farmer revenue.

Sustainable agriculture: Influence of macro - and micro - nutrient levels, mixture and humic acid on growth and quality parameters of kharif maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment entitled “Sustainable agriculture: Influence of macro- and micro-nutrient levels, mixture and humic acid on growth and quality parameters of kharif maize (Zea mays L.)” was conducted at Agricultural farm, Lovely Professional University, Punjab during the kharif season of 2020-2021. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications each. The treatments were as follows-T0:Control (Recommended dose of fertilizer; RDF), T1: RDF+ soil application of MM 10 kg/ha at 30 DAS, T2: RDF+ foliar application of MM 1% at 30 DAS, T3: RDF+ seed priming with MM 1% before sowing, T4: 75% RDF+ soil application of MM 10 kg/ha at 30 DAS, T5: 75% RDF+ foliar application of MM 1% at 30 DAS, T6: 75% RDF+ seed priming with MM 1% before sowing, T7: T4+ humic acid 1% at 30 DAS, T8: T5+ humic acid 1% at 30 DAS, T9: T6 + humic acid 1% at 30 DAS. Among the various treatments, T8 exhibited higher growth attributes after 30 DAS, including plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf area, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll index, CGR, RGR and NAR. Additionally, maize treated with T5+ humic acid 1% at 30 DAS showed improved quality in terms of protein contents in both grain and stover.

Dewatering of Scenedesmus obliquus Cultivation Substrate with Microfiltration: Potential and Challenges for Water Reuse and Effective Harvesting

In the microalgae harvesting process, which includes a step for dewatering the algal suspension, directly reusing extracted water in situ would decrease the freshwater footprint of cultivation systems. Among various algae harvesting techniques, membrane-based filtration has shown numerous advantages. This study evaluated the reuse of permeate streams derived from Scenedesmus obliquus (S. obliquus) biomass filtration under bench-scale and pilot-scale conditions. In particular, this study identified a series of challenges and mechanisms that influence the water reuse potential and the robustness of the membrane harvesting system. In a preliminary phase of this investigation, the health status of the initial biomass was found to have important implications for the harvesting performance and quality of the permeate stream to be reused; healthy biomass ensured better dewatering performance (i.e., higher water fluxes) and higher quality of the permeate water streams. A series of bench-scale filtration experiments with different combinations of cross-flow velocity and pressure values were performed to identify the operative conditions that would maximize water productivity. The selected conditions, 2.4 m·s−1 and 1.4 bar (1 bar = 105 Pa), respectively, were then applied to drive pilot-scale microfiltration tests to reuse the collected permeate as a new cultivation medium for S. obliquus growth in a pilot-scale photobioreactor. The investigation revealed key differences between the behavior of the membrane systems at the two scales (bench and pilot). It indicated the potential for beneficial reuse of the permeate stream as the pilot-scale experiments ensured high harvesting performance and growth rates of biomass in permeate water that were highly similar to those recorded in the ideal cultivation medium. Finally, different nutrient reintegration protocols were investigated, revealing that both macro- and micro-nutrient levels are critical for the success of the reuse approach.

Fatty acid composition and genome-wide associations of a chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) diversity panel for biofortification efforts

Chickpea is a nutritionally dense pulse crop with high levels of protein, carbohydrates, micronutrients and low levels of fats. Chickpea fatty acids are associated with a reduced risk of obesity, blood cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases in humans. We measured four primary chickpea fatty acids; palmitic acid (PA), linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and oleic acid (OA), which are crucial for human health and plant stress responses in a chickpea diversity panel with 256 accessions (Kabuli and desi types). A wide concentration range was found for PA (450.7–912.6 mg/100 g), LA (1605.7–3459.9 mg/100 g), ALA (416.4–864.5 mg/100 g), and OA (1035.5–1907.2 mg/100 g). The percent recommended daily allowances also varied for PA (3.3–6.8%), LA (21.4–46.1%), ALA (34.7–72%), and OA (4.3–7.9%). Weak correlations were found among fatty acids. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted using genotyping-by-sequencing data. Five significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified for PA. Admixture population structure analysis revealed seven subpopulations based on ancestral diversity in this panel. This is the first reported study to characterize fatty acid profiles across a chickpea diversity panel and perform GWAS to detect associations between genetic markers and concentrations of selected fatty acids. These findings demonstrate biofortification of chickpea fatty acids is possible using conventional and genomic breeding techniques, to develop superior cultivars with better fatty acid profiles for improved human health and plant stress responses.

Evaluating the Compliance, Efficacy, and Cost of Formulated Vitamins Versus Separate Supplements in Post-bariatric Surgery Patients.

Micronutrient deficiencies are common complications after bariatric surgery as alterations to the gastrointestinal tract change absorption. Patients are recommended to take supplements including multivitamins, B complex, calcium, vitamin D, and iron after bariatric surgery, and can take these as specifically formulated vitamins for post-bariatric patients or separate vitamin supplements. We investigated the compliance, efficacy, and cost of specifically formulated vitamins for post-bariatric patients in comparison to separate vitamin supplements. We surveyed 126 post-bariatric adult patients between February 1, 2022, and August 31, 2022, who had undergone bariatric surgery between 2014 and 2021 to assess the type of supplements taken, compliance, and cost. Demographics, type of bariatric surgery, and serum micronutrient levels were evaluated for all patients. There were 51 patients taking formulated vitamins and 75 patients taking separate vitamins. The formulated vitamin group demonstrated greater adherence to optimal vitamin dosage (formulated vitamin group, 76.5% vs. separate supplement group, 30.7%; p < 0.001) and higher compliance (formulated vitamin group, 90.2% vs. separate supplement group, 66.7%; p = 0.002). The costs associated with both groups were comparable. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of micronutrient deficiency between the groups. Our study shows that formulated vitamins do not offer significant difference in micronutrient levels or cost compared to separate standard vitamin supplements. However, formulated bariatric vitamins have improved compliance compared to separate vitamin supplements.

An atlas of associations between 14 micronutrients and 22 cancer outcomes: Mendelian randomization analyses

BackgroundMicronutrients, namely vitamins and minerals, are associated with cancer outcomes; however, their reported effects have been inconsistent across studies. We aimed to identify the causally estimated effects of micronutrients on cancer by applying the Mendelian randomization (MR) method, using single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with micronutrient levels as instrumental variables.MethodsWe obtained instrumental variables of 14 genetically predicted micronutrient levels and applied two-sample MR to estimate their causal effects on 22 cancer outcomes from a meta-analysis of the UK Biobank (UKB) and FinnGen cohorts (overall cancer and 21 site-specific cancers, including breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer), in addition to six major cancer outcomes and 20 cancer subset outcomes from cancer consortia. We used sensitivity MR methods, including weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO, to assess potential horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Genome-wide association summary statistical data of European descent were used for both exposure and outcome data, including up to 940,633 participants of European descent with 133,384 cancer cases.ResultsIn total, 672 MR tests (14 micronutrients × 48 cancer outcomes) were performed. The following two associations met Bonferroni significance by the number of associations (P < 0.00016) in the UKB plus FinnGen cohorts: increased risk of breast cancer with magnesium levels (odds ratio [OR] = 1.281 per 1 standard deviation [SD] higher magnesium level, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.151 to 1.426, P < 0.0001) and increased risk of colorectal cancer with vitamin B12 level (OR = 1.22 per 1 SD higher vitamin B12 level, 95% CI = 1.107 to 1.345, P < 0.0001). These two associations remained significant in the analysis of the cancer consortia. No significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was observed. Micronutrient levels were not associated with overall cancer risk.ConclusionsOur results may aid clinicians in deciding whether to regulate the intake of certain micronutrients, particularly in high-risk groups without nutritional deficiencies, and may help in the design of future clinical trials.

Causal relationship of genetically predicted circulating micronutrients levels with the risk of kidney stone disease: a Mendelian randomization study.

Current studies have reported conflicting associations between circulating micronutrient levels and kidney stone disease (KSD). We aimed to elucidate the causal relationship between circulating micronutrient levels and KSD by a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Total of 36 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) significantly associated with eight micronutrients (vitamin B12, folic acid, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and selenium) were used as instrumental variables. The GWAS summary data associated with KSD (8,060 cases and 301,094 controls) were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. Inverse variance weighted was the main MR analysis method. MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), weighted median and MR-Egger were used to assess pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Genetically predicted circulating vitamin B12 and zinc levels were causally associated with the risk of KSD (vitamin B12: OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04-1.32, p = 0.008; zinc: OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03-1.28, p = 0.015). We found no evidence that other circulating micronutrients were associated with risk of KSD. p-value for Cochrane Q test, MR Egger intercept test, and MR-PRESSO were >0.05, indicating no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy in this MR analysis. Increasing circulating zinc levels may increase the risk of KSD. More studies are needed to provide evidence on whether genetically predicted circulating vitamin B12 and zinc levels are a risk factor for KSD.

Bioavailable iron concentrations regulate phytoplankton growth and bloom formation in low-nutrient lakes

The growth of phytoplankton in lakes is thought to be primarily controlled by macronutrient concentrations, but the availability of trace metal micronutrients, such as iron (Fe), are increasingly recognised as important regulators of lake primary production. This study evaluates the role of Fe in regulating phytoplankton growth in lakes of different nutrient status in New Zealand. The results of this unique year-long study, combining highly sensitive trace metal concentration analysis of waters and particulates with advanced trace metal bioavailability and speciation modelling, constrains thresholds for bioavailable Fe and colloidal Fe of 0.8 nmol·L−1 and 30 nmol·L−1, respectively, below which phytoplankton growth-limitation occurs. These thresholds specifically control diatom bloom formation and termination in lakes, thereby exerting a strong influence on freshwater carbon sequestration, given the dominance of diatoms in lake bloom assemblages. Importantly, potentially toxic cyanobacteria thrived only after events of bottom water anoxia, when additional dissolved Fe in concentrations ≥4 nmol·L−1 was released into the water column. These new thresholds for bioavailable and colloidal Fe offer the potential to manage micronutrient levels in lakes for the purpose of regulating algal bloom formation and carbon sequestration, while at the same time, suppressing the formation of harmful cyanobacterial blooms.

Iron promotes glycolysis to drive colon tumorigenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and is also the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the USA. Understanding the mechanisms of growth and progression of CRC is essential to improve treatment. Macronutrients such as glucose are energy source for a cell. Many tumor cells exhibit increased aerobic glycolysis. Increased tissue micronutrient iron levels in both mice and humans are also associated with increased colon tumorigenesis. However, if iron drives colon carcinogenesis via affecting glucose metabolism is still not clear. Here we found the intracellular glucose levels in tumor colonoids were significantly increased after iron treatment. 13C-labeled glucose flux analysis indicated that the levels of several labeled glycolytic products were significantly increased, whereas several tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates were significantly decreased in colonoids after iron treatment. Mechanistic studies showed that iron upregulated the expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and mediated an inhibition of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex function via directly binding with tankyrase and/or pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDHK) 3. Pharmacological inhibition of GLUT1 or PDHK reactivated PDH complex function and reduced high iron diet-enhanced tumor formation. In conclusion, excess iron promotes glycolysis and colon tumor growth at least partly through the inhibition of the PDH complex function.

Biofortification of Zinc and Iron through Fortified Organics Along with NPK Levels on the Quality, Nutrient Uptake and Productivity of Brinjal in Coastal Saline Soil

To evaluate the response of zinc and iron fortified organic manure along with NPK levels on nutrient content, uptake and productivity of brinjal in coastal saline soil, a field experiment was conducted in farmer’s field at Ponnanthittu coastal village, near Chidambaram, Cuddalore District, Tamilnadu with brinjal var. Annamalai during August – December 2022. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with four levels of NPK (0, 100, 125, 150%) and three levels of micronutrients (Zn and Fe) fortified organics like 100% Zn Fortified Composted Coir pith (ZnFCCP), 100% Fe Fortified Composted Coir pith (FeFCCP) and 100% Zn + Fe Fortified Composted Coir pith (Zn+FeFCCP) @ 6.25 t ha-1 , respectively). The result showed that individual and combined application of 150 % of NPK along with 100% Zn + Fe Fortified Composted Coir pith (Zn+FeFCCP) @ 6.25 t ha-1 excelled over other treatments and recorded higher values on growth (plant height, number of branches plant-1, Dry matter production), yield (fruit and stover), nutrient content and uptake (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc) of brinjal in coastal saline soil.