Multivitamin Consumption Research Articles

Role of Vitamins in Therapeutic and Targeting Approaches for Prostate Cancer: An Overview.

Vitamins play a crucial role in cellular functions like cell cycling and proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. These also help in the induction of cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. They can inhibit normal prostatic epithelial cell growth and might be helpful for the prevention of prostate cancer (PCa). Many essential vitamins including the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K) and the water-soluble vitamins (vitamin B complexes and vitamin C) have a huge impact on the inhibition of growth and progression of PCa. Vitamins show anticancer properties and are involved in regulatory processes like the DNA repairing process, which inhibit the growth of PCa. Consumption of multivitamins prevents methylation of cancer cells and possesses an enormous potential that can be applied for the prevention as well as in the management of PCa. They have a great role in the inhibition of different signalling pathways involved in PCa. Moreover, they have also displayed a significant role in targeting of PCa with various nanocarrier systems. This review encompasses the recent studies about the individual actions of different vitamins and vitamin analogs, the combination of vitamins, and their efficient functions in various therapeutic and targeting approaches for PCa.

Identifying the Risk Factors of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Women with COVID-19: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Southern Iran.

Pregnant women and their fetuses are considered as high-risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with COVID-19. This case-control study was conducted among pregnant women who delivered live infants at least 60 days before data collection in Hormozgan Province, south of Iran, 2021. The case and control groups included women with and without the history of COVID-19, respectively. A 47-item checklist including demographic information of the mothers, maternal current and past medical history, maternal and fetal prenatal and post-natal outcomes; and other COVID-19 related outcomes was used. The logistic regression analysis was used for data analysis. A total of 1337 women (668 in case and 669 in control groups) participated in this study. The mean (SD) gestational age in the case and control groups were 32.83 (84.64) and 23.75 (6.93) weeks respectively. Maternal age and the incidence of abortion, obesity, and multiple pregnancies was higher in the COVID-19 group compared with the control group. The most common COVID-19 symptoms were myalgia (24.8%), cough (19.3%), fever (17.5%) and olfactory disorder (14.3%). The preventive factors against COVID-19 adverse pregnancy outcomes were low and normal body mass index, influenza vaccination history, and multivitamin consumption, while the risk factors were multiple pregnancies, abortion and preterm labor. This study showed that pregnant women were to COVID-19. The identified risk factors for COVID-19 adverse pregnancy outcomes can be used to prioritized pregnant women in receiving COVID-19 related health services.

Multivitamin consumption and childhood asthma: a cross-sectional study of the NHANES database

BackgroundDietary intakes of vitamins are associated with asthma. However, previous studies mainly explored the association between a single vitamin intake and asthma, which did not take the multivitamins into consideration. Herein, this study aims to explore the overall effect of dietary multivitamins consumption on childhood asthma.MethodsData of children and adolescents (aged 2-17 years old) were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in 2015-2018 in this cross-sectional study. Weighted univariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen covariates. The association between multivitamins (including vitamin A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, K, niacin, folic acid, and choline) and childhood asthma was explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The evaluation indexes were odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We further introduced the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess the joint effect of the twelve vitamins on childhood asthma, the impact of an individual vitamin as part of a vitamin mixture, and the potential interactions among different vitamins.ResultsAmong 4,715 eligible children and adolescents, 487 (10.3%) had asthma. After adjusting for covariates including race, family history of asthma, pregnant smoking, BMI Z-score, energy intake, breast feeding, and low birth weight, we found that for each 1-unit increase in vitamin K consumption, the odds of childhood asthma decreased 0.99 (P=0.028). The overall effect analysis reported a trend of negative relationship between the multivitamins and childhood asthma, especially at the 75th percentile and over. According to the BKMR models, when other vitamins are fixed at the median level, the odds of childhood asthma increased along with the elevated vitamin D (VD) and vitamin B2 (VB2), whereas along with the depressed vitamin C (VC). In addition, no potential interaction has been found between every two vitamins of multivitamins on childhood asthma.ConclusionAmong children and adolescents who have high-risk of asthma, it may be beneficial to increase dietary consumption of multivitamins. Our findings recommended that children and adolescents should increase the intake of VC-rich foods, whereas control the dietary consumption of VD and VB2 in daily life.

Effect of Insulin with Other Hypoglycemic Agents and Multivitamin Consumption on Diabetes Progression

Effect of Insulin with Other Hypoglycemic Agents and Multivitamin Consumption on Diabetes Progression

GAMBARAN PENGETAHUAN MASYARAKAT TENTANG PENGGUNAAN MULTIVITAMIN DAN SUPLEMEN KESEHATAN SELAMA PANDEMI COVID-19

Increasing number of cases of COVID-19 currently requiring the community to make more efforts to carry out various preventive efforts. One of the efforts that can be done to prevent COVID-19 is to maintain and increase the body's immunity which can be assisted by the use of multivitamins and health supplements. This study aims to examine public knowledge about the use of multivitamins and health supplements in Pekanbaru family pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is a descriptive observational study with concurrent data collection techniques through online questionnaires. The sampling technique in this study was carried out by non-probability sampling with purposive sampling method. The sample in this study is the people of Pekanbaru City who meet the inclusion criteria with a total of 110 respondents. Data analysis in this study used univariate analysis which aims to explain or describe the characteristics of each research variable, so that the results obtained that people who have good knowledge are 54.64%, people who have sufficient knowledge are 43.63%, and people who have good knowledge are 1.81%. The high percentage of respondents with good knowledge shows that most people in Pekanbaru City already have good knowledge about the consumption of multivitamins and health supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PENGARUH IKLAN MULTIVITAMIN TERHADAP KONSUMSI MULTIVITAMIN OLEH MASYARAKAT KABUPATEN TOJO UNA-UNA

In recent years, there have been numerous multivitamin advertising on television, magazines, and other print media. Data from the third quarter of 2013 revealed that advertising purchases in the pharmaceutical business, including medicines, are in the third tier. The research objective was to identify the percentage of Tojo Una-Una Regency people who consume multivitamins, the sources of advertising media that Tojo Una-Una Regency people frequently use as Multivitamin information, and the effect multivitamin advertising has on Tojo Una-Una Regency people's consumption. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 100 people in Tojo Una-Una Regency as the sample. The research took place between September and October of 2021. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted, with SPSS statistics being used. According to the study's findings, 88% of people take multivitamins, whereas 12% never do. With a percentage of 58%, television is the source of advertising media that is frequently used as multivitamin information by the residents of Tojo Una-Una Regency. Concurrently, advertisement factors showed a remarkable effect on behavior consumption, with an F-count of 5.716. Advertising slogans, advertising music, and advertising stars had no significant consequences on consumption with a significant value larger than 0.05. However, story illustration had a crucial effect on multivitamin consumption with a sig value of 0.015.  Keyword         :  advertisement, consumption, multivitamins

PROFIL PENGETAHUAN, SIKAP DAN TINGKAT KONSUMSI MULTIVITAMIN SAAT PANDEMI COVID-19 PADA MAHASISWA FARMASI UMM

Background: The world has experienced the COVID-19 pandemic since the end of 2019. In Indonesia, sourced from Kemenkes RI on March 15, 2021, Indonesians confirmed COVID-19 amounting to 1,425,044 (1.82%). The key to success in fighting COVID-19 is with preventive movements, namely healthy lifestyles and behaviors by wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining distance and increasing the body's immunity to infection. One to maintain immunity with the consumption of nutritious foods and multivitamin consumption. Objectives: To find out the profile of knowledge, attitudes and levels of multivitamin consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: observational with descriptive analytic surveys using questionnaires, purpose sampling obtained by 93 student. Result: The percentage of respondents about knowledge with good categories was 98.9% (92 people), quite good by 1.1% (1 person) and less good by 0.0%. The percentage of respondents about attitudes with good categories was 80.6% (75 people), the category was quite good by 22.6% (21 people) and less good by 0.0% (0 people). The percentage of respondents about consumption levels with good categories was 80.6% (75 people) and less good at 19.4% (18 people). Conclusion: Have a good knowledge profile, attitude and level of multivitamin consumption in UMM pharmacy students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Effect on Dietary Supplements’ Consumption, Prophetic Medicine Practices and Herbs Use in Saudi Arabia

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced dietary supplements’ (DS) consumption and practices of traditional medicine. Aims: This cross-sectional study aimed to compare dietary supplements, Prophetic medicine (PM) and herbal/plants (H/P) use among adults in Saudi Arabia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: 1351 individuals participated in the study via an online survey shared on social media platforms between December 11th, 2021, and March 1st, 2022. The survey tool included 31 questions about sociodemographics, DS consumption, PM practices and H/P use, which the expert panel team validated. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were presented as numbers and percentages. P-value 05 and 95% confidence intervals were used to report the statistical significance based on gender and prior infection with the COVID-19. Results: The most common supplements consumed before the pandemic were Vitamin D (53.4%, n=358), Multivitamins (47.3%, n= 318), and Vitamin C (42%, n=282). This is along with the significant increase in the consumption of Multivitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin D, Zinc and Calciumduring the pandemic. Females are significantly (p < 0.001) more concerned in consuming DS and H/P and practice PM before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to males. Prior Covid-19 infection significantly impacted individuals’ perception about DS, H/P and PM uses and practices, information and beliefs in their role in preventing and controlling the disease (p< 0.05). Significant changes in weight status during the pandemic were reported. Conclusion: There was a significant increase in consumption of most dietary supplements and Prophetic medicine practices. The government should launch public awareness campaigns and employ regulations to educate about the risks and benefits of self-medicated Prophetic medicine practices and self-prescribed dietary supplements. Keywords: COVID19, Dietary supplements, Herbs/Plants, Prophetic medicine.

The Association of Self-Reported Iron and Vitamin D Levels on Sleep Quality and Pain Perception in a Subset of Saudi Population.

Background and AimsThere has been a rising concern regarding the relationship of iron levels, vitamin D, and consumption of multivitamins on pain perception and sleep quality. The purpose of this study is to shed light on these connections in hopes of enhancing quality of sleep.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was used, and data collection was based on close-ended online questionnaire created on Survey Monkey. The survey included an operator designed questionnaire, questions from both the Brief Pain Inventory and Sleep Quality questionnaires. The targeted population was participants who were medically fit, non-pregnant Saudi citizens aged between 25 and 55 years.ResultsPrior to the COVID-19 crisis, data were collected during the months of February and March 2020, with a grand total of 3127 participants, out of which 2774 responses were included. The outcome of the research revealed that diminished levels of vitamin D, and iron had a negative impact on sleep quality. In turn, poor sleep quality had a significant pain response.ConclusionThis study reveals the detrimental role of vitamins on sleep, and their concurrent domino effect on pain.

PANDEMI COVID-19 TERHADAP KEBIASAAN KONSUMSI BUAH, SUSU DAN MULTIVITAMIN PADA ORANG DEWASA DI PROVINSI JAMBI

Background: Good food selection is very important. It will help in efforts to prevent diseases such as Covid-19.
 Objective: To analyze the effect of Covid-19 pandemic to consumption habits of fruit, milk and multivitamin among adults in Jambi Province
 Methods: This research is a type of survey research conducted in April 2020. Data collection was carried out using Google forms. The sampling technique is accidental sampling. The sample is adults aged 19-59 years totaling 254 people. Data were analyzed using wilcoxon test.
 Results: The results showed that before the covid-19 pandemic most respondents had the habit of consuming fruits, milk and multivitamins which were classified as rare, after the existence of the Covid-19 pandemic it was classified as frequent. There was an influence of the covid-19 pandemic on fruit, milk and multivitamin consumption habits (p <0.001).
 Conclusion: There is an effect of the Covid-19 pandemic to the consumption habits of fruit, milk and multivitamins in adults in Jambi Province.

The Association between oxidative stress marker Beta-2 microglobulin and type 2 diabetes mellitus in context of glycaemic index

Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) protein has been shown to be elevated in response to oxidative stress and metabolic disorders and it modulates human immune and inflammatory responses. However, little is known about the association between B2M and glycaemic index in diabetic patients. Hence, this case-control study was conducted to measure the effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the plasma concentrations of B2M. A total of 50 T2DM male patients alongside another 50 age-matched and healthy men were enrolled. The plasma concentrations of B2M and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were measured. Data related to smoking, daily consumption of multivitamins and regular performance of exercise were obtained through a questionnaire. The participants body mass index (BMI) was calculated after the body weight (Kg) and height (cm) of each participant was recorded. The results showed comparable age, BMI and rate of active smoking between the study groups. However, the levels of HbA1c were significantly higher, whereas the frequencies of consuming multivitamins and regularly performing exercise were significantly lower, in the T2DM group when compared with healthy controls. The plasma B2M levels also showed moderate significant positive correlations with age, BMI, and HbA1c plasma levels. In conclusion, the plasma Concentration of the oxidative stress marker B2M, was associated with T2DM and a significant elevation in its levels was positively correlated with age and the levels of HbA1c.

Impact of the Emerging COVID-19 Pandemic on the Consumption of Multivitamins (C, D and Zinc) by the Saudi Arabian Population

Background: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the Coronavirus outbreak officially as a pandemic. This pandemic has led to new measurements to prevent viral spread. The measures included decreasing the person’s mobility outside homes with subsequent changes in the lifestyles, particularly in physical activity and eating habits. It has been noticed that consumption of some vitamins may help in preventing or reducing the symptoms of viral infection. Those vitamins include vitamin C, D and zinc. There is a common observation that the general public believes that the use of vitamins, especially vitamins C, D and zinc, reduces the chance of acquiring COVID-19.
 Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on taking vitamins supplements by the Saudi general population in order to explore their believes regarding the protective value of these vitamins against COVID-19 infection.
 Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administrated questionnaire that was designed, uploaded to the Google form and distributed online to the general Saudi population through the social media (Whatsapp, Twitter) as well as through email between August and December 2020. Statistical Packaged of Social Sciences program (SPSS) for Windows (version 17.0., Chicago: SPSS Inc) was used to analyze the data. A significant difference was considered when the p value is < 0.05. Student t-test and Chi-square (χ2) test were used to compare the studied variables as appropriate.
 Results: A total of 1043 participants were included in this study (64.9% females, 35.1% males). The mean age for them was 35.3±14.78 years. Only 9.3% (97 participants) were diagnosed to have COVID-19. About 28% of the participants were in contact with COVID-19 cases. Among participants diagnosed to have COVID-19 infection, (13% versus 29%) were taking vitamin C and (2% versus 15%) were taking zinc supplements daily during the 6 months before and after the pandemic, respectively, while (20% versus 25%) were taking vitamin D supplements weekly during the 6 months before and after the pandemic, respectively. Among participants who were in contact with COVID-19 cases, (8% versus 20%) and (3% versus 11%) were taking vitamin C and zinc supplements daily during the 6 months before and after the pandemic, respectively, while (14% versus 16%) were taking vitamin D supplements weekly during the 6 months before and after the pandemic
 Conclusion: The interest of taking multivitamin by Saudi population, such as vitamins C and D, zinc increased during and after the pandemic compared to that before it. There is no scientific evidence based on previous studies confirmed the role of dietary supplementation and multivitamins in preventing COVID-19 infection, therefore, effective education on the rationale use of vitamins during COVID-19 pandemic should be emphasized at local and/or national levels.

The chemical changes in the total antioxidant status and biological activity of GSTP1 polymorphism on nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

Oxidative stress is associated with cancer, including NPC, which is developed by the relation of genetic alteration, EBV infection, and environmental risk. Ile/Val genotype of GSTP1 polymorphism decrease enzyme functions and result in lower total antioxidant status. This study aimed to identify the association of GSTP1 polymorphism and the TAS level. This was a cross-sectional design study. There were 29 NPC patients with their blood as the samples of the study. Blood as the samples for identifying GSTP1 polymorphism by PCR-RFLP-electrophoresis method and measurement of TAS using the ELISA method. There were 21 (72.4%) NPC patients with Ile/Val polymorphism and lower TAS. We found there was no significant association of GSTP1 polymorphism and TAS. Future research with larger samples and adding data about environmental risk such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and toxic substances exposure or multivitamin consumption of the patients can reveal more definitive results. The study may be used as references for determining antioxidant therapy in NPC as well as prevention. The identifying genetic risk factor may help the prevention of NPC.

Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight Infants: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Complications caused by low birth weight (LBW) are among the most common causes of neonatal mortality and future problems during adulthood. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for LBW. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences from 2017 to 2018 on 7,382 LBW neonates and 36,911 healthy neonates. Data were collected from the SINA electronic health record system. Data analysis was performed in STATA version 12.0. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were applied to determine the association between independent variables and LBW. Results: The prevalence of low birth weight was 5.88 infants per 100. In this study, the risk of LBW was increased in people living in rural areas, compared to urban areas, by 9% (95% CI: 1.01-1.18), in illiterate individuals by 4.60% (95% CI: 4.05-5.23), in employed individuals by 2.40% (95% CI: 2.20-2.62), in female newborns (95% CI: 1.04-1.16), in mothers with a history of miscarriage by 74% (95% CI: 1.09-2.75), in women with premature delivery by 34.09% (95% CI: 29.17-39.84), in women with a history of multiple gestations by 22.30% (95% CI: 18.71-26.59), in women with a history of drug consumption by 2.01% (95% CI: 1.83-2.21), in mothers not consuming folic acid and iron by 24% (95% CI: 1.10-1.39) and 9% (95% CI: 1.00-1.19). On the other hand, it decreased by lack of consumption of multivitamins and vitamin D by 1% (95% CI: 0.88-1.11), and 29% (95% CI: 0.61-0.82), respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, educating mothers, increasing prenatal care, having an appropriate diet and taking supplements can play an important role in reducing the risk of LBW.

Risk factors associated with neural tube defects in infants referred to western Iranian obstetrical centers; 2013-2014.

BackgroundNeural tubes defects (NTDs) are known to be the second most prevalent congenital disorder worldwide whose risk factors have not been explicitly addressed yet.AimTo determine the risk factors affecting NTDs among infants who referred to obstetrical centers in Kurdistan, a western province of Iran.MethodsThis prospective case-control study was conducted in the form of prospective case-control. Sample population included all women (27,153 cases) who referred to obstetrical centers in Kurdistan for either delivery or abortion during 2013 and 2014. Inclusion criterion was the presence of a known NTD in infants, and exclusion criterion was the reluctance of patients to participate in the study. Accordingly, 46 cases participated in the study as the case group, and 138 cases (three times higher than case group) were selected to be the control group. Case and control groups were matched in terms of the number of pregnancies and place of birth. The variables investigated in the present study were as follows: age, occupation, BMI, abortion history, family relation with husband, fetus’ sex, number of twins, history of previous children with NTD, receiving prenatal surveillance, consumption of folic acid and multivitamins, smoking, alcohol drinking, passive smoking, and suffering from such diseases as epilepsy and diabetes. Data were analyzed using various statistical tests, including chi-square, Fishers’ exact test, multiple logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 20. In the study group, inclusion criteria included all women who had an infant with tube defects that their total number was 46 individuals. In the control group inclusion criteria included mothers with healthy infants who were similar to the study group in terms of birth place and frequency of pregnancy.ResultsThe results of the present study demonstrated that prenatal surveillance (p<0.002), multivitamin consumption (p<0.001), history of having a child with NTD (p<0.001), alcohol drinking (p<0.014), and passive smoking were related to NTDs (p<0.001).ConclusionBefore fertilization and during pregnancy, mothers should be examined in terms of exposure to harmful agents, diet, and nutritional status in order to identify possible risk factors and find opportunities to prevent NTDs in infants.

Folic Acid Education for Hispanic Women: The Promotora de Salud Model.

Although rates of neural tube defects (NTDs) have declined in the United States since fortification, disparities still exist with Hispanic women having the highest risk of giving birth to a baby with a NTD. The Promotora de Salud model using community lay health workers has been shown to be an effective tool for reaching Hispanics for a variety of health topics; however, literature on its effectiveness in folic acid interventions is limited. An intervention using the Promotora de Salud model was implemented in four U.S. counties with large populations of Hispanic women. The study comprised the following: (1) a written pretest survey to establish baseline levels of folic acid awareness, knowledge, and consumption; (2) a small group education intervention along with a 90-day supply of multivitamins; and (3) a postintervention (posttest) assessment conducted 4 months following the intervention. Statistically significant differences in pre- and posttests were observed for general awareness about folic acid and vitamins and specific knowledge about the benefits of folic acid. Statistically significant changes were also seen in vitamin consumption and multivitamin consumption. Folic acid supplement consumption increased dramatically by the end of the study. The Promotora de Salud model relies on interpersonal connections forged between promotoras and the communities they serve to help drive positive health behaviors. The findings underscore the positive impact that these interpersonal connections can have on increasing awareness, knowledge, and consumption of folic acid. Utilizing the Promotora de Salud model to reach targeted populations might help organizations successfully implement their programs in a culturally appropriate manner.

Promotora de Salud: Promoting Folic Acid Use Among Hispanic Women

The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that all women in the United States capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 μg of folic acid daily to reduce their risk of having a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect (NTD). However, disparities exist in the consumption of folic acid, with Hispanic women having lower rates of folic acid consumption than non-Hispanic white women. A community-based feasibility study was designed to assess the utility of the promotora de salud model to promote consumption of multivitamins containing folic acid for the prevention of NTDs among Spanish-speaking Hispanic women in North Carolina. The study consisted of an educational intervention given by a promotora (a lay, community health worker), with data collection occurring at baseline and four months post-intervention to measure changes in knowledge and behavior. Overall, 52% (n=303) of participants completed all components of the study. Self-reported daily multivitamin consumption increased from 24% at baseline to 71% four months post-intervention. During the same time frame, awareness of folic acid increased from 78% to 98% and knowledge of the role of folic acid in the prevention of birth defects increased from 82% to 92%. The results of this study indicate that the promotora de salud model may be effective in reaching a subpopulation of women with the folic acid message. Additional studies with larger population sizes are warranted to validate these findings.

Associations Between Preconception Counseling and Maternal Behaviors Before and During Pregnancy

Preconception counseling (PCC) is a vital component of preconception care. Through counseling, providers educate and recommend strategies to improve health and birth outcomes for women of reproductive age. The objective of our analysis was to assess the associations between receipt of PCC and positive maternal behaviors before and during pregnancy. We analyzed 2004-2008 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data from Maine, New Jersey, Utah, and Vermont. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between receipt of PCC and prepregnancy daily multivitamin consumption, first-trimester entry into prenatal care, and cessation of smoking and drinking before pregnancy among women who smoked/drank in the 2 years preceding the survey, adjusting for a wide range of maternal characteristics. Overall, 32% of women reported receipt of PCC, with particularly low rates reported among women with an unintended pregnancy (14%) and no health insurance prior to pregnancy (14%). Receipt of PCC was associated with daily prepregnancy multivitamin consumption (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.0, 4.7), first-trimester entry into prenatal care for women with an intended pregnancy (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.8, 2.4), and drinking cessation before pregnancy among women who drank in the 2 years preceding the survey (AOR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.2, 1.5). PCC was associated with positive maternal behaviors that increase the likelihood of a healthy woman, pregnancy, and infant. Unfortunately, less than one-third of women with a recent live birth reported receiving PCC. These data provide population-based evidence suggesting the value of PCC in the promotion of healthy maternal behaviors for women with intended or unintended pregnancies.

Talk to take: Multivitamin usage in college-aged women

The goal of this investigation was to explore different communication methods used to reach and convince women to adopt an important daily health routine that is, for lack of a better word, boring. The results of this effort will be used to aid campaign efforts designed to increase multivitamin consumption in college-aged women, thereby aiming to reduce the number of birth defects in children born to this population. College-aged women (n = 92) reported preferring interpersonal communication channels over media when seeking information and being persuaded by messages regarding multivitamins. Multivitamin users were compared with non-users regarding sources of information and compliance strategies. Promise and positive altercasting were the preferred compliance-gaining strategies. Paper implications suggest campaigns should target mothers rather than spending resources to directly persuade their college-aged daughters.

Multivitamin Supplement Use and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

The association between consumption of multivitamins and breast cancer is inconsistent in epidemiologic studies. To perform a meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies to evaluate multivitamin intake and its relationship with breast cancer risk. The published literature was systematically searched and reviewed using MEDLINE (1950 through July 2010), EMBASE (1980 through July 2010), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2010 issue 1). Studies that included specific risk estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. The bias and quality of these studies were assessed with REVMAN statistical software (version 5.0) and the GRADE method of the Cochrane Collaboration. Eight of 27 studies that included 355,080 subjects were available for analysis. The total duration of multivitamin use in these trials ranged from 3 to 10 years. The frequency of current use in these studies ranged from 2 to 6 times/week. In analyses by duration of use 10 years or longer or 3 years or longer and by frequency 7 or more times/week that were reported in these studies, multivitamin use was not significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer. Only 1 recent Swedish cohort study concluded that multivitamin use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The results of a meta-analysis that pooled data from 5 cohort studies and 3 case-control studies indicated that the overall multivariable relative risk and odds ratio were 0.10 (95% CI 0.60 to 1.63; p = 0.98) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.51 to 1.00; p = 1.00), respectively. The association was not statistically significant. Multivitamin use is likely not associated with a significant increased or decreased risk of breast cancer, but these results highlight the need for more case-control studies or randomized controlled clinical trials to further examine this relationship.