Intake Of Vitamin Research Articles

Association between Vitamin A and cancer: A review

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble micronutrient vital for the immune system, cellular differentiation, epithelial barrier function, and eyesight; they also play a significant function as a potent antioxidant regulating oxidative stress and the onset of cancer. There are two ways to get it through food: Provitamin A (beta-carotenoid) and preformed Vitamin A (retinol and retinyl ester). Uncontrolled cell proliferation and the development of metastatic features are characteristics of cancer initiated by agents such as aflatoxin, tobacco smoke’s carcinogenic compounds, and solar ultraviolet radiation. Vitamin A, an antioxidant vitamin, is hypothesized to exert chemo-preventive effects and reduce the risk of cancer by preventing tissue damage through the capture of organic free radicals, an end-product of numerous metabolic processes. This review is performed to investigate the association between Vitamin A and cancer. From March 2017 to March 2022, relevant articles were searched through PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. All the studies involving Vitamin A and cancer were included in this review. Intake of Vitamin A was significantly inversely associated with improved cancer prognosis. The present review demonstrates that there is an inverse association between Vitamin A and cancer treatment.

Higher Vitamin E Intake Reduces Risk of All-Cause Mortality and Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease Mortality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: NHANES (2008-2018).

In human health, vitamins play a vital role in various metabolic and regulatory processes and in the proper functioning of cells. Currently, the effect of Vitamin E (VE) intake on multiple causes of death in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is unclear. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the relationship between VE and multiple causes of death in COPD patients, to guide the rationalization of dietary structure and reduce the risk of COPD death. This study screened patients with COPD aged ≥40 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database 2008-2018. Weighted COX regression was used to analyze the association between VE intake and multiple causes of death in COPD. The restricted cubic spline(RCS) is drawn to show their relationship. Finally, we conducted a subgroup analysis for further verification. A total of 1261 participants were included in this study. After adjustment for multiple covariates, VE intake was associated with all-cause death in COPD patients, and chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) deaths were linearly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths there was no such correlation. Subgroup analyses showed no interaction between subgroups, further validating the robustness of the relationship. In COPD patients, VE intake was negatively associated with all-cause mortality and CLRD death. Higher VE intake reduces the risk of all-cause mortality and CLRD death in COPD patients.

Влияние экзогенных и генетических факторов на уровень витамина D у детей с бронхиальной астмой в трех регионах Российской Федерации

The high prevalence and socioeconomic burden of bronchial asthma (BA) encourage scientists to continue active study of both exogenous and genetic factors influencing the course of BA. The connection between vitamin D deficiency and asthma in children has been shown in many studies. Work on the analysis of vitamin D content in patients with asthma is often carried out without taking into account the geographical location and level of insolation, and is also often performed on small samples of patients, which makes it difficult to interpret the results obtained. Studies devoted to the connection between genetic polymorphisms of the VDR gene and AD with a comprehensive analysis of the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors are rare and provide contradictory results. That is why the present study compared the supply of vitamin D with clinical phenotypes of asthma, the response to cholecalciferol supplementation and genetic markers that influence 25(OH)D metabolism among children of three equidistant regions of the Russian Federation. Objective. Тo study the 25(OH)D content of children with bronchial asthma (BA) depending on exogenous factors (region of residence, volume of basic therapy, intake of vitamin D from food, dietary supplementation with cholecalciferol) and endogenous factors (gender, age, course characteristics AD, VDR gene polymorphism genotypes). Patients and methods. The study included 160 children with asthma (median age 8.55 years), the comparison group consisted of 333 children (median age 6.4 years). All subjects were assessed for calcidiol levels in different seasons of the year. Testing of polymorphic variants of the VDR gene (c.1206T>C, c.1175-9G>T, c.152T>C, c.1174+283G>A) was carried out using PCR and RFLP analysis. Results. The average level of 25(OH)D in patients with BA and healthy children was significantly different and was 21.3 ng/ml in patients with BA and 29.6 ng/ml in healthy children (p < 0.01). It was revealed that 89.62% of patients with asthma and 60.8% of healthy children had a low supply of vitamin D (p < 0.05). The frequency of severe deficiency in children with asthma was 23.7%; no pronounced deficiency was recorded among healthy children. A 25(OH)D concentration of 10–20 ng/ml was more often observed in asthma (46.66%) compared to healthy children (26.5%). It was found that 25(OH)D deficiency 21–29 ng/ml was more often recorded in healthy children (34.3%) compared to BA (19.25%, p < 0.05). Low 25(OH)D levels are observed among 92.6% of patients with BA from Krasnoyarsk, among all patients with BA from Stavropol and 70.6% of patients with BA from Moscow. There was no effect of vitamin D content in food on the concentration of 25(OH)D in the blood. Taking vitamin D in doses from 500 IU to 1500 IU per day does not significantly increase the level of 25(OH)D and achieve optimal vitamin D status. Patients with the minor genotype AA of the BsmlI VDR gene polymorphism do not respond by increasing the level of 25(OH)D in response for supplementation. Conclusion. The status of vitamin D in asthma in the Russian Federation does not depend on the climatic and geographical characteristics of the region of residence, the intake of vitamin D from food and PSS during prophylaxis with standard doses of cholecalciferol, but is determined by gender, age, season of the year, lack of intake or intake of a low preventive dose cholecalciferol (less than 1000 IU), as well as the influence of BsmlI polymorphism of the VDR gene. Key words: bronchial asthma, children, vitamin D, supplementation, VDR gene

Comparison of food and nutrient intake according to the presence of glaucoma among Korean older adults.

The purpose of this study was to compare nutrient intake according to the presence of glaucoma among Korean individuals aged 60 yrs or older and to establish evidence for the necessity of dietary habits and nutritional management in the prevention and management of glaucoma. The study was conducted on 4,195 older adults aged 60 or older who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2017 and 2018. The subjects were classified into glaucoma (n = 186) and non-glaucoma (n = 4,009) groups based on the doctor's diagnosis of glaucoma. Nutrient intake was estimated using a 24-h recall method, and the intake of nutrients between the 2 groups was compared. The comparison of food group and nutrient intake according to the subjects' prevalence of glaucoma showed that the average intake of potatoes and starches was higher in the glaucoma group than in the non-glaucoma group (P = 0.049), whereas the average intake of meat, fish, and shellfish was higher in the non-glaucoma group than in the glaucoma group (P = 0.045, P = 0.018). Additionally, the average intake of omega-3 and vitamin C was higher in the non-glaucoma group than in the glaucoma group (P = 0.022, P = 0.045), while the average intake of niacin was higher in the glaucoma group than in the non-glaucoma group (P = 0.046). The intake of meats, fish, and shellfish, omega-3, and vitamin C was higher in the non-glaucoma group than in the glaucoma group. These results suggest that a healthy diet might be necessary for the prevention and management of glaucoma.

Associations between vitamin A and K intake and lung function in the general US population: evidence from NHANES 2007-2012.

While nutrition's critical role in enhancing respiratory health is acknowledged, the specific impacts of vitamins A and K on lung function remain largely unexplored. The study aimed to evaluate the relationships between vitamins A and K intake and lung function. The cross-sectional study focused on adults aged 20-79 with utilizing data from US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2012. Lung function was assessed by measuring forced expiratory volume (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the ratio of these two values (FEV1/FVC). Regression model was performed to determine the associations between intake of vitamins A and K and outcomes. Data of 10,034 participants (representing 142,965,892 adults in the US) were analyzed. After adjusting for relevant confounders, multivariable analysis revealed 1 μg/day increase of vitamin A intake was significantly associated with 0.03 ml increased FEV1 (p = 0.004) and 0.04 ml increased forced vital capacity (FVC) (p < 0.001). In addition, 1 μg/day increase in vitamin K intake was significantly associated with 0.11 ml increased FEV1 (p = 0.022). Neither vitamin A and K intake was associated with FEV1/FVC or presence of airway obstruction. In relatively healthy population of the US, greater vitamin A or K intake was independently associated with better lung function assessed by spirometry. Benefits of such vitamins for pulmonary health should be confirmed in future randomized controlled trials.

Использование витаминов группы В в профилактических и лечебных дозах при сахарном диабете 2-го типа

Polyhypovitaminosis is a risk factor for many diseases. Adequate dietary intake of vitamins may help prevent/reduce the risk of progression of several diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). Objective. To analyze the sufficiency of B vitamins and efficacy of their administration in patients with T2D depending on the dose. Vitamin deficiencies typical for patients with T2D worsen the course of the disease and increase the risk of complications. Higher intake of vitamins B1, B2 and folate is associated with a lower risk of T2D, and higher intake of folate and vitamin B6 is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with T2D. Higher intake of vitamin B6 by individuals with T2D is associated with a lower incidence of diabetic retinopathy. In T2D patients, low levels of the coenzyme form of vitamin B6 and high serum levels of 4-pyridoxic acid increase the risk of all-cause mortality. Patients with diabetic retinopathy have significantly reduced levels of vitamin B12. The incidence of vitamin B2 deficiency based on serum levels is found in approximately 30–40% of patients with T2D and diabetic nephropathy. Metformin administration worsens vitamin B12 supply and increases the risk of T2D complications. The need to eliminate vitamin deficiencies and improve the sufficiency of B vitamins is undeniable. There are prophylactic and therapeutic doses of vitamins. Continuous intake of multivitamin supplements with a complete set of all B vitamins in prophylactic doses consistent with the recommended daily intake (RDI) will reduce the risk of T2D progression. Administration of B vitamins during 1 month to 5 years in therapeutic doses well above the RDI results in improvement of carbohydrate metabolism, antioxidant and clinical status in patients with T2D, but may lead to undesirable effects. Conclusion. When prescribing B vitamins to T2D patients, it is recommended to distinguish between prophylactic doses of vitamins that meet the body’s needs and can and should be taken continuously, and therapeutic doses, that are close to the upper safe intake level and may cause adverse reactions. Key words: type 2 diabetes, B vitamins, sufficiency, prophylactic and therapeutic doses of vitamins

Association of dietary overall antioxidant intake with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among adults with depression: evidence from NHANES 2005-2018.

Higher intakes of individual antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E have been linked to mortality in the general population, but the association of overall antioxidant intake with mortality especially in depressed adults remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether the dietary overall antioxidant intake is associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among depressed adults. This study included 3051 US adults with depression, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to define depression and evaluate depression severity. The dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS) and dietary antioxidant index (DAI) were calculated based on the intakes of vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, selenium, and magnesium. A higher DAQS and DAI were significantly associated with lower depression scores (PHQ-9) (all P-trend < 0.05). For individual antioxidants, significant negative associations of vitamins A and E with all-cause mortality were observed. For overall antioxidant intake, the DAQS and DAI were inversely associated with all-cause and cancer mortality. Compared with participants in the lowest categories of DAQS and DAI, the corresponding HRs (95% CIs) in the highest categories were 0.63 (0.42-0.93) and 0.70 (0.49-0.98) for all-cause mortality and 0.39 (0.17-0.87) and 0.43 (0.21-0.88) for cancer mortality, respectively. The overall dietary antioxidant intake was beneficially associated with all-cause and cancer mortality in depressed adults. These findings suggest that comprehensive dietary antioxidant intake may improve depressive symptoms and lower mortality risk among adults with depression.

VITAMIN D, CALCIUM, AND PHOSPHORUS STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH SPINA BIFIDA

Introduction. Children with spina bifida (SB) are at the highest risk of developing vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including vitamin D, due to a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged indoor stays, and dietary peculiarities. The aim of our study was to determine the dietary intakes of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in children with spina bifida and the concentration of these nutrients in the serum of children with SB. Materials and Methods. The study included 20 children aged 2 to 17 years with congenital neural tube defect (spina bifida). The control group consisted of 67 healthy children aged 6 to 17 years. To determine the dietary intakes of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, children or their parents were surveyed using a questionnaire containing questions about the amount of consumption of certain food products over the week. The total amount of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in the weekly diet were calculated, as well as their average daily intakes with food and overall. The concentration of 25-OH vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in the blood serum was determined using an enzyme immunoassay. Results. Among the examined children with SB, girls predominated (70.0%). Physical development delay and undernutrition were identified in 3 (15.0%), overweight - in 6 (30.0%) children. Most children with SB exhibited clinical manifestations of mineral metabolism disorders: body proportion disturbances (55.0%), posture disorders (40.0%), scoliosis and/or chest deformity (50.0%), caries (40.0%). Despite the presence of dairy, meat, and fish products in the weekly diet of all children with SB, their quantity was insufficient to meet the daily needs for vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. Inadequate intake of vitamin D from food occurred in 70.0% of children, calcium deficiency in 90.0%, phosphorus deficiency in 80.0%, with the alimentary provision of calcium and phosphorus in children with SB being significantly lower than in healthy children (p=0.0027 and p=0.0047, respectively). Optimal levels of vitamin D in the blood serum were observed in only 10.0% of children with SB, which was twice less than in healthy children, while its deficiency was observed 1.5 times more often in children with SB than in healthy children. Half of the patients with SB had reduced calcium levels, and 70.0% had reduced phosphorus levels. Conclusions. The study results demonstrate a wide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency (in 90.0%), calcium and phosphorus deficiency in children with SB, indicating the need for additional intake of these nutrients alongside dietary and lifestyle corrections. Further research on a larger cohort of patients with supplementation regimens is necessary to reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of life for children with SB.

British Dietary Habits and Declining Nutrient Intakes

Vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids are vital to health. In the UK, the National Diet and Nutrition survey rolling programme estimates the intake of a range of these essential nutrients and foods that contain them. Since this programme began in 2008/2009 nutrient intakes have not improved. The aim of this paper is to evaluate vitamin and mineral intakes in the latest iteration of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey and compare these intakes with those in 2008/2009 and where possible with similar data from UK surveys going back to 1997. This paper also analysed findings from a survey of reviewing people’s knowledge, habits and opinions on nutrition, vitamin and mineral intakes and supplementation to contribute to the interpretation of findings from the NDNS. Consumption of the majority of the micronutrients measured in the NDNS fell from 2008/2009 to 2018/2019. These decreases were greater in women than men and particularly worrying in younger women especially for vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine and selenium. Reductions of the same micronutrients in young men were also evident and only zinc intakes have improved in older men. Poor dietary intakes are due to confusion and lack of knowledge as to what constitutes a healthy diet, lack of time and the cost of healthy eating which has increased during recent years. Nutrients can be provided from a healthy diet, but this is not being achieved. Hence a multivitamin and multi mineral food supplement is the best policy to bridge these dietary gaps.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Steps for Choosing Suitable Packaging Material (Case Study: Food Safety)

Vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids are vital to health. In the UK, the National Diet and Nutrition survey rolling programme estimates the intake of a range of these essential nutrients and foods that contain them. Since this programme began in 2008/2009 nutrient intakes have not improved. The aim of this paper is to evaluate vitamin and mineral intakes in the latest iteration of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey and compare these intakes with those in 2008/2009 and where possible with similar data from UK surveys going back to 1997. This paper also analysed findings from a survey of reviewing people’s knowledge, habits and opinions on nutrition, vitamin and mineral intakes and supplementation to contribute to the interpretation of findings from the NDNS. Consumption of the majority of the micronutrients measured in the NDNS fell from 2008/2009 to 2018/2019. These decreases were greater in women than men and particularly worrying in younger women especially for vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine and selenium. Reductions of the same micronutrients in young men were also evident and only zinc intakes have improved in older men. Poor dietary intakes are due to confusion and lack of knowledge as to what constitutes a healthy diet, lack of time and the cost of healthy eating which has increased during recent years. Nutrients can be provided from a healthy diet, but this is not being achieved. Hence a multivitamin and multi mineral food supplement is the best policy to bridge these dietary gaps.

Awareness of women at reproductive age towards premenstrual syndrome and its association with psychosocial and lifestyle variables in al Qassim region

Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) significantly impacts women&amp;apos;s health and daily functioning. This study investigated the awareness and prevalence of PMS among women aged 15 to 40 in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to identify gaps in awareness and establish correlations between lifestyle choices and PMS severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, targeting 400 women selected through random sampling. Data were collected via an online self-assessment questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, PMS diagnostic criteria, and awareness levels. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing chi-square tests to explore relationships between variables. Results: The results showed no significant association between physical activity (χ2(1) = 0.48, p = 0.489), relaxation exercises (p = 0.615), and smoking (p = 1) with PMS symptoms. However, a significant association existed between depression and PMS symptoms (χ²(1) = 8.51, p = 0.004), underscoring the need for mental health interventions. Additionally, vitamin intake was significantly associated with menstrual cycle regularity, suggesting potential benefits of nutritional supplementation. These findings contributed to a deeper understanding of PMS in the context of Al Qassim&amp;apos;s cultural and environmental factors, offering valuable insights for public health initiatives and healthcare providers in developing targeted treatment strategies for affected women. Conclusion: The study examined menstrual cycle regularity and premenstrual syndrome symptoms, exploring their relationships with lifestyle factors. The research investigated how smoking, depression, physical activity, relaxation, and vitamin intake impacted these reproductive health outcomes. Regular exercise and relaxation showed no significant effects, but there was a substantial correlation between depression and the severity of PMS symptoms.

Оценка потребления витаминов пациентами с неалкогольной жировой болезнью печени

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolically determined and alimentary-dependent disease, therefore, the study of nutrition and vitamin supply in patients with NAFLD is extremely important for its treatment and prevention. Objective. To study the dietary pattern and vitamin intake in patients with NAFLD compared to patients without NAFLD and other liver diseases. Patients and methods. A retrospective analysis of a database of patients (n = 613) generated from 2021 to 2023 was performed. A total of 77 pairs of patients with and without NAFLD and other liver diseases were selected by sex, age, and body mass index. The stage of liver steatosis and fibrosis was assessed using vibration-controlled transient elastography with a controlled attenuation parameter. Actual nutrition was assessed using the frequency method in the format of a personal interview. Blood biochemistry testing, including lipid and carbohydrate metabolism parameters, was conducted. Results. It was found that energy, protein, and carbohydrate intake did not differ between the patient groups. More fat intake was revealed in the NAFLD group (91.9 ± 39.3 g/day vs. 80.3 ± 39.4 g/day; p = 0.01). Patients with NAFLD consumed more vitamin A than patients in the control group (988.1 ± 406 mcg/day vs. 949.9 ± 767.2 mcg/day; p = 0.03), thiamine (1.4 ± 0.6 mcg/day vs. 1.3 ± 0.6 mcg/day; p = 0.004), riboflavin (1.9 ± 0.8 mcg/day vs. 1.7 ± 0.8 mcg/day; p = 0.007), folate (320.5 ± 123.5 mcg/day vs. 298.9 ± 138.5 mcg/day; p = 0.03), pyridoxine (1.9 ± 0.8 mg/day vs. 1.7 ± 0.9 mg/day; p = 0.03), pantothenic acid (4.7 ± 1.9 mg/day vs. 4.4 ± 2.1 mg/day; p = 0.046), choline (206.2 ± 119.6 mg/day vs. 159.9 ± 110.8 mg/day; p = 0.004), vitamin D (1.2 ± 0.8 mcg/day vs. 0.9 ± 0.8 mcg/day; p = 0.01), niacin (19.2 ± 8.6 mg/day vs. 17.2 ± 7.6 mg/day; p = 0.01). Inadequate intake of β-carotene, thiamine, cobalamin, folate, choline, vitamin D and vitamin E in patients with NAFLD was found. Conclusion. The dietary intake in the examined groups of patients is insufficient in terms of vitamin supply, which presumably contributes to the development of NAFLD. Key words: vitamin status, dietary pattern, assessment of actual nutrition, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Intakes of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients in adult Lithuanian population: a national study of 2019-2020.

Dietary surveys are critical in evaluating dietary trends prevailing across the entire population. The aim of this study is to present the results of the latest research into the intakes of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients amongst the adult population in Lithuania from 2019 through 2020. A cross-sectional study was conducted and dietary data was collected using a 24-h dietary recall method from a total of 2555 Lithuanian adults. Medians, 25th and 75th percentiles were calculated. The diet of Lithuanian adults was found insufficient as the energy intake from fats exceeded the recommended norms, while the energy intake from carbohydrates was below the lower range. The intakes of dietary fibre and most vitamins and minerals were insufficient. Men, compared to women, had a statistically higher total energy intake and energy intake from fats, and a higher intake of dietary fibre. Younger adults, compared to older ones, had statistically lower intakes of energy from fats, including saturated fats, and lower intakes of sodium chloride. Respondents with primary education, compared to those who had attained a higher degree of education, had a statistically lower intake of total energy and dietary fibre. Study showed that intakes of majority of nutrients in the diet of the adult Lithuanian population are not in compliance with the recommended daily intakes. Continuous nationally representative studies into food consumption and nutrient intake of the adult Lithuanian population must be carried out to assess the changes in the population's diet and the effectiveness of policies aimed at promoting healthy diets.

Целиакия и витаминно-минеральная недостаточность

Celiac disease (CD) is a well-studied disease among disorders associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA). The prevalence of CD is about 0.7–1.4% of the population. CD is accompanied by atrophy of the villi of the mucous membrane of the small intestine in response to the effects of gluten. As a result of atrophy, the surface area of the mucous membrane of the small intestine decreases. Malabsorption is one of the main causes of insufficient intake of various vitamins, macro- and microelements into the body. This article contains various deficient states accompanying CD. Key words: celiac disease, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, iodine, vitamin K, copper, iron, folic acid, zinc, malabsorption syndrome

A Study of Strategies and Methods for the Application of Sports Nutrition in Fitness Training

Abstract Dietary habits are particularly important in fitness training, and a scientific fitness diet needs to be formulated according to the fitness user’s situation, fitness goals and exercise volume. In this paper, a multimodal personalized sports nutrition recommendation model incorporating users’ visual preferences is designed to address the important impact of visual features on the task of sports nutrition recommendation. The user’s visual preference is modeled using the Query-Key-Value attention mechanism, which extracts valuable visual information from their historical data and adds it to textual features. In the sports nutrition program generation part, guided by sports nutrition theory and based on the MMFV model, the sports nutrition program generation method was designed. Then, the multi-objective optimization problem of the sports nutrition scheme is planned and modeled, and a calorie-checking mechanism is added to the multi-objective particle swarm algorithm for the problem of calorie intake not meeting the fitness goal. According to the sports nutrition program recommendation algorithm to improve the three meals diets of the gym participants, through the analysis of relevant data to verify the scientificity of the recommended program. The average intake of protein, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and vitamin C of the fitness participants after the modification increased by 7.4%, 17.77%, 22.33% and 8.46%, respectively, compared with that before the modification. Scapular sebaceous thickness and abdominal sebaceous thickness were reduced by 2.2 mm and 1.47 mm, respectively, compared with the pre-modification period.TC, TG and LDL metabolism were in the normal range, which was significantly different from the pre-modification period (P&lt;0.05).

Higher adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet is associated with reduced psychosocial stress levels in baby boomers: a cross-sectional study.

This study investigated the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet among Korean baby boomers and their levels of psychosocial stress. The study included 1,656 adults (889 men and 797 women) born between 1955 and 1963 who participated in the 2005-2006 survey of the community-based Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). The Mediterranean-type diet score (MTDS) was calculated from the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) data. The psychosocial stress levels were calculated using the psychosocial well-being index-short form (PWI-SF). Logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the association between the MTDS (tertiles) and the prevalence of high psychosocial stress by gender. The ranges of the MTDS tertile groups were T1 (20-33 points), T2 (34-37 points), and T3 (38-39 points) for men, T1 (20-33 points), T2 (34-37 points), and T3 (38-48 points) for women. In both men and women, the consumption of whole grains, potatoes, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish increased with higher MTDS, while the consumption of red meat and dairy products decreased (P for trend < 0.05). As MTDS score increased the intake of energy, fiber, vitamins, and minerals (P for trend < 0.05). Men in the highest MTDS tertile had a 41% lower odds ratio (OR) of high psychosocial stress compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR, 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.91). Similarly, women in the highest tertile of the MTDS had a 39% lower OR of high psychosocial stress compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.40-0.95). Promoting adherence to the Mediterranean diet among baby boomers may have a positive impact on reducing their levels of psychosocial stress.

The Role of Continuity of Care (CoC) in Supporting Pregnant Women at Risk of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in Improving Nutritional Status: A Case Report

Background: Nutritional issues in pregnant women occur during the 1,000 Days of Life (HPK) period. If nutritional problems during pregnancy are not addressed, they can disrupt fetal development. The government has undertaken efforts such as providing supplementary feeding (PMT). This PMT activity should also be accompanied by nutritional education to promote behavioral change. Midwives are among the healthcare professionals who can provide comprehensive support. This support is aimed at optimizing continuous midwifery care, with the expectation of reducing the impact of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) on both pregnant women and their fetuses. Methods: This case report is compiled using a descriptive method with a case study approach. The researcher supported Continuity of Care (CoC) to one patient in the working area of the Surabaya Community Health Center, from the pregnancy period through to the postpartum period and the newborn phase. Case Presentation: A 20-year-old pregnant woman was identified as at risk for Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) due to a measurement of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) &lt; 23.5 cm. The woman received continuous support, including monitoring her intake of prenatal vitamins, Antenatal Care (ANC) support, counseling, and nutritional education. By the end of the pregnancy, there was an increase in her MUAC, and she was no longer at risk of CED. Conclusion: With support in the form of monitoring and holistic, comprehensive, and collaborative midwifery care from the beginning of pregnancy, optimal care targets can be achieved. The role of support throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period has been carried out effectively, resulting in the mother being free from the risk of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) and the baby not experiencing Low Birth Weight (LBW).

Relationship of hypertension with dietary intake of calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D and Vitamin E among adult males

ABSTRACT Aims: Hypertension remains a main cause of premature death worldwide. Micronutrients are crucial in the regulation of blood pressure, therefore, we aimed to examine the associations between calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E intakes and hypertension among adult males. Settings and Design: Community-based, descriptive study. Materials and Methods: The study included 450 men with a mean age of 46.79 ± 15.88. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed. An automated arm digital sphygmomanometer was used to monitor the resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values. Dietary intake including Ca, Mg, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The population sample was divided into two groups according to hypertension status as follows: hypertensive and normotensive groups. Statistical Analysis Used: The independent t-test was performed to assess the differences between the hypertensive and the normotensive groups. Results: The hypertensive participants were older and had a higher mean body mass index, fat %, SBP, DBP, pulse pressure and heart rate compared with nonhypertensive participants. Among micronutrient intake, hypertensive group had significantly higher Vitamin D intake than the normotensive group. Conclusions: This study found a significant association between Vitamin D intake, as assessed using FFQ, and hypertension, but not between Ca, Mg, or Vitamin E. To clarify the potential association between micronutrient intake and hypertension, more studies, and clinical trials should be conducted.

High serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with greater lean tissue mass and skeletal muscle mass:a cross-sectional study on young healthy Japanese women.

Studies have shown that low serum 25(OH)D levels in young women may affect not only their own health but also the health of next generation through pregnancy and childbirth. The aim of this study is to assess the serum 25(OH)D levels in young Japanese women and to determine the factors influencing the changes in their serum 25(OH)D levels. Herein, 83 healthy young Japanese women were included. Early morning fasting blood samples, habitual food intake survey, eating habits survey, and anthropometric measurements were used to analyze the relationship between the serum 25(OH)D levels and nutrient intake, intake of food groups, dietary habits, and body composition. The findings revealed that about 50% of the study participants had an adequate intake (AI) of vitamin D (8.5 µg), whereas about 88% of the study participants were vitamin D deficient and about 12% were insufficient in serum 25(OH) levels. No significant association was observed between the serum 25(OH)D levels and nutrient intake or intake of food groups. Furthermore, higher serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with higher percentages of muscle and lean tissue, indicating that regulating the serum 25(OH)D levels helps maintain muscle mass and lowers the risk of sarcopenia and locomotive syndrome. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 260-266, August, 2024.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anaemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Mbaitoli L.G.A Imo State

Anemia during pregnancy continues to be a major health concern in Imo State and Nigeria. Globally, 41.8% - 60.0% of pregnant women experience anemia, and Nigeria has a prevalence rate of 55.1%. This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to May 2023 and involved 250 pregnant women who attended antenatal care at Nwaorieubi Comprehensive Health Center in Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State. The objective of this study was to gain insights into factors related to anemia, as well as prevention and control measures within the context of antenatal care. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and by examining hemoglobin measurements from health records. Descriptive analysis was performed to determine means, frequencies, and proportions, while regression analysis (p&lt;0.05) with odds ratios and a 95% confidence interval was used to explore associations. The prevalence of anemia during pregnancy was found to be 61%. The analysis revealed various factors contributing to anemia, including inadequate intake of vitamins, financial constraints, limited availability of antenatal care, lack of utilization of prenatal care services, gaps in awareness, cultural and social barriers, genetic conditions, and the occurrence of multiple pregnancies. Regression analysis highlighted significant correlations (p &lt; 0.05) between inadequate intake of vitamins, underutilization of prenatal care, cultural and social barriers, genetic conditions, and multiple pregnancies. In terms of participant demographics, the descriptive analysis categorized participants into the following age groups: 15-22 (39 participants), 23-30 (90 participants), 31-39 (103 participants, 41%), and 40-49 (18 participants, 7%). It is worth noting that all participants in this study were married and identified as Christian. In order to raise awareness about the risk of developing anemia in late pregnancy, it is recommended that reproductive advice and education be provided to all women of reproductive age. Interventions such as mass media campaigns, outreach education, and life skills programs should be implemented to educate women on the importance of actively participating in antenatal care, adhering to prescribed medications, consuming a diverse range of nutritious meals, and incorporating iron-rich foods into their diets during pregnancy.