Vitamin-mineral Supplements Research Articles

Spontaneous Cloacal Prolapse in a Farm Ostrich (Struthio camelus): Case Management and Literature Review.

Captive ratites, including the ostrich (Struthio camelus), are susceptible to various gastrointestinal conditions. However, spontaneous cloacal prolapse is a relatively less frequent diagnosis. This report details the clinical management of cloacal prolapse in an ostrich, including a brief literature review. A 10-week-old female ostrich reared in a semi-intensive farming system was presented with a reddish protruded mass through the vent opening, along with a history of lethargy, poor appetite, and lack of droppings. Clinical examinations demonstrated a complete cloacal prolapse without any devitalization or necrosis of the involved tissues. Laboratory examinations revealed no parasitic or bacterial enteritis. Hematobiochemical analysis indicated low serum calcium. The case was surgically treated, which involved repositioning the prolapsed cloaca to its anatomical location and subsequent vent narrowing with a purse-string suture while ensuring adequate space for the passage of droppings. Postoperatively, supportive medications and formulated feed with vitamin-mineral supplements, including calcium, were provided. The ostrich experienced an uneventful recovery. The purse-string suture encompassing the vent was removed on the eighth postoperative day. No complications were reported 9 weeks after surgery. In brief, mineral deficiencies, particularly reduced serum calcium levels, may be associated with cloacal prolapse in young ostriches. Prompt surgical intervention and a balanced nutritional regimen with calcium supplements can effectively facilitate recovery.

Study of the influence of the vitamin and mineral supplement evitsel on the organism of broiler chickens

The article presents the data on the use of the domestic vitamin and mineral supplement Evitsel produced by Brovapharma on the body of broiler chickens. As a result of the research, it was found that the vitamin-mineral supplement, when added to the diet in accordance with the guidelines, affects the hematological parameters and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens on day 10, manifested by an increase in the number of pseudo-esophophils and lymphocytes, and on day 20 only lymphocytes. However, by day 30, the general blood counts (number of red blood cells, leukocytes, hemoglobin, platelets) and leukogram did not have a significant difference with the control group. In the study of biochemical parameters of blood serum, it was found that total protein on day 10 was significantly different from the control group, but in further studies, its level, as well as the level of other biochemical parameters of blood serum, did not exceed the physiological norms. Studies of the natural resistance of broiler chickens showed that when Evitsel was added to the diet, the phagocytic index increased by 0.7%, phagocytic activity by 7.4%, lysozyme activity by 5.7%, and bactericidal activity by 7.4% compared to the control group. It has been established that the use of this additive contributes to the increase of natural resistance of broiler chickens and can be used in industrial poultry farming

KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIORS OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS AND INTERNAL MEDICINE PHYSICIANS REGARDING THE USE OF MAGNESIUM FOR SUPPLEMENTATION AND TREATMENT

Objective: To identify indications for magnesium use and assess physicians' knowledge of different formulations of magnesium in medication and supplements Method: A descriptive study was conducted online via Google Forms between January 18 and April 20, 2023. The study population consisted of family physicians (general practitioners, residents, and specialists) and internal medicine physicians (residents and specialists) in Ankara. All physicians were attempted to be reached, and no sampling calculation was made. The survey consisted of 15 questions. Results: A total of 119 physcians completed the survey. The mean age of the physicians who participated in our study was 30.47±4.94 years (min=25, max=48) and 62.2% were female. Of them, 69.7% were family physicians, 30.3% were internal medicine physicians, 77.3% were research assistants and 22.7% were specialists. The most common indications for magnesium treatment were muscle cramps (89.1%) and hypomagnesemia (87.4%); the most commonly used preparations were magnesium oxide (79.8%) and magnesium sulfate (32.8%). The most common indications of using magnesium were cramps (32.4%) and insomnia (13.5%); the most frequently used preparations were magnesium oxide (26.3%), magnesium citrate+malate+glycinate (13.1%), and magnesium biglycinate (13.1%). Physicians who had been practicing for more than 5 years prescribed magnesium more (p=0.010), recommended magnesium supplements more (p=0.020), and used magnesium supplements themselves more (p=0.025) than physicians who had been practicing for 5 years or less. It was found that specialists questioned patients' use of vitamin-mineral supplements more (p=0.044) and recommended magnesium supplements more (p=0.001) than residents. It was found that family physicians prescribed the magnesium used by patients more (p<0.001) and recommended more magnesium-rich nutrition to patients (<0.001) than internal medicine physicians. Conclusion: The physicians who participated in our study preferred magnesium forms covered by social security institution reimbursement for their patients, whereas they preferred forms with higher bioavailability for their own use. It was observed that family physicians provided more magnesium-rich dietary recommendations and prescribed the magnesium used by the patients than internal medicine physicians.

PSLBII-3 Influence of iron supplementation on insulin and glucose dynamics in horses

Abstract Iron is an essential micromineral involved in various physiological functions such as oxygen transport. The National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Horses has iron requirements set at 400 mg iron daily for a 500 kg horse at maintenance; however, a survey found that Thoroughbreds consumed well over the daily requirement at 3,900 mg of iron from hay and grain alone. Additionally, a previous study has found a correlation between hyperinsulinemia and increased ferritin, an indicator of iron body stores. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the effects of iron supplementation on body iron stores as well as insulin and glucose dynamics. It was hypothesized that iron supplementation would influence body iron stores and insulin and glucose responses. Mixed-breed geldings [n = 12; 558.9 ± 74.4 kg body weight (BW)] were housed individually for the study. Horses were fed 2% of their BW in grass hay and an iron-free vitamin mineral supplement, consuming an average of 600 mg of iron daily for the first 28 d (Hay Phase). Horses were then assigned to continue on the hay diet (CTRL; n = 4) or an iron-supplemented diet (IRON; n = 8), in which an oral iron supplement was given daily in the form of ferrous sulfate, with IRON horses consuming an average of 4,000 mg of iron daily for 28 d (Supplement Phase). Oral sugar tests (OSTs) were performed at the beginning of the study as well as the end of each phase, using a 0.45 mL/kg of BW Karo Light Syrup dose to determine insulin response, with jugular venous samples taken prior to the dose and 60 min after. All statistical analysis was performed in GraphPadPrism Version 10.2.0 (GraphPad Software, Boston, MA), using analysis of variance for repeated measures and correlation analysis. All OSTs throughout the study had a significant time effect (P < 0.05) for both insulin and glucose. There was a time X treatment trend (P = 0.1) for insulin during the Supplement Phase and when using multiple comparisons, insulin response was significantly greater (P < 0.0007) at 0 versus 60 min in IRON horses. Although there was no correlation found between 60-min insulin and ferritin concentrations in both IRON and CTRL horses, mean ± SD insulin and ferritin in the IRON group were 23.6 ± 10 uU/mL and 570 ± 195.8 ng/mL, respectively, while in the CTRL group these were 12.7 ± 2.9 uU/mL and 453 ± 31.1 ng/mL, respectively. In conclusion, iron supplementation with an inorganic form at 10 times the daily requirement appears to result in increased insulin responses as well as body iron stores. Further research needs to determine if feeds naturally enriched in iron impact glucose metabolism.

208 Assessment of a new oral neonatal supplement for lambs

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate an easy to administer and economical oral nutritional supplement for neonatal lambs. Neonates are at risk of nutrient deficiencies because of maternal deficiencies, minimal body stores at birth and decreased nutritional intake. The pre-ruminant lamb relies solely on milk for adequate immunity and nutrition until they begin ingesting forages. Insufficiencies can lead to increased mortality and morbidity. However, deficiencies in the ewe are common due to variation in management, feeding and health protocols. A total of 10 lambs (5 sets of twins) were enrolled into the study. The lambs were divided into two groups (one twin from each set) received a treatment of an oral vitamin-mineral supplement (VitaFerst-Care) 3 mL and the control lambs a saline solution of 3 mL, all at 3 d of age (d0). Blood samples were collected, prior to, and again following supplementation (d 0, d 21) by jugular venipuncture. Vitamin A, vitamin E, iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) concentrations were determined in blood serum/plasma of the lambs by HPLC. Kidney and liver function markers were analyzed using HESKA DC5X veterinary analyzer to confirm the safety of the supplement. Variables tested included alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREA), glucose (GLU), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (T-BILI), albumin (ALB), phosphorus (PHOS), calcium (CA), cholesterol (CHOL), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). All lambs remained with their mothers. The average difference was calculated between d 21 and d 0 (baseline) for treated versus control animals for vitamin A, vitamin E, Se, and Fe. Significance was calculated using a two-tailed student’s t-test where P < 0.10 between d 21 control and treated animals. Control animals had an average vitamin E plasma concentration of 1.168 + 0.355 ppm on d 21, whereas treated animals had an average of 1.547 + 0.559 ppm. Significance was calculated at P = 0.09. Vitamin A, Fe and Se concentrations did not reach significance. Kidney and liver panel checks for animals in each group were not concerning. Future studies should look at modifying first and second sampling timepoints to be closer together. Based on results in calves with a similar study design, shortening the time between treatment and second sampling would give a clearer picture of how the neonatal supplement influenced the nutritional status of the treatment versus control animals.

The effects of different feeding strategies providing different levels of vitamin A on animal performance, carcass traits, and the conversion rate of subcutaneous fat color in cull-cows

Abstract Cull cows represent a significant percentage of revenue received from the U.S. beef industry; however, cull cows are heavily price discounted at time of slaughter. This experiment’s objective is to evaluate different feeding strategies and their effects on body condition score, subcutaneous fat color, and carcass yield and quality traits in cull cows. The central hypothesis is feeding a high-energy diet, with low levels of vitamin A, for 56 d will improve animal performance, carcass yield, and quality traits in addition to capturing the point (rate) of the conversion of yellow to white subcutaneous fat. In the present experiment 98 Angus crossbreed cows were utilized. Cows were fed either low vitamin A (LVA) diet consisting of whole shelled corn, soybean hulls, soybean meal, and a mineral-vitamin supplement or high vitamin A (HVA) diet, formulated using whole shelled corn, fescue hay, dry distiller grains with soluble, and a mineral-vitamin supplement for 56 d. During the 56 d feeding period, body weights and condition scores, and subcutaneous adipose samples were collected every 14 d. On day 56, cattle were slaughtered; 48 h postmortem carcass characteristics and objective color scores (subcutaneous adipose tissue) were recorded and a sample of the longissimus dorsi lumborum was collected. Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were utilized to record subjective color scores and then ground to be analyzed for β-carotene concentration. The longissimus dorsi lumborum samples (2.54 cm slices) were removed for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and pH testing. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Feeding cull cows LVA resulted in differences in subcutaneous carcass fat color (P = 0.01) as well as b* values (P < 0.01) on day 56 compared with HVA. Subjective fat color scores were not different (P > 0.10) on day 0 or 14 but were different (P ≤ 0.05) on days 28, 42, and 56. Additionally, 9-cis-β-carotene concentration on day 56 were different (P = 0.05) between treatments. A trend was noticed for all-trans-β-carotene concentration (P = 0.10) on day 56 as well. Cull cow body weights were greater (P ≤ 0.04) when fed the LVA diet starting on days 14, 28, and 42; and a trend was noticed on day 56 (P = 0.09). Overall, cows fed the LVA treatment for 56 d exhibited decreased adipose yellowness and β-carotene concentrations as well as increased live weights.

365 Effects of Supplementing Carinata Meal Compared with Cottonseed Meal on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Sensory Attributes in Beef Steers Consuming a Finish Diet

Abstract The value of carinata, a non-food oilseed crop, has been demonstrated as a high-quality jet fuel alternative and successful cover crop in the southeastern U.S.; however, research is limited regarding carinata as an alternative for commonly used protein sources in livestock. Thirty-two Angus crossbred steers were used in a generalized randomized block design to evaluate the effects of supplementing carinata meal compared with cottonseed meal on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat sensory attributes in a finishing diet. Treatments included: either 90% basal diet + 10% inclusion of Brassica carinata meal (BCM) or 90% basal diet + 10% inclusion of cottonseed meal (CSM), on a dry matter (DM) basis. The basal diet consisted of 40% cracked corn, 35% soyhull pellets, 5% gin trash, 5% bermudagrass hay, and 5% vitamin-mineral supplement. Treatments were premixed before delivery and provided ad libitum, with individual intake measured using the GrowSafe system. Data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix of SAS. Protein source did not affect (P > 0.05) final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, gain to feed ratio, or residual feed intake. Protein supplementation did not affect (P > 0.05) initial or final evaluations of longissimus muscle area (LMA), rib fat thickness (RF), and intramuscular fat performed via ultrasound during the performance portion of the experiment. Hot carcass weight (P = 0.10) dressing percentage (P = 0.61), LMA (P = 0.33), RF (P = 0.42), yield grade (P = 0.47), and marbling score (P = 0.89) were not affected by protein source. No effect of protein source was observed (P > 0.05) on slice shear force, juiciness, beef flavor, tenderness, connective tissue, off-flavor, crude fat, thaw loss, cook loss, lightness, redness, or yellowness. The frequency of Prime (P = 0.76), upper 2/3 Choice (P = 0.71), low Choice (P = 0.46), and Select (P = 0.34) USDA quality grades did not differ with protein source. carinata meal inclusion at 10% of the diet DM performed similarly to cottonseed meal in steers fed a finishing diet, thereby enhancing its value in the southeastern U.S.

PSX-28 Assessment of a Neonatal Supplement to Improve Health in Cattle

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate an easy to administer and economical oral nutritional supplement for neonatal calves. Neonates are at risk of nutrient deficiencies because of maternal deficiencies, low body stores at birth and low nutritional intake. The pre-ruminating calf relies solely on milk for adequate immunity and nutrition until they begin ingesting forage. Insufficiencies can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. However, deficiencies in the cow are common due to variation in management, feeding and health protocols. A total of 21 beef calves in year 1 and 40 in year 2 were enrolled in the study. The calves were divided into experimental and control groups which received a vitamin-mineral supplement (VitaFerst-Care) and a saline solution at 1-3 days of age, respectively. Blood samples were collected, before, and again after supplementation (d 14 in yr 1 and d 3 in yrr 2) by jugular venipuncture. Iron and selenium concentrations were determined in blood serum of a subset of calves (n = 21 in yr1, n = 40 in yr2) by ICP-MS. All beef calves remained on their mothers. In yr 1, control calves had stable iron concentrations at 1.35 + 0.62 ppm (d 0) and 1.33 + 0.77ppm (d 14), with 50% of calves deficient. Iron concentrations in treatment calves increased slightly from 1.17 + 0.56 ppm to 1.43 +0.65 ppm. In yr 2, iron concentrations of control calves changed slightly from 1.69 + 0.91 ppm (d 0) to 1.98 +2.24 ppm (d 3). The iron concentrations in treatment calves further increased from 1.86 + 0.67 ppm to 2.33 + 2.16 ppm. Selenium concentrations were deficient in all calves in yr 1 (0.06 + 0.01 ppm) and year 2 (0.07 + 0.02 ppm) with no significant changes between treatment groups. This research provides insight regarding the severity and prevalence of nutrient deficiencies in newborn calves. All calves in the study were deficient in selenium, and between 30 to 50% were deficient in iron each year. Following supplementation, there was no significant increase in blood mineral concentrations between d 0 and d 14; however, between d 0 and d 3 there was a significant increase in blood iron concentration of calves.

Semen quality of rams fed a liposomal vitamin-mineral supplement during the period of sexual rest

To increase the sexual activity and sperm quality of rams during the period of sexual rest, it is necessary to increase the consumption rates of vitamins and microelements to the level of the mating season. The aim of the work was to find out the effect of feeding a liposomal vitamin-mineral supplement on the quality parameters of ram sperm during the period of sexual rest. The experiment was conducted on 12 clinically healthy Texel rams, aged 2–4 years, during the period of sexual rest (March–May). Animals were divided into two groups: control and experimental, 6 heads each. The control rams received the basic diet, the animals of the experimental group were individually added to the combined feed for 45 days with a feed additive in the form of a liposomal emulsion, which included: vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate. After the end of supplement feeding, ejaculates were collected from the rams for research. The motility, kinetic indicators of sperm, the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and cytochrome oxidase (CO) in sperm, as well as the activity of antioxidant protection enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPO) and catalase (CAT) were determined. It was established that feeding liposomal vitamin-mineral supplement to rams during the period of sexual rest significantly (P < 0.05) increases sperm activity, their kinetic indicators: curvilinear (VCL), straight-line (VSL) and average speed (VAP) of sperm movement (P < 0.05–0.001), the activity of enzymes – markers of the fertilizing capacity of SDH and CO sperm (P < 0.05–0.001). At the same time, there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the activity of SOD with a simultaneous significant (by 23.3–25.0 %) increase in the activity of GPO and CAT (P < 0.01). Higher indicators of the quality of ejaculates of rams under the influence of vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate indicate the possibility of obtaining high-quality sperm from breeding rams during the period of sexual rest.

The Reason for Vitamin–Mineral Supplement Intake among Secondary School Adolescents in Malaysia and its Association with Nutritional Status and Dietary Practice

Background: Vitamin mineral supplement (VMS) consumption is prevalent among the population, particularly adolescents. However, literature about the factors associated with the reasons for consuming VMS has not been investigated in Malaysia, indeed adolescents’ nutrition is important as they experience body change during this period. Objectives: Thus, this cross-sectional, national health study aims to determine the association between nutritional status, dietary practice and reasons for VMS consumption among secondary schools in Malaysia. Methods: A total of 40,087 adolescents aged 10-18 completed the questionnaire. Among them, only 22.6% (9,077) of them from secondary school consumed VMS and were included in this study. Results: Gender, height-for-age, strata, ethnicity, hunger experience, eating out and breakfast intake frequency were associated with the reasons for VMS intake. After the adjustment, stunted adolescents were more likely to consume VMS due to the doctor’s prescription (RRR:1.51, 95% CI: 1.11-2.10). Adolescents who sometimes experienced hunger were more probable to consume VMS due to doctor’s instruction, self-awareness and friends’ influence as compared to other unspecified reasons (RRR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.08-1.85; RRR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.07-1.77; RRR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.27-3.08, respectively). No association was found between dietary behaviour and the reason for the VMS intake. For meal pattern, adolescents who skipped breakfast were less likely to consume VMS due to doctor’s instruction, parents’ advices and self-awareness (RRR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.39-0.72; RRR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38-0.66; RRR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.45-0.78, respectively). Conclusion: This study suggested that further studies were needed to investigate the role of VMS use in relation to nutrient adequacy, overconsumption and health.

Maternal Low Level Lead and Pregnancy Outcomes

We examined the relationship between the concentrations of blood lead and pregnancy outcomes in a subset of 349 African American women who enrolled in the program project, "Nutrition, Other Factors, and the Outcome of Pregnancy." Vitamin-mineral supplement users had significantly higher serum levels of ascorbic acid and vitamin E. Also, in supplement users, there were significantly lower mean concentrations of maternal blood lead. Inverse correlations were found between maternal levels of lead and the antioxidant vitamins, vitamin E and ascorbic acid. In addition, significant Pearson's correlations were observed between maternal blood lead levels and the following variables: positive correlations with calcium, phosphorus, mean corpuscular volume; inverse correlations with gestational age, Ponderal Index, infant orientation, and hematologic values. In the total subset, the three trimester sample means for maternal blood lead concentrations were not significantly different for mothers of infants who weighed less than 2500 g (low birth weight) and those who were delivered infants who weighed 2500 g or more. Clinically, nutrition may play a role in the reduction of potentially adverse effects from lead during pregnancy, i.e. protection of the fetus against lead toxicity and/or free radical damage through the antioxidant actions of vitamin E and ascorbic acid. Even when maternal blood lead levels are within the so-called "safe" range, maternal/use of a vitamin supplement supplying vitamin E and ascorbic acid during pregnancy may offer protection.

Sex effect on the fatty acid profile and chemical composition of meat from beef cattle fed a whole shelled corn diet

Abstract. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sex on the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and nutritional indexes of the Longissimus lumborum muscle of feedlot cattle fed a whole shelled corn diet. A total of 40 Nellore cattle were used, of which 20 animals were uncastrated bulls and 20 were heifers, with an average body weight of 411 ± 20.82 and 274 ± 17.80 kg, respectively. The diet was composed of 85 % whole shelled corn and 15 % protein–vitamin–mineral supplement. The chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and the nutritional value of the meat of the animals were evaluated. The chemical composition of the Longissimus lumborum muscle was similar among sexes (p>0.05). Differences were observed in the saturated (17 : 0, 18 : 0, and 21 : 0) and monounsaturated (16 : 1 cis-9, 17 : 1 cis-10, 18 : 1 cis-9, and 18 : 1 trans-7) fatty acid composition between sexes (p<0.05), and the polyunsaturated fatty acid (18 : 2 cis-9 and cis-12, 18:2 cis-9 and trans-11, 20 : 3 n-6, and 22 : 6 n-3) content also showed sex differences (p<0.05). The total number of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was higher in bulls, and the total number of monounsaturated fatty acids was higher in heifers (p<0.05). Indicators of nutritional quality, such as the n-6 : n-3 ratio, thrombogenicity index, and Δ-9-desaturase C14, Δ-9-desaturase C16, and Δ-9-desaturase C18 indexes, were different between the sexes (p<0.05). In conclusion, sex was not found to influence chemical composition but did affect the fatty acid profile and nutritional indexes in the meat of feedlot cattle fed a whole shelled corn diet.

THE REASON FOR VITAMIN-MINERAL SUPPLEMENT INTAKE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN MALAYSIA AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND DIETARY PRACTICE

Vitamin mineral supplement (VMS) consumption is prevalent among the population, particularly adolescents. However, literature about the factors associated with the reasons for consuming VMS has not been investigated in Malaysia, indeed adolescents’ nutrition is important as they experience body change during this period. Thus, this cross-sectional, national health study aims to determine the association between nutritional status, dietary practice and reasons for VMS consumption among secondary schools in Malaysia. A total of 40,087 adolescents aged 10-18 completed the questionnaire. Among them, only 22.6% (9,077) of them from secondary school consumed VMS and were included in this study. Gender, height-for-age, strata, ethnicity, hunger experience, eating out and breakfast intake frequency were associated with the reasons for VMS intake. After the adjustment, stunted adolescents were more likely to consume VMS due to the doctor’s prescription (RRR:1.51, 95% CI: 1.11-2.10). Adolescents who sometimes experienced hunger were more probable to consume VMS due to doctor’s instruction, self-awareness and friends’ influence as compared to other unspecified reasons (RRR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.08-1.85; RRR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.07-1.77; RRR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.27-3.08, respectively). No association was found between dietary behaviour and the reason for the VMS intake. For meal pattern, adolescents who skipped breakfast were less likely to consume VMS due to doctor’s instruction, parents’ advices and self-awareness (RRR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.39-0.72; RRR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38-0.66; RRR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.45-0.78, respectively). This study suggested that further studies were needed to investigate the role of VMS use in relation to nutrient adequacy, overconsumption and health.

Витаминно-минеральные комплексы для пациентов с постковидным синдромом

A diet that is deficient in micronutrients with anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidant properties and potential immunomodulatory and antiviral activity, and may also be a predisposing but preventable factor for both the more severe course of SARS-CoV-2 and the development of persistent long-term symptoms after the acute phase of the disease. The long-term effects of COVID-19 may worsen pre-existing micronutrient deficiencies, and conversely, associated micronutrient deficiencies contribute to the prolongation of post-COVID symptoms. The same cohorts of people are also at risk of micronutrient deficiencies and the development of post-COVID conditions. There are many overlaps between the symptoms of prolonged post-COVID and manifestations of micronutrient deficiency, which, apparently, reflects the participation of micronutrients in maintaining the normal function of organs and tissues of the body. The first studies using multiple vitamin-mineral supplements show that already within a month, according to subjective estimates, chronic fatigue decreases and the quality of life improves, as well as the grip strength and the number of repetitions in the test of getting up from a chair. The intake of vitamin-mineral supplements to reduce micronutrient deficiencies and overcome the consequences of post-COVID symptoms is a reasonable approach. Key words: post-COVID syndrome, vitamin-mineral supplements, specialized food products, clinical efficacy

Investigation of Anxiety among Pharmacy Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Northern Cyprus

Background: Anxiety is common among university students and previous research has highlighted the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and higher anxiety scores in the public. Objectives: In this regard, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the anxiety status of pharmacy students studying in Northern Cyprus and analyze the role of some parameters on the observed anxiety scores. Methods: Anxiety scores of 185 pharmacy students studying at two universities in Northern Cyprus were evaluated using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) assessments. Additionally, the information of participants was recorded in terms of sociodemographic and educational characteristics, antidepressants and anxiolytic use, and consumption of vitamin-mineral supplements. The questionnaires were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic from December 11, 2020, to January 4, 2021, online via the Microsoft Teams® platform. It should be mentioned that responses were anonymous. Results: The mean BAI and GAD-7 scores of pharmacy students were 13.1±11.2 and 10±6.7, respectively. Based on the results, 6% of the students (n=11) revealed potentially concerning levels of anxiety in their BAI responses. Moreover, 31.9% of the pharmacy students (n=59) demonstrated severe anxiety scores on the GAD-7. Positive COVID-19 cases in the family led to statistically significant increases in anxiety on both instruments. Pharmacy students with five years of education (B.Pharm/M.Pharm) showed significantly higher anxiety scores on the BAI. Besides, age correlated negatively with anxiety scores on the GAD-7. Neither antidepressant and anxiolytic use nor vitamin/mineral supplement use were not related to the anxiety scores of participants. Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrated an alarming anxiety status among pharmacy students during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Diagnosis of a family member with COVID-19 was observed to be critical in triggering the anxiety of pharmacy students. Data from this study should raise awareness to take action plans for the mental well-being of pharmacy students during pandemics.

Dietary Supplement Use in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

BackgroundVitamins, minerals, and natural product (NP)-derived dietary supplements are commonly used among women with breast cancer, where interactions with treatments and the disease are possible, emphasizing the importance for health care providers to be aware of supplement use. ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate current vitamin/mineral (VM) and NP supplement use among those diagnosed with breast cancer, including usage based on tumor type or concurrent breast cancer treatments and primary information sources for specific supplements. MethodsSocial media recruiting to complete an online questionnaire self-reporting current VM and NP use and breast cancer diagnosis and treatment information primarily attracted US participants. Analyses, including multivariate logistic regression, were performed on 1271 women who self-reported breast cancer diagnosis and completed the survey. ResultsMost participants reported current VM (89.5%) and NP (67.7%) use, with 46.5% (VM) and 26.7% (NP) using at least 3 products concurrently. Top-reported (>15% prevalence) products were vitamin D, calcium, multivitamin, and vitamin C for VM and probiotics, turmeric, fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids, melatonin, and cannabis for NP. Overall, VM or NP use was higher among those with hormone receptor-positive tumors. Although overall NP use did not differ according to current breast cancer treatments, VM use was significantly less common among those currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, but higher with current endocrine therapy. Among current chemotherapy users, specific VM and NP supplements with possible adverse effects were still used by 23% of respondents. Medical providers were the primary information source for VM, whereas NP information sources were more varied. ConclusionsBecause women diagnosed with breast cancer commonly reported concurrent use of multiple VM and NP supplements, including those with known or underexplored risks (or benefits) in breast cancer, it is important for health care providers to inquire about and facilitate discussions regarding supplement use in this population.

Гематологічні показники та якість сперми баранів у період статевого спокою за згодовування ліпосомальної вітамінно-мінеральної добавки

The aim of the work was to investigate the effect of feeding a liposomal vitamin and mineral supplement during the period of sexual rest on hematological indicators and quality of ram sperm. The experiment was conducted at the PE “Kogut BM” in Horodotsky district, Lviv region, on 12 clinically healthy Texel rams, aged 2–4 years, during the period of sexual rest (March-May). Animals were divided into two groups — control and experimental, 6 animals per group. The control rams received the basic diet containing hay, corn silage, and compound feed. For 45 days, the sheep of the experimental group were individually added to the combined feed a feed additive containing vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate in the form of a liposomal emulsion. At the beginning and at the end of feeding, we took blood samples, in which hematological indicators were determined. After the end of supplement feeding, ejaculates were collected twice a week in doublets for three weeks. Physiological indicators of ejaculate quality (volume, sperm concentration, percentage of live sperm, as well as sperm viability, morphological disorders and percentage of degenerative sperm) were determined using the CASA computerized system. It was established that feeding liposomal vitamin-mineral supplements to rams during the period of sexual rest improves hematological indicators: the content of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, platelets and hematocrit increase significantly (P<0.05–0.001) while the content of leukocytes decreases by 24.2% (P<0.05). Accordingly, the erythrocyte indices of the blood of experimental breeding rams were higher than those of control animals. Feeding rams with a liposomal vitamin and mineral supplement ensured an increase in ejaculate volume by 17.6% (P<0.05), sperm concentration (P<0.01), their viability, as well as a decrease in the number of immature (P<0.001) and degenerated (P<0.05) sperm. Higher quality indicators of ejaculates of rams under the influence of vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate indicate the possibility of obtaining sperm from breeding rams during the period of sexual rest.

Productivity and hematological parameters of blood of young pigs at fatten-ing for feeding protein vitamin mineral supplement

The article presents data on the productivity and hematological parameters of the blood of young pigs for fattening for the inclusion in their diet of a new protein vitamin-mineral supplement with essential oils, Efiprot. Plant essential oils are natural phytobiotics containing fat-soluble vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, volatile acids, aldehydes, and other biologically active substances with bactericidal and antiseptic properties, increased appetite, and secretion of digestive juices. Thus, they provide better feed conversion and increased productivity. Protein vitamin-mineral supplement Efiprot is for a diet consisting of barley grains (50 %) and wheat grains (35 %). The experiment was carried out on two groups (12 heads in a group) of young pigs, a cross of Large White and Landrace. At the beginning of the experiment live weight of the animals was 35 kg; at the end, it was 110 kg. Control group animals were fed a supplement without essential oils; experimental group animals were additionally fed a dose of essential oils (200 g per 1 ton of supplement). Feeding supplements with essential oils positively affected pig productivity and feed growth. The absolute increase in live animals of the experimental group averaged 68.6 kg, average daily was 762 g; the corresponding values of the control group were 63.8 kg and 709 g for 90 days. Feeding protein vitamin-mineral supplement (PVMS) increased average daily gain by 53 g or 7.48 %, while feed consumption per 1 kg of live weight gain was lower by 0.3 energy feed units or 6.69 % than the control one. Hematological parameters of pig blood fed by PVMS Efiprot corresponded to the limits of the physiological norm. At the end of the experiment, an increase in erythrocytes, total protein, and hemoglobin was observed in the blood of the experimental animals, which is consistent with an increase in meat productivity. A slight increase in the mass of basophils, eosinophils, and leukocytes is adaptive and incredible.

PSVIII-B-19 The Effect of Dietary Fatty Acid Source on Gene Expression in the Rumen of Cattle

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to ascertain how different fatty acid sources impacted gene expression in the rumen epithelium. The study utilized rumen cannulated Holstein steers (n = 8) in a crossover design with two 16-d periods with a 20-d washout between periods. The diets contained (DM-basis) dry-rolled corn (57%), Sweet Bran (25%), chopped prairie hay (8%), vitamin-mineral supplement (5%), and 5% of either high oleic soybean oil (Oleic) or 5% commodity soybean oil diet containing predominantly linoleic acid (Linoleic). The diets were provided ad libitum and refusals were collected and subsampled. Water access was unrestricted. Rumen papillae biopsies were taken on d-16 of each period and flash-frozen using dry ice and alcohol. RNA was extracted and sequenced using short-read sequencing. Differential gene expression (DEG) was analyzed using edgeR. Data were analyzed within periods to determine differences between treatments. In period 1, there were 25 DEG (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05) with 13 downregulated and 12 upregulated in the Oleic treatment. In period 2, there were 35 DEG (FDR < 0.05) with 12 downregulated and 23 upregulated in the Oleic treatment. The gene LILRA6, which is involved in immune function, was differentially expressed in both periods. Many of the KEGG pathways enriched were related to fatty acid metabolism, chemokine signaling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, and immune function-related pathways. Gene ontology enrichment analysis highlighted inflammatory response, chemokine-mediated signaling, and other immune-related processes. These data indicated that dietary fat composition may impact gut inflammatory and immune function.

Influence of partial replacement of alfalfa with two Salicornia forages on digestion, rumen variables, blood biochemistry metabolites and antioxidant capacity in sheep

In a completely randomized design, 24 Shall rams (average initial body weight [BW]: 43 ± 1.4 kg, aged 1.5 years) were used to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay with 2 species of Salicornia forage (i.e. bigelovii and persica) on in vivo total tract apparent digestibility, estimated microbial N synthesis (EMNS), rumen fluid parameters, blood metabolites, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and production of methane in vitro. The three diets offered to sheep (8 per diet) prepared on a dry matter basis were 1- alfalfa hay (990 g/kg DM) + 10 g/kg DM vitamin-mineral supplement (control; AD), 2- alfalfa hay + Salicornia bigelovii (SBF) + vitamin-mineral supplement at a ratio of 690:300:10 (SBD), and 3- alfalfa hay + Salicornia persica (SPF) + vitamin-mineral supplement at a ratio of 690:300:10 (SPD). Salicornia diets did not affect DM, organic matter, crude protein or neutral detergent fiber digestibility. There was no dietary effect on in vivo ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids, or in vitro methane production. Salicornia diets increased rumen concentration of ammonia-N, total numbers of protozoa, and the population of Entodiniinae, whereas the cellulolytic bacteria population and EMNS decreased. Feeding SBD and SPD had no effect on the concentration of plasma albumin, cholesterol, glucose, total protein, triglyceride, and the albumin-globulin ratio but urea-N and TAC increased. Overall, replacing part of the alfalfa hay ration with SBF or SPF improved TAC in sheep with no negative effects on nutrient digestibility or in vitro methane production. This trial showed that Salicornia could be used as a partial substitute for conventional forage in the diet of sheep.