Vitamin Supplementation Research Articles

Vitamin and mineral supplementation to beef heifers during gestation: impacts on morphometric measurements of the neonatal calf, vitamin and trace mineral status, blood metabolite and endocrine profiles, and calf organ characteristics at 30h after birth.

To examine the effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to beef heifers throughout gestation on mineral status and hormone/endocrine profiles in the dam and calf, and morphometric characteristics and organ mass of the calf at 30h after birth, Angus-based heifers (n = 72, 14 to 15mo of age, initial body weight [BW] = 380.4 ± 50.56kg) were estrus synchronized and artificially inseminated (AI) with female-sexed semen. Heifers were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to receive either a basal diet (CON; n = 36) or a basal diet plus a vitamin and mineral supplement (VTM; n = 36) via an individual feeding system beginning at breeding, with both diets targeting BW gains of 0.45kg heifer-1·d-1. Heifers not pregnant after the first AI (CON, n = 19; VTM, n = 18) were rebred via AI 60d after treatment initiation, and heifers gestating female fetuses (CON, n = 7; VTM, n = 7) received treatments throughout gestation and were experimental units for this study. Calves were separated from their dams and fed colostrum replacer within 2h of birth and euthanized 30h after the first feeding. Calf morphometrics were recorded, and tissues were weighed and sampled. Serum from the dam at calving and serum, liver, and muscle from the calf at 30h were analyzed for concentrations of minerals. Serum from the dam and calf were analyzed for concentrations of leptin, vitamins A, D, and E, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor 1. All response variables were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Calf body morphometrics and BW of the dam at calving (P ≥ 0.32), calf organ weights (P ≥ 0.21), and calf ovarian follicle counts (P ≥ 0.13) were not affected by maternal treatment. Concentrations of Se and Co in calf serum and Se in calf liver were increased (P ≤ 0.02) in VTM. Serum concentrations of Co and vitamin A in the dam were greater (P ≤ 0.01) in supplemented compared with nonsupplemented dams, and serum concentrations of vitamin D were greater (P ≤ 0.0003) in supplemented dams and calves compared with the nonsupplemented cohort. Maternal supplementation supported vitamin and mineral status in the neonate, yet had no discernable impact on BW, organ mass, or circulating hormones/metabolites in the calf. Evaluating offspring at later postnatal time points is warranted to determine if prenatal vitamin and mineral supplementation affects performance, health, metabolism, and efficiency of energy utilization in key metabolic tissues in the calf.

Supplementing vitamins and minerals to beef heifers during gestation: impacts on mineral status in the dam and offspring, and growth and physiological responses of female offspring from birth to puberty.

We evaluated the effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to nulliparous beef heifers throughout gestation on the mineral status of the dam, calf, placenta, and colostrum; offspring growth performance; and physiological responses of offspring raised as replacement heifers. Angus-based heifers (n = 31, initial body weight [BW] = 412.5 ± 53.68kg) were adapted to an individual feeding system for 14 d, estrus synchronized and bred with female-sexed semen. Heifers were ranked by BW and randomly assigned to receive either a basal diet (CON; n = 14) or the basal diet plus 113g heifer-1 d-1 of the vitamin and mineral supplement (VTM; n = 17). Targeted BW gains for both treatments was 0.45kg heifer-1 d-1. Liver biopsies were obtained from dams at breeding, days 84 and 180 of gestation. At calving, liver biopsies were taken from dams and calves; colostrum, placenta, and blood samples were collected; and calf body measurements were recorded. After calving, all cow-calf pairs received a common diet through weaning, and F1 heifer calves were managed similarly after weaning. Offspring growth performance, feeding behavior, blood metabolites, and hormones were evaluated from birth through 15 mo of age. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with repeated measures where appropriate. Hepatic concentrations of Se decreased in VTM dams (P ≤ 0.05) from day 84 to calving, while concentrations of Cu decreased in VTM and CON (P ≤ 0.05) from day 84 to calving. Calf liver concentrations of Se, Cu, Zn, and Co at birth were greater for VTM than CON (P ≤ 0.05), but calf birth BW and body measurements were not different (P = 0.45). Placental Se, colostrum quantity, total Se, Cu, Zn, and Mn in colostrum were greater (P ≤ 0.04) in VTM dams than CON. Finally, offspring from VTM dams were heavier than CON (P < 0.0001) from weaning through 15 mo of age. These results were coupled with greater (P ≤ 0.04) blood glucose at birth, decreased (P ≤ 0.05) blood urea nitrogen at pasture turn out and weaning, and altered feeding behaviors in VTM offspring compared with CON. Maternal gestational vitamin and mineral supplementation enhanced mineral status in dams and F1 progeny, augmented postnatal offspring growth and blood metabolites. Consequently, in utero vitamin and mineral supplementation may exert programming outcomes on the performance and productivity of females raised as herd replacements and should be considered when developing diets for gestating cows and heifers.

Effects of feeding hybrid rye grain as a replacement for barley grain on dry matter intake, ruminal fermentation, and the site and extent of nutrient digestion in finishing beef heifers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of increasing the inclusion of dry-rolled hybrid rye (HR) as a replacement for dry-rolled barley grain (DRB) on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, and the site and extent of nutrient digestion for finishing cattle. Eight ruminally and duodenally cannulated Hereford-cross heifers were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods including 15 d of dietary adaptation and 6 d of data and sample collection. Dietary treatments included a control diet with 10.00% grass hay, 85.21% DRB, 4.51% of a vitamin and mineral supplement, and 0.28% of urea on a dry matter (DM) basis. Hybrid rye grain replaced 33%, 67%, or 100% of the DRB. Feed ingredients, feed refusals, ruminal pH, ruminal fluid, duodenal digesta, and fecal samples were collected from days 18 to 21 in each period. Data were analyzed using the Proc Glimmix procedure of SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) to evaluate the linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of increasing HR inclusion. Increasing HR inclusion as a substitute for DRB linearly decreased (P < 0.01) DM intake, linearly decreased mean ruminal pH (P < 0.01), and increased the duration (P < 0.01) and area (P = 0.02) that ruminal pH was < 5.5. There were no effects of HR inclusion on total short chain fatty acid and lactic acid concentrations in ruminal fluid. Likewise, the molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were not affected by HR inclusion. Propionate was cubically affected by HR inclusion (P = 0.02). Ruminal ash-free neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) digestibility linearly increased (P = 0.03) with increasing HR, but there was no effect on ruminal starch digestibility averaging 71.1% (SEM = 3.611). Increasing HR inclusion linearly increased intestinal DM digestibility (% of flow to the duodenum; P = 0.03), tended to linearly increase intestinal digestibility of organic matter (P = 0.08), and tended to quadratically affect intestinal digestibility of aNDFom (P = 0.07). Increasing hybrid rye linearly increased apparent total tract DM, organic matter, crude protein, aNDFom, and starch digestibility (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, increasing HR inclusion linearly increased GE digestibility (P < 0.01) and the DE concentration (P < 0.01). Increasing the inclusion rate of HR grain as a substitute for DRB in finishing diets decreased DMI and increased risk for low ruminal pH, which may be influenced by greater digestible energy concentration arising from greater DM, OM, aNDFom, and starch digestibility.

FISH FARMING IS A PROMISING BRANCH OF ENSURING FOOD SECURITY OF THE EARTH'S POPULATION

Based on marketing research, it has been proven that aquaculture is one of the fastest growing branches of food production in the world. The main method of increasing fish productivity in ponds is fish feeding, which is an objective reality with high intensification of fish farming. With the intensification of production processes, the role of feeding is constantly increasing, and the cost of feeding in the cost price of fish is about 40% and has an upward trend. In this connection, the problem of rational feed use becomes extremely important. It is justified that the use of high-quality feed and feed additives in the diet of fattening animals significantly increases the productivity and profitability of the operation of livestock, poultry, and fish farms. 160 factories are engaged in the compound feeds production in Ukraine, the production capacity of which is 7.5 million tons per year. The specified indicator should be realistically increased to 15 million tons of finished products per year. It is established that we will need to produce 60 percent more food by 2050 to feed the world's 9.3 billion people according to estimates compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Therefore, animal protein production is expected to increase with this increase. According to IFIF estimates, the world production of compound feeds has reached more than 1 billion tons per year. Top 10 countries in world compound feed production in 2021–2022 are presented (according to Alltech Agri-Food Outlook 2023). The structure of compound feeds production by types of agricultural animals and poultry in the world in 2022 is summarized. It is proved that the production of fish compound feeds continues to grow in all the world regions. In the world (as well as in Ukraine), fishing and aquaculture play and will play a significant role in the coming centuries in ensuring the food security of the global population. It is necessary to make changes in policy, management, stimulate innovation and investment to the industry to ensure the food security of the planet through fisheries and aquaculture. It is established that the world volume of aquatic bioresources production is constantly growing and in 2022 reached the value of 176 million t/year. More than 150 million tons of aquatic biological resources were used for human consumption. In the conditions of the formation of market relations, against the background of significant costs for feed, feeding fish should be based on careful calculations, the logical conclusion of which should be economic expediency. On the basis of the marketing research of the situation on the market of feed supplements, a shortage of protein vitamin supplements and complete feeds for domestically produced fish was revealed. The restraining factors for the use of foreign supplements are their cost and interruptions in supply.

A comprehensive evaluation of pregnancy and newborn outcomes in Syrian refugees in Turkey.

The research was conducted to evaluate the birth and newborn outcomes of Syrian immigrant women according to maternal age groups and Vitamin D use. It was conducted retrospectively using the birth records of 2,866 Syrian migrant women, who had given birth at a tertiary center between January 2016 and May 2020. Demographic features, obstetric and neonatal outcomes were analyzed according to age groups and Vitamin D use. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 26.22 ± 5.90, the mean gestational age at birth was 38.06 ± 2.1 weeks, and the mean newborn birth weight was 3.151g. The mean hemoglobin value of the patients was 11.55 ± 1.54. While most of the patients were taking iron supplements (80.59%), Vitamin D (Vit D) supplement intake was 38.31%. The mean number of antenatal follow-ups was 3.40 ± 1.65. While the most common delivery method was normal vaginal delivery (61.93%), cesarean section rates were found to be 38.07%. The need for blood transfusion was significantly lower in the group that had received Vitamin D than that in the group that had not received it (2.00% vs. 8.94% p < 0.001). The rate of preterm birth was found to be 5.74% in the group that had received Vitamin D and 9.28% in the group that had not received it, which was significantly higher (p < 0.001). We have seen that maternal and fetal outcomes can be improved with hospital follow-up and adequate vitamin supplements in refugee pregnant women.

Vitamin D and cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin D has an established role in calcium homeostasis but its deficiency is emerging also as a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In particular, several epidemiological and clinical studies have reported a close association between low vitamin D levels and several cardiovascular risk factors and major CVDs, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias. In all these clinical settings, vitamin D deficiency seems to predispose to increased morbidity, mortality, and recurrent cardiovascular events. Despite this growing evidence, interventional trials with supplementation of vitamin D in patients at risk of or with established CVD are still controversial. In this chapter, we summarize the currently available evidence on the links between vitamin D deficiency and major cardiovascular risk factors and CVD, in terms of both clinical relevance and potential therapeutic implications.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) from Poultry Farms in Selected Towns of East Shao Zone

Poultry is one of the largest group of livestock species in the world in which chickens largely dominate the flock composition. Although this sector has a potential in elevating poverty in one country it is seriously challenged with various factors, of which poultry disease is the main. Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a highly contagious and upper respiratory disease of chickens which is caused by a Gallid herpesvirus 1 (GaHV-1) belonging to the genus Iltovirus, and subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae within Herpesviridae family was one of a deadly poultry disease which impose to a loss of production and productivity gained from the sector. Cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023 in three selected cities of Oromia region (Bishoftu, Adama and Modjo), Ethiopia. In the current study area, of the total 386 serum samples collected using simple random sampling method 14 (3.63%; 95%CI: 2.15-6.04) were found positive for anti-ILTV antibody detection using Indirect Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay. Prevalence of the disease at flock level was found 5/17 (29.41%; 95% CI: 11.52%- 57.14%). Different risk factors (sex, age, sampling area, breed, production type, origin, management and supplementation of vitamins) were considered as covariates for this study. Of the different risk factors considered; sampling area, production type, age, origin and management were found statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) whereas the rest factors were not significantly associated with the outcome variable using chi-square analysis. However, using logistic regression model sampling area and management were found significantly associated (p&lt;0.05) with the occurrence of the disease. The result of this study revealed that ILT virus is circulating among commercial chickens in the selected study areas and needs due emphasis to tackle and cease its spread using vaccination, although ILT vaccine is not familiarized now days in Ethiopia. In addition, proper management and biosecurity measures will be highly recommended as the disease is a deadly disease once introduced into the farm

Research trends in the relationship between vitamin D and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a 20-year bibliometric and visualization analysis.

Vitamin D has a significant correlation with type 2 diabetes. Insufficient levels of vitamin D can cause insulin resistance, which impairs the ability of cells to respond to insulin and worsens the progression of diseases. Furthermore, vitamin D has the potential to enhance the release of insulin, enhance the regulation of blood sugar levels, and reduce the glycemic index. Research has indicated that insufficient levels of vitamin D may elevate the likelihood of experiencing complications related to type 2 diabetes, including cardiovascular disease and neuropathy. This study employed bibliometric analysis to investigate recent advancements in research about the relationship between vitamin D and type 2 diabetes. We searched for articles on the topic of vitamin D and type 2 diabetes published between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2023. The search was performed on February 20, 2024, using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Utilizing VOSviewer and CiteSpace, we conducted bibliometric analysis and visualization. A comprehensive study was conducted on a total of 1362 papers pertaining to the relationship between vitamin D and type 2 diabetes. The United States had the biggest number of publications and the highest effect among these articles. Within the top 10 most published journals, the journal "DIABETES CARE" has the highest H-index, indicating its significant influence in this field of study. Currently, there is an extensive body of research on the supplementation of vitamin D for the improvement of type 2 diabetes and prevention of complications in type 2 diabetes, as well as its related mechanisms. Research related to bone turnover and peripheral neuropathy represents a promising area for future studies. Overall, bibliometrics may assist researchers in comprehending the trajectory, significant themes, and scholarly influence of the field concerning vitamin D and type 2 diabetes. This, in turn, offers substantial backing for future studies that delve further into the subject matter.

Physiological Evidence and Therapeutic Outcomes of Vitamin D on Cardiovascular Diseases.

Vitamin D hormone is an important regulator of various physiological functions, and its deficiency is characterized by an imbalance in parathyroid hormone and calcium homeostasis. The role of vitamin D in cardiovascular physiology is well demonstrated in animal and humanbased studies. In this context, hyperlipidemia, increased atherogenic plaques, cardiac inflammation, hypertension, myocarditis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure are some of the commonest known conditions connected with vitamin D deficiency. Supplementation of vitamin D is recommended to achieve normal serum vitamin D concentrations, nonetheless, in clinical trials often seen discrepancies concerning the supplementation effects and effectiveness. This review summarizes the data on the role of vitamin D in cardiovascular health along with some recent clinical findings regarding the effects of vitamin D supplementation.

Possible benefits of food supplementation or diet in scar management: A scoping review.

The evidence regarding a potential role of food supplementation as an adjunct therapy in scar aftercare is limited. In this scoping review we aim to provide an overview of the possible beneficial role of supplementations in aftercare settings. After formulating the research question and accompanying key words, a comprehensive search for relevant publications was performed using PubMed and Web of Science. Two authors independently identified and checked each study against the inclusion criteria. All data was collected and summarized for further discussion. After screening, 11 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Four studies including human subjects showed a promising connection between scar improvement and supplementation of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty-acids or a Solanaceae-free diet and lower omega-6 fatty-acid intake. Most of the studies were performed on in-vitro models. Preliminary evidence confirmed the beneficial role of vitamin D. Curcumin- and quercetin-supplementation were linked to decreased fibroblast proliferation. Vitamin C enhanced collagen production in healthy as well as keloidal dermal fibroblasts. Chitin stimulated cell-proliferation in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The findings suggest early potential benefits of additional food supplementation in scar management for scars but provide no clear evidence. To establish guidelines or gather more evidence on food supplementation, studies involving human subjects (in vivo) are essential. The intricacies associated with nutritional studies in vivo present multifaceted challenges. It should be emphasized that substantial additional evidence is required before aspects such as timing and dosage of supplementation could be addressed for clinical application. Aim: This scoping review looks at whether taking food supplements might help with scar care alongside standard scar management following burn injury. Little information is thought to be available on this subject. An up-to-date review of the literature was undertaken to assimilate the body of evidence and determine if a consensus could be drawn.Method: A specific research question was designed and search conducted in scientific databases like PubMed and Web of Science. Two of our team members carefully selected and reviewed each study to determine which studies met the inclusion or exclusion criteria. All studies that met the inclusion criteria were then reviewed and the information collated to enable conclusions to be drawn.Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were used to formulate the conclusions drawn. Four studies showed that taking vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, a diet without certain vegetables (Solanaceae), and eating less omega-6 fatty acids might help improve scars. It is important to note that most studies (seven out of 11) were carried out in a laboratory and not with real people. These lab studies showed that vitamin D might be helpful. Supplements like curcumin and quercetin seemed to slow down the growth of skin cells like fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Vitamin C aided collagen synthesis, which is important for healthy skin, in both normal and keloid scar cells. Another substance, chitin, was also found to help skin cells and keratinocytes grow better.Conclusion: Our findings point to some early possible benefits of taking extra nutrient supplements for managing scars but do not provide clear evidence. More research is required to enable the development of supplement recommendation and guidelines to be produced. Future research should focus on human trials but do keep in mind that carrying out supplement studies with people is more complicated. The evidence provided by this scoping review is insufficient to recommend the intake of any supplements or the imposition of dietary restrictions for the purpose of managing scars.

Vitamin D Deficiency Participates in Depression of Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Regulating the Expression of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), and low levels of vitamin D are common in patients with depression. Depression is common in DPN patients and the definite pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to determine vitamin D deficiency in the onset of depression in DPN and evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression. A total of 192 patients with DPN were enrolled in this study. Clinical and laboratory information was collected. Chemiluminescent immunoassay was used to measure the level of 25(OH)D. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-17A. Subjects with low 25(OH)D received 5000IU vitamin D daily for 12 weeks. Depression scores and levels of 25(OH)D, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17A were re-evaluated after supplementation. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency and depression was high in DPN patients. Compared with vitamin D sufficient participants, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores and the levels of inflammatory markers IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17A were significantly higher in insufficient group (all p<0.05). HAMD score, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17A were negatively correlated with 25(OH)D (all p<0.05). A linear relationship existed among IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17A, and 25(OH)D (p<0.05). HAMD scores, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17A were all reduced significantly after supplementation of vitamin D (p<0.05). Binary logistic analysis revealed that vitamin D insufficiency was an independent risk factor for depression in patients with DPN. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed a high sensitivity (87.20%) of 25(OH)D in discriminating DPN patients with depression. Vitamin D deficiency participated in occurrenceof depression in DPN patients and could be mediated, at least in part, by upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Vitamin D supplementation may be effective in improving depressive symptoms in DPN patients.

Effect of mineral and vitamins supplementation on hemato-biochemical parameters and reproductive performances of Gir and Jersey cross-bred cattle

Effect of mineral and vitamins supplementation on hemato-biochemical parameters and reproductive performances of Gir and Jersey cross-bred cattle

Role of Antioxidants and Vitamin Supplements in Diabetic Neuropathy

Role of Antioxidants and Vitamin Supplements in Diabetic Neuropathy

Antitubercular treatment-induced chronic progressive sensory-motor polyneuropathy with optic neuropathy

Polyneuropathy is a major complication in tuberculosis (TB) patients associated with various causes, including comorbid conditions and antitubercular medications, particularly involving drugs such as isoniazid (INH) and ethambutol. INH interferes with pyridoxine synthesis, leading to sensory peripheral neuropathy, and presents with symptoms such as tingling, burning, numbness, and difficulty in walking. Ethambutol, on the other hand, is associated with optic neuropathy, presenting as bilateral and symmetrical visual field abnormalities. We report a case of a 39-year-old male with TB undergoing antitubercular treatment for 4 months, experiencing weakness in all four limbs and blurred vision. The patient developed chronic progressive sensory-motor polyneuropathy with optic neuropathy. Prevention strategies, routine screening, and prompt management are crucial in mitigating the impact of this condition. The article emphasizes the importance of early identification, withdrawal of offending agents, and management strategies, such as vitamin supplementation and physical therapy, to prevent permanent disability.

Is postpartum depression related to total weight gain during pregnancy and maternal anemia?

This study aimed to investigate the effects of weight gain and maternal anemia on postpartum depression. This is a prospective, single-center, case-control study. We recorded the demographic characteristics, blood ferritin level, and weight gain during the pregnancy. This study was planned between April 2023 and June 2023 in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Ankara Etlik City Hospital. A total of 109 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were assessed with the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Weight gain, nutritional education, educational level, mode of delivery, and pregnancy history were asked in person. Ferritin levels at the onset of labor were determined to detect anemia. Twin births, births due to fetal anomalies or intrauterine stillbirths, patients with systemic infections, and patients diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder in the past 6 months whose records were not accessible were excluded from the study. Pregnancy weight gain and percentage of pregnancy weight gain were higher. Serum ferritin levels and nutritional education during pregnancy were lower in the postpartum depression group (p<0.001). These parameters with statistical significance were identified as risk factors in the regression analysis for postpartum depression (p<0.05). In receiver operating characteristics analysis, >15 kg for weight gain, >28.8 for percentage of weight gain in pregnancy, and <19 ng/dL for serum ferritin level were identified as cutoff values (p<0.001). Nutritional education and vitamin supplementation should be recommended to pregnant women during routine examinations.

Study of the therapeutic management of pollen allergy and assessment of quality of life of patients at Bengaluru Allergy Centre

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Pollen is one of the most common triggers of an allergy or hay fever. It is a fine yellowish powder that fertilizes other plants and is carried by the wind, birds, insects, or other animals. Between 10% and 40% of the Indian population has a pollen allergy which makes it one of the most common outdoor allergies in the country. In Bengaluru, 20% of allergies are caused by pollens – Parthenium, Amaranthus spinosus, Prosopis juliflora, and Ricinus communis. AIMS: The aim was to study the therapeutic management of patients who are allergic to pollen at Bengaluru Allergy Centre and assessment of the quality of life (QOL) of patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It was a prospective, interventional study conducted at Bengaluru Allergy Centre. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Both male and female patients who have had chronic allergic rhinitis (CH AR) and also CH AR with other comorbidities and who have been taking treatment for more than 6 months are involved. The data were collected from case records of patients in the data collection form. Questionnaires were used to assess the QOL, and counseling was done to the pollen allergy patients. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A paired t-test was done using SPSS software for analyzing the P value, simple descriptive graphs, and pie charts, and the percentage was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study where 26 were male and 34 were female. The maximum number of patients was affected with weed pollen. Cynodon dactylon (13.97%) is the major sensitivity seen in patients. Sneezing, running nose, and itchy eyes are commonly seen in patients with AR due to pollens. The classification of AR with other comorbidities is CH AR (78.33%), CH AR + ANB (10%), CH AR + urticaria (6.66%), and CH AR + AD (5%). Patients’ symptoms were persistent at day (5%), night (8.33%), and both day and night (86.66%), whereas symptom severity in Bengaluru amounted to 41.66%, other than Bengaluru 16.66%, and both in and out of Bengaluru 41.66%. In Bengaluru Allergy Centre (BAC), the main treatment given is sublingual immunotherapy, nasal spray, vitamin supplements, pre- and probiotics, and influenza vaccine. Nasal and eye symptoms are commonly seen in patients with AR due to pollen, and QOL factors that significantly impacted were productivity at home/work, mental concentration, reading books or newspapers, outdoor life (e.g., sports and picnics), going out, visiting friends or relatives, sleeping, and tiredness. A decrease in the symptoms and an increase in the QOL were achieved by proper patient counseling and treatment. There is a significant reduction in symptom scores after the intervention. The intervention has a significant effect in reducing the symptom scores (t = 17.99, P &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that intervention by clinical pharmacists by way of patient counseling can help improve the reduction of symptoms and QOL of patients.

Síndrome de realimentação no desnutrido grave: os desafios nutricionais

INTRODUCTION: Refeeding Syndrome (RS) is a set of signs and symptoms that occur in a situation of abrupt nutrient supply in malnourished or starving children and adults. Its incidence in pediatrics is unknown and is underreported due to underdiagnosis or insufficient monitoring. Hypophosphatemia is the most characteristic analytical finding of SR, although it is not always present. Hydro-electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can produce cardiac, muscular, and neurological changes with a risk of serious complications. OBJECTIVE: To warn of the severity of this syndrome and to identify patients at risk. CASE REPORT: A 3-year and 5-month-old patient with chronic nonprogressive encephalopathy (CPE), BMI: 10.9 (Z-score -4.76) sought emergency care due to irresponsiveness and pallor. He was hypotheremic, hypoglycemic, and had isochoric and punctiform pupils. After initial management, the patient evolved with eye movement and limb mobility. Laboratory tests were ordered with mild anemia, hospital admission was requested, and a polymeric diet was started via gastrostomy 180ml every 3/3 hours. The patient evolved with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and severe hypophosphatemia. A diagnosis of SR was made and thiamine replacement, correction of hydroelectrolytic disturbances and reduction of the diet was initiated with slow progression. CONCLUSION: The main tool to avoid SR is to perform an adequate prevention. To do this, one should initially identify patients at risk, perform a biochemical evaluation, and progress the diet carefully and slowly. Vitamin supplementation is necessary, especially thiamine.

Clinical Spectrum of Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type 1 in a Cohort of Pakistani Children.

Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type 1 (HT1), a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder, arises from fumarylacetoacetate (FAH) enzyme deficiency, resulting in toxic metabolite buildup. It manifests in acute, subacute, and chronic forms, with early diagnosis and Nitisinone treatment being vital. The study aims to highlight the different clinical presentations of Hereditary Tyrosinemia type 1 in a cohort of Pakistani children. Retrospective observational study. All patients diagnosed with HT1 at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad and Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi between 2010 and 2023 were included. Information was collected regarding age, gender, symptoms, physical signs, and laboratory results. The study identified 6 cases of HT1. The average age at presentation was 8 months, with a mean delay in diagnosis of 26.8 months. Males were 4 (66.7%) and 2 (33.3%) were females. All patients had underlying liver disease presenting as abdominal distension with hepatosplenomegaly and accompanying growth failure. Four cases presented with rickets, 2 of which had hypophosphatemic rickets. Urine for succinylacetone was raised in all patients. Alpha fetoprotein was raised but hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed in 1 patient only. Low protein diet, and vitamin supplements were used for management. Five of the 6 patients died within 2 years of diagnosis. Delayed referrals and unavailability of Nitisinone are the major challenges in diagnosing and treating HT1 in Pakistan.

Combined supplementation of hydroxyproline and vitamin C improved the growth and flesh quality of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vanname) cultured in low salinity water

This study investigated the effects of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and vitamin C (VC) addition to practical diet on growth and flesh quality of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultured in low salinity water. The control diet was formulated to contain 200 g/kg fish meal (FM20), and then 14 g/kg coated hydroxyproline (50%) (FM20H), 2 g/kg L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (38%) (FM20C) and their combination (FM20HC) were added to the control diet to form four isoproteic (41.6%) and isolipidic (6.7%) diets. Pacific white shrimp with initial body weight of (1.50 ± 0.05) g were fed the above four diets in low salinity water (salinity 1‰) for 8 weeks. The results showed that the combined supplementation of Hyp and VC (FM20HC) increased the weight gain by 13.4%, and decreased the feed conversion ratio by 0.18 (P < 0.05), while the individual supplementation (FM20H and FM20C groups) just numerically promoted the growth (P > 0.05). In addition, the FM20HC group also showed higher protein and lipid retention than the FM20 group (P < 0.05). In flesh quality, the supplementation of Hyp (FM20H) increased total collagen and heat-soluble collagen contents, flesh chewiness and free flavor amino acids contents (P < 0.05). The supplementation of VC (FM20C) increased the contents of total collagen, heat-insoluble collagen and free flavor amino acids, and decreased flesh lactic acid, malondialdehyde contents and steaming loss (P < 0.05). The combined supplementation of Hyp and VC (FM20HC) showed higher total collagen and heat-insoluble collagen contents than the individual supplementation (FM20H and FM20C) (P < 0.05), and the myofiber density, flesh hardness and shear force in the FM20HC group were also significantly higher than those in the control (P < 0.05). In summary, the combined supplementation of hydroxyproline and VC in practical diet with fishmeal content of 200 g/kg significantly improved the growth performance and flesh quality of L. vannamei cultured in low salinity water.

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.