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Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Jul 2023Vitamin C is a micronutrient present in high concentrations in normal skin and a highly prescribed cosmeceutical, well known for protecting against ultraviolet-induced... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Vitamin C is a micronutrient present in high concentrations in normal skin and a highly prescribed cosmeceutical, well known for protecting against ultraviolet-induced pigmentation and regulating collagen production. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the efficacy of topical vitamin C in photoaging and melasma, with this systematic review being the first to assess the existing evidence.
AIM
This systematic review aims to assess whether topical vitamin C could be effective in reversing photoaging signs and treating melasma.
METHODS
Prospective, randomized controlled trials assessing protocols with topically applied vitamin C in patients with melasma or photodamage were searched in Medline, CENTRAL, and Scopus databases until the 12th of May 2022. Risk of bias was conducted in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials, using RevMan 5.0.
RESULTS
Seven publications were included, with 139 volunteers in total. Studies that evaluated the topography of skin indicated that the treated skin appeared smoother and less wrinkled, which was supported by biopsies data. On objective assessments of pigmentation, there was a significant lightening of the skin treated. Hydration improved equally in the vitamin C and placebo-treated sites.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed that vitamin C is effective in treating uneven, wrinkled skin and has depigmenting properties, but long-term use may be needed to achieve noticeable changes. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser-associated protocols appear beneficial in enhancing vitamin C effects. Topical vitamin C may be a suitable alternative for melasma and photoaging, but more studies are needed to confirm these results and assess the ideal vitamin C concentration.
Topics: Humans; Ascorbic Acid; Skin Aging; Prospective Studies; Melanosis; Skin; Vitamins; Lasers, Solid-State; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37128827
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15748 -
Obesity Surgery Nov 2020Bariatric surgery may increase the risk of iron, vitamin B, folate and copper deficiencies, which can cause anaemia. This review aims to critique the evidence on the... (Review)
Review
Bariatric surgery may increase the risk of iron, vitamin B, folate and copper deficiencies, which can cause anaemia. This review aims to critique the evidence on the prevalence of these nutritional deficiencies and the impact on anaemia in the first 12 months after surgery. PRISMA and MOOSE frameworks, the NHMRC evidence hierarchy and The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics bias tool were used to systematically critique current literature. Seventeen studies reported on deficiency prevalence with the majority being of low quality. Important confounders to serum micronutrient levels were not adequately considered. Results on the prevalence of nutritional anaemias were also lacking. Further investigation into the prevalence of iron, vitamin B, folate and copper deficiency and its impact on anaemia in bariatric surgery is needed.
Topics: Anemia; Bariatric Surgery; Copper; Folic Acid; Gastric Bypass; Humans; Iron; Obesity, Morbid; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 32785814
DOI: 10.1007/s11695-020-04872-y -
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral... Oct 2017An important aspect of malnutrition is deficiency of different micronutrients during pregnancy or early childhood. We systematically reviewed the role of nutrition in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
An important aspect of malnutrition is deficiency of different micronutrients during pregnancy or early childhood. We systematically reviewed the role of nutrition in child growth (weight or height gain) and development.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was done on PubMed/Cochrane Library browsing through 38,795 abstracts until December 31, 2016 to select systematic reviews/meta-analyses and individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of micronutrient supplementation.
RESULTS
Micronutrients studied included iron, iodine, folate, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, and multiple micronutrients. We summarize evidence with details and results of RCTs, highlight strengths/weaknesses, and critically interpret findings. Effects of breastfeeding-promotion, food-supplementation (complementary and school feeding), conditional-cash-transfers, and integrated nutrition/psychosocial interventions are discussed.
CONCLUSION
Based on this evidence we make policy and programmatic recommendations for supplementation to mothers and children at high-risk of deficiency.
Topics: Child; Child Development; Child Nutrition Disorders; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Humans; Micronutrients
PubMed: 28746059
DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000482 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jul 2022: The prevalence of cachexia has increased across all of the cancer types and accounts for up to 20% of cancer-related deaths. This paper is a systematic review of... (Review)
Review
: The prevalence of cachexia has increased across all of the cancer types and accounts for up to 20% of cancer-related deaths. This paper is a systematic review of nutritional interventions aiming to improve cachexia outcomes in cancer, focusing on weight gain. : A search in Medline and Elsevier databases for articles up until the 23 January 2022, was conducted. : Out of 5732 screened records, 26 publications were included in the final analysis. Four randomized clinical trials showed a significant body weight (BW) increase in patients treated with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), β-hydroxy-beta-methyl butyrate (β-HMB), arginine, and glutamine or marine phospholipids (MPL). An upward BW trend was observed in patients treated with L-carnitine, an Ethanwell/Ethanzyme (EE) regimen enriched with ω-3 fatty acids, micronutrients, probiotics, fish oil, a leucine-rich supplement, or total parental nutrition (TPN) with a high dose of a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA). : Although clinical trials relating to large numbers of nutritional supplements present promising data, many trials provided negative results. Further studies investigating the underlying mechanisms of action of these nutritional supplements in cancer cachexia are needed. Early screening for cancer cachexia risk and nutritional intervention in cancer patients before aggravating weight loss may stabilize their weight, preventing cachexia syndrome. According to the GRADE methodology, no positive recommendation for these nutritional supplements may be expressed.
Topics: Cachexia; Dietary Supplements; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Humans; Micronutrients; Neoplasms
PubMed: 35888685
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070966 -
Nutrients Jan 2020Micronutrient deficiencies continue to be widespread among children under-five in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), despite the fact that several effective... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Micronutrient Supplementation and Fortification Interventions on Health and Development Outcomes among Children Under-Five in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Micronutrient deficiencies continue to be widespread among children under-five in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), despite the fact that several effective strategies now exist to prevent them. This kind of malnutrition can have several immediate and long-term consequences, including stunted growth, a higher risk of acquiring infections, and poor development outcomes, all of which may lead to a child not achieving his or her full potential. This review systematically synthesizes the available evidence on the strategies used to prevent micronutrient malnutrition among children under-five in LMICs, including single and multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation, lipid-based nutrient supplementation (LNS), targeted and large-scale fortification, and point-of-use-fortification with micronutrient powders (MNPs). We searched relevant databases and grey literature, retrieving 35,924 papers. After application of eligibility criteria, we included 197 unique studies. Of note, we examined the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions. We found that certain outcomes, such as anemia, responded to several intervention types. The risk of anemia was reduced with iron alone, iron-folic acid, MMN supplementation, MNPs, targeted fortification, and large-scale fortification. Stunting and underweight, however, were improved only among children who were provided with LNS, though MMN supplementation also slightly increased length-for-age z-scores. Vitamin A supplementation likely reduced all-cause mortality, while zinc supplementation decreased the incidence of diarrhea. Importantly, many effects of LNS and MNPs held when pooling data from effectiveness studies. Taken together, this evidence further supports the importance of these strategies for reducing the burden of micronutrient malnutrition in children. Population and context should be considered when selecting one or more appropriate interventions for programming.
Topics: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Child Nutrition Disorders; Child, Preschool; Developing Countries; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Food, Fortified; Growth Disorders; Humans; Income; Iron; Iron Deficiencies; Male; Micronutrients; Thinness; Trace Elements
PubMed: 31973225
DOI: 10.3390/nu12020289 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2017Multiple-micronutrient (MMN) deficiencies often coexist among women of reproductive age in low- to middle-income countries. They are exacerbated in pregnancy due to the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Multiple-micronutrient (MMN) deficiencies often coexist among women of reproductive age in low- to middle-income countries. They are exacerbated in pregnancy due to the increased demands, leading to potentially adverse effects on the mother and developing fetus. Though supplementation with MMNs has been recommended earlier because of the evidence of impact on pregnancy outcomes, a consensus is yet to be reached regarding the replacement of iron and folic acid supplementation with MMNs. Since the last update of this Cochrane review, evidence from a few large trials has recently been made available, the inclusion of which is critical to inform policy.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits of oral multiple-micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy on maternal, fetal and infant health outcomes.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (11 March 2015) and reference lists of retrieved articles and key reviews. We also contacted experts in the field for additional and ongoing trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All prospective randomised controlled trials evaluating MMN supplementation with iron and folic acid during pregnancy and its effects on the pregnancy outcome were eligible, irrespective of language or the publication status of the trials. We included cluster-randomised trials, but quasi-randomised trials were excluded.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
Nineteen trials (involving 138,538 women) were identified as eligible for inclusion in this review but only 17 trials (involving 137,791 women) contributed data to the review. Fifteen of these 17 trials were carried out in low and middle-income countries and compared MMN supplements with iron and folic acid versus iron with or without folic acid. Two trials carried out in the UK compared MMN with a placebo. MMN with iron and folic acid versus iron, with or without folic acid (15 trials): MMN resulted in a significant decrease in the number of newborn infants identified as low birthweight (LBW) (average risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85 to 0.91; high-quality evidence) or small-for-gestational age (SGA) (average RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.98; moderate-quality evidence). No significant differences were shown for other maternal and pregnancy outcomes: preterm births (average RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.03; high-quality evidence), stillbirth (average RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.87, 1.09; high-quality evidence), maternal anaemia in the third trimester (average RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.24), miscarriage (average RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.03), maternal mortality (average RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.48), perinatal mortality (average RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.13; high-quality evidence), neonatal mortality (average RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.22; high-quality evidence), or risk of delivery via a caesarean section (average RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.74 to 1.46).A number of prespecified, clinically important outcomes could not be assessed due to insufficient or non-available data. Single trials reported results for: very preterm birth < 34 weeks, macrosomia, side-effects of supplements, nutritional status of children, and congenital anomalies including neural tube defects and neurodevelopmental outcome: Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) scores. None of these trials reported pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, premature rupture of membranes, cost of supplementation, and maternal well-being or satisfaction.When assessed according to GRADE criteria, the quality of evidence for the review's primary outcomes overall was good. Pooled results for primary outcomes were based on multiple trials with large sample sizes and precise estimates. The following outcomes were graded to be as of high quality: preterm birth, LBW, perinatal mortality, stillbirth and neonatal mortality. The outcome of SGA was graded to be of moderate quality, with evidence downgraded by one for funnel plot asymmetry and potential publication bias.We carried out sensitivity analysis excluding trials with high levels of sample attrition (> 20%); results were consistent with the main analysis except for the findings for SGA (average RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.00). We explored heterogeneity through subgroup analyses by maternal height and body mass index (BMI), timing of supplementation and dose of iron. Subgroup differences were observed for maternal BMI for the outcome preterm birth, with significant findings among women with low BMI. Subgroup differences were also observed for maternal BMI and maternal height for the outcome SGA, indicating a significant impact among women with higher maternal BMI and height. The overall analysis of perinatal mortality, although showed a non-significant effect of MMN supplements versus iron with or without folic acid, was found to have substantial statistical heterogeneity. Subgroup differences were observed for timing of supplementation for this outcome, indicating a significantly higher impact with late initiation of supplementation. The findings between subgroups for other primary outcomes were inconclusive. MMN versus placebo (two trials): A single trial in the UK found no clear differences between groups for preterm birth, SGA, LBW or maternal anaemia in the third trimester. A second trial reported the number of women with pre-eclampsia; there was no evidence of a difference between groups. Other outcomes were not reported.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Our findings support the effect of MMN supplements with iron and folic acid in improving some birth outcomes. Overall, pregnant women who received MMN supplementation had fewer low birthweight babies and small-for-gestational-age babies. The findings, consistently observed in several systematic evaluations of evidence, provide a basis to guide the replacement of iron and folic acid with MMN supplements containing iron and folic acid for pregnant women in low and middle-income countries where MMN deficiencies are common among women of reproductive age. Efforts could focus on the integration of this intervention in maternal nutrition and antenatal care programs in low and middle-income countries.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Drug Interactions; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Iron, Dietary; Micronutrients; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 28407219
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004905.pub5 -
Nutrients Jun 2023Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods and is accessible in many dietary supplements. The three natural forms are pyridoxine,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods and is accessible in many dietary supplements. The three natural forms are pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. Both vitamin B6 deficiency and high B6 intake have been described as risk factors for developing peripheral neuropathy (PN). The aim of this systematic review is to characterize and comprehensively describe B6-related PN.
METHOD
A systematic, computer-based search was conducted using the PubMed database. Twenty articles were included in this review.
RESULTS
Higher vitamin B6 levels, which usually occur following the taking of nutritional supplements, may lead to the development of a predominantly, if not exclusively, sensory neuropathy of the axonal type. After pyridoxine discontinuation, such patients subjectively report improved symptoms. However, although low vitamin B6 levels can be seen in patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy of various etiologies, there is no firm evidence that low B6 levels have a direct causal relationship with PN. Many studies suggest subjective improvement of neuropathy symptoms in patients suffering from PN of various etiologies after receiving B6 supplementation; however, no data about B6 administration as a monotherapy exist, only as part of a combination treatment, usually with other vitamins. Therefore, the potential therapeutic role of B6 cannot be confirmed to date. Supplementation with vitamin B6, even as part of a nutritional multivitamin supplement, has not been proven harmful at permitted daily doses in patients who already suffer from PN.
CONCLUSION
Current scientific evidence supports a neurotoxic role of B6 at high levels. Although some studies suggest that low B6 is also a potential risk factor, further studies in this area are needed.
Topics: Humans; Pyridoxine; Vitamin B 6; Pyridoxal; Pyridoxamine; Vitamins; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 37447150
DOI: 10.3390/nu15132823 -
European Journal of Heart Failure Sep 2021To appraise meta-analytically determined effect of dietary interventions and nutritional supplements on heart failure (HF)-related outcomes, and create an evidence map...
AIMS
To appraise meta-analytically determined effect of dietary interventions and nutritional supplements on heart failure (HF)-related outcomes, and create an evidence map to visualize the findings and certainty of evidence.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Online databases were systematically searched for meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of dietary interventions and nutritional supplements on HF outcomes and incidence. These were then updated if new RCTs were available. Estimates were pooled using a random-effects model and reported as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. We identified 14 relevant meta-analyses, to which 21 new RCTs were added. The total evidence base reviewed included 122 RCTs (n = 176 097 participants) assessing 14 interventions. We found that coenzyme Q10 was associated with lower all-cause mortality [RR 0.69 (0.50-0.96); I = 0%; low certainty of evidence] in HF patients. Incident HF risk was reduced with Mediterranean diet [RR 0.45 (0.26-0.79); I = 0%; low certainty of evidence]. Vitamin E supplementation was associated with a small but significant increase in the risk of HF hospitalization [RR 1.21 (1.04-1.40); I2 = 0%; moderate certainty of evidence]. There was moderate certainty of evidence that thiamine, vitamin D, iron, and L-carnitine supplementation had a beneficial effect on left ventricular ejection fraction.
CONCLUSION
Coenzyme Q10 may reduce all-cause mortality in HF patients, while a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of incident HF; however, the low certainty of evidence warrants the need for further RCTs to confirm a definite clinical role. RCT data were lacking for several common interventions including intermittent fasting, caffeine, DASH diet, and ketogenic diet. More research is needed to fill the knowledge gap.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Heart Failure; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamin D; Vitamins
PubMed: 34173307
DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.2278 -
Nutrients Oct 2021Micronutrients are fundamental for healthy brain development and deficiencies during early development can have a severe and lasting impact on cognitive outcomes....
Micronutrients are fundamental for healthy brain development and deficiencies during early development can have a severe and lasting impact on cognitive outcomes. Evidence indicates that undernourished lactating individuals may produce breast milk containing lower concentrations of certain vitamins and minerals. Exclusively breastfed infants born to mothers deficient in micronutrients may therefore be at risk of micronutrient deficiencies, with potential implications for neurodevelopment. This systematic review aims to consider current knowledge on the effects of breast milk micronutrients on the developmental outcomes of infants. The databases Medline, Global Health, PsychInfo, Open Grey, and the Web of Science were searched for papers published before February 2021. Studies were included if they measured micronutrients in breast milk and their association with the neurodevelopmental outcomes of exclusively breastfed infants. Also, randomised control trials investigating neurocognitive outcomes following maternal supplementation during lactation were sought. From 5477 initial results, three observational studies were eligible for inclusion. These investigated associations between breast milk levels of vitamin B6, carotenoids, or selenium and infant development. Results presented suggest that pyroxidal, β-carotene, and lycopene are associated with infant neurodevelopmental outcomes. Limited eligible literature and heterogeneity between included papers prevented quantitative synthesis. Insufficient evidence was identified, precluding any conclusions on the relationship between breast milk micronutrients and infant developmental outcomes. Further, the evidence available was limited by a high risk of bias. This highlights the need for further research in this area to understand the long-term influence of micronutrients in breast milk, the role of other breast milk micronutrients in infant neurodevelopmental outcomes, and the impact of possible lactational interventions.
Topics: Brain; Breast Feeding; Child Development; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutrition Disorders; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Micronutrients; Milk, Human; Neurodevelopmental Disorders
PubMed: 34836103
DOI: 10.3390/nu13113848 -
Nutrients Dec 2019The objective of this review was to assess the impact of preventive nutrition interventions on health and nutritional status of adolescents aged 10-19 years in low- and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effects of Preventive Nutrition Interventions among Adolescents on Health and Nutritional Status in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
The objective of this review was to assess the impact of preventive nutrition interventions on health and nutritional status of adolescents aged 10-19 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We searched the databases until 5 February 2019 without any restrictions on publication, date, language, or publication status. A total of 10 studies (15 papers) including 10,802 participants assessing the impact of micronutrient supplementation/fortification were included in this review. We did not find any study assessing the impact of nutrition education and counseling or macronutrient supplementation among adolescents. Among primary outcomes, we are uncertain of the effect of iron supplementation with or without folic acid on anemia (daily supplementation; relative risk (RR): 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42, 2.57; one study; 1160 participants; low-quality evidence; weekly supplementation; RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.46, 2.52; one study; 1247 participants; low-quality evidence). We are also uncertain of the effect of various micronutrient supplementation/fortification on body mass index (BMI) (calcium/vitamin D supplementation; (MD: -0.01 kg/m; 95% CI: -1.20, 1.17; two studies; 730 participants; I 94%; very-low-quality evidence, iron supplementation with or without folic acid; MD: 0.47 kg/m; 95% CI: -0.17, 1.11; two studies; 652 participants; I 37%; very-low-quality evidence, zinc supplementation; MD: 0.35 kg/m; 95% CI: -0.15, 0.85; one study; 382 participants; very-low-quality evidence) and multiple micronutrient (MMN) fortification; MD: 0.23 kg/m, 95% CI: -0.11, 0.57; two studies; 943 participants; I 22%; very-low-quality evidence). None of the included studies reported any other primary outcomes including morbidity or adverse effects. Among secondary outcomes, iron supplementation with or without folic acid may improve hemoglobin concentrations, and calcium/vitamin D supplementation may improve serum 25(OH)D levels, while calcium only supplementation and calcium and vitamin D supplementation may marginally improve total body bone mineral density (BMD). We are uncertain of the effect of MMN fortification on hemoglobin concentrations, calcium supplementation on total body bone mineral content (BMC), calcium + vitamin D supplementation on total body BMC, and zinc supplementation on zinc levels. There is limited evidence of micronutrient supplementation/fortification among adolescents, especially adolescent boys, on health and nutritional status in LMICs. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the low quality and limited number of studies.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Body Mass Index; Child; Counseling; Dietary Supplements; Health Status; Humans; MEDLINE; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Nutrition Therapy; Nutritional Sciences; Nutritional Status; Poverty; Young Adult
PubMed: 31878019
DOI: 10.3390/nu12010049