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Nutrients May 2022The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic and upheaval that health authorities and citizens around the globe are still grappling with to this day.... (Review)
Review
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic and upheaval that health authorities and citizens around the globe are still grappling with to this day. While public health measures, vaccine development, and new therapeutics have made great strides in understanding and managing the pandemic, there has been an increasing focus on the potential roles of diet and supplementation in disease prevention and adjuvant treatment. In the literature, the impact of nutrition on other respiratory illnesses, including the common cold, pneumonia, and influenza, has been widely demonstrated in both animal and human models. However, there is much less research on the impact related to COVID-19. The present study discusses the potential uses of diets, vitamins, and supplements, including the Mediterranean diet, glutathione, zinc, and traditional Chinese medicine, in the prevention of infection and severe illness. The evidence demonstrating the efficacy of diet supplementation on infection risk, disease duration, severity, and recovery is mixed and inconsistent. More clinical trials are necessary in order to clearly demonstrate the contribution of nutrition and to guide potential therapeutic protocols.
Topics: COVID-19; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Vitamins
PubMed: 35565876
DOI: 10.3390/nu14091909 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2022This study aimed to examine the prevalence, associated factors and perceptions of dietary supplement use among pregnant Chinese women. A cross-sectional study was...
This study aimed to examine the prevalence, associated factors and perceptions of dietary supplement use among pregnant Chinese women. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data about prevalence, purchase channels, perceptions, and related factors of dietary supplement use from 572 pregnant women, through a face-to-face survey, using a self-designed questionnaire. Of the respondents, 94.8% used at least one dietary supplement, whereas 29.8% used more than four supplements in the previous month. The majority of the pregnant women were highly educated (81.2% had a bachelor's degree or above) and had the perception that dietary supplements could prevent and improve (89.2%), or treat, nutrition-related diseases (78.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that pregnant women who had used multiple (more than four) supplements were more likely to have a larger gestational age, received fertility treatment, more prenatal visits, and hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Furthermore, pregnant women not only purchased dietary supplements through hospitals (72.6%) and pharmacies (45.1%), but overseas Daigou or online purchases (31.8%) were also a major channel of purchase. A high prevalence of dietary supplement use during pregnancy was observed, with extensive and repeated consumption of nutrients. Pregnant women's craze for dietary supplements calls for more comprehensive guidelines in China.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Nutrients; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Prenatal Care
PubMed: 35409746
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074063 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2023Cancer, as the leading cause of death worldwide, poses a serious threat to human health, making the development of effective tumor treatments a significant challenge.... (Review)
Review
Cancer, as the leading cause of death worldwide, poses a serious threat to human health, making the development of effective tumor treatments a significant challenge. Natural products continue to serve as crucial resources for drug discovery. Among them, Withaferin A (WA), the most active phytocompound extracted from the renowned dietary supplement (L.) Dunal, exhibits remarkable anti-tumor efficacy. In this manuscript, we aim to comprehensively summarize the pharmacological characteristics of WA as a potential anti-tumor drug candidate, with the objective of contributing to its further development and the discovery of prospective drugs. Through an extensive review of literature from PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, we have gathered substantial evidence showcasing WA's significant anti-tumor effects against a wide range of cancers in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Mechanistically, WA exerts its anti-tumor influence by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Additionally, it inhibits cell proliferation, cancer stem cells, tumor metastasis, and also suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis. Several studies have identified direct target proteins of WA, such as vimentin, Hsp90, annexin II and mFAM72A, while BCR-ABL, Mortalin (mtHsp70), Nrf2, and c-MYB are potential targets of WA. Notwithstanding its remarkable anti-tumor efficacy, there are some limitations associated with WA, including potential toxicity and poor oral bioavailability, which need to be addressed when considering it as an anti-tumor candidate agent. Nevertheless, I given its promising anti-tumor attributes, WA remains an encouraging candidate for future drug development. Unveiling the exact target and comprehensive mechanism of WA's action represents a crucial research direction to pursue in the future.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Withanolides; Biological Availability; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37753228
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S422512 -
Nutrients Aug 2021We describe the profile of dietary supplement use and its correlates in the Epirus Health Study cohort, which consists of 1237 adults (60.5% women) residing in urban... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Observational Study
We describe the profile of dietary supplement use and its correlates in the Epirus Health Study cohort, which consists of 1237 adults (60.5% women) residing in urban north-west Greece. The association between dietary supplement use and demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, personal medical history and clinical measurements was assessed using logistic regression models, separately for women and men. The overall prevalence of dietary supplement use was 31.4%, and it was higher in women (37.3%) compared to men (22.4%; -value = 4.2). Based on multivariable logistic regression models, dietary supplement use in women was associated with age (positively until middle-age and slightly negatively afterwards), the presence of a chronic health condition (OR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.18-2.46), lost/removed teeth (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.35-0.78) and diastolic blood pressure (OR per 5 mmHg increase =0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.96); body mass index and worse general health status were borderline inversely associated. In men, dietary supplement use was positively associated with being employed (OR = 2.53; 95% CI, 1.21-5.29). A considerable proportion of our sample used dietary supplements, and the associated factors differed between women and men.
Topics: Adult; Dietary Supplements; Female; Greece; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Status; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Sex Factors
PubMed: 34445018
DOI: 10.3390/nu13082857 -
Amino Acids Dec 2015During sustained high-intensity military training or simulated combat exercises, significant decreases in physical performance measures are often seen. The use of... (Review)
Review
During sustained high-intensity military training or simulated combat exercises, significant decreases in physical performance measures are often seen. The use of dietary supplements is becoming increasingly popular among military personnel, with more than half of the US soldiers deployed or garrisoned reported to using dietary supplements. β-Alanine is a popular supplement used primarily by strength and power athletes to enhance performance, as well as training aimed at improving muscle growth, strength and power. However, there is limited research examining the efficacy of β-alanine in soldiers conducting operationally relevant tasks. The gains brought about by β-alanine use by selected competitive athletes appears to be relevant also for certain physiological demands common to military personnel during part of their training program. Medical and health personnel within the military are expected to extrapolate and implement relevant knowledge and doctrine from research performed on other population groups. The evidence supporting the use of β-alanine in competitive and recreational athletic populations suggests that similar benefits would also be observed among tactical athletes. However, recent studies in military personnel have provided direct evidence supporting the use of β-alanine supplementation for enhancing combat-specific performance. This appears to be most relevant for high-intensity activities lasting 60-300 s. Further, limited evidence has recently been presented suggesting that β-alanine supplementation may enhance cognitive function and promote resiliency during highly stressful situations.
Topics: Carnosine; Cognition; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Military Personnel; Physical Conditioning, Human; Physical Fitness; beta-Alanine
PubMed: 26206727
DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2051-9 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jul 2023In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the recent findings about the treatment of neovascular retinal diseases. The use of conventional drugs and... (Review)
Review
In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the recent findings about the treatment of neovascular retinal diseases. The use of conventional drugs and nutraceuticals endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support conventional therapies will be considered, with the final aim of achieving risk reduction (prevention) and outcome improvement (cooperation between treatments) of such sight-threatening proliferative retinopathies. For this purpose, we consider a medicinal product one that contains well-defined compound(s) with proven pharmacological and therapeutic effects, usually given for the treatment of full-blown diseases. Rarely are prescription drugs given for preventive purposes. A dietary supplement refers to a compound (often an extract or a mixture) used in the prevention or co-adjuvant treatment of a given pathology. However, it must be kept in mind that drug-supplement interactions may exist and might affect the efficacy of certain drug treatments. Moreover, the distinction between medicinal products and dietary supplements is not always straightforward. For instance, melatonin is formulated as a medicinal product for the treatment of sleep and behavioral problems; at low doses (usually below 1 mg), it is considered a nutraceutical, while at higher doses, it is sold as a psychotropic drug. Despite their lower status with respect to drugs, increasing evidence supports the notion of the beneficial effects of dietary supplements on proliferative retinopathies, a major cause of vision loss in the elderly. Therefore, we believe that, on a patient-by-patient basis, the administration of nutraceuticals, either alone or in association, could benefit many patients, delaying the progression of their disease and likely improving the efficacy of pharmaceutical drugs.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Dietary Supplements; Antioxidants; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Nonprescription Drugs; Eye Diseases
PubMed: 37512145
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071334 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Apr 2023Most pregnant women in the United States (US) are at risk of inadequate intake of key nutrients during pregnancy from foods alone. Current dietary supplement practices...
BACKGROUND
Most pregnant women in the United States (US) are at risk of inadequate intake of key nutrients during pregnancy from foods alone. Current dietary supplement practices reduce risk of inadequacy for only some nutrients and induce excessive intake of other nutrients.
OBJECTIVES
Our study aimed to estimate the doses of supplementation needed to help most pregnant women achieve the recommended intake without exceeding upper limits for key prenatal nutrients and to identify US dietary supplements providing these doses.
METHODS
We conducted 24-h dietary recalls in 2450 pregnant participants aged 14-50 y from 2007 to 2019. We estimated the usual intake of vitamins A and D, folate, calcium, iron, and ω-3 FAs from foods alone. We calculated the target doses of supplementation needed to shift 90% of participants to consume above the estimated average requirement and keep 90% below the tolerable upper limit. We identified products in the Dietary Supplement Label Database providing these target doses of supplementation.
RESULTS
The target dose for supplementation was ≥198 mcg retinol activity equivalents of total vitamin A (with ≤2063 mcg preformed retinol); 7-91 mcg vitamin D; 169-720 mcg dietary folate equivalents of folic acid; 383-943 mg calcium; 13-22 mg iron; and ≥59 mg ω-3 FAs. Out of 20,547 dietary supplements (including 421 prenatal products), 69 products (33 prenatal) contained all 6 nutrients; 7 products (2 prenatal) contained target doses for 5 nutrients. Only 1 product (not a prenatal) contained target doses for all 6 nutrients, but it currently costs ∼USD200/mo and requires 7 tablets per daily serving.
CONCLUSIONS
Almost no US dietary supplements provide key nutrients in the doses needed for pregnant women. Affordable and convenient products that fill the gap between food-based intake and estimated requirements of pregnancy without inducing excess intake are needed to support pregnant women and their offspring. Am J Clin Nutr 20XX;xx:xx-xx.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; United States; Vitamin A; Calcium; Dietary Supplements; Vitamins; Nutrients; Folic Acid; Calcium, Dietary; Iron
PubMed: 37019542
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2022.12.018 -
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and... Mar 2022The prevalence of dietary supplement intake among preadolescent endurance runners is currently unknown.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of dietary supplement intake among preadolescent endurance runners is currently unknown.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to describe use of dietary supplements, higher-risk supplements, and sport foods among preadolescent endurance athletes and identify associated characteristics of dietary supplement users in this population.
DESIGN
This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study.
PARTICIPANTS/SETTING
Participants were 2,113 preadolescent endurance runners (male: n = 1,255, female: n = 858; mean age ± standard deviation = 13.2 ± 0.9 years).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Use of dietary supplements, higher-risk dietary supplements, and sport foods on 2 or more days per week during the past year.
STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED
Mann-Whitney U tests, χ tests, univariate and multivariate analyses.
RESULTS
Twenty-six percent (n = 551) of preadolescent runners used dietary supplements on 2 or more days per week during the past year; 1.3% (n = 27) reported taking higher-risk supplements. Compared with male runners, female runners reported higher use of 1 or more supplements (32.5% vs 21.7%; P < .001) and 4 or more supplements (4.0% vs 1.9%; P = 0.005), multivitamin/minerals (24.2% vs 14.4%; P < .001), vitamin D (12.4% vs 5.6%; P < .001), calcium (8.9% vs 4.8%; P < .001), iron (3.1 vs 1.1%; P < .001), probiotic supplements (8.2% vs 1.3%; P < .001), and diet pills (0.5% vs 0.0%; P = .02). Male runners reported higher use of creatine (1.3% vs 0.0%; P < .001) and sport foods, including protein bars and drinks (19.5% vs 8.4%; P < .001), energy bars (23.5% vs 9.7%; P < .001), and carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks (27.9% vs 13.3%; P < .001) than female runners. Factors independently associated with a higher likelihood for dietary supplement use included weight loss in the past year, female (vs male) gender, following a vegetarian diet, skipping meals, attempting to gain weight, and history of a running-related bone stress injury.
CONCLUSIONS
More than one-quarter of preadolescent runners regularly consumed dietary supplements. Behaviors consistent with dietary restriction and history of bone stress injury were associated with higher likelihood for supplement use. Further work to understand supplement use patterns and potential value for nutrition education is advised to optimize health of preadolescent runners.
Topics: Adolescent; Athletes; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Male; New England; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Running; Schools; Self Report
PubMed: 35195521
DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.07.013 -
JAMA Network Open Nov 2022
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 36326767
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.43198 -
Prevalence, patterns, and attitude regarding dietary supplement use in Saudi Arabia: Data from 2019.PloS One 2022Dietary supplements are products containing dietary elements including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, or botanicals. They can aid consumers with low dietary...
Dietary supplements are products containing dietary elements including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, or botanicals. They can aid consumers with low dietary intake and quality, as well as those with high demands, by boosting nutritious value. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults living in Saudi Arabia aged between 18-60 years old using online self-administered questionnaire. Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, use and type of dietary supplements, and attitude toward and patterns of dietary supplement use was collected. The chi-square test, Pearson correlations, and the independent t-test were used. In total, 531 participants (115 men and 416 women) were included. Approximately half of the participants (51.8%, n = 275) used dietary supplements. Participants who were using dietary supplements were significantly younger (29.16 ± 9.32 years), more highly educated (85.5%, n = 235), and worked in the health sector (63.7%, n = 100). Herbal supplement use was associated with older age and female sex. Single mineral supplements were used more frequently by married, female, pregnant, or breastfeeding participants and those not working in the health sector. Fatty supplements were used more frequently by participants with a higher level of education. Regarding the attitude toward dietary supplement use, women, single participants, and health care workers showed a significant positive attitude. In-depth investigation into the amount of and reasons for dietary supplement use in the health sector is required. Additionally, educating pregnant and breastfeeding women on the importance of dietary supplements is necessary.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Amino Acids; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Minerals; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Saudi Arabia; Vitamins; Young Adult
PubMed: 36129901
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274412