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Journal of Medicine and Life Nov 2023Dysmenorrhea, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents, significantly impairs quality of life, disrupts sleep patterns, and induces mood changes. Furthermore, its... (Review)
Review
Dysmenorrhea, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents, significantly impairs quality of life, disrupts sleep patterns, and induces mood changes. Furthermore, its economic impact is substantial, accounting for an estimated $200 billion in the United States and $4.2 million in Japan annually. This review aimed to identify the effects of vitamin D and calcium on primary dysmenorrhea. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct, focusing on studies published from 2010 to 2020. Keywords included 'primary dysmenorrhea', 'vitamin D', '25-OH vitamin D3', 'cholecalciferol', and 'calcium'. The quality assessment of the articles was done using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklists, and the risk bias was assessed using the Cochrane assessment tool. Abnormal low Vit. D levels increased the severity of primary dysmenorrhea through increased prostaglandins and decreased calcium absorption. Vitamin D and calcium supplements could reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and the need for analgesics. This systematic review found an inverse relation between the severity of dysmenorrhea and low serum Vit. D and calcium.. Vitamin D and calcium supplements could reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and the need for analgesics.
Topics: Female; Adolescent; Humans; Vitamin D; Calcium; Dysmenorrhea; Quality of Life; Vitamins; Calcifediol; Vitamin D Deficiency; Analgesics; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38406773
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0248 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Feb 2024Telehealth-based dietary interventions were recommended for cardiovascular disease (CVD) management during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, data regarding their... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Telehealth-based dietary interventions were recommended for cardiovascular disease (CVD) management during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, data regarding their effectiveness and feasibility are limited.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to examine (1) the effectiveness of telehealth-based dietary interventions in improving clinical CVD risk factors and (2) the feasibility of these interventions among individuals with CVD.
METHODS
To conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 2 investigators searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases based on predetermined search terms and included English-language RCTs published between January 2000 and July 2022. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess RCT quality. To evaluate intervention effectiveness, weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, or blood glucose were compared postintervention in telehealth and usual care (UC) groups. Feasibility was determined through the number of participants retained in intervention and UC groups. Pooled data for each CVD outcome were analyzed using a random effects model. Mean difference (MD), standardized MD, or risk ratio were calculated using R software.
RESULTS
A total of 13 RCTs with 3013 participants were included in the analysis to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of telehealth-based dietary interventions among individuals with CVD. Participants had a mean age of 61.0 (SD 3.7) years, and 18.5% (n=559) were women. Approximately one-third of RCTs were conducted in the United States (n=4, 31%). Included studies used telephone, app, text, audio-visual media, or website-based interventions. Of the 13 included studies, 3 were of high quality, 9 were of moderate quality, and only 1 was of low quality. Pooled estimates showed systolic blood pressure (MD -2.74, 95% CI -4.93 to -0.56) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (standardized MD -0.11, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.03) to be significantly improved among individuals with CVD as a result of telehealth-based dietary interventions compared to UC. No significant difference in effectiveness was detected for weight, BMI, and levels of diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides between telehealth-based dietary interventions and UC among those with CVD. There was no significant difference between the feasibility of telehealth-based dietary interventions versus UC. Significant I indicated moderate to considerable heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
Telehealth-based dietary interventions show promise in addressing CVD risk factors.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Male; Cardiovascular Diseases; Feasibility Studies; Triglycerides; Cholesterol, LDL; Cholesterol, HDL; Telemedicine
PubMed: 38363635
DOI: 10.2196/49178 -
Viruses Dec 2023The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (β-CoV) betacoronavirus has posed a significant threat to global health. Despite the availability of vaccines, the virus...
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (β-CoV) betacoronavirus has posed a significant threat to global health. Despite the availability of vaccines, the virus continues to spread, and there is a need for alternative strategies to alleviate its impact. Vitamin D, a secosteroid hormone best known for its role in bone health, exhibits immunomodulatory effects in certain viral infections. Here, we have shown that bioactive vitamin D (calcitriol) limits in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2 and murine coronaviruses MHV-3 and MHV-A59. Comparative studies involving wild-type mice intranasally infected with MHV-3, a model for studying β-CoV respiratory infections, confirmed the protective effect of vitamin D in vivo. Accordingly, mice fed a standard diet rapidly succumbed to MHV-3 infection, whereas those on a vitamin D-rich diet (10,000 IU of Vitamin D/kg) displayed increased resistance to acute respiratory damage and systemic complications. Consistent with these findings, the vitamin D-supplemented group exhibited lower viral titers in their lungs and reduced levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, alongside an enhanced type I interferon response. Altogether, our findings suggest vitamin D supplementation ameliorates β-CoV-triggered respiratory illness and systemic complications in mice, likely via modulation of the host's immune response to the virus.
Topics: Mice; Humans; Animals; Vitamin D; Pandemics; Pneumonia; Murine hepatitis virus; SARS-CoV-2; Vitamins; Diet
PubMed: 38140675
DOI: 10.3390/v15122434 -
Journal of Lipid Research Feb 2024Dietary supplements augment the nutritional value of everyday food intake and originate from the historical practices of ancient Egyptian (Ebers papyrus), Chinese (Pen... (Review)
Review
Dietary supplements augment the nutritional value of everyday food intake and originate from the historical practices of ancient Egyptian (Ebers papyrus), Chinese (Pen Ts'ao by Shen Nung), Indian (Ayurveda), Greek (Hippocrates), and Arabic herbalists. In modern-day medicine, the use of dietary supplements continues to increase in popularity with greater than 50% of the US population reporting taking supplements. To further compound this trend, many patients believe that dietary supplements are equally or more effective than evidence-based therapies for lipoprotein and lipid-lowering. Supplements such as red yeast rice, omega-3 fatty acids, garlic, cinnamon, plant sterols, and turmeric are marketed to and believed by consumers to promote "cholesterol health." However, these supplements are not subjected to the same manufacturing scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration as pharmaceutical drugs and as such, the exact contents and level of ingredients in each of these may vary. Furthermore, supplements do not have to demonstrate efficacy or safety before being marketed. The holistic approach to lowering atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk makes dietary supplements an attractive option to many patients; however, their use should not come at the expense of established therapies with proven benefits. In this narrative review, we provide a historical and evidence-based approach to the use of some dietary supplements in lipoprotein and lipid-lowering and provide a framework for managing patient expectations.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Antioxidants; Cholesterol; Lipoproteins
PubMed: 38145747
DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100493 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) is a significant modulator of energy balance and lipid/glucose metabolisms. Beyond the classical nuclear actions of the receptor, rapid...
BACKGROUND
Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) is a significant modulator of energy balance and lipid/glucose metabolisms. Beyond the classical nuclear actions of the receptor, rapid activation of intracellular signaling pathways is mediated by a sub-fraction of ERα localized to the plasma membrane, known as Membrane Initiated Steroid Signaling (MISS). However, whether membrane ERα is involved in the protective metabolic actions of endogenous estrogens in conditions of nutritional challenge, and thus contributes to sex differences in the susceptibility to metabolic diseases, remains to be clarified.
METHODS
Male and female mice, harboring a point mutation which results in the abolition of membrane localization and MISS-related effects of the receptor, and their wild-type littermates () were maintained on a normal chow diet (NCD) or fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Body weight gain, body composition and glucose tolerance were monitored. Insulin sensitivity and energy balance regulation were further investigated in HFD-fed female mice.
RESULTS
genotype had no influence on body weight gain, adipose tissue accumulation and glucose tolerance in NCD-fed mice of both sexes followed up to 7 months of age, nor male mice fed a HFD for 12 weeks. In contrast, compared to WT-ERα littermates, HFD-fed female mice exhibited: 1) accelerated fat mass accumulation, liver steatosis and impaired glucose tolerance; 2) whole-body insulin resistance, assessed by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, and altered insulin-induced signaling in skeletal muscle and liver; 3) significant decrease in energy expenditure associated with histological and functional abnormalities of brown adipose tissue and a defect in thermogenesis regulation in response to cold exposure.
CONCLUSION
Besides the well-characterized role of ERα nuclear actions, membrane-initiated ERα extra-nuclear signaling contributes to female, but not to male, protection against HFD-induced obesity and associated metabolic disorders in mouse.
Topics: Female; Male; Mice; Animals; Diet, High-Fat; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Receptors, Estrogen; Noncommunicable Diseases; Insulin Resistance; Obesity; Insulin; Weight Gain; Glucose; Adipose Tissue, Brown
PubMed: 37529599
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1215947 -
Hormone and Metabolic Research =... Jan 2024Primary aldosteronism is an endocrine disorder caused by excessive production of aldosterone by the adrenal glands, and is recognized as the most important cause of... (Review)
Review
Primary aldosteronism is an endocrine disorder caused by excessive production of aldosterone by the adrenal glands, and is recognized as the most important cause of endocrine hypertension. With specific therapy, this type of hypertension is potentially curable. In the general population, high salt intake increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases like stroke. In populations with aldosterone excess, observational and experimental data suggest that aldosterone-induced organ damage requires a combination of high dietary salt intake and high plasma aldosterone, i.e., plasma aldosterone levels inappropriately high for salt status. Therefore, understanding the relationship between plasma aldosterone levels and dietary salt intake and the nature of their combined effects is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. In this review, we present an update on findings about primary aldosteronism and salt intake and the underlying mechanisms governing their interaction.
Topics: Humans; Aldosterone; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Hyperaldosteronism; Hypertension; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 37683690
DOI: 10.1055/a-2172-7228 -
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County,... Oct 2023The ketogenic diet (KD) is recommended to improve polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, its mechanisms of action are unclear. We aimed to study the effects and...
OBJECTIVES
The ketogenic diet (KD) is recommended to improve polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, its mechanisms of action are unclear. We aimed to study the effects and mechanisms of action of the KD on the gut microbiome and metabolites in PCOS rats and determine whether the sex hormone regulatory effects are related to modulations of the gut microbiota and metabolites.
METHODS
PCOS was induced with a high-fat diet and letrozole in the rats. A KD was fed to rats for 8 wk, serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and the rats' fecal samples were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and metabolomic analysis.
RESULTS
Feeding with a KD for 8 wk suppressed body weight gain, decreased luteinizing hormone and androgen levels, and improved insulin levels. Furthermore, the KD reversed the dysregulation of the gut microbiota in PCOS rats by adjusting the ratio of firmicutes and bacteroidetes. Also, the KD was involved in hormonal metabolic pathways by reducing the levels of some metabolites (such as testosterone and 7α-hydroxytestosterone) that are closely related to gut microbes.
CONCLUSIONS
The KD improved the clinical phenotype and insulin resistance in PCOS rats and altered the composition of the gut microbiome and metabolites, which were associated with androgen metabolism, representing a potential mechanism for mediating the effects of the KD on sex hormone metabolism in PCOS. However, our study found contradictory effects of KD on the gut microbiome in PCOS, which need further research.
Topics: Female; Humans; Rats; Animals; Letrozole; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Diet, High-Fat; Diet, Ketogenic; Androgens; Metabolomics; Gonadal Steroid Hormones
PubMed: 37441825
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112127 -
Nutrients Dec 2023Malnutrition and sarcopenia frequently affect patients with heart failure (HF), in which clinical outcomes and survival is decreased. Thus, appropriate nutritional... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Malnutrition and sarcopenia frequently affect patients with heart failure (HF), in which clinical outcomes and survival is decreased. Thus, appropriate nutritional screening and early nutrition support are highly recommended. Currently, nutritional support is not a standard of care in patients with HF, and the use of commercially available oral supplements (OSs) could provide an additional benefit to medical treatment in these patients.
AIM
To compare the effect of the Mediterranean diet in combination with hypercaloric, hyperproteic OS in patients with HF.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
An open label, controlled clinical study in which patients were randomly assigned to receive a Mediterranean diet (control group) vs. hypercaloric, hyperproteic OS (intervention group) for twenty-four weeks. Thirty-eight patients were included; epidemiological, clinical, anthropometric, ultrasound (muscle echography of the rectus femoris muscle of the quadriceps and abdominal adipose tissue), and biochemical evaluations were performed. All patients received additional supplementation with vitamin D.
RESULTS
Baseline malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria was observed in 30% of patients, while 65.8% presented with sarcopenia. Body cell mass, lean mass, and body mass increased in the intervention group (absolute increase of 0.5, = 0.03, 1.2 kg, = 0.03, and 0.1 kg, = 0.03 respectively). In contrast, fat mass increased in the control group (4.5 kg, = 0.05). According to the RF ultrasound, adipose tissue, muscle area, and circumference tended to decrease in the intervention group; it is probable that 24 weeks was too short a period of time for evaluating changes in muscle area or circumference, as previously observed in another group of patients. In contrast, functionality, determined by the up-and-go test, significantly improved in all patients (difference 12.6 s, < 0.001), including the control (10 s improvement, < 0.001) and the intervention group (improvement of 8.9 s, < 0.001). Self-reported QoL significantly increased in all groups, from 68.7 ± 22.2 at baseline to 77.7 ± 18.7 ( = 0.01). When heart functionality was evaluated, LVEF increased in the whole cohort (38.7 ± 16.6 vs. 42.2 ± 8.9, < 0.01); this increase was higher in the intervention group (34.2 ± 16.1 at baseline vs. 45.0% ± 17.0 after 24 weeks, < 0.05). Serum values of NT-proBNP also significantly decreased in the whole cohort ( < 0.01), especially in the intervention group ( = 0.02). After adjusting by age and sex, nutritional support, baseline LVEF, NT-proBNP, and body composition parameters of functionality tests were not associated with mortality or new hospital admissions in this cohort.
CONCLUSION
Nutritional support with hypercaloric, hyperproteic OS, Mediterranean diet, and vitamin D supplementation were associated with decreased NT-proBNP and improvements in LVEF, functionality, and quality of life in patients with HF, despite a significant decrease in hospital admissions.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin D; Quality of Life; Diet, Mediterranean; Nutrition Assessment; Sarcopenia; Nutritional Status; Vitamins; Heart Failure; Malnutrition
PubMed: 38201939
DOI: 10.3390/nu16010110 -
International Journal of Occupational... Dec 2023To assess dietary supplements, functional foods and nutraceuticals use among the patients after myocardial infarction (MI).
OBJECTIVES
To assess dietary supplements, functional foods and nutraceuticals use among the patients after myocardial infarction (MI).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The authors prospectively enrolled 100 consecutive patients hospitalized due to MI and remaining under coordinated outpatient care after MI in the authors' cardiology department.
RESULTS
The authors showed that patients within median (interquartile range) 12.30 (10.18-14.57) months after MI use dietary supplements, nutraceuticals and functional foods in their everyday diet. Vitamins (53% patients), especially vitamin D (35%), were the most frequently used dietary supplements. In contrary to common usage of dietary supplements (59%), smaller proportion of patients use functional foods (21%) and nutraceuticals (5%), especially phytosterols. The authors found that the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and dietary supplements is associated with age (participants <60 years old vs. participants ≥60 years old: OTC drugs: N = 8 [20.0%] vs. N = 32 [53.3%], p < 0.001; herbals: N = 3 [7.5%] vs. N = 16 [26.7%], p = 0.019), sex of the patients following MI (females vs. males: vitamins: N = 17 [70.8%] vs. N = 36 [47,4%], p = 0.045; vitamin D: N = 13 [54.2%] vs. N = 22 [28.9%], p = 0.024; omega-3 fatty acids: N = 3 [12.5%] vs. N = 1 [1.3%], p = 0.042; herbals: N = 8 [33.3%] vs. N = 11[14.5%], p = 0.040), as well as the BMI of the participants (BMI < 24.9 vs. BMI ≥ 25.0: multivitamin/ multimineral dietary supplements: N = 3 [15.0%] vs. N = 31 [42.5%], p = 0.035; vitamin B: N = 1 [5.0%] vs. N = 21 [28.8%], p = 0.035). In the study group all participants with the age above retirement age have already withdrawn from professional activity and they more often used OTC drugs (N = 14 [25.9%] before retirement age vs. N = 26 [56.5%] above retirement age, p = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS
The patients following MI use supplements, functional foods and nutraceuticals. Their use depends on sex, age, BMI and professional activity. The authors believe that their potential beneficial effects require further evaluation in clinical longitudinal studies. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(6):732-43.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Functional Food; Body Mass Index; Dietary Supplements; Vitamins; Myocardial Infarction; Vitamin D; Nonprescription Drugs
PubMed: 37811858
DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02255 -
Pediatric Research Aug 2023Excessive media use can affect diet of adolescents, but relevant data in Saudi Arabia are lacking. The present study aimed to explore the association between media use,...
BACKGROUND
Excessive media use can affect diet of adolescents, but relevant data in Saudi Arabia are lacking. The present study aimed to explore the association between media use, dietary intake, and diet quality among adolescents.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study included data of 631 adolescents (ages 11-18 years) who were randomly recruited from 16 schools located in two main cities in the Western region of Saudi Arabia (Madinah and Jeddah). Envelopes including a questionnaire were sent home to collect sociodemographic data. Students then completed the short-form food frequency questionnaire to assess diet quality. Data on media use, anthropometrics, and 24-h dietary recalls were also collected.
RESULTS
A high proportion of adolescents (86.2%) exceeded media use recommendations of ≤2 h per day. Significantly higher proportions of younger adolescents, males, and non-Saudis reported media use within the recommendation compared to their peers. Media use predicted lower diet quality score (B = -0.67 [95% CI: -1.09 to -0.28]) and lower intake of calcium, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C (B = -104 [95% CI: -203 to -5.24], B = -2.13 [95% CI: -4.15 to -0.11], B = -23.5 [95% CI: -41.3 to -5.65], B = -24.0 [95% CI: -45.1 to -2.96], respectively).
CONCLUSION
Interventions to limit media use are urgently needed for adolescents in Saudi Arabia to improve diet quality and overall nutritional health.
IMPACT
Excessive media use can affect diet of adolescents, but relevant data are lacking in Saudi Arabia. The majority of adolescents exceed the recommendations for media use. Media use was negatively associated with diet quality and intake of calcium, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C. This study will inform public health entities and policy makers to draw evidence-based, culturally tailored recommendations and develop nutrition interventions to enhance diet quality and nutritional status of adolescents. Findings of this study highlight the urgency to develop intervention programs and policies that aim to limit media use among adolescents.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Male; Ascorbic Acid; Calcium; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Eating; Saudi Arabia; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Child; Female
PubMed: 36750738
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02505-5