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Nutrients Jun 2023Human nutrition, and what can be considered "ideal" nutrition, is a complex, multi-faceted topic which many researchers and practitioners deliberate. While some attest... (Review)
Review
Human nutrition, and what can be considered "ideal" nutrition, is a complex, multi-faceted topic which many researchers and practitioners deliberate. While some attest that basic human nutrition is relatively understood, it is undeniable that a global nutritional problem persists. Many countries struggle with malnutrition or caloric deficits, while others encounter difficulties with caloric overconsumption and micronutrient deficiencies. A multitude of factors contribute to this global problem. Limitations to the current scope of the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and dietary reference intakes (DRIs), changes in soil quality, and reductions in nutrient density are just a few of these factors. In this article, we propose a new, working approach towards human nutrition designated "Foundational Nutrition". This nutritional lens combines a whole food approach in conjunction with micronutrients and other nutrients critical for optimal human health with special consideration given to the human gut microbiome and overall gut health. Together, this a synergistic approach which addresses vital components in nutrition that enhances the bioavailability of nutrients and to potentiate a bioactive effect.
Topics: Humans; Diet; Nutritional Status; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Malnutrition; Nutrients; Micronutrients
PubMed: 37447166
DOI: 10.3390/nu15132837 -
BMC Medicine Aug 2023Micronutrients, namely vitamins and minerals, are associated with cancer outcomes; however, their reported effects have been inconsistent across studies. We aimed to...
BACKGROUND
Micronutrients, namely vitamins and minerals, are associated with cancer outcomes; however, their reported effects have been inconsistent across studies. We aimed to identify the causally estimated effects of micronutrients on cancer by applying the Mendelian randomization (MR) method, using single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with micronutrient levels as instrumental variables.
METHODS
We obtained instrumental variables of 14 genetically predicted micronutrient levels and applied two-sample MR to estimate their causal effects on 22 cancer outcomes from a meta-analysis of the UK Biobank (UKB) and FinnGen cohorts (overall cancer and 21 site-specific cancers, including breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer), in addition to six major cancer outcomes and 20 cancer subset outcomes from cancer consortia. We used sensitivity MR methods, including weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO, to assess potential horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Genome-wide association summary statistical data of European descent were used for both exposure and outcome data, including up to 940,633 participants of European descent with 133,384 cancer cases.
RESULTS
In total, 672 MR tests (14 micronutrients × 48 cancer outcomes) were performed. The following two associations met Bonferroni significance by the number of associations (P < 0.00016) in the UKB plus FinnGen cohorts: increased risk of breast cancer with magnesium levels (odds ratio [OR] = 1.281 per 1 standard deviation [SD] higher magnesium level, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.151 to 1.426, P < 0.0001) and increased risk of colorectal cancer with vitamin B12 level (OR = 1.22 per 1 SD higher vitamin B12 level, 95% CI = 1.107 to 1.345, P < 0.0001). These two associations remained significant in the analysis of the cancer consortia. No significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was observed. Micronutrient levels were not associated with overall cancer risk.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results may aid clinicians in deciding whether to regulate the intake of certain micronutrients, particularly in high-risk groups without nutritional deficiencies, and may help in the design of future clinical trials.
Topics: Humans; Male; Breast Neoplasms; Genome-Wide Association Study; Magnesium; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Micronutrients; Female
PubMed: 37605270
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03018-y -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2023Iron has been shown to play a dual role in health and disease, with either a protective or harmful effect. Some of the contradictory findings from observational studies... (Review)
Review
Iron has been shown to play a dual role in health and disease, with either a protective or harmful effect. Some of the contradictory findings from observational studies may be due to reverse causation, residual confounding, or small sample size. One approach that may overcome these limitations without the high cost of randomized control trials is the use of Mendelian randomization to examine the long-term role of iron in a variety of health outcomes. As there is emerging evidence employing Mendelian randomization as a method of assessing the role of micronutrients in health and disease, this narrative review will highlight recent Mendelian randomization findings examining the role of iron in cardiometabolic disorders, inflammation, neurological disorders, different cancers, and a number of other health-related outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Iron; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Inflammation; Micronutrients; Sample Size
PubMed: 37686261
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713458 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Selenium (Se) is a naturally occurring essential micronutrient that is required for human health. The existing form of Se includes inorganic and organic. In contrast to... (Review)
Review
Selenium (Se) is a naturally occurring essential micronutrient that is required for human health. The existing form of Se includes inorganic and organic. In contrast to the inorganic Se, which has low bioavailability and high cytotoxicity, organic Se exhibits higher bioavailability, lower toxicity, and has a more diverse composition and structure. This review presents the nutritional benefits of Se by listing and linking selenoprotein (SeP) functions to evidence of health benefits. The research status of SeP from foods in recent years is introduced systematically, particularly the sources, biochemical transformation and speciation, and the bioactivities. These aspects are elaborated with references for further research and utilization of organic Se compounds in the field of health.
Topics: Humans; Selenium; Trace Elements; Biological Availability; Micronutrients; Selenoproteins
PubMed: 38202719
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010136 -
Nutrients Oct 2023This Special Issue of 'Dietary Supplements and Musculoskeletal Health and Function' provides new insights into the use of a wide range of dietary supplements, such as...
This Special Issue of 'Dietary Supplements and Musculoskeletal Health and Function' provides new insights into the use of a wide range of dietary supplements, such as zinc, creatine, Vitamin D, HMB, BCAA, betaine, glucoraphanin, citrulline and collagen, to improve bone and muscle structure and function [...].
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Vitamins; Vitamin D; Creatine; Zinc
PubMed: 37892478
DOI: 10.3390/nu15204404 -
The Journal of Nutrition Aug 2023A proposed topic for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) Scientific Advisory Committee to address is the relationship between dietary patterns with...
BACKGROUND
A proposed topic for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) Scientific Advisory Committee to address is the relationship between dietary patterns with ultra-processed foods (UPF) and body composition and weight status. Implementing the NOVA system, the most commonly applied framework for determining whether a food is "ultra-processed," in dietary guidance could omit several nutrient-dense foods from recommended healthy diets in the DGA.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to determine the feasibility of building a menu that aligns with recommendations for a healthy dietary pattern from the 2020 DGA and includes ≥80% kcal from UPF as defined by NOVA.
DESIGN
To accomplish this objective, we first developed a list of foods that fit NOVA criteria for UPF, fit within dietary patterns in the 2020 DGA, and are commonly consumed by Americans. We then used these foods to develop a 7-d, 2000 kcal menu modeled on MyPyramid sample menus and assessed this menu for nutrient content as well as for diet quality using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015).
RESULTS
In the ultra-processed DGA menu that was created, 91% of kcal were from UPF, or NOVA category 4. The HEI-2015 score was 86 out of a possible 100 points. This sample menu did not achieve a perfect score due primarily to excess sodium and an insufficient amount of whole grains. This menu provided adequate amounts of all macro- and micronutrients except vitamin D, vitamin E, and choline.
CONCLUSIONS
Healthy dietary patterns can include most of their energy from UPF, still receive a high diet quality score, and contain adequate amounts of most macro- and micronutrients.
Topics: Humans; Food, Processed; Diet; Nutrition Policy; Food Handling; Vitamins; Micronutrients; Fast Foods; Energy Intake
PubMed: 37356502
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.06.028 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Glycine is a non-essential amino acid with many functions and effects. Glycine can bind to specific receptors and transporters that are expressed in many types of cells... (Review)
Review
Glycine is a non-essential amino acid with many functions and effects. Glycine can bind to specific receptors and transporters that are expressed in many types of cells throughout an organism to exert its effects. There have been many studies focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of glycine, including its abilities to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines and the concentration of free fatty acids, to improve the insulin response, and to mediate other changes. However, the mechanism through which glycine acts is not clear. In this review, we emphasize that glycine exerts its anti-inflammatory effects throughout the modulation of the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in many cells. Although glycine is a non-essential amino acid, we highlight how dietary glycine supplementation is important in avoiding the development of chronic inflammation.
Topics: Humans; Glycine; Micronutrients; Cytokines; NF-kappa B; Amino Acids; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Inflammation; Trace Elements
PubMed: 37510995
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411236 -
Jornal de Pediatria 2024Malnutrition is characterized by situations of undernutrition and obesity resulting from the lack of micronutrients with the greatest impact on children. The objective... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Malnutrition is characterized by situations of undernutrition and obesity resulting from the lack of micronutrients with the greatest impact on children. The objective of this review was to highlight inadequate food consumption, food security, and nutritional inadequacy leading to hidden hunger and the prevention and treatment of the main micronutrient deficiencies in Brazil.
DATA SOURCE
Literature review carried out through a bibliographic survey in PubMed (National Library of Medicine, United States), Lilacs (Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences), and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) databases. The search used the terms Occult hunger, (hidden hunger), and Child, in articles published between 2013 and 2023 in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The search was performed on 06/25/2023.
DATA SYNTHESIS
The lack of micronutrients can occur insidiously and without clinical manifestations, being called hidden hunger. The prevention of nutritional deficiencies is part of the recommended actions in childcare, with healthy eating. Studies were cited related to macro and micronutrient intake deficiencies, both national and international, and strategies to improve micronutrient intake, including routine supplementation of iron, and vitamins D and A. The diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the main deficiencies in Brazil (iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc), currently adopted, concluded the topic.
CONCLUSION
Zero hunger and zero obesity must be part of the same policy, together with a nutritional education program.
Topics: Child; Humans; Hunger; Malnutrition; Vitamin A; Micronutrients; Obesity; Iron
PubMed: 37918810
DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2023.08.009 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Oct 2023To compare the efficacy of intravenous (IV) iron (ferric derisomaltose) with oral iron (ferrous fumarate) in women 14-21 weeks pregnant with persistent iron deficiency... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
To compare the efficacy of intravenous (IV) iron (ferric derisomaltose) with oral iron (ferrous fumarate) in women 14-21 weeks pregnant with persistent iron deficiency (ferritin < 30 µg/L).
METHODS
In a single-centre, open-label, randomised controlled trial at a Danish hospital, women with persistent iron deficiency after routine oral iron treatment were allocated to receive 1000 mg IV iron (single-dose) or 100 mg elemental oral iron daily. Outcomes were assessed during an 18-week follow-up period. The primary endpoint was the proportion of non-anaemic (haemoglobin [Hb] ≥ 11 g/dL) women throughout follow-up. Other outcomes included changes in haematological parameters, patient-reported fatigue, and quality of life (QoL). Safety was assessed by recording adverse events.
RESULTS
From July 2017 to February 2020, 100 women were randomised to IV iron and 101 to oral iron. Throughout follow-up, 91% of women were non-anaemic in the IV iron group compared with 73% in the oral iron group (18% difference [95% confidence interval 0.10-0.25]; p < 0.001). The mean Hb increase was significantly greater with IV iron versus oral iron at Weeks 6 (0.4 versus - 0.2 g/dL; p < 0.001), 12 (0.5 versus 0.1 g/dL; p < 0.001), and 18 (0.8 versus 0.5 g/dL; p = 0.01). Improvements in fatigue and QoL were greater with IV iron versus oral iron at Weeks 3 and 6. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was comparable between treatment groups.
CONCLUSION
IV iron was superior in preventing anaemia compared with oral iron in pregnant women with persistent iron deficiency; biochemical superiority was accompanied by improved fatigue and QoL.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
European Clinical Trials Database: EudraCT no.: 2017-000776-29 (3 May 2017); ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03188445 (13 June 2017). The trial protocol has been published: https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2Fs13063-020-04637-z .
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Ferric Compounds; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Administration, Oral; Administration, Intravenous; Trace Elements; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Denmark; Treatment Outcome; Adult
PubMed: 36107229
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06768-x -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jan 2024
Topics: Humans; Ascorbic Acid; Vitamins
PubMed: 37992968
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.100155