-
PloS One 2023Ethiopia has undergone rapid economic growth over the last two decades that could influence the diets and nutrition of young people. This work systematically reviewed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ethiopia has undergone rapid economic growth over the last two decades that could influence the diets and nutrition of young people. This work systematically reviewed primary studies on adolescent nutrition from Ethiopia, to inform future interventions to guide policies and programs for this age group.
METHOD
A systematic search of electronic databases for published studies on the prevalence of and interventions for adolescent malnutrition in Ethiopia in the English language since the year 2000 was performed using a three-step search strategy. The results were checked for quality using the Joanna Bridge Institute (JBI) checklist, and synthesized and presented as a narrative description.
RESULTS
Seventy six articles and two national surveys were reviewed. These documented nutritional status in terms of anthropometry, micronutrient status, dietary diversity, food-insecurity, and eating habits. In the meta-analysis the pooled prevalence of stunting, thinness and overweight/obesity was 22.4% (95% CI: 18.9, 25.9), 17.7% (95% CI: 14.6, 20.8) and 10.6% (7.9, 13.3), respectively. The prevalence of undernutrition ranged from 4% to 54% for stunting and from 5% to 29% for thinness. Overweight/obesity ranged from 1% to 17%. Prevalence of stunting and thinness were higher in boys and rural adolescents, whereas overweight/obesity was higher in girls and urban adolescents. The prevalence of anemia ranged from 9% to 33%. Approximately 40%-52% of adolescents have iodine deficiency and associated risk of goiter. Frequent micronutrient deficiencies are vitamin D (42%), zinc (38%), folate (15%), and vitamin A (6.3%).
CONCLUSIONS
The adolescent population in Ethiopia is facing multiple micronutrient deficiencies and a double-burden of malnutrition, although undernutrition is predominant. The magnitude of nutritional problems varies by gender and setting. Context-relevant interventions are required to effectively improve the nutrition and health of adolescents in Ethiopia.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Nutritional Status; Overweight; Thinness; Ethiopia; Obesity; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Growth Disorders; Prevalence
PubMed: 37022989
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280784 -
Nutrition Reviews Feb 2021Worldwide, there is an array of clinical trials under way to evaluate treatment options against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute...
Worldwide, there is an array of clinical trials under way to evaluate treatment options against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Concurrently, several nutritional therapies and alternative supportive treatments are also being used and tested to reduce the mortality associated with acute respiratory distress in patients with COVID-19. In the context of COVID-19, improved nutrition that includes micronutrient supplementation to augment the immune system has been recognized as a viable approach to both prevent and alleviate the severity of the infection. The potential role of micronutrients as immune-boosting agents is particularly relevant for low- and middle-income countries, which already have an existing high burden of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. A systematic literature review was performed to identify nutritional interventions that might prevent or aid in the recovery from COVID-19. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched electronically from February to April 2020. All abstracts and full-text articles were examined for their relevance to this review. The information gathered was collated under various categories. Deficiencies of micronutrients, especially vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, zinc, iron, and selenium, are common among vulnerable populations in general and among COVID-19 patients in particular and could plausibly increase the risk of mortality. Judicious use of need-based micronutrient supplementation, alongside existing micronutrient fortification programs, is warranted in the current global pandemic, especially in low- and middle-income economies.
Topics: COVID-19; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Immune System; Iron; Micronutrients; Nutrition Therapy; Nutritional Status; Selenium; Trace Elements; Vitamin A; Zinc
PubMed: 33570583
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa063 -
PloS One 2022To determine the effects of oral vitamin A supplementation on clinical outcomes in preterm infants. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of oral vitamin A supplementation on clinical outcomes in preterm infants.
DESIGN
We conducted the meta-analysis by searching PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception to 12 August 2021, including reference lists of retrieved articles. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of oral vitamin A on premature babies were included. We used a random-effects model to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and weighted mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the GRADE approach to grade evidence quality and assess how oral vitamin A supplementation affects clinical outcomes.
MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES
The primary outcomes were respiratory outcomes, including the length of respiratory support, the need for oxygen at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), and moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks PMA. Secondary outcomes were hospitalization time, vitamin A status, mortality, other related outcomes, and potential adverse drug-related events.
RESULTS
We included four RCTs, with 800 patients total. In all trials, oral vitamin A treatment was compared to a placebo. Oral vitamin A supplementation did not significantly affect mechanical ventilation duration (MD, -1.07 days; 95% CI, -2.98 to 0.83 days), oxygen requirement at 36 weeks PMA (RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.33 to 1.31), or moderate-to-severe BPD at 36 weeks PMA (RR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.07 to 4.17). However, oral vitamin A supplementation yielded a slightly shorter noninvasive ventilation duration (MD, -0.96 days; 95% CI, -1.59 to -0.33 days).
CONCLUSIONS
Administering oral vitamin A to preterm newborns did not alter the mechanical ventilation duration, oxygen needed at 36 weeks PMA, moderate-to-severe BPD at 36 weeks PMA, death, or short-term benefits. However, oral vitamin A supplementation may slightly affect the duration of noninvasive respiratory support without adverse drug-related events.
Topics: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Dexamethasone; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Oxygen; Vitamin A
PubMed: 35377893
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265876 -
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings Mar 2022The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with a dramatic increase in postviral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) among patients who are infected....
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with a dramatic increase in postviral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) among patients who are infected. A contemporary evidence-based review of current treatment options for PVOD is both timely and relevant to improve patient care. This review seeks to impact patient care by qualitatively reviewing available evidence in support of medical and procedural treatment options for PVOD. Systematic evaluation of data quality and of the level of evidence was completed to generate current treatment recommendations. A systematic review was conducted to identify primary studies that evaluated treatment outcomes for PVOD. A number of medical literature data bases were queried from January 1998 to May 2020, with completion of subsequent reference searches of retrieved articles to identify all relevant studies. Validated tools for the assessment of bias among both interventional and observational studies were used to complete quality assessment. The summary level of evidence and associated outcomes were used to generate treatment recommendations. Twenty-two publications were identified for qualitative review. Outcomes of alpha-lipoic acid, intranasal and systemic corticosteroids, minocycline, zinc sulfate, vitamin A, sodium citrate, caroverine, intranasal insulin, theophylline, and are reported. In addition, outcomes of traditional Chinese acupuncture and olfactory training are reviewed. Several medical and procedural treatments may expedite the return of olfactory function after PVOD. Current evidence supports olfactory training as a first-line intervention. Additional study is required to define specific treatment recommendations and expected outcomes for PVOD in the setting of COVID-19.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Olfaction Disorders; Smell; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35317886
DOI: 10.2500/aap.2022.43.210107 -
Nutrients Mar 2023There is a lack of comprehensive reports on nutrient deficiencies and dietary intake among various age groups of children in China. The objective of this review is to... (Review)
Review
There is a lack of comprehensive reports on nutrient deficiencies and dietary intake among various age groups of children in China. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the nutrient status, intake, and diet adequacy of Chinese children (0-18 years old). PubMed and Scopus were searched for literature published between January 2010 and July 2022. A systematic review approach with a quality assessment was performed to analyze 2986 identified articles in English and Chinese. Eighty-three articles were included in the analysis. In younger children, anemia and iron and Vitamin A deficiencies remain severe public health problems, despite high Vitamin A and adequate iron intake. In older children, a high prevalence of selenium; Vitamin A and D deficiencies; and inadequate intakes of Vitamins A, D, B, C, selenium, and calcium were reported. Intakes of dairy, soybeans, fruits, and vegetables were below recommended levels. High intakes of iodine, total and saturated fat, and sodium and low dietary diversity scores were also reported. As nutritional concerns vary with age and region, future nutrition interventions should be tailored accordingly.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Diet; East Asian People; Energy Intake; Iron; Nutrients; Selenium; Vitamin A
PubMed: 36986271
DOI: 10.3390/nu15061536 -
BMJ Open Jan 2024The objective of the current study is to compare the treatment effects of different vitamins on essential hypertension to provide an initial basis for developing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the current study is to compare the treatment effects of different vitamins on essential hypertension to provide an initial basis for developing evidence-based practices.
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched from their inception to 25 September 2023.
OUTCOMES
The primary outcomes were the difference between the intervention group and the control group in changes in office systolic blood pressure (SBP) and office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from baseline. The secondary outcomes were the difference between the intervention group and the control group in changes in 24-hour mean ambulatory systolic blood pressure (24 hours SBP), 24-hour mean ambulatory diastolic blood pressure (24 hours DBP) and heart rate (HR) from baseline.
RESULTS
A total of 23 studies comparing five vitamins (vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, folic acid) and involving 2218 participants were included. The included trials were all vitamin versus placebo, so the network was star-shaped. Among the five vitamins, only vitamin E was significantly more effective at reducing SBP (mean difference: -14.14 mm Hg, 95% credible intervals: -27.62 to -0.88) than placebo. In addition, no evidence was found that any of the five vitamins influenced DBP, 24 hours SBP, 24 hours DBP, or HR. The dose of vitamins, geographical region and percentage of males (only SBP) might be sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis revealed that the effect of vitamin intervention on blood pressure varies according to different doses of vitamins.
CONCLUSIONS
According to the results, vitamin E might be an effective measure to reduce SBP, but more research is needed to validate this finding.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022352332.
Topics: Adult; Male; Humans; Vitamin D; Ascorbic Acid; Hypertension; Folic Acid; Riboflavin; Vitamin E; Network Meta-Analysis; Vitamins; Essential Hypertension; Blood Pressure; Vitamin A; Vitamin K
PubMed: 38296289
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074511 -
Medicine Oct 2022To systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy of vitamin A as an adjuvant therapy for pneumonia in children. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy of vitamin A as an adjuvant therapy for pneumonia in children.
METHODS
We searched in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Database and Chongqing VIP information network from libraries building to March 2022, screening randomized controlled trials (RCT) about vitamin A combined with conventional therapy for pneumonia in children. Two researchers used the Cochrane risk of bias tool to assess the quality of included studies dependently. Data analysis was conducted in the RevMan 5.3.
RESULTS
15 trials involving 3496 patients (treated group: 1898; control group: 1598) were analyzed in this study. The Meta-analysis showed that vitamin A combined with conventional therapy improved clinical efficacy (P < .05), shortened the duration of fever and cough, negative time of chest X-ray, and the hospitalization, lung rale disappearance, choking milk disappearance, shortness of breath disappearance and perilabial cyanosis disappearance (P < .05). However, vitamin A combined with conventional therapy did not reduce the mortality of pneumonia in children (P > .05).
CONCLUSION
Vitamin A contributes to relieve the clinical symptoms and signs, and also shorten the hospitalization.
Topics: Child; Humans; COVID-19; Vitamin A; Pneumonia; Cough; Fever
PubMed: 36281101
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000031289 -
Nutrients Oct 2022Vitamin A (VA) deficiency is associated with increased host susceptibility to infections, but evidence on its role in the prevention and management of viral infections... (Review)
Review
Vitamin A (VA) deficiency is associated with increased host susceptibility to infections, but evidence on its role in the prevention and management of viral infections is still lacking. This review aimed at summarizing the effects of VA supplementation against viral infections to support clinicians in evaluating supplemental treatments. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Randomized clinical trials comparing the direct effects of VA oral supplementation in any form vs. placebo or standard of care in the prevention and/or management of confirmed viral infections in people of any age were included. A narrative synthesis of the results was performed. The revised Cochrane Risk-Of-Bias tool was used to assess quality. Overall, 40 articles of heterogeneous quality were included. We found data on infections sustained by ( = 17), ( = 2), ( = 1), ( = 3), ( = 4), and ( = 13). Studies were published between 1987 and 2017 and mostly conducted in Africa. The findings were heterogeneous across and within viral families regarding virological, immunological, and biological response, and no meaningful results were found in the prevention of viral infections. For a few diseases, VA-supplemented individuals had a better prognosis and improved outcomes, including clearance of HPV lesions or reduction in some measles-related complications. The effects of VA oral supplementation seem encouraging in relation to the management of a few viral infections. Difference in populations considered, variety in recruitment and treatment protocols might explain the heterogeneity of the results. Further investigations are needed to better identify the benefits of VA administration.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Virus Diseases; Vitamin A; Vitamin D
PubMed: 36235733
DOI: 10.3390/nu14194081 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2022Retinoids, natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, have many regulatory functions in human body, including regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation,...
Retinoids, natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, have many regulatory functions in human body, including regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis. Moreover, retinoids have been used successfully for the treatment of certain malignancies, especially acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in adults and neuroblastoma in children. However, retinoids have not yet been translated into effective systemic treatments for most solid cancers. Some recent studies have shown that retinoids promote tumorigenesis. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the efficacy of retinoids in the chemoprevention and treatment of cancers. We performed literature search of several electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library from 2000 January to 2021 November. Various outcomes were applied to investigate the potential of retinoids for prevention and treatment of cancers. The primary outcomes in this study were disease recurrence and clinical response. The secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), cancer development, disease progression and event-free survival. We identified 39 randomized controlled trials with 15,627 patients in this study. Our results showed that lower recurrence rate and better clinical response were obtained in retinoids treated patients with cancer or premalignancy as compared with control. The differences were statistically significant (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74-0.96, = 0.01; RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.03-1.49, = 0.02, respectively). Retinoids treatment was not associated with improvement in overall survival, cancer development, disease progression or event-free survival. Subgroup analysis conducted based on cancer type showed that patients benefited from retinoids treatment in APL, renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, and complete hydatidiform mole. No significant therapeutic effect was noted in head and neck cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), melanoma, breast cancer, bladder cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical carcinoma. Subgroup analysis based on tumor classification demonstrated that retinoids group obtained a lower recurrence rate and better clinical response than control group in solid cancers. In conclusion, clinical application of retinoids was associated with reduction in disease recurrence and improvement in clinical response, illustrating that retinoids play a key role in cancer prevention and therapy. Further research is needed to broaden the utility of retinoids in other types of cancers. PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022296706.
PubMed: 36437918
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1065320 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023Optimizing dietary intake during pregnancy and lactation is crucial to the growth and development of children and their lifelong health. We performed a systematic review...
INTRODUCTION
Optimizing dietary intake during pregnancy and lactation is crucial to the growth and development of children and their lifelong health. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to describe the nutrient intakes of pregnant and lactating women in Indonesia and Malaysia, countries that are experiencing rapid nutrition transition in Southeast Asia.
METHODS
We screened 2,258 studies published between January 1980 and March 2021. The nutrient intakes of pregnant and lactating women were quantitatively analyzed to calculate the percentage of adequacy using national recommended daily allowances or nutrient intakes (RDA/RNI) and estimated average requirements (EAR) for micronutrients. Standardized mean differences (SMD) between dietary intake and RDA/RNI were determined for selected nutrients.
RESULTS
Fifty-three studies were included and showed that energy and macronutrient intakes among pregnant and lactating women in both countries were below the RDA/RNI. In addition, most studies reported that women failed to meet the EAR for vitamin D (<70% EAR), vitamin E (<50% EAR), and water-soluble vitamins (<80% EAR) except for vitamin C and A among Malaysians. Moreover, calcium, potassium, and iron intakes of pregnant women were <60% EAR in Indonesia and <80% EAR in Malaysia. Phosphorus intake among pregnant women in both countries and sodium intake among Malaysian pregnant women exceeded 100% EAR. Indonesian lactating women had <60% EAR for calcium and potassium intakes, while Malaysian women had more than 100% EAR. For 21 studies reporting overall protein intakes, the standard mean difference (SMD) was -2.26 (95% CI; -2.98, -1.54) below the RDA/RNI for pregnant women and -0.67 SMD (95% CI -15.7, -11.5) for lactating women. When the four studies from Malaysia were analyzed separately, protein intakes of pregnant women were above the RNI. Moreover, low intakes of vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, but sufficient intakes in vitamin A, zinc, and phosphorus were observed in pregnant women in both countries.
CONCLUSION
Dietary intakes of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients (vitamin D, vitamin E, water-soluble vitamins, calcium, and iron) of pregnant and lactating women in Indonesia and Malaysia were below the recommendations. Important heterogeneities were observed even between these two countries for specific essential nutrient intakes. Innovative research and targeted programs to address specific deficiencies should be prioritized.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021252204, identifier: CRD42021252204.
PubMed: 37063336
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1030343