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Journal of Translational Medicine May 2023The current ageing trend of the world population has, in part, accounted for Alzheimer disease (AD) being a public health issue in recent times. Although some progress... (Review)
Review
The current ageing trend of the world population has, in part, accounted for Alzheimer disease (AD) being a public health issue in recent times. Although some progress has been made in clarifying AD-related pathophysiological mechanisms, effective intervention is still elusive. Biometals are indispensable to normal physiological functions of the human body-for example, neurogenesis and metabolism. However, their association with AD remains highly controversial. Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are biometals that have been investigated at great length in relation to neurodegeneration, whereas less attention has been afforded to other trace biometals, such as molybdenum (Mo), and iodine. Given the above context, we reviewed the limited number of studies that have evidenced various effects following the usage of these two biometals in different investigative models of AD. Revisiting these biometals via thorough investigations, along with their biological mechanisms may present a solid foundation for not only the development of effective interventions, but also as diagnostic agents for AD.
Topics: Humans; Trace Elements; Alzheimer Disease; Molybdenum; Iodine; Zinc; Copper
PubMed: 37244993
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04220-5 -
Nutrients Jul 2023Molybdenum is an essential trace element for human health and survival, with molybdenum-containing enzymes catalysing multiple reactions in the metabolism of purines,... (Review)
Review
Molybdenum is an essential trace element for human health and survival, with molybdenum-containing enzymes catalysing multiple reactions in the metabolism of purines, aldehydes, and sulfur-containing amino acids. Recommended daily intakes vary globally, with molybdenum primarily sourced through the diet, and supplementation is not common. Although the benefits of molybdenum as an anti-diabetic and antioxidant inducer have been reported in the literature, there are conflicting data on the benefits of molybdenum for chronic diseases. Overexposure and deficiency can result in adverse health outcomes and mortality, although physiological doses remain largely unexplored in relation to human health. The lack of knowledge surrounding molybdenum intake and the role it plays in physiology is compounded during pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, micronutrient demand increases, and diet is an established factor in programming gestational outcomes and maternal health. This review summarises the current literature concerning varied recommendations on molybdenum intake, the role of molybdenum and molybdoenzymes in physiology, and the contribution these play in gestational outcomes.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Placenta; Micronutrients; Trace Elements; Molybdenum; Dietary Supplements; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome
PubMed: 37571285
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153348 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Jan 2023Selenium is an essential trace element with both beneficial and detrimental effects on health depending on dose and chemical form. Currently, there is debate on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Selenium is an essential trace element with both beneficial and detrimental effects on health depending on dose and chemical form. Currently, there is debate on recommendations for selenium supplementation as a public health measure to improve immune function and reduce infectious disease susceptibility.
OBJECTIVES
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies assessing the effect of selenium supplementation on immunity-related outcomes in healthy people.
METHODS
We undertook a search of published and unpublished studies in literature databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov up to 17 October, 2022, and performed a meta-analysis comparing the effects on immunity-related outcomes between Se-supplemented versus control arms. Whenever possible we assessed the nonlinear relation using a dose-response approach.
RESULTS
9 trials were included, 5 in North America, and 4 in Europe, with a duration between 8 and 48 weeks and supplementation of both inorganic and organic selenium forms. Selenium supplementation did not substantially affect immunoglobulin or white blood cell concentrations, and the dose-response meta-analysis indicated that an increase in plasma selenium concentrations above 100 μg/L did not further increase IgA levels nor T cells. An inverted U-shaped relation emerged for NK cell count, with a lower number of these cells both below and above 120 μg/L. The only beneficial effect of selenium supplementation was the increased activity for NK lysis, but the available data did not permit dose-response analysis. Cytokine levels were substantially unaffected by selenium supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS
Although some of the data suggested beneficial effects of selenium supplementation on immune function, the overall picture appears to be inconsistent and heterogeneous due to differences in trial duration and interventions, plus evidence of null and even detrimental effects. Overall, the evidence that we extracted from the literature in this systematic review does not support the need to supplement selenium beyond the recommended dietary intake to obtain beneficial effects on immune function. This trial was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022312280).
Topics: Humans; Selenium; Trace Elements; Dietary Supplements; Immunity; Europe
PubMed: 36789948
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2022.11.007 -
Current Opinion in Microbiology Dec 2019In this review, we summarize data regarding the influence of zinc on host defenses to human pathogenic fungi and how the fungus acquires zinc to sustain biological... (Review)
Review
In this review, we summarize data regarding the influence of zinc on host defenses to human pathogenic fungi and how the fungus acquires zinc to sustain biological functions. Mammals have evolved several extracellular and intracellular mechanisms to withhold zinc from the fungus. Specific immune cells release zinc binding proteins such as calprotectin to capture the metal and deny it to the fungus. Intracellularly, several zinc binding proteins such as metallothioneins starve the fungus of zinc. The net result in both situations is depriving the fungus of a crucial micronutrient. To combat this struggle, fungi have developed means to capture zinc and store it. The mechanisms of transport for various fungi are discussed herein.
Topics: Animals; Biological Transport; Fungi; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Protein Binding; Trace Elements; Zinc
PubMed: 31132743
DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2019.04.008 -
Nutrients Mar 2023To analyze the nutritional status and plasma levels of vitamins and minerals in a cohort of Chilean children between 4 and 14 years old from three cities in Chile...
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the nutritional status and plasma levels of vitamins and minerals in a cohort of Chilean children between 4 and 14 years old from three cities in Chile (Santiago, Antofagasta, and Concepcion).
DESIGN
This is a descriptive analysis of micronutrient levels in Chilean children as it relates to obesity and food consumption.
SETTING
This study included 1235 children from schools in Santiago (central area), Antofagasta (northern area), and Concepcion (southern area) in Chile.
RESULTS
Plasma levels of micronutrients revealed deficiencies in children from all these cities. Copper (26.4%) and calcium (33.0%) deficiencies were found in the children from Antofagasta, whereas iron (26.7%) and zinc (20.8%) deficiencies were found in the children from Concepcion and Santiago, respectively. The percentage of children with vitamin D deficiencies was exceptionally high in all cities (over 78%). The analysis of micronutrients and nutritional status revealed that vitamin D deficiencies were significantly higher ( = 0.02) in overweight children, particularly in Antofagasta. In the analysis of the nutritional status of children and their food consumption habits, the proportion of overweight and obesity was significantly higher ( = 0.001) in children that skipped breakfast compared to children that did not. Finally, children from low socioeconomic levels were significantly more overweight and obese compared to children from high socioeconomic levels ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
this is the first study to describe plasma levels of micronutrients in Chilean children and adolescents. High percentages of obesity, overweight, and vitamin D deficiency were detected in children. These results are of significant relevance to future public health policies in Chile.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Micronutrients; Chile; Pediatric Obesity; Overweight; Trace Elements; Nutritional Status; Vitamin D Deficiency; Prevalence
PubMed: 37049547
DOI: 10.3390/nu15071707 -
Maternal & Child Nutrition Jan 2022Micronutrient supplementation is widely used to prevent stunting in children under 5 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), but the impact of treatment has... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Micronutrient supplementation is widely used to prevent stunting in children under 5 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), but the impact of treatment has been disappointing, possibly due to non-compliance. Our aim was to deliver long-term micronutrient supplementation via a novel, culturally acceptable liquid food to improve linear growth in a high stunting prevalence region. In a randomised control trial, 971 children aged 6-72 months received either 'Chispuditos®' (n = 681), a hot drink (atole) fortified with micronutrients (atole + MN) (9 mg/zinc, 12.5 mg/iron), or lactose-free milk (n = 290) for 18 months. Primary outcomes were changes in length/height-for-age (HAZ) score and the prevalence of stunting at 18-month follow-up. Adherence was monitored monthly, and 73% children in atole + MN group consumed at least half their daily zinc and iron requirement. At 18 months, there was no difference between the treatments in growth [mean change in HAZ -0.02 (95% CI -0.12, 0.08)] or stunting [atole + MN 41%, milk 41%; RR 0.99 (95% CI 0.84, 1.19)]. There were no differences in haemoglobin (HB), ferritin or zinc. No children had iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) at outcome, but zinc deficiency remained equally prevalent in both groups: atole + MN 35%, milk 35% [RR 1.02 (95% CI 0.83, 1.24)]. There was no difference in morbidity between the groups, and micronutrient status was unrelated to HAZ. Long-term micronutrient supplementation via a culturally acceptable food had no impact on stunting or morbidity, raising the question of whether large-scale micronutrient supplementation is worthwhile.
Topics: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Child; Child, Preschool; Dietary Supplements; Food, Fortified; Growth Disorders; Humans; Infant; Micronutrients; Trace Elements
PubMed: 34355514
DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13256 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Dec 2022Multiple micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in Ethiopia. However, the distribution of Se and Zn deficiency risks has previously shown evidence of spatially...
Multiple micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in Ethiopia. However, the distribution of Se and Zn deficiency risks has previously shown evidence of spatially dependent variability, warranting the need to explore this aspect for wider micronutrients. Here, blood serum concentrations for Ca, Mg, Co, Cu and Mo were measured ( 3102) on samples from the Ethiopian National Micronutrient Survey. Geostatistical modelling was used to test spatial variation of these micronutrients for women of reproductive age, who represent the largest demographic group surveyed ( 1290). Median serum concentrations were 8·6 mg dl for Ca, 1·9 mg dl for Mg, 0·4 µg l for Co, 98·8 µg dl for Cu and 0·2 µg dl for Mo. The prevalence of Ca, Mg and Co deficiency was 41·6 %, 29·2 % and 15·9 %, respectively; Cu and Mo deficiency prevalence was 7·6 % and 0·3 %, respectively. A higher prevalence of Ca, Cu and Mo deficiency was observed in north western, Co deficiency in central and Mg deficiency in north eastern parts of Ethiopia. Serum Ca, Mg and Mo concentrations show spatial dependencies up to 140-500 km; however, there was no evidence of spatial correlations for serum Co and Cu concentrations. These new data indicate the scale of multiple mineral micronutrient deficiency in Ethiopia and the geographical differences in the prevalence of deficiencies suggesting the need to consider targeted responses during the planning of nutrition intervention programmes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Micronutrients; Trace Elements; Minerals; Malnutrition; Ethiopia; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 35109956
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522000319 -
The Journal of Nutrition Feb 2023Bovine milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) added in infant formula supports typical growth and safety through 24 mo of age in term infants. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Micronutrient, Metabolic, and Inflammatory Biomarkers through 24 Months of Age in Infants Receiving Formula with Added Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane through the First Year of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
BACKGROUND
Bovine milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) added in infant formula supports typical growth and safety through 24 mo of age in term infants.
OBJECTIVES
To assess micronutrient (zinc, iron, ferritin, transferrin receptor), metabolic [glucose, insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)], and inflammatory (leptin, adiponectin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein) secondary outcomes through 24 mo of age in infants who received standard cow's milk-based infant formula (SF), similar formula with added bovine MFGM (EF), or human milk (HM) through 1 y.
METHODS
Infants whose parents agreed to a blood draw at baseline (<120 d of age) (SF = 80; EF = 80; HM = 83) were included. Subsequent collections (2-4 h fasting) occurred at D180, D365, and D730. Biomarker concentrations were analyzed and group changes tested using generalized estimating equations models.
RESULTS
Only serum iron (+22.1 μg/dL) and HDL-C (+2.5 mg/dL) were significantly higher for EF compared with SF at D730. Prevalence of zinc deficiency for EF (-17.4%) and SF (-16.6%) at D180 and depleted iron stores for SF (+21.4%) at D180 and EF (-34.6%) and SF (-28.0%) at D365 were significantly different compared with HM. IGF-1 (ng/mL) for EF and SF was significantly higher at D180 (+8.9) and for EF (+8.8) at D365, and (+14.5) at D730 compared with HM. Insulin (μUI/mL) for EF (+2.5) and SF (+5.8) and HOMA-IR for EF (+0.5) and SF (+0.6) were significantly higher compared with HM at D180. TGs (mg/dL) for SF (+23.9) at D180, for EF (+19.0) and SF (+17.8) at D365, and EF (+17.3) and SF (+14.5) at D730 were significantly higher compared with HM. Zinc, ferritin, glucose, LDL-C and total cholesterol changes were higher in formula groups compared with HM between various time points.
CONCLUSIONS
Micronutrient, metabolic, and inflammatory biomarkers were generally similar through 2 y in infants who received infant formula with or without added bovine MFGM. Over the 2 y, differences were observed between infant formulas and HM reference group. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NTC02626143.
Topics: Animals; Female; Cattle; Humans; Infant; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Micronutrients; Cholesterol, LDL; Infant Formula; Biomarkers; Milk, Human; Trace Elements; Zinc; Iron; Insulins
PubMed: 36894243
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2022.12.006 -
Nutrients Aug 2022Micronutrients are ions and vitamins humbly required by the human body. They play a main role in several physiological mechanisms and their imbalance is strongly... (Review)
Review
Micronutrients are ions and vitamins humbly required by the human body. They play a main role in several physiological mechanisms and their imbalance is strongly associated with potentially-fatal complications. Micronutrient imbalance is associated with many cardiovascular diseases, such as arrythmias, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease. It has been also observed in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly in most severe patients. The relationship between cardiovascular diseases and COVID-19 is mutual: the latter triggers cardiovascular disease onset and worsening while patients with previous cardiovascular disease may develop a more severe form of COVID-19. In addition to the well-known pathophysiological mechanisms binding COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases together, increasing importance is being given to the impact of micronutrient alterations, often present during COVID-19 and able to affect the balance responsible for a good functioning of the cardiovascular system. In particular, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, and hypocalcemia are strongly associated with worse outcome, while vitamin A and D deficiency are associated with thromboembolic events in COVID-19. Thus, considering how frequent the cardiovascular involvement is in patients with COVID-19, and how it majorly affects their prognosis, this manuscript provides a comprehensive review on the role of micronutrient imbalance in the interconnection between COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases.
Topics: COVID-19; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Micronutrients; Trace Elements; Vitamin A; Vitamins
PubMed: 36014944
DOI: 10.3390/nu14163439 -
Environmental Research Dec 2022The increasing amount of bio-waste creates the need to develop a method for efficient management based on processes that are more environmentally friendly than...
The increasing amount of bio-waste creates the need to develop a method for efficient management based on processes that are more environmentally friendly than incineration and composting. This research aimed to utilize the waste of raspberry seeds after supercritical CO2 extraction. The biomass was enriched with micronutrients by the biosorption process to prepare micronutrient fertilizers for organic farming and biofortification of raspberries fruits. It was observed that at 100% dose of micronutrients, raspberry crop yield increased by 3%, and transfer of micronutrients to fruit biomass increased by 4.7%, 6.4%, and 8.8% (Cu, Mn, Zn, respectively) compared to commercial fertilizer. The supply of micronutrients at a dose of 150% led to a significant increase in micronutrient content of 3%, 41%, and 8% (Cu, Mn, and Zn, respectively) compared to commercial fertilizer. Research shows that the application of higher doses of micronutrients leads to the enrichment of edible parts of fruits, and fertilizers ensure environmental safety. The fruits contained on average 11.5% more microelements compared to the groups fertilized with the commercial product. The fruit yield (9.09-10.4 Mg per hectare) and the sugar content (9.82-10.2%) were also the highest. The micronutrients released from fertilizers and available to plants throughout the vegetation period affect the increase in yield, especially in the case of plants fruiting several times a year.
Topics: Biofortification; Biomass; Carbon Dioxide; Fertilizers; Fruit; Micronutrients; Rubus; Soil; Sugars; Trace Elements
PubMed: 36100107
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114304