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PloS One 2024During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns were raised that face covering use may elicit risk compensation; a false sense of security resulting in reduced adherence to other...
During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns were raised that face covering use may elicit risk compensation; a false sense of security resulting in reduced adherence to other protective behaviours such as physical distancing. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of face covering use on adherence to other COVID-19 related protective behaviours. Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, EmCare, medRxiv preprints, Research Square and WHO COVID-19 Research Database were searched for all primary research studies published from 1st January 2020 to 17th May 2022 that investigated the effect of face covering use on adherence to other protective behaviours in public settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Papers were selected and screened in accordance with the PRISMA framework. Backwards and forwards citation searches of included papers were also conducted on 16th September 2022, with eligible papers published between 1st January 2020 and that date being included. A quality appraisal including risk of bias was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Quality Criteria Checklist. This review is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42022331961. 47 papers were included, with quality ranging from low to high. These papers investigated the effects of face covering use and face covering policies on adherence to six categories of behaviour: physical distancing; mobility; face-touching; hand hygiene; close contacts; and generalised protective behaviour. Results reveal no consistent evidence for or against risk compensation, with findings varying according to behaviour and across study types, and therefore confident conclusions cannot be made. Any policy decisions related to face coverings must consider the inconsistencies and caveats in this evidence base.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Pandemics; Bias; Physical Distancing
PubMed: 38603671
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284629 -
BMJ Global Health Apr 2024Traditionally associated with undernutrition, increasing evidence suggests micronutrient deficiencies can coexist with overnutrition. Therefore, this work aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Traditionally associated with undernutrition, increasing evidence suggests micronutrient deficiencies can coexist with overnutrition. Therefore, this work aimed to systematically review the associations between iron, zinc and vitamin A (VA) status and weight status (both underweight and overweight) in children and young people.
METHODS
Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Scopus and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for observational studies assessing micronutrient status (blood, serum or plasma levels of iron, zinc or VA biomarkers) and weight status (body mass index or other anthropometric measurement) in humans under 25 years of any ethnicity and gender. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist. Where possible, random effects restricted maximum likelihood meta-analyses were performed.
RESULTS
After screening, 83 observational studies involving 190 443 participants from 44 countries were identified, with many studies having reported on more than one micronutrient and/or weight status indicator. Iron was the most investigated micronutrient, with 46, 28 and 27 studies reporting data for iron, zinc and VA status, respectively. Synthesising 16 records of OR from seven eligible studies, overnutrition (overweight and obesity) increased odds of iron deficiency (ID) (OR (95% CI): 1.51 (1.20 to 1.82), p<0.0001, I=40.7%). Odds appeared to be higher for children living with obesity (1.88 (1.33 to 2.43), p<0.0001, I=20.6%) in comparison to those with overweight (1.31 (0.98 to 1.64), p<0.0001, I=40.5%), although between group differences were not significant (p=0.08).
CONCLUSIONS
Overnutrition is associated with increased risk of ID, but not zinc or VA deficiencies, with an inverted U-shaped relationship observed between iron status and bodyweight. Our results highlight significant heterogeneity in the reporting of micronutrient biomarkers and how deficiencies were defined. Inflammation status was rarely adequately accounted for, and the burden of ID may well be under-recognised, particularly in children and young people living with overnutrition.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020221523.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Iron; Vitamin A Deficiency; Zinc; Overweight; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Micronutrients; Overnutrition; Vitamin A; Obesity; Risk Factors; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38599666
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015135 -
Clinical Therapeutics May 2024L-carnitine supplementation has been recommended to improve cardiometabolic health markers in diabetic patients. Our purpose was to assess the dose-dependent effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Weight Loss, Glycemic Control, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Dose-response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
PURPOSE
L-carnitine supplementation has been recommended to improve cardiometabolic health markers in diabetic patients. Our purpose was to assess the dose-dependent effects of l-carnitine supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.
METHODS
PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched until May 2022 for randomized controlled trials that examined the impact of l-carnitine supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with type 2 diabetes. The mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated utilizing a random-effects model. Nonlinear dose-response associations were modeled with restricted cubic splines. The certainty of evidence was rated using the GRADE approach.
FINDINGS
Twenty-one randomized trials with 2041 patients with type 2 diabetes were included. We found that every 1 g/d supplementation with l-carnitine significantly reduced body mass index (MD: -0.37 kg/m, 95% CI: -0.59, -0.15; I =93%, n=13, GRADE=low), HbA (MD: -0.16%, 95% CI: -0.32, -0.01; I = 94%, n = 18, GRADE = moderate), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: -0.11 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.16, -0.05; I = 91%, n = 11, GRADE = high). There were also reductions in serum triglycerides (MD: 0.07 mmol/L), total cholesterol (MD: -0.13 mmol/L), and fasting plasma glucose (MD: -0.17 mmol/L). A U-shaped effect was demonstrated for body mass index, with the largest reduction at 2 g/d. A linear reduction was seen for serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose up to l-carnitine supplementation of 4 g/d.
IMPLICATIONS
L-carnitine supplementation resulted in a small reduction in serum lipids and plasma glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, due to high statistical heterogeneity, the results should be interpreted very cautiously.
Topics: Carnitine; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Glycemic Control; Blood Glucose; Weight Loss; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Cardiovascular Diseases; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Glycated Hemoglobin
PubMed: 38594107
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2024.03.002 -
BMC Public Health Apr 2024Childhood malnutrition in all forms is a major public health issue worldwide. This review systematically examined the prevalence and determinants and identify the...
BACKGROUND
Childhood malnutrition in all forms is a major public health issue worldwide. This review systematically examined the prevalence and determinants and identify the potential interventions and current gap in addressing malnutrition including undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) in Vietnamese children aged 0-18 years old.
METHODS
Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were systematically searched through June 2022 to identify relevant articles published within the past 25 years. Study selection and data extraction were performed by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by the other two reviewers in accordance with PRISMA guideline. Risk of publication bias was assessed using American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist.
RESULTS
Seventy-two studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. Undernutrition has decreased over time but still 22.4%, 5.2% and 12.2% of children under 5 were stunted, wasted and underweight, respectively. Anaemia, iron, zinc, and vitamin D deficiencies were the more common forms of MNDs, the prevalence varied by age, region, and socioeconomic group. Population-based surveys reported that 11% and 48% of children aged 0-11 years old were iron and vitamin D deficient, respectively. Zinc deficiency affected almost one-quarter of the children and adolescents. Retinol deficiency was of less concern (< 20%). However, more evidence on MNDs prevalence is needed. Overweight and obesity is now on the rise, affecting one-third of school-aged children. The key determinants of undernutrition included living in rural areas, children with low birth weight, and poor socio-economic status, whereas living in urban and affluent areas, having an inactive lifestyle and being a boy were associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity. Nutrition specific intervention studies including supplementation and food fortification consistently showed improvements in anthropometric indices and micronutrient biomarkers. National nutrition-sensitive programmes also provided nutritional benefits for children's growth and eating behaviours, but there is a lack of data on childhood obesity.
CONCLUSION
This finding highlights the need for effective double duty actions to simultaneously address different forms of childhood malnutrition in Vietnam. However, evidence on the potential intervention strategies, especially on MNDs and overnutrition are still limited to inform policy decision, thus future research is warranted.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Iron; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Overnutrition; Overweight; Pediatric Obesity; Prevalence; Vietnam; Zinc
PubMed: 38575928
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18419-8 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a geometrical isomer of linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity properties. However,...
The effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation in comparison with omega-6 and omega-9 on lipid profile: a graded, dose-response systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a geometrical isomer of linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity properties. However, the studies reported inconstant results about the CLA-related effects on lipid profiles. As a result, meta-analysis and systematic review were performed to survey the CLA supplementation-related effect on lipid profile including high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). To identify the relevant research, a systematic comprehensive search was initiated on the medical databases such as Scopus and PubMed/Medline until December 2022. The overall effect size was estimated by weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random effect meta-analysis. In the final quantitative analysis, the meta-analysis considered 35 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 1,476 participants (707 controls and 769 cases). The pooled results demonstrated that CLA supplementation, compared with olive oil, significantly increased serum TG levels (WMD: 0.05 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.1; = 0.04; I = 0.0%, = 0.91). With regard to TC level, CLA supplementation compared with placebo significantly reduced TC concentrations (WMD: -0.08 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.14 to -0.02; < 0.001; I = 82.4%). Moreover, the non-linear dose-response analysis indicated a decreasing trend of TC serum level from the 15th week of CLA supplementation compared with olive oil (P = 0.01). The present meta-analysis and systematic review of 35 RCTs showed that the CLA intervention was able to raise the level of TG in comparison to olive oil; however, it can decrease TC level compared with placebo and olive oil.
PubMed: 38567248
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1336889 -
BMC Endocrine Disorders Mar 2024Several interventional studies have evaluated the potential anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)-reduction effect of metformin. However, the results are still contradictory. In... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effect of metformin on anti-mullerian hormone levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomized controlled trials with.
BACKGROUND
Several interventional studies have evaluated the potential anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)-reduction effect of metformin. However, the results are still contradictory. In order to obtain a better viewpoint from them, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of metformin on AMH in the women with with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
METHODS
Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched using standard keywords to identify all controlled trials investigating the AMH levels following metformin administration. Pooled weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were achieved by random-effects model analysis for the best estimation of outcomes.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies with 484 participants' were included in this article. The pooled findings showed that AMH levels in the single arm clinical trials were significantly reduced (pooled WMD of -3.06 ng/ml; 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.03 to -2.10; P < 0.001) after use of metformin. Furthermore, compared to the control group, in randomized clinical trials, a reduced significant effect on AMH levels was observed following use of metformin (pooled WMD of -3.47 ng/ml; 95% CI -7.14 to -0.19; P = 0.047). Furthermore, higher reduction in the AMH levels with a metformin dosage ≤ 1500 mg/day and duration of treatment ≤ 12 weeks when compared to higher dosages and duration of intervention, observed in this meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, results this meta-analysis of clinical trials confirms the beneficial effect of the treatment with metformin in the reduction of the AMH levels in women.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Anti-Mullerian Hormone; Metformin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Peptide Hormones; Regression Analysis
PubMed: 38549135
DOI: 10.1186/s12902-024-01570-z -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2024The prevalence of dementia increases with nearly 10 million new cases each year, with Alzheimer's disease contributing to 60-70% of cases. Environmental factors such as...
The prevalence of dementia increases with nearly 10 million new cases each year, with Alzheimer's disease contributing to 60-70% of cases. Environmental factors such as drinking water have been evaluated to determine if a relationship exists between trace elements in drinking water and the risk of developing cognitive disorders in the elderly. The purpose of the current systematic review was to evaluate an association between the composition of drinking water and cognitive function in the elderly. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a literature search was conducted using PubMed and CINAHL databases. A total of 10 studies were included in the current systematic review. Aluminum is the most commonly evaluated trace element in studies ( = 8), followed by silica ( = 5), calcium ( = 4), and fluoride ( = 4). Aluminum exposure showed an increased risk of cognitive decline in four studies, with no association reported in the other studies. Higher silica and pH levels were shown to be protective against a decline in cognitive function. A similar protective effect of calcium was found in two studies. Future research should measure multiple trace mineral levels in all water sources to evaluate the impact on cognitive function.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Aluminum; Calcium; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Drinking Water; Silicon Dioxide; Trace Elements
PubMed: 38541362
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21030362 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent condition where diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy, affecting both maternal and fetal outcomes. Retinol-binding... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent condition where diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy, affecting both maternal and fetal outcomes. Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a circulating adipokine which belongs to the lipocalin family and acts as a specific carrier protein that delivers retinol (vitamin A) from the liver to the peripheral tissues. Growing data indicate that circulating RBP4 levels may positively correlate with GDM. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the potential relationship between circulating RBP4 levels and GDM when measured at various stages of pregnancy.
METHODS
MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMCARE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies comparing pregnant women with and without GDM, whose circulating RBP4 levels were measured in at least one pregnancy trimester. Findings were reported using standardized mean difference (SMD) and random-effects models were used to account for variability among studies. Furthermore, the risk of bias was assessed using the RoBANS tool.
RESULTS
Out of the 34 studies identified, 32 were included in the meta-analysis (seven with circulating RBP4 levels measured in the first trimester, 19 at 24-28 weeks, and 14 at >28 weeks of pregnancy). RBP4 levels were statistically higher in the GDM group than in controls when measured during all these pregnancy stages, with the noted RBP4 SMD being 0.322 in the first trimester (95% CI: 0.126-0.517; < 0.001; 946 GDM cases vs. 1701 non-GDM controls); 0.628 at 24-28 weeks of gestation (95% CI: 0.290-0.966; < 0.001; 1776 GDM cases vs. 1942 controls); and 0.875 at >28 weeks of gestation (95% CI: 0.252-1.498; = 0.006; 870 GDM cases vs. 1942 non-GDM controls). Significant study heterogeneity was noted for all three pregnancy timepoints.
CONCLUSION
The present findings indicate consistently higher circulating RBP4 levels in GDM cases compared to non-GDM controls, suggesting the potential relevance of RBP4 as a biomarker for GDM. However, the documented substantial study heterogeneity, alongside imprecision in effect estimates, underscores the need for further research and standardization of measurement methods to elucidate whether RBP4 can be utilized in clinical practice as a potential GDM biomarker.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42022340097: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022340097).
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Diabetes, Gestational; Prenatal Care; Biomarkers; Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma
PubMed: 38532976
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1348970 -
Journal of Eating Disorders Mar 2024To synthesise the evidence on the relationships between internalised weight bias (IWB) and biopsychosocial health outcomes in individuals ≤ 25 years. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To synthesise the evidence on the relationships between internalised weight bias (IWB) and biopsychosocial health outcomes in individuals ≤ 25 years.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted by searching five scientific databases up to May 2022 to retrieve studies that investigated associations between IWB and biopsychosocial outcomes. Articles with participants ≤ 25 years, at least one validated measure of IWB, one measure of a biopsychosocial outcome, and were observational were included. Excluded articles involved systematic literature reviews, case study reports, intervention studies, meta-analyses, grey literature, pilot, and feasibility studies. Quality assessment was carried out using the American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO, ID number CRD42022323876.
RESULTS
Two hundred and sixty-six articles were identified. Nineteen were eligible for inclusion, (15 cross-sectional and 4 prospective). The Weight Bias Internalization Scale and the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire were the most used tools to assess IWB with large heterogeneity in tool types used to assess biopsychosocial measures. IWB had positive associations with psychopathology, eating disorder symptomology, higher BMI, being female, and experiences of weight stigma. It was negatively associated with quality of life, body image, physical activity, social ability, self-esteem, and socioeconomic status.
DISCUSSION
IWB associated with adverse biopsychosocial outcomes in children and youth populations. IWB may be more clinically relevant in assessing at-risk children and youth than physical weight due to its psychosocial aspects and ability to expand beyond the scope of BMI. Research would benefit from better assessment tools designed for children and youth that accurately measure IWB. Future research should focus on increased diversity and longitudinal study designs with children and youth-specific populations.
PubMed: 38491402
DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00959-w -
Journal of Preventive Medicine and... Mar 2024While several food assistance programs in the United States tackle food insecurity, a relatively new program, "Food is Medicine," (FIM) initiated in some cities not only...
OBJECTIVES
While several food assistance programs in the United States tackle food insecurity, a relatively new program, "Food is Medicine," (FIM) initiated in some cities not only addresses food insecurity but also targets chronic diseases by customizing the food delivered to its recipients. This review describes federal programs providing food assistance and evaluates the various sub-programs categorized under the FIM initiative.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted from July 7, 2023 to November 9, 2023 using the search term, "Food is Medicine", to identify articles indexed within three major electronic databases, PubMed, Medline, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Eligibility criteria for inclusion were: focus on any aspect of the FIM initiative within the United States, and publication as a peer-reviewed journal article in the English language. A total of 180 articles were retrieved; publications outside the eligibility criteria and duplicates were excluded for a final list of 72 publications. Supporting publications related to food insecurity, governmental and organizational websites related to FIM and other programs discussed in this review were also included.
RESULTS
The FIM program includes medically tailored meals, medically tailored groceries, and produce prescriptions. Data suggest that it has lowered food insecurity, promoted better management of health, improved health outcomes, and has, therefore, lowered healthcare costs.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, this umbrella program is having a positive impact on communities that have been offered and participate in this program. Limitations and challenges that need to be overcome to ensure its success are discussed.
Topics: Humans; United States; Food Supply; Food Insecurity; Meals; Food Assistance
PubMed: 38487843
DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.23.505