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International Journal For Vitamin and... Jun 2024Improving the quality of diet is known as one of the practical ways to reduce cardio-metabolic risk factors (CMRFs). The carbohydrate quality index (CQI) is a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Improving the quality of diet is known as one of the practical ways to reduce cardio-metabolic risk factors (CMRFs). The carbohydrate quality index (CQI) is a relatively new index to evaluate diet quality. It is calculated based on the ratio of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates, dietary fibre intake, glycemic index and the ratio of whole grains to total grains. This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to investigate the association between dietary CQI and CMRFs. In this systematic review, some international databases, including Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to July 2022, were searched according to appropriate keywords. All observational studies with an English full text assessing the association between the dietary CQI and CMRFs were included. Two researchers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of the articles with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random/fixed-effect meta-analysis was used to pool standardized mean difference (SMD) as an effect size. 11 studies with a total of 63962 subjects were found to be eligible and included in the qualitative synthesis; only BMI, WC and metabolic syndrome reached the threshold of 3 reports with the same effect size and thus only 5 were included in the meta-analysis. The main finding of the included studies was that there were inverse associations between CQI and CMRFs, mainly obesity, glucose metabolism indices, and blood pressure. In the five studies included in the random effect meta-analysis, the association between CQI and body mass index (SMD: 0.45, 95%CI: -0.12, 1.01), waist circumference (SMD: -0.09, 95%CI: -0.34, 0.15) and metabolic syndrome (SMD: 0.63, 95%CI: -0.01, 1.28) was not statistically significant. Although the qualitative findings support the positive association of CQI with CMRFs, the evidence is insufficient to conclude robust findings. Further observational and interventional studies are needed to clearly elucidate this association.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Carbohydrates; Glycemic Index; Metabolic Syndrome; Cardiometabolic Risk Factors; Dietary Fiber; Diet; Risk Factors; Body Mass Index; Whole Grains; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 38009678
DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000794 -
Nutrition Reviews Nov 2023Dietary fibers hold potential to influence depressive and anxiety outcomes by modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which is increasingly recognized as an underlying...
CONTEXT
Dietary fibers hold potential to influence depressive and anxiety outcomes by modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which is increasingly recognized as an underlying factor in mental health maintenance.
OBJECTIVE
Evidence for the effects of fibers on depressive and anxiety outcomes remains unclear. To this end, a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis were conducted that included observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
DATA SOURCES
The PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and PsychINFO databases were searched for eligible studies.
DATA EXTRACTION
Study screening and risk-of-bias assessment were conducted by 2 independent reviewers.
DATA ANALYSIS
Meta-analyses via random effects models were performed to examine the (1) association between fiber intake and depressive and anxiety outcomes in observational studies, and (2) effect of fiber intervention on depressive and anxiety outcomes compared with placebo in RCTs. A total of 181 405 participants were included in 23 observational studies. In cross-sectional studies, an inverse association was observed between fiber intake and depressive (Cohen's d effect size [d]: -0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.16, -0.05) and anxiety (d = -0.25; 95%CI, -0.38, -0.12) outcomes. In longitudinal studies, there was an inverse association between fiber intake and depressive outcomes (d = -0.07; 95%CI, -0.11, -0.04). In total, 740 participants were included in 10 RCTs, all of whom used fiber supplements. Of note, only 1 RCT included individuals with a clinical diagnosis of depression. No difference was found between fiber supplementation and placebo for depressive (d = -0.47; 95%CI, -1.26, 0.31) or anxiety (d = -0.30; 95%CI, -0.67, 0.07) outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Although observational data suggest a potential benefit for higher fiber intake for depressive and anxiety outcomes, evidence from current RCTs does not support fiber supplementation for improving depressive or anxiety outcomes. More research, including RCTs in clinical populations and using a broad range of fibers, is needed.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021274898.
PubMed: 38007616
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad143 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Jan 2024Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics (PPS) have been widely used as adjuvant treatments in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in recent years. However, the most... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparative efficacy and tolerability of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic formulations for adult patients with mild-moderate ulcerative colitis in an adjunctive therapy: A network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics (PPS) have been widely used as adjuvant treatments in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in recent years. However, the most effective formulations of PPS have yet to be identified. We thus aimed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of different PPS formulations for mild-moderate UC.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception to June 24, 2023 for double-blind randomized controlled trials. We used a frequentist approach in random-effects models for network meta-analysis and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to evaluate the certainty of evidence.
RESULTS
We analysed data from 20 trials involving 1153 patients. The combinations of specific strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (CLB) (odds ratio (OR), 3.85; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.40-10.60; low certainty) and combinations of specific strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus (CLBS) (OR, 2.20; 95 % CI, 1.47-3.28; low certainty) significantly increased the clinical remission rate in intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) when compared to placebo. Similarly, compared with placebo, the two combinations significantly reduced clinical activity scores (standardized mean difference (SMD), -1.17 (95 % CI, -1.68 to -0.65), low certainty; and SMD, -1.33 (95 % CI, -1.81 to -0.86), low certainty, respectively). Hierarchical cluster analyses showed the two combinations formed clusters with high efficacy (clinical remission in ITT and clinical activity score) and tolerability (withdrawal due to worsening symptoms) within 12 weeks.
CONCLUSION
In this systematic review, we found CLB and CLBS demonstrated a clinical benefit in adjuvant treatments, with a comparable tolerability and safety profile to placebo. Further trials are needed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022344905.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Prebiotics; Synbiotics; Network Meta-Analysis; Remission Induction; Probiotics; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37995508
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.11.010 -
La Clinica Terapeutica 2023The legume tree known as carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and over the centuries its pods had been traditionally used mostly as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The legume tree known as carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and over the centuries its pods had been traditionally used mostly as animal feed. However, it has gained great attention in human nutrition due to the molecular compounds it contains, which could offer many potential health benefits: for example, carob is renowned for its high content of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, in traditional medicine it is credited with the ability to control glucose metabolism and gut microbiome. Modern science has also extensively acknowledged the numerous health advantages deriving from its consumption, including its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Due to its abundant contents of pectin, gums, and polyphenols (such as pinitol), carob has garnered significant attention as a well-researched plant with remarkable therapeutic properties. Notably, carob is extensively used in the production of semi-finished pastry products, particularly in ice cream and other creams (especially as a substitute for cocoa/chocolate): these applications indeed facilitate the exploration of its positive effects on glucose metabolism. Our study aimed at examining the effects of carob extract on intestinal microbiota and glucose metabolism. In this review, we conducted a thorough examination, comprising in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials to appraise the consequences on human health of polyphenols and pectin from different carob species, including recently discovered ones with high polyphenol contents. Our goal was to learn more about the mechanisms through which carob extract can support a balanced gut flora and improve one's glucose metabolism. These results could influence the creation of novel functional foods and dietary supplements, to help with the management and prevention of chronic illnesses like diabetes and obesity.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Polyphenols; Glucose; Fabaceae; Pectins
PubMed: 37994761
DOI: 10.7417/CT.2023.2484 -
Nutrition Reviews Nov 2023Ramadan fasting (RF) is associated with various physiological and metabolic changes among fasting Muslims. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are...
CONTEXT
Ramadan fasting (RF) is associated with various physiological and metabolic changes among fasting Muslims. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are attributable to changes in meal timing or changes in dietary energy and macronutrient intakes. Furthermore, the literature on the associations between RF, meal timing, and energy and macronutrient intakes is inconclusive.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to estimate the effect sizes of RF on energy and macronutrient intakes (carbohydrates, protein, fats, dietary fiber, and water) and determine the effect of different moderators on the examined outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
The Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest Medical, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to January 31, 2022.
DATA EXTRACTION
The studies that assessed energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, and water intakes pre- and post-fasting were extracted.
DATA ANALYSIS
Of the 4776 identified studies, 85 relevant studies (n = 4594 participants aged 9-85 y) were selected. The effect sizes for the studied variables were as follows: energy (number of studies [K] = 80, n = 3343 participants; mean difference [MD]: -142.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -215.19, -69.71), carbohydrates (K = 75, n = 3111; MD: -23.90; 95% CI: -36.42, -11.38), protein (K = 74, n = 3108; MD: -4.21; 95% CI: -7.34, -1.07), fats (K = 73, n = 3058; MD: -2.03; 95% CI: -5.73, 1.67), fiber (K = 16, n = 1198; MD: 0.47; 95% CI: -1.44, 2.39), and water (K = 17, n = 772; MD: -350.80; 95% CI: -618.09, 83.50). Subgroup analyses showed age significantly moderated the 6 dietary outcomes, and physical activity significantly moderated water intake. There were significant reductions in energy, carbohydrate, and protein intakes during RF.
CONCLUSIONS
The change in meal timing rather than quantitative dietary intake may explain various physiological and health effects associated with RF.
PubMed: 37986623
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad141 -
Food Science & Nutrition Nov 2023This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis examined the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following dietary fiber intake. Relevant... (Review)
Review
This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis examined the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following dietary fiber intake. Relevant articles were retrieved from a variety of databases, including Scopus, Embase, and Medline, until March 2023. Spirometry was the most frequently used method for determining the presence of COPD. Based on the search, there were a total of 213,912 participants across five separate studies. Random effects model was used to combine the data and a dose-response analysis was further conducted. Five distinct cohort studies were identified. Based on highest versus lowest analysis, there was an inverse correlation between the intake of total fiber (RR, 0.72; 95%, CI: 0.64-0.80), cereal fiber (RR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.68, 0.86), and fruit fiber (RR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.83). Although this result was not significant for vegetable fiber (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.84-1.07). Dose-response analysis revealed that daily increase of 10 g of total dietary fiber, cereal fiber, or fruit fiber reduced the risk of COPD by 26%, 21%, and 37%, respectively. The ROBINS-E tool classified all cohort studies as having a moderate risk of bias. Total fiber, cereal fiber, and fruit fiber intake were found to have low credibility using the NutriGrade tool. Additionally, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the use of vegetable fiber. Larger, more comprehensive studies are required to confirm these findings.
PubMed: 37970426
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3640 -
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) Feb 2024This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that employed probiotics and symbiotics for treating infantile colic. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that employed probiotics and symbiotics for treating infantile colic.
METHODS
We performed electronic systematic literature searches in Embase, PubMed and Web of Science, to identify articles published between 1950 and April 2023. Only RCT involving infants with infantile colic under 3 months were included. The treatment plan comprised 15 probiotics, which included Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BB-12. The probiotics were administered alone or in combination with a prebiotic, vs. no intervention or a placebo.
RESULTS
Probiotics resulted in an average reduction of 51 min of crying per day (p = 0.001). Further analysis of subgroups showed that the reduction was -39.30 min for vaginal delivery (p = 0.003), -64.66 min for Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (p = 0.03), -40.45 min for other strains (p < 0.00001), -74.28 min for exclusively breastfed infants (p = 0.0003) and -48.04 min for mixed feeding (p < 0.00001).
CONCLUSION
All probiotic strains seem effective in treating infantile colic. Exclusively breastfed infants have demonstrated more significant reduction in crying time. However, the available evidence on the effectiveness of probiotics in formula-fed and caesarean-born infants is limited.
Topics: Infant; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Colic; Breast Feeding; Probiotics; Emotions; Prebiotics; Limosilactobacillus reuteri
PubMed: 37962097
DOI: 10.1111/apa.17036 -
Nutrients Oct 2023Diabetes affects one in eleven adults globally, with rising cases in the past 30 years. Type 1 and type 2 cause blood sugar problems, increasing cardiovascular risks.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Diabetes affects one in eleven adults globally, with rising cases in the past 30 years. Type 1 and type 2 cause blood sugar problems, increasing cardiovascular risks. Dietary control, including chickpeas, is suggested but needs more research. Comprehensive searches were conducted across multiple databases for the randomized controlled trial efficacy of chickpea consumption to lower blood sugar levels to a healthy range, with data extraction and risk of bias assessment performed independently by two researchers. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4, expressing continuous data as mean differences and risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals, and a summary of the findings is provided considering the variations in study characteristics. A total of 118 articles were initially identified from seven databases, primarily from Anglo-American countries, resulting in 12 selected studies after the identification and screening processes. These studies involved 182 participants, focusing on healthy or normoglycemic adults, and assessed the effects of chickpeas compared to various foods such as wheat, potatoes, pasta, sauce, cheese, rice, and corn. A meta-analysis involving a subset of studies demonstrated that chickpeas were more effective in reducing blood glucose iAUC compared to potatoes and wheat. Chickpeas offer the potential for blood sugar control through low starch digestibility, high fiber, protein, and hormonal effects. Although insulin benefits are seen, statistical significance varies, supporting their role in diabetic diets focusing on nutrient-rich foods over processed carbs.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Blood Glucose; Cicer; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Diabetes Mellitus; Insulin
PubMed: 37960209
DOI: 10.3390/nu15214556 -
Cancer Causes & Control : CCC Mar 2024To analyze interventions implemented at the time of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, or among individuals who have previously undergone investigation for CRC, focused... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To analyze interventions implemented at the time of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, or among individuals who have previously undergone investigation for CRC, focused on reducing CRC risk through promotion of lifestyle behavior change. Additionally, this review evaluated to what extent such interventions apply behavior change techniques (BCTs) to achieve their objectives.
METHODS
Five databases were systematically searched to identify randomized control trials seeking to reduce CRC risk through behavior change. Outcomes were changes in health-related lifestyle behaviors associated with CRC risk, including changes in dietary habits, body mass index, smoking behaviors, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random effects models. BCT's were coded from a published taxonomy of 93 techniques.
RESULTS
Ten RCT's met the inclusion criteria. Greater increase in fruit/vegetable consumption in the intervention group were observed with respect to the control (SMD 0.13, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.18; p < 0.001). Across fiber, alcohol, fat, red meat, and multivitamin consumption, and smoking behaviors, similar positive outcomes were observed (SMD 0.09-0.57 for all, p < 0.01). However, among physical activity and body mass index, no difference between the intervention groups compared with controls were observed. A median of 7.5 BCTs were applied across included interventions.
CONCLUSION
While magnitude of the observed effect sizes varied, they correspond to potentially important changes in lifestyle behaviors when considered on a population scale. Future interventions should identify avenues to maximize long-term engagement to promote sustained lifestyle behavior change.
Topics: Humans; Early Detection of Cancer; Life Style; Health Behavior; Fruit; Colorectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37925646
DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01773-0 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jan 2024Dietary approaches are recommended for the management of chronic constipation. Until now, there has been no systematic review and meta-analysis on foods, drinks and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Dietary approaches are recommended for the management of chronic constipation. Until now, there has been no systematic review and meta-analysis on foods, drinks and diets in constipation.
AIMS
To investigate the effect of foods, drinks and diets on response to treatment, stool output, gut transit time, symptoms, quality of life, adverse events and compliance in adults with chronic constipation via a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Studies were identified using electronic databases (12th July 2023). Intervention trials (randomised controlled trials [RCTs], non-randomised, uncontrolled) were included. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane 2.0 (RCTs) or JBI Critical Appraisal (uncontrolled trials). Data from RCTs only were synthesised using risk ratios (RRs), mean differences (MDs), standardised mean differences (95% CI) using random-effects.
RESULTS
We included 23 studies (17 RCTs, 6 uncontrolled; 1714 participants): kiwifruit (n = 7), high-mineral water (n = 4), prunes (n = 2), rye bread (n = 2), mango, fig, cereal, oat bran, yoghurt, water supplementation, prune juice, high-fibre diet, no-fibre diet (n = 1). Fruits resulted in higher stool frequency than psyllium (MD: +0.36 bowel movements [BM]/week, [0.25-0.48], n = 232), kiwifruits in particular (MD: +0.36 BM/week, [0.24-0.48], n = 192); there was no difference for prunes compared with psyllium. Rye bread resulted in higher stool frequency than white bread (MD: +0.43 BM/week, [0.03-0.83], n = 48). High-mineral water resulted in higher response to treatment than low-mineral water (RR: 1.47, [1.20-1.81], n = 539).
CONCLUSIONS
Fruits and rye bread may improve certain constipation-related outcomes. There is a scarcity of evidence on foods, drinks and diets in constipation and further RCTs are needed.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Psyllium; Constipation; Dietary Fiber; Diet; Mineral Waters
PubMed: 37905980
DOI: 10.1111/apt.17782