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Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Jul 2024Quality of life (QOL) is among the most important outcomes for women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and it predicts survival. QOL is negatively impacted by... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
Quality of life (QOL) is among the most important outcomes for women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and it predicts survival. QOL is negatively impacted by cognitive impairment, fatigue, and weight gain. We assessed whether a whole food, plant-based (WFPB) diet-promoting weight loss is feasible and might improve QOL.
METHODS
Women with MBC on stable systemic treatments were randomized 2:1 to 1) WFPB dietary intervention (n = 21) or 2) usual care (n = 11) for 8 weeks. Participants attended weekly education visits and consumed an ad libitum WFPB diet (3 prepared meals/day provided). Patient-reported outcomes and 3-day food records were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. The effects of WFPB diet on changes in outcomes were assessed by analysis of covariance model controlling for baseline.
RESULTS
20 intervention and 10 control participants completed the trial. Intervention participants were highly adherent to the WFPB diet (94.3 % total calories on-plan). Intervention group nutrient intakes changed significantly including dietary fat (35.8 % to 20.4 % percent calories from fat, p < 0.001) and fiber content (12.7 to 30.8 g fiber/1000 kcal, p < 0.001). Perceived cognitive function (FACT-Cog total + 16.1; 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.8-31.7; p = 0.040) and emotional well-being (FACT-B emotional well-being subscale + 2.3; CI = 0.5-4.1; p = 0.016) improved in the WFPB versus the control group. Fatigue, measured by the BFI, improved within the WFPB group for fatigue severity (M = 4.7 ± 2.5[SD] to 3.7 ± 2.3, p = 0.047) and fatigue at its worst (5.8 ± 2.8 to 4.4 ± 2.4, p = 0.011).
CONCLUSIONS
Significant dietary changes in this population are feasible and may improve QOL by improving treatment-related symptoms. Additional study is warranted.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03045289. Registered 7 February 2017.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Adult; Aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; Feasibility Studies; Nutrients; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38553649
DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07284-z -
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition... May 2024To assess the most relevant articles on the impact of iodine supply in at-risk populations, namely infants and young children, pregnant and lactating women. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To assess the most relevant articles on the impact of iodine supply in at-risk populations, namely infants and young children, pregnant and lactating women.
RECENT FINDINGS
The 2022 Iodine Global Network Annual Report confirmed the dramatic decrease of severe iodine deficiency over the last 30 years, thanks to universal iodine iodization. However, mild to moderate deficiency is still present in many countries, where recent data showed a decrease of iodine intake and an impairment of iodine status. Unfortunately, there is yet no validated biomarker to classify the iodine status at the individual level. Available data show that there is no clear evidence to link mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency to adverse health outcomes in pregnant and lactating women as well as in infants and children. The description of a negative impact of maternal iodine excess on neurodevelopment of infants is of concern.
SUMMARY
Optimization of salt iodization (e.g. careful increase in iodine concentration in salt, use by food industry in processed foods) combined with targeted, personalized supplementation under medical supervision if needed (e.g. low intake of iodine rich foods, vegan diet) seems currently preferable to blanket supplementation.
Topics: Infant; Pregnancy; Child; Humans; Female; Child, Preschool; Iodine; Lactation; Nutritional Status; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38547335
DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000001036 -
Nutrients Mar 2024Research suggests a link between deficiencies in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and impulsivity among psychiatric populations. However, this... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Research suggests a link between deficiencies in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and impulsivity among psychiatric populations. However, this association is less evident in non-clinical populations. As omega-3 LCPUFAs are predominantly sourced through fish consumption, non-fish dieters may be more vulnerable to higher impulsivity.
METHODS
This cross-sectional observational study explored the association between lower intakes of omega-3 LCPUFA food sources and higher self-reported measures of impulsivity among healthy adults consuming non-restricted, vegetarian, and vegan diets.
RESULTS
The results from the validated Food Frequency Questionnaire showed significantly lower estimated omega-3 LCPUFA intakes among vegans and vegetarians when compared with people consuming non-restricted diets. Furthermore, although all groups scored within the normal range of impulsivity measures, vegans scored comparatively higher. Vegans also scored significantly higher in impulsivity control relating to attention than those consuming non-restricted diets.
CONCLUSIONS
The significantly lower omega-3 LCPUFA dietary intakes in the vegan diets were associated with higher scores in the second-order attentional aspect of self-reported impulsiveness.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Eating; Fatty Acids; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Vegetarians
PubMed: 38542786
DOI: 10.3390/nu16060875 -
Biomedicines Mar 2024Around 20-30% of Fibromyalgia patients modify their dietary habits after diagnosis, including avoiding certain food groups such as cereals. In this systematic review, we... (Review)
Review
Around 20-30% of Fibromyalgia patients modify their dietary habits after diagnosis, including avoiding certain food groups such as cereals. In this systematic review, we used the PRISMA guidelines to select the main studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of restrictive diets, including elimination and vegetarian diets, in patients with Fibromyalgia. Data on vegetarian/vegan diets are more consistent than data on elimination diets due to higher quality and better results of the published studies. Although the results are favorable in most of the studies, their heterogenicity and the scarce and low quality of the evidence (small number of patients included, often non-randomized and uncontrolled studies and multiple confounding factors and biases) does not allow for a positive recommendation about these restrictive diets in Fibromyalgia patients. Several factors other than food restriction could influence the symptomatic and functional improvements observed after restrictive diets, such as the placebo effect, weight loss that often occurs, coexistence with gastrointestinal diseases and positive effects of unrestricted foods. We must advance more and improve in our knowledge of the effectiveness of restrictive diets and variables related to them before recommending them systematically to all patients with Fibromyalgia. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials with large sample sizes, longer follow-up periods and standardized outcome measures that explore predictors of dietary response are needed to better understand the relationship between Fibromyalgia and nutrition.
PubMed: 38540241
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12030629 -
Current Cardiology Reports Mar 2024Hypertension results in significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures. Fortunately, it is largely preventable and treatable by implementing dietary... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Hypertension results in significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures. Fortunately, it is largely preventable and treatable by implementing dietary interventions, though these remain underutilized. Here, we aim to explore the role of healthy dietary patterns in hypertension management and describe approaches for busy clinicians to address nutrition effectively and efficiently with patients.
RECENT FINDINGS
DASH, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and vegan diets that include minimally processed, plant-based foods as core elements have consistently shown positive effects on hypertension. Recommendations that distill the most healthful components of these diets can significantly impact patient outcomes. Clinicians can harness evidence-based dietary assessment and counseling tools to implement and support behavioral changes, even during brief office visits. Healthful plant-based dietary patterns can often effectively prevent and treat hypertension. Clinicians may help improve patient outcomes by discussing evidence-based nutrition with their patients. Future work to promote infrastructural change that supports incorporating evidence-based nutrition into medical education, clinical care, and society at large can support these efforts.
Topics: Humans; Blood Pressure; Diet; Diet, Plant-Based; Hypertension
PubMed: 38526748
DOI: 10.1007/s11886-023-02008-z -
Current Obesity Reports Jun 2024This study is to examine potential micronutrient deficiencies and any need for supplementation in children following specific diet plans in the first 1000 days of life. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This study is to examine potential micronutrient deficiencies and any need for supplementation in children following specific diet plans in the first 1000 days of life.
RECENT FINDINGS
Optimal nutrition in the first 1000 days of life has a lifelong positive impact on child development. Specific intrauterine and perinatal factors, pathological conditions, and dietary restrictions can represent potential risk factors for micronutrient deficiencies in the first 1000 days of life, which can have negative systemic consequences. Preterm and low-birth-weight infants are intrinsically at risk because of immature body systems. Children affected by cystic fibrosis are prone to malnutrition because of intestinal malabsorption. The risk of micronutrient deficiency can increase in various situations, including but not limited to children following selective dietary regimens (vegetarian and vegan diets and children affected by specific neuropsychiatric conditions) or specific dietary therapies (children affected by food allergies or specific metabolic disorders and children following restricted diet as a part of therapeutic approach, i.e., ketogenic diet for epilepsy). In light of this situation, the micronutrient status in these categories of children should be investigated in order to tailor strategies specific to the individual's metabolic needs, with a particular focus on deficiencies which can impair or delay the physical and cognitive development of children, namely, vitamin B12, vitamin D and folic acid, as well as oligo-elements such as iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and essential fatty acids such as omega-3. Identification of micronutrient deficiency in the first 1000 days of life and timely supplementation proves essential to prevent their long-term consequences.
Topics: Humans; Micronutrients; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Dietary Supplements; Nutritional Status; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child Development
PubMed: 38512555
DOI: 10.1007/s13679-024-00554-3 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) are chronic autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of SLE can vary widely but often include fatigue, pain,...
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) are chronic autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of SLE can vary widely but often include fatigue, pain, photosensitivity, and, in some cases, nephritis. SS is frequently characterized by extreme dry eye and mouth, resulting from damage to moisture-producing glands, and is often present in combination with SLE. While the health benefits of plant-based diets have been well-established with respect to weight and cardiometabolic outcomes, less research is available to support the role of diet in treatment and management of autoimmune disease. This case series presents three women with SLE and SS who adopted a nutrition protocol to reverse symptoms of autoimmune disease. The protocol emphasizes leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and water, and includes predominately raw foods. The three patients reported dramatic improvements in physical symptoms, with nearly all symptoms of SLE and SS resolving after 4 weeks or less of adhering to the protocol. All three patients have remained symptom-free, two of whom have remained symptom-free for 6+ years with no recent medication use. Patients and practitioners should be made aware of the promising possibility of food as medicine in the treatment of SLE and SS. Future research should explore whether dietary changes may be a potential treatment strategy for individuals suffering from severe symptoms and poor quality of life due to SLE and SS.
PubMed: 38505266
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1208074 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria Mar 2024vegan diets are currently an essential topic of discussion because they are recognized as a prototype of a healthy diet but are also associated with deficits in the...
INTRODUCTION
vegan diets are currently an essential topic of discussion because they are recognized as a prototype of a healthy diet but are also associated with deficits in the intake of critical nutrients such as protein. Evaluating the factors that influence the deficit in their intake in vulnerable populations such as university students represents an important topic of interest, considering that this is one of the groups where veganism is most popular. Given this, the present study aimed to determine the degree of protein sufficiency and its associated factors in a sample of Chilean vegan university students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
an exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted on 114 vegan university students who responded to an online survey on academic, attitudinal, clinical, dietary, and sociodemographic variables. Protein intake was calculated, and based on self-reported weight, daily protein adequacy was calculated according to the recommendation of 0.9 g/kg/day. Finally, the association between protein adequacy and previously consulted variables was calculated by determining the odds ratios.
RESULTS
only 53.5 % had adequate daily protein intake, which was associated with the length of time respondents had been vegan (OR, 2.86; 95 % CI, 1.07 to 7.34; p < 0.05), use of supplements (OR, 5.24; 95 % CI, 1.17 to 25.2; p < 0.05), and the frequency with which they ate lunch at home (OR, 87.7; 95 % CI, 24.1 to 304; p = 0.000).
CONCLUSION
there needs to be more protein adequacy in the assessed sample. Protein adequacy is associated with the length of time on the vegan diet, frequency of eating lunch away from home, and use of supplements regularly.
PubMed: 38501809
DOI: 10.20960/nh.04878 -
Journal of Food Science and Technology May 2024"Aquafaba", defined as legume cooking water, has a feature that can be used in various formulations as an egg and milk alternative in vegan products and improves...
UNLABELLED
"Aquafaba", defined as legume cooking water, has a feature that can be used in various formulations as an egg and milk alternative in vegan products and improves functional properties such as foaming, emulsifying and gelling. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the usability of aquafaba in ice cream type frozen desserts containing different fruit purees (strawberry, nectarine and banana) by using its foaming capacity. Rheological properties, microstructure, overrun, melting characteristics, color measurement, dry matter, and sensory properties were investigated in different fruit-based frozen dessert samples. The brix value, density, protein content, foaming capacity (FC) and foaming stability (FS), flow behavior index, consistency coefficient, and overrun of aquafaba were determined as 7.1 ± 0°Bx, 1.022 ± 0.011 g/ml, 1.51 ± 0.41%, 85 ± 0% FC and 81 ± 0.23% FS, between 0.28 and 0.64, between 8.68 and 41.30 Pa·sn, between 116.75 and 395.93%, respectively. The dry matter content of the strawberry, nectarine, and banana-based dessert samples ranged between 17 and 48%, 20-49%, 25-50%, and the first dropping times were determined between 348 and 1538 s, 369-1689 s and 435-1985 s, respectively. As a result, cooking liquid leftover aquafaba can be used as a suitable raw material in the production of an alternative ice cream type frozen dessert for individuals with milk allergy, lactose intolerance or who prefer a vegan diet.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05885-y.
PubMed: 38487276
DOI: 10.1007/s13197-023-05885-y -
Nutrients Mar 2024People are increasingly encouraged to reduce animal food consumption and shift towards plant-based diets; however, the implications for children's health are unclear. In... (Review)
Review
People are increasingly encouraged to reduce animal food consumption and shift towards plant-based diets; however, the implications for children's health are unclear. In this narrative review of research in high-income settings, we summarize evidence on the increasing consumption of plant-based diets in children and update an earlier systematic review regarding their associations with children's health outcomes. The evidence indicates that vegan, but not vegetarian, diets can restrict growth relative to omnivorous children and increase the risk of being stunted and underweight, although the percentage affected is relatively small. Bone mineral content is reduced in vegetarian and, in particular, vegan children, compared to omnivores. Both vegetarian and vegan children who do not use vitamin B12 supplements manifest with B12 deficiency; however, supplementation rectifies this problem. Both vegetarians and vegans have lower concentrations of 25(OH)D if unsupplemented, and lower body iron stores, but usually have normal iron metabolism markers. Both groups are at risk of iodine deficiency, and this might affect thyroid health. Children consuming a vegan diet have a more favorable lipid profile than omnivorous children; however, the results for a vegetarian diet are inconsistent and vary by outcome. Based on the same scientific evidence, national and international dietary recommendations are heterogeneous, with some countries supporting plant-based diets among infants, children, and adolescents, and others discouraging them. We offer a research roadmap, highlighting what is needed to provide adequate evidence to harmonize dietary recommendations for plant-based diets in children. A number of measures should urgently be introduced at international and national levels to improve the safety of their use in children.
Topics: Child; Infant; Adolescent; Animals; Humans; Diet, Plant-Based; Diet; Diet, Vegetarian; Vegetarians; Diet, Vegan; Iron; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 38474851
DOI: 10.3390/nu16050723