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Nutrients Oct 2017A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the status and intake of iron, vitamin A, iodine, folate and zinc in women of reproductive age (WRA) (≥15-49 years) and... (Review)
Review
Micronutrient Status and Dietary Intake of Iron, Vitamin A, Iodine, Folate and Zinc in Women of Reproductive Age and Pregnant Women in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa: A Systematic Review of Data from 2005 to 2015.
A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the status and intake of iron, vitamin A, iodine, folate and zinc in women of reproductive age (WRA) (≥15-49 years) and pregnant women (PW) in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. National and subnational data published between 2005 and 2015 were searched via Medline, Scopus and national public health websites. Per micronutrient, relevant data were pooled into an average prevalence of deficiency, weighted by sample size (WAVG). Inadequate intakes were estimated from mean (SD) intakes. This review included 65 surveys and studies from Ethiopia (21), Kenya (11), Nigeria (21) and South Africa (12). In WRA, WAVG prevalence of anaemia ranged from 18-51%, iron deficiency 9-18%, and iron deficiency anaemia at 10%. In PW, the prevalence was higher, and ranged from 32-62%, 19-61%, and 9-47%, respectively. In WRA, prevalence of vitamin A, iodine, zinc and folate deficiencies ranged from 4-22%, 22-55%, 34% and 46%, while in PW these ranged from 21-48%, 87%, 46-76% and 3-12% respectively. Inadequate intakes of these micronutrients are high and corresponded with the prevalence figures. Our findings indicate that nationally representative data are needed to guide the development of nutrition interventions and public health programs, such as dietary diversification, micronutrient fortification and supplementation.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Ethiopia; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Iodine; Iron, Dietary; Kenya; Maternal Age; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Nutritional Status; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Reproduction; Reproductive Health; South Africa; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Young Adult; Zinc
PubMed: 28981457
DOI: 10.3390/nu9101096 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2022To clarify the associations of dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake with depression based on a meta-analysis of observational studies.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the associations of dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake with depression based on a meta-analysis of observational studies.
METHODS
An extensive literature search on February 2022 (PubMed, Web of Science and Embase) was employed to identify observational studies on the associations of dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake with depression. The pooled relative risk (RR) of depression for the highest vs. lowest dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake category, and the standard mean difference (SMD) of dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake for depression vs. control subjects, were calculated.
RESULTS
A total of 25 observational studies (100,955 participants), which included 24 cross-sectional/case-control and 1 prospective cohort study, were included in this study. The overall multi-variable adjusted RR demonstrated that dietary vitamin A intake was inversely associated with depression ( = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.70-1.00; = 0.05). In addition, the combined SMD showed that the dietary vitamin A intake in depression was also lower than that in control subjects (SMD = -0.13, 95%CI: -0.18 to -0.07; < 0.001). On the other hand, the overall multi-variable adjusted RR indicated that dietary beta-carotene intake was negatively associated with depression ( = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.55-0.72; < 0.001). The combined SMD showed that the dietary beta-carotene intake in depression was also lower than that in control subjects (SMD = -0.34, 95%CI: -0.48 to -0.20; < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that both dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake is inversely associated with depression. However, due to the limited evidence, further prospective cohort studies are still needed.
PubMed: 35548582
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.881139 -
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers &... Feb 2014Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of gynecological cancer death. There is a need to identify modifiable dietary risk factors for this disease. To evaluate the role of... (Review)
Review
Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of gynecological cancer death. There is a need to identify modifiable dietary risk factors for this disease. To evaluate the role of diet in ovarian cancer risk, we performed a PRISMA-directed systematic review that included prospective cohort studies with >200 cases (n = 24). Higher risk for ovarian cancer was shown for total, animal, and dairy fat (five of nine studies), as well as total nitrate and possibly total vitamin C. No associations were demonstrated for red meat, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, β-carotene, or folate. Vegetables were associated with lower risk in one of three studies; fruit showed no association, although risk estimates were all greater than 1.0. Isoflavones and flavonoids were associated with modestly lower risk in two studies and tea intake was associated with lower risk in one of two studies. This review suggests that no specific dietary factors are consistently associated with ovarian cancer risk. Data by tumor subtypes are limited, but suggest that differential associations by tumor subtype may exist and should be evaluated. Studies of ample sample size, varied exposure, which can better control for dietary measurement error, are needed to fully define dietary recommendations for ovarian cancer prevention.
Topics: Diet; Dietary Fats; Female; Fruit; Humans; Ovarian Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Vegetables
PubMed: 24142805
DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-13-0515 -
Nutrients Aug 2021Micronutrient deficiencies are a worldwide public health concern. Emerging evidence supports the ability of probiotics to enhance micronutrient status, which could aid... (Review)
Review
Micronutrient deficiencies are a worldwide public health concern. Emerging evidence supports the ability of probiotics to enhance micronutrient status, which could aid in the prevention of non-communicable disease-associated malnutrition. This systematic review evaluated evidence of the efficacy of probiotic supplementation to improve micronutrient status in healthy subjects. The authors searched for published English language peer-reviewed journal articles in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases from inception to July 2020 using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool (RoB)2 and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool (ROBINS-I tool). Fourteen original studies out of 2790 met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that, despite varying degrees of efficacy, the intake of certain probiotics in healthy subjects was associated with a positive impact on the status of certain micronutrients (vitamin B12, calcium, folate, iron and zinc). A limitation was that studies were widely heterogeneous in terms of participant age, probiotic strain, species, dosage, intervention duration, and form of administration. Additional clinical trials are warranted to determine the most effective strains of probiotics, doses and durations of interventions.
Topics: Bacteria; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Minerals; Nutritional Status; Probiotics; Trace Elements; Vitamins
PubMed: 34578878
DOI: 10.3390/nu13093001 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023Bisphenols such as bisphenol A (BPA), S (BPS), C (BPC), F (BPF), AF (BPAF), tetrabromobisphenol, nonylphenol, and octylphenol are plasticizers used worldwide to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Bisphenols such as bisphenol A (BPA), S (BPS), C (BPC), F (BPF), AF (BPAF), tetrabromobisphenol, nonylphenol, and octylphenol are plasticizers used worldwide to manufacture daily-use articles. Exposure to these compounds is related to many pathologies of public health importance, such as infertility. Using a protector compound against the reproductive toxicological effects of bisphenols is of scientific interest. Melatonin and vitamins have been tested, but the results are not conclusive. To this end, this systematic review and meta-analysis compared the response of reproductive variables to melatonin and vitamin administration as protectors against damage caused by bisphenols. We search for controlled studies of male rats exposed to bisphenols to induce alterations in reproduction, with at least one intervention group receiving melatonin or vitamins (B, C, or E). Also, molecular docking simulations were performed between the androgen (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER), melatonin, and vitamins. About 1234 records were initially found; finally, 13 studies were qualified for review and meta-analysis. Melatonin plus bisphenol improves sperm concentration and viability of sperm and increases testosterone serum levels compared with control groups; however, groups receiving vitamins plus bisphenols had lower sperm concentration, total testis weight, and testosterone serum levels than the control. In the docking analysis, vitamin E had the highest negative MolDock score, representing the best binding affinity with AR and ER, compared with other vitamins and melatonin in the docking. Our findings suggest that vitamins could act as an endocrine disruptor, and melatonin is most effective in protecting against the toxic effects of bisphenols.
Topics: Male; Rats; Animals; Melatonin; Vitamins; Molecular Docking Simulation; Semen; Benzhydryl Compounds; Reproduction; Receptors, Estrogen; Vitamin A; Vitamin K; Testosterone; Endocrine Disruptors
PubMed: 37834378
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914930 -
Birth Defects Research Oct 2022Congenital anomalies affect over 2% of pregnancies, with congenital heart disease (CHD) the most common. Understanding of causal factors is limited. Micronutrients are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Congenital anomalies affect over 2% of pregnancies, with congenital heart disease (CHD) the most common. Understanding of causal factors is limited. Micronutrients are essential trace elements with key roles in growth and development. We aimed to investigate whether maternal micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of fetal CHD through systematic review of published literature.
METHOD
We performed a systematic review registered at PROSPERO as CRD42021276699. Ovid-MEDLINE, Ovid-EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until September 7, 2021. Case control trials were included with a population of biological mothers of fetuses with and without CHD. The exposure was maternal micronutrient level measured in pregnancy or the postpartum period. Data extraction was performed by one author and checked by a second. Risk of bias assessment was performed according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidance. We performed a narrative synthesis for analysis.
RESULTS
726 articles were identified of which 8 met our inclusion criteria. Final analysis incorporated data from 2,427 pregnancies, 1,199 of which were complicated by fetal CHD assessing 8 maternal micronutrients: vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin A, zinc, copper, selenium, and ferritin. Studies were heterogenous with limited sample sizes and differing methods and timing of maternal micronutrient sampling. Definitions of deficiency varied and differed from published literature. Published results were contradictory.
CONCLUSION
There is not enough evidence to confidently conclude if maternal micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of fetal CHD. Further large-scale prospective study is required to answer this question.
Topics: Copper; Female; Ferritins; Folic Acid; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Malnutrition; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Micronutrients; Observational Studies as Topic; Pregnancy; Selenium; Trace Elements; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Zinc
PubMed: 35979646
DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2072 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2022Vitamin A plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the normal function of organs and systems. Premature infants have low levels of vitamin A, which...
BACKGROUND
Vitamin A plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the normal function of organs and systems. Premature infants have low levels of vitamin A, which may be associated with an increased risk of developing disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin A supplementation on short-term morbidity and mortality in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants.
METHODS
We used PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science to conduct a literature search of studies published before January 1, 2022, to be included in our meta-analysis. The analysis included randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of vitamin A supplementation on VLBW infants (birth weight <1,500 g) and controls given a placebo or no treatment. The certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines.
RESULTS
Twelve randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis, and 2,111 infants were pooled and analyzed. The overall risk of bias was not serious in the included studies. Vitamin A supplementation for reducing the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age seems to be limited [risk ratio (RR):0.85; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.70-1.04; 8 studies, 1,595 infants, very-low-certainty evidence], which is different from the previous systematic review. Length of hospital stay (mean difference: -12.67, 95% CI: -23.55 to -1.79; 6 studies, 739 infants, low-certainty evidence), and the incidence of vitamin A deficiency at 28 days postnatal age (RR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02-0.38; 3 studies, 358 infants, low-certainty evidence) were reduced in the vitamin A group. Besides, vitamin A supplementation seems to reduce the incidence of periventricular leukomalacia (RR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.47-0.97; 4 studies, 1,224 infants, low-certainty evidence) and retinopathy of prematurity of any grade (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.48-0.76; 4 studies, 463 infants, moderate-certainty evidence).
CONCLUSIONS
There is no sufficient evidence regarding vitamin A supplementation preventing BPD in VLBW infants. Vitamin A supplementation can reduce the incidence of vitamin A deficiency and retinopathy of prematurity of any grade, and may exert an effect of preventing periventricular leukomalacia.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42020211070.
PubMed: 35463913
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.788409 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Mar 2021A neuroblastoma (NB) is a solid paediatric tumour arising from undifferentiated neuronal cells. Despite the recent advances in disease management and treatment, it... (Review)
Review
A neuroblastoma (NB) is a solid paediatric tumour arising from undifferentiated neuronal cells. Despite the recent advances in disease management and treatment, it remains one of the leading causes of childhood cancer deaths, thereby necessitating the development of new therapeutic agents and regimens. Retinoic acid (RA), a vitamin A derivative, is a promising agent that can induce differentiation in NB cells. Its isoform, 13-cis RA or isotretinoin, is used in NB therapy; however, its effectiveness is limited to treating a minimal residual disease as maintenance therapy. As such, research focuses on RA derivatives that might increase the anti-NB action or explores the potential synergy between RA and other classes of drugs, such as cellular processes mediators, epigenetic modifiers, and immune modulators. This review summarises the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical data of RA, its derivatives, and synergising compounds, thereby establishing the most promising RA derivatives and combinations of RA for further investigation.
PubMed: 33809565
DOI: 10.3390/jpm11030211 -
International Journal of Epidemiology Apr 2010The current strategy utilized by WHO/United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to reach the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy 2010 measles reduction goal includes... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The current strategy utilized by WHO/United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to reach the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy 2010 measles reduction goal includes increasing coverage of measles vaccine, vitamin A treatment and supplementation in addition to offering two doses of vaccine to all children.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental (QE) studies in order to determine effect estimates of measles vaccine and vitamin A treatment for the Lives Saved Tool (LiST). We utilized a standardized abstraction and grading format in order to determine effect estimates for measles mortality employing the standard Child Health Epidemiology Research Group Rules for Evidence Review.
RESULTS
We identified three measles vaccine RCTs and two QE studies with data on prevention of measles disease. A meta-analysis of these studies found that vaccination was 85% [95% confidence interval (CI) 83-87] effective in preventing measles disease, which will be used as a proxy for measles mortality in LiST for countries vaccinating before one year of age. The literature also suggests that a conservative 95% effect estimate is reasonable to employ when vaccinating at 1 year or later and 98% for two doses of vaccine based on serology reviews. We included six high-quality RCTs in the meta-analysis of vitamin A treatment of measles which found no significant reduction in measles morality. However, when stratifying by vitamin A treatment dose, at least two doses were found to reduce measles mortality by 62% (95% CI 19-82).
CONCLUSION
Measles vaccine and vitamin A treatment are effective interventions to prevent measles mortality in children.
Topics: Age Factors; Child, Preschool; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; Female; Humans; Immunization Schedule; Infant; Male; Measles; Measles Vaccine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency
PubMed: 20348126
DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyq021