Nutrition via MedWorm.com

Nutrition — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:10:15 +0100

(Source: Nutrition)

Lipoic acid attenuates high-fat-diet–induced oxidative stress and B-cell–related immune depression

Nutrition — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:10:15 +0100

Conclusion: These results indicate a role for LA as a possible effective supplement with an HFD to prevent the development of oxidative stress and to attenuate B-cell damnification by increasing the gene expression of the B-cell receptor signaling pathway. (Source: Nutrition)

The role of probiotics in gastrointestinal surgery

Nutrition — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:10:15 +0100

Abstract: The intestinal microbiota, which is a complex and dynamic population of different bacterial species, represents an important contribution to the health of the host. This microbiota plays a key role by promoting the integrity of the epithelial barrier and the development of mucosal immunity. However, under some stressful situations, such as after gastrointestinal surgery, infectious complications may originate from the intestinal microbiota of the patient. This phenomenon is known as the gut origin of sepsis hypothesis. However, the supply of probiotics has beneficial effects under similar conditions despite some controversial results. Therefore, it is important to carefully assess the efficacy of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of complications in surgical patients and...

Nutrition — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:02:40 +0100

(Source: Nutrition)

Severe malnutrition due to systemic lupus erythematosus associated protein losing enteropathy

Nutrition — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:02:39 +0100

We present a young woman who suffered from chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea, developed severe malnutrition, and was eventually diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and associated protein losing enteropathy. (Source: Nutrition)

Identification of microbial metabolites derived from in vitro fecal fermentation of different polyphenolic food sources

Nutrition — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:02:39 +0100

Conclusion: The metabolites identified in vitro likely are generated in the human colon after consumption of polyphenol-rich foods. Their occurrence in plasma and/or urine should be considered when evaluating the bioavailability of polyphenols from specific food groups in humans and in the definition of markers of exposure to specific foods or food groups in epidemiologic studies. However, the search for these and other microbial metabolites after a feeding study in vivo should consider their possible further conjugation at the level of the liver. (Source: Nutrition)

Improved cognitive performance following supplementation with a mixed-grain diet in high school students: A randomized controlled trial

Nutrition — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:02:39 +0100

Conclusions: These results suggest that intake of mixed grains for 9 wk is beneficial for cognitive performance and plasma BDNF levels in high school students. These beneficial effects seem to be related to the prevention of cognitive deterioration in a mental-fatigue test with the mixed-grain diet, rather than cognitive enhancement per se. (Source: Nutrition)

Saturated fat and cardiovascular disease: The discrepancy between the scientific literature and dietary advice

Nutrition — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:02:39 +0100

Conclusions should be a valid representation of the summarized results. The association between saturated fat intake and cardiovascular disease was examined. Results from three reports of leading U.S. and European advisory committees were compared with results as they were presented in the articles referred to. Findings were put into perspective with results not included in these reports. Different lines of evidence were included in the different reports. No overlap whatsoever was found in the articles included. Most results from the scientific literature were lacking for most different lines of evidence in all reports. All three reports included the effect of saturated fat on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the evidence linking saturated fat to cardiovascular disease, but the effec...

Visceral fat and gut inflammation

Nutrition — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:02:39 +0100

Abstract: The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease and, in particular, Crohn’s disease involves a deregulated mucosal immune system under the influence of intestinal flora and environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. A new hypothesis has focused on mesenteric fat hypertrophy and the presence of ectopic fat surrounding inflamed bowel, the so-called creeping fat, which are hallmarks of Crohn’s disease. Mesenteric adipose tissue is currently recognized as an active actor in immunity with a capacity for mediator secretion. These mediators include classic pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines or chemokines and hormone-like adipokines with multiple effects. Mesenteric fat participates in the course of Crohn’s disease and may play an active role in the regulation of in...

Ergogenic dietary aids for the elderly

Nutrition — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Ergogenic dietary aids might be useful adjunctive therapy to enhance the effects of exercise in the elderly, who lose physical function with age. Many such aids have been tested in athletes and untrained younger persons in laboratory and athletic performance settings, with positive results, although not all studies have demonstrated benefit. Some substances have been tested in the elderly, including creatine, caffeine, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, ubiquinone, and carnitine. The published medical evidence for the use of these substances is considered in this review article. All studies have involved a few subjects for a short period. Studies of creatine alone or together with exercise in old persons have yielded mixed results. These studies have confirmed that creatine in older i...

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:03:02 +0100

(Source: Nutrition)

A-FABP (A-fatty-acid binding protein) levels in cachectic patients with advanced head and neck and GIT carcinomas

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:03:02 +0100

Cancer cachexia syndrome is defined as a poor nutrition status in cancer patients developed due complicated interactions between tumorous mass and affected subject. This type of severe malnutrition is reported in 15-40% cancer patients in time of its clinical manifestation, but exact incidence is not known yet. Higher number of cachectic patients is reffered in pancreatic cancer (80%), about 60% patients with advanced lung cancer have severe involuntary weight loss in time of diagnosis. Weight loss leading to severe cachexia is very often detected in head and neck cancer (in 30-50% patients). Strong correlation between weight loss and poor prognosis was identified. Weight loss about 5% and more leads to the shortening of survival and worse outcomes of applied therapeutical modalities. Deta...

Peritoneal dialysis improves early prognosis of renal transplant recipients : Adipocytokines and muscle metabolism

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:03:02 +0100

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is superior to hemodialysis (HD) in stabilizing selected metabolic parameters in plasma and muscular tissue. In addition, some studies have confirmed that renal transplant patients on PD show better early development of kidney function and lower rates of post-transplant complications including cardiovascular ones. (Source: Nutrition)

Treatment of obesity by controlled fasting in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus effect on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:03:02 +0100

The aim was to study the influence of 7 days of total fasting on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in obese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We studied 14 obese patients with T1DM (42.6 ± 9.4 years, BMI 32.4 ± 2.1 kg m−2) and 13 non-obese control patients with T1DM (36.9 ± 13.9 years, BMI 22.6 ± 2.1 kg m−2). Insulin sensitivity was measured in obese T1DM patients before fasting, immediately after 7 days of fasting, as well as 21 days thereafter. The control group was studied only after overnight fasting. Insulin sensitivity was measured using a two-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp lasting 6 hours; period 1: 0 to 120 minutes, 1 mU min−1 kg−1 of insulin; period 2: 120 to 360 minutes, 10 mU min−1 kg−1 of insulin. Glucose oxidation and non-oxidativ...

Cholesterol metabolism in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 - impact of weight reduction (new results)

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:03:02 +0100

A redundant fat mass represents a risk factor for malfunction of cholesterol metabolism with enhanced endogenous synthesis and decreased absorption of cholesterol. Diabetes mellitus type 1 is on the contrary characterized by the reduced endogenous synthesis and increased absorption of cholesterol. The aim of this study was to characterize cholesterol metabolism in obese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and to elucidate the relationship between the reduction of fat tissue, insulin resistance and consequent changes in cholesterol metabolism. (Source: Nutrition)

The strawberry: Composition, nutritional quality, and impact on human health

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:03:02 +0100

Abstract: Strawberries are a common and important fruit in the Mediterranean diet because of their high content of essential nutrients and beneficial phytochemicals, which seem to have relevant biological activity in human health. Among these phytochemicals, anthocyanin and ellagitannins are the major antioxidant compounds. Although individual phytochemical constituents of strawberries have been studied for their biological activities, human intervention studies using whole fruits are still lacking. Here, the nutritional contribution and phytochemical composition of the strawberry are reviewed, as is the role played by the maturity, genotype, and storage effects on this fruit. Specific attention is focused on fruit absorption, metabolism, and the possible beneficial biological activity on ...

Professor Eric Arthur Newsholme, M.A., D.Sc. (Ph.D., Sc.D.Camb.), 1935–2011

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:03:02 +0100

Eric Newsholme died peacefully in hospital from heart failure on 17 March 2011. Although those close to him were well aware of his cardiac problems, his death, nevertheless, left us shocked and saddened. (Source: Nutrition)

Vitamin A deficiency aggravates iron deficiency by upregulating the expression of iron regulatory protein-2

Nutrition — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate that vitamin A is involved in the regulation of IRP2, subsequently affecting iron metabolism gene expressions, such as Fn and TfR. Investigating the mechanistic connection between vitamin A and iron metabolism would be helpful to characterize the importance of this nutrient–nutrient interaction. (Source: Nutrition)

Functional foods: Needs, claims, and benefits

Nutrition — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Medicinal chemistry originates in the extraction of plant-based products based on the recognition that “foods” have healing properties. The best example of this is the derivation of digitalis from foxglove, a flowering plant with known toxicity . A second example is the development of warfarin by Karl Paul Link who isolated and characterized the hemorrhagic factor in spoiled sweet clover hay associated with an epidemic of “bleeding disease” in cattle caused by a deficiency in prothrombin . Other examples of medicines derived from plants are curare (from South America) used as a muscle relaxant and vincaleukoblastine (from Madagascar) from white periwinkle used to treat leukemia. (Source: Nutrition)

Skim milk powder enhances trabecular bone architecture compared with casein or whey in diet-induced obese rats

Nutrition — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The intake of skim milk powder supplemented with calcium enhances trabecular bone architecture in obese rats consuming HFHS diet to a greater extent than with either casein or whey protein alone. Bioactive ingredients in complete dairy may contribute to these effects. (Source: Nutrition)

Influence of dietary blueberry and broccoli on cecal microbiota activity and colon morphology in mdr1a−/− mice, a model of inflammatory bowel diseases

Nutrition — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Dietary blueberries and/or broccoli altered the composition and metabolism of the cecal microbiota and colon morphology. Overall, these results warrant further investigation through clinical studies to establish whether the consumption of blueberries and/or broccoli is able to alter the composition and metabolism of large intestine microbiota and promote colon health in humans. (Source: Nutrition)

Body mass index is directly associated with biomarkers of angiogenesis and inflammation in children and adolescents

Nutrition — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Increasing BMI was associated with plasma levels hs-CRP and VEGF, which are involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The lack of association between BMI and markers of cardiac damage (hs-TnT) or ventricular volume overload (NT-proBNP) suggest that atherosclerotic risk may still at a preclinical stage in this population of obese but otherwise healthy young individuals. Collectively, this suite of biomarkers could provide mechanistic insights into the physiopathologic progression of cardiovascular risk associated with childhood obesity. (Source: Nutrition)

Effects of high-fat diet on plasma lipids, adiposity, and inflammatory markers in ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice

Nutrition — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: OVX C57BL/6 mice fed HF diet had greater adipose fat pad, larger adipocytes, and increased inflammatory markers, reinforcing the idea that a HF diet aggravates the complications of ovariectomy-associated inflammation. (Source: Nutrition)

Hypermethylation of repetitive DNA elements in livers of mice fed an atherogenic diet

Nutrition — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Hypermethylation of repetitive DNA elements in livers of AD-fed mice proposes epigenetic changes by nutritional intervention. (Source: Nutrition)

The level of arabinitol in autistic children after probiotic therapy

Nutrition — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The use of probiotics seems to be helpful in reducing the level of DA and the ratio of DA/LA in the urine of children with autism. (Source: Nutrition)

Usefulness of the Malnutrition Screening Tool in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Nutrition — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Objective: To examine the relation between the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) and the mortality of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).Methods: Fifty-two patients with pulmonary TB were analyzed. Nutritional assessment was carried out using the MST. The MST incorporates three components: presence of weight loss (score 0 or 2), amount of weight lost (score 1–4), and poor food intake or poor appetite (score 0 or 1). A score ≥2 means that the patient is at risk for malnutrition. The Cox proportional hazard model was applied to assess the ability of the MST to predict prognosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the MST score as a prognostic indicator in patients with pulmonary TB. To obtain optimal cutoff values for the MST score for th...

Postnatal administration of 2-oxoglutaric acid improves the intestinal barrier affected by the prenatal action of dexamethasone in pigs

Nutrition — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The 2-oxoglutaric acid administered to piglets while suckling induced a complete recovery from intestinal damage caused by the prenatal action of dexamethasone. (Source: Nutrition)

Caffeoylquinic acid-rich extract from chicory seeds improves glycemia, atherogenic index, and antioxidant status in rats

Nutrition — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The potential efficacy of the CQA-rich extract from chicory seeds in improving diet-induced metabolic disturbances proved to be better than that of rutin; thus, the extract might be considered as a dietary supplement for carrying out clinical trials. (Source: Nutrition)

Adipocyte morphology and leptin signaling in rat offspring from mothers supplemented with flaxseed during lactation

Nutrition — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Maternal flaxseed supplementation decreases offspring adiposity and increases pituitary leptin signaling at weaning, but it induces hypertrophic adipocytes and higher thyroid leptin receptor in adulthood. The present data suggest that extensive use of flaxseed during lactation is undesirable. (Source: Nutrition)

Intermittent fasting up-regulates Fsp27/Cidec gene expression in white adipose tissue

Nutrition — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the transcription of the Fsp27 gene in adipose tissue may be induced in response to nutritional stimuli. Furthermore, PPARγ2, C/EBPα, and insulin may be involved in the nutritional regulation of FSP27. Thus intermittent fasting, despite lower caloric intake, may promote triacylglycerol deposition in WAT by increasing the expression of genes involved in lipid storage, such as Fsp27. (Source: Nutrition)

Effects of dietary glutamine on inflammatory mediator gene expressions in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Nutrition — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Supplemental dietary Gln increased the antioxidant potential and downregulated the expressions of inflammatory mediators. However, Th17 might not be an important involved pathway and the regulatory effect of Gln on Th17 immune response was not obvious in this animal model. (Source: Nutrition)

Use of mean spot urine sodium concentrations to estimate daily sodium intake in patients with chronic kidney disease

Nutrition — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Mean spot UNa is a simple and effective method that can be used to monitor sodium intake in patients with CKD. A daily intake of 2 g of sodium corresponds to a mean spot UNa level of approximately 83 mEq/L in patients with CKD. (Source: Nutrition)

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with coronary artery disease

Nutrition — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Coenzyme Q10 supplements at a dose of 150 mg can decrease oxidative stress and increase antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with CAD. A higher dose of coenzyme Q10 supplements (>150 mg/d) might promote rapid and sustainable antioxidation in patients with CAD. (Source: Nutrition)

D-Lactic acidosis 25 years after bariatric surgery due to Salmonella enteritidis

Nutrition — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: D-lactic acidosis is a rare complication that occurs in patients with short bowel syndrome due to surgical intestine resection for treatment of obesity. The clinical presentation is characterized by neurologic symptoms and high anion gap metabolic acidosis. The incidence of this syndrome is unknown, probably because of misdiagnosis and sometimes symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to other causes. Therapy is based on low carbohydrate diet, sodium bicarbonate intravenous, rehydratation, antiobiotics, and probiotics that only produce L-lactate. In the case we describe, D-lactic acidosis encephalopathy occurred 25 y after bypass jejunoileal, due to Salmonella enteriditis infection. (Source: Nutrition)

Cysteine: The Fun-Ke Nutraceutical

Nutrition — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The “conditionally essential” sulphur-amino acid cysteine plays a critical role in antioxidant defenses and has extensive involvement in many biologic pathways. Lacking in many diets, levels of cysteine and its metabolites decrease dramatically as we age and dietary deficiencies may lead to chronic inflammation, contributing to the development and progression of several diseases caused by the breakdown of antioxidant mechanisms . An important antioxidant is glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, the synthesis of which is primarily regulated by availability of cysteine and activity of the enzyme, glutamate cysteine ligase. Increasing, GSH synthesis may be therapeutic for aging, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, human immunodeficiency viru...

Nutrition — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:40:56 +0100

(Source: Nutrition)

Association between MTHFR C677T genotype and circulating folate levels irrespective of folate intake: Data from the IMMIDIET Project

Nutrition — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:40:56 +0100

To the Editor: Low serum folate and the resultant high plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels are associated with neural tube defects in children, neuropsychiatric conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers . The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism is the most common genetic determinant of increased Hcy levels, particularly in the presence of low circulating levels of folate. The prevalence of the TT genotype usually varies in the range of 8% to 14 % for the majority of white populations; however, in Italian populations, a prevalence of approximately 18% or higher has been observed . The TT genotype also has been associated with plasma or serum folate concentrations . However, studies on dietary folate intake are relatively rare . (Source: Nutrition)

Late onset malnutrition from esophageal and phrenic dysfunction after radiotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma: A case report

Nutrition — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:40:56 +0100

We report the case of a 39-year-old man who presented with a 20-kg weight loss with severe dysphagia and respiratory failure. His medical history was noticeable for Hodgkin's lymphoma that was treated 20 y previously. The physical examination and electroneuromyography indicated vagal and phrenic neuropathies. We concluded that the patient had late-onset esophageal motor disorder and bilateral phrenic paralysis secondary to the radiotherapy received 20 y previously for the lymphoma. The patient's management included long-term nutritional support. Although late-onset vagal and phrenic nerve injuries have been described separately after radiotherapy, we report the first case of paralysis at both sites. Another striking feature of this observation is the subsequent severe malnutrition that acc...

Selenium, iodine, and the relation with Kashin-Beck disease

Nutrition — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:40:56 +0100

Abstract: The etiology and pathogenesis of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) remain uncertain at present. A deficiency of selenium and iodine is considered common in KBD-affected areas. Supplying selenium and iodine for the prevention of KBD has been performed in the past few decades in affected areas in China. Supplying selenium and/or iodine has produced positive http://www.iciba.com/different/effects in most KBD-affected areas, but there are some affected areas where the effects have been unclear and supplementation with selenium and/or iodine has not eliminated this disease. From animal and vitro experiments, we explore whether a deficiency of selenium and/or iodine may be the environmental factor causing KBD. KBD may have multiple etiologies. The role of selenium and iodine in KBD mainly invo...

Long-term nutrition support in gastrointestinal disease—A systematic review of the evidence

Nutrition — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: There is strong evidence to support the use of oral nutrition support in a long-term setting for gastrointestinal patients. It appears that as the timeframe increases, there may be a greater role for the use of individualized dietary advice over oral nutrition supplementation alone. However, more research is needed in this area. (Source: Nutrition)

Re “Nutritional risk factors for development of postpartum prediabetes and diabetes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus” by Kim et al.

Nutrition — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Anything that could usefully contribute to decreases in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the burdens this increasingly common disorder imposes on individuals and on health care costs is of great importance. The identification of modifiable risk factors in this high-risk group of women is, therefore, also of importance . Nutrient intakes mentioned as having been assessed did not include vitamin D, but hypovitaminosis D is increasingly common, in pregnancy as at other times, worldwide and is associated with increased risks of hyperglycemia and other metabolic syndrome disorders, prospectively . Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and retard the progression of hyperglycemia , although adequate randomized controlled trials designed to determine whet...

Sulfur amino acid-free diet results in increased glutamate in human midbrain: A pilot magnetic resonance spectroscopic study

Nutrition — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The data show that magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a non-invasive tool suitable for nutritional assessment and suggest that nutritional imbalance caused by 3 d of SAA-free food more selectively affects the midbrain than the parietal lobes. (Source: Nutrition)

Glyceollin-containing fermented soybeans improve glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice

Nutrition — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Glyceollin-containing FSG improves glucose homeostasis, partly by enhancing hepatic insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic mice. (Source: Nutrition)

Earlier appearance of the ossification center of the femoral head in breast-fed versus formula-fed infants

Nutrition — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Exclusive breast-feeding may be associated to an earlier appearance of FHOC in a population of normal infants compared with formula feeding. (Source: Nutrition)

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:15:48 +0100

(Source: Nutrition)

Transient symptomatic zinc deficiency in a breast-fed infant: Relevance of a genetic study

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:15:48 +0100

Conclusion: Transient symptomatic zinc deficiency is generally reported in premature infants but should also be considered in full-term, breast-fed infants, as in the present case. (Source: Nutrition)

Zinc deficiency

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:15:48 +0100

Zinc is a ubiquitous essential metal and a cofactor for various enzymes including polymerases, carbonic dehydratase, and alkaline phosphatase and is obligatory for protein and DNA synthesis and cellular division. Some proteins incorporate zinc ions to help stabilize their structure (zinc fingers). Zinc deficiency may result in numerous clinical sequelae, including dermatitis, leuconychia, reduced taste and smell, alopecia, growth retardation, impaired brain development and cognitive performance, diarrhea, poor wound healing, infertility, and increased risk of infections. In the case of the latter, zinc is essential for phagocytic and bactericidal activity of macrophages and also cellular and humoral action of lymphocytes . (Source: Nutrition)

Infection, inflammation, and polyunsaturated fatty acids

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:15:48 +0100

Successfully combating infections caused by pathogenic organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) is essential for the survival of the organism. In this endeavor, the humoral and cellular arms of the immune system are amenable to the modulatory influence of internal (e.g., hormones) and external (e.g., temperature, diet) factors. Of all the external factors, dietary components such as protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and total calorie intake have profound effects on the immune response of the organism and its ability to fight infections. Dietary lipid content is one important component that has received particular attention for its influence on the immune response. The essential fatty acids linoleic acid (18:2 ω-6) and α-linolenic acid (18:3 ω-3), which are widely distributed ...

Fried potato chips and French fries—Are they safe to eat?

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:15:48 +0100

The impact of contaminants on food quality and safety throughout the human food chain, from raw to cooked and processed foods, is an area of growing concern. Recently, Palazoglu et al. showed that the acrylamide content of fried potato chips prepared by heating increases dangerously with frying temperature . Acrylamide has several harmful health effects including neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity . It is used in the production of polyacrylamides that are used for clarifying drinking water and that are common to personal care products and can be formed naturally when foods, especially those that are rich in sugars and low in protein, are cooked at high temperatures . Today, humans have chronic contact with acrylamide through eating, e.g.,...

Structural and ultrastructural evidence of neurotoxic effects of fried potato chips on rat postnatal development

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:15:48 +0100

Conclusion: The present study reveals for the first time that rat fetal exposure to ACR, as a pure compound or from a maternal diet of FPC, causes cerebellar cortical defects and myodegeneration of the gastrocnemius muscle during the postnatal development of pups. These results warrant a systematic study of the health effects of the consumption of FPC and French fries in the general population. (Source: Nutrition)

Dietary fatty acid composition and metabolic syndrome in Tehranian adults

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:15:47 +0100

Abstract: Objective: Several studies have shown that dietary and plasma fatty acid (FA) composition can modulate the development of metabolic syndrome, but epidemiologic data are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary FA composition and metabolic syndrome in Tehranian adults.Methods: Dietary FA composition and symptoms of metabolic syndrome were assessed in a population-based cross-sectional study of 822 participants (354 men and 468 women, 18–74 y old) as part of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the guidelines presented by the Adult Treatment Panel III.Results: The means ± standard deviations for dietary FA composition of total fat, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and saturated FA were 30.3 ± 7.5%, 1.43 �...

The optimal diagnostic workup for children with suspected food allergy

Nutrition — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:15:47 +0100

Abstract: Food allergy is defined as an abnormal immunologic reaction to food proteins that causes an adverse clinical reaction. In addition to well-known acute allergic reactions and anaphylaxis triggered by immunoglobulin E antibody–mediated immune responses to food proteins, there is an increasing recognition of cell-mediated disorders such as eosinophilic esophagitis and food protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome. More than 90% of food allergies in childhood are caused by eight foods: cow’s milk, hen’s egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, fish, and shellfish. The diagnostic workup for a child with suspected food allergy includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, food allergy screening tests, and responses to an elimination diet and an oral food challenge. None ...

Oral preoperative antioxidants in pancreatic surgery: A double-blind, randomized, clinical trial

Nutrition — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Perioperative pONS administration positively affected plasma vitamin C levels and improved TEAC shortly after surgery, but did not reduce oxidative stress and systemic inflammation markers. (Source: Nutrition)

Agreement between dietary and lifestyle guidelines for cancer prevention in population samples of Europeans and Mesoamericans

Nutrition — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: A prospectively designed research instrument with exhaustive prior examination of operative criteria allows for the assessment of individual-level concordance or compliance with cancer-prevention guidelines. We postulate that efforts to maintain currently positive practices are the strategic priority in Central America, whereas efforts at behavioral reorientation are needed in Europe to bring the populations into concordance. (Source: Nutrition)

Nutritional status and dietary habits of the population of the Calchaqui Valleys of Tucuman, Argentina

Nutrition — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Despite the low average energy intake, the population under study showed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity and a high risk of cardiovascular disease according to the central adiposity values. These findings could be explained by the introduction of new high-energy foods and a sedentary lifestyle or the possibility that the biological characteristics of these individuals make them more predisposed to a rapid increase in adiposity. (Source: Nutrition)

Food quality, physical activity, and nutritional follow-up as determinant of weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Nutrition — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Despite satisfactory results of EWL, the patients did not properly maintain the lost weight, mainly after 5 y postsurgery. Major factors that influenced this weight gain were poor diet quality, sedentary lifestyle, and lack of nutritional counseling follow-up. (Source: Nutrition)

Malnutrition as an independent predictor of clinical outcome in critically ill children