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The Total Dietary Antioxidant Capacity, Its Seasonal Variability, and Dietary Sources in Cardiovascular Patients
The favourable role of dietary antioxidants in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and protection from them is widely discussed, and total dietary antioxidant capacity (TAOX) is perceived as a diet-quality marker. Data concerning TAOX and its dietary sources related to seasonal variability are limited. We aimed to analyse the TAOXs, seasonal variability, and sources in the daily diets of CVD patients. A total of 143 subjects (82 men, 61 women) since CVD problems were studied. Seasonal recalls were collected regarding dietary sources of antioxidant compounds in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. A food frequency questionnaire was used. The total dietary antioxidant capacity (in μmolTE/day) was calculated for each season. The primary sources of antioxidants in cardiovascular patients’ diets were drinks (33%), fruits (28%), vegetables (16%), and black tea (14%). The TAOXs of CVD patients’ diets significantly depended on the season (p < 0.001) and were highest in the summer and lowest in the spring. This seasonal variation in consumption was noted. Our findings suggest that a diet characterised with a TAOX might be subjected to fluctuations between seasons. We suggest considering modifications in the dietary recommendations for cardiovascular patients with a low antioxidant capacity between seasons.
The Relationship between Mortality from Cardiovascular Diseases and Total Drinking Water Hardness: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Background: Interest in water chemical activity, its content, and its impact on human health has greatly increased throughout the last decade. Some studies suggest that drinking water with high hardness may have preventative effects on cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the association between drinking water hardness and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Methods: The study selection process was designed to find the association between drinking water hardness and CVDs mortality. The search included both qualitative and quantitative research and was performed in three databases: Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics, Ann Arbor, MI, USA), PubMed (National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MA, USA), and Scopus (Elsevier, RELX Group plc, London, UK). The project was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number: CRD42020213102. Results: Seventeen studies out of a total of twenty-five studies qualitatively analyzed indicated a significant relation between total water hardness and protection from CVD mortality. The quantitative analysis concluded that high drinking water hardness has a significantly lowering effect on mortality from CVDs, however, the heterogeneity was high. Conclusions: This systematic literature review shows that total water hardness could affect CVD prevention and mortality. Due to the many confounding factors in the studies, more research is needed.
Exploring galactagogue use among breastfeeding women: Insights from an observational study
Breastfeeding is the optimal form of infant nutrition and remains a critical topic of discussion. In the case of lactation problems, women can be assisted by plant galactagogues designed to induce, sustain, and increase lactation. Reports on the popularity, awareness and knowledge of galactagogues are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the use of galactagogues in the diet among breastfeeding women. The online survey was conducted using anonymized questionnaires, with results collected in the Spring of 2021. Fifty-two women aged 20 to 50 who fed naturally participated in the study, with 69% of respondents being familiar with galactagogues and 42% having used them. The most often indicated herbs were fennel (68%) and anise (45%). Galactagogues were used as ready-to-use herbal lactation mixes (73%). Women found them effective in stimulating lactation (82%) and purchased them in pharmacies (64%) or herbal stores (36%). Respondents were encouraged to use galactagogues by media (32%) and family and friends (45%). Women reported that greater knowledge (57%) would be essential to effectively encourage galactagogues. Breastfeeding women were positive about using plant-based galactagogues and considered them effective. A critical barrier identified by those not using galactagogues was their need for knowledge. The information campaign for pregnant women should include galactagogues as lactation-stimulating herbs.
Rare Earth Elements Accumulation in the Hair of Malagasy Children and Adolescents in Relation to Their Age and Nutritional Status
Due to undesired influence, the accumulation of rare earth elements (REE) in the human body has been discussed recently. However, it is usually limited to the study of the population living where REE ores and mines are located. The aim of the experiment presented was to analyse the concentration of REE in the hair of children and teenagers living in two areas of Madagascar in relation to the place of residence, nutritional status, age and sex. REE concentration was determined in scalp hair of 262 of subjects (5–19 years old) by an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. The content of total REE in the Malagasy hair was in the range of 0.79–44.15 mg/kg. The nutritional status was evaluated by Cole’s index, and malnutrition of children was observed more often in village areas. The concentration of these elements was also determined in 20 samples for the estimation of environmental exposure. No significant differences were detected in the content of these elements in the studied regions, although the mean value was always higher in soil samples from the Antananariva region. The obtained data suggest dependence between REE concentration in the hair and age, and nutritional status of the examined subjects. Even if the observed correlations are weak, they contribute significant knowledge on the accumulation of REE in the bodies of children living in areas that are not recognised as deposits of these elements.
Effects of daily probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus on calcium status, bone metabolism biomarkers, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a controlled and randomized clinical study
BackgroundMenopause poses significant health risks for women, particularly an increased vulnerability to fractures associated with osteoporosis. Dietary interventions have emerged as promising strategies, focusing on mitigating the risk of osteoporosis rather than solely addressing the established disease. This 12-week randomized controlled trial aimed to analyze the effects of consuming Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics on calcium levels, biomarkers of bone metabolism, and bone mineral density (BMD) profiles in postmenopausal women.MethodsFifty-five participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo (n = 25) or the probiotic L. acidophilus UALa-01™ (n = 30) daily via oral intervention. Throughout the study, evaluations included body composition, blood biochemical parameters, serum calcium levels, and biomarkers of bone metabolism. Additionally, Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD profiles.ResultsThe findings delineated that the probiotic group experienced a decrease in serum calcium levels compared to their initial levels. However, hair calcium levels and biomarkers related to bone metabolism showed no notable changes within this group. Consumption of probiotic L. acidophilus also seemed to prevent fluctuations in bone turnover markers. Moreover, there were no significant alterations in BMD levels at the lumbar spine, left femur, and total body in the probiotic group. Additionally, probiotic intake led to favorable outcomes by significantly reducing both body fat and visceral fat during the intervention period. Conversely, an adverse effect of consuming probiotic L. acidophilus was observed with a significant increase in glucose concentration.ConclusionIn conclusion, the consumption of L. acidophilus probiotics daily for 12 weeks among postmenopausal women does not affect the profile of BMD, but it may help in stabilizing bone turnover. It is important to note that most measured parameters were within the normal range for this population. However, it is worth noting that 3 months of probiotic supplementation could potentially disrupt calcium and glucose status in postmenopausal women.
A Preliminary Study Investigating the Effects of Elevated Antioxidant Capacity of Daily Snacks on the Body’s Antioxidant Defences in Patients with CVD
The antioxidant potential of foods plays a vital role in counteracting oxidative stress and its consequences in the body. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are the primary line of defence against cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glutathione is considered to be the most vital antioxidant for the body because its changes during oxidative stress increase the risk of CVD. The dietary antioxidant capacity supporting the glutathione defence system is not known. Therefore, we analysed the glutathione defence-related markers changes in the serum of CVD patients under the dietary supplementation of increased antioxidant capacity snacks. Patients were split into groups according to inclusion criteria and dietary intervention (DI) design. The serum concentration of GPx and GST (glutathione-S-transferase) was measured before and after the 6-week DI. During the DI, CVD and control (CON) subjects increased the total diet antioxidant capacity by 48% and 21%, respectively. It resulted in a significantly decreased GST (from 3.71 to 2.54 U/g Hb, p < 0.05) and an increased GPx (from 33.90 to 38.3 U/L). The results in the CON group did not reveal significant changes in GST and GPx. This study demonstrated that an increased antioxidant capacity might be associated with improving glutathione-related defence. However, the conclusion is not substantial due to the small sample used in this study.
Lipid ratios and obesity indices are effective predictors of metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Metabolic syndrome (MS) involves IR, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and visceral fat accumulation. Therefore, fatness indices and blood lipid ratios can be considered as screening markers for MS. Our study aimed to evaluate the predictive potential of selected indirect metabolic risk parameters to identify MS in PCOS. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 596 women aged 18–40 years, including 404 PCOS patients diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria and 192 eumenorrheic controls (CON). Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken, and blood samples were collected to assess glucose metabolism, lipid parameters, and selected hormone levels. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and triglycerides-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) were calculated. MS was assessed using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI) criteria. Results: MS prevalence was significantly higher in PCOS versus CON. Patients with both MS and PCOS had more unfavorable anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic profiles versus those with neither MS nor PCOS and versus CON with MS. LAP, TG/HDL-C, VAI, and WHtR were the best markers and strongest indicators of MS in PCOS, and their cut-off values could be useful for early MS detection. MS risk in PCOS increased with elevated levels of these markers and was the highest when TG/HDL-C was used. Conclusions: LAP, TG/HDL-C, VAI, and WHtR are representative markers for MS assessment in PCOS. Their predictive power makes them excellent screening tools for internists and enables acquiring accurate diagnoses using fewer MS markers.
Diet quality and its association with lifestyle and dietary behaviors among rroatian students during two COVID-19 lockdowns
The present study aims to assess the diet quality, the relationship between diet quality and lifestyle, and the association of diet quality with body mass index and students’ field of study during COVID-19 lockdown periods (spring and winter) in 2020. Datasets were collected via an anonymous online self-reported questionnaire distributed during two time periods using social media. A total of 1939 Croatian students (82.4% women and 17.6% men) completed the questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed using the pro-healthy diet index (pHDI) and non-healthy diet index (nHDI). An increase in diet quality was noted during both lockdown periods but was lower during the winter lockdown. Cooking for oneself was associated with a high level of pHDI, while ordering or buying ready-to-eat food was linked to a low level of pHDI. Additionally, a decrease in screen time and increased physical activity was associated with high pHDI values. Furthermore, during both lockdown periods, students with a BMI above 30 kg/m2 had the highest nHDI values compared to other students. Although positive changes were found during both lockdown periods, they were less pronounced throughout the winter lockdown. Further studies are needed to elucidate the real impact of these changes in the post-COVID period.
Food Supplements and Their Use in Elderly Subjects—Challenges and Risks in Selected Health Issues: A Narrative Review
The European population is ageing. Food Supplements (FSs) are foods with particular characteristics, consumed by elderly people for various purposes, including combating nutritional deficits. Their consumption in this age group, associated with a high prevalence of polypharmacy, can enhance interactions. Potential drug-food (or food supplements), drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy are common health issues among older adults. The prevalence of polypharmacy is high, and preliminary data also indicate that there is significant FS use, increasing the risk of the duplication of therapies and various adverse reactions as well as drug–FS and FS-FS interactions. Therefore, the intervention of health professionals in mitigating these risks is essential. This review highlights and discusses the association between FSs, polypharmacy, and adverse reactions due to the risk of potential interactions between these products. Moreover, it also provides current scientific evidence regarding the use of FSs by the elderly. A review of the challenges, advantages, and risks of using FSs in elderly people who are malnourished and/or polymedicated, focusing on the good practises needed to support healthy ageing, is presented. In this regard, this paper aims to help health professionals better deal with the issue of the use of multiple FSs and polypharmacy, overcome the malnutrition problem, and improve the health and well-being of older adults.
Changes in Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Markers, and Lipid Profile After a 6-Week High-Antioxidant-Capacity Dietary Intervention in CVD Patients
Background/Objectives: Increased dietary antioxidant capacity is a good means of lowering oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk. Established antioxidant capacity doses should be tested using dietary intervention. Methods: We analysed the influence of a high-antioxidant-capacity diet on oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory and lipid profile in CVD (cardiovascular disease) subjects with initially low (LowA) and high (HighA) antioxidant capacity markers. It was an experimental study with a 6-week dietary intervention (DI). Forty-eight CVD patients completed the DI. Blood and urine samples were collected, and anthropometric measurements were taken. Dietary data were collected using a multi-day food record method. α-tocopherol, β-carotene, and retinol were chosen as antioxidant capacity markers; F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoP), oxidised low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL), and uric acid (UA) were used as OS markers; and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive proteins (hs-CRP) were used as inflammatory markers. Total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides (TCHOL, LDL, HDL, TRI) as lipid profiles were analysed. Two groups of subjects with LowA and HighA profiles were identified. Results: The total dietary antioxidant capacity intake during DI was increased by 56%. In the total sample, the DI increased β-carotene, retinol, and UA, and decreased IL-6 oxLDL. The LowA group exhibited increased β-carotene, α-tocopherol, retinol, and decreased IL-6. The HighA group exhibited increased β-carotene and decreased IL-6, F2-IsoP, oxLDL, and oxLDL/LDL ratio. In the HighA group, compared to the LowA group, greater decreases in α-tocopherol and F2-IsoP were found. In both groups, inflammatory markers (IL-6) decreased, and β-carotene increased. Conclusions: The DI results depended on the antioxidant capacity profile at baseline; nevertheless, the established DI including selected antioxidative snacks significantly decrease oxidative stress and improve antioxidant capacity. Further research on diet natural antioxidant supplementation needs to be continued.
Exploring the Lifestyle and Dietary Patterns of Food Supplement and Non-Food Supplement Users: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Portuguese Population
Background: The increasing use of food supplements (FSs) and the knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals (HPs) and non-healthcare professionals (nHPs) in Portugal regarding their influence on dietary patterns and health need investigating. This study aimed to explore FS users’ lifestyle and dietary patterns, identifying differences and how professional background influences these patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1122 Portuguese adults aged 35 ± 14.0 yrs (between 18 and 85), via snowball sampling, collecting data on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, FS use, and health attitudes. Cluster analysis (k-means) revealed four patterns: (1) professional supplement users with a healthy diet (PSHD), (2) professional non-supplement users with a less healthy diet (PnSLHD), (3) non-professional supplement users with a healthy diet (nPSHD), and (4) non-professional non-supplement users with a less healthy diet (nPnSLHD). Logistic regression assessed associations with lifestyle traits. Results: Significant sociodemographic differences existed between HPs and nHPs. Higher nutritional knowledge and nutritionist recommendations were strongly associated with a healthier diet and FS use (PSHD, nPSHD). Smoking was associated with less healthy patterns (PnSLHD, nPnSLHD). Among nHPs, males were significantly more likely to belong to the nPSHD group (OR: 1.61) compared to females (OR: 0.61). Distinct dietary and lifestyle patterns among Portuguese FS users and non-users vary by background. Conclusions: The findings suggest that FS users often maintain healthier lifestyles, indicating that FSs typically supplement rather than compensate for poor habits.
Blautia spp. in gut microbiome, its relation to dietary choices and nutritional status of patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Food Supplements and Elderly People – Challenges and Risks
Polypharmacy and malnutrition are common health issues among older adults. In older people, there is a high prevalence of polypharmacy and malnutrition, and preliminary data also indicates that there is a significant of Food Supplements (FS) use, increasing the risk of duplication of thera-pies and several adverse reactions and drug-FS and FS-FS interactions. The intervention of health professionals in mitigating these risks is essential. This review not only underscores and discusses the potential association between polypharmacy, malnutrition, and food supplements but also presents current scientific evidence on polypharmacy, malnutrition, and the use of food supplements by the elderly. The work reviews the challenges, advantages and risks of using FS for the elderly who are polymedicated and/or malnourished, focusing on the good practices needed to support healthy ageing. In this regard, the paper intends to help health professionals better deal with the issue of polypharmacy and the use of multiple FS to overcome the malnutrition problem and improve the health and well-being of older adults.
Characterization of Tocochromanols in Wild Hypericum perforatum Populations in Latvia
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is an ornamental and medical plant, distributed worldwide, which is rich in diverse secondary metabolites. The discovery of the presence of tocotrienols (rare prenyllipids) in H. perforatum marks a new chapter demanding a deeper understanding of the accumulation of these lipophilic biomolecules. Three wild St. John’s wort populations were harvested in Latvia at three different locations from 2022 to 2024 and separated into stems, leaves, flower buds, and flowers. Plant samples were freeze-dried, ground, saponified, and analyzed for tocochromanol profiles using RP-LC-FLD and confirmed by an LC-MS system. Eight tocochromanols, four tocopherols (Ts), and four tocotrienols (T3s), were identified and confirmed in H. perforatum. Leaves were dominated by α-T (82%), and flower buds and flowers by δ-T3 (44%); thus, the lowest concentrations of tocotrienols were recorded in leaves and the highest in flower buds. The other tocotrienols were present as follows: α-T3 > γ-T3 > β-T3. The location of H. perforatum, the year of harvest, the aerial part of the plant, and their interactions all significantly influenced the content of tocochromanols (p < 0.05). The present study demonstrates relevant discoveries regarding the accumulation of tocotrienols in various St. John’s wort organs and their variability.
The Significance of Plant-Based Foods and Intense Physical Activity on the Metabolic Health of Women with PCOS: A Priori Dietary-Lifestyle Patterns Approach
The study aimed to analyse dietary-lifestyle patterns (DLPs) and their relation with visceral obesity and other metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. A total of 140 women were diagnosed with PCOS. The KomPAN® and The ShortIPAQ questionnaires analysed the food frequency intake, health habits, economic situation, and physical activity. The dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured the visceral and total adipose tissue. The analysis distinguished three DLPs: western (WDLP), prudent (PDLP) and active (ADLP). The WDLP was characterised by high visceral fat, increased intake of animal foods, sweets and sweetened beverages, white grains, junk and fried foods, and low plant foods. High intakes of plant foods and dairy, high daily meal frequency, and intense exercise characterised PDLP. ADLP was characterised by high visceral fat, intake of plant products, intense exercise, and low intake of junk and fried food. Women with LDL > 135 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP, and with triglycerides >150 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP [OR 7.73 (CI95% 1.79; 33.2), p < 0.05] and [3.70 (1.03; 13.27); p < 0,05]. In conclusion, plant-based foods related to PDLP and intense physical activity offer a significantly higher chance of improving metabolic health in women with PCOS.
Key Factors Driving Portuguese Individuals to Use Food Supplements—Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study
Data on food supplement (FS) consumption profiles are scarce. This study aims to characterise FS consumption among Portuguese adults and identify personal, social, professional, and health-related factors influencing FS use. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire between July and September 2023. The participants were categorised into healthcare professionals (supplement users and non-users, i.e., HPS and HPnS) and non-healthcare professionals (supplement users and non-users, i.e., nHPS and nHPnS). Group distributions were compared using the χ2 test. FS use is very prevalent in Portugal. Significant differences emerged between HPs and nHPs regarding factors associated with FS use. Socioeconomic and professional characteristics, nutritional knowledge, and healthy lifestyles (e.g., eating habits) were all linked to FS consumption. Despite the differences between the groups, across groups, higher education levels, higher nutritional knowledge, and healthier lifestyle habits, such as engaging in sports and healthy food habits, translate into a higher consumption of FSs. The frequent use of FSs in Portuguese adults is associated with higher education, nutritional knowledge, and healthy lifestyles. HPs have specific attitudes through FS use. These findings indicate the need for further research to explore the various types of FSs being utilised and the underlying motivations behind their usage. HPs’ access to FS scientific information and providing practical guidance to promote responsible and informed FS use within the population is crucial.
Dietary-Lifestyle Patterns Associated with Bone Turnover Markers, and Bone Mineral Density in Adult Male Distance Amateur Runners—A Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Excessive mileage can be detrimental to bone mineral density among long-distance runners. The negative effects of mileage could be alleviated by appropriate nutrition. The purpose of this study was to analyse the dietary-lifestyle patterns in relation to bone mineral density and bone turnover markers among amateur marathoners. Methods: A total of 53 amateur male distance runners were divided into two clusters by k-means cluster analysis. Bone mineral density was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Blood was drawn to analyse bone resorption marker C-terminal telopeptide (cTX) and bone formation marker amino-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP). Food frequency intake and lifestyle information were measured by multicomponent questionnaire KomPAN®. Yearly average mileage per month was taken from each participant. Results: There were two distinguished clusters: Less-healthy-more-active-low-Z-score (LessHA) (n = 33) and More-healthy-less-active-high-Z-score (MoreHLA) (n = 20). LessHA had a lower frequency intake of pro-healthy food groups, a lower number of meals during a typical day, and a higher mileage training than the group of athletes who followed the MoreHLA. Athletes following the LessHA pattern also had a lower Z-score in the lumbar spine and femoral bone and a lower PINP. Conclusion: The current study suggests that pro-healthy dietary patterns and lower mileage may favour higher bone mineral density in male amateur marathoners.
Processing-Dependent Releasing of Iron from Plant Ferritin in Cereal-Based Foods Designed for Iron Delivery in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Fortified soybean sprouts have been proposed as a source of ferritin-iron in food for the treatment of anemia in inflammatory bowel disease. Eight products with the addition of the sprouts have been designed, and iron speciation was studied in them by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (total iron content) and spectrophotometry (ionic forms). Non-ionic iron content, considered ferritin-iron content, was calculated as the difference between total and inorganic iron content. The production of crispbread disrupted ferritin and caused the release of ferritin-iron. A loss of ~3% of ferritin-iron was noted in rice wafers containing a coarse fraction of sprouts, and 0–10% in instant products (‘kisiel’, ‘budyn’, and groats). Lost ferritin-iron was converted mostly into ferrous iron, except for crispbread, in which Fe(III) constituted ~30%. The designed products are valuable sources of iron, with a high content of plant ferritin.
Wykorzystanie żywności funkcjonalnej w żywieniu i dietetyce
Background. Functional food is of interest to scientists and potential consumers because of its healthpromoting effects and bioactive content. This paper attempts to analyze the group of products in question considering its use, composition and potential impact on human health. The use of food in dietetics and human nutrition was discussed, considering its importance in global health challenges, especially in an era of increasing health awareness and changing eating habits. The latest scientific literature and the authors' experience were used. Results and conclusions. Scientific research confirms the positive impact of functional food and its bioactive components on human health and the prevention of diet-related diseases. The aforementioned group of products is used to prevent and support the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes and metabolic disorders. The review also highlights the need for further popularization of food products in society. Despite its growing popularity, functional food remains an issue that has not been recognized or practically exploited to the fullest extent among potential consumers and nutrition and dietetics professionals. Given the multiplicity and diversity of available sources, the types and usefulness of functional food were analyzed. The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the group of functional food, its basic classification categories in terms of product composition and its role in both preventive health care and dietary therapy of diet-related diseases.
