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Purpose: There have been no reports on the application of salivary iodine concentration (SIC) in evaluating iodine nutrition in pregnant women. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between SIC and indicators of iodine nutritional status and thyroid function during pregnancy, to investigate whether salivary iodine can be applied to the evaluation of iodine nutritional status in pregnant women, and to provide a reference basis for establishing a normal range of salivary iodine values during pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant women were enrolled in the Department of Obstetrics, the people's hospital of Yuncheng Country, Shandong Province, from July 2021 to December 2022, using random cluster sampling. Saliva, urine, and blood samples were collected from pregnant women to assess iodine nutritional status, and venous blood was collected to determine thyroid function. Results: A total of 609 pregnant women were included in this study. The median spot urinary iodine concentration (SUIC) was 261 μg/L. The median SIC was 297 μg/L. SIC was positively correlated with SUIC (r = 0.46, P < 0.0001), 24-h UIC (r = 0.30, P < 0.0001), 24-h urinary iodine excretion (24-h UIE) (r = 0.41, P < 0.0001), and estimated iodine intake (EII) (r = 0.52, P < 0.0001). After adjusting for confounders, there was a weak correlation between SIC and serum total iodine and serum non-protein-bound iodine (P = 0.02, P = 0.04, respectively). Pregnant women with a SIC < 176 μg/L had a higher risk of insufficient iodine status (OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.35–3.19) and thyroid dysfunction (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.18–6.21) compared to those with higher SIC. Those having SIC > 529 μg/L were more likely to have excessive iodine status (OR = 2.82, 95% CI 1.81–4.38) and thyroid dysfunction (OR = 3.04, 95% CI 1.36–6.78) than those with lower SIC values. Conclusion: SIC is associated with urinary iodine concentration and thyroid function in pregnant women. SIC < 176 μg/L was associated with an increased risk for iodine deficiency and hypothyroxinemia, while SIC > 529 μg/L was related to excess and thyrotoxicosis. SIC can be used as a reference indicator for evaluating the iodine nutrition status of pregnant women, but it needs further investigation and verification. Trial registration: NCT04492657(Aug 9, 2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Investigate the association between choline and betaine intake and all-cause mortality in a large Swedish cohort. Methods: Women (52,246) and men (50,485) attending the Västerbotten Intervention Programme 1990–2016 were included. Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for energy intake, age, BMI, smoking, education, and physical activity were used to estimate mortality risk according to betaine, total choline, phosphatidylcholine, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine, sphingomyelin, and free choline intakes [continuous (per 50 mg increase) and in quintiles]. Results: During a median follow-up of 16 years, 3088 and 4214 deaths were registered in women and men, respectively. Total choline intake was not associated with all-cause mortality in women (HR 1.01; 95% CI 0.97, 1.06; P = 0.61) or men (HR 1.01; 95% CI 0.98, 1.04; P = 0.54). Betaine intake was associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality in women (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.91, 0.98; P < 0.01) but not in men. Intake of free choline was negatively associated with risk of all-cause mortality in women (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.96, 1.00; P = 0.01). No other associations were found between intake of the different choline compounds and all-cause mortality. In women aged ≥ 55 years, phosphatidylcholine intake was positively associated with all-cause mortality. In men with higher folate intake, total choline intake was positively associated with all-cause mortality. Conclusion: Overall, our results do not support that intake of total choline is associated with all-cause mortality. However, some associations were modified by age and with higher folate intake dependent on sex. Higher intake of betaine was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite longstanding voluntary salt iodisation in Switzerland, data suggest inadequate iodine intake in vulnerable population groups. In response, the salt iodine concentration was increased from 20 to 25 mg/kg and we assessed the impact on iodine status. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional national study in school-age children (n = 731), women of reproductive age (n = 353) and pregnant women (n = 363). We measured urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and urinary sodium concentration (UNaC) in spot urine samples. The current median UIC was compared with national data from 1999, 2004 and 2009. We measured TSH, total T4 and thyroglobulin (Tg) on dried blood spot samples collected in women. Results: The median UIC (bootstrapped 95% CI) was 137 µg/L (131, 143 µg/L) in school children, 88 µg/L (72, 103 µg/L) in women of reproductive age and 140 µg/L (124, 159 µg/L) in pregnant women. Compared to 2009, the median UIC increased modestly in school children (P < 0.001), but did not significantly change in pregnant women (P = 0.417). Estimated sodium intake exceeded the recommendations in all population groups. The prevalence of thyroid disorders in women was low, but Tg was elevated in 13% of the pregnant women. Conclusion: Iodine intake is overall adequate in Swiss school-age children, but only borderline sufficient in pregnant and non-pregnant women, despite high salt intakes and satisfactory household coverage with iodized salt. Our findings suggest increasing the concentration of iodine in salt may not improve iodine intakes in women if iodised salt is not widely used in processed foods. Registration: This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02312466. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Increased awareness of the importance of dietary fibre has led to increased interest in 'functional' fibre components like digestion-resistant maltodextrin (RMD). This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study assessed the effects of RMD in the colonic transit time (CTT) and defecation characteristics (frequency, stool volume and consistency). Methods: Sixty-six healthy adult volunteers (32 men) who did not have a daily defecation habit had a 7-day run-in period before the 21-day intervention period with RMD or placebo. CTT and segmental CTT (SCTT) were assessed by a single abdominal X-ray film taken at the end of both periods after radiopaque marker ingestion. Defecation characteristics and intestinal functions were also assessed, which were self-reported by patients. Intragroup comparisons were evaluated by Student's paired t test, Bonferroni test and Chi-square test, while time comparisons by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and time-by-treatment interaction by repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Fifty-seven subjects were assessed for CTT (placebo, n = 28; RMD, n = 29). In the RMD group, the total CTT, left SCTT and rectosigmoidal SCTT decreased significantly compared to baseline ( p < 0.01 each; −13.3, −4.7, −8.7 h, respectively). Significant differences between groups were observed in total CTT and left SCTT. Significant time-by-treatment interaction was observed in the RMD group for stool volume ( p = 0.014), increasing 56 % compared to baseline ( p < 0.01), while remained unchanged in the placebo group. Stool consistency was improved only in the RMD group ( p < 0.01). No adverse effects related to study products were observed. Conclusions: The results show that RMD improved CTT, stool volume, stool consistency and some intestinal functions in a healthy population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: ω3 and ω6 fatty acids (FA) may have divergent effects on the development of obesity. We examined the association of baseline erythrocyte ω3 and ω6 FA composition with body weight change and the risk of becoming overweight or obese in the Women's Health Study (WHS) participants. Methods: We identified 534 women who had baseline erythrocyte FA measured and a baseline body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-<25 kg/m. Body weight was updated at a total of six time points during follow-up. Results: Weight gain during a mean of 10.4-year follow-up increased with increasing quartiles of baseline erythrocyte cis ω6 FA, ω6/ω3 ratio, and trans FA while decreased with increasing cis ω3 FA. After multivariable adjustment including total energy intake and physical activity, the weight gain (kg) in the highest versus the lowest quartile was 3.08 versus 2.32 for erythrocyte cis ω6 FA ( p 0.04), 2.07 versus 2.92 for cis ω3 FA ( p 0.08), 2.93 versus 2.05 for ω6/ω3 ratio ( p 0.046), and 3.03 versus 2.27 for trans FA ( p 0.06). Among individual FA, the associations were significant for 18:2ω6, 18:3ω6, and trans 18:1 and marginally significant for 20:3ω6 and trans 18:2. The risk of becoming overweight or obese (defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m at any follow-up time point) increased across increasing ω6/ω3 ratio (multivariable model p 0.04). Conclusions: In this prospective study, we found suggestive evidence that erythrocyte cis ω6 FA may be positively associated, and cis ω3 FA inversely associated with weight gain in initially normal-weight women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have linked major dietary nutrient patterns to chronic diseases. Despite the growing evidence of associations between dietary patterns and obesity, we are aware of no study that examined the association between patterns of nutrient intake and obesity. Objective: To identify major nutrient patterns in Iranian adults and investigate their association with general and abdominal obesity. Methods: In this cross-sectional study that was conducted under the framework of the Study on the Epidemiology of Psychological Alimentary Health and Nutrition (SEPAHAN), dietary data were collected using a validated dish-based 106-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire in 8691 subjects aged 18-55 years. Complete data of 6724 and 5203 adults were available for general and abdominal obesity, respectively. Data on anthropometric measures were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. General obesity was defined as body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m, and abdominal obesity as waist circumference > 102 cm for men and >88 cm for women. Daily intakes of 38 nutrients and bioactive compounds were calculated for each participant. Factor analysis, followed by a varimax rotation, was applied to derive major nutrient patterns. Results: Three major nutrient patterns were identified: (1) The first pattern was high in fatty acids (including saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids), cholesterol, vitamin B, vitamin E, zinc, choline, protein, pyridoxine, phosphorus and pantothenic acid; (2) the second pattern was high in thiamine, betaine, starch, folate, iron, selenium, niacin, calcium, and manganese; and (3) the third pattern was high in glucose, fructose, sucrose, vitamin C, potassium, total dietary fiber, copper and vitamin K. Men in the highest quintile of the second pattern were less likely to be generally obese in the fully adjusted model [odds ratio (OR) 0.39, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.20-0.76]. After adjustment for potential confounders, a significant positive association was observed between the third pattern and general obesity among men (OR 1.77, 95 % CI 1.04-3.04), but not women (OR 1.18, 95 % CI 0.74-1.88). No overall association was seen between patterns of nutrient intake and abdominal obesity in both genders. Conclusion: Major nutrient patterns were significantly associated with general, but not abdominal obesity among male participants of the SEPAHAN study. Further studies in other populations, along with future prospective studies, are required to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Obesity is a global epidemic affecting around 10 % of 5- to 17-year olds. With the causes for obesity being multifactorial, a better understanding of the influencing factors is essential for effective treatment and prevention programs. The aim of this study was therefore to identify specific risk factors for overweight and obesity in children in Switzerland. Methods: A nationally representative sample of children aged 6-12 years was recruited ( n = 2724). Height and weight were measured to calculate BMI (kg/m). In addition, a questionnaire was distributed to all children asking about their physical activity, media consumption, and dietary habits as well as some parental factors. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in boys was 11.8 and 7.5 %, respectively, and in girls, it was 11.9 and 5.7 %. In univariate analyses, a number of parental, dietary, and activity factors were shown to be associated with BMI category. Based on a multinomial logistic regression, parent nationality and media consumption were the most important factors predicting obesity in boys, while in girls it was parental education, nationality, and physical activity. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that parental nationality and education play an important role in the development of childhood obesity, together with media consumption and physical activity. However, risk factors are also different according to child gender. Thus, an important target group for the treatment and prevention of childhood obesity in Switzerland are immigrant families, and the problem needs to be tackled differently in boys and girls as their risk factors are not the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic, heterogeneous, multifactorial disease, which has sharply increased in prevalence in both developed and developing countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of obesity and to identify socio-demographic risk factors associated with it, with special emphasis on diet. Methods: Nutritional status, demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and food consumption patterns derived from a Food Frequency Questionnaire were investigated. Exhaustive exploratory analyses were performed in order to describe dietary patterns, and logistic regression models were used for odds ratio estimation. Results: The study included 4328 subjects, over 18 years old and resident in Cordoba city. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 34 and 17 %, respectively, with 60 % in men and 45 % in women of BMI ≥ 25. Obesity risk factors were high intake of sodium, refined grains, starchy vegetables, and snacks. A lower risk of overweight and obesity was associated with an adequate, moderate intake of meats, eggs, alcoholic beverages, sugar and sweets, milk, yogurt, and pulses. Conclusions: A high intake of snacks, refined grains, starchy vegetables and sodium and low intake of yogurt, milk, pulses, and whole grains seem to be associated with the emergence and high prevalence of obesity in Cordoba, Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare dietary intake in 1-year-old infants and their parents between families with high and low obesity risk, and to explore associations between infant dietary intake and relative weight. Methods: Baseline analyses of 1-year-old infants ( n = 193) and their parents participating in a longitudinal obesity intervention (Early STOPP) were carried out. Dietary intake and diet quality indicators were compared between high- and low-risk families, where obesity risk was based on parental weight status. The odds for high diet quality in relation to parental diet quality were determined. Associations between measured infant relative weight and dietary intake were examined adjusting for obesity risk, socio-demographics, and infant feeding. Results: Infant dietary intake did not differ between high- and low-risk families. The parents in high-risk families consumed soft drinks, French fries, and low-fat spread more frequently, and fish and fruits less frequently ( p < 0.05) compared to parents in low-risk families. Paternal intake of vegetables and fish increased the odds for children being consumers of vegetables (OR 1.7; 95 % CI 1.0-2.9) and fish, respectively (OR 2.5; 95 % CI 1.4-4.4). Infant relative weight was weakly associated with a high intake of milk cereal drink ( r = 0.15; p < 0.05), but not with any other aspect of dietary intake, obesity risk, or early feeding patterns. Conclusions: At the age of one, dietary intake in infants is not associated with family obesity risk, nor with parental obesogenic food intake. Milk cereal drink consumption but no other infant dietary marker reflects relative weight at this young age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Selenium is an essential trace mineral and a component of selenoproteins that are involved in the production of thyroid hormones and in regulating the immune response. We aimed to explore the effect of low-dose selenium supplementation on thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) concentration and thyroid function in pregnant women from a mild-to-moderate iodine-deficient population. Methods: Samples and data were from a secondary analysis of Selenium in PRegnancy INTervention (SPRINT), a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study that recruited 230 women with singleton pregnancies from a UK antenatal clinic at 12 weeks of gestation. Women were randomized to receive 60 µg/day selenium or placebo until delivery. Serum thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) were measured at 12, 20 and 35 weeks and thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab) at 12 weeks. Results: 93.5 % of participants completed the study. Se supplementation had no more effect than placebo in decreasing TPO-Ab concentration or the prevalence of TPO-Ab positivity during the course of pregnancy. In women who were either TPO-Ab or Tg-Ab negative at baseline (Thy-Ab), TSH increased and FT4 decreased significantly throughout gestation ( P < 0.001), with no difference between treatment groups. In women who were Thy-Ab at baseline, TSH tended to decrease and was lower than placebo at 35 weeks ( P = 0.050). FT4 fell more on Se than placebo supplementation and was significantly lower at 35 weeks ( P = 0.029). Conclusions: Low-dose selenium supplementation in pregnant women with mild-to-moderate deficiency had no effect on TPO-Ab concentration, but tended to change thyroid function in Thy-Ab women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To propose an index for assessing adherence to a Middle Eastern version of the Mediterranean diet as represented by the Traditional Lebanese Mediterranean diet (LMD), to evaluate the association between the LMD and selected European Mediterranean diets (EMD), and to examine socio-demographic and lifestyle correlates of adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) among Lebanese adults. Methods: Using nationally representative dietary intake data of Lebanese adults, an index to measure Adherence to the LMD was derived. The choice of foods/food groups used for calculating the LMD score was based on results of previous factor analyses conducted on the same dataset. These foods/food groups included fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, burghol, dairy products, starchy vegetables, dried fruits and eggs. Using Pearson's correlation and scores tertiles distributions agreement, the derived LMD index was compared to previously published EMD indexes from Greece, Spain, Italy, France and EPIC/Europe. Results: Fruits, vegetables and olive oil were common denominators to most MD scores. Food groups, specific to the LMD, included burghol, dried fruits, and eggs. The LMD score significantly correlated with the EMD scores, while being closest to the Italian ( r = 0.56) and farthest from the French ( r = 0.21). Percent agreement between scores' tertile distributions and Kappa statistics confirmed these findings. Multivariate linear regressions showed that older age and higher educational levels were associated with increased adherence to all MDs studied. Conclusion: A novel LMD index was proposed to assess adherence to a Middle Eastern version of MD, complementing international efforts to characterize the MD and its association with disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to establish the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism in determining obesity or undernutrition in a child population in Romania. Methods: We assessed 293 consecutively hospitalized patients in a tertiary emergency pediatric hospital. The patients were divided, according to body mass index (BMI), into three groups: group I, the control group consisting of 126 children, group II patients with undernutrition (85 patients) and group III patients with obesity (82 patients). ACE I/D polymorphisms were performed in all three patient groups, as well as the measuring of anthropometric parameters [middle upper arm circumference (MUAC), tricipital skinfold thickness (TST)]. All patients also underwent paraclinical evaluations (protein and albumin). The cutoffs criteria for moderate undernutrition were: BMI between −2.0 SD and −3.0 SD, severe undernutrition: BMI <−3.0 SD, moderate obesity: BMI between +2.0 SD and +3.0 SD and severe obesity: BMI >+3.0 SD. Results: We observed that DD genotype (64.7 %) was prevalent in the moderate undernutrition group, while ID (35.3 %) and II genotypes were higher in the subgroup of severe undernutrition, with significant correlations in DD and ID genotype groups between BMI and MUAC, protein and albumin ( p < 0.0001). In the obese group, we observed significant correlations in DD genotype, between BMI and MUAC ( p = 0.0014) and TST, and for II genotype, between BMI and TST ( p = 0.0071). II genotype was associated with severe obesity, while D allele carriers were associated with moderate undernutrition and moderate obesity. Conclusion: BMI, MUAC, TST and serum protein levels are correlated with D allele carriers of ACE genes in children with moderate undernutrition and moderate obesity, whereas II genotype is an unfavorable prognostic factor corresponding to severe obesity and severe undernutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether daily consumption of coffee and tea was associated with components and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Polish arm of the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe cohort study. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based survey including 8,821 adults (51.4 % female) was conducted in Krakow, Poland. Coffee and tea consumption was evaluated using food frequency questionnaires. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. Linear and logistic regression models were performed to estimate odds ratios and confidence intervals. Results: Among high coffee and tea consumers (3 or more cups/day), high prevalence of female gender, young age, medium-high educational and occupational level, high total energy intake, and smoking habit were found. High coffee drinkers had lower BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and higher HDL cholesterol than those drinking less than 1 cup/day. In contrast, high tea consumers had lower BMI, waist circumference, but not diastolic blood pressure, which was higher than low drinkers. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, both higher coffee and tea consumption were negatively associated with MetS (OR 0.75, 95 % CI 0.66, 0.86 and OR 0.79, 95 % CI 0.67, 0.92, respectively). Among specific components of MetS, high coffee consumption was negatively associated with waist circumference, hypertension, and triglycerides, whereas tea consumption with central obesity and fasting plasma glucose in women, but not in men. Conclusions: Coffee and tea consumption was negatively associated with MetS and some of its components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the association between dietary glycaemic index (GI) and dietary glycaemic load (GL) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in a rural elderly population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 343 subjects (60-74 years) residing in a Spanish rural area (Priego de Córdoba). Subjects were selected using stratified random sampling. Food intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We assigned GI values to each item of the FFQ to estimate dietary GI and GL. Multivariate linear regression models were fitted to assess the association between GI/GL with CVD risk factors (blood glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1, body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure). The potential modifying effect of sex, smoking status, diabetes and medication has been explored. Results: A statistically significant inverse association between dietary GI and blood glucose was found in the multivariate model ( p = 0.029): for every 10 unit increment of GI, serum glucose levels decreased by 0.2 units. However, statistical significance was lost after controlling for diabetes or hypoglycaemic medication. In the crude model, dietary GL was associated with triglycerides ( ß for every 10 GL units increase = 0.70, p = 0.005), but statistical significance was lost in the multivariate model ( p = 0.508). No associations were found between dietary GI/GL and the rest of the variables studied. Conclusions: Neither dietary GI nor GL were associated with CVD risk factors in the study population of Priego de Córdoba. Results obtained suggest the necessity to consider the diagnosis of diabetes in these studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: An aberrant gut microbiome has been suggested to contribute to the worldwide epidemic of obesity. In animal models, the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 (LF19) induced upregulation of genes involved in energy homoeostasis, reduced body fat and altered the serum (S) lipoprotein profile. In our previous report, feeding LF19 to infants during weaning impacted the global plasma metabolome. LF19 lowered palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid associated with hypertriglyceridemia and increased visceral adiposity. Therefore, we assessed if feeding LF19 from 4 to 13 months of age would have long-term effects on body composition, growth and metabolic markers. Methods: Of 179 children included in our baseline study, 120 entered the follow-up at 8-9 years of age, n = 58 in the probiotic and n = 62 in the placebo group. Body composition was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Anthropometrics of the child and accompanying parent(s) were assessed. S-lipids, insulin, glucose and transaminases were determined after overnight fasting. Results: LF19 did not affect body mass index z-score, sagittal abdominal diameter, fat-free mass, fat mass index, truncal fat %, android or gynoid fat % and had no long-term impact on any of the assessed metabolic markers ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: Feeding LF19 during infancy did not modulate body composition, growth or any of the assessed metabolic markers at school age. The steady increase in probiotic products targeting infants and children calls for long-term follow-up of initiated probiotic intervention studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dietary pattern analysis may uncover the joint effects of multiple dietary components on bone health, but such research is scarce and targets mostly adults. Methods: We quantified prospective associations between dietary patterns and bone mineral density (BMD) in 1,007 adolescents of a cohort born in 1990 and recruited at schools in Porto during the 2003/2004 school year. Forearm BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Participants' dietary patterns were classified 'Healthier', 'Dairy products', 'Fast food and sweets' and 'Lower intake' according to previously identified patterns obtained in a larger sample of 1,489 participants using the K-means method. Using dietary patterns at 13 years old as the main exposure, associations were estimated cross-sectionally (with BMD at the age of 13) and prospectively (with annual BMD variation between 13 and 17 years), using linear regression coefficients adjusted for height, weight, energy intake and, in girls, for menarche age. Results: No significant associations between the a posteriori dietary patterns identified and mean BMD at 13 were found. However, among girls, adherence to a pattern characterized by low intake of energy and all food groups was negatively associated with annual BMD variation between 13 and 17 years [adjusted coefficient (95 % CI) −0.451 (−0.827; −0.074) mg·cm·year]. Conclusions: Although results showed that, in girls, adherence to a 'Lower intake' dietary pattern is associated with lower annual BMD variation throughout adolescence, overall, there were no consistent associations between dietary patterns and forearm BMD in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is evidence that dietary habits contribute to the presence and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to explore any associations between consumption of grains and the development and severity of NAFLD. Methods: Seventy-three consecutive NAFLD patients were enrolled. Additionally, 58 controls matched for age, sex and body mass index with 58 patients were also included. Consumption of grains was estimated through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Medical history, anthropometric indices, body composition analysis, physical activity data, biochemical and inflammatory markers were available for all the participants. Liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography was performed in 58 and liver biopsy in 34 patients. Results: In patients, consumption of whole grains was associated with lower abdominal fat level ( β = −0.24, p = 0.02) and lower levels of insulin resistance index ( β = −0.28, p = 0.009), while it also correlated inversely with interleukin-6 levels ( ρ = −0.23, p = 0.05). Consumption of whole grains was associated with lower likelihood of having histological steatohepatitis (OR 0.97, 95 % CI 0.94-1.000), after adjusting for sex and energy intake, but the association became weaker after further adjusting for abdominal fat or interleukin-6 levels. In the case-control analysis, consumption of refined grains was associated with higher odds of having NAFLD (OR 1.021, 95 % CI 1.001-1.042), after adjusting for age, sex, energy intake, abdominal fat level, HOMA-IR, LDL, adiponectin and TNF-α. Conclusions: Although refined grain consumption increased the likelihood of having NAFLD, whole-grain consumption favorably affected clinical characteristics of patients with NAFLD and tended to be associated with less severe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The potential association between endometriosis and coffee/caffeine consumption has been analysed in several epidemiological studies. In order to establish whether caffeine influences the risk of endometriosis, we provide to summarize the evidence from published studies on this issue. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies published up to January 2013. We computed summary relative risks (RR) of endometriosis for any, high and low versus no coffee/caffeine consumption. Results: We identified a total eight studies, six case-control and two cohort studies, including a total of 1,407 women with endometriosis. The summary RR for any versus non-consumption were 1.26 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.95-1.66] for caffeine and 1.13 (95 % CI 0.46-2.76) for coffee consumption; the overall estimate was 1.18 (95 % CI 0.92-1.49). The summary RR were 1.09 (95 % CI 0.84-1.42) and 1.09 (95 % CI 0.89-1.33) for high and low caffeine consumption as compared to no consumption, respectively. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis provided no evidence for an association between coffee/caffeine consumption and the risk of endometriosis. Coffee/caffeine consumption, as currently used in diet, does not carry a health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Meta-analyses have suggested an effect of MTHFR C677T genotype (rs1801133), a proxy for blood total homocysteine, on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in populations with low population dietary folate. The aim was to examine the association and effect modification by serum folate and vitamin B12 levels between MTHFR and CVD-related outcomes in a general population with no mandatory folic acid fortification policy. Methods: The study population included 13,748 adults retrieved from pooling of four population-based studies conducted in Denmark. MTHFR genotype, serum folate (measured in approximately 9,356 individuals), and serum vitamin B12 (9,215 individuals), hypertension, and dyslipidemia were measured at baseline, and participants were followed for a mean of 10.5-11.7 years in central registries for diagnoses of stroke (623 incidents), ischaemic heart disease (IHD) (835 incidents), and all-cause mortality (1,272 incidents). Results: The MTHFR genotype (TT vs. CC/CT) was not associated with hypertension [OR (95 % CI) 1.09 (0.95-1.25)], dyslipidemia [OR (95 % CI) 0.97 (0.84-1.11)], stroke [HR (95 % CI) 0.92 (0.69-1.23)], and all-cause mortality [HR (95 % CI) 0.94 (0.77-1.14)], either overall, or in participants with low serum folate or B12 status ( P values for interactions 0.15-0.94). Individuals with the MTHFR TT genotype had a higher risk of IHD (HR (95 % CI) 1.38 (1.11-1.71)), but this association was not modified by folate status ( P value for interaction 0.45). Conclusions: Our results do not support a causal relationship between homocysteine and CVD. However, we cannot exclude a direct causal effect of MTHFR C677T genotype on IHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: German guidelines recommend breast milk as ideal for infant's nutrition, supporting exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months. Moreover, in mothers with insufficient fish intake, DHA status may be improved by supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. However, little is known on current rates of breastfeeding and DHA supplementation in Germany. The objective of this study was to analyse frequencies and demographic determinants of breastfeeding and DHA supplementation in Germany. Methods: Data derived from a nationwide consumer survey of 986 mothers with children between 5 and 36 months of age in Germany. Results: 78.3 % reported that they ever breastfed their children, and 55.6 % of the mothers exclusively breastfed for at least 4 months. Mothers who did not breastfeed were less likely to be informed by their paediatrician or midwife and were more often not informed at all; 27.8 % of mothers used DHA supplements during pregnancy, 16.8 % postnatal. DHA supplementation was more common in women with a high versus a low fish intake. The social status was the major determinant of breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity and also DHA supplementation. Conclusion: Breastfeeding initiation and duration of exclusive breastfeeding in Germany need to be improved. Professional counselling and support, with a focus on mothers from lower social classes, appears necessary to increase current rates of breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusiveness, but also to ensure a sufficient supply with DHA in pregnant and lactating women, particularly in women with low fish consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is limited prospective evidence at population scale of the impacts of lifestyle and surrogate measures of general and abdominal adiposity on the transition of a metabolically healthy (absence of a metabolic disorder) overweight/obese (MHOO) phenotype to a metabolically abnormal overweight/obese (MAOO) phenotype. Therefore, we determined the relationship between 10-year body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR), and lifestyle changes and the transition of the MHOO phenotype. Methods: We conducted a prospective population-based study of 3,052 male and female Spaniards aged 25-74 years who were followed from 2000 through 2009. Diet and leisure-time physical activity were recorded on validated questionnaires. Weight, height, WC, blood lipids, glycemia, and blood pressure were measured. All variables were obtained at baseline (BL) and follow-up (FL). Participants with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m and free from hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, hypertension, and low HDL and high LDL cholesterol levels were characterized as the MHOO phenotype. A composite healthy lifestyle index (HLI) was constructed by including temporary changes in 3 lifestyle variables (diet, leisure-time physical activity, and smoking). Results: Initially, 20.8 % of subjects had the MHOO phenotype; 49.2 % of these shifted to MAOO phenotype. In multivariate analysis, changes in BMI, WC, WHtR were positively associated ( p = 0.004, p = 0.018, and p = 0.016, respectively) with this transition. One unit increase in the HLI was associated with a 33 % lower risk ( p = 0.025) to the MAOO phenotype transition after adjusting for age, sex, educational level, and baseline energy intake, BMI, WC, and WHtR. Conclusions: The presence of metabolic disorders in the MHOO phenotype is predicted by an increase in anthropometric surrogate measures of general and abdominal adiposity. In contrast, a healthy lifestyle protects against a transition to the MAOO phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: An increased dietary intake of fat, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), has been related to an increased risk of breast, prostate and colon cancers. Patients with and without colon cancer were tested for differences in their fatty stores composition. Methods: The fatty acid levels were determined by gas-liquid chromatography in adipose tissue samples, subcutaneous and visceral, obtained intra-operatively from 52 colon cancer and 50 nonneoplastic abdominal disease patients. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, SNK test and Dunnet test. Differences in the composition of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, in visceral and in subcutaneous samples of colon cancer and nonneoplastic patients, were assessed. Results: The sum of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, respectively, in visceral and in subcutaneous samples, was higher in neoplastic patients ( p < 0.001). The sum of some n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), the dietary precursor linoleic acid (LA-18:2n-6), and their metabolites, gammalinolenic acid (GLA-18:3n-6) + dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA-20:3n-6) + arachidonic acid (AA-22:4n-6), was higher in subcutaneous fat of controls ( p < 0.05). The samples from these patients had a fatty acid composition, both subcutaneous and visceral, with a higher content of alphalinolenic acid (ALA-18:3n-3) and stearidonic acid (SDA-18:4n-3) compared to neoplastic patients ( p < 0.001). These had subcutaneous and visceral fat stores statistically higher in GLA, DGLA and AA ( p < 0.001). Colon cancer patients had subcutaneous adipose stores higher in ALA and LA than visceral sites ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: Fatty acids may be involved in colon carcinogenesis and there is a depot-specific impact on this process by visceral fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evidence suggests that plasma retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and insulin resistance are related to body fat (BF). We aimed to assess the relationship between RBP4 and insulin resistance with obesity in a mixed (skin color) cohort of the Brazilian population. Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted in 227 schoolchildren aged 7-14 years. Schoolchildren with a high BF percentage (% BF, ≥ 30 for girls and ≥ 25 for boys) were identified as the obese group ( n = 137), and those with lower values were identified as the non-obese group ( n = 90). Percentage of body fat (% BF) was determined by tetrapolar bioimpedance (Quantum II, RJL System), RBP4 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Immunology Consultants Laboratory), plasma fasting insulin by chemiluminescent immunoassay (Access Immunoassay System) and insulin resistance by the homeostasis model insulin resistance (IR) index. Serum lipid profile and arterial blood pressure were evaluated. Results: The significant independent risk factors associated with obesity were as follows: male sex, increased serum LDL-C, RBP4 and IR. Among children with higher RBP4, the association with obesity increased significantly (from 3.1 to 8.5) in the presence of insulin resistance, when compared to higher RBP4 and non-insulin resistance. Conclusion: IR and RBP4 showed significant associations with obesity and traditional CVD risk factors. They might therefore be used as a marker for CVD risk and have clinical implications in the development of comorbidities associated with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Folate has been strongly implicated in the aetiology of colorectal cancer. However, the relationship between dietary folate intake, rectal mucosal folate status and colorectal cancer risk is uncertain. The study aimed to estimate nutrient intakes and measure systemic folate status and rectal mucosal folate concentration in people at differential risk of developing colorectal cancer. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-eight individuals were recruited from gastroenterology clinics and subdivided into three patient groups: untreated colorectal cancer ( n = 43), adenomatous polyps ( n = 90) or normal bowel ( n = 95). Biopsies from macroscopically normal rectal mucosa and blood were collected and used for the measurement of rectal mucosal 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MeTHF) and systemic markers of folate status, respectively. Nutrient intake was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Results: Dietary intake variables, plasma 5-MeTHF and red cell folate and plasma homocysteine concentrations were similar in all three subject groups and 95 % CI fell within normal range for each variable. Rectal mucosal 5-MeTHF concentration was higher in the normal mucosa of adenomatous polyp patients than in normal subjects ( P = 0.055). Rectal mucosal 5-MeTHF was associated significantly with plasma folate ( P < 0.001, r = 0.294), red cell folate ( P = 0.014, r = 0.305), plasma homocysteine ( P = 0.017, r = −0.163) and dietary folate intake ( P = 0.036, r = 0.152). Conclusions: This study demonstrates adequate folate status of patients attending gastroenterology clinics for the investigation of bowel symptoms, with no significant difference in dietary intakes or systemic folate status indices according to diagnosis. Rectal mucosal 5-MeTHF concentrations were elevated in adenomatous polyp patients, but failed to reach significance. Further studies are required to determine the biological significance of this observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: Individuals with type 1 diabetes have a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, and it has been reported that they consume a high atherogenic diet. We examined how nutrient intake and adherence to current European nutritional recommendations evolved in a large cohort of European individuals with type 1 diabetes over a period of 7 years. Subjects/methods: We analysed data from the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study, a European multicentre prospective cohort study. Standardized 3-day dietary records were employed in individuals with type 1 diabetes. One thousand one hundred and two patients (553 men, 549 women, baseline age 33 ± 10 years, duration 15 ± 9 years) had complete nutritional data available at baseline and after 7 years. We calculated mean differences in reported nutrients over time and adjusted these for age, gender, HbA and BMI with ANOVA models. Results: Compared to baseline, there were minor changes in nutrients. Reported protein (−0.35 % energy (en), fat (−1.07 % en), saturated fat (−0.25 % en) and cholesterol (−7.42 mg/1000 kcal) intakes were lower, whereas carbohydrate (+1.23 % en) and fibre (+0.46 g/1000 kcal) intakes were higher at the 7-year follow-up. European recommendations for adequate nutrient intakes were followed in individuals with type 1 diabetes for protein (76 % at baseline and 78 % at follow-up), moderately for fat (34, 40 %), carbohydrate (34, 41 %) and cholesterol (39, 47 %), but poorly for fibre (1.4, 2.4 %) and saturated fat (11, 13 %). Conclusion: European individuals with type 1 diabetes consume a high atherogenic diet as few patients met recommendations for dietary fibre and saturated fat. This study showed minor changes in dietary nutrients and energy intakes over a period of 7 years. Nutrition education needs particular focus on strategies to increase dietary fibre and reduce saturated fat to exploit their potential benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of the study is to assess the goodness of fit for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in adults of four models with different measures of adiposity using confirmatory factor analysis, to develop a cardio metabolic risk index and to analyze its relationship to physical activity. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive multicenter study including 636 patients from the EVIDENT study. Considering as fixed variables, triglycerides/HDL-C ratio, HOMA-IR index and mean arterial pressure, we will compare which single-factor model of metabolic syndrome shows better goodness of fit. The models only differ by the measure of adiposity used: waist circumference, waist circumference/height, body mass index or adiposity index. With the factorial weights obtained, we created a quantitative metabolic index and analyzed its relationship to physical activity, quantified with the accelerometer for 1 week and measured at counts/min. Results: The single-factor model including waist circumference in women and body mass index in men were those that were better indicators of goodness of fit. The estimated quantitative metabolic index shows a mean value in men of −0.022 ± 1.29 with a range of values between −3.36 and 4.57 and in women of 0.0001 ± 1.53 with a range of values between −3.17 and 5.55. The quantitative index shows an inverse relationship to physical activity. Conclusions: Waist circumference in women and body mass index in men are the measures of adiposity that were better indicators goodness of fit. This quantitative index may be useful to quantify the risk of metabolic syndrome in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Animal and laboratory studies suggest that long-chain omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat found in fatty fish, may protect against carcinogenesis, but human studies on dietary intake of polyunsaturated fats and fish with endometrial cancer risk show mixed results. Methods: We evaluated the associations between endometrial cancer risk and intake of fatty acids and fish in a population-based sample of 556 incident cancer cases and 533 age-matched controls using multivariate unconditional logistic regression methods. Results: Although total n-3 fatty acid intake was not associated with endometrial cancer risk, higher intakes of eicosapentaenoic (EPA 20:5) and docosahexaenoic (DHA 22:6) fatty acids were significantly associated with lower risks (OR = 0.57, 95 % CI: 0.39-0.84; OR = 0.64, 95 % CI: 0.44-0.94; respectively) comparing extreme quartiles. The ratio of n-3:n-6 fatty acids was inversely associated with risk only on a continuous scale (OR = 0.84, 95 % CI: 0.71-0.99), while total fish intake was not associated with risk. Fish oil supplement use was significantly associated with reduced risk of endometrial cancer: OR = 0.63 (95 % CI: 0.45-0.88). Conclusions: Our results suggest that dietary intake of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA in foods and supplements may have protective associations against the development of endometrial cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a very common disorder in elderly, especially in those institutionalized. Nutrition could play an important role in the onset and/or progression of depression, since the intake of carbohydrates with a high glycaemic index (GI) or diets with a high glycaemic load (GL) may increase the insulin-induced brain serotonin secretion. Objective: The aim of our study was to analyse the association between dietary GI and GL and the odds of suffering depression in institutionalized elderly people without antidepressant treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 140 institutionalized elderly people from the Madrid region (Spain) (65-90 years of age) whose diets were recorded using a precise weighing method over seven consecutive days. Energy and nutrient intakes were recorded and the GI and GL calculated. The participants' affective capacity was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Subjects were grouped into non-depressed (GDS ≤ 5) and depressed (GDS > 5). Since GDS scores and gender were statistically associated ( p < 0.01), the data were grouped considering this association. Results: Dietary GI (51.09 ± 3.80) and GL (97.54 ± 13.46) were considered as medium. The dietary GL was significantly higher in the non-depressed (100.00 ± 12.13) compared with the depressed group (93.97 ± 14.04, p < 0.01). However, a similar GI was observed between non-depressed (51.50 ± 3.29) and depressed groups (50.52 ± 4.46). Additionally, participants with a dietary GL placed in the second and third tertiles had a 67.4 % and 65.3 %, respectively, less odds of suffering depression than those in the first tertile. GDS scores and dietary GL were inversely related; therefore, an increase in one unit in the dietary GL scale decreased the GDS score by 0.058 units. Conclusions: Glyaemic load is associated with a lower odd of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess vitamin D status in children aged 2-220 months in northeastern Italy (latitude 46°). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration was assessed in 93 children afferent to the Pediatric Department of the Hospital of Udine. Methods: Vitamin D status was defined as follows: sufficient with serum 25OHD between 50 and 250 nmol/l (level 4); insufficient between 37.5 and 50 nmol/l (level 3); deficient less than 37.5 nmol/l (level 2); severely deficient if less than 12.5 nmol/l (level 1). We investigated the potential risk factors of vitamin D deficit. Results: We found that six children (6.4%) had level 1, 36 (38.7%) had level 2, 9 (9.7%) had level 3, and only 45.2% had sufficient level of 25OHD. Immigrate children had a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency if compared with Italians: 75% of non-Italian children had an insufficient 25OHD level compared with 47.0% of Italian children ( p = 0.0036). There was a marked seasonal effect on 25OHD level: when plasma sample was withdrawn between November and May, only 29.4% of children showed sufficient vitamin D level, while 70.5% was insufficient ( p < 0.0001). Among the obese children, 9.0% had sufficient level of 25OHD with 90% being deficient ( p = 0.01). We did not find any significant difference in vitamin D status among children in different age groups. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common in children living in northeastern Italy. The risk factors were winter season for blood withdrawal, non-Caucasian race, and obesity. These high-risk groups should be targeted for screening and educated about the need of sunlight exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The hypothesis of this clinical study was to determine whether glucocorticoid use and immobility were associated with in-hospital nutritional risk. Methods: One hundred and one patients consecutively admitted to the medical wards were enrolled. Current medical conditions, symptoms, medical history, eating and drinking habits, diagnosis, laboratory findings, medications, and anthropometrics were recorded. The Nutrition Risk Score 2002 (NRS-2002) was used as a screening instrument to identify nutritional risk. Results: The results confirmed that glucocorticoid use and immobility are independently associated with nutritional risk determined by the NRS-2002. Constipation could be determined as an additional cofactor independently associated with nutritional risk. Conclusions: Glucocorticoid treatment, immobility, and constipation are associated with nutritional risk in a mixed hospitalized population. The presence of long-time glucocorticoid use, immobility, or constipation should alert the clinician to check for nutritional status, which is an important factor in mortality and morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the association between vitamin D status and the serum lipid profile in children. Methods: The subjects of this cross-sectional study were 149 Spanish school children (8-13 years of age). The anthropometric data collected were weight and height, from which the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent assay. Triglycerides were determined by enzyme colorimetry; total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were determined by the cholesterol esterase method. The LDL-cholesterol concentrations were determined mathematically. Results: Compared to children with serum 25(OH)D concentrations in the fourth quartile, those in the first had higher triglyceride (86.0 ± 35.7 vs. 64.1 ± 26.7 mg/dL; p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and physical activity, the serum 25(OH)D level was found to be inversely proportional to the triglyceride ( r = −0.857; p = 0.010). While age, sex, BMI, and physical activity explained 12% of the variance of the HDL-cholesterol figures, the inclusion of serum 25(OH)D allowed 23% of the variance to be explained. Conclusion: A low serum vitamin D levels in children is associated with high triglyceride levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mild iodine deficiency (MID) is endemic in Belgium. Previous surveys, which assessed iodine nutrition in Belgium, focused on children. The iodine status of adults and the influence of ethnicity or seasonality on urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) have not been investigated. Since the nutritional profile of children differs from that of adults, we may anticipate similar differences in iodine status. Seasonal fluctuations in UIC have also been reported from other MID regions. Aim of the study: We aimed at assessing iodine status and its association with ethnicity and seasonality in adults. Methods: A stratified random sample of 401 healthy subjects aged between 40 and 60 years, of Belgian, Moroccan, Turkish and Congolese descent residing in Brussels was obtained. Iodine status and thyroid function were determined. Results: Median UIC was 68 μg/L. The frequency of UIC below 100 μg/L was 73.3%, of which 41.9% fell between 50 and 99 μg/L, and 29.8% between 49 and 20 μg/L. There was no difference in UIC and thyroid function between subjects of different ethnic origins. The frequency of UIC below 50 μg/L was higher in the fall-winter compared to spring-summer periods ( P = 0.004). Serum FT3 concentrations, but not FT4 and TSH, were significantly greater in winter than in summer. Conclusion: Seasonal fluctuations in UIC suggest that the risk of iodine deficiency among adults living in Brussels is higher in fall-winter than in spring-summer. The prevalence of MID in Brussels is high among adults but ethnicity does not appear to influence iodine status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of thiamine administration on metabolic profile, cytokines and inflammatory markers in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot-scale clinical trial was carried out in 24 patients with T2DM. Twelve subjects received thiamine orally (150 mg), once daily during a fasting state for 1 month. An additional 12 patients (control group) were given placebo for the same period of time. Before and after the intervention, fasting glucose, A1C, creatinine, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, leptin and adiponectin levels were estimated. Wilcoxon's signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analyses. Results: There were significant decreases in glucose (6.7 ± 1.0 mmol/l vs. 6.0 ± 1.0 mmol/l, p = 0.024) before and after the intervention, respectively, and leptin concentrations (32.9 ± 13.3 ng/ml vs. 26.9 ± 12.8 ng/ml, p = 0.027) before and after the intervention, respectively, with thiamine administration. There were no changes with the rest of the measurements. Conclusions: Thiamine administration for 1 month decreased glucose and leptin concentrations in drug-naïve patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Folate is an essential micronutrient for fetal development because of its role in de novo synthesis of DNA. The aim of this study was to compare neonatal serum folate levels of babies born to smoking and non-smoking mothers. Methods: Infants of consenting pregnant mothers presenting at ≥37 weeks of gestation were enrolled. Subjects were divided into two groups based on their mother's smoking habits. Blood samples were obtained at birth (from the umbilical cord) and 1 month after delivery for the determination of serum folate levels using a chemiluminescence method. Results: Among 140 consenting subjects, 108 (77%) brought their newborns to their scheduled visit 1 month after delivery, 68 of whom were non-smokers and 40 were smokers. Babies born to smoking mothers had significantly lower serum folate levels compared to those born to non-smoking mothers, both at birth (17.2 ± 5 vs. 24.3 ± 4.9; p < 0.01) and 1 month after delivery (11 ± 4.1 vs. 17.5 ± 4.3; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our study is the first of its kind to demonstrate that smoking results in significant reductions in serum folate levels of newborns. These results suggest that folic acid supplementation may be required for expectant smoking mothers throughout pregnancy, not just during the first trimester. Similar supplementation may also be warranted for infants born to such mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]