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Nutrition and specific nutritional supplements can have prophylactic or therapeutic properties with respect to certain psychiatric disorders. A traditional Mediterranean diet, for example, seems to have prophylactic benefits against depression and dementia, whereas overeating and obesity increase the risk for both. Although evidence for nutritional supplements in the treatment of psychiatric disorders is not sufficient for general recommendations, data from observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT) seem to point to their use for specific indications. Folate, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), for instance, seem to have antidepressant properties, zinc may be beneficial in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) could reduce extrapyramidal side effects of antipsychotics and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) seems to be effective against negative symptoms, abnormal movements and akathisia in schizophrenia. Psychiatric disorders, in turn, may lead to deficiency of mineral nutrients and vitamins. For instance, vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency is common in alcohol-dependent patients and should therefore be considered during withdrawal treatment. Although vitamin malnutrition is uncommon in developed countries, vitamin deficiency syndromes, such as pernicious anemia or Wernicke's encephalopathy are still relevant differential diagnoses. Some psychopharmacological drugs may additionally change the nutritional habits of the patients in an unfavorable way leading to weight gain and obesity and the risk for further psychiatric problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method is proposed for determining fat-soluble vitamins A, A, D, and E in various matrixes by reversed-phase HPLC with diode-array detection. The method detection limits, analytical ranges for analytes, and relative errors of analysis are found. The conditions of solid-phase extraction are optimized to attain the maximum recovery and preconcentration of vitamins from complex biological matrixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:Health Canada proposes to allow manufacturers to add vitamins and minerals to a wide variety of foods at their discretion, a practice that has long been permitted in the United States and Europe. With Health Canada's proposed exclusion of staple and standardized foods from discretionary fortification, questions arise about the nutritional quality of the foods that remain eligible for fortification. To better understand the implications of this policy for healthy eating, this study examined the contribution of foods eligible to be fortified to the dietary quality of Canadians.Methods:Using 24-h dietary recall data from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey, the relationship between intake of fortifiable foods and indicators of dietary quality was assessed.Results:The mean percentage contribution of fortifiable foods to usual energy intake ranged from 19% among men over the age of 70 years to 36% for girls aged 14-18 years. Fortifiable food (as a percentage of total energy) was inversely associated with intake of vegetables and fruit, meat and alternatives, milk products, fiber, vitamins A, B6, B12 and D, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Fortifiable food was positively associated with dietary energy density, total energy intake and grain products. Few relationships were found for folate, vitamin C, iron, calcium, sodium and saturated fat.Conclusions:Consumption of foods slated for discretionary fortification is associated with lower nutrient intakes and suboptimal food intake patterns. Insofar as adding nutrients to these foods reinforces their consumption, discretionary fortification might function to discourage healthier eating patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of bisphosphonate treatment on bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture rates was assessed in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). This observational nonrandomized study included 90 OI adults treated with intravenous pamidronate ( n = 28), oral alendronate ( n = 10), or oral residronate ( n = 17) or not treated ( n = 35). There were 63 type I, 15 type III, and 12 type IV OI patients. BMD results were observed for up to 161 months and an average of 52 months of treatment. For type I and grouped type III/IV patients, treatment with pamidronate showed an increasing rate in L1–L4 BMD from baseline (0.006 [ P = 0.03] and 0.016 [ P < 0.001] gm/cm2/year, respectively); oral bisphosphonate treatment showed a significant increasing rate in L1–L4 BMD (0.004 gm/cm2/year [ P = 0.047]) for type I patients. Pamidronate-treated type III/IV and oral bisphosphonate-treated type I patients showed significant increases in total-hip BMD (0.006 [ P = 0.003] and 0.011 [ P = 0.046] gm/cm2/year, respectively). Bisphosphonate effect on fracture rate was assessed for 5-year periods before and after treatment in 51 treated and 22 nontreated individuals matched for age at which bisphosphonate was first administered to the treated group. Bisphosphonate treatment did not decrease fracture rate in type I OI patients. Fracture rate decreased in type III/IV patients following pamidronate but not following oral bisphosphonate treatment. These results underscore a need to consider whether bisphosphonate treatment is appropriate for all adults with OI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic neutron activation analysis method was conducted for determination of Se in food samples. High accuracy and good precision were proved by analyzing certified reference materials (CRMs) of chicken (GBW10018), rice (GBW10010) and cabbage (GBW10014). The detection limits for the three CRMs reached 0.16, 0.66 and 1.2 ng after 6 cycles at the 161.9 keV γ-peak from 77mSe, under a neutron flux of 9.0 × 1011 n cm−2 s−1 and the conditions of 30 s irradiation, 2 s decay, 30 s counting and 2 s waiting, significantly lower than those of conventional neutron activation analysis without any cycles, which were 0.94, 3.6 and 4.3 ng, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to map boron and hydrogen distributions in the body is paramount to the success of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). We investigated treatment-time quantitative mapping of these distributions by detecting (i) 0.48 MeV de-excitation photons from neutron capture by boron-10; (ii) 2.22 MeV photons from neutron capture by hydrogen; and (iii) transmitted neutrons. Monte Carlo simulations reported no detectable difference when 10B in tumour was varied from 0 to 50 ppm, and when the tumour size was varied from 0.0 to 9.5 cm3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was applied to assess element concentrations in eleven samples of mineral supplements/multivitamins acquired in drugstores and pharmacies in São Paulo city, SP, Brazil. Concentrations of Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Na, Se and Zn were determined. A comparison was made between the results obtained with the labels of the mineral supplents. Certified reference materials, NIST SRM1400 Bone Ash and NIST SRM 1633b Coal Fly Ash were analyzed for quality control of the analytical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is hypothesis that in relatively healthy older people supplement usage can be consider as healthy life style habit and as such can positively influence longevity. To determine whether supplement use was associated with all-cause mortality in the participants of the SENECA study. Baseline measurements were carried out in 1988/1989 among 75 to 80-year-old people living in 15 European small towns. All-cause mortality was followed up to April 30, 1999. Data from 920 men and 980 women who were ischemic heart diseases-, stroke- and cancer-free at baseline were included. The multivariate adjusted (for sex, age, years of education, physical activity, BMI, chronic diseases, Mediterranean Diet Score, alcohol use and the place of living) hazard ratio (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of mortality by use of any type of nutrient supplement and by particular nutrient supplement use were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression models. At baseline, 13% of participants used nutritional supplements, 19% of subjects were smokers. During 10 years of follow-up 445 men and 252 women died. Among non-smokers no significant associations between total supplement use and particular nutrient supplement use were observed. Among smokers use of any type of supplements (Multivariate HR: 1.52; 95%CI: 1.02–2.28), use of vitamin B1 (Multivariate HR: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.00–2.48) and vitamin B2 supplements (Multivariate HR: 1.60; 95%CI: 1.00–2.56) were associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality. The similar tendencies were observed among vitamin B6 and vitamin C supplement users who were smokers. Among smokers, participants of the SENECA study, supplement use increased all-cause mortality risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Homebound elderly are at increased risk for micronutrient deficiencies and nutritional status in this population has not been adequately described. There is evidence for beneficial effects of multivitamin use and a greater understanding of their nutritional contribution could identify behaviors that may help alleviate excess chronic disease. The purpose of this analysis is to investigate, in a racially diverse group of homebound elders, the association of multivitamin use with measures of plasma B vitamin concentrations. Design: We examined the cross-sectional association between multivitamin use and plasma concentrations of B vitamins and homocysteine in 236 white and 182 black homebound elders (65-99y). Dietary intake was assessed and demographic and health information was ascertained. Results: White and black elders had a high prevalence of dietary intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement for folate (38.1 and 40.7%), vitamin B6 (16.9 and 19.2%.), and vitamin B12 (3 and 3.9%) respectively. Multivitamin use was associated with higher mean plasma B vitamin concentrations in each group. In whites, multivitamin users had higher concentrations of vitamin B6 (64.6 vs. 32.4 nmol/L; p<0.00l), vitamin B12 (398 vs. 324 pmol/L;p<0.001) and folate (39.4 vs. 30.4 nmol/L;p<0.001). Black multivitamin users had higher concentrations of vitamin B6 (53.7 vs. 29.5 nmol/L; p<0.001), B12 (427 vs. 372 pmol/L; p<0.05) and folate (35.7 vs. 25.4 nmol/L;p<0.001) than non-users. Conclusions: Multivitamin supplementation was associated with higher mean plasma concentrations of vitamins B6, B12, and folate and lower prevalence of low plasma B vitamin status in a biracial homebound elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between serum minerals and body mass index in adult women.Methods:One hundred and eighteen adult women were recruited by written advertisement from outpatient clinics or a health promotion center at a university hospital. Serum calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc were measured by an automatic analytical instrument and body mass index was calculated from height and weight.Results:Serum magnesium was inversely associated with body mass index (β=−0.283, P=0.001) whereas serum copper had a positive association with body mass index (β=0.197, P=0.025) after adjusting for age, physical activity, energy intake, dietary fat, alcohol consumption, supplements and menopause status. No associations were found with serum calcium and zinc.Conclusion:Serum magnesium and copper may be involved in the regulation of body size in adult women.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007) 61, 682–685. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602568; published online 29 November 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult-type hypolactasia, as mediated by a widespread genetic predisposition, not only reduces calcium intake but also calcium absorption in the presence of high amounts of lactose and may, therefore, promote osteoporosis. A lactose-reduced diet and lactose-free calcium supplements may reverse this imbalance. Adult-type hypolactasia (HL) defined by the LCT(−13910) polymorphism may reduce calcium intake by reducing dairy consumption and, therefore, promote osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate whether lactose also decreases intestinal calcium absorption in subjects with HL and whether lactose-reduced diet and lactose-free calcium supplementation as recommended could maintain bone mineral density (BMD). Based on LCT genotyping, 73 postmenopausal women with and without HL underwent a conventional H2 breath test with a concomitant oral strontium absorption test lasting 150 minutes, which closely reflects intestinal calcium absorption. In addition, we compared bone-specific laboratory parameters, lumbar and femoral BMD, and spinal radiographs to a similar bone assessment 5 years earlier. LCT genotyping and functional lactose malabsorption tests were highly correlated. Dairy product consumption was reduced by 80% in HL individuals. During concomitant lactose application, mean strontium absorption was blunted by 54% in HL subjects after 150 minutes (1272 ± 629 μg/L vs. 2020 ± 1130 μg/L in lactose tolerant subjects, p = 0.001). Nevertheless, BMD in HL subjects remained stable with lactose-free calcium supplements during the observation period. Both decreased calcium intake as well as lactose-associated impaired calcium absorption may predispose subjects with HL to osteoporosis. Lactose-free calcium supplementation may help to maintain BMD in HL subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a moderate reduction of dietary magnesium [50% of nutrient requirement (50% NR)] on bone and mineral metabolism in the rat, and to explore possible mechanisms for the resultant reduced bone mass. Methods: Female rats were 6 weeks of age at the start of study. Serum magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and pyridinoline were measured during the study at 3- and 6-month time points in control (dietary Mg of 100% NR) and Mg-deficient animals (dietary Mg at 50% NR). Femurs and tibias were also collected for mineral content analyses, micro-computerized tomography, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemical localization of substance P, TNFα, and IL-1β at 3 and 6 months. Results: Although no significant change in serum Mg was observed, Mg deficiency developed, as assessed by the reduction in bone Mg content at the 3- and 6-month time points (0.69±0.05 and 0.62±0.04% ash, respectively, in the Mg depletion group compared to 0.74± 0.04 and 0.67±0.04% ash, respectively, in the control group; p=0.0009). Hypercalcemia did not develop. Although serum Ca level remained in the normal range, it fell significantly with Mg depletion at 3 and 6 months (10.4±0.3 and 9.6±0.3 mg/dl, respectively, compared to 10.5±0.4 and 10.1±0.6 mg/dl, respectively, in the control group; p=0.0076). The fall in serum Ca in the Mg-depleted animals was associated with a fall in serum PTH concentration between 3 and 6 months (603±286 and 505±302 pg/ml, respectively, although it was still higher than the control). The serum 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D level was significantly lower in the Mg depletion group at 6 months (10.6±7.1 pg/ml) than in the control (23.5±12.7 pg/ml) (p<0.01 by the t-test). In Mg-deficient animals, no difference was noted in markers of bone turnover. Trabecular bone mineral content gain was less over time in the distal femur with Mg deficiency at 3 and 6 months (0.028±0.005 and 0.038±0.007 g, respectively, compared to 0.027±0.004 and 0.048±0.006 g, respectively, in the control group; p<0.005). Histomorphometry at these time points demonstrated decreased trabecular bone volume (15.76±1.93 and 14.19±1.85%, respectively, compared to 19.24±3.10 and 17.30±2.59%, respectively, in the control group; p=0.001). Osteoclast number was also significantly increased with Mg depletion (9.07±1.21 and 13.84±2.06, respectively, compared to 7.02±1.89 and 10.47±1.33, respectively, in the control group; p=0.0003). Relative to the control, immunohistochemical staining intensity of the neurotransmitter substance P and of the cytokines TNFα and IL-1β was increased in cells of the bone microenvironment in the Mg depletion group, suggesting that inflammatory cytokines may contribute to bone loss. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that Mg intake of 50% NR in the rat causes a reduced bone mineral content and reduced volume of the distal femur. These changes may be related to altered PTH and 1,25 (OH)2-vitamin D formation or action as well as to an increase release of substance P and the inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the elemental analysis of blood serum are often used for the diagnosis of different diseases associated with derangements of mineral metabolism. In this work, we studied the main sources of a systematic error in the atomic-emission spectrometric (AES) analysis of blood serum and developed a procedure for the AES determination of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, P, and Zn in the human blood serum. The repeatability relative standard deviations of determinations varied from 10 to 24%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to obtain three-dimensional images of isolated mineralites extracted from young postnatal bovine bone. The mean mineralite size is 9 nm × 6 nm × 2.0 nm, significantly shorter and thicker than the mineralites of mature bovine bone measured by the same technique. Mineralites of the young postnatal bone can be accommodated within the hole zone regions of a quasi-hexagonally packed collagen fibril in the fashion described by Hodge [9] in which laterally adjacent hole zone regions form continuous “channels” across the diameter of a fibril for a distance of at least 10 nm. Deposition of mineralites of the size noted above in this void volume of the fibrils would result in little or no distortion of the collagen molecules or supramolecular structure of the collagen fibril. The new AFM data supporting this claim is consistent with findings obtained by electron microscopy and low-angle x-ray and neutron diffraction that mineralites formed within collagen fibrils during initial stages of calcification occur within the hole zone region. However, the deposition of additional mineralites in the intermolecular spaces between collagen molecules in the overlap region of the fibrils would significantly distort the fibrils since the space available between adjacent molecules is considerably less than even the smallest dimension of the mineralites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. Background: Significant subgroups in most European populations have intakes below nationally recommended levels for several vitamins, minerals and trace elements, placing individuals at risk of suboptimal intake of important vitamins and minerals. The voluntary addition of micronutrients to the appropriate foods may help address the risks associated with low micronutrient intakes. However, concerns need to be addressed regarding the potential for unacceptably high intakes, particularly for those people consuming very large amounts of food. Aim of the study: To develop a model to estimate the level of each micronutrient that can be added safely to foods. Methods: A theoretical model was developed based on the critical factors which determine the risk of unacceptably high intake for each micronutrient at high levels of food/energy intakes. These included 1) Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL), 2) high micronutrient intakes in Europe at the 95[sup th] percentile intake for each nutrient, 3) the proportion of fortified foods in the diets of individuals at the 95[sup th] percentile for energy intakes, 4) the proportion of foods to which micronutrients could practically be added, and 5) a range of estimates for the fractions of foods which might be actually fortified for each nutrient. A maximum level was set up for each micronutrient per typical serving or 100 kcal portion. The outputs of the model were then compared against a recent model developed by AFSSA, based on the food intake data in France. Results: Three categories of micronutrients were identified, in which micronutrients could be added safely to foods at levels (per serving, e. g., 100 kcal) 1) greater than 1 European Commission Recommended Daily Intake (EC RDA): vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin, panthothenic acid, niacin and thiamine; 2) between 50 and 100 % of the EC RDA: vitamin B6, vitamin D, folic acid, biotin, copper, iodine and selenium; 3) between 10 and 40 % of the EC RDA:... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two recent meta-analyses of randomised salt reduction trials have concluded that there is little purpose in reducing salt intake in the general population. However, the authors, as with other previous meta-analyses, included trials of very short duration (eg 1 week or less) and trials of acute salt loading followed by abrupt reductions to very Iow salt intake (eg from 20 to less than 1g of salt/day). These acute salt loading and salt depletion experiments are known to increase sympathetic tone, and with salt depletion cause a rise in renin release and, thereby, plasma angiotensin II. These trials are not appropriate, therefore, for helping to inform public health policy, which is for a more modest reduction in salt intake, ie, from a usual intake of &ap;10 to &ap;5g of salt per day over a more prolonged period of time. We carried out a meta-analysis to assess the effect of a modest salt reduction on blood pressure. Our data sources were MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, CINAHL, and the reference lists of original and review articles. We included randomised trials with a modest reduction in salt intake and a duration of 4 or more weeks. Meta-analysis, meta-regression, and funnel plots were performed. A total of 17 trials in hypertensives (n=734) and 11 trials in normotensives (n=2220) were included in our study. The median reduction in 24-h urinary sodium excretion was 78 mmol (equivalent to 4.6g of salt/day) in hypertensives and 74 mmol in normotensives. The pooled estimates of blood pressure fall were 4.96/2.73 ± 0.40/0.24 mmHg in hypertensives (P<0.001 for both systolic and diastolic) and 2.03/ 0.97 ± 0.27/0.21 mmHg in normotensives (P<0.001 for both systolic and diastolic). Weighted linear regression analyses showed a dose response between the change in urinary sodium and blood pressure. A reduction of 100 mmol/day (6g of salt) in salt intake predicted a fall in blood pressure of 7.11/3.88 mmHg (P<0.001 for both systolic and diastolic) in... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses a study which evaluated the impact of a coronary heart disease prevention program on calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin D dietary intake in respect of recommended daily allowances in an Italian rural population. Mean daily energy intake per sex and age category; Calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and phosphorous daily food intakes per sex and age category; Conclusion.

Abstract The intake of vitamin and mineral supplements was examined in a southern German population. Analyses are based on data from the 3rd survey of the MONICA Project Augsburg which took place from 1994 to 1995. The study population were 4 856 persons aged 25 to 74 years of a representative sample (net response 74.9 %). During a standardized interview, participants were asked about their intake of vitamin or mineral supplements in the previous week (information available from 4 854 persons). To evaluate this information, a database on vitamin and mineral contents of about 500 supplements was established. The prevalence of supplement users is significantly higher among women than among men: more than a quarter of women (27.5 %) versus nearly a fifth of men (18.1 %). With increasing age women take supplements more frequently, especially minerals. Male supplement usage increases up to the age group 35-44 years and then remains constant. Vitamin C (women 12.8 %, men 9.4 %), magnesium (women 12.4 %, men 8.7 %), vitamin E (women 9,8 %, men 7.8 %), and calcium (women 10.7 %, men 4.9 %) are the vitamins and minerals supplemented most often. Among supplement users, 46.5 % of women and 52.1 % of men reported taking vitamin C. The median daily intake of vitamins - except biotin and niacin in men and folic acid and biotin in women - is at least 100 % of the recommendations of the German Society for Nutrition for both men and women. All of the median intake values for minerals were less or equal than 100 % of the recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on effects of fiber, phytic acid, and oxalic acid on mineral bioavailability are reviewed. It is difficult to separate the effects of fiber and phytic acid when cereal products are fed, because they occur together in these foods. However, even the combination of fiber and phytic acid does not appear to affect mineral balances unless unrefined cereal intakes are high and mineral intakes are low. Also, the body may be able to adjust to the decreased availability by increased absorption of the available mineral. Oxalic acid may result in decreases in mineral bioavailability if consumed with a high fiber diet, but the decrease may also be transient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the relationship between high salt intake and hypertension in human beings. Impact of salt restriction on people with high blood pressure; Studies conducted on the harmful effects of low salt diet; Discussion on the role of salt intake in the causation of hypertension.

Discusses the methods for the assessment of the bioavailability of minerals and trace elements. Definition of the bioavailability of minerals and trace elements; Labeling of the element intrinsically or extrinsically with an appropriate radio- or stable isotope; Most widely used techniques for assessing mineral biovailability.