Search

Author(s): Xian Liu [sup.1] [sup.2] , Mingyang Zou [sup.2] , Caihong Sun [sup.2] , Lijie Wu [sup.2] , Wen-Xiong Chen [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.410737.6, 0000 0000 8653 1072, Division [...], We systematically reviewed the evidence on the association between maternal folic acid supplementation and the risk of offspring's autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A total of 10 studies with 23 sub-studies (9795 ASD cases) were included. Folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of offspring's ASD [OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41-0.78]. The consumption of a daily amount of at least 400 [mu]g folic acid from dietary sources and supplements, was associated with a reduced risk of offspring ASD [OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36-0.83]. Critical effective maternal folic acid supplementation strategies, such as intake timing and intake dosage, may aid the reduction in the risk of offspring ASD. This meta-analysis provided new insights for the prevention of offspring's ASD.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Few studies have investigated the effects of bariatric surgery on vitamin status in the long term. We examined changes in vitamin status up to 5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric [...]

The beneficial or adverse effects of isolated phytochemicals are not always concordant with effects of the botanical dietary supplements from which they were derived. This disparity could be due to [...]

BACKGROUND: In animal studies, some ortho-phthalates, including di(2-ethylhexyi) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), have been shown to be reproductive and developmental toxicants. Human studies show widespread population exposure to [...]

Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, is a nutrient with unique cell membrane actions and diverse clinical benefits. This molecule neutralizes free radicals or other oxidants by either accepting or donating electrons, [...]

Acute myocardial infarction (MI)is one of the most frequent causes of death in the United States. The evaluation and treatment of acute MI in conventional medicine has focused primarily on [...]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin E, evening primrose oil (EPO), and the combination of vitamin E and EPO for pain control in women with cyclical mastalgia. PROCEDURE: A [...]

As the incidence of diabetes increases to epidemic proportions, people with diabetes are turning more and more to alternative therapies to help manage this condition, despite the availability of numerous [...]

Introduction Despite being a middle-income country, South African children under the age of 5 years have a relatively high mortality rate and high prevalence of stunting (WHO, 2005b). Human immunodeficiency [...], Background/Objective: The efficacy of zinc combined with vitamin A or multiple micronutrients in preventing diarrhoea is unclear in African countries with high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed children. Potential modifying factors, such as stunting, need to be addressed. The objective of this study was to determine whether adding zinc or zinc plus multiple micronutrients to vitamin A reduces diarrhoea incidence, and whether this differs between the strata of stunted or HIV-infected children. Methods: We analyzed data from a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00156832) of prophylactic micronutrient supplementation to children aged 6-24 months. Three cohorts of children: 32 HIV-infected children, 154 HIV-uninfected children born to HIV-infected mothers and 187 uninfected children born to HIV-uninfected mothers, received vitamin A, vitamin A plus zinc or multiple micronutrients, which included vitamin A and zinc. The main outcome was incidence of diarrhoea. Poisson regression was used in intent-to-treat analyses. Stratified analyses followed testing for statistical interaction between intervention and stunting. Results: We observed no significant differences in overall diarrhoea incidence among treatment arms. Stunting modified this effect with stunted HIV-uninfected children having significantly lower diarrhoea incidence when supplemented with zinc or multiple micronutrients compared with vitamin A alone (2.04 and 2.23 vs 3.92 episodes/year, respectively, P=0.024). No meaningful subgroup analyses could be done in the cohort of HIV-infected children. Conclusions: Compared with vitamin A alone, supplementation with zinc and with zinc and multiple micronutrients, reduced diarrhoea morbidity in stunted rural South African children. Efficacy of zinc supplementation in HIV-infected children needs confirmation in studies that represent the spectrum of disease severity and age groups. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2008.78; published online 28 January 2009 Keywords: Zinc; diarrhoea; clinical trial; stunting; micronutrients; vitamin A

The life-prolonging anti-tumorigenic effects of dietary restriction (DR) were first described in the beginning of the twentieth century (1-3). To date, reports indicate that the incidence, as well as the [...], Dietary restriction delays the incidence and decreases the growth of various types of tumours, but the mechanisms underlying the sensitivity of tumours to food restriction remain unknown. Here we show that certain human cancer cell lines, when grown as tumour xenografts in mice, are highly sensitive to the anti-growth effects of dietary restriction, whereas others are resistant. Cancer cells that form dietary-restriction-resistant tumours carry mutations that cause constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway and in culture proliferate in the absence of insulin or insulin-like growth factor 1. Substitution of an activated mutant allele of PI3K with wild-type PI3K in otherwise isogenic cancer cells, or the restoration of PTEN expression in a PTEN-null cancer cell line, is sufficient to convert a dietary-restriction- resistant tumour into one that is dietary-restriction-sensitive. Dietary restriction does not affect a PTEN-null mouse model of prostate cancer, but it significantly decreases tumour burden in a mouse model of lung cancer lacking constitutive PI3K signalling. Thus, the PI3K pathway is an important determinant of the sensitivity of tumours to dietary restriction, and activating mutations in the pathway may influence the response of cancers to dietary restriction-mimetic therapies.

Introduction Epidemiological studies investigating the relationships between nutritional factors and health have traditionally focused on the effect of one or a few individual dietary factors such as nutrients and food [...], Background/Objectives: Few studies have investigated dietary patterns among French adults. We aimed to identify dietary patterns and their relation with nutrient intakes, sociodemographic, lifestyle and other health indicators in a large population of middle-aged subjects living in France. Subjects/Methods: Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis in 5194 women and men aged 45-60 years enrolled in the SU.VI.MAX (Supplementation en Vitamines et Mineraux Antioxydants) study. Dietary data were based on repeated 24-h dietary records (at least six records during 2 years). Results: Four patterns were identified: (1) 'alcohol and meat products'; (2) 'prudent diet'; (3) 'convenience foods'; and (4) 'starch, sauces, and vegetables'. The first pattern was positively associated with low education, smoking and overweight in both genders, as well as with abdominal obesity in women and treated hyperlipidaemia and/or hypertension in men. The second pattern was positively correlated with high education and being older than 55 years and negatively correlated with current smoking. This pattern was also associated with overweight and low waist circumference in women and with hyperlipidaemia treatment in men. The third pattern was inversely related to age and positively related to higher education in both genders. In men, higher scores were related to living alone and an urban residence. The fourth pattern was associated with high education and an urban residence in men only. Conclusions: Our study identified four dietary patterns in this population of French middle-aged adults. Associations with sociodemographic, behavioural and health-related factors were found to differ according to dietary patterns. Sex-specific relationships were also found. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602978; published online 23 January 2008 Keywords: dietary patterns; factor analysis; lifestyles; nutrient intakes; health factors

Introduction Micronutrient malnutrition is a widespread problem in low-income populations and deficiency in one or more nutrients may be a growth-limiting factor for young children in developing countries (Allen, 1994). [...], Objectives: To determine the effect of low-dose weekly supplementation with iron, zinc or both on growth of infants from 6 to 12 months of age. Subjects/Methods: A total of 645 breastfed infants age 6 months who were not severely anemic (Hb ≥ 90g [l.sup.-1]) or severely malnourished (weight-for-age ≥ 60% median) were randomized to receive 20 mg iron and 1 mg riboflavin; 20 mg zinc and 1 mg riboflavin; 20 mg iron, 20 mg zinc and 1 mg riboflavin; or riboflavin alone (control) weekly for 6 months. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar among the four supplementation groups. Weight, length and mid-upper arm circumference were assessed at baseline, 8, 10 and 12 months of age. There was no interaction of iron and zinc when given in a combined supplement on either weight or length (P> 0.05). There were no effects of either iron or zinc on the rate of length or weight gain for all infants or when stratified by baseline Hb concentration. Conclusions: Weekly supplementation of 20 mg Fe, 20 mg Zn, or both does not benefit growth among infants 6-12 months of age in rural Bangladesh, a region with high rates of anemia and zinc deficiency. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602905; published online 19 September 2007 Keywords: supplementation; iron; zinc; growth

Introduction Micronutrient deficiencies are common worldwide and easily affect vulnerable groups such as infants and pregnant women (FAO/WHO, 1992). Vitamin A is indispensable in a large number of physiological functions [...], Objective: To clearly clarify the protective effect of vitamin A supplementation on immune function of well-nourished children suffering from vitamin A deficiency. Methods: Three hundred sixty-two children in two kindergartens in Wuhan China were enrolled. Detailed dietary assessment and anthropometry were undertaken to facilitate the exclusion of malnourished children. Seventy vitamin A-deficient children with informed consent were randomly divided into the vitamin A-deficient-supplemented group and vitamin A-deficient placebo group, 35 vitamin A-sufficient children (age- and sex-matched with the vitamin A-deficient-supplemented group children) were selected as vitamin A-sufficient placebo group. The baseline and follow-up level of selected immune parameters of the 105 children in three intervention groups were compared. Results: The total proportion of severe and marginal vitamin A-deficient children was 10.9 and 21.96%, respectively. At baseline, the serum complement C3 and slgA level of vitamin A-sufficient children was significantly higher than that of vitamin A-deficient children (P Conclusions: Vitamin A deficiency was still a serious health problem in children in China cities. Vitamin A supplementation was efficacious in ameliorating serum vitamin A status and partially impaired immune function of well-nourished children suffering from vitamin A deficiency. Keywords: vitamin A deficiency; immune function; vitamin A supplementation; well-nourished children

Introduction There is a large body of research suggesting that a high calcium intake throughout life is required to maintain bone mass and to minimize bone loss (Dodiuk-Gad et al., [...], Background/Objective: Calcium is essential for the bone metabolism but daily calcium requirements are not met in a significant proportion of the population. Fortunately, oral calcium supplementation can help to meet these needs; however, the calcium bioavailability depends on the calcium sources. The calcium absorption and bioavailability of dietary supplements from marine sources are not known. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of two marine dietary supplements with a high calcium content: a fishbone powder (Phoscalim) and a ray cartilage hydrolysate (Glycollagene), in comparison with milk, and a placebo (maltodextrin), on calcium metabolism and a biochemical marker of bone resorption, using the oral calcium tolerance test. Subjects: Twenty male volunteers were randomized to eat 836 mg of calcium from different sources compared to maltodextrin during a Latin square study. Serum calcium concentrations and other parameters of the calcium metabolism, such as serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and serum C telopeptides (s-CTX), were measured after an acute oral calcium load based on the Pak protocol. Results: An increase in serum-corrected calcium areas under the curve (AUC) occurred with Phoscalim and Glycollagene when compared to milk. Significantly lower iPTH concentrations were observed with Glycollagene than with milk at TO + 1 h, TO + 3 h, TO +6h and with Phoscalim than with milk at TO +6 h. A significantly lower s-CTX concentration was observed with Glycollagene than with milk and Phoscalim at TO +6 h. Furthermore, the urinary calcium/creatinine ratio increased significantly more with Glycollagen than with milk in TO h+ 3 h and T3 h +6 h. Conclusion: These two dietary supplements from marine sources constitute oral calcium sources when compared to milk on calcium absorption and bone resorption markers on short time. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602797; published online 23 May 2007 Keywords: calcium supplements; bone resorption; calcium bioavailability; intact parathyroid hormone; Cross Laps; phosphorus

Psoriasis is a common T-cell-mediated immune disorder characterized by circumscribed, red, thickened plaques with an overlying silver-white scale. It occurs worldwide, although the incidence is lower in warmer, sunnier climates. [...]

Introduction Several studies have shown that higher periconceptual folate intake can prevent neural tube defects (NTD) in newborn babies (Lumley et al, 2000; Berry et al, 1999). As a preventive [...], Objective: To examine the potential impact of different models of folate fortification of Australian foods on the folate intakes of older Australians. Design: Dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire from people attending a population-based health study. Setting: Two postcode areas west of Sydney, Australia. Subjects: A total of 2895 people aged over 49y, obtained from a door knock census (79% of 3654 subjects examined). Main outcome measures: The folate intake in this population was estimated using four different models: (1) prefortification folate values; (2) current voluntary folate fortification in Australia; (3) universal fortification of all foods permitted to add folate, at 25% recommended dietary intake (RDI) per reference serve; and (4) universal fortification of all foods permitted to add folate, at 50% RDI per reference serve. The increased bioavailability of synthetic folic acid (SFA) was included in the analysis. Results: At current voluntary folate fortification, approximately 65% of this population consume 320 µg dietary folate equivalents (DFE) or more per day from diet and supplements, and 0.4% (n = 10) consume greater than the recommended upper safety level of 1000 µg from SFA. More than 95% of this older population would be expected to consume more than 320 µg DFE from diet and supplements with universal fortification at 50% of the RDI, and 0.5% (n = 14) may consume greater than 1000 µg/day of SFA. Conclusions: There is unlikely to be a large increase in the proportion of older persons who are likely to consume more than the upper safety level of intake with universal folate fortification. As most of those who currently or are predicted to consume over 1000 µg SFA take supplements containing folic acid, it is highly recommended that vitamin BIZ be included in any vitamin supplements containing folate. Sponsorship: This study was supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Descriptors: folate; folate fortification; elderly; diet; modelling

Dietary components play a crucial role in the health of companion animals, especially those exposed to elevated levels of toxins and free radicals. Investigation into animals' hepatic antioxidant and metabolite [...]

Introduction The primary aim of this study was to give food supplements to two cohorts of moderately malnourished young children, mainly to improve energy and/or micronutrient intakes, and to assess [...], Objectives: This paper reports the dietary intake (home, day care centers, supplement and breast milk) of the children in the clinical trial in Pangalengan. Design: Two cohorts of children were randomly assigned to three treatments: E = 1171 kJ + 12 mg iron; M = 209 kJ + 12 mg iron; S = 104 kJ. Supplementation was given for 12 months. Setting: The sites were six tea plantations in Pangalengan, West Java. Subjects: A 12-month-old (n = 53) and an 18-month-old (n = 83) cohort were recruited from day-care-centers. Twenty children who received S belong to the 12- and 18-month-old cohorts. Inclusion criteria were: no chronic disease; length-for-age ≤-1 standard deviation (s.d.) and weight-for-length between -1 and -2 s.d. of the median of the reference of the World Health Organization. Methods: E = 1171 kJ + 12 mg iron; M = 209 kJ + 12 mg iron; S = 104 kJ. Supplementation was given for 12 months. Evaluations of intake were made at baseline and every 2 months thereafter. Results: For the 12-month-old cohort the mean increase in daily energy intake ~2931 kJ for E, ~1675 kJ for M, and ~837 kJ increase over the 6 months for the S group. For the 18-month-old cohort the changes were ~2512 kJ for E ~1675 for the M group and ~1047 for the S group. Sponsorship: Nestle Foundation. Descriptors: children 1-2.5y; malnutrition; iron deficiency; dietary supplementation; dietary energy; micronutrients; Indonesia

Introduction Iodine deficiency produces a spectrum of disorders--endemic goiter, hypothyroidism, cretinism and congenital anomalies-that are termed the iodine deficiency disorders (IDD; WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD, 1994). Mild iodine deficiency also impairs intellectual development [...], Objectives: To determine the efficacy of oral iodized oil in goitrous children who are both selenium (Se) and iodine deficient; to investigate if Se status modifies the response of iodine deficient, goitrous children to oral supplementation with iodized oil. Design: A longitudinal intervention trial. Setting: Two rural villages in the western Cote d'Ivoire. Subjects: 51 goitrous non-anemic schoolchildren with both iodine and Se deficiency. Intervention: Each child received an oral dose of 0.4 ml iodized poppyseed oil containing 200 mg of iodine. They were followed for 1 y with measurements of urinary iodine (UI), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine ([T.sub.4]), and thyroid volume by ultrasound. Results: At baseline all children were goitrous and Se deficient; median UI was 29 µg/l and mean serum Se (s.d.) was 14.8 (10.7) µg/l. After receiving iodized oil, thyroid volume decreased significantly vs baseline at 10, 15, 30 and 50 weeks (P < 0.001). At 50 weeks mean percentage change in thyroid volume from baseline was-46.6% and only five children remained goitrous. Median TSH values at 5, 10, 15, 30 and 50 weeks were reduced significantly (P Conclusion: Although more severe Se deficiency partially blunts the thyroid response to iodine supplementation, oral iodized oil is an effective method for iodine repletion in goitrous children who are Se deficient. Sponsorship: The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, the Foundation for Micronutrients in Medicine, Rapperswil, Switzerland, and the Thrasher Research Fund, Salt Lake City, USA. Descriptors: iodine; selenium; deficiency; goiter; interaction; iodized oil

Calcium deficiency in the elderly is associated with low gastric acid secretion and bone loss. A new study linking defects in gastric acid secretion with bone destruction and impaired mineralization [...]