-
1.
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Phase IIa Study: Evaluating the Effect of Curcumin for Treatment of Cancer Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome in Solid Cancer Patients.
Chaiworramukkul, A, Seetalarom, K, Saichamchan, S, Prasongsook, N
Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP. 2022;23(7):2333-2340
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Cancer anorexia–cachexia syndrome (CACS) is usually found in advanced cancer patients. CACS is a multifactorial process which comprises skeletal muscle and adipose tissue loss which may be compounded by anorexia and a dysregulated metabolic state. The hypothesis of this study was that curcumin will increase body compositions and body weight in patients with solid malignancy and CACS when compared to placebo after adjusting by age, gender, primary site of cancer, stage of cancer, performance status, and supplementary nutrition support. This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised phase lla study. A total of 46 patients were enrolled, of whom 33 underwent 1:1 block of four randomisations. Seventeen patients were randomly assigned to receive curcumin at dose of 800 mg twice daily orally and sixteen patients were randomly assigned to received placebo. Results show that curcumin supplementation: (1) did not statistically significantly improve body compositions and body weight when compared to placebo; (2) may cause clinical benefit in term of hand grip muscle strength and slow progress of CACS by decreasing in basal metabolic rate and preventing the decline in serum albumin; and (3) administered orally for two months at a dose of up to 2 grams daily appeared safe and no serious adverse events were reported. Authors conclude that curcumin inhibited process of CACS via reduction of basal metabolic rate and slowed down the progression of hand-grip muscle strength loss. Furthermore, nuclear factor kappa B [regulator of gene expression] levels merit further exploration as potentially suitable predictive biomarker for CACS treatment with curcumin.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to investigate the effect of curcumin on preventing cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) via through mechanism of inhibition on NF-kB signal pathway. Outcome measurement for primary end point was improvement of body tissue composition, and the secondary end points were body weight and body mass index, hand grip muscle strengthening, and safety. METHODS This is randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase ll a study, 33 patients with CACS in solid malignancy were enrolled and randomized in 1:1 to receive oral curcumin (at a dose of 800 mg twice daily) or placebo for 8 weeks. RESULTS All parameters of body compositions were not statistically significant different between two groups, which were consist body fat mass [-1.25(SEM 0.87) vs. +0.63(SEM 0.55); p=0.119], skeletal muscle mass [-0.35(SEM 0.60) vs.+0.33(SEM 0.42); p=0.408] and percent body fat [-0.47(SEM 0.95) vs. -0.29(SEM 0.82); p=0.893] including with basal metabolic rate [-13.47(SEM 21.94) vs. +15.30(13.76); p=0.336]. The average of weight loss was also not statistically significant different between two groups. [-1.4 kg(SEM 0.89) in curcumin vs-1.12 kg(SEM 0.73), p=0.810]. Notably, patient with curcumin had less reduction of hand-grip muscle strength on both hands [Rt. handed: -2.47 in curcumin vs. -5.36 in placebo; p=0.318] [Lt. handed: -1.98 vs. -5.43; p=0.317], and basal metabolic rate than placebo group. Most adverse events were grade 1 on both groups similarly. CONCLUSION Curcumin was not shown to be superior to placebo with regard to increasing the body composition in cancer patients with CACS. However, curcumin might show some clinical benefits, including slow progression of hand-grip muscle strength loss, and basal metabolic rate. Further investigations should be explored.
-
2.
An oleuropein-based dietary supplement may improve joint functional capacity in older people with high knee joint pain: findings from a multicentre-RCT and post hoc analysis.
Horcajada, MN, Beaumont, M, Sauvageot, N, Poquet, L, Saboundjian, M, Costes, B, Verdonk, P, Brands, G, Brasseur, J, Urbin-Choffray, D, et al
Therapeutic advances in musculoskeletal disease. 2022;14:1759720X211070205
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Mobility is an important factor for the quality of life and healthy ageing. Yet, most people as they age will experience some degree of mobility issue, typically linked to problems with joints, bones or muscles. Current medical treatments focus on the management of pain and discomfort with anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relief. However, chronic use of these medications is associated with many side effects. Olive leaf extract (OLE) is a rich source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds such as oleuropein. Animal studies of OLE showed it had promising effects on inflammation and age-related joint degeneration, and in clinical studies, it was demonstrated to preserve bone mineral density. This 6-month randomized placebo-controlled trial investigated the use of 125mg OLE on knee pain, discomfort and loss of mobility in 124 elderly subjects over 55 who experienced mild to moderate pain during or after physical activity in the absence of diagnosed underlying conditions such as osteoarthritis. The outcome was tracked by scoring questionnaires and blood samples to monitor inflammatory markers, as well as urinary samples to assess compliance. At the end of the trial, there was no significant difference in pain or inflammatory markers, apart from a decline in Prostaglandin E2 in the OLE takers. An adjusted analysis showed that whereby people with mild to moderate pain did not experience any benefits, a significant effect was seen in people who had higher levels of baseline pain to begin with. Due to the good safety profile of OLE, it may be a suitable intervention for those candidates. Larger scale trials may help to enhance these findings.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate a 6-month intervention with an olive leaf extract (OLE) on knee functionality and biomarkers of bone/cartilage metabolism and inflammation. DESIGN This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centric trial included 124 subjects with knee pain or mobility issues. Subjects received twice a day one capsule of placebo or 125 mg OLE (Bonolive™, an OLE containing 50 mg of oleuropein) for 6 months. The co-primary endpoints were Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and serum Coll2-1NO2. The secondary endpoints were the subscales of the KOOS, knee pain VAS at rest and at walking, OARSI core set of performance-based tests and multiple inflammatory and bone or cartilage remodeling serum biomarkers and concentration of oleuropein's metabolites in urine. RESULTS At 6 months, OLE group was not efficient on global KOOS score, changes of inflammatory and cartilage remodeling biomarkers compared to placebo. Post hoc analyses demonstrated a large and significant treatment effect of OLE in a sub-group of subjects with high walking pain at baseline (p = 0.03). This was observed at 6 months for the global KOOS score, and each different subscale and for pain at walking (p = 0.02). OLE treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSION OLE was not effective on joint discomfort excepted in a sub-group of subjects with high pain at treatment initiation. As oleuropein is well tolerated, OLE can be used to relieve knee joint pain and enhance mobility in subjects with articular pain.
-
3.
The relationship between different iodine sources and nutrition in pregnant women and adults.
Sun, R, Fan, L, Du, Y, Liu, L, Qian, T, Zhao, M, Che, W, Liu, P, Sun, D
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2022;13:924990
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Iodine is one of the essential trace elements in human body, which can only be obtained from the diet. Pregnant women are a special population, and their iodine intake needs to not only meet their own health needs but also to supply the growth of the foetus. The main aim of this study was to compare the iodine supplement measures and dietary contribution between pregnant women and adults. This study is based on a multi-stage random sampling method with a total of 2,128 pregnant women and 1,493 adults. Results show that iodine nutrition of pregnant women and adults was adequate in the four provinces included in the study. The largest difference of iodine levels between these provinces was the use of iodine during food preparation and the amount of dietary iodine intake. Additionally, the dietary iodine intake of pregnant women was less than the recommended nutrition intake. Authors conclude that various factors may affect thyroid disease prevalence in pregnant women, such as habitation (urban/rural) and gestation. Furthermore, it is important to coordinate the relationship between iodine nutrition and low sodium diet.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different iodine supplement measures emerge along with the economy development in China. The article objectives are to compare and explore the relationship between iodine sources and nutrition of pregnant women and adults. METHODS A total of 2,145 pregnant women and 1,660 adults were investigated by multi-stage random method. Questionnaire was used to collect basic information and the consumption of food, water, and iodine preparations. Household salt and individual urine and blood samples were collected, and thyroid function and morphology of pregnant women were measured. RESULTS The median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) of pregnant women (164.49 μg/L) was lower than adults (187.30 μg/L, p < 0.05). Iodine supplement with IS (iodized salt) was the main measure for pregnant women and adults, and the difference was mainly on the consumption of iodine preparations between pregnant women (5.19%) and adults (0.85%). Moreover, adults' dietary iodine intake from food (100.6 μg/day), IS (140.8 μg/day), and drinking water (6.0 μg/day) was higher than those of pregnant women (86.5, 107.2, and 3.5 μg/day, respectively). Compared with iodine supplement with IS, ISFP (IS + iodine-rich food + iodine preparations) could reduce the risk of iodine deficiency for pregnant women. The MUICs for pregnant women and adults of iodine supplements with IF (iodine-rich food) and ISF (IS + iodine-rich food) were lower. For pregnant women, thyroid nodule (11.90%) and peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positive (9.32%) were high prevalent thyroid diseases, and habitation (urban/rural), gestation, annual income, and drinking water type would affect them. CONCLUSION Pregnant women and adults had adequate iodine nutrition in four provinces. Their iodine supplement measures were different, the consumption of iodine preparations in pregnant women was higher, and their dietary iodine intake was lower than adults. ISFP was an effect measure for pregnant women to supplement iodine.
-
4.
Impact of changes in physical activity or BMI on risk of heart failure in women - the prospective population study of women in Gothenburg.
Halldin, AK, Lissner, L, Lernfelt, B, Björkelund, C
Scandinavian journal of primary health care. 2020;38(1):56-65
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Heart failure (HF) is a severe and progressive condition with poor prognosis. Obesity is a risk factor for HF. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of change in physical activity or change in body mass index on the risk of later developing HF in women without a previous diagnosis of HF. This study is prospective longitudinal study which includes 1749 healthy women from the Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg. Results indicate that gaining weight in early middle age is more harmful than gaining weight later in life, with regard to the risk of developing HF later in life. Furthermore, reduced risk of future HF in healthy women may be achieved by remaining physically active from young middle age and throughout life or by increasing the level of physical activity. Authors conclude that the role of physical activity in preventing the development of obesity must be taken into account.
Abstract
Objective: To longitudinally evaluate the impact of change in physical activity or change in body mass index (BMI) over time on the risk of developing heart failure (HF) in women without a previous diagnosis of HF.Design and setting: Longitudinal, observational, prospective study of women in Gothenburg, Sweden. Data on BMI and level of physical activity were collected from examinations 1968-1992 and hospital diagnoses and mortality data were ascertained from 1980 to 2012.Subjects: Data were obtained from 1749 women included in the Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg.Main outcome measures: Hazard ratio (HR) for HF was calculated, using a Cox regression model.Results: Women with stable high physical activity during 1968-1980 and 1980-1992 reduced their risk of subsequent HF compared to the non-active women (for 1968-1980 HR 0.66, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.44-0.99 and for 1980-1992 HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.29-0.74). Women with increasing levels of physical activity during 1980-1992 reduced their risk of HF compared to the non-active women (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.72). Increase in BMI from overweight to obesity during 1968-1980 predicted increased risk of developing HF (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.18-3.14).Conclusions: Reduced risk of future HF in healthy women may be achieved by remaining physically active from young middle age and throughout life or by increasing the level of physical activity. This is particularly important for sedentary women in middle age. The role of physical activity in preventing the development of obesity must be taken into account.Key pointsA sedentary lifestyle and obesity are risk factors for developing heart failure (HF) in women.The risk of developing HF may be reduced by increasing the level of activity in sedentary middle-aged women.For younger women, avoiding obesity is most important to reduce the risk of later HF.Primary care has a key role in guiding women towards the most effective lifestyle changes to prevent development of HF.
-
5.
Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes by Lifestyle Changes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Uusitupa, M, Khan, TA, Viguiliouk, E, Kahleova, H, Rivellese, AA, Hermansen, K, Pfeiffer, A, Thanopoulou, A, Salas-Salvadó, J, Schwab, U, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(11)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
With Type 2 Diabetes growing globally this paper analyses whether T2D is preventable with lifestyle measures including diet. Seven RCTs were included for review with a total of 4090 participants, and 2466 incidents of T2D, and were chosen on the basis that the lifestyle interventions included both physical exercise and diet (typically Mediterranean Diet). They found that diet and lifestyle intervention reduced the risk of T2D by 47%. Sustained risk reduction was also found in follow-up studies up to 10 years later with participants maintaining improved blood glucose control. Lifestyle interventions may also reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Weight reduction was considered a cornerstone of preventing T2D and adherence to lifestyle changes a key element in long term prevention. Dietary foods reviewed include processed meats, white rice and sugars which correlated highly with T2D whilst leafy greens, berries, wholegrains, legumes, dietary fibre and yoghurt correlate with a lower risk of T2D. Dietary patterns of skipping breakfast and snacking correlate higher with T2D. Different criteria for evaluating physical activity estimate that it reduces risk factors by 50%. In conclusion there is high evidence that lifestyle factors which optimise diet, increase physical activity and promote weight reduction are preventative factors for T2D and can be sustained long term.
Abstract
Prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a great challenge worldwide. The aim of this evidence synthesis was to summarize the available evidence in order to update the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) clinical practice guidelines for nutrition therapy. We conducted a systematic review and, where appropriate, meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) carried out in people with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (six studies) or dysmetabolism (one study) to answer the following questions: What is the evidence that T2D is preventable by lifestyle changes? What is the optimal diet (with a particular focus on diet quality) for prevention, and does the prevention of T2D result in a lower risk of late complications of T2D? The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was applied to assess the certainty of the trial evidence. Altogether seven RCTs (N = 4090) fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The diagnosis of incident diabetes was based on an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The overall risk reduction of T2D by the lifestyle interventions was 0.53 (95% CI 0.41; 0.67). Most of the trials aimed to reduce weight, increase physical activity, and apply a diet relatively low in saturated fat and high in fiber. The PREDIMED trial that did not meet eligibility criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis was used in the final assessment of diet quality. We conclude that T2D is preventable by changing lifestyle and the risk reduction is sustained for many years after the active intervention (high certainty of evidence). Healthy dietary changes based on the current recommendations and the Mediterranean dietary pattern can be recommended for the long-term prevention of diabetes. There is limited or insufficient data to show that prevention of T2D by lifestyle changes results in a lower risk of cardiovascular and microvascular complications.
-
6.
Endothelial Function is improved by Inducing Microbial Polyamine Production in the Gut: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Matsumoto, M, Kitada, Y, Naito, Y
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Endothelial dysfunction is an early warning sign for plaque formation in atherosclerosis. This study explores the Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis (Bifal) and arginine (Arg) on endothelial function in forty-four healthy subjects. The subjects were randomised to receive 100g daily of natural yoghurt containing Bifal and Arg, or a placebo, for a total of twelve weeks. In a precursor to this study, the authors found that Bifal and Arg increased the production of certain polyamines in the gut, essential to cell proliferation and inhibition of inflammation. They concluded that exogenous polyamines from foods may be of benefit to cardiovascular health. In this follow-up study they measured fecal, blood and urine samples to analyse polyamine concentration, bacterial DNA, serum polyamine, inflammatory cytokines, triglycerides and other biochemical parameters. The reactive hyperemia index (RHI), the primary outcome, was measured using endo-peripheral arterial tone (EndoPAT). The results showed that the participants who received the Bifal and Arg yoghurt saw their RHI increase from 1.50 to 1.81, suggesting that Bifal + Arg YG intake restored endothelial function to normal levels. The other biomarkers measured also suggested an improvement of vascular endothelial function with a reduction in serum platelet and triglyceride levels, two risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Abstract
Recently, it was demonstrated that spermidine-induced autophagy reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in mice. Intestinal bacteria are a major source of polyamines, including spermidine. We previously reported that the intake of both Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (Bifal) and arginine (Arg) increases the production of putrescine, a spermidine precursor, in the gut. Here, we investigated the effects of Bifal and Arg consumption on endothelial function in healthy subjects. Healthy individuals with body mass index (BMI) near the maximum value in the "healthy" range (BMI: 25) (n = 44) were provided normal yogurt containing Bifal and Arg (Bifal + Arg YG) or placebo (normal yogurt) for 12 weeks in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study. The reactive hyperemia index (RHI), the primary outcome, was measured using endo-peripheral arterial tone (EndoPAT). The change in RHI from week 0 to 12 in the Bifal + Arg YG group was significantly higher than that in the placebo group, indicating that Bifal + Arg YG intake improved endothelial function. At week 12, the concentrations of fecal putrescine and serum putrescine and spermidine in the Bifal + Arg YG group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group. This study suggests that consuming Bifal + Arg YG prevents or reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
-
7.
Role of Calcium and Low-Fat Dairy Foods in Weight-Loss Outcomes Revisited: Results from the Randomized Trial of Effects on Bone and Body Composition in Overweight/Obese Postmenopausal Women.
Ilich, JZ, Kelly, OJ, Liu, PY, Shin, H, Kim, Y, Chi, Y, Wickrama, KKAS, Colic-Baric, I
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
A woman’s menopausal years are believed to bring about weight gain due to various biological mechanisms, such as depletion of oestrogen. Many women undertake weight loss diets, in an attempt to control the weight gain, and although weight loss can reduce the risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disease etc, it can also lead to accelerated loss bone density and muscle mass. The objective of this study was to investigate whether by complementing a low-calorie diet with 4 to 5 servings of low-fat dairy foods per day and/or supplementing with calcium and vitamin D supplements would aid weight loss and preserve either/both bone and muscle mass. The study was conducted on 189 early postmenopausal, obese women. It was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted over 6 months. Researchers found that results were better for the participants on the low-fat dairy foods and those supplementing with calcium and vitamin D when compared to the placebo group (who only had placebo pills). They suggest that when embarking on a weight loss program it is beneficial to include 4 to 5 servings of low-fat dairy foods each day and take calcium and vitamin D supplements will have a positive impact on weight loss, bone density and muscle mass in post-menopausal women.
Abstract
Several studies have investigated the possibility of dairy foods and calcium (Ca) mediating weight and body composition, but a consensus has not been reached. We aimed to investigate weight-loss-related outcomes during intervention with low-fat dairy foods or Ca + vitamin D supplements, both as complements to hypocaloric diets. Overweight/obese Caucasian, early-postmenopausal women (n = 135) were recruited for a 6 month energy-restricted weight loss study complemented with either low-fat dairy foods (D; 4-5 servings/day), or Ca + vitamin D supplements (S); both to amount a total of ~1500 mg/day and 600 IU/day of Ca and vitamin D, respectively, or placebo pills (C). Bone mineral density (BMD) and lean and fat tissue were measured by Lunar iDXA. Serum and urinary markers of bone turnover were analyzed. Diet and physical activity were assessed with 3-day records. Participants on average lost ~4%, ~3%, and ~2% of body weight, fat, and lean tissue, respectively. The significantly better outcomes were noticed in participants in the D group regarding body composition (fat loss/lean tissue preservation) and in participants in the S group regarding the BMD outcomes, compared to those in the C group. Therefore, increasing low-fat dairy foods to 4-5 servings/day and/or increasing Ca & vitamin D intake by supplements (in those who are at the borderline dietary intake) may be beneficial for weight loss/maintenance and may lead to more favorable bone and body composition outcomes in postmenopausal women during moderate weight loss.
-
8.
Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnancy and Lactation and Infant Growth.
Roth, DE, Morris, SK, Zlotkin, S, Gernand, AD, Ahmed, T, Shanta, SS, Papp, E, Korsiak, J, Shi, J, Islam, MM, et al
The New England journal of medicine. 2018;379(6):535-546
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
In Bangladesh, 30% of newborns are small for gestational age and 36% of children under 5-years of age have stunted growth. Some previous studies suggest that supplementing mums-to-be with vitamin D during and/or after pregnancy may improve foetal and infant growth. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of vitamin D supplementation on infant growth in Bangladesh. Over 1,100 pregnant women were split into five groups. One group received no vitamin D (placebo group). Three groups received supplementation from mid pregnancy in doses of 4200 IU, 16,800 IU, and 28,000 IU per week. The fifth group received 28,000 IU vitamin D per week during pregnancy, as well as 28,000 IU weekly for 26 weeks after childbirth. At the start of the study, 64% of women were vitamin D deficient (defined as 25(OH)D<30 nmol/L). The vitamin D status of the women was similar across the groups. Among 1,164 infants assessed at 1 year of age, there were no significant differences across groups in the length-for-age scores. Other anthropometric measures, birth outcomes, and morbidity did not differ significantly across groups. The researchers concluded that maternal vitamin D supplementation from mid pregnancy until birth or until 6 months post-partum did not improve foetal or infant growth. The findings of the study do not support routine vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy or lactation to improve birth outcomes or infant growth, even in communities with endemic vitamin D deficiency and foetal-infant growth restriction.
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and lactation improves fetal and infant growth in regions where vitamin D deficiency is common. METHODS We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Bangladesh to assess the effects of weekly prenatal vitamin D supplementation (from 17 to 24 weeks of gestation until birth) and postpartum vitamin D supplementation on the primary outcome of infants' length-for-age z scores at 1 year according to World Health Organization (WHO) child growth standards. One group received neither prenatal nor postpartum vitamin D (placebo group). Three groups received prenatal supplementation only, in doses of 4200 IU (prenatal 4200 group), 16,800 IU (prenatal 16,800 group), and 28,000 IU (prenatal 28,000 group). The fifth group received prenatal supplementation as well as 26 weeks of postpartum supplementation in the amount of 28,000 IU (prenatal and postpartum 28,000 group). RESULTS Among 1164 infants assessed at 1 year of age (89.5% of 1300 pregnancies), there were no significant differences across groups in the mean (±SD) length-for-age z scores. Scores were as follows: placebo, -0.93±1.05; prenatal 4200, -1.11±1.12; prenatal 16,800, -0.97±0.97; prenatal 28,000, -1.06±1.07; and prenatal and postpartum 28,000, -0.94±1.00 (P=0.23 for a global test of differences across groups). Other anthropometric measures, birth outcomes, and morbidity did not differ significantly across groups. Vitamin D supplementation had expected effects on maternal and infant serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcium concentrations, maternal urinary calcium excretion, and maternal parathyroid hormone concentrations. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of adverse events across groups, with the exception of a higher rate of possible hypercalciuria among the women receiving the highest dose. CONCLUSIONS In a population with widespread prenatal vitamin D deficiency and fetal and infant growth restriction, maternal vitamin D supplementation from midpregnancy until birth or until 6 months post partum did not improve fetal or infant growth. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01924013 .).
-
9.
Dietary nitrate does not modify blood pressure and cardiac output at rest and during exercise in older adults: a randomised cross-over study.
Oggioni, C, Jakovljevic, DG, Klonizakis, M, Ashor, AW, Ruddock, A, Ranchordas, M, Williams, E, Siervo, M
International journal of food sciences and nutrition. 2018;69(1):74-83
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Nitrates are naturally-occurring compounds that are produced within the body and also found in food. The main sources of nitrates in the diet come from cured meats and vegetables such as spinach, rocket and beetroot. Nitrate supplements have been associated with beneficial effects on heart and metabolic health, and improvements in athletic performance. Many of these benefits have been observed in younger adults. The objective of this randomised controlled trial was to investigate the effects of 7 days’ consumption of beetroot juice compared with placebo on (1) blood pressure (BP) measured in resting conditions and during exercise, (2) cardiac and peripheral vascular function and (3) biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial integrity, in older adults. Twenty non-smoking healthy participants aged 60-75 years were recruited. Each participant was given 70ml of either beetroot juice rich in nitrates, or beetroot juice low in nitrates (placebo), twice a day for 7 days. All participants took both the 7-day courses, with at least 7 days rest in between. Measurement was conducted before and after each 7-day intervention period. Consumption of nitrates had no effect on resting systolic and diastolic BP. Nitrate consumption did not improve heart function during exercise. Nitrate consumption did not change markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial integrity. The authors concluded that this study does not support the short-term benefits of dietary nitrate supplementation on physiological and biochemical markers of heart health in older healthy adults.
Abstract
Dietary nitrate (NO3-) supplementation has been associated with improved vascular and metabolic health. We conducted a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled RCT to investigate the effects of 7-d consumption of beetroot juice compared with placebo on (1) blood pressure (BP) measured in resting conditions and during exercise, (2) cardiac and peripheral vascular function and (3) biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial integrity. Twenty non-smoking healthy participants aged 60-75 years and BMI 20.0-29.9 kg/m2 were recruited. Measurement was conducted before and after each 7-d intervention period. Consumption of NO3- had no effect on resting systolic and diastolic BP. NO3- consumption did not improve indexes of central and peripheral cardiac function responses during cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Dietary NO3- supplementation did not modify biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial integrity. This study does not support the short-term benefits of dietary NO3- supplementation on physiological and biochemical markers of vascular health in older healthy adults.
-
10.
Untargeted metabolomic on urine samples after α-lipoic acid and/or eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation in healthy overweight/obese women.
Romo-Hualde, A, Huerta, AE, González-Navarro, CJ, Ramos-López, O, Moreno-Aliaga, MJ, Martínez, JA
Lipids in health and disease. 2018;17(1):103
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA - an omega-3 fatty acid) and alpha-lipoic acid (an antioxidant) have both been investigated for their beneficial impacts on weight loss and heart health. The aim of this double-blind randomised placebo-controlled intervention lasting 8 weeks was to assess the effect of dietary supplementation with EPA and alpha-lipoic acid, separately or in combination, and together with a calorie restricted diet, on breakdown products (metabolites) present in the urine. The study recruited a group of 70 healthy overweight/obese sedentary females. Results indicate a higher reduction in body mass index and fat mass in those groups supplemented with alpha-lipoic acid. EPA supplementation had no effect on urinary breakdown products. Authors conclude that alpha-lipoic acid administration has beneficial effects on body weight reduction, mainly through its antioxidant properties.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and α-lipoic acid (α-LA) have been investigated for their beneficial effects on obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. In the current research, the goal was to evaluate metabolomic changes following the dietary supplementation of these two lipids, alone or combined in healthy overweight/obese sedentary women following an energy-restricted diet. For this purpose, an untargeted metabolomics approach was conducted on urine samples using liquid chromatography coupled with time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOF-MS). METHODS This is a short-term double blind placebo-controlled study with a parallel nutritional design that lasted 10 weeks. Participants were assigned to one of the 4 experimental groups [Control, EPA (1.3 g/d), α-LA (0.3 g/d) and EPA+α-LA (1.3 g/d + 0.3 g/d)]. All intervention groups followed an energy-restricted diet of 30% less than total energy expenditure. Clinically relevant biochemical measurements were analyzed. Urine samples (24 h) were collected at baseline and after 10 weeks. Untargeted metabolomic analysis on urine samples was carried out, and principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were performed for the pattern recognition and characteristic metabolites identification. RESULTS Urine samples were scattered in the PCA scores plots in response to the supplementation with α-LA. Totally, 28 putative discriminant metabolites in positive ionization, and 6 in negative ionization were identified among groups clearly differentiated according to the α-LA administration. Remarkably is the presence of an ascorbate intermediate metabolite (one of the isomers of trihydroxy-dioxohexanoate, or dihydroxy-oxohexanedionate) in the groups supplemented with α-LA. This fact might be associated with antioxidant properties of both α-LA and ascorbic acid. Correlations between phenotypical parameters and putative metabolites of provided additional information on whether there is a direct or inverse relationship between them. Especially interesting are the negative correlation between ascorbate intermediate metabolite and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and the positive one between superoxide dismutase (SOD) and α-LA supplementation. CONCLUSIONS This metabolomic approach supports that the beneficial effects of α-LA administration on body weight reduction may be partly explained by the antioxidant properties of this organosulfur carboxylic acid mediated by isomers of trihydroxy-dioxohexanoate, or dihydroxy-oxohexanedionate. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01138774 .