Nutrition and health最新文献

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly impacts physical and mental well-being, and dietary interventions such as low protein diet (LPD) and very low protein diet (VLPD) with ketoanalogue essential amino acids (KAEAAs) may improve quality of life (QoL) and slow disease progression.AimsTo evaluate the effects of LPD and VLPD with KAEAA on QoL in pre-dialysis CKD patients (stages 3-5).MethodologyA randomized, open-label study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 November at tertiary care centre, enrolling 199 patients with CKD3 to CKD5 (not on dialysis). Participants were allocated to normal protein (NP), LPD, or VLPD + KAEAA groups in stage 3, and LPD or VLPD + KAEAA groups in stages 4 and 5. QoL was assessed at baseline and after 1 year using the KDQOL-SF-36™ v1.3 survey, evaluating physical component score (PCS), mental component score (MCS), and domain-specific changes.ResultsAmong 199 pre-dialysis CKD patients, stage 3 participants showed significant decline in physical functioning with both LPD (p = 0.00) and VLPD (p = 0.02), while emotional well-being improved slightly. PCS declined across all groups, but MCS improved marginally with VLPD and declined in LPD and NP. In stage 4, both LPD and VLPD diets led to reductions in PCS and MCS. Cognitive function improved significantly with LPD (p = 0.03). In stage 5, VLPD patients showed marked improvements in pain (p = 0.00), kidney disease burden (p = 0.05), physical function, sleep, sexual function, and social support, while LPD offered only modest gains.ConclusionVLPD with ketoanalogues offers superior QoL benefits, particularly in advanced CKD, compared to LPD.

BackgroundWernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a neurological disorder classically associated with alcohol use, but increasingly recognized in non-alcoholics due to nutritional deficiencies, especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant and postpartum women. The clinical diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy is often challenging, as the classical triad of symptoms-encephalopathy, ophthalmoplegia and ataxia-frequently presents incompletely or may be entirely absent.AimsWE, although commonly associated with alcoholism, is frequently underdiagnosed in the non-alcoholic population and a delayed diagnosis can result in poor clinical outcomes. This study focuses on cases of non-alcoholic WE, aiming to evaluate the clinical and biochemical presentation in these patients.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted in patients presenting with acute confusional states who demonstrated clinical improvement following thiamine administration. Baseline clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters were recorded for all participants. A standardized questionnaire was administered and informed consent was obtained from all patients prior to inclusion in the study.SummaryA total of 18 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients presented with ataxia (100.0%), confusion (100.0%) and acute onset encephalopathy (63.2%). The MRI showed symmetrical hyperintensity in T2 and FLAIR involving mammillary bodies (38.8%), only periaqueductal grey matter (50.0%), thalami (44.4%) and periventricular third ventricle (38.8%). Nearly 33.0% of patients had signal alteration in all regions including the thalamus, hypothalamus and periaqueductal area and atrophy of mammillary bodies. Non-alcoholic WE is potentially reversible and treatment should be promptly initiated in patients, particularly in high-risk populations.

BackgroundSeaweed is a nutrient-dense, sustainable, and underutilized food source. Despite its growing popularity, little is known about its consumption and related perceptions during pregnancy.AimTo (1) explore perceptions of health, environmental concerns, and seaweed consumption among pregnant individuals; (2) characterize their seaweed consumption patterns; and (3) identify factors shaping their attitudes and choices regarding seaweed.MethodsData were collected via an online survey developed for this study, incorporating items from the Health Consciousness Scale and questions assessing perceptions, consumption patterns, and attitudes related to seaweed among 120 pregnant participants across all trimesters. Descriptive and qualitative analyses were conducted.ResultsIn terms of health perceptions, most respondents (91.7%) reported being actively engaged in their health, and a majority (81.7%) agreed that the healthfulness of foods greatly influences their dietary choices. Regarding seaweed consumption, 70.8% of participants had consumed seaweed at least once during pregnancy. In addition, 60.0% of respondents expressed a positive attitude toward seaweed.ConclusionsIncorporating seaweed into dietary recommendations during pregnancy may offer both nutritional and environmental benefits. Future research should prioritize rigorous safety assessments to establish evidence-based guidance for seaweed consumption among pregnant individuals.

Background: Creatine supplementation has been widely studied for muscle health and aging. Recently, its possible effects on brain function and cognition in older adults have drawn attention, though consistent clinical evidence remains limited. Aim: To discuss current challenges and limitations regarding creatine supplementation as a strategy for cognitive improvement in older adults. Methods: Not applicable (commentary article, no original methods involved). Summary: A key uncertainty is whether supplemented creatine crosses the blood-brain barrier in sufficient amounts to affect neuronal metabolism. Although some studies show modest brain creatine increases, methodological constraints, individual variability, and the absence of standardized protocols limit firm conclusions. Assertions of cognitive enhancement based solely on supplementation risk overstating available data. This commentary highlights physiological and methodological barriers and calls for rigorous trials using advanced imaging, standardized dosing, and integration with lifestyle interventions. Until such evidence is available, creatine supplementation for cognition in older adults should be considered a hypothesis rather than an established clinical practice.

BackgroundChildren under 36 months experience rapid growth, making proper nutrition crucial for their development and health. Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres play a key role in meeting these needs when parents are unavailable. Children spend 5-10 h daily in these centres, where they receive up to 70% of their nutritional needs.AimThis study aimed to develop an anthropometric profile of children under 36 months and assess food provisioning in ECD centres in Tutaleni Informal Settlement, Walvis Bay, Namibia.MethodologyA cross-sectional, observational design with a quantitative approach was used. A census sampling strategy selected 110 children from 13 ECD centres. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected, cleaned, and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 27. WHO Anthro software version 3.2.2.1 was used to assess growth indices.SummaryThe study found that stunting affected 8.2% of children, predominantly boys and those aged 12-23 months. Wasting and overweight each had a prevalence of 5.5%, while underweight was 4.5%. None of the ECD centres provided meals; all children brought food from home, commonly yoghurt (100%), bread with jam (92.3%), pasta (92.3%), fruits, cooked rice (84.6%), and porridge (76.9%). Feeding mainly involved bottles (92.3%), with commercial formula used more frequently (76.9%) than expressed breastmilk (23.1%). These findings highlight ongoing malnutrition concerns in the ECD centres, stressing the need for targeted interventions, including caregiver and parental training on optimal feeding, to improve food environments and support healthy child development.

BackgroundChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent adverse effect associated with platinum-based agents, vinca alkaloids, and taxanes, contributing to a significant increase in morbidity, reduced quality of life, and treatment of nonadherence. Evidence suggests that nutritional status, particularly vitamin D (VD) levels, could influence CIPN incidence and clinical manifestations.AimTo compile evidence on the association between VD status and CIPN incidence and severity in patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy.MethodsA scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane for primary investigations published up to 25 September 2025.ResultsEleven observational studies were included. Based on the results from these studies, patients with breast or cervical cancer and VD deficiency receiving paclitaxel appear to exhibit higher incidence and risk of CIPN, highlighting VD levels as a predictor of CIPN development. Moreover, in patients with multiple myeloma on bortezomib, thalidomide and/or lenalidomide, and those receiving an oxaliplatin-based regimen for gastrointestinal tumors, lower VD levels seem to be associated with significantly higher incidence or prevalence of CIPN.ConclusionThese findings suggest a relation between low serum VD levels and an increased risk and severity of CIPN, hypothetically mediated by the neuroprotective, neuroregenerative, and anti-inflammatory properties of VD which could play a protective role in the development of CIPN. Future research should conduct stratified randomized controlled trials, standardize VD cutoffs and explore dose-response in high-risk groups, to elucidate its potential clinical implications.

Background: Dietary adherence is essential for glycemic control in diabetic patients, yet cultural preferences, availability, and affordability often hinder acceptance of recommended foods. Thus, it requires food-based recommendations (FBRs) tailored to local contexts.

Aim: This study identified locally available foods to develop FBR using linear programming (LP) in WHO Optifood for preelderly diabetic patients.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 174 type 2 diabetic patients aged 50-64 years in Malang, Indonesia, selected through multistage random sampling. Dietary data were collected over seven days using a 24-h recall, a one-day estimated food record, and a five-day food tally to capture habitual intake patterns. Optifood analysis incorporated demographic data, commonly consumed local foods, and nutrient targets based on Perkeni and Indonesian RDA. Dietary adequacy assessment used a modeled scenario using the 65% Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) threshold in the worst-case intake analysis.

Results: Several nutrients showed dietary inadequacy in the modeled analysis, rather than actual individual deficiencies. Protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, B12, iron, and omega-3 could be optimized to exceed 65% of the RNI using local foods such as tempeh, corn rice, moringa leaves, tongkol, kepok banana, and koro beans. However, calcium, vitamin B6, and zinc did not meet the 65% adequacy threshold.

Conclusion: Locally available food was successfully incorporated into dietary recommendations, fulfilling eight key nutrients. Nevertheless, vitamin B6, calcium, and zinc remained below the recommended thresholds in worst-case modeling, highlighting the need for additional interventions such as food fortification or dietary diversification.

BackgroundOrofacial clefts (OFCs) are complex congenital anomalies influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, with maternal folate long recognized as a modifiable risk factor.AimThis study investigated the association between maternal plasma folate levels and OFC risk and assessed contributions of other nutritional factors.MethodsA case-control study was conducted in Kumasi, Ghana, involving 103 cases (children with OFCs) and controls (children without OFCs) (January to July 2024). Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires and 24-h dietary recalls. Plasma folate was measured with a Human Folate ELISA kit, and BMI obtained by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis device. Other variables included dietary intake of vitamin B₁₂, B₆, iron, zinc, BMI, and maternal age. Plasma folate was categorized as low (< 159.88 ng/mL), intermediate (159.88-293.06 ng/mL), and high (>293.06 ng/mL). Logistic regression assessed associations.ResultsLow plasma folate levels were observed in 52.4% of the case mothers versus 28.2% of controls (p = 0.0004). In the unadjusted model, high folate was linked to increased OFC odds (odds ratio (OR) = 2.192, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.081-4.447), while low folate showed non-significant elevated odds (OR = 1.229, 95% CI: 0.638-2.367). After adjustment, plasma folate was no longer significant. Independent predictors were dietary folate (OR = 1.009, 95% CI: 1.003-1.015), iron (OR = 0.871, 95% CI: 0.785-0.967), vitamin B₆ (OR = 0.335, 95% CI: 0.118-0.949), vitamin B₁₂ (OR = 0.751, 95% CI: 0.604-0.935), and maternal age (OR = 1.148, 95% CI: 1.012-1.302).SummaryPlasma folate alone provides an incomplete assessment of OFC risk. Considering maternal nutritional profiles as a whole provides a more comprehensive understanding of risk.

BackgroundMalnutrition is prevalent yet frequently under-recognized at hospital admission, particularly among cardiac patients. Current screening tools may need contextual adaptation for use in specific healthcare settings.AimTo assess healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding nutritional screening and to develop and validate a modified nutritional screening tool.MethodsA structured KAP questionnaire was distributed to 50 healthcare professionals. Subsequently, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 173 cardiac patients aged 30-60 years. The modified nutritional screening tool was applied within 24-48 hours of admission. Internal consistency was evaluated using the discrimination index (DI) and Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.ResultsAn online survey with the response rate of 68% highlighted the importance of nutritional screening and the need for a tailored tool. Among patients, 35% were at low nutritional risk, 59% at medium risk, and 7% at high risk. Items with DI < 0.2 were removed. The modified nutritional screening tool demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.70-0.90) and excellent test-retest reliability (r = 0.97).ConclusionThe modified nutritional screening tool is a valid, efficient, and practical tool for identifying malnutrition risk in cardiac inpatients and is suitable for routine use in tertiary care hospitals. Larger comparative studies are recommended to confirm its applicability across diverse clinical settings.

Background: Taste perception plays an important role in a person's food preferences. Promoting an interest in taste and developing taste perception are important factors for healthy eating habits. However, only a few studies have been conducted to investigate the association of taste perception with personal background factors, nutrition, and eating habits. Aim: To investigate the current status and associated factors of taste perception among primary school children in Japan through a cross-sectional study design. Methods: A total of 77 children aged 9-11 years participated in this study between July and August 2022. Taste perception was assessed using the validated "Taste Strips" test, and participants were classified as either having high taste perception if their total taste score was ≥9 or having low taste perception if their score was <9. Data on demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, eating habits, nutrient intake, and self-efficacy were collected through questionnaires and regular health checkups. Results: Among the participants, 20% were classified as having low taste perception. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that family commensality at dinner (adjusted odds ratio: 5.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-28.0) and having a positive attitude (adjusted odds ratio: 1.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-1.1) were significantly associated with children's taste perception. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of nutrition education and the home environment in supporting the development of taste perception, potentially guiding interventions to promote healthy eating habits during children's critical formative period.