To evaluate the association between consumed non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a cohort of pregnant women from Santiago, Chile.
This secondary data analysis of a cohort.involved 1,472 pregnant women from the Chilean Maternal-Infant Cohort Study-II (CHiMINCs-II). These women received care at primary health care centers in Puente Alto county, South-Eastern Metropolitan Health Service of Santiago, Chile. NNS consumption was estimated using 24-h dietary recalls and linked to the packaged foods nutrition facts panel. Plasma glucose values were extracted from clinical records. GDM was defined according to national criteria: 1) fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥100 and <126 mg/dL at the first antenatal visit; 2) FPG ≥100 mg/dL or 2-hour plasma glucose ≥140 mg/dL in the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks. Cases with a GDM diagnosis in their medical records were also considered regardless of test results. The association between each NNS and GDM was assessed using logistic regression models.
A total of 77.8% of the participants consumed NNS. The most consumed was sucralose (66%), followed by acesulfame-K (43.6%), and steviol glycosides (41.1%). Beverages (82%), dairy (12.4%) and candy products (4.4%) were the primary dietary sources of NNS. The GDM incidence was 18.9%, higher among consumers of any NNS compared to non-consumers (20.3% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.05). The adjusted model showed a significant association between the consumption of any NNS and sucralose and the risk of GDM (OR for any NNS = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.10–2.26; P = 0.014; OR sucralose = 1.44; 95% CI 1.06–1.95; P = 0.020).
The consumption of NNS, particularly sucralose, is associated with an increased risk of GDM in pregnant women. Further studies are essential to validate these results in other contexts and to guide future recommendations for healthier dietary practices among pregnant populations.
Parkinsonian syndromes are disabling neurodegenerative diseases resulting in reduced muscle function/performance and sarcopenia, but clinical manifestations could be systemic, including deterioration of cognitive function. As studies have reported an association between muscle dysfunction and cognitive decline yet no information on these syndromes is available, we investigated the relationship between sarcopenia, its components, and cognitive function, fatigue, and quality of life (QoL).
Consecutive patients affected by parkinsonian syndromes were assessed for the presence of sarcopenia using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People-2 algorithm: low strength (handgrip strength: <27 kg [men]; <16 kg [women]) and low appendicular skeletal muscle index by impedance (<7.0 kg/m2 [men]; <6.0 kg/m2 [women]). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Mini Mental State Examination and the Frontal Assessment Battery. Fatigue and QoL were assessed using the 16-item Parkinson's Disease Fatigue Scale and the 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire, respectively.
In total, 314 patients were included: 198 presented with low strength (63.0% probable sarcopenia); 68 (21.7%) of these were diagnosed with sarcopenia. After adjusting for multiple confounders, we observed a significant effect (poorer score) of both low strength only and sarcopenia on Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini Mental State Examination, and QoL. Only reduced muscle strength had a relevant impact on the outcomes considered.
Sarcopenia is associated with worse cognitive functions and QoL in patients with parkinsonian syndromes, with muscle dysfunction playing a major role. The prognostic impact of sarcopenia and its components should be addressed in prospective studies.
Overnutrition, a leading cause of global mortality, has seen a significant rise in low- and middle-income countries, including sub-Saharan Africa. Despite emerging evidence linking overnutrition to non-communicable diseases, limited action has been taken to address this issue. While undernutrition studies have received more attention, research on overnutrition and women's health remains scarce in sub-Saharan Africa. Our study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of overnutrition among reproductive women in this region
We conducted a secondary analysis of 2019–2023 Demographic and Health Survey datasets in sub-Saharan Africa. Our study included a weighted sample of 65,161 women aged 15–49 y. Using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model, we identified factors associated with overnutrition. The adjusted odds ratio, along with a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of p < 0.05, determined the statistical significance of the explanatory variables.
The pooled prevalence of overnutrition among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa was 34.79% (95% CI: 34.42–35.16). Specifically, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 21.81% and 12.99%, respectively. Women's educational status, age, media use, household wealth, urbanization, community poverty, and country income level were significantly associated with higher odds of overnutrition.
The prevalence of overnutrition among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa is relatively high. Key factors associated with this issue include women's educational status, age, media utilization, household wealth, place of residence, community poverty level, and national income status. These multilevel determinants highlight the need for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to address overnutrition in this population. Effective strategies should target individual behaviors while considering broader social, economic, and environmental contexts. Integrating overnutrition prevention into maternal and reproductive health services, as well as strengthening social protection measures, are recommended steps to tackle this growing challenge in sub-Saharan Africa.