Viral respiratory infections (VRIs) continue to be among the most common illnesses and are known to be one of the main reasons of medical consultations worldwide.
COVID-19 remains a major public concern and a threat to global health. The current focus lies on the pivotal role of the human host's immunologic response in combating viral threats.
This critical review aims to examine the current evidence on the potential benefit of nutritional supplements in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and viral respiratory infections (VRIs).
The study was performed in the Google-Scholar and PubMed databases with a main emphasis on publications between January 2000 and September 2023. Consequently, a total of 202 articles were included in this literature review, distributed as follows: 62 meta-analyses and systematic reviews, 20 randomized clinical trials, 11 clinical trials, 28 observational cohorts and 81 others. Of these, 44 % were published between 2020 and 2023.
The research indicates that Vitamin C may have a mitigating effect on VRIs, whereas a deficiency in Vitamin D might heighten susceptibility to COVID-19. Understanding the roles of Vitamins A, B, and E is hampered by limited data availability. Zinc supplementation and probiotics emerge as potential preventive measures for both COVID-19 and VRIs, with selenium and magnesium demonstrating promising results in treating VRIs. The recommendation for omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for COVID-19 treatment awaits further evidence.
Currently, there is insufficient clinical evidence to definitively establish the efficacy of vitamin, mineral, probiotic and/or omega-3 supplementation for combating COVID-19 and VRIs.
Hypertension (HTN) has emerged as a significant public health challenge and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries like Bangladesh.
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among residents of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage random sampling technique to select 305 individuals from Khilkhet Thana in Dhaka North City Corporation. Data were collected through direct surveys using a modified version of the WHO STEPS questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22 software.
The study identified a 34.4 % prevalence of HTN among the participants, with 46.2 % of hypertensive individuals being under 40 years of age. Of the 105 hypertensive individuals, 65 % were newly diagnosed during the study, and 11 previously diagnosed individuals were not on any medication. A significant association (P < 0.001) was observed between the prevalence of HTN and inadequate intake of fruits (OR = 3.129, 95 % CI = 1.912–5.122, χ2 = 21.328), insufficient vegetables consumption (OR = 2.199, 95 % CI = 1.356–3.565, χ2 = 10.373), high intake of fatty foods (OR = 2.387, 95 % CI = 1.465–3.890, χ2 = 12.454), and excessive salt consumption (OR = 2.771, 95 % CI = 1.677–4.579, χ2 = 16.310). Additionally, the prevalence of HTN was notably higher among overweight (46.70 %) and at-risk (22.90 %) individuals, based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), respectively. The study also found significant correlations (P < 0.001) between HTN and factors such as smoking (OR = 2.824, 95 % CI = 1.601–4.980, χ2 = 13.432), kidney disease (OR = 7.534, 95 % CI = 2.694–21.070, χ2 = 19.282), general stress (OR = 3.692, 95 % CI = 2.179–6.255, χ2 = 24.896), COVID-19 related stress (OR = 3.511, 95 % CI = 2.116–5.826, χ2 = 24.712) and sleeping pattern (OR = 5.798, 95 % CI = 3.404–9.875, χ2 = 45.724).
The high prevalence of HTN, particularly among younger individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the urgent need for nationwide surveys, surveillance, and clinical research to accurately depict the true burden of HTN in Bangladesh.
The gut microbiota (GM) plays a key role in health by influencing several physiological functions, including the digestive process, the immune system, vitamin production, and mental health. Dysbiosis in gut microbial composition and function has been linked to systemic inflammatory response and the development of metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM). "Leaky gut" resulting from dysbiosis causes endotoxemia, leading to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, which are pathogenetic agents of type 2 and gestational DM. Moreover, in children, gut dysbiosis has been associated with the immunitary dysregulation with increased risk of autoimmunity and development of type 1 DM. However, dietary changes in the GM and their role in DM are poorly understood. Plant-based diets that are low in fat and high in fiber have been associated with beneficial effects on the GM. Clinical trials of prebiotics and probiotics have shown promising, albeit mixed, results. This narrative review summarizes recent findings on the relationship between the GM, diet, and DM, focusing on the systems in which the microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of this disease and its potential use as a therapy. In addition, we discuss immune dysfunction associated with gut dysbiosis and its role in type 1, type 2, and gestational DM. Further research is needed to evaluate the GM as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of DM.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most prevalent Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) in Nepal. Nutrition plays a significant role in creating barriers to the development of NCDs like diabetes. The main objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence the dietary behaviors and practices among T2DM patients.
The study used quantitative method and a cross-sectional research design. The study was carried out in two centers: one in diabetes and another in thyroid care centers at the Lalitpur district, Nepal. A survey questionnaire based on Pender Health Promotion Model (PHPM) was developed, piloted, and administrated directly to 450 T2DM patients aged 40–65. Validity and reliability of the tools was ensured through reviewing panel of experts and using the coefficient and Cronbach's alpha test, respectively. Three sorts of statistical analysis; univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were done using SPSS version 25.
Respondents belonged to a joint family, no alcohol consumption, positive attitude towards a healthy diet (P < 0.05), no smoking habit, reminders for healthy food, and engaging in physical activity (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with good dietary practice. Higher odds of sufficient dietary practice were found in respondents who were from joint families (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR = 2.332; 95 % Confidence Level (CI): 1.958–2.989, p < 0.01), literate (aOR = 1.783; 95 % CI: 1.256–2.531, p < 0.01), no smoking history (aOR = 0.935; 95 % CI: 0.609–1.434, p < 0.05), alcohol consumption history (aOR = 0.615, 95 % CI: 0.412–2.346, p < 0.05), had family support (aOR = 1.824, 95 % CI: 1.265–2.630, p < 0.01), availability of healthy foods (aOR = 2.26; 95 % CI: 1.453–3.517, p < 0.001), and those who preferred daily physical activities (aOR = 1.982, 95 % CI: 1.369–2.364, p < 0.001).
Nuclear family, illiteracy, lower income, smoking and consumption of alcohol, poor family support, poor access in healthy food, and low engagement in physical activities influenced dietary behavior among T2DM patients. Thus, PHPM based educational intervention needs essential to the T2DM patients and family members to ensure better life.
To assess clinical and metabolic parameters in patients with diabetes during Ramadan fasting.
It was a prospective evaluative study based in the National Institute of Nutrition of Tunis (Departement C) in a population of patients with diabetes prepared for fasting by education and therapeutic adjustment.
140 diabetics, mainly at high and very high risk (70.7 %), were analyzed. The frequencies of hypo and hyperglycemia were 12.1 and 11.4 % respectively. The mean weight and the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure remained stable. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1C decreased significantly (−0.7 ± 3.1 mmol/L (p = 0.009), −0.18 ± 1.1 % (p = 0.047). The mean creatinine clearance had remained stable.
Ramadan fasting can be well-tolerated, even for patients at high and very high risk, with an improvement in glycemic control, provided prior education and adequate therapeutic adjustment.
In recent decades, the possible synergistic power of nutrients in the form of dietary patterns has received attention in preventing diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between plant-rich Mediterranean (MeDi) and MIND [MeDi-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay] dietary patterns with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Sixty patients with AD and 29 healthy individuals were recruited. The cognitive functioning of the patients was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test. Participants’ food intake was evaluated using the three nonconsecutive days 24-h food recall method, and then MeDi and MIND dietary scores were calculated.
Patients with AD had lower MIND diet scores than healthy subjects (p = 0.06), but the MeDi score did not significantly differ between the two groups. MIND and MeDi scores did not significantly differ between males and females. Each unit increase in MIND diet score was significantly correlated with a 40 % reduced risk of AD, and each unit increase in MeDi score was non-significantly correlated with a 14 % reduced risk of AD. Scores of MIND and MeDi patterns did not remarkably correlate with MMSE total score and cognitive domains.
The findings of this study suggest the promising affirmative effects of the MIND diet on reducing the risk of AD, but the protective effect of the MeDi pattern against the AD risk remains inconclusive.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a frequent complication of metabolic syndrome and visceral obesity, is characterized by marked accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes, accompanied by oxidant stress. In a substantial minority of cases, this progresses to steatohepatitis, which in turn can lead to life-threatening hepatic fibrosis and/or hepatocarcinogenesis. This essay analyzes the molecular biology underlying fat accumulation and oxidant stress in NAFLD and identifies targets that can be addressed by nutraceutical or dietary measures. Nutraceuticals with potential for prevention or control of NAFLD as suggested on theoretical grounds, and borne out by experience in rodent studies and/or clinical trials include ferulic acid, melatonin, methyl nicotinamide, tetrahydro curcumin, nicotinamide riboside, carnosic acid, urolithin A, quercetin, high-dose biotin, citrulline, astaxanthin, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, berberine, lipoic acid, silibinin, N-acetylcysteine, taurine, capsaicin, spermidine, spirulina, and carnitine. Some of these agents can also address the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and transforming growth factor-β signaling that play a role in driving the transition to steatohepatitis and fibrosis. In addition, soy isoflavones, via estrogen receptor-beta agonism, have anti-fibrotic potential, and supplemental glycine may blunt the contribution of Kupffer cells to the progression of NAFLD.
The research articles to carry out this work were focused based on many searches and reviews in the following databases: Google Scholar, MDPI, PubMed, ScienceDirect and using the following keywords and combined synonyms: ("nutraceuticals" or " dietary measures " or " Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) " or "Nrf2″ or "Vegan diet”) AND (“NAFLD” or “vascular function” or “inflammation”). The keywords were also searched in the references of the original articles included in this study Whole-food plant-based diets of modest protein content, owing to their impact on hormones such as fibroblast growth factor 21 and adiponectin, as well as on the obesity and metabolic syndrome underlying NAFLD, may also be protective in this syndrome. There is considerable potential for complex medical foods or nutraceutical supplementation regimens of rational design to aid prevention and control of NAFLD.
Overweight and obesity are major worldwide health concerns, with serious consequences for mortality and morbidity. Overweight and obesity rates are frighteningly high in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ethiopia, due to a variety of causes such as urbanization, greater affluence, and bad food habits. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among people in Jigjiga Town, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, as well as to investigate related factors in order to inform treatments and policy. A cross-sectional survey was done among persons aged 20 to 64 working in the government, non-governmental, and commercial sectors. Socio-demographic information, food habits, physical activity, and anthropometric measures were all recorded. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was shown to be 42.4 %, with significant correlations identified with profession and TV viewing habits. Employed people were less likely to be overweight or obese than those in commerce/trade, and those who watched TV for 2–3 h had a reduced risk than those who watched less than 2 h. The study found that khat chewing is significantly associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity, with chewers being 1.56 times more likely to be overweight or obese compared to non-chewers. Additionally, there is an inverse relationship between snacking frequency and overweight/obesity risk; participants who snacked once a day were 2.5 times more likely to be overweight or obese than those who snacked three or more times a day. These findings highlight that khat chewing and snacking patterns are important modifiable risk factors for overweight and obesity in the studied population. These findings highlight the need of focused treatments targeting food choices, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in combating overweight and obesity in Eastern Ethiopia. Collaboration among academics, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders is critical for developing successful methods for promoting healthy lifestyles and lowering the region's overweight and obesity burden.
Menstruating young women experience twice as much iron loss as young men. One alternative effort that can be made is to provide functional drinks that are useful for overcoming anemia. Functional beverages must provide nutritional intake and sensory satisfaction, such as good taste and good texture, using sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea Batatas L). Sweet potato leaves are chosen as raw material because, besides being abundantly available and accessible to cultivate, they are also very cheap, so that they can reduce production costs. Pancalang Health Center is one of the Health Centers in the Kuningan Regency Area with reasonably high sweet potato cultivation.
This study aims to determine the level of compliance with functional drink consumption, determine hemoglobin levels before and after functional drink intervention, describe anemia status before and after functional drink intervention, describe the effects of functional drink consumption, and nutritional status picture before and after consuming functional drink products.
The study was conducted by quasi-experiment in one group (nonrandomized pre-test and post-test without control group design). Purposive sampling was carried out by Purposive Sampling on adolescents at the Pancalang Health Center, Kuningan Regency. Data collection was done by checking HB levels before the intervention and after the intervention. The intervention is carried out for 52 days.
and Conclussion: The majority of respondents were compliant in consuming functional drinks, and only 7.5 % were non-compliant. The median before the intervention is 11 and after the intervention is 12 and a p value of <0,001 is obtained, meaning that statistically there is a significant difference between HB before the intervention and after the intervention.
There was a significant difference between Hb levels before the intervention and after the intervention, obtaining a p-value of <0.001.