Clinical nutrition research最新文献

Nutrition fact labels (NFLs) are a simple way to help people improve their nutritional intake by making healthier food choices. This study aimed to evaluate NFL use and eating habit changes among quarantined and hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients during the pandemic. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2019 and 2020 Korean Community Health Surveys (KCHSs). Data were collected from 229,099 subjects in 2019 and 229,269 subjects in 2020. In the 2020 KCHS, data from 1,073 COVID-19 patients were included. NFL use was divided into 4 categories based on a questionnaire: affect, read, aware, and never heard. Among COVID-19 patients, 32.15% reported that they had not heard of NFLs (never heard group) compared to 44.36% of the healthy population (p < 0.001). A total of 35.1% of COVID-19 patients who reported daily life change scores of 20 or less were in the affect group compared to 23.8% of healthy subjects. In the affect group, the proportion of respondents who reported increased consumption of delivered food was 38.7% in the COVID-19 group, which was 17.1% higher than that in the never heard group (Cramér's V = 0.257; p < 0.001). Respondents with increased consumption of fast food/soda showed a higher ratio of having never heard of NFLs among healthy subjects (28.5%) than among COVID-19 patients (22.5%; p = 0.043). Confirmed COVID-19 infections and more unfavorable daily life changes due to COVID-19 led to increased nutritional information seeking and NFL use.

This review offers a comprehensive analysis of food for special medical purposes (FSMPs)-specially formulated foods designed to support the dietary management of individuals with specific medical conditions. The regulatory frameworks governing FSMP differ significantly across key regions, including the European Union, North America (with a focus on the United States), and Asia (primarily China and India). FSMP is critical in addressing malnutrition, metabolic disorders (including inborn errors of metabolism), and chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological conditions. Recent advancements, such as the application of three-dimensional printing technology and the growing emphasis on personalized nutrition, are poised to revolutionize the FSMP industry. The global market for FSMP is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in China, driven by factors like aging populations and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Future trends suggest a shift toward more personalized, technologically advanced FSMP formulations. However, challenges such as high costs, limited accessibility, unclear regulations, and poor palatability must be addressed to maximize the potential of FSMP in enhancing patient care.

Malnutrition is prevalent among older patients, leading to increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and diminished quality of life. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) facilitates the evaluation of multifaceted health issues, enabling individualized nutritional interventions. This case report describes nutritional management guided by CGA in a 75-year-old female hospitalized for severe hypernatremia with significant malnutrition and high-risk for refeeding syndrome. Upon admission, CGA identified multiple comorbidities, cognitive impairment, and complete dependence on caregivers for daily activities. Due to persistent refusal of oral intake, enteral nutrition (EN) was cautiously initiated at 25% of the target energy requirement, with close monitoring of electrolyte levels. Despite an initial decrease in phosphorus levels suggestive of refeeding syndrome, gradual advancement of nutritional support successfully stabilized her clinical condition. Following discharge, structured caregiver education was provided to support EN at home; however, suboptimal intake persisted due to gastrointestinal intolerance, resulting in weight loss. Post-discharge follow-ups identified feeding rate-related symptoms, necessitating formula adjustments and caregiver re-education. This case emphasizes the critical role of CGA in early malnutrition detection, individualized nutritional intervention, prevention of refeeding syndrome, and the importance of continuous post-discharge monitoring and caregiver education. Although the findings are limited by the single-case design, proactive CGA-based nutritional interventions remain crucial for optimizing clinical outcomes in older patients hospitalized due to acute medical problems. Further research involving larger samples and prolonged follow-up periods is required to validate the long-term benefits of CGA-based nutritional intervention.

This study was conducted to evaluate changes in hydrogen breath test results and nutritional improvements when Korean adults diagnosed with lactose intolerance consumed processed milk containing approximately 10 g of lactose continuously. Participants consumed 240 mL of intervention food daily for a month and visited the research institute before and after the intervention to undergo nutrient intake survey and hydrogen breath tests. Data from 32 participants, with a mean age of 52.9 years, were analyzed. Hydrogen breath tests showed a significant decrease in hydrogen levels at all but baseline and the first of five 20-minute intervals of expiratory hydrogen concentration measurements. The third and fourth measurements showed the most significant changes (p < 0.001). The gastrointestinal symptoms showed a decreasing trend. Nutrient intake analysis demonstrated significant increases in animal protein (p < 0.001), calcium (p < 0.001), percentage of energy from protein (p = 0.032), vitamin A (p = 0.032), and retinol levels (p = 0.023). Regarding dietary habits, significant improvements were observed in nutritional quotient variables, including nutritional score (p = 0.042) and balance (p = 0.034). This study suggests that the removal of lactose and dairy products is not necessary for individuals with lactose intolerance. Incorporating low-lactose processed milk into their usual diet might be a practical dietary management strategy.

Patients with severe burns frequently experience inadequate nutrition due to hypermetabolism and its associated complications, substantially increasing the risk of malnutrition. This case report describes the nutritional intervention for a 54-year-old male patient admitted with total body surface area burns of 42.4%, including 15% third-degree burns caused by flames. It highlights the importance of active nutritional support and continuous monitoring during the management of complex burn cases. Upon admission, the patient's nutritional intake was restricted due to fluid resuscitation, frequent surgeries requiring fasting, renal dysfunction, and gastrointestinal complications. Nutritional requirements were calculated using the Harris-Benedict and Toronto equations; however, it was difficult to meet the targeted nutritional demands during the initial Nutrition Support Team (NST) consultation due to renal dysfunction and hemodynamic instability. Subsequent efforts, including oral nutritional supplements and adjunctive parenteral nutrition, were implemented; however, multifactorial issues, such as systemic deterioration and complications, further exacerbated the patient's nutritional status. As a result, the patient experienced a 15% reduction in his usual body weight, decreasing from 100 kg to 85 kg. This case underscores the vital role of proactive NST involvement and ongoing nutritional intervention in the management of patients with severe burns and complex complications.

Following up with recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is necessary. Given the importance of psychological function accompanied by significant effects of food quality, we want to examine the association between food quality score (FQS) and mental disorders among recovered COVID-19 patients. This case-control study was performed on 246 eligible adults. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate dietary intake. We using Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaires to evaluate the psychological function. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for score categories of the FQS index and psychological function in multivariate-adjusted models. Only in case subjects, we found significant associations between adherence to the FQS diet and depression, anxiety, and stress in the crude model (OR, 0.796, 95% CI, 0.661-0.958, p = 0.016; OR, 0.824, 95% CI, 0.707-0.960, p = 0.013; OR, 0.824, 95% CI, 0.709-0.956, p = 0.011, respectively). These associations remained significant in all two adjusted models. However, no significant associations were found between FQS and psychological functions in the control group. Our data suggests that overall food quality intake is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms during the post-infection period. Also, adequate daily intakes of fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains are associated with reduced risks of psychological impairment and sleep disorders which are common among recovered patients.

Obesity is a significant global health concern that not only increases metabolic disorders risks but also impacts mental health, particularly affecting women due to hormonal fluctuations and societal pressures. This study investigated anti-obesity and anti-anxiety effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) extracts in female C57BL/6 mouse (n = 16, 17 weeks old) fed a high-fat diet (HFD). We compared 2 extracts method: distilled water (LBD, n = 5) and 80% ethanol (LBE, n = 6), administered via oral gavage (200 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks alongside HFD. Both extract groups showed lower weight increase ratio compared to the control group in experiment period (n = 5) (LBD: 27.74%, LBE: 29.71% vs. Control: 51.88%, p < 0.05). The extracts significantly decreased mesenteric white adipose tissue (mWAT) among WATs examined (mWAT and parametrial white adipose tissue [pWAT]). While both LBD and LBE reduced fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA expression in pWAT, only LBD reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and FAS mRNA expression in mWAT. In elevated plus maze behavioral experiments, the LBD group displayed reduced anxiety-like behavior, spending significantly more time and travelling greater distances in the open arms compared to other groups (p < 0.05), independent of brain inflammatory markers. Our findings demonstrate lemon balm extracts simultaneously address both obesity and anxiety-like behaviors in female mice, with extraction solvent-dependent variations in efficacy and mechanism of action. These results suggest potential therapeutic applications for lemon balm as a functional food ingredient, particularly for women experiencing concurrent obesity and anxiety symptoms.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of almond consumption on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). An electronic database search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from inception through October 2024. Summary effect size measurements were calculated using random effects model estimation and were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 258 articles were identified, and 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of eleven RCTs, which involved a total of 544 participants, indicated that almonds significantly reduced levels of CRP (WMD, -0.28 mg/L; 95% CI, -0.52, -0.04; p = 0.02). However, we found no significant benefit of almond consumption in improving serum MDA levels, and due to the limited number of studies, the examination of MDA was conducted only qualitatively. This study supports the conclusion that almond consumption has favorable effects on CRP levels in individuals with CVD risk factors. More high-quality trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Previous studies have shown the inverse association between diet quality and cancer mortality. Therefore, this study aims to discover the factors that affect diet quality among cancer survivors. We analyzed the 12 years of Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, which included 2,756 cancer survivors. We analyzed 30 factors considered to be associated with diet quality. As a result, factors related to diet quality differed between males and females. A male cancer survivor who is aged < 65, living with members of the household, living without a spouse, having a lower household income, a blue-collar worker, a beneficiary of national basic livelihood, sleeping > 9 hours a day, unaware of a nutritional fact label, insecure in food, non-user of dietary supplements, not on diet therapy, limited in activity, perceiving stress, and obese, are more likely to have lower Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) scores. On the other hand, a female cancer survivor who is aged < 65, a pink-collar worker, inexperienced in nutritional education, non-users of dietary supplements, obese, and has a lower education level, and cervical or stomach cancer is prone to have lower KHEI scores. In conclusion, factors associated with diet quality among cancer survivors are sex-specific. Therefore, sex-specific factors should be considered when identifying and intervening in cancer survivors at risk for lower diet quality scores.

This study was conducted to analyze diet and health-related factors based on the income level of single-adult households using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES). Among those who participated in the 2016-2018 KNHANES, 951 single-adult households aged 19 to 64 were selected, and factors such as general characteristics, physical characteristics, dietary behaviors, health behaviors, and the prevalence of chronic diseases were analyzed. The high-income group had higher frequency of eating out, better dietary status generally, higher recognition rate of nutrition labels than the other groups. The rate of alcohol consumption and smoking was higher in the high-income group of single-adult households, while the rates of anxiety and depression were higher in the low-income group. Additionally, the use of dietary supplements decreased as income level decreased. Among chronic diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia had the lowest prevalence in the middle-income group and the highest prevalence in the low-income group. These results suggest that diet and health behaviors vary by income level in single-adult households and may be associated with the prevalence of chronic diseases. Future systematic studies should be conducted to determine the causal relationships between these factors.