Nutrition research
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Flaxseed oil supplementation decreases C-reactive protein levels in chronic hemodialysis patients.
Malnutrition and chronic inflammation in dialysis patients negatively impact their survival prognosis, and nutrients, such as omega-3 oils, are postulated to reduce proinflammatory response. In this randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial, we investigated the effects of flaxseed oil (FO) on the inflammatory state of patients with chronic renal failure undergoing renal replacement therapy with hemodialysis (HD). We hypothesized that FO supplementation lowers C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. ⋯ During the study period, 33.3% of the FO group changed from an inflamed to a not-inflamed category, whereas only 16.9% changed in the mineral oil group (P = .04). We conclude that the administration of FO decreases the CRP levels and that inflammation in HD patients appears to be correlated to their body mass index and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Studies with a larger number of patients and over a longer duration are necessary to corroborate these findings.
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Phenolic compounds and flavonoids ameliorate bodyweight, blood glucose, and serum lipid profile. Since seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is known as a rich source of isoflavones and flavonoids, we hypothesized that ethanolic extract of seabuckthorn leaves (SL) may have anti-obesity and hypoglycemic effects. To investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of SL, 32 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 dietary groups, containing 8 mice in each group: normal diet group; high-fat diet (HD) control group; high-fat diet with SL extract, 500 mg/kg body weight (BW) (SL1) group; and high-fat diet with SL extract, 1000 mg/kg BW (SL2) group. ⋯ The hepatic mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 along with PPAR-γ were significantly increased in SL groups, whereas the level of acetyl-CoA carboxylase was significantly reduced in SL groups compared to HD group. Our results indicated that SL is effective in preventing BW gain and fat accumulation in the liver; it also reduced adipose tissue mass, hepatic lipid profile, and serum leptin level in the mouse. Together, these observations suggest that SL is a potential agent to study in the management of obesity and related disorders.
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Benefits of enteral feeding with immune-enhancing diets (IEDs) depend on route, timing, and composition. We hypothesized that chronic enteral feeding with certain individual immunonutrients would enhance gastrointestinal blood flow. Male rats were fed a standard enteral diet supplemented with immunonutrients for 5 days before study. ⋯ These findings support prior acute feeding studies with CD, CD + individual immunonutrients, or IED. Our current data suggest that blood flow benefits associated with fish oil persist during chronic feeding in rats. Enhanced gastrointestinal perfusion might partially explain the benefits of early enteral feeding with IEDs not seen with regular enteral diets and parenteral immunonutrient delivery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Vitamin D supplementation has no effect on insulin resistance assessment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and vitamin D deficiency.
Insulin resistance is one of the most common features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may have a role in insulin resistance; thus, the aim of the current study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance in women with PCOS and a vitamin D deficiency. We hypothesized that vitamin D supplementation would lower the glucose level and insulin resistance in women with PCOS and a vitamin D deficiency. ⋯ There was a significant increase in insulin secretion in the vitamin D group (P = .01), but this was not significant compared with the placebo group. The fasting serum insulin and glucose levels and the insulin sensitivity and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance did not change significantly by the end of the study. We were not able to demonstrate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance in women with PCOS and vitamin D deficiency.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the association of out-of-hand nut (OOHN) consumption with nutrient intake, diet quality, and the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Data from 24-hour recalls from individuals aged 2+ years (n = 24,385) participating in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. The population was divided into children aged 2 to 11, 12 to 18, and adults 19+ years, and each group was dichotomized into OOHN consumers and nonconsumers. ⋯ Adult consumers also had a 19% decreased risk of hypertension and a 21% decreased risk of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Data suggested that OOHN consumption was associated with improved nutrient intake, diet quality, and, in adults, a lower prevalence of 2 risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Consumption of OOHN, as part of a healthy diet, should be encouraged by health professionals.