Nutrition
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Comparison of plasma triacylglycerol levels in vegetarians and omnivores: a meta-analysis.
To compare the effect of vegetarian diets and omnivorous diets on triacylglycerols (TGs). ⋯ Compared with omnivorous diets, vegetarian diets provide health benefits, especially in developing countries. This favorable effect occurs even if vegetarian diets last for at least 6 mo.
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Heart failure is a multifaceted pathophysiologic syndrome, with prevalent dysfunction of other vital organs and systems. The role of the liver in this disease has been little investigated, although up to 80% of patients with heart failure present with some form of liver dysfunction. In addition to its multiple metabolic functions, the liver has a crucial role in the removal of circulating endotoxins and in regulating immune responses and iron homeostasis. ⋯ However, the antioxidant capacity of the liver seems to be inadequate because there is evidence for selenium deficiency in patients with heart failure. The aim of this article was to summarize the various aspects of liver dysfunction in heart failure and to highlight the role of liver-derived factors in the development of specific nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional strategies opposing these deficiencies might present promising additive treatments of heart failure.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Serum and macular responses to multiple xanthophyll supplements in patients with early age-related macular degeneration.
This randomized controlled trial examined serum and macular (in vivo measured macular pigment optical density [MPOD]) responses to supplemental lutein and zeaxanthin in Chinese subjects with early age-related macular degeneration. ⋯ Xanthophyll supplementation significantly increased serum concentrations and MPOD in patients with early age-related macular degeneration, and a higher lutein supplementation (20 mg/d) might be more effective in increasing these two biochemical markers in Chinese patients without significant side effects.
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus have their roots in childhood, particularly in obese children and adolescents, raising important opportunities for early lifestyle intervention in at-risk individuals. However, not all obese individuals are at the same risk for disease progression. Accurate screening of obese adolescents may identify those in greatest need for intensive intervention to prevent or delay future disease. ⋯ However, long-term data linking increased hsCRP levels-and increased insulin or decreased adiponectin-in childhood to adult disease outcomes are lacking at this time. Future efforts continue to be needed to identify childhood clinical and laboratory characteristics that could be used as screening tests to predict adult disease progression. Such tests may have utility in motivating physicians and patients' families toward lifestyle changes, ultimately improving prevention efforts.
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Comparative Study
Evaluation of nutritional screening tools for patients scheduled for cardiac surgery.
The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of different nutritional screening tools in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass with regard to an adverse clinical course. ⋯ The MUST independently predicts postoperative complications. The SNAQ and MUST have comparable accuracy in detecting malnutrition. Whether preoperative nutritional therapy would improve the outcome in malnourished patients needs to be studied.