Nutrition
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The aim of this study was to estimate the weighted mean effect of vitamin D supplementation in reducing depressive symptoms among individuals aged ≥18 y diagnosed with depression or depressive symptoms. ⋯ Future RCTs examining the effect of vitamin D supplementation among individuals who are both depressed and vitamin D deficient are needed.
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Children under the age of 5 y constitute the most vulnerable group for iron and zinc deficiencies and their nutritional status is a sensitive indicator of community health and nutrition. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of zinc and iron deficiency among preschool children aged 3 to 5 y in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa. ⋯ Iron and zinc deficiencies as well as anemia, accompanied by high prevalence of stunting; and overweight and obesity, were common in preschool children. The results observed here call for interventions to combat the escalating problem of child malnutrition in the form of nutritional education for mothers and food handlers at preschools to ensure food diversification in these children.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Effects of a single dose of a flavonoid-rich blueberry drink on memory in 8 to 10 y old children.
Recent evidence from animals and adult humans has demonstrated potential benefits to cognition from flavonoid supplementation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these cognitive benefits extended to a sample of school-aged children. ⋯ Although findings are mixed, the improvements in delayed recall found in this pilot study suggest that, following acute flavonoid-rich blueberry interventions, school-aged children encode memory items more effectively.
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Glucomannan (GM), a soluble fiber derived from the plant Amorphophallus konjac, is marketed as being helpful in reducing body weight. However, the data supporting this claim are scarce. The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the effects of GM on body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) in otherwise healthy obese or overweight children and adults. ⋯ In otherwise healthy overweight or obese adults, there is some evidence that in the short term GM may help to reduce BW, but not BMI. Data in children are too limited to draw any conclusions.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
ω-3 fatty acid differentially modulated serum levels of IGF1 and IGFBP3 in men with CVD: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.
Studies have reported elevated serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels followed by ω-3 supplementation in various groups. Considering decreased level of IGF1 in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and protective effects of IGF1 against CVD progression and myocardial infarctions mortality, this study was performed with the aim of determining effects of ω-3 supplementation on serum levels and gene expression of IGF1 and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) in men with CVD. ⋯ ω-3 supplementation in patients with CVD increases serum IGF1 levels and decreases serum IGFBP3. Further research is warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms.