Nutrition
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Consumption of milk has been declining sharply in recent decades, particularly in developed countries. One of the reasons for this decline is the diagnosis or perception of lactose intolerance. The aim of this study was to investigate average consumption of milk and dairy products in the Campania region of Italy, one of the main producers of dairy products in the country. ⋯ The data support the need for mandatory implementation of a nutritional campaign to increase understanding regarding, for example, unnecessary avoidance of milk and excessive consumption of cheese.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Inflammatory and metabolic responses to dietary intervention differ among individuals at distinct cardiometabolic risk levels.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two interventions in breakfast with different fatty acid content on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in individuals at different cardiovascular risk levels. ⋯ Dietary intervention of small magnitude, for a short period, was able to improve traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease and inflammatory markers, as well as the frequency of MetS. Responses to dietary interventions of individuals at different levels of cardiovascular risk should be examined through different biomarkers.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Fatty acid status and antioxidant defense system in mothers and their newborns after salmon intake during late pregnancy.
The aim of the present study was to assess the maternal and newborn status of erythrocyte fatty acids and the antioxidant defense system after the intake of two portions of salmon per week during late pregnancy. ⋯ Maternal and newborn erythrocyte fatty acids are not strongly affected by the intake of two portions of salmon per week during the second half of pregnancy, although erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid might be increased in newborns. Maternal and newborn antioxidant defense systems are not impaired by intake of salmon from 20 wk gestation.
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Selenium is an essential trace element in the diet, required for maintenance of health and growth; however, its toxicity could cause serious damage depending on dose and chemical form. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) represent what we believe to be a novel prospect for nutritional supplementation because of their lower toxicity and ability to gradually release selenium after ingestion. ⋯ We also discuss absorption and bioavailability of nanoparticles within the organism. SeNPs demonstrate anticancer and antimicrobial properties that may contribute to human health, not only as dietary supplements, but also as therapeutic agents.
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Critically ill children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) often are malnourished. The aim of this study was to determine the role of nutritional status on admission as a predictor of the duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill children. ⋯ Malnutrition, based on a variety of anthropometric variables, was associated with the duration of mechanical ventilation in this cohort of critically ill children. Assessment of nutritional status by anthropometry should be performed on admission to the PICU to allow targeted nutritional rehabilitation for the subset of children with existing malnutrition.