Nutrition
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Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Fucoidan (FUC) is a polysaccharide extracted from brown marine algae with various biological activities. Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are important prebiotics that exert benefits on the intestinal microbiota. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FUC and GOS on dyslipidemia in rats by modulating the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. ⋯ In rats, FUC and GOS supplementation improved serum dyslipidemia, gut microbiota, BSH activity, and bile acid metabolism-related pathways. In vitro, GOS and FUC supplementation increased L. casei DM8121's BSH activity.
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Although several studies are available that link individual dietary antioxidants to the risk of psychological disorders, data about the association of dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with depression and anxiety are scarce. This study was conducted to investigate the association between dietary TAC and odds of depression and anxiety among Iranian adults. ⋯ We found an significant inverse association between dietary TAC and odds of depression and anxiety among adults. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
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The beneficial effects of tea on health, including obesity, are well known. However, the comparative effects of black, green, white, and oolong teas, which are prepared from the same fresh leaves, on weight gain and the potential mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. Bile acids (BAs) are shown to be powerful regulators of metabolism; however, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the effect of tea on BA metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulatory effects that green, black, white, and oolong teas that were prepared from the same raw tea leaves have on the plasma BA profile. ⋯ Green, black, oolong, and white teas altered the BA metabolism. This change in BA metabolism could be associated with the health benefit effects of tea. Oolong tea was most effective in reducing weight.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Time to treatment response of a magnesium- and sulphate-rich natural mineral water in functional constipation.
First-line recommendations for the management of functional constipation include nutritional-hygienic measures. We previously showed that a natural mineral water rich in sulphates and magnesium (Hépar) is efficient in the treatment of functional constipation. The aim of this study was to consolidate those first results and determine a precise time to respond to Hépar. ⋯ This study confirms the efficacy and safety of Hépar in the treatment of functional constipation and shows that it is associated with a response within 7 d. Hépar could be a safe response to the current absence of first-line medication in the treatment of functional constipation.