Nutrition
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Acute effects of beer on endothelial function and hemodynamics: a single-blind, crossover study in healthy volunteers.
Moderate consumption of beer is associated with lower cardiovascular (CV) risk. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of beer consumption on CV risk. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we studied the acute effects of the constituents of beer (alcohol and antioxidants), on established predictors of CV risk: endothelial function, aortic stiffness, pressure wave reflections and aortic pressure. ⋯ Beer acutely improves parameters of arterial function and structure, in healthy non-smokers. This benefit seems to be mediated by the additive or synergistic effects of alcohol and antioxidants and merits further investigation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Paper-filtered coffee increases cholesterol and inflammation biomarkers independent of roasting degree: a clinical trial.
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of medium light roast (MLR) and medium roast (MR) paper-filtered coffee on cardiovascular risk factors in healthy volunteers. ⋯ Moderate paper-filtered coffee consumption may have an undesirable effect on plasma cholesterol and inflammation biomarkers in healthy individuals regardless of its antioxidant content.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Could dyslipidemic children benefit from glucomannan intake?
Primary dyslipidemias are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and should be addressed early in life. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in children affected by primary hypercholesterolemia, the efficacy and tolerability of a short-term treatment with a dietary supplement containing glucomannan. ⋯ Treatment with glucomannan of children affected by primary dyslipidemia is well-tolerated and effectively lowers total and LDL cholesterol in females and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but not Apolipoprotein B in both males and females.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
5-aminolevulinic acid, a precursor of heme, reduces both fasting and postprandial glucose levels in mildly hyperglycemic subjects.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid phosphate (ALA-P) and iron on the glycemic index in mildly hyperglycemic adults. ⋯ An oral intake of ALA would be a novel approach to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Lutein supplementation improves visual performance in Chinese drivers: 1-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Although it is known that the carotenoid lutein can affect visual performance, we still have much to learn about its effect in occupational populations, like drivers. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of lutein supplementation on visual function in healthy drivers with long-term light exposure. ⋯ Daily supplementation with 20 mg of lutein increases MPOD levels. Lutein may benefit driving at night and other spatial discrimination tasks carried out under low illumination.