The American journal of clinical nutrition
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Clinical Trial Observational Study
High folate and low vitamin B-12 intakes during pregnancy are associated with small-for-gestational age infants in South Indian women: a prospective observational cohort study.
Folic acid supplementation in those with a low vitamin B-12 intake or status may have adverse effects. These effects are unknown with regard to birth outcome in pregnant Indian women who are routinely supplemented with high doses of folic acid. ⋯ These findings suggest that, in addition to vitamin B-12 and folate deficiencies alone, there may be adverse birth outcomes associated with unbalanced vitamin B-12 and folate intakes or status during pregnancy. These findings have important implications for the antenatal B vitamin supplementation policy in India. This trial was registered at the Clinical Trial Registry of India as 2013/07/005342.
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Insulin resistance is a precursor of numerous chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). The fasting insulin concentration is considered a reasonable surrogate of insulin resistance, especially among nondiabetic individuals. ⋯ A higher fasting insulin concentration or hyperinsulinemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of hypertension and CHD but not stroke. This meta-analysis suggests that early fasting insulin ascertainment in the general population may help clinicians identify those who are potentially at high risk of CVD.
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Review Meta Analysis
Prenatal folic acid and risk of asthma in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Childhood asthma has become a critical public health problem because of its high morbidity and increasing prevalence. The impact of nutrition and other exposures during pregnancy on long-term health and development of children has been of increasing interest. ⋯ Our findings do not support an association between periconceptional folic acid supplementation and increased risk of asthma in children. However, because of the limited number and types of studies in the literature, additional research is needed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Long-term calcium supplementation may have adverse effects on serum cholesterol and carotid intima-media thickness in postmenopausal women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Several studies have focused on the effects of calcium intake on serum lipid concentrations in postmenopausal women. However, many premenopausal women are taking calcium supplements in China. To our knowledge, no studies have assessed whether the effects of calcium supplementation on blood lipids are similar between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. ⋯ Calcium supplementation in postmenopausal women with dyslipidemia increases serum total cholesterol concentrations and CIMT. In postmenopausal women with dyslipidemia, calcium supplements should be prescribed with caution. This trial was registered at http://www.chictr.org/cn/ as ChiCTR-TRC-12002806.
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Alterations in immune function can predispose patients to nosocomial infections. Few studies have explored potentially modifiable host factors that may improve immune function and decrease risk of hospital-acquired bloodstream infection (HABSI). Vitamin D is a key regulator of innate and adaptive immune systems that may influence host susceptibility to infections. ⋯ The analysis of 2135 adult patients showed that 25(OH)D concentrations <10 ng/mL before hospitalization were associated with significantly increased odds of developing HABSI. These data support the initiation of randomized trials to test the role of vitamin D supplementation in HABSI prevention.