Childhood malnutrition is an important public health problem. Animal protein provides essential amino acids in a more adequate pattern than plant-based protein. However, the production of sufficient ...animal-sourced protein to feed the growing world population is a serious challenge. This review aims to explore the evidence on the use of edible insects as an alternative source of protein and micronutrients in complementary foods for children and their potential to address childhood malnutrition.
Searches were conducted in two electronic databases PubMed and Cochrane. The reference lists of included studies were also searched.
Twelve studies were included in this review. All insect-enriched formulations (e.g., biscuits, cereals, porridge, paste, etc.) exceeded the daily recommended amount of protein and fat for children's complementary foods and showed good acceptability. Only two studies assessed the efficacy of insect-enriched foods on nutritional indicators and found no effect on the reduction of stunting and wasting. However, one study found improvements in the haemoglobin levels and fewer cases of anaemia in the intervention group.
Insect-enriched complementary foods for children are safe, acceptable and have the potential to tackle micronutrient deficiencies. More studies are needed to examine their effect on nutritional status in children.
The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on glycaemic control and other metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes is still evolving.
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to examine ...the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on glycaemic control and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The PRISMA framework was the method used to conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis, and the search strategy was based on the population, intervention, control and outcome (PICO) model. The Health Sciences Research databases was accessed via EBSCO-host, and EMBASE were searched for relevant articles. Searches were conducted from inception of the databases until 17 September 2021.
The results identified three distinct areas: glycaemic control, lipid parameters and body mass index. It was found that COVID-19 lockdown led to a significant (
< 0.01) increase in the levels of glycated haemoglobin (%) compared with pre-COVID group (gp) with a mean difference of 0.34 (95% CI: 0.30, 0.38). Eleven studies contributed to the data for glycated haemoglobin analysis with a total of 16,895 participants (post-COVID-19 lockdown gp,
= 8417; pre-COVID gp,
= 8478). The meta-analysis of fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL) also showed a significant (
< 0.05) increase in levels of post-COVID-19 lockdown gp compared with pre-COVID gp, with a mean difference of 7.19 (95% CI: 5.28, 9.10). Six studies contributed to fasting plasma glucose analysis involving a total of 2327 participants (post-COVID-19 lockdown,
= 1159; pre-COVID gp,
= 1168). The body mass index (BMI) (kg/m
) analysis also demonstrated that post-COVID-19 lockdown gp had a significantly (
< 0.05) higher BMI than the pre-COVID gp with a mean difference of 1.13 (95% CI: 0.99; 1.28), involving six studies and a total of 2363 participants (post-COVID-19 lockdown gp,
= 1186; pre-COVID gp,
= 1177). There were significantly (
< 0.05) lower levels of total cholesterol (mmol/L), triglyceride (mmol/L) and LDL cholesterol (mmol/L), and higher levels of HDL cholesterol (mg/dL) in the post-COVID-19 lockdown gp compared with pre-COVID gp, although these results were not consistent following sensitivity analysis.
The findings of the systematic review and meta-analysis have demonstrated that COVID-19 lockdown resulted in a significant increase (
< 0.05) in the levels of glycated haemoglobin, fasting glucose and body mass index in patients with type 2 diabetes. In contrast, the effect of the lockdown on lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL cholesterol was not consistent.
The 1st International Conference on Sustainable Health and Nutrition during the Life Cycle, hosted by Rio de Janeiro State University, convened diverse attendees from various disciplines in March ...2024. The conference aimed to democratise knowledge on sustainable health and nutrition while fostering networking opportunities. Abstract submissions came from students, healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers, leading to a rigorous selection process for oral and poster presentations. Embracing sustainability, the conference adopted a paperless approach with digital poster presentations. Keynote sessions addressed pressing issues like childhood obesity prevention and the intricate links between agroecology and nutrition. Discussions highlighted community action initiatives, including Afro-ancestral perspectives on healthy eating and the promotion of urban gardens. The launch of a book on non-conventional edible plants underscored the importance of food sovereignty and security. Engaging coffee breaks showcased products from family farming, featuring nutritional and gastronomic education activities. The conference's success paves the way for future events, signalling a strong likelihood of future editions. Overall, it provided a vital platform for dialogue, community building, and inclusivity in sustainable health and nutrition, setting a high standard for future endeavours.
The 1st International Conference on Sustainable Health and Nutrition during the Life Cycle, hosted by Rio de Janeiro State University in March 2024, convened diverse attendees from various ...disciplines. The conference aimed to democratize knowledge on sustainable health and nutrition while fostering networking opportunities. Abstract submissions came from students, healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers, leading to a rigorous selection process for oral and poster presentations. Embracing sustainability, the conference adopted a paperless approach with digital poster presentations. Keynote sessions addressed pressing issues like childhood obesity prevention and the intricate links between agroecology and nutrition. Discussions highlighted community action initiatives, including Afro-ancestral perspectives on healthy eating and the promotion of urban gardens. The launch of a book on non-conventional edible plants underscored the importance of food sovereignty and security. Engaging coffee breaks showcased products from family farming, featuring nutritional and gastronomic education activities. The conference's success paves the way for future events, signaling a strong likelihood of future editions. Overall, it provided a vital platform for dialogue, community building, and inclusivity in sustainable health and nutrition, setting a high standard for future endeavors. diverse attendees from various disciplines, the conference aimed to democratize knowledge on sustainable health and nutrition while fostering networking opportunities. Abstract submissions came from students, healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers, leading to a rigorous selection process for oral and poster presentations. Embracing sustainability, the conference adopted a paperless approach with digital poster presentations. Keynote sessions addressed pressing issues like childhood obesity prevention and the intricate links between agroecology and nutrition. Discussions highlighted community action initiatives, including Afro-ancestral perspectives on healthy eating and the promotion of urban gardens. The launch of a book on non-conventional edible plants underscored the importance of food sovereignty and security. Engaging coffee breaks showcased products from family farming, featuring nutritional and gastronomic education activities. The conference's success paves the way for future events, signalling a strong likelihood of future editions. Overall, it provided a vital platform for dialogue, community building, and inclusivity in sustainable health and nutrition, setting a high standard for future endeavours.
Low n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has been linked to depression, but the preventive effect of n-3PUFAs supplementation on maternal depression needs further investigation. We aimed to ...evaluate the efficacy of a daily dose of n-3 PUFAs supplementation (fish oil) on the prevention of postpartum depression (PPD).
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind trial was designed and nested into a cohort study conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sixty pregnant women identified as being at risk for PPD were invited and randomly assigned to receive fish oil capsules 1.8 g (1.08 g of Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and 0.72 g of Docosapentaenoic (DHA) acids) or placebo (control). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was scored at 5-13 (T0, baseline), 22-24 (T1), 30-32 weeks of gestation (T2) and 4-6 weeks' postpartum (T3). Supplementation started at week 22-24 of gestation (T1) and lasted for 16 weeks. Serum fatty acids were assayed to evaluate compliance. Prevalence of EPDS ≥11 was the primary outcome, and mean and changes in EPDS score, length of gestation, and birth weight the secondary outcomes. Linear mixed-effect (LME) and random-intercept logistic regression models were performed to test the effect of fish oil supplementation on prevalence of EPDS ≥11 and EPDS scores variation.
In intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, at 30-32 weeks' gestation women in the fish oil presented higher serum concentration of EPA, DHA and lower n-6/n-3 ratio comparing to the control group. There were no differences between intervention and control groups in the prevalence of EPDS ≥11, EPDS scores over time, or in changes in EPDS scores from pregnancy to postpartum in either the ITT or per-protocol analyses. Women in the fish oil group with previous history of depression presented a higher reduction on the EPDS score from the second to the third trimester in the fish oil comparing to the control group in the ITT analyses -1.0 (-3.0-0.0) vs. -0.0 (-1.0-3.0), P = 0.038). These results were confirmed on the LME model (β = -3.441; 95%CI: -6.532- -0.350, P = 0.029).
Daily supplementation of 1.8 g of n-3 PUFAs during 16 weeks did not prevent maternal depressive symptoms in a sample of Brazilian women.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01660165 . Retrospectively registered on 24 May 2012.
The use of blenderised enteral nutrition formula (ENF) is on the increase globally. However, concerns remain regarding the microbial quality and safety of blenderised ENF compared with standard ...recommendations and commercial ENF.
This was a systematic review which sought to compare the microbial quality of blenderised ENF and commercial ENF and to evaluate the effect of storage time on blenderised ENF.
Four databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, PSYCInfo and Google scholar) were searched for relevant articles based on the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes framework.
Eleven studies which met the criteria were included in the systematic review. Two major areas were identified; Microbial Quality of Blenderised ENF versus Commercial ENF; and The Effect of Storage Time on Microbial Quality of Blenderised ENF. Overall, 72.7% of the studies showed microbial contamination in blenderised ENF compared with 57.1% of commercial ENF, and the storage time was another important factor in the rates of contamination. The extent of handling or manipulation of the enteral formula was critical in determining the level of contamination.
Preparation techniques for blenderised ENF need to be established and caregivers taught how to prepare and administer it appropriately in order to reduce contamination. Further, well-designed studies are required, which compare the microbial quality of blenderised ENF using adequate handling techniques and commercial ENF.
The relationship between osteoporosis and lactose intolerance is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the association between self-reported lactose intolerance and symptom severity caused by lactose ...malabsorption and bone mineral density (BMD). A total of 496 American hip arthroplasty patients took part in this study. Information on BMD and socio-demographic factors were retrospectively extracted from medical records. BMD of the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck of the operative hip (FNOH), and femoral neck of the non-operative hip (FNH) were measured via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans (DXA). Patients also completed a survey regarding dietary and lifestyle habits from the time of surgery. We found that 9.3% of participants reported lactose intolerance and 33.3%% suffered from either osteopenia or osteoporosis in at least one (location. The population that did not self-identify as lactose intolerant consumed significantly more dairy (
< 0.0001) and animal protein (
= 0.004) than those with intolerance. There was no significant difference in BMD between self-identified lactose intolerant individuals and non-lactose intolerant individuals. In a stepwise multiple regression analysis, body mass index (BMI) and age were the only common predictors of BMD for all locations (
< 0.05). However, yogurt intake was a significant predictor of BMD of FNOH in the multivariate analysis. This study suggests that lactose intolerance is not associated with bone mineral density. We also found that being vegan or vegetarian may increase the risk of low BMD.
Background: Patients who are critically ill with COVID-19 could have impaired nutrient absorption due to disruption of the normal intestinal mucosa. They are often in a state of high inflammation, ...increased stress and catabolism as well as a significant increase in energy and protein requirements. Therefore, timely enteral nutrition support and the provision of optimal nutrients are essential in preventing malnutrition in these patients. Aim: This review aims to evaluate the effects of enteral nutrition in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Method: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-Analysis framework and PICO. Searches were conducted in databases, including EMBASE, Health Research databases and Google Scholar. Searches were conducted from database inception until 3 February 2022. The reference lists of articles were also searched for relevant articles. Results: Seven articles were included in the systematic review, and four articles were included in the meta-analysis. Two distinct areas were identified from the results of the systematic review and meta-analysis: the impact of enteral nutrition and gastrointestinal intolerance associated with enteral nutrition. The impact of enteral nutrition was further sub-divided into early enteral nutrition versus delayed enteral nutrition and enteral nutrition versus parenteral nutrition. The results of the meta-analysis of the effects of enteral nutrition in critically ill patients with COVID-19 showed that, overall, enteral nutrition was effective in significantly reducing the risk of mortality in these patients compared with the control with a risk ratio of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.79, 0.99, p = 0.04). Following sub-group analysis, the early enteral nutrition group also showed a significant reduction in the risk of mortality with a risk ratio of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.79, 1.00, p = 0.05). The Relative Risk Reduction (RRR) of mortality in patients with COVID-19 by early enteral nutrition was 11%. There was a significant reduction in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score in the early enteral nutrition group compared with the delayed enteral nutrition group. There was no significant difference between enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition in relation to mortality (RR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.59, 1.28, p = 0.48). Concerning the length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay and days on mechanical ventilation, while there were reductions in the number of days in the enteral nutrition group compared to the control (delayed enteral nutrition or parenteral nutrition), the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that early enteral nutrition significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the risk of mortality among critically ill patients with COVID-19. However, early enteral nutrition or enteral nutrition did not significantly (p > 0.05) reduce the length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay and days on mechanical ventilation compared to delayed enteral nutrition or parenteral nutrition. More studies are needed to examine the effect of early enteral nutrition in patients with COVID-19.
Previous studies have shown that the use of dietary supplements is associated with the prevention of birth defects, negative pregnancy outcomes and cardiovascular diseases. However, there might be ...some ethnic disparities in supplement usage suggesting that women who could benefit from it are not frequent users. This study aimed to characterise the use of dietary supplement among Black African and Black Caribbean women living in the United Kingdom (UK). Furthermore, it evaluated possible associations between the use of dietary supplements and health and diet awareness. A total of 262 women self-ascribed as Black African and Black Caribbean living in the UK completed a comprehensive questionnaire on socio-demographic factors, diet, use of supplements and cultural factors. The main outcome variable was the regular use of any type of dietary supplement. Use of vitamin D and/or calcium was also explored. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was applied to identify predictors of regular use of dietary supplements. A total of 33.2% of women reported regular use of any dietary supplements and 16.8% reported use of vitamin D and/or calcium. There were no significant ethnic differences in the use of dietary supplements. Reporting use of the back of food packaging label (odds ratio (OR) 2.21; 95% CI 1.07-4.55); a self-rated healthy diet (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.19-6.91) and having cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension and/or high cholesterol (OR 3.81; 95% CI 1.53-9.49) increased the likelihood of using any dietary supplement. However, having poorer awareness decreased the likelihood (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.88-0.99) of using any dietary supplement. For the use of vitamin D and/or calcium supplements, the main predictor was having CVD, hypertension and/or high cholesterol (OR 4.43; 95% CI 1.90-10.35). The prevalence of dietary supplement use was low among African and Caribbean women. Thus, awareness of potential benefits of some dietary supplements (e.g., vitamin D) among the Black population should be promoted.
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