Nutrition during childhood and adolescence is very important for growth and can have long-term health implications. The COVID-19 lockdown caused significant changes in everyday life, including in ...children and adolescents. This study evaluated the effects of the first COVID-19 lockdown on eating habits and body weight in children and adolescents. An online cross-sectional survey was carried out among the parents of children (5-9 years) and adolescents (10-14 years) living in Italy. The online self-administered questionnaire included demographic and anthropometric data (reported weight and height) weight and dietary habit changes during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy (March to June 2020). A total of 439 participants were included. We found a change in eating habits with an increase in consumption of sweet packaged snacks (34%) and processed meat (25%), as well as bread, pizza and bakery products (47%). We also found an increase in vegetable, fresh fruit and legume intake (19%), and a reduction in sweet beverage and candy intake. A total of 59.7% of the participants reported body weight gain, with adolescents gaining more than children (67% vs. 55%,
= 0.010, respectively). In children, body weight gain was associated with a change in body height and increased consumption of dairy products and sweet packaged snacks, while in adolescents it was associated with an increased intake of comfort foods and processed meat. Our data highlighted the need to carefully monitor eating behaviors to avoid the establishment of unhealthy eating habits and prevent obesity in children and adolescents during periods of self-isolation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about various restrictions around the world, and its impact on healthcare has been enormous: RDNs have had to shift from in-person interactions with clients to ...telenutrition consultations, encountering obstacles. We designed the first survey to investigate the changes in RDN practices related to telenutrition provision after the onset of the pandemic through an online survey in Italy. Four hundred and thirty-six responses were analyzed. Before the pandemic, only 16% of Italian RDNs provided telenutrition; this percentage increased significantly up to 63% (p < 0.001). Among patients, the lack of interest in accessing telenutrition (30.9%) and the Internet (16.7%) were the most frequently reported barriers. Among RDNs, one of the main obstacles was their inability to conduct nutritional evaluation or monitoring activities (24.4%). Our survey indicated that increased adoption of telenutrition can be a valid, safe alternative to face-to-face visits. Telenutrition was mainly used by young RDNs (20−39 years) with fewer years of professional experience (0−20 years) and master’s degrees. Remote nutrition can enable RDNs to maintain normal workloads and provide patients with uninterrupted access to nutritional healthcare. It is important that RDNs using telemedicine resources possess the ability to provide high-quality, efficient, and secure services using evidence-based guidance.
Abstract
Background
Currently, there is no approved medication for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease management. Pre-clinical and clinical studies showed that several bioactive molecules in plants or ...foods (i.e., curcumin complex, bergamot polyphenol fraction, artichoke leaf extract, black seed oil, concentrate fish oil, picroliv root, glutathione,
S
-adenosyl-
l
-methionine and other natural ingredients) have been associated with improved fatty liver disease. Starting from these evidences, our purpose was to evaluate the effects of a novel combination of abovementioned nutraceuticals as a treatment for adults with fatty liver disease.
Methods
A total of 140 participants with liver steatosis were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. The intervention group received six softgel capsules daily of a nutraceutical (namely Livogen Plus®) containing a combination of natural bioactive components for 12 weeks. The control group received six softgel capsules daily of a placebo containing maltodextrin for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the change in liver fat content (CAP score). CAP score, by transient elastography, serum glucose, lipids, transaminases, and cytokines were measured at baseline and after intervention.
Results
After adjustment for confounding variables (i.e., CAP score and triglyceride at baseline, and changes of serum γGT, and vegetable and animal proteins, cholesterol intake at the follow-up), we found a greater CAP score reduction in the nutraceutical group rather than placebo (− 34 ± 5 dB/m vs. − 20 ± 5 dB/m, respectively; p = 0.045). The CAP score reduction (%) was even greater in those with aged 60 or less, low baseline HDL-C, AST reduction as well as in men.
Conclusion
Our results showed that a new combination of bioactive molecules as nutraceutical was safe and effective in reducing liver fat content over 12 weeks in individuals with hepatic steatosis.
Trial registration
ISRCTN, ISRCTN70887063. Registered 03 August 2021—retrospectively registered,
https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN70887063
It is well known that malnutrition is a frequent co-morbidity in cancer patients, especially in those with head and neck neoplasms. This may be due both to the presence of dysphagia symptoms and to ...the appearance of adverse effects on chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy. The aim of this retrospective observational multicentric study is to evaluate the nutritional status between dysphagia cancer patients and non-dysphagia cancer patients. Data from 60 patients were analysed, 31 of which without dysphagia and 29 with dysphagia. Results highlight that patients with dysphagia had higher involuntary body weight loss than non-dysphagia ones (p < 0.001). By analysing the entire population, it stands out a weight loss rate of 12 ± 9% compared to the usual weight was observed and a prevalence of moderate / severe malnutrition diagnosis of 53%. Furthermore, 76% of the population who manifested the symptom of dysphagia presented severe malnutrition already at the first visit, compared to 32% of non-dysphagia subjects.
Understanding the intricate relationship between nutrition, hormonal balance, and gender-specific factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to mitigate obesity-related endocrine ...disruptions and improve metabolic health. This narrative review examines the impact of various dietary patterns on hormonal regulation in both men and women, focusing on their effects on hormonal balance and metabolic health in the context of obesity. Calorie restriction, the Western diet, high-fat diets, low-CHO diets, plant-based diets, and the Mediterranean diet are analyzed in relation to their influence on obesity-related endocrine disruptions and metabolic health. Future research directions include investigating the specific mechanisms underlying dietary influences on hormonal regulation, addressing the gender-specific metabolic differences and body fat distribution, and exploring the dietary needs of individuals undergoing gender transition. Personalized dietary interventions tailored to individual metabolic and hormonal profiles are essential for optimizing health outcomes across the gender spectrum. By integrating gender-specific considerations into dietary recommendations, healthcare professionals can better support individuals in achieving optimal metabolic health and hormonal balance.
Numerous studies have investigated the role of the monounsaturated fatty acid and other dietary factors in the prevention of cognitive decline but the short-term effect of a low dose of extravirgin ...olive oil on cognitive performances in the elderly have not still been investigated. Our aim was to investigate whether the replacement of all vegetable oils with a lower amount of extravirgin olive oil, in the contest of a Mediterranean Diet, would improve cognitive performances, among elderly Italian individuals.
180 elderly individuals were randomly assigned to these treatment groups for 1 year: (1) MedDiet plus extravirgin OO, 20-30 g/day; (2) control MedDiet. The cognitive sub-test of ADAScale was used to detect cognitive decline progression over 12 months.
ADAS-cog score variation after 1 year, adjusted for food groups which were different between groups, was - 1.6 ± 0.4 and - 3.0 ± 0.4 in the MedDiet and MedDiet plus extravirgin OO groups, respectively (p = 0.024). Extravirgin OO intake was 30 g ± 12 and 26 g ± 6 in the MedDiet and MedDiet plus extravirgin OO groups, respectively (p = 0.044).
We demonstrated the higher short-term improvement of cognitive functions scores in individuals of the MedDiet plus low dose of extravirgin olive oil rather than MedDiet alone. Extravirgin olive oil is the best quality oil and may have a neuroprotective effect.
Aesthetic and cosmetic medical practices have attracted considerable consumer attention globally. However, possible complications vary and range from mild, self-resolving ecchymoses or edema to more ...persistent complications. The aim of this review is to identify the nutritional deficits or excesses associated with the major complications of reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery, and mini-invasive aesthetic procedures. An additional goal is to provide a bundle of actions for professionals working in the industry in order to reduce the risks of aesthetic procedures and improve the clinical outcomes. Granulomas, hypertrophic scars and keloids, seromas, infections and xerosis, hyperpigmentation, petechiae, livedo reticularis, slower wound healing, and other poor outcomes are frequently associated with nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional status can markedly affect wound healing and tissue repair following surgical interventions, as well as the outcomes of aesthetic and cosmetic medical practices. Professionals working in this industry, therefore, need to consider the nutritional aspects of their patients to obtain the best results.
There are several effective therapies for osteoporosis but these agents might cause serious adverse events. Lycopene intake could prevent bone loss, however studies on its effects on bone are scarce. ...Our aim was to investigate the effects of lycopene on osteoblast cells as well as bone mineral density and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women.
We investigated the effect of lycopene on the Wnt/β-catenin and ERK 1/2 pathways, RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, RANKL and COL1A of Saos-2. We also carried out a pilot controlled clinical study to verify the feasibility of an approach for bone loss prevention through the intake of a lycopene-rich tomato sauce in 39 postmenopausal women.
Lycopene 10 µM resulted in higher β-catenin and phERK1/2 protein Vs the vehicle (p = 0.04 and p = 0.006). RUNX2 and COL1A mRNA was induced by both 5 and 10 µM doses (p = 0.03; p = 0.03 and p = 0.03; p = 0.05) while RANKL mRNA was reduced (p < 0.05). A significant bone density loss was not detected in women taking the tomato sauce while the control group had bone loss (p = 0.002). Tomato sauce intake resulted in a greater bone alkaline phosphatase reduction than the control (18% vs 8.5%, p = 0.03).
Lycopene activates the WNT/β-catenin and ERK1/2 pathways, upregulates RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, COL1A and downregulates RANKL Saos-2. These processes contributed to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Mediterranean Diet represents the traditional eating habits of populations living around the Mediterranean Sea, and it is associated with a lower risk of overall mortality and cancer incidence and ...cardiovascular diseases. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a new pandemic, and represents a significant and critical threat to global human health. In this study, we aimed to review the possible effects of Mediterranean Diet against the risk of the coronavirus disease 2019. Several vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and phytochemicals with their potential anti-COVID-19 activity are presented. Different risk factors may increase or reduce the probability of contracting the disease. Mediterranean Diet has also a positive action on inflammation and immune system and could have a protective effect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Further studies are needed to corroborate the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet protective role on infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Several biologically active molecules including nutrients can affect the vascular endothelium which becomes dysfunctional and, as a consequence, predisposes to atherosclerosis. However, the impact of ...the intake of sodium and polyunsaturated fatty acids on carotid atherosclerosis in a population of elderly women has scarcely been studied. Our aim was to investigate the association between carotid intima-media thickness and atherosclerotic plaque and nutrient intake in asymptomatic elderly women. Carotid atherosclerosis was determined by duplex ultrasound in 108 elderly women. Dietary intake was assessed by a combination of a 24-hour recall and a 7-day food record. A physical examination and laboratory tests were performed. We found an association between the C-IMT and polyunsaturated fatty acid (negative, B = −0.014; p = 0.03; CI −0.027/−0.001) and sodium (positive, r = 0.16; P = 0.09) intake. When linoleic acid was added to the multivariable regression analysis instead of polyunsaturated fatty acids, C-IMT was associated with linoleic acid (B = −0.017; p = 0.02; CI −0.032/−0.003). In normotensive women we found a positive association between the C-IMT and sodium intake. The atherosclerotic plaque prevalence increased with the increase in sodium intake (66% vs 90% Tertile I vs Tertile III; p = 0.02). Iin conclusion, A low salt diet to a level of about 1.5 g/d and a polyunsaturated fatty acid intake of >9 g/d were found to be associate with a low atherosclerotic plaque prevalence in an elderly female population. Sodium and polyunsaturated fatty acids-mediated functional changes of the carotid endothelium may be implicated in atherosclerosis development.
•Several nutrients are implicated in the atherosclerosis development.•The role of sodium and PUFA has been scarsely studied.•A low salt and a high PUFA diet are associated with a low atherosclerosis prevalence.
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