Cinnamon Infusion Reduces Satiety and Increases Energy Intake: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the intake of a single dose of cinnamon infusion on energy metabolism, appetite responses, and food intake in healthy individuals. METHODS: This was an open randomized crossover clinical trial, with a minimum washout of 7 days, in which two standardized breakfasts were served randomly: one with cinnamon infusion (2 g, Cinnamomum sp.) and one with water (control). The study included 21 healthy volunteers. Energy expenditure (EE), diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), respiratory quotient (RQ), substrate oxidation, and appetite responses were evaluated, as well as prospective food intake. RESULTS: Ingestion of cinnamon infusion did not alter EE, DIT, RQ, or substrate oxidation. The incremental area under the curve for hunger, satiety, and desire to eat did not differ between the treatment with cinnamon infusion and water; however, there was a reduction in the feeling of satiety (p = 0.021) compared to the control treatment. The energy consumption of the first meal after treatment was higher (p = 0.05) in the treatment with cinnamon infusion than in the control treatment. Regarding macronutrients or food intake throughout the day, there was no difference between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Although it did not affect energy metabolism, consuming a single dose of cinnamon infusion promoted less feeling of satiety and increased energy intake in the first meal after treatment. The study protocol was registered at the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry Platform (RBR-5ftg3z).

Nutritional care is a human right: Translating principles to clinical practice.

We have previously advocated that nutritional care be raised to the level of a human right in a close relationship to two well recognized fundamental rights: the right to food and the right to health. This paper aims to analyze the implication of nutritional care as a human right for healthcare practitioners. We will focus on the impact of the Human Rights Basic Approach (HRBA) on health care professionals (HCPs), namely how they can translate HRBA into routine clinical practice. Ethics and human rights are guiding values for clinical nutrition practitioners. Together they ensure a patient-centered approach, where the needs and rights of the patients are of the most significant importance. Human rights are based on the powerful idea of equal dignity for all people while expressing a set of core values, including fairness, respect, equality, dignity, and autonomy (FREDA). Through the analysis of FREDA principles, we have provided the elements to understand human rights and how a HRBA can support clinicians in the decision-making process. Clinical practice guidelines in clinical nutrition should incorporate disease-specific ethical issues and the HRBA. The HRBA should contribute to build conditions for HCPs to provide optimal and timely nutritional care. Nutritional care must be exercised by HCPs with due respect for several fundamental ethical values: attentiveness, responsibility competence, responsiveness, and solidarity.

Nutrition Therapy Cost-Effectiveness Model Indicating How Nutrition May Contribute to the Efficiency and Financial Sustainability of the Health Systems.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in hospitalized patients but seldom recognized and treated. Malnutrition poses several adverse events, such as increased infection rates, length of hospital stay, and mortality, as well as costs. Early nutrition interventions have been shown to decrease the associated malnutrition burdens, leading to relevant savings. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of nutrition therapy, including oral supplements to at-risk or malnourished adult inpatients admitted to the Brazilian Public System (SUS) hospitals. METHOD: A cost-effectiveness model, encompassing a 1-year period and regarding total costs, length of hospital stay, readmissions, and mortality related to malnutrition, was developed, having the provision of early nutrition therapy as the intervention variable. The number of avoided hospitalization days, prevented hospital readmissions, and prevented deaths defined the effectiveness of the model. All the costs were estimated based on the SUS database. RESULTS: Early nutrition therapy provided to all at-risk or malnourished patients would represent cost-effectiveness of US $92.24, US $544.59, US $1848.12, and US $3698.92, for each day of hospitalization avoided, for additional patients having access to hospitalization, for preventing readmission, and for prevented death, respectively. The highest impact on savings was represented by the mean reduction in the length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Early oral nutrition intervention for patients malnourished or at risk of malnutrition resulted in overall reduced hospital costs. These findings provide a rationale to tackle the implementation of educational programs focusing on the care of inpatients with malnutrition or its risk.

Combined nutritional assessment methods to predict clinical outcomes in patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Nutritional diagnosis is essential given that malnutrition negatively affects morbidity and mortality in patients with liver disease. In the absence of a standard method, limited accuracy has been reported in relation to nutritional assessment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of subjective global assessment (SGA) and different methods of nutritional assessment, isolated and in combination with SGA to predict clinical outcomes. METHODS: This was a longitudinal study with patients waiting for liver transplantation. Nutritional status was classified according to SGA. Anthropometric parameters, standard phase angle (SPA), handgrip strength, and 6-min walk test (6MWT) were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analysis and receiver operator characteristic curve were performed. P < 0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients with an average age of 52.3 ± 11.4 y were evaluated. Of these, 63% were men. Low midarm muscle area (MAMA; P < 0.001), malnutrition by SGA + low MAMA (P < 0.001), and malnutrition by SGA + low SPA (P < 0.001) were independent predictors of clinical features of advanced cirrhosis. SGA + SPA presented the greater area under the curve (AUC: 0.6431). Death was predicted by low midarm circumference (MAC; P = 0.037) and slow gait speed on the 6MWT (GS-6MWT; P = 0.017), with both parameters isolated or concomitantly linked to malnutrition. SGA + GS-6MWT presented the highest predictive power for death (AUC: 0.6673) slightly greater than SGA+MAC (AUC: 0.6346). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that SGA together with SPA has greater predictive power for features of advanced cirrhosis, and SGA plus gait speed is able to better predict mortality in patients on the waiting list for liver transplant.

Omega-3 fatty acids, inflammatory status and biochemical markers of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the concentrations of eicosanoids, cytokines, chemokines, C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammatory mediators. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on circulating levels of inflammatory mediators and biochemical markers in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Experimental clinical study (clinical trial: NCT02524795); 49 women with SLE (ACR1982/1997) were randomized: 22 to the omega-3 group (daily intake of 1080mg EPA+200mg DHA, for 12 weeks) and 27 to the control group. The inflammatory mediators and biochemical markers at T0 and T1 in omega-3 group were compared using Wilcoxon test. U-Mann-Whitney test was used to compare variations of measured variables [ΔV=pre-treatment (T0)-post-treatment (T1) concentrations] between groups. p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range - IQR) of age was 37 (29-48) years old, of disease duration was 7 (4-13) years, and of SLEDAI-2K was 1 (0-2). The median (IQR) of variation in CRP levels between the two groups showed a decrease in omega-3 group while there was an increase in control group (p=0.008). The serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10, leptin and adiponectin did not change after a 12 week treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with omega-3 had no impact on serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, leptin and adiponectin in women with SLE and low disease activity. There was a significant decrease of CRP levels as well as evidence that omega-3 may impact total and LDL-cholesterol.

Energy expenditure in women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the energy expenditure of women with breast cancer and the effectiveness of available predictive equations (PEs) for the estimation of energy requirements in these subjects. METHODS: Women with breast cancer and healthy women controls underwent indirect calorimetry and nutritional assessment. The estimation of energy requirements included PEs (Harris-Benedict [HB], corrected by injury and activity factors), the Mifflin St. Jeor, and the quick formula of 25 kcal/kg of body weight (BW). Statistical analyses, including Student's t test, a paired t test, Bland-Altman analysis, and backward multivariate linear regression, were performed using the SPSS 17.0 software. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Seventeen women with breast cancer and 19 healthy women were evaluated. Analysis of nutritional status revealed 64.7% of the patients were overweight/obese, and 88.2% had an excess of body fat mass. The resting energy expenditure (REE) of the breast cancer patients was similar to that of the healthy women, even after adjustment for fat free mass (FFM) (P < 0.05). The resting and total energy requirements estimated by the predictive equations widely varied, and the quick formula was the most accurate at determining total energy needs. CONCLUSIONS: The REE of women with breast cancer was similar to that of healthy women. The energy requirements of these patients may be calculated based on the quick formula of 25 kcal/kg of BW. Nonetheless, this estimation should be used cautiously as it results in wide variations when used alone.

Subjective global assessment: a reliable nutritional assessment tool to predict outcomes in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nutritional assessment of critically ill patients has created controversy. However, it is well established that malnourished patients who are severely ill have worse outcomes than well-nourished patients. Therefore, assessing patients' nutritional status may be useful in predicting which patients may experience increased morbidity and mortality. METHOD: One hundred eighty-five consecutively admitted patients were followed until discharge or death, and their nutritional status was evaluated using Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) as well as anthropometric and laboratory methods. Agreement between the methods was measured using the Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Malnutrition was highly prevalent (54%), according to SGA. Malnourished patients had significantly higher rates of readmission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (OR 2.27; CI 1.08-4.80) and mortality (OR 8.12; CI 2.94-22.42). The comparison of SGA with other tests used to assess nutritional status showed that the correlation between the methods ranged from poor to superficial. CONCLUSION: SGA, an inexpensive and quick nutritional assessment method conducted at the bedside, is a reliable tool for predicting outcomes in critically ill patients.

Incidence and risk factors for diabetes, hypertension and obesity after liver transplantation.

AIM: Metabolic disorders are widely described in patients after liver transplantation (LTx). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity incidence and risk factors were assessed in 144 post-LTx patients at least one year after transplantation (59% male; median age 54 y; median time since transplantation 4 y). Risk factors were assessed using logistic regression analysis according to demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, clinical, anthropometric and dietetic variables. RESULTS: The incidence of hypertension was 18.9%; diabetes, 14.0% and obesity, 15.9%. Risk factors for the incidence of hypertension were abdominal obesity (OR: 2.36; CI: 1.02-5.43), family history of hypertension (OR: 2.75; CI: 1.06-7.19) and cyclosporine use (OR: 3.92; CI: 1.05-14.70). Risk factor for incidence of diabetes were greater fasting glucose levels (mg/dL) pre-LTx (OR: 1.04; CI: 1.01-1.06) and on the diagnosis of alcoholic cirrhosis as an indication of LTx (OR: 2.54; CI: 0.84-7.72). The incidence of obesity after LTx was related to lower milk consumption (mL) (OR: 1.01; CI: 1.001-1.01; P < 0.05), greater donor BMI (kg/m(2)) (OR: 1.34; CI: 1.04-1.74; P < 0.05), greater BMI prior to liver disease (kg/m(2)) (OR: 1.79; CI: 1.36-2.36; P < 0.01) and a per capita income twice the minimum wage (OR: 5.71; CI: 4.51-6.86; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: LTx was associated with significantly increased rates of hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Furthermore, the incidences of these disorders were related to immunosuppressive therapy and have risk factors that are common in the general population.

Objetivo: Los trastornos metabólicos han sido ampliamente descritos en los pacientes sometidos al transplante hepático (TH). Material y métodos: La incidencia de hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus y obesidad además de los factores de riesgo se evaluaron en 144 pacientes post-TH al menos un año después del trasplante (59% hombres, edad promedio 54 años, mediana del tiempo desde el trasplante 4 años). Los factores de riesgo se evaluaron mediante análisis de regresión logística de acuerdo con variables demográficas, socioeconómicas, estilo de vida, así como variables clínicas, antropométricas y dietéticas. Resultados: La incidencia de hipertensión fue del 18,9%, la diabetes, el 14,0% y la obesidad, el 15,9%. Los factores de riesgo para la incidencia de la hipertensión fueron la obesidad abdominal (OR: 2,36, IC: 1,02-5,43, p < 0,05), los antecedentes familiares de hipertensión arterial (OR: 2,75, IC: 1,06-7,19, p < 0,05) y el uso de la ciclosporina (OR: 3,92, IC: 1,05-14,70, p < 0,05). Los factores de riesgo para la incidencia de diabetes fueron niveles más altos de glucosa en ayuno (mg/dL) pre-TH (OR: 1,04, IC: 1,01-1,06, p < 0,05) y el diagnóstico de cirrosis alcohólica como indicación de TH (OR: 2,54, IC: 0,84-7,72, p < 0,05). La incidencia de obesidad después del TH se relacionó con el bajo consumo de la leche (mL) (OR: 1,01, IC: 1,001-10,01, p < 0,05), donante con IMC más grande (kg/m2) (OR: 1,34, IC: 1,04-1,74; p < 0,05), mayor índice de masa corporal antes de la enfermedad hepática (kg/m2) (OR: 1,79, IC: 1,36-2,36, p < 0,01) y ingreso per cápita dos veces el sueldo mínimo (OR: 5,71, IC: 4,51- 6,86, p < 0,05). Conclusión: El TH se asoció con tasas significativamente más altas de hipertensión, diabetes y obesidad. La incidencia de estos trastornos se relacionó con la terapia inmunosupresora y otros factores de riesgo que comunes en la población general.

Food quality, physical activity, and nutritional follow-up as determinant of weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the lifestyle habits, including food patterns, of patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and to identify predictive factors in weight loss and regain. METHODS: Obese patients (100) who underwent RYGB from 1998 to 2008 were included. Dietary habits were assessed by using 24 h dietary recall and the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Rates of weight regain and the percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) were calculated. Patients were also asked whether they attended nutritional follow-up visits after the operation and about the type and regularity of physical activities. RESULTS: The mean age was 45.1 ± 9.9 y, and the majority of the patients were women (84%). Mean EWL was 59.1 ± 20.3%. Weight regain was seen in 56% of the patients with 29% of the patients having regained over 10.1% of the minimum weight reached after RYGB. Weight regain increased significantly with time after surgery (up to 2 y: 14.7%; from 2 to 5 y: 69.7%; over 5 y: 84.8%). Poor diet quality characterized by excessive intake of calories, snacks, sweets, and fatty foods was statistically higher among those who regained weight. Sedentary lifestyle and lack of nutritional counseling follow-up were also significantly associated with regaining weight. CONCLUSION: Despite satisfactory results of EWL, the patients did not properly maintain the lost weight, mainly after 5 y postsurgery. Major factors that influenced this weight gain were poor diet quality, sedentary lifestyle, and lack of nutritional counseling follow-up.

Body composition and overweight of liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Overweight is often used as a description after liver transplantation (LTx), but studies on body composition of patients submitted to LTx have only been devoted to early postoperative periods; there is little information regarding abdominal obesity after LTx. The aim of this study was to assess body composition, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference and verify the prevalence and risk factors for excessive weight, obesity, and abdominal obesity in long-term survivors of LTx. METHODS: Post-LTx patients with at least 1 year post-LTx were assessed for their body composition (by bioimpedance), BMI, and waist circumference. Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and clinical and dietetic variables were collected to assess risk factors using linear and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: We evaluated 143 patients (51±13 years; 59.4% male; median time since LTx: 4 years). The majority of patients had excessive weight, considering BMI, (58.1%). Considering body composition, 69.9% of patients were overweight and 37.8% obese. Some degree of abdominal obesity was seen in 88% of patients. Independent risk factors for overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity after LTx included greater BMI before liver disease, weight gain since LTx, family history of overweight, smoking, working, being married, having less time since transplantation, a lower calcium intake, and less sleeping hours. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients are overweight or obese after LTx, and many of the associated risk factors are modifiable. Thus, patients, especially those who already have identified risk factors for overweight and obesity, undergoing LTx should be encouraged to engage in lifestyle changes early.

Metabolic syndrome and its components after liver transplantation: incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and implications.

Metabolic syndrome is defined as the mutual existence of obesity, impaired fasting glucose levels, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. After liver transplantation, patients typically develop these disorders, and even though there has been minimal research focused on the chronic impact of this syndrome on post-liver transplant patients, studies point to an association with major vascular events and fibrosis. The aim of the current work is to review data on the incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and implications of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients who have undergone liver transplantation.