The Association of Iron Intake and Hypertension, Does Iron Intake Decrease Blood Pressure?

Previous studies reported that iron may have an indispensable role in the risk of hypertension (HTN). However, the result of the studies on the relationship between iron and risk of HTN is inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the association between the association of dietary iron intake and HTN in the Iranian population. This case-control study was conducted on 4184 people aged 35 to 70, including 1239 people with HTN and 2945 people with normal blood pressure (BP) in Sabzevar, Iran. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The Nutritionist IV software was used in terms of the assessment of dietary intake of iron. An inverse association was found between iron intake and HTN (OR = 0.97, CI 95%: 0.94-0.99, P = 0.04). The association remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, smoking, drinking alcohol, calorie intake, and BMI (OR = 0.94, CI 95%: 0.89-0.98, P = 0.01). As a conclusion, iron intake was inversely associated with HTN. Further longitudinal studies on the effect of iron intake on BP are required to confirm this finding.

Does dietary intake of caffeine have an effect on transient global amnesia?

AIM: Amnesia is a cognitive disorder that may lead to memory loss. Caffeine is a psychoactive substance which have an effect on memory and cognitive functions. This study aimed to assess the association of transient global amnesia (TGA) with dietary intake of caffeine. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the Sabzevar Persian cohort data of 258 patients with TGA and 520 healthy individuals in Sabzevar, Iran. The Nutritional data were gathered in face-to-face interviews using a valid Food Frequency Questionnaire. Different models of logistic regression were used to determine the association between TGA and dietary caffeine intake after adjusting the confounders including age, sex, education, job, marital status, physical activity, BMI, and calorie intake. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of dietary calorie intake of (2279.5 ± 757.9 vs. 2365.5 ± 799.5, p = 0.19), protein (70.79 ± 25.27 vs. 72.94 ± 24.83, p = 0.31), fat (59.97 ± 23.79 vs. 60.13 ± 26.38, p = 0.93), carbohydrate (376 ± 134 vs. 393.1 ± 137.8, p = 0.14), and caffeine (196.4 ± 127.9 vs. 186.3 ± 128.5, p = 0.36) between the groups. No significant association was found between TGA and dietary intake of caffeine (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.99-1.01, p = 0.36). The results did not change after adjusting the confounders. CONCLUSIONS: No significant association was found between TGA and dietary intake of caffeine. Further prospective studies are required to confirm this finding.

Egg consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease: a PERSIAN cohort-based study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the main causes of death worldwide. Data on the effect of eggs consumption on the risk of CVDs are still unreliable. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between CVDs and the consumption of eggs. METHODS: In this case-control study, the required data were extracted from the Prospective Epidemiologic Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) cohort in Sabzevar, Iran. A total of 4241 adults participated including 1535 patients with CVDs as the case group and 2706 healthy people as controls. Egg consumption was assessed using a valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS: A significant association was observed between eggs consumption and stroke after adjustment for physical activity, body mass index (BMI), smoking, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), using alcohol, lipid profile, diabetes, and the intake of energy, lipid, protein, carbohydrate, and cholestrol (OR:1.007, 95% CI:1.001-1.013, P = 0.03). No association was found between egg consumption with hypertension, cardiac ischemia, and myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between the consumption of eggs and stroke. However, more studies are needed to examine the effect of eggs on CVDs.

Effects of chocolate on cognitive function in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis on clinical trials.

Cognitive function is defined as performance in objective tasks that need conscious mind effort. It has been shown that consuming foods rich in flavanols causes neurobiological effects and improves learning, memory, and global cognitive function. This study aimed to investigate the impact of chronic chocolate consumption on cognitive function in healthy adults based on published trials. The PICO strategy was applied to examine the research question in this study. Researchers searched the Web of Science, Science Direct, Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. Related articles of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the chronic effect of chocolate on cognitive function were selected (all published from their inception to February 2021). The difference in means of the last and first measurements was the main effect measure between the control and intervention groups. For quantitative data synthesis, weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were performed in the random effect model. Of the initial 340 articles identified, seven trials met the eligibility criteria. Chronic chocolate intake significantly reduced executive function time (WMD: -11.77, 95% CI: -22.49, -1.05, p = 0.03) of the participants. Further, the language and executive function (WMD: 6.38, 95% CI: 5.97, 6.80, p < 0.001) was raised by 6.38 times after the intervention with chocolate. We could not perform subgroup analysis due to insufficient trials and significant heterogeneity in some studies. It is concluded that daily consumption of cocoa may provide short and middle-term effects on young adults and make them better cognitive performance in learning, memory, and attention.

Synbiotic supplement for treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in haemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that probiotics can increase the availability of iron. The aim of current study was to determine the effects of synbiotic supplementation on the haematological parameters and anaemia in haemodialysis patients. METHODS: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fifty patients were randomly selected from the haemodialysis section of Vaseii Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. Subjects in the symbiotic and control groups received 2 capsules of synbiotic supplement or placebo, respectively, once a day for 8 weeks. Blood samples were divided into two test tubes in equal volumes. Blood haemoglobin, haematocrit, transferrin saturation, red blood cells (RBCs), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were measured with auto-analyser. Ferritin was determined using Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Twenty tree patients in each group completed the study. Significant results were recorded in synbiotic groups regarding the concentration of blood haemoglobin, haematocrit, transferrin saturation, the number of RBCs, and serum ferritin compare to placebo group (P < .05). At the end of week 8, TIBC significantly decreased in synbiotic than placebo group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Synbiotic supplementation could be a safe and promising candidate in improving anaemia in CKD patients.

The association between food groups and preeclampsia: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: The aim of current study was to investigate the correlation between preeclampsia and food groups among pregnant women. METHODS: This case-control study was done on pregnant women with a diagnosis of preeclampsia in Sabzevar. The control group was included non-infected postpartum women. RESULTS: Intake of vegetables (OR = 0.952, CI: 0.724-0.985, p < 0.001), fruits (OR = 0.901, CI: 0.852-0.990, p = 0.012), nuts and legumes (OR = 0.712, CI: 0.531-0.848, p = 0.009), and sugars and sweets (OR = 1.254, CI: 1.112-1.497, p < 0.001) were related to the odds of preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS: Women with preeclampsia had lower intake of vegetables, fruits, milk and products, and also fluids. Intake of sugars and sweets compared with the intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes was associated with increasing odds of preeclampsia.

Dietary pattern and telomere length in preschool children in a middle-income country.

Telomere length (TL) has been associated with lifestyle and dietary pattern. However, the available evidence on this association in children is scarce, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association of dietary pattern and leukocyte TL (LTL) in preschool children, Sabzevar, Iran (2017). This cross-sectional study was based on 187 preschool children (aged 5 to 7) recruited from 27 kindergartens. Nutrition information including amounts of consumed dairy products, meat and processed meat products, nuts and seeds, white bread and refined grains, fruits, vegetables, simple sugars, fats and drinks was obtained through a questionnaire. Linear mixed-effects models were fitted with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) plate ID and kindergartens as random effects to estimate the association of each food group consumption with LTL, controlled for relevant covariates. Higher consumption of dairy products and sugar was associated with shorter LTL (ß = -0.180, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.276, -0.085, P value <0.001 and ß = -0.139, 95% CI: -0.193, -0.086, P value <0.001, respectively). An increase in consumption of fish, nuts and seeds, coloured fruits, green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables and olive was significantly associated with the increase in relative LTL. The associations for the consumption of legumes, other fruits, yellow and orange vegetables, red meat, egg, white bread and refined grains, solid and liquid fats, processed meats, potato chips, carbonated drinks, tea (black) and soft drinks groups were not statistically significant. Our findings showed that there was an association between the consumption of certain food groups with LTL.

Local Usage of Nigella sativa Oil as an Innovative Method to Attenuate Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the effect of topical application of Nigella sativa (black seed) oil, on the primary dysmenorrhea intensity. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial on 124 female students, 18-22 years old, living in the dormitories of Sabzevar Universities. After a primary assessment, participants were randomly divided into two groups. The first group rubbed two drops of N. sativa oil, and the second group rubbed liquid olive oil, as the placebo. Massage was performed on the fontanel lobe 3, at night, three days before menstruation, for eight consecutive days (about five days after menses). This procedure was repeated for three menstrual cycles. After three cycles, pain severity was measured by the visual analog scale. Data analysis was carried out using the Mann-Whitney U test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: This study was conducted on 124 female students. The mean age of students, mean age of first menarche, body mass index, and pain severity were not significantly different in the two groups (p > 0.050). No adverse effects were observed during the study. The results of ANCOVA showed that pain intensity in N. sativa oil group was significantly decreased compared to that of the placebo group (0.6 score; p < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: N. sativa could be a promising, safe, and easily available analgesic supplement in women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea.

Effect of Nigella sativa oil supplement on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa oil on serum level of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This double-blind randomized clinical trial study was based on 50 patients with T2DM. Patients were allocated randomly to either N. sativa oil or placebo groups. The intervention group received 1,000 mg N. sativa oil as two capsules, daily for 8 weeks, whereas the placebo group received a corresponding placebo. At baseline and the end of the study, 5 ml blood was collected from each patient after 14-hour fasting for measuring serum C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), FBS, and lipid profile. Analyses covariance was performed to compare investigated parameters between two groups, controlled for relevant covariates. Using N. sativa supplement was significantly associated with decrease in FBS (p < .001), triglyceride (p < .001), total cholesterol (p < .001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < .001), serum hs-CRP, MDA (p < .001) and increase in serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < .001) in intervention group compared with placebo group. Nigella sativa oil supplement has cardiovascular protective effects in patients with T2DM, by improving the lipid profile and glycemia, by reducing the C-reactive protein level and the lipid peroxidation.

A synbiotic supplement for inflammation and oxidative stress and lipid abnormalities in hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Among the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients are high concentrations of serum inflammation markers, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a synbiotic supplement on serum systemic inflammation, oxidative stress markers, and lipid profile in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Fifty hemodialysis patients were randomly allocated to synbiotic and placebo groups. The synbiotic group received 2 tablets per day of a synbiotic supplement (100 mg) Lactobacillus coagulans and fructo-oligosaccharides for 8 weeks; whereas the placebo group received a similar appearing placebo. At the beginning and end of the study, 5 mL blood was taken after 12-14 hours of fasting. FINDINGS: Mean values of serum C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly decreased in the synbiotic group at the end compared to the beginning of the study (P = 0.01). This reduction was significant in comparison with changes in the placebo group (P = 0.01). The synbiotic supplement also reduced serum total cholesterol (P = 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; P = 0.001) compared to the placebo group. DISCUSSION: The synbiotic supplement used improves serum hs-CRP and MDA, total cholesterol and LDL-c in hemodialysis patients, which are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Nutritional intake and its association with educational achievement in high-school students in Islamic Republic of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate food intake can affect learning and memory. Studies on the nutrient intake of adolescents in Sabzevar are lacking. AIMS: This study assessed the nutrient intake of high-school students in Sabzevar and its association with academic attainment. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 800 of 8 000 high-school students in Sabzevar. Stratified sampling was used. Demographic data and academic information were collected and the parents of the students completed a food frequency questionnaire which included 189 food items. The students' weight and height were measured using standard methods. Each food was coded using Nutritionist IV software and mean values of nutrients (13 vitamins/minerals, 4 food types and total energy) were calculated. RESULTS: The mean body mass index of female and male students was 20. 3 (SD 2.7) kg/m2 and 19.5 (SD 3.2) kg/m2 respectively. The intakes of energy, vitamins A, C, D, folic acid, calcium, iron and zinc were significantly lower than the dietary reference intake (P < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation was seen between iron intake and academic scores in female students (P < 0.05) but not for any other nutrient. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of most nutrients in high-school students in Sabzevar was lower than the dietary reference intake. Nutrition education and nutritional support strategies are recommended to improve the nutritional status of these students.

Status of antioxidant and homocysteine-lowering vitamins related to cardiovascular diseases in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality in hemodialysis patients. Oxidative stress and hyperhomocysteinemia may contribute to an increased risk of CVD. Therefore, we assessed the status of antioxidant and homocysteine-lowering vitamins related to cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients at Vasei hospital in Sabzevar. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 75 hemodialysis patients by using census method at Vasei Hospital in Sabzevar (Iran) in 2014. After measuring height and body weight, food intake was assessed by a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire for at least two days (a non-dialysis and dialysis day), and food frequency was recorded with Nutritionist IV software. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16, using descriptive statistical tests, one sample t-test and independent samples t-test and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: This study was carried out on 75 patients. Mean age and BMI of patients were 49.95±17.22 years and 20.04±3.38 kg/m2, respectively. Intake of all vitamins with the exception of vitamin B12 in hemodialysis patients studied, were less than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the survey, consumption of antioxidants and B-vitamins related to cardiovascular disease was less than RDA in hemodialysis patients.

Effectiveness of supplementary blended flour based on chickpea and cereals for the treatment of infants with moderate acute malnutrition in Iran: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the decreasing rate of under nutrition children in recent years overall, the negative affect in growth and development make it as a main concern in the world. Applying an available and appropriate supplementary food is a major approach in treating children with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a new supplementary blended flour (containing chickpea, rice, wheat and barley, named Shadameen) in combination with multivitamin/mineral supplement and nutritional counseling versus multivitamin/mineral supplement and nutritional counseling alone, in the treatment of children with MAM. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted at Heshmatiyeh Hospital in Sabzevar city in Iran, from January 2016 to December 2016. Seventy infants, aged 9 to 24 months with MAM who were referred from urban health centers to the hospital clinic were included. They were randomly assigned to receive, for about 3 months, either multivitamin / mineral supplement and nutritional counseling alone or in combination with an extra supplementary blended food. We analyzed weight, length, weight for length Z score (WLZ), weight for age Z score (WAZ) and length for weight Z score (LAZ), along with recovery rate and adverse events among the two groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. We used statistics, Chi-square, independent t-test, and Fisher's exact test for the analyses of primary and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The food supplementation infant's mean weight and WLZ and WAZ were greater compared with the other group (0.81±0.29 gr and 0.55±0.33 gr, p=0.002), (0.36±0.36 and 0.02±0.52, p=0.003), (0.40±0.33 and 0.09±0.37, p=0.001). The recovery rate in the food supplemented group was significantly higher than the other group (68.4%, 31.6%, p=0.001). No adverse reactions were observed. There were no significant differences in LAZ at the end of the study between the two groups (p=0.53). CONCLUSION: This study showed that Shadameen in combination with multivitamin/mineral and counselling therapy can be more effective in decreasing the wasting rate of children with MAM than vitamin/mineral and counseling therapy alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (http://www.irct.ir) with the Irct ID: IRCT2015040921670N1. FUNDING: This study was financially supported by the vice chancellor for research office, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

Study of fruit and vegetable intake in breast cancer patients in the city of Sabzevar.

INTRODUCTION: Diet is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for prevention and control of chronic diseases, including breast cancer. This study aimed to determine the fruit and vegetable intake in women with cancer breast in Sabzevar. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 125 women with breast cancer in Sabzevar in 2011. Census sampling was done on volunteers in a visiting home and suspected women referred to the mammography, ultrasound, and radiology clinic in the Sabzevar center for breast cancer. Demographic and semi quantitative food questionnaires of 160 foods were completed for each of the patients by trained interviewers. Data were analyzed using the software Nutritionist IV. Descriptive statistics, one-sample t-test, and Chi-square test were used, employing the SPSS version 16. RESULTS: In this study, 125 women were assessed with breast cancer. The highest risk with breast cancer was 35.5% in women 40 to 49 years old. The results of this study showed that patients with breast cancer had minimum daily recommended intake (3.06 ± 2.3 serving of fruits and 2.09 ± 1.81 serving of vegetables in days). One sample t-test showed that the mean intake of fruits and vegetables was not a significant deference with daily recommended intake (p>0.05). The chi-square test showed that patients with minimum daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables were at high risk for breast cancer in comparison with those who received the highest amount (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: This study supports evidence that high vegetable and fruit intake is associated with lower breast cancer risk.

The Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Measurements of Refraction and Visual Acuity in Primary School Children.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition has been implicated in the development of some refractive errors. This study aims to investigate the relationship between refractive errors, visual acuity (VA), and Breastfeeding. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional study, cluster sampling was used to select 400 children aged 1-5. Fieldwork for the main study took place from September 2005 to May 2006 in two public schools of Sabzevar, Iran. Breastfeeding was defined as 6 months or more feeding. A significant refractive error was defined as at least -0.50 diopters (D) for myopia, +0.50D for hyperopia, and -0.50D for astigmatism. In addition, refractive error was calculated by converting it to spherical equivalent (SE). Statistical analysis used includes Descriptive statistics; Spearman correlation coefficients; one-way ANOVA; independent sample t-test; and Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS: Finally, 367 children were selected: 156 boys (42.5%) and 211 girls (57.5%). Three hundred eleven subjects (85%) had Breastfeeding. According to SE in right eye, 25.5% and 5.2% of the subjects were hyperopic and myopic, respectively, in the breastfed group, compared to 26.8% and 5.4% in the non-Breastfeeding group. In addition, hyperopia and myopia were less observable in breastfeeders than the other group for left eye. Mean VA and refractive error were different according to feeding type, but this study did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups; however, for exact judgment about these findings, more studies are suggested with a larger sample size. CONCLUSION: In conclusions based on the results, there was no significant relationship between kind of feeding during the first 6 months of infancy and VA and refractive errors.

Effect of Topical Application of Nigella Sativa Oil and Oral Acetaminophen on Pain in Elderly with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Crossover Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence supports Nigella sativa's role as an effective complementary and alternative medicine and the anti-inflammatory effects of Nigella sativa on patients with allergic rhinitis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of topical application of Nigella sativa oil and oral acetaminophen on pain in the elderly with knee osteoarthritis residing in a parents' home in Sabzevar. METHODS: This study is done as a crossover clinical trial. After obtaining written consent of elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, they were randomly divided into two groups. In step 1, in group 1, 1 cc of Nigella sativa oil was applied on the knee joint every 8 hours for 3 weeks; for the second group, every 8 hours for 3 weeks, patients were given 1 tablet of 325 mg acetaminophen. After a period of 1 month without medication to wash out each group, in step 2, each treatment group received the drug interaction in the same way as above. Pain was determined using a visual scale (VAS) before and after the first and second stages. Treatment response was defined as a decrease in pain scores over 1.5. Data analysis was performed with an R software mixed model. RESULTS: This study was done on 40 elderly patients: 18 (45%) men and 22 (55%) women. Their mean year and weight were 75.66±8.9 years and 69.67±14.33 kg, respectively. Study results showed that topical application of Nigella sativa oil and oral acetaminophen reduced pain in elderly with knee osteoarthritis; after using Nigella sativa oil, the reduction of pain was higher (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that topical application of Nigella sativa oil was effective in reducing pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis; therefore, it is recommended as a safe supplement for these elderly. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at TCTR (http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/) with the ID: TCTR20160125003. FUNDING: This study was approved and supported by the Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on serum lipids, lipoprotein (a), and hematologic factors in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Lipid abnormalities, especially high serum lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] concentration, and anemia are two major causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids on serum lipids, Lp (a), and hematologic factors in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Thirty-four hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to either omega-3 fatty acid supplement or placebo group. Patients in the omega-3 fatty acids group received 2080 mg marine omega-3 fatty acids, daily for 10 weeks, whereas the placebo group received a corresponding placebo. At baseline and the end of week 10, 7 mL blood was collected after a 12- to 14-h fast and serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Lp (a), blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells (RBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were measured. RESULTS: Serum triglyceride decreased significantly in the omega-3 fatty acids group at the end of week 10 compared with baseline (p < 0.05) and this reduction was significant in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in mean changes of serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, Lp (a), blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC, MCV, MCH, and MCHC. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate that marine omega-3 fatty acids can reduce serum triglyceride, as a risk factor for CVD, but it does not affect other serum lipids, Lp (a), and hematologic factors in hemodialysis patients.