The Integral Role of Magnesium in Muscle Integrity and Aging: A Comprehensive Review.

Aging is characterized by significant physiological changes, with the degree of decline varying significantly among individuals. The preservation of intrinsic capacity over the course of an individual's lifespan is fundamental for healthy aging. Locomotion, which entails the capacity for independent movement, is intricately connected with various dimensions of human life, including cognition, vitality, sensory perception, and psychological well-being. Notably, skeletal muscle functions as a pivotal nexus within this intricate framework. Any perturbation in its functionality can manifest as compromised physical performance and an elevated susceptibility to frailty. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a central role in approximately 800 biochemical reactions within the human body. Its distinctive physical and chemical attributes render it an indispensable stabilizing factor in the orchestration of diverse cellular reactions and organelle functions, thereby rendering it irreplaceable in processes directly impacting muscle health. This narrative review offers a comprehensive exploration of the pivotal role played by magnesium in maintaining skeletal muscle integrity, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining optimal magnesium levels for promoting healthy aging.

Vitamin D, zinc and glutamine: Synergistic action with OncoTherad immunomodulator in interferon signaling and COVID­19 (Review).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID­19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS­CoV­2), was identified in December, 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since then, it has continued to spread rapidly in numerous countries, while the search for effective therapeutic options persists. Coronaviruses, including SARS­CoV­2, are known to suppress and evade the antiviral responses of the host organism mediated by interferon (IFN), a family of cytokines that plays an important role in antiviral defenses associated with innate immunity, and has been used therapeutically for chronic viral diseases and cancer. On the other hand, OncoTherad, a safe and effective immunotherapeutic agent in the treatment of non­muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), increases IFN signaling and has been shown to be a promising therapeutic approach for COVID­19 in a case report that described the rapid recovery of a 78­year­old patient with NMIBC with comorbidities. The present review discusses the possible synergistic action of OncoTherad with vitamin D, zinc and glutamine, nutrients that have been shown to facilitate immune responses mediated by IFN signaling, as well as the potential of this combination as a therapeutic option for COVID­19.

Antioxidant and anti­inflammatory mechanisms of action of astaxanthin in cardiovascular diseases (Review).

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pathophysiological processes involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases; thus, anti­inflammatory and antioxidant agents that modulate redox balance have become research targets so as to evaluate their molecular mechanisms of action and therapeutic properties. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid of the xanthophyll group, has potent antioxidant properties due to its molecular structure and its arrangement in the plasma membrane, factors that favor the neutralization of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This carotenoid also has prominent anti­inflammatory activity, possibly interrelated with its antioxidant effect, and is also involved in the modulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. Considering the potential beneficial effects of astaxanthin on cardiovascular health evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies, the aim of the present review was to describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with the antioxidant and anti­inflammatory properties of this carotenoid in cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. The beneficial properties and safety profile of astaxanthin indicate that this compound may be used for preventing progression or as an adjuvant in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Zinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin C: Perspectives for COVID-19 With a Focus on Physical Tissue Barrier Integrity.

Some nutrients play key roles in maintaining the integrity and function of the immune system, presenting synergistic actions in steps determinant for the immune response. Among these elements, zinc and vitamins C and D stand out for having immunomodulatory functions and for playing roles in preserving physical tissue barriers. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, nutrients that can optimize the immune system to prevent or lower the risk of severe progression and prognosis of this viral infection become relevant. Thus, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the roles of zinc and vitamins C and D in the immune response to viral infections, focusing on the synergistic action of these nutrients in the maintenance of physical tissue barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes. The evidence found in the literature shows that deficiency of one or more of these three elements compromises the immune response, making an individual more vulnerable to viral infections and to a worse disease prognosis. Thus, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the adequate intake of zinc and vitamins C and D may represent a promising pharmacological tool due to the high demand for these nutrients in the case of contact with the virus and onset of the inflammatory process. Ongoing clinical trials will help to clarify the role of these nutrients for COVID-19 management.

Iron Bisglycinate Chelate and Polymaltose Iron for the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Pilot Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is a major public health problem worldwide. Iron Bisglycinate Chelate (FeBC) and polymaltose iron (FeP) are used for the treatment of IDA and exhibit good tolerability with a low incidence of adverse effects. However, these compounds have important differences in their structures and bioavailability. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of oral supplementation with FeBC and FeP in anemic children. METHODS: In this double-blind study, children aged 1 to 13 years who were diagnosed with IDA were randomly divided into two groups: i) FeBC, supplemented with iron bisglycinate chelate, and ii) FeP, supplemented with polymaltose iron (3.0 mg iron/kg body weight/day for 45 days for both groups). RESULTS: Both treatments resulted in significant increases in hemoglobin levels, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and in a reduction of transferrin levels, relative to initial values. However, only FeBC treatment significantly increased ferritin and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) levels. A significant negative correlation was observed between the increase in ferritin and initial hemoglobin levels in the FeBC group, indicating that the absorption of FeBC is regulated by the body iron demand. CONCLUSION: These results provide preliminary evidence to suggest a greater efficacy of FeBC than FeP in increasing iron stores.

Eficácia do programa nacional de suplementação de ferro no controle de anemia em lactentes assistidos em centros de educaçao infantil / Efficacy of the national program of Iron supplementation in the anaemia control in infants assisted by child education centers

INTRODUÇÃO: a deficiência de ferro ocorre em proporção endêmica entre a população infantil e constitui um dos fatores causais do inadequado desenvolvimento cognitivo, social, motor e de redução da capacidade de aprendizado, colocando os lactentes como grupo prioritário para programas de intervenção nutricional visando o controle da deficiência de ferro. Assim, em 2005 o Ministério da Saúde implantou o Programa Nacional de Suplemento de Ferro (PNSF) disponível para o universo de crianças de 6-24 meses atendidas em Unidades Básicas de Saúde. OBJETIVO: verificar a prevalência de anemia e a eficácia da suplementação profilática com o sulfato ferroso fornecido pelo Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Ferro (PNSF) do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. MÉTODO: trata-se de estudo prospectivo de intervenção, que foi desenvolvido no município de Guarujá-SP no universo de crianças de 6-24 meses frequentadoras de creches públicas cujos responsáveis autorizaram sua participação. O suplemento de ferro foi oferecido de acordo com as normas do PNSF e o diagnóstico de anemia foi realizado antes e seis meses após o período de intervenção. Como critério de anemia utilizou-se os padrões da Organização Mundial da Saúde que define anemia moderada para valores de hemoglobina (Hb) entre 11,0 e 9,5gHb/dL e anemia grave para valores inferiores a 9,5gHb/dL. RESULTADOS: do total das 136 crianças menores de 2 anos, 81% participou do estudo. Não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre a concentração média de Hb antes e após o período de intervenção (p = 0,684). A média inicial de Hb foi 11,6g/dL(D.p. = 1,82) e a final 11,5 g/dL (d.p.1,31). Embora apenas 11 dos 49 anêmicos atingissem os valores normais, 33 deles apresentaram um aumento na concentração de Hb. CONCLUSÃO: houve um aumento na concentração de hemoglobina entre as crianças com anemia grave. Não houve mudança na situação das crianças com anemia moderada. A suplementação com sulfato ferroso ...

INTRODUCTION: iron deficiency occurs in endemic proportion among children and is one of the causal factors of inappropriate cognitive, social, motor and reduced learning ability, putting infants as a priority group for nutritional intervention programs aiming to control iron deficiency. Thus, in 2005 the Ministry of Health established the National Program of Iron Supplementation (PNSF) available for the universe of children of 6-24 months old attended in Basic Health Units. OBJECTIVE: to estimate the prevalence of anaemia and analyse the efficacy of profilatic supplementation with ferrous sufate. METHODS: a prospective follow-up study intervention that was developed in the city of Guarujá - SP, Brazil in the universe of children between 6-24 months old attended in the Public Basic Health Units whose parents authorized their participation. The supplement was offered in accordance with the standards of PNSF and diagnosis of anaemia was performed before and 6 months after the intervention period. As a criterion for anaemia was used the standards of the World Health Organization that defines moderate anaemia to haemoglobin (Hb) between 11.0 and 9,5gHb/dL and severe anaemia to below 9,5gHb/dL. RESULTS: a total of 136 children under two years, (81% of total) participated in the study. No statistically significant difference was found between the mean Hb concentration before and after the intervention period (p=0.684). The initial mean Hb was 11,6g/dL (SD=1.82) and the final 11.5g/dL (SD=1.31). Although only 11 of the 49 anemic reached normal values, 33 of them showed an increase in Hb concentration. CONCLUSION: there was an increase in Hb concentration among children with severe anaemia. There was no change in the situation of children with moderate anaemia. Supplementation with ferrous sulphate...

Considerações sobre suplementação mineral no diabetes mellitus / Considerations on mineral supplementation in diabetes mellitus

Estima-se que 18 milhões de pessoas nos Estados Unidos da América do Norte são diabéticas. Mais de 600.000 pessoas são diagnosticadas por ano. Apenas 5 dessa população apresentam diabetes tipo I e o restante são portadoras do tipo II, dessas, aproximadamente, a metade não são diagnosticadas.Diante desse quadro alarmante, observamos a importância de uma suplementação mineral balanceada, que atue como coadjuvante na terapia do diabetes mellitus, destacando a importância de cada mineral.Este artigo traz um levantamento atualizado da ação nutricional e bioquímica de cada mineral e sua direta relação com o diabetes mellitus, levando em consideração a interação mineral em que administração em excesso de um elemento pode diminuir a utilização do outro. Nesse sentido, devemos ter em mente a inter-relação entre eles, para que a correção de uma deficiência nutricional não ocasione outra.Portanto, a indicação de suplementação no diabetes mellitus deve passar sempre por um critério de estadiamento de complicações, parâmetros bioquímicos e balanço nutricional, que só poderá ser realizado na individualização de um paciente em particular, não havendo formulações completas que atendam a 100 dos pacientes diabéticos.

Efetividade do ferro bis-glicina quelato em achocolatado no controle da deficiência de ferro em pré-escolares / Effectiveness of iron bis-glycine chelate in chocolate drink in the control of iron deficiency in preschool children

A população pediátrica, mesmo a considerada saudável, recebe uma quantidade inadequada de ferro, o que a coloca em situação de risco de desenvolvimento de deficiência quando surgirem condições de maior demanda metabólica, como a aceleração de crescimento. Dentre as estratégias para o controle desse desvio nutricional, a fortificação de alimentos com ferro é a que mais se destaca pela sua efetividade e pelos aspectos positivos da relação custo-benefício. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de uma bebida achocolatada fortificada com ferro aminoácido quelato, na dosagem proposta pela legislação brasileira, para considerá-la fonte de ferro (1,5mgFe/200mL). Participaram do estudo 157 crianças entre 3 e 6 anos e, após 3 meses de intervenção, os resultados foram positivos, com um aumento significativo dos níveis de hemoglobina, ferritina e eritrócitos (p<0,001). O achocolatado pode ser um excelente veículo para a fortificação, desde que, para tanto, seja utilizado um composto estável de ferro, cuja configuração molecular o proteja dos principais fatores inibidores de sua absorção

Magnésio bis-creatina quelato na funçäo muscular e cardíaca / Magnesium bis-creatine chelate in muscular and cardiaca function

O magnésio e a creatina são substâncias fundamentais para a produção de energia. O magnésio tem um papel importante na contração muscular, assim como no equilíbrio do metabolismo de energia e no equilíbrio eletroquímico. A creatina, por outro lado, proporciona elevada síntese de ATP, além disso retarda o aparecimento da fadiga e facilita a recuperação muscular. Os benefícios musculares, tanto do magnésio, quanto da creatina, também podem ser estendidos ao músculo cardíaco. O composto magnésio bis-creatina quelato garante que a creatina e o magnésio alcancem a célula muscular simultaneamente, o que é decisivo para a otimização da performance de ambos nutrientes.