Evaluación de ingesta dietética según el nivel socioeconómico en un grupo de personas vegetarianas en Colombia

Diferentes estudios han relacionado el nivel socioeconómico con la calidad de la dieta y la prevalencia de riesgo de deficiencia de nutrientes. En personas vegetarianas, cuando no se sigue una dieta adecuada, existe la posibilidad de tener una baja ingesta de ciertos nutrientes, principalmente de vitamina B12, vitamina D, calcio, hierro, zinc, ácidos grasos omega-3 y proteínas. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la ingesta dietética en personas vegetarianas según su nivel socioeconómico en una región de Colombia. Los participantes completaron un cuestionario en el cual se les preguntó por variables socioeconómicas, antropométricas y la frecuencia de consumo de 48 alimentos y suplementos. Posteriormente, a un subgrupo de la muestra se le realizaron dos recordatorios de 24 horas en diferentes días de la semana. Se encontró que, a menor nivel socioeconómico, hay un menor consumo de lácteos, cereales integrales, frutas y verduras. Así mismo, se observó que según el tipo de vegetarianismo hay diferencias en el consumo de cobalamina, fibra y calcio. Se concluye que, de manera similar a los omnívoros, se requiere de educación nutricional para mejorar la elección de los alimentos y lograr suplir los requerimientos nutricionales, independientemente del nivel económico.

Different studies have related socioeconomic status to diet quality and the prevalence of nutrient deficiency risk. Among vegetarians, when an adequate diet is not followed, there is a possibility of having a low intake of certain nutrients, mainly vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. This study aims to evaluate the dietary intake of vegetarians according to their socioeconomic level in a region of Colombia. Participants completed a questionnaire in which they were asked about socioeconomic and anthropometric variables and the frequency of consumption of 48 foods and supplements. Subsequently, a subgroup of the sample was given two 24-hour reminders on different days of the week. We found that the lower the socioeconomic level, the lower the consumption of dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Likewise, it was observed that depending on the type of vegetarianism, there are differences in the consumption of cobalamin, fiber and calcium. We conclude that, similar to omnivores, nutritional education is required to improve the choice of foods and to meet nutritional requirements, regardless of economic level.

Antioxidant Extracts of Nettle (Urtica dioica) Leaves: Evaluation of Extraction Techniques and Solvents.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a great source of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extraction techniques (ultrasound, without stirring, and stirring), solvents (methanol, water, and ethanol), and extraction times (1-4 h) to maximize antioxidant capacity of the Urtica dioica extracts. In the case of total phenolic content (TPC) and ABTS•+ (2,2-azino-bis(3-etilbenzotiazolin)-6-sulfonic acid) free radical scavenging values, ultrasound extraction was the most efficient method, while the best results of DPPH• (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay in nettle extracts (91.08%) were obtained using stirring extraction, water as solvent, and 3 h of extraction time. Based on the obtained mathematical models, the optimization revealed that the best extraction conditions were ultrasound treatment with water as solvent and an extraction time of 3.15 h, obtaining values of 21.9 mg eq gallic acid/g dried nettle for TPC, 71.8% for %ABTS•+ and 86.6% for %DPPH•. This work proves that aqueous extract of nettle leaves through the ultrasound technique is an important source of natural antioxidants and can be considered a potential alternative to synthetic antioxidants.

Mind-Body Therapies in Childhood Cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Advances in the field of Pediatric Oncology have led to increased survival rates in children with cancer, and addressing the emotional well-being and quality of life of this specific population is a critical component of care. Mind-body therapies (MBTs) are an adjuvant modality of treatment that appears to have a positive impact on patient quality of life, patient mental health, and family perceptions toward illness. In this review, we describe several evidence-based MBTs, such as art therapy, meditation, prayer, music therapy, hypnosis and relaxation techniques, their use, and our personal experience with MBT in our institution. RECENT FINDINGS: Current data suggests that MBTs have been effective in decreasing symptoms related to oncologic pathology in children. Based on experience in our institution, the administration of these therapies can be expanded with the use of technology and also foster family inclusion in care, which can lead to improved quality of life for the patient and family. Further studies are warranted to ascertain the effects of MBTs in childhood cancer. MBTs are increasingly important in the care of youth with oncologic disease. It is necessary to increase the quantity and quality of research for the selection and inclusion of MBT in this population.