Selenium, copper, zinc and hypertension: an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2016).

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major cardiovascular illness worldwide with many underlying causes. The role of trace elements selenium, copper, and zinc in hypertension is uncertain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of these trace elements in hypertension. METHOD: Data from 6683 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants from 2011 to 2016 were analyzed using Statistical Analytical System (SAS, version 9.4) software for the role of trace elements in hypertension in age range 8 to 80 years, irrespective of the antihypertensive medication taken. Recent American Heart Association guidelines and pediatric practice guidelines for hypertension were used. RESULTS: Findings showed a significant positive association between serum selenium levels and hypertension but not serum zinc and copper. At optimal levels for transport and distribution, serum selenium levels of 120 µg/L or higher (reference level 70-150 µg/L) were significantly associated with hypertension (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.29-1.66) after adjusting for confounding factors. At serum selenium level greater than 150 µg/L, the association with hypertension strengthened (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.32-2.17). CONCLUSION: A positive association was found between serum selenium and hypertension, irrespective of age or anti-hypertensive medications intake. These findings also suggest that the reference levels of serum levels in healthy individuals may need to be re-determined, if supported by additional studies. If validated, patients with hypertension may also need to be cautioned about selenium intake.

Effectiveness of herbal oral care products in reducing dental plaque & gingivitis - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the large number of trials conducted using herbal oral care products for the reduction of dental plaque or gingivitis, results are conflicting and inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of herbal oral care products compared to conventional products in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis adults. METHODS: We searched the following databases for Randomised controlled trials (RCTs): MEDLINE Ovid, EMBASE Ovid etc. which yielded 493 trails. Of which 24 RCTs comparing herbal toothpaste or mouth rinse with over the counter toothpaste or mouth rinse in adults aged 18 to 65 years were included. Two authors extracted information and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using Risk of Bias. Meta-analyses using the random-effects model were conducted for four outcomes for tooth paste and mouth rinse respectively. Mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) were used to estimate the effect, with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 1597 adults participated in 24 RCT studies. These were classified as herbal toothpaste (HTP) (15 trials, 899 participants) and herbal mouth rinse (HMR) (9 trials, 698 participants) compared with non-herbal toothpaste (NHTP) or non-herbal mouth rinse (NHMR). We found that HTP was superior over NHTP (SMD 1.95, 95% CI (0.97-2.93)) in plaque reduction. The long-term use of NHMR was superior in reduction of dental plaque over HMR (SMD -2.61, 95% (CI 4.42-0.80)). From subgroup analysis it showed that HTP was not superior over fluoride toothpaste (SMD 0.99, 95% CI (0.14-2.13)) in reducing dental plaque. However, HTP was favoured over non-fluoride toothpaste (SMD 4.64, 95% CI (2.23-7.05)). CONCLUSION: For short-term reduction in dental plaque, current evidence suggests that HTP is as effective as compared to NHTP; however, evidence is from low quality studies.