The relationship between dietary antioxidant intake and physical activity rate with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A case - Control study.

INTRODUCTION: Although dietary intakes, especially micronutrients, can be associated with the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), investigations on the amount of vitamins and antioxidants consumption and their relationship with NAFLD are very limited and incomplete. Therefore, we decided to investigate the relationship between antioxidant compounds intake and physical activity rate with NAFLD. METHODS: In this study, 200 patients with NAFLD for the case group and 400 healthy subjects for the control group were selected. Patients were diagnosed as NAFLD after giving blood tests and performing Ultrasonography by a radiology specialist. Dietary intakes were evaluated through a validated 168-items semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Physical activity rate was estimated by a validated short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short IPAQ). RESULTS: The study population was between 20 and 60 years old and 46% of them were women. Weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, WHR, and BMI in the cases were higher than the controls. Physical activity comparisons showed that controls had higher physical activity rate than cases. Mean consumption of vitamins C, A, D and alpha-tocopherol in case group was less than the other group. After adjustment for all potential confounder, subjects who were in highest tertile of vitamin A intake -in comparison to those in the lowest tertile of intake-decreased risk of NAFLD (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.30-0.55). The same finding was obtained for vitamin D; [Top category vs. bottom category of vitamin D of intake (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.20-0.61)]. CONCLUSIONS: We found that more intakes of vitamins A and D are related to lower risk of NAFLD in this group of Iranian adults. Physical activity rate in cases was less than the controls. Further prospective studies are required to confirm causal association between antioxidant compounds intake and NAFLD.

Does omega-3 fatty acids supplementation affect circulating leptin levels? A systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 fatty acids have attracted researchers for their effect on circulatory hormone-like peptides affecting weight control. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed the effects of omega-3 supplementation on serum leptin concentration and to find the possible sources of heterogeneity in their results. METHODS: We searched PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Ovid, SCOPUS and ISI web of science up to April 2014. RCTs conducted among human adults, examined the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on serum leptin concentrations as an outcome variable were included. The mean difference and standard deviation (SD) of changes in serum leptin levels were used as effect size for the meta-analysis. Summary mean estimates with their corresponding SDs were derived using random effects model. RESULTS: Totally 14 RCTs were eligible to be included in the systematic review, and the meta-analysis was performed on 13 articles. Our analysis showed that omega-3 supplementation significantly reduces leptin levels (mean difference (MD) = -1·71 ng/ml 95% confidence interval (CI): -3·17 to -0·24, P = 0·022). Subgroup analysis based on BMI status showed that the omega-3 supplementation reduces leptin when used for nonobese subjects (MD = -3·60 ng/ml; 95% CI -6·23 to -0·90; P = 0·011); however, this was not true for obese participants (MD = -0·86 ng/ml; 95% CI: -2·63 to -0·90; P = 0·296). Subgroup analysis based on omega-3 source also showed that omega-3 from marine sources may significantly reduce leptin levels (MD = -1·73 ng/ml; 95% CI -3·25 to -0·2; P = 0·026), but plant sources do not significantly affect serum leptin levels (MD = -1·48 ng/ml; 95% CI -6·78 to 3·23; P = 0·585). Our results were highly sensitive to one study. CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3 supplementation might moderately decrease circulatory leptin levels only among nonobese adults. RCTs with longer follow-up period, using higher doses for obese adults and exploring the effect in different genders, are needed to replicate our results.

Caesarean delivery is associated with childhood general obesity but not abdominal obesity in Iranian elementary school children.

AIM: This study examined the association between Caesarean delivery and general and abdominal obesity among children. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 635 children aged from 6 to 12 years of age (476 girls and 159 boys) were randomly selected from Isfahan elementary schools. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured. General obesity and abdominal obesity were defined based on World Health Organization growth charts and Iranian national cut-off points, respectively. Parents were asked about delivery type and other factors potentially related to childhood obesity using a self-administered questionnaire. The association between delivery type and obesity was examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of general and central obesity was 17.6% and 17.1%, respectively, and Caesarean delivery was significantly associated with general obesity after controlling for potential confounders (OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.30-4.63, p = 0.005). We observed a significant association between Caesarean delivery and abdominal obesity in crude analyses (OR: 1.66; 1.02-2.69, p = 0.04), but this disappeared after adjusting for covariates (OR: 1.96; 0.82-4.69, p = 0.13). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Caesarean delivery is adversely associated with general childhood obesity, but not abdominal obesity. This provides support for recommending vaginal births, unless contraindicated. Further research in large populations is required to confirm these findings.

Pivotal role of mediterranean dietary regimen in the increase of serum magnesium concentration in patients with coronary artery disease.

Background. Recent studies confirmed cardioprotective role of intravenous magnesium for the prevention of cardiac events, but effect of dietary intake of this mineral via recommended dietary regimens on control and inhibition of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors has been questioned. The aim of the present study was to determine effect of Mediterranean dietary approach on serum magnesium concentration among Iranian patients with CAD. Method. Baseline characteristics and clinical data of 102 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of CAD and candidates for isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were entered into the study. Laboratory parameters especially serum magnesium concentration were measured after 12-14 h of overnight fasting and before operation. Nutritional status was assessed by food frequency questionnaire and the diet score was calculated on the basis of Mediterranean diet quality index (Med-DQI). Results. No significant differences were found in the concentrations of albumin, last fasting blood sugar, last creatinine, and lipid profiles between the groups with Mediterranean dietary score < 5 and the group with higher dietary score; however, serum magnesium concentration in the first group was higher than that in the group with higher dietary score. Linear multivariate regression analysis showed that the lower Mediterranean dietary score was a predictor for serum magnesium concentration after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion. Taking Mediterranean dietary regimen can be associated with increased level of serum magnesium concentration, and thus this regimen can be cardioprotective because of its effects on serum magnesium.

Assessing the micronutrient and macronutrient intakes in female students and comparing them with the set standard values.

BACKGROUND: Healthy nutrition particularly the energy intake and the essential nutrients in female students is very important. This study aims to assess micro- and macronutrient intakes in female students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 100 female students aged between 18 and 25 years in 2008-2009. Anthropometrics measures were performed and two 24-hours food recalls were used to collect the dietary information and were analyzed using food processor 2 and compared with the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) 2008. FINDINGS: As many as 61.1% of subjects resided in dormitories; 12.7% were married. Prevalence of overweight or obesity and abdominal obesity in the subjects studied were 6.9% and 46.1%, respectively. The mean (±SD) systolic blood pressure was 105.2 ± 15.6 mmHg and the diastolic was 62.2 ± 10.4 mmHg. Totally, 3.9% of the subjects had hypertension. Food intake analysis indicated that B12, folate, magnesium, potassium, and calcium were below the recommended level, and vitamin C, E, pantothenic acid, B1, B3, phosphate, and zinc were above, and energy intake, macronutrient, vitamin A, pyridoxine, iron, and selenium were, in general, adequate. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study indicated that macronutrients intake was appropriate, but the problem mainly existed in the consumption of micronutrients. It is recommended to increase the intakes of important food groups such as dairy, vegetable, and fruit that are proper sources of micronutrients, and it is also suggested to improve strategies and the competence in this area of nutrition.

Relationship between junk foods intake and weight in 6-7 years old children, Shahin Shahr and Meymeh, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Healthy nutrition is very important considering the weight status especially in children. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between junk foods intake and weight in 6-7-years old children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Shahin Shahr and Meymeh, Iran, in 2009. Anthropometrics measures were done and 24-hour food recall used for dietary information and analyzed with food processor 2 and then compared with dietary reference intakes 2008 (DRI). FINDINGS: 61.1 percent of the subjects were residing in dormitories and 12.7 percent were marred. Prevalence of overweight or obesity and abdominal obesity was 6.9 percent and 46.1 percent respectively. Mean (±SD) systolic blood pressure was 105.2 ± 15.6 mm/Hg and diastolic was 62.2 ± 10.4 mm/Hg. Totally, 3.9 percent of the subjects had hypertension. The analysis of food intake indicate that (B12, folate, magnesium, potassium, calcium) with level below the recommended ones, and (vitamin C, E, pantothenic acid, B1, B3, phosphate, zinc) with up levels the recommended ones, and energy intake, macronutrient, vitamin A, pyridoxine, iron, selenium were in general appropriate. CONCLUSION: These results indicated appropriate level of macronutrients intake and unbalance mainly existed in micronutrients. It is recommended to increase intake important food groups such as dairy, vegetable, fruit that include good source of micronutrients, and also it is suggested that need for strategies can improve competence in the area of nutrition.

Influence of ginger and cinnamon intake on inflammation and muscle soreness endued by exercise in Iranian female athletes.

BACKGROUND: Ginger rhizomes (rich in gingerols, shogaols, paradols and zingerone) have been used in Asia for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, and pain, and have shown potent anti-inflammatory attributes. Common spices such as Cinnamon (including cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamyl aldehydeis) are used in food and many studies have focused on its anti-inflammatory components. Intense exercise can result in an inflammatory response to cell damage and also muscle soreness. The efficacy of dietary ginger and cinnamon as anti-inflammatory agents and their effectiveness in reducing muscle soreness has been investigated in limited studies on humans. Therefore, we have studied the effects of dietary ginger and cinnamon on inflammation and muscle soreness in Iranian female taekwondo players. METHODS: Sixty healthy, trained women, aged 13-25 years, were enrolled in the six-week investigation and randomly categorized into three groups (cinnamon, ginger or placebo) and received 3 g of ginger, cinnamon or placebo powder each day, depending on the group they belonged to. The IL-6 level and Likert Scale of Muscle Soreness were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the study and compared among the groups. RESULTS: Forty-nine of the participants completed the six-week intervention. There were no significant changes in the IL-6 cinnamon and ginger group when compared with the placebo group, whereas, there was a significant fall in muscle soreness in the cinnamon group and placebo (P < 0.1) and ginger group and placebo (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of ginger and cinnamon in athlete women for six weeks did not show any significant change in the IL-6 level, but showed a decrease in muscle soreness in the cinnamon and ginger groups.

The effect of different beverage consumption (dough, non-alcoholic beer, carbohydrated replacement drink) on performance, lipids profile, inflammatory biomarkers after running-based anaerobic sprint test in taekwondo players.

BACKGROUND: After exercise, recovery is very essential in professional sport. Athletes use sport beverages to enhance endurance and physical performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Dough versus non-alcoholic beer and carbohydrate (CHO) fluid on performance, lipids profile, inflammatory biomarkers after Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (R.A.S.T) in Taekwondo players. METHODS: This study was conducted as repeated measures crossover design with 22 men Taekwondo player. Subjects completed standard protocol R.A.S.T so that immediately and 1 h posterior R.A.S.T protocol received number 1 beverage. Subjects spend 2 h recovery periods. Second and third sessions trial were similar to prior trial, separated by at least 4 days, instead of number 1 beverage, participants received number 2 and number 3 beverage. RESULTS: Data showed that average pre- and post-recovery in C-reactive protein (CRP) or Dough significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while for CHO drink and non-alcoholic beer, were not statistically significant. Moreover, the mean pre- and post-recovery in VO2 max for Dough and non-alcoholic beer significantly increased, but for other beverages, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). About mean pre- and post-recovery in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) there were no significant differences in all three beverages. Besides, amount of CRP was significant between three beverages (P < 0.05). There were no other within-subject differences for any of the other variables measured, including HDL, LDL, and VO2max. In addition, no significant different (P > 0.05) in dietary intake were observed between three treatment periods. CONCLUSIONS: Dough was effective in reducing LDL and reducing inflammatory biomarkers including CRP with little effect on performance in subjects.

Investigating and comparing energy and macronutrient intake in female aerobic athletes in two different socio-economic regions.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess nutritional intakes of female aerobic athletes in two different socio-economic classes in city of Isfahan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants of this analytical study were 99 female aerobic athletes aged between 15 and 50 years old who were randomly sampled (50 females in low economic region and 49 females in high economic region). The demographic details were collected by a questionnaire, and anthropometric indexes including height, weight, and waste circumference were measured using a tape measure and a scale. They filled out the 24-hour food recall questionnaire for two consecutive days in order to obtain their nutritional information. To analyze the data, Nutritionist 4 and SPSS18 software were used. RESULTS: The means of energy intake in high and low regions were 1479.19 ± 561.86 and 1300.68 ± 498.354 kcal, respectively. There was no significant difference in terms of energy intake between these two groups (P = 0.98). The means of protein intake in low and high socio-economic classes were 17.41 ± 5.85 and 54.48 ± 6.62, respectively, and no significant differences were observed between these two regions (P = 0/606). The means of carbohydrate intake were 61.85 ± 9.76 and 54.48 ± 6.62 in the low and high socio-economic classes with a significant difference between them (P < 0.001). The mean of carbohydrate intake in the low socio-economic class was considerably higher than that in the high socio-economic class. The means of fat intake were 23.88 ± 8.24% and 30.07 ± 6.68% in the low and high socio-economic classes, respectively, and the means of fat intake in the high socio-economic region was significantly higher than that in the low socio-economic region (P < 0/001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicated that the intakes of fat and carbohydrate were significantly different in the two different socio-economic regions in city of Isfahan. This difference could be attributed to different food patterns in these two regions.