Performance and incidence of diarrhea in suckling Jersey calves supplemented with mineral-vitamin complex and Virginiamycin.

The rearing of calves is an essential activity of a dairy system, as it impacts the future production of these animals. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of diarrhea, performance, and blood parameters of suckling calves that received mineral-vitamin supplementation in milk plus virginiamycin that was offered in milk (via the abomasum) or by esophageal tube (via the rumen). Twenty-seven calves were used, from the first week to 60 days of age, submitted to the following treatments: CONTROL, without supplementation; MILK, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex with 100 mg of virginiamycin, diluted in milk; RUMEN, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex diluted in milk and 100 mg of virginiamycin in gelatin capsules via an esophageal applicator. MILK and RUMEN calves had lower fecal consistency scoring, fewer days with scores 2 and 3 throughout the experimental period, and lower spending on medication compared to the CONTROL animals. Supplemented calves had higher fat and protein intake and reached feed intake of 600 g earlier than CONTROL animals, but did not differ in performance and hematological parameters. Supplementation with virginiamycin and vitamin-mineral complex for suckling calves reduced the incidence and days of diarrhea, and reduced medication costs, with no difference in performance, but the supplemented animals had higher initial protein and fat intake and reached targeted feed intake earlier to begin the weaning process.

The role of vitamins and nutrients in rosacea.

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition displaying symptoms like flushing, erythema, papules, and pustules. Oral antibiotics, despite long-term adverse effects, are often used due to topical treatment limitations, underscoring the need for cost-effective choices like dietary modifications. Our review investigates the role of vitamins and minerals in rosacea, and provides evidence-based recommendations for supplementation and topical treatment of these nutrients for rosacea. An online search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1998 to 2023. Included studies were summarized and assessed for quality and relevance in rosacea management. Varied outcomes emerged concerning the impact of essential vitamins and minerals on rosacea treatment. Vitamin A derivatives, specifically oral isotretinoin, demonstrated significant efficacy, with a 90% reduction in lesions, complete remission in 24% of patients, and marked improvement in 57% of patients. Vitamin B3 derivatives, such as topical 1-methylnicotinamide 0.25% and NADH 1%, improved symptoms in 76.4% (26/34) and 80% of patients, respectively. Outcomes for vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc supplementation varied across studies. However, zinc sulfate solution 5% significantly reduced acne rosacea severity for patients with 40% and 60% exhibiting a moderate or good response, respectively. Omega-3 fatty acids showed significant improvement in alleviating xerophthalmia in 64% of patients with ocular rosacea. Vitamins and minerals hold potential in managing rosacea symptoms, offering a safe and cost-effective alternative or adjunctive treatment option. Currently, there are no established recommendations regarding their supplementation for rosacea. Studies assessing serum levels of vitamins and minerals in relation to rosacea are warranted, as this avenue holds potential for future advancements in the field.

Oral vitamin A supplements to prevent acute upper respiratory tract infections in children up to seven years of age.

BACKGROUND: According to global prevalence analysis studies, acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are the most common acute infectious disease in children, especially in preschool children. Acute URTIs lead to an economic burden on families and society. Vitamin A refers to the fat-soluble compound all-trans-retinol and also represents retinol and its active metabolites. Vitamin A interacts with both the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system and improves the host's defences against infections. Correlation studies show that serum retinol deficiency was associated with a higher risk of respiratory tract infections. Therefore, vitamin A supplementation may be important in preventing acute URTIs. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of vitamin A supplements for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections in children up to seven years of age. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and two trial registration platforms to 8 June 2023. We also checked the reference lists of all primary studies and reviewed relevant systematic reviews and trials for additional references. We imposed no language or publication restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which evaluated the role of vitamin A supplementation in the prevention of acute URTIs in children up to seven years of age. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: We included six studies (27,351 participants). Four studies were RCTs and two were cluster-RCTs. The included studies were all conducted in lower-middle-income countries (two in India, two in South Africa, one in Ecuador, and one in Haiti). Three studies included healthy children who had no vitamin A deficiency, one study included children born to HIV-infected women, one study included low-birthweight neonates, and one study included children in areas with a high local prevalence of malnutrition and xerophthalmia. In two studies, vitamin E was a co-treatment administered in addition to vitamin A. We judged the included studies to be at either a high or unclear risk of bias for random sequence generation, incomplete outcome data, and blinding. Primary outcomes Six studies reported the incidence of acute URTIs during the study period. Five studies reported the number of acute URTIs over a period of time, but there was population heterogeneity and the results were presented in different forms, therefore only three studies were meta-analysed. We are uncertain of the effect of vitamin A supplementation on the number of acute URTIs over two weeks (risk ratio (RR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92 to 1.09; I2 = 44%; 3 studies, 22,668 participants; low-certainty evidence). Two studies reported the proportion of participants with an acute URTI. We are uncertain of the effect of vitamin A supplementation on the proportion of participants with an acute URTI (2 studies, 15,535 participants; low-certainty evidence). Only one study (116 participants) reported adverse events. No infant in either the placebo or vitamin A group was found to have feeding difficulties (failure to feed or vomiting), a bulging fontanelle, or neurological signs before or after vitamin A administration (very low-certainty evidence). Secondary outcomes Two studies (296 participants) reported the severity of subjective symptoms, presented by the mean duration of acute URTI. Vitamin A may have little to no effect on the mean duration of acute URTI (very low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for the use of vitamin A supplementation to prevent acute URTI is uncertain, because population, dose and duration of interventions, and outcomes vary between studies. From generally very low- to low-certainty evidence, we found that there may be no benefit in the use of vitamin A supplementation to prevent acute URTI in children up to seven years of age. More RCTs are needed to strengthen the current evidence. Future research should report over longer time frames using validated tools and consistent reporting, and ensure adequate power calculations, to allow for easier synthesis of data. Finally, it is important to assess vitamin A supplementation for preschool children with vitamin A deficiency.

Microencapsulation of vitamins: A review and meta-analysis of coating materials, release and food fortification.

Vitamins are responsible for providing biological properties to the human body; however, their instability under certain environmental conditions limits their utilization in the food industry. The objective was to conduct a systematic review on the use of biopolymers and lipid bases in microencapsulation processes, assessing their impact on the stability, controlled release, and viability of fortified foods with microencapsulated vitamins. The literature search was conducted between the years 2013-2023, gathering information from databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and publishers including Taylor & Francis, Elsevier, Springer and MDPI; a total of 49 articles were compiled The results were classified according to the microencapsulation method, considering the following information: core, coating material, solvent, formulation, process conditions, particle size, efficiency, yield, bioavailability, bioaccessibility, in vitro release, correlation coefficient and references. It has been evidenced that gums are the most frequently employed coatings in the protection of vitamins (14.04%), followed by alginate (10.53%), modified chitosan (9.65%), whey protein (8.77%), lipid bases (8.77%), chitosan (7.89%), modified starch (7.89%), starch (7.02%), gelatin (6.14%), maltodextrin (5.26%), zein (3.51%), pectin (2.63%) and other materials (7.89%). The factors influencing the release of vitamins include pH, modification of the coating material and crosslinking agents; additionally, it was determined that the most fitting mathematical model for release values is Weibull, followed by Zero Order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas; finally, foods commonly fortified with microencapsulated vitamins were described, with yogurt, bakery products and gummy candies being notable examples.

Supplementation of Micro- and Macronutrients-A Role of Nutritional Status in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which the pathological cumulation of fat with coexisting inflammation and damage of hepatic cells leads to progressive dysfunctions of the liver. Except for the commonly well-known major causes of NAFLD such as obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, or diabetes, an unbalanced diet and imbalanced nutritional status should also be taken into consideration. In this narrative review, we summarized the current knowledge regarding the micro- and macronutrient status of patients suffering from NAFLD considering various diets and supplementation of chosen supplements. We aimed to summarize the knowledge indicating which nutritional impairments may be associated with the onset and progression of NAFLD at the same time evaluating the potential therapy targets that could facilitate the healing process. Except for the above-mentioned objectives, one of the most important aspects of this review was to highlight the possible strategies for taking care of NAFLD patients taking into account the challenges and opportunities associated with the micronutrient status of the patients. The current research indicates that a supplementation of chosen vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, B complex, C, or D) as well as chosen elements such as zinc may alleviate the symptoms of NAFLD. However, there is still a lack of sufficient data regarding healthy ranges of dosages; thus, further research is of high importance in this matter.

The Efficacy of Multivitamin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D Supplements in the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 and Long-COVID: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of any vitamin administration(s) in preventing and managing COVID-19 and/or long-COVID. Databases were searched up to May 2023 to identify randomized clinical trials comparing data on the effects of vitamin supplementation(s) versus placebo or standard of care on the two conditions of interest. Inverse-variance random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality between supplemented and non-supplemented individuals. Overall, 37 articles were included: two regarded COVID-19 and long-COVID prevention and 35 records the COVID-19 management. The effects of vitamin D in preventing COVID-19 and long-COVID were contrasting. Similarly, no conclusion could be drawn on the efficacy of multivitamins, vitamin A, and vitamin B in COVID-19 management. A few positive findings were reported in some vitamin C trials but results were inconsistent in most outcomes, excluding all-cause mortality (RR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72-0.97). Vitamin D results were mixed in most aspects, including mortality, in which benefits were observed in regular administrations only (RR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49-0.91). Despite some benefits, results were mostly contradictory. Variety in recruitment and treatment protocols might explain this heterogeneity. Better-designed studies are needed to clarify these vitamins' potential effects against SARS-CoV-2.

Effects of Bioactive Dietary Components on Changes in Lipid and Liver Parameters in Women after Bariatric Surgery and Procedures.

Excess adipose tissue, as well as its distribution, correlates strongly with disorders of lipid and liver parameters and chronic inflammation. The pathophysiology of metabolic diseases caused by obesity is associated with the dysfunction of visceral adipose tissue. Effective and alternative interventions such as the Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon and bariatric surgeries such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of modifying the recommended standard weight loss diet after bariatric surgery and procedures on reducing chronic inflammation in overweight patients. In the study, bioactive anti-inflammatory dietary components were used supportively. Changes in the concentrations of lipid parameters, liver parameters, antioxidant enzymes, cytokines, and chemokines were demonstrated. The enrichment of the diet, after bariatric surgery, with the addition of n-3 EFAs(Essential Fatty Acids), bioflavonoids, vitamins, and synbiotics resulted in higher weight losses in the patients in the study with a simultaneous reduction in parameters indicating liver dysfunction.

Vitamins in Gynecologic Malignancies.

The combination of vitamin A and D derivatives with classical chemotherapeutic treatments results in more satisfactory outcomes. The use of drug combinations, such as 9cUAB130 with carboplatin and cisplatin with TAC-101, shows enhanced cytotoxic effects and reductions in ovarian tumor volume compared to single-drug treatments. Combining cisplatin with calcitriol and progesterone increases VDR expression, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of anticancer therapy in ovarian cancer. The effectiveness of vitamin derivatives in anticancer treatment may vary depending on the characteristics of the tumor and the cell line from which it originated. An increase in thiamine intake of one unit is associated with an 18% decrease in HPV infection. Higher intake of vitamin C by 50 mg/day is linked to a lower risk of cervical neoplasia. Beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E are associated with risk reductions of 12%, 15%, and 9% in endometrial cancer, respectively. A balanced daily intake of vitamins is important, as both deficiency and excess can influence cancer development. It has been observed that there is a U-shaped relationship between group B vitamins and metabolic markers and clinical outcomes.

Synergistic Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Sodium Butyrate, ß-Glucan and Vitamins on Growth Performance, Cortisol Level, Intestinal Microbiome and Expression of Immune-Related Genes in Juvenile African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

The effect of dietary supplementation with sodium butyrate, ß-glucan and vitamins (A, D3, E, K, C) on breeding indicators and immune parameters of juvenile African catfish was examined. The fish were fed with unenriched (group C) and enriched feed with a variable proportion of sodium butyrate/ß-glucan, and constant content of vitamins (W1-W3). After the experiment, blood and the middle gut were collected. The microbiome of the gut was determined using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Liver tissue was collected for determination of expression of immune-related genes (HSP70, IL-1ß, TNFα). W2 and W3 were characterized by the most favorable values of breeding indicators (p < 0.05). The highest blood cortisol concentration was in group C (71.25 ± 10.45 ng/mL), and significantly the lowest in W1 (46.03 ± 7.01 ng/ mL) (p < 0.05). The dominance of Cetobacterium was observed in all study groups, with the largest share in W3 (65.25%) and W1 (61.44%). Gene expression showed an increased number of HSP70 genes in W1. IL-1ß and TNFα genes peaked at W3. The W3 variant turns out to be the most beneficial supplementation, due to the improvement of breeding and immunological parameters. The data obtained can be used to create a preparation for commercial use in the breeding of this species.

Effect of vitamin D, calcium, or combined supplementation on fall prevention: a systematic review and updated network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between vitamin D supplementation and the risk of falls in older adults has been controversial. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy of vitamin D, calcium, and combined supplementation in the prevention of falls. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of vitamin D in fall prevention were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to May 9, 2023. The network meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model in R4.1.3 and Stata15.0. Heterogeneity was evaluated by the I2 statistic, and publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, Begg's test, and Egger's tests. Data were pooled and expressed as relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 35 RCTs involving 58,937 participants were included in this study, among which 11 RCTs (31.4%) applied calcium combined with vitamin D. There was low heterogeneity (I2 = 11%) among the included studies. Vitamin D supplementation at 800-1000 International Unit (IU)/d resulted in a lower risk of falls than placebo or no treatment (RR = 0.85, 95%CI: 0.74-0.95). In addition, 800-1000 IU/d of vitamin D with or without calcium were more effective in preventing falls than calcium alone. High-dose vitamin D (> 1000 IU/day) increased the risk of falls compared with 800-1000 IU/d of vitamin D. According to the subgroup analysis, daily administration of 800-1000 IU/d vitamin D was associated with a 22% reduction in the risk of falls (RR = 0.78, 95%CI:0.64-0.92), whereas intermittent vitamin D administration had no preventive effect. Furthermore, 800-1000 IU/d of vitamin D also significantly decreased the risk of falls in old adults with ≤ 50 nmol/L 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] (RR = 0.69, 95%CI:0.52-0.86) but not in individuals with > 50 nmol/L 25(OH)D. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation at 800-1000 IU/d is associated with a lower risk of falls among older adults. 800-1000IU/d of vitamin D has a benefit on prevention of falls in population received daily dose regimens and in population with vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin Nutritional Status in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer: A Narrative Review.

Due to the high mortality rate in Western countries, pancreatic cancer is considered one of the big killers, leaving patients and their families with little hope upon diagnosis. Although surgical and drug therapies are critical for cancer patients to improve life expectancy and alleviation of suffering, nutrition plays a key role in improving cancer treatment outcomes. This narrative review, conducted as part of the activities of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU) working group in oncology, focuses on the prevalence of vitamin malnutrition among pancreatic cancer patients. The results of the literature search show that pancreatic cancer patients are at a heightened risk of water-soluble vitamin deficiencies, particularly of vitamins B1, B3, and B6. Additionally, they also face an increased risk of deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins. Among these vitamins, the potential role of vitamin D in pancreatic cancer has garnered the most attention, with its plasma levels being identified as a significant factor in patient survival. Investigating vitamin nutritional status could provide valuable insights for incorporating nutritional approaches into the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer, thereby reducing the exacerbation of symptoms associated with the diagnosis.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Central Hemodynamic Parameters and Autonomic Nervous System in Obese or Overweight Individuals. / Efeitos da Suplementação de Vitamina D sobre Parâmetros Hemodinâmicos Centrais e Sistema Nervoso Autônomo em Indivíduos com Obesidade ou Sobrepeso.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have been inconsistent in demonstrating beneficial cardiovascular effects of vitamin D supplementation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on central hemodynamic parameters and autonomic activity in obese/overweight individuals with low vitamin D levels (<30ng/dl). METHODS: Adults 40-65 years old with body mass index ≥25<40 kg/m2 were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial (NCT05689632). Central hemodynamics was assessed using the oscillometric method (Mobil-O-Graph®), and heart rate variability using a Polar heart rate monitor (Kubios® software). Patients (n=53) received a placebo in the control group (CO, n=25) or vitamin D3 (VD, n=28) 7000 IU/day, and were evaluated before (W0) and after 8 weeks (W8) with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous regarding age (51±6 vs 52±6 years, p=0.509) and vitamin D levels (22.8±4.9 vs 21.7±4.5ng/ml, p=0.590). At W8, the VD group had significantly higher levels of vitamin D (22.5 vs 35.6ng/ml, p<0.001). Only the VD group showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP; 123±15 vs 119±14mmHg, p=0.019) and alkaline phosphatase (213±55 vs 202±55mg/dl, p=0.012). The CO group showed an increase in augmentation pressure (AP: 9 vs 12 mmHg, p=0.028) and augmentation index (AIx: 26 vs 35%, p=0.020), which was not observed in the VD group (AP: 8 vs 8 mmHg, AIx: 26 vs 25%, p>0.05). VD group showed an increase in the parasympathetic nervous system index (PNSi) (-0.64±0.94 vs -0.16±1.10, p=0.028) and the R-R interval (866±138 vs 924±161 ms, p= 0.026). CONCLUSION: In this sample, eight weeks of daily vitamin D supplementation resulted in an improvement in blood pressure levels and autonomic balance.

FUNDAMENTO: Estudos prévios têm sido inconsistentes em demonstrar efeitos cardiovasculares benéficos da suplementação de vitamina D. OBJETIVO: Avaliar efeitos da suplementação de vitamina D3 sobre parâmetros hemodinâmicos centrais e atividade autonômica em indivíduos obesos/sobrepeso e baixos níveis de vitamina D (<30ng/dl). MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico prospectivo, randomizado, duplo-cego (NCT05689632), adultos 40-65 anos com índice de massa corporal ≥25<40 kg/m2. Hemodinâmica central avaliada por método oscilométrico (Mobil-O-Graph®), variabilidade da frequência cardíaca utilizando frequencímetro Polar (software Kubios®). Os pacientes (n=53) receberam placebo no grupo controle (CO, n=25) ou vitamina D3 (VD, n=28) 7000 UI/dia, avaliados antes (S0) e após 8 semanas (S8) com nível de significância de 0,05. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram homogêneos na idade (51±6 vs. 52±6 anos, p=0,509) e níveis de vitamina D (22,8±4,9 vs. 21,7±4,5ng/ml, p=0,590). Na S8, o grupo VD apresentou níveis significativamente maiores de vitamina D (22,5 vs. 35,6ng/ml, p<0,001). Apenas o grupo VD mostrou redução significativa da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS; 123±15 vs. 119±14mmHg, p=0,019) e fosfatase alcalina (213±55 vs. 202±55mg/dl, p=0,012). O grupo CO mostrou elevação da pressão de aumento (AP: 9 vs. 12mmHg, p=0,028) e do índice de incremento (Aix: 26 vs. 35%, p=0,020), o que não foi observado no grupo VD (AP: 8 vs. 8mmHg, Aix: 26 vs. 25%, p>0,05). Grupo VD apresentou aumento no índice do sistema nervoso (iSN) parassimpático (-0,64±0,94 vs. -0,16±1,10, p=0,028) e no intervalo R-R (866±138 vs. 924±161ms, p=0,026). CONCLUSÃO: Nesta amostra, a suplementação diária de vitamina D durante oito semanas resultou em melhora dos níveis pressóricos, parâmetros hemodinâmicos centrais e do equilíbrio autonômico.

Longitudinal analysis of vitamin D levels considering sunshine duration and suggestion for a standardised approach for vitamin D supplementation in children and adolescents with obesity.

BACKGROUND: Children with obesity have low 25 hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D3) levels compared to lean children. Recommendations on when to start vitamin D supplementation differ largely between countries. Longitudinal data on 25-OH-D3 levels to guide treatment decisions are scarce since they are largely influenced by solar radiation and are difficult to compare. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis of multiple 25-OH-D3 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurements in a cohort of 543 patients without vitamin D supplementation. All measurements were taken at the local paediatric obesity clinic as documented in the German-Austrian-Swiss APV (Prospective Documentation of Overweight Children and Adolescents) registry from 2009 to 2019. Serial 25-OH-D3 and PTH levels were adjusted for sunshine duration over the last 30 days to account for seasonal variation, as well as for sex and body mass index (BMI). We further performed an exploratory analysis of the association of sunshine duration, sex, BMI SDS (standard deviation score), abnormal lipid levels or dysglycemia with the 25-OH-D3 trend. RESULTS: 229 obese patients (mean BMI SDS: 2,58 (± 0,56), 53% females, mean age: 12 (± 3) years, range: 2-21 years) with two, 115 with three and 96 with four repeated 25-OH-D3 measurements were identified. Mean adjusted 25-OH-D3 (48.2 nmol/l) and PTH (34.9 ng/l) levels remained stable over 120 weeks. 5% of the patients had an elevated PTH > 65 ng/l. High total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dl and high triglycerides ≥ 130 mg/dl were associated with higher 25-OH-D3 levels. CONCLUSION: We propose a simple method to include sunshine duration in the analysis of 25-OH-D3 levels to minimise the bias of seasonal variation. Based on our data we established the pragmatic strategy of limiting vitamin D supplementation to patients with biochemical signs of mineralisation disorders such as elevated PTH and alkaline phosphatase (AP). In children with normal PTH and AP we recommend adjustment of calcium intake and increase of outdoor activity instead.

Unravelling the nutritional and health benefits of marketable winged termites (Macrotermes spp.) as sustainable food sources in Africa.

Termites are widely distributed globally and serve as a valuable food source in many countries. However, information on the myriad nutritional benefits of processed termite products in African markets remain largely unexploited. This study evaluated the phytochemicals, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and proximate composition of the edible winged termites (Macrotermes spp.) from three major Counties of Kenya. A total of 9 flavonoids, 5 alkaloids, and 1 cytokinin were identified. The oil content varied from 33 to 46%, exhibiting significant levels of beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, such as methyl (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienoate and methyl (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosapentaenoate, ranging from 82.7-95.1 to 6.3-8.1 µg/g, respectively, across the different regions. Four essential and cereal-limiting amino acids lysine (1.0-1.3 mg/g), methionine (0.08-0.1 mg/g), leucine (0.6-0.9 mg/g) and threonine (0.1-0.2 mg/g), were predominant. Moreover, termites had a rich profile of essential minerals, including iron (70.7-111.8 mg/100 g), zinc (4.4-16.2 mg/100 g) and calcium (33.1-53.0 mg/100 g), as well as vitamins A (2.4-6.4 mg/kg), C (0.6-1.9 mg/kg) and B12 (10.7-17.1 mg/kg). The crude protein (32.2-44.8%) and fat (41.2-49.1%) contents of termites from the various Counties was notably high. These findings demonstrated the promising nutrients potential of winged termites and advocate for their sustainable utilization in contemporary efficacious functional food applications to combat malnutrition.

Efficacy of multivitamin support following bariatric surgery in patients with obesity: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Bariatric surgery (BS), an effective treatment for severe obesity and its comorbidities, may result in micronutrient and vitamin deficiencies. This monocentric prospective observational study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a specifically designed vitamin/mineral formula (Bariatrifast, BIOITALIA S.r.l., Italy) for preventing and treating micronutrient deficiencies in patients submitted to BS. METHODS: Twenty patients with severe obesity (mean weight and BMI: 123.5 kg (range 88-174) and 43.3 kg/m2 (range 37-54) respectively) underwent BS (10 vertical sleeve gastrectomy VSG, 10 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, RYGB). The mean age was 49.9 years (range 27-68). After a presurgical visit (V0), follow-up visits were performed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery (V1-V4). Recorded data included weight, height and BMI. A complete blood count, measurement of ferritin, folic acid, vitamin B12, ionized calcium, 25 OH vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) were obtained. Following BS, patients started the daily oral multivitamin and mineral supplement. RESULTS: All patients achieved a significant weight loss (mean - 34.7 ± 11.8 kg). No deficiencies of various vitamins/micronutrients were detected during the entire study period. The serum concentrations of vitamin B12, 25-OH Vitamin D and folic acid increased over the follow-up period compared with V0 (mean increase 243 ng/L, 23 µg /L, 8 µg/L, respectively). Compared to RYGB, patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy showed higher levels of 25-OH vitamin D at V2, V3 and V4 (all p < 0.05), and higher levels of Vitamin B12 and folic acid at V4 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.005, respectively). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Following VSG or RYGB, Bariatrifast administration was associated with normal values of essential micronutrients, and it was well-tolerated without evidence of gastrointestinal side effects. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifiers NCT06152965.

Vitamin D and Menopause.

Menopause is the transition period in female life cycle. Resultant hormonal changes lead to adverse health effects. Women may seek treatment due to significant impairment in quality of life. Vitamin D deficiency is a globally prevalent problem. Vitamin D deficiency in menopausal women may aggravate the adverse health risks associated with menopause. In this article, the authors discuss endocrinology and clinical features of menopause, Vitamin D and its links with menopause, and the potential role of Vitamin D supplementation to combat detrimental multi-organ system effects of menopause.

Association of Serum Vitamin D level with Asthenozoospermic Male.

Although vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common health problems throughout the world, conflicting information exists on the potential association between serum vitamin D levels and semen quality. Currently available data identifies that vitamin D has a vital role in reproductive process as it affects sperm motility. This study was done with the rationality to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels with asthenozoospermic males. This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted on 314 men who attended the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh July 2018 to June 2019. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria all participants were categorized into two groups; Group I included 157 asthenozoospermic male and Group II included 157 normozoospermic male according to World Health Organization 'strict' criteria 2010. Participants completed the questionnaires after they had agreed on a informed consent. Blood and semen samples were obtained for assessment and all data were adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), total motility and progressive motility. Vitamin D levels were classified according to the Endocrine Society guideline. Statistical analyses were carried out by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). The results showed that the mean vitamin D level was 16.63±5.54ng/ml in asthenozoospermic group and 19.83±5.33ng/ml in normozoospermic group. The mean vitamin D level was significantly (p<0.05) lower in asthenozoospermic group. It was noticed that 86.6% patients had vitamin D deficiency (≤20ng/ml) in asthenozoospermic group compared to 56.7% in the normozoospermic group. The study found that low vitamin D was associated with a fivefold increased risk of developing asthenozoospermia at 95% CI (2.74-8.99). Moreover, there was a positive significant correlation (r=0.285; p<0.001) between serum vitamin D level with total motility and progressive motility (r=0.232; p<0.001). Hence, the study suggests a significant association between asthenozoospermia and low vitamin D levels. However, clinical trials are warranted to further reinforce the findings.

Level of Vitamin D and Its Relation with Incident Hypertension among Bangladeshi Adults.

Effect of vitamin D level on incident hypertension was not elucidated in our country perspective. The objective of the study was to report the level of vitamin D and its relation with incident hypertension among the Bangladeshi adults. This cross-sectional assessment was conducted in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh for a period of one year (1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019). A total of 187 participants who had no known history of hypertension and comorbidities were included. Vitamin D assay and risk factors assessment for hypertension were performed for each patient. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire and the study was conducted in compliance with current declaration of Helsinki. Analysis was conducted with SPSS 26.0. Out of 187 participants 33(17.6%) was newly diagnosed with hypertension. Predominant age group was 31-40 years (30.5%) and the average of incidence ±SD was 36.76±12.14 years. Sufficient, insufficient and deficient vitamin D was present in 11.8%, 32.6% and 55.6% cases, respectively. Mean±SD SBP and DBP were 117.41±12.84 and 76.87±9.46 mm of Hg. Hypertension was significantly more common in male than female (p=0.047), but there was no association of vitamin D with hypertension (p=0.262). Both hypertensive and normotensive patients shared similar risk factor profile in terms of age, gender, BMI, unhealthy food habit, extra salt intake, tobacco use, caffeine consumption, hormonal contraceptive of female (p>0.05 for all). Nearly one-fifth participants had newly diagnosed hypertension and more than fifty percent had vitamin D deficiency. However, vitamin D level didn't have any statistically significant association with incident hypertension.

Investigating the role of vitamin D in asthma.

Results in mice suggest that vitamin D reduces the symptoms of asthma by controlling an immune response that leads to inflammation of the airways.