The effects of dietary supplements in patients with cervical cancer: a comprehensive systematic review.

Background: Recent studies reported that complementary therapy including dietary supplements may has a beneficial role in cervical cancer. However, the results are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the association between cervical cancer and dietary supplements. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize and quantify the most recent findings on dietary supplement and cervical cancer. Several databases were checked for relevant publications published in English up to March 2023. Of the 32 articles identified, only 20 met the inclusion criteria and were included. Results: Women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia may benefit from folate supplementation against oxidative stress and inflammation. Vitamin D may reduce oxidative stress and may have a therapeutic effect. Zinc promotes the clearance of the human papilloma virus and reduces the chance of viral infection. The use of probiotic supplements may improve the complications associated with chemotherapy in patients with cervical cancer, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy complications may also be reduced by omega-3 fatty acids. Conclusion: Some dietary supplements including folate, vitamin D, zinc, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids may have beneficial effects in patients with cervical cancer. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results.

The association between vitamin D intake with inflammatory and biochemical indices and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has become a worldwide health issue with widespread hospitalization and dependence on the intensive care unit (ICU). Vitamin D has a key role in modulating immune cells and modulating the inflammatory responses. This study aimed to investigate the association of vitamin D supplementation with inflammatory, biochemical, and mortality indices in critically ill patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on critically ill COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the ICU including the survived >30 day patients as the case group and dead patients as the control group. The status of vitamin D supplementation and inflammatory and biochemical indices of the patients were retrieved from the medical records. Logistic regression method was used to assess the association between 30 days survival and vitamin D supplement intake. RESULTS: Compared to the group of COVID-19 patients who died in <30 day, the survived patients had a lower eosinophile level (2.2 ± 0.5 vs. 6 ± 0.0, p < .001) and higher vitamin D supplementation duration (9 ± 4.4 vs. 3.3 ± 1.9 day, p = .001). Vitamin D supplementation had a positive association with survival in COVID-19 patients (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.15-3.40, p < .05). The association remained significant after adjustments fot age, sex, underlying diseases, and smoking. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation in critically ill patients with COVID-19 has the potential to increase survivability within the first 30 days of hospitalization.

The association of dietary antioxidant index (DAI) with breast cancer among Iranian women.

Recent studies have reported that dietary antioxidants can influence the risk of breast cancer (BC). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of dietary antioxidant index (DAI) with BC among Iranian women. This case-control study was conducted on 180 women with breast cancer and 360 healthy women who were referred to the cancer clinic of Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital in Tehran, Iran. A 168-item validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. The DAI score was calculated based on the intake of antioxidant vitamins and minerals derived from the FFQ. The control group had a significantly higher intake of vitamin D (1.79±1.56 vs. 1.05±0.84 µg/d; P=0.01) and lower intake of calorie (2315±1066 vs. 2737±925 kcal/d; P=0.01), carbohydrate (311±170 vs. 402±124 g/d; P=0.01), iron (15.4±12.1 vs. 19.7±6.4 mg/d; P=0.01), thiamine (1.5±0.7 vs. 2.3±0.9 mg/d; P=0.01), niacin (18.2±9.2 vs. 24.3±7.9 mg/d; P=0.01), folic acid (465±308.7 vs. 673±205.2 µg/d; P=0.01), and selenium (82.6±41.7 vs. 98.7±40.8 µg/d; P=0.01) compared to the case group. No significant association was found between DAI with breast cancer after adjustments for age. DAI had a negative association with breast cancer after additional adjustments for BMI, the number of pregnancies, duration of breastfeeding, menopause age, and total energy intake (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.90-.93, and all P<0.001). The present study identified a negative association between DAI and the risk of BC, indicating the importance of antioxidants in preventing BC. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to confirm this association.

Growth and Nutritional Status of Phenylketonuric Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to assess the anthropometric and biochemical parameters of children and adolescents with phenylketonuria (PKU). METHODS: The participants in this cross-sectional study ranged in age from four to 18 years old. Biochemical markers such as vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, ferritin, calcium, 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, zinc, plasma phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) levels in blood were evaluated, as well as demographics and anthropometric measurements. A three-day dietary recall questionnaire was completed by all individuals. RESULTS: 80% (64) of the 80 patients (42 females, 52.5%) had typical PKU. Consanguineous marriages were found in 57.5% (46) of the patients' parents. According to the height for age index, 17.5% of the study group (n = 14) were short or very short. According to age-related weight and body mass index (BMI), 37.5% (n = 30) and 43.8% (n = 35) of people are obese or overweight, respectively. Biochemical tests revealed increased vitamin B12 levels and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 deficiency in 35% (n = 28) of the patients, insufficient folic acid in 12.5% (n = 10), and elevated phenylalanine levels in 70.3% (n = 45) of children under 12 years old, and adolescents 62.5% (n = 10). A high Phe intake (OR = 4.44, CI %95 = 1.27-15.57) is a risk factor for obesity and overweight. CONCLUSION: Patients with PKU had a high rate of overweight and obesity. PKU patients who are overweight or obese do not differ from normal-weight patients in terms of dietary intake or laboratory findings (except for serum iron levels). One-third of patients with phenylketonuria were vitamin D deficient and had a BMI/A index of overweight/obese. It is recommended to use special medical food to help solve energy and nutrient deficiencies.

The effect of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between colorectal cancer and dietary fiber.

Background: Gene polymorphisms may explain the controversy on the association between colorectal cancer (CRC) and dietary fibers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between colorectal cancer and dietary fiber. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 160 CRC cases and 320 healthy controls in Tehran, Iran. The participants' food intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The frequency of rs9939609 FTO polymorphism in the case and control groups was determined using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation (tetra-ARMS) method. Results: In the participants with the TT genotype of the FTO rs9939609, the cases had higher BMI and lower intake of dietary fiber compared to the controls (P = 0.01). Among A allele carriers of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism, the cases had higher BMI (P = 0.04) and lower intake of total fiber (P = 0.02) and soluble fiber (P = 0.02). An inverse association was found between CRC and dietary fiber intake among those with the AA/AT FTO rs9939609 genotype after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, BMI, and calorie intake (OR = 0.9, CI 95%:0.84-0.92, P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study found a link between higher dietary fiber consumption and a lower risk of CRC in A-allele carriers of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism. Future studies are needed to identify the underlying mechanisms of the association between CRC and dietary fibers in people with different FTO genotypes.

Effects of supplementation with low-dose group B vitamins on clinical and biochemical parameters in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: : This study aimed to check the effect of supplementation with low-dose group B vitamins on clinical and biochemical parameters on patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD: : This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was carried out on 85 critically ill patients with COVID-19. All patients received high protein prescriptions of 30 kcal/kg/d by enteral nutrition. The intervention group (n = 40) received vitamin B complex, including thiamine (10 mg), riboflavin (4 mg), nicotinamide (40 mg), and dexpanthenol (6 mg). The control group received similar nutritional supports, except for group B vitamins. Assessments were carried out at baseline and after 2 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: : Vitamin B supplementation had no effects on the biochemical and pathological parameters including kidney function, arterial blood gas parameters, Glasgow coma scale, cell blood count, and serum electrolytes of the intervention group compared with the control group. The 30-day mortality was insignificantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (83.3% against 96.1%, P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate of patients with COVID-19 might be improved by low-dose vitamin B supplementation.

Interactions of Colorectal Cancer, Dietary Fats, and Polymorphisms of Arachidonate Lipoxygenase and Cyclooxygenase Genes: A Literature Review.

Objective: Genetics and dietary factors play important roles in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying mechanisms of the interactions between CRC, gene polymorphisms, and dietary fat are unclear. This review study investigated the effects of polymorphisms of arachidonate lipoxygenase (ALOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) genes in the association between CRC and dietary fat. Methods: All the related papers published from 2000 to 2022 were collected from different databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Cochran using related keywords such as colorectal cancer, ALOX, COX, polymorphism, and dietary fat. Non-English and unrelated documents were excluded. Results: Some single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ALOX and COX genes, such as rs2228065, rs6413416, and rs4986832 in the ALOX gene, and rs689465 in the COX gene may play significant roles in the association between the risk of CRC and dietary fats. SNPs of ALOX and COX genes may influence the effects of dietary fatty acids on the risk of CRC. Conclusion: Some polymorphisms of the ALOX and COX genes may have important roles in the effects of dietary fat on the risk of CRC. If future studies confirm these results, dietary recommendations for preventing colorectal cancer may be personalized based on the genotype of the ALOX and COX genes.

The Association Between Fasting Blood Sugar and Index of Nutritional Quality in Adult Women.

Aim: It's unclear whether diet quality affects glycemic management. The index of nutritional quality (INQ) can examine diets both quantitatively and qualitatively (INQ). Hence, this study aimed to determine whether INQ and fasting blood sugar (FBS) are related among Iranian women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 360 adult Iranian women. Data were collected on the participants' general characteristics, medical history, anthropometric indices, physical activity, and dietary intake. For nutrient intake assessment, a valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used, and INQ was then calculated using the daily nutrient intake. Results: After adjusting for age, FBS was significantly inverse associated with INQ for vitamins A (B = -0.193, p < 0.01), magnesium (B = -0.137, p < 0.01), phosphor (B = -0.175, p < 0.01), zinc (B = -0.113, p < 0.01), vitamin K (B = -0.197, p < 0.01), manganese (B = -0.111, p < 0.01) and selenium (B = -0.123, p < 0.01). The association between FBS and INQ for Se and Mn was disappeared after further adjustment for gender, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, and total energy intake. Conclusion: There was a significant inverse relationship between FBS and the INQ of vitamin A, manganese, phosphor, zinc, vitamin K, magnesium, and selenium. Prospective cohort studies should be conducted to establish a causal relationship between FBS and INQ.

Association between the index of nutritional quality and lipid profile in adult women.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidaemia is a group of abnormalities that predispose people to heart disease. The index of nutritional quality (INQ) is a tool for qualitative and quantitative nutritional assessment, which has special significance in assessing clinical nutritional problems. The objective of this study was to determine the association between the INQ and lipid profile in adult women. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 360 healthy women referring to the nutrition clinic of Shohadaye Tajrish hospital, Tehran, Iran. Calorie and nutrient intake were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The amount of physical activity was estimated using a validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire. To measure serum lipid levels, 5 ml of venous blood samples was taken from the participants. RESULTS: The results showed a negative association between total cholesterol and the INQ of niacin (B = -0.110, p = .02) and between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with the INQ of biotin (B = -0.119, p = .01). Also, a positive association was found between triglyceride and the INQ of B6 (B = 0.096, p = .04). The results remained significant after adjusting for body mass index, waist circumference and total energy intake (except for niacin). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the present study suggest that a diet rich in niacin and low in vitamin B6 and biotin may be associated with an improved lipid profile that reduces lipid-related diseases such as fatty liver, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

The association among calorie, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake with colorectal cancer: A case-control study.

The risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be influenced by dietary components. This study aims to investigate the association between dietary intake and CRC in Iranian adults. This hospital-based case-control study was performed on 160 patients with CRC and 320 healthy people. General and pathological data were collected through face-to-face interviews. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the intake of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients. The case group had a significantly higher intake of calories, carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin K, fluoride, and molybdenum and a lower intake of vitamin E, vitamin B1, beta carotene, biotin, folate, magnesium, selenium, manganese, and fiber (all p < .001). CRC was positively associated with the intake of carbohydrate (OR: 1.01, CI% 1.03-1.01, p = .001), and vitamin A (OR: 1.009, CI 95% 1.006-1.01, p = .001) and negatively associated with intake of fiber (OR: 0.67, CI 95% 0.59-0.76, p = .001), beta carotene (OR: 0.99, CI 95% 0.99-0.99, p = .001), vitamin E (OR: 0.27, CI 95% 0.15-0.47, p = .001), folate (OR: 0.98 CI 95% 0.97-0.98, p = .001), and biotin (OR: 0.83, CI 95% 0.77-0.90, p = .001). The associations remained significant after adjusting for age and sex. Further adjustments for physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking did not change the results. The results identified that the risk of colorectal cancer can be influenced by dietary intake. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms of the effects of dietary components on the risk of colorectal cancer.

Associations between the dietary inflammatory index with obesity and body fat in male adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and body composition may be affected by the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory components of diets. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and body fat percentage (BF%) in male adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 535 adolescent boys in Tehran, Iran. Bio-impedance analyzer (BIA) scale was used to measure body mass index (BMI) and body composition. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to measure DII. RESULTS: Participants with higher BF% (≥ 19.2%) had higher BMI (P < 0.001), DII, and intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), compared with the participants with lower BF%. Participants with a lower DII had significantly higher intakes of fibers (P < 0.001) and lower intakes of fats, SFAs, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), oleic acid and linoleic acid (P < 0.05) compared with the participants with higher DII (P < 0.01). High BF% was positively associated to DII (OR = 1.6, CI 95%: 1.1-2.3, P = 0.019). Adjustments for age, BMI, physical activity, mothers' marital status and educational level and the number of siblings did not change the results. CONCLUSIONS: Following a diet with a low inflammatory index score was associated to lower BF% in male adolescents. Thus, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory factors may effectively improve body composition and prevent obesity in adolescents. Further comprehensive studies are necessary to verify these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

Comparison of the Index of Nutritional Quality in Breast Cancer Patients With Healthy Women.

Background: The index of nutritional quality (INQ) is derived from the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and is a method of quantitative and qualitative analysis of diet. This study aimed to compare the INQ for different dietary components between breast cancer (BC) patients and healthy control. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 180 women with BC and 360 healthy women. Data on general characteristics, medical history, anthropometric indices, physical activity, alcohol consumption, reproductive history, smoking, and dietary intake were collected. A valid FFQ was used to assess the intake of nutrients and the INQ was calculated based on the daily intake of the nutrients. Results: There was a significant association between BC and INQ of vitamin A (OR = 0.07, 0.01-0.29), vitamin E (OR = 0.43, 0.20-0.93), vitamin B6 (OR = 0.003, 0.000-0.021), riboflavin (OR = 0.25, 0.11-0.59), vitamin K (OR = 0.58, 0.37-0.90), biotin (OR = 0.07, 0.02-0.26), vitamin B12 (OR = 0.32, 0.18-0.56), vitamin C (OR = 0.72, 0.55-0.95), zinc (OR = 0.020, 0.005-0.083), calcium (OR = 0.14, 0.04-0.54) and magnesium (OR = 0.003, 0.000-0.024). Further adjustment for BMI disappeared the association between INQ of vitamin C and BC. The results did not change after further adjustments for waist circumstance and total calorie intake. Conclusion: A significant association was observed between BC and the INQ of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, riboflavin, vitamin K, biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin C, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. The INQ can be used as an indicator in assessing clinical nutrition-related problems. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results.

The effects of dietary fiber on common complications in critically ill patients; with a special focus on viral infections; a systematic reveiw.

BACKGROUND: Viral infections are mostly highly contagious and may cause widespread health problems. Some studies reported that the dietary fiber (DF) may be effective in reducing the complications of viral infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The present review study aimed to investigate the effect of DF on common complications in critically ill patients with viral infections. METHODS: A literature review was conducted for the published papers in English from January 2001 to July 2021 using related keywords. Studies with clinical trial or case-control design described the effects of fiber intake on the complications of viral infections in patients admitted to the ICU were collected. RESULTS: DF may reduce the mortality rate of viral infections through modulating inflammatory processes. A higher intake of DF intake may improve hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance in patients with viral infections. A high-fiber formula in enteral nutrition was reported to reduce the risk of diarrhea in patients with viral infections. CONCLUSION: DF may reduce the complications of viral infections such as inflammation, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, and mortality in critically ill patients. Future longitudinal studies on the amount and type of DF are warranted.

Glutamine Supplementation Enhances the Effects of a Low FODMAP Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Management.

Background and Aims: Although irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders presented to gastroenterologists, therapeutic strategies are not yet well-established. Accordingly, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial to evaluate the possible superiority of adding glutamine supplement to low fermentable oligo- di- monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods: Eligible adults were randomized to receive a low FODMAP diet either with glutamine (15 g/day) or a placebo for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was a significant reduction in IBS-symptom severity score (IBS-SSS). Secondary endpoints were changes in IBS symptoms, stool frequency, consistency, and quality of life. Results: The study group enrolled 50 patients, among which 22 participants from each group completed the study protocol. The glutamine group had significant changes in total IBS-severity score, dissatisfaction of bowel habit and interference with community function (58% reduction; P < 0.001, 57% reduction; P < 0.001, 51% reduction; P = 0.043, respectively). Improvement in IBS-severity score of more than 45% was observed in 22 of 25 participants (88%) in the glutamine group, while it was only 15 of 25 participants (60%) in the control group (p = 0.015). No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Our findings indicated the superiority of adding glutamine supplementation to a low FODMAP diet in amelioration of IBS symptoms while confirming the beneficial effects of a low FODMAP diet in IBS management.