Unlocking the health benefits of melatonin supplementation: A promising preventative and therapeutic strategy.

Melatonin (MLT) is crucial in controlling human sleep-wake patterns. While it has long been recognized for regulating circadian rhythms, its demonstrated efficacy in managing various diseases has recently gained considerable attention. This review discusses MLT's potential preventative and therapeutic effects on various diseases. Several studies have focused on examining the molecular mechanisms through which MLT brings about its protective or therapeutic effects on various diseases, including cancer, obesity, coronavirus, and cardiovascular diseases. Numerous preventative and therapeutic applications of MLT have been proposed, resulting from its ability to function as an antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulating agent. There is a need for further research to determine MLT's long-term effects on antioxidant defense systems, its preventative and therapeutic benefits, and its molecular basis.

Antiulcer Effect of Genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. as Investigated on Experimental Animals.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) occurs when open sores, or ulcers, form in the stomach or first part of the small intestine caused by bacterial infection (H. pylori) and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. This study was conducted to evaluate the antiulcer effect of some plants including genus Symphytum L., and Portulaca oleracea L. on aspirin-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats. Sixteen male albino rats (200-210 g b.wt. each) were divided into 4 groups, 4 rats each, one of them left as the control -ve group while the other 3 groups orally administered with aspirin at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.wt., for gastric ulcer induction, one of them left as control +ve and the rest 2 groups were orally administered with genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.wt., each. for seven consecutive days. Body weight gain (BWG), the length of gastric ulcer, the volume of gastric juice, the total acidity of gastric juice, and blood sample were assessed. The results showed that orally administered with genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. significantly reduced the length of gastric ulcer, gastric juice volume, and total acidity of gastric juice, in addition to decreasing total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), RBC, WBC, HGB, and PLT. No significant changes were observed in the pH of gastric juice among treated groups. Moreover, in comparison to Portulaca oleracea L., genus Symphytum L. showed preferable results. Accordingly, genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. could be used as plants as curative agents against gastric ulcer in experimental rats.

Factors Influencing Malnutrition Among Older Adult Residents in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: Sex Differential Study.

BACKGROUND: The global population of older adults is on the rise. As people age, their physical functions gradually decline, leading to a decrease in the overall functioning of different organ systems. Due to these changes, older individuals are at a higher risk of encountering various adverse health outcomes and complications, such as malnutrition. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among older adults dwelling in the western region of Saudi Arabia. We have analyzed these factors separately for both men and women to understand any potential sex differences. METHODS: A nonrandomized cross-sectional study was conducted for older adults aged ≥60 years in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Personal information was obtained through a closed questionnaire. The Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form was used to determine the malnutrition status of older adults. Consequently, the individuals were divided into 2 groups: normal and malnourished. To assess the risk factors related to malnutrition, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were determined using a binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of malnutrition in men and women was around 7% and 5%, respectively. Potential risk factors related to malnutrition in men were higher age (OR 1.263, 95% CI 1.086-1.468; P=.002), being widowed (OR 8.392, 95% CI 1.002-70.258; P=.049), and having dental problems (OR 9.408, 95% CI 1.863-47.514; P=.007). On the other hand, risk factors associated with malnutrition in women were lower BMI (OR 0.843, 95% CI 0.747-0.952; P=.006) and being disabled (OR 18.089, 95% CI 0.747-0.952; P=.006). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study provide important insights into the risk factors for malnutrition among older adults in the western region of Saudi Arabia. While the overall prevalence of malnutrition was relatively low, the analysis revealed distinct risk factors for older men and women. Interventions developed based on the identified risk factors may prove effective in addressing the issue of malnutrition within this population.

Predictive Factors for Critical Weight Loss in Saudi Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing (Chemo)Radiotherapy.

Weight loss is a significant health problem among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) that is attributable primarily to the tumor or tumor therapy. Critical weight loss (CWL) is defined as the unintentional loss of ≥5% of weight. Therefore, this study's goal was to investigate and determine the possible factors influencing CWL among patients with HNC who have received radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). We conducted a retrospective analysis of 175 patients who received radiotherapy or CCRT as either their primary, adjuvant, or combined treatment at the Oncology Center in King Abdullah Medical City. All patients were ≥18 years of age and diagnosed with HNC with no metastasis. The study results showed that 107 patients (61%) had CWL, while 68 (39%) did not. The following factors were significantly predictive of CWL with a multivariate regression analysis: pretreatment BMI (AOR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.02-1.17), oral cavity cancer (AOR = 10.36, 95% CI = 1.13-94.55), and male sex (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.39-7.11). In conclusion, weight loss is highly prevalent among HNC patients during treatment. Accordingly, pretreatment BMI, cancer in the oral cavity, and being male can be considered predictive factors for CWL.

Comprehensive review of melatonin as a promising nutritional and nutraceutical supplement.

Background: Melatonin is an indoleamine hormone secreted by the pineal gland at night and has an essential role in regulating human circadian rhythms (the internal 24-h clock) and sleep-wake patterns. However, it has recently gained considerable attention for its demonstrated ability in disease management. This review discusses the major biological activities of melatonin, its metabolites as nutritional supplements, and its bioavailability in food sources. Methods: The information acquisition process involved conducting a comprehensive search across academic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, Embase, and Springer using relevant keywords. Only the most recent, peer-reviewed articles published in the English language were considered for inclusion. Results: The molecular mechanisms by which melatonin induces its therapeutic effects have been the subject of various studies. Conclusion: While melatonin was initially understood to only regulate circadian rhythms, recent studies indicate that it has a far-reaching effect on various organs and physiological systems, such as immunity, cardiovascular function, antioxidant defense, and lipid hemostasis. As a potent antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory agent, multiple therapeutic applications have been proposed for melatonin.

Vitamin B12 status among asymptomatic young adult females and its association with some anthropometric and biochemical parameters: A cross-sectional study from Makkah (cobalamin deficiency in young adult females).

This study was designed to measure the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among young adult females in Makkah City and study its correlation with some anthropometric and biochemical indicators. A cross-sectional study and a detailed questionnaire were used to collect information from 402 young women aged 19 to 22 years, who were university students. Moreover, dietary assessments using a validated food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were performed. The mean values of serum vitamin B12, serum folate, hemoglobin, and body mass index (BMI) were 343.29 ±â€…148.16 pg/mL, 12.72 ±â€…2.62 ng/mL, 12.69 ±â€…1.41 g/dL, and 22.64 ±â€…4.24 kg/m2, respectively. About three-quarters of the study sample had normal vitamin B12 levels, while the rest had vitamin B12 deficiency. Meanwhile, a significant negative association (r = -0.201, P = .048) was found between abdominal fat and serum vitamin B12 levels. This study concluded that the young adult females' population from Makkah City is among the risk groups for vitamin B12 deficiency, which is highly correlated with inappropriate values of weight, body fat, and some blood indices. Appropriate dietary interventions and awareness are needed for this population.

The consumption of dietary supplements in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Objectives: People frequently utilize dietary supplements (DS), notably during the COVID-19 epidemic, despite the lack of data supporting their usefulness and safety in enhancing general health. This study aimed to measure the consumption of DS in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19. Previous studies focused on using dietary supplements for preventing or reducing mental health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1572 participants aged 18-65, from all-over Saudi Arabia who were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire to measure the consumption of supplements during the pandemic lockdown period. Also, it investigates the factor that effect supplements consumption. Results: Around 63% of the participants did not change their consumption patterns during the pandemic, while 16% consumed more and 21.4% consumed fewer supplements during the pandemic. The most commonly used supplements were iron; calcium, especially among pregnant women; omega-3, especially in people older than 65 years; and vitamin D. Females (81%; P < 0.002); age (94.7%; P < 0.002); married people (84%; P < 0.001); those with a higher educational level (83.9%; P = 0.02); those with a higher monthly income (86.1%; P = 0.006); and pregnant women (100%; P < 0.007) reported the highest rates of consumption. Conclusion: Dietary supplements have recently become popular in Saudi Arabia, but large differences remain between Saudis in their consumption of supplements. Additional research should be conducted to examine the level of knowledge of dietary supplements among Saudi population.

The effect of bariatric surgery on dietary Behaviour, dietary recommendation Adherence, and micronutrient deficiencies one year after surgery.

Bariatric surgery (BS) is associated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which might be augmented by low adherence to dietary guidelines and inappropriate dietary behaviours. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of BS on eating behaviour, prevalence of nutrient deficiency, level of commitment to diet, and lifestyle recommendations one-year post-BS. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients who underwent BS in 2019 and had follow-up for a year. Age, gender, and clinical data were collected from the hospital system and other information was obtained from questionnaires during phone interviews. A total of 160 patients participated in the study. At 12 months, a significant increase from the baseline values in plasma levels of vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, iron, corrected calcium, albumin, CRP, and MCV, as well as a significant decrease in BMI was observed. Adherence to dietary and lifestyle recommendations was moderate to high. Emotional, and restrained eating behaviours were moderate with 64.4%, and 77.5%, respectively. External eating was low at 58.1%. The study concluded that pre-and post-bariatric surgery nutrients should be closely monitored.

Knowledge, attitudes, and factors associated with vegetarianism in the Saudi Population.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been great interest in the dietary practices of vegetarians in addition to an increasing awareness of the potential benefits of vegetarian diets. However, there are insufficient data on the spread of vegetarianism in Arab countries. The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge and attitudes about vegetarianism and associated factors in the Saudi population and to understand the reasons for its growing prevalence. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study began in May 2020 and ended in September 2020. Researchers distributed the questionnaire electronically through social media. Data were collected electronically and exported to Excel by the researchers .The electronic questionnaire comprised three sections: sociodemographic questions, reasons for following a vegetarian diet, and beliefs and knowledge about vegetarianism. RESULTS: There were 3,035 responses, of which 80.2% of respondents were female and 19.8% were male. Participant were aged 18-65. Vegetarians represented 37.5% (15.7% semivegetarians, 8.1% pescovegetarians, 64.3% lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and 11.3% vegans), and the rest were nonvegetarians. The majority of the vegetarian participants (92.9%) had a low vegetarianism knowledge level. Health issues, followed by ethical and environmental concerns, were the most common motivators for adopting a vegetarian diet; these reasons were cited by 72.5%, 59.3%, and 47.9% of participants, respectively. Factors associated with increased vegetarianism were engaging in exercise for half an hour to two hours, while factors associated with decreased vegetarianism were male, aged 51-64 years, being married, having a higher education, working in the health sector, being a housewife, and having an income between 5,000 and 10,000 SR/month. CONCLUSION: Vegetarianism appears to be a growing phenomenon among the Saudi population. Increased awareness of health issues and the desire to live a healthy lifestyle might be the strongest motives. This study offers an opportunity to better understand vegetarianism in Saudi Arabia along with the possibility of expanding vegetarian food choices for the general public.

Refeeding Syndrome Awareness among Physicians of King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is a lethal condition of metabolic disturbances that arise from the sudden switch of metabolism from a state of starvation to one of nourishment. Quick recognition would reduce health complications. Physicians who are unaware of the syndrome will not identify and treat it. As nutritional risk is associated with the risk of RFS, physicians should be aware of it. AIM: To determine whether the physicians of King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) in Makkah know of RFS and, if so, have skills in diagnosis and managing the syndrome. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-nine physicians of KAMC were recruited in a cross-sectional study. They were asked to complete a questionnaire by face-to-face interview. The questionnaire was designed to capture physicians' knowledge and ability to manage RFS based on the awarding of certain scoring points. RESULTS: The level of knowledge among physicians had a significant association between knowledge and age (p = 0.021) and medical specialty (p = 0.010). Additionally, the most knowledgeable physicians were those who work in critical care (21.4%). Around 18% of physicians were not able to manage RFS. CONCLUSIONS: Lacking knowledge of RFS and how to manage it leads to critical life-threatening complications. Physicians need nutritional education to help them diagnose RFS and consult dietitians to avoid its complications.

Factors influencing body weight one year after bariatric surgery.

The significant outcome of bariatric surgery (BS) is weight loss, which may be affected by many factors, such as initial body weight before surgery, sex, and dietary intake. Moreover, rapid weight loss is associated with an increased incidence of postsurgical cholelithiasis. To investigate the observed weight loss outcomes during the first year after BS, we investigated the factors that may influence weight loss and to detect the efficacy of prophylactic ursodeoxycholic acid against gallstone formation. This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients with morbid obesity who underwent BS in the hospital and completed a 1-year follow up. Patients with a previous BS or a history of cholecystectomy before BS were excluded. Data were extracted from the medical records at multiple postoperative intervals. There was significant weight loss in terms of percentage of excess weight loss and reduction in body mass index postoperative. A significant correlation was found between the percent of excess weight loss and age, initial body mass index, and initial weight, but there was no significant correlation with sex or type of surgery. The incidence of postoperative cholecystectomy is almost negligible. A significant association was found between age and weight loss after BS. ursodeoxycholic acid is an effective prophylaxis to decrease the incidence of cholecystectomy after BS.

Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Metabolic Syndrome, Framingham Risk Scores and Thyroid Function during One-Year Follow-Up: A Saudi Retrospective Study.

Bariatric surgery (BS) has been demonstrated to achieve sustained weight loss with significant metabolic improvement, including a reduction in cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The aim of this retrospective study is to measure the effect of BS on the Framingham risk score (FRS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Additionally, we determine the effect of BS on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) among euthyroid obese patients. A retrospective follow-up study was conducted at King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 160 patients underwent BS and completed one-year follow-up visits. Medical history, anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were evaluated at baseline and 3−12 months after BS. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were used to diagnose MetS. There was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), glycated hemoglobin (Hba1c), TSH, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol (p < 0.001). A significant decrease was seen in MetS, BMI, FRS, SBP, DBP, Hba1c, LDL, triglycerides, cholesterol, and liver enzymes, with a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein levels 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). At 12 months, the prevalence of MetS, DM, and HTN and the FRS significantly decreased from 72.5%, 43.1%, 78.1%, and 11.4 to 16.3%, 9.4%, 22.5%, and 5.4, respectively. In addition to achieving substantial weight loss, BS improves MetS prevalence and cardiovascular risk profiles.

Factors associated with the prevalence of malnutrition among adult hemodialytic patients: A two-center study in the Jeddah region, Saudi Arabia.

Chronic kidney disease, one of the most common diseases in the world, is characterized by irreversible impairment of the kidney's metabolic, excretory, and endocrine functions. During end-stage renal disease, patients require renal replacement therapy, such as hemodialysis (HD). Protein-energy wasting is a common health problem among HD patients. This study aims to assess the nutritional status of HD patients at two HD centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and to determine its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted at two different dialysis centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 211 female and male HD patients. Malnutrition was recognized using the modified-subjective global assessment (M-SGA) comprising two parts: medical history and physical examination. Sociodemographic and health status for all patients were also determined. Patients were classified based on their M-SGA score into two groups: normal and malnourished. Overall, 54.5% of the participants showed malnutrition. Unemployment, low muscle strength and mass, high level of medication use, and high dialysis vintage were positively (P < .05) associated with malnutrition. In conclusion, the M-SGA score indicates a high prevalence of malnutrition among HD patients. These results show the importance of regular assessment and follow-ups for HD patients ensuring better health and nutritional status.

Deferasirox and vitamin D3 co-therapy mitigates iron-induced renal injury by enhanced modulation of cellular anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and iron regulatory pathways in rat.

BACKGROUND: Chronic iron overload could induce nephropathy via oxidative stress and inflammation, and chelating therapy has limited efficacy in removing excess intracellular iron. Although vitamin D (VD) has shown potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well contribute to iron homeostasis, none of the previous studies measured its potential remedial effects against chronic iron toxicity. AIMS: To measure the alleviating effects of deferasirox (DFX) and/or vitamin D (VD) single and combined therapies against nephrotoxicity induced by chronic iron overload. METHODS: Forty male rats were divided into negative (NC) and positive (PC) controls, DFX, VD, and DFX/VD groups. The designated groups received iron for six weeks followed by DFX and/or VD for another six weeks. Then, the expression pattern of renal genes and proteins including hepcidin, ferroportin (FPN), megalin, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), ferritin heavy and light chains, VD receptor (VDR), VD synthesizing (Cyp27b1) and catabolizing (Cyp24a1) enzymes were measured alongside serum markers of renal function and iron biochemical parameters. Additionally, several markers of oxidative stress (MDA/H2O2/GSH/SOD1/CAT/GPx4) and inflammation (IL-1ß/IL-6/TNF-α/IL-10) together with renal cell apoptosis and expression of caspase-3 (Casp-3) were measured. RESULTS: The PC rats showed pathological iron and renal biochemical markers, hypovitaminosis D, increased renal tissue iron contents with increased Cyp24a1/Megalin/ferritin-chains/hepcidin, and decreased Cyp27b1/VDR/TfR1/FPN expression than the NC group. The PC renal tissues also showed abnormal histology, increased inflammatory (IL-1ß/IL-6/TNF-α), oxidative stress (MDA/H2O2), and apoptosis markers with decreased IL-10/GSH/SOD1/CAT/GPx4. Although DFX monotherapy reduced serum iron levels, it was comparable to the PC group in renal iron concentrations, VD and iron-homeostatic molecules, alongside markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. On the other hand, VD monotherapy markedly modulated renal iron and VD-related molecules, reduced renal tissue iron concentrations, and preserved renal tissue relative to the PC and DFX groups. However, serum iron levels were equal in the VD and PC groups. In contrast, the best significant improvements in serum and renal iron levels, expression of renal iron-homeostatic molecules, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were seen in the co-therapy group. CONCLUSIONS: iron-induced nephrotoxicity was associated with dysregulations in renal VD-system together with renal oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. While DFX reduced systemic iron, VD monotherapy showed better attenuation of renal iron concentrations and tissue damage. Nonetheless, the co-therapy approach exhibited the maximal remedial effects, possibly by enhanced modulation of renal iron-homeostatic molecules alongside reducing systemic iron levels. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS: All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article [and its Supplementary information files].

Consumption of Food Components of the Mediterranean Diet Decreases the Risk of Breast Cancer in the Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, it affects both men and women. In Saudi Arabia, breast cancer has been the most prevalent type of cancer in women, for the past few years. Dietary habits and cultural beliefs vary according to region, and further studies are required to demonstrate the relationship between these dietary habits and cultural beliefs and the risk of developing breast cancer. This study is aimed to discover the relationship between preventive dietary factors of the Mediterranean diet and rates of breast cancer among postmenopausal women in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in King Abdulla Medical City Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia and included 432 Saudi female participants: 218 in the control group and 214 breast cancer patients. All participants were postmenopausal, around the same age, and all were ethnically Arab Saudis. Data were obtained using a self-administered validated questionnaire. Results: Study results showed that a diet that includes 1-2 servings of legumes weekly, 1-5 servings of fish weekly, 1-5 servings of dairy products daily, 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and more than one cup of black tea and coffee per day significantly (p < 0.05) reduces the risk of breast cancer. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that consuming a Mediterranean diet, which includes legumes, fish, fruits and vegetables, black tea, coffee, and low intake of dairy products, works as a preventive factor against breast cancer in postmenopausal females from the Makkah region.

Enhanced renoprotective actions of Paricalcitol and omega-3 fatty acids co-therapy against diabetic nephropathy in rat.

Introduction: Although the synthetic vitamin D analogue, Paricalcitol, and omega-3 Fatty acids (ω-3) alleviated diabetic nephropathy (DN), their combination was not previously explored. Objectives: This study measured the potential ameliorative effects of single and dual therapies of Paricalcitol and/or ω-3 against DN. Methods: Forty rats were assigned as follow: negative (NC) and positive (PC) controls, Paricalcitol, ω-3 and Paricalcitol + ω-3 groups. Diabetes was generated by high-fat/high-fructose diet and a single streptozotocin injection (40 mg/kg). DN was confirmed by raised fasting blood glucose (FBG), polyuria, proteinuria, and decreased urine creatinine levels. Paricalcitol intraperitoneal injections (0.25 µg/Kg/day; 5 times/week) and oral ω-3 (415 mg/kg/day; 5 times/week) started at week-9 and for eight weeks. Results: The PC group showed hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, abnormal renal biochemical parameters, elevated caspase-3 expression, and increased apoptosis by TUNEL technique. The mRNAs and proteins of the pathogenic molecules (TGF-ß1/iNOS) and markers of tissue damage (NGAL/KIM-1) augmented substantially in the PC renal tissues relative to the NC group. The oxidative stress (MDA/H2O2/protein carbonyl groups) and pro-inflammatory (IL1ß/IL6/TNF-α) markers increased, whereas the anti-inflammatory (IL10) and anti-oxidative (GSH/GPx1/GR/SOD1/CAT) declined, in the PC renal tissues. The monotherapy groups were associated with ameliorated FBG, lipid profile and renal functions, and diminished TGF-ß1/iNOS/NGAL/KIM-1/Caspase-3 alongside the apoptotic index than the PC group. The oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers decreased, whilst the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory molecules escalated, in the monotherapy groups than the PC group. Although the Paricalcitol renoprotective actions were better than ω-3, all the biomarkers were abnormal than the NC group. Alternatively, the Paricalcitol + ω-3 protocol exhibited the best improvements in metabolic control, renal functions, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. However, FBG and tissue damage were persistently higher in the co-therapy group than controls. Conclusions: Both monotherapies showed modest efficacy against DN, whereas their combination displayed boosted renoprotection, possibly by enhancing renal anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.

Corrigendum: Consumption of Food Components of the Mediterranean Diet Decreases the Risk of Breast Cancer in the Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia: A Case-Control Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.863029.].

Predictors of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage consumption and its effect on adiposity parameters of female Saudi students.

The prevalence of obesity has recently increased, accompanied by a steep increase in the consumption of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages (SSCBs). This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the impact of SSCB consumption on adiposity parameters and to identify factors associated with increased SSCB intake among young adult females in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A validated closed questionnaire including 2 sections, general socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics and anthropometric measurements, was used for data collection of female students (n = 1616) from Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and body composition were measured using an Omron HBF-510 body composition analyzer. Overall, 30.2% of the study participants consumed soda regularly. However, the percentages of occasional and never/rare soda intake were 40.1% and 29.7%, respectively. The results showed that BMI, WC, HC, body fat, and visceral fat increased with increasing SSCB intake. Physical inactivity, low income, smoking, low daily water intake, and obesity were associated with increased consumption of SSCB. In conclusion, a high rate of SSCB consumption increased obesity and body fat content in young adult females in Makkah City. Physical inactivity, low income, smoking, low daily water intake, and obesity were identified as predictors of increased SSCB consumption. Specific health education programs and effective public awareness campaigns could be held to address unhealthy SSCB drinking patterns to help improve young women's health.

Factors Associated with Thyroid Disorders and Iodine Adequacy in Pregnant Saudi Women.

Little is known about iodine adequacy and gestational thyroid disorders (GTDs) in Saudi Arabia. This study measured the rates of GTDs and iodine adequacy in 810 healthy Saudi women. Concentrations of serum thyroid hormones and 24-h urine iodine (24-h UIC), and GTDs were diagnosed according to the American Thyroid Association guidelines. Dietary and socioeconomic data to determine factors associated with GTDs and iodine insufficiency were collected. GTDs were detected in 265 women (32.7%) as follows: subclinical (SCH; 20.2%) and overt (OH; 5.8%) hypothyroidism, isolated hypothyroxinemia (ISH; 4.7%) and hyperthyroidism (2%). The SCH (109.2 µg/L; IQR: 77.2-149.7), OH (95.3 µg/L; IQR: 74.3-130.5) and ISH (107.3 µg/L; IQR: 65.5-133.1) groups had median 24-h UIC below the WHO recommended limit, whereas the euthyroid (191.4 µg/L; IQR: 170.03-219.8) and hyperthyroid (159.5 µg/L; IQR: 152.9-238.3) groups were iodine sufficient. Numbers of pregnancies, less education, not consuming iodized salt and not using iodine supplements increased risk of hypothyroidism and ISH. Contrariwise, interval ≥ 3 years from last pregnancy and higher 24-h UIC decreased odds of hypothyroidism and ISH. Moreover, dairy products and egg consumption were markedly lower in all GTD groups. Dairy products and seafood consumption correlated independently with 24-h UIC of the study participants, whereas consuming yogurt, eggs, redfish and shellfish protected against GTDs. In conclusion, GTDs appear to be prevalent in pregnant Saudi women and the hypothyroid and hypothyroxinemia groups had iodine insufficiency. However, consuming iodized salt, iodine supplements, dairy products, seafoods and eggs may protect against GTDs.

Iodine adequacy in reproductive age and pregnant women living in the Western region of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Despite the serious maternal and foetal complications associated with iodine deficiency during pregnancy, surveys related to pregnant women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are lacking. This study, therefore, measured urine iodine concentrations (UIC) alongside the potential socioeconomic factors contributing towards iodine inadequacy in reproductive age and pregnant Saudi women from the Western province of KSA. METHODS: Spot urine samples were collected from 1222 pregnant and 400 age-matched non-pregnant/non-lactating reproductive age women. The socioeconomic characteristics were obtained through a structured questionnaire. The WHO criteria for iodine sufficiency in non-pregnant (100-199 µg/L) and pregnant (150-249 µg/L) women were applied. RESULTS: The median UIC in the non-pregnant women (101.64 µg/L; IQR: 69.83-143.55) was at the lowermost WHO recommended cut-off, whereas the pregnant group was iodine deficient (112.99 µg/L; IQR: 81.01-185.57). Moreover, the median UIC was below adequacy across the different trimesters. The use of non-iodised salt significantly increased the risk of iodine deficiency in the non-pregnant (OR = 2.052; 95%CI: 1.118-3.766) and pregnant women (OR = 3.813; 95%CI: 1.992-7.297), whereas taking iodine supplements significantly lowered the risk in both groups (OR = 0.364; 95%CI: 0.172-0.771 and OR = 0.002; 95%CI: 0.001-0.005, respectively). Passive smoking was also an independent risk factor for iodine deficiency in the non-pregnant (OR = 1.818; 95%CI: 1.097-3.014) and pregnant (OR = 1.653; 95%CI: 1.043-2.618) groups. Additionally, BMI correlated independently and significantly with median UIC in the non-pregnant and pregnant populations. However, multiparity (OR = 3.091; 95%CI: 1.707-5.598) and earning below the minimum wage (2.520; 95%CI: 1.038-6.119) significantly increased the risk of iodine deficiency only in the non-pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show borderline iodine sufficiency in reproductive age Saudi women from the Western province, whereas mild iodine deficiency was observed in the pregnant population and could represent a serious public health problem. This study also advocates the necessity to establish routine iodine dietary advice services by the health authorities to foster adequate iodine intake in pregnant women to avoid the perilous consequences of iodine deficiency on maternal-foetal health.