Systematic review using meta-analyses to estimate dose-response relationships between iodine intake and biomarkers of iodine status in different population groups.

The objective of this systematic review was to identify studies investigating iodine intake and biomarkers of iodine status, to assess the data of the selected studies, and to estimate dose-response relationships using meta-analysis. All randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, nested case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies that supplied or measured dietary iodine and measured iodine biomarkers were included. The overall pooled regression coefficient (ß) and the standard error of ß were calculated by random-effects meta-analysis on a double-log scale, using the calculated intake-status regression coefficient (ß) for each individual study. The results of pooled randomized controlled trials indicated that the doubling of dietary iodine intake increased urinary iodine concentrations by 14% in children and adolescents, by 57% in adults and the elderly, and by 81% in pregnant women. The dose-response relationship between iodine intake and biomarkers of iodine status indicated a 12% decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone and a 31% decrease in thyroglobulin in pregnant women. The model of dose-response quantification used to describe the relationship between iodine intake and biomarkers of iodine status may be useful for providing complementary evidence to support recommendations for iodine intake in different population groups.

Unfavourable plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid profile in elite amateur boxers.

Research on possible physiological changes as a consequence of a specific lifestyle and long-term strenuous exercise in boxing has been sparse. We determined plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid (PL) fatty acids (FA) profile of 16 elite amateur male boxers (22.4±3.3 years of age), and compared them with a control group composed of 19 sedentary (24.4±3.4) year-old men. The percentages of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monosaturated FA in plasma phospholipids were significantly higher (P <0.001) in boxers compared to the control group. On the other hand, all studied polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in plasma PL with the exception of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5, n-3) and docosatetraenoic acid (DTA, 22:4, n-6) were significantly lower in boxers than in sedentary men. Total PUFA, n-6 PUFA and n-3 PUFA were also significantly lower in boxers (P <0.001), whereas the n-6/n-3 ratio was higher in boxers than in control group (P <0.01). Boxers had significantly higher proportion of all SFA in erythrocyte PL compared to the control group (P <0.05). In addition, the percentage of linoleic acid was lower in boxers' erythrocyte PL than in the control group (P <0.05). The results show two potentially unfavourable main features of the FA profile of boxers, that is, a higher n-6/n-3 ratio in plasma PL and a higher percentage of SFA in both plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids compared to controls. As SFA correlates directly with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and high n-6/n-3 ratio has been shown to stimulate carcinogenesis and modulate inflammation and autoimmunity, this profile could be detrimental to the health of boxers. The mechanism underlying these differences requires further investigation; however the results suggest benefits of nutritional intervention.

Altered plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid profile in elite female water polo and football players.

The impact of chronic, intense exercise, such as in elite athletes, on phospholipids fatty acids (FA) composition has not been studied in women so far. This study aimed to investigate FA profiles in plasma and erythrocytes phospholipids in elite female water polo (N = 15) and football (N = 19) players in comparison with sedentary women. In spite of similar dietary patterns, as assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, plasma FA profile in the football players showed significantly higher proportions of stearic acid, oleic acid, and monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and significantly lower proportions of total and n-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) than in the water polo and control group. The water polo players had higher percentages of palmitoleic acid and arachidonic acid than the control subjects. Erythrocyte FA profile differed among groups. We found significantly higher proportion of oleic acid and MUFA in the football group than in the controls, and decreased stearic acid and elevated palmitic and palmitoleic acid in the water polo players than in the other 2 groups. Both groups of athletes had significantly lower percentages of n-6 dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, n-6 PUFA, and total PUFA compared with the controls. The estimated activities of elongase and desaturases in erythrocytes were also altered in the athletes. Our results indicate that long-term, intense physical training significantly affects FA status of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids in women. The observed differences between the water polo and the football players suggest that the type of regular training may contribute to the altered metabolism of FA, although possible genetic differences among the 3 study groups cannot be ruled out.

Abnormal fatty acid distribution of the serum phospholipids of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The data about the fatty acid (FA) status of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients are poor. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the FA profile of serum phospholipids in NHL patients related to the aggressiveness and clinical stage of NHL. We analyzed the FA profile of serum phospholipids in 47 newly diagnosed, untreated NHL patients and in 29 healthy subjects. Significantly higher (p < 0.001) levels of palmitic (16:0), oleic (18:1 n-9) and arachidonic acids (20:4 n-6), saturated and monounsaturated FA were found in NHL patients, while linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) and the levels of total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), n-3 PUFA, eicosapentaenoic (20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic (DHA, 22:6 n-3) were significantly reduced (p < 0.01). The level of oleic acid in patients with indolent NHL was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in more aggressive types of disease. Contents of palmitoleic acid, docosatetraenoic (22:4 n-6), and PUFA was lower in very aggressive NHL. According to clinical stage (CS), patients with CS I had significantly higher SFA and lower n-6 FA than other three groups, and group with CS IV showed significantly decreased DHA and n-3 PUFA. Our results showed an abnormal FA profile in serum phospholipids in NHL patients.

Serum and erythrocyte membrane phospholipids fatty acid composition in hyperlipidemia: effects of dietary intervention and combined diet and fibrate therapy.

Hyperlipidemia is found to be associated with changes in fatty acid (FA) profiles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AHA-Step-1 dietary treatment and combination of fibrates (gemfibrozil) with dietary intervention on serum and erythrocyte phospholipid FA composition in human hyperlipidemia. 78 study participants with hyperlipidemia were divided in two groups. In D group (n = 41) subjects followed AHA-Step-1 diet (<30% of total from fat, <10% of energy from saturated fat, and <300 mg cholesterol per day). D+F group (n = 37) followed Step-1 diet and were receiving gemfibrozil (300 mg/twice per day). Serum lipid levels and phospholipid serum and erythrocyte FA compositions were analyzed at the beginning and after 12 weeks of treatment. Alteration in serum and erythrocyte phospholipid FA profile were found in both groups. After both treatments we found significantly higher serum phospholipid percentages of n-3, n-6 and total polyunsaturated FA. Linoleic (LA, n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, n-3) were higher in D group, but arachidonic (AA, n-6) and linolenic acid (LNA, n-3) in D+F group. In erythrocyte phospholipid levels of stearic, palmitoleic (16 : 1, n-7) and LA were significantly higher in D group, but palmitic acid, AA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, n-3) in D+F group. Stronger correlation between serum triglycerides with EPA and DHA in erythrocyte membrane phospholipid was found in D+F group. Markedly increased percentage of AA in serum and erythrocyte membrane phospholipid in hyperlipidemic patients receiving gemfibrozil on Step-1 diet is especially important for physiological functions (inflammation, vascular tone, hemostasis etc.) in relation to cardiometabolic risk.

Plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid profile in professional basketball and football players.

The effect of intensive long-term physical activity on phospholipid fatty acid (FA) composition has not been studied thoroughly. We determined plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid FA status of professional basketball and football players. Our results showed differences in plasma FA profile not only between sportsmen and sedentary subjects, but also between two groups of sportsmen. Plasma FA profile in basketball players showed significantly higher proportion of n-6 FA (20:3, 20:4, and 22:4) and total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) than controls, while football players had higher palmitoleic acid (16:1) than basketball players and controls. Total PUFA and 22:4 were also higher in basketball than in football players. Erythrocyte FA profile showed no differences between football players and controls. However, basketball players had higher proportion of 18:0 than controls, higher saturated FA and lower 18:2 than two other groups, and higher 22:4 than football players. These findings suggest that long-term intensive exercise and type of sport influence FA profile.

Dietary assessment methods used for low-income populations in food consumption surveys: a literature review.

In order to assess nutritional adequacy, reliable estimates of nutrient intake are required. Specifically, the EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned (EURRECA) Network of Excellence needs clear guidelines on methods suitable for assessing micronutrient intakes among vulnerable population groups. The objective of this project was to collect, evaluate data and review the suitability of methods used to assess dietary intake of low-income groups across Europe. A comprehensive literature review methodology was employed, which involved structured search MEDLINE, from 1990 to 2008, on (nutrient intake methods) and (validity terms) and (human studies) and finally (low-income terms). In addition, manual searches were conducted for published books and national studies. Seven studies satisfied the selection criteria for inclusion in the review in which four dietary intake methods had been described and validated. Three other studies found in the grey literature used similar methods. Only one study tested a variety of methods to assess reliability and the method preferred by those having low incomes. Preferred methods were 24 h recalls and a FFQ which, compared with the weighed inventory, also yielded higher estimates of energy and nutrient intakes. Many of the methods used in low-income populations have not been subjected to evaluation and consequently may not demonstrate sensitivity and/or specificity when used in this population. Based on one study only, four multiple-pass 24 h recalls are recommended as the most appropriate method for the evaluation of nutritional adequacy in low-income households.

Effects of soybean D-LeciVita product on serum lipids and fatty acid composition in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hyperlipidemia is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular complication in diabetes. High intake of soy product has been suggested to prevent cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if dietary supplement of soybean D-LeciVita product, rich in polyunsaturated phospholipids (with 12% lecithin, 35% soy protein) affects serum lipids and serum and erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid composition in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (men and post-menopausal women) with isolated hypertriglyceridemia (IHTG) and combined hyperlipidemia (CHL), aged 43-70 years, were given 15g of D-LeciVita powder as a water suspension in a single evening dose during the follow-up period of 12 weeks. Patients kept their diabetic diet relatively constant. Treatment was associated with a significant (p < or = 0.001) decrease in serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 12% and 22%, respectively. LDL-cholesterol decreased by 16% and HDL-cholesterol increased by 11% (p < or = 0.001). Our study shows a 27% decrease in LDL-cholesterol (p < or = 0.001) and a 12% increase in HDL-cholesterol (p < or = 0.01) in CHL type 2 diabetic patients. Triglyceride levels decreased in type 2 diabetic patients with IHTG and CHL by 29% and 13%, respectively (p < or = 0.01 and p < or = 0.05). Our results show decrease in SFA and increase in n-6 and n-3 PUFA in serum and erythrocyte phospholipids. SFA decreased and n-3 PUFA increased in serum and erythrocyte phospholipids in IHTG and CHL groups. CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that added to a regular diet, soybean D-LeciVita product (combination of soy protein and lecithin) is associated not only with lipid-lowering effects but also with more favorable serum phospholipids fatty acid profile in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia.