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.

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.

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.

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.].

Determinants of breast cancer in Saudi women from Makkah region: a case-control study (breast cancer risk factors among Saudi women).

BACKGROUND: There are various factors that play a major role in influencing the overall health conditions of women diagnosed with breast cancer. The population of women in Makkah region are diverse, therefore it is significant to highlight the possible determinants of breast cancer in this population. This is a case-control study that assessed determinants of breast cancer including socioeconomic factors, health-related characteristics, menstrual histories and breastfeeding among postmenopausal women in Makkah region in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A total of 432 female participants (214 cases and 218 controls) were recruited for this study. A validated questionnaire was completed by trained dietitians at King Abdullah Medical City Hospital in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Results displayed that determinants of breast cancer were associated significantly (P < 0.05) with unemployment, large family size, lack of knowledge and awareness about breast cancer, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, starting menarche at an early age, as well as hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive use. There was no effect of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and duration of breastfeeding on the incidence of breast cancer. CONCLUSION: In summary, the results of this study accentuate the possible effect of socioeconomic factors, health-related characteristics and menstrual history on the incidence of breast cancer in postmenopausal women in the Makkah region. Education programs should be applied to increase breast cancer awareness and possibly decrease its incidence.

The Combined Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency and Hyperparathyroidism on Postural Stability among Healthy Adult Males.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D has been shown to improve muscle strength and bone health; consequently, be important for maintaining good balance. Possible risk factors related to postural stability in young adults still underdetermined. However, this study was designed to determine the effect of vitamin D status on postural stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 704 healthy young adult males were enrolled in this study. Dynamic balance was measured as overall stability index (OSI) using biodex balance system (BBS). Vitamin D deficiency was defined when its serum level <20 ng mL-1. The effect size was measured for vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the interaction between vitamin D and PTH (VTD*PTH) with respect to the OSI values. Correlations between variables were examined according to the beta standardised coefficient (ß) and the effect size was measured using the partial eta-squared (η2) test. RESULTS: About 95, 3.8 and 1.2% of individuals had deficient, insufficient and normal vitamin D levels, respectively. Vitamin D had no significant effect to OSI, but PTH exhibited a significant correlation with OSI (adjusted ß = 0.095, p = 0.038). A significant effect size was observed between OSI and PTH (adjusted partial η2 = 0.012, p = 0.038) and between OSI and VTD*PTH (adjusted partial η2 = 0.034, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: A significant interaction of vitamin D deficiency and high PTH on postural stability is detected among healthy adult males.