Therapeutics effects of bovine colostrum applications on gastrointestinal diseases: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the effects of bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation on gastrointestinal (GI) diseases is conflicting. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review summarized the findings of clinical trials (CTs) on the effects of BC supplementation on GI diseases. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in online databases, including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus, until March 2021 and updated until December 2023. CTs investigated BC's effect on any measurable symptomatic change in terms of GI health as the primary outcome variable or as one of the outcomes in any population eligible for this systematic review. RESULTS: Out of 6881 records, 22 CTs (uncontrolled = 4, cross-over = 1, and parallel = 17) with 1427 patients were enrolled in the systematic review. Diarrhea, the most frequently evaluated symptom (20 interventional arms), was decreased in frequency with BC supplementation in 15 of these arms. However, most studies reported no change in its duration. BC supplementation consistently reduced stool frequency across all seven studies. Abdominal pain relief was noted in four interventional arms but showed no improvement in five others. Assessment of other GI symptoms was limited, yielding inconclusive results. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence on the effects of BC on GI diseases, with mixed findings. More well-designed controlled clinical trials are required to explore its effects.

Bovine Colostrum in Increased Intestinal Permeability in Healthy Athletes and Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Increasing intestinal permeability causes chronic inflammation, which is one of the etiological factors of many diseases that presently constitute global challenges. AIMS: Considering the importance of developing therapies to eliminate the increased intestinal permeability, in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we analyze the impact of bovine colostrum (BC) on the gut barrier and its permeability. METHODS: Online databases, including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched to find pertinent articles up to March 2022. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were considered as effect sizes. The random-effects model was used to pool the study results. RESULTS: A total of ten articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled effect revealed a significant reduction in the 5-h urinary lactulose/rhamnose ratio after BC consumption [mean difference (MD): -0.24; 95% CI -0.43 to -0.04; I2 = 99%] and urinary lactulose/mannitol ratio (MD: -0.01; 95% CI -0.02 to -0.001; I2 = 29.8%). No differences were observed in the plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) between BC and control groups (MD: 2.30; 95% CI -293.9 to 298.5; I2 = 92%). CONCLUSIONS: BC supplementation significantly reduced intestinal permeability; however, to confirm the results, more randomized clinical trials considering different quality, dose, and duration are needed.

Burden of colorectal cancer and its risk factors in the North Africa and Middle East (NAME) region, 1990-2019: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study.

OBJECTIVE: The geographical differences in incidence rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its burden due to modifiable risk factors warrant investigating the CRC burden and its risk factors in different regions. In the current study, we aimed to estimate the burden of CRC and the share of its risk factors in the North Africa and Middle East (NAME), from 1990 to 2019. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: The rates of incidence, prevalence, death, years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD), and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) of CRC were estimated through the framework of the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD), Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2019 by age, sex, between 1990 and 2019. The CRC-related DALYs attributable to each lifestyle and metabolic risk factor was also estimated through a comparative risk assessment approach. RESULTS: In NAME region, the trends of incidence, prevalence, death, YLL, YLD, and DALYs of CRC were increasing, with higher rates in males than females over this period. High and high-middle socio-demographic index (SDI) countries had greater CRC DALYs rate compared with middle- and low-SDI countries in 2019, except for Palestine [434.66 (95% UI: 368.82, 503.88)]. In NAME region, like the global, dietary risk (33.18%), low whole grain intake (19.79%), and low intake of milk (15.77%) were the major contributing risk factors to DALYs due to CRC in 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Due to increasing trend of CRC burden and the considerable role of lifestyle and metabolic factors in its burden in NAME region, implementing fundamental strategies to minimize CRC burden and its risk factors is imperative.

Coffee Consumption and Risk of Hypertension in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The association between coffee intake and hypertension (HTN) risk is controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at summarizing the current evidence on the association of coffee with hypertension risk in observational studies. METHODS: PubMed/Medline and Web of Science were searched for observational studies up to February 2023. Observational studies which assessed the risk of HTN in the highest category of coffee consumption in comparison with the lowest intake were included in the current meta-analysis (registration number: CRD42022371494). The pooled effect of coffee on HTN was evaluated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies i.e., thirteen cross-sectional studies and twelve cohorts were identified to be eligible. Combining 13 extracted effect sizes from cohort studies showed that higher coffee consumption was associated with 7% reduction in the risk of HTN (95% CI: 0.88, 0.97; I2: 22.3%), whereas combining 16 effect sizes from cross-sectional studies illustrated a greater reduction in HTN risk (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.72, 0.87; I2 = 63.2%). These results varied by studies characteristics, such as the region of study, participants' sex, study quality, and sample size. CONCLUSIONS: An inverse association was found between coffee consumption and hypertension risk in both cross-sectional and cohort studies. However, this association was dependent on studies characteristics. Further studies considering such factors are required to confirm the results of this study.

Effects of gluten on dyspeptic symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

CONTEXT: Research on the effects of gluten on dyspeptic symptoms has shown conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was to assess the effects of gluten on dyspeptic symptoms. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and Embase online databases was performed up to May 2022. DATA EXTRACTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that examined the impact of a gluten-free diet, a low-gluten diet, or a gluten challenge on dyspeptic symptoms, including early satiety, epigastric pain, bloating, and nausea, were selected independently by 2 authors. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) framework was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Results were pooled using a random-effects model and expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95%CIs. DATA ANALYSIS: Of the 7641 citations retrieved, 27 articles (18 RCTs and 9 non-RCTs) were included in the systematic review. Of those, 5 RCTs were eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that gluten challenge significantly increased the severity of bloating (WMD = 0.67; 95%CI, 0.37-0.97; I2 = 81.8%; n = 6), early satiety (WMD = 0.91; 95%CI, 0.58-1.23; I2 = 27.2%; n = 5), and epigastric pain (WMD = 0.46; 95%CI, 0.17-0.75; I2 = 65.8%; n = 6). However, the effect of gluten challenge on the severity of nausea (WMD = 0.13; 95%CI, -0.17 to 0.43; I2 = 0.0%, n = 5) was nonsignificant. CONCLUSION: Gluten challenge significantly worsened dyspeptic symptoms, including bloating, early satiety, and epigastric pain, but did not affect nausea. These findings suggest that gluten restriction could be efficient in reducing dyspeptic symptoms. Well-designed large RCTs recruiting homogenous groups of patients with functional dyspepsia are needed to clarify the effectiveness of gluten restriction on dyspeptic symptoms.

Association of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids with blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at summarizing earlier findings on the association of n-6 PUFAs levels in diets or blood with blood pressure. METHODS: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for observational studies. Publications with data on the risk of hypertension, or the correlation between n-6 PUFAs or mean values of serum n-6 PUFAs levels in normotensive and hypertensive were included. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies (16 cross-sectional studies, 5 cohorts and one case-control) were eligible. Combining 14 extracted effect sizes showed that higher circulatory/dietary n-6 PUFAs tended to be associated with 10% lower risk of HTN (95% CI: 0.81, 1.00), whereas combining 23 effect sizes illustrated no difference in circulatory/dietary n-6 PUFAs mean levels between normotensive and hypertensive subjects. According to subgroup analysis based on fatty acid types, total n-6 PUFAs (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.97) and linoleic acid (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.82) were inversely related to the risk of HTN. Circulatory/dietary n-6 PUFAs were correlated neither with systolic nor with diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Higher circulatory/dietary n-6 PUFAs tend to be associated with lower odds of HTN. Particularly, total n-6 PUFAs and linoleic acid were associated with lower risk of HTN.

Association between ultra-processed foods consumption and micronutrient intake and diet quality in Iranian adults: a multicentric study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify ultra-processed foods (UPF) contribution to daily energy and nutrient intake in Iranians and examine whether UPF intake is associated with nutrient profile and diet quality. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, a validated FFQ was used to evaluate usual dietary intake over the preceding year. NOVA system was applied to categorise foods based on their levels of processing. Diet quality was evaluated using the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF) and hybrid nutrient density. SETTING: The LIPOKAP study conducted in five cities of Iran (Isfahan, Birjand, Bandar Abbas, Kermanshah and Shahrekord). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1994 adults aged ≥18 years were recruited using stratified multistage random cluster sampling method. RESULTS: UPF were responsible for 8·5 % of daily energy intake. In the adjusted model, UPF consumption was inversely associated with carbohydrate, protein, refined and whole grains, fibre, fruit and meat, but was positively linked to energy, total fat, saturated and trans fatty acids and cholesterol. Compared with those in the lowest tertile, individuals in the highest tertile of UPF had smaller NAR for Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, phosphorus, thiamin, niacin, folate and vitamin C. Both NRF and hybrid nutrient density decreased when the share of daily energy intake from UPF increased. CONCLUSION: The higher consumption of UPF is associated with poorer diet quality and lower nutrient intake. It is recommended that UPF be replaced with minimally processed foods to improve diet quality and nutrient profile.

The association of dietary macronutrient quality indices with depression and anxiety symptoms and quality of life in Iranian adults: The LipoKAP study.

BACKGROUND: Macronutrients' quality may impact differently on mental health and quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between the carbohydrate quality index (CQI), fat quality index (FQI), protein quality index (PQI), the affective mental symptoms and QOL among Iranian adults. METHODS: The LipoKAP is a cross-sectional study, conducted with 2456 adults in Iran. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate usual dietary intakes. A validated Iranian version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess the severity of anxiety and depression. QOL was assessed by EQ-5D. RESULT: In the fully adjusted model, participants in the highest tertile of CQI had lower QOL than those in the lowest tertile (OR = 1.35; 95 % CI: 1.06, 1.73). Individuals in the top tertile of FQI (OR = 0.71; 95 % CI: 0.55, 0.91) and PQI (OR = 0.78; 95 % CI: 0.60; 1.01) were less likely to report lower QOL than those in the bottom tertile. An inverse association was found between PQI and depressive symptoms (OR = 0.72, 95 % CI: 0.55, 0.95), but not for CQI and FQI. LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional design of the study and the use of a memory-based dietary tool may limit the generalizability of our findings. CONCLUSION: Higher PQI was associated with lower risk of depressive symptoms and having a low-quality life. Although CQI and FQI were not related to depressive and anxiety symptoms, higher values of FQI were associated with better QOL, while CQI showed an inverse association.

The long-term association of different dietary protein sources with metabolic syndrome.

Due to scarce epidemiologic data linking dietary protein intakes and metabolic syndrome (MetS), we aim to determine the longitudinal association of different types of dietary protein with the incidence of MetS among Iranians adults. The study was conducted in the framework of the Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS) on 6504 adults, aged ≥ 35 years, and free of MetS at baseline. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used for assessing usual dietary intakes. MetS was defined according to the Joint Scientific Statement. Mixed-effects logistic regression was applied to examine the associations between changes in weekly frequency consumption of protein and MetS status. After a median follow-up of 11.25 years, in multivariate-adjusted model, each additional frequency consumption of total protein intake (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.81-0.85), animal protein (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.77-0.83), plant protein (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.64-0.76), red meat (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.70-0.78), poultry (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.68-0.78), egg (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.72-0.88) and nuts and seeds (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.71-0.84) was associated with reduced risk of MetS. No significant association was found for processed meat (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.87-1.01) and legumes and soy (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.86-1.07) with MetS. Our results suggest an independent inverse association between total protein, animal and plant protein and the risk of MetS. These associations did not differ by sex. Although our results can be considered to be a strategy to reduce MetS risk by dietary guidelines, randomized clinical trials are required to confirm our findings.

Whole grain intake favorably affects blood glucose and serum triacylglycerols in overweight and obese children: A randomized controlled crossover clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of whole grain consumption on the metabolic profiles of overweight or obese children. METHODS: This was a randomized crossover clinical trial with 44 overweight or obese girls. After a 2-wk run-in period, girls were randomly assigned to either intervention or control groups. Participants in the intervention group were asked to obtain 50% of their grain servings from whole grain foods each day for 6 wk. Those in the control group were asked not to consume any of these foods. A 4-wk washout period was applied following which participants were crossed over to the alternate arm. Fasting blood samples were taken before and after each phase of study. RESULTS: Mean (± SD) age and body mass index was 11.2 ± 1.49 y and 23.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2, respectively. Mean whole grain intake in intervention and control groups throughout the study was 26.5 and 3.7 g/d, respectively (P = 0.01). Whole grain consumption resulted in lower concentrations of plasma glucose (changes from baseline in intervention group: -0.10 versus 0.21 mmol/L in control group, P = 0.01), serum triacylglycerols (changes from baseline in intervention group: -0.18 versus 0.08 mmol/L in control group, P = 0.01) and higher concentrations of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (changes from baseline in intervention group: 0.16 versus -0.14 mmol/L in control group, P = 0.05) after 6 wk of intervention. No effects of whole grain intake on serum concentrations of total- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or on blood pressure were found. CONCLUSION: This study provided evidence supporting the beneficial effects of whole grain foods on serum concentrations of glucose, triacylglycerols and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in overweight children.

The effects of whole grain intake on anthropometric measures in overweight and obese children: a crossover randomised clinical trial.

Whole-grain foods have been reported to affect body weight and satiety. However, we are aware of no study in this regard among children. The present study aimed to determine the effects of whole grain consumption on anthropometric measures in overweight or obese children. In this randomised crossover clinical trial, forty-four overweight or obese girls participated. After a 2-week run-in period, subjects were randomly assigned to either intervention (n 44) or non-intervention (n 44) groups. Subjects in the intervention group were given a list of whole-grain foods and were asked to obtain half of their grain servings from these foods each day for 6 weeks. Individuals in the non-intervention group were asked not to consume any of these foods. A 4-week washout period was applied. Then, participants were crossed over to the alternate arm. The measurements were done before and after each phase. Mean age, weight and BMI of participants were 11·2 (sd 1·49) years, 51·2 (sd 10·2) kg and 23·5 (sd 2·5) kg/m2, respectively. Despite the slight reduction in weight and BMI, there were no significant differences in changes in these anthropometric measures. We found a significant effect of whole grain intake on waist circumference (-2·7 v. 0·3 cm, P = 0·04). No significant changes in hip circumference were observed. Changes in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity were not significantly different. This study indicated a beneficial effect of whole-grain foods on waist circumference in overweight children; however, these foods did not influence weight and BMI.

The effects of concurrent Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine supplementation in migraine prophylaxis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to determine the effects of combined supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 with L-carnitine on mitochondrial metabolic disorders marker and migraine symptoms among migraine patients. METHODS: A total of 56 men and women, between 20-40 years of age with migraine headache, participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 30 mg/day Coenzyme Q10 and 500 mg/day L-carnitine at the same time and/or placebo tablets for 8 weeks. The measurements were completed at the beginning and end of the study. The primary outcome was severity of headache attacks. The secondary outcomes included duration, frequency of headache attacks, the headache diary results (HDR), and serum levels of lactate. RESULTS: A significant reduction was obtained in serum levels of lactate (-2.28 mg/dl, 95% CI: -3.65, -0.90; p = 0.002), severity (-3.03, 95% CI: -3.65, -2.40; p ≤ 0.001), duration (-7.67, 95% CI: -11.47, -3.90; p ≤ 0.001), frequency (-5.42, 95% CI: -7.31, -3.53; p ≤ 0.001) and HDR (-103.03, 95% CI: -145.76, -60.29; p ≤ 0.001) after 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: This double-blind parallel study provides evidences supporting the beneficial effects of Coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine supplements on serum levels of lactate and migraine symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20121216011763N21.

Effects of Whole-Grain Consumption on Selected Biomarkers of Systematic Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Whole grains have potential benefits in preventing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes; nevertheless, results from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on inflammatory markers are controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis of RCTs was to examine the effect of whole grains on inflammatory markers A systematic literature search was conducted by using the online database of PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus for relevant studies up to November 2017, using Medical Subject Headings and other related keywords. Only studies that compared the effects of whole grains on inflammatory markers with refined grains were included. From more than 2278 articles, 17 RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were systematically reviewed. Weighted mean differences were estimated and pooled effect size was calculated by random effects model. Thirteen RCTs with 466 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Whole-grain consumption had a significant effect on serum concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; Hedges' g: -0.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.45, 0.00; p = 0.047), interleukin-6 (IL-6; -0.28 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.55, -0.02; p = 0.037) but did not result in a significant decline in serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α; -0.12 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.39, 0.15; p = 0.396). Significant heterogeneity was observed between studies for hs-CRP (I2 = 69.0%, p < 0.0001), IL-6 (I2 = 96.6%, p < 0.001), and TNF-α (I2 = 95.4%, p < 0.001). In sensitivity analysis, the effect of whole grain intake on hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α was not substantially modified by the result of a single study. Meta-regression for duration showed no significant association between the duration of study and changes in serum C-reactive protein levels (ß coefficient = 0.006, standard error = 0.036; p = 0.870). Conclusions: This meta-analysis of RCTs suggested that whole grains might affect health status via improving systematic inflammation. Key teaching points: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Whole grains consumption was associated with lower serum levels of hs-CRP and IL-6. Whole grains cannot significantly decrease serum levels of TNF-α. We could not found any source for heterogeneity. The effect of whole grains on serum inflammatory biomarkers was independent from duration.

Household socioeconomic status in relation to childhood general and central obesity in Farrokhshahr, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Although the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and general/central obesity has extensively been examined, limited data are available in this regard among children. The aim of this study was to examine the association between household SES and obesity among children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done in Farrokhshahr, Iran, among primary school children aged 6-12 years in 2009. SES was examined using participants' and their parents' oral responses to a pretested questionnaire. In the current study, participants were classified based on tertiles of SES score to low, medium, and high SES categories. General as well as central obesity was defined based on age- and sex-specific national cut-off points. RESULTS: Comparing individuals in the highest versus lowest tertile of SES, there was no significant difference in mean waist circumference (WC), but those in the middle tertile of SES had greater means of body mass index (BMI) than those in the lowest tertile after controlling for potential confounders (16.19 ± 0.27 vs. 15.27 ± 0.27 kg/m2, P = 0.002). We observed a greater chance of general obesity for those in the highest tertile of SES compared with those in the lowest tertile [odds ratio (OR): 4.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.53-10.59, Ptrend = 0.004]. No significant association was seen between SES and central obesity, either before or after controlling for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: We found that children in the highest SES class had a greater chance of general obesity than those in the lowest SES class. There was no significant association between SES and central obesity.

Whole-grain intake favorably affects markers of systemic inflammation in obese children: a randomized controlled crossover clinical trial.

SCOPE: Whole-grain foods have been reported to affect serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. However, we are aware of no study examining the effect of whole-grain intake on inflammatory biomarkers among children. The present study aimed to determine the effect of whole-grain intake on serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers in overweight or obese children. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this randomized crossover clinical trial, 44 overweight or obese girls aged 8-15 years participated. After a 2-week run-in period, subjects were randomly assigned to either whole-grain or control groups. Subjects in the whole-grain group were given a list of whole-grain foods and were asked to obtain half of their needed servings of grains from whole-grain foods each day for 6 weeks. Individuals in the control group were also given a list of whole-grain foods and were asked not to consume any of these foods during the intervention phase of the study. A 4-week washout period was applied following which subjects were crossed over to the alternate arm for an additional 6 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken before and after each phase of the study to quantify markers of systemic inflammation. Mean age, weight, and BMI of study participants were 11.2 ± 1.49 years, 51.2 ± 10.2 kg, and 23.5 ± 2.5 kg/m(2) , respectively. No significant effect of whole-grain intake on weight and BMI was seen compared with the control group. We found a significant effect of whole-grain intake on serum levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (-21.8 versus +12.1%, p = 0.03), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (-28.4 versus +6.3%, p = 0.02), serum amyloid A (-17.4 versus +9.9%, p = 0.02), and leptin (-9.7 versus +39.2%, p = 0.02) after 6 weeks. A trend toward the significant effect of whole-grain intake on serum levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (-36.2% versus -7.8%, p = 0.07) was also observed. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence supporting the beneficial effects of whole-grain foods on biomarkers of systemic inflammation in obese children.