Plant Essential Oils as Healthy Functional Ingredients of Nutraceuticals and Diet Supplements: A Review.

Essential oils (EOs) are mixtures of volatile molecules endowed with health-promoting biological activities that go beyond their role as aromas and natural preservatives and can be exploited to develop functional foods and diet supplements. Their composition is briefly addressed along with regulatory aspects. The potential health benefit of human diet supplementation with EOs is outlined through a review of the recent literature on available clinical trials and preclinical research concerning EOs activity towards: (1) irritable bowel syndrome; (2) inflammatory bowel disease; (3) regulation of microbiota; (4) gastroprotection; (5) hepatoprotection; (6) protection of the urinary tract and diuresis; (7) management of metabolic disorders including hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia; (8) anti-inflammatory and pain control; (9) immunomodulation and protection from influenza; and (10) neuroprotection and modulation of mood and cognitive performance. The emerging potential in such activities of selected EOs is given focus, particularly green and black cumin, bergamot, orange, myrtle, peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, lemon balm, ginger, and garlic.

Alternative food sources for Amblydromella caudiglans (Phytoseiidae) and effects on predation.

The addition of supplemental food sources for natural enemies is a growing component of conservation and augmentative biological control. Supplemental foods can be used to retain natural enemies when prey are scarce and to promote survival, fecundity, longevity, and development of natural enemy populations, especially generalist natural enemies. Amblydromella caudiglans (Schuster) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is one of the most abundant predatory mites found in commercial apple orchards in Washington, USA, and contributes to spider mite control. However, because its widespread presence in commercial apple orchards was only recently discovered, how supplementary food sources affect its performance is unknown. In laboratory studies, we evaluated the performance (fecundity, retention, prey consumption) of the generalist phytoseiid A. caudiglans on commercially available supplemental food sources, including factitious prey (Ephestia eggs and Artemia brine shrimp cysts), and pollens of apple, pear, and cattail. We determined that A. caudiglans will not consume Ephestia eggs and performs best on cattail and pear pollens. Combinations of food sources did not enhance the performance of this predator compared to the best performing single-sources. The presence of alternative food sources did not decrease A. caudiglans predation of twospotted spider mite nymphs, except for Artemia brine shrimp cysts, which had a substantial handling time. These results lay the groundwork for identifying a way to promote and retain this natural enemy in tree fruit cropping systems through the use of food resource applications or floral plantings.

Why AMPK agonists not known to be stressors may surprisingly contribute to miscarriage or hinder IVF/ART.

Here we examine recent evidence suggesting that many drugs and diet supplements (DS), experimental AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonists as well as energy-depleting stress, lead to decreases in anabolism, growth or proliferation, and potency of cultured oocytes, embryos, and stem cells in an AMPK-dependent manner. Surprising data for DS and drugs that have some activity as AMPK agonists in in vitro experiments show possible toxicity. This needs to be balanced against a preponderance of evidence in vivo that these drugs and DS are beneficial for reproduction. We here discuss and analyze data that leads to two possible conclusions: First, although DS and drugs that have some of their therapeutic mechanisms mediated by AMPK activity associated with low ATP levels, some of the associated health problems in vivo and in vitro fertilization/assisted reproductive technologies (IVF/ART) may be better-treated by increasing ATP production using CoQ10 (Ben-Meir et al., Aging Cell 14:887-895, 2015). This enables high developmental trajectories simultaneous with solving stress by energy-requiring responses. In IVF/ART, it is ultimately best to maintain handling and culture of gametes and embryos in the quietest state with low metabolic activity (Leese et al., Mol Hum Reprod 14:667-672, 2008; Leese, Bioessays 24 (9):845-849, 2002) using back-to-nature or simplex algorithms to identify optima (Biggers, Reprod Biomed Online 4 Suppl 1:30-38, 2002). Stress markers, such as checkpoint proteins like TRP53 (aka p53) (Ganeshan et al., Exp Cell Res 358:227-233, 2017); Ganeshan et al., Biol Reprod 83:958-964, 2010) and a small set of kinases from the protein kinome that mediate enzymatic stress responses, can also be used to define optima. But, some gametes or embryos may have been stressed in vivo prior to IVF/ART or IVF/ART optimized for one outcome may be suboptimal for another. Increasing nutrition or adding CoQ10 to increase ATP production (Yang et al., Stem Cell Rev 13:454-464, 2017), managing stress enzyme levels with inhibitors (Xie et al., Mol Hum Reprod 12:217-224, 2006), or adding growth factors such as GM-CSF (Robertson et al., J Reprod Immunol 125:80-88, 2018); Chin et al., Hum Reprod 24:2997-3009, 2009) may increase survival and health of cultured embryos during different stress exposure contexts (Puscheck et al., Adv Exp Med Biol 843:77-128, 2015). We define "stress" as negative stimuli which decrease normal magnitude and speed of development, and these can be stress hormones, reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, or physical stimuli such as hypoxia. AMPK is normally activated by high AMP, commensurate with low ATP, but it was recently shown that if glucose is present inside the cell, AMPK activation by low ATP/high AMP is suppressed (Zhang et al., Nature 548:112-116, 2017). As we discuss in more detail below, this may also lead to greater AMPK agonist toxicity observed in two-cell embryos that do not import glucose. Stress in embryos and stem cells increases AMPK in large stimulation indexes but also direness indexes; the fastest AMPK activation occurs when stem cells are shifted from optimal oxygen to lower or high levels (Yang et al., J Reprod Dev 63:87-94, 2017). CoQ10 use may be better than risking AMPK-dependent metabolic and developmental toxicity when ATP is depleted and AMPK activated. Second, the use of AMPK agonists, DS, and drugs may best be rationalized when insulin resistance or obesity leads to aberrant hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia, and obesity that negatively affect fertility. Under these conditions, beneficial effects of AMPK on increasing triglyceride and fatty acid and glucose uptake are important, as long as AMPK agonist exposures are not too high or do not occur during developmental windows of sensitivity. During these windows of sensitivity suppression of anabolism, proliferation, and stemness/potency due to AMPK activity, or overexposure may stunt or kill embryos or cause deleterious epigenetic changes.

The Role of Nutrients and Diet Characteristics in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are common complications of diabetes mellitus that affect patients' quality of life and pose a burden on the healthcare system. Although malnutrition and specific nutritional deficiencies can seriously impact wound healing in patients with chronic nonhealing wounds, the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of DFUs is still not clear. This review discusses the significance of frequent diet assessment and nutritional education of patients with DFUs with individualized correction of deficiencies and emphasis on adequate protein intake along with correction of vitamins D, C, E, and selenium status. Future research should clarify the impact of nutritional interventions, potentially involving the use of probiotics, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, and successfully translating the findings into practical guidelines for use in everyday clinical practice.

The Effect of Beta-Carotene on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review.

ß-carotene is a powerful antioxidant and dietary precursor of vitamin A whose role in maintaining mental health and cognitive performance, either alone or in combination with other dietary compounds, has been a topic of recent research. However, its effectiveness is still unclear. This systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA guideline and assisted by the MySLR platform, addressed this issue. A total of 16 eligible original research articles were identified. Dietary intake or ß-carotene serum levels were associated with improved measures of cognitive function in 7 out of 10 epidemiological studies included. In intervention studies, ß-carotene consumption alone did not promote better cognitive function in the short term, but only in a long-term intervention with a mean duration of 18 years. However, all but one intervention study suggested the beneficial effects of ß-carotene supplementation at doses ranging from 6 mg to 50 mg per day in combination with a multicomplex such as vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, or selenium for a period of 16 weeks to 20 years. Despite the current limitations, the available evidence suggests a potential association between ß-carotene dietary/supplementary intake and the maintenance of cognitive function. The ß-carotene most probably does not act alone but in synergy with other micronutrients.

Growth Optimization and Rearing of Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) as a Sustainable Food Source.

As a sustainable food source for humans, mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) have a great deal of potential, due to the fact that they have a very favorable nutritional profile and a low environmental impact. For meal production, feed formulation and optimization are important. The mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is the most consumed insect in the world. Mealworms were given a variety of diets, including wheat bran as constant diet supplemented with different levels of Ospor (Bacillus clausii) at 0.002 g, 0.004 g, 0.006 g, and 0.008 g; imutec (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus) at 0.2 g. 0.4 g, 0.6 g, and 0.8 g; fungi (Calocybe indica) at 250 g, 500 g, and 750 g; yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at 50 g, 100 g, and 150 g; and wheat bran (standard diet) were examined in complete randomized design (CRD). Different parameters, i.e., the larval, pupal, and adult weight, size, life span, and nutritional profile of mealworm were studied. When compared with other insect growth promoters, only wheat bran was discovered to be the most efficient. It generated the heaviest and longest larvae at 65.03 mg and 18.32 mm, respectively, as well as pupae weighing 107.55 mg and 19.94 mm, respectively, and adults weighing 87.52 mg and 20.26 mm, respectively. It was also determined that fungi (C. indica) and ospor (B. clausii) promoted faster larval development than yeast (S. cerevisiae) and imutec (L. rhamnosus). Larval mortality was also greater in the imutec (L. rhamnosus) and yeast (S. cerevisiae) diets than the others. No pupal mortality was recorded in all diets. Furthermore, the protein content of Tenebrio. molitor raised on a diet including fungi (C. indica) was the highest at (375 g), with a content of 68.31%, followed by a concentration of (250 g) with a content of 67.84%, and wheat bran (1 kg) (normal diet) with the lowest content at 58.91%. T. molitor larvae fed a diet supplemented with bacterial and fungal had lower fat and ash content than bran-fed T. molitor larvae (standard diet). Wheat bran (normal diet) had the highest fat at 16.11%, and ash at 7.71%. Hence, it is concluded that wheat bran alone or diet containing fungi (C. indica) and ospor (B. clausii) performed better in terms of growth, and these diets and protein content are recommended for the mass rearing of mealworms.

Assessment of Renal Function of Bodybuilders Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids and Diet Supplements.

Introduction Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and diet supplements (DS) are frequently used by bodybuilders. In this specific group, increased muscle mass, the acute effects of exercise, and the use of creatine may affect the creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcr), potentially leading to an underestimation of the GFR. Cystatin C equations offer a more accurate prediction of GFR that is independent of muscle mass. We aimed to assess the renal functions of bodybuilders who use both AAS+DS, as well as those who only use DS, by calculating the GFR based on cystatin C (eGFRcys) and also using a combination of cystatin C and creatinine (eGFRcys/cr). Methods The study included 12 bodybuilders using AAS+DS and 12 bodybuilders using DS. In both groups, serum cystatin C levels, eGFRcys, eGFRcys/cr, urine albumin excretion rates, urine protein excretion rates, and routine tests were examined. Results In AAS+DS users, the average duration of AAS use was 3.08±2.02 years, while for DS users, the duration of supplement use was 3.67±2.49 years. The spot urine albumin/creatinine and protein/creatinine ratios were higher in AAS+DS users (p<0.001 and p=0.006, respectively). Although eGFRcr was found to be similar in the AAS+DS and DS groups (119.67 ± 24.12 ml/min and 122.08 ± 18.03 ml/min, respectively; p=0.426), eGFRcys and the eGFRcys/cr ratio were significantly lower in the AAS+DS group compared to the DS group (eGFRcys: 120.67 ± 19.48 ml/min vs. 122.08 ± 18.03 ml/min, p=0.039; eGFRcys/cr: 121.83 ± 20.62 ml/min vs. 126.33 ± 21.163 ml/min, p= 0.036, respectively). Conclusion Cystatin-based GFR values were found to be significantly lower in AAS+DS users, and urinary albumin and protein excretion were considerably higher compared to DS users. Although these findings suggest a potential link between early kidney damage and the direct use of AAS, the topic requires further investigation.

Levels of Circulating IgM and IgY Natural Antibodies in Broiler Chicks: Association with Genotype and Farming Systems.

Naturally occurring antibodies (NAbs), which are major components of innate immunity, exist in circulation under healthy conditions without prior antigenic stimulation and are able to recognize both self- and non-self-constituents. The present study aimed at identifying potential immunological differences between commercial fast- and slow-growth broilers (n = 555) raised in conventional and free-range systems, respectively, through the use of the specificity, isotypes and levels of circulating NAbs. The possible beneficial effect of oregano-based dietary supplementation was also evaluated. To this end, serum IgM and IgY NAbs against self- (actin and DNA) and non-self- antigens (trinitrophenol and lipopolysaccharide) were measured by ELISA and further correlated with genotype, season and performance. Significantly higher levels of IgM NAbs against all antigens were found in slow-growth compared to fast-growth broilers. IgM NAb levels were also significantly increased in dietarily supplemented slow-growth broilers versus those consuming standard feed. Moreover, significantly elevated levels of anti-DNA IgY NAbs were found in fast-growth compared to slow-growth broilers, whereas the opposite was observed for anti-LPS IgY NAbs. Multivariate linear regression analysis confirmed multiple interactions between NAb levels, genotype, season and performance. Overall, serum NAbs have proven to be valuable innovative immunotools in the poultry industry, efficiently differentiating fast-growing versus slow-growing broilers, and dietary supplementation of plant extracts can enhance natural immunity.

Modulation of gut microbiota: The effects of a fruits and vegetables supplement.

The consumption of an optimal amount of fruits and vegetables is known to improve physical fitness and physiological body functions. Healthy eating habits, including intake of fruits and vegetables, can modify gut microbiota. This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of a formulated fruit and vegetable supplement (FVS) in modulating the antioxidant capacity and the gut microbiota composition. We enrolled 30 healthy volunteer subjects, matched for age, gender, BMI, and smoking habits, and randomized them into the FVS and the placebo (PLA) groups. Among the serum vitamins, the folic acid level was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in the FVS group than in the PLA group, whereas the vitamin B2 level was significantly higher in the PLA group than in the FVS group (p = 0.028). The antioxidant capacity, measured by using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method, was also slightly higher in the FVS group than in the PLA group but did not reach statistical significance. The dietary intake, assessed by 24-h recalls, did not show any significant changes after the supplementation in both the groups. The gut microbiome composition, measured by 16S rDNA sequencing, showed no difference in both alpha and beta diversities, whereas the LEfse analysis revealed a microbial shift after the treatment, with a decreased abundance of the genus Ruminococcus from the Lachnospiraceae family (p = 0.009), and the unclassified genus from the family Erysipelotrichaceae (UC36, p = 0.003) in the FVS group compared with the PLA group (confirmed by SIAMCAT analysis, AUC = 74.1%). With a minor effect, the genus Faecalibacterium and unclassified genus and family from the order Lactobacillales (UC31) were also increased in the FVS group compared with the PLA group (p = 0.0474, p = 0.0352, respectively). SCFA measurement by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed an increased level of 2-methylbutyrate in the FVS group compared with the PLA group (p = 0.0385). Finally, the Spearman correlation analysis showed that in the FVS group, the genus Faecalibacterium positively correlated with 2-methyl butyrate (p = 0.040). In the PLA group, none of the significant bacteria correlated with either SCFA or serum biomarkers. The network analysis confirmed the positive correlation between genus Faecalibacterium and 2-methyl butyrate. We can conclude that the FVS in healthy individuals modified the gut microbiota composition and metabolites, and it can potentially contribute to reduce the pro-inflammatory response along with the antioxidant capacity.

Comparison of Polish and international guidelines on diet supplements in pregnancy - review.

Proper nutrition is an important element that determines the course of pregnancy. Unfortunately, the everyday diet is not always able to cover the increased in pregnancy essential vitamins and minerals requirements. Therefore, pregnant women often use dietary supplements. This study aimed to compare Polish and international recommendations regarding dietary supplementation during pregnancy. The Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (PSGO) recommends in every pregnant woman the dietary supplementation of folates, vitamin D and iodine. Additionally, the benefits of iron supplementation in pregnant women with anemia or at high risk of developing anemia are also highlighted. In the light of Polish guidelines, the magnesium supplementation is recommended in the condition of its reduced level in blood. In the case of limited consumption of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), Polish guidelines recommend in pregnant women's diet, at least 600 mg of DHA every day. Still, in case of the high risk of premature birth - at least 1000 mg DHA a day during the entire pregnancy period should be taken.

The rationale for selenium supplementation in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, according to the current state of knowledge.

Selenium (Se) supplements are commonly prescribed to autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) patients by European endocrinologists, despite the lack of official guidelines. The majority of Europe is depleted of natural Se sources, and the daily population intake does not comply with recommended values. Optimal individual plasma Se concentration is reached when the selenoproteins (selenoprotein P, glutathione peroxidase) are fully saturated. However, Se intake has to be regulated because both Se shortage and overdose negatively impact health. In the case of AIT, Se may alleviate symptoms or prevent progression to hypothyroidism and postpartum hypothyroidism. Se supplementation in euthyroid, subclinical, or overt hypothyroid AIT patients decreased thyroid autoantibodies, lowered or maintained the TSH level, decreased the fT4/fT3 ratio, reduced the body's oxidative stress and inflammatory status, and amended quality of life and thyroid ultrasound structure and volume. In pregnant females, adequate Se intake protected them against miscarriages, preeclampsia/hypertension, preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age infants' birth, and improved child's neuropsychological development. In the elderly population, adequate Se supplementation decreased cardiovascular diseases and hypertension risk, but prolonged intake of excessive doses increased the all-cause mortality rate. Routine Se supplementation implementation requires from researchers and clinicians consideration of specific populational differences in natural Se and iodine supply, the patient's clinical situation (supplementation simultaneously or before levothyroxine treatment, AIT/non-AIT hypothyroidism), individual response to supplementation (Se and selenoprotein P assessment), predisposition (genetic testing), the status of other trace elements, and the interplay between those micronutrients. Moreover, the safety of commercially available Se formulations, doses, and duration of treatment should be determined. Proper guidelines are warranted to standardise the medical approach to Se supplementation. This article presents a comprehensive review of recent randomised-controlled trials, meta-analyses, and clinical trials concerning the risks and benefits of Se supplementation in different clinical settings and specific populations with particular emphasis on AIT in a practical manner.

Lychee Seed as a Potential Hypoglycemic Agent, and Exploration of its Underlying Mechanisms.

Food is people's primal want. A reasonable diet and healthy food not only provide nutrients for human growth but also contribute to disease prevention and treatment, while following an unhealthy diet can lead to an increased risk of many diseases, especially metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. Nature is enriched with different food sources, and it seems that purely natural products are more in line with the current concept of health, which enhance the formation of the notion that "Food/Diet Supplements from Natural Sources as a Medicine." As a delicious fruit, the medicinal values such as anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidation, and antiglycating properties of lychee have been found. Lychee (Litchi in Chinese) is a subtropical fruit plant belonging to the family Sapindaceae. It has been widely cultivated in warm climates worldwide, particularly in China, for thousands of years. In recent years, various phytochemical components such as quercetin, procyanidin A2, and (2R)-naringenin-7-O-(3-O-αL-rhamnopyranosyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside) have been identified in a lychee seed, which may lend a lychee seed as a relatively safe and inexpensive adjuvant treatment for diabetes and diabetic complications. In fact, accumulating evidence has shown that lychee seed, lychee seed extracts, and related compounds have promising antihyperglycemic activities, including improving insulin resistance, anti-inflammatory effect, lipid regulation, neuroprotection, antineurotoxic effect, and renoprotection effect. In this review, we summarized publications on antiglycemic effects and mechanisms of lychee seed, lychee seed extracts, and related compounds, which included their efficacies as a cure for diabetes and diabetic complications in cells, animals, and humans, attempting to obtain a robust evidence basis for the clinical application and value of lychee seed.

Panax Ginseng C.A.Mey. as Medicine: The Potential Use of Panax Ginseng C.A.Mey. as a Remedy for Kidney Protection from a Pharmacological Perspective.

Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. has been widely consumed as food/diet supplements from natural sources, and its therapeutic properties have also aroused widespread concern. Therapeutic properties of Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. such as anti-inflammatory, ameliorating chronic inflammation, enhancing the immunity, resisting the oxidation again, and regulating the glucose and lipid metabolism have been widely reported. Recent years, lots of interesting studies have reported the potential use of Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. in the management of DKD. DKD has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide, which increases the risk of premature death and poses a serious financial burden. Although DKD is somehow controllable with different drugs such as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI), Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) and lowering-glucose agents, modern dietary changes associated with DKD have facilitated research to assess the preventive and therapeutic merits of diet supplements from natural sources as medicine including Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. Findings from many scientific evidences have suggested that Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. can relieve the pathological status in cellular and animal models of DKD. Moreover, a few studies showed that alleviation of clinical phenotype such as reducing albuminuria, serum creatinine and renal anemia in DKD patients after application or consumption of Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the effectiveness of Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. as medicine for targeting pathological phenotypes in DKD from a pharmacological perspective. This review will provide new insights into the potential understanding use of Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. in the management of DKD in clinical settings.

Pyrocatechol violet impregnated magnetic graphene oxide for magnetic solid phase microextraction of copper in water, black tea and diet supplements.

Pyrocatechol violet impregnated magnetic graphene oxide hybrid material (PV-MGO) was prepared as magnetic solid phase microextraction for separation and preconcentration of copper before its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. PV-MGO hybrid material was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM, SEM-Mapping), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Effects of various parameters such as pH, eluent type, vortex time, amount of magnetic adsorbent were investigated. Under the optimized conditions the MSPE-FAAS procedure presents limit of detection (LOD) of 4.0 µg L-1, limit of quantification (LOQ) of 13.3 µg L-1, preconcentration factor of 20 and relative standard deviation (RSD) 4.93%. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by the analysis of the certified reference materials (NCS ZC73032 Celery, CRM025-050 metals on soil, TMDA-64.2 fortified water) and addition-recovery tests. The present method was successfully applied to water, black tea and diet supplements.

Toxicological screening and DNA sequencing detects contamination and adulteration in regulated herbal medicines and supplements for diet, weight loss and cardiovascular health.

Use of herbal medicines and supplements by consumers to prevent or treat disease, particularly chronic conditions continues to grow, leading to increased awareness of the minimal regulation standards in many countries. Fraudulent, adulterated and contaminated herbal and traditional medicines and dietary supplements are a risk to consumer health, with adverse effects and events including overdose, drug-herb interactions and hospitalisation. The scope of the risk has been difficult to determine, prompting calls for new approaches, such as the combination of DNA metabarcoding and mass spectrometry used in this study. Here we show that nearly 50% of products tested had contamination issues, in terms of DNA, chemical composition or both. Two samples were clear cases of pharmaceutical adulteration, including a combination of paracetamol and chlorpheniramine in one product and trace amounts of buclizine, a drug no longer in use in Australia, in another. Other issues include the undeclared presence of stimulants such as caffeine, synephrine or ephedrine. DNA data highlighted potential allergy concerns (nuts, wheat), presence of potential toxins (Neem oil) and animal ingredients (reindeer, frog, shrew), and possible substitution of bird cartilage in place of shark. Only 21% of the tested products were able to have at least one ingredient corroborated by DNA sequencing. This study demonstrates that, despite current monitoring approaches, contaminated and adulterated products are still reaching the consumer. We suggest that a better solution is stronger pre-market evaluation, using techniques such as that outlined in this study.

Obesidad: Influencia de la publicidad alimentaria y suplementos dietéticos en Venezuela / Obesity: food advertising influence and dietary suplements in Venezuela

La obesidad es considerada como un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial y uno de los mayores retos para los gobiernos. En Venezuela, el “Estudio de Sobrepeso y Obesidad” realizado por el Instituto Nacional de Nutrición (INN), revela el crecimiento de esta enfermedad crónica no transmisible, que a su vez, genera un número considerable de otras patologías. La etiología de la obesidad es multifactorial, pero inicialmente se pueden dividir en factores endógenos (genéticos) y exógenos (sociales, políticos, culturales y económicos); estos últimos son los más relevantes, ya que esta enfermedad ha dejado de ser un tema netamente biológico y se ha convertido en un tema social. En las últimas décadas se ha observado una marcada tendencia donde la alimentación tradicional es sustituida por una dieta hipercalórica, lo cual es incoherente con el hecho de que la población se encuentra cada día más obsesionada con la delgadez, y en los esfuerzos para alcanzarla, optan por el consumo de suplementos dietéticos de venta libre, que prometen eliminar grasa sin hacer dieta ni ejercicios. En medio de este ritmo de vida dicotómico, la industria publicitaria saca provecho de esta situación, promocionando estilos de vida poco saludables e incompatibles con el vivir bien. Es por esto que se hace necesaria la intervención inmediata del Estado a través del diseño y ejecución de políticas avocadas a disminuir el avance epidemiológico de esta enfermedad, y regular los elementos que la propician y a la vez se benefician de ella.

Obesity is considered as a public health issue worldwide and one of the biggest challenges for governments. In Venezuela, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) is conducting the “Obesity and Overweight” study, which reveals that this chronicle non transmissible disease is increasing and that it is the cause of a great amount of other pathologies. The obesity aetiology is multifactorial, among the main factors we found endogenous factors (genetic) and exogenous factors (social, political, and economic); the last ones are the most relevant because this illness is no longer a biological issue but it has become a social matter. In the last decades, we have observed a strong trend of traditional feeding being substituted by a high-calorie diet, which is incoherent with the fact that people is currently obsessed with thinness; in order to be thin they decide to take dietetic supplements that are sold without any regulation, these kind of products promise to eliminate fat without going on a diet or doing exercises. In nowadays dichotomist way of life, advertising industry makes advantage of that promoting really unhealthy life’s stiles which are incompatible with well living. This is the reason why it is necessary the immediate intervention of State through the design and execution of politics advocated to the decrease of the epidemiologic advance of this disease, and to the regulation of factors that launch it and benefit from it.

Efeitos da suplementação de creatina no exercício intermitente de alta intensidade: divergências e recomendações metodológicas / Effects of creatine supplementation on high-intensity intermittent exercise: discrepancies and methodological appraisals

Após breve revisão da literatura existente acerca dos efeitos da suplementação de creatina no rendimento ematividades intermitentes de alta intensidade, o objetivo principal dessa revisão foi discutir diferenças metodológicas dos estudos que possam explicar a divergência encontrada na literatura. Os efeitos da suplementação de creatina no exercício intermitente de alta intensidade são bastante investigados. Embora existam inúmeros achados demonstrando a eficácia desse suplemento nesse tipo de atividade, outras tantas evidências não suportam tal efeito ergogênico. A explicação para essa divergência parece ser multifatorial, porém sempre ligada às questões metodológicas. O modelo do estudo (crossover ou grupos independentes paralelos), a variabilidade individual no conteúdo muscular de creatina, o alto consumo de carnes, o tamanho da amostra, as características do protocolo de exercício (dependência do peso corporal e tempo de intervalo entre as séries), e diferenças de gênero e idade entre estudos são potenciais variáveis que explicam, em maior ou menor magnitude, a discrepância na literatura. Estudos envolvendo homens jovens, com modelo de grupos paralelos, poder estatístico satisfatório, controle da incorporação de creatina muscular, avaliação do consumo alimentar e protocolos de exercícios intermitentes máximos, cujo rendimento não depende do peso corporal, com intervalos de recuperação entre 1 a 6 minutos, tendem a apresentar resultados positivos. Os diversos fatores metodológicos que podem contribuir para a divergência acerca do tema devem ser considerados quando da realização de futuros estudos, bem como no momento da prescrição desse suplemento...

After a brief review of the literature on the effects of creatine supplementation on high-intensity intermittent exercise performance, the main aim of this study was to discuss methodological differences between studies which could explain the discrepancies observed in the literature. The effects of creatine supplementation on high-intensity intermittent exercise performance have been investigated in depth. Although the results of much research demonstrates the efficacy of this supplement, there is just as much evidence that does not support this ergogenic effect. The explanation for this divergence appears to be multifactorial, although it is always linked to methodological characteristics. Study design (crossover or parallel groups), individual variability of muscular creatine content, chronic high meat intake, sample size, exercise protocol characteristics (body weight dependence and time between series), and gender and age all differ between studies and are potentially the variables responsible, to differing extents, for the discrepancies observed in the literature. Studies involving young males, with parallel group design, adequate statistical power, control of the incorporation of creatine into muscles, food intake assessment and intermittent exercise protocols in which performance is independent of body weight and with rest-recovery intervals of 1 to 6 minutes, usually produce positive results. The many methodological factors which can contribute to divergence on the ergogenic effects of creatine should be considered in futures studies, as well as when prescribing creatine supplementation...