Journal of the American College of Nutrition
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Preliminary findings suggest a relationship between lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and incidence and severity of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D status at admission and different markers of inflammation, coagulation, and sepsis in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. ⋯ We found a markedly high prevalence (100%) of hypovitaminosis D in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, suggesting a possible role of low vitamin D status in increasing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent hospitalization. The inverse association between serum 25(OH)D levels and risk of in-hospital mortality observed in our cohort suggests that a lower vitamin D status upon admission may represent a modifiable and independent risk factor for poor prognosis in COVID-19.
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Early reports indicate an association between the severity of the COVID-19 infection and the widespread 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency known to exist in populations around the world. Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common among African American (AA) communities, where the COVID-19 infection rate is three-fold higher, and the mortality rate nearly six-fold higher, compared with rates in predominantly white communities. COVID-19 infection primarily affects the lungs and airways. ⋯ AA are at risk for lower cellular glutathione (GSH) levels, and GSH deficiency epigenetically impairs VD biosynthesis pathway genes. Compared with vitamin D alone, co-supplementation of vitamin D and L-cysteine (a GSH precursor) showed a better efficacy in improving levels of GSH and VD-regulatory genes at the cellular/tissue level, increasing 25(OH) vitamin D levels, and reducing inflammation biomarkers in the blood in mice studies. We propose that randomized clinical trials are needed to examine the potential of co-supplementation with anti-inflammatory antioxidants, vitamin D and L-cysteine in correcting the 25(OH)VD deficiency and preventing the 'cytokine storm,' one of the most severe consequences of infection with COVID-19, thereby preventing the adverse clinical effects of COVID-19 infection in the vulnerable AA population.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of Soy Milk on Metabolic Status of Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Studies in experimental models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have reported positive effects of soy components in improving metabolic parameters. Whether such effects could be achieved through consumption of whole soy foods in patients with NAFLD is still unclear. Therefore, this trial was conducted to assess the effects of soy milk on metabolic parameters of patients with NAFLD. ⋯ Consumption of soy milk in the context of a restricted-calorie diet for 8 weeks had favorable effects on serum ALT and hs-CRP in patients with NAFLD.
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The Healthy Mediterranean-Style Eating Pattern (HMEP) in the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommends that adults eating less than 2400 kcal a day consume only two daily servings (or cup-equivalents) of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt, which does not provide enough calcium, potassium, and vitamin D to meet dietary reference intakes (DRIs). Our objective was to assess the impact of additional servings of dairy foods on the nutrient adequacy of the 1600, 2000, and 2400 kcal HMEP in the 2015 DGA. ⋯ The addition of a dairy food serving to the 1600, 2000, and 2400 kcal HMEP brings their nutrient profiles closer to the DRIs for several nutrients to encourage, including calcium, vitamin D, and potassium.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A Khorasan Wheat-Based Replacement Diet Improves Risk Profile of Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Randomized Clinical Trial.
KAMUT khorasan is an ancient grain with widely acclaimed health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a replacement diet with ancient khorasan wheat products in patients with NAFLD, in comparison to a similar replacement diet with control products made from organic semi-whole-grain modern wheat. ⋯ This study suggests that a short-term replacement diet with ancient KAMUT khorasan products is most effective in reducing metabolic risk factors and ameliorating the liver profile in patients with NAFLD.