Clinical nutrition : official journal of the European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
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The açai fruit (Euterpe oleracea Martius), which is native to the Brazilian Amazon region, was shown to have high polyphenols and MUFA contents. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of açai consumption on plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, the transfer of lipids to HDL (which is a relevant HDL function), and some biomarkers of redox metabolism. Forty healthy volunteer women aged 24 ± 3 years consumed 200 g of açai pulp/day for 4 weeks; their clinical variables and blood sample were obtained before and after this period. ⋯ The increase in apo A-I and the cholesteryl ester transfer to HDL after the açai intake period suggests that an improvement in the metabolism of this lipoprotein occurred, and it is well known that HDL is protective against atherosclerosis. Another important finding was the general improvement of the anti-oxidant defences elicited by açai consumption. Our data indicate that açai has favourable actions on plasma HDL metabolism and anti-oxidant defence; therefore açai could have a beneficial overall role against atherosclerosis, and it is a consistently good candidate to consider as a functional food.
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The Potential benefits and possible risks of perioperative supplementation with probiotics/synbiotics in surgical patients are not fully understood. Recent evidence has rapidly evolved and conveys conflicting results. Thus, we undertook a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to valuate the effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness and quality of life of perioperative supplementation with pro-/synbiotics. ⋯ For surgical patients, perioperative supplementation with pro-/synbiotics is effective in preventing or controlling SSI and other infectious complications. Perioperative pro-/synbiotics might also be associated with fewer side effects, lower hospital cost and better quality of life. Current evidence indicated that perioperative synbiotics supplementation is preferred and recommended as an adjunct in surgical patients.
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Meta Analysis
Alpha-lipoic acid supplement in obesity treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Previous studies have supported positive roles of antioxidant supplements on weight-loss. One antioxidant supplement is Alpha-lipoic acid. However, recommending ALA as an anti-obesity supplement remains controversial. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis on the effects of ALA supplement on anthropometric indices among adult subjects. ⋯ The present study revealed that supplementation with ALA slightly but significantly decreased body weight and BMI. Safe dosage for ALA is up to 1200 mg/day. However, it seems that ALA cannot be cost-effective. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of ALA on metabolic parameter in unhealthy obese individuals.
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Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an effective treatment for obesity. However, it also leads to multiple nutritional deficiencies. Much is known about the short term prevalence, but hardly any long term data is available on deficiencies. The aim of this study was to assess the long term outcome of nutritional status after RYGB. ⋯ Nutritional deficiencies are common after a RYGB operation. Therefore, strict follow-up by a bariatric surgeon, endocrinologist or general practitioner is required, both short and long term.
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The Swiss supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) study demonstrated that optimised energy provision combining enteral nutrition (EN) and SPN reduces nosocomial infections in critically ill adults who fail to achieve targeted energy delivery with EN alone. To assess the economic impact of this strategy, we performed a cost-effectiveness analysis using data from the SPN study. ⋯ Optimisation of energy provision using SPN is a cost-saving strategy in critically ill adults for whom EN is insufficient to meet energy requirements.