Nutrition
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Albumin plasma concentrations are being used as indicators of nutritional status and hepatic function based on the assumption that plasma levels reflect the rate of albumin synthesis. However, it has been shown that albumin levels are not reliable markers of albumin synthesis under a variety of clinical conditions including inflammation, malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and surgical tissue trauma. To date, only a few studies have measured albumin synthesis in surgical and critically ill patients. ⋯ The results indicate that the fractional synthesis rate of albumin appears to decrease during surgery, followed by an increase during the postoperative phase. In the early postoperative phase, albumin fractional synthesis rate can be stimulated by perioperative nutrition, if enough amino acids are being provided and if nutrition is being initiated before the operation. The physiologic meaning of albumin synthesis after surgery, however, still needs to be further clarified.
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Maternal intake is crucial to pregnancy outcomes. Evidence shows that both nutrient deficiency and excess can have adverse effects. In pregnancy, changes in iron metabolism occur; therefore, dietary reference intakes increase to support expansion of red cells and maternal-fetal transfer of iron. Appropriate and valid assessment tools are required to investigate nutritional concerns in mothers with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The objective of this study was to assess the Willett food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess iron intake in women with (n = 15) and without (n = 45) GDM. ⋯ These findings suggest the Willett FFQ is a good tool for assessing total iron intake of French-Canadian pregnant women.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Glomerular filtration rate after a 12-wk resistance exercise program with post-exercise protein ingestion in community dwelling elderly.
Increased protein intake and resistance exercise can be beneficial for maintenance of lean body mass (LBM) in older adults. However, these factors could also negatively affect renal function. We investigated changes in renal function after a 12-wk resistance exercise program combined with protein supplementation in community dwelling older adults. ⋯ A 12-wk resistance exercise program combined with protein supplementation in community dwelling older adults does not negatively affect GFR. The supplementation had only minor effects on total dietary intake.
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To calibrate the food list and relative portion sizes of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for application to a free-living, healthy, elderly population. ⋯ Adjustments to the FFQ in particular, new portion sizes and a reduction of the food list were found to be appropriate for application to healthy, urban, free-living elderly people in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.
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We designed this study, to evaluate the interaction (relation) between vitamin B12 and folic acid levels and length of hospital stay in elderly inpatients. ⋯ MNA-SF score is associated with length of stay; however, vitamin B12 level, per se, is not associated with length of hospital stay in elderly inpatients.