Nutrition
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Glucomannan (GM), a soluble fiber derived from the plant Amorphophallus konjac, is marketed as being helpful in reducing body weight. However, the data supporting this claim are scarce. The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the effects of GM on body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) in otherwise healthy obese or overweight children and adults. ⋯ In otherwise healthy overweight or obese adults, there is some evidence that in the short term GM may help to reduce BW, but not BMI. Data in children are too limited to draw any conclusions.
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The aim of this study was to estimate the weighted mean effect of vitamin D supplementation in reducing depressive symptoms among individuals aged ≥18 y diagnosed with depression or depressive symptoms. ⋯ Future RCTs examining the effect of vitamin D supplementation among individuals who are both depressed and vitamin D deficient are needed.
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Dietary antioxidant supplementation has been popular in Western countries. Various supplements have been developed in recent years, and research has been gathered from both animal and clinical research trials. In this review, the therapeutic value of oral administration of a combination of melon superoxide dismutase (SOD) and a vegetable polymer (gliadin) is evaluated. ⋯ These conclusions are dependent on the condition or pathology under consideration. In general, the authors, who analyzed SOD-gliadin supplementation, support the use of SOD-gliadin supplementation as a complementary treatment rather than a therapeutic treatment. To further clarify the importance of dietary SOD-gliadin administration, additional large-scale clinical trials are recommended.