Nutrition
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Elevated lipid levels increase complications of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Uncontrolled diabetes increases these complications and causes unintentional weight loss, indicating an apparently normal body mass index (BMI). Thus, it is easy to assume that patients with DR and a normal BMI have optimal lipid status. Apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I and Apo B levels differentially indicate serum lipid status in DR. Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) scores are associated with DR status. If SGA scores and serum Apo A-I and B levels are found to be interrelated, their relationship can reflect lipid defects in patients with DR despite apparently normal BMI. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible relationship between serum Apo A-I and B levels and SGA scores of patients with DR. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a novel correlation between serum Apo A-I, Apo B and Apo B/Apo A-I ratio and SGA scores. SGA scores can help predict lipid abnormalities in patients with DR even when they have an apparently normal BMI.
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Hypertension is highly prevalent in West African populations, but little data is available on salt and potassium intake in these populations. We assumed in this study that sodium and potassium intake might be high and low, respectively, in the Beninese population in view of the emerging nutritional transition. The aim of this study was to estimate dietary sodium and potassium intakes based on 24-h urine collections. ⋯ Large proportions of the population had sodium intake higher, and potassium intake lower, than dietary recommendations. These results suggest that interventions to reduce salt consumption and promote potassium-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables, are needed in Benin.
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The aim of this study was to assess the level and predictors of dietary diversity (DD) in predominantly food-insecure area of South Wollo, Ethiopia among children ages 6 to 23 mo. ⋯ In predominately food-insecure areas, nutrition education, implementation of nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and husband involvement in IYCF can improve children's DD.
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Dietary betaine supplement could ameliorate insulin resistance (IR) in animals, but no data are available for choline. Reports on humans are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary choline and betaine intake and IR in humans. ⋯ This study demonstrated that higher intake of dietary choline and betaine is associated with lower IR in the general population.
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Alcohol addiction elicits oxidative imbalance and it is well known that polyphenols possess antioxidant properties. We investigated whether or not polyphenols could confer a protective potential against alcohol-induced oxidative stress. ⋯ A better understanding of the antioxidant protection provided by polyphenols might be of primary interest for drug discovery and dietary-based prevention of the damage associated with chronic alcohol abuse.