Nutrition
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Association between kindergarten and first-grade food insecurity and weight status in U.S. children.
The aim of this study was to determine if food insecurity is an independent risk factor for obesity in U.S. children. ⋯ Obesity is more prevalent among food-insecure children. First-grade food insecurity is an independent risk factor for longitudinal increases in BMI z-score. There are differences in the association between food insecurity and weight status between kindergarten and first grade.
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This study explored the effects of different fiber fractions on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal development in a porcine model. ⋯ This study not only indicated how the gut digestive physiology adapted to different NSP fractions, but also provided novel (to our knowledge) information that could promote our understanding of the role of dietary fibers in maintaining gut health.
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Observational Study
Nutritional intervention in head and neck cancer patients during chemo-radiotherapy.
Head and neck cancer patients experience unintentional weight loss and malnutrition at diagnosis, during oncologic treatment, and after the end of therapy because of reduction of eating ability. The aim of the present study was to assess nutrition intervention efficacy in maintaining basal nutritional conditions. ⋯ To preserve body weight and composition, we identified an energy requirement greater than expected both during and after chemoradiotherapy.
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Patients with head and neck cancer have changes in body composition and resting energy expenditure (REE) related to significant inflammatory processes. We investigated REE and body composition in a population of patients with head and neck cancer, comparing the measured REE with predicted energy expenditure and deriving an equation of anthropometric values and body composition. ⋯ Predictive equations, generally recommended by guidelines, are imprecise when compared with IC measures. Therefore, we suggest a new predictive equation.
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Recent studies have demonstrated promising results regarding possible improvements in renal function after prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic supplementation. The aim of this review was to demonstrate whether such supplementation will improve renal profile indexes including glomerular filtration rate (GFR), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), and urea. ⋯ This study showed a significant increase in UA and a decrease in urea and BUN. The use of prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic supplements among those with compromised renal function or those at risk for renal failure should be limited until large-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials prove the safety and efficacy of these supplements in improving renal function.