Nutrition
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The interest in non-invasive methods of body composition assessment is on the rise in health care, especially because of its association with clinical outcomes. Technology has revolutionized our understanding of body composition abnormalities, clinical prognostication, and disease follow-up, but translation to bedside is limited, especially in terms of cost effectiveness. Computed tomography gained increased attention in cancer and sarcopenia studies, for instance. ⋯ Compelling evidence indicates these methods can be used to accurately and precisely measure skeletal muscle mass, adipose tissue, and edema; diagnose malnutrition-related diseases; and aid in determining prognoses. To apply this technology properly, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each technique in specific situations of interest. This review introduces concepts and reference studies published in the scientific literature about these techniques and describes important limitations and considerations necessary to incorporate these methods into clinical practice.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Cocoa flavanol effects on markers of oxidative stress and recovery after muscle damage protocol in elite rugby players.
Strenuous exercise can impair athletic performance due to muscular inflammation and oxidative stress. Antioxidants such as cocoa flavanols have been used as a supplement to prevent oxidative stress; however, the benefits of dietary antioxidants for athletic performance after muscle soreness (MS) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cocoa flavanols after a MS inducing protocol. ⋯ Cocoa flavanols added to a post-exercise recovery beverage for 7 d has no oxidative stress or athletic performance benefits.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of probiotic yogurt on glycemic indexes and endothelial dysfunction markers in patients with metabolic syndrome.
The relationship between gut microflora and metabolic syndrome components such as obesity, low-grade chronic systemic inflammation, dyslipidemia, and altered glucose metabolism is now acknowledged. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of probiotic yogurt on glycemic indexes and endothelial dysfunction markers in patients with metabolic syndrome. ⋯ Consumption of probiotic yogurt improved fasting blood glucose and partly modified serum endothelial function markers. These results suggest that regular intake of probiotic yogurt may exert positive effects on the treatment of metabolic syndrome.
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Multicenter Study
Neck circumference is associated with nutritional status in elderly nursing home residents.
Anthropometry is an easy and noninvasive method to evaluate nutritional status in institutionalized elderly people who are often bedridden. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the neck circumference (NC) and nutritional status of elderly nursing home residents and to find cutoff points for NC size to identify individuals at risk of malnutrition. ⋯ NC is associated with other classical anthropometric parameters and malnutrition status in elderly people living in nursing homes.
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Little is known about the indicators to assess malnutrition in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to determine the following: 1) the prevalence of malnutrition in IPF patients; 2) the nutritional indicators predictive of low fat-free mass (FFM) as measured by bioimpedance analysis; 3) the IPF patients' characteristics associated with low FFM. ⋯ Malnutrition occurred in nearly one-third of IPF patients. Malnutrition screening should become systematic based on BMI and MAC, which are good clinical indicators of low FFMI. We propose a practical approach to screen malnutrition in IPF patients.