Nutrition
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Supplementation with Bifidobacterium longum Bar33 and Lactobacillus helveticus Bar13 mixture improves immunity in elderly humans (over 75 years) and aged mice.
Aging induces several physiologic and immune changes. The usefulness of probiotics in ameliorating age-related disorders remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Bifidobacterium longum Bar33 and Lactobacillus helveticus Bar13 mixture in improving the physiologic status and immunity of older adults (over 75 years). Furthermore, the possible role of such mixture in ameliorating gut immunity in aged mice was investigated. ⋯ Results from the present study data indicated that B. longum Bar33 and L. helveticus Bar13 improve immune function at intestinal and peripheral sites in aging.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized study of the effects of cocoa-rich chocolate on the ventricle-arterial coupling and vascular function of young, healthy adults.
The aim of this study was to evaluate and explore the benefits of long-term dark chocolate intake in young, healthy adults by measuring cardiovascular function. ⋯ This study demonstrated that regular consumption of HCC has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system in young, healthy adults, improving vascular function by reducing central brachial artery pressures and promoting vascular relaxation, and thus enhancing the matching of the arterial system with the left ventricle.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Consumption of Brazil nuts with high selenium levels increased inflammation biomarkers in obese women: A randomized controlled trial.
Increased inflammatory response is an important factor in the pathophysiology of obesity. The mineral selenium (Se), of which one of the main food sources is the Brazil nut, has important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions through the action of selenoproteins. Thus, the evaluation of the influence of this micronutrient in this context is of great relevance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Brazil nut intake with high Se concentrations on inflammatory biomarkers and its relation to Se status in obese women. ⋯ Although there were no changes in plasma inflammatory biomarkers levels, a significant increase in gene expression may be an indication of a proinflammatory stimulus in obesity, induced by the consumption of Brazil nuts with high Se levels.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Antioxidant vitamin supplementation prevents oxidative stress but does not enhance performance in young football athletes.
The aim of this study was to verify the effects of supplementation with antioxidants (vitamins C and E) on oxidative stress, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and performance in football players during a recovery period after an exercise-induced oxidative stress protocol. ⋯ Antioxidant supplementation does not attenuate elevated markers of muscle damage or muscle soreness promoted by acute exercise and do not exert any ergogenic effect on football performance of young athletes, although it reduced oxidative stress.