Nutrition
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It has been suggested that higher selenium intake and consumption of supplements protect against several cancers. To our knowledge, epidemiologic evidence is rare and inconsistent on the association of selenium level and the risk for thyroid cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between selenium intake and thyroid cancer risk in postmenopausal women using the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) database. ⋯ The present data did not support that either total or dietary selenium intake was associated with the risk for thyroid cancer or the papillary subtype in postmenopausal women ages 50 to 79 y in the United States.
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To our knowledge, the relationship between appetite and sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis is unknown. The aims of this study were to examine the factors associated with decreased appetite and to clarify the relationship between appetite and sarcopenia. ⋯ Decreased appetite was associated with the presence of sarcopenia.
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the major causes of liver disease worldwide. Although various molecular mechanisms are effective in the initiation and progression, the exact pathway is not completely clarified. Recent findings suggest a role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathology of NAFLD. Inulin has been shown to be beneficial for NAFLD. With the first study, we investigated the effects of inulin supplementation on NAFLD via the endocannabinoid system in Wistar rats fed high-fat diet. ⋯ Inulin prevented the development of NAFLD, possibly by affecting the expression of genes involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in the liver via endocannabinoids. The results of this study show that inulin may be a promising molecule in the treatment/prevention of NAFLD.
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Case Reports
Delayed appearance of refeeding syndrome in a patient with anorexia nervosa: A case report.
Refeeding syndrome (RFS) can be a severe and life-threatening complication of anorexia nervosa (AN) associated with electrolyte abnormalities and organ damage, and occurs with the transition from a prolonged catabolic to anabolic state, particularly with an overzealous nutrient supply. There is no unequivocal definition of RFS, although hypophosphatemia is recognized as a crucial factor in its pathogenesis. RFS can be responsible for cardiovascular complications, such as heart failure, left ventricular damage, and arrhythmias, because of different potential mechanisms: electrolyte imbalances, increased retention of sodium and liquids secondary to insulin secretion, and excessive fat emulsion supplementation. ⋯ A more pronounced water restriction protocol and delayed achievement of goal feeding rate, resulting also in lower sodium intake, were implemented to reduce cardiac overload with a full resolution of the complication in approximately 2 mo. Refeeding patients with AN could be complicated by heart failure despite cautious nutritional replenishment and regardless of electrolyte imbalance, even in a later phase of recovery. Therefore, strict adherence to recommendations for nutritional replenishment and close monitoring of cardiac function should always be considered when refeeding patients with AN.
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Functional constipation is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions of people and is correlated with gut microbiome dysbiosis. The currently available treatments are ineffective; therefore, novel treatment schemes targeting the gut microbiome are desired. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of yogurt supplemented with seven probiotic strains and six types of dietary fibers on functional constipation. ⋯ Results from this study showed that yogurt can potentially be used for the treatment of constipation.