Nutrition
-
Globally, vitamin D intake from food and supplements is low, consistent with the high prevalence of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. The aims of this study were to assess vitamin D intake and major relevant food contributors among Greek adults and to propose subsequent policies for intervention. ⋯ Overall vitamin D intake is below the average requirements. Public health policies to increase the consumption of foods high in vitamin D or food fortification may significantly reduce the percentage of individuals who do not meet the recommendations.
-
The aim of this study was to assess whether diet variables can neutralize the risk produced by three well-known risk factors for being small for gestational age: smoking, body mass index (BMI) ˂20 kg/m2, and having a previous preterm/low birth weight (LBW) newborn. ⋯ Smoking and leanness increased the SGA risk; nevertheless foods such as fruit, fish, and legumes, as well as intake of vitamins D and B3 and ω-3 marine fatty acids, may "at" least partially counteract this increase.
-
Ketoacidosis is a severe metabolic complication mainly reported in diabetic patients. Therapeutic fasting is a millennial worldwide practice, believed to improve a large panel of health conditions, but its efficiency and safety profile have not yet been established. We report here a case of euglycemic ketoacidosis in a non-diabetic woman. ⋯ This report is the first case, to our knowledge, of euglycemic ketoacidosis thought to be induced by therapeutic fasting in a non-diabetic patient. Practitioners should be aware of this complication of fasting.
-
Observational Study
Abnormal fluid distribution and low handgrip strength index as predictors of mortality in Mexican patients with chronic heart failure.
In patients with heart failure, fluid alteration and low muscle strength frequently coexist because of their reduced physical activity and sedentary behavior; however, few studies have evaluated the effects of this coexistence on the prognosis of these patients. The aim of this study was to examine the independent association between fluid alteration and the low handgrip strength (HGS) index with mortality in patients with chronic heart failure. ⋯ In men with heart failure, co-existence of a low HGS index and abnormal fluid distribution was independently associated with all-cause mortality.
-
Observational Study
A high-protein diet, not isolated BCAA, is associated with skeletal muscle mass index in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Patients with cancer are susceptible to experiencing the loss of skeletal muscle mass. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a high-protein diet (HPD) or isolated branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake is associated with an increased skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) in patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. ⋯ HPD is a cost-effective way to enhance SMI, rather than focusing on the ingestion of isolated BCAAs.