Nutrition
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Comparative Study
Body composition interpretation. Contributions of the fat-free mass index and the body fat mass index.
Low and high body mass index (BMI) values have been shown to increase health risks and mortality and result in variations in fat-free mass (FFM) and body fat mass (BF). Currently, there are no published ranges for a fat-free mass index (FFMI; kg/m(2)), a body fat mass index (BFMI; kg/m(2)), and percentage of body fat (%BF). The purpose of this population study was to determine predicted FFMI and BFMI values in subjects with low, normal, overweight, and obese BMI. ⋯ BMI alone cannot provide information about the respective contribution of FFM or fat mass to body weight. This study presents FFMI and BFMI values that correspond to low, normal, overweight, and obese BMIs. FFMI and BFMI provide information about body compartments, regardless of height.
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The possible link between folic acid or folate and tetrahydrobiopterin (H(4)B), vitamin C, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and nitric oxide (NO), which may explain the beneficial actions of these nutrients in various vascular conditions, was investigated. ⋯ The common mechanism by which folic acid, H(4)B, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and L-arginine bring about their beneficial actions in various vascular diseases is by enhancing eNO production. Hence, it remains to be determined whether a judicious combination of folic acid, vitamins B12, B6, and C, H(4)B, L-arginine, and omega-3 fatty acids in appropriate amounts may form a novel approach in the prevention and management of various conditions such as hyperlipidemias, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, and some neurodegenerative conditions.
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We assessed quality of life (QOL) in patients on home enteral tube feeding (HETF). The data should contribute to ethically justified decision making. ⋯ . Measures of QOL research can be used in HETF patients. QOL is reduced in patients on HETF. Part of this effect is explained by malnutrition. HETF can prevent further weight loss and improve some aspects of QOL, thus allowing physicians to focus on patients.
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Comparative Study
Availabilities of calcium, iron, and zinc from dairy infant formulas is affected by soluble dietary fibers and modified starch fractions.
Insoluble dietary fiber is a known inhibitor of mineral absorption, whereas the effects of soluble dietary fibers (including prebiotics) are less known. The aim was to study calcium, iron, and zinc availabilities from dairy infant formulas supplemented with soluble dietary fibers and modified starches in vitro. ⋯ This study showed that addition of soluble dietary fiber affects calcium, iron, and zinc availabilities in positive (inulin) and negative ways, depending on the type of the dietary fiber used.
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Comparative Study
Inhibition of oxidative stress in blood platelets by different phenolics from Yucca schidigera Roezl. bark.
We investigated the comparative effects of resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene), trans-3,3',5,5'tetrahydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene, and yuccaols A and C isolated from the bark of Yucca schidigera on oxidative stress in resting blood platelets and blood platelets activated by different agonists (thrombin or thrombin receptor activating peptide). ⋯ Resveratrol and other phenolic compounds from the bark of Yucca schidigera inhibiting free radical generation in blood platelets may be beneficial in protecting against cardiovascular diseases when hyperactivity of platelets is observed.