The American journal of clinical nutrition
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Selenium, an essential micronutrient, has received considerable attention for its antioxidant properties. In addition, selenium may affect several cardiometabolic risk factors, such as glucose homeostasis and lipid concentrations. However, the effects of selenium intake on the lipid profile in selenium-replete populations, such as the United States, are largely unknown. ⋯ Elevated serum selenium was associated with elevated serum concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, apo B, and apo A-I among US adults, a selenium-replete population. Experimental studies are needed to determine cause and effect relations and the potential mechanisms underlying these associations.
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Analyzing the impact of the intake of many foods simultaneously provides additional knowledge about analyses of nutrients and might make it easier to implement recommendations for the public. ⋯ It is possible to distinguish food patterns that are related to obesity and obesity-related cardiovascular disease risk factors in contrast with a more healthy pattern conforming with current dietary guidelines. Thus, the results indicate no reason for questioning the current recommendations.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) risk is determined by both genes and environment. One of the most striking features of MS is its geographic distribution, particularly the pattern of high MS frequency in areas with low sunlight exposure, the main inducer of vitamin D synthesis. Recent epidemiologic, experimental, and clinical evidence support an effect for low environmental supplies of vitamin D in mediating an increased susceptibility to MS. ⋯ The findings indicate important genetic influences on regulation of seasonal circulating 25(OH)D concentrations in MS twins.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Bolus tube feeding suppresses food intake and circulating ghrelin concentrations in healthy subjects in a short-term placebo-controlled trial.
Previous investigations suggest continuous tube feeding (TF) schedules do not suppress appetite and food intake, but bolus TF has been little studied. ⋯ In this short-term study, subjects maintained appetite ratings during bolus TF by a significant reduction in food intake and changes in ghrelin and some appetite mediators related to subsequent daily food intake. Longer-term studies are required to fully ascertain the effect of TF on appetite, food intake, and appetite mediators.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Acute dark chocolate and cocoa ingestion and endothelial function: a randomized controlled crossover trial.
Studies suggest cardioprotective benefits of dark chocolate containing cocoa. ⋯ The acute ingestion of both solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa improved endothelial function and lowered blood pressure in overweight adults. Sugar content may attenuate these effects, and sugar-free preparations may augment them.