[Effects of brewer's yeast on blood pressure and serum lipoproteins in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients]

The increasing trend of prevalence of diabetes mellitus, a diet-related chronic disease has prompted research to find ways to control it. Brewer's yeast may have a potential role because its glucose tolerance factor [GTF] may have beneficial effects on insulin receptors in diabetic patients. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of brewer's yeast supplementation on serum lipoproteins and blood pressure in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] patients. In a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial 84 adults [21 men and 63 women, 46.3 +/- 6.1 years old] with T2DM were recruited and divided randomly into 2 groups of 42 subjects each, one receiving brewer's yeast [six 300-mg capsules/day, total 1800 mg] and one [control group] receiving a placebo [6 capsules/day] for 12 weeks. Body weight, height, body mass index [BMI], food consumption [based on 24-hour food recall], fasting serum lipids and lipoproteins [total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-c and HDL-c], and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS-Ver 18.0], the statistical tests being the independent t-test, paired t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and analysis of covariance. Brewer's yeast supplementation brought about statistically significant reductions in diastolic and systolic blood pressures [5.7 +/- 0.6 mm Hg, p=0.001 and 4.1 +/- 1.5 mm Hg, p=0.007, respectively] after 12 weeks. Changes in LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides and total cholesterol were no-significant. Further analysis of the data showed significant differences between the brewer's yeast and control groups with regard to diastolic [p<0.03] and systolic [p<0.05] blood pressure at the end of the period. Dietary supplementation with brewer's yeast can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients

Serum zinc levels in children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes mellitus

There have been very few studies, with contradictory results, on the zinc status of children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes mellitus. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine zinc status based on the serum zinc concentration in type-1 diabetic children and adolescents and compare it with that of healthy controls. Thirty children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes mellitus, aged 6 to 18 years, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Serum zinc, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A[1c] and serum albumin were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, enzymatic colorimetry, ion-exchange chromatography and colorimetry using bromocresol green methods, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found in the mean serum zinc concentration between diabetic patients and healthy controls [111.0 +/- 3.1 and 107.1 +/- 3.8 mg/dl respectively, P= 0.4]. No correlations were found between the serum zinc levels and fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A[1c], or the duration of the disease in the patients. The zinc levels of diabetic children and adolescents are not noticeably different compared to those of healthy controls and are independent of glycemic control and the duration of the disease

Effect of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and vitamin e on the blood levels of inflammatory markers, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in iranian basketball players

Exercise can change the release of numerous cytokines and modulate their receptor systems. Dietary w-3 lipids may decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins [PGs]. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of exercise and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] supplementation, with or without vitamin E, on the blood levels of IL-2, TNF-alpha catalase, glutathione reductase, and MDA in male basketball players. Thirty-four well-trained male basketball players were enrolled into the study. Venous blood samples were obtained from all subjects between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., after intensive endurance exercising for 2 hours, at the baseline and after intervention. Subjects received 2g EPA and/or 400 IU vitamin E or placebo depends on their groups for 6 weeks. There were significant fall [paired /-test] in TNF-a in groupl [P< 0.05], and in MDA in group 3 [P<0.05], whereas there were significant increase in glutathione reductase in groups 1 and 3 [P< 0.05], and in MDA in group2 [P< 0.05].There were significant differences [Tukey] in glutathione reductase between groups 2 and 3 [P< 0.05], and in IL-2 between groups 1 and other groups [P< 0.01], but there were no significant differences in MDA, CAT, and TNF-a, among groups after 6 week of intervention. Six weeks of EPA+vitamin E supplementation enhances the plasma levels of IL-2 and erythrocytes glutathione reductase, whereas it reduces TNF-alpha, and 6 weeks of EPA supplementation alone enhances only the serum level of MDA

Effects of dietary omeg-3 fatty acid supplementation on HbA1c, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in type-2 diabetic patients: a randomized clinical trial

Essential fatty acid deficiency has been found in diabetic patients. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could be beneficial in alleviating diabetes complications and glycemic control. However, it may increase oxidative stress. In this study the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on glycemic control, total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase and catalase] activities were investigated. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 81 type-2 diabetic patients were divided into 2 groups. The experimental group took 2714 mg/day omega-3 fatty acids [1548 mg EPA, 828 mg DHA, and 338 mg other omega-3 fatty acids], and the control group took sunflower oil as a placebo, for 8 weeks. Dietary intakes were assessed by a 24h dietary recall, before and after intervention, and analyzed using food processor II. In addition, fasting blood samples were collected for analysis and height and weight were measured, initially and at the end of the trial. At the start of the study there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to mean weight, height, body mass index [BMI], daily intakes of energy, carbohydrate, protein, total fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamins A, B, C, E, folate, cobalamine, zinc, or biochemical parameters. Neither were there any difference in weight, BMI and dietary intakes before and after intervention in either group. The supplementation brought about a significant decrease [P < 0.00] in HbA1c% in the experimental group, while in the control group the HbA1c level actually increased [p < 0.02]. Furthermore, the magnitudes of HbA1c changes were significantly deferent between the two groups [P < 0.00]. Changes in the fasting blood sugar [163.88 +/- 10 vs. 165.6 +/- 7.9 mg/dl], total antioxidant capacity [3.79 +/- 0.07 vs. 3.62 +/- 0.7 mg/dl], and activities of super oxide dismutase [449.22 +/- 14.14 vs. 417.16 +/- 11.9 U/gHb] and catalase [150.72 +/- 9.6 vs. 151.86 +/- 12.6 k/gHb] were not statistically significant. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be helpful in glycemic control in type-2 diabetes, but it has no significant effect on the antioxidant enzyme activities

Interaction of dietary oils and microflora in experimental colitis

There is growing evidence indicating the benefits of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in attenuation of colitis. On the other hand, some studies have shown that n-3 fatty acids can ameliorate inflammation in colitis. The aim of this study was to examine the interaction between different dietary oils and intestinal microflora in an experimental model of colitis. Eight week-old BALB/C mice [n = 9] were fed isocaloric diets varying only in fat composition for 4 weeks. A group fed the chow diet served as control. The diets contained 20% fat from fish oil, canola oil, safflower oil, or beef tallow. Colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of acetic acid on day 21. Inflammation, fecal microflora and serum lipid profile were compared among the groups one week after induction. The highest degree of inflammation was seen in the chow-diet group, followed by safflower, canola-, and fish oil-fed groups [p < 0.05]. As compared to the experimental groups, the number of fecal bacteroideceae was significantly higher [p < 0.05], and the number of fecal bifidobacteria significantly lower, in the control group [p < 0.05]. Moreover, fish oil could reduce the plasma level of triacylglycerole significantly [p < 0.05]. These results indicate that n-3 fatty acids can affect intestinal microfloral populations in favor of increasing the number of bifidobacteria. They might be recommended as an adjunct therapy to patients with colitis

[Association between serum leptin and adiponectin and bone mineral density in 40-60-year-Old postmenopausal women]

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease, which leads to a decrease in bone mass and disorders in its structure. Leptin and adiponectin are hormones secreted from the adipose tissue. The objective of this study was to determine association between serum leptin and adiponectin and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women 40-60 years old. This cross-sectional study included was 85 postmenopausal women, 40-60 years old. Samples of fasting blood were taken from the women in order to determine the serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin, and bone mass density [BMD] was measured by the DXA method in two areas, i.e., L2-4 and the femoral neck. 4.5 kg/m2, respectively. There was a significant inverse relationship between +/- 5.4 years and +/- 29.4. The means +/- SD of age and body mass index [BMI] of the subjects were 52.4 the serum leptin level and BMD in the L2-4 area [p=0.02]. The data also showed a negative association between the serum adiponectin level on the one hand, and the BMD of the femur [p=0.03] and the bone mineral content [BMC] of the vertebral column [p=0.03] on the other. Leptin and adiponectin have inverse associations with the bone mineral density

Regional overview of maternal and child malnutrition: trends, interventions and outcomes

The proportions of underweight, wasted, and stunted children, as well as the infant and under-5 mortality rates, have all exhibited downward trends in the Region over the past 2 decades. This is in part attributable to maternal and child nutrition intervention programmes, especially those in which women were actively involved. Programmes which support and promote breastfeeding, such as the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, have also contributed to this trend, although the number of baby friendly hospitals varies considerably between countries. Available information also shows that anemia is quite common among women, many of whom also have a low weight and stature and seem to suffer from osteoporosis. In several countries of the Region a number of micronutrient deficiency control programmes are in progress, such as iron supplementation for pregnant women, fortification of flour and iodization of salt. Iodine deficiency disorders are under control in 2 countries of the Region and legislation for salt iodization is in place in 17 countries. Prevalence of severe malnutrition in children is much lower than that of milder levels, thus, promotion of the nutrition status of mildly to moderately malnourished children could lead to a sizeable reduction in child mortality

Central obesity in women and its association with serum level of testosterone and estradiol

Central obesity is an important cause of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease. The relationship between sex hormones, especially androgens, and body fat distribution in women is controversial. This study investigated the relationship between sex hormones, such as total testosterone. DHEA-S, LH, FSH, esteradiol and insulin, with Body Mass Index [BMI] and Waist to Hip Ratio [WHR] in 176 women with age: 25.8 +/- 6.0 years [18-43] and BMI: 27.3 +/- 4.4 [17-51 kg/m2]. Serum level of sex hormones including total testosterone, estradiol, FSH, LH, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate [DHEA-S] were measured by radio immuno assay. Our findings showed that WHR was positively correlated with serum level of testosterone [r = 0.15, P = 0.05] and it was negatively related to serum level of estradiol [r = -0.1, P = 0.05]. Sex hormone concentrations were not different in obese and normal weight women, but women with central obesity [WHR > 0.85] had significantly higher levels of testosterone [2.4 +/- 0.7 vs 2.1 +/- 0.7 nmol/L, P = 0.001] and lower levels of serum estradiol [24.1 +/- 8.7 vs 57.6 +/- 14.5 pmol/L, P = 0.009] than women with low WHR [WHR < 0.85]. In conclusion, these data showed that high serum testosterone and low serum estradiol levels were associated with upper body fat distribution in women. Serum level of estradiol versus testosterone possibly affects body fat distribution in women

Parity and its relation with upper body fat in women

Age, education and parity are interrelated with energy equation and body weight in women, however independent relation of parity with weight and fat distribution is not clear. In this cross sectional study, the relation of parity and level of education were investigated with body mass index [BMI] and waist to hip ratio [WHR] among 403 Iranian women, between 22-45 years old. Findings revealed, by controlling the age, women with higher education [12 years >] in compare with women with lower level of education [12 years<] had lower BMI [24.8 +/- 4.3 vs. 28.3 +/- 4.9, P < 0.01], Lower WHR [0.83 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.88 +/- 0.08, P < 0.01] and Lower Parity [0.19 +/- 0.59 vs. 0.59 +/- 1.03, P > 0.01]. Any significant relation was not observed between parity and body mass index by controlling the age and education, however there was significant relation between parity and WHR by controlling age, education and body mass index [P < 0.005, r = 0.14]. In multiple regression analysis also, age and education explained 43% of BMI variation and parity, BMI and education explained 51.2% of WHR variation. Present study indicated that high parity might be as a risk factor in increasing upper body fat, while it was not related to body mass index after controlling the age and education

Iron status and socioeconomic determinants of the quantity and quality of dietary iron in a group of rural Iranian women

Iron intake and status were investigated in 471 mothers [age range: 16-53 years] from rural areas in Khorramabad, Islamic Republic of Iran. Although average total iron intake was acceptable, only 6.4% of women derived at least 4% of their total intake from animal iron. Average energy and protein intakes were inadequate. Low iron status was seen in 8.2%-28.7%, depending on the parameter used, with 28.3% experiencing iron-deficiency anaemia. Significantly higher animal iron intakes were found in literate or employed women, or those of family size fewer than six people. Increasing employment opportunities, income levels and literacy rates for women will result in better iron intake and status and should receive particular attention in national planning

Anemia due to folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies in some pregnant and non-pregnant women in Kerman city

Fifty-three pregnant and 58 non-pregnant women, attending one of the hospitals in Kerman city, were selected according to set criteria and included in the study. The mean age was 24 years and the mean panty two. Nutritional status was assessed on the basis of blood and serum biochemical parameters. Results obtained showed that 4%, 3%. 17%, 12% and 13.3% of the women have low level of Hb, Hct MCV MCHC and MCH, respectively. Also, the percentages of women suffering from a deficiency of folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron were 16.9%, 7% and 8.7% respectively. In 18.7% of the subjects the transferrin saturation percentage was lower, and in 46.6% of them TIBC was higher, than normal

Impact of breast-feeding education on nutritional awareness of mothers in south Tehran, Iran

This semi-experimental study was conducted to investigate the impact of nutrition education on knowledge of mothers concerning breast-feeding in Giassi Charity Health Centre in the south of Tehran, Yaftabad. Breast-feeding and nutritional awareness of 104 randomly selected mothers was assessed before and after a one-month breast-feeding course [Three 90-minutes' sessions per week]. The proportion of the mothers with high awareness before the course was 0.0% and increased to 83% after the course. In this study the effect of such independent variables as mothers' age and age at the first pregnancy, their education, number of children and physiological status, as well as family income on their nutritional awareness was determined. Statistical analysis [of both total score and individual question score changes] showed the nutrition education course to have had a positive impact on mothers' nutritional knowledge and awareness [P<0.001, confidence limits 99.9%]

Iron deficiency anemia and energy and nutrient intakes in 14-18 year old high school girls in the South of Tehran

The purpose of this study was evaluation of iron status as well as protein and iron intakes in 14-18 year old girls in high schools in the south of Tehran. A total of 268 girls were chosen at random for a dietary survey using the 24-hr dietary recall method and the biochemical tests were made on 109 of the girls. The results indicate that: compared with the WHO standards, hemoglobin in 0.9%, hematocrit in 2.8% and MCHC in 13.8% of the girls were lower than the respective standards, and TJBC in 33.9% of the girls was high. Altogether, 86.6% of the girls had a low energy intake, 45% a low protein intake and 52% a low iron intake. A low intake of iron, mostly of plant origin, with its low bioavailability, is the most important factors in iron deficiency anemia in these girls