Association between some dietary factors and risk of hypertension: Tehran lipid and glucose study [2008-11]

Background and Objective: Hypertension in long time can cause cardiovascular disorders and increase chance of stroke. This study was done to determine the association between some dietary factors and risk of hypertension. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the fourth phase [2008-11] of Tehran lipid and glucose study [TLGS]. In this study 6089 subjects [2807 males and 3282 females], aged 19-70 years, were participated and dietary, demographic, anthropometric and blood pressure of each subject were collected. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire with 147-items. Odds ratio for hypertension according to quartiles of dietary factors was determined using logistic regression with adjustment for confounder variables. Results: The rate of hypertension was 29.8%. Mean of weight, body mass index, waist circumference, prevalence of abdominal obesity and alliteration in the hypertensive subjects were significantly higher than normotensive subjects [P<0.05]. There was a non significant direct relationship between energy density, total fat and saturated fat. Higher consumption of fiber was associated with lower risk of hypertension [OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.37-0.97]. The risk of hypertension increased in the highest quartiles of dietary protein [OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02-1.43]. Odds ratio for hypertension was higher among subjects whom consumed lower fruits and nuts than those subjects with higher fruits consumption [OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.15-1.85] and nuts [OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02-1.42]. Conclusion: High consumption of fiber could protect against hypertension while some dietary factors such as high consumption of protein could increase risk of hypertension

Effect of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and calcium levels in postmenopausal osteoporotic women in Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran

Research on the zinc status of osteoporotic women is scarce. This randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial assessed the effect of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and calcium levels in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. A sample of 60 women referred to a rheumatology clinic in Tabriz were randomly divided into intervention [220 mg zinc sulfate daily] and placebo groups. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake of zinc and calcium and serum zinc and calcium were assessed at baseline and after 60 days. Mean serum zinc concentrations were markedly lower than the normal range at baseline, but mean serum calcium levels were normal. In the intervention group serum zinc levels were significantly higher after 60 days [120.5 [SD 7.5] versus 70.5 [SD 4.6] microg/dL] while serum calcium levels were unchanged [8.6 [SD 0.1] versus 9.1 [SD 0.3] mg/dL]. The placebo group showed no significant changes in zinc or calcium levels. Postmenopausal osteoporotic women may benefit from zinc supplementation

[Effect of Ardeh on components of metabolic syndrome in - type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized clinical trial]

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic disorders associated with cardiovascular disease. Animal and human experimental studies have shown the beneficial effects of sesame oil on the components of the metabolic syndrome; however, the effect of Ardeh [grounded sesame seed] is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine effect of Ardeh on components of the metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients. In this clinical trial, 40 type 2 diabetic patients were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups, the control and Ardeh consumers. The breakfast energy content of participants, was planned at around 270 kcal. In the Ardeh consumer group, part of their breakfast was replaced by 2 Tsp Ardeh, whereas controls consumed the usual breakfast. Waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum concentrations of glucose, triglycerides and HDL-C were measured at baseline and again 6 weeks after intervention. In the Ardeh consumer group after six weeks mean serum triglyceride concentration decreased significantly [144 +/- 9.8 vs. 175 +/- 11.4 mg/dL] [P<0.05] and HDL-C increased [51.7 +/- 1.7 vs. 11.5 mg/dL], compared with controls. Means of other components of metabolic syndrome showed no significant changes between Ardeh consumer and control groups. Our results suggest that consumption of 28 g/d Ardeh has a beneficial effect on some components of metabolic syndrome, findings that need to be confirmed by further investigations

[Association between dietary phytochemical index and occurrence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors [among Tehranian adults]: Tehran lipid and glucose study]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary phytochemical index [PI] and occurrence of metabolic syndrome and its components during a 3 year follow up of Tehranian adults. This longitudinal study was conducted within the framework of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, between the third [2006-2008] and fourth phases [2009-2011]. Dietary intakes were collected using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire at baseline. The predictor role of dietary phytochemicals for risk of abdominal obesity, fasting glucose intolerance, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome-according to the international criteria-were evaluated using regression logistic models after adjustment of confounding factors. The mean of dietary phytochemical index was 29.8 +/- 12.3 at baseline. Higher intake of phytochemical-rich foods was associated with a significant descending trend in risk of metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension [P for trend<0.05]. Subjects in the highest quartile of dietary phytochemicals intake had a thirty-nine percent lower risk of abdominal obesity [0.61; 95%CI: 0.36-0.99], thirty seven percent lower risk of hypertriglyceridemia [0.63; 95%CI: 0.38-0.99] and a forty four percent lower risk of hypertension [0.56; 95%CI: 0.35-0.90], compared with those in the lowest quartile. Our findings indicate that higher intakes of phytochemical-rich foods can decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome and related risk factors

Iron, iodine and vitamin a in the middle east; a systematic review of deficiency and food fortification

Micronutrient deficiency is one of the major public health problems in the Middle East affecting economic, political and social development of countries. The three commonest micronutrient deficiencies belong to iron, iodine and vitamin A. we conducted a systematic review of published English articles in the Middle East countries using databases from PubMed, World Health Organization and Eood and Agriculture Organization from 1985 onward. A total of 6050 articles were identified and after evaluation based on eligibility criteria, 81 articles included in this systematic review. Despite implementation of flour fortification other control strategies, the prevalence of iron deficiency is moderate to severe in the Middle Eastern countries, because of ineffective iron fortification program, food interaction and hemoglobin application as anemia indictors in these countries. Mild to severe iodine deficiency disorders exist in many countries of the Middle East, due to lack of effective iodine supplementation program. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency is mild to severe and there is lack of vitamin A fortification program in many countries in this region. Despite unharmomzed efforts to control malnutrition of micronutrients, iron, iodine and vitamin A deficiencies are still exist in some countries of the Middle East. Effective, well controlled and harmonized programs for elimination of micronutrient deficiencies need to be initiated for governments and supported by international organizations in this region

Association between modifiable lifestyle factors and inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome

There is accumulating evidence suggesting that inflammation is the bridging link between cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Recent studies have shown a relationship between inflammatory markers and modifiable lifestyle factors including fitness, diet, exercise and smoking. We carried out a cross-sectional study of 195 patients with metabolic syndrome. Data on nutritional intake, physical activity level and smoking habits were collected through a questionnaire. Weight and body composition were determined and C-reactive protein and interluekin-6 concentrations were measured. C-reactive protein level had a significant association with body mass index [r = 0.18], adiposity [r = 0.23], smoking [r = 0.20], carbohydrate intake [r = 0.19] and saturated fatty acid [r = 0.20]. Interluekin-6 concentration was significantly correlated with dietary carbohydrate [r = 0.15], saturated fatty acid [r = 0.15] and glycaemic load [r = 0.15]. No association was observed between physical activity level and inflammatory markers

Long-term effects of processed Berberis vulgaris on some metabolic syndrome components

Metabolic syndrome is complex of metabolic disorders that correlates with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed at investigating the effect of processed Berberis vulgaris [B.vulgaris] on some metabolic syndrome components. Participants, type2 diabetics, were recruited in a randomized controlled clinical trial [n = 57] and randomly assigned into three groups: 1] processed B.vulgaris [n =19], 2] apple vinegar group [n =19] and 3] control group [n =19]. Height, weight, serum total cholesterol, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and at the end of the 8th week and BMI, total/HDL-cholesterol ratio and insulin resistance were estimated. Processed B.vulgaris group showed no significant effects on BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose concentrations, whereas LDL-cholesterol concentration [22.48 +/- 35.44mg/dl] and total/HDL-cholesterol ratio [2.56 +/- 4.87] significantly decreased and HDL-cholesterol concentration [12.33 +/- 20.58mg/dl] increased [P < 0.05]. No significant effect on lipid profiles was found in the apple vinegar group. Increased insulin concentration and insulin resistance was observed in all of these groups [P < 0.001], independent of processed B.vulgaris and apple vinegar effects. Findings of the present study showed the beneficial effects of processed B.vulgaris on certain atherosclerosis risk factors