[Effect of whole body vibration on healthy rat plasma parameters]

Whole body vibration [WBV] has been regarded as an exercise training method and as a non-pharmacological supportive treatment option appearing to be efficient for chronic disease conditions, such as bone disorders and cardio-respiratory fitness. Since, data on the safety and efficacy of vibration on plasma parameters are lacking, therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of WBV on the plasma parameters in adult male Wistar rat model. Male Wistar rats weighing 140-180 g were divided into control and the vibration group. Vibration training consisted of vertical sinusoidal whole body vibration for 8 weeks, followed by blood collection. The vibrated rats weighed more than the control group [approximately 14% more]. Plasma CK, E2 and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the vibration group compared with the controls. The mean of Vit. D level was 15% higher; hsCRP level was 11% lower and IL-6 level was 32% higher in the vibration group. No difference was observed for other selected plasma parameters. The potential effects of physiological responses of WBV on several physiological systems are without deteriorations in plasma parameters

Impact of daily consumption of iron fortified ready-to-eat cereal and pumpkin seed kernels [Cucurbitapepo l.] on serum iron in adult women

The objective of this study was to consider the effectiveness of consumption of iron fortified ready-to-eat cereal and pumpkin seed kernels as two sources of dietary iron on status of iron nutrition and response of hematological characteristics of women at reproductive ages. Eight healthy female, single or non pregnant subjects, aged 20-37 y consumed 30 g of iron fortified ready-to-eat cereal [providing 7.1 mg iron/day] plus 30 g of pumpkin seed kernels [providing 4.0 mg iron/day] for four weeks. Blood samples collected on the day 20 of menstrual cycles before and after consumption and indices of iron status such as reticulocyte count, Hb, Ht, serum ferritin, iron, TIBC, transferrin and transferrin saturation percent were determined. Better response for iron status was observed after consumption period. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the pre and post consumption phase for higher serum iron, higher transferrin saturation percent, and lower TIBC. All individuals had higher serum iron after consumption. A significant positive correlation between the differences in serum iron levels and differences in transferrin saturation percentages and a significant negative correlation between the differences in serum iron levels and differences in TIBC was found, as well. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional problems in the world affecting billions of people through the world and impairs growth and cognition. Fortified foods contribute to maintaining optimal nutritional status and minimizing the likelihood of iron insufficiencies and use of fortified ready-to-eat cereals is a common strategy. The results showed that adding another food source of iron such as pumpkin seed kernels improves the iron status. Additional and longer studies using these two food products are recommended to further determine the effect of iron fortification on iron nutrition and status among the target population, and mainly in young children, adolescents, women of reproductive ages and pregnant women

[Effects of boron and calcium supplementation on mechanical properties of bone in rats]

The objective of this study was to consider the effects of boron [B] and calcium [Ca] supplementation on mechanical properties of bone tissues and mineral content of selected bones in rats. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats underwent three different treatments with boron and calcium in their drinking water, while being fed ad libitum for 4weeks. Rats were placed into three treatment groups: group1 were given 2 mg B/d; group 2, 300 mg Ca/d, and group 3, a combination of 2 mg B + 300 mg Ca/d. After the experimental period body weights were recorded and bone mechanical properties were determined on the tibiae, femurs, and fifth lumbar vertebral bones and the mineral contents of these bones was calculated as the ash percentage. Bone mechanical properties were observed to be better after boron supplementation. The hardness of the lumbar vertebral bones tended to increase in all groups. The group receiving Boron supplementation demonstrated maximal hardness in all bones while calcium supplementation had the least effect; however, in the case of lumbar vertebral bones, this negative effect was corrected in the presence of boron,. Highest mean energy to maximal load was shown with boron supplementation, demonstrating significant differences with Ca group; in comparison with the controls, least difference in mean energy to maximal load, was seen in the Calcium group. There were no significant differences in energy and deformation with ultimate load among the four groups. There were no significant differences in ash weights among the four groups. Boron supplementation increased the bone mechanical properties in rats and its efficiency tended to be higher in lumbar vertebral bones