Use of dietary supplements by children and adolescents

Abstract Objectives Narrative review evaluating the use of dietary supplements by children and adolescents. Data source The terms "dietary supplements", "children" and "adolescents" were used in combination in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases, between 2000 and 2023, evaluating studies in humans, published in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. Data synthesis The use of dietary supplements by children and adolescents has increased in recent decades. The most commonly used supplements are vitamins, minerals, trace elements, proteins, amino acids, melatonin, fatty acids, probiotics and energy drinks. Conclusion Despite having specific indications, most of the time they are not prescribed by a healthcare professional. The reasons for use are varied. In children, the main reasons are protection against infections, stimulating growth, and poor food intake, with multivitamins and minerals being the most commonly used supplements. In adolescents, they are used to improve athletic performance and attain the "ideal body", with proteins and amino acids being the most often used nutrients. As they are not regulated by health agencies and are sold without a prescription, their unsupervised use can lead to inadequate doses, with inefficiency or overdose risk. As for compounding formulations, or when available in preparations with multiple nutrients, the chance of errors increases. It is essential that pediatricians advise parents and patients about the indications, risks and benefits, prescribing them when necessary.

Performance Evaluation of Automated Magnetic Beads Extraction Method for Extraction of Serum Fat-soluble Vitamins by LC-MS/MS Detection / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the performance of the automated magnetic beads extraction method for extraction of serum fat-soluble vitamins by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).Methods A total of 120 clinical residual serum samples were collected automated magnetic beads extraction method was applied to extract serum fat-soluble vitamins A,D2,D3,E and K.The linearity,limit of quantification,precision,accuracy,carryover and matrix effect of fat-soluble vitamins A,D2,D3,E and K were detected by LC-MS/MS.The consistency of the method and conventional extraction method was compared.Results The linear correlation coefficients for extracting fat-soluble vitamins A,D2,D3,E and K by automated magnetic beads extraction method were all greater than 0.99,and the quantitative limits for these five fat-soluble vitamins were 5,0.25,0.25,125 and 0.025 ng/ml.The intra-batch precision and inter-batch precision were 0.66%～4.83%and 0.15%～3.70%,respectively,and the average spike recovery rate was 87.05%～111.11%.The matrix effect was 95.43%～99.07%,and the difference between the mean value of the cyclic injection results of high-low value samples and the mean value of the cyclic injection results of low-low value samples was less than 3s of the mean value of the cyclic injection results of low-low value samples.The statistical analysis showed that the correlation between the results of the automated magnetic beads extraction method and the conventional extraction method was good(r＞0.99),and there was no significant bias in the detection results of the two methods.Conclusion The automated magnetic beads extraction method for extraction of fat-soluble vitamins had good detection performance,which may be expected to improve sample flux and analysis efficiency.

Uso de vitaminas e/ou minerais entre adultos e idosos em áreas urbanas no Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados / Use of vitamins and/or minerals among adults and the elderly in urban areas of Brazil: prevalence and associated factors

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi estimar a prevalência do uso de vitaminas e/ou minerais na população brasileira urbana com idade maior ou igual a 20 anos e identificar os fatores associados ao uso. Foram analisados os dados da Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos no Brasil (PNAUM), estudo transversal de base populacional, com amostra probabilística, realizada nas áreas urbanas das cinco regiões geográficas do país entre setembro de 2013 e fevereiro de 2014. A prevalência do uso estimada foi de 4,8% (IC95% 4,3-5,3), maior no sexo feminino, 6,4% (IC95% 5,7-7,1), e na população idosa, 11,6% (IC95% 10,5-12,8). O uso de vitaminas e/ou minerais mostrou-se associado aos fatores: sexo feminino, 60 anos ou mais, classe econômica A/B, apresentar doença(s) crônica(s) e autopercepção de saúde regular e muito ruim/ruim. Os multivitamínicos e multiminerais obtiveram maior frequência de uso, 24,5% (IC95% 20,1-29,4), seguido de cálcio e vitamina D, 23,4% (IC95% 19,7-27,5). Os dados sugerem que mulheres idosas devam ser o público referencial para ações de promoção do uso racional. Recomenda-se que os inquéritos epidemiológicos de abrangência nacional possam ampliar a observação desses produtos para possibilitar a análise de tendências.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin and/or mineral use among urban Brazilian populations aged 20 years and over and to identify associated factors. Data from the National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of the Rational Use of Medicines in Brazil (PNAUM) were analyzed and a population-based cross-sectional study with probability sampling was performed in urban areas of Brazil's five geographic regions from September 2013 to February 2014. The estimated prevalence of vitamin and/or mineral use was 4.8% (95%CI: 4.3-5.3), higher in women 6.4% (95%CI: 5.7-7.1) and in the elderly population 11.6% (95%CI: 10.5-12.8). Vitamin and/or mineral use was associated with the following factors: women, 60 years of age or older, economic class A/B, chronic disease(s) and self-perceived health held as average and very poor/poor. Multivitamins and multiminerals were the most used ones with 24.5% (95%CI 20.1-29.4), followed by calcium and vitamin D with 23.4% (95%CI 19.7-27.5). Data suggest that elderly women should be the reference public for actions aimed at promoting rational use. Nationwide epidemiological surveys should increase monitoring of these products to support the analysis of trends.

Dietary Immunomodulators - An Organic Boom in the Management of Chronic Diseases

Immunology involves all the defence mechanisms occurring in the body after the invasion of any infectious agent and the ability to resist this infection. The micronutrients like essential proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins (A, B6, B12, C, D, E and folic acid), fatty acids, minerals (iron, selenium, zinc and copper) and certain phytochemicals are of prime importance towards healthy immune system. In addition to these nutritional components, intestinal microflora and certain bacteria (probiotic bacteria) also play an important role in the modulation of healthy immune system. There is an ongoing trend of usage of immunomodulators to combat various chronic diseases like viral diseases, cancers, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on various immunomodulators available in daily dietary meals, its positive and negative effects on immune system and its role in management of chronic illness as an adjunct to other modalities to achieve positive health benefits with minimal side effects.

The Efficacy and Safety of a Combination of Amino Acids, Vitamins and Probiotics in PROM and PPROM

The prevalence and severity of prelabor rupture of the membranes (PROM)/preterm PROM (PPROM) are a worldwide public health concern. PROM is the result of a cascade of events involving matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1), cytokines and proapoptotic genes, which is initiated by several factors such as infection, genotoxic agents or some unknown etiology. In PROM, there is an increased expression and activation of MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 and a reduction of TIMP1. p53 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-? mediate the major apoptotic pathway of PROM. p53 can transactivate some MMP genes, resulting in the overexpression of MMPs. This leads to apoptosis. MMP-2 and MMP-9 degrades type-IV collagen, which is the major structural component of chorioamnion. Understanding the fundamental pathology at the molecular level, it appears necessary to adjust the biologically protective mechanism to prevent spontaneous preterm labor. Our findings show that the novel combination of arginine, ascorbic acid, folic acid, glutamine, glutathione, thiamine, lactic acid bacillus spores, vitamin E acetate and pyridoxine is safe and effectively prevents PROM and PPROM (97% patients) and prolongs pregnancy term.

Safety and Efficacy of a Combination of Amino Acids in Insufficient Lactating Mothers

Milk production of the mammary gland is mainly determined by the milk synthesis and proliferation abilities of mammary epithelial cells (MECs). The availability of amino acids is critical for the production of milk. Amino acids enhance milk protein synthesis and mammary gland development through the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Taurine enhances lactation by increasing prolactin secretion. Vitamins such as Thiamine and Pyridoxine are essential for maintaining and growing maternal and child health. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the safety and efficacy of amino acids and vitamins combination in lactating mothers with insufficient lactation. Hence, a prospective study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel amino acids and vitamins combination. The results showed that with the intervention of this combination, 62% of participants showed onset of lactation within 45 minutes to 2 hours. The study suggests clinicians should consider this novel combination to improve lactation in insufficient lactating mothers

Effect of Thermal Treatments on Selected Minerals and Water Soluble Vitamins of Chicken Breast Meat

The study was conducted to ascertain the effect of thermal treatments on selected minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Fe and Zn) and water soluble vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12 and C) contents of chicken breast meat. Industrial skinless chicken breast meat samples were purchased, transported to Bioprocess laboratory in cool conditions, frozen and sliced into dimensions and thawed. The samples were cooked by air frying (AF), baking (BK), deep fat frying (DF) and grilling (GR) at 170, 180 and 1900C for 0, 4, 8 and 12 min for minerals and 0, 8 and 16 min for vitamins. Thereafter, cooked and raw samples were wet acid digested overnight and 5 h digested on a block digester on slowly increased temperature to 1200C, cooled and deionized. The mineral elements were analysed by Optima 4300DV inductivity coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductivity coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These mineral elements were extrapolated through a calibration curve between intensity and concentration, while the vitamins were ascertained by measurement of absorbance of filtrates of the samples dissolved in their respective solvents in the Spectrophotometer against their blank samples at different wavelengths. The results showed that cooking methods decreased significantly (p < 0.05) the mineral elements with an exception of Zn cooked by grilling (GR) that increased by 19.92% and Mg that increased in the cooking methods. The ascending percentage reduction of minerals in cooked chicken breast were Zn, P, K, Fe, Na and Ca. Samples cooked by DF had significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentage reduction of 45.06% in Ca, 27.74% in Na and 18.85% in Zn and higher percentage increases of 14.96% in Mg contents than other methods. Also samples cooked by DF had higher percentage reductions of 55.10%, 37.93%, 37.11%, 34.44% and 30.99% in vitamins B1, C, B2, B9 and B6 Whereas higher percentage reductions of 41.67% and 37.84 % in vitamins B12 and B3 occurred in baking (Bk) and grilling (GR) treated samples. Cooking at 1900C had higher percent reduction in the Ca, Na, Fe, K, P and Zn as well as B1, B12, B2, C, B3, B9 and B6. Cooking methods, temperatures and times decreased significantly (p < 0.05) vitamins and minerals contents of chicken breast meat with an exception of Mg. Samples cooked at 1700C for 4 min and 1700C for 8 min had lower losses of minerals and vitamins compared to similar samples cooked at 1800C and 1900C. The AF cooking method had the least percent reduction of 22.50% than other cooking methods BK (26.88%), DF (36.04%) and GR (30.69%) in vitamin contents.

Role and application of micronutrients in nutritional support for malignant tumors / 中华临床营养杂志

Micronutrients (MNs), including vitamins and trace elements, play an indispensable role in human metabolism, immune function and other aspects. Due to the chronic microinflammation and long-term chemoradiotherapy, patients with malignant tumors often suffer from malnutrition, resulting in different degrees of MNs deficiency. In severe cases, MNs deficiency is closely related to the adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, reasonable MNs supplementation is of great significance in improving the prognosis and quality of life of patients with tumors. Recently, multiple guidelines have made recommendations on the application of MN supplementation in various clinical settings, providing evidence for the standardized MN supplementation in patients with malignant tumors.

Research trends on the effects of different nutritional components on depression disorder / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Depression disorder(DD)is one of the major mental health problems worldwide,and special nutrients such as amino acids,vitamins,fatty acids,probiotics,etc.can affect the emotional state and disease prognosis of DD patients.Amino acids such as tryptophan and S-adenosylmethionine have been shown to improve stress levels in DD patients through various mechanisms,including vitamin B and vitamin C,while unsaturated fatty acids and probiotics have also been shown to have the same effect.This article reviews the mechanisms by which these nutrients improve DD,with the aim of providing new clues for treatment of DD.

Research progress of memantine hydrochloride in the treatment of radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction and its combined application with vitamins / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction (RICD) has an insidious onset and there is a lack of effective prevention and treatment measures. The efficacy of memantine hydrochloride as a classical treatment drug is limited, and it is inevitable to seek multi-target combination drugs. In recent years, the protective effect of vitamin E and vitamin D on cognitive function has been widely recognized. Several basic studies have shown that vitamin E can play a role in the combination of medication by protecting neurons and reducing the adverse effects caused by memantine hydrochloride; Vitamin D and memantine hydrochloride have also become a hot topic of research due to their significant synergistic effects. The combination of memantine hydrochloride and vitamin therapy is expected to bring additional benefits to RICD patients.

Dietary supplement intakes among adults living in Kota Kinabalu during the COVID-19 pandemic: A crosssectional study

@#Introduction: During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the public may seek a non-pharmacological approach, such as dietary supplements, to prevent or manage COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults in Kota Kinabalu. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 213 adults living in Kota Kinabalu through convenient sampling from October 2021 to March 2022. A validated questionnaire was used to evaluate their perception on the use of dietary supplements, and the types of dietary supplements consumed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: One-hundred sixty-one (75.6%) adults reported that they were told to consume dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily from close family members (64.0%) and social media (58.4%). One-hundred and thirty-two (62%) adults were consuming dietary supplements and 46 (34.8%) of them only started taking them during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reasons for taking dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic included enhancing the immune system (83.6%) and for prevention of COVID-19 infection (64.4%). The most common dietary supplements consumed during the COVID-19 pandemic were vitamin C (90.2%), followed by multi-vitamin and mineral (32.6%), and fish oil (25.8%). After adjusting for age, sex, education level, and income level, KadazanDusun adults were most likely to consume dietary supplements (adjusted odds ratio = 2.369, 95% CI: 1.070 - 5.248, p=0.034). Conclusion: There was an increase in the number of adults consuming dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was likely driven by information sharing via family members and social media.

Oxidative stress, the blood-brain barrier and neurodegenerative diseases: The critical beneficial role of dietary antioxidants

In recent years, growing awareness of the role of oxidative stress in brain health has prompted antioxidants, especially dietary antioxidants, to receive growing attention as possible treatments strategies for patients with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The most widely studied dietary antioxidants include active substances such as vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols. Dietary antioxidants are found in usually consumed foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and oils and are gaining popularity due to recently growing awareness of their potential for preventive and protective agents against NDs, as well as their abundant natural sources, generally non-toxic nature, and ease of long-term consumption. This review article examines the role of oxidative stress in the development of NDs, explores the 'two-sidedness' of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as a protective barrier to the nervous system and an impeding barrier to the use of antioxidants as drug medicinal products and/or dietary antioxidants supplements for prevention and therapy and reviews the BBB permeability of common dietary antioxidant suplements and their potential efficacy in the prevention and treatment of NDs. Finally, current challenges and future directions for the prevention and treatment of NDs using dietary antioxidants are discussed, and useful information on the prevention and treatment of NDs is provided.

Characterization of micronutrient supplements use by Brazilian children 6-59 months of age: Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019) / Caracterização do uso de suplementos de micronutrientes por crianças brasileiras de 6-59 meses de idade: Estudo Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição Infantil (ENANI-2019) / Caracterización del uso de suplementos de micronutrientes por niños brasileños de 6-59 meses de edad: Estudio Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición Infantil (ENANI-2019)

This study aimed to characterize micronutrient supplements use among Brazilian children 6-59 months of age included in the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019; n = 12,598). Micronutrient supplements use at the time of the interview and the 6 months prior to it was evaluated using a structured questionnaire. The following indicators were included: micronutrient supplement use; supplements containing a single micronutrient; supplements of the Brazilian National Iron Supplementation Program (PNSF); multivitamin supplements with or without minerals; multivitamin supplements with minerals; multivitamin supplements without minerals. The estimates and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for Brazil and according to macroregion, educational level of the mother or caregiver, and type of health care service used, considering the sampling plan, weights, and calibration. In Brazil, the prevalence of micronutrient supplements use was 54.2% (95%CI: 50.5; 57.8), with the highest prevalence in the North Region (80.2%; 95%CI: 74.9; 85.6) and among children 6-23 months of age (69.5%; 95%CI: 65.7; 73.3). The prevalence of the use of supplements containing exclusively iron and exclusively vitamin A in Brazil was 14.6% (95%CI: 13.1; 16.1) and 23.3% (95%CI: 19.4; 27.1), respectively. The prevalence of the use of multivitamin with or without minerals in Brazilian children 6-59 months of age was 24.3% (95%CI: 21.4; 27.2). These results may help to understand the practice of supplements use among Brazilian children and support the proposal of national public policies for the prevention and control of micronutrient deficiencies.

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o uso de suplementos de micronutrientes entre crianças brasileiras de 6-59 meses de idade incluídas no Estudo Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição Infantil (ENANI-2019; n = 12.598). O uso de suplementos de micronutrientes no momento da entrevista e nos seis meses anteriores foi avaliado por meio de um questionário estruturado. Foram incluídos os seguintes indicadores: uso de suplemento de micronutrientes; suplementos contendo um único micronutriente; suplemento do Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Ferro (PNSF); suplementos multivitamínicos com ou sem minerais; suplementos multivitamínicos com minerais; suplementos multivitamínicos sem minerais. As estimativas pontuais e seus respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) foram calculados para o Brasil e de acordo com a macrorregião, a escolaridade da mãe ou cuidadora e o tipo de serviço de saúde utilizado, considerando o plano, os pesos e a calibração amostral. No Brasil, a prevalência de uso de suplemento de micronutrientes foi de 54,2% (IC95%: 50,5; 57,8), com maior prevalência na Região Norte (80,2%; IC95%: 74,9; 85,6) e entre crianças de 6-23 meses de idade (69,5%; IC95%: 65,7; 73,3). A prevalência do uso de suplementos contendo apenas ferro e apenas vitamina A no Brasil foi de 14,6% (IC95%: 13,1; 16,1) e 23,3% (IC95%: 19,4; 27,1), respectivamente. A prevalência de uso de multivitamínicos com ou sem minerais em crianças brasileiras de 6-59 meses de idade foi de 24,3% (IC95%: 21,4; 27,2). Esses resultados podem auxiliar na compreensão da prática do uso de suplementos entre crianças brasileiras e apoiar a proposta de políticas públicas nacionais de prevenção e controle de deficiências de micronutrientes.

El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar el uso de suplementos de micronutrientes entre niños brasileños con edades entre 6-59 meses incluidos en el Estudio Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición Infantil (ENANI-2019; n = 12.598). El uso de suplementos de micronutrientes en el momento de la entrevista y en los seis meses anteriores se evaluó mediante un cuestionario estructurado. Se incluyeron los siguientes indicadores: uso de suplementos de micronutrientes; suplementos que contienen un solo micronutriente; suplemento del Programa Nacional de Suplementación con Hierro (PNSF); suplementos multivitamínicos con o sin minerales; suplementos multivitamínicos con minerales; suplementos multivitamínicos libres de minerales. Se calcularon las estimaciones puntuales para Brasil y sus respectivos intervalos del 95% de confianza (IC95%) de acuerdo con la macrorregión, el nivel educativo de la madre/cuidador y el tipo de servicio de salud utilizado, considerando el plan, los pesos y la calibración de la muestra. En Brasil, la prevalencia del uso de suplementos de micronutrientes fue del 54,2% (IC95%: 50,5; 57,8), con mayor prevalencia en la Región Norte (80,2%; IC95%: 74,9; 85,6) y entre niños con edades entre 6-23 meses (69,5%; IC95%: 65,7; 73,3). Las prevalencias del uso de suplementos que contienen solo hierro o solo vitamina A en Brasil fueron del 14,6% (IC95%: 13,1; 16,1) y del 23,3% (IC95%: 19,4; 27,1), respectivamente. La prevalencia de uso de multivitamínicos con o sin minerales en niños brasileños de 6-59 meses de edad fue del 24,3% (IC95%: 21,4; 27,2). Estos resultados pueden ayudar a comprender la práctica de uso de suplementos entre los niños brasileños y apoyar la propuesta de políticas públicas para la prevención y control de la carencia de micronutrientes.

Suplementación con vitaminas, minerales y otros micronutrientes durante el embarazo

Introducción: La adecuada nutrición en el embarazo depende no solo de la correcta ingesta de alimentos, sino también de una apropiada administración de vitaminas, minerales y otros nutrientes en forma de suplementos. Objetivo: Describir aspectos relacionados sobre la suplementación con ácido fólico, hierro, yodo, calcio, vitamina B12 y omega-3, durante el embarazo. Método: Se realizó una revisión sistemática entre mayo de 2022 y marzo de 2023 sobre la suplementación con algunas vitaminas y minerales durante el embarazo. Se revisaron bases de datos electrónicas de literatura científica biomédica como: UpToDate, Science Direct, SciELO y PUBMED, LILACS. Se realizó la búsqueda de artículos desde el 2016 hasta 2022. Los términos de búsqueda en las bases de datos fueron: suplementos "Vitaminas", "Micronutrientes", "Minerales", y "Embarazo", en inglés y en español. Resultados: Los requerimientos de vitaminas, minerales y diferentes nutrientes aumentan en el embarazo. Una apropiada alimentación y el consumo de micronutrientes en forma de suplementos son el soporte básico para un adecuado desarrollo de la madre y del feto; por otra parte, una nutrición adecuada reduce el riesgo de malformaciones congénitas, complicaciones obstétricas, fetales y perinatales. No todas las embarazadas necesitan la misma cantidad de suplementos, por lo que es necesario identificar aquellas con mayor riesgo de presentar alguna deficiencia. Conclusiones: La suplementación de vitaminas, minerales y otros micronutrientes durante el embarazo es muy importante para disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones obstétricas y anomalías fetales y perinatales.

Introduction: Adequate nutrition in pregnancy depends not only on a healthy diet, but also on the most effective way of taking vitamins, minerals and other nutrient supplementation. Objective: To describe aspects related to supplementation with folic acid, iron, iodine, calcium, vitamin B12 and omega-3 in pregnancy. Method: A systematic review was conducted between May 2022 and March 2023, concerning supplementation intake of vitamins and minerals in pregnancy. Electronic databases of biomedical scientific literature were reviewed such as: UpToDate, Science Direct, SciELO and PUBMED, LILACS. Searching was on articles published from 2016 to 2022. The key terms for searching in databases were as follow: supplements "Vitamins", "Micronutrients", "Minerals", and "Pregnancy", in English and Spanish. Results: A vitamin, minerals and different nutrients intake requirements has increased in pregnancy. An appropriate diet and the consumption of micronutrients in the form of supplements are the basic support for an adequate health status of the mother and the development the fetus; on the other hand, an adequate nutrition reduces the risk of congenital malformations, obstetric, fetal and perinatal complications. Not all pregnant women need the same amount of supplements, so it is necessary to identify those with a highest risk of presenting deficiency. Conclusions: Supplementation of vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients in pregnancy is very important to reduce the risk of obstetric complications and fetal or perinatal anomalies.

Introdução: a nutrição adequada durante a gravidez depende não só da ingestão correta de alimentos, mas também da administração adequada de vitaminas, minerais e outros nutrientes na forma de suplementos. Objetivo: descrever aspectos relacionados à suplementação com ácido fólico, ferro, iodo, cálcio, vitamina B12 e ômega 3, durante a gestação. Método: foi realizada uma revisão sistemática entre maio de 2022 e março de 2023 sobre a suplementação com algumas vitaminas e minerais durante a gravidez. Bases de dados eletrônicas de literatura científica biomédica como: UpToDate, Science Direct, SciELO e PUBMED, LILACS foram revisadas. A busca dos artigos foi realizada no período de 2016 a 2022. Os termos de busca nas bases de dados foram: suplementos "Vitamins", "Micronutrients", "Minerals" e "Pregnancy", nos idiomas inglês e espanhol. Resultados: as necessidades de vitaminas, minerais e diferentes nutrientes aumentam na gravidez. Uma dieta adequada e o consumo de micronutrientes na forma de suplementos são o suporte básico para um desenvolvimento adequado da mãe e do feto; por outro lado, uma nutrição adequada reduz o risco de malformações congênitas, complicações obstétricas, fetais e perinatais. Nem todas as gestantes precisam da mesma quantidade de suplementos, por isso é necessário identificar aquelas com maior risco de apresentar deficiência. Conclusões: a suplementação de vitaminas, minerais e outros micronutrientes durante a gravidez é muito importante para reduzir o risco de complicações obstétricas e anomalias fetais e perinatais.

Nutritional Contents of Two Varieties of Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam ) Cultivated IN North Western Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Food shortages and nutritional imbalances are among the main food security problems in many countries around the world. In this study, the nutrients content of the yellow and red-fleshed sweet potatoes varieties cultivated in Nigeria were assessed. Materials and Methods: The proximate composition, mineral elements analysis, phytochemicals, and vitamins content of the red and yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes were determined using the standard methods of analysis. Results: The proximate analysis has shown that, the moisture (17.927%) and fat (2.703%) content of the yellow sweet potato were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in the red potato with a content of 16.68% and 1.693% respectively. The protein and fiber content of the red potato are 14.280% and 14.572% respectively, this is quite higher than in the yellow cultivar having 12.987% and 10.443% of the nutrients respectively. The ash and carbohydrate content were same in both. The red potato exhibits high level of sodium (11.420 mg/l), potassium (1.206 mg/l), and magnesium (8.468 mg/l) in contrast to the red potato containing 10.270 mg/l, 1.035 mg/l and 6.127 mg/l of the respective elements. Iron and zinc content were comparable in both cultivars while the calcium content (1.444 mg/l) of the yellow cultivar is significantly higher than in the red variety (1.144 mg/l). The vitamin A, B and E content of the red potato are 8.740 µmol/L, 2.977 mg/dl, and 13.267 mg/dl respectively. These values are significantly (p<0.05) higher than in the yellow potato containing 6.047 µmol/L, 1.680 mg/dl, and 11.110 mg/dl of the respective vitamins. There is no significant difference with respect to the vitamin C content of both yellow (11.850 mg/dl) and red potato (12.520 mg/dl). The phytochemicals: tannins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, and anthocyanins content of the red sweet potato are 0.967 mg/g, 1.577 mg/g, 1.867 mg/g, 6.590 mg/g and 2.660 mg/g respectively. Terpenes and anthocyanins were not found in the yellow cultivar. However, saponins (0.823 mg/g) were found in the yellow variety but not in the red potato. Amount of the tannins, flavonoids and phenols observed in the yellow-fleshed potato are 0.667 mg/g, 1.027 mg/g and 1.287 mg/g respectively. These values are lower than in the corresponding red potato. Conclusion: In this study, the nutritional contents of sweet potato varieties have been assessed which will immensely contribute to reducing the menace of malnutrition bedeviling the Northwestern part of Nigeria.

Determination of Vitamin Contents of Maize (Zea mays L) Produced and Stocked from Rural Conditions in Cote D’ivoire

Aims: Maize is prized for its richness in nutrient compounds. Despite its socio-economic importance, maize faces a quality problem that is sometimes very delicate. Indeed, maize during different production, post-harvest processing, storage and transport conditions is exposed to bio-aggressors that can alter the quality of this cereal. With this in mind, this study was conducted to determinate the vitamins contents of maize produced and stored in five maize-producing regions of Côte d’Ivoire. Study Design: A total of 1 500 samples of maize as grains, epis and spathes were collected at rate of 500 samples by region (Gbêkê, Poro, Hambol, Indénié-Djuablin and Gontougo) and sent to the laboratory for analysis of the vitamin contents. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out during March 2016 to January 2017. Then, the analyses of the collected sample took place at the Biotechnology, Agriculture and Valorisation of Biological Ressources Laboratory of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny’s University, Abidjan. Methodology: Vitamins determination was carried by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. A total of twelve vitamins were evaluated namely 9 water-soluble vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, choline, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid and cobalamin) and 3 fat-soluble vitamins (β-carotene, vitamin E and K). Results: Results show a significant difference between vitamins contents of the different maize forms and regions. The mean values ranged from 0.09 ± 0.04 to 557.24 ± 10.97 mg / kg for water-soluble vitamins and from 0.31±0.25 to 4.20±1.00 mg / kg for fat-soluble vitamins. Choline was the most abundant of the water-soluble vitamins while β-carotene and vitamin E were the most abundant of the fat-soluble vitamins. Maize grains and epis had the highest levels of these vitamins all of the regions. Maize spathes samples, especially those from Indénié-Djuablin and Gontougo, showed the lowest concentrations. Conclusion: A significant variability from one region to another can be noticed at level of vitamins regardless the type of maize. Maize vitamin contents seem to be related to maize form (grains, epis, spathes), maize variety, agronomic practices, post-harvest treatments and storage structure.

Potentials of Immunonutrition in Wound Healing: A Review (Potensi Imunonutrisi dalam Penyembuhan Luka: Tinjauan) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#A delayed wound healing process can lead to detrimental complications in chronic wound patients such as tissue necrosis and systemic infections. Application of immunonutrition (IN) in experimental animal models and chronic wound patients has shown promising and improved wound healing processes. IN restores the supply of essential nutrients that are critical for cell growth and tissue repair in the wounded subjects. Several commonly found nutrients in IN formulations include polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), essential amino acids, trace elements such as zinc and vitamins. Recently, some studies suggested the use of traditionally used herbs like curcumin in IN recipes due to its efficient wound healing properties. The roles and functions of IN in wound healing encompass recruitment of white blood cells, platelets and fibroblasts into the wounded area during the coagulation and inflammation phases, enhancement of fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis and neovascularization in the proliferation phase; and lastly, regulation of tissue re-epithelization for wound closure and recovery. In this review, the roles and functions of individual nutrients were deliberately discussed alongside their mechanisms of action in wound healing. This aims to provide a more holistic insight into the potentials of those nutrients when used as part of IN for major wound patients. Despite its remarkable effects in wound healing, several criteria should be considered in an IN formulation: the type and severity of wounds, administration timing and mode of administration, and concoction of immune-boosting nutrients in order to ensure the optimal wound healing effects.

Vitamin and mineral levels during pregnancy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Numerous physiological changes occur during pregnancy, which affect both the mother and the fetus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the magnesium, calcium, phosphate, parathormone (PTH), and vitamin D levels in each trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: In this study, 30 pregnant women in the first trimester, 30 pregnant women in the second trimester, 30 pregnant women in the third trimester, and 30 healthy, non-pregnant women (control) in the same age group were included. The serum magnesium, calcium, phosphate, PTH, and vitamin D levels were measured in all the participants. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in the PTH and phosphate levels within the groups. In contrast, a significant difference was found in the vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium levels (p<0.001 for all). By analyzing the differences between the groups, the vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium levels were found to decrease with increase in the gestational weeks. CONCLUSION: For maintaining a healthy pregnancy and fetus, we recommend vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium levels to be included in routine follow-ups for each trimester and supplemented in case of deficiency.