A Comparative Review of Key Isothiocyanates and Their Health Benefits.

Isothiocyanates are biologically active products resulting from the hydrolysis of glucosinolates predominantly present in cruciferous vegetables belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Numerous studies have demonstrated the diverse bioactivities of various isothiocyanates, encompassing anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties. Nature harbors distinct isothiocyanate precursors, glucosinolates such as glucoraphanin and gluconastrin, each characterized by unique structures, physical properties, and pharmacological potentials. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate the current understanding of Moringa isothiocyanates, mainly 4-[(α-L-rhamnosyloxy) benzyl] isothiocyanate), comparing this compound with other well-studied isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane and phenyl ethyl isothiocyanates. The focus is directed toward elucidating differences and similarities in the efficacy of these compounds as agents with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties.

Validation of the Rapid Prime Diet Quality Score Screener (rPDQS), A Brief Dietary Assessment Tool With Simple Traffic Light Scoring.

BACKGROUND: Dietary pattern is a determinant of chronic disease, but nonregistered dietitian nutritionist (non-RDN) clinicians rarely assess diet because of barriers such as time constraints and lack of valid, brief diet quality assessment tools. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the relative validity of a brief diet quality screener using both a numeric scoring system and a simple traffic light scoring system. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the CloudResearch online platform to compare participants' responses to the 13-item rapid Prime Diet Quality Score screener (rPDQS) and the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour (ASA24) Dietary Assessment Tool. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The study was conducted in July and August 2021 and included 482 adults ≥18 years of age or older sampled to be representative of the US population. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All participants completed the rPDQS and an ASA24; of these, 190 completed a second ASA24 and rPDQS. Responses to rPDQS items were coded using both traffic light (eg, green = healthiest intake, red = least healthy intake) and numeric (eg, consume < 1 time a week, consume ≥ 2 times per day) scoring methods and were compared with food group equivalents and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores estimated from ASA24s. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Deattenuated Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to account for within-person variation in 24-hour diet recalls. RESULTS: Overall, 49% of participants were female, 62% were ≥35 years, and 66% were non-Hispanic White, 13% non-Hispanic Black, 16% Hispanic/Latino, and 5% Asian. For both food groups to encourage (eg, vegetables, whole grains) and to consume in moderation (eg, processed meats, sweets), there were statistically significant associations with intakes assessed by rPDQS, using both traffic light and numeric scoring methods. Total rPDQS scores correlated with the HEI-2015, r = 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.65, 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: The rPDQS is a valid, brief diet quality screener that identifies clinically relevant patterns of food intake. Future research is needed to test whether the simple traffic light scoring system is an effective tool that can help non-RDN clinicians provide brief dietary counseling or make referrals to registered dietitian nutritionists, as needed.

Nutrition as Metabolic Treatment for Anxiety.

Despite the overwhelming prevalence of anxiety disorders in modern society, medications and psychotherapy often fail to achieve complete symptom resolution. A complementary approach to medicating symptoms is to address the underlying metabolic pathologies associated with mental illnesses and anxiety. This may be achieved through nutritional interventions. In this perspectives piece, we highlight the roles of the microbiome and inflammation as influencers of anxiety. We further discuss the evidence base for six specific nutritional interventions: avoiding artificial sweeteners and gluten, including omega-3 fatty acids and turmeric in the diet, supplementation with vitamin D, and ketogenic diets. We attempt to integrate insights from the nutrition science-literature in order to highlight some practices that practitioners may consider when treating individual patients. Notably, this piece is not meant to serve as a comprehensive review of the literature, but rather argue our perspective that nutritional interventions should be more widely considered among clinical psychiatrists. Nutritional psychiatry is in its infancy and more research is needed in this burgeoning low-risk and potentially high-yield field.

Eat to Beat Stress.

There is a tendency to accept anxiety as an inevitable part of living in a stressful modern world. However, simple dietary changes can help attenuate the stress response. While there are several approaches to treating anxiety, research by Peter Roy-Byrne in 2015 has shown that only 50% to 60% of people respond to medication and psychotherapy, and only a quarter of patients have complete resolution of their symptoms. According to statistics from the National Institute of Mental health, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety disorders were the most common mental health disorder in the United States, about 3 times more common than depression (18.1% vs 6.7%). A recent Express Scripts survey showed the percent increase in the number of new prescriptions for antianxiety medications by the middle March 2020 for antianxiety medications was 37.7%, underscoring the likely rise in anxiety associated with the pandemic. While traditional medications and therapies are well needed, to beat stress during times of a pandemic, it is important to think more broadly about how we can best affect our mental well-being. One of those ways is through our nutrition and dietary habits, and research by Opie et al in 2015 demonstrates that our dietary choices are more crucial than ever. This column reviews foods and substances that are important to consider in managing anxiety.

Complementary Medicine and Natural Medications in Psychiatry: A Guide for the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is commonly and increasingly used in America and worldwide and can include both pharmacologic (e.g., vitamins and supplements) and nonpharmacologic (e.g., yoga) interventions. These therapies may be of interest to patients who desire "natural" alternatives or complements to standard treatments. CAM may be used by patients, with or without supervision from a licensed medical professional, to treat psychiatric conditions. OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of more commonly used CAM interventions that have relevance to mental health care providers, particularly consultation-liaison psychiatrists, and to describe the indications, safety, and dosing of these treatments. METHODS: We searched PubMed to identify articles that described the uses, safety, mechanisms, and recommendations for CAM therapies in relation to the treatment of psychiatric conditions. Articles most relevant to this review were included, with a preferential focus on meta-analyses and systematic reviews. RESULTS: We summarized common CAM therapies that have shown efficacy for the treatment of psychiatric conditions. These therapies include natural medications, nutritional psychiatry, light therapy, yoga, and exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Certain CAM interventions may be effective as monotherapies and/or as adjunctive treatments for psychiatric conditions. However, they may also have safety risks, contraindications, and/or interactions with medications. It is therefore important for physicians and other mental health care professionals to inquire about patient use of CAM and to understand the indications, safety, and dosing of these therapies.