The sedative effect of non-alcoholic beer in healthy female nurses.

INTRODUCTION: The hop (Humulus lupulus L.), a component of beer, is a sedative plant whose pharmacological activity is principally due to its bitter resins, in particular to the α-acid degradation product 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. The mechanism of action of hop resin consists of raising the levels of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter acting in the central nervous system (CNS). OBJECTIVES: To analyze the sedative effect of hops as a component of non-alcoholic beer on the sleep/wake rhythm in a work-stressed population. METHODS: The experiment was conducted with healthy female nurses (n = 17) working rotating and/or night shifts. Overnight sleep and chronobiological parameters were assessed by actigraphy (Actiwatch®) after moderate ingestion of non-alcoholic beer containing hops (333 ml with 0.0% alcohol) with supper for 14 days (treatment). Data were obtained in comparison with her own control group without consumption of beer during supper. RESULTS: Actigraphy results demonstrated improvement of night sleep quality as regards the most important parameters: Sleep Latency diminished (p≤0.05) in the Treatment group (12.01±1.19 min) when compared to the Control group (20.50±4.21 min), as also did Total Activity (p≤0.05; Treatment group = 5284.78±836.99 activity pulses vs Control = 7258.78±898.89 activity pulses). In addition, anxiety as indexed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) decreased in the Treatment group (State Anxiety 18.09±3.8 vs Control 20.69±2.14). CONCLUSION: The moderate consumption of non-alcoholic beer will favour night-time rest, due in particular to its hop components, in addition to its other confirmed benefits for the organism.

Análisis nutricional y hábitos alimentarios en personal sanitario con turnos rotatorios / Nutritional assessment and food habits in health personnel in shift work

Fundamentos: Todavía son poco conocidas las especificidades que la organización alternada de turnos de trabajo puede representar para la salud y en particular para la alimentación y nutrición. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los hábitos alimenticios y nutricionales en profesionales con turno rotatorios. Métodos: Se enrolaron 15 mujeres, personal sanitario, voluntarias sanas con normopeso. Rellenaron un recordatorio de 24 h y un cuestionario de frecuencias autocompletadas diariamente, de forma exhaustiva, con los alimentos consumidos durante 7 días. El análisis dietético y nutricional fue llevado a cabo mediante: Programa DIAL. Resultados: La ingesta de energía fue superior a la recomendada (2209,13±16,4 Kcal), así como proteínas (96,15±6,88 g), y lípidos (108,29±8,61 g), con un alto consumo de raciones diarias de aceites y grasas), lácteos y carnes y pescados. La ingesta de hidratos de carbono fue menor (192±14,37 g) de la recomendada, con un mejor consumo en raciones de cereales y azucares. La ingesta de las vitaminas niacina, B12, C y K, así como sales minerales, especialmente sodio y fosforo, fueron superiores al doble de las CDR. Se detectaron deficiencias nutricionales en su dieta diaria para zinc, hierro, iodo, magnesio y ácido fólico, e ingestas muy por debajo del CDR para flúor, potasio, calcio y vitamina D. Conclusión: El colectivo estudiado sometido a turnos rotatorios mantuvo una dieta no equilibrada que debería balancearse hacia los hidratos de carbono, además de corregir el consumo diario deficiente en calcio y excesivo en sodio, factores de riesgo para la osteoporosis e HTA respectivamente (AU)

Foundations: There is limited knowledge about the impact of alternated shift work for health and nutrition. Our aim was to analyze the food and nutritional habits in health professionals with shift work rotation. Methods: Some 15 voluntary healthy women, health personnel, with normal weight were recruited. They completed a 24-hour dietary recall and a daily Food Frequency Questionnaire for 7 days. Nutrient analysis was performed with DIAL software. Results: The study group had energy intakes above recommendations (2209.13±16.4 Kcal), as well as proteins (96.15±6.88 g) and lipids (108.29±8.61 g), with high consumption for oils and fats), dairies and meats and fish, and intakes below recommendations for carbohydrate (192±14.37 g), with lower consumption for cereals and sweets. Regarding macro and micronutrients, intakes for vitamins niacin, B12, C and K as well as for sodium and phosphorus were above twofold of the RDA. Intakes for zinc, iron, iodine, magnesium and folic acid, as well as for fluoride, potassium, calcium and vitamin D were far below RDA. Conclusion: The study group under rotating shift work had an unbalanced diet, which should turn into higher carbohydrate intake and adequate intakes for calcium, now deficient, and excessive sodium intake, risk factors for osteoporosis and high blood pressure, respectively (AU)