Iron incorporation in red blood cells of pediatric sickle cell anemia: a stable isotope pilot investigation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is marked by hypoxia, inflammation, and secondary iron overload (IO), which potentially modulate hepcidin, the pivotal hormone governing iron homeostasis. The aim was to evaluate the iron incorporation in red blood cells (RBC) in SCA pediatric patients, considering the presence or absence of IO. SUBJECTS/METHODS: SCA children (n = 12; SCAtotal) ingested an oral stable iron isotope (57Fe) and iron incorporation in RBC was measured after 14 days. Patients with ≥1000 ng/mL serum ferritin were considered to present IO (SCAio+; n = 4) while the others were classified as being without IO (SCAio-; n = 8). Liver iron concentration (LIC) was determined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) T2* method. RESULTS: The SCAio+ group had lower iron incorporation (mean ± SD: 0.166 ± 0.04 mg; 3.33 ± 0.757%) than SCAio- patients (0.746 ± 0.303 mg; 14.9 ± 6.05%) (p = 0.024). Hepcidin was not different between groups. Iron incorporation was inversely associated with serum ferritin level (SCAtotal group: r = -0.775, p = 0.041; SCAio- group: r = -0.982; p = 0.018) and sickle hemoglobin (HbS) presented positive correlation with iron incorporation (r = 0.991; p = 0.009) in SCAio- group. LIC was positively associated with ferritin (SCAtotal: r = 0.921; p = 0.026) and C reactive protein (SCAio+: r = 0.999; p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: SCAio+ group had lower iron incorporation in RBC than SCAio- group, suggesting that they may not need to reduce their intake of iron-rich food, as usually recommended. Conversely, a high percentage of HbS may indirectly exacerbate hypoxia and seems to increase iron incorporation in RBC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br . Identifier RBR-4b7v8pt.

Changes in the Gut Microbiota after the Use of Herbal Medicines in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Herbal medicine is a low-cost treatment and has been increasingly applied in obesity treatment. Gut microbiota (GM) is strongly associated with obesity pathogenesis. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review guided by the question: "Does the use of herbal medicine change the GM composition in obese individuals?" Randomized clinical trials with obese individuals assessing the effects of herbal medicine intervention in GM were retrieved from the Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, including the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Two reviewers independently extracted data using standardized piloted data extraction forms and assessed the study-level risk of bias using an Excel template of the Cochrane "Risk of bias" tool 2-RoB 2. RESULTS: We identified 1094 articles in the databases. After removing duplicates and reading the title and abstract, 14 publications were fully evaluated, of which seven publications from six studies were considered eligible. The herbs analyzed were Moringa oleifera, Punica granatum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Schisandra chinensis, W-LHIT and WCBE. The analysis showed that Schisandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis had significant effects on weight loss herbal intervention therapy composed by five Chinese herbal medicines Ganoderma lucidum, Coptis chinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Nelumbo nucifera gaertn, and Fructus aurantii (W-LHIT) and white common bean extract (WCBE) on GM, but no significant changes in anthropometry and laboratory biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: Herbal medicine modulates GM and is associated with increased genera in obese individuals.

Association of vitamin A with anemia and serum hepcidin levels in children aged 6 to 59 mo.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the association of serum retinol, hepcidin levels, and anemia in children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 312 children, ages 6 to 59 mo, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The association between hepcidin and retinol levels, hematologic parameters, and body mass index (BMI) was analyzed using a generalized linear model with and without adjustment for C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Logistic regression analysis was used to test anemia as an outcome and serum retinol level as a predictive variable using the odds ratio (OR) function. RESULTS: Anemia was present in 14.6% of the children, 5.8% presented iron deficiency anemia, and 9.6% had vitamin A deficiency. The increase in serum retinol levels reduced the chances of anemia (OR = 0.13; confidence interval = 0.29-0.59). When CRP level was not adjusted for in the multiple regression analyses, retinol, ferritin levels, and BMI/age were predictors of serum hepcidin levels (ß = -3.36, 0.14, 1.02, respectively; P = 0.032). Accordingly, serum retinol levels were inversely associated with CRP levels (ß = -0.025 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The association between serum retinol and hepcidin levels in children ages 6 to 59 mo seems to be dependent on inflammation. Taken together, the results reinforce the need for the development of further studies to better understand the relationship between vitamin A and anemia of inflammation.

The effect of food and nutrients on iron overload: what do we know so far?

There has been no established food and nutrition guidance for diseases characterized by the presence of iron overload (IOL) yet. Hepcidin is a hormone that diminishes iron bioavailability. Its levels increase in response to increased iron stores. Hence, IOL conditions could hypothetically trigger a self-regulatory mechanism for the reduction of the intestinal absorption of iron. In addition, some food substances may modulate intestinal iron absorption and may be useful in the dietary management of patients with IOL. This scoping review aimed to systematize studies that support dietary prescriptions for IOL patients. It was carried out according to the method proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Although the need to restrict iron in the diet of individuals with hemochromatosis is quite clear, there is a consensus that IOL diminishes the rate of iron absorption. Reduced iron absorption is also present and has been reported in some diseases with transfusion IOL, in which serum hepcidin is usually high. The consumption of polyphenols and 6-shogaol seems to reduce iron absorption or serum ferritin concentration, while procyanidins do not cause any changes. Vitamin C deficiency is often found in IOL patients. However, vitamin C supplementation and alcohol consumption should be avoided not only because they increase iron absorption, but also because they provoke toxic oxidative reactions when the iron is excessive. Dietary approaches must consider the differences in the pathophysiology and treatment of IOL diseases.

Low intake of dietary fibre among Brazilian adolescents and association with nutritional status: cross-sectional analysis of Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents data.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dietary fibre intake in Brazilian adolescents and its association with nutritional status. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study including data from the Brazilian multicentre Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA). Data analysed were geographic region, sex, age, nutritional status, sexual maturation stage, socioeconomic status, school type and level of physical activity. For nutritional status classification, BMI/age was used by sex. Dietary intake was assessed by 24-h recall. Dietary fibre intake was expressed in g/d, and adequacy was determined using dietary reference intake (DRI) values. Complex sample design was considered in statistical analysis, and logistic regression was used to estimate OR for fibre intake and nutritional status. SETTING: Brazilian municipalities with more than 100 000 inhabitants. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 71 740 adolescents aged 12-17 years were included. RESULTS: The average total dietary fibre intake was 19·1 g/d (95 % CI 18·5, 19·7), and only 13·1 % (95 % CI 11·6, 14·7) of Brazilian adolescents reached the recommendations. The results of logistic regression analysis adjusted for geographic region, sex and type of school showed that overweight and obese adolescents were 1·6 and 1·8 times more likely, respectively, to have inadequate dietary fibre intake (P < 0·0001). CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian adolescents had a significantly inadequate dietary fibre intake. This was particularly notable in adolescents with excess weight. Education policies on nutrition must be implemented, as dietary fibre plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of obesity and other chronic diseases.

Prevalence and factors associated with hypovitaminosis D in adolescents from a sunny country: Findings from the ERICA survey.

Vitamin D plays a role in bone and metabolic health in life long, however hypovitaminosis D is common in different settings. The aim of this study was to describe vitamin D status among adolescents from a large sunny country and analyze associated factors. This was a multicenter, cross-sectional, school-based study. A total of 1152 adolescents age 12-17 from four Brazilian cities, Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, Brasília, and Porto Alegre, were included. Anthropometric variables, diet, type of school, race and season of data collection were evaluated. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured and categorized into three levels: ≤ 20 ng/mL, 21-29 ng/mL and ≥ 30 ng/mL. Ordered logistic regression models were used to explore the factors associated with hypovitaminosis D. The prevalence of vitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL, between 21 and 29 ng/mL and above 30 ng/mL was 21 % (95 %CI: 19 %-24 %), 42 % (95 %CI: 39 %-46 %) and 37 % (95 %CI: 33 %-40 %), respectively. In the final adjusted model, hypovitaminosis D was positively associated with gender, center (latitudes), data collected in winter or spring, non-whites, and private school students. A higher proportional odds ratio (POR) for hypovitaminosis D was found among obese boys (POR = 2.2, 95 %CI: 1.1-4.5), but not girls. Adequate dietary intake of vitamin D was a protective factor (POR = 0.4, 95 %CI: 0.2-0.6) against hypovitaminosis D. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of Brazilian adolescents at risk of hypovitaminosis D, independent of region. Due to their potential benefits, lifestyle changes should be stimulated, including healthier food choices and spending more time outdoors (with sun protection).

Nutritional status of human T-lymphotropic virus 1 patients: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The nutritional status of people with human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1) infection has been poorly described because it involves a neglected disease. The few studies that have been conducted mostly involve people with neurologic consequences and the possible clinical evolutions of the disease. The aim of this study was to describe the nutritional status of patients with HTLV-1, including those with associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, and to evaluate food security in these patients. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted in people with HTLV-1 admitted to a referral hospital. We collected data from 17 medical records, including anthropometric data (i.e., body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and mid-arm muscle circumference), laboratory test results (i.e., haemoglobin, haematocrit, albumin, globulin, iron fixation capacity, and iron), the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) method, and food security (Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale) data. The data were analysed using the R-project software. To evaluate possible associations between the outcomes and predictors (age at hospitalisation, food security, presence of children <18 years of age living in the household, income, schooling, ANSG, BMI, difference between ideal weight and hospitalisation, TSF, MUAC ICU days, hospitalisation outcome, rehospitalisation in the first year after discharge, interval between readmissions, death, associated conditions, constipation upon admission), we used Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Fisher's exact, chi-square tests with continuity correction, and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Hypothesis tests were considered statistically significant when p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57 (52-60) years. The patients were predominantly women (59%) and had an income lower than the local minimum wage with at least 6 years of schooling (52.3%). Only 18.2% of patients were eutrophic according to their BMI and 23.5% of patients were malnourished based on the SGA method. Patients predominantly had food security (64.7%) and good intestinal functions (64.7%) during their hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Despite having a limited number of patients in this study, HTLV-1 patients admitted to hospital are at high risk of malnutrition based on the scores from the SGA method.

Food insecurity and social support in families of children with sickle-cell disease / Insegurança alimentar e apoio social em famílias de crianças com doença falciforme

Abstract Objective: To examine the associations between food insecurity (IA) and social support in families of children with sickle-cell disease (DF). Methods: This cross-sectional study in families of 190 children from five to nine years old in follow-up at a hematology referral hospital in Rio de Janeiro State. IA was measured using the Brazilian food insecurity scale and social support was measured using the Brazilian version of the MOS social support survey instrument. The relation between IA and social support was analyzed by way of a multinomial logistic model. Results: There was IA in 62.2% of the families, in moderate and severe form in, respectively, 11.1% and 7.9% of cases. In families of children with DF, levels of mild and severe food insecurity (IALe and IAGr) were found to relate inversely to levels of social support in the following dimensions: informational support (IALe OR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.96-0.99 and IAGr OR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.92-0.98); social interaction (IALe OR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.96-0.99 and IAGr OR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.99) and tangible social support (IALe OR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.96-0.99 and IAGr OR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.94-0.99). Conclusion: Considering the positive effects of social support on IA, public policies should be encouraged to assure food and nutritional security and social assistance for care for people with DF. Also, social support groups for people with DF should be strengthened.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar as associações entre insegurança alimentar (IA) e apoio social em famílias de crianças com doença falciforme (DF). Métodos: Estudo transversal feito com as famílias de 190 crianças, de cinco a nove anos, atendidas em um hospital de referência em hematologia no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. A IA foi medida com a escala brasileira de insegurança alimentar e o apoio social foi medido com a versão brasileira do instrumento de pesquisa de apoio social MOS. A relação entre IA e o apoio social foi analisada por meio de um modelo logístico multinomial. Resultados: Havia IA em 62,2% das famílias, nas formas moderada e grave em 11,1% e 7,9% dos casos, respectivamente. Em famílias de crianças com DF, os níveis de insegurança alimentar leve e grave (IAL e IAG) apresentaram relação inversa com os níveis de apoio social nas seguintes dimensões: apoio informativo (IAL OR = 0,98; IC 95%: 0,96-0,99 e IAG OR = 0,95; IC 95%: 0,92-0,98); interação social (IAL OR = 0,98; IC 95%: 0,96-0,99 e IAG OR = 0,96; IC 95%: 0,93-0,99) e material (apoio social tangível) (IAL OR = 0,97; IC 95%: 0,96-0,99 e IAG OR = 0,97; 95% CI 0,94-0,99). Conclusão: Considerando os efeitos positivos do apoio social na IA, as políticas públicas devem ser encorajadas a garantir segurança alimentar e nutricional e assistência social para o atendimento de pessoas com DF. Além disso, os grupos de apoio social para pessoas com DF devem ser fortalecidos.

Food insecurity and social support in families of children with sickle-cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between food insecurity (IA) and social support in families of children with sickle-cell disease (DF). METHODS: This cross-sectional study in families of 190 children from five to nine years old in follow-up at a hematology referral hospital in Rio de Janeiro State. IA was measured using the Brazilian food insecurity scale and social support was measured using the Brazilian version of the MOS social support survey instrument. The relation between IA and social support was analyzed by way of a multinomial logistic model. RESULTS: There was IA in 62.2% of the families, in moderate and severe form in, respectively, 11.1% and 7.9% of cases. In families of children with DF, levels of mild and severe food insecurity (IALe and IAGr) were found to relate inversely to levels of social support in the following dimensions: informational support (IALe OR=0.98; 95% CI 0.96-0.99 and IAGr OR=0.95; 95% CI 0.92-0.98); social interaction (IALe OR=0.98; 95% CI 0.96-0.99 and IAGr OR=0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.99) and tangible social support (IALe OR=0.97; 95% CI 0.96-0.99 and IAGr OR=0.97; 95% CI 0.94-0.99). CONCLUSION: Considering the positive effects of social support on IA, public policies should be encouraged to assure food and nutritional security and social assistance for care for people with DF. Also, social support groups for people with DF should be strengthened.

Serum Hepcidin Concentration in Individuals with Sickle Cell Anemia: Basis for the Dietary Recommendation of Iron.

Dietary iron requirements in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) remain unclear. SCD is a neglected hemoglobinopathy characterized by intense erythropoietic activity and anemia. Hepcidin is the hormone mainly responsible for iron homeostasis and intestinal absorption. Intense erythropoietic activity and anemia may reduce hepcidin transcription. By contrast, iron overload and inflammation may induce it. Studies on SCD have not evaluated the role of hepcidin in the presence and absence of iron overload. We aimed to compare serum hepcidin concentrations among individuals with sickle cell anemia, with or without iron overload, and those without the disease. Markers of iron metabolism and erythropoietic activity such as hepcidin, ferritin, and growth differentiation factor 15 were evaluated. Three groups participated in the study: the control group, comprised of individuals without SCD (C); those with the disease but without iron overload (SCDw); and those with the disease and iron overload (SCDio). Results showed that hepcidin concentration was higher in the SCDio > C > SCDw group. These data suggest that the dietary iron intake of the SCDio group should not be reduced as higher hepcidin concentrations may reduce the intestinal absorption of iron.

Dietary counseling adherence during tuberculosis treatment: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of dietary counseling to overcome malnutrition for patients with tuberculosis, with or without HIV, however the response to nutritional treatment depends on patient's adherence to nutritional counseling. OBJECTIVE: Identify the degree of adherence to dietary counseling and predictors of adherence among patients undergoing tuberculosis treatment. DESIGN: Observational prospective follow-up study conducted in adults treating for tuberculosis with or without HIV. Self-reported adherence and 24-h diet recall were checked. Diet counseling according to WHO strategy was offered at each visit for all patients. The endpoint was the adherence to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and total calories consumed during tuberculosis treatment. Data were mainly analyzed with marginal models to estimate adjusted trajectories. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included in the study. The maximum probability of total calories consumption of at least one RDA was 80%. The adherence to dietary counseling was low regardless of HIV infection. The negative determinants of adherence were the presence of loss of appetite and nausea/vomiting. For patients with loss of appetite and nausea/vomiting, the probability of total calories consumption of at least one RDA is less than 20% at any time. CONCLUSION: The loss of appetite and nausea/vomiting are highly prevalents and were the main causes of non-adherence to dietary counseling.

Nutritional Supplementation Is a Necessary Complement to Dietary Counseling among Tuberculosis and Tuberculosis-HIV Patients.

UNLABELLED: The Brazilian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization recommend dietary counseling for patients with malnutrition during tuberculosis treatment. Patients under tuberculosis therapy (infected and not infected with HIV) were followed-up to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary counseling. OBJECTIVE: describe the nutritional status of patients with tuberculosis. METHODS: an observational follow-up study over a 180-day period of tuberculosis therapy in adults was conducted. Subjects were assessed for body composition (using BMI, TSF and MUAC parameters), serum biomarkers and offered dietary counseling. The data obtained at each visit (D15, D30, D60, D90, D120, D150, and D180) were analyzed, showing trajectories over time and central tendencies each time. RESULTS: at baseline, the mean age was 41.1 (± 13.4) years; they were predominantly male, with income lower than a local minimum wage and at least six years of schooling. Patients showed predominantly pulmonary tuberculosis. At baseline, all patients suffered from malnutrition. The overall energy malnutrition prevalence was of 70.6%. Anemia at baseline was observed in both groups (63.2%), however, it was significantly more pronounced in the HIV+. At the end, energy malnutrition was reduced to 57.1% (42.9% of HIV- and 71.4% of the HIV+). Micronutrients malnutrition was evident in 71.4% of the HIV- patients and 85.7% of HIV+ patients at the end of tuberculosis therapy. Using BMI (≤ 18.5 kg/m2cutoff) as an index of malnutrition, it was detected in 23.9% of the HIV- and 27.3% of the HIV+ patients at baseline, with no evident improvement over time; using TSF (≤ 11.4mm as cutoff) or MUAC (≤ 28.5cm as cutoff), malnutrition was detected in 70.1% and 85.3% of all patients, respectively. Nevertheless, combining all biomarkers, at the end of follow-up, all patients suffered from malnutrition. CONCLUSION: Although with a limited number of patients, the evidence does not support that dietary counseling is effective to recover from malnutrition in our population.

Sobrecrescimento bacteriano no intestino delgado, absorçäo e tolerância à lactose e deficiência de ferro em pré-escolares de duas creches da cidade do Rio de Janeiro / Small bowel bacterial overgrowth, lactose absortion and tolerance and iron deficiency in childrn of two preschools in the city of the Rio de Janeiro

Objetivos: Investigar a ocorrência de sobrecrescimento bacteriano no intestino delgado; pesquisar a absorçao e a tolerância à lactose; avaliar a ocorrência de deficiência de ferro e estudar a relaçao entre má absorçao de lactose, sobrecrescimento bacteriano no intestino delgado e deficiência de ferro corporal. Metodologia: Este estudo foi desenvolvido com 104 pré-escolares de duas creches públicas da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Foram realizadas avaliaçao antropométrica, teste do hidrogênio no ar expirado com administraçao de lactulose e lactose e avaliaçao bioquímica. O teste com lactulose foi realizado com oferta de 10 gramas. As amostras de ar expirado foram coletadas em jejum, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 e 180 minutos. O ponto de corte para o diagnóstico de sobrecrescimento bacteriano no intestino delgado foi o incremento na concentraçao de hidrogênio maior ou igual a 20 ppm acima do valor basal em jejum, nas amostras coletadas aos 15 e/ou 30 minutos, ou valor de hidrogênio na amostra basal 3 42 ppm. O teste com lactose foi realizado após jejum de 12 horas, com oferta de 2 gramas/kg de peso corporal em soluçao aquosa a 10 por cento. O ponto de corte para má absorçao da lactose foi o aumento da concentraçao de hidrogênio igual ou acima de 20 ppm em relaçao ao valor de jejum, em qualquer amostra de ar expirado coletada até 180 minutos. A identificaçao da deficiência de ferro foi realizada com o emprego do hemograma completo, ferritina, ferro sérico e capacidade total de ligaçao do ferro. Feito também parasitológico e sangue oculto nas fezes. Resultados: O estado nutricional esteve adequado em 100 (96,2 por cento) crianças. Duas crianças (1,9 por cento) apresentaram baixo peso e outras duas (1,9 por cento) baixa estatura. O parasitológico foi positivo em 24 (26,1 por cento) crianças e a presença de infestaçao mista, em 3 (3,3 por cento). O teste respiratório com lactulose identificou 9 (9,1 por cento) crianças nao produtoras de hidrogênio e 10 (10,1 por cento) com sobrecrescimento bacteriano. Houve associaçao significante entre parasitose intestinal e sobrecrescimento bacteriano. 43 crianças (47,8 por cento) apresentaram má absorçao da lactose e cinco foram intolerantes à lactose. Nao houve diferença significante entre o consumo de leite dos maus absorvedores de lactose é 'os de absorçao normal. Os exames bioquímicos de sangue revelaram que 16 (15,4 por cento) crianças eram anêmicas (hemoglobina < 11,0 g/dL) e 19 (35,9 por cento) apresentavam reserva...(au)