Evident lower blood levels of multiple nutritional compounds and highly prevalent malnutrition in sub-acute stroke patients with or without dysphagia.

Introduction: Malnutrition is prevalent after stroke, particularly if post-stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) reduces nutritional intake. To further understand stroke-related malnutrition, a thorough nutritional assessment was performed in ischemic stroke patients with or without OD during sub-acute inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: In this exploratory, observational, cross-sectional, multi-center study in Germany (NTR6802), ischemic stroke patients with (N = 36) or without (N = 49) OD were age- and sex-matched to healthy reference subjects. Presence of (risk of) malnutrition (MNA-SF), blood concentration of stroke-relevant nutritional compounds and metabolites, nutritional intake, quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), and activities of daily living (Barthel index) were assessed. Results: More than half of the stroke patients displayed (risk of) malnutrition, with higher prevalence in patient with OD vs. without OD. Fasted blood concentrations of vitamins B1, B2, B6, A, D, and E, selenium, choline, coenzyme Q10, albumin, pre-albumin, transferrin, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid were all lower in stroke patients compared to their matched healthy reference subjects, irrespective of OD status. Reported energy, macronutrient, and water intake were lower in stroke patients vs. healthy reference subjects. As expected, quality of life and activities of daily living scores were lower in stroke vs. healthy reference subjects, with OD scoring worse than non-OD patients. Discussion: This study shows that malnutrition is highly prevalent in sub-acute stroke patients during rehabilitation. Even though patients with OD were more likely to be malnourished, blood levels of specific nutritional compounds were similarly lower in stroke patients with or without OD compared to healthy reference subjects. Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed similarly lower blood levels of specific nutritional compounds in patients that are normal nourished vs. patients with (risk of) malnutrition. This might imply disease-specific changes in blood levels on top of overall protein-energy malnutrition. The results of the current study underline that it is important to screen for nutritional impairments in every stroke patient, either with or without OD.

Impaired Nutritional Condition After Stroke From the Hyperacute to the Chronic Phase: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is common after stroke and can affect rehabilitation and healthcare costs. A comprehensive overview of stroke patients' nutritional condition from the hyperacute to the chronic phase is lacking. This systematic review aimed to investigate the prevalence of impaired nutritional condition (INC) across the continuum of care in specific phases after stroke. METHODS: CAB ABSTRACTS, Embase, MEDLINE, were used to collect studies published between 01-01-1999 and 26-08-2020. Primary and secondary outcomes were prevalence of INC and prevalence of malnutrition, respectively. Exploratory outcomes were prevalence of INC at follow-up, nutritional examination methods, prevalence of dysphagia, stroke severity, adverse events, and continent-specific prevalence of INC. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the phase-specific pooled prevalence of INC and malnutrition. RESULTS: The dataset consisted of 78 study groups selected over a total of 1,244 identified records. The pooled prevalence of INC and malnutrition were 19% (95%CI:7-31) (N = 4) and 19% (95%CI:9-29) (N = 3), 34% (95%CI:25-43) (N = 34) and 26% (95%CI:18-35) (N = 29), 52% (95%CI:43-61) (N = 34) and 37% (95%CI:28-45) (N = 31), 21% (95%CI:12-31) (N = 3) and 11% (95%CI:0-24) (N = 3) and 72% (95%CI:41-100) (N = 3) and 30% (95%CI:0-76) (N = 2) in the hyperacute, acute, early subacute, late subacute, and chronic phase, respectively. CONCLUSION: INC and malnutrition are highly prevalent in all stages of stroke care. Since malnutrition has been shown to negatively affect clinical outcomes, mortality, and overall healthcare expenditure in stroke survivors, it is essential to examine and monitor the nutritional status of stroke patients throughout their care journey to guide and plan, timely nutritional support and dietary modification.

Effect of a gum-based thickener on the safety of swallowing in patients with poststroke oropharyngeal dysphagia.

BACKGROUND: Increasing viscosity with thickening agents is a valid therapeutic strategy for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). To assess the therapeutic effect of a xanthan gum-based thickener (Nutilis Clear® ) at six viscosities compared with thin liquid in poststroke OD (PSOD) patients. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with PSOD were studied in this controlled, multiple-dose, fixed-order, and single-blind study using videofluoroscopy (VFSS). A series of boluses of 10 mL thin liquid and 2000, 1400, 800, 450, 250, and 150 mPa s viscosities were given in duplicate, interrupted in case of aspiration. We assessed the safety and efficacy of swallow and the kinematics of the swallow response. KEY RESULTS: A total of 41.2% patients had safe swallow at thin liquid which significantly increased for all viscosities from 71.9% at 150 mPa s to 95.6% at 1400 mPa s (P < .001). PAS score (3.7 ± 2.3) at thin liquid was also reduced by increasing bolus viscosity (P < .001). The prevalence of patients with aspiration at thin liquid was 17.5% and decreased at all viscosities (P < .01), except at 150 mPa s. Increasing viscosity shortened time to laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) at all viscosities (P < .01) and reduced bolus velocity at ≥450 mPa s (P < .05). The prevalence of patients with pharyngeal residue at each viscosity 37.7%-44.7% was similar to that at thin liquid (41.2%). CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: The prevalence of unsafe swallow with thin liquids is very high in PSOD. Increasing shear bolus viscosity with this xanthan gum-based thickener significantly increased the safety of swallow in patients with PSOD in a viscosity-dependent manner without increasing the prevalence of pharyngeal residue.

Tolerability and Product Properties of a Gum-Containing Thickener in Patients With Dysphagia.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine the gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability of drinks and foods thickened with a gum-containing thickener compared to a starch-based thickener in patients with dysphagia. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel group study. METHODS: Subjects started with a 3-day run-in period on a starch-based thickener and continued with a 14-day intervention on either the starch-based or gum-containing thickener. GI tolerance parameters were recorded at baseline and for three consecutive days in both weeks. Product properties were studied using a feedback questionnaire from carers. FINDINGS: Incidence and intensity of GI symptoms was low and not significantly different between groups. Carers indicated that starch-thickened drinks became significantly thinner with time compared to gum-containing thickened drinks (p = .029). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: No differences in GI tolerance parameters between groups were observed. We hypothesize that use of the gum-containing thickener is preferred to a starch-based thickener due to the stability of its viscosity during consumption.

Glycaemic response after intake of a high energy, high protein, diabetes-specific formula in older malnourished or at risk of malnutrition type 2 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Several studies with diabetes-specific formulas (DSFs) for hyperglycaemic patients in need of nutritional support have been conducted in non-malnourished patients, mainly comparing products with varying macronutrient compositions. Here, the effect of a high energy, high protein DSF on postprandial responses was compared to a product with a similar macronutrient composition in malnourished or at risk of malnutrition patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In this randomised, double-blind cross-over study, 20 patients were included. After overnight fasting, patients consumed 200 mL of a DSF or standard supplement (control) (19.6 g protein, 31.2 g carbohydrates and 10.6 g fat), while continuing their anti-diabetic medication. The formulas differed in type of carbohydrates and presence of fibre. The postprandial glucose, insulin and glucagon responses were monitored over 4 h. Data were analysed with a Linear Mixed Model, and results of the modified ITT population (n = 19) are shown. RESULTS: Postprandial glucose response as incremental area under the curve (iAUC), was lower after consumption of DSF compared with control (489.7 ± 268.5 (mean ± SD) vs 581.3 ± 273.9 mmol/L min, respectively; p = 0.008). Also, the incremental maximum concentration of glucose (iCmax) was lower for DSF vs control (3.5 ± 1.4 vs 4.0 ± 1.4 mmol/L; p = 0.007). Postprandial insulin and glucagon levels, expressed as iAUC or iCmax, were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of a high energy, high protein DSF by older malnourished or at risk of malnutrition type 2 diabetes patients resulted in a significantly lower glucose response compared to control. These data suggest that the use of a DSF is preferred for patients with diabetes in need of nutritional support.

Improved Glucose Profile in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With a New, High-Protein, Diabetes-Specific Tube Feed During 4 Hours of Continuous Feeding.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia frequently occurs in hospitalized patients receiving nutrition support. In this study, the effects of a new diabetes-specific formula (DSF) on glucose profile during 4 hours of continuous feeding and 4 hours after stopping feeding were compared with a standard formula (SF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover study, ambulant, nonhospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes received the DSF or an isocaloric, fiber-containing SF via a nasogastric tube. After overnight fasting, the formula was continuously administered to the patients during 4 hours. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were determined during the 4-hour period and in the subsequent 4 hours during which no formula was provided. RESULTS: During the 4-hour feeding period, DSF compared with SF resulted in a lower mean delta glucose concentration in the 3- to 4-hour period (0.3 ± 1.0 and 2.4 ± 1.5 mmol/L; P < .001). Also, the (delta) peak concentrations, (delta) mean concentrations, and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for glucose and insulin were significantly lower during DSF compared with SF feeding (all comparisons: P < .001). Furthermore, fewer patients experienced hyperglycemia (>10 mmol/L) on DSF compared with SF (2 vs 11, P = .003, respectively). No differences in number of patients with hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/L) were observed. No significant differences in tolerance were observed. CONCLUSION: Administration of a new, high-protein DSF during 4 hours of continuous feeding resulted in lower glucose and insulin levels compared with a fiber-containing SF in ambulant, nonhospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes. These data suggest that a DSF may contribute to lower glucose levels in these patients.

Impact of Diet Composition on Blood Glucose Regulation.

Nutritional management of blood glucose levels is a strategic target in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To implement such an approach, it is essential to understand the effect of food on glycemic regulation and on the underlying metabolic derangements. This comprehensive review summarizes the results from human dietary interventions exploring the impact of dietary components on blood glucose levels. Included are the major macronutrients; carbohydrate, protein and fat, micronutrient vitamins and minerals, nonnutrient phytochemicals and additional foods including low-calorie sweeteners, vinegar, and alcohol. Based on the evidence presented in this review, it is clear that dietary components have significant and clinically relevant effects on blood glucose modulation. An integrated approach that includes reducing excess body weight, increased physical activity along with a dietary regime to regulate blood glucose levels will not only be advantages in T2DM management, but will benefit the health of the population and limit the increasing worldwide incidence of T2DM.

Differences in nutritional status between very mild Alzheimer's disease patients and healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the systemic availability of nutrients and nutritional status in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are widely available, but the majority included patients in a moderate stage of AD. OBJECTIVE: This study compares the nutritional status between mild AD outpatients and healthy controls. METHODS: A subgroup of Dutch drug-naïve patients with mild AD (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) ≥20) from the Souvenir II randomized controlled study (NTR1975) and a group of Dutch healthy controls were included. Nutritional status was assessed by measuring levels of several nutrients, conducting the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®) questionnaire and through anthropometric measures. RESULTS: In total, data of 93 healthy cognitively intact controls (MMSE 29.0 [23.0-30.0]) and 79 very mild AD patients (MMSE = 25.0 [20.0-30.0]) were included. Plasma selenium (p < 0.001) and uridine (p = 0.046) levels were significantly lower in AD patients, with a similar trend for plasma vitamin D (p = 0.094) levels. In addition, the fatty acid profile in erythrocyte membranes was different between groups for several fatty acids. Mean MNA screening score was significantly lower in AD patients (p = 0.008), but not indicative of malnutrition risk. No significant differences were observed for other micronutrient or anthropometric parameters. CONCLUSION: In non-malnourished patients with very mild AD, lower levels of some micronutrients, a different fatty acid profile in erythrocyte membranes and a slightly but significantly lower MNA screening score were observed. This suggests that subtle differences in nutrient status are present already in a very early stage of AD and in the absence of protein/energy malnutrition.

Dietary factors and low-grade inflammation in relation to overweight and obesity.

Low-grade inflammation is a characteristic of the obese state, and adipose tissue releases many inflammatory mediators. The source of these mediators within adipose tissue is not clear, but infiltrating macrophages seem to be especially important, although adipocytes themselves play a role. Obese people have higher circulating concentrations of many inflammatory markers than lean people do, and these are believed to play a role in causing insulin resistance and other metabolic disturbances. Blood concentrations of inflammatory markers are lowered following weight loss. In the hours following the consumption of a meal, there is an elevation in the concentrations of inflammatory mediators in the bloodstream, which is exaggerated in obese subjects and in type 2 diabetics. Both high-glucose and high-fat meals may induce postprandial inflammation, and this is exaggerated by a high meal content of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and partly ablated by inclusion of certain antioxidants or antioxidant-containing foods within the meal. Healthy eating patterns are associated with lower circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers. Among the components of a healthy diet, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and fish are all associated with lower inflammation. AGE are associated with enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation. SFA and trans-MUFA are pro-inflammatory, while PUFA, especially long-chain n-3 PUFA, are anti-inflammatory. Hyperglycaemia induces both postprandial and chronic low-grade inflammation. Vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids decrease the circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers. Potential mechanisms are described and research gaps, which limit our understanding of the interaction between diet and postprandial and chronic low-grade inflammation, are identified.

Lower postprandial glucose responses at baseline and after 4 weeks use of a diabetes-specific formula in diabetes type 2 patients.

AIMS: To determine whether lower postprandial glucose (PPG) levels after intake of a diabetes-specific formula (DSF) compared with a standard formula were maintained after 4 weeks use. METHODS: Randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study. Forty-four type 2 diabetes patients on oral anti-diabetes medication consumed 2×200mL/day of a DSF (Diasip(®)) or an isocaloric standard, fiber-containing formula for 4 weeks. PPG responses were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks by iAUC and (delta) peak glucose concentrations. RESULTS: PPG response was significantly lower in the DSF group after first intake and remained significantly lower after 4 weeks use. Postprandial insulin, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, fructosamine and lipid levels did not differ between groups after 4 weeks. Within the standard group, fasting glucose and HOMA(IR) significantly increased over the intervention period. Changes in body weight between groups were significantly different, with an increase in the standard group. Both products were equally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Superior PPG control by DSF was maintained after 4 weeks use, showing that this formula has added value with respect to PPG control for type 2 diabetes patients compared to a standard, fiber-containing formula. The observed effects on body weight, fasting glucose and HOMA(IR) may further support the use of a DSF.

Tube feeding with a diabetes-specific feed for 12 weeks improves glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Assess longer-term (12 weeks) effects of a diabetes-specific feed on postprandial glucose response, glycaemic control (HbA1c), lipid profile, (pre)-albumin, clinical course and tolerance in diabetic patients. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel group study 25 type 2 diabetic patients on tube feeding were included. Patients received a soy-protein based, multi-fibre diabetes-specific feed or isocaloric, fibre-containing standard feed for 12 weeks, while continuing on their anti-diabetic medication. At the beginning, after 6 and 12 weeks, several (glycaemic) parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The postprandial glucose response (iAUC) to the diabetes-specific feed was lower at the 1st assessment compared with the standard feed (p=0.008) and this difference did not change over time. HbA1c decreased over time in the diabetes-specific and not in the standard feed group (treatment*time:p=0.034): 6.9+/-0.3% (mean+/-SEM) at baseline vs. 6.2+/-0.4% at 12 weeks in the diabetes-specific group compared to 7.9+/-0.3% to 8.7+/-0.4% in the standard feed group. No significant treatment*time effect was found for fasting glucose, insulin, (pre-) albumin or lipid profile, except for increase of HDL in the diabetes-specific group. CONCLUSIONS: The diabetes-specific feed studied significantly improved longer-term glycaemic control in diabetic patients. This was achieved in addition to on-going anti-diabetic medication and may affect clinical outcome.

Administration of a new diabetes-specific enteral formula results in an improved 24h glucose profile in type 2 diabetic patients.

AIMS: Study the effect of several boluses of a new diabetes-specific formula (DSF) during the day on 24h glucose profile. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, cross-over study 12 ambulatory type 2 diabetic patients were included. Subjects received a new DSF and an isocaloric standard fibre-containing formula (SF) while continuing their anti-diabetic medication. Subjects received 100% of their calculated daily energy requirements as bolus feeding every 3h (5 times/day, starting at 8.00 a.m.+/-1h). RESULTS: Glucose profiles were significantly better after administration of DSF compared with SF determined as mean glucose concentration (+/-SEM) (8.7+/-0.5 versus 9.6+/-0.6 mmol/L, p<0.05 during 24h; 9.4+/-0.6 versus 10.7+/-0.6 mmol/L, p<0.001 during daytime) or as incremental area under the curve during daytime (-44%; p<0.05). Subjects receiving DSF experienced less hyperglycaemic time over 24h (-26%; p<0.05) and during daytime (-30%; p<0.05). Furthermore, lower individual and mean (delta) peak glucose levels were found (p<0.05). No clinically relevant differences in gastrointestinal tolerance were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Using DSF resulted in significantly better 24h and postprandial glucose profiles than fibre-containing SF after bolus administration and may therefore help to improve glycaemic control in diabetic patients.

Long-term use of a diabetes-specific oral nutritional supplement results in a low-postprandial glucose response in diabetes patients

Background: To determine the effect of 12 weeks supplementation with a high-MUFA, high-fibre diabetes-specific oral nutritional supplement (ONS) on postprandial glucose response in type 2 diabetic patients at risk for malnutrition. Methods: Forty patients participated in this randomised, controlled, double-blind, parallelgroup study. Subjects consumed 2 200 ml of diabetes-specific ONS (Diasip1) or standard ONS per day in addition to their normal diet. At baseline, after 6 and 12 weeks postprandial glucose responses and secondary parameters were assessed. Results: Postprandial glucose responses (incremental area under curve) ( p < 0.01) and delta postprandial peak glucose concentration ( p < 0.01) were significantly lower in the diabetesspecific ONS group compared with the standard ONS group at all visits. In time, iAUC glucose ( p = 0.074, t = 0 week vs. t = 12 weeks) and delta postprandial peak plasma glucose concentration ( p < 0.05, t = 0 week vs. t = 12 weeks) were decreased within the diabetes-specific ONS group, but not in the standard ONS group. No significant differences in fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, hs-CRP, oxidized LDL and malondialdehyde, laboratory safety parameters and nutritional status parameters were found between both groups at either of the visits. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that diabetic patients at risk for malnutrition benefit from use of this diabetes-specific ONS to improve postprandial blood glucose control.

Long-term use of a diabetes-specific oral nutritional supplement results in a low-postprandial glucose response in diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of 12 weeks supplementation with a high-MUFA, high-fibre diabetes-specific oral nutritional supplement (ONS) on postprandial glucose response in type 2 diabetic patients at risk for malnutrition. METHODS: Forty patients participated in this randomised, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study. Subjects consumed 2 x 200 ml of diabetes-specific ONS (Diasip) or standard ONS per day in addition to their normal diet. At baseline, after 6 and 12 weeks postprandial glucose responses and secondary parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Postprandial glucose responses (incremental area under curve) (p<0.01) and delta postprandial peak glucose concentration (p<0.01) were significantly lower in the diabetes-specific ONS group compared with the standard ONS group at all visits. In time, iAUC glucose (p=0.074, t=0 week vs. t=12 weeks) and delta postprandial peak plasma glucose concentration (p<0.05, t=0 week vs. t=12 weeks) were decreased within the diabetes-specific ONS group, but not in the standard ONS group. No significant differences in fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, hs-CRP, oxidized LDL and malondialdehyde, laboratory safety parameters and nutritional status parameters were found between both groups at either of the visits. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that diabetic patients at risk for malnutrition benefit from use of this diabetes-specific ONS to improve postprandial blood glucose control.

Preservation of diastolic function in monocrotaline-induced right ventricular hypertrophy in rats.

During ischemic heart diseases and when heart failure progresses depletion of myocardial energy stores occurs. D-Ribose (R) has been shown to improve cardiac function and energy status after ischemia. Folic acid (FA) is an essential cofactor in the formation of adenine nucleotides. Therefore, we assessed whether chronic R-FA administration during the development of hypertrophy resulted in an improved cardiac function and energy status. In Wistar rats (n = 40) compensatory right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy was induced by monocrotaline (30 mg/kg; MCT), whereas saline served as control. Both groups received a daily oral dose of either 150 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) dextrose (placebo) or R-FA (150 and 40 mg.kg(-1).day(-1), respectively). In Langendorff-perfused hearts, RV and left ventricular (LV) pressure development and collagen content as well as total RV adenine nucleotides (TAN), creatine content, and RV and LV collagen content were determined. In the control group R-FA had no effect. In the MCT-placebo group, TAN and creatine content were reduced, RV and LV diastolic pressure-volume relations were steeper, RV systolic pressures were elevated, RV and LV collagen content was increased, and RV-LV diastolic interaction was altered compared with controls. In the MCT-R-FA group, TAN, RV and LV diastolic stiffness, RV and LV collagen content, and RV-LV diastolic interaction were normalized to the values in the control group while creatine content remained depressed and RV systolic function remained elevated. In conclusion, the depression of energy status in compensated hypertrophic myocardium observed was partly prevented by chronic R-FA administration and accompanied by a preservation of diastolic function and collagen deposition.