Association between Dietary Practice and Gait Speed in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Slow gait speed is associated with poorer clinical outcomes and higher rates of functional limitation and mortality in older adults, especially when combined with overweight or obesity. Aging is also associated with nutritional deficits. The aim of our study was to assess the potential association between dietary practice and gait speed performance in community-dwelling older adults with overweight and obesity. Participants underwent body composition measurement with the Tanita MC-780MA Bioimpedance Analyzer (BIA). Dietary patterns were assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire, and a dietary adequacy (DA) score system was constructed. The four-meter gait speed test was performed in order to assess gait speed. Of 222 participants, aged 67.6 ± 6.6 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 31.9 ± 4.5 kg/m2, 34.7% had reduced gait speed and lower DA compared to those with normal gait speed (2.99 ± 1.12 vs. 3.37 ± 1.07; p < 0.05). The DA score of participants with slower gait speed was more likely to fall below the median than that of participants with normal gait speed (70.1% vs. 51.7%; p < 0.05). Participants with slower gait speed were more likely to be nutritionally at risk of low DA (22.1% vs. 10.3%; p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for confounders, showed that the risk of having a slow gait speed was 75% lower among those with a higher DA score (OR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.11-0.53). Older adults with overweight or obesity in community dwellings might need to be supported with nutritional interventions that can improve their gait speed.

Relationship between multimorbidity, functional limitation, and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults: findings from the longitudinal analysis of the 2013-2020 Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE).

PURPOSE: The increased burden of multimorbidity is restricting individuals' ability to live autonomously, leading to a poorer quality of life. This study estimated trajectories of functional limitation and quality of life among middle-aged (ages 50 to 64 years) and older (aged 65 years and older) individuals with and without multimorbidity. We also assessed differences in the relationship between these two trajectories by multimorbidity status and separately for each age cohort. METHODS: Data originated from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). In Luxembourg, data were obtained between 2013 and 2020, involving 1,585 respondents ≥ 50 years of age. Multimorbidity was defined as a self-reported diagnosis of two or more out of 16 chronic conditions; functional limitation was assessed by a combined (Instrumental) Activities of Daily Living (ADL/IADLI) scale; and to measure quality of life, we used the Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure (CASP-12) scale. Latent growth curve modelling techniques were used to conduct the analysis where repeated measures of quality of life and functional limitation were treated as continuous and zero-inflated count variables, respectively. The model was assessed separately in each age cohort, controlling for the baseline covariates, and the estimates from the two cohorts were presented as components of a synthetic cohort covering the life course from the age of 50. RESULTS: Middle-aged and older adults living with multimorbidity experienced poorer quality of life throughout the life course and were at a higher risk of functional limitation than those without multimorbidity. At baseline, functional limitation had a negative impact on quality of life. Furthermore, among middle-aged adults without multimorbidity and older adults with multimorbidity, an increase in the number of functional limitations led to a decline in quality of life. These results imply that the impact of multimorbidity on functional limitation and quality of life may vary across the life course. CONCLUSION: Using novel methodological techniques, this study contributes to a better understanding of the longitudinal relationship between functional limitation and quality of life among individuals with and without multimorbidity and how this relationship changes across the life course. Our findings suggest that lowering the risk of having multimorbidity can decrease functional limitation and increase quality of life.

Environmental tobacco smoke at home and in public places prior to smoking ban enforcement: Assessment by hair analysis in a population of young adult students.

Despite inititatives to reduce tobacco consumption, smoking remains a primary cause of death for both smokers and nonsmokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The characteristics of some specific groups can make them more exposed to ETS or limit the benefit of prevention measures. This study investigated determinants of ETS in a population of young adult students, considered at higher risk of exposure due to their specific lifestyle. This cross-sectional study involved 90 students aged 20 ± 1.7 years, from the University of Luxembourg, prior to the smoking ban enforcement in public places in the country. Participants reported their tobacco consumption and exposure to ETS at home and/or in public places, and provided a hair sample analyzed for nicotine and cotinine. Nicotine and cotinine were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers' hair in general (median: 2.6 vs. 0.9 ng/mg and 87.1 vs. 22.5 pg/mg respectively). However, nonsmokers exposed to ETS at home and in public places had comparable concentrations to smokers (nic = 2.2 ng/mg; cot = 56.2 pg/mg), whereas unexposed nonsmokers presented significantly lower values (nic = 0.4 ng/mg, cot = 8.5 pg/mg). Nonsmokers exposed to ETS only at home presented higher values than nonsmokers only exposed in public places (nic: 1.3 vs. 0.8 ng/mg, cot: 70.4 vs. 15.0 pg/mg). The study shows the widespread exposure to ETS in this population, the importance of exposure assessment, and the relevance of hair analysis for this purpose. Results suggest that ETS can lead to equivalent exposure to active smoking and that exposure at home can highly contribute to ETS, which is not solved by smoking ban in public places.

Anthropometric Equations to Predict Visceral Adipose Tissue in European and American Youth.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether prediction equations including a limited but selected number of anthropometrics that consider differences in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue may improve prediction of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in youth. STUDY DESIGN: Anthropometrics and abdominal adipose tissue by MRI were available in 7-18 years old youth with overweight or obesity: 181 White Europeans and 186 White and Black Americans. Multivariable regressions were performed to develop and validate the VAT anthropometric predictive equations in a cross-sectional study. RESULTS: A model with both waist circumference (WaistC) and hip circumference (HipC) (VAT = [1.594 × WaistC] - [0.681 × HipC] + [1.74 × Age] - 48.95) more strongly predicted VAT in girls of White European ethnicity (R2 = 50.8%; standard error of the estimate [SEE] = 13.47 cm2), White American ethnicity (R2 = 41.9%; SEE, 15.63 cm2), and Black American ethnicity (R2 = 25.1%; SEE, 16.34 cm2) (P < .001), than WaistC or BMI. In boys, WaistC was the strongest predictor of VAT; HipC did not significantly improve VAT prediction. CONCLUSIONS: A model including both WaistC and HipC that considers differences in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue more accurately predicts VAT in girls and is superior to commonly measured anthropometrics used individually. In boys, other anthropometric measures did not significantly contribute to the prediction of VAT beyond WaistC alone. This demonstrates that selected anthropometric predictive equations for VAT can be an accessible, cost-effective alternative to imaging methods that can be used in both clinics and research.

Short Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism in Relation to Gut Microbiota and Genetic Variability.

It is widely accepted that the gut microbiota plays a significant role in modulating inflammatory and immune responses of their host. In recent years, the host-microbiota interface has gained relevance in understanding the development of many non-communicable chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, autoimmunity and neurodegeneration. Importantly, dietary fibre (DF) and associated compounds digested by the microbiota and their resulting metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), were significantly associated with health beneficial effects, such as via proposed anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, SCFA metabolic pathways are not fully understood. Major steps include production of SCFA by microbiota, uptake in the colonic epithelium, first-pass effects at the liver, followed by biodistribution and metabolism at the host's cellular level. As dietary patterns do not affect all individuals equally, the host genetic makeup may play a role in the metabolic fate of these metabolites, in addition to other factors that might influence the microbiota, such as age, birth through caesarean, medication intake, alcohol and tobacco consumption, pathogen exposure and physical activity. In this article, we review the metabolic pathways of DF, from intake to the intracellular metabolism of fibre-derived products, and identify possible sources of inter-individual variability related to genetic variation. Such variability may be indicative of the phenotypic flexibility in response to diet, and may be predictive of long-term adaptations to dietary factors, including maladaptation and tissue damage, which may develop into disease in individuals with specific predispositions, thus allowing for a better prediction of potential health effects following personalized intervention with DF.

Conducting national burden of disease studies and knowledge translation in eight small European states: challenges and opportunities.

BACKGROUND: Several countries across Europe are engaging in burden of disease (BoD) studies. This article aims to understand the experiences of eight small European states in relation to their research opportunities and challenges in conducting national BoD studies and in knowledge translation of research outputs to policy-making. METHODS: Countries participating in the study were those outlined by the WHO/Europe Small Countries Initiative and members of the Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action CA18218 European Burden of Disease Network. A set of key questions targeting the research landscape were distributed to these members. WHO's framework approach for research development capacities was applied to gain a comprehensive understanding of shortages in relation to national BoD studies in order to help strengthen health research capacities in the small states of Europe. RESULTS: Most small states lack the resources and expertise to conduct BoD studies, but nationally representative data are relatively accessible. Public health officials and researchers tend to have a close-knit relationship with the governing body and policy-makers. The major challenge faced by small states is in knowledge generation and transfer rather than knowledge translation. Nevertheless, some policy-makers fail to make adequate use of knowledge translation. CONCLUSIONS: Small states, if equipped with adequate resources, may have the capacity to conduct national BoD studies. This work can serve as a model for identifying current gaps and opportunities in each of the eight small European countries, as well as a guide for translating country BoD study results into health policy.

Body fat assessment in youth with overweight or obesity by an automated bioelectrical impedance analysis device, in comparison with the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a widely used method to assess total body fat (TBF) depots characterising obesity. Automated BIA devices provide an inexpensive and easy assessment of TBF, making them widely available to the general public and healthcare providers without specific qualification to assess body composition. The equations included in the automated BIA devices have been developed in very few specific populations, which means that they are not suitable to assess TBF for everyone and need to be validated before use in other populations. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the accuracy of the automated BIA device Tanita® BC-532 in youth of White European ethnicity, compared with the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), gold standard measurement of TBF. METHODS: Total body fat percentage (TBF%) was measured with the BIA device Tanita® BC-532 and DEXA (Hologic® QDR4500W) in 197 youth of White European ethnicity (N = 104 girls), 7-17 years old, and visiting the Diabetes & Endocrinology Care Paediatrics Clinic, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, for overweight or obesity management. RESULTS: TBF% evaluated with BIA was significantly correlated with TBF% measured with DEXA in both boys (r Pearson = 0.617) and girls (r Pearson = 0.648) (p <  10- 4). However, the residual mean between the assessment of TBF% by BIA and by DEXA [TBF BIA (%)-TBF DEXA (%)] is extremely high (mean ± standard deviation = 10.52% ± 5.22% in boys, respectively 9.96% ± 4.40% in girls). The maximal absolute residual value is also very high, about 24% in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: The automated BIA device Tanita® BC-532 appears to be not accurate to assess total body fat in youth with overweight or obesity. There is a need to calibrate the BIA device before its use in the populations where it was not previously validated.

Clinical and biological risk factors associated with inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation has been associated with insulin resistance and related metabolic dysregulation, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Several non modifiable (i.e. genetic predisposition) and modifiable (i.e. sedentary lifestyle, energy-dense food) risk factors were suggested to explain the mechanisms involved in the development of inflammation, but are difficult to assess in clinical routine. The present study aimed to identify easy to asses clinical and biological risk factors associated with inflammation in patients with T2DM. METHODS: One hundred nine patients (51 men, 58 women), 28-60 years old, from seven primary healthcare centers in Gaza City, Palestine, took part to the cross-sectional study (November 2013-May 2014). Study participants had T2DM with no history of inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, medication and/or any health condition that might affect the inflammatory markers, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Inflammation was defined for IL-6 ≥ 2 pg/mL and CRP ≥ 6 mg/L. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify the relationship between inflammation and clinical and biological risk factors. RESULTS: After adjustment for age and gender, inflammation seems to increase with increased body mass index (BMI) (OR: 1.427 [1.055-1.931]), increased fasting blood glucose (OR: 1.029 [1.007-1.052]) and decreased adiponectin values (OR: 0.571 [0.361-0.903]). There were also significant relationships between inflammation and BMI (OR: 1.432 [1.042-1.968]), fasting blood glucose (OR: 1.029 [1.006-1.052]) and adiponectin (OR: 0.569 [0.359-0.902]), after adjustment for smoking habits and physical activity. CONCLUSION: Managing obesity and associated complications (i.e. hyperglycemia, high adiponectin levels) might help decreasing inflammation in individuals with T2DM.

Obesity considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The worldwide population is facing a double burden of epidemic, the COVID-19 and obesity. This is even more alarming as obesity increases the COVID-19 severity. However, the relationship between obesity and COVID-19 severity is more complex than a simple association with BMI. In particular, obesity has been associated with low death rates in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, a fatal comorbidity to COVID-19, possibly due to the obesity paradox. Also, visceral adiposity could be a major risk factor for COVID-19 severity, due to its immune activation component, release of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and involvement in the cytokine storm, hypercoagulability and embolism. A poor antioxidant nutritional status also weakens the immune system, increasing inflammation and infection risk. Moreover, the COVID-19 lockdown might impact lifestyle patterns, mental health and weight bias, worsening the obesity then COIVD-19 situation. On the other hand, health care expenses and productivity loss are expected to increase during the concomitant epidemics. The co-occurrence of obesity and COVID-19 is a major challenge at both public health and economic levels that should urgently be taken into consideration. The identification of COVID-19 weight related risk factors and the development of appropriate weight management programs are needed to tackle the concomitant epidemics.

Dietary Intake of Adult Residents in Luxembourg Taking Part in Two Cross-Sectional Studies-ORISCAV-LUX (2007-2008) and ORISCAV-LUX 2 (2016-2017).

BACKGROUND: A balanced diet is an important lifestyle component and has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. OBJECTIVES: To assess dietary intake of adult residents in Luxembourg taking part in two population-based cross-sectional studies (ORISCAV-LUX, 2007-2008 and ORISCAV-LUX 2, 2016-2017). METHODS: Dietary intake of the study participants (1242 in 2007/08 and 1326 in 2016/17), 25-69 years old, were evaluated using food-frequency questionnaires (134 items in 2007/2008 and 174 items in 2016/2017) according to the French ANSES-CIQUAL food composition database. Both food-group- and nutrient-based analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Dietary patterns in ORISCAV-LUX 2, 2016-2017, were characterized by an increase in the estimated marginal means (EMM) of the intake of energy, total fat, saturated fatty acids, alcohol, and decreased EMM of total carbohydrates, magnesium, and calcium compared to 2007/08. We also observed an increased EMM of the intake of protein-rich food items and ready-to-eat foods/fast foods, together with a decreased intake of grains, dairy products, and vegetables (all p-values <0.05, linear mixed models). The intake of most micronutrients was stable or slightly increased in ORISCAV-LUX 2 vs. ORISCAV-LUX, except for the drop in magnesium and calcium, and generally met recommendations, in particular, EFSA population reference intakes (PRI), except for vitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: Though most micronutrient recommendations were met, nutrient consumption in terms of high energy, total fat, and sodium, as well as low carbohydrates, were not aligned with recommendations for balanced eating.

Towards precision cardiometabolic prevention: results from a machine learning, semi-supervised clustering approach in the nationwide population-based ORISCAV-LUX 2 study.

Given the rapid increase in the incidence of cardiometabolic conditions, there is an urgent need for better approaches to prevent as many cases as possible and move from a one-size-fits-all approach to a precision cardiometabolic prevention strategy in the general population. We used data from ORISCAV-LUX 2, a nationwide, cross-sectional, population-based study. On the 1356 participants, we used a machine learning semi-supervised cluster method guided by body mass index (BMI) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and a set of 29 cardiometabolic variables, to identify subgroups of interest for cardiometabolic health. Cluster stability was assessed with the Jaccard similarity index. We have observed 4 clusters with a very high stability (ranging between 92 and 100%). Based on distinctive features that deviate from the overall population distribution, we have labeled Cluster 1 (N = 729, 53.76%) as "Healthy", Cluster 2 (N = 508, 37.46%) as "Family history-Overweight-High Cholesterol ", Cluster 3 (N = 91, 6.71%) as "Severe Obesity-Prediabetes-Inflammation" and Cluster 4 (N = 28, 2.06%) as "Diabetes-Hypertension-Poor CV Health". Our work provides an in-depth characterization and thus, a better understanding of cardiometabolic health in the general population. Our data suggest that such a clustering approach could now be used to define more targeted and tailored strategies for the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases at a population level. This study provides a first step towards precision cardiometabolic prevention and should be externally validated in other contexts.

Reply to Mrakic-Sposta et al. Comment on "Menzel et al. Common and Novel Markers for Measuring Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Ex Vivo in Research and Clinical Practice-Which to Use Regarding Disease Outcomes? Antioxidants 2021, 10, 414".

We appreciate the commentary by Mrakic-Sposta et al [...].

Common and Novel Markers for Measuring Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Ex Vivo in Research and Clinical Practice-Which to Use Regarding Disease Outcomes?

Many chronic conditions such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type-2 diabetes, obesity, peripheral/coronary artery disease and auto-immune diseases are associated with low-grade inflammation. Closely related to inflammation is oxidative stress (OS), which can be either causal or secondary to inflammation. While a low level of OS is physiological, chronically increased OS is deleterious. Therefore, valid biomarkers of these signalling pathways may enable detection and following progression of OS/inflammation as well as to evaluate treatment efficacy. Such biomarkers should be stable and obtainable through non-invasive methods and their determination should be affordable and easy. The most frequently used inflammatory markers include acute-phase proteins, essentially CRP, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen and procalcitonin, and cytokines, predominantly TNFα, interleukins 1ß, 6, 8, 10 and 12 and their receptors and IFNγ. Some cytokines appear to be disease-specific. Conversely, OS-being ubiquitous-and its biomarkers appear less disease or tissue-specific. These include lipid peroxidation products, e.g., F2-isoprostanes and malondialdehyde, DNA breakdown products (e.g., 8-OH-dG), protein adducts (e.g., carbonylated proteins), or antioxidant status. More novel markers include also -omics related ones, as well as non-invasive, questionnaire-based measures, such as the dietary inflammatory-index (DII), but their link to biological responses may be variable. Nevertheless, many of these markers have been clearly related to a number of diseases. However, their use in clinical practice is often limited, due to lacking analytical or clinical validation, or technical challenges. In this review, we strive to highlight frequently employed and useful markers of inflammation-related OS, including novel promising markers.

Estimated visceral adiposity is associated with risk of cardiometabolic conditions in a population based study.

Visceral adiposity is a major risk factor of cardiometabolic diseases. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is usually measured with expensive imaging techniques which present financial and practical challenges to population-based studies. We assessed whether cardiometabolic conditions were associated with VAT by using a new and easily measurable anthropometric index previously published and validated. Data (1529 participants) came from the European Health Examination Survey in Luxembourg (2013-2015). Logistic regressions were used to study associations between VAT and cardiometabolic conditions. We observed an increased risk of all conditions associated with VAT. The total adjusted odds ratio (AOR, [95% CI]) for hypertension, prediabetes/diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia for the fourth quartile of VAT compared to the lowest were (10.67 [6.95, 16.39]), (6.14 [4.14, 9.10]), (6.03 [3.97, 9.16]) and (9.18 [5.97, 14.12]). We observed higher odds in women than in men for all outcomes with the exception of hypertension. Future studies should investigate the impact of VAT changes on cardiometabolic health and the use of anthropometrically predicted VAT as an accurate outcome when no biomedical imaging is available.

Multimorbidity in large Canadian urban centres: A multilevel analysis of pooled 2015-2018 cross-sectional cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: There is limited knowledge on how the prevalence of multimorbidity varies within and across major Canadian urban centres. The objective of this study was to investigate the between-neighbourhood variation in the prevalence of multimorbidity in Canada's large urban centres, controlling for compositional effects associated with individual-level demographic and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the 2015-2018 cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were pooled at the microdata level. Respondents (20 years and older) residing in one of the 35 census metropolitan areas (CMAs) were included (N = 100,803). Census tracts (CTs) were used as a measure of neighbourhood. To assess the between-neighbourhood differences in multimorbidity prevalence, we fitted three sequential random intercept logistic regression models. RESULTS: During the 2015-2018 period, 8.1% of residents of large urban centres had multimorbidity. The results from the unadjusted model indicate that 13.4% of the total individual variance in multimorbidity could be attributed to the between-neighbourhood differences. After adjustment for overall characteristics of the CMAs in which these neighbourhoods are located, as well as for individual-level demographic and socioeconomic factors related to compositional effects, 11.0% of the individual variance in multimorbidity could still be attributed to the between-neighbourhood differences. CONCLUSION: There is significant and substantial geographic variation in multimorbidity prevalence across neighbourhoods in Canada's large urban centres. Residing in some neighbourhoods could be associated with increased odds of having multimorbidity, even after accounting for overall characteristics of the CMAs in which these neighbourhoods are located, as well as individual-level factors.

Phytochemicals as modifiers of gut microbial communities.

A healthy gut microbiota (GM) is paramount for a healthy lifestyle. Alterations of the GM have been involved in the aetiology of several chronic diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. In pathological conditions, the diversity of the GM is commonly reduced or altered, often toward an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. The colonic fermentation of dietary fiber has shown to stimulate the fraction of bacteria purported to have beneficial health effects, acting as prebiotics, and to increase the production of short chain fatty acids, e.g. propionate and butyrate, while also improving gut epithelium integrity such as tight junction functionality. However, a variety of phytochemicals, often associated with dietary fiber, have also been proposed to modulate the GM. Many phytochemicals possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may positively affect the GM, including polyphenols, carotenoids, phytosterols/phytostanols, lignans, alkaloids, glucosinolates and terpenes. Some polyphenols may act as prebiotics, while carotenoids have been shown to alter immunoglobulin A expression, an important factor for bacteria colonization. Other phytochemicals may interact with the mucosa, another important factor for colonization, and prevent its degradation. Certain polyphenols have shown to influence bacterial communication, interacting with quorum sensing. Finally, phytochemicals can be metabolized in the gut into bioactive constituents, e.g. equol from daidzein and enterolactone from secoisolariciresinol, while bacteria can use glycosides for energy. In this review, we strive to highlight the potential interactions between prominent phytochemicals and health benefits related to the GM, emphasizing their potential as adjuvant strategies for GM-related diseases.

Relationship of oxidative stress to visceral adiposity in youth and role played by vitamin D.

BACKGROUND: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation is a major cardiometabolic risk factor, associated with increased inflammation. Oxidative stress (OS) is also associated with inflammation and cardiometabolic issues, yet mainly through general obesity. Both OS and obesity were linked to vitamin D deficiency. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether OS increase is associated with VAT accumulation in youth, and whether in the presence of VAT accumulation, a higher vitamin D status is associated with lower OS. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-eight youth with overweight/obesity, 7 to 17 years old, were recruited (Pediatric Clinic, Luxembourg). We assessed visceral and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissues by magnetic resonance imaging, OS by DNA/RNA oxidative damage with ELISA and vitamin D by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: VAT was the body fat compartment the most strongly associated with OS (RPearson : 0.298; P < 10-4 ). The general linear (GLM) models assessing the relationship between OS, VAT and vitamin D concentrations showed that "Log10 OS = (0.003 × VAT) + 3.911 (R2adjusted : 0.083; P-value < 10-4 )"; "Log10 OS = (0.003 × VAT) - (0.156 × log10 vitamin D) + 4.110 (R2adjusted : 0.101; P-value < 10-4 )". After back-transformation of the log-values into normal values, the GLM showed that, for a person with an average value of VAT (40.7 cm2 ), a 10 cm2 increase in VAT would increase OS by approx. 771.833 pg/mL, after age, gender, Tanner stage and physical activity adjustment. An approximate increase of 9 ng/mL of vitamin D would counterbalance this negative effect of increased VAT. CONCLUSION: Dietary strategies improving vitamin D status should be investigated to tackle VAT and OS increase.

Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Diet and Nutrition: Considerations during the COVID-19 Crisis.

The coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) was announced as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Challenges arise concerning how to optimally support the immune system in the general population, especially under self-confinement. An optimal immune response depends on an adequate diet and nutrition in order to keep infection at bay. For example, sufficient protein intake is crucial for optimal antibody production. Low micronutrient status, such as of vitamin A or zinc, has been associated with increased infection risk. Frequently, poor nutrient status is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, which in turn can impact the immune system. Dietary constituents with especially high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity include vitamin C, vitamin E, and phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. Several of these can interact with transcription factors such as NF-kB and Nrf-2, related to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, respectively. Vitamin D in particular may perturb viral cellular infection via interacting with cell entry receptors (angiotensin converting enzyme 2), ACE2. Dietary fiber, fermented by the gut microbiota into short-chain fatty acids, has also been shown to produce anti-inflammatory effects. In this review, we highlight the importance of an optimal status of relevant nutrients to effectively reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby strengthening the immune system during the COVID-19 crisis.