Olive Leaf Extract Supplementation Combined with Calorie-Restricted Diet on Reducing Body Weight and Fat Mass in Obese Women: Result of a Randomized Control Trial.

The present trial aims to evaluate a supplementation of the olive leaf extract (OLE) in adjunct with a weight loss diet on anthropometric indices, glycemic indices, lipid profile, as well as the level of adipokines, and free fatty acid in obese women. We carried out an 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, clinical trial. The participants were randomly stratified according to age and they were assigned to one of the two study groups: Standard weight loss diet (estimated daily energy requirements minus 500 kcal) + OLE supplementation (n = 35) in intervention group or Standard weight loss diet (estimated daily energy requirements minus 500 kcal) + placebo (n = 35) in placebo group. The study groups were homogeneous regarding the baseline age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences, married status, and physical activity levels (p > 0.05). The results of analysis of covariance presented significant decreases in BMI, fat mass, and body weight in the OLE group compared to those in the placebo group (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, the serum levels of fasting blood sugar, insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, leptin, fatty free acid, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance significantly decreased, and serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin elevated in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Based on results it seems that the addition of OLE to a hypocaloric diet for 8-week compared with a hypocaloric diet alone may be more effective in modifying obesity and metabolic risk factors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT20190129042552N2.

A multi-centre survey on hospital malnutrition: result of PNSI study.

BACKGROUND: Disease-related malnutrition is associated with adverse outcomes such as increased rates of morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and extra costs of health care. This study was conducted to assess nutritional status among patients and to determine the risk factors for malnutrition in Iran university f. METHODS: Persian Nutritional Survey In Hospitals (PNSI) was a cross-sectional study that conducted in 20 university hospitals across Iran. All the patients with age range of 18 to 65 years, who were admitted or discharged, were assessed by subjective global assessment (SGA). RESULTS: In total, 2109 patients were evaluated for malnutrition. Mean values of age and body mass index were 44.68 ± 14.65 years and 25.44 ± 6.25 kg/m2, respectively. Malnutrition (SGA-B & C) was identified in 23.92% of the patients, 26.23 and 21% of whom were among the admitted and discharged patients, respectively. The highest prevalence of malnutrition was in burns (77.70%) and heart surgery (57.84%) patients. Multivariate analysis presented male gender (OR = 1.02, P < 0.00), malignant disease (OR = 1.40, P < 0.00), length of hospital stay (OR = 1.20, P < 0.00), and polypharmacy (OR = 1.06, P < 0.00) as independent risk factors for malnutrition. Malnutrition was not associated with age (P = 0.10). CONCLUSION: This study provides an overall and comprehensive illustration of hospital malnutrition in Iran university hospitals, finding that one out of four patients were malnourished; thus, appropriate consideration and measures should be taken to this issue.

Ginger in patients with active ulcerative colitis: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: As a lifetime disorder, ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects quality of life and also demands long-term interventions. In spite of considerable side effects and sometimes restricted uses, efficient medications are available for UC treatment. Some in vitro and in vivo examinations have correspondingly introduced ginger and its active components with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcerative properties. Therefore, this trial aims to evaluate the effect of ginger supplementation on patients with active UC. METHODS: This study will be a 12-week, double-blind, parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) in which 44 patients will be allocated to ginger and placebo groups receiving basic routine treatments plus ginger or placebo capsules, respectively. The primary outcomes are inflammatory markers (TNF-α and hs-CRP) and total antioxidant capacity. DISCUSSION: The findings of this trial will provide evidence on the effect of ginger on patients with active UC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20190129042552N1. Registered on 21 June 2019.