A systematic review of the beneficial effects of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on ADHD.

BACKGROUND: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may benefit from probiotics and prebiotics, but the effects are unclear. To determine whether probiotics and prebiotics affect children with ADHD, a systematic review was conducted. METHODS: The present systematic review analyzed cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that examined whether prebiotics and probiotics are associated with ADHD. Seven randomized controlled trials and two cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Research on Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) probiotic supplementation showed that children with ADHD had better emotional, physical, social, and school functioning, and a higher health-related quality of life compared to the placebo group. The studies also showed that Synbiotic 2000 reduces markers of intestinal and vascular inflammation in children with ADHD, in part through increasing SCFA levels. CONCLUSION: The use of probiotics and prebiotics as adjuvants therapy in patients with ADHD is beneficial. Further studies with longer duration, including more participants and a variety of age groups, and using various evaluation techniques such as in vivo observation are required to examine the effects of prebiotics and probiotics on ADHD.

Association between type 2 diabetes and different types of dietary fats: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of dietary fats on type 2 diabetes (T2D) is not clear. This study aimed to determine the association between T2D and dietary fatty acids among Iranian adults. METHODS: This case-control study was performed on 4241 participants aged 35-70, including 1804 people with T2D and pre-diabetes as the case group and 2437 people without diabetes as the control group. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS: The cases had higher age (48.36 ± 8.62 vs. 54.53 ± 7.75 y, P < 0.001), weight (73.7713.41 vs. 76.18 ± 13.49 kg, P = 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (28.02 ± 4.70 vs. 24 ± 4.74 kg/m2, P = 0.001), right systolic blood pressure (RSBP) (113.33 ± 16.7 vs. 121.61 ± 17.24 mmHg, P = 0.001), right diastolic blood pressure (RDBP) (71.41 ± 10.53 vs. 75.33 ± 9.92 mmHg, P = 0.001), fasting blood sugar (FBS) (96.87 ± 19.39 vs. 169.95 ± 69.28 mg/dl, P = 0.001), blood urine nitrogen (BUN) (13.65 ± 3.74 vs. 14.26 ± 4.03 mg/dl, P = 0.001), triglyceride (TG) (141.61 ± 99.37 vs. 175.96 ± 114.74 mg/dl, P = 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (218.24 ± 66.35 vs. 246.97 ± 72.65 IU/L, P = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (111.68 ± 33.02 vs. 101.97 ± 36.54 mg/dl, P = 0.001), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (21.88 ± 15.15 vs. 23.55 ± 15.96 IU/L, P = 0.001), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (24.66 ± 20.42 vs. 30.72 ± 30.43 IU/L P = 0.001), and cholesterol (192.45 ± 39.1190 vs. 187.12 ± 46.19 mg/dl P = 0.001) compared to the control group. T2D was negatively associated with dietary intake of PUFAs (OR = 0.93, CI95%:0.84-1.03, P = 0.01) and positively associated with dietary cholesterol (OR: 1.01, CI95%:1.001-1.01, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In summary, cholesterol was positively and PUFAs were negatively associated with diabetes. If the results of the present study on the effect of fat intake on diabetes are proven, future dietary recommendations for people at risk of diabetes may be corrected by providing diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in cholesterol.

Association between type 2 diabetes and branched chain amino acids (BCAA); a case-control study.

Background: Several amino acids and their derivatives have been implicated in insulin resistance (IR) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This research sought to establish a relationship between the dietary levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and the risk of T2DM. Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 4200 participants consisting of 589 people with T2DM and 3611 non-diabetic aged 35 to 70 years residents in Sabzevar, Iran. Data on the economic-social, employment status, medical history, lifestyle, and sleep habits were collected via interview. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to check the nutritional status. Participants' dietary BCAA consumption was estimated using Nutritionist IV software. Results: A significant negative association between the incidence of T2DM and the dietary levels of BCAAs after adjustment for age and sex (OR = 0.972, CI 95%:0.648-0.996, P = 0.022). The negative association remained significant after additional adjustments for body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (OR = 0.967, CI 95%: 0.943-0.992, P = 0.010). Interestingly, a positive association was found between T2DM and total BCAAs (OR = 1.067, CI 95%: 1.017-1.119, P = 0.008), Isoleucine (OR = 1.248, CI 95%: 1.043-1.494, P = 0.016), Leucine (OR = 1.165, CI 95%: 1.046-1.299, P = 0.006) and Valine (OR = 1.274, CI 95%: 1.088-1.492, P = 0.003) after further adjustment for calorie intake. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) including isoleucine, leucine, and valine are negatively associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) after adjusting for age and sex, BMI, and physical activity. However, adjusting for calorie intake reversed the association between T2DM and BCAAs. These findings suggest that the association between BCAAs and T2DM may be influenced by calorie intake. Future longitudinal studies are warranted. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01247-9.

Intake of food groups and cervical cancer in women at risk for cervical cancer: A nested case-control study.

Background: The risk of cervical cancer was reported to be influenced by dietary components. This study aimed to illustrate the association between cervical cancer with the intake of food groups in women with a history of cervical neoplasia. Methods: This nested case-control study was conducted in 558 people with a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), including 279 women with cervical cancers and 279 controls with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the intake of food groups. Results: The intake of fruits and vegetables in the case group was significantly lower than the control group (P=0.001). Low intake of dairy products, vegetables, and fruits was associated with cervical cancer risk (OR=4.67; 95% CI 1.2-9.49, P=0.001; OR=9.75, 95% CI 1.36-19. 51, P=0.001; and OR=4.82, 95% CI 1.09-7.25, P=0.001, respectively). After adjusting for age, family history, age at first menstruation, number of children, history of vaginal infection, and age at first sexual intercourse, the results were still significant. Additional adjustments to BMI did not change the results. Conclusion: The results indicate that the risk of cervical cancer can be affected by the intake of certain food groups. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the underlying mechanism of the influence of dietary components on cervical cancer risk.

Association between the index of nutritional quality and lipid profile in adult women.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidaemia is a group of abnormalities that predispose people to heart disease. The index of nutritional quality (INQ) is a tool for qualitative and quantitative nutritional assessment, which has special significance in assessing clinical nutritional problems. The objective of this study was to determine the association between the INQ and lipid profile in adult women. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 360 healthy women referring to the nutrition clinic of Shohadaye Tajrish hospital, Tehran, Iran. Calorie and nutrient intake were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The amount of physical activity was estimated using a validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire. To measure serum lipid levels, 5 ml of venous blood samples was taken from the participants. RESULTS: The results showed a negative association between total cholesterol and the INQ of niacin (B = -0.110, p = .02) and between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with the INQ of biotin (B = -0.119, p = .01). Also, a positive association was found between triglyceride and the INQ of B6 (B = 0.096, p = .04). The results remained significant after adjusting for body mass index, waist circumference and total energy intake (except for niacin). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the present study suggest that a diet rich in niacin and low in vitamin B6 and biotin may be associated with an improved lipid profile that reduces lipid-related diseases such as fatty liver, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

The Association Between Different Types of Dietary Carbohydrates and Colorectal Cancer: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Several factors such as genetics and dietary intake are involved in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Higher intake of dietary carbohydrates may be associated with an increased risk of CRC. This study aimed to investigate the association between different types of dietary carbohydrates and CRC. Methods: This hospital-based case-control study was carried out from June 2020 to May 2021 on 480 randomly selected participants including 160 CRC patients and 320 healthy controls aged 35-70 years in Firoozgar hospital, Tehran, Iran. Dietary intake was assessed using Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Nutritionist IV software was used to determine the intake of calorie and various forms of dietary carbohydrates including total carbohydrate, simple sugar, glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose. Results: The average daily intake of calorie, carbohydrates, sugar, glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose were significantly higher among CRC cases compared to the controls (All P < 0.05). The logistic regression found significant associations between CRC with dietary intake of carbohydrates (OR = 1.009, CI 95%: 1.003-1.01, P = 0.002), sugar (OR = 1.02, CI 95%: 1.01-1.03, P < 0.001), glucose (OR = 1.06, CI 95%: 1.01-1.11, P = 0.009), fructose (OR = 1.31, CI 95%: 1.19-1.43, P < 0.001), sucrose (OR = 1.19, CI 95%: 1.12.-1.25, P < 0.001), maltose (OR = 9.03, CI 95%: 3.93-20.78, P < 0.001), galactose (OR = 1.31, CI 95%: 1.07-1.6, P = 0.008), and lactose (OR = 1.009, CI 95%: 1.01-1.18, P = 0.02). This association remained significant after adjustment for sex and age (except for galactose and lactose), and additional adjustment for sleep, tobacco, and alcohol level, and further adjustment for calorie intake and body mass index (BMI) (except for glucose). Conclusions: A positive association was found between CRC and dietary intake of carbohydrates, sugar, fructose, sucrose, and maltose. Following a low-carbohydrate, low-sugar diet may help prevent CRC. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Association between different types of dietary carbohydrate and breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Among modifiable lifestyle factors, unhealthy dietary intake is associated with higher risks of breast cancer (BC). This paper aimed to investigate the association of different types of dietary carbohydrate with BC risk among women 20-75 years old. DESIGN: This case-control study was carried out on 180 women with BC and 360 healthy individuals as the control group. Basic information including anthropometric measurements, medical history, physical activity, alcohol consumption, reproductive histories, smoking, and education level were collected. The amount of intake of carbohydrate, simple sugar, sucrose, maltose, and fructose were assessed using food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS: The amounts of intake of total carbohydrate [odds ratio (OR) = 1.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.24-2.14); P = 0.01], simple sugar (OR = 1.95, 95% CI (1.42-3.39); P = 0.01), sucrose (OR = 1.97, 95% CI (1.18-3.12); P = 0.02), maltose (OR = 4.07, 95% CI (1.68-8.14); P = 0.03), and fructose (OR = 1.104, 95% CI (1.06-1.36); P = 0.01) were positively associated with BC after adjustments for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, using alcohol, physical activity, and dietary intake of calorie, protein, and fat. No significant association was found between the intake of glucose, galactose, and lactose with BC. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study identified that some types of dietary carbohydrates may play a role in the development of BC. Different monosaccharides and disaccharides may have different effects on the risk of breast cancer. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to identify the effects of carbohydrates on BC and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

The effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on social and behavioral disorders of children with autism: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Some studies reported that essential fatty acids deficiencies can be related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. This study aimed to investigate the effect of omega-3 on social, verbal, and behavioral activities in ASD children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 54 children with autism, who were assigned to the case (n = 28) and control (n = 26) groups. The cases received one capsule of 1000 mg omega-3 daily and the controls received one capsule of 1000 mg medium chain triglyceride daily as placebo for eight weeks. The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-second edition (GARS-2) was used to assess the severity of autism and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess their dietary intake. All measurements were done at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, gender, birth weight, BMI, dietary intake, mother's age, and mother's BMI, the intervention group had significantly improved stereotyped behaviors (p = 0.02), social communication (p = 0.02), and the GARS score (p = 0.001) after the intervention compared to the control group. No significant change was found in the score of social interaction subscale. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that omega-3 treatment improved autism characteristics including stereotyped behaviors and social communication. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine the underlying mechanisms.

Serum vitamin D level may be associated with body weight and body composition in male adolescents; a longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of both obesity and vitamin D deficiency has been dramatically increased worldwide. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D serum level and anthropometric indices of overweight and obese male adolescents at baseline and after 18 weeks of a weight reduction intervention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 90 male students aged 12 to 16 years who were randomly selected from two schools in Tehran, Iran. The participants were assigned to two groups with high and low vitamin D level based on their serum vitamin D levels at baseline. Five ml blood samples were collected at the baseline and after the 18 weeks of a weight reduction intervention. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percent and body muscle percent were measured using a bio impedance analysis (BIA) scale. RESULTS: Vitamin D level in non-obese adolescents was significantly higher than the obese participants (44.01 vs 37.67 ng/dl, p < 0.04). However, there was no significant correlation between changes of vitamin D level and anthropometric measurements after 18 weeks. Adjusting the effect of age did not alter the association. Further adjustments for physical activity, dietary intake of vitamin D, and fat and muscle percentage had no effect on the results. CONCLUSIONS: The serum level of vitamin D was negatively associated with obesity, but not with short-term changes of anthropometric measurements in male adolescents.