The ambiguous relationship between food and health across the centuries.

Since the Palaeolithic Age food has been closely linked to the development of the human species, meeting our energy needs and fuelling our cell metabolism. Without food there can be no life. However, over the centuries food and our eating habits have also had a damaging effect, whether through deficiencies, excesses, direct toxic effects or as a vector of pathogenic agents. The human species has known two major food revolutions: one at the start of the Neolithic Age and the other very recently in the years following the Second World War. In this article we will be looking at the ambiguous relationship between food and human health as well as the health of our planet.

Addition of silicon to boron foliar spray in cotton plants modulates the antioxidative system attenuating boron deficiency and toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Boron (B) nutritional disorders, either deficiency or toxicity, may lead to an increase in reactive oxygen species production, causing damage to cells. Oxidative damage in leaves can be attenuated by supplying silicon (Si). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of increasing foliar B accumulation on cotton plants to determine whether adding Si to the spray solution promotes gains to correct deficiency and toxicity of this micronutrient by decreasing oxidative stress via synthetizing proline and glycine-betaine, thereby raising dry matter production. RESULTS: B deficiency or toxicity increased H2O2 and MDA leaf concentration in cotton plants. H2O2 and MDA leaf concentration declined, with quadratic adjustment, as a function of increased leaf B accumulation. Proline and glycine-betaine leaf concentration increased under B-deficiency and B-toxicity. In addition, production of these nonenzymatic antioxidant compounds was greater in plants under toxicity, in relation to deficient plants. Adding Si to the B spray solution reduced H2O2 and MDA concentration in the plants under nutrient deficiency or toxicity. Si reduced H2O2, primarily in B-deficient plants. Si also increased proline and glycine-betaine concentration, mainly in plants under B toxicity. Dry matter production of B-deficient cotton plants increased up to an application of 1.2 g L- 1 of B. The critical B level in the spray solution for deficiency and toxicity was observed at a concentration of 0.5 and 1.9 g L- 1 of B, respectively, in the presence of Si, and 0.4 and 1.9 g L- 1 of B without it. In addition, the presence of Si in the B solution raised dry matter production in all B concentrations evaluated in this study. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that adding Si to a B solution is important in the foliar spraying of cotton plants because it increases proline and glycine-betaine production and reduces H2O2 and MDA concentration, in addition to mitigating the oxidative stress in cotton plants under B deficiency or toxicity.

Blood lead concentrations in children with iron deficiency anemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder detrimental to the behavior, cognitive performance, immune system, and physical growth of infants and preschool- and school-age children. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) increases children's susceptibility to some metals, including the highly toxic lead (Pb), but the character of this relationship is still disputed. Thus, this study aimed to review and meta-analyze the association between the IDA and blood lead levels (BLL) among children, based on papers indexed by international scientific databases and published up to September 2021. A search was performed of the literature in several databases including the ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. The final papers were assessed concerning their quality based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cross-sectional studies. Moreover, analyses were performed using R statistical software with the "meta" package. Of the 1528 articles found, only 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were considered in the meta-analysis. Significantly higher BLL in IDA children (SMD = 2.40; CI 95%, 0.93-3.87 µg/L; p = 0.0014) was seen when compared to non-IDA children. Moreover, the pooled OR is equal to 2.75 (CI 95%, 1.10-6.85 µg/L; p = 0.0303) suggesting a higher risk of IDA development among children with BLL > 10 µg/dL. Thus, we recommend systematic monitoring of Fe and Pb levels among children, especially in countries with limited sources of nutritious food. Since only a few studies were available for this meta-analysis, further studies are necessary to examine the association between IDA and BLL in detail.

Prevalence of malnutrition/malnutrition risk and nutrition-related risk factors among patients with Parkinson's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical symptoms and nutritional status of patients with Parkinson's disease (PwP) are interrelated, and the clinical outcomes in malnourished patients are often poor. Only a few studies have reviewed the prevalence of malnutrition and nutrition-related risk factors in PwP. OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence of malnutrition/ malnutrition risk among PwP, and estimate nutrition-related risk factors. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched. Literatures published between 1 January 1995 and 1 November 2020, subjects were patients with idiopathic PD underwent Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) were included. RESULT: Sixteen articles, including 1650 PwP from 13 countries/regions, were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of malnutrition and malnutrition risk were 8.8% (Confidence interval [CI] 95%, 5.3%-12.2%) and 35.3% (CI 95%, 29.0%-41.7%), and the prevalence of nutritional disorders was 42.3% (CI 95%, 33.7%-51%). The prevalence of malnutrition in developing countries was higher than that in the developed countries. Meta-analysis reveals there were significant differences in the course of the disease (0.88 years; 95% CI, 0.26-1.50), levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD; 60.77 mg/day; 95% CI, 2.7-118.8), Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) staging (0.323; CI 95%, 0.164-0.482), and unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) scores (total: 13.66, CI 95%: 10.57-16.75 and part III: 5.52, CI 95%: 3.79-7.25) between normal and nutritional disorder groups. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition/malnutrition risk prevalence in PwP are high. The duration of the disease, LEDD, H&Y staging, and UPDRS score (part III and total) may be nutrition-related risk factors in PwP.

Nutritional Disorders in a Group of Children and Adolescents with Syndromes or Diseases Involving Neurodysfunction.

A study of the literature shows the lack of data on a comprehensive analysis of eating disorders in children with neurodysfunction, which constitute a clinical subgroup with an increased risk of abnormalities in this area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the coexistence of nutritional disorders and diseases or syndromes associated with neurodysfunction based on data collected during hospitalization at a rehabilitation center for children and adolescents. A retrospective analysis was carried out in a group of 327 children and adolescents aged 4-18 years. The study group covered various types of diseases or syndromes involving damage to the central nervous system. A retrospective analysis of baseline data (age, sex, main and additional diagnosis and Body Mass Index-BMI) was performed. Two assessment criteria of nutritional status were taken into account (z-score BMI and other previously published normative values). In the study group, malnutrition was found more frequently (18.0% of the respondents) than obesity (11.3% of the subjects). Hypothyroidism coexisting with malnutrition was identified in the study group (N% = 43.8%, p = 0.011) and malnutrition with tetraplegia in the subgroup of spastic cerebral palsy (N% = 34.2 %, p = 0.029).

Dhatri Lauha in the management of iron deficiency anemia: A prospective open-label single-arm multi-center trial.

Background: The burden of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) remains persistently high in India due to the poor tolerability of oral iron supplementation. Therefore, more focus is required to explore traditional medicine for safe and effective options for managing IDA. Aim: To assess the clinical safety and efficacy of Dhatri Lauha in patients with IDA. Materials and methods: An open-label, prospective, single-arm, multi-center trial was conducted at 12 centers with a sample size of 40 participants per study site. Patients with IDA aged 18-60 years with hemoglobin levels in the range of 6-10gm/dl, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) <80 fl, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) <34 µg/dl, serum ferritin <30 µg/dl and serum iron <50 µg/dl were included in the study. Dhatri Lauha 500 mg capsule was administered twice daily with lukewarm water after meals for 45 days. The primary outcome measure was the change in hemoglobin (Hb%) level from baseline to day 45. Secondary outcome measures included the change in MCV, MCHC, serum iron and ferritin levels, incidence of adverse events, and change in safety parameters (liver and kidney function tests). The mean (statistical) change in outcome measures from baseline to day 45 was compared using a paired sample t-test. Results: Out of 458 participants enrolled in the study, 400 contributed to the final analysis. A significant difference was observed in the outcome parameters such as Hb%, MCV, MCHC, serum ferritin, and serum iron levels (P < 0.001) after 45 days of treatment. Mean Hb% changed from 8.46 ± 1.14 g/dl at baseline to 9.18 ± 1.61 g/dl on day 45 (P < 0.001). LFT and KFT were within the normal limits after the study period. No participant withdrew from the study due to adverse events. Conclusions: Dhatri Lauha is a safe intervention and can be expected to improve hemoglobin levels, red blood cell parameters, and iron stores in patients with IDA. Future RCTs with a larger sample size, standard care as control and a longer follow-up may produce more accurate and reliable results.

The molecular-physiological functions of mineral macronutrients and their consequences for deficiency symptoms in plants.

The visual deficiency symptoms developing on plants constitute the ultimate manifestation of suboptimal nutrient supply. In classical plant nutrition, these symptoms have been extensively used as a tool to characterise the nutritional status of plants and to optimise fertilisation. Here we expand this concept by bridging the typical deficiency symptoms for each of the six essential macronutrients to their molecular and physiological functionalities in higher plants. We focus on the most recent insights obtained during the last decade, which now allow us to better understand the links between symptom and function for each element. A deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying the visual deficiency symptoms enables us to thoroughly understand how plants react to nutrient limitations and how these disturbances may affect the productivity and biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems. A proper interpretation of visual deficiency symptoms will support the potential for sustainable crop intensification through the development of new technologies that facilitate automatised management practices based on imaging technologies, remote sensing and in-field sensors, thereby providing the basis for timely application of nutrients via smart and more efficient fertilisation.

A Case of Goreisan with hoketsuzai (Blood-Tonifying Formula) that was Remarkably Effective for Severe Malnutrition / 日本東洋医学雑誌

We report a case in which goreisan with hoketsuzai (blood-tonifying formula) was successful in the treatment of a marked nutritional disorder. A 17-year-old woman was screened for prominent emaciation of unknown cause. After the administration of goreisan, edema was reduced and her body weight increased. Subsequently, anemia improved and muscle mass increased with a combination of shimotsuto or sokeikakketsuto. It is possible that goreisan with hoketsuzai improved the water balance of the whole body including the digestive tract, and restored the digestive and absorptive function.

Prevalence of nutritional disorders in Saudi children with inflammatory bowel disease based on the national growth reference.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: The prevalence of nutritional disorders in Saudi children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) has been reported using the World Health Organization (WHO) reference. Our aim was to provide more accurate definition of the prevalence of nutritional impairment in Saudi children with IBDs based on the national growth reference and to demonstrate the effect of using a reference from other populations on the prevalence rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Weight, height, and body mass index data, from the multicenter study of IBDs in Saudi children and adolescents, were plotted on the new Saudi national growth reference. Statistical analyses included frequency calculations and z-test for proportions to investigate the significance of the difference in prevalence. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Among a total of 374 patients, 119 (32%) had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 255 (68%) had Crohn's disease (CD). Compared with the WHO reference, the Saudi national reference produced a significantly lower prevalence of thinness in patients with UC (24% vs. 8%, p = 0.001), CD (35% vs. 20%, p = 0.002), and of short stature in patients with CD (28% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). The difference in the prevalence of overweight was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: We provide more accurate prevalence estimate of nutritional disorders in Saudi children with IBDs based on national reference. The use of the WHO reference overestimated the prevalence of thinness and short stature in Saudi children. Prevalence estimates based on references from other populations should be interpreted with caution.

Effects of Protein-Energy Wasting (PEW) and hyperphosphatemia on the prognosis in Japanese maintenance hemodialysis patients: A five-year follow-up observational study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In dialysis patients, malnutrition is a poor prognostic factor. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), malnutrition is qualitatively different from general malnutrition, which is defined as "Protein-Energy Wasting (PEW)." Dietary therapy for the enhancement of PEW requires the aggressive intake of protein. Conversely, as protein intake and phosphorus intake correlate positively, increasing the protein intake increases the phosphorus intake, which is a poor prognostic factor in dialysis patients. One of the treatments for hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients is the intake restriction of phosphorus by dietary counseling. However, protein uptake to maintain and augment the nutritional status and the protein intake restriction to correct hyperphosphatemia are contradictory treatments. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of PEW and hyperphosphatemia on the prognosis in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: We enrolled 60 outpatients who underwent maintenance hemodialysis for 6 months (May-November 2012) at Iga City General Hospital (Mie, Japan). In November 2012, we assessed the presence or absence of PEW and hyperphosphatemia in patients and evaluated the survival rate over the next 5 years. RESULTS: Overall, 10 patients (17%) were diagnosed as PEW. While 17 patients (28%) exhibited average phosphorus level >6.0 mg/dL (hyperphosphatemia). The 5-year survival rate was 30% in the PEW group, 66% in the non-PEW group, 57% in the hyperphosphatemia group, and 61% in the non-hyperphosphatemia group. A statistically significant difference existed between the PEW and non-PEW groups (P = 0.021). However, we observed no significant difference between the hyperphosphatemia and non-hyperphosphatemia groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that PEW affects the prognosis more than hyperphosphatemia in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The normalization of the serum phosphorus level by the protein intake restriction could prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism and vascular calcification. Conversely, restricting the protein intake poses a risk of malnutrition. In fact, early death occurred in patients with PEW in this study. Perhaps, patients with PEW should prioritize improving their nutritional status rather than controlling the serum phosphorus level.

Does parental migration have any impact on nutritional disorders among left-behind children in Bangladesh?

OBJECTIVE: Rates of migration have increased substantially in recent years and so has the number of left-behind children (LBC). We investigated the impact of parental migration on nutritional disorders of LBC in Bangladesh. DESIGN: We analysed data from the nationally representative cross-sectional Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2012-2013. Child stunting, wasting and underweight were used as measures of nutritional disorders. Descriptive statistics were used to describe characteristics of the respondents and to compare nutritional outcomes based on status of parental migration. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between parental migration and child nutritional disorders. SETTING: Bangladesh.ParticipantsData of 23 402 children (aged <5 years), their parents and households. RESULTS: In the unadjusted models, parental migration was found significantly protective for stunting, wasting and underweight - both separately and jointly. After potential confounders were controlled for, no difference was found between LBC and non-LBC in any of these three nutritional outcome measures. Household wealth status and maternal educational status were found to significantly influence the nutritional development of the children. CONCLUSIONS: At the population level there is no negative impact of parental migration on stunting, wasting and underweight of LBC in Bangladesh. Remittance from parental migration might enhance affordability of better foods, health care and supplies for a cleaner environment. This affordability is crucial for the poorest section of the society.

Pediatric obesity: Causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment.

Pediatric or childhood obesity is the most prevalent nutritional disorder among children and adolescents worldwide. Approximately 43 million individuals are obese, 21-24% children and adolescents are overweight, and 16-18% of individuals have abdominal obesity. The prevalence of obesity is highest among specific ethnic groups. Obesity increases the risk of heart diseases in children and adults. Childhood obesity predisposes the individual to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, liver and kidney diseases and causes reproductive dysfunction in adults. Obesity in children is a major health concern of the developed world. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey has reported that the prevalence of obesity is on the increase in all the pediatric age groups, in males and females, and in various ethnic and racial groups. Factors, such as eating habits, genetics, environment, metabolism, and lifestyle play an important role in the development of obesity. Over 90% of obesity cases are idiopathic and less than 10% are associated with genetic and hormonal causes. Obesity occurs when the body consumes more calories than it burns, through overeating and underexercising. The symptoms of obesity include breathing disorders, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, certain types of cancer such as prostate, bowel, breast and uterine, coronary heart disease, diabetes (type 2 in children), depression, liver and gallbladder problems, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, pain in knees and lower back. Environmental, behavioral such as consumption of convenience foods, genetic, and family factors contribute to pediatric obesity. Obesity can be countered through lower calorie consumption, weight loss and diet programs, as well as increased physical activity. A number of endogenous molecules including leptin, hypothalamic melanocortin 4 receptor, and mitochondrial uncoupling proteins, are known to affect body weight. These molecules serve as potential targets for the pharmacological manipulation of obesity. Sibutramine and orlistat are primariliy used for the treatment of adult obesity, which produces modest weight loss, of 3-8% compared to placebo. For children and obese adolescents, metformin is used in the case of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Octreotide is used for hypothalamic obesity. Bariatric surgery is performed for the treatment of severe childhood obesity. The causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of pediatric obesity are described in the present review.

Adubação com nitrogênio e boro na incidência de hastes ocas e na produção de couve-flor / Nitrogen and boron fertilization on hollow stem and yield of cauliflower

O aparecimento de caule oco em couve-flor causa prejuízos aos produtores. O boro e o nitrogênio estão associados a essa desordem fisiológica, mas poucos estudos foram feitos em condições tropicais. Objetivou-se, no trabalho, avaliar os efeitos da adubação com N e B e da interação entre esses nutrientes na produção e na ocorrência de hastes ocas em couve-flor 'Shiromaru III', cultivada em solo da região de Ribeirão Preto (SP), durante o período de julho a setembro de 2003. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos inteiramente casualizados em esquema fatorial (3 x 3), com três doses de N (120, 180 e 240 kg ha-1) e três doses de B (2, 4 e 6 kg ha-1) e 4 repetições. A produção total e a massa média de inflorescências não foram influenciadas pelas doses de N e de B. A incidência de hastes ocas foi influenciada pela adubação com N, sendo que as aplicações de 180 e 240 kg ha-1 reduziram o aparecimento dessa anomalia em 9,03 por cento e 11,72 por cento, respectivamente.

The hollow stem in cauliflower causes damages to producers. Nitrogen and boron are related to this physiological disorder but few studies were performed at tropical conditions. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effects of N and B applications and interaction between these nutrients on yield and hollow stem on cauliflower Shiromaru III, cultivated on soil of Ribeirão Preto region during the period from July to September of 2003. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design in a factorial scheme (3 x 3) with three rates of nitrogen (120, 180 and 240 kg ha-1 N) and three rates of boron (2, 4 and 6 kg ha-1 B) and four replicates. The total yield and head weight were not influenced by B and N applications. Hollow stem incidence was influenced by N fertilization, where applications of 180 and 240 kg ha-1 reduced the disorder in 9.03 and 11.72 percent, respectively.

Relação do Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano e as Varißveis Nutricionais em Crianças do Brasil / The relationship between the human development index and nutritional variables in Brazilian children

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo é demonstrar a relação do Indice de desenvolvimento humano (IDH) de diferentes regiões brasileiras no comportamento das variáveis de composicão corporal-indicadores do estado nutricional, assim como, a adequação da utilização destas variáveis. Materiais e Método: Estudo descritivo, de corte transversal de topología comparativa. A amostra foi composta por alunos de escolas públicas, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 8 e 10 anos, de 3 regiões brasileiras, escolhidas de maneira aleatória, sendo: Sul n= 262 masculino e n=251 feminino; Nordeste n=45 masculino y n=35 feminino; Norte n=96 masculino y n=38 feminino. Os protocolos utilizados foram de estatura, massa, somatória de dobras cutáneas e IMC. O IDH foi retirado do Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento.A estatística utilizada foi a descritiva e inferencial, através do método comparativo Anova one-way para os dados paramétricos e o teste Kurskal-Wallis para os dados não paramétricos, sendo adotado um nível de significância de p <0,05, ou seja, 95 por cento de probabilidade para as afirmativas e/ou negativas, denotadas durante as investigações. Resultados: Foi demostrada a existência de uma diferencia significativa p<0.0001 nas variáveis estudadas. Conclusiones: A utilização de antropometria como uma ferramenta auxiliar para conhecer a composição corporal das crianças podem ajudar na prevenção ou tratamento precoce dos distúrbios alimentares, como desnutrição e obesidade. Ela pode ser parte das intervenções das políticas públicas ligadas à assistência infantil, na utilização de formas simples e eficiente para evitar problemas de saúde pública.

Objective: This study was aimed at showing the relationship of the Human Development Index (HDI) in different areas of Brazil to body composition variable patterns, thereby indicating these variables' nutritional status and the suitability of their use. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative study. The sample consisted of male and female state school students aged 8 to 10 years old from 3 regions of Brazil . They were randomised according to region: south, n=(262 male, 251 female), northeast, n=(45 male, 35 female) and north, n=(96 male, 38 female). The protocols used were mass, stature, total skin-folding and body mass index (BMI). The HDI was taken from the United Nations' Development Programme. One-way ANOVA (parametric data) and the Kurskal-Wallis test (non-parametric data) were used for comparative, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. A p<0.05 significance level was adopted (i.e. 95 percent probability of affirmatives and/or negatives denoted during the investigation). Results The results revealed a p<0.0001 significant difference regarding the variables being investigated. Conclusions Using anthropometry as an auxiliary tool for ascertaining infants' body composition can help in the early treatment and prevention of nutritional disorders such as malnutrition and obesity. It can form part of public policy linked to infant assistance, using efficient and simple means for preventing public health problems.

Objetivo: El propósito del presente estudio es demostrar la relación del Índice de Desarrollo Humano (IDH) de diferentes regiones brasileras en el comportamiento de las variables de composición corporal-indicadoras del estado nutricional, así como, la adecuación de la utilización de estas variables. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal de topología comparativa. La muestra estuvo compuesta por alumnos de escuelas públicas, de ambos sexos, con edad entre 8 y 10 años, de 3 regiones brasileñas, escogidos de manera aleatoria, que son: Sur n=262 masculino y n=251 femenino; Nordeste n=45 masculino y n=35 femenino; Norte n=96 masculino y n=38 femenino. Los protocolos utilizados fueron de estatura; masa; sumatoria de pliegues cutáneos e IMC. El IDH fue retirado del Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo. La estadística utilizada fue descriptiva y de inferencia, la comparación a través del Anova one-way para los datos paramétricos y Kurskal-Wallis test para los datos no paramétricos, de significancia p<0,05, esto es, 95 por ciento de probabilidad para las afirmativas y/o negativas, encontradas en la investigación. Resultados: Fue demostrada la existencia de una diferencia significativa p<0.0001 en las variables estudiadas. Conclusiones: La utilización de la antropometría como herramienta coadyuvante para conocer la composición corporal de los infantes, puede auxiliar para la prevención o tratamiento precoz de casos con disturbios nutricionales, como desnutrición y obesidad. Puede ser parte de las intervenciones de las políticas públicas unidas a la asistencia infantil, a la utilización de medios simples y eficaces para prevenir problemas de salud pública.