Associations between diet‐related diseases and impaired physiological mechanisms: a holistic approach based on meta‐analyses to identify targets for preventive nutrition
The objective of this exhaustive review was to collect scientific evidence – with priority given to quantitative reviews – published between 1950 and 2011 to assess the relationships between major diet‐related chronic diseases and deregulated mechanisms. The results revealed that diabetes and obesity are the key diseases that lead to all other diet‐related chronic diseases, while cancer, cardiovascular disease, skeletal disease, and sarcopenia are endpoint diseases. Liver disease, kidney disease, digestive disease, and mental illness are consequences as well as causes of other diet‐related chronic diseases. All d...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - October 3, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Anthony Fardet, Yves Boirie Tags: Lead Article Source Type: research
Long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids: time to establish a dietary reference intake
The beneficial effects of consuming omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on cardiovascular health have been studied extensively. To date, there is no dietary reference intake (DRI) for EPA and DHA, although many international authorities and expert groups have issued dietary recommendations for them. Given the substantial new evidence published since the last Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on energy and macronutrients, released in 2002, there is a pressing need to establish a DRI for EPA and DHA. In order to set a DRI, however, mor...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - October 3, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Michael R Flock, William S Harris, Penny M Kris‐Etherton Tags: Nutrition Science ↔ Policy Source Type: research
Fiber intake and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
In conclusion, increased fiber intake improved glycemic control, indicating it should be considered as an adjunctive tool in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. (Source: Nutrition Reviews)
Source: Nutrition Reviews - October 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Flávia M Silva, Caroline K Kramer, Jussara C Almeida, Thais Steemburgo, Jorge Luiz Gross, Mirela J Azevedo Tags: Special Article Source Type: research
Sulforaphane: translational research from laboratory bench to clinic
Cruciferous vegetables are widely acknowledged to provide chemopreventive benefits in humans, but they are not generally consumed at levels that effect significant change in biomarkers of health. Because consumers have embraced the notion that dietary supplements may prevent disease, this review considers whether an appropriately validated sulforaphane‐yielding broccoli sprout supplement may deliver clinical benefit. The crucifer‐derived bioactive phytochemical sulforaphane is a significant inducer of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), the transcription factor that activates the cell's endogenous def...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - October 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Christine A Houghton, Robert G Fassett, Jeff S Coombes Tags: Special Article Source Type: research
Effects of resveratrol supplementation on plasma lipids: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of available evidence was conducted to obtain a conclusive result on the lipid‐modulating effects of resveratrol. Seven randomized controlled trials with a total of 282 subjects (141 in each group) met the eligibility criteria. Overall, resveratrol supplementation had no significant effect on any of the lipid parameters assessed: total cholesterol (weighted mean difference [WMD] −8.70; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] −21.54–4.14; P = 0.18), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD −3.22; 95%CI −12.56–6.12); P = 0.50), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (WM...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - October 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Amirhossein Sahebkar Tags: Nutrition in Clinical Care Source Type: research
Effects of chocolate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review
A systematic review was conducted to evaluate whether chocolate or its constituents were capable of influencing cognitive function and/or mood. Studies investigating potentially psychoactive fractions of chocolate were also included. Eight studies (in six articles) met the inclusion criteria for assessment of chocolate or its components on mood, of which five showed either an improvement in mood state or an attenuation of negative mood. Regarding cognitive function, eight studies (in six articles) met the criteria for inclusion, of which three revealed clear evidence of cognitive enhancement (following cocoa flavanols and ...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - September 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Andrew Scholey, Lauren Owen Tags: Special Article Source Type: research
Aligning nutrition assistance programs with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Nutrition assistance programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs (NSLP/SBP), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), are intended to offer low‐income families the opportunity for a healthier food pattern that promotes overall health and reduces risk for chronic disease. To be successful in improving the diets of underserved Americans requires a unified approach toward meeting the nutritional needs of program participants. Newly revised recommendations increase intakes of fruits, vegetables, and wh...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - August 15, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Ann L Yaktine, Suzanne P Murphy Tags: Nutrition ↔ Science Policy Source Type: research
Clinical outcomes of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation in cancer patients
Results of recent studies suggest that circulating levels of vitamin D may play an important role in cancer‐specific outcomes. The present systematic review was undertaken to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) and insufficiency (25–50 nmol/L) in cancer patients and to evaluate the association between circulating calcidiol (the indicator of vitamin D status) and clinical outcomes. A systematic search of original, peer‐reviewed studies on calcidiol at cancer diagnosis, and throughout treatment and survival, was conducted yielding 4,706 studies. A total of 37 studies met the inclusion c...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - August 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Laisa Teleni, Jacqueline Baker, Bogda Koczwara, Michael G. Kimlin, Euan Walpole, Kathy Tsai, Elizabeth A Isenring Tags: Special Article Source Type: research
Evaluating and adapting the Mediterranean diet for non‐Mediterranean populations: A critical appraisal
This review outlines the limitations of current techniques for evaluating the Mediterranean diet in Mediterranean versus non‐Mediterranean populations. Differences between the two populations with regard to the foods that are available, food processing and preparation techniques, and eating and lifestyle habits may influence the implementation and effects of a Mediterranean diet in non‐Mediterranean regions. For example, the composition of food groups may vary significantly, due to differences in the specific foods within a food group and to differences in aspects of food production and preparation. Notable differences...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - August 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Richard Hoffman, Mariette Gerber Tags: Special Article Source Type: research
Role of dietary factors in survival and mortality in colorectal cancer: a systematic review
In conclusion, published studies investigating dietary factors and outcome in CRC are heterogeneous in design and findings. No dietary component was conclusively and consistently associated with survival in CRC patients. The results of mortality studies seem to indicate that meat intake has an adverse effect on CRC mortality, while cereal intake may be protective. (Source: Nutrition Reviews)
Source: Nutrition Reviews - August 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Suzanne Meer, Anke M Leufkens, H Bas Bueno‐de‐Mesquita, Fränzel JB Duijnhoven, Martijn GH Oijen, Peter D Siersema Tags: Nutrition in Clinical Care Source Type: research
Dietary phytochemicals in cancer prevention and therapy: a complementary approach with promising perspectives
The population is aging. Over the coming years, the incidence of age‐related chronic diseases such as cancer is expected to continue to increase. Phytochemicals, which are non‐nutritive chemicals found in plants and food, have emerged as modulators of key cellular signaling pathways exerting proven anticancer effects. The challenge now is to develop personalized supplements comprised of specific phytochemicals for each clinical situation. This will be possible once a better understanding is gained of the molecular basis explaining the impact of phytochemicals on human health. The aim of the present literature review is...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - August 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Margarita González‐Vallinas, Marta González‐Castejón, Arantxa Rodríguez‐Casado, Ana Ramírez de Molina Tags: Lead Article Source Type: research
Fatty acid consumption and the risk of osteoporotic fracture
This article reviews the growing body of literature concerning EFA and bone health. In particular, two recent large prospective cohort studies evaluating the association between multiple types of EFA and risk of osteoporotic fracture are highlighted. The results of these studies are placed in context with the existing literature, and recommendations for future investigation are presented. (Source: Nutrition Reviews)
Source: Nutrition Reviews - July 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Vicki McLaughlin, Katherine W Reeves, Elizabeth Bertone‐Johnson Tags: Lead Article Source Type: research
Beyond the Paleolithic prescription: incorporating diversity and flexibility in the study of human diet evolution
Evolutionary paradigms of human health and nutrition center on the evolutionary discordance or “mismatch” model in which human bodies, reflecting adaptations established in the Paleolithic era, are ill‐suited to modern industrialized diets, resulting in rapidly increasing rates of chronic metabolic disease. Though this model remains useful, its utility in explaining the evolution of human dietary tendencies is limited. The assumption that human diets are mismatched to the evolved biology of humans implies that the human diet is instinctual or genetically determined and rooted in the Paleolithic era. This review looks...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - June 25, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Bethany L Turner, Amanda L Thompson Tags: Special Article Source Type: research
Ghrelin, neuropeptide Y, and other feeding‐regulatory peptides active in the hippocampus: role in learning and memory
The hippocampus is a brain region of primary importance for neurogenesis, which occurs during early developmental states as well as during adulthood. Increases in neuronal proliferation and in neuronal death with age have been associated with drastic changes in memory and learning. Numerous neurotransmitters are involved in these processes, and some neuropeptides that mediate neurogenesis also modulate feeding behavior. Concomitantly, feeding peptides, which act primarily in the hypothalamus, are also present in the hippocampus. This review aims to ascertain the role of several important feeding peptides in cognitive funct...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - June 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Bernard Beck, Grégory Pourié Tags: Lead Article Source Type: research
Pleiotropic effects of genistein in metabolic, inflammatory, and malignant diseases
Genistein is a soy‐derived biologically active isoflavone that exhibits diverse health‐promoting effects. An increasing body of evidence shows that genistein influences lipid homeostasis and insulin resistance, counteracts inflammatory cytokines, and possesses antidiabetic properties. Genistein also impedes cancer progression by promoting apoptosis, inducing cell cycle arrest, modulating intracellular signaling pathways, and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis of neoplastic cells. This review summarizes the pleiotropic functions of genistein in common health disorders such as metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammatory...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - June 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju, Syed F Zafar, Bassel F El‐Rayes Tags: Nutrition in Clinical Care Source Type: research
