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1.
Vitamin D: A Micronutrient Regulating Genes.
Carlberg, C
Current pharmaceutical design. 2019;(15):1740-1746
Abstract
BACKGROUND At sufficient sun exposure, humans can synthesize vitamin D3 endogenously in their skin, but today's lifestyle makes the secosteroid a true vitamin that needs to be taken up by diet or supplementation with pills. The vitamin D3 metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 acts as a nuclear hormone activating the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR). METHODS This review discusses the biological effects of micronutrient vitamin D ranging from calcium homeostasis and bone formation to the modulation of innate and adaptive immunity. RESULTS Since normal human diet is sufficient in vitamin D, the need for efficient vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin acts as an evolutionary driver for its lightening during the migration out of Africa towards North. Via activating the VDR, vitamin D has direct effects on the epigenome and the expression of more than 1000 genes in most human tissues and cell types. CONCLUSIONS The pleiotropic action of vitamin D in health and disease prevention is explained through complex gene regulatory events of the transcription factor VDR.
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The relationships between macronutrient and micronutrient intakes and type 2 diabetes mellitus in South Asians: A review.
Shah, M, Garg, A
Journal of diabetes and its complications. 2019;(7):500-507
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Asians (SA) have increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The role of nutrient intakes in T2DM in SA is not well understood, however. OBJECTIVE The paper reviewed the relationship between macronutrient and micronutrients intakes and T2DM in SA. METHODS The MEDLINE database was searched for relevant papers on this topic in SA. RESULTS There was some evidence that dietary fiber and linoleic acid intake may reduce but carbohydrates may increase the risk of T2DM. Some studies found higher energy from protein and fat in subjects with T2DM versus controls. Other studies, however, found lower carbohydrate intake among those with T2DM or no relationship between diet composition and T2DM. Several vitamins and minerals were also inversely related to T2DM. CONCLUSIONS The data were limited to a few epidemiological studies. Most studies did not distinguish between undiagnosed and known T2DM. Subjects with known T2DM are more likely to have changed their diet. Prospective cohort or randomized controlled studies examining the role of diet composition, using precise image-assisted dietary assessment method and blood biomarkers, in the development of T2DM among migrant and native SA are needed. Lastly, a more complete nutrient database for foods consumed by SA is needed.
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Is Lithium a Micronutrient? From Biological Activity and Epidemiological Observation to Food Fortification.
Szklarska, D, Rzymski, P
Biological trace element research. 2019;(1):18-27
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Abstract
Lithium compounds have been widely used in psychopharmacology, particularly in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Their normothymic and neuroprotective properties when used at high doses have been well established. However, a number of observations suggest that environmentally relevant lithium doses may also exert beneficial health effects, leading to a decrease in the rate of suicides and levels of violence. Despite the fact that this element is not officially considered to be a micronutrient, some authors have suggested provisional recommended intakes set at 1000 μg/day for a 70-kg adult (14.3 μg/kg body weight). The present paper reviews the biological action of lithium, its bioavailability and metabolism, and content in different foodstuffs and water. It also assesses epidemiological data on potential correlations between lithium intake and suicide rate as well as examines the concept of fortifying food with this element as a strategy in the primary prevention of mood disorders and pre-suicidal syndrome.
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Metal ligands in micronutrient acquisition and homeostasis.
Clemens, S
Plant, cell & environment. 2019;(10):2902-2912
Abstract
Acquisition and homeostasis of micronutrients such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) pose specific challenges. Poor solubility and high reactivity require controlled synthesis and supply of ligands to complex these metals extracellularly and intracellularly. Cytosolic labile pools represent only a minute fraction of the total cellular content. Several low-molecular-weight ligands are known in plants, including sulfur ligands (cysteine and peptides), nitrogen/oxygen ligands (S-adenosyl-l-methionine-derived molecules and histidine), and oxygen ligands (phenolics and organic acids). Some ligands are secreted into the extracellular space and influence the phytoavailability of metal ions. A second principal function is the intracellular buffering of micronutrients as well as the facilitation of long-distance transport in xylem and phloem. Furthermore, low-molecular-weight ligands are involved in the storage of metals, predominantly in vacuoles. A detailed molecular understanding is hampered by technical limitations, in particular the difficulty to detect and quantify cellular metal-ligand complexes. More, but still too little, is known about ligand synthesis and the transport across membranes, either with or without a complexed metal. Metal ligands have an immediate impact on human well-being. Engineering metal ligand synthesis and distribution in crops has tremendous potential to improve the nutritional quality of food and to tackle major human health risks.
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Micronutrients and Brain Development.
Mattei, D, Pietrobelli, A
Current nutrition reports. 2019;(2):99-107
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes the most recent evidence regarding the effects of micronutrients on brain development. RECENT FINDINGS Emerging evidence indicates that nutrition in the early life can profoundly influence neurodevelopment, affecting later life health outcomes, neurocognitive performances, and disease risks. Inadequate early life nutrition has been associated with some neuropsychiatric disorders. Epigenetic mechanisms could play a crucial role, imprinting the genomes in early life making the individual more susceptible to develop diseases later in life. Children adequately nourished are more likely to reach their developmental potential in cognitive, motor, and socioemotional abilities, with positive societal repercussions. Data from further clinical trials are needed before more definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the efficacy of dietary interventions for improving neurocognitive and social outcomes and preventing some neuropsychiatric illnesses. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to make recommendations to our patients to adopt certain dietary habits to optimize early life nutritional status in order to avoid long-term adverse consequences. Strategies of prevention should focus on ensuring more quality food to preconceptional, pregnant, lactating women and to children in their early life, not only in those areas where malnutrition is common but also in developed countries.
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Timing of ergogenic aids and micronutrients on muscle and exercise performance.
Stecker, RA, Harty, PS, Jagim, AR, Candow, DG, Kerksick, CM
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2019;(1):37
Abstract
The timing of macronutrient ingestion in relation to exercise is a purported strategy to augment muscle accretion, muscle and athletic performance, and recovery. To date, the majority of macronutrient nutrient timing research has focused on carbohydrate and protein intake. However, emerging research suggests that the strategic ingestion of various ergogenic aids and micronutrients may also have beneficial effects. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to critically evaluate and summarize the available literature examining the timing of ergogenic aids (caffeine, creatine, nitrates, sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine) and micronutrients (iron, calcium) on muscle adaptations and exercise performance. In summary, preliminary data is available to indicate the timing of caffeine, nitrates, and creatine monohydrate may impact outcomes such as exercise performance, strength gains and other exercise training adaptations. Furthermore, data is available to suggest that timing the administration of beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate may help to minimize known untoward adverse events while maintaining potential ergogenic outcomes. Finally, limited data indicates that timed ingestion of calcium and iron may help with the uptake and metabolism of these nutrients. While encouraging, much more research is needed to better understand how timed administration of these nutrients and others may impact performance, health, or other exercise training outcomes.
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Macronutrient and Micronutrient Intake during Pregnancy: An Overview of Recent Evidence.
Mousa, A, Naqash, A, Lim, S
Nutrients. 2019;(2)
Abstract
Nutritional status during pregnancy can have a significant impact on maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Requirements for macronutrients such as energy and protein increase during pregnancy to maintain maternal homeostasis while supporting foetal growth. Energy restriction can limit gestational weight gain in women with obesity; however, there is insufficient evidence to support energy restriction during pregnancy. In undernourished women, balanced energy/protein supplementation may increase birthweight whereas high protein supplementation could have adverse effects on foetal growth. Modulating carbohydrate intake via a reduced glycaemic index or glycaemic load diet may prevent gestational diabetes and large-for-gestational-age infants. Certain micronutrients are also vital for improving pregnancy outcomes, including folic acid to prevent neural tube defects and iodine to prevent cretinism. Newly published studies support the use of calcium supplementation to prevent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, particularly in women at high risk or with low dietary calcium intake. Although gaps in knowledge remain, research linking nutrition during pregnancy to maternofoetal outcomes has made dramatic advances over the last few years. In this review, we provide an overview of the most recent evidence pertaining to macronutrient and micronutrient requirements during pregnancy, the risks and consequences of deficiencies and the effects of supplementation on pregnancy outcomes.
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Methyl Donor Micronutrients that Modify DNA Methylation and Cancer Outcome.
Mahmoud, AM, Ali, MM
Nutrients. 2019;(3)
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that is essential for regulating gene transcription. However, aberrant DNA methylation, which is a nearly universal finding in cancer, can result in disturbed gene expression. DNA methylation is modified by environmental factors such as diet that may modify cancer risk and tumor behavior. Abnormal DNA methylation has been observed in several cancers such as colon, stomach, cervical, prostate, and breast cancers. These alterations in DNA methylation may play a critical role in cancer development and progression. Dietary nutrient intake and bioactive food components are essential environmental factors that may influence DNA methylation either by directly inhibiting enzymes that catalyze DNA methylation or by changing the availability of substrates required for those enzymatic reactions such as the availability and utilization of methyl groups. In this review, we focused on nutrients that act as methyl donors or methylation co-factors and presented intriguing evidence for the role of these bioactive food components in altering DNA methylation patterns in cancer. Such a role is likely to have a mechanistic impact on the process of carcinogenesis and offer possible therapeutic potentials.
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Nutrition communication - Rhetoric & reality.
Gavaravarapu, SM
The Indian journal of medical research. 2019;(3):333-344
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Abstract
Given the context that undernutrition in India co-exists with the problems of overweight/obesity and associated non-communicable diseases as well as micronutrient deficiencies, integrating nutritional concerns in developmental policies and governance is gaining significance. There are many schemes implemented to tackle malnutrition in India, but creating synergy and linking these schemes with each other to achieve a common goal are lacking. Nutrition communication can be an important component to create the synergy required to change malnourished India to malnutrition-free India. Although nutrition education/communication is recognized as a necessary component in various national nutrition programmes, there is not much evidence of distinct evaluation of these components. Only a minor proportion of community nutrition research has been devoted to nutrition education and communication. Although there are scattered efforts in experimenting with newer communication approaches and media for promoting nutrition, there is a dearth of published literature. In this review an attempt was made to critically examine the nutrition education and communication research and practice with special focus on India. This review provides a historical perspective of evolution of nutrition education and communication with an overview of communication approaches, media, methods and technologies used in various research studies and programmes as well as the lessons learnt.
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Benefits of multiple micronutrient supplementation in heart failure: A comprehensive review.
Dragan, S, Buleu, F, Christodorescu, R, Cobzariu, F, Iurciuc, S, Velimirovici, D, Xiao, J, Luca, CT
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2019;(6):965-981
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple micronutrient supplementation has been suggested to have a role on health outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF), but the evidence is inconclusive. OBJECTIVE To elucidate the role of multiple micronutrient supplementation in heart failure we performed a comprehensive review of the literature. METHODS AND RESULTS The search in databases included PUBMED (until June 2018) to detect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyzes that investigated the impact of micronutrient supplementation in HF. RESULTS With more than 2357 titles and abstracts reviewed, we included only the studies suitable for the final review. Whether alone or in combination, micronutrients have been found to improve the health outcomes of patients with HF by improving symptoms, work capacity and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), thus increasing the quality of life in these patients. CONCLUSION Future studies are needed to document the effects of multiple micronutrient associations in order to include them in nutritional guidelines to increase survival and to improve quality of life in patients with heart failure.