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Selenium Supplementation in Patients with Hashimoto Thyroiditis:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.
Huwiler, VV, Maissen-Abgottspon, S, Stanga, Z, Mühlebach, S, Trepp, R, Bally, L, Bano, A
Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association. 2024
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Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT) is a disease of the thyroid gland, which can result in insufficient production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is responsible for numerous functions within the body, such as weight regulation and energy production. Selenium is a nutrient that is used in the body to make thyroid hormones and low levels have been seen in patients with HT. Selenium supplementation has been researched previously, but inconsistent results have been shown. This systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 and 32 randomised control trials respectively, aimed to determine the effect of selenium supplementation on HT. The results showed that selenium supplementation favourably influenced thyroid hormones and oxidative stress, without affecting inflammation, but only if individuals were not receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Adverse events were similar between the supplementation and control groups. It was concluded that selenium supplementation is a safe and effective therapy for individuals with HT who are not receiving hormone replacement therapy. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to recommend selenium supplementation as a way to balance thyroid hormones and alleviate the effects of HT.
Abstract
Background: Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient areas. Selenium is an essential trace element required for thyroid hormone synthesis and exerts antioxidant effects. Therefore, it may be of relevance in the management of HT. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of selenium supplementation on thyroid function (thyrotropin [TSH], free and total thyroxine [fT4, T4], free and total triiodothyronine [fT3, T3]), thyroid antibodies (thyroid peroxidase antibodies [TPOAb], thyroglobulin antibodies [TGAb], thyrotropin receptor antibody [TRAb]), ultrasound findings (echogenicity, thyroid volume), immune markers, patient-reported outcomes, and adverse events in HT. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022308377). We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINHAL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Trials from inception to January 2023 and searched citations of eligible studies. Two independent authors reviewed and coded the identified literature. The primary outcome was TSH in patients without thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT); the others were considered secondary outcomes. We synthesized the results as standardized mean differences (SMD) or odds ratio (OR), assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and rated the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results: We screened 687 records and included 35 unique studies. Our meta-analysis found that selenium supplementation decreased TSH in patients without THRT (SMD -0.21 [confidence interval, CI -0.43 to -0.02]; 7 cohorts, 869 participants; I2 = 0%). In addition, TPOAb (SMD -0.96 [CI -1.36 to -0.56]; 29 cohorts; 2358 participants; I2 = 90%) and malondialdehyde (MDA; SMD -1.16 [CI -2.29 to -0.02]; 3 cohorts; 248 participants; I2 = 85%) decreased in patients with and without THRT. Adverse effects were comparable between the intervention and control groups (OR 0.89 [CI 0.46 to 1.75]; 16 cohorts; 1339 participants; I2 = 0%). No significant changes were observed in fT4, T4, fT3, T3, TGAb, thyroid volume, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-10. Overall, certainty of evidence was moderate. Conclusions: In people with HT without THRT, selenium was effective and safe in lowering TSH, TPOAb, and MDA levels. Indications for lowering TPOAb were found independent of THRT.
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Effectiveness of a minimally processed food-based nutritional counselling intervention on weight gain in overweight pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial.
Sartorelli, DS, Crivellenti, LC, Baroni, NF, de Andrade Miranda, DEG, da Silva Santos, I, Carvalho, MR, de Lima, MC, Carreira, NP, Chaves, AVL, Manochio-Pina, MG, et al
European journal of nutrition. 2023;62(1):443-454
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Excessive gestational weight gain exposes the woman and the child to a higher risk of harmful health outcomes in the short and long term. Dietary patterns based on the substitution of meals made with unprocessed or minimally processed foods for the consumption of ultra-processed items can be partly blamed for the exponential global growth in the incidence of obesity. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention based on encouraging the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods rather than ultra-processed products. This study is a two-armed parallel randomised controlled trial conducted among overweight, pregnant women receiving prenatal care in seven primary health units. Participants (n=350) were randomly allocated into the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). The women allocated into the IG, in addition to the usual prenatal care, were invited to participate in three individualised nutritional counselling sessions conducted by trained nutritionists. Results show that even though there were more women in the IG who had increased their daily intake of minimally processed foods and vegetables at lunch time when compared to the CG, this was not statistically significant. Additionally, there weren’t any differences between the groups in relation to physical activity. Authors conclude that their study was unprecedented in demonstrating that a nutritional counselling intervention based on the NOVA food classification system, together with the practice of physical activity, is effective in preventing excessive gestational weight gain in overweight pregnant women.
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a nutritional counselling intervention based on encouraging the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods, rather than ultra-processed products, and the practice of physical activities to prevent excessive gestational weight gain in overweight pregnant women. METHODS This was a two-armed, parallel, randomized controlled trial conducted in primary health units of a Brazilian municipality from 2018 to 2021. Overweight, adult pregnant women (n = 350) were randomly assigned to control (CG) or intervention groups (IG). The intervention consisted of three individualized nutritional counselling sessions based on encouraging the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods rather than ultra-processed products, following the NOVA food classification system, and the practice of physical activities. The primary outcome was the proportion of women whose weekly gestational weight gain (GWG) exceeded the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Adjusted logistic regression models were employed. RESULTS Complete data on weight gain were available for 121 women of the IG and 139 of the CG. In modified intention-to-treat analysis, there was a lower chance of the IG women having excessive GWG [OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.32, 0.98), p = .04], when compared to the CG. No between-group differences were observed for the other maternal outcomes investigated. CONCLUSION The present study was unprecedented in demonstrating that nutritional counselling based on the NOVA food classification system, together with encouraging the practice of physical activity, is effective in preventing excessive weight gain in overweight pregnant women. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered on July 30th 2018 at Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-2w9bhc).
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Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake estimated from a 7-question survey identifies pregnancies most likely to benefit from high-dose DHA supplementation.
Christifano, DN, Crawford, SA, Lee, G, Brown, AR, Camargo, JT, Kerling, EH, Gajewski, BJ, Valentine, CJ, Gustafson, KM, DeFranco, EA, et al
Clinical nutrition ESPEN. 2023;53:93-99
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Preterm birth (PTB) is the primary cause of infant mortality worldwide; and infants who survive have a higher risk of child disability. A recent Cochrane Review concluded that there is strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), reduce early PTB (EPTB, <34 weeks gestation) and PTB (<37 weeks gestation) by 42% and 11%, respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate whether DHA intake at baseline alone could identify pregnancies for which high dose DHA supplementation lowered risk of EPTB and PTB. This study used the results from two randomised clinical trials of DHA supplementation during pregnancy in which participants completed the DHA-Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) before randomisation to 200mg/day or high dose DHA, i.e., 800mg/day or 1000mg/day. A total of 1400 participants were enrolled in the two trials. Results show that the DHA-FFQ predicted participants whose risk of EPTB and PTB was reduced by consuming a DHA supplement of 800mg/day or 1000mg/day compared to 200mg/day. In fact, participants who started the study with an average daily DHA intake of <150mg had a 64% lower rate of EPTB and a 24% lower rate of PTB if they were assigned to 800mg/day or 1000mg/day compared to 200mg/day DHA. Authors conclude that the DHA-FFQ identifies women who could benefit from high dose DHA supplementation at least as effectively as a blood measure of DHA but with far fewer barriers for clinical implementation.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two randomized trials found women with low blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; an omega 3 fatty acid) had fewer early preterm births (<34 weeks gestation) if they were assigned to high dose DHA supplementation, however, there is currently no capacity for clinicians who care for pregnancies to obtain a blood assessment of DHA. Determining a way to identify women with low DHA intake whose risk could be lowered by high dose DHA supplementation is desired. OBJECTIVE To determine if assessing DHA intake can identify pregnancies that benefit from high dose DHA supplementation. STUDY DESIGN This secondary analysis used birth data from 1310 pregnant women who completed a 7-question food frequency questionnaire (DHA-FFQ) at 16.8 ± 2.5 weeks gestation that is validated to assess DHA status. They were then randomly assigned to a standard (200 mg/day) or high dose (800 or 1000 mg/day) DHA supplement for the remainder of pregnancy. Bayesian logistic regressions were fitted for early preterm birth and preterm birth as a function of DHA intake and assigned DHA dose. RESULTS Participants who consumed less than 150 mg/day DHA prior to 20 weeks' gestation (n = 810/1310, 58.1%) had a lower Bayesian posterior probability (pp) of early preterm birth if they were assigned to high dose DHA supplementation (1.4% vs 3.9%, pp = 0.99). The effect on preterm birth (<37 weeks) was also significant (11.3% vs 14.8%, pp = 0.97). CONCLUSION The DHA-FFQ can identify pregnancies that will benefit most from high dose DHA supplementation and reduce the risk of preterm birth. The DHA-FFQ is low burden to providers and patients and could be easily implemented in obstetrical practice.
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Antioxidant vitamins supplementation reduce endometriosis related pelvic pain in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Zheng, SH, Chen, XX, Chen, Y, Wu, ZC, Chen, XQ, Li, XL
Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E. 2023;21(1):79
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Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disorder in reproductive-age women which leads to infertility and pain symptoms. Current pain management approaches involve medications and surgical treatments, but their side effects and risk of recurrence have led to the exploration of alternative options. The aim of this study was to clarify the potential effects of antioxidant vitamins supplementation on endometriosis. This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of eleven studies, comprising a total of 589 patients. Results showed that antioxidant vitamins supplementation can effectively alleviate endometriosis-related pain and reduce inflammatory markers. Authors conclude that antioxidant vitamins supplementation can be considered as an alternative treatment either on its own or in combination with other methods for managing endometriosis-related pain. However, further research would help to provide a clearer understanding of the role of antioxidant vitamins supplementation in women with endometriosis.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to clarify the effect of antioxidant vitamins supplementation on endometriosis-related pain. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNK) databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published in English and Chinese up to 16 March 2023. The search terms used were "endometriosis" OR "endometrioma" OR "endometrium" AND "antioxidant" OR "Vitamin C" OR "Vitamin E" OR "Vitamin D" OR "25-OHD" OR "25(OH)D" OR "25-hydroxyvitamin D". Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed pain scores using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Mean differences or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the effect of antioxidant vitamins supplementation on endometriosis. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS A total of 13 RCTs involving 589 patients were included in this meta-analysis. We identified 11 studies that evaluated the effect of antioxidant vitamins supplementation on endometriosis-related pain. The results indicated that the supplementation of antioxidant vitamins can effectively alleviate endometriosis-related pain. Subgroup analysis showed that the supplementation of vitamin E (with or without vitamin C) had a positive effect on improving clinical pelvic pain in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Conversely, supplementation of vitamin D was associated with a reduction in pelvic pain in endometriosis patients, but the difference was not statistically significant compared to the placebo. Additionally, we observed changes in oxidative stress markers following vitamin supplementation. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration decreased in patients with endometriosis after antioxidant vitamin supplementation, and the plasma MDA level was inversely correlated with the time and dose of vitamin E and C supplementation. Furthermore, the inflammatory markers in peritoneal fluid, including RANTES, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, significantly decreased after antioxidant therapy. These findings suggest that antioxidant vitamins may alleviate pain in endometriosis patients by reducing inflammation. CONCLUSIONS The included studies support the potential role of antioxidant vitamins in the management of endometriosis. Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins effectively reduced the severity of dysmenorrhea, improved dyspareunia and pelvic pain, and enhanced quality of life in these patients. Therefore, antioxidant vitamin therapy could be considered as an alternative treatment method, either alone or in combination with other approaches, for endometriosis-related pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023415198.
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Coffee Consumption and Risk of Hypertension in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Haghighatdoost, F, Hajihashemi, P, de Sousa Romeiro, AM, Mohammadifard, N, Sarrafzadegan, N, de Oliveira, C, Silveira, EA
Nutrients. 2023;15(13)
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High blood pressure (hypertension) is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Over the past decades the number of people experiencing high blood pressure has steadily increased, making it a serious concern for public health. Many dietary factors influence the development of high blood pressure, either increasing of decreasing the risk. Coffee is a widely consumed beverage. The caffeine in coffee can stimulate stress hormones like adrenaline. Adrenaline increases blood pressure, inflammation and decreases sensitivity to insulin, which are all regarded as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. At the same time coffee contains many blood pressure lowering nutrients and compounds. Whether coffee contributes or diminishes the risks of developing high blood pressure has remained controversial. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the current evidence on coffee and hypertension risk. The analysis included 25 observational studies published between 2002 and 2023. The results concluded that coffee consumption was associated with a small reduction in risk for high blood pressure development. An inverse association was found, suggesting that as coffee consumption rose, high blood pressure risk falls. However, upon closer examination this inverse relationship was only found in the USA, but not in Europe and Asia. The authors suggested that geographics, genetics, gender, coffee preparation methods, and differences in lifestyle habits (smoking, salt consumption etc.) may contribute to the discrepancies between outcomes and make it harder to compare studies to form a uniform consensus. Hence, they urged for a cautious interpretation of the findings. In the absence of clear, consistent evidence, coffee consumption and cardiovascular risk may need to be assessed on an individual basis in clinical practice.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The association between coffee intake and hypertension (HTN) risk is controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at summarizing the current evidence on the association of coffee with hypertension risk in observational studies. METHODS PubMed/Medline and Web of Science were searched for observational studies up to February 2023. Observational studies which assessed the risk of HTN in the highest category of coffee consumption in comparison with the lowest intake were included in the current meta-analysis (registration number: CRD42022371494). The pooled effect of coffee on HTN was evaluated using a random-effects model. RESULTS Twenty-five studies i.e., thirteen cross-sectional studies and twelve cohorts were identified to be eligible. Combining 13 extracted effect sizes from cohort studies showed that higher coffee consumption was associated with 7% reduction in the risk of HTN (95% CI: 0.88, 0.97; I2: 22.3%), whereas combining 16 effect sizes from cross-sectional studies illustrated a greater reduction in HTN risk (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.72, 0.87; I2 = 63.2%). These results varied by studies characteristics, such as the region of study, participants' sex, study quality, and sample size. CONCLUSIONS An inverse association was found between coffee consumption and hypertension risk in both cross-sectional and cohort studies. However, this association was dependent on studies characteristics. Further studies considering such factors are required to confirm the results of this study.
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A systematic review and meta-analysis of the correlation between polycystic ovary syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.
Wei, Z, Chen, Z, Xiao, W, Wu, G
Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology. 2023;39(1):2239933
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The pathophysiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains elusive, the correlation between IBS and PCOS has been validated. This study's aim was to quantify the relationship between IBS and PCOS by estimating the odds ratio of IBS in PCOS patients. This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of six studies in qualitative synthesis and five studies in quantitative synthesis. Results showed approximately 2.2 times elevated IBS risk in PCOS patient. Among six studies involved in this systematic review, a case-control study reported a negative relationship between IBS and PCOS, while most studies reported a positive association, which confirmed the pooled estimates results. Authors concluded that their study found a significant association between increased odds of IBS and PCOS.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients has gained significant momentum over the years. However, it remains unclear whether PCOS is related to a higher prevalence of IBS. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to fully study IBS correlation with PCOS. METHODS From inception until October 16th, 2022, all observational studies documenting IBS prevalence in PCOS patients were collected from the China national knowledge infrastructure(CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP), Wanfang database, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The quality of case-control studies was assessed with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Review Manager 5.3 was used to determine the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS 5 case-control studies involving 1268 individuals and one cross-sectional study involving 291 participants were included in our qualitative analysis. The quantitative analysis was conducted based on five case-control studies. Four case-control studies involving 1063 participants showed a higher prevalence of IBS in PCOS This meta-analysis revealed an almost twice higher risk of IBS in comparison with controls (OR = 2.23, 95%CI:1.58-3.14, p < 0.001; I2=41%, p = 0.150). Four sensitivity analyses validated the consistency of the aggregated findings. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis and systematic review demonstrated a significant association between PCOS and increased odds of IBS. However, more high-quality and well-controlled research is essential to increase the robustness of our conclusions.
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Moosaie, F, Mohammadi, S, Saghazadeh, A, Dehghani Firouzabadi, F, Rezaei, N
PloS one. 2023;18(2):e0268816
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key molecule mainly involved in brain cell growth. It is also responsible for the survival of beta cells of the pancreas, which produce a hormone known as insulin, which is responsible for balancing blood sugar. Poor functioning beta cells can result in the development of diabetes. It is unclear as to whether high or low BDNF is present in individuals with diabetes. This meta-analysis and systematic review of 2734 individuals aimed to determine BDNF levels in individuals with diabetes, depression, and diabetic retinopathy. The results showed that serum BDNF levels were low in individuals with diabetes, however plasma levels remained unchanged. BDNF was lower in individuals with type 2 diabetes, diabetes mellitus, depression, and diabetic retinopathy. It was concluded that decreased BDNF may contribute to the development of diabetes and associated complications. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the close links between diabetes and brain disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophic factor expressed in several tissues, including the brain, gut, and pancreas. Activation of the BDNF/TrkB/CREB reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis, induces hepatic insulin signal transduction, and protects against pancreatic beta-cell loss in diabetes mellitus (DM). Several studies have investigated the possible association between BDNF and DM and its complications, but the results have been conflicting. AIM: In the present study, we aimed at systematically reviewing the literature on the serum and plasma levels of BDNF in DM and its subgroups such as T2DM, DM patients with depression, and patients with retinopathy. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We identified 28 eligible studies and calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) of outcomes as an effect measure. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 2734 patients with DM and 6004 controls. Serum BDNF levels were significantly lower in patients with DM vs. controls (SMD = -1.00, P<0.001). Plasma BDNF levels were not different in patients with DM compared with controls. When conducting subgroup analysis, serum BDNF levels were lower among patients with T2DM (SMD = -1.26, P<0.001), DM and depression (SMD = -1.69, P<0.001), and patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) vs. controls (SMD = -1.03, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Serum BDNF levels were lower in patients with DM, T2DM, DM with depression, and DM and DR than the controls. Our findings are in line with the hypothesis that decreased BDNF levels might impair glucose metabolism and contribute to the pathogenesis of DM and its complications.
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The Influence of Nutritional Intervention in the Treatment of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis-A Systematic Review.
Osowiecka, K, Myszkowska-Ryciak, J
Nutrients. 2023;15(4)
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Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antibodies in the thyroid gland such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies. Immune-mediated inflammatory responses eventually lead to the progressive destruction of the gland and impaired thyroid function. The disease has a strong genetic disposition but is also influenced by environmental factors, including diet. Hence diet has been considered a complementary tool to manage thyroid function and disease progression by harnessing the benefits of certain nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review examined the effects of nutrients and dietary interventions on Hashimoto’s disease in current literature. Using antibody levels, thyroid hormone levels and body weight to measure outcomes. The review included 9 studies, all of which compared the intervention group to the control groups. The trials included looked at gluten-free, lactose-free and energy-restricted diets, with or without selected nutrients and foods supplements (ie. Nigella sativa, iodine). The intervention duration ranged from 3 weeks to 12 months. Despite the small number of trials, the data from those studies included in this review showed promising results. Improvements in disease parameters were observed in diets that were energy deficient, eliminated gluten, lactose and goitrogens or added Nigella sativa. Iodine restrictions did not show any improvements. In the discussion section, the authors presented the results in the wider context and the findings from other studies. Ultimately there appears to be a wide variance in outcomes, usually ranging from beneficial to neutral. The authors contributed to such variability due to the complexity of the condition and many influencing factors. Often participants in trials have highly variable thyroid status and function, and differences in regular dietary intakes of nutrients critical to thyroid health can easily distort the results. Hence much more specific research is needed to make firmer conclusions. Whereby no clear conclusions in larger groups could be drawn, potential benefits of dietary interventions in Hashimoto's disease may be much more apparent in clinical settings with personalized approaches that account for such individual variances.
Abstract
Diet can be a complementary treatment for Hashimoto's disease by affecting thyroid function and anti-inflammatory properties. It is still unclear which dietary strategy would be the most beneficial. The aim of this systematic review is to examine all the data currently available in the literature on the effects of nutritional intervention on biochemical parameters (anti-thyroid antibody and thyroid hormones levels) and characteristic symptoms in the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This systematic review was prepared based on PRISMA guidelines. Articles in PubMed and Scopus databases published up to November 2022 were searched. As a result of the selection, out of 1350 publications, 9 were included for further analysis. The nutritional interventions included the following: elimination of gluten (3 articles) or lactose (1 article), energy restriction with or without excluding selected foods (n = 2), consumption of Nigella sativa (n = 2), or dietary iodine restriction (n = 1). The intervention duration ranged from 21 days to 12 months and included individuals with various thyroid function. Of the nine studies, three studies were female only. An improvement was observed during an energy deficit and after the elimination of selected ingredients (e.g., gluten, lactose, or goitrogens), as well as after the intervention of Nigella sativa. These interventions improved antibody levels against peroxidase (anti-TPO), (thyrotropin) TSH, and free thyroxine (fT4). No improvement was seen on the iodine-restricted diet. Varied outcomes of analyzed dietary interventions may be due to the heterogeneous thyroid condition, high variability between patients, and differences in habitual intake of critical nutrients (e.g., iodine, selenium, and iron) in different populations. Therefore, there is a great need for further experimental studies to determine whether any nutritional interventions are beneficial in Hashimoto's disease.
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Evidence of lifestyle interventions in a pregnant population with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.
Goddard, L, Patel, R, Astbury, NM, Tucker, K, McManus, RJ
Pregnancy hypertension. 2023;31:60-72
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Chronic hypertension complicates ≤5 % of pregnancies, and those entering pregnancy with a pre-existing diagnosis of diabetes has a global prevalence of between 0.5 % and 2.6 %. The aim of this study was to collate the evidence around lifestyle interventions during pregnancy for women with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes (type 1 and type 2). This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine randomised controlled trials. Results show lack of clarity and data on the effect of lifestyle interventions in pregnant women with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes, thereby exposing key gaps in the literature. Authors conclude that there is a shortage of primary interventional studies examining the effect of lifestyle interventions in high-risk pregnant populations who enter pregnancy with chronic conditions.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant people with chronic hypertension, pre-existing diabetes or both are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions play an important role in disease management in non-pregnant populations. AIM: To review the existing evidence of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examine lifestyle interventions in pregnant people with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes. METHODS A systematic review and narrative synthesis was conducted. Five electronic databases were searched from inception to April 2021 for RCTs evaluating antenatal lifestyle interventions in people with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes with outcomes to include weight or blood pressure change. RESULTS Nine randomised controlled trials including 7438 pregnant women were eligible. Eight studies were mixed pregnant populations that included women with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes. One study included only pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes. Intervention characteristics and procedures varied and targeted diet, physical activity and/or gestational weight. All studies reported weight and one study reported blood pressure change. Outcome data were frequently unavailable for the subset of women of interest, including subgroup data on important pregnancy and birth complications. Eligibility criteria were often ambiguous and baseline data on chronic hypertension was often omitted. CONCLUSION A lack of primary interventional trials examining the effect of lifestyle interventions on weight and blood pressure outcomes in pregnant populations with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes was evident. Lifestyle modification has the potential to alter disease progression. Future trials should address the ambiguity and frequent exclusion of these important populations.
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Role of Fenugreek, Cinnamon, Curcuma longa, Berberine and Momordica charantia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment: A Review.
Cortez-Navarrete, M, Pérez-Rubio, KG, Escobedo-Gutiérrez, MJ
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;16(4)
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Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health concern. Treatments are often associated with side effects and high costs and therefore it has been identified that there is a need for alternatives. Traditional medicines such as fenugreek, cinnamon, Curcuma longa, berberine, and Momordica charantia have all demonstrated the potential to help control high blood sugar. This review study aimed to summarise the evidence for the use of these traditional medicines in individuals with T2D. Fenugreek was found to act through suppressing the digestion and absorption of starch and inhibiting the uptake of sugar. Its high fibre content is thought to be responsible for slowing the rate of digestion. It is also thought that fenugreek can regulate enzymes involved in the formation of sugar within the body. Studies in animal models have also shown that it may improve insulin function, which is a hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar. These effects translated into clinical evidence of blood sugar lowering and there is significant research demonstrating blood sugar lowering in humans. Cinnamon was found to act through suppressing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and improved insulin function. There were several clinical studies reviewed showing that in humans cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels and improve measures of T2D. Curcuma longa (turmeric) was found to suppress production and increase storage of sugar in the liver. It was also found to improve insulin function. In clinical studies it was shown to decrease blood sugar levels, improve measures of T2D and prevent T2D development in those with prediabetes. Berberine was found to exhibit antidiabetic effects through modulation of the gut microbiota and by inhibiting fat accumulation resulting in better insulin function. Several clinical trials were reviewed showing that berberine improved blood sugar levels and measures of T2D. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon was found to suppress sugar uptake following digestion and improve metabolism by regulating key enzymes. In humans it was shown to increase insulin levels and decrease blood sugar and improve measures of T2D. It was concluded that all these traditional plants have the potential to be used as an alternative or complementary therapy for T2D, however further research is warranted. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to look at introducing these therapies to individuals who have uncontrolled T2D or who are suffering with side effects from medications.
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease that has become a major global health concern. Given the efficacy of antidiabetic drugs, pharmacological therapy is considered the first-line treatment of T2DM; however, due to their potential side effects and high costs, new and cost-effective treatments with minimal side effects are needed. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as part of traditional medicine to treat T2DM. Among these, fenugreek, cinnamon, Curcuma longa, berberine, and Momordica charantia have demonstrated different degrees of hypoglycemic activity in clinical studies and animal models. Therefore, the aim of this review is to synthesize the mechanisms of action of five medicinal plants, as well as the experimental and clinical evidence of their hypoglycemic activity from the published literature.