-
1.
Daily skin-to-skin contact alters microbiota development in healthy full-term infants.
Eckermann, HA, Meijer, J, Cooijmans, K, Lahti, L, de Weerth, C
Gut microbes. 2024;16(1):2295403
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
The gut microbiome develops in early life and is influenced by several different factors. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC), whereby an infant and mother have bare skin contact, has been shown to be associated with improved brain and heart development, decreased anxiety and stress, and longer breast-feeding duration. In animals, SSC has also been shown to alter the infants gut microbiota, but this has not been investigated in humans. This study of 116 infant-mother pairs aimed to determine the effect of SSC compared to normal care on the infant gut microbiome and the gut-brain connection. The results showed that there was an overall difference in microbiota diversity between SSC and normal care infants in early but not late infancy. The development of the gut microbiota was also affected in early and late infancy. In SSC infants there was a lower abundance of Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium hallii, and Rothia and higher abundance of Flavonifractor, Lacticaseibacillus, Bacteroides and Megasphaera compared to the normal care infants. Some gut-brain communication pathways differed between the two groups including those associated with anxiety and stress. It was concluded that SSC may influence gut microbiota development. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that SSC can alter the infants gut microbiome, however further studies are required to determine the significance of this.
Abstract
The gut microbiota is vital for human body development and function. Its development in early life is influenced by various environmental factors. In this randomized controlled trial, the gut microbiota was obtained as a secondary outcome measure in a study on the effects of one hour of daily skin-to-skin contact (SSC) for five weeks in healthy full-term infants. Specifically, we studied the effects on alpha/beta diversity, volatility, microbiota maturation, and bacterial and gut-brain-axis-related functional abundances in microbiota assessed thrice in the first year. Pregnant Dutch women (n = 116) were randomly assigned to the SSC or care-as-usual groups. The SSC group participants engaged in one hour of daily SSC from birth to five weeks of age. Stool samples were collected at two, five, and 52 weeks and the V4 region was sequenced. We observed significant differences in the microbiota composition, bacterial abundances, and predicted functional pathways between the groups. The SSC group exhibited lower microbiota volatility during early infancy. Microbiota maturation was slower in the SSC group during the first year and our results suggested that breastfeeding duration may have partially mediated this relation. Our findings provide evidence that postpartum SSC may influence microbiota development. Replication is necessary to validate and generalize these results. Future studies should include direct stress measurements and extend microbiota sampling beyond the first year to investigate stress as a mechanism and research SSC's impact on long-term microbiota maturation trajectories.
-
2.
Exploration of differential responses to FODMAPs and gluten in people with irritable bowel syndrome- a double-blind randomized cross-over challenge study.
Nordin, E, Landberg, R, Hellström, PM, Brunius, C
Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society. 2024;20(2):21
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex condition characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with abnormal bowel habits. Diet is considered a main cause of symptoms in IBS, and fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are of major concern. The aim of this study was to unravel determinants of differential IBS responses to FODMAP and gluten provocation interventions from molecular data. This study was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled three-way crossover study. Participants were randomised in blocks of 12 into the sequences CBA, ACB, and BAC (A=FODMAPs, B=Gluten, and C=Placebo). Results showed that despite a comprehensive set of methods applied to explore IBS responses, including both regression and classification, predictors of differential response could not be established. Authors concluded by encouraging the application of molecular subtyping methodologies in future studies due to the differential responses to treatment.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is large variation in response to diet in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and determinants for differential response are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to investigate differential clinical and molecular responses to provocation with fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) and gluten in individuals with IBS. METHODS Data were used from a crossover study with week-long interventions with either FODMAPs, gluten or placebo. The study also included a rapid provocation test. Molecular data consisted of fecal microbiota, short chain fatty acids, and untargeted plasma metabolomics. IBS symptoms were evaluated with the IBS severity scoring system. IBS symptoms were modelled against molecular and baseline questionnaire data, using Random Forest (RF; regression and clustering), Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC), and univariate methods. RESULTS Regression and classification RF models were in general of low predictive power (Q2 ≤ 0.22, classification rate < 0.73). Out of 864 clustering models, only 2 had significant associations to clusters (0.69 < CR < 0.73, p < 0.05), but with no associations to baseline clinical measures. Similarly, PARAFAC revealed no clear association between metabolome data and IBS symptoms. CONCLUSION Differential IBS responses to FODMAPs or gluten exposures could not be explained from clinical and molecular data despite extensive exploration with different data analytical approaches. The trial is registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS gov as NCT03653689 31/08/2018.
-
3.
Efficacy of probiotics or synbiotics in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Lou, J, Cui, S, Huang, N, Jin, G, Chen, C, Fan, Y, Zhang, C, Li, J
Clinical nutrition ESPEN. 2024;59:48-62
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
The intestinal microbiota is a complex microbial community that plays an irreplaceable role in human life. Intestinal dysbiosis is very common in patients with critical illnesses. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of probiotics or synbiotics in preventing ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of thirty-three trials (n=4 retrospective studies and n=29 randomised controlled studies). A total of 7886 patients were grouped into the probiotics or synbiotics group (n= 4065) and control group (n= 3821). Results showed that probiotics or synbiotics significantly reduced the incidence of VAP and sepsis, as well as the duration of mechanical support, length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, and ICU morality. Authors concluded that probiotics or synbiotics supplementation plays a beneficial role in critically ill patients and presents a novel approach to the management of critical diseases.
Abstract
BACKGROUND This latest systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the effects of probiotic and synbiotic supplementation in critically ill patients. METHODS Relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database, and the Web of Science. The primary output measure was the incident of ventilator-associated pneumonia, and the secondary outputs were diarrhea, Clostridium diffusion infection (CDI), incident of sepsis, incident of hospital acquired pneumonia, duration of mechanical exploitation, ICU mortality rate, length of ICU stay, in hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay. Data were pooled and expressed as Relative Risk(RR) and Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI). RESULTS 33 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, with 4065 patients who received probiotics or synbiotics (treatment group) and 3821 patients who received standard care or placebo (control group). The pooled data from all included studies demonstrated that the treatment group has significantly reduced incidence of ventilation-associated pneumonia (VAP) (RR = 0.80; 95 % CI: 0.67-0.96; p = 0.021, I2 = 52.5 %) and sepsis (RR = 0.97; 95 % CI: 0.66-1.42; p = 0.032, I2 = 54.4 %), As well as significantly increased duration of mechanical exploitation (SMD = -0.47; 95 % CI: -0.74-0.20, p = 0.012, I2 = 63.4 %), ICU mobility (RR = 0.95; 95 % CI: 0.71-1.27; p = 0.004, I2 = 62.8 %), length of ICU stay (SMD = -0.29; 95 % CI: -0.58-0.01; p = 0.000, I2 = 82.3 %) and length of hospital stay (SMD = -0.33; 95 % CI: -0.57-0.08, p = 0.000, I2 = 74.2 %) than the control group. There were no significant differences in diarrhea, CDI, incidence of hospital acquired pneumonia, and in hospital mortality between the two groups. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis showed that probiotic and synbiotic supplements are beneficial for critically ill patients as they significantly reduce the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia and sepsis, as well as the duration of mechanical exploitation, length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, and ICU mortality. However, this intervention has minimal impact on diarrhea, CDI, incidence of hospital acquired pneumonia, and in hospital mortality in critically ill patients.
-
4.
Effects of Spirulina supplementation in patients with ulcerative colitis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial.
Moradi, S, Bagheri, R, Amirian, P, Zarpoosh, M, Cheraghloo, N, Wong, A, Zobeiri, M, Entezari, MH
BMC complementary medicine and therapies. 2024;24(1):109
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, that may be caused by genetic variations in the gut microbiome, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. Symptoms include diarrhoea, constipation, cramping, joint pain, bleeding, and anaemia. Inflammation is a direct driver of UC, which if controlled may be of benefit to the individual. Spirulina, which is a species of seaweed, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and this randomised control trial aimed to determine the effects of its supplementation on 80 individuals with UC and associated health outcomes. The results showed that 8-weeks of Spirulina supplementation significantly increased antioxidant capacity compared to placebo. However, an assessment of quality of life and level of disease showed no improvements with Spirulina supplementation. It was concluded that Spirulina supplementation for 8-weeks improved antioxidant status, but it did not affect severity of disease or quality of life. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that Spirulina supplementation for 8-weeks can improve inflammation. However, it would be interesting to see longer studies to determine if this would affect disease status if supplemented for a longer period of time.
Abstract
AIM: We conducted a randomized placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Spirulina (SP) supplementation on disease activity, health-related quality of life, antioxidant status, and serum pentraxin 3 (PTX-3) levels in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS Eighty patients with UC were randomly assigned to consume either 1 g/day (two 500 mg capsules/day) of SP (n = 40) or control (n = 40) for 8 weeks. Dietary intakes, physical activity, disease activity, health-related quality of life, antioxidant status, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum PTX-3 levels were assessed and compared between groups at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS Seventy-three patients (91.3%) completed the trial. We observed increases in serum total antioxidant capacity levels in the SP supplementation group compared to the control group after 8 weeks of intervention (p ≤ 0.001). A within-group comparison indicated a trend towards a higher health-related quality of life score after 8 weeks of taking two different supplements, SP (p < 0.001) and PL (p = 0.012), respectively. However, there were no significant changes in participant's disease activity score in response to SP administration (p > 0.05). Similarly, changes in ESR and PTX-3 levels were comparable between groups post-intervention (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS SP improved antioxidant capacity status and health-related quality of life in patients with UC. Our findings suggest that SP supplementation may be effective as an adjuvant treatment for managing patients with UC. Larger trials with longer interventions periods are required to confirm our findings.
-
5.
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
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
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.
-
6.
Evaluating adherence, tolerability and safety of oral calcium citrate in elderly osteopenic subjects: a real-life non-interventional, prospective, multicenter study.
Rondanelli, M, Minisola, S, Barale, M, Barbaro, D, Mansueto, F, Battaglia, S, Bonaccorsi, G, Caliri, S, Cavioni, A, Colangelo, L, et al
Aging clinical and experimental research. 2024;36(1):38
-
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
The occurrence of fractures and osteoporosis are significant concerns in elderly adults, as ageing remains one of the primary risk factors for these conditions. While the incidence of fracture and risk may vary, the incidence of fragility fractures significantly increases with advancing age, particularly after the age of 50 years. This study's aim was to evaluate the adherence, tolerability, and safety of calcium citrate administration in an "outpatient" population in routine clinical practice. This study was a non-interventional, prospective, multicentre study. Two-hundred and sixty-eight individuals (comprised 245 females (91.4%) and 23 males (8.6%)) were enrolled. Results showed a high rate of adherence to calcium citrate supplementation over a one-year period in osteopenic elderly subjects. Additionally, the incidence of adverse reactions was low (3.9%), further emphasizing the tolerability of calcium citrate. Authors concluded that future studies designed to assess the long-term impact of calcium citrate supplementation on hard endpoints, such as bone density, fractures/falls, quality of life measures and adherence are needed.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
- The occurrence of fractures and osteoporosis are significant concerns in older adults, as ageing remains one of the primary risk factors for this condition.
- Calcium supplementation, usually with vitamin D, is a recommended complement to other specific pharmacological treatments of osteoporosis.
- This non-interventional, prospective multicentre study suggests a 91% adherence to calcium citrate supplementation over one year in elderly osteopenic patients with generally good (80%) tolerability and 4% reporting gastrointestinal adverse effects.
Evidence Category:
-
A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
-
B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
-
X
C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
-
D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
-
E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
Introduction
A non-interventional, prospective multicentre study was conducted to evaluate the adherence, safety, and tolerability of calcium citrate supplementation in elderly osteopenic subjects.
Method:
A total of 231 Caucasian female (91%) and male (8%) participants with a median age of 70 received 500mg of calcium citrate supplementation daily for one year. Adherence was assessed based on tolerability, compliance, and persistence. Safety evaluations included monitoring of adverse reactions (ARs), physical examinations, and clinical laboratory evaluations.
Results
A total of 222 out of 231 participants (96%) completed the study. Nine subjects did not return for assessments or complete their diaries.
The primary and secondary findings of this study were as follows:
- An average adherence of 91% of oral calcium citrate supplementation was observed which was higher than the reported reference rate of 57% (p = 0.0179).
- Subjects with adherence <80% experienced a higher frequency of adverse events compared to those with adherence >80% (32/77; 42% vs 16/145%, (p = 0.0001).
- Gastrointestinal ARs were the most commonly reported, with constipation comprising 50% of all reported ARs.
- Reductions in systolic (130.7 ± 16.9 mmHg to 127.9 ± 14.5 mmHg) (p = 0.0102) and diastolic blood pressure 79.5 ± 8.7 mmHg to 77.4 ± 8.6 mmHg (baseline to V2) (p = 0.0116) were observed from baseline to the second visit.
- Positive changes were also noted in nutritional status (p = 0.0116), circulatory system disorders (p = 0.0001), and muscles/skeleton disorders (p = 0.0067) from baseline to post-baseline visit.
Conclusion:
This study revealed a 91% adherence to calcium citrate supplementation over one year in older adults with osteopenia, Additionally, the 4% incidents of ARs reported were related to gastrointestinal disorders.
Clinical practice applications:
- The prevalence of osteoporosis rises as individuals age, with approximately 10% of women at 60 years, 20% at 70 years, and 40% at 80 years.
- Calcium supplementation, usually with vitamin D, is a recommended complement to other specific pharmacological treatments of osteoporosis.
- The safety of calcium supplements remains controversial regarding an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the safety profile of calcium in these populations.
- This study reported adherence, tolerability, and safety of calcium citrate supplementation in osteopenic elderly patients with 4% of patients reporting gastrointestinal adverse effects.
Considerations for future research:
- This study was conducted on 91% Caucasian females and 8% males with a mean age of 70 years therefore, there is a need to include more male and Asian participants from various age groups in further research.
- Future studies are needed to assess the long-term impact of calcium citrate supplementation on bone density, fractures, and quality of life.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is a common concern in the elderly that leads to fragile bones. Calcium supplementation plays a crucial role in improving bone health, reducing fracture risk, and supporting overall skeletal strength in this vulnerable population. However, there is conflicting evidence on the safety of calcium supplements in elderly individuals. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence, safety and tolerability of calcium citrate supplementation in elderly osteopenic subjects. METHODS In this non-interventional, prospective, multicenter study, subjects received daily 500 mg calcium citrate supplementation for up to one year. Adherence was calculated based on compliance and persistence. Safety was assessed through adverse reactions (ARs), deaths, and clinical laboratory evaluations. RESULTS A total of 268 Caucasian subjects (91.4% female, mean age 70 ± 4.5 years) participated in the study. Mean adherence to treatment was 76.6 ± 29.5% and half of subjects had an adherence of 91% and ~ 33% of participants achieved complete (100%) adherence. ARs were reported by nine (3.9%) subjects, primarily gastrointestinal disorders, with no serious ARs. The frequency of all adverse events (including ARs) was significantly higher in subjects with adherence of < 80% (41.6%; 32/77) vs. those with adherence ≥ 80% (11%; 16/145, p < 0.0001). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased from baseline to follow-up visit (change of -2.8 ± 13.9 mmHg, p = 0.0102 and -2.1 ± 10.4 mmHg, p = 0.0116, respectively). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated favorable adherence to calcium citrate supplementation in elderly osteopenic subjects. The occurrence of ARs, though generally mild, were associated with lower adherence to calcium supplementation.
-
7.
Effect of gut microbiome modulation on muscle function and cognition: the PROMOTe randomised controlled trial.
Ni Lochlainn, M, Bowyer, RCE, Moll, JM, García, MP, Wadge, S, Baleanu, AF, Nessa, A, Sheedy, A, Akdag, G, Hart, D, et al
Nature communications. 2024;15(1):1859
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Humans lose skeletal muscle with advancing age, and this can progress to sarcopenia. Dietary protein is crucial for maintaining skeletal muscle health; however, several factors can lead to reduced protein intake in older age. The aim of this study was to test whether the addition of gut microbiome modulation could augment established muscle function improvements from combined protein (branched chain amino acids [BCAA]) and resistance exercise. This study was based on the PROMOTe (effect of PRebiotic and prOtein on Muscle in Older Twins) trial which was a randomised controlled trial in which twin pairs (n= 72) were randomised, one twin to each study arm. Results showed that prebiotics improved cognition but did not impact muscle strength and function, compared with placebo. Furthermore, gut microbiome modulation via prebiotic supplementation in the context of ageing-muscle research is feasible and well tolerated, with clear responses noted in the gut microbiota composition and function. Authors concluded that cheap and readily available gut microbiome interventions hold promise for improving cognitive frailty in our ageing population.
Abstract
Studies suggest that inducing gut microbiota changes may alter both muscle physiology and cognitive behaviour. Gut microbiota may play a role in both anabolic resistance of older muscle, and cognition. In this placebo controlled double blinded randomised controlled trial of 36 twin pairs (72 individuals), aged ≥60, each twin pair are block randomised to receive either placebo or prebiotic daily for 12 weeks. Resistance exercise and branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation is prescribed to all participants. Outcomes are physical function and cognition. The trial is carried out remotely using video visits, online questionnaires and cognitive testing, and posting of equipment and biological samples. The prebiotic supplement is well tolerated and results in a changed gut microbiome [e.g., increased relative Bifidobacterium abundance]. There is no significant difference between prebiotic and placebo for the primary outcome of chair rise time (β = 0.579; 95% CI -1.080-2.239 p = 0.494). The prebiotic improves cognition (factor score versus placebo (β = -0.482; 95% CI,-0.813, -0.141; p = 0.014)). Our results demonstrate that cheap and readily available gut microbiome interventions may improve cognition in our ageing population. We illustrate the feasibility of remotely delivered trials for older people, which could reduce under-representation of older people in clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04309292.
-
8.
Reducing meat and/or dairy consumption in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effects on protein intake, anthropometric values, and body composition.
Habumugisha, T, Engebretsen, IMS, Måren, IE, Kaiser, CWM, Dierkes, J
Nutrition reviews. 2024;82(3):277-301
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Reduced consumption of meat and dairy is being encouraged over climate change fears, and health implications. However, meat and dairy provide high quality protein and nutrients and concerns have grown over nutrient deficiencies in people on plant-based diets. This systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomised control trials (RCTs) aimed to determine the effect of a reduced meat/dairy diet in protein intake, and body shape and composition. The results showed that the RCTs included ran for a median duration of 12 weeks. Participants on a reduced meat/dairy diet had lower protein intakes, and reduced meat/dairy diet had no effect on body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat, or muscle mass. It was concluded that a low meat/dairy diet decreases protein intake, however it does not affect body shape, or composition. It was also concluded that studies of longer duration are warranted to determine long-term effects. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that reduced meat/dairy intake over a moderate period of time may have no effect on body shape or composition but will result in lower protein intakes.
Abstract
CONTEXT Consumers are increasingly encouraged to reduce meat and dairy consumption. However, few meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of reducing meat and/or dairy on (absolute) protein intake, anthropometric values, and body composition are available. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of reducing meat and/or dairy consumption on (absolute) protein intake, anthropometric values, and body composition in adults aged ≥ 45 years. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases were searched up to November 24, 2021. DATA EXTRACTION Randomized controlled trials reporting protein intake, anthropometric values, and body composition were included. DATA ANALYSIS Data were pooled using random-effects models and expressed as the mean difference (MD) with 95%CI. Heterogeneity was assessed and quantified using Cochran's Q and I2 statistics. In total, 19 RCTs with a median duration of 12 weeks (range, 4-24 weeks) and a total enrollment of 1475 participants were included. Participants who consumed meat- and/or dairy-reduced diets had a significantly lower protein intake than those who consumed control diets (9 RCTs; MD, -14 g/d; 95%CI, -20 to -8; I2 = 81%). Reducing meat and/or dairy consumption had no significant effect on body weight (14 RCTs; MD, -1.2 kg; 95%CI, -3 to 0.7; I2 = 12%), body mass index (13 RCTs; MD, -0.3 kg/m2; 95%CI, -1 to 0.4; I2 = 34%), waist circumference (9 RCTs; MD, -0.5 cm; 95%CI, -2.1 to 1.1; I2 = 26%), amount of body fat (8 RCTs; MD, -1.0 kg; 95%CI, -3.0 to 1.0; I2 = 48%), or lean body mass (9 RCTs; MD, -0.4 kg; 95%CI, -1.5 to 0.7; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION Reduction of meat and/or dairy appears to reduce protein intake. There is no evidence of a significant impact on anthropometric values or body composition. More long-term intervention studies with defined amounts of meat and dairy are needed to investigate the long-term effects on nutrient intakes and health outcomes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020207325.
-
9.
Efficacy of probiotic treatment as post-exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19: A double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized trial.
Wischmeyer, PE, Tang, H, Ren, Y, Bohannon, L, Jiang, D, Bergens, M, Ramirez, ZE, Andermann, TM, Messina, JA, Sung, JA, et al
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2024;43(1):259-267
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection, continues to pose a unique and novel challenge to global health. Ongoing research is showing a potentially significant role of the microbiome and dysbiosis in COVID-19 disease severity and development of Long-Covid. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) as post-exposure prophylaxis against COVID-19. This study was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were randomised to receive LGG or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. Results showed that the participants randomised to LGG had fewer symptoms and prolonged time to development of COVID-19 compared to those receiving placebo. Additionally, probiotic supplementation also reduced symptomatic disease, and changed the gut microbiome structure. Authors conclude that their findings lend credence to the notion that symbiotic microbes may be valuable partners in the fight against COVID-19 and potentially other future pandemic diseases.
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented challenges to worldwide health. While vaccines are effective, additional strategies to mitigate the spread/severity of COVID-19 continue to be needed. Emerging evidence suggests susceptibility to respiratory tract infections in healthy subjects can be reduced by probiotic interventions; thus, probiotics may be a low-risk, low-cost, and easily implementable modality to reduce risk of COVID-19. METHODS In this initial study, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial across the United States testing probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) as postexposure prophylaxis for COVID-19 in 182 participants who had household exposure to someone with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosed within ≤7 days. Participants were randomized to receive oral LGG or placebo for 28 days. The primary outcome was development of illness symptoms within 28 days of COVID-19 exposure. Stool was collected to evaluate microbiome changes. RESULTS Intention-to-treat analysis showed LGG treatment led to a lower likelihood of developing illness symptoms versus placebo (26.4 % vs. 42.9 %, p = 0.02). Further, LGG was associated with a statistically significant reduction in COVID-19 diagnosis (log rank, p = 0.049) via time-to-event analysis. Overall incidence of COVID-19 diagnosis did not significantly differ between LGG and placebo groups (8.8 % vs. 15.4 %, p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS This data suggests LGG is associated with prolonged time to COVID-19 infection, reduced incidence of illness symptoms, and gut microbiome changes when used as prophylaxis ≤7 days post-COVID-19 exposure, but not overall incidence. This initial work may inform future COVID-19 prevention studies worldwide, particularly in developing nations where Lacticaseibacillus probiotics have previously been utilized to reduce other non-COVID infectious-morbidity. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04399252, Date: 22/05/2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04399252.
-
10.
Prebiotic diet changes neural correlates of food decision-making in overweight adults: a randomised controlled within-subject cross-over trial.
Medawar, E, Beyer, F, Thieleking, R, Haange, SB, Rolle-Kampczyk, U, Reinicke, M, Chakaroun, R, von Bergen, M, Stumvoll, M, Villringer, A, et al
Gut. 2024;73(2):298-310
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
It is thought that there is a connection between the gut microbiota and the brain and that prebiotics which fuel these gut microbiota may be able to affect mood and decision making. This randomised control trial of 59 individuals with overweight aimed to determine if supplementation of prebiotic fibre in the form of inulin could affect the desire for food. The results showed that compared to placebo individuals given inulin had a lower desire towards high caloric foods in conjunction with a change in the composition of the gut microbiota, especially Bifidobacteriaceae. It was concluded that prebiotics may be able to alter food-related decision making and alter the composition of the gut microbiota. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that individuals who are overweight may choose unhealthy foods due to an imbalance in their gut microbiota. These individuals may benefit from prebiotic fibre to help aid microbiota changes and empowerment over food choices.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Animal studies suggest that prebiotic, plant-derived nutrients could improve homoeostatic and hedonic brain functions through improvements in microbiome-gut-brain communication. However, little is known if these results are applicable to humans. Therefore, we tested the effects of high-dosed prebiotic fibre on reward-related food decision-making in a randomised controlled within-subject cross-over study and assayed potential microbial and metabolic markers. DESIGN 59 overweight young adults (19 females, 18-42 years, body mass index 25-30 kg/m2) underwent functional task MRI before and after 14 days of supplementary intake of 30 g/day of inulin (prebiotics) and equicaloric placebo, respectively. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA), gastrointestinal hormones, glucose/lipid and inflammatory markers were assayed in fasting blood. Gut microbiota and SCFA were measured in stool. RESULTS Compared with placebo, participants showed decreased brain activation towards high-caloric wanted food stimuli in the ventral tegmental area and right orbitofrontal cortex after prebiotics (preregistered, family wise error-corrected p <0.05). While fasting blood levels remained largely unchanged, 16S-rRNA sequencing showed significant shifts in the microbiome towards increased occurrence of, among others, SCFA-producing Bifidobacteriaceae, and changes in >60 predicted functional signalling pathways after prebiotic intake. Changes in brain activation correlated with changes in Actinobacteria microbial abundance and associated activity previously linked with SCFA production, such as ABC transporter metabolism. CONCLUSIONS In this proof-of-concept study, a prebiotic intervention attenuated reward-related brain activation during food decision-making, paralleled by shifts in gut microbiota. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03829189.