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Long COVID and Nutrition - NED Infobite
BANT's scientific NED InfoBites are designed to provide key elements of the latest research using plain language. They provide quick overviews on particular health issues and nutrition topics for a speedy introduction to the science. Visually attractive and easily shareable with clients and social media followers.
2024
Abstract
Emerging evidence and patient testimony suggests that a proportion of individuals testing positive for COVID-19 will experience on-going and long term symptoms, well after the acute infection is over. Long COVID has been defined as symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection which persist for 12 weeks or longer. Individuals may be affected with extreme fatigue, brain-fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, joint pain, depression and anxiety, tinnitus and more. Given the newness of this condition, there is limited research data, however some interesting reviews are being conducted on the role of nutrition, dietary antioxidants, immune rejuvenation and mitochondrial function.
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Vitamin C and Immunity - NED Infobite
BANT's scientific NED InfoBites are designed to provide key elements of the latest research using plain language. They provide quick overviews on particular health issues and nutrition topics for a speedy introduction to the science. Visually attractive and easily shareable with clients and social media followers.
2024
Abstract
Since the early 20th century, it has been known that Vitamin C plays a role in human health and susceptibility to infections. Studies show that for specific population groups, the duration of the common cold can be reduced with increased Vitamin C intake. It has also been shown to reduce the length of stay in intensive care units and use of mechanical ventilation by 8% with administration of 1-3g of Vitamin C daily. This NED Infobite highlights some of the latest research into Vitamin C and the immune system, focusing in particular on infections, ICU stays and need for mechanical ventilation.
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The Influence of a blend of Probiotic Lactobacillus and Prebiotic Inulin on the Duration and Severity of Symptoms among Individuals with Covid-19
Gavin Publishers is an international open access journal publishers. We publish research, review, mini review, case report, case series, editorial, short communication, opinion, perspective, rapid communication, commentary, and brief report peer reviewed articles in best Clinical, Medical, Pharma, Life Sciences, and Engineering Subject Journals. All our journals are Double Blind Peer Reviewed Journals and our website have more than 10 Million readers, all papers publishing in our Journals are globally accepted. Our conferences have more than 5000 renowned Speakers combined in an event with interactive sessions and Poster presentations. Gavin Publishers is combination of Journals and Conferences, currently we are publishing articles in more than 150+ best Journals and organizing 100 Conferences all over the world. Our open access journals committed to disseminating top notch academic research and academic journals throughout the world covering various disciplines of science, technology and medicine.
2024
Abstract
Gut microbial irregularities can lead to increased gut inflammation and gut membrane damage in people with long covid. Symptoms such as cough and breathlessness are apparent in Covid 19 patients with harmful gut bacterial overgrowth. In Covid patients, antibiotic and dexamethasone treatment also aggravates gut microbial imbalances. Lactobacillus supplementation has been shown to lessen upper respiratory tract infection, increase gut bacterial diversity, improve gut wall integrity, reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and gut inflammation, decrease oxidative stress and improve immunity. This study analysed the efficacy of probiotics and prebiotics combined supplements in reducing the severity and longevity of symptomatic Covid infection. 126 participants with Covid symptoms consumed two capsules a day for a month of a supplement containing 5 species of Lactobacillus and chicory inulin. 32% of participants were in the early phase of infection, and 68% were in the late phase. Both early and late phase participants showed significant improvements in cough, fatigue, and subjective wellbeing after 30 days of intervention. The gut symptoms of 82% of the participants improved after a month of intervention. Inulin and Lactobacillus strains need to be studied further robustly to determine whether they provide additional benefits. Healthcare practitioners can use the results of this study to consider symbiotic interventions for those with Covid symptoms.
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Absence of Effects of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline on Inflammatory Biomarkers and Oxidative Stress in Response to Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.
Porto, AA, Gonzaga, LA, Benjamim, CJR, Valenti, VE
Nutrients. 2023;15(8)
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L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that acts as a precursor to L-arginine. L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid used for nitric oxide production which is crucial for maintaining physiological function and immune regulation. Previous research has shown that L-citrulline and L-arginine supplementation may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits in reducing exercise-related oxidative stress and inflammation. This systematic review and meta-analysis included seven randomised controlled trials to investigate the effect of L-citrulline and L-arginine on antioxidants, oxidative stress, and inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed no significant improvements in oxidative stress and inflammation followed by the supplementation of L-citrulline and L-arginine before exercise. However, further robust studies that include different dosages and exercise intensities are required to assess the beneficial effects of L-citrulline and L-arginine supplements to support physical exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation due to the heterogeneity of the included studies. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the potential benefits of L-citrulline and L-arginine supplementation in people prone to producing proinflammatory cytokines.
Abstract
The repercussions on oxidative and inflammatory stress markers under the effects of arginine and citrulline in response to exercise are not fully reached. We completed a systematic review to investigate the effects of L-Citrulline or L-Arginine on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers following exercise. EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, CINAHL, LILACS, and Web of Science databases were used to record the trials. This study includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs with subjects over 18 years old. Those under the intervention protocol consumed L-Citrulline or L-Arginine, and the controls ingested placebo. We recognized 1080 studies, but only 7 were included (7 studies in meta-analysis). We observed no difference between pre- vs. post-exercise for oxidative stress (subtotal = -0.21 [CI: -0.56, 0.14], p = 0.24, and heterogeneity = 0%. In the sub-group "L-Arginine" we found a subtotal = -0.29 [-0.71, 0.12], p = 0.16, and heterogeneity = 0%. For the "L-Citrulline" subgroup we observed a subtotal = 0.00 [-0.67, 0.67], p = 1.00, and heterogeneity was not applicable. No differences were observed between groups (p = 0.47), and I² = 0%) or in antioxidant activity (subtotal = -0.28 [-1.65, 1.08], p = 0.68, and heterogeneity = 0%). In the "L-Arginine" sub-group, we found a subtotal = -3.90 [-14.18, 6.38], p = 0.46, and heterogeneity was not applicable. For the "L-Citrulline" subgroup, we reported a subtotal = -0.22 [-1.60, 1.16], p = 0.75, and heterogeneity was not applicable. No differences were observed between groups (p = 0.49), and I² = 0%), inflammatory markers (subtotal = 8.38 [-0.02, 16.78], p = 0.05, and heterogeneity = 93%. Tests for subgroup differences were not applicable, and anti-inflammatory markers (subtotal = -0.38 [-1.15, 0.39], p = 0.34 and heterogeneity = 15%; testing for subgroup differences was not applicable). In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis found that L-Citrulline and L-Arginine did not influence inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress after exercise.
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The menstrual cycle: A seasonal guide
The Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) was founded in by 1984 by Patrick Holford with the support of twice Nobel Prize winner Professor Linus Pauling, ION has been successfully training nutritional therapists for more than 30 years and is recognised as one of the most respected training bodies of its kind in Europe. Their mission is to ‘educate and enthuse, instilling optimum nutrition as the foundation of health for all’.
2023
Abstract
This blog post summarises the hormonal changes that occur at each stage of the menstrual cycle and potential symptoms that may be experienced, aligning each stage with one of the four ‘seasons’. There is a focus on menstrual migraines and inflammation, which waxes and wanes throughout the cycle in accordance with fluctuating hormone levels. It is suggested that nutrition and lifestyle can be tailored to each ‘season’ to help optimise the cycle.
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The Effects of Black Tea Consumption on Intestinal Microflora-A Randomized Single-Blind Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study.
Tomioka, R, Tanaka, Y, Suzuki, M, Ebihara, S
Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology. 2023;69(5):326-339
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Tea from the leaves of the tea plant (Camelia sinensis) is consumed around the world. Tea has many health benefits, and in part, this is due to its rich content in compounds classed as polyphenols. Through the fermentation process, black tea is particularly high in polyphenols. Previous studies around respiratory infections indicated that regular consumption of black tea appeared to improve immune defence mechanisms that protect mucous membranes, called mucosal immunity. As this mucosal immunity is closely influenced by gut bacteria, the authors speculated whether the previously seen impact of improved mucosal immunity is related to the ability of black tea to also modulate bacteria in the gut. A previously run randomised single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with 72 Japanese participants who consumed three cups of black tea (2g) or a placebo of barley tea for 12 weeks provided the data for this study. Data gathered included gut flora analysis, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels - fats that play a role in maintaining gut health, and saliva IgA (SIgA) concentrations - which are antibodies made in the lymph tissue of the gut. The results showed that black tea consumption led to a significant increase in the abundance of Prevotella bacteria, which mediate SCFA production and are involved in normalising immune function. Furthermore, tea increased butyrate-producing bacteria. Butyrate is associated with improved barrier function of the gut walls but also helps to manage pathogens and immune responses. Black tea consumption also increased salivary SIgA concentration - a type of antibody on the mucous membranes that prevents pathogens from entering the body -, and a decrease in stool acetic acid concentration, which may be due to the increase in butyrate-producing bacteria which use acetic acid to make butyrate. Notably, participants with low salivary SIgA levels at the start had a more pronounced positive change in total bacteria, after consuming black tea compared to the placebo group. The authors concluded that regular consumption of black tea may help to improve mucosal immunity by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Abstract
We previously reported that black tea consumption for 12 wk reduced the risk of acute upper respiratory tract inflammation, and improved secretory capacity in individuals with low salivary SIgA levels (Tanaka Y et al. 2021. Jpn Pharmacol Ther 49: 273-288). These results suggested that habitual black tea consumption improves mucosal immunity. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the effect of black tea intake on gut microbiota, which is known to be involved in mucosal immunity, by analyzing the bacterial flora and the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration of feces collected during the above clinical study. The clinical design was a randomized, single-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study with 72 healthy Japanese adult males and females, who consumed three cups of black tea (Black Tea Polymerized Polyphenols 76.2 mg per day) or placebo per day for 12 wk. In all subjects intake of black tea significantly increased abundance of Prevotella and decreased fecal acetic acid concentration. Particularly in the subjects with low salivary SIgA levels, the change over time of total bacteria, Prevotella, and butyrate-producing bacteria, which are involved in normalizing immune function, were higher in the black tea group than in the placebo group. In subjects with low abundance of Flavonifractor plautii a butyrate-producing bacteria, black tea consumption significantly increased salivary SIgA concentration and the absolute number of Flavonifractor plautii. In conclusion, our results suggest that improvement of mucosal immunity via an increase in butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut may partly contribute to the suppressive effect of black tea consumption on acute upper respiratory tract inflammation observed in our previous report.
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An Open-Label Case Series of Glutathione Use for Symptomatic Management in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Radwan, K, Wu, G, Banks-Word, K, Rosenberger, R
Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;11(4)
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause impaired social–emotional interactions, impaired language and communication skills, repetitive or restrictive behaviours, and sometimes aggressive behaviour. The causes of ASD are complex and unclear. There is an increasing recognition that ASD might be associated with oxidative stress and the toxic build-up of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glutathione acts as an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger and a detoxifying agent. The aim of this 12-week open-label pilot study was to investigate the tolerability and effectiveness of oral supplementation with OpitacTM glutathione as a treatment for patients with ASD. Six participants took part. Glutathione was generally well-tolerated except in the case of one subject. Some subjects showed improved total antioxidant capacity, and there was a mild improvement in the severity of ASD symptoms in 66.7% of the patients. However, none of the observed changes in the pre- and post-treatment oxidative laboratory markers and Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC) scores were statistically significant. An imbalance in redox reactions is only one of the many factors contributing to ASD. Further studies are necessary to investigate the other factors.
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that has been diagnosed in an increasing number of children around the world. The existing data suggest that early diagnosis and intervention can improve ASD outcomes. The causes of ASD remain complex and unclear, and there are currently no clinical biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder. There is an increasing recognition that ASD might be associated with oxidative stress through several mechanisms including abnormal metabolism (lipid peroxidation) and the toxic buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glutathione acts as an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger and a detoxifying agent. This open-label pilot study investigates the tolerability and effectiveness of oral supplementation with OpitacTM gluthathione as a treatment for patients with ASD. The various aspects of glutathione OpitacTM glutathione bioavailability were examined when administered by oral routes. The absorption of glutathione from the gastrointestinal tract has been recently investigated. The results of this case series suggest that oral glutathione supplementation may improve oxidative markers, but this does not necessarily translate to the observed clinical improvement of subjects with ASD. The study reports a good safety profile of glutathione use, with stomach upset reported in four out of six subjects. This article discusses the role of the gut microbiome and redox balance in ASD and notes that a high baseline oxidative burden may make some patients poor responders to glutathione supplementation. In conclusion, an imbalance in redox reactions is only one of the many factors contributing to ASD, and further studies are necessary to investigate other factors, such as impaired neurotransmission, immune dysregulation in the brain, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Effects of 24-week prebiotic intervention on self-reported upper respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and markers of immunity in elite rugby union players.
Parker, C, Hunter, KA, Johnson, MA, Sharpe, GR, Gibson, GR, Walton, GE, Poveda, C, Cousins, B, Williams, NC
European journal of sport science. 2023;23(11):2232-2239
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Elite rugby union players follow physiologically and psychologically demanding training schedules, with frequent competitive matches, limited recovery time, and regular international travel. Collectively, these stressors may impair immunity and increase the risk of acute upper respiratory symptoms (URS) (e.g. cough, sneezing, sore throat & nasal congestion) and gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) (e.g. bloating, belching, flatulence, nausea and diarrhoea). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 168-day Bimuno-galactooligosaccharides (B-GOS) supplementation on the severity, duration and incidence of URS and GIS, salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein and TNF-α in elite rugby union players during a competitive season. This study was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over 168-days during a regular rugby union season. Participants were matched into pairs based on body mass and playing position before randomly being allocated an intervention. Results showed that daily supplementation with the dietary prebiotic B-GOS reduced the duration of URS and incidence of GI symptoms. Furthermore, B-GOS increased sIgA secretion rate at 168 days when compared to the placebo group. Authors concluded that prebiotic use may have the potential to modulate immune function and reduce illness, which may improve an athlete’s availability to train and compete.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Elite rugby union players face numerous physiological and psychological stressors which can increase upper respiratory and gastrointestinal illness risk, and in turn can compromise training and competitive performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of daily prebiotic supplementation on upper respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and markers of immune function in elite rugby union players. METHODS Thirty-three elite rugby union players were randomly assigned to consume a prebiotic (2.8 g/day galactooligosaccharide) or placebo (2.8 g/day maltodextrin), daily for 168 days under double-blind conditions. Participants completed daily and weekly questionnaires for self-reported upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms respectively. Blood and saliva samples were collected at 0, 84, and 168 days for assessment of plasma TNF-α and CRP, and saliva IgA respectively. RESULTS The prebiotic group experienced a 2-day reduction in upper respiratory symptom duration (P = 0.045). Gastrointestinal symptom severity and incidence were lower in the prebiotic group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001, P = 0.041) respectively. Salivary immunoglobulin A secretion rate was 42% greater in the prebiotic group compared to the placebo group at day 168 (P = 0.004), no differences in CRP and TNF-α were found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION A 168-day dietary prebiotic intervention reduced the duration of upper respiratory symptoms and reduced the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in elite rugby union players. These findings suggest that seasonal prebiotic interventions may be beneficial for reducing illness in elite rugby union players, improving their availability to train and compete.Key pointsElite athletes are susceptible to upper respiratory symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms which may impact upon training availability and competition performance.For the first time, this study shows that a dietary prebiotic intervention can reduce the duration of upper respiratory symptoms by 2 days in elite rugby union players.Dietary prebiotic supplementation can improve the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by elite rugby union players.Prebiotic supplementation was able to increase salivary IgA secretion after 168 days.These findings can inform practice suggesting that seasonal prebiotic use has the potential to modulate immune function and reduce illness in elite rugby union, which may improve a player's availability to train and compete.The mechanisms by which prebiotics reduce URS and GIS require further research exploration.
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Probiotic improves symptomatic and viral clearance in Covid19 outpatients: a randomized, quadruple-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Gut Microbes is an open access journal which publishes research on intestinal microbiota, gastrointestinal, liver and cardiac disease, cancer, and irritable and inflammatory bowel conditions. The intestinal microbiota plays a pivotal role in human physiology. Characterizing its structure and function has implications for health and disease, impacting nutrition and obesity, brain function, allergic responses, immunity, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer development, cardiac disease, liver disease, and others. Gut Microbes provides a platform for presenting and discussing cutting-edge research on all aspects of microorganisms populating the intestine.
2022
Abstract
Covid-19 is a disease of the lungs, which differentially affects those it infects. There are currently no therapies that have been approved for use in Covid-19 patients. However recent evidence has highlighted a possible link between the gut and the lungs, known as the gut-lung axis indicating a new avenue for investigation. Previous trials on probiotics have indicated a role in infections such as cold and flu highlighting a possible role in Covid-19 infection. This randomised control trial of 300 Covid-19 patients aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of a probiotic known as AB21 containing several strains of Lactoplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici. The results showed that after 30 days, the rate of remission from Covid-19 was higher in those who were given the probiotic, which was regardless of age, sex, confounding metabolic illness, viral load, and days from symptom start. Symptom duration and viral load were also reduced with probiotic use. Higher amounts of Covid-19 associated immune activity and lower biomarkers of inflammation were also reported following probiotic use. Probiotic use was shown to be safe during Covid-19 infection. It was concluded that the use of AB21 in Covid-19 patients was safe and associated with increased viral and symptom resolution compared to placebo, possibly driven by immune alterations via the gut-lung axis. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to seriously consider the use of this probiotic to stimulate immune activity and aid viral and symptom resolution in patients suffering from Covid-19.
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A Hot Water Extract of Curcuma longa L. Improves Fasting Serum Glucose Levels in Participants with Low-Grade Inflammation: Reanalysis of Data from Two Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials.
Uchio, R, Okuda-Hanafusa, C, Saji, R, Kawasaki, K, Muroyama, K, Murosaki, S, Yamamoto, Y, Hirose, Y
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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Chronic low-grade inflammation plays a significant role in the development of type 2 diabetes. The hot water extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as the ability to lower blood glucose levels in animal models. Curcuma longa L. extract may improve systemic glucose levels by reducing insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. In this study, the results from two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were reanalysed to assess the effects of hot water extract of C. longa on serum glucose levels in overweight individuals with low-grade inflammation. When compared to the placebo group, participants in the Curcuma longa L. group with high hs-CRP levels showed significant improvements in serum hs-CRP levels and fasting blood glucose levels. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the potential beneficial effects of Curcuma longa L. extract on systemic glucose regulation in overweight individuals with low-grade inflammation. Further robust research is needed to investigate the effect of Curcuma longa L. extract on reducing proinflammatory cytokines and suppressing the activation of the NF-kB signalling pathway.
Abstract
The dietary spice Curcuma longa L. (C. longa), also known as turmeric, has various biological effects. A hot water extract of C. longa was shown to have anti-inflammatory activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with the disruption of glucose homeostasis, but the effect of C. longa extract on glucose metabolism in humans is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effect of C. longa extracts on serum glucose levels in the presence of low-grade inflammation. We reanalyzed our published data from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in overweight participants aged 50 to 69 years and performed a stratified analysis using the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). In both studies, participants took a test food with a hot water extract of C. longa (C. longa extract group, n = 45 per study) or without C. longa extract (placebo group, n = 45 per study) daily for 12 weeks, and we measured the levels of serum hsCRP and fasting serum glucose. The mean baseline hsCRP value was used to stratify participants into two subgroups: a low-hsCRP subgroup (baseline mean hsCRP < 0.098 mg/dL) and a high-hsCRP subgroup (baseline mean hsCRP ≥ 0.098 mg/dL). In the low-hsCRP subgroup, we found no significant difference in fasting serum glucose levels between the two groups in either study, but in the high-hsCRP subgroup, the C. longa extract group had significantly lower levels of serum hsCRP (p < 0.05) and fasting serum glucose (p < 0.05) than the placebo group in both studies. In conclusion, a hot water extract of C. longa may help to improve systemic glucose metabolism in people with chronic low-grade inflammation.