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Moderate Consumption of Beer (with and without Ethanol) and Menopausal Symptoms: Results from a Parallel Clinical Trial in Postmenopausal Women.
Trius-Soler, M, Marhuenda-Muñoz, M, Laveriano-Santos, EP, Martínez-Huélamo, M, Sasot, G, Storniolo, CE, Estruch, R, Lamuela-Raventós, RM, Tresserra-Rimbau, A
Nutrients. 2021;13(7)
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During the menopause, hormonal changes can trigger uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy does reduce some of the symptoms, however there has been an increased interest in alternative therapies such as phytoestrogens to relieve these symptoms. Phytoestrogens are compounds with oestrogen-like properties naturally found in plants. Beer is the main food source of the strongest phytoestrogen identified to date. The aim of this six-month parallel, controlled clinical intervention trial was to evaluate if a moderate daily intake of beer, with or without alcohol, could reduce menopausal symptoms in women. Female sex hormone profile and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) were also monitored. 34 postmenopausal women took part. One group included alcoholic beer (AB), and a second group added non-alcoholic beer (NAB) for 6 months. The control group took no alcohol in this time. After a 6-month follow-up both groups (AB and NAB) significantly reduced the severity of the menopause-related symptoms. These results must be considered as preliminary and will require confirmation with larger sample sizes.
Abstract
The menopausal transition can be a challenging period for women's health and a trigger of uncomfortable symptoms. Beer is the main food source of isoxanthohumol, a precursor of 8-prenylnaringenin, the strongest phytoestrogen identified to date. As phytoestrogens are reported to reduce perimenopausal symptoms, we evaluated if a daily moderate consumption of beer with (AB) and without alcohol (NAB) could improve menopausal symptoms and modify cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 37 postmenopausal women were enrolled in a parallel controlled intervention trial and assigned to three study groups: 16 were administered AB (330 mL/day), 7 NAB (660 mL/day), and 14 were in the control group. After a 6-month follow-up of the 34 participants who finished the trial, both interventions (AB and NAB) significantly reduced the severity of the menopause-related symptoms (p-value AB vs. Control: 0.009; p-value NAB vs. Control: 0.033). Moreover, AB had a beneficial net effect on psychological menopausal discomforts compared to the control group. As the sex hormone profile did not differ significantly between the study groups, the effects of both types of beers (AB and NAB) are attributed to the non-alcoholic fraction of beer. Furthermore, moderate NAB consumption improved the lipid profile and decreased blood pressure in postmenopausal women.
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Vitamin B12 Status Upon Short-Term Intervention with a Vegan Diet-A Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Participants.
Lederer, AK, Hannibal, L, Hettich, M, Behringer, S, Spiekerkoetter, U, Steinborn, C, Gründemann, C, Zimmermann-Klemd, AM, Müller, A, Simmet, T, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(11)
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Veganism is growing in western societies and with it comes an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency which is principally found in animal products. Vitamin B12 is essential for multiple biological functions including DNA synthesis, digestive function and detoxification processes. It can take 2-5 years to exhaust natural stores of B12 within the body so deficiency risk is considered safe. This 2017 randomised control trial compared vitamin B12 status in 53 healthy omnivore subjects with 26 participants following an unsupplemented vegan diet for 4 weeks and the remaining 27 participants a meat-rich diet. The aim of the study was to answer two questions; (a) Do vitamin B12 markers respond to short-term dietary intervention with a meat-rich or a plant-based diet? and (b) Do meat-rich and vegan diets have an impact on plasma markers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease? Blood and urine samples were taken before and after the 4-week dietary protocol to also measure vitamin D status, Folate and Homocysteine levels as a marker for inflammation. The serum vitamin B12 levels (indicative of dietary B12) dropped significantly from 362.9 +/- 110.9 ng/mL to 296.1 +/- 94.1 ng/mL in the Vegan Diet group (p < 0.001) and remained stable in the Meat Diet group. Other markers measuring cellular B12 metabolism did not significantly vary. The short-term nature of the trial demonstrated rapid decrease in holo-TC, the bioactive form of vitamin B12 in plasma. The other blood and urinary markers demonstrated benefits to plant-based eating including reduced cholesterol intake and adequate profiles of nutrient and micronutrient status.
Abstract
Vegans are at an increased risk for certain micronutrient deficiencies, foremost of vitamin B12. Little is known about the short-term effects of dietary change to plant-based nutrition on vitamin B12 metabolism. Systemic biomarkers of vitamin B12 status, namely, serum vitamin B12 and holotranscobalamin, may respond quickly to a reduced intake of vitamin B12. To test this hypothesis, 53 healthy omnivore subjects were randomized to a controlled unsupplemented vegan diet (VD, n = 26) or meat-rich diet (MD, n = 27) for 4 weeks. Vitamin B12 status was examined by measurement of serum vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin (holo-TC), methylmalonic acid (MMA) and total plasma homocysteine (tHcy). Holo-TC decreased significantly in the VD compared to the MD group after four weeks of intervention, whereas metabolites MMA and tHcy were unaffected. Body weight remained stable in both groups. VD intervention led to a significant reduction of cholesterol intake, and adequate profiles of nutrient and micronutrient status. Lower intake of vitamin B12 was observed in VD, which was mirrored by a lower concentration of serum vitamin B12 and reduced holo-TC after 4 weeks. Plasma holo-TC may be a fast-responding biomarker to monitor adequate supply of vitamin B12 in plant-based individuals.
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Comprehensive Nutritional and Dietary Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Randomized, Controlled 12-Month Trial.
Adams, JB, Audhya, T, Geis, E, Gehn, E, Fimbres, V, Pollard, EL, Mitchell, J, Ingram, J, Hellmers, R, Laake, D, et al
Nutrients. 2018;10(3)
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People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have significant nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, and digestive problems. Many studies have previously looked at individual nutrients for ASD. This study was designed to look at the accumulative effect of using a wide range of dietary and nutritional interventions, including vitamin and mineral supplements, essential fatty acids, Epsom salt baths, carnitine, digestive enzymes, and a gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free (HGCSF) diet. The objective being to see if combining multiple interventions for a 12-month period, had greater benefits versus single nutrient interventions, and shorter trials. This US study recruited a wide age range of participants from 3-58yrs because it targeted, and was funded, by family groups of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. The study was deliberately single-blinded (meaning the participants knew what they were being given, but the clinical evaluators did not), as it was thought this would be more compelling and lead to less dropouts, especially considering the 12-month timing. In total 67 participants with ASD were recruited and 50 controls. Blood and urine samples were taking at the beginning and end of the study alongside autism severity assessments. Results showed an improvement in nutrient profiles for vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and carnitine alongside a significant decrease in homocysteine. There was an improvement in non-verbal IG test and cognitive function, and gastro-intestinal symptoms. There were no significant differences in complete blood count, blood chemistry panels or markers for inflammatory C-reactive protein (CRP). There was no change to BMI. Three exceptional cases of improvement were recorded in the control group and made into case studies highlighting improved physical strength and ability to walk, and resolution of urinary issues and pica eating disorder. Because it was single blinded there may be some ‘placebo effect’ but overall the researchers conclude that the study demonstrates how interventions can be safely and effectively implemented in families, with minimal adverse effect. And that combined nutrient and diet interventions should be considered for use in clinical practice.
Abstract
This study involved a randomized, controlled, single-blind 12-month treatment study of a comprehensive nutritional and dietary intervention. Participants were 67 children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ages 3-58 years from Arizona and 50 non-sibling neurotypical controls of similar age and gender. Treatment began with a special vitamin/mineral supplement, and additional treatments were added sequentially, including essential fatty acids, Epsom salt baths, carnitine, digestive enzymes, and a healthy gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free (HGCSF) diet. There was a significant improvement in nonverbal intellectual ability in the treatment group compared to the non-treatment group (+6.7 ± 11 IQ points vs. -0.6 ± 11 IQ points, p = 0.009) based on a blinded clinical assessment. Based on semi-blinded assessment, the treatment group, compared to the non-treatment group, had significantly greater improvement in autism symptoms and developmental age. The treatment group had significantly greater increases in EPA, DHA, carnitine, and vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, and Coenzyme Q10. The positive results of this study suggest that a comprehensive nutritional and dietary intervention is effective at improving nutritional status, non-verbal IQ, autism symptoms, and other symptoms in most individuals with ASD. Parents reported that the vitamin/mineral supplements, essential fatty acids, and HGCSF diet were the most beneficial.
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Effect of purple sweet potato leaf consumption on the modulation of the antioxidative status in basketball players during training.
Chang, WH, Chen, CM, Hu, SP, Kan, NW, Chiu, CC, Liu, JF
Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition. 2007;16(3):455-61
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Purple sweet potato leaves (PSPLs) have a high polyphenol content and have been shown to exhibit free-radical scavenging properties. During a training period athletes experience exercise-induced oxidative stress, and many studies have indicated that polyphenols can help prevent oxidative damage. Currently there is limited information on the physiologic and biochemical effects of dietary PSPLs in humans. The aim of this crossover study was to examine the effect of PSPLs on a variety of antioxidant status biomarkers in fifteen elite basketball players. Participants were enrolled for seven weeks and consumed a PSPL-rich diet and a control diet with a washout period in between. This study found that PSPL consumption for two weeks led to a significant increase in total plasma polyphenol concentration and vitamin E and C levels, and demonstrated a protective effect on lipid and DNA oxidation. The authors conclude that can a polyphenol-rich diet can modulate the anti-oxidative status of athletes during a training period.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of purple sweet potato leaves (PSPLs) consumption on antioxidative status and its modulation of that status in basketball players during training period. Fifteen elite basketball players were enrolled in this study. The seven-week study consisted of a run-in (week 1), PSPLs diet (daily consumption of 200 g PSPLs) (weeks 2, 3), washout (weeks 4, 5), and control diet (low polyphenol, with the amount of carotenoids adjusted to the same level as that of PSPLs) (weeks 6, 7). Blood and urine samples were taken for biochemical analysis. Compared with the control group, the results showed that PSPLs consumption led to a significant increase of plasma polyphenol concentration and vitamin E and C levels. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) lag time was significantly longer in the PSPLs group. A significant decrease of urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was noted; however, there was no significant change in plasma glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant status (TAS) and malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal level after consuming the PSPLs diet. In conclusion, consumption of PSPLs diet for 2 weeks may reduce lipid and DNA oxidation that can modulate the antioxidative status of basketball players during training period.
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Metabolism of phytanic acid and 3-methyl-adipic acid excretion in patients with adult Refsum disease.
Wierzbicki, AS, Mayne, PD, Lloyd, MD, Burston, D, Mei, G, Sidey, MC, Feher, MD, Gibberd, FB
Journal of lipid research. 2003;44(8):1481-8
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Phytanic acid (PA) is a branched-chain fatty acid, found in many animal products, that, unlike most fatty acids, cannot be metabolised by beta-oxidation. Instead, it undergoes alpha-oxidation in the peroxisome. Adult Refsum Disease is a genetic neurological disease, in which alpha-oxidation is impaired, resulting in the accumulation of PA in nerves and fat tissues. Other pathways for the metabolism of PA are not fully understood, such as omega-oxidation, which results in the production of 3-methyl-organic acids (3-MAA). This study assessed the contribution of the omega-oxidation pathway to the metabolism of PA by measuring 3-MAA excretion in patients with ARD. Eleven patients with ARD were put on a low-PA diet for 12 weeks. Blood, urine and tissue samples were taken at the start and end of the 12-week period to assess levels of PA and its metabolites. The low-PA diet led to an average 21% fall in blood PA levels over 12 weeks. The capacity of the omega-oxidation pathway was 6.9mg PA/day. The authors concluded that the omega-oxidation pathway can metabolise PA ingested by patients with ARD. Therefore, omega-oxidation is a potential target for therapeutic intervention to reduce PA levels in ARD patients.
Abstract
Adult Refsum disease (ARD) is associated with defective alpha-oxidation of phytanic acid (PA). omega-Oxidation of PA to 3-methyl-adipic acid (3-MAA) occurs although its clinical significance is unclear. In a 40 day study of a new ARD patient, where the plasma half-life of PA was 22.4 days, omega-oxidation accounted for 30% initially and later all PA excretion. Plasma and adipose tissue PA and 3-MAA excretion were measured in a cross-sectional study of 11 patients. The capacity of the omega-oxidation pathway was 6.9 (2.8-19.4) mg [20.4 (8.3-57.4) micromol] PA/day. 3-MAA excretion correlated with plasma PA levels (r = 0.61; P = 0.03) but not adipose tissue PA content. omega-Oxidation during a 56 h fast was studied in five patients. 3-MAA excretion increased by 208 +/- 58% in parallel with the 158 (125-603)% rise in plasma PA. Plasma PA doubled every 29 h, while 3-MAA excretion followed second-order kinetics. Acute sequelae of ARD were noted in three patients (60%) after fasting. The omega-oxidation pathway can metabolise PA ingested by patients with ARD, but this activity is dependent on plasma PA concentration. omega-Oxidation forms a functional reserve capacity that enables patients with ARD undergoing acute stress to cope with limited increases in plasma PA levels.