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1.
Post-Diagnosis use of Antioxidant Vitamin Supplements and Breast Cancer Prognosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Li, Y, Lin, Q, Lu, X, Li, W
Clinical breast cancer. 2021;(6):477-485
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Abstract
Antioxidant vitamin supplements (AVSs) are widely used among breast cancer survivors. Whether post-diagnosis use of AVSs would impair cancer survival is unclear. To assess the association between breast cancer survival and post-diagnosis AVSs use. We performed a literature search using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase from their inception to October 1, 2020. Studies that investigated the association between breast cancer survival and post-diagnosis AVS use included. The AVSs included 1 or more of the following: vitamin A, C, or E. The meta-analysis included 8 studies with 17,062 patients. There was no significant difference between AVS use or not after diagnosis (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0•82-1•03) or during chemotherapy (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.78-1.68) in overall survival (OS). Whenever during chemotherapy or after diagnosis, AVS users had a worse prognosis in the later studies. There was no significant inverse association between post-diagnosis vitamin A or E supplements use and OS. Vitamin C intake after breast cancer diagnosis was significantly associated with better OS (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76-0.93). Our findings suggest that post-diagnosis AVSs use would not worsen breast cancer survival, while vitamin C use after diagnosis might benefit OS. The discrepancy of survivals associated with post-diagnosis AVS use between earlier and later studies may cast doubt on the recommendation on guidelines. RCTs with large sample sizes are needed.
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The effect of curcumin supplementation on recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage and delayed-onset muscle soreness: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Fang, W, Nasir, Y
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2021;(4):1768-1781
Abstract
BACKGROUND curcumin consumption may have a protective effect against exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) through stabilization of the cell membrane via inhibition of free radical formation. Evidence supporting a protective role of curcumin after physical activity induced muscle injury in humans, however, it is inconsistent. METHODS Medline, Scopus, and Google scholar were systematically searched up to May 2020. The Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing the risk of bias was used for assessing the quality of studies. Random effects model, weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for estimating the overall effect. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-squared and I2 statistic. RESULTS The results revealed a significant effect of curcumin supplementation on reducing creatine kinase (CK) (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -48.54 IU.L-1 ; 95% CI: -80.667, -16.420; p = .003) and muscle soreness index decrease (WMD = -0.476; 95% CI: -0.750, -0.202; p = .001). Moreover, a subgroup analysis resulted in a significant decrease in CK concentrations and muscle soreness index, according to follow-ups after exercise, dose of curcumin, duration of studies, exercise type, train status and study design. CONCLUSIONS The current evidence revealed a efficacy of curcumin in reducing CK serum levels and muscle soreness index among adults. Therefore, curcumin may be known as a priority EIMD recovery agent in interventions.
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Efficacy and Safety of Armolipid Plus®: An Updated PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials.
Cicero, AFG, Kennedy, C, Knežević, T, Bove, M, Georges, CMG, Šatrauskienė, A, Toth, PP, Fogacci, F
Nutrients. 2021;(2)
Abstract
Armolipid Plus® is a multi-constituent nutraceutical that claims to improve lipid profiles. The aim of this PRISMA compliant systematic review and meta-analysis was to globally evaluate the efficacy and safety of Armolipid Plus® on the basis of the available randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trials (RCTs). A systematic literature search in several databases was conducted in order to identify RCTs assessing the efficacy and safety of dietary supplementation with Armolipid Plus®. Two review authors independently identified 12 eligible studies (1050 included subjects overall) and extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Meta-analysis of the data suggested that dietary supplementation with Armolipid Plus® exerted a significant effect on body mass index (mean difference (MD) = -0.25 kg/m2, p = 0.008) and serum levels of total cholesterol (MD = -25.07 mg/dL, p < 0.001), triglycerides (MD = -11.47 mg/dL, p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = 1.84 mg/dL, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = -26.67 mg/dL, p < 0.001), high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP, MD = -0.61 mg/L, p = 0.022), and fasting glucose (MD = -3.52 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Armolipid Plus® was well tolerated. This meta-analysis demonstrates that dietary supplementation with Armolipid Plus® is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in serum lipids, glucose, and hs-CRP. These changes are consistent with improved cardiometabolic health.
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Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Asbaghi, O, Sadeghian, M, Sadeghi, O, Rigi, S, Tan, SC, Shokri, A, Mousavi, SM
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2021;(1):20-32
Abstract
The effect of saffron supplementation on subclinical inflammation remains inconclusive. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize available findings on the effect of saffron supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) in adults. We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases up to November 2019 using relevant keywords to identify eligible trials. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of oral saffron supplementation on plasma concentrations of CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 were included. For each outcome, mean differences and SDs were pooled using a random-effects model. Overall, eight RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that saffron supplementation did not result in significant changes in serum CRP (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.43 mg/L; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.04 to 0.17; p = .16), serum TNF-α (WMD: -1.29 pg/mL; 95% CI: -4.13 to 1.55; p = .37), and IL-6 concentrations (WMD: 0.11 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.79 to 1.00; p = .81). Subgroup analysis indicated a significant reduction in serum CRP levels in studies with baseline CRP of ≥3 mg/L, saffron dosage of ≤30 mg/day, and intervention duration of <12 weeks, as well as trials that used crocin. Similarly, saffron was found to decrease TNF-α in studies that recruited non-diabetic subjects, subjects with baseline levels of ≥15 pg/mL, and participants with <50 years old, as well as trials that administered saffron at the dosage of ≤30 mg/day. We also found a significant non-linear effect of saffron dosage on serum CRP concentrations (pnon-linearity = .03). The overall results indicated that saffron supplementation did not affect inflammatory cytokines. Further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of supplemental saffron on inflammatory biomarkers.
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Association of Vitamin D or Calcium Supplementation with Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis.
Zhang, Y, Li, Y, Liu, J, Wei, X, Tan, N, Zhang, J, Wang, W, Wang, Y
The journal of nutrition, health & aging. 2021;(2):263-270
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Abstract
BACKGROUND To exploring the role of vitamin D or calcium supplementation in reducing all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS The search was restricted to systematic reviews or meta-analyses published from January 1, 2010, to July 7, 2019. An additional search was performed to identify recently published randomized controlled trials (from January 1, 2015, to July 7, 2019). Homogeneous results from different studies were pooled using Revman 5.3 software. RESULTS Twenty-three studies involving 89,251 participants were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. No associations were observed between the supplementation and composite cardiovascular outcomes, consisting of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and other MACEs. CONCLUSIONS Whether used alone or in combination, vitamin D and calcium supplementation do not exert meaningful effects on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MACEs or MI among community-dwelling adults.
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Excessive Vitamin A Supplementation Increased the Incidence of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Zhang, Y, Lu, Y, Wang, S, Yang, L, Xia, H, Sun, G
Nutrients. 2021;(12)
Abstract
(1) Background: vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is highly prevalent in children living in poor conditions. It has been suggested that vitamin A supplementation (VAS) may reduce the risk of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI). Our study provides updates on the effects of oral VAS (alone) in children on ARTI and further explores the effect on interesting subgroups. (2) Methods: eight databases were systematically searched from their inception until 5 July 2021. The assessments of inclusion criteria, extraction of data, and data synthesis were carried out independently by two reviewers. (3) Results: a total of 26 randomized trials involving 50,944 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There was no significant association of VAS with the incidence of ARTI compared with the placebo (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.15). Subgroup analyses showed that VAS higher than WHO recommendations increased the incidence of ARTI by 13% (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.20), and in the high-dose intervention group, the incidence rate among well-nourished children rose by 66% (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.11). (4) Conclusions: no more beneficial effects were seen with VAS in children in the prevention or recovery of acute respiratory infections. Excessive VAS may increase the incidence of ARTI in children with normal nutritional status.
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Dietary vitamin A, C, and E intake and subsequent fracture risk at various sites: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
Zhou, P, Shao, R, Wang, H, Miao, J, Wang, X
Medicine. 2020;(35):e20841
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to provide reliable estimates for dietary antioxidant vitamin (vitamins A, C, and E) intake and their effect on fracture risk at various sites. METHODS The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify prospective cohort studies published throughout October 2019. The pooled relative risk (RR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS In total, 13 prospective cohort studies involving 384,464 individuals were selected for this meta-analysis. The summary RR indicated that increased antioxidant vitamin intake was associated with a reduced fracture risk (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86-0.98; P = .015). When stratified by the vitamin types, increased vitamin E intake was found to be associated with a reduced fracture risk (RR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.46-0.95; P = .025), whereas increased vitamin A and C intake did not affect this risk. Increased antioxidant vitamin intake was associated with a reduced fracture risk, irrespective of fracture sites (HR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.86-0.94; P < .001); however, it did not affect hip fracture risk. Furthermore, increased antioxidant vitamin intake was associated with a reduced fracture risk in men (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.68-0.96; P = .017) and combined men and women (RR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.73-0.93; P = .002); however, it did not affect fracture risk in women. CONCLUSION Fracture risk at any site is significantly reduced with increased antioxidant vitamin intake, especially vitamin E intake and in men.
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Benefits and harms of ginseng supplementation on liver function? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ghavami, A, Ziaei, R, Foshati, S, Hojati Kermani, MA, Zare, M, Amani, R
Complementary therapies in clinical practice. 2020;:101173
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Existing evidence on the possible effects of ginseng on liver function has not been fully established. Therefore, the present review was undertaken to evaluate the overall effects of ginseng supplementation on liver enzymes in adults. METHODS A systematic computerized literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google scholar databases was conducted up to May 2019. All RCTs using ginseng supplements in adults were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. RESULTS Overall, 14 randomized trials (with 20 arms) including 992 subjects were identified. Pooled analysis did not illustrate any significant changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin (ALB) levels, however, it showed a minor significant increase in bilirubin (BIL) levels. Subgroup analysis by dosage and study population revealed significant increase of bilirubin after ginseng supplementation ≥3 g/day or in unhealthy individuals. CONCLUSION Ginseng appears to have neither hepatoprotective nor hepatotoxic effects in conventional doses and duration. It is noteworthy that this seems applicable only for individuals with healthy liver function. Further largescale studies are warranted to confirm present findings.
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Effects of cardamom supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
Shekarchizadeh-Esfahani, P, Arab, A, Ghaedi, E, Hadi, A, Jalili, C
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2020;(3):475-485
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a highly prevalent issue worldwide and one of its main manifestations, dyslipidemia, needs more attention. Recent studies have suggested that cardamom has favorable effects beyond lipid lowering, but the result are contradictory. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of cardamom on lipids. The search included PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library (up to March, 2019) to identify RCTs investigating the effects of cardamom supplementation on serum lipid parameters. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were pooled using a random-effect model. Meta-analysis of data from five eligible RCTs showed that cardamom supplementation did not significantly change the concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD: -6.11 mg/dl, 95% CI [-13.06, 0.83], I2 = 0.0%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -4.31 mg/dl, 95% CI [-9.75, 1.13], I2 = 0.0%), or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 1.75 mg/dl, 95% CI [-1.95 to 5.46], I2 = 71.4%). However, a significant reduction was observed in serum triglyceride (TG; WMD: -20.55 mg/dl, 95% CI [-32.48, -8.63], I2 = 0.0%) levels after cardamom supplementation. Cardamom might be able to change TG, but for confirming the results, more studies exclusively on dyslipidemia patients and considering the intake of lipid lowering agents as exclusion criteria are necessary.
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GUT MICROBIOTA AND THE USE OF PROBIOTICS IN CONSTIPATION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Gomes, DOVS, Morais, MB
Revista paulista de pediatria : orgao oficial da Sociedade de Pediatria de Sao Paulo. 2020;:e2018123
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review of literature data on gut microbiota and the efficacy of probiotics for the treatment of constipation in children and adolescents. DATA SOURCE The research was performed in the PubMed, the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) databases in English, Portuguese and Spanish. All original articles that mentioned the evaluation of the gut microbiota or the use of probiotics in children with constipation in their title and abstract were selected. DATA SYNTHESIS 559 articles were found, 47 of which were selected for reading. From these, 12 articles were included; they studied children and adolescents divided into two categories: a gut microbiota evaluation (n=4) and an evaluation of the use of probiotics in constipation therapy (n=8). The four papers that analyzed fecal microbiota used different laboratory methodologies. No typical pattern of gut microbiota was found. Regarding treatment, eight clinical trials with heterogeneous methodologies were found. Fifteen strains of probiotics were evaluated and only one was analyzed in more than one article. Irregular beneficial effects of probiotics have been demonstrated in some manifestations of constipation (bowel frequency or consistency of stool or abdominal pain or pain during a bowel movement or flatulence). In one clinical trial, a complete control of constipation without the use of laxatives was obtained. CONCLUSIONS There is no specific pattern of fecal microbiota abnormalities in constipation. Despite the probiotics' positive effects on certain characteristics of the intestinal habitat, there is still no evidence to recommend it in the treatment of constipation in pediatrics.