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Associations between Dynamic Vitamin D Level and Thyroid Function during Pregnancy.
Wang, H, Wang, HJ, Jiao, M, Han, N, Xu, J, Bao, H, Liu, Z, Ji, Y
Nutrients. 2022;14(18)
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Thyroid hormones play a vital role in regulating metabolism. Adequate thyroid hormone levels are also critical during pregnancy for optimal fetal growth and development. The foetus is dependent on maternal thyroid hormones until its own thyroid gland matured in the second half of pregnancy. Furthermore, pregnancy impacts thyroid function leading to an increased demand for thyroid hormones. Thyroid disease has been associated with Vitamin D deficiency. During pregnancy, both thyroid disorders and Vitamin D deficiency can have adverse effects on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, hence a potential link between Vitamin D status and thyroid function has been postulated. To fill the gaps in previous research, this retrospective cohort study aimed to explore the associations between Vitamin D status and thyroid function throughout the pregnancy, in each trimester. The analysis of hospital data collected in Beijing demonstrated an association between Vitamin D levels and thyroid function throughout pregnancy. Such interlink appeared to be dynamic and changed depending on the stage of pregnancy. The author's findings affirmed that maintenance of adequate Vitamin D levels supports normal thyroid function which is an important nutritional strategy for a healthy pregnancy.
Abstract
Optimal Vitamin D (VitD) status and thyroid function are essential for pregnant women. This study aimed to explore associations between dynamic VitD status and thyroid function parameters in each trimester and throughout the pregnancy period. Information on all 8828 eligible participants was extracted from the Peking University Retrospective Birth Cohort in Tongzhou. Dynamic VitD status was represented as a combination of deficiency/sufficiency in the first and second trimesters. Thyroid function was assessed in three trimesters. The associations between VitD and thyroid function were assessed by multiple linear regression and generalized estimating equation models in each trimester and throughout the pregnancy period, respectively. The results indicated that both free thyroxine (fT4; β = 0.004; 95%CI: 0.003, 0.006; p < 0.001) and free triiodothyronine (fT3; β = 0.009; 95%CI: 0.004, 0.015; p = 0.001) had positive associations with VitD status in the first trimester. A VitD status that was sufficient in the first trimester and deficient in the second trimester had a lower TSH (β = -0.370; 95%CI: -0.710, -0.031; p = 0.033) compared with the group with sufficient VitD for both first and second trimesters. In conclusion, the associations between VitD and thyroid parameters existed throughout the pregnancy. Maintaining an adequate concentration of VitD is critical to support optimal thyroid function during pregnancy.
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Respiratory and Allergic Effects in Children Exposed to Pesticides-A Systematic Review.
Buralli, RJ, Dultra, AF, Ribeiro, H
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;17(8)
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Agricultural pesticides are harmful chemicals used to protect plants from pests and diseases. There has been previous research showing a link between pesticide usage and respiratory symptoms, asthma, allergies, and lung function irregularities in children. To evaluate the relationship between pesticide usage and allergic and respiratory effects in children, 21 studies were included in this systematic review. This systematic review reports an association between multiple sources of pesticide exposure during fetal and early development and respiratory symptoms and allergies among children. Compared to high-income countries, children in the middle- and low-income countries were exposed to multiple pesticide sources. As current scientific evidence is sparse, more research is needed to determine the causal relationship between pesticides and respiratory and allergic symptoms in children. Robust research in low- and middle-income countries is necessary. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the harmful effects of pesticide exposure in children and to take clinical decisions to reduce the exposure and its effects.
Abstract
Pesticide exposure may affect children's respiratory and allergic health, although results from epidemiological studies have not reached consensus. This review aims to analyze the scientific evidence on respiratory and allergic effects of exposure to agricultural pesticides in children aged up to 12 years old. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scielo, and Lilacs were screened to select articles published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, and 21 articles were included in this review. Most investigations were conducted in North America (mostly in the United States), while no studies conducted in Latin America or Africa were found, despite their intensive use of pesticides. Children are exposed to pesticides through multiple pathways from the prenatal period throughout later developmental stages and may experience several respiratory effects. Most studies (79%) found positive associations with pesticide exposure and children's respiratory and allergic effects such as asthma, wheezing, coughs, acute respiratory infections, hay fever, rhinitis, eczema, chronic phlegm, and lung function impairments. Contrastingly, 21% of the studies found no associations between pesticide exposure and children's respiratory health. The vast differences among the characteristics of the studies hamper any comparison of the results. Exposure to pesticides may have several impacts on childhood respiratory health. More studies must be conducted, especially in low- and middle-income countries, preferably with comparable research protocols adapted to local realities. Efforts should be made to develop comprehensive risk mitigation strategies and behavioral interventions to reduce children's exposure to pesticides used in agriculture and respiratory health effects, and to ensure healthy childhood growth.
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The Role of Iron in Brain Development: A Systematic Review.
McCann, S, Perapoch Amadó, M, Moore, SE
Nutrients. 2020;12(7)
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Iron deficiency is the most common vitamin or mineral deficiency worldwide and is particularly common among pregnant women, infants and young children due to high iron demands during periods of rapid growth. Iron plays an important role in the development of the brain, and animal studies suggest that getting enough iron in pregnancy and early childhood is particularly important. The aims of this systematic review were to (i) investigate the relationship between iron status and brain development and (ii) assess whether this relationship differs according to age or type of development (‘domain’). The researchers looked for studies on iron deficiency or iron supplementation in pregnancy and up to 4 years of age. 26 observational studies and 28 intervention studies were included in the review. There was no clear relationship between iron status and developmental outcomes across any of the ages or domains included. Many of the studies were of low quality and there was a wide variation in study design, along with a lack of research on pregnancy and early infancy. The researchers concluded that evidence for the impact of iron deficiency or iron supplementation on early development is inconsistent. Further high-quality research is needed, particularly within pregnancy and early infancy, which has previously been neglected.
Abstract
One-third of children falter in cognitive development by pre-school age. Iron plays an important role in many neurodevelopmental processes, and animal studies suggest that iron sufficiency in pregnancy and infancy is particularly important for neurodevelopment. However, it is not clear whether iron deficiency directly impacts developmental outcomes, and, if so, whether impact differs by timing of exposure or developmental domain. We searched four databases for studies on iron deficiency or iron supplementation in pregnancy, or at 0-6 months, 6-24 months, or 2-4 years of age. All studies included neurodevelopmental assessments in infants or children up to 4 years old. We then qualitatively synthesized the literature. There was no clear relationship between iron status and developmental outcomes across any of the time windows or domains included. We identified a large quantity of low-quality studies, significant heterogeneity in study design and a lack of research focused on pregnancy and early infancy. In summary, despite good mechanistic evidence for the role of iron in brain development, evidence for the impact of iron deficiency or iron supplementation on early development is inconsistent. Further high-quality research is needed, particularly within pregnancy and early infancy, which has previously been neglected.
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Association Between Maternal Fluoride Exposure During Pregnancy and IQ Scores in Offspring in Canada.
Green, R, Lanphear, B, Hornung, R, Flora, D, Martinez-Mier, EA, Neufeld, R, Ayotte, P, Muckle, G, Till, C
JAMA pediatrics. 2019;173(10):940-948
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Fluoride is added to the water supply in some parts of the UK, US and Canada to help prevent tooth decay. However, some people think that fluoride could be harmful to health, and may affect brain development in foetuses. The aim of this Canadian study was to determine whether a mother’s exposure to fluoride during pregnancy was associated with her child’s IQ. Researchers recruited a total of 369 pregnant women from both fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas and measured the amount of fluoride in their urine. The children’s IQs were measured when they were aged 3 to 4 years. The researchers found that overall, maternal exposure to higher levels of fluoride during pregnancy was associated with lower IQ scores in children aged 3 to 4 years. The relationship was much stronger in boys than it was in girls. These findings indicate a possible need to reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy.
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The potential neurotoxicity associated with exposure to fluoride, which has generated controversy about community water fluoridation, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between fluoride exposure during pregnancy and IQ scores in a prospective birth cohort. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective, multicenter birth cohort study used information from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals cohort. Children were born between 2008 and 2012; 41% lived in communities supplied with fluoridated municipal water. The study sample included 601 mother-child pairs recruited from 6 major cities in Canada; children were between ages 3 and 4 years at testing. Data were analyzed between March 2017 and January 2019. EXPOSURES Maternal urinary fluoride (MUFSG), adjusted for specific gravity and averaged across 3 trimesters available for 512 pregnant women, as well as self-reported maternal daily fluoride intake from water and beverage consumption available for 400 pregnant women. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Children's IQ was assessed at ages 3 to 4 years using the Wechsler Primary and Preschool Scale of Intelligence-III. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine covariate-adjusted associations between each fluoride exposure measure and IQ score. RESULTS Of 512 mother-child pairs, the mean (SD) age for enrollment for mothers was 32.3 (5.1) years, 463 (90%) were white, and 264 children (52%) were female. Data on MUFSG concentrations, IQ scores, and complete covariates were available for 512 mother-child pairs; data on maternal fluoride intake and children's IQ were available for 400 of 601 mother-child pairs. Women living in areas with fluoridated tap water (n = 141) compared with nonfluoridated water (n = 228) had significantly higher mean (SD) MUFSG concentrations (0.69 [0.42] mg/L vs 0.40 [0.27] mg/L; P = .001; to convert to millimoles per liter, multiply by 0.05263) and fluoride intake levels (0.93 [0.43] vs 0.30 [0.26] mg of fluoride per day; P = .001). Children had mean (SD) Full Scale IQ scores of 107.16 (13.26), range 52-143, with girls showing significantly higher mean (SD) scores than boys: 109.56 (11.96) vs 104.61 (14.09); P = .001. There was a significant interaction (P = .02) between child sex and MUFSG (6.89; 95% CI, 0.96-12.82) indicating a differential association between boys and girls. A 1-mg/L increase in MUFSG was associated with a 4.49-point lower IQ score (95% CI, -8.38 to -0.60) in boys, but there was no statistically significant association with IQ scores in girls (B = 2.40; 95% CI, -2.53 to 7.33). A 1-mg higher daily intake of fluoride among pregnant women was associated with a 3.66 lower IQ score (95% CI, -7.16 to -0.14) in boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, maternal exposure to higher levels of fluoride during pregnancy was associated with lower IQ scores in children aged 3 to 4 years. These findings indicate the possible need to reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy.
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Egg Consumption in U.S. Children is Associated with Greater Daily Nutrient Intakes, including Protein, Lutein + Zeaxanthin, Choline, α-Linolenic Acid, and Docosahexanoic Acid.
Papanikolaou, Y, Fulgoni, VL
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
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Dietary guidelines recommend children and adolescents consume nutrient-dense foods to promote growth and development, and recently eggs have been included in these recommendations. At present, there are no studies in children and adolescents that have examined nutrient-related associations of egg consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate egg consumption and nutrient intakes, diet quality and growth outcomes relative to non-egg consumers. Using cross-sectional data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), data from 3,299 egg consumers and 17,030 non-egg consumers aged 2-18 was examined. Compared with non-egg consumption, egg consumption was associated with elevated intake of protein, healthy fats, antioxidants and various vitamins and minerals, and lower intake of sugar. There were several shortfall nutrients associated with egg consumption including fibre, iron, and folate. No associations were found when examining diet quality and growth-relate measures. This analysis demonstrated several nutrient-related benefits to support the continued inclusion of eggs in the dietary patterns of children and adolescents. Based on these results, the authors conclude this study illustrates an opportunity to communicate the benefits linked with egg consumption to individuals that influence children and adolescents.
Abstract
Dietary pattern recommendations include consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods in children and adolescents to promote optimal growth and development. The current study investigated associations with egg consumption and nutrient intakes, diet quality, and growth outcomes relative to non-egg consumers. The analysis used data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2012 in children and adolescents aged 2-18 years (N = 3,299, egg consumers; N = 17,030, egg non-consumers). Daily energy and nutrient intakes were adjusted for the complex sample design of NHANES using appropriate weights. Consuming eggs was associated with increased daily energy intake relative to non-egg consumption. Children and adolescents consuming eggs had elevated daily intake of protein, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and total fat, α-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), choline, lutein + zeaxanthin, vitamin D, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium. Egg consumers had greater consumption, sodium, saturated fat, with reduced total and added sugar versus egg non-consumers. The analysis also showed that egg consumption was linked with lower intake of dietary folate, iron, and niacin. No associations were determined when examining diet quality and growth-related measures. A sub-analysis considering socioeconomic status showed that egg consumption was positively related with daily lutein + zeaxanthin and DHA intake. The current analysis demonstrated several nutrient-related benefits to support the continued inclusion of eggs in the dietary patterns of children and adolescents.
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A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health?
Vigar, V, Myers, S, Oliver, C, Arellano, J, Robinson, S, Leifert, C
Nutrients. 2019;12(1)
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The demand for organic products has risen rapidly over the last decades. The reasons why consumers may favour organic over conventional products are varied. They may be for personal health and wellbeing, environmental considerations, animal welfare or perceived higher nutritional profile - which is true for some, but not all components. While the long-term safety of pesticide consumption through conventional food production has been questioned, organic foods clearly show lower levels of toxic metabolites, like heavy metals and synthetic fertilizer and pesticide residues. This systematic review aimed to assess the current evidence of organic diet consumption and human health compared to conventionally produced foods. Included were 35 papers on clinical trials and observational studies. The clinical trials studied pesticide and phytochemical excretion, antioxidant capacity, body composition, lipids and inflammatory markers. The observational studies were focused on fertility, foetal and childhood development, pregnancy, lactation and levels of pesticides in children and adults, as well as nutritional biomarkers and cancer risk in adults. An increased intake of organic produce in long-term studies appeared to reduce the incidence of infertility, birth defects, allergies, middle ear infection, pre-eclampsia, metabolic syndrome, high BMI, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Organic intake was also linked to reduced urinary levels of organophosphorus pesticides and herbicides. Yet, the author highlighted that organic consumers are more likely to be health conscious, physically active, eat a more plant-based diet, have higher education levels and income, and therefore are not representative of the general population. They also argue that the possible benefits from an organic diet may be partially due to the quality and composition of the diet rather than a direct effect of organic food consumption. Whereby a growing number of findings demonstrate the health benefits of organic food consumption, according to the authors, the current evidence does not yield a solid and definitive answer.
Abstract
The current review aims to systematically assess the evidence related to human health outcomes when an organic diet is consumed in comparison to its conventional counterpart. Relevant databases were searched for articles published to January 2019. Clinical trials and observational research studies were included where they provided comparative results on direct or indirect health outcomes. Thirty-five papers met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Few clinical trials assessed direct improvements in health outcomes associated with organic food consumption; most assessed either differences in pesticide exposure or other indirect measures. Significant positive outcomes were seen in longitudinal studies where increased organic intake was associated with reduced incidence of infertility, birth defects, allergic sensitisation, otitis media, pre-eclampsia, metabolic syndrome, high BMI, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The current evidence base does not allow a definitive statement on the health benefits of organic dietary intake. However, a growing number of important findings are being reported from observational research linking demonstrable health benefits with organic food consumption. Future clinical research should focus on using long-term whole-diet substitution with certified organic interventions as this approach is more likely to determine whether or not true measurable health benefits exist.
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Role of early hormonal and nutritional experiences in shaping feeding behavior and hypothalamic development.
Bouret, SG
The Journal of nutrition. 2010;140(3):653-7
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Obesity in children and adults is increasingly becoming a serious health problem, particularly in Western countries. The precise biological mechanisms underlying the disease are not clear, and it is equally unclear why certain individuals are more predisposed than others. Research suggests that the perinatal conditions and periods of organ development may predispose individuals to obesity later in life. For example, maternal malnutrition, diabetes and/or obesity during pregnancy can increase susceptibility to obesity. The hypothalamus, the region of the brain associated with feeding and glucose homeostasis, develops primarily in utero and is thought to be influenced by hormones such as leptin, ghrelin and insulin that may indicate nutrient availability in the environment. Imbalances in these hormones therefore may have an impact on the developing hypothalamus, leading to abnormalities in appetite control and feeding. These hormones may also be involved in neural growth and development directly.
Abstract
Obesity in adults and children is increasingly becoming a major health problem worldwide. However, the precise biological mechanisms governing this disease have not been fully elucidated. Obesity involves the complex interaction of a wide range of environmental and genetic factors. Additionally, there is now a growing body of evidence suggesting that alterations in metabolic environment during important periods of organ development can predispose individuals to later development of obesity and diabetes. Maternal obesity or malnutrition during pregnancy increases the risk for metabolic disorders (including obesity) in the offspring. Similarly, early postnatal overnutrition also predisposes offspring to adult obesity. The hypothalamus appears to play an essential role in controlling appetite. It undergoes a tremendous growth beginning early in gestation and continuing during the postnatal period. These developmental windows represent periods of sensitivity for hypothalamic development during which alterations in the nutritional and/or hormonal environment may perturb hypothalamic development and subsequent function.