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1.
Vitamin C Can Shorten the Length of Stay in the ICU: A Meta-Analysis.
Hemilä, H, Chalker, E
Nutrients. 2019;11(4)
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For centuries, Vitamin C has been known as an important part of human health. Initially, deficiency was associated with scurvy, however subsequent research has found links between administration of Vitamin C and a number of conditions, including lowering blood pressure, decreasing blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes and shortening the duration of the common cold. This meta-analysis of 18 controlled trials examined the effect of Vitamin C on the length of ICU stay or the duration of mechanical ventilation. Doses varied from 1-3g daily orally and 0.5-110g daily intravenously and from 1-4 days in duration. The authors found that in 12 of the trials (1766 patients), Vitamin C shortened the length of ICU stay by 8%. 6 trials reported that Vitamin C shortened the length of mechanical ventilation by 8%. Given the significant price difference between Vitamin C supplementation and ICU stay, the authors suggest that further research is justified on the basis of these findings.
Abstract
A number of controlled trials have previously found that in some contexts, vitamin C can have beneficial effects on blood pressure, infections, bronchoconstriction, atrial fibrillation, and acute kidney injury. However, the practical significance of these effects is not clear. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate whether vitamin C has an effect on the practical outcomes: length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and duration of mechanical ventilation. We identified 18 relevant controlled trials with a total of 2004 patients, 13 of which investigated patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. We carried out the meta-analysis using the inverse variance, fixed effect options, using the ratio of means scale. In 12 trials with 1766 patients, vitamin C reduced the length of ICU stay on average by 7.8% (95% CI: 4.2% to 11.2%; p = 0.00003). In six trials, orally administered vitamin C in doses of 1⁻3 g/day (weighted mean 2.0 g/day) reduced the length of ICU stay by 8.6% (p = 0.003). In three trials in which patients needed mechanical ventilation for over 24 hours, vitamin C shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation by 18.2% (95% CI 7.7% to 27%; p = 0.001). Given the insignificant cost of vitamin C, even an 8% reduction in ICU stay is worth exploring. The effects of vitamin C on ICU patients should be investigated in more detail.
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Effects of fish oil supplement on psoriasis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Yang, SJ, Chi, CC
BMC complementary and alternative medicine. 2019;19(1):354
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Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis which has substantial negative impact on affected patient’s quality of life. The aim of this study was to systemically assess the evidence on the effects of fish oil supplement in treating psoriasis. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of thirteen randomized controlled trials with 625 participants. Results demonstrate that fish oil supplement did not significantly reduce the severity of psoriasis. Authors conclude that there is no consistent evidence supporting the use of fish oil supplement in treating psoriasis.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fish oils, which contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as the active ingredients, possess anti-inflammatory activities and may have therapeutic potential in diseases with an inflammatory etiology. Fish oil supplement has been advocated for treating psoriasis which is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the effects of fish oil supplement on psoriasis. METHODS We searched CENTRAL, Embase and MEDLINE on 24 January 2018 for randomized control trials (RCTs) on the effects of fish oil supplement in treating psoriasis. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the risk of bias of included RCTs. We performed a random-effects model meta-analysis to obtain the pooled treatment effect estimates. RESULTS We included 13 RCTs with 625 participants. Three RCTs involving 337 participants provided usable data for meta-analysis. Fish oil supplement did not significantly reduce the severity of psoriasis when assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (mean difference - 0.28; 95% confidence interval - 1.74 to 1.19). CONCLUSION The current evidence does not support the use of fish oil supplement in treating psoriasis.
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Acetyl-L-carnitine for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Rolim, LC, da Silva, EM, Flumignan, RL, Abreu, MM, Dib, SA
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2019;6:CD011265
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Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), which affects around 50% of diabetic patients. Pain that worsens at night is characteristic of DPN. Prolonged hyperglycaemia and metabolic disturbances increase the risk of developing DPN. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is an amino acid with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. ALC is often found depleted in the peripheral nerves of patients with DPN. This meta-analysis included four randomised controlled trials to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ALC in reducing the symptoms of DPN, especially pain. The trials included different dosages of ALC ranging from 1500 mg/day to 3000 mg/day. Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that they are uncertain about the benefits of ALC for reducing pain related to DPN, neurophysiological improvements, and the safety of the supplement. Healthcare professionals must exercise caution when considering ALC as a therapeutic agent in treating DNP-related complications, even though dosages above 1500 mg/day of ALC reduced pain in DNP patients after taking the supplements for 6 to 12 months. Further robust long-term research is required as the current evidence is limited and uncertain to determine the clinical utility of ALC.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common and severe complication that affects 50% of people with diabetes. Painful DPN is reported to occur in 16% to 24% of people with diabetes. A complete and comprehensive management strategy for the prevention and treatment of DPN, whether painful or not, has not yet been defined.Research into treatment for DPN has been characterised by a series of failed clinical trials, with few noteworthy advances. Strategies that support peripheral nerve regeneration and restore neurological function in people with painful or painless DPN are needed. The amino acid acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) plays a role in the transfer of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for β-oxidation. ALC supplementation also induces neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects in the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, ALC supplementation targets several mechanisms relevant to potential nerve repair and regeneration, and could have clinical therapeutic potential. There is a need for a systematic review of the evidence from clinical trials. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of ALC for the treatment of DPN. SEARCH METHODS On 2 July 2018, we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We checked references, searched citations, and contacted study authors to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of ALC compared with placebo, other therapy, or no intervention in the treatment of DPN. Participants could be of any sex and age, and have type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, of any severity, with painful or painless DPN. We accepted any definition of minimum criteria for DPN, in accordance with the Toronto Consensus. We imposed no language restriction.Pain was the primary outcome, measured as the proportion of participants with at least 30% (moderate) or 50% (substantial) decrease in pain over baseline, or as the score on a visual analogue scale (VAS) or Likert scale for pain. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methods. MAIN RESULTS We included four studies with 907 participants, which were reported in three publications. Three trials studied ALC versus placebo (675 participants); in one trial the dose of ALC was 2000 mg/day, and in the other two trials, it was 1500 mg/day or 3000 mg/day. The fourth trial studied ALC 1500 mg/day versus methylcobalamin 1.5 mg/day (232 participants). The risk of bias was high in both trials of different ALC doses and low in the other two trials.No included trial measured the proportion of participants with at least moderate (30%) or substantial (50%) pain relief. ALC reduced pain more than placebo, measured on a 0- to 100-mm VAS (MD -9.16, 95% CI -16.76 to -1.57; three studies; 540 participants; P = 0.02; I² = 56%; random-effects; very low-certainty evidence; a higher score indicating more pain). At doses of 1500 mg/day or less, the VAS score after ALC treatment was little different from placebo (MD -0.05, 95% CI -10.00 to 9.89; two studies; 159 participants; P = 0.99; I² = 0%), but at doses greater than 1500 mg/day, ALC reduced pain more than placebo (MD -14.93, 95% CI -19.16 to -10.70; three studies; 381 participants; P < 0.00001; I² = 0%). This subgroup analysis should be viewed with caution as the evidence was even less certain than the overall analysis, which was already of very low certainty.Two placebo-controlled studies reported that vibration perception improved after 12 months. We graded this evidence as very low certainty, due to inconsistency and a high risk of bias, as the trial authors did not provide any numerical data. The placebo-controlled studies did not measure functional impairment and disability scores. No study used validated symptom scales. One study performed sensory testing, but the evidence was very uncertain.The fourth included study compared ALC with methylcobalamin, but did not report effects on pain. There was a reduction from baseline to 24 weeks in functional impairment and disability, based on the change in mean Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS; scale from zero to 10), but there was no important difference between the ALC group (mean score 1.66 ± 1.90) and the methylcobalamin group (mean score 1.35 ± 1.65) groups (P = 0.23; low-certainty evidence).One placebo-controlled study reported that six of 147 participants in the ALC > 1500 mg/day group (4.1%) and two of 147 participants in the placebo group (1.4%) discontinued treatment because of adverse events (headache, facial paraesthesia, and gastrointestinal disorders) (P = 0.17). The other two placebo-controlled studies reported no dropouts due to adverse events, and more pain, paraesthesia, and hyperaesthesias in the placebo group than the 3000 mg/day ALC group, but provided no numerical data. The overall certainty of adverse event evidence for the comparison of ALC versus placebo was low.The study comparing ALC with methylcobalamin reported that 34/117 participants (29.1%) experienced adverse events in the ALC group versus 33/115 (28.7%) in the methylcobalamin group (P = 0.95). Nine participants discontinued treatment due to adverse events (ALC: 4 participants, methylcobalamin: 5 participants), which were most commonly gastrointestinal symptoms. The certainty of the adverse event evidence for ALC versus methylcobalamin was low.Two studies were funded by the manufacturer of ALC and the other two studies had at least one co-author who was a consultant for an ALC manufacturer. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We are very uncertain whether ALC causes a reduction in pain after 6 to 12 months' treatment in people with DPN, when compared with placebo, as the evidence is sparse and of low certainty. Data on functional and sensory impairment and symptoms are lacking, or of very low certainty. The evidence on adverse events is too uncertain to make any judgements on safety.
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The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in among coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Jorat, MV, Tabrizi, R, Kolahdooz, F, Akbari, M, Salami, M, Heydari, ST, Asemi, Z
Inflammopharmacology. 2019;27(2):233-248
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Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress significantly contribute to the narrowing of the blood supply to the heart leading to coronary artery disease (CAD). Increased levels of several markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), appear to be indicative of heart attack risk. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring nutrient made in the body but can also be found in some foods or taken via supplements. It is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and mitochondria against oxidative damage and also does so in the heart by preventing endothelial damage and the associated narrowing of blood vessels. Several trials investigated the effects of CoQ10 on inflammation and oxidative stress, with some noteworthy results and yet also some conflicting evidence. Hence this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to shed some light on the controversial findings regarding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress amongst patients with CAD. The authors included 13 clinical randomised controlled trials, amounting to 364 cardiac patients in the intervention groups. The treatment duration ranged from 4 to 48 weeks, and the dosage of CoQ10 varied between 60 to 300 mg/day. In conclusion, the meta-analysis showed that CoQ10 supplementation increased antioxidant markers of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and decreased the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and its derivative forms. There was no consistent effect on inflammatory markers of CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 or the levels of the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase. The discrepancies amongst the different studies may be a result of the divergent study designs, different population characteristics, the dosage of CoQ10 used and the duration of intervention.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress significantly contribute in developing coronary artery disease (CAD). This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to determine the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among patients with CAD. METHODS The electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched until Oct 2018. The quality assessment and heterogeneity of the selected randomized clinical Trials (RCTs) were examined using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool, and Q and I2 tests, respectively. Given the presence of heterogeneity, random-effects model or fixed-effect model were used to pool standardized mean differences (SMDs) as summary effect sizes. RESULTS A total of 13 clinical RCTs of 912 potential citations were found to be eligible for the current meta-analysis. The pooled findings for biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress demonstrated that CoQ10 supplementation significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD 2.63; 95% CI, 1.17, 4.09, P < 0.001; I2 = 94.5%) and catalase (CAT) levels (SMD 1.00; 95% CI, 0.57, 1.43, P < 0.001; I2 = 24.5%), and significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD - 4.29; 95% CI - 6.72, - 1.86, P = 0.001; I2 = 97.6%) and diene levels (SMD - 2.40; 95% CI - 3.11, - 1.68, P < 0.001; I2 = 72.6%). We did not observe any significant effect of CoQ10 supplementation on C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD - 0.62; 95% CI - 1.31, 0.08, P = 0.08; I2 = 87.9%), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (SMD 0.22; 95% CI - 1.07, 1.51, P = 0.73; I2 = 89.7%), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD - 1.63; 95% CI - 3.43, 0.17, P = 0.07; I2 = 95.2%), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels (SMD 0.14; 95% CI - 0.77, 1.04, P = 0.76; I2 = 78.7%). CONCLUSIONS Overall, this meta-analysis demonstrated CoQ10 supplementation increased SOD and CAT, and decreased MDA and diene levels, but did not affect CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and GPx levels among patients with CAD.
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Dietary Protein Consumption and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: ADose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies.
Fan, M, Li, Y, Wang, C, Mao, Z, Zhou, W, Zhang, L, Yang, X, Cui, S, Li, L
Nutrients. 2019;11(11)
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Diabetes mellitus is considered a serious public health issue worldwide with the vast majority of patients having type 2 diabetes (T2D). Dietary factors are major behavioural factors that can influence the risk for T2D. The aim of this study was to quantify the relationship between protein consumption and high-protein food intake with T2D risk and to identify optimal food types for a low T2D risk. This study is a meta-analysis which included 60 articles consisting of 72 studies for quantitative synthesis. Results indicate that total and animal protein intake increase the risk of T2D incidence, whereas plant protein intake lowers this risk. Furthermore, the consumption of red meat, processed meat, milk, and eggs are positively linked with an increased risk of T2D incidence; only yoghurt consumption lowered the incidence of T2D. Authors conclude that selecting specific optimal protein intakes can lead to a significant decrease in the risk for T2D.
Abstract
The relationship between dietary protein consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to explore the relations between dietary protein consumption and the risk of T2D. We conducted systematic retrieval of prospective studies in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Summary relative risks were compiled with a fixed effects model or a random effects model, and a restricted cubic spline regression model and generalized least squares analysis were used to evaluate the diet-T2D incidence relationship. T2D risk increased with increasing consumption of total protein and animal protein, red meat, processed meat, milk, and eggs, respectively, while plant protein and yogurt had an inverse relationship. A non-linear association with the risk for T2D was found for the consumption of plant protein, processed meat, milk, yogurt, and soy. This meta-analysis suggests that substitution of plant protein and yogurt for animal protein, especially red meat and processed meat, can reduce the risk for T2D.
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Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: individual participant data meta-analysis.
Martineau, AR, Jolliffe, DA, Greenberg, L, Aloia, JF, Bergman, P, Dubnov-Raz, G, Esposito, S, Ganmaa, D, Ginde, AA, Goodall, EC, et al
Health technology assessment (Winchester, England). 2019;23(2):1-44
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Low blood levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of colds, flu and chest infections, collectively termed ‘acute respiratory infections’ (ARIs). The main aim of this study was to determine the overall effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of ARI and serious adverse events. The study is a systemic review which included randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of supplementation with vitamin D3 or vitamin D2 of any duration for analysis. Authors obtained raw data on a total of 10,933 people from 25 trials. Results indicate that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of having at least one ARI. Furthermore, vitamin D had greater protective effects when it was given daily or weekly to people with the lowest vitamin D levels: the risk of having at least one ARI was reduced from 60% to 32% in these individuals. Authors conclude that their findings add to the body of evidence supporting the introduction of public health measures, such as food fortification, to improve vitamin D status in settings in which profound vitamin D deficiency is common.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the potential of vitamin D to prevent acute respiratory infections have yielded mixed results. Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis has the potential to identify factors that may explain this heterogeneity. OBJECTIVES To assess the overall effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and to identify factors modifying this effect. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) registry. STUDY SELECTION Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of supplementation with vitamin D3 or vitamin D2 of any duration having incidence of acute respiratory infection as a prespecified efficacy outcome were selected. STUDY APPRAISAL Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool to assess sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of participants, personnel and outcome assessors, completeness of outcome data, evidence of selective outcome reporting and other potential threats to validity. RESULTS We identified 25 eligible RCTs (a total of 11,321 participants, aged from 0 to 95 years). IPD were obtained for 10,933 out of 11,321 (96.6%) participants. Vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of ARI among all participants [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 0.96; heterogeneity p < 0.001]. Subgroup analysis revealed that protective effects were seen in individuals receiving daily or weekly vitamin D without additional bolus doses (aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.91), but not in those receiving one or more bolus doses (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.10; p = 0.05). Among those receiving daily or weekly vitamin D, protective effects of vitamin D were stronger in individuals with a baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration of < 25 nmol/l (aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.53) than in those with a baseline 25(OH)D concentration of ≥ 25 nmol/l (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.95; p = 0.006). Vitamin D did not influence the proportion of participants experiencing at least one serious adverse event (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.20; p = 0.83). The body of evidence contributing to these analyses was assessed as being of high quality. LIMITATIONS Our study had limited power to detect the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of upper versus lower respiratory infection, analysed separately. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D supplementation was safe, and it protected against ARIs overall. Very deficient individuals and those not receiving bolus doses experienced the benefit. Incorporation of additional IPD from ongoing trials in the field has the potential to increase statistical power for analyses of secondary outcomes. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013953. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Immunonutrition for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults.
Dushianthan, A, Cusack, R, Burgess, VA, Grocott, MP, Calder, PC
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2019;1:CD012041
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition wherein the lungs are inflamed (irritated) and damaged. The aim of this study was to systematically review and critically appraise available evidence on the effects of immunonutrition compared to standard non-immunonutrition formula feeding on mechanically ventilated adults (aged 18 years or older) with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This meta-analysis included a total of 13 publications reporting 10 randomised controlled trials. Results indicate that no clinical trials were identified with any other specific immunonutrition intervention for this patient population. Furthermore, evidence is inconclusive to whether this type of nutrition improves the primary outcome of all-cause mortality at the longest period reported. Authors conclude that no mortality benefit is derived from the use of omega-3 fatty acids and/or antioxidants in ARDS.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an overwhelming systemic inflammatory process associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pharmacotherapies that moderate inflammation in ARDS are lacking. Several trials have evaluated the effects of pharmaconutrients, given as part of a feeding formula or as a nutritional supplement, on clinical outcomes in critical illness and ARDS. OBJECTIVES To systematically review and critically appraise available evidence on the effects of immunonutrition compared to standard non-immunonutrition formula feeding on mechanically ventilated adults (aged 18 years or older) with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, conference proceedings, and trial registries for appropriate studies up to 25 April 2018. We checked the references from published studies and reviews on this topic for potentially eligible studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing immunonutrition versus a control or placebo nutritional formula in adults (aged 18 years or older) with ARDS, as defined by the Berlin definition of ARDS or, for older studies, by the American-European Consensus Criteria for both ARDS and acute lung injury. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed the quality of studies and extracted data from the included trials. We sought additional information from study authors. We performed statistical analysis according to Cochrane methodological standards. Our primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, ventilator days, indices of oxygenation, cardiac adverse events, gastrointestinal adverse events, and total number of adverse events. We used GRADE to assess the quality of evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS We identified 10 randomized controlled trials with 1015 participants. All studies compared an enteral formula or additional supplemental omega-3 fatty acids (i.e. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and antioxidants. We assessed some of the included studies as having high risk of bias due to methodological shortcomings. Studies were heterogenous in nature and varied in several ways, including type and duration of interventions given, calorific targets, and reported outcomes. All studies reported mortality. For the primary outcome, study authors reported no differences in all-cause mortality (longest period reported) with the use of an immunonutrition enteral formula or additional supplements of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants (risk ratio (RR) 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 1.07; participants = 1015; studies = 10; low-quality evidence).For secondary outcomes, we are uncertain whether immunonutrition with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants reduces ICU length of stay (mean difference (MD) -3.09 days. 95% CI -5.19 to -0.99; participants = 639; studies = 8; very low-quality evidence) and ventilator days (MD -2.24 days, 95% CI -3.77 to -0.71; participants = 581; studies = 7; very low-quality evidence). We are also uncertain whether omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants improve oxygenation, defined as ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO₂) to fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂), at day 4 (MD 39 mmHg, 95% CI 10.75 to 67.02; participants = 676; studies = 8), or whether they increase adverse events such as cardiac events (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.09 to 8.46; participants = 339; studies = 3; very low-quality evidence), gastrointestinal events (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.75; participants = 427; studies = 4; very low-quality evidence), or total adverse events (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.23; participants = 517; studies = 5; very low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis of 10 studies of varying quality examined effects of omega-3 fatty acids and/or antioxidants in adults with ARDS. This intervention may produce little or no difference in all-cause mortality between groups. We are uncertain whether immunonutrition with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants improves the duration of ventilator days and ICU length of stay or oxygenation at day 4 due to the very low quality of evidence. Adverse events associated with immunonutrition are also uncertain, as confidence intervals include the potential for increased cardiac, gastrointestinal, and total adverse events.
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Association between intake of non-sugar sweeteners and health outcomes: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials and observational studies.
Toews, I, Lohner, S, Küllenberg de Gaudry, D, Sommer, H, Meerpohl, JJ
BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 2019;364:k4718
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Consumption of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) has recently increased due to an emphasis on a low sugar diet. However, the exact health effects of this switch are uncertain. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of 56 randomised and non-randomised trials aimed to determine the health effects of NSS’s in adults and children. The results showed that amongst adults body weight, blood sugar, daily energy intake, and blood pressure were all lower when exposed to NSS’s. Other health measures such as cancer and neurological disorders remained unaffected. Amongst children blood sugar was significantly higher and a small increase in body mass index was also observed when exposed to NSS’s. It was concluded that most health outcomes were unaffected by NSS’s, and there appears to be no health benefits on a broad range of outcomes when switching from sugar. Potential harm from regular NSS consumption could not be ruled out from this study. Healthcare professionals could use this study to understand that recommending diets which switch from sugar to NSS’s may have limited health benefits.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between intake of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) and important health outcomes in generally healthy or overweight/obese adults and children. DESIGN Systematic review following standard Cochrane review methodology. DATA SOURCES Medline (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Clinicaltrials.gov, and reference lists of relevant publications. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Studies including generally healthy adults or children with or without overweight or obesity were eligible. Included study designs allowed for a direct comparison of no intake or lower intake of NSS with higher NSS intake. NSSs had to be clearly named, the dose had to be within the acceptable daily intake, and the intervention duration had to be at least seven days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Body weight or body mass index, glycaemic control, oral health, eating behaviour, preference for sweet taste, cancer, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, mood, behaviour, neurocognition, and adverse effects. RESULTS The search resulted in 13 941 unique records. Of 56 individual studies that provided data for this review, 35 were observational studies. In adults, evidence of very low and low certainty from a limited number of small studies indicated a small beneficial effect of NSSs on body mass index (mean difference -0.6, 95% confidence interval -1.19 to -0.01; two studies, n=174) and fasting blood glucose (-0.16 mmol/L, -0.26 to -0.06; two, n=52). Lower doses of NSSs were associated with lower weight gain (-0.09 kg, -0.13 to -0.05; one, n=17 934) compared with higher doses of NSSs (very low certainty of evidence). For all other outcomes, no differences were detected between the use and non-use of NSSs, or between different doses of NSSs. No evidence of any effect of NSSs was seen on overweight or obese adults or children actively trying to lose weight (very low to moderate certainty). In children, a smaller increase in body mass index z score was observed with NSS intake compared with sugar intake (-0.15, -0.17 to -0.12; two, n=528, moderate certainty of evidence), but no significant differences were observed in body weight (-0.60 kg, -1.33 to 0.14; two, n=467, low certainty of evidence), or between different doses of NSSs (very low to moderate certainty). CONCLUSIONS Most health outcomes did not seem to have differences between the NSS exposed and unexposed groups. Of the few studies identified for each outcome, most had few participants, were of short duration, and their methodological and reporting quality was limited; therefore, confidence in the reported results is limited. Future studies should assess the effects of NSSs with an appropriate intervention duration. Detailed descriptions of interventions, comparators, and outcomes should be included in all reports. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION Prospero CRD42017047668.
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Relation of Total Sugars, Sucrose, Fructose, and Added Sugars With the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.
Khan, TA, Tayyiba, M, Agarwal, A, Mejia, SB, de Souza, RJ, Wolever, TMS, Leiter, LA, Kendall, CWC, Jenkins, DJA, Sievenpiper, JL
Mayo Clinic proceedings. 2019;94(12):2399-2414
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Sugar-sweetened beverages have been associated with a risk for poor health outcomes, however risk for poor health outcomes with the fructose sugar they contain remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 prospective cohort studies aimed to determine the role of total added fructose in the development of heart disease. Total sugars, sucrose and fructose were not associated with the incidence of heart disease, however total sugars and fructose increased the risk of death due to heart disease, the extent of which was dependent upon the amount consumed. Interestingly sucrose had a protective effect against death due to heart disease. It was concluded that consumption of fructose, total sugars and added sugars is associated with death due to heart disease, whereas sucrose is not. Although not all food stuffs containing fructose and added sugars were analysed, it is still indicative that healthcare professionals could recommend a low sugar and fructose diet to lower the risk of death due to heart disease.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association of total and added fructose-containing sugars on cardiovascular (CVD) incidence and mortality. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched from January 1, 1980, to July 31, 2018. Prospective cohort studies assessing the association of reported intakes of total, sucrose, fructose and added sugars with CVD incidence and mortality in individuals free from disease at baseline were included. Risk estimates were pooled using the inverse variance method, and dose-response analysis was modeled. RESULTS Eligibility criteria were met by 24 prospective cohort comparisons (624,128 unique individuals; 11,856 CVD incidence cases and 12,224 CVD mortality cases). Total sugars, sucrose, and fructose were not associated with CVD incidence. Total sugars (risk ratio, 1.09 [95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.17]) and fructose (1.08 [1.01 to 1.15]) showed a harmful association for CVD mortality, there was no association for added sugars and a beneficial association for sucrose (0.94 [0.89 to 0.99]). Dose-response analyses showed a beneficial linear dose-response gradient for sucrose and nonlinear dose-response thresholds for harm for total sugars (133 grams, 26% energy), fructose (58 grams, 11% energy) and added sugars (65 grams, 13% energy) in relation to CVD mortality (P<.05). The certainty of the evidence using GRADE was very low for CVD incidence and low for CVD mortality for all sugar types. CONCLUSION Current evidence supports a threshold of harm for intakes of total sugars, added sugars, and fructose at higher exposures and lack of harm for sucrose independent of food form for CVD mortality. Further research of different food sources of sugars is needed to define better the relationship between sugars and CVD. REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01608620.
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10.
Chocolate milk for recovery from exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.
Amiri, M, Ghiasvand, R, Kaviani, M, Forbes, SC, Salehi-Abargouei, A
European journal of clinical nutrition. 2019;73(6):835-849
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Plain language summary
Post-exercise nutrition is highly important for recovery and performance. It has been proposed that beverages containing protein, carbohydrates and electrolytes may attenuate exercise-induced fatigue and dehydration. Chocolate milk contains all of these nutrients and has recently drawn attention as a plausible post-exercise recovery drink. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of chocolate milk on post-exercise recovery markers. This review included 12 studies and a sub-analysis found significant improvements in time to exhaustion and lowered post-exercise blood-lactate. There were no significant differences between the other markers considered in the analysis. Based on these results, the authors deem chocolate milk to provide equivalent outcomes to placebo or other recovery drinks. As the available research is limited, the authors recommended high quality controlled trials with larger sample sizes be done to gain more clarity on best-practice for post-exercise recovery.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Chocolate milk (CM) contains carbohydrates, proteins, and fat, as well as water and electrolytes, which may be ideal for post-exercise recovery. We systematically reviewed the evidence regarding the efficacy of CM compared to either water or other "sport drinks" on post-exercise recovery markers. SUBJECTS/METHODS PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar were explored up to April 2017 for controlled trials investigating the effect of CM on markers of recovery in trained athletes. RESULTS Twelve studies were included in the systematic review (2, 9, and 1 with high, fair and low quality, respectively) and 11 had extractable data on at least one performance/recovery marker [7 on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), 6 on time to exhaustion (TTE) and heart rate (HR), 4 on serum lactate, and serum creatine kinase (CK)]. The meta-analyses revealed that CM consumption had no effect on TTE, RPE, HR, serum lactate, and CK (P > 0.05) compared to placebo or other sport drinks. Subgroup analysis revealed that TTE significantly increases after consumption of CM compared to placebo [mean difference (MD) = 0.78 min, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27, 1.29, P = 0.003] and carbohydrate, protein, and fat-containing beverages (MD = 6.13 min, 95% CI: 0.11, 12.15, P = 0.046). Furthermore, a significant attenuation on serum lactate was observed when CM was compared with placebo (MD = -1.2 mmol/L, 95% CI: -2.06,-0.34, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION CM provides either similar or superior results when compared to placebo or other recovery drinks. Overall, the evidence is limited and high-quality clinical trials with more well-controlled methodology and larger sample sizes are warranted.