1.
Dietary ω-3 intake for the treatment of morning headache: A randomized controlled trial.
Marchetti, M, Gualtieri, P, De Lorenzo, A, Trombetta, D, Smeriglio, A, Ingegneri, M, Cianci, R, Frank, G, Schifano, G, Bigioni, G, et al
Frontiers in neurology. 2022;:987958
Abstract
Morning headache (MH) is a frequent condition with a not fully explained pathogenesis. During the past years, several studies have been performed to identify a better diet therapy to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Our study aims to determine if an adequate omega-3 (ω-3) intake in a Modified Mediterranean Diet (MMD) can improve the frequency and intensity of MH and, subsequently, the quality of life. Of the 150 enrolled subjects, 95 met the inclusion criteria (63.3%). Patients were included in the study and randomized into two groups: group A following MMD A and group B following MMD B. The MMD A group was designed to arise at least a 1.5:1 ω-6/ω-3 ratio; the MMD B group was designed to derive at least a 4:1 ω-6/ω-3 ratio. Eighty-four subjects completed the 6 weeks intervention (56%). After 6 weeks (t1), group A showed a significant reduction in both Headache Impact Test-6 and Visual Analog Scale scores (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). During dietary treatment, group A progressively dismissed ketoprofen-based pharmacological treatment (p = 0.002) from baseline to t1. Furthermore, a decrease in the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at t1 in group A (p = 0.02) was observed compared to group B. Concluding, this study provides evidence of a positive impact of ω-3-enriched MMD regimen on the inflammatory status and MH. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01890070, identifier: NCT01890070.
2.
Psychological Aspects and Eating Habits during COVID-19 Home Confinement: Results of EHLC-COVID-19 Italian Online Survey.
Di Renzo, L, Gualtieri, P, Cinelli, G, Bigioni, G, Soldati, L, Attinà, A, Bianco, FF, Caparello, G, Camodeca, V, Carrano, E, et al
Nutrients. 2020;12(7)
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Plain language summary
The new form of coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2) has triggered a worldwide state of emergency. The lockdown measures have had a great impact on everyday life, often associated with a negative influence on psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to analyse the psychological status during the COVID-19 pandemic and its correlation with the eating habits in the Italian population. This study is based on the “Eating Habits and Lifestyle Changes in COVID-19 lockdown” (EHLC-COVID19) project which conducted research, using an electronic survey in Italian, to collect data on the Italian population regarding eating habits, lifestyle and the behavioural and emotional impact related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that the lockdown has had effects on the mood of the participants (n = 61.3% lowering of their mood). Most of the participants referred to anxious feelings and depressed moods as well as exhaustion and tension with tachycardia and breathing difficulties. Furthermore, almost half of the participants felt anxious because of their eating habits which lead to comfort food and increased food intake in order to feel better. Authors conclude that since the COVID-19 pandemic is still on-going, further study on psychological status, eating habits and positivity in relation to COVID-19 should be conducted.
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the population with consequences on lifestyles. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between eating habits, mental and emotional mood. A survey was conducted online during social isolation, from 24 April to 18 May 2020, among the Italian population. A total of 602 interviewees were included in the data analysis. A high percentage of respondents experienced a depressed mood, anxious feelings, hypochondria and insomnia (61.3%, 70.4%, 46.2% and 52.2%). Almost half of the respondents felt anxious due to the fact of their eating habits, consumed comfort food and were inclined to increase food intake to feel better. Age was inversely related to dietary control (OR = 0.971, p = 0.005). Females were more anxious and disposed to comfort food than males (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). A strength of our study was represented by the fact that the survey was conducted quickly during the most critical period of the Italian epidemic lockdown. As the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, our data need to be confirmed and investigated in the future with larger population studies.