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1.
Inadequacy of Immune Health Nutrients: Intakes in US Adults, the 2005-2016 NHANES.
Reider, CA, Chung, RY, Devarshi, PP, Grant, RW, Hazels Mitmesser, S
Nutrients. 2020;(6)
Abstract
A well-functioning immune system is essential for human health and well-being. Micronutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc have several functions throughout the immune system, yet inadequate nutrient intakes are pervasive in the US population. A large body of research shows that nutrient inadequacies can impair immune function and weaken the immune response. Here, we present a new analysis of micronutrient usual intake estimates based on nationally representative data in 26,282 adults (>19 years) from the 2005-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Overall, the prevalence of inadequacy (% of population below estimated average requirement [EAR]) in four out of five key immune nutrients is substantial. Specifically, 45% of the U.S. population had a prevalence of inadequacy for vitamin A, 46% for vitamin C, 95% for vitamin D, 84% for vitamin E, and 15% for zinc. Dietary supplements can help address nutrient inadequacy for these immune-support nutrients, demonstrated by a lower prevalence of individuals below the EAR. Given the long-term presence and widening of nutrient gaps in the U.S.-specifically in critical nutrients that support immune health-public health measures should adopt guidelines to ensure an adequate intake of these micronutrients. Future research is needed to better understand the interactions and complexities of multiple nutrient shortfalls on immune health and assess and identify optimal levels of intake in at-risk populations.
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2.
The efficacy of a compounded micronutrient supplement on the incidence, duration, and severity of the common cold: A pilot randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
Lenhart, JG, Vu, PT, Quackenbush, K, LaPorte, A, Smith, J
PloS one. 2020;(8):e0237491
Abstract
PURPOSE Viral upper respiratory infections are associated with significant health and economic impact. This study sought to determine the efficacy of routine immune system micronutrient supplementation on the incidence, duration and severity of common cold symptoms. METHODS This pilot study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of N = 259 with asymptomatic participants aged 18 to 65 in two cold seasons of 2016 and 2017. The treatment group received an immune system targeted micronutrient caplet, while the placebo group received a micronized cellulose caplet externally identical to the treatment caplet. Weekly surveys were sent electronically to participants to document common cold incidence, duration and severity. Primary statistical results were obtained using mixed-effects logistic regressions to account for longitudinal measurements for participants. RESULTS The odds of acquiring an upper respiratory infection, adjusted for potential confounders, was estimated to be 0.74 times lower in the treatment group (p = 0.14). The odds of reporting specific symptoms were statistically lower in the treatment arm compared to the placebo arm for runny nose (OR = 0.53, p = 0.01) and cough (OR = 0.51, p = 0.04). Shorter durations of runny nose and cough were also observed in the treatment arm compared to placebo (both p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in severity of symptoms in either group. The observed proportion of reported cold symptoms in the treatment group was lower compared to the placebo group between late January and February in two consecutive cold seasons. Given the physical, workplace and economic impact of upper respiratory infections, this low cost and low risk intervention should be further studied with more robust investigation and meticulous experimental design.
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3.
Effect of 8-week of dietary micronutrient supplementation on gene expression in elite handball athletes.
Molina-López, J, Ricalde, MAQ, Hernández, BV, Planells, A, Otero, R, Planells, E
PloS one. 2020;(5):e0232237
Abstract
PURPOSE A study was made of the changes in gene expression in elite handball athletes, comparing gene modulation before, after and in the absence of an 8-week nutritional intervention with multivitamin/mineral supplements. METHODS Thirteen elite handball athletes (aged 22.9 ± 2.7 years) and 13 sedentary controls (aged 20.9 ± 2.8 years) were included. Three timepoints were established: T0 (baseline conditions); T8 (after 8 weeks of supplementation with a multivitamin/mineral complex); and T16 (after 8 weeks in the absence of supplementation). The expressions of a total 112 of genes were evaluated by RT-qPCR analysis with the QuantStudioTM 12K Flex Real-Time PCR System. RESULTS The analysis revealed different gene regulation profiles of genes implicated in cell communication, cell energy metabolism, inflammation and the immune system, oxidative stress and muscle function in athletes compared to sedentary controls under resting conditions (upregulated genes: effect size = large, ƞ2 = 1.011 to 1.398, p < 0.05; downregulated genes: effect size = large, ƞ2 = 0.846 and 1.070, p < 0.05, respectively). The nutritional intervention encouraged gene upregulation in elite athletes (p < 0.05). In a follow-up investigation, the IRAK1, CD81, ITGB1, ACADS PDHA2 and GPX1 genes were downregulated in athletes, with a moderate main effect for time-by-group interaction (ηP2 = 0.099 to 0.133; p < 0.05). Additionally, nutritional genes such as MTHFR and THTPA revealed a moderate effect over all the timepoints and group interaction in the study (ηP2 = 0.070 to 0.092; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Elite handball athletes showed a different expression profile in reference to key genes implicated in several sports performance-related functions compared to the sedentary controls, in addition to modulation of gene expression after multivitamin/mineral supplementation.
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4.
The Effect of a Polysaccharide-Based Multinutrient Dietary Supplementation Regimen on Infections and Immune Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis.
Reginald McDaniel, H, LaGanke, C, Bloom, L, Goldberg, S, Lages, LC, Lantigua, LA, Atlas, SE, Woolger, JM, Lewis, JE
Journal of dietary supplements. 2020;(2):184-199
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with increased infection rates, chronic inflammation, and premature death. Optimization of nutritional status via dietary supplementation may improve immune function in people suffering from MS and lead to decreased rates of infection. Fifteen individuals with a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS for an average of 12.4 years (SD =7.4; R = 2, 25) were enrolled in a one-year open-label clinical trial. Participants consumed a broad-spectrum dietary supplement regimen containing polysaccharides, phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals three times per day. The occurrence of infections and a panel of cytokines, growth factors, and T- and B-cell subsets were assessed at baseline and 12 months. Seven female and 8 male participants with an average age of 51.3 years (SD =7.2; R = 38, 65) completed the study. At the end of the intervention, participants had fewer total infections (M = 7.9, SD =8.1 at baseline and M = 2.5, SD =4.3 at 12-month follow-up). At 12 months, IL-2, TNF-α, EGF, and CD95 + CD34+ significantly increased, while IL-1β significantly decreased. No major adverse effects were reported; only mild gastrointestinal intolerance was reported in four cases. A decreased occurrence of infection was observed in MS patients treated with 12 months of a polysaccharide-based multinutrient dietary supplement. Significant changes were also noted in several key biomarkers that would be physiologically favorable to the MS population. Thus, the results of this study suggest an immunomodulatory effect of the dietary supplement regimen studied.
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5.
Harnessing Metal Homeostasis Offers Novel and Promising Targets Against Candida albicans.
Hameed, S, Hans, S, Singh, S, Fatima, Z
Current drug discovery technologies. 2020;(4):415-429
Abstract
Fungal infections, particularly of Candida species, which are the commensal organisms of human, are one of the major debilitating diseases in immunocompromised patients. The limited number of antifungal drugs available to treat Candida infections, with the concomitant increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, further worsens the therapeutic options. Thus, there is an urgent need for the better understanding of MDR mechanisms, and their reversal, by employing new strategies to increase the efficacy and safety profiles of currently used therapies against the most prevalent human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. Micronutrient availability during C. albicans infection is regarded as a critical factor that influences the progression and magnitude of the disease. Intracellular pathogens colonize a variety of anatomical locations that are likely to be scarce in micronutrients, as a defense strategy adopted by the host, known as nutritional immunity. Indispensable critical micronutrients are required both by the host and by C. albicans, especially as a cofactor in important metabolic functions. Since these micronutrients are not freely available, C. albicans need to exploit host reservoirs to adapt within the host for survival. The ability of pathogenic organisms, including C. albicans, to sense and adapt to limited micronutrients in the hostile environment is essential for survival and confers the basis of its success as a pathogen. This review describes that micronutrients availability to C. albicans is a key attribute that may be exploited when one considers designing strategies aimed at disrupting MDR in this pathogenic fungi. Here, we discuss recent advances that have been made in our understanding of fungal micronutrient acquisition and explore the probable pathways that may be utilized as targets.
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6.
Micronutrients as immunomodulatory tools for COVID-19 management.
Gasmi, A, Tippairote, T, Mujawdiya, PK, Peana, M, Menzel, A, Dadar, M, Gasmi Benahmed, A, Bjørklund, G
Clinical immunology (Orlando, Fla.). 2020;:108545
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Abstract
COVID-19 rapidly turned to a global pandemic posing lethal threats to overwhelming health care capabilities, despite its relatively low mortality rate. The clinical respiratory symptoms include dry cough, fever, anosmia, breathing difficulties, and subsequent respiratory failure. No known cure is available for COVID-19. Apart from the anti-viral strategy, the supports of immune effectors and modulation of immunosuppressive mechanisms is the rationale immunomodulation approach in COVID-19 management. Diet and nutrition are essential for healthy immunity. However, a group of micronutrients plays a dominant role in immunomodulation. The deficiency of most nutrients increases the individual susceptibility to virus infection with a tendency for severe clinical presentation. Despite a shred of evidence, the supplementation of a single nutrient is not promising in the general population. Individuals at high-risk for specific nutrient deficiencies likely benefit from supplementation. The individual dietary and nutritional status assessments are critical for determining the comprehensive actions in COVID-19.
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7.
Vitamin D: A Micronutrient Regulating Genes.
Carlberg, C
Current pharmaceutical design. 2019;(15):1740-1746
Abstract
BACKGROUND At sufficient sun exposure, humans can synthesize vitamin D3 endogenously in their skin, but today's lifestyle makes the secosteroid a true vitamin that needs to be taken up by diet or supplementation with pills. The vitamin D3 metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 acts as a nuclear hormone activating the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR). METHODS This review discusses the biological effects of micronutrient vitamin D ranging from calcium homeostasis and bone formation to the modulation of innate and adaptive immunity. RESULTS Since normal human diet is sufficient in vitamin D, the need for efficient vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin acts as an evolutionary driver for its lightening during the migration out of Africa towards North. Via activating the VDR, vitamin D has direct effects on the epigenome and the expression of more than 1000 genes in most human tissues and cell types. CONCLUSIONS The pleiotropic action of vitamin D in health and disease prevention is explained through complex gene regulatory events of the transcription factor VDR.
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8.
Micronutrient Absorption and Related Outcomes in People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review.
Kilby, K, Mathias, H, Boisvenue, L, Heisler, C, Jones, JL
Nutrients. 2019;(6)
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder associated with immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. While it is poorly understood, the role of nutrition and nutrient status in the etiology of IBD and its associated outcomes has led to increased research relating to micronutrient deficiency. This review offers an overview of recent literature related to micronutrient absorption and outcomes in adults with IBD. Although the absorption and IBD-related outcomes of some micronutrients (e.g., vitamin D and iron) are well understood, other micronutrients (e.g., vitamin A) require further research. Increased research and clinician knowledge of the relationship between micronutrients and IBD may manifest in improved nutrient screening, monitoring, treatment, and outcomes for people living with IBD.
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Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Community-Based Efficacy Trial of Various Doses of Zinc in Micronutrient Powders or Tablets in Young Bangladeshi Children.
Islam, MM, McDonald, CM, Krebs, NF, Westcott, J, Rahman, AE, El Arifeen, S, Ahmed, T, King, JC, Black, RE
Nutrients. 2018;(2)
Abstract
Zinc is essential to supporting growth in young children especially for tissues undergoing rapid cellular differentiation and turnover, such as those in the immune system and gastrointestinal tract. Therapeutic zinc supplementation has been initiated in low-income countries as part of diarrhea treatment programs to support these needs for young children, but the effects of preventive supplemental zinc as a tablet or as a multiple micronutrient powder (MNP) on child growth and diarrheal disease are mixed and pose programmatic uncertainties. Thus, a randomized, double-blind community-based efficacy trial of five different doses, forms, and frequencies of preventive zinc supplementation vs. a placebo was designed for a study in children aged 9⁻11 months in an urban community in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The primary outcomes of this 24-week study are incidence of diarrheal disease and linear growth. Study workers will conduct in-home morbidity checks twice weekly; anthropometry will be measured at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Serum zinc and other related biomarkers will be measured in a subsample along with an estimate of the exchangeable zinc pool size using stable isotope techniques in a subgroup. Therapeutic zinc will be provided as part of diarrhea treatment, in accordance with Bangladesh's national policy. Therefore, the proposed study will determine the additional benefit of a preventive zinc supplementation intervention. The protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) of icddr,b and Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI). The IRB review process is underway at the University of Colorado Denver as well.
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10.
Small and Hungry: MicroRNAs in Micronutrient Homeostasis of Plants.
Patel, P, Yadav, K, Ganapathi, TR
MicroRNA (Shariqah, United Arab Emirates). 2017;(1):22-41
Abstract
MicroRNAs are emerging players in plant development and response to stresses, both biotic and abiotic such as micronutrient deficiency. These small RNAs regulate cognate downstream targets either by transcript cleavage or translational inhibition. Micronutrient deficiencies lead to poor quality and yield of crops and impaired human health. Over the years several microRNAs have been identified which regulate expression of genes controlling uptake, mobilization and homeostasis of macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur to ensure sufficiency without toxicity. This review attempts to understand the roles played by micro RNAs involved in homeostasis of the micronutrients boron, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, molybdenum and nickel and the cross talk between them upon perception of nutritional stress. Notably and surprisingly, several micro RNAs are not specific for a particular micronutrient stress and the challenge remains to uncover ones (if any) that are directly relevant to the micronutrient. Current findings of this yet infant field could potentiate biotechnological applications towards biofortification, plant innate immunity and remedy heavy metal toxicity.