Selenium Supplementation in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period Decreases Postpartum Antithyroid Antibody Titers, but Does Not Affect Thyroid Function or Health-Related Quality of Life

Background/Purpose. Postpartum period is accompanied by many physical, emotional, and social changes in women’s health. The aim of this study was to examine the mothers’ quality of life in postpartum period. In addition, it also sought to recognize the variables that predict their quality of life.Methods. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was undertaken among 380 women in 10 urban health centers in Ilam province in west of Iran. They were selected using proportional random sampling method. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to identify women’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.Results. Women who were employed, aged less than 30 years, had college degree, have no history of disease in pregnancy, and had given birth more than 3 months ago had higher quality of life scores. Independent predictors for lower physical HRQoL were being with history of disease in pregnancy; being with high school diploma or lower education; and giving birth less than 3 months ago. Also, independent predictor for lower mental HRQoL was being housewife.Conclusion. According to study findings, greater attention must be paid to providing postpartum healthcare for housewife and less educated women as well as those with history of disease in pregnancy.

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Effects of Euglena gracilis EOD-1 Ingestion on Salivary IgA Reactivity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Humans

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11051144 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1144 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ken-ichi Ishibashi ◽

Machiko Nishioka ◽

Nobuteru Onaka ◽

Madoka Takahashi ◽

Daisuke Yamanaka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Euglena Gracilis ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Salivary Iga ◽

Health Related Qol ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

Antibody Titers ◽

Iga Antibody

Euglena gracilis EOD-1, a microalgal strain known for high yields of the β-1, 3-glucan paramylon, is suggested to function as a dietary fiber and enhance immunity. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of E. gracilis EOD-1 biomass (EOD1BM) ingestion on immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody titers in saliva, its reactivity, and the health-related quality of life (QOL) in humans. Reacting human immunoglobulin preparations and saliva with paramylon granules revealed the presence of anti-paramylon antibodies in the blood and saliva. We conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study involving 13 healthy subjects who ingested the placebo or EOD1BM for 4 weeks. Saliva was collected from each subject before and after ingestion, and IgA titers and E. gracilis EOD-1 paramylon (EOD1PM) reactivity were compared. In the EOD1BM Ingestion group, the anti-EOD1PM IgA content and titer increased after EOD1BM ingestion. No such change was observed in the Placebo group. Furthermore, the health-related QOL, especially mental health, increased in the EOD1BM Ingestion group. Thus, EOD1BM ingestion led to the production of paramylon (PM)-specific IgA antibody and increased salivary IgA antibody titers. We demonstrate that EOD1BM ingestion enhanced the immunity in the mucosal surface, evoked an antigen-specific response, and increased the health-related QOL, thereby contributing to health improvement.

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