Study of nutritional parameters and physical activity in psoriasis patients attended at a reference center in Northeastern Brazil / Estudo de parâmetros nutricionais e atividade física em pacientes com psoríase atendidos em um centro de referência no Nordeste do Brasil

Psoriasis is defined as an immune-mediated disease, which has a chronic and relapsing nature, multifactorial etiology, strong participation of genetic, immunological and environmental factors. Studies show the association of psoriasis with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. An adequate diet combined with the practice of physical activity is capable of positively influencing the prognosis of the disease. The present study aimed to assess the nutritional status and physical activity practice of patients diagnosed with psoriasis seen at the Reference, Support and Treatment Center for Psoriasis Patients of the University Hospital Lauro Wanderley (HULW), in João Pessoa, Paraiba state from October to December 2018. Patients were evaluated by means of a semi-structured questionnaire to collect information such as identification data, skin color, family history of the disease, previous pathological history, life habits and feeding. High BMI prevailed in 80% of the patients, being 35% overweight and 45% obese. The result showed that 45% of the patients had a diagnosis of type 2 DM and 60% of SAH. When asked about the diagnosis of dyslipidemia, 25% of the patients reported having high cholesterol and/or triglyceride and 10% of the patients did not know how to report. With regard to the practice of physical activity, 65% of patients reported performing physical activities, of which 84.6% performed it at a frequency of 1 to 3 times a week and 15.4%, from 4 to 7 times. This preliminary study allowed us to identify the nutritional profile and the practice of physical activity of individuals with psoriasis treated at a Reference Center. The results showed the coexistence of psoriasis and comorbidities related to the metabolic syndrome in the majority of patients evaluated, with a predominance of obesity, systemic arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Implications of Vitamins in COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment through Immunomodulatory and Anti-Oxidative Mechanisms

Since the appearance of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its announcement as a global pandemic, the search for prophylactic and therapeutic options have become a priority for governments and the scientific community. The approval of several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 is being crucial to overcome this situation, although the victory will not be achieved while the whole population worldwide is not protected against the virus. This is why alternatives should be studied in order to successfully support the immune system before and during a possible infection. An optimal inflammatory and oxidative stress status depends on an adequate diet. Poor levels of several nutrients could be related to an impaired immune response and, therefore, an increased susceptibility to infection and serious outcomes. Vitamins exert a number of anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, which can be of use to fight against this and several other diseases (especially vitamin D and C). Even though they cannot be considered as a definitive therapeutic option, in part owing to the lack of solid conclusions from well-designed clinical trials, currently available evidence from similar respiratory diseases may indicate that it would be rational to deeply explore the use of vitamins during this global pandemic.

Nutrient Adequacy of Global Food Production

A major challenge for countries around the world is to provide a nutritionally adequate diet to their population with limited available resources. A comprehensive analysis that reflects the adequacy of domestic food production for meeting national nutritional needs in different countries is lacking. Here we combined national crop, livestock, aquaculture, and fishery production statistics for 191 countries obtained from UN FAO with food composition databases from USDA and accounted for food loss and waste occurring at various stages to calculate the amounts of calories and 24 essential nutrients destined for human consumption. We then compared the domestic production quantities of all nutrients with their population-level requirements estimated from age- and sex-specific intake recommendations of WHO to assess the nutrient adequacy of the national food production. Our results show inadequate production of seven out of 24 nutrients (choline, calcium, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, and iron) in most countries, despite the overall adequacy of the total global production. High-income countries produce adequate amounts of dietary nutrients in general, while the foods produced in low-income countries mainly comprising roots and cereal products often lack in important micronutrients such as choline, calcium, and vitamin B12. South Asian food production barely fulfills half of the required vitamin A. Our study identifies target nutrients for each country whose domestic production should be encouraged for improving nutritional adequacy through interventions such as increasing the production of foods or fortified foods that are rich in these inadequate nutrients while not undermining the local environment. This assessment can serve as an evidence base for nutrition-sensitive policies facilitating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger and good health and well-being.

Effects of functional foods in diabetic patients: a systematic review

The control of Type II Diabetes Mellitus is directly related to the dietary profile, so an adequate diet for this group of patients must be implemented as soon as possible. But what foods can we use to facilitate glycemic and insulin control? Therefore, this study aims to systematically review the literature on the effects of functional foods in diabetic patients. Method: Systematic review of randomized clinical trials published between 2014 and 2021. Using as descriptors: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (Diabetes Mellitus Type 2), Functional Food. Results: Of the 566 articles found, 65 articles were selected, which passed the PEDro scale of methodological quality, and 11 articles were included. Of which they addressed different functional foods and their effects on different variables in diabetic patients. It can be concluded that several foods have beneficial effects on glycemic and insulin control in diabetic patients. Still, as a benefit, they had side effects in controlling dyslipidemia, blood pressure, and BMI.

Betaine supplementation to adequate nutrient diet does not affect the growth performance of quails divergently selected based on bodyweight

This study aimed to determine the effect of body weight clustering and betaine supplementation to adequate nutrient diet on the growth performance of quails. Nine hundred seven-day-old quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were allotted to a 3×2 factorial completely randomized design. Three bodyweight clusters included Random (21.1±1.2 g), Low (17.9±0.4 g), and High (22.4±0.4 g). Each bodyweight cluster was fed a diet without (0%) and with betaine supplementation (0.14%), resulting in six combination treatments. Each treatment consisted of five replicates of 30 quails. The basal diet was formulated with sufficient protein (22%) and metabolizable energy (2800 kcal/kg). The observed variables included feed intake, body weight, feed conversion, and protein and energy efficiency ratio. The results revealed that there was no interaction between body weight and betaine supplementation on all variables. The High body weight group consumed more feed and produced a higher body weight on 42 days of age than other treatments (p<0.05). However, betaine supplementation did not affect all growth trait variables. In conclusion, betaine supplementation to nutrient adequate diet is not effective in improving growth performance of quails divergently selected based on body weight.

Unusual Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Properties in Adjuvant Therapy Supporting Cognition Impairment in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders

Cognitive function decline is strictly related to age, resulting in the loss of the ability to perform daily behaviors and is a fundamental clinical neurodegeneration symptom. It has been proven that an adequate diet, comprehensive nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle may significantly inhibit neurodegenerative processes, improving cognitive functions. Therefore, intensive research has been conducted on cognitive-enhancing treatment for many years, especially with substances of natural origin. There are several intervention programs aimed at improving cognitive functions in elderly adults. Cognitive functions depend on body weight, food consumed daily, the quality of the intestinal microflora, and the supplements used. The effectiveness in the prevention of dementia is particularly high before the onset of the first symptoms. The impact of diet and nutrition on age-associated cognitive decline is becoming a growing field as a vital factor that may be easily modified, and the effects may be observed on an ongoing basis. The paper presents a review of the latest preclinical and clinical studies on the influence of natural antioxidants on cognitive functions, with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, despite the promising research results in animal models, the clinical application of natural compounds will only be possible after solving a few challenges.

Sustainable dietetic models in Europe: the Mediterranean diet as case study

More than five years since the global commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 690 million people lack sufficient food and economic projections suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may add an additional 83 to 132 million people to the ranks of the undernourished. Meanwhile, 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted globally each year, utilizing 38% of total energy consumption in the global food system. Child and adult overweight and obesity are increasing in almost all countries, and on a global level the cost of a healthy diet is 60% higher than the cost of a nutrient adequate diet, and almost 5 times the cost of an energy sufficient diet. The Mediterranean Diet is one of the recognized models of healthy and sustainable diets. This model has proven to promote longevity and well-being, not only by considering specific food items and dietary patterns, but also taking into account the culture and the history of populations living in that region, as well as social aspects such as tradition and conviviality. Moreover, it is strongly tied to a gastronomic background that links health with enjoyment. This may be extremely important for the implementation of feasible programs for the prevention of chronic non communicable diseases. In fact, long lasting lifestyle changes are difficult to achieve and, although health motivations may lead to satisfactory dietary compliance in the short term, pleasure remains an important determinant of any dietary change that is intended to last. While keeping traditional dietary habits at European level, the main principles of the Mediterranean diet could be taken into account to identify key features that ensure both health benefits and sustainable impact on environment. Assessing the sustainability of these products can be an effective operational approach for preserving and promoting a Mediterranean-type dietary pattern in the European region.

Fiber intake and health in people with chronic kidney disease

Emerging evidence suggests that diet, particularly one that is rich in dietary fiber, may prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associated complications in people with established CKD. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence and discusses the opportunities for increasing fiber intake in people with CKD to improve health and disease complications. A higher consumption of fiber exerts multiple health benefits, such as increasing stool output, promoting the growth of beneficial microbiota, improving the gut barrier and decreasing inflammation, as well decreasing uremic toxin production. Despite this, the majority of people with CKD consume less than recommended dietary fiber intake, which is part may be due to the competing dietary potassium concern. Based on existing evidence, we see benefits from adopting a higher intake of fiber-rich food, and recommend cooperation with the dietitian to ensure an adequate diet plan. We also identify knowledge gaps for future research and suggest means to improve patient adherence to a high-fiber diet.

Formulation of India State Hunger Index and Assessment of Associated Factors

There are many faces of hunger such as loss of energy, lack of interest, increased vulnerability to disease, shortfalls in nutritional status and premature death. Hunger is usually linked with lack of food. India State Hunger Index was formulated by assigning weights to the components of the index using principal component analysis. Association between hunger index and factors affecting it was assessed. Kerala has the minimum index score indicating less hunger, whereas, Jharkhand has the maximum index score depicting serious hunger situation. Literacy (men-women), households with improved drinking water facility and households with sanitation facility are highly associated with the India State Hunger Index. The factors like literacy (men-women), household with improved drinking water and sanitation facility and child’s adequate diet are required to be considered while framing the policies to mitigate the problem of hunger.