Improved Dry Eye Symptoms and Signs of Patients With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction by a Dietary Supplement

Purpose: To explore the therapeutic effect of a dietary supplement on dry eye with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).Methods: Sixty patients with MGD-related dry eye were included in this prospective and randomized, placebo-controlled study. All the subjects were treated with eye hot compress, artificial tears, and antibiotic ointment. After that, the patients received dietary supplementary or placebo daily for 12 weeks. The dry eye signs, function of MG, and visual quality of the patients were assessed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the treatment.Results: Twelve weeks after the treatment, patients who received dietary supplement had a significantly better improvement of dry eye symptoms, in terms of ocular surface diseases index and tear breaking-up time (TBUT), than those who received placebo (P < 0.05). The functions of MG, in terms of meibum quality and MG exclusion and MG obstruction scores, were significantly improved in both dietary supplement and placebo groups (P < 0.05). Patients who received dietary supplement had a significantly better improvement in the MG structure, in terms of acinar diameter and acinar density, than those who received placebo (P < 0.05). The number of inflammatory cells near MG was significantly lower in the dietary supplement group when compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05). The objective visual quality was significantly improved in the dietary supplement group, but not in the placebo group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The dietary supplement can effectively improve the symptoms and signs of MGD-related dry eye, reduce the inflammatory reaction of MG, restore the gland structure, and indirectly improve the visual quality.

The Impact of Fish Oil Supplementation on Self-Perception of the Voice in Vocal Performers: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Purpose Physically active adults have experienced training benefits from fish oil–derived omega-3 fatty acid (FO n3), which may also be of benefit to singers. The purpose of this research study was to determine if self-reported vocal adaptations and body composition changes occur in singers following FO n3 supplementation in conjunction with a singer's normal training regimen. Method Twenty college students, currently enrolled in vocal lessons at a university, were randomized to receive either 3.0 g of FO n3 or placebo, which they took during a 10-week study period. Participants were blinded to group assignment. Participants completed the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Singing Voice Handicap Index-10 (SVHI-10), and the Evaluation of Ability to Sing Easily (EASE) and submitted to body composition measures (weight, skeletal mass, and body fat mass) before and after the study period. Results Sixteen participants completed all parts of the study protocol. Mean compliance for the placebo group (83.9%) and the supplement group (75.2%) was similar. There were no significant differences in body composition measures, RSI scores, and EASE scores between groups. Scores on the SVHI-10 decreased significantly over time for all participants. Conclusions Improvements seen in the SVHI-10 were not meaningfully different between the supplement and placebo group, pointing to the benefit of weekly lessons. The lack of changes in the questionnaire scores in the supplement group are partially attributed to the low compliance rate and low sample size, which is supported by the lack of change in the body composition measures.

Dynamics of rumen bacterial composition of yak (Bos grunniens) in response to dietary supplements during the cold season

This study aimed to explore the rumen bacterial community of yak in response to dietary supplements during the cold season. In addition, the rumen fermentation products were also analyzed. Twenty-one female domestic yaks were randomly divided into three groups i.e., pure grazing (GG) group, grazing plus oats hay supplement (OG) group, and grazing plus concentrate supplement group (CG). Rumen contents were collected after 90 days to assess rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial community. The GC group presented higher concentrations of ammonia nitrogen (P < 0.001), and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) (P < 0.001), and lower rumen pH (P < 0.001) compared to other experimental groups. The CG group displayed higher proportions of propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate while lower A/P ratio compared to other experimental groups. Shannon, Chao1, and ACE values were significantly lower in the OG group compared to GG and CG groups. Anosim test showed significant differences in bacterial community structure between groups but the PCA plot was not very informative to see these differences. Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes were the three dominant phyla in all groups. The genera Oscillospira was more abundant in GG and OG groups. Higher relative abundance of Ruminococcus and Clostridium was observed in the GG group, while Ruminobacter, Corynebacterium, and Selenomonas were more abundant in the CG group. These findings will help in improving our understanding of rumen bacteria in yaks in response to changes in diet.

The effect of intense physical activity session with glutamine supplementation on selected factors of wrestlers' immune system

Athletes with heavy training loads are prone to infectious diseases. It has been shown that these exercises may suppress immune function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of one session of intense physical activity with glutamine supplementation on selected factors of wrestlers' immune system. For this purpose, 20 wrestlers were selected and randomly divided into two groups of supplement and placebo. The first blood sample was taken from the subjects. Then they did the Bruce test. Immediately after the end of the test, blood samples were taken from the subjects for the second time and then to the supplement group. The glutamine supplement was given the same amount of maltodextrin per kilogram of body weight and the placebo group. Blood samples were taken from the subjects for the third and fourth time 1 and 2.5 hours after taking the supplement or placebo. After measuring blood factors, the findings were statistically analyzed (ANOVA) at a significance level of p <0.05. The results showed that the percentage of neutrophils in the supplement group increased significantly 2.5 hours after supplementation compared to immediately after exercise and 1 hour after supplementation. This increase was less in the supplement group than in the placebo group. The percentage of lymphocytes in the supplement group decreased significantly 2.5 hours after supplementation compared to the pre-test, immediately after exercise and 1 hour after supplementation, which was less in the supplement group than the placebo group. The percentage of monocytes in the supplement group increased significantly 2.5 hours after supplementation compared to immediately after exercise. This increase was less in the supplement group than in the placebo group. The results of this study showed that glutamine supplementation during strenuous exercise has beneficial effects on the immune system of athletes.

The impact of vitamin D supplementation on body fat mass in elite male collegiate athletes

Background Whether vitamin D supplementation has any effect on body fat percentage, especially among elite athletes, remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum vitamin D level in elite male collegiate athletes and to analyze its effect on body fat percentage. Methods We enrolled a total of 42 elite male collegiate athletes in this prospective cohort study. In March 2020, body composition monitoring and blood test were performed. All athletes were provided with vitamin D3 supplement tablets of 25 μg/day. The use of the supplement was dependent on athletes’ preference. During the study period, their club activities were stopped for 2 months due to the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. A second examination, similar to the first one, was performed after approximately 3 months. Supplement usage by each athlete was also confirmed. The participants were divided into a non-supplement group (without supplementation, n = 15) and a supplement group (with supplementation, n = 27). Results Regarding baseline data at initial examination, the non-supplement and supplement groups showed significant differences in the mean body fat percentage (9.0% and 12.1%, respectively; P = 0.03) and serum 25(OH)D level (22.7 and 18.5 ng/mL, respectively, P = 0.02). At the time of the second examination, there were no significant differences in the results of both the groups. In terms of mean change value from the first to the second examination, there were significant differences in body fat percentage (1.9 and 0.2%, respectively, P = 0.02) and serum 25(OH)D level (1.7 and 7.2 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.001) between the two groups. A significant negative correlation was observed between the change ratio of body fat percentage and change value of serum 25(OH)D level (r = − 0.37, P = 0.02). Conclusions Vitamin D supplementation of 25 μg/day significantly increased the serum 25(OH)D level in elite male collegiate athletes. Vitamin D supplementation may play a role in maintaining athletes’ body fat percentage under circumstances where sports activity has decreased.

The Efficacy of Antioxidant Oral Supplements on the Progression of COVID-19 in Non-Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Modulation of cytokine production using immunonutrition is a relatively novel concept to improve outcomes among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and is now hypothesized to help manage COVID-19, however, clinical evidence is lacking. This prospective, double-blinded, randomized parallel-controlled interventional clinical trial investigated the effect of antioxidant supplements on inflammatory cytokines and disease progression in non-critically ill patients. A total of 87 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were randomized using computer-generated-randomization into the supplement group (n = 18) and the placebo group (n = 16) for 10 days. Baseline and final nutritional screening via nutrition risk screening (NRS-2002) and subjective global assessment (SGA), as well as the recording of anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, and functional parameters, were done. Serum ferritin level, cytokine storm parameters such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(MCP-1), C-reactive protein, total leukocyte count, lymphocytic count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were measured. Anthropometric and clinical parameters showed nonsignificant differences between groups. The hematology profile showed improvement in lymphocyte count in the supplement group. However, levels of alkaline phosphatase, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 were significantly lower in the supplement group. In conclusion, antioxidant oral supplementation significantly reduced the cytokine storm and led to partial improvements in clinical parameters among patients with non-critical COVID-19.

Comparative Study on Ginger Supplement and Aerobic Exercise on Primary Dysmenorrhea: the Case of Debre Markos University Students, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Background Primary dysmenorrhoea is a chronic cyclical pelvic pain associated with menstruation in the absence of an identifiable pathological condition. Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common complaints of gynecological problem worldwide among young females. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 week ginger supplement and aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea the case of DebreMarkos university students.Methods Forty (40) female students who had the history of primary dysmenorrhea aged between 19–22 years from departments of sport science and stastics students in Debre Markos University were selected by using purposive sampling technique. The selected subjects were divided into aerobic group (20) and ginger supplement group (20). Ginger supplement group consumed ginger tea for five days per week with once a day and aerobic group underwent aerobic exercise three days a week with in 60 minutes for 12 weeks. Pre and post test was conducted on variables such as VAS, MSQ and BMI. The data collected from subjects were analyzed by SPSS version 20.0 and the comparison of mean value results were carried out by paired sample t-test. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05%. Result The finding of the present study indicates that MSQ test from pre to post test showed positive significant change for ginger supplement group. Also VAS pre to post test showed significant change (MD,0.900) for aerobic group and (MD,1.600) for ginger supplement group and BMI pre to post test showed (MD,0.725) for aerobic group and (MD, 0.642) for ginger supplement group. The result of the study showed that ginger group was more significant change than aerobic group in menstrual symptom questionnaires.Conclusion It was concluded that 12 week ginger supplement and aerobic exercise had positive effect on primary dysmenorrhea to reduce pain during menstruation.

The Acute Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Endothelial Function: A Randomized Cross-Over Pilot Study

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency might be a catalyst in the process of endothelial dysfunction, an early event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the acute effect of an oral Mg supplement as compared to control on endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Nineteen participants (39 years, body mass index (BMI) 22.9 kg/m2) completed this randomized cross-over study. Blood pressure (BP) and FMD were measured and blood samples were taken before participants drank 200 mL water, with or without an over the counter Mg supplement (450 mg and 300 mg for men and women). Measurements were repeated at 60 and 120 min. There was a statistically significant two-way interaction between treatment and time on serum Mg (p = 0.037). A difference of −0.085 mm in FMD was observed 60-min post drink in the control group, as compared to baseline FMD, and no difference was observed in the supplement group as compared to baseline. Despite the non-significant interaction between treatment and time on FMD, once adjusted for baseline, the difference seen in the control group and the lack of change in the supplement group at 60 min post-drink suggests that Mg might attenuate the reduction in FMD post-prandially.

Nutritional values and nutrient digestibility of ground perilla cake (Perilla frutescens) in growing pig diets

This study determined the nutritional values of ground perilla cake (GPC) and the potential for dietary supplementation in growing pigs based on in vitro ileal digestibility (IVID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). The IVID evaluated at four dietary supplementation levels: 0, 5, 10, and 20%. The ATTD was measured by using twenty-four grower crossbred pigs. Pigs were randomly assigned to three dietary supplementation levels (0, 5, and 10%). From these analytical results, GPC raw material contained crude protein (CP) content (31.54%). That total essential amino acid (EAA) was 138.34 mg/g, mainly leucine (28.87 mg/g), and contained notably limiting amino acids for pigs, such as lysine (19.52 mg/g) and methionine (10.94 mg/g). The ether extract content (EE) was 10.52%, and the major free fatty acid (FFA) was linolenic acid (C18:3n3; 55.97%) and the fat-soluble vitamins included γ-tocopherol (367.25 μg/100g). In addition, GPC contained minerals such as phosphorus (1.02%), potassium (0.83%), calcium (0.46%), and iron. However, crude fiber (CF) had a notably high content (24.43%). Increasing GPC levels in pig diets reduced the IVID of dry matter (DM), EE, and CF (P<0.05), especially the 20% GPC supplement. The IVID of the CP did not differ among the groups. Furthermore, the results for the ATTD of the CP and EE in the 5% GPC supplement group were significantly better than that of the other groups (P˂0.05). We found the potential of GPC as an alternative protein source. Moreover, it contained high energy and polyunsaturated fatty acid.

Effect of Oral Calcium Supplementation on Insulin Sensitivity in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Evidence from epidemiological research suggests that dietary calcium may protect against metabolic abnormality in populations at high risk. Observational studies show the relationship between dietary calcium intake and metabolic syndrome. However evidence for beneficial effect of elemental calcium supplementation on metabolic syndrome is limited. Aims: Present studydetermined whether oral calcium supplementation reduced insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome or not. Methods; Hundred patients who have metabolic syndrome without diabetes mellitus, parathyroid disease, chronic renal failure, pregnancy and lactationwere randomly allocated to the group receiving 1500 mg/ day of elemental calcium as calcium carbonate for 8 weeks and the control group. The primary outcome was change in insulin resistance as measured by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Other outcomes were changes of serum free ionized calcium (FiCa) level with accompanying serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level. Fasting serum glucose was measured by glucose oxidase method. Serum insulin and PTH level were measured by enzyme linked immunoassay. Total serum ionized calcium was analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Serum FiCa(mg/dl) level was calculated by using following formula = [6Ca-(K/3)]/(K+6). Results: Mean age of participants was 47.38±13.2 years in calcium supplement group (n = 50) and 49.46±12.9 years in control group (n=50). Mean body mass index was not significant different between two groups (30.91 ±4.23 vs 30.37 ± 4.62 kg/m2). More female were involved in both group, 72% vs 62% respectively. Baseline biochemical parameters of the participants between two groups were not significantly different. After 8 week intervention period, mean serum FiCa increased significantly from 2.64±1.19 mg/dl to 5.82± 5.59 mg/dl, p&lt;0.0001, serum PTH decreased significantly from 57.88 ±17.05 pg/ml to 35.7±23.12 pg/ml, p&lt;0.0001, HOMA-IR decreased significantly from 5.14 ± 3.71 to 2.94±1.51, p&lt;0.0001. None of these parameters were significantly affected in control group. By comparing biochemical changes of calcium supplement group to control group, Mean (SEM) of paired difference changes were observed in serum FiCa level [3.18(0.81) vs 0.81(0.25)mg/dl, p&lt;0.05], serum PTH level [22.18(3.24) vs 3.58(1.99)pg/ml, p&lt;0.0001] and HOMA-IR [2.19(0.45) vs 0.43(0.21), p&lt;0.05]. It indicated that elemental calcium supplementation not only reduced insulin resistance but also decompensated the higher level of PTH to normal range by replenishing FiCa significantly. Conclusion: Eight-week oral elemental calcium supplementation of 1500mg/day showed beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome.