Nutrients Intake Is Associated with DNA Methylation of Candidate Inflammatory Genes in a Population of Obese Subjects

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential association between dietary nutrients and alterations in DNA methylation in a set of five candidate genes, including CD14, Et-1, iNOS, HERV-w and TNFα, in a population of overweight/obese subjects. We evaluated possible associations between gene methylation and clinical blood parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C), triglyceride and homocysteine levels. We employed validated methods to assess anthropometric, clinical and dietary data, as well as pyrosequencing to evaluate DNA methylation of the five candidate genes in 165 overweight/obese subjects. There was no association between body mass index and DNA methylation of the five candidate genes in this group of subjects. Positive associations were observed between TNFα methylation and blood levels of LDL-C (β = 0.447, p = 0.002), TC/HDL-C (β = 0.467, p = 0.001) and LDL-C/HDL-C (β = 0.445, p = 0.002), as well as between HERV-w methylation and dietary intakes of β-carotene (β = 0.088, p = 0.051) and carotenoids (β = 0.083, p = 0.029). TNFα methylation showed negative associations with dietary intakes of cholesterol (β = −0.278, p = 0.048), folic acid (β = −0.339, p = 0.012), β-carotene (β = −0.332, p = 0.045), carotenoids (β = −0.331, p = 0.015) and retinol (β = −0.360, p = 0.008). These results suggest a complex relationship among nutrient intake, oxidative stress and DNA methylation.     

Vitamin A status of 20- to 59-year-old adults living in Seoul and the metropolitan area,Korea

Dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of retinol and carotenoids were estimated in assessing the vitamin A status of Korean adults living in Seoul and the metropolitan area. Three consecutive 24-h food recalls were collected from 106 healthy subjects (33 males and 73 females) aged 20-59 years. Fasting blood samples of the subjects were obtained and plasma retinol and carotenoids were analyzed. The daily vitamin A intakes (mean ± SD) were 887.77 ± 401.35 µg retinol equivalents or 531.84 ± 226.42 µg retinol activity equivalents. There were no significant differences in vitamin A intakes among age groups. The retinol intake of subjects was 175.92 ± 129.87 µg/day. The retinol intake of the subjects in their 50''s was significantly lower than those in their 20''s and 30''s (P < 0.05). Provitamin A carotenoid intakes were 3,828.37 ± 2,196.29 µg/day β-carotene, 472.57 ± 316.68 µg/day α-carotene, and 412.83 ± 306.46 µg/day β-cryptoxanthin. Approximately 17% of the subjects consumed vitamin A less than the Korean Estimated Average Requirements for vitamin A. The plasma retinol concentration was 1.22 ± 0.34 µmol/L. There was no significant difference in plasma retinol concentrations among age groups. However, the concentrations of β-carotene, lycopene, and lutein of subjects in their 50''s were significantly higher than those of in their 20''s. Only one subject had a plasma retinol concentration < 0.70 µmol/L indicating marginal vitamin A status. Plasma retinol concentration in 30% of the subjects was 0.70- < 1.05 µmol/L, which is interpreted as the concentration possibly responsive to greater intake of vitamin A. In conclusion, dietary intakes and status of vitamin A were generally adequate in Korean adults examined in this study.     

Dietary Intake and Circulating Concentrations of Carotenoids and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Observational Studies

Previous meta-analysis studies have indicated inverse associations between some carotenoids and risks of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality. However, the results for associations between carotenoids and type 2 diabetes (T2D) remain inconsistent and no systematic assessment has been done on this topic. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the associations of dietary intakes and circulating concentrations of carotenoids with risk of T2D. We searched PubMed and Ovid Embase from database inception to July 2020. Prospective observational studies of carotenoids and T2D risk were included. Random-effects models were used to summarize the RRs and 95% CIs. Thirteen publications were included. Dietary intake of β-carotene was inversely associated with the risk of T2D, and the pooled RR comparing the highest with the lowest categories was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.87; I² = 13.7%; n = 6); inverse associations were also found for total carotenoids (n = 2), α-carotene (n = 4), and lutein/zeaxanthin (n = 4), with pooled RRs ranging from 0.80 to 0.91, whereas no significant associations were observed for β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene. Circulating concentration of β-carotene was associated with a lower risk of T2D, and the pooled RR comparing extreme categories was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.78; I² = 56.2%; n = 7); inverse associations were also found for total carotenoids (n = 3), lycopene (n = 4), and lutein (n = 2), with pooled RRs ranging from 0.63 to 0.85, whereas no significant association was found for circulating concentrations of α-carotene and zeaxanthin when comparing extreme categories. Dose-response analysis indicated that nonlinear relations were observed for circulating concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein, and total carotenoids (all P-nonlinearity < 0.05), but not for other carotenoids or dietary exposures. In conclusion, higher dietary intakes and circulating concentrations of total carotenoids, especially β-carotene, were associated with a lower risk of T2D. More studies are needed to confirm the causality and explore the role of foods rich in carotenoids in prevention of T2D.This systematic review was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero as CRD42020196616.     

Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation Using Liposomes,Cyclodextrins, or Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Cystic Fibrosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency remains a challenge in cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic pancreatitis, and biliary atresia. Liposomes and cyclodextrins can enhance their bioavailability, thus this multi-center randomized placebo-controlled trial compared three-month supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins in the form of liposomes or cyclodextrins to medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in pancreatic-insufficient CF patients. The daily doses were as follows: 2000 IU of retinyl palmitate, 4000 IU of vitamin D3, 200 IU of RRR-α-tocopherol, and 200 µg of vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7, with vitamin E given in soybean oil instead of liposomes. All participants received 4 mg of β-carotene and 1.07 mg of vitamin K1 to ensure compliance with the guidelines. The primary outcome was the change from the baseline of all-trans-retinol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations and the percentage of undercarboxylated osteocalcin. Out of 75 randomized patients (n = 28 liposomes, n = 22 cyclodextrins, and n = 25 MCT), 67 completed the trial (89%; n = 26 liposomes, n = 18 cyclodextrins, and n = 23 MCT) and had a median age of 22 years (IQR 19–28), body mass index of 20.6 kg/m² [18.4–22.0], and forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 65% (44–84%). The liposomal formulation of vitamin A was associated with the improved evolution of serum all-trans-retinol compared to the control (median +1.7 ng/mL (IQR −44.3–86.1) vs. −38.8 ng/mL (−71.2–6.8), p = 0.028). Cyclodextrins enhanced the bioavailability of vitamin D3 (+9.0 ng/mL (1.0–17.0) vs. +3.0 ng/mL (−4.0–7.0), p = 0.012) and vitamin E (+4.34 µg/mL (0.33–6.52) vs. −0.34 µg/mL (−1.71–2.15), p = 0.010). Liposomes may augment the bioavailability of vitamin A and cyclodextrins may strengthen the supplementation of vitamins D3 and E relative to MCT in pancreatic-insufficient CF but further studies are required to assess liposomal vitamin E (German Clinical Trial Register number DRKS00014295, funded from EU and Norsa Pharma).     

Biochemical Validation of the Older Australian’s Food Frequency Questionnaire Using Carotenoids and Vitamin E

Background: Validation of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is important, as inaccurate and imprecise information may affect the association between dietary exposure and health outcomes. Objective: This study assessed the validity of the Older Australian’s FFQ against plasma carotenoids and Vitamin E. Methods: A random subsample (n = 150) of 2420 participants in the Hunter Community Study, aged 55–85 years, were included. Correlations between crude and energy-adjusted FFQ estimates of carotenoids, Vitamin E, and fruit and vegetables with corresponding biomarkers were determined. Percentages of participants correctly classified in the same quartile, and in the same ± 1 quartile, by the two methods were calculated. Results: Significant correlations (P < 0.05) were observed for α-carotene (r = 0.26–0.28), β-carotene (r = 0.21–0.25), and β-cryptoxanthin (r = 0.21–0.23). Intakes of fruits and vegetables also showed similar correlations with these plasma carotenoids. Lycopene was only significantly correlated with fruit and vegetable intakes (r = 0.19–0.23). Weak correlations were observed for lutein + zeaxanthin (r = 0.12–0.16). For Vitamin E, significant correlation was observed for energy-adjusted FFQ estimate and biomarker (r = 0.20). More than 68% of individuals were correctly classified within the same or adjacent quartile, except for lutein + zeaxanthin. Conclusion: With the exception of lutein + zeaxanthin, the Older Australian’s FFQ provides reasonable rankings for individuals according to their carotenoids, Vitamin E, fruit and vegetable intakes.     

β-Carotene Status Is Associated with Inflammation and Two Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with and without Osteoarthritis

This study was conducted to investigate the β-carotene status in osteoarthritis (OA) patients and examine its relationships with the risk of inflammation and metabolic syndrome. OA patients were stratified by obesity based on body fat percentage (obese OA, n = 44; non-obese OA, n = 56), and sixty-nine subjects without OA or obesity were assigned as a non-obese control group. β-carotene, metabolic parameters, and inflammation status were assessed. Obese OA patients exhibited a significantly higher rate of metabolic syndrome (p = 0.02), abdominal obesity (p < 0.01), and lower β-carotene status (p < 0.01) compared with non-obese OA and non-obese controls. After adjusting for potential confounders, β-carotene status (≥0.8 µM) was significantly inversely correlated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 0.27, p < 0.01), abdominal obesity (odds ratio = 0.33, p < 0.01), high blood pressure (odds ratio = 0.35, p < 0.01), hyperglycemia (odds ratio = 0.45, p < 0.05), and inflammation (odds ratio = 0.30, p = 0.01). Additionally, subjects who had a high β-carotene status with a low proportion of metabolic syndrome when they had a low-grade inflammatory status (p < 0.01). Obese OA patients suffered from a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and lower β-carotene status compared to the non-obese controls. A better β-carotene status (≥0.8 µM) was inversely associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome and inflammation, so we suggest that β-carotene status could be a predictor of the risk of metabolic syndrome and inflammation in patients with and without OA.     

Fruit and Vegetable Intake Assessed by Food Frequency Questionnaire and Plasma Carotenoids: A Validation Study in Adults

Dietary validation studies of self-reported fruit and vegetable intake should ideally include measurement of plasma biomarkers of intake. The aim was to conduct a validation study of self-reported fruit and vegetable intakes in adults, using the Australian Eating Survey (AES) food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), against a range of plasma carotenoids. Dietary intakes were assessed using the semi-quantitative 120 item AES FFQ. Fasting plasma carotenoids (α- and β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene and cryptoxanthin) were assessed using high performance liquid chromatography in a sample of 38 adult volunteers (66% female). Significant positive correlations were found between FFQ and plasma carotenoids for α-carotene, β-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin (52%, 47%, 26%, p < 0.001, 0.003, 0.041; respectively) and relationships between plasma carotenoids (except lycopene) and weight status metrics (BMI, waist circumference, fat mass) were negative and highly significant. The results of the current study demonstrate that carotenoid intakes as assessed by the AES FFQ are significantly related to plasma concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin, the carotenoids commonly found in fruit and vegetables. Lower levels of all plasma carotenoids, except lycopene, were found in individuals with higher BMI. We conclude that the AES can be used to measure fruit and vegetable intakes with confidence.     

ApoE4 Is Associated with Lower Body Mass,Particularly Fat Mass,in Older Women with Cognitive Impairment

A lower body mass is associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the risk of mortality in patients with AD; however, evidence of genetic determinants of decreased body mass in cognitively impaired older adults is limited. We therefore investigated the genetic effect of APOE-ε4 on body composition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-to-moderate-stage AD. A total of 1631 outpatients (aged 65–89 years) with MCI and early-to-moderate-stage AD were evaluated for the association between body composition and APOE-ε4 status. After adjusting for covariates, including cognitive function evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination, the presence of the APOE-ε4 was associated with lower weight (β = −1.116 ± 0.468 kg per presence, p = 0.017), fat mass (β = −1.196 ± 0.401 kg per presence, p = 0.003), and percentage of body fat (β = −1.700 ± 0.539% per presence, p = 0.002) in women but not in men. Additionally, the impact of APOE-ε4 on measures of body composition in women was more remarkable in MCI than in AD patients. The presence of the APOE-ε4 allele was associated with lower fat mass, particularly in women with MCI, independent of cognitive decline.     

Vitamin D Boosts Alendronate Tail Effect on Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis

Vitamin D modulates bisphosphonate (BP) efficacy, but its contribution to bone mineral density (BMD) after BP discontinuation is not known. To address this topic, we performed a retrospective analysis of postmenopausal women exposed to alendronate (ALN) to treat osteoporosis who regularly continued the supplementation of cholecalciferol or calcifediol at recommended doses. In the ninety-six recruited women (age 61.1 ± 6.9 years), ALN was administered for 31.2 ± 20.6 months and then discontinued for 33.3 ± 18.9 months. The modification of 25(OH)D serum levels over time was associated with a change of alkaline phosphatase (r = −0.22, p = 0.018) and C-terminal collagen type 1 telopeptide (r = −0.3, p = 0.06). Women in the tertile of the highest increase in 25(OH)D level showed a 5.7% BMD gain at lumbar spine, that was twice as great in comparison with participants with a lower 25(OH)D variation. At a multiple regression analysis, BMD change was associated with time since menopause (ß = 2.28, SE 0.44, p < 0.0001), FRAX score for major fracture (ß = −0.65, SE 0.29, p = 0.03), drug holiday duration (ß = −2.17, SE 0.27, p < 0.0001) and change of 25(OH)D levels (ß = 0.15, SE 0.03, p = 0.0007). After ALN discontinuation, improving the vitamin D status boosts the ALN tail effect on BMD.     

Mediterranean Diet Affects Blood Circulating Lipid-Soluble Micronutrients and Inflammatory Biomarkers in a Cohort of Breast Cancer Survivors: Results from the SETA Study

Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health concern and substantial research has shown that adhering to a healthy dietary pattern, such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD), may prevent the onset of cancer and BC relapses. This study aims at specifically investigating the association of MD with circulating dietary-related biomarkers in a cohort of BC survivors. Eighty patients (mean age of 54.9 ± 10.6) with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of BC who had not received any pharmacological or radiotherapy treatment for at least two months were enrolled. Fasting serum lipid-soluble vitamins (retinol, tocopherol), plant pigments (β-carotene, lutein + zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, lycopene), inflammatory and oxidative stress markers (ceruloplasmin; haptoglobin; paraoxonases; reactive oxygen molecule; thiol groups, Ferric reducing antioxidant power), and cardiometabolic parameters (body mass index (BMI); glucose; insulin; HOMA-IR; total cholesterol; LDL-cholesterol; HDL-cholesterol; triglycerides) were analyzed. Adherence to the MD was assessed through the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were collected for the evaluation of selected biomarkers. MDS resulted positively correlated with β-carotene (r 0.331; p < 0.01) and lycopene (r 0.274; p < 0.05) and negatively with retinol (r −0.346; p < 0.05). Among the investigated inflammatory biomarkers, MDS was only correlated with antioxidant capacity (r 0.256; p < 0.05), while none of the investigated cardiometabolic parameters were significantly correlated with this index. The strong significant correlation between β-carotene and MDS encourages us to consider this pro-vitamin as a putative biomarker to take into account for evaluating the adherence to the MD.     

Caregiver Status and Diet Quality in Community-Dwelling Adults

Objective: We investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of diet quality with middle-aged caregiver status. Methods: Caregiving in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study (57.7% women, 62% African American (AA)) was measured at waves 3 (2009–2013) and 4 (2013–2017) (mean follow-up time 4.1 years). Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) derived from two separate 24 h diet recalls. Multivariable ordinary least square regression was performed for cross-sectional analyses of the association of wave 4 caregiving with wave 4 HEI-2010. Wave 3 caregiving was examined both cross-sectionally and with annual rate of change in HEI using mixed-effects linear regression Models. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, sex, and poverty status. Results: Cross-sectional analyses at wave 4 demonstrate an inverse association of frequent caregiving (“Daily or Weekly” vs. “Never”) for grandchildren with HEI-2010 total score (i.e., lower diet quality) among Whites (β = −2.83 ± 1.19, p = 0.03, Model 2) and AAs (β = −1.84 ± 0.79, p = 0.02,). The “cross-sectional” analysis pertaining to grandchildren caregiving frequency suggested that frequent caregiving (i.e., “Daily or Weekly” vs. “Never” (β = −2.90 ± 1.17, p = 0.04)) only among Whites was inversely related to HEI-2010 total score. Total HEI-2010 score was also related to caring (Model 1), for the elderly over “5 years vs. Never” among Whites (−7.31 ± 3.54, p = 0.04, Model 2). Longitudinally, we found slight potential improvement in diet quality over time (“Daily or Weekly” vs. Never by TIME interaction: +0.88 ± 0.38, p = 0.02) with frequent caregiving among Whites, but not so among AAs. Conclusions: Frequent caring for grandchildren had an inverse relationship with the diet quality of White and AA urban middle-aged caregivers, while caring for elderly was inversely linked to diet quality among Whites only. Longitudinal studies should address the paucity of research on caregivers’ nutritional quality.     

The Personal Food Systems of Pre-Season NCAA Division 1 High-Contact,Low-Contact,and Non-Contact College Athletes

Previous research indicates that dietary habits may differ between athletes of different sports. In this cross-sectional study, we hypothesize meal frequency, food choices, and food preferences will significantly differ between contact types. The participants were athletes (n = 92; men: n = 57, body fat percent (BF%): 14.8 ± 8.4%, body mass index (BMI): 25.5 ± 5.5 kg·m⁻²; women: n = 36, BF%: 26.7 ± 7.3%, BMI: 22.3 ± 2.7 kg·m⁻²) from high-contact (HCS), low-contact (LCS), and non-contact (NCS) sports. Meal frequency, food preference, and food choice questionnaires assessed factors influencing dietary habits. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured lean body mass, fat mass, and body fat. A GLM multivariate analysis was used with significance accepted at p < 0.05. Significant body composition differences were observed between genders (p < 0.001) and among sports (p < 0.001). Dinner (83.7%), lunch (67.4%), and breakfast (55.4%) were the most frequently eaten meals, followed by evening snack (17.8%), afternoon snack (15.2%), and morning snack (8.7%). Greater preferences for starches were observed for HCS (p = 0.04; η² = 0.07) and for a greater preference for vegetables was found for NCS (p = 0.02; η² = 0.09). Significant differences also existed in the importance of health (p = 0.04; η² = 0.07), weight control (p = 0.05; η² = 0.11), natural content (p = 0.04; η² = 0.07), and price (p = 0.04; η² = 0.07). These results support our hypothesis that food choices and food preferences differ between contact types. This may help sports dieticians create more individualized nutrition programs.     

Food Predictors of Plasma Carotenoids

Empirical prediction models that weight food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) food items by their relation to nutrient biomarker concentrations may estimate nutrient exposure better than nutrient intakes derived from food composition databases. Carotenoids may especially benefit because contributing foods vary in bioavailability and assessment validity. Our objective was to develop empirical prediction models for the major plasma carotenoids and total carotenoids and evaluate their validity compared with dietary intakes calculated from standard food composition tables. 4180 nonsmoking women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) blood subcohort with previously measured plasma carotenoids were randomly divided into training (n = 2787) and testing (n = 1393) subsets. Empirical prediction models were developed in the training subset by stepwise selection from foods contributing ≥0.5% to intake of the relevant carotenoid. Spearman correlations between predicted and measured plasma concentrations were compared to Spearman correlations between dietary intake and measured plasma concentrations for each carotenoid. Three to 12 foods were selected for the α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, and total carotenoids prediction models. In the testing subset, Spearman correlations with measured plasma concentrations for the calculated dietary intakes and predicted plasma concentrations, respectively, were 0.31 and 0.37 for α-carotene, 0.29 and 0.31 for β-carotene, 0.36 and 0.41 for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.28 and 0.31 for lutein/zeaxanthin, 0.22 and 0.23 for lycopene, and 0.22 and 0.27 for total carotenoids. Empirical prediction models may modestly improve assessment of some carotenoids, particularly α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin.     

Improving Glucose Homeostasis after Parathyroidectomy for Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism with Co-Existing Prediabetes

We have previously described increased fasting plasma glucose levels in patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) and co-existing prediabetes, compared to prediabetes per se. This study evaluated the effect of parathyroidectomy (PTx) (Group A), versus conservative follow-up (Group B), in a small cohort of patients with co-existing NPHPT and prediabetes. Sixteen patients were categorized in each group. Glycemic parameters (levels of fasting glucose (fGlu), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting insulin (fIns)), the homeostasis model assessment for estimating insulin secretion (HOMA-B) and resistance (HOMA-IR), and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test were evaluated at baseline and after 32 weeks for both groups. Measurements at baseline were not significantly different between Groups A and B, respectively: fGlu (119.4 ± 2.8 vs. 118.2 ± 1.8 mg/dL, p = 0.451), HbA_1c (5.84 ± 0.3 %vs. 5.86 ± 0.4%, p = 0.411), HOMA-IR (3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 2.9 ± 0.2, p = 0.213), HOMA-B (112.9 ± 31.8 vs. 116.9 ± 21.0%, p = 0.312), fIns (11.0 ± 2.3 vs. 12.8 ± 1.4 μIU/mL, p = 0.731), and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations (163.2 ± 3.2 vs. 167.2 ± 3.2 mg/dL, p = 0.371). fGlu levels demonstrated a positive correlation with PTH concentrations for both groups (Group A, rho = 0.374, p = 0.005, and Group B, rho = 0.359, p = 0.008). At the end of follow-up, Group A demonstrated significant improvements after PTx compared to the baseline: fGlu ((119.4 ± 2.8 vs. 111.2 ± 1.9 mg/dL, p = 0.021) (−8.2 ± 0.6 mg/dL)), and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations ((163.2 ± 3.2 vs. 144.4 ± 3.2 mg/dL, p = 0.041), (−18.8 ± 0.3 mg/dL)). For Group B, results demonstrated non-significant differences: fGlu ((118.2 ± 1.8 vs. 117.6 ± 2.3 mg/dL, p = 0.031), (−0.6 ± 0.2 mg/dL)), and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations ((167.2 ± 2.7 vs. 176.2 ± 3.2 mg/dL, p = 0.781), (+9.0 ± 0.8 mg/dL)). We conclude that PTx for individuals with NPHPT and prediabetes may improve their glucose homeostasis when compared with conservative follow-up, after 8 months of follow-up.     

The Effects of Pre-Game Carbohydrate Intake on Running Performance and Substrate Utilisation during Simulated Gaelic Football Match Play

Background: Previous research has reported that elite Gaelic football players’ carbohydrate (CHO) intakes are sub-optimal, especially, in the lead up to competitive matches. Despite clear decrements in running performance across elite Gaelic football matches, there are no studies that have investigated nutrition interventions on match-related Gaelic football performance. The aim of this study was to determine whether a higher-CHO diet in line with sports nutrition guidelines can improve Gaelic football-related performance compared to lower CHO intakes previously observed in Gaelic footballers. Methods: Twelve Gaelic football players completed a Gaelic football simulation protocol (GFSP) on two occasions after consuming a high-CHO diet (7 g·kg⁻¹) (HCHO) or an energy-matched lower-CHO diet (3.5 g·kg⁻¹) (L-CHO) for 48 h. Movement demands and heart rate were measured using portable global positioning systems devices. Countermovement jump height (CMJ) and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) were measured throughout each trial. Expired respiratory gases were collected throughout the trial using a portable gas analyser. Blood samples were taken at rest, half-time, and post-simulation. Results: There was no significant difference in total distance (p = 0.811; η² = 0.005) or high-speed running distance (HSRD) covered between both trials. However, in the second half of the HCHO trial, HSRD was significantly greater compared to the second half of the LCHO trial (p = 0.015). Sprint distance covered during GFSP was significantly greater in HCHO (8.1 ± 3.5 m·min⁻¹) compared with LCHO (6.4 ± 3.2 m·min⁻¹) (p = 0.011; η² = 0.445). RSA performance (p < 0.0001; η² = 0.735) and lower body power (CMJ) (p < 0.0001; η² = 0.683) were significantly greater during the HCHO trial compared to LCHO. Overall CHO oxidation rates were significantly greater under HCHO conditions compared to LCHO (3.3 ± 0.5 vs. 2.7 ± 0.6 g·min⁻¹) (p < 0.001; η² = 0.798). Blood lactate concentrations were significantly higher during HCHO trial versus LCHO (p = 0.026; η² = 0.375). There were no significant differences in plasma glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and glycerol concentration between trials. In both trials, all blood metabolites were significantly elevated at half-time and post-trial compared to pre-trial. Conclusion: These findings indicate that a higher-CHO diet can reduce declines in physical performance during simulated Gaelic football match play.     

Association of Antioxidant Vitamins A,C, E and Carotenoids with Cognitive Performance over Time: A Cohort Study of Middle-Aged Adults

Carotenoids may strengthen the association of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E with favorable cognitive outcomes over time, though a few prospective studies have examined this hypothesis. We evaluated the longitudinal data from 1251 participants in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study (Age at visit 1 in 2004–2009 (v₁): 30–65 years). Vitamins A, C, and E dietary intakes and total and individual dietary carotenoids were computed using two 24-h recalls at v₁. Cognitive tests, covering global mental status and domains of memory/learning, attention, psychomotor speed, visuo-spatial, language/verbal, and executive function were conducted at v₁ and/or v₂ (2009–2013); mean ± SD follow-up: 4.66 ± 0.93 years. Mixed-effects linear regression models detected an interaction between vitamin E and total (and individual) carotenoids for three of 11 cognitive tests at v₁, with only one meeting the statistical significance upon multiple testing correction whereby vitamin E was linked with greater verbal memory performance in the uppermost total carotenoid tertile (γ_0a = +0.26 ± 0.08, p = 0.002), a synergism largely driven by carotenoid lycopene. Vitamins A and C showed no consistent interactions with carotenoids. In conclusion, we provide partial evidence for synergism between vitamin E and carotenoids in relation to better baseline cognitive performance, pending further studies with time-dependent exposures and randomized trials directly examining this synergism.     

Novel Healthy Eating Index to Examine Daily Food Guides Adherence and Frailty in Older Taiwanese

This study was conducted to investigate the adherence of Daily Food Guides (DFGs) among older Taiwanese, and the relationship of dietary quality and frailty. 154 functional independent older adults who were retirement home residents or community dwellers involved in congregate meal services were recruited. DFGs adherence was measured using a novel Taiwanese Healthy Index (T-HEI). Dietary quality was further assessed using Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Frailty was defined using modified Fried’s criteria. Of the total participants, 12.3% were considered non-frail individuals, while 77.3% were prefrail, and 10.4% were frail. Compared to non-frail participants, prefrail and frail individuals indicated significantly lower adherence to DFGs (p_trend = 0.025). Intake of dark or orange vegetables (p_trend = 0.010), whole grains (p_trend = 0.007), as well as nuts and seeds (p_trend = 0.029) by non-frail individuals were significantly higher than the levels by prefrail and frail individuals. Linear regression model adjusted for age, gender, and functional ability showed that T-HEI was inversely associated with frailty status (β = −0.16 ± 0, p = 0.047), but additional adjustment for nutritional status attenuated the association (β = −0.14 ± 0, p = 0.103). A similar relationship was observed for DASH but not MDS (DASH: β = −0.18 ± 0.01, p = 0.024; MDS: β = −0.06 ± 0.02, p = 0.465). After adjustment for confounders, the association was not observed. However, the distribution of whole grains component in both DASH and MDS was significantly higher in non-frail than prefrail and frail individuals, indicating the importance of whole grains intake in frailty prevention. In conclusion, higher adherence to DFGs and better dietary quality were associated with a lower prevalence of frailty. Higher nutrient-dense foods intake such as whole grains, dark or orange vegetables, nuts, and seeds mark a watershed in frailty prevention.     

The Influence of Sport Nutrition Knowledge on Body Composition and Perceptions of Dietary Requirements in Collegiate Athletes

Sport nutrition knowledge has been shown to influence dietary habits of athletes. The purpose of the current study was to examine relationships between sport nutrition knowledge and body composition and examine potential predictors of body weight goals in collegiate athletes. Participants included National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III women (n = 42, height: 169.9 ± 6.9 cm; body mass: 67.1 ± 8.6 kg; fat-free mass: 51.3 ± 6.6 kg; body fat percent: 24.2 ± 5.3%) and men (n = 25, height: 180.8 ± 7.2 cm; body mass: 89.2 ± 20.5 kg; fat-free mass: 75.9 ± 12.2 kg; body fat percent: 13.5 ± 8.9%) athletes. Body composition was assessed via air displacement plethysmography. Athletes completed a validated questionnaire designed to assess sport nutrition knowledge and were asked questions about their perceived dietary energy and macronutrient requirements, as well as their body weight goal (i.e., lose, maintain, gain weight). Athletes answered 47.98 ± 11.29% of questions correctly on the nutrition questionnaire with no differences observed between sexes (men: 49.52 ± 11.76% vs. women: 47.03 ± 11.04%; p = 0.40). An inverse relationship between sport nutrition knowledge scores and body fat percentage (BF%) (r = −0.330; p = 0.008), and fat mass (r = −0.268; p = 0.032) was observed for all athletes. Fat mass (β = 0.224), BF% (β = 0.217), and body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.421) were all significant (p < 0.05) predictors of body weight goal in women. All athletes significantly (p < 0.001) underestimated daily energy (−1360 ± 610.2 kcal/day), carbohydrate (−301.6 ± 149.2 grams/day [g/day]), and fat (−41.4 ± 34.5 g/day) requirements. Division III collegiate athletes have a low level of sport nutrition knowledge, which was associated with a higher BF%. Women athletes with a higher body weight, BF% and BMI were more likely to select weight loss as a body weight goal. Athletes also significantly underestimated their energy and carbohydrate requirements based upon the demands of their sport, independent of sex.     

Association of Testosterone-Related Dietary Pattern with Testicular Function among Adult Men: A Cross-Sectional Health Screening Study in Taiwan

Diets could play an important role in testicular function, but studies on how adherence to the dietary patterns influences human testicular function in Asian countries are scarce. Herein, we examined the association between testosterone-related dietary patterns and testicular function among adult men in Taiwan. This cross-sectional study recruited 3283 men who attended a private medical screening program from 2009 to 2015. Testosterone-related dietary pattern was generated by the reduced rank regression (RRR) method. The association between adherence to quartile of dietary pattern scores with sex hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2)) and sperm quality (sperm concentration (SC), total sperm motility (TSM), progressive motility (PRM), and normal sperm morphology (NSM)) were examined by multivariable linear regression. Hemoglobin (β = 0.57, p < 0.001), hematocrit (β = 0.17, p = 0.002), triglyceride (β = −0.84, p < 0.001), HDL-cholesterol (β = 3.58, p < 0.001), total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio (β = −0.78, p < 0.001), and uric acid (β = −10.77, p < 0.001) were highly correlated with testosterone levels. Therefore, these biomarkers were used to construct a testosterone-related dietary pattern. Highest adherence (Q4) to dietary pattern scores were negatively associated with lower testosterone in the pooled analysis (β = −0.89, p = 0.037) and normal-weight men (β = −1.48, p = 0.019). Likewise, men in the Q4 of the dietary pattern had lower SC (β = −5.55, p = 0.001) and NSM (β = −2.22, p = 0.007) regardless of their nutritional status. Our study suggesting that testosterone-related dietary pattern (rich in preserved vegetables or processed meat or fish, deep-fried foods, innards organs, rice or flour products cooked in oil, and dipping sauce, but low in milk, dairy products, legumes, or beans, and dark or leafy vegetables) was associated with a poor testicular function.     

A Phase IIb Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of Tocotrienol-Rich Vitamin E on Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a debilitating complication of diabetes, which develops in 40% of the diabetic population and is responsible for up to 50% of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Tocotrienols have shown to be a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic agent in animal and clinical studies. This study evaluated the effects of 400 mg tocotrienol-rich vitamin E supplementation daily on 59 DKD patients over a 12-month period. Patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) or positive urine microalbuminuria (urine to albumin creatinine ratio; UACR > 20–200 mg/mmol) were recruited into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were randomized into either intervention group (n = 31) which received tocotrienol-rich vitamin E (Tocovid SupraBio^TM; Hovid Berhad, Ipoh, Malaysia) 400 mg daily or a placebo group which received placebo capsules (n = 28) for 12 months. HbA1c, renal parameters (i.e., serum creatinine, eGFR, and UACR), and serum biomarkers were collected at intervals of two months. Tocovid supplementation significantly reduced serum creatinine levels (MD: −4.28 ± 14.92 vs. 9.18 ± 24.96), p = 0.029, and significantly improved eGFR (MD: 1.90 ± 5.76 vs. −3.29 ± 9.24), p = 0.011 after eight months. Subgroup analysis of 37 patients with stage 3 CKD demonstrated persistent renoprotective effects over 12 months; Tocovid improved eGFR (MD: 4.83 ± 6.78 vs. −1.45 ± 9.18), p = 0.022 and serum creatinine (MD: −7.85(20.75) vs. 0.84(26.03), p = 0.042) but not UACR. After six months post washout, there was no improvement in serum creatinine and eGFR. There were no significant changes in the serum biomarkers, TGF-β1 and VEGF-A. Our findings verified the results from the pilot phase study where tocotrienol-rich vitamin E supplementation at two and three months improved kidney function as assessed by serum creatinine and eGFR but not UACR.