Nutritional advice

Objectives:
Genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone) is a phytoestrogen with potential health benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, the evidence regarding its effects on hypertension has not been conclusive. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do genistein supplements reduce blood pressure?

Study design:
This review article included 4 RCTs (4 treatment arms).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found genistein supplements did not show any significant reduction of systolic blood pressure [WMD = -5.32 mmHg, 95% CI = -14.59 to 3.96] and diastolic blood pressure [WMD = -2.06 mmHg, 95% CI = -6.41 to 2.28] compared to that of the placebo group.

The investigators found, however, subgroup analysis by intervention duration showed that more than 6 months genistein supplementation in metabolic syndrome patients significantly decreased systolic blood pressure [WMD = -13.73 mmHg, 95% CI = -18.10 to -9.37] and diastolic blood pressure [WMD = -5.18 mmHg, 95% CI = -6.62 to -3.74].

The investigators concluded genistein supplementation of more than 6 months reduces blood pressure among metabolic syndrome patients.

Original title:
Effects of genistein on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Hemati N, Asis M, […], Abdollahi M.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31955737

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on genistein and overweight right here.

Objectives:
Are growth parameters at birth associated with maternal urinary iodine concentration (UIC) or normal ranges of thyroid hormones during pregnancy?

Study design:
This review article included 11 studies.

The pooled mean birth weight, length and head circumference values and 95% confidence intervals were estimated in newborns born to women with UIC  150 μg/L and UIC ≥150 μg/L during pregnancy.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found pooled mean birth weight, length and head circumference in newborns whose mothers had UIC  150 μg/L vs UIC ≥150 μg/L were 2,898g vs 2,900g [p = 0.970], 49.6 cm vs 49.4 cm [p = 0.880] and 34.0 cm vs 34.1 cm [p = 0.933], respectively.

The investigators found dose-response meta-analyses revealed no significant linear or nonlinear associations between maternal urinary iodine concentration during pregnancy and anthropometric measures at birth.

The investigators found high vs normal values of maternal free thyroxine and thyrotropin during pregnancy were inversely associated with neonatal birth weight.

The investigators concluded that birth weight is affected by even mild variations in the normal concentrations of maternal thyroid hormones. However, in the current meta-analysis, birth anthropometric measures are not associated with maternal urinary iodine concentration during pregnancy.

Original title:
Do maternal urinary iodine concentration or thyroid hormones within the normal range during pregnancy affect growth parameters at birth? A systematic review and meta-analysis by Nazeri P, Shab-Bidar S, […], Shariat M.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31923312

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on food fortification/malnutrition and pregnancy right here.

Objectives:
Lead is a known risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the results of studies exploring the relationship between lead exposure and the occurrence of ALS are inconsistent. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does a high lead exposure increase risk of ALS?

Study design:
This review article included 11 case-control studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a high lead exposure significantly increased risk of ALS with 28% [OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.63].
Subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed stable results.

The investigators concluded a high lead exposure increases risk of ALS.

Original title:
Population-based study of environmental/occupational lead exposure and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Meng E, Mao Y, […], Jin W.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31578652

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find here more information/studies about chronic diseases.
 

Objectives:
Low-carbohydrate diets are associated with cardiovascular risk factors; however, the results of different studies are inconsistent. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do low-carbohydrate diets (diets with less than 40 En% carbohydrates) reduce cardiovascular risk factors?

Study design:
This review article included 12 RCTs with a total of 820 in the observation group (intervention group or low carbohydrate group) and 820 in the control group. The largest sample size was 403 cases and the smallest was 42 cases. The patients’ ages ranged from 31 to 65 years old.
The intervention was a diet with less than 40 En% carbohydrates in the observation group and a diet with 45 En% to 55 En% carbohydrates in the control group.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found compared with the control group, the triglyceride levels of the low-carbohydrate group (less than 40 En% carbohydrates) significantly decreased by 0.15 mmol/L [95% CI = -0.23 to -0.07, I2 = 75%, p = 0.001].
The results remained unchanged in the sensitivity analysis (after subtracting each of the included studies individually).

The results of the publication bias analysis showed that the funnel plot was not symmetric. The asymmetry of the funnel plot may have been caused by publication bias and other issues.

The investigators found in subgroup analyses, low-carbohydrate diet interventions lasting less than 6 months significantly decreased the triglyceride levels by 0.23 mmol/L [95% CI = -0.32 to -0.15] and those of 12-23 months decreased the levels by 0.17 mmol/L [95% CI = -0.32 to -0.01].

The investigators found compared with the control group, the plasma HDL-cholesterol level (good cholesterol) of the low-carbohydrate group significantly increased by 0.1 mmol/L [95% CI = 0.08 to 0.12, I2 = 41%, p = 0.02].
The results remained unchanged in the sensitivity analysis (after subtracting each of the included studies individually).

The investigators found in subgroup analyses, the increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol levels was 0.08 mmol/L [95% CI = 0.27 to 0.57] for interventions lasting less than 6 months, 0.12 mmol/L [95% CI = 0.09 to 0.15] for those lasting 6-11 months, 0.12 mmol/L [95% CI = 0.08 to 0.15] for those lasting 12-23 months and 0.08 mmol/L [95% CI = 0.04 to 0.12] for those lasting 24 months. 

The investigators found compared with the control group, the serum total cholesterol level of the low-carbohydrate group significantly increased by 0.13 mmol/L [95% CI = 0.08 to 0.19].
The results remained unchanged in the sensitivity analysis (after subtracting each of the included studies individually).

The investigators found compared with the control group, the plasma LDL-cholesterol level (bad cholesterol) of the low-carbohydrate group significantly increased by 0.11 mmol/L [95% CI = 0.02 to 0.19, I2 = 71%, p = 0.0001].
The results remained unchanged in the sensitivity analysis (after subtracting each of the included studies individually).

The investigators found compared with the control group, the body weight of the low-carbohydrate group significantly decreased by 1.58 kg [95% CI = -1.58 to -0.75, I2 = 49%, p = 0.01].
The results remained unchanged in the sensitivity analysis (after subtracting each of the included studies individually).

The investigators found in subgroup analyses, the decrease in body weight was 1.14 kg [95% CI = -1.65 to -0.63] for interventions lasting less than 6 months and 1.73 kg [95% CI = -2.7 to -0.76] for those lasting 6-11 months.

The investigators found compared with the control group, the overall systolic blood pressure of the low-carbohydrate group significantly decreased by 1.41 mmHg [95% CI = -2.26 to -0.56, I2 = 0%, p = 0.84].
The results remained unchanged in the sensitivity analysis (after subtracting each of the included studies individually).

The investigators found in subgroup analyses, the overall systolic blood pressure significantly decreased by 2.97 mmHg [95% CI = -4.62 to -1.31] in the group that received interventions lasting less than 6 months.

The investigators found compared with the control group, the diastolic blood pressure of the low-carbohydrate group significantly decreased by 1.71 mmHg [95% CI = -2.36 to -1.06, I2 = 14%, p = 0.29].
The results remained unchanged in the sensitivity analysis (after subtracting each of the included studies individually).

The investigators found in subgroup analyses, the diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased by 2.76 mmHg [95% CI = -4.07 to -1.46] in the group that received interventions lasting less than 6 months and 2.11 mmHg [95% CI = -3.28 to -0.93] for those lasting 6-11 months.

The investigators concluded low-carbohydrate diets (diets less than 40 En% carbohydrates) have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors at less than 6 months and 6-11 months, but after 2 years of a low-carbohydrate diet, there is no significant effect on cardiovascular risk factors.

Original title:
The effects of low-carbohydrate diets on cardiovascular risk factors: A meta-analysis by Dong T, Guo M, [...], Chen B.

Link:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225348

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on carbohydrate consumption and cardiovascular diseases right here.

40 En% carbohydrates means that the total amounts of carbohydrate make up for a 40% of the total kcal of the diet. The easiest way to follow this diet is to choose only meals/products that also contain 40 En% carbohydrates. These products in the supermarket contain 40 En% carbohydrates.

Objectives:
Previous findings on the associations of legume and soy intake with the risk of type 2 diabetes are conflicting. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does legume or soy dietary intake reduce risk of type 2 diabetes?

Study design:
This review article included 15 unique cohort studies with a total of 565,810 individuals and 32,093 incident cases (persons with type 2 diabetes).

Overall quality of evidence was rated as moderate for total legumes and low for total soy and soy subtypes.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found no association between total legumes dietary intake and risk of type 2 diabetes [summary RR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.79 to 1.14, I2 = 84.8%].
No association because RR of 1 was found in the 95% CI of 0.79 to 1.14. RR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found no association between total soy dietary intake and risk of type 2 diabetes [summary RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.68 to 1.01, I2 = 90.8%].

The investigators found no association between soy milk dietary intake and risk of type 2 diabetes [summary RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.71 to 1.11, I2 = 91.7%].

The investigators found tofu dietary intake significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes with 8% [summary RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.84 to 0.99].
Significantly because RR of 1 was not found in the 95% CI of 0.84 to 0.99. RR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found soy protein dietary intake significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes with 16% [summary RR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.75 to 0.95].

The investigators found soy isoflavones dietary intake significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes with 12% [summary RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.81 to 0.96].

The investigators found in dose-response analysis, significant linear inverse associations for tofu, soy protein and soy isoflavones [all p 0.05].

The investigators concluded dietary intakes of tofu, soy protein and soy isoflavones reduce incident type 2 diabetes. These findings support recommendations to increase intakes of certain soy products for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. However, the overall quality of evidence was low and more high-quality evidence from prospective studies is needed.

Original title:
Legume and soy intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies by Tang J, Wan Y, […], Feng F.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31915830

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on diabetes and tofu right here.
 

Objectives:
Which factors increase risk of dementia?

Study design:
This review article included 34 prospective cohort studies, among which 24 were eligible for meta-analysis. A total of 159,594 non-demented adults were enrolled at baseline before 65 years and 13,540 people were diagnosed with dementia after follow-up.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found obesity significantly increased risk of dementia with 78% [RR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.31-2.41].

The investigators found diabetes mellitus significantly increased risk of dementia with 69% [RR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.38-2.07].

The investigators found current smoking significantly increased risk of dementia with 61% [RR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.32-1.95].

The investigators found hypercholesterolemia significantly increased risk of dementia with 57% [RR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.19-2.07].
However, the sensitivity analyses showed that the result of hypercholesterolemia was not reliable, which need to be confirmed by more high-quality studies.

The investigators found hypertension significantly increased risk of dementia with 41% [RR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.23-1.62] for borderline blood pressure.

The investigators found hypertension significantly increased risk of dementia with 72% [RR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.25-2.37] for high systolic blood pressure.
However, the sensitivity analyses showed that the result of high systolic blood pressure was not reliable, which need to be confirmed by more high-quality studies.

The investigators found hyperhomocysteinemia, psychological stress and heavy drinking were also associated with elevated dementia risk.

The investigators found, in addition, physical exercise, a healthy diet and hormone therapy in middle age were associated with the reduction of dementia risk.

The investigators concluded middle-aged people with obesity or diabetes and current smokers in midlife are at higher risk of developing dementia later in life.

Original title:
Midlife Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 34 Prospective Cohort Studies by Li XY, Zhang M, [...], Tan L.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31902364

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dementia right here.
 

Objectives:
Does dietary intake of fiber reduce risk of endometrial cancer?

Study design:
This review article included 16 studies, involving 6,563 cases (persons with endometrial cancer).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found dietary fiber intake significantly reduced risk of endometrial cancer with 14% [RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.78 to 0.93].
In stratified analysis, this trend was more pronounced in the case-control studies and in studies conducted in the Americas and Asia.

The investigators found dietary fiber intake significantly reduced risk of endometrial cancer with 26% after adjusting for education level [RR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.88].

The investigators found dietary fiber intake significantly reduced risk of endometrial cancer with 30% after adjusting for age [RR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.57 to 0.83].

The investigators found dietary fiber intake significantly reduced risk of endometrial cancer with 19% in studies with NOS scores of 6 (the higher the NOS scores, the more reliable the studies are) [RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.67 to 0.95].

The investigators found dietary fiber intake significantly reduced risk of endometrial cancer with 25% in studies with NOS scores of 7 [RR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.62 to 0.88].

The investigators concluded dietary fiber intake reduces risk of endometrial cancer. Further efforts should be made to confirm these findings.

Original title:
Association between dietary fiber and endometrial cancer: a meta-analysis by Li H, Mao H, [...], Nan Y.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31584301

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on fiber, significantly/review article and cancer right here

Objectives:
Many studies have been reported that dietary meat intake may be associated with the risk of asthma in children, but the results are inconsistent. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does dietary meat intake increase asthma in children?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 9 articles.

No publication bias was detected.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found dietary meat intake 3 or more times per week compared with never/occasionally intake had no significant association with asthma risk among children [OR = 1.27, 95% CI  =  0.80-2.01, p =  0.308].
Not significant because OR of 1 was found in the 95% CI of 0.80 to 2.01. OR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found, similarly, daily dietary intake of meat did not affect the risk of asthma in children when compared with never/occasionally intake [OR  =  1.13, 95% CI  =  0.93-1.37, p  =  0.234].

The investigators concluded dietary meat intake is not a risk factor for asthma in children. Due to some limitations that exist in this review article, more studies are needed to further assess the association between dietary meat intake and asthma risk in children.

Original title:
Dietary meat intake and risk of asthma in children: evidence from a meta-analysis by Zhang D, Cao L, [...], Wang Z.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31895767

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find here more information/studies about meat consumption and chronic diseases.
 

Objectives:
Does dietary intake of garlic reduce risk of colorectal cancer?

Study design:
This review article included 11 studies involving 12,558 cases (persons with colorectal cancer).

There was no notable evidence of publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found for the highest versus the lowest garlic consumption categories, a significantly reduced risk of 20% [integrated relative risk = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.91] for colorectal cancer.
The sensitivity analysis revealed no notable alterations of the integrated results.
Significant means that there is an association with a 95% confidence.

The investigators found in case-control studies for the highest versus the lowest garlic consumption categories, a significantly reduced risk of 29% [relative risk = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.84] for colorectal cancer.
Significant because relative risk of 1 was not found in the 95% CI of 0.60 to 0.84. Relative risk of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found in cohort studies for the highest versus the lowest garlic consumption categories, a non-significantly reduced risk of 1% [relative risk = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.80 to 1.23] for colorectal cancer.
Non-significantly because relative risk of 1 was found in the 95% CI of 0.80 to 1.23. Relative risk of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators concluded that dietary intake of garlic could reduce risk of colorectal cancer. Could reduce because the risk was not significant in cohort studies.

Original title:
Garlic intake and the risk of colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis by Zhou X, Qian H, […], Zeng L.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31895803

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on significantly/cohort studies, garlic consumption and colorectal cancer right here.

Objectives:
Does dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation improve the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and/or poor ovarian response (POR)?

Study design:
This review article included 9 RCTs, published between 2010 and 2017.
The sample sizes ranged from 24 to 208, with a total of 862 patients.
All of included patients had been diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and/or poor ovarian response (POR).

The treatment intervention was 75 mg daily DHEA versus placebo.

The lack of significant asymmetry of funnel plot indicated the lack of potential publication bias in the included studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in a pooled analysis using the random effects model revealed a statistically significant increase in retrieved oocytes in the DHEA group, compared to the control group [MD = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.23 -1.59, p = 0.009, I2  = 53%, p = 0.06].

The investigators found in 8 studies (405 in the DHEA group and 415 in the control group) a statistically significant increase in the clinical pregnancy rate in the DHEA group compared to the control group [RR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.01 -1.61, p = 0.04, I2 = 0%, p = 0.57].

The investigators found in 5 studies (189 in the DHEA group and 190 in the control group) a statistically significant increase in the live birth rate in the DHEA group, compared to the control group [RR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.17 -2.63, p = 0.006, I2  = 0%, p = 0.43].

The investigators found in 3 studies (96 in the DHEA group and 99 in the control group) no significant difference in the miscarriage rates between the DHEA and control groups [RR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.12-1.13, p = 0.08, I2 = 25%, p = 0.26].

The investigators concluded 75 mg daily DHEA supplementation increases the retrieved oocytes, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in women with diminished ovarian reserve and/or poor ovarian response, who are undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Original title:
The Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Supplementation on IVF or ICSI: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials by Xu L, Hu C, […], Li Y.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6620181/

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Find more information/studies on pregnancy right here.

Your body naturally produces the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the adrenal gland. In turn, DHEA helps produce other hormones, like testosterone and estrogen. Natural dehydroepiandrosterone levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age.

 

Objectives:
Can the biomarker miRNAs predict Alzheimer's disease?

Study design:
This review article included 10 studies containing 770 Alzheimer's disease and 664 normal controls (persons without Alzheimer's disease).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found miRNAs presented excellent diagnostic performance and the overall sensitivity was 0.80 [95% CI = 0.75-0.83], specificity was 0.83 [95% CI = 0.78-0.87] and diagnostic odds ratio was 14 [95% CI = 11-19].

The investigators found subgroup analysis suggested that the Caucasian group and blood group showed a better performance in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and the diagnostic odds ratio was 42 and 34, respectively.

The investigators concluded that miRNAs may be a promising biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.

Original title:
Blood circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Zhang YH, Bai SF and Yan JQ.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31385521

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on dementia and elderly.

Objectives:
Some evidence indicates that carotenoids may reduce the risk of bladder cancer (BC), but the association is unclear. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do carotenoids (β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene and lutein and zeaxanthin) reduce risk of bladder cancer?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 22 studies (case-control and cohort studies) involving 516,740 adults.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found for the highest compared with the lowest category of carotenoid dietary intake a non-significantly reduced risk of 12% [RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.76 to 1.03] for bladder cancer.
Non-significantly because RR of 1 was found in the 95% CI of 0.76 to 1.03. RR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found for the highest compared with the lowest category of circulating carotenoid concentrations a non-significantly reduced risk of 64% [RR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.12 to 1.07] for bladder cancer.

The investigators found for the highest compared with the lowest category of circulating lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations a significantly reduced risk of 47% [RR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.84] for bladder cancer.
Significantly because RR of 1 was not found in the 95% CI of 0.33 to 0.84. RR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found dose-response analysis showed that bladder cancer risk significantly decreased by 42% [RR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.94] for every 1 mg increase in daily dietary β-cryptoxanthin intake.

The investigators found dose-response analysis showed that bladder cancer risk significantly decreased by 76% [RR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.67] for every 1 μmol/L increase in circulating concentration of α-carotene.

The investigators found dose-response analysis showed that bladder cancer risk significantly decreased by 27% [RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.57 to 0.94] for every 1 μmol/L increase in circulating concentration of β-carotene.

The investigators found dose-response analysis showed that bladder cancer risk significantly decreased by 56% [RR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.28 to 0.67] for every 1 μmol/L increase in circulating concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin.

The investigators concluded dietary β-cryptoxanthin intake and circulating concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene and lutein and zeaxanthin reduce risk of bladder cancer.

Original title:
Carotenoid Intake and Circulating Carotenoids Are Inversely Associated with the Risk of Bladder Cancer: A Dose-Response Meta-analysis by Wu S, Liu Y, […], Ramirez AG.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31800007

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on carotenoid consumption and cancer right here.

 

Objectives:
The morbidity of eczema has increased in the recent years and the methods to prevent or ameliorate its effects are becoming more important. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do vitamin supplements reduce risk of eczema?

Study design:
This review article included 10 RCTs with a total of 456 patients.
The sample sizes ranged from 5 to 57. The studies were published from 2008 to 2018.
5 studies were conducted on atopic dermatitis, 3 studies were conducted on pediatric atopic dermatitis and 2 studies were conducted on winter-related atopic dermatitis.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that the SCORAD index or EASI scores significantly decreased in patients given vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplements [mean difference = -5.96, 95% CI = -7.69 to -4.23, I2 = 33%].

The investigators found that the SCORAD index significantly decreased after the topical application of vitamin B12-containing cream [mean difference = -3.19, 95% CI = -4.27 to -2.10, I2 = 0%]. 

The investigators found that the SCORAD index significantly improved after vitamin E supplementation [mean difference = -5.72, 95% CI = -11.41 to -0.03, I2 = 0%]. 

The investigators concluded vitamin D3, B12 and E supplements could be important therapeutics to help manage eczema patients.

Original title:
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Vitamin Supplement in Treating Eczema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Zhu Z, Yang Z, [...], Liu H.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6875217/

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Find here more information/studies about vitamin B12, D and E and chronic disease.

Objectives:
Current efforts for the prevention of malaria have resulted in notable reductions in the global malaria burden. However, they are not enough. Good hygiene is universally considered one of the most efficacious and straightforward measures to prevent disease transmission. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do improved drinking water and sanitation (WS) conditions decrease risk of malaria infection?

Study design:
This review article included 49 eligible surveys comprising data for 247,440 individuals. Of the included individuals, 213,920 children aged 0-59 months were tested for malaria infection using microscopy, with a prevalence of 18.8%, whereas 59,988 (24.2%) positive cases were identified in 247,440 children by a malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT).

Across all surveys, the average age of the children was 32.6 months and 50.2% were male.

The surveys were adjusted for age, gender, indoor residual spraying (IRS), insecticide-treated net (ITN) use, house quality and the mother's highest educational level.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in across all surveys, unprotected water was associated with an increased malaria risk of 17% [adjusted OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.07-1.27, p = 0.001] according to microscopy.

The investigators found in across all surveys, no facility users had an increased malaria risk of 35% [adjusted OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.24-1.47, p 0.001] according to microscopy.

The investigators found in across all surveys, piped water was associated with a decreased malaria risk of 48% [adjusted OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.45 -0.59, p 0.001] according to microscopy.

The investigators found in across all surveys, flush-toilet users had a decreased malaria risk of 49% [adjusted OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.43 -0.61, p 0.001] according to microscopy.

The investigators found the trends of individuals diagnosed by malaria rapid diagnostic test were consistent with those of individuals diagnosed by microscopy.

The investigators found in children with a “poor” socioeconomic status, no significant associations between unprotected water and flush toilets in relation to malaria infection, whereas in children with a “nonpoor” socioeconomic status, the associations between unimproved sanitation conditions (including unprotected water or no facilities) and the risk of malaria appeared to be pronounced.

The investigators concluded sanitation (WS) conditions are a vital risk factor for malaria infection among children (0-59 months) across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) after adjustments for age, gender, IRS in the past 12 months and insecticide-treated use, house quality and mother’s highest educational level. Therefore, improved sanitation conditions should be considered a potential intervention for the prevention of malaria in the long term.

Original title:
Drinking water and sanitation conditions are associated with the risk of malaria among children under five years old in sub-Saharan Africa: A logistic regression model analysis of national survey data by Yang D, He Y, […], Liua Y.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6796660/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on malaria and food fortification/malnutrition right here.

Objectives:
The relationship between serum copper (Cu) level and overweight/obesity remains controversial. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does a high serum copper level increase overweight/obesity risk?

Study design:
This review article included 21 articles.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found compared with controls, serum copper level was significantly higher in obese children [SMD = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.16 to 1.32] and in obese adults [SMD = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.76].

The investigators found no significant difference in serum copper level between overweight and control groups in children [SMD = 1.52, 95% CI = -0.07 to 3.12] and in adults [SMD = 0.16, 95% CI = -0.06 to 0.38].

The investigators found subgroup analysis revealed a higher serum copper level in obese children [SMD = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.36 to 1.45] and obese adults [SMD = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.88] compared with healthy weight controls.

The investigators found the SMD differed significantly between obese children diagnosed by weight-for-height and controls [SMD = 1.56, 95% CI = 0.57 to 2.55] and there was a significant difference of serum copper level between obese adults diagnosed by BMI (WHO) and controls [SMD = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.08 to 1.01].

The investigators concluded that a higher serum copper level increases risk of obesity in children and adults and these findings need to be further confirmed.

Original title:
The Relationship Between Serum Copper and Overweight/Obesity: a Meta-analysis by Gu K, Li X, […], Jiang X.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31300957

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on copper and obesity/overweight right here.

Objectives:
Does alcohol consumption increase of risk of osteoporosis?

Study design:
This review article included  3 case control studies, 2 cohort studies and 1 cross-sectional study.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found no association between consuming 0.5-1 drinks per day and the risk of developing osteoporosis [adjusted RR = 1.38, 95% CI = 0.90-2.12].
No association because RR of 1 was found in the 95% CI of 0.90 to 2.12. RR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found compared with abstainers of alcohol, persons consuming 1-2 drinks per day had 1.34 times the risk of developing osteoporosis [adjusted RR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.11-1.62].

The investigators found compared with abstainers of alcohol, persons consuming 2 drinks or more per day had 1.63 times the risk of developing osteoporosis [adjusted RR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.01-2.65].

The investigators found a positive association between alcohol consumption and osteoporosis in the case-control studies [adjusted OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.78-4.90].

The investigators concluded there is a positive relationship between alcohol consumption, particularly 1 drink or more per day and osteoporosis.

Original title:
The effect of alcohol on osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Cheraghi Z, Doosti-Irani A, Almasi-Hashiani A, […], Mansournia MA.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30844616

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on alcohol consumption and elderly.

Objectives:
Undernutrition is associated with an elevated risk of mortality among children in low- and middle-income countries. Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) have been evaluated as a method to prevent undernutrition and improve infant development, but the effects on mortality are unknown. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) reduce all-cause mortality among children 6-24 months old?

Study design:
This review article included 18 RCTs conducted in 11 countries that enrolled 41,280 children and reported 586 deaths.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in 13 RCTs compared to non-lipid-based nutrient supplements groups, that children in the lipid-based nutrient supplements groups had a significantly reduced risk of 27% [RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.59 to 0.89] for all-cause mortality among children 6-24 months old.
However, estimates were similar when trials with maternal lipid-based nutrient supplements intervention arms were added or when alternative formulations of lipid-based nutrient supplements were excluded.

The investigators found the results appeared stronger in trials in which lipid-based nutrient supplements were compared with passive control arms.
Excluding these contrasts and only comparing multicomponent arms with lipid-based nutrient supplements groups and comparison groups that contained all the same components without lipid-based nutrient supplements attenuated the effect estimate [RR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.61 to 1.10]. 

The investigators concluded lipid-based nutrient supplements reduce all-cause mortality among children 6-24 months old. But more trials with appropriate comparison groups allowing isolation of the effect of lipid-based nutrient supplements alone are needed.

Original title:
Lipid-based nutrient supplements and all-cause mortality in children 6-24 months of age: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Stewart CP, Wessells KR, […], Dewey KG.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31697329

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on food fortification/malnutrition right here.

Objectives:
Free fatty acids, also known as nonesterified fatty acids, are proinflammatory molecules that induce insulin resistance in nonpregnant individuals. Nevertheless, the concentration of these molecules has not been systematically addressed in pregnant women. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do higher plasma levels of free fatty acids increase risk of gestational diabetes mellitus?

Study design:
This review article included 12 case-control studies with a total of 2,426 women, from these, 21% (507/2,426) had a diagnosis of having gestational diabetes.

The mean gestational age at inclusion was 30.3 weeks of gestation.
The mean maternal age was 29 years.
No significant publication bias was found nor a trend towards greater results in small studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in random-effects model, when compared to controls, women with gestational diabetes had higher levels of free fatty acids [SMD = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.54-1.18, p 0.001, I2 = 91%].
Pooled results showed higher plasma levels of free fatty acid among women with gestational diabetes mellitus during the second trimester of pregnancy [SMD = 1.05 vs. 0.75].

The investigators found meta-regression analysis showed that the gestational age at inclusion was the only cofactor influencing the mean levels of free fatty acids, indicating a trend towards lower plasma levels of free fatty acids later in gestation [estimate = -0.074, 95% CI = -0.143 to -0.004, p = 0.036].

The investigators concluded that plasma levels of free fatty acids are higher in women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus and that this difference is higher during the second trimester of pregnancy. However, more investigation is needed to assess the potential role of free fatty acids in the prediction of gestational diabetes earlier in pregnancy.

Original title:
Plasma Levels of Free Fatty Acids in Women with Gestational Diabetes and Its Intrinsic and Extrinsic Determinants: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Villafan-Bernal JR, Acevedo-Alba M, […], Martinez-Portilla RJ.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6721400/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on fatty acids and pregnancy right here.
 

Objectives:
The role of zinc in the etiology of type 2 diabetes has been widely reported in recent decades. However, much remains uncertain concerning the effect of zinc on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does zinc reduce risk of type 2 diabetes?

Study design:
This review article included 16 studies.
There was no publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in 7 prospective cohort studies and 1 cross-sectional study (146,027 participants aged between 18 and 84 years and of both genders, belonging to different ethnic groups. Of which, 11,511 type 2 diabetes cases) when comparing the highest versus lowest dietary zinc intakes, a significantly reduced risk of 13% [OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78-0.98, I2 = 64.5%, p = 0.003] for type 2 diabetes.
This relationship was stronger and more evident in rural compared to urban areas [rural areas: OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.48-0.73, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.843 versus urban areas: OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.86-1.02, I2 = 43.9%, p = 0.113].

The investigators found no association between supplementary [OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.75-1.19, I2 = 85.4%, p = 0.009] or total zinc intake from both diet and supplementation [OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.82-1.11, I2 = 56.5%, p = 0.129] and type 2 diabetes risk.

The investigators found in population-based studies that high serum/plasma zinc levels significantly increased risk of type 2 diabetes with 64% [OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.25-2.14, I2 > 22.5%, p = 0.275].

The investigators concluded high dietary zinc intake reduces risk of type 2 diabetes. This relationship is stronger and more evident in rural compared to urban areas. However, an elevated serum/plasma zinc concentration is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the general population.

Link:
Zinc Intake and Status and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Fernández-Cao JC, Warthon-Medina M, […], Lowe NM.

Link:
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/5/1027/htm

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on diabetes and zinc consumption right here.

Serum/plasma zinc levels can be increased by eating products that contain a lot of zinc and/or taking zinc supplements.
 

Objectives:
Does vitamin K reduce risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality?

Study design:
This review article included 21 articles with 222,592 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found dietary phylloquinone (vitamin K1) intake significantly reduced risk of total cardiovascular disease with 8% [pooled HR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.84 to 0.99, I2 = 0%, 4 studies].
Significant means that there is an association with a 95% confidence.

The investigators found dietary menaquinone (vitamin K2) intake significantly reduced risk of total cardiovascular disease with 30% [pooled HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.93, I2 = 32.1%, 2 studies].
Significant because HR of 1 was not found in the 95% CI of 0.53 to 0.93. HR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found no significant association between dietary vitamin K and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality or stroke.

The investigators found elevated plasma desphospho-uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP), a marker of vitamin K deficiency, was associated with an increased risk of 84% [HR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.48 to 2.28, I2 = 16.8%, 5 studies] for all-cause mortality.

The investigators found elevated plasma desphospho-uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP), a marker of vitamin K deficiency, was associated with an increased risk of 96% [HR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.47 to 2.61, I2 = 0%, 2 studies] for cardiovascular disease mortality.

The investigators found no significant association between circulating total osteocalcin and all-cause mortality or total cardiovascular disease.

The investigators concluded higher dietary vitamin K consumption reduces risk of cardiovascular disease and higher plasma dp-ucMGP concentration, but not total circulating osteocalcin, increases risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. However, causal relations cannot be established because of limited number of available studies and larger prospective studies and randomized clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.  

Original title:
Association of vitamin K with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Chen HG, Sheng LT, […], Pan A.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31119401

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on vitamin K, significantly/review article and cardiovascular disease right here.

100 grams of fresh parsley provide 548 micrograms (548 mcg) of vitamin K1 or 4.5 days.
 

Objectives:
Patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) are at increased risk of influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster and human papillomavirus infections, indicating the importance of their monitoring and use of vaccination to decrease the risk of these infections. Since 2009, a significant body of data has been published in the field of epidemiology of vaccine preventable infections (VPI) within autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases population, including influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, hepatitis B and human papillomavirus infection. However, no systematic literature review has been carried out yet. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does vaccination decrease infections in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD)?

Study design:
This review article included 63 studies (influenza (n=4), pneumococcal disease (n=7), hepatitis B (n=10), herpes zoster (HZ) (n=29), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (n=13)).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found an increased incidence of influenza and pneumococcal disease was reported in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

The investigators found versus general population, patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases had a significantly increased risk of 190% [incidence rate ratio = 2.9, 95% CI = 2.4 to 3.3] for herpes zoster infection incidence.

The investigators found versus general population, patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases had a significantly increased risk of 410% [incidence rate ratio = 5.1, 95% CI = 4.3 to 5.9] for inflammatory myositis.

The investigators found versus general population, patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases had a significantly increased risk of 300% [incidence rate ratio = 4.0, 95% CI = 2.3 to 5.7] for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

The investigators found versus general population, patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases had a significantly increased risk of 130% [incidence rate ratio = 2.3, 95% CI = 2.1 to 2.6] for rheumatoid arthritis.

The investigators found based on studies mainly conducted in the systemic lupus erythematosus population in Latin America and Asia, versus general population, patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases had a non-significantly increased risk of 60% [incidence rate ratio = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.7 to 3.4] for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

The investigators found pooled prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B core antibody in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases was similar to the general population, 3% [95% CI = 1% to 5%] and 15% [95% CI = 7% to 26%], respectively.

The investigators concluded current evidence shows an increased risk of vaccine preventable infections in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases, emphasising that prevention of infections is essential in these patients. In addition, it highlights the importance of the epidemiological research of the incidence and prevalence of vaccine preventable infections in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The proposed research agenda, therefore, includes the collection of reliable epidemiological data using standardised methodology of disease rates and development of prevention and control strategies for infectious diseases in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Original title:
Incidence and prevalence of vaccine preventable infections in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD): a systemic literature review informing the 2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with AIIRD by Furer V, Rondaan C, [...], Elkayam O.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6803008/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on vaccination and food fortification/malnutrition right here.

Objectives:
Is there an association between dietary fat intake and the risk of three major types of skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM)?

Study design:
This review article included 3 prospective cohort studies (175,675 participants and 30,915 basal cell carcinoma cases, 4,106 squamous cell carcinoma cases and 1,638 cutaneous malignant melanoma cases) and 9 case-control studies (328 basal cell carcinoma cases, 493 squamous cell carcinoma cases, 1,547 cutaneous malignant melanoma cases and 2,660 controls).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found pooled results indicated that dietary consumption of total fat and saturated fat were not associated with 3 major types of skin cancer.

The investigators found high consumption of monounsaturated fat was significantly associated with a decreased risk of 10% for basal cell carcinoma [RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.85 to 0.96]. 

The investigators found high consumption of polyunsaturated fat was significantly associated with an increased risk of 19% for squamous cell carcinoma [RR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.33]. 

The investigators concluded high consumption of monounsaturated fat decreases risk of basal cell carcinoma while high consumption of polyunsaturated fat increases risk of squamous cell carcinoma. However, these findings should be confirmed by further evidence from well-designed and large-scale prospective cohort studies.

Original title:
Dietary Fat Intake and the Risk of Skin Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies by Ruan L, Cheng SP and Zhu QX.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31298947

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Find more information/studies on fat consumption and cancer right here.
 

Objectives:
Do older adults benefit from high protein intake (>0.8 g/kg body weight/day)?

Study design:
This review article included 12 cohort studies and 1 RCT.
Studies had an intervention duration of at least 6 months.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found meta-analysis of the cohort studies showed that high vs low protein intake resulted in a statistically significant decrease of 11% for hip fractures [pooled HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.84 to 0.94, p 0.001, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.614].
Sensitivity analyses showed that there was no single study affecting the overall estimate considerably.

The investigators concluded there is an association between a dietary protein intake above the current RDA of 0.8 g/kg body weight/day and a reduced hip fracture risk in older adults. In comparison with younger adults, the body of evidence from the included studies is not strong enough to increase the protein recommendation for older adults with respect to bone health.

Original title:
High Versus low Dietary Protein Intake and Bone Health in Older Adults: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Groenendijk I, den Boeft L , [...], de Groot LCPGM.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6704341/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on protein and elderly.

A protein intake higher than 0.8 g/kg body weight/day corresponds to a diet with a minimum of 11 En% protein. The easiest way to follow a diet with at least 11 En% protein is to choose only products that contain at least 11 En% protein. These products from the supermarket contain at least 11% En% protein.
 

Objectives:
Does strength training improve total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), C-reactive protein (CRP) and adiponectin levels of adults?

Study design:
This review article included clinical trials up to May 2017.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found strength training significantly reduced total cholesterol levels [ES = -0.399, p  0.001]. 

The investigators found strength training significantly reduced triglycerides levels [ES = -0.204, p = 0.002]. 

The investigators found strength training significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels [ES = -0.451, p  0.001]. 

The investigators found strength training significantly reduced CRP levels [ES = -0.542, p = 0.01]. 

The investigators found strength training significantly increased HDL cholesterol levels [ES = 0.363, p  0.001]. 

The investigators found strength training significantly increased adiponectin levels [ES = 1.105, p = 0.01]. 

The investigators concluded strength training promotes decreases in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (also called bad cholesterol), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (also called good cholesterol) and adiponectin levels of adults. Thus, progressive strength training could be a potential therapeutic option for improving abnormalities in lipid and inflammatory outcomes in adults.

Original title:
Effect of Strength Training on Lipid and Inflammatory Outcomes: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression by Costa RR, Buttelli ACK, […], Kruel LFM.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31023184

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find here more information/studies cholesterol and sport nutrition.

Objectives:
Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW), which are among the leading causes of infant mortality globally. Rates of preterm birth and low birth weight are high in countries with a high burden of malaria. Pregnancy-associated malaria may be a contributing factor to preterm birth and low birth weight, but is not well understood. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does pregnancy-associated malaria increase risk of preterm birth and low birth weight?

Study design:
This review article included 18 studies (8 studies examined associations between pregnancy-associated malaria and preterm birth and 10 examined associations between pregnancy-associated malaria and low birth weight).

The population size ranged from 35 to 9,956 women.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found when compared with women without pregnancy-associated malaria, pregnancy-associated malaria significantly increased risk of low birth weight with 63% [95% CI = 1.48-1.80].

The investigators found when compared with women without pregnancy-associated malaria, pregnancy-associated malaria significantly increased risk of preterm birth with 23% [95% CI = 1.07-1.41].

The investigators concluded pregnancy-associated malaria increases risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Further understanding of the pathogenesis of disease and the immunologic changes that occur during pregnancy is essential for reducing the disproportional effects this disease has on this vulnerable population.

Original title:
Relationship Between Pregnancy-Associated Malaria and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Thompson JM, Eick SM, […], Welton M.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31598714

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on malaria, pregnancy and food fortification/malnutrition right here.