Nutrition and health

Objectives:
Many publications have investigated the association between metal ions and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the results were ambiguous. Therefore, this meta-analysis (review article) has been conducted.

What is the association between serum copper/zinc/iron levels and Alzheimer's disease risk?

Study design:
This review article included 44 case-control studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in 35 case-control studies (2,128 Alzheimer's disease patients and 2,889 healthy controls. The mean age of the patient groups was >54), that serum copper levels were significant higher in Alzheimer's disease patients [MD = 9.13, 95% CI = 6.17 to 12.09, p 0.00001].

The investigators found in 22 case-control studies (1,027 Alzheimer's disease patients and 1,949 healthy controls. The mean age of the patient groups was >54), that serum zinc levels were significant lower in Alzheimer's disease patients [MD = -7.80, 95% CI = -11.61 to -3.99, p 0.0001].

The investigators found in 25 case-control studies (1,379 Alzheimer's disease patients and 1,664 healthy controls. The mean age of the patient groups was >62.74), that serum iron levels were significant lower in Alzheimer's disease patients [MD = -13.01, 95% CI = -20.75 to -5.27, p = 0.001].

The investigators concluded that serum copper levels are significantly increased, while serum zinc/iron levels are significantly decreased in Alzheimer's disease patients.

Original title:
Serum Copper, Zinc, and Iron Levels in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies by Li DD, Zhang W, [...], Zhao P.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605551/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on copper, zinc, iron and dementia right here.
 

Objectives:
Despite growing evidence for food-based dietary patterns' potential to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, knowledge about the amounts of food associated with the greatest change in risk of specific cardiovascular outcomes and about the quality of meta-evidence is limited. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Which food-based dietary patterns reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and heart failure (HF)?

Study design:
This review article included 123 prospective cohort studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found whole grains significantly reduced risk of coronary heart disease with 5% [RR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.92-0.98]. Significantly means that there is an association with a 95% confidence.

The investigators found whole grains significantly reduced risk of heart failure with 4% [RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.95-0.97]. Significantly because RR of 1 was not found in the 95% CI of 0.95 to 0.97. RR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found vegetables significantly reduced risk of coronary heart disease with 3% [RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96-0.99]. Significantly means it can be said with a 95% confidence that a intake of vegetables really decreased the risk of getting coronary heart disease with 3%.  

The investigators found fruits significantly reduced risk of coronary heart disease with 6% [RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90-0.97].

The investigators found vegetables significantly reduced risk of stroke with 8% [RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86-0.98].

The investigators found fruits significantly reduced risk of stroke with 10% [RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.84-0.97].

The investigators found nuts non-significantly reduced risk of coronary heart disease with 33% [RR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.43-1.05]. Non-significantly means that there is no association with a 95% confidence.

The investigators found fish consumption significantly reduced risk of stroke with 14% [RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.75-0.99].

The investigators found fish consumption significantly reduced risk of heart failure with 20% [RR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.67-0.95].

The investigators found egg significantly increased risk of heart failure with 16% [RR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.03-1.31].

The investigators found red meat significantly increased risk of coronary heart disease with 15% [RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.08-1.23].

The investigators found red meat significantly increased risk of stroke with 12% [RR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.06-1.17].

The investigators found red meat significantly increased risk of heart failure with 8% [RR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.02-1.14].

The investigators found processed meat significantly increased risk of coronary heart disease with 27% [RR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.09-1.49].

The investigators found processed meat significantly increased risk of stroke with 17% [RR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02-1.34].

The investigators found processed meat significantly increased risk of heart failure with 12% [RR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.05-1.19].

The investigators found sugar-sweetened beverages significantly increased risk of coronary heart disease with 17% [RR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.11-1.23].

The investigators found sugar-sweetened beverages significantly increased risk of heart failure with 7% [RR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02-1.12].

The investigators found sugar-sweetened beverages significantly increased risk of stroke with 8% [RR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.05-1.12].

The investigators found there were clear indications for non-linear dose-response relationships between whole grains, fruit, nuts, dairy and red meat and coronary heart disease.

The investigators concluded there is a relationship between food-based dietary patterns and risk of cardiovascular diseases, with an increased risk for consumption of eggs, red meat, processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages and a decreased risk for consumption of whole grains, vegetables, fruit and fish.

Original title:
Food groups and risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies by Bechthold A, Boeing H, […], Schwingshackl L.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29039970

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

Objectives:
Although vitamin A supplementation reduces child mortality, it remains unclear whether dosing frequency, total dose, or duration modifies effectiveness. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do mortality effects of vitamin A supplementation in children 5 years vary by dosing frequency, total dose, or duration?

Study design:
This review article included 17 RCTs with 1,180,718 children. Mean age was 31.5 months at baseline.
Supplementation frequency ranged every 3 months-every 2 years, supplementation duration 4-60 months [mean = 15.4, SD = 12.8] and total dose 134,361-2,200,000 IU [mean = 667,132 IU, SD = 540,795].

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found compared with control, vitamin A supplementation significantly reduced mortality with 22% [95% CI = 10-32, p = 0.002]. Significantly means that there is an association with a 95% confidence.
This protective effect was not modified by increasing supplementation frequency [dose/year: RR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.98-1.06, p = 0.22], total dose [per 200,000 IU: RR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97-1.06, p = 0.31], nor supplementation duration [per year: RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.97-1.15, p = 0.14].

The investigators found multivariate meta-regression showed similar results.

The investigators found sensitivity analyses excluding 1 controversial trial did not alter findings.

The investigators concluded that mortality effects of vitamin A supplementation in children 5 years do not vary by dosing frequency, total dose, or duration.

Original title:
Mortality Benefits of Vitamin A Are Not Affected by Varying Frequency, Total Dose, or Duration of Supplementation by Kranz S, Pimpin L, […], Mozaffarian D.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28513263

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

Objectives:
Does breastfeeding reduce risk of endometrial cancer?

Study design:
This review article included individual-level data from 3 cohort and 14 case-control studies, with a total of  8,981 women with endometrial cancer and 17,241 women in a control group.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found ever breastfeeding was associated with an 11% reduction in risk of endometrial cancer [pooled OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81-0.98].
The association with ever breastfeeding was not explained by greater parity and did not vary notably by body mass index or histologic subtype (grouped as endometrioid and mucinous compared with serous and clear cell).

The investigators found longer average duration of breastfeeding per child was associated with lower risk of endometrial cancer, although there appeared to be some leveling of this effect beyond 6-9 months.

The investigators concluded that reducing endometrial cancer risk can be added to the list of maternal benefits associated with breastfeeding. Ongoing promotion, support and facilitation of this safe and beneficial behavior might therefore contribute to the prevention of this increasingly common cancer.

Original title:
Breastfeeding and Endometrial Cancer Risk: An Analysis From the Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium by Jordan SJ, Na R, […], Webb PM.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28486362

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

Objectives:
Surgical resection remains the primary treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy including early-stage cancer. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been reported to have beneficial clinical and immune-modulating effects in the prognosis of gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing surgery. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

What is the impact of n-3 PUFA supplementation on postoperative inflammation status and immune function of gastrointestinal cancer patients?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 9 RCTs with 623 participants.

The homogeneous test detected no statistical heterogeneity between studies.

There was no evidence of publication bias following assessment by funnel plot, Egger’s test [p > 0.05] and Begg’s test [p > 0.05].

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found the n-3 PUFAs regime significantly resulted in lower levels of C-reactive protein [p 0.05], interleukin-6 [p 0.01] and higher levels of albumin, CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio [p 0.05] compared with the isocaloric nutrition regime.

The investigators found, however, no significant difference in the level of tumor necrosis factor-α between the n-3 PUFAs regime and the isocaloric nutrition regime [p = 0.17].

The investigators found that the level of CD8 + T cells significantly decreased compared with the isocaloric nutrition regime [p 0.0001].

The investigators concluded that n-3 PUFAs are effective in improving the nutritional status and immune function of gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing surgery as they effectively enhance immunity and attenuate the inflammatory response. Although further larger trials are needed, these fatty acids should be widely used in the clinic.

Original title:
Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Yu J, Liu L, [...], Yang F.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5391568/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on n-3 PUFA consumption and cancer right here.
 

Objectives:
The therapeutic efficacy of coenzyme Q10 on patients with cardiac failure remains controversial. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Do patients with heart failure benefit from coenzyme Q10 supplements?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 14 RCTs with 1064 patients in coenzyme Q10 (treatment) group and 1085 patients in placebo (control) group.

Egger’s test results showed no significant evidence of publication bias in either endpoint.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found compared with placebo, coenzyme Q10 supplementation significantly decreased mortality risk with 31% [RR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50 to 0.95, p = 0.02, I2 = 0%].

The investigators found a greater improvement in exercise capacity was established in patients who used coenzyme Q10 than in those who used placebo [SMD = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.30, p = 0.04, I2 = 54%].

The investigators found patients who used coenzyme Q10 and placebo associated with similar left heart ejection fraction [SMD = 0.14, 95% CI = -0.08 to 0.37, p = 0.22, I2 = 54%].

The investigators found no significant difference between coenzyme Q10 and placebo for NYHA classification [SMD = -0.70, 95% CI = -1.92 to 0.51, p = 0.26, I2 = 89%].

The investigators concluded in patients with heart failure, the administration of coenzyme Q10 results in lower mortality and improved exercise capacity compared with the effects of placebo treatment.

Original title:
Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in patients with cardiac failure: a meta-analysis of clinical trials by Lei L and Liu Y.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5525208/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on coenzyme Q10 and cardiovascular diseases right here. 

Objectives:
The aim of this review article (meta-analysis) is to compare empirically derived dietary patterns in relation to cancer risk.

Study design:
This review article included observational studies, which evaluated the association with cancer risk between a posteriori derived dietary patterns.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a significantly 64% increased risk of cancer for the adoption of high-meat compared to plant-based dietary patterns [RR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.02-2.63].

The investigators found a significantly 12% lower risk of cancer for individuals adopting a plant-based dietary pattern over a mixed one [RR = 0.88, 95% BI = 0.82-0.95].

The investigators concluded that plant-based dietary patterns decrease cancer risk; meanwhile meat-based dietary patterns increase cancer risk.

Original title:
Differences in the association between empirically derived dietary patterns and cancer: a meta-analysis by Bella F, Godos J, […], Sciacca S.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27894200

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

Objectives:
Children can be stunted and wasted at the same time. Having both deficits greatly elevates risk of mortality.

The aim of this review article is to estimate the prevalence and burden of children aged 6-59 months concurrently wasted and stunted.

Study design:
This review article included data from demographic and health survey and Multi-indicator Cluster Surveys datasets from 84 countries.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found pooled prevalence of concurrence in the 84 countries was 3.0% [95% CI = 2.97-3.06], ranging from 0% to 8.0%.

The investigators found 9 countries reported a concurrence prevalence greater than 5%. The estimated burden was 5,963,940 children.

The investigators found prevalence of concurrence was highest in the 12- to 24-month age group [4.2%, 95% CI = 4.1-4.3] and was significantly higher among boys [3.54%, 95% CI = 3.47-3.61], compared to girls [2.46%, 95% CI = 2.41-2.52].

The investigators found fragile and conflict-affected states reported significantly higher concurrence [3.6%, 95% CI = 3.5-3.6], than those defined as stable [2.24%, 95% CI = 2.18-2.30].

The investigators concluded prevalence of concurrence (stunted and wasted children at the same time) is highest in the 12- to 24-month age group, especially among boys and in fragile and conflict-affected states. Given the high risk of mortality associated with concurrence, the findings indicate a need to report on this condition as well as investigate whether these children are being reached through existing programmes.

Original title:
Children concurrently wasted and stunted: A meta-analysis of prevalence data of children 6-59 months from 84 countries by Khara T, Mwangome M, […], Dolan C.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28944990

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

Objectives:
The potential glucose-lowering effects of pomegranate have been reported in animal and observational studies, but intervention studies in humans have generated mixed results. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

What are the effects of pomegranate supplementation on measures of glucose control, insulin levels and insulin sensitivity in humans?

Study design:
This review article included 16 RCTs with 538 subjects. 14 trials adopted parallel study designs and the 2 remaining trials used crossover designs.
The total number of subjects included in each study ranged from 14 to 74 subjects.
The mean age of participants in each trial ranged from 30 to 70 years, with differing age ranges in most studies.
11 studies used pomegranate juice as a supplement (the dosage ranged from 120 to 500 ml/day).
2 studies used pomegranate seed oil as treatments (the dosage ranged from 400 to 2000 mg/day).
3 studies utilized pomegranate extract as the intervention (the dosage ranged from 710 to 1420 mg/day).  
The duration of the pomegranate intervention varied from 1 to 12 weeks (median: 5.5 weeks).

Overall, significant heterogeneity was detected for FBI and HOMA-IR, but subgroup analysis could not identify factors significantly influencing these parameters.
No significant publication bias was found.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that pomegranate did not significantly affect the measures of:
-FBG (fasting blood glucose) [WMD = -0.6 mg/dL, 95% CI = -2.79 to 1.58, p = 0.59, I2 = 0%];
-FBI (fasting blood insulin) [WMD = 0.29 μIU/mL, 95% CI = -1.16 to 1.75, p = 0.70, I2 = 60.4%];
-HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) [WMD = -0.04, 95% CI = -0.53 to 0.46, p = 0.88, I2 = 59.8%] or;
-HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) [WMD = -0.11%, 95% CI = -0.39 to 0.18, p = 0.46, I2 = 0%].
These results were robust in sensitivity analysis.

The investigators found meta-regression analysis showed that the factor (dose of pomegranate juice supplementation) was not associated with the treatment effects on FBG level [coefficient = -0.006, 95% CI = -0.023 to 0.011, p = 0.46].

The investigators found no significant difference in the FBG-lowering effect between trials that were conducted in subjects with cardiovascular disease risk [WMD = 0.30 mg/dL, 95% CI = -2.36 to 2.97, p = 0.82] and those that were conducted in healthy individuals [WMD = -2.53 mg/dL, 95% CI = -6.36 to 1.30, p = 0.19].

The investigators found no statistically significant differences in the pooled effects of pomegranate on FBG in the subgroups stratified by study designs, intervention durations, types of intervention, baseline BMI and baseline FBG levels (FBG levels at the beginning of the studie).

The investigators concluded pomegranate supplements have no favourable effect on improvements in glucose and insulin metabolism. The current evidence suggests that daily pomegranate supplementation is not recommended as a potential therapeutic strategy in glycemic management. Further large-scale RCTs with longer duration are required to confirm these results.

Original title:
Lack of efficacy of pomegranate supplementation for glucose management, insulin levels and sensitivity: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis by Huang H, Liao D, […], Zhu Y.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5629805/

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

Objectives:
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been greatly increased, worldwide. In recent years, investigators have proposed that sodium might contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome; however, the published data were conflicting. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does sodium contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome?

Study design:
This review article included 17 observational studies with 66,274 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that subjects with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher levels of sodium compared to healthy controls [Hedges' g = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.12-0.29, I2 = 68.6%]. Subgroup analyses revealed that the difference was significant when the sodium status was assessed using urinary sodium levels.

The investigators found that random effects meta-regression analysis also revealed that body sodium level increases with the number of metabolic syndrome components.

The investigators found that participants with highest dietary/urinary or serum sodium levels had a significantly 37% higher chance of developing metabolic syndrome when compared with participants with the lowest sodium levels [OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.31-1.42, I2 = 86.9%].

The investigators concluded that higher sodium input into the body is directly associated with the likelihood of metabolic syndrome. Prospective cohort studies and well-designed randomized clinical trials considering the effect of sodium restricted diets on the risk of metabolic syndrome as an outcome are necessary to represent the causal association.

Original title:
Sodium status and the metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies by Soltani S, Kolahdouz Mohammadi R, […], Salehi-Abargouei A.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28846446

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

Find out whether you are overweight or not right here.

Those with metabolic syndrome are advised to select the following food items.

Sodium is part of table salt or sodium choride.

High-sodium or high-salt products are products with more than 0.3 gram salt per 100 kcal. These products are rich in salt.
A high-salt diet is a diet with many products with more than 0.3 gram salt per 100 kcal.

Objectives:
Over 200 clinical trials have examined the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements on risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. However, an updated analysis of the evidence is lacking. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Do EPA and DHA supplements reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases?

Study design:
This review article included 171 RCTs with acceptable quality (Jadad score ≥3).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found compared to placebo-control, EPA and DHA supplements produced significant reductions of triglycerides of 0.368 mmol/L [95% CI = -0.427 to -0.309].
The triglyceride-lowering effect was dose-dependent.

The investigators found compared to placebo-control, EPA and DHA supplements produced significant reductions of systolic blood pressure of 2.195 mmHg [95% CI = -3.172 to -1.217].

The investigators found compared to placebo-control, EPA and DHA supplements produced significant reductions of diastolic blood pressure of 1.08 mmHg [95% CI = -1.716 to -0.444].

The investigators found compared to placebo-control, EPA and DHA supplements produced significant reductions of heart rate of 1.37 bpm [95% CI = -2.41 to -0.325].

The investigators found compared to placebo-control, EPA and DHA supplements produced significant reductions of C-reactive protein of 0.343 mg/L [95% CI = -0.454 to -0.232].

The investigators found compared to placebo-control, EPA and DHA supplements produced a significant increase of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) [mean difference = 0.150 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.058 to 0.243].

The investigators found compared to placebo-control, EPA and DHA supplements produced a significant increase of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) [mean difference = 0.039 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.024-0.054].

The investigators concluded EPA and DHA supplements have lipid-lowering, hypotensive, anti-arrhythmic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Original title:
Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid containing supplements modulate risk factors for cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomised placebo-control human clinical trials by AbuMweis S, Jew S, […], Agraib L.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28675488

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on EPA and DHA, cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases right here. 

Objectives:
What is the impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine with 10 pneumococcal serotypes PCV10 and PCV13 in reducing the incidence of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) hospitalizations in children aged 5years?

Study design:
This review article included 12 articles.

High heterogeneity was detected among studies evaluating the hospitalization rate for clinically and radiologically confirmed pneumonia.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in children aged 24 months a significantly reduction of 17% [95% CI = 11-22%, p 0.001] in the hospitalization rates for clinically confirmed pneumonia after the introduction of the novel PCVs.

The investigators found in children aged 24 months, a significantly reduction of 31% [95% CI = 26-35%, p 0.001] in the hospitalization rates for radiologically confirmed pneumonia after the introduction of the novel PCVs

The investigators found in children aged 24-59 months a significantly reduction of 9% [95% CI = 5-14%, p 0.001] in the hospitalization rates for clinically confirmed pneumonia after the introduction of the novel PCVs.

The investigators found in children aged 24-59 months, a significantly reduction of 24% [95% CI = 12-33%, p 0.001] in the hospitalization rates for radiologically confirmed pneumonia after the introduction of the novel PCVs

The investigators concluded there is a significant impact of PCV10 and PCV13 in reducing the hospitalizations for pneumonia, particularly in children aged 24months and for radiologically confirmed disease. Further appropriately designed studies, comparing the impact of PCV10 and PCV13, are needed in order to obtain solid data on which to establish future immunization strategies.

Original title:
The impact of 10-valent and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on hospitalization for pneumonia in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Alicino C, Paganino C, […], Ansaldi F.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28911902

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

Objectives:
Does dietary protein supplementation augment resistance exercise training (RET)-induced gains in muscle mass and strength?

Study design:
This review article included 49 RCTs with RET ≥6 weeks in duration, involving 1,863 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that during periods of prolonged RET, dietary protein supplementation significantly increased changes in:
-strength-one-repetition-maximum [2.49 kg, 95% CI = 0.64 to 4.33];
-FFM (fat free mass) [0.30 kg, 95 BI = 0.09 to 0.52];
-muscle size-muscle fibre cross-sectional area [CSA = 310 µm², 95% CI = 51 to 570] and
-mid-femur [CSA = 7.2 mm², 95% CI = 0.20 to 14.30]

The investigators found that the impact of protein supplementation on gains in fat free mass (FFM) was reduced with increasing age [-0.01 kg, 95% CI = -0.02 to -0.00, p = 0.002] and was more effective in resistance-trained individuals [0.75 kg, 95% CI = 0.09 to 1.40, p = 0.03].

The investigators found that protein supplementation beyond total protein intakes of 1.62 g/kg/day resulted in no further RET-induced gains in fat free mass.

The investigators concluded dietary protein supplementation (1.62 g/kg/day) enhances changes in muscle strength and size during prolonged resistance exercise training in healthy adults.

Original title:
A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults by Morton RW, Murphy KT, […], Phillips SM.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28698222

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on sport nutrition and protein right here.

Objectives:
Several previous meta-analyses show a consistent inverse association between nut consumption and all-cause mortality, but the associations with cause-specific mortality remain uncertain. Therefore, this meta-analysis (review article) has been conducted.

Does nut consumption reduce all-cause and cause-specific mortality?

Study design:
This review article included 18 prospective cohort studies with 81,034 deaths.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found random-effects meta-analysis of 18 studies with 81,034 deaths showed a significant reduced risk of 19% [summary RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.78-0.84] for all-cause mortality for high compared with low nut consumption. This significant reduced risk was broadly consistent within subgroups according to various study and population characteristics and within sensitivity analyses that took into account potential confounders.

The investigators found random-effects meta-analysis of 17 studies with 20,381 deaths showed a significant reduced risk of 25% [summary RR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.71-0.79] for cardiovascular mortality for high compared with low nut consumption. This significant reduced risk was broadly consistent within subgroups according to various study and population characteristics and within sensitivity analyses that took into account potential confounders.

The investigators found random-effects meta-analysis of 14 studies with 10,438 deaths showed a significant reduced risk of 27% [summary RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.67-0.80] for coronary heart disease mortality for high compared with low nut consumption. This significant reduced risk was broadly consistent within subgroups according to various study and population characteristics and within sensitivity analyses that took into account potential confounders.

The investigators found random-effects meta-analysis of 13 studies with 4,850 deaths showed a significant reduced risk of 18% [summary RR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.73-0.91] for stroke mortality for high compared with low nut consumption. This significant reduced risk was broadly consistent within subgroups according to various study and population characteristics and within sensitivity analyses that took into account potential confounders.

The investigators found random-effects meta-analysis of 11 studies with 21,353 deaths showed a significant reduced risk of 13% [summary RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.80-0.93] for cancer mortality for high compared with low nut consumption. This significant reduced risk was broadly consistent within subgroups according to various study and population characteristics and within sensitivity analyses that took into account potential confounders.

The investigators found peanut (5 studies) and tree nut (3 studies) consumption were similarly associated with mortality risks.

The investigators found dose-response analyses suggested evidence for nonlinear associations between nut consumption and mortality [p-nonlinearity 0.001 for all outcomes except cancer mortality], with mortality risk levelling off at the consumption of about 3 servings per week (12g/day).

The investigators concluded that nut consumption is associated with reduced all-cause and cause-specific mortality, with the strongest reduction for coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. Both tree nuts and peanuts lower mortality and most of the survival benefits could be achieved at a relative low level of nut consumption (up to 12g/day).

Original title:
Nut consumption in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a meta-analysis 18 prospective studies by Chen GC, Zhang R, [...], Qin LQ.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28875220

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on nut consumption, cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke right here.
 

Objectives:
The results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating resveratrol supplementation on risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been inconsistent. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does resveratrol supplementation reduce risk of non-communicable diseases?

Study design:
This review article included 29 RCTs (30 treatment arms) with 1069 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that resveratrol supplementation significantly reduced the concentrations of:
-fasting glucose [-4.77 mg/dL, 95% CI = -9.33 to -0.21 mg/dL, p = 0.040];
-total cholesterol (TC) [-9.75 mg/dL, 95% CI = -17.04 to -2.46 mg/dL, p = 0.009] and;
-C-reactive protein (CRP) [-0.81 mg/L, 95% CI = -1.42 to -0.21 mg/L, p = 0.009].

The investigators found that resveratrol intervention exerted significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

The investigators found subgroup analysis also showed that the trials with resveratrol intervention ≥3 months significantly reduced the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (bad cholesterol), diastolic blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values.

The investigators found that resveratrol intervention had no favourable effects in altering high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol), triglyceride (TAG) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

The investigators concluded resveratrol supplementation ≥3 months has favourable effects on several risk factors of non-communicable diseases.

Original title:
Effects of resveratrol supplementation on risk factors of non-communicable diseases: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Guo XF, Li JM, [...], Li D.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28933578

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on flavonoids, cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and chronic diseases right here.

Non-communicable or chronic diseases are diseases of long duration and generally slow progression. The four main types of non-communicable diseases are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.

Non-communicable diseases are by far the leading cause of death in the world.
 

Objectives:
Micronutrient deficiencies are common among women in low-income and middle-income countries. Data from randomised trials suggest that maternal multiple micronutrient supplementation decreases the risk of low birthweight and potentially improves other infant health outcomes. However, heterogeneity across studies suggests influence from effect modifiers. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

What are the effects of individual-level modifiers of multiple micronutrient supplements on stillbirth, birth outcomes and infant mortality in low-income and middle-income countries?

Study design:
This review article included 17 RCTs, done in 14 low-income and middle-income countries, which compared multiple micronutrient supplements containing iron-folic acid versus iron-folic acid alone in 112,953 pregnant women.

All trials used multiple micronutrient supplements preparations that included at least eight micronutrients in addition to iron-folic acid. Eight trials used the United Nations multiple micronutrient preparation.

All trials were graded low or moderate risk of bias. Funnel plots did not provide clear evidence of publication bias or small study effects.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found multiple micronutrient supplements containing iron-folic acid (≤30 mg iron) provided a significantly 15% reduction in neonatal mortality for female neonates compared with male neonates [RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.75-0.96, p value for interaction = 0.007].

The investigators found iron-folic acid supplementation alone (60 mg iron) provided a non-significantly 6% higher neonatal mortality risk for female neonates compared with male neonates [RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.95-1.17].

The investigators found multiple micronutrient supplements resulted in greater reductions in
-low birthweight [RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.74-0.89, p value for interaction = 0.049];
-small-for-gestational-age births [RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.87-0.97, p = 0.03] and;
-6-month mortality [RR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.60-0.86, p = 0.04] in anaemic pregnant women (haemoglobin 110g/L) as compared with non-anaemic pregnant women.

The investigators found multiple micronutrient supplements also significantly reduced risk of preterm birth among underweight pregnant women (BMI 18.5 kg/m²) with 16% [RR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.78-0.91, p = 0.01].

The investigators found initiation of multiple micronutrient supplements before 20 weeks gestation provided greater reductions in preterm birth risk [RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.85-0.93, p = 0.03].

The investigators found generally, the survival and birth outcome effects of multiple micronutrient supplementation were greater with high adherence (≥95%) to supplementation.

The investigators found multiple micronutrient supplements did not significantly increase the risk of stillbirth or neonatal, 6-month, or infant mortality, neither overall or in any of the 26 examined subgroups.

The investigators concluded antenatal multiple micronutrient supplements improve survival for female neonates and provide greater birth-outcome benefits for infants born to undernourished and anaemic pregnant women. Early initiation in pregnancy (before 20 weeks gestation) and high adherence (≥95%) to multiple micronutrient supplements also provide greater overall benefits. Studies should now aim to elucidate the mechanisms accounting for differences in the effect of antenatal multiple micronutrient supplements on infant health by maternal nutrition status and sex.

Original title:
Modifiers of the effect of maternal multiple micronutrient supplementation on stillbirth, birth outcomes, and infant mortality: a meta-analysis of individual patient data from 17 randomised trials in low-income and middle-income countries by Smith ER, Shankar AH, […], Sudfeld CR.

Link:
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(17)30371-6/fulltext

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

Objectives:
Increasing evidence suggests that high consumption of meat is linked to lung cancer but the previous meta-analyses did not properly address the role of tobacco smoking as a potential confounder. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does high consumption of meat increase lung cancer risk among never and non-smokers?

Study design:
This review article included 14 independent observational studies and a total of 5,368 subjects with lung cancer.
There was no indication of publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in 11 studies, a statistically significant 24% increased risk of lung cancer for high consumption of red meat [Summary Relative Risk = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01-1.51, I2 = 31%].

The investigators found no significant associations between high consumption of other types of meat, fish or for heterocyclic amines and lung cancer risk.

The investigators found no significant risk estimates for the increase of one serving per week of any type of meat or fish.

The investigators concluded a high intake of red meat increases the risk of lung cancer among never and non-smokers.

Original title:
Carcinogenicity of High Consumption of Meat and Lung Cancer Risk Among Non-Smokers: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis by Gnagnarella P, Caini S, […], Gandini S.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29016198

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on meat consumption, randomized controlled trials/cohort studies/subgroup analysis and cancer right here.

According to international recommendations, adults should aim to have a maximum of 70g red meat per day or 500g per week (cooked weight).
 

Objectives:
Anthocyanins are of interest due to their anti-oxidative and vasodilatory properties. Earlier reviews have shown that berries and other anthocyanin rich foods or extracts can improve vascular health. However, the effect of anthocyanins on vascular function has not yet been reviewed. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does anthocyanin supplementation improve vascular function?

Study design:
This review article included 29 RCTs (15 were parallel and 14 were crossover designs).
Anthocyanin intakes ranged from 1 to 724 mg/day.
Most studies (n = 19) involved participants in the middle to older age group (mean age ≥ 40 years).
The number of participants that completed each study ranged from 10 to 146.
Intervention durations ranged from 1 h to 6 h in the acute studies and one week to six months in the chronic studies.

There was no publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found compared to placebo-control, acute anthocyanin supplementation (1-8 h post consumption of anthocyanin doses between 7 and 724 mg) significantly improved FMD [SMD = 3.92%, 95% CI = 1.47 to 6.38, p = 0.002, I2 = 91.8%].
No improvements were observed in PAT-RHI [SMD = 0.08, 95% CI = -0.34 to 0.50, p = 0.71, I2 = 0%].
Collectively, (i.e., the pooling of studies using FMD and/or PAT-RHI) anthocyanins may improve vascular reactivity [overall SMD = 2.41, 95% CI = 0.91 to 3.91, p = 0.002, I2 = 92.6%].

The investigators found compared to placebo-control, acute anthocyanin supplementation (1-8 h post consumption of anthocyanin doses between 7 and 724 mg) also significantly improved arterial stiffness, using PWV [SMD = -1.27 m/s, 95% CI = -1.96 to -0.58, p = 0.000, I2 = 17.9%].

The investigators found pulse wave velocity was improved following acute anthocyanin supplementation only [SMD = -1.27 m/s, 95% CI = -1.96 to -0.58, p = 0.000, I2 = 17.8%]. 

The investigators found compared to placebo-control, chronic anthocyanin supplementation (one week to six months and used anthocyanin doses of 12 to 320 mg/day) significantly improved FMD [SMD = 0.84%, 95% CI = 0.55 to 1.12, p = 0.000, I2 = 62.5%].
Collectively (i.e., the pooling of studies using FMD and/or PAT-RHI), chronic anthocyanin supplementation may improve vascular reactivity [overall SMD = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.37 to 1.16, p = 0.000, I2 = 85.3%].

The investigators concluded that both acute and chronic anthocyanin supplementation improve vascular health, particularly with respect to vascular reactivity measured by FMD. However, more research is required to determine the optimal dosage and the long-term effects of anthocyanin consumption.

Original title:
The Effect of Anthocyanin-Rich Foods or Extracts on Vascular Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials by Fairlie-Jones L, Davison K, […], Hill AM.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579701/

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

Objectives:
2-6 million stillbirths occur annually worldwide. The association between malaria in pregnancy and stillbirth has yet to be comprehensively quantified. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does malaria in pregnancy increases stillbirth risk?

Study design:
This review article included 59 studies (population-based cross-sectional, cohort or case-control studies and randomised controlled trials, identified before Feb 28, 2017) consisting of 141,415 women and 3,387 stillbirths.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found plasmodium falciparum malaria detected at delivery in peripheral samples significantly increased the risk of stillbirth with 81% [OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.42-2.30, I2 = 26.1%, 34 estimates].

The investigators found plasmodium falciparum malaria detected at delivery in placental samples significantly increased the risk of stillbirth with 95% [OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.48-2.57, I2 = 33.6%, 31 estimates].

The investigators found plasmodium falciparum malaria detected and treated during pregnancy was also associated with stillbirth, but to a lesser extent [OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.13-1.92, 19 estimates].

The investigators found plasmodium vivax malaria detected at delivery non-significantly increased the risk of stillbirth with 181% [OR = 2.81, 95% CI= 0.77-10.22, 3 estimates].

The investigators found plasmodium vivax malaria detected and treated during pregnancy non-significantly increased the risk of stillbirth with 9% [OR = 1.09, 95% CI= 0.76-1.57, 4 estimates].

The investigators found the association between plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnancy and stillbirth was two times greater in areas of low-to-intermediate endemicity than in areas of high endemicity [OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.34-2.89]. 

The investigators concluded plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnancy increases stillbirth risk. The risk of malaria-associated stillbirth is likely to increase as endemicity declines. There is a pressing need for context-appropriate, evidence-based interventions for malaria in pregnancy in low-endemicity settings.
Assuming all women with malaria are still parasitaemic at delivery, an estimated 20% of the 1,059,700 stillbirths in malaria-endemic sub-Saharan Africa are attributed to plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnancy; the population attributable fraction decreases to 12%, assuming all women with malaria are treated during pregnancy.

Original title:
Quantification of the association between malaria in pregnancy and stillbirth: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Moore KA, Simpson JA, […], Fowkes FJI.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28967610

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

Malaria is a life-threatening disease and is caused by Plasmodium parasites. The parasites are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, called "malaria vectors". There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species - Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax - pose the greatest threat.

1. Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of malaria deaths globally and is the most prevalent species in sub-Saharan Africa. The remaining species are not typically as life threatening as Plasmodium falciparum.
2. Plasmodium vivax, is the second most significant species and is prevalent in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale have the added complication of a dormant liver stage, which can be reactivated in the absence of a mosquito bite, leading to clinical symptoms.
3. Plasmodium ovale represents only a small percentage of infections.
4. Plasmodium malariae represents only a small percentage of infections.
5. A fifth species Plasmodium knowlesi - a species that infects primates - has led to human malaria, but the exact mode of transmission remains unclear.

The time from the initial malaria infection until symptoms appear - incubation period - typically ranges from:

• 9 to 14 days for Plasmodium falciparum.
• 12 to 18 days for Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale.
• 18 to 40 days for Plasmodium malariae.
• 11 to 12 days for Plasmodium knowlesi.

Malaria is preventable and curable.

Objectives:
Several studies have investigated the relationship between serum selenium concentration and cervical cancer, but the results were inconsistent. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Do high serum selenium levels reduce risk of cervical cancer among women?

Study design:
This review article included 12 studies investigating the association by univariate analysis and 5 studies by multivariate analysis.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in univariate analysis, that serum selenium levels in women with cervical cancer were significantly lower than in women without cervical cancer [SMD = -4.86, 95% CI = -6.03 to -3.69]. Subgroup analysis showed consistent results.

The investigators found in multivariate analysis, that serum selenium levels in women with cervical cancer were significantly lower than in women without cervical cancer [OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.42-0.73].

The investigators found after treatment, the serum selenium levels increased significantly [SMD = 2.59, 95% CI = 0.50-4.69].

The investigators concluded high serum selenium levels reduce risk of cervical cancer among women.

Original title:
Serum Selenium Levels and Cervical Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by He D, Wang Z, […], Chen D.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28255860

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on selenium, randomized controlled trials/cohort studies/subgroup analysis and cancer right here.

Univariate analysis is the simplest form of analyzing data. "Uni" means "one", thus in other words your data has only one variable.

High serum selenium levels can be obtained by consuming selenium-rich food items and/or taking selenium supplements.
 

Objectives:
Whether iron is associated with the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not clear. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Do increased dietary intake of iron and body iron status increase risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women? 

Study design:
This review article included 12 case-control  studies, 9 cohort studies and  2  randomized  controlled  studies (RCT) with in total, 3,034 gestational diabetes mellitus pregnant women and 26,344 non-gestational diabetes mellitus pregnant women.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found high dietary intake of heme iron was significantly associated with a 65% gestational diabetes mellitus risk [RR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.28 to 2.12, I2 = 0%].

The investigators found for each 1 mg/day increment of dietary heme iron intake a significantly 38% gestational diabetes mellitus risk [RR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.19 to 1.61, I2 = 0%].

The investigators found higher body iron stores, as represented by serum ferritin level, were correlated with a significantly increased gestational diabetes mellitus risk of 64% [RR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.27 to 2.11, I2% = 7%].

The investigators found no association between gestational diabetes mellitus and the intakes of nonheme iron, total iron or supplemental iron.

The investigators concluded increased dietary intake of heme iron (at least 1 mg/day) and body iron status are positively associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus development in pregnant women. Future studies are warranted to better understand the role of iron in gestational diabetes mellitus development.

Original title:
Dietary intake of heme iron and body iron status are associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Zhao L, Lian J, [...], Wang F.

Link:
http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/26/6/1092.pdf

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on iron, pregnancy and review article/significant/95% CI right here.

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a condition in which a woman without diabetes develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes mellitus affects between 2% and 5% of pregnant women.

Objectives:
Killed whole-cell oral cholera vaccines (kOCVs) are becoming a standard cholera control and prevention tool. However, vaccine efficacy and direct effectiveness estimates have varied, with differences in study design, location, follow-up duration and vaccine composition posing challenges for public health decision making. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Do 2 doses of killed whole-cell oral cholera vaccine provide sufficient protection against cholera?

Study design:
This review article included 7 RCTs with 695 patients with cholera and 6 observational studies (4 case-control studies,1 cohort study and 1 case-cohort study) with 217 patients with cholera).

The duration between the first two vaccine doses in RCTs ranged from 14 to 42 days.
The duration between the two primary vaccine doses in observational studies ranged from 12 to 25 days.
There were no signs of publication bias from a visual assessment of funnel plots for observational studies and RCTs, separately.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in pooled analyses an average two-dose efficacy of 58% [95% CI = 42-69, I2 = 58%] and effectiveness of 76% [95% CI = 62-85, I2 = 0%].

The investigators found in pooled analyses an average two-dose efficacy in children younger than 5 years [30%, 95% CI = 15-42, I2 = 0%] was lower than in those 5 years or older [64%, 95 CI = 58-70, I2 = 0%, p 0.0001].

The investigators found in pooled analyses two-dose efficacy estimates of kOCV were similar during the first 2 years after vaccination, with estimates of 56% [95% CI = 42-66, I2 = 45%] in the first year and 59% [95% CI = 49-67, I2 = 0%] in the second year. However, the efficacy reduced to 39% [95% CI = 13 to 57, I2 = 48%] in the third year and 26% [95% CI = -46 to 63, I2 = 74%] in the fourth year.

The investigators concluded 2 kOCV doses provide protection against cholera for at least 3 years. Children younger than 5 years were observed to have lower efficacy than those aged 5 years and older. Although vaccination alone will probably not lead to elimination of cholera, it can provide an important stopgap while improved water, sanitation and health-care infrastructure are provided to vulnerable populations. More work is needed to understand how and when to best use existing vaccines and to design new and more effective ones. However, the past three decades of evidence points towards kOCV being a safe, effective, and important tool to fight cholera.

Original title:
Protection against cholera from killed whole-cell oral cholera vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Bi Q, Ferreras E, […], Azman AS.

Link:
http://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/laninf/PIIS1473-3099(17)30359-6.pdf

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

Objectives:
Do patients with type 2 diabetes benefit from a low carbohydrate diet?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 9 RCTs with 734 patients with type 2 diabetes.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that low carbohydrate diet significantly reduced HbA1c level [WMD = -0.44, 95% CI = -0.61 to -0.26, p= 0.00] of patients with type 2 diabetes.

The investigators found that low carbohydrate diet significantly reduced triglycerides concentration [WMD = -0.33, 95% CI = -0.45 to -0.21, p = 0.00] of patients with type 2 diabetes.

The investigators found that low carbohydrate diet significantly increased HDL cholesterol concentration (WMD = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.11, p = 0.00] of patients with type 2 diabetes.

The investigators found that low carbohydrate diet was not associated with decreased level of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

The investigators found subgroup analyses showed that short term intervention of low carbohydrate diet was effective for weight loss [WMD = -1.18, 95% CI = -2.32 to -0.04, p = 0.04] in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The investigators concluded there is a beneficial effect of low carbohydrate diet intervention on glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The low carbohydrate diet intervention also has a positive effect on triglycerides and HDL cholesterol concentrations, but without significant effect on long term weight loss.

Original title:
Efficacy of low carbohydrate diet for type 2 diabetes mellitus management: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Meng Y, Bai H, […], Chen L.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28750216

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

A low carbohydrate diet is a diet that is largely made up of meals/products with 20-40 En% carbohydrate. Practically, this means that all meals/products that you eat on a daily basis should on average contain 20-40 En% carbohydrate.
20-40 En% carbohydrate means that the total amounts of carbohydrate make up for a 20-40% of the total kcal of the diet. Check here which products contain 20-40 En% carbohydrate.

Objectives:
World Health Assembly member states have committed to ambitious global targets for reductions in stunting and wasting by 2025. Improving complementary diets of children aged 6-23 months is a recommended approach for reducing stunting in children 5 y old. Less is known about the potential of these interventions to prevent wasting. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

What is the impact of complementary feeding interventions on linear [length-for-age z score (LAZ)] and ponderal [weight-for-length z score (WLZ)] growth of children aged 6-23 months?

Study design:
This review article included studies of the previous LiST review and articles published since January 2012. The studies were longitudinal trials that compared children aged 6-23 months who received 1 of 2 types of complementary feeding interventions (nutrition education or counseling alone or complementary food supplementation with or without nutrition education or counseling) with a no-intervention control.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found interventions that provided nutrition education or counseling had a small but significant impact on linear growth in food-secure populations [LAZ standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.01-0.22] but not on ponderal growth.

The investigators found complementary food supplementation interventions with or without nutrition education also had a small, significant effect in food-insecure settings on both LAZ [SMD = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.04-0.13] and WLZ [SMD = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01-0.08].

The investigators concluded nutrition education and complementary feeding interventions both had a small but significant impact on linear growth and complementary feeding interventions also had an impact on ponderal growth of children aged 6-23 months in low- and middle-income countries.

Original title:
Complementary Feeding Interventions Have a Small but Significant Impact on Linear and Ponderal Growth of Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Panjwani A and Heidkamp R.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28904113

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

Objectives:
Several epidemiological studies have suggested that vitamin E could reduce the risk of uterine cervical neoplasm. However, controversial data were presented by different reports. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Do both high vitamin E intake and circulating vitamin E levels reduce risk of uterine cervical neoplasm?

Study design:
This review article included 15 case-control studies, involving 3,741 cases (those with uterine cervical neoplasm) and 6,328 controls (those without uterine cervical neoplasm).

There was no obvious publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in pooled analysis that the highest intake of vitamin E significantly reduced risk of cervical neoplasia with 42% [OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.47-0.72, I2 = 83%]. In addition, both vitamin E intake and blood levels of vitamin E were negatively correlated with cervical neoplasia risk.

The investigators found in subgroup analysis that the highest intake of dietary vitamin E significantly reduced risk of cervical neoplasia with 32% [OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.49-0.94, I2 = 70%].

The investigators found in subgroup analysis that the highest vitamin E blood levels significantly reduced risk of cervical neoplasia with 48% [OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.40-0.69, I2 = 86%].

The investigators found in subgroup analysis that vitamin E significantly reduced risk of cervical neoplasia with 40% [OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.45-0.78, I2 = 84%] in studies conducted in America and Europe.

The investigators found in subgroup analysis that the highest intake of vitamin E significantly reduced risk of cervical neoplasia with 46% [OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.39-0.76, I2 = 75%] in studies conducted in Asia.

The investigators found subgroup analysis stratified by different types of cervical neoplasm indicated that the highest intake (or serum level) of vitamin E significantly decreased risk of cervical cancer with 47% [OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.390.73, I2 = 77%] and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) with 46% [OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.43-0.70, I2 = 79%]. Meanwhile, sensitivity analysis to assess the influence of each single study on the pooled ORs by omitting a research in each turn, showed combined ORs were not substantially different, indicating that the results of this meta-analysis were stable and reliable.

The investigators concluded that both vitamin E intake and circulating vitamin E levels could reduce cervical neoplasia risk, including cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. In other words, sufficient supplementation of vitamin E might reduce the risk of cervical neoplasia. However, more randomized controlled trials and cohort studies with high quality are required to further validate this inverse relationship.

Original title:
Effect of vitamin E supplementation on uterine cervical neoplasm: A meta-analysis of case-control studies by Hu X, Li S, [...], Zhu X.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5567498/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on vitamin E, randomized controlled trials/cohort studies/subgroup analysis and cancer right here.

Higher intake of vitamin E is an intake which covers the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E of at least 1 day.