Nutritional advice

Objectives:
It has been unclear whether supplemental probiotics therapy improves clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, this meta-analysis (systematic review) has been conducted.

Do probiotics supplements improve clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients?

Study design:
This review article included 12 RCTs involving 684 type 2 diabetic patients.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a significant decreased glucose level in the probiotics group [pooled standardized mean difference = -0.18 mg/dL, 95% CI = -0.35 to -0.01, p = 0.04, I2 = 64%, p = 0.004] compared to the control group.

The investigators found a significant reduction in HbA1c in the probiotics group [pooled standardized mean difference = -0.38%, 95% CI = -0.62 to -0.14, p = 0.002, I2 = 0%, p = 0.72] compared to the control group.

The investigators found a significant reduction in fasting insulin level in the probiotics group [pooled standardized mean difference = -0.38, 95% CI = -0.59 to -0.18, p = 0.003, I2 = 0%, p = 0.81] compared to the control group.

The investigators found a significant reduced HOMA-IR level in the probiotics group [pooled standardized mean difference = -0.99, 95% CI = -1.52 to -0.4, p = 0.0002, I2 = 86%, p 0.00001] compared to the control group.

The investigators found a significant reduced CRP level in the probiotics group [pooled standardized mean difference = -1.34 mg/L, 95% CI = -1.76 to -0.92, p 0.00001, I2 = 90%, p 0.00001] compared to the control group.

The investigators found a non-significant reduction in both triglyceride levels [SMD = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.48 to 0.02, p = 0.07, I2 = 52%, p = 0.03] and cholesterol levels [total cholesterol: SMD = -0.18, 95% CI = -0.42 to 0.06, p = 0.14, I2 = 47%, p = 0.05 and LDL-cholesterol: SMD = -0.03, 95% CI = -0.20 to 0.14, p = 0.73, I2 = 3%, p = 0.41] in the probiotics group compared to the control group.

The investigators concluded that probiotics supplementation is associated with significant improvement in HbA1c and fasting insulin in type 2 diabetes patients. These results may provide evidence for encouraging use of probiotics in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, more randomized placebo-controlled trials with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm these findings.

Original title:
Effect of Probiotics on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis of 12 Randomized Controlled Trials by Yao K, Zeng L, [...], Zou X.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5491138/

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

Objectives:
Controversy exists on the association between alcohol consumption and risk of heart failure (HF). Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Is there an association between alcohol consumption and risk of heart failure?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 13 prospective cohort studies, with 13,738 heart failure cases among 355,804 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found light alcohol drinking (0.1-7 drinks/week) significantly reduced risk of heart failure with 14% [RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.81-0.90]. However, there was no statistically significant association between moderate (7.1-14 drinks/week), high (14.1-28 drinks/week), or heavy (>28 drinks/week) alcohol consumption and heart failure risk.

The investigators found former drinking significantly increased risk of heart failure with 22% [RR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.11-1.33] compared with never or occasional drinking.

The investigators concluded that light alcohol drinking (0.1-7 drinks/week) is associated with a lower risk of heart failure, while former drinking is associated with a higher risk of heart failure.

Original title:
Alcohol consumption and risk of heart failure: Meta-analysis of 13 prospective studies by Susanna C. Larsson, […], Alicja Wolk

Link:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261561417301681

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

Objectives:
Dietary intake is potentially associated with the onset of Crohn’s disease (CD), but evidence from epidemiological studies has remained unclear. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Is there a positive association between fat, carbohydrate or protein intake and the risk of Crohn’s disease?

Study design:
This review article included 4 case-control studies with a total of 311 Crohn’s disease cases and 660 controls and 5 prospective cohort studies with a total of 238,887 participants and 482 Crohn’s disease cases.

The Egger’s test detected no obvious publication bias in fiber (p = 0.708), while there were not enough studies to conduct the analyses for carbohydrate, fat and protein.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found no evidence of a non-linear relationship between total carbohydrate intake and Crohn’s disease risk [p for non-linearity = 0.376].

The investigators found no association between 10 g increment/day of total carbohydrate intake and Crohn’s disease risk [RR = 0.991, 95% CI = 0.978-1.004, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.439]. No association because RR of 1 was found in the 95% CI of 0.978 to 1.004. RR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found no evidence of a non-linear relationship between total fat intake and Crohn’s disease risk [p for non-linearity = 0.281].

The investigators found no association between 10 g increment/day of total fat intake and Crohn’s disease risk [RR = 1.018, 95% CI = 0.969-1.069, I2 = 44.6%, p = 0.125].

The investigators found no evidence of a non-linear relationship between total protein intake and Crohn’s disease risk [p for non-linearity = 0.163].

The investigators found no association between 10 g increment/day of total protein intake and Crohn’s disease risk [RR = 1.029, 95% CI = 0.955-1.109, I2 = 54.7%, p = 0.085].

The investigators found a non-linear relationship between fiber dietary intake and Crohn’s disease risk [p for non-linearity = 0.019].

The investigators found a significant reduced risk of 14.7% for Crohn’s disease for per 10 g increment/day of fiber [RR = 0.853, 95% CI = 0.762-0.955]. However, the protective role of fiber dietary intake in the development of Crohn’s disease was gone after adjustment for the risk factor smoking [RR for per 10 g increment/day = 0.890, 95% CI = 0.776-1.020].

The investigators found a non-linear relationship between sucrose intake and Crohn’s disease risk [p for non-linearity = 0.023].

The investigators found a significant increased risk of 8.8% for Crohn’s disease for per 10 g increment/day of sucrose [RR = 1.088, 95% CI = 1.020-1.160, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.39]. Significant means it can be said with a 95% confidence that each 10 g increment/day of sucrose really increased the risk of Crohn’s disease. 

The investigators concluded there is a lack of association between total carbohydrate, fat or protein intake and the risk of Crohn’s disease, while high fiber dietary intake might decrease the risk but the association was influenced by study design and smoking adjustment. High sucrose intake might increase the risk of Crohn’s disease. However, large-scale prospective designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Original title:
Macronutrient Intake and Risk of Crohn’s Disease: Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Studies by Zeng L, Hu S, [...], Tan Y.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452230/

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Find more information/studies on fat, protein, carbohydrate and fiber right here.

 

Onderzoeksvraag:
Is er een verband tussen het eten van koolhydraten, eiwitten of vetten en de ziekte van Crohn?

Studieopzet:
Dit overzichtsartikel bevatte 4 patiënt-controle studies met in totaal 311 mensen met de ziekte van Crohn en 660 mensen zonder de ziekte van Crohn en 5 prospectieve cohort studies met in totaal 238887 deelnemers, waarvan 482 mensen met de ziekte van Crohn.

De gemiddelde score van de studies was 7.78.

Er was geen publicatie bias in de vezelsstudies. Echter, er was niet genoeg gegevens om vast te kunnen stellen of in de eiwit-, vet- en koolhydratenstudies ook publicatie bias aanwezig was of niet.

Resultaten en conclusies:
De onderzoekers vonden geen bewijs voor een non-lineair verband tussen het eten van koolhydraten en de ziekte van Crohn.

De onderzoekers vonden voor elke verhoging met 10 gram koolhydraten per dag via voeding, een niet significant verlaagde risico van 0.9% voor de ziekte van Crohn [gepoolde RR = 0.991, 95% BI = 0.978-1.004, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.439]. Niet significant want RR van 1 zat in de 95% BI van 0.978 tot 1.004. RR van 1 betekent geen risico/verband.

De onderzoekers vonden een non-lineair verband tussen het eten van tafelsuiker en de ziekte van Crohn.

De onderzoekers vonden voor elke verhoging met 10 gram tafelsuiker (saccharose of sucrose) per dag via voeding, een significant verhoogde risico van 8.8% voor de ziekte van Crohn [gepoolde RR = 1.088, 95% BI = 1.020-1.160, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.395]. Significant want RR van 1 zat niet in de 95% BI van 1.020 tot 1.160.

De onderzoekers vonden een non-lineair verband tussen het eten van vezels en de ziekte van Crohn.

De onderzoekers vonden voor elke verhoging met 10 gram vezels per dag via voeding, een significant verlaagde risico van 14.7% voor de ziekte van Crohn [gepoolde RR = 0.853, 95% BI = 0.762-0.955, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.730]. Echter, dit verlaagde risico was niet meer significant na het corrigeren voor de confounder sigarettenrook [RR voor elke verhoging met 10 gram vezels per dag via voeding = 0.890, 95% BI = 0.776-1.020].

De onderzoekers vonden geen bewijs voor een non-lineair verband tussen het eten van vet en de ziekte van Crohn.

De onderzoekers vonden voor elke verhoging met 10 gram vet per dag via voeding, een niet significant verhoogde risico van 1.8% voor de ziekte van Crohn [gepoolde RR = 1.018, 95% BI = 0.969-1.069, I2 = 44.6%, p = 0.125]. Niet significant wil zeggen, er is geen verband bij een 95% betrouwbaarheid.

De onderzoekers vonden geen bewijs voor een non-lineair verband tussen het eten van eiwit en de ziekte van Crohn.

De onderzoekers vonden voor elke verhoging met 10 gram eiwit per dag via voeding, een niet significant verhoogde risico van 2.9% voor de ziekte van Crohn [gepoolde RR = 1.029, 95% BI = 0.955-1.109, I2 = 54.7%, p = 0.085].

De onderzoekers concludeerden dat er geen verband bestond tussen het eten van koolhydraten, eiwitten of vetten en de ziekte van Crohn. Echter, het eten van tafelsuiker verhoogt mogelijk de kans op het krijgen van de ziekte van Crohn. Mogelijk omdat er niet genoeg gegevens aanwezig waren om uit te sluiten dat er geen publicatie bias aanwezig was.

Oorspronkelijke titel:
Macronutrient Intake and Risk of Crohn’s Disease: Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Studies by Zeng L, Hu S, [...], Tan Y.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452230/

Extra informatie van El Mondo:
Vind hier meer studies over koolhydraten, vetten en eiwitten.
De conclusie in een overzichtsartikel is pas betrouwbaar wanneer er geen sprake is van publicatie bias (treedt op wanneer wetenschappelijke studies wegens ongewenste resultaat (bijvoorbeeld verhoogde risico) niet gepubliceerd worden).
 

Objectives:
Although pre-exercise consumption of a low-glycemic-index (LGI) carbohydrate meal is generally recommended, the findings regarding subsequent exercise performance are inconsistent. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does a pre-exercise low-glycemic-index carbohydrate meal lead to greater endurance performance than a pre-exercise high-glycemic-index (HGI) meal?

Study design:
This review article included 15 trials (randomized controlled or crossover trials).
All included studies were of low research quality.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found the synthesized effect size [d  = 0.42, z  = 3.40, p  = 0.001] indicated that the endurance performance following a low-glycemic-index carbohydrate meal was superior to that following a high-glycemic-index meal.

The investigators found subgroup analyses demonstrated that the treatment effect did not vary across outcome measures (exercise to exhaustion, time trial and work output) or athletic status (trained or recreational participants).

The investigators concluded weak evidence supports the claim that endurance performance following pre-exercise consumption of a low-glycemic-index (LGI) carbohydrate meal is superior to that following pre-exercise consumption of a high-glycemic-index (HGI) meal. Further high-quality research in this area is warranted.

Original title:
Effect of pre-exercise carbohydrate diets with high vs low glycemic index on exercise performance: a meta-analysis by Heung-Sang Wong S, Sun FH, […], Ya-Jun Huang W.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28383695

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

A low-glycemic-index (LGI) carbohydrate diet is a diet with a lot of products with GI lower than 55. Products with GI lower than 55 are called low-glycemic-index carbohydrate products. These products are low-glycemic-index carbohydrate products.
 

Objectives:
Epidemiological studies evaluating the associations between serum copper and ratios of copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) and the preeclampsia (PE) risk in Asian population have produced inconsistent results. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Do a higher serum copper and ratios of Cu/Zn increase the preeclampsia risk in Asian population?

Study design:
This review article included relevant studies up to November 2016.
Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated with random effects model.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that preeclampsia patients significantly had a higher serum copper level [SMD = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.34 to 1.77, I2 = 96.9%, p 0.0001] compared with healthy pregnancy controls.

The investigators found in subgroup analyses, a higher serum copper level in preeclampsia patients was observed in case-control studies [SMD = 1.39, 95% CI = 0.44 to 2.34]. However, no significant difference was found between preeclampsia patients and healthy pregnancy controls for ratios of Cu/Zn [SMD = 0.26, 95% CI = -0.77 to 1.29, I2 = 95.8%, p 0.0001].

The investigators concluded that a higher serum copper level is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia in Asian population. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Original title:
High serum copper level is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia in Asians: A meta-analysis by Song X, Li B, [...], Zhang D.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28385285

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

Objectives:
The design of infant immunization schedules requires an understanding of the factors that determine the immune response to each vaccine antigen. Therefore, this meta-analysis (review article) has been conducted.

Is there an association between maternal antibody concentrations and infant vaccine responses?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 7,630 infants of which 3,906 (51.2%) were boys from 32 studies in 17 countries.
Mean (SD) age at baseline was 9.0 (2.3) weeks. Preexisting maternal antibody inhibited infant antibody responses to priming doses for 20 of 21 antigens.
Antigen-specific antibody concentration measured 1 month after priming vaccine doses, before booster vaccination and 1 month after booster vaccine doses.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that the largest effects were observed for inactivated polio vaccine, where 2-fold higher maternal antibody concentrations resulted in 20% to 28% lower postvaccination antibody concentration [type 1, geometric mean ratio [GMR] = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.78-0.83 and type 2, GMR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.69-0.74 and type 3, GMR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.75-0.82].

The investigators found for acellular pertussis antigens, 2-fold higher maternal antibody was associated with 11% lower postvaccination antibody for pertussis toxoid [GMR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.87-0.90] and filamentous hemagglutinin [GMR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.88-0.90] and 22% lower pertactin antibody [GMR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.77-0.80].

The investigators found for tetanus and diphtheria, the estimates were 13% [GMR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.86-0.88] and 24% [GMR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.74-0.77], respectively.

The investigators found the influence of maternal antibody was still evident in reduced responses to booster doses of acellular pertussis, inactivated polio and diphtheria vaccines at 12 to 24 months of age.

The investigators found children who were older when first immunized had higher antibody responses to priming doses for 18 of 21 antigens, after adjusting for the effect of maternal antibody concentrations. The largest effect was seen for polyribosylribitol phosphate antibody, where responses were 71% higher per month [GMR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.52-1.92].

The investigators concluded that maternal antibody concentrations and infant age at first vaccination both influence infant vaccine responses. These effects are seen for almost all vaccines contained in global immunization programs and influence immune response for some vaccines even at the age of 24 months. These data highlight the potential for maternal immunization strategies to influence established infant programs.

Original title:
The Influence of Maternally Derived Antibody and Infant Age at Vaccination on Infant Vaccine Responses: An Individual Participant Meta-analysis by Voysey M, Kelly DF, […], Pollard AJ.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28505244

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Find more information/studies on food fortification/malnutrition right here.

Objectives:
Do overweight and obese adults benefit from n-3 PUFA supplements?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 11 RCTs involving 617 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a statistically non-significant difference in weight loss between n-3 PUFA supplements and placebo [WMD = 0.00, 95% CI = -0.42 to 0.43, p = 0.99].

The investigators found n-3 PUFA supplements was superior to placebo in reducing serum triglyceride levels [Std MD = -0.59, 95% CI = -0.93 to -0.25, p = 0.0007].

The investigators found a significant reduction in waist circumference for n-3 PUFA group [WMD = -0.53, 95% CI = -0.90 to -0.16, p = 0.005].

The investigators found no significant differences in body mass index, total serum levels of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and fasting glucose levels between n-3 PUFA supplements and placebo.

The investigators concluded that n-3 PUFA supplements reduce waist circumference and triglyceride levels in overweight and obese adults. However, large-scale, well-designed RCTs are needed to further address this issue.

Original title:
Efficacy of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation in Managing Overweight and Obesity: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials by Zhang YY, Liu W, […], Tian HM.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28112774

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on overweight, n-3 PUFA and cholesterol right here.  

Click here to find out whether you are overweight or not?

Objectives:
The effects of green tea on lipid metabolism were inconsistent. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Have tea consumption beneficial effects on lipid metabolism?

Study design:
This review article included 21 RCTs studying 1,704 overweight or obese subjects.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that green tea consumption significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol with 3.38 mg/dL [WMD = -3.38 mg/dL, 95% CI = -6.42 to -0.33 mg/dL] in overweight or obese people.

The investigators found that green tea consumption significantly decreased plasma LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) with 5.29 mg/dL [WMD = -5.29 mg/dL,95% CI = -7.92 to -2.66 mg/dL] in overweight or obese people.

The investigators found that green tea consumption, however, showed no effect on plasma triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol) in overweight or obese people with a relatively high heterogeneity.

The investigators concluded that drinking green tea lowers plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in overweight or obese people. Nevertheless, green tea's effect on plasma triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels must be further evaluated by additional high-quality and large-scale RCTs.

Original title:
Effects of green tea on lipid metabolism in overweight or obese people: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Fen Y, Hui D, [...], Fu Er L.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28636182

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on overweight, cholesterol and tea consumption right here. 

Objectives:
Recent evidence has suggested that flavonoid and lignan intake may be associated with decreased risk of chronic and degenerative diseases. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does dietary flavonoid intake reduce risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality?

Study design:
This review article included 22 prospective cohort studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found when compared with lower consumption, high consumption of total flavonoids was associated with a significant decreased risk of 26% for all-cause mortality [risk ratio = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55-0.99].

The investigators found a 100-mg/day increment in dietary total flavonoids intake led to a (linear) decreased risk of 6% and 4% of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, respectively.

The investigators found among flavonoid classes, significant results were obtained for intakes of flavonols, flavones, flavanones, anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins.

The investigators found limited evidence was available on lignans intake and all-cause mortality.

The investigators concluded that higher dietary flavonoids intakes - at least 100-mg/day of flavonols, flavones, flavanones, anthocyanidins or proanthocyanidins - are associated with decreased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality.

Original title:
Dietary Flavonoid and Lignan Intake and Mortality in Prospective Cohort Studies: Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis by Grosso G, Micek A, […], Giovannucci EL.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28472215

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

Objectives:
Zinc sulfate may be a promising approach to treat neonatal jaundice. However, the results remain controversial. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does zinc sulfate supplementation reduce neonatal jaundice?

Study design:
This review article included 5 RCTs involving 645 patients.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found overall, compared with placebo, zinc sulfate supplementation failed to significantly reduce total serum bilirubin on 3 days [mean difference = 0.09 mg/dL, 95% CI = -0.49 to 0.67, p = 0.77]. Non-significant because p-value of 0.77 was greater than p-value of 0.05.

The investigators found overall, compared with placebo, zinc sulfate supplementation failed to significantly reduce total serum bilirubin on 7 days [mean difference= -0.37 mg/dL, 95% CI= -98 to 0.25, p  = 0.25].

The investigators found overall, compared with placebo, zinc sulfate supplementation failed to significantly reduce the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia [OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.74 to 1.76, p = 0.56].

The investigators found overall, compared with placebo, zinc sulfate supplementation showed no influence on phototherapy requirement [OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.41 to 1.98, p = 0.79]. Non-significant because OR of 1 was found in the OR of 0.41 to 1.98. OR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found overall, compared with placebo, zinc sulfate supplementation significantly decreased duration of phototherapy [mean difference = -16.69 h, 95% CI = -25.09 to -8.3 h, p 0.000].

The investigators concluded zinc sulphate supplementation does not reduce the total serum bilirubin on 3 days and 7 days, the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia and phototherapy requirement, but significantly decreases duration of phototherapy.

Original title:
The influence of zinc sulfate on neonatal jaundice: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Yang L, Wu, [...], Tang J.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28372469

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Find more information/studies on pregnancy and zinc right here.

Neonatal jaundice occurs when a baby has a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that the body creates when it replaces old red blood cells. The liver helps break down the substance so it can be removed from the body in the stool.

A high level of bilirubin makes a baby's skin and whites of the eyes look yellow. This is called neonatal jaundice.

Jaundice is a common and usually harmless condition in newborn babies.
The symptoms of neonatal jaundice usually develop 2 to 3 days after the birth and tend to get better without treatment by the time the baby is about 2 weeks old.

Objectives:
The association between dietary vitamin K intake and the risk of fractures is controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis (review article) has been conducted.

Does dietary vitamin K intake reduce risk of fractures?

Study design:
This review article included 4 cohort studies and 1 nested case-control study, including 80,982 total subjects and 1114 fracture cases.

The fractures were assessed using confirmed self-reported, medical and radiological report. Dietary vitamin K intake was assessed with a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in 4 studies, only 1 study used 4-day or 7-day food record.
Vitamin K intake in all included studies refers exclusively to the intake of phylloquinone (vitamin K1), which is the predominant form of vitamin K in foods.
All subjects were more than 30 years old.
Duration of follow-up for the included studies ranged from 6.9 to 10 years.
Most studies provided RRs that were adjusted for age, BMI, BMD, physical activity, vitamin D and calcium intake, smoking and alcohol consumption.

The Begg and Egger tests did not show any substantial asymmetry (p  =  0.50 for Begg test and p  =  0.32 for Egger tests). Further trim and filled meta-analysis showed that there were no trimming data added.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found for highest vs. the lowest dietary vitamin K intake a significant reduced risk of 22% [RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.56-0.99, I2  =  59.2%, p  = 0 .04] for fractures.

The investigators found for every increment of 50μg dietary vitamin K intake per day a significant reduced risk of 3% [RR  = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95-0.99, I2  =  25.9%, p  = 0 .25] for fractures.

The investigators found a significant reduced risk of 24% [RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58-0.93, I2  =  59.2%, p  = 0 .04] for fractures in studies with more than 10 years of follow-up.

The investigators concluded that higher dietary vitamin K intake; at least 50μg dietary vitamin K intake per day decreases the risk of fractures. This review article offers additional evidence on the relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and risk of fractures. The benefit of vitamin K should be confirmed in future well-designed prospective cohort studies and clinical trials.

Original title:
Vitamin K intake and the risk of fractures: A meta-analysis by Hao G, Zhang B, [...], Cao X.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5413254/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on vitamin K and elderly right here.
 

Objectives:
Although circumstantial evidence accumulated to support the hypothesis that Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is protective against severe fatal malaria; there have been several arguments for and against. Therefore, this meta-analysis (review article) has been conducted.

Is there an association between G6PD deficiency and uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria and malaria negative individuals?

Study design:
This review article included 28 studies. All included studies used prospective method for data collection; 7 studies were case-control studies, 1 was randomized double-blinded clinical trial while the rest were cross-sectional studies.
16 studies were performed on children and infants only, while the other studies included children and adults. Only 3 studies used random sampling, the other adopted consecutive method for patient recruitment.

There was publication bias in favor of studies with negative association. When the cut and fill method as proposed by Duval et al. was applied, the condition negative association was further lost [OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.66-1.17, p = 0.435].

There was significant heterogeneity among the studies; thus, random effect model was applied for the meta-analysis.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that the combined OR revealed absence of negative association between G6PD deficiency and uncomplicated malaria [OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.59-1.02, p = 0.07].

The investigators found, however, a negative association in Africa [OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.40-0.86, p = 0.007] and in the heterozygotes [OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.57-0.87, p = 0.001] but not in Asia [OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.96-1.61, p = 0.10] and in the homo/hemizygous [OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.46-1.07, p = 0.10].

The investigators found no association between G6PD deficiency and total severe malaria [OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.61-1.11, p = 0.20]. Similarly, there was no association with other malaria species.

The investigators concluded that Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency reduces uncomplicated falciparum malaria risk in African countries, but not severe malaria. Interestingly, this protection was mainly in heterozygous, being x-linked thus related to gender.

Original title:
Association of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Mbanefo EC, Ahmed AM, […], Hirayama K.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5382680/

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

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a condition in which red blood cells break down when the body is exposed to certain drugs or the stress of infection. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency is a genetic disorder that occurs almost exclusively in males.

The most common medical problem associated with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency is hemolytic anemia, which occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them.
 

Objectives:
Manganese (Mn) is one of the most studied environmental heavy metals linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, it remains unclear whether serum manganese levels are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognition impairment (MCI, a prodromal stage of AD). Therefore, this meta-analysis (review article) has been conducted.

Does a lower serum manganese level increase risk of cognitive decline?

Study design:
This review article included 17 studies, involving 836 cases and 1254 health controls (HC).

The sample size of the included studies ranged from 8 to 758. The average age of the patient groups ranged from 66.2 to 87.0 years. The proportion of female patients ranged from 33% to 80%.

Strong heterogeneity existed among the studies. Heterogeneity was not due to methods for measuring manganese levels, geographic locations, age and gender of patients.

There was no publication bias in the present meta-analysis evaluated by the Egger’s test (p = 0.258) and Begg’s test (p = 0.107).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found random-effects meta-analysis showed that patients with Alzheimer’s disease had significantly reduced serum manganese levels compared with health control subjects [SMD = -0.39, 95% CI = -0.71 to -0.08, p = 0.015].

The investigators found mild cognition impairment individuals had a tendency toward reduced serum manganese levels compared with health control subjects [SMD = -0.31, 95% CI = -0.70 to 0.08, p = 0.117].

The investigators found a significant decrease in serum manganese levels in patients with cognitive impairment (including both AD patients and MCI patients) [SMD = -0.37, 95% CI = -0.60 to -0.13, p = 0.002].

The investigators found no significant differences between Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognition impairment patients in serum levels [SMD = 0.24, 95% CI = -0.23 to 0.72, p = 0.310].

The investigators concluded that the serum manganese levels are lower in Alzheimer’s disease patients and manganese deficiency may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. However, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the high heterogeneity of the studies.

Original title:
Association of Serum Manganese Levels with Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Du K, Liu M, [...], Wei M.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372894/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on manganese and elderly right here.
 

Objectives:
Increased dietary potassium intake is thought to be associated with low blood pressure (BP). Whether potassium supplementation may be used as an antihypertensive agent is a question that should be answered. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does potassium supplementation reduce blood pressure among patients with essential hypertension (SBP ≥140 mmHg and DBP ≥90 mmHg)?

Study design:
This review article included 23 trials (9 parallel and 14 crossover randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials with a minimum of 4 weeks of therapy to ensure that the intervention had sufficient time to produce an effect) involving 1,213 patients with essential hypertension (SBP ≥140 mmHg and DBP ≥90 mmHg).

The result of meta-regression revealed that the association between potassium dosage, follow-up period and mean age were not statistically significant; therefore they did not play an important role in the heterogeneity across studies.

There was no publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that potassium supplementation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) of patients with essential hypertension with 4.25 mmHg [95% CI = -5.96 to -2.53, I2 = 41%].

The investigators found that potassium supplementation significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of patients with essential hypertension with 2.53 mmHg [95% CI = -4.05 to -1.02, I2 = 65%].

The investigators found in 8 RCTs when compared to baseline, the mean changes in systolic blood of patients with essential hypertension was -8.89 mmHg [95% CI = -13.67 to -4.11] significantly higher in the intervention group (group taking potassium supplements) than the control group. 

The investigators found in 8 RCTs when compared to baseline, the mean changes in diastolic blood pressure of patients with essential hypertension was -6.42 mmHg [95% CI = -10.99 to -1.84] significantly higher in the intervention group (group taking potassium supplements) than the control group. 

The investigators found in subgroup analysis that the mean difference in systolic blood of patients with essential hypertension was -2.64 mmHg [95% CI = -5.25 to -0.03] in America, -4.56 mmHg [95% CI = -6.51 to -2.62) in Europe and -5.21 mmHg [95% CI = -9.63 to -0.79] in Asia.

The investigators found a dose-response relationship between potassium intake and reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (low-dose (50 mmol/day), moderate-dose (50-99 mmol/day) and high-dose (≥100 mmol/day)).

The investigators concluded that potassium supplementation for at least 4 weeks reduces blood pressure of patients with essential hypertension and therefore, can be recommended as an adjuvant antihypertensive agent for patients with essential hypertension (SBP ≥140 mmHg and DBP ≥90 mmHg).

Original title:
Oral potassium supplementation for management of essential hypertension: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Poorolajal J, Zeraati F, […], Maleki A.

Link:
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0174967

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on hypertension and potassium right here.

Objectives:
A large body of evidence suggests that the first 1000 days from conception is a critical window in which interventions to address malnutrition will be most effective, but little is known about the impact on linear growth of nutritional interventions in children ≥2 years of age. Therefore, this meta-analysis (review article) has been conducted.

What is the effectiveness of several nutrition-based interventions, specifically iron, zinc, calcium, iodine, vitamin A, multiple (≥2) micronutrients, protein and food, at improving growth in children ≥2 years of age?

Study design:
This review article included 69 studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that zinc [mean effect size = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.06-0.24], vitamin A [mean effect size = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01-0.09], multiple micronutrients [mean effect size = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.13-0.39] and protein [mean effect size = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.30-1.05] had significant positive effects on linear growth, with baseline height-for-age z score as a significant inverse predictor of the effect size.

The investigators found, however, that iron, calcium, iodine and food-based interventions had no significant effect on growth.

The investigators found that age at baseline, study duration and dose were not related to effect size for any nutrient examined.

The investigators concluded that zinc, vitamin A, multiple micronutrients and protein interventions delivered after 24 months of age have a positive effect on linear growth, especially in populations that have experienced growth failure.

Original title:
The Impact of Nutritional Interventions beyond the First 2 Years of Life on Linear Growth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Roberts JL and Stein AD.

Link:
http://advances.nutrition.org/content/8/2/323.abstract

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

Objectives:
There have been inconsistent results about the association between consumption of fruits and vegetables and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does consumption of fruits and vegetables reduce renal cell carcinoma risk?

Study design:
This review article included 19 observational studies (4 cohort, 1 pooled and 14 case-control studies), involving 10,215 subjects with renal cell carcinoma.

Only 4 studies adjusted for all the 3 main risk factors for renal cell carcinoma (16 studies adjusted for tobacco smoking, 15 for BMI and 4 for hypertension).
The majority of included studies (16/19) were of high quality (NOS score ≥ 7).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found for highest vs. lowest vegetables intake a significant reduced risk of 27% for renal cell carcinoma [SRR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.63-0.85, I2 = 53.5%, p = 0.004]. Significant means that there is an association with a 95% confidence.

The investigators found for highest vs. lowest vegetables intake a non-significant reduced risk of 13% for renal cell carcinoma in cohort studies [SRR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.72-1.06].

The investigators found in dose-response analysis a significant reduced risk of 10% for renal cell carcinoma per 1 serving/day vegetables intake [SRR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.84-0.96, I2 = 69.0%, p 0.001].

The investigators found a non-linear association between vegetable intake and renal cell carcinoma risk [p = 0.001 for non-linearity] with a significant reduction in renal cell carcinoma risk when increasing the intake up to about 3 servings/d intake of vegetables. Higher intake was associated with a further, but more modest decrease in risk.

The investigators found for highest vs. lowest fruits intake a significant reduced risk of 14% for renal cell carcinoma [SRR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.75-0.98, I2 = 47.4%, p = 0.012].

The investigators found for highest vs. lowest fruits intake a significant reduced risk of 28% for renal cell carcinoma among European [SRR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.56-0.93]. However, this reduced risk was not significant among North Americans [SRR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.81-1.16].

The investigators found for highest vs. lowest fruits intake a significant reduced risk of 22% for renal cell carcinoma in population-based case-control studies [SRR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.63-0.97]. However, this reduced risk was not significant in cohort studies [SRR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.73-1.10] and in hospital-based case-control studies [SRR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.69-1.33].

The investigators found in dose-response analysis no associaition between 1 serving/day increment of fruits and renal cell carcinoma risk [SRR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.93-1.01, I2 = 57.8%, p = 0.011].

The investigators found a linear association between fruits intake and renal cell carcinoma risk [p = 0.221 for non-linearity].

The investigators concluded that consumption of 1-3 servings/d vegetables and high fruits may lower the risk of renal cell carcinoma development. May lower, because significant associations for vegetables and fruits were only observed in case-control, but not in cohort studies. Because of the measurement errors of exposure assessment, the high heterogeneity across studies and unmeasured confounding factors, further investigation with good designs are needed.

Original title:
Consumption of fruits and vegetables and risk of renal cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis of observational studies by Zhang S, Jia Z, [...], Yang J.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5438616/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on vegetables and fruits consumption, significant/cohort/95% CI and cancer right here.

Objectives:
C-reactive protein (CRP) has been proposed as a risk marker and risk factor of cardiovascular disease. There have been a number of clinical reports suggesting that supplementation with L-carnitine can modulate systemic inflammation and lower circulating CRP concentrations, but the results have not been consistent. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does supplementation with L-carnitine reduce circulating CRP concentrations?

Study design:
This review article included 6 RCTs comprising 541 cases and 546 controls.
3 studies were conducted in diabetic or prediabetic patients, 2 studies in hemodialysis patients and 1 study in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Duration of L-carnitine supplementation ranged between 8 to 48 weeks.
Dosage of L-carnitine ranged between 1-2 g/day in all the included trials.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in random effect analysis a statistically significant pooled effect size [net change = -0.39 mg/L, 95% CI = -0.62 to -0.16, p = 0.001, I2 = 44%, p = 0.11] for the impact of L-carnitine supplementation among 541 cases and 546 controls. This effect size estimate was found to be robust and remained unaffected by the removal of each single study.

The investigators concluded the present meta-analysis support the clinically relevant benefit of L-carnitine supplementation (1-2 g/day) in lowering the circulating levels of CRP. Conducting future, large-scale, randomized clinical trials is warranted in homogenous populations to verify the findings of this meta-analysis.

Original title:
Effect of L-carnitine Supplementation on Circulating C-reactive Protein Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Sahebkar A.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4922328/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on L-carnitine and chronic diseases right here.

Higher circulating levels of CRP increase inflammation.
 

Objectives:
Previous studies regarding the relationship between legume intake and risk of prostate cancer have reported inconsistent results. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does legume intake reduce prostate cancer risk?

Study design:
This review article included 8 prospective cohort studies reporting 281,034 individuals and 10,234 incident prostate cancer cases.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found when comparing high consumption of legumes with low consumption a significant reduced risk of 15% [RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.75-0.96, p = 0.010, I2 = 45.8%] for prostate cancer.

The investigators found dose-response meta-analysis indicated that the risk of prostate cancer reduced by 3.7% [95% CI = 1.5%-5.8%] for each 20 grams per day increment of legume intake.

The investigators concluded that a high dietary intake of legumes, at least 20 grams per day is associated with a low incidence of prostate cancer.

Original title:
Legume intake and risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies by Li J and Mao QQ.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28423366

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

Objectives:
It has been suggested that prenatal exposure to n-3 long-chain fatty acids protects against asthma and other allergy-related diseases later in childhood. The extent to which fish intake in pregnancy protects against child asthma and rhinitis symptoms remains unclear. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does fish consumption during pregnancy reduce risk of asthma and other allergy-related diseases later in childhood?

Study design:
This review article included data from 60,774 mother-child pairs participating in 18 European and US birth cohort studies.
Information on wheeze, asthma and allergic rhinitis prevalence was collected using validated questionnaires.
The time periods of interest were: infancy (0-2 years), preschool age (3-4 years) and school age (5-8 years).
The median fish consumption during pregnancy ranged from 0.44 times/week in The Netherlands to 4.46 times/week in Spain.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found maternal fish intake during pregnancy was not associated with offspring wheeze symptoms in any age group nor with the risk of child asthma [adjusted meta-analysis relative risk per 1-time/week = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.97-1.05] and allergic rhinitis at school age [RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.99-1.03].

These results were consistently found in further analyses by type of fish and seafood consumption and in sensitivity analyses.

The investigators concluded maternal fish intake during pregnancy is not associated with offspring wheeze symptoms in any age group (0-2 years, 3-4 years and 5-8 years) or with the risk of child asthma and allergic rhinitis at school age (5-8 years).

Original title:
Fish and seafood consumption during pregnancy and the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in childhood: a pooled analysis of 18 European and US birth cohorts by Stratakis N, Roumeliotaki T, […], Chatzi L.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28338907

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

Objectives:
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, affecting 190 million children under five years of age and leading to many adverse health consequences, including death. Based on prior evidence and a previous version of this review, the World Health Organization has continued to recommend vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6 to 59 months. There are new data available from recently published randomised trials since the previous publication of this review in 2010. Therefore, this meta-analysis (review article) has been conducted.

Does vitamin A supplementation (VAS) prevent morbidity and mortality in children aged six months to five years?

Study design:
This review article included 47 RCTs (4 of which are new to this review), involving approximately 1,223,856 children. Studies took place in 19 countries: 30 (63%) in Asia, 16 of these in India; 8 (17%) in Africa; 7 (15%) in Latin America and 2 (4%) in Australia.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in 19 trials (1,202,382 children) at longest follow-up, there was a 12% observed reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality for vitamin A compared with control using a fixed-effect model [risk ratio = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.83 to 0.93; high-quality evidence]. However, this result was sensitive to choice of model; a random-effects meta-analysis showed a different summary estimate [24% reduction: RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.66 to 0.88].

The investigators found in 9 trials (1,098,538 children) reporting mortality due to diarrhoea showed a 12% overall reduction for vitamin A supplementation [RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79 to 0.98; high-quality evidence].

The investigators found no significant effect for vitamin A supplementation on mortality due to measles, respiratory disease and meningitis.

The investigators found in 15 trials (77,946 children) vitamin A supplementation reduced incidence of diarrhoea with 15% [RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.82 to 0.87; low-quality evidence].

The investigators found in 6 trials (19,566 children) vitamin A supplementation reduced incidence of measles with 50% [RR = RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.67; moderate-quality evidence].

The investigators found no significant effect for vitamin A supplementation on incidence of respiratory disease or hospitalisations due to diarrhoea or pneumonia.

The investigators found in 4 trials (10,541 children) an increased risk of 97% for vomiting within the first 48 hours of vitamin A supplementation [RR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.44 to 2.69; moderate-quality evidence].

The investigators concluded vitamin A supplementation is associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in morbidity and mortality in children aged six months to five years. Therefore, it is recommendable to maintain the policy of universal supplementation for children under five years of age in populations at risk of vitamin A deficiency. Further placebo-controlled trials of vitamin A supplementation in children between six months and five years of age would not change the conclusions of this review, although studies that compare different doses and delivery mechanisms are needed. In populations with documented vitamin A deficiency, it would be unethical to conduct placebo-controlled trials.

Original title:
Vitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age by Imdad A, Mayo-Wilson E, […], Bhutta ZA.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28282701

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

Objectives:
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. The relationship between iodine intake and thyroid cancer risk is controversial always. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does dietary intake of iodine reduce thyroid cancer risk?

Study design:
This review article included 8 case-control studies with in total 2213 subjects with thyroid cancer and 2761 subjects without thyroid cancer.

With regard to publication bias, owing to the limited number (below 10) of studies included in the saltwater fish, shellfish and iodine intake analyses, publication bias was not assessed.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found adequate or excess iodine dietary intake (>300 μg/d) significantly decreased the risk of thyroid cancer with 26% [OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.60-0.92].

The investigators found high consumption of saltwater fish (≥3 times/wk or ≥12 times/mo) significantly decreased the risk of thyroid cancer with 28% [OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55-0.95, p = 0.02].

The investigators found high consumption of shellfish (≥3 times/wk or ≥12 times/mo) significantly decreased the risk of thyroid cancer with 30% [OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52-0.96, p = 0.03].

The investigators concluded a higher intake of dietary iodine (>300 μg/d) may decrease the risk of thyroid cancer in populations mainly based in coastal cities or on islands. May decrease, because this review article did not include cohort  studies.

Original title:
The relationship between iodine intake and the risk of thyroid cancer: A meta-analysis by Cao LZ, Peng XD, [...], Li S.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5440127/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on iodine and fish consumption, meta-analysis/cohort studies and cancer right here.

Objectives:
Is there a causal association between low serum vitamin D concentrations, increased body mass index (BMI) and pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) using genetic risk scores (GRS)?

Study design:
This review article included participants of non-Hispanic white individuals recruited from over 15 sites across the United States (n = 394 cases, 10,875 controls) and Sweden (n = 175 cases, 5,376 controls; total n = 16,820).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found meta-analysis findings demonstrated that a vitamin D GRS associated with increasing levels of 25(OH)D in serum significantly decreased risk of pediatric-onset MS with 28% [OR =  0.72, 95% CI = 0.55-0.94, p = 0.02] after controlling for sex, genetic ancestry, HLA-DRB1*15:01 and over 100 non-human leukocyte antigen MS risk variants.

The investigators also found that a higher BMI GRS significant increased risk of pediatric-onset MS with 17% [OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.05-1.30, p = 0.01] after adjusting for covariates.

The investigators found estimates for each GRS were unchanged when considered together in a multivariable model.

The investigators concluded evidence supporting independent and causal effects of decreased vitamin D levels and increased BMI on susceptibility to pediatric-onset MS.

Original title:
Evidence for a causal relationship between low vitamin D, high BMI, and pediatric-onset MS by Gianfrancesco MA, Stridh P, […], Waubant E.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28356466

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on chronich disease and vitamin D right here.
 

Objectives:
The findings of prospective cohort studies are inconsistent regarding the association between dietary magnesium intake and serum magnesium concentration and the risk of hypertension. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Do dietary magnesium intake and serum magnesium concentrations reduce risk of hypertension?

Study design:
This review article included 10 cohort studies, including 20,119 cases of hypertension and 180,566 participants.

The range of dietary magnesium intake was 96-25 mg/day and serum magnesium levels were 0.66-0.95 mmol/L.

The funnel plot showed reasonable symmetry, with no evidence of publication bias (Egger’s test p = 0.95 and Begg’s test p = 0.71).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found when comparing the highest to the lowest category of dietary magnesium consumption, a significant reduced risk of 8% for hypertension [pooled RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86-0.98].

The investigators found for every 100 mg/day increment in dietary magnesium intake a significant reduced risk of 5% for hypertension [pooled RR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.90-1.00, I2 = 39.3%, p = 0.13].
The reduced hypertension risk associated with 100 mg/day was tended to be observed when the duration of follow-up was more than 8 years and when the results were adjusted separately for calcium, sodium, fiber, cholesterol, saturated fat intake or smoking.

The investigators found the dose-response meta-analysis suggested a marginal linear relationship between dietary magnesium intake and hypertension risk [p for linearity = 0.057].

The investigators found no association between serum magnesium concentrations and reduced risk of hypertension [pooled RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.80-1.02, p = 0.10, I2 = 0%, p = 0.48].

The investigators concluded that increased dietary magnesium intake is associated with lower risk of hypertension in a linear dose-response pattern. However, there is no association between serum magnesium concentration and risk of hypertension.

Original title:
Dose-response relationship between dietary magnesium intake, serum magnesium concentration and risk of hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies by Han H, Fang X, […], Cao Y.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5420140/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on hypertension and magnesium right here.

Objectives:
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Many epidemiological studies have investigated the association between prostate cancer and lycopene, however, results have been inconsistent. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does lycopene reduce prostate cancer risk?

Study design:
This review article included 42 studies including 43,851 cases of prostate cancer reported from 692,012 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found dietary intake of lycopene was significantly associated with a reduced prostate cancer risk of 12% [RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.78-0.98, p = 0.017].

The investigators found circulating concentrations of lycopene were significantly associated with a reduced prostate cancer risk of 12% [RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79-0.98, p = 0.019].

The investigators found sensitivity analyses within the dose-response analysis further revealed a significant linear dose-response for dietary lycopene and prostate cancer risk such that prostate cancer decreased by 1% for every additional 2 mg of lycopene consumed [p = 0.026].

The investigators found prostate cancer risk decreased by 3.5 to 3.6% for each additional 10 μg/dL of circulating lycopene in the linear and nonlinear models, respectively [p-linear = 0.004, p-non linear = 0.006].

The investigators found no association between lycopene and advanced prostate cancer. However, there was a trend for protection against prostate cancer aggressiveness [RR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55-1.00, p = 0.052].

The investigators concluded that higher dietary and circulating lycopene concentrations reduce prostate cancer risk. This was accompanied by dose-response relationships for dietary and circulating lycopene. Further studies are required to determine the mechanisms underlying these associations.

Original title:
Increased dietary and circulating lycopene are associated with reduced prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Rowles JL, Ranard KM, […], Erdman JW Jr.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28440323

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