In this review, our basic and most recent understanding of copper biochemistry and molecular biology for mammals (including humans) is described. Information is provided on the nutritional biochemistry of copper, including food sources, intestinal absorption, transport, tissue distribution, and excretion, along with descriptions of copper binding proteins and other factors involved and their roles in these processes. The metabolism of copper and its importance for the functions of a roster of vital enzymes is detailed. Its potential toxicology is also addressed. Alterations in copper metabolism associated with genetic and nongenetic diseases are summarized, including potential connections to inflammation, cancer, atherosclerosis, and anemia, and the effects of genetic copper deficiency (Menkes syndrome) and copper overload (Wilson disease). Understanding these diseases suggests new ways of viewing the normal functions of copper and provides new insights into the details of copper transport and distribution in mammals.
During adolescence, growth and development are transformative and have profound consequences on an individual's health in later life, as well as the health of any potential children. The current generation of adolescents is growing up at a time of unprecedented change in food environments, whereby nutritional problems of micronutrient deficiency and food insecurity persist, and overweight and obesity are burgeoning. In a context of pervasive policy neglect, research on nutrition during adolescence specifically has been underinvested, compared with such research in other age groups, which has inhibited the development of adolescent-responsive nutritional policies. One consequence has been the absence of an integrated perspective on adolescent growth and development, and the role that nutrition plays. Through late childhood and early adolescence, nutrition has a formative role in the timing and pattern of puberty, with consequences for adult height, muscle, and fat mass accrual, as well as risk of non-communicable diseases in later life. Nutritional effects in adolescent development extend beyond musculoskeletal growth, to cardiorespiratory fitness, neurodevelopment, and immunity. High rates of early adolescent pregnancy in many countries continue to jeopardise the growth and nutrition of female adolescents, with consequences that extend to the next generation. Adolescence is a nutrition-sensitive phase for growth, in which the benefits of good nutrition extend to many other physiological systems.
Olivia M Guillin, Caroline Vindry, T. Ohlmann
et al.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are frequently produced during viral infections. Generation of these ROS can be both beneficial and detrimental for many cellular functions. When overwhelming the antioxidant defense system, the excess of ROS induces oxidative stress. Viral infections lead to diseases characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms, with oxidative stress being one of their hallmarks. In many cases, ROS can, in turn, enhance viral replication leading to an amplification loop. Another important parameter for viral replication and pathogenicity is the nutritional status of the host. Viral infection simultaneously increases the demand for micronutrients and causes their loss, which leads to a deficiency that can be compensated by micronutrient supplementation. Among the nutrients implicated in viral infection, selenium (Se) has an important role in antioxidant defense, redox signaling and redox homeostasis. Most of biological activities of selenium is performed through its incorporation as a rare amino acid selenocysteine in the essential family of selenoproteins. Selenium deficiency, which is the main regulator of selenoprotein expression, has been associated with the pathogenicity of several viruses. In addition, several selenoprotein members, including glutathione peroxidases (GPX), thioredoxin reductases (TXNRD) seemed important in different models of viral replication. Finally, the formal identification of viral selenoproteins in the genome of molluscum contagiosum and fowlpox viruses demonstrated the importance of selenoproteins in viral cycle.
Andrea Giustina, Robert A. Adler, Neil Binkley
et al.
The 2nd International Conference on Controversies in Vitamin D was held in Monteriggioni (Siena), Italy, September 11-14, 2018. The aim of this meeting was to address ongoing controversies and timely topics in vitamin D research, to review available data related to these topics and controversies, to promote discussion to help resolve lingering issues and ultimately to suggest a research agenda to clarify areas of uncertainty. Several issues from the first conference, held in 2017, were revisited, such as assays used to determine serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration, which remains a critical and controversial issue for defining vitamin D status. Definitions of vitamin D nutritional status (i.e. sufficiency, insufficiency and deficiency) were also revisited. New areas were reviewed, including vitamin D threshold values and how they should be defined in the context of specific diseases, sources of vitamin D and risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. Non-skeletal aspects related to vitamin D were also discussed, including the reproductive system, neurology, chronic kidney disease and falls. The therapeutic role of vitamin D and findings from recent clinical trials were also addressed. The topics were considered by 3 focus groups and divided into three main areas: 1) “Laboratory”: assays and threshold values to define vitamin D status; 2) “Clinical”: sources of vitamin D and risk factors and role of vitamin D in non-skeletal disease and 3) “Therapeutics”: controversial issues on observational studies and recent randomized controlled trials. In this report, we present a summary of our findings.
A worldwide high prevalence of vitamin D (VD) deficiency has become of growing concern because of potential adverse effects on human health, including pregnant women and their offsprings. Beyond its classical function as a regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism, together with its fundamental role in bone health in every stage of life, its deficiency has been associated to multiple adverse health effects. The classic effects of VD deficiency in pregnancy and neonates have been late hypocalcemia and nutritional rickets. Nevertheless, recent studies have linked VD to fertility and 25(OH)D with several clinical conditions in pregnancy: preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, higher incidence of cesarean section and preterm birth, while in infants, the clinical conditions are low birth weight, lower bone mass and possible relationship with the development of such diseases as bronchiolitis, asthma, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and autism included as VD non-classical actions. The supplementation with Vitamin D and achievement of optimal levels reduce maternal-fetal and newborn complications. Supplementation in children with VD deficiency reduces the risk of respiratory infections and possibly autoimmune diseases and autism. This review emphasizes the roles of Vitamin D deficiency and the consequences of intervention from preconception to infancy.
M. V. Tityukhina, D. A. Ivanova, A. S. Konovalov
et al.
Undernutrition is one of the key risk factors for tuberculosis, complicating the course and treatment of the disease in almost every second patient, and significantly affecting the prognosis. The review examines current concepts of the classification, causes, and pathogenesis of undernutrition in tuberculosis patients, including the role of drug-induced nutritional deficiency. The main methods for identifying nutritional deficiencies and validated scales for assessing nutritional risk in tuberculosis patients are described. The article examines the basic principles and practical issues of implementing nutritional support as the main method for correcting undernutrition in patients with tuberculosis.
Maryam Moazzam-Jazi, Sara Asgarian, Farzad Hadaegh
et al.
Abstract Background The present study aimed to investigate the efficiency of the type 1 diabetes genetic risk score (T1D GRS) in distinguishing between patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Iran, an underrepresented population in genomic research. Methods We included 13,318 participants in the Tehran-Cardiometabolic Genetic Study (TCGS) cohort, classified into individuals without diabetes, with pre-diabetes, with type 2 diabetes, and with type 1 diabetes. Two T1D GRSs and one T2D GRS were calculated and compared between groups using the Wilcoxon test. The ability of genetic risk scores to discriminate T1D and T2D was assessed using the pROC package. Results Both T1D GRSs displayed significantly higher scores in the T1D group than in other groups. Notably, T1D GRS2 effectively distinguished T1D from T2D in individuals diagnosed before age 40 (AUC = 0.8, P = 5.8e-7). This performance was even stronger for those under age 25 at diagnosis (AUC = 0.88, P = 3.2e-6). Additionally, we observed a higher median of the T1D GRS2 z-score within the T1D group and the T2D GRS z-score within the T2D group, further supporting the specificity of the tested GRSs in the Iranian population. Conclusion Our findings suggest that T1D GRS2, particularly in younger patients, shows promise for improved T1D diagnosis and potentially newborn screening in this population. This could facilitate equitable access to precision medicine approaches for individuals in the area.
Laura Helena Oostenbach, Matthew Keeble, Thomas Vanoutrive
et al.
Abstract Background Ready-to-eat meal delivery services have become increasingly popular in recent years, with potential detrimental health implications as the majority of food promoted and sold is energy-dense and nutrient-poor. However, limited research has examined who uses these services and why. This study explores the profiles of different users and non-users of meal delivery services and further describes the socio-demographic and health characteristics of these profiles. Methods Data were from 1086 adults who completed the online 2024 Meal Delivery Survey conducted in the Flanders and Brussels regions of Belgium. Users of meal delivery services reported on usage indicators (e.g., valuing fast delivery, ordering to avoid traffic) and non-users reported on reasons for non-use (e.g., lacking trust in meal hygiene, finding it bad for the environment). Latent class analysis categorised users based on patterns of indicator endorsement. Amongst non-users, reasons for non-use were examined descriptively for both former users and never users. Socio-demographic and health characteristics were compared across profiles. Results Over 66% of the sample (n = 720) were users and 34% (n = 366) non-users. Latent class analysis identified two user profiles. Efficiency-focused users (48% of user sample) solely prioritised fast and affordable service. Variety- and convenience-driven users (52% of user sample) endorsed a wider range of indicators, including the ability to try different cuisines, avoid supermarkets, and have more leisure time. The latter group included more frequent users. Amongst non-users, both former users (52% of non-user sample) and never users (48% of non-user sample) most commonly reported preferences for in-store food shopping and home cooking as reasons why they did not order meals for delivery. Profiles differed in socio-demographic and health characteristics. For example, variety- and convenience-driven users reported poorer health than efficiency-focused users. Non-users (former and never) were older than users, with never users having the oldest age profile. Conclusions This study provides a better understanding of determinants of use and non-use of meal delivery services, informing public health action aimed at improving food behaviours and reducing the burden of diet-related diseases. Results can support the development of targeted interventions addressing main drivers of meal delivery service use.
Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases, Public aspects of medicine
Suryaningsih Suryaningsih, Fitriah Fitriah, Rodiyatun Rodiyatun
et al.
Background: Bangkalan district has the highest incidence of stunting in East Java. Various efforts have been made to accelerate the reduction of stunting, but maximum results have not been achieved. This study aimed to determine the impact of family empowerment based on Madura sociocultural structures on the ability to prevent stunting. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with a population of families with school-aged children in PAUD, Regency area of Bangkalan, with a sample of 280 individuals drawn by stratified random sampling. Data analysis was performed using SEM. Results: The results showed that the Madurese family culture and social structure were built on religious, kinship, and economic interest indicators. Family empowerment, with aspects of family structural strength, family functioning, and family values, influences the family's ability to prevent growth retardation. Family empowerment in stunting prevention is strongly influenced by the culture and social structure of the Madura family. Indicators of stunting prevention skills include the ability to meet family nutrition, fertility management, growth and development monitoring, personal and environmental hygiene patterns, and family capacity to modify the environment. The more power a family has, the more impact it has on their ability to prevent stunting. Conclusion: Stunting based on Madhura culture can be achieved through the integrative implementation of stunting. Local government organizations involve informal community figures
Martina Nicole Modesti, Jan Francesco Arena, Antonio Del Casale
et al.
Abstract Introduction This systematic review explores the hypothesis that various lipid categories and lipid metabolism-related genomic variations link to mental disorders, seeking potential clinically useful markers. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, and PsycInfo databases until October 12th, 2024, using terms related to lipidomics, lipid-related genomics, and different mental disorders, i.e., Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar Disorder (BD), Schizophrenia (SCZ), and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Eligible studies were assessed. Extracted data included author, year, methodology, outcomes, genes, and lipids linked to disorders. Bias and evidence certainty were evaluated. The systematic review adhered to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and a registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42023438862). Results A total of 27 studies were included. SCZ showed alterations in 77 lipids, including triglycerides (TG), ceramides, and phosphatidylcholine, while MDD and BD exhibited 97 and 47 altered lipids, respectively, with overlap among disorders. Shared genes, such as ABCA13, DGKZ, and FADS, and pathways involving inflammation, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial function were identified. OCD was associated with sphingolipid signaling and peroxisomal metabolism. Discussion Lipid signatures in MDD, BD, and SCZ shed light on underlying processes. Further research is needed to validate biomarkers and refine their clinical applications in precision psychiatry.
Scurvy is a nutritional deficiency caused by low vitamin C levels that has been described since ancient times. It leads to a varied presentation, affecting multiple organ systems due to its role in the biochemical reactions of connective tissue synthesis. Common manifestations include gingival bleeding, arthralgias, skin discoloration, impaired wound healing, perifollicular hemorrhage, and ecchymoses. Although there has been a dramatic reduction in the prevalence of scurvy in modern times owing to vitamin C supplementation and intake, sporadic cases still occur. In developed countries, it is mainly diagnosed in the elderly and malnourished individuals and is associated with alcoholism, low socio-economic status, and poor dietary habits. Scurvy has been an unusual cause of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding among other GI manifestations. It can be adequately treated and prevented via vitamin C supplementation.
Zohreh Abdi-Moghadam, M. Darroudi, M. Mahmoudzadeh
et al.
The food industry has always sought to produce products enriched with vitamins, probiotics, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds to improve physiological function, enhance nutritional value, and provide health. These compounds are essential for human health, and their deficiency can lead to adverse effects. Therefore, food enrichment is an important strategy to improve the nutritional value and, in some cases, improve the quality of food. Recently, functional foods have been very popular around the world. Among food products, dairy products constitute a major part of people's diet, and due to the high consumption of dairy products, including yogurt, the enrichment of this product effectively reduces or prevents diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies. Most consumers generally accept yogurt due to its high nutritional value and low price. So, it can be considered a good candidate for enrichment with micronutrients and probiotics. In recent years, using functional foods to prevent various diseases has become a popular topic for research. In this study, the effect of fortified yogurt in preventing diseases and improving deficiencies has been investigated, and it has been proven that super healthy yogurt has a positive effect on human health.
Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in the regulation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism, particularly during pediatric age when nutritional rickets and impaired bone mass acquisition may occur.Besides its historical skeletal functions, in the last years it has been demonstrated that vitamin D directly or indirectly regulates up to 1250 genes, playing so-called extraskeletal actions. Indeed, recent data suggest a possible role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of several pathological conditions, including infectious, allergic and autoimmune diseases. Thus, vitamin D deficiency may affect not only musculoskeletal health but also a potentially wide range of acute and chronic conditions. At present, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high in Italian children and adolescents, and national recommendations on vitamin D supplementation during pediatric age are lacking. An expert panel of the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics reviewed available literature focusing on randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation to provide a practical approach to vitamin D supplementation for infants, children and adolescents.
Qonita Rachmah, Prasenjit Mondal, Hai Phung
et al.
Abstract
Objective:
Numerous studies have examined the relationship between overweight/obesity and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) across diverse population groups, but a definitive link has not been clearly determined. This systematic review examined the association between overweight/obesity and IDA in women of reproductive age (WRA).
Design:
The initial search was performed in the CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. The studies included should report at least one Fe status with/without an inflammatory marker, using the BMI to define overweight/obesity. Only baseline data were extracted for longitudinal studies.
Setting:
Global.
Participant:
Pregnant or non-pregnant women aged 18–50 years.
Results:
In total, twenty-seven papers were included (twelve addressing pregnant women and fifteen addressing non-pregnant women). Overall, most of the studies reported no association between overweight/obesity and Hb concentration. However, a positive association was reported more frequently in pregnant women. The association between overweight/obesity and serum ferritin concentrations was mixed. Most of the studies on non-pregnant women reported a positive association. Only a few studies measured hepcidin and inflammatory markers, and the majority revealed an increased level among overweight/obese WRA. Among pregnant women, overweight/obesity was positively associated with anaemia and IDA but negatively associated with iron deficiency (ID). Meanwhile, overweight/obese non-pregnant women were positively associated with anaemia, ID and IDA.
Conclusions:
Overweight/obesity was associated with a decreased prevalence of anaemia and IDA but an increased prevalence of ID, while its association with several Fe markers was inconclusive. Further studies integrating the assessment of various Fe markers, inflammatory markers and hepcidin are needed.
Public aspects of medicine, Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases
Neda Takhsha, Mostafa Shahraki Jazinaki, Alireza Gheflati
et al.
Background: Elderly population are at higher risk of malnutrition that can increase the morbidity and mortality among them. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status and the related factors among elderly nursing home residents.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 1062 (439 males, 623 females) elderly living in the elderly nursing home residents in Mashad, Iran. The nutritional status of participants was assessed through a Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form scale and Nutrition Day questionnaires.Results: Among the study participants, 64 (18.5%) were malnourished,142 (31.9%) were at risk of malnutrition and 94 (49.6%) had no malnutrition. Moreover, elderly males were more susceptible to malnutrition (p=0.03). Furthermore, reduced food intake in the past three months was significantly correlated with malnutrition in elderly participants (p=0.001). Also, the lower number of nurses and people who care about nutritional status was significantly associated with the higher malnutrition rate in elderly participants (p=0.02, p=0.03, respectively).Conclusion: The present study showed that more than half of the elderly population living in elderly nursing homes were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.