Fw: Weekly Update - December 8, 2008

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Weekly Update - December 8, 2008

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Clinical Pearls Nutrition Research Updates for the Week of December 8,

2008

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Dear Subscribers,

We are currently operating on a holiday schedule. Our regular

service will resume in the new year.

-The Editorial Staff

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Quote of the Week

Anything that won't sell, I don't want to invent.

Its sale is proof of utility, and utility is success.

- Edison

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New Expert Interview (more...) :

a.. Hypertension, Cholesterol and Olive Leaf Extract, Tania

Perrinjaquet-Moccetti, M.Sc., Switzerland

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Summary# 46860

Topic: Nutritional Interventions May Benefit Children with

Autism

Keywords: AUTISM, NEUROBEHAVIORAL DISORDER - Nutrition,

Methylcobalamin, Folinic Acid, Vitamin B, Glutathione

Reference: " Efficacy of methylcobalamin and folinic acid

treatment on glutathione redox status in children with autism, " SJ,

Melnyk S, et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2008 Dec 3; [Epub ahead of print].

(Address: Departments of Pediatrics and Biostatistics, University of

Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research

Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA).

Summary: In an open-label trial involving 40 autistic children,

treatment with the metabolic precursors, methylcobalamin (75 mug/kg, 2

times/wk) and folinic acid (400 mug, 2 times/d) for a period of 3 months was

found to significantly increase levels of cysteine, cysteinylglycine, and

glutathione concentrations, as well as the glutathione redox ratio, and

reduce the oxidized disulfide form of glutathione. At baseline, autistic

children were found to have significantly lower levels of metabolite

concentrations as compared to age-matched control children, and while the

nutritional intervention improved these values in the autistic children, the

levels remained lower than those found in the control children. The authors

conclude, " The significant improvements observed in transmethylation

metabolites and glutathione redox status after treatment suggest that

targeted nutritional intervention with methylcobalamin and folinic acid may

be of clinical benefit in some children who have autism. "

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Summary# 46865

Topic: Auricular Acupuncture Reduces Post-Operative Vomiting

Following Gall Bladder Surgery

Keywords: CHOLECYSTECTOMY, CHOLECYSTITIS, GALL BLADDER SURGERY,

POST-OPERATIVE NAUSEA AND VOMITING - Auricular Acupuncture, Chinese

Medicine, Traditional East Asian Medicine

Reference: " Does Auricular Acupuncture Reduce Postoperative

Vomiting After Cholecystectomy? " Fazelzadeh A, Sahmeddini MA, J Altern

Complement Med, 2008 Nov 25; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Department of

Anesthesiology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran).

Summary: In a study involving 100 female patients undergoing

transabdominal cholecystectomy, auricular acupuncture was associated with a

significant reduction in post-operative vomiting 24 hours after undergoing

transabdominal cholecystectomy. While 66% of subjects who did not receive

acupuncture experienced vomiting 24 hours post-surgery, 0% of those who

received acupuncture experienced vomiting during this same post-operative

period. These results highlight the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture

in peri-operative care.

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Summary# 46862

Topic: Auricular Acupressure May Benefit Patients with High-risk

Diabetes Mellitus

Keywords: DIABETES MELLITUS, OXIDATIVE STRESS, DIABETIC

COMPLICATIONS - Acupuncture, Acupressure, Auricular, Pellet, Ear Seeds, Ear

Magnets

Reference: " Effect of auricular pellet acupressure on

antioxidative systems in high-risk diabetes mellitus, " Liu CF, Yu LF, et al,

J Altern Complement Med, 2008; 14(3): 303-7. (Address: Chi-Feng Liu, PhD,

National Taipei College of Nursing, Taipei, Pei Tou 112, Taiwan. E-mail:

chifeng@... ).

Summary: In a study involving 69 patients with high-risk

diabetes mellitus, applying pressure to specific points on the ear

(auricular acupressure) with pellets was found to increase the concentration

of antioxidant enzymes in blood, as compared to subjects who did not receive

auricular acupressure treatment (controls). Subjects in the intervention

group received auricular pellet acupressure over a period of 20 days.

Subjects received the auricular pellet acupressure 3 times per day, for 5

consecutive days on one ear, followed by a 2 day rest period, after which

the treatment was given on the other ear. Acupressure was performed twice on

both ears. Results found significantly higher levels of superoxide dismutase

(SOD) and catalase concentrations in subjects who received the treatment, as

compared to those in the control group. These results suggest that diabetic

patients, particularly those with 'high-risk diabetes mellitus,' may benefit

from auri cular acupressure, through its beneficial effects on levels of

antioxidative enzymes, thereby reducing " free radicals and lipid peroxides,

both of which are easily formed in the diabetic state, " and which, " .play an

important role in the development of diabetic complications. " Additional

research into the use of this safe and effective therapy is warranted.

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Summary# 46864

Topic: L-carnitine Reduces Oxidized LDL in Diabetics

Keywords: DIABETES MELLITUS, OXIDATIVE STRESS, LDL OXIDATION -

Carnitine, L-Carnitine

Reference: " L-Carnitine supplementation reduces oxidized LDL

cholesterol in patients with diabetes, " Malaguarnera M, Vacante M, et al, Am

J Clin Nutr, 2008 Dec 3; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Department of

Senescence, Urological and Neurological Sciences, University of Catania,

Catania, Italy).

Summary: In a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 81

diabetic subjects, supplementation with L-carnitine (2 g/d) for a period of

3 months was found, compared to placebo, to reduce levels of LDL oxidation

(15.1 U/L vs. 3.0 U/L reduction), LDL cholesterol (0.45 mmol/L versus 0.16

mmol/L reduction), triglycerides (1.02 vs 0.09 mmol/L reduction),

apolipoprotein A1 concentrations (0.12 vs. 0.03 mg/dL reduction),

apolipoprotein B-100 concentrations (0.13 vs 0.04 mg/dL reduction), TBARS

(1.92 vs 0.05 reduction), and conjugated diene concentrations (0.72 vs. 0.11

reduction). The authors conclude, " Our study indicates that oral

administration of L-carnitine reduces oxidized LDL cholesterol levels in

patients with type 2 diabetes. "

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Summary# 46866

Topic: Consumption of Breakfast Cereal Linked to Positive Health

Outcomes

Keywords: HEALTH MAINTENANCE, DIETARY INTAKES - Cereal,

Breakfast, Fiber, Carbohydrates, Fats, Sugar, Sodium, Iron, Folic Acid,

Zinc, Nutrients, Calcium

Reference: " Consumption of breakfast cereal is associated with

positive health outcomes: Evidence from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood

Institute Growth and Health Study, " Albertson AM, D, et al,

Nutrition Research, 2008; 28(11): 744-752. (Address: Debra L. o,

Department of Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology, Northeastern

University, Boston, MA 02115, USA. E-mail: d.franko@... ).

Summary: In a descriptive, longitudinal study involving data

from 2,379 girls (1,116 white and 1,213 black), 9-10 years of age at

baseline, consumption of breakfast cereal was found to be associated with

various positive health outcomes. Firstly, consumption of a cereal-based

breakfast (compared to non-cereal breakfast) was associated with greater

intakes of fiber, iron, folic acid, and zinc, and lesser intakes of fat,

sodium, sugar and cholesterol. Secondly, consumption of a cereal-based

breakfast increased consumption of milk, which led to increased calcium

intake. Furthermore, consumption of cereal at breakfast displaced

consumption of fats/sweets, quick breads, soda, and meat/eggs. In addition,

consuming cereal at breakfast was associated with increased intake of fiber

and carbohydrates throughout the day and less intake of fats throughout the

day. Finally, cereal intake at breakfast time was also associated with

greater physical activity throughout th e day. The authors conclude,

" .Cereal consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle may play a role in

maintaining adequate nutrient intake and physical activity among girls. "

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Summary# 46863

Topic: Drug Treatment for Hepatitis C depletes B Vitamin and

Iron Stores

Keywords: HEPATITIS C, HCV, NUTRITIONAL STATUS - B Vitamins,

Iron, Interferon, Ribavirin

Reference: " Vitamins B depletion, lower iron status and

decreased antioxidative defense in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated

by pegylated interferon alfa and ribavirin, " Lin CC, Yin MC, et al, Clin

Nutr, 2008 Nov 28; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Department of Internal

Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan,

Republic of China).

Summary: In a study involving 152 healthy subjects and 109

patients infected with hepatitis C (HCV), treatment with pegylated

interferon combined with ribavirin was found to decrease levels of vitamin

B6, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and iron. Infection with HCV was associated with

reduced levels of vitamin B6 and folate, and the drug treatment further

diminished B vitamin status, and was associated with a higher percentage of

patients with insufficient iron status. Furthermore, HCV infection was

associated with higher plasma levels of malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostane;

drug treatment for HCV further exacerbated lipid oxidation. HCV infection

was also associated with significantly lower vitamin C and glutathione

levels; drug treatment was found to reduce alpha-tocopherol level and

activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. These results

suggest that supplementation with B vitamins, iron, and vitamin C may be

beneficial to patients with HCV, particularly those t reated with pegylated

interferon alfa and ribavirin. Additional research is warranted.

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Summary# 46869

Topic: Medical Nutrition Therapy May Improve Lipid Profile

Keywords: HYPERLIPIDEMIA, HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA, CARDIOVASCULAR

DISEASE - Medical Nutrition Therapy, Folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12

Reference: " Dietary intervention with emphasis on folate intake

reduces serum lipids but not plasma homocysteine levels in hyperlipidemic

patients, " Lima HJ, Choi YM, et al, Nutrition Research, 2008; 28(11):

767-774. (Address: Ryowon Chou, Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate

School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701,

South Korea. E-mail: rwcho@... ).

Summary: In a study involving 40 hyperlipidemic patients with

total cholesterol levels 200 mg/dL or higher and triglycerides 150 mg/dL or

higher, medical nutrition therapy (performed by a registered dietician),

emphasizing dietary folate intake, carried out 5 times over the course of 12

weeks, was found to be associated with reductions in BMI, fat percentage,

daily energy consumption, intakes of carbohydrates, fat, and cholesterol,

blood levels of triglycerides (-30.8%), total cholesterol (-20.9%), LDL

cholesterol (-14.5%), and ratio of LDL/HDL (-17.1%), and was associated with

increases in folate intake, and blood levels of folate, vitamin B6, and

vitamin B12. No significant difference in homocysteine levels was found

between subjects who received the medical nutrition therapy emphasizing

folate intake and those who did not receive the nutrition therapy. The

authors conclude, " These results indicate that MNT, with an emphasis on

folate intake, can be effective at reducing blood levels of lipids and

improving the blood levels of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 in Korean

hyperlipidemic patients. "

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Summary# 46861

Topic: High Intakes of Meat and Fat Linked to Ovarian Cancer

Keywords: OVARIAN CANCER - Diet, Meat, Fish, Fruit, Vegetables,

Nutrients, Food

Reference: " Dietary patterns and ovarian cancer risk, " Kolahdooz

F, Ibiebele TI, et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2008 Dec 3; [Epub ahead of print].

(Address: Cancer and Population Studies Group, Queensland Institute of

Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia, and the University of Queensland,

School of Population Health, Brisbane, Australia).

Summary: In a population-based, case-control study involving 683

women with epithelial ovarian cancer and 777 controls, adherence to a " meat

and fat " dietary pattern was found to be associated with a significantly

increased risk of ovarian cancer (multivariable adjusted OR=2.49). Adherence

to a " snacks and alcohol " dietary pattern was inversely associated with

ovarian cancer (multivariable adjusted OR=0.59), while adherence to a " fruit

and vegetable " dietary pattern was not associated with risk of ovarian

cancer. These results suggest that reducing intake of meat and fat may

reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

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Summary# 46868

Topic: Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy: Links to

Childhood Respiratory Health

Keywords: PREGNANCY RESPIRATORY HEALTH, LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACE

INFECTION, WHEEZE, ASTHMA, INFANCY, CHILDHOOD - Folic Acid, Folate,

Supplementation

Reference: " Folic acid supplements in pregnancy and early

childhood respiratory health, " Haberg SE, London SJ, et al, Arch Dis Child,

2008 Dec 3; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Norwegian Institute of Public

Health, Norway).

Summary: In a study involving data from mothers and children

(32,077 children), folate supplementation during the first trimester of

pregnancy was associated with slightly increased risks of wheeze (RR=1.06),

lower respiratory tract infections (RR=1.09), and hospitalizations for lower

respiratory tract infections (RR=1.24), after adjusting for folic acid

exposure later in pregnancy and in infancy. While, as the authors point out,

" Folate supplementation is recommended for pregnant women to reduce the risk

of congenital malformations, " the results of this study suggest that folate

supplementation during the first trimester of pregnancy may be associated

with increased risks of wheeze and lower respiratory tract infections in

children up to 18 months of age. The authors conclude, " Results support

possible epigenetic influences of methyl donors in maternal diet during

pregnancy on respiratory health in children. "

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Summary# 46867

Topic: Dairy Intake and Weight Maintenance

Keywords: WEIGHT MAINTENANCE, OVERWEIGHT, OBESITY, WEIGHT LOSS -

Dairy, Food, Diet

Reference: " Effects of dairy intake on weight maintenance, "

Zemel MB, Donnelly JE, et al, Nutr Metab (Lond), 2008; 5: 28. (Address: The

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA. E-mail: mzemel@... ).

Summary: In a 9-month, randomized trial carried out over 2

sites, overweight and obese subjects consuming > 3 servings per day of dairy

products were found to have similar weight maintenance as subjects consuming

< 1 serving per day of dairy while adhering to a 'weight management' diet,

following a weight loss regime. Subjects consuming > 3 serving/day of dairy

products were found to consume greater amounts of energy, while having the

same success at weight maintenance, as those consuming less than 1

serving/day of dairy. In addition, subjects consuming > 3 servings/day dairy

were found to have reductions in plasma 1,25-(OH)2-D, while no such change

was found among subjects consuming a diet low in dairy products. The authors

conclude, " Recommended levels of dairy products may be used during weight

maintenance without contributing to weight gain compared to diets low in

dairy products. "

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