Fw: Weekly Update - November 24, 2008

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Weekly Update - November 24, 2008

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Clinical Pearls Nutrition Research Updates for the Week of November

24, 2008

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Quote of the Week

Education is the ability to listen to almost anything

without losing your temper or your self-confidence.

- Frost

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New Expert Interview (more...) :

a.. Osteopenia and Genistein in Postmenopausal Women, Herbert

Marini, M.D., Italy

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Summary# 46829

Topic: Fish Oil Supplementation May Reduce Autistic Behavior

Keywords: AUTISM, AUTISTIC - Fish Oil, Polyunsaturated Fatty

Acids, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Efalex

Reference: " Role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the

management of Egyptian children with autism, " Meguid NA, Atta HM, et al,

Clin Biochem, 2008; 41(13): 1044-8. (Address: Department of Research on

Children with Special Needs, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt. E-mail:

hazemmahmoudatta@... ).

Summary: In a study involving 30 autistic children (18 boys, 12

girls) and 30 non-autistic controls between the ages of 8 and 11 years of

age, supplementation with fish oil (Efalex®) was found to improve symptoms

of autism and improve levels of linolenic acid, DHA, arachidonic acid, and

linoleic acid. Prior to supplementation, lower levels of linolenic acid

(71%), DHA (65%), arachidonic acid (45%), and linoleic acid (32%) were found

among the autistic children. After supplementation, improvements in these

levels were found, with the greatest improvements found in levels of

linolenic acid and DHA. These results suggest that fish oil supplementation

may benefit children with autism.

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Summary# 46835

Topic: Nutritional Supplements Needed by Patients After

Bariatric Surgery

Keywords: BARIATRIC SURGERY, OBESITY, MALABSORPTION -

Nutritional Supplements, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Vitamin D, Thiamine, Folic

Acid, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium

Reference: " Recommended Nutritional Supplements for Bariatric

Surgery Patients (December), " Malone M, Ann Pharmacother, 2008 Nov 18; [Epub

ahead of print]. (Address: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Albany College

of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY, USA. E-mail:

margaret.malone@... ).

Summary: In this article, the author reviews literature obtained

from searches on PubMed (1988-July 2008) to determine what nutritional

deficiencies are common in patients after bariatric surgery, and therefore

what nutritional supplements may be needed. The type of surgery was an

important factor in determining the types of deficiencies that occurred.

Specifically, malabsorptive procedures (e.g., biliopancreatic diversion or

mixed restrictive/malabsorptive procedures (e.g., Roux-en-Y gastric bypass)

were found to results in the most serious nutritional deficiencies

post-surgically, and nutritional supplementation is necessary. The most

common micronutrients found to be deficient were: vitamin B12, calcium,

vitamin D, thiamine, folic acid, iron, zinc, and magnesium. The authors

conclude, " Healthcare professionals, especially those who practice outside

large bariatric centers, must be aware of the supplements required by

patients who have had bariat ric surgery. "

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Summary# 46827

Topic: Coenzyme Q10, Riboflavin, and Niacin Show Anti-Angiogenic

Properties in Breast Cancer Patients

Keywords: BREAST CANCER, ANGIOGENESIS, CARCINOGENESIS,

CHEMOPREVENTION - Coenzyme Q10, CoQ10, Ubiquinone, Riboflavin, Niacin,

Tamoxifen, Chemotherapy

Reference: " Anti-angiogenic potential of CoenzymeQ10, riboflavin

and niacin in breast cancer patients undergoing tamoxifen therapy, "

Premkumar VG, Yuvaraj S, et al, Vascul Pharmacol, 2008; 48(4-6): 191-201.

(Address: Department of Medical Biochemistry, DR. A.L.M. Post-Graduate,

Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus,

Chennai, India. E-mail: psachdanandam_2000@... ).

Summary: In a randomized study involving 84 breast cancer

patients, daily supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (100 mg), riboflavin (10

mg), and niacin (50 mg), in addition to standard treatment with the

chemotherapy drug, tamoxifen (10 mg, twice/day), for a period of 45 days or

90 days, was found to reduce levels of pro-angiogenic factors and increase

levels of anti-angiogenic factors, thereby potentially reducing the risk of

cancer metastases and cancer recurrence. Breast cancer patients who were

untreated were found to have elevated levels of serum pro-angiogenic

factors, while those receiving tamoxifen for 1 year were found to have

reduced levels. When the nutritional supplementation combination was added

to the tamoxifen, angiogenesis markers were further improved. The authors

conclude, " A reduction in pro-angiogenic marker levels attributes to

reduction in tumor burden and may suggest good prognosis and efficacy of the

treatment, and migh t even offer protection from cancer metastases and

recurrence. "

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Summary# 46826

Topic: Type of Seafood and Cooking Method Influence Health

Benefits: Non-fried, Non-Shellfish Lead to Greatest Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Levels

Keywords: CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH, INFLAMMATION - Omega-3 Fatty

Acids, EPA, DHA, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Diet, Fish,

Fried, Non-Fried, Shellfish, Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Reference: " Frequency and Type of Seafood Consumed Influence

Plasma (n-3) Fatty Acid Concentrations, " Chung H, Nettleton JA, et al, J

Nutr, 2008; 138(12): 2422-2427. (Address: Department of Biostatistics,

University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA).

Summary: In a study involving data from 900 multi-ethnic

subjects not taking fish oil supplements, concentrations of the long-chain

omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in plasma phospholipids were found to be

associated with non-fried fish consumption, and not associated with fried

fish, non-fried shellfish, or fish in mixed dishes. Non-fried fish

consumption was found to raise omega-3 fatty acid levels, with a plateau

effect observed at an intake of approximately two times per week. These

results suggest that the specific type of fish consumed and how it is

prepared are important factors in determining the health benefits of seafood

consumption; i.e., fried fish and shellfish would not have the same

beneficial effects as non-fried, non-shellfish fish in raising plasma levels

of omega-3 fatty acids.

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Summary# 46836

Topic: Strawberry Supplementation May be a Beneficial Addition

to a Cholesterol-Lowering Diet

Keywords: CHOLETSEROL, OXIDATIVE STRESS - Strawberry,

Strawberries, Antioxidants, Lipids, Cholesterol

Reference: " The effect of strawberries in a cholesterol-lowering

dietary portfolio, " DJ, Nguyen TH, et al, Metabolism, 2008; 57(12):

1636-1644. (Address: Clinical Nutrition & Risk Factor Modification Center,

St 's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 2T2. E-mail:

cyril.kendall@... ).

Summary: In a randomized, 1-month, crossover study involving 28

hyperlipidemic subjects who were following a cholesterol-lowering diet (soy,

viscous fiber, plant sterols, and nuts) for an average 2.5 years,

supplementation with strawberries (453 g/d, 112 kcal) was found to reduce

oxidative damage to LDL more effectively than consumption of oat bran bread

(65 g/d, 112 kcal, approximately 2 g beta-glucan). In addition, the

reductions in LDL cholesterol and the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL

cholesterol that had been achieved on the low-cholesterol diet were

maintained, and were similar to levels found after consumption of the oat

bran bread. The authors also point out that strawberries improved the

palatability of the diet. The authors conclude, " Added fruit may improve the

overall utility of diets designed to lower coronary heart disease risk. "

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Summary# 46828

Topic: Acupuncture May Effectively Reduce Intensity and

Frequency of Chronic Headaches

Keywords: CHRONIC HEADACHES - Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine,

Traditional East Asian Medicine, Needling

Reference: " Acupuncture for the Management of Chronic Headache:

A Systematic Review, " Sun Y, Gan TJ, et al, Anesth Analg, 2008; 107(6):

2038-2047. (Address: Duke University Medical Center, Department of

Anesthesiology, Box 3094, Durham, NC 27710, USA. E-mail:

Gan00001@... ).

Summary: In a systematic review of 31 randomized, controlled

trials examining the effects of acupuncture in patients with chronic

headaches - including migraines, tension-type, or both - actual acupuncture

was found to be superior to medication therapy in improving the intensity

(weighted mean difference: -8.54 mm) of headaches, frequency of headaches

(standard mean difference: -0.70), as well as physical function (weighted

mean difference: 4.16) and response rate (RR=1.49). Actual acupuncture was

also found to be superior to sham acupuncture during early follow-up

(RR=1.19) and late follow-up (RR=1.22). These results suggest that

acupuncture therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with

chronic headaches.

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Summary# 46824

Topic: Plasma Coenzyme Q10 May be a Predictor of Chronic Heart

Failure Mortality

Keywords: CHRONIC HEART FAILURE, MORALITY - Coenzyme Q10, CoQ10,

Ubiquinone

Reference: " Coenzyme Q(10) An Independent Predictor of Mortality

in Chronic Heart Failure, " Molyneux SL, Florkowski CM, et al, J Am Coll

Cardiol, 2008; 52(18): 1435-1441. (Address: Dr. M. Florkowski,

Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Canterbury Health Laboratories, P.O. Box 151,

Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. E-mail: chris.flrkowski@... ).

Summary: In a study involving 236 patients with chronic heart

failure (median age: 77 years), plasma coenzyme Q10 was found to be an

independent predictor of mortality (HR=2.0). Patients were followed up with

for a median 2.7 years. Median coenzyme Q10 concentration was found to be

0.68 mumol/l, and the optimal coenzyme Q10 concentration for prediction of

mortality was found to be 0.73 mumol/l. The authors conclude, " Our findings

in a clearly defined, prospectively studied group that CoQ10 depletion is

associated with worse outcomes in CHF give further support to the rationale

of the intervention studies that have already been initiated. "

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Summary# 46830

Topic: Pycnogenol May Improve Memory in the Elderly

Keywords: COGNITIVE FUNCTION, MEMORY, OXIDATIVE STRESS -

Pycnogenol, Antioxidant, Flavonoid, Pine Bark

Reference: " An examination of the effects of the antioxidant

Pycnogenol on cognitive performance, serum lipid profile, endocrinological

and oxidative stress biomarkers in an elderly population, " J, Croft K,

et al, J Psychopharmacol, 2008; 22(5): 553-62. (Address: National Institute

of Complementary Medicine (NICM)-Collaborative Centre for the Study of

Natural Medicines and Neurocognition in Health and Disease, Brain Sciences

Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia).

Summary: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, matched-pair

design study involving 101 elderly subjects between the ages of 60 and 85

years, supplementation with pycnogenol (150 mg/d) for a period of 3 months

was found to improve working memory and reduce concentrations of

F2-isoprostanes, a measure of lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that

supplementation with pycnogenol may improve certain aspects of cognitive

function and reduce oxidative stress in the elderly.

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Summary# 46831

Topic: B Vitamin Deficiency Leads to Hyperhomocysteinemia and

Cognitive Impairment

Keywords: COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT, HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA, AGING -

Vitamin B Deficiency, Homocysteine

Reference: " B-vitamin deficiency causes hyperhomocysteinemia and

vascular cognitive impairment in mice, " Troen AM, Shea-Budgell M, et al,

Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2008; 105(34): 12474-9. (Address: Mayer U.S.

Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts

University, 711 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111-1524, USA. E-mail:

aron.troen@... ).

Summary: In a study involving male mice, being fed a diet

deficient in vitamin B for 10 weeks was found to induce hyperhomocysteinemia

and significantly impair spatial learning and memory. In addition, a

significant rarefaction of hippocampal microvasculature without concomitant

gliosis and neurodegeneration was found. The authors conclude, " Our findings

suggest that cerebral microvascular rarefaction can cause cognitive

dysfunction in the absence of or preceding neurodegeneration. Similar

microvascular changes may mediate the association of hyperhomocysteinemia

with human age-related cognitive decline. "

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Summary# 46825

Topic: Algae-extracted Carotenoids May Prevent Colon Cancer

Keywords: COLON CANCER - Carotenoids, Chlorella Ellipsoidea,

Chlorella Vulgaris, Zeaxanthin, Xanthophylls, Antheraxanthin, Lutein

Reference: " Antiproliferative Effects of Carotenoids Extracted

from Chlorella ellipsoidea and Chlorella vulgaris on Human Colon Cancer

Cells, " Cha KH, Koo SY, et al, J Agric Food Chem, 2008 Oct 23; [Epub ahead

of print]. (Address: Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of

Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung, Gangwon-do 210-340, Korea, and

Department of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong

456-756, Korea. E-mail: dong-un.lee@... ).

Summary: In an in vitro study involving human colon cancer

cells, carotenoids (xanthophylls, including lutein and zeaxanthin) extracted

from two algae forms (Chlorella ellipsoidea and Chlorella vulgaris) were

found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner.

While both extracts were effective, the C. ellipsoidea extract (containing

zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, and antheraxanthin) was found to be 2.5 times more

effective than C. vulgaris extract (containing lutein) at inducing

apoptosis. The authors conclude, " These results indicate that bioactive

xanthophylls of C. ellipsoidea might be useful functional ingredients in the

prevention of human cancers. " Additional research is warranted.

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Summary# 46823

Topic: Intake of B Vitamins and Colorectal Cancer

Keywords: COLORECTAL CANCER, COLON CANCER, RECTAL CANCER - B

Vitamins, Folate, Vitamin B6, Methionine, Riboflavin, Diet

Reference: " Dietary Folate, Methionine, Riboflavin, and Vitamin

B-6 and Risk of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer, " de Vogel S, Dindore V, et al, J

Nutr, 2008; 138(12): 2372-2378. (Address: Departments of Epidemiology and

4Pathology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht

University, Maastricht, The Netherlands and 5TNO Quality of Life, Department

of Prevention and Health, 2301CE, Leiden, The Netherlands).

Summary: In a study involving data from 2,349 patients with

colorectal cancer and 4,168 others, high intake of methionine was found to

be associated with reduced risks of proximal colon cancer in men (RR=0.57,

highest vs. lowest quintiles of intake), and rectal cancer in women

(RR=0.45), and riboflavin intake was associated with reduced proximal colon

cancer risk in women (RR=0.61). On the other hand, high intake of vitamin B6

was found to be positively associated with rectal cancer in women (RR=3.57).

The results of this study highlight the importance of B vitamin consumption

as it relates to colorectal cancer.

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Summary# 46822

Topic: Gum Arabic May Exert Prebiotic Effects

Keywords: DIGESTION, DIGESTIVE, INTESTINAL HEALTH - Gum Arabic,

Prebiotic, Probiotic, EmulGold®

Reference: " Gum arabic establishes prebiotic functionality in

healthy human volunteers in a dose-dependent manner, " Calame W, Weseler AR,

et al, Br J Nutr, 2008; 100(6): 1269-75. (Address: Kerry Group Nutrition

Technical Center, Veluwezoom 62, 1327 AH Almere, The Netherlands. E-mail: Dr

Wim Calame, wim.calame@... ).

Summary: In a study involving 54 healthy subjects, ingestion of

gum Arabic was found to exert prebiotic effects, as effectively as inulin.

Subjects consumed various daily doses of gum arabic (5, 10, 20, and 40 g) in

water for a period of 4 weeks. Plain water was used as a negative control

and 10 g inulin was used as the positive control. As compared with water,

intestinal levels of the probiotics, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, were

significantly higher after consumption of gum arabic, with the optimal dose

found to be around 10 g/day - a dose also found to raise levels of

probiotics in the gut higher than inulin. These results suggest that gum

arabic may be an effective way of raising levels of probiotics in the body.

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Summary# 46838

Topic: Probiotics and Dietary Counseling Improve Blood Glucose

Control in Pregnant Women

Keywords: GLUCOSE METABOLISM - Probiotics, Dietary Counseling

Reference: " Probiotics and dietary counselling contribute to

glucose regulation during and after pregnancy: a randomised controlled

trial, " Laitinen K, Poussa T, et al, Br J Nutr, 2008 Nov 19: 1-9 [Epub ahead

of print]. (Address: Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry,

University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland. E-mail: Dr. Kirsi Laitinen,

E-mail: kirsi.laitinen@... ).

Summary: In a randomized study involving 256 normoglycemic women

in the first trimester of pregnancy, supplementation with probiotics in

addition to dietary counseling was found to improve blood glucose control

during and after pregnancy. Subjects were first randomized to either receive

nutritional counseling in order to modify dietary intake or to not receive

such counseling (controls). The group that received counseling was further

randomized, in a double-blind manner, to either receive probiotic

supplementation (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12)

or to receive a placebo. Results found that subjects who received both the

counseling and the probiotic supplementation had the lowest blood glucose

concentrations during pregnancy and in the 12 months post-partum. A reduced

risk of elevated glucose concentration was found in the subjects who

received both counseling plus probiotics (OR=0.31). Subjects who received

counseling plus p robiotics were found to have the lowest insulin

concentration, the lowest HOMA, and the highest quantitative insulin

sensitivity check index (adjusted means=0.37) during the last trimester of

pregnancy, with the effects lasting over the 12 months post-partum.

Considering the fact that " Balanced glucose metabolism ensures optimal fetal

growth with long-term health implications conferred on both mother and

child, " these results are promising, suggesting that dietary counseling and

probiotic supplementation may help to regulate glucose metabolism in

pregnant women during pregnancy and 1 year post-partum.

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Summary# 46837

Topic: Garlic May Reduce Blood Pressure in Patients with

Elevated Systolic BP

Keywords: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HYPERTENSION, SYSTOLIC,

DIASTOLIC - Garlic, Allium Sativum, Allicin

Reference: " Effects of Garlic on Blood Pressure in Patients With

and Without Systolic Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis (December), " Reinhart KM,

CI, et al, Ann Pharmacother, 2008 Nov 18; [Epub ahead of print].

(Address: Cardiovascular Outcomes, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA.

E-mail: cmwhite@... ).

Summary: In this meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials

examining the effects of garlic on blood pressure, in which results from 10

trials were included in the analysis, garlic was found to reduce systolic

blood pressure by 16.3 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 9.3 mm Hg in

patients with elevated systolic blood pressure, but not in those without

elevated SBP. The authors conclude, " Future research should focus on the

impact of garlic on clinical events and the assessment of the long-term risk

of harm. "

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Summary# 46834

Topic: Low Levels of Vitamin D Linked to Development of High

Blood Pressure

Keywords: HYPERTENSION, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE - Vitamin D,

25-Hydroxyvitamin D

Reference: " Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and risk of

incident hypertension among young women, " Forman JP, Curhan GC, EN,

Hypertension, 2008; 52(5): 828-32. (Address: Department of Medicine, Renal

Division and Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard

Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts, USA. E-mail: jforman@... ).

Summary: In a nested, case-control study involving 1,484 women

between the ages of 32 and 52 years who were not hypertensive at baseline,

plasma levels of 25(OH)D (indicative of vitamin D status) were found to be

lower among women who developed hypertension (25(OH)D=25.6 ng/mL), as

compared to controls who did not (27.3 ng/mL). Comparing quartiles of plasma

25(OH)D levels, those in the lowest quartile of vitamin D status had an

adjusted odds ratio for incident hypertension of 1.66, compared to women in

the highest quartile of vitamin D status. Women with vitamin D deficiency

(<30 ng/mL) had a multivariable odds ratio of hypertension of 1.47. The

authors conclude, " Plasma 25(OH)D levels are inversely and independently

associated with the risk of developing hypertension. "

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Summary# 46821

Topic: Reduced Selenium Status May Increase the Risk of the

Metabolic Syndrome

Keywords: METABOLIC SYNDROME - Selenium, Minerals, Serum

Complement Factor 3, C3

Reference: " Selenium intake reduces serum C3, an early marker of

metabolic syndrome manifestations, in healthy young adults, " Puchau B, Zulet

MA, et al, Eur J Clin Nutr, 2008 Nov 5; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Dr

JA Martínez, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Physiology and

Toxicology, University of Navarra, Calle Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona,

Spain. E-mail: jalfmtz@... ).

Summary: In a study involving 100 healthy young adults between

the ages of 18 and 34 years, selenium status was found to be associated with

levels of serum complement factor 3 (C3), a marker of increased risk for the

metabolic syndrome. Levels of serum C3 were associated with tricipital

skinfold thickness, sum of skinfold thicknesses, BMI, body fat mass,

waist-to-height ratio, serum glucose, serum triglycerides, and nail

selenium. Circulating levels of serum C3 were found to be positively

associated with several adiposity markers such as BMI, waist circumference,

waist-to-height ratio, body fat mass, and serum glucose and triglycerides,

while nail selenium levels were found to be negatively associated with serum

C3 concentrations. The authors conclude, " These findings suggest a possible

role for selenium intake in the modulation of C3, whose assessment may be an

early marker of metabolic syndrome manifestations. "

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Summary# 46833

Topic: Peri-Conceptional Multivitamin plus Folic Acid

Supplementation Reduces NTDs

Keywords: NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS, PREGNANCY, CONCEPTION, INFANCY,

BIRTH DEFECTS - Folic Acid, Vitamins, Minerals

Reference: " Prevention of NTDs with periconceptional

multivitamin supplementation containing folic acid in China, " Chen G, Song

X, et al, Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol, 2008; 82(8): 592-6.

(Address: Institute of Population Research/WHO Collaborating Center on

Reproductive Health and Population Science, Peking University, Beijing

100871, China. E-mail: Xiaoying Zheng, xzheng@... phd@... ).

Summary: In a population-based, community intervention study

involving women living in China, periconceptional supplementation with a

multivitamin containing folic acid, at least 5 times per week, from at least

2 months prior to conception until at least the second month after

conception was found to significantly reduce the occurrence of neural tube

defects (NTDs), with a protective rate of 80%. Of the subjects given

multivitamin with folic acid supplementation (25,444 pregnancies), 9 NTDs

were found (NTD birth prevalence=0.35/1,000 pregnancies), as compared to 48

cases (NTD birth prevalence=1.80/1,000 pregnancies) found among subjects not

given supplementation (26,599 pregnancies). The authors conclude, " Our study

suggests that multivitamin supplement containing folic acid taken from a

time point of 2 months before conception and continuing until completion of

the second month after conception and taken more than five ti mes per week

can significantly reduce the risks of NTDs. "

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Summary# 46820

Topic: Alginate Consumption May Reduce Caloric Intake and Help

Reduce Weight

Keywords: OVERWEIGHT, OBESITY - Alginate, Sodium Alginate,

Seaweed, Fiber

Reference: " Daily ingestion of alginate reduces energy intake in

free-living subjects, " Paxman JR, JC, et al, Appetite, 2008;

51(3): 713-9. (Address: Food and Nutrition Group, Faculty of Organisation

and Management, Sheffield Hallam University, Arundel Gate, Sheffield, UK.

E-mail: j.r.paxman@... ).

Summary: In a randomized, controlled, two-way, crossover,

intervention study involving 68 male and female subjects (BMI range:

18.5-32.8 kg/m(2)), daily ingestion of a strong-gelling sodium alginate

formulation (a seaweed-derived fiber) for a period of 7 days was found to

significantly reduce mean daily energy intake by 7% (reduction of 135

kcal/d). In addition, significant reductions in mean daily carbohydrate,

sugar, fat, saturated fat, and protein intakes were found. The authors

conclude, " These findings suggest a possible role for a strong-gelling

sodium alginate formulation in the future management of overweight and

obesity. "

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Summary# 46832

Topic: Multi-micronutrient Supplementation May Benefit Pregnant

Women more than Iron and Folic Acid alone

Keywords: PREGNANCY, PRENATAL - Micronutrients, Iron, Folic

Acid, Retinol, Riboflavin, B Vitamins

Reference: " Retinol and riboflavin supplementation decreases the

prevalence of anemia in chinese pregnant women taking iron and folic acid

supplements, " Ma AG, Schouten EG, et al, J Nutr, 2008; 138(10): 1946-50.

(Address: Institute of Human Nutrition, Medical College of Qingdao

University, 266021 Qingdao, China. E-mail: aiguom502@... ).

Summary: In a randomized, double-blind, 2-month study involving

366 pregnant Chinese women (in rural China) with anemia (hemoglobin < 105

g/L), supplementation with a combination of iron (60 mg/d), folic acid (400

mug/d), retinol (2000 mug/d), and riboflavin (1.0 mg/d) was found to be more

effective than iron plus folic acid alone in reducing the prevalence of

anemia and iron deficiency anemia - both of which are extremely prevalent

among pregnant women in their third trimester living in rural China

(prevalence of anemia: 48%, prevalence of iron deficiency, 42%).

Furthermore, subjects given the combined supplementation had less

gastrointestinal symptoms than subjects given only iron + folic acid. The

authors conclude, " Multimicronutrient supplementation may be worthwhile for

pregnant women in rural China. "

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Summary# 46839

Topic: L-Carnitine Supplementation May Improve Postprandial

Vascular Function in Subjects after Consumption of a High-Fat Meal

Keywords: VASCULAR FUNCTION - L-Carnitine, Carnitine,

Flow-Mediated Dilation, FMD, High-Fat Meal

Reference: " Effects of carnitine supplementation on

flow-mediated dilation and vascular inflammatory responses to a high-fat

meal in healthy young adults, " Volek JS, Kraemer WJ, et al, Am J Cardiol,

2008; 102(10): 1413-17. (Address: Human Performance Laboratory, Department

of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA. E-mail:

jeff.volek@... ).

Summary: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,

crossover design study involving 30 healthy subjects, carnitine

supplementation was found to improve postprandial vascular function after a

high-fat meal. The subjects were randomized to 3 weeks supplementation with

L-carnitine (2 g/day) or placebo. At intervention end, the subjects

underwent vascular testing (fasting and postprandial - after consumption of

a standardized high-fat meal). Peak flow-mediated dilation (FMD) during the

postprandial period decreased in the placebo group and increased in the

L-carnitine-supplemented group. Thus, the authors suggest, " In conclusion,

consistent with other work showing a beneficial effect of carnitine on

vascular function, these findings indicate that carnitine supplementation in

healthy individuals improves postprandial FMD after a high-fat meal. "

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