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Nutritional Intervention (nutritional + intervention)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	84%
Life Sciences	15%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Nutrition & Dietetics General	17%
Neurology	8%

Selected Abstracts

Nutritional Interventions for Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder

CNS: NEUROSCIENCE AND THERAPEUTICS, Issue 1 2010
Lawrence A. Palinkas
There is a need for further investigation of the effects of carbohydrate consumption as an alternative treatment for seasonal affective disorder [source]

The role of weight for age and disease stage in poor psychomotor outcome of HIV-infected children in Kilifi, Kenya

DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 12 2009
AMINA ABUBAKAR PHD
Aim, We aimed to investigate the contribution of disease stage and weight for age to the variability in psychomotor outcome observed among children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Method, This cross-sectional study involved 48 Kenyan children (20 females, 28 males) aged 6 to 35 months (mean 19.9mo SD 8.9) exposed prenatally to HIV. Two subgroups of HIV-exposed children were seen: those who were HIV-infected and those who were uninfected. The reference population was composed of 319 children (159 females, 160 males) aged 6,35 months, (mean age = 19 months, SD=8.43) randomly selected from the community. Disease stage varied from stage 1 to stage 3, reflecting progression from primary HIV infection to advanced HIV infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. A locally developed and validated measure, the Kilifi Developmental Inventory, was used to assess psychomotor development. Result, Using age-corrected psychomotor scores, a significant main effect of HIV status was observed (F(2,38.01)=7.89, p<0.001). Children in the HIV-infected group had lower mean psychomotor scores than the HIV-exposed children and the reference group. In the HIV-infected group, disease stage was a negative predictor and weight for age a positive predictor of psychomotor outcome. Interpretation, Weight for age and disease stage provide viable, easily measurable benchmarks to specify when frequent developmental monitoring and psychomotor rehabilitation are required. Nutritional intervention and other measures aimed at slowing disease progression may delay the onset and severity of psychomotor impairment in the paediatric HIV population in Africa. [source]

Nutritional supplements combined with dietary counselling diminish whole body protein catabolism in HIV-infected patients

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 1 2000
Berneis
Background Weight loss and protein malnutrition are frequent complications in HIV-infected patients. The effect of an oral nutritional supplement combined with nutritional counselling on whole body protein metabolism was assessed. Materials and methods HIV-infected individuals with a body mass index < 21 kg m,2 or CD4-T cells < 500 , L,1 in stable clinical condition were randomly allocated to [ 1] receive either oral nutritional supplements (containing 2510 kJ, complete macro- and micronutrients) and dietary counselling (n = 8), or [ 2] identical monitoring but no supplements or specific nutritional advice (controls, n = 7). Whole body leucine kinetics and leucine oxidation rate were determined by [1,13C]-leucine infusions and lean and fat mass were measured before and 12 weeks after intervention. Results Leucine oxidation (protein catabolism) decreased in the group receiving nutritional intervention from 0.33 ± 0.02 to 0.26 ± 0.02 ,mol kg,1 min,1 after 12 weeks (P < 0.05; P < 0.05 vs. control group) but remained unchanged in the control group. Whole body leucine flux showed a tendency to decrease in the intervention group from 1.92 ± 0.19 to 1.73 ± 0.14 ,mol kg,1 min,1 (P = 0.07) and remained unchanged in the control group (2.21 ± 0.16 and 2.27 ± 0.14 ,mol kg,1 min,1, respectively). Lean body mass determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis increased in the nutritional intervention group from 84 ± 2 to 86 ± 2 per cent (P < 0.05) and fat mass decreased from 17 ± 2 to 14 ± 2 per cent (P < 0.05) of total body weight whereas neither mass changed in the control group. Nutritional intervention had no significant effect on lymphocyte CD4 counts, on plasma TNFR 55, TNFR 75 and ILR 2 concentrations and on quality of life. Conclusions The data demonstrate an anticatabolic effect of nutritional supplements combined with dietary counselling in HIV-infected subjects. They suggest that diminished whole body protein catabolism resulted in a change of body composition (increased lean mass, decreased fat mass). [source]

Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Zn supplementation in asthmatic children: a randomized self-controlled study

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 4 2009
Mohammed Al Biltagi
Abstract Objectives: Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airways disease. Nutritional intervention is an important tool to decrease the severity of many chronic inflammatory diseases including asthma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Zn in children with moderately persistent asthma. Patients and Methods: Randomly assigned, placebo-self-controlled 60 children with moderate persistent asthma completed the study, were subjected to alternating phases of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Zn either singly or in combination separated with washout phases. Childhood asthma control test (C-ACT), pulmonary function tests and sputum inflammatory markers were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at the end of each therapeutic phase. Results: There was a significant improvement of C-ACT, pulmonary function tests and sputum inflammatory markers with diet supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Zn (p < 0.001*). There was also significant improvement with the combined use of the three supplementations than single use of any one of them (p < 0.001*). Conclusion: Diet supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, Zn and vitamin C significantly improved asthma control test, pulmonary function tests and pulmonary inflammatory markers in children with moderately persistent bronchial asthma either singly or in combination. [source]

Effects of soy vs. casein protein on body weight and glycemic control in female monkeys and their offspring

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2009
Janice D. Wagner
Abstract Nutritional interventions are important for reducing obesity and related conditions. Soy is a good source of protein and also contains isoflavones that may affect plasma lipids, body weight, and insulin action. Described here are data from a monkey breeding colony in which monkeys were initially fed a standard chow diet that is low fat with protein derived from soy. Monkeys were then randomized to a defined diet with a fat content similar to the typical American diet (TAD) containing either protein derived from soy (TAD soy) or casein,lactalbumin (TAD casein). The colony was followed for over two years to assess body weight, and carbohydrate and lipid measures in adult females (n=19) and their offspring (n=25). Serum isoflavone concentrations were higher with TAD soy than TAD casein, but not as high as when monkey chow was fed. Offspring consuming TAD soy had higher serum isoflavone concentrations than adults consuming TAD soy. Female monkeys consuming TAD soy had better glycemic control, as determined by fructosamine concentrations, but no differences in lipids or body weight compared with those consuming diets with TAD casein. Offspring born to dams consuming TAD soy had similar body weights at birth but over a two-year period weighed significantly less, had significantly lower triglyceride concentrations, and like adult females, had significantly lower fructosamine concentrations compared to TAD casein. Glucose tolerance tests in adult females were not significantly different with diet, but offspring eating TAD soy had increased glucose disappearance with overall lower glucose and insulin responses to the glucose challenge compared with TAD casein. Potential reasons for the additional benefits of TAD soy observed in offspring but not in adults may be related to higher serum isoflavone concentrations in offspring, presence of the diet differences throughout more of their lifespan (including gestation), or different tissue susceptibilities in younger animals. Am. J. Primatol. 71:802,811, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Oxidative damage of retinal pigment epithelial cells and age-related macular degeneration

DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 5 2007
Suofu Qin
Abstract Damage to the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is an early and crucial event in the molecular pathways leading to clinically relevant age-related macular degeneration (AMD) changes. Oxidative stress, the major environmental risk factor for atrophic AMD, causes RPE injury that results in a chronic inflammatory response, drusen formation, and RPE atrophy. RPE degeneration ultimately leads to a progressive irreversible degeneration of photoreceptors. In vitro studies show that oxidant-treated RPE cells undergo apoptosis, a possible mechanism by which RPE cells are lost during the early phase of atrophic AMD. The main target of oxidative injury appears to be mitochondria, an organelle known to accumulate genomic damage during aging. Addition of GSH, the most abundant intracellular thiol antioxidant, protects RPE cells from oxidant-induced apoptosis. Similar protection occurs with dietary enzyme inducers that increase GSH synthesis. In addition, enhancing survival signaling preserves RPE cells under oxidative stress. These results indicate that therapeutic or nutritional intervention to enhance the antioxidant capacity and survival signaling of RPE may provide an effective way to prevent or treat AMD. This review describes major molecular and cellular events leading to RPE death, and presents currently used and new experimental, forthcoming therapeutic strategies. Drug Dev Res 68:213,225, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Nutritional supplements combined with dietary counselling diminish whole body protein catabolism in HIV-infected patients

Does nutritional intervention for patients with hip fractures reduce postoperative complications and improve rehabilitation?

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 9 2009
Anna-Karin Gunnarsson
Aims and objectives., The aims were to investigate whether there were any differences between patients receiving nutritional intervention preoperatively and over five days postoperatively and patients who did not, in terms of postoperative complications, rehabilitation, length of stay and food and liquid intake. Background., Patients with hip fractures are often malnourished at admission to hospital and they typically do not receive the energy and calories needed postoperatively. Design., The design was a quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test comparison group design without random group assignment. Methods., One hundred patients with hip fractures were consecutively included. The control group (n = 50) received regular nutritional support. The intervention group (n = 50) received nutrition according to nutritional guidelines. The outcome measures used were risk of pressure ulcer, pressure ulcers, weight, nosocomial infections, cognitive ability, walking assistance and functional ability, collected preoperatively and five days postoperatively. Each patient's nutrient and liquid intake were assessed daily for five days postoperatively. Results., Significantly fewer (p = 0·043) patients in the intervention group (18%) had pressure ulcers five days postoperatively compared with the control group (36%). Nutrient and liquid intake was significantly higher (p < 0·001) in the intervention group. Median length of stay decreased from nine to seven days (p = 0·137), as did nosocomial infections, from 18,8·7% (p = 0·137). Conclusion., Patients with hip fractures receiving nutrition according to nutritional guidelines developed fewer pressure ulcers. This is invaluable to patients' quality of life and a major economic saving for society. Relevance to clinical practice., Great benefits can be gained for the patients through modest efforts by nurses and physicians such as nutritional intervention. [source]

Calorie restriction mimetics: an emerging research field

AGING CELL, Issue 2 2006
Donald K. Ingram
Summary When considering all possible aging interventions evaluated to date, it is clear that calorie restriction (CR) remains the most robust. Studies in numerous species have demonstrated that reduction of calories 30,50% below ad libitum levels of a nutritious diet can increase lifespan, reduce the incidence and delay the onset of age-related diseases, improve stress resistance, and decelerate functional decline. A current major focus of this research area is whether this nutritional intervention is relevant to human aging. Evidence emerging from studies in rhesus monkeys suggests that their response to CR parallels that observed in rodents. To assess CR effects in humans, clinical trials have been initiated. However, even if results from these studies could eventually substantiate CR as an effective pro-longevity strategy for humans, the utility of this intervention would be hampered because of the degree and length of restriction required. As an alternative strategy, new research has focused on the development of ,CR mimetics'. The objective of this strategy is to identify compounds that mimic CR effects by targeting metabolic and stress response pathways affected by CR, but without actually restricting caloric intake. For example, drugs that inhibit glycolysis (2-deoxyglucose), enhance insulin action (metformin), or affect stress signaling pathways (resveratrol), are being assessed as CR mimetics (CRM). Promising results have emerged from initial studies regarding physiological responses which resemble those observed in CR (e.g. reduced body temperature and plasma insulin) as well as protection against neurotoxicity (e.g. enhanced dopamine action and up-regulated neurotrophic factors). Ultimately, lifespan analyses in addition to expanded toxicity studies must be accomplished to fully assess the potential of any CRM. Nonetheless, this strategy clearly offers a very promising and expanding research endeavor. [source]

Nutritional changes among premenopausal women undertaking a soya based dietary intervention study in Hawaii

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 5 2004
S. Acharya
Abstract Background We conducted a 2-year nutritional intervention among premenopausal women. The goal was to incorporate two daily servings of soya into the regular diet. This report describes the dietary modifications and assesses their nutritional adequacy with regard to major nutrients. Methods In this analysis of 100 intervention and 106 control subjects, women completed a validated food-frequency questionnaire at baseline; throughout the study, they participated in at least three unannounced 24-h recalls. Results At randomization, both groups were similar in age and body weight, reported low soya intake, and did not differ by intake of major nutrients and foods. According to the 24-h recalls, women in the intervention group consumed nearly two servings of soya per day, while the control women remained at 0.2 servings. In comparison with the control group, the intervention group consumed fewer dairy products, primarily milk, but also less meat, nuts and seeds. As a result of the dietary modification, the intervention women consumed less-saturated fat and cholesterol and more protein, dietary fibre, calcium and vitamins than the control group. Conclusion These results suggest that women in the intervention group improved the overall quality of their diet by adding two servings of soya per day. [source]

Review article: bacterial translocation in the critically ill , evidence and methods of prevention

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 7 2007
M. GATT
Summary Background Delayed sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiorgan failure remain major causes of morbidity and mortality on intensive care units. One factor thought to be important in the aetiology of SIRS is failure of the intestinal barrier resulting in bacterial translocation and subsequent sepsis. Aim This review summarizes the current knowledge about bacterial translocation and methods to prevent it. Methods Relevant studies during 1966,2006 were identified from a literature search. Factors, which detrimentally affect intestinal barrier function, are discussed, as are methods that may attenuate bacterial translocation in the critically ill patient. Results Methodological problems in confirming bacterial translocation have restricted investigations to patients undergoing laparotomy. There are only limited data available relating to specific interventions that might preserve intestinal barrier function or limit bacterial translocation in the intensive care setting. These can be categorized broadly into pre-epithelial, epithelial and post-epithelial interventions. Conclusions A better understanding of factors that influence translocation could result in the implementation of interventions which contribute to improved patient outcomes. Glutamine supplementation, targeted nutritional intervention, maintaining splanchnic flow, the judicious use of antibiotics and directed selective gut decontamination regimens hold some promise of limiting bacterial translocation. Further research is required. [source]

A Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil may reverse the effects of the -174G/C IL6 gene variant on 3-year body weight change

MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue S1 2010
Cristina Razquin
Abstract Only a few studies have analyzed the effects of the potential interaction between the -174G/C polymorphism of IL6 gene and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) on adiposity indexes. Our aim was to investigate the interplay between the -174G/C polymorphism of the IL6 gene and a Mediterranean-style diet on body weight changes after 3 years of nutritional intervention in a high cardiovascular risk population. A total of 737 participants, aged 55,80 years were assigned to a low-fat diet or to a Mediterranean-style diet group with high intake of virgin olive oil (VOO) or nuts. Anthropometric measurements were taken at baseline and after 3-year follow-up. The -174G/C polymorphism of the IL6 gene was genotyped. Minor allele frequency (C) was 0.39. At baseline, the CC genotype was associated with higher measures of adiposity. After 3 years, a significant interaction (p=0.028) was found between the polymorphism (GG+GC versus CC) and the nutritional intervention: CC subjects following the MD+VOO had the lowest body weight gain. In conclusion, at baseline, CC subjects for the -174G/C polymorphism of IL6 had the highest body weight and BMI. However, after 3 years of nutritional intervention with MD+VOO, these subjects were predicted to have the greatest reduction in body weight. [source]

The Assessment of Cognitive Performance in Children: Considerations for Detecting Nutritional Influences

NUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 12 2003
Donna Hughes MPsychClin
The accurate assessment of cognitive performance in children is critical for detecting the effects of micronutrient deficiency or supplementation on the developing brain and its functions. Relatively little attention has been paid to the selection of culturally appropriate measures that are sensitive enough to detect the subtle cognitive changes that could be expected following nutritional intervention. Normal brain development and the emergence of cognitive abilities throughout infancy and childhood is discussed in this paper, followed by a description of the more pertinent and sensitive neuropsychological tests that can be used to assess cognitive performance and investigate the effects of micronutrient deficiency and supplementation on cognitive development among children in a variety of cultures. [source]

Adherence to recommendations for primary prevention of atopic disease in neonatology clinical practice

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
Annalisa Passariello
Passariello A, Terrin G, Baldassarre ME, Bisceglia M, Ruotolo S, Berni Canani R. Adherence to recommendations for primary prevention of atopic disease in neonatology clinical practice. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 889,891. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S The prevalence and severity of atopic manifestations in children are increasing in western countries in the last decades. Specific nutritional intervention may prevent or delay the onset of atopic diseases in infants at high risk of developing allergy. These nutritional interventions should be applied early in the perinatal period to have a chance of success. Thus, we assessed adherence to the dietary management recommendations of the Committee on Nutrition and Section on Allergy and Immunology of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the prevention of atopic diseases in neonatal age through an audit study. Questionnaire was administered to the chiefs of 30 maternity units (MU) with more than 1500 live births/yr to report the policy applied in their MU. Twenty-two MU returned the questionnaire. Identification of high-risk newborns was routinely performed only in 7/22 MU (31.8%). High-risk newborns were identified by the presence of at least two or one first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with documented allergic disease by 18.2% and 45.5% of MU, respectively. Specific maternal dietary restrictions during lactation were adopted in 7/22 MU (31.8%). Extensively or partially hydrolyzed formula was prescribed for bottle-fed high-risk infants in 22.7% of MU. Only 2/22 MU have a policy in complete agreement with the nutritional intervention proposed by the AAP. Our study suggest a poor adherence to dietary recommendations for primary prevention of atopic disease in neonatology clinical practice. Further efforts should be planned to improve the knowledge and the application of these preventive strategies. [source]

Nutritional problems in children treated for medulloblastoma: Implications for enteral nutrition support

PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER, Issue 4 2009
Evelyn Ward BSc
Abstract Background The aim of this study was to identify the nature and severity of nutritional problems associated with the current treatment of medulloblastoma and to identify any risk factors for nutritional morbidity during treatment. Procedure A multicentre retrospective audit of medical and dietetic notes of 41 children treated for medulloblastoma in three UK paediatric oncology centres was undertaken. Data on nutritional status, nutritional support, mutism, swallowing and common toxicity criteria (CTC) scores for vomiting, constipation and mobility were collected at defined points in treatment from diagnosis until 12 months post-treatment. Results Significant problems including weight loss, vomiting and constipation were highlighted early on in treatment. The majority of patients were well nourished at diagnosis with a mean percentage weight: height of 99.8%, however nutritional status started to decline early in treatment during radiotherapy, coinciding with 49% of patients having grade 1 or above CTC score for vomiting and constipation. The decline in nutritional status continued, peaking by course 2 of chemotherapy with a mean weight loss of 8.2% since diagnosis. Proactive supplementary feeding early in treatment by one of the three centres demonstrated a superior nutritional outcome when compared statistically to the two centres that fed only as a response to nutritional decline. Conclusion The study highlighted significant morbidity associated with the current treatment of medulloblastoma. Findings suggest the need to consider earlier proactive nutritional intervention to prevent nutritional decline during treatment. These early nutritional problems may be related to toxicities of radiotherapy and concomitant vincristine. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:570,575. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Impact of nutrition on outcome: A prospective randomized controlled trial in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 8 2005
Paula Ravasco MD
Abstract Background. We aimed to determine the effect of dietary counseling or oral supplements on outcome for patients with cancer, specifically, nutritional outcome, morbidity, and quality of life (QOL), during and 3 months after radiotherapy. Methods. Seventy-five patients with head and neck cancer who were referred for radiotherapy (RT) were randomized to the following groups: group 1 (n = 25), patients who received dietary counseling with regular foods; group 2 (n = 25), patients who maintained usual diet plus supplements; and group 3 (n = 25), patients who maintained intake ad lib. Nutritional intake (determined by diet history) and status (determined by Ottery's Subjective Global Assessment), and QOL (determined by the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire version 3.0 [EORTC QLQ-C30]) were evaluated at baseline, at the end of RT, and at 3 months. Results. Energy intake after RT increased in both groups 1 and 2 (p , .05). Protein intake also increased in both groups 1 and 2 (p , .006). Both energy and protein intake decreased significantly in group 3 (p < .01). At 3 months, group 1 maintained intakes, whereas groups 2 and 3 returned to or below baseline levels. After RT, >90% of patients experienced RT toxicity; this was not significantly different between groups, with a trend for reduced symptomatology in group 1 versus group 2/group 3 (p < .07). At 3 months, the reduction of incidence/severity of grade 1+2 anorexia, nausea/vomiting, xerostomia, and dysgeusia was different: 90% of the patients improved in group 1 versus 67% in group 2 versus 51% in group 3 (p < .0001). After RT, QOL function scores improved (p < .003) proportionally with improved nutritional intake and status in group 1/group 2 (p < .05) and worsened in group 3 (p < .05); at 3 months, patients in group 1 maintained or improved overall QOL, whereas patients in groups 2 and 3 maintained or worsened overall QOL. Conclusions. During RT, nutritional interventions positively influenced outcomes, and counseling was of similar/higher benefit; in the medium term, only counseling exerted a significant impact on patient outcomes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck27: XXX,XXX, 2005 [source]

Review article: diet and inflammatory bowel disease , epidemiology and treatment

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2009
T. YAMAMOTO
Summary Background, Diet is thought to have an important role in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Aim, To identify dietary constituents as risk factors for development of IBD and the therapeutic efficacy of dietary modifications or enteral nutrition in IBD. Methods, The Medline and the Cochrane Library were searched for clinical trials and meta-analyses in the scope of diet and nutrition in IBD. Results, There are many studies in small cohorts of patients that claim that intake of certain diet constituents like fat, refined sugar, fruits, vegetables and fibre affect the expression of IBD. These are often compromised by insufficient data or methodological limitations and do not provide unequivocal evidence to incriminate any particular dietary factor. Among various dietary interventions, none has shown striking efficacy with the possible exception of complete enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition appears effective in both active and quiescent Crohn's disease (CD), but independent meta-analyses have shown enteral nutrition to be inferior to corticosteroids in the management of active CD, when assessed on an intention-to-treat basis. Conclusions, The current levels of knowledge concerning dietary risk factors for IBD, and the therapeutic efficacy of dietary and nutritional interventions need to be supported by well-designed trials in large cohorts of patients. [source]

Major nutritional issues in the management of Parkinson's disease,

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 13 2009
Michela Barichella MD
Abstract As with other neurodegenerative diseases, neurologic and nutritional elements may interact affecting each other in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the long-term effects of such interactions on prognosis and outcome have not been given much attention and are poorly addressed by current research. Factors contributing to the clinical conditions of patients with PD are not only the basic features of PD, progression of disease, and the therapeutic approach but also fiber and nutrient intakes (in terms of both energy and protein content), fluid and micronutrient balance, and pharmaconutrient interactions (protein and levodopa). During the course of PD nutritional requirements frequently change. Accordingly, both body weight gain and loss may occur and, despite controversy, it seems that both changes in energy expenditure and food intake contribute. Nonmotor symptoms play a significant role and dysphagia may be responsible for the impairment of nutritional status and fluid balance. Constipation, gastroparesis, and gastro-oesophageal reflux significantly affect quality of life. Finally, any micronutrient deficiencies should be taken into account. Nutritional assessments should be performed routinely. Optimization of pharmacologic treatment for both motor and nonmotor symptoms is essential, but nutritional interventions and counseling could and should also be planned with regard to nutritional balance designed to prevent weight loss or gain; optimization of levodopa pharmacokinetics and avoidance of interaction with proteins; improvement in gastrointestinal dysfunction (e.g., dysphagia and constipation); prevention and treatment of nutritional deficiencies (micronutrients or vitamins). A balanced Mediterranean-like dietary regimen should be recommended before the introduction of levodopa; afterward, patients with advanced disease may benefit considerably from protein redistribution and low-protein regimens. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society [source]

A novel approach to treating eating disorders in a day-hospital treatment program

NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 3 2010
Mellisa ASHLEY
Abstract Aim:, The aim of the present study was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of an adult day-hospital program that uses a novel approach to delivering nutritional interventions. Methods:, Fifty-six adult eating disorder patients of the Sydney West Area Eating Disorders Day Treatment Program participated in the study. Participants completed standardised self-reported questionnaires designed to measure eating disorder symptoms, at the commencement of treatment and after 12 weeks. Results:, Participation in day-hospital treatment was associated with increases in weight, reductions in number of binge-eating and purging episodes, and frequency of exercise sessions. Participants also experienced improvements in their eating attitudes, drive for thinness, bulimia, depression and anxiety symptoms. Conclusion:, These findings add to the growing body of literature supporting the use of day-hospital programs in the treatment of eating disorders. A number of strategies are suggested for the effective delivery of nutritional interventions in day-hospital programs, such as methods that assist with integrating new information, having an experiential focus and the use of collaborative education processes. [source]

Dietary factors in the aetiology of postnatal depression

NUTRITION BULLETIN, Issue 3 2008
E. Derbyshire
Summary Prevalence of postnatal depression (PND) occurs in approximately 13,20% of women after birth and has detrimental consequences for both the mother and the offspring. The causes of PND remain unclear, with research suggesting a multifactorial aetiology. It is believed that some dietary constituents may, in part, be related to the onset of PND. The possible protective roles of folate, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium and zinc intake have been investigated, as well as the role of a high glycaemic index diet, with conflicting results. Most of the literature appears to have focused on the symptoms of PND in relation to patterns of fish consumption and intake of n -3(omega-3) fatty acids. A review of studies published through MEDLINE indicated that riboflavin, calcium and zinc may play a role in alleviating symptoms of PND. Although a greater number of published papers have studied associations between n -3 intake and PND incidence, findings are somewhat contradictory. Further research is now required to develop these preliminary research findings with an aim to reducing the health costs of PND through the application of nutritional interventions. [source]

Nutrients for Cognitive Development in School-aged Children

NUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 8 2004
Janet Bryan Ph.D.
This review considers the research to date on the role of nutrition in cognitive development in children, with a particular emphasis on the relatively neglected post-infancy period. Undernutrition and deficiencies of iodine, iron, and folate are all important for the development of the brain and the emergent cognitive functions, and there is some evidence to suggest that zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may also be important. Considerations for future research include a focus on the interactions between micronutrients and macronutrients that might be influential in the optimization of cognitive development; investigation of the impact of nutritional factors in children after infancy, with particular emphasis on effects on the developing executive functions; and selection of populations that might benefit from nutritional interventions, for example, children with nutrient deficiencies or those suffering from attention deficit-hyperactiv-ity disorder and dyslexia. [source]

Triple Trouble: The Role of Malnutrition in Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Co-infection

NUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 3 2003
Monique Van Lettow MPH
Worldwide, the number of individuals who are co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis is increasing greatly. The "triple trouble" of HIV and tuberculosis infection and malnutrition may put those infected at greater risk than those with any of the three conditions alone. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic potential of nutritional interventions for co-infection with HIV and tuberculosis. [source]

Adherence to recommendations for primary prevention of atopic disease in neonatology clinical practice

Reference values for change in body mass index from birth to 18 years of age

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 6 2003
J Karlberg
Body mass index (BMI) has become the measure of choice for determination of nutritional status during the paediatric years, as in adults. Recently, several cross-sectional BMI childhood reference values standards have been published. In order precisely to evaluate childhood nutritional interventions, reference values allowing for the evaluation of changes in BMI values are also needed. For the first time, such reference values can be presented based on 3650 longitudinally followed healthy Swedish children born full term. The reference values for the change in BMI are given as the change in BMI standard deviation scores. The reference values are given as means of mathematical functions adjusting for gender, age of the child and the length of the interval between two measurements for interval lengths of 0.25 to 1.0 y before 2y of age and of 1 to 5 y between birth and 18 y. The usefulness of the reference values is proved by a graph that forms a part of a clinical computer program; the -2 to +2 standard deviation range of the predicted change in BMI can be computed for an individual child and drawn in the graph as an extended support for clinical decision-making. Conclusion: For the first time this communication gives access to BMI growth rate values that can be used both in research and in the clinic to evaluate various interventions, be they nutritional, surgical or therapeutic. [source]