The Role of Parenteral Nutrition for Incurable Cancer: Bridging Expectations and Reality
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, we examine the role for parenteral nutrition (PN) for nutritional support of patients with advanced, incurable cancer with an emphasis on bridging the divide between expectations and reality.Recent FindingsAs the rates of cancer have continued to rise worldwide, the utility of PN has continued to be studied. Due to multiple reasons, high-quality research studies have been scarce, and much of the data is based on observational studies. The recent trend appears to support the use of PN in carefully selected patients. Importantly, the effect on quality of life also should be considered...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - May 28, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Challenges in Feeding Children Posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Systematic Review of Changes in Dietary Intake Combined with a Dietitian ’s Perspective
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo examine the evidence that the dietary quality of children changed between the period preceding the COVID-19 pandemic and the first year during the pandemic.Recent FindingsA systematic review of the evidence for dietary changes occurring as a result of the pandemic-related restrictions, in Part I of this article, yielded 38 original research articles. These articles had conflicting results, some describing improvements in overall quality and some describing deteriorations. As a whole the studies were characterized by a low study quality, and children were poorly represented. Taken together, these...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - May 15, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Keeping a Balance During the Pandemic: a Narrative Review on the Important Role of Micronutrients in Preventing Infection and Reducing Complications of COVID-19
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak has manifested into a major public health concern across the globe, affecting particularly the most vulnerable population groups. Currently, there are various clinical trials being conducted to develop effective treatments. It is estimated that it could take one or more years before these drugs pass all safety tests and concrete results with regard to their effectiveness become available. In addition, despite the recent development of vaccines (licensed for use under conditional licenses) and the commencement of COVID-19 vaccination programs in several countries, ...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - May 5, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Do taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages influence food purchases?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInterest in taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages as a public health tool has increased in recent years. This paper aimed to summarise recent evidence of the impact of taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages on food purchases, and discuss opportunities to advance knowledge and policy impact.Recent FindingsEvaluations of taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages have shown reductions in purchases of targeted unhealthy products and nutrients. Similarly, data from multiple sources demonstrate that as prices of unhealthy foods and beverages increase, purchase volume decreases. However, studies indicate po...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - April 30, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
To Detect and Reject, Parallel Roles for Taste and Immunity
AbstractPurpose of ReviewFrom single cells to entire organisms, biological entities are in constant communication with their surroundings, deciding what to ‘allow’ in, and what to reject. In very different ways, the immune and taste systems both fulfill this function, with growing evidence suggesting a relationship between the two, through shared signaling pathways, receptors, and feedback loops. The purpose of this review was to explore recent rep orts on taste and immunity in model animals and in humans to explore our understanding of the interplay between these systems.Recent FindingsAcute infections in the upper ai...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - April 22, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
A Mechanistic Link Between Selenium and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly emerging disease caused by a highly contagious virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and this disease has affected millions of people across the world and led to hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. Nutrition is a key factor related to this disease, and nutritional status may determine the risk and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Selenium is one of the major trace elements required for redox functions and has significant roles in viral infections. The purpose of this review was to examine the current evide...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - April 9, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Effect of Various Types of Intermittent Fasting (IF) on Weight Loss and Improvement of Diabetic Parameters in Human
ConclusionDifferent types of intermittent fasting reduce body weight and reduce diabetes parameters such as fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR index, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). (Source: Current Nutrition Reports)
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - April 7, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
The Anti-cancer Effect of Olea europaea L. Products: a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe olive tree (Olea europaea L.) has featured as a significant part of medicinal history, used to treat a variety of ailments within folk medicine. The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive products, is testament toOlea europaeas positive effects on health, associated with reduced incidences of cancer and cardiovascular disease. This review aims to summarise the current literature regarding the therapeutic potential ofOlea europaea products in cancer, detailing the possible compounds responsible for its chemotherapeutic effects.Recent FindingsMuch of the existing research has focused on the u...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - March 8, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Extracurricular Sports Participation and Sedentary Behavior in Association with Dietary Habits and Obesity Risk in Children and Adolescents and the Role of Family Structure: a Literature Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChildhood obesity is considered a major problem in the modern world, associated with many health issues in youth. This review aimed the association between extracurricular sports participation, sedentary time/screen time, and “obesogenic” and “non-obesogenic” dietary habits among youth and to explore the role of family structure on the adoption of sedentary behaviors by children.Recent FindingsIncreased participation in extracurricular sports was associated with a healthier dietary pattern, containing more “non-obesogenic” food choices. Opposite results were indicated by sedentary activ...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - February 17, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
The Effects of Anti-obesity Pharmacotherapy Interventions on Psychosocial Factors Among Adolescents with Obesity: a Scoping Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review was to investigate and synthesize psychosocial outcomes from pharmacotherapy experimental trials for weight loss among adolescents with obesity.Recent FindingsThere is a paucity of research regarding pharmacological interventions for adolescents with obesity. These studies have typically reported reductions in weight, and side effects have been inconsistently described. Overall, medication seems to be a safe and effective obesity treatment modality for adolescents with obesity.SummarySix articles were included in this review. Studies varied in medication type, medication ...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - February 13, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
The Metabolomic Analysis of Human Milk Offers Unique Insights into Potential Child Health Benefits
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHuman milk is the gold standard of infant nutrition. The milk changes throughout lactation and is tailored for the infant providing the nutrients, minerals and vitamins necessary for supporting healthy infant growth. Human milk also contains low molecular weight compounds (metabolites) possibly eliciting important bioactivity. Metabolomics is the study of these metabolites. The purpose of this review was to examine recent metabolomics studies and cohort studies on human milk to assess the impact of human milk metabolomic analyses combined with investigations of infant growth and development.Recent ...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - February 8, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Artificial Pancreas Technology Offers Hope for Childhood Diabetes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHere, we provide a review of recent advancements in closed-loop or automated insulin delivery systems commonly referred to as the “artificial pancreas” (AP) for the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D).Recent FindingsThe use of hybrid closed-loop devices in children and adolescents with T1D consistently increases time in the target glucose range (70 –180 mg/dL) without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Although hybrid closed-loop systems are able to maintain fairly tight glycemic control overnight, daytime control remains challenging, primarily due to meals and exercise, and careful carboh...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - January 7, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Limitations with the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) with Special Attention to Plant-Based Diets: a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review describes several limitations of the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) with a focus on its application to plant-based dietary patterns.Recent FindingsEvaluating protein quality in terms of digestibility is paramount to support and optimize the health and well-being of human populations in situations where food insecurity and protein energy malnutrition are widespread. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has endorsed the DIAAS to replace the previously recommended Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) for protein quality a...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - January 6, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
Effect of Yogurt Consumption on Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors: a Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMetabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises risk factors such as obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Here we described the outcome of various yogurt consumption, either conventional, low-fat, high-fat, Greek, or enriched with nutrients or probiotics: (1) on the parameters of MetS risk factors and (2) on the mechanisms of action of the MetS risk factors.Recent FindingThe majority (25 studies) of clinical trials and meta-analyses of clinical trials reported a beneficial effect of yogurt consumption in the prevention of MetS risk. Yogurt components, such as calcium, vitamin D, prot...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - January 6, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
ADHD and Risk of Childhood Adiposity: a Review of Recent Research
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAttention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered as a risk factor for childhood adiposity and obesity. Studies on ADHD have provided limited data concerning the connections between eating habits, body mass index, and obesity. The purpose of this review was to examine the current literature regarding recent cohort and cross-sectional studies to determine the links between ADHD and childhood adiposity.Recent FindingsStudies in this review were classified into dietary features, nutritional status, neuroimaging findings, genetic overlapping, behavioral, cognitive, and neurocognitive aspect...
Source: Current Nutrition Reports - January 5, 2021 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research
