dietary supplements

Studies suggest that inducing gut microbiota changes may alter both muscle physiology and cognitive behaviour. Gut microbiota may play a role in both anabolic resistance of older muscle, and cognition. In this placebo controlled double blinded randomised controlled trial of 36 twin pairs (72 individuals), aged ≥60, each twin pair are block randomised to receive either placebo or prebiotic daily for 12 weeks. Resistance exercise and branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation is prescribed to all participants. Outcomes are physical function and cognition. The trial is carried out remotely using video visits, online questionnaires and cognitive testing, and posting of equipment and biological samples. The prebiotic supplement is well tolerated and results in a changed gut microbiome [e.g., increased relative Bifidobacterium abundance]. There is no significant difference between prebiotic and placebo for the primary outcome of chair rise time (β = 0.579; 95% CI -1.080-2.239 p = 0.494). The prebiotic improves cognition (factor score versus placebo (β = -0.482; 95% CI,-0.813, -0.141; p = 0.014)). Our results demonstrate that cheap and readily available gut microbiome interventions may improve cognition in our ageing population. We illustrate the feasibility of remotely delivered trials for older people, which could reduce under-representation of older people in clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04309292.

Author/s:

Mary Ni Lochlainn, Ruth C E Bowyer, Janne Marie Moll, María Paz García, Samuel Wadge, Andrei-Florin Baleanu, Ayrun Nessa, Alyce Sheedy, Gulsah Akdag, Deborah Hart, Giulia Raffaele, Paul T Seed, Caroline Murphy, Stephen D R Harridge, Ailsa A Welch, Carolyn Greig, Kevin Whelan, Claire J Steves

Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: Preventive Medication

Rowan Hutchins — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Date Added:

September 17, 2023

Publisher:

USPSTF

Publication Date:

August 1, 2023

URL:

Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: Preventive Medication

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Web Page

Keywords

MeSH

The USPSTF now recommends all woman who may become pregnant take folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube defects in their babies. James W. Mold, MD. MPH

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Recommendations made by the USPSTF are independent of the U.S. government. They should not be construed as an official position of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data

John Bayhi — Thu, 14 May 2020 14:42:26 +0000

Date Added:

May 14, 2020

Journal/Publication:

BMJ

Publisher:

BMJ Publishing Group Limited

Publication Date:

February 15, 2017

Issue:

i6583

Volume:

356

URL:

Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1136/bmj.i6583

Keywords

vitamin D

respiratory tract infections

dietary supplements

PMID (1):

28202713

MeSH

Dietary Supplements/adverse effects

Humans

Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Respiratory Tract Infections/diet therapy

Respiratory Tract Infections/prevention & control

Vitamin D/administration & dosage

This meta-analysis found that Vitamin D supplementation reduces the incidence of acute viral infections. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Objectives To assess the overall effect of vitamin D supplementation on risk of acute respiratory tract infection, and to identify factors modifying this effect.

Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data (IPD) from randomised controlled trials.

Data sources Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number registry from inception to December 2015.

Eligibility criteria for study selection Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trials of supplementation with vitamin D3 or vitamin D2 of any duration were eligible for inclusion if they had been approved by a research ethics committee and if data on incidence of acute respiratory tract infection were collected prospectively and prespecified as an efficacy outcome.

Results 25 eligible randomised controlled trials (total 11 321 participants, aged 0 to 95 years) were identified. IPD were obtained for 10 933 (96.6%) participants. Vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of acute respiratory tract infection among all participants (adjusted odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.81 to 0.96; P for heterogeneity <0.001). In subgroup analysis, protective effects were seen in those receiving daily or weekly vitamin D without additional bolus doses (adjusted odds ratio 0.81, 0.72 to 0.91) but not in those receiving one or more bolus doses (adjusted odds ratio 0.97, 0.86 to 1.10; P for interaction=0.05). Among those receiving daily or weekly vitamin D, protective effects were stronger in those with baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <25 nmol/L (adjusted odds ratio 0.30, 0.17 to 0.53) than in those with baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels ≥25 nmol/L (adjusted odds ratio 0.75, 0.60 to 0.95; P for interaction=0.006). Vitamin D did not influence the proportion of participants experiencing at least one serious adverse event (adjusted odds ratio 0.98, 0.80 to 1.20, P=0.83). The body of evidence contributing to these analyses was assessed as being of high quality.

Conclusions Vitamin D supplementation was safe and it protected against acute respiratory tract infection overall. Patients who were very vitamin D deficient and those not receiving bolus doses experienced the most benefit.

Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42014013953.

Author/s:

Martineau, AR, Jolliffe, DA, Hooper, RL, Greenberg, L, Aloia, JF, Bergman, P, Dubnov-Raz, G, Esposito, S, Ganmaa, D, Ginde, AA, Goodall, EC, Grant, CC, Griffiths, CJ, Janssens, W, Laaksi, I, Manaseki-Holland S, Mauger D, Murdoch DR, Neale R, Rees JR, Simpson S Jr, Stelmach, I, Kumar, GT, Urashima, M", CA Jr

The efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements in the treatment of mental disorders: a meta-review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials

John Bayhi — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 17:29:29 +0000

Date Added:

September 13, 2019

Journal/Publication:

World Psychiatry

Publisher:

World Psychiatric Association

Publication Date:

October 1, 2019

Issue:

Volume:

Pages:

308-324

URL:

The efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements in the treatment of mental disorders: a meta-review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1002/wps.20672

Keywords

depression

dietary supplements

mineral supplements

attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity

omega-3 fatty acids

PMID (1):

31496103

MeSH

depressive disorder, major

depression

attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity

mood disorders

mental health

folic acid

eicosapentaenoic acid

fatty acids

unsaturated

Several nutritional supplements appear to be helpful in the treatment of some mental health problems. The strongest evidence was found for eicosapentaenoic acid (an omega 3 fatty acid) as an adjunctive treatment for depression. More nascent evidence suggested that PUFAs may also be beneficial for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. High‐dose methylfolate appears to be helpful as an adjunct to antidepressants and counseling in major depressive disorder. There was emergent evidence for N‐acetylcysteine as a useful adjunctive treatment in mood disorders and schizophrenia. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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The role of nutrition in mental health is becoming increasingly acknowledged. Along with dietary intake, nutrition can also be obtained from "nutrient supplements", such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and pre/probiotic supplements. Recently, a large number of meta-analyses have emerged examining nutrient supplements in the treatment of mental disorders. To produce a meta-review of this top-tier evidence, we identified, synthesized and appraised all meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements in common and severe mental disorders. Our systematic search identified 33 meta-analyses of placebo-controlled RCTs, with primary analyses including outcome data from 10,951 individuals. The strongest evidence was found for PUFAs (particularly as eicosapentaenoic acid) as an adjunctive treatment for depression. More nascent evidence suggested that PUFAs may also be beneficial for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, whereas there was no evidence for schizophrenia. Folate-based supplements were widely researched as adjunctive treatments for depression and schizophrenia, with positive effects from RCTs of high-dose methylfolate in major depressive disorder. There was emergent evidence for N-acetylcysteine as a useful adjunctive treatment in mood disorders and schizophrenia. All nutrient supplements had good safety profiles, with no evidence of serious adverse effects or contraindications with psychiatric medications. In conclusion, clinicians should be informed of the nutrient supplements with established efficacy for certain conditions (such as eicosapentaenoic acid in depression), but also made aware of those currently lacking evidentiary support. Future research should aim to determine which individuals may benefit most from evidence-based supplements, to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Author/s:

Firth, J, Teasdale, SB, Allott, K, Siskind, D, Marx, W, Cotter, J, Veronese, N, Schuch, F, Smith, L, Solmi, M, Carvalho, AF, Vancampfort, D, Berk, M, Stubbs, B, Sarris, J

Antioxidants: In Depth

Jeffrey Wilson — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 20:01:46 +0000

Date Added:

February 24, 2019

Publication Date:

May 4, 2016

URL:

Antioxidants: In Depth

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Web Page

Keywords

MeSH

A review of the evidence related to the use of anti-oxidant supplements from the NIH.

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Antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. Diets high in vegetables and fruits, which are good sources of antioxidants, have been found to be healthy; however, research has not shown antioxidant supplements to be beneficial in preventing diseases. Examples of antioxidants include vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. This fact sheet provides basic information about antioxidants, summarizes what the science says about antioxidants and health, and suggests sources for additional information.

Author/s:

National Institutes of Health, Chun, Ock, Frei, Balz, Gardner, Christopher, Alekel, D. Lee, Killen, John Jr.

Turmeric Dosage: How Much Should You Take Per Day?

Tracy Ashby — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Date Added:

February 22, 2019

Journal/Publication:

Healthline

Publisher:

Healthline Media

Publication Date:

June 11, 2018

URL:

Turmeric Dosage: How Much Should You Take Per Day?

Type:

Patient Education Materials

Format:

Article

Keywords

MeSH

A patient-friendly, evidence-based, referenced summary of the possible benefits and hazards of supplemental curcumin.

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You may know turmeric primarily as a spice, but it’s also used in Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic approach to health that originated in India over 3,000 years ago.

Turmeric supplements are now widely available for medicinal use, but knowing how much to take can be confusing.

Here’s a look at the uses and benefits of turmeric, effective doses and safety concerns.

Author/s:

Meixner, Makayla

Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: individual participant data meta-analysis.

Jeffrey Wilson — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 00:15:33 +0000

Date Added:

February 17, 2019

Journal/Publication:

Health Technology Assessment

Publisher:

National Institute for Health Research

Publication Date:

January 23, 2018

Issue:

Volume:

URL:

Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: individual participant data meta-analysis.

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

DOI (1):

10.3310/hta23020

Keywords

vitamin D

dietary supplements

respiratory infections

PMID (1):

30675873

MeSH

vitamin D

respiratory tract infections

cholecalciferol

ergocalciferols

Daily or weekly Vitamin D supplementation reduces the incidence of acute respiratory infections by about 12%, more in those with low Vitamin D levels at baseline.

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BACKGROUND:

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the potential of vitamin D to prevent acuterespiratory infections have yielded mixed results. Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis has the potential to identify factors that may explain this heterogeneity.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the overall effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and to identify factors modifying this effect.

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) registry.

STUDY SELECTION:

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of supplementation with vitamin D3 or vitamin D2 of any duration having incidence of acute respiratory infection as a prespecified efficacy outcome were selected.

STUDY APPRAISAL:

Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool to assess sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of participants, personnel and outcome assessors, completeness of outcome data, evidence of selective outcome reporting and other potential threats to validity.

RESULTS:

We identified 25 eligible RCTs (a total of 11,321 participants, aged from 0 to 95 years). IPD were obtained for 10,933 out of 11,321 (96.6%) participants. Vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of ARI among all participants [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 0.96; heterogeneity p < 0.001]. Subgroup analysis revealed that protective effects were seen in individuals receiving daily or weekly vitamin D without additional bolus doses (aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.91), but not in those receiving one or more bolus doses (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.10; p = 0.05). Among those receiving daily or weekly vitamin D, protective effects of vitamin D were stronger in individuals with a baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration of < 25 nmol/l (aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.53) than in those with a baseline 25(OH)D concentration of ≥ 25 nmol/l (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.95; p = 0.006). Vitamin D did not influence the proportion of participants experiencing at least one serious adverse event (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.20; p = 0.83). The body of evidence contributing to these analyses was assessed as being of high quality.

LIMITATIONS:

Our study had limited power to detect the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of upper versus lower respiratory infection, analysed separately.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vitamin D supplementation was safe, and it protected against ARIs overall. Very deficient individuals and those not receiving bolus doses experienced the benefit. Incorporation of additional IPD from ongoing trials in the field has the potential to increase statistical power for analyses of secondary outcomes.

Author/s:

Martineau, Adrian R., Jolliffe, David A., Greenberg, Lauren, Aloia, John F., Bergman, Peter, Dubnov-Rax, Gal, Esposito, Susanna, Ganmaa, Davaasambuu, Ginde, Adit A., Goodall, Emma C., Grant, Cameron C., Janssens, Wim, Jensen, Megan E., Kerley, Conor P., Laaksi, Ilkka, Manaseki-Holland, Semira, Mauger, David, Murdoch, David R., Neale, Rachel, Rees, Judy R., Simpson, Steve Jr., Stelmach, Iwona, Kumar, Geeta Trilok, Mitsuyoshi, Urashima, Camargo, Carlos A. Jr., Griffiths, Christopher J., Hooper, Richard L.