Maternal iron and vitamin D status was associated with maternal depression during pregnancy
1. Elevated serum iron and vitamin D levels during the second trimester were associated with lower maternal depression scores during the third trimester.
2. Compared to participants with sufficient iron and vitamin D intake, participants who were deficient in iron, vitamin D, or both had significantly higher depression scores in late pregnancy.
Evidence evaluation level: 2 (good)
Adequate iron and vitamin D intake is an important part of proper nutritional intake during pregnancy, as these micronutrients are associated with fetal neurodevelopment and maternal health. However, it is unclear whether currently recommended daily intakes of iron and vitamin D are sufficient during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate whether iron and vitamin D status during pregnancy and postpartum are associated with maternal health.
This was a cross-sectional study of 2,189 pregnant participants living in Alberta, Canada. Participants who were unable to answer questions in English or who planned to move outside of Alberta were excluded. Maternal intakes of iron and vitamin D from supplements were estimated using a self-reported supplemental intake questionnaire, and serum levels of both micronutrients were measured at mid-gestation and 3 months postpartum. The primary outcome measure was maternal depression assessed by the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
The results demonstrated that serum concentrations of vitamin D are significantly reduced in the 3 months postpartum compared to the second or third trimester. Elevated serum iron and vitamin D levels during the second trimester were associated with a decrease in his EPDS score during the third trimester. Furthermore, compared to participants with sufficient iron and vitamin D intake, participants who were deficient in iron, vitamin D, or both had significantly higher EPDS scores in the third trimester. This study was limited by a single measurement of serum vitamin D concentration during pregnancy, which may not accurately represent serum levels of this micronutrient during pregnancy. Nevertheless, these results prompt further research to better understand optimal vitamin D and iron supplementation to ensure both fetal development and maternal health.
One low-glycemic index meal had similar effects on blood sugar control as fasting during a night shift
1. Consuming one or three low glycemic index meals did not result in significant changes in glucose homeostasis compared to overnight fasting.
2. A single high glycemic index meal significantly increased all glycemic control variables during the night shift as well as in the morning.
Evidence evaluation level: 1 (great)
Although night shift workers make up a large proportion of the workforce, they have a significantly higher risk of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer than day shift workers. One possible risk factor is mistiming of meals by consuming meals during the circadian rest period (nighttime). This study evaluated the effects of glycemic index (GI) and meal frequency on glycemic homeostasis during and after a night shift.
This was a randomized crossover trial involving 53 adult female nurses who had been working night shifts for at least the past 3 months in the Netherlands. Those with diabetes, hypoglycemia, or unexplained weight loss were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned to her two arms, and during the night she received either one (1 meal) or three (3 meals) meals. In each group, participants were provided fasting (fasting), low-GI, or high-GI meals for three nights, followed by a two-week washout period between each type of meal. The test meals were semi-skimmed yogurt with varying amounts of added sugar. The primary endpoint measured was her 24-hour glycemic control (GC) at night, in the morning, and after the night shift. This was measured using a continuous blood glucose monitor placed on each participant’s abdomen.
Results demonstrated that consuming one or three low-GI meals did not lead to significant changes in glucose homeostasis compared to overnight fasting compared to no meals. . In contrast, a single high-GI meal significantly increased all glycemic control variables during the night shift as well as in the morning. This study was limited by individual differences in the timing of meal intake. Nevertheless, these results provide valuable insight into how night workers can optimize their dietary intake and help reduce increased cardiovascular risk.
Avocado intake was associated with decreased cardiometabolic risk measures
1. Participants who identified as avocado consumers had lower BMI, waist circumference, plasma glucose, and cholesterol levels compared to non-consumers.
2. Avocado consumers also consumed more fruits and vegetables than non-consumers.
Evidence evaluation level: 2 (good)
Cardiovascular disease affects many people around the world, and many efforts are aimed at establishing interventions to prevent high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar levels that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is. Although the effectiveness of dietary patterns in reducing these parameters has been evaluated, few studies have examined the effects of specific foods. This study investigated the association between avocado intake and cardiometabolic risk measures.
This was a cross-sectional study of 2,376 Australian adults. Participants who were pregnant or breastfeeding were excluded. Avocado intake was assessed through a 24-hour food intake recall survey. The primary outcomes were serum levels of cardiometabolic risk factors including BMI, waist circumference, lipids, cholesterol, HbA1c, plasma glucose, and blood pressure.
Results demonstrated that participants who perceived themselves as consuming avocados had lower BMI, waist circumference, plasma glucose, and cholesterol levels compared to non-consumers. Interestingly, compared to non-consumers, avocado consumers consumed more fruits and vegetables. Therefore, this study was limited by its inability to truly isolate avocado intake as a variable associated with the primary outcome.Nevertheless, this study suggests the utility of future studies assessing the effects of specific foods, which could improve the feasibility of patient engagement in interventions to reduce cardiometabolic risk. may be useful for
Image: P.D.
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