Nutrition and health

Objectives:
Randomised controlled trials comparing low- versus high-fat diets on cardiometabolic risk factors in people with overweight or obesity have shown inconsistent results, which may be due to the mixed metabolic status of people with excess adiposity. The role of dietary fat manipulation in modifying cardiometabolic indicators in people with overweight or obese without metabolic disturbance is unclear. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does a low-fat diet modify cardiometabolic indicators in people who are overweight (BMI>25) or obese (BMI>30) without metabolic disturbance?

Study design:
This review article included 20 RCTs with 2,106 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found total cholesterol levels in people who are overweight or obese without metabolic disturbance were significantly lower following low-fat diet compared with high-fat diet [WMD = -7.05 mg/dL, 95% CI = -11.30 to -2.80, p = 0.001].  

The investigators found LDL-cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) in people who are overweight or obese without metabolic disturbance were significantly lower following low-fat diet compared with high-fat diet [WMD = -4.41 mg/dL, 95% CI = -7.81 to -1.00, p = 0.011].  

The investigators found HDL-cholesterol levels (good cholesterol) in people who are overweight or obese without metabolic disturbance were significantly lower following low-fat diet compared with high-fat diet [WMD = -2.57 mg/dL, 95% CI = -3.85 to -1.28, p 0.001].  

The investigators found TAG levels (blood fat levels) in people who are overweight or obese without metabolic disturbance were significantly higher following low-fat diet compared with high-fat diet [WMD = -11.68 mg/dL, 95% CI = 5.90 to 17.45, p 0.001].  

The investigators concluded a low-fat diet reduces cholesterol and TAG levels in people with overweight or obesity without metabolic disturbances.

Original title:
Effects of low-fat compared with high-fat diet on cardiometabolic indicators in people with overweight and obesity without overt metabolic disturbance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials by Lu M, Wan Y, [...], Li D.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29212558

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on fat, cholesterol and overweight right here.

A triglyceride (TG, triacylglycerol, TAG or triacylglyceride) is an ester derived from glycerol and three fatty acids. Triglycerides are the main constituents of body fat in humans.

Those with overweight or obesity are advised to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.
The most easy way to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal is to choose meals/products with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.
However, the most practical way to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal is all meals/products that you eat on a daily basis should on average contain maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.

Objectives:
Dietary fiber intake may provide beneficial effects on the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS); however, observational studies reported inconsistent results for the relationship between dietary fiber intake and metabolic syndrome risk. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does dietary fiber intake reduce risk of metabolic syndrome?

Study design:
This review article included 11 cross-sectional studies and 3 cohort studies.
There was evidence of publication bias in cross-sectional studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in cross-sectional studies when comparing the highest with lowest categories of dietary fiber intake, a significantly reduced risk of 33% [OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.58-0.78, I2 = 32.4%, p = 0.181] for metabolic syndrome. However, this reduced risk was not significant in cohort studies [pooled RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.70-1.06]. Not significant because RR of 1 was found in the 95% CI of 0.70 to 1.06. RR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators concluded that a high dietary intake of fiber may reduce risk of metabolic syndrome. May reduce because there was evidence of publication bias in cross-sectional studies and the reduced risk was not significant in cohort studies. Therefore, more prospective cohort studies are needed to further verify the association between dietary fiber intake and the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Original title:
Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of the metabolic syndrome: a meta-analysis by Tian Y, Su L, [...], Jiang X.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29151369

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on publication bias/cohort studies/significant, fiber consumption and overweight right here.  

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Those with metabolic syndrome are advised to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.
The most easy way to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal is to choose meals/products with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.
However, the most practical way to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal is all meals/products that you eat on a daily basis should on average contain maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.

Objectives:
Several epidemiological studies have been performed to evaluate the association of fruit and vegetable consumption with risk of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), but the results remain controversial. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does consumption of vegetables or fruit reduce risk of metabolic syndrome?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 9 studies for fruit consumption, 9 studies for vegetable consumption and 7 studies for fruit and vegetable consumption.

There was no evidence of small-study effect (publication bias)

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a significantly reduced risk of 13% [pooled RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.82-0.92, I2 = 46.7%] for metabolic syndrome when comparing the highest fruit consumption versus the lowest consumption.

The investigators found a significantly reduced risk of 15% [pooled RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.80-0.91, I2 = 0.0%] for metabolic syndrome when comparing the highest vegetable consumption versus the lowest consumption.

The investigators found a significantly reduced risk of 24% [pooled RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.62-0.93, I2 = 83.5%] for metabolic syndrome when comparing the highest fruit and vegetable consumption versus the lowest consumption.

The investigators found in subgroup analyses stratified by continent, the inverse association of fruit consumption [RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.77-0.96] and vegetable consumption [RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.80-0.92] with risk of metabolic syndrome remained significant in Asia.

The investigators concluded that a high fruit or/and vegetable consumption reduce risk of metabolic syndrome, particularly among Asian. Therefore, people should consume more fruits and vegetables to reduce risk of metabolic syndrome.

Original title:
Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of the metabolic syndrome: a meta-analysis by Tian Y, Su L, [...], Jiang X.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29151369

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on fruit and vegetables consumption and overweight right here.  

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Those with metabolic syndrome are advised to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.
The most easy way to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal is to choose meals/products with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.
However, the most practical way to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal is all meals/products that you eat on a daily basis should on average contain maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.

Objectives:
The scientific literature shows conflicting evidence about the relationship between adiposity and bone mass in overweight and obese populations. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does a high adipose mass reduce bone mineral density in overweight and obese populations?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 16 studies, comprising 2587 participants and 75 correlation coefficients.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found strong evidence supported a negative relationship between relative (%) adipose mass and bone mineral density (BMD) in men [R = -0.37, 95% CI = -0.57 to -0.12] and in those aged less than 25 years [R = -0.28, 95% CI = -0.45 to -0.08].

The investigators concluded that a high relative (%) adipose mass reduces bone mineral density in overweight (BMI = 25-30) and obese populations (BMI > 30), particularly in men and those aged less than 25 years. Therefore, to prevent bone loss in overweight and obese populations, nutrition- and exercise-based interventions that focus on a controlled reduction of adipose mass with concomitant preservation of lean mass are recommended.

Original title:
Influence of adipose tissue mass on bone mass in an overweight or obese population: systematic review and meta-analysis by Dolan E, Swinton PA, […], O'Reilly J.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29028271

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on overweight right here. 

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Those with overweight (BMI = 25-30) or obesity (BMI > 30) are advised to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.
The most easy way to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal is to choose meals/products with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.
However, the most practical way to follow a diet with maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal is all meals/products that you eat on a daily basis should on average contain maximum 30 En% fat, of which maximum 7 En% saturated fat and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal.

Strength exercise is the best way to reduce adipose mass while preserving lean mass.

Objectives:
Does breastfeeding reduce risk of endometrial cancer?

Study design:
This review article included individual-level data from 3 cohort and 14 case-control studies, with a total of  8,981 women with endometrial cancer and 17,241 women in a control group.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found ever breastfeeding was associated with an 11% reduction in risk of endometrial cancer [pooled OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81-0.98].
The association with ever breastfeeding was not explained by greater parity and did not vary notably by body mass index or histologic subtype (grouped as endometrioid and mucinous compared with serous and clear cell).

The investigators found longer average duration of breastfeeding per child was associated with lower risk of endometrial cancer, although there appeared to be some leveling of this effect beyond 6-9 months.

The investigators concluded that reducing endometrial cancer risk can be added to the list of maternal benefits associated with breastfeeding. Ongoing promotion, support and facilitation of this safe and beneficial behavior might therefore contribute to the prevention of this increasingly common cancer.

Original title:
Breastfeeding and Endometrial Cancer Risk: An Analysis From the Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium by Jordan SJ, Na R, […], Webb PM.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28486362

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Objectives:
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been greatly increased, worldwide. In recent years, investigators have proposed that sodium might contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome; however, the published data were conflicting. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does sodium contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome?

Study design:
This review article included 17 observational studies with 66,274 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that subjects with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher levels of sodium compared to healthy controls [Hedges' g = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.12-0.29, I2 = 68.6%]. Subgroup analyses revealed that the difference was significant when the sodium status was assessed using urinary sodium levels.

The investigators found that random effects meta-regression analysis also revealed that body sodium level increases with the number of metabolic syndrome components.

The investigators found that participants with highest dietary/urinary or serum sodium levels had a significantly 37% higher chance of developing metabolic syndrome when compared with participants with the lowest sodium levels [OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.31-1.42, I2 = 86.9%].

The investigators concluded that higher sodium input into the body is directly associated with the likelihood of metabolic syndrome. Prospective cohort studies and well-designed randomized clinical trials considering the effect of sodium restricted diets on the risk of metabolic syndrome as an outcome are necessary to represent the causal association.

Original title:
Sodium status and the metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies by Soltani S, Kolahdouz Mohammadi R, […], Salehi-Abargouei A.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28846446

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Find more information/studies on overweight and sodium right here. 

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Those with metabolic syndrome are advised to select the following food items.

Sodium is part of table salt or sodium choride.

High-sodium or high-salt products are products with more than 0.3 gram salt per 100 kcal. These products are rich in salt.
A high-salt diet is a diet with many products with more than 0.3 gram salt per 100 kcal.

Objectives:
Whether iron is associated with the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not clear. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Do increased dietary intake of iron and body iron status increase risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women? 

Study design:
This review article included 12 case-control  studies, 9 cohort studies and  2  randomized  controlled  studies (RCT) with in total, 3,034 gestational diabetes mellitus pregnant women and 26,344 non-gestational diabetes mellitus pregnant women.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found high dietary intake of heme iron was significantly associated with a 65% gestational diabetes mellitus risk [RR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.28 to 2.12, I2 = 0%].

The investigators found for each 1 mg/day increment of dietary heme iron intake a significantly 38% gestational diabetes mellitus risk [RR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.19 to 1.61, I2 = 0%].

The investigators found higher body iron stores, as represented by serum ferritin level, were correlated with a significantly increased gestational diabetes mellitus risk of 64% [RR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.27 to 2.11, I2% = 7%].

The investigators found no association between gestational diabetes mellitus and the intakes of nonheme iron, total iron or supplemental iron.

The investigators concluded increased dietary intake of heme iron (at least 1 mg/day) and body iron status are positively associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus development in pregnant women. Future studies are warranted to better understand the role of iron in gestational diabetes mellitus development.

Original title:
Dietary intake of heme iron and body iron status are associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Zhao L, Lian J, [...], Wang F.

Link:
http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/26/6/1092.pdf

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on iron, pregnancy and review article/significant/95% CI right here.

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a condition in which a woman without diabetes develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes mellitus affects between 2% and 5% of pregnant women.

Objectives:
The relationships between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and risk of incident stroke are inconsistent. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does metabolic syndrome increase risk of stroke?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 16 prospective cohort studies, including 116,496 participants who were initially free of cardiovascular diseases.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found comparing the persons without metabolic syndrome, those with metabolic syndrome had a significantly higher risk of 70% for incident stroke [pooled relative risk (RR) = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.49-1.95]. Significant means that there is an association with a 95% confidence.

The investigators found in subgroup analyses that women with metabolic syndrome had a significantly higher risk of 83% for incident stroke [pooled relative risk (RR) = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.31-2.56]. Significant because RR of 1 was not found in the 95% CI of 1.31 to 2.56. RR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found in subgroup analyses that men with metabolic syndrome had a significantly higher risk of 47% for incident stroke [pooled relative risk (RR) = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.22-1.78].

The investigators found in subgroup analyses that those with metabolic syndrome had a significantly higher risk of 112% for ischemic stroke [pooled relative risk (RR) = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.46-3.08].

The investigators found in subgroup analyses that those with metabolic syndrome had a non-significantly higher risk of 48% for hemorrhagic stroke [pooled relative risk (RR) = 1.48, 95% CI = 0.98-2.24].

The investigators concluded metabolic syndrome increases risk of stroke, particularly among women and those with ischemic stroke.

Original title:
Metabolic syndrome and stroke: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies by Li X, Li X, […], Gao Q.

Link:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967586816311079

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Find more information/studies on overweight and cardiovascular disease right here. 

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Those with metabolic syndrome are advised to select the following food items.

Objectives:
The association between vitamin D deficiency and early spontaneous pregnancy loss (SPL) is unclear. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does a vitamin D deficiency increase risk of early spontaneous pregnancy loss?

Study design:
This review article included 5 studies (case-control and cohort studies), including 10,630 pregnant women.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found no significant association between a low 25(OH)D level (vitamin D level in blood) and an increased risk of early spontaneous pregnancy loss.

However, the investigators found in subgroup analysis, an extremely low 25(OH)D level (20 ng/mL) was significantly associated with an 124% increased risk of early spontaneous pregnancy loss in the first trimester [relative risk = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.15-4.37, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.355].

The investigators concluded that severe vitamin D deficiency (20 ng/mL) could be detrimental to early embryonic development and increases risk of early spontaneous pregnancy loss.

Original title:
Meta-analysis of the effect of the maternal vitamin D level on the risk of spontaneous pregnancy loss by Zhang H, Huang Z, [...], Wei Y.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28500757

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Find more information/studies on vitamin D, pregnancy and review article/significant/95% CI right here.

Objectives:
Are there differences in serum ceruloplasmin levels between patients with preeclampsia and healthy controls?

Study design:
This review article included 15 studies, with a total number of 1927 women.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that maternal serum ceruloplasmin concentration was significantly higher in preeclamptic than in the healthy pregnant women [MD = 12.57 mg/dL, 95% CI = 8.81 to 16.33].

The investigators found that ceruloplasmin levels were significantly higher both in mild [MD = 13.8 mg/dL, 95% CI = 2.64 to 23.53] and severe [MD = 21.84 mg/dL, 95% CI = 0.97 to 42.71] preeclampsia, when compared to the control group.

The investigators found that the severity of the disease did not significantly affect the levels of protein [MD = -9.34 mg/dL, 95% CI = -20.93 to 2.26].

The investigators concluded that serum ceruloplasmin may be a useful screening and follow-up tool for the evaluation of pregnant women with an indicative history of developing preeclampsia. Future studies are needed to evaluate the levels of this specific protein throughout the pregnancy course and provide data on its sensitivity and specificity by introducing cut-off values.

Original title:
Serum ceruloplasmin levels in preeclampsia: a meta-analysis by Bellos I, Papantoniou N and Pergialiotis V.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28605950

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on copper, pregnancy and review article/significant/95% CI right here.

Ceruloplasmin carries 65% to 90% of the copper found in blood.

Objectives:
The associations between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk have demonstrated inconsistent results. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Do higher circulating n-3 PUFA levels associate with a lower metabolic syndrome risk?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 7 case-control studies and 20 cross-sectional studies.
There was no publication bias.
Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a higher plasma/serum n-3 PUFAs was associated with a lower metabolic syndrome risk of 37% [pooled OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.49-0.81, I2 = 72.4%].

The investigators found the plasma/serum n-3 PUFAs in controls was significantly higher than cases [WMD = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.04-0.43], especially docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

The investigators found, however, no significant association between dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs or fish and metabolic syndrome risk.

The investigators found in sensitivity analysis by omitting one study at a time and re-calculated the remaining data, that exclusion of anyone study did not substantially influence the pooled effects.

The investigators concluded a higher circulating n-3 PUFAs is associated with a lower metabolic syndrome risk. The circulating n-3 PUFAs can be regarded as biomarkers indicating metabolic syndrome risk, especially DPA and DHA. The evidence of this review article will have important public implications in preventing metabolic syndrome through supplemental long-chain n-3 PUFAs of marine-origin. Furthermore, added RCTs and epidemiological studies with large sample-size are warranted to confirm these findings.

Original title:
n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Metabolic Syndrome Risk: A Meta-Analysis by Guo XF, Li X, […], Li D.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537818/

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on overweight and n-3 PUFA right here.  
Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is a dietary omega-3 fatty acid mainly found in fish, fish oil, seal oil and red meat.

Find out whether you are overweight or not right here.

Objectives:
Have flaxseed supplementation positive effects on body composition?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 45 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a significant reduction in body weight [WMD = -0.99 kg, 95% CI = -1.67 to -0.31, p = 0.004], BMI [WMD = -0.30 kg m², 95% CI = -0.53 to -0.08, p = 0.008] and waist circumference [WMD = -0.80 cm, 95% CI = -1.40 to -0.20, p = 0.008] following flaxseed supplementation.

The investigators found subgroup analyses showed that using whole flaxseed in doses ≥30 g/d, longer-term interventions (≥12 weeks) and studies including participants with higher BMI (≥ 27 kg/m²) had positive effects on body composition.

The investigators concluded whole flaxseed supplementation in doses ≥30 g/d during ≥12 weeks has positive effects on body composition in overweight and obese participants (=participants with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²).

Original title:
The effect of flaxseed supplementation on body weight and body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 randomized placebo-controlled trials by Mohammadi-Sartang M, Mazloom Z, […], Totosy de Zepetnek JO.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28635182

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Objectives:
Have flaxseed supplementation positive effects on body composition?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 45 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a significant reduction in body weight [WMD = -0.99 kg, 95% CI = -1.67 to -0.31, p = 0.004], BMI [WMD = -0.30 kg m², 95% CI = -0.53 to -0.08, p = 0.008] and waist circumference [WMD = -0.80 cm, 95% CI = -1.40 to -0.20, p = 0.008] following flaxseed supplementation.

The investigators found subgroup analyses showed that using whole flaxseed in doses ≥30 g/d, longer-term interventions (≥12 weeks) and studies including participants with higher BMI (≥ 27 kg/m²) had positive effects on body composition.

The investigators concluded whole flaxseed supplementation in doses ≥30 g/d during ≥12 weeks has positive effects on body composition in overweight and obese participants (=participants with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²).

Original title:
The effect of flaxseed supplementation on body weight and body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 randomized placebo-controlled trials by Mohammadi-Sartang M, Mazloom Z, […], Totosy de Zepetnek JO.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28635182

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Find more information/studies on nuts&seeds and overweight right here. 

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Objectives:
Epidemiological studies evaluating the associations between serum copper and ratios of copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) and the preeclampsia (PE) risk in Asian population have produced inconsistent results. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Do a higher serum copper and ratios of Cu/Zn increase the preeclampsia risk in Asian population?

Study design:
This review article included relevant studies up to November 2016.
Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated with random effects model.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that preeclampsia patients significantly had a higher serum copper level [SMD = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.34 to 1.77, I2 = 96.9%, p 0.0001] compared with healthy pregnancy controls.

The investigators found in subgroup analyses, a higher serum copper level in preeclampsia patients was observed in case-control studies [SMD = 1.39, 95% CI = 0.44 to 2.34]. However, no significant difference was found between preeclampsia patients and healthy pregnancy controls for ratios of Cu/Zn [SMD = 0.26, 95% CI = -0.77 to 1.29, I2 = 95.8%, p 0.0001].

The investigators concluded that a higher serum copper level is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia in Asian population. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Original title:
High serum copper level is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia in Asians: A meta-analysis by Song X, Li B, [...], Zhang D.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28385285

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on copper, zinc, pregnancy and review article/significant/95% CI right here.

Objectives:
Do overweight and obese adults benefit from n-3 PUFA supplements?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 11 RCTs involving 617 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a statistically non-significant difference in weight loss between n-3 PUFA supplements and placebo [WMD = 0.00, 95% CI = -0.42 to 0.43, p = 0.99].

The investigators found n-3 PUFA supplements was superior to placebo in reducing serum triglyceride levels [Std MD = -0.59, 95% CI = -0.93 to -0.25, p = 0.0007].

The investigators found a significant reduction in waist circumference for n-3 PUFA group [WMD = -0.53, 95% CI = -0.90 to -0.16, p = 0.005].

The investigators found no significant differences in body mass index, total serum levels of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and fasting glucose levels between n-3 PUFA supplements and placebo.

The investigators concluded that n-3 PUFA supplements reduce waist circumference and triglyceride levels in overweight and obese adults. However, large-scale, well-designed RCTs are needed to further address this issue.

Original title:
Efficacy of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation in Managing Overweight and Obesity: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials by Zhang YY, Liu W, […], Tian HM.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28112774

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Find more information/studies on overweight, n-3 PUFA and cholesterol right here.  

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Objectives:
The effects of green tea on lipid metabolism were inconsistent. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Have tea consumption beneficial effects on lipid metabolism?

Study design:
This review article included 21 RCTs studying 1,704 overweight or obese subjects.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that green tea consumption significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol with 3.38 mg/dL [WMD = -3.38 mg/dL, 95% CI = -6.42 to -0.33 mg/dL] in overweight or obese people.

The investigators found that green tea consumption significantly decreased plasma LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) with 5.29 mg/dL [WMD = -5.29 mg/dL,95% CI = -7.92 to -2.66 mg/dL] in overweight or obese people.

The investigators found that green tea consumption, however, showed no effect on plasma triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol) in overweight or obese people with a relatively high heterogeneity.

The investigators concluded that drinking green tea lowers plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in overweight or obese people. Nevertheless, green tea's effect on plasma triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels must be further evaluated by additional high-quality and large-scale RCTs.

Original title:
Effects of green tea on lipid metabolism in overweight or obese people: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Fen Y, Hui D, [...], Fu Er L.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28636182

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Objectives:
Zinc sulfate may be a promising approach to treat neonatal jaundice. However, the results remain controversial. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does zinc sulfate supplementation reduce neonatal jaundice?

Study design:
This review article included 5 RCTs involving 645 patients.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found overall, compared with placebo, zinc sulfate supplementation failed to significantly reduce total serum bilirubin on 3 days [mean difference = 0.09 mg/dL, 95% CI = -0.49 to 0.67, p = 0.77]. Non-significant because p-value of 0.77 was greater than p-value of 0.05.

The investigators found overall, compared with placebo, zinc sulfate supplementation failed to significantly reduce total serum bilirubin on 7 days [mean difference= -0.37 mg/dL, 95% CI= -98 to 0.25, p  = 0.25].

The investigators found overall, compared with placebo, zinc sulfate supplementation failed to significantly reduce the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia [OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.74 to 1.76, p = 0.56].

The investigators found overall, compared with placebo, zinc sulfate supplementation showed no influence on phototherapy requirement [OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.41 to 1.98, p = 0.79]. Non-significant because OR of 1 was found in the OR of 0.41 to 1.98. OR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found overall, compared with placebo, zinc sulfate supplementation significantly decreased duration of phototherapy [mean difference = -16.69 h, 95% CI = -25.09 to -8.3 h, p 0.000].

The investigators concluded zinc sulphate supplementation does not reduce the total serum bilirubin on 3 days and 7 days, the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia and phototherapy requirement, but significantly decreases duration of phototherapy.

Original title:
The influence of zinc sulfate on neonatal jaundice: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Yang L, Wu, [...], Tang J.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28372469

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on pregnancy and zinc right here.

Neonatal jaundice occurs when a baby has a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that the body creates when it replaces old red blood cells. The liver helps break down the substance so it can be removed from the body in the stool.

A high level of bilirubin makes a baby's skin and whites of the eyes look yellow. This is called neonatal jaundice.

Jaundice is a common and usually harmless condition in newborn babies.
The symptoms of neonatal jaundice usually develop 2 to 3 days after the birth and tend to get better without treatment by the time the baby is about 2 weeks old.

Objectives:
Epidemiological studies have presented inconsistent evidence of the correlation between a fish-oriented dietary intake (FDI) and the risk of cognitive decline. Therefore, this meta-analysis (review article) has been conducted.

Does a fish-oriented dietary intake reduce risk of cognitive decline?

Study design:
This review article included 9 cohort studies containing 28,754 subjects.
Limited evidence involving heterogeneity was found within subgroups or across studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found when comparing the highest versus lowest categories of fish consumption a significant reduced risk of 20% [RR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.65-0.97] for dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT).

The investigators found the dose-response synthesized data indicated that a 100-g/week increase in fish intake reduced the risk of dementia of Alzheimer type by an additional 12% [RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79-0.99].

The investigators found that the reduced risk of dementia of all causes (DAC) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was non-significant.

The investigators concluded that a higher intake of fish, at least 100-g/week is correlated with a reduced risk of dementia of Alzheimer type.

Original title:
An exploration of the role of a fish-oriented diet in cognitive decline: a systematic review of the literature by Zeng LF, Cao Y, […], Wang NS.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28418899

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on fish consumption and elderly right here.
 

Objectives:
Controversy persists regarding the effect of mixtures of conjugated linoleic acids (c9,t11- and t12,c10-CLA) in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and waist circumference (WC) in humans. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does CLA reduce fasting blood glucose (FBG) and waist circumference (WC) in humans?

Study design:
This review article included 32 randomized clinical trials.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found subgroup analysis showed that taking CLA supplement did not significantly influence fasting blood glucose [SMD = 0.075 mg/dL, 95% CI = -0.099 to 0.249, p = 0.399].

The investigators found subgroup analysis showed that taking CLA supplement reduced non-significantly waist circumference with 0.149cm [SMD = -0.149cm, 95% CI = -0.522 to 0.225, p = 0.435].

The investigators found foods enriched in CLA also showed no significant effect on fasting blood glucose [SMD = 0.126 mg/dL, 95% CI = -0.100 to 0.352, p = 0.274].

The investigators found foods enriched in CLA also showed no significant effect on waist circumference [SMD = -0.233cm, 95% CI = -0.625 to 0.159, p = 0.244].

The investigators concluded that c9,t11- and t12,c10-CLA administered as a supplement or used to enrich foods does not reduce fasting blood glucose (FBG) and waist circumference (WC) in humans.

Original title:
Effect of conjugated linoleic acid as a supplement or enrichment in foods on blood glucose and waist circumference in humans: A meta-analysis by Rahbar AR, Ostvar A, […], Rahbar A.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28176632

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on overweight and fat consumption right here.
Overweight people often have higher fasting blood glucose (FBG) and greater waist circumference (WC).

Find here whether you are overweight or not?

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are a family of isomers of linoleic acid found mostly in meat and dairy products derived from ruminants. An average daily diet supplies 15-174mg of conjugated linoleic acid.

Chemical structures of CLA.

Objectives:
Is supplementation of formula milk with LCPUFA (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) both safe and beneficial for full-term infants, while focusing on effects on visual function, neurodevelopment and physical growth?

Study design:
This review article included 15 RCTs (n = 1889).
9 studies assessed visual acuity, 6 of which used visual evoked potentials (VEP), 2 Teller cards and 1 both. 4 studies reported beneficial effects and the remaining 5 did not.
GRADE analysis of the outcomes indicated that the overall quality of evidence was low.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a meta-analysis of 3 RCTs (n = 244) showed significant benefit for sweep VEP acuity at 12 months (log of the minimum angle of resolution) [MD = -0.15, 95% CI = -0.17 to -0.13, I2 = 0%, low-quality of evidence].
However, the meta-analysis of 3 other RCTs (n = 256) showed no benefit for visual acuity measured with Teller cards at 12 months (cycles/degree) [MD = -0.01, 95% CI = -0.12 to 0.11, I2 = 0%, low-quality of evidence].

The investigators found meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (n = 661) revealed no significant differences between LCPUFA and placebo groups in BSID Mental Developmental Index scores at 18 months [MD = 0.06, 95% CI = -2.01 to 2.14, I2 = 75%, low-quality of evidence] and no significant differences in BSID Psychomotor Development Index scores at 18 months [MD = 0.69, 95% CI = -0.78 to 2.16, I2 = 61%, low-quality of evidence].

There were also no significant differences between the two groups in BSID-II scores at one year and two years of age.

The investigators found meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (n = 521) showed that the supplemented group had lower weight (z scores) at one year of age [MD = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.40 to -0.06, I2 = 83%, low-quality of evidence] and that the two groups showed no significant differences with respect to length and head circumference (z scores).

The investigators found meta-analysis at 18 months and at two years revealed no significant differences between the two groups with respect to weight (kg), length (cm) and head circumference (cm).

The investigators concluded there are no beneficial effects or harms of LCPUFA supplementation on neurodevelopmental outcomes of formula-fed full-term infants and no consistent beneficial effects on visual acuity. Therefore, routine supplementation of full-term infant milk formula with LCPUFA cannot be recommended at this time.

Original title:
Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in infants born at term by Jasani B, Simmer K, […], Rao SC.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28281303

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on pregnancy and LCPUFA right here.
 

Objectives:
Is a low maternal circulating 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) associated with an increased risk of preterm birth or spontaneous preterm birth and can vitamin D supplementation alone during pregnancy reduce risk of preterm birth?

Study design:
This review article included 6 RCTs and 18 observational studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found maternal circulating 25-OHD deficiency significantly increased risk of preterm birth with 25% [pooled OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.13-1.38]. However, maternal circulating 25-OHD insufficiency was not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth [pooled OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.89-1.35]. Not associated because OR of 1 was found in 95% CI of 0.89 to 1.35. OR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found vitamin D supplementation alone during pregnancy significantly reduced risk of preterm birth with 43% [pooled RR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.36-0.91]. Significantly because RR of 1 was not found in 95% CI of 0.36 to 0.91. RR of 1 means no risk/association.

The investigators found maternal circulating 25-OHD 50 nmol/L significantly increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth with 45% [pooled OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.20-1.75]. 

The investigators concluded a maternal circulating 25-OHD 50 nmol/L increases risk of spontaneous preterm birth and vitamin D supplementation alone during pregnancy reduces risk of preterm birth. However, extrapolation of the results must be done with caution and there is urgent need for larger, better-designed RCT to confirm this effect.

Original title:
Vitamin D and risk of preterm birth: Up-to-date meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies by Zhou SS, Tao YH, […], Tao FB.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28150405

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies about vitamin D, pregnancy, review article, significant and 95% CI right here.