Nutrition and health

Objectives:
Probiotic supplementation in early life may be effective in preventing atopic dermatitis (AD); however, results regarding efficacy have been controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis (systematic review) has been conducted.

Does probiotic supplementation in early life prevent atopic dermatitis in infants and children?

Study design:
This review article included 28 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found compared with controls, probiotic supplementation of mother was associated with a significantly reduced risk of 31% for atopic dermatitis in infants and children [OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.58-0.82, p  0.0001].

The investigators found compared with controls, the use of probiotics of mother during both the prenatal and the postnatal period significantly reduced the incidence of atopic dermatitis in infants and children with 33% [OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.54-0.82].
However, analysis of studies of probiotics given prenatally only or postnatally only did not reach statistical significance.

The investigators concluded that probiotic supplementation of mother during both the prenatal and the postnatal period reduces the incidence of atopic dermatitis in infants and children. These findings suggest that starting probiotic treatment during gestation and continuing through the first 6 months of the infant's life may be of benefit in the prevention of atopic dermatitis.

Original title:
Probiotic Supplementation for Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis in Infants and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis by Li L, Han Z, […], He C.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30465329

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

Objectives:
Inositol (ISL) embraces a family of simple carbohydrates with insulin-sensitizing properties, whose most common isoforms are Myo-inositol (MYO) and D-chiro inositol (DCI). Therefore, this meta-analysis (systematic review) has been conducted.

Does inositol supplementation reduce gestational diabetes (GDM)?

Study design:
This review article included 5 RCTs with a total of  965 participants.
The primary outcome was the preventive effect on gestational diabetes, defined as the rate of gestational diabetes in women without a prior diagnosis of gestational diabetes.
Pooled results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI).
No adverse effects were reported for inositol supplementation.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found inositol supplementation significantly reduced risk of gestational diabetes with 51% [OR = 0.49, p = 0.01]. However, this reduced risk was only significant in patients receiving 2g inositol twice daily.

The investigators found inositol supplementation significantly reduced risk of preterm delivery with 65% [OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.17-0.74, p = 0.006]. However, this reduced risk was only significant in patients receiving 2g inositol twice daily.

The investigators concluded double administration of inositol 2g per day reduces gestational diabetes rate and preterm delivery rate. Therefore, inositol supplementation may represent a novel strategy for gestational diabetes prevention.

Original title:
Inositol for the prevention of gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Vitagliano A, Saccone G, […], Berghella V.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30564926

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

Objectives:
Has flavonoid supplementation potential against obesity?

Study design:
This review article included 58 RCTs.
Analysis endpoints were calculated as the mean difference between baseline and post-treatment.
Flavonoids were in subclasses of flavanols, flavonols, isoflavones, flavanones, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. They were mostly in the form of supplements and dosages varying from 40 to 1300 mg/day.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found among flavonoid subclasses, flavanols showed potential for decreasing BMI, in the overall population [MD = -0.28 kg/m², p = 0.04, n = 21] and in the subgroups of Asians [MD = -0.42 kg/m², p = 0.046, n = 13], ages 50 years [MD = -0.50 kg/m², p = 0.008, n = 14], BMI ≥25 kg/m² [MD = -0.30 kg/m², p = 0.049, n = 15] and at doses ≥500 mg/day [MD = -0.36 kg/m², p = 0.049, n = 12].

The investigators found among flavonoid subclasses, isoflavones also significantly decreased BMI of non-Asian populations [MD = -0.26 kg/m², p = 0.035, n = 13] and doses ≥75 mg/day [MD = -0.34 kg/m², p = 0.027, n = 8].

The investigators found in the overall assessment, flavanols also significantly decreased waist circumference [MD = -0.60 cm, p = 0.02, n = 18] but had no significant effect on body fat percentage.

The investigators found the available trials did not reveal significant effects from flavonols, flavanones and anthocyanins on the specified anthropometric measures.

The investigators concluded that flavanols, particularly ≥500 mg/day and isoflavones, particularly ≥75 mg/day have potential against obesity.

Original title:
Flavanols are potential anti-obesity agents, a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials by Akhlaghi M, Ghobadi S, […], Mohammadian F.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29759310

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

Objectives:
Infertility, which affects ∼15% of the world's population, is a global public health issue recognized by the WHO. Therefore, it is of major clinical and public health importance to investigate whether modifiable lifestyle factors,such as stress, drug use, smoking, alcohol intake and diet may influence human fertility. Therefore, this meta-analysis (systematic review) has been conducted.

What is the effect of supplementation of nutrients on sperm quality parameters?

Study design:
This review article included 28 articles (RCTs) for qualitative analysis and 15 for quantitative meta-analysis.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found total sperm concentrations were significantly increased by:
-selenium [MD = 3.91 × 106 spz/mL, 95% CI = 3.08 to 4.73 spz/mL];
-zinc [MD = 1.48 × 106 spz/mL, 95% CI = 0.69 to 2.27 spz/mL];
-omega 3 fatty acids [MD = 10.98 × 106 spz/mL, 95% CI = 10.25 to 11.72 spz/mL] and
-coenzyme Q10 [MD = 5.93 × 106 spz/mL, 95% CI = 5.36 to 6.51 spz/mL].

The investigators found sperm counts were significantly increased by:
-omega 3 fatty acids [MD = 18.70 × 106 spz/mL, 95% CI = 16.89 to 20.51 spz/mL] and
-coenzyme Q10 [MD = 10.15 × 106 spz/mL, 95% CI = 8.34 to 11.97 spz/mL].

The investigators found sperm total motility was significantly increased by:
-selenium [MD = 3.30%, 95% CI = 2.95% to 3.65%];
-zinc [MD = 7.03%, 95% CI = 6.03% to 8.03%];
-omega 3 fatty acids [MD = 7.55%, 95% CI = 7.09% to 8.01%];
-coenzyme Q10 [MD = 5.30%, 95% CI = 4.98% to 5.62%] and
-carnitines [MD = 7.84%, 95% CI = 6.54% to 9.13%].

The investigators found sperm progressive motility significantly increased by supplementation with carnitines [MD = 7.45%, 95% CI = 6.24% to 8.67%].

The investigators found sperm morphology was significantly enhanced by:
-selenium [MD = 1.87%, 95% CI = 1.50% to 2.24%];
-omega 3 fatty acid [MD = 0.91%, 95% CI = 0.69% to 1.13%];
-coenzyme Q10 [MD = 1.06%, 95% CI = 0.72% to 1.41%] and
-carnitine [MD = 4.91%, 95% CI = 3.68% to 6.15%].

The investigators concluded evidence from RCTs shows that some dietary supplements beneficially modulate sperm quality parameters and affect male fertility. However, results must be cautiously interpreted due to the limited sample size of the meta-analyzed studies and the considerable observed interstudy heterogeneity.

Original title:
The Effect of Nutrients and Dietary Supplements on Sperm Quality Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials by Salas-Huetos A, Rosique-Esteban N, […], Salas-Salvadó J.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30462179

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Objectives:
Carbohydrate-restricted diets may increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol or bad cholesterol) and thereby cardiovascular risk. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do carbohydrate restriction diets increase cholesterol and triglycerides levels in overweight/obese adults?

Study design:
This review article included 8 RCTs with a total of 1,633 participants, of which 818 in carbohydrate-restricted diet group (intervention group) and 815 low-fat diet group (control group).

All RCTs had more than 100 participants with duration of at least 6 months.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found when compared with low-fat diets, carbohydrate-restricted diets showed no significant difference in LDL-cholesterol levels after 6, 12 and 24 months.
Although an overall pooled analysis statistically favoured low-fat diets [0.07 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.02-0.13, p = 0.009], this was clinically insignificant.

The investigators found when compared with low-fat diets, carbohydrate-restricted diets significant increased HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels [0.08 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.06-0.11, p 0.00001] after 6 and 12 months.
These favourable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content [50 g/d: 0.12 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.10-0.14, p  0.00001].

The investigators found when compared with low-fat diets, carbohydrate-restricted diets significant reduced plasma triglycerides levels [-0.13 mmol/L, 95% CI = -0.19 to -0.08, p  0.00001 after 6 and 12 months.
These favourable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content [50 g/d: -0.19 mmol/L, 95% CI = -0.26 to -0.12, p = 0.02].

The investigators concluded large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of at least 6 months duration with carbohydrate restriction, particularly 50 g/d carbohydrates, is superior in improving HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels in overweight/obese adults when compared with low-fat diets. Dietary guidelines should consider carbohydrate restriction as an alternative dietary strategy for the prevention/management of dyslipidemia for populations with cardiometabolic risk.

Original title:
Effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Gjuladin-Hellon T, Davies IG, […], Amiri Baghbadorani R.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30544168

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

50 grams of carbohydrates per day corresponds to a diet with 10 En% carbohydrates.
The easiest way to follow a diet with 10 En% carbohydrates is to choose only meals/products with 10 En% carbohydrates.
However, the most practical way to follow a diet with 10 En% carbohydrates is all meals/products that you eat on a daily basis should contain on average 10 En% carbohydrates. Check here which products contain 10 En% carbohydrates.

Objectives:
The timing of the introduction of egg to an infant's diet is of current interest, as new evidence raises questions regarding the benefit of delaying egg introduction. Therefore, this meta-analysis (systematic review) has been conducted.

Does early introduction of egg into an infant’s diet reduce risk of egg allergy?

Study design:
This review article included 6 RCTs with a total of 3,032 participants.
The RCTs compared early (between 3 and 6 months of age) egg introduction to no early introduction. The primary outcome was the development of egg allergy.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found compared early (between 3 and 6 months of age) egg introduction to no early introduction, early introduction of egg significantly reduced risk of egg allergy with 40% [RR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.44-0.82, p = 0.002, I2 = 23%, low to moderate level of evidence].

The investigators found the absolute risk reduction for a population with an incidence of egg allergy was 9.3% or 37 fewer cases [95% CI = 17-52] per 1,000 people.

The investigators found consumption of 4,000 mg/week of egg protein had a greater preventive effect than a higher dose.

The investigators concluded that introduction of egg into an infant’s diet between 3 and 6 months of age reduces risk of egg allergy, particularly for 4,000 mg/week of egg protein. Furthermore, the nature and dose of egg protein exposure may play a role. These findings should be addressed in the context of primary studies.

Original title:
Early Introduction of Egg and the Development of Egg Allergy in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Al-Saud B and Sigurdardóttir ST.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30184525

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

Objectives:
Cocoa and dark chocolate (DC) have been reported to be effective for health promotion; however the exact effect of cocoa/dark chocolate on anthropometric measures have not been yet defined. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Has cocoa/dark chocolate supplementation positive effect on weight, BMI and waist circumference (WC)?   

Study design:
This review article included a total of 35 RCTs, investigating the effects of cocoa/dark chocolate on weight, BMI and waist circumference.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found meta-analysis did not suggest any significant effect of cocoa/dark chocolate supplementation on:
-body weight [-0.108 kg, 95% CI = -0.262 to 0.046 p = 0.168]
-BMI [-0.014 kg/m², 95% CI = -0.105 to 0.077, p = 0.759] and
-WC [0.025 cm, 95% CI = -0.083 to 0.129, p = 0.640].

The investigators found, however, subgroup analysis revealed that weight and BMI were significantly reduced with ≥ 30g chocolate per day during 4-8 weeks.

Furthermore, supplementation of ≥ 30g chocolate per day during 4-8 weeks significantly reduced waist circumference in non-linear fashion [r = 0.042, p-nonlinearity = 0.008].

The investigators concluded that ≥ 30g chocolate per day during 4-8 weeks reduce weight, BMI and waist circumference.

Original title:
Does cocoa/dark chocolate supplementation have favorable effect on body weight, body mass index and waist circumference? A systematic review, meta-analysis and dose-response of randomized clinical trials by Kord-Varkaneh H, Ghaedi E, […], Shab-Bidar S.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29553824

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on meta-analysis, chocolate consumption and overweight right here.

Objectives:
Modifiable factors that reduce the burden of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), particularly plant-derived biomarkers, have been a recent focus of rising interest. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do dietary carotenoids reduce risk of metabolic syndrome?  

Study design:
This review article included 11 cross-sectional studies.
Publication bias was absent and harvest plots indicated consistency upon replication for β-carotene and total carotenoid exposures.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found dietary total carotenoids intake significantly reduced risk of metabolic syndrome with 44% [pooled OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.56-0.78, 1 SD ∼ 0.82 µmol/L, n = 5 studies]. This reduced risk was the strongest for β-carotene, followed by α-carotene and β-crypotoxanthin.

The investigators found no association between retinol (vitamin A from animal products) and risk of metabolic syndrome [pooled OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.88-1.13, 1 SD ∼ 2.14 µmol/L, n = 6 studies].

The investigators concluded that carotenoids, particularly β-carotene, followed by α-carotene and β-crypotoxanthin may reduce risk of metabolic syndrome. May reduce because this review article only included cross-sectional studies and no cohort studies.

Original title:
Carotenoids, vitamin A, and their association with the metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Beydoun MA, Chen X, [...], Canas JA.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30202882

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on carotenoids consumption, vitamin A and overweight right here.

Objectives:
Low birth weight infant (LBWIs) are prone to mental and behavioural problems. As an important constituent of the brain and retina, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential for foetal infant mental and visual development. The effect of lactation supplemented with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) on the improvement of intelligence in low birth weight children requires further validation. Therefore, this meta-analysis (systematic review) has been conducted.

Do long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA or PUFA) supplements improve intelligence in low birth weight children?

Study design:
This review article included 10 studies with a total of 1,793 individuals, of which 908 cases in the intervention group (group with LCPUFA supplements) and 885 controls (group without LCPUFA supplements).

The mean birth weights in 8 studies were less than 1500g and those in 2 studies were more than 1500g. None of the included studies had infants with birth weight less than 750g.

LCPUFA supplements were DHA+AA, DHA+EPA+DPA or DHA+AA+EPA.

There was no evidence of publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplemented group did not have significantly higher mental development index (MDI) scores than the group without supplementation [SMD = 0.07, 95% CI = -0.05 to 0.19, I2 = 23.8%, p = 0.222].
Subgroup analysis showed that the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation groups did not have significantly higher mental development index scores than the control groups.

The investigators found that the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplemented group did not have significantly higher psychomotor development index (PDI) scores than the group without supplementation [SMD = -0.01, 95% CI = -0.23 to 0.21, I2 = 60.5%, p = 0.906].
Subgroup analysis showed that the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation groups did not have significantly higher psychomotor development index scores than the control groups.

The investigators found that the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplemented group did not have significantly higher full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) scores than the group without supplementation [SMD = 0.00, 95% CI = -0.14 to 0.14, I2 = 0.00%, p = 0.991].

The investigators found that the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplemented group did not have significantly higher verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ) scores than the group without supplementation [SMD = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.15 to 0.12, I2 = 42.2%, p = 0.844].

The investigators found that the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplemented group did not have significantly higher performance intelligence quotient (PIQ) scores than the group without supplementation [SMD = -0.01, 95% CI = -0.15 to 0.13, I2 = 0.00, p = 0.877].

The investigators concluded that long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA or PUFA) supplements do not improve intelligence in low birth weight children. Therefore, whether long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplements are beneficial for LBWIs has not been shown conclusively.

Original title:
The effect of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on intelligence in low birth weight infant during lactation: A meta-analysis by Song Y, Liu Y, […], Li D.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5892917/

Additional information of El Mondo:
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Objectives:
What are the effects of ginger intake on weight loss, glycemic control and lipid profiles among overweight (BMI>25) and obese (BMI>30) subjects?

Study design:
This review article included 14 RCTs with in total of 473 subjects.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that supplementation with ginger significantly decreased among overweight (BMI>25) and obese (BMI>30) subjects:
-body weight (BW) [SMD -0.66, 95% CI = -1.31 to -0.01, p = 0.04];
-waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) [SMD = -0.49, 95% CI = -0.82 to -0.17, p = 0.003];
-hip ratio (HR) [SMD = -0.42, 95% CI = -0.77 to -0.08, p = 0.01];
-fasting glucose [SMD = -0.68, 95% CI = -1.23 to -0.05, p = 0.03] and;
-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) [SMD= -1.67, 95% CI = -2.86 to -0.48, p = 0.006].

The investigators found that supplementation with ginger significantly increased HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels [SMD = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.70, p = 0.009] among overweight (BMI>25) and obese (BMI>30) subjects.

The investigators found, however, that supplementation with ginger had no detrimental effect on:
-body mass index (BMI) [SMD = -0.65, 95% CI = -1.36 to 0.06, p = 0.074];
-insulin [SMD = -0.54, 95% CI = -1.43 to 0.35, p = 0.23];
-triglycerides [SMD = -0.27, 95% CI = -0.71 to 0.18, p = 0.24];
-total cholesterol [SMD = -0.20, 95% CI = -0.58 to 0.18, p = 0.30] and;
-LDL-cholesterol [SMD = -0.13, 95% CI = -0.51 to 0.24, p = 0.48].

The investigators concluded that ginger intake reduces body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, hip ratio, fasting glucose and insulin resistance index and increases HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol), but has no affect on insulin, BMI, triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels among overweight and obese subjects.

Original title:
The effects of ginger intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight and obese subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Maharlouei N, Tabrizi R, […], Asemi Z.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29393665

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

Persons with overweight are advised to choose products/meals with maximum 30 En% fat, maximum 7 En% saturated fat, maximum 0.2 grams salt per 100 kcal and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal. Check here which products/meals are suitable for persons with overweight.
 

Objectives:
Despite the World Health Organization recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life, the rate remains low both in developed and developing countries. In Ethiopia, findings regarding the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding have been highly variable. Antenatal care and institutional delivery are the most important factors contributing to the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. However, their effect has not been investigated in Ethiopia. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do antenatal care and institutional delivery increase exclusive breastfeeding?

Study design:
This review article included 32 studies (published between 2007 to 2017) with a total of 23,543 breastfeeding women. 29 (71.8%) of the studies are cross-sectional study design. The sample size of the studies ranged from 119 to 5, 227.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found the result of 32 included studies indicated that the pooled prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia was 59.3% [95% CI = 53.8 to 64.8%].

The investigators found subgroup analysis indicated that the highest prevalence was observed in Afar region (65.6%), followed by SNNP (63.8%) and then by Oromia (61.8%).

The investigators found mothers who attended antenatal visits were 2.1 times more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding compared to their counterparts [OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.5 to 2.8).

The investigators found, moreover, mothers who gave birth at a health institution were 2.2 times more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding compared to mothers who gave birth at home [OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.3 to 3.5].

The investigators concluded exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia is significantly lower than the global recommendations. Mothers who attended antenatal visits and who gave birth at health institutions have better exclusive breastfeeding practices. Based on these findings, it is strongly recommended that the utilization of antenatal care and institutional delivery should be improved through health extension workers.

Original title:
Exclusive breastfeeding practice in Ethiopia and its association with antenatal care and institutional delivery: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Alebel A, Tesma C, […], Kibret GD.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6048887/

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Objectives:
Whether a vegetarian diet is appropriate for pregnancy remains unclear. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

What is the association between vegetarian diet during pregnancy and various maternal-fetal outcomes?

Study design:
This review article included 19 observational studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in pooled analysis no association between vegetarian pregnancy and low birth weight (LBW) [RR = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.98-1.65, p = 0.07, I2 = 0%].

The investigators found, however, in subgroup analysis that Asian (India/Nepal) vegetarian mothers exhibited a significantly increased risk of 33% to deliver a baby with low birth weight [RR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.01-1.76, p = 0.04, I2 = 0%]. But, the WMD of neonatal birth weight in 5 studies suggested no difference between vegetarians and omnivores.

Given the high heterogeneity of the included studies, lack of high-quality evidence and limited studies included for each category, the investigators failed to reach conclusive results regarding the risks of hypospadias, intrauterine growth retardation, maternal anemia and gestational diabetes mellitus.

The investigators concluded that Asian vegetarian mothers have an increased risk to deliver babies with low birth weight than those of omnivores. Large-scale prospective studies focusing on pre- and/or early gestational nutrition will help clarify the correlation between vegetarian diet and various pregnancy outcomes.

Original title:
Is a vegetarian diet safe to follow during pregnancy? A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies by Tan C, Zhao Y and Wang S.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29621406

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Find more information/studies on veganism and pregnancy right here.

 

Objectives:
The efficacy of myo-inositol supplementation to prevent gestational diabetes onset remains controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis (systematic review) has been conducted.

Does myo-inositol supplementation reduce risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women?

Study design:
This review article included 5 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found compared with control group in pregnant women, myo-inositol supplementation significantly reduced risk of gestational diabetes with 57% [risk ratio = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.21-0.89, p = 0.02].

The investigators found compared with control group in pregnant women, myo-inositol supplementation significantly reduced risk of preterm delivery with 64% [risk ratio = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.17-0.73, p = 0.005].

The investigators found compared with control group in pregnant women, no association between myo-inositol supplementation and 2-h glucose oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) [mean difference = -6.90, 95% CI = -15.07 to 1.27, p = 0.10].

The investigators found compared with control group in pregnant women, no association between myo-inositol supplementation and gestational age at birth [MD = 0.74, 95% CI = -1.06 to 2.54, p = 0.42].

The investigators found compared with control group in pregnant women, no association between myo-inositol supplementation and birth weight [MD = -5.50, 95% CI = -116.99 to 105.99, p = 0.92].

The investigators found compared with control group in pregnant women, no association between myo-inositol supplementation and macrosomia (a newborn with an excessive birth weight (≥4 kg)) [RR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.20-2.11, p = 0.47].

The investigators concluded that myo-inositol supplementation reduces the incidence of gestational diabetes and preterm delivery in pregnant women.

Original title:
The efficacy of myo-inositol supplementation to prevent gestational diabetes onset: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Zhang H, Lv Y, […], Guo W.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29343138

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

A review article (a collection of scientific studies on a specific topic) of randomized, placebo-controlled double blind clinical trials (RCTs) will answer the following question:
"Do taking dietary supplements make sense?" Yes for a positive conclusion and no for a negative conclusion.

Objectives:
Anemia is a major public health and nutritional problem in the world. Studies have reported the relationship between anemia during pregnancy and small for gestational age (SGA). Therefore, this meta-analysis (systematic review) has been conducted.

Does maternal anemia during pregnancy increase risk of SGA?

Study design:
This review article included 10 studies with a total of 620,080 pregnant women.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found the overall relationship between maternal anemia during pregnancy and SGA was not significant [RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.99-1.24, p = 0.074].
Not significant means that there is no association with a 95% confidence.

The investigators found, however, a significantly increased risk of 11% [RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.00-1.22, p = 0.044] of SGA for materal anemia during first trimester. But this relationship was not significant in the second trimester [RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.85-1.18, p = 0.91].

The investigators concluded maternal anemia in the first trimester of pregnancy increases risk of small for gestational age (SGA).

Original title:
Maternal anemia during pregnancy and small for gestational age: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Badfar G, Shohani M, […], Azami M.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29183181

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Find more information/studies on anemia and pregnancy right here.
 

Objectives:
Does vegetable and/or fruit consumption reduce metabolic syndrome (MetS)?

Study design:
This review article included 20 cross-sectional studies, 1 case-control study and 5 cohort studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in 16 studies when comparing the highest versus the lowest category of vegetable consumption a significantly reduced risk of 11% [overall multivariable-adjusted RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.85-0.93, p 0.001] for metabolic syndrome.

The investigators found in 16 studies when comparing the highest versus the lowest category of fruit consumption a significantly reduced risk of 19% [overall multivariable-adjusted RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.75-0.88, p 0.001] for metabolic syndrome.

The investigators found in 8 studies when comparing the highest versus the lowest category of vegetable and fruit consumption a significantly reduced risk of 25% [overall multivariable-adjusted RR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.63-0.90, p = 0.002] for metabolic syndrome.

The investigators concluded that vegetable and/or fruit consumption is negatively associated with metabolic syndrome. However, more well-designed prospective cohort studies are needed to elaborate the concerned issues further.

Original title:
Associations of vegetable and fruit consumption with metabolic syndrome. A meta-analysis of observational studies by Zhang Y and Zhang DZ.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29506604

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