Nutrition and health

Objectives:
Is there a difference between high-load (≥70 of 1RM) and low-load (70 of 1RM) resistance training (RT) on femoral neck and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in middle-aged and older people?

Study design:
This review article included 6 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found the meta-analysis revealed no difference in femoral neck bone mineral density [MD = 0.00 g/cm², 95% CI = -0.01 to 0.01, p = 0.63, I2 = 47%, p = 0.07] and lumbar spine bone mineral density [MD = 0.01 g/cm², 95% CI = -0.00 to 0.02, p = 0.12, I2 = 59%, p = 0.02] between high-load (≥70 of 1RM) resistance training group and low-load (70 of 1RM) resistance training group. 

The investigators found subgroup analysis revealed a significant effect of high-load resistance training on femoral neck bone mineral density when participants presented normal bone mineral density values [MD = 0.01 g/cm², 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.02, p = 0.04] and on interventions lasting up to 6 months [MD = 0.01 g/cm², 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.02, p = 0.03].

The investigators concluded both high-load (≥70 of 1RM) and low-load (70 of 1RM) resistance training (RT) have similar effects on femoral neck and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in middle-aged and older people.

Original title:
High and Low-Load Resistance Training Produce Similar Effects on Bone Mineral Density of Middle-Aged and Older People: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials by Souza D, Barbalho M, […], Gentil P.

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0531556520303211?via%3Dihub

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Find here more information/studies about sport nutrition.

Objectives:
Probiotics are being used increasingly in pregnant women, whereas the efficiency on pregnancy outcomes is yet lacking. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Have probiotic supplements during pregnancy positive effects on pregnancy outcomes, such as eczema, gestational age?

Study design:
This review article included 18 RCTs with a total of 4,356 pregnant women.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found probiotic supplementation during pregnancy significantly decreased risk of atopic eczema with 32% [RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.81, p 0.001, without significant heterogeneity].

The investigators found probiotic supplementation during pregnancy significantly decreased risk of eczema with 21% [RR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.68 to 0.91, p = 0.002, without significant heterogeneity].

The investigators found probiotic supplementation during pregnancy was associated with a prolonged gestational age [WMD = 0.09, 95 % CI = 0.04 to 0.15, p = 0.001 with insignificant heterogeneity].
However, probiotic supplementation during pregnancy had no significant effect on birth weight [p = 0.851].

The investigators found probiotic supplementation during pregnancy significantly decreased risk of death with 66% [RR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.91, p = 0.031, without evidence of heterogeneity].

The investigators found probiotic supplementation during pregnancy significantly decreased risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) with 62% [RR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.18 to 0.11, p = 0.012, without evidence of heterogeneity].

The investigators concluded probiotic supplementation in pregnant women is beneficial for atopic eczema, eczema, gestational age, death and necrotising enterocolitis.

Original title:
Effect of probiotic supplementation in pregnant women: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials by Kuang L and Jiang Y.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31856928

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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease that affects mostly the intestine of premature infants. The wall of the intestine is invaded by bacteria, which cause local infection and inflammation that can ultimately destroy the wall of the bowel (intestine). Such bowel wall destruction can lead to perforation of the intestine and spillage of stool into the infant’s abdomen, which can result in an overwhelming infection and death.
 

Objectives:
Nitric oxide related ergogenic aids such as arginine (Arg) have shown to impact positively on sport performance through several physiological and metabolic mechanisms. However, research results have shown to be controversial. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do both acute and chronic arginine supplementation increase aerobic (≤VO2max) and anaerobic (>VO2max) performance?

Study design:
This review article included 15 RCTs with 386 males and 8 females.

Arginine supplementation was ingested by participants in both acute and chronic protocols.
Acute arginine protocol was 0.15 g/kg (≈10-11 g) ingested between 60-90 minutes before physical exercises.

Chronic arginine protocol was 1.5-2 g/day during 4-7 weeks or 10-12 g/day during 8 weeks.

Random effects model and pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) were used according to Hedges’ g.

Egger’s analyses did not find publication bias in anaerobic performance [z = 0.786, p = 0.432]. However, funnel plot showed publication bias in aerobic performance data [z = 2.873, p 0.05].

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found both acute and chronic arginine supplementation significantly improved anaerobic performance [SMD = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.43, p = 0.01, I2 = 0%, p = 0.85].

The investigators found both acute and chronic arginine supplementation significantly improved aerobic performance [SMD = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.12 to 1.56, p = 0.02, I2 = 89%, p 0.001].

The investigators concluded both acute and chronic arginine supplementation improve (anaerobic/aerobic) performance.

Original title:
Effects of Arginine Supplementation on Athletic Performance Based on Energy Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Viribay A, Burgos J, […], Mielgo-Ayuso J.

Link:
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/5/1300/htm

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Objectives:
Do higher gestational vitamin D levels (vitamin D levels of the mother during pregnancy) decrease risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in offspring?

Study design:
This review article included 4 case-control studies of moderate to low risk of bias.

Factors identified as determinants of heterogeneity were the definitions of vitamin D deficiency, the characteristics of study participants and the quality of the study.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that higher levels of gestational vitamin D significantly reduced risk of multiple sclerosis in offspring with 37% [OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.84] in random effects models and in a stratified analysis based on study quality.

The investigators concluded higher levels of gestational vitamin D reduce risk of multiple sclerosis in offspring.

Original title:
Gestational vitamin D and offspring risk of multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Jasper EA, Nidey NL, […], Ryckman KK.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32014337

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Objectives:
Micronutrients’ deficiency is a common phenomenon among a majority of the population residing in the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) especially among women and children. Given the widespread prevalence of micronutrients’ deficiency in LMICs, iron-fortified foods could be of potential benefits for both the mother and the development of fetus. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does iron fortification increase hemoglobin (Hb) concentration during pregnancy and have iron fortification positive effects on specific maternal and pregnancy outcomes?

Study design:
This review article included 12 RCTs (n = 3,872).

The weighted mean difference (WMD) and relative risk (RR) were calculated using random-effects models. Sources of heterogeneity were explored through meta-regression.

The funnel plot was symmetrical, indicating that there was absence of any publication bias which was confirmed using Egger's weighted regression method [Egger test, ρ = 0.69].

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found the mean change in hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher in the group of mothers with iron fortification when compared with the control group [WMD = 4.45 g/L, 95% CI = 2.73 to 6.17 g/L, I2 = 83%, ρ 0.00001].

The investigators found in meta-regression analysis that the duration of feeding was positively associated with the effect size.

The investigators concluded iron fortification increases hemoglobin (Hb) concentration during pregnancy. Further research is required to explore the benefits of iron fortification on maternal and neonatal health outcomes during pregnancy.

Original title:
Meta-analysis Approach on Iron Fortification and Its Effect on Pregnancy and Its Outcome Through Randomized, Controlled Trials by Athe R, Dwivedi R, […], Banset U.  

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7114015/

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Objectives:
Does protein supplementation yield beneficial effects on body composition and muscle function (strength and synthesis) in healthy adults, with an emphasis on the timing of protein intake?

Study design:
This review article included 65 RCTs with 2,907 participants (1,514 men and 1,380 women, 13 unknown sex). 26, 8 and 24 studies were used for meta-analysis on lean body mass, handgrip strength and leg press strength, respectively.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found protein supplementation was effective in improving lean body mass (LBM) in adults [MD = 0.62 kg, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.88] and older adults [MD = 0.46 kg, 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.70].
Sensitivity analyses removing studies without exercise training had no impact on the outcome.

The investigators found no association between protein supplementation and handgrip strength [older adults: MD = 0.26 kg, 95% CI = -0.51 to 1.04] and leg press strength [adults: MD = 5.80 kg, 95% CI = -0.33 to 11.93 and older adults: MD = 1.97 kg, 95% CI = -2.78 to 6.72].
Sensitivity analyses removing studies without exercise training had no impact on the outcome.

The investigators found data regarding muscle synthesis were scarce and inconclusive.

The investigators found subgroup analyses showed no beneficial effect of a specific timing of protein intake on lean body mass, handgrip strength and leg press strength.

The investigators concluded there is a positive impact of protein supplementation on lean body mass of healthy adults and older adults, independently of intake timing.

Original title:
The Role of Protein Intake and its Timing on Body Composition and Muscle Function in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials by Wirth J, Hillesheim E and Brennan L.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32232404

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The more lean body mass a person has, the higher their resting metabolic rate. Resting metabolic rate is the total number of calories burned when your body is completely at rest. Resting metabolic rate supports breathing, circulating blood, organ functions and basic neurological functions.

Objectives:
Which types of exercise training (whole body vibration training, aerobic training, strength training and combined training) increase lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) in older postmenopausal women (PMW)?

Study design:
This review article included 16 RCTs with 1,624 subjects.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found no significant change in lumbar spine bone mineral density following exercise training [MD = 0.01 g/cm², 95% CI = -0.01 to 0.02].

The investigators found no significant change in femoral neck bone mineral density following exercise training [MD = 0.00 g/cm², 95% CI = -0.01 to 0.01].

The investigators found, however, subgroup analysis by type of exercise training revealed that lumbar spine bone mineral density [MD = 0.01, 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.02] raised significantly when whole-body vibration (WBV) was employed as intervention compared with RCTs that utilized aerobic [MD = -0.01, 95% CI = -0.02 to -0.01], resistance [MD = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.04 to 0.06] or combined training [MD = 0.03, 95% CI = -0.01 to 0.08].

The investigators found, on the other hand, lumbar spine bone mineral density [MD = - 0.01, 95% CI = -0.02 to -0.01] reduced significantly when aerobic exercise training was used as intervention compared with RCTs that utilized resistance training, combined training or whole-body vibration. 

The investigators concluded whole-body vibration is an effective method to improve lumbar spine bone mineral density in older postmenopausal women.

Original title:
The Impact of Different Modes of Exercise Training on Bone Mineral Density in Older Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Research by Mohammad Rahimi GR, Smart NA, […], Mohammad Rahimi N.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32055889

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Find here more information/studies about sport nutrition. 

Objectives:
Omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E or D co-supplementation may be an important approach to improve metabolic status in gestational diabetes, but the results are conflicting. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E or D co-supplementation improve metabolic status in gestational diabetes?

Study design:
This review article included 4 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E or D co-supplementation was associated with a significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose level [MD = -10.47, 95% CI = -15.33 to -5.61, p  0.0001], homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance level [MD = -1.6, 95% CI= -2.44 to -0.77, p = 0.0002], malondialdehyde level [MD = -1.00, 95% CI = -1.05 to -0.95, p  0.00001] and triglycerides level [MD = 26.22, 95% CI = -38.94 to -13.51, p  0.0001].

The investigators found omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E or D co-supplementation was associated with a significantly increased antioxidant capacity level [MD = 173.51, 95% CI = 164.72-182.30, p  0.00001].

The investigators found omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E or D co-supplementation showed no effect on nitric oxide level [MD = 5.95, 95% CI = -7.48 to 19.37, p = 0.39] or total cholesterol level [MD = 1.63, 95% CI = -13.46 to 16.72, p = 0.83].

The investigators concluded omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E or D co-supplementation have a favourable effect on metabolic status in gestational diabetes.

Original title:
Influence of omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin co-supplementation on metabolic status in gestational diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies by Li F, Pei L, […], Ye H.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32145487

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Objectives:
The efficacy of n-3 fatty acids supplementation on the prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia remains unclear. Therefore, this meta-analysis (systematic review) has been conducted.

Does n-3 fatty acids supplementation (EPA and/or DHA and/or ALA) decrease risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy?

Study design:
This review article included 14 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that n-3 fatty acids supplementation significantly reduced risk of preeclampsia with 18% [RR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.97, p = 0.024. I2 = 19.0%].
However, n-3 fatty acids supplementation did not associated with a reduced risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension [RR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.90 to 1.07, p = 0.652, I2 = 0%].

The investigators concluded n-3 fatty acids supplementation (EPA and/or DHA and/or ALA)  reduces risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Original title:
Efficacy of n-3 fatty acids supplementation on the prevention of pregnancy induced-hypertension or preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Bakouei F, Delavar MA, […], Taheri Z.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32039806

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Find more information/studies on n-3 fatty acids, hypertension and pregnancy right here.