ascorbic-acid and Malnutrition

The global healthcare burden of an aging population continues to increase, with nearly a quarter of the total global burden of disease attributable to people aged ≥60 years. Older people are at greater risk of micronutrient deficiencies, including immune-supportive vitamin C, which is both a contributor to and a consequence of acute and chronic illnesses. However, whether healthy aging, per se, is associated with depleted vitamin C status and increased requirements for the vitamin is less certain. A systematic scoping review was carried out to assess comparative studies that reported the vitamin C status and prevalence of deficiency in older versus younger people and in older people relative to residential status. Furthermore, vitamin C requirements were assessed through comparative studies reporting vitamin C status and pharmacokinetics in older people relative to younger people. Overall, there was limited evidence to suggest that healthy aging, per se, is related to lower vitamin C status or higher requirements for the vitamin. However, institutionalised elderly had lower vitamin C status and enhanced vitamin C requirements, primarily as a result of low intakes and/or chronic illnesses, which were not being met by hospital or residential diets. Because institutionalised elderly are vulnerable to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, it is imperative that appropriate nutritional interventions are instigated to provide optimal micronutrient intake to support healthy aging.

Topics: Aged; Aging; Ascorbic Acid; Diet; Humans; Institutionalization; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; Vitamins

Dermatologists play a critical role in diagnosing and managing nutritional deficiencies as they often present with cutaneous findings. Traditionally, nutritional dermatoses are taught in the context of developing countries, famine, population displacement, and poor health care access; however, in the United States, common risk factors include chronic liver disease, alcoholism, psychiatric disease, bariatric surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, and hemodialysis. Additionally, nutritional dermatoses may be underdiagnosed in the United States and result in increased morbidity and utilization of hospital resources. There is a need for providers in developed nations to identify these deficiencies, and this review aims to meet that practice gap and provide relevant context to these diseases for dermatologists. This 2-part review series will focus on the epidemiology, impact, appearance, and diagnostic modalities for micronutrient deficiencies, including zinc, selenium, copper, and vitamins A and C in part 1. The companion review will focus on the B-complex vitamins.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Copper; Humans; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Selenium; Skin Diseases; Vitamin A; Vitamins; Zinc

COVID-19 has resulted in an ongoing global pandemic, which spread largely among people who have had close contact with the infected person. The immunopathology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus includes the production of an excess amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines "a cytokine-storm". The respiratory system (main), cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract are the most affected body systems during viral infection. It has been found that most of the patients who require admission to hospital are elderly or have chronic underlying diseases. Higher cases of malnutrition and co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases are reported in elderly patients due to which, the immune system weakens and hence, the response to the virus is diminished in magnitude. A deficiency of micronutrients results in impaired immune responses leading to improper secretion of cytokines, alterations in secretory antibody response and antibody affinity which increases susceptibility to viral infection. The deficiency of various micronutrients in COVID-19 patient can be treated by appropriate nutritional supplements, prescribed after evaluating the patients' nutritional status. Here we aim to highlight the role of a few particular nutrients namely Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, Zinc and Magnesium along with the synergistic roles they play in enhancing immunity and thus, maintaining homeostasis.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; COVID-19; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Immune System; Magnesium; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Vitamin D; Zinc

Micronutrients such as vitamins and trace elements are crucial for maintaining the health of all organisms. Micronutrients are involved in every cellular/biochemical process. They play roles in proper heart and brain functioning, influence immunological responses, and antioxidant defense systems. Therefore, prolonged deficiency in one or more micronutrients leads to cardiovascular or neurodegenerative disorders. Keeping micronutrients at adequate levels is especially important for seniors. They are prone to deficiencies due to age-associated functional decline and often to a diet poor in nutrients. Moreover, lack of micronutrients has an indirect impact on the genome. Their low levels reduce the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and therefore inhibit the efficiency of defense against free radicals which can lead to the formation of DNA lesions. The more DNA damage in the genetic material, the faster aging at the cellular level and a higher risk of pathological processes (e.g., carcinogenesis). Supplementation of crucial antioxidative micronutrients such as selenium, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E seems to have the potential to positively influence the condition of an aging organism, including minimizing inflammation, enhancing antioxidative defense, and limiting the formation of DNA lesions. In consequence, it may lead to lowering the risk and incidence of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and malnutrition. In this article, we attempt to present the synergistic action of selected antioxidant micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc) for inhibiting oxidative stress and DNA damage, which may impede the process of healthy aging.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; DNA Damage; DNA Repair; Elder Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Female; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Oxidative Stress; Selenium; Trace Elements; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Zinc

Malnutrition is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries and nutrition plays a critical role in both acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Inadequacies in the nutritional requirements of a developing lung in utero and in early life can compromise the respiratory system integrity and result in poor lung function, reduced protection against infections, greater likelihood of acute illnesses in childhood and chronic illness in adulthood. Nutritional interventions harness great potential in reducing respiratory illness related morbidity and mortality in the developing world. In this review we have summarized the findings from published systematic reviews/meta-analysis, experimental and observational studies that looked into different nutritional interventions for preventing respiratory diseases in developing countries.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Breast Feeding; Developing Countries; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Malnutrition; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Risk Factors; Trace Elements; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Zinc

Food consumption surveys in the elderly come to the general conclusions that most elderly people outside institutions eat reasonably well. There is, however, tremendous variation in health status between older adults. The aging process is complex and influenced not only by factors intrinsic to the individual but also by extrinsic factors. The latter includes nutrition. In the various phases in the aging process, nutritional status and thus appropriate nutrition differ. Undernutrition is a great concern. In community-dwelling people older than 70 years, 5%-10% are undernourished, and for institutionalized elderly, this is up to 30%-65%. The cause is often inappropriate food consumption, and treatment is not always evidence based. National evidence-based dietary guidelines are mainly for healthy elderly people and vary between regions and even between institutes within the same region. To understand these differences, insight is required into the paradigm applied for nutritional science and the designs, selection of the older population, methodology, and endpoints of studies supplying the science behind the guidelines. A European project (Eurecca) compiles and harmonizes dietary guidelines. These activities underpin the need for sound evidence to improve the nutrition of older adults in different health phases. For frail elderly, there is also a plea to take into account results of studies on food satisfaction. First studies in this field show the effectiveness of an adapted social context for meals, appropriate nutritional care, and availability of tasty drinks and foods for selected groups of older adults. Because of the nutrient richness of dairy products and their good taste, these foods are helpful in the diet of healthy as well as frail elderly people. Key teaching points: Most elderly people eat reasonably well. There are, however, large differences in health status between elderly people and therefore also in nutrient requirements. Undernutrition is a main concern. In community-dwelling people older than 70 years, 5%-10% are undernourished, and for institutionalized elderly, this is up to 30%-65%. Evidence-based dietary guidelines are developed mainly for healthy elderly people and vary between regions. Harmonization will improve public health as well as clinical nutritional strategies. Given the nutrient density of dairy products, these products are included in balanced dietary advice for older adults.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Dairy Products; Diet; Evidence-Based Medicine; Feeding Behavior; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D; Zinc

Although nutrition is an extrinsic factor regulating wound healing, nutritional supplementation for the modulation of wound healing remains experimental. Evidence on the efficacy of supplementation in animals and humans is reviewed.

Topics: Animals; Arginine; Ascorbic Acid; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Humans; Malnutrition; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Nutritional Support; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin A; Wound Healing; Wounds and Injuries; Zinc

Strategies to treat malnutrition lack practicability in the hospital setting. The present study aimed at developing and evaluating a routinely manageable concept for an improved nutritional care of malnourished in-hospital patients.. A randomized controlled intervention study was conducted. 132 risk patients defined by Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, were randomized to individualised nutrition support (intervention group [n = 66]) or standard hospital care (control group [n = 66]). Body weight, plasma vitamin levels, quality of life, complications, antibiotic therapies, readmissions and mortality were assessed.. Nutrition interventions led to higher intakes (mean [standard deviation]) in energy (1553 [341] kcal vs. 1115 [381] kcal, p < 0.001) and protein (65.4 [16.4] g vs. 43.9 [17.2] g, p < 0.001). Intervention patients (n = 66) kept their body weight in comparison to control patients (n = 66; 0.0 [2.9] kg vs. -1.4 [3.2] kg, p = 0.008). Positive effects on plasma ascorbic acid level (46.7 [26.7] μmol/l vs. 34.1 [24.2] μmol/l, p = 0.010), SF-36 function summary scale (37 [11] % vs. 32 [9] %, p = 0.030), number of complications (4/66 vs. 13/66, p = 0.035), antibiotic therapies (1/66 vs. 8/66, p = 0.033) and readmissions (17/64 vs. 28/61, p = 0.027) were recorded.. Malnourished patients profit from nutrition support regarding nutrition status and quality of life. They have fewer complications, need fewer antibiotics and are less often re-hospitalised.

Topics: 24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analysis of Variance; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Elder Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Energy Intake; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glutathione; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Quality of Life; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

The General Population Nutrition Intervention Trial was a randomized primary esophageal and gastric cancer prevention trial conducted from 1985 to 1991, in which 29,584 adult participants in Linxian, China, were given daily vitamin and mineral supplements. Treatment with "factor D," a combination of 50 microg selenium, 30 mg vitamin E, and 15 mg beta-carotene, led to decreased mortality from all causes, cancer overall, and gastric cancer. Here, we present 10-year follow-up after the end of active intervention.. Participants were assessed by periodic data collection, monthly visits by village health workers, and quarterly review of the Linxian Cancer Registry. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the cumulative effects of four vitamin and mineral supplementation regimens were calculated using adjusted proportional hazards models.. Through May 31, 2001, 276 participants were lost to follow-up; 9727 died, including 3242 from cancer (1515 from esophageal cancer and 1199 from gastric cancer). Participants who received factor D had lower overall mortality (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.91 to 0.99; P = .009; reduction in cumulative mortality from 33.62% to 32.19%) and gastric cancer mortality (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.79 to 1.00; P = .043; reduction in cumulative gastric cancer mortality from 4.28% to 3.84%) than subjects who did not receive factor D. Reductions were mostly attributable to benefits to subjects younger than 55 years. Esophageal cancer deaths between those who did and did not receive factor D were not different overall; however, decreased 17% among participants younger than 55 (HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71 to 0.98; P = .025) but increased 14% among those aged 55 years or older (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.30; P = .047) [corrected]. Vitamin A and zinc supplementation was associated with increased total and stroke mortality; vitamin C and molybdenum supplementation, with decreased stroke mortality.. The beneficial effects of selenium, vitamin E, and beta-carotene on mortality were still evident up to 10 years after the cessation of supplementation and were consistently greater in younger participants. Late effects of other supplementation regimens were also observed.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; China; Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; Dietary Supplements; Diterpenes; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Molybdenum; Neoplasms; Niacin; Odds Ratio; Retinyl Esters; Riboflavin; Risk Factors; Selenium; Vitamin A; Vitamins; Zinc Oxide

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Malnutrition; Scurvy

Malnutrition caused by insufficient nutritional supply may significantly hinder the quality of life among cancer patients. Sugar provides energy and nutritional support, but it also promotes cancer growth. Warburg effect is the reprogrammed glucose metabolic mode of cancer cells that meets the intensified ATP demand and biosynthesis. Vitamin C (VC) has anti-tumor effect. However, the relationship between cytotoxicity of VC on cancer cells and Warburg effect remains elusive, the effect of VC on glucose-induced oncogenic effect is also unclear. Based on colorectal cancer cell HCT116, our finding revealed that the discrepant oncogenic effect of different sugar is closely related to the intensification of Warburg effect, with glucose being the potent oncogenic component. Notably, as a potential Warburg effect inhibitor, VC suppressed cancer growth in a concentration-dependent manner and further reversed the glucose-induced oncogenic effect. Furthermore, VC protected tumor-bearing mice from insulin sensitivity impairment and inflammatory imbalance. These findings imply that VC might be a useful adjuvant treatment for cancer patients seeking to optimize nutritional support.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Colorectal Neoplasms; Glucose; Malnutrition; Mice; Quality of Life

Nutritional status is essential for the maintenance of the immune system, with malnutrition suppressing immunity. The aims of the current study were to assess the immune status of a group of Jordanian adults and to evaluate the association between vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc consumption and the Immune Status during the COVID-19 pandemic.. A total of 615 adults Jordanian participants were enrolled in this study, an online- based cross sectional survey was used as a tool for this study. Data was collected by distributing the questionnaire form link through social media platforms. The association between ISQ score and the supplement intake pattern (daily, weekly, monthly and rarely) was assessed using multinomial logistic regression analysis, described as Odds ratio and 95% CI.. Data have indicated that the majority of the participants did not take Vitamin D supplements during the pandemic (46.3%). Also, there was a significant association between the frequency of Vitamin D supplement intake and ISQ (r = 12.777; P < 0.05). Data showed that the majority of participants used vitamin C supplementation (49.4%). Also, there was a significant association between the frequency of Vitamin C supplement intake and ISQ (r = 12.797; P < 0.05). Data also have indicated that the majority of the participants did not increase their consumption of Zinc during the COVID-19 pandemic (55.6%).. The findings of this study suggest a significant association between the frequency of Vitamin D, and vitamin C supplement intake and ISQ. Nutritional status is essential for the maintenance of the immune system, with malnutrition suppressing immunity.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Jordan; Malnutrition; Pandemics; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Zinc

Malnutrition (synonym: undernutrition) is prevalent among older adults, which may be partly related to changes in dietary intake, but evidence on the link between malnutrition and diet is scarce. The aims of this study were to estimate the association between energy/nutrients intake and malnutrition, and to characterise nutritional inadequacy in institutionalised and non-institutionalised older adults. A national survey was conducted including a Portuguese representative sample of nursing home (NH) residents (

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Eating; Energy Intake; Homes for the Aged; Humans; Malnutrition; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease with many risk factors including inadequate nutrient intake and nutritional deficiencies, which affect the immune system, and influence leprosy progression.. To elucidate the relation between the serum level of zinc, vitamin C, and selenium and the clinical spectrum of leprosy.. A case control study included 100 leprotic patients (50 multibacillary and 50 paucibacillary) and 100 age and sex matched controls. Vitamin C was measured by ELISA, zinc was measured by using centronic colorimetric spectrophotometry, and selenium was measured by Inductivity Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy technique.. Zinc and Vitamin C levels were significantly lower in paucibacillary (mean ± SD = 89.86 ± 20.712 and 2.52 ± 1.27 respectively) and multibacillary (mean ± SD = 81.41 ± 18.61 and 1.98 ± 0.59 respectively) than in controls (mean ± SD = 107.34 ± 3.98 and 4.95 ± 2.45 respectively) (p value < 0.001) with no significant difference between paucibacillary and multibacillary patients (p value = 0.142 and = 0.066 respectively). Selenium level showed no significant difference between the three groups (p value > 0.05) (mean ± SD = 51.27 ± 42.61 in paucibacillary, 47.54 ± 30.21 in multibacillary, and 44.07 ± 46.58 in controls).. Lower serum levels of zinc and vitamin C in leprosy patients may be a result of disease pathogenesis or related to the antioxidants based treatment. It might also present prior to the disease onset due to malnutrition that may have accelerated the development of leprosy.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; Humans; Leprosy; Malnutrition; Selenium; Zinc

Children living in resource-limited settings often suffer from multiple micronutrient deficiencies (MMD). However, there lacks evidence on the correlates of MMD in young children. We investigated the role of diets, water, sanitation and hygiene practice, enteric infections, and impaired gut health on MMD in children at 24 months of age using data from the multi-country MAL-ED birth cohort study. Co-existence of more than one micronutrient deficiency (e.g., anemia, iron, zinc, or retinol deficiency) was considered as MMD. We characterized intestinal inflammation by fecal concentrations of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neopterin (NEO) measured in the non-diarrheal stool samples. Bayesian network analysis was applied to investigate the factors associated with MMD. A total of 1093 children were included in this analysis. Overall, 47.6% of the children had MMD, with the highest prevalence in Pakistan (90.1%) and lowest in Brazil (6.3%). MMD was inversely associated with the female sex [OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.92]. A greater risk of MMD was associated with lower vitamin C intake [OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.94] and increased fecal concentrations of MPO [OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.51]. The study results imply the importance of effective strategies to ameliorate gut health and improve nutrient intake during the early years of life.

Topics: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Ascorbic Acid; Bayes Theorem; Birth Cohort; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Infant; Inflammation; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Prevalence; Vitamin A Deficiency

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the common congenital malformations in children and cause malnutrition. We determine the association between dietary nutrient intake and nutritional status of children with CHD.. 428 children of age 1-10 years with CHD admitted. The dietary nutrient intake was recorded after 3 days of 24-h recall. The growth and nutritional status of children were evaluated using anthropometric measurements and z-scores.. The prevalence of malnutrition was 37.6% in CHD. 57.8%, 12.6%, 43.8%, and 40.6% of children did not meet their requirements for energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate, respectively. The prevalence of insufficient intake was 88.3% for calcium, 35.9% for magnesium, 21.9% for iron, and 12.5% for zinc. 15%-86% of children did not meet vitamin requirements. 85.2% and 53.9% of children did not meet their requirements for vitamin A and vitamin C. The prevalence of insufficient intake was 39.1% for thiamin, 24.2% for riboflavin, 15.6% for niacin and 28.1% for vitamin E. Compared with the normal nutrition group, malnutrition group had a relatively lower intake of proteins, iron, zinc and vitamin E.. An obvious deficiency of dietary nutrient intake was found among children with CHD, especially CHD with malnutrition. Dietary intake related to the nutritional status of children with CHD. The gap between actual consumption and recommendation indicates a need for improved nutritional counseling and monitoring. Early interventions targeting the dietary intakes of children with CHD may be a benefit for long-term effects associated with nutritional status.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Calcium; Carbohydrates; Child; Child, Preschool; Diet; Eating; Energy Intake; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Infant; Iron; Magnesium; Malnutrition; Niacin; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Zinc

A previously healthy university student presents to Health Services with sudden onset of pain, fatigue, bruising, and a rapidly progressive anemia. There was not any previous significant health history. The case discussion will emphasize the critical overlap of physical and mental health assessments in identifying the cause and cure of a potentially life-threatening health crisis for a young adult student.

Topics: Acute Pain; Ascorbic Acid; Fatigue; Humans; Malnutrition; Scurvy; Students; Universities; Young Adult

Scurvy is seldom encountered in modern day clinical practice. Children can present with nonspecific features which can mimic several other common conditions. We describe here a four-year-old child who presented with severe pain and weakness of bilateral lower limbs and found to be severely malnourished. The diagnosis of scurvy was suspected in the context of underlying malnutrition after excluding other ominous pathologies. Pathognomic radiological changes clinched the diagnosis, and the best supportive evidence was the dramatic response to vitamin C supplementation.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Child, Preschool; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Leg; Male; Malnutrition; Pain; Radiography; Scurvy; Treatment Outcome; Vitamins

A 58-year-old woman presented with a 1-week history of lower limb bruising. She had a medical history of recurrent metastatic colon cancer with a sigmoid colectomy and complete pelvic exenteration leading to colostomy and urostomy formation. She had malignant sacral mass encroaching on the spinal cord. This caused a left-sided foot drop for which she used an ankle-foot orthosis. She was on cetuximab and had received radiotherapy to the sacral mass 1 month ago. On examination, there were macular ecchymoses with petechiae on the lower limbs. There was sparing of areas that had been compressed by the ankle-foot orthosis. Bloods showed mild thrombocytopaenia and anaemia with markedly raised inflammatory markers. Coagulation studies consistent with inflammation rather than disseminated intravascular coagulation. She was found to have

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Ascorbic Acid; Bacteremia; Colectomy; Colorectal Neoplasms; Diagnosis, Differential; Ecchymosis; Female; Humans; Klebsiella; Lower Extremity; Malnutrition; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasm Staging; Nutritional Support; Pelvic Exenteration; Scurvy; Skin; Treatment Outcome; Vitamins

Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogenous neurodevelopmental condition accompanied by a variety of associated features. Case reports suggest one such associated feature, food selectivity, increases risk for nutritional deficiencies; however, little attention has been given to prevent and treat nutritional deficiencies in youth with autism spectrum disorder.. Single case report.. This single case report presents a child with autism spectrum disorder and food selectivity difficulties that resulted in severe vitamin C deficiency. Although eventually corrected, the nutritional deficiency was debilitating, required invasive interventions, and resulted in significant social/emotional and economic costs.. We review the course of treatment and highlight strategies to prevent and more effectively treat nutritional deficiencies in youth with autism spectrum disorder.

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Diet Therapy; Early Diagnosis; Food Preferences; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Patient Care Management; Risk Assessment; Vitamins

Scurvy is defined as a deficiency of ascorbic acid, which is an essential exogenous vitamin in humans. Vitamin C is involved in collagen synthesis and its deficit can cause disorders of connective tissue. The most frequent symptoms are weakness, arthralgias, anorexia and depression, commonly associated with follicular hyperkeratosis and perifollicular hemorrhage, with purpura.. A young woman, with a history of malnutrition, manifested purpura and hematoma of the left lower limb. The laboratory tests didn't detect alterations either in coagulation, the platelet count or in the autoimmunity. The total body TC scan didn't show neoplasia or other suspected lesions. Excluding the most important causes of purpura, in consideration of malnutrition, scurvy was suspected.. A skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Accordingly to this finding, a treatment with a daily intravenous infusion of vitamin C was started with consequent improvement of hematoma and purpura.. Scurvy is a re-emerging disease, also in western countries. When purpura appears in young adults, scurvy has to be investigated, especially when a history of malnutrition is present. The treatment with vitamin C infusions should be started as soon as possible in order to prevent any complications.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Female; Hematoma; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Lower Extremity; Malnutrition; Middle Aged; Purpura; Skin; Whole Body Imaging

Ascorbic acid (AA) administration has been associated with neuroprotection against oxidative stress, although at high doses it can facilitate oxidation and acts like a proconvulsing drug. The pilocarpine-induced epilepsy model has been widely studied. However, less is known about the effects of sub-convulsive doses of pilocarpine on brain activity in immature animals under normal or deficient nutritional conditions. Herein, we investigated the effects of chronic pilocarpine administration in a sub-convulsive dose, with or without AA, on the excitability-related phenomenon denominated as cortical spreading depression (CSD) and levels of lipid peroxidation-induced malondialdehyde in well-nourished and malnourished rats. At postnatal days 7-28, rats received no gavage treatment (naïve group), saline (vehicle group), 45 mg/kg/d of pilocarpine and/or 120 mg/kg/d of AA. CSD propagation and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed at 34-40 days. The pilocarpine group presented with lower CSD velocities, while AA groups exhibited higher CSD velocities and augmented malondialdehyde levels compared with controls. The co-administration of AA partially antagonized the pilocarpine CSD effects, but did not revert it to control levels. Malnutrition increased CSD amplitude and velocity in comparison to the well-nourished condition. The electrocorticogram (ECoG) amplitude increased after CSD (ECoG potentiation) when compared with the baseline amplitude before CSD. However, no intergroup difference was observed in this CSD-related ECoG potentiation. The results support the hypothesis of a pilocarpine/ascorbic acid interaction in the immature rat brain and might help further the understanding of this interaction on neuronal electrical activity and oxidative stress.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Brain; Cortical Spreading Depression; Drug Interactions; Electrocorticography; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malnutrition; Malondialdehyde; Muscarinic Agonists; Oxidative Stress; Pilocarpine; Rats, Wistar

Incorporation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) sources to lipid-based nutrition supplement (LNS) formulations for undernourished populations presents a challenge due to reduced shelf life and poor consumer acceptability.. To systematically develop an omega-3-fortified LNS formulation, using flaxseed oil (FO), by optimizing its processing stability and evaluating its sensory acceptance.. LNS formulations were formulated to yield approximately 452 kcal, 13.2 g of protein, 30 g of fat, and 53 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. Response surface methodology (RSM) with 4-factor-3-level: omega-3 fatty acid source (FO; 0%-10%), antioxidant (ascorbyl palmitate: 0.0%-0.03%), emulsifier (soy lecithin: 0.5%-1.5%), and storage time (0-6 months at 40°C) was used to optimize LNS's functionality and storage stability. Factor effects were evaluated for peroxide value, oil separation, water activity, moisture content, hardness, and vitamin C content of the samples. Consumer acceptability was assessed using a 9-point hedonic scale.. After 6 months of accelerated storage, the addition of FO to LNS formula resulted in increased peroxide values (7.75 mEq/kg fat) and lipid separation and a reduction in vitamin C and water activity. Optimal levels to maximize storage time and FO and minimize oxidation were 0.02% antioxidant, 1.5% emulsifier, and 4.9% FO. Indian women and students accepted LNS formulations with or without FO similar to other commercial supplements.. An LNS containing FO with improved omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio was successfully formulated with staple Indian ingredients and optimized for storage stability using RSM.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Consumer Behavior; Dietary Fats; Dietary Supplements; Emulsifying Agents; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Food Packaging; Food Preferences; Food Preservatives; Food Quality; Food Storage; Hardness; Humans; India; Lecithins; Linseed Oil; Malnutrition; Nutritive Value; Oxidation-Reduction

A poor early life nutrition environment is well established to result in a range of cardiometabolic disorders in offspring in later life. These effects can be exacerbated via exposure to an obesogenic dietary environment. To date, the effect of maternal diet and/or a post-natal obesogenic nutritional environment on key characteristics related to lens growth and oxidative stress has not been undertaken. The present study, therefore, examined the characteristics and oxidative status of the lens.. Using a model of moderate maternal under-nutrition, rat dams were fed either a control diet (100% ad libitum, CON) or undernourished throughout pregnancy (50% of ad libitum intake, UN) and offspring fed either a control (5% fat, C) or high fat (30% fat, HF) diet post-weaning, resulting in four nutritional groups; CON-C, CON-HF, UN-C, and UN-HF. Offspring lenses were extracted at 160 days of age, weighed, imaged under dark and bright field microscopy, and then dissected into cortical and core fractions for biochemical analyses of oxidative stress markers.. Our findings reveal that lenses from all groups were transparent. However, gender specific changes were evident at the biochemical level with increased oxidative stress detected in the cortex and core of female but not male UN-C lenses, and in the cortex of male but not female CON-HF lenses. The greatest increase in oxidative stress was detected in the UN-HF group in the cortex and core regions of the lens and for both genders.. These findings show that oxidative stress is exacerbated in the lens as a result of a combination of altered pre-natal and post-natal diet. This demonstrates a novel interaction between the two developmental windows and warrants further investigations toward devising appropriate nutritional strategies for minimizing oxidative stress in the lens.

Topics: Adiposity; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diet, High-Fat; Female; Glutathione; Insulin; Lens Diseases; Lens, Crystalline; Leptin; Male; Malnutrition; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vitamin E

Prevention of frail skin is important in older people because frail skin is associated with a risk of injury in this population. In this study, we investigated the association of nutritional status and habitual dietary intake with skin conditions in community-dwelling older people.. Cross-sectional study.. Three community settings in Japan from autumn to winter.. Older people aged ≥65 years without care-need certification (n=118).. Malnutrition and obesity were evaluated to assess the nutritional status. Nutrient and food group intakes per 1000 kcal were evaluated using a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. Dietary patterns based on food groups were evaluated by principal component analysis. Skin condition parameters, including stratum corneum hydration, appearance of xerosis (specific symptom sum score [SRRC score]), and dermal intensity by high-frequency ultrasonography, were measured on a lower leg. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed with adjustment for confounders.. The mean (standard deviation) age was 74.1 (4.8) years, and 83.1% of participants were female. A higher intake of plant fat (p=0.018) was associated with a lower SRRC score. Higher intakes of α-tocopherol (p=0.050) and vitamin C (p=0.017) were associated with increased dermal intensity. A body mass index ≥25 (p=0.016) was associated with decreased dermal intensity. A dietary pattern characterized by higher vegetable and fruit intake was associated with a better skin condition.. Plant fat, antioxidant vitamins, and a dietary pattern characterized by vegetables and fruits showed positive and obesity showed negative associations for frail skin in community-dwelling older people.

Topics: Aged; alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Female; Fruit; Humans; Independent Living; Japan; Linear Models; Male; Malnutrition; Nutritional Status; Obesity; Principal Component Analysis; Skin; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vegetables

As the elderly population increases in Turkey, so do the associated health and nutritional problems. The main purpose of the present study was to determine the nutritional status of elderly individuals who live in institutions.. A total of 102 elderly volunteers was recruited from seven residential homes of the Ministry of Family and Social Policies in Ankara. In the consecutive years of 2007, 2008 and 2009, dietary intake was assessed using a 24-h food recall. Nutritional status was screened using a questionnaire from the Mini-Nutritional Assessment, basic characteristics were determined and anthropometric measurements were assessed.. The percentage of elderly participants who were malnourished or at risk for malnutrition increased by the completion of the follow-up (P < 0.05). It was found that energy, total protein, animal proteins, carbohydrates, niacin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc intake of men decreased significantly over the years studied (P < 0.05). A significant decrease occurred among women in animal protein, vitamin B1 , niacin and the percentage of energy from proteins (P < 0.05); however, an increase in energy from fat (P < 0.05) was determined. Within the years studied, the percentage of nutrients meeting the Turkish recommended daily allowances decreased from 2007 to 2009 both in men and women. During the years 2007 to 2009, the percentage of waist circumferences >102 cm for men was 46.4%, 45.6% and 48.1%, respectively, and the percentage of waist circumferences for women >88 cm was 75.6%, 75.6% and 81.8%, respectively.. During the follow-up, significant nutritional changes were determined. To prevent malnutrition, periodical screening of nutritional status should be a priority and a standard policy for elderly people, especially for those institutionalised.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Geriatric Assessment; Homes for the Aged; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Niacin; Nursing Homes; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Thiamine; Turkey; Vitamin E; Waist Circumference; Zinc

In Switzerland, vitamin C deficiency is a rare condition. Nonetheless, in clinical practice, there are some patients exhibiting a vitamin C deficiency as a result of an unbalanced diet or intestinal malabsorption. We report the clinical history of a 55-year-old man known for alcoholism and insufficient intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, for haemodynamic instability caused by blood loss due to fragile vessels (skin, gastrointestinal). Further analyses revealed a severe lack of vitamin C. The patient received a high dose of intravenous substitutive treatment, leading to a favourable clinical outcome.

Topics: Alcoholism; Anemia; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Diet; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Middle Aged; Purpura; Switzerland

A Japanese-style diet consists of meals that include grain (shushoku), fish and meat (shusai), and vegetable dishes (fukusai). Little is known about the association of such meals (designated well-balanced meals hereafter) with nutrient intake. We therefore examined the frequency of well-balanced meals required to prevent nutrient deficiency. Participants were Japanese people, ages 40 to 59 y, from Toyama, recruited for INTERMAP, in an international population-based study. Each person provided 4 in-depth 24-h dietary recalls (149 men, 150 women). The prevalence of risk ratios of not meeting the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2015) was calculated. Well-balanced diets were assessed by the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top. We counted the frequencies of meals in which participants consumed 1.0 or more servings of all 3 dishes categories. We divided the frequency of consumption of well-balanced meals into the following 4 groups: <1.00 time/d, 1.00-1.49 times/d, 1.50-1.74 times/d, and ≥1.75 times/d. Compared with participants in the highest frequency group for well-balanced meals, those who consumed well-balanced meals less than once a day had a higher risk of not meeting the adequate intake for potassium and the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin A. Those who consumed well-balanced meals on average less than 1.50 times per day had a higher risk of not meeting the recommended dietary allowance for calcium and vitamin C. Our results suggest that individuals should on average consume well-balanced meals more than 1.5 times per day to prevent calcium and vitamin C deficiencies.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Asian People; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Diet, Healthy; Energy Intake; Female; Fishes; Humans; Japan; Male; Malnutrition; Meat; Mental Recall; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Seafood; Vegetables; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Whole Grains

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Exanthema; Fluid Therapy; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Immobilization; Male; Malnutrition; Middle Aged; Scurvy; Social Isolation; Thiamine; Treatment Outcome; Vitamins

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with vitamin C on intestinal anastomosis healing in malnourished rats.. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: (1) sham, well-nourished rats that received vehicle; (2) FR+Veh, rats that were subjected to food restriction and received vehicle; and (3) FR+VC, rats that were subjected to food restriction and received vitamin C. Four days before surgery, the animals received vitamin C (100 mg/kg/day) via gavage and underwent colon resection with anastomosis in a single plane. The survival rate of rats was monitored until day 7 after surgery. Regarding anastomosis tissues, we examined intra-abdominal adhesion index, hydroxyproline content, collagen density, inflammatory parameters, and oxidative damage to proteins and lipids.. Malnutrition decreases body weight and increases mortality; the survival rate was 90 % in group 1, 60 % in group 2, and 80 % in group 3. Vitamin C was able to increase hydroxyproline concentration and density of collagen and decrease the intra-abdominal adhesion index, as well as the infiltration of neutrophils and oxidative damage to proteins in malnourished rats compared to group treated with vehicle.. Preoperative vitamin C supplementation can improve the intestinal anastomosis healing, biochemical alterations, and prolong survival in rats subjected to food restriction.

Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Collagen; Colon; Dietary Supplements; Hydroxyproline; Male; Malnutrition; Nitrates; Nitrites; Oxidative Stress; Peroxidase; Preoperative Care; Rats, Wistar; Rectum; Tissue Adhesions; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Wound Healing

Lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) can help treat undernutrition; however, the dietary adequacy of children supplemented with LNS, and household utilisation patterns are not well understood. We assessed diet adequacy and the quality of complementary foods by conducting a diet assessment of 128 Ugandan children, ages 6-59 months, who participated in a 10-week programme for children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM, defined as weight-for-age z-score < -2). Caregivers were given a weekly ration of 650 kcal day(-1) (126 g day(-1) ) of a peanut/soy LNS. Two 24-h dietary recalls were administered per child. LNS was offered to 86% of targeted children at least once. Among non-breastfed children, over 90% met their estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-points for all examined nutrients. Over 90% of breastfed children met EAR cut-points for nutrient density for most nutrients, except for zinc where 11.7% met cut-points. A lower proportion of both breastfed and non-breastfed children met adjusted EARs for the specific nutritional needs of MAM. Fewer than 20% of breastfed children met EAR nutrient-density guidelines for MAM for zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A and folate. Underweight status, the presence of a father in the child's home, and higher programme attendance were all associated with greater odds of feeding LNS to targeted children. Children in this community-based supplemental feeding programme who received a locally produced LNS exhibited substantial micronutrient deficiencies given the special dietary needs of this population. These results can help inform programme strategies to improve LNS targeting, and highlight potential nutrient inadequacies for consumers of LNS in community-based settings.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Child, Preschool; Dietary Fats; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Female; Folic Acid; Follow-Up Studies; Health Education; Humans; Infant; Infant Formula; Linear Models; Logistic Models; Male; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Multivariate Analysis; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Requirements; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Thinness; Uganda; Vitamin A; Zinc

The most recent statistics indicate that the prevalence of food insecurity in the United States is double that in Canada, but the extent to which the nutrition implications of this problem differ between the countries is not known.. This study was undertaken to compare adequacy of nutrient intakes in relation to household food insecurity among youth and adults in Canada and the United States.. Data from comparable nationally representative surveys, the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey and the 2003-2006 NHANES, were used to estimate prevalences of inadequate intakes of vitamins A and C, folate, calcium, magnesium, and zinc among youth and adults in food-secure and food-insecure households. Potential differences in the composition of the populations between the 2 countries were addressed by using standardization, and analyses also accounted for participation in food and nutrition assistance programs in the United States.. Larger gaps in the prevalences of inadequate intakes between those in food-secure and food-insecure households were observed in Canada than in the United States for calcium and magnesium. For calcium, the prevalences of inadequate intakes among those in food-secure and food-insecure households in Canada were 50% and 66%, respectively, compared with 50% and 51%, respectively, in the United States. For magnesium, the prevalences of inadequate intakes in Canada were 39% and 60% among those in food-secure and food-insecure households, respectively, compared with 60% and 61%, respectively, in the United States. These findings were largely unchanged after we accounted for participation in food and nutrition assistance programs in the United States.. This study suggests that household food insecurity is a stronger marker of nutritional vulnerability in Canada than in the United States. The results highlight the need for research to elucidate the effects of domestic policies affecting factors such as food prices and fortification on the nutritional manifestations of food insecurity.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Calcium, Dietary; Canada; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Energy Intake; Family Characteristics; Folic Acid; Food Supply; Humans; Magnesium; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Status; Prevalence; Socioeconomic Factors; United States; Vitamin A; Young Adult; Zinc

Although ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant, under certain conditions it can facilitate oxidation, which may underlie the opposite actions of AA on brain excitability in distinct seizure models. Here, we investigated whether chronic AA administration during brain development alters cortical excitability as a function of AA dose, as indexed by cortical spreading depression (CSD) and by the levels of lipid peroxidation-induced malondialdehyde. Well-nourished and early-malnourished rats received per gavage 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg/d of AA, saline, or no gavage treatment (naïve group) at postnatal days 7-28. CSD propagation and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed at 30-40 days. Confirming previous observations, CSD velocities were significantly higher in the early-malnourished groups than in the well-nourished groups. AA dose was important: 30 mg/kg/d AA decelerated CSD and reduced malondialdehyde levels, whereas 60 mg/kg/d and 120 mg/kg/d accelerated CSD and augmented malondialdehyde levels compared with the corresponding saline and naïve groups. Our findings reinforce previous suggestion that AA acts as an antioxidant in the brain when administered at low doses, but as a prooxidant at high doses, as indicated by CSD propagation and malondialdehyde levels.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Cortical Spreading Depression; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Lipid Peroxidation; Malnutrition; Malondialdehyde; Oxidants; Random Allocation; Rats, Wistar

Alzheimer patients (AD) are known to be at risk for malnutrition and their older spouses may also have nutritional problems. The aim of our study was to clarify the association of caregivers' sex on the nutrient intake of AD couples.. Our study uses the baseline data of a randomized nutritional trial exploring the effectiveness of nutrition intervention among home-dwelling AD patients.. The central AD register in Finland was used to recruit AD patients living with a spousal caregiver, 99 couples participated in our study.. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Nutrient intakes for both AD patients and their spouses were calculated from 3-day food diaries.. The mean age of caregivers and AD spouses was 75.2 (SD 7.0) and 77.4 years (SD 5.6), respectively. According to the MNA, 40% of male and 52% of female AD spouses were at risk for malnutrition. Among male caregivers, the mean energy and protein intakes were 1605 kcal (SD 458) and 0.93 g/body kg (SD 0.30), whereas the respective figures for their female AD spouses were 1313 kcal (SD 340) and 0.86 g/body kg (SD 0.32), respectively. Among female caregivers, the mean energy and protein intakes were 1536 kcal (SD 402) and 1.00 g/body kg (SD 0.30), whereas the respective figures for their male AD spouses were 1897 kcal (SD 416) and 1.04 g/body kg (SD 0.30). The interaction between male caregiver sex and lower energy (p<0.001) and lower protein intake (p=0.0048) (adjusted for age and MMSE) was significant. Similar differences between caregiver sexes were observed with the intake of various nutrients.. A gender difference exists in the ability to cope with caregiver responsibilities related to nutrition. A need exists for tailored nutritional guidance among older individuals and especially among male caregivers.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alzheimer Disease; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Calcium, Dietary; Caregivers; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Finland; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Sex Factors; Spouses; Vitamin E

The prevalence of smoking in Aboriginal Canadians is higher than non-Aboriginal Canadians, a behavior that also tends to alter dietary patterns. Compared with the general Canadian population, maternal smoking rates are almost twice as high. The aim of this study was to compare dietary adequacy of Inuvialuit women of childbearing age comparing smokers versus non-smokers.. A cross-sectional study, where participants completed a culturally specific quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Non-parametric analysis was used to compare mean nutrient intake, dietary inadequacy and differences in nutrient density among smokers and non-smokers. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed for key nutrients inadequacy and smoking status. Data was collected from three communities in the Beaufort Delta region of the Northwest Territories, Canada from randomly selected Inuvialuit women of childbearing age (19-44 years).. Of 92 participants, 75% reported being smokers. There were no significant differences in age, BMI, marital status, education, number of people in household working and/or number of self employed, and physical activity between smokers and non-smokers. Non-parametric analysis showed no differences in nutrient intake between smokers and non-smokers. Logistic regression however revealed there was a positive association between smoking and inadequacies of vitamin C (OR = 2.91, 95% CI, 1.17-5.25), iron (OR = 3.16, 95% CI, 1.27-5.90), and zinc (OR = 2.78, 95% CI, 1.12-4.94). A high percentage of women (>60%), regardless of smoking status, did not meet the dietary recommendations for fiber, vitamin D, E and potassium.. This study provides evidence of inadequate dietary intake among Inuvialuit of childbearing age regardless of smoking behavior.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Canada; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Fiber; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Inuit; Iron, Dietary; Life Style; Logistic Models; Malnutrition; Motor Activity; Northwest Territories; Potassium, Dietary; Risk Factors; Smoking; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Young Adult; Zinc

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is often associated with nutritional deficiency, which appears to contribute to the progression of UC severity. The present study aimed to evaluate nutritional status and dietary intake in UC remission patients.. The present study comprised a cross-sectional study in which variables such as extent of disease (distal colitis, left-sided colitis, pancolitis), remission period, sex and age were recorded. Extent of disease was assessed by the results of a colonoscopy and dietary intake was evaluated by using 3-day, 24-h recalls. A Kruskall-Wallis test was used to compare the intake of macro- and micronutrients among the three study groups. The analysis was complemented by the Mann-Whitney test. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors of extent of disease (pancolitis versus left-sided colitis versus distal colitis).. The median (range) age of the 59 patients was 49.0 (37.0-63.0) years and 53.3% were female. Twenty-six (44.1%) patients had distal colitis, 11 (18.6%) patients had left-sided colitis and 22 (37.3%) patients had pancolitis. A high probability of an inadequate intake of fibre (100%), fat soluble vitamins (>40% for vitamin A and >95% for vitamin E), vitamin C (>34%), calcium (>90%) and magnesium (>50%) was identified in the study group. Vitamin D intake (odds ratio = 0.60; 95% confidence interval = 0.39-0.94; P < 0.05) was significantly associated with increased intestinal damage.. A large number of individuals showed an inadequate intake of nutrients. In addition, the consumption of vitamin D was significantly associated with extent of disease.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Calcium, Dietary; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colonoscopy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamin K

Disorders in wound healing (DWH) are common in trauma patients, the reasons being not completely understood. Inadequate nutritional status may favor DWH, partly by means of oxidative stress. Reliable data, however, are lacking. This study should investigate the status of extracellular micronutrients in patients with DWH within routine setting.. Within a cross-sectional study, the plasma/serum status of several micronutrients (retinol, ascorbic acid, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, selenium, and zinc) were determined in 44 trauma patients with DWH in addition to selected proteins (albumin, prealbumin, and C-reactive protein; CRP) and markers of pro-/antioxidant balance (antioxidant capacity, peroxides, and malondialdehyde). Values were compared to reference values to calculate the prevalence for biochemical deficiency. Correlations between CRP, albumin and prealbumin, and selected micronutrients were analyzed by Pearson's test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.. Mean concentrations of ascorbic acid (23.1 ± 15.9 μmol/L), 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (46.2±30.6 nmol/L), β-carotene (0.6 ± 0.4 μmol/L), selenium (0.79±0.19 μmol/L), and prealbumin (24.8 ± 8.2 mg/dL) were relatively low. Most patients showed levels of ascorbic acid (<28 μmol/L; 64%), 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (<50 μmol/L; 59%), selenium (≤ 94 μmol/L; 71%) and β-carotene (<0.9 μmol/L; 86%) below the reference range. Albumin and prealbumin were in the lower normal range and CRP was mostly above the reference range. Plasma antioxidant capacity was decreased, whereas peroxides and malondialdehyde were increased compared to normal values. Inverse correlations were found between CRP and albumin (P < 0.05) and between CRP and prealbumin (P < 0.01). Retinol (P < 0.001), ascorbic acid (P < 0.01), zinc (P < 0.001), and selenium (P < 0.001) were negatively correlated with CRP.. Trauma patients with DWH frequently suffer from protein malnutrition and reduced plasma concentrations of several micronutrients probably due to inflammation, increased requirement, and oxidative burden. Thus, adequate nutritional measures are strongly recommended to trauma patients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; alpha-Tocopherol; Anthropometry; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Calcifediol; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Malondialdehyde; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Oxidative Stress; Selenium; Vitamin A; Wound Healing; Wounds and Injuries; Zinc

There are potential health risks associated with the use of early weaning to prevent mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in resource-poor settings. Our objective was to examine growth and nutrient inadequacies among a cohort of children weaned early. Children participating in the Breastfeeding Antiretrovirals and Nutrition (BAN) Study in Lilongwe, Malawi, had HIV-infected mothers, were weaned at 6 months and fed LNS until 12 months. 40 HIV-negative, BAN-exited children were compared with 40 HIV-negative, community children matched on age, gender and local health clinic. Nutrient intake was calculated from 24-h dietary recalls collected from BAN-exited children. Anthropometric measurements were collected from BAN-exited and matched community children at 15-16 months, and 2 months later. Longitudinal random effects sex-stratified models were used to evaluate anthropometric differences between the two groups. BAN-exited children consumed adequate energy, protein and carbohydrates but inadequate amounts of fat. The prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intakes were: 46% for vitamin A; 20% for vitamin B6; 69% for folate; 13% for vitamin C; 19% for iron; 23% for zinc. Regarding growth, BAN-exited girls gained weight at a significantly lower rate {0.02 g kg(-1) per day [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.03]} than their matched comparison [0.05 g kg(-1) per day (95% CI: 0.03, 0.07)]; BAN girls grew significantly slower [0.73 cm month(-1) (95% CI: 0.40,1.06)] than their matched comparison (1.55 cm month(-1) [95% CI: 0.98, 2.12]). Among this sample of BAN-exited children, early weaning was associated with dietary deficiencies and girls experienced reduced growth velocity. In resource-poor settings, HIV prevention programmes must ensure that breastfeeding stop only once a nutritionally adequate and safe diet without breast milk can be provided.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Breast Feeding; Diet; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Folic Acid; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; HIV Seronegativity; Humans; Infant; Iron, Dietary; Longitudinal Studies; Malawi; Male; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Seasons; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 6; Vitamins; Weaning; Young Adult; Zinc

Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Fatal Outcome; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Scurvy; Skin Diseases

The 1910-1913 Terra Nova Expedition to the Antarctic, led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, was a venture of science and discovery. It is also a well-known story of heroism and tragedy since his quest to reach the South Pole and conduct research en route, while successful was also fateful. Although Scott and his four companions hauled their sledges to the Pole, they died on their return journey either directly or indirectly from the extreme physiological stresses they experienced. One hundred years on, our understanding of such stresses caused by Antarctic extremes and how the body reacts to severe exercise, malnutrition, hypothermia, high altitude, and sleep deprivation has greatly advanced. On the centenary of Scott's expedition to the bottom of the Earth, there is still controversy surrounding whether the deaths of those five men could have, or should have, been avoided. This paper reviews present-day knowledge related to the physiology of sustained man-hauling in Antarctica and contrasts this with the comparative ignorance about these issues around the turn of the 20th century. It closes by considering whether, with modern understanding about the effects of such a scenario on the human condition, Scott could have prepared and managed his team differently and so survived the epic 1,600-mile journey. The conclusion is that by carrying rations with a different composition of macromolecules, enabling greater calorific intake at similar overall weight, Scott might have secured the lives of some of the party, and it is also possible that enhanced levels of vitamin C in his rations, albeit difficult to achieve in 1911, could have significantly improved their survival chances. Nevertheless, even with today's knowledge, a repeat attempt at his expedition would by no means be bound to succeed.

Topics: Altitude Sickness; Antarctic Regions; Ascorbic Acid; Exercise; Expeditions; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Hypothermia; Male; Malnutrition; Physiology; Science; Sleep Deprivation; Stress, Physiological; Survival

Ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant molecule that is highly concentrated in the brain and can exert both anticonvulsant and proconvulsant effects in distinct models of experimental seizures. Herein, we investigated whether chronic AA administration alters cortical excitability as indexed by the cortical spreading depression (CSD). Well-nourished (W) and malnourished (M) rats were treated, by gavage, with 60mg/kg/day of l-AA from postnatal days 7-28, and CSD propagation was analyzed at 30-40 days. Compared to the W groups, M rats presented higher (p<0.05) CSD amplitudes and velocities of propagation. In both nutritional conditions, AA-treatment significantly increased CSD amplitudes and propagation velocities (p<0.05), as compared to non-treated ('naïve'; Nv) and saline-treated (Sal) controls. The mean±standard deviation CSD velocities of propagation (in mm/min) for the Sal, AA and Nv groups were respectively 3.75±0.03, 4.26±0.08 and 3.81±0.04 for the W condition and 4.29±0.08, 4.51±0.04 and 4.30±0.04 for the M groups. The results demonstrate a CSD-facilitation by AA regardless of nutritional status. They also suggest that, at the dose of 60mg/kg/day chronically administered during brain development, AA may act as a prooxidant in brain, in view of the contrasting effect as compared with other antioxidants, which reduce CSD.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Cortical Spreading Depression; Electroencephalography; Electrophysiological Phenomena; Enteral Nutrition; Malnutrition; Membrane Potentials; Nutritional Status; Potassium Chloride; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Topics: Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Dermoscopy; Erythrocytes; Fibrosis; Fruit; Hair Follicle; Humans; Keratosis; Male; Malnutrition; Mouth, Edentulous; Purpura; Remission Induction; Scurvy; Skin Pigmentation; Vegetables

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of nutritional anemia. During pregnancy there is a high risk of developing it, due to the increase of iron requirements for fetal and maternal tissues growth. The objective of this study was to determine the iron nutritional status in early pregnancy and to determine its relationship with the dietary intake. The study applied a cross-sectional and descriptive design in 419 pregnant women (13-41 y) from Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela. Serum ferritin was determined by enzimoinmunoassay and hemoglobin by a semi-automated method. Dietary iron intake was assessed through two non-consecutive 24 hours recalls. Statistical analysis included basic descriptives, Fisher exact test, Chi-square, and Mann-Whitney tests; with a statistical significance of p < 0.05. The iron deficiency and anemia prevalence were 16.2% and 14.4%, respectively; corresponding 36.6% to ferropenic anemia. 10.4%, 29.0% and 24.2% of the women had deficient intake for iron, vitamin C and A, respectively. There were no significant differences by age. A nutritional risk was observed regarding the iron status, demonstrated by the percentage of ferropenic anemia and because the main dietary contribution came from non-heme iron, which has low bioavailability. Additionally, there was an important percentage of inadequate vitamin C and A intakes; hence, their contribution to iron absorption was limited.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Ascorbic Acid; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Educational Status; Female; Ferritins; Hemoglobins; Humans; Iron; Iron Deficiencies; Malnutrition; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Risk; Social Class; Venezuela; Vitamin A

Infantile Tremor Syndrome is a distinct clinical entity most commonly seen in Indian Subcontinent. Syndrome consists of tremors, mental and developmental retardation, abnormal skin pigmentation and anemia in children between 6 months to 2 years. The etiology is still elusive. Amongst various theories, nutritional theory is the most accepted. So far there are no cases reported of vitamin C deficiency in ITS. In this article, three cases of ITS associated with vitamin C deficiency are reported.

Topics: Age Factors; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Folic Acid; Humans; Infant; Iron; Male; Malnutrition; Propranolol; Scurvy; Socioeconomic Factors; Syndrome; Treatment Outcome; Tremor

The mean urinary excretion of oxalate was 325 micromol/24 h in six patients during total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The urinary excretion of oxalate was considered to be equal to the endogenous oxalate production. A 2-day load of the oxalate precursor glycine given to five patients did not influence the oxalate excretion in spite of increased serum glycine concentrations. A 3-day load of the oxalate precursor ascorbic acid given to four patients increased the oxalate excretion in all patients. In one patient TPN was prolonged for 20 days without any change in the amount of oxalate excreted.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Free Radical Scavengers; Glycine; Glycine Agents; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Middle Aged; Oxalates; Parenteral Nutrition, Total; Risk Factors; Time Factors

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Folic Acid; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutrition Disorders; Malnutrition; Turkey; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamins