Nutrients

274 KiB

Open AccessReview

Micronutrients, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Probiotics and Prebiotics, a Review of Effectiveness in Reducing HIV Progression

by Ruben Hummelen, Jaimie Hemsworth and Gregor Reid

Nutrients 2010, 2(6), 626-651; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2060626 - 2 Jun 2010

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 16082

Low serum concentrations of micronutrients, intestinal abnormalities, and an inflammatory state have been associated with HIV progression. These may be ameliorated by micronutrients, N-acetyl cysteine, probiotics, and prebiotics. This review aims to integrate the evidence from clinical trials of these interventions on the progression of HIV. Vitamin B, C, E, and folic acid have been shown to delay the progression of HIV. Supplementation with selenium, N-acetyl cysteine, probiotics, and prebiotics has considerable potential, but the evidence needs to be further substantiated. Vitamin A, iron, and zinc have been associated with adverse effects and caution is warranted for their use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food and Function 2009)

277 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, and Food Supplements in Intestinal Health

by Avrelija Cencic and Walter Chingwaru

Nutrients 2010, 2(6), 611-625; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2060611 - 1 Jun 2010

Cited by 442 | Viewed by 35989

Abstract

New eating habits, actual trends in production and consumption have a health, environmental and social impact. The European Union is fighting diseases characteristic of a modern age, such as obesity, osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, allergies and dental problems. Developed countries are also faced with problems relating to aging populations, high energy foods, and unbalanced diets. The potential of nutraceuticals/functional foods/food supplements in mitigating health problems, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is discussed. Certain members of gut microflora (e.g., probiotic/protective strains) play a role in the host health due to its involvement in nutritional, immunologic and physiological functions. The potential mechanisms by which nutraceuticals/functional foods/food supplements may alter a host’s health are also highlighted in this paper. The establishment of novel functional cell models of the GI and analytical tools that allow tests in controlled experiments are highly desired for gut research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food and Function 2009)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

736 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are New Generations of Female College-Student Populations Meeting Calcium Requirements: Comparison of American and Croatian Female Students

by Crystal C. Douglas, Ivana Rumbak, Irena Colić Barić, Marinela Kovačina, Martina Piasek and Jasminka Z. Ilich

Nutrients 2010, 2(6), 599-610; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2060599 - 28 May 2010

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 11089

Abstract

We compared calcium (Ca) sources and intake, as well as multivitamin/mineral supplement use between female students with nutrition/health background and those from general-student-populations. 314 participants 18–37 y, including 57 African-Americans and 54 Caucasian-Americans recruited from Nutrition and/or other Health Sciences departments (NHS), and 100 African-American and 103 Croatian women representing general-student-population (GSP), completed food frequency questionnaire assessing their usual Ca intake and supplement use. NHS populations met recommendations and consumed significantly more Ca, particularly from dairy sources, and were more likely to take supplements than GSP groups, suggesting that health education may influence Ca intake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Calcium)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

600 KiB

Open AccessReview

Postprandial Energy Metabolism in the Regulation of Body Weight: Is there a Mechanistic Role for Dietary Calcium?

by Mario J. Soares and Wendy L. Chan She-Ping-Delfos

Nutrients 2010, 2(6), 586-598; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2060586 - 28 May 2010

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 14468

Abstract

There has been much interest in the mechanisms by which calcium may attenuate weight gain or accelerate body fat loss. This review focuses on postprandial energy metabolism and indicates that dietary calcium increases whole body fat oxidation after single and multiple meals. There is, as yet, no conclusive evidence for a greater diet induced thermogenesis, an increased lipolysis or suppression of key lipogenic enzyme systems. There is however convincing evidence that higher calcium intakes promote a modest energy loss through increased fecal fat excretion. Overall, there is a role for dietary calcium in human energy metabolism. Future studies need to define threshold intakes for metabolic and gastrointestinal outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Calcium)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

290 KiB

Open AccessReview

Long-Chain Omega-3 Oils–An Update on Sustainable Sources

by Peter D. Nichols, James Petrie and Surinder Singh

Nutrients 2010, 2(6), 572-585; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2060572 - 26 May 2010

Cited by 95 | Viewed by 15679

Abstract

Seafood is currently the best and generally a safe source of long-chain (LC, (≥C₂₀) omega-3 oils amongst the common food groups. LC omega-3 oils are also obtained in lower amounts per serve from red meat, egg and selected other foods. As global population increases the opportunities to increase seafood harvest are limited, therefore new alternate sources are required. Emerging sources include microalgae and under-utilized resources such as Southern Ocean krill. Prospects for new land plant sources of these unique and health-benefiting oils are also particularly promising, offering hope for alternate and sustainable supplies of these key oils, with resulting health, social, economic and environmental benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Update)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Nutrients, Volume 2, Issue 6 (June 2010) – 5 articles , Pages 572-651

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI