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Dietary Supplements and Chronic Diseases

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 February 2025 | Viewed by 6357

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
Interests: sports nutrition; sex hormone metabolism; lipid metabolism; cardiovascular disease; macular degeneration; inflammation; oxidative stress

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Most people around the world consume at least one type of dietary supplement on a daily basis to ensure adequate nutrition and/or to prevent or treat various diseases. Some of the major common chronic diseases include cardiovascular diseases (heart disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure), Type II diabetes, cancers, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The purpose of this Special Issue is to gather high-quality research papers with a solid research setting and/or translational potential on this topic, in order to create an up-to-date, systematic overview that examines, in detail, the functional role of dietary supplements in chronic diseases. We are interested in both clinical and pre-clinical investigations that test novel hypotheses that can advance the field. In this Special Issue of Nutrients, we are making a call to action to motivate researchers to submit their invaluable studies on this intriguing topic. This Special Issue welcomes the submission of manuscripts which either include evidence-based original research or reviews of the scientific literature.

Dr. Thomas A. Wilson
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • nutraceuticals
  • vitamins and multivitamins
  • antioxidants
  • anti-inflammatories
  • cancer
  • cardiovascular disease
  • type II diabetes
  • metabolic syndrome
  • hypertension
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • dementia

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 451 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Flavonoid Supplementation on Serum Oxidative Stress Levels Measured via D-ROMs Test in the General Population: The PREVES-FLAVON Retrospective Observational Study
by Giuseppe Di Lorenzo, Antonio Verde, Luca Scafuri, Ferdinando Costabile, Vincenza Caputo, Rossella Di Trolio, Oriana Strianese, Vittorino Montanaro, Felice Crocetto, Francesco Del Giudice, Raffaele Baio, Antonio Tufano, Paolo Verze, Alessia Nunzia Calabrese and Carlo Buonerba
Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3302; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193302 - 29 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1240
Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress has emerged as a key contributor to numerous NCDs (non-communicable diseases), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. This study aims to explore the potential of targeted interventions to mitigate oxidative stress as part of a primary prevention strategy. Methods: The [...] Read more.
Background: Oxidative stress has emerged as a key contributor to numerous NCDs (non-communicable diseases), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. This study aims to explore the potential of targeted interventions to mitigate oxidative stress as part of a primary prevention strategy. Methods: The study included 32 healthy participants (11 men, 21 women) aged 45–65 who completed both the initial and follow-up assessments of the Healthy Days Initiative, a community-based wellness program organized by the non-profit Associazione O.R.A. ETS. Through blood analysis, vital sign assessment, lifestyle questionnaires, and individualized recommendations, participants received guidance on improving their health and reducing disease risk. The initiative also offered the opportunity for participants to consume a flavonoid supplement containing quercitrin, rutin, and hesperidin, with the goal of reducing oxidative stress. Participants who opted for supplementation were instructed to take 1–2 tablets daily for two weeks. Data collected included demographic information, anthropometric measurements, vital signs, dietary and lifestyle habits, medical history, WHO-5 Well-Being Index scores, and blood parameters. Results: Significant reductions were observed in glucose levels (from 82 to 74.5 mg/dL), reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) (from 394.5 to 365.5 U.CARR), and systolic blood pressure (from 133 to 122 mmHg) after the two-week flavonoid intervention. Most participants (26/31) reported no side effects, and the majority (30/31) expressed a willingness to continue using a product combination of quercitrin, rutin, and hesperidin or a similar product long-term. Conclusions: While limited in scope and duration, the PREVES-FLAVON study contributes valuable insights to the growing body of evidence suggesting that flavonoid supplementation may play a significant role in reducing risk factors associated with NCDs in primary prevention settings. By targeting novel risk factors such as oxidative stress, this intervention holds promise for mitigating the global burden of NCDs and promoting healthy aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements and Chronic Diseases)
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15 pages, 555 KiB  
Article
Associations between Constipation and Use of Levodopa with Nutritional Status, Polypharmacy, and Stage of Parkinson’s Disease
by Paula García-Milla, Samuel Duran-Agüero and Gema Nieto
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3092; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183092 - 13 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1178
Abstract
Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a highly prevalent disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms; the latter include constipation, which is considered a prodromal symptom. On the other hand, sarcopenia, polypharmacy, and malnutrition due to deficits are common in PD and lead to [...] Read more.
Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a highly prevalent disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms; the latter include constipation, which is considered a prodromal symptom. On the other hand, sarcopenia, polypharmacy, and malnutrition due to deficits are common in PD and lead to poorer health and quality of life. Objective: to associate constipation and use of levodopa with nutritional status, sarcopenia, duration and stage of the disease, and polypharmacy in individuals with PD. Materials and methods: analytical cross-sectional observational study where an online survey was applied to 161 people suffering from PD. Results: a significant association is observed between constipation and BMI (p = 0.022), as well as between the use of levodopa with BMI (p = 0.049) and polypharmacy (p = 0.046). On the other hand, there is a relationship between the average time of PD diagnosis and constipation (p = 0.0047). Finally, there is a relationship between SARC-F score applied to those over 60 years of age (p = 0.0446) and the use of levodopa. Having sarcopenia, being overweight, and having had the disease for less than five years is associated with a higher probability of experiencing constipation, according to the logistic regression analysis (p > 0.005). Conclusion: nutritional assessment and subsequent follow-up is of vital importance to avoid complications that could be associated with levodopa use, constipation, and sarcopenia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements and Chronic Diseases)
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10 pages, 2538 KiB  
Communication
Indole-3-Butyric Acid, a Natural Auxin, Protects against Fenton Reaction-Induced Oxidative Damage in Porcine Thyroid
by Anna K. Skoczyńska, Aleksandra K. Gładysz, Jan Stępniak and Małgorzata Karbownik-Lewińska
Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 3010; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16173010 - 6 Sep 2024
Viewed by 951
Abstract
We present results on the potential protective antioxidant properties of indole-3-butyric acid. Indole-3-butyric acid is an indole derivative defined as an auxin and widely known as a plant growth regulator. It naturally occurs in Arabidopsis thaliana, which is applied as a model [...] Read more.
We present results on the potential protective antioxidant properties of indole-3-butyric acid. Indole-3-butyric acid is an indole derivative defined as an auxin and widely known as a plant growth regulator. It naturally occurs in Arabidopsis thaliana, which is applied as a model plant in genetic studies. Oxidative damage to membrane lipids (lipid peroxidation; LPO) in porcine thyroid homogenates was induced by Fenton reaction substrates (Fe2+ + H2O2). Iron (Fe2+) was used in very high concentrations of 1200, 600, 300, 150, 75, 37.5, 18.75, 9.375, 4.687, and 2.343 µM. Indole-3-butyric acid (10.0, 5.0, 2.5, 1.25, and 0.625 mM) was applied to check whether it prevents the above process. The LPO level, expressed as malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxyalkenals (MDA + 4-HDA) concentration, was measured spectrophotometrically. Expectedly, Fenton reaction substrates, in a Fe2+ concentration-dependent manner, increased LPO level, with the lowest effective concentration of iron being 9.375 µM. In the case of almost all concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid, this auxin has exhibited very promising antioxidant protection, with the most effective concentrations being 10.0 and 5.0 mM; however, as low concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid at 1.25 mM was still effective. Indole-3-butyric acid used alone did not change the basal level of LPO, which is a favourable effect. To summarise, indole-3-butyric acid has protective antioxidant properties against experimentally induced oxidative damage to membrane lipids in the thyroid, and this is for the first time documented in the literature. This compound can be considered a natural protective agent present in plants, which can serve as a dietary nutrient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements and Chronic Diseases)
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17 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
Associations between Chronic Medical Conditions and Persistent Dietary Supplement Use: The US Military Dietary Supplement Use Study
by Joseph J. Knapik, Daniel W. Trone, Ryan A. Steelman and Harris R. Lieberman
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2253; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142253 - 12 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1173
Abstract
This longitudinal study examined associations between chronic medical conditions (CMCs) and persistent dietary supplement (DS) use. On two separate occasions, 1.3 ± 0.2 years apart, military service members (SMs) (n = 5778) completed identical questionnaires concerning their DS use in the past [...] Read more.
This longitudinal study examined associations between chronic medical conditions (CMCs) and persistent dietary supplement (DS) use. On two separate occasions, 1.3 ± 0.2 years apart, military service members (SMs) (n = 5778) completed identical questionnaires concerning their DS use in the past 6 months and their demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Medical conditions were obtained from a medical surveillance system six months before the first questionnaire and during the period between questionnaires. Diagnoses were grouped into 19 major (largely systemic) and 9 specific CMCs. Conditions diagnosed in both periods (CMCs) were examined in relation to DS use reported on both questionnaires (persistent DS use). After adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors, higher odds of persistent DS use were found in 7 of the 19 major CMCs and 5 of the 9 specific CMCs. SMs with a CMC had 1.25 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.10–1.41) higher adjusted odds of persistent DS use. The three specific CMCs with the highest adjusted odds of persistent DS use were anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 2.30, 95%CI = 1.36–3.89), depression (OR = 2.12, 95%CI = 1.20–3.73), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR = 2.02, 95%CI = 1.02–4.04). Among DS categories, participants with a CMC had higher adjusted odds of persistent vitamins or mineral use (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.12–1.53). Participants with CMCs had a higher prevalence of persistent DS use, especially individual vitamin and mineral use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements and Chronic Diseases)

Other

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17 pages, 6521 KiB  
Systematic Review
Magnesium and Potassium Supplementation for Systolic Blood Pressure Reduction in the General Normotensive Population: A Systematic Review and Subgroup Meta-Analysis for Optimal Dosage and Treatment Length
by Benjamin J. Behers, Brett M. Behers, Christoph A. Stephenson-Moe, Ian A. Vargas, Zhuo Meng, Anthony J. Thompson, Julian Melchor, Caroline N. Wojtas, Manuel A. Rosario, Joel F. Baker, Alexander C. Deevers, Roxann W. Mouratidis and Michael J. Sweeney
Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3617; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213617 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1209
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Studies have shown that consistent reductions of 2 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure (SBP) for the general normotensive population can result in significant decreases in mortality from heart disease and stroke. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the optimal [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Studies have shown that consistent reductions of 2 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure (SBP) for the general normotensive population can result in significant decreases in mortality from heart disease and stroke. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the optimal dose and duration of treatment for magnesium and potassium supplementation, having previously discovered that both reduce SBP by −2.79 and −2.10 mm Hg, respectively. Methods: Placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials examining the effects of magnesium and potassium supplementation on SBP were identified. Pairwise meta-analyses with subgroups for dosage and treatment duration were run. Results: Magnesium at dosages of ≤360 mg/day and durations greater than 3 months reduced SBP by −3.03 and −4.31 mm Hg, respectively. Potassium at dosages of ≤60 mmol/day and durations greater than 1 month reduced SBP by −2.34 and −2.80 mm Hg, respectively. Conclusions: Both supplements demonstrated greater reductions in SBP for the general population at lower dosages and longer treatment durations. Future studies are needed to validate these findings and provide tailored recommendations. These studies could investigate varying dosages over long-term follow-up to provide robust data on optimal dosages and treatment durations, as our findings were limited due to reliance on previously published trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements and Chronic Diseases)
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