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Nutrition and Quality of Life for Patients with Chronic Disease

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 3929

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: epidemiology; public health; health promotion; disease prevention; evidence-based practice
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: clinical nursing; cardiovascular nursing; chronic disease management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue "Nutrition and Quality of Life for Patients with Chronic Disease" examines the intricate relationship between dietary practices and the general well-being of people with chronic diseases. It explores how individualized dietary therapies might improve physical and mental health outcomes, reduce symptoms, and possibly even stop the course of the disease, significantly improving the quality of life for these individuals. This topic encompasses the impact of specific diets on illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease, along with the role of micronutrients and dietary supplements. In addition, it examines the psychological elements of dieting and emphasizes the need for patient education to help people make long-lasting lifestyle changes. This Special Issue aims to provide medical practitioners with useful insights for improving patient care through nutritional treatment.

Dr. Evridiki Patelarou
Dr. Konstantinos Giakoumidakis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • cardiovascular disease
  • chronic disease
  • chronic kidney disease
  • diabetes
  • dietary adherence
  • dietary patterns
  • dietary supplements
  • mental health
  • micronutrients
  • nutrition
  • patient education
  • personalized nutrition
  • physical health
  • quality of life
  • symptom management
  • epidemiology
  • public health
  • disease prevention

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1246 KiB  
Article
Daily Orange Consumption Reduces Hepatic Steatosis Prevalence in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Exploratory Outcomes of a Randomized Clinical Trial
by Maria Notarnicola, Valeria Tutino, Valentina De Nunzio, Anna Maria Cisternino, Miriam Cofano, Rossella Donghia, Vito Giannuzzi, Marianna Zappimbulso, Rosa Anna Milella, Gianluigi Giannelli and Luigi Fontana
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3191; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183191 - 20 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2165
Abstract
Background: Consumption of flavonoid-rich orange juice has been shown to reduce adiposity and liver steatosis in murine models of diet-induced obesity. However, little is known about the effects of whole orange intake, independent of body weight changes, on liver function and steatosis [...] Read more.
Background: Consumption of flavonoid-rich orange juice has been shown to reduce adiposity and liver steatosis in murine models of diet-induced obesity. However, little is known about the effects of whole orange intake, independent of body weight changes, on liver function and steatosis in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The goal is to understand the direct impact of orange consumption on metabolic health. Methods: Sixty-two men and women aged 30–65 with MASLD (Controlled Attenuation Parameter, (CAP) > 275 dB/m) were randomly assigned to consume either 400 g of whole oranges or non-citrus fruits daily for 4 weeks. Baseline evaluations included medical assessments, blood tests, and body composition. Liver health was assessed using transient elastography (FibroScan®) for steatosis and fibrosis, conducted by blinded personnel. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05558592). Results: After 4 weeks of orange supplementation, liver steatosis decreased in the treatment group, with 70.9% showing steatosis compared to 100% in controls (p < 0.004), indicating a 30% reduction in liver disease prevalence. There were no significant changes in fibrosis or plasma liver enzymes, though plasma gamma glutaril transferase (GGT) levels decreased significantly. Body weight, waist circumference, body composition, lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin, and C-reactive protein levels remained unchanged. Dietary analysis revealed no change in caloric intake, but vitamins C, A, thiamine, and riboflavin increased in the orange group. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that phytochemical-rich foods, especially whole fruits like oranges, may enhance liver function as an adjunct treatment for MASLD. The notable reduction in liver steatosis prevalence occurred independently of body weight changes. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of orange supplementation on steatosis and fibrosis progression and to identify the specific bioactive compounds and mechanisms involved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Quality of Life for Patients with Chronic Disease)
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15 pages, 533 KiB  
Article
A Qualitative Study Supporting Optimal Nutrition in Advanced Liver Disease—Unlocking the Potential for Improvement
by Shaye Ludlow, Katherine Farragher, Kelly Squires, Susan Heaney, Jessica Orman, Sarah Pullen, John Attia and Katie Wynne
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2403; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152403 - 24 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1114
Abstract
Malnutrition rates in Advanced Liver Disease (ALD) are significantly higher than those in well-compensated liver disease. In addition to its physiological impact, malnutrition is detrimental for quality of life and social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Studies within oncology and renal supportive care have [...] Read more.
Malnutrition rates in Advanced Liver Disease (ALD) are significantly higher than those in well-compensated liver disease. In addition to its physiological impact, malnutrition is detrimental for quality of life and social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Studies within oncology and renal supportive care have identified the influence of non-physiological factors on malnutrition risk. Integrating similar factors into malnutrition screening for ALD could improve identification of at-risk patients to optimize treatment planning. This qualitative study aimed to understand the holistic factors influencing nutritional status in the ALD population. Semi-structured interviews with 21 patients, carers, and clinicians explored the experiences of malnutrition in ALD. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: (i) appropriateness of healthcare delivery; (ii) health- and food-related factors; (iii) high symptom burden, (iv) social support impacting well-being, and (v) physical and structural supports. Current screening methods do not adequately capture all potential drivers of malnutrition in the ALD population. Adopting a more supportive approach including both physiological and non-physiological factors in ALD malnutrition screening may promote more timely and comprehensive nutritional interventions that address the complex and holistic needs of patients living with ALD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Quality of Life for Patients with Chronic Disease)
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