Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Sciences

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25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in paediatric cancer patients from Scotland: A prospective cohort study
(Cambridge University Press, 2016-12-15) Revuelta-Iniesta, Raquel; Paciarotti, Ilenia; Davidson, Isobel; McKenzie, Jane; Brand, Celia; Chin, Richard; Brougham, Mark FH; Wilson, D. C.
Children with cancer are potentially at high risk of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] inadequacy and despite UK vitamin D supplementation guidelines their implementation remains inconsistent. Thus, we aimed to investigate 25(OH)D concentration and factors contributing to 25(OH)D inadequacy in paediatric cancer patients. A prospective cohort study of Scottish children aged <18 years, diagnosed with and treated for cancer (patients) between Aug 2010-Jan 2014 was performed, with control data from Scottish healthy children (controls). Clinical and nutritional data were collected at defined periods up to 24 months. 25(OH)D status was defined by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (2013); inadequacy [<50 nmol/L: deficiency (<25 nmol/L), insufficiency (25-50 nmol/L)], sufficiency (51-75 nmol/L), optimal (>75 nmol/L). Eighty-two patients [median(IQR) age 3.9(1.9-8.8); 56% males)] and 35 controls [median(IQR) age (6.2(4.8-9.1); 49% males] were recruited. 25(OH)D inadequacy was highly prevalent in the controls (63%; 22/35), and in the patients (64%; 42/65) at both baseline and during treatment (33-50%). Non-supplemented children had the highest prevalence of 25(OH)D inadequacy at every stage with 25(OH)D median(IQR) ranging from 32.0 (21.0-46.5) nmol/L to 45.0(28.0-64.5) nmol/L. Older age at baseline [R=-0.46; p<0.001], overnutrition (BMI ≥85th centile) at 3 months [p=0.005; RR=3.1] and not being supplemented at 6 months (p=0.04; RR=4.3) may have contributed to lower plasma 25(OH)D. Paediatric cancer patients are not at higher risk of 25(OH)D inadequacy than healthy children at diagnosis; however prevalence of 25(OH)D inadequacy is still high and non-supplemented children have a higher risk. Appropriate monitoring and therapeutic supplementation should be implemented.
A Randomised Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of a Nucleotide-Containing Supplement Nucell on Symptoms of Participants with the Common Cold - A Pilot Study
(ECronicon, 2016-05-20) Davidson, Isobel; Fyfe, Lorna
Objectives: To ascertain whether a nucleotide containing nutritional supplement Nucell attenuates self-reported symptoms of the common cold. Design: A randomised controlled trial. Setting: A University. Participants: Participants with self-reported symptoms of the common cold but otherwise healthy individuals. Intervention: Nucell capsules containing a yeast-based nucleotide preparation or placebo were provided over a 28 day period. Outcome Measures: Subjective ratings of symptoms were recorded by self-administered questionnaires using a nine-point scale. Salivary IgA concentrations were analysed from samples collected during the first 7 days and then at days 14,21 and 28 of supplementation. Total and white blood cell counts were also measured throughout the intervention. Results: Thirty-six participants completed the study. Nineteen received Nucell and 17 received the placebo. The mean age of participants was similar (29.8 + 2.5 in Nucell group v 30.7 + 2.7 in control group) and the time participants had been suffering from cold-related symptoms was not significantly different in each treatment group (2.5 + 0.40 days in Nucell v 2.9 + 0.47 days in control group). Severity of self-reported symptoms was significantly attenuated in the Nucell treated group in the first week of supplementation for questions asked with respect to taste, painful sinuses and earache (p< 0.05). Supplementation with Nucell did not adversely affect total or differential white blood counts. Conclusion: These results suggest that Nucell supplementation administered as a treatment for cold-related symptoms may reduce the severity of specific symptoms particularly in the early infective phase. In conclusion, Nucell supplementation may provide subjective relief of some cold-related symptoms and may be of significant benefit administered as a treatment in participants where sinus pain, earache and diminished taste are common symptoms.
A randomised trial of the impact of energy density and texture of a meal on food and energy intake, satiation, satiety, appetite and palatability responses in healthy adults
(Elsevier, 2014-10) Pritchard, Sarah J.; Davidson, Isobel; Jones, Jacklyn; Bannerman, Elaine
Background & aims: Texture modified diets may be enriched to optimise the opportunity for individuals to meet their required energy intakes; however there is insufficient evidence supporting this strategy. Thus we sought to investigate the effect of texture and energy density on food (g) and energy intakes (kcal), appetite (satiation and satiety), and palatability in healthy adults. Methods: A single blind within-subjects randomised crossover design, where 33 healthy adults consumed a test meal with either its texture and/or energy density altered, until satiation was reached whilst rating their appetite parameters. Subsequent intakes were recorded in a food diary to determine the effect of the treatments on satiety and identify any evidence of energy compensation. Results: Test meal energy intakes (kcal) were significantly higher with energy enrichment of both meals (standard texture; 315 kcal and texture modified; 303 kcal (p = 0.001)) and remained higher over the day for both (260 kcal/d and, 225 kcal/d respectively (p < 0.05)). Area under the curve (AUC) did not differ between meals for hunger, fullness, or desire to eat however palatability was significantly reduced with texture modification. Conclusions: Enriching meals (standard texture and texture modified) is an effective method to increase short term energy intakes in healthy adults over a 24 h period and may have application to optimise energy intakes in a clinical setting. Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT00123456. 2013 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism.
A study of fluid provision and consumption in elderly patients in a long-stay rehabilitation hospital
(2015-07) Gaff, L.; Jones, Jacklyn; Davidson, Isobel; Bannerman, Elaine
Background Adequate hydration is key to good clinical care and essential for preventing problems in elderly patients such as constipation, pressure sores and confusion. The present study aimed to evaluate fluid provision and consumption in elderly patients against current standards for Scottish hospitals. Methods A service evaluation, of fluid provision and consumption over 24 h by elderly orthopaedic rehabilitation patients in a long-stay hospital in Scotland was conducted. Fluids provided and consumed from trolley services, those at meal times and beverages from jugs of water were measured. The average fluid content of a jug, cup and glass on each ward was determined. Each jug of water provided was recorded, as was the acceptance of hot and cold drinks offered. Intake was determined by measuring the leftover water in each jug when these were refreshed and any leftover liquid in patients' cups deducted from that provided. Observations were made with respect to the presentation and encouragement of fluids. Results Fifty-eight patients (12 males, 46 female, aged ≥65 years) were monitored, of whom 56 were provided with more than the recommended minimum fluid per day [mean (SEM) = 2379 (82) mL]; however, mean intake was lower than recommended [mean (SEM) = 1302 (60) mL; P = 0.002]. Provision of drinks from a trolley service [mean (SEM) = 956 (44) mL] was less than fluid from jugs [mean (SEM) = 1398 (54) mL; P = 0.002]; however, the consumption of drinks from the trolley was greater [77% consumed, mean (SEM) = 770 (46) mL] than from jugs [41% mean (SEM) = 514 (36) mL; P < 0.001]. Conclusions Patients consumed significantly more fluid from individual beverages than jugs. Consideration of the method of fluid provision is important with respect to influencing fluid intakes.
The absorption, metabolism and excretion of flavan-3-ols and procyanidins following the ingestion of a grape seed extract by rats
(Cambridge University Press, 2007-03-08) Tsang, Catherine; Auger, Cyril; Mullen, William; Bornet, Aurélie; Rouanet, Jean-Max; Crozier, Alan; Teissedre, Pierre-Louis
Rats were fed a grape seed extract (GSE) containing (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin and dimers, trimers, tetramers and polymeric procyanidins. Liver, kidney, brain and gastrointestinal (GI) tract together with plasma, urine and faeces were collected over a 24 h period and their flavan-3-ol content was analysed by HPLC with tandem mass spectrometry and diode array detection. Small amounts of the GSE flavan-3-ols moved out of the stomach and into the duodenum/jejunum, and to a greater extent the ileum 1 h after ingestion, and into the caecum after 2 h with relatively small amounts being detected in the colon after 3 h. The GI tract contained the parent GSE flavan-3-ols and procyanidins with only trace amounts of metabolites and there were no indications that proanthocyanidins were depolymerised in the GI tract releasing monomeric flavan-3-ols. Plasma contained exclusively catechin glucuronides and methylated glucuronide metabolites which were also detected in the liver and kidneys. These metabolites were also present in urine together with sulphated metabolites and low amounts of the procyanidin dimers B1, B2, B3 and B4 as well as the trimer C2 and an unknown GSE trimer. The amounts of (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin metabolites excreted in urine relative to the quantity of the monomers ingested were 27 and 36 %, respectively, after 24 h. This is similar to the levels of urinary excretion reported to occur by other investigators after feeding (−)-epicatechin to rats and provides further, albeit indirect, evidence that the procyanidin oligomers in the GSE were not depolymerised to monomers to any extent after ingestion. No convincing analytical data were obtained for the presence of flavan-3-ol metabolites in the brain.
An exploratory study of hand length as a surrogate measure of height
(Wiley, 2016-02-26) Casey, A. M.; Smith, Sara
An investigation into food and fluid provision and consumption in a Scottish rehabilitation hospital for older adults
(Elsevier, 2015-10) Ofstad, TWK; Bannerman, Elaine; Davidson, Isobel; Jones, Jacklyn
An Investigation of the Relationship between Indices of Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adult Females
(Science Domain International, 2014) Lewis, H.; Smith, Sara
Background: According to the World Health Organisation [1] obesity is now a “global epidemic”, ranking as the fifth most common cause of death worldwide. Obesity prevalence has more than doubled over the past two decades [2], with particularly high levels in Scotland [3]. Obesity shows strong associations with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the largest single cause of death in the UK [4]; accounting for one in three deaths. Currently NICE [5] recommend using body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) for obesity assessment. Recently Krakauer and Krakauer [6] proposed the novel “a body shape index” (ABSI) for better predicting mortality hazard. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between BMI, WC, percentage body fat (%BF), ABSI and various cardiovascular risk factors in adult females. Methods: The study was granted university ethical approval had an observational cross-sectional design and recruited through convenience sampling. International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry methodologies were used to measure height, weight and WC. Single frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis enabled estimation of %BF. BMI (kg/m2) was calculated by dividing weight (kg) by height squared (m2). ABSI (m11/6 kg-2/3) was calculated by dividing WC (m) by BMI2/3 (kg/m2) height½ (m) using an online calculator. Physical activity levels (PAL) and sitting time were estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and self-reports of alcohol intake and alcoholic binges were also obtained. Vascular health was determined via: blood pressure (BP); carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the augmentation index (AIx) using a Vicorder™ device. SPSS v.19 was used to determine Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients for normally distributed data (WC, ABSI, sitting time, systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean BP) and Spearman’s correlation coefficients for all other data. Results: 29 healthy females aged 27±8years were recruited from Queen Margaret University. The average BMI was 23.3±4.2kg/m2, %BF 23.4±7.4%, WC 73.8±8.7cm and ABSI 0.07±0.004m11/6kg-2/3. ABSI correlated weakly (r=0.1-0.3) and non-significantly (p>0.05) with all CVD risk factors. Established body composition indices revealed significant moderate-strength correlations (r=0.36-0.67), including: alcohol intake with BMI (p=0.04, r2=0.15), %BF (p=0.04, r2=0.14) and WC (p=0.02, r2=0.20); alcoholic binges with BMI (p=0.03, r2=0.16) and WC (p=0.01, r2=0.24); sitting time with BMI (p=0.02, r2=0.19); systolic BP with BMI (p=0.03, r2=0.17); diastolic BP with WC (p=0.02, r2=0.20); and mean BP with both BMI (p=0.04, r2=0.15) and WC (p=0.02, r2=0.19). Discussion: In this small-scale study no evidence of a significant correlation was found between ABSI and the CVD risk factors investigated. Furthermore, several limitations were apparent: The sample was small and consisted of a particularly young healthy population, thus suggesting insufficient external validity and it is debatable whether all participants fully complied with the pre-test protocol, which may have influenced the results. Conclusion: Findings corroborate current recommendations for using established indices of body composition, particularly BMI and/or WC for identifying early risks of CVD. However, definitive conclusions regarding whether or not ABSI can be used as a predictor for CVD risk cannot be made. Further work in a larger more diverse population involving multiple regressions is warranted.
Anthocyanin-rich Potato Improves Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Healthy Human Adults
(2017) Tsang, Catherine; Almoosawi, S; Smail, Nacer Foudil; Al-Dujaili, Emad
Arterial stiffness is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and dietary polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, may play an important role in mediating vascular tone. The present single-blind randomised cross-over placebo controlled study investigated the effect of consumption of an anthocyanin-rich potato, Purple Majesty (PM) in 14 healthy male and female adults. Participants consumed 200 g of cooked PM containing 114 mg anthocyanins, or placebo (Osprey) with negligible anthocyanin content for 14 days, separated by a 1-week washout period. Non-invasive assessment of vascular tone (arterial stiffness) by pulse wave velocity (PWV) was determined in addition to systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides, glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and c-reactive protein (CRP). Arterial stiffness was significantly reduced (p=0.001) following PM consumption. There were no significant changes with any other clinical parameter measured, and no changes were observed following placebo. PM contained higher levels of total phenolics, total anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity and daily consumption of PM over 14 days was well tolerated by participants. The findings from this study suggest improved vascular tone following daily consumption of PM and inclusion in the diet could provide a rich and valuable source of anthocyanins.
Antioxidant Rich Potato Improves Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Adults
(Springer, 2018-06-26) Tsang, Catherine; Smail, Nacer Foudil; McDougall, G. J. M.; Al-Dujaili, Emad
Arterial stiffness is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease and dietary anthocyanins may be important in mediating vascular tone. The present study investigated the effect of consumption of an anthocyanin-rich potato, Purple Majesty on arterial stiffness measured as pulse wave velocity in 14 healthy male and female adults. Participants consumed 200 g/day of cooked purple potato containing 288 mg anthocyanins, or a white potato containing negligible anthocyanins for 14 days, separated by a 7-day washout period. Non-invasive assessment of vascular tone by pulse wave velocity was determined in addition to systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, glucose, insulin and C-reactive protein. Pulse wave velocity was significantly reduced (p = 0.001) following Purple Majesty consumption for 14-days. There were no significant changes with any other clinical parameter measured, and no changes following white potato consumption. The findings from this short-term study indicate a potential effect of Purple Majesty consumption on arterial stiffness.
Assessment of Plasma Antioxidants, Oxidative Stress and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Paediatric Cancer Patients: A Prospective Cohort Pilot Study
(ECronicon Open Access, 2015-10-07) Revuelta-Iniesta, Raquel; Wilson, David C.; Brougham, Mark FH; Smail, Nacer Foudil; Davidson, Isobel; McKenzie, Jane; Fergus Maclay Leukaemia Trust; Queen Margaret University; Cancer and Leukaemia Trust
Background: Paediatric cancer patients may have a limited dietary intake, particularly nutrients high in antioxidants, docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA). Objective: To investigate the antioxidant status (TAS), antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress, DHA and EPA of paediatric cancer patients during treatment. Methods: A prospective cohort study of Scottish children aged <18 years, diagnosed with and treated for cancer between April-2013 to Jan-2014 was performed. Clinical data and blood samples were collected at baseline and 6 months. Data were stratified by treatment risk (low, medium and high) and nutritional support. We used Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) Antioxidant Assay to measure TAC, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) for lipid peroxidation and high performance liquid chromatography and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for TAS. The analyses of DHA and EPA were performed by analysing fatty acidmethyl esters (FAME) using gas-liquid chromatography. The reference ranges used were: Yagi 1998 (1.86-3.94) _mol for lipid peroxidation and Damsgaard.,et al. 2014 for EPA (0.45-0.77) % and DHA (2.22-3.76) %. Results: 20 patients (median (IQR) age 4.2 (1.5-8.5) years; 50% males) were recruited. There were no significant changes in plasma TAS, TAC and EPA, but lipid peroxidation significantly decreased from 7.4 (6.2-9.0) at baseline to 5.3 (4.5-6.4) _mol/MDA at 6 months(p = 0.003). The median (IQR) blood percentage of DHA significantly increased from 1.3 (0.9-1.9) to 1.8 (1.3-2.1) (p = 0.001). Lipid peroxidation was high in 95% (19/20) of patients at baseline and 94% (15/16) at 6 months; whilst DHA and EPA were low in 95%(19/20) and 70% (14/20) at baseline and 87.5% (14/16) and 60% (12/16) at 6 months. Children on high-treatment risk exhibited the highest oxidative stress levels. No statitically significant differences were found between non-supplemented and supplemented children in any of the following parameters (TAS, TAC, oxidative stress, EPA and DHA). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of oxidative stress, especially in children treated with high-risk protocols and during the initial phases of treatment. Nutritional support does not appear to provide enough TAS, EPA and DHA in this cohort; however, larger high-quality population based studies are warranted to confirm these findings. Keywords: Paediatric cancer; Antioxidants; Oxidative stress; Docosahexanoic acid; Eicosapentanoic acid
Bioavailability and Urinary Excretion of Phenolic-Derived Metabolites after Acute Consumption of Purple Majesty Potato in Humans
(E-Cronicon, 2015-03-18) Tsang, Catherine; Smail, Nacer F.; McDougall, Gordon J.; Almoosawi, Suzana; Al-Dujaili, Emad A. S.
A novel purple potato variety, Purple Majesty (PM) contains an abundance of phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. The aim of this study was to assess the bioavailability of phenolic compounds in plasma measured as total polyphenols and urinary excretion of phenolic-derived metabolites after acute consumption of cooked PM. Five healthy male subjects (27-60 years; mean BMI: 26.7 ± 4.1) participated in a bioavailability study. Blood and urine were sampled at baseline and following consumption of 400 g cooked PM at 1h, 2h, 4h and 24h. A peak plasma antioxidant capacity was reached 1-2 hours post-consumption (from 1044 ± 281 µmol/L Fe(II) at baseline and increased to 1257 ± 180 after 1 hour (p = 0.045) and 1112 ± 251 µmol/L Fe(II) after 2 hours (borderline significance of p = 0.06). Total phenols level in plasma was reached after 2 hours (from 342.4 ± 28.3 at baseline to 368.4 ± 25 mg/L GAE). Liquid chromatography mass spectrometric (LC-MS) analysis was used to track the levels of anthocyanin-like derivatives and metabolites in the urine of volunteers after intake of the cooked Purple Majesty potatoes. No anthocyanin derivatives were detected in urine by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry indicating levels were < 2 nM. The majority of peaks that increased after intake were putatively identified as sulphated phenolic metabolites. Phenolic glucuronides were identified but other peaks remain unidentified. Hippuric acid was identified as a major phenolic derivative. Hydroxy benzoic derivatives, characteristic of intake of anthocyanins, were not detected in urine, however metabolites expected from the B-ring of petunidin (i.e. methyl gallic acid) may have been obscured by other peaks. Some metabolites could have arisen through metabolism of chlorogenic acid, which is present at ~ equivalent amounts to anthocyanins in cooked PM. In conclusion, acute consumption of PM resulted in an increase in excretion of urinary phenolic-derived metabolites. Identifying these unknown phenolic derivatives warrants further investigation.
Body composition and morphological assessment of nutritional status in adults: a review of anthropometric variables
(Wiley, 2014-11-25) Madden, A. M.; Smith, Sara
Evaluation of body composition is an important part of assessing nutritional status and provides prognostically useful data and an opportunity to monitor the effects of nutrition-related disease progression and nutritional intervention. The aim of this narrative review is to critically evaluate body composition methodology in adults, focusing on anthropometric variables. The variables considered include height, weight, body mass index and alternative indices, trunk measurements (waist and hip circumferences and sagittal abdominal diameter) and limb measurements (mid-upper arm and calf circumferences) and skinfold thickness. The importance of adhering to a defined measurement protocol, checking measurement error and the need to interpret measurements using appropriate population-specific cut-off values to identify health risks were highlighted. Selecting the optimum method for assessing body composition using anthropometry depends on the purpose (i.e. evaluating obesity or undernutrition) and requires practitioners to have a good understanding of both practical and theoretical limitations and to be able to interpret the results wisely.
Challenge your borders: Nutrition and Health
(2019) Tsang, Catherine
Comparing Manuka and other medical honeys as adjunct to antibiotic therapy against facultative anaerobes
(Penerbit UKM, 2022-05) Sievers, Justus Thomas Obiajulu; Moffat, Emily; Yusuf, Khadijah; Sarwar, Nabaa; Bowolaksono, Anom; Fyfe, Lorna
The development of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria has created a push for new treatments, with honeys (especially Manuka) becoming a common focus due to their strong antimicrobial action. However, alternatives to Manuka are necessary, as its production is vulnerable. Additionally, research is lacking on how honey affect facultative anaerobic bacteria grown in anaerobic conditions and how honey and antibiotics interact in these conditions. In order to understand these interactions and find novel honey candidates, we investigated the antibacterial effects of four honeys (two Manuka, one Chilean and one ‘Santa Cruz’ honeydew honey) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown aerobically and anaerobically in broth cultures, and how the honeys affected the action of common antibiotics against these bacteria using agar diffusion assays. We found all honeys to be highly effective at 75% honey, with no significant differences between honeys, showing that other honeys were suitable alternatives to Manuka at such high concentrations. At 20%, oxygen availability and bacterial species impacted the effectiveness of honeys as Santa Cruz honey was most effective aerobically but failed anaerobically, while Manuka honeys were effective against S. aureus but not P. aeruginosa in both conditions, and Chilean honey was ineffective against all samples. The addition of honey increased bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics in some cases, varying with aerobic conditions. The antibacterial activity of the honeys, and differences in conditions whether aerobically or anaerobically, were not correlated with pH, antioxidant capacity or total phenolic count. Since in all cases honeys were either beneficial or of no effect, these results supported the use of honey as adjunct to antibiotic therapy in scenarios such as on bandages, with honeys other than Manuka also being worth consideration.
Comparison of the Effects of High versus Low-Polyphenol Dark Chocolate on Body Weight and Biochemical Markers: A Randomized Trial
(E-Cronicon, 2015-09-12) Farhat, Grace; Drummond, Sandra; Fyfe, Lorna; McDougall, G.; Al-Dujaili, Emad A. S.
Background: Dark chocolate (DC) has amongst the highest content of polyphenols in foods, but the chocolate processing methods may greatly reduce this amount. Few studies addressed the possible detrimental effects of low polyphenol DC on body weight, glucose metabolism and lipid levels, and the potential role of cocoa flavanols in body weight control. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of DC rich and DC low in polyphenols on BMI, fasting blood glucose, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and lipid levels in adults. Methods: Sixty-one participants took part in a randomized parallel trial. Volunteers randomly received 20g daily of either PRDC (polyphenol-rich DC) or of low polyphenol DC (LPDC) for four weeks. Anthropometric measures and blood samples were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks. Results: A significant net increase in BMI (0.17 0.32 kg/m2, p = 0.007), fasting blood glucose (0.44 1.08 mmol/l, p = 0.041) and triglycerides levels (0.13 0.23 mmol/l, p = 0.008) was observed in the low polyphenol DC group following the 4 weeks intervention, while the levels of these parameters did not significantly change in the polyphenol-rich DC group. There was no significant change in hs-CRP levels in both groups. Conclusions: Results show that the intake of PRDC seems to be more metabolically healthy than LPDC intake, and this highlights the potential role of polyphenols in counteracting the negative effects of fat and energy intake in chocolate. The outcomes raise concerns about the polyphenol content and quality of DC products in the market. Further studies are needed to fully investigate the health benefits of dark chocolate intake, compare the effects of different types of chocolate and establish the necessary guidelines of the type and content of polyphenols in the chocolate preparations to ensure their favourable effect on health.
Complementary and alternative medicine usage in Scottish children and adolescents during cancer treatment
(Churchill Livingstone, 2014-11) Revuelta-Iniesta, Raquel; Wilson, M.; White, K.; Stewart, L.; McKenzie, Jane; Wilson, D. C.
Aim: To determine the prevalence of the use of CAM and spiritual practices in the paediatric oncology population of SE Scotland and to establish both the reasons for their use and the perceived benefits. Methods: A retrospective survey was performed using previously piloted questionnaires. These were distributed to families whose children were <18 years and diagnosed with cancer. Demographic and clinical data were collected, descriptive statistics were used to establish frequencies and univariate associations were established by 2 test. Results: Of 169 families approached, 74 (44%) returned completed questionnaires. 41 (55%) families used CAM and 42 (57%) sought spiritual remedies whilst receiving conventional treatment. Higher socioeconomic status was the only factor associated with CAM usage and the most popular therapies were vitamins and minerals ( n=22; 53%), followed by massage ( n=12; 29%) and fish oils ( n=12; 29%). Most families used CAM to reduce stress and, overall, CAM was perceived to be beneficial. Conclusion: The high prevalence of CAM usage in this population highlights the need for physicians to enquire routinely about CAM use and warrants high-quality interventional studies to assess safety and efficacy. Summary: The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among paediatric patients during cancer treatment is popular worldwide, yet data from the UK are scarce. This study showed that more than half of this Scottish cohort used CAM and that there was an overall positive perception of the effect that these therapies had on the patients. Also, socio-economically advantaged families might be more likely to use CAM in Scotland. 2014 Elsevier Ltd.
Compositional analysis of Scottish honeys with antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria reveals novel antimicrobial components
(Elsevier, 2017-01-09) Fyfe, Lorna; Okoro, Paulina; Paterson, Euan; Coyle, Shirley; McDougall, Gordon J.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a major health concern and honey may provide an alternative to antibiotic use under certain conditions. The antimicrobial action of six Scottish honeys and Manuka Medihoney was compared against antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Certain Scottish honeys, such as Highland and Portobello honey 2011, were comparable in effectiveness to the established antimicrobial Medihoney, inhibiting growth to <1 compared to 10 log10 CFU/ ml in the control. Heather honey was the next most active while Blossom honeys were less active. Bacteria were inhibited by a sugar-matched control, but to a lesser extent, indicating that antimicrobial activity was associated with non-sugar components, such as polyphenols. However, total phenol content or antioxidant capacity did not correlate with antimicrobial activity. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis revealed that the composition of polyphenol and non-polyphenol components differed between honeys. In addition, candidate components that could be associated with antimicrobial activity were noted including novel fatty diacid glycoside derivatives not previously identified in honeys.
Consumption of Green Coffee Reduces Blood Pressure and Body Composition by Influencing 11_-HSD1 Enzyme Activity in Healthy Individuals: A Pilot Crossover Study Using Green and Black Coffee
(2014-07) Revuelta-Iniesta, Raquel; Al-Dujaili, Emad A. S.
Dietary polyphenols may have a protective role against the development of CVD. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of green coffee (GC), rich in chlorogenic acid, and black coffee (BC) on cardiovascular markers. A randomised pilot crossover study was performed on healthy subjects who consumed both coffees for 2 weeks. We measured anthropometry, blood pressure, and arterial elasticity after each intervention and collected urine samples to monitor antioxidant capacity. Free cortisol and cortisone levels were obtained from urine and analysed by specific ELISA methods. Systolic blood pressure (P = 0.018) and arterial elasticity (P = 0.001) were significantly reduced after GC. BMI (P = 0.04 for BC; P = 0.01 for GC) and abdominal fat (P = 0.01 for BC; P = 0.009 for GC) were also significantly reduced with no changes in energy intake. Urinary free cortisol was significantly reduced from 125.6 85.9 nmol/day to 76.0 54.9 nmol/day following GC and increased to 132.1 89.1 nmol/day after BC. Urinary free cortisone increased by 18% following BC and 9% following GC (nonsignificant). Cortisol/cortisone ratio (indicating 11_-HSD1 activity) was reduced after GC (from 3.5 1.9 to 1.7 1.04, P = 0.002). This suggests that GC can play a role in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Further research including hypertensive and overweight individuals will now be justified to clarify whether GC could have a therapeutic role in CVD. 2014 R. Revuelta-Iniesta and E. A. S. Al-Dujaili.
Consumption of Pomegranate Juice Attenuates Exercise - Induced Oxidative Stress, Blood Pressure and Urinary Cortisol/Cortisone Ratio in Human Adults
(E-Cronicon, 2016-08-23) Al-Dujaili, Emad A. S.; Good, Gillian; Tsang, Catherine
Background: Oxidative stress is exacerbated in overweight and obese individuals after acute exercise compared with their nonobese counterparts. Antioxidants supplementation of the diet may be one intervention to reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress in this vulnerable population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether polyphenol-rich pomegranate juice attenuates postexercise oxidative stress and contributors to oxidative stress (glucocorticoids) and blood pressure in healthy overweight subjects. Methods: Males and females participated in a randomized placebo controlled parallel pilot-study (mean BMI: 26.7 ± 6.6 kg/m2 ). Two groups of (n = 12) participants received either pomegranate pure juice (500 mL/day containing total polyphenols of 1685 mg GAE/L) or placebo (water matched for total energy) and all participants completed two standardized 30 min treadmill tests (50% Wmax) at baseline and after one week of the intervention. Results: Exercise induced lipid peroxidation (MDA) was lower following pomegranate juice consumption compared with placebo (31.2 ± 10.6 to 26.5 ± 9.8 MDA µmole/day) after 1 week (P = 0.035). Urinary free cortisol was reduced from 179.4 ± 53.2 to 125.6 ± 43.5 nmole/24h which was significant (p = 0.042). In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in urinary free cortisone: from 112.2 ± 40.4 to 187.6 ± 90.2 nmole/24 h (p = 0.045), and a significant decrease in the urinary free cortisol/cortisone ratio (p=0.009) from 1.6 ± 1.1 to 0.67 ± 0.55 following one week of pomegranate juice intake. Pomegranate juice consumption was also found to decrease systolic blood pressure pre-exercise (136.7 ± 11.7 to 131.8 ± 8.8 mmHg (p = 0.007), and post-exercise from 158.8 ± 15.8 to 148.1 ± 12.3 mmHg (p < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (86.3 ± 10.6 to 82.5 ± 6.8 mmHg (p = 0.04) and 103.1 ±12.5 to 93.9 ± 11.5 mmHg (p = 0.001), pre and post exercise, respectively. Correlation results between the change in Cortisol/cortisone ratio with the effect on blood pressure showed a negative significant association post pomegranate juice intake (p = 0.028 for systolic and p = 0,008 for diastolic BP). There were no changes in lipid peroxidation or blood pressure following placebo treatment. Conclusions: These findings suggest that pomegranate juice consumption prior to an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise can alleviate blood pressure and exercise-induced stress in the overweight and obese population.