The association between Vitamin D and health outcomes in women: A review on the related evidence

Background: Vitamin D has a wide range of physiological functions in skeletal and nonskeletal tissues which may play a role in many diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recent evidence regarding the effects of Vitamin D on several health outcomes in women including breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancers, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases through March 2016. We included the most current systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the associations of Vitamin D intake and/or serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with the risk of incidence of breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancers, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Results: Many studies have represented that Vitamin D supplementation and high 25(OH)D levels can decrease the risk of breast cancer occurrence or mortality. However, there is no strong evidence to support the existence of a relationship between Vitamin D and ovarian or endometrial cancers. Furthermore, the results regarding the effects of Vitamin D on hypertension were inconsistent. Although observational studies have shown an association between Vitamin D and hypertension, there is no evidence regarding effectiveness of Vitamin D in lowering blood pressure in several clinical trials. On the other hand, the findings associating the impact of Vitamin D on osteoporosis were more definitive and most studies have represented that Vitamin D may have beneficial effects on osteoporosis. Conclusion: Although the adequate Vitamin D level can play a protective role in the incidence and development of breast cancer, hypertension, and osteoporosis, there is limited evidence regarding ovarian and endometrial cancers

Effects of Paleolithic Diet on Glucose Control in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials

Background: Although the results were conflicting, the Paleolithic diet (PD) was proposed to be effective in improvement of metabolic status. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of PD on glycemic markers. Methods: Online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to December 2017 without any restrictions. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was also calculated using random effects model. Results: Eventually, eight good quality studies were included in the present systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that although adherence to the PD led to reduction of fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations, it was no statistically significant (WMD = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.70, 0.07, P = 0.11). Moreover, compared with the control diets, the PD consumption did not significantly affect other glycemic markers such as 2-h post-prandial blood glucose (2h PBG), insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Conclusions: Adherence to the PD had no significant effect on the glycemic markers, but reduction was observed in FBG levels

Comparison of Energy and Nutrient Contents of Commercial and Noncommercial Enteral Nutrition Solutions

Background: Nutritional support plays a major role in the management of critically ill patients. This study aimed to compare the nutritional quality of enteral nutrition solutions (noncommercial vs. commercial) and the amount of energy and nutrients delivered and required in patients receiving these solutions. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 enterally fed patients. Demographic and clinical data in addition to values of nutritional needs and intakes were collected. Moreover, enteral nutrition solutions were analyzed in a food laboratory. Results: There were 150 patients who fed noncommercial enteral nutrition solutions (NCENS) and 120 patients who fed commercial enteral nutrition solutions (CENSs). Although energy and nutrients contents in CENSs were more than in NCENSs, these differences regarding energy, protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus, and calcium were not statistically significant. The values of energy and macronutrients delivered in patients who fed CENSs were higher (P < 0.001). Energy, carbohydrate, and fat required in patients receiving CENSs were provided, but protein intake was less than the required amount. In patients who fed NCENSs, only the values of fat requirement and intake were not significantly different, but other nutrition delivered was less than required amounts (P < 0.001). CENSs provided the nutritional needs of higher numbers of patients (P < 0.001). In patients receiving CENSs, nutrient adequacy ratio and also mean adequacy ratio were significantly higher than the other group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: CENSs contain more energy and nutrients compared with NCENSs. They are more effective to meet the nutritional requirements of entirely fed patients