The effects of a raw vegetarian diet from a clinical perspective; review of the available evidence

Summary: Vegetarianism is defined as a dietary pattern that is based on abstaining from the consumption of animal products. According to this dietary pattern processed foods have been considered unhealthy, and the consumption of raw plant-based diets and un-processed foods has been encouraged, however, these effects have not been fully proven and there are contradictions. The aim of the current study was to conduct a systematic literature review of the available evidence to assess and investigate the effects of a raw vegetarian diet with a review of clinical trial studies. The literature search to find related studies were performed through three scientific databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar with related keywords. Based on our findings from the literature, a raw vegan diet with more than 90% raw food cannot be recommended for a long time due to micronutrient deficiencies as well as related complications. In order to investigate possible advantages and disadvantages, it seems well-designed clinical trials are necessary to clarify these effects

The effect of honey consumption on lipid profiles in healthy individuals: A randomized clinical trial

Background: It has been indicated in several studies that honey consumption has beneficial effects on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study aimed at examining the effect of honey intake compared with sucrose on lipid profiles in young healthy people. Materials and Methods: This randomized, single-blinded, clinical trial was performed on 60 healthy subjects with the age range of 18 to 30 years. Subjects were randomly divided into honey and sucrose groups. The honey group received 70 g honey per day and sucrose group received 70 g sucrose per day for one month. Lipid profiles of the participants were measured using the enzyme kit and compared in both groups (honey and sucrose) at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. Results: Results showed that there was no significant difference in the mean of the baseline FBS, SBP, and DBP between the honey and sucrose groups (P>0.3). From baseline to four weeks, honey reduced the levels of total cholesterol, TG, and LDL but sucrose intake increased these levels (P<0.3). Also, honey consumption increased HDL but sucrose intake decreased it (P<0.001). We adjusted confounding variables including age, physical activity and some nutrient intakes in all of these analyses. Conclusion: Honey consumption, unlike sucrose, can decrease total cholesterol, TG, and LDL and also can increase HDL in healthy people

The effect of Royal jelly on liver enzymes and glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background: Royal jelly (RJ) may contribute to glycemic control and liver function through various mechanisms. The present study aimed to quantify the effect of RJ supplementation on these outcomes. Methods: A literature search of Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed/Medline, was conducted for RCTs investigating the efficacy of RJ on plasma liver enzymes and glycemic indices. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for net changes using a random-effects model. Results: Ten RCTs were selected for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Combined estimate of effect sizes for the impact of RJ on neither the plasma liver enzymes nor the glycemic indices were statistically significant. Subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction of serum FPG in trials with intervention duration ≥ 8 weeks (WMD: −4.28 mg/dl, 95% CI −7.41 to −1.14 mg/dl, p = 0.007), and those conducted in non-healthy populations (WMD: −4.28 mg/dl, 95% CI −7.41 to −1.14, p = 0.007). Conclusion: RJ does not significantly affect liver function and glycemic profile of adult population. In trials with longer intervention and those conducted in non-healthy populations a significant reduction of serum FBG was observed. This meta-analysis should be repeated in the future, with more primary articles included, in order to provide conclusive results

The relationships between dietary patterns and socioeconomic status with anthropometric and body composition indices in Iranian preschool children: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract Background The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Iranian children is on the rise. Dietary patterns (DPs) and socioeconomic status ( socioeconomic status (SES)) may relate to children's excess weight as a predictor of the risk of obesity in adulthood that may vary by geographical regions. Aim The relationship between DPs and the development of obesity in preschool children has not been adequately evaluated. The present study evaluates this relationship by considering SES. Methods A total of 320 preschool children (4–6 years) were randomly selected from three different areas of Mashhad based on economic status. Dietary intake was evaluated using a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire completed by the children's parents. Anthropometric and body composition variables were measured by means of valid tools and standard methods. socioeconomic status data were collected through a researcher‐made questionnaire. Results Three dominant DPs of ‘healthy’, ‘unhealthy’, and ‘meat‐free’ were identified using factor analysis. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the children who followed meat‐free DP was significantly higher than that of other children (p = 0.004). The means and standard deviations of energy intake, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat‐free mass, and fat mass were 1187.97 ± 356.87 Kcal/day, 16.23 ± 2.28 kg/m2, 54.28 ± 6.49 cm, 16.24 ± 2.23 kg, and 4.62 ± 2.70 kg respectively. Being in the higher levels of SES was significantly related to height (p = 0.02), energy intake (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.003), waist circumference (p = 004), and fat mass (p = 0.002). Conclusions Adherence to meat‐free DP and being in the highest levels of SES may be associated with a greater chance of developing overweight and obesity. Therefore, meat consumption and SES can be used to predict childhood overweight and obesity

L-arginine supplementation and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in healthy men: a double-blind randomized clinical trial [version 2; referees: 2 approved]

Context: The effect of L-arginine on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has mostly focused on western countries. Since cardiovascular diseases is the second cause of death in Iran and, as far as we are aware, there have been no studies about the effect of L-arginine on CVD risk factors, the aim of this trial was to assess the effects of L-arginine supplementation on CVD risk factors in healthy men. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose L-arginine supplementation on CVD risk factors (lipid profile, blood sugar and blood pressure) in Iranian healthy men. Design, setting, participants: We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial in 56 patients selected from sport clubs at the Isfahan University of Medical Science between November 2013 and December 2013. Interventions: Healthy men received L-arginine supplementation (2000 mg daily) in the intervention group or placebo (2000 mg maltodextrin daily) in the control group for 45 days. Main outcome measure: The primary outcome measures were we measured the levels of fasting blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid profile including triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, LDL and HDL in healthy subjects. It was hypothesized that these measures would be significantly improved in those receiving L–arginine supplementation. at the beginning and end of the study. Results: In this trial, we had complete data for 52 healthy participants with mean age of 20.85±4.29 years. At the end of study, fasting blood sugar (P=0.001) and lipid profile (triglycerideTG (P<0.001), cholesterol (P<0.001), LDL (P=0.04), HDL (P=0.015)) decreased in the L-arginine group but we found no significant change in the placebo group. In addition, the reduction of fasting blood sugar and lipid profile in L-arginine was significant compared with placebo group. No significant changes were found about systolic (P=0.81) and diastolic blood pressure either in L-arginine or placebo group. (P=0.532). Conclusion: The use of L-arginine significantly improved outcomes compared to placebo

Comparison of the Effect of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid on Fasting Blood Sugar, Triglyceride, and Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background: It seems that consumption of fish oil results in reduction of cardiovascular diseases risk factor such as triglyceride and blood pressure in diabetic patients. It is not clear which component of fish oil(EPA or DHA) is more important. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, and blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. Material and Methods: The study designed as a triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 60 diabetic men and women, aged 30-65 years, were randomly assigned to consume 1g/d EPA, DHA, and canola oil for 12 week. Fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, and blood pressure were measured before and after the study. Results were analyzed through repeated measure test. Results:. After 12 weeks of intervention, 23 women and 22 men with a mean &plusmn; SD age of 54.9&plusmn; 8.2 completed the study. In comparison with the changes from baseline, FBS and triglyceride levels didn't differ between groups (P>0.05). SBP and DBP reduced in three groups (P= 0.0015 and P= 0.000 respectively) but they didn't differ between groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Consumption of 1g/d EPA or DHA doesn't have any effect on FBS, triglyceride, SBP and DBP. This study is the first one which has compared fish oil components effects in diabetic patients

Evaluation of the effects of pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and nutritional and clinical status in traumatic brain injury patients in an intensive care unit: a randomized clinical trial protocol

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major health and socioeconomic problems in the world. Immune-enhancing enteral formula has been proven to significantly reduce infection rate in TBI patients. One of the ingredients that can be used in immunonutrition formulas to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress is pycnogenol. Objective: The objective of this work is to survey the effect of pycnogenol on the clinical, nutritional, and inflammatory status of TBI patients. Methods: This is a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Block randomization will be used. An intervention group will receive pycnogenol supplementation of 150 mg for 10 days and a control group will receive a placebo for the same duration. Inflammatory status (IL-6, IL- 1&beta;, C-reactive protein) and oxidative stress status (malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity), at the baseline, at the 5th day, and at the end of the study (10th day) will be measured. Clinical and nutritional status will be assessed three times during the intervention. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) questionnaire for assessment of organ failure will be filled out every other day. The mortality rate will be calculated within 28 days of the start of the intervention. Weight, body mass index, and body composition will be measured. All analyses will be conducted by an initially assigned study arm in an intention-to-treat analysis. Discussion: We expect that supplementation of 150 mg pycnogenol for 10 days will improve clinical and nutritional status and reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress of the TBI patients.&nbsp

Clinical data on the effect of L-arginine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in healthy men

<p>Data were collected from 52 healthy male sports club members (aged 18-35) at the Isfahan University Medical Sciences, Ishfan Iran. This was a double blind randomized controlled study where the intervention group were given 2000 mg L-arginine per day and the placebo group were given 2000mg maltodextrin per day over 45 days (November-December 2013). Please see associated article for more detailed methods.</p

Does propolis have any effect on rheumatoid arthritis? A review study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in its pathophysiology. Complementary therapies along with medications may be effective in the control of RA. Propolis is a natural substance extracted from beehives, which have confirmed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study aimed to review the possible effects of propolis on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in patients with RA. English articles in online databases such as PubMed‑Medline, AMED, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Pieces of evidence show that supplementation with propolis may have therapeutic effects on RA patients. Due to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the affected joints of RA patients, propolis could inhibit the inflammatory cascades by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B pathway and reducing reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-17 by increasing some antioxidants. Therefore, inflammation and pain reduce, helping improve and control RA in patients. Further investigations are required with larger sample sizes and different doses of propolis to demonstrate the definite effects of propolis on various aspects of RA