Nutrition and Bone Health Among Postmenopausal Latvian Women

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of yoghurt consumption on bone health among postmenopausal Latvian women. In the study, 52 participants were divided into two groups — control (n = 26) and experimental group (n = 26). Both study groups were able to consume a self-selected diet, but the experimental group had to additionally consume 175 g of plain organic milk yoghurt on a daily basis for eight weeks. 72-hour food diaries were obtained prior to and after the eight-week experiment. To evaluate bone mass density, a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed prior to the eight-week experiment. 25-OH-Vitamin D and calcium blood serum levels were evaluated prior to and after the eight-week experiment. DEXA revealed osteoporotic values at the lumbar spine or femoral neck region for ten participants. The 25-OH-Vitamin D blood serum level among the participants was sufficient (30.0–44.9 ng·ml−1). Calcium blood serum levels were within reference values (2.1–2.6 mmol·l−1) for all participants. No significant difference was found regarding yogurt consumption and calcium blood serum levels (p = 0.400). Although the majority of participants noted milk and milk product consumption on a daily basis, the daily calcium intake only reached the lowest recommended value for adults (800 mg). Vitamin D intake from food and dietary supplements significantly varied (0 to 302.08 µg a day). For the prevention of osteoporosis, it is necessary to promote the consumption of fermented milk products and vitamin D supplementation among postmenopausal women.Peer reviewe

The Gut Microbiome among Postmenopausal Latvian Women in Relation to Dietary Habits

Funding Information: This research was funded by the Project “Scientifically substantiated fermented milk products development and their clinical studies”, grant number 19-00-A01612-000009, financed by European agricultural fund for rural development. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.In recent years, many studies have been initiated to characterise the human gut microbiome in relation to different factors like age, lifestyle, and dietary habits. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of yoghurt intake on the gut microbiome among postmenopausal women and how overall dietary habits modulate the gut microbiome. In total, 52 participants were included in the study and two groups—a control (n = 26) and experimental group (n = 26)—were established. The study was eight weeks long. Both study groups were allowed to consume a self-selected diet, but the experimental group had to additionally consume 175 g of plain organic milk yoghurt on a daily basis for eight weeks. In addition, a series of questionnaires were completed, including a questionnaire on the subject’s sociodemographic background, health status, and lifestyle factors, as well as a food frequency questionnaire. Stool samples were collected for the analysis of the gut microbiome (both prior to and after the eight weeks of the study). Sequencing of V4-V5 regions of the 16S rRNA gene was used to determine the bacterial composition of stool samples. The dominant phylum from the gut microbiome was Firmicutes (~70% to 73%), followed by Bacteroidota (~20% to 23%). Although no significant changes in the gut microbiome were related to daily consumption of yoghurt, we report that consumption of food products like grains, grain-based products, milk and milk products, and beverages (tea, coffee) is associated with differences in the composition of the gut microbiome. Establishing nutritional strategies to shape the gut microbiome could contribute to improved health status in postmenopausal women, but further research is needed.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Iodine deficiency in Latvia : Current status and need for national recommendations

Publisher Copyright: © 2017 De Gruyter Open Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright: Copyright 2018 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.In the absence of a mandatory salt iodisation programme, two nationwide cross-sectional cluster surveys revealed persisting iodine deficiency among Latvian schoolchildren during the spring season and a noteworthy iodine deficiency in pregnant women in Latvia; these deficiencies warrant intervention. The consequences of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation can adversely affect foetal brain development. Data from a Latvian population survey revealed the consumption of approximately 100 μg of iodine per day through foods and iodised salt. Therefore, strategies to increase the consumption of iodine-containing products should be implemented, particularly for children. In addition, to meet the increased iodine requirement during pregnancy, pregnant women should take daily supplements containing 150 μg iodine from the earliest time possible. All women of childbearing age should be advised to increase their dietary iodine intake by using iodised table salt and iodine-rich products: seafood, milk and milk products. For women with pre-existing thyroid pathologies, the medical decision should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Urinary iodine concentration monitoring among schoolchildren and pregnant women and neonatal thyrotropin registry analysis every five years would be an appropriate strategy for maintaining iodine intake within the interval that prevents iodine deficiency disorders.Peer reviewe

Milk as an essential source of iodine in Latvian population

Publisher Copyright: © 2017 De Gruyter Open Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright: Copyright 2018 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Milk and dairy products are studied as alternative iodine sources, because salt iodisation is controversial due to high salt consumption leading to cardiovascular diseases. However, the iodine concentration in milk markedly varies. This study evaluated the iodine concentration in cow's milk available in the Latvian market. Iodine and fat concentration was analysed with a spectrophotometer "Varian Cary 50" based ISO 2446:2008 in 20 milk samples. Data from the Central Statistical Bureau and survey among pregnant women were used to analyse milk product consumption and its impact on iodine status. Average iodine concentration in milk samples was 457.6 (179.6) μg/L, winter samples had a higher concentration of iodine than summer samples: 563.4 (329.6) μg/L and 469.2 (162.0) μg/L, but this is not statistically significant p < 0.05. Iodine concentration in skimmed milk was 490 μg/L, milk with the reduced fat content 501.7 (174.8) μg/L, and whole milk - 422.6 (192.1)1 μg/L. Milk consumption decreased from 2002 to 2014, while yogurt and cheese consumption increased. Higher consumption of milk and milk products was related to higher urinary iodine concentration ρ = 0.115; p = 0.003. Milk and milk products are an important iodine source in Latvia and their consumption should be promoted.publishersversionPeer reviewe