Study Protocol – Metabolic syndrome, vitamin D and bone status in South Asian women living in Auckland, New Zealand: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind vitamin D intervention

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The identification of the vitamin D receptor in the endocrine pancreas suggests a role for vitamin D in insulin secretion. There is also some limited evidence that vitamin D influences insulin resistance, and thus the early stages of the development of type 2 diabetes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Eighty-four women of South Asian origin, living in Auckland, New Zealand, were randomised to receive either a supplement (4000IU 25(OH)D₃per day) or a placebo for 6 months. At baseline, all participants were vitamin D deficient (serum 25(OH)D₃<50 nmol/L), insulin resistant (HOMA-IR > 1.93) and/or hyperinsulinaemic, hyperglycemic or had clinical signs of dislipidaemia. Changes in HOMA-IR, lipids, parathyroid hormone, calcium and bone markers were monitored at 3 months and 6 months.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This randomised, controlled trial will be the first to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects. It will subsequently contribute to the growing body of evidence about the role of vitamin D in metabolic syndrome.Registered clinical.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Registered clinical trial – Registration No. ACTRN12607000642482</p

Associations of protein intake, sources and distribution on muscle strength in community-dwelling older adults living in Auckland, New Zealand

Protein intake, sources and distribution impact on muscle protein synthesis and muscle mass in older adults. However, it is less clear whether dietary protein influences muscle strength. Data were obtained from the Researching Eating Activity and Cognitive Health (REACH) study, a cross-sectional study aimed at investigating dietary patterns, cognitive function and metabolic syndrome in older adults aged 65–74 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a 4-d food record and muscle strength using a handgrip strength dynamometer. After adjusting for confounders, in female older adults (n 212), total protein intake (β = 0⋅22, P < 0⋅01); protein from dairy and eggs (β = 0⋅21, P = 0⋅03) and plant food sources (β = 0⋅60, P < 0⋅01); and frequently consuming at least 0⋅4 g/kg BW per meal (β = 0⋅08, P < 0⋅01) were associated with higher BMI-adjusted muscle strength. However, protein from meat and fish intake and the coefficient of variance of protein intake were not related to BMI-muscle strength in female older adults. No statistically significant associations were observed in male participants (n = 113). There may be sex differences when investigating associations between protein intake and muscle strength in older adults. Further research is needed to investigate these sex differences

Effects of Greenshell™ mussel intervention on biomarkers of cartilage metabolism, inflammatory markers and joint symptoms in overweight/obese postmenopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of whole greenshell mussel (GSM) powder on biomarkers of cartilage metabolism, inflammatory cytokines, and joint symptoms in postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity and joint discomfort.DesignFifty-five postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to receive 3 g/day whole GSM powder or placebo for 12 weeks. Cartilage turnover biomarkers urinary C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) and serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) were measured at baseline, week 6 and 12. Plasma cytokines were measured at baseline and week 12. Joint pain and knee-related problems were assessed at baseline and week 12 using a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire, respectively.ResultsForty-nine participants completed the study (GSM n = 25, placebo n = 24). After 12 weeks, urinary CTX-II showed no significant change over time or between the groups (interaction effect P = 0.1). However, in women with symptomatic knees, a significant difference was noted between the group (treatment effect P = 0.04), as it was lower in the GSM group compared to placebo group at week 6 (P = 0.04) and week 12 (P = 0.03). Serum COMP and plasma cytokines were not affected. GSM supplementation showed greater reduction in the VAS pain score than placebo (−13.2 ± 20.3 vs. −2.9 ± 15.9; P = 0.04). No significant change in KOOS domains between the two groups was observed.ConclusionOral supplementation of whole GSM powder at 3 g/day may slow down the degradation of type II collagen in postmenopausal women with symptomatic knees. GSM treatment conferred clinical benefit on overall joint pain. No significant effect was noted for inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that GSM may act within the joint microenvironment rather than at the systemic level.Clinical trial registration[www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au/clinical-trialregistries], identifier [ACTRN12620000413921p]

Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplements in children with autism spectrum disorder: a study protocol for a factorial randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: There is strong mechanistic evidence to suggest that vitamin D and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs), specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have the potential to significantly improve the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there are no trials that have measured the effect of both vitamin D and n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on autism severity symptoms. The objective of this 2 × 2 factorial trial is to investigate the effect of vitamin D, n-3 LCPUFAs or a combination of both on core symptoms of ASD. Methods/design Children with ASD living in New Zealand (n = 168 children) will be randomised to one of four treatments daily: vitamin D (2000 IU), n-3 LCPUFAs (722 mg DHA), vitamin D (2000 IU) + n-3 LCPUFAs (722 mg DHA) or placebo for 12 months. All researchers, participants and their caregivers will be blinded until the data analysis is completed, and randomisation of the active/placebo capsules and allocation will be fully concealed from all mentioned parties. The primary outcome measures are the change in social-communicative functioning, sensory processing issues and problem behaviours between baseline and 12 months. A secondary outcome measure is the effect on gastrointestinal symptoms. Baseline data will be used to assess and correct basic nutritional deficiencies prior to treatment allocation. For safety measures, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D and calcium will be monitored at baseline, 6 and 12 months, and weekly compliance and gastrointestinal symptom diaries will be completed by caregivers throughout the study period. Discussion To our knowledge there are no randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of both vitamin D and DHA supplementation on core symptoms of ASD. If it is shown that either vitamin D, DHA or both are effective, the trial would reveal a non-invasive approach to managing ASD symptoms. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12615000144516. Registered on 16 February 2015. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1428-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Factors Affecting 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration in Response to Vitamin D Supplementation

Sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D. Due to many lifestyle risk factors vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is becoming a worldwide health problem. Low 25(OH)D concentration is associated with adverse musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal health outcomes. Vitamin D supplementation is currently the best approach to treat deficiency and to maintain adequacy. In response to a given dose of vitamin D, the effect on 25(OH)D concentration differs between individuals, and it is imperative that factors affecting this response be identified. For this review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify those factors and to explore their significance in relation to circulating 25(OH)D response to vitamin D supplementation. The effect of several demographic/biological factors such as baseline 25(OH)D, aging, body mass index(BMI)/body fat percentage, ethnicity, calcium intake, genetics, oestrogen use, dietary fat content and composition, and some diseases and medications has been addressed. Furthermore, strategies employed by researchers or health care providers (type, dose and duration of vitamin D supplementation) and environment (season) are other contributing factors. With the exception of baseline 25(OH)D, BMI/body fat percentage, dose and type of vitamin D, the relative importance of other factors and the mechanisms by which these factors may affect the response remains to be determined

Body composition associations with muscle strength in older adults living in Auckland, New Zealand.

BackgroundAging is associated with decreases in muscle strength and simultaneous changes in body composition, including decreases in muscle mass, muscle quality and increases in adiposity.MethodsAdults (n = 369; 236 females) aged 65-74 years living independently were recruited from the cross-sectional Researching Eating Activity and Cognitive Health (REACH) study. Body fat percentage and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) (sum of lean mass in the arms and legs) were assessed using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (Hologic, QDR Discovery A). The ASM index was calculated by ASM (kilograms) divided by height (meters) squared. Isometric grip strength was measured using a hand grip strength dynamometer (JAMAR HAND).ResultsLinear regression analyses revealed that muscle strength was positively associated with the ASM index (R2 = 0.431, p ConclusionsBody fat percentage should be considered when measuring associations between muscle mass and muscle strength in older adults

Air displacement plethysmography (pea pod) in full-term and pre-term infants: a comprehensive review of accuracy, reproducibility, and practical challenges

Abstract Air displacement plethysmography (ADP) has been widely utilised to track body composition because it is considered to be practical, reliable, and valid. Pea Pod is the infant version of ADP that accommodates infants up to the age of 6 months and has been widely utilised to assess the body composition of full-term infants, and more recently pre-term infants. The primary goal of this comprehensive review is to 1) discuss the accuracy/reproducibility of Pea Pod in both full- and pre-term infants, 2) highlight and discuss practical challenges and potential sources of measurement errors in relation to Pea Pod operating principles, and 3) make suggestions for future research direction to overcome the identified limitations

Study protocol: associations between dietary patterns, cognitive function and metabolic syndrome in older adults – a cross-sectional study

Background - Loss of cognitive function is a significant issue as the world’s population ages. Preserving cognitive function maintains independence in older adults bringing major societal and financial benefits. Lifestyle factors such as diet are modifiable risk factors, which may help preserve cognitive function. Most nutrition research aimed at preserving cognitive function and metabolic health has focussed on individual nutrients and foods, not allowing for food combinations and interactions. A dietary pattern approach considers the entire diet including its complexity. Previous research investigating dietary patterns and cognitive function has not always considered relevant covariates such as physical activity and the Apolipoprotein E genotype, which are known to have associations with cognitive function. The aim of the REACH (Researching Eating, Activity and Cognitive Health) study is to investigate associations between dietary patterns, cognitive function and metabolic syndrome, accounting for a range of covariates. Methods - This cross-sectional study design will recruit older, community-living adults (65–74 years) from Auckland, New Zealand. Dietary data will be collected via a 109-item food frequency questionnaire validated using a 4-day food record. Cognitive function will be assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (paper based) and the Computerised Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS) - a testing suite covering six domains. Additional data will include genetic (Apolipoprotein E ε4) and biochemical markers (fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipids profile), anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist and hip circumference, body composition using dual X-ray absorptiometry), blood pressure, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire – short form) and health and demographics (questionnaire). Dietary patterns will be derived by principal component analysis. Associations between cognitive function and dietary patterns will be examined using multiple regression analysis. Covariates and interaction factors will include age, education, socio-economic status, physical activity, Apolipoprotein E ε4 genotype, family history of dementia or cognitive impairment, and lifestyle factors. Differences between participants with and without metabolic syndrome will also be examined. Discussion - This study will bring new knowledge regarding associations between dietary patterns and cognitive function and metabolic health in older adults living in New Zealand. This is important for developing nutrition related recommendations to help older adults maintain cognitive function

Validity of Quantitative Ultrasound and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis against Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry for Measuring Bone Quality and Body Composition in Children

Background: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a well-regarded device for primarilymeasuring bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition. [...

Vitamin D and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Review

Low vitamin D status in early development has been hypothesised as an environmental risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), given the concurrent increase in the prevalence of these two conditions, and the association of vitamin D with many ASD-associated medical conditions. Identification of vitamin D-ASD factors may provide indications for primary and secondary prevention interventions. We systematically reviewed the literature for studies on vitamin D-ASD relationship, including potential mechanistic pathways. We identified seven specific areas, including: latitude, season of conception/birth, maternal migration/ethnicity, vitamin D status of mothers and ASD patients, and vitamin D intervention to prevent and treat ASD. Due to differences in the methodological procedures and inconsistent results, drawing conclusions from the first three areas is difficult. Using a more direct measure of vitamin D status—that is, serum 25(OH)D level during pregnancy or childhood—we found growing evidence for a relationship between vitamin D and ASD. These findings are supported by convincing evidence from experimental studies investigating the mechanistic pathways. However, with few primary and secondary prevention intervention trials, this relationship cannot be determined, unless randomised placebo-controlled trials of vitamin D as a preventive or disease-modifying measure in ASD patients are available