International Journal of Nutrition Sciences
Volume:9 Issue: 1, Mar 2024

Infertility has a significant impact on the quality of lives of infertile couples, necessitating the exploration of approaches to reduce its prevalence and improve fertility chances. This review focuses on the role of tree nuts in male fertility, considering their potential effects on seminal fluid quality and sperm parameters. Nuts are rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C, D, and E, as well as minerals like zinc and selenium, which are known to have a positive influence on fertility. While numerous reviews have summarized the effects of various nutrients on male fertility, there is currently no published review specifically categorizing the effects of tree nuts on male fertility. This review aimed to fill that gap by summarizing the relevant literature on nuts and male infertility. The findings of reviewed studies suggest the beneficial effects of nut consumption on reproductive health and overall health. The improvement in lipid stability, oxidative stress, inflammation indicators, and endothelial function can potentially contribute to better reproductive health, particularly in relation to agedependent decreases in sperm quality and fertility.

Considering that nutritional status is one of the influential factors in the process of recovery of patients with COVID-19, this study was conducted to determine the nutritional status of COVID-19 patients and its relationship with clinical outcomes.

This cross-sectional study included 155 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 disease (18-80 years) using PCR test and chest CT scan. The nutritional status of participants was assessed employing Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire, Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, and Nutrition Risk in Critically(NUTRIC) score.

Among 81 men (52.3%) and 74 women (47.7%) based on MNA, 30 participants (19.4%) and based on GLIM criteria, 42 participants (27.1%) suffered from malnutrition. Also, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (GLIM: p=0.038, p=0.008, respectively; MNA: p=0.04, p=0.01, respectively) and blood oxygen saturation (MNA: p=0.01; GLIM: p=0.012)were significantly associated with nutritional status of participants. MNA and GLIM findings showed a relative agreement of 0.35 (p<0.0001).

Nutritional status was demonstrated to be a critical factor that can affect the clinical condition and recovery process of COVID-19 patients. GLIM was shown to be practical and reliable criteria to measure the nutritional status for diagnosis and prognosis of patients with COVID-19.

Intradialytic hypertension (IDH) is defined as a rise in blood pressure during or immediately after hemodialysis that is associated with increased mortality in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the association between IDH and the nutritional intake of trace and micromineral elements in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Patients with chronic renal failure treated with maintenance hemodialysis were assessed in this case-control study. The participants who had IDH were selected as the case group. The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect nutritional data; and then, the diets of the two groups were analyzed. Totally, 23 patients with IDH and23 without IDH were included in the analysis. Although there was no significant difference in daily calorie intake between the two groups, the mean dietary intake of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and total fat was significantly higher in the IDH group than the control group (p<0.05). In the group with IDH, the phosphorus intake was higher than the recommended amount, while thecontrol group consumed significantly less oral phosphorus. Advising limiting oral phosphorus and sodium consumption along with low-fat diet may help to reduce blood pressure in IDH patients and the subsequent mortality.

Women aged 15-49 years are vulnerable to malnutrition, including undernutrition and overnutrition. This age group is crucial for maternal health and child development. The study aimed to assess the nutritional status of women aged 15-49 years in semi-urban Bangladesh and to identify its determinants. Ina cross-sectional survey of 391 women, data on demographics, socioeconomic status, anthropometry, water, sanitation, and hygiene practices were collected. Nutritional status was categorized using body mass index (BMI) classification. The mean BMI of the participants was 24.5±3.8. Only 5.9% were underweight and 49.4% were normal weight. However, 35.3% were overweight and 9.5% were obese. Regression analysis showed that formal education up to the secondary level and handwashing with only water or water with ash or soil were determinants of maternal nutritional status. Women with secondary education were 4.2 times more likely to be adequately nourished than women with no education. Women who practiced handwashing with only water or water with ash or soil were 78% and 63% more likely to be malnourished, respectively, than women who used soap along with water. This study highlighted the shifting nutritional landscape among women in semi-urban Bangladesh, with increasing rates of overweight and obesity. Formal education and handwashing practices are important determinants of maternal nutritional status. Multifaceted interventions are needed to address these challenges and improve maternal health in this population.

Food safety plays a significant role in the management and recovery of hospitalized patients. This study has assessed knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers on food safety in selected tertiary hospitals in Metro Manila, Philippines. In a cross-sectional analytical design, the knowledge, attitude, and practice levels of 50 food handlers on food safety in four tertiary Metro Manila hospitals were assessed, and the relationship of knowledge, attitude, and practices with sociodemographic characteristics was investigated using a self-administered questionnaire. Food handlers were shown to have fair knowledge (69.73±11.3%), positive attitude (87.8±7.6%), and good practices (84.3±7.8%) on food safety. They had good knowledge on personal hygiene (99%) and cross-contamination (89%), but had poor knowledge on foodborne diseases (42%) and storage temperatures (31%). The majority of the food handlers reported good food safety practices, food safety control, and food storage. No significant association was demonstrated between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers regarding food safety. A correlation was observed between attitude (p=0.4431) and practices (p=0.0013) of food handlers on food safety. Food handlers in hospitals in Metro Manila reported positive attitude and good practices on food safety. Improvement in quality of food services through constant and holistic training and evaluation of food handlers seems essential. The strict compliance to food safety standards should be undertaken to ensure the safety and quality of food served to people.

Some patients cannot feed orally and use enteral nutrition to meet their daily food needs. This study aimed to investigate the calories and macronutrients of enteral formulas prepared in Mashhad hospitals and to design blenderized tube feeding for hospitals. Fifteen samples were taken from each hospital to measure the energy and macronutrients of enteral formulas of Mashhad hospitals. Fresh and natural foods were also used to design blenderized tube feeding. The present study showed that the calories of blenderized tube feeding prepared in the hospitals were between 81-97 kcal/100 mL and in commercial enteral formula between 80-96 kcal/100 mL. In addition, protein, fat, and carbohydrates of blenderized tube feeding prepared in hospitals were between 8-16%, 31-39, and 51-56%, respectively. Also, commercial enteral formula’s protein, fat, and carbohydrates in hospitals were between 13-15%, 30-35, and 49-55%, respectively. Energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate of blenderized tube feeding designed from fresh and natural foods were between 102-112 kcal/100 mL, 16-23%, 31-34%, and 45-51%, respectively. The blenderized tube feeding prepared in hospitals and the commercial enteral formula did not meet the energy requirement of 1 kcal/mL. In addition, the energy and macronutrients of the blenderized tube feeding were used in the present study to design fresh and natural foods and were within the recommended range for patients.

In India, geriatric people aged ≥60 years are an important component of elderly care that warrants further attention. Hence we aimed to assess nutritional status and influencing factors among elderly people in Mathikere, Urban Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. A community based cross sectional study was carried out by doing house to house survey after obtaining informed consent from 195 elderly participants. Sociodemographic and self-reported morbidity details were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Mini nutritional assessment (MNA) tool was utilized to evaluate nutritional status and dietary intake. Cognitive status of elderly was assessed using Hindi Mental Status Examination (HMSE), depression among the elderly was investigated using Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF), functional status was determined by Barthel index and Lawton scale. Anthropometric measurements such as height, midarm circumference, calf circumference were measured by non-stretchable measuring tape and weight was assessed using Equinox EQ-BR 9201 personal weighing scale. With the MNA tool, out of 195 study participants, total prevalence of elderly people who needed nutritional intervention was 56 subjects (28.7%). The independent predictors of risk of malnutrition among the elderly after adjusting other variables in multiple logistic regression analysis were depression by Geriatric Depression Scale, Short Form, Barthel index, Lawton scale and ≥2 self-reported chronic morbidities. Total prevalence of the elderly who needed nutritional intervention living in Karnataka, India was 28.7%. Hence, public health professionals should develop effective screening strategies to detect malnutrition among the elderly.

Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is widely used for recreational purposes. It has stimulatory effect on appetite, so cannabinoid receptor antagonists have been used to decrease food intake and to act peripherally by rising thermogenesis and energy expenditure to control obesity. This in vitro study determined morphological, growth, apoptosis and differential potential of changes in dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) when marijuana wasadded to nutrients of cell culture medium. Wisdom teeth extracted were used to obtain DPSCs, while characterized morphologically, by osteo- and adipo-inductions and flowcytometry for mesenchymal properties. MTT assay identified optimal concentration of cannabis extract. Cells were treated with 120 and 1000 ng/mL of cannabis during seven days period, while proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of DPSCs were assessed. DPSCs were spindle shape and showed mesenchymal characteristics. MTT assay illustrated an increase in cell number until day 5th when DPSCs were treated with 120 and 1000 ng/mL of cannabis, while there was a decreasing trend on day 6th. There was an upregulation of the expression of Bax and COL1A1genes on day 6th when 120 and 1000 ng/mL of cannabis were added to the media in comparison to the control group. The increase in DPSC proliferation and viability when treated with cannabis denotes to its positive impact on cell proliferation during short term period, while a long term exposure to cannabis resulted in apoptosis and a decrease in cell proliferation. These findings reveal an issue of public health concern and alarm for health authorities.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homocysteine increase along with inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The antioxidant properties of sumac might affect homocysteine and hs-CRP levels. We aimed to examine the effects of sumac powder (Rhus Coriaria L) on homocysteine and hs-CRP in patients with T2DM.

In a single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial, conducted in Ardekan city, Yazd, Iran; 60 patients with T2DM were randomly divided into 2 groups to consume either low fat yogurt alone in the control group or along with 6 (2×3 grams) grams of sumac powder daily in the intervention group, for 3 months. Fasting blood samples were used to analyze the fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum homocysteine, and hs-CRP at the baseline and after 90 days. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Fifty-eight individuals (intervention n=30, control n=28) with a mean age of 52.30±7.05 years in the intervention, and 51.61±7.07 years in the control group, finished the study. No significant differences were seen for FBS (p=0.94) and homocysteine (p=0.69) changes between the groups; but hs-CRP changes were significantly different between the groups (p=0.03).

Daily consumption of sumac powder for 3 months may not have a reducing effect on FBS and serum homocysteine. This is while sumac may prevent increment of hs-CRP in patients with T2DM.