Search Results (268)

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health problem associated with various health complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D supplementation in the Czech Republic, understand reasons for supplementation, and assess participants’ knowledge of vitamin D’s physiological effects. Methods: The study included 1812 participants representing the Czech population aged 15+, stratified by gender, age, and regional distribution. Data analysis was performed using SASD 1.5.8, using chi² independence tests and regression analysis. Results: The results revealed that only 13.5% of the participants maintained regular year-round vitamin D supplementation, while 51.5% never supplemented. A slight increase in supplementation was observed during the pandemic (2020–2021). Supplementation patterns were influenced by socioeconomic factors including age, gender, marital status, income, employment, and education (p > 0.001). Regarding vitamin D knowledge, 67.5% and 65.6% of participants recognized its role in immune system modulation and bone health, respectively. There were minor misconceptions, with 1.4% believing that it aggravates allergies and 1.8% linking it to cancer. Knowledge levels varied with education and residence size. Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the Czech population, regular supplementation remains low, indicating the need for enhanced prevention programs and awareness campaigns. Full article

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent pregnancy complication globally. Maternal vitamin D deficiency has been linked to the risk of GDM. The aim of this study was to explore and synthesise current evidence on the association between vitamin D deficiency and the development of gestational diabetes in Western countries. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological framework. Relevant studies were identified through a comprehensive search across seven databases: ProQuest Public Health, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, The Lancet, BMC Public Health, the International Journal of Women’s Health, and Scopus. Studies were included based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria relevant to the research question. The review followed the JBI protocol, and the PRISMA flowchart was used to guide and visualise the study selection process. Results: Nineteen studies were included in the final analysis, comprising research predominantly from Australia (5), the United States (5), and Canada (4). The findings indicate a notable association between vitamin D deficiency and GDM risk, moderated by factors such as maternal age, ethnicity, seasonal variation, and body mass index (BMI). Older maternal age and higher BMI were linked with lower vitamin D levels and a higher incidence of GDM. Ethnic groups with darker skin tones showed higher rates of vitamin D deficiency, increasing vulnerability to GDM. Seasonal patterns revealed lower vitamin D levels during winter months, correlating with greater GDM risk. These patterns underscore the need for targeted preventive strategies, including the potential role of vitamin D supplementation. Conclusions: This review supports an observed association between maternal vitamin D deficiency and increased GDM risk, influenced by demographic and environmental factors. While the evidence points to a potential preventative role for vitamin D, further high-quality research, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, is essential to establish causality and inform clinical guidelines. The review identifies knowledge gaps and suggests directions for future research and clinical practice. Full article

This study investigated the metabolite dynamic changes and transformation pathways in Diqing Tibetan pig (DTP) hams during fermentation (0, 30, 90, 180, 360, 540 d) by widely targeted metabolomics. A total of 873 metabolites in 17 subclasses were detected, with significant changes in 448 metabolites. Additionally, 65 key metabolites were found to be involved in the top 10 pathways, with the top pathways for metabolite markers in mature hams including protein metabolism (2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis) and lipid metabolism (unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism). Overall, the unique DTP ham taste, flavor, and nutritional value may be contributed to by the significant accumulation of essential amino acids, MSG-like amino acids, free fatty acids (arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid), citric acid, oxaloacetic acid, succinic acid, and vitamin B. This study facilitates a comprehensive understanding of metabolic profiling and the transformation pathways of DTP hams during fermentation, providing novel insights into the biochemical mechanisms underlying traditional Tibetan pig hams, bridging traditional knowledge with modern omics technologies. Full article

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is an important crop worldwide, due to its nutritional properties. It is well known as a rich source of vitamins (A, C, and D) and various minerals that are vital in human diets. The aim of this review was to explore the economic viability of organic fertilizers that improve growth, yield, and quality during pineapple production in Africa. This study was conducted through a comprehensive analysis of the literature from peer-reviewed journals. It was reviewed that organic fertilization is a general agricultural approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and soil health through the avoidance of chemicals, including inorganic fertilizers. It was also found that organic fertilizers can effectively improve growth performance, yield, and the quality of the pineapple fruit to levels comparable to those of the fruit grown using inorganic fertilizers. Subsistence and smallholder farmers have adopted organic fertilization more than commercial farmers. Various challenges, including high certification costs, limited market access, high operating costs, inadequate farmer training, and limited knowledge on producing fruit using organic fertilizers, have been reviewed. The potential for higher market prices for organically produced fruit was noted, together with the challenges. Despite higher market prices and environmental benefits from organic fertilization, the economic viability of organic fertilizers for pineapple production is constrained by other factors, such as pest management difficulties, as the policies of conservation agriculture limit the use of chemical pesticides or the introduction of alien species as biocontrol agents. Full article

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) represent significant age-related muscular disorders. Their specific biomarkers and pathophysiological mechanisms remain insufficiently elucidated. This study aims to identify differential and shared biomarkers between these conditions to reveal distinct pathophysiological processes, providing a foundation for precision diagnostics and targeted interventions. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining biomarkers related to sarcopenia and SO in adults aged 45 and older. Electronic and manual searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase up to December 2024. The quality of each study was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Meta-analysis was performed when at least three studies investigated the same biomarkers in frailty and sarcopenia, calculating the pooled effect size based on the standard mean difference using a random effects model. In total, 80 studies (64 on sarcopenia and 16 on SO) were included, encompassing 36,680 older adults (aged 45 and above) from 16 countries with varying levels of development. Participants were categorized based on their setting, age, and gender distribution. Sarcopenia is characterized by lower serum triglycerides and stable HDL/LDL ratios, while SO presents with higher triglycerides and disrupted cholesterol correlation, indicating distinct metabolic interactions. Analysis of inflammatory profiles revealed significantly elevated CRP levels in SO, with WBC as a specific marker, while TNF-α was associated with sarcopenia, suggesting a subtype-specific role of chronic inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in both conditions and may represent a potential therapeutic target. Subgroup analyses indicated an increased risk of muscle function decline in high-risk communities in developing regions, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention. A set of shared metabolic, hematologic, and inflammatory biomarkers was identified in sarcopenia and SO. These findings address a knowledge gap in biomarker research and highlight the distinct mechanisms involved in the development of both conditions. Developing biomarker-based diagnostic algorithms is essential for optimizing personalized treatment. Subgroup analyses have also identified high-risk populations, underscoring the need for early intervention. Full article

Coronary artery disease and vitamin D deficiency are both widespread conditions with a high incidence worldwide. Coronary artery disease is a complex illness with variable manifestation and pathogenesis. It often involves the development of atherosclerosis, and it frequently has serious or even fatal consequences for the patient. Vitamin D receptor expression is found in many tissues throughout the body, which results in a broad effect of the vitamin. Studies have found correlations between vitamin D deficiency and the development of coronary artery disease as well as other cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension. This review will discuss randomized controlled trials conducted from 2020 forward, aiming to elucidate whether vitamin D supplements have the potential to be used as an add-on treatment for coronary artery disease. The randomized controlled trials all used vitamin D as intervention and tested a population suffering from coronary artery disease or the risk of developing it. Even though animal studies found evidence that vitamin D can regulate inflammation, lipid profile, foam cell formation, vessel reactivity, and blood pressure, which are all mediators in the development of atherosclerosis, the results from the randomized controlled trials were ambiguous. The general older population did not seem to benefit from the treatment, but different subgroups such as patients with type 2 diabetes and patients with more developed coronary artery disease exhibited some positive effects from the treatment. Furthermore, vitamin D showed cardioprotective effects following coronary artery bypass surgery, which make it a possible add-on treatment before invasive coronary intervention. The question in focus still needs further research and a more focused approach on subgroups that may benefit from treatment. Full article

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men and represents a major challenge for modern medicine. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the role of vitamins in the pathogenesis of this disease, as well as their potential impact on prevention and supportive treatment. Studies conducted so far suggest that certain vitamins may exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thus supporting the immune response, which may influence cancer risk and treatment efficacy. This article aims to present the current state of knowledge on the role of vitamins in prostate cancer, focusing on their potential importance both in prevention and as an adjunct to therapy. Vitamins A, D, E, C, and B-group compounds may influence prostate cancer development and progression through mechanisms such as antioxidant activity, regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune modulation. Despite promising insights from basic research, clinical studies remain inconclusive, and the effects of vitamin supplementation depend on factors like dosage, form, and individual variability. Therefore, a balanced diet rich in natural vitamins is recommended, while further research is needed to clarify their therapeutic and preventive roles in prostate cancer. Full article

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and immune dysregulation. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays a crucial role in regulating skin cell growth and immune responses, but its expression in psoriatic skin and modulation by treatment remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze VDR mRNA expression in psoriatic skin tissue before and after etanercept therapy using RNAscope, an RNA in situ hybridization technique that, to the best of our knowledge, has not previously been applied in psoriasis research. Two bio-naïve adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis received etanercept (50 mg weekly) for 12 weeks. Skin biopsies from lesional and perilesional areas were collected at baseline and post-treatment. VDR expression was assessed in different epidermal layers and the dermis using a semi-quantitative scoring system. In one patient, a statistically significant decrease in VDR expression was observed in the perilesional dermis after treatment (p < 0.001), though this preliminary finding warrants careful interpretation given the very limited cohort size. Both patients exhibited a non-significant trend toward increased VDR expression in the lesional epidermis post-treatment. These preliminary findings suggest that etanercept may modulate VDR expression in psoriatic skin, but individual variability and the small sample size preclude definitive conclusions. The study primarily demonstrates the feasibility of using RNAscope for VDR analysis in patients with psoriasis, an approach that may be novel in this context, and underscores the need for larger investigations to confirm these preliminary findings and further clarify the role of VDR in disease pathogenesis and treatment response. Full article

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of tooth-supporting structures, influenced by immune system dysregulation, oxidative stress, and imbalances in bone metabolism. Given its multifactorial pathogenesis, bioactive compounds such as vitamin D, melatonin, and omega-3 fatty acids have emerged as potential adjuncts to periodontal therapy due to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties. This narrative review explores the role of these three supplements in periodontal health, their potential in synergistic effects, and existing research gaps, providing a foundation for future studies on their clinical applications. Vitamin D is essential for calcium homeostasis, bone remodeling, and immune function. It modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses, enhancing antimicrobial peptide production and reducing inflammatory cytokine expression. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids while promoting the synthesis of pro-resolving lipid mediators, contributing to bone preservation and immune balance. Melatonin, known for its antioxidant and osteogenic properties, supports bone remodeling by stimulating osteoblast proliferation and inhibiting osteoclast activity, while also regulating circadian rhythms, which may influence oral health. Although these bioactive compounds show promising effects in preclinical and clinical studies, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding optimal dosages, long-term efficacy, combined use, and standardized treatment protocols. Further clinical trials are necessary to elucidate their therapeutic value in periodontal disease management, especially those focused on their potential synergistic mechanisms. Understanding their synergistic mechanisms may open new avenues for adjunctive strategies in periodontal therapy. Full article

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant microvascular consequence of diabetes mellitus (DM), resulting in visual impairment and blindness. Controlling hyperglycemia is essential for avoiding and alleviating diabetic retinopathy. Nutrients and natural compounds possessing hypoglycemic characteristics present promising supplementary approaches to conventional therapies. This review assesses the influence of nutrients and natural substances on glycemic regulation and their possible effects on diabetic retinopathy. Goal: To investigate and consolidate knowledge about nutrients and natural compounds exhibiting hypoglycemic properties and their processes in the prevention and management of diabetic retinopathy. Approaches: Extensive reviews were conducted on pertinent studies from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Selection criteria encompassed papers that examined natural substances, nutrients, or dietary supplements exhibiting effects on blood glucose levels and pathways associated to diabetic retinopathy. Principal findings were encapsulated according to their mechanisms, efficacy, and safety. Outcomes: Numerous foods, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and polyphenols (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol), have hypoglycemic properties by improving insulin sensitivity and diminishing oxidative stress. Natural substances like berberine, quercetin, and flavonoids demonstrate analogous effects, influencing pathways associated with inflammation, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and angiogenesis, which are critical factors in the evolution of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The synergistic benefits of integrating natural medicines with conventional antidiabetic medications may enhance glycemic control and reduce retinal damage. The safety profiles of these therapies are predominantly positive; nonetheless, clinical trials are still constrained in both breadth and scale. Conclusions: Nutrients and natural compounds are promising supplementary approaches for glycemic regulation and the therapy of diabetic retinopathy. Additional research, encompassing extensive clinical studies, is required to substantiate their efficacy, determine optimal dose, and verify long-term safety. The use of these natural substances into clinical practice may improve comprehensive management of diabetes and associated consequences. Full article

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder. Despite its common occurrence, the pathophysiology of IBS remains not fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests that IBS is a multifactorial condition characterized by low-grade inflammation, immune system activation, impaired gut permeability, intestinal hypersensitivity, and alterations in intestinal microbiota. Recent data have highlighted the potential role of vitamin D in modulating these underlying mechanisms. Vitamin D is known to influence various cellular processes, including the regulation of the gut microbiome, immune response modulation, and anti-inflammatory effects, which may alleviate the altered gut function observed in IBS. Research indicates that individuals with IBS often have lower levels of vitamin D compared to healthy controls, suggesting a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and IBS. Vitamin D supplementation has been associated with improvements in IBS symptoms, such as bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation, and overall quality of life. The mechanisms by which vitamin D exerts these effects may involve direct or indirect modulation of immune responses, the production of antimicrobial peptides, and the regulation of gene expression related to serotonergic metabolism. Despite these promising findings, the exact pathways through which vitamin D affects IBS pathophysiology remain unclear. The aim of this review is to outline the current knowledge and evidence regarding these mechanisms, as well as the therapeutic potential of vitamin D supplementation in IBS patients. Exploring the connection between vitamin D and IBS may pave the way for innovative interventions, enhancing both management strategies and the quality of life for those affected by the disorder. Full article

Objectives: The aim was to simultaneously investigate inflammatory biomarkers, neopterin, the kynurenine/tryptophan (Kyn/Trp) pathway, vitamin D (VitD), vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and erythrocyte folate, in cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: A case–control study was conducted at Mersin University Hospital. Three- to ten-year-old patients with spastic CP (n = 50) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n = 55) were included. Serum levels of neopterin, Trp, Kyn and 25OHD, plasma VDBP, and erythrocyte folate concentrations were measured. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) enzyme activity was evaluated according to the Kyn/Trp ratio. Comparison and correlation analyses were performed. Results: The levels of neopterin, Trp, and Kyn were lower in children with CP than in healthy controls (p = 0.037, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively). IDO1 was not significantly different between the CP and control groups (p = 0.214). The levels of VitD and VDBP were higher in children with CP (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The level of erythrocyte folate was also higher in children with CP (p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between age and inflammatory biomarkers in the CP group. Neopterin was correlated with the level of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level (r = 0.292, p = 0.044), while there was no significant correlation between the other biomarkers and the level of GMFCS in the CP group. Conclusions: Inflammatory biomarkers of neopterin and Kyn are lower, inflammatory biomarkers of VDBP and erythrocyte folate are higher, and anti-inflammatory VitD is higher in children with spastic CP compared to healthy children. More knowledge is needed to demonstrate inflammatory and anti-inflammatory status in children with CP. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing bone disorders. Awareness and understanding of the disease are crucial for prevention and early diagnosis. Currently, there is no research on the risk factors and knowledge of bone fragility in the population with IBD in Taiwan. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and self-assessed knowledge levels of bone health among patients with IBD in Taiwan. Methods: This single-center cross-sectional study included 59 adult patients. Clinical data, blood tests, bone mineral density (BMD), T-score, Z-score, and questionnaires covering self-assessed knowledge, fracture risks, and physical activity were assessed. The patients were divided into normal and low BMD groups. Results: Of all participants, eighteen (30.5%) had low BMD: six (10.2%) had BMD below the expected range, ten (16.9%) had osteopenia, and two (3.4%) had osteoporosis. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were observed in 26.3% and 66.6% of the patients, respectively. According to multivariate analysis, age and sex hormone deficiency are strongly associated with low BMD. Educational interventions significantly improved the patients’ self-assessed knowledge levels. Conclusions: Age and sex hormone deficiency are significant factors contributing to low BMD in IBD patients. Not only women but also men with IBD who had symptoms of hypogonadism are at high risk for low BMD. Educational interventions improve self-assessment knowledge regarding the relationship between IBD and bone health. Full article

Mushrooms are known to be a nutritional powerhouse, offering diverse bioactive compounds that promote and enhance health. Mushrooms provide a distinguishable taste and aroma and are an essential source of vitamin D₂, vitamin B complex, hydroxybenzoic acids (HBAs) and hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs), terpenes, sterols, and β-glucans. Edible mushroom varieties such as Hericium erinaceus, Ganoderma sp., and Lentinula edodes are recognized as functional foods due to their remarkable potential for disease prevention and promotion of overall health and well-being. These varieties have antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, cholesterol-lowering, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, as well as controlling blood pressure, being an immunity booster, and strengthening bone properties. In addition, they contain essential non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs) and ergothioneine, a potential substrate for gut microflora. Supplementing our daily meals with those can add value to our food, providing health benefits. Novel edible mushrooms are being investigated to explore their bioactive substances and their therapeutic properties, to benefit human health. The scientific community (mycologists) is currently studying the prospects for unlocking the full health advantages of mushrooms. This review aims to promote knowledge of mushroom culturing conditions, their nutritional potential, and the value-added products of 11 varieties. Full article

Background: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, calcium absorption, and immune function, yet significant misconceptions and knowledge gaps persist. This study aimed to assess knowledge regarding vitamin D among Greek women and identify factors associated with vitamin D knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 761 Greek women (mean age: 41.2 ± 7.7 years) using an online self-administered questionnaire designed in Google Forms. Participants were recruited via social media platforms to ensure a geographically diverse sample. Results: Overall, 57.4% of participants demonstrated knowledge of vitamin D’s functions, primarily linking it to bone health (34.4%) and immune function (26.8%). The multiple regression model identified significant predictors of knowledge of vitamin D’s functions, including age (OR = 1.041, 95% CI: 1.019–1.062, p < 0.001), weight (OR = 0.964, 95% CI: 0.938–0.992, p = 0.010), and frequent vitamin D testing (>2 times: OR = 2.280, 95% CI: 1.392–3.736, p = 0.001; once–twice: OR = 1.776, 95% CI: 1.111–2.829, p = 0.016). Furthermore, age (OR = 1.054, 95% CI: 1.027–1.081, p < 0.001), weight (OR = 0.987, 95% CI: 0.975–0.999, p = 0.028), higher city population (>50,000 citizens: OR = 1.598, 95% CI: 1.021–2.502, p = 0.040), frequent vitamin D testing (>2 times: OR = 2.616, 95% CI: 1.529–4.447, p < 0.003; one–two times: OR = 1.773, 95% CI: 1.052–2.989, p = 0.032), and children’s supplementation (OR = 1.414, 95% CI: 1.007–1.987, p = 0.046) were significant predictors of knowledge regarding diseases preventable by vitamin D. Conclusions: Greek women demonstrated moderate awareness of vitamin D’s functions, but significant knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding its role in calcium absorption and dietary sources. Age, frequent vitamin D testing, and urban residence were significant predictors of knowledge. Targeted public health campaigns are essential to address misconceptions and improve vitamin D awareness and practices. Full article