Research Review

Considering the Impact of Elevated Saturated Fat Intake in the Context of Full Fat Dairy Products and Red Meats on Cardiovascular Health, A Systematic Review

Danielle Foster — 2024-12-27

Background: Within the medical field there is considerable controversy over the impact of saturated fatty acid (SFA) content in diet and its relationship to cardiovascular disease in the general healthy population. The most common sources of elevated SFA content in the USA’s diet are milk and milk products, such as cheese, yogurt, and butter, as well as red meats, including beef and pork. These foods are reported to have relatively high levels of saturated fatty acids; however, they also contain multiple other nutrients which are highly beneficial to health and are more bioavailable than the same nutrients from plant-based foods.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that intakes of SFA content in the context of minimally processed whole food sources, such as full-fat dairy and red meat products, negatively impact cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular health will be measured using the validated cardiovascular disease risk factors of blood lipoproteins and lipid classes, including low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC).

Methods: A bibliographic search was performed in the databases of PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, and Agricola. Data was extracted using an adapted data collection form derived from PRISMA and The Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Study quality and risk of bias were analyzed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist.

Results and Conclusion: There is some evidence which supports minimally processed lean red meat does not have a negative impact on cardiovascular health apart from overall elevated SFA content.

Minimally processed, full-fat dairy products, including cheese and yogurt, have not been demonstrated to cause negative impacts on blood cholesterol levels when consumed in the context of an overall healthy diet pattern, including DASH and Mediterranean diet patterns. A notable exception to this is the effect of butter on LDL-C and TC.

Cranberries vs. Antibiotics: Impact on UTI Recurrence in Women.

Rama Awad — 2024-12-28

This systematic review explores the effectiveness of cranberry products, including juice and supplements, in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. Fourteen studies, predominantly randomized controlled trials, were included in the analysis. The results were mixed, but cranberry supplements, particularly those standardized for proanthocyanidins (PACs), demonstrated potential in reducing UTI recurrence in certain populations. Variability in efficacy was observed, influenced by factors such as product formulation, PAC concentration, dosage, and study population. Cranberry juice showed inconsistent benefits, likely due to differences in active compound content and challenges in maintaining regular consumption. Supplements, especially those with higher PAC concentrations, appeared more effective, providing a convenient non-antibiotic alternative for UTI prevention. This may be particularly relevant in reducing antibiotic resistance associated with frequent UTI treatment. The findings suggest that cranberry products could be a viable preventive option, especially for women at lower risk for UTIs. However, further research is needed to establish optimal dosages and to identify populations most likely to benefit. These findings emphasize the importance of patient-centered approaches, considering individual preferences, tolerability, and lifestyle factors when recommending cranberry products. Overall, cranberry supplements hold promise as a complementary strategy for reducing UTI recurrence in women while mitigating reliance on antibiotics.

Nutrition Education on Health Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients

Veronica Giraldo — 2024-12-28

Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Common challenges include poor dietary adherence, protein-energy wasting, and electrolyte imbalances. Nutritional education has been proposed as a key intervention to improve health outcomes in this population. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional education interventions on clinical outcomes, dietary adherence, and quality of life among ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis. A total of 22 studies, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and observational designs, were analyzed. The review followed PRISMA guidelines to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the literature. Data were extracted using an adapted Cochrane template, and study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Interventions included telehealth counseling, in-person sessions, group education, and educational materials. Nutritional education interventions significantly improved key biochemical markers, such as potassium and phosphorus levels. Improvements were also observed in malnutrition rates, muscle mass, and adherence to dietary guidelines, with personalized approaches, including telehealth and one-on-one counseling, yielding the best outcomes. Quality of life and self-management behaviors showed positive trends, although results varied due to differences in study designs and intervention formats. Nutritional education is effective in improving clinical outcomes, dietary adherence, and quality of life for ESRD patients on hemodialysis. Despite the benefits, the variability in approaches and outcomes highlights the need for a more standardized and consistent delivery of nutrition education.

Omega-3 Supplementation for Adolescents and Young adults to Combat Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Christa Rosas — 2024-12-28

Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health disorders among adolescents and young adults, with significant global implications. While pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy remain as standard treatments, interest in nutrition-based interventions, particularly omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, is growing due to their potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.This systematic review evaluates the relationship between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and its impact on symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents and young adults. A systematic search of four databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase) identified randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and cohort studies published within the last eight years. Inclusion criteria targeted youth aged 7–30, with primary diagnoses of anxiety and/or depression, focusing on omega-3 supplementation alone or combined with traditional therapies. Data extraction adhered to PRISMA guidelines, assessing outcomes related to mood, anxiety, and cognitive performance. From 521 screened studies, 19 trials involving 1,854 participants met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicated modest improvements in depression severity, particularly when omega-3 supplementation was combined with antidepressant therapy. Anxiety outcomes were inconsistent, with dietary modifications showing more promise than standalone supplementation. Dosages exceeding 2g/day of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) appeared more effective over durations of 10–12 weeks. However, heterogeneity in study designs and dosages limited definitive conclusions.Omega-3 supplementation demonstrates potential as a complementary treatment for depression, particularly when integrated with conventional therapies. Evidence supporting its efficacy for anxiety is less robust. Future research should address optimal dosages, long-term outcomes, and the mechanisms underlying omega-3's therapeutic effects. While omega-3 has been reviewed to be safe and well-tolerated, omega-3 fatty acids are best utilized as part of a holistic treatment strategy.