Comparative effects of vitamin and mineral supplements in the management of type 2 diabetes in primary care: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Nutritional therapy bridges the critical cut-off point for the closed-loop role of type 2 diabetes and bone homeostasis: A narrative review

Currently, osteoporosis-related fractures become the most cutting-edge problem of diabetes-related complications. Rational diet is not only the basis of glycemic management in type 2 diabetes patients, but also the direction of diabetic bone health. This review highlights the importance of micronutrient supplementation (including calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin K, and vitamin C) for patients with T2DM, as well as describing the constructive intermediary role of gut flora between T2DM and bone through nutrients predominantly high in dietary fiber. In addition, it is recommended to combine the Mediterranean dietary pattern with other diversified management approaches to prevent OP. Therefore, this provides a theoretical basis for the potential role of islet β-cells in promoting bone health.

The association between vitamin K intake and dyslipidemia in US adults: the mediating effect of insulin resistance

Background: Dyslipidemia is one of the most common chronic diseases, and is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and inadequate vitamin K intake. We aimed to explore the association between IR, vitamin K intake, and dyslipidemia, and further to explore the mediating role of IR. Materials and methods: 12 860 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2018 were included in this study. Insulin resistance was determined by using the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Weighted multiple logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted to analyze the associations between IR, vitamin K intake, and dyslipidemia. Results: We found that both vitamin K intake-met Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) and non-IR were protective factors of high triglycerides (with ORs (95% CI) of 0.71 (0.57, 0.87) and 0.36 (0.29, 0.45), respectively) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (with ORs (95% CI) of 0.72 (0.62, 0.82) and 0.39 (0.34, 0.41), respectively). IR-related indicators (HOMA-IR and insulin) partly mediated these effects, and the proportion ranged from 16.36% to 18.52%. Conclusion: Vitamin K intake-met DRI and non-IR were associated with lower risk of dyslipidemia including high TG and low HDL-C. IR partly mediated the association of vitamin K intake with high TG and low HDL-C.

Joint associations among non-essential heavy metal mixtures and nutritional factors on glucose metabolism indexes in US adults: evidence from the NHANES 2011-2016

Dietary intake can modify the impact of metals on human health, and is also closely related to glucose metabolism in human bodies. However, research on their interaction is limited. We used data based on 1738 adults aged ≥20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2016. We combined linear regression and restricted cubic splines with Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to identify metals associated with each glucose metabolism index (P < 0.05 and the posterior inclusion probabilities of BKMR >0.5) in eight non-essential heavy metals (barium, cadmium, antimony, tungsten, uranium, arsenic, lead, and thallium) and glucose metabolism indexes [fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)]. We identified two pairs of metals associated with glucose metabolism indexes: cadmium and tungsten to HbA1c and barium and thallium to HOMA-IR. Then, the cross-validated kernel ensemble (CVEK) approach was applied to identify the specific nutrient group (nutrients) that interacted with the association. By using the CVEK model, we identified significant interactions between the energy-adjusted diet inflammatory index (E-DII) and cadmium, tungsten and barium (all P < 0.05); macro-nutrients and cadmium, tungsten and barium (all P < 0.05); minerals and cadmium, tungsten, barium and thallium (all P < 0.05); and A vitamins and thallium (P = 0.043). Furthermore, a lower E-DII, a lower intake of carbohydrates and phosphorus, and a higher consumption of magnesium seem to attenuate the positive association between metals and glucose metabolism indexes. Our finding identifying the nutrients that interact with non-essential heavy metals could provide a feasible nutritional guideline for the general population to protect against the adverse effects of non-essential heavy metals on glucose metabolism.

Current situation, trend, and prospects of research on functional components from by-products of baijiu production: A review

In the present scenario marked by energy source shortages and escalating concerns regarding carbon dioxide emissions, there is a growing emphasis on the optimal utilization of biomass resources. Baijiu, as the Chinese national spirit, boasts remarkably high sales volumes annually. However, the production of baijiu yields various by-products, including solid residues (Jiuzao), liquid wastewater (Huangshui and waste alcohol), and gaseous waste. Recent years have witnessed dedicated research aimed at exploring the composition and potential applications of these by-products, seeking sustainable development and comprehensive resource utilization. This review systematically summarizes recent research, shedding light on both the baijiu brewing process and the bioactive compounds present baijiu production by-products (BPBPs). The primary focus lies in elucidating the potential extraction methods and applications of BPBPs, offering a practical approach to comprehensive utilization of by-products in functional food, medicine, cosmetic, and packaging fields. These applications not only contribute to enhancing production efficiency and mitigating environmental pollution, but also introduce innovative concepts for the sustainable advancement of associated industries. Future research avenues may include more in-depth compositional analysis, the development of utilization technologies, and the promotion of potential industrialization.

Effects of chromium supplementation on body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes: A dose-response systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the beneficial effects of chromium supplementation in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the associations between chromium supplementation and body composition in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

To achieve this, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that reported the effects of chromium supplementation on body composition such as body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), and waist circumference (WC) in patients with T2DM from inception until July 2023. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed-effects model.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included a total of 14 RCTs. The results showed that chromium supplementation did not have any significant effect on FM (WMD = -0.43%; 95% CI -0.94, 0.09), BMI (WMD: 0.09 kg/M2, 95% CI: -0.03, 0.20), WC (WMD: -0.47 cm, 95% CI: -1.10, 0.16), and BW (WMD: -0.26 kg, 95% CI: -0.69, 0.16). However, subgroup analysis revealed that chromium intake decreased FM in subjects aged ≥ 55 years and when chromium picolinate was used as an intervention. Additionally, there was a non-linear association between the dose of chromium supplementation and BW.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis suggests that chromium supplementation does not significantly reduce BW, BMI, WC, and FM in patients with T2DM. Further RCTs with large-scale are required to determine the possible anti-obesity effects of chromium in patients with T2DM.

Geographical Distribution of Dietary Patterns and Their Association with T2DM in Chinese Adults Aged 45 y and Above: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the geographical distribution of dietary patterns and their association with T2DM among Chinese adults aged 45 years and above.

METHODS

Data was from the China Adults Chronic Diseases and Nutrition Surveillance (2015). Dietary intake for each participant was determined through a combination of 3-day 24-h dietary recall interviews and food frequency questionnaires. Principal component analysis was used to extract dietary patterns and spatial analysis was employed to investigate the geographic distribution of them. T2DM was diagnosed using criteria of ADA 2018, and binary logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and T2DM.

RESULTS

A total of 36,648 participants were included in the study; 10.9% of them were diagnosed as T2DM. Three dietary patterns were identified with the name of plant-based pattern, animal-based pattern, and oriental traditional pattern, which were represented located in northern, northwest, and southern regions, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest quartile of the plant-based pattern were associated with lower T2DM odds (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74, 0.90) when comparing with the lowest quartile. However, participants inclined to higher quartiles of animal-based pattern had a higher risk of T2DM (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.27) compared with those in the lower quartiles. No significant association was found between the oriental traditional pattern and T2DM (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.14).

CONCLUSION

Dietary patterns of Chinese population revealed geographical disparities, with plant-based dietary pattern showing protective effects and animal-based pattern carrying high risks for T2DM. Regional dietary variations and food environment are paramount in T2DM prevention and management.

The relationship between vitamin K and T2DM: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Previous studies have shown the potential role of vitamin K supplementation in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. However, the effect of vitamin K supplementation on blood glucose remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of vitamin K supplementation on glycemia-related indicators, including Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Fasting Insulin (FINS) and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). The potential association between vitamin K and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk was also evaluated. Methods: Up to April 2023, Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline and EMBASE databases were searched to assess the effects of vitamin K on blood glucose and the risk of developing T2DM. Results: A meta-analysis of seven studies (813 participants) found vitamin K supplementation significantly reduced FBS (SMD = -0.150 mg dl-1, 95% CI = -0.290, -0.010 mg dl-1) and HOMA-IR (SMD = -0.200, 95% CI = -0.330, -0.060), but not FINS. Five studies with a total of 105 798 participants were included in the meta-analysis of the association between vitamin K and T2DM. The results showed that vitamin K was associated with the reduced risk of developing T2DM (HR = 0.79, 95% CI [0.71-0.88], P < 0.001). Conclusion: The meta-analysis demonstrated that vitamin K supplementation had a significant effect on the regulation of FBS and HOMA-IR in the population. Moreover, vitamin K was associated with the reduced risk of developing T2DM. Considering some limitations found in this study, additional data from large clinical trials are needed.

Translational Research on Bee Pollen as a Source of Nutrients: A Scoping Review from Bench to Real World

The emphasis on healthy nutrition is gaining a forefront place in current biomedical sciences. Nutritional deficiencies and imbalances have been widely demonstrated to be involved in the genesis and development of many world-scale public health burdens, such as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, bee pollen is emerging as a scientifically validated candidate, which can help diminish conditions through nutritional interventions. This matrix is being extensively studied, and has proven to be a very rich and well-balanced nutrient pool. In this work, we reviewed the available evidence on the interest in bee pollen as a nutrient source. We mainly focused on bee pollen richness in nutrients and its possible roles in the main pathophysiological processes that are directly linked to nutritional imbalances. This scoping review analyzed scientific works published in the last four years, focusing on the clearest inferences and perspectives to translate cumulated experimental and preclinical evidence into clinically relevant insights. The promising uses of bee pollen for malnutrition, digestive health, metabolic disorders, and other bioactivities which could be helpful to readjust homeostasis (as it is also true in the case of anti-inflammatory or anti-oxidant needs), as well as the benefits on cardiovascular diseases, were identified. The current knowledge gaps were identified, along with the practical challenges that hinder the establishment and fructification of these uses. A complete data collection made with a major range of botanical species allows more robust clinical information.