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Choy O. Nutritional factors associated with aggression. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1176061. [PMID: 37415691 PMCID: PMC10320003 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1176061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the vast majority of patients in forensic psychiatry are treated using pharmacological agents, clinical and ethical concerns about their use have led to the consideration of alternative strategies to reduce aggression that is common in forensic psychiatric settings. One non-invasive and benign biologically-based treatment approach involves nutrition. This article provides a mini-review of the recent evidence on four salient nutritional factors associated with aggressive behavior, namely omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc. The current evidence base indicates that lower omega-3 levels are associated with increased aggression. Although research on vitamin D and zinc in relation to aggressive behavior is more limited, there is initial evidence that they are negatively associated with aggression in healthy participants and in psychiatric samples. The relationship between magnesium and aggression varies depending on how magnesium is assessed. Findings from experimental trials reveal that nutritional intervention in the form of omega-3 supplementation has the potential to serve as an effective mode of treatment, with effects that can last beyond the intervention period. There is also support for the utility of nutrition to improve our understanding of how social processes are linked to aggression. In light of the nascent, but promising findings on the role of nutritional factors on aggressive behavior, directions for future research are discussed.
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Portnoy J, McGouldrick SH, Raine A, Zemel BS, Tucker KL, Liu J. Lower dietary intake of magnesium is associated with more callous-unemotional traits in children. Nutr Neurosci 2022; 25:2314-2323. [PMID: 34474662 PMCID: PMC8891389 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2021.1963064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although researchers increasingly recognize the role of nutrition in mental health, little research has examined specific micronutrient intake in relation to antisocial behavior and callous-unemotional (CU) traits in children. Vitamin B6 and magnesium are involved in neurochemical processes implicated in modulating antisocial behavior and CU traits. The current study examined dietary intakes of magnesium and vitamin B6 in relation to antisocial behavior and CU traits. METHOD : We enrolled 11-12 year old children (n = 446, mean age = 11.9 years) participating in the Healthy Brains and Behavior Study. Magnesium and vitamin B6 dietary intake were assessed with three 24-hour dietary recall interviews in children. CU traits and antisocial behavior were assessed by caregiver-reported questionnaires. We controlled for age, sex, race, total energy intake, body mass index, social adversity, ADHD or learning disability diagnosis, and internalizing behavior in all regression analyses. RESULTS Children with lower magnesium intake had higher levels of CU traits, controlling for covariates (β = -0.18, B = -0.0066, SE = 0.0027, p < 0.05). Vitamin B6 intake was not significantly associated with CU traits (β = 0.061, B = 0.19, SE = 0.20, p > 0.05). Neither magnesium (β = 0.014, B = 0.0020, SE = 0.0093, p > 0.05) nor vitamin B6 (β = 0.025, B = 0.33, SE = 0.70, p > 0.05) were significantly associated with antisocial behavior. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that low dietary intake of magnesium may play a role in the etiology of CU traits but not general antisocial behavior. More studies are needed to determine if magnesium supplementation or diets higher in magnesium could improve CU traits in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Portnoy
- School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | | | - Adrian Raine
- Departments of Criminology, Psychology, and Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Babette S. Zemel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Katherine L. Tucker
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Jianghong Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Importance of EPA and DHA Blood Levels in Brain Structure and Function. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041074. [PMID: 33806218 PMCID: PMC8066148 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain structure and function depend on a constant and sufficient supply with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by blood. Blood levels of EPA and DHA reflect dietary intake and other variables and are preferably assessed as percentage in erythrocytes with a well-documented and standardized analytical method (HS-Omega-3 Index®). Every human being has an Omega-3 Index between 2 and 20%, with an optimum of 8–11%. Compared to an optimal Omega-3 Index, a lower Omega-3 Index was associated with increased risk for total mortality and ischemic stroke, reduced brain volume, impaired cognition, accelerated progression to dementia, psychiatric diseases, compromises of complex brain functions, and other brain issues in epidemiologic studies. Most intervention trials, and their meta-analyses considered EPA and DHA as drugs with good bioavailability, a design tending to produce meaningful results in populations characterized by low baseline blood levels (e.g., in major depression), but otherwise responsible for many neutral results and substantial confusion. When trial results were evaluated using blood levels of EPA and DHA measured, effects were larger than comparing EPA and DHA to placebo groups, and paralleled epidemiologic findings. This indicates future trial design, and suggests a targeted use EPA and DHA, based on the Omega-3 Index.
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Relationships between inflammatory markers and suicide risk status in major depression. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 134:192-199. [PMID: 33388702 PMCID: PMC8830592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory status has been implicated in depression and suicidal behaviors. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cytokines, two types of inflammatory biomarkers, have been associated with suicide, independent of depression severity. How these biomarkers relate to each other is less clear. We measured plasma phospholipid levels of arachidonic acid (AA%), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA%), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA%) as a percentage of total phospholipids, as well as serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), in 80 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 24 healthy controls (HC). Individual PUFA and cytokine species were compared using ANOVA across four suicide risk-stratified groups: 1) highest-risk, recent (within 5 years) suicide attempters (n = 20); 2) high-risk, severe current suicidal ideators (having intent or plan) with no recent attempt history (n = 22); 3) low-risk, current non-ideators who were also lifetime non-attempters (n = 38); and 4) HC (n = 24). None of the participants were enrolled following an acute suicide attempt. Of biomarkers studied, only DHA% (p = 0.012) and IL-1β (p = 0.002) differed between groups. In post-hoc testing, DHA% was lower in attempters than ideators (p = 0.018) or MDD non-ideators (trend level, p = 0.073). IL-1β was lowest in attempters, differentiating them from ideators (p = 0.009) and HC (p = 0.004). Recent suicide attempt, one of the most powerful predictors of suicide risk, was also most closely tied to inflammatory indices in this study. Low DHA% as an indicator of suicide risk is consistent with previous reports; however, lower IL-1β was unexpected and may relate to acuity/chronicity of inflammation. There is a need for prospective studies of immune status with respect to suicidal behaviors.
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Don't slap the fish: The relationship between dietary omega-3 intake and physical aggression is mediated by motor inhibition in response to distressed faces. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Qiao Y, Liu CP, Han HQ, Liu FJ, Shao Y, Xie B. No Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Symptoms or Hostility Among Patients With Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:312. [PMID: 32372988 PMCID: PMC7186329 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was aimed to explore the impact of fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids) on hostility and psychopathology among patients with acute violent schizophrenia. METHOD Sixty seven acute hospitalized patients demonstrating violent behavior in the context of a schizophrenic illness, treated with antipsychotics, were randomly assigned to a supplement with either fish oil (N=32) or placebo (N=35) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Assessments were conducted at the baseline, week 4 and week 8. RESULTS The symptoms and hostility decreased after treatment for 4 and 8 weeks in both groups, with no group differences. CONCLUSIONS The current study did not find improvements in symptoms or hostility from the Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with schizophrenia. The implication is that Omega-3 fatty acids do not reduce psychopathology and hostility in acute patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Qiao
- *Correspondence: Yi Qiao, ; Yang Shao, ; Bin Xie,
| | | | | | | | - Yang Shao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Xie
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Sanchez-Paez P, Perez-Templado J, Saiz-Ruiz J, Pastor O, Ibañez A. Essential fatty acids and Barratt impulsivity in gambling disorder. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:109. [PMID: 32143672 PMCID: PMC7060576 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been long implicated in the etiopathogenesis of mental illnesses, including disorders characterized by high impulsivity. The objective of most of the studies in this field is to determine the effect of omega-3 supplementation on the impulsive symptoms. In contrast, studies analyzing basal PUFA composition in patients with impulsive behaviors are very scarce, results are not yet conclusive, and to date, no publication has specifically evaluated this in gambling disorder. Therefore, the main purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between basal PUFA composition of plasma and erythrocyte membrane and impulsivity in subjects with gambling disorder. METHODS It is an observational and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of fifty-five men with gambling disorder, who voluntarily accepted to participate. Basal composition of PUFA in plasma and erythrocyte membrane was assessed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Trait impulsivity was measured by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale version 11 (BIS-11). RESULTS Arachidonic acid (AA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio in the erythrocyte membrane was negatively correlated with total scores in BIS-11. It was also observed that impulsive gamblers had a higher proportion of EPA and a lower value of AA/EPA and AA/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ratio in erythrocyte membrane than non-impulsive gamblers. CONCLUSIONS These results support the hypothesis that alteration of basal PUFA composition exists in disorders characterized by high impulsivity, although the direction of this is still unknown. Unfortunately, the empirical literature on this field is non-existent at the time and we have no direct means to support or refute these outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between essential fatty acids and disorders characterized by high impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josefa Perez-Templado
- grid.411347.40000 0000 9248 5770Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jeronimo Saiz-Ruiz
- grid.411347.40000 0000 9248 5770Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain ,grid.7159.a0000 0004 1937 0239Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain ,grid.420232.5Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRyCIS), Madrid, Spain ,grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de SaludMental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Pastor
- grid.420232.5Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRyCIS), Madrid, Spain ,grid.411347.40000 0000 9248 5770Department of Biochemistry, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain ,grid.484042.e0000 0004 5930 4615Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y la Nutricion (CIBERObn), Madrid, Spain
| | - Angela Ibañez
- grid.411347.40000 0000 9248 5770Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain ,grid.7159.a0000 0004 1937 0239Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain ,grid.420232.5Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria (IRyCIS), Madrid, Spain ,grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de SaludMental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
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Mustafin RN, Kazantseva AV, Enikeeva RF, Davydova YD, Karunas AS, Malykh SB, Khusnutdinova EK. Epigenetics of Aggressive Behavior. RUSS J GENET+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795419090096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Péter S, Navis G, de Borst MH, von Schacky C, van Orten-Luiten ACB, Zhernakova A, Witkamp RF, Janse A, Weber P, Bakker SJL, Eggersdorfer M. Public health relevance of drug-nutrition interactions. Eur J Nutr 2018; 56:23-36. [PMID: 28748481 PMCID: PMC5559559 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-017-1510-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The public health relevance of drug–nutrition interactions is currently highly undervalued and overlooked. This is particularly the case for elderly persons where multi-morbidity and consequently polypharmacy is very common. Vitamins and other micronutrients have central functions in metabolism, and their interactions with drugs may result in clinically relevant physiological impairments but possibly also in positive effects. On 12 April 2016, the University Medical Center Groningen (The Netherlands), as part of its Healthy Ageing program, organized a workshop on the public health relevance of drug–nutrient interactions. In this meeting, experts in the field presented results from recent studies on interactions between pharmaceuticals and nutrients, and discussed the role of nutrition for elderly, focusing on those persons receiving pharmaceutical treatment. This paper summarizes the proceedings of the symposium and provides an outlook for future research needs and public health measures. Since food, pharma and health are closely interconnected domains, awareness is needed in the medical community about the potential relevance of drug–nutrition interactions. Experts and stakeholders should advocate for the integration of drug–nutrition evaluations in the drug development process. Strategies for the individual patients should be developed, by installing drug review protocols, screening for malnutrition and integrating this topic into the general medical advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Péter
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Wurmisweg 576, 4303, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland.
| | - Gerjan Navis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin H de Borst
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens von Schacky
- Preventive Cardiology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Ludwig Maximilians-Universität München, Ziemssenstr. 15, 80336, Munich, Germany.,Omegametrix GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Anne Claire B van Orten-Luiten
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Hospital Gelderse Vallei, Willy Brandtlaan 10, 6716 RP, Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Zhernakova
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Renger F Witkamp
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - André Janse
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Hospital Gelderse Vallei, Willy Brandtlaan 10, 6716 RP, Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Weber
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Wurmisweg 576, 4303, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland.,University of Hohenheim, Schloß Hohenheim 1, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Stephan J L Bakker
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Manfred Eggersdorfer
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Wurmisweg 576, 4303, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Jung JM, Lee J, Kim KH, Jang IG, Song JG, Kang K, Tack FMG, Oh JI, Kwon EE, Kim HW. The effect of lead exposure on fatty acid composition in mouse brain analyzed using pseudo-catalytic derivatization. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 222:182-190. [PMID: 28104346 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.12.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We performed toxicological study of mice exposed to lead by quantifying fatty acids in brain of the mice. This study suggests that the introduced analytical method had an extremely high tolerance against impurities such as water and extractives; thus, it led to the enhanced resolution in visualizing the spectrum of fatty acid profiles in animal brain. Furthermore, one of the biggest technical advantages achieved in this study was the quantitation of fatty acid methyl ester profiles of mouse brain using a trace amount of sample (e.g., 100 μL mixture). Methanol was screened as the most effective extraction solvent for mouse brain. The behavioral test of the mice before and after lead exposure was conducted to see the effect of lead exposure on fatty acid composition of the mice' brain. The lead exposure led to changes in disease-related behavior of the mice. Also, the lead exposure induced significant alterations of fatty acid profile (C16:0, C 18:0, and C 18:1) in brain of the mice, implicated in pathology of psychiatric diseases. The alteration of fatty acid profile of brain of the mice suggests that the derivatizing technique can be applicable to most research fields associated with the environmental neurotoxins with better resolution in a short time, as compared to the current protocols for lipid analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Min Jung
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Jechan Lee
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - In Geon Jang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Gwang Song
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeongjin Kang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Filip M G Tack
- Department of Applied Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Jeong-Ik Oh
- Advanced Technology Department, Land & Housing Institute, Daejon 34047, Republic of Korea
| | - Eilhann E Kwon
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyung-Wook Kim
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea.
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Gajos JM, Beaver KM. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on aggression: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 69:147-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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12
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Lupton JR, Blumberg JB, L'Abbe M, LeDoux M, Rice HB, von Schacky C, Yaktine A, Griffiths JC. Nutrient reference value: non-communicable disease endpoints--a conference report. Eur J Nutr 2016; 55 Suppl 1:S1-10. [PMID: 26983608 PMCID: PMC4819601 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-016-1195-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Nutrition is complex-and seemingly getting more complicated. Most consumers are familiar with "essential nutrients," e.g., vitamins and minerals, and more recently protein and important amino acids. These essential nutrients have nutrient reference values, referred to as dietary reference intakes (DRIs) developed by consensus committees of scientific experts convened by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and carried out by the Food and Nutrition Board. The DRIs comprise a set of four nutrient-based reverence values, the estimated average requirements, the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs), the adequate intakes and the tolerable upper intake levels for micronutrient intakes and an acceptable macronutrient distribution range for macronutrient intakes. From the RDA, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) derives a labeling value called the daily value (DV), which appears on the nutrition label of all foods for sale in the US. The DRI reports do not make recommendations about whether the DV labeling values can be set only for what have been defined to date as "essential nutrients." For example, the FDA set a labeling value for "dietary fiber" without having the DV. Nutrient reference values-requirements are set by Codex Alimentarius for essential nutrients, and regulatory bodies in many countries use these Codex values in setting national policy for recommended dietary intakes. However, the focus of this conference is not on essential nutrients, but on the "nonessential nutrients," also termed dietary bioactive components. They can be defined as "Constituents in foods or dietary supplements, other than those needed to meet basic human nutritional needs, which are responsible for changes in health status (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of Public Health and Science, Department of Health and Human Services in Fed Regist 69:55821-55822, 2004)." Substantial and often persuasive scientific evidence does exist to confirm a relationship between the intake of a specific bioactive constituent and enhanced health conditions or reduced risk of a chronic disease. Further, research on the putative mechanisms of action of various classes of bioactives is supported by national and pan-national government agencies, and academic institutions, as well as functional food and dietary supplement manufacturers. Consumers are becoming educated and are seeking to purchase products containing bioactives, yet there is no evaluative process in place to let the public know how strong the science is behind the benefits or the quantitative amounts needed to achieve these beneficial health effects or to avoid exceeding the upper level (UL). When one lacks an essential nutrient, overt deficiency with concomitant physiological determents and eventually death are expected. The absence of bioactive substances from the diet results in suboptimal health, e.g., poor cellular and/or physiological function, which is relative and not absolute. Regrettably at this time, there is no DRI process to evaluate bioactives, although a recent workshop convened by the National Institutes of Health (Options for Consideration of Chronic Disease Endpoints for Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs); March 10-11, 2015; http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dri/ ) did explore the process to develop DVs for nutrients, the lack of which result in increased risk of chronic disease (non-communicable disease) endpoints. A final report is expected soon. This conference (CRN-International Scientific Symposium; "Nutrient Reference Value-Non-Communicable Disease (NRV-NCD) Endpoints," 20 November in Kronberg, Germany; http://www.crn-i.ch/2015symposium/ ) explores concepts related to the Codex NRV process, the public health opportunities in setting NRVs for bioactive constituents, and further research and details on the specific class of bioactives, n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (also termed omega-3 fatty acids) and their constituents, specifically docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Lupton
- Emeritus, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - M L'Abbe
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M LeDoux
- Natural Alternatives International, Inc., San Marcos, CA, USA
| | - H B Rice
- Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - A Yaktine
- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - J C Griffiths
- Council for Responsible Nutrition, Washington, DC, USA.
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