Oral manifestations of magnesium and vitamin D inadequacy

FHypervitaminosis D is correlated with adverse dental implant outcomes: a retrospective case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate vitamin-D levels effect on the survival/success and on marginal bone levels of dental implants.

METHODS

Patients with peri-implant disease and healthy control patients with functionally loaded dental implants were included in this retrospective case-control study. Forty patients with 201 implants were in the diseased-cohort, while thirty-three patients with 90 implants were in the control-cohort. Patient blood 25(OH)D levels were assessed through quantitative blood test. The correlation between abnormal 25(OH)D levels and disease status of each patient was assessed using Fisher's exact tests. The correlation of each implant's outcomes with vitamin-D status was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

Patients with blood 25(OH)D levels >70ng/mL (hypervitaminosis-D) had a 21.1-fold increase in the risk of implant failure or severe peri-implant bone loss regarding patients with intermediate (>30, ≤70ng/mL) levels. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that implants in the hypervitaminosis-D cohort had a survival probability of 73.7% (95% CI:56.5-84.5%) at 19-years after surgery, compared to 95% for implants in patients with intermediate 25(OH)D levels (95% CI:88.3-97.9%). Additionally, implants in the hypervitaminosis-D cohort lost bone faster than implants in the intermediate cohort. These results were specific to the patient cohort with elevated blood 25(OH)D levels and not observed in patients taking vitamin-D supplementation. The impact of hypervitaminosis-D was enriched for implants in the maxilla, and not as apparent for implants in the mandible.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood 25(OH)D levels >70ng/mL were correlated with adverse implant outcomes, including implant failure and peri-implant bone loss, especially in the maxilla.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results suggest that hypervitaminosis D may be a previously unidentified risk factor for dental implant complications and should be further investigated to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Pulp stones: any relevance with the levels of serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and uric acid

Objectives

This study evaluated the effect of serum calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and uric acid levels on pulp stone formation.

Materials and Methods

Patients who were admitted to the Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology for dental complaints were registered. Among these patients, individuals who had routine biochemical tests at the same period in the Outpatient Clinics of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Training and Research Hospital were included in the study. The patients with at least 1 pulp stone on panoramic radiographs recorded as the "pulp stone group" while patients without any pulp stones were the "control group". Demographic data and serum levels of calcium, PTH, vitamin D, and uric acid were retrospectively evaluated in both groups. Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to evaluate the differences between the groups.

Results

Among 151 patients, dental pulp stone was detected in 53.6% of patients, and 82.7% of these patients were female. Female sex and pulp stone formation were significantly associated (p = 0.001). The mean age of the pulp stone group was 43.9, while it was 39.9 in the control group, without any significant correlation between age and pulp stone (p > 0.05). Similarly, there were no significant differences in serum levels of PTH, vitamin D, uric acid and calcium between groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

According to the present study, the effect of dental factors rather than systemic factors should be considered primarily in pulp stone formation.

Dynamics of Dental Enamel Surface Remineralization under the Action of Toothpastes with Substituted Hydroxyapatite and Birch Extract

To address tooth enamel demineralization resulting from factors such as acid erosion, abrasion, and chronic illness treatments, it is important to develop effective daily dental care products promoting enamel preservation and surface remineralization. This study focused on formulating four toothpastes, each containing calcined synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAP) in distinct compositions, each at 4%, along with 1.3% birch extract. Substitution elements were introduced within the HAP structure to enhance enamel remineralization. The efficacy of each toothpaste formulation was evaluated for repairing enamel and for establishing the dynamic of the remineralization. This was performed by using an in vitro assessment of artificially demineralized enamel slices. The structural HAP features explored by XRD and enamel surface quality by AFM revealed notable restorative properties of these toothpastes. Topographic images and the self-assembly of HAP nanoparticles into thin films on enamel surfaces showcased the formulations' effectiveness. Surface roughness was evaluated through statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA followed by post-test Bonferroni's multiple comparison test with a p value < 0.05 significance setting. Remarkably, enamel nanostructure normalization was observed within a short 10-day period of toothpaste treatment. Optimal remineralization for all toothpastes was reached after about 30 days of treatment. These toothpastes containing birch extract also have a dual function of mineralizing enamel while simultaneously promoting enamel health and restoration.

The Impact of Vitamin Deficiencies on Oral Manifestations in Children

Vitamins play a vital role in human health, particularly in the development and maintenance of oral health in children. These nutrients are broadly categorized into fat-soluble and water-soluble types, crucial for children's well-being. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of vitamin deficiencies on the oral health of children, focusing on how these deficiencies contribute to various oral health issues and determining the relationship between specific vitamin shortages and oral diseases. Findings indicate that shortages in vitamins A and D lead to enamel issues and a higher susceptibility to dental diseases, vitamin E assists in treating oral mucositis, and vitamin K is essential for blood clotting in dental surgeries. Deficits in B-complex and vitamin C result in enamel hypomineralization and soft tissue ailments, including aphthous stomatitis and gingival petechiae. Additionally, a lack of vitamin B7 compromises the immune response, increasing oral candidiasis risk. Therefore, vitamin deficiencies markedly affect children's oral health, highlighting the need for joint efforts between dental professionals and caregivers for effective pediatric care. Addressing vitamin deficiencies through supplementation and tailored dental care emphasizes the significance of nutritional health in children's overall and dental well-being, advocating for a collaborative approach to achieve optimal health outcomes.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on attacks in PFAPA syndrome patients with low vitamin D levels

BACKGROUND-AIM

To evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the frequency and duration of attacks in patients of PFAPA syndrome with low vitamin D levels.

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised PFAPA patients with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency between 2018 and 2023. The frequency and duration of PFAPA attacks before and after vitamin D supplementation were noted.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were included. Of the 71 patients, 24 (33.8%) had vitamin D insufficiency, and 47 (66.2%) had vitamin D deficiency. In patients with vitamin D insufficiency, mean attack frequency and mean attack duration before vitamin D supplementation were 4.3 ± 1.9/year and 2.2 ± 1.6 days, respectively, while mean attack frequency and mean attack duration after vitamin D supplementation were 3.5 ± 2.7/year per year and 1.3 ± 0.9 days respectively (p = 0.2, p = 0.2, respectively). In patients with vitamin D deficiency, mean attack frequency and mean attack duration before vitamin D supplementation were 7.4 ± 2.1/year and 2.2 ± 1.6 days, respectively, while mean attack frequency and mean attack duration after vitamin D supplementation were 3.3 ± 2.4/year and 1.3 ± 0.9 days respectively (p < 0.01, p = 0.04, respectively). When the vitamin D level and the frequency of attacks were compared, the cut-off value of vitamin D was found to be 29.7 nmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

In PFAPA patients with low vitamin D levels, the frequency and duration of PFAPA attacks were reduced with vitamin D supplementation. Especially at vitamin D level cut-off > 29.7 nmol/L, the frequency of attacks reduced significantly.

An Update on Drug-Nutrient Interactions and Dental Decay in Older Adults

In recent decades, the global demographic landscape has undergone a discernible shift that has been characterised by a progressive increase in the proportion of elderly individuals, indicative of an enduring global inclination toward extended lifespans. The aging process, accompanied by physiological changes and dietary patterns, contributes to detrimental deviations in micronutrient consumption. This vulnerable aging population faces heightened risks, including dental caries, due to structural and functional modifications resulting from insufficient nutritional sustenance. Factors such as physiological changes, inadequate nutrition, and the prevalence of multiple chronic pathologies leading to polypharmacy contribute to the challenge of maintaining an optimal nutritional status. This scenario increases the likelihood of drug interactions, both between medications and with nutrients and the microbiome, triggering complications such as dental decay and other pathologies. Since the drug industry is evolving and new types of food, supplements, and nutrients are being designed, there is a need for further research on the mechanisms by which drugs interfere with certain nutrients that affect homeostasis, exemplified by the prevalence of caries in the mouths of older adults. Infectious diseases, among them dental caries, exert serious impacts on the health and overall quality of life of the elderly demographic. This comprehensive review endeavours to elucidate the intricate interplay among drugs, nutrients, the microbiome, and the oral cavity environment, with the overarching objective of mitigating the potential hazards posed to both the general health and dental well-being of older adults. By scrutinising and optimising these multifaceted interactions, this examination aims to proactively minimise the susceptibility of the elderly population to a spectrum of health-related issues and the consequences associated with dental decay.

Production and Evaluation of Quality Characteristics of Edible Fish Powder from Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

Fish is recognised as the most nutritious animal protein source, but because of its high deterioration nature, a huge number of fish are being wasted and susceptible to nutritional losses, resulting in a significant hurdle for expanding fish production. This research aimed to lessen these losses through the use of fish powder and to enhance the nutrients in people’s diets. In order to prepare fine fish powder, a dried fish paste was milled and sieved. Proximate analysis, mineral content, and physical and microbiological qualities were determined using standard analytical procedures. The protein content of Tilapia and Silver Carp fish powder was 63.63 g/100 g and 73.58 g/100 g, respectively. An appreciable amount of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc was also found in Tilapia and Silver Carp fish powder. The powder also holds an angle of repose of 29.4° and 26.7°, which assures a good flow property. Both Tilapia and Silver Carp fish powder have shown a near neutral pH value (6.40 and 6.32). The hedonic rating scale was used to assess the acceptability of fish powder-fortified cakes. The results showed that the cake fortified with Silver Carp fish powder outperforms the control and Tilapia fish powder sample in terms of taste, flavour, colour, texture, and overall acceptance, while the panellists also preferred the Tilapia fish powder sample. As a result of this research, a high-quality nutritious fish powder from Tilapia and Silver Carp can be prepared and adopted as a food fortifier.

Surface and Structural Studies of Age-Related Changes in Dental Enamel: An Animal Model

In the animal kingdom, continuously erupting incisors provided an attractive model for studying the enamel matrix and mineral composition of teeth during development. Enamel, the hardest mineral tissue in the vertebrates, is a tissue sensitive to external conditions, reflecting various disturbances in its structure. The developing dental enamel was monitored in a series of incisor samples extending the first four weeks of postnatal life in the spiny mouse. The age-dependent changes in enamel surface morphology in the micrometre and nanometre-scale and a qualitative assessment of its mechanical features were examined by applying scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). At the same time, structural studies using XRD and vibrational spectroscopy made it possible to assess crystallinity and carbonate content in enamel mineral composition. Finally, a model for predicting the maturation based on chemical composition and structural factors was constructed using artificial neural networks (ANNs). The research presented here can extend the existing knowledge by proposing a pattern of enamel development that could be used as a comparative material in environmental, nutritional, and pharmaceutical research.

Dietary vitamin D3 deprivation suppresses fibroblast growth factor 23 signals by reducing serum phosphorus levels in laying hens

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary supplemental vitamin D₃ on fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) signals as well as phosphorus homeostasis and metabolism in laying hens. Fourteen 40-week-old Hy-Line Brown layers were randomly assigned into 2 treatments: 1) vitamin D₃ restriction group (n = 7) fed 0 IU/kg vitamin D₃ diet, and 2) regular vitamin D₃ group (n = 7) fed 1,600 IU/kg vitamin D₃ diet. The study lasted for 21 d. Serum parameters, phosphorus and calcium excretion status, and tissue expressions of type II sodium-phosphate co-transporters (NPt2), FGF23 signals and vitamin D₃ metabolic regulators were determined. Hens fed the vitamin D₃ restricted diet had decreased serum phosphorus levels (by 31.3%, P = 0.028) when compared to those fed regular vitamin D₃ diet. In response to the decreased serum phosphorus, the vitamin D₃ restricted laying hens exhibited: 1) suppressed kidney expressions of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 1-α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1, by 52.8%, P = 0.036) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1, by 99.4%, P = 0.032); 2) suppressed serum levels of FGF23 (by 14.6%, P = 0.048) and increased serum alkaline phosphatase level (by 414.1%, P = 0.012); 3) decreased calvaria mRNA expressions of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1, by 85.2%, P = 0.003, FGFR2, by 89.4%, P = 0.014, FGFR3, by 88.8%, P = 0.017, FGFR4, by 89.6%, P = 0.030); 4) decreased kidney mRNA expressions of FGFR1 (by 65.5%, P = 0.021), FGFR4 (by 66.0%, P = 0.050) and KLOTHO (by 68.8%, P = 0.038); 5) decreased kidney protein expression of type 2a sodium-phosphorus co-transporters (by 54.3%, P = 0.039); and 6) increased percent excreta calcium (by 26.9%, P = 0.002). In conclusion, the deprivation of dietary vitamin D₃ decreased FGF23 signals in laying hens by reducing serum FGF23 level and suppressing calvaria and kidney mRNA expressions of FGF23 receptors.

Associations of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index With Femur Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis in American Postmenopausal Women: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background

The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) has been used as a significant tool to access the nutritional status of the elderly. However, the relationship between the GNRI and femur bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of osteoporosis remains unclear in American postmenopausal women.

Objectives

We aimed to explore associations between the GNRI with femur BMD and the risk of osteoporosis in American postmenopausal women.

Methods

We merged the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006, 2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2013–2014, and 2017–2018 to ensure a large and representative sample, including 3,152 participants. The linear relationship between the GNRI and femur BMD was assessed via a weighted multivariate linear regression model. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between the GNRI and the risk of osteoporosis were assessed by a weighted logistic regression model. Moreover, the nonlinear relationship was also characterized by smooth curve fitting (SCF) and a weighted generalized additive model (GAM).

Results

After adjusting for all covariates, the weighted multivariable linear regression models demonstrated that the GNRI was positively correlated with femur BMD. The weighted logistic regression models demonstrated that each unit of increased GNRI value was associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis of 4.13%. When categorizing GNRI based on quartiles, ORs between the risk of osteoporosis and the GNRI across quintiles 2, 3, and 4 compared with quintile 1 were 0.5565 (95% CI: 0.4791, 0.6463; P &lt; 0.000001), 0.5580 (95% CI: 0.4600, 0.6769; P &lt; 0.000001), and 0.3475 (95% CI: 0.2681, 0.4505; P &lt; 0.000001). The trends similar to the above were also observed in SCF and GAM.

Conclusion

This study indicated that nutritional status, represented by the GNRI, was positively associated with femur BMD and negatively associated with the risk of osteoporosis in American postmenopausal women. The GNRI may be a good tool to identify American postmenopausal women who need further bone health nutritional support.

Effect of extracts from eggs of Helix aspersa maxima and Helix aspersa aspersa snails on Caco-2 colon cancer cells

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. Natural compounds, administered together with conventional chemotherapeutic agent(s) and/or radiotherapy, may be a novel element in the combination therapy of this cancer. Considering the anticancer properties of compounds derived from different tissues of various snail species confirmed earlier, the purpose of the present research was to evaluate the effect of extracts from eggs of Helix aspera maxima and Helix aspersa aspersa snails, and fractions of extracts containing particles of different molecular weights on Caco-2 human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells.

Methods

The extracts and fractions were analyzed for antioxidant activity, phenols and total carbohydrates using colorimetric methods. Lipid peroxidation products and glutathione in eggs were also examined using these methods. Crude protein and fat in eggs were determined. Molecular weights of egg proteins and glycoproteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Astaxanthin, selected vitamins and amino acids in eggs were measured using liquid chromatography methods, and minerals by emission spectroscopy, mass spectrometry or X-ray fluorescence. The action of extracts on the cell viability was determined by the MTT (methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) test, based on the mitochondrial oxidative activity, after 24 and 72 h of treatment. The influence of fractions on the cell viability was assayed after 24 h. The effect of extracts on the percentage of live and dead cells was evaluated by the trypan blue assay, in which live cells exclude trypan blue, while dead cells take up this dye, after 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of treatment. Their influence on the integrity of cell membranes was determined based on the activity of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), released from damaged cells, after 24 and 72 h of treatment. Then, the effect of extracts on the content of lipid peroxidation products in cells was examined using colorimetric method, after 24 h of treatment. Their influence on types of cell death was determined by flow cytometry, after this time.

Results

The extracts and their fractions containing molecules <3 kDa decreased the cell viability, after 24 h of treatment. The extracts reduced the percentage of live cells (also after 48 h), increased the degree of cell membrane damage and the amount of lipid peroxidation products, induced apoptosis and reduced necrosis.

Conclusions

Antioxidants, phenols, lipid peroxidation products, anticancer peptides, restriction of methionine, appropriate ratio of essential amino acids to non-essential amino acids, vitamin D₃, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Mn, Zn, Se and other bioactive compounds comprised in the extracts and their additive and synergistic effects may have influenced Caco-2 cells. Natural extracts or the chemical compounds contained in them might be used in the combination therapy of colorectal cancer, which requires further research.

Vitamin D, pregnancy and caries in children in the INMA-Asturias birth cohort

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D is traditionally associated with the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, a process essential for the mineralization of hard tissue such as bone or tooth. Deficiency of this vitamin is a problem worldwide, however. Given the possibly significant role of Vitamin D in odontogenesis in children, the objective of our study was to determine the influence of vitamin D levels in the blood on dental anomalies in children between 6 and 10 years of age, by means of 25-hydroxy vitamin D tests performed during pregnancy and the first years of life.

METHODS

The data analyzed were sourced from data belonging to the INMA-Asturias birth cohort, a prospective cohort study initiated in 2004 as part of the INMA Project. The 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) test was performed with samples from 188 children in the INMA-Asturias birth cohort with a dental examination performed between 6 and 10 years of age. The samples were taken at three stages: in the mother at 12 weeks of gestation, and subsequently in the child at 4 and 8 years of age. Diet, nutritional and oro-dental hygiene habits were also analyzed by means of questionnaires.

RESULTS

The results indicate a significant association between caries and correct or incorrect brushing technique. With incorrect brushing technique, the prevalence of caries was 48.89%, but this dropped to 22.38% with correct brushing technique. An association was also found between tooth decay and frequency of sugar intake. The prevalence of caries was 24.54% with occasional sugar intake, but this rose to 56% with regular sugar intake. On the other hand, levels < 20 ng/ml in both mother and child at 8 years of age would also be risk factors (ORgest = 2.51(1.01-6.36) and OR8years = 3.45(1.14-11.01)) for the presence of caries in children. The risk of caries practically tripled where 25(OH) D values were < 20 ng/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

Although incorrect brushing technique and regular sugar consumption was found to be the main cause of caries in the children, the low concentrations of vitamin D in the blood of the pregnant mothers may have magnified this correlation, indicating that the monitoring of vitamin D levels during pregnancy should be included in antenatal programmes. It is particularly striking that 50% of the children were deficient in vitamin D at the age of 4, and that dental floss was practically absent from regular cleaning routines.

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation Effectively Alleviates Dental and Skeletal Fluorosis and Retain Elemental Homeostasis in Mice

Fluoride (F) is an essential trace element, but chronic exposure beyond the permissible limit (1.5 ppm) effectuates dental and skeletal fluorosis. Although 200 million people across the world are suffering from toxic manifestations of F, till now proper treatment is not available. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of calcium and vitamin D supplementation for alleviation of fluorosis. Swiss albino mice were divided into 6 groups; group I-control group (received drinking water ˂ 0.5 ppm F; within the permissible limit), group II-treated with 15 ppm of sodium fluoride (NaF) for 4 months, group III-treated with 15 ppm of NaF for 8 months through drinking water. Group IV-orally treated with 15 ppm NaF for 4 months, thereafter received only drinking water for next 4 months, group V-orally treated with 15 ppm NaF for 4 months, thereafter received drinking water supplemented with calcium and vitamin D (2.5-g calcium kg^-1 diet and 1000 IU vitamin D kg^-1 diet) for next 4 months, and group VI was treated with 15 ppm of NaF through drinking water as well as supplemented with calcium and vitamin D for 4 months. NaF treatment caused dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and alteration of bone's metal profile. Substitution of NaF-containing water with normal drinking water reduced the severity of fluorosis but supplementation of calcium and vitamin D effectively alleviated dental and skeletal fluorosis, reduced F deposition, and retained elemental homeostasis of the bone. Our findings strongly support that calcium and vitamin D act as redeemer of fluorosis. Graphical Abstract.

Nutritional supplementation of the pharmacotherapy of prostate diseases

Introduction: Nutritional supplementation is an integral part of modern pharmacotherapeutic strategies for prostate diseases with different levels of evidence for specific nutrients.

Provitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin A (retinol) and prostate diseases. Their effects have not been sufficiently studied, and the available data are conflicting to recommend them as a nutritional supplement.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) and prostate diseases. Its effects have not been sufficiently studied, and the available data are conflicting to recommend it as a nutritional supplement.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and prostate diseases. Its effects have not been sufficiently studied, and the available data are conflicted to recommend it as a nutritional supplement.

Vitamin K and prostate diseases. Its effects have not been sufficiently studied, and the available data are conflicted to recommend it as a nutritional supplement.

Vitamin D and prostate diseases. The evidence base of the vitamin D prostatotropic effects has been accumulated, which allows us to consider its deficiency replacement as an effective nutritional supplement in prostate diseases.

Omega-3 PUFAs and prostate diseases. They have universal physiological effects; however, the evidence base for their recommendation as a nutritional supplement for prostate diseases is still insufficient.

Zinc and prostate diseases. Positive effects of zinc on the prostate gland are known for a fact and allow us to recommend it as a nutritional supplement for prostate diseases.

Selenium and prostate diseases. The reliably proven positive effects of selenium on the prostate gland allow us to recommend it as a nutritional supplement for prostate diseases.

Magnesium and prostate diseases. Its effects have not been sufficiently studied, and the available data are conflicting to recommend it as a nutritional supplement.

Breaking the vicious circle of diet, malnutrition and oral health for the independent elderly

Aging impairs senses, mastication, oral status and function, causing nutritional needs and diet insufficiencies. The present needs of independent older adults suggest that health research and oral health care should shift from reductionist disease management to integral and personal treatment plans, including lifestyle, psychological, nutritional and oral health coaching approaches. Dentists and other medical professionals that work in the field of gerodontology should be educated on the macro and micronutrient needs of the elderly and incorporate certain nutritional plans early in the life of their patients with their approval and cooperation, in order to postpone tooth loss and masticatory impairment. Old recipes such as the Mediterranean diet should be kept as a base for all the elderly and be enriched in a customized interpersonal way from the dentist as well as the medical professional according to the specific needs of one's oral and general health status. In this nonsystematic review paper, the basic aspects of the vicious cycle of nutrition and oral health status are discussed and suggestions of major nutrients' influence and needs for independent elders are reported. Based on the scientific data collected, suggestions are made for the food industry for better quality and dosage of foods for this category of individuals. Such strategies can be a whole new area of interest for the food industry in order to obtain better quality of food packaging for the independent OA with accepted texture, odor, colors, macronutrients and micronutrients' consistency and in specific portions.

Vitamin D and the Host-Gut Microbiome: A Brief Overview

There is a growing body of evidence for the effects of vitamin D on intestinal host-microbiome interactions related to gut dysbiosis and bowel inflammation. This brief review highlights the potential links between vitamin D and gut health, emphasizing the role of vitamin D in microbiological and immunological mechanisms of inflammatory bowel diseases. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in PubMed and Google Scholar using combinations of keywords "vitamin D," "intestines," "gut microflora," "bowel inflammation". Only articles published in English and related to the study topic are included in the review. We discuss how vitamin D (a) modulates intestinal microbiome function, (b) controls antimicrobial peptide expression, and (c) has a protective effect on epithelial barriers in the gut mucosa. Vitamin D and its nuclear receptor (VDR) regulate intestinal barrier integrity, and control innate and adaptive immunity in the gut. Metabolites from the gut microbiota may also regulate expression of VDR, while vitamin D may influence the gut microbiota and exert anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. The underlying mechanism of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of bowel diseases is not fully understood, but maintaining an optimal vitamin D status appears to be beneficial for gut health. Future studies will shed light on the molecular mechanisms through which vitamin D and VDR interactions affect intestinal mucosal immunity, pathogen invasion, symbiont colonization, and antimicrobial peptide expression.

Zinc Adequacy Is Essential for the Maintenance of Optimal Oral Health

Zinc, a metal found in the Earth's crust, is indispensable for human health. In the human body, around 60% of zinc is present in muscles, 30% in bones, and the remaining 10% in skin, hair, pancreas, kidneys and plasma. An adequate zinc balance is essential for the maintenance of skeletal growth, development and function. It is also necessary for basic cellular functions including enzyme activation, cell signaling and energy metabolism. Inadequate zinc status is associated with a wide variety of systemic disorders including cardiovascular impairment, musculoskeletal dysfunctions and oromaxillary diseases. In this article, we briefly discuss the role of zinc deficiency in the genesis of various oromaxillary diseases, and explain why adequate zinc homeostasis is vital for the maintenance of oral and general health.