The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in childhood: a review

Intermittent fasting and cardiovascular disease: A scoping review of the evidence

Intermittent fasting (IF), characterized by alternating periods of fasting and unrestricted eating, typically within an 8-hour window or less each day, has gained significant attention as a possible dietary approach. While it is recognized for its metabolic advantages, like weight loss and enhanced glucose and insulin sensitivity, its effect on cardiovascular health remains a topic of mixed opinions. Recent findings suggest a potential downside, with reports indicating a concerning association: a 91 % higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality compared to eating spread across a 12- to 16-hour period. Despite this alarming statistic, the evidence cannot establish a causal link. The impact of IF on CVD is still insufficiently understood, with benefits sometimes exaggerated and risks downplayed in popular discourse. This scoping review aims to consolidate the current evidence, addressing unresolved questions about the benefits and risks of IF, particularly its association with CVD risks and mortality. The goal is to provide a balanced perspective on the potential health implications of IF, emphasizing the need for further research to clarify its long-term effects on cardiovascular health.

Vitamins, minerals and their maternal levels' role in brain development: An updated literature-review

One's neurobehavioural and mental health are built during the exact and complex process of brain development. It is thought that fetal development is where neuropsychiatric disorders first emerged. Behavioural patterns can change as a result of neuropsychiatric illnesses. The incidence is rising quickly; nevertheless, providing exceptional care remains a significant challenge for families and healthcare systems. It has been demonstrated that one of the main factors causing the transmission of these diseases is maternal exposure. Through physiologic pathways, maternal health and intrauterine exposures can affect brain development. Our attention has been focused on epigenetic factors, particularly in the gestational environment, which may be responsible for human neurodegenerative diseases since our main mental development occurs during the nine months of intrauterine life. After thoroughly searching numerous databases, this study examined the effect of fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, and minerals and their maternal-level effect on brain development.

Different feeding patterns affect meat quality of Tibetan pigs associated with intestinal microbiota alterations

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different feeding patterns on meat quality, gut microbiota and its metabolites of Tibetan pigs. Tibetan pigs with similar body weight were fed the high energy diets (HEP, 20 pigs) and the regular diets (RFP, 20 pigs), and free-ranging Tibetan pigs (FRP, 20 pigs) were selected as the reference. After 6 weeks of experiment, meat quality indexes of semitendinosus muscle (SM) and cecal microbiota were measured. The results of meat quality demonstrated that the shear force of pig SM in FRP group was higher than that in HEP and RFP groups (p < 0.001); the pH-value of SM in HEP pigs was higher at 45 min (p < 0.05) and lower at 24 h (p < 0.01) after slaughter than that in FRP and RFP groups; the SM lightness (L* value) of FRP pigs increased compared with RFP and HEP groups (p < 0.001), while the SM redness (a* value) of FRP pigs was higher than that of RFP group (p < 0.05). The free fatty acid (FA) profile exhibited that the total FAs and unsaturated FAs of pig SM in HEP and RFP groups were higher than those in FRP group (p < 0.05); the RFP pigs had more reasonable FA composition with higher n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) and lower n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio than HEP pigs (p < 0.05). Based on that, we observed that Tibetan pigs fed high energy diets (HEP) had lower microbial α-diversity in cecum (p < 0.05), and distinct feeding patterns exhibited a different microbial cluster. Simultaneously, the short-chain FA levels in cecum of FRP and RFP pigs were higher compared with HEP pigs (p < 0.05). A total of 11 genera related to muscle lipid metabolism or meat quality, including Alistipes, Anaerovibrio, Acetitomaculun, etc., were identified under different feeding patterns (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated that alterations of free FAs in SM were affected by the genera Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Prevotellaceae UCG-003 and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group (p < 0.05). Taken together, distinct feeding patterns affected meat quality of Tibetan pigs related to gut microbiota alterations.

Association Between Dietary Quality Indices and Atherosclerosis Risk: A Case-Control Study

Background:

Several diet quality scores have been developed to evaluate the health benefits of individual diets such as Healthy Eating Index (HEI), Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and Mediterranean diet score (Med). This study aims to determine the relationship between dominant dietary health scores with the risk of atherosclerosis in Iranian adults.

Methods:

This case-control study was conducted on 323 patients with atherosclerosis and 334 individuals without atherosclerosis as control group. Food Frequency Questionnaire was used for obtaining dietary intakes; then HEI, DASH score, and Med score was calculated. Logistic regression models were used to calculate Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence intervals (CI) between quartiles of the HEI, DASH and Med and atherosclerosis risk.

Results:

The results showed that total scores for HEI, DASH, and Med in control group was higher than the atherosclerosis group. The results also indicated that higher adherence to HEI (OR: 0.43; CI: [0.24, 0.76], P-trend = .006), DASH (OR: 0.48; CI: [0.3, 0.78], P-trend = .003), and Mediterranean pattern (OR: 0.4; CI: [0.21, 0.76]) decreased odds ratio of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that adherence to HEI, DASH, and Mediterranean diet might be associated with a lower risk of Atherosclerosis and can have a positive effect on general health and prevention of chronic diseases in people.

Effects of Fish Oil Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight or Obese Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Influences of fish oil supplementation on body weight and other cardiometabolic factors in overweight or obese children and adolescents remain not fully understood. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the role of fish oil for these children. Methods: Relevant studies were obtained by search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane's Library databases. A random-effect model, which incorporates the potential heterogeneity of the included studies, was used to pool the results. Results: Twelve RCTs including 1,028 overweight or obese children and adolescents were included. Compared to control, fish oil supplementation significantly reduced body mass index [BMI, mean difference (MD): -0.96 kg/m2, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.69 to -0.23, P = 0.01] but did not significantly reduce body weight or waist circumference (P = 0.68 and 0.76). Moreover, fish oil supplementation significantly reduced serum triglyceride (MD: -0.24 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.40 to -0.08, P = 0.004) but did not significantly affect serum total cholesterol and high-density or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.83, 0.42, and 0.31, respectively). Additionally, fish oil supplementation significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP, MD: -2.46 mmHg, 95% CI: -4.93 to -0.01, P = 0.04) but did not significantly change diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.22). Supplementation with fish oil did not significantly affect fasting plasma glucose (P = 0.33). Conclusions: In overweight or obese children and adolescents, supplementation with fish oil could reduce BMI, decrease serum triglyceride, and lower SBP, while serum cholesterol and fasting glucose may not be significantly affected.

The beneficial effects of nutraceuticals and natural products on small dense LDL levels, LDL particle number and LDL particle size: a clinical review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally the major causes of morbidity and mortality. Evidence shows that smaller and denser low-dense lipoprotein (sdLDL) particles are independent atherogenic risk factors for CVD due to their greater susceptibility to oxidation, and permeability in the endothelium of arterial walls. sdLDL levels are an independent risk factor and of more predictive value than total LDL-C for the assessment of coronary artery disease and metabolic syndrome. Functional food ingredients have attracted significant attention for the management of dyslipidemia and subsequently increase cardio-metabolic health. However, to date there is no study that has investigated the effect of these bioactive natural compounds on sdLDL levels. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to summarize the evidence accrued on the effect of special dietary ingredients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, nutraceuticals and herbal medicines on the levels of sdLDL, LDL particle number, and LDL particle size. Based on the results of the existing clinical trials this review suggests that natural products such as medicinal plants, nutraceuticals and omega-3 fatty acids can be used as adjunct or complementary therapeutic agents to reduce sdLDL levels, LDL particle numbers or increase LDL particle size and subsequently may prevent and treat CVD, with the advantage that theses natural agents are generally safe, accessible, and inexpensive.

Correlation between Jejunal Microbial Diversity and Muscle Fatty Acids Deposition in Broilers Reared at Different Ambient Temperatures

Temperature, which is an important environmental factor in broiler farming, can significantly influence the deposition of fatty acids in muscle. 300 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into three groups and reared at high, medium and low temperatures (HJ, MJ and LJ), respectively. Breast muscle and jejunal chyme samples were collected and subjected to analyses of fatty acid composition and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Through spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, the data were used to characterize the correlation between jejunal microbial diversity and muscle fatty acid deposition in the broilers. The results showed that Achromobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Pandoraea, Brevundimonas, Petrobacter and Variovorax were significantly enriched in the MJ group, and all of them were positively correlated with the fatty acid profiling of muscle and multiple lipid metabolism signaling pathways. Lactobacillus was significantly enriched in the HJ group and exhibited a positive correlation with fatty acid deposition. Pyramidobacter, Dialister, Bacteroides and Selenomonas were significantly enriched in the LJ group and displayed negative correlation with fatty acid deposition. Taken together, this study demonstrated that the jejunal microflora manifested considerable changes at high and low ambient temperatures and that jejunal microbiota changes were correlated with fatty acid deposition of muscle in broilers.

Intermittent Fasting in Cardiovascular Disorders-An Overview

Intermittent fasting is a form of time restricted eating (typically 16 h fasting and 8 h eating), which has gained popularity in recent years and shows promise as a possible new paradigm in the approach to weight loss and the reduction of inflammation, and has many potential long term health benefits. In this review, the authors will incorporate many aspects of fasting, mainly focusing on its effects on the cardiovascular system, involving atherosclerosis progression, benefits for diabetes mellitus type 2, lowering of blood pressure, and exploring other cardiovascular risk factors (such as lipid profile and inflammation).

Age- and sex-related difference of lipid profile in patients with ischemic stroke in China

Age- and sex-related differences of lipid profiles were not well understood among ischemic stroke patients in China. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between lipid abnormalities and ischemic stroke in China. A retrospective analysis was performed involving 2074 patients with ischemic stroke who admitted to Meizhou People's Hospital (Huangtang Hospital), Meizhou Hospital Affiliated to Sun Yat-sen University between January 1, 2014 and March 1, 2017. Our study indicated that there were significant differences in total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL), and Apolipoprotein A (ApoA) between male and female patients. Meanwhile, different lipid levels including TC, TG, and ApoA were observed for patients of various age groups. The nonelderly patients tended to have higher lipid levels than elderly patients. Isolated low HDL (namely, normal LDL + low HDL + normal TG) was the most common lipid abnormalities in patients. In conclusion, there was age- and sex-related difference in lipid profiles among patients with ischemic stroke. Age, sex as well as some other factors should be carefully considered for lipid management in patients with ischemic stroke in China.

Relationship between diet quality and carotid intima-media thickness in people with and without carotid atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Dietary assessment and management appear to be essential to limit the impact of cardiovascular risk.

AIM

This study aims to assess the association between diet quality as measured by Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and coronary risk as determined by carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) among Saudi adults.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted in 210 participants who were matched for age and sex and recruited sequentially from King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Demographic and anthropometric variables were measured in all study participants. Dietary intake was measured by food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS

Obesity was highly prevalent among the study population. The mean AHEI score for the total sample was found to be 58.3 ± 1.67. There were no differences according to the presence and absence of atherosclerotic disease; 45% had a poor diet, and 39% had a diet that needs improvement. Participants with higher CIMT values tended to be of lower AHEI category. Negative correlations were observed between CIMT and AHEI scores and components after adjustment for age and energy intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to a healthier diet, as reflected by a higher AHEI score, is associated with lower coronary risk, as estimated by CIMT value, independently from obesity and personal behavior factors.

Controlling of growth performance, lipid deposits and fatty acid composition of chicken meat through a probiotic, Lactobacillus johnsonii during subclinical Clostridium perfringens infection

Background

Meat is considered as a major source of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) which is essential for humans, therefore its lipid level and fatty acid composition have drawn great attention. As no clinical sign can be found in chicks subclinically infected by Clostridium perfringens (CP), the meat may be purchased and eaten. The objective of the present study was to determine whether Lactobacillus johnsonii (LJ) can control the CP-caused impact on growth, lipid levels, fatty acid composition and other flavor or nutritional quality in the meat.

Methods

480 one-day-old chicks were divided into four groups and fed with basal diet (control and CP group). Supplemented with 1 × 10⁵ (L-LJ) and 1 × 10⁶ (H-LJ) colony-forming unit (cfu), CP diet was fed for 42 days. From day 19 to 22, birds of CP and LJ groups were administered with CP twice per day and the control was administered with liver broth.

Results

LJ-treated chickens were free from negative influences on growth performance and significant decrease of abdominal fat deposit., LJ inhibited CP-caused shearing force and drip loss increase and pH 40 min and 24 h decrease after sacrifice. In addition, LJ exhibited a positive effect on muscle lipid peroxidation by significantly increasing SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activity and decreasing MDA level. Besides, LJ attenuated the decrease of intramuscular fat, total cholesterol and triglyceride contents caused by CP infection. However, levels of total protein and most of amino acids were not changed. CP infection decreased C18:3n-3 (α-LA), C20:4n-6, C20:5n-3(EPA), C22:4n-6, C22:5n-3, C22:6n-3(DHA), total PUFA, n-3 PUFA and PUFA:SFA ratio and increased C14:0, total SFA and n-6:n-3 ratio. LJ was found to protect the muscle from these changes. Meanwhile, the 28-day gut permeability level was higher in CP group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CP may affect the growth performance of chicks and negatively influence lipid content and fatty acid composition in chicken meat. Meanwhile, LJ treatment may be effective in controlling these changes by reducing the increased gut permeability caused by CP subclinical infection.

Progranulin causes adipose insulin resistance via increased autophagy resulting from activated oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress

BACKGROUND

Progranulin (PGRN) has recently emerged as an important regulator for insulin resistance. However, the direct effect of progranulin in adipose insulin resistance associated with the autophagy mechanism is not fully understood.

METHODS

In the present study, progranulin was administered to 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C57BL/6 J mice with/without specific inhibitors of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress, and metabolic parameters, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy markers were assessed.

RESULTS

Progranulin treatment increased iNOS expression, NO synthesis and ROS generation, and elevated protein expressions of CHOP, GRP78 and the phosphorylation of PERK, and caused a significant increase in Atg7 and LC3-II protein expression and a decreased p62 expression, and decreased insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and glucose uptake, demonstrating that progranulin activated oxidative stress and ER stress, elevated autophagy and induced insulin insensitivity in adipocytes and adipose tissue of mice. Interestingly, inhibition of iNOS and ER stress both reversed progranulin-induced stress response and increased autophagy, protecting against insulin resistance in adipocytes. Furthermore, the administration of the ER stress inhibitor 4-phenyl butyric acid reversed the negative effect of progranulin in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed the clinical potential of the novel adipokine progranulin in the regulation of insulin resistance, suggesting that progranulin might mediate adipose insulin resistance, at least in part, by inducing autophagy via activated oxidative stress and ER stress.

One month of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improves lipid profiles, glucose levels and blood pressure in overweight schoolchildren with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

This study sought to investigate the effects of omega (ω)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on the lipid profiles and glucose (GLU) levels of overweight (OW) schoolchildren with metabolic syndrome (MS).

METHODS

Thirty-nine OW schoolchildren with MS, including 19 girls and 20 boys, received 1-month of dietary supplementation with gel capsules containing ω-3 fatty acids. Fasting lipid profiles and GLU levels were measured before and after supplementation.

RESULTS

Both sexes of OW schoolchildren with MS who received daily supplementation with 2.4 g of ω-3 fatty acids for 1 month displayed improved lipid profiles, reduced fasting GLU levels and reduced blood pressure (BP).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the addition of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to programs aiming to improve the metabolic status of OW children with MS, although additional research on the longer-term safety and efficacy of this treatment in this population is required.

The clinical relevance of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of hypertriglyceridemia

Hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides > 150 mg/dL) affects ~25 % of the United States (US) population and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥ 500 mg/dL) is also a risk factor for pancreatitis. Three omega-3 fatty acid (OM3FA) prescription formulations are approved in the US for the treatment of adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia: (1) OM3FA ethyl esters (OM3EE), a mixture of OM3FA ethyl esters, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (Lovaza®, Omtryg™, and generics); (2) icosapent ethyl (IPE), EPA ethyl esters (Vascepa®); and (3) omega-3 carboxylic acids (OM3CA), a mixture of OM3FAs in free fatty acid form, primarily EPA, DHA, and docosapentaenoic acid (Epanova®). At approved doses, all formulations substantially reduce triglyceride and very-low-density lipoprotein levels. DHA-containing formulations may also increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, this is not accompanied by increased non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which is thought to provide a better indication of cardiovascular risk in this patient population. Proposed mechanisms of action of OM3FAs include inhibition of diacylglycerol acyltransferase, increased plasma lipoprotein lipase activity, decreased hepatic lipogenesis, and increased hepatic β-oxidation. OM3CA bioavailability (area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to the last measurable concentration) is up to 4-fold greater than that of OM3FA ethyl esters, and unlike ethyl esters, the absorption of OM3CA is not dependent on pancreatic lipase hydrolysis. All three formulations are well tolerated (the most common adverse events are gastrointestinal) and demonstrate a lack of drug-drug interactions with other lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins and fibrates. OM3FAs appear to be an effective treatment option for patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia.

(-)-Hydroxycitric acid reduced fat deposition via regulating lipid metabolism-related gene expression in broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

Chicken as a delicious food for a long history, and it is well known that excess fat deposition in broiler chickens will not only induced metabolic diseases, but also lead to adverse effect in the consumer's health. (-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a major active ingredient of Garcinia Cambogia extracts, had shown to suppress fat accumulation in animals and humans. While, the precise physiological mechanism of HCA has not yet been full clarified, especially its action in broiler chickens. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of (-)-HCA on lipid metabolism in broiler chickens.

METHODS

A total of 120 1-day-old broiler chickens were randomly allocated to four groups, with each group was repeated three times with 10 birds. Birds received a commercial diet supplemented with (-)-HCA at 0, 1000, 2000 or 3000 mg/kg, respectively, for a period of 4 weeks ad libitum.

RESULTS

Body weight (BW) in the 2000 and 3000 mg/kg (-)-HCA groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) than that in control group. A significantly decreased of serum triglyceride (TG) and density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) content were observed in 3000 mg/kg (-)-HCA group (P < 0.05). Broiler chickens supplmented with 2000 and 3000 mg/kg (-)-HCA had pronouncedly higher hepatic lipase (HL) activity, hepatic glycogen and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) contents in liver (P < 0.05). Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) and thyroxin (T4) contents were significantly higher in 3000 mg/kg (-)-HCA group (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Supplemental (-)-HCA markedly decreased fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) (P < 0.05) mRNA levels, while the mRNA abundance of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinaseβ2 (AMPKβ2) (P < 0.05) was significantly increased. In addition, ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) mRNA level (P < 0.05) was significantly decreased in broiler chickens supplemented with 3000 mg/kg (-)-HCA. No differences was observed on carnitine palmitoyl transferase-I(CPT-I), while peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα) mRNA level (P < 0.05) was significantly increased in broiler chickens supplemented with 2000 and 3000 mg/kg (-)-HCA.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplemental (-)-HCA inhibited lipogenesis by inhibiting ACLY, SREBP-1c and FAS expression, and accelerated lipolysis through enhancing HL activity and PPARα expression, which eventually led to the reduced abdominal fat deposition in broiler chickens. Graphical abstract Mechanism of (-)-HCA effect on hepatic lipids metabolism.

Higher Maternal Plasma n-3 PUFA and Lower n-6 PUFA Concentrations in Pregnancy Are Associated with Lower Childhood Systolic Blood Pressure

BACKGROUND

Suboptimal maternal diet during pregnancy might lead to fetal cardiovascular adaptations with persistent consequences in the offspring.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the associations of maternal polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations during pregnancy with childhood blood pressure.

METHODS

In a population-based prospective cohort study among 4455 mothers and their children, we measured maternal second-trimester n-3 (ω-3) and n-6 (ω-6) PUFA concentrations in plasma glycerophospholipids and expressed n-3 and n-6 PUFAs as proportions of total PUFAs (wt%). Childhood blood pressure was measured at the median age of 6.0 y (95% range: 5.7-7.9 y). We used linear regression models to assess the associations of maternal PUFA wt% with childhood blood pressure at 6 y.

RESULTS

Higher total maternal n-3 PUFA wt% and, specifically, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) wt% were associated with lower childhood systolic blood pressure [differences: -0.28 (95% CI: -0.54, -0.03) and -0.29 mm Hg (95% CI: -0.54, -0.03) per SD increase of total n-3 PUFAs and DHA wt%, respectively], but not with childhood diastolic blood pressure. Total maternal n-6 PUFA wt% was positively associated with childhood systolic blood pressure [differences: 0.36 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.09, 0.62) per SD increase of total n-6 PUFA wt%], but not with childhood diastolic blood pressure. A higher n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio was associated with higher childhood systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05). Pregnancy and childhood characteristics only partly explained the observed associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher maternal plasma n-3 PUFA and lower n-6 PUFA concentrations during pregnancy are associated with a lower systolic blood pressure in childhood. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings, explore the underlying mechanisms, and examine the long-term cardiovascular consequences.

Alternative health eating index and the Dietary Guidelines from American Diabetes Association both may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes patients

BACKGROUND

In the general population, a higher Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010 score is related to decreased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Few studies have described the dietary patterns that reduce the risk of CVD or coronary heart disease (CHD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. In the present study, the association between the American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recommended dietary pattern, AHEI-2010 , and CVD risk factors and the CVD incidence over 52 months in T2DM patients was evaluated.

METHODS

The ADA score was developed from the ADA dietary recommendations. In this prospective study, the 24-h dietary recall of 124 adult T2DM patients without nephropathy or chronic kidney disease was collected. The CVD risk factors were collected at baseline and at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Compared with lower ADA and AHEI-2010 score participants, the higher score participants exhibited a significantly lower waist circumference, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and 10-year risk of CHD. Participants with higher ADA dietary scores had a significantly reduced risk of central obesity and systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg. Higher AHEI-2010 scores were significantly related to a reduced risk of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol > 100 mg dL(-1) . Seven participants had their first-ever CVD during the follow-up period, although neither ADA score, nor AHEI-2010 score could predict CVD incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

The ADA-recommended dietary pattern and a higher AHEI-2010 score might both exhibit reduced risk factors of CVD in T2DM patients.

Dietary contributors to hypertension in adults reviewed

Recent national surveys which measured respondents' blood pressure (BP) levels have shown a high prevalence of hypertension amongst the Irish population, with approximately two-thirds of men and over half of women aged 45 years and over affected. Higher prevalence rates are observed with advancing age. Established diet- and lifestyle-related risk factors for hypertension such as high salt intake, high alcohol consumption and physical inactivity are pervasive in Ireland and are believed to contribute significantly to the high national prevalence of this condition. Additional dietary deficits have been implicated in the development of hypertension, however, including low fruit and vegetable intake, low dairy food consumption and low intake of oily fish. Deficiencies of single micro-nutrients such as folate, riboflavin, vitamin C and vitamin D have also been recently recognised as risk factors for hypertension. For each of these factors, there is evidence that the food and nutrient intakes of many Irish adults fall short of the ideal. These dietary and nutritional deficits, when superimposed on Ireland's existing health-subversive behaviours and escalating rates of obesity, constitute a potent constellation of risk factors for hypertension. However, they also represent viable and potentially effective targets for health promotion initiatives. This review aims to describe the main nutritional, dietary and lifestyle contributors to hypertension in Ireland with a view to informing future interventions aimed at alleviating Ireland's burden of hypertensive disease.