Research

Jump to: Other

14 pages, 1905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactobacillus paragasseri OLL2809 Improves Premenstrual Psychological Symptoms in Healthy Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

by Asako Sato, Akika Fukawa-Nagira and Toshihiro Sashihara

Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4985; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234985 - 01 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1609

Abstract

Lactobacillus paragasseri OLL2809 has been shown to ameliorate stress. This study employed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group design to assess the efficacy of continuous ingestion of OLL2809 for managing menstrual symptoms in healthy women. Eighty healthy adult women aged 25–40 years who experienced [...] Read more.

Lactobacillus paragasseri OLL2809 has been shown to ameliorate stress. This study employed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group design to assess the efficacy of continuous ingestion of OLL2809 for managing menstrual symptoms in healthy women. Eighty healthy adult women aged 25–40 years who experienced premenstrual and menstrual symptoms were randomly assigned to either the OLL2809 or placebo group (n = 40 each) and ingested tablets containing OLL2809 or placebo for three menstrual cycles. The OLL2809 group exhibited a significantly greater change in premenstrual ‘arousal’ scores on the menstrual distress questionnaire compared to the placebo group after the three menstrual cycles. Specifically, changes in the ‘activity’ subfactor were significantly higher in the OLL2809 group than in the placebo group. Additionally, the OLL2809 group reported significantly lower premenstrual irritability on the visual analog scale than the placebo group. These results suggest that OLL2809 may contribute to enhancing the quality of life of women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construct Validation of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) among Young College-Aged Women

by Deniz Azarmanesh, Jessica Pearlman, Elena T. Carbone, Janie C. DiNatale and Elizabeth R. Bertone-Johnson

Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4553; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214553 - 27 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1286

Abstract

The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is designed to assess the inflammatory potential of the diet. While previous research has utilized DII among college-aged women, no study to date has validated it in this population. We conducted a construct validation of DII among 393 [...] Read more.

The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is designed to assess the inflammatory potential of the diet. While previous research has utilized DII among college-aged women, no study to date has validated it in this population. We conducted a construct validation of DII among 393 healthy women aged 18–31 years against a robust panel of 14 inflammatory biomarkers, including CRP, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, which were used in the development of DII. Three linear regression models were constructed: (1) an age-adjusted model, (2) the most parsimonious model based on likelihood ratio tests, and (3) a fully adjusted model for age, race, body mass index, waist circumference, physical activity, smoking status, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. DII was derived from the Harvard food frequency questionnaire and categorized into quartiles. Consistent with our hypothesis, DII was negatively and significantly associated with back-transformed IL-10 levels, confirming that a more pro-inflammatory diet was associated with lower levels of an anti-inflammatory cytokine (Model 3: Q4 vs. Q1 β = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.93; p-trend = 0.04). While validated in other populations, DII may not be a suitable tool for assessing the inflammatory potential of the diet among college-aged women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

15 pages, 959 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applying the Adjusted Chinese Dietary Balance Index-16 to Assess the Dietary Quality of Chinese Postpartum Lactating Mothers

by Junyue Jiang, Jiating Huang, Yanyan Su and Yu Wang

Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4499; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214499 - 24 Oct 2023

Viewed by 916

Abstract

A balanced diet is considered necessary in maternal recovery and neonatal development; however, the dietary quality of lactating mothers in China has not been systematically evaluated in different regions and stages of lactation. In addition, the release of the Chinese Dietary Guidelines in [...] Read more.

A balanced diet is considered necessary in maternal recovery and neonatal development; however, the dietary quality of lactating mothers in China has not been systematically evaluated in different regions and stages of lactation. In addition, the release of the Chinese Dietary Guidelines in 2022 implies that the dietary index method needs to be adjusted accordingly. In this study, the adjusted Chinese Dietary Balance Index-16 (DBI-16) was used to assess the dietary quality of lactating women, referred to as the Dietary Balance Index for lactating women (DBI-L). This study is part of the MUAI study, in which dietary intake and demographic characteristics of lactating mothers from six cities in China and at different stages of lactation were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire; 2532 puerperal women were included. According to the DBI-L, 66.2% of participants had inadequate dietary intake (79.1% vegetables, 79.1% fruits, 86.7% dairy products, 39.7% soybeans, and 69.4% fish products, respectively), 57.8% had excessive intake (76.0% cereals, 64.4% meat, and 29.1% eggs, respectively) and 92.2% had unbalanced dietary consumption. Dietary quality was optimal for mothers in the first month after delivery, and the dietary quality of mothers in economically developed places such as Shanghai and Guangzhou was significantly better than that in less developed places such as Lanzhou and Changchun. The dietary quality of lactating women in China is imbalanced, with excessive and inadequate dietary intake. The country should strengthen nutritional interventions for lactating mothers, especially in economically underdeveloped regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Fermented Red Clover Isoflavones in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

by Annemarie B. Villadsen, Julie N. Holm-Jacobsen, Bala K. Prabhala, Caspar Bundgaard-Nielsen, Pam Huntjens, Jette B. Kornum, Karin Glavind, Peter D. C. Leutscher, Lars P. Christensen, Per B. Jeppesen, Suzette Sørensen and Louise T. S. Arenholt

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4165; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194165 - 27 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1519

Abstract

Postmenopausal women are at risk of developing an overactive bladder (OAB). Conventional vaginal estrogen has shown promise for symptom relief. Isoflavones have proven effective as an alternative to estrogen treatment against menopause-related symptoms. However, its effect on OAB symptoms has not been studied. [...] Read more.

Postmenopausal women are at risk of developing an overactive bladder (OAB). Conventional vaginal estrogen has shown promise for symptom relief. Isoflavones have proven effective as an alternative to estrogen treatment against menopause-related symptoms. However, its effect on OAB symptoms has not been studied. This study investigates if fermented red clover isoflavones reduce OAB symptoms in postmenopausal women. In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, women were administered red clover extract (RCE) or a placebo twice daily for three months. Women filled out the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) and Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), together with a fluid intake and voiding diary. A total of 33 women (16 in the RCE group and 17 in the placebo group) were included in the analysis. Baseline demographics and OAB characteristics were comparable across groups. Intake of RCE did not lead to significant relief in most urinary bladder symptom measures, although a significant reduction in the bother of urinary urgency (p = 0.033) and a tendency towards a decreased ICIQ-OAB score were observed (p = 0.056). In contrast, the placebo exhibited a significant decrease in the ICIQ-OAB score (p = 0.021) and in some diary outcomes. We found that an intake of isoflavones did not relieve OAB symptoms in postmenopausal women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Flavanol-Rich Cacao Extract on the Profile of Mood State in Healthy Middle-Aged Japanese Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

by Rika Murakami, Midori Natsume, Kentaro Ito, Shukuko Ebihara and Masakazu Terauchi

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3843; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173843 - 03 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2020

Abstract

To investigate the effects of flavanol-rich cacao extract on healthy middle-aged women’s fatigue and mood conditions, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in women aged 40–60 years who had reported fatigue and had shown high levels of a serum oxidative stress marker. [...] Read more.

To investigate the effects of flavanol-rich cacao extract on healthy middle-aged women’s fatigue and mood conditions, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in women aged 40–60 years who had reported fatigue and had shown high levels of a serum oxidative stress marker. We randomized the participants (n = 60) into equal groups receiving either a beverage containing cacao flavanols (240 mg/200 mL/day) or a placebo for 8 weeks. Before and after the 8-week treatment, we determined the participants’ Chalder fatigue scale (CFS) scores, various mood states, autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity levels, and their ANS balance. The results demonstrated that among the mood states, the indicators of negative mood (e.g., depression, fatigue, and anger) and the total mood disturbance score were significantly lower in the cacao group compared to the placebo group after the treatment (p < 0.05). The change in the index of positive mood (i.e., vigor) from baseline to 8 weeks was significantly higher in the cacao group versus the placebo group (p < 0.05). There were no significant between-group differences in the changes in the CFS score or ANS activity level. The consumption of flavanol-rich cacao extract both suppressed negative moods and promoted positive moods in healthy middle-aged women. These results suggest that cacao flavanols may be a useful food material that can improve variable mood conditions in middle-aged women and support their active lives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Pattern, Nutrition-Related Knowledge and Attitudes of Working Women in Western Province, Sri Lanka

by Ayesha Salwathura and Faruk Ahmed

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 3007; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15133007 - 30 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1911

Abstract

Healthy eating behaviour of women is critical not only for their health but also for their children’s health and well-being. The present study examined the dietary pattern, nutrition-related knowledge, and attitudes of working women in Western Province, Sri Lanka. In addition, this study [...] Read more.

Healthy eating behaviour of women is critical not only for their health but also for their children’s health and well-being. The present study examined the dietary pattern, nutrition-related knowledge, and attitudes of working women in Western Province, Sri Lanka. In addition, this study identified the factors associated with dietary diversity score (DDS). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 working women, aged 20–60 years, in Western Province, Sri Lanka. The data on socio-demography, dietary patterns, and nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes were collected. Overall, 38% of the women were overweight and 13% were obese. The median frequency of intake of chicken, fish, eggs, milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables, and fruits were 2, 5, 2, 9, 5, and 10 respectively, per week. A large majority of the women (70%) had tea/coffee with sugar and snacks (60%) at least four times a week. Only a third of the women met the minimum DDS, while more than half of the women had good nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes. Women with good nutrition-related knowledge were more frequent consumers of roots/tubers, shellfish, vegetables, fruit, fruit juice, nuts and oils, and fast food. Women with good nutrition-related attitudes had a significantly lower frequency of consumption of soya meat, while having a higher frequency of consumption of fast food. Multiple regression analysis showed that age and household income were significantly independently related to DDS, while attitudes were negatively associated. While there was a trend, the association of nutrition-related knowledge with DDS was not statistically significant (p = 0.057). The overall F ratio (8.46) was highly significant (p = 0.001) and the adjusted R² was 0.093. The results demonstrate that a significant proportion of working women have good basic nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes, while two-thirds of them do not meet the minimum DDS. Furthermore, age, family income, and knowledge were positively associated with DDS, while attitudes were negatively associated. Before designing any intervention, further research is needed using a qualitative approach to understand how nutrition knowledge and eating behaviour are related in this population group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Efficacy of a Low-Dose Iron Supplement in Restoring Iron Levels to Normal Range among Healthy Premenopausal Women with Iron Deficiency without Anemia

by Matthew W. Stefan, David M. Gundermann, Matthew H. Sharp, Brooke A. Jennings, Raad H. Gheith, Ryan P. Lowery, Tieraona LowDog, Somsuvra B. Ghatak, Jose Barbosa and Jacob M. Wilson

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2620; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112620 - 03 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2823

Abstract

(1) Background: Iron deficiency without anemia (IDWA) is a prevalent health concern in premenopausal women. Oral supplementation of iron may be a viable solution to improve blood-iron status in women; however, the effects of a high-dose iron-supplement regimen have been associated with gastrointestinal [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Iron deficiency without anemia (IDWA) is a prevalent health concern in premenopausal women. Oral supplementation of iron may be a viable solution to improve blood-iron status in women; however, the effects of a high-dose iron-supplement regimen have been associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-dose liquid fermented iron-bisglycinate supplement (LIS) on improving blood-iron status in premenopausal women with IDWA without increasing constipation or gastrointestinal distress. (2) Methods: 85 premenopausal women with IDWA (ferritin < 70 ng/dL and hemoglobin > 11.0 g/dL) took a LIS (27 mg) or a placebo (PLA) for 8 weeks. Blood draws were taken at Wk0 and Wk8 of the study to measure serum-iron markers. In addition, surveys of gastrointestinal distress were administered at Wk0, Wk4, and Wk8 while the profile of mood states (POMS) was surveyed at Wk0 and Wk8. (3) Results: Compared to the placebo, the LIS was able to increase serum ferritin (p = 0.03), total serum iron (p = 0.03), and mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.02), while exhibiting no significant interaction in subjective gastrointestinal distress (p > 0.05). No significant effects were detected for POMS (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Supplementing with LIS appears to improve blood-iron status without causing significant gastrointestinal distress in premenopausal women with IDWA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pregnant Women’s Perception and Knowledge of the Impact of Obesity on Prenatal Outcomes—A Cross-Sectional Study

by Howaida Khair, Mo’ath F. Bataineh, Kornelia Zaręba, Shamsa Alawar, Sara Maki, Gehan Sayed Sallam, Afra Abdalla, Sharon Mutare and Habiba I. Ali

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2420; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112420 - 23 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1558

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity and overweight has been rapidly increasing and is significantly higher among adult females in the Arab States. The aim of the present study was to explore pregnant Emirati women’s perception of their weight, their knowledge of the healthy gestational [...] Read more.

The prevalence of obesity and overweight has been rapidly increasing and is significantly higher among adult females in the Arab States. The aim of the present study was to explore pregnant Emirati women’s perception of their weight, their knowledge of the healthy gestational weight gain, and the possible weight-related pregnancy complications. A total of 526 self-administered questionnaires were obtained with a response rate of 72%. The majority (81.8%, n = 429) entered pregnancy as overweight or obese. The percentage of pregnant women who underestimated their weight category was 12.1% in normal weight participants, 48.9% in overweight participants, and 73.5% in obese participants (p < 0.001). The overweight and obese participants were 13 times more likely to underestimate their weight status and 3.6 times more likely to correctly select their healthy gestational weight gain. Women’s awareness of pregnancy-related complications due to weight varied from 80.3% for diabetes to 44.5% for fetal complications; their awareness of breastfeeding difficulty was the lowest at 2.5%. Moreover, there was a misconception about personal BMI and the appropriate range for gestational weight gain (GWG). Healthy lifestyle counselling urgently needs to be addressed in preventative health programs such as pre-marital and preconception counselling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity, Rather Than Diet, Is Linked to Lower Insulin Resistance in PCOS Women—A Case-Control Study

by Justyna Jurczewska, Joanna Ostrowska, Magdalena Chełchowska, Mariusz Panczyk, Ewa Rudnicka, Marek Kucharski, Roman Smolarczyk and Dorota Szostak-Węgierek

Nutrients 2023, 15(9), 2111; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092111 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1968

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) is a prominent feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The importance of lifestyle interventions in the management of PCOS is strongly highlighted and it is suggested that diet and physical activity may significantly influence insulin sensitivity. Therefore, we evaluated the [...] Read more.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a prominent feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The importance of lifestyle interventions in the management of PCOS is strongly highlighted and it is suggested that diet and physical activity may significantly influence insulin sensitivity. Therefore, we evaluated the link between diet and physical activity and various indices of insulin resistance, including adipokines secreted by the adipose tissue in 56 PCOS and 33 healthy control women. The original food frequency questionnaire and Actigraph GT3X-BT were used to assess the adherence to the diet recommended in IR and the level of physical activity, respectively. We observed that higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower HOMA-IR and a greater chance of its normal value in PCOS group. No such relationship was observed for other IR indices and adipokines or for the diet. However, we noted a strong correlation between HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) and HOMA-AD (Homeostatic Model Assessment-Adiponectin) in PCOS women. Additionally, when we used HOMA-AD we observed a higher prevalence of IR among PCOS women. Our study supports the beneficial role of physical activity in the management of insulin resistance in PCOS women. Moreover, our findings indicate that HOMA-AD may be a promising surrogate marker for insulin resistance assessment in women with PCOS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

19 pages, 860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Undernutrition among Female Adolescent Students in Darchula District, Nepal

by Deepika Giri, Nitaya Vajanapoom and Uma Langkulsen

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1699; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071699 - 30 Mar 2023

Viewed by 2648

Abstract

Failure to understand and address the problem of malnutrition and its associated factors among female adolescents could lead to a vicious cycle of intergenerational malnutrition. A cross-sectional study was conducted in six secondary schools of four rural municipalities in Darchula District, Nepal. Data [...] Read more.

Failure to understand and address the problem of malnutrition and its associated factors among female adolescents could lead to a vicious cycle of intergenerational malnutrition. A cross-sectional study was conducted in six secondary schools of four rural municipalities in Darchula District, Nepal. Data collection for the study was conducted from November 2021 to February 2022. Four hundred female adolescent students aged 15 to 19 years old were selected using quota sampling. The study aims to examine the prevalence of malnutrition by assessing different levels of body mass index (BMI) that is thinness (BMI less than 18.5 kg/m²), normal (18.5 kg/m² to 24.9 kg/m²), overweight (25 kg/m² to 29.9 kg/m²) and obese (BMI more than or equal to 30 kg/m²). Along with BMI, factors associated with undernutrition, here identified as thinness, are assessed using a structured questionnaire. Additionally, key informant interviews and review of interventions was performed to understand the gaps in nutrition-related policies and programs of school going adolescents in the study district. Quantitative data analysis included a prevalence study and chi-square test along with simple and multiple logistic regression to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratio at 95% confidence interval for the significant factors with p < 0.05 identified in the chi-square test. Thematic analysis and reviews were used for the synthesis of qualitative data. The results show a 24.7% prevalence of thinness in the study participants. Pre-mensuration status (OR = 5.015, CI = 1.257–20.011, p < 0.022), father having a monthly paying job (OR = 4.384, CI = 1.135–16.928, p < 0.032), father’s foreign employment (OR = 6.96, CI = 1.649–29.377, p < 0.008), household (HH) food insecurity status (OR = 2.079, CI = 1.182–3.658, p < 0.011) and grain/roots/tuber as most commonly bought food (OR = 9.487, CI = 1.182–76.138, p < 0.034) were found to be significantly associated with thinness. Information from the qualitative part identified gaps in existing interventions for an improved nutritional outcome among school going adolescent females. Further studies to understand the nutritional practices and its contributory factors in relation to thinness is encouraged. Stakeholders are urged to effectively address the shortcomings in existing interventions and adopt a more adolescent-centered approach to enhance the nutritional status of female adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethnic Differences in Preferences for Lifestyle Intervention among Women after Childbirth: A Multi-Methods Study in Australia

by Mingling Chen, Maureen Makama, Helen Skouteris, Lisa J. Moran, Cheryce L. Harrison, Tammie Choi and Siew Lim

Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020472 - 16 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2251

Abstract

Postpartum weight retention contributes to maternal obesity and varies by ethnicity. Despite the well-established benefits of lifestyle intervention on weight management, little is known about how to engage postpartum women effectively, especially among ethnic minority groups. This multi-methods study aimed to explore ethnic [...] Read more.

Postpartum weight retention contributes to maternal obesity and varies by ethnicity. Despite the well-established benefits of lifestyle intervention on weight management, little is known about how to engage postpartum women effectively, especially among ethnic minority groups. This multi-methods study aimed to explore ethnic differences in women’s preferences for lifestyle intervention after childbirth. Women within five years of childbirth and living with their youngest child in Australia were recruited in an online survey (n = 504) and semi-structured interviews (n = 17). The survey and interview questions were structured based on the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework. Ethnic groups were categorized as Oceanian, Asian and Other according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Chi-square tests were used to compare the preferred intervention characteristics between groups. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. The survey showed that most women across all ethnic groups were interested in receiving lifestyle support in the early postpartum period (from 7 weeks to 3 months postpartum). All ethnic groups preferred a regular lifestyle intervention delivered by health professionals that promotes accountability and provides practical strategies. However, Asian women had a higher desire for infant care and a lower desire for mental health in the intervention content compared with Oceanian women. Moreover, Asian women were more likely to favour interventions that are initiated in a later postpartum period, over a shorter duration, and with less intervention frequency, compared with Oceanian women. The interviews further indicated the need for intervention adaptations in the Asian group to address the cultural relevance of food and postpartum practices. These ethnic-specific preferences should be considered in the development of culturally appropriate intervention strategies to optimize engagement in healthy lifestyles among the targeted ethnic groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

16 pages, 935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Soy Isoflavone Intake on Mammographic Density among Malaysian Women

by Nadia Rajaram, Beverley Yap, Mikael Eriksson, Shivaani Mariapun, Lee Mei Tan, Hamizah Sa’at, Evelyn Lai Ming Ho, Nur Aishah Mohd Taib, Geok Lin Khor, Cheng Har Yip, Weang Kee Ho, Per Hall and Soo Hwang Teo

Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020299 - 06 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2578

Abstract

Soy intake is associated with lower breast cancer risk in observational studies concerning Asian women, however, no randomized controlled trials (RCT) have been conducted among Asian women living in Asia. This three-armed RCT assessed the effects of one-year soy isoflavone (ISF) intervention on [...] Read more.

Soy intake is associated with lower breast cancer risk in observational studies concerning Asian women, however, no randomized controlled trials (RCT) have been conducted among Asian women living in Asia. This three-armed RCT assessed the effects of one-year soy isoflavone (ISF) intervention on mammographic density (MD) change among healthy peri- and postmenopausal Malaysian women. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03686098). Participants were randomized into the 100 mg/day ISF Supplement, 50 mg/day ISF Diet, or control arm, and assessed for change in absolute and relative dense area from digital mammograms conducted at enrolment and after 12 months, compared over time across study arms using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Out of 118 women enrolled, 91 women completed the intervention, while 27 women (23%) were lost in follow up. The ISF supplement arm participants observed a larger decline in dense area (−1.3 cm²), compared to the ISF diet (−0.5 cm²) and control arm (−0.8 cm²), though it was not statistically significant (p = 0.48). Notably, among women enrolled within 5 years of menopause; dense area declined by 6 cm² in the ISF supplement arm, compared to <1.0 cm² in the control arm (p = 0.13). This RCT demonstrates a possible causal association between soy ISF intake and MD, a biomarker of breast cancer risk, among Asian women around the time of menopause, but these findings require confirmation in a larger trial. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 43313 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Can Dietary Patterns Impact Fertility Outcomes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Hugo G. Winter, Daniel L. Rolnik, Ben W. J. Mol, Sophia Torkel, Simon Alesi, Aya Mousa, Nahal Habibi, Thais R. Silva, Tin Oi Cheung, Chau Thien Tay, Alejandra Quinteros, Jessica A. Grieger and Lisa J. Moran

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112589 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3273

Abstract

There are conflicting results on the effect of diet on fertility. This study aimed to assess the effect of different dietary patterns on fertility outcomes in populations who conceive spontaneously and those requiring assisted reproductive technology (ART). A systematic search and meta-analysis were [...] Read more.

There are conflicting results on the effect of diet on fertility. This study aimed to assess the effect of different dietary patterns on fertility outcomes in populations who conceive spontaneously and those requiring assisted reproductive technology (ART). A systematic search and meta-analysis were performed for studies investigating dietary patterns or whole diets in reproductive aged women requiring ART or conceived naturally. Outcomes were live births, pregnancy rates and infertility rates. In amount of 15,396 studies were screened with 11 eligible studies. Ten different diet patterns were grouped broadly into categories: Mediterranean, Healthy or Unhealthy. For the Mediterranean diet, on excluding high risk-of-bias studies (n = 3), higher adherence was associated with improved live birth/pregnancy rates in ART [OR 1.91 (95% CI 1.14–3.19, I² 43%)] (n = 2). Adherence to various Healthy diets was associated with improved ART outcomes (ProFertility diet and Dutch Dietary Guidelines) and natural conception outcomes (Fertility diet). However, due to the variability in Healthy diets’ components, results were not pooled. Studies demonstrated preliminary evidence for the role of dietary patterns or whole diets in improving pregnancy and live birth rates. However, due to heterogeneity across the literature it is currently unclear which diet patterns are associated with improvements in fertility and ART outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Dietary Interventions and Women’s Health

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (13 papers)

Research

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI