This issue of Topics in Clinical Nutrition provides a variety of articles on a diverse collection of topics. Two articles highlight dietary supplements (DSs) including use and attitudes in Chinese adults as well as the impact of vitamin E on oral side effects in head and neck cancer. Additional topics include the use of a lipase cartridge in children with cystic fibrosis receiving enteral nutrition (EN), vitamin D consumption in Saudi women, predictors of pressure ulcers in patients with stroke, estimating basal metabolic rate (BMR) with predictive equations in female university students, and the role of prebiotics, synbiotics, and probiotics in stool output of the critically ill.
Pour et al conducted a retrospective study evaluating the impact of RELiZORB lipase cartridge on pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis receiving overnight EN. Although 10 of 16 participants experienced improved body mass index (BMI) or weight-for-length percentile in a nonsignificant finding, the frequency of diarrhea, steatorrhea, and malodorous stools decreased significantly with RELiZORB use.
Yang et al conducted a cross-sectional survey investigating DS use in Chinese urban adults. More than 8000 participants completed the online survey, and the authors found the usage rate of DSs to be more than 70%, with the most popular supplement identified as vitamins. Women, those with a higher educational background, those with greater income, those from more developed areas, and retirees were more likely to have taken DSs.
Hakim and Hussein conducted a cross-sectional study of 341 women in Saudi Arabia comparing vitamin D intake through a food frequency questionnaire with lumbar spine and femur bone mineral density (BMD). Although vitamin D intake of Saudi women was found to be inadequate, premenopausal women had a significantly higher BMD than postmenopausal women. A significant positive association was identified with vitamin D intake and femur BMD in this population.
Yurt and Cubukcu investigated pressure ulcer risk in patients with stroke receiving home care services through a retrospective case-control study. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores and albumin and prealbumin levels were compared between 54 patients with pressure injuries and 54 control patients. Lower MNA scores and low levels of serum albumin and prealbumin were associated with the presence of pressure injuries as well as increased severity of pressure injuries.
Meseri et al compared BMR calculated with 11 predictive equations by indirect calorimetry in a homogeneous population of female university students with BMI of less than 30 mg/kg2 in Turkey. While the Mifflin-St Jeor equation demonstrated the highest correlation, the Bernstein and Owen equations were found to be the most accurate.
Lutes et al of Rutgers University provide a review of whether oral vitamin E supplementation can reduce radiation therapy side effects in adults with head and neck cancer. Three studies showed that vitamin E supplementation can be effective in reducing side effects such as xerostomia or mucositis without impacting survival in this population.
Chin and Yu of the University of North Florida reviewed the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in stool output, mortality, and recovery in the critically ill. Eleven studies were reviewed, and 4 of 7 studies that assessed stool output reported improved outcomes. No statistically significant effect was seen in 5 studies related to mortality. Positive findings were noted in the areas of return of gut function, time on mechanical ventilation, and length of intensive care unit and hospital stay.
Thank you for your support of Topics in Clinical Nutrition. We are interested in hearing any suggestions for future topics or areas of interest to highlight in upcoming editions of the journal.
-Kelly Kane, MS, RD, CNSC
Editor
Topics in Clinical Nutrition