Background: A number of studies have found conflicting results concerning the modulation of plasma lipids induced by probiotics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify and compare the effects of probiotic and conventional yoghurt on the plasma lipid profile of normocholesterolemic women. Methods: In this study, female volunteers consumed 100 g/day of probiotic (n = 17) or conventional yoghurt (n = 16) for 2 weeks (T1–T2) and 200 g/day for further 2 weeks (T2–T3). A washout phase lasting 2 weeks followed (T4). Total and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were determined by enzymatic methods; LDL cholesterol was calculated using the Friedewald formula. Results: The average concentration of total cholesterol was consistent throughout the whole study in the control group, but decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in the probiotic group consuming 200 g yoghurt/day (T2–T3). During the period of daily yoghurt intake (T1–T3) the mean HDL cholesterol level increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the probiotic group, resulting in a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of the total/HDL cholesterol ratio. The significant (p < 0.01) reduction of the average plasma LDL cholesterol values found in this period (T1–T3) in the probiotic and the control groups was associated with a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios in both tested groups. Conclusion: Although several lipid parameters changed during the study in both the probiotic and the control group, no significant differences between the groups were observed. Therefore, it can be concluded that the regular consumption of both probiotic and conventional yoghurt for 4 weeks had a positive effect on the lipid profile in plasma of healthy women.

Background/Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the current use of biologically-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in diabetics, considering health awareness, motivation, and expectations for CAM use. Moreover, patients’ attitudes toward cinnamon preparations and the need for appropriate information from health care professionals were determined. Methods: A total of 200 patients (59% men and 41% women) with type 1 (16%) or type 2 diabetes (84%) were interviewed using a standardized, validated questionnaire; the results from 198 respondents were analyzed. Results: A third of type 1 and type 2 diabetics (women > men; p < 0.01) reported current use of biologically-based CAM supplements, and intake was significantly (r = 0.203; p < 0.05) correlated to the degree of health awareness/interest in self-care in type 2 diabetics. The use of nutritional supplements (vitamins/multivitamins and minerals), herbal medicine, and cinnamon was reported most frequently. Prevention (36%) and improved well-being/quality of life (13%) but not the positive modulation of diabetes management (4%) were given as main motivations. Eighty-three percent of type 1 diabetics (women > men; p < 0.05) and 70% of type 2 diabetics already knew about the postulated positive effect of cinnamon on blood glucose. Up to 85% reported a willingness or a probable willingness to test the effect of cinnamon on blood glucose. Among patients with type 2 diabetes the subjectively felt disease burden was found to have a significant (r = 0.235; p < 0.01) impact on the willingness to use cinnamon preparations for better diabetes management. Conclusion: This study indicates a remarkable interest in CAM remedies in the investigated group of diabetics as a strategy for active engagement in health and disease self-management. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the increasing number of patients using CAM supplements and hence incorporate these aspects into patient care in order to ensure patient satisfaction and optimize health care.

Background: The European Nutrition and Health Report contains data about the nutritional situation of elderly of 11 EU countries. Methods: The assessment of the energy and nutrient intake was performed using different methods: 24-hour recall, (semiquantitative) FFQ, 4/7-day-weighed record, personal interview, HBS. Results: Compared to adults of the same country, the energy intake of elderly was on average lower. In most EU countries, the mean proportion of protein intake was within the recommended range while the share of carbohydrates was considerable low. The mean fat intake was remarkably high, the dietary fatty acid pattern predominantly imbalanced and the intake of cholesterol exceeded 300 mg/day in most European elderly. The average intake of vitamin D and folic acid was clearly below 10 and 400 µg/day, respectively, in elderly of all countries. Sodium intake was quite high in several participating countries, whereas calcium intake remained below 800 mg/d in all investigated states. The supply of vitamin A/C, thiamine, niacin, cobalamin, and the elements: magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese could generally be regarded as sufficient. Only in some countries the intake of these nutrients had to be assessed as unsaturated. Conclusion: Data analysis showed that the proportions of macronutrient intake of European elderly are not balanced. Apart from vitamin D, calcium, folate, iodine, and sodium the mean intake of micronutrients could be regarded as acceptable.

No abstract

These results indicate that nutritional supplements beneficially modulate plasma antioxidants and thus might have a positive influence on systemic redox balance and subsequently, pulmonary inflammation in asthmatic children.