The most viewed articles in the last three months among those published since 2024.
Anxiety disorder is a prevalent psychiatric issue that affects 4.05% of the global population. As complementary and alternative medicine gains popularity, many individuals with anxiety symptoms seek herbal remedies. This systematic review aims to explore the sedative efficacy of chamomile as an herbal medicine for anxiety treatment. Our search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases until August 2023. Among 389 papers found, after removing duplicates and irrelevant papers, 10 clinical trials investigating the effect of oral consumption of chamomile on anxiety were included. Two researchers independently completed all steps, including the screening process and data extraction. Out of the 10 articles selected, 9 studies have concluded that chamomile is effective in reducing anxiety. Even though, the exact mechanism of chamomile’s anxiolytic action is not well understood, evidence suggests that its active compounds, including apigenin, may modulate the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis by affecting neurotransmitter pathways. This systematic review showed that chamomile potentially has an anxiolytic effect. In addition, due to the side effects of drugs used to treat anxiety disorders, the use of chamomile seems to be effective and less dangerous.
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This study was conducted to evaluate changes in hydrogen breath test results and nutritional improvements when Korean adults diagnosed with lactose intolerance consumed processed milk containing approximately 10 g of lactose continuously. Participants consumed 240 mL of intervention food daily for a month and visited the research institute before and after the intervention to undergo nutrient intake survey and hydrogen breath tests. Data from 32 participants, with a mean age of 52.9 years, were analyzed. Hydrogen breath tests showed a significant decrease in hydrogen levels at all but baseline and the first of five 20-minute intervals of expiratory hydrogen concentration measurements. The third and fourth measurements showed the most significant changes (p < 0.001). The gastrointestinal symptoms showed a decreasing trend. Nutrient intake analysis demonstrated significant increases in animal protein (p < 0.001), calcium (p < 0.001), percentage of energy from protein (p = 0.032), vitamin A (p = 0.032), and retinol levels (p = 0.023). Regarding dietary habits, significant improvements were observed in nutritional quotient variables, including nutritional score (p = 0.042) and balance (p = 0.034). This study suggests that the removal of lactose and dairy products is not necessary for individuals with lactose intolerance. Incorporating low-lactose processed milk into their usual diet might be a practical dietary management strategy.
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This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of flaxseed supplementation on blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension based on the data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Three databases (PubMed [MEDLINE], Scopus, and ISI Web of Science) were searched from inception up to August 10, 2024. Relevant studies meeting our eligibility criteria were obtained. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The methodological quality of individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. A total of 5 studies were included and analyzed using STATA software version 12. The results show that there is a significant decrease in systolic BP (WMD, −8.64 mmHg; 95% CI, −15.41 to −1.87; p ≤ 0.001) and diastolic BP (WMD, −4.87 mmHg; 95% CI, −8.37 to −1.37; p = 0.006) of patients with hypertension as compared to control groups. This study supported that flaxseed supplementation had favorable effects on BP control in hypertensive patients. It may be a promising adjuvant therapy for patients with hypertension.
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The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is a brain-focused dietary pattern designed to prevent cognitive decline in older adults. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, aimed to examine the association between the MIND diet and cognitive function in older adults. Relevant studies published between 2015 and 2024 were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed and the Cochrane Library using keywords including “MIND diet,” “cognitive performance,” and “older adults.” From a total of 138 records screened, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria after excluding reviews, meta-analyses, editorials, and those incorporating other lifestyle interventions such as physical activity or education. These studies included 7 prospective cohort studies, 2 cross-sectional studies, 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT), and 1 case-control study, comprising a total of 17,201 participants aged 57–91 years. Across studies, at least 57% of participants were women, and in the 5 studies reporting race, more than 75% were White. Dietary intake and MIND adherence were assessed primarily via food frequency questionnaires, while cognitive outcomes were evaluated using validated instruments including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, global cognition scores, Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease tests, and magnetic resonance imaging. Six cohort and two cross-sectional studies reported significant associations between higher MIND adherence and better cognitive outcomes. One cohort study and the single RCT showed no effect. Excluding 2 studies with short durations (≤ 3 years), the remaining nine studies suggest consistent cognitive benefits of MIND adherence. Future studies should include systematic reviews and large-scale RCTs focusing on Asian populations.
Since the effects of cinnamon supplementation on lipid profiles are still controversial, this study conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effect of cinnamon supplementation on lipid profiles. The study was designed and conducted according to the guidelines of the 2020 preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statements. A systematic and comprehensive search was performed in several databases from inception up to 11 November 2023. The meta-analysis on the impact of Cinnamon on lipid profiles indicates a non-significant overall effect on low-density lipoprotein (weighted mean differences [WMD], −2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], −9.70, 4.72). However, significant reductions are seen with doses < 500 mg/day (−10.26), and non-significant increases with doses ≥ 500 mg/day (1.18). The overall effect on high-density lipoprotein is non-significant (WMD, 3.97; 95% CI, −7.877, 15.831), showing varying responses at different doses. Triglycerides exhibit a significant overall reduction (WMD, −6.88; 95% CI, −12.62, −1.15), particularly in the < 500 mg/day group. The overall effect on cholesterol is non-significant (WMD, −4.314; 95% CI, −15.011, 6.384), with diverse responses at different doses. High heterogeneity underlines the importance of standardized study designs and further exploration of dosage-specific effects. Findings from this study suggest that cinnamon supplements might be beneficial to modulate the blood lipid profile.
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This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to test our hypothesis that herbal tea may improve anthropometric parameters, metabolic factors, and hormone levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). A literature search was conducted on Information Sciences Institute, Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar, up to March 2023 without applying language or date restrictions. RCTs that assigned herbal tea vs. placebo on PCOS women and evaluated changes in anthropometric measurements, metabolic indices, or hormonal profiles were included. Six RCTs with 235 PCOS women (119 in the intervention and 116 in the control group) were included. Meta-analysis showed that herbal tea consumption led to significant decreases in weight (weighted mean difference [WMD], −2.02 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.25, −0.80), body mass index (BMI) (WMD, −0.88 kg/m2; 95% CI, −1.47, −0.28) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD, −6.47 mg/dL; 95% CI, −8.49, −4.45), compared to the control group. Herbal tea supplementation has also significantly increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration (WMD, 0.56 IU/L; 95% CI, 0.17, 0.95). Meanwhile, the effect of herbal tea on the waist/hip ratio, hip circumference, waist circumference, body fat, fasting insulin, FBG/insulin ratio, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was not significant. Herbal tea might be a potential supplemental therapy to manage weight, BMI, FBG, and FSH in PCOS women. Further large randomized clinical trials are recommended to affirm these findings.
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A food exchange list is a tool developed to help diabetic patients control their energy intake and plan balanced meals. Korean food exchange lists were first developed in 1988, revised in 1995, and updated again in 2010. With rapidly changing dietary habits and increasing demand for diverse food cultures, the Korean Diabetes Association in cooperation with 4 related organizations established a Task Force Team (TFT) to revise food exchange lists in March 2022. Starting with a workshop, TFT held 11 official revision meetings, culminating in a public hearing in May 2023. The final revised version of Korean food exchange lists was published in December 2023. Key outcomes of the revision are summarized as follows: 1. Based on the National Standard Food Composition Table 10.0 database, the existing classification system and nutrient standards for each food group remain unchanged this time. 2. Based on a survey conducted among diabetes educators, the number of items on the food exchange lists has increased from 339 in 2010 to 435 this time. 3. Considering patients’ usual eating habits, meal planning examples were developed distributing food group exchange units by energy level based on 3 types of proportions of carbohydrate energy (40%–45%, 50%–55%, 60%–65%). 4. Due to limitations in real-time updates for rapidly changing information, detailed guidance on how to access and interpret the data is provided. These revisions will help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels and facilitate the implementation of healthy meal planning in various other conditions, including obesity.
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This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of almond consumption on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). An electronic database search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from inception through October 2024. Summary effect size measurements were calculated using random effects model estimation and were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 258 articles were identified, and 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of eleven RCTs, which involved a total of 544 participants, indicated that almonds significantly reduced levels of CRP (WMD, −0.28 mg/L; 95% CI, −0.52, −0.04; p = 0.02). However, we found no significant benefit of almond consumption in improving serum MDA levels, and due to the limited number of studies, the examination of MDA was conducted only qualitatively. This study supports the conclusion that almond consumption has favorable effects on CRP levels in individuals with CVD risk factors. More high-quality trials are needed to confirm these findings.
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This review offers a comprehensive analysis of food for special medical purposes (FSMPs)—specially formulated foods designed to support the dietary management of individuals with specific medical conditions. The regulatory frameworks governing FSMP differ significantly across key regions, including the European Union, North America (with a focus on the United States), and Asia (primarily China and India). FSMP is critical in addressing malnutrition, metabolic disorders (including inborn errors of metabolism), and chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological conditions. Recent advancements, such as the application of three-dimensional printing technology and the growing emphasis on personalized nutrition, are poised to revolutionize the FSMP industry. The global market for FSMP is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in China, driven by factors like aging populations and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Future trends suggest a shift toward more personalized, technologically advanced FSMP formulations. However, challenges such as high costs, limited accessibility, unclear regulations, and poor palatability must be addressed to maximize the potential of FSMP in enhancing patient care.
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Pressure injuries are common complications in patients with limited mobility, particularly those who are bedridden. These wounds not only cause pain and reduce quality of life but also lead to prolonged hospitalization, increased risk of infection, and higher healthcare costs. Among the various contributing factors, malnutrition plays a crucial role by impairing collagen synthesis, weakening immune function, and delaying tissue repair. Adequate nutritional support—particularly sufficient protein and energy intake—is therefore an essential component of comprehensive pressure injury management. We present the case of a paraplegic patient who developed a vulvar pressure injury. A structured, stepwise nutritional intervention was implemented, including adjustment of meal composition based on appetite, supplementation with high-protein oral nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals, and the use of probiotics to manage diarrhea. As a result, the patient’s daily protein intake increased from less than 10 g to 80–90 g, accompanied by progressive wound improvement. Serial clinical assessments showed reduced slough, increased granulation tissue formation, and epithelialization. This case highlights the vital role of individualized nutritional management within a multidisciplinary approach to pressure injury care. Stepwise nutritional intervention, tailored to the patient’s tolerance and clinical status, contributed significantly to wound healing. Nutritional optimization should be considered an integral component of effective pressure injury treatment strategies.
A diet rich in proinflammatory components and inflammation are suggested to be significant risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to investigate the association between the risk of MS and the inflammatory potential of an individual’s diet and dietary diversity through pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory food intake score (PAIFIS) and dietary diversity score (DDS). In a hospital-based case–control study, 397 participants, including 197 patients with MS and 200 healthy participants aged over 18 years, were evaluated. The history of smoking, dietary intake, and anthropometric characteristics, including body mass index, waist circumference, total body fat, and fat-free mass were assessed. A validated 160-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate the PAIFIS and DDS scores. The mean age of the participants was 32.45 ± 8.66 years, and most were females (274, 79.4%). The PAIFIS score was significantly higher among MS patients than healthy participants (p = 0.001). Between PAIFIS and DDS, only PAFIS was significantly related to MS risk (odds ratio, 1.002; 95% confidence interval, 1.001–1.004; p = 0.001). PAIFIS, as an index of dietary inflammation, can predict MS. Further studies are needed to document these findings.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional adequacy of senior-friendly foods sold in Korea, focusing on protein and sodium. This study examined the nutritional content of 170 products with nutritional labels that were sold in online stores in Korea and categorized the products into 93 staple foods (cooked rice, porridge, and mousse) and 77 side-dish and snack foods (braized·steam·roast products, broth, sauces, and snacks). Then, the adequacy of the nutritional content of these foods, focusing on protein and sodium, was evaluated according to product type. The 93 staple products and 77 side-dish products had average serving sizes of 163.27 g and 127.92 g, prices of $3.25 and $2.72, and energy contents of 295.25 kcal and 141.95 kcal, respectively. For staple foods, the energy content was significantly greater in cooked rice, but the protein content and index of nutrition quality (INQ) were significantly greater in mousse. There were no significant differences in sodium content or contribution to adequate intake (AI) by product type, but the sodium INQ was significantly greater in the mousse and porridge. For side-dish foods and snack products, the protein content, contribution to the recommended intake, and INQ were all significantly greater for the braized·steam·roast products. Sauces and braized·steam·roast products were significantly higher in sodium content and contribution to the AI, while broth was significantly higher in sodium INQ. These findings can be used to guide proper product selection and nutritional management that considers the health characteristics of health-vulnerable and elderly people.
Malnutrition affect clinical outcomes in hospitalized old age patients, but the data on the related outcomes on the basis of different age categories are still limited. We aimed to investigate the interplay of associations among body mass index (BMI), falls risk, and mortality rate in different older adult patient age categories. This retrospective study included hospitalized patients aged ≥ 65 years who received artificial nutrition. Demographic, biochemical, and survival data were collected. BMI was evaluated using the World Health Organization BMI cutoffs for Asians, and patients were classified into high (≥ 23.0 kg/m2), normal (18.5−22.9 kg/m2), and low (< 18.5 kg/m2) BMI groups. The Morse Fall Scale was used to assess falls risk. By age categories, all patients (n = 4,642) were divided into the 65−74 (n = 2,649) and ≥ 75 (n = 1,993) years age groups. We found that the proportion of low-BMI and high risk of falls increased with age. Further, low-BMI was associated with increased falls risk in both age groups. Overall survival rate tended to be lower in the low-BMI and ≥ 75 years group than that in other patient groups, but did not differ significantly compared with the low-BMI and 65–74 years group. Low-BMI was associated with increased falls risk and mortality; however, the association depended on specific patient age groups.
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This study aimed to identify major dietary patterns among Korean adolescents, examine their changes over the past 16 years, and evaluate differences by sex. Data were analyzed from 7,679 adolescents aged 12–18 years who participated in the 2007–2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and completed health, examination, and nutrition surveys. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall, and cluster analysis was performed based on the energy contribution of 26 food groups. Associations between dietary patterns and nutrient intake were examined using survey-weighted linear regression. Three dietary patterns were identified: Bread, Meat, & Dairy (33.1%); Rice-based Diet (45.5%); and Convenient Foods (21.3%). Among boys, the Rice-based Diet group showed the highest prevalence of obesity and the largest proportion of low-income households, whereas the Bread, Meat, & Dairy group exhibited higher rates of supplement use and high-income status (all p < 0.05). Among girls, the Convenient Foods group tended to be older and was more likely to skip breakfast, consume alcohol, eat out daily, and perceive themselves as overweight (all p < 0.05). Over the 16-year period, adherence to the Bread, Meat, & Dairy pattern increased, whereas adherence to the Rice-based Diet pattern declined in both sexes (p < 0.01). These findings highlight a shift toward Westernized dietary patterns among Korean adolescents. Accordingly, nutrition policies and interventions should adopt tailored strategies that account for both sex and socioeconomic differences to promote healthier eating habits and support long-term adolescent health.
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