Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin B1, thiamine, has many pertinent functions relating to the generation of energy and metabolism in the human body. Thiamine can be found in various food products, such as beans, yogurt, seafood and meats. Deficiency can be seen in individuals with poor oral intake or alcoholism and can present as dry beriberi. Dry beriberi involves the Central Nervous System (CNS) and manifests as a spectrum in severity, with symptoms of motor and sensory deficits commonly affecting the extremities.

A 30s year old male with no past medical history presented with acute generalized weakness, so debilitating he could not physically get out of bed. He recently endorsed an alcohol binge three days prior. Thiamine levels revealed<6 nmol/L. Intravenous (IV) infusion of thiamine alongside physical therapy during hospital led to complete resolution of symptoms. Thiamine levels should be checked in patients presenting with neuropathic symptoms, especially in the setting of malnourished states.

Vitamin supplements like most feed additives are used to promote performance and wellbeing of chickens. Often times, the effect of these supplements are only monitored on performance attributes with little efforts on their impact on quality of produce from poultry. This study was therefore designed to assess the quality attributes of eggs produced by hens fed diets supplemented with Ascorbic Acid (AA) and cholecalciferol (D₃). The experiment was laid out in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Eggs (n=288) obtained from hens fed three levels of supplemental AA (0, 300 and 600 mg/kg) and four levels of D₃ (0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 IU/kg) at the early laying (week 22-38) and mid laying (week 39-55) phases were monitored for external and internal egg quality traits. Neither dietary supplement of AA nor D₃ had influence (p>0.05) on all egg quality parameters monitored at the early laying phase except for yolk weight and yolk %. At the mid-laying phase, shell thickness improved with supplemental AA and cholecalciferol while 2000 IU/kg cholecalciferol increased Haugh unit (90.27). Effects of interaction of AA and cholecalciferol was only significant (p<0.05) on yolk % and diameter. In conclusion, supplemental AA and D₃ improved eggshell thickness while 2000 IU/kg supplemental D₃ increased Haugh unit. Combined dietary supplement of AA and D₃ for the hens enhanced egg yolk percentage and diameter.

This narrative review examines the role of supplemental micronutrients in modulating tight junctions and epithelial barrier function. Tight junctions are critical components of epithelial barriers in various tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system and skin, regulating the paracellular transport of ions, solutes and immune cells. Emerging evidence suggests that micronutrients, such as vitamins (e.g., vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin C), minerals (e.g., zinc, selenium) and polyphenols, play crucial roles in maintaining the integrity and function of tight junctions. This review explores the mechanisms through which micronutrients influence tight junction dynamics, barrier integrity and immune responses, highlighting their potential therapeutic implications in conditions characterized by epithelial barrier dysfunction, such as inflammatory bowel disease, allergic disorders and skin diseases. Understanding the interplay between supplemental micronutrients and tight junctions can inform strategies for optimizing epithelial barrier function and promoting overall health and wellbeing.

This review explores the intricate relationship between nutritional factors and the composition of fat, fatty acids and sensory traits in ruminant meat and milk. Ruminant-derived products constitute significant components of human diets worldwide, thus understanding the factors affecting their nutritional profile and sensory characteristics is essential. The review discusses the impact of various nutritional components, including diet composition, feeding strategies, forage quality, supplementation and management practices, on the fatty acid composition and sensory attributes of meat and milk from ruminants. Additionally, it examines the implications of these factors on human health and consumer preferences. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions can inform strategies for optimizing the nutritional quality and sensory attributes of ruminantderived products to meet consumer demands and enhance human health.

Depression is a significant public health concern worldwide, affecting individuals across various demographics. Among middle-aged women, in particular, depressive symptoms can significantly impact overall well-being and quality of life. Research suggests that dietary patterns play a crucial role in mental health outcomes, with certain dietary habits being associated with either protective or detrimental effects on depressive symptoms. This article examines the relationship between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms among middle-aged women, evaluating both healthful and less favorable associations. Research suggests that adherence to certain dietary patterns can have protective effects against depressive symptoms among middle-aged women. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and olive oil, has consistently shown benefits for mental health. The abundance of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients in this diet may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are implicated in the development of depression.