• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.295-300
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• 2008

Spirulina is a microscopic and filamentous cyanobacterium that contains essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidative components. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of spirulina intervention in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. The subjects were 37 type 2 diabetic patients who visited a diabetic clinic in Seoul and randomly assigned into spirulina (8 g/day) or control group. During the intervention period of 12 weeks, subjects were asked to keep usual diet and prohibited to take any functional foods or dietary supplements. Spirulina supplementation for 12 weeks did not affect anthropometric parameters, however, lowered plasma triglycerides level significantly (p<0.05). Spirulina supplementation also resulted in a significant reduction in plasma malondialdehyde level (p<0.05) and an increase in plasma adiponectin level (p<0.1). The lipid lowering effect of spirulina supplementation was different according to serum lipid levels of the subjects before entering the intervention. The subjects with higher initial triglyceride level showed higher reduction in plasma triglyceride and blood pressure. The subjects with higher initial total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level showed higher reduction in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, IL-6, and blood pressure. It seems that spirulina supplementation is more effective in subjects with dyslipidemia. This study provides the evidence for beneficial effects of spirulina supplementation on blood lipid profiles, inflammatory variables, and antioxidant capacity in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that spirulina is a promising agent as a functional food for diabetes management.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.327-333
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Complications of diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, are associated with increased mortality among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Homocysteine has been recently identified as a predictor of cardiovascular disease-related complications in diabetes. We investigated whether or not supplementation with folic acid tablets can lower homocysteine levels and improve parameters related with vascular complications. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We conducted a non-randomized 8-week trial involving postmenopausal diabetic women (n = 25) supplemented with $800{\mu}g$ of folic acid ($400{\mu}g$ twice a day) daily. Subjects' serum levels of folate, homocysteine, and vitamin $B_{12}$ were measured, along with vascular function and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. RESULTS: Folic acid supplementation significantly increased serum folate levels (P < 0.0001), reduced homocysteine levels (P < 0.0001), and increased vitamin $B_{12}$ levels (P = 0.0063). There were significant decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as the ratios of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocities were not altered by supplementation. Changes in serum vitamin $B_{12}$ after folic acid supplementation were negatively correlated with changes in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. CONCLUSIONS: In this study on postmenopausal Korean women with type 2 diabetes mellitus, folic acid supplementation reduced serum homocysteine levels, increased serum folate and vitamin $B_{12}$ levels, and lowered lipid parameters.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.8
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• pp.1133-1139
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• 2015

This study aimed to determine the effects of parenteral selenium (Se) and vitamin E supplementation on economic impact, milk yield, and some reproductive parameters in high-yield dairy cows in the dry period and in those at the beginning of lactation. At the beginning of the dry period, cows (n = 323) were randomly divided into three groups as follows: Treatment 1 (T1), Treatment 2 (T2), and Control (C). Cows in group T1 received this preparation 21 days before calving and on calving day, and cows in group T2 received it only on calving day. The cows in the control group did not receive this preparation. Supplementation with Se increased Se serum levels of cows treated at calving day (p<0.05). Differences in milk yield at all weeks and the electrical conductivity values at the 8th and 12th weeks were significant (p<0.05). Supplementation with Se and Vitamin E decreased the incidence of metritis, the number of services per conception and the service period, but had no effects on the incidence of retained fetal membrane. A partial budgeting analysis indicated that Se supplementation was economically profitable; cows in group T1 averaged 240.6$ per cow, those in group T2 averaged 224.6$ per cow. Supplementation with Se and Vitamin E has been found to increase serum Se levels, milk yield, and has positive effects on udder health by decreasing milk conductivity values and incidence of sub-clinical mastitis.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.130-138
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• 2024

Numerous studies have indicated that low levels of serum adiponectin are linked with the development of various chronic diseases. While some recent research has suggested that soy has a positive impact on serum adiponectin levels, the results are inconsistent. Therefore, we aim to conduct a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigate the effects of soy on serum adiponectin levels in adults. The search was conducted until March 2024 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify RCTs that studied the effects of soy supplementation on serum adiponectin levels. A random-effects model was used to pool the weighted mean differences (WMDs). Ten and nine RCTs were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. After analyzing data from 9 eligible RCTs, it was found that soy supplementation did not significantly impact the concentrations of adiponectin (WMD = -0.24㎍/mL; 95% confidence interval, -1.56 to 1.09; p = 0.72). However, there was significant heterogeneity between the studies (I² = 89.8%, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed that overall estimates were not affected by the elimination of any study. We did not observe any evidence regarding publication bias. In conclusion, soy supplementation did not have a significant effect on adiponectin levels in adults. However, further RCTs are needed with longer intervention duration, higher doses, and studies conducted in different countries.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.450-461
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• 2022

Purpose: DNA damage and repair responses are induced by metabolic diseases and environmental stress. The balance of DNA repair response and the antioxidant system play a role in modulating the entire body's health. This study uses a high-fat and high-calorie (HFC) drink to examine the new roles of a plant-based multivitamin/mineral supplement with phytonutrients (PMP) for regulating the antioxidant system and cellular DNA repair signaling in the body resulting from metabolic stress. Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, parallel-arm, and placebo-controlled trial, healthy adults received a capsule containing either a PMP supplement (n = 12) or a placebo control (n = 12) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at 0, 1, and 3 hours after consuming a HFC drink (900 kcal). The blood samples were analyzed for the following oxidative stress makers: areas under the curve reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocytes MDA, urinary MDA, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and the glutathione:oxidized glutathione ratio at the time points. We further examined the related protein levels of DNA repair signaling (pCHK1 (Serine 345), p-P53 (Serine 15), and 𝛄H2AX expression) in the plasma of subjects to evaluate the time-dependent effects of a HFC drink. Results: In a previous study, we showed that PMP supplementation for eight weeks reduces the ROS and endogenous DNA damage in human blood plasma. Results of the current study further show that PMP supplementation is significantly correlated with antioxidant defense. Compared to the placebo samples, the blood plasma obtained after PMP supplementation showed enhanced DNA damage response genes such as pCHK1(Serine 345) (a transducer of DNA response) and 𝛄H2AX (a hallmark of DNA damage) during the 8 weeks trial on metabolic challenges. Conclusion: Our results indicate that PMP supplementation for 8 weeks enhances the antioxidant system against oxidative stress and prevents DNA damage signaling in humans.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.59-64
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• 2013

Eight male cattle of the Local Yellow breed with an average live weight of 121 kg and an average age of 18 months were used to evaluate the effects of different levels of sun-dried cassava (Manihot esculenta) foliage supplementation on mineral metabolism in growing cattle fed rice straw and para grass as basal diet. Rice straw ad libitum and para grass (Brachiaria mutica) at 1% DM of BW comprised the basal diet. The study was arranged as a $4{\times}4$ double Latin square design, with cassava foliage contributing 0, 0.8, 1.6 or 2.4 g CP/kg BW. The cassava foliage intake was lower than the planned levels. DM consumption was significantly affected by cassava foliage supplementation, with the largest intake observed at the two highest levels of cassava foliage supplementation. Rice straw intake showed the opposite pattern, with lower intake at higher cassava foliage supplementation. No refusals occurred for para grass in any of the treatments. Ca, P, Mg, K, S and Mn intake increased significantly with increasing intake of cassava foliage, but Na intake was not affected by treatment. Faecal excretion of Ca, Mg, S and Mn increased significantly with increasing cassava foliage intake. There were no differences between P, K and Na excretion in faeces. There was a significant diet effect on Mg, S and Mn digestibility. Mg and Mn digestibility increased with increasing cassava foliage supplementation, while S digestibility decreased. Ca, P, K and Na digestibility was not affected by diet. There was a significant effect of treatment on P retention, with the highest value observed for supplementation with 1.6 g CP/kg BW cassava foliage. Ca and Mg showed similar trends, with the highest retention again for supplementation with 1.6 g CP/kg BW cassava foliage. There were weak but significant positive correlations between nitrogen retention and the macro minerals Ca, P and Mg. Furthermore, retention of all these minerals was positively correlated. Mineral losses in urine were not affected by dietary treatment with the exception of P excretion, which was affected by treatment. In conclusion, cassava foliage is a good Ca source which compensates for the low Ca content in rice straw and para grass, but P deficiency appears to be exaggerated in cattle with higher cassava intake. The results suggest that under these conditions growing cattle on a high cassava intake would benefit from P and S supplementation.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.214-227
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• 2022

Despite controversies, no earlier study has systematically summarized findings from earlier studies on the effect of artichoke supplementation on blood pressure. Therefore, current systematic review and meta-analysis was done on the effect of artichoke supplementation on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults. Five databases were searched from inception to January 2022 using relevant keywords. All randomized clinical trials investigating the impact of oral artichoke supplementation on any of the blood pressure parameters including SBP or/and DBP were included. Out of 1,507 citations, 7 trials that enrolled 472 subjects were included. Artichoke supplementation resulted in significant reduction in SBP (weighted mean difference [WMD], -2.01 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.78, -0.24; p = 0.026) and DBP (WMD, -1.45 mmHg; 95% CI, -2.81, -0.08; p = 0.038). Greater effects on SBP were detected in trials using ≤ 500 mg artichoke, lasted > 8 weeks, participants aged < 50 years' old and sample size ≤ 70. There was also a similar impact of artichoke on DBP. However, significant non-linear associations were found between artichoke supplementation dosage and study duration with both SBP (for dosage: p_{non-linearity} = 0.002, for duration: p_{non-linearity} = 0.016) and DBP (for dosage: p_{non-linearity} = 0.005, for duration: p_{non-linearity} = 0.003). We found a significant reduction in both SBP and DBP following artichoke supplementation in adults. It could be proposed as a hypotensive supplement in hypertension management.

• Journal of Korean Elementary Science Education
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.402-414
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of Science Chief Teachers in schools, focusing on the specific activities in which they engage during the school year as a part of the science curriculum in the school. To do so, five research participants were selected who were in charge of the activities of the Science Chief Teacher in elementary schools. After the interviews, their activities and roles were categorized into "planning and implementation" and "management and supplementation." In addition, the research participants were asked to bring documents they had drafted and provide information about accomplishments related to science contests, lists of materials and equipment used in science labs, and other materials to be used as reference data for the research. As prompted by the research, the category of "planning and implementation," which represented the activities conducted by the Science Chief Teachers, was further classified into "operation of the intramural events for the Month of Science at the beginning of the school year," "participation in contests sponsored by the Office of Education in accordance with the results of the intramural events," " the operation of the science club in school," and "preparation for the end of the year evaluation of the science education performance." As for the category of "management and supplementation," it was further classified into "constant management and improvement of the science lab," "maintenance of the relationship with the public service officials present at science lab," and "management of other matters related to the science education." Through this study, it was possible to look into the activities of the Science Chief Teachers who supported the smooth progress of science education in schools. This study will provide implications for improving the work efficiency of the Chief Science Teachers and indicate the difficulties expected in the future.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.384-394
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• 2001

In order to prevent pollution from animal waste, P, N and pharmacological level minerals should be properly managed. Microbial phytase has been used successfully to control P excretion. Activity of natural phytase in certain plant feedstuffs is high enough to be considered in feed formulation. Nitrogen control can be achieved through amino acid supplementation and protein restriction in the diet. Supplementation with carbohydrases reduces output of excreta as well as N. Ammonia release from the manure could be reduced by using a low crude protein diet along with the supplementation with probiotics products. Excretion of minerals used at pharmacological level can be reduced by using chelated forms. Cu and Zn in the form of methionine chelate have been successfully used in the broiler and pig diets.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.309-317
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• 2009

As far as we know, there were no studies of the effect of L-arginine on bone metabolism in post-menopausal women or ovariectomized rats. The primary objective of the current study was to determine whether arginine supplementation was associated with alterations in femoral and spinal bone mineral density (BMD) and bone markers in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats. Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups, Ovx and sham groups, which were each randomly divided into two subgroups that were fed control and arginine supplemented diet. All rats were fed on experimental diet and deionized water ad libitum for 9 weeks. Bone formation was measured by serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations. Bone resorption was measured by deoxypyridinoline (DPD) crosslinks immunoassay and corrected for creatinine. Serum osteocalcin, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin were analyzed using radioimmunoassay kits. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured using PIXImus (GE Lunar Co, Wisconsin, USA) in spine and femur. The serum and urine concentrations of Ca and P were determined. The plasma was analyzed for arginine. Diet did not affect weight gain, mean food intake, and plasma arginine concentration. Urinary Ca excretion was decreased by arginine supplementation in Ovx rats, but statistically not significant. The Ovx rats fed arginine-supplemented diet were not significantly different in ALP, osteocalcin, crosslinks value, PTH, calcitonin and IGF-1 compared to those fed control diet. The arginine-supplemented group had significantly higher serum Ca and growth hormone than control group. Spine and femur BMD were significantly increased by arginine supplementation on 5th and 9th weeks after feeding. Our findings indicate that dietary L-arginine supplementation decreased bone mineral density loss in Ovx rats. Therefore, dietary arginine supplementation may represent a potentially useful strategy for the management of osteoporosis.