micronutrients

Emerging evidence indicates that micronutrient deficiency could play a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of many chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, kidney disease, cancer, anemia and other cardio-metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases through the induction of Insulin resistance (IR). However, there are still gaps in our scientific knowledge regarding the links between micronutrient deficiencies, IR, and cardio metabolic disorders. This review provides current information on recent advances and a global perspective regarding the relationship between micronutrient deficiency, IR, and cardio metabolic disorders. Empirical evidence indicates that deficiencies in either micronutrients associated with insulin activity (such as Chromium, manganese, magnesium, and iron) or antioxidant enzyme cofactors (such as vitamin A, copper, zinc, and manganese) could impact several physiological processes leading to a cascade of metabolic and biochemical derangements such as B-cell apoptosis, loss of islet cell mass, defective tyrosine kinase activity, oxidative stress, pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, reduction in lean body mass, defective insulin signaling mechanism, elevated protein kinase C activity, and excess intracellular calcium. Collaboratively, these states of metabolic malfunctioning are associated with IR, which triggers the onset of many cardio metabolic diseases. Undoubtedly, the prevention of micronutrient deficiency may indeed ameliorate the incidence of IR and cardio-metabolic disorders in those at risk and in the general population.

The halophyte Distichlis palmeri (Vasey) is a plant resource with high potential to be harvested in the coastal areas of northwestern Mexico; enlarge the knowledge and domestication for its incursion into the agricultural sector, plays an important role for arid areas with saline intrusion problems. However, its productivity depends on the supplementary supply of nitrogen, as well as other essential macro and micronutrients. The microorganisms considered beneficial are an alternative to chemical fertilization, highlighting those Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). In the present study, the inoculation of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (B.a.) as a halobacterium PGPB was evaluated to know the response in seeds of Distichlis spicatai obtained from natural population from colorado river in Delta north of the Gulf of California. Wild seed was collected and germinated previously inoculated with B. a., and sowed in germinated beds. Later, seedlings were planted under field and salinity conditions in the coast of Hermosillo, Sonora. Three treatments were examined (T1: B.a., T2: Chemical fertilization, T3: Negative control), with four repetitions each treatment. Each repetition consisted of experimental plots of 5 x 5 m, with a separation of 1 m between them. The harvest was carried out 600 days after sowing. The results indicate that treatments inoculated with halobacteria B.a., showed significant results in crude protein, non-protein nitrogen, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, as well as spike length and number of seeds. The results obtained suggests the feasibility of biofertilizers where biomass and seed production are significant compared to non-inoculated controls.

Stems of Santalum album (Sandalwood), Mangiferra indica (Mango wood), and Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) are widely used in the preparation of herbal medicines and formulations in the traditional Indian health care system called Ayurveda. These were analyzed for 4 minor (K, Ca, Cl, Mg) and 13 traces (As, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, La, Mn, Na, Se, V, and Zn) including toxic elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Samples in powder form along with reference materials (NIST SRM 1547 and INCT MPH-2) as comparators were irradiated for 1 min/6 h in Dhruva/CIRUS reactors at BARC, Mumbai. Gamma activity was measured by high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. In general, K, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn contents are very high in all the samples but Santalum album, widely used as a perfume, is more enriched in K, Ca, Cr, Zn, and Se. The concentration of Ca is always high as a major constituent (> 10 mg/g) in all the stem/bark of plant species. A strong inverse correlation (R2 = 0.9999) was observed between Fe and Zn in all three samples and that may be useful in drug manufacturing.

Background/Introduction: WHO recommended ‘ready to use therapeutic food’ (RUTF) for community-based management (CMAM) of severely malnourished children (SMC). This is often rejected by children. The objective is to identify and map the locally produced and socio-culturally acceptable food items to treat SMC. Methods: Through community participation, eight varieties of MAHAN Local therapeutic foods (LTFs) were prepared by tribal females at our center as per WHO norms with a shelf life of 4 weeks. LTFs with micronutrients were given at the feeding centers in the villages under supervision 3 - 4 times a day. Results: Multiple, palatable, culturally acceptable, safe, feasible with local womanpower, and cost-effective recipes were developed. Hence, our LTFs are qualitatively superior to other therapeutic foods. This mapping exercise provides a ready reference to other government or non-government organizations for CMAM. Conclusion: MAHAN-LTF is a multiple, palatable, generalizable, and sustainable therapeutic food and are being used in other tribal blocks of India.

Micronutrients are critical components of an athlete’s diet, affecting both performance and cardiovascular health. This review summarizes current studies on the importance of micronutrients in sports cardiology, focusing on their effects on energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and cardiac function. Key findings emphasize the relevance of micronutrient sufficiency in improving athletic performance and avoiding long-term health issues linked to strenuous training programs. Micronutrients like B vitamins help energy generation pathways, while antioxidants like C and E reduce exercise-induced oxidative damage. Minerals like magnesium and iron are important for muscle function and oxygen delivery, which are required for endurance and recovery. Effective nutritional practices include balancing food intake and, if required, supplementing under medical supervision to address individual needs and enhance performance results. Future research paths will focus on individualized nutrition techniques based on genetic and metabolic profiles, allowing for more precise food recommendations for athletes. Collaboration between sports medicine and nutrition disciplines is critical for establishing evidence-based practices and improving cardiovascular health in athletes.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by ovarian dysfunction and a leading cause of infertility due to ovulatory issues. Lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications, exercise, and weight management, are considered first-line therapies for women with PCOS; however, the optimal treatment remains unidentified. The Fertility Diet (FD), introduced in 2007, represents a dietary approach that may positively impact fertility by emphasizing specific micronutrients, dietary composition modifications, weight management, and increased physical activity. This narrative review aims to evaluate how various components of the Fertility Diet influence ovulation and overall fertility, assessed through a fertility diet score. The findings of this study suggest that adherence to the Fertility Diet, particularly higher intake of the monounsaturated to trans-fat ratio, and increased vegetable protein intake, may positively influence fertility outcomes in individuals with PCOS. In contrast, high consumption of animal protein and high glycemic load food may have adverse effects. However, the current evidence remains insufficient for definitive conclusions, warranting further interventional studies to explore this relationship.

Background: Stunting is a condition of growth and development disorders in children under 5 years of age who appear shorter than their age caused by nutritional deficiencies. The stunted growth and development of children can be influenced by deficiencies in the intake of macronutrients such as protein and micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin D. One nutrient that is relevant to current dental health research is vitamin D. Objective: This review article will further analyze the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and Porphyromonas gingivalis bacterial lipopolysaccharide in stunting children. Literature review: Vitamin D deficiency can cause various problems related to the oral cavity such as a decrease in salivary flow rate, buffer capacity, and salivary content such as protein. A decrease in salivary flow rate causes secretory Immunoglobulin A (IgA) to decrease, thus disrupting the colonization of normal microflora in the oral cavity. Reduced vitamin D levels can potentially increase the number of Porpyhromonas gingivalis bacteria and also lipopolysaccharides (LPS), thus inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar bone cells. Conclusion: Therefore, lack of micronutrient intake such as vitamin D deficiency can trigger the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria and an increase in bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharides, especially in stunted children.