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Background: There is some separate evidence that probiotic soy milk and Cuminum cyminum ( C. cyminum ) have positive effects on the prevention and reduction of diabetic complications. While the impact of probiotic soymilk mixed with herbal essential oils has not been investigated so far, the objective of this study is to examine the effects of probiotic soy milk using Lactobacillus plantarum A7 (KC 355240) added with essential oil of C. cyminum on diabetic rats., Methods: 50 streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA) induced diabetic Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control group (C group), soy milk group (SM group), probiotic soy milk group (PSM group), soy milk containing essential oil of C. cyminum group (SMC group) and probiotic soy milk containing essential oil of C. cyminum group (PSMC group). The animals consumed these products (1 ml/day) for 30 days. The fasting blood glucose (FBS), the serum lipid levels, and body weight variation were analyzed in 10-day intervals., Results: FBS, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased significantly, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased in the PSMC group compared with that of other groups ( P < 0.05). This product also led to weight gain ( P < 0.05)., Conclusions: A mixture of probiotic soy milk and herbal essential oil consumption could impose a positive effect on reducing FBS as well as serum lipid profile in STZ- NA diabetes-induced rat. Also, it results in an increase in their weight gain., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 International Journal of Preventive Medicine.)

Introduction: Increasing rate of type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence during the recent years has caused concern about significant risks for the public health. Dietary patterns have recently attracted great attention in the evaluation of the relationship between diet and health. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the major identified dietary patterns and T2D., Methods: In this matched case-control study, 315 individuals (125 newly diagnosed cases and 190 controls); 18-60 years of age were selected. A valid semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to collect dietary intakes of individuals. Anthropometric characteristics and blood pressure were measured with standard instructions and body mass index and waist to hip ratio were calculated. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. The relationship between major food patterns and T2D was assessed by logistic regression analysis., Results: Two dietary patterns were identified: healthy and Western dietary patterns. The second tertile of the healthy dietary pattern had significantly association with decreased risk of T2D in the crude model (Odds ratios [OR]: 0.51, 95% Confidence interval [CI]: 0.29-0.9; P for trend = 0.018), Model II (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.27-0.9; P for trend = 0.019), and Model III (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.23-1.4 P for trend = 0.048). The inverse association of the second tertile of Western dietary pattern score with the T2D was significant in crude (OR: 9.25, 95% CI: 4.95-17.4; P for trend <0.001) and multivariable-adjusted model (OR: 16.65, 95% CI: 2.99-92.84; P for trend <0001)., Conclusions: Our study found an inverse relationship between adherence of healthy pattern and direct association with Western dietary pattern and the risk of T2D., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Identification of food with lowering cholesterol level properties plays a vital role to control impaired lipid profile among type 2 diabetic patients. the current study aimed to evaluate the effects of yogurt and yogurt plus shallot intake on lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic women., Methods: Forty-eight participants with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this study. Participants in the first group ( n = 22) received 150 ml of low-fat yogurt (1.5% fat) and those in the second group ( n = 26) received 150 ml of low-fat yogurt (1.5% fat) plus shallot for 10 weeks. Serum triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) concentrations, and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were measured before and after each intervention., Results: comparison of parameters between two groups after intervention showed that TG and TC concentrations decreased more in participants who consumed yogurt plus shallot than who consumed yogurt ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.04, respectively), also LDL-C level of participants who were in yogurt plus shallot group was lower than that of participants in yogurt group, but this difference was marginally significant ( P = 0.06). However, FBS level was not statistically different between two groups., Conclusions: This study found that yogurt plus shallot intake significantly decreased LDL-C, TG, and TC levels in diabetic women compared with yogurt intake., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Recently, interest in targeted cancer therapies via metabolic pathways has been renewed with the discovery that many tumors become dependent on glucose uptake during anaerobic glycolysis. Also the inability of ketone bodies metabolization due to various deficiencies in mitochondrial enzymes is the major metabolic changes discovered in malignant cells. Therefore, administration of a ketogenic diet (KD) which is based on high in fat and low in carbohydrates might inhibit tumor growth and provide a rationale for therapeutic strategies. So, we conducted this systematic review to assess the effects of KD on the tumor cells growth and survival time in animal studies. All databases were searched from inception to November 2015. We systematically searched the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholars, Science Direct and Cochrane Library according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. To assess the quality of included studies we used SYRCLE's RoB tool. 268 articles were obtained from databases by primary search. Only 13 studies were eligible according to inclusion criteria. From included studies, 9 articles indicate that KD had a beneficial effect on tumor growth and survival time. Tumor types were included pancreatic, prostate, gastric, colon, brain, neuroblastoma and lung cancers. In conclusions, although studies in this field are rare and inconsistence, recent findings have demonstrated that KD can potentially inhibit the malignant cell growth and increase the survival time. Because of differences physiology between animals and humans, future studies in cancer patients treated with a KD are needed., Competing Interests: There is no conflict of interest.

Background: We studied the effects of high protein (HP) and balanced diets (BDs) on lipid profiles, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in obese and overweight women., Methods: In a parallel designed randomized controlled clinical trial, 60 healthy women with body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2 , aged 20-46 years, enrolled in an 8-week investigation at aerobic clubs. They were categorized into two groups (HP and BDs), randomly. Fasting lipid profile and hs-CRP levels were evaluated at the beginning and end of the trial. We assessed dietary intake by 3-day records and also used SPSS (version 18; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) for data analyzing., Results: Fifty-six participants completed the intervention. Concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P < 0.001 in BD group vs. P =0.023 in HP group) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P < 0.001 in BD group vs. P =0.002 in HP group) increased significantly in both groups. Circulating triglycerides levels increased in both intervention grows, but the change in the HP group was not significant compared with the other group ( P = 0.007 in BD group vs. P =0.099 in HP group). Whereas total cholesterol concentration decreased but not significantly so ( P = 0.53 in BD group vs. P =0.73 in HP group). There were marginally significant decreases in the hs-CRP levels due to both diets ( P = 0.057 in BD group vs. P =0.086 in HP group); however, there were no significant differences between the groups., Conclusions: Administration of HP and BD in overweight and obese women with regular aerobic exercise showed improvement in lipid profiles and hs-CRP levels within the groups, but there were no significant differences between groups.

Background: Control of blood sugar, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are key factors in diabetes management. Cucurbita ficifolia (pumpkin) is a vegetable which has been used traditionally as a remedy for diabetes in Iran. In addition, consumption of probiotics may have beneficial effects on people with Type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was an investigation of the effects of C. ficifolia and probiotic yogurt consumption alone or at the same time on blood glucose and serum lipids in diabetic patients., Methods: Eighty eligible participants randomly were assigned to four groups: 1 - green C. ficifolia (100 g); 2 - probiotic yogurt (150 g); 3 - C. ficifolia plus probiotic yogurt (100 g C. ficifolia plus 150 g yogurt); and 4 -control (dietary advice) for 8 weeks. Blood pressure, glycemic response, lipid profile, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured before and after the intervention., Results: Total cholesterol (TC) decreased significantly in yogurt and yogurt plus C. ficifolia groups (within groups P = 0.010, and P < 0.001, respectively). C. ficifolia plus yogurt consumption resulted in a decrease in triglyceride (TG) and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (within groups P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). All interventions led to a significant decrease in blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), hsCRP, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level within groups. Blood pressure decreased significantly in Cucurbita group and yogurt group (within groups P < 0.001, and P = 0.001 for systolic blood pressure [SBP] and P < 0.001, and P = 0.004 for diastolic blood pressure [DBP], respectively). All variables changed between groups significantly except LDL-C level., Conclusions: Variables including TG, HDL-C, TC, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, SBP, DBP, and hsCRP changed beneficially between groups. It seems that consumption of C. ficifolia and probiotic yogurt may help treatment of diabetic patients.

Background: Flavonoids consider as a large group of plant metabolites that 6,000 types of them have been identified till now. In some studies, it has been shown that they can increase aerobic performance and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anthocyanin (as one of the most important kind of flavonoids) supplementation on body composition, exercise performance and muscle damage indices in athletes., Methods: This double-blinded clinical trial involved 54 female and male athletes at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with athletic history of at least 3 years. Body composition, exercise performance, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase were assessed. Individuals were selected by simple sampling method, they divided into two groups using permuted block randomization method. First group received 100 mg anthocyanin pills, and the second group received 100 mg placebo pills, daily for 6 weeks. Participants asked to continue their routine diet and physical activity during the study period, and they were followed through phone calls or text messages., Results: Soft lean mass, total body water and percent body fat were not changed significantly in the anthocyanin group after intervention but VO2 max increased significantly in the anthocyanin group (48.65 ± 4.73 vs. 52.62 ± 5.04) (P ≤ 0.0001), also a significant difference was observed between two studied groups (52.62 ± 5.04 for intervention group vs. 49.61 ± 5.33 for placebo) (P = 0.003)., Conclusions: Our findings suggested that the supplementation with anthocyanin in athletes may improve some indices of performance such as VO2 max.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the worldwide. It is associated with chronic disorders such as diabetes and heart diseases. Inflammation is one of the basic causes of metabolic diseases. Several studies have shown that Vitamin D can reduce inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Vitamin D supplementation on inflammation in patients with NAFLD., Methods: This study involved 60 NAFLD patients, divided equally into two intervention and placebo groups. During 10 weeks, patients in the intervention group receive Vitamin D (capsules containing 50,000 IU vitamin D), weekly. Vitamin D levels, C-reactive protein (CRP), triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance tests. Analyses were done using SPSS software (version 16) (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). P < 0.05 set as significant level., Results: Vitamin D supplementation resulted in an increase of serum 25(OH) D concentrations in inter group (P < 0.05) and intra-group (P < 0.05) in intervention group. At the end of the study, in the intervention group, TG and CRP reduced significantly compare with baseline (P < 0.05). A significant increase was seen in calcium serum in the intervention group in comparison with baseline (P < 0.05) and compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation had no effect on CRP and other variables in the intervention group compared with the placebo group. Further studies with strong design and more sample must conduct to demonstrate the effect of Vitamin D supplementation on inflammation in patients with NAFLD.

Background: Quercetin has been distributed in a wide range of foods, but some of its known effects in vitro, are not proven in human studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was evaluation of the effects of quercetin intake on cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers in women with type 2 diabetes., Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was carried out on 72 women for 10 weeks. Subjects were assigned to quercetin and placebo groups using a permutated block randomization of size two. Quercetin was given to participants as a 500 mg capsule daily. Biochemical variables were measured at baseline and at the end of the study, and changes were compared using appropriate statistical methods., Results: Compared with placebo, quercetin intake decreased systolic blood pressure significantly (-8.8 ± 9.3 vs. -3.5 ± 11.7, P = 0.04). Although changes in diastolic blood pressure between the groups was not significant (P = 0.19), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly decreased in both groups while changes in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and ratio of TG/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C were not significant between and within groups. Quercetin supplementation significantly reduced the serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P = 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively); however, the mean changes in serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were not significant between the groups., Conclusions: Quercetin supplementation reduced systolic blood pressure significantly but had no effect on other cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers. Considering the biological effects of quercetin in vitro, we need more studies with a stronger design and sample size with different doses of quercetin.

Background: Obesity is a common health problem around the world. Studies have shown inverse relationship between serum vitamin D levels with obesity among patients and healthy population. The aim of this present study is to examine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels with general and abdominal obesity among migraine patients., Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional and 66 migraine patients aged 19-61 years were included for analysis. Partial correlation was performed to assess association between serum 25-OH-D with general and abdominal obesity. Adjustments were performed for age, sex, and education., Results: No relationship was found between serum levels of vitamin D with general and abdominal obesity. However, a significant association was shown between waist circumferences (WC) with body mass index (BMI)., Conclusions: Serum levels of 25-OH-D were not associated with WC and BMI. Furthermore, after adjustment for confounder variables, no association was observed.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that dietary carbohydrates play an important role in stroke incident. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association between dietary intake of carbohydrate and its types and stroke incidence among Iranian adults., Methods: A case-control study was performed among 46 men (5618) and 23 women (527) admitted to the Al Zahra hospital with stroke and 60 healthy people were chosen in control group. Dietary intake was measured by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) including 168 items. Food processor software (version 2) was used to analyze data., Results: ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES OF MALE AND FEMALE PATIENTS WERE (BMI: 297.5), (Waist: 11215) and (BMI: 25.53.5), (Waist: 925) respectively. Energy intake and carbohydrate consumption of patients in both genders was higher than the healthy subjects which was statistically significant among men (P < 0.05). Across different carbohydrate sources, refined carbohydrates consumption was higher among patients in both gender rather than the healthy subjects While, the healthy people had a higher whole grain consumption., Conclusions: High carbohydrate intake specially refined sources with high glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) is associated with increased risk of stroke. Hence, dietary intake requires improvement to provide protection from life threatening outcomes.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death in developed countries. However, current therapeutic strategies for stroke have been largely unsuccessful. Several studies have reported important benefits on reducing the risk of stroke and improving the post-stroke-associated functional declines in patients who ate foods rich in micronutrients, including B vitamins. Folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 are all cofactors in homocysteine metabolism. Growing interest has been paid to hyperhomocyste inemia as a risk factor for stroke. Experimental studies suggest that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic cerebral injury, and higher intake of antioxidants has been associated with a lower risk of stroke in large population studies. The aim of this study was to examine whether the dietary intake of B vitamins and antioxidants in patients with stroke were comparatively worse than those in patients without stroke., Methods: In this case control study, 69 stroke patients (46 male, age = 56 ± 18 years and 23 female, age = 52 ± 7 years) admitted to Azzahra hospital between April 2009 and May 2010 were matched for age and sex with 60 patients (30 male and 30 female) from the same hospital who were not affected with acute cerebrovascular diseases and did not have a history of stroke. Dietary intake was assessed with a validated self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). FFQ was collected conducting face-to-face interview with one of the patients' close relatives. Food intakes, translated into nutrient data, were compared between the two groups and with the recommended values., Results: Intake of folic acid in men with stroke and vitamin B12 in women with stroke was significantly lower than that in the patients without stroke (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in the level of antioxidant consumption in women and men (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that increased folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin E, C intake may be associated with decreased risk of stroke.

Background: Stroke is one of the most common causes of life-threatening disabilities and death around the world. Mortality rate is going to be doubled by 2030 in the Middle East countries. Prevention is a cost-effective approach to decrease risk of stroke. The present study assessed the relationship between dairy intake and stroke risk., Methods: This hospital-based case-control study was directed in a University hospital. The common food consumption of 129 men and women was assessed with food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The relationship between fermented and non-fermented dairy intake and stroke were assessed between two patient groups., Results: Total of dairy intake were lower in patients with stroke than control group (13.36 vs 19.61% in men and 11.14 vs 15.02% in women). Similar relationships were observed betweenfermented and non-fermented dairy intake and stroke in both genders., Conclusions: Lower dairyconsumption can increase stroke risk in men and women.

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and certainly the major cause of disability in the world. Diet and nutrient has an effective role in prevention and control of the risk of stroke. The aim of this study was to review the studies on the relationship between dietary intake and stroke incidence., Methods: In this study, the terms of "Fat", "cholesterol", "antioxidant", "vitamins", "salt", "potassium", "calcium", "carbohydrate", "vegetables", "fruits", "meat", "tea", "whole grains", "sugar-sweetened beverages", "Mediterranean diet", "dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet (DASH diet)", "Western diet", and "stroke" were searched in Pubmed search engine. The observational studies, cohort studies, clinical trial studies, systemic review, and meta-analysis reviews are also included in this study., Results: The study revealed that adherence to theimprovements in nutrition and diet canreducethe incidence ofstroke. Higher antioxidant, vitamins, potassium, calcium, vegetables, fruits, whole grain intake, and adherence to the Mediterranean dietor DASH diet can lower stroke incidence., Conclusions: Adherence to Mediterranean diet or DASH diet and increasing the consumption of antioxidant, vitamins, potassium, calcium food sources, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains intake can lower the risk of stroke. Healthy diet is effective in reducing risk of stroke, however, more studies need to be carried out in this area.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death. Current therapeutic strategies have been unsuccessful. Several studies have reported benefits on reducing stroke risk and improving the poststroke associated functional declines in patients who ate foods rich in fruits and vegetables. Their potential protective effects may be due to their antioxidants, calcium, potassium, riboflavine, peridoxin, riboflavin contents. Folic acid, peridoxin, and riboflavin are all cofactors in hyperhomocysteinemia as a stroke risk factor.Studies suggest that oxidative stress plays important roles in pathogenesis of ischemic cerebral injury and higher intake of antioxidants has been associated with a lower stroke risk. The aim of this study was to examine if the dietary intake of vegetables and fruits in patients with stroke were comparatively worse than those in patients without stroke., Methods: In this case control study, 93 stroke patients admitted to Alzahra hospital were matched for age and sex with 60 patients who were not affected with acute cerebrovascular diseases and did not have a history of stroke. Dietary intake was assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire.Food intakes were compared between two groups and with recommended value., Results: Mean daily intake of vegetable and fruits was more in male with stroke than male without stroke as well as calorie intake from vegetables and fruit was higher in male with stroke.Mean daily intake of vegetable and fruits were lower in women with stroke than women without stroke as well as calorie intake from vegetables and fruit was lower in women with stroke., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that increased vegetable and fruits intake may be associated with decreased risk of stroke.

Background: Ginger (rich in gingerols and shogaols) rhizomes have been widely used as dietary spices and to treat different diseases in Asia. Cinnamon (containing cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamyl aldehyde) is used as spices and as a pharmacological agent in ancient medicine. Intense exercise can result in oxidative damage to cellular compounds and also muscle soreness. Efficacy of dietary ginger and cinnamon as antioxidant agents and their effectiveness in exercise performance and reducing muscle soreness have been investigated in limited studies on humans. So we studied the effects of dietary ginger and cinnamon on oxidative stress and exercise performance and body composition in Iranian female taekwondo players., Methods: Sixty healthy trained women, aged 13-25 years, were enrolled in the 6 week investigation and randomly categorized in three groups (cinnamon, ginger, or placebo) and received three grams of ginger, cinnamon, or placebo powder each day depending on the group they belonged. Human malondialdehyde (MDA) level, exercise performance, and body composition were evaluated in the beginning and at the end of the study and compared among the groups., Results: Forty-nine of the participants completed the 6 weeks intervention. There was minor decrease in MDA in cinnamon and ginger group compared with the placebo group and significant increase in exercise performance in ginger group (P < 0.01), and considerable increase in skin fold in cinnamon groups (P < 0.01), whereas there were significant accretion in BMI for ginger group (P < 0.1) and cinnamon group (P < 0.05). No significant changes in MDA, EP, and BMI were observed between groups over time. But there were specific changes in skin fold between cinnamon and placebo group (P < 0.05) and cinnamon and ginger groups (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Six weeks administration of ginger and cinnamon in athlete women did not show any significant change in MDA level, body composition, and exercise performance as compared with the placebo group.

Background: After exercise, recovery is very essential in professional sport. Athletes use sport beverages to enhance endurance and physical performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Dough versus non-alcoholic beer and carbohydrate (CHO) fluid on performance, lipids profile, inflammatory biomarkers after Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (R.A.S.T) in Taekwondo players., Methods: This study was conducted as repeated measures crossover design with 22 men Taekwondo player. Subjects completed standard protocol R.A.S.T so that immediately and 1 h posterior R.A.S.T protocol received number 1 beverage. Subjects spend 2 h recovery periods. Second and third sessions trial were similar to prior trial, separated by at least 4 days, instead of number 1 beverage, participants received number 2 and number 3 beverage., Results: Data showed that average pre- and post-recovery in C-reactive protein (CRP) or Dough significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while for CHO drink and non-alcoholic beer, were not statistically significant. Moreover, the mean pre- and post-recovery in VO2 max for Dough and non-alcoholic beer significantly increased, but for other beverages, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). About mean pre- and post-recovery in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) there were no significant differences in all three beverages. Besides, amount of CRP was significant between three beverages (P < 0.05). There were no other within-subject differences for any of the other variables measured, including HDL, LDL, and VO2max. In addition, no significant different (P > 0.05) in dietary intake were observed between three treatment periods., Conclusions: Dough was effective in reducing LDL and reducing inflammatory biomarkers including CRP with little effect on performance in subjects.

Background: The consumption of nutritional supplements is high in various sports, whereas, there are not enough documents supporting the beneficial effects of supplements in athletes. In addition, there is no information about taking supplements by Iranian students who participate in sports. Therefore, the goals of this study were to assess the type and prevalence of supplement use, the frequency of use, and relationships between consumption and age, body mass index, training load and type of sport., Methods: One hundred ninety two male students from "Isfahan University of Medical Sciences" participated in this study, voluntarily. A questionnaire that included questions about type and effects of supplements, recommendation resources, place of obtaining, and type of sports were sent to students. Descriptive data were calculated as frequencies (%). Chi-square (χ2) analysis was used to analyze the correlation between supplement use and the study variables., Results: Forty-five percent of respondents used some forms of supplements. Supplement users consumed 14 different supplements and each used as many as 1.8 ± 1.2 various supplements during the past six months. Multivitamins (64%) and vitamin C (42%) were the most popular supplements. Students, who participated in individual sports, were more likely to consume dietary supplements (P < 0.05) and ergogenic aids (P < 0.01), but team sports athletes, took more recovery nutrients (P < 0.01). Fifty seven point five percent of student bought their products from pharmacies, 40% from "sport supplements stores" and 2.5% from their friends., Conclusions: It can be concluded that less than half of these students consumed supplements and their information resources were inappropriate.

Background: Exercise can lead to acute oxidative stress, which can result in oxidative damage and induce inflammation. Resveratrol may reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, we investigated the effects of this compound on the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in male professional basketball players., Methods: Twenty healthy male professional basketball players were randomized into two groups (10 each). For 6 weeks, they received daily either 200 mg of polygonum cuspidatum extract (PCE) standardized to contain 20% trans-resveratrol equivalent to 40 mg trans-resveratrol or placebo. Indices of inflammation were measured before and after 6 weeks of supplementation., Results: There was a significant reduction in plasma levels of TNF-a and IL-6 after 6 weeks of supplementation; while no change was observed in these markers in the control group., Conclusions: Present study shows that 6 weeks of PCE containing resveratrol supplementation reduces the inflammation in male professional basketball players.

Background: Ginger rhizomes (rich in gingerols, shogaols, paradols and zingerone) have been used in Asia for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, and pain, and have shown potent anti-inflammatory attributes. Common spices such as Cinnamon (including cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamyl aldehydeis) are used in food and many studies have focused on its anti-inflammatory components. Intense exercise can result in an inflammatory response to cell damage and also muscle soreness. The efficacy of dietary ginger and cinnamon as anti-inflammatory agents and their effectiveness in reducing muscle soreness has been investigated in limited studies on humans. Therefore, we have studied the effects of dietary ginger and cinnamon on inflammation and muscle soreness in Iranian female taekwondo players., Methods: Sixty healthy, trained women, aged 13-25 years, were enrolled in the six-week investigation and randomly categorized into three groups (cinnamon, ginger or placebo) and received 3 g of ginger, cinnamon or placebo powder each day, depending on the group they belonged to. The IL-6 level and Likert Scale of Muscle Soreness were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the study and compared among the groups., Results: Forty-nine of the participants completed the six-week intervention. There were no significant changes in the IL-6 cinnamon and ginger group when compared with the placebo group, whereas, there was a significant fall in muscle soreness in the cinnamon group and placebo (P < 0.1) and ginger group and placebo (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Administration of ginger and cinnamon in athlete women for six weeks did not show any significant change in the IL-6 level, but showed a decrease in muscle soreness in the cinnamon and ginger groups.

Background: Quercetin is a bioflavonoid which occurs in many food items. Some previous studies on quercetin showed inconsistent results on exercise performance, muscle damage and body muscle in athletes. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of eight weeks of quercetin supplementation on exercise performance, muscle damage indices and body muscle in badminton players., Methods: This placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 26 badminton players for eight weeks. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive quercetin (1000 mg) or placebo (1000 mg dextrose). VO2 and time to exhaustion (TTE) for measuring performance and body fat percentage (BFP) were measured before and after intervention. Plasma sample swere obtained for the determination of plasma lactate before and after intervention., Results: Lactate concentration, body fat percentage and VO2 max did not show any significant difference (P > 0/05) after eight weeks of supplementation with placebo and quercetin between two groups and within one group. There was a significant increase in TTE after intervention in the quercetin group (P < 0/05) but a significant change was not observed in the placebo group (P > 0/05)., Conclusions: The current study shows that intake of quercetin may improve endurance exercise performance but may not reduce the body fat percentage.

Background: The prevalence of obesity and associated chronic disease such as diabetes is rapidly increasing in all part of the world. The World Health Organization has predicted that between 1997 and 2025 the number of diabetic patients will increase from 143 million to about 300 million. In diabetic patients, oxidative stress leads to non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins such as hemoglobin and albumin, these proteins can play a significant role in pathogenesis of diabetes and development of chronic disorders in diabetic patients. Antioxidant nutrients can reduce the chronic disorders and complications of diabetes by inhibiting the oxidative reactions. Some important antioxidant such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium occur in vegetables and fruits. Our objective of this study was investigation of the relationship between vegetables and fruits intake ssand glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values in diabetic patients., Methods: One hundred and five diabetic patients participated in this cross-sectional study. The patients were referred to health center in Khomeini shahr. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values were measured by chromatography method. Data on dietary intake and vegetables and fruits consumption were obtained from validated food frequency questionnaires., Results: The unadjusted mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) is significantly associated with the amount of vegetables and fruits intake (P = 0.014), but the relationship between consumption of fruits and HbA1C is not significant and the relationship between consumption of vegetables and HbA1C was roughly significant (P = 0.049). There were no significant relationship between vegetables and fruits intake and lipids profiles, BUN/creatinine and 24 h urinary protein (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Intake of vegetables and fruits may reduce the glycosylated hemoglobin, therefore choosing the appropriate diet with high fruits and vegetables may help to develop antioxidant defense and reduce the HbA1C in diabetic patients but it did not have any impact on lipids profiles, BUN/creatinine and urine protein 24 h.

Background: Quercetin, which is considered as a health-promoting antioxidant, belongs to the broad flavonoids group. Numerous experimental studies have proved that quercetin and vitamin C provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of both quercetin and vitamin C on lipid profile and muscle damage in human subjects., Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial was carried out on 60 males for eight weeks. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: 1) quercetin + vitamin C (500 mg/day quercetin + 200 mg/day vitamin C) 2) quercetin (500 mg/day quercetin + 200 mg/day placebo) 3) vitamin C (500 mg/day vitamin C + 200 mg/day placebo) and 4) placebo (500 mg/day placebo + 200 mg/day placebo). Blood samples, body weight and percent of body fat were measured before and after intervention. In addition, dietary intake was estimated using 24-h recall., Results: No significant changes occurred in high-density lipoprotein levels between groups and in the four groups before and after supplementation. Low density lipoprotein values decreased significantly (P = 0.048) in the "Quercetin + Vit C" group but decrease was not considerable in other groups before and after intervention and among groups. Fat-soluble vitamins' intake was significantly high among 4 groups., Conclusions: Quercetin and vitamin C supplementation may not be beneficial in lipid profile improvement, although it may reduce induce muscle damage and body fat percent.

Background: The need for energy in strenuous exercises necessitates an increase in oxygen consumption and production of reactive oxygen species. It seems that supplementation of vitamins C and E reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation on muscle damage and oxidative stress in female athletes., Methods: The study was a four-week randomized, double-blind clinical trial, conducted on 64 trained female athletes recruited in the Isfahan sports club. They were randomly assigned to one of the following four groups: (a) vitamin C (250 mg/day), (b) vitamin E (400 IU), (c) vitamin C + vitamin E, and the control (placebo). Aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for assessing muscle damage, and malondialdehyde, were measured before and after the intervention., Results: In the between-groups comparison, only creatine kinase significantly changed at the end of the period (P = 0.03). However, in the intergroup comparison creatine kinase was significantly decreased in group 1 (P = 0.002). As for Aspartate aminotransferase, no significant difference was spotted in any of the comparisons. Lactate dehydrogenase was significantly decreased in group 2 (P = 0.02). Finally, this study revealed a significant decrease in oxidative stress markers in groups 1, 3, and 4 (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: It is induced from the results that vitamin C and E supplementation plays a role in reducing muscle damage markers of aerobic exercises.

Background: Due to the special training conditions and lifestyle athletes require an antioxidant system that is more efficient than others. To keep this system optimal, many of them use antioxidant supplements. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamins C and E supplementation on muscle damage, performance, and body composition in athlete women., Methods: The study was a 4-week randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted on 64 trained female athletes recruited in Isfahan sports club. They were randomly assigned to one of the following four groups; A: vitamin C (250 mg/day), B: vitamin E (400 IU), C: vitamin C + vitamin E and control (placebo). Harvard Step Test was used to measure maximal oxygen consumption for performance, body composition, and damage marker (myoglobin) were measured before and after the intervention., Results: Comparing the result of the test in performance of sport, there was no significant difference between groups in VO2 max. Also, vitamin supplements had no significant effect on subcutaneous fat between the groups, however, in the intergroup comparison, were significantly increased in group control (P = 0.03). But, there were no significant differences, change in myoglobin between the groups. There was a significant increase in group A (P = 0.04)., Conclusions: Vitamins C and E supplementation had no significant effect on any of the studied parameters.

Background: Young athletes have more nutritional needs than other adolescents because of physical activity and physical development. Optimal athletic performance results from a combination of factors including training, body composition, and nutrition. Despite the increased interest in nutrition and use of dietary supplements to enhance performance, some athletes might be consuming diets that are less than optimal. In wrestling it is common practice to optimize one's body composition and body weight prior to a competition season. This often includes a change in dietary intake or habits., Methods: Twenty-eight wrestlers, between the ages of 17 and 25 years, participated in this study. Dietary intakes of micro and macro nutrients were collected by face-to-face interview, structured food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary intake of energy, carbohydrates, fats and proteins and micronutrients was evaluated., Results: Mean intakes of energy, carbohydrates, proteins and fat were higher than recommended dietary allowances (RDA). The mean intakes of all vitamins and minerals were higher than the RDAs in these wrestlers, except for vitamin D, biotin, zinc, iodine, chrome and molybdenum., Conclusions: On the basis of our results, nutritional education should be given to these subjects and their families for promoting healthy eating habits.

Background: Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. The health-promoting perspective of ginger is attributed to its rich phytochemistry. This study aimed to review the current evidence on ginger effects as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative., Methods: We searched MEDLINE for related publications using "ginger" and "anti-oxidative" and "ginger" and "anti-inflammatory" as keywords. This search had considered Papers that had been published between 2000 and 2010 without any filter., Conclusions: The anticancer potential of ginger is well documented and its functional ingredients like gingerols, shogaol, and paradols are the valuable ingredients which can prevent various cancers. This review concludes to favor ginger but some ambiguities necessitate further research before claiming its efficacy.

Background: Flavonoids comprise a large group of plant metabolites, 6,000 of which have been identified to date. Some studies have shown the increased aerobic performance and maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) and therefore fitness following quercetin intake as a result of elevated number of intracellular mitochondria caused by the flavonoid., Methods: This double-blind clinical trial comprised 60 male students having an athletic history of at least 3 years. Body composition, exercise performance, and some blood biomarkers were analyzed. The individuals were selected by convenient sampling, and then were assigned into four groups of equal number by using permuted block randomization. The first to fourth groups received a 500 mg supplemental quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg vitamin C pill, a 500 mg supplemental quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg placebo vitamin C pill, a 500 mg placebo quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg vitamin C pill, and a 500 mg placebo quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg placebo vitamin C pill, respectively, daily for 8 weeks. The participants were asked to continue their routine diet and physical activity during the study and they were monitored through phone calls or text messages., Results: Lean body mass, total body water, basal metabolic rate, and total energy expenditure increased significantly in the quercetin group after intervention. On the other hand, VO(2max) increased in the "quercetin" and "quercetin + vitamin C" groups following the intervention, non-significantly., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that supplementation with quercetin in athletes may improve some indices of performance.

Objectives: Supplementation with β-alanine has been proposed to improve performance in some exercises such as cycling and running. Also, it has been demonstrated that great deals of proton ions are produced in the skeletal muscles during exercise that result in acidosis, whereas β-alanine may reduce this effect. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the effects of alanine supplementation on VO(2) max, time to exhaustion and lactate concentrations in physical education male students., Methods: Thirty-nine male physical education students volunteered for this study. Participants were supplemented orally for 6 week with either β-alanine (5*400 mg/d) or placebo (5*400 mg dextrose/d), randomly. VO(2) max and time to exhaustion (TTE) with a continuous graded exercise test (GXT) on an electronically braked cycle ergometer; and serum lactate and glucose concentrations were measured before and after supplementation., Results: Supplementation with β-alanine showed a significant increase in VO(2) max (P<0.05) and a significant decrease in TTE and lactate concentrations (P<0.05). A significant elevation in lactate concentrations and a non significant increase in TTE were observed in placebo group. Plasma glucose concentrations did not change significantly in two groups after intervention., Conclusion: It can be concluded that β-alanine supplementation can reduce lactate concentrations during exercise and thus can improve exercise performance in endurance athletes.