Gebrezabher Niguse Hailu, H. B. Gebru, Desta Siyoum Belay
{"title":"Assessment of Healthy Diet and Physical Activity Among Students of Mekelle University, Northern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"Gebrezabher Niguse Hailu, H. B. Gebru, Desta Siyoum Belay","doi":"10.2147/nds.s287278","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/nds.s287278","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":43423,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Dietary Supplements","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2021-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43870852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Șerban, A. Banu, Sandra Putnoky, Ștefania Ioana Butica, M. Niculescu, Salomeia Putnoky
{"title":"Relative Validation of a Four Weeks Retrospective Food Frequency Questionnaire versus 7-Day Paper-Based Food Records in Estimating the Intake of Energy and Nutrients in Adults","authors":"C. Șerban, A. Banu, Sandra Putnoky, Ștefania Ioana Butica, M. Niculescu, Salomeia Putnoky","doi":"10.2147/nds.s310260","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/nds.s310260","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: This study assessed potential differences in estimating short-term dietary intake of energy and nutrients and food consumption, between 4-week food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and 7-day food records in Romanian adults. Patients and Methods: A total of 116 participants (age range 18–74 years, 31% males and 28.4% of participants being overweight and obese) were recruited. Estimates for energy and macro- and micronutrient intakes, and food group intakes were compared between the two methods using Wilcoxon-sign-rank test, correlation coefficients, Cohen’s Kappa, Bland– Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement, and quartile classifications. Results: Cohen’s Kappa values for energy and macronutrient intakes indicated moderate agreement, ranging from 0.402 (protein) to 0.470 (fat), fair agreement for most micronutrients (0.2–0.4) and poor agreement for most food groups (<0.2). When data were cross-classified into quartiles for energy and macronutrients, about 58% of participants were cross-classified in the same quartile using both methods, while 33% of participants were cross-classified in adjacent quartiles of one method versus the other. Micronutrients (such Na, Mg, Ca, K, Fe, vitamins) had the highest degree of misclassification, on average 40% being cross-classified in the same quartile and another 40% in adjacent quartiles. Bland– Altman plots suggested that both methods were comparable for energy and all macronutrients. When the consumption of food groups was compared, correlation coefficients between methods ranged from 0.09 (legumes) to 0.26 (whole grain), indicating poor correlation. Conclusion: These results showed that the relative match of a standard FFQ, as compared to the 7-day food records, was moderate in estimating macronutrient and energy, fair for most micronutrient intakes and poor for others and as for food groups.","PeriodicalId":43423,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Dietary Supplements","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2021-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43604812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Effect of Socioeconomic and Behavioral Factors on Childhood Stunting in Janamora District, Ethiopia","authors":"Yibrie Azmeraw, T. Akalu, M. Boke, K. Gelaye","doi":"10.2147/NDS.S314411","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/NDS.S314411","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Globally in 2016, 22.9% of under-five children were stunted. In Ethiopia, the current reduction rate was 2.8%, which was far from the global nutritional target of 2025. However, evidence on the prevalence of stunting and its associated factors in Janamora district was very limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of stunting and to identify the risk factors among 6–59 months children in Janamora district. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Janamora district from February to March 2020. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 845 study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered technique from caregivers, and anthropometric measurements were taken from the child. An adjusted odds ratio and a P-value <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of stunting in this study was 44.9% (95% CI: 41.5, 48.4). The following conditions were significantly affected stunting: age of child 6–11 months (AOR=2.5 (1.18–5.29)), 12–24 months (AOR=3.38 (1.95–5.88)), 24–35 months (AOR=2.33 (1.35,4.01)), wealth status: poorest (AOR=2.79 (1.66,4.68)), poor (AOR=2.15 (1.29,3.57)), medium (AOR=2.09 (1.25,3.49)), good knowledge of mothers/caregivers on handwashing: (AOR = 0.64 (0.43,0.92)), presence of diarrhea: (AOR = 1.9 (1.23,2.95)), start complementary feeding at six months: (AOR=0.58 (0.39,0.88)), start complementary feeding before six months: (AOR=1.58 (1.07,2.34)), and large family size: (AOR=2.33 (1.70,3.21)). Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of stunting was high. Being a younger child, living with a large family size, low wealth status, starting complementary feeding before and at 6-months, and diarrhea were provoking factors for stunting. On the other hand, good knowledge of mothers on handwashing during the critical time was associated with a low risk of stunting. Therefore, the nutrition programs need to give focus activities that enhance caregiver’s handwashing knowledge at the critical time and to start complementary feeding at the appropriate age.","PeriodicalId":43423,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Dietary Supplements","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2021-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46369491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Hassen, M. M. Temesgen, Tefera Alemu Marefiaw, Birtukan Shiferaw Ayalew, Daniel Abebe, Seid Ali Desalegn
{"title":"Infant and Young Child Feeding Practice Status and Its Determinants in Kalu District, Northeast Ethiopia: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"S. Hassen, M. M. Temesgen, Tefera Alemu Marefiaw, Birtukan Shiferaw Ayalew, Daniel Abebe, Seid Ali Desalegn","doi":"10.2147/NDS.S294230","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/NDS.S294230","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Appropriate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is a cornerstone of care for ensuring optimal child growth and development during the first 2 years of life. Globally, about 40% of under two years of age deaths are attributed to inappropriate infant and young child feeding practices. In Ethiopia, a large range of inappropriate feeding practices of mothers during infancy and early childhood were documented. This study aims to assess infant and young child feeding practice status and its determinants among mothers of children aged 6–23 months in Kalu district, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study design was applied from May 1–30/2019. A total of 605 mothers–children pair’s 6–23 months were included in the study using multi-stage sampling followed by a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bi-variate and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess determinants associated with child feeding practices. Statistical significance was decided at p-value less than 0.05. Results: Of six hundred five (605) sampled mothers having an infant and young child age 6–23 months, 589 were successfully included in the study making a response rate of 97.35%. In our study, the overall proportion of appropriate infant and young child feeding practices was 57.7%. Place of delivery (AOR=1.977; 95% Cl (1.101, 3.552)), mothers’ age being 25–35 years (AOR =2.091; 95% Cl: (1.452, 3.011)) and family size >4 members (AOR=1.873; 95% CI: (1.311, 2.675)) were determinants positively associated with appropriate infant and young child feeding practices in Kalu district at 95% CI. Conclusion: The overall appropriate infant and young child feeding practices were better in general in Kalu district. However, this prevalence is not acceptable to ensure good health and better nutritional status of children. As a result, intervention initiatives should focus on institution delivery services that are crucial to implementing appropriate infant and young child feeding practice. Health facilities need to be strengthened and fully utilized to provide high-quality feeding counseling. Special attention needs to be given to younger mothers, in addition to increasing institution delivery service.","PeriodicalId":43423,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Dietary Supplements","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2021-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46127638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Purposeful Review to Identify the Benefits, Mechanism of Action and Practical Considerations of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus","authors":"D. Abdissa","doi":"10.2147/NDS.S298870","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/NDS.S298870","url":null,"abstract":": Despite advances in medical management diabetes mellitus (DM), it remains on the rise and it is the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Its etiology is multifactorial involving environmental, genetic and behavioral origins. It is closely linked to sedentary life and inappropriate food intake. Patients with DM should know about the uses of correct nutritional habits, which is the key in the regulation of blood glucose. Despite the promising experimental investigations, currently, the clinical evidence for the usage of omega-3 supplementation for the management of DM and its complications is both conflicting and limited. In this narrative review, I will summarize recent findings about dietary sources, the potential mechanisms, benefits, and practical considerations on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for the management of DM. The search of literature for this narrative review was done comprehensively by using appropriate search terms and different electronic databases.","PeriodicalId":43423,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Dietary Supplements","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2021-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41249821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. D. Murray, K. Kerr, C. Brunton, Jennifer Williams, Tiffany DeWitt, K. Wulf
{"title":"A First Step Towards Eliminating Malnutrition: A Proposal for Universal Nutrition Screening in Pediatric Practice","authors":"R. D. Murray, K. Kerr, C. Brunton, Jennifer Williams, Tiffany DeWitt, K. Wulf","doi":"10.2147/NDS.S287981","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/NDS.S287981","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Childhood malnutrition remains far too common around the world today. In this paper, we discuss pediatric malnutrition in the context of protein-energy undernutrition and hidden hunger (single or multiple micronutrient deficiencies). Recent growth statistics show that nearly 150 million children under 5 years are stunted, and 50 million are wasted. At the same time, millions more children experience undernutrition of lesser severity but with negative effects on growth nonetheless. Beyond poor growth, such nutrient shortfalls can predispose children to impaired physical and mental development, which may have lifelong consequences. The World Health Organization recently set an aspirational goal “to end all forms of childhood malnutrition by 2030.” Plan of Action: Our paper proposes a stepwise strategy to raise awareness of childhood malnutrition risk and to work toward building a consensus on pediatric malnutrition screening as a pathway to ending childhood malnutrition. In a full plan for action, we propose to convene an expert Working Consensus Group on Pediatric Nutrition Screening (WCG-PNS). We propose that this group will work to (1) identify malnutrition screening tools specific for universal screening of children in hospital and community settings, (2) plan and lead healthcare professional training on how to screen for malnutrition risk, then take appropriate follow-up steps, (3) guide and advise quality improvement programs (QIPs) to facilitate incorporation of nutrition screening and interventions into everyday practice, and (4) measure and communicate potential findings in terms of health and financial outcomes. Conclusion: We recognize an urgent need for universal screening of infants and children for nutritional risk—around the world and across the continuum of care. Such screening is expected to promote early identification of children who can benefit from nutrition interventions, then ensure that these children get needed nutritional support. In this way, we aim to prevent growth impairment, which has also been associated with adverse effects on mental and physical development.","PeriodicalId":43423,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Dietary Supplements","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2021-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46585032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Iodine Level of Salt and Associated Factors at Household Level in Gidami District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"Abulu Waga Dinka, Tadesse Kebebe, G. Nega","doi":"10.2147/NDS.S284944","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/NDS.S284944","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Iodine deficiency disorders remain a major public health problem globally, and more than a quarter of the world’s population is affected by this micronutrient deficiency. The problem is even worse in developing countries including Ethiopia, and the government has been implementing globally recommended universal salt iodization as one strategy to control iodine deficiency disorders. The objective of this study was to assess iodine content of salt used in households, and associated factors. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June, 2017 in Gidami district, Western Ethiopia. A total of 470 household food caterers partici-pated in the study by using random sampling method. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire and rapid iodized salt test kit to assess socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, practices and iodine content of the salt. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors of iodine level in the salt using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Results: Among the household salt samples, 83.6% were found to be iodized (>0ppm) while 29.8% (95% CI: 25.8, 33.9%) were found to be adequately iodized. Respondents who had formal education [AOR=1.82, 95% CI: (1.42, 3.53)], had an occupation [AOR=4.78, 95% CI: (1.55–14.73)], did not expose salt to sunlight [AOR=1.13, 95% CI: (1.10–1.27)] had good knowledge of iodized salt [AOR=1.184, 95% CI: (1.103, 1.328)], and had good practice regarding iodized salt [AOR=1.32, 95% CI: (1.717, 2.442)] were more likely to have adequately iodized salt at household level. Conclusion: According to this study, the availability of adequately iodized salt at household level was below global and national target of universal iodine utilization. This study suggested the importance of paying more attention to availability of iodine fortification and increasing awareness regarding the importance of iodized salt and potential factors such as utilization practice and handling of iodized salt.","PeriodicalId":43423,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Dietary Supplements","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44466845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Banchamlak Tegegne Berihun, Dagnachew Eyachew Amare, R. Raju, D. T. Ayele, H. Dagne
{"title":"Determination of the Level of Metallic Contamination in Irrigation Vegetables, the Soil, and the Water in Gondar City, Ethiopia","authors":"Banchamlak Tegegne Berihun, Dagnachew Eyachew Amare, R. Raju, D. T. Ayele, H. Dagne","doi":"10.2147/NDS.S283451","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/NDS.S283451","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The sources of edible vegetables in Gondar, Ethiopia, are mainly from irrigation farms grown on the banks of polluted rivers. The aim of the current study was to determine the metallic contamination level of vegetables (Ethiopian kale, cabbage, Swiss chard, lettuce, onion, tomato, and potato), the soil they are grown in, and the water used for irrigation. Methods: The concentrations of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. A composite purposive sampling method was used to collect samples from the Keha river irrigation site of Gondar city, Ethiopia. Acid digestion was performed before the samples were analyzed. Microsoft Excel was used for descriptive statistical analysis, and ANOVA was employed to compare the mean difference. Results: In the vegetables samples, the mean concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Pb (0.23–6.25, 7.41–51.85, and 0–9.52 mg/kg, respectively) were found to be above the limits set by the joint WHO/FAO. Swiss chard and potato were found to contain the highest levels of Pb, while Ethiopian kale was highly contaminated with Cd and Cr. For the soil samples, the Pb (138.09–259.24), Ni (85.18–259.26), and Cd (4.63–20.37) mean concentrations (mg/kg) exceeded the recommended maximum limits set by the FAO. The mean concentrations (in mg/L) of Cr (0.5), Cd (0.046), and Cu (1.80) in the irrigated water samples were above the limit set by US EPA (2004). Conclusion: The vegetables were contaminated with heavy metals that could be unsafe for chronic human consumption. In particular, leafy vegetables showed higher heavy metals levels compared to non-leafy vegetables.","PeriodicalId":43423,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Dietary Supplements","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49009100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yordanos Mezemir, G. Egata, Demelash Geset, Abera Lambebo
{"title":"Nutritional Status and Associated Factors Among the Community-Dwelling Elderly Population in Debre Berhan Town, North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia","authors":"Yordanos Mezemir, G. Egata, Demelash Geset, Abera Lambebo","doi":"10.2147/nds.s280589","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/nds.s280589","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Nutritional status of the elderly is one of the important determinants of their health and quality of life. However, there is limited evidence on the prevalence of malnutrition among the elderly population in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the nutritional status and associated factors among the community-dwelling elderly population, in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was used among a random sample of 347 elderly people living in Debre Berhan town, North Shewa, Ethiopia from April 1–30, 2020. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and then exported to STATA14 for analysis. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses were done after checking parallel line assumptions with the STATA command “ologit” and “gologit2” for POM and PPOM, respectively. And odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval was estimated by “ologit” and “or” . The level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05. Results: A total of 341 elderly groups participated in this study with a response rate of 98.27%. Out of this, 21.1%, 95% CI: (16.4%, 25.2%) were malnourished and 49.3%, 95% CI: (43.9%, 55.3%) were at risk of malnutrition. In multivariable ordinal logistic regression, for being at risk of malnutrition and being malnourished, the following variables were significantly associated; being male, 2.03 (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.63), being aged above 75 years, 2.58 (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.34, 4.99), living with others, 3 (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.23, 7.05), not having a care giver, 2.21 (AOR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.14, 4.27), lack of formal education, 2.06 (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.19, 3.57), being in the low category of wealth index, 3.27 (AOR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.95, 5.5), having depression, 1.9 (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.94) and alcohol consumption, 1.77 (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.99) were significantly associated. Conclusion: One-fifth of the participants were malnourished and around half of the participants were at risk of malnutrition.","PeriodicalId":43423,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Dietary Supplements","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2020-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48740722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria-Fermented Soy Milk Extract (LEX) on Urinary 3-Indoxyl Sulfate in Japanese Healthy Adult Women: An Open-Label Pilot Study","authors":"Minako Fukuchi, Takanori Yasutake, Miho Matsumoto, Ryohei Mizuno, Koichiro Fujita, Yasuhiro Sasuga","doi":"10.2147/nds.s281180","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/nds.s281180","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: For the general population, the intestinal microbiota and its environment, including its metabolites, are important not only for disease prevention but also for overall quality of life. A convenient method to monitor the intestinal environment is to measure levels of urinary 3-indoxyl sulfate (3-IS). This approach has been used for several years. This study aims to clarify the efficacy of a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) dietary supplement combined with multi-strain LAB-fermented soy milk (LEX) extract in healthy, adult women with high urinary 3-IS levels. Materials and Methods: Japanese women aged 30–50 years with high urinary 3-IS levels and a tendency toward constipation were enrolled in this study. Each of them received 10 mL of a LEX-containing dietary supplement daily for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was changes in urinary 3-IS levels, and the secondary ones included the amount of defecation and more subjective symptoms of their physical condition, such as the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS). Results: Thirty participants were enrolled, and all completed the study. Every participant showed a statistically significant improvement in their level of urinary 3-IS after ingesting the test article for 4 weeks. Any changes in urinary 3-IS also showed a high correlation to initial 3-IS levels. Moreover, CAS scores and other subjective symptoms improved after ingestion of the LEX-containing dietary supplement. The level of urinary 3-IS showed a modest degree of correlation with the score of overall physical condition, including CAS (Pearson’s r = 0.21; p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that orally ingested LEX improves urinary 3-IS levels as an index of the health of the intestinal environment and that monitoring urinary 3-IS levels is effective in assessing changes in the intestinal environment and overall physical condition.","PeriodicalId":43423,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Dietary Supplements","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2020-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42809679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}