bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy and safety of feverfew (Tanacetum partheniumL.): an update of a systematic review
Authors: Ernst E , Pittler MH 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveFeverfew (Tanacetum partheniumL.) is a popular herbal remedy often advocated for the prevention of migraine. The aims of this systematic review are to update the evidence from rigorous clinical trials for or against the efficacy of feverfew for migraine prevention and to provide a safety profile of this herbal remedy.DesignLiterature searches were performed using the following databases: Medline, Embase, Biosis, CISCOM and the Cochrane Library (all from their inception to December 1999). Only randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials of feverfew mono-preparations for the prevention of migraine in human subjects were included. All articles were read by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted in a pre-defined, standardized fashion. The methodological quality of the trials was evaluated by the Jadad score. For the assessment of safety issues, major reference texts were also consulted.ResultsSix trials met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The majority favour feverfew over placebo. Yet important caveats exist. The data also suggest that feverfew is associated with only mild and transient adverse effects and few other safety concerns.ConclusionsFeverfew is likely to be effective in the prevention of migraine. There are no major safety problems.
Research and future trends in the pharmaceutical development of medicinal herbs from Chinese medicine
Authors: Lee Kuo-Hsiung 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIssues concerning the past and future development of medicinal herbs from Chinese medicine (CM) are addressed in this paper. In the Western world, medicinal herbs are becoming increasingly popular and important in the public and scientific communities. In contrast to their regulated status in China and other countries, herbal medicines are regarded as dietary supplements in the US. Accordingly, research must continue worldwide to identify and improve the efficacy of the active principals of herbs both singly and in combination – from active ingredients, active fractions, and active herbal formulations. While Western medicine currently employs pure, single compounds, either natural or synthetic, CM has long used multiple combinations of compounds in the form of processed natural products, primarily medicinal herbs, to treat and relieve the symptoms of many different human diseases. CM may have fewer and less severe side effects than single pure drugs, making CM especially attractive to the consumer. In effect, CM's focus on combination therapy does serve both ancient and modern theories. However, research using modern analytical and chemical techniques is needed to ensure efficacy and safety, to provide qualitative and quantitative analyses for dietary supplements, and to develop new, effective and safe world-class drugs. Drug design is an iterative process. Bioactivity-directed fractionation and isolation identify active natural compounds from single herbs or formulations. These lead structures can be chemically modified and improved through knowledge of structure–activity relationship, mechanism of action, drug metabolism, molecular modelling and combinatorial chemistry studies. Finally, efficacy and toxicity determination as well as clinical trials can contribute to the generation of new drugs from CM. To continue the legacy of CM, as well as the worldwide uses of other medicinal herbs, continued investigation of active formulations, bioactive fractions, and isolated compounds is critical to drug development in the 21st century.
What is the research base for the use of dietary supplements?
Authors: Nesheim Malden C 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe market for dietary supplements in the USA was estimated as about 11.8 billion dollars in 1997 with a growth rate of 10–14 % projected in the next 3 years. Data from the Food and Drug Administration collected in 1995 indicate that over 55 % of adults surveyed used some type of dietary supplement. The marketing of dietary supplements in the USA has been essentially deregulated by the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). This legislation defined dietary supplements, made manufacturers responsible for the safety of supplements and allowed certain statements of nutrition support to be made on supplement labels. The US Congress in passing the DSHEA indicated that supplements should be available on the market so that consumers could make decisions about their use for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, information about the research base for supplement claims is not readily accessible to health professionals and consumers. There is a need for authoritative reviews of the data underlying supplement claims to assist public health professionals in their role of providing advice to the public about dietary supplements.
Diet and lifestyle characteristics associated with dietary supplement use in women
Authors: Kirk Sara FL , Cade Janet E , Barrett Jennifer H , Conner Mark 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:To describe the characteristics of dietary supplement users in a large cohort of women and test the hypothesis that supplement users would be more likely to have a healthier lifestyle than non-users.Design:Comparison of nutrient intakes from food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data for 8409 supplement users and 5413 non-users. Use of logistic regression modelling to determine predictors of supplement use in this cohort.Subjects:13,822 subjects from the UK Women's Cohort Study (UKWCS) for whom data on supplement use was available.Results:Significant differences in nutrient intakes from FFQ were seen between the two groups, with supplement users having higher intakes of all nutrients, except for fat and vitamin B12. Use of dietary supplements was associated with being vegetarian, vegan or fish-eating, consuming more fruit and vegetables, being more physically active and having a lower alcohol intake. Supplement use was less likely in those with a body mass index above 25 and those who reported smoking regularly.Conclusions:The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that supplement use is associated with a healthier lifestyle profile and an adequate nutritional intake, suggesting that supplement users do not need to take supplements to meet a nutrient deficiency.
Relationship between attitudes to health, body weight and physical activity and level of physical activity in a nationally representative sample in the European Union
Authors: Margetts BM , Rogers E , Widhal K , de Winter A-M Remaut , Zunft H-JF 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the factors that influence attitudes and beliefs about the effects of body weight and physical activity on health.DesignCross-sectional survey using a face-to-face interview-assisted questionnaire.SettingThe survey was conducted between March and April 1997 in the 15 member states of the EU.SubjectsApproximately 1000 adults aged 15 years plus from each country were selected by quota-controlled sampling; the total sample was of 15 239 persons (7162 males and 8077 females). Data were weighted by population size for each country and by age, gender and regional distribution within countries.ResultsOverall 27% of men and 35% of women reported not engaging in any form of recreational activity; rates were highest in those with a primary-level education (37% men, 43% women) compared with tertiary-level education (20% men, 25% women). Recreational activity levels declined with age and tended to be lowest in those who were more physically active at work. Eighteen per cent of respondents believed that physical activity was one of the two greatest influences on health; 13% mentioned body weight, 38% mentioned food, 41% mentioned smoking and 33% mentioned stress. Logistic regression was used to assess for the effects of gender, age, educational level, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, activity level and country on beliefs that body weight and physical activity influenced health. Primary-educated, overweight, ex- and non-smoking women were most likely to mention body weight as an influence; young tertiary-educated, thinner, non-smoking and active males were most likely to mention physical activity. There was wide variation across Europe in reported behaviour and beliefs, which persisted after taking account of all of the other factors in the regression model.ConclusionsRelatively few people in some countries believed body weight and physical activity were important influences on health. Many people mentioned stress and it might be possible to use this interest to motivate changes in physical activity to relieve stress. It may be important to take a more integrated approach to activity patterns that consider the role of work and recreation. Although social and demographic factors were important, after adjusting for these factors there was still wide between-country variation in reported attitudes, beliefs and behaviour. This will need to be taken into account in any activity promotion campaigns.
Physical activity levels and body weight in a nationally representative sample in the European Union
Authors: Vaz de Almeida Maria Daniel , Graça Pedro , Afonso Cláudia , D'Amicis Amleto , Lappalainen Raimo , Damkjaer Soren 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivesThe main objectives of this pan-European study were: (1) to identify different types of physical activity and the time devoted to them, (2) to assess physical activity/inactivity at work and in leisure time, and (3) to determine self-reported body weight and height.Design and subjectsIn each member state of the EU, approximately 1000 adults, aged 15 years or more, were selected to participate in an interview-assisted face-to-face questionnaire on physical activity and body weight. In each country, sample selection was quota-controlled to ensure national representativeness. Overall, 15 239 subjects in the EU completed the study.ResultsOn average in the EU, nearly three-quarters of the population participate in some kind of activity. In general, the highest proportions of participants were found in the Nordic countries and the lowest in the southern ones. At the European level, the five most common activities include walking, gardening, cycling, keep fit and swimming. Higher participation rates were found among men, younger subjects and those with a higher level of education. The majority of Europeans fall within the normal body mass index (BMI) range but more than one-third are overweight (31%) or obese (10%) and 11% have a BMI below 20.ConclusionsSeveral risk groups related to physical activity emerge from this survey: women, those with a lower level of education, older subjects, the overweight/obese and the underweight. Programmes to promote physical activity need to be tailored to the different groups identified in each country/region in order to increase adherence of non-participants and for the maintenance of those already engaged in activities.
Perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity in a nationally representative sample in the European Union
Authors: Zunft Hans-Joachim Franz , Friebe Dietlinde , Seppelt Brigitte , Widhalm Kurt , de Winter Anne-Marie Remaut , Vaz de Almeida Maria Daniel , Kearney John M , Gibney Michael 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the attitudes of consumers, in particular their perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity from all EU member states, and having a measure of prevailing levels of activity, inactivity and self-reported body weight and body shape.DesignCross-sectional survey using an interview-assisted face-to-face questionnaire.SettingThe survey was conducted between March and April 1997 in the 15 member states of the EU.SubjectsOverall, 15 239 EU subjects, classified according to sex, age (six levels) and highest level of education attained (primary, secondary or tertiary), completed the survey. Sample selection of subjects in each EU member state was quota-controlled to ensure they were nationally representative.ResultsThe most important motivation for people to participate in physical activity is to maintain good health (42%), to release tension (30%) and to get fit (30%). The importance of the health argument is highest in older persons and in subjects with a primary education level. Only 13% of the EU population (16% of women, 10% of men) perceived losing weight as a benefit of physical exercise. The most important barriers to increase physical activity are work or study commitments (28%) and the subjects' belief that they are not ‘the sporty type’ (25%). There is considerable between-country variation in the answering pattern within the EU.
Dietary intake and gallbladder disease: a review
Authors: Tseng Marilyn , Everhart James E , Sandler Robert S 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveDietary intake has long been looked upon as a potentially modifiable risk factor for gallbladder disease (GBD), here defined as either having gallstones or having had surgery for gallstones. This paper reviews the epidemiological evidence for an association between dietary intake and GBD, focusing on six dietary factors that have received the most attention in studies in this area: energy intake, fatty acids, cholesterol, carbohydrates and fibre, calcium and alcohol. The objectives of this review are to evaluate the potential usefulness of altering the diet to prevent GBD and to consider future research in this area.DesignWe reviewed all English-language epidemiological studies on diet and cholelithiasis that were cross-sectional, cohort or case–control in design and that were indexed in the Medline database from 1966 to October 1997.ResultsA positive association was suggested with simple sugars and inverse associations with dietary fibre and alcohol. No convincing evidence was found for a role for energy intake or intake of fat or cholesterol. Variable means of ascertaining cases and inaccurate measurement of dietary intake may contribute to variation in results across studies.ConclusionsSome specific components of the diet that may affect GBD include simple sugars, fibre and alcohol, but whether risk for GBD can be reduced by altering intake of a specific dietary factor has not been established. Although no specific dietary recommendations can be made to reduce risk of GBDper se, a ‘healthy’ diet aimed at reducing risk of other diseases might be expected to reduce risk for GBD as well.
Randomized clinical trial comparing different iodine interventions in school children
Authors: Zhao Jinkou , Xu Fujie , Zhang Qinlan , Shang Li , Xu Aixiang , Gao Yuan , Chen Zhigao , Sullivan Kevin M , Maberly Glen F 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this trial was to compare three different iodine interventions.DesignSchool children aged 8–10 years were randomized into one of three groups: group A was provided with iodized salt by researchers with an iodine concentration of 25 ppm; group B purchased iodized salt from the market; and group C was similar to group B with the exception that they were given iodized oil capsules containing 400 mg iodine at the beginning of the study. Salt iodine content was measured bimonthly for 18 months and indicators of iodine deficiency were measured at baseline and 6, 9, 12 and 18 months after randomization.ResultsThe prevalence of abnormal thyroid volumes, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) body surface area reference > 97th percentile, was 18% at baseline and declined to less than 5% by 12 months in groups A and C, and to 9% after 18 months in group B. Results for goitre by palpation were similar. The median urinary iodine was 94 μgl−1 at baseline and increased in all groups to > 200 μgl−1 at the 6-month follow-up.ConclusionsIn this population of school children with initially a low to moderate level of iodine deficiency, the group receiving salt with 25 ppm (group A) was not iodine deficient on all indicators after 18 months of study. When the iodine content of the salt varied, such as in group B, by 18 months thyroid sizes had not yet achieved normal status.
Relationship between cigarette smoking and nutrient intakes and blood status indices of older people living in the UK: further analysis of data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over, 1994/95
Authors: Walmsley CM , Bates CJ , Prentice A , Cole TJ 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the relationship between cigarette smoking and a range of nutrient intakes and blood status indices in older people.DesignNational Diet and Nutrition Survey: cross-sectional survey of nationally representative sample of people aged 65 years and over.SettingMainland Britain during 1994/95.Subjects1191 people (619 male, 572 female) aged 65 years and over, of whom 920 were living in private households and 271 were living in institutions.ResultsCigarette smoking was inversely correlated with intakes of antioxidants and other micronutrients after adjustment for age, sex and domicile. Cigarette smoking was also inversely correlated with a number of antioxidant micronutrient status indices including plasma vitamin C and the carotenoids (but not vitamin E status indices), and with other micronutrient status indices, including plasma pyridoxal phosphate, red cell and serum folate, after adjustment for age, sex, domicile and the corresponding nutrient intake. Previous cigarette smoking or cigar/pipe smoking was not generally associated with lower nutrient intakes or status indices, however, both current and previous cigarette smoking was associated with increased concentrations of acute phase indicators. Further adjustment for total energy intake and/or sociodemographic, health and drug usage variables attenuated only a few of the associations observed.ConclusionOlder people who smoke cigarettes are at increased risk of suboptimal antioxidant and other micronutrient intakes and status, but the lower intakes found in cigarette smokers only partly explain their reduced blood indices.
Perceived barriers of, and benefits to, healthy eating reported by a Spanish national sample
Authors: López-Azpiazu Isabel , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Kearney John , Gibney Michael , Martínez J. Alfredo 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveA national survey was developed in order to assess the difficulties and the potential benefits that the adult Spanish population perceive when they try to eat a healthier diet and also to help nutrition educators to develop relevant and specific strategies to promote healthy eating.DesignThe study survey was carried out according to an established protocol on a representative sample of 1009 Spanish subjects over 15 years of age selected by a multi-stage procedure. This study belongs to a partnership in a pan-European survey about food, nutrition and health. The analysis was focused on the evaluation of the seven most frequently chosen barriers and benefits.ResultsThere was a trend to select as the main barriers: ‘irregular work hours’ (29.7%), ‘willpower’ (29.7%) and ‘unappealing food’ (21.3%), while ‘prevent disease’ (73.6%) was the most frequently selected benefit to healthy eating. About 20% of the subjects said they did not have any difficulty eating healthier and most people believed that healthy eating was associated with at least one benefit.ConclusionsIn Spain, nutrition educators should be aware that an irregular and busy lifestyle, willpower and food-related factors (such as price and unappealing foods) are the main perceived barriers to healthy eating. Conversely, the prevention and health promotion aspects are the main perceived benefits.
Intake of fruits and vegetables in smokers
Authors: Birkett Nicholas J 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo examine intake of fruits and vegetables in smokers and non-smokers.DesignSecondary analysis using general linear modelling approaches. Food intake measured using a food frequency questionnaire approach.SettingThe community (the population of the province of Ontario, Canada).SubjectsMembers of the general public (n=38,000).ResultsSmokers ate substantially less fruit and fruit juice then non-smokers with heavy smokers eating the least. Heavy smokers were between four and six times more likely to be eating less fruit than recommended. Similar but less marked differences were noted for vegetable intake. Smokers also obtained a larger part of their total caloric intake from fats.ConclusionsWhile smoking cessation remains the primary target for lung cancer prevention, attention should also be given to dietary interventions in smokers in order to improve their nutrition. Such interventions might also be expected to reduce the risk of other cancers (e.g. colon cancer).
Vegetable and fruit consumption associated with anthropometric, dietary and lifestyle factors in Spain
Authors: Agudo Antonio , Pera Guillem ,   EPIC Group of Spain
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the association of vegetable and fruit intake with several demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle and dietary factors.Design and settingCross-sectional analysis. Information on habitual diet was collected by means of the diet history method. Association of vegetable and fruit intakes with other factors was assessed separately by means of multiple lineal regression and the cumulative odds model.Subjects39 622 healthy subjects aged 29–69 years from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort in Spain.ResultsFruit intake increased with age, education and physical activity and decreased with intake of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol; smoking and alcohol consumption were also negatively associated with fruit, with a very low consumption for current smokers and heavy drinkers. Vegetable intake increased with education and physical activity and with intake of unsaturated fatty acids, mainly mono-unsaturated. Former smokers consumed more vegetables than never or current smokers and non-consumers of alcohol ate less vegetables than consumers, among whom no differences were observed. All these estimates were adjusted by energy and body mass index (BMI).ConclusionsWhen assessing the association of fruit and vegetables with chronic diseases it is important to take into account confounding factors. Furthermore, it would be useful to study dietary patterns including several interrelated factors.