Objective: Limiting broth consumption is commonly recommended to reduce sodium intake; however, this practice may also decrease the intake of essential minerals. This study aimed to investigate the sodium and mineral contents of solids and broth in ready-to-cook products and to propose dietary guidelines for soup-based processed foods that balance sodium reduction with the maintenance of mineral intake. Materials and methods: A total of 1,449 soup-based products were surveyed on the basis of data from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety processed food database. Five representative products from each category-packaged instant noodles, cup noodles, and cup rice soup-were selected and cooked according to the package instructions. Sodium and 13 mineral contents in the broth and solids were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: The average serving sizes of packaged instant noodles, cup noodles, and cup rice soup were 191.44, 183.24, and 247.42 g, respectively (p < 0.001). The corresponding energy contents were 381.96, 448.05, and 331.51 kcal per serving, respectively, while the sodium contents were 1,696.23, 1,672.63, and 1,323.74 mg, respectively (p < 0.001). After cooking, the sodium leaching rates into the broth were 45.11% for packaged instant noodles, 59.48% for cup noodles, and 43.56% for cup rice soup (p < 0.01). The average leaching rate of the 13 minerals was ~ 25%, with no significant differences among product types. Conclusion: Avoiding broth consumption can effectively reduce sodium intake; however, it may also lead to a reduction in the intake of essential minerals.
Objective: This study aimed to examine whether a multidimensional intensive nursing strategy could improve bone metabolism and quality of life in hemodialysis patients with renal osteodystrophy (ROD). Materials and methods: 90 ROD patients on maintenance hemodialysis were randomized into an intervention group (routine + multidimensional intensive nursing, n = 45) or a control group (routine nursing alone, n = 45). Primary outcomes were bone metabolism markers and WHOQOL-BREF scores; secondary outcomes included calcium-phosphorus levels, VAS, SAS, SDS, ESCA scores, and adverse events. Results: The intervention group showed lower beta 2-microglobulin and parathyroid hormone, higher WHOQOL-BREF scores, better calcium-phosphorus balance (higher calcium, lower phosphorus), lower VAS/SAS/SDS, and higher ESCA scores vs. controls (all p < 0.05). Adverse events and complications were also reduced (both p < 0.05). Conclusion: Multidimensional intensive nursing may improve bone metabolism, calcium-phosphorus balance, self-care, and quality of life, while reducing pain, anxiety, depression, and complications in hemodialysis patients with ROD.
Objective: This study aimed to assess dietary mineral intake status among young adults and to investigate its association with household type. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey assessed dietary intake using a 24-hour recall method among 863 healthy adults (aged 20-39) in Chungnam, Korea. For the 12 minerals (Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, I, Se, and Mo), the daily intake, nutrient density (ND), the index of nutritional quality (INQ), the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), and the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) were calculated. Student's t-test was used to compare differences between single-and multi person households. Results: Among the participants, 39.2% lived in single-person households. Daily intakes of K, Mg, Mn, and Mo were significantly lower in single-person households. In addition, the ND, INQ, and NAR values for several minerals were significantly lower among individuals living alone. In particular, the intake and adequacy levels of K and Mn were consistently lower across all assessment indicators in the total population as well as among both male and female participants. The MAR for the 12 minerals was also significantly lower in single-person households than in multi-person households across all groups. Conclusion: Compared with those living in multi-person households, young adults in their 20s and 30s living in single-person households had lower mineral intake levels and poorer mineral adequacy.
Objective: Keratoconus (KTC) is a progressive, asymmetric, and bilateral ocular disease. The complex interaction of genetic, cellular, biomechanical, and envi-ronmental factors contributes to the onset and progression of KTC. Oxidative stress (OxSt) also has a role in KTC pathogenesis. It is characterized by an imbalance of anti-oxidants and OxSt markers in the aqueous humor, cornea, tears, and blood. Iodine ex-hibits significant antioxidant activity by act-ing as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has also been stated to improve cell-cell adhesion. Our aim is to evaluate and compare the urinary iodine concentra-tions of healthy subjects and patients di-agnosed with KTC. Materials and methods: Morning spot urine samples were collected from healthy subjects (control group) and patients diagnosed with KTC. Urinary iodine concentrations were determined using the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Results: The mean iodine concentrations of the healthy sub-jects and KTC patients were 16.27 +/- 3.92 & micro;g/ dL and 5.55 +/- 3.97 & micro;g/dL, respectively. The mean iodine level was significantly lower in patients diagnosed with KTC compared to the control group (p = 0.000). Conclusion: According to our results, we believe that io-dine deficiency may be a risk factor for KTC.
Objective: The third most important cause of mortality in children under 5 is loss of fluid and electrolytes during acute diarrhea. Although changes in serum sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (Cl) levels in the course of acute diarrhea are well known, there is a scarcity of knowledge in regards to levels of trace elements. In this study, we aimed to evaluate serum trace element levels in children with acute diarrhea. Materials and methods: The study, in our center, prospectively included 79 patients with acute diarrhea, aged 6 months to 5 years, and 40 age-and sex-matched healthy children. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, routine laboratory tests, and trace element levels of children in both groups were compared. Results: The mean age of the patients was 33.6 +/- 18.4 months and 59.5% (n = 47) were male. There was no difference between the patient group and healthy children in terms of age, sex, and sociodemographic characteristics. The causative agent in the stool was detected in 11.4% of the patients (6.3% rotavirus, 3.8% adenovirus, 1.3% Campylobacter jejuni). Serum pH, HCO3, Cl, copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), molybdenum (Mo), sodium (Na), and zinc (Zn) levels were lower in patients compared to healthy children (p = 0.008, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, 0.002, 0.008, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Only serum aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) levels were higher in patients compared to healthy chil dren (p = 0.028 and p < 0.001). Conclusion: It was observed that the levels of many of the trace elements, which have critical roles in our body, changed during acute diarrhea. Awareness of impaired homeostasis will be important in preventing possible morbidity and mortality.
