This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of probiotic administration on adults with lactose intolerance. Twelve studies were identified from databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Knowledge based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The effect size was estimated using the standardized mean difference (SMD), and Cochrane's Q test was used to evaluate the statistical heterogeneity of the effect size. Moderator analysis, including meta-ANOVA and meta-regression, were performed to determine the cause of heterogeneity in the effect size using a mixed-effect model. Egger's linear regression test was conducted to evaluate publication bias. The results showed that probiotic administration alleviated the symptoms of lactose intolerance, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. Among them, the area under the curve (AUC) showed the greatest decrease following probiotic administration (SMD, -4.96; 95% confidence interval, -6.92 to -3.00). In the meta-ANOVA test, abdominal pain and total symptoms decreased with monostrain probiotic administration. This combination was also effective for flatulence. The dosage of probiotics or lactose was significantly associated with a reduction in the total symptom score, and the linear regression models between the dosage and SMD were found to be Y = 2.3342 × dosage - 25.0400 (R² = 79.68%) and Y = 0.2345 × dosage - 7.6618 (R² = 34.03%), respectively. Publication bias was detected for most items. However, even after effect size correction, the probiotic administration effect for all items remained valid. The administration of probiotics was effective at improving adult lactose intolerance, and it is expected that the results of this study could help improve the nutritional status of adults by increasing their consumption of milk and dairy products in the future.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality worldwide and imposes a significant social burden on many countries. Methods: This study assessed the health and economic benefits of omega-3 associated with CVD. The meta-analysis estimated the risk ratio (RR) and absolute risk reduction (ARR), and the economic impact was calculated using direct and indirect costs related to CVD treatments in Korean adults. Results: A total of 33 studies were included in the meta-analysis on CVD outcomes, with 80,426 participants in the intervention group and 80,251 participants in the control group. The meta-analysis determined a significant reduction in omega-3 in CVD (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86~0.97) and ARR (1.48%). Additionally, the subgroup analysis indicated that higher doses and the long-term consumption of omega-3 could further enhance these effects. After applying ARR from meta-analysis to the target population of about 1,167,370 in 2021, the Republic of Korea, it was estimated that omega-3 consumption could result in an economic benefit of KRW 300 billion by subtracting the purchase expenses of omega-3 supplements from the total social cost savings. Conclusion: Omega-3 supplements can help to reduce the risk of CVD and subsequent economic benefits in the Republic of Korea.

The present study aimed to identify potential factors associated with the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To achieve this, we utilized data from the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study cohort in 2001, comprising 6,291 subjects. These subjects were categorized into 3 groups based on their fatty liver index (FLI) score: FLI 1 group (< 30), FLI 2 group (30-59.9), and FLI 3 group (≥ 60). We then compared the frequencies of subjects in each FLI group across various anthropometric and demographic variables. The FLI score is commonly employed as a predictive tool for fatty liver diseases, with an FLI score of ≥ 60 indicating NAFLD. The results of the study are as follows: 1. Significant differences were observed in the proportions of subjects within each group when considering factors such as age, occupation type, household income, drinking status, and body mass index (P < 0.0001). The intake of nutrients, including protein, fat, and carbohydrates, also demonstrated significant differences among the FLI groups. 2. Gender-based comparisons revealed 3 distinct outcomes. Firstly, among women, the proportion of subjects in FLI 3 group increased with age, whereas in men, this proportion decreased. Secondly, women in FLI 3 group consumed higher amounts of carbohydrates and dietary fiber (P < 0.0001). Thirdly, male subjects with extreme obesity exhibited a higher intake of vitamin B 1 (P < 0.05), while female subjects consumed less protein (P < 0.004) but higher amounts of fat (P < 0.0001) and carbohydrates (P < 0.0001). 3. Additionally, we examined changes in subject frequencies within each FLI group from 2001 to 2018, taking into account age, and found a decreasing trend in the proportion of men within FLI 3 group, while women showed an increasing trend. We anticipate that these observations will contribute to the management of this liver disorder.