Aim: This study described the steps needed to achieve full oral feeding before discharge in a group of very and extremely preterm (EPT) infants. We analysed the effects of oral feeding skills on discharge timing and on weight gain during their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay.Methods: A prospective cross‐sectional observational study of 100 infants who were <32 weeks of gestation (GA) was conducted at the Division of Neonatology, Graz, Austria, from March 2014 to February 2015. Patients were stratified into two groups: those who were <28 weeks at birth and those who were 28 weeks and over. Velocity of oral feeding skills attainment and weight gain were analysed.Results: All infants successfully acquired oral feeding skills during hospitalisation. The median GA at which full oral feeding skills were reached was 37 + 1 weeks in EPT and 34 + 5 weeks in very preterm infants. More immature neonates showed worse feeding performances and lower weight increments during oral feeding steps.Conclusion: Our study confirmed the role of GA in the development of oral feeding skills in the most premature babies. It also raises the question of whether expected daily weight gain should be targeted according to GA.

Background Malnutrition is common in liver cirrhosis patients that is correlated with early complications, morbidity and mortality. Objective The purpose of the study was to assess nutritional status, impact of nutritional screening and intervention in liver cirrhosis patients by evaluating their actual energy and protein intake during hospital stay. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted wherein all patients’ nutritional status was defined by Subjective Global Assessment tool. Adequate energy and protein supply were planned and executed by using individualized nutritional plan for patients with dietitian’s collaboration. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, body mass index, mid upper arm circumference, hand grip strength and triceps skin-fold thickness. Biochemical tests included haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, volume and concentration, albumin and liver function tests. To record the daily food intake, a 24-hour dietary recall was used. Results Overall 83 patients (mean age 55) were included, among them 46% of patients were moderately malnourished, 12% were normal, while 42% of cirrhotic patients were severely depleted according to Subjective Global Assessment. The mean intake of calories and protein was improved during stay in hospital after nutritional intervention and critical monitoring (P<0.05). Anthropometric measurements at baseline and discharge showed significant differences (P <0.05) in weight, body mass index, triceps skin fold thickness and mid upper arm circumference values, but not in hand grip strength that was associated with malnourishment among patients. Conclusion Providing individualized nutritional intervention and its monitoring by qualified dietitians during hospital stay helps to improve intake in patients that prevent further risk of malnutrition and related complications.

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is widespread globally, including in the Middle East. In the UAE, vitamin D deficiency contributes to 78% of bone losses because of cultural and lifestyle factors, which limit sun exposure. Although supplementation is effective, increasing rates of self-prescribed use raise concerns about safety and efficacy, particularly among university students. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of self-prescribed vitamin D supplementation among university students in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 450 university students aged 18–39 who had used vitamin D supplements in the past 12 months. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and analyzed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression. Results: Among participants, 44.9% reported self-prescribed vitamin D use. Males were more likely to self-prescribe (p = 0.010). Self-prescribers used supplements for shorter durations (p < 0.001) and were more likely to report motivations like physical performance (p = 0.005). Predictors of self-prescription included short-term use (OR = 2.57), non-daily intake (OR = 3.49), use for performance (OR = 2.72), and concurrent vitamin C use (OR = 1.85). Conclusions: Self-prescription of vitamin D is common among university students and associated with irregular use and non-clinical motivations, primarily to improve overall health and wellness. While such practices are unlikely to result in toxicity, they may not adequately address the widespread problem of vitamin D deficiency. These findings suggest the need for clear, locally relevant guidance to promote safe and effective supplementation among young adults.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. This study aimed to assess the impact of nutritional counseling on dietary diversity and body composition parameters among females with PCOS in Lahore, Pakistan. This quasi-experimental prospective intervention study was conducted over 6 months from January 2023 to July 2023 in Lahore, Pakistan. Purposive sampling was done to recruit females diagnosed with PCOS, aged 18 to 30 years (N = 50). A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on PCOS and lifestyle characteristics of the participants. Anthropometric assessments and body composition analyses were performed for each participant. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine physical activity levels, while dietary information was obtained using a pre-validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Nutritional counseling was provided at baseline and at 3 months. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 6 months. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) and body composition parameters (pre- and post- intervention) were assessed. Paired sample t-test was applied to compare DDS and body composition parameters before and after intervention. Multivariate regression was applied to determine the independent predictors of body composition. Nutritional counseling had a positive impact on body composition and dietary diversity. DDS improved significantly from 2.94 to 5.10 (P < 0.05). Consequently, a significant improvement was seen in the in-body score, from 62.94 to 64.72. Visceral fat also decreased significantly from 12.74 to 11.74. Multivariate regression showed baseline parameters strongly predicted changes in body composition. DDS and body composition improved significantly as a result of nutritional counseling. Individualized nutritional counseling is pertinent to improve overall body composition in females with PCOS by increasing dietary diversity.