Zinc could have a protective role against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between dietary, supplementary, and total zinc intake, as well as serum/plasma and whole blood zinc concentration, and risk of T2DM. Observational studies, conducted on cases of incident diabetes or T2DM patients and healthy subjects that reported a measure of association between zinc exposure and T2DM, were selected. Random effects meta-analyses were applied to obtain combined results. Stratified meta-analyses and meta-regressions were executed to assess sources of heterogeneity, as well as the impact of covariates on the findings. From 12,136 publications, 16 studies were selected. The odds ratio (OR) for T2DM comparing the highest versus lowest zinc intake from diet was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78–0.98). Nevertheless, no association between supplementary or total zinc intake from both diet and supplementation, and T2DM was observed. A direct relationship was found between serum/plasma zinc levels and T2DM (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.25–2.14). A moderately high dietary zinc intake, in relation to the Dietary Reference Intake, could reduce by 13% the risk of T2DM, and up to 41% in rural areas. Conversely, elevated serum/plasma zinc concentration was associated with an increased risk of T2DM by 64%, suggesting disturbances in zinc homeostasis.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic disorder characterized by exacerbation and remission periods, and its worldwide incidence has increased in recent decades. Vitamin D is involved in immune regulation and improves barrier functions and intestinal microbiota. Studies have observed that high vitamin D levels decrease relapses and improve the clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of this review was to analyze the evidence on vitamin D supplementation in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Among inactive patients, the studies administrating less than 2000 international units per day of vitamin D did not find any beneficial effects. However, those supplementing 2000 international units of vitamin D per day increased serum levels and reduced disease activity. In patients with active disease, doses between 5000 to 10 000 international units per day reduced symptomatology. This review showed that vitamin D supplementation above 2000 international units per day among inactive patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and between 5000 to 10 000 international units per day among those in the active stage, shows potential benefits on the disease.

Introduction. A healthy diet leads to optimal growth and development of the individual. A healthy diet is the result of the right combination of macro and micronutrients, which should be sufficient, moderate, balanced and varied. Diet can be modified through the course of life, while the university period is a crucial time to strengthen proper food habits. Methods. The purpose of this investigation is to interpret the perception that college students have about lunchtime. A qualitative design with a phenomenological approach was used. Data collection was conducted through a structured survey. We interviewed 15 students who met the selection criteria. The results were analyzed by the principal investigators using content analysis. Results. Respondents pointed out that lunch is one of the main meals and that a regular lunchtime helps to improve eating habits. Respondents report that one of the main causes for not complying with this feeding schedule is the lack of time due to academic burden. Conclusion. This study concludes that students perceive daily lunchtime to be important and yet claim that during much of the academic week they skip this meal. (X) Close Abstract

Introduction: Cardiometabolic risk factors contribute to increase the incidence of some of the most widespread noncommunicable diseases today. The propensity to present an elevated cardiometabolic risk appears to especially affect non-Caucasians ethnic groups, such as the Native American Mapuche population. In addition, urbanization process has also a great impact on lifestyle and cardiometabolic profile. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted to summarize the relevant evidence regarding lifestyle and cardiometabolic profile in Mapuche population, and to assess the role of the ethnicity and the urbanization process on the lifestyle and cardiometabolic profile in Mapuche people with respect to European descendants. Methods: A comprehensive search until 2019 will be performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, Web of Science and Scopus. Observational studies, carried out in general population of Mapuche ethnicity living in rural and urban areas, with data of lifestyle and/or cardiometabolic profile, will be selected. A qualitative summary, as well as meta-analyzes when possible, will be done to present the information. Random effects meta-analyzes will be performed using the generic inverse variance method. Pooled effect size will be expressed as mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the Cochran Q-statistic and the I ² statistic. Stratified analyzes, meta-regressions, and sensitivity analyzes will be performed to evaluate potential sources of heterogeneity. In addition, random effects meta-regressions and stratified analyzes will also be used to examine the impact of covariates on the effect size estimated. Publication bias will be investigated using Egger and Begg test, and risk of bias will be assessed using the Research Triangle Institute Item Bank (RTI-IB). Finally, the quality of evidence will be evaluated through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines. Results: The results of meta-analyzes will provide important information about differences in lifestyle and cardiometabolic profile between Mapuche people and European descendants, as well as between Mapuche people living in urban and rural areas. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis will be helpful to obtain a more reliable understanding of lifestyle and cardiometabolic profile in Mapuche population compared to European descendants, and the impact of the transition from rural to urban areas in this ethnic group.