12/February/2022 Top Medical Bulletin

Here are todays top medical stories

Dietary salt in Indian Diet a serious risk factor of Hypertension

Salt intake and hypertension are directly related, Hypertension is a serious threat globally, organs such as the brain, kidneys, and heart are significantly affected by high pressure on blood walls, and surprisingly, most of the hypertension cases are in low-and middle-income countries. 

 Several studies revealed that the mean salt intake among the Indian populations ranges between 5.22 to 42.30 g/day, a recent study in Clinical Nutrition suggested that that salt consumption is high in India. People all across are recommended the same cut-off value of dietary salt consumption regardless of the diversity in dietary patterns and environmental conditions across the country. 

Consumption of fruits in mid pregnancy associated with risk of gestational diabetes mellitus

Nutrition intake is must in pregnancy for growth of fetus, Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized as new onset of impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy, which have  implications in both the mother and fetus. Study published in Clinical Nutrition concluded  that appropriate quantity of fruit and vegetable intake throughout pregnancy may have a beneficial effect on preventing the development of GDM, whereas excess consumption of fruits, potatoes and fruit juices is associated with an increased risk of GDM.

Obesity and its impact on hospital mortality in Covid- 19 patients

Obesity having several adverse effects is the fundamental cause of many chronic diseases. but recently it has been reported to be one of the most frequent comorbidities in COVID- 19 patients and associated with higher rates of in-hospital mortality. Acute kidney injury is also known to be a complication associated with obesity in critically-illCOVID-19 patients.

Study in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews journal reported THAT obesity was associated with high in-hospital mortality and Acute kidney injury in patients with COVID-19 SPECIALLY THOSE treated by corticosteroids. HENCE, THE Clinicians must stay vigilant on the impact of obesity and development of Acute kidney injury to disease trajectory of COVID-19 patients.

Berries to posses potential ability to suppress viral infection in the pandemic

 Consumption of various nature-based products like fruits and vegetables have always been linked to benefits against various diseases due to their rich antioxidant property. Berries such as elderberry, blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry have proven to be effective against viral infections. Owing to the rich source of various antiviral constituents, berries could be an alternative source for managing viral infections.

Vitamin D and its binding proteins to impact mental health of obese women

Mental health is very important in concern to mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, stresses, and low sleep quality are KNOWN TO BE COMMON among overweight/obese women. A cross sectional study H found that higher serum vitamin D3 was marginally related to decreased odds of stress, but, women with higher vitamin D binding protein levels had a marginal increased risk for depression.

Findings published in Clinical Nutrition concluded that this study provided evidence supporting that higher serum vitamin D may be related to decreased odds of stress and higher vitamin D binding protein is related to increased risk of depression.