Thesis (M.Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 62-66). Also available in print.

Thesis (M.F.C.S.)--Bowling Green State University, 2010. / Document formatted into pages; contains vi, 59 p. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2005. / Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center; full text release delayed at author's request until 2006 Aug 16.

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.

Η παχυσαρκία, είναι μια σύγχρονη νόσος της ανθρωπότητας που χαρακτηρίζεται από περίσσεια σωματικού λίπους και συνδέεται άμεσα με πολλές ασθένειες με αυξημένο ιατρικό και κοινωνικό κόστος. Στην μάχη για την αντιμετώπιση της, πέραν της πληθώρας διαιτών, των προγραμμάτων εκγύμνασης και των χειρουργικών επεμβάσεων, έρχονται να προστεθούν και τα αδυνατιστικά σκευάσματα. Η αγορά των αδυνατιστικών σκευασμάτων, μια αγορά με έντονο ανταγωνισμό που απευθύνεται σε ένα μεγάλο μερίδιο της αγοράς, παρέχει σήμερα μία τεράστια γκάμα προϊόντων που τις περισσότερες φορές υπόσχονται απώλεια κιλών με ελάχιστη προσπάθεια. Η αποτελεσματικότητα τους όμως, καθώς και η ασφάλεια τους δεν υπόκεινται σε αυστηρούς ελέγχους όμοιους με των φαρμάκων με αποτέλεσμα να υπάρχει σύγχυση, φόβος και ανασφάλεια για την χρήση των προϊόντων αυτών. Η συγκεκριμένη έρευνα έγινε με σκοπό να αποκαλύψει την αποτελεσματικότητα και την ικανοποίηση που προσφέρουν στους χρήστες τους τα αδυνατιστικά σκευάσματα που κυκλοφορούν στην ελληνική αγορά, καθώς και τους τρόπους πληροφόρησης αυτών για τα σκευάσματα. Από την έρευνα προκύπτουν επιπλέον πληροφορίες όσον αφορά στο καταναλωτικό προφίλ των χρηστών και τις αξίες τους και προτεραιότητες στην ζωή τους. Τα σκευάσματα στα οποία αφορά η έρευνα είναι τα μη συνταγογραφούμενα αδυνατιστικά χάπια, εκχυλίσματα, καθώς και υποκατάστατα γευμάτων. Η έρευνα πραγματοποιήθηκε κατά τους θερινούς μήνες του έτους 2011 με τυχαία δειγματοληψία 100 ερωτηθέντων. / Obesity, a disease of modern humanity, is characterized by excess body fat and is directly linked to many diseases with increased medical and social costs. At the battle to tackle obesity, in addition to the many diets, fitness programs and surgical procedures, slimming products are added such as pills, herbs and.meal substitutes. The market of slimming products, a market with intense competition addressed to a large market share, currently provides a huge range of products promising weight loss with minimal effort. Their effectiveness, however, and their safety are not subject to strict controls similar to those of drug leading in that way to confusion, fear and insecurity for the use of these products. This research was designed to reveal the effectiveness and satisfaction that slimming products offer to their users in the Greek market, as also to reveal how consumers get informed about this products. The investigation, also provides additional information regarding the general profile and their values and priorities in life. The products examined in this research, is non-prescription herbal slimming pills, herbal extracts and meal substitutes. The survey was conducted during the summer months of 2011 on a random sampling of 100 respondents.

Thesis (MNutr)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It is estimated that 1.3 billion people worldwide are either overweight or obese, making this a global epidemic. An effective weight-loss method involves the lifestyle changes of increased physical activity and lowered energy intake. These changes are difficult to carry out and to maintain. As a result, there is a soaring demand for weight-loss aids, including dietary supplements, which exploit consumers’ eagerness to find an effortless weight-loss solution. These supplements are easily accessible, require no prescription and are heavily marketed to suggest that weight loss is achievable without exercise and dieting. One such dietary supplement, Bioslim, is tested in this study. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Bioslim results in greater weight loss than a placebo, and whether the marketing of the Bioslim brand has an influence on the placebo response. Overweight adults residing in Cape Town (n = 87) were recruited by advertising in community newspapers and setting up stands at shopping centres. The subjects were randomised into one of four groups: Bioslim in Bioslim packaging (n = 26), Bioslim in unbranded packaging (n = 22), placebo in Bioslim packaging (n = 17) and placebo in unbranded packaging (n = 22). At baseline, the subjects were given one of the four products and anthropometric measurements (weight, height and skinfold thickness) were taken. After four weeks, these measurements were repeated. The subjects also had to complete a questionnaire regarding their experiences. The body mass index (BMI) for the total population was 31.90 kg/m2 (SD = 3.91) at baseline and 31.89 kg/m2 (SD = 3.92) at follow-up. None of the measured anthropometric variables had changed significantly after four weeks. When the total study group sample was analysed, based on the allocated drug treatment groups (active or placebo), neither group showed significant weight loss from baseline to follow-up. Twenty-three subjects from the Bioslim group and 21 from the unbranded group reported exercising during the trial. The total group’s exercise time correlated significantly with fat-mass reduction (r = -0.31, p = 0.004). Furthermore, when data was analysed separately for the active and placebo groups, the active group showed a significant correlation (r = -0.45, p = 0.0012), while the placebo group showed an insignificant correlation (r = -0.05, p = 0.77). The same was not reflected in weight loss (r = -0.007, p = 0.95). It is concluded that Bioslim is an ineffective weight-loss supplement: subjects receiving active pills evidenced no significant beneficial changes in weight, waist circumference or body composition. More than half of the subjects attempted dieting and exercising, but these efforts were insufficient to impact on weight loss. The marketing and packaging of Bioslim did not enhance the placebo effect. One subject from the active group withdrew from the study, complaining of severe headaches and heart palpitations. There was no difference in adverse events reported by the remaining active and placebo group subjects. In conclusion, this study emphasises the need for better regulation of the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar word geskat dat 1.3 biljoen mense wêreldwyd oorgewig of vetsugtig is, wat dit ‘n globale problem maak. ‘n Effektiewe gewigsverlies metode inkorporeer leefstyl veranderinge soos verhoogde fisiese aktiwiteit en ‘n laer energie inname. Hierdie veranderinge is moeilik om uit te voer en vol te hou. Die gevolg is ‘n stygende aanvraag vir gewigsverliesprodukte en supplemente, wat verbruikers se gretigheid om ‘n maklike gewigsverlies oplossing te kry, uitbuit. Hierdie supplemente is maklik verkrygbaar sonder ‘n voorskrif en word aggressief bemark met bewering dat gewigsverlies moontlik is sonder oefening en dieetaanpassing. Een van die beskikbare produkte, Bioslim, is getoets in die studie. Die doel van die studie was om te ondersoek of die gewigsverlies produk, Bioslim, lei tot ‘n groter gewigsverlies as ‘n plasebo produk en of die bemarking van die Bioslim handelsmerk ‘n invloed op die plasebo-effek het. Oorgewig volwassenes woonagtig in Kaapstad (n = 87) is gewerf deur advertering in gemeenskapskoerante en deur stalletjies by inkopiesentrums. Die proefpersone is ewekansig in vier groepe ingedeel: Bioslim in Bioslim verpakking (n = 26); Bioslim in verpakking sonder ‘n handelsmerk (n = 22); ‘n plasebo produk in Bioslim verpakking (n = 17) en ‘n plasebo produk in verpakking sonder ‘n handelsmerk (n = 17). Met aanvang van die studie is een van die vier produkte aan die proefpersone gegee en antropometriese metings (gewig, lengte en velvoudikte) is gemeet. Metings is na vier weke herhaal. Die proefpersone moes ook ‘n vraelys oor hul ervarings voltooi. Die liggaamsmassa indeks (LMI) van die totale populasie was 31,90 kg/m2 (SD = 3.91) by basislyn en 31.89 kg/m2 (SD = 3.92) met opvolg. Geen van die antropometriese veranderlikes het betekenisvol verander na vier weke nie. Met ontleding van die totale studie polulasie, gebasseer op die toegekende behandeling (aktiewe of plasebo bestanddele), is gevind dat geen groep ‘n betekenisvolle gewigsverlies getoon het van basislyn tot opvolg nie. Drie-en-twintig proefpersone uit die Bioslim groep en 21 uit die geen-handelsmerk-groep het gerapporteer dat hul geoefen het gedurende die studie. Die totale groep se oefenings tydsduur het betekenisvol gekorreleer met ‘n verlaging in vetmassa (r = -0.31, p = 0.004). Met verdere analiese van die data in die aktiewe en plasebo groepe, is gevind dat die aktiewe groep ‘n betekenisvolle korrelasie getoon het (r = -0.45, p = 0.0012), maar die plasebo groep nie (r = -0.05, p = 0.77). Hierdie bevinding is nie gevind in die gewigsverlies nie (r = -0.007, p = 0.95). Die gevolgtrekking word gemaak dat Bioslim ‘n oneffektiewe gewigsverlies supplement is, aangesien proefpersone wat die aktiewe pille geneem het, geen betekenisvolle voordelige veranderinge in hul gewig, middelomtrek of liggaamsamestelling getoon het nie. Alhoewel ‘n betekenisvolle korrelasie gevind is tussen oefeningsduur en verlies aan vetmassa in meer as die helfte van die proefpersone, was die omvang daarvan onvoldoende om ‘n impak op hul gewigsverlies te hê. Die bemarking en Bioslim handelsmerk het nie die placebo-effek versterk nie. Een persoon uit die aktiewe groep het van die studie onttrek as gevolg van erge hoofpyn en hartkloppings. Daar was geen verskil in die nadelige effekte gerapporteer deur die oorblywende proefpersone in die aktiewe en plasebo groepe nie. Ten slotte beklemtoon die studie die behoefte aan beter regulering van die effektiwiteit en veiligheid van dieetsupplemente.

Thesis (Mnutr)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a new micronutrient, glutamine, pre- and probiotic enriched liquid nutritional supplement on the nutritional status and immunity of adults living with HIV/AIDS. The study was designed as a prospective randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were HIV-infected male and female adult volunteers (n = 47) from a community-based hospice centre in a peri-urban area in a resource-poor setting and were included irrespective of duration or clinical stage of HIV/AIDS. None of the subjects received antiretroviral therapy. METHOD: The intervention involved the daily ingestion of 40g (200 ml reconstituted) of either the enriched test product or an lsocalorie carbohydrate placebo for a period of 12 weeks. Anthropometric assessment (weight, height and triceps skinfold thickness; mid-upper arm, waist and hip circumferences) was performed at baseline and thereafter every 4 weeks (4 times). Biochemical (serum total protein, serum albumin and C-reactive protein) and haematological (full blood count and immunophenotyping) assessment was performed at baseline and again after week 12. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of baseline values was performed with Wilcoxon two-sample tests for comparison between the supplemented and placebo groups. Outcomes were evaluated using analysis of variance with Shapiro-Wilk tests and thereafter either pair-wise t-tests or sign tests (for nonparametric data) were used. Thirty-two subjects completed the trial, 14 in the supplemented group and 18 in the placebo group. Weight increased significantly in the supplemented group (2.73 ± 3.53 kg, P = 0.013). Triceps skinfold thickness increased significantly in both the supplemented (p = 0.047) and placebo group (p = 0.001). No other significant anthropometric change was observed. Serum albumin increased significantly in the supplemented group (p = 0.003) and was associated with a significant decline in C-reactive protein (p = 0.028). Haemoglobin decreased significantly in both groups. A significant decline in CD4+ count was observed in the placebo group while the decline in the supplemented group did not reach significance. CONCLUSION: Oral nutritional supplementation in limited quantities was well tolerated for a period of 3 months. This study demonstrated that an enriched nutritional supplement was able to promote weight gain and ameliorate hypoalbuminaemia and possibly inflammation in adults living with HIV/AIDS in the short to medium term. The enriched nutritional supplement does not appear to have an effect on the immunity of people with HIV/AIDS. The small sample is a limitation of the study and the conclusions pertain to the test product as a whole and not to any of its respective ingredients. Although further studies are required to evaluate long-term feasibility, these findings suggest that the use of an enriched nutritional supplement has a role in the management of weight loss in persons with HIV/AIDS. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: INLEIDING: Die doel van hierdie loodsstudie was om die uitwerking van 'n nuwe mikronutriënt, glutamien, pre- en probiotika verrykte voedingsaanvulling in vloeistof vorm te ondersoek. Die studie is ontwerp as 'n prospektiewe ewekansige dubbelblinde plasebogekontroleerde toets. Proefpersone was MIV-geïnfekteerde manlike and vroulike vrywilligers (n = 47) van 'n gemeenskapsgebaseerde hospitium in a semi-stedelike gebied in 'n hulpbron-arme omgewing. Proefpersone is ingesluit ongeag die duur of kliniese graad van MIVNIGS. Geen proefpersoon het antiretrovirale behandeling ontvang nie. METODE: Die intervensie het die daaglikse inname van 40g (200 ml gerekonstitueer) van óf die toetsproduk óf 'n isokaloriese koolhidraatplasebo gedurende 'n 12 week periode behels. Antropometriese evaluering (gewig, lengte en trisepsvelvoudikte; midbo-arm-, middel- en heupomtrekke) is uitgevoer met aanvang en daarna weer elke 4 weke (4 keer). Biochemiese (serum totale protein, serumalbumien en C-reaktiewe protein) en hematologiese (volbloedtelling en immunofenotipering) evaluering is uitgevoer met aanvang en weer na 12 weke. RESULTATE: Statistiese verwerking van basislyndata is gedoen deur middel van Wilcoxon twee-steekproef toetse waarmee vergelyking tussen die aangevulde en plasebogroep uitgevoer is. Studiegevolge is geëvalueer deur verspeidingsanalise met behulp van Shapiro-Wilk toetse waarna óf paargewyse t-toetse óf tekentoetse (vir nie-parametriese data) gebruik is. Twee-en-dertig proefpersone het die studietydperk voltooi, 14 in die aangevulde groep en 18 in die plasebogroep. Gewig het betekenisvol toegeneem in die aangevulde groep (2.73 ± 3.53 kg, p = 0.013). Triseps velvoudikte het betekenisvol toegeneem in beide die aangevulde (p = 0.047) en die plasebogroep (p = 0.001). Geen ander betekenisvolle antropometriese veranderinge is waargeneem nie. Serumalbumien het betekenisvol gestyg in die aangevulde groep (p = 0.003) en het gepaard gegaan met 'n betekenisvolle daling in C-reaktiewe protein (p = 0.028). Hemoglobienwaardes het in beide groepe betekenisvol gedaal. 'n Betekenisvolle daling in CD4+ telling is waargeneem in die plasebogroep terwyl die daling in die aangevulde groep nie betekenisvol was nie. GEVOLGTREKKING: Mondelingse voedingsaanvulling van 'n beperkte hoeveelheid was goed aanvaar en verdra oor 'n 3-maande tydperk. Hierdie studie toon dat 'n verrykte voedingsaanvulling in staat is om gewigstoename te bevorder en om hipoalbumienemie en moontlik ook inflammasie te verlig in volwassenes met MIVNIGS oor 'n kort tot medium tydperk. Die verrykte voedingsaanvulling blyk nie 'n effek op die immuniteit van mense met MIVNIGS te hê nie. Die klein steekproef is 'n beperking van die studie en die gevolgtrekkinge is slegs van toepassing op die toetsproduk as 'n geheel en nie op enige van die onderskeie bestanddele daarvan nie. Hoewel verdere studies nodig geag word om langtermyn uitvoerbaarheid te ondersoek, dui hierdie bevindinge daarop dat die gebruik van 'n verrykte voedingsaanvulling 'n rol speel in die beheer van gewigverlies in persone met MIVNIGS.

Thesis (MNutr)-- Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of a number of conditions including amongst others cancer, arthritic disorders and cardiovascular disease. Pycnogenol is a herbal dietary supplement derived from French maritime pine bark extract. Pycnogenol is standardised to contain 70 ± 5% procyanidin which is a powerful antioxidant. Pycnogenol is marketed as a supplement for preventing or treating a wide range of chronic conditions. Although several randomised controlled trials of Pycnogenol have been conducted to date, this evidence has not yet been systematically reviewed. Objectives: The aim was to carry out a systematic review in order to assess the efficacy and safety of Pycnogenol for the treatment of chronic disorders. Search methods The electronic databases CENTRAL (until 18 September 2010), MEDLINE (until 18 September 2010) and EMBASE (until 13 October 2010) were searched, as well as three trial registries. Furthermore the manufacturer of Pycnogenol was contacted and bibliographies of included studies were hand-searched. Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of Pycnogenol in adults or children with any chronic disorder were included. The primary outcomes were any clinical outcomes directly related to the disorder (stratified as participant- and investigator-reported) as well as all-cause mortality. Adverse events and biomarkers of oxidative stress were also assessed. Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility, extracted all data and judged methodological quality. A third author additionally extracted information on outcomes and results. With two exceptions, results for outcomes across studies could not be pooled mainly due to poor quality reporting. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Results: This review includes 15 RCTs with a total of 791 participants that have evaluated Pycnogenol for the treatment of seven different chronic disorders. The disorders included asthma (2 studies; N = 86), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (1 study; N = 61), chronic venous insufficiency (2 studies; N = 60), diabetes mellitus (4 studies; N = 201), erectile dysfunction (1 study; N = 21), hypertension (2 studies; N = 69) and osteoarthritis of the knee (3 studies; N = 293). Two of the studies were conducted exclusively in children; the others involved adults. Due to small sample size, limited numbers of trials per condition, variation in selected outcomes and outcomes measures and the risk of bias no definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy or safety of Pycnogenol are possible. Authors’ conclusions: Current evidence is insufficient to support Pycnogenol use for the treatment of any chronic disorder. Well designed, adequately powered trials are recommended to establish the value of this treatment. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Oksidatiewe stres blyk ’n rol te speel in die ontwikkeling van ’n verskeidenheid siektes onder andere kanker, artritis en kardiovaskulêre siektes. Pycnogenol, ‘n kruie-bevattende dieetaanvulling wat uit Franse denneboombas vervaardig word, is gestandaardiseer om 70 ± 5% prosianidien – ’n kragtige anti-oksidant – te bevat. Die produk word bemark om ‘n wye reeks chroniese siektes te voorkom of te behandel. Alhoewel daar tot op hede verskeie kliniese proewe op Pycnogenol uitgevoer is, is die uitkomstes nog nie met behulp van ‘n stelselmatiese oorsig geëvalueer nie. Doelwitte: Die doel van hierdie studie was om met behulp van ‘n stelselmatiese oorsig die doeltreffendheid en veiligheid van Pycnogenol ten opsigte van die behandeling van chroniese siektes te evalueer. Soektogstrategie: Die elektroniese databasisse CENTRAL (tot 18 September 2010), MEDLINE (tot 18 September 2010) en EMBASE (tot 13 Oktober 2010) is deursoek, asook drie registers met kliniese proewe. Verder is die vervaardiger van Pycnogenol gekontak en is daar met die hand deur bibliografieë van ingeslote studies gesif. Keuringskriteria: Ewekansige gekontroleerde proewe (RCT’s) is ingesluit waarin die effektiwiteit van Pycnogenol in volwassenes of kinders met enige chroniese siekte geëvalueer is. Enige kliniese uitkomste wat direk aan die chroniese siekte verwant is (gesorteer as deelnemer- of ondersoeker-gerapporteerde uitkomstes) asook mortaliteit (enige oorsake) is as die primêre uitkomstes ondersoek. Dataversameling en -ontleding: Twee navorsers het onafhanklik van mekaar proewe gekeur, alle relevante data onttrek en gehalte van die metodiek beoordeel. ‘n Derde navorser het die resultate van die uitkomstes bykomend onttrek. Met twee uitsonderings, kon resultate van uitkomstes van die verskillende ingeslote studies kon nie statisties saamgevoeg word nie, hoofsaaklik as gevolg van swak rapportering. Skrywers van die ingeslote studies is in verband met die verlangde inligting gekontak. Resultate: Vyftien RCT’s met ‘n totaal van 791 deelnemers is ingesluit. In hierdie studies is Pycnogenol vir die behandeling van sewe verskillende chroniese siektes geëvalueer: asma (2 studies; N = 86), aandagafleibaarheid-hiperaktiwiteitsgebreksindroom (1 studie; N = 61), chroniese veneuse ontoereikendheid (2 studies; N = 60), diabetes mellitus (4 studies; N = 201), erektiele disfunksie (1 studie; N = 21), hipertensie (2 studies; N = 69) en osteo-artritis van die knie (3 studies; N = 293). Twee van hierdie studies is uitsluitlik met kinders gedoen; die res was volwassenes. As gevolg van klein steekproewe, ‘n beperkte aantal studies per siekte, wisseling in uitkomstes en die risiko vir sydigheid kan geen definitiewe gevolgtrekking oor die doeltreffendheid en veiligheid van Pycnogenol gemaak word nie. Skrywers se gevolgtrekking: Tans is daar nie voldoende wetenskaplike bewyse om Pycnogenol-gebruik vir die behandeling van enige chroniese siekte aan te beveel nie. Goed ontwerpte proewe met ‘n voldoende aantal deelnemers word aanbeveel om die waarde van hierdie behandeling onomwonde vas te stel.

As vacas leiteiras necessitam logo após o parto ingerir grande quantidade de energia para sustentar a síntese de leite que aumenta linearmente. Com isso o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito dos níveis de óleo de palma na forma protegida como suplemento na alimentação de vacas leiteiras, sobre a dinâmica corporal, produção e composição do leite, perfil metabólico e reprodução. O experimento foi conduzido nos meses de julho e agosto de 2013 no município de Chopinzinho –Paraná, foram utilizadas 27 vacas da raça Holandesa com peso médio de 651 ±82,7 Kg, distribuídas conforme delineamento em blocos casualizados (DBC) de acordo com a fase de lactação (0 a 90 dias) e três tratamentos de níveis de inclusão de gordura protegida Magnapac® (Madrid, Espanha). Os blocos foram formados a partir da produção média de leite, devidamente equilibrados por peso, idade, número de crias. Os tratamentos constituíram da inclusão de gordura protegida de óleo de palma na proporção de 0, 250 e 500 g/animal/dia. As pesagens de leite e coleta para análise da composição centesimal, bem com as coletas de sangue foram realizadas nos dias 07, 14 e 30 após início da suplementação. Os diagnósticos reprodutivos foram realizados nos dias 0 e 30.Os resultados da produção total de leite não apresentaram efeito significativo (P>0,05) em relação aos diferentes níveis de gordura protegida. Quanto à composição centesimal do leite os parâmetros, gordura, proteína, lactose, extrato seco total, extrato seco desengordurado, ureia e contagem de células somáticas não tiveram efeito significativo (P>0,05). No perfil metabólico as variáveis que apresentaram aumento linear (P<0,05) foram Colesterol Total e Colesterol-LDL as demais variáveis, aspartato amino transferase, gama glutamil transferase, albumina, proteínas totais, uréia, fosfatase alcalina, colesterol hdl e triglicerídeos não foram influenciadas (P>0,05). Em relação a parte reprodutiva a suplementação com gordura promoveu aumento na taxa de prenhez e retorno ao cio nos grupos 250 e 500 gramas, bem como diminui a quantidade de vacas em anestro. A suplementação de gordura protegida de óleo de palma na dieta de vacas leiteiras se mostrou eficiente no aumento dos níveis plasmáticos de colesterol total e colesterol – LDL, promovendo melhorias na reprodução, porém não altera significativamente a produção de leite bem como sua composição. / Dairy cows need to eat right after childbirth lot of energy to support milk synthesis increases linearly. With the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of levels of palm oil in protected form as a supplement in the diet of dairy cows on body dynamics, production and milk composition, metabolic profile and reproduction. The experiment was conducted in the months of July and August 2013 in the city of Paraná, Chopinzinho, 27 Holstein cows were used with an average weight of 651 ± 82.7 kg, distributed according to a randomized block design (RBD) according to lactation (0-90 days) and three treatments inclusion levels of protected fat Magnapac ® (Madrid, Spain). The blocks were formed from the average milk production, properly balanced for weight, age, number of offspring. The treatments included the Protected fat of palm oil in the proportion of 0, 250 and 500 g / animal / day. The weight of milk and collection for analysis of chemical composition, as well as blood samples were taken on days 07, 14 and 30 after starting supplementation. Reproductive diagnoses were made on days 0 and 30.Os results of total milk production showed no significant effect (P> 0.05) in relation to different levels of protected fat. On proximate composition of milk parameters, fat, protein, lactose, total solids, nonfat dry extract, urea and somatic cell count had no significant effect (P> 0.05). The metabolic profile variables that showed a linear increase (P <0.05) Total Cholesterol and LDL-Cholesterol other variables, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, albumin, total protein, urea, alkaline phosphatase, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides did not were affected (P> 0.05). Regarding reproductive part supplementation with fat promoted an increase in pregnancy rate and return to estrus in groups 250 and 500 grams, as well as decreases the amount of cows in anestrus. The supplementation of protected fat of palm oil in the diet of dairy cows proved effective in increasing plasma levels of total cholesterol and LDL - cholesterol, promoting improvements in reproduction, but does not significantly alter milk production and its composition. / 5000

Estudos sugerem que a suplementação de creatina pode atenuar a resistência à insulina, embora sejam escassas evidências que atestem a segurança desse suplemento. Diante disso, esse estudo teve como objetivo investigar a eficácia e segurança da suplementação de creatina em diabéticos do tipo 2. Foi conduzido um estudo clínico, randomizado, duplo-cego, controlado por placebo. Ao longo de três meses, os pacientes foram submetidos a treinamento físico e suplementação de creatina (CR) ou placebo (PL). No período basal e após a intervenção, os indivíduos realizaram avaliações de controle glicêmico, perfil lipídico, capacidade física, composição corporal e efeitos adversos. Além disso, os voluntários foram submetidos à biópsias musculares, para análises da expressão proteica e translocação de GLUT-4, e espectrometria de fósforo para determinação dos conteúdos intramusculares de fosforilcreatina. Após a intervenção, as concentrações intramusculares de fosforilcreatina foram maiores no grupo CR (diferença estimada entre as médias: 23,6 mmol/Kg músculo úmido; p = 0,03). Esse grupo também apresentou menores concentrações de hemoglobina glicada quando comparado ao grupo PL (diferença estimada entre as médias: -1,1%; p = 0,004). Os testes de tolerância oral à refeição demonstraram menores valores de glicemia de jejum e pós-prandial (momentos 30 e 60 minutos) no grupo CR versus PL. A expressão proteica de GLUT-4 não foi diferente entre os grupos, porém o aumento na translocação dessa proteína foi significantemente superior no grupo CR (p = 0,03). Não houve diferenças significantes entre os grupos para a insulinemia, perfil lipídico, concentrações séricas de peptídeo C, composição corporal, condicionamento aeróbio, força e função musculares. A suplementação de creatina não provocou deterioração nas funções renal e hepática. Os demais efeitos adversos relatados também não foram diferentes entres os grupos. Desta forma, concluímos que a suplementação de creatina aliada ao treinamento físico é uma estratégia terapêutica segura e efetiva em melhorar o controle glicêmico em diabéticos do tipo 2. Número de registro no domínio Clinicaltrials.com: NCT00992043 / Some studies have suggested that creatine supplementation may attenuate insulin resistance, but whether this supplement is safe remains uncertain. In light of this, the aim of this trial was to investigate the efficacy and safety of creatine supplementation combined with exercise training in patients with type II diabetes. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was conducted. The patients were submitted to exercise training and received either creatine (CR) or placebo (PL) for 12 weeks. At baseline and after the intervention, glycemic control, lipid profile, physical capacity, body composition, and adverse effects were assessed. Moreover, muscular biopsies were performed to determine the muscle GLUT-4 content and the GLUT-4 translocation, and muscle phosphorylcreatine was assessed by using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. After the intervention, muscle phosphorylcreatine content was higher in the CR group (estimated difference of means: 23.6 mmol/Kg wet muscle; p = 0.03). The CR group also presented decreased glycosylated hemoglobin when compared to the PL group (estimated difference of means: -1.1%; p = 0.004). The oral meal tolerance tests revealed reduced fasting and postprandial glycemia (30 and 60 minutes) in the CR versus the PL group. The muscle GLUT-4 content was similar between groups, but the increase in GLUT-4 translocation was significantly superior in the CR group when compared to the PL group (p = 0.03). In addition, No significant differences between groups were observed for insulinemia, lipid profile, serum peptide C concentration, body composition, aerobic conditioning, strength, and muscle function. Cr supplementation provokes no deleterious effects on kidney and liver functions. The reported adverse effects were similar between groups. Thus, we concluded that creatine supplementation is safe and capable of improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00992043