World Nutrition Journal

The Role of Microbiome and Metabolomics in Personalized ICU Nutrition

Santiago M. Herrero — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Personalized nutrition in the intensive care unit (ICU) has evolved from traditional caloric replacement strategies toward a multidimensional, biology-driven model that incorporates microbiome ecology and metabolomic signatures. Critical illness induces profound alterations in gut microbial diversity, metabolite production, epithelial integrity, and systemic immune responses, all of which interact with nutritional therapies. Parallel advances in metabolomics offer real-time insight into mitochondrial function, substrate utilization, and catabolic stress, providing a framework for phase-specific nutritional targets. This review synthesizes current evidence on ICU nutrition guidelines, recent randomized trials, and emerging multi-omics science to propose an integrated approach to personalized feeding. Emphasis is placed on early enteral nutrition, avoidance of early overfeeding, moderated protein delivery, and the selective use of supplemental parenteral nutrition, contextualized within microbiome-host metabolic interactions. Preliminary studies suggest that microbiome-guided and metabolomics-informed nutrition could reduce infection risk, optimize metabolic tolerance, and support organ recovery, but clinical translation requires rigorous validation.

The impact of nutritional therapy in malnourished patient with tongue squamous cell carcinoma undergoing chemoradiation

Debtia Rahmah, Diana Sunardi, Nurul Ratna Mutu Manikam — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Malnutrition affects 30%-50% of patients with head and neck carcinoma. It is associated with reduced survival, increased risk of complications, treatment interruption, and higher treatment-related toxicity.^1,2

Objective: This case aim to discuss about nutritional therapy in tongue carcinoma patient with malnourished and cachexia undergoing chemoradiotherapy.

Case: A 52-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue presented with clinically severe malnutrition and cachexia. Imaging revealed a solid mass involving the entire tongue and extending to the floor of the mouth, resulting in dysphagia. He undergo locoregional Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) 70/56 Gy in 35 fractions in concomitant with chemotherapy. Nutritional management involves enteral feeding with a gradual increase in energy intake from 40 kcal/kg body weight (BW) to 63 kcal/kg BW and protein from 2 to 3 g/kg BW. The patient received daily micronutrient supplementation consisting of 1 tablet of vitamin B complex three times daily, vitamin C 50 mg twice daily, zinc 20 mg twice daily, folic acid 500 mcg once daily. He also given 1 gram eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). After one month, the patient demonstrated a weight gain of 1.8 kg (4.3%), increased handgrip strength, and functional capacity. Body composition analysis demonstrated increase in fat-free mass index (FFMI) from 15.2 to 15.8 kg/m², skeletal muscle index (SMI) from 5.6% to 5.9%, and fat mass from 5.3% to 5.6%.

Conclusion: Adequate energy and high protein intake along with micronutrients and EPA supplementation may help prevent deterioration of nutritional status, increase body weight, preserve muscle mass, and improve functional capacity in cancer patient undergoing chemoradiotherapy.

Relationships between comorbidities and vitamin D intake with COVID-19 severity

Muhammad Rifky, Verawati Sudarma — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:32:46 +0000

Background: Vitamin D is a nutrient/hormone-like vitamin involved in immune regulation, which, in turn, affects morbidity and mortality rates, including in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vitamin D strengthens both specific and nonspecific immunity and modulates the body’s response to infection.

Objective: This study aims to determine the association between comorbidities and vitamin D intake with the severity of COVID-19.

Methods: The study is a cross-sectional observational study with a sample comprised of 66 people, ages 19 to 58, receiving treatment for COVID-19 at Pasar Rebo District Hospital. The primary data were collected via a questionnaire administered via the WhatsApp application or through direct interviews, encompassing variables such as age, gender, comorbidity, and vitamin D intake. The Vitamin D Dietary Intake Questionnaire was conducted using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Vitamin D intake is categorized into two groups: low (<600 IU/day) and adequate (≥600-4,000 IU/day). Comorbidities are other illnesses that a person has, such as asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. The severity of COVID-19 is an accordance with the criteria set by the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine. Statistical analysis used SPSS version 22 to analyze univariate data and Fisher's exact test for bivariate analysis with a significance limit of p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 25.8% of the subjects had comorbidities, 62.1% experienced low vitamin D intake, and 53% experienced mild COVID-19 symptoms. The severity of COVID-19 cases does not correlate with age or gender. The severity of COVID-19 cases was significantly associated with comorbidities (p=0.001) and vitamin D intake (p=0.021).

Conclusion: An association was observed between vitamin D intake, comorbidities, and the severity of COVID-19.

Protein and branched-chain amino acid intake are associated with functional capacity in malnourished head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:39:02 +0000

Introduction: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at high risk of malnutrition and functional decline. Protein and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are key nutrients for muscle protein synthesis and may influence functional capacity. This study examined the association between protein and BCAA intake and functional capacity in malnourished HNC patients receiving chemoradiotherapy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a radiotherapy outpatient clinic among malnourished HNC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy (week 4–5). Energy and protein intake were assessed using three non-consecutive 24-hour food recalls, while BCAA intake was estimated using a semi-quantitative FFQ. Functional capacity was evaluated using the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Associations were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation test.

Results: A total of 94 participants were included (mean age 46.9 ± 11.9 years; 61.7% male), with most diagnosed at stage IV disease. Median protein intake was 40.65 g/day (0.79 g/kg BW/day), with 74.5% classified as having inadequate protein intake. Median total BCAA intake was 9.08 g/day. The mean 6MWT distance was 332.9 ± 123.9 m. Significant moderate positive correlations were found between protein intake and 6MWT distance (r = 0.444; p < 0.001) and between BCAA intake and 6MWT distance (r = 0.419; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Protein and BCAA intake showed a moderate association with functional capacity among malnourished HNC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. These findings support the importance of optimizing protein and BCAA intake to preserve functional status during active cancer treatment.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation regimens on clinical outcomes in asthma: A systematic review

Donna Pratiwi, Ni Ketut Sumartini, I Wayan Weta, Agustinus I Wayan Harimawan — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:42:03 +0000

Background: Vitamin D has immunomodulatory properties that may improve asthma outcomes; however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported inconsistent findings. Variations in supplementation regimens, particularly bolus versus non-bolus dosing, may contribute to these discrepancies.

Objective: To systematically evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on clinical outcomes in patients with asthma, with particular emphasis on dosing regimens.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261378116). PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched for RCTs investigating vitamin D supplementation in asthma. Studies were categorized into non-bolus (daily or weekly) and bolus (high-dose intermittent) regimens. Primary outcomes included asthma exacerbations, lung function, and asthma control. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool.

Results: Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Non-bolus supplementation was more consistently associated with improved asthma control and modest improvements in lung function, whereas bolus regimens generally showed no significant clinical benefit. Limited benefits of bolus dosing were observed only among participants with severe vitamin D deficiency. Overall, the included studies demonstrated low risk of bias to some concerns.

Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation may improve asthma outcomes, but its effectiveness appears to depend on the dosing regimen. Regular non-bolus supplementation may provide greater clinical benefits than intermittent bolus dosing, particularly in individuals with vitamin D deficiency. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm regimen-specific effects.

The role of energy and protein adequacy in improving functional capacity in adult males with severe burn injury: A case series

Marsha Kurniawan, Wina Sinaga, Aditya Wardhana, Akhmad Noviandi Syarif — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:47:43 +0000

Background: Burn injury represents a major global health problem with high mortality and disability rates, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life, including in Indonesia. Patients with severe burns frequently experience a decline in functional capacity due to muscle weakness, which is exacerbated by the hypermetabolic response. Adequate daily caloric and protein intake is essential to preserve muscle mass and potentially improve patients’ functional capacity.

Case report: The first case, a 39-year-old male with grade 2A–3 burn injury involving 35.5% of total body surface area (TBSA). Nutritional management was initiated at 10 kcal/kg body weight/day and protein 1 g/kg/day, then increased to 42 kcal/kg/day and 1.9 g/kg/day. The patient showed an improvement in the Functional Assessment for Burns–Critical Care (FAB-CC) score from 19 to 30. The second case, a 35-year-old male with grade 2A–3 burns involving 57.5% TBSA. Nutritional management was started at 10 kcal/kg/day and protein 0.4 g/kg/day, then gradually increased to 60 kcal/kg/day and protein 2.5 g/kg/day. The patient demonstrated improvement in the FAB-CC score from 3 to 20. Patients with burn injury experience hypermetabolism to support tissue repair and maintain vital organ function. Systemic inflammation and burn extent influence daily nutritional requirements. Adequate energy and protein intake play an important role in improving functional capacity in patients with burn injuries. All patients demonstrated increased daily energy and protein intake, which was associated with improved FAB-CC scores and functional capacity.

Conclusion: Both cases suggest that adequate energy and protein intake may support functional recovery in patients with burn injuries, as reflected by parallel improvements in FAB-CC scores during nutritional care. These findings underscore the importance of integrating optimal nutritional therapy within a multidisciplinary treatment strategy to maximize functional outcomes in burn patients.

The association between sedentary behaviour and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus among medical students at Syiah Kuala University

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:51:04 +0000

Background: Sedentary behaviour is any waking behaviour characterized by an energy expenditure ≤1.5 METs while sitting or reclining posture. Medical students represent a young adult population that is prone to sedentary behaviour. Excessive sedentary behaviour may increase the risk of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between sedentary behaviour and the risk of T2DM among medical students at Universitas Syiah Kuala.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 260 medical students at Universitas Syiah Kuala, selected using stratified random sampling, and was conducted from September 22 to October 17, 2025, at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala. Sedentary behaviour was assessed using the Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ), while the risk of T2DM was evaluated using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) which incorporates anthropometric measures including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman rank correlation test with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The majority of respondents had a high level of sedentary behaviour (44.6%). Most participants were classified as having a low risk of T2DM (48.5%), BMI < 25 kg/m² (53.5%), normal waist circumference (60.4%), and no family history of diabetes mellitus (45.4%). There was a statistically significant association between sedentary behaviour and the risk of T2DM (p = 0.046), with a very weak correlation strength (r = 0.124).

Conclusion: A statistically significant but very weak association between sedentary behaviour and the risk of T2DM among medical students at Syiah Kuala University.

Complementary feeding practices and stunting among children aged 6-24 months in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Nafila Maghfirah, Mulya Safri, Husnah, Bakhtiar, Dina Alia — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:53:43 +0000

Background: Stunting is a significant nutritional issue in Indonesia, reflecting chronic malnutrition. Key factors influencing stunting incidence include inaccuracies in complementary feeding, such as timing, texture, portion size, frequency, and variety of food.

Objective: This study aims to examine Complementary Feeding Practices and stunting among children aged 6-24 Months in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 public health centers with the highest stunting prevalence. A total of 105 respondents were selected using proportional random sampling. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire on complementary feeding practices and the Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS) and anthropometric measurements from maternal and child health (KIA) books. Data were analysed using the Spearman-Rank test.

Results: The results showed that most children were aged 12–24 months (64.8%) and male (50.5%). The majority of mothers provided complementary foods at the appropriate age (91.4%), with appropriate texture (96.2%), appropriate frequency (55.2%), appropriate portion (66.7%), and moderate food diversity (47.6%). Spearman correlation analysis showed significant associations between stunting and texture (p=0.029; r=−0.213), portion (p=0.000; r=−0.499), frequency (p=0.000; r=−0.420), and food variety (p=0.000; r=−0.715). In this study, the time of first complementary feeding was the only factor that was not significantly related to stunting (p=0.580; r=−0.055).

Conclusion: In conclusion, texture, portion size, feeding frequency, and, especially, dietary variety are significantly associated with stunting. Education on correct complementary feeding practices is needed to prevent stunting.

Paradoxical rise in interleukin-6 following brown rice intake: A postprandial study in sedentary workers

Rizqa Febriliany Putri, Sri Widia A. Jusman, Wiji Lestari — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:56:13 +0000

Background: Brown rice is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects due to its high dietary fiber and phenolic content; however, evidence in sedentary populations is limited. IL-6 is a key pleiotropic cytokine responsive to postprandial inflammation.

Objective: This study compared postprandial IL-6 levels after brown vs. white rice consumption in sedentary workers.

Methods: In this open-label, parallel-group trial, 28 normoweight participants (22 women, 6 men) consumed 150 g of rice, 60 g of fried eggs, and 70 g of tofu stew. Nutritional composition was determined from available sources, with fat content of brown rice (2.4 g/100 g) obtained from the manufacturer’s laboratory report and that of white rice (0.5 g/100 g) from published data. Participants were randomized by gender into brown rice (n=13, age 30.15 ± 6.71) and a white rice groups (n=15, age 27 [23-48]). IL-6 levels were measured at baseline (10-hour fast) and 4 hours post-meal. Previous-day intake (24-hour food recall) and physical activity (IPAQ-SF) were recorded. Non-parametric tests were applied.

Results: Participants averaged 321.5 ± 181.2 METs. Despite higher fat content in brown rice, intake did not differ significantly between groups. IL-6 changes were not statistically significant (p=0.069). However, the brown rice group showed a numerically higher postprandial IL-6 level, while the control group remained relatively stable.

Conclusions: No significant IL-6 differences were observed, however the paradoxical elevation following brown rice consumption is probably due to subtle influences of nutrient composition or participant characteristics. Further studies with stricter dietary control and biomarkers are warranted.

Relationship between caffeine consumption and physical activity with arterial elasticity in medical students

Corin Khera Amalia, Nurfitri Bustamam, Ima Maria, Mila Citrawati — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Medical students often consume high amounts of caffeine due to heavy academic demands and tend to be less physically active.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between caffeine consumption and physical activity with arterial elasticity in medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta in 2025.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 80 undergraduate medical students aged 18–23 years, recruited through consecutive sampling. Data on physical activity, caffeine consumption, and demographics were collected using validated questionnaires. Stress, sleep quality, and eating habits were assessed using the PSS-10, PSQI, and AFHC, respectively. Only healthy participants with low to moderate stress, good sleep quality, and healthy eating habits were included in this study. The SA-3000P Accelerated Photoplethysmography (APG) analyzer was used to assess arterial elasticity, and the results were categorized as suboptimal, normal, or optimal.

Results: Suboptimal arterial elasticity was observed in 51.3% of participants. Caffeine consumption was moderate in most participants (61.3%), while physical activity levels were moderate in 57.5% of the participants. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between caffeine consumption and arterial elasticity (p = 0.012), whereas physical activity showed no significant association (p = 0.093).

Conclusions: High caffeine consumption was associated with reduced arterial elasticity in medical students, whereas physical activity was not significantly associated. These findings suggest a potential association between caffeine intake and vascular health in young adults.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards sustainable diets and food choice motives among IPB university students with overweight and obesity: A cross-sectional study

Dewi Firda Sari, Sri Anna Marliyati, Ikeu Tanziha — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among university students Indonesia has been rising, with food choices playing a central role in both nutritional and environmental outcomes. However, evidence on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward sustainable diets and their relationship with food choice motives among students with overweight and obesity remains absent in the Indonesian context. This study aimed to determine the association between KAP of sustainable diets and food choice motives among overweight and obese students at IPB University (Institut Pertanian Bogor).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at IPB University Dramaga Campus, Bogor. A total of 97 subjects from undergraduate and postgraduate students from non-nutrition majors were recruited with a purposive sampling technique. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Spearman rank correlation test, and multivariate analysis was performed using binary logistic regression.

Results: Most of the subjects (86.6%) had a poor knowledge. Similarly, attitude and practice were also predominantly poor (76.3% and 92.8%, respectively). Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant associations between knowledge and attitude, knowledge and practice, and attitude and practice (p<0.05). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that a good attitude towards a sustainable diet was significantly associated with food choice motives among IPB University Students with overweight and obesity (OR=5.280; 95%CI=1.768-15.769; p=0.003).

Conclusion: Attitude of sustainable diet was significantly associated with food choice motives among IPB University students with overweight and obesity. University health programs should integrate sustainable diet education targeting attitudinal change, particularly among students with excess body weight.

Spatial analysis and factors related to stunting prevalence in Lampung province in 2024 (INSS Data in 2024)

Fitri Eka Sari, Rindy Yolandita, Annisa Mayang Soliha — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:09:36 +0000

Background: Stunting is a growth and developmental disorder caused by chronic malnutrition and recurrent infections and is defined as a Height-for-Age Z-score (HAZ) below −2 standard deviations. Despite ongoing interventions, stunting remains a major public health problem in Indonesia. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to identify the spatial distribution of stunting; however, spatial studies on stunting in Indonesia remain limited.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze spatial patterns and factors associated with stunting prevalence in Lampung Province in 2024.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the 2024 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (INSS). The study population consisted of 8,964 children under five years of age, with 2,778 children included after data cleaning. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and spatial analyses.

Results: The prevalence of stunting was 15.3%, while 84.7% of children were not stunted. Exclusive breastfeeding, birth weight, and maternal age were significantly associated with stunting prevalence (p<0.05). Spatial analysis showed significant associations of exclusive breastfeeding in several districts/cities, birth weight in West Coast, West Lampung, and East Lampung, and maternal age in Central Lampung.

Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding, birth weight, and maternal age were associated with stunting prevalence in Lampung Province in 2024.

Comparison of WHO global and Asia-Pacific body mass index classifications for screening low birth weight risk among pregnant women in urban Indonesia

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:12:04 +0000

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) remains a major contributor to neonatal morbidity

and mortality. Maternal body mass index (BMI) is widely used to identify pregnancies at risk of adverse birth outcomes; however, the optimal BMI classification for Asian populations remains uncertain. This study compared the WHO Global and WHO Asia-Pacific BMI classifications in identifying pregnant women at risk of delivering LBW infants.

Methods: An unmatched case-control study was conducted among 729 pregnant women

attending 10 primary healthcare centers in Jakarta, Indonesia. Cases comprised 368 women who delivered LBW infants (2,500 g), while 361 women with normal birth weight infants served as controls. Logistic regression models were developed using both BMI classifications and compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and Nagelkerke R². Screening performance was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

Results: After adjustment for maternal age, preterm delivery, and pregnancy-induced

hypertension, both BMI classifications showed comparable predictive performance (WHO

Global: AUC=0.646; Asia-Pacific: AUC=0.634). BMI category was not independently associated with LBW in either model. However, using obesity as the screening threshold, the WHO Asia-Pacific classification demonstrated substantially higher sensitivity than the WHO Global classification (49.5% vs. 16.3%), although specificity was lower.

Conclusions: Although both BMI classifications showed similar predictive performance, the WHO Asia-Pacific classification identified a substantially greater proportion of women at risk of delivering LBW infants. These findings support the use of population-specific BMI 2 thresholds to strengthen antenatal nutritional screening in Indonesian and other Asian populations.

Ultra-processed foods consumption and arterial elasticity among male medical students at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta

Azizah Salsabila Mahmud, Nurfitri Bustamam, Erna Harfiani, Marlina Dewiastuti — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:14:22 +0000

Background : Medical students commonly consume ultra-processed foods (UPFs) because of demanding academic schedules. Excessive UPF consumption has been associated with vascular dysfunction, but evidence on arterial elasticity in healthy young adults remains limited.

Objective : This study investigated the association between UPF consumption and arterial elasticity among male medical students at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta.

Methods : A cross-sectional study included 50 male medical students selected by simple random sampling. UPF consumption was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and analyzed with NutriSurvey software. Arterial elasticity was measured using an Accelerated Photoplethysmograph Analyzer SA-3000P. Participants were aged ≥18 years, non-smokers, and had no diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or alcohol consumption. Associations were analyzed using a Chi-square test.

Results : Sugar intake from UPFs was significantly associated with arterial elasticity (p = 0.041; PR = 2,256; 95% CI = 1,153 – 4.406). In contrast, total energy, salt, and fat intake from UPFs were not significantly associated with arterial elasticity (p = 0.471, p = 0.990, and p = 0.763, respectively).

Conclusions : Higher sugar intake from UPFs, rather than total energy, salt, or fat intake from UPFs, was associated with arterial elasticity. Limiting sugar intake from UPFs may help preserve vascular health in young adults.

The effect of Ramadan fasting and physical exercise on fasting blood glucose in productive-age adults: A pilot study

Nur Islamiyah, St. Masithah, Fitri Wahyuni, Selvia — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:25:22 +0000

Background: Productive-age adults are vulnerable to metabolic disorders due to unhealthy diets, low physical activity, which increase fasting blood glucose levels.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of the combination of Ramadan fasting and physical exercise on fasting blood glucose levels in productive-age adults.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group design was conducted on 34 respondents aged 18-25 years with normal or prediabetes fasting blood glucose levels according to the American Diabetes Association classification. Participants underwent a two-week intervention during Ramadan. The intervention group fasted during Ramadan and underwent physical exercise, including walking and soleus push-ups, whereas the control group showed lower adherence to the intervention. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured at the beginning of Ramadan (T₀), the end of Ramadan (T₁), and one month after Ramadan (T₂). Analysis using Two-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA.

Results: Fasting glucose levels between the intervention and control groups at T₀, T₁, and T₂ showed no significant differences (p>0.05). Mixed ANOVA results also showed no effect of time (p=0.159), group effect (p=0.855), or interaction between time and group (p=0.269).

Conclusion: The combination of Ramadan fasting and physical exercise for two weeks did not result in significant changes in fasting blood glucose levels. However, both groups maintained glycemic homeostasis within the normal range.

Association of vitamin E intake and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with cognitive function in elderly residing at the Budi Mulia Tresna Werdha nursing home, East DKI Jakarta

Ria Angelia Putri, Novi Silvia Hardiany, Erfi Prafiantini — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:29:06 +0000

Background: Cognitive dysfunction is one of the health problems associated with elderly. Oxidative stress is thought to play a role in the neurodegenerative process through increased production of free radicals that cause nerve cell damage. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) is a biomarker of oxidative stress produced by lipid peroxidation. The objective of this study is to analyze the association of vitamin E intake and MDA levels with cognitive function among elderly residents of Budi Mulia 1 Nursing Home in DKI Jakarta, Indonesia.

Methods: This secondary study employed a cross-sectional design using data derived from a primary study investigating the association between zinc intake, superoxide dismutase activity, and cognitive function among elderly. A total of 85 participants met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Vitamin E intake was assessed using a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), plasma MDA levels were measured from stored plasma samples, and cognitive function was evaluated using the Indonesian version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-Ina).

Results: The median age of the participants was 69 years (range: 60–91 years). The median vitamin E intake, plasma MDA level, and cognitive function score were 3.7 mg/day (2.5–3.8), 2.85 nmol/mL (1.88–6.77), and 16 (1–30), respectively. No significant association was found between vitamin E intake and cognitive function (r = 0.027; p = 0.806), nor between plasma MDA levels and cognitive function (r = 0.096; p = 0.380).

Conclusion: There was no significant association between vitamin E intake or plasma MDA levels and cognitive function among elderly.

Nutraceutical potential of propolis for cardiometabolic improvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A literature review

Wiryani Sentosa, Dwirini Retno Gunarti, Nurul Ratna Mutu Manikam — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic hyperglycemia and cardiometabolic complications. Nutraceuticals rich in flavonoids, such as propolis, have emerged as potential adjunctive strategies to improve cardiometabolic outcomes in T2DM patients. However, human clinical evidence remains limited and inconsistent. Therefore, this review evaluates the potential effects of propolis supplementation on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with T2DM.
Methods: Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Library for studies published between 2015 and 2025 using keywords related to “Propolis,” “Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus,” “Cardiometabolic benefits”, “oxidative stress”, “glycemic control”, and “lipid profile”. Eight studies were included in this review, including randomized controlled trials published in English.
Results: Propolis, which is rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects. Supplementation improved fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, lipid profile, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory markers in several trials. Although, results remain heterogeneous due to differences in botanical sources and dosages.
Conclusions: Propolis demonstrates potential as a nutraceutical adjunct for cardiometabolic management in T2DM. Standardization of its composition and dosage remain essential for consistent therapeutic efficacy.