5 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
This study is designed to test the hypotheses that (1) the third trimester of pregnancy is a period of maternal systemic and ocular carotenoid depletion; (2) prenatal supplementation with 10 milligrams of lutein and 2 milligrams of zeaxanthin will have significant effects on ocular and systemic biomarkers of maternal and infant carotenoid status relative to a matched, standard-of-care prenatal supplement without added lutein and zeaxanthin; and (3) newborn infants with the highest systemic and ocular carotenoid status will have more mature foveal structure. Mothers will be enrolled in the study during their first trimester, and will take the study carotenoid or control supplements for 6 to 8 months. The final study outcome measurements of mothers and infants will be completed within two weeks of the baby's birth.
Nutrient intake through diet and nutritional supplements are critical determinants of plasma nutrient status. In addition, untoward drug-nutrient can contribute to nutritional inadequacy. Among medications used by the elderly in the US, diuretics, metformin, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are ranked among the most commonly prescribed. Use of these medications is variously associated with inadequate status of many micronutrients, e.g., vitamins B1, B9 (folate), B12, C, and thiamine and the minerals calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. While diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help decrease the risk for micronutrient inadequacy in older adults using one or more of these drugs, supplementation may prove more effective to restoring and/or enhancing their nutrient status. When compared to a placebo, investigators hypothesize that a multivitamin-multi-mineral (MVM) supplement will improve nutritional status in older adults at increased risk of micronutrient inadequacy induced by drugs commonly used by this population, specifically diuretics, metformin, and PPIs. Investigators also hypothesize that MVM supplementation will beneficially modify selected biomarkers or biochemical pathways of cellular function/health. To test these hypotheses, investigators will conduct a randomized clinical trial by pursuing the following specific aims: 1) To determine the extent by which MVM supplementation (compared to placebo) will increase the plasma status of vitamins B12, C, D, folic acid, and thiamine and the minerals iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc; 2) To quantify indices of 'metabolic health' including one or more of the following biomarkers: glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio, ubiquinol/ubiquinone, malondialdehyde (MDA), asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), selected cytokines and chemokines, homocysteine, methylmalonic acid (MMA).
The purpose of this research is to gather data on nutritional status from approximately 250 pregnant women who are currently taking a prenatal vitamin in order to better understand if the prenatal vitamins that most people use are providing enough nourishment during pregnancy. Participants will be asked to: * complete an online survey * schedule a blood draw for the Study Multivitamin Blood Test * complete the blood draw visit * complete a final survey at study end
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a 30 day beef intervention can improve peak cognitive performance in young, normally menstruating adult women. The control group will consume a daily portion of macronutrient equivalent vegetable source of protein.
The goal of this investigator-initiated study is to determine whether the fortification of orange juice with vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin E will enhance the vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin E status children ages 6-10 that are seen at the Division of Pediatrics at Boston University Medical Center. Circulating concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D \[25(OH)D\], vitamin A, and vitamin E before, will be measured at mid-intervention (week 6), and after a period of twelve weeks. This study plans to recruit 180 male and female subjects between the ages of 6 and 10. An informed consent will be explained and discussed with the subjects and their parents/guardians willing to participate in the study. The study will be twelve weeks. Blood will be drawn during the initial visit, mid-intervention (week 6), and week 12. Dietary intake will be assessed at baseline and at the conclusion of the 12-week intervention using a 3-day food record. The subjects will be randomized in a double-blinded manner via an electronically shuffled listed. Subjects will be randomized to receive one of three beverages: (1) calcium plus vitamin D fortified orange juice (intervention A), (2) calcium plus vitamins D, A, and E fortified orange juice (intervention B) or (3) calcium-only fortified orange juice (controls). Subjects in all groups will drink two 8-oz. glasses of juice at least six hours apart (morning and afternoon) per day for a period of 12 weeks. Subjects randomized to intervention A will receive 200 IU vitamin D and 700 mg of calcium per day in 2 glasses of juice, intervention B will receive 200 IU vitamin D, 12 IU vitamin E, 2000 IU vitamin A as beta carotene, and 700 mg of calcium per day in 2 glasses of juice, while controls will receive 700 mg of calcium per day in 2 glasses of juice. A blood sample will be obtained before the subjects begin drinking the orange juice and at week 12 to determine levels of 25(OH)D which is a measure of vitamin D status. Blood will also be used for determining osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, calcium, C-telopeptide (CTX), albumin, vitamin A, and vitamin E. A blood sample will also be obtained at week 6 for 25(OH)D and PTH.