Annals of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism

Special Article

Kumamoto Earthquake NST activity report: food problems in evacuation shelters in comparison with convalescent facilities: Joji Kotani, Isamu Yamada, Takahiro Ueda; Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2024;16(3):173-180. Published online December 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2024.16.3.173

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose: It aims to investigate the contents of food supplies, gastrointestinal symptoms, and stated preferences of evacuees during the first two weeks after the earthquake.
Methods: Thirty-four evacuees from evacuation shelters and 12 evacuees from geriatric care facilities were surveyed. Subjective and comprehensive nutritional assessment questionnaires were administered to the evacuees, and their dissatisfaction and preferences were also recorded in an open-ended format.
Results: Weight decreased, remained unchanged, increased, or was unknown for 4, 24, 6, and 0 evacuees from the shelters and in 0, 8, 1, and 3 evacuees from the facilities. The number of respondents who reported a decrease, change, or decrease in food intake was 4, 22, and 1 from the evacuation centers and 1, 10, and 1 from the facilities, indicating a large number of changes in the evacuation centers. Reasons for weight gain included “feeling that they should not leave food behind,” “eating a lot of high-calorie food,” and “eating sweets and cup noodles.” Constipation was the most common gastrointestinal symptom (n=5) in the evacuation centers, while diverse symptoms were reported from the facilities. Constipation in the facilities was thought to be related to the high carbohydrate content of the food. Only two respondents were satisfied with the shelter, and the majority complained of dissatisfaction. The most common complaints were “I don’t like bread in the morning (I prefer rice);” “Too sweet;” and “Onigiri (rice ball) is too big,” but there were also complaints about the eating environment on the floor, such as “I lose [my] appetite when eating on the floor due to abdominal pressure” (I prefer to eat on a chair at a table). The majority of the respondents in the facilities did not have any complaints. All of the respondents in the shelters expressed a wide variety of food preferences, including vegetables, rice in the morning, meat, fruit, and foods that were not available due to lack of refrigeration, such as carbonated beverages and ice cream. Some respondents expressed that they were tired of being given food unilaterally and having no choice, such as “I want to choose my own food” and “I want a vending machine [to choose my own food].” There were almost no requests for food at the facilities, and the majority of the respondents were satisfied with their situation. The food was supplied by volunteers and the Self-Defense Forces, which were out of sync with the needs of the evacuees at the evacuation center. However, at the facilities, food was sent to a geriatric care facility in a remote area that accounted for the needs of the victims.
Conclusion: Evacuees were grateful for the food supplies immediately after the disaster, but gradually became dissatisfied. Meals are one of the pleasures in evacuation centers and are important for reducing mental stress. Evacuation centers should consider the needs of evacuees when providing food to evacuees.

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Reviews

Changes in perceptions of taste after bariatric surgery: a narrative review: Young Suk Park; Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2024;16(3):120-124. Published online December 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2024.16.3.120

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose: Bariatric surgery effectively treats severe obesity, leading to significant weight loss and improved comorbidities. However, many patients experience postoperative alterations in taste perception, affecting food selection and eating behavior. This narrative review examines the current understanding of taste perception changes following bariatric surgery, including patterns, potential mechanisms, impact on weight loss outcomes, and implications for patient care.
Current concept: Changes in taste perception are frequently reported after bariatric procedures, with prevalence rates from 36% to 72%. Common alterations involve decreased preference and increased sensitivity to sweet and fatty tastes, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake and healthier food choices. Persistence of these changes varies and may depend on surgery type, with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients often experiencing more substantial effects than sleeve gastrectomy patients. Potential mechanisms include alterations in gut hormone secretion (e.g., GLP-1, peptide YY, ghrelin), modifications in neural pathways (e.g., vagus nerve), and shifts in the gut microbiome. These factors may collectively influence taste sensitivity and preferences, contributing to weight loss outcomes. Altered reward processing may reduce the appeal of high-calorie foods.
Conclusion: Alterations in taste perception are common after bariatric surgery and may significantly impact dietary behaviors, weight loss, and quality of life. While exact mechanisms are not fully understood, changes in gut hormones, neural pathways, and microbiota are likely involved. Patient counseling and postoperative management of bariatric surgery patients should address potential changes in taste. Further research is needed to elucidate the long-term impacts of taste alterations on weight-loss maintenance and nutritional status.

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Mental health and micronutrients: a narrative review: Hyun Wook Baik; Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2024;16(3):112-119. Published online December 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2024.16.3.112

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose: It aims to summarizes the evidence for the association between specific individual nutrients and mental disorders, focusing on vitamin B12 and related B vitamins, vitamin D, probiotics, and zinc.
Current concept: Vitamin D deficiency is linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Vitamin D enhances serotonin synthesis, has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and circadian rhythms. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes neurological dysfunction, mood disorders, cognitive decline, and psychotic symptoms, especially in the elderly. Vitamin B12 is involved in myelin formation, neurotransmitter synthesis, and preventing homocysteine-related neurodegeneration. Zinc deficiency affects neurotransmitters, neurogenesis, and antioxidant function, contributing to depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Zinc supplementation improves symptoms and increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. The gut-brain axis involves bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system via the vagus nerve, enteric nervous system, immune system, and neuroendocrine pathways. Probiotics can modulate the gut microbiome to improve depression, anxiety, stress response, and cognitive function by influencing neurotransmitter production, reducing inflammation, and supporting the gut-brain connection.
Conclusion: Nutritional interventions, including vitamin D, B12, zinc, and probiotics, show promise as adjunctive therapies or preventive strategies for mental disorders. These nutrients have specific mechanisms of action on brain function and the gut-brain axis. Further research is needed to establish optimal dosage, timing, and administration methods for these nutritional approaches in supporting mental health.

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Original Article

Impact of immune-supplementation on muscle health and inflammation status of South Indian patients who have undergone gastrointestinal resection: a pilot randomized-controlled study: Nivedita Pavithran, Catherine Bompart, Alisa Alili, Sudheer Othiyil Vayoth; Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2024;16(2):78-86. Published online August 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2024.16.2.78

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose: Gastrointestinal (GI) resection significantly impacts nutritional and physical health, causing stress and inflammation that increase energy needs. Post-operative caloric intake often falls short, disrupting protein homeostasis and compromising muscle health. Nutritional supplementation is crucial to reduce inflammation and maintain muscle health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a three-week oral nutritional immuno-supplement (IMM) intervention compared to a control (CTL) on post-operative inflammatory status and muscle health in patients receiving limb and chest physiotherapy from June to August 2023.
Methods: A randomized, controlled, blinded cohort of 20 patients (ages 30–75) undergoing GI surgery was established. Participants were recruited on the day of surgery and assigned to either the CTL, which received standard protein supplementation, or the IMM group, which received protein immune-enriched supplementation for three weeks. All participants also received chest and limb physiotherapy. Follow-up and data collection were conducted at three post-surgery time points: 3 days, 7 days, and 3 weeks. Assessments included body composition, handgrip strength, basal metabolic rate, 24-hour dietary intake, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
Results: Fifteen patients completed the study (IMM=9, CTL=6). After three weeks of supplementation, the IMM group showed a significant increase in lean mass percentage and handgrip strength, along with a significant decrease in CRP levels, compared to the CTL.
Conclusion: A 3-week oral immuno-supplement provided to patients post-GI resection, in conjunction with limb and chest physiotherapy, is more effective in reducing inflammation and preserving muscle health compared to standard protein supplementation.

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Review

Recent advances in refeeding syndrome in critically ill patients: a narrative review: Sang Woo Ha, Suk-Kyung Hong; Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2024;16(1):3-9. Published online April 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2024.16.1.3

Abstract PDF ePub

Purpose: The aim of this article is to provide a narrative review of the most recent studies on refeeding syndrome (RS) in critically ill patients and to summarize recent advancements that can be referenced in the treatment of these patients.
Current concept: RS in critically ill patients is a potentially lethal nutrition-related condition leading to sudden death. Initiation of food intake after a period of fasting can trigger rapid electrolyte uptake due to increased insulin release, leading to a decline in serum electrolytes with thiamine. This depletion may cause severe complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, seizures, and even death. The incidence of RS varies significantly, ranging from 7.4%–89%. Despite updates in diagnostic criteria over time, there remains a crucial need for criteria applicable to critically ill patients with underlying disorders such as metabolic derangement and organ dysfunction. To prevent RS, it is strongly recommended to start food intake after a fast at 20%–25% of estimated goals, gradually increasing the intake over several days. Close monitoring and electrolyte supplementation—especially of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and thiamine—are crucial, especially in critically ill patients. If electrolyte imbalances persist, slowing down or halting the progression of nutrition should be considered.
Conclusion: Clinicians should continue their efforts to promptly identify high-risk patients and to provide prevention and treatment for RS, particularly during the initiation of nutritional therapy in critically ill patients. Developing evidence-based protocols through further well-designed research is essential for effectively managing critically ill patients at risk of RS.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Nutrition in the critically ill in resource-limited settings/low- and middle-income countries
Mervyn Mer, Martin W. Dünser
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care.2025; 28(2): 181. CrossRef

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Original Article

Efficacy of high-protein diet protocol and education after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients to prevent loss of lean body mass in Korea: a non-randomized controlled study: Hee Kyung Yoon, Sun Ae Kim, Ji Yoon Han, Dong Jin Kim; Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2024;16(1):10-19. Published online April 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2024.16.1.10

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material ePub: Purpose: We studied whether active education of patients about the importance of a high-protein diet can prevent lean body mass loss after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
Methods: In the study group, intensive high protein diet education and monitoring was performed immediate post operative, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Study group patients were compared with data from the control group formed using propensity matching with the study group for age, sex, resection extent, and TNM stage. Clinicopathologic factors were compared between the groups, and changes in quality of life (QOL) and lean body mass between preoperative levels and 6 months after surgery were assessed.
Results: Among the 100 patients, 31 patients from each group were matched with propensity matching. The groups had no significant clinicopathologic differences. Although the changes in QOL scale and body composition did not differ statistically between the groups, a favorable trend was observed in the study group. Six months after surgery, the mean change in the QOL scale, which measured physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning, decreased less than the control group or even increased in the study group. In the body composition analysis, the study group showed greater reductions in weight, body mass index, fat mass, and body fat percentage than the control group, and their lean body mass and skeletal muscle mass decreased less.
Conclusion: A high-protein diet protocol and education might increase patient QOL and prevent a decrease in lean body weight 6 months after distal gastric resection.

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Reviews

Role of preoperative immunonutrition in patients with colorectal cancer: a narrative review: Soo Young Lee, Hyeung-min Park, Chang Hyun Kim, Hyeong Rok Kim; Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2023;15(2):46-50. Published online August 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2023.15.2.46

Abstract PDF ePub

Purpose: Colorectal cancer surgery presents challenges due to surgical stress and immunosuppression, leading to postoperative complications. Nutrition is crucial for colorectal cancer patients who are prone to malnutrition. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the role of preoperative immunonutrition in colorectal cancer surgery.
Current concept: Preoperative immunonutrition, consisting of immunonutrients such as arginine, ω-3 fatty acids, and nucleotides, has emerged as a potential strategy to enhance surgical outcomes by modulating immune responses and reducing complications. Current guidelines recommend preoperative oral nutritional supplements for major abdominal surgery and immunonutrition for nutritionally high-risk patients. Meta-analysis have demonstrated significant decreases in infectious complications and hospital stay durations with preoperative immunonutrition. However, limitations such as publication bias and heterogeneity in the previous studies should be considered. Further research should focus on the optimal timing, duration, and amount of immunonutrition; the patient populations that would benefit most; and the integration of immunonutrition into enhanced recovery after surgery protocols.
Conclusion: While preoperative immunonutrition shows promise, additional research is crucial to refine protocols and establish optimal clinical practice utilization.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The 2024 Korean Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines for colorectal cancer: a secondary publication
Kil-yong Lee, Soo Young Lee, Miyoung Choi, Moonjin Kim, Ji Hong Kim, Ju Myung Song, Seung Yoon Yang, In Jun Yang, Moon Suk Choi, Seung Rim Han, Eon Chul Han, Sang Hyun Hong, Do Joong Park, Sang-Jae Park
Annals of Coloproctology.2025; 41(1): 3. CrossRef
The 2024 Korean Enhanced Recovery After Surgery guidelines for colorectal cancer
Kil-yong Lee, Soo Young Lee, Miyoung Choi, Moonjin Kim, Ji Hong Kim, Ju Myung Song, Seung Yoon Yang, In Jun Yang, Moon Suk Choi, Seung Rim Han, Eon Chul Han, Sang Hyun Hong, Do Joong Park, Sang-Jae Park
Annals of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism.2024; 16(2): 22. CrossRef

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Perioperative nutrition support: a narrative review: Rajeev Joshi, Asma Khalife; Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2023;15(2):40-45. Published online August 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2023.15.2.40

Abstract PDF ePub

Purpose: Proper nutrition and supplementation are paramount in surgical patients. Suboptimal nutrition status is increasingly recognized as an independent predictor of poor surgical outcomes. The purpose of this review is to highlight the need for nutritional protocols, with an emphasis on perioperative nutrition.
Current concept: Perioperative nutrition support is considered an adjunctive strategy in most centers, although it is proven to be the key in improving surgical outcomes. There is a need to increase the standards and formulate policies and protocols to optimize perioperative nutrition support. Components of perioperative nutrition include nutritional screening and assessment, prehabilitation, preoperative metabolic optimization and carbohydrate loading, postoperative early enteral feeding and perioperative parenteral nutrition, immunonutrition and micronutrients, and oral nutritional supplementation vs. hospital-based kitchen feeds. Supplemental parenteral nutrition becomes valuable when enteral nutrition alone cannot fulfil energy needs. In patients in the surgical intensive care unit who are dealing with hemodynamic instability, high levels of serum lactate unrelated to thiamine deficiency, acidosis, significant liver dysfunction, high blood sugar, and high blood lipid levels, parenteral nutrition must be started with caution. In the post-surgery care ward, it is advisable to administer up to 30 kcal/kg/day and 1.2–2 g/kg/day of protein.
Conclusion: The positive impact of comprehensive nutritional support and the importance of setting and executing standards must be highlighted. Emphasis should be placed on overcoming existing challenges in implementing nutrition therapy in current surgical practice, as better perioperative nutrition supports better surgical outcomes.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Nutritional intervention for weight loss in presurgical phase – case study
Ana-Maria Damian
The Romanian Journal of Nutrition.2024; 4(4): 4. CrossRef

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Selenium deficiency and supplementation in infants: a narrative review: Ji Young Lee, Min Jung Kang, Hyun Jeong Kim, Sung Yun Suh, Yoon Sook Cho, Sook Hee An; Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2023;15(1):8-14. Published online April 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2023.15.1.8

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose: This review aims to provide an overview of the factors and clinical outcomes associated with selenium deficiency and the guidelines on the optimal selenium supplementation in infants.
Current concept: Selenium is a cofactor required to maintain the activity of glutathione peroxidase and is an essential trace element in the human body. Selenium is involved in many stages of oxidative injury within the human body. In severe cases, selenium deficiency may lead to cardiomyopathy. Particularly in infants, the risk factors for selenium deficiency are preterm birth and long-term parenteral nutrition. Several studies have been conducted on the relationship between selenium deficiency and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, and sepsis, all of which are common diseases in preterm infants. In the past, 2–3 mcg/kg/day of intravenous selenium supplementation was recommended in preterm infants with selenium deficiency. However, recent studies have suggested that only 2–3 mcg/kg/day can prevent further decreases of selenium level in the blood of preterm infants, and that higher supplementation of 1.5–4.5 mcg/kg/day or 7 mcg/kg/day is necessary to reach the level of healthy infants at term. The recommended dose of selenium through enteral nutrition for preterm infants is 1.3–4.5 mcg/kg/day or 5–10 mcg/kg/day, depending on the guideline.
Conclusion: Adequate selenium administration is required for adequate nutritional support in infants to prevent selenium deficiency, and more studies should be conducted to establish dosing guidelines considering risk factors in preterm infants.

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