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Objective: The present study designed to assess the effect of Mg+Zn, vitamin C+E, and combination of these micronutrients on blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, 69 type 2 diabetic patients were randomly divided into four groups. Each group receiving one of the following daily supplement for 3 months group M: 200 mg Mg and 30 mg Zn (n=16), group V: 200 mg vitamin C and 150 mg vitamin E (n=18), group MV: minerals plus vitamins (n=17), group P: placebo (n=18). Blood pressure was measured at the beginning and at the end of the trial. Results: Results indicate that after 3 months of supplementation levels of systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure decreased significantly in the MV group by 8 mmHg (122±16 vs. 130±19 mmHg), 6 mmHg (77±9 vs. 83±11 mmHg), and 7 mmHg (92±9 vs. 99±13 mmHg), respectively (p<0.05). Combination of vitamin and mineral supplementation had significantly effects in increasing serum potassium and sodium to potassium ratio (p<0.05). There was no significant change in the levels of these parameters in the other 3 groups. Also serum malondialdehyde decreased significantly in group M and MV (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that in type 2 diabetic patients, combination of vitamins and minerals rather than vitamin C and E, or Mg and Zn, might decrease blood pressure.

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Background and objective: To test the hypothesis that an n-3 fatty acids (n-3) plus vitamin E supplementation is more effective than n-3 supplementation alone in improving the clinical, laboratory and inflammatory indices in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and methods: A total of 55 RA patients (50 female, 5 male mean age = 47 + 11y), in 3 groups, were included a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The groups were assigned to treatments as follows: group 1 (G1), placebo (2 g/d MCT oil + vitamin E placebo) group 2 (G2), n-3 fatty acids (1/2 g/d EPA/DHA) +vitamin E placebo group 3 (G3), n-3 fatty acids (1/2 g/d EPA/DHA) + vitamin E (100 IU/d). Clinical, inflammatory, and laboratory indicators were determined at the baseline and at the end of the 6the and 12th weeks. Intra- and inter-group comparisons of the values obtained were made using repeated measure-ANOVA and ANOVA, respectively (p<0.05). Results: In G2 and G3, improvements in clinical, biochemical, inflammation, and oxidative indicators, as well as in the score of health status assessment (by interview) were more pronounced than in G1 (P<0.01). Also, compared to G1, at the end of week 12 there were higher improvements in morning stiffness and the score of health status assessment in G2 and G3 groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Combination of n-3 fatty acids with vitamin E improved most of the clinical and laboratory indices in RA patients. However, there were no significant differences between G2 and G3 other than decreased oxidation and ESR.

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Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to compare dietary intake of vitamin D and the serum levels of 25(OH) D3 in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with those of normal subjects. Material and Methods: Patients (31women and 6 men) were recruited from the MS Clinic of Jundi-Shapur University, Ahvaz, Iran. The control group consisted of 37 healthy age/gender- and physical activity-matched subjects living within a similar catchments area. Information on sunshine exposure and the consumption of vitamin D–rich foods was obtained through interviews and a food frequency questionnaire. Results: Severe vitamin D deficiency was seen in over one-third of both groups (33% of the patients and 37% of the controls). There was no significant difference in the serum level of 25(OH) D3 between the 2 groups. The serum concentration of 25(OH) D3 in those individuals of the healthy group who had a lower daily sunshine exposure (<30 min) was lower than that of those with a higher exposure (>30 min/d) (p<005). Duration of sunshine exposure did not significantly affect the serum 25 (OH) D3 concentration in the patients. The data also showed that the serum vitamin D levels had no statistically significant association with the consumption of fish, butter, cream, or eggs in either group. Conclusion: Severe vitamin D deficiency was seen in more than one-third of both the MS patients and healthy subjects. There was no association between the duration of sunshine exposure and dietary intake of vitamin D in the patients. However, in the healthy subjects higher sunshine exposure was associated with higher serum levels of vitamin D.

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Introduction and Objective: Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia are one the most important health problems in the world. Iron supplementation can reduce both Zn absorption and plasma vitamin C concentration. In this study, effects of iron supplementation with and without ascorbic acid on Zn and vitamin C status in iron-deficient university female students have been studied. Material and Methods: This study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Sixty non-anemic iron-deficient (NAID) girls were selected from 289 female students at Fatemeh Zahra (PBUH) dormitory, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. They were divided randomly into 2 groups, receiving either 50 mg/d elemental iron supplement (group I, intervention) or the supplement plus 500 mg/d ascorbic acid (group II, control) for 12 weeks. Blood analysis was made at the beginning and the end of the 6th and 12th weeks in the two groups. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations were measured using cell-counter and ELISA, respectively. Serum zinc and iron concentrations were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and plasma vitamin C was analyzed by the 2, 4-DNPH method. The Student's t and repeated-measures tests were employed to analyze the data using the SPSS software. Results: The serum zinc level was not initially significantly different between the two groups. It decreased from 80.94.2 to 68.92.7 and from 81.24.5 to 66.12.9 µg/dl by the 6th week in groups I and II, respectively (p<0.001), but by the 12th week it increased significantly to the pre-intervention value of 792.9 µg/dl (p<0.01) in group I and, non-significantly, to 70.53.1 in group II. On the other hand, plasma vitamin C increased from 3.00.1 to 3.30.2 mg/l (NS) in group 1 and from 2.7.0.1 to 4.20.2 mg/l (p<0.01) in group II by the 6th week. The incremental trend in group II continued between the 6th and 12th weeks (3.30.2 to 4.70.3 mg/l in group I, and 4.20.2 to 7.10.2 mg/l in group II in both cases p<0.001). Serum ferritin and iron levels increased significantly in both groups (p<0.01). Conclusion: Iron supplementation with and without vitamin C in iron-deficient female students causes serum Zn reduction after 6 weeks. However, the decreasing trend stops after repletion of iron stores, the Zn level returning to the baseline value. Twelve weeks of iron supplementation does not seem to cause reductions in the serum zinc and plasma vitamin C levels in this age group.

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Background and objective: Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element found in a wide spectrum of metalloenzymes,. It participates in many metabolic processes, including normal metabolism of vitamin A. On the other hand, vitamin A affects zinc absorption and utilization. Recent investigation has shown that vitamin A plays a role in the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. There is evidence that the metabolism of zinc and vitamin A is altered in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of simultaneous zinc and vitamin A supplementation on serum lipoproteins, apoproteins A-I and B and glycemic status in patient with type I DM. Materials and methods: Fifty-two 7-20 year-old patients with at least 2 years of DM history, not suffering from any other metabolic disease, and not taking any medicine, but under insulin treatment, participated in a 12-week randomized double-blind clinical trial. They were divided, ,after matching for sex, age and DM duration, into 2 groups: a Zn- and vitamin A-supplemented group (10 mg Zn-sulfate syrup per day and half of a 25000-IU vitamin A tablet every other day) and a control group (taking a zinc and vitamin A placebo). Forty-eight patients completed the study. Nutrients intakes were estimated using a 24-hour recall and analyzed by Food Processor III . The serum contents of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglyceride (TG), apoproteins B and A-I, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were determined at the beginning and at the end of the trial. The independent sample t-test was used for comparisons between the two groups and the paired sample t-test was used to compare the differences between different time points in each group. A P-value £ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The final mean serum TC, TG, LDL-c, HDL-c, FBS, insulin, HbA1c and apoprotein B values were not significantly different between the 2 groups.As compared to the control value, only the apoprotein AI level significantly increased in the experimental group (p<0.0001). Conclusion: It seems that simultaneous zinc and vitamin A supplementation may increase the serum ApoA-I level, which can reduce the atherogenic risk factor in patients with type 1 DM.

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Background and Objectives: Chemical production of vitamin B12 is a complicated process. The purpose of this study, done for the first time in Iran, was to produce vitamin B12 by Propionibacterium freudenreichii and investigate the effect of adding betaine on its yield. Materials and Methods: Propionibacterium freudenreichii was added to a fermention culture medium containing filtrated soaked corn. This was followed by incubation at 30°C and, then, adding betaine at six concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 g/l). Separation and purification were done and the presence and the amount of vitamin B12 produced were determined by HPLC. Results: The most effective concentration of betaine for vitamin B12 production (318.33 Pg/ml) was 10 g/l, which had a negative effect on dry weight of the cells (22.37 g/l). The results demonstrated that betaine could greatly stimulate vitamin B12 biosynthesis by Propionibacterium freudenreichii and inhibit cell growth. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, betaine added to the culture medium of Propionibacterium freudenreichii at a suitable concentration could increase the yield of vitamin B12, paving the way to a commercial, more economic method for its production. Keywords: Betaine, Fermentation, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Vitamin B12

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Background and Objectives: A deficiency of folate or vitamin B12, particularly in tissues with a high cell replication rate, could inhibit RNA and DNA synthesis, DNA methylation, as well as cell maturation. Therefore, a sufficient intake of these vitamins in childhood is of vital importance. Since there are no published reports on the status of folic acid and vitamin B12 in Iranian children, the present study was conducted to assess serum and red blood cells concentrations and some related factors in healthy 3-6 year-old children in Tehran, Iran, 2010. Subject and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study, in which 228 children, 3-6 year old (105 girls and 123 boys), were selected by random systematic cluster sampling from 20 (out of 270) day-care centers in Tehran. A 2-ml non-fasting blood sample was drawn from each child and analyzed for serum and red blood cell folate and vitaminB12 by the RIA method. SPSS.16 was used for data analysis, the statistical tests being t-test, Chi-square and ANOVA. Results: There were no significant differences between the 2 sexes with regard to age, weight, height, BMI, RBC folate, or serum folate and vitamin B12 levels. Based on the serum folate level, 9.6% and 37.8% of the children suffered from severe and mild deficiency, respectively 52.6% had normal folate serum levels. The data also showed that 97.4% of the children had a normal serum vitamin B12 level, only 2.6% being mildly deficient. As judged by the RBC folate level, of 105 children (60 boys and 45 girls), 1% and 37% had severe and mild deficiency, respectively, an absolute majority (62%) having normal levels. The distributions of serum folate, serum vitaminB12, and RBC folate levels were not statistically different between boys and girls. Similarly, no associations were observed between the RBC folate level, serum folate level, or serum vitamin B12 level and age, weight, height, family size, birth order, or head of the family. There were positive significant correlations between serum folate on the one hand and RBC folate (r=0.4 , p<0.001) and serum vitamin B12 (r=0.8 , p<0.001) on the other hand. Furthermore, folate, RBC folate, and serum vitamin B12 were all positively related to father’s education (p=0.01), mother's education (p=0.008) and father’s job status (p<0.027). In addition, the vitamin levels were higher in children of the working mothers, as compared to those of non-working mothers (p<0.036). There were no differences between the 2 groups with regard to other variables. Conclusion: Folate deficiency is highly prevalent, while the deficiency of vitamin B12 is low, among Tehrani preschoolers. It is recommended to design and implement suitable intervention programs. Major components of such programs should be mothers’ nutrition education and improving family food consumption patterns with particular emphasis on optimum utilization of folate sources, particularly vegetables. Keywords: Folic acid, Vitamin B12, Preschoolers

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Background and Objective: Poor vitamin D status has been associated with impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of daily intakes of Iranian yogurt drink doogh fortified with vitamin D or vitamin D + calcium on anthropometric and glycemic status in type-2 diabetes patients. Materials and Methods: Ninety patients with type-2 diabetes were randomly allocated to one of three groups as follows: group1: plain doogh group 2: vitamin D-fortified doogh (fortified with 500 IU vitamin D3 and 150 mg Ca/250 mL) group 3: vitamin D + calcium–fortified doogh (fortified with 500 IU vitamin D3 and 250 mg Ca/250 mL). The subjects took their respective doughs twice per day for 12 weeks. Anthropometric markers (weight, body mass index, and waist circumference), fasting serum glucose (FSG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured before and after the intervention. Results: In both groups 2 and group 3, the mean serum 25(OH)D3 level increased significantly (P>0.001). As compared to group 1, in groups 2 and 3 the decreases in FSG [-12.9±33.7 mg/dL (P = 0.015) and -9.6±46.9 mg/dL (P = 0.035), respectively], Hb A1c [-0.4±1.2% (P<0.001) and -0.4±1.9% (P , 0.001), respectively], HOMA-IR [-0.6±1.4 (P = 0.001) and -0.6±3.2 (P , 0.001), respectively], and waist circumference (WC -3.6±2.7 and -2.9±3.3, respectively P<0.001 for both) were significantly higher. An inverse correlation was observed between changes in serum 25(OH)D3 and FSG (r = 20.208, P = 0.049) and HOMA-IR (r = 20.219, P = 0.005). Conclusion: Daily consumption of vitamin D–fortified doogh with or without added calcium, improves anthropometric and glycemic status in diabetic patients. Keywords: Vitamin D, Calcium, Glycemic control, Anthropometry

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Background and Objective: Inhibition, even reduction, of acrylamide formation during processing of foods, can help produce more healthy food and, consequently, promote food safety. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rosemary extract (RE) and vitamins niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6) on acrylamide formation in potato chips. Materials and Methods: Samples of potatoes, to which RE, vitamin B3 or vitamin B6 had been added at 3 levels, namely, 0.2, 1.0 and 2.5 g/kg, in a deeping system for 15, 30, and 60 minutes, were fried for 4 minutes, the frying temperature being 180 C. The acrylamide level in potato chips was determined by gas chromatography (GC/MS). Results: Addition of RE and the vitamins at a level of 1 and 2.5 g/kg potatoes, respectively, resulted in acrylamide reduction by 82.7% and 50.9%. The antioxidant effect of RE and the vitamins at these levels preventing acrylamide formation was considerable. The magnitudes of acrylamide reduction in the fried potato samples with any given content of reducing sugars, asparagine and acrylamide were significantly different. Conclusion: The findings indicate that both rosemary extract and the vitamins B 3 and B 6 could significantly reduce the acrylamide content produced in potato chips, with no change in flavor and crispness. The use of these 3 additives to reduce acryamide formation is recommended for potato chips, fried and other potato products, as well as for otherv high-carbohydrate foods, such as bread and biscuits. Keywords: Acrylamide, Potato chips, Antioxidant, Rosemary extract, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6

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Background and Objective: Inadequate intake of Calcium and vitamin D is one of the common health problems, especially among the children in developed as well as developing countries, including Iran. Fortification of foodstuff, specially milk and dairy products, is being used as a major strategy to combat this problem in many countries. This study aimed to evaluate sensory desirability and compliance with vitamin D and Calcium-fortified milk, among 9-11 year-old schoolchildren in the city of Tehran. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in two phases including sensory evaluation and compliance with vitamin D and Calcium fortified-milk in schoolchildren. The first phase was performed by a panel of 212 schoolchildren from both sexes using a 5- point hedonic questionnaire with both images and words. And, the second phase was carried out on 200 children using an 8-item questionnaire. Results: In sensory evaluation 44.4% of the students described the taste of the fortified milk as bad, while in the compliance study 85% of children were satisfied with the taste of vitamin D and Calcium - fortified milk. Only less than half of the students agreed with the continuation of the fortification program. Conclusion: Calcium and vitamin D fortification, resulting in unpleasant changes in the taste of milk, can challenge fortified milk distribution program for children. Further study is needed to provide a formulation that would result in a higher compliance among schoolchildren. Keywords: Compliance, Vitamin D and Calcium fortified milk, School age children, Sensory evaluation

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Background and Objective: Due to their antioxidant properties, vitamin E (VitE) and alpha-lipoic acid(ALA) may have a protective role against cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, e.g., insulin resistance (IR) and dislipidemia, in hemodialysis patients.The main objective of this study was to determinethe effects of dietary supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E, individually and combined, on insulin resistance and lipid profile in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical placebo-controlled trial, including 85 patients (45 men and 40 women) from Shiraz hemodialysis centres.We examined the effects of a 2-month daily supplementation with VitE (400IU) and ALA (600mg), individually and combined, on fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, the HOMA index, and lipid profile (serum total, VLDL-, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides). A placebo group was also included in the study.At the beginning and at the end of the intervention weights and heights of the patients were measured, body mass index (BMI) was calculated, dietary intake assessed, and blood samples were taken for analysis. Results: Significant reductionswere observed in mean FBS (4.2), insulin (10.4) and the HOMA index (1.5) in theALA+VitE-supplemented group compared to the placebo group (P-values=0.02, 0.006, and 0.002, respectively) changes in these parameters were not statistically significant in the groups supplemented with either one alone. Also, supplementation with VitE or ALA, either alone or combined, had no statstically significant effects on the lipid profile. Conclusion: Combinedsupplementation with vitamin Eand alpha-lipoic acid ALA canimprove insulin resistance in hemodialysis. Keywords: Vitamin E, Alpha-lipoicacid, Insulinresistance, Lipid profile, Hemodialysis

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Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide and Iran and According to the Ministry of Health more than 40000 people in Iran are now suffering from this disease. Obesity, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, hormone therapy and diet are factors that have a significant role in breast cancer incidence. Studies show that the active form of vitamin D promotes cell differentiation and inhibits proliferation and have the potential to modify cancer risk. The results of some studies confirm an inverse association between dietary vitamin D intake and serum vitamin D concentration with the risk of breast cancer. Research results indicate a reduced risk of breast cancer with higher intake of vitamin D. Studies show that there is a significant inverse association between plasma calcidiol concentration and also exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation with the risk of breast cancer. Measurement of serum calcidiol long before cancer diagnosis leads to no significant relationship. Results of the studies suggest a protective effect of vitamin D intake from diet and supplements and exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun against breast cancer incidence, especially in premenopausal women. On the other hand, based on measurement of plasma calcidiol concentration, the high prevalence of vitamin D in patients with breast cancer have been reported. Before achieving decisive results, adequate intake of vitamin D (600 IU/d for women younger than 71 years and 800 IU/d for women 71 and older) and maintenance of plasma calcidiol in the range of 30-49 ng / ml seems logical. Keywords: Breast cancer, Vitamin D, Calcidiol, 25(OH) D

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Background and Objective: Systemic inflammation is thought to have a central role in diabetic long-term complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin D either with or without extra calcium on certain inflammatory biomarkers in the subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and Methods: This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial conducted over 12 wk in 90 T2D subjects aged 30–60 yr from both sexes. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups to receive two 250-ml bottles a day of plain Persian yogurt drink or doogh (PD, containing 150 mg calcium and no detectable vitamin D3/250 ml), vitamin D-fortified doogh (DD, containing 500 IU vitamin D3 and 150 mg calcium/250 ml), or calcium + vitamin D3-fortified doogh (CDD, containing 500 IU vitamin D3 and 250 mg calcium/250 ml). The changes in inflammatory markers were evaluated. Results: Compared to the baseline values, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, fibrinogen, and retinol binding protein-4 concentrations significantly decreased in both the DD and CDD groups. Although the decrement in highly sensitive C-reactive protein and fibrinogen was more in CDD compared to DD (−4.0 ± 8.5 vs. −1.3 ± 2.8 mg/liter, and −0.40 ± 0.74 and −0.20 ± 0.52 mg/liter, respectively), the differences were not significant. There was a significant increase in serum adiponectin in both the DD and CDD groups (51.3 ± 65.3 vs. 57.1 ± 33.8 μg/liter P < 0.05). Mean adiponectin changes in CDD were significantly higher than in PD (P = 0.021). Conclusion: Daily intake of vitamin D-fortified doogh improved inflammatory markers in T2D subjects, and extra calcium conferred additional benefit only for the antiinflammatory adipokine, i.e. adiponectin. Keywords: Vitamine D, Inflamation, Adipokines, Type2diabetes

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Background and Objective: Both vitamin D deficiency and inflammation have been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the major cause of death in diabetes. In this study, the effects of daily intake of vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink (doogh) on systemic inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this 12-week randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT), T2D subjects received either plain doogh (PD containing 170mg calcium and no detectable vitamin D/250mL, n1=50) or vitamin D3-fortified doogh (FD containing 170 mg calcium and 500 IU/250mL, n2=50) twice a day. Glycemic status, body fat mass (FM) and systemic inflammatory biomarkers including serum hsCRP, serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were evaluated at the beginning and after the intervention. Data were expressed as either mean±SD or median (interquartile range [IQR]) whenever they had either normal or non-normal distribution, respectively. Results: In the FD group, compared to the PD group, a significant increase in serum 25 (OH)D was accompanied by significant changes in TNF-α (-57.9 (-264.6) vs. +106.3 (683.2), p=0.044), IL-6 (-6.3 (-69.2), p=0.002), hsCRP (-0.39 (-1.50) vs. +0.8 (1.52), p<0.001), SAA (-14.2±44.5 vs. +5.6±37.5 mg/L, p=0.022) and IL-10 (+38.7±157.0 vs. -51.9±165.2 ng/L, p=0.013). The between-group differences of hsCRP, SAA and IL-6 changes remained significant even after controlling for changes QUICKI (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.009 respectively). Conclusions: Improvement of vitamin D status of T2D subjects resulted in amelioration of the systemic inflammatory markers. This may have preventive implications against CVD and other diabetic complications. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT01236846. Keywords: Vitamin D, systemic inflammation, Type 2 diabetes, C-reactive protein, Serum amyloid A, Cytokines

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Background and Objective: To assess vitamin D status of 9-12 years old primary school children in Tehran during fall and winter 2007-8. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study Setting: Primary schools of Tehran city, Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 1111 9-12 years old children (573 boys and 538 girls) from 60 primary schools were enrolled in the study. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and serum levels of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), osteocalcin (OST), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were assessed for all the participants. Dietary calcium intake was also evaluated using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (qFFQ) for a sub-sample of the study population (n=503). Vitamin D sufficiency was defined based on serum levels of 25(OH)D as either ≥ 37nmol/L (criterion 1) or ≥ 50 nmol/L (criterion 2). Results: Daily intake of calcium did not differ significantly between boys and girls (929.6± 436.7 mg and 909.5±465.5 mg, respectively). However, based on the first criterion, some 86% of the children had vitamin D deficiency with 38.3% of severe deficiency (25(OH)D < 12.5 nmol/L). By using the second criterion, prevalence of vitamin D deficiency rose to 91.7%. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was higher in girls than in boys by either criterion. Serum levels of 25(OH)D inversely correlated with iPTH (r= -0.154, p<0.001) and BMI (r= -0.092, p=0.002) but directly correlated with duration of sun exposure (r= 0.115, p<0.001). Conclusion: The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among school children (especially girls) warrants immediate interventions for proper nutritional support. Keywords: Vitamin D, School age children, Prevalence

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Background and Objective: This study was undertaken to assess vitamin D status in nonmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MeS) and to evaluate its possible role in inflammation and other components of MeS. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted during late fall and winter 2009–10. A total of 375 women with waist circumference (WC) $88 cm were examined to find 100 who met MeS criteria according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)/Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria (NCEP/ATP III). Of those without MeS, 100 age- and residence area-matched women were selected as a control group. Anthropometric and laboratory evaluations were performed. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and body fat mass (FM) were also evaluated. Results: Women with MeS had significantly higher BMI, waist circumference (WC) and FM but lower serum osteocalcin than controls. There was no significant difference in serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) or vitamin D status between the two groups. Serum highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration was significantly higher in the MeS group, compared to the controls (3.4 ± 3.3 vs 2.0 ± 1.9 mg/L, P , 0.001). The difference remained significant even after controlling for BMI (P = 0.011), WC (P = 0.014) and FM (P = 0.005). When comparison was made only in those subjects with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR . 2.4), hsCRP was still higher in the MeS group (n = 79) than in the control group (n = 61) (P , 0.001). When data were categorized according to vitamin D status, in the MeS group significantly higher plasma glucose concentrations were observed in subjects with vitamin D deficiency compared to those with insufficiency or sufficiency (104.0 ± 11.7, 83.0 ± 11.3 and 83.2 ± 9.9 mg/dL, respectively, P , 0.001). Interestingly, their WC or WHR did not show any significant difference. In stepwise regression analysis, 25(OH)D was the main predictor of both hsCRP and plasma glucose. Conclusion: Vitamin D status may, at least in part, be a determining factor of systemic inflammation and the related metabolic derangements of MeS. Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Vitamin D, Inflammation

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Background and Objective: There are some reports of decreased serum levels of 25(OH)D in the subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Aim: To assess vitamin D status of the Iranian diabetics, a pilot study was conducted on 90 subjects with either type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (n=30), T2DM (n= 30), or apparently healthy subjects (n= 30) during fall and winter of 2005. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were analyzed for 25-hydroxycholecalciferol using three different methods: high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), competitive protein-binding assay (CPBA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA). In this study serum levels of 25(OH)D were categorized as follows: sufficient ≥ 37 nmol/L 25 nmol/L ≤ mild deficiency < 37 nmol/L 12.5 nmol/L ≤ moderate deficiency < 25 nmol/L severe deficiency < 12.5 nmol/L. Results: Results showed that the occurrence of vitamin D insufficiency was almost the same in patients with T1DM and healthy controls. Mean serum level of 25(OH)D in patients with T2DM was significantly higher than in T1DM, as judged by HPLC (58.2 ± 8.5 vs. 35 ± 5 nmol/L, Mann Whitney U-Wilcoxon, P=0.024). Moreover, both CPBA and RIA showed some over-estimation of serum 25(OH)D compared to HPLC. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that, at least in the cold seasons, vitamin D status of the healthy subjects may not be higher than that of T1DM patients. Keywords: Vitamin D, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, Diabetes mellitus

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Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) . HIV affects the body's ability to fight off infection and disease, which can ultimately lead to death. Medications used to treat HIV have enhanced the quality of life and increased life expectancy of HIV-infected individuals. These antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications slow the replication of the virus but do not eliminate HIV infection. Vitamin D is one of the micronutrients that can have a significant role in controlling the HIV infection. In Iran as is the case in many parts of the world, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is on the rise. The difference of the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency between HIV infected and non-infected group and also the mechanism with which vitamin D controls the HIV disease, is not clear and is currently the subject of many studies. In recent years, several cross-sectional and prospective studies have reported high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in people with HIV. A number of studies have compared the prevalence of deficiency in HIV infected and uninfected groups, and have obtained different results. Many studies have investigated the role of vitamin D in various HIV related issues such as the transmission from mother to child, comorbidities, immune system, CD4+ and autophagy. In most studies, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high, but to identify the difference of prevalence in HIV infected and non-infected groups, there is need for further studies. Vitamin D can reduce the progression of HIV disease, but there are contradictory findings about the CD4+ count. In general, vitamin D is effective in controlling HIV infection, but additional RCTs are needed to establish what kind of vitamin D and what dose of vitamin D is required for repletion of low 25 (OH) D levels. Keywords: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, Human immunodeficiency virus, Vitamin D, CD4+, Immune system

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Background and Objective: It is known that concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)is reduced in the spermatozoa membrane of asthenozoospermic men. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of combined supplementation of DHA and vitamin E on changes in the serum and membrane fatty acids in asthenozoospermic men. Materials and Methods: This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included 50 (from among 275) asthenozoospermic men with less than 50% sperm motility and less than 25% rapid progressive motility referred to Avicenna Infertility Clinic in Tehran, Iran. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups by stratified blocked randomization. Participants in the intervention and control group took, daily for 12 weeks, 465 mg of DHA plus 600 IU of vitamin E and two placebos, respectively. Sperm characteristics, serum and membrane fatty acid levels, dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements and physical activity were determined at the baseline and at the end of the study. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software, the statistical tests being analysis of covariance, Student's t-test, paired-sample t-test, repeated measurement, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: Out of the 50 participants entering the study, 22 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group completed the study. As compared to the control values, there were significant increases in the number of sperms (p<0.001), sperm concentration (p<0.037), percent of total motile sperms (p<0.001), percent of motile sperms with a progressive motility (p<0.001), DHA content of sperms (p<0.001), vitamin E concentration of serum (p<0.001) and percent of DHA content of serum (p<0.001) in the intervention group. The mean changes ( SD) in the total number of motile sperms and DHA content of the serum were 3.60  2.24 (p<0.001) and 2.88  0.57 (p<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it may be concluded that combined supplementation of docosohexaenoic acid and vitamin E in asthenozoospermic men can lead to increases in sperm concentration of of docosohexaenoic acid and sperm motility. This fatty acid combined with vitamin E as an antioxidant may have a role in improving sperm motility. Keywords: Docosahexaenoic acid, Vitamin E, Asthenozoospermia, Sperm fatty acids, Infertile men

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Background and objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major long-term complication and cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The link between low vitamin D with poor glycemic control, atherogenic lipid profile, and CVD has been documented in some observational studies. Possible links between circulating 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and apoproteins (Apo A1 and B) and atherogenic lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) have not been studied to date. Materials and methods: Ninety subjects with T2D aged 30–60 yr of both sexes were randomly assigned to one of the 3 experimental groups. Each group consumed 2 bottles per of (1) plain doogh (150 mg calcium and no detectable vitamin D per 250 ml) (2) vitamin D-fortified doogh (150 mg calcium and 500 IU vitamin D per 250 ml) or (3) calcium and vitamin D-fortified doogh (250 mg calcium and 500 IU vitamin D per 250 ml) for 12 wk. Anthropometric, dietary, and laboratory assessments, including Apo A1, Apo B, and Lp(a), were recorded. Results: The increase in vitamin D in groups 2 and 3 groups over group 1 resulted in a significant increase in Apo A1 (mean changes 0.22 ± 0.38, 0.20 ± 0.27, 0.01 ± 0.35 g/l, respectively, p = 0.047) and a significant decrease in serum Lp(a) (mean changes -0.08 ± 0.30, -0.08 ± 0.31, and 0.14 ± 0.25 μmol/l, respectively, p = 0.011). There was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3. Serum Apo B did not change significantly in any group. Conclusion: Significant amelioration of serum Apo A1 and Lp(a) following improvement of vitamin D levels in T2D subjects may prevent long-term diabetic complications, notably CVD. Keywords: Vitamin D, Diabetes type 2, Apoproteins, Lipoprotein (a)