Unsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 index and hospitalization in MISC.

The growing interest in Omega-3 fatty acids as diagnostic markers or new therapeutic approaches also for COVID-19 disease, led us to investigate the presence of potential correlations between Omega-3 fatty acids' levels in whole blood and days of hospitalization or admission to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in 51 children with MIS-C diagnosis following SARS-CoV-2 infection. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between days of hospitalization and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3,DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total Omega-3 FA levels. Dividing the study group into quartiles according to Omega-3-Index (O3I), no statistically significant difference was observed with respect to the PICU admission rate.

Dietary Inflammatory Potential in Pediatric Diseases: A Narrative Review.

Inflammatory status is one of the main drivers in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Specific unhealthy dietary patterns and the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may influence the inflammation process, which negatively modulates the gut microbiota and increases the risk of NCDs. Moreover, several chronic health conditions require special long-term dietary treatment, characterized by altered ratios of the intake of nutrients or by the consumption of disease-specific foods.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins Deficiency in Pediatric Cholestasis: A Scoping Review.

Background: This review aims to identify the current indications and gaps in the management of fat-soluble vitamins in pediatric patients with cholestasis.

Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase was performed. Two authors independently identified the most relevant studies published over the past 20 years up to February 2022, including original papers, narrative reviews, observational studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Ketogenic diet in children and adolescents: The effects on growth and nutritional status.

The ketogenic diet is known to be a possible adjuvant treatment in several medical conditions, such as in patients with severe or drug-resistant forms of epilepsy. Its use has recently been increasing among adolescents and young adults due to its supposed weight-loss effect, mediated by lipolysis and lowered insulin levels. However, there are still no precise indications on the possible use of ketogenic diets in pediatric age for weight loss.

Newborn screening for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in Italy: Diagnostic algorithm and disease monitoring.

Introduction: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is the most common inherited peroxisomal disorder caused by variants in the gene. The main phenotypes observed in men with X-ALD are primary adrenal insufficiency, adrenomyeloneuropathy, and cerebral ALD (cALD). Cerebral ALD consists of a demyelinating progressive cerebral white matter (WM) disease associated with rapid clinical decline and is fatal if left untreated.

Longitudinal Anthropometry and Body Composition in Children With SARS-CoV-2-Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome.

Objectives: Acute coronavirus disease 2019 infection has been shown to negatively affect body composition among adult and malnourished or obesity children. Our aim is to longitudinally evaluate body composition in children affected by the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C).

Methods: In this cohort study, we recruited 40 patients affected by MIS-C, aged 2-18 years old, who were admitted in our clinic between December 2020 and February 2021.

Bioactive compounds in childhood obesity and associated metabolic complications: Current evidence, controversies and perspectives.

Obesity represents the most frequent chronic disease among children worldwide, with a significant global burden on society. Metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) can affect children since their first years of life, and novel therapeutic strategies to tackle metabolic complications are under investigation. This review focuses on bioactive compounds and their possible beneficial effects on obesity, particularly omega-3, docosahexaenoic acid, vitamin D, biotics, polysaccharide macromolecules, polyphenols, inositols, alpha lipoic acid, and bromelaine.

Special Diets in Infants and Children and Impact on Gut Microbioma.

Gut microbiota is a complex system that starts to take shape early in life. Several factors influence the rise of microbial gut colonization, such as term and mode of delivery, exposure to antibiotics, maternal diet, presence of siblings and family members, pets, genetics, local environment, and geographical location. Breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and later dietary patterns during infancy and toddlerhood are major players in the proper development of microbial communities.

Gut microbiota in obesity and related comorbidities in children and adolescents: the role of biotics in treatment.

Introduction: Obesity is a complex pathology, globally spread, with a multifactorial pathogenesis, strictly linked with lifestyle, hormones, genetic and epigenetic factors. Evidence supports that obesity, and its comorbidities, are related to changes in gut microbiota, partially responsible of the modulation of energy metabolism.

Evidence Acquisition: Pediatric obesity has been associated with lower bacterial diversity and differences in composition of the gut microbiota, also varying according to the metabolic status of obese subjects.

Integrated Approaches to Combatting Childhood Obesity.

Background: The global prevalence of childhood obesity has grown sharply in recent decades. Obesity is considered a public health problem which directly affects the health status of children in numerous ways. To combat this trend, integrated approaches are necessary to prevent childhood obesity.

Health effects of yogurt consumption during paediatric age: a narrative review.

Yogurt is a fermented milk product characterised by a peculiar nutritional composition with live and viable cultures of bacteria. Few studies have analysed the benefits of yogurt consumption on health outcomes during paediatric age. Recent epidemiological studies evaluating the nutritional impact of yogurt have demonstrated its significant contribution to nutrients intakes among children.

The Paradox of the Mediterranean Diet in Pediatric Age during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, whose causative agent is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, has caused a global crisis that has had a major impact on the health of the global population [...

Semi-Elemental and Elemental Formulas for Enteral Nutrition in Infants and Children with Medical Complexity-Thinking about Cow's Milk Allergy and Beyond.

Children with medical complexities, such as multi-system disorders and/or neurological impairments, often experience feeding difficulties and need enteral nutrition. They frequently have impaired motility and digestive-absorbing functions related to their underlying condition. If a cow's milk allergy (CMA) occurs as a comorbidity, it is often misdiagnosed, due to the symptoms' overlap.

Telehealth: A Useful Tool for the Management of Nutrition and Exercise Programs in Pediatric Obesity in the COVID-19 Era.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the implementation of policies that mandate various restrictions on daily life, including social distancing, the closure of public services and schools, and movement limitations. Even though these restrictive measures decreased the COVID-19 spread, they may have detrimental effects on various lifestyle components such as physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and dietary habits, influencing the maintenance of weight and contributing to obesity among children and adolescents. The coexistence of childhood obesity and COVID-19 and changes in the bioecological environment have put children and adolescents at increased risk for developing obesity and exacerbating the severity of this disorder.

Blood Fatty Acids Profile in MIS-C Children.

MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children) linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection, is a pathological state observed in subjects younger than 21 years old with evidence of either current SARS-CoV-2 infection or exposure within the 4 weeks prior to the onset of symptoms, the presence of documented fever, elevated markers of inflammation, at least two signs of multisystem involvement, and, finally, lack of an alternative diagnosis. They share with adult COVID-19 patients the presence of altered markers of inflammation, but unlike most adults the symptoms are not pulmonary but are affecting several organs. Lipid mediators arising from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) play an important role in the inflammatory response, with arachidonic acid-derived compounds, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, mainly pro-inflammatory and ω3 PUFA metabolites such as resolvins and protectins, showing anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution activities.

Which Milk during the Second Year of Life: A Personalized Choice for a Healthy Future?

Nutrition in early life is a crucial element to provide all essential substrates for growth. Although this statement may appear obvious, several studies have shown how the intake of micro and macronutrients in toddlers differs a lot from the recommendations of scientific societies. Protein intake often exceeds the recommended amount, while the intake of iron and zinc is frequently insufficient, as well as Vitamin D.

Metabolic Derangement in Pediatric Patient with Obesity: The Role of Ketogenic Diet as Therapeutic Tool.

Obesity is defined as a condition characterized by an excessive fat accumulation that has negative health consequences. Pediatric obesity is associated with an increased risk for many diseases, including impaired glycemic and lipidic control that may lead to the development of chronic, and potentially disabling, pathologies, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular events, in adult life. The therapeutic strategy initially starts with interventions that are aimed at changing lifestyle and eating behavior, to prevent, manage, and potentially reverse metabolic disorders.

Hydrolysed Formulas in the Management of Cow's Milk Allergy: New Insights, Pitfalls and Tips.

An allergy to cow's milk requires the avoidance of cow's milk proteins and, in some infants, the use of a hypoallergenic formula. This review aims to summarize the current evidence concerning different types of hydrolysed formulas (HF), and recommendations for the treatment of IgE- and non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy and functional gastrointestinal disorders in infancy, for which some dietary intervention and HF may be of benefit to both immune and motor mechanisms. Current guidelines recommend cow's milk protein (i.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Insulin-Resistant Adolescents with Obesity: The Role of Nutrition Therapy and Food Supplements as a Strategy to Protect Fertility.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in young reproductive-aged women. PCOS is often associated with obesity and impairs reproductive health. Even though several theories have been proposed to explain the pathogenic mechanism of PCOS, the role of insulin resistance (IR) as a key etiological component, independently of (but amplified by) obesity, is well recognized.

Impaired Glucose-Insulin Metabolism in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Related to SARS-CoV-2 in Children.

An interaction between metabolic glucose impairment and coronavirus disease 2019 is reported. The development of a severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) related to SARS-CoV-2 infection has been described. We evaluated the impact of MIS-C on glycemic patterns in pediatric patients.

Brown Adipose Tissue: New Challenges for Prevention of Childhood Obesity. A Narrative Review.

Pediatric obesity remains a challenge in modern society. Recently, research has focused on the role of the brown adipose tissue (BAT) as a potential target of intervention. In this review, we revised preclinical and clinical works on factors that may promote BAT or browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) from fetal age to adolescence.

Immunomodulatory diet in pediatric age.

In the last few decades, the importance of a functioning immune system and health status has become more evident. Multiple factors are able to influence the development of chronic diseases and diet is one of the most important environmental factors. Evidence demonstrates that dietary patterns high in fat and low in fiber are associated with the development of non-communicable diseases.

Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: No Association with Daily Energy Intake but Promising Tool to Identify Metabolic Syndrome (MetS).

(1) Background. Visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been recently identified as a new cardiometabolic risk marker reflecting abdominal fat distribution and dyslipidaemia. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the relationship between VAI, daily energy intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a cohort of obese Caucasian children and adolescents, aged 8 to 15 years.

Effect of individual- versus collective-based nutritional-lifestyle intervention on the atherogenic index of plasma in children with obesity: a randomized trial.

Background: The Atherogenic Index of Plasma is a predictive biomarker of atherosclerosis in adults but there is a lack of studies in paediatric population aimed at evaluating the longitudinal changes of the AIP and of the cardiometabolic blood profile related to nutritional interventions. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of individual- versus collective-based nutritional-lifestyle intervention on the Atherogenic Index of Plasma in schoolchildren with obesity.

Methods: One-hundred sixty-four children aged 6-12 years with Body Mass Index z-score > 2 referred to the Paediatric Obesity Clinic, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy, were consecutively enrolled and randomized to undergo to either an individual- (n = 82) or a collective- (n = 82) based intervention promoting a balanced normo-caloric diet and physical activity.