Browsing by Author "Mercado, Lorena"

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    Dietary and Nutritional Interventions in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Pediatrics
    (2023) Farías, Camila; Cisternas, Camila; Gana Ansaldo, Juan Cristóbal; Alberti, Gigliola; Echeverría González, Francisca Cecilia; Videla, Luis A.; Mercado, Lorena; Muñoz, Yasna; Valenzuela, Rodrigo
    Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is pediatrics’ most common chronic liver disease. The incidence is high in children and adolescents with obesity, which is associated with an increased risk of disease progression. Currently, there is no effective drug therapy in pediatrics; therefore, lifestyle interventions remain the first line of treatment. This review aims to present an updated compilation of the scientific evidence for treating this pathology, including lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and dietary changes, highlighting specific nutritional strategies. The bibliographic review was carried out in different databases, including studies within the pediatric population where dietary and/or nutritional interventions were used to treat NAFLD. Main interventions include diets low in carbohydrates, free sugars, fructose, and lipids, in addition to healthy eating patterns and possible nutritional interventions with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA), amino acids (cysteine, L-carnitine), cysteamine, vitamins, and probiotics (one strain or multi-strain). Lifestyle changes remain the main recommendation for children with NAFLD. Nevertheless, more studies are required to elucidate the effectiveness of specific nutrients and bioactive compounds in this population.
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    Impact of polyunsaturated fatty acids during and pregnancy and lactation: A comprehensive review
    (2024) Munoz, Yasna; Mercado, Lorena; Farias, Camila; Beyer, Maria Paz; Alvear, Ignacio; Echeverria, Francisca; Valenzuela, Rodrigo
    Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are relevant polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derived from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), respectively. These are important in pregnancy and lactation periods because of their benefits to the developing fetus and infant. Currently, the high prevalence of gestational obesity has led to a revision of PUFAs recommendations in these periods, due to changes in the lipid profile of women marked by a higher consumption of n-6 PUFA. Objective: This review aims to present an updated compilation of evidence on DHA and ARA during gestation and lactation. Methods: The literature review was performed in different databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, ISI, and Ovid MedLine, highlighting the importance of DHA and ARA for newborn development. Results: An adequate intake of n-3 PUFA, especially DHA, in the mother during pregnancy and the postnatal period is important for the normal development of the child's brain. Maternal DHA supplementation increases DHA levels in mothers, but its direct link to infant neurodevelopment remains unclear. Obesity generates changes in the FA profile of pregnant women, causing an imbalance of n-3 and n-6 PUFA. An adequate level of DHA benefits children's cognitive function. However, a potential connection exists to the infants' inflammatory profile. Conclusion: During gestation and lactation periods, an adequate DHA intake and n-6/ n-3 PUFA ratio (especially for obese women) are important for the optimal growth and brain development of the child.