Science shorts: Sleep, metabolic diseases, infant jaundice in this round-up

Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera extracts can improve sleep – pilot study​​

A pilot study trial found that Rhodiola rosea​ and Nelumbo nucifera ​extracts (RNE) improved the sleep quality of participants with subthreshold insomnia.

Writing in Nutrients, ​a group of Korean researchers said that insomnia severity index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) had improved with the intervention. This was especially so among participants aged 19 to 50.

As this was a pilot study, only 20 participants were recruited, where they took in two capsules containing 375mg extracts of RNE at bedtime daily. The ingredients were from Hyundai Bioland.

Curcumin can help combat inflammatory chronic metabolic diseases – meta-analysis​

Curcumin can fight chronic diseases by reducing key inflammatory markers, offering a promising natural intervention for conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to new research.

Researchers in Korea conducted a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and found that curcumin has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation and improve metabolic health.

Specifically, they pointed out that curcumin could significantly lower major inflammatory markers of c-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, and TNF-α.

Mixed results for hydrolysed milk formulas in allergy prevention among children – meta-analysis​

Hydrolysed milk formula may prevent certain allergies but increase risk of wheeze as compared to breast milk, according to a new meta-analysis funded by Huhhot Science & Technology Plan and the National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy in China.

Twenty-four trials involving a total of 10,950 infants were included in this meta-analysis. These trials lasted between two weeks and eight months, and the infants were given either partially hydrolysed formula (PHF) or extensively hydrolysed formula (EHF) during the trials.

Writing in Advances in Nutrition, ​the researchers reported evidence showing that PHF and EHF could reduce the risk of eczema in children aged younger or older than 2 years of age respectively.

Brewers’ spent grain a promising snack ingredient that can be upcycled to regulate blood sugar levels – new trial​

Brewers’ spent grain, particularly those fermented with tempeh mould, is a promising ingredient that not only can be used for snacks, but also reduces food waste.

Researchers from the National University of Singapore found in a randomised controlled trial that consumption of biscuits made from brewers’ spent grain can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Additionally, BSG that is fermented by Rhizopus oligosporus (RO), ​or tempeh mould, will have more nutritional benefits.

'Preventive strategy': Researchers to analyse evidence that prenatal probiotics can reduce newborn jaundice​ 

Researchers in Hong Kong have started a randomised controlled trial to observe whether probiotic supplements taken by pregnant women can reduce the incidence of neonatal jaundice.

The trial will involve 94 women who are at their 28^th​ to 35^th​ week of pregnancy, where they would be randomised to take either Vivomixx – a product containing eight probiotic strains, or placebo.

To measure its effects on infant jaundice, researchers will measure the level of bilirubin – a yellowish pigment in the skin within the first 2 days and again on the seventh day of life using a non-invasive device.