MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blind, parallel group randomised control clinical trial involving N = 49 adult participants with xerostomia was carried out. Intervention group received natural enzymes moisturising mouthwash (with active ingredients lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase and glucose oxidase); while control group received benzydamine mouthwash. Mouthwashes were repacked, labelled with specific code, and were given to participants by third-party. Subjects were instructed to rinse with the mouthwash 4 times per day at a specific period, for 2 weeks. Symptoms of xerostomia were assessed using Xerostomia Inventory at day 0 and 14; together with the assessment of Clinical Oral Dryness Score (CODS), and measurement of resting and stimulated salivary flow rate.
RESULTS: 48 participants completed the clinical follow-up, and n = 1 had lost of follow-up. From the 48 participants, n = 23 received natural enzymes mouthwash, while n = 25 received benzydamine mouthwash. Intervention group achieved reduction in symptoms of xerostomia from baseline. Intervention group also showed significantly better improvements in the cognitive perception of dry mouth and oromotor function such as chewing, swallowing and speech of the participants; and reduction in waking up at night to drink water (p
METHODS: This was an 8-week, parallel-group, non-randomised study of 60 type 2 diabetes patients who opted for structured Ramadan Nutrition Therapy (sRNT; n = 38) or standard care (SC; n = 22) group. The sRNT group received a structured Ramadan Nutrition Plan incorporated with diabetes-specific formula throughout the study, while SC received standard nutrition care. The 3-day food records assessed dietary intake at three-time points.
RESULTS: At baseline, dietary characteristics were comparable; both groups had macronutrient intakes within the recommended range, but inadequate intakes of fiber and 11 essential micronutrients. After 8 weeks, the sRNT group significantly reduced intakes of carbohydrate, dietary glycemic index, glycemic load, and increased percentage of total energy intake from protein, fiber, pyridoxine, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and chromium compared with the SC group. In the sRNT group, compliance to diabetes-specific formula predicted changes in HbA1c (p = 0.024), while fiber intake predicted fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.035), after adjusting for age, sex, weight changes and other dietary variables.
CONCLUSION: Intakes of certain nutrients improved significantly in sRNT group after 8 weeks of receiving a structured Ramadan Nutrition Plan compared to the standard care. The structured Ramadan Nutrition Plan with the incorporation of diabetes-specific formula significantly improved glycemic control and dietary adequacy during Ramadan fasting.