The objective of this work was to assess the quality of the consumption of foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, E and selenium, in a sample of 28 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) who attended outpatient consultation at the Institute of Vision, of the La Carlota Hospital, in February 2021. The research was observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, with an analytical component. Patients older than 20 years with DR were included, who agreed to participate in the food survey applied by hospital professionals. Sociodemographic and ophthalmological variables and food consumption were measured. Results: 60% of the cases were men, the mean age was 56 ± 13 years. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) was the most frequent diagnosis. Regarding food consumption, the most frequently mentioned were eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, orange, banana, lemon, corn tortillas, chili peppers, avocado. It was almost zero intake of whole fiber, nuts and vegetable oils. The median consumption of vitamin C was 87.5 mg, vitamin E 13.9 mg, and selenium 36.7 mcg. Deficient consumption of these micronutrients was found in 63% of cases, especially in men. In this research, no statistically significant association was found between poor consumption of foods rich in antioxidants and PDR (X2 p= 0.2). Conclusion: There is a marked deficit in the consumption of foods with a high contribution of antioxidants in patients with RD, but this situation does not affect the severity of the disease.

Abstract

Introduction:There is a wide range of seawater products for nasal lavages. Their efficacy and superiority over conventional saline solutions are not well established. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the best-selling seawater products, as well as reviewing the most recent literature regarding nasal lavages. Methods:A comparative study of composition, administration mode, age indicated for its use, price and bibliography provided on the web of the seawater products usually available in pharmacies was performed. Analysis of the bibliography provided and review of the scientic evidence regarding nasal lavages with saline solutions or seawater. Results: 44 products from 11 manufacturers were analysed. The concentration of sodium chloride varies from 0.9% to 2.5%. The most frequent mode of application is spray. The addition of plants, salts and other components is common. Only two brands provide bibliographic references on their website. According to the literature reviewed, both saline solutions and seawater seem especially useful in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections and allergic rhinitis.Conclusions:There is no solid scientic evidence regarding the benets of nasal lavages. With the current evidence it is not possible to recommend seawater over conventional saline or to establish the optimal concentration of the solution or the most convenient mode of administration. The addition of elements to seawater solutions is not justied enough.

Keywords

• nasal lavage
• seawater
• nasal sprays
• drug publicity
• evidence-based medicine