Abstract
Background Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of endocrine disorders. The aim of this study was to provide a window in order to display the 25-year activities of Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Institute (EMRI), and the gaps and future plans in the field of nutrition and endocrine disorders.
Methods To collect papers affiliated to the EMRI in field of nutrition from the inception to December 1st 2019, the electronic databases including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. Publications in English and Persian languages were included. Scientific Landscapes (VOS viewer) software version 1.6.13 was used to provide bibliometric maps. Results Of 4082 studies identified in the initial search, 319 relevant papers were included. They contributed systematic review and meta-analysis/review (n = 76), clinical trials (n = 58), cross-sectional (n = 171), case-control studies (n = 11), and animal studies (n = 3). Accordingly, most nutrition studies were dedicated to the level of evidence III (cross-sectional studies: 53.60%) followed by systematic review studies (23.82%) with the level of evidence I. There was also an increasing trend in the nutrition studies through years, with a peak in 2019.
Conclusion An increasing trend in the publications related to nutrition science is observed at EMRI. However, nutrition research and publications can grow further through expanding collaborations with other fields related to endocrine. Given nutritional assessments in national projects and focusing on the identification of preventive nutritional strategies, considering the situations of our society can be helpful to make nutritional findings more practical.
Introduction
Based on the report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent the leading cause of mortality across the world [1]. In the past 20 years, NCD deaths including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity have increased by 14.5% in Iran [2]. Therefore, policy makers need to pay specific attention to identifying preventive strategies in order to reduce economic, social, and psychological burden of such diseases [2, 3]. Prevention efforts focus on the four main factors including physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and diet [4]. Adherence to healthy dietary patterns and changing from unhealthy eating habits to recommended ones can be helpful in preventing and treating a wide range of diseases including endocrine disorders [5].
Conclusion
An increasing trend in the publications related to nutrition research is observed. However, nutrition activities and publications can grow further through expanding collaborations with other fields related to endocrine. Considering nutritional assessments in national projects and focusing on the identification of preventive nutritional strategies specific to our society can shed light on how to prevent NCDs and decrease the burden of such diseases.
