Assessing potential biomarkers of micronutrient status by using a systematic review methodology: methods

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#humans #biomarkers #clinical-trials-as-topic #methods #micronutrients

Assessing potential biomarkers of micronutrient status by using a systematic review methodology: methods

Hooper et al., 2009 | Am J Clin Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Hooper Lee, Ashton Kate, ... Fairweather-Tait Susan J. Assessing potential biomarkers of micronutrient status by using a systematic review methodology: methods. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009-Jun;89(6):1953S-1959S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.27230A

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To explore the relation between micronutrient status and health, it is important to understand which markers of micronutrient status can be relied on and under what circumstances. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article was to develop a common systematic review methodology for use in the assessment of micronutrient status for selenium, iodine, copper, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, and omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. DESIGN: We developed a methodology on the basis of defining studies that clearly altered micronutrient status and then pooled data on the effects of this intervention on each specific biomarker to assess objectively the response of various status markers to changes in intake. RESULTS: The generic methodology included defining, and systematically searching for, studies that resulted in a change in micronutrient status. Study inclusion, data extraction, and assessment of validity were conducted with a minimum of 10% independent duplication. For each study and each potential biomarker, the highest dose and longest duration intervention data were selected to assess the statistical significance of any change in intake on the status biomarker. The consistency of biomarker response was explored by subgrouping the studies according to baseline micronutrient status, sex, population group, supplementation type, dose, duration, and analytic method. CONCLUSION: This methodology allows systematic assessment of the usefulness of a number of biomarkers for a selection of micronutrients.

Key Findings

The generic methodology included defining, and systematically searching for, studies that resulted in a change in micronutrient status. Study inclusion, data extraction, and assessment of validity were conducted with a minimum of 10% independent duplication. For each study and each potential biomarker, the highest dose and longest duration intervention data were selected to assess the statistical significance of any change in intake on the status biomarker. The consistency of biomarker response

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Biomarkers
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Methods
  • Micronutrients
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Nutritional Status
  • Review Literature as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-b12

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09