bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leucine Improves Growth of Preterm Pigs
Authors: Buddington Randal K , Buddington Karyl K
Published: November 2023

Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant death and childhood intellectual and developmental disabilities. Although neonatal growth is a determinant of neurological and long‐term outcomes of preterm infants, and particularly those born small for gestational age (SGA), extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) caused by inadequate nutrition is common. Moreover, there are complications associated with long‐term reliance on parenteral nutrition. A goal of preterm nutrition support is to provide enteral nutrition that will achieve growth rates that are similar to the rapid in utero growth between 22 and 40 weeks of gestation and allow for normal neurological development and improved outcomes. Currently, preterm infants are provided additional protein compared to term infants to enhance protein accretion, which can increase nitrogenous wastes. We speculated the increased protein synthesis of neonatal term pigs in response to leucine would apply to preterm pigs. We evaluated growth and intestinal responses of preterm pigs relevant to 32 week preterm infants that were fed for 6 to 7 days (120 ml/kg‐d) a lactose based formula that does not cause necrotizing enterocolitis with protein levels of 50 g/L (similar to sow milk) and 100 g/L, with either leucine (10 g/L) added as a growth promoter or alanine (6.8 g/L) as the control. Growth rate was influenced by birth weight (P<0.05) and was unexpectedly higher for pigs fed the two low protein formulas (3.30 ± 0.14 %/d vs 2.74 + 0.27; P=0.02). This may be related to a protein sparing effect by the MCT oil added to the low protein formula to keep the formulas isocaloric. The growth response to leucine compared with alanine was more pronounced for the low compared with the high protein formula (14% vs 8%), and particularly for SGA pigs born at <700 g (P<0.01 for comparison with pigs born >1000 g). The low protein formulas resulted in lower blood urea nitrogen values (2 vs 36 mg/dL; P<0.05), smaller stomachs and small intestines (g/kg), and reduced forskolin stimulated chloride secretion, but glucose uptakes were similar to pigs fed the high protein formula. Pigs fed the formulas with supplemental leucine had higher total small intestinal activity for lactase, but not for maltase and maltodextrinase. These findings indicate leucine is an effective growth promoter for preterm pigs as previously reported for term pigs, particularly for pigs considered as SGA, and more so when added to a formula with a protein content comparable to sow milk, suggesting growth can be improved without the need to provide excessive protein. These findings further support the use of the preterm pig as a translational model for evaluating growth and developmental responses to nutrition support strategies and growth promoters.
Associations of Maternal Omega‐3 and Omega‐6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake During Pregnancy and Offspring Adiposity and Metabolic Risk During Peripuberty
Authors: Alhinai Maymona
Published: November 2023

Objective

To investigate relations of maternal intake of omega‐3 (N‐3) and omega‐6 (N‐6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during pregnancy with offspring adiposity and metabolic risk in peripuberty.

Methods

This study used data from 248 participants aged 8–15 y in the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) Project, a Mexico City pre‐birth cohort. Trimester‐specific maternal dietary data was collected based on food frequency questionnaire validated for Mexican populations. We used multivariable linear regression to investigate associations of trimester‐specific intake of N‐3 α‐linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); N‐6 linoleic acid (LA), and arachidonic acid (AA); and AA: EPA+DHA ratio with: 1) offspring adiposity, according to body mass index‐for‐age Z score (BMIZ), waist circumference (WC), and sum of the subscapular and skinfold thicknesses (SS+TR); and 2) metabolic risk, as indicated by fasting glucose, leptin, adiponectin, lipid profile and blood pressure in peripuberty.

Results

Higher 2nd trimester intake of EPA, DHA, and AA were associated with lower offspring BMIZ during peripuberty, even after adjusting for maternal education, parity, and child age and sex. For example, each 1‐SD increment in maternal EPA intake during the 2nd trimester corresponded with a 0.25 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.46) units lower offspring BMIZ; similar trends were observed for WC and SS+TR. Accounting for pubertal status did not alter our findings; however, adjusting for height z‐score attenuated estimates to the null. There was no relationship between any of the PUFAs and the metabolic biomarkers.

Conclusions

The inverse relationship of maternal 2nd trimester intake of EPA, DHA, and AA with adiposity may be driven by slower linear growth. This can be explained by the lack of main food sources of N‐3 and N‐6 such as fresh fish and nuts in the typical Mexican diet. More research is needed to investigate weather maternal intake of PUFAs contributes to offspring adiposity and metabolic risk in this population.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the following grants: P01ES022844 and T32ES007062 from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and RD83543601 from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). This study was also supported and partially funded by the National Institute of Public Health/Ministry of Health of Mexico. It contents are solely the responsibility of the grantee and do not necessarily represent the official views of the US EPA. Further, the US EPA does not endorse the purchase any commercial products or services mentioned in the publication.

Maymona Al Hinai is funded by the Oman Minister of Education.
Examining the Impact of Implementation of the Comprehensive Nutrition Program, Rainbow in My Tummy®, in the Child‐Care Setting
Authors: Johnson Michelle Eileen , Veitch Lauren , Carpenter Emily , Clark William Andrew
Published: November 2023

Obesity among adults and children has become a concern as the long‐term risks are alarming. Experts understand the need for early intervention as the research indicates that health habits are formed at a young age. Children consistently fail to meet guidelines for fruit, vegetable, and fiber intake, and exceed recommendations for processed foods and saturated fats. As more children participate in child care, the need for nutrition guidance is prevalent, yet few studies have examined the quality and impact of comprehensive nutrition programs in early childhood education (ECE). Childcare menus, in particular, provide unique opportunities to improve nutrition behaviors and health through repeated exposure to foods. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of implementing a comprehensive menu program on nutrition knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors among 3–5 year old children in the childcare setting. Rainbow In My Tummy® (RIMT) includes recipes that promote scratch cooking, seasonal ingredients, lean proteins, healthy fats, and limited sodium and sugars at meals and snacks; nutrient analysis, education, regulatory compliance documentation, and policy support for the ECE setting. Data was collected pre‐and four months post‐implementation among 3–5‐year‐olds (n=43), including acceptance of novel foods as measured by grams eaten, food recognition, food group categorization, and beliefs about healthy and unhealthy foods utilizing picture identification. Analysis of variance indicated improved food identification (p<.05), greater numbers of children tasting novel foods, and improved identification of unhealthy foods after 4 months of exposure. Expected age‐related differences ability to categorize foods, specifically grains, were identified (p<.05). Knowledge and behavior were not significantly correlated. Qualitative findings included increased food‐related play among children, and altered mealtime behaviors including extended mealtimes, less task‐oriented meals, and increased comfort levels among teachers in nutrition‐related discussions. Implications suggest increasing access to similar comprehensive food programs in ECE may improve health outcomes. Exposure to a variety of foods, including healthy fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains is important for widening a child's food vocabulary, and identifying healthy and unhealthy foods increases nutrition literacy.
SLEEP AND FOOD CHOICES: WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES FROM AN INTERNATIONAL SAMPLE
Authors: Walker Ruth Elizabeth , Blumfield Michelle , Truby Helen
Published: November 2023

Background

Sleep duration and sleep quality are crucial for decision‐making and optimizing health however, sleep during pregnancy is often disrupted. This research aimed to ascertain whether disrupted sleep affects women's food choices.

Methods

Women completing a Massive Open Online Course ‘Food As Medicine’, responded to a questionnaire that explored their experiences regarding sleep and food choices. Chi‐squared was used to explore how sleep quality affected food choices during pregnancy between sub‐groups (age, parity, residing in a Westernized country, and pregnancy), p = 0.05.

Results

302 women (n = 67, 22% pregnant) completed an online questionnaire. Women reported sleeping a median 7.0 hours per night (range 3.5–10 hours). A larger proportion of women living in Western countries (62%) found it more difficult to make healthy food choices when their sleep quality is poor than women in non‐Western countries (41%), χ2 (1) = 5.614, p = 0.018. A larger proportion of non‐pregnant women (63%) reported that it was more difficult to make healthy food choices when their sleep quality was poor than women who were pregnant (49%), χ2 (1) = 4.090, p = 0.043. There were no differences between women of different ages or parity.

Conclusion

Women who reside Western countries found it more difficult to make healthy food choices after poor sleep, however pregnancy appeared to be a protective factor. In order to improve women's food choices, multi‐faceted interventions that prioritize optimizing sleep quality during pregnancy are required, particularly in Western populations.

Support or Funding Information

Monash University
Family Meal Characteristics are Associated with Maternal Weight and Obesity Risk
Authors: Martin‐Biggers Jennifer , Quick Virginia , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol
Published: November 2023

Evidence links frequent family meals to healthier diets in children and is a recommended childhood obesity prevention strategy. Distractions, like TV and negative interpersonal interactions at mealtime negate these positive health benefits. Links between an array of family meal characteristics with maternal weight and obesity risk are less well studied. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine family meal frequency and characteristics with BMI and obesity risk in mothers of preschool‐aged children (2–5 years). All questionnaires were 5‐point Likert scales (5=highest score), adapted from valid, reliable instruments. A sample of 550 mothers of preschoolers (72% White, 37% with college degree) completed an online survey assessing family meal practices and self‐reported height and weight. One‐way ANOVA with Tukey post‐hoc tests assessed family meal behaviors and characteristic differences among BMI categories (low normal weight [BMI <22], n=143; high normal weight [BMI= 22 to 24.9], n=128; overweight [BMI between 25 and 29.9], n=115; obese [BMI 30 and above], n=164) and obesity risk tertiles. Most families (93%) had ≥7 family meals/week, and mothers placed strong importance on family meals (mean=4.5±0.6 SD). Meals were eaten at a table more days/week than in front of a TV (4.7±2.6 SD vs 2.2±2.5 SD days/week) and mealtime atmosphere was perceived less stressful (mean=4.1±0.9 SD). Obese mothers reported significantly more family meals in front of a TV and fewer days having meals at a table (2.8±2.6 SD, 4.3±2.7 days/week). Mothers were fairly neutral about whether they planned meals (mean=3.4±0.9 SD), but agreed that they had time and energy for family meals (mean=4.3±0.9 SD). A comparison of family meal frequency and characteristics by weight status revealed no differences between BMI categories and frequency of family meals, importance placed on family meals, meal planning, and time and energy for family meals. A comparison among obesity risk score tertiles for non‐obese mothers (n=386) indicated that mothers in the lowest obesity risk tertile had significantly fewer meals eaten in front of a TV, less mealtime stress, engaged in more planning of family meals, and reported greater time and energy for family meals. No differences occurred in the frequency of meals, importance placed on meals, or eating meals at a table among obesity risk tertiles. Findings suggests that mothers' characteristics of family meals, including where they are consumed, meal planning, and time and energy devoted to meals, are associated with a lower risk for obesity. Future interventions should consider promoting these family meal behaviors.

Support or Funding Information

USDA NIFA #2011‐68001‐30170
Association Between Maternal Dietary Inflammatory Index Score During Pregnancy and Child Wheeze at Age Three Among Children from Shelby Co, TN
Authors: Kowalski Alysse , Carroll Kecia , Shivappa Nitin , Roy Aditi , Kocak Mehmet , Steck Susan , Hebért James , Tylavsky Fran , Hartman Terry
Published: November 2023

Objective

This analysis examined the association between a dietary inflammatory index (DII) computed from maternal dietary and supplement intake in the second trimester of pregnancy and current child wheeze at age 3 years in a cohort of mother‐child dyads.

Methods

The Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development in Early Childhood (CANDLE) study is a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies that enrolled 1503 pregnant mothers in Shelby County TN; 798 mother‐child dyads were included in this analysis. Loss to follow‐up by 3‐year visit was the primary reason for exclusion. The exposure was the DII, an a priori dietary pattern that classifies diets on a continuum from maximally anti‐inflammatory (low scores) to maximally pro‐inflammatory (high scores). The DII was computed from second trimester maternal diet and supplement intake data assessed using the 2005 Block food frequency questionnaire. The DII was calculated in two ways: without energy adjustment (DII total) and with energy adjustment via the density method (E‐DII), both as continuous variables. The outcome of interest was current wheeze at age 3, defined by parental report of history of wheeze and an episode in the previous 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) between maternal DII during pregnancy and child current wheeze at age three after adjustment for maternal education and race.

Results

Prevalence of current child wheeze was 20.9%. The DII total ranged from −5.22 to 3.67 and was normally distributed with mean −2.10 (SD ±1.5). The DII density ranged from −5.25 to 3.25 and was normally distributed with mean −2.02 (SD ±1.64). Preliminary results suggested the DII was not associated with current child wheeze (DII total aOR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.10 and E‐DII aOR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.11).

Conclusion

Preliminary findings suggest maternal dietary and supplement intake during second trimester, as characterized by the DII, is not associated with current child wheeze at age three.
Selective cell adhesion drives synaptic specificity in the hippocampus
Authors: Williams Megan E
Published: November 2023

Precise neuronal circuit connectivity is critical for normal brain function, yet the mechanisms driving synaptic specificity are poorly understood. Cell adhesion molecules, which can simultaneously mediate axon‐dendrite communication and initiate intracellular signaling processes, are ideally suited to guide specific synapse formation. I will discuss our latest research investigating the role of selective cell adhesion in the development of synaptic specificity in the mouse hippocampus. Currently, we are using 3D serial blockface scanning electron microscopy, proteomics, and crispr/cas gene editing to define precise synaptic defects caused by the loss of specific adhesion molecules. Surprisingly, we find even subtle synaptic changes can significantly impact circuit function. So far, our bottom up approach from cells to circuits has identified adhesion molecules that are repeatedly associated with cognitive and psychiatric disorders. Thus our results have potential to provide critical insights to the specific cellular and circuit changes underlying these complex neurological disorders.

Support or Funding Information

Our research is funded by grants from the NIMH and Sloan, Mallinckrodt, and Whitehall Foundations.
Energy Density in Nulliparous Women Planning Pregnancy: Results from the ISIS Study
Authors: Fan Wenyi , Goldman Marlene B. , Fung June L. , Hsiao Pao Ying , Mitchell Diane C. , Hartman Terryl J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Dietary energy density (ED) is a novel measure of diet quality that estimates the amount of energy per unit of food (kcal/g) consumed. Consuming an energy dense diet has been positively associated with obesity and risk of chronic disease.

Objective

We evaluated the association between ED and conception and pregnancy outcomes among participants of the ISIS study, a prospective cohort study of healthy, nulliparous women (n = 132) planning their first pregnancy (mean age± SD = 29.79 ± 3.21 and BMI = 24.30 ± 5.37 kg/m2).

Methods

Dietary data were collected prior to conception using a series of three unannounced, telephone 24‐hour dietary recalls, and ED was calculated from food (without beverages). Outcomes of interest included confirmed clinical pregnancy (CCP; hCG ≥ 20mIU/mL) and time to pregnancy (TTP; months).

Results

Mean ED was 1.50 ± 0.36 kcal/g. The majority of participants (n=80; 61%) achieved CCP and the median TTP for those who conceived was 4.64 months with an interquartile range of 4.37 months. Preliminary data analyses, using Cox proportional hazards regression models, revealed that after controlling for race, physical activity and male partner's ED, higher dietary ED (continuous) among females was associated with longer TTP which approached statistical significance (HR= 0.48; 95% CI: 0.21–1.14, p=0.09). When ED was categorized into tertiles to consider non‐linear associations, 60%, 73%, and 50% of the participants in the tertiles (from lowest ED to highest) achieved CCP. In multivariable analyses with the middle group as the referent (ED=1.37–1.60), membership in the highest ED group (ED>1.60) was associated with longer TTP (HR= 0.41; 95% CI: 0.21–0.82, p=0.01). The estimated TTP for women in the lowest ED group (ED=0.85–1.36) was longer; but not statistically significant (HR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.42–1.42, p=0.40).

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest that ED may be associated with TTP.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers R01HD049762 and 3R01HD049762S1. Partial support provided by the CTSI (GCRC) at Penn State University NIH M01 107 32.
Developmental Evaluation of a Novel Food Security Strategy to Support Pregnant and Postpartum Newcomer Women in Edmonton
Authors: Quintanilha Maira , Mayan Maria , Ngo Sandra , Chiu Yvonne , Bell Rhonda
Published: November 2023

In Canada, low socioeconomic status is more common among migrant families. Likewise, the prevalence of household food insecurity – defined as “inadequate or insecure access to food because of financial constraints” – is greater (19.6%) among families that recently immigrated to Canada (< 5 years) than the national Canadian average of 12.6%. A large proportion of migrants are women of childbearing age who might experience pregnancy and childbirth in Canada while being at an increased risk for food insecurity. This represents a significant life stressor that can negatively affect maternal and child health. In Edmonton, at‐risk migrant women may receive additional prenatal and postpartum support from a community‐based organization, the Multicultural Health Brokers (MCHB) Cooperative. MCHB is a collective of health brokers from diverse backgrounds who serve women and families in difficult life circumstances. In recent years, health brokers' holistic services have been overshadowed by food crisis situations where families lack immediate access to food. It is for this reason that a Community Resource Coordinator (CRC), who works within the MCHB Cooperative and liaises with the research team at the University of Alberta, is leading the development of a novel food security strategy. The strategy entails collecting donated foods (that would otherwise go to waste), and distributing them to an emergency food program for migrant pregnant and postpartum women and their families. The objectives of our project are to examine to what extent the food security strategy meets emergency food needs of women and families, and supports community capacity‐building. Guided by a Theory of Change that includes short‐ and long‐term goals, a Developmental Evaluation (DE) approach, with a mixed‐methods research design, has been used support the development of the strategy, and guide adaptation to MCHB context. Four months into the food security strategy, ~30 families are being served weekly, and ~2 tons of food has been distributed. DE preliminary results indicate that MCHB stewardship and adaptive leadership has been pivotal to the establishment of the strategy and early successes; whereas operational logistics and territorial issues among other organizations have been barriers to the strategy implementation. The strategy has the potential to address emergency food needs of migrant women and families, and with the DE approach, we expect to ignite social action and research towards an alternative food system that is participatory and led by migrant women at the MCHB in Edmonton.

Support or Funding Information

This project is funded by Alberta Innovates Health Solutions. MQ is funded by the Vanier Graduate Scholarship.
Analysis of Food Shopping Practices of South Asian men and women in the U.S.
Authors: Qamar Zubaida , McIntosh William Alex
Published: November 2023

South Asians are one of the fastest growing groups in the U.S. and are at an increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Dietary habits are strongly related to these conditions and improvements in dietary habits may aid in preventing or delaying the onset of these diseases. Nutrition interventions that target specific fruit and vegetable related dietary and shopping behaviors can help improve the dietary habits. It is important to understand the food shopping practices of South Asians in the U.S. in order to create targeted interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption of South Asians. The objective of this study was to determine the fruit and vegetable shopping practices of South Asians in the U.S. and determine any gender differences for these practices. This was a part of a larger research project and the data for this particular study was collected using questions from the validated fruit and vegetable shopping practices scale developed by Baranowski and colleagues (2006). These questions comprised of a 5‐point frequency scale range from never to all of the time. A total of 103 South Asians (men=49 and women=54) completed the fruit and vegetable shopping practices survey which identified the frequency for 7 practices. Descriptive statistics were conducted on the demographics and shopping practices. Independent t‐tests were performed to determine the behavioral differences between males and females. Results showed that the most undertaken shopping practice by the participants was to look in refrigerator/pantry before going for shopping to see what is needed (mean=3.78). The shopping practice that was the least undertaken (mean=2.15) was use coupons for food purchasing. In regards to gender, there were significant differences (p<0.05) that existed for two of the food shopping practices. In particular, women were significantly more likely than men to read labels for nutrients and use a grocery list when shopping for food. There were no other significant differences between men and women in regards to food shopping practices though behaviors such as looking in fridge/pantry before going shopping (p=0.057) and checking for vegetables/fruits or 100% juice on sale for food shopping (p=0.06) approached significance where women were more inclined to engage in these behaviors than men. In conclusion, these results can provide insight into developing specific retail nutrition program towards the improvement of dietary behaviors of South Asians. Such programs can be employed by South Asian grocery stores and other grocery outlets which are frequented by a predominant South Asian clientele in efforts to improve the food environment for South Asians.

Support or Funding Information

None
An Evaluation of US RDNs Knowledge of Islamic Dietary Guidelines
Authors: Isberg Kathleen A. , Kloubec June , Thall Michelle , Savery Patrice , Kazaks Alexandra
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The goal of this study is to identify United States registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) knowledge and attitudes with regard to Islamic dietary practices. A person who follows the religion of Islam is referred to as Muslim. The global population of Muslims is just over 2 billion people, or about 25% of the world population. Muslims are the fastest growing religious group in the United States (US) therefore it is relevant and important for RDNs to understand and address possible food and nutrition barriers Muslims may encounter in the US healthcare system in order to provide quality care for this population.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was created de novo after a preliminary literature review. The study population is RDNs who are currently registered and practicing in the US. All the included RDNs belong to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and may also belong to a dietetic practice group or member interest group. The voluntary questionnaire is an ongoing survey that is currently being disseminated to a list 5,000 RDNs provided by the AND. Data will be collected through REDCap™. For the cross‐sectional descriptive part of the study, percentages, frequencies, ranges, means and standard deviations are applied.

Results

Currently, 169 responses have been collected. 95% of the RDNs surveyed are non‐Hispanic; 30% in the 30–35 age range; 96% female; and 27% have been a RDN for 6–10 years. Results show that 66% of RDNs have had a Muslim patient/client previously; 57% report being “Not at all” or “A little” confident in providing culturally sensitive nutrition education to Muslims 55% reported they were “Not at all” or “A little” knowledgeable of the term Halal and 71% were “Not at all” knowledgeable of the term Haram. 42% reported having “A little” understanding of the religion of Islam and 47% of the RDNs reported having “Not at all” or “A little” understanding of Ramadan; 60% of the RDNs reported being “Not at all” or “A little” understanding of Islamic dietary laws. 99% of the RDNs correctly answered “What is Ramadan” and 65% of the RDNs correctly answered the question, “Which of the following foods is commonly eaten to break the Ramadan fast?” 62% of the RDNs correctly answered the question, “What is Suhoor?” 63% of the RDNs correctly answered the question, “What is Iftar?” and 78% of the RDNs correctly answered “What does Allah mean?”

Conclusions/Implications

Overall, the current participants report having relatively low skill and knowledge in regard to Islamic dietary laws and basic terminology. Contrarily, the majority of the RDNs appear knowledgeable in regard to basic Islamic dietary law terminology. This study will address the gap in literature regarding RDN experience in consulting with Muslim patients and may describe RDN awareness of culturally appropriate nutrition care for Muslim individuals.
Association of Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) and Homeostatic Model Assessment Indexes of Insulin Resistance (HOMA1‐IR and HOMA2‐IR) Among Three Ethnic Groups.
Authors: Ajabshir Sahar , Exebio Joel C. , Zarini Gustavo G. , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: November 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] among African‐Americans (AA), Haitian‐Americans (HA) and Cuban‐Americans (CA) living in South Florida.

Background

Insulin sensitivity and its opposite, insulin resistance, reflect the efficacy of body in using insulin in response to elevated blood glucose. Insulin resistance/sensitivity is recognized as the major risk factor in development of type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D directly affects insulin sensitivity, Beta cell function, insulin secretion and hence mediates glucose homeostasis. Several studies reported an association between lower serum vitamin D levels and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There are currently no studies investigating the relationship between serum vitamin D and insulin sensitivity/resistance among ethnic minorities.

Methods

This randomized cross‐sectional study included 316 participants; AA (n= 115), HA (n= 116) and CA (n= 85). Insulin sensitivity was calculated by QUICKI formula [1 / (log(fasting insulin) + log (fasting glucose)], insulin resistance was calculated by HOMA1‐IR [fasting insulin (μU/ml) × fasting glucose (mmol/L)] /22.5] and HOMA2‐IR (values were determined by an online calculator). Serum 25(OH)D and C‐reactive protein levels were measured by ELISA method. Multiple linear regression models were run, adjusting for age, gender, and C‐reactive protein. QUICKI, HOMA1‐IR and HOMA2‐IR were the dependent variables.

Data analysis and results

The mean age for AA, HA and CA was 50.7±8.6, 53.9±10.9 and 60.36±10.6 years respectively. The mean serum 25(OH)D for AA, HA and CA was 24.4±9.8, 21.9±6.8 and 43.2±18.8 ng/ml, respectively. In AA, Serum 25(OH)D was negatively correlated with HOMA1‐IR (r=−.179, P=.056) and HOMA2‐IR (r=−.201, P=.032). This correlation was positive and not statistically significant for 25(OH)D and QUICKI (r=.167, P=.075). Multi‐linear regression analyses controlling for the covariates indicated a significant negative association between serum 25(OH)D and HOMA1‐IR (B=−.191, P=0.042), HOMA2‐IR (B=−.213, P=0.021) but only marginally significant with QUICKI (B=.179, P=0.06) in AA.

Conclusion

Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity are associated with serum vitamin D levels among AA; this association is negative for insulin resistance and positive for insulin sensitivity. HOMA2‐IR has the strongest correlation with 25(OH)D level, compared to HOMA1‐IR and QUICKI, among all 3 ethnic groups. The results of this study suggest that HOMA2‐IR may be a good predictor of vitamin D status among AA.

Support or Funding Information

Funding source: Funding for this research was provided through a grant from NIH/NIDDK (SC1DK083060).
Psychosocial Stressors Are Associated with Worsened Severity of Metabolic Syndrome Independent of Lifestyle Factors among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Cardel Michelle I. , DeBoer Mark D. , Sims Mario , Musani Solomon , Dulin‐Keita Akilah , Gurka Matthew J.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Using Jackson Heart Study (JHS) data, we examined whether perceived psychosocial stressors were associated with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) severity in African American adults.

Methods

Our sample included 3,870 African American JHS participants aged 21 to 84 years. The following psychosocial stressors were assessed: Major Life Events (MLEs); Global Perceived Stress; and Weekly Stress Inventory. Each stress measure was stratified into tertiles (low, medium, and high stress). We investigated associations of psychosocial stressors with a sex‐ and race/ethnic‐specific MetS severity Z‐score, after adjustment for demographics and risk factors (i.e., nutrition, physical activity, smoking status, and alcohol consumption).

Results

The mean age of participants was 53.8 (± 13.0) and 63.1% were female. Women reported significantly higher MLEs and global stress (p<0.0001) and participants 21–44 years old reported significantly more global stress and weekly stress relative to adults ages 45 years and older (p<0.0001). Relative to those with low perceived stress, individuals with high global stress and MLE stress had significantly greater MetS severity (p=0.0207 and p=0.0105, respectively). Weekly stress was not predictive of MetS severity.

Conclusions

Higher global and MLE stress are associated with increased risk of MetS severity, while weekly stress is not. These data may have implications for targeting stress‐related factors in interventions to improve cardiometabolic health in African American adults.

Support or Funding Information

Jackson Heart Study is supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) of the National Institutes of Health under award number HHSN268201300046C.
Adequacy and sources of total daily water and liquid drinks by non‐pregnant/non‐lactating (NPNL) women across the socio‐geographic spectrum of Guatemala
Authors: Campos Raquel , Diaz‐Jereda Liza Alejandra , Vossenaar Marieke , Solomons Noel W.
Published: November 2023

Background

Physiological indications from urinary osmolality in Guatemala show a mixed picture of hydration adequacy, with professional women and daycare‐attending preschool children having superior hydration status, whereas lactating women showing lower hydration status including instances of hypohydration. Estimation of daily acquisition of total water in women in reproductive states and urban schoolchildren in Guatemala consistently showed deficits. Data on NPNL women are largely unavailable.

Objectives

To determine, compare and contrast the consumption of total daily water and liquid drinks among NPNL women from various socio‐geographic groups in Guatemala.

Methods

A single previous‐day intake recall was obtained in 240 NPNL women, in groups of 40 each, from 6 different socio‐geographic settings: western highlands, rural peasantry (WHRP); urban low‐income (WHUL); urban middle‐class (WHUM); pacific coastal urban middle‐class (PCUM); and urban central highlands: low‐income (CHUL) and middle‐class (CHUM). Data were summed to provide total daily water acquisition (TDWA) estimates, expressed in mL, and then reduced to the 4 components: liquid drinks (LD); added to dishes (AW); intrinsic water of foods (IW) and metabolic water (MW), and finally compared and contrast by subgroups. The Adequate Intakes (AI) for NPNL women are TDWA (2700 mL) and LD (2200 mL).

Results

The respective median TDWA [and %AI] were, in descending order: 2408 mL [89.1%] (WHRP); 2274 mL [84.2%] (PCUM); 2008 mL [74.3%] (WHUM);1902 mL [70.4%] (WHUL); 1890 mL [70.0%] (CHUM) and 1530 mL [56.7%] (CHUL) (p=0.001). The respective median LD in descending order were: 1274 mL [57.9%](WHRP); 946 mL [43.0%] (WHUL); 830 mL [37.7%] (WHUM); 650 mL [29.5%] (CHUM); 563 mL [25.6%] (PCUM) and 467 mL [21.2%] (CHUL)(p=0.001). The first and the last position in the rank‐order are conserved with both TDWA and LD, but overall rank correspondence was only modest in magnitude with a Spearman correlation coefficient (rho) of 0.588 (p<0.001). Moreover, relative adequacy for TDWA, although low, far exceeds that for LD. Median AW varied from 373 mL to 17 mL of daily contribution, with the 3 low‐income groups in the first 3 places. In fact, the IW exceeded LD in its contribution to TWDA in 4 subgroups. MW contributed from 15.1% to 8.8%.

Conclusion

Estimated median TWDA and LD intakes of NPNL women varied across the socio‐geographic sites of Guatemala, with over a liter of difference from high to low in TWDA and with almost a 3‐fold differential in LD. At the extreme low ends of the distribution, deficits of over a liter with respect to the respective AIs are seen. Not achieving proper and healthful hydration may be an unrecognized public health problem in Guatemala even among NPNL women.
Weight‐Related Behaviors and Cognitions: Differences between Latino and White Families with Young Children
Authors: Delaney Colleen , Quick Virginia , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol
Published: November 2023

Latinos face disproportionate health disparities regarding weight‐related health outcomes compared to non‐Hispanic Whites which could be in part to differences in weight‐related behaviors and cognitions. Latino (n=137) and white (n=391) parents completing an online survey did not differ by age (30.53±6.36 SD vs. 33.35±5.54 SD years), sex (93% female), or weight status (BMI 29.30±6.98 SD vs. 27.71±6.61 SD). All measures were 5‐point scales unless otherwise indicated. Independent t‐tests (p<.05) revealed that Latinos had significantly less access to supermarkets (3.80±1.16 SD vs. 4.06±1.4 SD) and ate fast food more days/week (1.22±1.25 SD vs. 0.76±1.18 SD) compared to whites. Latinos were less confident in their ability to prepare meals (3.66±0.95 SD vs. 3.96±0.90 SD), serve breakfast daily (3.92±1.02 SD vs. 4.12±1.08 SD), and buy healthy foods (3.29±1.05 SD vs. 3.56±1.01 SD). Latinos were less likely to report modeling healthy eating (3.47±0.77 SD vs. 3.66±0.76) and let children self‐regulate intake at meals (3.32±0.92 SD vs. 3.51±0.97 SD). However, parents exhibited similar restraint (2.33±0.676 SD vs. 2.45±0.70 SD), disinhibited (2.09±0.77 SD vs. 2.12±0.79 SD), emotional (2.19±0.94 SD vs. 2.27±0.93 SD), and adventurous (3.04±0.79 SD vs. 3.15±0.69 SD) eating scores. Latino parents engaged less in PA (13.10±8.65 SD vs. 15.07±9.84 SD, 42‐point scale) and were less likely to model PA (2.92±1.34 SD vs. 3.33±1.20 SD). Latino families had more minutes of screentime/day (parents: 417.26±342.91 SD vs. 352.94±288.95 SD; kids: 746.61±1150.66 SD vs. 532.83±860.12 SD) and let kids spend more minutes/day playing sedentary (244.05±432.89 SD vs. 162.28±328.70 SD) and active video games (182.08±415.31 SD vs. 100.01±293.04 SD). Latino parents also were less likely to limit children's exposure to TV ads (2.97±1.15 vs. 3.42±1.24 SD). This comparison highlights weight‐related nutrition education concepts that could inform obesity prevention programs tailored to Latino families.

Support or Funding Information

USDA NIFA #2011‐68001‐30170
Association of individual and neighborhood factors with home food availability: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Chai Weiwen , Fan Jessie X , Wen Ming
Published: November 2023

Objective

To examine the association of the availability of home healthy and unhealthy foods and drinks (fruits, dark green vegetables, soft drink, salty snack and fat‐free/low‐fat milk) with individual and neighborhood factors using a nationally representative sample from 2001–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

Data from the 2001–2006 waves of the continuous NHANES was merged with the 2000 census and other neighborhood data sources constructed using geographic information system (GIS). Associations of individual and neighborhood factors and home food availabilities were assessed using multilevel random‐intercept logistic regression models taking study design, weights, and covariates into account.

Results

The analysis included 4353 adult participants aged 19–65 years who had home food availability data. Both family income‐to‐needs ratio and neighborhood tract socioeconomic status (SES) scores were positively associated with home fruit, dark green vegetable and fat‐free/low‐fat milk availabilities (Ps<0.05). Participants having a college degree or above were more likely to have home fruits (P=0.0007) and fat‐free/low‐fat milk (P<0.0001) available and less likely to have home salty snack (P=0.017) and soft drinks (P<0.0001) available relative to those without a college degree. Soft drink availability was not associated with family income‐to‐needs ratio and neighborhood tract SES scores. BMI was positively associated with fat‐free/low‐fat milk availability in the home (P=0.005) but was not associated with the availabilities of other examined foods or drinks.

Conclusions

The availabilities of home healthy and unhealthy foods and drinks are mainly associated with SES at individual and neighborhood level.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grant R01CA140319– 01A1
Vegan “Decoy” Entrées Lead Cafeteria Diners to Take Healthier Other Foods
Authors: Tran Huy , Wansink Brian , Karevold Knut Ivar
Published: November 2023

Could a vegan entrée in a buffet serve as a decoy that primes disinterested meat lovers to choose healthier lunch even if they ignore the entrée itself? To examine this, over a five week period a worksite buffet in Finland two configurations were alternatively set up: 1) a vegan entrée was followed by a fish entrée, a vegetable side dish, and a beef/chicken entrée, 2) the order of the four food items was reversed. Although the vegan entrée was selected for fewer than 7% of the 2400 lunches, when it was offered first in line, it increased the percentage of people who took the fish (+34%) or the vegetable side dish (+83%) and reduced the percentage who took beef (−15%). Simply encountering the healthy vegan entrée first, appeared to prime diners to be more likely to take a different healthier food later in the buffet. These results were most remarkable on the days fish was an alternative entrée along with beef, and they were also significant (but less impressive) on the days chicken was an alternative entrée. Putting very healthy entrées in highly visible locations – even if they are widely unpopular ‐‐ could benefit all diners even if it is not widely selected.
Food Group Intakes of Self‐Selected U.S. Diets with High and Low Carbon Footprints
Authors: Willits‐Smith Amelia , Heller Martin , Meyer Robert , Rose Diego
Published: November 2023

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) claimed that shifts toward more plant‐based foods would promote health as well as long‐term environmental sustainability of the nation's food supply. Evidence used to reach these conclusions came primarily from studies outside the U.S., since little is known about how individual food choices in this country are related to environmental impacts. To address this gap, we examined dietary patterns of U.S. individuals and their relationships to food‐related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). The sample consisted of individuals (N=13,204) aged 18 to 65 from the 2005–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We calculated GHGE from the NHANES Day 1 dietary recalls using a food impacts database based on life cycle assessment literature. The database links individual intakes to commodities and environmental impacts. Individuals were ranked by the GHGE per 1000 kilocalories associated with their diet and divided into quintiles. Dietary patterns based on food groups using the USDA Food Pattern Equivalents Database were compared between the lowest and highest quintiles using t‐tests and sample weights and survey design parameters included with NHANES. Compared to those with high dietary GHGE, those in the lowest GHGE group consumed more plant protein foods (0.9 compared to 0.4 oz eq/1000 kcal, p<0.001), and less animal protein foods (1.5 compared to 3.8 oz eq/1000 kcal, p<0.001). Within the animal protein foods, they also consumed more poultry and less red meat. Those with low dietary GHGE consumed significantly more whole grain, more oils, and fewer solid fats. However, they also consumed more refined grains and more added sugars. These results support the DGAC assertion that a diet more sustainable than the U.S. average can be achieved without eliminating any food groups, as even the group with lowest carbon footprint consumed moderate amounts of animal‐based foods. And since these patterns were observed in self‐selected diets, it indicates that such choices are acceptable to some U.S. consumers. While some elements of self‐selected diets lower in GHGE are healthier (e.g. more whole grains and fewer solid fats), other factors are not (e.g. more refined grains and added sugars). This study highlights the complexity in understanding the links between nutritional and environmental objectives and suggests that more attention is needed to address this nascent field of research.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Wellcome Trust (grant # 106854/Z/15/Z).
Are Commercially‐processed Gluten‐free Products ‘Healthy’, and Nutritionally Superior to Similar Gluten‐containing Products?
Authors: Ahuja Jaspreet K , Li Ying , Showell Bethany , Nguyen Quynhanh , Pehrsson Pamela R
Published: November 2023

Gluten‐free (GF) products are highly popular in the U.S. with sales over $13 billion and majority consuming for non‐medical reasons, as per Mintel October 2016 report. GF products are often broadly promoted as healthful foods. However, we know of no U.S. studies that have evaluated their nutritive value or compared them to their gluten‐containing counterparts. In 2015, we purchased 98 samples of top brands representing 12 different types of GF products (pancakes, refined, whole grain, and 100% whole grain pasta, sandwich and wafer‐type cookies, waffles, white bread and rolls, whole grain bread, rolls and crackers). We combined these samples into 50 composites and chemically analyzed them for nutrients of public health significance, using official methods of analysis of AOAC International. The nutrients analyzed included total fat, protein, nutrients generally used as fortificants in grain products (e.g. thiamin and iron), nutrients identified by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 as of public health concern (e.g. calcium and dietary fiber) and to limit (e.g. sugar and sodium). We compared the mean nutrient concentrations for these GF products to FDA's definition of ‘healthy’, http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm064916.htm, and found that only 2 products (SCHAR brand white bread and rolls) met the FDA criteria. Additionally, we compared nutrient concentrations of 10 of these GF products to similar gluten‐containing products, for which recent analytical data were available. We found the former to be consistently lower in mean calcium, folate, iron, niacin and protein concentrations per 100 g than their counterparts. Our results suggest that while GF products serve as grain‐based alternatives for the gluten‐intolerant sub‐population, they may not be a ‘healthy’ choice as per FDA guidelines or be superior to similar gluten‐containing foods for specific nutrients.