bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different doses of Moringa oleifera in postprandial glucose. Influence of participants’ glucose control status
Authors: Díaz-Prieto Ligia E. , Gómez-Martínez Sonia , Dueñas María , Vicente-Castro Iván , Picón María J. , Marcos Ascensión , Nova Esther
Published: June 2020

The multipurpose plant Moringa oleifera (MO) has shown a variety of in vitro activities potentially beneficial for health and evidences are also numerous in animal models. However, the exact composition of the plant is highly variable depending on the area, culture and post harvesting conditions and the effects in humans are scarcely studied. This is a pilot study of the effect of different doses of MO from an Iberian Peninsula cultivar on postprandial glucose level in non-diabetic subjects. Five adult subjects (40 to 70 years, 3 males) with normal renal and hepatic function were included. Two had normal fasting glucose and 3 had pre-diabetic fasting glucose. A standard breakfast plus, respectively, one placebo capsule (PLC), or 1, 3 and 6 capsules containing 400 mg of MO dry leaf powder (MO-1cap, -3cap and -6cap) were consumed by each subject on 4 consecutive visits, one week apart. The basal and postprandial (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min) glucose was measured. The mean glucose change from baseline (ΔGlc) at each measure time was calculated and compared between treatments with the Wilcoxon tests and considered significant at P < 0.05 level. The postprandial curves were also studied separately in pre-diabetic subjects. A difference was found 90 min after breakfast in ΔGlc for the MO-6cap compared to the MO-1cap, being lower in MO-6cap. No more significant differences were observed due to the small number of subjects and high variability in glucose values among subjects. However, the graphical representation of separated curves for the three pre-diabetic participants showed that all three MO doses led to values always below those with PLC. In addition, during the first experimental hour all MO doses showed lower ΔGlc than PLC while this was not the case when all subjects were studied. No adverse events occurred during the experiment. The study, thus, showed a trend to lower glycemic postprandial response with MO leaf powder which seems to be more evident in pre-diabetic subjects than in normoglycemic subjects and especially during the first postprandial hour. The MO-6cap seems to be the election daily dose for a long term intervention study on the glycemic control with MO in pre-diabetic subjects.
Effect of processing of bovine milk on gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal pressure in sensitive individuals
Authors: Nuora Anu , Tupasela Tuomo , Jokioja Johanna , Tahvonen Raija , Kallio Heikki , Yang Baoru , Rokka Susanna , Marnila Pertti , Mäkelä Petri , Pohjankukka Jonne , Pahikkala Tapio , Viitanen Matti , Linderborg Kaisa
Published: June 2020

Over the last years, the consumption of unpasteurised milk has increased in popularity in the Western countries, despite the known risks associated with food-borne pathogens. Some people appear to experience milk-related gastrointestinal symptoms even when tested negative for lactose intolerance and milk allergy. In such cases, processing of milk, most often homogenisation or heat treatment, has been suggested to be involved in the induction of the gastrointestinal symptoms. Commercial milk is generally homogenised for the purpose of physical stability. Homogenisation reduces the size of fat droplets. Breaking of the fat globules creates new interface, which is covered with denaturated proteins. Further denaturation level of the proteins depends on the severity of the heat treatment. In this study entity, the effect of processing of bovine milk on the gastrointestinal symptoms in self-reported milk sensitive individuals was tested in two separate double blind crossover trials. Tested milks included raw milk (unprocessed), pasteurized milk, pasteurized and homogenized milk, and UHT treated and homogenized milk thus including milks at both end of commercially approved liquid milks in Finland. All milks came from the same herd of cows, which nulled the effect of genetic background and feeding of the cows. Ingestible pH-, pressure and temperature measuring probe was used to investigate gastrointestinal pressure. Self-reported diaries were used to measure perceived gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally inflammation markers were studied from the plasma. In the first trial no significant difference was found in the amount of gastrointestinal symptoms or in the intestinal pressure after the consumption of native and processed milk. However, the obtained results on pressure in the large intestine (P = 0.068) as well as reported symptoms (P = 0.103) suggested that further studies in this area were needed. However, in the second trial where pasteurised, pasteurised and homogenised, and UHT -treated and homogenized milks were compared, the amount, severity or duration of the reported symptoms did not differ. This study demonstrates that the ingestible pressure-, pH and temperature measuring probe provided a novel possibility to study intestinal pressure in nutrition trials. The results of the present studies do not support the hypothesis that cows’ milk processing would induce gastrointestinal symptoms in milk sensitive but lactose tolerant subjects.
Application of pressurized liquid extraction on isolation of fennel seeds' polyphenols fractions
Authors: Repajić Maja , Medved Ana Marija , Bilobrk Josipa , Elez Garofulić Ivona , Pedisić Sandra , Radman Sanja , Dragović-Uzelac Verica
Published: June 2020

Due to nowadays endeavoured green approach, the utilization of environmentally-friendly extraction techniques is encouraged, where pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) provides such possibility. The PLE application allows shorter extraction time and simultaneously less solvent consumption through combined temperature and pressure effect, thus improving energetic and economic efficiency. Accordingly, in order to accomplish satisfactory extraction yield, it is necessary to optimize PLE conditions, depending on sample type and aimed compounds. As fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seeds are rich source of structurally different bioactive compounds, this study aimed to examine the influence of PLE temperature (75 and 100 °C), static time (5 and 10 min) and cycle number (1, 2 and 3) on the content of fennel seeds’ polyphenols fractions: total hydroxycinnamic acids (THA), total flavonols (TF) and total flavan-3-ols (TFO). For this purpose, samples of grinded dry fennel seeds were extracted according to the mentioned PLE conditions in serial exhaustive extraction using solvents ordered by its polarity: hexane, aqueous acetone solution (30 %, v/v) and aqueous methanol solution (30 %, v/v). After defatting with hexane, acetone (AE) and methanol (ME) extracts of residues were collected (n = 24) and used for spectrofotometrically determination of THA, TF and TFO. In order to access data about effect of examined PLE conditions on analyzed parameters, results were statistically analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Tukey's HSD test at significance level p ≤ 0.05. Obtained results showed that observed fractions of polyphenols were present in 4–5 folds higher amounts in AE compared to ME, where established grand means in AE were as follows: THA = 312.82 mg/100 g, TF = 113.23 mg/100 g and TFO = 29.01 mg/100 g, while in ME they were THA = 56.90 mg/100 g, TF = 28.78 mg/100 g and TFO were determined in traces. As for influence of extraction temperature and time, content of all tested compounds was significantly affected by examined sources of variation in extracts of both solvent types, except static time on ME’ THA content. Generally, 100 °C/10 min/3 cycles were conditions which yielded the highest THA, TF and TFO in AE, while ME results showed diversity upon examined conditions. Accordingly, the highest THA content was established at lower temperature (75 °C/10 min/2 cycles), while 100 °C/10 min/3 cycles conditions documented the greatest TF content.
An in-vitro investigation on the effect of chilling and reheating different starchy meals on resistant starch content
Authors: Alzaabi Abdulrahman , Fielding Barbara , Robertson Denise
Published: June 2020

Food processing has been shown to influence starch digestibility, due to the formation of indigestible starches known as resistant starch (RS). RS has been shown to have similar health promoting properties to those of insoluble dietary fibre. These beneficial effects include lower glycaemic response, improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced overall gut health, and better plasma lipid profile. Additionally, the presence of other nutrients such as proteins or lipids may also impact the amount of RS formed.

The present work aimed to measure the effect of cooking and /or additional meal ingredients on the RS content of 5 different starchy meals, 3 made with pasta (one of which had cheese added) and 2 made with potato, using the Megazyme RS kit (K-RSTAR). The cooked meals were tested either freshly cooked, chilled overnight, or chilled overnight and reheated. Moreover, different amounts of fat were used in the test meals (10 g fat per 100 g pasta, 30 g fat per 100 g pasta, 5 g fat per 100 g potato and 10 g fat per 100 g potato) in order to examine the effect of the amount of fat on RS formation. The total number of meals tested was 15.

The amount of RS in the 2 pasta meals without cheese were 40% and 44% higher in the chilled and reheated meals compared to the same meals freshly cooked for the 10 g and 30 g of fat meals, respectively. The chilled overnight meals were not different from the freshly cooked meals for both fat amounts. Moreover, the potato meals showed a more substantial difference between the meals for the two fat amounts. The chilled and reheated potato meals were 73% and 85% higher in RS content than the freshly cooked identical meal, in the 5 g and 10 g of fat, respectively. Additionally, the chilled potato meals had higher RS contents compared to freshly cooked potato meals (68% and 83%, respectively). Furthermore, the presence of protein reduced the total amount of digested starch and RS in all pasta meals when compared to the meals without cheese. The findings of this in-vitro investigation suggests that chilling and reheating starchy meals significantly increases their content of RS. Future work will determine if these in vitro findings will translate to health benefits in vivo.
Preschool meals as a source of nutrients for 3–6-year-old Finnish preschoolers
Authors: Nissinen Kaija , Korkalo Liisa , Vepsäläinen Henna , Skaffari Essi , Lehto Reetta , Koivusilta Leena , Roos Eva , Erkkola Maijaliisa
Published: June 2020

Preschool meals influence the child's growth, development and learning ability. According to the Finnish National Nutrition Council, preschool meals should cover two thirds of the daily energy requirements if the child attends to a full-time childcare. We investigated the contribution of preschool meals on a weekday's total energy and nutrient intake among Finnish preschoolers. A cross-sectional DAGIS Study was conducted in 2015–2016. Altogether 864 3- to 6-year-old children from 66 preschools participated. Parents and early educators kept 3-day food records for the child. To capture the seasonal variation in the diet, 24% of the families also kept an additional 2-day food record. To assess the nutritional contribution of preschool meals, we selected a sub-sample of children based on the criteria that they ate all three meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack) at preschool. This yielded a sub-sample of 557 children, each contributing the data with 1 to 4 full preschool days. Data was analysed using two age groups: 3–4 years (n = 324) and 5–6 years (n = 233). Mean intake of nutrients from different preschool meals and population proportions were calculated. Mean energy intake at preschool was 3.0 ± 0.8 MJ for 3–4-year-olds and 3.5 ± 0.9 MJ for 6–7-year-olds contributing 54% of the total daily energy intake in both age groups. At preschool, lunch was the main single source of energy, protein, and fat. It was also an important source of folate (27% of the total daily intake in the younger and 29 % in the older age group) and of fibre (25% of the total daily intake in both age groups). Most of the added sugar was consumed at home (61% in the younger and 63% in the older age group). Most of the polyunsaturated fatty acid intake occurred at the preschool meals, mostly at lunch. Salt intake at preschool was high (3.2 ± 1.1 g/day and 3.6 ± 1.2 g/day in the younger and older age group, respectively). Cereal products were the main sources of salt at preschool. Preschool meals did not cover two thirds of the daily energy as recommended but preschool food was an important source of fibre, polyunsaturated fatty acids, folate, and vitamin D but also of salt. Salt intake at preschool needs to be tackled by reducing salt in recipes and using low-sodium bread.
Main sources and parental educational level differences in intake of vitamin D in Finnish preschool children
Authors: Skaffari Essi , Korkalo Liisa , Vepsäläinen Henna , Itkonen Suvi , Nissinen Kaija , Adebayo Folasade , Roos Eva , Lamberg-Allardt Christel , Erkkola Maijaliisa
Published: June 2020

In Finland the recommendation for the use of vitamin D supplement is a daily supplement throughout the year for all children. It is also recommended that fluid milk products and fat spreads are fortified with vitamin D. The purpose of this study was to provide up-to-date data on children's dietary and supplemental intake of vitamin D. We also examined educational level differences in the intake and sources of vitamin D.

A cross-sectional study on the diet in Finnish 3–6-year-old preschool children (the DAGIS Study) was carried out in 2015–2016. Children were recruited in preschools in Southern Finland and in the Southern Ostrobothnia Region (n = 864). The parents reported child's supplement use (brand name, dose, frequency of use) during the last month and their own education level. The highest parental education level (PEL) was used in analysis. Parents and preschool personnel also filled in a 3-day food record for the child. A part of the families also kept an additional 2-day food record, which we sent to capture seasonal variation in the diet. In this analysis we included children (n = 794) with data for supplement use and at least 1-day food record. We calculated dietary intake based on the Fineli food composition database and created a dietary supplement database. We used Kruskal-Wallis test for statistical analysis.

Most of the children in all PELs used vitamin D supplements (low 77%, medium 85%, high 85%). Dietary supplements covered almost half of the total intake in all groups (low 42%, medium 48%, high 47%, p = 0,087). The main dietary sources of vitamin D were fortified fluid milk products, fortified fat spreads and fish dishes. A higher proportion of vitamin D was obtained from fish dishes in families with higher PEL (low 4.3%, medium 4.5%, high 6.1%, p = 0.005), but otherwise there were no differences in the proportions of the main sources. The vitamin D intake from diet and supplements was lowest in families with low PEL but the total intake of vitamin D was adequate in all groups (low 18.3, medium 20.7, high 20.7 μg/day, p = 0.001).

The use of vitamin D fortified fluid milk products and fat spreads and the vitamin D supplementation seem to ensure adequate vitamin D intake in all children, regardless the level of parental education.
Adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle is inversely associated with insomnia presence and severity: cross-sectional analysis in obstructive sleep apnea patients
Authors: Kechribari Ioanna , Kontogianni Meropi , Georgoulis Michael , Lamprou Kallirroi , Kalogera Antonia , Vagiakis Emmanouil , Yiannakouris Nikos
Published: June 2020

Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder and frequently co-occurs with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a chronic disease characterized by repetitive pauses of breathing during sleep due to obstructions of the upper airways. The link between lifestyle and sleep quantity and quality is an area of intensive research, however data exploring associations between lifestyle habits and insomnia symptoms are still scarce. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential association between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (ML), a healthy lifestyle pattern incorporating the prudent Mediterranean diet, adequate physical activity and healthy sleep habits, and insomnia presence and severity. The study sample consisted of 243 adult patients with polysomnography-diagnosed OSA. Participants’ insomnia-related disorders were evaluated through the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), an 8-item index ranging from 0 (absence of any sleep-related problem) to 24 (severe degree of insomnia); AIS values of > 6 were used to establish the diagnosis of insomnia. All patients were evaluated with regard to anthropometric indices and lifestyle habits, and adherence to the ML was estimated through the MEDLIFE index, a 28-item index ranging from 0 to 28, with higher values indicating greater proximity to the healthy lifestyle of the Mediterranean region. An inverse correlation was observed between the MEDLIFE index and total AIS (rho = -0.22, p = 0.001), as well as most individual components of AIS, including difficulty in sleep induction (rho = -0.14, p = 0.03), awakenings during the night (rho = -0.2, p = 0.008), short sleep duration (rho = -0.16, p = 0.01), low quality of sleep (rho = -0.13, p = 0.05), low well-being during the day (rho = -0.16, p = 0.02), and low functioning capacity during the day (rho = -0.15, p = 0.02). Patients with insomnia (AIS > 6), compared to those without (AIS ≤ 6), exhibited lower MEDLIFE index values [13 (11–15) vs. 14 (12–15), P = 0.002], had more severe OSA as assessed by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) [55 (24–87) vs. 35 (17–57) events/hour, P < 0.001] and tended to have higher body mass index (BMI) [35.0 (30.6–39.7) vs. 32.4 (29.5–38.6) kg/m2, P = 0.06]. According to logistic regression analysis, MEDLIFE index was inversely associated with the presence of insomnia (OR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.80–0.99, P = 0.04) after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, BMI, daily energy intake and AHI. In conclusion, a higher adherence to the ML is inversely associated with insomnia presence and severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Future research should assess whether this association applies in other samples, as well as whether the ML could be an efficient therapeutic tool alleviating or treating insomnia symptoms.
Associations between the home environment and children's fruit, vegetable and confectionary/sugary drink intakes
Authors: Bassul Carolina , Corish Clare A. , Kearney John M
Published: June 2020

The home environment is acknowledged as an important setting that can shape dietary habits in early childhood. For instance, parents influence their children's dietary intakes through the foods they make available to their children, their own eating habits and their parenting practices. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between home environmental characteristics and children's fruit, vegetable and confectionary/sugary drink intakes. A total of 332 children aged 3–5 years old and their parents/guardians participated in the study. Home environmental characteristics, including mealtimes, child television viewing, parental control feeding practices, food availability and accessibility, were explored using questions from validated questionnaires. Parent and child food consumption was also measured. The data were analysed using bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression. Independent variables (home environment and parental diet) were included in the multivariate analysis if they were significant in the bivariate analysis. An association between household income and children's fruit intake was observed with children from lower income households being 54% less likely to eat fruit daily (95% CI 0.22–0.96, p < 0.040) compared with those from higher income households. Home food availability also influenced children's fruit intake. Greater variety of fruits available in the home increased the likelihood of fruit consumption in children (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.68, p < 0.005). Watching television for ≥ 1 hour per day had a negative impact on children's diets, decreasing their probability of eating vegetables on a daily basis (OR 0.38 95% Cl 0.22–0.72, p < 0.003) and increasing by 2.7 times their likelihood of consuming confectionary/sugary drink more than once a week (95% CI 1.11–6.36, p < 0.027). Those children whose parents had lower vegetable consumption and higher confectionary intake were 59% less likely to eat vegetables, and 4.42 times more likely to consume confectionary/sugary drinks (OR 0.41, 95%Cl 0.21–0.82, p < 0.012) and (OR 4.42, 95% CI 1.69–11.59, p < 0.002) respectively. Pressure to eat from parents was associated with lower fruit intake only (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47–0.96, p < 0.032). This study has demonstrated that modifiable home environmental characteristics were significantly associated with decreased fruit and vegetable intake and increased confectionary/sugary drink consumption among children aged 3–5 years. These findings may help in the development of intervention strategies to encourage a healthier diet for this age group.
Policy driven improvement of the school food environment for the Bulgarian first-graders in the period 2008–2016
Authors: Duleva Vesselka , Chikova-Ischener Ekaterina , Rangelova Lalka , Dimitrov Plamen
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

The disbalanced school food environment may be a significant factor contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic observed in the last decades worldwide and in Bulgaria. Policy measures targeting to improve the food and beverage availability at the school premises, to include nutrition education in the school curriculum and to implement initiatives aiming to promote a healthy lifestyle among children and their families, all have the potential to help lowering the prevalence of childhood obesity and improve the well-being and health of the children.

The aim of the present study is to assess the policy driven improvement of the school food environment for the Bulgarian first-graders within the period 2008–2016.

Materials and methods:

Three cross-sectional studies among 7-year-old schoolchildren in Bulgaria were carried out on nationally representative samples of about 3500 children selected from the same sample of primary schools in the years 2008, 2013 and 2016 as part of the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). The present study is based on the data collected through questionnaire on the school environment characteristics.

Results:

Within the nationally representative sample of schools from 2008 to 2016 there is decrease in the percentage of schools with availability at their premises of salty snacks (from 73.7% to 32.3%), sweet snacks (from 76.5% to 49.7%), cold drinks with sugar (from 68.2% to 10.1%) and fruit juices with sugar (from 69.3% to 8.7%), paralleled by increase in the proportion of schools offering vegetables (from 17.9% to 59.8%) and fresh fruits (from 36.9% to 87.4%). Most of the schools have nutrition education as a separate class or included in the curriculum (92.4% of the schools in 2008 and 91.5% in 2016). There is marked increase in the proportion of schools that have initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles (from 42.4% in 2008 to 68.3% in 2016).

Discussion:

The legislative and policy measures initiated within the period 2008–2016 have led to significant improvement in the profile of foods and drinks available at the school premises, as well as higher involvement of the schools in initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles. These positive changes in the school food environment have probably important role for the trend for plateauing in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 7-year-old schoolchildren observed within the same study.
Health-Beneficial Properties of Black Sea Shellfish for the Bulgarian Consumers
Authors: Merdzhanova Albena , Panayotova Veselina , Dobreva Diana , Bratoeva Kameliya , Makedonski Lubomir
Published: June 2020

Marine shellfish is considered high-protein, low-fat and low-saturated-fat food, yet providing significant amounts of essential lipids such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), phospholipids, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3 and E) and carotenoids. These nutrients exhibit a variety of beneficial effects on human health, therefore the increased intake of marine shellfish could contribute significantly to a diverse and nutritious diet. One of the most consumed Black Sea shellfish species in Bulgaria is the black mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The aim of the present study was to assess health-beneficial properties of Black Sea mussels based on their nutritional lipid composition.

Total lipids (TL) were extracted according to Bligh & Dyer. Lipid classes were separated by column and thin layer chromatography. Fatty acid composition was determined by GC/MS system and sterol – by GC/FID. Fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids were analyzed simultaneously using RP-HPLC system.

Mytilus galloprovincialis were characterized by low lipid content: 1.8 ± 0.08 g.100g-1 ww, more than 50% representing polar lipids. Sterols were minor components (6.2% of TL fraction). Fatty acid (FA) composition showed similar distribution: polyunsaturated > monounsaturated > saturated FA in TL, neutral lipids (NL) and polar lipids (PL) classes. Sum of omega-3 (n-3) PUFA was from 47.1% in TL, 49.2% in NL and 62.5% in PL. Ratio n-6/n-3 was 0.2. Analyzed mussels contained EPA + DHA 0.360 g.100g-1 ww. Sterol fraction consisted mainly of cholesterol (36.3%) and brassicasterol (22.9%). Fat-soluble vitamins contents were: 50.1 ± 2.01μg.100g-1 ww (vitamin A), 7.3 ± 0.2μg.100g-1 ww (vitamin D3) and 4500 ± 140μg.100g-1 ww (vitamin E); and carotenoids: 40.1 ± 1.9μg.100g-1 ww (astaxanthin), 490 ± 5.2μg.100g-1 ww (β-carotene).

Strong correlation between seafood consumption and various obesity-related disorders can suggest the unique potential of seafood, such as shellfish for supplementation nutrients deficiencies. Recent studies suggest that seafood consumption in Bulgaria is low, increasing the concern of nutrient deficiency, especially PUFA, phospholipids and vitamin D3. This study presented that although Black Sea shellfish is low in TL content, it is a very good source of PL bonded n-3 PUFA (> 140% of RDI), vitamin D3 (> 50% of RDI) and other essential lipid antioxidants (astaxanthin). The PUFA/SFA (1.4) and n-6/n-3 (0.2) showed the good nutritional quality of Black Sea Mytilus galloprovincialis tissue. Black Sea shellfish lipids are rich in molecules with health-beneficial properties and high potential for developing functional foods and dietary supplements. Increased intake of shellfish should be encouraged to provide essential nutrients to avoid nutritional deficiencies in Bulgarian population.
The association between preconception fruit and vegetable intake in relation to in-vitro fertilization treatment outcome among women attempting fertility
Authors: Karayiannis Dimitrios , Kontogianni Meropi , Mastrominas Minas , Yiannakouris Nikos
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Adequate intake of fruits and vegetables (F&V) has been long promoted as a public health priority based on the evidence supporting various health benefits attributed to these food groups. Their effects on reproductive outcomes, however, remain poorly explored. F&V intake has been positively associated with embryo quality in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) but there is lack of data regarding potential associations with IVF final outcomes (clinical pregnancy and live birth). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate habitual F&V intake in relation to clinical pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing infertility treatment.

Materials and Methods

Nulliparous non-obese women [n = 244, 22–41 years old, body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2] undergoing their first IVF cycle were recruited from an Assisted Conception Unit in Athens, Greece, between November 2013 and September 2016. Habitual F&V intake was estimated via a validated for the Greek population semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire and expressed in servings/day. Intermediate outcomes (i.e. oocyte yield and embryo quality measures) and clinical endpoints (implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth) were prospectively recorded. Generalized linear models adjusting for age, ovarian stimulation protocol, BMI, physical activity, anxiety levels, infertility diagnosis, caloric intake and supplements use were used to test associations between F&V intake and IVF outcomes.

Results

Overall, 229 women (93.9%) had an embryo transfer, 104 (42.6%) achieved a clinical pregnancy and 99 (40.5%) had a live birth. Women with a clinical pregnancy and live birth did not differ in age, BMI, smoking habits, physical activity or stress levels, compared to those who did not achieve pregnancy (all P > 0.05). Compared to women with IVF failure, those achieving clinical pregnancy and live birth reported consuming more fruits (median values: 1.77 vs. 1.49 servings/day and 1.77 vs. 1.41 servings/day, respectively) and more vegetables (1.79 vs. 1.37 servings/day and 1.89 vs. 1.36 servings/day, respectively), all P < 0.05. No significant association between F&V intake and IVF intermediate outcomes was recorded. The multivariable-adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval) for clinical pregnancy for increasing intake of fruit and vegetable (servings/day, continuous) was 1.23 (1.06–1.44) and 1.25 (1.02–1.57), respectively, and for live birth it was 1.29 (1.10–1.51) and 1.36 (1.10–1.71), respectively.

Discussion

Higher pre-treatment F&V was related to higher probability of clinical pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing IVF. These results highlight the importance of dietary influences on fertility and suggest the need for additional research on the effects of F&V intake on reproductive endpoints in women conceiving through infertility treatments.
Associations of Diet and Plasma BCAA Concentrations in Healthy Men and Women – Results from the KarMeN Study
Authors: Merz Benedikt , Rist Manuela , Bub Achim , Watzl Bernhard
Published: June 2020

Diet is the only source of the essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) isoleucine, leucine and valine. High plasma concentrations of these amino acids are discussed as risk factors for the onset of several diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) or cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Information about the contribution of the overall diet to plasma levels of these amino acids is controversial. Our objective was to investigate which dietary pattern is associated with plasma BCAA concentrations in a healthy population and which other additional nutrients besides isoleucine, leucine and valine, such as other amino acids, may contribute to the diseases risk.

The Karlsruhe Metabolomics and Nutrition (KarMeN) study is a cross-sectional study aiming to determine the impact of a number of factors on the human metabolome in healthy men and women aged 18 and 80 years. In our study, fasting plasma amino acid concentrations as well as current and habitual dietary intake were assessed in 298 apparently healthy individuals, 171 men (57.4%) and 127 women (42.6%) with a mean age of 44.5 and 51.6 years, respectively. All reported foods were summarized into 35 food groups. Dietary patterns were derived that explain as much variation as possible in plasma BCAA concentrations using reduced rank regression. The first derived current dietary pattern covering the diet of the past 24 hours, showed 19.2% of explained variance for BCAA plasma concentrations, whereas the first habitual dietary pattern, covering a period of more than 4 weeks, explained 32.5%. For further analysis, we focused on the first derived habitual dietary pattern. This pattern was high in meat, sausages, sauces, eggs, and ice cream but low in nuts, cereals, mushrooms, and pulses. The age, sex, and energy intake adjusted dietary pattern score was associated with an increase in animal-based protein and at the same a decrease in plant-based protein, dietary fibre and an unfavorable fatty acid composition. Amino acids alanine, lysine and the aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan were positively associated with the dietary pattern score as well. All of these factors were reported to be associated with risk of T2D and CVD.

Our data suggest that rather than the dietary intake of BCAA, the overall dietary pattern contributing to high BCAA plasma concentrations may modulate the chronic diseases risk.
New Zealand dietary patterns in relation to bone and nutritional health status among post-menopausal women
Authors: Ilesanmi-Oyelere Bolaji Lilian , Brough Louise , Coad Jane , Roy Nicole , Kruger Marlena
Published: June 2020

Nutrients affect bone health status. However, dietary patterns advance insight into which particular foods influence bone and nutritional health status. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between dietary patterns, bone and nutritional health status in postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study examined 127 postmenopausal women aged between 54–81 years. Body composition and bone health status were determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The dietary composition was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire composed of 108 foods, of which 34 food groups were created. Dietary patterns (DP) were identified by principal component analysis. The bone and nutritional measures were regressed onto the dietary pattern. Five DPs were identified, two of which were associated with nutritional status. Fruit and carbohydrate DP was associated with decreased weight (r = -0.192, P = 0.038), body mass index (r = -0.184, P = 0.047) and body fat (r = -0.181, P = 0.050). Coffee and yoghurt/cream DP was associated with weight (r = 0.223, P = 0.015), body mass index (r = 0.245, P = 0.008) and body fat (r = 0.195, P = 0.036). Bone health status; spine T-score (r = 0.283, P = 0.002), hip T-score (r = 0.309, P = 0.001), femoral neck T-score (r = 0.317, P = 0.001) and whole-body bone mineral density (r = 0.261, P = 0.004) were also associated with coffee and yoghurt/cream DP. Milk products DP was associated with spine T-score (r = 0.304, P = 0.001). A dietary pattern characterized by high factor loadings of coffee, milk and yoghurt/cream was associated with higher BMD and T-scores. Although coffee intake has been associated with low bone mass, the impact of milk products appears to override the effects of coffee as an important determinant of bone health status in postmenopausal women.
Dietary patterns associated with kidney function decline and incident chronic kidney disease in the general population: the LifeLines cohort study
Authors: Cai Qingqing , Dekker Louise , Borst Martin , Navis Gerjan
Published: June 2020

Nutrition strongly impacts the incidence and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, reduced rank regression (RRR) has emerged as a method that identifies dietary patterns in an exploratory way while using prior knowledge to select a set of response variables. The aim of this study was to identify a specific dietary pattern associated with renal function using RRR, and to evaluate its association with CKD incidence. We included 78,350 participants from the LifeLines population-based cohort in the Northern Netherlands. All participants were free of CKD (defined as eGFRCKD-EPI < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) at baseline and completed a second visit four years later. Dietary intake was ascertained with a 110-item food frequency questionnaire. The dietary pattern, stratified by sex, was constructed cross-sectionally by RRR, with eGFR as a response variable. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study the association between dietary patterns score and CKD incidence or an eGFR decline of ≥ 20%, adjusted for potential confounders. Among women, the eGFR-associated dietary pattern was characterized by high intake of eggs, low-fat and high-fat cheese, and legumes and low consumption of sweetened dairy drinks, desserts, cake and cookies, sweet sandwich toppings, white meat, and commercially prepared dishes. The male dietary pattern was characterized by high consumption of high-fat and low-fat cheese, bread, full-fat milk, fruits, vegetables, beer, and low consumption of white and red meat. After a mean follow-up of 3.9 years, 7,612 participants experienced a > 20% eGFR decline and 2,072 participants developed CKD. The eGFR-based diet was associated with a lower risk of eGFR decline (OR 4th vs 1st quartile, women: 0.84 [95% CI 0.76–0.92]; men: 0.74 [0.65–0.84] and of incident CKD (women: 0.60 [0.50–0.73] ; men: 0.52 [0.41–0.66]). The results provide support for potential diet interventions to prevent renal function decline and CKD. RRR may be a useful tool to identify dietary patterns that affect renal function loss and CKD development.
Prevalence of underweight in the Roma population from a rural area in the south part of Romania- Călăraşi county
Authors: Rusu Emilia , Enache Georgiana , Alexescu Alexandra , Rusu Florin , Cosoreanu Andrada , Bejinariu Catalina , Jinga Mariana , Radulian Gabriela
Published: June 2020

Background and aim:

The Roma population is one of the ethnic minorities with a long history of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of underweight in Roma population living in rural settlements from Călăraşi County in the south part of Romania.

Methods:

This cross-sectional, epidemiological, non-interventional study was conducted from March 2014 to May 2017 in several villages from Calarasi County. We analized the data from 978 people: 660 Roma (457 females/203 males), and 318 Romanian Caucasians (213 females/105 males) aged between 18 and 88 yr. Body mass index (BMI) was classified using the definitions of World Health Organization and a BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 was defined as underweight.

Results:

In Roma population group, the prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity was 4.5% (n = 30), 26.5% (n = 175), 25% (n = 165) and 43.9% (n = 290) respectively. The prevalence of underweight was higher in Roma population compared to Romanian Caucasian, with a significantly higher prevalence in young age groups, 6.9% in 18–29-year age group and 8.2% in 30–39-year age group as well as in the age group of over 70 years (7.5%).

Among the Roma population, in multivariate adjustment for all covariates in a backward stepwise elimination procedure, significant predictors of underweight were a current smoking and lower socio-educational level (under eight classes).

Conclusions:

Our results confirm and reinforce the need to implement prevention programs in high-risk populations such as the Roma population, due to the double burden of malnutrition, low access to the health system, low socio-economic level, limited access to education lack of medical education and preventive healthcare.
Dietary selenium intakes and their association with muscle strength and function in ≥ 85 year old adults: the Newcastle 85 + Study
Authors: Perri Giorgia , Hill Tom , Mathers John , Mendonça Nuno , Duncan Rachel , Walsh Jennifer , Eastell Richard
Published: June 2020

Selenium is an essential micronutrient with biochemical and cellular effects through activities of 25 selenocysteine-containing selenoproteins. Selenoproteins are anti-inflammatory and have antioxidant properties. Severe selenium deficiency causes muscle weakness and atrophy in humans however the effects of moderate selenium deficiency are unclear. The aims of this study are twofold: 1) to determine dietary selenium intakes and contributing food sources in very old adults and; 2) to determine whether dietary selenium intakes are associated with 5-year trajectories of muscle function: hand-grip strength (HGS) and Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG).

Cross-sectional (baseline) and prospective (1.5, 3 and 5-year follow-up) analyses of 845 participants aged 85 years from the Newcastle 85 + study were assessed for HGS and TUG performance using standardized protocols (Antoneta et al. 2016). Baseline dietary intakes were assessed using 24-hour multiple pass recall methods on two separate days (Mendonça et al. 2016). The top selenium food contributors (~90%) and the adequacy of intakes were determined i.e. those with intakes < LRNI, between the LRNI and RNI and > RNI. Linear mixed models explored the associations between selenium intake categories and time on the prospective, 5-year change in HGS and TUG in all participants, males and females.

Median intakes of selenium were 39, 48 and 35μg for all participants, males and females, respectively. Selenium intakes were below the LRNI in 51% of participants (median 27μg) whilst 15% had intakes ≥ the RNI (median 85μg). Only 13.3% of females and 16.9 % of males met the RNI. The top selenium contributors were cereals (46%), meat (22%), fish (10%), milk (6%), eggs (4%) and potatoes (3%) making up 91% of selenium intakes. Those with the lowest intakes had 2.72 kg lower HGS and 2.36s slower TUG compared to those with higher intakes (P < 0.005). There was no association between selenium intake in HGS or TUG, but time had a significant effect on the rate of change over 5-years in both parameters (P < 0.001).

Overall these results show that poor dietary selenium intakes are common in very old adults and that cereal and cereal products are major sources of selenium in this population. Whilst low selenium intakes are associated with worse HGS and TUG performance in the cross-sectional analysis, no significant associations were observed in the prospective analyses.
A prospective investigation of dietary prebiotic intake and colorectal cancer risk in the EPIC-Oxford cohort
Authors: Castro-Espin Carlota , Graham Brittany , Appleby Paul N. , Agudo Antonio , Key Timothy J. , Perez-Cornago Aurora
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Prebiotics are a subtype of dietary fibre selectively fermented by beneficial bacterial in the colon. Preclinical evidence has suggested that prebiotics may be associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. However, the association between dietary intake of prebiotics and colorectal cancer risk has not been investigated prospectively. This study aims to prospectively investigate the association between total prebiotic intake and colorectal cancer risk. Further characterisation of the association by prebiotic sub-type (fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs)) and colorectal cancer sub-site (colon cancer and rectal cancer) were secondary objectives.

Material and methods:

A total of 53,700 men and women living in England and Scotland who were enrolled in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Oxford study, were included in the analysis and followed up for incident colorectal cancers. Validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires administered at baseline were used to calculate daily fructan, GOS and total prebiotic intake. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to assess associations between prebiotic intake and risk of colorectal cancer.

Results:

A total of 574 incident cases of colorectal cancer were identified during a mean of 16.1 years of follow-up. Total prebiotic, fructan and GOS intake were not significantly associated with colorectal cancer risk. The hazard ratios for those in the highest fourths of total prebiotic, fructan and GOS intake compared to those in the lowest fourths were 0.87 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.66–1.14; P for trend = 0.3), 0.91 (95% CI 0.70–1.18; P for trend = 0.4), and 0.87 (95% CI 0.66–1.15; P for trend = 0.4) respectively. The associations remained nonsignificant when colorectal cancer sub-sites were investigated separately.

Discussion:

The results from this observational study do not support an association between prebiotic intake and colorectal cancer risk. Given the biological plausibility of a role for prebiotics in reducing colorectal cancer risk and since the non-significant association between prebiotic intake and colorectal cancer risk observed in the current study may be due to the small number of cases and the healthy profile of the cohort, further epidemiological research is needed to characterise the association between dietary prebiotic intake and colorectal cancer incidence.
A technology-based nutritional education intervention to increase fruit and vegetables consumption in university students: findings from a randomised controlled study
Authors: Hill Alyson , Hafiz Amin , Gallagher Alison
Published: June 2020

Background:

The transition to University is recognised as a vulnerable period for many young adults with the establishment of unhealthy eating behaviours. Evidence indicates that diets are low in fruit and vegetables, high in confectionary and fast food therefore, having the potential to develop obesity and long-term health implications. This RCT aimed to investigate the impact of providing 5 portions of fruit and vegetables (F&V) daily on consumption and plasma measurements. In addition to investigate whether intake was enhanced by nutritional education delivered using Facebook (FB)

Methods:

Sixty full-time university students (36 females, 24 males) were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: F&V received five portions (80g) of fruit and vegetables daily for 4 weeks; F&V + FB received as for F&V group and in addition nutrition messages using FB; Control group maintained their usual diet. Compliance with F&V consumption was determined by analysis of vitamin C and carotenoid levels and in addition recorded intake and returned all uneaten F&V. Level of engagement on FB page was categorized according to interaction: highly active, somewhat active (interacts > once per month) or minimally active (interacts

Results:

Participants were aged 24.4 (SD 3.7) years and mean BMI of 25.4 (SD 4.7) kg/m2. Study groups did not differ by age, however they did differ by gender (24 male and 36 female, P = 0.003), BMI (P = < 0.039) and TEI (P = < 0.041). The number of portions of FV consumed increased in both intervention groups (P = < 0.001) and showed that 65% of participants increased intake of FV in both intervention groups (P = < 0.001) from baseline to end of study of 4.6 (0.6) F&V group, 4.7 (0.4) F&V + FB group. Mean change in serum β carotene was significantly higher for both intervention groups than the control group at the end of the four-week intervention period. However, the provision of F&V with or without FB did not have any enhanced effect on FV consumption and was not sustained at 3 weeks after the end of the intervention. Of those 20 participants in the F&V + FB group, 70% engaged with FB regularly with 35% classified as highly active, 15% moderately active and 50% minimally active.

Conclusions:

This study showed an increased consumption from 1.6 to 4.6 portions fruit and vegetables daily over the 4week study period and showed an increase in vitamin C and retinol levels. However, providing additional nutrition education via FB was insufficient to increase consumption.