bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships of maternal plasma pro-vitamin A carotenoids and children's neurocognitive outcomes
Authors: Lai Jun Shi , Cai Shirong , Lee Bee Lan , Godfrey Keith M. , Gluckman Peter D. , Shek Lynette P. , Yap Fabian , Tan Kok Hian , Chong Yap Seng , Ong Choon Nam , Meaney Michael J. , Broekman Birit F.P. , Rifkin-Graboi Anne , Chong Mary F.F.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Pro-vitamin A carotenoids namely α-, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin have potential roles in neurocognitive development, but current literature on these carotenoids mainly focused on preventing cognitive decline in the elderly. This study examined the associations of maternal plasma pro-vitamin A carotenoids concentrations with offspring cognitive development up to 54 months in the GUSTO mother-offspring cohort study.

Materials and Methods

Maternal plasma pro-vitamin A carotenoids concentrations at delivery were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. At age 24 months, the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III) was used to assess children's development for the following domains: cognitive, receptive and expressive language, and fine and gross motor. At age 54 months, the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2) was used to assess children's verbal and non-verbal intelligence. Associations of maternal pro-vitamin A carotenoids with offspring cognitive development at each time point were examined in 419 mother-offspring pairs using linear regressions adjusted for confounders (e.g. maternal demographics, antenatal mental health and breastfeeding duration).

Results

Median (IQR) maternal plasma concentrations (mg/L) were: α-carotene 0.052 (0.032–0.081), β-carotene 0.189 (0.134–0.286), and β-cryptoxanthin 0.199 (0.123–0.304). In 24 months old infants, higher maternal β-cryptoxanthin (per SD increment) were associated with higher scores in most of BSID-III domains: cognitive [β 0.18, (0.08, 0.28) SD], receptive language [β 0.17 (0.07, 0.27) SD], fine motor [β 0.16 (0.06, 0.27) SD], and gross motor [β 0.16 (0.06, 0.27) SD]. Additionally, a 1-SD increment in maternal β-carotene concentrations were associated with 0.16 SD higher scores in BSID-III cognitive domain (95%: 0.04, 0.28), which was attenuated after adjusting for breastfeeding duration. No significant associations were observed between maternal α-carotene concentrations and BSID-III in children at 24 months of age, or between maternal pro-vitamin A carotenoids and KBIT-2 in children at 54 months of age.

Discussion

Our study provides novel data suggesting a role of maternal pro-vitamin A carotenoids, especially β-cryptoxanthin, in offspring early cognitive development. This adds support to the importance of consuming sufficient amounts of red- and orange-coloured fruit and vegetables (rich sources of β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene) during pregnancy. Further studies are required in other mother-offspring cohort with larger sample sizes, and intervention trials to confirm an effect of pro-vitamin A carotenoids on neurocognitive development.
Current intakes of Interesterified fats in the UK diet and the dietary impact of their substitution with functionally equivalent alternatives
Authors: Bruce Johanna , Hall Wendy , Francis Lucy , Mills Charlotte , Berry Sarah
Published: June 2020

Interesterified (IE) saturated-rich fats are widely used to replace partially-hydrogenated fats as hard fats with functional properties needed for spreads/margarines, baked goods, and confectionary, while avoiding the health hazards of trans fats. However, the amount of IE fat consumed and their predicted pubic health impact relative to other application-appropriate fats is unknown. We investigated current intakes of IE fats and the dietary impact of substitution of IE with functionally-equivalent replacement fats using observational data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (years 5–6 (2012–2014), n = 2546) and technical manufacturing data from a UK IE fat supplier. The major sources, types and quantities of IE fat intake were calculated for the total population and different age, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

IE fat contributes 3.4% of total fat and 1.1% of % total energy intake (TEI) (range 0–10.3%), with 19–64 yr old males consuming 1.1% and females 0.9% TEI from IE fats. 19–64 yr old quartiles of TEI intake were: 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.2%. The 65 yr + age category consumed the most IE fat (1.5% Energy), followed by 11–18 yr (1.2%) and 19–64 yr (1.0%). TEI from IE fats was 1% for high-income households, 1.1% for the middle-income group and 1.2% for the low-income group. White individuals consumed more energy from IE fat (1.2% TEI) than all other ethnic groups (0.7% TEI).

The main sources of IE fats in the UK are from retail spreads (margarines); 54.2%, baked goods; 22.1%, biscuits; 7.7%, non-dairy creams; 5.9% and confectionery; 5.6%. Palmitic/lauric acid-rich IE fats, formulated from palm and palm kernel oils, account for 70% of IE fat consumed. Reformulation of the largest contributor to IE intakes (spreads) to remove IE fat, but retain the same functional characteristics, increased the saturated fatty acid (SFA) composition from 22% to 37%, 25% to 36%, 39% to 42% in three most commonly consumed spread formulations. Replacement of IE fats with non-IE alternative formulations would increase population SFA intake by 0.3% of TEI.

IE fats contribute a small but important amount to the fat intake of the UK population. Removal of IE fat would result in an increase in SFA intake which may have public health implications. Previous research has not focused on the most commonly consumed IE fat blends identified (Palmitic/lauric rich), therefore a re-prioritisation of future research work is recommended to assess the potential impact of IE fats consumed by the UK population.
Maternal diet during pregnancy and child weight outcomes
Authors: Bogl Leonie Helen , Strohmaier Susannne , Eliassen Heather , Massa Jennifer , Field Alison , Chavarro Jorge , Ding Ming , Tamimi Rulla , Schernhammer Eva
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Animal studies suggest that maternal diet during pregnancy influences susceptibility to obesity in the next generation. One-carbon nutrients involved in epigenetic processes represent a possible underlying mechanism. Unfortunately, there is limited research in humans to support animal findings, and the few studies available have been limited to birth defects and weight outcomes in early infancy. The aim of this project was to examine the associations between maternal diet (diet quality indicators and one-carbon nutrients) during the period surrounding pregnancy and long-term weight outcomes in the offspring.

Methods

We examined 2,729 mother-child pairs from the Nurses’ Health Study II and the offspring cohort Growing Up Today Study 2 (GUTS 2). Children, 12–14 years at baseline were 21–23 years at the last follow-up. Overweight was defined for youth less than 18 years of age using sex- and age-specific body mass index (BMI) cut-offs recommended by the International Obesity Task Force and for those 18 years or older as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Dietary information was collected by a validated 131-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and questions on supplement use. Maternal dietary patterns were calculated from FFQs using three diet quality scores – the alternate Healthy Eating Index (aHEI), Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) and Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH). Log-binomial models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

In models adjusted for sex, gestational age at delivery and maternal total energy intake, greater maternal adherence to aMED and DASH, but not aHEI, was associated with lower overweight risk in the offspring (RRQ5 vs Q1 = 0.82 [0.70–0.97] for aMED and 0.86 [0.72–1.04] for DASH) (P for trend < 0.05 for both). After additional adjustment for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and socio-demographic characteristic, none of the diet quality scores was significantly associated with child's birth weight or overweight risk during follow-up. Analysis with one-carbon nutrients are ongoing; we hypothesize that children born to mothers with greater intake of one-carbon nutrients have a lower risk of developing overweight compared to children of mothers with lower intake of these nutrients.

Conclusions

Maternal diet quality indices during pregnancy were not associated with child's birth weight or the risk of developing overweight at ages 12 to 23 years. Further research on maternal dietary intake during pregnancy is warranted because pregnancy offers a window of opportunity to promote behavioral change that may program the health of the next generation.
The consumption of ultra-processed foods by fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans is associated with the duration and commencing age of diet
Authors: Gehring Joséphine , Touvier Mathilde , Baudry Julia , Julia Chantal , Buscail Camille , Srour Bernard , Hercberg Serge , Péneau Sandrine , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Allès Benjamin
Published: June 2020

Introduction

In Western countries, the growing availability of animal products alternatives such as plant-based drinks or vegetarian patties for vegetarians and vegans, suggest that there could be an increase of their consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). However, very little is known about the share of UPFs, and inversely unprocessed foods (UnPFs), in their diet. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the proportion of UPFs and UnPFs, in adults from the NutriNet-Santé cohort, according to three types of vegetarian diets compared to meat-eaters. The relationship between diet characteristics such as duration and commencing age of the diet, and the share of UPFs, and UnPFs, were also studied among individuals following vegetarian diets.

Materials and Methods

The study population (n = 21,212) was divided into 4 groups: 19,812 meat eaters, 646 fish-eaters, 500 vegetarians and 254 vegans. Daily food intakes, adjusted for sex, age and total energy intake, were collected using repeated 24-h dietary records. Vegetarian diets were described according to indicators of UPFs and UnPFs, and the Healthy and Unhealthy plant-based Diet Indices (hPDI/uPDI). In a sub-sample without meat eaters (n = 1,400), multivariable linear regression models were performed to assess the association between UPF consumptions and diet characteristics.

Results

UPFs accounted for 33.0%, 32.5%, 37.0% and 39.5% respectively for meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans. On the contrary, UnPFs accounted for 29%, 29%, 27% and 31%. The means of uPDI and hPDI indices were respectively equal to 54.0, 53.2, 56.9 and 59.9, and 53.5, 60.6, 61.4 and 67.9 for meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans. Concerning diet characteristics, a shorter duration of being vegetarian, or a younger age at commencing of the diet was significantly associated with increased consumptions of UPFs (respectively p = 0.0010 and p < 0.0001).

Discussion

We showed that vegetarians can be distinguished according to the share of both UPFs and UnPFs in their diet, but also concerning the diet quality according to hPDI and uPDI. Thus, the share of UPFs in the diet and associated characteristics such duration and commencing age of the diet, should be considered in future studies about the link between vegetarianisms and health.
Drivers and barriers of water intake in preschool children in a one-year longitudinal field study in Poland
Authors: Bottin Jeanne H. , Boesen-Mariani Sabine , Guelinckx Isabelle , Franks Bradley , Dornic Quentin , Verhoeven Aukje , Lahlou Saadi
Published: June 2020

Background

Many children consume too little water and too many sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), with potential negative consequences for health. Sustainably increasing water intake is therefore relevant, however challenging.

Objective

Explore drivers of and barriers to water intake during a one-year field study aiming to increase plain water consumption using Installation Theory in Polish preschool children.

Method

Caregivers of children (3–6 yrs) completed questionnaires on the child's preference for water and SSBs, water drinking habit strength (Self-Report Habit Index, range 1 (low)-5 (high habit)), and barriers to drinking water, at baseline and after one year. Children were first allocated to one of three interventions: CONTROL: no intervention; INFO: online coaching sessions on water health benefits (3 weeks); INFO + W: similar coaching sessions and home water delivery (3 weeks). After 3 months, half of INFO and INFO + W subjects were exposed to an online discussion forum (3 weeks) (+ SOCIAL); the other half received no further intervention (-SOCIAL).

Results

334 children (age: 4.4 ± 1.2 yrs; 50% female) completed the study. At baseline,72% attended kindergarten, among which 48% had access to water during the day. Drinking water during class was not allowed for 41%. The proportion of children who liked or loved water increased from 28% at baseline to 67% after one year. Conversely, that of children who liked or loved SSBs decreased from 58% at baseline to 45% after one year. The increase in preference for water was greater in groups who initially received INFO + W compared to CONTROL (p = 0.004). The mean drinking water habit score increased from 2.3 at baseline to 3.0 across all groups with a larger increase in INFO + W + SOCIAL (+ 28%) compared to CONTROL (+ 16%) (p = 0.001). At baseline, the strongest barriers to drinking water were (1) Drinking large amounts of other beverages (72%), (2) A preference for other beverages such as SSBs (71%), (3) Not being aware that they should drink more water (61%), and (4) Not being used to drinking water or water having no taste (both 55%).Most barriers strongly decreased over the course of the study with no specific effect of the interventions.

Conclusion

An intervention aiming to increase water in pre-school children was able to modulate the preference for water, habit to drink water, and barriers to drinking water in preschool children with unhealthy drinking habits. Providing information and facilitating access to water were the most important contributors to improving healthy hydration habits.
Impact of proanthocyanidin-rich apple intake on gut microbiota composition and polyphenol metabolomic activity in healthy mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects
Authors: Koutsos Athanasios , Ulaszewska Maria M. , Trošt Kajetan , Stanstrup Jan , Mariani Letizia , Galvin Amanda , Braune Tanya , Fava Francesca , Franciosi Elena , Pindo Massimo , Scholz Matthias , Mattivi Fulvio , Tuohy Kieran , Lovegrove Julie
Published: June 2020

Apples are a rich source of polyphenols and fiber. Proanthocyanidins (PAs), the largest polyphenolic class in apples, can reach the colon almost intact where they interact with the gut microbiota producing simple phenolic acids. These metabolites have the potential to modulate gut microbiota composition and activity and impact on host physiology. A randomized, controlled, crossover, dietary intervention study was performed to determine the broad effects of whole apple intake on fecal gut microbiota composition and activity. Forty heathy mildly hypercholesterolemic volunteers (23 women, 17 men), with a mean BMI (± SD) 25.3 ± 3.7 kg/m2 and age 51 ± 11 years, consumed 2 apples/day (Renetta Canada, rich in PAs), or a sugar matched control apple beverage, for 8 weeks separated by a 4-week washout period in a random order. Fecal and 24-h urine samples were collected before and after each treatment. The broad effects of apple intake on fecal gut microbiota composition were explored by the high throughput sequencing (HTS) of 16S rRNA gene lllumina MiSeq sequencing (V3-V4 region). Sequencing data analysis was performed using the Quantitative Insight Into Microbial Ecology (QIIME) open-source pipeline version 1.9.1. Specific bacterial groups were also enumerated using the quantitative Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH). Furthermore, the potential formation of microbial polyphenol metabolites, after apple intake, was explored in urine using Liquid Chromatography (LC) High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) metabolomics. Preliminary analysis showed no changes in gut microbiota abundances measured by Illumina MiSeq, after correction for multiple testing. Apple intake significantly decreased Enterobacteriaceae population (P = 0.04) compared to the control beverage, as determined with FISH. Twenty-four polyphenol microbial metabolites were identified in higher concentrations in the apple group (P < 0.05) compared to the control, including valerolactones, valeric and phenolic acids. In conclusion, preliminary data suggest that the daily intake of 2 Renetta Canada apples significantly decreased Enterobacteriaceae population, a family known for its pathogenic members, in healthy mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. Moreover, several polyphenol microbial metabolites were identified, suggesting that microbial activity is crucial and a prerequisite for the absorption of apple polyphenols, producing active metabolites with potential health benefits.
Cardioprotective properties of a novel enriched yogurt with inhibitors of Platelet Activating Factor (PAF)
Authors: Detopoulou Maria , Fragopoulou Elizabeth , Mikellidi Αnastasia , Vlachogianni Ιoanna , Xanthopoulou Μarianna , Argyrou Chrysa , Nomikos Tzortzis , Yannakoulia Mary , Antonopoulou Smaragdi
Published: June 2020

Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) is a pro-inflammatory mediator of atherogenesis. Food enriched with PAF inhibitors may have potential cardioprotective properties. In this attempt our group along with a well-known Greek dairy company incorporated bioactive ingredients (BAL) from olive-oil by-products, rich in PAF receptor specific inhibitors, into another typical food of the Mediterranean diet, namely yogurt. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cardioprotective properties of the enriched yogurt in apparently healthy volunteers.

Ninety two apparently healthy volunteers (35–65 years) were randomly allocated into three groups by block-randomization based on age, sex and BMI. The volunteers in Group A did not consume any yogurt. The volunteers of Group B consumed a non-enriched yogurt daily. The Group C volunteers ate daily an enriched yogurt. The intervention lasted 8 weeks. Volunteers’ adherence to the study protocol was assessed by two 24 h recalls every two weeks conducted by trained personnel. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline, at 4th week and at 8th week of the intervention and biochemical and inflammatory markers were determined. In addition, platelet aggregation in volunteers’ platelet rich plasma against PAF, ADP and TRAP were measured and the results expressed as the concentration of the agonist that cause 50% of the maximum aggregation (EC50, efficient concentration fifty values).

Among classical anthropometric and biochemical markers, only a decrease of blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) levels was observed (p0–8weeks < 0.05) in group B but with no clinical significance. Reduced levels of IL-10 was observed in group C compared to B both in the meantime (p4weeks = 0.01) and at the end of the intervention (p8weeks = 0.04). Furthermore, platelet sensitivity against PAF was only decreased (higher EC50 PAF,) in group C (p0–4weeks = 0.005 and p0–8weeks = 0.05). A trial effect was observed in the meantime among the three groups (p = 0.03).

The consumption of the enriched yogurt led to attenuation of subclinical inflammation and platelet sensitivity to thrombotic stimuli in apparently healthy volunteers, indicating a potential cardioprotective role of PAF inhibitors.

The work is funded by SYNERGASIA 2011 PROGRAMME. This Programme is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and National Resources, Project Code 11SYN-2-652.
Colonic dysmotility and inflammation associated with high fat diet-induced obesity: role of the enteric glia
Authors: Fornai Matteo , Pellegrini Carolina , D'Antongiovanni Vanessa , Benvenuti Laura , Bernardini Nunzia , Ippolito Chiara , Segnani Cristina , Colucci Rocchina , van den Wijngaard Renè , Blandizzi Corrado , Antonioli Luca
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Enteric glial cells (EGCs) contribute to the regulation of bowel motility, and have been implicated in the onset and development of several digestive disorders. However, the involvement of EGCs in obesity-related intestinal dysmotility is unknown. Accordingly, this study examined the role of EGCs in colonic neuromuscular dysfunctions in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity.

Materials and Methods

C57BL/6 male mice (n = 6 per group) were fed with standard diet (SD) or high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. Body and epididymal fat weight, and blood fasting glucose levels were evaluated the day before sacrifice. Colonic longitudinal muscle strips were set up in organ baths with Krebs solution and connected to isometric transducers. The effects of fluorocitrate (FC, gliotoxin) were tested on contractile responses mediated by NK1 tachykininergic receptors upon application of electrical stimuli (0.5 ms, 28 V, 10 Hz) [incubation with atropine, guanethidine, L-NAME, GR159897 and SB218795 (NK2 and NK3 antagonists, respectively)] or exogenous substance P (SP). Colonic levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, malondialdehyde (MDA) and occludin (a tight junction protein involved the maintenance of mucosal barrier) were measured. Cultured rat EGCs were exposed to palmitate and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), either alone or in combination, to mimic the exposure to HFD. IL-1β and SP levels were then assessed in cell supernatants, while toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression was evaluated in cell lysates.

Results

HFD-mice displayed increments of body weight, epididymal fat weight and blood glucose levels. In in vitro experiments, electrically induced colonic tachykininergic contractions were enhanced in HFD mice, as compared with SD animals. No differences were observed when comparing contractions to exogenous SP. The increase in electrically evoked tachykininergic contractions was blunted upon incubation with the gliotoxin FC. Exogenous SP-induced contractions were not affected by FC. HFD mice displayed an increase in colonic IL-1β, IL-6 and MDA levels and a reduced occludin expression, as compared with SD mice. Exposure of EGCs to palmitate, alone or in combination with LPS, resulted in a significant increase in TLR4 expression, while LPS alone was without effects. The combination of palmitate and LPS increased significantly IL-1β and SP levels in cell supernatants, while single treatments were without effects.

Discussion

HFD is characterized by colonic dysmotility along with bowel inflammation, oxidative stress, and an impairment of mucosal barrier integrity. In this setting, the hyperactivation of EGCs, likely via TLR4, appears to contribute to inflammation and colonic tachykininergic motor dysfunctions.
Changes in Resting Energy Expenditure following Gastric Bypass Surgery: Impact on Total Body Weight.
Authors: Naseer Fathimath , Price Ruth , McElroy Adele , Le Roux Carel , Redpath Tamsyn , Martin Melanie , Livingstone Barbara
Published: June 2020

Bariatric surgery, including Gastric Bypass (GBP) Surgery, is the most efficient modality to manage severe obesity. Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) is an area of interest in the context of weight loss (WL) as it has been postulated to be an independent predictor of WL success following GBP. As such, the aim of this study is to investigate the impact of REE on WL following GBP. 31 GBP patients (77.4% females BMI 45.5 ± 7.0kg/m2 ; 47.3 ± 11.6y) and 32 weight-stable controls (46.9% females; BMI 27.0 ± 4.6kg/m2 ; 41.1 ± 13.5y) were assessed at one-month pre-surgery and at 3 and 12-months post-surgery. Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (Lunar iDXA, GE Healthcare). REE was measured under standardised conditions using indirect calorimetry (ECAL, Metabolic Health Solutions). Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS v24.0, Armonk, NY. Multiple regression analysis showed that FM (P = 0.001), FFM (P < 0.0001) and gender (P = 0.012) significantly predicted the interindividual variability in REE. Total body weight (TBW) was removed from the model due to collinearity. Adjusted-REE values were then generated using the above predictor variables. Low-REE and high-REE groups were created using within-group adjusted-REE split. At both follow-ups (3- and 12-months post-surgery), patients had a greater reduction in TBW, FM, FFM, measured-REE and adjusted-REE values compared with controls (P < 0.0001). There was also no significant difference between measured and adjusted-REE values at all time-points (P > 0.05). Patients with high REEs at baseline lost more TBW than those in the low-REE group at 3-months post-surgery (-24.9 ± 6.5 kg vs. -16.6 ± 7.0 kg; P = 0.005) and 12-months post-surgery (-41.3 ± 12.5 kg vs. -25.8 ± 10.4.0 kg; P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in mean TBW changes for controls in the low-and high-REE groups at both follow-ups. Patients with high REEs at 3-months post-surgery did not lose more TBW than those in the low-REE group at 12-months post-surgery (-30.1 ± 12.8 kg vs. -38.6 ± 14.4 kg; P = 0.155). Similarly, there was no difference in mean TBW reduction between controls in the low- and high-REE groups (P = 0.115). Thus while patients with a high adjusted-REE value at baseline (> 9746.6kJ/day) lost more weight at 3- and 12-months post-GBP, it is plausible that from the third to the 12th month post-surgery, other key drivers of weight loss, particularly the reduction in energy intake are more important in predicting WL. Further research with a larger sample size is required to increase the chances of detecting a true effect.
Inflammation in Psoriatic Arthritis: The DIETA trial – Dietetic IntervEntion in psoriaTic Arthritis
Authors: Leite Beatriz , Morimoto Melissa , Gomes Carina , Klemz Barbara , Genaro Patricia , Damasceno Nagila , Szejnfeld Vera , Pinheiro Marcelo
Published: June 2020

The oxidative stress has been considered one of the main aspects related to psoriatic arthritis (PsA), diabetes, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome. Based in the premise that there is a close relationship between the metabolic and inflammatory domain in PsA patients, our aim was to evaluate the role of a 12-week nutritional intervention, including hypocaloric diet and antioxidant supplementation, on inflammatory markers and disease activity in patients with PsA.

A total of 97 patients diagnosed with PsA (CASPAR, 2006) were included in this randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Patients were distributed in three different groups: control (C) that received placebo (3 g of soybean oil); diet plus supplementation (DS) with hypocaloric diet plus omega 3 supplementation (3g); diet (D) with hypocaloric diet plus placebo supplementation (3 g of soybean oil). It was evaluated skin (PASI and BSA) and joint activity (DAS28-CRP, DAS28-ESR, BASDAI) and biochemical parameters, such as inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, adiponectin, TBARs) and glucose and fat metabolism serum levels (HbA1c, fasting glucose and insulin, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, AGER, oxidized- LDL, electronegative LDL (-) and anti-LDL (-) autoantibody) at baseline (T0) and after 12-week intervention (T3). Descriptive statistics are expressed as mean, standard deviation and frequency. Results were then compared using Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, Wilocoxon, Man-Whitney and T-Student test and multiple regressions. Level of significance was set as p < 0.05.

At baseline there was an increase of inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, TBARs, AGER, LDL modifications), decrease of anti-inflammatory (adiponectin) and high prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (41.2%) and peripheral insulin resistance (60%). Our data showed a significant correlation between electronegative LDL and PASI and a correlation between AGER and DAS28-ESR, indicating that a decrease of inflammatory parameters could be related to skin and joint improvement. However, after 12-week nutritional intervention there has no improvement of proinflammatory markers in the group. There was only a significant increase of adiponectin serum levels in all 3 groups, suggesting a benefit effect on chronic inflammation. According our results, omega 3 supplementation was not more effective to improve inflammation, oxidative stress and disease activity.
The development of a short food frequency questionnaire to assess diet quality in UK adolescents
Authors: Shaw Sarah , Crozier Sarah , Strommer Sofia , Inskip Hazel , Barker Mary , Vogel Christina
Published: June 2020

UK adolescents have poorer diets than other age groups. Improving adolescents’ diets has the potential to improve their health now and in later life, and the health of their future offspring. Established dietary assessment techniques can be difficult to use with adolescents due to high participant burdens. Robust and easy-to-implement techniques are required to assess adolescent diet in large-scale studies. This study aimed to identify the key indicator foods that contribute most to better quality dietary patterns in UK adolescents for use in a short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).

Dietary data, collected using 4-day diet diaries, and nutritional biomarker data from waves 1–8 of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme were used. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to 139 food groups to identify the key indicator foods that contribute most to better quality dietary patterns.

A 20-group diet score was calculated using coefficients for the 20 indicator foods from the 139-group PCA and multiplying by their standardised reported frequency of consumption. Scores were standardised to a mean of zero and a standard deviation (SD) of one.

The association and the agreement between the 139-group diet quality score and 20-group score were calculated using Spearman's correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman limits of agreement, respectively. Spearman's correlations were used to examine the associations between the two diet quality scores and nutritional biomarkers.

NDNS dietary data were available for 1282 boys and 1305 girls aged 11–18 years. The first PCA component explained 3.0% of variance in the dietary data. A high-quality diet was characterised by greater consumption of fruit, vegetables, beans and pulses, wholegrains, nuts, and tap water, plus lower consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, chips, processed meats, white bread, crisps, whole milk, baked beans, and added sugar.

A correlation of 0.86 was observed between the full 139-group score and the 20-group score with the difference between being 0 SDs. Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement were -0.98 to 0.98 SDs. Correlations, in the expected direction, were seen between the 139-group score and all nutritional biomarkers (25-hydroxyvitamin D(rs = 0.14), vitamin C(rs = 0.30), total carotenoids(rs = 0.25), total serum folate(rs = 0.42), homocysteine(rs = -0.25) and vitamin B12(rs = 0.21)). Correlations with the 20-group score were only slightly attenuated.

The 20-group diet quality score showed reasonable agreement with the full 139-item score. Both scores were correlated with nutritional biomarkers. A short 20-item FFQ can provide a meaningful and easy-to-implement tool to assess diet quality in adolescents.
Relative validity of a food frequency questionnaire to assess fruit and vegetable intake in healthy older adults
Authors: Neville Charlotte , McKinley Michelle , Kee Frank , Young Ian , Cardwell Chris , Woodside Jayne
Published: June 2020

Accurate assessment of dietary intake in older populations is important for determining the role of diet in healthy ageing. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is a commonly used dietary assessment tool, however there is limited evidence regarding its utility for accurately assessing fruit and vegetable (FV) intake in older adults. The objective of this study was to validate FV intakes estimated from the FFQ used in the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA) against a food diary (FD).

A dietary validation study was conducted in a sub-sample of 95 participants (45 males, 50 females, aged > 50 years) from NICOLA. Participants were asked to complete a FFQ and 4-day FD (reference method) at two time-points (Month 0 and Month 6). Self-reported FV intakes were compared between methods using Spearman's correlation coefficients, examining the percentage of participants classified into the same or adjacent quartile of FV intake, weighted kappa and Bland-Altman plots.

Median fruit, vegetable and total FV intake were significantly higher in the FFQ than the FD at both Month 0 and Month 6 (all p < 0.001). Significant positive correlations (all p < 0.05) were observed between the FFQ and FD estimates of FV intake at both time-points (Month 0, r = 0.57, 0.50 and 0.49 for fruit, vegetables, total FV, respectively; Month 6 r = 0.56, 0.42 and 0.50, respectively). When FV intakes were classified into fourths (based upon quartiles of total FV portions by FD or FFQ), 80 % and 79 % of participants were classified into the same or adjacent quartile at Month 0 and Month 6, respectively. Weighted kappa indicated a fair-moderate agreement between the two methods for FV intake (weighted kappa = 0.35 and 0.37 at Month 0 and Month 6, respectively). Bland-Altman plots showed that, as FV intake increased, there was a widening in limits of agreements, between the FFQ and FD. There was also a significant positive correlation noted between total FV intakes reported at Month 0 and those reported at Month 6 (r = 0.70, p < 0.001).

Over-reporting of FV intake was evident with the FFQ compared to the FD, however, the results showed good comparability between the methods in being able to rank older adults according to their FV intake. An additional analysis of FV biomarkers obtained from this sample will provide a more objective assessment of FV intake by each method.
Weight status and weight satisfaction in relation to energy intake underreporting in older adults: 2015 Health Survey of São Paulo
Authors: Batista Lais Duarte , de França Natasha Aparecida Grande , Leme Ana Carolina Barco , Fisberg Regina Mara
Published: June 2020

Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight satisfaction are important factors related to energy intake underreporting in younger adults. However, few studies have explored that relation in older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to explore these factors in a sample of older adults who tend to underestimate their energy consumption. Sample included 40 older adults (57.5% male), with mean age of 68.8 ± 5.94 years old, who participated in the Health Survey of São Paulo, Brazil. Their total energy expenditure (TEE) was measured by doubly labelled water technique. BMI was classified according to Pan-American Health Organization and individuals categorized as being or not being overweight/obese. Energy intake (EI) was assessed with two 24-hours dietary recall. Ratio of EI:TEE was used to identify misreporting considering 95% confidence intervals. Chi-Square and t test were used considering 5% of significance level. Sixty percent were classified as under-reporters, 30% as plausible reporters, and 10% as over-reporter. Over-reports were excluded from analysis. Overweight and obesity were higher in under-reporters compared to plausible reporters (75% and 25%). Fifty-eight percent of under-reporters were dissatisfied with their weight. Although weight status was associated with weight satisfaction (p < 0.01), no significant difference was found for BMI (p = 0.76) comparing to plausible and under-reporters. Weight satisfaction was not associated with energy misreporting (p = 0.64). Even though these factors may be related to underreporting in adults, this association was not found among older adults. Results showed the importance of further studies to explore factors that might interfere in underreporting in this population.
Glucose, fructose and sucrose in minimally processed potato: Effect of cultivar, tuber storage time and heat treatment
Authors: Pelaić Zdenka , Dite Hunjek Draženka , Pedisić Sandra , Repajić Maja , Jakupec Dino , Levaj Branka
Published: June 2020

Recently, popularity of minimally processed potatoes (MPP) is growing as well as other minimally processed fruits and vegetables, due to its convenience and easy preparation, what consumers nowadays prefer. However, these types of products are very perishable, influenced by a number of factors, particularly cultivar and tuber condition. Potato is suitable for a long storage, but certain changes occur in its chemical composition during storage. These changes, among other factors, greatly depend upon cultivar, as well as storage conditions, and consequently affect on MPP durability and quality. Besides, MPP is subjected to heat treatment before consumption, where raw potatoes chemical composition and the way of heat treatment affect the chemical composition of the prepared potato dish. Potato sweetening is known phenomenon that occurs during storage, what negatively affect on health safety of fried potato.

Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of cultivar and tubers storage time, as well as MPP storage time and heat treatment on the sugar content in raw, boiled and fried potatoes.

Potato cultivars Birgit and Lady Claire used in this study were stored for 1 and 4 months in warehouse (8 °C /RH 95 %). MPP was produced by washing, peeling, slicing followed by anti-browning treatment (dipping in 2 % sodium ascorbate solution/3 min), draining and vacuum packing in PE/PA bags. After 1st, 5th and 8th day of storage at 10 °C, MPP were boiled and fried. All samples, including raw MPP, were freeze dried and sugar content was determined by UPLC MS/MS.

Most abundant sugar was sucrose, followed by glucose and fructose, where cv. Birgit contained slightly higher values of all sugars compared to cv. Lady Claire. Initial sugar content of both cultivars was very low. However, during tuber aging, as well as during MPP storage time, content of individual sugars increased in most of samples, with slightly higher increase in cv. Birgit raw samples. Furthermore, heat treatment affects on sugar composition, since glucose and fructose are generally reduced in boiled and fried potatoes with certain differences depending on the cultivar. Total sugar content of cv. Birgit MPP mostly increased during storage, regardless tuber age and the way of heat treatment, while in cv. Lady Claire samples opposite trend with few exceptions was observed. Generally, cv. Lady Claire has lower and slightly more stable sugar content upon tuber aging, MPP storage time and heat treatment.
Effects of the Digital Game “Fit, Food, Fun” on Nutritional Knowledge: A Pilot Study among German Children and Adolescents
Authors: Holzmann Sophie Laura , Schaefer Hanna , Groh Georg , Plecher David Alexander , Klinker Gudrun , Schauberger Gunther , Hauner Hans , Holzapfel Christina
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Serious games are a novel and entertaining approach for digital health education in the younger population. Aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of the serious game “Fit, Food, Fun” (FFF) among a subset of children and adolescents in Germany with regard to nutritional knowledge.

Materials and Methods:

Two Bavarian secondary schools were each allocated to one intervention arm. The gameplay intervention (gameplay group; GG) consisted of a 15-minute gameplay session for each of three days (Tuesday to Thursday), while the teaching intervention (teaching group; TG) was performed as a 15-minute classic lecture for the same number of days. Given nutritional information was based on the recommendations of the “German Nutrition Society e.V.” and was identical for both intervention groups. Nutritional knowledge was evaluated through a standardised questionnaire at baseline (Monday) and post-intervention (Friday). Lifestyle behaviour (diet; physical activity) and anthropometrics (height; weight) were assessed once at baseline. Inclusion criteria were sufficient German language skills and parental consent form. Statistical analyses were performed using the statistical software R (R Core Team, 2018).

Results:

In total, 47 students (62% male) were assigned to the GG and 47 students (72% male) to the TG. The mean age was 13.5 years in the GG and 12.8 years in the TG. The mean body mass index was in the normal range (GG: 24.4 kg/m2; TG: 22.0 kg/m2). Data at baseline and post-intervention are analysed for 36 participants in the GG and for 40 participants in the TG. Compared to baseline, results revealed significant improvements (p-value < 0.001) in nutritional knowledge in both intervention groups. There was a between-group difference with significantly (p-value = 0.0139) higher increase of nutritional knowledge in the TG.

Discussion:

This pilot study provides evidence for the short-term efficacy of both game-based and traditional education approaches on the improvement of nutritional knowledge; however, further research in warranted to assess the potential effect of a digital gameplay intervention on nutritional behaviour. Finally, the FFF game might be considered as an appropriate educational tool for imparting nutritional knowledge in an entertaining and effective format among children and adolescents.
β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucans in disease prevention and health promotion - a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Vlassopoulou Marigoula , Kyriacou Adamantini , Pletsa Vasiliki , Zervakis George , Yiannakoulia Mary
Published: June 2020

Introduction

β-Glucans comprise a heterogeneous group of polysaccharides exhibiting a wide range of biological properties. They are categorized as dietary fibers due to their ability to reach the large intestine undigested and undergo fermentation by gut microbiota, with potential beneficial effects for the host. Aim of this systematic review is to assess the effects of consumption of β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucans, naturally found in the cell walls of fungi, on health outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science in order to retrieve studies that investigated the impact of exclusively oral administration of β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucans to healthy individuals and/or patients in any form, at any dosage. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered.

Results

Twenty-five RCTs, of the 48 clinical studies retrieved in total, met the eligibility criteria and are included in the present review. The sources of β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucans were Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aureobasidium pullulans, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes and the dosage of supplementation ranged from 2.5 to 3000 mg daily for up to 6 months. The main physiological outcome for the majority of the interventions was immunomodulation, which resulted in a) strengthened immune defence that reduces the incidence and symptoms of cold, flu and upper respiratory tract infections in general and b) alleviation of allergic symptoms. However, findings on the induction of immune response alterations were inconsistent at a cellular and molecular level. Another aspect is psychological wellbeing, as the cohorts that received the polysaccharides of interest reported improvement of mood state as well as amelioration of the wellbeing overall, while co-administration with chemotherapeutic drugs enhanced cancer patients’ quality of life and prolonged their survival. Furthermore, supplements containing β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucan induced beneficial changes in body fat mass and abdominal circumference in overweight adults. Notably, no adverse event causally related to the glucans was recorded in any of the trials.

Conclusions

Supplementation with β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucans is well-tolerated and health-promoting properties are manifested primarily through the potentiation of the immune system. More studies are required in order to confirm additional beneficial effects, establish the optimal dose and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Dietary vitamin D supplementation improves haematological status following consumption of an iron-fortified cereal: an 8-week randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mushtaq Sohail , Fuzi Salma F. Ahmed
Published: June 2020

Vitamin D, a secosteroid, has recently been implicated in the stimulation of erythroid precursors and ultimately the rate of erythropoiesis. However, there are a paucity of randomised controlled trials (RCT), investigating the effect of vitamin D supplementation iron status, especially in populations at risk of iron deficiency. An eight-week, double-blind RCT was carried out in 50 female (mean age (± SD): 27 ± 9 years), iron-deficient (plasma ferritin concentration < 20 μg/L) participants, randomised to consume an iron-fortified cereal containing 9 mg of iron, with either a vitamin D supplement (1,500 international units (IU)/day, 38 μg/day) or placebo. The effect of dietary vitamin D supplementation on haematological indicators was investigated. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 4-weeks and 8-week timepoints for measurement of iron and vitamin D status biomarkers. The effect of intervention was analysed with a mixed-model repeated measures ANOVA using IBM SPSS statistical software (Version 21, IBM Corporation, New York, USA). Significant increases were observed in two haematological parameters: haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit level from baseline to post-intervention in the vitamin D group, but not in the placebo group. The increase from baseline to post-intervention in haemoglobin concentration in the vitamin D group (135 ± 11 to 138 ± 10 g/L) was significantly higher than in the placebo group (131 ± 15 to 128 ± 13 g/L) (P ≤ 0.05). The increase in haematocrit level from baseline to post-intervention was also significantly higher in the vitamin D group (42.0 ± 3.0 to 43.8 49 ± 3.4%) compared to the placebo group (41.2 ± 4.3 to 40.7 ± 3.6%) (P ≤ 0.05). Despite non-significant changes in plasma ferritin concentration, this study demonstrates that dietary supplementation with 1,500IU vitamin D, consumed daily with an iron-fortified cereal led to improvement in haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit levels in women with low iron stores. Further long-term studies are required, however, these findings suggest a potential role for improvement of vitamin D status as an adjunct therapy for recovery of iron status in iron-deficient populations.