bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of sunlight or dietary vitamin D on plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in institutionalized elderly patients in a sub‐tropical climate
Authors: Lovell Geoffrey A. , Byth Jenny L. , Craswell Peter W. , Phillips Peter A. , Thomas Mansel J.
Published: March 2008

Plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in a group of thirty‐eight nursing‐home residents (age range 55–95 years) living in a sub‐tropical climate (Brisbane, Australia) were less than 25 nmol/1 in 50% of cases. The effects of endogenously and exogenously derived vitamin D have been studied over three months (April‐June) using the following treatment groups: A, placebo; B, daily sun exposure; C, 18.8 nmol vitamin D/day and D, 56.3 nmol vitamin D/day. Exposure to ultra‐violet radiation of group B patients was monitored by meter and polysulphone film.

Group D exhibited a significant increase in Plasma 25(OH)D (P‐CO.001) after one month of treatment and groups B and C, respectively, after two months (P < 0.01). No significant changes were observed in plasma concentrations of creatinine, calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase during the study period.

A daily oral supplement of vitamin D in the range 18.8–56.3 nmol is proposed as the treatment of choice. It provides a safe and effective means of protection for elderly, institutionalized people against the effects of vitamin D deficiency.
Food composition tables in the calculation of the nutrient content of mixed diets
Authors: Stockley Lynn
Published: March 2008

Food composition tables are a frequently used tool in the calculation of the nutrient composition of mixed diets. Recent studies comparing calculated and analysed estimates of intake are reviewed; the sources of inter‐study error and the ‘real’ differences between calculated and analysed results are examined separately, and the usefulness of estimates of variability and possible future developments in food composition tables are discussed.
The effect of handling procedures on bacterial contamination of enteral feeds—importance of design of enteral feeding sets
Authors: Aidoo Kofi E. , Anderton Annette
Published: March 2008

The level of bacterial contamination introduced into two enteral feed delivery systems with different types of air inlet was compared when the air inlets were touched with bare hands, hands protected by sterile gloves and hands experimentally contaminated with bacteria. Feed and surface samples from the set with a flutter valve air inlet which had a smaller surface area for contact were less contaminated than those from the set with long airway tube. This indicates that the design of the system does have an effect on the level of contamination introduced into feeds during the assembly of feeding sets and the delivery of enteral feed,
Dietary intake among elderly Chinese in Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Suzanne C. , Donnan S. , Sham Aprille
Published: March 2008

Evaluation and improvement of nutritional status should be among the research priorities aimed towards a better life for the elderly. In a cohort study of about 1,000 elderly subjects in Hong Kong, a 24‐hour dietary recall and dietary consumption pattern were obtained in the first phase cross‐sectional study. This paper reports on the 695 men and women living outside institutions. All subjects were aged 70 and above. They were either living with their spouse, with children or grandchildren, or with relatives or friends. Based on Recommended Dietary Allowances for East Asia, the dietary intakes in general were adequate in terms of energy and nutrients except for calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin and niacin. The general low intake of these nutrients, especially calcium, were supported by the dietary consumption pattern and deserves attention from health care providers. Practical dietary recommendations can be given to improve the nutritional intake of the ageing Chinese population in Hong Kong.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of a nutritional health education leaflet in changing public knowledge and attitudes about eating and health
Authors: Nichols Sally , Waters W. E. , Woolaway M. , Hamilton‐Smith Margaret B.
Published: March 2008

A nutritional health education leaflet EAT WELL, BE WELL was written and produced by a Wessex working party on diet and health. The leaflet's effectiveness in changing people's knowledge about, and attitudes towards, healthy eating was evaluated by means of a postal survey. Half of a random sample of electors were sent the nutritional leaflet. A few weeks later, the whole sample were sent a short ‘Eating and Health’ questionnaire. There was a 62 per cent response rate, with no significant difference between the group who had previously received the leaflet and the group who had not.

The mean scores on the factual questions did not differ significantly between the two groups, providing little evidence that the nutritional leaflet increased public knowledge. The evaluation suggests that the mass distribution of this leaflet is not an effective method of health education.

The survey did indicate that previous nutrition education has successfully put across the message to eat less sugar, fat and salt, and more fibre. It also showed, however, that there is still confusion about some aspects of healthy eating, including the place of starchy foods in the diet.
The B vitamin content of hospital meals and potential low intake by elderly inpatients
Authors: Thomas Anita J. , Finglas Paul , Bunker Valda W.
Published: March 2008

The content of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 (pyridoxamine, pyridoxal, pyridoxine), niacin and total folate were determined in the meal choices comprising a typical day's menu in a teaching hospital. Thiamine, riboflavine, and B6 were measured by HPLC analysis, folate by microbiological assay, and niacin content was calculated from food tables.

The results were compared with UK Recommended Daily Amounts (RDA) whenever possible (thiamine, riboflavine and niacin). Vitamin B6 and folate results were compared with the US Recommended Daily Dietary Amount (RDDA) as no British recommendation was available.

Elderly inpatients selected meals which, even if completely consumed, provided half the current recommendation for vitamin B6 and one‐third of the recommendation for folate. More than half the meal selections provided less than recommended amounts of riboflavine, and in a quarter of cases less than the recommended amount of thiamine.
Analysis of the degree of precision of a computer‐assisted dietary survey method
Authors: Francescato Maria Pia , Cok P. , Radillo O. , de Bernard B.
Published: March 2008

A computer‐assisted method for the registration of food intakes in real time according to a concise and simple procedure was subjected to a series of controls in order to assess precision. The method employs the ‘portion’ of a composite dish as unit of measure. The constancy of the portion was tested. The results show that the recipes of the diet of a subject may be stored and utilized in deferred time without loss of precision: data to be recorded in real time are then very limited. The length of period of analysis was also studied. The time of investigation should not be shorter than two weeks to obtain precise information on the feeding habits of an individual subject, whereas for a group of subjects the diary of a single day provides information of sufficient precision.
The changing food habits of Gujaratis in Britain
Authors: Kalka Iris
Published: March 2008

The changes in the dietary patterns and foods eaten by migrants to the United Kingdom from the Gujurat region of India are discussed, together with reasons for these changes.
Studies on the consumption of ‘fibre‐filler’ for twelve weeks in humans: effects on iron status and plasma zinc
Authors: Fairweather‐Tait Susan J. , Piper Zoe , Hurren Caroline A. , Fox Thomas E.
Published: March 2008

Forty adult subjects (14 male, 14 female omnivores; five male, seven female vegetarians) were given a daily fibre supplement of cereals, fruits and nuts (‘fibre‐filler’, F‐plan diet, Eyton, 1982) incorporated into their normal diet for twelve weeks. Various haematological parameters were monitored from fasting blood samples taken at regular intervals throughout the study.

Two‐way analysis of variance of the data from the initial blood samples showed that habitual diet had no effect on any of the measured variables, but that there was a significant difference between men and women for all but % transferrin saturation. Mean Hb levels gradually increased during the course of the study, and there were fluctuations in plasma zinc. No other parameters changed with time.

It was concluded that the fibre supplement under investigation, which contributed an additional 12 mg iron and 2.6 mg zinc to the daily intake, had no adverse effect on iron or zinc status when consumed by subjects as part of their normal diet.
‘Can I afford the diet? 1988’
Authors: Hanes F. A. , MacDonald A.
Published: March 2008

In 1986 the British Dietetic Association issued the Discussion Paper ‘Can I Afford the Diet’ which outlined the concern that Dietitians felt regarding the ability of people on low incomes to eat either a healthy or a therapeutic diet. Further to the provisions of the Social Security Act 1986, which came into effect in April 1988, evidence from costings indicates that a healthy diet for a normal person can cost half the weekly income of an individual on Income Support and that therapeutic diets, e.g. those for patients with diabetes mellitus and cystic fibrosis can cost substantially more than this.

The outcome is that individuals cannot be expected to adhere to dietary recommendations, thus endangering their health. Additional reductions in entitlements to free school meals, free milk and vitamins are also of concern and the effects of these reductions should be assessed.
Dynamics of food habits of newly married couples: food‐related activities and attitudes towards food
Authors: Craig Pippa L. , Truswell A. Stewart
Published: March 2008

Sixty young couples were interviewed on three occasions—before marriage, after 5 months of marriage and after 21/2 years of marriage. The roles taken by each spouse in food provision and preparation are reported. Expressed attitudes towards food‐ and health‐related factors were also discussed.

Wives took the major responsibility for food purchasing and preparation, although husbands played a significant role. The impact of children on these roles remains to be seen.

After 2 1/2 years of marriage, there was a reduction in the number of shared meals, with the exception of the evening meal which remained the focal meal at which to influence a spouse's eating habits. The opportunity for more individualized meals during the day may lessen potential conflict over who gets their preferred foods in the evening.

There were small but noticeable differences between wives and husbands stated likes and dislikes, and stated concerns about food. These may affect how much and in which way people are prepared to change their eating habits, and should be taken into account when planning nutrition education programmes.
Belief structure in relation to low‐fat milk consumption
Authors: Shepherd R.
Published: March 2008

One hundred and three subjects completed a questionnaire on consumption of low‐fat milks, along with attitudes and beliefs about consumption. Females showed a generally more favourable disposition towards consuming low‐fat milks, whereas age and social class had little effect. The belief‐evaluation scores showed good prediction of behavioural intention and self‐reported behaviour. A principal components analysis of the belief‐evaluation scores showed the nutritional beliefs to be separable from the sensory and functional beliefs, with the price items not clearly related to either. The nutritional beliefs were more closely related to the person's attitude towards consuming low‐fat milk.
Breastmilk intake and growth in infants from two to ten months
Authors: Paul A. A. , Black A. E. , Evans J. , Cole T. J. , Whitehead R. G.
Published: March 2008

Longitudinal measurements of breastmilk intake in 48 Cambridge infants showed that intake reached a peak of 824 g/24 h in boys and 741 g/24 h in girls in the third and fourth months, respectively. Regression analysis demonstrated that, in the early months, the infants' weight accounted for a major part of the variance in breastmilk intake. Infants in non‐manual social classes received more breastmilk and started solids later than those in manual groups. In the early months weight gain showed a relative increase compared to growth standards, but later infancy was characterized by a progressive deceleration in weight and length gain. Adiposity, as measured by triceps skinfold thickness differed most markedly from growth charts and was only equivalent to the tenth standard centile at all ages. The lower skinfold thickness measurements are considered to be more appropriate to breastfed infants in general.
A study of dietary practices of chronic renal failure patients treated by haemodialysis at home
Authors: Pender F. T.
Published: March 2008

This study was initiated to investigate the dietary practices and to determine adherence to dietary prescription of patients with chronic renal failure treated by haemodialysis at home. Current dietary prescription is reviewed and actual intakes compared with prescribed intakes. Fifty patients were studied (34 men, 16 women) and dietary details obtained using the seven‐day weighed method and dietary history. The most significant finding is the poor intake of dietary fibre, particularly amongst women. Aspects of this finding and other dietary observations are discussed.
Methods for analysis of a food frequency questionnaire
Authors: Lockie G. M. , Wise A. , Liddell J. A.
Published: March 2008

Fifty‐five students and staff at Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology completed a food frequency questionnaire and then weighed their food for one week. Several methods of calculating nutrient intakes from the questionnaire are compared to results from the weighed inventory. Intakes of energy and several nutrients calculated using estimated typical portion weights were less than those derived from the weighed inventory. Food groups contributing to the apparent under‐estimation have been identified. A further method of calculation involved derivation of a factor for each food group such that the frequency estimated from the questionnaire multiplied by the factor equalled the average weight of the foods in that group that had been eaten. Using these factors instead of the typical portion weights resulted in closer agreement to the weighed inventory method, but the difference ranged from positive for some groups to negative for others. Use of separate factors for each group of subjects reduced the range of differences to the weighed inventory method.
Nutrition knowledge assessed by a structured questionnaire in a group of medical in‐patients
Authors: Anderson Annie S. , Umapathy Dolores , Palumbo Luigina , Pearson D. W. M.
Published: March 2008

A short questionnaire to test understanding of the principles of nutrition was designed and administered to 128 patients in a general medical ward.

The questionnaire was based on three components: familiarity with nutrition terms, knowledge of the principles of current recommendations, and understanding of the practical application of these recommendations. Although scores for each of the three components of nutrition knowledge correlated strongly with the overall understanding of individuals, there was rather poor correlation between the components, the lowest correlation being between knowledge of theoretical principles and understanding of the practical measures needed to implement current recommendations.

Compared with the remainder of the sample, significantly better total scores were recorded by subjects in the age group 20–39 and significantly worse in the age group 60–79. Significantly better scores were also found in subjects who had received dietary advice from a dietitian.
Evaluation of dietetic activity analysis (DAA)—a system for data collection in clinical dietetics
Authors: Scott Douglas W.
Published: March 2008

A system of data collection and analysis based on patient visits was evaluated over a four‐week period in five districts and a six‐month period in one district by twenty‐five dietitians. Each patient visit was analysed by diagnosis (the problem), by diet (the treatment) and by nutritional care level (the action). The system was seen to encourage self analysis by dietitians and proved a useful educational tool in addition to providing dietetic managers with data on clinical dietetic activity. It was considered successful and well accepted in four of the six districts.
The dietetic Work Matrix—the key to a staffing strategy
Authors: Boyce Rosalie A. , Jackway Paul T.
Published: March 2008

The development and use of the ‘Work Matrix’ is discussed. This technique is based on and assists in the establishment of an optimum staffing level for a dietetic department, and can be directly related to the development of Job Specifications and Organizational Structures. Whilst the Work Matrix is discussed in terms of hospital dietetic departments, its applicability is not restricted to this setting.
Food habits and nutritional labelling of foods
Authors: Lockie G. M. , Wise A.
Published: March 2008

This paper suggests that proposed labelling schemes that categorize foods into bands should be tested prior to use to determine what proportion of foods consumed by the public fall into each category, and that the width of each band might best be based on either having similar numbers of foods in each band or to facilitate discrimination between ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ diets. As an example, a labelling scheme based on energy density has been tested using weighed diets of nutrition students; both those that were considered ‘healthy’ and those that failed to satisfy the suggestions of the National Advisory Committee on Nutrition Education.
Effect of altered feeding patterns on serum lipids and lipoproteins in adult males
Authors: Jordan Julie A. , Novascone Mary Ann
Published: March 2008

Effects of a three meal per day versus a six meal per day feeding pattern on selected serum lipids and lipoproteins in 17 males were examined. After a two week acclimatization period, subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Each group followed a three meal per day pattern for six weeks and a six meal per day pattern for another six weeks. Serum total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol levels were not significantly affected by the altered feeding patterns. There was a significant decrease in the triglyceride levels of one group, but not the other, during the six meal per day pattern. For both groups the HDL‐cholesterol levels differed significantly (P≤0.05) between the two feeding patterns. However, the findings were dissimilar in that for one group the HDL‐cholesterol was higher after the six meal per day pattern and, for the other group, the opposite was true. Only during Phase I, the acclimatization period when both groups were consuming three meals per day, were any significant differences in dietary intakes noticed. Specifically, subjects in Group I consumed significantly more total fat and saturated fat (P=0.01 and P=0.04, respectively). Throughout the study there were no significant differences between the two groups relative to polyunsaturated to saturated fat (P/S) ratios of the diets.
Cooking for restricted potassium diets in dietary treatment of renal patients
Authors: Bower John A.
Published: March 2008

The efficiency of special cooking procedures for reduction of potassium levels in boiled potatoes was examined. All treatments produced lower potassium levels than usual boiling methods. Lowest levels were achieved with a combination of thinly sliced potato pieces, a 4:1 ratio of water volume to vegetable weight and a double cooking method. Overnight soaking before cooking and extension of cooking time did not give a similar magnitude of potassium reduction.
Selenium‐iron interaction in young women with low selenium status
Authors: Viita Leena M. , Mutanen Marja L. , Mykkänen Hannu M.
Published: March 2008

The effect of inorganic selenium (Se) supplementation on iron status and iron supplementation on selenium status was investigated in Finnish female students (=33). The students were divided into three groups and supplemented daily for four weeks either with 150 μg Se as sodium selenate, or 120 mg Fe as ferrous sulfate, or 120 mg Fe as ferrous sulfate and 150 μg Se as sodium selenate. Plasma selenium level was used as an indicator of body selenium status. Haematocrit and serum ferritin concentrations were measured to determine the changes in body iron status. The initial plasma selenium level of all subjects was 74.7 ± 2.9 ng/ml (mean ± SEM). The increase in the plasma Se level in the group receiving sodium selenate was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in the group having both sodium selenate and ferrous sulphate. The plasma selenium level in the group receiving ferrous sulphate decreased from 76.0 ± 2.8 ng/ml to 67.8 ± 2.3 (P<0.05) during the supplementation period, but returned to the initial level four weeks after the end of iron supplementation. The data indicate that the supplementary iron affected adversely the body selenium status of these subjects. On the other hand, Se supplementation had no effect on body iron status as indicated by the serum ferritin and haematocrit levels. It was also shown that there was no obvious interaction between the normal levels of selenium and iron in the body, since no correlations were found between plasma selenium and serum ferritin (r = 0.30, P>0.05) in the beginning of the study.
Dietary patterns in three English towns in relation to dietary goals and RDAs
Authors: Cade J. E. , Margetts B. M.
Published: March 2008

The nutrient intakes of 1115 men and 1225 women aged 35–54 years living in three English towns were compared with recommended goal intakes and recommended daily allowances (RDA). The majority of subjects consumed more energy derived from fat, more sugar and less fibre than the goal levels. Less than 2% of subjects in any town or sex were meeting all the dietary goals. A third of the subjects stated that they had changed their diet in the last year. The most common reasons given for dietary change were to improve health and to lose weight. Comparison of nutrient intakes with the RDAs showed that most subjects were consuming levels which met the RDAs, although energy intake in women was low.
A survey of micronutrient levels in a range of sugars (sucrose) of varying purity
Authors: Sangster S. A. , Righelato R. C.
Published: March 2008

The levels of ten minerals and five vitamins were assay in a range of sugars, including white granulated, brown and raw sugars and molasses: the darker the sugar, the higher the molasses content. The analyses showed that the darker the sugar the higher were the mineral levels reported. The vitamin levels were very low in all sugars. It was concluded that dark brown sugars, at practical levels of use, may make a small contribution to the daily requirement for iron and calcium.
Infant Nutrition
Authors: Lucas A.
Published: March 2008

Initial findings from a multicentre study to examine the long term effects of different feeding regimes assigned randomly to premature babies during the early weeks postpartum are reported. Some early clinical and metabolic differences between randomized feed groups do not persist at 18 months. In other instances, however, the diet assigned in the postpartum period may have important effects over 18 months later. These findings emphasize the importance of long‐term follow up in such studies and provide preliminary evidence supporting the view that the early weeks may be a critical period for nutrition in preterm infants in terms of their later performance.

Studies using the doubly‐labelled water method are presented which show its potential for approaching key issues in energy metabolism. One study shows that infants of obese mothers who themselves become overweight did not consume more energy than control infants of normal weight, but they exhibited a reduction in energy expenditure sufficient to account for their excessive weight gain. A second study suggests that the energy content of breast milk consumed by the infant is substantially less than that frequently reported in ‘unphysiologically’ expressed milk. These findings have important implications for infant nutrition.
Diet and the growth of healthy infants*
Authors: Whitehead R. G. , Paul A. A. , Cole T. J.
Published: March 2008

This paper reviews published work on the patterns of infant growth in Cambridge, UK and in Gambia, West Africa and other countries. Growth patterns are related to patterns of infant feeding and compared with currently accepted growth standards, namely the ‘Tannerl Revised Standards, 1975’ and the NCHS Standards. It is concluded that these standards, derived from predominantly bottle‐fed infants, may be inappropriate for breast‐fed infants and may lead to unnecessary anxiety on the part of health workers and mothers when breast‐fed babies cross ‘standard’ growth centiles.
The place of some newer techniques in studies of nutrition in the hospitalized patient
Authors: Elia M. , Lun P. G.
Published: March 2008

The potential uses of some of the new techniques for studies of the nutrition of the hospitalized patient are outlined. These include techniques for validating 24‐h urine collections for tests of nutritional status and balance studies; a technique for measuring gastrointestinal permeability used as a marker of mucosal damage; some problems of classicial indirect calorimetry when feeding unconventional (synthetic as opposed to real food) sources of energy, and the possible role of glutamine in regulating protein synthesis in skeletal muscle.
Metabolism or appetite: questions of energy balance with particular reference to obesity
Authors: Prentice A. M. , Black A. E. , Murgatroyd P. R. , Goldberg G. R. , Coward W. A.
Published: March 2008

This paper reveiws recent work at the Dunn Nutrition Unit on obses subjects using calorimetry combined with measurements of total energy expenditure by the doubly‐labelled water technique. This has shown no evidence of a metabolic defect in obses subjects leading to a reduced energy requirement. Energy expenditure per kilogram body weight was similar for lean and obses women. Total energy expenditure was higher in the obese consequent upon the greater body size. Studies from other centres that do show evidence for a metabolic defect obsesity lies in control of appetite and/or the control of fat (as opposed to energy) balance.
Studies on micronutrient intakes and requirements in The Gambia
Authors: Bates C. J. , Powers H. J.
Published: March 2008

A series of studies are reviewed which have been undertaken to assess the impact of micronutrient deficiencies in a rural Gambian population. The purpose of these studies has been: firstly, to compare the measured ‘home‐food’ micronutrient intakes with current knowledge of human requirements; secondly, where appropriate, to reassess requirements by controlled titration studies with specific nutrients; and thirdly, to attempt to clarify the functional significance of low intakes. Special emphasis has been placed on pregnant and lactating women, because of their increased requirements and potentially high risk status. For riboflavin, a total daily intake similar to, or slightly higher than, the current recommended daily amounts (RDA) acheived ‘normal’ Erythrocyte Glutathinone Reductase Activation Coefficient (EGRAC) values, with a corresponding marked improvement in the clinical picture. Ascorbate requirements of lactating women were greater than the current UK RDA. Measuerd intakes of β‐carotene (or retinol) equivalents suggests a major dietary physilogical indicaes of vitamin A status were entirely within normal limits. For a variety of reasons the RDA for vitamin A seems ultra‐generous, at least for adults. A newly‐identified synergism between riboflavin and iron, affecting iron absorption and the mobilization of iron stores, has proved important. A multinutrient supplement has also been shown to improve work performance in children.
The safety of gum arabic as a food additive and its Energy Value as an ingredient: a brief review
Authors: Anderson D. M. W. , Eastwood M. A.
Published: March 2008

Gum arabic, the natural exudate from Acacia senegal (L.) Willd., has enjoyed the toxicological status ‘ADI not specified’ for use in minor proportions as a food additive (E414 in the EEC) since 1982, but it is also used as a major ingredient. Manufacturers may therefore be required to make labelling declarations of its Energy Value and of available/non‐available carbohydrate. Although gum arabic complies with the definition for soluble dietary fibre, its Energy Value was accepted by the FAO/WHO International Programme of Food Safety to be 4 kcal/gram on the basis of the evidence available in 1982. Subsequently a French claim for a much lower value attracted the attention of manufacturers of low calorie products but a recent precise experiment establishes that the Digestible Energy Value is 3.5 ± 0.12 kilocalories per gram. The physiological mechanism whereby this value arieses is outlined. The more general dietary implications for other complex carbohydrates which conform to the definition for soluble dietary fibre and yet suffer complete degradation in the large bowel are indicated.
Clinical importance of vitamin E: a review
Authors: Goss‐Sampson M. A. , Muller D.P.R. , Lloyd J. K.
Published: March 2008

In 1922 Evans and Bishop described a fat soluble factor which was necessary for normal reproduction in the rat, and this factor subsequently became known as vitamin E. During the years that following the discovery and isolation of the vitamin, most of the work was concerned with the characterization of disorders found in experimental vitamin E deficient animals. It soon became apparent that vitamin E deficiency produces a wide variety of pathological conditions which differ not only amongst the various animal species but sometimes even within the same species (Wasserman & Taylor, 1972). The lesion, however, which predominates in most species is that of a chronic necrotising myopathy or dystrophy (Machlin, 1980). Even though vitamin E deficiency syndromes had been produced experimentally in animals, the role of the vitamin in human nutrition remained much disputed for a long time and little understood. Many ill‐founded claims were made such as its ability to slow the ageing process or to increase virility and fertility, and even, as reported in the American press, to protect against the effects of atomic fallout. Not surprisingly this led some cynics to dub vitamin E as “E for Everything”. Nevertheless, some well documented evidence for a role in human nutrition was reported in the late 1950s. Oppenheimer (1956) and Blanc et al. (1958) showed that infants with cystic fibrosis had low serum vitamin E concentrations associated with widespread ceroid deposition in smooth muscle and focal necrosis of striated muscle. More recently evidence has accumulated indicating a pharmacological role for the vitamin in certain disorders affecting preterm infants (Aranda et al., 1986; Muller, 1987), and it has become clear that it has an important physiological role in maintaining normal neurological structure and function. It is accepted that it is an important biological antioxidant and is indeed the only significant fat soluble secondary antioxidant in mammalian tissues (Burton et al. 1983)
The vitamin content of retail vegetables in the UK
Authors: Kwiatkowska Christina A. , Finglas Paul M. , Faulks Richard M.
Published: March 2008

Raw and cooked vegetables were sampled at the retail level over a two‐year period and were analysed for selected vitamins. Thiamin, riboflavin, total B6 (pyridoxamine, pyridoxal and pyridoxine) and nicotinic acid were measured by HPLC, total ascorbate (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids) by fluorimetric determination, total folate by microbiological assay and carotenoids by spectrometry. The results were compared to values in McCance and Widdowson's The Composition of Foods and used to calculate the contribution to average daily intakes of these vitamins in the UK diet. Revised data for ascorbate, B6 and carotenoids were in good agreement with food table data, thiamin values were on average 2–3 times higher, and riboflavin and nicotinic acid values 20–50% lower. Folate results were generally higher than Food Table values for vegetables. If the revised folate values for potatoes are also taken into consideration, then the contribution that vegetables make to the average daily intake for folate may have been underestimated by about 20%. Average cooking losses (boiling and frying) were also in good agreement with previous data.
Socio‐economic status and dietray habits in the elederly: results form a large random survey
Authors: Horwath Caroline C.
Published: March 2008

Socio‐economic status differences in the usual food consumption patterns of a representative sample of 2195 people aged 65 years and over residing in Adelaide, South Australia, were examined. The dietary instrument used was a self‐completed semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire which included additional questions concerning food preparation and cooking practices. Subjects were randomly selected from the State Electoral Roll and there was a 77% response rate. Members of higher social class groups reported higher consumption of high fibre and vitamin C rich foods (fruits, fruit juice, vegetables, wholegrain bread) and less frequent intakes of several fried and high fat foods and salt. They were also more likely to report nutritionally favourable vegetable cooking practices.
Nutritional assessment of children: guidelines on collecting and interpreting anthropometric data
Authors: Smith D. E. , Booth I. W.
Published: March 2008

Anthropometric data, although easily collected, are readily misinterpreted. This article presents guidelines for applying anthropometric methods to the assessment of nutritional status of children. The importance of converting raw data into age‐ and sex‐independent scores is emphasized. A compilation of sources of reference standards is given and the various methods of presenting and comparing population data are discussed.
A health education campaign to prevent osteomalacia in Asian women in Glasgow: 1984–86
Authors: Henderson J. B. , Glekin B. M. , McIntosh W. B. , Dunnigan M. G.
Published: March 2008

Vitamin D deficiency is common in Asian women in Britain. Self‐supplementation with vitamin D provides effective prophylaxis. Between 1984‐86 a Health Education campaign promoted vitamin D supplementation by Asian women in Glasgow. Vitamin D supplements were provided at cost‐price in Health Board clinics and a co‐ordinator and four Asian link‐workers promoted the aims of the campaign. Despite the campaign few Asian women presently purchase vitamin D supplements. Serum 25‐OHD and calcium concentrations were significantly lower in a post‐campaing survey (1986) of Asian women than in a pre‐campaign survey (1982‐83). In contrast, the majority of Asian children in the city receive a vitamin D supplement which their mothers perceive as important for their welfare. The failure of the present campaign suggests that early detection and treatment of symptomatic osteomalacia constitutes the only means of reducing the morbidity caused by this disease.
Dietary fibre (non‐starch polysaccharides) in cereal products
Authors: Englyst H. N. , Bingham S. A. , Runswick S. A. , Collinson E. , Cummings J. H.
Published: March 2008

Dietary fibre, measured as non‐starch polysaccharides (NSP) has been determined in 114 cereals and cereal products using the Englyst technique. No diffculties were encountered with the analysis of any food and the results for cooked foods such as bread and breakfast cereals were comparable with the raw materials. The amount of total NSP ranged widely from 0.1% in cornflour to 37% in wheat bran. Detailed analysis of the materials indicated that most of the NSP in wheat and maize was an insoluble arabinoxylan whilst in oats a soluble β‐glucan predominated. Barley and rye contained high amounts of both arabinoxylan and β‐glucan. The NSP content of cereal products such as breakfast cereals and biscuits reflected the flours and grains from which they were made. When comparing the present data with other published results the importance of complete removal of starch for accurate dietary fibre measurement is stressed.
Fruit and stomach cancer
Authors: Burr M. L. , Holliday Ruth M.
Published: March 2008

A case‐control study of stomach cancer was conducted in hospital patients in South Wales. The frequency of fresh fruit consumption prior to the onset of illness was recorded in 149 stomach cancer patients and in 1934 control patients. The relative risk for stomach cancer among those who ate fresh fruit on most days was less than half that of those who ate no fresh fruit. Fruit was eaten less frequently by the men than by the women, especially among the controls. Relative risks of stomach cancer in men and women were similar at each level of fruit‐eating, suggesting that the sex‐difference in stomach cancer mortality may, in part at least, be attributable to a difference in fruit consumption.
Computerized dietary analysis: a truly interactive approach
Authors: Clarke M.
Published: March 2008

DIET 2000 is a dietary analysis program which includes original and unique features following the ideals of a truly interactive approach. Foods are selected by giving the food code or the food name. All matches, irrespetive, of word oreder, are instantly displayed to allow selection of the required food. Other features include an ability to calculate the amount of food required to provide a given amount of a selected nutrient, single food nutrient composition preview, and conversion of all commonly used units of weight and volume to grams. Selected nutrient totals can be displayed with optional comparison with DHSS recommended daily amounts. Alternatively, percentage contriburion of each food to any selected nutrient total can be displayed.
Nutritional support in alcoholic liver disease: a review
Authors: James Ruth
Published: March 2008

Nutritional therapy plays a major role in the management of patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD). This paper attempts to review current clinical practice in this field and includes classification of alcoholic liver disease, causes of nutritional deficiency, assessment of nutritional status and the recommended dietary management.
Infant feeding fractices within white and Asian Communities in inner‐city Leeds
Authors: Williams Sonia A. , Sahota Pinki , Fairpo C. G.
Published: March 2008

A structured questionnaire was devised in order to ascertain infant feeding practices. Multi‐lingual interviewers visited the homes of 127 Caucasian and 184 Asian families with infants aged 6–24 months, in inner‐city Leeds. The Asian families interviewed were from four‐defined communities; Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Punjabis and Gujaratis.

When compared with asian mothers, Caucasian mothers were more likely to breast‐feed, and demonstrated a more positive approach to their chosen feeding pattern whether breast or bottle. Few differences in feeding practices were noted between the distinct Asian groups despite inter‐group variations in English language ability, family size and duration of residence in Britain. Most of the Asian infants were still drinking from a feeding bottle at the age of 2 years, and two‐thirds of the milk feeds were sweetened. In contrast, the majority of white Caucasian infants were no longer using a feeding bottle at 12 months of age, although one‐third drank milk swetened, The mothers interviewed claimed that health professionals had advised them to add items to the milk, and to use vitamin fruit juices.

The feeding practices reported have clear implications for dental health, particularly among the Asain children. There is an urgent need for effective health education initiatives by health advisers based on a thorough evaluation of cultural differences in attitudes and practices
Foods eaten outside the home: nutrient contribution to total diet.
Authors: Loughridge J. M. , Walker A. D. , Sarsby H. , Shepherd R.
Published: March 2008

The National Food Survey provides a valuable supply of information on the intake of food and nutrients in the British diet (Derry & Bus, 1984), but is confined to foods brought into the home. The present study examined nutrient contribution from foods eaten outside the home to the overall diet. Seventy subjects (35 males and 35 females), were selected from a local health centre register, using age and sex as criteria, and asked to keep a written record of everything consumed for three days. There was a very high percentage of all subjects eating out over the three days. There was a very high percentage of all subjects eating out over the three days, but most of this food could be classed as ‘casual’, or of the ‘non‐meal’ category i.e. snacks. Employment was a significant determinant of frequency of eating out. The food groups contributing more highly to nutrient intake away from home were meats, sugars and preserves, alcoholic beverages, fish and chips. Energy from sugar, measured as sugar density, was significantly higher in ‘away’ foods, but fibre density and protein as a percentage of energy was higher in foods eaten at home. The percentage energy form nutrients to total energy did not differ greatly when alcoholic beverages were excluded from the data, apart from redistribution of the energy from alcohol between the other nutrients. The results show that foods eaten outside the future research on ‘out of home’ eating habits would benefit from inclusion of nutritional analysis.
Analysis of the dietitic treatment of obesity
Authors: Pearxson Gillian C. , de Looy Anne E. , Webster John
Published: March 2008

In order to identify individuals who would respond to the dietetic treatment of obesity, 100 overweight patients were seen individually and followed up for 24 weeks. Various characteristics of the patients were noted, and normal dietetic procedures were followed. Fifty per cent of patients were still attending at 24 weeks. Of the total sample, 28% of the patients were following criteria:
Quality assurance in nutrition and dietetic service provision
Authors: Campbell F. B.
Published: March 2008

This paper reviews published work on quality assurance, gives an outline of the methods that can be used in implementing and monitoring a quality assurance programme and assesses the implications for nutrition and dietetic departments and dietetic practitioners.
Reproducibility of upper‐arm anthropometry in subjects of differing body mass
Authors: Frost Gary Steven , Corish Clare
Published: March 2008

A study was performed to assess the reproducibility of upper‐arm anthropometry using two observers with subjects of differing body mass. Subjects were divided into four groups according to their body mass index:

Group 1: <20

Group 2: >20‐<25

Group 3: >25‐<30

Group 4: >30‐<40.

Results show a much greater observer error related to triceps skinfold thickness than to mid‐arm circumference when expressed as restricted coefficient of variation. An increase in observer error in both triceps skinfold thickness and mid‐arm circumference with an increase in body mass has also been demonstrated, the error again being greater with triceps skinfold thickness. These results question the validity of work where two or more observers are used to collect data on upper‐arm anthropometry without first attempting to quantify observer error and control for body mass.
Assessment of nutritional intake using dietary records with estimated weights
Authors: Edington J. , Thorogood M. , Geekie M. , Ball M. , Mann J.
Published: March 2008

We report here three small studies designed to investigate aspects of the use of unweighed dietary records based on detailed food descriptions with portion sizes estimated using household measures and standardised photographs. Firstly, a study was carried out to compare nutritional intake calculated from data collected by a 7‐d weighed record with nutritional intake calculated from a 7‐d estimated record completed by the same individual. Secondly, to measure the repeatability of a 7‐d estimated record, two estimated records made eight weeks apart have been compared. Thirdly, to investigate the effect of collecting data over a smaller number of days, a comparison was made between the analysis of a 7‐d estimated record and the analysis of data from just four days (two weekdays and the weekend) of the record.
Maternal nutrient intake and birth‐weight
Authors: Doyle Wendy , Crawford M.A. , Wynn A.H.A. , Wynn S.W.
Published: March 2008

The relation between diet towards the end of the first trimester of gestation and subsequent birth‐weights was examined in 419 singleton pregnancies. The mothers of babies of low birth‐weight were found to be consuming a diet significantly lower in energy and in some essential nutrients than the mothers of larger babies. Associations were also found between nutrient intakes, length of gestation and pre‐pregnancy maternal weight.
A survey of high‐fibre diet‐sheets used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in Great Britain
Authors: Lambert Janet P. , Dickerson J.W.T.
Published: March 2008

Forty high‐fibre diet‐sheets used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were surveyed. They varied in their design and layout, presentation of information and in the dietary advice they provided. Although some thought had gone into their production, there was room for improvement by the use of published guidelines on instructional text design. Information on the amount of bran and fluid to take, and the degree of emphasis on the importance of consumption of specific fibre‐rich foods, was inconsistent. Daily meal plans, where provided, were open to wide interpretation, so that intakes of less than 20 g of dietary fibre per day were possible whilst adhering to the suggested plans.
Measuring clinical outcome
Authors: MacDonald Anita , Warrington Sandra
Published: March 2008

At the present time, there are many fundamental issues coming from the Department of Health or from other national organizations, which will have an effect on the future development of the dietetic profession. The British Diatetic Association (BDA) Professional Development Committee will consider these issues, as and when appropriate, and will publish the information in the form of Briefing Papers.

The first Briefing Paper on ‘Quality Assurance’ was published by the BDA in November 1989. The second on ‘Measuring clinical outcome’ is published below. In each case the opinion of BDA members and specialist groups has been sought and the Professional Development Committee wishes to thank individuals and the specialist groups for their comments.

The Briefing Papers are intended to provide information and promote discussion among the membership. I would welcome further comments from readers, which may be directed to the British Dietetic Association Office.
Malnutrition in a UK children's hospital
Authors: Moy R. J. D. , Smallman S. , Booth I. W.
Published: March 2008

A survey of the nutritional status of a multi‐racial group of children in a UK regional referral centre revealed a high prevalence of both acute and chronic protein‐energy malnutrition; 16% were severely stunted and 14% severely wasted, with a further 20% at risk of severe malnutrition if nutritionally stressed. Severe stunting was particularly common in patients with chronic cardiac or gastrointestinal disorders. No racial differences in stunting were found. These findings indicate that formal nutritional surveillance of children in hospital is important, and will identify a large reservoir of patients with secondary malnutrition requiring nutritional support.