bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between cognitive function and metabolic risk factors in Korean elderly
Authors: Lee Okhee , Moon So , Lee SUn‐Uk , Hyun Daejin , Moon Jong , Chung Yong
Published: June 2021

The prevalence of dementia is increasing among Korean elderly. Our study has shown that toenail Zn level is decreased especially in cognitively impaired elderly. But studies on nutritional or metabolic problems among Korean elderly in regard to cognitive function are rarely reported, although chronic degenerative risk factors such as insulin resistance, hypertension, central obesity, and sarcopenia can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study was aimed to find out the associated metabolic risk factors with cognitive function in elderly. The elderly with age over 55y from clinic, church, health center around Seoul and Keugngido in Korea were recruited. The serum Zn, blood pressure, WHR, insulin, HOMA_IR, fat‐free mass levels of patients with MCI or dementia were compared to those of general elderly without cognitive impairment. The serum Zn content was analyzed using INAA with a Korean research reactor. The KMMSE score of men was associated with age, serum LDL‐cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, serum Zn. In women, the KMMSE score was associated with age, body fat%, fat‐free mass, WHR, systolic blood pressure. This study showed the different metabolic risk factors were associated with cognitive function in male and female Korean elderly
DISORDERED EATING BEHAVIORS AND NUTRITIONAL ISSUES IN CHILDREN WITH FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS (FASD)
Authors: Smith Susan , Amos‐Kroohs Robyn , Chin Lyanne , Fink Birgit , Wozniak Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

FASD is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disability. Its nutritional impact is unknown. We found that FASD children have higher obesity risk & micronutrient deficiencies. To detail their eating behavior, caregivers completed a nutritional survey of case (63) and control (69) children enrolled in the Collaborative Initiative on FASD. FASD children had higher rates of mental health disorders (14%, P=0.005) & stimulant medication use (43%, P<0.001). Acquisition of age‐appropriate feeding skills (21%, P=0.001) & self‐feeding (max 7.4 yrs) was significantly delayed. Impaired satiety was common (P<0.001) & independent of stimulant use: 23% were never full/satisfied, 29% constantly snacked, 27% ate too quickly, & 24% concealed food. 23% of caregivers restricted food access to prevent overeating & children ate the equivalent of an additional meal/snack daily (4.9/d vs. 3.9/d; P<0.001). Despite this, 21% were underweight (P=0.004). Their meal disinterest (21%) and leaving before meal completion (35%) disrupted family mealtime. 19.4% of children ate separately, 45% were picky eaters, & 36% did not eat what the family ate. These behaviors precluded family dining out (67%). While children with FASD were physically active (mean 2.4 ± 1.2 hr/d), 58% had difficulty with organized games due to problems with focus (23%) and understanding rules (29%). We conclude that disordered eating is common in FASD and these children may benefit from diet counseling. Their poor satiety may reflect their poor impulse control. FASD should be considered in hyperphagic children. These behaviors stress the family dynamic and may lead to obesity in later life. Support: AA11085, AA19580
Exploratory study of factors associated with the healthfulness of parental responses to in‐store child food purchasing requests
Authors: Calloway Eric , Ranjit Nalini , Roberts‐Gray Cindy , Sweitzer Sara , McInnis Katie , Romo‐Palafox Maria Jose , Briley Margaret
Published: June 2021

The degree of influence in‐store child food purchasing requests have on family shopping depends on how parents respond to these requests. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between parents' BMI, diet, and food‐shopping related attitudes, intentions, and behaviors with the healthfulness of parent responses to their child's in‐store food purchasing requests.

Parent‐child dyads were observed shopping at their usual grocery store and shopping time. In‐store data were collected using small child‐worn audio/visual recording devices attached to a hat. Parents also completed a questionnaire.

Parents responded in a healthful way 62.9% (±26.7%; median = 62.5%, 0.0% to 100%) of the time. In univariate analysis, parents in low‐ and middle‐income families (<370% of the federal poverty level) were more likely to have a high percentage of healthy responses, compared to those in high‐income families (P=0.010). In the adjusted model, healthy weight parents were more likely to make healthy responses than overweight/obese parents (P=0.022).

Healthy‐weight parents were more likely than overweight/obese parents to respond in a healthful way. Behavioral interventions that seek to improve the healthfulness of food purchasing in families with young children should focus on addressing response behaviors in overweight/obese parents. Additionally, parent responses differed by family poverty level and child gender. Further research is needed to confirm and expand on these results.
Relationship of Nutritional Risk, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Cognitive Functioning in Preschoolers
Authors: Tande Desiree , Kehn Andre , Whigham Leah , Roemmich James
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine the relationships between nutritional risk, BMI, and cognitive function in preschoolers.

Background

Research has documented that obesity leads to increased risk of acute and chronic diseases, but research is needed to investigate whether relationships exist between cognitive function, nutritional risk, and BMI z‐scores in preschool‐aged children.

Methods: 48 children 3‐5 y, from two preschools completed the study. The NutriSTEP questionnaire and BRIEF‐P (executive function) were utilized. Heights and weights were collected. Children were divided into two groups based on NutriStep scores: low nutritional risk and nutritional risk. Correlations were used to study relationships and t‐tests to compare groups.

Results: Eleven of 48 children would benefit from dietary intervention and 17 of 41 preschoolers were overweight or obese. NutriSTEP score predicts global executive functioning and emergent metacognition. Increasing nutritional risk is related to increasing problem behavior. Global executive score and inhibitory self‐control score were greater for children at nutritional risk compared with those at low nutritional risk.

Conclusion

Nutritional risk predicts cognitive functioning in preschoolers. Obesity interventions targeting preschoolers should consider nutritional risk and dietary intervention. Studies of the impact of nutrition intervention on cognitive functioning in preschoolers are warranted.
Growth of Infants Fed Formula with Prebiotics and Probiotics
Authors: Strong Paul , Kirchoff Ashlee , Harris Cheryl , Berseth Carol Lynn
Published: June 2021

Background

Pre‐ and probiotics beneficially affect the host by improving the survival and establishment of live microbes from dietary sources in the gastrointestinal tract. We have previously demonstrated adequate growth in healthy term infants receiving a routine cow's milk‐based formula supplemented with a prebiotic blend of polydextrose (PDX) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), or the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) added to partially or extensively hydrolyzed formulas.

Objective

The objective of the current study was to establish that an investigational study formula containing both pre‐ and probiotics provides adequate growth compared to the currently marketed formula.

Methods

In this multi‐center, double blind, controlled, parallel‐group, prospective study, infants received one of two formulas from 14‐120 days of age: marketed, routine infant formula with PDX/GOS (1:1 ratio, 4g/L) (Control, n=171), or a similar, investigational formula supplemented with PDX/GOS and LGG (1x106 CFU/g powder) (LGG, n=177). The primary outcome for this study was growth rate from 14 to 120 days. Growth rates from 14 to 30, 60, 90, and 120 days of age were analyzed by gender using ANOVA.

Results

There were no differences between groups in infant demographic or anthropometric characteristics at birth and there was no difference in study completion rate. There were no statistical differences detected in the rate of weight gain (g/day) from 14 to 120 days of age for male (Control, 31.3 ± 0.7; LGG, 31.6 ± 0.6) or female (Control, 27.3 ± 0.7; LGG, 25.7 ± 0.7) infants.

Conclusions

Results of this study demonstrated that the investigational formula supplemented with PDX and LGG was associated with normal growth when fed to healthy term infants from 14 to 120 days of age.
Low Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Irish Toddlers Despite Northerly Latitude and High Prevalence of Inadequate Intakes
Authors: Kiely Mairead , O'Keefe Carol , McCarthy Elaine , Kenny Louise , Hourihane Jonathan , Murray Deirdre
Published: June 2021

While reports of inadequate vitamin D intakes, among children are widespread, data on the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and deficiency, are inconsistent. We implemented an assessment of vitamin D intakes using a weighed food diary of two non‐consecutive days and measured serum 25(OH)D concentrations in two‐year old children participating in the Cork Baseline birth cohort study. Blood samples were collected in 742 children and analysed for serum 25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2 and 3‐epi‐25(OH)D3 using UPLC‐MS/MS. Food diaries were collected in 468 children. Mean total serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 63.4 nmol/L [54.6 in winter and 71.2 nmol/L in summer]. During the winter, 27.6% had a 25(OH)D < 40nmol/L, which decreased to 2.3% in summer. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) was 4.6%. The C‐3 epimer and 25(OH)D2 were present in all samples. With an overall mean daily intake (MDI) of 3.6 μg/d, 96% of the sample had inadequate intakes < 10 μg/d, 78% were < 5 μg/d and 13% were < 1 μg/d. Children who did not obtain vitamin D from fortified foods or supplements had intakes of 1.2 μg/d. The highest intakes were recorded in children who consumed infant formula targeted at toddlers, fortified with 1.5‐1.7 μg/100ml (7.2 μg/d) and consumers of D‐containing supplements (8.1 μg/d). We show a low prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Irish 2‐year olds despite high latitude (51o N) and self‐reported adherence to sun‐safe recommendations.
Infant Weight Gain in Week 1 and Body Mass Index at Age 2: A Prospective Cohort Study in an Urban Population
Authors: Burnham Laura , Merewood Anne , Torjman Marc , Chen Ning , Grossman Xena , Matlak Stephanie , Feldman‐Winter Lori
Published: June 2021

Objective

Determine if change in weight in week 1 of life and feeding type in week 1 and month 1 of life were associated with BMI蠅85th percentile at 2 years.

Methods: Newborns enrolled into a prospective cohort study at an urban hospital from 2008‐2012. We recorded all feeds during week 1 of life and assessed feeding at weeks 2, 3, and 4 with 24‐hour recall. We weighed and measured infants at birth, 7 days, and 2 years. At 2 years, we categorized children with BMI˂85th percentile as normal weight, and BMI蠅85th percentile as overweight.

Results: There was a significant association between change in weight during week 1 and BMI at 2 years. In the multivariate analysis, infants gaining 蠅100g in week 1 were 2.5 times more likely to be overweight at age 2 compared to those who lost weight (p=.02). We found a significant association between feeding type and change in weight during week 1. Mean change in weight for exclusively breastfed infants was ‐7.7g and 53.57g for infants receiving any formula (p=.01). There was no significant association between feeding type at 1 week or 1 month and BMI at 2 years.

Conclusions

Weight gain of 100g or more during week 1 was associated with BMI>85th percentile at age 2. Infants receiving exclusive breast milk in week 1 gained less weight than formula feeders.

Funding: National Research Initiative Grant
Isoflavones Increase Susceptibility for Kawasaki Disease in Early Childhood
Authors: Portman Michael , Navarro Sandra , Lampe Johanna
Published: June 2021

Kawasaki disease (KD), the leading cause of acquired heart disease in U.S. children, results from an autoimmune response. KD can lead to coronary artery inflammation in infants and young children, aneurysms, stenosis, and to myocardial infarction. The incidence in East Asian children is up to > 220/100,000 compared to 20/100,000 in U.S. Thus, susceptibility may relate to ethnic gene variations, although none have been identified. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the Fcγ receptors, important immune modulators, are demonstrated as important KD risk factors in both Asians and Caucasians. Balance among activating and inhibiting FcγRs determines immune response, and can be disrupted by isoflavones working as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We tested a hypothesis: soy isoflavones increase susceptibility to KD and are responsible for the ethnic variation. We gave a validated soy food frequency survey to ~ 200 KD cases and 200 matched controls and their mothers. Maternal surveys on intake during pregnancy and nursing showed no significant differences. Among children, there was a 23% (OR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.39) increased KD risk with total isoflavone intake and a 28% (OR=1.28; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.49) increased risk for genistein intake specifically. Evaluation by intake quantile showed a significant increased risk for both total isoflavone (OR=2.23; 95% CI: 1.32, 3.75) and genistein (OR=2.52; 95% CI: 1.49, 4.23). Also, a statistically significant seven‐ and eight‐fold increased KD risk occurred among U.S. Asian children in the highest quantiles of intakes. Thus substantial dietary soy intake increases risk for KD, an autoimmune disease, and can explain ethnic KD diversity.
Gut Peptide Concentrations Prior to Feeding in Healthy Infants
Authors: Anderson Stevi , Mennella Julie , Papas Mia , Trabulsi Jillian
Published: June 2021

Rapid weight gain during infancy is a risk factor for later life obesity. Because energy intake is regulated by complex signals (peptides) from peripheral systems including the gut, a better understanding of these peptides and their role in energy intake, satiation and satiety during development is needed. The purpose of this ongoing study is to determine the within‐subject variability in gut peptide concentrations prior to a feeding. We conducted a within‐subject repeated measures study on 10 healthy term infants (6 formula fed, 4 breast fed) who were between 1 and 4 months of age. A 500μL blood sample via heel stick was collected in EDTA tubes containing protease inhibitors (25μL Aprotinin; Sigma‐Aldrich, MO, and 5μL dipeptidyl peptidase IV soluble form; Millipore, MA), on average, 8±8 minutes prior to feeding on two days separated by 6±2 days. Samples were centrifuged immediately at 3000rpm, 10° C for 15 minutes; serum was stored at ‐80C until analysis. Gut peptide concentrations (PYY, GLP‐1, GIP, leptin, ghrelin,) were determined by ELISA (Millipore, MA). Preliminary analyses revealed variations between infants but mean concentrations did not differ significantly between visits for any gut peptides. Concentrations of PYY and Leptin at visit 1 strongly correlated with concentrations at visit 2 (r=0.8 and r=0.9, p<0.03) suggesting within subject stability in gut peptide concentrations prior to feeding. Ongoing research is investigating how feeding milks of different macronutrient composition as well as individual differences among infants affects the change from pre‐feeding gut peptide concentrations to those obtained at fixed intervals post feeding. Research supported in part by NIH grant R01HD072307.
Food System Disparities
Authors: Burke Joanne
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this research was to identify food system and health indicators to determine if there were patterns of food system inequities based on race, ethnicity and/or socio‐economic class in New England, the Northeast (USDA Designation) and the United States. Indicators include, but are not limited to, farm and land ownership, food desserts and population profiles, poverty status, obesity and diabetes. Federal food assistance program participation rates such as WIC, School Breakfast & Lunch and the Supplemental Nutrition Program were reviewed. Employment rates, wages and health care access are also considered. In addition to the moral call to a more equitable system, recent healthcare and economic analysis indicate the quality of life and financial benefits of a more just food system Results indicate being White (Non‐Hispanic) puts you at a food system advantage you are far more likely to own farm land, have better access to food and purchasing power, and have healthier diets and more robust incomes than Blacks or Hispanics. Strategies that may help to identify disparities through better tracking, and those designed to structurally promote more equitable food system will be briefly identified.
Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Periurban Lima
Authors: Penny Mary , Meza Krysty , Creed‐Kanashiro Hilary , Donovan Jason
Published: June 2021

Fruits and vegetables are major sources of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants and higher consumption is associated with lower risk of non‐communicable diseases, which are increasing in prevalence in Latin America and other developing regions. We describe the fruit and vegetable consumption of mothers and children (2‐17yr) in a sample of 240 households during the summer in a periurban area of Lima, Peru. We collected frequency of intake for fruits and vegetables for the preceding 1 and 12 months and 24hr recall for quantitative intake of all fruits and vegetables. Fruit and vegetable consumption was variable but low compared with the recommended 400g daily. Only 22% of children and 25% of mothers ate 蠅400g/day. Median consumptions were: children, fruit 159g, vegetable 60g, both 249g/day; mothers, fruit 138g,vegetables 92g, both 271g. Children ate more fruit but less vegetable than their mothers. Both ate more fruit than vegetable and 93.3% of children had eaten fruit yesterday. A wide variety of fruits were eaten, 14 different fruits were eaten by >50% of children in the previous month. Fruits eaten whole were the most common preparation, eaten by 73% of children, median consumption 99g fruit/day/child; fresh fruit juices provided median 127g/day/child but were only consumed by 32 children. Small amounts of vegetables were present in most preparations but salads, eaten by 101 (42.1%) children provided median 55g vegetable/day/child, with 33% 蠅80g. Main courses traditionally including vegetable, for instance pumpkin stew and sautéed vegetables, were the most important sources. Advice to increase fruit and vegetable consumption should take into account local culinary habits

Study supported by CGIAR global research program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health, led by IFPRI
Relationship between Microalbuminuria and Serum Vitamin D Levels in African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zarini Gustavo , Shaban Lemia , Exebio Joel , Vaccaro Joan , Ajabshir Sahar , Huffman Fatma
Published: June 2021

This cross sectional study examined the relationship between microalbuminuria (MA) and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in African Americans with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants (n=129) were recruited from multiple sources from South Florida. MA was determined in urine samples by a semi‐quantitative assay (ImmunoDip, Diagnostic Chemicals Limited, Oxford, CT, US). Serum 25(OH)D levels were determined using a commercial ELISA kit from Immunodiagnostic Systems Limited (Scottsdale, AZ, US). Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels were measured from whole blood samples with the Roche Tina‐quant method. Statistical analysis included t‐test, chi‐square, General Linear Model (GLM) and Bonferroni post‐hoc test, controlling for age, gender, BMI, A1C and hypertension medications. MA was present in 40 (31%) of African Americans with T2D. There was a statistically significant difference in 25(OH)D levels between participants with and without MA (F(1,121) = 9.72, p = 0.002). Bonferroni post‐hoc test revealed that those with MA had significantly (p = 0.002) lower 25(OH)D levels (M = 39.5, SD = 13.8) as compared to those without MA (M = 51.5, SD = 23.4). Lower vitamin D levels might exacerbate kidney dysfunction in African Americans with T2D. Funding for this research was provided through an NIH/NIDDK sponsored grant.
Taiwanese Elders who Eat with Others have a Better Diet and Health
Authors: Lee Meei‐Shyuan , Cheng Hsiang‐Ling , Wahlqvist Mark
Published: June 2021

We assessed cross‐sectionally and prospectively whether, if elders eat with others, it is associated with better diet and health status in the nationally representative Elderly Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (1999‐2000) (n=1842). Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was derived from 24‐hr dietary recall data at baseline. Participants' disease incidence, medical usage and survival status were obtained from the National Health Insurance databases (1999‐2006) and the National Death Registry up to 2008. Logistic regression and Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR), hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). There were 83.2% elders who ate with others at least one meal a day at baseline. They were more likely to be younger, better educated, with a better income, have married and to be living with a spouse or to live with others. Compared with those who ate alone, after adjustment for covariates, elders ate with others had high DDS, with higher energy, vegetable and meat intakes. They also had better dietary quality (DDS 蠅 4 vs < 4) (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.19‐2.69). Those women who ate with others had better mental health and health‐related quality of life, including a lower depression tendency (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.02‐3.38), a higher cognitive function (SPMSQ, 8.83 vs. 8.36, p=0.005) and more favorable SF‐36. Those older people who ate with others had less medical utilization, including less outpatient visits (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94‐0.99) and shorter hospital stays (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.65‐0.71). To sum up, those older adults who ate with others were more likely to have a better diet, mental health and health‐related quality of life, and also to have a lower use of medical services.
Improving The US Food Environment Through Reformulation: A Comparison Of Two Nutrient Profiling Models
Authors: Masset Gabriel , Vlassopoulos Antonis , Potter Monika , Leroy Fabienne , Vecchio Bianca Maria
Published: June 2021

Background

Few nutrient profiling (NP) models have been specifically developed for reformulation purposes.

Objective

To compare how the NNPS and Ofcom NP models, respectively designed for reformulation and regulation purposes, classified foods consumed in the US.

Methods

The across‐the‐board Ofcom and the category‐specific NNPS models were applied to all ice creams, pizzas, soups, and yogurts of the USDA SR27 database. Both models have a dichotomous Yes/No outcome. Classification of foods across categories was assessed using chi2 tests. Agreement between the systems was assessed using the kappa statistic, for all foods and by category.

Results

Overall, and in all categories but pizzas, more foods were classified 'Yes' by the Ofcom than by the NNPS (Table). Contrary to the NNPS (p‐chi2=0.59), the Ofcom classified differently the four categories (p<0.01): all yogurts were classified 'Yes' while most pizzas were 'No'. Across all foods, agreement was relatively low between the two systems; it was higher for ice creams and pizzas.

Table: Classification of foods according to the NNPS and Ofcom nutrient profiling systems (USDA SR27 data)

Food category
n
% Yes, NNPS
% Yes, Ofcom
Kappa‐statistic

Ice Creams
43
16
28
0.54

Pizzas
75
23
15
0.30

Soups
282
25
72
0.06

Yogurts
25
28
100
N/A

Total
425
24
59
0.13

Conclusion

In the assessed food categories, the NNPS model was more inclined to promote reformulation than the Ofcom model. Further research is needed to assess other food categories in which manufactured goods are predominant in the food environment. Confirmatory investigations should focus on food environment from other regions, or for specific target populations.
Employed US Adults' Support for Food and Beverage Worksite Wellness Strategies and Sugar‐Sweetened Beverage Intake during the Workday
Authors: Lee‐Kwan Seung Hee , Pan Liping , Kimmons Joel , Foltz Jennifer , Park Sohyun
Published: June 2021

Daily sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is high among US adults and associated with obesity. Given that over 100 million Americans consume food or beverages at work daily, the worksite may be a venue for interventions to reduce SSB consumption. However, the level of support for these interventions is unknown. We examined the associations between workday SSB intake and employees' support for worksite wellness strategies (WWS) among 1,924 employed adults (蠅18 years) using 2013 Summer ConsumerStyles data. The exposure variable was workday SSB intake (0, <1 or 蠅1 times/day). Outcome variables were employees' support (yes/no) for the following WWS: 1) Accessible Free Water, 2) Affordable Healthy Food/Drink, 3) Available Healthy Options, and 4) Less Available SSB. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for sociodemographic variables, employer size, and availability of cafeteria/vending machine. About half of employees supported Accessible Free Water (54%), Affordable Healthy Food/Drink (49%), and Available Healthy Options (46%), but only 28% supported Less Available SSB. Compared to non‐SSB consumers, daily SSB consumers were less supportive of Accessible Free Water (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=0.67, p<0.05) or Less Available SSB (OR=0.49, p<0.05). In conclusion, about half of employees supported increasing healthy options (i.e., Accessible Free Water, Affordable Healthy Food/Drink, and Available Healthy Options) within worksites. Daily workday SSB consumers were less supportive of certain strategies. Increasing worksite choices for healthy food/beverages is a potential health promotion approach for many employed adults.
Cost of Nutrients Analyses Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: A Focus on Grain Foods
Authors: Fulgoni Victor , Papanikolaou Yanni
Published: June 2021

The objective of the present study was to assess the cost of energy, nutrients, and related substances in the American diet and to define some of the most cost effective foods for providing these food components. The analyses focused on grain foods from NHANES 2003‐2004 since these are the only data that the USDA linked to food costs (USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion prices database: Food Prices Database‐0304). We used the USDA 150 food categories to define grain food categories. For those 2+ years of age, six of the grain categories considered (out of 22) were especially cost effective in providing energy and nutrients to the American diet. The rolls/buns category and the rice category were particularly cost effective, each ranking in the top five most cost effective food categories for 13‐14 of the nutrients/substances evaluated, including dietary fiber, protein, folate, iron, magnesium, calcium, niacin, and thiamin. Ready‐to‐eat cereals (whether higher or lower in sugar), the pasta/noodles/cooked grains category, and the tortilla category were also among the top five most cost effective food groups for certain nutrients/substances. Popcorn, grits/other cooked grains, and the oatmeal categories ranked in the top five most cost effective food groups for one or two nutrients ([popcorn: dietary fiber, lutein/zeaxanthin; grits/other cooked cereals: iron; oatmeal: magnesium). While prices may have changed some since 2003‐2004, these data suggest that certain grain‐based foods are a “nutrition bargain” for American consumers. Supported by the Grain Foods Foundation.
Who Reads Nutrition Labels? Label Usage by College Students in a Dining Hall Setting
Authors: Christoph Mary , Ellison Brenna
Published: June 2021

Dietary preferences and eating behaviors can have a profound effect on nutrition and weight status. We investigated how stress, sleep, exercise, and nutrition education impacted usage of calorie labels and perceptions of nutrition information in a sample of 1,142 students (65% freshman, 58% male) surveyed in four university dining halls.

Logistic regression was used to determine which students were more likely to use calorie information to make food choices, controlling for gender, age, and BMI. Additionally, students were asked to indicate the preferred pieces of nutrition information they would like to see provided in the dining hall setting.

Usage of calorie information was significantly (p<0.05) related to wanting to lose weight, higher perceived stress levels, having above average health habits, tracking food intake, and exercising 3 or more times per week. Usage was moderately (p<0.10) related to being older and having eaten breakfast that day, but was not associated with gender, BMI, or number of hours slept. Preferences for information types (e.g. calories, fat, protein, ingredients) varied by gender, BMI, weight goals, food tracking behavior, and exercise frequency.

Calorie label usage differed by exercise level, desire to lose weight, stress level, food tracking, and perceived healthfulness of habits in a large sample of students at university dining halls. This study underscores how behavioral and environmental factors impact usage of calorie labels and perceived importance of different types of nutrition information.

This research was supported by the UIUC Illinois Transdisciplinary Obesity Prevention Program.
Estimates of the quality of complementary feeding among Vietnamese 6‐23 month olds varied by how commercial baby cereals were classified in 24‐hour recalls
Authors: Nguyen Tuan , Hajeebhoy Nemat
Published: June 2021

The World Health Organization's (WHO) indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices do not include commercial baby cereals (CBC), which are derived from several food groups and fortified with micronutrients. We examined how different scenarios for classifying CBC affect estimates of the quality of complementary feeding in 6‐23‐month‐old children in Vietnam (n=4,767; in 2014). In addition to the standardized questionnaire from the WHO, we asked mothers about the consumption of CBC manufactured by Heinz, Hipp, Nestlé, Gerber, or Vinamilk. Five scenarios were: S1‐ omitted CBC; S2‐ classified CBC as grains; S3‐ as grains and legumes; S4‐ as grains, legumes and vegetables; S5‐ as grains, legumes, vegetables and dairy. The proportion of children fed CBC in the previous day was 16.5%. Including CBC results in a 5‐10‐percentage‐point increase in the percent of children fed each of the 7 food groups in the WHO standard questionnaire. Minimum dietary diversity (percent fed 蠅 4 out of the 7 food groups) was statistically higher in S4 (88%) and S5 (90%) than in S1 (84%) and S2 (84%). The percent who consumed a minimum acceptable diet was also statistically higher in S4 (78%) and S5 (80%) than in S1 (74%) and S2 (75%). The percent who consumed iron‐rich foods was 94% when CBC were accounted for, statistically higher than the alternative scenario (89%). To sum, when CBC were included in the 24‐hour recall and classified as grains, legumes and any other food group, population level estimates of dietary quality were higher than when they were omitted. This suggests that clearer guidance is required from WHO about how to account for consumption of baby cereals when estimating quality of complementary feeding.

Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through Alive & Thrive, managed by FHI 360
Investigating Bioaccessibility of Methylmercury from Seafood Commonly Consumed in North America
Authors: Siedlikowski Maia , Bradley Mark , Basu Niladri
Published: June 2021

More than 1 billion people worldwide rely on seafood as their main protein source, but all seafood is contaminated with the toxic chemical mercury (Hg) in its methylated form (MeHg). Humans' main route of exposure to MeHg is through seafood consumption. Dietary assessment tools are used to evaluate the related risks and benefits. A major assumption in estimating these risks is that 100% of MeHg ingested is absorbed, yet emerging evidence suggests otherwise. Our goal is to increase the understanding of human exposure to MeHg by studying the absorption of this potent toxicant in the human gastrointestinal tract. We determined bioaccessibility of MeHg from the 10 most consumed types of seafood in North America (n=12 per type of seafood) identified by epidemiological surveys. An established in vitro gastrointestinal digestion method was designed to mimic human physiology. The mean bioaccessibility (±SD) of MeHg from 6 types of seafood was less than 100%: canned light tuna 65±8%, canned white tuna 75±2%, fresh tuna 97±1%, cod 99±0.2%, crab 77±9%, and halibut 89±1%. Furthermore, the mean bioaccessibility of MeHg from canned light tuna differed significantly (p<0.05) from those of fresh tuna, cod, and scallop. This research aims to more accurately gauge MeHg‐associated risks based on current dietary assessment tools, advance our knowledge of human exposure to MeHg, and ultimately translate to better public health guidelines concerning seafood consumption. In addition, given recent global support of the United Nations Minamata Convention, there is a need to develop innovative research methods to effectively manage Hg in the environment and MeHg in our food web.

Supported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
An Examination of the Relationships between Dietary Diversity, Nutritional Status, and Food Security across Seasons in Bangladesh
Authors: Waid Jillian
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Dietary diversity has been shown to be closely correlated with calorie and micronutrient adequacy, however changes in seasonal dietary patterns and differences between populations can complicate the interpretation of this indicator.

Methods

Seasonal, cross‐sectional data from three years of the Food Security and Nutrition Surveillance Project were aggregated, resulting in a data set of 57,912 adult women and 14,097 adolescent girls. Descriptive analysis and multivariate linear regression were used.

Results

Age corrected estimates of nutritional status for adolescent girls indicated that malnutrition rates are higher during the monsoon months, but the same relationship was not observed for adult women. In contrast, for both women's and adolescent girls' dietary diversity scores were significantly higher in the monsoon months, mimicking the seasonal variation observed in household diets. Overall, for adult women and adolescent girls, dietary diversity scores were associated with better nutritional status while food insecurity was associated with worsened nutritional status. However, in models stratified by food security the association between dietary diversity and better nutritional status only held for adult women and adolescent girls in food secure households. When stratified, the models for food secure households had a considerably better fit than that of food insecure households.

Conclusions

The interpretation of dietary diversity measures can vary by season and food security status, as such future research should examine in which season these indicators provide the most reliable measures. In addition, care must be taken in interpreting such measures in situations when food insecurity is high or increasing.
Nutritional Intervention Decreases Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Improves Quality of Diet
Authors: Fleetwood Christina , Campa Adriana , Martinez Sabrina , Stewart Tiffanie , Seminario Leslie , Gracia Deborah , Baum Marianna
Published: June 2021

Objective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become one of the main non‐AIDS related causes of death in HIV+ adults on antiretrovirals. We compared HIV+ adults who were followed by a Registered Dietitian (RD) to those who were not currently followed by an RD for risk of metabolic syndrome (MS), a grouping of CVD risk factors,and quality of diet.

Methods

After consenting, 98 HIV+ participants provided demographics and anthropometries. Vital signs and blood pressure were taken, blood was drawn for fasting glucose and lipid profiles obtained from medical charts. The Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) scores were calculated from 24‐hour dietary recalls and used to evaluate quality of diet. Nutribase‐9 and SPSS‐20 were used for analyses. MS was defined by the 5 NCEP ATPl III risk factors. People with 蠅3 risk factors were identified as having MS.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 47.2 years, 59.4% were male, and 73.7% were Black, 19.4 had hyperglycemia, and 30.6% had MS. Participants who were counseled by an RD had significantly higher AHEI scores (34.98 vs. 29.16, P<0.001), HDL (52.87 vs. 46.63 mg/dL, P=0.016), lower waist circumference (35.49 vs. 38.90 inches, P=0.002), and lower diastolic blood pressure (76.98 vs 83.08 mmHg, P=0.041) compared to those who had not seen an RD in the past year. There were no significant differences in demographics, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure between the groups.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that receiving nutritional counseling decreases the risks for MS in HIV+ adults who have higher risk for MS (30.6% in our participants) compared to that in the general population (23%).

Funded by NIDA/NIAAA
Diet Quality and Acculturation are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Females for South Asian Americans
Authors: Khan Saira , Jackson Robert
Published: June 2021

Background

There has been a continued need to examine the relationship between diet quality, health, and the development of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and its precursor, Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in understudied immigrant populations.
Objective. We calculated the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI2010) scores with the goal of to assess the diet quality based on conformance to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and its relationship to acculturation, and MetS.
Methods. In a cross‐sectional study, male and female South Asian (SA) volunteers from two low‐income community health clinics in Maryland responded to a previously validated acculturation questionnaire (21‐items), an automated self‐administered 24‐hour recall (ASA24), socio‐demographic variables, and metabolic profiles from clinical files. MetS was defined by the new consensus harmonized definition by the presence of 蠅 3 of the 5 abnormal indicators. Acculturation, gender, and ethnic group were contrasted between those with and without MetS and those above and below the DGA.
Results. SA had a composite score of 73±1.2 suggesting that their diet needs improvement but was higher than the average for Americans 53.2. Males diets were healthier than females and Older males (蠅 65 years) ate the healthiest. Assimilated subjects ate healthier but had greater prevalence of MetS (44% VS. 29%). Males with MetS had lower HEI2010 scores (68) compared to males without MetS (73) and the converse being true for females (68 vs. 65).
Conclusions. Our findings suggest that SA from different countries show similar eating habits and scores. SA females face greater dietary and cultural challenges compared to males.
Dietary Sodium Intake and Cardiometabolic Conditions in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Zhang Fang Fang , Ojha Rohit , Lanctot Jennifer , Chemaitilly Wassim , Krull Kevin , Hudson Melissa
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Adult survivors of childhood cancer (ASCC) are at high risk for cardiometabolic conditions. We aimed to assess the associations between dietary sodium intake and cardiometabolic conditions among ASCC.

Methods

For 2,571 ASCC (mean ± SD = 32.6 ±8.3 years) in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study, self‐reported dietary intake was assessed using the Block food frequency questionnaire. Systematic medical assessments included measurements of blood pressure, weight, height, waist circumference, serum fasting lipids, glucose, and insulin. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, family income, total energy intake, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and dietary patterns.

Results

The mean sodium intake was 3,566 mg/d, substantially higher than the recommended upper limit of sodium intake (2,300 mg/d). Compared to sodium intake above the national average (蠅3,400 mg/d), intake between 1,500‐2,300 mg/d was associated with 35‐46% lower odds of prevalent hypertension (OR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.44‐0.96), insulin resistance (OR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.46‐0.94), abdominal obesity (OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.45‐0.97), and metabolic syndrome (OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.35‐0.82). Sodium intake 2,300‐3,400 mg/d was associated with similarly reduced prevalence of cardiometabolic conditions although the magnitude was smaller. Sodium intake<1,500 mg/d was not associated with the prevalence of cardiometabolic conditions.

Conclusion

Optimal sodium intake is associated with reduced odds of cardiometabolic conditions in young adult survivors of childhood cancer.
Whole Grains and Cereal Fiber in Relation to Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review
Authors: Makarem Nour , Nicholson Joseph , Bandera Elisa , McKeown Nicola , Parekh Niyati
Published: June 2021

Whole grains and cereal fiber may protect against cancer by promoting weight control, providing micronutrients and phytochemicals with anticancer properties, and influencing sex hormone levels and dilution of carcinogens. Evidence from longitudinal studies on whole grains and cereal fiber has only been reviewed for colorectal cancer. We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL to search for longitudinal studies evaluating whole grains and cereal fiber in relation to cancer. We identified 35 European and North American prospective cohort studies reporting multivariable‐adjusted risk estimates for female (n=15), gastrointestinal (n=14), prostate (n=5) and blood cancer (n=1). Of 18 studies examining whole grains and cancer, 5 studies found a significant 15‐47% reduction in risk, 3 showed a non‐significant 14‐41% reduction in risk and 8 reported no association. Two studies were suggestive of a 13‐21% increase in risk with higher whole grain intakes. Of 23 studies evaluating cereal fiber and cancer, 15 showed no association, 6 showed a statistically significant 11‐49% reduction in risk, and 2 studies were suggestive of higher cancer risk. Evidence linking whole grains and cereal fiber to cancer risk is mixed, but an inverse association was observed primarily for gastrointestinal cancers. The variation in estimates of whole grain intake and sources, study duration, cancer site and insufficient power may explain the mixed results. Intervention studies that use consistent definitions of whole grains and comprehensively adjust for lifestyle factors are needed to clarify these associations.
Coffee Consumption and Risk of Lung Cancer in the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study
Authors: Guertin Kristin , Freedman Neal , Loftfield Erikka , Graubard Barry , Caporaso Neil , Sinha Rashmi
Published: June 2021

Background

Coffee drinkers had higher risk of lung cancer in some previous studies, however as heavy coffee drinkers tend to be cigarette smokers, such findings could be confounded. Therefore, we examined this association in the nearly half‐a‐million participants of the US NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study.

Methods

Typical coffee intake and smoking history were queried at baseline. During 4,155,256 person‐years of follow‐up, more than 9000 incident lung cancer cases occurred. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios and 95% CIs for coffee intake and risk of subsequent lung cancer. We also comprehensively adjusted for tobacco smoking and examined associations by detailed strata of tobacco use.

Results

Coffee drinkers were far more likely to smoke than non‐drinkers. Although coffee drinking was associated with lung cancer in age‐ and sex‐ adjusted models (蠅6 cups/day: 4.56, 4.08‐5.10), this association was substantially attenuated after adjusting for smoking (1.27, 1.14‐1.42). Similar findings were found for each different histologic type of lung cancer and for participants drinking predominantly caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee. Little evidence for an association was observed in our stratified analyses, either within never smokers or most categories of tobacco use.

Conclusions

Although we cannot exclude a modest positive association between coffee drinking and lung cancer, our results do not provide evidence for a strong association.
Hypohydration and Vascular Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bougatsas Dimitris , Kavouras Stavros , Georgousopoulou Ekavi , Manolopoulou Katerina , Panagiotakos Demosthenes
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives

It has been hypothesized that chronic hypohydration may be associated with vascular stiffness and atherosclerosis mainly driven by increased arginine‐vasopressin, aldosterone, and angiotensin II, however, no study has addressed the issue in humans.

Methods

During 2011‐2012, 433 men and women (age: 54±10 y, 227; 52% men) were voluntarily enrolled from the general population. Socio‐demographic factors, medical history, physical activity (international physical activity questionnaire) and smoking, were recorded through a face‐to‐face interview. Participants also provided first morning urine sample, analyzed for urine osmolality (Uosm) and completed a validated food frequency questionnaire.Carotid artery Intimal‐Medial‐Thickness (IMT) through ultrasound was also measured by trained cardiologists.

Results

Mean IMT was found 0.83±0.32 mm, urine osmolality was: 642±230 mmol/kg and total fluid Intake from beverages was 2,544±884 mL.Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed an independent association between urine osmolality and IMT (B‐coef: 0.0009 and p=0.009), after adjusting for several confounding variables such as age, sex, BMI,fluid intake (from beverages), smoking habits and family history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The aforementioned model explained 61.6% of IMT's variability while model's significance was p= 0.06.

Conclusions

The data indicated that hydration status is associated with atherosclerosis.
Pregnancy Weight Management among Women's Health Providers: Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices
Authors: Earl Shannon , Giles Lisa , Palmer Wendy , Welsh Jean
Published: June 2021

Background and Objective

Concerns about delivery complications, birth outcomes, and child growth patterns have risen with the increasing prevalence of obesity among pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to assess weight‐related counseling knowledge and practices among a sample of currently practicing women's health providers (WHPs) with a goal of identifying potential areas of opportunity for strengthening and supporting their efforts.

Methods

A self‐administered survey to assess current knowledge, perceptions, and practices was completed by a convenience sample of 86 WHPs (36 OB/GYNs, 11 Midwives/NPs, and 39 registered nurses).

Results

Among the WHP's surveyed to date, 58%(%) reported that they discussed weight gain recommendations with women during their initial prenatal visit. Approximately one‐half (46%) reported that they assess patients' diet and physical activity (PA) habits, 33% help them set nutrition and PA goals and 29% document them in the chart. Most (65%) reported that they have never completed coursework or continuing education on either: nutrition, PA, or weight management; motivational interviewing; or behavior change. Less than half (46%) knew the IOM weight gain guideline for obese pregnant women. The top barrier cited by WHPs to their evaluating and/or effectively managing their patients' nutrition, PA, and weight was not having enough time (62.7%); 45% reported lack of training as one of their top two barriers.

Conclusions

These results suggest that while many WHPs provide weight‐related counseling during pregnancy, evidence‐based best practices are not consistently being used. Many WHPs appear to lack critical training needed to provide effective weight management counseling and care.