bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“You're Getting Fat”: Childhood Weight Comments and Adult Daughter Satisfaction
Authors: Wansink Brian , Cristian Daniela , Warlop Luk
Published: November 2023

Which long‐term impact might parental comments about a daughter's weight have on them as an adult? The current study examines the interplay between parental weight‐related feedback and adult weight status. To explore this, a group of 501 women aged 20–35 completed a survey assessing what comments they recalled their parents making about their weight and eating habits as a child. Their recollection of these comments was regressed upon their current BMI, weight satisfaction, food intake vigilance, and social eating behaviors. Commenting on a daughter's weight is related to long‐term weight dissatisfaction (p <.001) even if the daughter grows up to be of normal weight (p < .05). Additionally, the recollection of such comments is associated with daughters having different social behaviors (eating more when alone and changing their eating habits around others) and different food preferences (less adventurous and rather skeptical about new food items). Importantly, all of these findings were significant even after accounting for their parents' concern about their own weight. A parent's comment about their daughter's weight or eating behavior may have a lingering influence long after it is uttered – regardless of whether a girl grows up slim or heavy. It may be that simply creating a home environment that encourages more moderate snacking and serving sizes and promotes healthier dining may be a better path towards a brighter adult relationship with weight and food.
Nordic Solutions to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: Lessons from Four Years of Retail Behavioral Economics Interventions
Authors: Wansink Brian , Karevold Knut Ivar , Tran Huy
Published: November 2023

Can the sales of fruits and vegetables be sustainably increased by the introduction of new selections and packaging (product promotion), or by changes in layout and structure in stores (display promotion)? This study aims to examine the effect of such interventions on sales of fruits and sales of vegetables respectively. New selections and packaging of fruits and vegetables were introduced in 581 Norwegian grocery stores (144 in the control condition) during a 4‐year period. At the 2‐year midpoint, changes in store structure, such as signage, and management focus on sales of fruits and vegetables were introduced at the treatment stores for 1 year followed by a year of optional adherence. The average weekly sales volumes (kg) of fruits and vegetables both before and after the structural changes were analyzed. The sales trend was analyzed to examine whether the intervention sustained its effect through time. The SAS program was used to integrate weekly sales data from 581 stores over 4 years. To test for any significant differences, independent t‐tests and linear regressions were conducted using SPSS. A matching procedure was applied to the data from before and after the implementation of changes in the store structures. In general, findings indicate that changes in selections and packaging increased sales of fruit by 16% and sales of vegetables by 15%. Also, stores that changed structures, signage, and service sold 10% more fruit and 12% more vegetables than the control stores. Small adjustments in areas such as store structure could be successful in increasing sales of both fruits and vegetables. Such finding may encourage more grocers to voluntarily adhere these implementations. Another interesting finding is that when management focus on sales was mandatory, more fruits and vegetables sold compared to when management focus was not mandatory.
Bigger Homes & Recipes: How recipe calories have increased over the years
Authors: Wansink Brian , Mukund Anupama
Published: November 2023

Since portion sizes have increased outside the home, could caloric content have increased over the years within the home? To examine this, a content analysis of common recipes in Better Homes & Gardens, the bestselling book in its genre, was compared from its first edition in 1930 to its most recent edition in 2010. Recipes were categorized into appetizers, side dishes, entrées, and desserts and analyzed for significant changes in total calories, number of servings, and calories per serving. From its first edition to its most recent edition, the total calories and calories per serving in appetizer recipes significantly increased by 51.18% and 52.5%, respectively. Furthermore, entrée recipes had a significant increase in total calories by 32.96%. As these increases have gone unnoticed for scratch cooks and their families, cookbook users should be wary of these drastic changes and the amount consumed to counteract ever increasing weight gain.
Effects of Repeated Texture Exposure on Young Children's Intake and Liking of Yogurts
Authors: Lee Siew Guan , Baniasadidehkordi Maryam , Joyner Helen , Ross Carolyn , Price William , Ramsay Samantha
Published: November 2023

Background

In comparison to color and taste, the manipulation of food texture can impact food acceptance in young children. While texture can influence the food children consume, the impact of various textures on children's intake, and whether repeated texture exposure will foster children's texture preference development needs further study.

Objective

To determine whether repeated texture exposure (RTE) increases young children's intake and liking of different yogurt textures.

Methods

Children aged 3–5 years (n=20) attending the University of Idaho Child Development Laboratory were offered 2‐ounce portions of yogurt in six different textures: smooth, pearly, gritty, grainy, lumpy, and ropy. Flavors of each yogurt were standardized using liquid vanilla flavor (1.5 ml/L) and the yogurts were manipulated with a carbohydrate (i.e., rice flour, corn grits, and tapioca pearls) to change textures. Ten taste preference activities were conducted: pre, post, and 8 exposures. Yogurt samples were measured before and after taste activities to capture intake to the nearest 0.1 g. A trained researcher completed activities using a hedonic scale.

Analysis

Descriptive analysis of the questionnaire responses, intake, and liking was conducted. A generalized linear model procedure was used to assess relative changes in intake after RTE for each yogurt texture.

Results

Children were primarily Caucasian from educated and higher social economic status families, who reported infrequent yogurt intake (<40% in meals/snacks). Parents reported children's most frequent intake of yogurt was at snack (n=7; 39%). Mean intake of lumpy (M=0.34±0.29), ropy (M=0.31±0.25), smooth (M=0.30±0.25), and pearly (M=0.29±0.25) were greater than grainy (M=0.18±0.21) and gritty (M=0.17±0.18) at pre taste activities. Mean intake increased for all yogurt textures gritty (M=0.37±0.27), grainy (M=0.34±0.27), lumpy (M=0.49±0.29), smooth (M=0.38±0.26), pearly (M=0.34±0.28), and ropy (M=0.36±0.26) after RTE, and a significant increase was identified for gritty (p=.0001), grainy (p=.0023), and lumpy (p=.0087). Children reported liking for gritty improved after RTE, but no other yogurt textures. Fewer children refused to try yogurt from pre (n=4) to post (n=2) activities.

Implications

Preliminary results indicate RTE can improve children's intake of less familiar textures, but children may not indicate liking of these textures. Further study is needed to confirm findings and the implications for practice.
Rapid rescue of vitamin D levels between 1 and 3 mo of age in neonates with low vitamin D levels using a daily supplementation dosage of 1200 IU supports higher bone mineral accretion
Authors: Gharibeh Nathalie J. , Weiler Hope A. , Vanstone Catherine A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Research focused on bone mineral accretion in otherwise healthy neonates with low vitamin D status (25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] <50 nmol/L) in response to early and rapid recovery of vitamin D status is very scarce.

Objective

To study bone mineral content (BMC) and mineral accretion in response to rapid recovery of low vitamin D status in otherwise healthy neonates.

Methods

A secondary analysis of data from a published dose‐response study (NCT0038914) was performed. Infants with 1 mo 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L receiving 400, 800 or 1200 IU/d of vitamin D up to 12 mo formed a low vitamin D (LOW‐D) group (n=19) while infants with 1 mo 25(OH)D > 50 nmol/L and receiving at least 400 IU of vitamin D up to 12 mo formed the reference group. Anthropometry, lumbar vertebrae (1–4) BMC (DXA), and plasma 25(OH)D (LC‐MS/MS) were measured at 1 and 3 mo of age. Differences between groups were tested using ANOVA and post‐hoc t‐tests.

Results

Vitamin D levels increased in all groups by 2 and 3 mo of age. Significantly higher 25(OH)D concentration at 3 mo of age were observed in the LOW‐D group receiving the 1200 IU /d of vitamin D (25(OH)D > 75 nmol/L) in comparison with the LOW‐D groups receiving the 400 and 800 IU doses (25(OH)D<75 nmol/L), p<.05. Change (%) in lumbar vertebrae 1–4 BMC from 1 to 3 mo of age in infants from the reference groups was significantly higher among infants with plasma 25(OH)D exceeding 100 nmol/L at 3 mo of age. A similar but non‐significant pattern was detected among the smaller LOW‐D group.

Conclusion

Vitamin D levels in infancy impact skeletal growth. Further investigation of the effect of a high recovery dosage of vitamin D (1000–1200 IU/d) among neonates with low vitamin D status on bone mineral accretion is deemed necessary.

Support or Funding Information

The data for the secondary analysis was derived from a study jointly funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Nutricia Research Foundation and in‐kind product by Europharm Inc, Montreal. Canada Foundation for Innovation funding provided for infrastructure.
Understanding Income Disparities in Infant Feeding Practices: Parent Voices and Practitioner Experiences
Authors: Siegel David , Fuster Melissa
Published: November 2023

New parents often express confusion and anxiety about nutrition and introducing solid foods to infants, stemming from varying recommendations. Evidence‐based recommendations do exist but are broad in nature and often not accessed directly by parents. It is important for practitioners to understand what parents know, what factors influence their knowledge and where they obtain their knowledge about introducing foods, infant feeding practices and how this process relates to future diet and health. Moreover, income‐based disparities in the prevalence of chronic, diet‐related conditions in adolescents and adults, suggests that socioeconomic status (SES) is also linked with differences in infant feeding practice. This study assessed parental knowledge and notions about feeding practice for children under two years of age, and compared these notions across the SES categories. The study included semi‐structured interviews with parents of high SES (N=10) and lower SES (N=8) living in Brooklyn, NY, and key informant interviews with health care providers and stakeholders, to contextualize data collected from the parents. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for common themes and comparisons across SES categories. Across the SES categories parents reported factoring cost, time and convenience into decisions about what and how to feed their children. They also shared similar motivations and anxieties in regards to making sure their children eat enough and are receive essential nutrients. Many parents reported family influence on feeding practice, although there was variation on how welcomed this was. Differences in SES emerged in reported feeding behaviors. While parents of lower SES reported offering juice, foods with added sugar and refined grains, parents of higher SES reported offering a wider variety of vegetables and fruits, encouraging acceptance of diverse flavors and prioritizing introduction of allergenic foods. Many parents reported not receiving enough guidance from pediatricians regarding what to feed their children. The interviews with practitioners revealed that one obstacle is that position and consensus papers from major organizations change often, and it takes time to disseminate these changes into specific prescriptions. They instead rely on the best possible broad overview that can be offered. These results suggests that education and assistance programs are needed to address SES disparities in feeding behavior, promoting better nutritional outcomes as children grow up. The findings of this research can contribute to implementing dietary guidelines and help practitioners in designing educational material and community nutrition programs that aim to develop healthy patterns of eating early in life.
Maternal Mental Health and Child Feeding Behaviors in Eastern DR Congo: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Emerson Jillian A. , Tol Wietse , Doocy Shannon , Caulfield Laura E.
Published: November 2023

Maternal mental health problems are associated with poor child growth and sub‐optimal child feeding practices, yet little qualitative research has been conducted to assess mothers' perceptions on how psychological distress impacts their ability to care for and feed their children. The current study took place in South Kivu, DR Congo, and was nested within a larger evaluation of a USAID‐funded food security program. The overall objective was to understand the stressors mothers faced and how feelings of psychological distress impacted their daily functioning, particularly their child feeding behaviors. Mothers of children five years of age or younger who had participated in a mental health assessment conducted previously were eligible. The mental health assessment measured symptoms of depression and anxiety using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist‐25 and symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, and a mean score was calculated (range 0–3). A purposive sampling strategy was used, with participants selected from those who had high (mean score > 1.55) or low (mean score < 0.83) levels of psychological distress. Participants were stratified by geographic territory and intervention group. Twenty in‐depth interviews and two focus group discussions were conducted, with a total of 35 mothers participating. Five health workers participated in key informant interviews. Interviews and focus groups were audio‐recorded and transcribed in Swahili, and transcripts were translated to French by bilingual research assistants. The analysis was conducted using an approach adapted from Grounded Theory, with transcripts coded by the first author, and codes were then grouped according to theme. Major themes to emerge were that women's husbands were a significant source of stress and “hurting heart,” with husbands' infidelity, abandonment, and lack of financial support commonly mentioned by participants. Participants reported that psychological distress made them lose their appetite or lose weight, and their poor nutritional status made it difficult to breastfeed their children. They also felt that psychological distress was associated with milk insufficiency, and a decrease in affection towards their children. Overall, participants perceived that women experiencing stressful life events and psychological distress would have difficulty functioning. The results of this study point to the need for greater psychosocial support for mothers of young children, particularly in times of stress. Family‐focused interventions targeted at fathers may be beneficial for both maternal mental health and child nutrition outcomes.

Support or Funding Information

The parent study was funded by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency. This funding was made available through a USAID Office of Food for Peace Cooperative Agreement (AID‐FFP‐A‐11‐00006).
AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE OF WOMEN'S BELIEFS AND EXPERINCES REGARDING GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN AND ANTENATAL CARE
Authors: Walker Ruth Elizabeth , Blumfield Michelle , Truby Helen
Published: November 2023

Background

Rates of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) have increased in many countries and addressing this issue has become a challenge for antenatal care. This project aimed to explore the beliefs and experiences regarding GWG in antenatal care of an international sample of women.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study that was part of the Massive Open Online Course entitled ‘Food as Medicine’, women responded to an on‐line questionnaire that explored their beliefs and experiences regarding GWG, and reported on the advice they received from health professionals. Comparisons of categorical data were performed with Chi‐square (p = 0.05).

Results

Respondents were 302 women from 45 countries. Appropriate GWG was ranked in the top five factors most important for a healthy pregnancy by 39%. Fifty seven percent (n= 173) reported that health professionals discussed GWG. Women living in Western counties were significantly less likely to have GWG discussed with them compared to other countries (Western 55%, other 74% χ2 = 4.13, p = 0.04). Women reported being satisfied or highly satisfied with the advice they received from health professionals during pregnancy, with no country differences (Western 84%, other 90% χ2 = 1.20, p = 0.27).

Conclusion

In Western countries women did not perceive excessive GWG to be highly important and reported that health professionals in antenatal care did not consistently offer weight management advice. Health professionals have an opportunity to re‐evaluate how they approach GWG in antenatal care where women are receptive and report to be highly satisfied with advice they receive.

Support or Funding Information

Monash University
Infant Feeding Mode is Associated with Differences in Postpartum Weight Retention and Percent Body Fat from 2 to 16 Weeks
Authors: Motoyasu Nicole L , Berger Paige K , Anderson Alex K , Smith Jessica J , Birch Leann L
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Prevalence of obesity is high among women of reproductive age. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy and postpartum weight retention (WR) are contributing factors. Differences in maternal weight retention and body composition have previously been linked to differences in infant feeding mode; whether the infant is breastfed or formula fed. We investigated differences by feeding mode and change in body weight and percent body fat (%BF) from 2 to 16 weeks postpartum.

Methods

Participants were 77 healthy women and their full‐term, normal weight infants. Data were collected prospectively at 2, 8 and 16 weeks postpartum. Mothers were categorized as either predominantly breastfeeding or formula feeding. Our primary outcomes were weight and %BF to determine whether feeding mode predicts WR from 2 to 16 weeks postpartum. Percent BF was assessed using air displacement plethysmography via BOD POD (COSMED). Covariates included race and self‐reported pre‐pregnancy weight. Descriptive statistics and the interaction between feeding mode and time were assessed using a repeated measure ANCOVA.

Results

At 2 weeks postpartum, formula feeding mothers had significantly higher body weight and %BF compared to breastfeeding mothers. They also had higher self‐reported pre‐pregnancy weight. Formula feeding mothers had higher body weight and greater %BF. A significant feeding mode by time interaction, indicated different WR patterns of change from 2 to 16 weeks; breastfeeding mothers' weight and %BF tended to decline, while formula feeding mothers' body weight and %BF tended to increase. Chi square tests for independence revealed that 87% of breastfeeding mothers lost weight between 2 and 16 weeks compared to 54% of formula feeding mothers. Results were similar for %BF, with 74% of breastfeeding mothers losing %BF compared to 40% of formula feeding mothers.

Conclusions

Overall, formula feeding mothers were heavier initially, and retained more weight and %BF from 2 to 16 weeks, and a lower percentage of formula feeding mothers lost weight and %BF during this period. In this sample, formula feeding was associated with weight retention in the postpartum period, contributing to obesity and risk of chronic metabolic diseases. Guidance is needed to promote weight loss during this early postpartum period to prevent additional weight gain and obesity.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by The University of Georgia's Obesity Initiative and the Office of the Vice President for Research
“Those Who Care Much, Understand Much.” Maternal Perceptions of Children's Appetite: Perspectives from Urban and Rural Caregivers of Diverse Parenting Experience
Authors: Ickes Scott Bradley , Naila Nurun , Nahar Baitun , Ritter Gaelen , Lazarus Monica , Hossain Muttaquina , Ahmed Tahmeed , Walson Judd , Denno Donna
Published: November 2023

Background

Appetite in children is an important determinant of nutritional intake and growth. Reduced appetite is related to acute illness and systemic inflammation in infants and young children, and is common in settings where high rates of undernutrition coexist with inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. The loss of appetite is an indicator of declining health status, and improvement in appetite is an early signal of recovery. Therefore, understanding caregiver's awareness of children's appetite during illness and recovery is important to maximize opportunities for targeting interventions to improve growth and reduce morbidity and mortality risk in young children.

Objective

1) To understand maternal perceptions and responses to children's appetite; and 2) to identify how these factors differ by type of caregiver, level of maternal experience, and by urban and rural context.

Methods

We conducted twelve focus groups among mothers (nulliparous and multiparous) and alternate caregivers in urban and rural setting in Bangladesh (n=81). All participants were currently providing care for a child under 5 years.

Results

Caregivers most often monitor children's dietary patterns to understand children's appetite, and to a lesser extent physical and emotional signs, and other cues. Healthy appetite, or “taste” and “delight in their mouths” was commonly observed by a child's willingness to eat a diversity of foods, finish offered portions, and by their acceptance of foods without excessive prompting. Child illness was a commonly cited reason for children's lack of appetite, which was manifested through fussiness and crying, coupled with the avoidance of commonly consumed foods, or a heightened preference for comfort foods. Mothers described a limited set of feeding practices (offering diverse foods, playing with children, cheering children with videos) to encourage food consumption among children who lacked appetite. Maternal time stress due to work was noted as a barrier to identifying appetite cues. Urban mothers described a lower access to instrumental social support for child feeding, but more access to informational support (nutrition counseling, child care centers, literature) than mothers in the rural setting.

Conclusions

Caregiver recognition of child appetite during healthy and ill periods appears to be a critical component of optimal nutritional caregiving. Understanding caregivers' perceptions of children's appetite, and the signs and cues that mothers and caretakers use to identify the presence and absence of appetite in children, may inform the development of tools to assess changes in appetite as early indicators of change in health or nutrition status among high risk children.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1136759).
Molecular Mechanisms of Retinal Circuit Assembly
Authors: Kerschensteiner Daniel
Published: November 2023

The mammalian retina comprises approximately neuronal cell types, which assemble into a variety of circuits that mediate diverse visual functions. I will discuss ongoing studies in my lab, which identified leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) proteins that guide the assembly of specific circuits in the outer and inner retina. In addition to elucidating the contributions of these LRR proteins to morphological maturation and synapse development of specific neuron types, we analyze their impact on circuit function and visually guided behaviors.

Support or Funding Information

NIH (EY023341, EY026978, EY027411)
Access to Health Insurance and Prenatal Care on Low‐Income Pregnant Women's Nutritional Status
Authors: Horan Alex Sutton , Kim Hyun
Published: November 2023

Prenatal care, although necessary, is known as one of the most expensive services in health care system. As a result, it is unlikely that pregnant women can afford to visit a health care professional for the duration of their pregnancy unless they have satisfactory health insurance coverage. This may be problematic for low‐income pregnant women who cannot afford health insurance, as their limited access to prenatal health care can result in reduced intake of folic acid, lowering their overall nutritional status and adversely affecting their baby. The purpose of this study is to analyze whether access to health insurance and prenatal care among pregnant women are associated with their nutritional status, especially folic acid intake. The data come from the six repeated waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003–2014, and the study population includes women who are currently pregnant (n=746). The study estimates folic acid intake and overall nutritional status among pregnant women based on their access to health insurance and prenatal care using the multivariate regression models. Access to health insurance and prenatal care are positively associated with women's nutritional status during their pregnancy, specifically related to their folic acid intake. Furthermore, pregnant women without health insurance do not seem to have adequate access to prenatal care and her nutritional status during pregnancy. A large part of the nutritional status of pregnant women is their folic acid intake since it is a key nutrient in pregnant women's diet and also provides benefits to their health status and their baby. Without proper prenatal care, pregnant women are less likely to have its recommended intake. This study may shed light on the importance of proper access to prenatal care and adequate nutrition intake during women's pregnancy. Moreover, pregnant women, health insurance providers and health care providers could better work together in order to recognize the complementary effect of carefree access to prenatal care and healthy nutrient intake throughout pregnancy.
More Popular in the Pantry: Social Norm Signage Shifts Food Pantry Patrons to Healthier Foods
Authors: Wansink Brian , Bhana Hiershenee
Published: November 2023

Food pantries serve the most at‐risk communities offering a wide array of healthy foods but which are not always selected. Can social norms be used to help food pantries guide pantry clients to make healthier selections? During 2015, over a six‐month period in a New York City food pantry, the location of a healthy bean (chickpeas) were promoted as they typically are or as an American favorite, using signage reading “Americans Love Chickpeas”. Surveys about bean preferences were administered before and after the intervention period in an intervention and control pantry (n = 506). Social norm signage raised selection preference of chickpeas from 9.6% to 29.9% (p < .001) from clients who would otherwise not have selected chickpeas. In conjunction with an increase in chickpea selection was a decreased selection of other canned vegetables, mainly spinach (p = .010) and green beans (p = .016). The data were analyzed in 2016. This preliminary field study underscores two important findings: first, small, easy, no‐cost changes such as social norm signage can improve the food selections of food pantry clients. Second, selecting one healthy food may trigger people to simply make a substitute and not an addition. While part might have to do with carrying constraints (transportation costs), new research can target how to best promote healthy additions and not just substitutions.
Employment Status among the Poor and Its Relationship with Diet
Authors: Calloway Eric E , Baryeh Nana A.K. , Helmick Meagan , Stern Katie L , Fricke Hollyanne E , Barnard Tom , Hill Jennie L , Dake Joseph A , Yaroch Amy L
Published: November 2023

Objective

The working poor, those who live below the federal poverty line despite being employed, face unique challenges to acquiring and preparing healthful meals. The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in dietary intake frequency for five major food and beverage groups among the poor by employment status.

Methods

Intercept surveys were collected in two cities in the Midwestern United States. Recruitment occurred in the summers of 2015 and 2016 in low‐income areas at community sites such as libraries, local Department of Jobs and Family Services, food pantries, and grocery stores. Data from 752 participants were collected. Those included in the analytic sample were: under 100% of the federal poverty line; not retired, disabled, students, or homemakers; and those with complete data for the analyses (n=304). Unadjusted and adjusted regression models were used to assess differences in daily intake frequency of fruit and vegetables, sugar‐sweetened beverages, fast foods, water, and energy‐dense snack foods by employment status (employed vs. non‐employed). Selected control variables (e.g., age, race, sex, education, poverty level, marital status, city, and governmental food assistance use) were included in adjusted models. SAS version 9.4 was used for all analyses.

Results

Daily intake frequencies for the five food groups studied did not differ significantly in unadjusted or adjusted models between the working poor (n=159) and the non‐working poor (n=145). Although observed differences were not statistically significant, the working poor had higher means for fruits and vegetables and water frequency (M=2.70 times per day (SD=2.17) vs. 2.42 (2.22) and 1.93 (1.14) vs. 1.75 (1.20), respectively), and lower means for sugar‐sweetened beverages, fast foods, and energy‐dense snack foods frequency (1.78 (1.76) vs. 2.14 (1.81), 1.63 (1.91) vs. 1.69 (1.87), and 1.57 (1.68) vs. 1.79 (2.01), respectively).

Conclusions

There were no statistical relationships for dietary intake frequency and employment status, suggesting that employment status and factors associated with employment (e.g., time constraints) did not significantly affect dietary behaviors in this sample. Troublingly, working poor and non‐working poor had low intake‐frequencies of fruit and vegetables, with means below current recommendations. More longitudinal research is needed to examine the impact that employment status has on low‐income households, such as those whose earnings are too little to easily support their family, yet are not income‐eligible for governmental assistance.

Support or Funding Information

ConAgra Foods Foundation and ProMedica's Ebeid Institute for Population Health
Foreign Weight: New Food Environments as Weight Change Estimates for Expats
Authors: Missbach Benjamin , König Jürgen , Wansink Brian
Published: November 2023

Besides language barriers and new cultural codes, a change in daily eating habits occur when moving to a new country. People need to adapt their eating practice as a consequence of being exposed to a new food environment, new foods, new social networks, new eating norms, new lifestyle. Changes in body weight of incoming foreigners (expats) can be a valid estimate for the obesogenic potential of different food environments. To address this important research question, we applied a cross‐sectional study design using online questionnaires among expats (N = 600) moving from and moving to three different countries (USA, Germany, China). Inclusion criteria were visit duration (> 3 months stay) and age (> 21 years). Dependent variables included sociodemographics, body anthropometrics, and questions related to eating behavior and lifestyle. Analyses will be presented on self‐reported body weight changes, what countries had the greatest impact and what lead to these changes according to self‐reported eating and lifestyle behavior. The results of this study will inform us about the potential of certain food environments to promote or prevent changes in body weight and help future expats with their weight management.
Healthy Foods and Small Stores: Customer Perspectives from Rural Maryland
Authors: Shapiro Myra Joy , Neff Roni A , Surkan Pamela J , Cheskin Lawrence J , Gittelsohn Joel
Published: November 2023

In the United States, access to healthy foods has been an important area of investigation in the effort to alleviate the obesity epidemic. Access to healthy foods encompasses access to food stores that sell fruits, vegetables, and other staple foods at affordable prices. Small stores have been targeted as a venue for healthy food interventions because they are a ubiquitous part of the food environment and tend to stock unhealthy foods. There is a rich body of literature examining small food stores as a platform to increase access to healthy foods in under‐served urban areas while the needs of rural areas have remained under‐explored. This study examined customer perspectives on healthy foods and small stores in rural Maryland with the goal of investigating how rural small food stores could be used to expand access to healthy foods. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 14 small store customers in 3 rural Maryland counties. To reflect the heterogeneous nature of small rural Maryland food stores, the participant sample included customers from convenience stores (stand‐alone and attached to gas stations), liquor stores, delis, and small, independent grocers. Participants shopped multiple times per week at small stores versus less than once a week at large stores (e.g. supermarkets). Participants described barriers to overall healthy food purchasing as time, effort, knowledge, the desire to consume less healthy foods, and seasonality. Most participants named fruits and vegetables as healthy foods and said they would like to see produce sold at small stores. However, participants expressed concerns over the freshness of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, at small stores. While some participants considered health and/or nutritional information in food purchasing decisions, food price was a major factor. Participants said that advertising and word of mouth were ways that they were prompted to try new products. In‐store taste tests were suggested as a way to encourage healthy food purchasing at small stores. Our findings suggest that rural small stores could be a viable platform for increasing access to healthy foods as they are frequently used by customers and customers would like to have healthy foods available at small stores. Based on these findings, major factors that could influence the success of the sales of new healthy foods at rural small stores are the freshness of perishable foods and competitive pricing. By utilizing participant suggested advertising, word of mouth promotion, and in‐store taste tests, a market for healthy foods could be established in rural small stores and increase healthy food access for underserved populations.
Weight‐Related Aspects of the Home Environment of Latino Families
Authors: Delaney Colleen , Quick Virginia , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol
Published: November 2023

The home environment plays a significant role in the development of weight‐related behaviors. This study examined weight‐related factors (i.e., food availability, physical activity supports, and media availability) in the home environments of 137 Latino families. All measures were 5‐point scales unless otherwise indicated. Parents (30.53±5.58 SD years, 93% female, 88% born in U.S., BMI=29.30±6.98 SD) responding to an online survey indicated limited household availability of salty/fatty snacks and sugar‐sweetened beverages (1.34±1.12 SD, 1.12±1.01 SD servings/person/week) whereas fruit/vegetable (8.77±4.75 SD servings/person/week), milk (6.35±2.21 SD servings/person/week) and breakfast food (13.06±5.81 SD servings/person/week) availabilities were more abundant. Parents controlled children's ability to independently access both nutrient‐dense (1.30±1.69 SD) and nutrient‐poor foods (2.91±1.45 SD). Parents indicated that supports for indoor physical activity (e.g., active toys and games) were less available (3.23±0.86 SD) than outdoor (4.26±0.75 SD) physical activity. Neighborhoods were fairly safe (3.20±0.86 SD, 5‐point scale) and nearby parks and playgrounds provided some physical activity supports (3.79±10.5 SD); active play was fairly frequent inside (4.42±2.05 SD days/week), however active play outdoors was infrequent (2.98±1.61 SD days/week). Many media devices were available within homes (11.04±4.93 SD devices), with most families having Internet access (96%). Although parents tended to limit children's access to media devices (2.86±1.19) and availability of media devices in the bedroom was somewhat limited (1.99±1.71 SD), children exceeded the 2‐hour/day screentime recommendation (746.61±1150.66 SD minutes/day). Aspects of the home environment of Latino families concerning food availability, limited supports for physical activity, and media device availability and use demonstrate important opportunities for nutrition educators in creating more culturally responsive outreach interventions for Latino families.

Support or Funding Information

USDA NIFA #2011‐68001‐30170
The Influence of Habitual Food Intake on Fecal Microbiota in Mexican School‐Age Children
Authors: MARTINEZ‐MEDINA JENNIFER NAZAT , López‐Contreras Blanca Estela , Ocampo‐Medina Elvira , Villarruel‐Vazquez Ricardo , Villamil‐Ramirez Hugo , Leon‐Mimila Paola , Grey‐Lievanos Paola , Canizales‐Quinteros Samuel , Moran‐Ramos Sofia
Published: November 2023

Background

Diet has been considered as a major modifiable factor influencing gut microbiota composition and function. However this knowledge arises mainly from intervention studies in humans and animal models, where drastic changes in diet are made. In addition, it is important to study the diet not only at nutrient level but through food groups that comprise it, since it takes into account the food integrity. Yet there is insufficient evidence from observational studies addressing how consumption of certain food groups can influence gut microbiota composition, specifically in children of developing countries like Mexico. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of food intake on the gut microbiota composition in Mexican school‐age children.

Methods

This study was a cross‐sectional study and included 382 children of Mexico City, between 5 and 12 years old (9.68; DE ± 1.8). Habitual dietary intake was assessed through a previously validated semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire of 107 food items that were classified into 17 groups. Analysis of the fecal microbiota was performed through 16S rRNA sequencing, in the Illumina MiSeq platform. Association of fecal microbiota composition with food intake was performed using non‐parametric statistics. The study was performed in accordance with the Basic Principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results

In this study the intake of certain food groups; fruit, vegetables and legumes showed a positive correlation with the gut microbiota alpha diversity (Shannon index), after adjusting for age and sex (p < 0.05). Higher intake of vegetables, legumes and yogurt further correlated at phyla level with higher relative abundance of Firmicutes (p < 0.05). Yogurt also positively correlated with Actinobacteria relative abundance, specifically to higher abundance of Bifidobacterium. This is in accordance with other trials where yogurt intake has shown to increase Bifidobacteria number. Vegetable intake positively correlated with abundance of Lachnospiraceae, while higher consumption of legumes with increased abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Erysipelothrichaceae. The effect seen in Ruminococcaceae could be influenced by the fiber content of legumes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the consumption of vegetables, legumes, and yogurt was related to fecal microbiota composition. To our knowledge this is the first study in Mexican children evaluating the association of food groups with fecal microbiota composition. However it is necessary to continue the research to evaluate the effect of these associations with the metabolic phenotype.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by CONACYT grant 248765 to SM‐R
Michigan Cohorts to Assess the Associations of Maternal Pre‐Pregnancy Obesity with Pregnancy and Infant Gastrointestinal Microbial Communities
Authors: Comstock Sarah S. , Sugino Kameron Y.
Published: November 2023

About 25% of women in the United States are obese prior to becoming pregnant. Although there is some knowledge about the relationship between the gastrointestinal microbiota and obesity, there is little knowledge about the relationship between pre‐pregnancy obesity and the gastrointestinal microbiota in pregnancy. We are in the first phases of developing birth cohorts in the state of Michigan to assess the associations between pre‐pregnancy obesity and maternal and infant gastrointestinal microbial communities. Women were recruited at Obstetric/Gynecological offices in the greater Lansing and Traverse City areas. To date, 40 mother/infant dyads have enrolled. Participants complete questionnaires as well as submit fecal samples. Fecal samples are collected from the mother in her third trimester of pregnancy and from the infants at one week, six months, 12 months and 24 months of age. This research population is unique because the majority of participating moms are unmarried, have not graduated from college, and have an annual household income of less than $25,000. 35% of the currently enrolled moms had smoked at some point in their life. Of the 32 moms from whom we've collected fecal samples, 34% are obese (BMI≥30), 22% are overweight (25≤BMI<30) and 44% are normal weight (18.5≤BMI<25). Nine moms had used antibiotics in the year prior to becoming pregnant. Over 50% (n=18) of the moms reported at least one allergic or intestinal health problem. Five of the mothers have given birth to three or more babies. Of the 26 babies from whom we've collected fecal samples, 65% were exclusively breastfed, 4% (n=1) were exclusively formula‐fed, and 31% (n=8) were fed between 20–80% human milk. DNA has been extracted from the pregnancy and infant one week samples of 26 participanting dyads. 16S rRNA gene libraries have been created and submitted for sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Data will be processed with the Mothur curation pipeline. Using the data collected from these cohorts, we will determine the associations between maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and the gastrointestinal bacterial communities in pregnant women and their infants as well as compare the microbiota of the mother to that of her infant.

Support or Funding Information

Michigan State University and NIH UG3 OD023285
Lactobacillus reuteri induce antimicrobial peptide exprssion in mice gut crypt through microbiota released extracellular DNA
Authors: Sun Jin , Qi Ce , Wang Xingguo , Le Guowei , Xiao Hang
Published: November 2023

We previously reported that specific Lactobacillus reuteri colonized within Peyer's patches (PP) effectively prevented high fat diet induced obesity in mice and modulated sIgA production in rats. We further studied their effect on antimicrobial peptides expression of small intestine. Lactobacilli were isolated from PP and ileal eluate of C57BL/6J mice using selective medium. All isolates were identified as L. reuteri. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique has been used for the strains genotyping. Dominant strains of PP were used to treat healthy male C57BL/6J mice by lavage for 28 days. Microbiota diversity in feces and bacterial eDNA in small intestine was studied with Illumina MiSeq analysis, T‐RFLP and quantitative – PCR (Q‐PCR). Relative genes of antimicrobial peptides and TLR pathway were determined by Q‐PCR in crypt of small intestine. In vitro, eDNA and genomic DNA of gut microibota from different groups were added to LPS‐stimulated macrophages Raw267.4, respectively, to detect the level of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐12. It was found that L. reueri P changed microbiota diversity of feces and small intestine revealed. It also change composition of microbiota eDNA in small intestine and increased their migration into crypt. It reduce the value of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and the content of Stenotrophomonas of eDNA, and improved the level of Allobaculum, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium meanwhile. It activated the gene expression related to antimicrobial peptides production then. L. reuteri changed eDNA showed pro‐inflammatory property in vitro when incubated with macrophages Raw267.4. In conclusion, PP L. reuteri of mouse change small intestine innate immunity mediated by change of luminal bacterial eDNA with immustimulating function.

Support or Funding Information

National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31201805)
Modulation of Gut Microbiota by Dietary Pomegranate Extract and Inulin in Mice Fed an Obesogenic Diet
Authors: Zhang Song , Yang Jieping , Henning Susanne M , Lee Rupo , Hsu Mark , Grojean Emma , Pisegna Rita , Ly Austin , Heber David , Li Zhaoping
Published: November 2023

Growing evidence suggests that dysbiosis of gut microbiota is associated with pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases. Using dietary intervention to shape the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota is increasingly recognized. In the present study, we investigated the effects of pomegranate extract (PomX) and inulin alone or in combination on the cecal microbiota structure and function in a diet induced obesity mouse model. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four experimental groups and consumed either high‐fat/high‐sucrose [HF/HS (32% energy from fat, 25% energy from sucrose, 17% energy from protein)] diet, HF/HS diet supplemented with PomX (0.25%), or inulin (10%) or PomX and inulin in combination for 4 weeks. Results revealed at family level, PomX significantly increased the proportion of Turicibacteraceae and Ruminococcaceae. Inulin significantly increased the proportion of Verrucomicrobiaceae (genus level Akkermansia) but inhibited Clostridiaceae. The combination of PomX and inulin, greatly increased the abundance of Verrucomicrobiaceae and Rikenellaceae. In addition, bifidogenic effect was observed only with the PomX and inulin combined treatment. Inulin supplementation showed lower species richness of gut microbiota compared to mice fed with HF/HS or HF/HS/PomX, and the reduction was reversed by the addition of PomX. While the measurement of species richness with evenness index showed no difference between the treatment groups and HF/HS control. PomX and inulin alone or in combination had distinct microbial clusters analyzed by both weighted and unweighted UniFrac Beta‐Diversity principle coordinates. In addition to the microbiota structure changes, a total of 19 KEGG biological pathways were significantly regulated in the gut microbiota with PomX and inulin alone or combined treatment. Our results demonstrated that gut microbiota and their biological pathways were differentially regulated by PomX and inulin alone or in combination. It is therefore very important to consider the interaction among bioactive components of food when evaluating potential prebiotic effects.

Support or Funding Information

This project was supported by departmental funds of the Center for Human Nutrition, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles