bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BMI, waist-to-height ratio and body fat mass in older adults: results from the Pronutrisenior project
Authors: Correia Flora , Oliveira Bruno M. P. M. , Poínhos Rui , Sorokina Anzhela , Afonso Cláudia , Franchini Bela , Pereira Bárbara , Fonseca Luís , Sousa Miguel , Monteiro Ana , de Almeida Maria Daniel Vaz
Published: June 2020

Near 20% of the Portuguese population is aged 65 years or above, a value similar to most developed countries. This older adult population also suffers from obesity and obesity-related pathologies. The environment encompasses a set of obesity determinants and knowing the associations between the environment and obesity may help health professionals and caregivers to provide for the older adults.

In this study, we aimed to relate anthropometric measures with socio-demographic data in older adults.

This is a cross-sectional study using data from the Pronutrisenior project, collected in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. The sample consists of 456 older adults, aged 65 to 92 years without cognitive impairment. The sample consisted of older adults living at their homes. Socio-demographic, clinical, geographical, and anthropometric data was collected. The statistical analysis used IBM-SPSS-22.0 and consisted on descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations and UniANOVA. Significantly results (p < 0.05) are reported.

These older adults were mostly females (54.2%) with a mean age of 73.8 years (sd = 6.3), mean body mass index (BMI) of 29.1kg/m2 (sd = 4.8), mean waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) of 0.623 (sd = 0.073) and mean percentage of body fat mass (%BFM) of 40.7% (sd = 8.9%) for females and 30.2% (sd = 8.5%) for males. BMI, WHtR and %BFM were positively correlated. In this sample of older adults, higher values of these measures were associated to being female, younger, less educated; to having articular pains and respiratory problems, and not having insomnia, hypertension, chewing problems nor hearing problems; to drink more liquids but not consuming dairy products daily; to not take nutritional supplements but to take more medicines; to be without somebody to talk to and to be more dependent; and to live in a house without stairs to climb and to live near other older adults, and in a more urbanized area with streets with steeper slopes.

In this sample of older adults, obesity is related with health characteristics and those are related with socio-demographic and geographical characteristics of the area of residence. Besides the identification of risk factors for the older adult population, this information may help designing health care policies that takes in consideration the physical and geographical characteristics of the neighbourhood of the area of residence of the older adults.
Anthropometric Measurement and Dietary Pattern of Rural Farmers in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Oguizu Ada , Orinkpa Joy
Published: June 2020

Introduction

In Nigeria, up to 70 percent of the populations are employed in the agricultural sector. Majority of the farmers are in the rural area (Khayesi, 2001). Poverty in rural areas is much more widespread than in urban areas. A high proportion of poor households consist of farmers who depend on agriculture as a primary food and livelihood source. Malnutrition is widespread in the entire country and rural areas are especially vulnerable to chronic food shortage, unbalanced nutrition, poor quality and high cost of food (Akinyele, 2009).

Objectives

The specific objectives were to: (i) obtain information about the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers; (ii) assess the dietary pattern of the rural farmers using food frequency questionnaire. (iii) obtain the anthropometric measurements of the rural farmers; (iv) compare dietary pattern and anthropometric data of the farmers.

Materials and Methods

Four hundred and fifty farmers were randomly selected from the list of registered farmers in Osisioma L.G.A. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio economic and dietary pattern of farmers. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized procedures. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for data analysis.

Results

Result show that 62.5% were males and 37.5% females. About 62.5% were between 40–50 years while only 1% was less than 30 years. About 12% of the farmers were underweight, 26% were overweight and 3% were obese. Results on dietary practices showed that less than half (45%) of the farmers' source of nutrition information came from the community health workers. Large number of the population (65%) reported a poor feeding practice and 76.4% skipped meals, which is an unhealthy nutritional practice. Majority (84.7%) also indicated not to have enough resources for family feeding. Farming activity revealed majority (86%) practiced crop farming with cassava (48.4%), garden egg (46.8%), maize/Oka (46.8%) and pumpkin/Ugu (37.5%) as the most farm produce of income. Bread, rice and maize were the most consumed cereal. Garri/fufu topped the most consumed root and tuber food produce. Seasonal variation affected fruit consumption with paw-paw (65.7%), orange (48.5%) and mango (55.0%) being the most consumed fruits.

Conclusion

This study showed poor participation of youths in farming. Farmers in the study location majorly engaged in crop farming of cassava, maize and vegetables, this led to a high consumption of cassava and maize products.
Almond consumption improves satiety and ectopic fat content relative to a high-carbohydrate food: A pilot RCT in minority adults
Authors: St-Onge Marie-Pierre , Campbell Ayanna , RoyChoudhury Arindam
Published: June 2020

Nut consumers have lower body weight and are at lower cardiovascular disease risk than non-consumers. Interestingly, minority adults, who have the highest prevalence of obesity and are at disproportionate risk of cardiovascular disease, have low nut intakes. The goal of this study was to test whether consumption of almonds, compared to low-fat/high-carbohydrate cereal bars (LF-HC), as a supplement for 24 wk, would improve appetite regulation and body composition in Blacks and Hispanics. Twenty-nine adults, BMI > 25 kg/m2, age 30–65 y, were recruited and randomized to consume either almonds or LF-HC providing 17.5% of their estimated energy requirements as part of their regular diet. A total of 17 adults completed the study, 9 men and 8 women; 7 of whom were randomized to almond consumption (4 men, 3 women), and 10 to LF-HC consumption (5 men, 5 women). Outcome variables included appetite-regulating hormones and inflammatory markers, which were measured from fasting blood samples taken at baseline, week 12, and endpoint. Body composition was measured by magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and endpoint. Data were analyzed using linear mixed model with treatment, time, and their interaction as predictor variables; age, race, sex, and baseline BMI as covariates; and participant ID as a random effect variable. Peptide YY concentrations were higher in the almond group compared to LF-HC (time x treatment interaction at 12 wk, P < 0.001; 24 wk, P = 0.13). Glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations were higher in the almond group compared to LF-HC (time x treatment interaction at 12 wk, P = 0.10; 24 wk, P = 0.015). Ghrelin levels decreased in LF-HC compared to the almond group at 12 wk but not 24 wk (time x treatment interaction at 12 wk, P = 0.017; 24 wk, P = 0.23). There was a slight trend for a time x treatment interaction on body weight (P = 0.14; change in almond = 0.6 ± 1.8 kg; LF-HC = 1.9 ± 2.7 kg). There was a time x treatment interaction on intermuscular adipose tissue (P = 0.013; change in almond = -0.10 ± 0.14 cm3; LF-HC = 0.04 ± 0.07 cm3). None of the measured inflammatory markers (C reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor) were affected by the dietary interventions. Despite the lack of profound body composition changes, daily almond intake for 24 wk, within the usual diet, ameliorated satiety and ectopic fat deposition, suggesting a potential role of nut consumption in the context of a weight reduction program in minority adults. Our data support further exploration of the health effects of nut consumption in this population.
Dietary and anthropometric factors affecting the potential of gut microbiota to utilize dietary fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids
Authors: Malinowska Anna M. , Schmidt Marcin , Majcher Malgorzata , Przydatek Hanna , Szaban Marta , Kurowiecka Agata
Published: June 2020

Some species of gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from dietary fiber—mainly acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The composition of human gut microbiota is dependent on dietary intake and health status. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of diet and anthropometric parameters on the potential of gut microbiota to metabolize dietary fiber and produce SCFA.

A group of 200 men and women aged 31 to 50 years old participated in the study. The diet was assessed using three-day dietary records and the dietary pattern was determined using score methods. The potential to utilize water-insoluble fiber was assessed by measuring the β-glucosidase enzymatic activity of dissolved feces. To estimate the potential to metabolize water-soluble dietary fiber, cultures containing feces and pectin were incubated under anaerobic conditions for 24 hours. The amounts of fiber, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid before and after incubation were measured.

Pectin utilization correlated positively with the amount of energy intake from fat (r = 0.19) and with the intake of nuts and seeds (r = 0.17) and was negatively correlated with the amount of energy from complex carbohydrates (r = -0.16) and its sources, such as refined grain products (r = -0.15). The dietary pattern did not affect the potential of the gut microbiota to metabolize pectin, but did influence the potential to digest insoluble dietary fiber, as the subjects following the western dietary pattern had lower potential than those following the rational pattern. β-glucosidase activity correlated positively with the intake of dietary fiber (r = 0.19) and intake of its sources, such as fruits (r = 0.18), vegetables (r = 0.21), and nuts and seeds (r = 0.18); it correlated negatively with nonalcoholic beverage intake (r = -0.15) and sugar and honey intake (r = -0.16). The potential to synthesize acetic acid correlated negatively with dietary indices and dietary fiber intake (r = -0.18). The potential to synthesize propionic acid correlated negatively with hip and waist circumference (r = -0.14, -0.15, respectively). The potentials to synthesize both propionic and butyric acid were affected by the intake of nuts and seeds (r = 0.18, 0.21, respectively).

Diet affects the potential of gut microbiota to utilize dietary fiber and to produce SCFAs. The impact of anthropometry parameters was only seen on the potential to synthesize propionic acid.
Assessment of nutritional status of selected military personnel
Authors: Bebnowicz Aleksandra , Nowosad Adam
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Problem of overweight and obesity is more and more common in nowadays. Prevalence of overweight and obesity could have long-range consequences in case of organisation where good health and physical efficiency are requested for personnel to perform their professional roles effectively. Many times soldiers need to maintain very high levels of physical activity to perform their duties and to complete demanding missions, which have a huge physical exertion. Because of that soldiers should stay in an excellent health and stamina.

Materials & methods

A total of 355 men soldiers from units with diverse specialisation underwent the examination. The most common criterions to estimate abdominal obesity are waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. The evaluation was based on determination of body composition measuring fat tissue percentage and antrophometric indexes: weight, height, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC). Soldiers were classified to abdominal obesity according to WHR (WHR > 1) and WC (WC > 94). The amount of fat tissue was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results

Soldiers were aged 34,56 ± 7,07 years. Median weight and height were respectively 86,04 ± 11,92 kg and 179,14 ± 6,02 cm. 160 soldiers (45%) had a waist circumference higher than 94 cm. The waist-to-hip ratio was higher than 1 for 19% of soldiers. Conducted bioelectrical impedance analysis showed that for 46% of soldiers percentage of fat tissue exceeded 20%.

Discussion

The results showed that the problem of overweight and obesity exists also in military populations. In many cases it is connected with incorrect nutritional behaviours. Soldiers require more proactive approach, because the potentially deleterious health outcomes connected with weight gain may have a negative influence on their work. The biggest effort should be put on a proper nutritional education.
A content analysis of the quality and behaviour change techniques of smartphone apps promoting the Mediterranean diet
Authors: McAleese Daniel , Papadaki Angeliki
Published: June 2020

The popularity of smartphone apps is rising globally. However, the quality of widely available health apps and their effectiveness to promote behaviour change, by incorporating behavioural change techniques (BCTs) that have been suggested to result in behaviour change, is questionable. The aim of this study was to conduct a content analysis of smartphone apps that utilise the Mediterranean diet (MD), a dietary pattern linked to numerous health benefits, to promote healthy dietary behaviours. The specific objectives were to evaluate the quality of these apps and their use of BCTs. The iTunes Store and Google Play were searched for all available apps (free and requiring payment to download) promoting the MD. Apps were excluded if they were not available in English, did not focus only on the MD or the download process was corrupt. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) was used to assess app engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information quality (the average of which represents a quality mean score (QMS)) and subjective quality. The Abraham & Michie behaviour change taxonomy was adapted to create a 20-item checklist to assess the presence of BCTs in the eligible apps. Thirty nine apps (64.1% of which were free to download) were analysed. The overall QMS was 2.96 ± 0.46. The lowest and highest scored QMS constructs were engagement (2.42 ± 0.62) and functionality (3.95 ± 0.45), respectively, whilst the overall mean subjective quality score was 1.71 ± 0.51 (scores’ range 1–5). Apps were scored higher for aesthetics if they required payment (3.14 vs. 2.78, p = 0.047). Apps incorporated an average of 3.10 ± 1.87 BCTs, with no difference in the number of BCTs present according to platform or cost. From the five BCTs that have been suggested to promote behaviour change, ‘self-monitoring’ was present in six apps, ‘intention formation’ in 15 and ‘goal setting’ in one. None of the apps incorporated the ‘review of behavioural goals’ and ‘feedback on performance’ BCTs. The total QMS score was positively associated with the presence of BCTs (r = 0.409, p = 0.008). Based on the MARS assessment, apps promoting the MD that are available in the public domain were of moderate quality. In contrast, the low presence, particularly of efficacious, BCTs and low subjective quality scores suggest that apps are actually of poor quality and potentially not effective in promoting behaviour change towards an MD diet. These findings provide important insights for the future development of high-quality apps to promote the MD at population level.
Effectiveness, quality and process evaluation of interventions to prevent childhood obesity.
Authors: Seral-Cortes Miguel , De Miguel-Etayo Pilar , Zapata Paola , Moreno-Aznar Luis
Published: June 2020

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious global public health challenges of the 21stcentury. Health and scientific organizations demand early interventions, although their complexity generates difficulties in their implementation. In systematic reviews, quality assessments are intended to limit mislead reporting and it is important they are conducted in a manner that minimizes bias. Process evaluation (PE) is used to monitor and document program implementation and can aid in understanding the relationship between specific program elements and program outcomes. Failure to deliver an intervention as intended can lead to unclear conclusions about the effectiveness of the intervention. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the studies based on the process evaluation and the quality on its interventions. We performed a systematic review of randomized control trials aiming to prevent childhood obesity. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions tool was used to assess and report methodological risk of bias. Each item was judged as being at high (HR), low (LR) or unclear (UN) risk of bias as per criteria. Key domains random sequence generation and allocation concealment were also assessed. Effectiveness was estimated when the study showed changes in body composition as the main outcome (BMI z-score or waist circumference). Process evaluation was evaluated if at least one process evaluation indicator was identified as being adequately implemented. From the 41 studies, 26 showed any degree of effectiveness and 15 were not effective. Almost half of studies scored high risk of bias: 20/41 (Effective 13/26; non effective 7/15). Moreover, 16/41 studies reported to have unclear risk of bias (effective 10/26; and non-effective 6/15). Only 5/41 articles reported to have low risk (effective 3/26; non effective 2/15). Regarding random sequence generation, there was no difference according to the quality of the studies (effective: LR 25/26, UN 1/26 AND HR 0/26; non effective: LR 15/15, UN 0/15 AND HR 0/15). Concerning the allocation concealment domain, there were no differences found either (effective: LR 11/26, UN 10/26 AND HR 5/26; non effective: LR 7/15, UN 5/15 AND HR 3/15). PE was used in 7 papers (effective 3/7 and non-effective 4/7). Quality seems to have slightly more influence in the non-effective studies (LR 13.3%) than in the effective studies (LR 11.5%). The non-effective studies showed the highest proportion of performing PE. There seems to be a relationship between the quality and PE performance.
Effects of steviol on cytotoxicity, adipogenesis, ROS concentration and gene expression in 3T3-L1 Cell Line
Authors: Kurek Jakub , Zielińska-Wasielica Joanna , Kowalska Katarzyna , Olejnik Anna , Krejpcio Zbigniew
Published: June 2020

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus has become one of the world's most serious public health problems. This reflects an increase in associated risk factors such as being overweight or obese. Currently available therapies are associated with a number of adverse effects, so there is a need to search for new substances that can support the treatment.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a plant famous for its sweetness due to the content of steviol glycosides that are derivatives of diterpene – steviol. Stevia and its glycosides are becoming popular in the world of science due to their anti-diabetic potential. However, the mechanisms responsible for its action are not fully understood and require further investigation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of steviol on adipogenesis, intracellular ROS generation and the gene expression, as well as cytotoxicity in murine 3T3-L1 cell line. Cell viability, adipocyte differentiation, intracellular ROS generation and the influence on gene expression in the presence of steviol (in concentrations of 1–100 μM) was determined using MTT assay, Oil Red O staining, NBT methods and RT-PCR. It was found that steviol in concentrations up to 100 μM did not affect proliferation of cells. Also, there were no effects on lipid accumulation and intracellular ROS generation with examined concentrations (0–100 μM). The agent reduced the expression of genes regulating adipogenesis and lipogenesis processes: PPARγ (at concentrations of 10 and 100μM, by 38.1 and 45.3%), C/EBPα (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 36.9, 61.9 and 45.3%), SREBP-1 (at concentrations of 10 and 100μM, by 49.8 and 37.2%), LPL (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 45, 33.7, 30.8%), aP2 (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 36.9, 23.8, 52.4%), FAS (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 55.4, 22.4, 55.6%), LEP (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 27.5, 59.2, 68.6%), ADIPQ (at concentration of 100μM, by 55.6%) and RSTN (at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100μM, by 36.9, 61.9, 63.9%). Steviol lowered the expression of gene coding glucose transporter GLUT4 (at concentrations of 10 and 100μM, by 33.7 and 37.2%).

The results of this study seem to confirm that the mechanisms of anti-diabetic effects of steviol may be related to inhibition of expression of genes responsible for adipogenesis, lipogenesis and glucose transport in cells.

The presented work is an integral part of the research project

(National Science Centre, Poland, NCN 2017/27/B/NZ29/00677)
Association between physical activity by number of steps and nutritional status in adolescents of Mexico City
Authors: Radilla Claudia , Gutiérrez Rey , Vega Salvador , Pérez Jesús , Vazquez Marcela , Radilla María
Published: June 2020

An imbalance in energy expenditure can be the main cause of overweight and obesity. Some factors that increase it are the raise in the consumption of hypercaloric foods and the tendency to decrease physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine the association of physical activity by number of steps with the nutritional status of adolescents in Mexico City. A sample of 1457 first-grade adolescents from high school was obtained. To measure the number of steps in the adolescents, a Tanita® FB-731 pedometer was used. For the determination of physical activity, the cut points proposed by Tudor and Bassett were used. Likewise, anthropometric measures were taken and through the use of Who Anthro Plus program, the nutritional status diagnosis was obtained. The obtained data was analyzed with the statistical package IBM SPSS Statistics® version 20.0 for Windows. It was found that highly active and active adolescents have a lower prevalence of obesity (8.0% and 6.3%, respectively), in comparison with adolescents who classify on a typical day (28.5%), or slightly active (14.2%), finding a high significant difference (p < 0.01). In the present study it was found that adolescents with greater physical activity have lower prevalence of obesity, results that agree with the literature, which highlight the importance of encourage adolescents to be more active to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Fatty acids composition of selected mammals’ milk
Authors: Pietrzak-Fiecko Renata , Kamelska-Sadowska Anna Malwina
Published: June 2020

One of main nutritional components in milk are fat. Fats are the main source of energy used by the body. The most important components are fatty acids (FA), which have important biological functions e.g. anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, reducing blood pressure. What is more, milk fat in human diet shows health-promoting properties (1, 2). The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acids composition in selected mammals’ milk. A total of 84 milk samples of cow (Holstein-Frisian breed, n = 20), mare (Polish cold-blooded horse, n = 20); sheep (Kamieniecka breed, n = 12), goat (White goat breed, n = 12) were collected from small individual farms located in the north-eastern region of Poland. The samples of human milk (n = 20) were collected from women aged: 21–37, in the 2nd-4th month of lactation.

The fatty acid composition was determined after the acids were transformed into methyl esters according to the IDF Standard method and gas chromatography using a Hewlett-Packard 6890 gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector. The average share of saturated FA (ΣSFA) in sheep, goat and cow milk fat were 77.5%, 75.5% and 67.7%, respectively, while in human and mare milk fat this value was about 47.0% ΣSFA. Human milk fat was characterized with the highest share of monounsaturated FA (ΣMUFA) 43.6%, while in the fat of other mammals this value was from 19.0 to 31.0%. The highest share of polyunsaturated FA (ΣPUFA; 22.0%) was found in mare milk. In human milk fat the value of ΣPUFA were higher (10%), than in milk of other mammals (3–5%). The lowest value of ΣSFA was observed in human and mare milk which could influence its health-promoting properties. The high share of other essential unsaturated FA indicates high dietary value of human milk. The share of fatty acids in mare milk similar to that in human milk makes it the most suitable in human nutrition.
Lead and cadmium in conventional and organic carrots
Authors: Tońska Elżbieta , Klepacka Joanna , Michalak Joanna , Toński Michał
Published: June 2020

Toxic elements like lead and cadmium are considered harmful to human health. These elements do not have any useful function in an organism. They are known only for their negative actions, which can be tolerated by human body only in certain limits. Carrots may absorb these toxic elements from the soil they grow in. The presence of the contaminants depends mainly on the mode and site of cultivation, fertilizer, industrial infrastructure, level of transportation and roads around cultivation site or occurrence of municipal and agricultural waste nearby. The organic food is supposed to be healthier due to, among other things, less content of toxic substances, which results from more sustainable farming. The aim of this research was to determine the content of lead and cadmium in carrots from conventional and organic farming that were available on polish market.

The research had been conducted for two years. Both kinds of carrots had been purchased at the same time in different supermarkets in Poland. Altogether, 36 packages, both conventional and organic carrots, were collected. The samples of carrots were dried and then reduced to ashes in 480 °C within few hours. Then the residues were dissolved in 1 M nitric acid and quantitatively transferred to measuring flasks, complemented with deionised water. The content of cadmium and lead was determined by application of electrothermal atomizer (graphite furnace) in iCE 3000 (Thermo Scientific, USA) spectrometer using adequate cathode lamps and Zeeman background correction. Wavelengths for analysis of lead and cadmium were 217 nm and 288.8 nm respectively.

The results show that there are statistically significant differences in the average content of lead and cadmium in conventional and organic carrots. The concentrations of lead in conventional and organic carrots were 0.0192 mg kg-1 and 0.0118 mg kg-1 respectively. The concentrations of cadmium in conventional and organic carrots were 0.0050 mg kg-1 and 0.0023 mg kg-1 respectively.

The research indicates that toxic elements like Pb and Cd are present in both types of carrots, but their amount is lower than permissible concentrations established by EU ordinance. The conducted experiments also showed that the content of Pb and Cd in organic carrots is lower than in the conventional ones. This may be resulted in the differences in farming.
Lipophilic Marine Biotoxins in Mussels from Bulgarian coast and Dietary Intake of Different Population Groups
Authors: Peteva Zlatina , Georgieva Stanislava , Krock Bernd , Gerasimova Anelia , Stancheva Mona , Merdzhanova Albena
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Lipophilic phycotoxins, produced by toxic phytoplankton species, accumulate in digestive glands of mussels. If contaminated mussels containing marine biotoxins over regulatory levels are consumed, it is assumed that this could result in e.g. gastrointestinal disorders.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to report contamination level of lipophilic marine biotoxins and to assess the potential health risk based on dietary intake for regular consumers and recreational harvesters from Bulgaria.

Method/Design

Wild and cultivated mussels were sampled in spring seasons of 2017 and 2018 from the North Black Sea coast. Positive phycotoxins concentrations determined via LC-MS/MS in extracts from digestive glands of the mussels were converted in phycotoxin levels for whole mussel meat (mm) by applying a factor of 5 proposed by EFSA. Dietary intakes were calculated by multiplying the mean positive phycotoxin levels (mg /kg mm) by the food consumption data for an average body weight (bw) of the investigated population group.

Results and discussion

In total 20 farmed and 15 wild mussel samples were investigated. Yessotoxins and pectenotoxin-2 were detected. The mean YTX levels in cultivated mussels were measured about two times higher in spring 2018 (1.64 mg/kg) than in 2017 (0.70 mg/kg). The mean YTX level in wild mussels was found much lower - 0.46 mg/kg (spring 2017). In this regard, estimation of mean dietary YTX intake show that exposure of both population groups by consumption of cultivated mussels from spring 2018 is highest. Nevertheless, the regulatory threshold – acute reference dose of 25 μg/kg bw, is much above the highest calculated dietary intake (0.006 μg/kg female consumers). The mean PTX2 level in wild mussel samples from spring 2017 (0.71 mg/kg) was found about six times higher than in farmed mussels.

The calculation of mean dietary PTX2 intake indicate that most exposed are females if wild mussels from spring 2017 were consumed. Still, the calculated value – 0.003 μg/kg bw were much lower than the ARfD - 0.8 μg/kg bw. All wild mussel samples from spring 2018 were negative. Lowest exposure to detected toxins were established for recreational harvesters.

Conclusion

This study showed in general low contamination level with YTX and PTX2 of investigated mussel samples. Thereon, the estimated dietary intake of selected population groups is also much lower than the regulatory thresholds.
Effect of Supplementation of a Whey Peptide Rich in β-Lactolin on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Ayabe Tatsuhiro , Kita Masahiro , Obara Kuniaki , Kondo Sumio , Umeda Satoshi , Ano Yasuhisa
Published: June 2020

Introduction

With rapid increase of aging worldwide, the number of people suffering from cognitive decline and dementia has been rapidly increasing. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that consumption of dairy products have beneficial effects on cognitive decline and dementia in elderly. Our previous demonstration using pharmacologically-induced amnesia model mice identified tryptophan-tyrosine-related peptides, especially glycine-threonine-tryptophan-tyrosine (GTWY) of lactotetrapeptide, b-lactolin, as responsible agents improving cognitive decline in whey digestions, and we have originally developed GTWY-rich whey peptide by a specific enzymatic digestion. However, the effect of GTWY-rich whey peptide on cognitive functions in human has not been investigated. The present study is the first clinical trial evaluating the effects of GTWY-rich whey peptide on cognitive functions in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design.

Methods

Healthy middle to older adults, aged from 45 to 64 years, with a self-awareness of cognitive decline were recruited. 101 eligible subjects received either whey peptide tablets containing 1 g of the GTWY-rich whey peptide per day, which included 1.6 mg of GTWY, (N = 50) or placebo containing the same amount of maltodextrin (N = 51) for 12 weeks. Changes of cognitive functions from 0 week of the intervention were assessed using neuropsychological tests assessing memory functions (word recall, story recall and verbal fluency test) and attention and executive functions (stroop test, digit span, and paced auditory serial addition test) at 6 and 12 weeks.

Results

The change of verbal fluency test (VFT) score evaluating long-term memory retrieval at 12 weeks in whey peptide group tended to be higher than that in placebo group. Subgroup analysis showed that in the subjects with high-level of subjective fatigue measured by visual-analog scale, the changes of VFT, stroop test evaluating inhibition of executive functions and subjective memory function test at 6 weeks in whey peptide group were significantly higher than those in placebo group. The change of VFT score was also significantly higher in subjects with high fatigue measured by profile of mood status.

Discussion and Conclusions

The present study suggests that consumption of GTWY-rich whey peptide improve cognitive functions, especially memory retrieval and executive function, in healthy middle to older adults, with high subjective fatigue. It is also suggested that prefrontal cortex functions, especially dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is associated with the effects of the whey peptide. Consumptions of 1 g GTWY-rich whey peptide in daily life are safe and easy, which might be a practical approach to support cognitive function.
Comparison of major protein-source foods and other food groups in meat-eaters and non-meat-eaters in the EPIC-Oxford cohort
Authors: Papier Keren , Tong Tammy , Appleby Paul , Bradbury Kathryn , Fensom Georgina , Knuppel Anika , Perez-Cornago Aurora , Schmidt Julie , Travis Ruth , Key Timothy
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Differences in health outcomes between meat-eaters and non-meat-eaters might relate to differences in dietary intakes between these diet groups. We assessed intakes of major protein-source foods and other food groups in six groups of meat-eaters and non-meat-eaters participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Oxford study.

Materials and methods

Data were from 30, 239 participants who answered four questions regarding their consumption of meat, fish, dairy or eggs and completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in 2010. Participants were categorized as regular meat-eaters (> 50 grams of total/any meat per day: n = 12,997); low meat-eaters (< 50 grams of total/any meat per day: n = 4,650); poultry-eaters (poultry but no red meat: n = 591); fish-eaters (no meat but consumed fish: n = 4,528); vegetarians (no meat or fish: n = 6,672); and vegans (no animal products: n = 801). FFQ foods were categorised into 45 food groups. Analysis of variance was used to test for differences between age-adjusted mean intakes of each food group by diet group.

Results

We found that regular meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans, respectively, consumed about a third, quarter and a fifth of their total energy intake from high protein-source foods. Compared with regular meat-eaters, low and non-meat-eaters consumed higher amounts of high-protein meat alternatives (soy, legumes, pulses, nuts, seeds) and other plant-based foods (whole grains, vegetables, fruits) and lower amounts of refined grains, fried foods, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Discussion

Overall, our results suggest that there were large differences in the amounts and types of protein-rich and other foods eaten by regular, low and non-meat-eaters. These findings provide insight into potential nutritional explanations for differences in health outcomes between diet groups.
Associations between B vitamin and amino acid intake, MTHFR genotype, atherogenic indices, and homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women
Authors: Muzsik Agata , Chmurzynska Agata
Published: June 2020

It has been hypothesized that insufficiency of one-carbon metabolism may aggravate lipid metabolism disturbances. Lipid metabolism abnormalities and metabolic syndrome (MetS)—which is associated with abnormally high levels of triglycerides (TG) and low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL)—often occur in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was thus to determine the relationships between amino acid and B vitamin intake, MTHFR genotype, lipid profile, and atherogenic indices in postmenopausal women.

131 postmenopausal women were enrolled for the study. The mean macronutrient, amino acid, and B vitamin intake was evaluated using dietary records. Lipid profile and concentrations of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and B (ApoB) in serum were measured using the colorimetric method. The total homocysteine (tHcy) and glutathione (GSH) level in plasma were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. MTHFR genotype (rs1801133) was determined using a single tube TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay. We calculated atherogenic indices, such as Castelli's risk index I and II (CRI-I and CRI-II), the atherogenic coefficient (AC), and the TG/HDL ratio.

No association was found between MetS and tHcy or GSH concentrations. MTHFR genotype and folate intake also did not affect tHcy, GSH, lipid profile, or atherogenic indices. Subjects with tHcy levels over the median had lower total protein intake, lower animal protein/plant protein ratio, lower protein/carbohydrates ratio, and higher amino acid intake (methionine, lysine, arginine, glycine, and tryptophan) than did subjects with lower tHcy levels. Women who failed to meet their vitamin B12 intake needs had almost 40% higher levels of tHcy than women who did met those needs.

MTHFR genotype, folate intake, and tHcy levels in plasma are not associated with lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women. tHcy levels may depend on the intake of vitamin B12, and of protein or particular amino acids.

The project was financed by the National Science Centre, Poland (grant number 2015/17/N/NZ9/04133).
Postprandial glycaemic responses in women co-ingesting green leafy vegetables with a carbohydrate meal: interactions with the sirtuin system
Authors: Sayegh Marietta , Andrew Farquharson , Ranawana Viren , Drew Janice
Published: June 2020

The addition of vegetable to carbohydrate-based meals has been shown to improve postprandial glucose homeostasis. Inter-individual variation in responses preclude conclusive evidence, particularly in women. The sirtuins and associated genes involved in producing the chemical, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), are emerging as key players in blood glucose control and may contribute to variable responses. This study aimed to investigate effects of co-ingesting green leafy vegetables (GLV) on postprandial glucose regulation following a carbohydrate meal and factors affecting inter-individual variation particularly around the sirtuin system.

Twenty-five women (BMI 24.8–30.5 kg/m2) were recruited to ‘The impact of Vegetables’ (VegGI) study on acute glycaemia and Glycaemia induced CVD risk in women: metabolic effects and Inter-individual variations. Postprandial glycaemic responses (GR) following rice (75 g of available carbohydrate), rice with bok choy (150g) or spinach (150g) were measured every 5 minutes for 4 hours using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring system (Medtronic Ltd). Anthropometric, cholesterol (Cholestech LDX, Alere), HbA1c (Afinion AS100, Alere) and insulin (Mercodia AB) measures were made in a fasted state. Oestradiol, progesterone, follicular stimulating hormone and testosterone were measured (ADVIA Centaur). Total RNA was extracted from postprandial blood collected at 0 h, 30 min, 1 h and 2 h in PAXgene blood RNA tubes (PreAnalytiX GmbH) using a Blood RNA Kit (Qiagen, Crawley, UK) and quality assessed by Agilent Bioanalyser (Agilent Technologies, Bracknell, UK). Gene expression was measured using the GenomeLab System and a custom designed multiplex assay, the hSIRTNADPlex (25 targets involved in the sirtuin signalling).

Linear mixed models (ver.24.0; SPSS Inc) revealed no effect of GLV consumption on postprandial GR. Principal component analysis (SIMCA-P + 12.0 software, MKS Instruments UK Ltd.) of postprandial GR indicated inter-individual variation in the responses associated with the test meals. Partial Least Square (PLS) stratified the cohort into two subgroups based on sirtuin system gene expression profiles. Postprandial GR was a contributing factor in the stratification observed, together with BMI, plasma lipid, insulin and glucose levels, but not menopausal status.

Preliminary evidence indicates that co-ingesting GLV with a carbohydrate meal does not reduce postprandial GR in women (BMI 24.8–30.5 kg/m2) and that significant inter-individual variation in postprandial GR may be linked to the sirtuin system, BMI, plasma lipid, insulin, and glucose levels but not menopausal status. Recruitment and data analysis are ongoing to increase group size and further assess contributing factors.

This work was supported by Scottish Government's Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division
Salivary Biomarkers of Nutritional Status: a Systematic Review
Authors: Logan Danielle , Wallace Sara Megan , Woodside Jayne , McKenna Gerald
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Full nutritional assessments are currently complex and invasive. There is a need for a non-invasive, timely and cost-effective method to assess nutritional status. Evidence indicates the usefulness of saliva in diagnosing oral or systemic disorders. Saliva is suggested to be a reliable and non-invasive matrix in which to measure nutritional biomarkers. The aim of this work was to systematically review the evidence for salivary biomarkers as indicators of nutritional status.

Materials and Methods:

Studies identifying salivary biomarkers in relation to nutritional status or dietary intake outcomes were included. A search strategy combined terms “saliva” AND “biomarkers” AND “nutrition”. Four databases were searched, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus. All study designs conducted in humans of all ages, from all countries and settings were included. Non-English and animal studies were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool where applicable. (PROSPERO Registration Number:CRD42018107667)

Results:

6585 papers were identified, 4836 papers remained after removing duplicates, 4715 were irrelevant, 134 full-texts were assessed for eligibility and 64 papers included in the final analysis. A number of potential salivary biomarkers related to nutritional status were identified including: total protein, albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, ferritin and iron. Total protein levels in saliva in malnourished individuals were significantly different to controls in 7/10 studies (70%). In one study conducted in individuals with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), total protein was significantly different to controls. Albumin levels in malnourished individuals were significantly different to controls in 5/8 studies (62.5%). Prealbumin and transferrin levels in malnourished individuals were significantly different to controls in 3/3 studies (100%). In one study conducted in malnourished individuals, salivary ferritin levels was significantly different to controls. Ferritin levels in individuals with IDA were significantly different to controls in 3/3 studies (100%). Iron levels in individuals with IDA were significantly different in 2/2 studies (100%). However, even within the studies above where significant differences existed, the direction of salivary biomarker differences was sometimes inconsistent. For example, total protein in malnourished individuals was significantly lower than controls in three studies, higher in three studies and one showed mixed findings. In addition, overall the quality of evidence available was very poor.

Discussion:

Despite conflicting evidence in salivary nutritional biomarkers in individuals with malnutrition or IDA, saliva may be a useful non-invasive matrix to assess nutritional status. Further high quality research exploring the utility of these biomarkers is required.
Validation of low-calorie sweetener(LCS)-focused food frequency questionnaire for assessment of intakes in a free-living adult population: preliminary results
Authors: Dunne A. , Mulhern M. , Gallagher A. M. , Logue C.
Published: June 2020

Both obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus have been associated with excessive free sugar consumption. Increasingly, LCS are used to replace free sugar to reduce the energy density of the diet, whilst maintaining diet palatability. However, while experimental data suggest a beneficial effect of LCS on weight management and glycaemic control, data from free-living populations are contradictory and primarily use reported intakes of low-calorie sweetened beverages as a marker of overall LCS consumption. Therefore, a dietary assessment tool that reliably assesses overall LCS consumption and is applicable in large-scale epidemiological studies is desirable. This study aimed to validate an LCS-focused food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for assessing habitual dietary intake of the LCS using the method of triads. Healthy adults were recruited at Ulster University, Coleraine (n = 120). A 65-item FFQ and a 4-day food diary (FD) were used to assess dietary intake of LCS with amounts based on maximum permitted levels for foods and beverages as per EU legislation. A novel urinary biomarker approach, developed by this research group, was used to objectively assess consumption of 5 commonly used LCS(1). The method of triads was used to validate the FFQ by evaluating the correlations between the FFQ, FD and the urinary biomarkers (reference method). A total of 110 participants (51 males, 59 females) completed all analyses. Median (IQR) total LCS consumption estimated from the FFQ, FD and urinary biomarker was 116.8 (24.9–303.3) mg/d, 27.8 (0.0–247.3) mg/d and 5.0 (0.6–34.9) mg/d respectively. Moderate correlations were observed between the FD and urinary biomarker (r = 0.471; P < 0.001) and between the FFQ and FD (r = 0.471; P < 0.001). There was a low correlation between the FFQ and urinary biomarker (r = 0.291; P < 0.001). Using the method of triads, the overall validity co-efficient for the FFQ was moderate (0.54). These preliminary results indicate potential for this LCS-focused FFQ as a method of assessing LCS consumption in free-living populations. However, as maximum permitted levels of LCS in foods and beverages were used to estimate LCS consumption from the FFQ and FD, they are likely to significantly overestimate actual LCS intakes as compared to the more reliable biomarker approach. Therefore, the FFQ ability to categorise individuals into low-, medium- and high LCS consumers will be tested. Further analysis is ongoing to assess the completeness of urine collections using PABA analysis and will also focus on individual LCS intake.