bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anemia, Iron and Vitamin A Deficits are Still Public Health Issues Among Women and Young Children in Northern Benin
Authors: Alaofe Halimatou , Burney Jennifer , Naylor Rosamond , Taren Douglas
Published: November 2023

Background

Micronutrient deficiencies are major nutritional problems in developing countries: by adversely affecting health, performance, productivity, and income, they are thus a major impediment to economic development. However, little information is available on micronutrient status and associated risk factors among women of childbearing age and children in Benin.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of micronutrient deficiencies among both populations.

Method

In this cross‐sectional study, a household and health questionnaire was administered to 682 women of child bearing age 15–49 years old and 686 children 6–59 months old in 2014 in Kalalé district of Northern Benin. Blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin concentration (Hb), serum ferritin, serum retinol, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP). Multivariable statistical methods were employed to assess micronutrient deficiencies, anemia, and their association with socioeconomic and dietary factors.

Results

In women, prevalence of anemia (48%) represented a severe public health problem, whereas prevalences of iron deficiency (ID, 17%), and vitamin A deficiency (VAD, 19%) were considered moderate, and iron deficiency anemia (IDA, 11%) was considered mild. In children, a similar pattern was observed for anemia (82%) whereas prevalences of ID (39%), IDA (33%), and VAD (44%) were also high. Low food diversity was a significant predicator of ID and VAD in women while underweight women had a greater risk for anemia. Child age had a significant effect on anemia, ID, and IDA prevalence, with the youngest age group (6–11 months) having the greatest risk for anemia and 12–23 months old children for the greatest risk for ID and IDA, as compared to other groups. Moreover, female and wasted children, and large family size had a greater risk for ID while the children of the business/salaried group of mothers had the lowest risk for anemia and VAD.

Conclusion

Micronutrient deficiencies are public health problems among women in childbearing age and their young children, and were greater among low food diversity women, young children and those from large family size. Thus, specific interventions are needed to improve food diversity and quality; improvements in environmental and social conditions could also help to mitigate the problems.
Plasma Proteome Associated with Hepcidin and Iron Status in 6–8 Year Old Children of Rural Nepal
Authors: Baker Sarah , Arguello Margia A , Schulze Kerry J , Lee Sun Eun , Cole Robert , Wu Lee , Nonyane Bareng , Yager James , Groopman John , Christian Parul , West Keith
Published: November 2023

Iron status remains difficult to assess in settings where iron deficiency coexists with inflammation, and hepcidin has been proposed as an indicator of the body's iron requirement. Hepcidin reduces iron availability in iron sufficiency or inflammation, while low hepcidin may signal the body's need for iron. We sought to identify proteins that may be closely linked to iron metabolism using quantitative proteomics to characterize the plasma proteome in 500 plasma samples, depleted of the 6 most abundant proteins including transferrin, collected from 6–8 year old children in rural Nepal. We related relative abundance of proteins with conventional iron status indicators and hepcidin using linear mixed effects models with an imposed false discovery rate <10%. Among the children, inflammation (by C‐reactive protein, CRP, > 5 mg/L and/or α‐1 acid glycoprotein, AGP, > 1.0 g/L) occurred in 30%, and low iron stores (ferritin < 15 μg/L) were observed in 10% and tissue iron demand (transferrin receptor, TfR, >8.3 mg/L) in 40%. Fifty proteins were associated with hepcidin, 35 with ferritin, and 7 with TfR. A large overlap in the proteomes for hepcidin and ferritin with CRP and AGP, previously characterized, was observed. To further explore for proteins related to iron status independent of inflammation, hepcidin and ferritin were regressed against CRP and AGP, respectively, to generate residuals, to reflect the variability in hepcidin and ferritin unexplained by inflammation indexed by CRP and AGP. Thirty‐seven proteins remained associated with hepcidin, with the majority still associated with the inflammation proteome. These proteins have functions in the immune system (e.g. lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein), complement system (complement component 9 and 8 beta subunit), transcription and translation regulation (RNA polymerase II elongation factor), and glycoprotein formation (mannosyl‐oligosaccharide 1,2‐ α‐mannosidase IA). Nine proteins remained associated with ferritin residuals, but ficolin‐3, with a role in the lectin pathway and complement activation, was the only protein observed in common between hepcidin and ferritin inflammation‐adjusted residuals. Ficolin‐3 may be biologically linked to iron sequestration, given its unique association with hepcidin and ferritin. Plasma proteomics did not reveal new potential markers of iron status per se, but confirmed an extensive and complex association of iron metabolism with inflammation.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by Gates Foundation grants OPPGH5241 and GH614 (Global Control of Micronutrient Deficiency).
Vitamin D Insufficiency Among Lactating Women in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Girma Meron , Tilahun Birkneh , Stoecker Barbara J.
Published: November 2023

Serum 25(OH)D concentration and its relations with dress habits, sun seeking behavior and skin reflectance were assessed among Ethiopian lactating women (n=120). The subjects were enrolled within 2 wk of delivery in a randomized controlled vitamin D supplementation trial (NCT02210884) being implemented in Sidama Zone (7°N, 38°E), Southern Ethiopia. Baseline data from the trial, reported here, was collected from September, 2014 to January, 2015. Plasma 25(OH)D concentration was determined using the new VDSP (Vitamin D Standardization Program)certified Immunodiagnostic Systems (IDS) 25‐Hydroxy Vitamin DS EIA manual ELISA Kits. Data on demographic characteristics, dress habits and sun seeking behavior were collected using questionnaires. Skin reflectance was measured using a portable colorimeter. Mean (SD) plasma 25(OH)D concentration was 48.5(14.6) nmol/L. Values ranged from 23 nmol/L to 102 nmol/L. In more than half of the participants (55%), 25(OHD) concentrations were between 30 and <50 nmol/L, which is defined as inadequate for bone and overall health. Vitamin D deficiency (< 30 nmol/L) was observed in four (3.3 %) of the women. The 25(OH)D concentrations were adequate (≥ 50 nmol/L) in 41.7%. The majority of the participants (81%) reported taking precautions to avoid direct sunlight exposure. More than half (52.5%) of the participants reported covering their head and most of their body when they go outside. Mean (SD) 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower among women that wore more coverings outdoors (45.4 nmol/L (11.4)) compared to women who wore less conservative clothes (52.2 nmol/L (16.6)). Furthermore, skin lightness was positively correlated with 25(OH)D concentrations. The 25(OH)D concentrations were negatively correlated with maternal weight and BMI. These findings provide additional evidence that the availability of abundant sunlight does not guarantee attainment of adequate vitamin D status. Conservative dress habits and avoidance of direct sunlight are possible factors that contributed to considerable vitamin D insufficiency in a population residing near the equator.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the Nutricia Research Foundation and the W3002 Multistate Project
Reducing Micronutrient Deficiencies in a Decentralized Setting: Lessons in Food Fortification from the Philippines
Authors: Acuin Cecilia Cristina Santos , Perlas Leah , Duante Charmaine , Serafico Michael , Ducay Apple Joy , Capanzana Mario
Published: November 2023

Decentralized settings like the Philippines present systems challenges in operationalizing interventions to address micronutrient deficiencies. An assessment of the country's nutrition situation using data from National Nutrition Surveys from the 1990s to 2013 shows substantial reductions in the prevalences of selected micronutrient deficiencies based on the following indicators: anemia, urinary iodine concentrations, and serum retinol. The drop in prevalences occurred in all population groups and coincide with the periods of full implementation of the country's food fortification laws: the 1995 Salt Iodization Law and the 2000 Food Fortification Act. The laws mandated fortification of salt for human consumption with iodine, rice with iron, cooking oil with Vitamin A, and flour with iron and Vitamin A. Micronutrient supplementation for iron and Vitamin A (VAS), while on‐going throughout the same period, alone cannot explain the reduction in unsupplemented groups. Even among supplemented children, levels of deficiency returned to baseline 3–4 months after high‐dose VAS. Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) decline in supplemented groups was noted only after the fortification law was implemented. Diet diversity patterns were characterized by an over‐all decline in the consumption of fruits and vegetables; the increases in meat and poultry consumption occurred mostly in the richer quintiles who are not likely to be micronutrient deficient to begin with. The reduction in iodine deficiency was sustained despite lowering allowable levels of salt iodination in 2007. While iron deficiency is not the sole cause of anemia in the country, it is plausible that iron fortification of flour, together with intensified malaria control and deworming efforts, contributed substantially towards anemia reduction. Implementation of the food fortification laws are characterized by: 1) substantial oversight and resources from national government including policies and guidelines, commodity procurements, monitoring and evaluation processes, and mass media advocacy campaigns, 2) local government counterparts with supportive local policies and ordinances, salt testing in markets and retail outlets, community‐based distribution of fortified products and of iron and Vitamin A supplements, local level monitoring processes and 3) feedback mechanisms through supervisory visits, program implementation reviews, feedback conferences, and surveys.

Support or Funding Information

Philippine Government, World Bank
Oral Contraceptive Use is Associated with Increased Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and Decreased Serum Parathyroid Hormone but not with Bone Mass Status in Young Adult Uruguayan Women
Authors: Cornes Rafael , Peña Amparo , Donangelo Carmen Marino
Published: November 2023

Use of oral contraceptives (OC) has been shown to increase serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] but effects on calcium and bone homeostasis remain unclear. In this study, we compared serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALK), urinary calcium and potassium as creatinine molar ratios, and bone mass status of young adult Uruguayan women (20–35 y; BMI, 21.5 ± 2.3 kg/m2), users (+OC, n=32) and non‐users (−OC, n=20) of OC. Serum 25(OH)D and intact PTH were determined by chemiluminescent assays. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) at total body (TB), lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN) and trochanter (TR) were measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 35% higher in +OC (32.7 ± 2.3 ng/mL) compared to − OC (44.2 ± 1,8 ng/mL) (p<0.001) whereas mean serum PTH, serum ALK and urinary potassium were 28%, 12% and 35% lower, respectively, in +OC compared to −OC (p<0.05). Mean Z scores of bone measurements were adequate in the whole group [TBBMC, 0.70 ± 0.86; TBBMD, 0.44 ± 0.73; LSBMD, 0.076 ± 0.92; FNBMD, −0,194 ± 0.78; TRBM, −0.570 ± 0.94) with no significant differences between +OC and −OC (p>0.20). Our results indicate that use of OC is associated with increased circulating levels of 25(OH)D in the women studied, as previously described in other populations. Use of OC was also associated with changes in biochemical indices of calcium homeostasis consistent with decreased bone turnover. The use of OC should be considered when evaluating calcium and bone homeostasis in relation to vitamin D status.
Use of Modified Relative Dose‐Response to Examine Sensitivity and Specificity of Retinol Binding Protein as An Indicator of Vitamin A Deficiency among Nepali Children 6–23 Mo of Age
Authors: Whitehead Ralph D. , Perrine Cria G. , Flores‐Ayala Rafael C. , Tanumihardjo Sherry A. , Dahal Pradiumna , Mebrahtu Saba , Subedi Giri Raj , Jefferds Maria E.
Published: November 2023

A population‐based survey in two districts of Nepal assessed retinol binding protein (RBP) and inflammation indicators among 2347 children 6–23 mo, and the modified relative dose‐response (MRDR) and serum retinol among 151 randomly selected children in a sub‐sample. In previous analyses, vitamin A deficiency(VAD) for RBP was defined as <0.84 μmol/L, calculated by examining the serum retinol‐RBP relationship. MRDR assesses VAD as a qualitative measure of vitamin A liver reserves. MRDR defines VAD as ≥0.060. Retinol isotope dilution is the most sensitive biomarker of vitamin A status to vitamin A liver stores, but is not feasible to assess in cross‐sectional, population‐based surveys. Using MRDR as the standard, we examined RBP sensitivity and specificity to detect VAD among the sub‐sample, and also excluding those with any inflammation. RBP sensitivity was 34.6% and specificity was 75.0%. RBP was, and MRDR was not, influenced by inflammation. Excluding those with inflammation, RBP sensitivity was 23.1% and specificity was 81.2%. RBP showed poor sensitivity to identify VAD both with and without inflammation, while specificity of RBP was good. When feasible, including a sub sample of MRDR is useful in surveys because it provides more information about VAD status in children.
Risk of Neural Tube Defects Based on Red Blood Cell Folate among Women in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Whitehead Ralph D. , Perrine Cria G. , Paulino Amarilis T. , Torbio Susana S. , Jefferds Maria E
Published: November 2023

Evidence shows a strong causal association between low maternal folic acid (FA) in take and increased risk for neural tube defects (NTD). Folic acid intake of at least 400μg per day is recommended for women of reproductive age (WRA) capable of becoming pregnant to reduce the prevalence of NTDs. Red blood cell (RBC) folate ≤151 ng/mL (≤340 nmol/L) is commonly used to define FA deficiency and is a metabolic indicator based on the relationship between RBC folate and homo cysteine concentrations. In a new WHO guideline, RBC folate concentration ≤400 ng/mL (≤906 nmol/L) define FA insufficiency among WRA at the population level based on the functional indicator of risk of NTD‐affected pregnancies. We examined RBC folate results from a national survey conducted in the Dominican Republic in 2009 among 443 non‐pregnant women 15–49 yrs using these different cut‐offs. FA deficiency was 7.0% when using the metabolic indicator cut off and FA insufficiency was 75.8% when using the functional indicator cut‐off. The risk for NTD‐affected pregnancies in the Dominican Republic was high based on the prevalence of FA insufficiency in this population. Countries may find a much larger percentage of WRA have FA insufficiency and are at risk of NTD‐affected pregnancies than previously considered based on the metabolic indicator, making it important to examine RBC folate data using the new functional indicator cut‐off.
Consumption of Roasted Chick Peas Results in Increased Excretion of Oral Bacteria in Feces
Authors: Mai Volker , Waugh Sheldon G , Simpson Damion J , Hadjimiry Farahnaz R , Ukhanova Maria
Published: November 2023

Dietary fibers, such as those contained in pulses, reach the large intestine and contribute to the maintenance of a healthy commensal microbiota. Targeted modification of microbiota composition and activities by increasing pulse consumption has potential for improving various health parameters. We performed a feeding study in human volunteers to determine how consumption of a minimum of five servings of roasted chick peas/week affects composition and activities of fecal microbiota. 12 adults were recruited from faculty, students and staff at the University of Florida to participate in a 14 day chick pea feeding study. Fecal samples were collected at baseline, during days 7–9 and on day 14 of the study period. Targeted qPCR showed no changes in proportions of Bifido bacteria and Lactic Acid Bacteria during the study. A comprehensive 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed no significant effects on overall microbiota diversity measures or changes in the proportions of bacterial phyla. However, we detected multiple bacterial signatures that changed in their prevalence after chick pea consumption. Among the bacterial signatures that increased during roasted chick pea consumption were two that match closest to oral plaque associated bacteria, Aggregatibacter and Campylobacter. Furthermore, a bacterial signature matching to butyrate producing Fusobacterium also increased during chick pea consumption. We conclude that, likely due to the abrasive nature of the roasted chick pea product, plague associated bacteria were removed from the oral cavity and recovered in feces. Future studies with softer chick pea preparations should confirm if our observation was indeed due to the abrasive nature of the roasted chick peas or other characteristics of the pulses. Also, the observed increase in potentially beneficial butyrate producers needs to be confirmed with other chick pea or pulse preparations.

Support or Funding Information

USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council
The Effect of Consuming a Low‐Glycemic Index Lentil‐Based Sports Nutrition Bar on Recovery after a Soccer Match
Authors: Kaviani Mojtaba , Chilibeck Philip , Gall Spencer , Jochim Jennifer , Zello Gordon
Published: November 2023

High glycemic‐index (GI) carbohydrates are superior to low glycemic index carbohydrates following an exercise session for the replenishment of glycogen stores; however, studies assessing the effect of GI of foods on recovery of exercise performance are mixed. We compared the effects of post‐exercise feeding with a low GI lentil‐based sports nutrition bar and a commercially available high GI sports nutrition bar, with similar macronutrient content, on recovery of performance after a simulated soccer match. Using a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design, soccer players (n=7) consumed 1.5 g/kg available carbohydrate from a lentil‐based bar or a high GI bar immediately after a 90 minute simulated soccer match. Participants were required to consume the sports bars within 30 minutes of the end of the simulated soccer match. Participants consumed similar diets for the remainder of the day in the high‐ and low‐GI conditions. Participants returned to the laboratory the following morning to repeat the first half of the simulated soccer match for recovery performance measurements. During this simulated soccer match performance was assessed by speed during an agility course, speed during a ball dribbling drill, sprint speed during a 20m shuttle‐run test, ability to jump at maximal height (to simulate heading a ball) and shooting accuracy. Tests involving agility, ball‐dribbling, and sprinting were analyzed by magnitude‐based inferences, assuming a smallest substantial change in sprint time of 0.8%

Results

During the recovery day simulated soccer match, the mean difference in time between low‐GI and high‐GI conditions for the sprint (0.10s, 90% CI −0.17 to 0.38s), agility (0.16s; 90% CI −0.32 to 0.64s), and ball dribbling (0.34s, 90% CI −1.28 to 1.96s) tests represented a 61–68% chance that the low‐GI condition enhanced performance over the high‐GI condition. There was no difference between conditions for jump height or shooting accuracy. Despite previous findings that high‐GI carbohydrates might allow faster glycogen re‐synthesis after exercise, our results indicate consumption of a low‐GI sport nutrition bar may allow better recovery of performance after a simulated soccer match. Athletes can therefore consume low‐GI carbohydrates as a healthier food choice during recovery after soccer matches.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Agriculture Agri‐Food Canada
Sustainability of Soy Protein from Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Braun Michelle , Muñoz Ivan , Schmidt Jannick H , Thrane Mikkel
Published: November 2023

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an approved and validated method to quantify the environmental impacts of producing a given product. An LCA was recently completed on isolated soy protein (ISP) produced by DuPont Nutrition & Health that was ISO 14044 compliant and reviewed by a third‐party. The LCA study included soy cultivation, bean crushing, ISP production and transportation. The ISP study focuses on findings related to carbon footprint, water and land use footprints. Comparisons are made to meta‐analysis results for common sources of animal‐source proteins.

The results demonstrate ISP has a very low carbon footprint compared to animal based alternatives, expressed as kg CO2 equivalents per kg protein (kg CO2e/kg pro). ISP was found to have a carbon footprint of 2.4 kg CO2e/kg protein. This can be compared to other sources of protein, such as whey protein concentrate (WPC), with 16 CO2e/kg pro, 17 CO2e/kg pro for chicken, 23 CO2e/kg pro for skimmed milk powder, and 24 CO2e/kg pro for pork. Findings also indicate that ISP has a low land use footprint compared to animal sourced proteins. ISP has the smallest land use footprint while the land required to produce a kg of WPC is over two‐fold larger. Water use footprint for both ISP and WPC is comparable but markedly less than other sources such as pork and beef.

This data can be used to quantify the ingredients impact on sustainability of foods available to consumers. An example provided is the use of vegetable protein, instead of animal derived protein sources, in sports nutrition beverages. Approximately 14 kg CO2e and 24 kg CO2e can be avoided by replacing 1 kg whey and casein protein with 1 kg soy protein. Replacing half of the WPC with ISP in sports nutrition beverages (dry blend beverages) globally – a reduction of 424,000 tons CO2e can be obtained, annually. This is equivalent to removing roughly 90,000 US cars from the roads, a significant contributor of CO2e, annually.

The findings of this study demonstrate plant‐based proteins such as ISP have a favorable environmental profile with a carbon footprint that is 8 to 80 times lower than the analyzed animal‐based proteins.

Support or Funding Information

The study of ISP is made in accordance with the ISO 14044 standard and funded by DuPont Nutrition & Health.
Perspectives of Public, Private and Civil Sectors in the Development and Maintenance of a Local Food System
Authors: Castellanos Diana Cuy , Christaldi Joanne , Jones Jonathon
Published: November 2023

A local food system has not been formally defined but is commonly characterized by the distance food has traveled between producer and grower. Other characterizations of a local food system incorporate aspects relating to sustainable food production methods, fair labor practices and social relationship, and economic development and/or sustainability. The food system encompasses all entities of society from the individual consumers to the public and private sectors. The purpose of this study was to explore multiple sectors involved in the development and maintenance of a local food system and identify areas of divergence and convergence between groups. For this study, 27 people representing the governmental, civil, or business/production sectors of a metropolitan city in the Midwestern US were interviewed. A general interview guide was used to explore participants’ perspectives of the local food system, future needs and possibilities. Each interview was transcribed verbatim and three trained qualitative coders used grounded theory to explore the local food system. Coding, constant comparison, and memo‐writing were used for the data analysis. Common themes emerged and were compared across sectors. Similar themes included: the need for nutrition education and awareness of local foods in individual community members, limited human, financial and infra structural resources for developing a strong local food system, lack of local, governmental policies supporting the local food system efforts, and the importance of collaboration through the development of a strong, stable food policy council. Areas of divergence were as follows First, governmental representatives identified the lack of resources within the public sector as a main barrier to the development of the local food system. Second, civil representatives insinuated the importance of having a local food system that was all inclusive of all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds and was culturally‐appropriate. Third and finally, producers asserted that the local food system should not be reliant up the public sector but to be self‐sustaining. In conclusion, it is important for each to understand the perspectives of other sectors and collaborate together in an organized manner to enable the development and maintenance of a strong, integrated local food system. This study provides a conceptual lens to examine other communities in a similar fashion.

Support or Funding Information

No funding source to disclose.
Observed Differences in Child Picky Eating Behaviors Between the Child's Home and Center‐ or Home‐based Childcare
Authors: Luchini Virginia , Lee Soo‐Yeun , Donovan Sharon
Published: November 2023

Picky eating (PE), which typically defined as having low dietary variety and rejecting new and familiar foods, is a commonly reported problematic eating behavior that emerges during early childhood. PE causes parental concern and has been linked to lack of dietary variety and increased risk of depression, underweight, and developing an eating disorder in the child. Traditionally, parents have been primarily responsible for determining their child's dietary intake. However, the number of children placed in non‐parental, i.e., center‐based childcare (CBC) or home‐based childcare (HBC), has risen substantially, increasing care providers’ influence on the development of children's eating behaviors. Currently little is known about PE behaviors manifested by the child across the home and childcare settings. Furthermore, most research in the area of early childcare focuses on CBC, although 15% of children in non‐parental childcare are cared for in HBC. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate observed child PE behaviors across settings, while controlling for the food provided to the child in each setting. Children, ages 3–5 years, were recruited from a CBC (n=26) or HBC (n=24) childcare locations in the Champaign‐Urbana area. Children were videotaped consuming two different lunchtime meals in both their home and childcare for a total of 200 observed mealtimes. Physical and verbal food refusals and avoidances were coded from the videos as PE behaviors. Inter‐rater reliability of Cohen's Kappa >0.90 was achieved for all coders. The McNemar test results revealed that children in CBC expressed all PE behaviors more often at home than at childcare (P<0.0001). Children in HBC expressed more physical refusals and verbal avoidances at home compared to their childcare location (P<0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in the number of verbal refusals between home and HBC and significantly more physical avoidances at HBC than home (P<0.001). Thus, children were observed to respond differently to the same foods based on the mealtime location, and, overall, expressed more PE behaviors at home than in either childcare setting. The findings from this study add to the knowledge base of child eating behaviors and can be used to create specialized, location‐specific intervention and education programs with the goal of raising healthy, independent eaters.

Support or Funding Information

Christopher Family Foundation Food and Family Program.
“iRun”! An Evaluation of the Addition of Nutrition Education and a Fitness Log to an Existing After‐School Fitness Program
Authors: Bell Julia , Spence Marsha , Aaron Kindall , Colby Sarah , Kavanagh Katie
Published: November 2023

Objective

The primary objective of this project was to evaluate if there were significant differences between pre‐ and post‐outcomes for physical fitness levels, nutrition knowledge, and physical activity self‐efficacy among conventional and experimental intervention groups.

Methods

This study was a convenience sample, pre‐and post‐test, quasi‐experimental design with between‐subject factors of nutrition education and a fitness log (receive education plus fitness log and do not receive education plus fitness log). Physical fitness was measured using the PACER fitness test; nutrition knowledge and physical activity self‐efficacy were assessed using validated surveys.

Results

Nutrition knowledge and physical activity self‐efficacy increased significantly in the experimental group (p<.01). Physical fitness significantly increased in the control group (p<.01).The experimental group's nutrition knowledge significantly increased compared to the control from pre‐ to post‐intervention (p<.01).

Conclusion

The iRun program showed that combining physical activity, nutrition education, and a fuel and fitness log may increase nutrition knowledge, physical fitness, and physical activity self‐efficacy. While the iRun program conventionally implemented without nutrition education increased fitness levels, the addition of nutrition education and fuel and fitness logs, increased the experimental groups’ nutrition knowledge and self‐efficacy for physical activity in addition to increased fitness levels, all of which are important outcomes for childhood obesity prevention programs.

Support or Funding Information

East Tennessee Children's Hospital
Nutrition Recommendations Critical to Teach Low‐Income Adults in EFNEP: U.S. Dietary Guidelines Expert Panel Opinion
Authors: Murray Erin , Baker Susan , Auld Garry
Published: November 2023

Objective

An expert panel was convened to prioritize which nutrition messages from the 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines were most critical to teach low‐income adults to improve diet quality and reduce chronic diseases.

Methods

Six experts were recruited nationally with the professional expertise needed to prioritize the Dietary Guidelines that were most‐critical to teach a low‐income audience through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), a federally‐funded national nutrition education program. Expert panel members had specific expertise in the following areas: serving on the 2010 US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, developing current national consumer nutrition messages from the Dietary Guidelines, evaluating and conducting national nutrition research related to the prevention of chronic diseases and underserved populations, leading nutrition education programs targeting low‐income adults, and EFNEP administration. The experts individually prioritized 23 specific Dietary Guidelines nutrition recommendations and discussed differences among their rankings until reaching consensus.

Results

Overarching nutrition recommendations to teach a low‐income audience for the purpose of improving health and reducing the risk of nutrition‐related diseases were: focus on nutrient dense foods low in calorie density and cook and eat more meals at home. Specific recommendations were: 1) increase vegetable and fruit intake, 2) eat a variety of vegetables, 3) consume at least half of all grains as whole, 4) increase low‐fat dairy or fortified soy products, 5) eat a variety of protein foods, 6) identify key points on food labels, 7) prepare, serve, and consume smaller portions of food and beverages, 8) reduce snack foods and sweets, and 9) avoid sugar‐sweetened beverages.

Conclusions

This research has implications for developing appropriate nutrition education content for low‐income audiences. The expert panel results will guide the development/revision of nutrition education curricula content and evaluation tools used by EFNEP and may influence other programs serving this audience.

Support or Funding Information

Agricultural Experiment Station Multistate Project: NC2169 EFNEP‐Related Research
Physician Nutrition Education Program: Adding Value to Patient Care by Increasing Physician Expertise in Nutrition
Authors: Hicks Kristen K. , Irion Morgan K. , Murano Peter S.
Published: November 2023

The Physician Nutrition Education Program (PNEP) was developed as a two phase initiative to address the current lack of nutrition education opportunities for physicians. Phase 1 examined nutrition use in practice and obtained physician feedback from an online survey, while in phase 2 we focused on nutrition webinar development, based in part on Phase 1 information collected. Each webinar featured research‐based nutrition topics of importance, available to physicians for continuing medical education (CME) credits through the Texas Medical Association “On‐Demand” library. First, a “Physician Opinion Survey” was developed and validated to determine current nutrition knowledge and practices of Texas physicians. Using this information, the webinars were constructed to increase specific knowledge areas, and to provide resources to incorporate nutrition discussions with patients. Webinars also highlighted the importance of collaborating with a Registered Dietitian (RD) to communicate nutrition concepts. An online survey of 20 questions was distributed through medical contacts and listser vs across Texas. Our sample, n=54, included 44 MD's, 6 DO's and 4 MD/PhD's in over 15 different areas of practice. Most respondents (89%) usually/always or sometimes see patients who require that the physician to have a background knowledge in nutrition. Furthermore, only (46%) usually/always or (35%) sometimes engage patients in a manner that requires nutrition knowledge; whereas only 15% felt highly confident in performing nutrition counseling to their patients. The majority of respondents (56%) have never attended a nutrition focused seminar, webinar or conference. However, 81% of physicians indicated that they would be interested in learning by participating in a nutrition education webinar. In conclusion, the need for nutrition knowledge was high in our study sample, creating a demand for nutrition topics in physician continuing education. We hypothesize that providing nutrition education opportunities to physicians via webinars will increase their knowledge of nutrition, improve confidence when providing nutrition counseling to patients, and facilitate referrals to RDs all which may ultimately decrease recurring visits and improve overall health outcomes in patients.

Support or Funding Information

Funding support provided by the Jane Elizabeth Watkins Cohen Endowed Scholarship.
Nutrition Education Intervention in Kindergarteners: Effects on Knowledge and Behavior
Authors: Hoolihan Lori , Larsen Andrew , Liao Yue , Dunton Genevieve Fridlund
Published: November 2023

Background

Nutrition education is an integral component of establishing healthy eating habits in early childhood. Few nutrition interventions in kindergartens have been evaluated, and none have tested program effectiveness, implementation and dissemination. The Building a Healthy Me (BHM) is an 8‐unit classroom‐based nutrition education program for kindergarteners with a family component. This formative evaluation assessed the effectiveness of the BHM program in California kindergarteners at changing students’ knowledge and dietary intake and parents’ nutrition‐related parenting practices, using the RE‐AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental design assessed pre‐to‐post‐survey changes in nutrition knowledge, dietary consumption and parenting behaviors in 25 Intervention classrooms (604 students); and post‐survey differences between the Intervention classrooms and 4 Control classrooms (103 students) in nutrition knowledge.

Results

Intervention students improved in their knowledge of food group classifications, healthy breakfast/snack options and importance of breakfast from pre‐to‐post‐survey, and scored higher than Control students in nutrition knowledge on the post‐survey (p < .05). From pre‐to‐post survey, intervention parents increased their use of food labels, and children increased intake of several healthy foods and decreased intake of candy and fried potatoes (p < .05). The BHM program reached 41% of kindergarteners attending public schools in California in the 2013–14 school year. Parent and teacher satisfaction with the program was high.

Conclusions

The BHM program was implemented with fidelity and was effective and broadly disseminated, highlighting its potential public health impact for kindergarteners.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Dairy Council of California and the American Cancer Society (118283‐MRSGT‐10‐012‐01‐CPPB).
FDA's Evaluations of GRAS Food Ingredients
Authors: Dausch Judy
Published: November 2023

The uses of dietary lipids from various biological sources have been the subjects of many Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notices that have been voluntarily submitted to FDA via its GRAS Notification Program. FDA's evaluations of industry submissions (including manufacturers’ GRAS notices) are guided by the regulatory framework for food ingredient uses laid out under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act). The Act prescribes a single standard for the safety of food additive uses and GRAS ingredient uses. The Act also defines the criteria that distinguish GRAS ingredient uses from food additive uses. The regulatory framework for food ingredient uses, the single safety standard, and the criteria for GRAS are the focus of this presentation. A case study highlights the data and information provided in a GRAS notice describing the intended use of glycerylphosphorylcholine as a source of the essential nutrient choline. This case study illustrates FDA's evaluations of GRAS notices and reinforces key points.
Effect of Aspartate Supplementation on Athletic Performance and Testosterone Levels in Young Men
Authors: LaMacchia Zach , Williams Brian , Horvath Peter J
Published: November 2023

D‐aspartic acid has been suggested to enhance athletic performance by regulating the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐gonadal axis by increasing plasma testosterone. Aspartate supplementation may be useful to increase testosterone for individuals with low plasma testosterone due to aging and other conditions.

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of D‐aspartic acid supplementation on athletic performance and testosterone production in young male athletes.

METHODS

After screening for ACSM low risk, 15 healthy male athletes (average age = 22y, body weight = 79.1 kg and body fat = 9.2%) were randomized to two groups for supplementation using a double blinded parallel arm experimental design. They ingested either 3 grams of d‐aspartic acid (Aspartate, n=9) or a Placebo (n=6) for 14 days supplied in capsule form. Subjects recorded and replicated previous 3 day diets prior to testing. Physical assessments were performed prior to and after supplementation included a peak VO2 test by cycle ergometer, 1 maximal repetition bench press and 1 maximal repetition squat (average values ±SD before supplementation were 41.7 ±6.4 ml/kg/min, 117.9 ±11.1 kg and 151.7 ±19.0 kg, respectively).

RESULTS

The Aspartate group had a positive trend in performance during the 1 maximal repetition bench press by 3.5 ±6.8kg (average ±SEM, p=0.06) and a significant increase in the 1 maximal repetition squat by 8.5 ±10.5kg (average ±SEM, p=0.013). No change in performance measures were observed in the Placebo group. There was no change in testosterone levels in the control group: Pre‐731.2± 70.4 ng/dL, Post‐733.7± 77.8ng/dL (average±SEM) or in the experimental group: Pre‐720.56±79.9ng/dL, Post‐719.8±72.8ng/dL (average±SEM). Body composition did not change for either group.

CONCLUSION

D‐aspartic acid supplementation may lead to improved acute skeletal muscle synthesis improving upper and lower body muscle performance. D‐Aspartic Acid supplementation does not have a significant effect on testosterone levels and the time point observed.
The analysis of essential nutriment intake deficiencies and the body composition compartments in college athletes
Authors: Mendoza‐Hernandez Alma , Avila‐Martinez Bettsy , Rocha Valeria , Sánchez‐Quintero Paola , Nuñez‐Guzman Ada
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The quality of the protein availability is related to the amount of essential amino acid (EAA) that food contains. Energy and protein intake have a potent regulator to increase the fat‐free mass (FFM) synthesis, body composition measure should be considerate to the exercise performance. Athletes protein intake should be 1.5–2 g protein/kg/d.

Objective

To determinate the effect of EAA on body composition status in college athletes

Methodology

Information of the dietary intake was obtained by 24‐hour recall. This information was compared with the requirements for sports competitors. Nutrient intake values amounts were calculated using US Department of Agriculture database. Air Displacement Plethysmography was used to determinate FM and FFM percentages. Statistical analysis included a paired t test, to determinate the differences between the intake amount and the suggested; and linear regression analysis to determinate the effect of the EAA in the FFM.

Results

Thirty athletes (18 males and 12 females) were evaluated. The mean amount of energy, fat, protein, and carbohydrates were 2493.1 kcal/d (SD=1278.83), 76.7 gr/d (SD=46.66), 115.43 gr/d (SD=62.95) and 301.07 gr/d (SD=160.37), respectively; and the 20% of deficient protein intake was showed. The amount of iron, 27.9 mg/d (SD=23.5). The protein and energy intake were lower than the requirement for sports competitors (p=0.0166 and p<0.0001). FFM was entered into the linear regression model as a continuous variable, the EAA were not significant (p=0.4961)

Conclusion

This nutritional dietary analysis indicate a high protein deficit, 20%, that included the EAA, the synthesis of those EAA makes available a free pool to replace the protein degradation when the amount FFM is adequate. Therefore the nutritional intake recommendation has to be monitored by sports specialist using validated instruments. Despite of the result, the FFM has been not affected. Further research must be done in order to link the decrease inmuno‐malnutrition diseases.
Caffeine accentuates emotional responses, not emotion regulation choice
Authors: Giles Grace E. , Spring Alexander M. , Urry Heather L. , Moran Joseph M. , Mahoney Caroline R. , Kanarek Robin B.
Published: November 2023

Caffeine is the most commonly used behaviorally‐active substance in the world. Caffeine reliably increases arousal, but it is unclear if and how it influences other dimensions of emotion such as positive versus negative feelings, termed affective valence. The present study documented whether caffeine influences emotion and emotion regulation. Participants included 48 adults (20 male, 28 female; 20.1±2.3 years; BMI 22.9±3.5), all of whom were low to abstinent caffeine consumers (maximum 100 mg/day, mean 26.8±25.6). Participants completed measures of emotion, including the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) before, 45‐minutes after, and 75 minutes after consuming 400 mg caffeine or placebo in a within‐subjects design. Participants also completed an emotion regulation choice task, in which they chose to employ one of two emotion regulation strategies, distraction or cognitive reappraisal, in response to low and high intensity negative pictures, and rated the pictures on perceived arousal and valence. State anxiety, negative affect, and salivary cortisol were heightened both 45 and 75 minutes after caffeine intake relative to placebo. Consistent with previous findings, participants chose reappraisal more often for low intensity pictures and distraction more often for high intensity pictures. Caffeine did not influence the frequency with participants chose reappraisal or distraction, but augmented negative picture ratings. Thus caffeine accentuates non‐habitual caffeine consumers’ emotional responses to negative situations, but not how they choose to regulate such responses.

Support or Funding Information

Research reported in this abstract was supported through a contract with the US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center (NSRDEC, Natick, Massachusetts, USA)
Energy Drink Consumption by Online College Students
Authors: Byerley Lauri O
Published: November 2023

Sales of energy drinks have increased over the last several decades, and now it is a billion dollar industry. Who purchases and consumes these beverages? Current marketing campaigns target young adults less than 30 years of age. Recent studies suggest this is the group that buys and consumes the most energy drinks. This study investigated energy drink consumption among students at an online university, the American Public University System (APUS). The students at APUS are a unique student group compared to the traditional brick and mortar college student because they tend to be older, have families, and be in established careers. As well, more than 60% are in the military. Energy drinks may affect older subjects differently because of aging processes. Two‐thirds of survey responders were male with an average age of 32 ± 7 years, but age ranged from 19 to 62 years. Sixty‐nine % were in the military, 57% were men, 70% were married, and 60% worked more than 40 hours per week. In the month preceding the survey, 57 % consumed an energy drink. On average, eight drinks were consumed but the number of drinks ranged from 0 to 170 drinks or about 6 per day. These were split 50/50 between sugar‐free and sugar‐containing beverages. The two top reasons for consuming these drinks were “as a pick me up” or “for work.” Woman were more likely to drink energy drinks for work and a pick me up (84%) than men (63%). Most participants claimed they were aware of the ingredients in energy drinks, particularly the “energy” boosters. As brick and mortar students, some respondents experienced side effects and the most common was jitters, but less than half of those drinking energy drinks experienced the jitters. In conclusion, non‐traditional, older college students consume energy drinks for the same reasons younger students at brick and mortar universities use these beverages. Older users experience similar side effects, yet the impact on the aging process is not known.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by the American Public University