bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in nutrient intake during the menstrual cycle of overweight women with premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Cross Giordana B. , Marley John , Miles Helen , Willson Kristyn
Published: May 2008

This study presents the nutrient data collected from women who were being screened for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) for entry into an intervention study. Screening was by the Steiner self-rated questionnaire. One hundred and forty-four overweight women completed the screening process and eighty-eight met the criteria for PMS. All women kept 4 d diet diaries pre- and postmenstrually over two menstrual cycles. The mean energy and macronutrient intakes were compared between the pre- and postmenstrual phases. Energy and macronutrient intake was also calculated according to food categories. Goldberg's cut-off limit for the ratio of energy intake to estimated basal metabolic rate was used to exclude data that was incompatible with predicted energy requirements. The diet diaries were also used to determine the mean number of meals or snacks eaten pre- and postmenstrually. Nutrient analysis of the diet diaries of the women with PMS showed a significant increase (P<0.001) in total energy and all macronutrients premenstrually when compared to nutrient intake postmenstrually. Women who did not meet the criteria for PMS showed a significant increase in energy and fat intake (P<0.05) but not in the other macronutrients. When adjusted for energy, data collected from women with PMS showed a premenstrual significant increase in fat, carbohydrate (P<0.05) and simple sugars (P<0.001). There was a significant decrease (P<0.001) in protein premenstrually. Women not meeting the PMS criteria showed no significant difference between pre- and postmenstrual intakes when adjusted for energy. Analysis according to food categories in women with PMS showed a significantly greater intake premenstrually of energy and all macronutrients for cereals, cakes and desserts and high-sugar foods (P<0.001). In women with PMS there was a significantly greater number of ‘episodes of eating’ premenstrually (P<0.001). This study provides further evidence, to support the very limited number of earlier studies, that there is a group of women with PMS who increase their nutrient intake during the premenstrual phase. This could potentially be a contributing factor for some women experiencing difficulties adhering to suggested dietary modification and should be considered when counselling premenopausal women.
A European carotenoid database to assess carotenoid intakes and its use in a five-country comparative study
Authors: O'Neill M. E. , Carroll Y. , Corridan B. , Olmedilla B. , Granado F. , Blanco I. , Berg H. Van den , Hininger I. , Rousell A.-M. , Chopra M. , Southon S. , Thurnham D. I.
Published: May 2008

A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid database with information onα- and β-carotene, lutein, lycopene and β-cryptoxanthin was prepared and used to compare the carotenoid intakes in five European countries: UK, Republic of Ireland, Spain, France and The Netherlands. Eighty, age- (25–45 years) and sex-matched volunteers were recruited in each of the five countries. A FFQ and carotenoid database was prepared of the most commonly consumed carotenoid rich foods in the participating countries and the information was used to calculate frequency and intake of carotenoid-rich foods. The median total carotenoid intake based on the sum of the five carotenoids, was significantly higher (P<0.05) in France (16.1 mg/day) and lower in Spain (9.5 mg/day,) than the other countries, where the average intake was approximately 14 mg/day. Comparison of dietary source of carotenoids showed that carrots were the major source of β-carotene in all countries except Spain where spinach was most important. Likewise, carrots were also the main source ofα-carotene. Tomato or tomato products, were the major source of lycopene. Lutein was mainly obtained from peas in Republic of Ireland and the UK, however, spinach was found to be the major source in other countries. In all countries, β-cryptoxanthin was primarily obtained from citrus fruit. Comparing the data with that from specific European country studies suggests that the FFQ and carotenoid database described in the present paper can be used for comparative dietary intake studies within Europe. The results show that within Europe there are differences in the specific intake of some carotenoids which are related to different foods consumed by people in different countries.
Comparison of self-reported alcohol intake with the urinary excretion of 5-hydroxytryptophol:5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, a biomarker of recent alcohol intake
Authors: Kroke Anja , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Hoffmann Kurt , Terbeck Ines , Boeing Heiner , Helander Anders
Published: May 2008

Under-reporting of alcohol intake has been frequently reported. However, due to the lack of an objective reference method, e.g. a biomarker, information about the extent of under-reporting of alcohol intake obtained with dietary assessment instruments is not available. The objective of this study was to compare reported alcohol intake data derived from a 24 h recall with a biomarker of recent alcohol intake, the urinary excretion of 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL):5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA). Embedded into the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam Study, Germany, a validation study that collected 24 h recall data and 24 h urine samples was conducted. Cohort study participants (n107) volunteered to participate in this validation study. Among them were five subjects who reported no consumption of alcoholic beverages but had a 5-HTOL:5-HIAA ratio that indicated recent alcohol intake when the clinical cut-off point was taken as a judging criterion. After exclusion of these under-reporters, the Pearson's correlation coefficient between reported alcohol intake and the 5-HTOL:5-HIAA ratio was 0.92 (P<0.0001). Except for low alcohol intake of <0.1 g/kg body mass, a significant increase in 5-HTOL:5-HIAA excretion was observed with increasing amounts of alcohol intake. In conclusion, the 5-HTOL:5-HIAA excretion ratio appears to be a valuable quantitative biomarker of recent alcohol consumption. Denial of alcohol intake can be detected, but for the quantification of under-reporting of alcohol intake 24 h reference data are not yet available. With these data at hand, however, 5-HTOL:5-HIAA could become a biomarker for validation purposes in nutritional epidemiology.
Changes in plasma antioxidant status following consumption of diets high or low in fruit and vegetables or following dietary supplementation with an antioxidant mixture
Authors: Record Ian R. , Dreosti Ivor E. , McInerney Jennifer K.
Published: May 2008

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of consumption of a high-fruit and vegetable diet, or a spray-dried extract of selected fruits and vegetables of high antioxidant content, on indices of antioxidant status of individuals consuming a background diet with minimal antioxidant intake. Plasma antioxidant concentrations were determined in twenty-five men following a 2-week depletion period during which they consumed self-selected low-antioxidant diets (less than three servings of fruit and vegetables with no tea, coffee, red wine or fruit juice). Following this period the volunteers consumed either a self-selected diet containing five to seven servings of fruit and vegetables/d, or 30 g of a spray-dried supplement designed to provide the equivalent antioxidant activity of five to seven servings of fruit and vegetables for 2 weeks in a crossover trial. Following consumption of a high-antioxidant diet for 2 weeks, plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid, α- and β-carotene and lutein+zeaxanthin were all significantly increased (P<0.05) over the depletion period. However, concentrations of lycopene, retinol and tocopherol were not affected. Consumption of the supplement also raised the concentrations of these same antioxidants in plasma. Despite the increases in the concentrations of measured antioxidant nutrients, the 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid-equivalent antioxidant capacity of plasma, as estimated by inhibition of metmyoglobin activity, was not significantly affected by any of the dietary treatments.
Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and subsequent carcass quality in broiler chickens
Authors: Szymczyk Beata , Pisulewski Paweł M. , Szczurek Witold , Hanczakowski Piotr
Published: May 2008

The effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid isomers (CLA) on growth performance, carcass composition, fatty acid composition of adipose and muscle tissues, and serum lipoproteins was investigated in broiler chickens. A total of 160 (eighty male and eighty female) chickens were allocated to four dietary treatments (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 % CLA) and fed a standard starter diet from 8 to 21 d, and a grower-finisher diet from 22–42 d. When determined for the total period 8–42 d, feed intake and body weight gains of broiler chickens were significantly reduced (from 3.31 to 3.12 kg and from 1615 to 1435 g respectively; P<0.05), particularly at the 1.5 % dietary CLA level. Feed conversion efficiency and carcass yield values showed no significant effects of dietary CLA. Abdominal fat deposition was significantly reduced (from 2.68 to 1.78 %; P<0.05), the relative proportion of breast muscles was unaffected, and that of leg muscles significantly increased (from 19.0 to 20.6 %; P<0.05). The concentration of CLA isomers (% of total methyl esters of fatty acids) increased linearly in tissue samples from broilers fed 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 % dietary CLA. The relative proportions of saturated fatty acids (16:0, 18:0) were significantly (P<0.01) increased, and those of monounsaturated (16:1, 18:1) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (18:2, 20:4 in muscle tissues) significantly (P<0.05) reduced. Total serum cholesterol concentrations reached a maximum in broilers fed 1.0 % CLA and then decreased slightly (from 141.73 to 136.47 mg/dl; P<0.01). The same was true also for HDL-cholesterol (from 113.58 to 109.97 mg/dl; P<0.01). The HDL cholesterol:total cholesterol ratio and serum triacylglycerol concentration was unaffected. In conclusion, feeding CLA to broiler chickens resulted in substantial incorporation of CLA isomers into their tissue lipids, thus providing a potential CLA-rich source for human consumption.
Effects of the whole seed and a protein isolate of faba bean (Vicia faba) on the cholesterol metabolism of hypercholesterolaemic rats
Authors: Macarulla M. Teresa , Medina César , Diego M. Aránzazu De , Chávarri M. , Zulet M. Ángeles , Martínez J. Alfredo , Nöel-Suberville Catherine , Higueret Paul , Portillo María P.
Published: May 2008

The aim of the present work was to analyse the hypocholesterolaemic efficiency of aVicia faba-protein isolate in relation to the intact legume. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the effects of this isolate were investigated. Hypercholesterolaemic rats were divided into three groups (n 10×3) and fed high-fat diets rich in cholesterol-containing casein, whole seeds ofVicia fabaor the protein isolate of faba beans as protein source, for 2 weeksad libitum. The protein isolate was prepared by isoelectric precipitation and spray dried. Analyses of serum, liver and faeces, as well as of the activity of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase, were assessed by enzymatic methods. The rats fed onVicia fabadiets showed significantly lower body weights and energy intakes than rats fed on casein diets. The whole-seed diet induced a significant reduction in plasma triacylglycerol. Feeding rats on diets containing faba bean seeds, or the protein isolate, induced a significant decrease in plasma (LDL+VLDL)-cholesterol but not in HDL-cholesterol. Hepatic cholesterol and triacylglycerol were also reduced. The hypocholesterolaemic effects ofVicia fabawere not the result of a reduction in cholesterol synthesis as assessed from HMG-CoA reductase activity, but the result of an increase in steroid faecal excretion. The faba bean-protein isolate obtained under our experimental conditions was useful in improving the metabolic alterations induced by feeding with a hypercholesterolaemic diet compared with casein. The effectiveness of the whole seeds was higher than that of the protein isolate.
Metabolic response to small and large13C-labelled pasta meals following rest or exercise in man
Authors: Folch Nathalie , Péronnet François , Massicotte Denis , Duclos Martine , Lavoie Carole , Hillaire-Marcel Claude
Published: May 2008

The metabolic response to a 150 or 400 g13C-labelled pasta meal was studied for 8 h following rest or exercise at low or moderate workload (n6). Following rest, the 400 g meal totally suppressed fat oxidation (v.14.1 g following the 150 g meal) and a small amount of glucose was converted into fat (4.6 g), but fat oxidation remained high in subjects who had exercised following both the small (21.8 and 34.1 g) and large meal (14.1 and 32.3 g). Exogenous glucose oxidation was significantly higher in subjects who had remained at rest both following the small (67.6 gv.60.4 and 51.3 g in subjects who exercised at low and moderate workloads) and large meal (152.2v.123.0 and 127.2 g). Endogenous glucose oxidation was similar in the three groups following the 150 g meal (42.3–58.0 g), but was significantly lower following the 400 g meal in subjects who had exercised at low workload (24.2v.72.2 g following rest; P<0.05), and was totally suppressed in those who had exercised at moderate workload. As a consequence, a larger positive glycogen balance was observed in subjects who exercised before the large meal (182.8–205.1 gv.92.4 g following rest; P<0.05). Total fat oxidation calculated from 08.00 hours to 20.00 hours was similar in subjects who exercised at low and moderate workloads. These results indicate that: (1)de novolipogenesis, which plays only a minor role for the disposal of an acute dietary carbohydrate load, is totally suppressed following exercise, even when a very large carbohydrate load is ingested; (2) the reduction in glycogen turnover as well as a preferential conversion of glucose into glycogen are responsible for the increase in glycogen stores following exercise; (3) for a similar energy expenditure, exercise at low workload for a longer period does not favour fat oxidation when the post-exercise period is taken into account.
Are the proposed limits of energy intake:basal metabolic rate and dietary nitrogen:urinary nitrogen ratios suitable for validation of food intake?
Authors: Sánchez-Castillo Claudia P. , Franklin Michael , McNeill Geraldine , de Lourdes Solano María , Bonner Shelagh , LÓpez Norma , Davidson Linda , James W. Philip T.
Published: May 2008

The validity of 7 d weighed records of diet obtained for pre-menopausal Mexican women was assessed by two independent methods: the energy intake:BMR (EI:BMR) and the dietary N:urinary N (DN:UN). For the latter, complete urine collections are required and completeness was assessed from measurements ofpara-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) excretion. There were forty-six adult female subjects in the study, thirty-four were from Mexico City and twelve were from a rural population in the Central Highlands, Mexico. However, data were rejected from five urban women for whom the PABA excretion data suggested incomplete urine collection on four or more days. BMR was measured with Oxylog portable O2consumption meters, and physical activity level was assessed from a self-completed activity diary. An approximate relationship between the EI:BMR ratio and the DN:UN ratio suggested that the rejection limits on the EI:BMR ratio recommended by are wider than the limits on the DN:UN ratio recommended by . Using the recommended cut-off points for EI:BMR but wider limits for DN:UN, twenty-one and twenty-five women respectively had acceptable intake records by the two methods, and sixteen of them by both methods. In conclusion the modification of the DN:UN limits to 0.92 and 1.70 to set acceptable intake values makes the use of measurements of N and energy balance comparable. Urine values with PABA recoveries greater than 100±15 % should be rejected, as should UN values validated by less than 3 d.
Effect of high temperature on feeding behaviour and heat production in group-housed young pigs
Authors: Collin Anne , van Milgen Jacob , Dubois Serge , Noblet Jean
Published: May 2008

To assess the acclimation of pigs to heat stress, the effects of high (33°C) or thermoneutral (23°C) constant temperatures on feeding behaviour and components of energy balance were studied in group-housed young pigs. Three groups of five pigs were used at each temperature. After 1 week of adaptation, voluntary feed intake (VFI) and heat production (HP) were recorded for thirteen consecutive days. Animals were fed ad libitum. Fasting HP was measured on the last day. Average initial body weights (BW) were 21·4 and 20·9 kg at 23 and 33°C respectively. Feeding behaviour was measured individually and rate of feed intake and characteristics of feeding behaviour were calculated. The O2 consumption, CO2 production and physical activity of the group were used to calculate total HP (HPtot) and its components, i.e. fasting HP (HPfas), HP due to physical activity (HPact) and thermic effect of feed (TEF). The BW gain and VFI were reduced by 37 and 30 % respectively at 33°C. The decrease in VFI corresponded to reduced consumption time (-34 %) and size of the meals (-32 %). Feeding behaviour was mostly diurnal (66 % of the VFI), and the rate of feed intake (28 g/min) was not affected by temperature. Daily HPtot, HPfas and TEF, expressed per kg metabolic weight (BW0·60), were significantly decreased at 33°C by 22, 18 and 35 % respectively, whereas HPact was not affected; TEF expressed per g feed was not affected (2 kJ/g). The decrease in HPtot at 33°C was caused by a reduction in TEF and HPfas (kJ/d per/kg BW0·60), which are both related to reduction in VFI.
Low serum lycopene concentration is associated with an excess incidence of acute coronary events and stroke: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study
Authors: Rissanen Tiina H. , Voutilainen Sari , Nyyssönen Kristiina , Lakka Timo A. , Sivenius Juhani , Salonen Riitta , Kaplan George A. , Salonen Jukka T.
Published: May 2008

A number of epidemiological studies have shown an association between β-carotene and the risk of cardiovascular diseases, whereas only a few studies are available concerning the association of lycopene with the risk of coronary events, and no studies have been undertaken concerning lycopene and stroke. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that low serum levels of lycopene are associated with increased risk of acute coronary events and stroke in middle-aged men previously free of CHD and stroke. The subjects were 725 men aged 46–64 years examined in 1991–3 in the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. Forty-one men had either a fatal or a non-fatal acute coronary event or a stroke by December 1997. In a Cox' proportional hazard's model adjusting for examination years, age, systolic blood pressure and three nutritional factors (serum folate, β-carotene and plasma vitamin C), men in the lowest quarter of serum lycopene levels (≤0·07 μmol/l) had a 3·3-fold (95 % CI 1.7, 6.4, P < 0·001) risk of acute coronary events or stroke compared with the others. Our study suggests that a low serum level of lycopene is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic vascular events in middle-aged men previously free of CHD and stroke.
Effects of dietary coconut oil on apolipoprotein B synthesis and VLDL secretion by calf liver slices
Authors: Gruffat-mouty Dominique , Graulet Benoît , Durand Denys , Samson-Bouma Marie Elisabeth , Bauchart Dominique
Published: May 2008

Incorporation of coconut oil (CO) rich in lauric acid into the milk diet induces a lipid infiltration of the liver (steatosis) in 1-month-old calves. Among possible steps involved in diet-induced liver steatosis, the ability of the calf liver to synthesize apolipoprotein (Apo) B and to secrete it as part of VLDL particles was investigated. Liver samples were taken from calves fed for 17 d on a conventional milk replacer containing CO (n5) and beef tallow (BT,n4) as reference. Samples were cut into slices 0·5 mm thick and subsequently incubated for 12 h in a medium containing a [35S]methionine–[35S]cysteine mix and 0·8 mM-sodium laurate or oleate, the major fatty acids of CO and BT diets respectively. Concentrations of total [35S]proteins, [35S]albumin and [35S]ApoB in liver cells were 2-fold lower (P=0·08, 0·0004 and 0·03 respectively) in CO- than in BT-fed calves. Although the total amount of proteins secreted (including albumin) was similar in both groups of calves, the amount of VLDL-[35S]Apo secreted was 2-fold lower (P=0·004) in CO- than in BT-fed calves. These results suggest that a CO-enriched milk diet induces in preruminant calves a lipid infiltration of the liver by decreasing ApoB synthesis, leading to a reduction in secretion of VLDL particles.
Vitamin B intake and status in healthy Havanan men, 2 years after the Cuban neuropathy epidemic
Authors: Arnaud Josiane , Fleites-Mestre Pedro , Chassagne Michelle , Verdura Tomas , Garcia Isabel Garcia , Hernandez-Fernandez Teresa , Gautier Hortensia , Favier Alain , Pérez-Cristià Rafael , Barnouin Jacques ,   Neuropathy epidemic group
Published: May 2008

A prospective epidemiological study was carried out over 1 year to evaluate vitamin B complex dietary intake and status in Cuba, 2 years after the Cuban neuropathy epidemic of 1993. Of the 199 healthy middle-aged men selected, 141 completed the study. Volunteers were followed up every 3 months for 1 year. Dietary intake and status of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12were assessed each time. The dietary intake of vitamin B complex was low, particularly in June and July (folate), and October (thiamin). A deficient status was observed for vitamin B complex, except for vitamin B6. Vitamin B complex intake and status varied over the year. However, dietary intake and status were poorly related. The results prove that healthy Cuban men represent a vulnerable population in terms of vitamin B complex status and stress the necessity to both promote preventive multivitamin supplementation and produce local food rich in vitamin B complex.
High fat intake lowers hepatic fatty acid synthesis and raises fatty acid oxidation in aerobic muscle in Shetland ponies
Authors: Geelen Suzanne N. J. , Blázquez Cristina , Geelen Math J. H. , Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan Marianne M. , Beynen Anton C.
Published: May 2008

The metabolic effects of feeding soyabean oil instead of an isoenergetic amount of maize starch plus glucose were studied in ponies. Twelve adult Shetland ponies were given a control diet (15 g fat/kg DM) or a high-fat diet (118 g fat/kg DM) according to a parallel design. The diets were fed for 45 d. Plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations decreased by 55 % following fat supplementation. Fat feeding also reduced glycogen concentrations significantly by up to 65 % in masseter, gluteus and semitendinosus muscles (P<0·05, P<0·01 and P<0·01 respectively). The high-fat diet significantly increased the TAG content of semitendinosus muscle by 80 % (P<0·05). Hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase activities were 53 % (P<0·01) and 56 % (P<0·01) lower respectively in the high-fat group, but diacylglycerol acyltransferase activity was unaffected. Although carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I) activity in liver mitochondria was not influenced, fat supplementation did render CPT-I less sensitive to inhibition by malonyl-CoA. There was no significant effect of diet on the activity of phosphofructokinase in the different muscles. The activity of citrate synthase was raised significantly (by 25 %; P<0·05) in the masseter muscle of fat-fed ponies, as was CPT-I activity (by 46 %; P<0·01). We conclude that fat feeding enhances both the transport of fatty acids through the mitochondrial inner membrane and the oxidative capacity of highly-aerobic muscles. The higher oxidative ability together with the depressed rate ofde novofatty acid synthesis in liver may contribute to the dietary fat-induced decrease in plasma TAG concentrations in equines.
Cardiovascular actions of chicken-meat extract in normo- and hypertensive rats
Authors: Slim Meng-Kwoon
Published: May 2008

The cardiovascular actions of a commercial chicken-meat extract known as Brand's Essence of Chicken (Cerebos Pacific Ltd, Singapore; BEC) were investigated in normo- and hypertensive rats. The spontaneously-hypertensive rat (SHR), Wistar Kyoto rat (WKY) and Sprague Dawley rat (SD) were used. The effect of oral feeding of BEC on hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and arteriosclerosis in these animals was studied. The data showed the following effects of oral feeding of BEC: (1) feeding for 30 d did not affect the blood pressure and heart rate (determined telemetrically) of adult SHR and WKY; (2) feeding for 90 d did not affect the development of hypertension in 1-month-old prehypertensive SHR; (3) feeding for 4 d dose-dependently (0·2–3·2 ml/kg per d) attenuated cardiac hypertrophy in experimentally-induced (coarctation of the abdominal aorta) cardiac hypertrophic SD; (4) feeding to 1-month-old prehypertensive SHR for 11 months did not affect the age-related development of hypertension in this animal; (5) there was significant attenuation of the age-related development of hypertension (determined by tail-cuff plethysmography) in the WKY (P=0·011) when the animals drank an average of 7·5 ml BEC/kg body weight per d, measured during the last 2 months of the 11-month treatment period; (6) there was chronic, as in the previous treatment, attenuation of the age-related development of cardiac hypertrophy and arteriosclerosis (quantified morphometrically) in the SHR when the animals drank an average of 2·4 ml BEC/kg per d, measured during the last 2 months of the 11-month treatment period. A parallel study using laboratory-prepared chicken-meat and pork extracts showed that the former, but not the latter, attenuated cardiac hypertrophy in experimentally-induced cardiac hypertrophic SD. These findings, showing that chicken-meat extract (both BEC and laboratory prepared) could have anti-cardiac hypertrophic, anti-hypertensive and anti-arteriosclerotic actions, were unexpected and provoking, and would challenge nutritional scientists with an interest in meat consumption and cardiovascular diseases.
Are changes in food consumption patterns associated with lower biochemical zinc status among women from Dunedin, New Zealand?
Authors: Gibson Rosalind S. , Heath Anne-Louise M. , Limbaga Ma Luz S. , Prosser Nicolas , Skeaff C. Murray
Published: May 2008

Reductions in red meat and increases in cereals in the diet may compromise the intake and bioavailability of Zn. In this cross-sectional study of 330 premenopausal New Zealand women aged 18–40 years, we have assessed the inter-relationships among dietary intakes (via computer-administered food-frequency questionnaire), biochemical Zn status, and anthropometric indices, and compared our results with earlier data. Fasting serum (12·00 (SD 1·36) ΜMOL/L) AND HAIR ZN (2·71 (sd 0·36) μmol/g) were lower than those for young Dunedin, New Zealand, women in 1973 (non-fasting serum Zn 18·6 (sd 4·6) μmol/l, hair Zn 2·99 (sd 0·35) μmol/g). Further, our mean serum Zn was at the 25th percentile of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (1976–1980) reference sample for women aged 20–44 years. Meat–poultry–fish contributed only 28 % total Zn in the present study, a level comparable with that from cereals–nuts–legumes (27 %), compared to about 40 % in 1989. Significant negative correlations existed between serum Zn and dietary [phytate]:[Zn] molar ratios (r-0·163, P<0·01); 35 % had diets with [phytate]:[Zn] >15, a level said to compromise Zn status. Mean serum Zn of a subgroup of non-oral contraceptive users free of infection was higher in the red-meat eaters (n149) compared with non-red-meat eaters (n48) (12·2v.11·8 μmol/g, P<0·05). In contrast, serum Zn was lower in those with dietary [phytate]:[Zn] ratios >15v.<15 (i.e. 11·9v.12·3 μmol/l, P=0·04). We postulate that the lower biochemical Zn status of these New Zealand women may be associated in part with changes in food selection patterns, which have led to a reduction in the bioavailability of dietary Zn.
In vitroavailability of zinc from infant foods with increasing phytic acid contents
Authors: Bosscher Donwina , Lu Zhengli , Janssens Geert , Van Caillie-Bertrand Micheline , Robberecht Harry , Rycke Herman De , De Wilde Roland , Deelstra Hendrik
Published: May 2008

Anin vitromethod was used to determine the availability of Zn from infant foods containing increasing amounts of phytate, and to quantify the effect of the phytate:Zn molar ratio on the availability. During thein vitroassay, digestive conditions of infants, younger and older than 4 months of age, were carefully simulated since the solubility of phytate–Zn complexes during digestion is pH dependent. Availability was measured with a continuous flow dialysisin vitroprocedure with previous intralumen digestive stage. Zn concentrations were determined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Phytic acid content was measured with HPLC. Adding phytate to infant formula lowered Zn availability to 2·84 (SD 0·17) % WHEN THE PHYTATE:ZN MOLAR RATIO INCREASED TO 2·2 (P<0·05), AS COMPARED WITH COWS' MILK-BASED FORMULA (6·65 (sd 0·55) %). Availability from vegetables (23·83 (sd 2·17) %) significantly decreased (P<0·05) at a ratio > 7·9 (15·12 (sd 1·63) %). Zn availability from soyabean-based formula (2·26 (sd 0·36) %) was lower (P<0·05) compared with cows' milk-based formula (6·65 (sd 0·55) %). Availability between soyabean- and cows' milk-based formula was similar (P>0·05) when a phytate:Zn ratio of 2·2 (2·84 (sd 0·17) %) was obtained in the cows' milk formula. The negative effect of phytic acid on Zn availability was dependent on the type of the food and the phytate content, and should be considered when using soyabean-based formulas during early infancy.
Comparison of non-tracer and tracer methods for determination of volatile fatty acid production rate in the rumen of sheep fed on two levels of intake
Authors: Martin Cécile , Kirstensen Niels B. , Huhtanen Pekka
Published: May 2008

The aim of the present work was to estimate volatile fatty acid (VFA) production rate in the rumen of sheep fed two levels of intake using both a tracer (TM; by isotope dilution) and a non-tracer method (NTM; by supplementary infusion) in steady-state conditions. Six wethers received a diet containing 700 g lucerne hay and 300 g ground maize/kg in eight equal meals at 3 h intervals per d. The diet (9·8 MJ metabolizable energy (ME)/kg DM) was offered at 90 %ad libitumconsumption (high intake, HI) or 45 %ad libitumconsumption (low intake, LI) in a 2×2 crossover design. Each sheep received five intrarumen VFA solutions infused continuously for 24 h at rates of 250 ml and 165 ml/h for the HI and LI respectively. The first infusion, considered as a control treatment (Con), consisted of a solution of [1-13C]propionate (7 mmol/d). The four other solutions were isoenergetic (1·9 MJ ME/kg DM intake) mixtures of unlabelled propionate (C3) and butyrate (C4) at different levels: 0·90 mol C4/kg DM intake; 0·60 mol C4+0·45 mol C3/kg DM intake; 0·30 mol C4+0·90 mol C3/kg DM intake; 1·35 mol C3/kg DM intake. The VFA infusions did not affect rumen fermentation of the basal diet (pH, osmotic pressure, protozoa numbers), and comparable DM digestibility of the diet among the different treatments was observed. Both estimation methods demonstrated a similar increase (1·7-fold) in the rumen VFA production rate of sheep fed at intakes varying between 0·9 to 1·7 times maintenance. Irrespective of the intake level, the rumen production rate of individual VFA was on average 1·5-fold higher when estimated by the TM compared with the NTM. Rumen VFA production rates estimated by the NTM and TM represented 80 % and 120 % ME intake respectively. The difference between NTM and TM estimates seems likely to be caused mainly by overestimation of the VFA production rates by the TM.
Evaluation of a model for total body protein mass based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: comparison with a reference four-component model
Authors: Fuller N. J. , Wells J. C. K. , Elia M.
Published: May 2008

The aim of the present study was to evaluate a model of body composition for assessing total body protein (TBP) mass using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), with either measured or assumed total body water (TBW); it was intended to provide a less complex or demanding alternative technique to, for example, the four-component model (4-CM). The following measurements were obtained in healthy adults (n46) aged 18–62 years, and children (n30) aged 8–12 years: body weight (BWt), body volume (BV; under-water weighing), TBW (2H-dilution space or predicted using an assumed hydration fraction of fat-free mass (HFffm)), bone mineral content (BMC; DXA) and fat-free soft tissue (FFST; DXA). TBP was calculated using the 4-CM (TBP=3·050BWt-0·290TBW-2·734BMC-2·747BV) and the DXA model (TBP=FFST-0·2305BMC-TBW). DXA measurements were obtained using the Lunar DPX (Lunar Radiation Corporation, Madison, WI, USA) or Hologic QDR 1000/W (Hologic, Waltham, MA, USA). Precision of the DXA model for TBP with measured TBW (4·6–6·8 % mean TBP) was slightly worse than the 4-CM (4·0–5·4 %), whereas that modelled with assumed HFffmwas more precise (2·4–5·2 %) because it obviated imprecision associated with measuring TBW. Agreement between the 4-CM and DXA model with measured TBW was also worse (e.g. bias, 15 % of the mean; 95 % limits of agreement up to ±39 % for adults measured on the Lunar DPX) than when a constant for HFffmwas assumed (3·7 % and ±21 % respectively). Most of the variability in agreement between these various models was due to interpretation of biological factors, rather than to measurement imprecision. Therefore, the DXA model, which is less complex and demanding than the 4-CM, is of value for assessing TBP in groups of healthy subjects, but is of less value for individuals in whom there may be substantial differences from reference 4-CM estimates.
Pneumococcal pulmonary infection, septicaemia and survival in young zinc–depleted mice
Authors: Strand Tor A. , Briles David E. , Gjessing Håkon K. , Maage Amund , Bhan Maharaj K. , Sommerfelt Halvor
Published: May 2008

The aim of the present study was to explore whether mice fed a diet low in Zn (2·0 mg Zn/kg diet) for a relatively short period of time were more prone to severeStreptococcus pneumoniaeinfection than mice fed a normal diet (25 mg elemental Zn/kg). The Zn-deficient mice were compared with mice in two Zn-adequate control groups; one pair-fed and another with free access to the diet. After 2 weeks feeding, the mice were infected intranasally under anaesthesia with a suspension containing about 107pneumococci. Clinical status was observed every day and blood samples were examined forS. pneumoniaeevery second day for a week. All infected mice examined carried the infecting strain intranasally. The survival time and time before positive blood culture were significantly shorter in the Zn-depleted group than in the pair-fed Zn-adequate group (hazard ratios 15·6 and 3·2, P<0·0001 and P=0·045 respectively). At the end of the observation period, ten of the twelve mice in the Zn-deficient group were dead while one of twelve and two of twelve were dead in the two Zn-adequate control groups. This study shows that even acutely-induced Zn deficiency dramatically increases the risk of serious pneumococcal infection in mice.
Quantifying and separating the effects of macronutrient composition and non-macronutrients on energy density
Authors: Grunwald Gary K. , Seagle Helen M. , Peters John C. , Hill James O.
Published: May 2008

The purpose of the present study was to estimate and compare the effects of macronutrient composition (relative portions of macronutrients) and of non-macronutrient components (e.g. water and fibre) on energy density (energy per unit weight) of the diets of human subjects. We used standard macronutrient energy content values to develop a simple conceptual model and equation for energy density in terms of % energy from dietary fat and % non-macronutrients by weight. To study these effects in self-selected diets of free-living subjects, we used four consecutive days of self-weighed and recorded food records for thirty-two male and thirteen female free-living adult subjects. In the range of typical human diets, the effect of % non-macronutrients by weight was several times greater than that of % energy from dietary fat, both in absolute terms and relative to daily variation in subjects' diets. Both effects were large enough to be physiologically important. Non-macronutrients (% by weight) alone explained much more of the variation in self-selected dietary energy density either between subjects (R2 95 %) or day-to-day (R2 95 %) than did % energy from dietary fat (R2 5 % and 6 % respectively). Omitting beverages gave similar results. The smaller effect of macronutrient composition on energy density of diets is mainly because alterations in macronutrient composition affect only the portion of typical dietary intake that is macronutrients (one-quarter to one-third of weight). Mathematical methods are also useful in analysing observational data and for separating effects of macronutrient composition and non-macronutrients in intervention studies. These results illustrate the importance of considering non-macronutrients in the design and analysis of experimental or observational dietary data.
A dynamic model to analyse intravenous glucose and insulin tolerance tests performed on dairy cows
Authors: Lemosquet Sophie , Faverdin Philippe
Published: May 2008

A dynamic model was developed to assess insulin sensitivity and pancreatic response in lactating dairy cows. The model is based on a simultaneous analysis of insulin and glucose intravenous tolerance tests. It comprises five compartments corresponding to insulin in portal–hepatic plasma, and insulin or glucose in both systemic plasma and in interstitial fluid. Insulin secretion rate is a sigmoidal function of glucose in plasma. Insulin is cleared from hepatic plasma and from the interstitial fluid. The glucose entry rate is constant and glucose utilization rate is a sigmoidal function of insulin in the interstitial fluid. Six parameters were estimated: two for insulin secretion rate, two for insulin clearance, one for glucose entry rate and one for glucose utilization rate. After integration of the functions, the model yielded a relative estimate of the quantities of insulin secreted and cleared, as well as the glucose entering and utilized during each test. Using an experimental dataset composed of ten pairs of tolerance tests, the explained variations for plasma insulin and glucose concentrations were 96·0 and 98·3 % and standard errors of estimates were 0·032 nmol/l and 0·14 mmol/l respectively. Except in the early stages after injection, residual errors were low. A Jackknife analysis showed that the estimated parameters exhibited low statistical bias. This model simplifies the interpretation of both tests through a simulation based on six common parameters. Compared to a classical analysis of tolerance tests, it may improve the analysis of modifications in the key functions regulating glucose homeostasis in ruminants.
Dietary assessment in Whitehall II: comparison of 7 d diet diary and food-frequency questionnaire and validity against biomarkers
Authors: Brunner Eric , stallone Daryth , Juneja Maneesh , bingham Sheila , Marmot Michael
Published: May 2008

The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to examine the agreement and disagreement between a 7 d diet diary (7DD) and a self-administered machine-readable food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) asking about diet in the previous year, and to validate both methods with biomarkers of nutrient intake. The subjects were an age- and employment-grade-stratified random subsample of London-based civil servants (457 men and 403 women), aged 39–61 years, who completed both a 7DD and a FFQ at phase 3 follow-up (1991–1993) of the Whitehall II study. Mean daily intakes of dietary energy, total fat, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, total carbohydrate excluding fibre, sugars, starch, dietary fibre, protein, vitamin C, vitamin E (as α-tocopherol equivalents), folate, carotenes (as total β-carotene activity), Fe, Ca, Mg, K and alcohol were measured. Serum cholesteryl ester fatty acids (CEFA), plasma α-tocopherol and β-carotene were also measured as biomarkers. Estimates of mean energy intake from the two methods were similar in men, and some 10 % higher according to the FFQ in women. Compared with the 7DD, the FFQ tended to overestimate plant-derived micronutrient intakes (carotenes from FFQv.7DD men 2713 (SD 1455)V.2180 (sd 1188) μg/d, women 3100 (sd 1656)v.2221 (sd 1180) μg/d, both differencesP<0·0001) and to underestimate fat intake. Against plasma β-carotene/cholesterol, carotene intake was as well estimated by the FFQ as the 7DD (Spearman rank correlations, men 0·32v.0·30, women 0·27v.0·22, allP≤0·0001, energy-adjusted data). Ranking of participants by other nutrient intakes tended to be of the same order according to the two dietary methods, e.g. rank correlations for CEFA linoleic acid against FFQ and 7DD estimates respectively, men 0·38v.0·41, women 0·53v.0·62, allP≤0·0001, energy-adjusted % fat). For α-tocopherol there were no correlations between plasma level and estimated intakes by either dietary method. Quartile agreement for energy-adjusted nutrient intakes between the two self-report methods was in the range 37–50 % for men and 32–44 % for women, and for alcohol, 57 % in both sexes. Disagreement (misclassification into extreme quartiles of intake) was in the range 0–6 % for both sexes. The dietary methods yielded similar prevalences (about 34 %) of low energy reporters. The two methods show satisfactory agreement, together with an expected level of systematic differences, in their estimates of nutrient intake. Against the available biomarkers, the machine-readable FFQ performed well in comparison with the manually coded 7DD in this study population. For both methods, regression-based adjustment of nutrient intake to mean dietary energy intake by gender appears on balance to be the optimal approach to data presentation and analysis, in view of the complex problem of low energy reporting.
Increasing viscosity of the intestinal contents alters small intestinal structure and intestinal growth, and stimulates proliferation of enterotoxigenicEscherichia coliin newly-weaned pigs
Authors: McDonald D. E. , Pethick D. W. , Mullan B. P. , Hampson D. J.
Published: May 2008

Sources of viscous soluble fibre, such as barley and oats, have often been included in the weaning diet of the pig to accelerate development of the large intestine. Inclusion of a non-fermentable, viscous compound, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), in a low-fibre weaning diet was tested to assess the influence of digesta viscosity on the gut in the absence of increased fermentation. Two CMC sources, of low and high viscosity, were added to cooked rice-based diet at 40 g/kg total diet. A third control rice diet did not contain any CMC. Diets were fed for 13 d following weaning at 3 weeks of age. Addition of CMC to the diet significantly increased the intestinal viscosity of digesta within the small (P<0·001) and large (P<0·05) intestine. No simple association was found between increases in intestinal viscosity and effects on intestinal morphology and whole-body growth. The average empty-body-weight gain and the small intestinal villus height increased with low-viscosity CMC, but decreased with the high-viscosity CMC group. The full large intestinal weight increased in all pigs fed CMC. Dietary CMC (both low- and high-viscosity) increased the percentage moisture of digesta and faeces, and was associated with increased faecal shedding of enterotoxigenic haemolyticEscherichia coli. Feed ingredients in weaning diets that excessively increase the viscosity of the intestinal digesta may be detrimental to pig health and production.
Affluent adolescent girls of Delhi: eating and weight concerns
Authors: Chugh Ruchika , Puri Seema
Published: May 2008

Despite a dramatic increase in research on eating-related pathologies, gaps remain in our understanding of the factors responsible for the development and maintenance of dysfunctional attitudes and behaviour related to weight and eating among adolescents. A study was therefore conducted to compare eating and weight concerns among underweight, normal-weight and obese affluent adolescent girls in New Delhi. The sample comprised fifty underweight, fifty normal-weight and thirty obese girls, 16–18 years of age. Information was collected about their body image perception, weight concerns and eating attitudes by a well-structured questionnaire. Dietary intake was determined by 24 h recall and a food-frequency questionnaire. Body size was adjudged by measurements of weight, height, waist, hip and mid upper arm circumferences, and the BMI and waist : hip ratio were determined. Of the subjects, 99·2 % had a gynoid pattern of fat distribution. Concerns about excess weight were prevalent among the adolescent girls, even among those who were normal-weight and underweight. The level of satisfaction with body size decreased with increase in weight. Dieting behaviour was reported in a higher number of obese (76·6 %) compared with normal-weight (38 %) and underweight (14 %) girls. Of the obese girls, 43·3 % were found to be at a significantly (P=0·00109) greater risk of developing anorexia in the future. Characteristic dietary features of adolescence, such as missing meals, snacking and eating out, were observed. While the diets of most of the subjects were adequate in Ca, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin C, they were found to be deficient in energy, protein, Fe, niacin, vitamin A and fibre. Thus, it is important to recognize that weight concerns and dissatisfaction with body size may pose a threat to a healthy nutritional state, and may develop into precursors of a later eating disturbance.
The effect of calcium intake on bone composition and bone resorption in the young growing rat
Authors: Creedon Annette , Cashman Kevin D.
Published: May 2008

A low Ca intake by both rats and man increases bone resorption, decreases bone mass and increases the risk of osteoporosis. The skeletal effect of high Ca intakes is less clear, particularly during periods of bone mineral accrual. Twenty-four female 5-week-old rats, Wistar strain, were randomized by weight into three groups of eight rats each and fedad libituma semi-purified diet containing 2 (Ca-restricted), 5 (normal) or 20 (Ca-supplemented) g Ca/kg for 3 weeks. When compared with the normal Ca diet, urinary Ca excretion was unaffected by the dietary restriction of Ca for 3 weeks, but was greater (P<0·001) in Ca-supplemented rats. Urinary pyridinoline (Pyr) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpyr) levels were significantly greater during weeks 2 (PyrP<0·05, DpyrP<0·001) and 3 (PyrP<0·01, Dpyr,P<0·001) of dietary Ca restriction, but were unaffected by Ca supplementation. Femoral dry weight and the concentration of Mg and P in femora were unaffected by dietary Ca concentration. Femoral Ca concentration was reduced (P<0·05) in the Ca-restricted group compared with the other two groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that increasing dietary Ca intake, well above the recommended level, had no effect on bone mineral composition or bone resorption (as assessed with urinary pyridinium crosslinks) in young growing female rats. In addition, these results confirm the findings of previous studies which have shown that bone Ca content in young growing rats was reduced by dietary Ca restriction and that this reduction results, at least in part, from an increased rate of bone resorption.