bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levels of physical activity and screen time usage - Preliminary analysis from the Irish National Children's Food Consumption Survey II
Authors: O'Donnell Aisling , Buffini Maria , Kehoe Laura , Heslin Aoibhín Moore , Nugent Anne , Kearney John , Walton Janette , Flynn Albert , McNulty Breige
Published: June 2020

Being physically active is associated with fundamental health benefits and assists with the maintenance of normal weight in children. The current World Health Organizations’ recommendation is for children to accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity (PA) per day to obtain such benefits. Conversely, time spent in sedentary behaviours including watching screens (ST) are positively associated with the risk of overweight and obesity in young people. The aim of this research was to estimate PA levels and ST usage of Irish children and to examine the relationship with body fat.

This analysis was based on data collected from a nationally representative sample of Irish children aged 5–12-years (n = 591, 50% female) from The National Children's Food Consumption Survey II (www.iuna.net). The Child/Youth Physical Activity Questionnaires (C-PAQ/Y-PAQ) were used to measure PA and ST in 5–8 and 9–12-year-olds respectively. Both questionnaires were self-administered, recall instruments that assessed the frequency/duration of activities participated in over the previous 7-day period. The MET minutes (metabolic cost of the activity multiplied by the duration in minutes) of the PA's were calculated per child. Percentage body fat (%BF) was measured by a Tanita BC420MA device and participants were classified into categories based on their %BF, age and gender. Independent t-tests and ANOVA (post-hoc DunnettT-3) were used to assess differences between gender and %BF category.

Overall, children spent 93 mins/d being physically active with 69% meeting the > 1hr recommendation. There was a significant difference in the time spent undertaking PA between boys (99 mins/d) and girls (88 mins/d) p = 0.020. Children spent 107 mins/d watching screens with 68% meeting the < 2hr guidance. Girls spent significantly less time watching screens (89 mins/d) than boys (124 mins/d) p ≤ 0.001. Children who had a normal %BF accumulated more PA MET mins/day compared to those who were classified as obese, which was significant in the total population (p = 0.007), for boys (p ≤ 0.001), but not girls (p = 0.929).

This preliminary analysis indicates that a high proportion of Irish children are meeting the PA and ST recommendations, with boys being more physically active and spending more time watching screens compared to girls. However, results should be interpreted with caution as PA and ST usage were self-reported by participants. The association between PA MET minutes and %BF suggest that advice to encourage PA participation to combat excess adiposity in Irish children is justified. Future work should examine the role of other potential determinants of obesity in this cohort.
Changes in Dietary Patterns among German Adolescents between 2003–2006 and 2014–2017: Results of KiGGS
Authors: Richter Almut , Schienkiewitz Anja , Haftenberger Marjolein , Mensink Gert B. M.
Published: June 2020

Empirically derived dietary patterns are useful to describe food consumption habits within population groups. The aim of the study was to analyse dietary patterns as well as changes of these patterns within the last decade among German adolescents.

Dietary patterns were analyzed for 12 to 17 years old participants of two waves of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS Baseline (2003–2006) N = 5.197 and KiGGS Wave 2 (2014–2017) N = 5.199). KiGGS is part of the nationwide health monitoring in Germany. Food consumption was assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Based on this information, dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis in a former analysis for KiGGS Baseline(1) and in this new analysis for KiGGS Wave 2. In KiGGS Baseline three major dietary patterns were identified (‘western’, ‘traditional’, and ‘healthy’) among boys and two among girls (‘western/traditional’, and ‘healthy’).

In KiGGS wave 2 the ‘traditional’ pattern could not be identified anymore among boys and a new pattern, the ‘sandwich’ pattern was identified among girls and boys. The ‘sandwich’ pattern was positively correlated with the intake of bread, processed meat, cheese, butter/margarine, jam, cake/cookies, and among boys also confectionary. Compared to the former ‘traditional’ dietary pattern among boys, the new ‘sandwich‘ pattern shows similarities (bread, processed meat and butter/margarine) but the former warm meal components are missing (meat and potatoes).There were only slight differences in the food groups associated with the ‘western’, ‘western/traditional’ or ‘healthy’ pattern between both surveys.

Within the past decade dietary patterns changed among German adolescents. In 2014–2017 a new ‘sandwich’ pattern was identified among boys and girls, and the ‘traditional’ dietary pattern was not found any more among boys. This change could be associated with more frequent food consumption out of home among adolescents. Within the past decade, the school system in many German federal states was restructured from half-day schools towards whole-day schools and the utilization of meal supply within schools almost doubled among adolescents. These changes may have influenced the food consumption habits among adolescents.
Parental unemployment associated with the lack of the effectiveness of a children obesity prevention program: Results from the IDEFICS study
Authors: Ayala-Marín Alelí M. , De Miguel-Etayo Pilar , Santabárbara Javier , Iguacel Isabel , Ahrens Wolfgang , De Henauw Stefaan , Lissner Lauren , Kurdine Eszter Molnár , Lucia Reisch , Russo Paola , Tornaritis Michael , Veidebaum Toomas , Moreno Luis A.
Published: June 2020

The relationship between social vulnerabilities and the effectiveness of behavioral interventions to prevent obesity in children is poorly understood. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the association between parental employment and the effectiveness of IDEFICS, a multilevel behavioral intervention aiming to prevent obesity among children (2 to 9.9 years old) in eight European countries. Data from 9,901 children and their parents was included in the analysis. We determined the Body Mass Index (BMI) z-score mean difference as the measurement of the intervention effectiveness and we calculated it as the follow-up (T1) BMI z-score mean minus baseline (T0) BMI z-score mean. Parents self-reported their employment status at T0 and T1. Children were classified, at both study times (T0 and T1), as children with employed parents (both parents employed) or as children with unemployed parents (one or both parents unemployed or receiving social assistance). We calculated unadjusted and adjusted multilevel mixed model analyses to evaluate if the employment status at T0 and the evolution of the employment status within a two-year period (from T0 to T1) predicted the BMI z-score mean difference among boys and girls. In boys, parental unemployment at T0 and throughout a two-year period (T0 to T1) predicted an increase of BMI z-score mean difference when compared to boys with employed parents (unemployment at T0: adjusted β = 0.12; p = 0.028; and unemployment from T0 to T1: adjusted β = 0.20; p = 0.031). We found no difference in the effectiveness of the IDEFICS intervention among girls with unemployed parents at T0 and from T0 to T1 when compared to girls with employed parents (unemployment at T0: adjusted β = 0.04; p = 0.337; and unemployment from T0 to T1: adjusted β = 0.10; p = 0.216, respectively). Our results suggest that the influence of parental unemployment in the IDEFICS outcome is different for boys and girls. Employment of both parents, which is related to a higher income, could contribute the families to engage healthier eating and physical activity behaviors among boys. Future multilevel interventions should include a combination of community-based and school-based components, as well as family-centered components, specifically on those families with parents out of the labor force, to address specific barriers or vulnerabilities that prevent them from improving behavior and weight status.
Comparing the impact of two types of bariatric surgery on food preferences: The BARIATASTE pilot study
Authors: Guyot Erika , Iceta Sylvain , Nazare Julie-Anne , Disse Emmanuel , Dougkas Anestis
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Up to day, the most effective treatment for obesity is bariatric surgery. Nevertheless, weight regain may occur in almost 20% of the patients. Furthermore, nutritional complications such as protein malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies remain common. Clinical experience and scientific literature suggest changes in food preferences after bariatric surgery, which may contribute to weight loss and/or weight regain independently of the surgically-induced reduction of energy intake. Yet, there is inconsistency among the studies as they do not always use objective measures to assess food preferences and only few considered and compared the different types of surgical technics. Our objective was to study the impact of the type of bariatric surgery on the liking and wanting of consuming certain foods varying in composition and appearance.

Materials and methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional clinical trial among 90 patients followed at the Integrated Center for Obesity/Hospital of Lyon. The patients were divided into three groups according to whether they had an unoperated severe obesity (OB), a sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or a gastric bypass (RYGB). We assessed food preferences using the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ), a behavioral computer task. Binge eating, impulsivity and food addiction were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Statistical analysis of food preferences included ANOVAs, post-hoc comparisons of groups two-by-two and linear regressions to adjust results for potential confounders. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were performed to determine food preference patterns and groups of individuals with similar food preferences.

Results:

Our results showed a significant difference in liking scores, with the OB group having higher scores for high-fat savory (HFSA), high-fat sweet (HFSW) and low-fat sweet foods (LFSW) (p < 0.0001) relative to LSG and RYGB groups. Additionally, LSG had greater score of liking for HFSA than RYGB (p = 0.001). There was a high correlation between the binge eating score and the liking scores for HFSA, HFSW and LFSW (p < 0.001).

Discussion:

Our study expands the knowledge regarding changes in food preferences after bariatric surgery and may help to better understand potential underlying mechanisms by comparing two different surgical technics. This pilot study will be followed by a prospective study of food preferences after bariatric surgery using the LFPQ, a buffet type food in an experimental restaurant and sensory measurements. Eventually, our project may contribute to modulate post-operative nutritional interventions in order to facilitate the adoption of a healthy diet.
Validation of metabotypes identified in an Irish population in the German KORA FF4 study
Authors: Riedl Anna , Wawro Nina , Meisinger Christa , Peters Annette , Rathmann Wolfgang , Koenig Wolfgang , Daniel Hannelore , Hauner Hans , Brennan Lorraine , Linseisen Jakob
Published: June 2020

Previous work in an Irish cross-sectional study in adults identified three metabolic subgroups (metabotypes) of individuals using k-means cluster analysis based on four fasting clinical standard parameters (triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and glucose). We aimed to validate these metabotypes in another large population-based study. We assigned 2221 participants aged 38–88 years from the German Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) FF4 study (2013/2014) to the three metabotype clusters identified previously by minimizing the Euclidean distances. These clusters were characterized and compared with one another by metabolic characteristics as well as by cardiometabolic disease prevalence. Further, usual dietary intake of various foods/nutrients was estimated based on a food frequency questionnaire and multiple 24-hour food lists and was investigated across clusters. We identified three metabolically distinct clusters in the KORA FF4 study. Cluster 3 represented the group of participants with the most unfavorable metabolic characteristics (e.g. parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammatory markers), followed by clusters 2 and 1. Individuals in cluster 3 had the highest prevalence of metabolic diseases. Furthermore, they were characterized by the most unfavorable diet with significantly lowest intakes of vegetables, dairy products and fibers as well as significantly highest intakes of total, red and processed meat. Our finding of distinct metabolic subgroups in the KORA FF4 study suggest a successful validation of the metabotypes originally identified based on four commonly measured clinical parameters. Based on these metabotypes, targeted dietary recommendations may be developed for metabolic disease prevention.
The levels of serum vitamin D and ferritn in Korean women with obesity and severe obesity
Authors: Kang Nan-Hee , Choi Ha-Neul , Yim Jung-Eun
Published: June 2020

Introduction

In Korean women, the prevalence rate of severe obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) increased from 2.8% in 2005 to 4.7% in 2015. It is reported that clinically severe obesity has more serious health problems than moderate obesity and creates additional challenges. Vitamin D was suggested a beneficial effect on inflammatory response, but serum ferritin was has been known as a biomarker of inflammation. The objective of this study is to compare the levels of vitamin D and ferritin in Korean women with moderate and severe obesity.

Materials and Methods

44 Korean women with obese and severely obese were recruited. The participants were classified as obese (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, n = 23) and severely obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2, n = 21) group. The informed clinical data, including general information, anthropometric data, body composition, and blood analysis results, were obtained from the participants. Serum vitamin D [25(OH)D3] and ferritin were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS Statistics for Windows version 24.0.

Results

There was a difference in eating habits, severely obese group ate more irregularly and consumed more snacks than obese group. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, hemoglobin Alc, total cholesterol, and triglyceride were not significantly different in obese and severely obese group. And, the levels of serum 25(OH)D3 and ferritin were almost normal and there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study showed that there is a difference in eating habits between obese group and severely obese group. The level of serum 25(OH)D3 was not declined while the level of serum ferritin was not elevated in Korean obese and severely obese women. This study has been performed with the limitation that the number of samples was not enough.
Zinc as a risk factor for myopia: Can we accurately assess status?
Authors: Burke Niamh , Butler John S. , Flitcroft Ian , Loughman James
Published: June 2020

Myopia is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the world. Its prevalence has risen drastically over recent decades, and it is estimated that close to half the world population will be myopic by 2050.The rise in myopia is lifestyle related. Myopia occurs as a consequence of excessive eye growth, which may be related to general growth. Diet, therefore, is a potential risk factor. A number of Asian studies have reported lower levels of zinc in myopic adolescents, when compared to controls. Currently, there are no reliable indicators of zinc status. This study explores the association between zinc status and myopia using a combination of zinc assessment methods.

Participants from two different population-based studies were used. Data from 1,095 adolescents aged 12–19 years, from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Study were used to examine the relationship between dietary zinc intake and myopia. Data from 304 subjects of similar age from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Study were used to examine the association between serum zinc levels and myopia using multivariate logistic regression.

43% (NHANES) and 84% (KNHANES) of subjects were found to be myopic. Mean dietary intake of zinc was lower among myopes relative to non-myopes, but not significantly. In multivariate logistic regression, dietary zinc was not significantly associated with myopia. Among Korean subjects mean serum zinc was found to be higher in non-myopes v. myopes (p = 0.809). Multiple logistic regression did not show any significant relationship between serum zinc and myopia, after adjustment for confounders.

In contrast to previous studies, no relationship was found between lower dietary zinc intake or lower serum zinc, and myopia. Currently the BOND Zinc Expert Panel recommend plasma zinc concentration to assess zinc status, despite its extreme sensitivity to both internal and external factors like; inflammation, fasting, pregnancy, oral contraception and diurnal rhythm. Biological samples are very easily contaminated, meaning strict quality controls and procedures are required. These factors severely impact reliability, and thus, comparison between studies is challenging, particularly in the case of contrasting findings.As zinc is a vital micronutrient and an estimated one-third of the population are affected by zinc deficiency. A reliable biomarker of status is important, for clinical and research needs.
Determinants and consequences of malnutrition in hospitalized patients at a Norwegian University Hospital
Authors: Trollebo Marte A. , Revheim Ingrid , Rosendahl-Riise Hanne , Morken Mette H. , Tangvik Randi J. , Dierkes Jutta
Published: June 2020

Background:

Malnutrition is a serious condition that is frequent in hospitalized patients even in countries with high healthcare standards, and may affect up to 30% of all hospitalized patients in tertiary hospitals. Malnutrition or risk of malnutrition (hereafter referred to as malnutrition) strongly relate to clinical outcomes and mortality, even after adjustment for age and co-morbidities. There is a great need for improved methods for detecting and treating malnutrition in this population.

Objective:

Investigate factors that are associated with malnutrition at hospitalization, and provide data on specific nutrient deficiencies that are associated with malnutrition. Analyse the association of malnutrition with nutritional biomarkers, quality of life, disease-related functions and re-hospitalization, morbidity and mortality.

Design:

The study is s a prospective case-control study including patients from different Departments of a tertiary hospital (Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway). As part of the patients security programme, all hospitalized patients are routinely screened for nutritional risk using NRS-2002. The result allocates the patient to either the case- or the control group. Included patients undergo extensive examinations; standardized assessments of quality of life, socio-economic status, lifestyle habits, dietary habits and food intake, and anthropometric measurements (mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis). Blood and urine samples are collected to assess nutritional biomarkers related to malnutrition.

Results:

The study recruitment is ongoing and up to April 2019, 220 patients have been recruited (n = 90 (41%) at nutritional risk, n = 130 (59%) not at nutritional risk. Most of the patients are recruited from the Department of Heart Disease, n = 69 (31%) and Thoracic Medicine, n = 98 (45%). The recruitment of patients faces many challenges, including a high degree of non-participation (about one in four patients), and a high degree of misclassification (patients falsely categorized as ‘not at nutritional risk’).

Conclusion:

The study is unique due to the integration of patient-derived data on quality of life, food intake, and socio-economic factors with multiple and complementary nutritional biomarkers. A first result from the recruitment period is the need for specification of the specificity and sensitivity of screening tools for malnutrition in hospitals under realistic circumstances. This should ideally be tested in a multicentre study
Associations of eating habits and the saliva microbiota in Finnish adolescents
Authors: Viljakainen Jannina , Raju Sajan C. , Figueiredo Rejane Augusta de Oliveira , Viljakainen Heli , Roos Eva , Weiderpass Elisabete , Rounge Trine B.
Published: June 2020

The composition of diet plays a vital role in maintaining health and may alter the human microbiota. The main focus to date has been on the association between diet and gut microbiota and only few studies have investigated the correlation between diet and the saliva microbiota. Our aim was to investigate whether eating habits and meal patterns are associated with the saliva microbiota. In this study, we included 842 adolescents aged 11–14 years from the Finnish Health in Teens (Fin-HIT) study cohort. Adolescents answered a web-based questionnaire, including information on eating habits, breakfast and dinner patterns at school. Questions related to diet were adapted to the age group. Previously three major eating habits were identified: healthy, unhealthy and fruit and vegetable avoiders. Saliva microbiota profiles were produced by 16S (V3-V4) sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq platform. We found that the regular breakfast eaters had a higher diversity than the irregular breakfast eaters (Shannon index mean 2.27 vs. 2.21, ANCOVA; p-value = 0.026 and inverse Simpsońs index mean 6.21 vs. 5.70, ANCOVA; p-value = 0.004 adjusted for gender, age, language, body mass index (BMI) categories, and sequencing depth). No associations were found between microbiota and eating habit groups, and between microbiota and dinner pattern groups. Microbial composition differed between the regular breakfast and irregular breakfast eaters (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index, PERMANOVA; p = 0.021), but not between eating habit groups or dinner pattern groups. A high abundance of Prevotella was identified in the fruit and vegetable avoideŕs, irregular breakfast and irregular dinner eaters. Our results indicate that having an irregular breakfast may shape the saliva microbiota diversity. Prevotella may be an indicator of avoiding veggies and skipping meals.
Greenhouse gas emissions and energy use of self-selected diet is not associated with diet quality among Japanese adults
Authors: Sugimoto Minami , Murakami Kentaro , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: June 2020

Many previous studies supported that shift of dietary choice is necessary to reduce environmental impact and achieve a healthy diet. However, inconsistent results have been shown for the association between the environmental impact of diet and its nutritional adequacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between environmental indicator including greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and energy use (EU) and diet quality using several diet quality scores among Japanese. Dietary data were obtained from a cross-sectional study including 392 healthy adults (196 women and 196 men, aged 20–69 y) living in 20 areas of 47 prefectures, in which four non-consecutive-day diet record was collected from February to March in 2013. Diet-related GHGE and EU were estimated using the Global Link Input-Output model. Diet quality was assessed with the adherence to the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top (JFG score), its modified version (modified JFG score), Nutrient-rich Dietary index (NRD9.3.), the Mediterranean diet score (MDS) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score. Participants were categorized into sex-specific tertiles according to energy-adjusted GHGE or EU then mixed for the analysis. Using the PROC GLM procedure, linear regression models were constructed to examine the association of environmental indicators with diet quality and intakes of foods and nutrition. Diet-related GHGE and EU were positively associated with NRF.9.3 score and MDS. Diet-related EU was also positively associated with DASH score. However, there was no significant association observed in either JFG score or the modified JFG score with both diet-related GHGE and EU. Diet-related GHGE and EU were both negatively associated with intakes of well-milled rice, fats and oils, and sugar-sweetened beverage, and positively associated with intakes of vegetables, mushroom, fish and seafood, tea and coffee and seasoning, protein, and several micronutrients. A positive association between GHGE or EU, and NRF.9.3 or MSD was seemed to be due to higher intake of vegetables, fish and seafood, meat, vitamin A, iron, potassium in high GHGE or EU group than low GHGE or EU group. The results suggested that achieving low GHGE or EU diet might not lead to higher nutritional quality among Japanese. On the other hand, it may be possible that diet quality scores used in this study could not appropriately evaluate nutritional adequacy of the diet for the Japanese population as previously suggested.
Associations between consumption of ready to eat cereal and nutrient intake in the United Kingdom
Authors: Zhu Yong , Smith Jessica , Jain Neha , Vanage Vipra , Sharma Mitesh , Holschuh Norton , Agler Anne Hermetet
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Ready to eat cereal (RTEC) is a nutrient dense food in a typical western diet. Studies have reported better nutrient intake associated with RTEC consumption in other countries, however, little is known in the United Kingdom. The objective of the study was to examine consumption patterns of RTEC and to investigate associations between RTEC consumption and nutrient intake in a nationally representative sample in the United Kingdom.

Materials and Methods

Children aged 1.5–18 years old (N = 2564) and adults aged 19 years or older (N = 2705) from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme 2012/13–2015/16 were included in the study. The average of four-day food diary data was used for analysis. RTEC included all food items from the high fiber breakfast cereals and other breakfast cereals, excluding porridge and instant hot oat cereals. Participants were classified as RTEC eaters if they reported consumption of RTEC at least once during the four days. Percentage contribution of RTEC to daily intake of nutrients in RTEC eaters was calculated. Differences in energy and nutrient intake between RTEC eaters and non-eaters were compared using multiple linear regression analyses for surveys, adjusting for age, gender, and equivalized income level. Energy intake was also included as a covariate in the analyses of nutrients intake.

Results

About 75% of children were RTEC eaters, whereas 52% of adults reported RTEC consumption. Their daily intake of RTEC were 35.1 g and 42.8 g, respectively. RTEC is a critical source of several key vitamins and minerals. For example, RTEC contributed to over 20% of daily intake of iron, folate, vitamin D, riboflavin, and thiamin in both children and adults who consumed RTEC. Compared to non-eaters, both child and adult RTEC eaters had significantly higher intake of total energy, carbohydrate, fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, niacin, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, as well as significantly lower intake of sodium and total fat. Adult RTEC eaters also had higher intake of vitamin C and vitamin D. There was no difference in intake of non-milk extrinsic sugar by RTEC consumption status in both children and adults, although total sugar intake was higher in adult RTEC eaters.

Discussion

RTEC is an important dietary source of key nutrients in the United Kingdom. Consumption of RTEC is associated with higher intake of nutrients to encourage and lower intake of nutrients to limit, in both children and adults in the United Kingdom.
Dietary pesticide exposure profiles in the NutriNet-Santé cohort
Authors: Rebouillat Pauline , Vidal Rodolphe , Cravedi Jean-Pierre , Taupier-Letage Bruno , Debrauwer Laurent , Gamet-Payrastre Laurence , Touvier Mathilde , Hercberg Serge , Lairon Denis , Baudry Julia , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle
Published: June 2020

Pesticides are used in large quantities in current agriculture all over Europe. Some pesticides are suspected of having negative effects on human health. While the risk associated with occupational exposure is getting well-documented, evidence of dietary exposure to these molecules in the general population is lacking. The aim of this study is to describe dietary exposure to pesticides among NutriNet-Santé cohort participants’.

NutriNet-Santé is a web-based cohort of French middle-aged adults launched in 2009. BioNutriNet is an ancillary study launched in 2014, aiming to measure organic and conventional food consumption and evaluate different dimensions of diet sustainability. Dietary intake of organic and conventional foods was assessed using a 264 items self-administered semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Exposure to 25 commonly used pesticides was evaluated using contamination data from CVUA Stuttgart accounting for farming system. Dietary pesticide exposure profiles were identified using Non-Negative Matrix factorization (NMF), specially adapted for non-negative data with excess zeros. The NMF scores were then introduced in a hierarchical clustering process. Identified clusters were described in terms of sociodemographics, dietary patterns and exposure to pesticides.

A total of 34,442 participants were selected. Four clusters were identified. All clusters seemed to be exposed to the same molecules, with gradual intensity. The first cluster was characterized by the lowest energy-intake, highest organic food consumption (26.9%) and lowest dietary pesticide exposure; participants had highest consumption levels of organic food groups, including fruits and vegetables. Proportion of male participants and of rural residents was higher than in other groups. Clusters 2 and 3 were characterized by intermediate energy intake, and low organic food consumption. High conventional fruits and vegetables intake and moderate pesticide exposure were observed in cluster 2, composed of a lower smokers’ proportion. Cluster 3 individuals were less exposed to pesticides than clusters 2 and 4, except for Spinosad and Pyrethrins. Cluster 4 was characterized by the highest energy intake, lowest organic food consumption (12.2%), and highest pesticide exposure ; high consumption levels of conventional fruits, vegetables and a higher proportion of vegetarians were observed. This cluster was composed of 85.6% female participants, mainly retired (47.5%), mostly living in cities of 200 000 inhabitants and more (48.2%), and physically active.

Dietary pesticide exposures seem to vary across the clusters and depending on the proportion of organic food in the diet. High consumers of conventional fruits and vegetables consumers seem to be more exposed to our selection of pesticides.
The relationship between consumption of fermented alcoholic beverages, eating patterns ans anthropometric parameters in elderly patients at high cardiovascular risk
Authors: Ribó-Coll Margarita , Casas Rosa , Roth Irene , Estruch Ramón
Published: June 2020

Background

Several studies have shown that moderate consumption of wine (W) or beer (B) could have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD). It has been observed that the food pattern and anthropometric parameters in W or B consumers may be different from non-alcoholic drinkers (NAD), in populations from North of Europe and USA.

Objective

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the dietary pattern and anthropometric parameters among consumers of W, B and NAD, in an elderly population at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods

4940 participants recruited from the Predimed trial, a 5-year parallel group, multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial, were evaluated. We used date from a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire with 137 items, that included the amount and type of alcoholic beverage consumed. Adherence to traditional Mediterranean diet also was evaluated using a validated 14-point score test as well as anthropometric parameters (height, body weight and waist perimeter) measured using standard methods.

Results

Comparisons among groups showed that W drinkers had a higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet than drinkers of B and NAD (P < 0.001; both). On the other hand, the drinkers of W showed also lower body weight and body mass index (BMI) than B and NAD drinkers (P < 0.001; both).

Conclusions

Moderate wine consumption is associated lower body weight and BMI and a higher adherence to Mediterranean diet. Accordingly, W drinkers could have extra beneficial effects on CVD than others alcoholic beverages.
The predictors of interpregnancy change in body mass index
Authors: Reynolds Ciara , Egan Brendan , O'Malley Eimer , Sheehan Sharon , Turner Michael
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Pregnancy is a time when weight increases as part of a physiological process to aid fetal growth. However, when excess weight is gained during pregnancy, and retained thereafter, the risk of obesity in the future increases. Increasing BMI between pregnancies and maternal obesity are associated with several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although the risks of increasing BMI on future pregnancies is well defined, the predictors of this weight gain are not. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of interpregnancy BMI change.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted in one of Europe's largest maternity hospitals delivering approximately 8000 infants per annum. Women's sociodemographic and clinical data were self-reported at the first antenatal visit and computerised to an electronic recording system by trained midwives. Weight and height were measured at the first antenatal visits of both pregnancies, and body mass index was calculated. Data was extracted and analysed for women who delivered their first and second singleton infants between 2009–2018.

Results

A total of 12,056 women delivered their first and second baby over the 10-year period. The mean interval between pregnancies was 32.3months (SD15.9) and the median BMI change was 0.6units (IQR1.3). From the first to the second pregnancy the rate of obesity increased from 11.6% to 16.0%. Between pregnancies 46.1% of women maintained their BMI (-1 to + 1units), 13.3% lost > 1 BMI unit(s), whereas 15.5% gained 1–2unit(s), 9.9% gained 2–3units and 12.0% gained > 3units. Overall, 5.8% became obese by the second pregnancy. On multinomial regression analysis, having a pregnancy interval of > 3years (aOR2.1, 95%CI 1.9–2.5, p < 0.001), artificial feeding after the first pregnancy (aOR1.8, 1.5–2.0, p < 0.001), postnatal depression after the first pregnancy (aOR1.6, 1.3–2.1, p < 0.001) and taking prescribed anxiolytics or antidepressants (aOR1.6, 1.1–2.5, p = 0.013) were predictors of gaining > 3 BMI units between pregnancies after adjusting for maternal occupation and age. The predictors of becoming obese in the second pregnancy also included a pregnancy interval of > 3years (aOR1.5, 1.2–1.8, p < 0.001), artificial feeding after the first pregnancy (aOR2.1, 1.8–2.6, p < 0.001), postnatal depression after the first pregnancy (aOR1.7, 1.2–2.3, p = 0.001) and taking prescribed anxiolytics or antidepressants (aOR1.8, 1.1–3.1, p = 0.016) following the same adjustments.

Conclusion

Longer pregnancy interval, not breastfeeding and psychological health disorders are predictors of BMI increase between pregnancies and becoming obese in the second pregnancy. Interventions provided following women's first delivery should aim to promote breastfeeding, manage weight and improve mental health.
The role of fortified foods and nutritional supplements in the diets of older Irish adults
Authors: Kehoe Laura , Walton Janette , McNulty Breige A. , Nugent Anne P. , Flynn Albert
Published: June 2020

Low intakes and suboptimal status of vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12, folate and calcium have been reported in older adults across Europe. Dietary strategies to improve micronutrient intakes and status could include food fortification (mandatory or voluntary) and/or the use of nutritional supplements. This study aims to examine the impact of fortified food consumption and nutritional supplement use on nutrient intakes and nutritional status of vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12, dietary folate equivalents (DFE) and calcium in older Irish adults.

Analyses were based on the National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS) (2008–2010). A 4 day semi-weighed food record was used to collect food and beverage intake data (including nutritional supplement use) from a nationally representative sample of 1500 adults (226 older adults (≥ 65y)). Blood samples (n 1126 (n 145 ≥ 65y)) were collected, processed and analysed using standard operating procedures. Nutrient intakes were estimated using WISP© based on UK and Irish food composition data. Fortified foods were identified as those that had one or more micronutrients added in the ingredient list and a nutritional supplement was defined as a supplement containing vitamins and/or minerals (i.e. excludes herbal/non-nutritional supplements). A fortified food consumer or nutritional supplement user was defined as a participant who consumed a fortified food or took a nutritional supplement at any time over the 4-day recording period. Usual intakes of micronutrients were calculated via the NCI-method using SAS© Enterprise Guide and analyses of biomarker data were carried out using SPSS©.

The consumption of fortified foods and/or use of nutritional supplements increased mean intakes of vitamin D (3.6 to 6.9μg/d), riboflavin (1.6 to 2.3mg/d), vitamin B12 (4.5 to 6.0μg/d), DFE (228 to 408μg/d) and calcium (784 to 947mg/d) in older Irish adults and reduced the prevalence of inadequate intakes of these micronutrients by up to 40%. Furthermore, consumers of fortified foods and/or nutritional supplements had improved biomarker status and reduced prevalence of low/deficient status for vitamin D (62 vs 16%), riboflavin (65 vs 11%), vitamin B12 (8 vs 0%) and folate (serum folate:18 vs 0%; red blood cell folate: 0% across all groups) when compared to non-consumers.

This study has shown that fortified foods and/or nutritional supplements represent an opportunity to improve intakes and status of key micronutrients in older adults. The data presented in this study will serve to inform the development and implementation of updated dietary recommendations for older adults in Ireland.
The role of breakfast in the diets of Irish adults (18–90y)
Authors: Rusu Ioana , Kehoe Laura , McNulty Breige A. , Nugent Anne P. , Flynn Albert , Walton Janette
Published: June 2020

Breakfast is often referred to as ‘the most important meal of the day’ and is consumed after the longest postprandial fast (an overnight fast). Breakfast consumption has been positively linked to many health benefits and has been shown in many studies to be associated with a better diet quality. The aim of this study was to characterise breakfast in Irish adults and to investigate the contribution of breakfast to overall daily nutrient intake.

Analyses were based on the National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS) (2008–2010) (www.iuna.net). A 4 day semi-weighed food record was used to collect food and beverage intake data from a nationally representative sample of 1500 adults in the Republic of Ireland. Nutrient intakes were estimated using WISP© based on UK and Irish food composition data. Breakfast was subjectively defined by the participant and reported in the food diary. In line with recommendations on breakfast studies, this study confined analyses to nutrients derived from breakfast foods and not nutritional supplements. Usual intakes of energy and selected nutrients (from breakfast foods only and total diet (including nutritional supplements)) were calculated via the NCI-method using SAS© Enterprise Guide.

Breakfast was consumed on at least one recording day by 99% of participants with an uptake of 93% of potential breakfast occasions. The mean (SD) energy intake at breakfast was 365 (162) kcal, contributing on average 19% to overall daily energy intake. Energy intake from breakfast comprised of 56% carbohydrate, 14% fat and 29% protein. The most frequently consumed foods at breakfast included breakfast cereals, white/brown/wholemeal breads and rolls, butters and fat spreads, jams and marmalades, fruits, eggs, yogurts and some meats. The most frequently consumed beverages included teas, coffees, ‘fruit juices & smoothies’, waters and milk (in teas/coffees, with cereals and as a beverage). The contribution of breakfast to total daily nutrient intakes was 25% for carbohydrate, 16% for fat and 16% for protein. Breakfast also contributed to total daily intakes of dietary fibre (22%), total sugars (28%), saturated fat (18%), B-vitamins (20–32%), vitamins C (23%), D (24%), E (19%) calcium (28%), iron (26%) and sodium (18%).

Breakfast was widely consumed among Irish adults and was typically a nutrient dense meal which contributed significantly to total dietary intakes of a number of important macro- and micro- nutrients but also contributed to total sugars and relatively small proportions of total fat, saturated fat, and sodium.
Nutrient intake and anthropometrics of vegetarian, vegan and omnivorous children (1–3 y) in Germany
Authors: Weder Stine , Hoffmann Morwenna , Becker Katja , Alexy Ute , Keller Markus
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Vegetarian (VG) and vegan (VN) diets have become more and more popular in the last decades. Many VG and VN parents raise their children without meat or foods of animal origin. Until now, only few studies – that are highly heterogeneous, quite old and of small sample sizes – have been conducted with VG and VN children worldwide.

Materials and methods:

The Vegetarian and Vegan Children Study (VeChi Diet Study) collected data of 139 VN, 127 VG, and 164 omnivourous (OM) children (1–3 y) in Germany. Dietary intake (including supplements and fortified foods) was assessed by a 3-day-weighted dietary record; lifestyle and anthropometric data by an online questionnaire. Average dietary intakes and anthropometrics were compared between groups using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results:

Intake of total energy, energy density, retinol eq, phosphorous, and zinc did not significantly differ between the study groups after adjustment. OM children had the highest adjusted intakes of protein, fat, added sugars, vitamin B2, and calcium (the latter only after excluding outliers) (p < 0.0001). In contrast, the highest adjusted intakes of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and iron were found in VN children (p < 0.0001). Vitamin B12 supplements were used by 97.1% of VN, 35.4% of VG, and 7.9% of OM children. However, 58 VG (45.7%), 27 OM (16.5%), and 14 VN (10.1%) did not meet the German DRI for vitamin B12. Although there were no differences in the Standard-Deviation-Scores for weight-for-height, height-for-age, or weight-for-age on average (WHO Growth Standards 2011), 3.6% and 2.4% of VN and VG children, respectively, were classificated as stunted or severely stunted.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Our results indicate that a VG and VN diet in early childhood provides comparable amounts of energy, a macronutrient pattern in accordance with recommendations, and can ensure normal growth as there were no significant differences in proxy-reported anthropometrics compared to OM children of the same age. However, the observed small percentage of VG and VN children in our sample classified as stunted should emphasize to parents and pediatricians the importance of an adequate energy and nutrient intake for children on VG and VN diets. Qualified nutrition counselling for VG and VN children might be useful to ensure a healthy development.
A systematic review of the determinants of seafood consumption
Authors: Govzman Sophie , Looby Sarah , Wang Bella (Xiyao) , Butler Francis , Timon Claire , Gibney Eileen
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Little is known about the factors which influence seafood consumption in Irish adults at present. This systematic review will serve the purpose of reviewing published literature examining influences on seafood consumption to provide a basis for a larger project being carried out in UCD - the Seafood Consumption and Risk Exposure Study (SCaRES) - examination of seafood consumption in the Irish population. This project aims to generate food consumption data, on seafood, consumers to improve the characterisation of the risk from exposure to biotoxins and other contaminants from consuming shellfish. This approach will represent a significant step forward in terms of public health policy contribution by being able to characterise the likelihood of illness in a population or population sub-group on an annual basis.

Materials and Methods:

Data sources PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for articles published between January 2008 and January 2018 investigating the characteristics of seafood consumers. Search terms include the following: factors OR influences OR determinants OR indicators AND fish OR seafood OR shellfish OR marine products AND diet OR dietary intake OR intake OR consumption. Articles, in English which investigated factors influencing seafood/fish consumption in adults (18 + ) were included.

Results:

A total of 3964 unique articles were found, after duplicates (n = 1537) were removed. Following this, a further 3531 articles were excluded based on title and abstract. The remaining articles (n = 433) were screened based on inclusion criteria. After the initial systematic search, 149 papers met the inclusion criteria. Preliminary analysis to date demonstrated the following; seafood consumers are more likely to have higher educational attainment (n = 43 article), they are more likely to be of older age (n = 29 articles), 21 articles reported that they are less likely to be smokers, whilst n = 17, found that they are more likely to be physically active, with n = 20 reporting they are more likely to have a healthier overall diet and n = 14 reporting that they are more likely to have a higher household income. Results were mixed with respect to BMI.

Discussion:

The included studies have found that seafood consumers are more likely to have higher educational attainment, be of older age, have lower tobacco use, be physically active, have a higher fruit and vegetable intake and have a higher household income. Full analysis is ongoing.