bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a food-based diet quality score and associations with eating styles and nutrient intakes in Finnish twins
Authors: Masip Guiomar , Keski-Rahkonen Anna , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Kujala Urho M. , Rottensteiner Mirva , Väisänen Karoliina , Kaprio Jaakko , Bogl Leonie H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractShort dietary assessment instruments are often included to large-scale twin studies that focus on multiple health behaviors and disease outcomes. Due to their feasibility and low cost, food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are usually employed to provide data on dietary intake and diet quality. Diet quality have been linked with eating styles such as meal and snacking frequency. However, little is known about how diet quality is related with various eating styles. We aimed to construct a food-based diet quality score (DQS) from a short FFQ to estimate diet quality and to examine its association with eating styles and nutrient intakes in Finnish twins. Participants were 3592 twin individuals (764 dizygotic [DZ] pairs and 430 monozygotic [MZ] pairs) aged 31–37 from the wave 5 of the FinnTwin16 study. The DQS (range 0–12 points) was constructed from a short FFQ that included dark bread, white bread, fruits and berries, vegetables, fish, whole grain, fast food, fat free or reduced-fat milk or milk products, sugar-sweetened soft drinks or juices, energy drinks, butter and margarine/vegetable oils. Eating styles were self-reported by questionnaire. Nutrient intakes were calculated from food diaries completed in a subsample of 249 twin individuals (45 same-sex DZ pairs and 60 MZ pairs). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations and multiple regression models adjusted for covariates in individuals and pairwise analyses. Both in individuals and within twin pairs, a higher diet quality was associated with health-conscious eating, having breakfast, fewer evening meals, and a higher frequency and regularity of eating. No associations were found with night eating styles, food as a reward or food restricting/overeating. Among individuals, the DQS was positively correlated with the intakes of protein, fiber and magnesium and negatively with the intakes of total fat, saturated fat and sucrose (rmax = 0.30 for magnesium). The associations with saturated fat, fiber and magnesium remained significant within same-sex DZ twin pairs (rmax = 0.40 for magnesium) and with sucrose within MZ twin pairs (r = -0.42). The DQS is an easy-to-use short tool for ranking individuals and twin pairs according to overall diet quality. The DQS reflects eating styles and intakes of key nutrients related to diet quality.
Consumer understanding of health, nutrition and ingredient claims on sweet and savoury snacks: potential tool for encouraging healthier snacking choices
Authors: Le Mare Dominic , Thoebald Hannah , Lescop Olivier , Bennett Emma 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHealth, nutrition and/or ingredient claims are frequently used on prepacked snack products. Despite much research on consumer understanding of health and nutrition claims in general, consumers’ understanding and perception of claims on biscuits, cereal bars and savoury snack products is not well understood. While most of these products are treats, healthier alternatives are increasingly available, therefore claims could be used as a tool to encourage consumers to select healthier snack products.To assess whether UK consumers understand and accept the use of health, nutrition and ingredient claims on snack products, three online surveys (Toluna QuickSurveys, Wilton Connecticut), were conducted on each of biscuits (n = 175 participants), cereal bars (n = 183) and savoury snacks (n = 180). Participants were aged 18–74 years. Each survey comprised of 21 questions, which included the Consumer Understanding Test (assessing the understanding of specific claims). The Kano Model assessed how consumers felt when each claim was placed on pack and assessed how consumers perceived a snack carrying such claims in comparison to the same snack without a claim. Participants were also asked to provide details of the acceptable nutrition profile of snacks with each claim (i.e. maximum kcals, fat, sugar and salt) per portion of snack.Participants did not fully understand health or ingredient claims. In the Consumer Understanding Test, 76% of participants correctly interpreted nutrition claims, while 64% and 19% of participants correctly interpreted ingredient claims and health claims respectively. Participants were more accepting of nutrition claims than health claims, potentially due to their increased understanding and familiarity with them. Six claims on cereal bars were rated as attractive on pack including four nutrition claims, plus claims on ‘no artificial additives/preservatives’ and ‘100% natural ingredients’. None were attractive on biscuits, with ‘low sugar’ and ‘100% natural ingredients’ attractive on savoury snacks. Participants made incorrect presumptions about certain claims, e.g. perceiving low sugar products to contain artificial sweeteners or that vegan products were healthier. Older consumers were more health conscious and wanted more claims on pack.In conclusion, consumer acceptability of claims on cereal bars, biscuits and savoury snacks varies by product and claim type. Nutrition claims are most accepted, with health claims least accepted. Acceptance of claims on biscuits was low, potentially due to the fact these products are seen as treats. Participants, overall, were cautious about the use of claims on snacks. However, responsibly used claims directed to more health-conscious consumers might encourage healthier snacking choices.
Development of a food literacy intervention for couples trying to conceive
Authors: Boedt Tessy , Voorend Roos , Derboven Jan , Dancet Eline , Spiessens Carl , Matthys Christophe 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionAs a preconception healthy diet is not only beneficial for couples’ general health but also for their reproductive health, effective interventions are necessary and lacking. In the field of nutrition, the concept of food literacy is emerging. Food literacy is the interrelated combination of knowledge, skills and self-efficacy on food planning, selecting foods, food preparation, eating and evaluating information about food with the ultimate goal of developing a lifelong healthy, sustainable and gastronomic relationship with food. The present study describes the systematic development of a food literacy intervention for couples trying to conceive.Materials and methodsThe development of the food literacy intervention was guided by Intervention Mapping, a protocol for developing theory- and evidence-based health promotion interventions in combination with consulting stakeholders. Decisions during intervention development were based on literature, an observational study evaluating the diet of couples trying to conceive using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and semi-structured interviews and user tests with experts in the field and couples trying to conceive.ResultsAn innovative intervention to influence preconception diet and food literacy based on stakeholders opinion, effective behavior change strategies and attractive intervention channels was developed. Regarding needs assessment, the observational study showed that the diet of couples trying to conceive (n = 57) was inadequate (i.e. lack of vegetable intake) and highly correlated between partners. Objectives regarding food literacy were determined by participating experts (n = 12) rating ‘making healthy food choices’ as most important objective. A blended format (i.e. a mobile application in combination with telephone interaction with a health care professional) was selected as intervention channel based on semi-structured interviews with people trying to conceive (n = 17) as they highlighted the importance of support by experts and a time efficient intervention. Knowledge and self-efficacy regarding food literacy were selected as determinants to address. The main behavioral change strategies included in the intervention were tailoring, goal setting and motivational interviewing resulting in tailored goals, tips about food literacy and recipes. Experts (n = 15) and couples trying to conceive (n = 8) evaluated the intervention as easy to use.DiscussionThis intervention will be evaluated on reproductive and dietary outcomes via a randomized controlled trial in Belgian Fertility clinics among 460 couples trying to conceive. If this theory- and evidence based food literacy intervention proves to be effective on reproductive and dietary outcomes in couples trying to conceive, it will offer vision and practical tools for implementing food literacy interventions in preconception care.
Osteoporosis in older black South African women and relationships with body composition, dietary intake and physical activity
Authors: Mendham Amy , Brooks Naomi E. , Micklesfield Lisa K. , Faber Mieke , Christensen Dirk L. , Gallagher Iain J. , Lundin-Olsson Lillemor , Myburgh Kathryn H. , Kalula Sebastiana , Odunitan-Wayas Feyisayo , Lambert Estelle V. , Goedecke Julia H. , Hunter Angus M 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionOsteoporosis was not a public health concern in black South African (SA) women, until recently when it was reported that the prevalence of vertebral fractures was 9.1% in black compared to 5.0% in white SA women. Accordingly, this study aimed to measure bone mineral density (BMD) of older black SA women and to investigate its association with risk factors for osteoporosis, including strength, muscle and fat mass, dietary intake and objectively measured physical activity (PA).Methods and materialsOlder black SA women (age, 68 (range; 60–85 years) n = 122) completed sociodemographic and quantitative food frequency questionnaires (QFFQ), fasting venous blood samples (25-hydroxycholecalciferol: Vitamin D-25), 24 h urine collection (estimate protein intake), grip strength and PA monitoring (activPAL). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of the hip (femoral neck and total) and lumbar spine determined BMD and whole-body scans for fat and fat-free soft tissue mass (FFSTM). WHO classifications were used to determine osteopenia (t-score -2.5 to -1), and osteoporosis (t-score < -2.5).ResultsAt the lumbar spine 34.4% of the women (n = 42) had osteopenia and 19.7% (n = 24) had osteoporosis. Osteopenia at the left femoral neck was 32% (n = 40) and osteoporosis was 13.1% (n = 16) of participants. The total left hip BMD indicated osteopenia in 27.9% (n = 34) and osteoporosis in 13.1% (n = 16) of participants. Multinomial regression revealed no differences in age (y) or frequency of falls in the past year between all groups (p = 0.727). Compared to those with normal BMD, participants with osteoporosis at the hip neck and lumbar spine were shorter, weighed less and had a lower body mass index (BMI) (all p < 0.05). When adjusted for height, the osteoporotic group (hip neck and lumbar spine) had lower trunk fat (% whole body), FFSTM (kg) and grip strength (kg), compared to those with normal BMD (p < 0.05). Only protein intake (g; 24 h urine analyses) was lower in women with osteoporosis (all sites) compared to those with normal BMD. Fat, carbohydrate and micronutrient intakes (relative to total daily energy intake), and vitamin D concentrations were not associated with BMD (all sites). Number of daily step count and stepping time (min) were inversely associated with BMI (p < 0.05), but not with BMD (all sites; p > 0.05).DiscussionA high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was evident at the lumbar spine and hip in older black SA women. This study highlights the importance of strength, body composition, and protein intake in maintaining BMD and preventing the development of osteoporosis in older women.
Relationships of maternal plasma pro-vitamin A carotenoids and children's neurocognitive outcomes
Authors: Lai Jun Shi , Cai Shirong , Lee Bee Lan , Godfrey Keith M. , Gluckman Peter D. , Shek Lynette P. , Yap Fabian , Tan Kok Hian , Chong Yap Seng , Ong Choon Nam , Meaney Michael J. , Broekman Birit F.P. , Rifkin-Graboi Anne , Chong Mary F.F. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionPro-vitamin A carotenoids namely α-, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin have potential roles in neurocognitive development, but current literature on these carotenoids mainly focused on preventing cognitive decline in the elderly. This study examined the associations of maternal plasma pro-vitamin A carotenoids concentrations with offspring cognitive development up to 54 months in the GUSTO mother-offspring cohort study.Materials and MethodsMaternal plasma pro-vitamin A carotenoids concentrations at delivery were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. At age 24 months, the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III) was used to assess children's development for the following domains: cognitive, receptive and expressive language, and fine and gross motor. At age 54 months, the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2) was used to assess children's verbal and non-verbal intelligence. Associations of maternal pro-vitamin A carotenoids with offspring cognitive development at each time point were examined in 419 mother-offspring pairs using linear regressions adjusted for confounders (e.g. maternal demographics, antenatal mental health and breastfeeding duration).ResultsMedian (IQR) maternal plasma concentrations (mg/L) were: α-carotene 0.052 (0.032–0.081), β-carotene 0.189 (0.134–0.286), and β-cryptoxanthin 0.199 (0.123–0.304). In 24 months old infants, higher maternal β-cryptoxanthin (per SD increment) were associated with higher scores in most of BSID-III domains: cognitive [β 0.18, (0.08, 0.28) SD], receptive language [β 0.17 (0.07, 0.27) SD], fine motor [β 0.16 (0.06, 0.27) SD], and gross motor [β 0.16 (0.06, 0.27) SD]. Additionally, a 1-SD increment in maternal β-carotene concentrations were associated with 0.16 SD higher scores in BSID-III cognitive domain (95%: 0.04, 0.28), which was attenuated after adjusting for breastfeeding duration. No significant associations were observed between maternal α-carotene concentrations and BSID-III in children at 24 months of age, or between maternal pro-vitamin A carotenoids and KBIT-2 in children at 54 months of age.DiscussionOur study provides novel data suggesting a role of maternal pro-vitamin A carotenoids, especially β-cryptoxanthin, in offspring early cognitive development. This adds support to the importance of consuming sufficient amounts of red- and orange-coloured fruit and vegetables (rich sources of β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene) during pregnancy. Further studies are required in other mother-offspring cohort with larger sample sizes, and intervention trials to confirm an effect of pro-vitamin A carotenoids on neurocognitive development.
Current intakes of Interesterified fats in the UK diet and the dietary impact of their substitution with functionally equivalent alternatives
Authors: Bruce Johanna , Hall Wendy , Francis Lucy , Mills Charlotte , Berry Sarah 
Published: June 2020

AbstractInteresterified (IE) saturated-rich fats are widely used to replace partially-hydrogenated fats as hard fats with functional properties needed for spreads/margarines, baked goods, and confectionary, while avoiding the health hazards of trans fats. However, the amount of IE fat consumed and their predicted pubic health impact relative to other application-appropriate fats is unknown. We investigated current intakes of IE fats and the dietary impact of substitution of IE with functionally-equivalent replacement fats using observational data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (years 5–6 (2012–2014), n = 2546) and technical manufacturing data from a UK IE fat supplier. The major sources, types and quantities of IE fat intake were calculated for the total population and different age, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.IE fat contributes 3.4% of total fat and 1.1% of % total energy intake (TEI) (range 0–10.3%), with 19–64 yr old males consuming 1.1% and females 0.9% TEI from IE fats. 19–64 yr old quartiles of TEI intake were: 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.2%. The 65 yr + age category consumed the most IE fat (1.5% Energy), followed by 11–18 yr (1.2%) and 19–64 yr (1.0%). TEI from IE fats was 1% for high-income households, 1.1% for the middle-income group and 1.2% for the low-income group. White individuals consumed more energy from IE fat (1.2% TEI) than all other ethnic groups (0.7% TEI).The main sources of IE fats in the UK are from retail spreads (margarines); 54.2%, baked goods; 22.1%, biscuits; 7.7%, non-dairy creams; 5.9% and confectionery; 5.6%. Palmitic/lauric acid-rich IE fats, formulated from palm and palm kernel oils, account for 70% of IE fat consumed. Reformulation of the largest contributor to IE intakes (spreads) to remove IE fat, but retain the same functional characteristics, increased the saturated fatty acid (SFA) composition from 22% to 37%, 25% to 36%, 39% to 42% in three most commonly consumed spread formulations. Replacement of IE fats with non-IE alternative formulations would increase population SFA intake by 0.3% of TEI.IE fats contribute a small but important amount to the fat intake of the UK population. Removal of IE fat would result in an increase in SFA intake which may have public health implications. Previous research has not focused on the most commonly consumed IE fat blends identified (Palmitic/lauric rich), therefore a re-prioritisation of future research work is recommended to assess the potential impact of IE fats consumed by the UK population.
Maternal diet during pregnancy and child weight outcomes
Authors: Bogl Leonie Helen , Strohmaier Susannne , Eliassen Heather , Massa Jennifer , Field Alison , Chavarro Jorge , Ding Ming , Tamimi Rulla , Schernhammer Eva 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionAnimal studies suggest that maternal diet during pregnancy influences susceptibility to obesity in the next generation. One-carbon nutrients involved in epigenetic processes represent a possible underlying mechanism. Unfortunately, there is limited research in humans to support animal findings, and the few studies available have been limited to birth defects and weight outcomes in early infancy. The aim of this project was to examine the associations between maternal diet (diet quality indicators and one-carbon nutrients) during the period surrounding pregnancy and long-term weight outcomes in the offspring.MethodsWe examined 2,729 mother-child pairs from the Nurses’ Health Study II and the offspring cohort Growing Up Today Study 2 (GUTS 2). Children, 12–14 years at baseline were 21–23 years at the last follow-up. Overweight was defined for youth less than 18 years of age using sex- and age-specific body mass index (BMI) cut-offs recommended by the International Obesity Task Force and for those 18 years or older as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Dietary information was collected by a validated 131-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and questions on supplement use. Maternal dietary patterns were calculated from FFQs using three diet quality scores – the alternate Healthy Eating Index (aHEI), Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) and Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH). Log-binomial models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsIn models adjusted for sex, gestational age at delivery and maternal total energy intake, greater maternal adherence to aMED and DASH, but not aHEI, was associated with lower overweight risk in the offspring (RRQ5 vs Q1 = 0.82 [0.70–0.97] for aMED and 0.86 [0.72–1.04] for DASH) (P for trend < 0.05 for both). After additional adjustment for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and socio-demographic characteristic, none of the diet quality scores was significantly associated with child's birth weight or overweight risk during follow-up. Analysis with one-carbon nutrients are ongoing; we hypothesize that children born to mothers with greater intake of one-carbon nutrients have a lower risk of developing overweight compared to children of mothers with lower intake of these nutrients.ConclusionsMaternal diet quality indices during pregnancy were not associated with child's birth weight or the risk of developing overweight at ages 12 to 23 years. Further research on maternal dietary intake during pregnancy is warranted because pregnancy offers a window of opportunity to promote behavioral change that may program the health of the next generation.
The consumption of ultra-processed foods by fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans is associated with the duration and commencing age of diet
Authors: Gehring Joséphine , Touvier Mathilde , Baudry Julia , Julia Chantal , Buscail Camille , Srour Bernard , Hercberg Serge , Péneau Sandrine , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Allès Benjamin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionIn Western countries, the growing availability of animal products alternatives such as plant-based drinks or vegetarian patties for vegetarians and vegans, suggest that there could be an increase of their consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). However, very little is known about the share of UPFs, and inversely unprocessed foods (UnPFs), in their diet. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the proportion of UPFs and UnPFs, in adults from the NutriNet-Santé cohort, according to three types of vegetarian diets compared to meat-eaters. The relationship between diet characteristics such as duration and commencing age of the diet, and the share of UPFs, and UnPFs, were also studied among individuals following vegetarian diets.Materials and MethodsThe study population (n = 21,212) was divided into 4 groups: 19,812 meat eaters, 646 fish-eaters, 500 vegetarians and 254 vegans. Daily food intakes, adjusted for sex, age and total energy intake, were collected using repeated 24-h dietary records. Vegetarian diets were described according to indicators of UPFs and UnPFs, and the Healthy and Unhealthy plant-based Diet Indices (hPDI/uPDI). In a sub-sample without meat eaters (n = 1,400), multivariable linear regression models were performed to assess the association between UPF consumptions and diet characteristics.ResultsUPFs accounted for 33.0%, 32.5%, 37.0% and 39.5% respectively for meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans. On the contrary, UnPFs accounted for 29%, 29%, 27% and 31%. The means of uPDI and hPDI indices were respectively equal to 54.0, 53.2, 56.9 and 59.9, and 53.5, 60.6, 61.4 and 67.9 for meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans. Concerning diet characteristics, a shorter duration of being vegetarian, or a younger age at commencing of the diet was significantly associated with increased consumptions of UPFs (respectively p = 0.0010 and p < 0.0001).DiscussionWe showed that vegetarians can be distinguished according to the share of both UPFs and UnPFs in their diet, but also concerning the diet quality according to hPDI and uPDI. Thus, the share of UPFs in the diet and associated characteristics such duration and commencing age of the diet, should be considered in future studies about the link between vegetarianisms and health.