bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of body weight in the Baltic Republics
Authors: Pomerleau Joceline , Pudule Iveta , Grinberga Daiga , Kadziauskiene Kamelija , Abaravicius Algis , Bartkeviciute Roma , Vaask Sirje , Robertson Aileen , McKee Martin 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivePreviously recorded rates of obesity in the Baltic Republics have been among the highest in the world although little is known about how they vary within the population. This study investigates the distribution of body mass index (BMI) and obesity in these countries.DesignThree cross-sectional surveys conducted in the summer of 1997.SettingEstonia, Latvia and Lithuania.SubjectsRepresentative national samples of adults with measured weight and height (Estonia: n = 1154; Latvia: n = 2292; Lithuania: n = 2096).ResultsBetween-country differences are particularly large among women: women from Latvia and Lithuania are approximately three times as likely to be obese as those from Estonia (17.4%, 18.3%, 6.0% respectively); only about one-third of this difference is explained by the sociodemographic and behavioural factors studied. In men, the prevalence of obesity varied only slightly among countries (Estonia: 9.9%; Latvia: 9.5%; Lithuania: 11.4%). While the prevalence of obesity increases with age within each republic, particularly in women, it is not associated with nationality or urban/rural region, and no consistent association is observed with income. Obesity is inversely related to education in Latvia and in Lithuanian women. Latvian men and women and Lithuanian men who smoked had a lower prevalence of obesity than non-smokers. Leisure time physical activity was not associated with obesity.ConclusionsObesity is a major health problem in the Baltic Republics, particularly among Latvian and Lithuanian women. The lack of association between obesity and most demographic, socioeconomic and behavioural factors suggests that the problem is generalized. Health promotion strategies aiming at preventing and controlling excess weight gain in the Baltic Republics will need to target the general population.
Seasonal consumption of salad vegetables and fresh fruit in relation to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer
Authors: Cox Brian D , Whichelow Margaret J , Prevost A Toby 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the protective association between seasonality of consumption of fresh fruit or salad vegetables and cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) development.Design and settingFace-to-face interviews, including a food frequency questionnaire, were conducted on 1489 men and 1900 women, aged 35–75 years, who were respondents in the British Health and Lifestyle Survey 1984/85 (HALS1). CVD and cancer morbidity and mortality were determined from the 1991/92 British Health and Lifestyle Survey (HALS2) and by NHS Register ‘flagging’.ResultsRisk was assessed by odds ratio (OR) for trend per frequency category. In men, frequent winter salad vegetable consumption was more closely protective than that in summer for cancer (winter OR = 0.79 [0.62–0.99], P = 0.045, summer OR = 0.83 [0.69–1.01], NS) and CVD (winter OR = 0.85 [0.72–1.00], P = 0.049, summer OR = 0.95 [0.82–1.10], NS). Fresh fruit consumption showed no significant protection. In women, frequent salad vegetable consumption at any season was significantly protective of CVD (winter OR = 0.76 [0.65–0.89], P < 0.001, summer OR = 0.76 [0.65–0.89], P < 0.001), although not of cancer. Frequent fresh fruit consumption in women was significantly protective of CVD (winter OR = 0.84 [0.74–0.94], P = 0.004, summer OR = 0.85 [0.74–0.97], P = 0.014) but not quite significant, and only in winter, for cancer (winter OR = 0.87 [0.76–1.00], P = 0.052, summer OR = 0.88 [0.75–1.02], P = 0.097). Maintenance of salad vegetable consumption from summer to winter, to within one frequency category, was associated with further protection for cancer in men (P = 0.050) and CVD in women (P = 0.024).ConclusionsDiets high in fresh fruit and salad vegetables appear protective against cancer and CVD. It is important to take into account the seasonality of consumption in estimating and establishing significance of risk.
Economic crisis and malnutrition: socioeconomic determinants of anthropometric status of preschool children and their mothers in an African urban area
Authors: Delpeuch F , Traissac P , Martin-Prével Y , Massamba JP , Maire B 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the relative importance of socioeconomic and maternal/prenatal determinants of the nutritional situation of children < 6 years old in an urban African area after several years of economic crisis.DesignCross-sectional cluster sample survey.SettingBrazzaville, capital city of the Congo.SubjectsInformation on socioeconomic characteristics was gathered from a random sample of 1368 households by house visits and anthropometric measurements were performed using standardized procedures on preschool children (n=2373) and their mothers (n=1512).ResultsThe influence of socioeconomic factors on the nutritional status of children, taking into account adjustment variables such as mother's age and child's age and sex was assessed. For stunting, as well as for the mean height-for-age index among children, the main determinants were economic level of the household (P=0.048 and P=0.004, respectively), schooling of the mother (P=0.004 and P < 10−3) and living in the peripheral district (P=0.005 and P < 10−3). The influence of socioeconomic determinants on weight-for-age and wasting was less straightforward. When adjusting, in addition, for maternal and prenatal factors (mother's height and body mass index (BMI) and birth weight), most of the effects of the socioeconomic determinants on the nutritional status of children persisted somewhat, but the effect of the economic level on the stunting became not significant (P=0.11). The mean BMI of mothers appeared to be related to the economic level of the household (P < 10−4), to the marital status (P=0.01) and to the occupation of the mother (P < 10−4).ConclusionsAmong the socioeconomic determinants of malnutrition in children, some, such as economic level of the household or schooling of the mother, seem to act mainly through prenatal factors, whereas others, mainly dwelling district characteristics, seem to influence more directly the children's nutritional status.
Relationships between vitamin A, iron status and helminthiasis in Bangladeshi school children
Authors: Persson V , Ahmed F , Gebre-Medhin M , Greiner T 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the relationships between biochemical indicators of vitamin A and iron status and the intestinal helminthsAscaris lumbricoidesand hookworm in primary school children.SettingTwo rural governmental schools in northwestern Bangladesh.DesignCross-sectional study.SubjectsThe sample consisted of 164 children in grades 3–5.MethodsSerum retinol and β-carotene (by high-performance liquid chromatography, HPLC), haemoglobin (HemoCue), ferritin (enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay, ELIZA) and height and weight were measured. Dietary intake of vitamin A was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and faecal analyses were done using Stoll's egg-count technique.ResultsThe mean serum retinol was 26.8 μg dl−1and 20% had a level of <20 μg dl−1, the cut-off value for low vitamin A status. There was a strong positive association between serum β-carotene and serum retinol (r= 0.44,P<0.001), suggesting those with higher retinol levels had a higher carotene intake. Thirty-one per cent were anaemic (Hb <11.5 g dl−1), 30% had iron deficiency (serum ferritin <12.0 μg l−1) and 14% were suffering from iron deficiency anaemia. Children with a serum retinol level of 20 μg dl−1had significantly lower ferritin (14.0 compared to 26.0 μg l−1,P= 0.005) and Hb levels (11.7 compared to 12.4 g dl−1,P= 0.005) than those with higher levels. The proportion of iron deficiency anaemia was significantly greater among children with hookworm. Our data suggest that hookworm exerts its impact on iron status independently of the vitamin A status of the host.ConclusionsProgrammes to improve iron status should consider including both vitamin A prevention programmes and deworming.
The role of vitamins in the prevention and control of anaemia
Authors: Fishman Steven M , Christian Parul , West Keith P 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveWhile iron deficiency is regarded as the major cause of nutritional anaemia, changes in vitamins A, B12, C and E, folic acid and riboflavin status have also been linked to its development and control. This paper provides a systematic review of vitamin supplementation trials relating to the control of nutritional anaemia.MethodsA MEDLINE search was used to find reports of vitamin supplementation trials that reported changes in anaemia or iron status.ResultsVitamin A can improve haematological indicators and enhance the efficacy of iron supplementation. Both folate and vitamin B12can cure and prevent megaloblastic anaemia. Riboflavin enhances the haematological response to iron, and its deficiency may account for a significant proportion of anaemia in many populations. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of dietary iron, although population-based data showing its efficacy in reducing anaemia or iron deficiency are lacking. Vitamin E supplementation given to preterm infants has not reduced the severity of the anaemia of prematurity. Vitamin B6effectively treats sideroblastic anaemia. Multivitamin supplementation may raise haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, but few studies have isolated the effect of multivitamins from iron on haematological status.ConclusionsIn general, the public health impact of vitamin supplementation in controlling anaemia is not clear. Neither are the complex interactions involving multiple vitamins in haematopoiesis sufficiently understood to explain the observed variability in haematological responses to vitamins by age, population, vitamin mixture and dosages. Further research is needed to understand the roles of individual and combined vitamin deficiencies on anaemia to design appropriate micronutrient interventions to prevent anaemia.
Sociodemographic determinants of perceived influences on food choice in a nationally representative sample of Irish adults
Authors: Kearney M , Kearney JM , Dunne A , Gibney MJ 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the most important motivations for food choice from the point of view of the consumer in the Irish population, and to characterize those subjects who do and do not regard nutrition as a significant consideration in food choice.DesignAs part of a pan-European Union (EU) survey on consumer attitudes to food, nutrition and health, a quota-controlled, nationally representative sample of Irish adults (n = 1009) aged 15 years upwards, completed an interview-assisted, close-ended questionnaire. Subjects selected three factors, from a list of 15, which they believed had the greatest influence on their food choice.SettingThe interviews for the survey were conducted in subjects' homes.Results‘Quality/freshness of food’ was the most frequently selected food choice factor (51%) followed by ’taste‘ (43%) and ‘trying to eat a healthy diet’ (36%). Female gender, increasing age and higher levels of education were found to be independent sociodemographic factors affecting the selection of ‘trying to eat a healthy diet’ as an important factor in food choice.ConclusionsAlthough included in the top five most frequently selected factors affecting food choice, nutrition/healthy eating does not appear to have top priority for the majority of Irish adults. There are differences between the various sociodemographic groups within the population; males and younger subjects appear to require specific nutrition promotion messages.
Association of fractures with caffeine and alcohol in postmenopausal women: the Iowa Women's Health Study
Authors: Hansen Solveig A , Folsom Aaron R , Kushi Lawrence H , Sellers Thomas A 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether alcoholic and caffeinated beverages are associated with risk of fractures in women.SettingPopulation-based sample surveyed by post.SubjectsA total of 34703 postmenopausal Iowan women aged 55–69 years were surveyed.DesignA cohort of women reported alcoholic and caffeinated beverage intake and were followed for 6.5 years for fracture occurrence. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Covariates included age, tobacco use, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), oestrogen use and calcium intake.ResultsAt least one fracture was reported by 4378 women (389 upper arm, 288 forearm, 1128 wrist, 275 hip, 416 vertebral and 2920 other fractures). The adjusted RR for highest versus lowest caffeine intake quintiles was 1.09 (95% CI 0.99–1.21) for combined fracture sites. Wrist fractures were associated positively (RR for extreme quintiles 1.37, 95% CI 1.11–1.69) and upper arm fractures were negatively associated (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48–0.94) with caffeine intake. The age-adjusted RR of total fractures for highest versus lowest frequency of beer usage was 1.55 (95% CI 1.25–1.92) and for liquor was 1.25 (95% CI 1.03–1.54). No other association was found between any specific fracture site and alcohol intake.ConclusionsWe found a modest increase in fracture risk associated with highest caffeine intake, varying by site. Alcohol intake was low, but it also showed a weak positive association with fracture risk.
Impact of Mediterranean diet education versus posted leaflet on dietary habits and serum cholesterol in a high risk population for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Bemelmans Wanda JE , Broer Jan , de Vries Jeanne HM , Hulshof Karin Fam , May Jo F , Jong Betty Meyboom-de 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the impact of intensive group education on the Mediterranean diet on dietary intake and serum total cholesterol after 16 and 52 weeks, compared to a posted leaflet with the Dutch nutritional guidelines, in the context of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).DesignControlled comparison study of an intervention group given intensive group education about the Mediterranean diet and a control group of hypercholesterolaemic persons given usual care by general practitioners (GPs).SettingA socioeconomically deprived area in the Netherlands with an elevated coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality ratio.SubjectsTwo hundred and sixty-six hypercholesterolaemic persons with at least two other CVD risk factors.ResultsAfter 52 weeks, the intervention group decreased total and saturated fat intake more than the control group (net differences were 1.8 en% (95%CI 0.2–3.4) and 1.1 en% (95%CI 0.4–1.9), respectively). According to the Mediterranean diet guidelines the intake of fish, fruit, poultry and bread increased in the intervention group, more than in the control group. Within the intervention group, intake of fish (+100%), poultry (+28%) and bread (+6%) was significantly increased after 1 year (P< 0.05). The intensive programme on dietary education did not significantly lower serum cholesterol level more (−3%) than the posted leaflet (−2%) (net difference 0.06 mmol l−1, 95%CI −0.10 to 0.22). Initially, the body mass index (BMI) decreased more in the intervention group, but after 1 year the intervention and control group gained weight equally (+1%).ConclusionsDespite beneficial changes in dietary habits in the intervention group compared with the control group, after 1 year BMI increased and total fat and saturated fat intake were still too high.
Dietary changes in African urban households in response to currency devaluation: foreseeable risks for health and nutrition
Authors: Fouéré Thierry , Maire Bernard , Delpeuch Francis , Martin-Prével Yves , Tchibindat Félicité , Adoua-Oyila Guy 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of currency devaluation on dietary change and nutritional vulnerability of poor households in two African capital cities.DesignA qualitative study based on 120 semistructured individual interviews and four focus group discussions in each city.SettingDakar, Senegal (western Africa) and Brazzaville, Congo (central Africa).SubjectsAll of the subjects were randomly selected women from modest or poor households, who spoke the local common language and were responsible for household meal preparation. Only those likely to restrict the dynamic of focus group discussions (because of language, age or education) were excluded.ResultsChanges were found in meal preparation characteristics (frequency, sharing pattern) and meal composition. There was frequent depletion of fat and vegetable contents in meals, frequent elimination of desserts and even the elimination of one daily meal. These changes specifically affected economically disadvantaged and socially isolated households, and those headed by women. Other changes were the reduction in the size of consumption units and the development of neighbourhood-specific street food – which has been a growing trend in Brazzaville since the outset of the economic crisis but is more recent in Dakar.ConclusionsIf lasting, these changes pose a dual health risk, i.e. reducing dietary diversity and altering the bacteriological quality of prepared meals. In addition, attempts to reduce the consumption units were found to upset community ties that bind these societies.
What is the cost of a healthy diet in terms of achieving RDAs?
Authors: Conforti Piero , D'Amicis Amleto 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveAssessing how the Italian average food pattern would be affected in terms of consumption structure and expenditure by the adoption of nutritional prescriptions.DesignA linear programming model with nutritional and food habits constraints was employed to generate a pattern following recommended daily allowances (RDAs) and nutritional guidelines provided for the Italian population.SettingFood consumption data from ISTAT Household Budget Survey of Italian population.SubjectsItalian families investigated by the Family Budget Survey of the National Institute of Statistics.ResultsCompared to actual behaviour, the pattern generated by the model implies an increased consumption of vegetables, pasta, rice and fresh fish, and a decreased consumption of meats, bread, sugars and cakes, and especially fats and oils. At given prices, total expenditure is lower than actual expenditure.ConclusionsDifferences between actual behaviour and the generated pattern are consistent with long-term trends in food consumption. The adoption of RDAs is unlikely to result in an increased food expenditure.
Milk choices made by women: what influences them, and does it impact on calcium intake?
Authors: Cashel KM , Crawford D , Deakin V 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo identify influences on type of milk consumed and the impact of milk choice on calcium intakes in Australian women of pre- and postmenopausal age.Design and settingQuestionnaires covering calcium intake, health-related dietary issues and priorities self-completed in a group setting.SubjectsA total of 300 women recruited from community groups and government departments.ResultsMean milk and calcium intake were higher in older (≥50 years) compared to younger women. Milk provided over 50% of calcium intake for both groups. Participants rated the importance of eating foods low in fat, energy or cholesterol, high in calcium or dietary fibre or of ‘limiting their intake of added sugar or sugary foods’. Younger and older women ranked eating foods low in fat as the most important food habit for their health, then ranked dietary fibre next in importance. Calcium ranked third for younger women, and fourth for older women. These rankings were reflected in the higher proportion of older women choosing fat-reduced milk in general, and skim milk in particular. This concern about eating foods low in fat was consistent with the choices made of skim, reduced fat/higher calcium or whole milk.ConclusionsResults from this study suggest that concerns about fat are prejudicing the type of milk and amount of calcium consumed. Public health strategies targeting calcium intake need to address age-related differences in quantity and type of milk consumed, including the food attribute conflicts influencing these.
Five-year follow-up of a food-based vitamin A intervention in Tanzania
Authors: Kidala Diana , Greiner Ted , Gebre-Medhin Mehari 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term effects of a horticultural and nutrition education intervention in rural Tanzania.DesignA quasi-experimental post-test design was used.SettingThe research was carried out in 10 villages in Singida region, Tanzania.SubjectsMothers and their children aged 6–71 months (n = 236) from an experimental (Ilongero) and control (Ihanja) area were interviewed regarding knowledge and practices related to vitamin A nutrition. Intake of vitamin A-rich foods by the children during the 7 days prior to the interview was recorded. Stools were examined for helminths and serum samples were analysed for retinol and C-reactive protein (CRP) (n = 146) for the children aged 12–71 months.ResultsKnowledge and practices were more favourable to vitamin A intake in the experimental area than in the control area, and an increased frequency of intake of green leaves was associated with higher serum retinol values. The experimental area had lower mean serum retinol levels (13.7 μg dl−1, n = 75) than the control area (19.3 μg dl−1, n = 71). One likely confounder was the higher helminth infestation in the experimental area (n = 75, 79%) than in the control area (n = 71, 49%) (P > 0.001). Children with helminths (n = 94) had a lower mean serum retinol level than those without (n = 52) (12.3 ± 5 vs. 24 ± 10 μg dl−1; P = 0.001).ConclusionsFood-based vitamin A programmes can make sustainable improvements in knowledge and dietary practices but these may not necessarily be reflected in increases in serum retinol. Programme implementation and evaluation should take confounders into consideration as, in this case, helminth infestation.
Efficacy and safety of ginseng
Authors: Kitts DD , Hu C 
Published: June 2008

AbstractGinseng (Panax ginseng, C.A. Meyer) has been a popular herbal remedy used in eastern Asian cultures for thousands of years. In North America, the ginseng species indigenous to both Canada and the United States (Panax quinquefolium) represents an important industry for both domestic and export markets. There are numerous theories and claims describing the efficacy of ginseng, which can combat stress, enhance both the central and immune systems and contribute towards maintaining optimal oxidative status against certain chronic disease states and aging. Risk issues concerning the safety of ginseng at recommended dosages are less prominent and scientifically based. While some epidemiological or clinical studies have reported indications of efficacy for specific health benefits or potential toxicity, there are an equal number of studies that provide contradictory evidence. This situation has led to questionable conclusions concerning specific health benefits or risks associated with ginseng. Recent advances in the development of standardized extracts for bothPanax ginseng(G-115) andPanax quinquefolius(CNT-2000) have and will continue to assist in the assessment of efficacy and safety standards for ginseng products. This paper reviews the scientific literature and evidence for ginseng efficacy and safety derived mostly fromin vitroand animal studies and places emphasis on the need for more randomized, double-blinded, placebo clinical studies that can provide unequivocal conclusions. An example of the efficacy and safety of ginseng is provided with the description of biological activity of a North American ginseng extract (NAGE), which includes illustrating mechanisms for antioxidant activity without prooxidant properties.