24-h Food Research Articles

Association between dairy products consumption and the prevalences of combined prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Brazilian adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

The association between dairy products consumption in adults and the likelihood of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been described, but more information on the adolescent population is needed. This nationally representative, cross-sectional school-based study aimed to describe the consumption of dairy products and their subtypes and to evaluate their association with prediabetes and T2DM in adolescents. The Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) includes adolescents aged 12-17 years. Dairy products consumption was evaluated by 24-h food recall. Associations with fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin resistance, as measured by homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), were evaluated by multivariate linear regression. Poisson regression was also used to assess the association between dairy products consumption and the combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic, nutritional, behavioural and anthropometrics. The final sample analysed consisted of 35614 adolescents. Total intake of dairy products was inversely associated with fasting blood glucose levels after adjusting for all covariates (β = -0·452, 95 % CI -0·899, -0·005). The associations were stronger for overweight and obese adolescents. Findings were similar for full-fat dairy products and yogurt. Higher consumption of low-fat dairy products and cheese were associated with a 46 % (prevalence ratio, PR 1·46, 95 % CI 1·18, 1·80) and 33 % (PR 1·33, 95 % CI 1·14, 1·57) higher combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM, respectively. The total consumption of dairy products and full-fat dairy products was associated with a lower combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM, while the consumption of cheese and low-fat dairy products was associated with higher combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM in Brazilian adolescents.

Phase angle is related to oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The study aimed to analyze the influence of chemotherapy on health biomarkers and examine the relationship between phase angle (PhA) and oxidative stress. A prospective study was performed. Women who were starting chemotherapy were recruited. Also, this study included a control group of women without cancer. Bioelectrical impedance multiple-frequency (BIS) analysis, 24h food recall, and blood samples were collected at 2-time points: diagnosis (T0) and after one month of completion of therapy (T1) for the main study group and one-time point for the control group. T-tests or Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon Test was used to compare variables. Linear regression analysis was conducted to test if PhA is related to the dependent variables after adjusting for age and body mass index. 119 women were included (61 with breast cancer and 58 healthy). There was no difference between the groups concerning anthropometrics, fat mass, and fat-free mass. Breast cancer patients had a worsening in PhA (p<0.001) after chemotherapy completion. PhA was positive statistically correlated with extracellular water, albumin, and the antioxidant markers at both times. The linear model showed that PhA was significantly predicted by C reactive protein, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Malondialdehyde (MDA), total body water/extracellular water, and body mass index fat mass. This model explained 58% of PhA variability (p<0.001). Our findings show that PhA is an easy and affordable tool that correlates oxidative stress markers in breast cancer patients, regardless of age or body mass index.

Dietary assessment of 101 para‐athletes from team and individual sports

Assessing the usual food intake of para-athletes enables knowledge and description of nutrient intakes, providing insight into the potential nutritional status of para-athletes and may help tailor dietary intake to their specific training needs. This study aimed to evaluate the usual intake of macronutrients and food groups and meal food patterns of athletes with a disability. We also compared dietary intake data between team and individual sport para-athletes. One hundred and one athletes with a disability from 13 Paralympic disciplines living in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil were included. Food intake was estimated from two or four non-consecutive 24-h food recalls in which para-athletes reported all food, beverages, and supplements consumed in the previous 24-h. Dietary intake analysis was performed by implementing the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method to calculate the macronutrient and food group usual intake. Macronutrient intakes were compared to Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges for the general population and food group intakes were compared to the 2008 Brazilian National Dietary Guidelines. Para-athletes consumed a low-carbohydrate, adequate protein, high-fat diet. There was no significant difference in macronutrient intake distribution between team sport and individual sport para-athletes. Most para-athletes had three main meals during the day. The prevalence of inadequate fruit servings in the middle and highest energy intake tertiles was significantly higher in team sport para-athletes (92.5% and 98.4%) than in individual sport para-athletes (90.8% and 65.5%), respectively. The prevalence of inadequate vegetable servings was significantly higher between team and individual para-athletes for the middle energy intake tertiles. Para-athletes generally consumed an imbalanced diet, which is a cause for concern given their additional physiological demands and specific training needs.

Dietary per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure in adolescents: The HOME study

BackgroundDiet is the primary exposure pathway for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in non-occupationally exposed populations. Few studies have examined associations of dietary quality and macronutrient intake with PFAS exposure among US adolescents. ObjectiveTo assess relationships of self-reported dietary quality and macronutrient intake with serum PFAS concentrations in adolescents. MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from 193 Cincinnati, Ohio area adolescents (median age 12.3 years) collected from 2016 to 2019. Using 24-h food recalls completed by adolescents on three separate days, we derived Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores, HEI components, and macronutrient intake. We measured perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) concentrations in fasting serum samples. Using linear regression, we estimated covariate-adjusted associations between dietary variables and serum PFAS concentrations. ResultsThe median HEI score was 44 and median serum PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA concentrations were 1.3, 2.4, 0.7, and 0.3 ng/mL respectively. In adjusted models, higher total HEI scores, whole fruit and total fruit HEI component scores, and total dietary fiber intake were associated with lower concentrations of all four PFAS. For example, serum PFOA concentrations were 7% lower (95% CI: −15, 2) per standard deviation increase in total HEI score and 9% lower (95% CI: −18, 1) per standard deviation increase in dietary fiber. SignificanceGiven adverse health effects associated with PFAS exposure, it is crucial to understand modifiable exposure pathways. Findings from this study may inform future policy decisions aiming to limit human exposure to PFAS.

Association between Polyphenol Intake and Lipid Profile of Adults and Elders in a Northeastern Brazilian Capital

This research was aimed at evaluating the relationship between the estimated polyphenol intake and the atherogenic lipid profile in adult and elder residents in the city of Teresina, located in the Northeastern Region of Brazil. This study was a cross-sectional population-based survey with 501 adults and elders, conducted in Teresina, Brazil. Food intake was obtained by 24-h food recall. The estimated polyphenol intake was calculated by multiplying the food consumption data from the recall by the polyphenol content in the foods described in the Phenol-Explorer database. The mean intake of total polyphenols was 1006.53 mg/day. The phenolic acids was the class with the highest intake, followed by the flavonols. Coffee, beans and apples were the main foods contributing to the total polyphenol intake. In the individuals with elevated serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides, the intake of total polyphenols was significantly higher. The intake of total polyphenols, phenolic acids and lignans was higher in the subjects with dyslipidemia. This article provides, for the first time, data on the intake of the total polyphenol classes and subclasses in the evaluated population and the relationship with the lipid profile. The individuals with a higher intake of total polyphenols had a worse lipid profile, which may be a consequence of an improved diet in those individuals who present with dyslipidemia.

Türkiye’de Yaşayan Vegan - Vejetaryen Bireylerin Beslenme Durumlarının Kıyaslanması Üzerine Pilot Bir Çalışma

Aim: Vegan and vegetarian diets are in an increasing trend worldwide in recent years. Vegan/vegetarian diets, which are known to have positive effects on health, may result in nutrient deficiencies if they are not balanced. It is important to determine the nutritional status of vegan and vegetarian individuals, whose number is increasing in Turkey, in order to build national recommendations. This study was conducted as a pilot study to determine the energy and nutrient intake of vegan/vegetarian individuals living in Turkey. Subjects and Method: A total of 285 volunteered vegan/vegetarian individuals aged 19-64 years participated in the study. The general information and vegan/vegetarian status of the participants were questioned with an online survey. After answering the survey, 38 volunteered participants kept a consecutive three-day “24-h food record” and shared it with the researchers. The energy and nutrient intakes of the individuals and the rates of meeting their requirements were calculated. Chi-square test of independence was used to compare individuals’ vegan/vegetarian status by gender and general knowledge by vegan/vegetarian status; independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for age, energy and nutrient comparisons between groups. Results: The majority of the participants were female (79.3%), holding at least a bachelor’s degree (89.5%), and had a normal BMI value (72.6%). Rate of vegan and vegetarian participants that were not able to meet their energy and nutrient requirements were as follows respectively: 76.5%, 85.7% for energy (kcal); 52.9%, 95.2% for carbohydrate (%); 100%, 52.4% for vitamin B12; 64.7% 61.9% for folate; 94.1%, 76.2% for calcium; 64.7%, 76.2% for iron; and 88.2%, 71.4% for zinc. Conclusion: It has been observed that vegan and vegetarian individuals living in Turkey are at risk of several nutrient deficiencies. Considering the increasing trend of vegan and vegetarian diets, it is necessary to determine the nutritional status of individuals on a large scale and to raise awareness of individuals. It is important that the recommendations specific to vegan/vegetarian individuals in national nutrition guidelines are implemented by vegan/vegetarian individuals, health professionals and food service providers.

Dietary patterns from youth to adulthood and cognitive function in midlife: The cardiovascular risk in Young Finns Study

ObjectivesDiet plays an important role in cognitive health, but the long-term association of diet early in life with cognitive function in adulthood has not, to our knowledge, been rigorously studied. The aim of this study was to examine the association of youth, adulthood, and long-term dietary patterns from youth to adulthood with cognitive function in midlife. MethodsThis was a population-based cohort study that assessed dietary intake in 1980 (baseline, participants 3–18 y of age), 1986, 2001, 2007, and 2011 and cognitive function in 2011. Six dietary patterns were derived from 48-h food recall or food frequency questionnaires using factor analysis. The dietary patterns were traditional Finnish, high-carbohydrate, vegetables and dairy products, traditional Finnish and high-carbohydrate, red meat, and healthy. Scores of long-term dietary patterns were calculated as the average between youth and adulthood. Cognitive function outcomes assessed included episodic memory and associative learning, short-term working memory and problem solving, reaction and movement time, and visual processing and sustained attention. Standardized z-scores of exposures and outcomes were used for analyses. ResultsParticipants (n = 790, mean age 11.2 y) were followed up for 31 y. Multivariable models showed that both youth and long-term vegetable and dairy products and healthy patterns were positively associated with episodic memory and associative learning scores (β = 0.080–0.111, P < 0.05 for all). Both youth and long-term traditional Finnish patterns were negatively associated with spatial working memory and problem solving (β = –0.085 and –0.097, respectively; P < 0.05 for both). Long-term high-carbohydrate and traditional Finnish and high-carbohydrate patterns were inversely associated with visual processing and sustained attention, whereas the vegetable and dairy products pattern was positively associated with this cognitive domain (β = –0.117 to 0.073, P < 0.05 for all). Adulthood high-carbohydrate and traditional Finnish and high-carbohydrate patterns were inversely associated with all cognitive domains except for reaction and movement time (β = –0.072 to –0.161, P < 0.05 for all). Both long-term and adulthood red meat pattern were positively associated with visual processing and sustained attention (β = 0.079 and 0.104, respectively; P < 0.05 for both). These effect sizes correspond to approximately 1.6 to 16.1 y of cognitive aging on these cognitive domains. ConclusionsHigher adherence to traditional Finnish, high-carbohydrate, and traditional Finnish and high-carbohydrate patterns across the early life course was associated with poorer cognitive function in midlife, whereas higher adherence to healthy and vegetable and dairy product patterns was associated with better cognitive function. The findings, if causative, highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy dietary pattern from early life to adulthood in an attempt to promote cognitive health.

PREVES: A Population-Based Survey Focused on Cancer and Nutrition

Introduction: Approximately a third of cancer-related deaths are attributable to modifiable factors. Methods: As a pilot experience, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 8,000 citizens residing in four different municipalities of the Salerno province (Sarno, Pagani, San Valentino Torio, and San Marzano sul Sarno) to investigate key lifestyle and dietary habits. Results: A total of 703 of participants (8.7%) reported a history of malignancy. Alarmingly, 30.5% declared to be a current smoker, while 78.8% did not report any kind of physical activity. Encouragingly, 64.5% declared to be abstemious, and 83.0% declared to consume fruit and vegetables every day, while 4.7% and 31.9% declared not to consume meat and fried food, respectively, at any time. Never-consumers of fruit and vegetables had higher odds of having a history of colorectal cancer (OR = 5.01; 95% CI = 1.46–17.15; p = 0.01). Conclusions: The PREVES study has served to prove the validity of an operational model allowing to integrate hospital and territorial healthcare services, which we expect to be applied at a larger scale. Key information regarding dietary and lifestyle habits of the investigated population was obtained. Larger studies conducted using more accurate approaches to investigate diet, such as 24-h recalls and food frequency questionnaires, are warranted.

Association between anaemia and vitamin D insufficiency among 6- to 12-month-old infants: implications for clinical practice.

Anaemia and vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) are among the most common nutritional problems. Anaemia screening is routinely performed; however, screening for VDI is not usually recommended. To study the association between anaemia and VDI and identify the risk factors for VDI. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 120 infants aged 6-12 months attending a well-child clinic at Songklanagarind Hospital between December 2020 and November 2021. Sociodemographic data and 24-h food records were also collected. Blood samples were obtained for complete blood count and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for VDI. The mean 25(OH)D level was 22.2 ± 8.9 ng/mL in anaemic infants and 27.2 ± 9.6 ng/mL in non-anaemic infants (P value 0.01). The median (IQR) Hb level was 11.1 g/dL (10.3, 11.4) in the VDI group and 11.4 g/dL (11, 12.1) in the non-VDI group (P value 0.002). The proportion of breastfed infants was higher in infants with anaemia (80%) (P < 0.001) and VDI (85.3%) (P < 0.001). Sunlight exposure <15 min/day (odds ratio [OR] 3.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-12.00; P = 0.020) was a risk factor, and vitamin D intake (OR 0.37; 95% CI: 0.20-0.74; P = 0.004) was a protective factor for VDI. Infants with anaemia, short duration of sunlight exposure, breastfeeding, low vitamin D intake, and low iron intake were more likely to be vitamin D insufficient. However, after adjustment in the multivariate analyses, only sunlight exposure and vitamin D intake were significantly associated with vitamin D insufficiency.

Intake of added sugar, fruits, vegetables, and legumes of Portuguese preschool children: Baseline data from SmartFeeding4Kids randomized controlled trial participants.

The SmartFeeding4Kids (SF4K) program is an online self-guided intervention for parents with the propose of changing parental feeding practices and children's dietary intake, focusing on the intake of added sugars, fruit, vegetables, and legumes. This paper aims to describe children's dietary pattern at baseline through a 24-h food recall, the SmartKidsDiet24. Overall, 89 participants recorded at least one meal of the 3-day food recall. Mean age was 36.22 ± 6.05 years and 53.09 ± 15.42 months old for parents and children, respectively. Of these, 22 participants were considered to have 2 days of near complete 24-h food recalls. Children's dietary intake are reported for these 22 participants based on parents reports and, thus, represent estimations only, as it remains unknown whether children consumed other non-reported foods. Fruit was the group with the highest daily intake among children (mean 1.77 ± 1.10 portions/day), followed by added sugar foods (mean 1.48 ± 0.89 portions/day), vegetables [median 1.27 (1.64) portions/day] and legumes [median 0.12 (0.39) portions/day]. Fruit intake was positively correlated with vegetable intake (p = 0.008). Regarding Dietary Reference Values accomplishment, 13.6% of children exceeded the daily safe and adequate intake of sodium, 77.3% did not meet potassium and fiber recommendations, and 31.8% did not meet vitamin C recommendations. All children did not meet calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D intake recommendations. Our findings further justify the need for dietary interventions in this field, to improve young children's diets. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04591496.

Myocardial steatosis impairs left ventricular diastolic-systolic coupling in healthy humans.

Mounting evidence suggests that myocardial steatosis contributes to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, but definitive evidence in humans is lacking due to confounding comorbidities. As such, we utilized a 48-h food restriction model to acutely increase myocardial triglyceride (mTG) content - measured by 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopy - in 27 young healthy volunteers (13men/14 women). Forty-eight hours of fasting caused a more than 3-fold increase in mTG content (P<0.001). Diastolic function - defined as early diastolic circumferential strain rate (CSRd) - was unchanged following the 48-h fasting intervention, but systolic circumferential strain rate was elevated (P<0.001), indicative of systolic-diastolic uncoupling. Indeed, in a separate control experiment in 10 individuals, administration of low-dose dobutamine (2μg/kg/min) caused a similar change in systolic circumferential strain rate as was found during 48h of food restriction, along with a proportionate increase in CSRd, such that the two metrics remained coupled. Taken together, these data indicate that myocardial steatosis contributes to diastolic dysfunction by impairing diastolic-systolic coupling in healthy adults, and suggest that steatosis may contribute to the progression of heart disease. KEY POINTS: Preclinical evidence strongly suggests that myocardial lipid accumulation (termed steatosis) is an important mechanism driving heart disease. Definitive evidence in humans is limited due to the confounding influence of multiple underlying comorbidities. Using a 48-h food restriction model to acutely increase myocardial triglyceride content in young healthy volunteers, we demonstrate an association between myocardial steatosis and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. These data advance the hypothesis that myocardial steatosis may contribute to diastolic dysfunction and suggest myocardial steatosis as a putative therapeutic target.

Association of Changes in Neural Targets and Dietary Outcomes among Patients with Comorbid Obesity and Depression: Post hoc Analysis of ENGAGE-2 Mechanistic Clinical Trial

BackgroundDisruptions in brain circuits that regulate cognition and emotion can hinder dietary change and weight loss among individuals with obesity and depression. ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate whether changes in brain targets in the cognitive control, negative affect, and positive affect circuits after 2-mo problem-solving therapy (PST) predict changes in dietary outcomes at 2 and 6 mo. MethodsAdults with obesity and depression from an academic health system were randomly assigned to receive PST (7-step problem-solving and behavioral activation strategies) over 2 mo or usual care. Seventy participants (mean age = 45.9 ± 11.6 y; 75.7% women, 55.7% Black, 17.1% Hispanic, 20.0% White; mean BMI = 36.5 ± 5.3 kg/m2; mean Patient Health Questionnaire-9 depression score = 12.7 ± 2.8) completed functional MRI and 24-h food recalls. Ordinary least square regression analyses were performed. ResultsAmong intervention participants, increased left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (dLPFC) activity of the cognitive control circuit at 2 mo was associated with increased diet quality (β: 0.20; 95% CI: −0.02, 0.42) and decreased calories (β: −0.19; 95% CI: −0.33, −0.04), fat levels (β: −0.22; 95% CI: −0.39, −0.06), and high-sugar food intake (β: −0.18; 95% CI: −0.37, 0.01) at 6 mo. For the negative affect circuit, increased right dLPFC–amygdala connectivity at 2 mo was associated with increased diet quality (β: 0.32; 95% CI: −0.93, 1.57) and fruit and vegetable intake (β: 0.38; 95% CI: −0.75, 1.50) and decreased calories (β: −0.37; 95% CI: −1.29, 0.54), fat levels (β: −0.37; 95% CI: −1.50, 0.76), sodium concentrations (β: −0.36; 95% CI: −1.32, 0.60), and alcohol intake (β: −0.71; 95% CI: −2.10, 0.68) at 2 but not at 6 mo. The usual care group showed opposing associations. The 95% CIs of all between-group differences did not overlap the null, suggesting a significant treatment effect. ConclusionsAmong adults with obesity and depression who underwent PST compared with those under usual care, improved dLPFC–amygdala regulation of negative affective brain states predicted dietary improvements at 2 mo, whereas improvements in dLPFC-based cognitive control predicted dietary improvements at 6 mo. These findings warrant confirmatory studies.This trial was at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03841682.

Urinary Hydration Biomarkers and Water Sources in Older Adults with Neurocognitive Disorder.

The risk of dehydration in older adults with neurocognitive disorder (NCD) is controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess hydration status, its determinants, and water intake sources in older adults with NCD. A sample of 30 participants (≥60 years) was included. Sociodemographic, clinical data and one 24-h urine sample were collected. Urinary osmolality, sodium, potassium, volume, and creatinine were quantified. Inadequate hydration status corresponded to urine osmolality > 500 mOsm/Kg, or a negative Free Water Reserve (FWR). Two 24-h food recalls were used to assess dietary intake and water sources. The adequacy of total water intake (TWI) was estimated according to EFSA. The contribution of food and beverages to TWI was calculated, and their associations with the urinary osmolality median were tested. Of the total number of participants, 30% were classified as having inadequate hydration status, with no differences between sexes. Regarding TWI, 68.4% of women and 77.8% of men did not reach the reference values. Water (23%), followed by soup (17%), contributed the most to TWI, while vegetables (2%) and alcoholic/other beverages (3%) contributed the least. According to the median urinary osmolality, there was no significant difference in sociodemographic/clinical characteristics. It is critical not to overlook hydration in this vulnerable population.

Mapping the nutritional value of diets across Europe according to the Nutri-Score front-of-pack label.

Front-of-pack labels, such as Nutri-Score, aim to offer clear information on the overall nutritional quality of foods and beverages to consumers, allowing them to make healthier food choices. Using the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database, the present study aims to map out European food consumption patterns by applying the Nutri-Score as a benchmark for nutritional value. Country-specific food consumption data, collected by multiple 24-h dietary recalls or food records available from EFSA, were linked to the Dutch Food Composition Database (NEVO). Foods and beverages consumed by adolescents (10-17 years), adults (18-64 years), and the elderly (65-74 years) were graded following the modified Food Standard Agency Nutrient Profiling System (FSAm-NPS) and classified according to Nutri-Score grading, from A to E. Subsequently, a dietary index score (FSAm-NPS-DI) was calculated for each country-specific diet by age-groups and sex as an energy-weighted mean of the FSAm-NPS score of all foods and beverages consumed, with lower scores for a diet of greater overall nutritional quality. On average, the daily energy intake of adults across the European countries studied is distributed in 27.6% of A-, 12.9% of B-, 17% of C-, 30.0% of D-, and 12.5% of E-classified foods and beverages. This energy distribution, according to the Nutri-Score, corresponded to a median FSAm-NPS-DI score of 6.34 (interquartile range: 5.92, 7.19). For both adult males and females, Estonia reported the highest energy share from A-classified products, scoring the lowest on the FSAm-NPS-DI. On the other hand, Latvia reported the highest energy share from E-classified products, along with the highest FSAm-NPS-DI. Females and the elderly group reported, in general, a greater energy share from A- and a lower share from E-classified products, and had the lowest FSAm-NPS-DI scores. No sex-related difference was observed for adolescents whose share of energy was predominantly from A- and D-classified products, such as for adults and the elderly. Our analyses leveraging the secondary use of country-specific databases on dietary intakes found considerable variation in the nutritional value of European diets, with an overall agreement across all countries on a modestly healthier dietary profile for the elderly and among females.

Impact of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption on Quality of Diet among Brazilian Pregnant Women Assisted in Primary Health Care.

The quality of diet and nutritional status during pregnancy are crucial to optimize maternal and fetal health. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are increasingly prevalent in pregnancy groups despite being nutritionally unbalanced and associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. This cross-sectional study, conducted with data from 229 pregnant women, aimed to investigate the association between UPFs consumption and dietary nutrient intake of pregnant women assisted by Primary Health Care (PHC) in Federal District (DF), Brazil. Food consumption was assessed through two non-consecutive 24-h food records and categorized by the extent of processing using the NOVA classification. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the association between the quintiles of UPF consumption and the total energy and nutrients intake. Mean daily energy intake was 1741 kcal, with 22.6% derived from UPFs. Greater UPF consumption was associated with reduced intake of unprocessed and minimally processed food. The highest quintile of UPFs was positively associated with higher total energy, trans fat, and sodium intake; and inversely associated with the diet content of protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, selenium, and folate. Greater UPFs intake negatively impacts the nutritional quality of the diet and impoverishes the nutrient intake of pregnant women. Reducing UPF consumption may broadly improve dietary guidelines adherence in pregnant women and promote maternal and neonatal health.

Food consumption patterns in employees of Ethiopian institute of agricultural research

In developing countries, including Ethiopia, diet-related non-communicable diseases are prevalent among the working population. Understanding this active group's dietary diversity and food consumption patterns is essential to devise alternative solutions and recommend possible improvements. This study investigates the food consumption patterns of employees of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 1 to March 31, 2022, involving 13 different research centers of the institute situated in different agro-ecological regions of the country. A validated food frequency questionnaire and a 24-h food recall were administered to a total sample size of 355 employees. A systematic random sampling was used for data collection. Stata survey commands version 16.0 and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The research confirmed that socio-demographic determinants, income, and educational level affect the food consumption patterns of employees. The majority of employees have low consumption of foods like fish, fruits, vegetables, and animal products. Consumption of all kinds of animal products was very low on Wednesday and Friday. This result will help employees to give more attention to low-cost healthier food items, as well as institutional management bodies in designing awareness-creation campaigns and government programs to encourage the production and access of nutritious food.

Ultra-processed foods and the nutritional quality of the diet of Brazilian pregnant women

The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods by Brazilian pregnant women and its association with the nutritional quality of the diet. This is a prospective and cross-sectional study with food consumption data of Brazilian pregnant women from the 2017 to 2018 Family Budgets Survey (Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares). Food consumption was measured using two 24-h food recalls, and the foods were categorized according to the NOVA classification. The averages of absolute and relative energy consumption for each of the NOVA groups and subgroups were estimated. The sociodemographic characteristics described the diet's caloric contribution of ultra-processed and non-ultra-processed food fractions. Linear regression models were used to describe the association between quintiles of the caloric contribution of ultra-processed foods and the average content of nutrients in the diet. Consumption of ultra-processed foods represented 20.9% of the total calories in the diet of Brazilian pregnant women. There was a higher energy contribution of ultra-processed foods in the diet of pregnant women living in urban areas (22%), with higher per capita income (23.7%), and in the south region of the country (26.9%). In addition, the data showed an association between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods with reduced intake of protein, carbohydrate, fiber, potassium, iron, zinc, and folate and increased intake of total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and free sugar. Results show that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a reduction in the nutritional quality of the diet of Brazilian pregnant women.

Relationship between the Dietary Inflammatory Index Score and Cytokine Levels in Chinese Pregnant Women during the Second and Third Trimesters

The impact of dietary inflammatory potential on serum cytokine concentrations in second and third trimesters of Chinese pregnant women is not clear. A total of 175 pregnant women from the Tianjin Maternal and Child Health Education and Service Cohort (TMCHESC) were included. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) was calculated based on 24-h food records. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in the second and third trimesters were measured. The mean DII scores (mean ± SD) were -0.07 ± 1.65 and 0.06 ± 1.65 in the second and third trimesters, respectively. In the third trimester, IL-1β (p = 0.039) and MCP-1 (p = 0.035) levels decreased and then increased with increasing DII scores. IL-10 concentrations decreased in pregnant women whose DII scores increased between the second and third trimesters (p = 0.011). Thiamin and vitamin C were negatively correlated with MCP-1 (β = -0.879, and β = -0.003) and IL-6 (β = -0.602, and β = -0.002) levels in the third trimester. In conclusion, the DII score had a U-shaped association with cytokine levels during the third trimester. Changes in DII scores between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were correlated with cytokine levels during the third trimester.

Metabolic risks and prognosis of COVID-19: are dietary patterns important?

PurposeThis study aims to identify the dietary patterns of two groups of subjects (with and without COVID-19), and to assess the relationship of findings with the prognosis of COVID-19 and metabolic risk parameters.Design/methodology/approachThis study included 100 individuals in the age range of 19–65 years. The medical history, and data on biochemical, hematological and inflammatory indicators were retrieved from the files. A questionnaire for the 24-h food record and the food intake frequency was administered in face-to-face interviews, and dietary patterns of subjects were assessed.FindingsIn individuals with COVID-19, the hip circumference, the waist-hip ratio and the body fat percentage were significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the muscle mass percentage was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Mediterranean diet adherence screener (MEDAS), dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and healthy eating ındex-2015 (HEI-2015) scores were low in the two groups. A linear correlation of DASH scores was found with the muscle mass percentage (p = 0.046) and a significant inverse correlation of with the body fat percentage (p = 0.006). HEI-2015 scores were significantly and negatively correlated with body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference and neck circumference (p < 0.05). Every one-unit increase in MEDAS, DASH and HEI-2015 scores caused reductions in C-reactive protein levels at different magnitudes. Troponin-I was significantly and negatively correlated with fruit intake (p = 0.044), a component of a Mediterranean diet and with HEI-2015 total scores (p = 0.032).Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this study includes the small sample size and the lack of dietary interventions. Another limitation is the use of the food recall method for the assessment of dietary patterns. This way assessments were performed based on participants’ memory and statements.Practical implicationsFollowing a healthy diet pattern can help reduce the metabolic risks of COVİD-19 disease.Originality/valueDespite these limitations, this study is valuable because, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study demonstrating the association of dietary patterns with disease prognosis and metabolic risks concerning COVID-19. This study suggests that dietary patterns during the COVID-19 process may be associated with several metabolic risks and inflammatory biomarkers.

Association of Zinc Status with Matrix Metalloproteinases, Advanced Glycation End-Products, and Blood Pressure in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypertension trigger the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Zinc is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and a possible role in regulating blood pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of serum zinc with matrix metalloproteinase-2 and-9 (MMP-2, MMP-9), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and blood pressure in patients with CKD. This cross-sectional study included 90 patients with CKD. Serum zinc and the levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, AGEs, and creatinine were measured using validated biochemical methods. Three 24-h food recalls were completed to evaluate dietary zinc intake. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were measured using a digital sphygmomanometer. Participants' mean age was 60.68 ± 8.81years. The prevalence of zinc deficiency in our participants was 10%. Serum zinc was negatively correlated with MMP-9 (r = - 0.231, p = 0.032) and creatinine (r = - 0.304, p = 0.004). However, after adjusting for confounding variables, the association between serum zinc and MMP-9 was near the significance level (β = - 0.174, p = 0.09) and zinc remained in the model as one of the predictors. Serum zinc was positively correlated with the dietary intake of zinc (r = 0.241, p = 0.025) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r = 0.259, p = 0.015). In conclusion, our results showed that serum zinc might be one of the predictors of serum MMP-9 in patients with CKD. In addition, serum zinc was positively associated with its dietary intake and eGFR. Future longitudinal studies or clinical trials are required to reveal any causal association between zinc status and profibrotic or inflammatory biomarkers among patients with CKD.