Intake Of Beta-carotene Research Articles

Development of Traditional Indonesian Layer Cake From Pureed Yellow Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Durch) And Carrot (Daucus carrota L) as a Highly Nutritious as an Additional Food For Toddlers

Abstract Yellow pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Durch) and carrots (Daucus carota L) are readily available and economical in Indonesia, possessing a high nutritional value, particularly in beta-carotene. Sufficient beta-carotene intake is vital for preventing developmental disorders in toddlers. This study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to assess the chemical properties of layer cake made with pumpkin and carrot puree, subject to three different treatments involving adding 20%, 30%, and 40% puree, each being replicated twice. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA, followed by a further DMRT test. The results indicated that incorporating 40% puree into 100 grams of layer cake yielded the highest nutritional content: protein at 8.89%, fat at 18.31%, water at 48.18%, ash at 1.15%, beta-carotene at 54.41 g, and calcium levels. Conversely, the carbohydrate content decreased by adding 40% puree, resulting in a carbohydrate level of 26.26%. The highest carbohydrate content was observed in the layer cake with 20% puree added. These findings demonstrate that including pumpkin and carrot puree alters the chemical properties of layer cake, rendering it a beneficial complementary food for toddlers due to its enhanced nutritional profile, which may contribute positively to their overall health, growth, and nutritional status.

Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire: VioScreen-Allergy.

An adapted version of an online pictorial food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), VioScreen-Allergy, assesses total dietary intake and intake of allergens and foods in the maternal diet index (MDI), linked to offspring allergy. This study assessed intermethod reliability, test-retest reliability, and external validity of the VioScreen-Allergy. Females of childbearing age were recruited at Denver Health and Children's Hospital, Colorado, USA, and were asked to complete four 24 h recalls and two VioScreen-Allergy FFQs over the course of a month. All those with at least two 24 h dietary recalls and both VioScreen-Allergy assessments were analyzed. Energy-adjusted and non-adjusted linear mixed models (1) compared MDI scores and intake of nutrients and allergens as measures of intermethod reliability; (2) evaluated VioScreen-Allergy test-retest reliability as differences between repeated measurements; and (3) assessed external validity by modeling associations between VioScreen-Allergy-derived intake of beta-carotene and orange vegetables and Veggie Meter®-assessed skin carotenoids. Bonferroni corrections controlled multiple comparisons within the assessment. Of 53 participants enrolled, 25 demographically dissimilar participants were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences between 24 h recall and VioScreen-Allergy mean intakes of macronutrients, micronutrients, allergens, or MDI, except for Vitamin C, niacin, and cashew allergen protein. There were no significant differences between repeated measurements of VioScreen-Allergy, either energy-adjusted or unadjusted. Both beta-carotene and orange vegetable servings were significantly associated with Veggie Meter®. Although non-significance could have been due to low power, clinical as well as statistical assessments of intermethod reliability, test-retest reliability, and external validity suggest that VioScreen-Allergy has reasonable utility for trials assessing food allergens and MDI in the context of overall intake. The VioScreen questionnaire can also be used in future studies to assess macro- and micronutrient intake. Additional validation studies assessing different portion sizes and foods eaten by infants and young children are currently undergoing.

Gut Microbiota and Clinical Manifestations in Thai Pediatric Patients with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder potentially linked to gut dysbiosis. This comparative cross-sectional study profiled the gut microbiota in 24 treatment-naïve Thai children diagnosed with ADHD and 24 healthy ones matched by age and gender (median age: 7 years). Fecal microbial compositions were genetically analyzed using 16s rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The study findings indicated no statistically significant differences in microbial diversity between groups, although Firmicutes and Actinobacteria appeared dominant in both groups. Moreover, ADHD patients exhibited enrichment in Alloprevotella, CAG-352, Succinivibrio, and Acidaminococcus genera, while healthy controls had higher levels of Megamonas, Enterobacter, Eubacterium hallii, and Negativibacillus genera. Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between CAG-352 and inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity scores, whereas the Eubacterium hallii group and Megamonas exhibited negative correlations with these symptomatology domains. Beta-carotene intake was associated with the Eubacterium hallii group and Succinivibrio: likewise, vitamin B2 intake was associated with Alloprevotella. Additional research should aim to elucidate the underlying mechanisms influencing clinical biomarkers that signify alterations in specific gut microbiome profiles linked to ADHD.

Interactions of spontaneous abortion with FTO gene and dietary carotenoids; a case-control study.

Spontaneous abortion (SA) is considered one of the most prevalent adverse outcomes of pregnancy. SA may occur due to genetic susceptibility and various maternal factors such as nutritional status. The aim of this study was to assess how dietary carotenoids and the FTO gene are related to SA. This case-control study included 192 women with a history of SA as the case group and 347 healthy women without history of SA as the control group. To evaluate carotenoid intake, a valid 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used. The FTO gene was genotyped for the presence of the rs9939609 polymorphism using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain (ARMS-PCR). The results indicated a significant negative association between dietary intake of β-cryptoxanthin and SA in carriers of the TT genotype of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism after adjustment for age, BMI, physical activity, smoking, alcohol drinking, and calorie intake (β = -0.28, P = 0.02). No association was found between SA with dietary intake of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and lycopene among carriers of different FTO genotypes. The FTO genotype may have an effect on the association between SA and carotenoid intake. Dietary intake of β-cryptoxanthin may act as a protective factor against SA only in carriers of the TT genotype of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism.

Happy Little Vegemites™! An analysis of the contribution of yeast extract spreads and tomato-based sauces to nutrient intake adequacy in Australia.

Yeast extract spreads and tomato-based sauces (i.e., ketchup) are consumed regularly by the Australian population. Therefore, there is a need to explore the contribution of these condiments to nutrient intakes among Australians. The present study comprises a secondary analysis of data from the 2011-2012 Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Dietary intake data were undertaken for 12,153 Australians aged ≥ 2 years, using 24-h recalls. Yeast extract spreads and tomato-based sauces were categorised based on how they were defined in the Australian Food and Nutrient (AUSNUT) 2011-2013 database. Kruskal-Wallis H tests and the post-hoc Dunn's test with Bonferroni correction were applied to test whether a significant difference existed in the percentage contribution of yeast extract spreads and tomato-based sauces to intakes of select nutrients. In total, 19.6% (n = 2384) of the population sample consumed yeast extract spreads and/or tomato-based sauces during the 24-h recall. The percentage contribution of yeast extract spreads to daily intakes of sodium, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, magnesium, iron, zinc and iodine were significantly higher in line with a greater quantity of yeast extract spread consumed (p < 0.05). The percentage contribution of tomato-based sauces to daily intakes of sodium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, folate, beta-carotene, magnesium, iron, zinc and iodine was increased significantly with a greater quantity of tomato-based sauces consumed (p < 0.05). Consumption of yeast extracts and tomato-based sauces contribute to greater intake of key nutrients, such as B-vitamins and beta-carotene, and may assist in meeting key nutrient reference values. However, consumption of these sauces and condiments also resulted in greater intakes of sodium, contributing to population intakes exceeding recommendations. Reducing sodium content of frequently consumed condiments may potentially assist in lowering population intakes, at the same time as preserving intakes of other important nutrients.

Assessment of Food Intake and Nutritional Status of Children Attending Montessori School of Pokhara Valley

Introduction: Childhood is a time of critical growth in which proper nutrition is necessary. Children afflicted by sustained poor nutrition are at greater risk for obesity, mental and emotional health problems and a failure to thrive academically. The objective of this study was to assess the food intake of children attending the Montessori school.&#x0D; Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 235 children of 3-5 years from twenty Montessori schools. Data were collected using simple random sampling. A weighed food was recorded from the consumption of children during a day of their stay in the Montessori school along with the observation of food consumption.&#x0D; Results: More than every nine out of ten children (92.8%) didn’t meet calorie requirement. The mean food intake during their stay in Montessori was 368.81±111.89 grams. Mean calorie, fat, protein, retinol and beta carotene intake were 540±150.5 Kcal, 10.04±5.6 grams, 13.25±5.49 grams, 49.76±32.6 grams, 135.75±274.67 grams respectively. Dietary fat (OR=3.7, 95% CI; 1.8, 7.5) and protein consumption (OR=2.2, 95% CI; 1.1, 4.4) were significantly associated with overweight status of children.&#x0D; Conclusion: The amount of nutritive foods should be increased so that the children meet adequate amount of nutrient required for the proper growth and development of their body. Since the association between dietary fat and protein intake with overweight condition was observed the excess use of fat providing foods should be limited and protein rich foods should be provided as per the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of Montessori children.&#x0D; Keywords: Food intake, nutritional status, children, Nepal

The Antioxidant Capacity of Breast Milk and Plasma of Women with or without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Women with gestational diabetes (GD) have reduced antioxidant capacity; however, the relationship between maternal diet, maternal biochemical capacity, breast milk concentration, and infant intake has not been adequately explored in the literature. An exploration of underlying mechanism(s) is warranted, particularly for nutrient antioxidants impacted by maternal intake. These nutrients may provide a means for modifying maternal and infant antioxidant capacity. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and beta-carotene concentrations were measured in breast milk of women with and without GD. Plasma, three-day diet records, and breast milk were collected at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. Student's t-test was used to compare breast milk ORAC, nutrient antioxidant concentration and plasma ORAC between women with and without GD. Pearson correlations were used to determine associations among antioxidant concentrations in breast milk and dietary antioxidant intake. Breast milk antioxidant concentrations were associated with maternal intake of beta-carotene (r = 0.629, p = 0.005). Breast milk and plasma ORAC and antioxidant vitamin concentrations were not significantly different between GD and NG women. Breast milk ORAC associated with breast milk alpha-tocopherol for NG (r = 0.763, p = 0.010), but not GD women (r = 0.385, p = 0.35), and with breast milk ascorbic acid for GD (r = 0.722, p = 0.043) but not NG women (r = 0.141, p = 0.70; interaction p = 0.041). In GD participants, breast milk ORAC was significantly associated with plasma ORAC (r = 0.780, p = 0.039). ORAC and antioxidant vitamin concentrations in breast milk in women with GD were comparable to women with NG; however, the relationships between breast milk ORAC and vitamin concentrations differed in GD versus NG women for alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid.

Association of vitamins with hearing loss, vision disorder and sleep problem in the US general population.

Based on nationally representative samples from US, we aimed to assess the associations of vitamins with hearing loss, vision disorder and sleep problem. A total of 25,312, 8425 and 24,234 participants were included in this study to investigate the relationship of vitamins with hearing loss, vision disorder and sleep problem from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, respectively. Vitamins including niacin, folic acid, vitamin B6, A, C, E and carotenoids were considered in our study. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between all included dietary vitamin intake concentrations and the prevalence of specific outcomes. Increased lycopene (odds ratio [OR]: 0.904, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.829-0.985) intake was associated with a deceased prevalence of hearing loss. Higher dietary intake of folic acid (OR: 0.637, 95% CI: 0.443-0.904), vitamin B6 (0.667, 0.465-0.947), alpha-carotene (0.695, 0.494-0.968), beta-carotene (0.703, 0.505-0.969) and lutein + zeaxanthin (0.640, 0.455-0.892) were associated with a decreased prevalence of vision disorder. The inversely associations of sleeping problem with niacin (OR: 0.902, 95% CI: 0.826-0.985), folic acid (0.882, 0.811-0.959), vitamin B6 (0.892, 0.818-0.973), vitamin C (0.908, 0.835-0.987), vitamin E (0.885, 0.813-0.963) and lycopene (0.919, 0.845-0.998) were also observed. Our findings provide evidence that increased specific vitamin intake is associated with decreased prevalence of hearing loss, vision disorder and sleep problem.

P622 Change in Dietary Inflammatory Index Score in patients with Crohn’s disease and healthy volunteers following the Groningen Anti Inflammatory Diet (GrAID)

Abstract Background Dietary patterns play an important role in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is a diet quality score that estimates the inflammatory potential of a dietary pattern on inflammatory markers. Recently, the Groningen Anti-Inflammatory Diet (GrAID) was developed to improve disease course in patients with IBD. The aim of this study is to investigate whether following the GrAID improves diet quality based on the DII compared to baseline intake in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and healthy volunteers (HV). Methods Between October 2021 and October 2022, patients with CD and HV completed a 12-week GrAID intervention as part of an ongoing trial: VITA-GrAID (NCT04913467). In this sub analysis, nutrient intake from a 3-day food diary was calculated at baseline (T0; habitual diet) and after 12 weeks (T3; following the GrAID), using Evry software (version 2.3.7.0). From both intakes the DII score according to the Shivappa method was calculated, based on 28 food parameters. Next, both scores were compared to the DII score of the GrAID, calculated assuming complete adherence to the GrAID. A lower DII score is regarded to having a higher anti-inflammatory potential. Paired nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank) were performed to calculate differences between T0 and T3. Data were analysed using R (2021.09.0) and IBM SPSS Statistics 28. Results Eighteen individuals completed the 12-week GrAID intervention (12 patients with CD; and 6 HV) (table 1). Between T0 and T3, significant increases were found in fibre (16.5g), total protein (21g), total plant protein (14g), vitamin B2 (0.29ug) and beta carotene (1837ug) intake. Significant decreases were found in mono- and disaccharides (-18g), alcohol (- 5.3g), and sodium (-875mg) intake (Table 2). The median DII score at T0 was -0.112, IQR: [-1.269; 1.362] and was significantly lower at T3 (median: -2.040; IQR [-2.588; -1.417], p&amp;lt;0.05) (figure 1). Median DII score in patients with CD differed significant between T0 and T3 (0.323, IQR [-1.3897; 1.523] and -2.040, IQR [-2.665; -1.549] respectively, p&amp;lt;0.05), but not in HV (-0.692, IQR [-1.127; 0.566] and -1.998, IQR [-2.441; -1.336] respectively, p=0.09) (Figure 2). Conclusion These preliminary results show that diet quality improved in patients with CD after following the GrAID for 12 weeks. For HV, probably more participants are needed. Further research is necessary to determine whether a lower DII score will actually improve the disease course of patients with CD and the diversity of the microbiome in HV.

Association between maternal plasma total antioxidant capacity and dietary antioxidants intake with birth size outcomes.

Maternal antioxidants intake and plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentration during pregnancy might influence on birth outcomes. This study was conducted to determine the association between dietary antioxidants intake and plasma TAC during pregnancy with birth outcomes. Overall, 220 mother-infant pairs were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal whole blood was collected and TAC was determined by the ELISA kit. Food frequency questionnaire was used to collect information regarding usual dietary intake. Birth size measurements including birth weight, length and head circumference were measured according to standardized protocols. Energy-adjusted intake of beta-carotene in the first trimester of gestation [beta (SE) = 0.0002 (0.00008); p = 0.016] and energy-adjusted intake of vitamin E in third trimester of pregnancy [beta (SE) = -0.31 (0.15); p = 0.046] had significantly positive and negative associations with birth length, respectively. The maternal plasma TAC was positively correlated with birth weight in both unadjusted and adjusted models [beta (SE) = 2.75 (1.35); p = 0.043 and beta (SE) = 3.43 (1.50); p = 0.023, respectively]. In addition, the adjusted model showed a significant positive relationship between the maternal plasma TAC and birth length [beta (SE) = 0.023 (0.009); p = 0.01]. This study showed the positive association of maternal plasma TAC with birth weight and length. Moreover, maternal dietary intake of beta-carotene in the first trimester and vitamin E in the third trimester of pregnancy had significant positive and negative correlations with birth length, respectively.

Associations of Dietary Intakes with Gynecological Cancers: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Gynecological cancers, including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer are leading causes of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Diet plays an important role in cancer development, which is widely accepted. However, the associations between dietary intakes and gynecological cancers remain unclear. Methods: A total of 12,437 women aged over 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted from 2007−2016, were included in this study. The relationships between 30 dietary factors (4 macronutrients, 15 vitamins, 9 minerals, caffeine and alcohol) and gynecological cancers were assessed. Results: We observed negative correlations of intakes of phosphorus (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI); 0.998 (0.996, 0.999), p = 0.002) with cervical cancer, and intakes of vitamin B12 (0.812 (0.714, 0.925), p = 0.002), phosphorus (0.997 (0.996, 0.999), p < 0.001) and alcohol (0.971 (0.950, 0.992), p = 0.009) with endometrial cancer. The data showed positive associations of intake of caffeine (1.002 (1.001, 1.003), p = 0.003) with cervical cancer, and intake of copper (2.754 (1.313, 5.778), p = 0.009) with endometrial cancer. In addition, we found potential negative correlations between intake of vitamin B1 (p = 0.025) and cervical cancer; zinc (p = 0.048) and ovarian cancer; and potassium (p = 0.032) and endometrial cancer. Potential positive associations were found between intake of calcium and cervical cancer (p = 0.026) and endometrial cancer (p = 0.034), and between sodium (p = 0.042) and endometrial cancer. Intakes of protein, total sugars, total fat, cholesterol, vitamin A, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B6, food folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, iron and selenium showed no relationship with gynecological cancers (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Specific dietary factors were associated with gynecological cancers. More epidemiological studies are needed to validate our results.

Nutritional Status and Adequacy of Dietary Intake of an Elite 1000m Flat Water Kayak Paddler

Background: Sports performance, besides the mental and emotional features of the athlete, is the outcome from the correct combination of training load, rest/ recovery and nutrition. Nutritional deficits or excesses can be deleterious for sports performance, particularly in sports that rely on high power output as 1000m kayak paddler. Objective: To describe the nutritional intake habits of a highly performing kayaker, and its adequacy for training, as only few studies have focused on this type of sports. Methods: An elite male kayaker specialized in 1000m flat-water races, World Champion, European Champion and Silver medallist in the London Olympic Games (35 years) reported his food intake for 7 consecutive days during a specific preparation period. Results: Daily average energy intake was 3174 ± 306 kcal; the intake of carbohydrates was 47.8 ± 9.3% (4.4 ± 1.2 g.kg-1. body weight. day-1), protein 20.8 ± 4.3% (1.9 ± 0.3 g.kg-1body weight. day) and fat intake was 31.4 ± 5.2% (1.3 ± 0.2 g. kg-1 body weight day. d-1). Fiber average consumption was 23.6 ± 9.2 g/day and cholesterol 638 ± 218 g/day. While water-soluble vitamins were within the recommended levels, fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene were below athletes’ recommendations. All macro minerals intake was within the Dietary References Intake (DRI) for general population values as well as the trace elements with exception of iodine and molybdenum. Also, an unbalanced ratio between omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids was observed. Conclusion: This kayaker had a caloric intake adequate to the training requirement of the analyzed week. However, a reduction in fat intake and an increment in carbohydrate should be promoted in order to achieve dietary recommendations for athletes. The low intake of fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene found may justify the use supplementation. Keywords: kayaking, nutrition, macronutrients, vitamins, minerals

Energy-dense diets lower in protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids among US adults with a self-reported head injury with loss of consciousness: A nationwide study, NHANES 2011-2014

Head injury results in thousands of hospitalizations and deaths for Americans each year, yet there are no current dietary recommendations for improving outcomes after head injury. We assessed the dietary nutrient intakes in the population with self-reported head injury with loss of consciousness (HIC) using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Secondary data analysis was performed on participants aged 40 years and over from the NHANES 2011-2014 surveys with and without head injury with loss of consciousness. The nutritional differences were measured between the HIC group and those who reported no head injury with loss of consciousness (No-HIC) based on average daily intakes of individual nutrients. We hypothesized that there would be dietary nutrient intake differences between the HIC and No-HIC groups. SPSS software was used to perform t tests comparing nutrient intakes of the HIC to No-HIC groups. The HIC group reported higher intakes of calories as well as carbohydrates, sugar, fat, and various vitamins and minerals compared with those in the No-HIC group. After adjusting for energy intakes, the intakes of sugar, riboflavin, alcohol, caffeine, and saturated fatty acids were higher in HIC group compared with the No-HIC group, and intakes of protein, fiber, thiamin, beta-carotene, selenium, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid were lower in the HIC group compared with the No-HIC group. The HIC group currently is consuming a pro-inflammatory diet. Therefore, nutrition guidelines are essential to educate the head injury population to improve future health outcomes after injury.

This Month in Pediatric Urology

You have accessJournal of UrologyThis Month in Pediatric Urology1 Aug 2022This Month in Pediatric Urology Stacy T. Tanaka Stacy T. TanakaStacy T. Tanaka More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002760AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail Pediatric Ureteroscopy Laser Outcomes The application of new medical technology in children commonly lags innovation in adult patients. Jaeger et al (page 426) at Boston Children’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts describe their early-adopter experience using a superpulse thulium fiber laser (SPTF) to treat upper tract stones in children.1 The group started using SPTF in September 2020. In a retrospective analysis, the authors compared stone-free rates in patients less than 21 years of age treated with either SPTF (23) or low-power Ho:YAG (holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser (69). Stone-free rate, measured by primarily renal ultrasound within 90 days of the procedure, was higher in patients treated with SPTF (70% vs 59%). Because of concern about SPTF generating higher temperatures, the authors were careful to use continuous irrigation and low power settings. The SPTF was not associated with higher postoperative complications or an increase in operative time. The authors’ careful analysis addresses some of the limitations of the retrospective nature of this study. Nevertheless, their success with SPTF without increase in complication rate or operative time is very promising. Salvage Surgery Rates for Pediatric Testicular Torsion Hospital rating systems have weaknesses, but are there any strengths? Mandated reporting of hospital metrics can be a motivator to focus attention on specific aspects of care quality. In 2015, the US News & World Report introduced the quality metric of “time from ED/clinic to operating room” for testicular torsion in their Best Children’s Hospital Rankings. Using the Pediatric Health Information System database, which includes 52 children’s hospitals across the United States, Chun et al (page 441) from Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania compared testicular salvage rate before and after this metric was introduced.2 The authors found that the salvage rate improved. Of course, temporal association does not prove causation. However, it is suggestive that salvage rates did not change at hospitals that were receiving full score when the metric was introduced but did increase at hospitals not initially receiving the full score. From 2015 to 2019, the number of hospitals that received a full score for this question increased from 62% to 98%. Hospital rating systems are here to stay. Although it will take work, there is the potential for the pediatric urology community to replace flawed measures with meaningful ones that can nudge care quality. Dietary Risk Factors for Pediatric Kidney Stones Dietary counseling for children with stone disease is primarily based on adult data. Wang et al (page 434) from Boston Children’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts present one of the only studies to investigate the relationship between dietary nutrient intake and urolithiasis occurrence in children.3 At Boston Children’s, the primary care clinic was administering the Harvard Service Food Frequency Questionnaire at well child visits while the pediatric stone clinic was administering the Youth Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire to first-time stone formers within 6 months of diagnosis. The Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition Department has an analysis mechanism to translate data from both these validated surveys to standardized daily nutrition intake. The authors elegantly used this information to perform a case-control study in 57 stone patients and 228 controls. Unsurprisingly, they found that stone formers had higher sodium intake and lower potassium intake. Unexpectedly, they also found an association with increased calcium intake and increased beta-carotene intake. Although carrots are the most well-known dietary source of beta-carotene, high oxalate foods like spinach and kale also have beta-carotene; however, there did not appear to be an association with dietary oxalate intake. Unfortunately, the dietary surveys did not include data on water intake or specific diets (eg ketogenic diet). However, this novel exploratory study generates intriguing questions for future pediatric stone research.

The association among calorie, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake with colorectal cancer: A case-control study.

The risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be influenced by dietary components. This study aims to investigate the association between dietary intake and CRC in Iranian adults. This hospital‐based case–control study was performed on 160 patients with CRC and 320 healthy people. General and pathological data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the intake of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients. The case group had a significantly higher intake of calories, carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin K, fluoride, and molybdenum and a lower intake of vitamin E, vitamin B1, beta carotene, biotin, folate, magnesium, selenium, manganese, and fiber (all p < .001). CRC was positively associated with the intake of carbohydrate (OR: 1.01, CI% 1.03–1.01, p = .001), and vitamin A (OR: 1.009, CI 95% 1.006–1.01, p = .001) and negatively associated with intake of fiber (OR: 0.67, CI 95% 0.59–0.76, p = .001), beta carotene (OR: 0.99, CI 95% 0.99–0.99, p = .001), vitamin E (OR: 0.27, CI 95% 0.15–0.47, p = .001), folate (OR: 0.98 CI 95% 0.97–0.98, p = .001), and biotin (OR: 0.83, CI 95% 0.77–0.90, p = .001). The associations remained significant after adjusting for age and sex. Further adjustments for physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking did not change the results. The results identified that the risk of colorectal cancer can be influenced by dietary intake. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms of the effects of dietary components on the risk of colorectal cancer.

Dietary Risk Factors for Pediatric Kidney Stones: A Case-Control Study.

Data are scarce regarding dietary risk factors for pediatric nephrolithiasis. Our objective was to perform a case-control study (nonmatched) of the association of dietary nutrients with pediatric urolithiasis. We obtained dietary information from pediatric urolithiasis patients (from stone clinic in 2013-2016) and healthy controls (well-child visit at primary care in 2011-2012). Survey results were converted to standard nutrient intakes. Children younger than 5 years of age and those with extreme calorie intake values (<500 or >5,000 kcal/day) were excluded. The association of individual nutrients with urolithiasis was assessed by bivariate analysis results and machine-learning methods. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted using urolithiasis as the outcome. We included 285 patients (57 stones/228 controls). Mean±SD age was 8.9±3.6 years (range 5-20). Of the patients 47% were male. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (obese/overweight/normal), calorie intake and oxalate, urolithiasis was associated with higher dietary sodium (OR=2.43 [95% CI=1.40-4.84] per quintile increase, p=0.004), calcium (OR=1.73 [95% CI=1.07-3.00] per quintile increase, p=0.034) and beta carotene (OR=2.01 [95% CI=1.06-4.18] per quintile increase, p=0.042), and lower potassium (OR=0.31 [95% CI=0.13-0.63] per quintile increase, p=0.003). Sensitivity analysis was performed by removing oxalate from the model and limiting the sample to patients aged 5-13 years, with similar results. In our cohort, higher dietary intake of calcium, sodium and beta carotene, and lower potassium intake were associated with pediatric urolithiasis. This is the first study using a detailed dietary survey to identify dietary risk factors for pediatric urolithiasis. Further research is warranted to delineate the mechanisms and to generate a lower risk diet profile for pediatric urolithiasis.

Editors' Note: Dietary Antioxidants and the Risk of Parkinson Disease: The Swedish National March Cohort

In “Dietary Antioxidants and the Risk of Parkinson Disease: The Swedish National March Cohort,” Hantikainen et al. surveyed dietary intake through a food frequency questionnaire from 1997 to 2016 and found that higher dietary vitamin E and vitamin C were associated with a lower risk of Parkinson disease. They found no relationship between beta-carotene intake or nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity and Parkinson disease. Kawada notes that a previous study found beta-carotene and vitamin E intake was inversely associated with a risk of Parkinson disease, but there was no significant relationship between intake of vitamin C and nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity and Parkinson disease. They suggest that sex differences may be relevant to these findings. Hantikainen et al. acknowledge that there are discrepancies across studies, but they did not find any sex differences. Both authors agree more research is needed to evaluate the relationship between antioxidants and Parkinson disease and whether there are sex differences that might play a role. In “Dietary Antioxidants and the Risk of Parkinson Disease: The Swedish National March Cohort,” Hantikainen et al. surveyed dietary intake through a food frequency questionnaire from 1997 to 2016 and found that higher dietary vitamin E and vitamin C were associated with a lower risk of Parkinson disease. They found no relationship between beta-carotene intake or nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity and Parkinson disease. Kawada notes that a previous study found beta-carotene and vitamin E intake was inversely associated with a risk of Parkinson disease, but there was no significant relationship between intake of vitamin C and nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity and Parkinson disease. They suggest that sex differences may be relevant to these findings. Hantikainen et al. acknowledge that there are discrepancies across studies, but they did not find any sex differences. Both authors agree more research is needed to evaluate the relationship between antioxidants and Parkinson disease and whether there are sex differences that might play a role.

Reader Response: Dietary Antioxidants and the Risk of Parkinson Disease: The Swedish National March Cohort.

Hantikainen et al. examined the associations of high baseline dietary antioxidants and total nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC) with Parkinson disease. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs)—95% confidence intervals (CIs)—of dietary vitamin E and vitamin C for Parkinson disease were 0.68 (0.52–0.90) and 0.68 (0.52–0.89), respectively.1 By contrast, there was no significant association of estimated intake of dietary beta-carotene or NEAC with Parkinson disease.

Ambient air pollution, psychological stress, and early childhood respiratory outcomes: Modifying effects of prenatal maternal diet, sex, and race/ethnicity

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Many lower income, racially/ethnically mixed communities experience co-occurring environmental hazards (i.e., pollutants, social inequities and related stress, poorer access to healthy foods) contributing to respiratory disease. Starting {in utero}, fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and stress disrupt similar but not completely overlapping processes, including oxidative stress, influencing respiratory health. Antioxidant intake can have protective effects. We examined associations among prenatal PM₂.₅, maternal stress, and antioxidant intake in relation to early childhood wheeze in a longitudinal pregnancy cohort in the Northeastern United States (N=539). METHODS: Daily prenatal PM₂.₅ exposure was estimated using a satellite-based spatiotemporally resolved model. Women completed the Lifetime Stressor Checklist-Revised (LSC-R). A prenatal antioxidant index (AI) was based on average percentile intake of beta-carotene, vitamins (A,C,E), zinc, magnesium, and selenium. Mothers reported child wheeze with follow-up to 4.1±2.8 years. Logistic regression was used to examine effects of prenatal AI and LSC-R on repeated wheeze (≥2 episodes); effect modification was explored in stratified models. Bayesian distributed lag interaction models (BDLIMs) were used to examine associations between prenatal PM₂.₅ exposure on wheeze, and effect modification by AI, race/ethnicity, and child sex. Covariates included maternal age, education, asthma, and temperature. RESULTS:Women were 39.3% black and 33% Hispanic with 35.6% reporting ≤high school education; 20.3% of children had repeated wheeze. The association between higher AI and decreased wheeze was significant only in blacks (Odds Ratio, OR=0.37, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.19-0.73 per interquartile range increase). Higher stress was associated with repeated wheeze when AI was below the median, especially among blacks/Hispanics [OR=1.04 (1.01-1.06)]. BDLIMs found that cumulative effect on repeated wheeze per μg/m³ increase in PM₂.₅ across pregnancy was only significant in boys born to black mothers with low antioxidant intake [OR=1.2 (1.01-1.59)]. CONCLUSIONS:Relationships among prenatal PM₂.₅, stress, antioxidant intake, and child wheeze are complex and are modified by race/ethnicity and child sex. KEYWORDS: particulate matter, prenatal stress, nutrition, antioxidants, pediatric respiratory outcomes

The apparent inverse association between dietary carotene intake and risk of cardiovascular mortality disappeared after adjustment for other cardioprotective dietary intakes: The Japan collaborative cohort study

Background and purposeAn effect of dietary carotenes on risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is uncertain. We aimed to investigate whether the association between dietary carotenes intake and risk of CVD mortality will persist after controlling for the intakes of potential cardioprotective dietary factors that correlate with dietary alpha- and/or beta-carotenes. Methods and resultsWe followed up a total of 58,646 Japanese between 1988 and 1990 and 2009. We used a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to determine the dietary intakes of carotenes, and estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CVD mortality in relation to carotene intake by the proportional hazard regression developed by David Cox. During 965,970 person-years of follow-up (median 19.3 years), we identified 3388 total CVD deaths. After adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors, dietary intakes of alpha-carotene were significantly associated with the reduced risk of mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD); adjusted HR (95% CI) in the highest versus lowest quintiles of intake was 0.75 (0.58–0.96; P-trend = 0.02) and dietary intakes of beta-carotene were significantly associated with the reduced risk of mortality from CVD, CHD, and other CVD; adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 0.88 (0.79–0.98; P-trend = 0.04), 0.78 (0.61–0.99; P-trend = 0.01), and 0.81 (0.67–0.98; P-trend = 0.04), respectively. However, after further adjusting for the dietary intakes of potassium, calcium, vitamins C, E, or K, these associations disappeared. Conclusions—Dietary alpha- and beta-carotene intakes were not associated with risk of CVD mortality after controlling for intakes of other potential cardioprotective nutrients.