Calculate Nutrient Intake Research Articles

Effect of odontoplasty on intake, nutrient digestibility, and intake time of tifton hay in ponies

We aimed to evaluate the effects of dental correction on voluntary nutrient intake, time of intake, apparent digestibility and fecal particle size in Brazilian ponies. Twelve mares, with no history of previous dental treatments, housed in individual pens and fed a diet based on tifton 85 were used. The study comprised two consecutive experimental phases, pre and post dental treatment. Each phase consisted of 15 days for adaptation to the pen and treatment and 5 days for data collection, totaling 20 days. To calculate nutrient intake and digestibility coefficients, samples of diets, leftovers, and feces were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude fat (CF), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). Food intake time was recorded using a digital video recorder. Fecal particles were analyzed by wet sieving. Dental correction did not influence the intake of DM, CP, NDF, CF, and OM by the animals. However, there was an increase in NFC intake from 0.12 kg to 0.14 kg and in food intake time from 654.50 ± 138.98 to 774.95 ± 167.14. There was a decrease in the digestibility of CP from 0.08 kg to 0.04 kg and an increase in the digestibility of NDF from 0.65 kg to 0.82 kg. Although odontoplasty increased the time of hay intake and the digestibility of the fibrous fractions of the feed of ponies, it did not influence the intake of nutrients and the size of the fecal particles.

A Study on the Health and Nutritional Status of Mawasi Tribal Women in Villages of Chitrakoot Region in Madhya Pradesh, India

The present study is a cross sectional survey in which an attempt was made to understand the socio- demographic profile and assess nutritional status of Mawasi tribal women in Majhgawan block of Satna district in Madhya Pradesh. The sample comprised of 100 females between the age groups of 18-46 which were selected from 100 households for assessment of health and nutritional status. Stratified random sampling method was used for selection of 5 villages. The primary tool in the study was predesigned and pretested interview schedule. Height, weight recording, clinical examination and body type of females were the part of the study. The design of the study is qualitative that include data from 100 in depth interviews with the mothers. To calculate nutrient intake, twenty –four hour dietary recall method was adopted and was compared with the RDA-2020 given by ICMR. Nearly half (51%) females were short stature and thin. 79 % women were suffering from severe to moderate anemia. Daily intake of foods were deficit in vitamin A (75.5%), vitamin C (54.83%), folic acid (70.32%),Vitamin B12(63%), iron (61.43%) and calcium (47.67%) nutrients. The mean weight of the female was 42.72 Kg. The vast majority (92%) of females had weight less than the weight of the reference women (55Kg). The mean body mass index was 19.39. Only one-third (32%) females were normal( BMI 20.0-25.0).More than half (51%)of the study women suffered from chronic energy deficiency (BMI<18.5). 98 % women were found anemic according to the cut-off (HB<12.0g/dl) proposed by WHO. The overall nutritional status of the tribal females was poor and their nutrient intake was also insufficient showing high percentage deficit in calories, proteins, fats, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamins A, B and C intake. Nutritional anemia, Vit-A and vit-C, VitaminB12 deficiencies were common problems in Mawasi women.

72 A survey of North American horse diets: What are we missing?

Balanced nutrition is critical for the health and well-being of horses. To date, there is limited information on the composition of North American equine diets. Here, we describe an analysis of 200 equine diets and how they compare with NRC requirements. Owners from the US and Canada submitted their diets for review by a nutritionist. They were asked to provide information on their horses’ age, weight, exercise level, diet composition, and health concerns. They were also asked to classify their horses' body condition as underweight (UW), slightly underweight (SU), normal weight (NW), slightly overweight (SO), overweight (OW), or obese (OB). Our sample population includes mature horses of various breeds and exercise levels. Diet nutrient composition was based on guaranteed analyses provided by manufacturers and an average hay analysis corrected for variations in regional soil mineral contents, or the hay analysis submitted by the horse owner where available. Nutrient intakes were compared with each horse's requirements based on their exercise level and body weight, obtained from the NRC, to calculate nutrient intake as a percentage of requirements. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data in Prism. Data are presented asmean intakes as a percentage of requirements ± SEM. Our results revealed that diets were providing an adequate amount of selenium (113 ± 8%) and vitamin E (106 ± 7%). Diets were slightly over-supplying energy (118 ± 1%; P < 0.0001), zinc (125 ± 5%; P = 0.0002), copper (151 ± 6%; P < 0.0001), manganese (132 ± 5%; P < 0.0001), and vitamin A (138 ± 8%; P = 0.001). Protein (191 ± 3%), lysine (203 ± 4%), iron (352 ± 6%), phosphorus (192 ± 4%), calcium (292 ± 7%), magnesium (264 ± 4%), and potassium (680 ± 9%) were appreciably over-supplied (P < 0.0001), and sodium was under-supplied (65 ± 5%; P < 0.0001). Interestingly, all horses except those classified as obese were over-consuming energy (P < 0.004), with average intakes for UW horses being the highest (145 ± 8%), followed by SU (127 ± 5%), OW (122 ± 4%), SO (118 ± 3%), and NW horses (116 ± 2%). Understanding the degree to which horses are meeting or exceeding their nutritional requirements is fundamental for formulating recommendations to support performance, longevity, and overall health. This may inform future avenues of research and outreach to improve the health and well-being of the North American equine population.

Integrated Spreadsheets for Nutritional Analysis of Population Diet Surveys.

It can be challenging to calculate nutrient intakes in population diet surveys because existing nutritional analysis software is generally oriented toward analyzing intakes of individuals and may not allow users to input or easily modify the food composition data used in the analysis. These are drawbacks that are more problematic in low- and middle-income country settings. While there are numerous software-assisted dietary assessment platforms that conduct onboard nutritional analysis and are appropriate for use in large surveys, they are often similarly limited, and further restrict users to specific assessment modalities. This paper presents a multifunctional system of integrated spreadsheets for nutritional analysis of population diet surveys (ISNAPDS) that provides a solution for situations in which data have been collected but cannot be adequately analyzed with existing software. The protocol involves supplying the system with fully customizable data on food composition, food group classifications, and food intake (food intake in g/day may be entered directly or calculated based on user-supplied intake frequencies and either standard or variable serving sizes). Following data entry, the user modifies a set of simple pre-populated formulas to match them to the structure of the input data and the system applies these formulas to calculate nutrient and food group intakes, and the contributions of food groups to nutrient intakes for all members of the survey population. The flexibility of the ISNAPDS system allows it to accommodate the global diversity of foods consumed and analyze quantitative, semiquantitative, and nonquantitative food consumption data collected using prospective and retrospective assessment methods employing different reference periods and portion size estimation methods. To date, the system has been applied in published and ongoing analyses of 24 h recall, diet record, food frequency, and disaggregated household consumption data from population surveys in China, Ethiopia, India, Mongolia, Thailand, and a multi-country analysis of 10 sub-Saharan African countries.

Lower Intake of Saturated Fatty Acids Is Associated with Improved Lipid Profile in a 6-Year-Old Nationally Representative Population.

To strengthen the organization of new national dietary surveys and interventions in childhood, our aim was to study macronutrient intake and blood lipid profile at 6 years of age by comparing results from two earlier population-based cohorts. Subjects were n = 131 and n = 162 in the years 2001–2002 and 2011–2012, respectively. Three-day weighed food records were used to estimate diet and calculate nutrient intake. Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol were measured in serum and LDL-cholesterol was calculated. The average intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans FA was lower in 2011–2012 than 2001–2002 (13.3E% vs. 14.7E%, p < 0.001, and 0.8E% vs. 1.4E%, p < 0.001, respectively), replaced by a higher intake of unsaturated fatty acids. Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly lower in 2011–2012 than 2001–2002 (4.6 vs. 4.4 mmol/L, p = 0.003 and 2.8 vs. 2.5 mmol/L, p < 0.001, respectively). In a multiple linear regression model, one E% increase in SFA intake was related to a 0.03 mmol/L increase in LDL cholesterol (p = 0.04). A lower intake of saturated and trans fatty acids, replaced by unsaturated fatty acids, may have contributed to an improved lipid profile in a healthy 6-year-old population. Biological data for analysis of blood lipids are important in national dietary surveys in healthy children to monitor important health outcomes of interventions.

Description of the updated nutrition calculation of the Oxford WebQ questionnaire and comparison with the previous version among 207,144 participants in UK Biobank

PurposeThe Oxford WebQ is a web-based 24-h dietary assessment method which has been used in UK Biobank and other large prospective studies. The food composition table used to calculate nutrient intakes has recently been replaced with the UK Nutrient Databank, which has food composition data closer in time to when participants completed the questionnaire, and new dietary variables were incorporated. Here we describe the updated version of the Oxford WebQ questionnaire nutrient calculation, and compare nutrient intakes with the previous version used.Methods207,144 UK Biobank participants completed ≥ 1 Oxford WebQs, and means and standard deviations of nutrient intakes were averaged for all completed 24-h dietary assessments. Spearman correlations and weighted kappa statistics were used to compare the re-classification and agreement of nutrient intakes between the two versions.Results35 new nutrients were incorporated in the updated version. Compared to the previous version, most nutrients were very similar in the updated version except for a few nutrients which showed a difference of > 10%: lower with the new version for trans-fat (− 20%), and vitamin C (− 15%), but higher for retinol (+ 42%), vitamin D (+ 26%) and vitamin E (+ 20%). Most participants were in the same (> 60%) or adjacent (> 90%) quintile of intake for the two versions. Except for trans-fat (r = 0.58, κ = 0.42), very high correlations were found between the nutrients calculated using the two versions (r > 0.79 and κ > 0.60).ConclusionSmall absolute differences in nutrient intakes were observed between the two versions, and the ranking of individuals was minimally affected, except for trans-fat.

Divergence and agreement on nutrient intake between the two food composition tables of Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, two food composition tables (FCTs) were published over two consecutive years, in 2012 and in 2013. When different databases are used to calculate nutrient intakes, assessment of divergence and agreements is required. This study aimed to compare the differences in nutrient intakes, to assess the similarities in nutrient intakes between the two FCTs, and to explore the factors that cause the difference in nutrient intakes, if any. A total sample of 40 households was taken from the Household Income Expenditure Survey of 2010. Adult male equivalent (AME) units were used to estimate weighted average intake. Weighted k statistics were used to assess agreements between the two FCTs. Although median intake of energy and energy‐yielding nutrients (protein, fats, and carbohydrates) were found statistically significant between the two databases, the differences were not large enough to have practical significance. Excellent agreements were found in energy and carbohydrates with good for fats and fair for protein. However, statistically significant median percent differences were seen in beta carotene (441%), vitamin B6 (153%), and folate (129%), vitamin C (106%), zinc (101%), and iron (41%) intakes. For thiamin, iron, calcium, and phosphorous, more than 50% of the subjects were found in the same quintile, whereas nine out of 15 vitamins and minerals were misclassified into the opposite quintiles (≥10%). Fair agreements were found for most of the micronutrients. Variations in analytical methods and sources of nutrient information were the main contributing factors for actual differences. FCT data should be interpreted with caution, especially for micronutrients.

Comparing Calculated Nutrient Intakes Using Different Food Composition Databases: Results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Cohort.

This study aimed to compare calculated nutrient intakes from two different food composition databases using data from the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC) cohort. Dietary intake data of the EPIC cohort was recently matched to 150 food components from the U.S. nutrient database (USNDB). Twenty-eight of these nutrients were already included in the EPIC nutrient database (ENDB—based upon country specific food composition tables), and used for comparison. Paired sample t-tests, Pearson’s correlations (r), weighted kappa’s (κ) and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare the dietary intake of 28 nutrients estimated by the USNDB and the ENDB for 476,768 participants. Small but significant differences were shown between the USNDB and the ENDB for energy and macronutrient intakes. Moderate to very strong correlations (r = 0.60–1.00) were found for all macro- and micronutrients. A strong agreement (κ > 0.80) was found for energy, water, total fat, carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, potassium and vitamin C, whereas a weak agreement (κ < 0.60) was found for starch, vitamin D and vitamin E. Dietary intakes estimated via the USNDB compare adequately with those obtained via the ENDB for most macro- and micronutrients, although the agreement was weak for starch, vitamin D and vitamin E. The USNDB will allow exposure assessments for 150 nutrients to investigate associations with disease outcomes within the EPIC cohort.

Early Life Nutrient Intake Is Associated with Weight-for-Length Z-Scores at 3 and 12 Months (P11-127-19)

ObjectivesRapid weight gain over the first 12 months of life is a risk factor for childhood obesity. While macronutrient concentrations in human milk (HM) or infant formula (IF) have been associated with rapid weight gain or weight-for-length Z-scores later in infancy, few studies evaluate milk intake. Therefore, the objective was to assess how nutrient intake at 6 weeks of age, across multiple feeding modes, influences growth over the first year of life. MethodsData were collected from 222 healthy mother-infant pairs enrolled in the STRONG Kids 2 Cohort. Twenty-four hour test weighing was conducted to measure milk intake volume and a human milk sample was collected at 6 weeks postpartum. Milk samples were analyzed for total protein (Bradford assay), fat (total lipid extraction), and carbohydrate (Orcinol assay). Mode of feeding at 6 weeks, servings per day of HM and/or IF, and formula type were reported by mothers. For exclusively breastfeeding infants, HM macronutrient concentrations and total intake were used to calculate nutrient intake. For those receiving IF, the numbers of feedings from HM and/or from IF and formula nutrition information were also used to calculate nutrient intake. Infant length and weight collected at study visits were used to calculate weight-for-length Z-scores (WFL-Z). Mixed linear models were used to measure associations between macronutrient intake, total calories, total milk intake and WFL-Z at 3 months and 12 months of age. Models were controlled for 6-week feeding mode, breastfeeding duration, and timing of solid food introduction. ResultsAt 3 months, WFL-Z was associated with total milk (P = 0.03) and caloric intake (P = 0.03) as well as intake of fat (P = 0.02), carbohydrate (P = 0.05), and protein (P = 0.03). WFL-Z at 12 months was associated with protein (P = 0.02) and fat (P = 0.04) intakes at 6 weeks but no longer associated with other measures of nutrient intake. ConclusionsOur results support previous findings suggesting that high protein intake in infancy contributes to obesity risk. While milk intake was only quantified once, data show that nutrient intake at 6 weeks-of-age influences future growth. More research is needed to understand other lifestyle and nutritional factors between 3 and 12 months that contribute to growth trajectories and weight during infancy. Funding SourcesNational Dairy Council, NIH RO1DK107561, The Gerber Foundation, The Doris Kelley Christopher Foundation.

Dietary oleic acid is inversely associated with pancreatic cancer – Data from food diaries in a cohort study

BackgroundDietary oleic acid may prevent pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) by reducing hyperinsulinaemia which can otherwise promote DNA damage and tumour growth. Results from previous epidemiological studies investigating oleic acid are inconsistent. This study aims to clarify the relationship between dietary oleic acid intake and the risk of developing PDA using nutritional information from food diaries plus published serum biomarker data from HbA1c. Methods23,658 participants, aged 40–74 years, were recruited into EPIC-Norfolk and completed 7-day food diaries which recorded; foods, brands and portion sizes to calculate nutrient intakes. Serum HbA1c was measured at recruitment in 11,147 participants (48.7% of cohort). Hazard ratios (HRs) for quintiles of dietary oleic acid intake and serum HbA1c were estimated using Cox regression. Additional analyses were made according to whether body mass index (BMI) was greater or less than 25 kg/m2 as this influences hyperinsulinaemia. Results88 participants (55% women) developed PDA after a mean follow-up of 8.4 years (SD = 3.9) (mean age at diagnosis = 72.6 years, SD = 8.8). A decreased risk of PDA was associated with increased dietary oleic acid intake (highest vs lowest quintile, HR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.10–0.81, P trend across quintiles = 0.011), with statistical significance maintained when BMI>25 kg/m2 but not if BMI<25 kg/m2. An elevated serum HbA1c was associated with increased risk of disease (highest vs lowest quintiles, HR = 6.32, 95% CI = 1.38–28.89, P for trend = 0.004). ConclusionsThe data supports a protective role of oleic acid against development of PDA in those with higher BMIs possibly through influencing hyperinsulinaemia. Oleic acid intake should be accurately measured in future aetiological studies.

A systematic review of methods to assess intake of saturated fat (SF) among healthy European adults and children: a DEDIPAC (Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity) study

BackgroundDietary fat is an essential macronutrient. However, saturated fact has been associated with negative health outcomes including cardiovascular disease. Shifting consumption from saturated fat to unsaturated fats and limiting the level of saturated fat in the diet has been recommended. Currently, there is no standard method to measure saturated fat intake in etiologic studies. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain a reliable picture of saturated fat intake in Europe. To inform the development of the DEDIPAC (DEterminants of DIet and Physical Activity) toolbox of methods, we aimed to identify the assessment methods and specific instruments which have been used to assess saturated fat intake among children or adults in pan-European studies.MethodsThree electronic databases were searched for English language studies of any design which assessed intake of saturated fat. Reference lists were hand-searched. Studies were included if they were conducted in two or more European countries, and involved healthy, free-living children and adults.ResultsThe review identified 20 pan-European studies which assessed saturated fat intake. Food Frequency Questionnaires (n = 8) and diet records (n = 7) were most common, followed by 24-h recalls (n = 5). Methods differed in portion size estimation and the composition data which was used to calculate nutrient intake. Of the instruments used in more than two European countries, five Food Frequency Questionnaires had been specifically tested for validity to assess saturated fat intake; four among adults (Food4me, PURE, IMMIDIET, Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE)) and one among children (used by Piqueras et al.).ConclusionsA standardised approach to portion size estimation and a common source of food composition data are required to measure saturated fat intake across Europe effectively. Only five instruments had been used in more than two European countries and specifically tested for validity to assess saturated fat intake. These instruments may be most appropriate to evaluate intake of saturated fat in future pan-European studies. However, only two instruments had been tested for validity in more than one European country. Future work is needed to assess the validity of the identified instruments across European countries.

Nutritional Status, Nutrient Intake and Anthropometric Indices of Children from Agri-business Families, South Africa

Food producing families are presumed nutrition secure. This study sought to evaluate the nutritional status of children from historically disadvantaged agri-business families. A purposeful sample comprised of 263 agri-business households, and 302 children aged 5-13 years. A 24h recall and food frequency questionnaires were administered along with other questionnaires on the households’ socio-economic status and feeding practices, and the caregivers’ nutritional knowledge. Food models and Food finder III nutritional software were used to calculate nutrient intake. Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version 20, was used to perform descriptive, correlation and non-parametric statistical analyses. The households had low food variety and debatably high dietary diversity scores. Generally, nutrient intake varied (p≤0.05) with children’s age and gender. Most children had normal weight-to-age (80.14%), normal height-to-age (90.7%) and normal body mass index-for-age Z-scores (56.57%). The children’s nutritional status was found to be the function of low farm and non-farm income, low expenditure on food, and low educational status of caregivers. The children did not necessarily have elevated feeding patterns, and nutrient intake. The majority had normal anthropometric indices, although obesity appeared a creeping problem. Nutrition education, diversification and intensification of agri-business practices were highly recommended.

Nutrient Intake and Digestibility in Merino Sheep Fed Peanut Straw

This study aimed to compare nutrient intake and digestibility between male and female Merino fed peanut straw as sole feed. Four male and five female Merino sheep ages 10 to 12 month with average weight of 40 kg were used in this study. All animals were confined in individual metabolism cages and nylon nets were fitted bellow the cages for faecal collection. This experiment was done with 14 d adaptation period and 7 d collection period. Representative sample of feed, refusal feed, and faeces were analysed proximate including dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and extract-free nitrogen (EFN). Data collected were used to calculate nutrient intake and digestibility. All nutrient intake in male Merino was higher (P<0.05) than female one, whereas digestibility of DM, CP, and CF in male Merino sheep were higher (P<0.05) than female sheep. It could be concluded male Merino sheep consumed feed more than female, but they had similar value of digestibility.

Creation of a database for the estimation of cereal fibre content in foods

Food composition data provides a useful tool to calculate nutrient intake based on reported dietary consumption. This intake data may then be analysed for associations with health outcomes. Despite evidence for favourable health outcomes associated with cereal fibre intake, there is no existing quantification of cereal fibre within the vast majority of food databases. This study aimed to expand an existing Australian food database, the AUSNUT 2011–13, to include cereal fibre content of all foods and food products (n=5741). Cereal fibre content (g) per 100g was calculated using a systematic recipe-based approach, a food label-based approach and input from manufacturers. Overall 1918 foods were identified as containing ≫>0.1% cereal fibre, spanning 19 of 24 major food groups. While the Cereal based products and dishes group contained the majority (47.2%) of these foods, the vast range of contributing food groups indicates the presence of cereal fibre in small amounts in a wide variety of food products. This paper describes methods that can be adapted for use within databases outside Australia. The database may allow assessment of cereal fibre intake within any Australian group that can then be applied in determining associations of cereal fibre intake with health outcomes.

Canadian Nutrient File (CNF): Update on Canadian food composition activities

A new update of Canada’s food composition database, the Canadian Nutrient File (CNF) 2015, is now available on our website at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cnf. Users will find updates to many food categories, as well as additions to better reflect the continually changing food market. For 12 updated food categories, the nutrient profiles were obtained through our relatively new Sampling and Nutrient Analysis program for sample collection and analysis of Canadian food samples. Depending on the nature of the food market for a given category, the method approach to developing a sampling plan can vary. The approaches developed are outlined in this paper. The goal of CNF sampling is to provide generic food profiles that are representative of at least 85% of the market presented to the Canadian consumer. The updated nutrient data are being used to calculate nutrient intakes from the 2015 Canadian national nutrition survey, as well as inform a multitude of nutrition studies, policies and health promotion activities in Canada.

Eating Ready-to-Eat Cereal for Breakfast is Positively Associated With Daily Nutrient Intake, but Not Weight, in Mexican-American Children and Adolescents

Ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) has been associated with improved nutrient intake and weight status, but intake has not been studied in Mexican-American (MA) children. The objective of this study was to assess whether nutrient intake, mean adequacy ratio (MAR), and weight were associated with classification of 3 breakfast consumption groups: breakfast skippers, RTEC breakfast consumers, and other breakfast (OB) consumers. Data on MA children (6–12 years; n = 1060) and adolescents (13–18 years; n = 1395) who participated in the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. One 24-hour diet recall was used to calculate nutrient intakes and MAR for micronutrients. Weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were evaluated. For statistical analyses, between-group differences in mean covariate-adjusted nutrient intake, unadjusted MAR, and unadjusted weights were examined. Nine percent of children and 28% of adolescents skipped breakfast; 34% and 22% of those age groups consumed RTEC breakfasts, respectively. Children who consumed an RTEC breakfast had higher intakes of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, and zinc than did children in the OB consumption group and breakfast skippers. Ready-to-eat cereal breakfast consumers also had a higher MAR and higher intakes of phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium than did breakfast skippers but not than OB consumers. Ready-to-eat cereal breakfast consumers had lower intakes of total fat, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and cholesterol than did OB consumers. In adolescents, compared with breakfast skippers or OB consumers, RTEC breakfast consumers had a higher MAR and higher intakes of vitamins A, B6, and B12; thiamin; riboflavin; niacin; folate; phosphorus; iron; and zinc. Carbohydrate intake was higher in RTEC breakfast consumers than in skippers or OB consumers. Children who consumed OB had lower mean body mass index and waist circumference than did those children who skipped breakfast. In MA children and adolescents, RTEC breakfast consumers had improved nutrient intake compared with breakfast skippers and OB consumers, and RTEC should be encouraged as a convenient, low-fat, nutrient-dense breakfast option.

Maternal dietary folate, folic acid and vitamin D intakes during pregnancy and lactation and the risk of cows' milk allergy in the offspring.

Maternal nutrient intake during pregnancy and lactation potentially influences the development of allergic diseases. Cows' milk allergy (CMA) is often the first manifestation of atopic diseases, but the impact of early nutritional influences on CMA has not been explored. The associations between maternal intakes of folate, folic acid and vitamin D during pregnancy and lactation were addressed in a prospective, population-based birth cohort within the Finnish Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Study. Mothers of 4921 children during pregnancy and 2940 children during lactation provided information on maternal dietary intake during the 8th month of pregnancy and the 3rd month of lactation using a detailed, validated FFQ. Information on diagnosed CMA in the offspring was obtained from a medical registry as well as queried from the parents. The Finnish food composition database was used to calculate nutrient intake. Logistic regression was applied for statistical analyses. Folate intake and folic acid and vitamin D supplement use were associated with an increased risk of CMA in the offspring, whereas vitamin D intake from foods during pregnancy was associated with a decreased risk of CMA. Thus, maternal nutrient intake during pregnancy and lactation may affect the development of CMA in offspring. Supplementation with folic acid may not be beneficial in terms of CMA development, especially in children of allergic mothers. The association between dietary supplement use and CMA risk can at least partly be explained by increased health-seeking behaviour among more educated mothers who also use more dietary supplements.

Novel dietary intake assessment in populations with poor literacy.

Cultural and/or environmental barriers make the assessment of dietary intake in rural populations challenging. We aimed to assess the accuracy of a meal recall questionnaire, adapted for use with impoverished South Indian populations living in rural areas. Dietary data collected by recall versus weighed meals were compared. Data were obtained from 45 adults aged 19-85 years, living in rural Andhra Pradesh, who were recruited by convenience sampling. Weighed meal records (WMRs) were conducted in the household by a researcher aided by a trained field worker. The following day, field workers conducted a recall interview with the same participant. Eight life size photographs of portions of South Indian foods were created to aid each participant's recall and a database of nutrients was developed to calculate nutrient intake. Pearson correlations were used to assess the strength of associations between intake of energy and nutrients calculated from meal recalls versus WMRs. Least products regression was conducted to examine fixed and proportional bias. Bland-Altman plots were constructed to measure systematic or differential bias. Significant correlations were observed between estimates for energy and nutrients obtained by the two methods (r2=0.19-0.67, p<0.001). No systematic bias was detected by Bland-Altman plots. Recall method underestimated the intake of protein and fat in a manner proportional to the level of intake. Our culturally adapted meal recall questionnaire provides an accurate measure for assessment of the intake of energy, macronutrients and some micronutrients in rural Indian populations.

Quality of dietary intake in relation to body composition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation

A poor dietary quality may accelerate disturbances in body composition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but only limited studies have investigated dietary intake from this perspective. The objective of the current study was to investigate dietary intake in relation to low fat-free mass and abdominal obesity in COPD. Dietary intake was assessed by means of a cross-check dietary history method in 564 COPD patients referred for pulmonary rehabilitation. The Dutch Food Composition Database was used to calculate nutrient intake, which was compared with the 2006 recommendations from the Dutch Health Council. Body composition was assessed by DEXA scan. In general, the reported intake of macronutrients represented a typical western diet. With regard to micronutrients, vitamin D and calcium intakes were below the recommended levels in the majority of patients (>75%), whereas vitamin A, C and E intakes were below the recommended levels in over one-third of patients. Patients with inadequate vitamin D intake more frequently reported a low intake of protein (P=0.02) and micronutrients (P<0.001). Patients with a low fat-free mass index (FFMI) more often had low intake of protein, while abdominally obese patients more often had low intake of protein and most micronutrients (P<0.05). Patients with both low FFMI and abdominal obesity appeared most often to be consuming a poor-quality diet. Our data indicate that dietary quality is low in COPD patients referred for pulmonary rehabilitation and differs between patients with different body composition profiles.

Analysis of the drinks that contribute to the hydration of andalusian sportspeople

ObjectivesTo estimate the water balance in a healthy population of sportspeople from Southern Spain and determine the sources of their fluid intake, evaluating the contribution of different types of drink and comparing the results by sex and province of residence. MethodsThree hundred eighty-six sportspeople (231 males, 152 females) were enrolled in the study. A questionnaire was administered to calculate nutrient intake through diet and physical activity, and anthropometric measures were taken according to ISAK standards. SPSS-15 was used for data analyses. ResultsFruit juice, tap water, bottled water, processed fruit juice, carbonated drinks, and isotonic drinks comprised 96% of the total water intake. Simple sugar consumption represented 4.44% of daily calorie intake. Significant differences were found between sexes and between professionals and amateurs. The amount of drinks consumed varied as a function of the quality of the drinking water, which significantly differed among the eight Andalusian provinces. ConclusionThis study population did not fully meet fluid intake recommendations, compliance with hydration recommendations varied as a function of the sex and the amateur or professional status of these sportspeople. The pattern of drinks consumption also differed according to their place of residence.