Changes In Diet Patterns Research Articles

Obesity and Colorectal Cancer: A Narrative Review.

Background and Objectives: Cancer is a multicausal disease, and environmental, cultural, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and genetic factors can influence the risk of developing cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as the third most common cancer globally. Some countries have observed a rise in the incidence of CRC, especially among young people. This increase is associated with lifestyle changes over the last few decades, including changes in diet patterns, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Currently, obesity and overweight account for approximately 39% of the world's population and increase the risk of overall mortality of certain cancer types. This study aims to conduct a literature review examining the association between obesity and CRC. Materials and Methods: This narrative review explored the pathophysiological mechanisms, treatment strategies, and challenges related to obesity and CRC. Results: Several studies have established a clear causal relationship between obesity and CRC, showing that individuals with morbid obesity are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. The adipose tissue, particularly the visceral, secretes proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein. Chronic inflammation is closely linked to cancer initiation and progression, with a complex interplay of molecular mechanisms underlying this association. Obesity can complicate the treatment of CRC due to several factors, reducing the therapeutic effectiveness and increasing the risk for adverse events during treatment. Dietary modification, calorie restriction, and other types of weight-control strategies can reduce the risk of CRC development and improve treatment outcomes. Conclusions: Obesity is intricately linked to CRC development and progression, making it a crucial target for intervention, whether through diet therapy, physical exercises, medical therapy, or bariatric surgery.

Conceptual Study of Heart Disease and its Management: An Ayurvedic Perspective

Heart diseases have a large share amongst non-communicable diseases. India is currently heading towards becoming a heart disease capital of world. This puts a tremendous pressure on available resources of medical and surgical management. Thus, it would be a great asset if these diseases could be managed through traditional system of medicine like Ayurveda. According to latest data of American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke remain the No. 1 killer of men and women causing 36 percent of all the deaths per year. Changes in diet pattern, dietary habits and lifestyle, certain social and environmental changes have led to us in the era of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, cardiac diseases and many more diseases. There are a number of drugs and medicinal preparations described in the texts of Ayurveda like Arjuna, Tagara, Haritaki, Tambula, Brahmi etc, having wonderful effects in CVD. Various techniques of Yoga, Pranayama (breathing practices), spiritual upliftment are having excellent preventive and therapeutic effects on anxiety, hypertension etc. which are main risk factors of heart disorders.

Evaluation of a mobile behavior change program for weight loss in breast cancer survivors: A prospective single-arm pilot study.

12070 Background: Post-diagnosis weight gain is common among women with early-stage breast cancer and is associated with increased risk of recurrence, breast cancer death, and all-cause mortality. Intentional weight loss following diagnosis is difficult to maintain. Targeted lifestyle interventions focusing on behavioral changes and education that can be implemented long-term are needed. Methods: This was a prospective single-arm pilot study in patients with history of early-stage breast cancer (NCT04753268). Key eligibility criteria included body mass index (BMI) ≥27.5 kg/m2, stage I-III breast cancer, and completion of active cancer treatment ≥6 months prior to study enrollment. Patients were recruited at the Dempsey Center in Lewiston, ME and via social media. Participants were given access to the Noom mobile application, which utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and self-determination theory to induce behavior change using an educational curriculum of daily articles, virtual health coaching, social networking, food records, and physical activity logs. The primary endpoint was change in self-reported weight from baseline to 26 weeks. Secondary endpoints included change in physical activity measured using step count and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), change in diet patterns analyzed using the Nutrition Data System for Research, patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, and metrics for engagement with the mobile application. Results: 31 patients were enrolled; 24 at the Dempsey Center and 7 via social media. Mean age was 56.8 and mean baseline BMI was 33.5 kg/m2. Mean weight change was -4.8 kg (range +0.6 to -19.9 kg, p < 0.001) and mean percent weight change was -5.6%; 11/31 patients (35.5%) lost ≥5% of their initial weight. Average daily step count increased by 54.7% (p = 0.004). Mean GPAQ score for physical activity increased from 990 to 1773 (p = 0.01), and the proportion of patients who met physical activity guidelines increased from 45.1% to 74.2%. Mean energy intake did not change significantly over 26 weeks (p = 0.779). Improvements were observed in PROMIS-Physical Functioning T-scores and Body Image Scale scores (p = 0.04, p < 0.001 respectively). Metrics of engagement with Noom that were predictive of weight loss ≥5% included total articles read (p = 0.012), total weights logged (p = 0.006), total food records logged (p = 0.001), messages sent to coach (p = 0.001), and number of times the application was opened (p = 0.014). Conclusions: In this pilot study, breast cancer survivors lost weight and became more physically active using a commercially-available mobile application. This digital weight loss program is a scalable intervention, and these findings support future studies investigating impact on breast cancer outcomes. Clinical trial information: NCT04753268 .

Assessment of nutritional status and adequacy of fiber intake in a group of obese children and adolescents

Background: Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Its prevalence has increased at an alarming rate according to recent WHO reports. Some studies suggest this increase to changes in diet patterns with the shift to a processed low-fiber diet. Dietary fiber has shown different protective health benefits against obesity and its comorbidities. Current dietary fiber intake status in obese children and adolescents is understudied. Aim of the work: to assess the adequacy of fiber intake in obese children and adolescents. Methods: A observation of a group of obese pediatric patients. All included patients were subjected to detailed medical history and clinical examination obtained from interviews with them or their medical records with special emphasis on anthropometric measures in form of weight, height and waist circumference, age of diagnosis, dietary intake, lifestyle, drugs, and possible complications. Dietary assessment through 24 h recall from all participants with an analysis of fiber according to 2nd Edition food composition tables for Egypt of National Institute of Nutrition Results: obese children and adolescents in the current study consumed less than 25% of their daily required intake.

P071 COVID-Related Diet Changes in a Multiethnic Sample of College Students

BackgroundResearch suggests varied dietary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including an increase in meal and snack frequency. While some studies report an increase in home cooking and fresh produce consumption, others report less favorable changes in diet patterns. Limited research examines these patterns in college students.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study explored self-reported changes in food intake patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in a multiethnic sample of college students.Study Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA web-based survey was administered to students enrolled in a general education introductory nutrition course during the 2020-2021 academic year. Two open-ended items were used to capture self-reported changes in food intake and drivers of those changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Food insecurity was assessed using the USDA six-item food security module.Measurable Outcome/AnalysisTwo researchers collaborated to develop a codebook and then assign codes independently to open-ended responses. Chi-square tests were used to investigate relationships between food security status and reported diet changes.ResultsParticipants (n = 436) were predominantly (77%) female; 39% identified as Hispanic/Latino, 33% identified as Asian/Pacific Islander, and 19% identified as Caucasian. A majority of participants (n = 295, 67.7%) reported diet changes as a result of the pandemic. Participants indicated mixed impacts on food intake, such as an increase or decrease in food intake, snacking more, eating less healthy, or eating healthier. Participants attributed diet changes to increased health consciousness, increased time at home, eating more home-prepared foods, changes in activity level, and increased feelings of boredom. Among respondents who reported a COVID-related diet impact, those experiencing food insecurity were more likely to report eating less healthy because of the pandemic (P = 0.01).ConclusionsA majority of students reported a change in food intake; while the type of change varied, food insecurity emerged as a factor significantly associated with self-reported dietary changes considered less healthy.FundingNone

Multinational dietary changes and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic-findings from Israel

BackgroundIncreased anxiety was frequently reported during the 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic. An association between anxiety and increased body weight has been documented. Identifying associations between diet quality and anxiety may facilitate the development of preventive dietary policy, particularly relevant since obesity appears to increase the risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes. In this study we aim to examine associations between changes in diet pattern and body weight and anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic among Israeli respondents to an international online survey.MethodsConducted between March 30–April 252,020, this was cross-sectional, international and online study. The questionnaire was developed and tested in Hebrew and translated into six other languages: English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Italian, and Russian. The survey was conducted on a Google Survey platform, the link to which was posted on several social media platforms. Adults aged 18 or older who saw and responded to the link on a social media site comprised the study population.ResultsOf the 3979 eligible respondents, 1895 indicated their current location as Israel. Most Israeli respondents completed the survey in Hebrew (83.2%) followed by Arabic (9.4%), though responses were recorded in all seven of the survey languages. The median age was 33 (IQ = 22) years, and 75.7% were female. Almost 60% indicated that their pre-pandemic diet was healthier than their current diet, and 25.2% indicated they had gained weight during the pandemic. The median Mediterranean diet score was 9 (IQ = 3). While the median General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) score was 5 (IQ = 8), only 37.3% of participants reported at least mild anxiety (a GAD-7 score of 5 or more), while 10.7% reported moderate anxiety or greater (a GAD-7 score of 10 or more). In a multivariate logistic regression model of at least mild anxiety, being male and completing the survey in Hebrew significantly reduced odds of at least mild anxiety, while a worsening of diet quality during the pandemic, weight gain, and isolation significantly increased odds of at least mild anxiety.ConclusionsDuring the COVID pandemic, changes in nutrition quality and habits were associated with greater anxiety. These findings suggest the need for routine and continuous surveillance of the nutritional and psychological consequences of outbreaks as part of healthcare preparedness efforts. Organizations responsible for community-based health services (such as Israeli health plans) should adopt specific interventions to improve case finding and support individuals at increased risk of anxiety and declining nutrition status within primary healthcare settings. These interventions should include the provision of appropriate diagnostic instruments, training of medical staff, feedback to physicians and nurses, and raising awareness among the relevant patient population and their caregivers. Primary care physicians should refer people with high anxiety or substantial weight gain during the pandemic to appropriate mental health and dietetic treatment, as needed.Trial registrationNCT04353934.

Assessment of knowledge in healthcare workers about diabetes and complication attending structured workshop before Ramadan.

Objectives: Ramadan comes every year, in which Muslims fast for a month according to lunar calendar, which is shorter in duration, and hence can result in Ramadan rotating in different seasons in the same country. Having diabetes, demands a change in life style during fasting, with regular exercise and change in diet patterns. International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has formulated Diabetes and Ramadan (DAR) guidelines, which provide guidance. Assess the knowledge of Healthcare workers before workshop, and to compare afterwards. Study Design: Experimental Study. Setting: Medical Unit-III, Diabetes Endocrine and Metobilc Center Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. Period: 2 years, 2019 and 2020. Material & Methods: This study was carried out on the participants of workshop. A pretest was given to participants. Questions assessed the knowledge on Complications, Risk Stratification, Diet and Exercise, when to break their fast and adjustment in the dosage of different medications used by diabetics. A 90 minute interactive workshop was carried out. Participants were encouraged to question and get justifications for better understanding. Afterwards, a posttest was carried out. Data was assessed using SPSS, and a simple t-test was applied. Results: There was gross improvement in retention of knowledge in all areas. It was also statistically significant when t-test was applied. Conclusion: Interactive workshop pattern improves the retention of knowledge among participants. It was a better way to deliver knowledge, than conventional lecture.

Changes in dietary patterns among youths in China during COVID-19 epidemic: The COVID-19 impact on lifestyle change survey (COINLICS)

Limited studies have focused on how COVID-19 outbreak and thereby lockdown have affected the youth's diet patterns. This study aimed to assess changes in diet patterns among youths in China under the COVID-19 lockdown, based on the COVID-19 Impact on Lifestyle Change Survey (COINLICS), a nationwide retrospective survey distributed via social media platforms during 9–12 May 2020 where 10,082 youth participants in China have voluntarily reported their basic sociodemographic information and routine diet patterns in the months before and after COVID-19 lockdown. We used paired t-tests or χ2 tests to evaluate the significance of differences in consumption patterns of 12 major food groups and beverages across educational levels, between sexes, and before and after COVID-19 lockdown. During the COVID-19 lockdown, significant decreases were observed in the frequency of intake of rice, meat, poultry, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, soybean products, and dairy products, with significant sex differences (females consuming more rice, fresh vegetables and fruit and less meat, poultry, soybean and dairy products than males). Significant increases were observed in the frequency of consumption of wheat products, other staple foods, and preserved vegetables, with males consuming these foods more frequently than females. Graduate students consumed most foods more frequently except rice and other staple foods and preserved vegetables. The frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption had decreased while frequency of tea drinking had increased. The participating youths' diet patterns had significantly changed during the COVID-19 lockdown, with heterogeneities observed to different extents between sexes and across educational levels. Our findings would inform policy-makers and health professionals of these changes in time for better policy making and public health practice.

Evaluation of ocular accommodation, convergence and fusional vergence changes during Ramadan

Introduction: There are a few researches regarding the effects of Islamic fasting on visual system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on the amplitude of accommodation (AA), near point of convergence (NPC), positive and negative fusional vergences (PFV and NFV, respectively) in visually healthy fasters. Methods: AA, NPC, PFV and NFV at far (6m) and near (40cm) were measured in 30 male students. Nutritional habits in a week before each examination visit were assessed with the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Results: Mean age and fasting average experience were 23.9 and 10 years, respectively. AA and NPC showed significant changes (p<0.05) during Ramadan; but there was no significant difference before and after Ramadan in these parameters. NFV blur, break and recovery points at far significantly reduced in Ramadan than before (p=0.003, p=0.005, p=0.003, respectively) with insignificant compensation after Ramadan. Results showed that there was no significant correlation between changes in diet pattern and AA, NPC and distant NFV variations (p<0.05). Conclusion: Some visual problems may be reported at far and near visual tasks during Ramadan; but most of the problems may be resolved after it. Some visual preparations may be needed for more effective visual activities during Ramadan; essentially for students with intensive visual tasks. Vision therapy may be suggested along with nutrient pattern improvement during Ramadan.

Effect of genetic testing for risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus on health behaviors and outcomes: study rationale, development and design

BackgroundType 2 diabetes is a prevalent chronic condition globally that results in extensive morbidity, decreased quality of life, and increased health services utilization. Lifestyle changes can prevent the development of diabetes, but require patient engagement. Genetic risk testing might represent a new tool to increase patients' motivation for lifestyle changes. Here we describe the rationale, development, and design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the clinical and personal utility of incorporating type 2 diabetes genetic risk testing into comprehensive diabetes risk assessments performed in a primary care setting.Methods/DesignPatients are recruited in the laboratory waiting areas of two primary care clinics and enrolled into one of three study arms. Those interested in genetic risk testing are randomized to receive either a standard risk assessment (SRA) for type 2 diabetes incorporating conventional risk factors plus upfront disclosure of the results of genetic risk testing ("SRA+G" arm), or the SRA alone ("SRA" arm). Participants not interested in genetic risk testing will not receive the test, but will receive SRA (forming a third, "no-test" arm). Risk counseling is provided by clinic staff (not study staff external to the clinic). Fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference are measured at baseline and 12 months, as are patients' self-reported behavioral and emotional responses to diabetes risk information. Primary outcomes are changes in insulin resistance and BMI after 12 months; secondary outcomes include changes in diet patterns, physical activity, waist circumference, and perceived risk of developing diabetes.DiscussionThe utility, feasibility, and efficacy of providing patients with genetic risk information for common chronic diseases in primary care remain unknown. The study described here will help to establish whether providing type 2 diabetes genetic risk information in a primary care setting can help improve patients' clinical outcomes, risk perceptions, and/or their engagement in healthy behavior change. In addition, study design features such as the use of existing clinic personnel for risk counseling could inform the future development and implementation of care models for the use of individual genetic risk information in primary care.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00849563

Association of 1-y changes in diet pattern with cardiovascular disease risk factors and adipokines: results from the 1-y randomized Oslo Diet and Exercise Study

Background:We hypothesized that favorable changes in dietary patterns would lead to a reduction in body size and an improvement in metabolic status.Objective: The objective was to study changes in diet patterns relative to changes in body size, blood pressure, and circulating concentrations of lipids, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and other cytokines in the context of a 1-y randomized intervention study.Design: For 1 y, 187 men aged 45 ± 2 y, ≈50% of whom met the criteria of the metabolic syndrome, were randomly assigned to a diet protocol (n = 45), an exercise protocol (n = 48), a protocol of diet plus exercise (n = 58), or a control protocol (n = 36). A previously defined a priori diet score was created by summing tertile rankings of 35 food group variables; a higher score generally reflected recommended dietary changes in the trial (mean ± SD at baseline: 31 ± 6.5; range: 15–47).Results: Over the study year, the diet score increased by ≈2 ± 5.5 in both diet groups, with a decrease of an equivalent amount in the exercise and control groups. The weight change was −3.5 ± 0.6 kg/10-point change in diet score (P < 0.0001), similarly within each intervention group, independently of the change in energy intake or baseline age and smoking status. Weight change was attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for intervention group and percentage body fat. Subjects with an increased diet score had more favorable changes in other body size variables, systolic blood pressure, and blood lipid, glucose, insulin, and adiponectin concentrations. Change in diet score was unrelated to resistin and several cytokines.Conclusion: The change toward a more favorable diet pattern was associated with improved body size and metabolic profile.

I Get So Hungry (review)

Reviewed by: I Get So Hungry Karen Coats Campbell, Bebe Moore I Get So Hungry illus. by Amy Bates. Putnam, 2008 32p ISBN 978-0-399-24311-0 $16.99 R 6–9 yrs Nikki is excited to meet her new teacher, Mrs. Patterson, on the first day of school. She’s a big woman, and the overweight Nikki soon sees in her a kindred spirit, as Mrs. Patterson sneaks a cookie from her purse during reading time. Nikki, too, sneaks food out of her backpack during the day, mostly to make herself feel better when the boys in her class tease her, and it isn’t long before people are saying that “Nikki Thicky is Fatty Patty’s pet.” One day, Mrs. Patterson doesn’t show up for work, and Nikki infers from whispered conversations that whatever is keeping her out of school has to do with her weight. Finding little support from her mom for a change in diet patterns, Nikki joins a slightly slimmed-down Mrs. Patterson in her morning walk around the schoolyard when the teacher returns to school. Mom is finally convinced to get moving herself when she sees the changes in Mrs. Patterson at a teacher’s conference. The story is fairly programmatic, but it’s broadly thoughtful and it addresses a pressing problem with understanding. Moore’s text explores both the emotional and practical reasons for Nikki’s destructive eating habits; as a child, she is at the mercy of what her mother is willing to buy and familial notions of body norms, but the problem is exacerbated by Nikki using food to calm her down when she is angry and lift her spirits when she is sad. The illustrations are occasionally metaphoric, with Nikki eating the mean boy or surrounded by a swirl of junk food, resulting in a nice counterpoint to the realistic text; the figures themselves, in generously textured watercolors, are all attractive and appealing in their various states of emotion. While there is nothing subtle about the message, the text is empowering and even inspiring for children dealing with similar issues. [End Page 419] Copyright © 2008 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Sudarshan Kriya Yoga for Improving Antioxidant Status and Reducing Anxiety in Adults

Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is a practice designed to minimize stress in living. We conducted a study among adults in a free-living population in Pune, India, to evaluate the effect of 2 months of SKY practice on health and behavior. The study involved 37 apparently healthy adult volunteers who were given a 6-day course of training in rhythmic breathing, meditation, yogic postures, interactive discussions for attitude training, and adherence to a vegetarian diet, followed with 7 weeks of short, 30-minute daily sessions of practice of SKY and once-weekly 75-minute sessions of SKY. State and trait anxiety scores and patience score were used as behavioral outcome measures, together with assessment of daily diet, micronutrient intakes, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, assessment of morbidity, and measurement of blood levels of glucose, lipids, zinc, superoxide dismutase (SOD) as an indicator of antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation. The scores and other measures were recorded at the beginning and again at the end of the 2-month study period. Practice of SKY for 2 months was accompanied by a significant reduction in anxiety score (P = 0.039) and stress score (P = 0.017), and by marginal improvement in patience score (P = 0.134). Although no significant changes in diet pattern were seen, a significant increase in antioxidant capacity as SOD was observed after SKY practice (P < 0.00001), as was also a reduction in triglycerides (P = 0.025). A marginal reduction was observed in oxidative stress as reflected by plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) (P = 0.20). A sense of well being was reported by 67% of the subjects, improved sleep quality was reported by 50%, and 33% experienced increased enthusiasm for doing their work. Regular practice of SKY for 30 minutes per day across the 2-month study period reduced the anxiety score to a greater extent than did less-frequent, once-weekly practice for 75 minutes. We conclude that SKY is helpful as a regimen with which normal individuals can maintain health.

Lipid Profiles of Judo Athletes during Ramadan

The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) was studied on a battery of blood lipid markers in 15 elite judo athletes during a period when they were maintaining their training load without competing. Nine-to-twelve hours postprandial serum lipid and lipoproteins were measured on five occasions: before, three times during Ramadan, and three weeks post-Ramadan. Dietary data were collected using a 24-hour recall method for three days before, during and after the Ramadan month. Mean energy intake (12.9 MJ/d) remained similar throughout the study as did the macronutrient constituents of the diet. Mean body mass was slightly reduced (2 %; p < 0.01) by the end of Ramadan due mainly to a 0.65 +/- 0.68 kg decrease in body fat (p < 0.05). The RIF produced significant changes in some of the blood lipid levels: both HDL-C and LDL-C increased by 0.12 (p < 0.01) and 0.20 mmol . l (-1) (p < 0.05), respectively. During Ramadan, mean non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels decreased from 0.73 to 0.28 mmol . l (-1) (p < 0.01) during the first week, then increased (p < 0.05) to 1.22 mmol . l (-1) over the middle of Ramadan and recovered to pre-Ramadan concentrations for the end and the post-Ramadan periods. Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1) levels were significantly elevated at the end (p < 0.01) and the post-Ramadan periods (p < 0.05). Three weeks after Ramadan, blood levels of glucose, NEFA, Apo-A1, and Apo-B did not return to the values observed before Ramadan. In conclusion, the present results show that the combination of the change in diet pattern during Ramadan, along with intense exercise training, induced a significant decrease in body mass associated with a reduction in body fat and changes in some of the serum lipids and lipoproteins. Nevertheless, all the measured serum parameters remained within normal levels for young and active individuals. The volunteers, in this study, were able to maintain a constant training load during RIF.

The cumulative dose response effect of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid on blood pressure, plasma lipid profile and diet pattern in mild to moderate essential hypertensive black patients

In this study eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were given in a cumulative manner, every 6 weeks, starting with 10 mg, then 100 mg, 1000 mg and 10 000 mg EPA daily to mild to moderate essential hypertensive black patients. The corresponding DHA doses were 3, 33, 333 and 3333 mg. A control group was given olive oil as placebo for the entire 24 weeks. The placebo group had lower diastolic and systolic blood pressures after 24 weeks than the EPA and DHA group. No effect was seen on plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase at any stage of the trial. In the EPA group plasma free-EPA increased significantly from 1000 mg onwards and plasma free-arachidonic acid (AA) decreased after 1000 mg EPA. No other plasma free essential fatty acid changed during the trial, although the HDL: cholesterol increased slightly but non-significantly with an increase in EPA and DHA. No significant changes in diet pattern or body mass was observed. It is therefore concluded that EPA and DHA supplementation had no beneficial effects in mild to moderate essential hypertensive black patients except for a lowering of plasma AA.

Changes in diet and dental health of children living in the Scottish Island of Lewis.

In 1937, a dental survey in the Island of Lewis, Scotland revealed a simple diet pattern of the people with high fish consumption and very little dental caries amongst the children. The present survey was undertaken to see if any change had occurred in the diet pattern and dental health of the children living on the island now, 30 years later. A team of two dieticians and two dental surgeons completed the survey in 1967 and 1968. Dental caries, gingival health, oral hygiene, tooth mottling and occlusion were all examined, and for selected children and their families, a household diet survey was completed. Fluoride levels of drinking water and teeth were also investigated. The findings compared with those of 30 years ago show a big change in diet pattern, and the dental health of the children has deteriorated significantly.