Consumption Of Whole Grain Foods Research Articles

The Role of Food Insecurity and Dietary Factors on Intensity of Physical Activity

Food insecurity is a prevalent issue among college students and is defined as the lack of access to reliable and nutritionally adequate foods. It leads to poor diet quality and increased anxiety and stress, which can make motivation to participate in physical activity more challenging. However, the specific role that food insecurity plays in physical activity and diet quality among the college population has yet to be thoroughly studied. To address this gap in the literature, the current study aims to assess the impact of food insecurity on diet quality and physical activity. It is hypothesized that those who report food insecurity will engage in less physical activity and have lower diet quality, potentially due to the lack of energy from a poor diet, and the preoccupation with pressing concerns for food access. Individuals over the age of 18 completed an anonymous survey that was distributed via social media and messaging platforms. The survey included demographic questions and seven validated scales including the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, Food Mood Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Health Promoting Activities Scale, and Satisfaction, Alertness, Timing, Effciency, and Duration (SATED) Questionnaire. These scales measured food insecurity status, physical activity levels, self-esteem, dietary habits, perceived stress, health promoting activities, and sleep. Data from 561 individuals were analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coeffcient in IBM SPSS Version 28.0. The results show that being unable to consume nutritiously adequate foods was negatively associated with participating in vigorous exercise (r= -0.122, p< 0.01). However, feeling hungry but not eating and going a whole day without eating were positively associated with performing moderate activity (r= 0.124, p< 0.01; r= 0.130, p< 0.01). Alongside this, it was revealed that consumption of whole grain foods was positively associated with vigorous physical activity and negatively correlated with the consumption of fast or pre-packaged foods. (r= 0.168, p<0.01; r= -0.124 p<0.01). In addition, the inability to eat healthy and nutritious foods was found to be negatively associated with consumption of whole grain foods and positively associated with the consumption of fast or pre-packaged foods (r= -0.110 p<0.01; r= 0.115 p< 0.01). These findings confirm that food insecurity is associated with lower diet quality and likely moderates the type of exercise performed. These phenomena may be explained by potentially lower metabolic energy, constant food-related stress, which negatively impacts motivation to perform, and the impact of socioeconomic status on the physical activity of college students. No funding was provided to conduct this research study. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Cereals and cereal products - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023.

Cereals and cereal products have traditionally been staple foods in many countries including in the Nordics and Baltics. Cereals can be consumed with their entire grain kernel and are then referred to as whole grains or can be consumed after removal of the bran or germ and are then referred to as refined grains. The terms cereals and grains are often used interchangeably. In this scoping review, we examine the associations between intake of cereals and cereal products and major health outcomes to contribute to up-to-date food-based dietary guidelines for the Nordic and Baltic countries in the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 project. Five qualified systematic reviews that covered non-communicable diseases, mortality, and risk factors were identified, and a supplementary literature search was performed in the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases for more recent studies and other endpoints. Compared to other high-income countries, the Nordic populations have a high consumption of whole grain foods. In some of the countries, rye constitutes a substantial fraction of the cereal consumption. However, few studies are available for specific cereals, and most of the research has been performed in predominantly wheat-consuming populations. The evidence suggests clear dose-response associations between a high intake of whole grains and lower risks of cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, and premature mortality. The lowest risks of morbidity and mortality were observed for 3-7 servings of whole grains per day, equivalent of 90-210 g/day (fresh weight or ready-to-eat whole grain products, such as oatmeal or whole grain rye bread). Evidence from randomized trials indicates that a high intake of whole grains is beneficial for reducing weight gain. There is less evidence for refined grains, but the available evidence does not seem to indicate similar beneficial associations as for whole grains. It is suggested that replacing refined grains with whole grains would improve several important health outcomes. Cereals are plant foods that can be grown in most of the Nordic and Baltic regions.

South African Consumers' Knowledge, Opinions and Awareness of Whole Grains and Their Health Benefits: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey.

Evidence indicates that whole-grain food consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and some cancers. Increasing whole-grain consumption in developing countries is likely to significantly benefit the health of the population. However, there is very limited information on consumer whole-grain knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in developing countries. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1000 South African consumers with sufficient income to make food purchase choices and who were generally representative in terms of gender, age, and ethnicity. Most respondents (64%) were confident of their whole-grain knowledge. However, 60% of all participants selected incorrect definitions of whole grains. Whilst most correctly identified common cereals as whole grains, at most 50% of participants correctly identified common whole-grain foods. Also, whilst most (67%) thought that they were consuming enough whole grains, the majority (62%) underestimated the recommended level of consumption. Furthermore, respondent knowledge regarding whole-grain food attributes and the health benefits of whole-grain consumption was generally poor. Clearly, consumer-focused strategies are needed in developing countries to increase whole-grain food consumption to help the broader population achieve a healthy and sustainable diet. Actions proposed include: simple-to-understand information on whole-grain content relative to recommendations on food product labels, the provision of whole-grain foods in school nutrition schemes, and coordinated social and behavior change communication initiatives.

High consumption of whole grain foods decreases the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease: Framingham Offspring Cohort.

To examine the longitudinal associations between total and individual whole grain (WG) food intake and the risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. This study included 2958 subjects (mean age at baseline was 61 ± 9 years) from the Framingham Offspring Cohort. Standardized interviews, physician examinations, and laboratory tests were collected approximately every 4 years, and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was conducted in cycle 5. Proportional hazards models and cubic spline regression examined associations between WG foods and all-cause dementia and AD dementia. Over an average of 12.6 years of follow-up, there were 322 dementia cases, of which 247 were AD dementia. After multivariate and dietary adjustments, individuals with the highest category for total WG food consumption had a lower risk of all-cause dementia [HR 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.81] and AD dementia (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.46-0.78) than individuals with the lowest category. The results remained comparable in different subgroups stratifying for age, sex, education, body mass index, and smoking status without significant interaction. Moreover, these inverse associations were seen for most individual WG foods except popcorn. A nonlinear dose-response association was shown between total WG intake and all-cause dementia and AD dementia, where the rate reduction slightly plateaued at more than one and two servings/day, respectively. Higher consumption of total and several common individual WG foods was strongly associated with a lower risk of all-cause dementia and AD dementia.

Intake of whole grain foods and risk of coronary heart disease in US men and women

BackgroundEpidemiological studies have demonstrated a favorable association of whole grain intake with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, although whether such an inverse association holds true for individual whole grain foods that have various nutritional profiles has not been examined.MethodsWe followed 74,244 women from Nurses’ Health Study since 1986, 91,430 women from Nurses’ Health Study II since 1991, and 39,455 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study since 1984, who did not have a history of cardiovascular disease or cancer at baseline. Intake of seven individual whole grain foods was repeatedly assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire every 2–4 years since baseline. CHD diagnoses were ascertained through review of medical records or death certificates.ResultsWe documented 9461 CHD cases during an average of 25.8 years’ follow-up. In the multivariable-adjusted model, the pooled hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) of CHD risk corresponding to each one serving/day consumption of total whole grains was 0.93 (0.90–0.95; p trend <0.0001). Higher consumption of most individual whole grain foods was associated with significantly lower risk of CHD. Comparing participants consuming ≥1 serving/day with those consuming < 1 serving/month, the multivariable-adjusted pooled HRs (95% CIs) of CHD were 0.83 (0.78–0.89) for whole grain cold breakfast cereal, 0.92 (0.86–0.99) for dark bread, and 1.08 (0.96–1.22) for popcorn. For other whole grain foods with lower overall intake levels, comparing intake level of ≥2 servings/week with < 1 serving/month, the pooled hazard ratios (95% CIs) were 0.79 (0.74–0.84) for oatmeal, 0.79 (0.71–0.87) for brown rice, 0.84 (0.78–0.90) for added bran, and 0.87 (0.77–0.99) for wheat germ. Cubic spline regression suggested non-linear associations for certain whole grain foods: the risk reduction plateaued approximately over 2 servings/day for total whole grains, 0.5 serving/day for both cold breakfast cereal and dark bread, 0.5 serving/week for oatmeal, 1 serving/week for brown rice, and 2 serving/week for added bran (p for non-linearity <0.01 for all associations).ConclusionsThese data suggest that higher consumption of total whole grains, as well as individual whole grain foods except popcorn, were significantly associated with lower CHD risk. The inverse associations may plateau at various intake levels for total whole grain and individual whole grain foods. This study provides further evidence in support of increasing whole grain intake for the prevention of CHD in US populations.

Whole Grain Consumption and Inflammatory Markers: A Systematic Literature Review of Randomized Control Trials.

Whole grain foods are rich in nutrients, dietary fibre, a range of antioxidants, and phytochemicals, and may have potential to act in an anti-inflammatory manner, which could help impact chronic disease risk. This systematic literature review aimed to examine the specific effects of whole grains on selected inflammatory markers from human clinical trials in adults. As per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) protocol, the online databases MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched from inception through to 31 August 2021. Randomized control trials (RCTs) ≥ 4 weeks in duration, reporting ≥1 of the following: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), were included. A total of 31 RCTs were included, of which 16 studies recruited overweight/obese individuals, 12 had pre-existing conditions, two were in a healthy population, and one study included participants with prostate cancer. Of these 31 RCTs, three included studies with two intervention arms. A total of 32 individual studies measured CRP (10/32 were significant), 18 individual studies measured IL-6 (2/18 were significant), and 13 individual studies measured TNF (5/13 were significant). Most often, the overweight/obese population and those with pre-existing conditions showed significant reductions in inflammatory markers, mainly CRP (34% of studies). Overall, consumption of whole grain foods had a significant effect in reducing at least one inflammatory marker as demonstrated in 12/31 RCTs.

Phytic Acid and Whole Grains for Health Controversy.

Phytate (PA) serves as a phosphate storage molecule in cereals and other plant foods. In food and in the human body, PA has a high affinity to chelate Zn2+ and Fe2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, Mn2+ and Cu2+. As a consequence, minerals chelated in PA are not bio-available, which is a concern for public health in conditions of poor food availability and low mineral intakes, ultimately leading to an impaired micronutrient status, growth, development and increased mortality. For low-income countries this has resulted in communications on how to reduce the content of PA in food, by appropriate at home food processing. However, claims that a reduction in PA in food by processing per definition leads to a measurable improvement in mineral status and that the consumption of grains rich in PA impairs mineral status requires nuance. Frequently observed decreases of PA and increases in soluble minerals in in vitro food digestion (increased bio-accessibility) are used to promote food benefits. However, these do not necessarily translate into an increased bioavailability and mineral status in vivo. In vitro essays have limitations, such as the absence of blood flow, hormonal responses, neural regulation, gut epithelium associated factors and the presence of microbiota, which mutually influence the in vivo effects and should be considered. In Western countries, increased consumption of whole grain foods is associated with improved health outcomes, which does not justify advice to refrain from grain-based foods because they contain PA. The present commentary aims to clarify these seemingly controversial aspects.

Eating Habit during Covid-19

A healthy diet is important for good health and nutrition. Optimal nutrition will improve well-being and may mitigate the danger and morbidity associated with coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute metabolic process syndrome coronavirus combine of (SARS-CoV-2). This book chapter summarizes nutritional guidelines to support good eating habits during Covid-19. The majority of documents enthused the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. 31% of the guidelines highlighted the importance of minerals and vitamins such as zinc and vitamin-C, A, and D to keep up a well-functioning immune system. There was no convincing proof that food or food packaging is expounded to the transmission of COVID-19, yet sensible hygiene practices for handling and making preparing foods were counselled. Keywords : SarsCoV2, COVID-19, eating behaviours

The Triple Jags of Dietary Fibers in Cereals: How Biotechnology Is Longing for High Fiber Grains.

Cereals represent an important source of beneficial compounds for human health, such as macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, and bioactive molecules. Generally, the consumption of whole-grain products is associated with significant health benefits, due to the elevated amount of dietary fiber (DF). However, the consumption of whole-grain foods is still modest compared to more refined products. In this sense, it is worth focusing on the increase of DF fractions inside the inner compartment of the seed, the endosperm, which represents the main part of the derived flour. The main components of the grain fiber are arabinoxylan (AX), β-glucan (βG), and resistant starch (RS). These three components are differently distributed in grains, however, all of them are represented in the endosperm. AX and βG, classified as non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), are in cell walls, whereas, RS is in the endosperm, being a starch fraction. As the chemical structure of DFs influences their digestibility, the identification of key actors involved in their metabolism can pave the way to improve their function in human health. Here, we reviewed the main achievements of plant biotechnologies in DFs manipulation in cereals, highlighting new genetic targets to be exploited, and main issues to face to increase the potential of cereals in fighting malnutrition.

Dietary recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Optimal nutrition can improve well-being and might mitigate the risk and morbidity associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This review summarizes nutritional guidelines to support dietary counseling provided by dietitians and health-related professionals. The majority of documents encouraged the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. Thirty-one percent of the guidelines highlighted the importance of minerals and vitamins such as zinc and vitamins C, A, and D to maintain a well-functioning immune system. Dietary supplementation has not been linked to COVID-19 prevention. However, supplementation with vitamins C and D, as well as with zinc and selenium, was highlighted as potentially beneficial for individuals with, or at risk of, respiratory viral infections or for those in whom nutrient deficiency is detected. There was no convincing evidence that food or food packaging is associated with the transmission of COVID-19, but good hygiene practices for handling and preparing foods were recommended. No changes to breastfeeding recommendations have been made, even in women diagnosed with COVID-19.

Effects of Whole Grain, Compared to Refined Grain, Intake on Subjective Measures of Appetite: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objectives Results from observational studies indicate that whole grain intake is inversely associated with BMI and risk of weight gain. Whole grain intake may influence energy balance and body composition through effects on appetite and thus, energy intake. To evaluate the impact of whole grain food consumption on appetite, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing whole grain food intake and subjective measures of appetite in adults. Methods A search of PubMed, Scopus and Food Science and Technology abstracts yielded 34 RCTs measuring hunger ratings after consuming whole grain foods compared to refined grain controls. Seventeen of these studies (598 subjects), with a total of 33 unique whole grain treatments, reported areas under the curve (AUC) for subjective hunger and were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled estimates from meta-analyses are expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD). Results Intake of whole grain foods resulted in significantly lower subjective hunger AUC (range for AUC times ranged from 120 to 270 min) compared to refined grain foods [SMD −0.36, P &amp;lt; 0.001, 95% CI (−0.48, −0.24)]. Sensitivity analyses were also completed in which studies with AUC values for &amp;lt; and ≥ 180 min were evaluated separately, as well as hunger ratings at the 180 min timepoint alone, and the results were similar to those for the main analysis (SMDs −0.33 to −0.54, all P ≤ 0.03). Conclusions These results support the view that consumption of whole grain foods, compared to refined grain controls, significantly reduces subjective hunger, and this may provide at least part of the explanation for the inverse associations between whole grain food intake and risks for overweight, obesity and weight gain over time. Funding Sources This study was funded by the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Minneapolis, MN and registered with PROSPERO.

Cereal fiber: extrusion modifications for food industry

Although the consumption of whole grain foods has been encouraged due to the association between whole grains and health benefits, changes in the technological parameters and sensory attributes may limit the consumption of these products. This review addressed the effects on technological properties and sensory attributes of using cereal bran fiber in pasta and expanded extrudates (breakfast cereals and snacks). However, there are few studies on the microstructure and the fiber modification of these products, demonstrating that there is a great challenge to solve the technological and sensory problems of fiber-added expanded extruded products.

CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing of Gluten in Wheat to Reduce Gluten Content and Exposure-Reviewing Methods to Screen for Coeliac Safety.

Ingestion of gluten proteins (gliadins and glutenins) from wheat, barley and rye can cause coeliac disease (CD) in genetically predisposed individuals. The only remedy is a strict and lifelong gluten-free diet. There is a growing desire for coeliac-safe, whole-grain wheat-based products, as consumption of whole-grain foods reduces the risk of chronic diseases. However, due to the large number of gluten genes and the complexity of the wheat genome, wheat that is coeliac-safe but retains baking quality cannot be produced by conventional breeding alone. CD is triggered by immunogenic epitopes, notably those present in α-, γ-, and ω-gliadins. RNA interference (RNAi) silencing has been used to down-regulate gliadin families. Recently, targeted gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 has been applied to gliadins. These methods produce offspring with silenced, deleted, and/or edited gliadins, that overall may reduce the exposure of patients to CD epitopes. Here we review methods to efficiently screen and select the lines from gliadin gene editing programs for CD epitopes at the DNA and protein level, for baking quality, and ultimately in clinical trials. The application of gene editing for the production of coeliac-safe wheat is further considered within the context of food production and in view of current national and international regulatory frameworks.

Factors Associated with Identification and Consumption of Whole-Grain Foods in a Low-Income Population

ABSTRACTBackgroundUS Dietary Guidelines include recommendations to increase whole-grain consumption, but most Americans, especially low-income adults, fail to consume adequate amounts.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine major factors that may affect whole-grain consumption among low-income adults.MethodsA mixed methods approach including a whole-grain food identification activity and in-depth interview was used to determine the factors that influence whole-grain consumption based on the constructs of the integrative behavioral model. Participants were recruited from food pantries in the northeastern United States. Descriptive statistics were conducted for demographic data and survey scores, and logistic regression was used to examine differences in whole-grain accuracy by demographic characteristics.ResultsLow-income adults (n = 169) completed a quantitative survey, with a subset (n = 60) recruited for an in-depth qualitative interview. When completing the whole-grain identification activity, most low-income adults identified popcorn incorrectly as refined grain (71%), whereas the refined-grain food commonly identified as whole grain was white rice (42%). Less than half of low-income adults (46%) identified the majority of whole-grain foods correctly. Age, race, and education were not associated with the ability to identify whole-grain foods correctly. However, younger adults (aged 18–49 y) were less likely to identify popcorn as a whole-grain food (OR = 0.42, P = 0.02) compared with older adults (aged ≥50 y). According to the qualitative results, additional barriers, such as perceived cost, may also affect whole-grain food consumption among low-income adults.ConclusionsLow-income adults’ ability to correctly identify whole-grain foods and having a perception that whole-grain foods are higher in cost may be the overarching barriers to consuming adequate amounts. Future efforts should focus on strategies improving identification and seeking affordable whole-grain foods to increase whole-grain consumption in low-income adults.

Possible relation between consumption of different food groups and depression

BackgroundDiverse studies have investigated the relationship between diet and depression. In fact some cross-sectional studies suggested that a healthy diet reduced the risk for depression. The main objective of this study was to assess the relationship of consumption of different food groups with depression. The food groups were selected based on their content of substances that were precursors to neurotransmitters (tryptophan or inositol) or their effect on oxidative stress.MethodsThis observational retrospective study compared the diets of individuals who were with depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory Questionnaire [BDI] ≥ 10; 53 women, 23 men, age 38+/− 11) and with no depressive levels (BDI < 10; 33 women, 23 men, age 41+/− 13). Dietary data were collected from a questionnaire that asked about consumption of legumes, nuts, whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables, chocolate, and sweet foods and refined sugars.ResultsDepressed individuals consumed significantly lower amounts of legumes, fruits, and vegetables, but higher amounts of sweets and refined sugars (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). After statistical adjustment for age and sex, the consumption of no legumes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19–5.67), low consumption of fruits and vegetables (aOR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.18–6.13), and high consumption of sweet foods and refined sugars (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.23–2.99) were significantly associated with depression. The two groups had no significant differences in the consumption of chocolate.DiscussionThe results indicate significant relationships of the consumption of certain foods with depression, although the study design precludes any conclusions regarding causality. Further studies are necessary to determine the causal relationships of the consumption of specific foods with depression, and of depression with the consumption of specific foods.ConclusionIn spite of the limitations, we find that individuals without depression consumed more legumes, fruits, and vegetables, but fewer sweets and pastries than those with depression.

Whole Grains and Phenolic Acids: A Review on Bioactivity, Functionality, Health Benefits and Bioavailability.

Cereal grains represent one of the major sources of human food and nowadays, their production has increased to fulfill the needs of the world’s population. Among whole grains, wheat is the most popular and contributes significantly to the human diet. Whole grains possess great nutritional and bioactive properties due to their fractions, bran and germ, that comprise unique health-promoting bioactive components. The evidence of health benefits in human intervention studies, as well as a World Health Organization report for 2012–2016, supports the dietary consumption of whole grains and whole-grain foods. The inverse correlation between whole grain consumption and the reduced risk of chronic diseases and metabolic syndromes was underlined by several epidemiological studies. This article focuses on the bioactive components of whole grains and their fractions, namely phenolic acids, starting from their chemical structure, bioactivity and bioavailability. According to the conclusive evaluation of the human intervention studies conducted using cereal bran and whole grains intake, the assumption that the bioactive compounds determine health outcomes is illustrated. In the last part of the work, the functional potential and the health claims related to whole grains and bran intake are discussed, as well as new technologies and strategies to enhance their health potential by an increased bioavailability.

Phytochemical Profile of Brown Rice and Its Nutrigenomic Implications.

Whole grain foods have been promoted to be included as one of the important components of a healthy diet because of the relationship between the regular consumption of whole-grain foods and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Rice is a staple food, which has been widely consumed for centuries by many Asian countries. Studies have suggested that brown rice is associated with a wide spectrum of nutrigenomic implications such as anti-diabetic, anti-cholesterol, cardioprotective and antioxidant. This is because of the presence of various phytochemicals that are mainly located in bran layers of brown rice. Therefore, this paper is a review of publications that focuses on the bioactive compounds and nutrigenomic implications of brown rice. Although current evidence supports the fact that the consumption of brown rice is beneficial for health, these studies are heterogeneous in terms of their brown rice samples used and population groups, which cause the evaluation to be difficult. Future clinical studies should focus on the screening of individual bioactive compounds in brown rice with reference to their nutrigenomic implications.

The association of whole and refined grains consumption with psychological disorders among Iranian adults.

Although several studies have examined the link between different types of carbohydrate consumption and depression and anxiety, limited data are available linking whole and refined grains consumption to psychological disorders. We aimed to investigate the association of whole and refined grains consumption with psychological disorders among Iranian adults. A total of 3172 adult people with age range of 18-55years were included in this cross-sectional study. Data on grains consumption were collected using a validated dish-based 106-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. To assess depression and anxiety, Iranian validated version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied. Furthermore, psychological distress was examined using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Psychological disorders were defined based on standard criteria. Mean age of participants was 36.5 ± 7.9years. Women in the third quartile of whole grains consumption had lower odds for having anxiety (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.45-0.85) compared with those in the first quartile. This relationship was also seen even after controlling for potential confounders (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.96). In contrast, compared with the first quartile, women in the highest quartile of refined grains consumption had greater odds to have depression (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.00-3.09) and anxiety (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.00-4.10) after adjusting for covariates. Such relationships were not observed among men. Moderate consumption of whole grain foods was inversely associated with anxiety in women, but not in men. Furthermore, we found a significant positive association between refined grains consumption, depression and anxiety in women.

Whole Grain Intake and Glycaemic Control in Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Backgrounds: There is growing evidence from both observational and intervention studies that Whole Grain (WG) cereals exert beneficial effects on human health, especially on the metabolic profile. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) to assess the acute and medium/long-term effect of WG foods on glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals. Methods: A search for all the published RCT on the effect of WG food intake on glycaemic and insulin response was performed up to December 2016. Effect size consisted of mean difference (MD) and 95% CI between the outcomes of intervention and the control groups using the generic inverse-variance random effects model. Results: The meta-analysis of the 14 studies testing the acute effects of WG foods showed significant reductions of the post-prandial values of the glucose iAUC (0–120 min) by −29.71 mmol min/L (95% CI: −43.57, −15.85 mmol min/L), the insulin iAUC (0–120 min) by −2.01 nmol min/L (95% CI: −2.88, −1.14 nmol min/L), and the maximal glucose and insulin response. In 16 medium- and long-term RCTs, effects of WG foods on fasting glucose and insulin and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance values were not significant. Conclusions: The consumption of WG foods is able to improve acutely the postprandial glucose and insulin homeostasis compared to similar refined foods in healthy subjects. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term effects and the biological mechanisms.

Dietary habits among health professionals working in a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

IntroductionThe burden of diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviours continues to increase in the low- and middle-income countries including South Africa. Among the affected population are the health professionals who are assumed to be knowledgeable about healthy eating.AimThis study aimed to determine the dietary habits of health professionals in a public district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012 among 109 randomly selected health professionals. Each received a questionnaire consisting of mostly closed and few open-ended questions. Its main focus was the dietary and eating habits of the professionals. An ethical clearance was granted by the Medunsa Research and Ethics committee at the University of Limpopo. Permission to conduct the study was sought and obtained from participants as well. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were used to analyse data.ResultsA 100% (109) response rate was achieved. The majority skipped meals especially breakfast with a significant positive correlation between breakfast intake per week and age (r = 0.98, p = 0.048). The majority consumed a lot of unhealthy foods and carbonated beverages with sugar. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, high fibre and whole grain foods was less common.ConclusionThe study showed poor eating habits among participants. Urgent health interventions are therefore indicated to highlight the importance of healthy eating habits among the entire population.