Dark Vegetables Research Articles

The associations between fresh vegetable and fruit consumption and plasma and PET biomarkers in preclinical Alzheimer's disease: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study of Chinese population.

The identification of the modifiable lifestyle factors including dietary habits in older adults of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) and early effective interventions are of great importance. We studied whether the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits was different between cognitively unimpaired (CU) and cognitively impaired (CI) population and mainly investigated the associations between vegetable and fruit consumption and PET and plasma AD biomarkers in older CU adults with higher β-amyloid (Aβ) burden. Older adults with the age of 50-85 years were enrolled for a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. The groups depended on whether the participants were CU or CI. Partial participants whose habits remained unchanged were followed up. The consumption data of vegetables and fruits were collected using a validated self-reported questionnaire. We mainly investigated the associations between vegetable and fruit consumption and various biomarkers in CU participants with positive 18F-florbetapir PET scan (Aβ-PET), part of whom also underwent plasma AD biomarkers tests and 18F-MK6240 PET scan (tau-PET). Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between vegetable and fruit consumption and AD biomarkers. A total of 1433 participants were enrolled, of which CU accounted for 49.4 %. Most of the intake habits of vegetables and fruits was different between CU and CI participants. 177 CU participants with Aβ-PET positive were selected for the following study. Multiple linear regression analysis showed higher consumption of fresh vegetables (>200 g/d), dark vegetables (>100 g/d, ≥2d/week), fruits (>100 g/d), berries (>100 g/d) and grapes (>100 g/d) more or less had associations with the plasma biomarkers including Aβ40, t-Tau, p-Tau-181 and neurofilament light chain as well as amyloid and Tau PET biomarkers. Most of the habits were associated with the change of cognitive function after an approximately two-year follow-up. Especially, higher intakes of fruits and grapes correlated with both lower Aβ and Tau burden and inversely with cognitive decline after follow-up. Our data indicates that higher consumption of vegetables, dark vegetables, fruits, berries and grapes is associated with amyloid and Tau PET and plasma biomarkers in preclinical AD participants and the changes of cognitive function after follow-up. Higher intakes of fruits (>100 g/d) and grapes (>100 g/d) may be more helpful for reducing the risk of AD development.

COVID-19 Implications on School Dietary Behavior in Chinese College Students: Based on the Longitudinal Assessment of Dietary Records from Intelligent Ordering System

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the dietary behavior of college students; however, the persistence of the changes in dietary behavior remains uncertain. This study aims to explore the changes in school food consumption and dietary quality of college students during three distinct COVID-19 periods: pre-epidemic (stage T1), epidemic (stage T2), and post-COVID-19 epidemic (stage T3). Methods: The persistent 6-year data, involving 3,484,081 dietary records from January 2018 to December 2023, for college students were acquired from the “Intelligent Ordering System (IOS)”. School food consumption and total energy intake of each college student per day were evaluated by information on three meals in the IOS combined with the corresponding food database of each dish. The school dietary quality of college students was evaluated by the Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI). Results: In total, 459 college students were included in the T1 period, 530 in the T2 period, and 1316 in the T3 period. At stages T2 and T3, the energy, protein, and fat intakes of college students were higher than those at stage T1 (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the breakfast energy ratio exhibited a significant decrease (0.27 vs. 0.25), while the lunch (0.37 vs. 0.38) and dinner (0.37 vs. 0.38) energy ratios exhibited varying degrees of increase (p < 0.001). After the COVID-19 pandemic, the components’ score of the CHEI for dark vegetables, red meats, and sodium showed an increase, while tubers exhibited a decrease (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study provides compelling evidence of the significantly negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on school food consumption and dietary quality among Chinese college students. However, the duration of this effect may be limited. There was a certain degree of improvement in the food consumption and school diet quality of college students in China following the conclusion of the epidemic.

Study on the mediating and moderating effects of food intake on blood glucose levels

Objective: Analyze the mediating and moderating effects of the relationship between food intake and blood glucose levels. Methods: This study uses data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey project in the survey 2018, involving 11 043 adults aged 18 years or older, who have complete dietary data, waist circumference (WC), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) indicators, and other key variables. Food consumption data was gathered via three consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls and weighing accounting method, which included two weekdays and one weekend day. The average daily intake of various foods and total energy intake were calculated. The mediation effect and moderation effect analysis were conducted using simple mediation models, direct moderation effect models, and moderated mediation analysis theoretical models. The confidence interval method (bootstrap method) was performed for testing and analysis. Results: A total of 4 951 males and 6 092 females were included in the stratified analysis by gender. The mediating effects on the rice, wheat, and red meat→WC→HbA1c were all statistically significant in males. The standardized coefficients were -0.009 (P<0.001), 0.013 (P<0.001), and -0.005 (P=0.008), respectively. In females, the mediating effect on the wheat→WC→HbA1c was statistically significant, and the standardized coefficient was 0.017 (P<0.001); the impact of red meat intake on HbA1c is negatively regulated by the intake of dark vegetables, with a direct moderating effect; the standardized coefficient of the interaction term between red meat and dark vegetables was -0.024 (P=0.008). Dark vegetables have a moderated mediator on the pathway from rice to WC and HbA1c (a3b1=-0.003, P=0.041) in males. The mediating effect of WC is negatively regulated by the intake of dark vegetables (mediation effect difference U1/-1=-0.006, P=0.048). Dark vegetables showed a moderated mediator on the pathway from wheat to WC and HbA1c (a3b1=-0.004, P=0.045) in females. The mediating effect of WC is negatively regulated by the intake of dark vegetables (mediation effect difference U1/-1=-0.009, P=0.049). Conclusions: Changes in WC indicators caused by rice, wheat, and red meat intake. WC could mediate between rice, wheat, red meat, and HbA1c. Dark vegetables directly or indirectly regulate HbA1c levels by interacting with rice, wheat, and red meat.

Characteristics and Demographic Features of Vitamin A Deficiency in Sudan during War, 2023-2024

Background: A deficiency is a public health issue for many children and adults. In wartime hardship, patients eat little meat, dark vegetables, and fruits, which can cause vitamin A deficiency and corneal dryness, erosion, ulceration, and perforation. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics and demographics of vitamin A insufficiency in Sudan during the 2023-2024 war. Methodology: This prospective descriptive study was carried out between June 15, 2024, and August 15, 2024, at Dr. Khalil's Ophthalmology Center in North Kordofan, Sudan. The study looked at 100 individuals who presented at the clinic complaining of deficient night vision (including full coverage during the notification period). Results: In this study, only six patients had corneal opacity, with 67% being males and 33% females. In terms of Bitto's spots, 12% are present, with males and females having 58% and 42%, respectively, and 46% having dry eyes. 52% were males and 48% were females in terms of retinal pigmentation. Only one female patient exhibited peripheral retinal pigmentation, which was due to retinitis pigmentosa; all patients had inadequate food intake; and no diarrhea was reported. Conclusion: In Sudan, the rise in vitamin deficiency can be attributed to the inadequate development of all health system programs. Additionally, the devastating war, which primarily affects young people, has forced most people to leave their homes and become either displaced or refugees. Consequently, 69% of the patients were 17 years old or younger.

The relationship between dietary patterns derived from inflammation and cognitive impairment in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Dietary patterns were shown to be closely related to inflammation, which was independently associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, it remains unclear the influence of dietary patterns derived from inflammation on CI in this population. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary patterns derived from C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CI in patients undergoing HD. Dietary intake was obtained from the simplified quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Reduced rank regression (RRR) was used to extract two dietary patterns, with IL-6 and CRP as response variables. Cognitive function was examined by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Beijing version). Venous blood was drawn for measuring IL-6 and CRP levels. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association between dietary patterns and CI. Dietary pattern derived from IL-6 was not significantly associated with CI. The third quartile of dietary pattern, which used CRP as the response variable, significantly contributed to the increased risk of CI (AOR 8.62, 95% CI 1.47-50.67) after controlling age, sex, education level, marital status, and residential pattern (p-for-trend = 0.028). After considering hypertension and diabetes, physical activity level, anxiety and depression, smoking and drinking status, social support, energy intake, and the dietary pattern derived from IL-6 (p-for-trend = 0.026), the relationship between the dietary pattern derived from CRP and CI remained significant (AOR 14.54, 95% CI 1.40-151.13). Dietary pattern associated with high CRP level, including high intake of rice, liquor, fruit, tea and coffee and low intake of dark vegetables and juice, contributed to the increased risk of CI. The association between the consumption of seafood, sweet beverages, and alcohol and CI is yet to be established. However, they may be dietary contributing factors to inflammation in patients undergoing HD.

Association of Vegetable Consumption with Stroke in China: A Longitudinal Study.

Research on the relationship between vegetable consumption and stroke among the Chinese population is still rare. This study aimed to explore the association between vegetable consumption and stroke. Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1991-2018), we included 15,145 participants over 40 years old without stroke as the baseline. Participants were categorized into five groups according to vegetable consumption. The adjusted HRs of stroke associated with vegetable consumption were calculated using the COX proportional hazards model. During the follow-up, 504 stroke cases were detected (303 men and 201 women). For the females, compared with the Q1 group of vegetable consumption, the multivariable-adjusted HRs for stroke were 0.60 (95%CI 0.36, 1.00) in the group of Q4. No significant associations between vegetable consumption and stroke were found among males. Furthermore, compared with the Q1 group of dark vegetable consumption, for the whole subjects, the multivariable-adjusted HRs for stroke were 0.68 (95%CI 0.50, 0.92) in the group of Q4. For the females, compared with the Q1 group of dark vegetable consumption, the multivariable-adjusted HRs for stroke were 0.49 (95%CI 0.30, 0.80) in the group of Q4. In conclusion, this study suggested that vegetable consumption decreases the risk of stroke among Chinese females. In addition, the intake of dark vegetables was inversely associated with stroke.

Analysis of differentiated regional dietary patterns of adults aged 18-64 years in 15 provinces( autonomous regions, municipalities) in 2018

To analyze the dietary patterns of Chinese adults in 15 provinces and cities in China. A total of 9208 adults aged 18-64 from the "China Health and Nutrition Survey" in 2018 were selected as subjects. Food consumption data were collected through 3 d-24 h dietary recalls and weighing household cooking oil and condiments, and the average daily dietary nutrient intake was calculated by the food composition table. Clustering analysis was used to analyze dietary patterns in different regions, and data from the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey were used for comparison. Three dietary patterns were obtained in this study, including northern pattern, coastal pattern and southern pattern. The analysis of demographic characteristics showed that the intake of cereals, vegetables and livestock were statistically different among different age groups, and livestock and poultry intake was higher in the 18-49 years; Fruit and milk were higher in women and other foods were higher in men; The intakes of cereals, tubers, legumes and vegetables were higher in rural areas, people with low income and low education levels, and other foods were higher in urban areas, people with high income and high education levels, especially milk. Compared with the dietary guidelines, it was found that the proportion of insufficient intake of dark vegetables, fruits and nuts in three patterns and milk, eggs in the southern pattern and aquatic products in the northern pattern was up to 80%, the other food intake was in 50%-80%; The proportion of excessive intake of livestock and poultry meat in the southern mode was significantly higher, reaching 78%. Nutrient analysis showed that the intake of carbohydrate, dietary fiber and carbohydrate energy ratio, vitamin E, magnesium and manganese were higher in the northern pattern; The intakes of protein, protein energy ratio, riboflavin, potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, copper and selenium were higher in the coastal pattern; The southernpattern had a higher intake of energy, fat, fat energy ratio, niacin, retinol, zinc and vitamin C. In addition, the comparison between 2009 and 2018 showed that the intake of most foods except milk has decreased to varying degrees in the past decade, while the intake of some foods has increased. The 15 provinces in China were divided into three dietary patterns. Unbalanced intake of food and nutrients was common among them, and the intake was influenced by different demographic characteristics. In addition, most food intake has declined over the past decade.

Research on Ecosystem Service Consumption in Guilin City

Research on ecosystem service consumption not only helps to reveal the utilization intensity and management level of the ecosystem in Guilin, but it also provides a scientific basis for ecosystem investment, trade, subsidies and taxation by the Guilin government departments. Based on household survey data of urban and rural ecological consumption, the physical quantity accounting method is adopted for multivariate statistical analyses, such as analysis of variance and multiple comparison. This analysis reveals the differences and changes in the consumption level, consumption structure and consumption pattern of the main ecological products in Guilin among the various counties. The results fit into four main themes. (1) The annual per capita consumption of the main ecological products in Guilin varies either extremely significantly or significantly among the counties, but the consumption level of ecological products varies according to the type of products. There are significant or extremely significant differences in the annual per capita consumption of cereals, melons and fruits, pork, poultry, beef and mutton, fresh eggs and milk between urban and rural residents. (2) There are extremely significant differences in the annual per capita consumption of fruits, pork, poultry, beef and mutton, fish, fresh milk and vegetable oil among urban residents in different counties. There are also extremely significant differences in the annual per capita consumption of cereals, pork, poultry and alcohol among rural residents in different counties, and significant differences in the annual per capita consumption of fresh eggs and milk. The consumption level of ecological products by urban and rural resident varies with the type of products. (3) The ecological consumption patterns of all counties in Guilin mainly follow the “cereal + vegetable + fruit + meat” pattern for urban residents and the “cereal + vegetable + meat” pattern for rural residents (except for the rural residents in Pingle, which show the “cereal + vegetable” pattern). The consumption structure of urban residents is better than that of rural residents. (4) There is a large gap between the ecological consumption of urban and rural residents in Guilin and China′s recommended standards, except for cereals and meat. The main problems are excessive meat intake, and insufficient intake of dark vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk and fish. Therefore, we should make full use of forestland, grassland, water and other resources in the area, and vigorously develop fishery, fruit and vegetable production and herbivorous animal husbandry to meet people′s ecological needs for dark fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk and fish in Guilin City.

Evaluation of Dietary Quality Based on Intelligent Ordering System and Chinese Healthy Eating Index in College Students from a Medical School in Shanghai, China.

We intended to precisely evaluate the dietary quality of male and female medical college students using canteen data from the “Intelligent Ordering System” (IOS), combined with the supplemental food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) and the Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI) in Shanghai, China, to explore the potential factors influencing dietary quality. A total of 283 college students with the average age of 24.67 ± 3.21 years and Body Mass Index of 21.46 ± 3.49 kg/m2 in the medical school were enrolled in this study, and an online questionnaire investigation was conducted to collect the general information, lifestyle behavior, and SFFQ. The dietary data of the study participants from the school canteen were exported from the IOS of the Information Office of Fudan University. The CHEI consists of 17 components and the total score is 100, with a maximum score of each component of 5 or 10. We calculated each component score of the CHEI and aggregated the total score for male and female study participants. The Chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were employed in comparing the differences between the demographic characteristics and CHEI component scores of males and females. Univariate and multiple linear regression models were employed to examine the potential influencing factors of the total CHEI score. The CHEI median score was 66.65, and the component score for total grains was relatively low. Added sugars was the most overconsumed CHEI component. There were relatively serious deficiencies, based on the CHEI component scores, in fruits, soybeans, fish and seafood, and seeds and nuts in both sexes. Females had significantly higher CHEI scores than males (68.38 versus 64.31). The scores for tubers, total vegetables, dark vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood, dairy, and red meats were significantly higher in females than in males. Influencing factors including sex, education, dietary health literacy, and amount of time spent sedentarily were significantly associated with CHEI score. Our research revealed that the overall dietary quality needs to be further improved for college students at the medical school in Shanghai, China, with low intakes of total grains, fruits, soybeans, fish and seafood, and seeds and nuts, and high intakes of added sugars. Compared with males, females showed higher diet quality and conformed more strongly with the recommended Dietary Guideline for Chinese. Education, dietary health literacy, and amount of time spent sedentarily should be noted for improving the dietary quality of college students.

Adherence to the Chinese dietary guidelines and metabolic syndrome among children aged 6-14 years.

The role of diet in the development of childhood metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been clearly elucidated. This study aims to investigate the association between the adherence to the Chinese Dietary Guidelines (CDG) 2016 and the presence of MetS and its components in Chinese children aged 6-14 years. This study is a cross-sectional study using data from the 2017 and 2019 Nutrition and Health Surveillance in Primary and Secondary school students of Beijing (NHSPSB). MetS was diagnosed using the recommended criteria for Chinese children. Diet was assessed using 3 consecutive days of 24-hour dietary recalls in addition to weighing household cooking oils and condiments. The Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI) score was calculated based on the CDG 2016. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to estimate the correlation between the CHEI score and the likelihood of MetS and its components. A total of 2092 records (1048 in 2017 and 1044 in 2019), derived from 1835 children, were included. A higher CHEI score, which reflects better adherence to the CDG 2016, was correlated with a lower presence of MetS (per 5-point increment: OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75-0.97) and low HDL-C (per 5-point increment: OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80-0.99). Regarding the CHEI components, higher scores in dark vegetables and cooking oils were also associated with reduced likelihood of MetS (per 1-point increment: OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.67-0.93 for dark vegetables; OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86-0.96 for cooking oils). This study suggests that better adherence to the CDG 2016 may reduce the risk of MetS in Chinese children aged 6-14 years.

Association between Homocysteine-Related Dietary Patterns and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Study Using the Reduced Rank Regression Method

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between homocysteine-related dietary patterns and gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 488 pregnant women at 24-28 weeks of gestation between January 2019 and December 2020 were included. Demographic characteristics, dietary intake, and multivitamin supplement intake information were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ); fasting venous blood samples were collected for serum index detection. Serum homocysteine (Hcy), folic acid, and B12 were selected as response variables, and hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcy)-related dietary patterns were extracted using the descending rank regression method. The relationship between the score of hHcy-related dietary patterns and GDM was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Three hHcy-related dietary patterns were extracted: (Mode 1) more meat, cattle meat intake, green leafy vegetables, dark vegetables and soy, and less consumption of shrimp; (Mode 2) livestock meat, eggs and more grains, green leafy vegetables, bacteria, algae, dairy, and less nuts intake; and (Mode 3) livestock meat intake, and less soy intake. Because the explanatory variation of mode 3 was relatively small, it was not retained. Only mode 2 had a positive and significant relationship with the risk of developing GDM. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of GDM was significantly increased in the highest quartile array (OR=2.96, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.939-9.356, P=0.004). There was no significant correlation between dietary pattern 1 and GDM risk (P &gt;0.05). Conclusion: Homocysteine-related dietary patterns were positively associated with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Association between Homocysteine-Related Dietary Patterns and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Study Using the Reduced Rank Regression Method

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between homocysteine-related dietary patterns and gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 488 pregnant women at 24-28 weeks of gestation between January 2019 and December 2020 were included. Demographic characteristics, dietary intake, and multivitamin supplement intake information were collected using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ); fasting venous blood samples were collected for serum index detection. Serum homocysteine (Hcy), folic acid, and B12 were selected as response variables, and hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcy)- related dietary patterns were extracted using the descending rank regression method. The relationship between the score of hHcy-related dietary patterns and GDM was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Three hHcy-related dietary patterns were extracted: (mode 1) more meat, cattle meat intake, green leafy vegetables, dark vegetables and soy, and less consumption of shrimp. (mode 2) livestock meat, eggs and more grains, green leafy vegetables, bacteria, algae, dairy, and less nuts intake; and (model 3) livestock meat intake, and less soy intake. Because the explanatory variation of mode 3 was relatively small, it was not retained. Only mode 2 had a positive and significant relationship with the risk of developing GDM. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of GDM was significantly increased in the highest quartile array (OR=2.96, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.939-9.356, P=0.004). There was no significant correlation between dietary pattern 1 and GDM risk (P &gt;0.05).

Literature Review: Food Processing in Minimizing Chemical Contamination of Rhodamin B in Shrimp Paste and Chlorpirifos Residue in Fresh Vegetables Garnish Which are Circulating in the Communities in Indonesia

Introduction: Food circulation among communities is prone to chemical contamination. The contamination is obtained from both food processing and food cultivation (planting, raw materials). One of the examples related to chemical contamination can be seen in the contamination of rhodamine B on Terasi. Although there is a prohibition on using Rhodamine B compounds in food add-ons, which is listed in Regulation of Ministry of Health of Republic Indonesia No.722/Menkes/Per/IX/1988, its usage is widely found. Similarly, chlorpyrifos pesticide residue in lalapan is the other example provided. The usage of it remains to continue even though the result of pesticide residue value is under BMR SNI 7313:2008. The article aims to study food processing efforts in minimizing the chemical contamination of Rhodamine B in shrimp terasi and chlorpyrifos residue in the lalapan vegetables in the communities in Indonesia. A literature review on scientific publications was undertaken through Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Neliti, ScienceDirect, LIPI, Directory Open Acces Journal, and Crossref. The keywords used were related to rhodamin B on terasi, synthetic dyes on terasi, natural dyes for terasi, vegetable pesticide residues, Chlorpyrifos residue on vegetables, and how to reduce chlorpyrifos residue in vegetables. All of them were published between the 2015 – 2020 period. Discussion: Chlorpyrifos residue in vegetables can be reduced by washing, soaking brine, and boiling. The usage of rhodamine B on Terasi can be replaced by the application of dragon fruit skin extract and angkak (red yeast rice) for natural dye alternatives. Conclusion: Washing food with running water and soaking it in hot water before food consumption can lower chlorpyrifos residue level in dark vegetables. However, it is more significant to lover the residue level through the boiling step. The use of natural pesticides can be used as the choice of alternative. Moreover, rhodamine B on terasi can be replaced with natural dye alternatives such as angkak (red yeast rice) and dragon fruit skin extract.

Comparison of Skin Carotenoid Content and Dietary Carotenoid Intake

Abstract Objectives Skin Carotenoid Content (SCC) is a validated biomarker of vegetable intake. The objective of this study is to compare SCC to self-reported diet and supplement intake. Methods This cross-sectional study used baseline data from 61 participants in an ongoing intervention trial (Nutrition Interventions for Cognitive Enhancement). Participants were cognitively normal older adults (≥65 years, MMSE score &amp;gt;25). SCC was determined non-invasively by Resonance Raman spectroscopy (VEGGIE METER®; Longevity Link Corporation). Three measurements were taken on the fingertip and averaged. Dietary intake was obtained by 3-day diet records. A dietitian reviewed the diet records and entered the records into the Nutrition Data System for Research (version 2019). Linear regression was used to assess relationships between self-reported carotenoid intake and SCC measurement. Results The mean SCC was 279 ± 72.1. Correlations for self-reported individual carotenoid intake and SCC scores were beta-carotene (r2 = 0.15, β̞ = 0.38, P = 0.002), alpha-carotene (r2 = 0.10, β̞ = 0.32, P = 0.01), and lutein + zeaxanthin (r2 = 0.16, β̞ = 0.41, P = 0.001). Correlations for self-reported combined diet and supplement intake and SCC scores were beta-carotene (r2 = 0.15, β̞ = 0.38, P = 0.002), alpha carotene (r2 = 0.10, β̞ = 0.32, P = 0.01), and lutein + zeaxanthin (r2 = 0.07, β̞ = 0.26, P = 0.04). Neither reported diet nor diet and supplement intakes of beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and retinol were related to SCC scores. Correlations for food group and SCC scores were dark vegetables (r2 = 0.15, β̞ = 0.39, P = 0.002), deep yellow vegetables (r2 = 0.09, β̞ = 0.30, P = 0.02), and total vegetable intake (r2 = 0.16, β̞ = 0.40, P = 0.001). Conclusions Within older adults, the SCC is a good indicator of dietary lutein + zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene intake. The finding that lutein + zeaxanthin relationship decreases when accounting for combined diet and supplement intake suggests need to investigate bioavailability of supplemental lutein + zeaxanthin. Funding Sources National Institutes of Health.

Longitudinal multilevel analysis of correlative factors of abdominal obesity among Chinese reproductive women

To longitudinally analyze the associations between physical activity, sedentary time and dietary intake levels with waist circumference and abdominal obesity among Chinese reproductive women. In the five rounds of "China health and nutrition survey" in 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015, 2951 women aged 15-49 years old who participated in at least two rounds of surveys were selected as research objects. Physical activity and sedentary time data were collected by questionnaire survey, and food consumption data were collected by 24-hour retrospective method for 3 consecutive days. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the time difference of continuous variables. Chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in time distribution of classified variables. Linear multilevel model was used to analyze the relationships between waist circumference and different levels of physical activity, sedentary time and dietary intake. Logistic multilevel model was used to analyze the risk of abdominal obesity with different levels of physical activity, sedentary time and dietary intake. By incorporating physical activity, sedentary time and dietary intake levels into the multilevel model respectively, compared with the low level of leisure-time physical activity, the waist circumference of the medium level group increased by 0. 47 cm(P=0. 025); compared with low level of TV time, waist circumference of the medium and high level increased by 0. 49 cm(P=0. 033) and 0. 58 cm(P=0. 013), respectively, and the relative risk of abdominal obesity was 1. 13(P=0. 049) and 1. 17(P=0. 010), respectively; compared with the group with insufficient intake of dark vegetables, the waist circumference of the group with adequate intake decreased by 0. 82 cm(P&lt;0. 001), and the relative risk of abdominal obesity was 0. 87(P=0. 028); compared with the group with low level of pastry intake, the waist circumference of the high level group increased by 1. 16 cm(P&lt;0. 001) and the relative risk of abdominal obesity was 1. 33(P&lt;0. 001). By incorporating physical activity, sedentary time and dietary intake levels into the multilevel model simultaneously, there were still statistically significant differences between TV time and dietary intake levels with waist circumference and abdominal obesity and the statistical value did not change much. Compared with low level of TV time, the waist circumference of the medium and high level groups increased by 0. 54 cm(P=0. 028) and 0. 58 cm(P=0. 025), respectively, and the relative risk of abdominal obesity was 1. 15(P=0. 034) and 1. 18(P=0. 011), respectively. Compared with the group with insufficient intake of dark vegetables, the waist circumference of the group with adequate intake decreased by 0. 80 cm(P&lt;0. 001), and the relative risk of abdominal obesity was 0. 87(P=0. 027). Compared with the group with low level of pastry intake, the waist circumference of the high level increased by 1. 13 cm(P&lt;0. 001) and the relative risk of abdominal obesity was 1. 32(P&lt;0. 001). There was no statistical significance in physical activity level with waist circumference and abdominal obesity. Television time and dietary factors(insufficient intake of dark color vegetables and high consumption of pastry) are independent risk factors for abdominal obesity among Chinese reproductive women. Besides strengthening physical activity, the prevention of abdominal obesity in reproductive women should also strengthen the intervention measures to reduce TV time and promote appropriate dietary behaviors(increasing dark color vegetable intake and reducing pastry intake).

Lifetime Spousal Violence Victimization and Perpetration, Physical Illness, and Health Risk Behaviours among Women in India.

The aim of this study was to assess the association between lifetime spousal violence victimization, spousal violence perpetration, and physical health outcomes and behaviours among women in India. In the 2015–2016 National Family Health Survey, a sample of ever-married women (15–49 years) (N = 66,013) were interviewed about spousal violence. Results indicate that 29.9% of women reported lifetime spousal physical violence victimization and 7.1% lifetime spousal sexual violence victimization (31.1% physical and/or sexual violence victimization), and 3.5% lifetime spousal physical violence perpetration. Lifetime spousal violence victimization and lifetime spousal violence perpetration were significantly positively correlated with asthma, genital discharge, genital sores or ulcers, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tobacco use, alcohol use, and termination of pregnancy, and negatively associated with daily consumption of dark vegetables. In addition, lifetime spousal violence victimization was positively associated with being underweight, high random blood glucose levels, and anaemia, and negatively correlated with being overweight or obese. Lifetime spousal violence perpetration was marginally significantly associated with hypertension. The study found in a national sample of women in India a decrease of lifetime physical and/or sexual spousal violence victimization and an increase of lifetime spousal physical violence perpetration from 2005/5 to 2015/6. The results support other studies that found that, among women, lifetime spousal physical and/or sexual spousal violence victimization and lifetime spousal physical violence perpetration increase the odds of chronic conditions, physical illnesses, and health risk behaviours.

Dietary vitamin a intake among Chinese adults: findings from CNTCS2015

BackgroundVitamin A plays an important role in human functions, which mainly come from foods. This study aims to examine dietary vitamin A intake and major food sources of Chinese adults.MethodsWe analyzed the cross-sectional data from 12,246 adult aged 18 to 64 years old in 2015 China Nutritional Transition Cohort Study. Three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls combined with household weighing method were used to assess dietary vitamin A intake.ResultsThe average dietary vitamin A intakes were 480.9 μg retinol equivalents (RE) or 307.2 μg retinol activity equivalents (RAE). The carotenes and retinol intake of subjects were 2084.7 μg/day and 133.5 μg/day, respectively. Approximately 87% of adults consumed less vitamin A than the Chinese Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), and only 6% of adults consumed more than Chinese Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI). Chinese adults derived vitamin A mainly from plant source foods, which is supplied as carotenes (67.4% RE or 56.4% RAE). Dark- and light- vegetables and fruits were major contributors of carotenes (accounted for 84.2%). The most import food sources of retinol were egg, meats and meat products, poultry, fish and milk, representing 94.7% of retinol intake. The major four contributors of total vitamin A (as both RE and RAE) were dark vegetables, egg, light vegetables, and meats and meat products. In conclusion, dietary vitamin A remains a problem for Chinese adults.ConclusionsPublic health actions are needed to increase vitamin A intake in China.

Food Sources and Potential Determinants of Dietary Vitamin C Intake in Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Vitamin C is essential for human health. It is important to estimate the dietary vitamin C intake in the Chinese population to examine the effects of the nutritional transition occurred in recent decades. The present study aimed to estimate the dietary vitamin C intake in Chinese adults by using cross-sectional data from the 2015 China Nutritional Transition Cohort Study and selecting those aged 18–65 years with complete records of sociodemographic characteristics and dietary measurements (n = 11,357). Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Kruskal-Wallis analysis, Chi-squared test, and multiple logistic regression were employed to analyze the daily dietary vitamin C intake on the basis of three-day 24 h dietary recalls and food sources in relation to demographic factors, to evaluate vitamin C intake status using the estimated average requirement cut-off point, and to explore underlying influencing factors. The mean (SD (standard deviation)) and median (interquartile range) levels of the dietary vitamin C intake in adults were 78.1 (54.6) and 65.4 (61.4) mg/day, respectively. Light vegetables, dark vegetables, fruits, and tubers were the top four food sources, contributing a combined 97.3% of total daily dietary vitamin C intake in the study population. The prevalence of risk of insufficient dietary vitamin C intake was 65.1%. Both the distribution of vitamin C intake and the prevalence of risk of insufficient dietary vitamin C intake differed by several demographic factors. Educational level, residence area, geographic location, vegetable consumption, and total energy intake were independent determinants of the risk of insufficient dietary vitamin C intake. In conclusion, dietary vitamin C intake is inadequate in Chinese adult population, and an increase in vitamin C intake should be recommended especially to the population at risk for vitamin C insufficiency.

The occurrence, exposure and risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl acids in food from mainland, China

ABSTRACTTo study the contamination of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in Chinese food and the risk of dietary exposure for the Chinese population, the data of 17 PFAAs covering 38 cities throughout China in 15 groups of foods were collected for meta-analysis from published and available research literature. Using food consumption and body weight parameters, estimated dietary intakes (EDIs) were calculated for evaluation using the Scenario-Based Risk Assessment (SceBRA) modelling. Among food groups, the highest ΣPFAAs concentrations and EDI contributions were both found in poultry (363 ng/g), fish and shrimp (313 ng/g), dark vegetables (309 ng/g), fruits (116 ng/g) and pork (25 ng/g). The EDI of adults in the high-exposure scenario was about twice that of the intermediate-exposure scenario, while the EDI of children was about twice that of adults’ EDI in the intermediate-exposure scenario. In addition, the PFOS EDI for children under high exposure approached its tolerable daily intake (TDI). Therefore high dietary exposure to PFAAs is giving rise to an increased health risk, especially for children.

The Health Risk Assessment and Characters of Vegetable Pb in Jiutai Suburb

119vegetable samples were collected from Jiutai County vegetable production base, and Pb concentrations were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GF-AAS). Results showed that the average Pb of vegetable was 0.05 mg·kg-1fresh weight, with only 1.5% above the Safety Requirements. Single-factor contaminant index was utilized for assessment. It was found that vegetable Pb order as following: leaf vegetables&gt;fruit vegetables, dark vegetables&gt;light vegetables. The average daily intake (DI) Pb of per standard person was urban 18.6 ug•d-1and rural 16.7 ug•d-1, as well as economical family 19.1 ug•d-1and poor16.3 ug•d-1, indicating that vegetable Pb in Jiutai County were safety. The Pb health risk was assessed based on the target hazard quotients (THQ). The study showed that THQurban=THQhigh&gt;THQmedium&gt;THQlow=THQrural, indicating the health risk via vegetable consumption in rural was relative lower than that in unban area. Assessment results proved that the vegetables Pb in this area is no health risk to persons.