Diet Quality Index Scores Research Articles

Infant diet quality index predicts nutrients of concern and ultra-processed food intake in low-income children in the United States

BackgroundDiet quality during infancy can influence nutrient intake and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption throughout later childhood. ObjectivesThis study investigated the predictive validity of Infant Diet Quality Index (IDQI) scores from 0 to 1 y of age and consumption of select nutrients and UPFs at different time points in low-income children aged 2–5 y. MethodsDietary surveys and 24-h dietary recalls collected between ages 0 and 12 months from 2613 Special Supplemental Women, Infants, and Children Infant Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 participants were used to assess infant diet quality by final IDQI score ranging from 0 (nonadherence to dietary guidelines) to 1 (complete adherence to guidelines). Single 24-h recalls collected across multiple time points per child aged between 2 and 5 y were used to determine nutrient intakes: vitamin B12 (μg), vitamin D (μg), calcium (mg), iron (mg), zinc (mg), potassium (mg), saturated fat (g), dietary fiber (g), and added sugars (g). Likewise, Nova was used to classify foods (to estimate the percentage of energy from foods) by level of industrial processing at each point in time across ages 2–5 y. Survey-weighted regression analyses estimated associations between total IDQI score and nutrient intake and percentage of energy consumption from each Nova food group at each age between 2–5 y. ResultsIDQI scores based on diet quality from 0–1 y of age were positively associated with children’s dietary fiber and potassium intake at ages 2–5 y. Additionally, IDQI was negatively associated with added sugar intake. No associations were observed between IDQI and saturated fat consumption. IDQI scores at age 1 were positively associated with the percentage of energy attributed to unprocessed/minimally processed foods (20%–23%) and negatively associated with UPF consumption at ages 2–5 y (−24% to −29%). ConclusionsIDQI predicts intake of select nutrients and UPF consumption among low-income US children aged 2–5 y.This trial was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02031978 as “Feeding My Baby – A National WIC Study,” NCT02031978.

Dietary Pattern Trajectories in French Adults of the NutriNet-Santé Cohort Over Time (2014-2022): Role of Socioeconomic Factors.

While dietary transitions towards more plant-based diets are urgently needed, few studies have investigated current diet trajectories, based on observed longitudinal data. This study investigated current dietary transitions of French adults over an 8 years period (2014-2022), while assessing the diet quality and the role of diverse socio-economic factors.Consumption data from 17,187 NutriNet-Santé cohort participants weighted for the French Census were collected using a food frequency questionnaire in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Adopting a gender-specific approach, consumption changes in 23 food groups were assessed over time. The diet quality was evaluated using the Comprehensive Diet Quality Index (cDQI) score, categorizing foods into "healthy" and "unhealthy". The socioeconomic analysis targeted four food groups (red meat (including fresh beef, pork, offal, and lamb), processed meat (e.g. sausages, ham, and bacon), legumes, and wholegrain products), strongly linked to mortality risk and recognized as significant markers of the sustainable diet transition. All analyses were conducted using multi-adjusted mixed-effects models.Consumption of some healthy plant-based foods (nuts +59 %, legumes +22%, wholegrain products +7%) significantly increased over time; while consumption of some unhealthy foods (red meat -19%, refined cereals -18%, sweetened drinks -15%) decreased. Conversely, consumption of prepared and mixed dishes (+16%), and processed meat (+35%) increased. These changes differed in magnitude between genders and translated into an improved diet quality score (cDQI). Occupational status was linked to longitudinal changes in food consumption, showing increased consumption of plant-based foods among students and higher socio-professional categories.Our findings provide accurate data on trends and factors for targeted initiatives, guiding strategic interventions for a sustainable dietary transition.

Associations between child eating behaviors with eating patterns and diet quality in preschool-aged children

Childhood eating behaviors are associated with weight status and laboratory assessments of dietary intake. However, little is known about how eating behaviors relate to the eating patterns and diet quality of children from marginalized populations when assessed in their natural environments. Therefore, we examined the association of food avoidant (e.g., food fussiness and satiety responsiveness) and food approach (e.g., food responsiveness and enjoyment of food) eating behaviors with children's meal size, eating frequency, and diet quality. We analyzed data from 61 predominately low-income Hispanic/Latinx preschool-aged children. Caregivers completed the Childhood Eating Behavior Questionnaire and two 24-h dietary recalls. From the recalls, we calculated meal size, eating frequency, and modified Diet Quality Index Scores (DQIS), and evaluated associations with eating behaviors using multivariable linear models. We also explored the relationship between eating behaviors and DQIS components. Food-avoidant subscales were associated with smaller meals and satiety responsiveness were associated with decreased snack frequency. Food approach subscales were not associated with meal size or eating frequency. Both food-avoidant and food-approach behaviors were associated with components of diet quality and caloric beverages outside of meal and snacks. These findings can inform future research on the relationship between child eating behaviors and dietary intake so that we can develop more tailored and effective interventions to promote healthy eating habits for low-income, Hispanic/Latinx preschool-aged children.

Exploring Biases of the Healthy Eating Index and Alternative Healthy Eating Index When Scoring Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets

BackgroundThe Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) and Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010) are commonly used to measure dietary quality in research settings. Neither index is designed specifically to compare diet quality between low-carbohydrate (LC) and low-fat (LF) diets. It is unknown whether biases exist in making these comparisons. ObjectiveThe aim was to determine whether HEI-2010 and AHEI-2010 contain biases when scoring LC and LF diets. DesignSecondary analyses of the Diet Intervention Examining the Factors Interacting With Treatment Success (DIETFITS) weight loss trial were conducted. The trial was conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area of California between January 2013 and May 2016. Three approaches were used to investigate whether biases existed for HEI-2010 and AHEI-2010 when scoring LC and LF diets. Participants/settingDIETFITS participants were assigned to follow healthy LC or healthy LF diets for 12 months (n = 609). Main outcomes measuresMean diet quality index scores for each diet were measured. Statistical analysisApproach 1 examined both diet quality indices’ scoring criteria. Approach 2 compared scores garnered by exemplary quality LC and LF menus created by registered dietitian nutritionists. Approach 3 used 2-sided t tests to compare the HEI-2010 and AHEI-2010 scores calculated from 24-hour dietary recalls of DIETFITS trial participants (n = 608). ResultsScoring criteria for both HEI-2010 (100 possible points) and AHEI-2010 (110 possible points) were estimated to favor an LF diet by 10 points. Mean scores for exemplary quality LF menus were higher than for LC menus using both HEI-2010 (91.8 vs 76.8) and AHEI-2010 (71.7 vs 64.4, adjusted to 100 possible points). DIETFITS participants assigned to a healthy LF diet scored significantly higher on HEI and AHEI than those assigned to a healthy LC diet at 3, 6, and 12 months (all, P < .001). Mean baseline scores were lower than mean scores at all follow-up time points regardless of diet assignment or diet quality index used. ConclusionsCommonly used diet quality indices, HEI-2010 and AHEI-2010, showed biases toward LF vs LC diets. However, both indices detected expected changes in diet quality within each diet, with HEI-2010 yielding greater variation in scores. Findings support the use of these indices in measuring diet quality differences within, but not between, LC and LF diets.

Effects of Online Nutrition Training Program About Mediterranean Diet on Anthropometric Measurements and Diet Quality in Overweight and Obese Adolescent Girls

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an online nutrition training program about the Mediterranean diet for 8 weeks in overweight and obese female high school students on anthropometric measurements and diet quality.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 86 students between the ages of 14-18 years were included in the study, and they were divided into two groups as nutrition training (n=44) and control groups (n=42). The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) scores were calculated and anthropometric measurements of groups were taken by the dietician at the beginning and at the end of the study.&#x0D; Results: The KIDMED score of the nutrition training group was 4.59±2.40 at the beginning, later on it increased to 7.43±2.57 after the program (p= .001). After the program, it was determined that the difference between the KIDMED scores of the nutrition training and control groups were statistically significant (p= .034), however the decrease in body weight (p= .09), BMI (p= .64), and waist circumference (p= .06) were similar between groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: As a result of the study, it can be said that online nutrition training program about the Mediterranean diet for 8 weeks may affect the diet quality positively of overweight and obese female adolescents, but long-term programs should be planned to determine the effects on anthropometric measurements.

Assessment of Diet Quality in Children and Adolescents with Overweight or Obesity in Greece.

The adoption of healthy nutritional habits constitutes one of the most important determinants of healthy growth and development in childhood. Few studies in Greece have examined children's diet quality using diet indices. The present study aimed to assess the diet quality of a large cohort of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. Study participants (n = 1335), aged 2-18, were recruited through the Out-patient Clinic for the Prevention and Management of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece. Anthropometric, socio-demographic, and behavioral data were collected using standard methods and equipment. The Diet Quality Index (DQI), which includes four subcomponents (i.e., dietary diversity, dietary quality, dietary equilibrium, and meal index), was calculated to assess each subject's diet quality. According to the results of this study, children's total DQI score was 63.1%. It was observed that 66.7% of the children had at least moderate diet quality (total DQI ≥ 59.34%). Boys had higher values of the total DQI and certain components of the DQI (i.e., dietary equilibrium score and meal index) compared to girls. Three out of ten children with overweight/obesity had poor diet quality (i.e., DQI ≤ 59.33). Younger children (2-5 years old) were found to have the lowest values of dietary equilibrium compared to older children (6-9 and 12-18 years old). Moreover, boys had higher values of the total DQI score and of specific components of this index (i.e., dietary equilibrium and meal index) compared to girls. Children living in urban areas had higher values in the dietary quality score compared to those living in rural areas. Children with overweight had higher values of the dietary quality score and the total DQI score compared to children with obesity. The present study highlighted that children and adolescents with overweight or obesity have poor diet quality. Multilevel and higher intensity interventions should be designed specifically for this group to achieve tangible outcomes.

Greenhouse Gas Emission and Water Footprint of the National Diet in Turkey: Results from Turkey Nutrition and Health Survey 2017

The study aimed to assess and characterize the sustainability of the national diet in Turkey and its association with diet quality, dietary requirements, and sociodemographic factors. Dietary intake was assessed using 24 h recalls from the Turkey Nutrition and Health Survey 2017 (TNHS-2017) (n = 12,527). The environmental footprints were assessed with two environmental indicators: greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) and water footprint (WF). Diet quality was assessed using the diet quality index (DQI) and dietary diversity score (DDS). The dietary GHGEs was 3.21 ± 2.07 kg CO2-eq/person/day and the dietary total WF was 2832 ± 1378 L/person/day. The DQI and DDS were 62.26 ± 8.28 and 6.66 ± 1.31, respectively. Total energy intake was significantly higher in the highest GHGEs and total WF tertiles (2238 ± 722 and 2383 ± 701 kcal, respectively) compared to lower GHGEs and total WF tertiles. Individuals with higher diet-related GHGEs and total WF had a higher daily intake of nutrients with the exception of the percentages of energy supplied from carbohydrates, percentages of meeting nutrients according to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), DQI (excluding DQI total, moderation, and overall balance score), and DDS scores (p &lt; 0.001). GHGEs and total WF value of the national diet in Turkey are lower than the world average. The results would help develop dietary guidelines to encourage sustainable dietary choices.

Adherence to a priori dietary patterns in relation to obesity: results from two cycles of the Canadian National Nutrition Survey.

To test whether adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) or a dietary pattern in-line with the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) was associated with obesity. 24-h dietary recall data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)-Nutrition, 2004 and 2015 cycles, were analysed. Diet quality index scores were computed for the Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Score (MSDPS), a DASH index and the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Adherence Index (DGAI). Higher scores indicated greater adherence. Association between scores and obesity was examined using logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, physical activity, smoking status, sequence of dietary recall and alcohol and energy intake. Canada (excluding territories and the institutionalised population). Canadian adults (≥ 18 years), non-pregnant and non-breast-feeding; 11 748 from CCHS 2004 and 12 110 from CCHS 2015. The percentage of females in each sample was 50 %. Mean MSDPS, DASH and DGAI scores were marginally but significantly higher in CCHS 2015 than in CCHS 2004. Those affected by obesity obtained lower scores for all indexes in CCHS 2004 (OR 10th v. 90th percentile for DASH: 2·23 (95 % CI 1·50, 3·32), DGAI: 3·01 (95 % CI 1·98, 4·57), MSDPS: 2·02 (95 % CI 1·14, 3·58)). Similar results were observed in CCHS 2015; however, results for MSDPS were not significant (OR 10th v. 90th percentile for DASH: 2·45 (95 % CI 1·72, 3·49), DGAI: 2·73 (95 % CI 1·85, 4·03); MSDPS: 1·30 (95 % CI 0·82, 2·06)). Following DASH or the 2015-2020 DGA was associated with a lower likelihood of obesity. Findings do not indicate causation, as the data are cross-sectional.

Interactions of BDNF Val66met and dietary indices in relation to metabolic markers among patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundGene–diet interaction is related to the progression of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases biomarkers. We aimed to evaluate the interaction between diet quality indices and BDNF Val66Mat (rs6265) on cardiometabolic markers among diabetic patients.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 634 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which were randomly recruited from diabetic centers in Tehran. Dietary intakes were estimated by a previously validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire comprising 147 items. All participants were categorized into three categories, based on healthy eating index (HEI), diet quality index (DQI), and phytochemical index (PI) scores. Polymerase chain reaction was used for genotyping the BDNF Val66Met. Interactions were tested using analysis of covariance in adjusted and crude models.ResultsOur result showed that higher DQI, HEI, and PI scores significantly decrease body mass index and waist circumference among individuals with Met/Met, Val/Met, and Val/Val genotypes (P interactions < 0.05). Moreover, the highest quartile of the DQI and PI, compared to the lowest, showed lower TG level among Met allele carriers compared to Val/Val homozygotes (P interaction = 0.004 and 0.01, respectively) and a faster reduction in IL-18 and TC level was seen among Met/Met, Val/Met who had higher HEI intake than those with Val/Val genotype.ConclusionsBDNF Val66Met polymorphism may interact with HEI, DQI, and PI. We have revealed that Met allele acts as a protective allele for diabetic patients and may have a beneficial influence on cardio-metabolic factors through regulating dietary intake.

School nutrition policy and diet quality of children and youth: a quasi-experimental study from Canada.

We investigated the impact of mandatory school nutrition policy on diet quality of Canadian school children using a quasi-experimental study design. Using 24-h dietary recall data from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Cycle 2.2 and 2015 CCHS - Nutrition, we constructed the Diet Quality Index (DQI). We used multivariable difference-in-differences regressions to quantify the DQI scores associated with school nutrition policy. We conducted stratified analyses by sex, school grade, household income, and food security status to gain additional insights into the impact of nutrition policy. We found that mandatory school nutrition policy was associated with an increased DQI score by 3.44 points (95% CI: 1.1, 5.8) during school-hours in intervention provinces relative to control provinces. DQI score was higher among males (3.8 points, 95% CI: 0.6, 7.1) than among females (2.9 points, 95% CI: -0.5, 6.3), and the score among students in elementary schools was higher (5.1 points, 95% CI: 2.3, 8.0) than that among high school students (0.4 points, 95% CI: -3.6, 4.5). We also found that DQI scores were higher for middle-high income and food secure households. Provincial mandatory school nutrition policy was associated with better diet quality among children and youth in Canada. Our findings suggest that other jurisdictions may consider implementing mandatory school nutrition policy.

Diet Quality Changes by Educational Level among Adults in Spain from 2017 to 2021

Despite increasing attention on addressing socioeconomic disparities in diet quality, longitudinal studies are scarce. Furthermore, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on diet-related outcomes are yet to be fully understood. We examined changes in diet quality by educational level among adults in Madrid, Spain. We used data from recruitment (in 2017) and from 2021. At baseline, our sample included 1358 adults aged 40-75 years who were free of cardiovascular disease and completed a validated diet quality screener. Of them, 931 answered the survey in the follow-up visit in 2021. We used participants' diet quality index scores (range: 18-54; higher scores indicate better diet quality) as the dependent variable. As our independent variable, we assessed participants' educational levels (low, medium, and high). We fitted a multinomial regression using the categories of educational level as the main predictor, adjusting for age, sex, country of origin, and household composition. During the study period, 78.0% of participants sustained their diet quality, 11.6% improved it, and 10.4% moved away from a healthier dietary pattern. In descriptive analyses, we observed an increase in diet quality among less-educated females. Unadjusted multinomial models showed that a lower educational level predicted both increases and decreases in diet quality over the period. Even though the median diet quality scores did not change significantly, we observed heterogeneous changes over the four years. Variability within diet, with some improving and some worsening, seems to have increased among participants with lower educational levels. Future studies should look at the determinants of change in these population subgroups.

COVID-19 Pandemi Öncesi ve Sırasında Besin Destekleri Kullanım Durumu ve Akdeniz Diyet Kalite İndeksi Skorları: Üniversite Öğrencileri Örneği, Türkiye: Kesitsel Çalışma

COVID-19 Pandemi Öncesi ve Sırasında Besin Destekleri Kullanım Durumu ve Akdeniz Diyet Kalite İndeksi Skorları: Üniversite Öğrencileri Örneği, Türkiye: Kesitsel Çalışma

Validation of a new scoring approach of a child dietary questionnaire for use in early childhood among low-income, Latino populations

BackgroundMeasuring diet quality in early childhood requires time-intensive and costly measurements (e.g., 24-hour diet recall) that are especially burdensome for low-income, minority populations. This study aimed to validate a new method for calculating overall diet quality among low-income, Latino preschoolers.MethodsThis study was an observational study using data from a randomized controlled trial. Participants included parents of Latino preschoolers who reported child diet quality at baseline, 4-month, 7-month, 12-month, and 13-month follow-up. At each timepoint parents responded to a 28-item child dietary questionnaire (CDQ), based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dietary module, which generated the number of times/day that a child ate each of 28 foods in the past month. These 28 items were then used to create a total standardized child diet quality index (possible range 0-100), using a percent of maximum method. Parents were asked to complete three 24-hour diet recalls at the 13-month follow-up, from which the 2015 Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was derived. Construct validity was evaluated by Spearman’s rank correlations between the new child diet quality index and the 2015 HEI at the 13-month follow-up. Test-retest reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for sequential pairs of time points.ResultsAmong 71 eligible parent-child pairs, mean child age was 4.2 (SD = 0.8) years, 50.7% of children were female, and mean child body mass index (BMI) was 17.8 (SD = 2.0) kg/m2. Mean Child Diet Quality Index was 45.2 (SD = 3.2) and mean HEI was 68.4 (SD = 10.5). Child Diet Quality Index and HEI total scores were significantly correlated (r = 0.37; p = 0.001). Test-retest ICCs were statistically significant between all sequential pairs of time points.ConclusionThe new approach for calculating a measure of overall diet quality from the previously-validated 28-item dietary questionnaire demonstrated modest construct validity. When time and resources are limited, this new measure of overall diet quality may be an appropriate choice among low-income, Latino preschoolers.Trial RegistrationThis reports presents observational data collected as a part of a clinical trial, which was registered on clinicaltrials.gov prior to participant enrollment (NCT03141151).

Physical activity, diet quality and all-cause cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality: a prospective study of 346 627 UK Biobank participants

ObjectivesTo examine independent and interactive associations of physical activity and diet with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and physical activity, diet and adiposity-related (PDAR) cancer mortality.MethodsThis population-based prospective cohort study (n=346...

Assessment of the Correlation Between Anthropometric Measurements, Mediterranean Diet and Nutritional Habits of Students

Aim: In the study, the aim was to assess the possible correlation between the Mediterranean diet quality index with anthropometric measurements by identifying the ability of students attending Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University Department of Nutrition and Dietetics to apply academic knowledge related to healthy lifestyles to their own lives and their healthy eating obsessions.Method: The sample for the study comprised a total of 174 students who volunteered to participate, aged between 18-24 years abiding by the study participation criteria, including 54 in the fourth year, 65 in the third year, and 59 in the second year of university. The survey form was applied to students participating in the research with the face-to-face interview method. Additionally, the anthropometric measurements and body composition of students completing the survey form were determined.Results: As a result of these assessments, students had a mean Mediterranean Diet Quality Index of 5.3±2.95 and mean ORTO-11 scale point of 24.75±6.48. The mean body weight of students was 59.7±11.1 kg and mean BMI was 21.72±3.1. In our study, it was determined that as the level of class increased, compliance with the Mediterranean diet increased. It was found that as the Mediterranean diet quality index scores of the students increased, BMI values and the ORTO-11 scale scores decreased (p&amp;lt;0.05).Conclusion: It has been determined that compliance with the Mediterranean diet positively affects the body weight, BMI and body composition of individuals. Moreover, there was a determined positive correlation between the orthorexic behaviors and compliance with the Mediterranean diet.

Breakfast consumption and its relationship with diet quality and adherence to Mediterranean diet in European adolescents: the HELENA study.

The aim of the current study is to analyze the associations between breakfast consumption and adherence to diet quality index (DQI) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) in European adolescents. A multinational cross-sectional study was carried out in 1804 adolescents aged 12.5-17.5 years. The Food Choices and Preferences questionnaire was used to ascertain breakfast consumption (consumers, occasional consumers and skippers), and two non-consecutive 24 h dietary recalls were used to estimate the total daily intake and to calculate the subsequent DQI and MDS. Mixed linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between breakfast consumption and DQI-A and MDS. Age, maternal education, BMI, country and total energy intake were included as covariates. In both sexes, significant differences were observed among the breakfast consumption categories. In both boys and girls, breakfast consumers had significantly higher DQI indices than those adolescents who skipped breakfast regularly (p < 0.001). Regarding total MDS, in both boys and girls, breakfast consumers had a higher total MDS than breakfast skippers (p < 0.001), however, no associations were shown between occasional breakfast consumers and DQI indices and MDS. Breakfast consumption has been linked with better dietary quality scores compared with those children who usually skip breakfast. Promotion of regular breakfast consumption in adolescents could be an effective strategy to improve the overall diet quality.

Diet Quality and Dietary Inflammatory Index Score among Women's Cancer Survivors.

The purpose of this study was to investigate Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) and Energy-Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DIITM) scores in women’s cancer survivors and to examine socio-economic (SES) characteristics associated with these two diet indices. In this cross-sectional study, survivors of women’s cancers completed a demographic questionnaire and up to three 24-h dietary recalls. HEI-2015 and E-DII scores were calculated from average intakes. One-way ANOVA was used to examine the association of various demographic factors on HEI-2015 and E-DII scores. Pearson Correlation was used to calculate the correlation between the two scores. The average HEI-2015 score was 55.0 ± 13.5, lower than the national average, and average E-DII was −1.14 ± 2.24, with 29% of women having a more pro-inflammatory and 71% a more anti-inflammatory diet. Diets with higher HEI-2015 scores were associated with more anti-inflammatory diets (r = −0.67, p < 0.001). Those having a graduate degree (F(2,49) = 3.6, p = 0.03) and completing cancer treatment > 4 years ago (F(2,49) = 4.8, p = 0.01) had higher HEI-2015 scores. There were no associations between SES and E-DII scores. The diet quality of women’s cancer survivors is comparatively low, but many achieved an anti-inflammatory diet; a promising avenue for preventing recurrence. There is an urgent need to involve health care professionals in the guidance of women’s cancer survivors to improve diet quality and prevent cancer recurrence.

Abstract 854: Dietary quality indexes and risk of pancreatic cancer: Findings from a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background. Dietary quality index represents a long-term dietary intake of nutritive and non-nutritive compounds. Therefore, it would be more informative for evaluating the association between dietary intake and health outcomes, including pancreatic cancer, in different populations with distinct dietary habits and patterns. Limited research has been conducted on the effect of dietary quality index (DQI) on pancreatic cancer risk in Asian populations. Methods. Using data from Singapore Chinese Health Study, a prospective cohort study of 63,257 Chinese men and women aged 45-74 at enrollment during 1993-1998, we created four diet-quality index scores: the Alternative Health Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and Heathy Diet Indicator (HDI) based on the baseline information collected using validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. After a mean 17 years of follow-up, 316 participants developed pancreatic cancer. The Cox proportional hazard regression method was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for pancreatic cancer in relation to different levels of these DQI scores. Results. High scores of AHEI-2010, aMED and DASH were associated with lower risk of pancreatic cancer (all Ptrend&amp;lt;0.05). Compared with the lowest quartile, HRs (95% CIs) of pancreatic cancer for the highest quartiles of AHEI-2010, aMED and DASH were 0.65 (0.46-0.90), 0.60 (0.41-0.89), and 0.69 (0.48-0.98), respectively, after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, alcohol intake, tobacco smoking, and history of diabetes. We did not find a discernable heterogeneity in these dietary quality indexes-pancreatic cancer risk associations by body mass index levels or status of diabetes or smoking. Conclusion. High quality diet is significantly associated with reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. The consistent results across different DQIs support the notion that adherence to a healthy diet may lower the risk of pancreatic cancer, suggesting that dietary modification may be a cost-effective approach for primary prevention of pancreatic cancer. Funding: The Singapore Chinese Health Study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the United States (grants # R01 CA144034 and UM1 CA182876). HN Luu is partially supported by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center start-up grant. P Paragomi was supported by the NIH T32CA186873 training grant in cancer epidemiology and prevention; W-P Koh was partially supported by the National Medical Research Council, Singapore (NMRC/CSA/0055/2013). Citation Format: Hung N. Luu, Pedram Paragomi, Aizhen Jin, Renwei Wang, Nithya Neelakantan, Rob M. van Dam, Randall E. Brand, Woon-Puay Koh, Jian-Min Yuan. Dietary quality indexes and risk of pancreatic cancer: Findings from a prospective cohort study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 854.

Nutrition knowledge, food choices and diet quality of genotyped and non-genotyped individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Severe obesity (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2) and non-communicable diseases, both influenced by diet, have been associated with COVID-19. Genotype-based personalised nutrition advice may improve nutrition knowledge and enhance behaviour change towards better diet quality compared with conventional recommendations. Aim: To investigate the nutrition knowledge, food choices and diet quality in genotyped and non-genotyped individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: One hundred and twenty-three healthy UK adults were recruited using convenience sampling through social networks. The online questionnaire consisted of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire, the Food Choices Questionnaire, and the EPIC-Norfolk Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). FFQ was used to calculate participant diet quality with the Diet Quality Index-International and socio-demographic and anthropometric data. Results: Median general nutrition knowledge, diet variety and diet balance scores were higher in genotyped compared with non-genotyped individuals (71.0 ± 11.0 vs. 61.0 ± 15.0, p = <.001, 18.00 ± 5.00 vs. 15.00 ± 5.00, p = .007 and 2.00 ± 4.00 vs. 0.00 ± 2.00, p = .025, respectively). Pooled sample multiple regression showed that health motive positively influenced while familiarity motive negatively influenced diet quality index scores (β = .428, t = 4.822, p = <.001 and β =-.356, t =-4.021, p = .001, respectively). Conclusions: Nutrition knowledge and diet quality indices of balance and variety were higher among genotyped compared with non-genotyped individuals; overall diet quality was similar between groups. This may be due to pandemic-specific factors, such as altered motives of food choice and availability.

Use of the Infant Diet Quality Index Score (DQIS) for the Identification of Targets for Nutritional Intervention Among Infants of 4 to 6 Months at Risk of Childhood Obesity

ObjectivesHealthcare providers have been called to intervene during the first 1000 days of life to reduce childhood obesity. Screening instruments that facilitate the identification of targets for intervention are not currently available. A Diet Quality Index Score (DQIS) was created and measured for its validity in predicting excessive weight gain in a sample of Latino infants. Evidence that infants with BMI percentiles ≥85th at 2 months developed early childhood obesity demands strategies to detect targets for intervention in a systems-based approach. MethodsSecondary database analysis using data sourced from a lifestyle intervention project implemented among WIC participants. Assessments were completed on baseline while the infant was 0–2 months of age and follow up at 4–6 months. Socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics of infants and their caregivers were evaluated. DQIS was calculated using an infant food frequency questionnaire. Descriptive analysis of the variables of interest was conducted. Correlation analysis between the numeric DQIS and categorical assessment of the scale was performed to determine the degree of association of values or risk category associated with a BMI z score percentile at or above 85th according to the age and gender appropriate WHO growth standards. Results169 dyads were included in this study (Puerto Rico 54.4%), mean caregiver age was 27 y (4.94). 41.4% had achieved an educational level high school or less. In infants: 52% received care in health centers, 82.2% where up to date on vaccinations, 99.4% had an excellent DQIS score at baseline. At follow up 19.5% were found in good and 8.9% needs improvement to poor range. Mean BMI z scores increased from -0.52 (1.35) at birth to 0.9 (1.46) at follow up. ConclusionsThe infant DQIS used between 4 to 6 months of life as a screening tool could assist non nutritional healthcare providers in the identification of intervention targets while a more detailed assessment is completed. Funding SourcesThis study was supported by the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), of the NIH, award number U54MD008149. Infrastructure support also provided by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities RCMI Grant: 8G12MD007600. This research was also supported by grant U54MD007584 (RMATRIX) from the NIMHD of the NIH.