Dietary Intake In Young Adults Research Articles

Nutrient intake of young South African adults from the baseline of the African-PREDICT cohort study.

This study aimed to describe and compare the nutrient intake of young adults in the African Prospective Study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension (African-PREDICT) study according to ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES). Cross-sectional analysis of baseline nutrient intakes in the African-PREDICT study. North West Province, South Africa. Black and white adults (n=1153), aged 20-30 years, were classified into three SES groups. Dietary data were collected using three multiple-pass 24-hour dietary recalls. Among all participants, over 70% failed to meet the Estimated Energy Requirements and the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for 17 of the 19 reported micronutrients. Across SES groups, more than 50% of participants consistently did not meet the EAR for calcium, magnesium, folate, pantothenic acid, and biotin, as well as vitamins A, C, D, and E. Participants' distribution by nutrient pattern tertiles showed high adherence to two patterns: one rich in animal protein and saturated fat, and the other in magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and fiber. This was seen only in white participants and high SES. Black participants and low SES showed higher adherence to a plant protein, B-vitamins, zinc, and iron nutrient pattern. The dietary intake of young adults in this study was restricted, with none of the groups meeting nutrient requirements for essential nutrients. Further research is needed to establish a direct link between nutrient patterns and the early detection and identification of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

Objectively measured chronotype and social jetlag are associated with habitual dietary intake in undergraduate students

This study aimed to investigate the associations between objectively measured sleep timing and habitual dietary intake among university students. We hypothesized that a later chronotype and larger social jetlag (SJL) are associated with an undesirable dietary intake. The 82 healthy university students included in this study were asked to undertake a seven-day wrist activity recording. All the participants also completed a self-administered questionnaire during the recording period, including questions on demographic characteristics and habitual dietary intakes. Dietary intake and the score for adherence to the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top (food guide score) over the previous month were evaluated using a self-reported diet history questionnaire. Nocturnal sleep timing and total sleep time for each night were estimated using the recorded wrist activity. Chronotype was calculated as weekend (WE) mid-sleep time corrected for catch-up sleep on weekdays (WDs). SJL was calculated by subtracting WD mid-sleep time from WE mid-sleep time. Multivariable linear regression showed that a later chronotype was significantly (P < .05) associated with a lower consumption of eggs, greater consumption of grains, and lower food guide score. Multivariable linear regression also showed significant (P < .05) associations of a larger value in SJL with a lower total energy intake, lower consumption of grains, and greater consumption of sugar and confectioneries. The results suggest that chronotype and SJL may be differently associated with undesirable dietary intake in young adults. These findings have important implications for developing novel strategies, focusing on sleep timing, for improving dietary intakes and preventing lifestyle-related diseases.

Investigating the Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness of Technology-Delivered Personalized Feedback on Dietary Patterns in Young Australian Adults in the Advice, Ideas, and Motivation for My Eating (Aim4Me) Study: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundWeb-based health interventions may be easier to access and time efficient relative to face-to-face interventions and therefore may be the most appropriate mode to engage young adults.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the impact of 3 different levels of personalized web-based dietary feedback and support on changes in diet quality.MethodsThe Advice, Ideas, and Motivation for My Eating (Aim4Me) study is a 12-month assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of 3 levels of web-based feedback on diet quality, measured using the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS). Participants (N=2570) will primarily be recruited via web-based methods and randomized to 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 (control) will receive the Healthy Eating Quiz, a web-based dietary assessment tool that generates a brief feedback report on diet quality. Individuals randomized to this group can use the brief feedback report to make positive dietary changes. Group 2 will receive the Australian Eating Survey, a web-based dietary assessment tool that generates a comprehensive feedback report on diet quality as well as macro- and micronutrient intake. Group 2 will use the comprehensive feedback report to assist in making positive dietary changes. They will also have access to the Aim4Me website with resources on healthy eating and tools to set goals and self-monitor progress. Group 3 will receive the same intervention as Group 2 (ie, the comprehensive feedback report) in addition to a tailored 30-min video consultation with an accredited practicing dietitian who will use the comprehensive feedback report to assist individuals in making positive dietary changes. The self-determination theory was used as the framework for selecting appropriate website features, including goal setting and self-monitoring. The primary outcome measure is change in diet quality. The completion of questionnaires at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months will be incentivized with a monetary prize draw.ResultsAs of December 2019, 1277 participants have been randomized.ConclusionsThe web-based delivery of nutrition interventions has the potential to improve dietary intake of young adults. However, the level of support required to improve intake is unknown.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000325202; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374420International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/15999

Effectiveness of Interventions and Behaviour Change Techniques for Improving Dietary Intake in Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs.

Poor eating habits are common during young adulthood and influence chronic disease morbidity. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of interventions aiming to improve dietary intake among young adults and, identifies which behaviour change techniques (BCTs) are most effective. Six electronic databases were searched for RCTs published until October 2018, and evaluating behavioural interventions assessing change in dietary intake in young adults (17–35 years). Of the 18,779 articles identified, 54 were included. Forty studies focused on fruit and/or vegetable intake, of which 63% showed a significant between-group difference in favour of the intervention group. Meta-analysis (n = 17) demonstrated a significant increase in fruit and vegetable intake of +68.6 g/day after three months of intervention and +65.8 g/day for interventions >3 months when compared to control. A meta-analysis (n = 5) on total energy intake found no significant differences between groups. The BCTs with the highest effectiveness ratio were habit formation (100%), salience of consequences (83%) and adding objects to the environment (70%). The review highlights the potential of behavioural interventions to improve young adults’ fruit and vegetable intake but was less convincing for other dietary outcomes. Due to the lack of studies including each BCT, the BCTs imperative to success could not be identified.

Nutrition Facts Panels: Who Uses Them, What Do They Use, and How Does Use Relate to Dietary Intake?

BackgroundNutrition labels are a low-cost tool with the potential to encourage healthy eating habits. ObjectiveTo investigate correlates of frequent Nutrition Facts label use, describe the types of label information most often used, and measure how label use relates to dietary intake in young adults. DesignCross-sectional population-based study of young adults participating in Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults-IV. Participants/settingSurveys and food frequency questionnaires were completed during 2015-2016 by young adults (N=1,817; weighted sample=49% women) aged 25 to 36 years. Main outcome measuresNutrition Facts label use, frequency of using specific information on labels, and dietary intake. Statistical analyses performedRelative risks and adjusted means were used to examine how demographic, behavior, and weight-related factors were associated with Nutrition Facts panel use, and how label use related to dietary outcomes. Associations with P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. ResultsApproximately one-third (31.4%) of participants used Nutrition Facts labels “frequently.” Use was significantly higher for women; for participants with high education and income; among those who prepared food regularly; among those who were physically active; among those with a weight status classified as overweight; and among those who were trying to lose, gain, or maintain weight. Label components used most often included sugars (74.1%), total calories (72.9%), serving size (67.9%), and the ingredient list (65.8%). Nutrition Facts label users consumed significantly more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and fewer sugar-sweetened beverages, compared with nonusers. Nutrition Facts label users ate significantly more frequently at sit-down restaurants but less frequently at fast-food restaurants compared with nonusers. ConclusionsAlthough Nutrition Facts label use was associated with markers of better dietary quality in a population-based sample of young adults, only one-third of participants used labels frequently. Methods to improve label use should be studied, particularly through leveraging weight- or health-related goals (eg, interest in making healthier food choices), and meeting consumer preferences concerning label content.

The Effect of a 16-Week General Nutrition Course on Nutrition Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Dietary Intake in Young Adults

The Effect of a 16-Week General Nutrition Course on Nutrition Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Dietary Intake in Young Adults

Dietary intake in young adults born small or appropriate for gestational age: data from the Haguenau cohort

ObjectivesCompare the dietary intake of young adults born small for gestational age (SGA) versus those born appropriate for gestational age (AGA).DesignCross-sectional analysis.SettingData at the 8-year follow-up Haguenau cohort (France). Data...

Validity and Reproducibility of a Food Frequency Questionnaire as a Measure of Recent Dietary Intake in Young Adults

This research assessed the relative validity and reproducibility of the Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies (DQESV2) over one month in young adults, given the lack of concise and convenient instruments for assessing recent dietary intake in this population. Participants were recruited from a large Australian university (N = 102; 35% male; age 18–34 years; body mass index 16–37 kg/m2). Five one-day weighed food records (WFR) were administered over one month followed by the DQESV2. Estimates for nutrients (energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugars, dietary fibre, and alcohol) and fruit and vegetable servings were compared between methods using correlation coefficients, 95% limits of agreement, and quintile classifications. One week later, a second DQESV2 was completed by n = 77 of the participants to assess reproducibility using intra-class correlations (ICC) and weighted kappa. Comparing methods, all nutrients and fruit and vegetable servings showed significant positive correlations (P<0.05) except protein intake in males; over 60% of participants were within one quintile classification except total fat and dietary fibre intakes in males (55% and 56%, respectively); and differences in nutrient and food intakes between methods were all within +/−20% of the mean WFR values except alcohol intake in females. Between first and second administrations of the DQESV2 all ICC coefficients were positive (P<0.01) and weighted kappa coefficients ranged from 0.54 for fruit servings (including fruit juice) in males to 0.91 for protein intake in females. Over a one month period, the DQESV2 demonstrated good reproducibility for the studied nutrients and for fruit and vegetable servings and provided a valid measure of the studied nutrients, except alcohol in females, and of fruit servings (including fruit juice) in both genders, at the group level in this young adult population.

Diet and Nutrient Intake in Young Adults Born Preterm at Very Low Birth Weight

To assess dietary intake in young adults born preterm at very low birth weight (VLBW) (≤ 1500 g). We studied 151 young adults aged 19-27 years who were born at VLBW and 156 term-born controls, group-matched for age, sex, and birth hospital. Participants completed a 3-day food record, which was checked by a nutritionist. Food and nutrient intakes were calculated with use of a dietary analysis program. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, height, living at parental home, daily smoking, and highest parental education. Compared with controls, VLBW subjects had lower mean (SD) daily intake of vegetables, fruits, and berries (183 [150] g vs 241 [168] g, P = .002] and milk products (343 [242] g vs 427 [316] g, P = .003). Energy intake from carbohydrates, protein, and fat was similar, as was salt intake. VLBW participants had lower daily intake of calcium (858 [389] mg vs 1080 [514] mg, P < .0001), vitamin D (3.7 [2.6] μg vs 4.4 [3.6] μg, P = .02), and cholesterol (189 [74] mg vs 227 [105] mg, P = .002], whereas intake of essential fatty acids was higher (4.3 [1.5] mg vs 4.0 [1.5] mg, P = .01). Lower consumption of vegetables, fruits, berries, and milk products combined with lower calcium and vitamin D intake in VLBW participants offers a target for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases in persons of VLBW.

The Association between Perceived Sweetness Intensity and Dietary Intake in Young Adults

Individual differences in taste perception may influence dietary habits, nutritional status, and ultimately nutrition-related chronic disease risk. Individual differences in sweetness intensity perception and the relationship between perceived sweetness intensity, food behaviors, and dietary intake was investigated in 85 adults. Subjects (body mass index [BMI]= 21 ± 3, 21 ± 4 y) completed a food and diet questionnaire, food variety survey, 2 24-h food records, and a perceived sweetness intensity measurement using the general labeled magnitude scale (gLMS). There was interindividual variation in perceived sweetness intensity (0 to 34 gLMS units, mean 10 ± 7). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no difference between perceived sweetness intensity and degree of importance placed on not adding sugar to tea or coffee (P = 0.2) and the degree of importance placed on avoiding sugar-sweetened or fizzy drinks (P = 1.0). Independent t-test analysis revealed no significant association between perceived sweetness intensity and the food variety measure for sugar and confectionary intake (P = 0.6) and selected fruit and vegetable intake (P = 0.1 to 0.9). One-way ANOVA also demonstrated no difference between tertiles of sweetness intensity and BMI (P = 0.1), age (P = 0.3), and food variety score (P = 0.5). No correlation was observed with regards to perceived sweetness intensity and mean total energy (kJ) intake (r = 0.05, P = 0.7), percent energy from total fat, saturated fat, protein, carbohydrate, and grams of fiber (r =-0.1 to 0.1, P = 0.2 to 0.8) and also for intake of the micronutrients: folate, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc (r = 0.1 to 0.2, P = 0.1 to 0.4). Only modest correlations were observed between sodium (r = 0.3, P < 0.05), vitamin C (r = 0.3, P < 0.05), and potassium (r = 0.2, P < 0.0) intake and perceived sweetness intensity. Overall, perceived sweetness intensity does not appear to play a role in food behaviors relating to sugar consumption and dietary intake in adults.

Making Time for Meals: Meal Structure and Associations with Dietary Intake in Young Adults

Background Prior studies have found that family meals and other aspects of meal structure are associated with dietary intake during adolescence, but little research has characterized meals in young adulthood. Objective This study was designed to describe attitudes regarding the social nature of meals, time constraints on meals, and meal regularity in young adults. In addition, this study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of young adults who report eating dinner with others and “eating on the run,” and examine associations of these behaviors with meal attitudes and dietary intake. Design Data for this cross-sectional analysis were drawn from Project EAT (Eating Among Teens)-II, the second wave of a Minnesota population-based study. Subjects/setting Mailed surveys and food frequency questionnaires were completed in 2003-2004 by 1,687 young adult (mean age=20.5 years; 44% male) participants. Main outcomes measured and statistical analyses performed χ 2 tests were calculated to examine differences in meal attitudes and behaviors according to sociodemographic characteristics. Relationships between meal attitudes and behaviors were explored using Spearman's correlation coefficients. Linear regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics were used to examine associations between meal behaviors and dietary intake variables. Results The majority of young adults reported they enjoy and value eating with others, but 35% of males and 42% of females reported lacking time to sit down and eat a meal. Eating dinner with others was significantly associated ( P≤0.01) with several markers of better dietary intake, including higher intakes of fruit, vegetables, and dark-green and orange vegetables. Eating on the run was significantly associated ( P<0.01) with higher intakes of soft drinks, fast food, total fat and saturated fat, and lower intake of several healthful foods. Conclusions Findings suggest that health services and programs for young adults should encourage taking the time to sit down for meals and to share meals with others.

Diet, Body Size, and Plasma Lipids-Lipoproteins in Young Adults: Differences by Race and Sex

The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study completed baseline dietary assessment, measurement of body mass index, and lipid and lipoprotein analyses on 5,111 participants. CARDIA includes black and white men and women between 18 and 30 years of age at baseline (1985-1986), recruited in Birmingham, Alabama, Chicago, Illinois, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Oakland, California. Diet was assessed by a detailed interviewer-administered diet history that measured the usual eating pattern over the past month. Possible sex, race, age, and educational differences in diet, body size, and lipids-lipoproteins were explored. Nutrient analyses indicate that the Keys score, a measure of dietary fat composition, is significantly correlated with plasma cholesterol in older (aged 25-30 years) white men (r = 0.12, p less than 0.01) and older white women (r = 0.12, p less than 0.001). In multiple linear regression analyses, body mass index was positively and significantly associated with total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol and inversely associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol across all race-sex groups. The Keys score was significantly associated with total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in white men and women. Education was associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol in black and white women and white men. In these young adults, dietary fat intake and body mass index were related to blood lipids in certain subgroups. In black and white men and black women, blood cholesterol increased with age across race-sex groups independently of these covariates. In view of the many factors affecting plasma cholesterol and the limitations of the dietary history method, these cross-sectional data are useful in characterizing diet and lipid differences. There appears to be general disparity between recommended dietary intake of total fat, saturated fat, and other nutrients and actual dietary intake in young adults, regardless of age and educational level.