Increase In Dietary Intake Research Articles

The relationship between dietary vitamin B1 intake and severe abdominal aortic calcification among the general population in the United States

BackgroundVitamin B1 deficiency is closely associated with vascular system damage, but the relationship between dietary vitamin B1 intake and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) remains unclear and warrants further investigation.Methods2,640 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014 were included in the study. Severe AAC was defined as Kauppila score >5. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to examine the relationship between dietary vitamin B1 and severe AAC.ResultsThe increase in dietary intake of vitamin B1 is significantly correlated with a decrease in the risk of severe AAC (OR: 0.601, 95% CI: 0.406, 0.892). Compared to the first quartile of dietary vitamin B1 intake, the fourth quartile had a significantly reduced risk of severe AAC (OR: 0.358, 95% CI: 0.172, 0.744). RCS indicated a decreasing trend in the risk of severe AAC with increasing dietary vitamin B1 intake.ConclusionOur research findings indicate that the increase in dietary intake of vitamin B1 is significantly associated with a decrease in the risk of severe AAC. Thus, increasing dietary vitamin B1 intake appropriately may reduce the risk of severe AAC.

Trends in dietary choline and betaine intake among Chinese adults: the China Health and Nutrition Survey 1991-2011.

Choline and its derivative betaine are important methyl donors, components of cell membrane phospholipids, or precursors of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and the gut microbial metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide. We aimed to investigate trends in dietary intake and food sources of total choline, individual choline forms, and betaine in Chinese adults using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) 1991-2011. The sample was drawn from urban and rural communities in 12 provinces or autonomous regions with a multistage, random cluster design. Dietary intake was estimated using three consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls in combination with a household food inventory. Linear mixed-effect models were constructed to calculate adjusted mean intake values and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using R version 4.2.2. A total of 11,188 men and 12,279 women aged 18 years or older were included. Between 1991 and 2011, total choline intake increased from 219.3 (95% CI: 215.1-223.4) mg/d to 269.0 (95% CI: 265.6-272.5) mg/d in men and from 195.6 (95% CI: 191.8-199.4) mg/d to 240.4 (95% CI: 237.4-243.5) mg/d in women (both P-trends <0.001). Phosphatidylcholine was the major form of dietary choline and its contribution to total choline increased from 46.9% in 1991 to 58.8% in 2011. Cereals were the primary food source of total choline before 2000 while eggs had ranked at the top since 2004. Dietary betaine intake was relatively steady over time with a range of 134.0-151.5 mg/d in men (P-trend <0.001) and 111.7-125.3 mg/d in women (P-trend >0.05). In conclusion, Chinese adults experienced a significant increase in dietary intake of choline, particularly phosphatidylcholine during 1991-2011 and animal-derived foods have replaced plant-based foods as the main food sources of choline. Betaine intake remained relatively stable over time. Future efforts should address the health effects of these changes.

Mitigating Cold Stress in Livestock by Nutritional Interventions: A Comprehensive Review

Climate change has been the major threat to livestock systems sustainability globally. This climate change has provoked many stressors, for instance, cold, heat, humidity, rain, ice and wind, that can directly or indirectly exert influence on the endocrine system and impact the performance of an animal including their production potential, reproductive system and regular estrous cycle. Also, the environmental stressors can contribute to the amenability of animals to infections; it is therefore, vital to understand how stressors alter the animal’s adaptive capacity and efficient methods in coping stress. This review aims at the scientific evidences regarding challenges due to cold stress and its potential mitigation by nutritional interventions. The cold is amongst the most potential environmental stressors which can adversely affect production potential as well as the growth of animals. Under cold stress the animals’ dietary intake increases, but the production capacity declines, furthermore, it can also culminate in physiological fluctuations, behavioral shift, tissue and intestinal impairment and soaring death rate. Maintenance of animal in its thermoneutral zone is important, otherwise any deviation from it proves life threatening. So, to cut back on the economic losses timely course of action must be taken to prevent the damages ascribed to the stressor. To maintain the production performance along with profitability, it is thus recommended to adapt scientific feeding regimens and also incorporate feed supplements (especially vitamins and minerals) to combat the devastating effects of cold stress.

Insights Into Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Effects of Dietary Fatty Acid Intake With a Focus on Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Using Preclinical Models.

While the aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been linked to genetic susceptibility coupled with environmental factors, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Among the environmental factors, diet and the gut microbiota have been implicated as drivers of immune dysregulation in IBD. Indeed, epidemiologic studies have highlighted that the increase in incidence of IBD parallels the increase in dietary intake of omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the change in balance of intake of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids. Experimental evidence suggests that the increase in n-6 PUFA intake increases cell membrane arachidonic acid, which is accompanied by the production of pro-inflammatory mediators as well as increased oxidative stress; together, this contributes to the development of chronic inflammation. However, it is also increasingly clear that some of the n-6 PUFA-derived mediators exert beneficial effects depending on the settings and timing of ingestion. In contrast to n-6, when n-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are incorporated into the cell membrane and are metabolized into less pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, as well as strong specialized pro-resolving mediators, which play a role in inflammation cessation. With a focus on preclinical models, we explore the relationship between dietary lipid, the gut microbiome, and intestinal inflammation.

Association between dietary vitamin E intake and cognitive decline among old American: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Numerous studies have reported that vitamin E plays a key role in nervous system development and neurotransmitter production. This study aimed to investigate changes in vitamin E intake in older adults with low cognitive performance using NHANES. In this cross-sectional study, we examined a sample of 2255 American adults aged 60 and over between 2011 and 2014. We collected dietary data by averaging two recalls for dietary use to determine vitamin E intake. We assessed cognitive function using five tests and analyzed the association between these variables using a multivariate logistic regression model. A total of 2255 participants aged ≥ 60years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the 2011-2014 cycle were included in the analysis. Vitamin E intake was negatively associated with cognitive function. In the Z test, with each 1mg/day increase in dietary intake of vitamin E, there was a 6% decrease in the correlation with cognitive impairment (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97) in the fully fitted model (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97). These findings remained consistent when analyzing the exposure as a categorical variable. In comparison to Q1, Q4 showed a 53% reduction in the incidence of cognitive impairment in the Z test (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.33-0.67).No significant statistical interaction between the variables was found. An increased dietary intake of vitamin E has been associated with decreased cognitive impairment in individuals over 60years old. The dose-response curve showed an L-shaped association between dietary vitamin E intake and cognitive decline in US adults, with an inflection point of approximately 9.296mg/day.

12-months of increased dietary intake does not exacerbate disordered eating-related attitudes, stress, or depressive symptoms in women with exercise-associated menstrual disturbances: The REFUEL randomized controlled trial

Disordered eating-related attitudes are a leading cause of energy deficiency and menstrual disturbances in exercising women. Although treatment recommendations include psychological counseling with increases in dietary intake, a key concern is whether increased dietary intake may exacerbate negative eating behaviors. ObjectiveTo determine the effects of a 12-month nutritional intervention on eating-related attitudes and psychological characteristics in exercising women with oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea (Oligo/Amen). MethodsIntent-to-treat analysis of the REFUEL randomized controlled trial (#NCT00392873) in 113 exercising women (age [mean±SEM]:] 21.9 ± 0.4 yrs; BMI: 20.9 ± 0.2 kg/m2). Women were randomized to increase energy intake 20–40% above baseline energy needs (Oligo/Amen+Cal, n = 40) or maintain energy intake (Oligo/Amen Control, n = 36) while maintaining their exercise behaviors. A reference group of ovulatory women (OVref, n = 37) maintained diet and exercise behaviors. Body composition, eating attitudes, stress, and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and every 3 months. ResultsAt baseline, the Oligo/Amen groups had higher drive for thinness, cognitive restraint, and eating disorder risk than OVref group (p < 0.001). Increased energy intake led to increases in percent body fat and fat mass (p < 0.010), but not psychobehavioral outcomes, in the Oligo/Amen+Cal compared to Oligo/Amen Control group. Independent of group, cognitive restraint decreased (p < 0.001) and resilient coping increased (p < 0.007) over 12-months, while perceived stress (p = 0.143) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.344) were unchanged. DiscussionLong-term nutritional intervention consisting of modest increases in dietary intake with guidance from a registered dietician and a psychologist increases body and fat mass without increasing disordered eating-related attitudes, stress, or depressive symptoms in exercising women with Oligo/Amen.

Effect of COVID-19 on Type 2 Diabetes Self-Care Behaviors: A Rapid Review.

The aim of this review was to describe how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown affected the self-care behaviors of people living with type 2 diabetes. A systematic rapid review was conducted using four electronic databases. Studies reporting on the lockdown's impact on at least one of the self-care behaviors that were published from January 2020 through October 2021 were included. Findings were synthesized narratively, using the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors as a framework. The methodological level of evidence and quality ratings of the articles were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal Checklist. Fifteen articles were included. Most studies reported on at least five of the self-care behaviors. There were reported increases in diabetes-related stress, as well as in increases in dietary intake and changes in the timing of meals. Physical activity was reported to decrease. Overall, taking medications and glycemic self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) were unaffected by the lockdown. Of the studies reporting glycemic outcomes, the lockdown appeared to have little negative effect. None of the articles assessed all the self-care behaviors. The self-care behavior of SMBG was the least assessed. Most articles had a medium level of evidence and a medium to high quality rating (scores >60%). The findings from this review found the COVID-19 lockdown had a variable impact on diabetes self-care behaviors. Because the potential for future COVID-19 surges and/or other virulent transmissible diseases remains a concern, health care providers should continue to address the importance of self-care behaviors to mitigate the risk of poor health outcomes in people with diabetes.

What happened among Japanese children from school closure due to COVID-19 after school re-opening? Changes in sleep habits and dietary intake.

The present study aimed to (1) examine the changes in sleep habits and dietary intake among school-aged children after the school re-opening from a 3-month closure (without school lunch) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) examine whether the changes differ between those with different temporal patterns of sleep and eating during school closure, namely, 'Very early', 'Early', 'Late' and 'Very late'. The latter patterns were characterised by later timings of wake up, breakfast and lunch. Questionnaires were answered twice by 4084 children (aged 8-15 years), themselves and/or their parents: first in June 2020 (for assessing lifestyle during school closure) and second, from July 2020 to February 2021 (for assessing lifestyle after school opening). After school re-opening, the participants' wake-up time became an hour earlier (95% CI 1⋅0, 1⋅1) and sleep duration got 0⋅94 h shorter (95% CI 0⋅91, 0⋅97) than during school closure. An increase in dietary intake was observed for thiamine, vitamin B6, potassium, fruits and dairy products, and a decrease was observed for sugars (as foods) and confectioneries and sweetened beverages, despite small effect sizes (Cohen's d: 0⋅20-0⋅30). Significant changes in wake-up time, sleep duration and sweetened beverage intake were observed among children with the latter temporal patterns. Thus, children wake up earlier and sleep for shorter durations after school re-opening than during school closure; however, changes in dietary intake were generally insignificant. Dietary intake among school-aged children in Japan during school closure (without school lunch) might not be worse than that during school days with universal school lunch.

Estimation of dietary intake of 90Sr in Japan after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident: market basket study, 2013–2018

Radionuclide contamination in foods has been a public concern in Japan after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident. To estimate time and regional trends of daily intake and annual committed effective dose of strontium-90 (90Sr) after the accident, we analysed Market basket samples using a low background 2π gas-flow counter. Samples were collected from six regions, once a year from 2013 to 2018. There appeared to be little variation in estimated daily intake and annual committed effective dose of 90Sr across the time periods and regions. The estimated maximum annual committed effective dose of 90Sr was 0.00076 mSv/year, a value sufficiently lower than the intervention exemption level, 1 mSv/year, in foods in Japan. There was no noticeable difference between the range of estimated daily intake of 90Sr in this study compared with daily intake measured before the FDNPP accident. These results suggested that no obvious increase in dietary intake of 90Sr was observed after the FDNPP accident, and that the effects on commercial foods from 90Sr due to the FDNPP accident were negligible.

Linear Growth Spurts are Preceded by Higher Weight Gain Velocity and Followed by Weight Slowdowns Among Rural Children in Burkina Faso: A Longitudinal Study

BackgroundThe temporal relationship between length (linear) and weight (ponderal) growth in early life is important to support optimal nutrition program design. Studies based on measures of attained size have established that wasting often precedes stunting, but such studies do not capture responsiveness of growth to previous compared with current conditions. As a result, the temporality of linear and ponderal growth relationships remain unclear. ObjectivesWe used growth velocity indicators to assess the temporal bidirectional relationships between linear and ponderal growth in children. MethodsUsing monthly anthropometric measurements from 5039 Burkinabè children enrolled at 6 months of age and followed until 28 months from August 2014 to December 2016, we employed multilevel mixed-effects models to investigate concurrent and lagged associations between linear and ponderal growth velocity, controlling for time trends, seasonality, and morbidity. ResultsFaster ponderal growth is associated with faster concurrent and subsequent linear growth (0.21–0.72 increase in length velocity z-score per unit increase in weight velocity z-score), while faster linear growth is associated with slower future weight gain (0.009–0.02 decrease in weight velocity z-score per unit increase in length velocity z-score), especially among children 9–14 months. Ponderal growth slows around the same time as peaks in morbidity, followed roughly a month later by slower linear growth. ConclusionsUse of velocity measures to assess temporal dependencies between linear and ponderal growth demonstrate that the same growth-limiting conditions likely affect both length and weight velocity, that slow ponderal growth likely limits subsequent linear growth, and that linear growth spurts may not be accompanied by sufficient increases in dietary intake to avoid slowdowns in weight gain.

Management and Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

With the present-day fast lifestyle leading to stressful conditions, coupled with increase in dietary intake of fast foods, the incidence of acne vulgaris may evolve as a major medical problem in the near future.

HOMEFOOD randomised trial – Six-month nutrition therapy improves quality of life, self-rated health, cognitive function, and depression in older adults after hospital discharge

Malnutrition is common among older adults and is related to quality of life, cognitive function, and depression. To what extent nutrition interventions can improve these outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nutrition therapy on health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), self-rated health, cognitive function, and depression in community dwelling older adults recently discharged from hospital. Participants (>65 years) were randomised into an intervention (n=53) and a control group (n=53). The intervention group received individualised nutrition therapy based on the nutrition care process including 5 home visits and 3 phone calls, in combination with freely delivered energy- and protein-rich foods and oral nutrition supplements for six months after hospital discharge. EQ-5D, self-rated health, Mini-Mental-State-Examination (MMSE), and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression - IOWA (CES-D) scale were measured at baseline and at endpoint. Two subjects dropped out, one from each arm. The control group experienced an increase in depressive symptoms and a decrease in self-rated health during the study period, while the intervention group experienced increases in cognitive function, self-rated health, and EQ-5D resulting in significant endpoint differences between the groups: EQ-5D (0.102, P=0.001); self-rated health: 15.876 (P<0.001); MMSE: 1.701 (P<0.001); depressive symptoms: - 3.072 (P<0.001); all in favour of the intervention group. Improvements during the intervention in MMSE, self-rated health, and CES-D were significantly related to body weight gain in a linear way. Cognitive function and mental well-being worsen or stagnate in older adults who receive standard care after hospital discharge. However, a six-month nutrition therapy improves these outcomes leading to statistically and clinically significant endpoint differences between the groups. As improvements were related to body weight gain after hospital discharge, we conclude that the increase in dietary intake, with focus on energy and protein density, and changes in body weight might have contributed to better cognitive function and mental well-being in older adults after the intervention.

Long-term effect of a dietary intervention with two-healthy dietary approaches on food intake and nutrient density in coronary patients: results from the CORDIOPREV trial

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of disease burden in the world by non-communicable diseases. Nutritional interventions promoting high-quality dietary patterns with low caloric intake value and high nutrient density (ND) could be linked to a better control of CVD risk and recurrence of coronary disease. This study aims to assess the effects of a dietary intervention based on MedDiet or Low-Fat dietary intervention over changes in ND and food intake after 1 and 7 years of follow-up of the CORDIOPREV study.MethodsWe prospectively analyzed the results of the 802 coronary patients randomized to two healthy dietary patterns (MedDiet = 425, Low-Fat Diet = 377) who completed the 7 years of follow-up and had all the dietary data need. Dietary intake information obtained from a validated 137-item Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to calculate 1- and 7-year changes in dietary intake and ND (measured as nutrient intake per 1000 kcal). T test was used to ascertain differences in food intake and ND between groups across follow-up time. Within-subject (dietary allocation group) differences were analyzed with ANOVA repeated measures.ResultsFrom baseline to 7 years of follow-up, significant increases of vegetables, fruits, and whole cereals within groups (p < 0.001) was found. We found a higher increase in dietary intake of certain food groups with MedDiet in comparison with Low-Fat Diet for vegetables (46.1 g/day vs. 18.1 g/day, p < 00.1), fruits (121.3 g/day vs. 72.9 g/day), legumes (4.3 g/day vs. 0.16 g/day) and nuts (7.3 g/day vs. − 3.7 g/day). There was a decrease in energy intake over time in both groups, slightly higher in Low-Fat Diet compared to MedDiet group (− 427.6 kcal/day vs. − 279.8 kcal/day at 1st year, and − 544.6 kcal/day vs. − 215.3 kcal/day after 7 years of follow-up). ND of all the nutrients increased within group across follow-up time, except for Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA), cholesterol and sodium (p < 0.001).ConclusionsA comprehensive dietary intervention improved quality of diet, reducing total energy intake and increasing the intake of healthy food groups and overall ND after 1 year and maintaining this trend after 7 years of follow-up. Our results reinforce the idea of the participation in trials, enhance nutrition literacy and produces better nutritional outcomes in adult patients with established CVD.Clinical trial registryThe trial was registered in 2009 at ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT00924937).

12-month RCT To Increase Dietary Intake Does Not Exacerbate Disordered Eating In Amenorrheic/Oligomenorrheic Exercising Women

Disordered eating behaviors contribute to energy deficiency and the development of oligomenorrhea (Oligo) and amenorrhea (Amen) in exercising women. Although treatment recommendations include psychological counseling with increases in dietary intake, there is concern as to whether prescribed increases in food intake may exacerbate negative eating attitudes or behaviors. PURPOSE: Determine the effects of a 12-month nutritional intervention on disordered eating behaviors in exercising women with Oligo/Amen. METHODS: Intent-to-treat analysis of the REFUEL RCT (# NCT00392873) in 113 exercising women (age: 21.9 ± 0.4 yrs; BMI: 20.9 ± 0.2 kg/m2). Oligo/Amen women were randomized to increase energy intake 20-40% above baseline energy needs (Oligo/Amen+Cal, n = 40) or maintain energy intake (Oligo/Amen Control, n = 36). Ovulatory women (OVref, n = 37) maintained diet and exercise behaviors. Body composition and psychological measures (EDI-3, TFEQ, Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Depression, Brief Resilience Coping Scale) were assessed every 3 months. All women had monthly guidance from a registered dietician and a psychologist. Baseline group differences were detected using Mann-Whitney U tests; intent-to-treat differences over 12-months were assessed using Generalized Linear Mixed Effects Models. RESULTS: At baseline, OVref group had lower Drive for Thinness (2.9 ± 0.6 vs 7.1 ± 0.7; p < 0.001) Cognitive Restraint (6.9 ± 0.7 vs 10.7 ± 0.5; p < 0.001), and Eating Disorder Risk (11.2 ± 1.6 vs 19.4 ± 1.8; p < 0.01) than both Oligo/Amen groups. Compared to Oligo/Amen Control, Oligo/Amen+Cal had lower body weight (55.0 ± 1 vs 59.1 ± 1 kg; p < 0.05) and fat mass (13.1 ± 0.5 vs 15.3 ± 0.8 kg; p < 0.05). Prospectively, there were group*time interactions for body weight (p < 0.001) and fat mass (p < 0.001), such that at 12-months, Oligo/Amen+Cal increased body weight and fat mass (p < 0.001) compared to baseline values. There was a main effect of time indicated a reduction in Cognitive Restraint (p < 0.001) in both Oligo/Amen groups over 12-months. All other psychological measures remained unchanged (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Long term nutritional intervention with guidance from registered dietician and psychologist does not worsen disordered eating behaviors in exercising women with Oligo/Amen, despite gain in body weight and fat mass.

The Urine Anion Gap: Common Misconceptions.

Two papers, one in 1986 and another one in 1988, reported a strong inverse correlation between urinary anion gap (UAG) and urine ammonia excretion (UNH4) in patients with metabolic acidosis and postulated that UAG could be used as an indirect measure of UNH4 This postulation has persisted until now and is widely accepted. In this review, we discuss factors regulating UAG and examine published evidence to uncover errors in the postulate and the design of the original studies. The essential fact is that, in the steady state, UAG reflects intake of Na, K, and Cl. Discrepancy between intake and urinary output of these electrolytes (i.e, UAG) indicates selective extrarenal loss of these electrolytes or nonsteady state. UNH4 excretion, which depends, in the absence of renal dysfunction, mainly on the daily acid load, has no consistent relationship to UAG either theoretically or in reality. Any correlation between UAG and UNH4, when observed, was a fortuitous correlation and cannot be extrapolated to other situations. Furthermore, the normal value of UAG has greatly increased over the past few decades, mainly due to increases in dietary intake of potassium and widespread use of sodium salts with anions other than chloride as food additives. The higher normal values of UAG must be taken into consideration in interpreting UAG.

Temporal Patterns in Linear and Ponderal Growth Velocity Among Children 6–23 Months in Burkina Faso

Abstract Objectives Although studies have found co-occurrence of stunting (low height-for-age) with wasting (low weight-for-height), and found that wasting often precedes stunting, none has investigated links between velocities of linear and ponderal growth over time. Understanding temporal dependencies and growth trajectories in both height and weight can help determine optimal timing of interventions to prevent wasting and stunting. Methods We re-analyzed monthly height and weight data from a cohort of 6112 children aged 6–23 months in a supplementary feeding trial in Burkina Faso, conducted from July 2014 to September 2016. We built mixed effects models with multiple lag periods to determine links between linear growth trajectory (cm gained/month) and ponderal growth trajectory (kg gained/month), and vice versa, controlling for age, season, study arm, and morbidities. Lag periods included growth velocity measurements taken one (t-1) to four (t-4) months prior to the outcome velocity. Results On average in these data, ponderal growth is positively associated with future linear growth, but linear growth is followed by lower future weight gain. Doubling the average ponderal growth velocity (0.18 kg/month) is associated with 3%–0.2% higher linear growth velocity one to four months later, while doubling the average linear growth velocity (0.95 cm/month) is associated with 16%–3% lower ponderal growth velocity one to four months later. In all cases, the magnitude of a growth velocity's association with future growth velocities decreases as the time interval increases. These results are all significant at the 5% level. Conclusions We find that episodes of faster linear growth are associated with lower subsequent ponderal growth. This finding demonstrates temporal dependencies and suggests that, for infants in Burkina Faso, linear growth spurts may not be accompanied by sufficient increases in dietary intake to avoid a slowdown in weight gain. To improve child growth, programs should combine strategies that address both height and weight. Funding Sources United States Agency for International Development, Office of Food for Peace.

Feasibility study of smartphone application for self-monitoring dietary intake among cancer patients

Objective: Evidence accumulates that optimal nutrition status positively influences cancer treatment outcomes. A "smartphone application" (intelligent dietitian support apps, iDSA) was developed to act as a tool to assist patients in terms of dietary monitoring. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of iDSA for self-monitoring dietary intake among cancer patients.&#x0D; Method: This was a pilot study. Eligible patients were approached and recruited. Dietitian entered individual estimated energy protein requirement into iDSA after installation. Participants recorded and monitored own daily dietary intake. Dietitian arranged for a two-week follow up to monitor nutritional status (weight and dietary intake).&#x0D; Results: This study enrolled 14 participants, six males and eight females, with a mean age of 36.4 ± 10.1 years. iDSA improved participants’ nutritional outcomes significantly; weight gained 1.2 ± 0.2 kg, increased energy intake 215 ± 100 kcal/day and protein intake 8 ± 5.1 g/day. There were 92.9% of participants agreed or totally agreed that they were able to monitor and increase dietary intake during using iDSA. However, about 57.1% reported that it was burdensome to record their diet daily and sometimes they forgot to record their food intake.&#x0D; Conclusion: Self-monitoring dietary intake via intelligent dietitian support apps was feasible among cancer patients. With compliance to iDSA resulted in an increase in dietary intake and body weight after two-week. iDSA usability was rated good and can be used to study dietary intake among cancer patients.

The effects of vitamin K-rich green leafy vegetables on bone metabolism: A 4-week randomised controlled trial in middle-aged and older individuals

BackgroundHigh vegetable intake is associated with beneficial effects on bone. However, the mechanisms remain uncertain. Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of vitamin K1, which is known to have large effects on osteoblasts and osteocalcin (OC) metabolism. ObjectiveTo examine the effects of consumption of two to three extra serves of green leafy vegetables daily on bone metabolism. MethodsThirty individuals (mean age 61.8 ± 9.9 years, 67% male) completed three experimental phases in a randomised controlled crossover design, each lasting four weeks, with a washout period of four weeks between phases (clinical trial registration: ACTRN12615000194561). The three experimental phases were: (i) increased dietary vitamin K1 by consuming green leafy vegetables (H-K; ~200 g/d containing 164.3 [99.5–384.7] μg/d of vitamin K1); (ii) low vitamin K1 by consuming vitamin K1-poor vegetables (L-K; ~200 g/d containing 9.4 [7.7–11.6] μg/d of vitamin K1); and (iii) control (CON) where participants consumed an energy-matched non-vegetable control. OC forms, total OC (tOC), carboxylated OC (cOC) and undercarboxylated OC (ucOC), were measured in serum pre- and post-intervention for each experimental phase using a sandwich-electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. ResultsPre-intervention tOC, ucOC and ucOC:tOC levels were similar between phases (P > .05). Following H-K, but not L-K, tOC, ucOC and ucOC:tOC levels were significantly lower compared to pre-intervention levels (P ≤ .001) and compared to CON (~14%, 31% and 19%, respectively, all P < .05), while cOC remained unchanged. ConclusionsIn middle-aged healthy men and women, an easily achieved increase in dietary intake of vitamin K1-rich green leafy vegetables substantially reduces serum tOC and ucOC suggesting increased entry of OC into bone matrix, where it may improve the material property of bone. In conjunction with previous epidemiological and randomised controlled trial data, these findings suggest that interventions to increase vegetable intake over extended periods should include bone end points including fracture risk.

Impact of Dietetic Intervention on Skin Autofluorescence and Nutritional Status in Persons Receiving Dialysis: A Proof of Principle Study

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are uremic toxins that result from oxidative stress and food consumption. It has been reported that markers of malnutrition are more important determinants of increased skin autofluorescence (SAF), a measure of AGE accumulation and risk factor for mortality, than high dietary AGE intake in a hemodialysis (HD) population, suggesting that correcting malnutrition may decrease SAF. We investigated this hypothesis in a single-center, nonrandomized proof-of-principle study. We enrolled 27 patients on HD and one on peritoneal dialysis with malnutrition who received individualized nutritional advice and support over 6months. SAF was measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6months. Dietary intake and nutritional status were assessed at baseline and 6months. Results were compared with a control group of malnourished patients on dialysis (n=41 HD and 8 peritoneal dialysis) from a previous observational study. The intervention group showed a significant increase in dietary intake, including AGEs, Subjective Global Assessment score, and serum albumin, while SAF levels remained stable for over 6months (3.8±0.7 arbitrary units [AU] vs. 3.7±0.7 AU; P=.3). Conversely, in the control group, SAF increased significantly during the observation period (3.5±0.9 AU vs. 3.8±1.2 AU; P=.03) during which there was no improvement in nutritional intake and other markers of nutrition, although dietary AGE intake and Subjective Global Assessment score did increase. Dietetic support was associated with stable SAF levels in this proof-of-principal study despite an increase in dietary AGE intake, suggesting that interventions to improve nutrition may be important in preventing the rise in SAF observed in malnourished dialysis populations. Further long-term studies are needed to test this hypothesis and evaluate the impact on survival.

Fructose consumption during pregnancy and lactation causes DNA damage and biochemical changes in female mice.

The consumption of fructose during pregnancy can cause hyperglycaemia and may stimulate production of reactive oxygen species; however, there are only a few studies reporting whether fructose consumption during pregnancy causes DNA damage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fructose consumption on genetic and biochemical parameters in Swiss mice treated during pregnancy and lactation. For this, 15 couples of 60-day-old Swiss mice were divided into three groups of five couples: negative control (water) and two fructose groups (fructose dose of 10%/l and 20%/l). During this period, we evaluated food consumption, energy efficiency and body weight. Samples of blood were collected from the females before copulation, after the 15th day of conception and on the 21st day after the lactation period, for the glycaemic and lipid profiles as well as comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test. Comet assay and MN test evaluate DNA damage and clastogenicity, respectively. In the gestation and lactation period, the two fructose doses tested showed DNA damage as observed in the comet assay, which is associated with an increase in dietary intake, body weight, lipid profile and fasting glycaemia in females. Thus, it can be suggested that the high consumption of fructose during these periods is harmful for pregnancy and lactation.