Dietary Macronutrient Intake Research Articles

Abstract 17960: Influence of a Weight Management Intervention for Overweight and Obese Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients on Macronutrient Dietary Intake and Use of Weight Loss Strategies

Introduction: The majority of cardiac patients who enter cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are overweight. However, few patients lose enough weight to reduce their risk for heart disease. Purpose: To examine the influence of a weight management (WM) intervention for overweight and obese CR patients on the outcomes of dietary macronutrient (protein, carbohydrate, and fat) intake and use of WM strategies. Methods: Overweight or obese CR patients were randomized to a 12-week WM intervention (n=22) or usual care (UC) (n=21) group. Baseline, 4- and 6-month data were obtained after cardiac revascularization [coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)]. The 3-day diet diary, analyzed with the Minnesota Nutrition Data System V5.0, measured dietary macronutrient intake. The Diet and Exercise Self-Management survey measured subjects’ use of WM strategies. Results: Using RM ANCOVA, there were no significant group * time interactions controlling for % of calories from dietary fat, carbohydrate or protein intake at baseline. There were significant main effects by group, with the WM group having a significantly [F(1, 38)=4.2, p=.04] lower % intake of calories from dietary fat (29.9% compared to 34.1% for the UC group); and a significantly [F(1,38)=8.5, p=.006] higher % intake of calories from protein intake (23.7% compared to 19.9% for the usual care group). At 4-months after CABS or PCI, the WM group reported significantly higher use of WM diet behavior strategies for self-monitoring diet intake [F(1,38)=11.3, p=.002], planning [F(1,38)=9.7, p=.003], preparing and buying [F(1,38)=12.2, p=.001], and portion control [F(1,38)=7.8, p=.008]. Conclusions: The WM intervention influenced percentages of macronutrient dietary intake consistent with heart healthy diet recommendations. The WM intervention had an impact on improving reported use of weight loss strategies. Findings support the importance of a WM intervention for overweight and obese cardiac patients to improve weight outcomes not achieved in CR participation alone. Further research in a larger, controlled study is needed to examine how WM strategies can be integrated as an augmented intervention into standard CR.

Change in daily energy intake associated with pairwise compositional change in carbohydrate, fat and protein intake among US adults, 1999-2010.

To assess the change in daily energy intake associated with pairwise compositional change in carbohydrate, fat and protein intake among US adults stratified by sex, race/ethnicity and weight status. Linear mixture model was performed to estimate the relationship between daily energy intake and macronutrient composition, adjusted for age and alcohol consumption, and accounting for survey design. Study sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2010 waves. A total of 27 589 US adults aged 20 years and older were included in the study. Dietary macronutrient intake was calculated from 24 h dietary recall and BMI from objectively measured weight/height. Across all population subgroups, substituting protein or carbohydrate for fat and substituting protein for carbohydrate were associated with decreased daily energy intake, with the largest effect resulting from substituting protein for fat. A 1 % increase in the percentage of energy from protein substituted for a 1 % decrease in the percentage of energy from fat was associated with a decrease in daily energy intake of 268.2 (95 % CI 169.0, 367.4) kJ, 289.5 (95 % CI 215.9, 363.2) kJ and 293.7 (95 % CI 210.0, 377.4) kJ among normal-weight (18.5≤BMI, kg/m2<25.0), overweight (25.0≤BMI, kg/m2<30.0) and obese (BMI≥30.0 kg/m2) men, and 177.4 (95 % CI 130.5, 224.3) kJ, 188.7 (95 % CI 139.3, 238.1) kJ and 204.2 (95 % CI 158.2, 250.2) kJ among normal-weight, overweight and obese women, respectively. The relationship between macronutrient composition and daily energy intake varied substantially across sex, race/ethnicity and weight status. Policies promoting higher daily protein intake at the expense of lower fat intake could be effective in reducing total energy intake among US adults.

OP21.11: Fatty acid intake in pregnant women with placental insufficiency

To analyze the dietary intake of energy, macronutrients and fatty acids(FA) of pregnant women with placental insufficiency, and to compare with pregnant women without this obstetric complication. A prospective cross-sectional study with following inclusion criteria: singleton pregnancy, fetus alive; above 26 weeks gestation; diagnosis of placental insufficiency characterized by abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (PI > 95p); absence of fetal abnormalities or diabetes, without omega n-3 supplementation. The maternal dietary intake was investigated by applying the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) able to characterize maternal intake during the last 3 months. We analyzed the absolute values and the % of total energy value(TEV). We included 21 pregnant women in the study group with placental insufficiency and 21 pregnant women in the control group. No difference was found in the median BMI (study group = 26.5 kg/m2, control group = 28.0 kg/m2, p = 0.563). The analysis of the FFQ demonstrated maternal intake of energy was significant higher in the group with placental insufficiency than control group (2002 kcal vs.1515 kcal, p = 0.021). With regard to the consumption of FA, there was a significant difference in the percentage of TEV in the group with placental insufficiency compared with the control group: saturated fatty acids (11.5% vs.9.3%, p = 0.043), polyunsaturated FA (2.7% vs.3.6%, p = 0.029), monounsaturated FA (1.2% vs.2.1%, p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in diet quality regarding the consumption evaluated according to the % of TEV: carbohydrates (51.5% vs. 51.8%, p = 0.831), protein (15.3% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.458), total FA (37.8% vs. 33.0%, p = 0.831). Pregnant women with the placental insufficiency reported lower quality of dietary fatty acids consumption. Mothers with placental insufficiency presented higher intake of saturated fatty acids, and lower intake of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, and greater energy consumption.

Correlations between self-efficacy in resisting six temptations and dietary energy and macronutrient intake at each meal

Self-efficacy in relation to eating behavior for weight control is commonly defined as having the confidence to control urges to overeat in high-risk situations. Prior researchers have suggested that self-efficacy plays a mediating role in eating behavior for weight loss and maintenance. The current study examined the relationship between self-efficacy in resisting certain temptations and daily dietary intake at each meal. Participants were 83 men and 122 women registered at the health management website “Asken”. They administered questionnaires about self-efficacy and dietary records. As results of multiple regression analysis, self-efficacy in resisting negative emotions was negatively related to lunch energy intake in men (β=−0.308, p=0.023) and total (β=−0.302, p=0.003), breakfast (β=−0.334, p=0.004), and snacking (β=−0.232, p=0.022) energy intake in women. Also, self-efficacy in resisting rewards was negatively related to lunch energy intake in men (β=−0.218, p=0.040). In men, self-efficacy in resisting hunger was positively related to protein intake (β=0.148, p=0.021) and relaxation was negatively related to lipid intake (β=−0.211, p=0.009). Self-efficacy in resisting some temptations, especially negative emotions, and dietary intakes were negatively related. Future research is needed to confirm these results and assess the prospective effects of self-efficacy.

Maternal low glycaemic index diet, fat intake and postprandial glucose influences neonatal adiposity--secondary analysis from the ROLO study.

BackgroundThe in utero environment is known to affect fetal development however many of the mechanisms by which this occurs remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between maternal dietary macronutrient intake and lifestyle throughout pregnancy and neonatal weight and adiposity.MethodsThis was an analysis of 542 mother and infant pairs from the ROLO study (Randomised cOntrol trial of LOw glycaemic index diet versus no dietary intervention to prevent recurrence of fetal macrosomia). Food diaries as well as food frequency and lifestyle and physical activity questionnaires were completed during pregnancy. Maternal anthropometry was measured throughout pregnancy and neonatal anthropometry was measured at birth.ResultsMultiple linear regression analysis revealed the main maternal factor associated with increased birth weight was greater gestational weight gain R2adj23.3% (F = 11.547, p < 0.001). The main maternal factor associated with increased birth length was non-smoking status R2adj27.8% (F = 6.193, p < 0.001). Neonatal central adiposity (determined using waist:length ratio) was negatively associated with maternal age, and positively associated with the following parameters: smoking status, maternal pre-pregnancy arm circumference, percentage energy from saturated fat in late pregnancy, postprandial glucose at 28 weeks gestation and membership of the control group with a positive trend towards association with trimester 2 glycaemic load R2adj 38.1% (F = 8.000, p < 0.001).ConclusionsSeveral maternal diet and lifestyle factors were associated with neonatal anthropometry . Low glycaemic index dietary intervention in pregnancy was found to have a beneficial effect on neonatal central adiposity. Additionally, central adiposity was positively associated with maternal dietary fat intake and postprandial glucose highlighting the important role of healthy diet in pregnancy in promoting normal neonatal adiposity.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN54392969.

Strong influence of dietary intake and physical activity on body fatness in elderly Japanese men: age-associated loss of polygenic resistance against obesity.

Genome-wide association studies identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with body mass index (BMI) in middle-aged populations; however, it is unclear whether these SNPs are associated with body fatness in elderly people. We examined the association between genetic risk score (GRS) from BMI-associated SNPs and body fatness in elderly Japanese men. We also examined the contribution of GRS, dietary macronutrient intake, and physical activity to body fatness by different age groups. GRS was calculated from 10 BMI-associated SNPs in 84 middle-aged (30-64years) and 97 elderly (65-79years) Japanese men; subjects were divided into low, middle, and high GRS groups. Dietary macronutrient intake was assessed using a questionnaire, and physical activity was evaluated using both a questionnaire and an accelerometer. The middle-aged individuals with a high GRS had greater BMI; waist circumference; and total abdominal fat, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat areas than the middle-aged individuals with low GRS, whereas the indicators were not different between the GRS groups in elderly individuals. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that GRS was the strongest predictor of BMI, total abdominal fat, and visceral fat in the middle-aged group, whereas fat, alcohol, and protein intakes or vigorous-intensity physical activity were more strongly associated with these indicators than was GRS in the elderly group. These results suggest that GRS from BMI-associated SNPs is not predictive of body fatness in elderly Japanese men. The stronger contribution of dietary macronutrient intake and physical activity to body fatness may attenuate the genetic predisposition in elderly men.

8.1 The association of maternal characteristics and macronutrient intake in pregnancy with neonatal body composition

BackgroundThe in utero environment has been found to affect fetal development however many of the mechanisms by which this occurs remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine...

Zinc status and dietary intake of pregnant women, Alexandria, Egypt

Deficiencies of protein, energy, and micronutrients are highly prevalent in developing countries and have major effects on pregnancy outcome. Low dietary intake is the most common reason for zinc deficiency. The present research is part of a larger double-blind randomized-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on the pregnancy outcome. The aim of the present study was to assess the zinc status and dietary intake of zinc and other macronutrients and micronutrients among pregnant women in Alexandria, Egypt. Participants were pregnant women attending two antenatal care centers that serve low-income and middle-income pregnant populations. A total of 1055 healthy pregnant women aged 20-45 years were assessed for eligibility. Of these, only 675 had serum zinc level below the median for the gestational age. They were assigned randomly to one of three parallel groups. Zinc supplements were provided from 16 weeks until delivery. A subsample of 100 women was assessed for their dietary intake. A questionnaire interview was used to collect basic socioeconomic and data on current pregnancy and labor. Dietary data were collected using the 24-h recall method and a food frequency questionnaire. The nutritive value of the daily diet was computed using the Egyptian food composition tables. The blood hemoglobin level, serum zinc level, and fasting blood sugar were determined. Zinc deficiency was detected among 53.5% of the sample. Dietary intake of zinc was low, representing 59.4, 59.4, and 62% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for the zinc group, zinc plus multivitamins, and the placebo group, respectively. The iron intake was below 50% of the RDA. Protein intake was less than 70% of the RDA. The mean intakes of fat were 191.97, 211.8, and 196.3 g/day for the three groups. The mean energy intake represented 51.1, 53.5, and 49.8% of the RDA. Except for carbohydrate intake, the dietary intake of all macronutrients and micronutrients was low. The lowest intake was of iron (below 50% of the RDA). Zinc and protein intake represented less than 70% of the RDA. The overall energy intake was around 50% of the RDA. Nutritional health education should be used as a preventive approach to allow the large sector of the low-income population to maximize the use of the limited resources in the best way. In women at high risk of zinc deficiency, zinc supplementation should be added to the routine supplements.

Worsened arterial stiffness in high-risk cardiovascular patients with high habitual carbohydrate intake: a cross-sectional vascular function study

BackgroundPrevious studies suggested that high dietary carbohydrate intake is associated with increased cardiovascular risk through raised triglyceride and decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. However, the relation between carbohydrate intake and arterial stiffness has not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine this relation among high-risk cardiovascular patients.MethodsWe studied the relation between dietary macronutrient intake and arterial stiffness in 364 patients with documented cardiovascular diseases or risk equivalent (coronary artery diseases 62%, ischemic stroke 13%, diabetes mellitus 55%) and in 93 age-and-sex matched control subjects. Dietary macronutrient intake was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for Chinese. Heart-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured non-invasively with a Vascular Profiling System (VP2000, Colin Corp. USA). A dietary pattern with ≥60% total energy intake derived from carbohydrates was defined as a high-carbohydrate diet according to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for Chinese.ResultsSubjects who consumed a high-carbohydrate diet had significantly higher mean PWV than those who did not consume a high-carbohydrate diet (P = 0.039). After adjustment for potential confounders, high-carbohydrate diet was associated with significantly increased PWV [B = 73.50 (10.81 to 136.19), P = 0.022]. However, there was no significant association between high-carbohydrate diet and PWV in controls (P = 0.634).ConclusionsHigh-carbohydrate diet is associated with increased arterial stiffness in patients with established cardiovascular disease or risk equivalent.

Findings from the Quebec Family Study on the Etiology of Obesity: Genetics and Environmental Highlights

The Quebec Family Study (QFS) was an observational study with three cycles of data collection between 1979 and 2002 in Quebec City, Canada. The cohort is a mixture of random sampling and ascertainment through obese individuals. The study has significantly contributed to our understanding of the determinants of obesity and associated disease risk over the past 35 years. In particular, the QFS cohort was used to investigate the contribution of familial resemblance and genetic effects on body fatness and behaviors related to energy balance. Significant familial aggregation and genetic heritability were reported for total adiposity, fat-free mass, subcutaneous fat distribution, abdominal and visceral fat, resting metabolic rate, physical activity level and other behavioral traits. The resources of QFS were also used to study the contribution of several nontraditional (non-caloric) risk factors as predictors of excess body weight and gains in weight and adiposity over time, including low calcium and micronutrient intake, high disinhibition eating behavior trait, and short sleep duration. An important finding relates to the interactions between dietary macronutrient intake and exercise intensity on body mass and adiposity.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13679-013-0086-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Dietary Intake of Vitamin A and Macronutrients among Pregnant Women in Ngaoundere Town, Adamawa Region, Cameroon

This paper examines the risk of Vitamin A deficiency among selected pregnant women in Ngaoundere, Adamawa Region, Cameroon. A total of one hundred (100) pregnant women attending ante natal visits at the Regional Hospital in Ngaoundere were involved in a survey conducted in 2012 which used a 24-hour dietary recall to assess their dietary intake. Food models were used to assist memory and portion sizes of food taken. Carotenoids were quantified in the meals commonly consumed, as well as proteins, sugar, fibers and oil, nutrients intervening in carotenoids absorption and vitamin A metabolism. The results indicated that the dietary intake of vitamin A was inadequate with 37.5% of the selected pregnant women exposed to acute vitamin A deficiency, while 20% of them were exposed to the severe form. The daily consumption of vitamin A was about 539.09 ± 43.09 μg, corresponding to a contribution of 67.39% to the vitamin A requirement of the pregnant women. The dietary intake of macronutrients was also inadequate with a daily consumption of 57.28 ± 12 g for oils, 177.88 ± 29 g for sugars, 47.34 ± 11 g for proteins and 11.28 ± 3 g for fibers corresponding respectively to a contribution of 63.6%, 70.8%, 78.90% and 45.1% of these nutrients requirement in these women. Given that over 50% of the women surveyed were exposed to vitamin A deficiency, there is a need for urgent intervention programs in the area to alleviate this situation.

Estado nutricional relativo ao ferro e zinco de mães de recém-nascidos de risco

Objective: The present study assessed the nutritional status of iron and zinc in mothers of infants at risk. Methods: The study was conducted on 125 women, who were in the postpartum period, with a mean of 10.2 days. The nutritional status of iron was evaluated by means of hemoglobin by the cyanmethemoglobin method and ferritin by enzyme immunoassay. Zinc was determined in plasma and erythrocytes by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The dietary intake of macronutrients, iron and zinc was analyzed using the Dietsys program, version 4.01. The T student test, adopting a 5% significance level, was used for comparison of means. Results: The mean hemoglobin in mothers was 10.03 ± 2.31 g / dL. The median ferritin was 38.29 ng / mL, ranging from 3.49 to 413.09 ng / ml. The means of zinc were 56.20 ± 13.10 μgZn / dL in plasma and 49.56 ± 16.48 μgZn / gHb in erythrocytes, with the latter being higher in mothers of term infants compared with mothers of preterm infants (p = 0.001). As for food intake, the daily averages for energy, zinc and iron were 2043.05 ± 889.64 kcal, 10.73 ± 6.89 mg, and 17.66 ± 8.40 mg, respectively. Consumption below recommendations for pregnancy was identified in 56.0% and 73.6% of the women investigated for zinc and iron, respectively. Conclusions: The low hemoglobin concentrations found in the mothers assessed did not affect gestational age and birth weight. The mean of zinc in erythrocytes was within normal range, being higher in mothers of newborns at term than in mothers of preterm newborns

Relationship between dietary macronutrient intake and the risk of age-related cataract in middle-aged and elderly patients in northeast China.

To examine the association between dietary macronutrient intake and the risk of age-related cataract (ARC) in middle-aged and elderly men. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted from December 2009 to November 2011. Cases (n=360) were patients with cataract aged 45-85 years old, and controls (n=360) were patients who had been admitted to the same hospital for diseases not related with cataract. All subjects were interviewed using a structured interviewer-administrated questionnaire that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits and detailed medical history, simultaneously, the dietary intakes of nutrients were collected via a valid semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) of three types of ARC were estimated using multiple logistic regression models. After adjusting for multiple potential confounders, total dietary intake of carbohydrate was positively associated with cortical cataract, compared to controls in the lowest quartile, and the OR for cases in the highest quartile of intake was 2.471 (95%CI: 1.348-6.043, P=0.027). Higher dietary intakes of protein were protective for posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) (OR=0.528, 95%CI: 0.148-0.869, P=0.023). Dietary fat intake was not associated with any type of cataract, however, participants in the highest quartile of polyunsaturated fatty acids intake had 2.7 times the risk of nuclear cataract as did those in the lowest quartile (OR=2.742, 95%CI: 1.790-4.200, P=0.033). A high intake of carbohydrate and polyunsaturated fatty acid may increase the odds of cortical and nuclear cataract, respectively, whereas high intake of protein, especially animal protein, may protect against PSC cataract. It is possible that dietary changes of target population may reduce the risk of ARC.

Indices of body composition, energy and macronutrient intakes in young men and women with different physical activity

It has been shown that body mass index (BMI) commonly used in assessing nutritional status provides equivocal results since subjects with normal BMI are often characterized by abnormal body fat and fat free mass. In consequence, it has been suggested that an indices more precise than BMI of body composition should be used for evaluation of nutritional status and risk of malnutrition and/or obesity. This study aimed at evaluation of the relationship between different indices of body composition and dietary macronutrient intakes in young non-active and active adults. A total of 264 students (136 females and 128 males) participated in the study. Physical activity of 131 subjects (69 males and 62 females) was more than 7 h/week and were classified as active. A total of 133 subjects (59 males and 74 females) with physical activity less than 3 h/week were classified as non-active. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured using standard procedures. Body fat (BF) and fat free mass (FFM) were determined using the bioelectrical impedance method and Tanita equipment. Daily energy and macronutrient intakes were evaluated from four 24-hours recalls concerning two week days and weekend and analyzed using the Dieta 5.0. computerized programme. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) was calculated from body fat and fat free mass, and energy intake (EI) to BMR ratio was calculated to identify the under- and over-reporters. There were no differences in BMI between males and females with different physical activity. Both, non-active females and males were characterized by a higher percent of BF compared to those who were non-active. A difference in FFM was observed between active and nonactive females. Waist circumference in active males was lower vs. their sedentary counterparts. There were no differences in energy consumption between active and non-active students. Neither daily energy intake nor diet composition were correlated with indices of body composition. Additionally, it was observed that in both active and non-active females and active males underreporting was more pronounced in subjects with normal body fat. The above data possibly suggest that numerous participants were characterized by a distorted body image.

The association between dietary macronutrients intake and obesity among children and adolescents; a case-control study

The high prevalence of obesity among Spanish children and adolescents has become an important public health problem. To assess the association between dietary macronutrient intake and obesity in a case-control study of children and adolescents (aged 5.5 to 18.8) from Navarra. Cases were 178 obese children (body mass index > 97th percentile), from Navarra. Controls were individually matched by sex and age. Anthropometric data were collected by trained personal using standardized procedures. Personal interviews were performed to collect previously validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). From these FFQs we calculated the intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) and types of fatty acids. Energy-adjusted macronutrient intake was divided into quintiles. Conditional logistic regression was used and confounder factors were taken into account. The macronutrient composition of the diet was similar between cases and controls, except for polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake, which was significantly inversely associated with obesity (p for trend < 0.01), with adjusted odds ratio = 0.34 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.77) for the fifth versus the first quintile. An inverse and significant association between PUFA intake and obesity was found in this case-control study.

Long-term orange juice consumption is associated with low LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B in normal and moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects

BackgroundThis study investigated the hypothesis that long-term orange juice consumption (≥ 12 months) was associated with low risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adult men and women with normal and moderately high cholesterol blood levels.MethodsThe sample consisted of 103 men (18–66 y) and 26 women (18–65 y); all were employees of an orange juice factory with daily access to free orange juice. The results showed that 41% of the individuals consumed 2 cups (480 mL) of orange juice per day for at least twelve months, while 59% of the volunteers are non-consumers of orange juice.ResultsOrange juice consumers with normal serum lipid levels had significantly lower total cholesterol (−11%, p <0.001), LDL-cholesterol (−18%, p < 0.001), apolipoprotein B (apo B) (−12%, p < 0.01) and LDL/HDL ratio (−12%, p < 0.04) in comparison to non-consumers, as did the consumers with moderate hypercholesterolemia: lower total cholesterol (−5%, p <0.02), LDL-cholesterol (−12%, p <0.03), apolipoprotein B (−12%, p <0.01) and LDL/HDL ratio (−16%, p <0.05) in comparison the non-consumers counterparts. Serum levels of homocysteine, HDL- cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-1, body composition and the dietary intake of food energy and macronutrients did not differ among orange juice consumers and non-consumers, but vitamin C and folate intake was higher in orange juice consumers.ConclusionLong-term orange juice consumers had lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apo B and LDL/HDL ratio and an improvement of folate and vitamin C in their diet.

Inadequate intake of nutrients essential for neurodevelopment in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)

This study evaluated dietary intake in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Pre-clinical research suggests that nutrient supplementation may attenuate cognitive and behavioral deficits in FASD. Currently, the dietary adequacy of essential nutrients in children with FASD is unknown. Dietary data were collected as part of a randomized, double-blind controlled trial of choline supplementation in FASD. Participants included 31 children with FASD, ages 2.5–4.9years at enrollment. Dietary intake data was collected three times during the nine-month study via interview-administered 24-hour recalls with the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Recall. Dietary intake of macronutrients and 17 vitamins/minerals from food was averaged across three data collection points. Observed nutrient intakes were compared to national dietary intake data of children ages 2–5years (What we Eat in America, NHANES 2007–2008) and to the Dietary Reference Intakes. Compared to the dietary intakes of children in the NHANES sample, children with FASD had lower intakes of saturated fat, vitamin D, and calcium. The majority (>50%) of children with FASD did not meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI) for fiber, n−3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, choline, and calcium. This pattern of dietary intake in children with FASD suggests that there may be opportunities to benefit from nutritional intervention. Supplementation with several nutrients, including choline, vitamin D, and n−3 fatty acids, has been shown in animal models to attenuate the cognitive deficits of FASD. These results highlight the potential of nutritional clinical trials in FASD.

Protein intake in type 1 diabetes

Protein intake in type 1 diabetes

Socio-economic differences in food group and nutrient intakes among young women in Ireland

The present study aimed to investigate socio-economic disparities in food and nutrient intakes among young Irish women. A total of 221 disadvantaged and seventy-four non-disadvantaged women aged 18-35 years were recruited. Diet was assessed using a diet history protocol. Of the total population, 153 disadvantaged and sixty-three non-disadvantaged women were classified as plausible dietary reporters. Food group intakes, nutrient intakes and dietary vitamin and mineral concentrations per MJ of energy consumed were compared between the disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged populations, as was compliance with dietary fibre, macronutrient and micronutrient intake guidelines. The disadvantaged women had lower intakes than the non-disadvantaged women of fruit, vegetables, fish, breakfast cereals, low-fat milk and wholemeal bread (all P<0·001), yogurt (P=0·001), low-fat spread (P=0·002) and fresh meat (P=0·003). They also had higher intakes of butter, processed red meats, white bread, sugar-sweetened beverages, fried potatoes and potato-based snacks (all P<0·001) and full-fat milk (P=0·014). Nutritionally, the disadvantaged women had higher fat, saturated fat and refined sugar intakes; lower dietary fibre, vitamin and mineral intakes; and lower dietary vitamin and mineral densities per MJ than their more advantaged peers. Non-achievement of carbohydrate (P=0·017), fat (P<0·001), saturated fat (P<0·001), refined sugar (P<0·001), folate (P=0·050), vitamin C (P<0·001), vitamin D (P=0·047) and Ca (P=0·019) recommendations was more prevalent among the disadvantaged women. Both groups showed poor compliance with Fe and Na guidelines. We conclude that the nutritional deficits present among these socially disadvantaged women are significant, but may be potentially ameliorated by targeted food-based interventions.

Fatty acids intake and immune parameters in the elderly.

The rapid increase on life-expectancy represents a major challenge and economic burden for modern societies. Several studies have focused on the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) upon the immune system; however less attention has been paid to the effects of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). In this work we investigated the relationship of habitual consumption of different types of fatty acids with different immune parameters in the elderly. 40 institutionalized elderly (76-95 y) and 35 home-living middle-age subjects (57-65 y) were recruited. Dietary intakes of macronutrients, fiber and fatty acids, as well as immune parameters such as serum cytokines levels (IL-10, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-17, TGF-β and IL-12), phagocytic activity and cytotoxic NK activity, were determined. Elderly subjects had a lower intake of total lipids. MUFA intake was significantly lower in the elderly group than in middle-age adults whilst the contrary was true for PUFA. MUFA intake in the elderly was found to be positively associated with IL-12 (β = 0.879) and TNF-α (β = 0.789) serum concentrations, whilst PUFA intake was inversely related to levels of IL-12 (β = -0.534). These associations were not observed in the middle-age group. MUFA intake may contribute to the pro-inflammatory status present in the elderly. It may be advisable to develop future nutrient recommendations specific for elderly taking into account immune parameters.