Dietary Intake Of Participants Research Articles

Association of dietary insulinemic potential with disease severity and symptoms in patients with COVID-19

AimCOVID-19 has threatened people's lives in world. Studies showed that level of insulin is related to function of immune system and level of inflammation in body. In this study we aimed to evaluate the association between dietary insulinemic potential and level of inflammatory biomarkers, severity and symptoms of COVID-19. MethodsParticipants of this cross-sectional study were 684 people who recovered from COVID-19. Dietary intake of participants was assessed using 168-item food frequency questionnaire during telephone interview, then dietary insulinemic index and load (DII and DIL) calculated for each participants. Data related to study outcomes, include levels of inflammatory biomarkers, disease symptoms, lung infection, saturation of peripheral oxygen, Respiratory Rate, need for respiratory support, duration of disease, hospitalization, recovery from disease and need for respiratory support and score of life satisfaction were collected through an interview with participants and review of their medical records. ResultsAfter controlling for confounders, participants in the highest quartile of DIL had a significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19 (OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.01–7.04, Ptrend=0.035), risk of hospitalization (OR: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.27-7.64, Ptrend>0.001), fever (OR: 2.91, 95% CI: 8.08–1.05, Ptrend=0.042), chills (OR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.77–12.37, Ptrend=0.002) and lower risk of weakness (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10–0.74, Ptrend=0.012) and myalgia (OR:0.26, CI: 0.10–0.45, Ptrend=0.006) compared to the lowest quartile. In addition our findings showed a significant positive association between DII and risk of fever (OR: 1.71 95% CI: 2.84–1.03, Ptrend=0.049). Our finding failed to find a significand association between DII and risk of sever COVID-19 and hospitalization. Moreover we did not find significant association between DII/DIL and duration of disease, other symptoms and outcomes. ConclusionsOur findings showed that higher DIL was associated with greater risk of sever COVID-19 and hospitalization. More detailed cohort studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Diet quality indices and odds of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a case-control study.

There are only limited studies investigating the impact of dietary quality indicators, such as dietary quality index (DQI), dietary diversity score (DDS), and alternative healthy eating index (AHEI), on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). Furthermore, these indicators may have different components that could lead to varying results. Therefore, this study aims to assess the nutritional quality indicators and their potential association with MASLD. The study included 128 recently diagnosed MASLD patients and 256 controls aged between 20 and 60 years. The dietary intake of participants was evaluated using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire that consisted of 168 items. In this study, the method used to evaluate dietary diversity was based on five main food groups, specifically bread and grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, and dairy. The AHEI-2010 was computed using data collected from the FFQ. After adjusting for confounders in the fully adjusted model, a significant negative correlation was observed between DDS and the risk of MASLD (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20, 0.97). Participants in the top quartile of AHEI had a 76% lower risk of MASLD compared with those in the bottom quartile after controlling for all potential confounders in the fully adjusted model (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.12, 0.56). The results of our study suggest that there is a significant association between adherence to a high-diversity diet and a reduced likelihood of developing MASLD. Similarly, we observed a similar association between adherence to the AHEI diet and a lower risk of MASLD.

Associations between dietary diversity score and migraine headaches: the results from a cross-sectional study.

There is limited evidence on the link between diet quality and migraine headaches. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary diversity score (DDS), as a good representative of overall diet quality, and clinical features of migraine headaches. In total, 262 subjects (224 females and 34 males), aged 20 to 50 years old were included in the present cross-sectional study. The migraine headache was diagnosed according to the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). Clinical features of migraine headaches including frequency, severity, and duration of migraine headaches, headache impact test-6 (HIT-6), and serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) were assessed by standard procedures. The dietary intake of participants has been assessed by a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and used to calculate DDS. The association between DDS and clinical variables of migraine headaches was investigated using multiple linear regression analysis, and the beta (β) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. A significant inverse association was found between DDS and headache frequency (β = -2.19, 95% CI: -4.25, -0.14) and serum levels of NO (β = -6.60, 95% CI: -12.58, -0.34), when comparing patients in the third tertile of DDS to those in the first tertile. The association remained significant and became stronger after adjustment for confounders for both outcomes of headache frequency (β = -3.36, 95% CI: -5.88, -0.84) and serum levels of NO (β = -9.86, 95% CI: -18.17, -1.55). However, no significant association was found between DDS with HIT-6 score, migraine headache duration, and severity. The present study demonstrates that higher dietary diversity is correlated with lower migraine frequency and serum levels of NO.

The association between a priori dietary patterns and psychological disorders in military personnel

BackgroundStudies have identified a high prevalence of poor mental health, including depression, anxiety, and stress in military occupations. A low quality diet is one of the potential factors related to mental disorders. This study aimed to investigate the association of a priori dietary patterns, including dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH), the Mediterranean diet (MD), dietary inflammatory index (DII), and healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) with the odds of depression, anxiety, and stress in military staff.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on a total of 400 military staff, aged 38.67 ± 5.22 (ranging from 30 to 60) years, recruited from Iranian military centers. The dietary intake of participants and adherence to the DASH, MD, DII, and HEI-2015 was measured using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Mental health was evaluated with the use of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale − 21 (DASS-21).ResultsThe prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 64.5%, 63.2%, and 61.3%, respectively. Individuals with the highest adherence to HEI-2015, compared to those with the lowest adherence, were significantly at lower odds of anxiety (OR = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.27–0.96, p = 0.03), while higher adherence to DII was related to a 2.74-fold increased odds of anxiety (OR = 2.74, 95%CI: 1.06–7.04, p = 0.03). Compared to those with the lowest adherence (quartile 1), quartile 2 of the HEI-2015 was associated with decreased odds of stress (p = 0.04). No association was identified between dietary patterns and depression.ConclusionGreater adherence to HEI-2015 and lower adherence to DII are associated with lower odds of anxiety in military staff.

The association between dietary insulin index and load with mental health

BackgroundDepression, anxiety, and stress are common mental problems. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between two indexes that measure postprandial insulin response to different food, dietary insulin index (DII) and insulin load (DIL), with psychological disorders.MethodParticipants (n = 10,000) aged 20–69 were randomly selected from 200 clusters in Yazd from the recruitment phase of the Yazd Health Study. The dietary intake of participants was collected by a reliable and validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 178 food items. DII and DIL were calculated from the FFQ data using previously published reference values. To assess psychological disorders an Iranian validated short version of a self-reported questionnaire (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 [DASS21]) was used.ResultsNo significant association was observed between DIL and DII with odds of depression or anxiety using crude or adjusted models. However, individuals in the highest quartiles of DIL had the lowest odds of stress (OR: 0.69; 95% CI 0.48–1.01, P-trend = 0.047). This association remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders in model II including marital status, smoking, education, job status, salt intake, and multi-vitamin supplement use (OR: 0.38; 95% CI 0.16–0.91, P-trend = 0.039) and the third and final model which is further adjusted for BMI (OR: 0.39; 95% CI 0.16–0.91, P-trend = 0.041).ConclusionOverall, consumption of foods with higher DII as well as DIL were associated with lower stress scores; however, no significant relationship was observed between DII or DIL with respective depression or anxiety scores.

Higher Adherence to the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Is Inversely Associated With Severity of COVID-19 and Related Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and AimsAdherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with a decreased risk of developing a variety of chronic diseases that are comorbidities in COVID-19 patients. However, its association to the severity and symptoms of COVID-19 are still unknown. This study aimed to examine the association between adherence to the MD pattern and COVID-19 severity and symptoms in Iranian hospitalized patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 250 COVID-19 patients aged 18 to 65 were examined. We employed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to obtain data on dietary intake of participants in the year prior to their COVID-19 diagnosis. COVID-19 severity was determined using the National Institutes of Health's Coronavirus Disease 2019 report. Additionally, symptoms associated with COVID-19, inflammatory markers, and other variables were evaluated. The scoring method proposed by Trichopoulou et al. was used to assess adherence to the MD.ResultsThe participants' mean age was 44.1 ± 12.1 years, and 46% of them had severe COVID-19. Patients who adhered more closely to the MD had lower serum C-reactive protein levels (7.80 vs. 37.36 mg/l) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (14.08 vs. 42.65 mm/h). Those with the highest MD score were 77% less likely to have severe COVID-19 after controlling for confounding variables. The MD score was also found to be inversely associated with COVID-19 symptoms, including dyspnea, cough, fever, chills, weakness, myalgia, nausea and vomiting, and sore throat.ConclusionHigher adherence to the MD was associated with a decreased likelihood of COVID-19 severity and symptoms, as well as a shorter duration of hospitalization and convalescence, and inflammatory biomarkers.

Clinical Efficacy of Curcumin and Vitamin E on Inflammatory-Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Primary Symptoms of Menopause in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Aims of the Study. Reducing estrogen levels due to menopause activates oxidative and inflammatory processes, which causes symptoms of menopause, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. As a suggestion, potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents such as curcumin and vitamin E could be used as an effective alternative treatment due to parsimony, suitable access, and fewer side effects. Therefore, the present study was conducted to find out whether supplementation with curcumin and vitamin E affects inflammatory-oxidative stress biomarkers and primary symptoms of menopause in healthy postmenopausal women. Methods Used to Conduct the Study. The present study is a triple-blind parallel randomized controlled trial. Eighty-four eligible postmenopausal women aged 40 to 60 years old were randomly assigned into three groups using block randomization with an allocation ratio of 1 : 1 : 1. The curcumin group received one capsule containing 500 mg curcumin twice a day, the vitamin E group received one 500 mg capsule of vitamin E twice a day, and the placebo group took two placebo capsules containing 500 mg of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) daily for eight weeks. Demographic and anthropometric characteristics, dietary intake, and early symptoms of menopause were collected at baseline. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Intervention safety and satisfaction with the intervention were also evaluated. Results of the Study. Eighty-one participants completed the trial and were finally analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics and dietary intake of participants (except for vitamin C intake, P=0.023) between the groups at baseline. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) score of total menopause symptoms, depression, anxiety, psychological, vasomotor, and physical domains significantly decreased within all groups (P < 0.05). Between-group analyses indicated that decreasing the mean score of anxiety in the vitamin E group was significantly more than in the placebo group (P=0.026). The mean (SD) serum levels of MDA and hs-CRP significantly decreased only in the curcumin group (P=0.009 and P=0.025, respectively). Serum levels of TAC significantly increased in curcumin and vitamin E groups (P < 0.001 and P=0.006, respectively). Conclusions Drawn from the Study and Clinical Implications. Curcumin could improve the oxidative stress (MDA and TAC) and inflammatory (hs-CRP) biomarkers. Vitamin E may also improve the antioxidant status by increasing the TAC levels. The alleviation of anxiety in the vitamin E group was more than in the placebo group. Clinical Trial Registration. The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (https://irct.ir/IRCT20131009014957N6).

The healthy/unhealthy dietary pattern is associated with resting metabolic rate status among women with overweight/obesity

BackgroundAlthough various dietary patterns have been indicated to be associated with the resting metabolic rate [RMR], limited data are available in this field. This study was therefore focused on the association between dietary patterns and resting metabolic rate among participants with overweight and obesity.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 304 women with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), aged 18–50. Anthropometric assessments, physical activity and biochemical measurements were assessed. RMR was also measured by means of indirect calorimetry. Dietary intake of participants was evaluated by 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire [FFQ].ResultsThere was a significant association between higher adherence to the healthy dietary pattern [HDP] and RMR (P = 0.05), intakes of protein (P = 0.003), minerals (P = 0.001) as well as fat free mass [FFM] (P = 0.002), bone mineral content (P = 0.001), skeletal muscle mass (P = 0.001), soft lean mass (P = 0.002) and visceral fat area (P = 0.05). Also, there was a considerable association between higher adherence to the unhealthy dietary pattern [UHDP] and fasting blood sugar [FBS] (P = 0.05). Using multinomial logistic regression has been shown that the medium adherence to the HDP was marginally significant with decreased resting metabolic rate [Dec. RMR] group in crude model (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.28–1.05, P = 0.07). After controlling for various confounders such as age, FFM, physical activity, and energy intake, the association between Dec. RMR group and the lowest quartile of the HDP (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14–0.91, P = 0.03) became significant as well as the association between Dec. RMR group and medium adherence to the HDP (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18–0.97, P = 0.04). The medium adherence to the UHDP in crude model was also significant with increased resting metabolic rate [Inc. RMR] group (OR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.01–6.65, P = 0.04).ConclusionsOur study showed that there are significant associations between dietary patterns and RMR status.

The Associations Between Tea and Coffee Drinking and Risk of Calcium-Oxalate Renal Stones.

Findings regarding the association between tea and coffee consumption and oxalate-calcium stone are sparse and uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations of tea and coffee with the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation. A total sample of 215 newly diagnosed patients with calcium oxalate stones and 215 controls matched for sex and age were recruited. Dietary intake of participants was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire over the preceding year and participants were asked to determine how many glasses of tea and cups of coffee they usually use. The associations between tea and coffee and kidney stone were examined using multivariable logistic regression. Compared with controls, cases had greater intake of tea (2.18±0.76 vs. 1.82±0.79 glasses/d) but lower intake of coffee (1.18±0.38 vs. 1.26±0.44 cups/week). After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with those who drank <2 glasses of tea/d, individuals with tea consumption of ≥4 glasses/d had greater risk for having calcium oxalate stone (OR= 2.73; 95 % CI: 1.50, 4.99). In the crude model, compared with coffee consumption for <1 cup/week, consumption of ≥1 cup/week was associated with a 38 % decrease in the risk of calcium oxalate stone. However, adjustment for potential confounders disappeared the significance (OR=0.81; 95 % CI: 0.48, 1.35). These results suggest that while high consumption of tea is associated with increased risk of calcium oxalate kidney stone, coffee drinking is not pertinent. However, due to low consumption of coffee in this population, our results should be interpreted cautiously.

Aligning Diet, Health and Planet in the Older Population

Abstract Background The global food system faces incessant and complex challenges of providing food for a growing population while remaining within planetary boundaries. Agriculture and food production depletes finite resources such as land, water and fossil fuels, and contributes to climate change. GHG emissions occur at every stage in the life cycle of a food from primary production through to processing, packaging, distribution, consumption, and waste. This results in approximately 34% of anthropogenic GHGEs globally. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the levels of and contributors to dietary carbon footprint among older Irish adults. Methods Diet quality metrics explore associations between dietary patterns and health outcomes. A Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake of participants in the Mitchelstown Cohort Study. To determine carbon footprint, foods were linked to CO2eq emission factors from life cycle assessment studies. The DASH and Mediterranean diet scores were used to determine if higher adherence to these recommended diets was associated with improved health outcomes and lower dietary GHGEs. Results Preliminary results suggest that the daily CO2eq is similar to a previous Irish study, which found that the daily dietary intake was 6.5 kg of CO2eq per person. As expected, consumption of red meat was the highest contributor to dietary carbon footprint. Fruit and vegetable consumption was low despite these foods having a lower carbon footprint. Conclusions The environmental impacts of current dietary patterns are substantial, threatening ecological integrity. Greater adherence to well-characterized diets has been associated with lower diet-related GHGE. Transforming our diets is required to build a resilient and sustainable food system, while safeguarding planetary health. However, nutrition and long-term health must remain a key component of any dietary change particularly in vulnerable and nutritionally compromised populations. Key messages Food systems and diets thereof are inextricably linked with nutrition, health and environmental issues. Dietary transitions are needed to reduce global burden of disease and environmental degradation. Consideration on the feasibility of adopting sustainable diets among older populations to ensure healthy ageing is required. Trade-offs arise between protein requirements and environmental impacts.

Do lifestyle choices influence the development of overweight and obesity in the South African Air Force, Bloemfontein?

Objectives: A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein, Free State, and the dietary and lifestyle factors and physical activity which may play a role in the development thereof. Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Five units situated at the Air Force Base Bloemspruit, Bloemfontein were included. Subjects: The study included 166 active-duty military personnel (136 males and 30 females) aged 21–59 years. A convenience sample of volunteers participated in the study. Outcome measures: The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated using weight and height, and waist circumference was measured using standardised techniques. The dietary intake of participants was evaluated using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Results: A high prevalence of overweight (38.6%) and obesity (36.1%) was identified in the study population. No significant associations were detected between lifestyle factors or physical activity and BMI. The majority of participants (59.6%) consumed three meals per day. Meal frequency did not differ between different BMI categories, and no associations were found between meal frequency and being overweight or obese. Inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables was observed. Conclusion: A high prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in this study, which calls for urgent intervention. No associations were, however, found between dietary and lifestyle factors and the presence of overweight and/or obesity. Further investigation is required to identify the causes of overweight and obesity and effective ways to address this health challenge.

Postpartum Weight Retention and Its Determinants in Lebanon and Qatar: Results of the Mother and Infant Nutrition Assessment (MINA) Cohort.

Excessive Postpartum Weight Retention (PWR) is postulated to increase the risk of adverse health outcomes for mothers and offspring. Using data from the Mother and Infant Nutritional Assessment (MINA) cohort in Lebanon and Qatar, this study aimed to examine PWR and its determinants at 6 months after delivery. Pregnant women (n = 183) were recruited during their first trimester and were followed up through pregnancy and after delivery. During this period, face-to-face interviews as well as extraction from medical charts were conducted to collect data regarding the socioeconomic, anthropometric and dietary intake of participants. The mean PWR (kg) among participants was 3.1 ± 5.6 at delivery, and 3.3 ± 5.3 and 2.7 ± 4.7 at 4 and 6 months after delivery, respectively. Results of the multiple logistic regression analyses showed that a Qatari nationality and excessive GWG were associated with higher odds of a high PWR (above median) while an insufficient GWG had lower odds. After adjustment for energy, participants with a high PWR reported a greater intake of proteins, Trans fat, cholesterol, sodium and lower intakes of mono and polyunsaturated fat as compared to those with a low PWR (below median). These findings suggested priority areas for interventions to prevent excessive PWR amongst women of childbearing age in Lebanon and Qatar.

Examining the Relationship Between Intuitive Eating and Diet Quality Among College Students

Abstract Objectives College students in the US tend to have low diet quality due to a confluence of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental factors. Restrictive dieting is commonly used for weight management but often ineffective in the long term and can lead to dangerous eating behaviors. Intuitive eating is an adaptive form of eating that has gained interest as an alternative to restrictive dieting due to its successful use in eating disorder recovery and correlation with decreased body mass index in healthy populations. The objective of the current study was to identify if higher intuitive eating, as measured by the intuitive eating scale (IES-2), correlated with increased diet quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) in a college sample. Methods In this cross-sectional study, participants completed an online survey containing the IES-2 questionnaire which provides a total score for intuitive eating and four subscale scores representing the main behaviors of intuitive eating. The dietary intake of participants was assessed with up to three 24-hour diet recalls, which were completed over the phone. A total of 55 participants (40 females and 15 males) completed the survey and a minimum of two 24-hour diet recalls, which were used to calculate the HEI-2015. Independent sample t-test and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results The total IES-2 scores were higher for males than females (82.9 ± 8.1 vs. 76.3 ± 11.2, P = 0.04). The average total HEI-2015 score was 59.5 ± 15.1 and did not differ between gender (P = 0.93). The total IES-2 score was not significantly correlated with the total HEI scores (r = −0.218, P = 0.11), and one subscale of the IES-2, the Unconditional Permission to Eat subscale, was negatively correlated with the total HEI score (r = −0.418, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and BMI (r = −0.335, P &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions The results of the study do not support that intuitive eating is correlated with diet quality, furthermore, increased scores of the Unconditional Permission to Eat subscale of intuitive eating was correlated with a lower diet quality suggesting that intuitive eating and diet quality may be separate constructs that should be addressed individually. Funding Sources None.

Association between dietary total antioxidant capacity and breast cancer: a case-control study in a Middle Eastern country.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) and risk of breast cancer among Iranian women. In this hospital-based case-control study, dietary intake of participants was collected using a 168-item validated FFQ. Dietary TAC was assessed using FRAP assay considering. Logistic regression was used to obtain ORs for breast cancer across quartiles of dTAC. Cancer Institute, Iran. We included 412 women with pathologically confirmed breast cancer and 456 apparently healthy controls. Mean dTAC was 11·3 ± 5·8 for cases and 12·1 ± 7·9 for controls. A trend towards significant inverse association was seen between dTAC and odds of breast cancer in the whole population; such that after controlling for several potential confounders, individuals in the highest quartile of dTAC were 0·39 times less likely to have breast cancer than those in the lowest quartile (0·61; 95 % CI: 0·38, 0·99, P < 0·05). In the stratified analysis by menopausal status, we found that postmenopausal women with the greatest dTAC had lower odds for breast cancer, compared with those with the lowest dTAC (0·47; 95 % CI: 0·24, 0·93, P < 0·05). This association strengthened after additional adjustment for BMI (0·28; 95 % CI: 0·11, 0·72, P < 0·05). No significant association was seen between dTAC and odds of breast cancer in premenopausal women. We found that dietary TAC was inversely associated with risk of breast cancer, in particular among postmenopausal women. Prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Association between maternal dietary acid load during the early pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications

ABSTRACT Epidemiological studies have suggested that there is an association between dietary acid load (DAL) with complications and outcomes of pregnancy. The current study aimed to explore the impact of DAL on theses parameters through a prospective cohort of Iranian pregnant women. In this prospective cohort study, 812 singleton pregnant women without any medical condition, use of medications, and without following a specific diet were included. Dietary intake of participants was examined using a 117-item semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Net endogenous acid production (NEAP) and potential renal acid load (PRAL) parameters were used to explore potential DAL using the suggested formula. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used and odds ratio (OR) and 95% corresponding confidence interval (CI) were reported. DAL (NEAP and PRAL) was not associated with pregnancy outcomes including birth weight, birth height and birth head circumference (all P values > .05). NEAP was associated with pre-eclampsia (Model 3: OR = 0.48, 95%CI (0.25, 0.94); Ptrend = 0.05), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (Model 2: OR = 3.99, 95%CI (1.09, 14.53); Ptrend = 0.04), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (Model 3: OR = 2.45, 95%CI (1.05, 5.72); Ptrend = 0.03), and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) (Model 3: OR = 2.82, 95%CI (1.02, 7.78); Ptrend = 0.01). Moreover, PRAL was related with risk of pre-eclampsia (Model 3: OR = 0.41, 95%CI (0.19, 0.86); Ptrend = 0.003), SBP (Model 2: OR = 6.07, 95%CI (1.23, 29.94); Ptrend = 0.03), DBP (Model 3: OR = 3.62, 95%CI (1.23, 10.65); Ptrend = 0.03), and IUGR (Model 2: OR = 2.63, 95%CI (0.93, 7.44); Ptrend = 0.02). Our study focused on DAL which showed a significant association with pregnancy-related complications including higher SBP, DBP, IUGR, and pre-eclampsia. Further research with larger sample sizes in different populations might be required to evaluate the compatibility of DAL during pregnancy

Dietary patterns in relation to inflammation in shift workers

IntroductionRotational shift work has a considerable effect on immune function and cause inflammation. In addition, it may lead to unhealthy dietary intake. No earlier study has examined the association between...

Association of a plant-based dietary pattern in relation to gestational diabetes mellitus.

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which has adverse effects on mothers and their offspring, is increasing worldwide. The role of a plant-based dietary pattern as a determinant of GDM is not well understood. Therefore, we examined the association between plant-based dietary patterns and the risk of GDM. We enrolled 460 pregnant women in this case-control study, of them 200 were cases and 260 were controls. Dietary intake of participants was evaluated using three 24-hour dietary records. Adherence to the plant-based dietary patterns was scored using three indices of the overall plant-based dietary index (PDI), healthy plant-based diet (hPDI) and unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI). The risk of GDM was compared across tertiles of PDI, hPDI and uPDI. After multivariable adjustment, we demonstrated that the high PDI score was inversely associated with risk of GDM (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.28-0.78, P = 0.004), but there was no significant association between hPDI (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.64-1.65, P = 0.884) or uPDI (OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 0.98-2.78, P = 0.06) and GDM risk. We found that following an overall plant-based diet was associated with lower risk of GDM. Future studies are warranted with longitudinal designs to confirm these findings.

Adherence to the Qatar dietary guidelines: a cross-sectional study of the gaps, determinants and association with cardiometabolic risk amongst adults

BackgroundThe Qatar Dietary Guidelines (QDGs) were developed as part of the national strategy to prevent chronic diseases. This study aims at characterizing gaps between the QDGs and usual dietary and lifestyle patterns in Qatar, identifying demographic and socioeconomic determinants of adherence to the QDGs and investigating the association between adherence and cardiometabolic risk.MethodsThis study is based on the Qatar National STEPwise cross-sectional survey which was conducted on a nationally representative sample of Qatari adults, aged 18 to 64 years (n = 1109). Data collection included socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, anthropometric (weight, height and waist circumference (WC)), and blood pressure measurements. The dietary intake of participants was evaluated using a non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Biochemical assessment was performed to measure the fasting levels of blood sugar, triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined as the presence of three or more cardiometabolic risk factors. To examine adherence to the guidelines, each specifc recommendation was matched to corresponding data drawn from the survey. To investigate the association of sociodemographic, lifestyle and cardiometabolic characteristics with adherence to the QDGs, an adherence score was calculated.ResultsMore than 83% of adults did not meet the recommendations for vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and high fibre intakes, 70% were overweight or obese, 50–72% reported frequent consumption of sweetened beverages and sweets, and 47% reported frequent consumption of fast foods. Younger adults, the unemployed, the least educated and those not married had lower adherence to the QDGs. Adherence was inversely associated with elevated WC (OR: 0.88, 95% CI:0.82–0.95) and the MetS (OR:0.84,95% CI:0.74–0.96).ConclusionsBuilding on the identified gaps and vulnerable population groups, the study findings should provide a road map for the prioritization of interventions and the development of culture- specific programs aiming at promoting adherence to dietary guidelines in Qatar, while serving as a model to other countries in the region.

A STUDY ON NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND FOOD BEHAVIOR OF OSTEOPOROSIS AMONG WOMEN IN SHARKIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

The current study was conducted in order to assess nutritional knowledge and food behavior of osteoporosis among women in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Sources of information about osteoporosis and dietary intake of participants were also evaluated. This research was a descriptive-analytical study. Data was collected using a questionnaire that was distributed to 300 women from Sharkia Governorate (150 healthy women and 150 patients diagnosed with osteoporosis). Results estimated that the most of healthy women (39.33%) were between 24 < 40 years old. While (38.70%) were between 40 – 55 years old in patients. The highest percentage of educational level for healthy women was 44% (secondary school), whereas, in patients was 43.3% (bachelor). The largest proportion of healthy women and patients had family income from 2000 < 4000 LE per month. 66% of healthy women hadn't relative suffering from osteoporosis. 48% of patients had fractions. Also, the results indicated that there were statistically significant differences in healthy women and patients and their age, education, job, marital status, history of osteoporosis in the family, menstruation, fractures, calcium and vitamin D supplements and physical exercises. Television appear to play the main role for osteoporosis information for respondents. The highest percentage of participants had average level of general knowledge, knowledge of rick factors and knowledge of protective factors about osteoporosis. The majority of healthy women and patients (68 and 71.3%), respectively, had average level about food behavior. There were statically significant differences between participants (healthy women and patients) and levels of knowledge about general knowledge, protective factors and total knowledge for osteoporosis. Most of respondents who had average level of knowledge have high education level. Healthy women (30.3%) and patients (45.5%) who had average level of knowledge have fractures and this association is statically significant. The results showed that most of participants who had average level of food behavior, were from average level of total knowledge about osteoporosis and this association is statically significant. The results illustrated that the highest percentage of patients took less than recommended dietary allowance of macronutrients and micronutrients which are important to prevent osteoporosis. It can be concluded that the most of subjects had average level of knowledge and food behavior about osteoporosis, while, low percentage had high level. Therefore, the recommendions are the use of television programs to raise awareness for all people about the prevention of osteoporosis, more effort from doctors and healthcare providers to inform patients about preventing and treating from osteoporosis and attention the government to this subject in its health policies and make more efforts to inform people especially women about osteoporosis.

Avaliação do consumo alimentar e estado nutricional de crianças e adolescentes com malária no município de Anajás/PA

Justificativa e Objetivos:Na região das Américas, o Brasil é o país que mais registra casos de malária, sendo que as mais comuns são por: Plasmodiumvivax e Plasmodiumfalciparum.No estado do Pará, Anajás é o município com o maior número de casos registrados. Por isso, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a situação alimentar e nutricional de crianças e adolescentes com malária por Plasmodiumvivax, no município de Anajás/PA. Métodos:Estudo transversal realizado com crianças e adolescentes, na faixa etária de 2 a 16 anos, com malária por P. vivax, atendidas de janeiro a dezembro/2014. Os dados socioeconômicos e epidemiológicos foram coletados utilizando-se protocolo de pesquisa semiestruturado. As medidas antropométricas de peso e altura foram coletadas para avaliação do estado nutricional. O consumo alimentar dos participantes foi obtido pelo questionário de frequência alimentar e para estatística foi considerado o nível de significância de p