Dietary Intake Recommendations Research Articles

Indigenous Foods to Address Malnutrition: An Inquiry into the Diets and Nutritional Status of Women in the Indigenous Community of Munda Tribes of Jharkhand, India

ABSTRACTBackgroundIndigenous people globally experience poor nutrition outcomes, with women facing the greater burden. Munda, a predominant tribe in Jharkhand, India, live in a biodiverse food environment but yet have high levels of malnutrition.ObjectivesTo assess diets and the nutritional status of Munda tribal women and explore associations with their Indigenous food consumption, dietary diversity, and socioeconomic and demographic profiles.MethodsA cross-sectional study with a longitudinal component to capture seasonal dietary intake was conducted in 11 villages of the Khunti district, Jharkhand. Household surveys and FFQs, supplemented with 2-d 24-h dietary recall and anthropometric assessments on 1 randomly selected woman per household were conducted.ResultsLimited access to diverse foods from a natural food environment (Food Accessed Diversity Index score of 0.3 ± 0.3) was observed. More than 90% women in both seasons had usual nutrient intakes below the estimated average requirements for all nutrients except protein and vitamin C; 35.5% of women were underweight. The mean Minimum Dietary Diversity Score among women (MDDS) was low [2.6 ± 0.6 in wet monsoon; 3 ± 0.7 in winters (acceptable ≥5)]. Higher MDDS contributed to higher usual nutrient intakes (P <0.001). Indigenous food intakes in both seasons (wet monsoon and winter) were low, e.g. Indigenous green leafy vegetables [10.5 and 27.8% of the recommended dietary intake (RDI), respectively], other vegetables (5.2% and 7.8% of RDI, respectively), and fruits (5.8 and 22.8% of RDI, respectively). Despite low intakes, the Indigenous food consumption score was positively associated with usual intake of vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin C, pyridoxine, and calcium (P < 0.05) in the wet monsoon and thiamine, riboflavin, and zinc (P < 0.001) in winters. After adjusting for covariates, Indigenous food consumption was associated with a higher usual intake of vitamin A (P < 0.001) in the wet monsoon season.ConclusionContextual food-based interventions promoting Indigenous foods and increasing dietary diversity have the potential to address malnutrition in Munda women.

Associations of Dyslipidemia with Dietary Intakes, Body Weight Status and Sociodemographic Factors among Adults in the United Arab Emirates.

Research on dietary and other factors associated with dyslipidemia in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is limited. This study assessed the association of diet, body weight and other risk factors of dyslipidemia by conducting a cross-sectional survey among adults residing in three emirates of the UAE. Validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire and the WHO STEPS Instrument were used to assess dietary intakes, body weight and dyslipidemia-related diagnosis. Composite Mediterranean Diet Score was used to assess adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD). Of the 610 participants, dyslipidemia was reported by 23.5% of the 319 participants who ever had blood cholesterol levels measured. Self-reported dyslipidemia was associated with increased age, higher BMI, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Most participants did not meet the recommendations for dietary fiber and calorie intake from saturated fats (61.3% and 81.2%, respectively). Participants with dyslipidemia reported a higher median daily intake of vegetables compared to those without dyslipidemia (p < 0.001), who also showed a significantly higher intake of refined grains and sugar-sweetened beverages (p = 0.008). Participants aged ≥50 years were more likely to have adhered to the MD compared to 18–30-year old participants (OR = 4.16; 95% CI 2.59–6.69). Non-Emiratis had higher odds of adherence to the MD compared to UAE nationals (OR = 1.46; 95%CI 1.04–2.06). Interventions targeting behavioral risk factors of dyslipidemia are warranted.

Impact of Acculturation on Cancer Prevention Dietary Patterns among Hispanic Families with a High Prevalence of Obesity

This study aimed to 1) examine the relationship between dietary intake and cancer prevention nutrition recommendations among Hispanic families, 2) differences in daily dietary intake by acculturation category and nativity (US born vs non-US born) status. Baseline data was used from a randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of an obesity preventive intervention in Hispanic youth. Participants were 280 Hispanic parents (11.8% males, 88.2% females, Mage=41.87 ± 6.49; MBody Mass Index (BMI)=30.62 ± 5.68) and their adolescents (47.9% males, 52.1% females, Mage=13.01 ± 0.83; MBMI Percentile=94.55 ± 4.15). Intake of added sugar, dairy, whole grains, and fruits/vegetables were obtained. Participants were categorized into four acculturation categories based on Berry’s acculturation model: Marginalization, Integration, Separation, and Assimilation. Results indicated that sugar intake was significantly higher than the recommendations among all adolescents’ cultural categories but not in parents. Among adolescents the consumption of whole grains was lower in integration and assimilation, dairy was lower in integration, separation, and assimilation, and fruits/vegetables was lower among marginalization, integration, and assimilation categories than the recommendations. Parents’ daily intake of whole grains, dairy, and fruits/vegetables were significantly lower than the recommendations across all the acculturation categories. Participants did not meet the healthy recommendations for cancer prevention regardless of their acculturation and nativity status.

New wrinkles in hypertension management 2022.

High blood pressure (BP) is the world's leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death. This review highlights findings during the past 18 months that apply to the management of high BP in adults in the context of the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (AHA) BP guideline. A comprehensive meta-analysis of clinical trials that employed a novel statistical method identified a substantially linear relationship between dietary sodium intake and BP, strongly supporting the AHA daily dietary sodium intake recommendation of less than 1500 mg/day but suggesting that any reduction in sodium intake is likely to be beneficial. Among adults with hypertension, use of a salt substitute (containing reduced sodium and enhanced potassium) led to striking reductions in CVD outcomes. Young adults with stage 1 hypertension and a low 10-year atherosclerotic CVD risk score should be started on a 6-month course of vigorous lifestyle modification; if their BP treatment goal is not achieved, a first-line antihypertensive agent should be added to the lifestyle modification intervention. In patients with stage 4 renal disease, the thiazide-like diuretic chlorthalidone (as add-on therapy) lowered BP markedly compared with placebo. Nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) represent a new class of MRA that has been shown to lower BP and provide significant CVD protection. In Chinese adults aged 60-80 years at baseline, intensive BP control with a SBP target of 110-129 compared with 130-149 mmHg reduced CVD events with minimal side effects. Recent findings have advanced our knowledge of hypertension management, clarifying, amplifying and supporting the 2017 ACC/AHA BP guideline recommendations.

Study on zinc accumulation, bioavailability, physicochemical and structural characteristics of brown rice combined with germination and zinc fortification

In this work, the combination treatment of zinc sulfate fortification and germination was used to increase zinc content and bioavailability of brown rice. The zinc content in brown rice during germination time of 10–34 h gradually increased with the increase of zinc sulfate concentration (0–100 mg/L). Brown rice with zinc fortified concentration of 25 mg/L and germinated for 28 h was recommended, which reached the maximum (26.31%) of zinc bioavailability and met the requirements of recommended dietary intake (RDA) of zinc. The physicochemical and structural characteristics of brown rice under different treatment conditions were compared. As the germination time prolonged, the germination rate (%), total phenol content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging rate (%) and Gamma-aminobutyric acid content of fortified or unfortified brown rice increased, while the phytic acid content decreased. The fortification treatment improved total phenol content and antioxidant activity of germinated brown rice. The crystalline structure of brown rice was destroyed during germination, but no significant change of crystalline structure caused by zinc sulfate fortification was found. These results could provide valuable reference for the application of germination in the field of brown rice fortification and the preparation of zinc-rich germinated brown rice products.

Association between Protein Intake and the Prevalence of Frailty Among Community-Dwelling Lebanese Older Adults- Preliminary Results

ObjectivesProtein intake is shown to be key determinants of frailty. Nevertheless, the current daily protein recommendation of 0.8 g/kilogram (kg) BW has been proven to be inefficient in providing the required needs of the older population, and intake of 1 g/kg BW of protein was demonstrated to be more representative of the needs of older adults. Therefore, we aimed at examining the association between frailty and protein intake among Lebanese community-dwelling older adults. MethodsA total of 111 community-dwelling older-adults were randomly recruited from the urban areas from Lebanon, and were interviewed face-to-face. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated FFQ and then analyzed using Nutripro. Energy and macronutrients were determined and protein intake was dichotomized at 0.8 and 1g/kg body weight. Frailty was evaluated via the Fried’s Frailty Phenotype. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine the association between frailty and protein intake and protein source (animal vs vegetable) while adjusting for several confounding variables. ResultsThe participants’ mean age was 73±12.8 and 65% were females. Sixteen (14.3%) individuals were identified as frail. Frail individuals were significantly older (p = 0.001), depressed (p< 0.001), at risk of cognitive impairment (p = 0.006) and reported polypharmacy (p = 0.003). Sixty-four % (n = 71) reached a protein intake ≥0.8 g/kg BW and 40.5% (n = 45) had an intake ≥1g/kg BW. No significant association was observed between protein intakes (OR = 1.2, 95%CI = 0.07-19.4), animal proteins (OR = 1.01, 95%CI = 0.99-1.04) or plant proteins (OR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.996-1.004) and frailty prevalence in this population of community dwelling older adults. ConclusionsIt is important to further study the association between frailty and protein intake, within a larger sample size while taking into consideration protein distribution and timing. In the meantime, older people are recommended to have at least 1g/kg body weight as it was evidenced by several other studied while a revision of dietary protein intake recommendations for OA should be conducted in order to help them maintain optimal health and foster successful aging. Funding SourcesNone

A Guide to Dietary Pattern–Microbiome Data Integration

The human gut microbiome is linked to metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk. Dietary modulation of the human gut microbiome offers an attractive pathway to manipulate the microbiome to prevent microbiome-related disease. However, this promise has not been realized. The complex system of diet and microbiome interactions is poorly understood. Integrating observational human diet and microbiome data can help researchers and clinicians untangle the complex systems of interactions that predict how the microbiome will change in response to foods. The use of dietary patterns to assess diet-microbiome relations holds promise to identify interesting associations and result in findings that can directly translate into actionable dietary intake recommendations and eating plans. In this article, we first highlight the complexity inherent in both dietary and microbiome data and introduce the approaches generally used to explore diet and microbiome simultaneously in observational studies. Second, we review the food group and dietary pattern-microbiome literature focusing on dietary complexity-moving beyond nutrients. Our review identified a substantial and growing body of literature that explores links between the microbiome and dietary patterns. However, there was very little standardization of dietary collection and assessment methods across studies. The 54 studies identified in this review used ≥7 different methods to assess diet. Coupled with the variation in final dietary parameters calculated from dietary data (e.g., dietary indices, dietary patterns, food groups, etc.), few studies with shared methods and assessment techniques were available for comparison. Third, we highlight the similarities between dietary and microbiome data structures and present the possibility that multivariate and compositional methods, developed initially for microbiome data, could have utility when applied to dietary data. Finally, we summarize the current state of the art for diet-microbiome data integration and highlight ways dietary data could be paired with microbiome data in future studies to improve the detection of diet-microbiome signals.

Eosinophilic esophagitis in cystic fibrosis: A case series with long-term follow-up.

Challenging mealtime behaviors in young children and difficulties in meeting their dietary intake recommendations are sources of parenting stress and associated with negative quality of life. The gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) can often present similarly to a GI pathology unrelated to CF. Specifically, this case series focuses on three toddlers with CF who presented with oral aversion and challenging mealtime behaviors and later were diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Though EoE often presents with dysphagia, younger patients commonly present with nonspecific GI symptoms such as regurgitation, emesis, abdominal pain, failure to thrive, food intolerance, and oral aversion. Given the overlap of GI manifestations in CF and EoE, it can be challenging for clinicians to diagnose the coexistent EoE in patients with CF. We describe the presenting symptoms, treatment, and successful outcomes of three pediatric patients with CF and EoE. To our knowledge, this is the second case series with a detailed description of EoE in CF.

Interaction between Dietary Fat Intake and Metabolic Genetic Risk Score on 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in a Turkish Adult Population.

Previous studies have pointed out a link between vitamin D status and metabolic traits, however, consistent evidence has not been provided yet. This cross-sectional study has used a nutrigenetic approach to investigate the interaction between metabolic-genetic risk score (GRS) and dietary intake on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in 396 unrelated Turkish adults, aged 24–50 years. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in those with a metabolic-GRS ≥ 1 risk allele than those with a metabolic-GRS < 1 risk allele (p = 0.020). A significant interaction between metabolic-GRS and dietary fat intake (energy%) on serum 25(OH)D levels was identified (Pinteraction = 0.040). Participants carrying a metabolic-GRS ≥ 1 risk allele and consuming a high fat diet (≥38% of energy = 122.3 ± 52.51 g/day) had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D concentration (p = 0.006) in comparison to those consuming a low-fat diet (<38% of energy = 82.5 ± 37.36 g/d). In conclusion, our study suggests a novel interaction between metabolic-GRS and dietary fat intake on serum 25(OH)D level, which emphasises that following the current dietary fat intake recommendation (<35% total fat) could be important in reducing the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this Turkish population. Nevertheless, further larger studies are needed to verify this interaction, before implementing personalized dietary recommendations for the maintenance of optimal vitamin D status.

Dietary protein intake and health-related outcomes: a methodological protocol for the evidence evaluation and the outline of an evidence to decision framework underlying the evidence-based guideline of the German Nutrition Society

PurposeThe present work aimed to delineate (i) a revised protocol according to recent methodological developments in evidence generation, to (ii) describe its interpretation, the assessment of the overall certainty of evidence and to (iii) outline an Evidence to Decision framework for deriving an evidence-based guideline on quantitative and qualitative aspects of dietary protein intake.MethodsA methodological protocol to systematically investigate the association between dietary protein intake and several health outcomes and for deriving dietary protein intake recommendations for the primary prevention of various non-communicable diseases in the general adult population was developed.ResultsThe developed methodological protocol relies on umbrella reviews including systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses. Systematic literature searches in three databases will be performed for each health-related outcome. The methodological quality of all selected systematic reviews will be evaluated using a modified version of AMSTAR 2, and the outcome-specific certainty of evidence for systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis will be assessed with NutriGrade. The general outline of the Evidence to Decision framework foresees that recommendations in the derived guideline will be given based on the overall certainty of evidence as well as on additional criteria such as sustainability.ConclusionThe methodological protocol permits a systematic evaluation of published systematic reviews on dietary protein intake and its association with selected health-related outcomes. An Evidence to Decision framework will be the basis for the overall conclusions and the resulting recommendations for dietary protein intake.

Nutritional Status and Eating Habits of Children in Orphanages in Bamenda (North West Cameroon)

Regular growth assessment of children helps maintain adequate dietary intake and physical growth. However, very little or no information is available on the nutritional status of children in orphanages in Cameroon making control of deficiency diseases in children very difficult in these institutions. The main aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status and eating habits of children in some orphanages in Bamenda (North West Cameroon). The height and weight of 205 children (97 boys and 108 girls) ages 1-18 years were measured and their BMI (Body Mass Index) was calculated. A structured questionnaire was used for eating habits and dietary data collection. A usual intake of nutrients was collected and some food samples from the orphanages were collected for three days and analyzed in the laboratory to determine children’s usual intakes of nutrients. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The results revealed that 15.7% of girls and 18.6% of boys were underweight, 3.7% of girls and 4.1% of boys were stunted and 16.5% of boys and 23.1% of girls were overweight/obese. The most eaten foods were cereals and the least were dairy products. Vegetables, fruits and milk consumption rates were low. The average intake of energy, protein and total fats was inadequate for orphanage children aged 14 to 18 years. The average intake of vitamin A, calcium and iron was inadequate in all orphanages compared to the RDA (Recommended Dietary Intake) values. Efforts should be directed towards educating the orphanage caregivers on meal planning and preparation to increase micronutrient intake in the orphanages’ diets and improve the health of the children. Food or financial aid should also be granted to these institutional care homes to enable them to improve on the overall nutritional content of foods.

Improvement of attention deficit hyperactive disorder for deaf female children by intake pumpkin seeds

The study aims to investigate the effect of intake pumpkin seeds as sources of magnesium and iron on improvement of the nutritional status and attention deficit of deaf female children with hyper active disorder (ADHD) symptoms. The range of sample age was 10-12 years for 40 female children who born deaf, suffering from ADHD and their hearing loss was 91 decibel or more. The investigated ADHF deaf female children were selected from El Amal school for the deaf and hard of hearing, Elsayeda Zenab. They were divided into two groups; the control group and the experimental one (20 female for each).The study used the data for each child; the personal and socio-economic, the food habits, the diet history, 24 recall and the clinical signs. In addition to the Attention Deficit Disorder Connected with Hyperactivity for Deaf Children test (ADDCHDC). The nutritional intervention was 50g from pumpkin seeds that contained an approximately 100% of Recommended Dietary intake (RNI) from magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe). Pumpkin seeds were used for three months with experimental group. The results indicated that deficiency in the average intake pre dietary intervention in experimental and control group for Mg comparing with RNI was 12.5 and 13%, respectively, and in Fe was (38.5) in both groups. However, Mg levels were higher in the experimental group post dietary intervention than control group (138 and14.5%, respectively). Also, Fe level was 149% in experimental group and 36.8% compared with RNI. On the other hand, the improvement in degree of ADDCHDC test for experimental group (post dietary intervention) was better than that in control group (65 and 95, respectively). There were statistically significant differences between pre and post dietary intervention to experimental group on Mg level and ADDCHDC test degree at (P <0.01) and at (P <0.05) in Fe.In conclusion, increments for intake of pumpkin seeds 50g /day, which give 100% RNI for magnesium and iron, improved attention deficit hyper active status for deaf children with ADHD.

Nutritional Assessment and Management in Paediatric Chronic Kidney Disease.

Nutrition in paediatrics has always been one of the most important factors for optimal growth. Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) need special consideration for better long-term outcomes, including nutritional status, optimal height, and cognitive function. Nonetheless, there are many obstacles to overcome to attain optimal linear growth and nutritional status in children with CKD. This review highlights the need for tools to assess the growth parameters in CKD. In addition, recommendations for dietary intake play a major role in controlling electrolyte disturbances in patients with CKD. For example, it is still unclear whether it is better to restrict phosphate sources in inorganic, organic, or food additives. The review also summarises different factors such as fluid intake, route of feeding, and essential nutrients that require particular attention in paediatric patients with CKD. In summary, a multidisciplinary team is needed to devise individual nutritional plans to achieve the best outcome and improve the quality of life of patients.

Adherence to Dietary and Physical Activity Guidelines in Australian Undergraduate Biomedical Students and Associations with Body Composition and Metabolic Health: A Cross-Sectional Study.

There is a paucity of data on whether Australian university students are meeting specific nutrient guidelines, and the relationship between diet and physical activity patterns with body composition and metabolic health. In this study, biomedical students from The University of Queensland were recruited (150 males and 211 females, 19–25 years), and nutritional intake (ASA24-Australia) and physical activity levels (Active Australia Survey) quantified. Body composition (height, waist circumference, body mass, BMI, and percentage body fat; BOD POD) and metabolic health (oral glucose tolerance test) were also measured. Median daily energy intake was 6760 kJ in females and 10,338 kJ in males, with more than 30% of total energy coming from energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. Only 1 in 10 students met fruit or vegetable recommendations, with less than one third meeting recommendations for fibre, calcium, and potassium. Intakes of calcium and iron were particularly low among female students, with only 16% and 6% of students meeting the recommended dietary intake (RDI), respectively. The majority of males and almost half of all females exceeded the suggested dietary target (SDT) for sodium. Sufficient physical activity (≥150 min over ≥5 sessions per week) was met by more than 80% of students. Body composition and blood glucose concentrations were largely normal but an early sign of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR > 2.0), measured in a subset of students, was present in 21% of males and 17% of females. Modest reductions in blood glucose levels and percentage body fat were associated with increasing vigorous activity. Low intakes of fibre, calcium, and potassium could be corrected by increasing fruit, vegetable, and dairy intake, and, among females, health promotion messages focusing on iron-rich foods should be prioritised. While these nutrient deficiencies did not translate into immediate metabolic heath concerns, dietary behaviours can track into adulthood and have lasting effects on overall health.

Interactions between dietary fibre and the gut microbiota.

Research characterising the gut microbiota in different populations and diseases has mushroomed since the advent of next-generation sequencing techniques. However, there has been less emphasis on the impact of dietary fibres and other dietary components that influence gut microbial metabolic activities. Dietary fibres are the main energy source for gut bacteria. However, fibres differ in their physicochemical properties, their effects on the gut and their fermentation characteristics. The diversity of carbohydrates and associated molecules in fibre-rich foods can have a major influence on microbiota composition and production of bioactive molecules, for example SCFAs and phenolic acids. Several of these microbial metabolites may influence the functions of body systems including the gut, liver, adipose tissues and brain. Dietary fibre intake recommendations have recently been increased (to 30 g daily) in response to growing obesity and other health concerns. Increasing intakes of specific fibre and plant food sources may differentially influence the bacteria and their metabolism. However, in vitro studies show great individual variability in the response of the gut microbiota to different fibres and fibre combinations, making it difficult to predict which foods or food components will have the greatest impact on levels of bioactive molecules produced in the colon of individuals. Greater understanding of individual responses to manipulation of the diet, in relation to microbiome composition and production of metabolites with proven beneficial impact on body systems, would allow the personalised approach needed to best promote good health.

Perspective: Framework for Developing Recommended Intakes of Bioactive Dietary Substances

ABSTRACTDietary bioactives are food substances that promote health but are not essential to prevent typical deficiency conditions. Examples include lutein and zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, and flavonoids. When quality evidence is available, quantified intake recommendations linking dietary bioactives with specific health benefits will enable health professionals to provide evidence-based information to consumers. Without evidence-based recommendations, consumers use information from available sources that often lack standards and rigor. This article describes a framework to develop guidance based on quality evidence fully vetted for efficacy and safety by qualified experts, and designed to communicate the amounts of specific dietary bioactive compounds with identified health benefits. The 4-step Framework described here can be adapted by credible health organizations to work within their guideline development process. Standards of practice used in clinical guidelines are adapted to quantify dietary bioactive intake recommendations from foods consumed by the general public, by taking into account that side effects and trade-offs are often needed for medical treatments but are not acceptable for dietary bioactives. In quantifying dietary bioactive recommendations, this Framework establishes 4 decision-making steps: 1) characterize the bioactive, determine amounts in specific food sources, and quantify intakes; 2) evaluate safety; 3) quantify the causal relation between the specific bioactive and accepted markers of health or normal function via systematic evidence reviews; and 4) translate the evidence into a quantified bioactive intake statement. This Framework provides a working model that can be updated as new approaches are advanced.

The nutritional and functional properties of noodles prepared from sorghum, mung bean and sago flours

Noodles are popular carbohydrate-rich food products generally made from wheat flour. This study developed a new type of noodle out of local resources namely sorghum flour, mung bean, and sago starch with the following formula variations: F1 (20:30:50), F2 (30:30:40), F3 (40:30: 30), F4 (50:30:20) and F5 (60:30:10). The nutritional and functional property of each formula then analysed. All formulas fulfilled the daily dietary intake recommendations, which contain approximately 9.64-11.83% protein, 0.17-0.33% fat, 86.76-88.74% carbohydrate, with total calories of 397-399 kcal/100 g. F1 has the highest dietary fibre content (13.16%), with 4.2% soluble dietary fibre (SDF) and 9.48% insoluble dietary fibre (IDF). The resistant starch content of all formulas was relatively high, between 16.35-21.57%. Based on the results of this study, sorghum flour, mung bean and sago starch flour-based noodles can be a good source of daily nutrition which also include functional compounds such as dietary fibre and resistant starch.

Dietary Intakes From Ad Libitum Consumption of Canadian Armed Forces Field Rations Compared With Usual Home Dietary Intakes and Military Dietary Reference Intakes.

Diet has an impact on weight status, health, and physical performance. Assessing the usual at-home dietary intakes of military personnel can help ascertain their nutritional status before field training or operations. Preference for foods consumed on a routine basis can also impact the military's preference for and consumption of field rations. Military personnel are limited by the inherent nature of the field rations and availability of calories and food types; and despite previous studies indicating a high acceptability of the field rations, it is unknown whether military personnel self-select the same number of calories when faced with a restricted list of field ration options as they would from their usual foods. Although field rations are intended to be nutritionally sufficient for standard military operations, there are limited data on the ad libitum intake of nutrients of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel from field rations in comparison to the military dietary reference intake (MDRI) recommendations, which establishes standards intended to meet the nutritional requirements of military personnel on duty. Thus, assessing the adequacy of their usual diets at home and longer-term sustenance on field rations in relation to MDRIs can provide insight on CAF personnel's operational readiness. The objectives of this study were to describe and compare, in a convenience sample of CAF, their ad libitum nutrient intakes from the consumption of self-selected field rations at home with their usual home intakes and to compare both with MDRI recommendations. Eighteen CAF participants weighed and recorded their dietary intake from the ad libitum consumption of field rations at home and their usual at-home diets. Both MDRIs and the Institute of Medicine's dietary reference intake recommendations were used to assess the adequacy of intakes for each individual. Paired Student's t-test or Wilcoxon-matched paired tests were used to compare nutrient intake levels between usual at-home diets and field rations consumed at home. Mean daily energy intakes were similar between ad libitum intakes from field rations (2,688 ± 619 kcal) and usual home diets (2,657 ± 580 kcal), although participants had significantly higher intakes of protein and fat from their home diets and higher intakes of carbohydrates from the field rations (P ≤ 0.05). Participants had less than the recommended intakes of some micronutrients (vitamins A and D, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium), from both their home diets and field rations, but adequate intakes of vitamin C and iron. The results of this study showed no difference in energy intake between the consumption of field rations and home diets, with levels consistent with recommendations for individuals with average physical activity levels. The results also demonstrated less than the recommended intakes (in comparison with MDRIs) of some nutrients from both home diets and self-selected consumption of field rations, warranting further research into nutritional adequacy for operational readiness.

Usual Nutrient Intake of Older Adults in the U.S. Is Lower Among SNAP Participants Compared to Income-Eligible Non-Participants

ObjectivesPolicy proposals to limit use of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and to allow dietary supplement (DS) purchase with SNAP benefits draw attention to knowledge gap of usual nutrient intake and adherence to the Dietary Reference Intake recommendations from foods alone and with DS (total intake) among low-income older adults. To address this gap, the estimated distributions of usual nutrient intake (from foods alone and total) and risk of inadequate intake among U.S. older adults participating in SNAP were compared with income-eligible non-participants. MethodsData from 4,791 older adults (≥60 years) from the 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used in this cross-sectional secondary analysis. DS data from an in-home inventory and dietary data from up to two 24-hour recalls were used to estimate usual nutrient intake distributions (total and from foods alone) and the proportion of the population below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) using an adapted National Cancer Institute method. Pairwise t-tests compared SNAP participants and eligible non-participants with significance set at P < 0.05. ResultsSNAP participants had lower usual intake from foods alone compared to eligible non-participants for vitamins B6 (P = 0.046) and E (P = 0.027); the risk of inadequate intake was higher among SNAP participants compared to eligible non-participants for vitamin E (P = 0.0004). Similarly, total usual nutrient intake was lower among SNAP participants compared to eligible non-participants for magnesium (P = 0.019), zinc (P = 0.0003), vitamin C (P = 0.02) and vitamin D (P = 0.0002) and the proportion not meeting the EAR was higher among SNAP participants compared to eligible non-participants for magnesium (P = 0.044). ConclusionsOlder adults participating SNAP had lower usual intake and meet the EAR less compared to eligible non-participants for certain nutrients. The proportion at risk of inadequate intake was lower when all nutrients sources were examined compared to foods alone. Future policies should focus on improving nutrient intake among food assistance participants and their food security. Funding SourcesSupported by University of Kentucky Center for Poverty Research through funding by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Contract Number 12319819C0006.

Predictors of macular pigment and contrast threshold in Spanish healthy normolipemic subjects (45-65 years) with habitual food intake.

IntroductionThe dietary carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) are transported in the bloodstream by lipoproteins, sequestered by adipose tissue, and eventually captured in the retina where they constitute macular pigment. There are no L&Z dietary intake recommendations nor desired blood/tissue concentrations for the Spanish general population. Our aim was to assess the correlation of L&Z habitual dietary intake (excluding food supplements), resulting serum concentrations and lipid profile with macular pigment optical density (MPOD) as well as the contrast sensitivity (CT), as visual outcome in normolipemic subjects (n = 101) aged 45–65.MethodsMPOD was measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry, serum L&Z by HPLC, the dietary intake by a 3-day food records and CT using the CGT-1000-Contrast-Glaretester at six stimulus sizes, with and without glare.ResultsLutein and zeaxanthin concentrations (median) in serum: 0.361 and 0.078 μmol/L, in dietary intake: 1.1 mg L+Z/day. MPOD: 0.34du. L+Z intake correlates with their serum concentrations (rho = 0.333, p = 0.001), which in turn correlates with MPOD (rho = 0.229, p = 0.000) and with fruit and vegetable consumption (rho = 0.202, p = 0.001), but not with lutein+zeaxanthin dietary intake. MPOD correlated with CT, with and without glare (rho ranges: -0.135, 0.160 and -0.121, –0.205, respectively). MPOD predictors: serum L+Z, L+Z/HDL-cholesterol (β-coeficient: -0.91±0.2, 95%CI: -1.3,-0.5) and HDL-cholesterol (R2 = 15.9%). CT predictors: MPOD, mainly at medium and smaller visual angles (corresponding to spatial frequencies for which sensitivity declines with age) and gender (β-coefficients ranges: -0.95,-0.39 and -0.13,-0.39, respectively).ConclusionA higher MPOD is associated with a lower ratio of L+Z/HDL-cholesterol and with a lower CT (higher contrast sensitivity). The HDL-cholesterol would also act indirectly on the CT improving the visual function.