Dietary Intake Values Research Articles

Toxic metal interactions affect the bioaccumulation and dietary intake of macro- and micro-nutrients.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and Cd-Pb mix) on bioaccumulation of different nutrients. Three plant species including potato, tomato and lettuce were grown in pots containing soil contaminated with Cd, Pb and Cd-Pb mix at four different levels. The edible portions of each plant were analysed for Cd, Pb and different macro- and micro-nutrients including protein, vitamin C, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). Results indicated significant variations in selected elemental concentrations in all the three plants grown in different treatments. The projected daily dietary intake values of selected metals were significant (P < 0.001) for Fe, Mn, Ca and Mg but not significant for protein, vitamin C, N and P. The elemental contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) was significant for Mn. Similarly, Fe and Mg also showed substantial contribution to RDA, while Ca, N, P, K, protein and vitamin C showed the minimal contribution for different age groups. This study suggests that vegetables cultivated on Cd and Pb contaminated soil may significantly affect their quality, and the consumption of such vegetables may result in substantial negative effects on nutritional composition of the consumer body. Long term and continuous use of contaminated vegetables may result in malnutrition.

Vitamin D: Sunshine vs. diet vs. pills

AbstractOne in five people in the UK is known to have a low serum vitamin D level (25‐hydroxy vitamin D below 25 nmol/l) according to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. The Summer of 2015 saw publication of a draft report from the government's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), which proposes introduction of dietary reference values (DRVs) for all age groups (not just those considered as vulnerable).The health outcome identified as the basis for setting DRVs for vitamin D was musculoskeletal health (based on rickets, osteomalacia, falls, risk of falling and muscle strength). The data were not sufficient to establish a distribution of serum 25(OH)D concentrations or a clear threshold serum 25(OH)D concentration to support musculoskeletal health outcomes, but the evidence overall suggests that the risk of poor musculoskeletal health is increased at serum 25(OH)D concentrations below 25 nmol/l. Therefore, SACN selected a serum 25(OH)D concentration of 25 nmol/l, on a precautionary basis, as the target concentration to protect all individuals from poor musculoskeletal health. This concentration was considered to be a ‘population protective level’ (i.e. the concentration that 97.5% of individuals in the UK should be above, throughout the year, in order to protect musculoskeletal health).After establishing the health outcomes linked with low vitamin D status, the next step in estimating DRVs for vitamin D was translation of the serum 25(OH)D concentration of 25 nmol/l into a dietary intake value that represents the reference nutrient intake (RNI) for vitamin D [i.e. the average daily vitamin D intake that would be sufficient to maintain a serum 25(OH)D concentration of at least 25 nmol/l in 97.5% of individuals in the UK]. The average vitamin D intake refers to the mean or average intake over the long‐term and takes account of day‐to‐day variations in vitamin D intake. It was not possible to quantify the sunlight exposure required in the summer months to maintain a winter serum 25(OH)D concentration of at least 25 nmol/l because of the number of factors that affect endogenous vitamin D synthesis, storage and utilisation. Instead, use was made of a series of three randomised controlled trials, conducted in the winter months, to estimate directly the amount of vitamin D required daily to achieve a serum threshold of 25 nmol/l throughout the year. The RNI proposed by SACN for all people aged 4 and above is 10 μg/day. For younger children, a Safe Intake of 8.5–10 μg/day (depending on age) is proposed.These recommendations bring alignment with many other countries of the world. As dietary intakes from food are typically well below the 10 μg/day proposed by SACN for most age groups, media reports speculated on how this advice might be achieved in practice.

Essential element contents in food groups from the second Brazilian total diet study

Total diet study (TDS) has been considered as one of the most appropriate approaches to estimate dietary exposure of essential elements. This paper presents preliminary results of concentrations and average dietary daily intakes of Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Na, Se and Zn from the 2nd Brazilian TDS. Nineteen groups from a Food List which represents the daily intake of the population from the Brazilian southeastern region were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The dietary daily intake values for Ca (641 mg), Fe (19.6 mg), K (2738 mg), Na (2466 mg), Se (56.4 µg), and Zn (15.3 mg) were higher than the 1st Brazilian TDS.

Risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Esophagus and its Relation to Consumption of Antioxidant Vitamins in Kurdistan Province

Background: Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer and the sixth cause of cancer death worldwide. Among the major risk factors for this disease lack of certain vitamins and minerals including antioxidant vitamins are considered. Objectives: This study examined the relationship between antioxidant vitamins including vitamins A, E and C and risk of squamous cell carcinoma in Kurdistan. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was based on dietary patterns of 143 patients including 47 cases and 96 controls. Data were collected by food frequency questionnaire and nutritional value of dietary patterns intake was determined in the two groups by using N4 (nutritionist IV) software. Statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS-16 and using independent t-test, χ 2 and logistic regression. Results: The result of logistic regression analysis showed an inverse relation between intake of vitamin E and risk of squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.01). Also the risk of esophageal cancer in people who received mean of 141 mg/day of vitamin C compared with those with average intake of 125 mg/day had a 98% decrease (P = 0.01). There was no association between intake of vitamin A, beta carotene and alphatocopherol with risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions: Results suggest that antioxidant vitamins can possibly play a protective role in preventing risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract B14: Dietary patterns in Puerto Rican and Mexican-American breast cancer survivors: A pilot study

Abstract Breast cancer survivors comprise the largest group of cancer survivors in the US, with an estimated 2.8 million survivors. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanics, with greater mortality rates compared to non-Hispanic whites. Certain dietary factors have been associated with a decreased or increased risk of breast cancer recurrence; therefore, it is important to characterize the dietary patterns of the target population to develop effective dietary intervention prevention strategies. Objective: to examine the dietary patterns in two groups of Hispanic breast cancer survivors. Methods: Participants included Mexican American (MA) and Puerto Rican (PR) female breast cancer survivors, who participated in Project VIVA!, a randomized controlled trial to pilot test the effectiveness and feasibility of a 16-week culturally tailored exercise intervention. At the end of the trial, participants completed a culturally adapted and validated food frequency questionnaire. Daily dietary intake values were standardized for total energy (per 1,000 kcal) and compared to US Dietary Guidelines (1 cup/d fruits, 1 cup/d vegetables, ½ cup/wk beans, 2 cups/wk starchy vegetables, 2 cups/d dairy products, 50% of grains as whole grains, 12 g/d of added fat). Results: A total of 23 MA and 22 PR completed the FFQ. Mean age was 49±10 y in MA and 59±9 y in PR (p&amp;lt;0.05). Most women were overweight or obese (65% in MA and 91% in PR; p&amp;gt;0.05). Daily intake of fruits/100% fruit juices was 2.8 cups in MA and 1.2 cups in PR daily (p&amp;gt;0.05), which is higher than guidelines. Vegetable intake was higher in MA (2.6 cups) compared to PR (0.8 cups; p&amp;lt;0.05), and only MA met the guidelines. Intake of starchy vegetables (e.g., potatoes) was higher in PR than MA (0.6 vs. 0.4 cups, respectively; p&amp;lt;0.001) and it was higher than guidelines. Intake of beans was similar between groups (0.46 cups in MA and 0.44 cups in PR). Intake of whole grains was higher in MA (0.54 oz) than in PR (0.23 oz) and dairy products intake was higher in PR (1.2 cups) than in MA (0.7 cups; p&amp;lt;0.001), but both were below the guidelines. Estimated contribution of calories from solid fats and added sugars (SoFAs) was 30% in PR and 32% in MA, which is higher than guidelines (14%). Added sugar was higher in PR (9.2 tsp) compared to MA (5.2 tsp; p&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusion: PR met the recommendations for fruits, starchy vegetables, and beans while MA met the recommendations for fruits, vegetables, starchy vegetables and beans. Both groups had intakes below the recommendations for whole grains and dairy products but above for SoFAS. MA and PR female breast cancer survivors have different dietary patterns, but could benefit from similar targeted interventions to reduce consumption of SoFAS, and to increase the proportion of whole grains consumed. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results but these preliminary results could help design interventions specifically targeted to each group to improve diet quality, which could potentially prevent cancer recurrence in this group. This project was partially supported by the following NIH awards U54 CA 96297; P30 CA016672; NCR (2G12-RR003051), NIMHHD (8G12-MD007600), and the Center for Energy Balance in Cancer Prevention and Survivorship, Duncan Family Institute. Citation Format: Cristina Palacios, Carrie R. Daniel, Maribel Tirado-Gómez, Velda Gonzalez-Mercado, Liliana Liliana, Jose Lozada, Daniel C. Hughes, Sara Strom, Karen Basen-Engquist. Dietary patterns in Puerto Rican and Mexican-American breast cancer survivors: A pilot study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B14.

Do fattening process and biological parameters affect the accumulation of metals in Atlantic bluefin tuna?

The objective of this study was to determine the current levels of heavy metals and trace elements in Atlantic bluefin tuna muscle tissues and how they are influenced by the fattening process and various life history parameters to ascertain whether the concentrations in muscle tissue exceed the maximum levels defined by the European Commission Decision and to evaluate the health risk posed by fish consumption. A total of 20 bluefin tuna reared in sea cages, ranging from 160 to 295 cm in length and from 80 to 540 kg in weight, were sampled from a bluefin tuna farm in the Ionian Sea. The condition factor K of each specimen was calculated and their age was estimated. Heavy metal and trace element (Hg, Zn, Fe and Cu) contents were determined in muscle tissue using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry and flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.28 to 1.28 mg kg–1 w/w, Zn from 5.81 to 76.37 mg kg–1 w/w, Fe from 12.14 to 39.58 mg kg–1 w/w, and Cu from 0.36 to 0.94 mg kg–1 w/w. Only 5% of the muscle samples of tuna contained Hg above the maximum level laid down by the European Commission Decision. Moreover, 15% of the muscle samples contained Zn above the maximum level, while Fe and Cu concentrations were within the acceptable tolerable guideline values. The reared bluefin tuna had lower concentrations of Hg than the wild ones from the Mediterranean Sea. Hg and Fe concentrations showed a positive relationship with size and age of bluefin tuna, whereas negative relationships were found for the concentrations of Zn and Cu. The estimated dietary intake values of the analysed metals were mostly below the derived guidelines.

Dietary intake and anthropometric reference values in population studies.

In nutritional epidemiology it is essential to have reference values for nutrition and anthropometry in order to compare individual and population data. With respect to reference nutritional intake, the new concept of Dietary Reference Intakes is generated based more on the prevention of chronic diseases than on covering nutritional deficiencies, as would occur in the early Recommendations. As such, the more relevant international organizations incorporated new concepts in their tables, such as the Adequate Intake levels or the Tolerable Upper Intake levels. Currently, the EURRECA recommendations (EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned) are generating reference values for Europe in a transparent, systematic and scientific manner. Using the DRI, health-care authorities formulated nutritional objectives for countries or territories and Dietary Guides to disseminate the dietary advice to the population. Anthropometric assessment continues to be one of the most-used methods for evaluating and monitoring health status, nutritional state and growth in children, not only individuals but also communities. Different organizations have established anthropometric reference patterns of body mass index (BMI) with cut-off points to define overweight and obesity. In children, growth curves have been revised and adapted to the characteristics of healthy children in order to obtain anthropometric reference standards that better reflect optimum growth in children. The Growth Standards for children below 5 years of age of the WHO are a response to these principles, and are widely accepted and used worldwide.

Risk of low bone mineral density and low body mass index in patients with non-celiac wheat-sensitivity: a prospective observation study.

BackgroundNon-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or ‘wheat sensitivity’ (NCWS) is included in the spectrum of gluten-related disorders. No data are available on the prevalence of low bone mass density (BMD) in NCWS. Our study aims to evaluate the prevalence of low BMD in NCWS patients and search for correlations with other clinical characteristics.MethodsThis prospective observation study included 75 NCWS patients (63 women; median age 36 years) with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms, 65 IBS and 50 celiac controls. Patients were recruited at two Internal Medicine Departments. Elimination diet and double-blind placebo controlled (DBPC) wheat challenge proved the NCWS diagnosis. All subjects underwent BMD assessment by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), duodenal histology, HLA DQ typing, body mass index (BMI) evaluation and assessment for daily calcium intake.ResultsDBPC cow's milk proteins challenge showed that 30 of the 75 NCWS patients suffered from multiple food sensitivity. Osteopenia and osteoporosis frequency increased from IBS to NCWS and to celiac disease (CD) (P <0.0001). Thirty-five NCWS patients (46.6%) showed osteopenia or osteoporosis. Low BMD was related to low BMI and multiple food sensitivity. Values of daily dietary calcium intake in NCWS patients were significantly lower than in IBS controls.ConclusionsAn elevated frequency of bone mass loss in NCWS patients was found; this was related to low BMI and was more frequent in patients with NCWS associated with other food sensitivity. A low daily intake of dietary calcium was observed in patients with NCWS.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12916-014-0230-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Accumulation and toxic effects of microcystin in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from an eutrophic Brazilian lagoon

Microcystin (MC) accumulation and depuration in environmentally exposed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) at a chronically contaminated eutrophic lagoon was studied. This is one of the scarce reports on microcystin accumulation in bile of environmentally exposed fish, and gonad MC accumulation in the field, in contrast to laboratory exposure experiments. Results show that preferential MC accumulation in the environment occurred in tilapia fish muscle, followed by gonads, liver and, finally, bile. Biliary MC excretion in in situ conditions indicates elimination from the body to a certain degree. High gonad MC bioaccumulation is of concern, since this could indicate potential reproductive problems in this species. This study also demonstrated that tilapia shows similar oxidative stress responses (in the form of reduced glutathione, GSH) in the environment as those observed in laboratory exposed fish. MC dietary intake values for tilapia muscle and liver were above the limits imposed by international legislations, indicating that the local human population should exercise care when ingesting this species as a part of their diet and that human ingestion of MC-contaminated samples should be carefully monitored.

Cumulative health risk assessment of co-occurring mycotoxins of deoxynivalenol and its acetyl derivatives in wheat and maize: Case study, Shanghai, China

Humans are naturally and frequently exposed to a multitude of mycotoxins, but health risk assessments are usually performed on individual mycotoxins, which may underestimate the total risks. In this study, we assessed for the first time the cumulative health risks of concomitant exposure via dietary intake (DI) to multiple mycotoxins, namely deoxynivalenol (DON) and its acetyl derivatives of 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON) and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON), based on the concentration addition (CA) concept. A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven districts in Shanghai, China with 1269 participants and 330 wheat and maize samples analyzed. After probabilistic analysis using Monte Carlo simulation, the results showed no health risks to the population in Shanghai considering individual mycotoxins. However, if the cumulative health risks were calculated based on the combined consideration of DON with either 3-ADON or 15-ADON or both, the DI values in 95th percentile were up to 1087 ng/kg body weight/day, exceeding the Provisional Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake (PMTDI) of 1000 ng/kg body weight/day and hence representing potential health risks to the population in Shanghai. The integrated study proposed here could be a model strategy for cumulative health risk assessment on the co-occurring hazards in the fields of food safety combined with environmental contaminants.

Applying INAA to assess dietary intake of elements through fish from coastal areas near Vishakhapatnam, India

Essential and toxic element concentrations were measured in fish from coastal areas of Pudimadaka near Vishakhapatnam by neutron activation analysis. Ele- mental concentrations were observed to be within guideline values fit for human consumption. Correlation among elements suggests similar biogeochemical properties and possibly similar sources. The daily dietary intake values were comparable with reported literature from India and ICRP reference man. Hazard Quotients for all elements were \1. These data will serve as baseline values of ele- mental concentrations that can be compared with future elemental levels during the operational and post-opera- tional stages of the nuclear facility to be set up at this location. They can also be useful for further studies to identify the spatial and seasonal variations of elements in fish species and monitor the concentration level of ele- ments in this region.

Heterogeneous associations of insoluble dietary fibre intake with subsequent glycosylated Hb levels among Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes: a quantile regression approach.

Dietary fibre intake has been suggested to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, particularly when glycosylated Hb (HbA1c) levels are high. In the present study, we used a quantile regression (QR) approach to characterise the possible heterogeneous associations of dietary fibre intake with HbA1c levels in Chinese diabetic patients. A total of 497 diabetic patients participated in the baseline survey in 2006 and in the follow-up survey in 2011, both of which were conducted in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, China. Structured in-person interviews were conducted to collect information on demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated FFQ. Blood samples were collected during the interviews for biochemical assays. QR models were used to examine the heterogeneous associations of dietary factors with HbA1c levels. A significant marginal association of insoluble dietary fibre intake with subsequent HbA1c levels was observed only when the HbA1c level was over 6·8%. The associations appeared to be greater when the quantile levels of HbA1c were higher. The coefficient estimates were -0·174 (95% CI -0·433, -0·025) at the quantile of 0·60, -0·200 (95% CI -0·306, -0·008) at 0·70, -0·221 (95% CI -0·426, -0·117) at 0·80, and -0·389 (95% CI -0·516, -0·018) at 0·90. A similar pattern was observed for the associations of dietary glycaemic index (GI) value with HbA1c levels. In conclusion, the present results indicate that the associations of insoluble dietary fibre intake and GI value with subsequent HbA1c levels depend on glycaemic control status in Chinese diabetic patients. More studies are required to confirm our findings.

102: Validation of a Vitamin D Dietary Intake Screening Questionnaire in Young Children

Vitamin D dietary intake is an important predictor of vitamin D status in young children; however, measuring vitamin D intake in early childhood is challenging in the pediatric office setting. To determine how well a simple, 1 min parent completed, dietary screening questionnaire (DSQ) completed in the pediatric office setting correlates with a detailed prospective three-day estimated food record (EFR) in measuring daily dietary vitamin D intake in children one to five years of age and to examine the correlation between the DSQ and EFR for assessing milk and vitamin D supplement intake. The mean vitamin D dietary intake values derived from the DSQ and EFR were compared using a paired two-tailed Student's t test and Spearman correlation coefficient. Seventy-four children consented to participate in this study and were included in the analysis. Mean age was 34 months, 60% were male, 55% were European, and median zBMI was 0.12. The mean calorie intake according to the EFR was 1257 calories. The mean vitamin D dietary intake according to the DSQ was 493 (SD 399) IU and EFR was 443 (SD 389) IU. Paired student t-test revealed a P value of 0.37. The Spearman correlation was 0.47 for total vitamin D intake, 0.56 for vitamin D supplement intake and 0.69 for cow's milk intake. A 1 min DSQ completed in the pediatric office setting, including cow's milk and supplement use correlates well with a detailed EFR. Future studies include determining whether the DSQ predicts 25-hydroxyvitmain D.

Risk of low bone mineral density and low body mass index in patients with non-celiac wheat-sensitivity: a prospective observation study

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or ‘wheat sensitivity’ (NCWS) is included in the spectrum of gluten-related disorders. No data are available on the prevalence of low bone mass density (BMD) in NCWS. Our study aims to evaluate the prevalence of low BMD in NCWS patients and search for correlations with other clinical characteristics. This prospective observation study included 75 NCWS patients (63 women; median age 36 years) with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms, 65 IBS and 50 celiac controls. Patients were recruited at two Internal Medicine Departments. Elimination diet and double-blind placebo controlled (DBPC) wheat challenge proved the NCWS diagnosis. All subjects underwent BMD assessment by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), duodenal histology, HLA DQ typing, body mass index (BMI) evaluation and assessment for daily calcium intake. DBPC cow's milk proteins challenge showed that 30 of the 75 NCWS patients suffered from multiple food sensitivity. Osteopenia and osteoporosis frequency increased from IBS to NCWS and to celiac disease (CD) (P <0.0001). Thirty-five NCWS patients (46.6%) showed osteopenia or osteoporosis. Low BMD was related to low BMI and multiple food sensitivity. Values of daily dietary calcium intake in NCWS patients were significantly lower than in IBS controls. An elevated frequency of bone mass loss in NCWS patients was found; this was related to low BMI and was more frequent in patients with NCWS associated with other food sensitivity. A low daily intake of dietary calcium was observed in patients with NCWS.

Effects of Changes in Lunch-Time Competitive Foods, Nutrition Practices, and Nutrition Policies on Low-Income Middle-School Children's Diets

The School Nutrition Advances Kids project tested the effectiveness of school-initiated and state-recommended school nutrition practice and policy changes on student dietary intake in low-income middle schools. Schools recruited by an application for grant funding were randomly assigned to (1) complete an assessment of nutrition education, policies, and environments using the Healthy School Action Tools (HSAT) and implement an action plan, (2) complete the HSAT, implement an action plan, and convene a student nutrition action team, (3) complete the HSAT and implement an action plan and a Michigan State Board of Education nutrition policy in their cafeteria à la carte, or (4) a control group. All intervention schools were provided with funding and assistance to make self-selected nutrition practice, policy, or education changes. Block Youth Food Frequency Questionnaires were completed by 1176 seventh-grade students from 55 schools at baseline and during eighth-grade follow-up. Nutrient density and food group changes for the intervention groups were compared to the control group, controlling for baseline dietary intake values, gender, race/ethnicity, school kitchen type, urbanization, and percent of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Analyses were conducted by randomization and based on changes the schools self-selected. Improvements in students' nutrient density and food group intake were found when schools implemented at least three new nutrition practice changes and established at least three new nutrition policies. Students in schools that introduced mostly healthful foods in competitive venues at lunch demonstrated the most dietary improvements. New USDA nutrition standards for à la carte and vending will likely increase the healthfulness of middle school children's diets.

EURRECA—Estimating Iron Requirements for Deriving Dietary Reference Values

Currently, a factorial approach is used to derive reference values for iron. Calculations include the use of a bioavailability factor to convert the physiological requirement, derived from obligatory losses and requirements for growth and development, into a dietary intake value. A series of systematic reviews undertaken by the EURRECA Network of Excellence aimed to identify data that may increase the accuracy of factorial calculations across all population groups. The selection of robust data was guided by the use of standardized review methodology and the evidence-based selection of status biomarkers and dietary intake assessment techniques. Results corroborated the dearth of relevant factorial data, including whole-diet bioavailability data, and confirmed the need to continue extrapolating physiological requirements across population groups. Data were also unavailable that would allow reference values to be based on selected health outcomes associated with iron intake or status. Ideally, a series of observational and randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies need to be undertaken across all population groups and life stages to generate robust data for setting dietary reference values for iron. It will also be essential to include information on polymorphisms that potentially influence iron absorption and status in the derivation process.

Insufficient amounts and inadequate distribution of dietary protein intake in apparently healthy older adults in a developing country: implications for dietary strategies to prevent sarcopenia

BackgroundBoth low dietary protein intake and inadequate distribution of protein over the three mealtimes have been reported in older Caucasian adults, but the association between protein intake at each meal and muscle mass has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary protein intake and distribution by mealtimes, and to explore their association with appendicular skeletal muscle mass in apparently healthy older adults.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional pilot study that included 78 people over the age of 60 years. Caloric and protein intake were estimated on the basis of three nonconsecutive 24-hour diet recalls and appendicular skeletal muscle mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.ResultsMen consumed 13.4 g of protein/day more than women (P < 0.05). The estimated value of dietary protein intake was 0.9 g/kg/day. In this sample, 28% of subjects did not cover 100% of the dietary reference intake for protein. Lower consumption of dietary protein was found at breakfast and dinnertime compared with the recommended amount of 25–30 g (P < 0.05). Also, the study observed that appendicular skeletal muscle mass in men and women who consumed <25 g of protein at each mealtime was different from that found in the group that consumed >25 g of protein at one, two, or three mealtimes.ConclusionWhile protein intake was higher than current recommendations, it failed to achieve the values reported as necessary to prevent sarcopenia. In addition, there was under-consumption of protein per mealtime, especially at breakfast and dinner.

Statement on tolerable weekly intake for cadmium

The Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain of the European Food Safety Authority (CONTAM Panel) was asked by the European Commission to confirm whether the current tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 2.5 µg/kg body weight (b.w.) for cadmium is still considered appropriate or whether any modifications are needed in view of the provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI) of 25 µg/kg b.w. established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) in 2010. Both assessments used the same epidemiological dataset and have two primary components, a concentration-effect model that relates the concentration of cadmium in urine to that of beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), a biomarker of renal tubular effects, and a toxicokinetic model that relates urinary cadmium concentration to dietary cadmium intake. The following methodological differences were identified: i) the identification of the reference point on the basis of the urinary cadmium and the B2M concentration data; ii) the statistical approach to account for the variability and uncertainty of the biomarker of exposure (urinary cadmium concentration) and the biomarker of response (B2M concentration) in the concentration-effect model; and iii) the methodology for transforming urinary cadmium concentrations into dietary intake values. Following an evaluation of the two approaches, the CONTAM Panel concluded that the approach adopted for its previous opinion on cadmium in food was appropriate and hence the current TWI for cadmium of 2.5 µg/kg b.w. was maintained.

Dietary cadmium intake by the Belgian adult population

The aim of this study was to estimate the dietary cadmium (Cd) intake of the Belgian adult population, to compare this dietary Cd exposure to the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) recently established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and to determine the major food groups that contribute to dietary Cd exposure in Belgium. Food consumption data were derived from the 2004 Belgian food consumption survey (two 24 h recalls, 3083 participants). Cadmium concentrations in food items (n = 4000) were gathered from the control program of the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain for the period 2006–2008. Dietary intake per individual was calculated from consumption data and median Cd concentrations. The population mean, median and 95th percentile of the dietary intake values were 0.98, 0.85 and 2.02 µg kg−1 body weight per week respectively. Two percent of the Belgian adult population has a dietary Cd intake above the recent TWI of 2.5 µg kg−1 body weight established by EFSA in 2009. Cereal products and potatoes contribute for more than 60% to Cd intake.

Scientific Opinion on Lead in Food

Lead occurs primarily in the inorganic form in the environment. Human exposure is mainly via food and water, with some via air, dust and soil. In average adult consumers, lead dietary exposure ranges from 0.36 to 1.24, up to 2.43 µg/kg body weight (b.w.) per day in high consumers in Europe. Exposure of infants ranges from 0.21 to 0.94 µg/kg b.w. per day and in children from 0.80 to 3.10 (average consumers), up to 5.51 (high consumers) µg/kg b.w. per day. Cereal products contribute most to dietary lead exposure, while dust and soil can be important non-dietary sources in children. Lead is absorbed more in children than in adults and accumulates in soft tissues and, over time, in bones. Half-lives of lead in blood and bone are approximately 30 days and 10 30 years, respectively, and excretion is primarily in urine and faeces. The Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel) identified developmental neurotoxicity in young children and cardiovascular effects and nephrotoxicity in adults as the critical effects for the risk assessment. The respective BMDLs derived from blood lead levels in µg/L (corresponding dietary intake values in µg/kg b.w. per day) were: developmental neurotoxicity BMDL01, 12 (0.50); effects on systolic blood pressure BMDL01, 36 (1.50); effects on prevalence of chronic kidney disease BMDL10, 15 (0.63). The CONTAM Panel concluded that the current PTWI of 25 μg/kg b.w. is no longer appropriate as there is no evidence for a threshold for critical lead-induced effects. In adults, children and infants the margins of exposures were such that the possibility of an effect from lead in some consumers, particularly in children from 1–7 years of age, cannot be excluded. Protection of children against the potential risk of neurodevelopmental effects would be protective for all other adverse effects of lead, in all populations.