Dietary Reference Intake Values Research Articles

Assessment of Nutritional Composition of Turkish Red Crescent Menus After the M7.8 and M7.6 Earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye.

This study aims to evaluate the nutritional content and quality of the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) menus delivered to earthquake victims after the 2023 earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye. The menus of general, search-rescue, diabetes, and celiac were obtained from the TRC following the magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The nutrient content of the menus was evaluated with the Nutrient Rich Food (NRF20.3) score. In addition, the menus' energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient contents were compared with the dietary reference intake values of the Türkiye Dietary Guideline-2022, European Food Safety Authority, and Food and Drug Administration. The general menu was insufficient to meet the daily requirements of vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium for earthquake victims. The sodium, phosphorous, and omega-6/omega-3 ratios were much higher than the recommended intakes. The NRF20.3 score of the diabetes menu was significantly higher than the search-rescue and celiac menus (P < 0.05). The energy content of the search-rescue menu was significantly higher than that of other menus (P < 0.05). The several nutritional risks were determined in TRC menus for earthquake victims who suffered from the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Several supplementation programs can be applied to the earthquake regions to obtain strength immunity and effectively challenge posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Comparison of total daily energy expenditure with dietary reference intakes values in a sample of urban, relatively active Brazilian adults: A doubly labeled water study.

This report aimed to describe the results of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) assessed by doubly labeled water (DLWTDEE) and the adequacy of the dietary reference intakes (DRI) equations to estimate energy requirements (DRIER). A cross-sectional and observational study in a convenience sample of 40 healthy Brazilian adults (≥20 years; 21 women) living in a tropical urban region. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry, DLWTDEE was compared with DRIER using individual calculated physical activity level (PAL = DLWTDEE/BMR) in its estimation. BMR (5043 ± 548 kJ/day in women and 6213 ± 656 kJ/day in men), DLWTDEE (8372 ± 1324 kJ/day and 11 453 ± 1834 kJ/day), and PAL (1.66 ± 0.17 and 1.85 ± 0.30, respectively) were significantly higher in men. The DRIER significantly overestimated DLWTDEE by 13.7 ± 8.3% and 12.7 ± 10.7% in women and men, respectively. In the present sample of relatively active urban Brazilian subjects, the DRIER yielded inaccurate estimation of DLWTDEE. More data from low- and moderate-income countries are necessary to develop accurate estimates of TDEE.

Toxic metal and trace element status in the breast milk of Turkish new-born mothers

Background and aimThis study aims to evaluate the toxic metal and trace element concentrations in breast milk obtained from new-born nursing mothers in rural Giresun province, located on the coast of the Black Sea. MethodsMilk samples were randomly collected once from early lactation of 50 nursing mothers. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to analyse the concentrations of iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the breast milk. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to evaluate the distribution of data. The Pearson-J correlation was used for normally distributed elements, and Spearman correlation analysis was used for others. ResultsThe mean amounts of elements were 3.36 µg kg−1 of Cr, 9.26 µg kg−1 of Mn, 797 µg kg−1 of Fe, 1.99 µg kg−1 of Ni, 5.92 µg kg−1 of Cu, 379 µg kg−1 of Zn and 2.23 µg kg−1 of Pb. Co, As, Mo and Cd concentrations were below the detection limit. A highly significant correlation was found between iron and Nickel in breast milk. ConclusionOur findings were evaluated in comparison with the WHO data, and whether they were in accordance with the recommended Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) values for 0–6-months-old infants was calculated. Pb levels were similar to those of WHO, while As and Cd were below the measurable limit. Fe, Mn, and Cr concentrations were higher than WHO data, while Co, Ni, Cu and Zn were lower. This research is the first study conducted in this region.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Iodine Deficiency in Canadian Adults.

Iodine is a trace micronutrient that is critical for normal thyroid function and human health. Inadequate dietary intake is associated with cognitive impairment, infertility, growth retardation and iodine deficiency disorders in affected populations. Herein, we examined the prevalence of iodine deficiency in adults (median age of 61 years) based on the analysis of 24 h urine samples collected from 800 participants in four clinical sites across Canada in the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study. Urinary iodide together with thiocyanate and nitrate were measured using a validated capillary electrophoresis assay. Protective/risk factors associated with iodine deficiency were identified using a binary logistic regression model, whereas daily urinary iodine concentration (24 h UIC, μg/L) and urinary iodine excretion (24 h UIE, μg/day) were compared using complementary statistical methods with covariate adjustments. Overall, our Canadian adult cohort had adequate iodine status as reflected by a median UIC of 111 μg/L with 11.9% of the population <50 μg/L categorized as having moderate to severe iodine deficiency. Iodine adequacy was also evident with a median 24 h UIE of 226 μg/day as a more robust metric of iodine status with an estimated average requirement (EAR) of 7.1% (< 95 μg/day) and a tolerable upper level (UL) of 1.8% (≥1100 μg/day) based on Canadian dietary reference intake values. Participants taking iodine supplements (OR = 0.18; p = 6.35 × 10−5), had greater 24 h urine volume (OR = 0.69; p = 4.07 × 10−4), excreted higher daily urinary sodium (OR = 0.71; p = 3.03 × 10−5), and/or were prescribed thyroxine (OR = 0.33; p = 1.20 × 10−2) had lower risk for iodine deficiency. Self-reported intake of dairy products was most strongly associated with iodine status (r = 0.24; p = 2.38 × 10−9) after excluding for iodine supplementation and T4 use. Participants residing in Quebec City (OR = 2.58; p = 1.74 × 10−4) and Vancouver (OR = 2.54; p = 3.57 × 10−4) were more susceptible to iodine deficiency than Hamilton or Ottawa. Also, greater exposure to abundant iodine uptake inhibitors from tobacco smoking and intake of specific goitrogenic foods corresponded to elevated urinary thiocyanate and nitrate, which were found for residents from Quebec City as compared to other clinical sites. Recent public health policies that advocate for salt restriction and lower dairy intake may inadvertently reduce iodine nutrition of Canadians, and further exacerbate regional variations in iodine deficiency risk.

Convenience Food Options and Adequacy of Nutrient Intake among School Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the family food environment, resulting in more families relying on convenience food options. This study aimed to investigate diet quality by convenience food options (namely instant, frozen, and take-out foods) among Japanese school children during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the relationship between the frequency of consumption of convenience food options and nutritional status of the school children. The participants (671 children, 10–14 years old) were chosen to form a nationally representative sample of the Japanese population. Using questionnaires completed by the participants’ guardians, information was collected on the frequency of instant, frozen, and take-out food consumption. Habitual food and nutrient intake were collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire, completed by the children with help from their guardian(s). “Frequent” consumption was defined as consumption of instant, frozen, and/or take-out foods on more than 5 days per week. Using 19 nutrients and their respective dietary reference intake (DRI) values, an index was created to label each child’s nutrient intake as “Adequate”, “Inadequate”, “Excess”, or “Deficient.” Compared to children with non-frequent consumption, school children with frequent instant food consumption had significantly higher rates of inadequate nutrient intake (risk ratio (RR) = 3.0 [95% CI: 1.6–5.6]) and excess nutrient intake (RR = 2.3 [95% CI: 1.3–4.2]), while school children with frequent take-out food consumption had significantly higher rates of inadequate nutrient intake (RR = 2.1 [95% CI: 1.3–3.3]). There were no significant differences for children with frequent frozen-food intake. These associations did not change when adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Our results suggest that the frequent consumption of instant or take-out foods among school children results in non-adequate nutritional intake.

Bioavailability of Ca, K, Mg and Na in Arabian Yellow Finned Sea Bream (Acanthopagrus arabicus) with Estimated Daily Intake for Human Consumption

Yellow finned sea bream (Acanthopagrus arabicus) is a commercially important fish of coastal water of Pakistan. It is widely consumed by the people within and outside the country. Therefore, the paper investigates the concentration of macro-minerals (Ca, K, Mg and Na) in its meat and gills. The concentrations of different elements demonstrated statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.01) between meat and gills of the fish. Significantly higher concentrations of calcium and lower concentrations of potassium and sodium were recorded in gills compared to those in meat. In meat, mean concentrations were found in the order Na (5.41%) &gt; K (3.44%) &gt; Ca (2.16%) &gt; Mg (0.24%), while in gills, the mean concentrations were Ca (57.72%) &gt; Na (3.43%) &gt; K (1.19%) &gt; Mg (0.31%). Statistically significant correlations (P &lt; 0.05) were noted between the body weight and the concentrations of calcium and magnesium in the meat of fish. The results are also compared with estimated daily intake and dietary reference intake values. The present study suggests that Acanthopagrus arabicus is an important source of macro-minerals for human consumption.&#x0D;

O20 Family Child Care Home Menu Quality: Happy Healthy Homes Baseline

BackgroundThere is limited understanding of nutrition quality of food served in Family Child Care Homes (FCCH).ObjectiveDescribe FCCH menu quality by examining nutrients, variation in foods served, and compliance with Child and Adult Care Food program (CACFP) meal pattern requirements and best practices.Study Design, Setting, ParticipantsCross-sectional analyses of a randomized controlled baseline characteristics of FCCH providers caring for children ages 2-to-5 years, participating in the CACFP, and residing in and around the Oklahoma City metropolitan.Measurable Outcome/AnalysisDaily nutrients were calculated across 1 week's menu using Food Processor. Nutrients were compared to two thirds Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) values for key macro and micronutrients. Menu variety was quantified using frequencies of different exposures to fruits, vegetables, high sugar, and high fat foods across the week's menu. Compliance with 2017 CACFP meal pattern requirements and best practices was determined using a measurement index.ResultsThe majority of the 49 FCCHs menus’ nutrient exceeding two thirds of DRI. However, the energy, total fiber, vitamin D, and iron content of menus for children ages 4 to 8-years was less than two thirds of the DRIs. The average number of different exposures to fruit, vegetables, high sugar, and high fat food categories per week were 7.1, 5.5, 0.9, and 3.8, respectively. Average CACFP score percentages for meal pattern requirements, best practices, and total score were 65.9%, 66.8%, and 66.3%, respectively.ConclusionMenus met several nutrient recommendations, are high in variety, and met the majority of CACFP requirements and best practices, which is desirable for children's health. Menus indicated a variety of nutrient-dense and high-quality foods are served in these FCCHs. Quality of menus can be improved by reducing sodium and saturated fat and increasing total fiber, vitamin D, and iron; increasing fruit and vegetable variation; and increasing compliance with CACFP requirements and best practices. There is limited understanding of nutrition quality of food served in Family Child Care Homes (FCCH). Describe FCCH menu quality by examining nutrients, variation in foods served, and compliance with Child and Adult Care Food program (CACFP) meal pattern requirements and best practices. Cross-sectional analyses of a randomized controlled baseline characteristics of FCCH providers caring for children ages 2-to-5 years, participating in the CACFP, and residing in and around the Oklahoma City metropolitan. Daily nutrients were calculated across 1 week's menu using Food Processor. Nutrients were compared to two thirds Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) values for key macro and micronutrients. Menu variety was quantified using frequencies of different exposures to fruits, vegetables, high sugar, and high fat foods across the week's menu. Compliance with 2017 CACFP meal pattern requirements and best practices was determined using a measurement index. The majority of the 49 FCCHs menus’ nutrient exceeding two thirds of DRI. However, the energy, total fiber, vitamin D, and iron content of menus for children ages 4 to 8-years was less than two thirds of the DRIs. The average number of different exposures to fruit, vegetables, high sugar, and high fat food categories per week were 7.1, 5.5, 0.9, and 3.8, respectively. Average CACFP score percentages for meal pattern requirements, best practices, and total score were 65.9%, 66.8%, and 66.3%, respectively. Menus met several nutrient recommendations, are high in variety, and met the majority of CACFP requirements and best practices, which is desirable for children's health. Menus indicated a variety of nutrient-dense and high-quality foods are served in these FCCHs. Quality of menus can be improved by reducing sodium and saturated fat and increasing total fiber, vitamin D, and iron; increasing fruit and vegetable variation; and increasing compliance with CACFP requirements and best practices.

Evaluation of Mineral Profile and Dietary Reference Intake from Collagen by ICP-Based Techniques

Recently, consumption of collagen-based foodstuffs has grown significantly, especially collagen hydrolysate, used as a dietary supplement. Information available on the content of essential and toxic elements in these products, however, is incipient. This study provides a novel assessment of the mineral profile (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, V, and Zn) of collagen hydrolysate and gelatin by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Thirty-two samples were digested with diluted HNO3 and H2O2, using an efficient microwave-assisted decomposition method (11.9% residual carbon content). The methodology was validated using certified reference materials and recovery tests, with agreement between the determined and certified/added concentration values (85–124%), and relative standard deviation of up to 18%. The limits of quantification ranged from 0.33 μg kg−1 (Cd) to 24 mg kg−1 (Na). The contributions of collagen hydrolysate to the Dietary Reference Intake values of the evaluated minerals were low, with the highest value being 13.5% for the Adequate Intake of Cr. The findings of Permitted Daily Exposure suggest that there is no risk of contamination with As and Cd by consuming this food supplement. Concentrations of Cr, Mn, and Zn reported on product labels agreed with experimental results. For Na, these values differed, indicating that a more rigorous quality control of collagen hydrolysate is necessary, in view of the health problems caused by excessive consumption of this element.

Teaching AND reaching our students from a distance

Teaching AND reaching our students from a distance

Impacts of undernutrition and maternal oral health status on dental caries in Korean children aged 3-5 years.

The association between nutrition and oral health has been studied in the elderly. This study aimed to examine the impacts of undernutrition and the mothers' socioeconomic and oral health statuses on the incidence of dental caries in Korean preschool children. Data of 610 children aged 3-5years and their mothers who underwent oral examinations and responded to the questionnaires in the 6th KNAHNES were used. Caries prevalence was measured by dft and dt among the primary teeth in children and DMFT among mothers. Dietary reference intake values were used to evaluate nutritional status, a nutritional quality index and the mean nutrient adequacy ratio. Complex sample correlation analysis was performed by using children's dft and dt statuses as dependent variables. Multilevel linear regression was applied to investigate the impacts of undernutrition and mothers' socioeconomic and oral health status on children's dft and dt statuses. Statistical significance was set as P<.05. Factors significantly related to dft in children were age and food. Food insecurity was the only factor significantly associated with dt in children. Children's sex and mother's DMFT were likely to be relevant to dft in children. Children's age and a nutritional quality index value less than 1 were also likely to be relevant to the dt of children. Children with an undernourished status had a higher caries experience. A comprehensive community dental health promotion programme should be developed to prevent the incidence of dental caries in vulnerable undernourished children.

Hip Fracture Patients in Geriatric Rehabilitation Show Poor Nutritional Status, Dietary Intake and Muscle Health.

The aim of this study was to gain insight into the nutritional status, dietary intake and muscle health of older Dutch hip fracture patients to prevent recurrent fractures and to underpin rehabilitation programs. This cross-sectional study enrolled 40 hip fracture patients (mean ± SD age 82 ± 8.0 years) from geriatric rehabilitation wards of two nursing homes in the Netherlands. Assessments included nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment), dietary intake on three non-consecutive days which were compared with Dietary Reference Intake values, and handgrip strength. Muscle mass was measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and ultrasound scans of the rectus femoris. Malnutrition or risk of malnutrition was present in 73% of participants. Mean energy, protein, fibre and polyunsaturated fat intakes were significantly below the recommendations, while saturated fat was significantly above the UL. Protein intake was <0.8 in 46% and <1.2 g/(kg·day) in 92%. Regarding micronutrients, mean intakes of calcium, vitamin D, potassium, magnesium and selenium were significantly below the recommendations. The prevalence of low muscle mass, low handgrip strength and sarcopenia were 35, 27 and 10%, respectively. In conclusion, a poor nutritional status, dietary intake and muscle health are common in older hip fracture patients in geriatric rehabilitation wards.

Postoperative Dietary Quality is Poor after Major Musculoskeletal Trauma

Abstract Objectives Musculoskeletal trauma often leads to prolonged functional deficits. Adequate dietary intake and supplementation improves clinical outcomes after surgical fixation of hip fracture in older adults. The role of post-operative nutrition after acute fracture has not been elucidated. Our objective was to describe dietary deficiencies after operative fixation of acute fracture in young adults. Methods An observational, cohort study identified patients aged 18–55 years presenting to a Level 1 trauma center with pelvic or extremity fracture indicated for operative fixation. Dietary intake was measured using Automated Self- Administered 24-hour dietary recall (ASA24®) in weeks 1, 2, and 4 postoperatively. Individual macro- and micro-nutrients for each subject were summarized using arithmetic means. Inadequate nutritional intake was determined using Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) values reported by the Institute of Medicine. The Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) score was calculated based on ASA24® data as described by the USDA. Results Most subjects were healthy preoperatively, 98% had ≤1 comorbidity. Eighty-four % of injures were to the lower extremities, and 59% were isolated. The majority of subjects (78%) discharged home. An average of 3.9 surveys were filled out per subject. Dietary intake overall was inadequate; 72% did not meet calorie needs. Protein intake was inadequate in 66%. All subjects did not meet DRIs for fiber, vitamin E, or potassium. More than 50% did not meet DRI for calcium, iron, magnesium, folate, vitamins C, A, or K. Added sugar and saturated fat intake exceeded recommendations in 38% and 41% of subjects respectively. Intake of beneficial foods such as whole grains and vegetables were inadequate in 100% of subjects; fruit intake was inadequate in 88%. The mean HEI-2015 score was 44.7 (±11.4 SD) across all time points. Conclusions In a population of previously healthy, young adults with major musculoskeletal trauma, dietary quality was poor compared to the average for the US population, 44.7 vs 59 HEI-2015. Diet analysis revealed a concerning lack of vegetables, whole grains, multiple micronutrients, and total calories. This data provides goals for adequate nutritional supplementation after musculoskeletal trauma. Funding Sources No payments were received to conduct this research study.

Low intake of dietary fibre among Brazilian adolescents and association with nutritional status: cross-sectional analysis of Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents data.

To evaluate dietary fibre intake in Brazilian adolescents and its association with nutritional status. This was a cross-sectional study including data from the Brazilian multicentre Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA). Data analysed were geographic region, sex, age, nutritional status, sexual maturation stage, socioeconomic status, school type and level of physical activity. For nutritional status classification, BMI/age was used by sex. Dietary intake was assessed by 24-h recall. Dietary fibre intake was expressed in g/d, and adequacy was determined using dietary reference intake (DRI) values. Complex sample design was considered in statistical analysis, and logistic regression was used to estimate OR for fibre intake and nutritional status. Brazilian municipalities with more than 100 000 inhabitants. A total of 71 740 adolescents aged 12-17 years were included. The average total dietary fibre intake was 19·1 g/d (95 % CI 18·5, 19·7), and only 13·1 % (95 % CI 11·6, 14·7) of Brazilian adolescents reached the recommendations. The results of logistic regression analysis adjusted for geographic region, sex and type of school showed that overweight and obese adolescents were 1·6 and 1·8 times more likely, respectively, to have inadequate dietary fibre intake (P < 0·0001). Brazilian adolescents had a significantly inadequate dietary fibre intake. This was particularly notable in adolescents with excess weight. Education policies on nutrition must be implemented, as dietary fibre plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of obesity and other chronic diseases.

Nutritional Intake and Energy Availability of Collegiate Distance Runners

Objective: Research investigating the dietary habits of distance runners has presented varying results. Proper dietary intake appears to enhance distance running performance and low dietary intake may impact health. The purpose of this investigation was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of nutrient intake of collegiate distance runners with comparison to recommendations for athletes.Methods: Twenty-one men (Age: 19.6 ± 1.2 years; height: 177.1 ± 5.7 cm; body mass: 65.7 ± 4.6 kg; body fat: 15.5 ± 2.2%) and 20 women (Age: 20.2 ± 1.7 years; height: 162.9 ± 6.6 cm; body mass: 53.7 ± 6.5 kg; body fat: 23.3 ± 3.6%) volunteered to participate in the investigation. Energy intake was derived from the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Energy availability was calculated by subtracting exercising energy expenditure from daily energy intake, divided by bone free lean mass and fat-free mass. Macronutrient and micronutrient consumption were compared with the appropriate dietary reference intake values, U.S. Dietary Guidelines, or standards recommended for endurance athletes.Results: Dietary intake for the men was 2,741.0 ± 815.2kilocalories and for the women was 1,927.7 ± 638.2kilocalories. A majority of the runners (73%) consumed less than recommended levels of carbohydrates. All men and 75% of women met or exceeded the recommended daily protein intake. Fifty percent of women and 24% of men did not meet the recommended daily allowance for calcium. Ninety-five percent of the runners did not meet the RDA for vitamin D. All the men and 75% of the women met the RDA for iron intake, with 24 of the runners taking an iron supplement. Eight men and 10 women did not meet the recommended intake for potassium.Conclusion: The dietary intake in this group of distance runners is below that necessary for the level of energy expended in their training. Carbohydrate intake is below the recommended amount for endurance athletes, and the calcium and vitamin D intake may not be favorable for bone health in this group of distance runners.

Water-extracted Brazil nut co-products: nutritional value and estimation of nutrient losses during processing

Although Brazil nut is a nutrient-dense nut known to be the dietary source with the highest concentration of selenium, there are few studies about the nutritional value of its co-products as well as the processing effects on them. The objective was to assess the nutritional values of Brazil nut water-soluble extract (BNWSE) and water-extracted Brazil nut flour (BNF) produced in a similar way as they are in the Brazilian Amazon basin, as well as to track nutrient losses during water extraction process. Both BNWSE and BNF exceed 100% of the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) values for selenium; and BNF exceeds 100% of the DRI for copper. BNWSE presents high concentration of copper, while BNF presents 50% of lipids, mainly linoleic and oleic acids, 25% of proteins, and high concentrations of zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. Hence, water-extracted Brazil nut co-products are outstanding nutrient-dense food sources, and may be helpful alternative foods or food ingredients to tackle mineral deficiencies worldwide. Nevertheless, water extraction process leads to mineral losses, remarkably for selenium, which may add up to 73%, which converses with results reported in literature. Additionally, linoleic acid content tended to be compromised during BNWSE production; thereby process improvements should be considered.

Association between salivary amylase enzyme activity and obesity in Saudi Arabia.

Obesity is a significant public health concern that predisposes individuals to a high risk of premature mortality. Previous studies also reported that low serum concentrations of AMY1 have been associated with obesity. The aimed of the study to assess the relationship between salivary amylase (AMY1) activity and body mass index (BMI) in Saudi male and female adults in Riyadh. This study included a total of 200 (100 individuals who were overweight and obese and 100 who had normal body weight [control individuals]) Saudi participants aged 20 to 50 years old. They were recruited from physical fitness clubs and were school employees in Riyadh City. The dietary food intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall. The activity of the AMY1 was measured using a microplate fluorescence reader. A significant (P ≤ .05) increase was observed in the incidence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), and family history of overweight and obesity in overweight and obese individuals than in the control individuals, and these were in parallel to the significant increase in weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and BMI. A significant (P ≤ .05) increase was also observed in the carbohydrate and total fat dietary intake of overweight and obese individuals in relation to the respective dietary reference intake (DRI) values. AMY1 activity was significantly lower than the reference values in the overweight and obese group. Furthermore, AMY1 activity was significantly (P ≤ .05) reverse with weight, WC, HC, and BMI in both males and females in the overweight and obese group. In conclusion, the Saudi overweight and obese population seems to be at risk of low AMY1, which correlates with their obesity.

Elemental chemical composition of products derived from kefir fermented milk

Kefir grains have been applied for milk fermentation, obtaining products derived from kefir fermented milk (kefir, Greek yogurt and whey). During fermentation, proteins become easily digestible and lactose is hydrolyzed, becoming a good option for lactose-intolerant individuals. However, fermentation process can change the essential elements distribution in kefir milk products. Therefore, the aims of the study were to evaluate the total concentration of Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S and Zn in kefir, whey and Greek yogurt produced with kefir grains inoculated into cow’s milk. Phosphorous was the highest concentration in kefir milk fermented products ranging from 1220 ± 88 μg mL−1 (whey) to 2090 ± 27 μg g−1 (Greek yogurt), whereas Fe was the lowest concentration ranging from 6.7 ± 0.2 μg g−1 (kefir) to 8.9 ± 0.2 μg g−1 (Greek yogurt). Considering the dietary reference intake values, mainly Greek yogurt has proved to be a good source of Ca (21.2%), P (59.7%), and Fe (22.3%).

Elemental analysis of teas, herbs and their infusions by means of total reflection X-ray fluorescence

This work shows that total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) is a suitable tool for multi-elemental analysis of teas, herbs and their infusion. A low power benchtop TXRF spectrometer was used. Safety of infusion consumption was evaluated. Many commercially available teas,herbs and roots samples were analyzed. Total concentrations of thirteen elements K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Ba and Pb as well as their extraction efficiencies into infusion were determined. The content of Pb is highlighted in all teas and herbs, in the concentration range between 0.5 and 4.8 mg/g, but only in infusions of herbs. Chemometry was applied for classification purposes. Elemental daily intakes with respect to infusion drinking was calculated and compared with dietary reference intake values. Results show that TXRF is a fast and simple technique for safety check of tea and herb infusions on a routine basis.

SFA intake among Japanese schoolchildren: current status and possible intervention to prevent excess intake.

Although a high intake of fat, particularly SFA, is a well-known risk factor for CVD, fat intake in Japan has attracted relatively little attention from health professionals to date due to the low intake in the Japanese population. However, recent surveys have shown an increase in fat intake in younger Japanese populations. Here, we described the fat intake and dietary sources of SFA in Japanese schoolchildren. Also, we experimentally exchanged a high-SFA food with a low-SFA substitute in the data, and calculated the resulting changes in nutrient intakes. The study was conducted nationwide under a cross-sectional design. A non-consecutive, three-day diet record was performed on two school days and a non-school day. Fourteen elementary and thirteen junior high schools. Elementary-school children (n 629) and junior high-school children (n 281). Prevalence of excess fat intake was 35·4 % in boys and 45·0 % in girls. Excess SFA intake was suspected in 97·7 % of boys and 99·4 % of girls when the dietary reference intake values for adults were applied. Major dietary sources of SFA were meat (26·4 % of total SFA intake), dairy products (25·7 %) and confectioneries (11·3 %). Since one-third to nearly one-half of our Japanese schoolchildren consumed excess fat, careful monitoring of fat intake in the Japanese population should be continued. Adoption of low-fat milk and/or lean meat in daily meals might be a suitable means of reducing fat, particularly SFA intake, in schoolchildren.

Measuring the Cost of Dietary Diversity: Novel Price Indexes to Monitor Access to Nutritious Diets

Policies and programs often aim to improve the affordability of nutritious diets, but existing food price indexes are based on observed quantities which may not meet nutritional goals. To measure changes in the cost of reaching international standards of diet quality, we introduce a new Cost of Diet Diversity (CoDD) index based on the lowest-cost way to include at least five different food groups as defined by the widely-used Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) indicator, and compare that to a Cost of Nutrient Adequacy (CoNA) indicator for the lowest-cost way to meet estimated average requirements of essential nutrients and dietary energy as defined by Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) values for an adult woman. We demonstrate application of both indexes using national average monthly prices from two very different sources: an agricultural market information system in Ghana (2009-14), and the data used for national consumer price indexes in Tanzania (2011-15). We find that the CoDD index for Ghana fluctuated seasonally and since mid-2010 rose about 10 percent per year faster than national inflation, due to rising relative prices for fruit, which also drove up the cost of nutrient adequacy. In Tanzania there were much smaller changes in total daily costs, but more adjustment in the mix of food groups used for the least-cost diet. These methods can show where and when nutritious diets are increasingly (un)affordable, and which nutritional criteria account for the change. These results are based on monthly national average prices, but the method is generalizable to other contexts for monitoring, evaluation, and assessment of changing food environments.