Diet Status Research Articles

Cognition of diet quality and dietary management in elderly patients with coronary and other atherosclerotic vascular disease in western China, a qualitative research study

BackgroundHealthy eating is one of the most important nonpharmacologic treatments for patients with atherosclerosis(AS). However, it is unclear how elderly AS patients in western China perceive their dietary status and which type of nutritional assistance they would be willing to receive. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to understand the level of knowledge about current dietary habits and healthy eating habits among elderly AS patients in western China, and the secondary purpose was to identify acceptable nutritional assistance measures or pathways for those patients to help them manage disease progression.MethodsAn implementation study approach was used to recruit elderly patients with AS-related diseases in western China for semistructured interviews.Results14 participants were included in the study, and the following three themes were identified from the interviews:(1) the diet with regional characteristics; (2) low nutrition-related health literacy; (3) complex attitudes towards nutritional assistance. Most participants had misconceptions about healthy eating, and the sources of their knowledge might not be trustworthy. Participants expressed a preference for personalized nutritional assistance, especially that provided by medical-nursing combined institutions.ConclusionPatients in western China need nutritional assistance for their regional dietary habits; therefore, healthy dietary patterns consistent with the regional culture are proposed to improve the prevailing lack of knowledge about healthy diets, improve the dietary structure of patients, and control the development of the disease.

Association between Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status among Adolescent Girls

Background: Adolescents with good eating habits are more likely than those with bad eating habits to learn normally and do better academically. Dietary habits refer to the long-term dietary patterns that an individual forms and maintains in his daily life. Objectives: The study aims to assess influence of dietary habits of adolescent girls on nutritional status and identify if their association between pattern of dietary habits and nutritional status among adolescent girls. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 students from middle and secondary schools in Karbala City, Iraq. Data were collected from December 2o, 2023 to February 4, 2024, Data collection was performed using self-report instrument and it is organized into three sections, include, dietary habits, nutritional status and sociodemographic data. Data were analyzed utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: That 61% of female adolescents have normal weight and 20.2% of female adolescents have underweight but 12% of them have overweight. Exhibits that female adolescent having moderate dietary habits as reported among 73% of them (M±SD= 11.96 ± 1.81. Conclusion: The eating habits of adolescent’s girls do not affect the nutritional status, and most of them have healthy eating habits, while about one fifth of them have unhealthy eating habits, and more than a third of them had an abnormal body mass. Which indicates the importance of involving them in healthy awareness programs about healthy nutrition and ways to maintain a normal level of body mass.

Association between nutritional risk and fatigue in frailty conditions for older adult patients: a multicentre cross-sectional survey study

Background and aimsFrailty is widespread in the elderly, while there is a bi-directional relationship between frailty and malnutrition. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and correlation...

Dietary intakes and nutritional status in adults with Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of inherited conditions causing progressive muscle weakness and wasting, for which no widely implementable treatment currently exists, although resistance training (Bostock et al., 2019, Frontiers in Neurology, 10) and corticosteroid treatment (Angelini, 2007, Muscle & Nerve, 36, 424-435), have been shown to improve health-related quality of life (HQoL). Compared to physical activity, dietary manipulation may be more modifiable to improve dystrophic populations HQoL as disease outcomes often restrict physical capabilities. Data exploring the relationship between diet, disease and HQoL outcomes in adults with MD is insufficient. This study evaluated the habitual dietary intake of a sex-inclusive dystrophic population, to identify possible links between dietary intake, HQoL, and physical function. Participants included 5 women (age 65 ± 14 yrs, BMI 23.2 ± 2.7 kg/m2) and 10 men (age 55 ± 19 yrs, 31.6 ± 7.9 kg/m2) with different MDs (varied distribution and severity of muscle weakness). Participants' dietary intake data was collected using 3-day food records: analysed using Nutritics. Dominant hand maximal grip strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer; upper extremity function and pain were assessed using the upper extremity functional index-15 and visual analogue scale, respectively. QoL was assessed through three tools: SF-36V2, Barthel Index and EQ5D, previously used in dystrophic populations. We observed that 50% of men and 20% of women did not meet the recommended daily intake (RDI) for protein (0.8 g·kg−1), however women (1.13 ± 0.26 g·kg−1) had increased protein intake compared to men (0.82 ± 0.27 g·kg−1, p < 0.05). Of all participants 40% had a daily fat intake exceeding the RDI, with women having significantly higher relative average fat intakes (women = 1.03 ± 0.36 g·kg−1, men = 0.68 ± 0.29 g·kg−1, p < 0.05). RDI for calcium was met by 46% participants (1000 mg) whilst all failed to meet the vitamin D RDI (10 μg). Positive correlations between age and protein intake as a percentage of RDI (r2 = 0.82), protein (r2 = 0.82), carbohydrate intake (r2 = 0.55) relative to body mass, vitamin D intake (r2 = 0.54), and total caloric intake (r2 = 0.59, all p< 0.05) were observed. No other significant associations between dietary habits, physical function or HQoL outcomes were apparent. Despite these findings being observed in a small population it is apparent that many adults with muscular dystrophy may fail to meet RDI for protein, vitamin D, and calcium. This places this population at risk for nutritional deficiencies, incurring negative impacts on the musculoskeletal system. Further study of nutritional status in a larger population sample is needed to confirm these findings.

Differential Toxicity of Arsenic in Daphnia pulex Under Phosphorus and Food Limitation.

The on-going anthropogenic degradation of freshwater habitats has drastically altered the environmental supply of both nutrients and common pollutants. Most organisms living in these altered habitats experience interactive effects of various stressors that can initiate adjustments at multiple levels impacting their fitness. Hence, studies measuring response to a single environmental parameter fail to capture the complexities of the status quo. We tested both the individual and the interactive effect of arsenic (As) exposure, food quantity, and dietary phosphorus (P)-supply on six life-history traits (Juvenile Growth Rate; Adult Growth Rate; Age and Size at Maturity, Lifespan, and Fecundity) as surrogates for organismal fitness in the keystone aquatic grazer Daphnia pulex. We also tested the effect of food quantity and P-supply on somatic As accumulation in Daphnia. Our results indicated an influence of P-supply on neonatal growth and an influence of As and food quantity on growth and maintenance later in life. Maturation was strongly influenced by all three variables, with no reproduction observed in the presence of two or more environmental stressors. We found a strong interaction between As and dietary P, with increased P-supply intensifing the toxicity effect of As. No such effects were seen between As and food quantity, indicating a differential role of quantity versus quality on As toxicity. We found a nominal effect of diet on somatic As accumulation. The results from the present study emphasize the importance of considering such interactions between co-occurring environmental stressors and the dietary status of organisms, to better predict and manage impacts and risks associated with common environmental toxicants in highly vulnerable ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1807-1819. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Losing sleep influences dietary intake in children: a longitudinal compositional analysis of a randomised crossover trial

BackgroundAlthough inadequate sleep increases the risk of obesity in children, the mechanisms remain unclear. The aims of this study were to assess how sleep loss influenced dietary intake in children while accounting for corresponding changes in sedentary time and physical activity; and to investigate how changes in time use related to dietary intake.MethodsA randomized crossover trial in 105 healthy children (8–12 years) with normal sleep (~ 8–11 h/night) compared sleep extension (asked to turn lights off one hour earlier than usual for one week) and sleep restriction (turn lights off one hour later) conditions, separated by a washout week. 24-h time-use behaviors (sleep, wake after sleep onset, physical activity, sedentary time) were assessed using waist-worn actigraphy and dietary intake using two multiple-pass diet recalls during each intervention week. Longitudinal compositional analysis was undertaken with mixed effects regression models using isometric log ratios of time use variables as exposures and dietary variables as outcomes, and participant as a random effect.ResultsEighty three children (10.2 years, 53% female, 62% healthy weight) had 47.9 (SD 30.1) minutes less sleep during the restriction week but were also awake for 8.5 (21.4) minutes less at night. They spent this extra time awake in the day being more sedentary (+ 31 min) and more active (+ 21 min light physical activity, + 4 min MVPA). After adjusting for all changes in 24-h time use, losing 48 min of sleep was associated with consuming significantly more energy (262 kJ, 95% CI:55,470), all of which was from non-core foods (314 kJ; 43, 638). Increases in sedentary time were related to increased energy intake from non-core foods (177 kJ; 25, 329) whereas increases in MVPA were associated with higher intake from core foods (72 kJ; 7,136). Changes in diet were greater in female participants.ConclusionLoss of sleep was associated with increased energy intake, especially of non-core foods, independent of changes in sedentary time and physical activity. Interventions focusing on improving sleep may be beneficial for improving dietary intake and weight status in children.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ANZCTR ACTRN12618001671257, Registered 10th Oct 2018, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=367587&isReview=true

The Relationship Between Diet and Healthy, Clean-Living Behavior with The Nutritional Status of Scavengers

Introduction: This study aims to determine the relationship between dietary patterns and healthy, clean-living behavior with scavenger’s nutritional status in Batam City. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. The location was conducted at Garbage’s Final Disposal Site (TPA) Telaga Punggur in Batam City in December-February 2023. A sample size of 79 Scavengers was obtained using simple random sampling—data collection using anthropometric measurements and questionnaires. Bivariate analysis was performed with the Spearman rank test, and multivariate analysis was performed with multiple linear regression tests. Results: The study's results showed poor dietary patterns (83,5%). Clean and healthy living behavior was in the poor category (82,3%)—the nutritional status of Scavengers was in the skinny nutritional status category (32,9%). The Spearman rank test shows a significant relationship between dietary patterns and nutritional status and a significant relationship between healthy, clean-living behavior and nutritional status (p=0,002, 0,021). Conclusion: Multiple linear regression test shows there is a significant relationship between the dietary pattern and healthy, clean-living behavior with nutritional status of Scavengers Y = 14,358 + 0,137X1 + 0,074X2 (p=0,003), that meaning there is a relationship between the dietary pattern and healthy clean-living behavior with the nutritional status of Scavengers in Batam City.

Dietary Intake, Diet Diversity, and Weight Status of Children With Food Allergy

BackgroundAdoption of allergen avoidance diets may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies and affect growth in children with food allergy (FA). How these dietary restrictions have an impact on diet diversity, a health-promoting eating behavior, remains unclear. ObjectiveTo evaluate diet diversity, dietary intake, and weight status of children with FA. DesignObservational study. Participants/settingOne hundred children with immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated milk, egg, or nut FA or multiple FAs and 60 children with perennial respiratory allergies (RA) matched as controls, aged 3 to 18 years, were consecutively recruited into the study. Main outcome measuresDietary intake and diet diversity (number of different foods consumed/day) were assessed through 4 24-hour recalls. Weight status (underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obesity) was also evaluated. Statistical analyses performedChi-squared test and 2-sample independent t test were used to test differences between groups. Adjustment for sex, age, and energy intake was made using linear regression. ResultsThe percentage of underweight was higher in children with FA (19.6%) compared with children in the control group (5.1%). Children with FA compared with children in the control group consumed more servings of meat (1.7, 95% CI, 1.6, 1.9 vs. 1.5, 95% CI, 1.3, 1.7 servings/day [Padj = 0.031]). No difference was observed in the diet diversity between the 2 groups (11–12 different foods/day). Within the FA group, children with allergy to milk proteins had lower energy intake from protein, lower intake of calcium, lower consumption of commercially prepared sweets, and higher consumption of eggs, compared with children with nut or egg allergy, but no difference in diet diversity was observed. ConclusionsDiet diversity did not differ between children with FA and children with no FA, despite some differences in the intake from specific food groups. However, the higher percentage of underweight in children with FA suggests the need for targeted nutrition intervention as early as possible after FA diagnosis.

Low energy intake and nutritional maladaptation in terminal stage IV periodontitis.

Impairment of masticatory function in elderly patients with terminal dentition due to stage IV periodontitis (TDS4P) may lead to lower nutritional intake. The study aimed to report the dietary intake and nutrition status of elderly patients with TDS4P and compare them with those of the elderly Chinese population and the Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Fifty-one consecutive subjects (≥55 years old) with TDS4P were enrolled. Average dietary intake was evaluated based on a 3-day 24-h dietary recall (24HR) and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The daily intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, dietary energy as well as macro and micronutrients were calculated and compared with matched national data and the Chinese DRIs. Nutritional status was assessed by Short-Form Mini-Nutritional assessment. Of the subjects, 19.6% (95% CI: 7.2%-28.1%) were at risk of malnutrition. The mean daily energy intake was 1517.4 kcal (95% CI: 1400.5-1634.3) for males and 1110.7 kcal (95% CI: 1001.5-1219.9) for females, which were very low compared with both the national data and the DRIs. Females derived a higher percentage of energy from fat. The mean daily intake of vegetables was 151.4 g (95% CI: 128.1-174.8) by FFQ and 130.9 g (95% CI: 104.6-157.3) by 24HR. Both results were significantly lower than the national reports (95% CI: 310.3-340.1) and the DRIs (300-450 g). Insufficient micronutrient intake, especially vitamins A, C and E, was also found. Elderly subjects with TDS4P had a lower daily energy intake, vegetable and fruit consumption and essential macro and micronutrient intake. More studies are needed to clarify the impact of periodontitis and tooth loss/replacement on nutrition and healthy ageing.

Association of dietary inflammatory index with immune-inflammatory biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis patients: results from NHANES 1999-2018.

Synovial inflammation is the main reason for joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Diet is recognized as one of the therapeutic strategies to control the inflammatory activity in RA. However, few studies have investigated the association between diet and immune-inflammatory biomarkers in RA patients. Our study aims to examine the correlation between dietary inflammatory potential and systemic immune-inflammation Index (SII), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) in the RA population. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was the data source utilized in this study, spanning from 1999 to 2018. The study encompassed 2,500 RA participants in total. The dietary inflammatory potential was calculated by the dietary inflammation index (DII) score based on dietary recall interviews. The generalized multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between DII and immune-inflammatory markers. Furthermore, subgroup analyses and restricted cubic spline models were performed. After full adjustments, there were significant positive correlations between DII levels and SII/NLR in RA patients (SII, β: 14.82, 95% CI: 5.14-24.50, p = 0.003; NLR, β: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.08, p = 0.005). It was noteworthy that inconsistent results were observed in the association between DII and SII as well as NLR in subgroups of red blood cell levels (Interaction p-value <0.001). Pro-inflammatory dietary status in the RA population is significantly positively correlated with SII and NLR, influenced by variations in red blood cell levels.

Co-existence of potentially sustainable indigenous food systems and poor nutritional status in Ho indigenous community, India: an exploratory study

Indigenous food (IF) systems comprise culturally important foods derived from natural resources with shorter farm to plate chains, as compared to modern counterparts. These food systems are at epicenter of sustainable food systems with potential to alleviate malnutrition and protect ecosystems. The Ho indigenous community of Jharkhand have access to diverse IFs, yet experience malnutrition. A sequential mixed-method study was conducted to explore local food systems with assessment of diet quality and nutritional status of Ho women. Focus group discussions (n = 10) and free-listing (n = 7) were conducted to capture community’s perspectives on IF systems, associated sustainable attributes and perceived challenges towards IF utilization. Scientific names and nutritive values of IFs were documented through secondary review; in case of no information in literature, IFs were identified through ethnobotanist with nutritional analysis in laboratory. 24 h recalls (n = 284 in winter and n = 154 in monsoon) and anthropometric assessments (n = 273) were conducted to estimate women’s dietary diversity and nutritional status. Findings revealed rich traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) producing a diverse list of IFs (n = 243) mainly accessed from natural food environment (wild and cultivated). Among listed foods, 171 IFs were taxonomically classified and among these, nutritive values were documented for 121 IFs. Potentially sustainable traits of Ho’s IF systems included high nutrient density of IFs, community’s preference towards their consumption because of their flavorsome attributes, climate resilient properties and cultural heritage. However, impacts of climate variability, changing farming practices and market-integrated life ways challenged the sustained production, access and consumption of IFs. This was evident in poor diversity in diets (diet diversity scores of 2.9 in winter and monsoon) and chronic energy deficiency (36%) in women. The unique TEK systems of indigenous communities need to be integrated into mainstream policies and programs for safeguarding and promoting their potentially sustainable food systems to support food and nutritional security.

Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Status of School Children in Pyin Oo Lwin township, Mandalay Region, Myanmar

The nutritional status of school children is important for their growth, development, and overall well-being. Poor nutritional status of the school children can have a huge impact not only in the short term but also for their long lives. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status and its associated factors among adolescent school children in Pyin Oo Lwin Township, Mandalay Region. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2023 among 202 school children in public schools of Pyin Oo Lwin Township by simple random sampling method using face-to-face interviews with pretested structured questionnaires. Anthropometric measures were taken, and nutritional indicators were calculated using the WHO Anthro Plus software. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to find the associated factors of nutritional status. Among 202 students, aged between 14 and 18 years, 83.7% had normal nutritional status while the prevalence of thinness, overweight, and obesity were 12.4%, 3%, and 1%. Most of the school adolescents had a high knowledge level (80.7%), and 77.2% had adequate dietary diversity. According to multivariable analysis, dietary diversity was the major influencing factor on malnutrition of the school children. The students with an adequate dietary diversity score were 70% less likely to be malnourished compared to those with an inadequate diversity score [AOR= 0.30, 95%CI = (0.13, 0.67), p-value=0.003]. Therefore, the study would like to recommend promoting nutrition education specifically on diverse food consumption to achieve a balanced diet and prevent malnutrition among the students.

Associations between maternal dietary intake and nutritional status with fetal growth at 14 to 26 weeks gestation: a cross- sectional study

BackgroundMaternal undernutrition during pregnancy is currently estimated at 23.5% in Africa, which is worrying given the negative impacts of malnutrition on maternal and fetal birth outcomes. The current study aimed at characterizing the associations of maternal dietary intake and nutritional status with fetal growth at 14–26 weeks gestation. It was hypothesized that maternal dietary intake was positively associated with maternal nutritional status and fetal growth both in early and late pregnancy.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey of 870 pregnant women in mid-western Uganda conducted in August 2013. Data were collected on women’s dietary intake (indicated by women’s dietary diversity and the diet quality score) and nutritional status (indicated by hemoglobin level and mid-upper arm circumference) at 14–26 weeks gestation. Fetal growth was determined by symphysis-fundal height Z-scores processed using the INTERGROWTH-21st calculator. Associations between maternal dietary intake and nutritional status with fetal growth were determined using correlations and chi-square tests.ResultsOverall, only 25% had adequate dietary diversity and the most utilized food groups were White tubers, roots and starchy vegetables; Pulses, nuts and seeds; Cereals and grains, Dark green leafy vegetables, and Fats and oils. A larger proportion of younger women (15–29 y) were classified as anemic (20.4% versus 4.4%) and underweight (23.7% versus 5.0%) compared to older women (30–43 y). Additionally, women aged 15 to 24 years had significantly lower mean SFH-for-gestation age Z-scores than women 36–43 years (F4, 783 = 3.129; p = 0.014). Consumption of legumes nuts and seeds was associated with reduced risk of anemia while consumption of dairy products (mostly milk) was positively associated with better fetal growth. Surprisingly, low Hb level was positively associated with normal fetal growth (rP = -0.133; p = 0.016) after 20 weeks gestation, possibly indicating normal fetal growth paralleled with physiologically necessary hemodilution.ConclusionsSub-optimal dietary patterns, characterized by limited dietary diversity and low protein intake, are likely to compromise maternal nutrition and fetal growth in limited resource settings. Improving pregnant women’s access to cheaper but nutrient-dense protein sources such as pulses, nuts and dairy products (mostly milk) has potential to improve women’s nutritional status and enhance fetal growth.

Associations between dietary diversity and high sensitive C-reactive protein among Japanese workers: findings of a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

To clarify the association between dietary diversity and inflammatory status in Japanese workers. Of 1,460 men and women aged 20-64 years in 2010 (baseline), those who were followed-up at least once between 2011 and 2018 were included in this study; 1,433 participants and 745 participants were included in the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline, and the dietary diversity score was determined using the Quantitative Index for Dietary Diversity (QUANTIDD). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was taken to indicate inflammatory status at the baseline and follow-up surveys. In the cross-sectional analysis using baseline data, a generalized linear model was used to calculate adjusted means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hs-CRP according to the QUANTIDD score. In the longitudinal analysis, generalized estimating equations were used to calculate the adjusted mean (95% CI) for hs-CRP in follow-up according to the QUANTIDD score at baseline. In the cross-sectional analysis, the hs-CRP concentration in male participants was significantly lower in those who had a high QUANTIDD score (adjusted mean [95% CI]: 0.074 [0.009-0.140] mg/dL in the lower group vs. 0.038 [-0.029-0.105] mg/dL in the higher group, p-value = 0.034). In the longitudinal analysis, the hs-CRP concentration of male participants also tended to be lower in those with higher QUANTIDD scores (p-value = 0.103). In both the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses in women, there was no significant difference between the lower and higher QUANTIDD score groups. These findings suggest that, in male Japanese workers, higher dietary diversity might be important for maintaining a low inflammatory status.

Evaluation of Childhood Dietary Patterns and Their Impact on Nutrition Status: A Literature Review

One of the main public health issues in underdeveloped nations like Nepal is malnutrition, which is closely related to dietary practices. Child malnutrition has been one of the major public health issues of the twenty-first century in the world. A search of some electronic databases was conducted to identify research involving nutritional status of children. A total 19 studies were identified in this review. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status and dietary pattern of children and its related factors. The study was conducted based on literature review. The search of literature from scholar.google.com, pubmed.com, jstor.com, nepjol.info, tucl.remotexs.co (proquest.com search.ndltd.org) were used for the study. A total of 140 full-text papers were identified from electronic sources. Among 140 full-text papers, irrelevant papers were excluded. Only English medium literature about dietary patterns and nutritional status of children were included in this study. Sixteen studies were related to nutritional status of children and three studies were related to dietary pattern of children. The results of study showed low nutritional status of children of different countries. The result of the study showed that different behaviors related to eating habits promote the nutritional status of children. Dietary behavior strongly correlates nutritional status of children. Similarly, children are facing numerous nutritional problems due to the lack of exclusive breast feeding, maternal education, disease prevalence and low socio-economic condition. Especially the children are suffered from the problem of stunting and wasting in rural area. Most of the studies have been centered in an urban area. The study suggested to conduct appropriate nutritional intervention programs regarding school children and their mothers.

Evidence of potential impacts of a nutrition-sensitive agroecology program in Andhra Pradesh, India, on dietary diversity, nutritional status, and child development.

While a number of studies have examined the nutritional impacts of agroecological interventions, few have examined impacts on child development, maternal and child anemia, and men's dietary diversity. Moreover, there have been few such evaluations at scale. We evaluated the impact of a large-scale, multi-component food-based nutrition intervention involving homestead food production, nutrition counselling, cooking demonstrations, and crop planning exercises. A cross-sectional assessment was conducted in 2021-2022 of 50 intervention villages where the nutrition-sensitive agroecology program had been implemented since 2018 and 79 control villages where only the agroecology program had been implemented. Data on self-reported dietary intake, caregiver-reported early child development, anthropometric measurements, and hemoglobin concentrations were collected using standardized procedures by trained Nutrition Farming Fellows, who were also responsible for implementing the program. A sample of 3,511 households (1,121 intervention and 2,390 control) participated in the survey. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) among women and men were mean (SD) 6.53 (±1.62) and 6.16 (±1.65), respectively, in intervention villages and 5.81 (±1.58) and 5.39 (±1.61), respectively, in control villages (p<0.01). DDS among children 6-24 months of age in intervention and control villages was 2.99 (±1.52) and 2.73 (±1.62), respectively (p<0.01). Children <2 years of age were less likely to be anemic in intervention versus control villages (59% versus 69%, p<0.01). Children 18-35 months age in intervention villages had higher child development scores than children in control villages (all p<0.05). Nutrition-sensitive agroecological programs may be effective in improving diets, nutrition, and child development in rural India.

Patterns of energy availability and carbohydrate intake differentiate between adaptable and problematic low energy availability in female athletes.

Problematic low energy availability (EA) is the underlying culprit of relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), and its consequences have been suggested to be exacerbated when accompanied by low carbohydrate (CHO) intakes. This study compared dietary intake, nutrition status and occurrence of REDs symptoms in groups of female athletes, displaying different patterns of EA and CHO intake. Female athletes (n = 41, median age 20.4 years) from various sports weighed and recorded their food intake and training for 7 consecutive days via a photo-assisted mobile application. Participants were divided into four groups based on patterns of EA and CHO intakes: sufficient to optimal EA and sufficient to optimal CHO intake (SEA + SCHO), SEA and low CHO intake (SEA + LCHO), low energy availability and SCHO (LEA + SCHO), and LEA and LCHO (LEA + LCHO). SEA patterns were characterised by EA ≥30 and LEA by EA <30 kcal/kg fat free mass, and SCHO patterns characterised by CHO intake ≥3.0 and LCHO <3.0 g/kg body weight for most of the registered days. Body composition was measured with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, resting metabolic rate with indirect calorimetry and serum blood samples were collected for evaluation of nutrition status. Behavioural risk factors and self-reported symptoms of REDs were assessed with the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short (EDE-QS), Exercise Addiction Inventory, and Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory. In total, 36.6% were categorised as SEA + SCHO, of which 5/16 were ball sport, 7/10 endurance, 1/7 aesthetic, 2/5 weight-class, and 0/3 weight-class athletes. Of LEA + LCHO athletes (19.5% of all), 50% came from ball sports. Aesthetic and endurance athletes reported the greatest training demands, with weekly training hours higher for aesthetic compared to ball sports (13.1 ± 5.7 vs. 6.7 ± 3.4 h, p = 0.012). Two LEA + LCHO and one SEA + LCHO athlete exceeded the EDE-QS cutoff. LEA + LCHO evaluated their sleep and energy levels as worse, and both LEA groups rated their recovery as worse compared to SEA + SCHO. Repeated exposures to LEA and LCHO are associated with a cluster of negative implications in female athletes. In terms of nutrition strategies, sufficient EA and CHO intakes appear to be pivotal in preventing REDs.

Associations of body composition with physical activity, nutritional intake status, and chronotype among female university students in Japan

BackgroundHaving higher muscle mass in early adulthood is an important factor in preventing sarcopenia. However, university students undergo lifestyle changes compared to their high school years, which may lead to changes in body composition, such as an increase in body fat and a decrease in muscle mass. The study aimed to investigate the association between body composition and lifestyle behaviors, including chronotype, among Japanese female university students, due to the prevalence of underweight among young females in the country.MethodsThe physical activity level (PAL), daily dietary intake status, morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) score, and body composition of 230 students were assessed in this cross-sectional study. Body composition was measured using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer, and body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF), and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were determined.ResultsIndividuals who were evening type (ET) had a higher %BF and lower SMI than those who were non-ET, but no differences in body weight or BMI were found. Although ET individuals had lower total energy intake, protein intake, and PALs than non-ETs, the differences were small. However, multiple regression analyses showed that SMI was significantly positively associated with MEQ and PAL, and %BF was significantly negatively associated with MEQ and PAL.ConclusionThese results suggest that female university students with lateness of chronotype and low physical activity have a body composition imbalance resulting in higher body fat and lower muscle mass. Therefore, young females may need to take chronotype-specific measures (especially ET individuals) to help them maintain an appropriate body composition.

Agroecosystem-based analysis of household dietary diversity and its linkage with agricultural production diversification in the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia: Multilevel analysis approach

Even though the UN's Sustainable Development Goals emphasize improving dietary diversity and overall nutritional status globally by promoting sustainable agriculture, inadequately diversified dietary intake remains a public health problem in many low-income countries, including in Sub-Saharan Africa. The main objective of this study was to gather relevant information to gain an improved understanding of household dietary diversity and explore the role that production diversification could play within household diets and nutrition so that appropriate interventions could be implemented with the goal of enhancing nutrition-sensitive agriculture while also considering the varied features across the agroecosystems. Agroecosystem-based cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were collected predominantly through semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics, and a multilevel mixed-effect model. Results showed that the usual dietary intake of households has a monotonous pattern dominated by starchy staple foods, and consumption of fruits, vegetables, and animal-sourced foods was very limited. One out of five households had inadequate dietary diversity but varied significantly across agroecosystems. About 26% of the heterogeneity in dietary diversity was attributed due to agroecosystem level factors. In the fixed-effect part of the model, production diversification, wealth status, number of meals per day, market access, and annual mean rainfall were significantly associated with household dietary diversity status. The findings of our research contribute to give insights on the linkage between dietary diversity and production diversification among subsistence rural farmers across contrasting agroecosystem zones. Therefore, understanding agroecosystem variations and local context in the rural subsistence farming setup is a key point in designing nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

The relationship between dietary pattern and physical activity combinations to physical performance in 85+ Japanese population: A cross-sectional study from the TOOTH study

BackgroundPhysical performance is a major contributor to frailty and sarcopenia. Healthier behaviour (diet and physical activity (PA)) are important, but the applicability of the evidence should be carefully discussed in the general older population and the population aged 85 years and older (85+ population). Evidence in the 85+ population is rare and there are no studies focusing on the healthier behaviours. MethodsData (n = 519) from the Tokyo Oldest Old survey on Total Health study were used. From each validated questionnaire in this age group, the dietary patterns (DPs) was identified, and the PA was estimated. Physical performance tests included grip strength, timed up-and-go test, and chair standing, which are important for assessing frailty or sarcopenia. Linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between the combination of DP and PA to physical performance. ResultsDPs identified `Various plant foods' (DP1), `Fish and mushrooms' (DP2), and `Cooked rice and miso soup' (DP3) were identified. The median PAI was 9.0 METs × h/week. Based on the characteristics of the combination of DP and PA with unhealthy behaviour as the reference group, all combinations were significantly associated with all physical performance tests if both achieved. However, it was observed that some combinations were not significantly associated with DP or PA alone. ConclusionsHealthy behaviours (both diet and PA) are important for physical performance in the 85+ population. The association of PA in the 85+ population may vary depending on the dietary status of the individual.