Differences In Dietary Habits Research Articles

Antiobesity Surgery: Is a Structured Support Group Desirable? Preliminary.

The relevance of a post-gastroplasty physician-and dietitian-supervised support group for weight loss, dietary habits, dietary knowledge, and exercise has been assessed. Two post vertical banded gastroplasty groups were compared: those who did (n = 10) and those who did not (n = 11) attend a monthly post-gastroplasty support session. A 55-point questionnaire plus a 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency analysis were employed. Addressed were dietary and exercise history, eating habits, and factual dietary knowledge. At the time following surgery of this study (support: mean 29.7 vs no support: mean 34.9 months, NS), there was no difference in weight loss between the two groups. There was no difference in the two groups between preoperative, length of time from surgery to interview or weight at Interview. Those who attended the support group consumed significantly fewer calories (1559 +/- 320 vs 2278 +/- 271, p </= 0.5), total grams of fat a day (57 +/- 19 vs lie +/- 17, p </= 0.5), fat as percentage of total diet (26 +/- 4 vs 44 +/- 2, p </= 0.0005, and saturated fat as percentage of total diet 8 +/- 1 vs 17 +/- 2, p </= 0.0005). Attendees were more physically active than those who did not attend (236+/-49 vs 115+/-46 minutes exercise per week, p </= 0.05). Of those attending the seven monthly group session, 80% stated that it was easy to determine the fat content of food from the food label, compared to 36% in the non-support group (p </= 0.05). This suggests that to the postoperative period studied, weight loss is determined by the operation itself. However, we show that those who do attend are better informed, make wiser food choices, and are more physically active. To determine whether the difference in dietary habits and nutritional knowledge will result in an improved long-term weight loss, requires a more prolonged follow-up.

Cancer of the large bowel in women in relation to alcohol consumption: a case-control study in Wisconsin (United States).

Age-specific consumption of beer, wine, and liquor was ascertained by telephone interview from 779 women in Wisconsin (United States) with newly reported diagnosis of carcinoma of the colon and rectum. Population controls (n = 2,315) interviewed for this case-control study were randomly selected from Wisconsin driver's license files and Health Care Financing Administration files. Overall, there was a modest indication that high levels of alcohol consumption (11 or more drinks per week) were associated with increased risk of large bowel cancer (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, 95 percent confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-2.22). In site-specific analyses, only rectal cancer demonstrated a significant linear trend (P = 0.01) with increasing consumption. Significant beverage-specific effects were observed for liquor and colon cancer: the adjusted ORs for 1-2, 3-5, and 6+ drinks per week were 1.12, 1.68, 1.51, respectively (P trend = 0.01). Beer was associated significantly with rectal cancer: the adjusted ORs for 1-2, 3-5, 6-10, and 11+ drinks per week were 1.25, 1.25, 1.58, 2.42, respectively (P trend = 0.02). Wine consumption was associated inversely with these cancers. These relationships appeared to be consistent for recent, past, and total lifetime consumption, and were not attributable to differences in dietary habits.

Dietary changes in Swedish adolescents

A school-based dietary survey, using seven-day records, was performed in two cohorts of Swedish adolescents; 14- and 17-year-olds. The study comprised 366 boys and 365 girls. When compared to previous studies in Sweden, a striking finding was a decrease in dietary fat intake and an increase in carbohydrate intake. However, the relative intake of saturated fat had not changed (15% of total energy). The dietary change was mainly due to an increased consumption of cereal products. There were no major differences in dietary habits or nutrient density of the food between the two age groups, or between boys and girls. The mean intakes of protein, fat and carbohydrate, expressed as a percentage of the total energy intake, were 15, 33 and 52%, respectively. The mean intakes of vitamins and minerals were low only for selenium. The boys had a high iron intake (1.5 and 1.7 times the recommended intake for 14- and 17-year-olds, respectively) while the mean iron intake for girls was 0.9 times the recommended dietary allowances in both age groups. The intake of dietary salt was higher in boys than in girls (7.7 g and 9.0 g per day in 14- and 17-year-old boys, respectively, and 5.8 g per day in both 14- and 17-year-old girls). In a long-term health perspective, this positive change in nutrient intake in adolescents may contribute to a reduction in the incidence of diet-related diseases in Sweden.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Work-related behavioral and dental risk factors among confectionery workers.

The dietary habits and dental health behavior of 294 employees in a Finnish confectionery company were studied to determine the reasons for their dental caries experience and their caries-promoting salivary microbiological findings. A diary and a questionnaire were used. A caries risk index was constructed for salivary microbiological findings. Daily dietary acidogenic exposures were calculated, and differences between low and high caries-risk groups were analyzed. Statistically significant differences in dietary habits between the low- and high-risk groups were found for the entire study population and for the men, the cookie markers, and the sweets makers. A significant positive correlation was found between untreated caries and the number of sugary meals. No differences were found in dental health behavior or dental knowledge between the study groups. The results show that the nature of between-meal snacks and confectionery workers' freedom to consume their products constitutes a potential hazard to dental health.

The effect of chilli ingestion on gastrointestinal mucosal proliferation and azoxymethane-induced cancer in the rat.

Of the three main races of Singapore, Malays and Indians are less susceptible to gastric and colorectal carcinoma and peptic ulcer when compared with Chinese. Racial differences in dietary habits include a smaller amount of chilli consumed by the Chinese when compared with the other two races. Chilli may be expected to accelerate gastrointestinal transit and hence to inhibit colonic carcinogenesis, while its active ingredient capsaicin protects against experimental gastric mucosal injury. The effect of chilli consumption was studied in relation to: (i) gastrointestinal crypt cell production rate and nucleic acid content as indices of mucosal proliferation, which is related to the risk of development of gastrointestinal cancer and peptic ulcer; and (ii) azoxymethane-induced intestinal cancer. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 102) received either standard powdered chow or chow supplemented with 100 or 200 mg of chilli powder daily for 1, 18 or 24 weeks. Gastric, small-bowel and colonic crypt cell production rates were studied at all three time periods, while mucosal DNA, RNA and protein contents were measured at 1 and 24 weeks. While crypt cell production rates were unaffected by chilli ingestion, mucosal contents of nucleic acid and protein were mostly increased in chilli-fed animals compared to controls, especially in the colon at 24 weeks. A further 99 rats received subcutaneous injections of either azoxymethane 15 mg/kg/week x 6 or sterile water and were randomized to the same three dietary groups for 26 weeks. The number, size and location of benign and malignant duodenal and colonic tumours were unaffected by chilli intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mothers, work and food consumption: Going out to work changes mothers’ diets?

The usual dietary habits of mothers employed outside the home (n = 337) and mothers “at home” (n = 297) were compared as part of the Victorian Nutrition survey, which was conducted by mail during late 1985 among a random population sample of adults living in the State of Victoria, Australia. The results showed that mothers employed outside the home consumed more varied intakes of fruits, vegetables and dairy foods than mothers “at home,” who in contrast tended to consume more from a lesser range of foods, particularly traditional cereals, fruits and fried foods. Several other differences in dietary habits were observed. The discussion focuses on the possible effects of affluence, convenience, the pursuit of novelty and health, and the family lifecycle.

Influence of demographic parameters on rectal epithelial proliferation.

Measurement of rectal epithelial proliferation is now being used as a biomarker for assessing risk for colorectal cancer and response within dietary intervention studies. We examined the possible confounding effects of demographic parameters on the proliferation of 52 healthy middle-aged volunteers without known risk factors for colorectal cancer. No significant effects on proliferation of age, sex or ethnic grouping were found other than marked urban-rural differences amongst men. We hypothesise that these could be explained by differences in dietary habits and their deleterious effects in the older male population. Careful matching of controls are probably needed in order to demonstrate the minor changes in mucosal proliferation that could reflect risk for neoplasia. Further human studies are needed to examine the effects of diet and extremes of age on proliferation.

Dietary behavior of French men according to alcohol drinking pattern.

Relationships of alcohol consumption with diet were studied in 216 French men aged 18-44. The sample was divided on the basis of alcohol intake in the preceding 7 days: controls (less than or equal to 43 g/day), moderate drinkers (44-87 g/day) and heavy drinkers (88-200 g/day). Moderate and heavy drinkers consumed more meat and meat products, bread and toast, dried vegetables and potatoes than controls but fewer nonalcoholic drinks and less milk, yogurt, cooked vegetables, raw and cooked fruits, pastries and confectioneries. Total energy intake was higher in drinkers than in controls but nonalcoholic energy intake was not significantly different; alcohol was simply added to food intake. Moderate and heavy drinkers consumed significantly less carbohydrates but more fat and protein than controls. Vitamins A and C intakes were lower in the moderate and heavy drinkers than in controls but folate and iron intakes were higher. The differences in dietary habits between controls and drinkers were not related to age nor to socioprofessional status since after adjustment for these two parameters the same relationships were still found.

CRUSTACEAN CHEMICAL PERCEPTION: TOWARDS A THEORY ON OPTIMAL CHEMORECEPTION

Experiments explored how crustacea respond to odors that could signal energy and nutrient properties of food. While free amino acids are abundant in living prey, they diffuse rapidly from carrion and are assimilated by biodegradatory bacteria concomitant with release of ammonia. The ratio of amino acids to ammonia decreases with increasing carrion age and is proposed to signal the relative nutritional (nitrogen) quality of food. Supporting this hypothesis are data showing six bathypelagic and littoral species probing and searching to amino acids, but not to ammonia. Amino acids caused forward ambulation (searching) in some species while ammonia induced only tail-flipping (fleeing) in others. Interactions between amino acids and ammonia were clearly antagonistic, since mixtures combining these substances suppressed both feeding and fleeing. Additional experiments with the spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus, demonstrate that excitation by the high energy molecule, ATP > ADP > AMP = adenosine, which is the pathway followed in autolytic degradation of animal flesh. Solutions identical in ATP evoked searching and feeding according to their ranked order of adenylate energy charge. Results indicate that crustacea respond best to odors that may specify food of highest energy and nutrient content, though responses differ between species and probably reflect differences in dietary habits.

Diet and the epidemiology of human breast cancer.

There are substantial data on breast tumorigenesis in animals that suggest that diet may be an important factor in human breast cancer etiology. The promotional effects of dietary fat, and, in particular, unsaturated fats, on mammary tumors in rodents is well established. The geographic distribution of breast cancer in humans correlates with international differences in average fat intake. Differences in dietary habits among populations in the United States and their breast cancer risk also have been observed. In the United States, the trend has been toward increased total fat consumption and increased use of polyunsaturated fats. However, breast cancer incidence among white women in the United States has changed very little. Case-control studies of dietary intake and breast cancer risk have shown inconsistent results, and prospective studies of breast cancer mortality and serum cholesterol and serum lipids show no differences in risk between women with high levels of cholesterol and serum lipids compared with women with low levels. Laboratory studies also suggest the possibility that natural inhibitors of breast cancer may occur in the diet as well. Antioxidants, inducers of microsomal enzyme activity, and retinoids, all have been implicated in the metabolic epidemiology of breast cancer. Research results at Roswell Park memorial Institute have associated lower levels of intake of dietary vitamin A with a slightly elevated risk of breast cancer. To date, the epidemiologic data do not indicate with confidence that any specific dietary risk factor may be associated with breast cancer risk in the United States population. Additional epidemiologic studies on inhibition or promotion of breast cancer following the leads of previous laboratory research may clarify the nature and practical significance of the relationship between diet and breast cancer.

Regional differences in dietary habits, coronary risk factors and mortality rates in Belgium. An interuniversity study.

Regional differences in dietary habits, coronary risk factors and mortality rates in Belgium. An interuniversity study.

Ischaemic heart disease. An epidemiological perspective with special reference to electrolytes.

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is a major public health problem in most industrialised countries. In the death rates from IHD, marked differences exist between various countries and also between different areas of individual countries. Unfavourable dietary factors appear to play an important role in the aetiology of IHD, and thus differences in dietary habits and the quality of food may be mainly responsible for the geographic differences in the prevalence of IHD. The present liberal use of salt as well as the refining and other industrial processing of food increase the content of sodium and decrease the content of potassium and magnesium in the diet. The high intake of sodium and the inadequately low levels of potassium and magnesium in the diet predispose to the development of arterial hypertension. Since arterial hypertension is a major risk factor of IHD, the distorted electrolyte composition of our present diet can be considered an important aetiological factor of this disease. To decrease the body burden of sodium, diuretic agents are frequently used. Unfortunately, in the presence of the relatively low content of potassium and magnesium in the diet, the diuretic-induced increases in the excretion of these electrolytes commonly decrease the potassium and magnesium levels in the body. The falls in potassium and magnesium may increase the death rate from IHD by predisposing the heart to fatal arrhythmias, and also by other mechanisms. The likelihood of magnesium deficiency also appears to be influenced by the area of residence. The higher-than-average death rates from IHD in the so-called North Karelia area in eastern Finland and in some other areas with exceptionally high death rates from this disease may be at least partly due to the very low levels of magnesium in the soil and drinking water. It can be concluded that electrolyte disturbances have important implications in the aetiology and pathogenesis of IHD.

Role of cadmium in carcinogenesis with special reference to cancer of the prostate.

It has been shown in animal experiments that injections of large amounts of cadmium cause sarcoma at injection sites or testicular damage and eventually testicular tumors. Long-term exposure with small doses of cadmium has not caused testicular or prostatic tumors in experimental animals. Epidemiological studies on cadmium-exposed workers have shown excess deaths due to prostatic cancer in at least three independent investigations. All reported cases probably had considerable exposure decades ago, but there are not enough data to permit any dose-response calculations. The general epidemiology of prostatic cancer was not taken into account in any of the studies. A review of recent literature on epidemiology of prostatic cancer has revealed some basic facts. Small latent prostatic cancer has been shown to be as common in areas with low mortality from prostatic cancer as in areas with high mortality. In the U.S. the black population has a much higher death rate from prostatic cancer than the white population. Marital status has also been implied as a factor in the development of prostatic cancer. Black populations in Africa have much lower death rates than blacks in the U.S., which may depend on large differences in dietary habits. Thus racial, sexual and nutritional factors might be important for the development of prostatic cancer, since they may influence hormonal status. Cadmium concentrations in testes and prostate increase during heavy exposure, and it has been shown that testosterone synthesis will decrease in cadmium-exposed animals. Excessive exposure may interfere with the zinc/hormone relationship in the prostate, which could be a possible explanation for the development of prostatic cancer in heavily exposed individuals. Direct action of cadmium on the cells is not likely, nor is it probable that low level exposure to cadmium can be a causative factor for prostatic cancer.

Role of Cadmium in Carcinogenesis with Special Reference to Cancer of the Prostate

It has been shown in animal experiments that injections of large amounts of cadmium cause sarcoma at injection sites or testicular damage and eventually testicular tumors. Long-term exposure with small doses of cadmium has not caused testicular or prostatic tumors in experimental animals. Epidemiological studies on cadmium-exposed workers have shown excess deaths due to prostatic cancer in at least three independent investigations. All reported cases probably had considerable exposure decades ago, but there are not enough data to permit any dose-response calculations. The general epidemiology of prostatic cancer was not taken into account in any of the studies. A review of recent literature on epidemiology of prostatic cancer has revealed some basic facts. Small latent prostatic cancer has been shown to be as common in areas with low mortality from prostatic cancer as in areas with high mortality. In the U.S. the black population has a much higher death rate from prostatic cancer than the white population. Marital status has also been implied as a factor in the development of prostatic cancer. Black populations in Africa have much lower death rates than blacks in the U.S., which may depend on large differences in dietary habits. Thus racial, sexual and nutritional factors might be important for the development of prostatic cancer, since they may influence hormonal status. Cadmium concentrations in testes and prostate increase during heavy exposure, and it has been shown that testosterone synthesis will decrease in cadmium-exposed animals. Excessive exposure may interfere with the zinc/hormone relationship in the prostate, which could be a possible explanation for the development of prostatic cancer in heavily exposed individuals. Direct action of cadmium on the cells is not likely, nor is it probable that low level exposure to cadmium can be a causative factor for prostatic cancer.

A STUDY ON REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN DENTAL GROWTH IN COMPARISON WITH

Choosing Sapporo as representative of the cool northern part of the country, Nagoya as representative of central Japan, Kumamoto as representative of the warm south and Nagano as representative highlands, this author studied a total of 6, 655 children, 3, 429 male and 3, 226 female, at sixteen primaryand junior high schools in urban and rural communities in these areas with respect to the growth of their teeth, and at the same time measured their stature, body height, circumference of the chest and weight. For the junior high school girls, he also checked whether they are having the menses or not. Thus, he considered regional variations in dental growth in relation to body growth and phycical maturity. Neither in dental growth nor body growth nor physical maturity, and tendency toward quicker progress in the south than in the north was noted, or in lowlands than in highlands. But comparison of urban and rural areas showed that, in each of these respects, and in each region surveyed, progress is quicker in urban areas than in rural communities. This means that climatic or geographical conditions cause no great regional variations in dental growth or physical growth in this country. Much more conspicuous are variations in growth due to civilizational differences (presumably differences in dietary habits).Body growth (especially, height) and physical maturity always showed fairly parallel progress both in inter-regional comparison and in urbanrural comparison. Dental growth is generally in parallel with these, but in a lesser degree than body growth and physical maturity are with each other.

Nutrition in Germany

In addition to the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey, the German Nutrition Survey 1998 (GeNuS) was conducted in a subsample of 4030 participants. Among these persons, a comprehensive dietary interview was performed with use of the software DISHES 98. The proportion of 33-34% energy from fat is considerably less than the 40% energy from fat which was estimated about ten years ago. In general, the supply of most vitamins, minerals and trace elements is sufficient. For a part of the population, the intake of dietary fibre, vitamins D and E, folate, zinc, iodine and, among women, also vitamins B1, B2, B6, iron and phosphorus is on a suboptimal level. Observed differences in dietary habits in the eastern and western part of Germany did not have an obviously more favourable dietary pattern in any part of Germany.