Dietary Energy Density Research Articles

Spatiotemporal Variation of the Association between Urbanicity and Incident Hypertension among Chinese Adults.

Urbanization is believed to result in a transition towards energy-dense diets, sedentary lifestyles, and a subsequent increase in the burden of hypertension (HTN) and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in developing countries. However, the extent to which this occurs is likely dependent on social contexts. We performed multilevel logistic regression models to examine whether the association between incident HTN and the degree to which a community exhibits urban features varied by region (the Northeast, East Coast, Central, and West) within China and period. We used longitudinal data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1991–2015) and stratified analyses by sex. Among women, the positive association between medium-to-high urbanicity and HTN onset generally shifted to negative between 1991 and 2015. The high urbanicity was associated with lower odds of developing HTN in the East Coast from the early 1990s. The negative association between high urbanicity and HTN occurrence became statistically significant during 1991–2015 in the Northeastern and Central Regions, while the association remained positive and non-significant in the West. Among men, the relationship between urbanicity and incident HTN was generally non-significant, except for the East Coast in which the negative association between high urbanicity and HTN occurrence became statistically-significant in more recent years. Our findings suggest that, when a subnational region or the society as a whole has become more economically developed, higher urbanicity might turn out to be a protective factor of cardiovascular health. Moreover, improvements made to communities’ urban features might be more effective in preventing HTN for women than for men.

Dopamine Signaling in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Enables Weight Gain Associated with Hedonic Feeding.

The widespread availability of energy-dense, rewarding foods is correlated with the increased incidence of obesity across the globe. Overeating during mealtimes and unscheduled snacking disrupts timed metabolic processes, which further contribute to weight gain. The neuronal mechanism by which the consumption of energy-dense food restructures the timing of feeding is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that dopaminergic signaling within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the central circadian pacemaker, disrupts the timing of feeding, resulting in overconsumption of food. D1 dopamine receptor (Drd1)-null mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity, metabolic disease, and circadian disruption associated with energy-dense diets. Conversely, genetic rescue of Drd1 expression within the SCN restores diet-induced overconsumption, weight gain, and obesogenic symptoms. Access to rewarding food increases SCN dopamine turnover, and elevated Drd1-signaling decreases SCN neuronal activity, which we posit disinhibits downstream orexigenic responses. These findings define a connection between the reward and circadian pathways in the regulation of pathological calorie consumption.

Changing food trend and associated health risks

Global food consumption patterns have changed over time. Our eating regimens consistently are altogether different from what our parents or grandparents consumed. The food people consume, in the entirety of their social assortment, define to a large extent people's well-being, growth, and development. Traditional, generally plant-based diets have been gradually replaced by high-fat, energy-dense diets with a significant amount of animal-based foods. There are several health conditions that can be caused or aggravated by such a shift from the traditional dietary practices. This is identified as one of the chief factors contributing to the increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases. Conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart ailments, gout, and even cancer are directly linked with an individual's diet. The present review is intended to explore the health hazards of unhealthy food practices prevalent today by providing scientific reasons. Our food practices are the chief factors for the preservation and promotion of good health throughout the life course and it may also determine whether or not a person is going to suffer from the diseases in future life.

Methane mitigation and ruminal fermentation changes in cows fed cottonseed and vitamin E

ABSTRACT: Inherently, ruminant production of methane (CH4), a greenhouse gas (GHG), causes animal energy losses. Cottonseed is a lipid source and is used sometimes to enhance energy density in cattle diets. It also can mitigate enteric CH4. Lipids release peroxides in the rumen, and antioxidants have the ability to neutralize them. Thus, a lipid and antioxidant source can benefit rumen fermentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate rumen fermentation parameters from cows fed cottonseed and vitamin E. Six cannulated cows were arranged in a replicate 3 × 3 latin square. Treatments were: 1) Control, 2) CS (30 % corn replaced by cottonseed) and 3) CSVitE (30 % corn replaced by cottonseed, plus 500 IU VitE). Results were compared by orthogonal contrast. When compared to the control diet, cottonseed inclusion reduced enteric CH4 emissions by 42 %. Production of acetate, butyrate and the acetate to propionate ratio were respectively 34 %, 47 % and 36 % lower with the cottonseed treatments. Energy lost in the rumen as CH4 and energy release as butyrate were reduced by 26 % and 32 % respectively. Propionate and intestinal energy release were, respectively, 43 % and 35 % higher with cottonseed treatments. Furthermore, as a nutritional strategy to mitigate enteric CH4, cottonseed has positive effects on short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and gastrointestinal energy release. Vitamin E did not result in improvements in ruminal fermentation. Further studies evaluating levels of vitamin E in association with different amounts and sources of lipids are required.

Crude Glycerin and Energy Density of Diets for Growing, Pre-Lay and Pre-Peak Backcob Brown Egg-Laying Hens

ABSTRACT A total of 320 13-weeks-old pullets were weighed and randomly allocated to treatments comprised by four levels of crude glycerin (0, 3, 6 or 9%) and two levels of ME (metabolizable energy, difference of 100 kcal/kg) in the diets growing (14 to 17 weeks of age), pre-lay and pre-peak (low: 2750, 2800 and 2750 kcal/kg and high: 2850, 2900 and 2850 kcal/kg, respectively). During the study, body weight was registered until 30 weeks of age, feed intake, egg weight and egg-production for each repetition and for individual hens were measured every week. The information was analyzed through a completely randomized design with a 4x2 factorial arrangement. During the growing phase, hens that received low energy diets consumed more feed (p<0.05), gained less body weight (p<0.05) and recorded lower feed conversion (p<0.05). Besides, a positive linear effect (p<0.05) was observed when including glycerin on feed conversion and weight gain. During the initial egg-laying phase, hens fed low-energy diets consumed more feed (p<0.05) and laid lighter eggs (p<0.05). Furthermore, a positive linear effect (p<0.05) of including crude glycerin on egg yield and feed intake was observed. After the egg-laying peak, the hens of high energy groups consumed 1.6 g/d less feed (p<0.05) and lay 0.9% less eggs, also, it a quadratic effect of inclusion of glycerin on laying-eggs was observed. In conclusion, the use of high energy diets decrease feed intake, increase egg weight until peak, but decrease the percentage of eggs post-peak; glycerin used in diets increases feed intake and improves egg-laying rate in different ways during the laying phase.

Effects of replacing starch with three sugars in a concentrate and forage diet on in vitro rumen fermentation, fatty acid composition and related bacteria

Context Replacing starch with sugar could maintain dietary energy density with reduced risks of rumen acidosis and milk fat depression, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood, and the effects of sugar feeding might vary among sugars. Aims Objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of replacing corn starch in a diet containing 40:60 forage-to-concentrate ratio (control) with 3%, 6% and 9% of sucrose, fructose and lactose on in vitro rumen fermentation, fatty acid (FA) composition and populations of bacteria involved in the production of trans-11 and trans-10 FA. Methods A 3 × 3 + 1 (control) factorial experimental design was used, and the pH, concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia-N, profiles of FA and the relative abundance of four trans-11-producing bacteria and two trans-10 FA-producing bacteria were measured after a 6-h incubation. Key results Replacing dietary corn starch with sucrose, fructose and lactose neither altered the concentration of total VFA after 6-h fermentation, nor decreased the pH, except for substitution with 9% sucrose. Increased butyrate proportions and decreased branched-chain VFA proportions were the common effects in sugar treatments, but the proportions of acetate and propionate varied among sugars. Lactose inclusion in the diet led to a higher pH, greater acetate and butyrate concentrations, and lower propionate concentrations than did sucrose inclusion. Sugar substitution decreased the concentrations of C18:1 trans-4 and most C18:2 isomers, but did not influence the major isomers related to trans-11 and trans-10 biohydrogenation pathways. Abundance of the four measured trans-11 FA-producing bacteria was increased by sugars, with sucrose showing a greater influence than did fructose and lactose. As to trans-10 FA-producing bacteria, only Megasphaera elsdenii populations were decreased by 3% and 6% fructose inclusion compared with the control. Dose-effect varied among sugars and the parameters measured, with sucrose having the most obvious dose effect among the three sugars; however, fructose affected mainly fermentation parameters, while lactose affected mainly C18 FA profiles. Conclusions Replacing corn starch in a high-concentrate diet with up to 9% of sucrose, fructose and lactose differentially affected rumen fermentation and rumen FA metabolism, by influencing the abundance of rumen bacteria involved in rumen FA biohydrogenation. Implications Lactose may be more efficient in increasing milk fat than are sucrose and fructose, and dose effect should be considered in the utilisation of sucrose.

Correlation of water consumption with nutritional status, metabolic risk and percentage of body fat in adults of Mexico City

AbstractThe promotion of water consumption has been identified by the government of Mexico as one of the main strategies to reduce the diet energy density in order to prevent the problems of overweight, obesity and other diseases. The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation of the water consumption with nutritional status, metabolic risk and percentage of body fat in adults of Mexico City. A sample of 12733 adults residing in Mexico City was obtained, of which 75.6% (n = 9 623) belongs to the female gender and 24.4% (n = 3110) belongs to the male gender. In the study those adults who were between 21 and 60 years old, with an average age of 39.59 ± 10.97 years, were included. The population was constituted in several health fairs celebrated in Mexico City from 2015–2018, in which nutritional consultation was provided. By correlating water consumption with nutritional status, metabolic risk and percentage of body fat, it was found that adults who consume a glass of water of 250 mL per day, have higher incidence of obesity, metabolic risk and percentage of body fat high (70.0%, 83.6% and 96.2, respectively), compared to adults who consume seven glasses of 250 mL of water per day equivalent to 1750 mL of water per day (40.4%, 63.8% and 92.9, respectively), finding a highly significant difference (p &lt; 0.01). In the present study it can be observed that adults who have optimal water intake have a lower incidence of obesity, metabolic risk and high percentage of body fat, data that agree with the literature. However, despite the fact that the multiple benefits of water intake have been documented, its consumption among the population in general is very low, so it is suggested to continue adding efforts to raise awareness among the population regarding the importance and benefits on health by staying well hydrated. Likewise, it is important to consider that the promotion of water consumption is an important component in strategies to promote healthy habits and lifestyles.

Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes.

The epidemic of diabetes mellitus has already become a serious global health threat. In the past three decades, the number of people with diabetes mellitus has quadrupled globally, and diabetes mellitus is known as the ninth major cause of death in the world nowadays. The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is in coincidence with the augmentation of obesity in most developed countries as well as in developing countries. A sedentary lifestyle is well-known as one of the major reasons for the rising epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus besides the other reasons such as adopting energy-dense diets relative to the actual need for energy and population aging. Exercise as a regular physical activity at a medium to vigorous intensity is found to be an efficient influencer that would switch back most of the known type 2 diabetes mellitus factors toward healthier positions. Exercise is proven to have clinical benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity, reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) and increased peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) which are definitely preventive toward diabetes. Exercise training can favorably affect glycemic parameters, the lipid profile, blood pressure, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Exercise improves blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes, reduces cardiovascular risk factors, and regulates body weight by reducing body fat percentage and enhancing lean mass. In this chapter, the effect of regular exercise on the prevention of diabetes and short-term glucose and energy metabolism will be discussed. In addition, the effect of exercise on most common complications of type 2 diabetes including cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy will be reviewed.

The effect of supplementing pony diets with yeast on 2. The faecal microbiome

There is a need to develop feeding strategies to prevent the adverse effect of concentrate feeding in high-performance horses fed energy-dense diets aiming to maintain their health and welfare. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of a VistaEQ product containing 4% live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae), with activity 5 × 108 colony-forming unit/g and fed 2 g/pony per day, on faecal microbial populations when supplemented with high-starch and high-fibre diets using Illumina next generation sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The four treatments were allocated to eight mature Welsh section A pony geldings enrolled in a 4-period × 8 animal crossover design. Each 19-day experimental period consisted of an 18-day adaptation phase and a single collection day, followed by a 7-day wash out period. After DNA extraction from faeces and library preparation, α-diversity and linear discriminant analysis effect size were performed using 16S metagenomics pipeline in Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology (QIIME™) and Galaxy/Hutlab. Differences between the groups were considered significant when linear discriminant analysis score was >2 corresponding to P < 0.05. The present study showed that S. cerevisiae used was able to induce positive changes in the equine microbiota when supplemented to a high-fibre diet: it increased relative abundance (RA) of Lachnospiraceae and Dehalobacteriaceae family members associated with a healthy core microbiome. Yeast supplementation also increased the RA of fibrolytic bacteria (Ruminococcus) when fed with a high-fibre diet and reduced the RA of lactate producing bacteria (Streptococcus) when a high-starch diet was fed. In addition, yeast increased the RA of acetic, succinic acid producing bacterial family (Succinivibrionaceae) and butyrate producing bacterial genus (Roseburia) when fed with high-starch and high-fibre diets, respectively. VistaEQ supplementation to equine diets can be potentially used to prevent acidosis and increase fibre digestibility. It may help to meet the energy requirements of performance horses while maintaining gut health.

Effect of increasing dietary energy density during late gestation and lactation on sow performance, piglet vitality, and lifetime growth of offspring.

Genetic selection for hyperprolificacy in sows has resulted in a significant increase in the number of piglets born alive per litter but subsequently, decreased piglet vitality and growth. As a consequence, increasing sows' energy intake during lactation to help increase piglet vitality and growth is increasingly important. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of increasing dietary energy density for lactating sows on weight and back-fat changes in sows, milk composition, and vitality and growth of progeny. Gestating sows (N = 100; Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to one of four energy dense diets at day 108 of gestation until subsequent service; 13.8 (LL), 14.5 (L), 15.2 (H), and 15.9 MJ DE/kg (HH). All diets contained 1.2% total lysine. Blood samples from sows were taken on day 108 of gestation and at weaning (day 26 of lactation) and colostrum (day 0) and milk samples (day 14) were collected during lactation. Sow lactation feed intakes were recorded daily. The number of piglets born per litter (total and live), piglet birth weight (total and live), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) traits and muscle tone were recorded in piglets at birth. Piglet tympanic ear temperature (TEMP) was recorded at birth and at 24 h. Pigs were weighed on days 1, 6, 14, 26, 33, 40, 54, 75, and 141 of life. Postweaning (PW) pigs were fed standard cereal-based diets. Pig carcass data were collected at slaughter (day 141). Lactation energy intake was higher for HH sows than for all other treatments (P < 0.01). Colostrum and milk composition and lactation feed intake were not affected by treatment. The number of piglets born per litter (total and live) and piglet birthweight (total and live) was similar between treatments. Piglets from LL sows had more IUGR traits (P < 0.01), while those from HH sows had better muscle tone (P < 0.01) than all other treatments. Piglets from LL sows (P < 0.01) and piglets from H sows (P < 0.01) had a higher 24 h TEMP than piglets from HH sows. H sows weaned a greater number of piglets than L sows (P < 0.05) and HH sows (P < 0.01), while L sows weaned lighter litters than H (P < 0.05) and LL sows (P < 0.05). Pig growth PW was unaffected by treatment. High energy dense diets increased energy intake in sows, without depressing appetite. Feeding an HH diet improved piglet muscle tone at birth, whereas feeding an H diet increased litter size at weaning. Inconsistent results were observed for other traits of piglet vitality and for preweaning litter growth performance.

Effect of a multicarbohydrase containing α-galactosidase enzyme on the performance, carcass yield, and humoral immunity of broilers fed corn–soybean meal–based diets of varying energy density

Nutrient availability is critical for the development of poultry digestive function and immune responses. Carbohydrase formulations, containing α-galactosidase (CAG) enzyme with specificity for galacto-oligosaccharides from soybean meal (SBM), have been shown to increase dietary ME in monogastric diets. This exploratory study aimed at evaluating the effect of CAG on the growth performance and humoral immunity of broilers fed corn–SBM diets with varying energy density. A total of 640 male 1-day-old chicks were allocated at random to one of 64 floor pens, with 10 birds each. Replicates were assigned to a 4 × 2 factorial experimental design. Four dietary energy density levels were formulated, namely control and with a −70, −100, and −120 kcal/kg of feed ME downspecification to the control. Each of these diets was treated with 2 levels of CAG supplementation, either none (−) or at a dose of 200 g/tonne (+). Growth performance was determined over a 35-D period. At the end of the study, carcass processing parameters, organ weight, and dimensions of the intestine were determined in 1 randomly selected bird per replicate. Humoral immunity was measured by quantification of antibody titers to Newcastle disease vaccination, in 1 bird per replicate, at 21 and 35 d of age. Dietary ME had a significant effect on BW and feed conversion ratio (FCR) ( P < 0.05). Regression analysis confirmed differences in the linear response of CAG groups (− or +) in terms of elevation ( P < 0.05) for BW gain and FCR. Significant interaction of the main effects confirmed that CAG maintained carcass dressing percentage equivalent to the control diet ( P < 0.05). CAG increased antibody titers of broilers at 35 d, irrespective of the dietary energy density ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, the impact on broiler growth performance from feeding low-energy-density diets can be ameliorated with a CAG enzyme.

353 Starch to fat ratio in piglet nutrition

Abstract Dietary high energy density (HED) and the energy compositions, especially the fat and starch composition could have a variable effect on performance, intestinal health and the profitability of piglet production. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary energy densities and digestible energy ratio of starch to fat on intestinal functions and growth performance of growing pigs. A total of 48 healthy weaners (9.60 ± 0.13 kg) were allocated to two dietary energy densities (14.21 and 15.91MJ/kg) and two digestible energy ratio: high starch: low fat, HSLF (9:1) or low starch: high fat ratio, LSHF (1:3) in a factorial arrangement. It was found that dietary LSHF ratio induced diarrhea in the weaner pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The feed intake of weaners was increased by HED (P &amp;lt; 0.05), however, this did not result in improved body weight gain (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The HED reduced (P = 0.017) energy digestibility, while digestible energy ratio reduced crude protein digestibility and amino acid utilization in the weaners. Fat and dry matter digestibility were not significantly affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Dietary LSHF ratio increased intestinal villus height/crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and ileum (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The lymphocyte count was increased by HSLF energy ratio. The highest high-density lipoprotein concentration was exhibited in weaners fed dietary LSHF energy ratio (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and dietary HSLF ratio increased the duodenal sucrase and lactase activities (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The dietary LSHF ratio showed an increased tendency to increase fecal ammonia concentration, but dramatically decreased fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The HED seems to induced oxidative stress (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The study suggests that dietary high fat, but not dietary starch or HED could decrease the intestinal health of weaner pigs.

A high-fat diet enriched in medium chain triglycerides triggers hepatic thermogenesis and improves metabolic health in lean and obese mice

Obesity, liver steatosis and type 2 diabetes are major diseases partly imputed to energy-dense diets rich in long chain triglycerides (LCT). The search for bioactive nutrients that help to overcome metabolic diseases is a growing field. In this regard, medium chain triglycerides (MCT) were shown to promote lipid catabolism and to stimulate brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. The objective of our study was to evaluate if the replacement of LCT by MCT in high-fat diets could prevent and/or reduce metabolic disorders. For this purpose, two cohorts of C57BL/6 mice were fed during 10 weeks with three isocaloric high-fat diets with variable MCT content. Cohort A was composed of lean mice while cohort B was composed of obese, insulin resistant mice. In cohort A, replacement of LCT by MCT preserved metabolic health, in part by triggering hepatic thermogenesis. We further found that medium chain fatty acids promote thermogenesis markers within cultured hepatocytes in a FFAR1/GPR40-dependent manner. In cohort B, high-fat diets enriched in MCT promoted body fat depletion and caused metabolic health improvement, together with the induction of thermogenesis markers in the liver as well as in subcutaneous white adipose tissue. Our study supports that replacement of LCT by MCT in high-fat diets improves the metabolic features associated with obesity.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Dietary Intake of U.S. Children Participating in WIC.

Recent studies have assessed diet quality of low-income U.S. children participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), but differences by race/ethnicity remain unknown. We assessed racial/ethnic disparities in nutrient intake from dietary sources (not supplements) among children participating in WIC, with a focus on priority nutrients and food groups for future WIC food package revisions, as described in a recent report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). We used data from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and multivariable linear regression analysis to evaluate relationships between race/ethnicity and nutrient/food group intake of children participating in WIC. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 survey procedures, accounting for the complex survey design of the NHANES. Compared to non-Hispanic White children, Hispanic children had diets with better nutrient distribution and lower dietary energy density, while non-Hispanic Black children had diets with poorer nutrient intake. Hispanic children had higher potassium and fiber intake, and consumed more legumes, while non-Hispanic Black children had lower calcium and vitamin D intake, higher sodium intake, and lower total dairy intake, compared to non-Hispanic White children. These findings can inform WIC nutrition education messages and future food package revisions.

Association of adherence to the dietary approach to stop hypertension diet and diet quality indices among women in Tehran: A cross- sectional study.

Background: Examining dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet based on other dietary quality indices can be helpful to clarify positive aspects of this healthy dietary pattern. We aimed to examine the association between the DASH diet score and some diet quality indices among Iranian women. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 304 women aged 20 to 50 years old were recruited. Dietary diversity score (DDS), dietary energy density (DED), adherence to DASH diet, AlternativeHealthy Eating Index (AHEI) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) were examined as suggested by previous articles. Dietary quality indices, anthropometric indices, and dietary intake were categorized based on DASH tertiles. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire with 168items was used for dietary assessment. Results: There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics of participants across DASH tertiles (P>0.05). Participants who adhered more to the DASH diet had lower DEDthan those with lower adherence (0.99±0.35 vs 1.26±0.30; P=0.01). Significant differences were observed in the index of DDS across tertiles (P=0.01), however no differences in nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) and MAR (0.93) index across the DASH categories were found.Additionally, DDS to DED in the top tertile of the DASH diet was greater than the bottom one(6.7±2.9 vs 4.4±1.9; P=0.001). Conclusion: The present study indicated that greater adherence to the DASH diet is inversely associated with DED and AHEI. As well as, there was a positive association between the DASHdiet and DDS/DED ratio. However, more studies are needed to confirm the results of this study

Dietary Energy Density is Associated with Body Mass Index and Fat Mass in Early Adulthood.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between body composition parameters as well as body mass index (BMI), and dietary energy density in a population of 538 young adults. Fat mass, fat mass percent, fat-free mass, and visceral fat were measured using a body composition analyzer. Daily energy intake was assessed using a 72-hr diet recall, and dietary energy density was calculated. Significant differences in dietary energy density among underweight, normal-weight and overweight/obesity young adults were identified (M = 1.42, SD = 0.26 vs. M = 1.52, SD = 0.46 vs. M = 1.66, SD = 0.53, p = .002). Dietary energy density was associated with BMI (β = .961; CI 95% = 0.335, 1.586; p = .0030), fat mass percent (β = 1.921; CI 95% = 0.707, 3.135; p = .002), and fat mass (β = 2.146; CI 95% = 0.827, 3.466; p = .001). Dietary energy density might be considered as an important aspect in the obesity nutritional education programs in young people.

Prevention of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Children.

In recent decades, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has become increasingly common such that it is now the major nutritional problem worldwide. Obesity occurs when dietary energy intake exceeds energy expenditure and has arisen in many societies due to an increasingly “obesogenic” environment in which physical activity has declined and yet children continue to be exposed to unhealthy, energy-dense diets. Additional risks for the development of obesity also include psychological issues and genetic factors. Obesity has many adverse health consequences including development of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome. There are also important genetic influences on the likelihood of developing insulin resistance. Given the limited success of therapeutic interventions to treat obesity and the metabolic syndrome, there has been an increased interest in preventative strategies. These are likely to be most successful when targeting the young and will require a combination of approaches which will need inter-disciplinary collaborations across health and local government to target families, schools, and local environments to facilitate behavior changes which influence young people's eating behaviors and habitual levels of physical activity.

4.27 EATING PATTERNS IN ADOLESCENTS: EFFECTS OF ETHNICITY/RACE AND STRESS

Obesity and related health conditions are among the leading preventable causes of death and pose significant social and economic burden. Adolescence is a critical period for the onset and maintenance of obesity because of a myriad of developmental changes. African American (AA) and Hispanic/Latina (HL) females have higher rates of obesity compared with non-Hispanic whites (NHWs), even after accounting for variations in socioeconomic status. These disparities are not well-understood. AAs and HLs experience higher stress levels compared with NHWs, and the effect of stress on energy-dense diet and adiposity is more prominent in females.

Effect of changes in adherence to Mediterranean diet on nutrient density after 1-year of follow-up: results from the PREDIMED-Plus Study.

The prevalence of overweight/obesityand related manifestations such as metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing worldwide. High energy density diets, usually with low nutrient density, are among the main causes. Some high-quality dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) have been linked to the prevention and better control of MetS. However, it is needed to show that nutritional interventions promoting the MedDiet are able to improve nutrient intake. To assess the effect of improving MedDiet adherence on nutrient density after 1year of follow-up at the PREDIMED-Plus trial. We assessed 5777 men (55-75years) and women (60-75years) with overweight or obesity and MetS at baseline from the PREDIMED-Plus trial. Dietary changes and MedDiet adherence were evaluated at baseline and after 1year. The primary outcome was the change in nutrient density (measured as nutrient intake per 1000kcal). Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models were fitted to analyse longitudinal changes in adherence to the MedDiet and concurrent changes in nutrient density. During 1-year follow-up, participants showed improvements in nutrient density for all micronutrients assessed. The density of carbohydrates (-9.0%), saturated fatty acids (-10.4%) and total energy intake (-6.3%) decreased. These changes were more pronounced in the subset of participants with higher improvements in MedDiet adherence. The PREDIMED-Plus dietary intervention, based on MedDiet recommendations for older adults, maybe a feasible strategy to improve nutrient density in Spanish population at high risk of cardiovascular disease with overweight or obesity.

Effects of Dietary Energy and Amino Acid Density During Finisher and Withdrawal Phases on Live Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Cobb MV × 700 Broilers

SUMMARY Meeting dietary energy needs of broilers accounts for the largest proportion of feed costs, and energy has long been identified as a driver of feed intake (FI) in poultry. Dietary energy content can also influence responses of broilers to dietary amino acids (AA). Therefore, 2 experiments (Exp) were conducted to determine the effects of energy density in the finisher (29–36 d) and withdrawal (37–46 d) diets on Cobb MV × 700 broiler performance and processing characteristics. Treatments in Exp 1 were a factorial arrangement of sex and energy density [low (LE), medium (ME), and high energy (HE)], whereas treatments in Exp 2 were a factorial arrangement of energy (LE, ME, and HE) and AA density [medium AA (MAA) or high AA (HAA)]. In Exp 1, no energy or energy × sex interactions were observed on overall (29–46 d) live performance or processing measurements of broilers. In Exp 2, energy density had no effect on overall live performance or carcass composition. Birds fed MAA diets had higher FI and body weight gain than birds fed the HAA diets during the overall experimental period. Processed part weights and yields were unaffected by AA density, except for pectoralis minor yields, which were higher for birds fed HAA than for those fed MAA diets. These data indicated that changes in 29–46 d energy density of the magnitude used in this study did not influence responses of Cobb MV × 700 broilers to varying AA levels.