Estimation Of Dietary Intake Research Articles

Validity of a self-administered food-frequency questionnaire in the estimation of amino acid intake

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the validity of a FFQ in the estimation of dietary amino acid intake. Amino acid intake was calculated using a composition database developed based on the Standard Tables of Food Composition for amino acids in Japan. Subjects were subsampled from two populations of the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study who volunteered to participate in the validation study of the FFQ. The first group was from the population the FFQ was developed for (internal population; n 215) and the second was a separate population to confirm external validity (external population; n 350). The validity of the FFQ was evaluated using 28 d weighed dietary records (DR) as a reference method. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (CC) between amino acid intake from the FFQ and DR were calculated. The dietary intake of amino acids was slightly underestimated by the FFQ. Deattenuated CC of energy-adjusted amino acid intake according to the FFQ and corresponding amino acid intake according to the DR ranged from 0.15 to 0.52. The median CC for twenty amino acids were 0.33 for men and 0.25 for women in the internal population, and 0.40 for men and 0.30 for women in the external population. In conclusion, the validity of the FFQ in estimating amino acid intake was low to moderate.

A Survey of Natural Protein Intake in Dutch Phenylketonuria Patients: Insight into Estimation or Measurement of Dietary Intake

This study investigated which methods patients and parents used to determine phenylalanine (Phe) intake and the relationship between the methods applied, age, and blood Phe concentration, as this practice had not been studied before in relation to metabolic control. A questionnaire was sent to 327 Dutch phenylketonuria patients (age 0-29 years) to investigate the method used to determine Phe intake (either by estimation, exact measurement, or a combination of both). Mean blood Phe concentration of each individual patient was related to the method reported to be used. Three different age groups (<10 years, ≥10-15 years, and ≥16 years) were distinguished. The response rate for the questionnaires was 73%. In these 188 patients, data for both Phe concentrations and questionnaires could be used. Of these, 75 used exact measurement, 75 used estimation, and 38 used both methods. The number of patients that estimated Phe intake clearly increased with age. Whatever method was used, an increase in Phe concentrations was seen with age. During childhood, exact measurement was used more frequently, and from adolescence on estimation was used more frequently. The method (exact measurement and/or estimation) did not result in statistically different Phe concentrations in any of the three age groups, although blood Phe concentration tended to be lower in adolescence using exact measurement. Data suggest that estimation and exact measurement of Phe intake are both reliable methods. Therefore, in addition to exact measurement, patients should be instructed in both methods at an early age, so that both methods can be used adequately.

Levels of Bisphenol A in Canned Liquid Infant Formula Products in Canada and Dietary Intake Estimates

A sensitive, efficient, and reproducible method, based on solid phase extraction and derivatization with acetic anhydride followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in selected-ion monitoring mode, was developed for the determination of bisphenol A (BPA) in liquid infant formula. The method quantification limit was 0.5 ng g(-1). Extraction recoveries were 85-94% over the concentration range of 2.5-20 ng g(-1). Good reproducibility of the method was observed at levels of 0.54 and 10.4 ng g(-1) with relative standard deviations of 5.0 and 2.8%, respectively. The method was used to analyze samples of 21 canned liquid infant formula products for BPA. BPA was detected in all samples at levels ranging from as low as 2.27 ng g(-1) to as high as 10.2 ng g(-1). The probable daily intakes of BPA due to consumption of canned liquid infant formula were estimated for infants from premature to 12-18 months of age. The maximum probable daily intake of BPA was 1.35 microg kg(-1) of body weight day(-1) for 0-1-month-old infants with the maximum formula intake, which is below the provisional tolerable daily intake for BPA established by Health Canada, 25 microg kg(-1) of body weight day(-1).

Xanthophyll (lutein, zeaxanthin) content in fruits, vegetables and corn and egg products

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that are selectively taken up into the macula of the eye where they are thought to protect against the development of age-related macular degeneration. Current dietary databases make it difficult to ascertain their individual roles in eye health because their concentrations in foods are generally reported together. The objective of this work is to determine the concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin, separately, within major food sources of dietary xanthophylls as determined by NHANES 2001–2002 intakes. Corn and corn products were found to be major contributors of dietary zeaxanthin whereas green leafy vegetables were major contributors of dietary lutein. The predominant isomeric xanthophyll form was trans for all foods. Processed foods contained more cis xanthophyll isomers than fruits and vegetables. These data will provide added information to the current databases for lutein and zeaxanthin content of commonly consumed foods as well as enhance the validity of estimates of dietary intake of these xanthophylls and their respective contributions to health.

Measurements of 210Po and 210Pb in total diet samples: Estimate of dietary intakes of 210Po and 210Pb for Japanese

To estimate the dietary intakes of 210Pb and 210Po for the Japanese adults and their annual effective doses, 210Pb and 210Po were measured for 240 daily diet samples collected at two locations of Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan over three years by duplicate portion studies. No appreciable differences in intake rates of 210Pb and 210Po and their 210Po/210Pb ratios were seen among the years in each district, and between the two districts. The intake rates evaluated using 240 diet samples were 0.20 Bq/d/p for 210Pb and 0.61 Bq/d/p for 210Po as a median, respectively. Annual effective doses of 210Pb and 210Po for Japanese adults were estimated to be 0.050 and 0.053 mSv/y, respectively.

Concentrations of resveratrol and derivatives in foods and estimation of dietary intake in a Spanish population: European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Spain cohort

Resveratrol has been shown to have beneficial effects on diseases related to oxidant and/or inflammatory processes and extends the lifespan of simple organisms including rodents. The objective of the present study was to estimate the dietary intake of resveratrol and piceid (R&P) present in foods, and to identify the principal dietary sources of these compounds in the Spanish adult population. For this purpose, a food composition database (FCDB) of R&P in Spanish foods was compiled. The study included 40,685 subjects aged 35-64 years from northern and southern regions of Spain who were included in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Spain cohort. Usual food intake was assessed by personal interviews using a computerised version of a validated diet history method. An FCDB with 160 items was compiled. The estimated median and mean of R&P intake were 100 and 933 microg/d respectively. Approximately, 32% of the population did not consume R&P. The most abundant of the four stilbenes studied was trans-piceid (53.6%), followed by trans-resveratrol (20.9%), cis-piceid (19.3%) and cis-resveratrol (6.2%). The most important source of R&P was wines (98.4%) and grape and grape juices (1.6%), whereas peanuts, pistachios and berries contributed to less than 0.01%. For this reason the pattern of intake of R&P was similar to the wine pattern. This is the first time that R&P intake has been estimated in a Mediterranean country.

Low Estimates of Dietary Acid Load Are Positively Associated with Bone Ultrasound in Women Older Than 75 Years of Age with a Lifetime Fracture

Dietary acid load from Western diets may be a risk factor for osteoporosis. It can be estimated by net endogenous acid production (NEAP). No data currently exists for NEAP estimates and bone indices in the very elderly (i.e. ≥75 y). The aim of this study was to determine the association between NEAP estimates by using the potential renal acid load (PRAL) equation and quantitative bone ultrasound (QUS) measurements at the heel [broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA)] in Caucasian women. We assessed NEAP and QUS in 401 very elderly Swiss ambulatory women. We evaluated dietary intake and NEAP estimates with a validated FFQ. QUS was measured using Achilles (Lunar). We identified 2 subgroups: 256 women (80.6 y ± 3; BUA, 96.8 dB/MHz) with a fracture history and the remaining 145 (79.9 y SD 2.9; BUA, 101.7 dB/MHz) without. Women who reported having suffered a fracture had lower BUA (P < 0.001) than nonfractured women but did not differ in nutrient intakes and NEAP. Lower NEAP (P = 0.023) and higher potassium intake (P = 0.033) were correlated with higher BUA, which remained significant even after adjustment for age, BMI, and osteoporosis treatment. BUA was positively correlated with calcium (P = 0.016) and BMI (P < 0.001). Women who reported no fractures had no significant correlations between nutrient intake, NEAP, and BUA. Low nutritional acid load was correlated with higher BUA in very elderly women with a fracture history. Although relatively weak compared with age and BMI, this association was significant and may be an important additional risk factor that might be particularly relevant in frail patients with an already high fracture risk.

Estimation of Dietary Intake of Biotin and Its Measurement Uncertainty Using Total Diet Samples in Osaka, Japan

Single-laboratory method performance parameters were evaluated for analysis of biotin in total diet samples by hydrolyzed extraction and microbiological assay with Lactobacillus plantarum. The method was shown to be accurate, repeatable, rugged, and applicable for the determination of biotin in a broad range of matrixes and concentrations of total diet samples. The measurement uncertainty was evaluated with all food sample groups by combining the relative uncertainty of precision, recovery from each food group, and interday variation factors calculated from the ruggedness test results. The estimated daily intake of biotin in Osaka city and its expanded measurement uncertainty were 70.1 +/- 11.2 microg/day. The value was 1.6 times higher than the current adequate intake of biotin in Japan.

Biomarkers of dietary intake of flavonoids and phenolic acids for studying diet–cancer relationship in humans

For many polyphenolic compounds found in plant-derived food, biological effects possibly relevant for cancer prevention have been shown. Since dietary intake estimates suffer from imprecision, the measurement of these compounds (or metabolites of) in biological specimens collected in epidemiological studies is expected to improve accuracy of exposure estimation. The current use of biomarkers in etiologic studies on polyphenolics and cancer risk is evaluated. In addition, available analytical methods are discussed with respect to the requirements for their integration in epidemiological studies, putting specific emphasis on the epidemiological validation of such markers. The scientific literature was screened for epidemiologic studies on the relationship of flavonoid and phenolic acid concentrations in human specimens (i.e. blood, urine) and cancer risk. In addition, original data on intra- and inter-subject variability of several flavonoids and phenolic acids are presented. Although several techniques are used in bioavailability or short-term intervention studies, their integration in epidemiological studies is very limited. An exception are phytoestrogens where validated immunoassays allow the rapid measurement of large sample numbers with small sample volume. For several polyphenols, the data on the epidemiologic validity encourages for their use in epidemiological studies. There are valid possibilities for additional biomarkers of flavonoid and phenolic acid intake that are best applied in prospective studies with more than one biological sample per subject. Currently, a combination of a single biomarker measurement with long-term dietary intake estimates will probably be the most valuable choice to decrease measurement error in exposure data.

Vitamin D assessment in population-based studies: a review of the issues

In the past decade, research on the relation between vitamin D exposure and disease in population-based studies has increased exponentially. These studies have involved measurement of vitamin D exposure by means of several methods: blood assays, self-reported dietary and supplemental intakes, and sunlight exposure questionnaires or diaries. As with all exposure measurements, researchers must consider the validity of their assessment tools for capturing vitamin D exposure. The purpose of this article is to summarize our current understanding of the various approaches to measuring vitamin D status within populations as reviewed at the 2007 Experimental Biology symposium, “Assessment of Vitamin D in Population-Based Studies.” In summary, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the accepted biomarker for short-term vitamin D status, but estimates of long-term dietary and supplemental intakes of vitamin D and long-term sunlight exposure may be the most logistically feasible indicators of lifetime vitamin D exposure in population-based studies. Also discussed are issues investigators should consider when analyzing relations between vitamin D exposure and disease outcomes in population-based studies as well as research avenues that need further exploration. The best method for assessing vitamin D status in population-based studies will depend primarily on the research question asked and the critical window of vitamin D exposure hypothesized to be most important.

Methodological Evaluation of Method for Dietary Heavy Metal Intake

Exposure to environmental pollutants is an important problem of environmental toxicology. Heavy metals are regarded as toxic to living organisms because of their tendency to accumulate in selected tissues. Moreover, their presence is a causative agent of various sorts of disorders, including neuro-, nephro-, carcino-, terato-, and immunological. Exposures of human to environmental chemicals can occur simultaneously from various sources. One exposure route is ingestion of hazardous chemicals through contaminated food and beverages. Considering the above-mentioned menace, efforts should be focused on the estimation of dietary intakes of potential toxic agents by consumers. Dietary exposure assessment to nonnutrients is usually performed by combining 2 sets of data-the concentration of elemental contaminants in various food products and the consumption data of these food items. A variety of approaches exist for evaluating exposure to food chemicals, and the method chosen is influenced, among others, by the intended goal, the availability of data, cost, and time frame. Moreover, it is also important to note how accurate and detailed the information concerning toxic elements intake needs to be. There are a number of sources of food consumption data currently used in exposure assessments, which range from 1 d to habitual intake. Frequently, the heavy metals for which dietary exposure is of interest are present in trace and ultra-trace quantities. Hence, an analytical technique with sufficient sensitivity is required for the accurate determination of these chemicals in food samples. It is important to remember that the accuracy of quantitative analysis is strongly dependent on the sampling and preparation steps.

Survey of total folate intake at conception and assessment of impact of fortification

Background. In view of plans for dietary fortification with folic acid, there is a need to reassess the advice being given in primary care. Patients and professionals may assume that fortification will make preconceptional folic acid supplementation unnecessary, but this is unlikely to be correct.Aim. To calculate the intake of total folic acid and folate at conception and to estimate the impact of fortification on the incidence of neural tube defect (NTD) conceptions.Design. An in‐depth investigation of dietary folate intake of 18 women and a survey of preconception supplementation in a group of 130 women, including an assessment of the probable impact of mandatory fortification.Method. Dietary folate intake of six infertile women and 12 age‐matched fertile controls was assessed using a 7‐day weighed diet diary. Mean values for this group were used as an estimate of local dietary folate intake. Questionnaires about periconceptional intake of supplements that included folic acid in their formulation were ...

Dietary intake estimations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) based on a total diet study in Osaka, Japan

Dietary intake estimations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) based on a total diet study in Osaka, Japan

Dietary intake estimations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) based on a total diet study in Osaka, Japan

This study presents the results of a total diet study performed for estimating the dietary intake of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Osaka, Japan. The concentrations of 36 PBDEs were measured in samples from 14 food groups (Groups I–XIV). PBDEs were detected only in Groups IV (oils and fats), V (legumes and their products), X (fish, shellfish, and their products), and XI (meat and eggs) at concentrations of 1.8, 0.03, 0.48, and 0.01 ng g−1, respectively. For an average person, the lower bound dietary intakes of penta- and deca-formulations were estimated to be 46 and 21 ng day−1, respectively. A high proportion of the decabrominated congener (DeBDE-209) was observed in Group IV. To confirm the presence of DeBDE-209 in vegetable oils, an additional analysis was performed using 18 vegetable oil samples. Of these, seven contained ng g−1 levels of DeBDE-209.

Total and dialyzable levels of manganese from duplicate meals and influence of other nutrients: Estimation of daily dietary intake

Both total and dialyzable Mn levels were determined in 108 duplicate meals during 36 consecutive days. Both mineral fractions were measured by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) method previously optimized. A total mean Mn fraction of 1.03±0.49mg was found in the meals. The Mn supplied by the meals is directly and significantly (p<0.001) correlated with macronutrient content (carbohydrates, fibre and protein). The mean Mn fraction dialyzed through the dialysis membrane was 0.23±0.17mg (22.0±8.93% as bioaccessible fraction). The total and dialyzable Mn fractions found for breakfasts were significantly lower (p<0.001). Nevertheless, the Mn bioavailabilities expressed as the percentage of dialyzable element, were not significantly different among the three primary meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). A significant correlation between the total and the dialyzable fraction of Mn in meals was found (p<0.001, r=0.78, r2=0.61). The dialyzed element fractions present in meals were significantly correlated mainly with carbohydrates, protein and several amino acid levels (p <0.01). Foods with higher carbohydrate and therefore energy contents, e.g. cereals, legumes, vegetables and fruits, would be primary sources of bioaccessible Mn in the diet. The bioaccessibility of Mn was only significant influenced by energy, carbohydrates and Se levels present in meals. The mean Mn daily dietary intake (DDI) was 3.05±0.61mgday−1.

Food Composition Data: The Foundation of Dietetic Practice and Research

Food composition databases and dietary assessment systems are important tools for food and nutrition professionals. The availability and accessibility of data have improved over time along with the technology to convert the information into useful formats for planning diets, writing educational materials, counseling patients, and conducting research. Primary sources of food composition data include government, academic, and other institutional databases; the food industry; and scientific literature. Changes in the marketplace affect food availability and composition and affect the accuracy and adequacy of food composition databases. Improvements in both food composition data and in dietary assessment methods have worked synergistically to improve estimates of dietary intake. The development of databases for food frequency assessment systems requires special considerations for data aggregation for each food or food grouping in the questionnaires. Considerations for selecting a dietary assessment system include appropriateness of the data for the intended audience or purpose, efficiency of the search strategy for retrieving data, content and format of summary information, and cost. Needs for food composition data vary depending on dietetic practice area; however, most food and nutrition professionals will benefit from becoming more informed about food composition data, exploring new ways to educate themselves about databases and database systems, and advocating for what is most needed in dietetic practice.

Fatty acid profile of the erythrocyte membrane preceding development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and aims The respective roles of dietary fatty acids in the pathogenesis of diabetes are as yet unclear. Erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (EMFA) composition may provide an estimate of dietary fatty acid intake. This study investigates the relation between EMFA composition and development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods and results In a nested case-referent design we studied 159 individuals tested as non-diabetic at baseline who after a mean observation time of 5.4 ± 2.6 years were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and 291 sex- and age-matched referents. Higher proportions of pentadecanoic acid (15:0) and heptadecanoic acid (17:0) were associated with a lower risk of diabetes. In accordance with earlier findings, higher proportions of palmitoleic (16:1 n-7), dihomo-γ-linolenic (20:3 n-6) and adrenic (22:4 n-6) acids were associated with increased risk, whereas linoleic (18:2 n-6) and clupanodonic (22:5 n-3) acids were inversely associated with diabetes. After adjustment for BMI, HbA1c, alcohol intake, smoking and physical activity the only significant predictors were 15:0 and 17:0 as protective factors and 22:4 n6 as risk factor. Conclusion In accordance with previous studies, our results indicate that EMFA-patterns predict development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The inverse association with two saturated fatty acids, previously shown to reflect consumption of dairy products, is a new finding.

Dietary PCB intake in Belgium

A food market-basket, representative for the general Belgian population, containing various meat, fish and dairy food products, was analysed for its polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) content. Additionally, fast food samples were also investigated. Based on the measured PCB levels (sum of 23 congeners), an average daily dietary intake estimate of PCBs was calculated. Of all foods analysed, fish had the highest average sum of PCB levels (7.1 ng/g ww), with a high variation between the investigated species, followed by dairy products and eggs (3.2 ng/g ww), fast food (1.9 ng/g ww) and meat products (0.62 ng/g ww). One fresh salmon filet had the highest total concentration of PCBs (36 ng/g ww or 200 ng/g lw), whereas levels in steak and chicken breast were the lowest of all foods analysed. PCB intake calculations were based on the average daily food consumption in Belgium and were estimated between 404 and 535 ng/day of total PCBs (lower and upper bound). This value is in accordance with what was previously reported for diets from geographical distinct areas. Although it is only a minor constituent of the Belgian diet, fish is the major contributor to the total daily PCB intake (around 50%) due to the high PCB levels in this type of food. Meat products account for around 20% of the total dietary intake of PCBs, while dairy products and eggs contribute to a lesser degree (less than 20%).

Valoración de la ingesta dietética a nivel poblacional mediante cuestionarios individuales: sombras y luces metodológicas

The development of the modern methodology necessary to accurately characterize dietary intake in individuals and population only dates back two decades, when nutritional epidemiology first emerged. The reason for the recentness of this discipline lies in the fact that dietary assessment at the population level presents complex challenges which are only being overcome as we investigate and improve the available methodological instruments. In this paper, alternative methods to estimate food and nutritional intake are reviewed. Following a succinct description of direct and indirect methods to evaluate dietary consumption, including a brief reference to biomarkers and mixed techniques such as "total diet" studies, the article focuses on direct methods of quantifying dietary intake through questionnaires. The basis, advantages, and limitations of alternative options are considered, and subsequently the article summarizes the development of new survey designs and analytical/statistical techniques which aim to optimize the available methodology. The article finally concludes by affirming that the approximations indicated by the complementary introduction of biomarkers, together with the optimized use of combined methods with questionnaires, are potentially the most precise and trustworthy estimations of dietary intake at the population level. In light of both the advances achieved and the pending challenges, it is clear that there is a strong necessity to foster research which will lead to improvement in the methodology in this field.

Pesticide residues in Italian Ready-Meals and dietary intake estimation

The investigations carried out during 2005 by state-run Italian laboratories within the framework of controls seeking pesticide residues monitoring in foodstuffs involve quantifying the levels of such residues in fruit and vegetable produce and their processed products: oil, wine and fruit juices. The Italian Ready-Meal Residue Project, promoted by the pesticides working group of Italian Environmental Agencies, seeks to asses the quantity of pesticides in pre-prepared (ready-to-eat) lunches (comprising a first course, side dish, fruit, bread and wine), and to quantify the amounts consumed and compare with the acceptable daily intake ADIs.The data provided by 16 laboratories which analyzed 50 complete meals in 2005 (samples taken on 8 February, 26 May, 24 October, 21 December 2005) showed residues in 39 lunches, with an average number of 2.4 pesticides in each meal and a maximum of 10 pesticides. The most frequently found substances were: pirimiphos-methyl (20 times), procymidone (17), pyrimethanil (7), iprodione (7), cyprodinil (7), fenitrothion (6), diphenylamine (6), chlorpyrifos (6), metalaxyl (5) and chlorpyrifos-methyl (5).The distribution of residues among each dish of the meal was also examined, and the results showed that: 77.3% of the residues were present in the fruit, 14.9% in the wine, 3.0% in the main course, 2.8% in the bread and 2.1% in the side dish. Assuming that two meals are consumed per day, the daily intake of pesticide residues was calculated on a daily basis, in relation to normal body weight (60 kg for an adult, 40 kg for a teenager, 20 kg for a child) and compared with the ADI values established by the European Union. In the case of adults, the average daily intake of pesticides in relation to ADI was 2.6% with a maximum of 73.3%; for teenagers it was 4.9% with a maximum of 109% and for children it was 9.8% with a peak of 219%.