Estimation Of Dietary Intake Research Articles

Availability of 24-h urine collection method on dietary phosphorus intake estimation.

Accurate assessment of dietary phosphorus intake is necessary to prevent hyperphosphatemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 24-h urine collection method for estimation of phosphate intake in healthy males. Two experiments, a 1-day and a 5-day loading test, were performed. After an overnight fast, subjects consumed test meals, 24-h urine collection was performed, and blood samples were obtained. In the 5-day loading test, a phosphorus supplement was orally administered on day 3. The association between the phosphorus content of test meals and urinary excretion, anthropometric indices, and blood biomarkers was analyzed to develop a more precise formula for estimating phosphorus intake. In the 1-day loading test, the standard deviation of predictive phosphorus intake, based on multiple linear regression analysis, was less than that for the phosphorus absorption rate. In the 5-day loading test, urinary phosphorus excretion was similar on days 2, 4 and 5, but was significantly higher on day 3 after phosphorus supplementation. Our results indicate that estimation of dietary phosphorus intake with the 24-h urine collection method, using the amount of phosphorus and urea nitrogen excretion, may increase the precision of short-term monitoring.

Store turnover as a predictor of food and beverage provider turnover and associated dietary intake estimates in very remote Indigenous communities

Objective:Determine how very‐remote Indigenous community (RIC) food and beverage (F&B) turnover quantities and associated dietary intake estimates derived from only stores, compare with values derived from all community F&B providers. Methods:F&B turnover quantity and associated dietary intake estimates (energy, micro/macronutrients and major contributing food types) were derived from 12‐months transaction data of all F&B providers in three RICs (NT, Australia). F&B turnover quantities and dietary intake estimates from only stores (plus only the primary store in multiple‐store communities) were expressed as a proportion of complete F&B provider turnover values. Food types and macronutrient distribution (%E) estimates were quantitatively compared. Results:Combined stores F&B turnover accounted for the majority of F&B quantity (98.1%) and absolute dietary intake estimates (energy [97.8%], macronutrients [≥96.7%] and micronutrients [≥83.8%]). Macronutrient distribution estimates from combined stores and only the primary store closely aligned complete provider estimates (≤0.9% absolute). Food types were similar using combined stores, primary store or complete provider turnover. Conclusions and implications:Evaluating combined stores F&B turnover represents an efficient method to estimate total F&B turnover quantity and associated dietary intake in RICs. In multiple‐store communities, evaluating only primary store F&B turnover provides an efficient estimate of macronutrient distribution and major food types.

Assessment of questionnaire-based PCB exposure focused on food frequency in birth cohorts in Japan

We investigated the relationship between food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) responses and serum polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels of mothers and fathers recruited from the Chiba Regional Center, which is one of the 15 regional centers of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (mothers: n = 1477, fathers: n = 219). The expected PCB values were estimated from the participants’ FFQ answers and medical records (age, body mass index and number of deliveries). Based on the stepwise forward selection results of Bayesian regression models, age and fish and egg consumption were positively associated with PCB concentrations and a number of deliveries were negatively associated with PCB concentrations in mothers, whereas only age was positively associated with PCB concentrations in fathers.These findings indicated that the estimation of daily dietary intake may be useful for the prediction of PCB concentration for mothers.

Modeling U-shaped dose-response curves for manganese using categorical regression

IntroductionManganese is an essential nutrient which can cause adverse effects if ingested to excess or in insufficient amounts, leading to a U-shaped exposure-response relationship. Methods have recently been developed to describe such relationships by simultaneously modeling the exposure-response curves for excess and deficiency. These methods incorporate information from studies with diverse adverse health outcomes within the same analysis by assigning severity scores to achieve a common response metric for exposure-response modeling. ObjectiveWe aimed to provide an estimate of the optimal dietary intake of manganese to balance adverse effects from deficient or excess intake. MethodsWe undertook a systematic review of the literature from 1930 to 2013 and extracted information on adverse effects from manganese deficiency and excess to create a database on manganese toxicity following oral exposure. Although data were available for seven different species, only the data from rats was sufficiently comprehensive to support analytical modelling. The toxicological outcomes were standardized on an 18-point severity scale, allowing for a common analysis of all available toxicological data. Logistic regression modelling was used to simultaneously estimate the exposure-response profile for dietary deficiency and excess for manganese and generate a U-shaped exposure-response curve for all outcomes. ResultsData were available on the adverse effects of 6113 rats. The nadir of the U-shaped joint response curve occurred at a manganese intake of 2.70mg/kgbw/day with a 95% confidence interval of 2.51–3.02. The extremes of both deficient and excess intake were associated with a 90% probability of some measurable adverse event. ConclusionThe manganese database supports estimation of optimal intake based on combining information on adverse effects from systematic review of published experiments. There is a need for more studies on humans. Translation of our results from rats to humans will require adjustment for interspecies differences in sensitivity to manganese.

Validation of triple pass 24-hour dietary recall in Ugandan children by simultaneous weighed food assessment.

Undernutrition remains highly prevalent in African children, highlighting the need for accurately assessing dietary intake. In order to do so, the assessment method must be validated in the target population. A triple pass 24 hour dietary recall with volumetric portion size estimation has been described but not previously validated in African children. This study aimed to establish the relative validity of 24-hour dietary recalls of daily food consumption in healthy African children living in Mbale and Soroti, eastern Uganda compared to simultaneous weighed food records. Quantitative assessment of daily food consumption by weighed food records followed by two independent assessments using triple pass 24-hour dietary recall on the following day. In conjunction with household measures and standard food sizes, volumes of liquid, dry rice, or play dough were used to aid portion size estimation. Inter-assessor agreement, and agreement with weighed food records was conducted primarily by Bland-Altman analysis and secondly by intraclass correlation coefficients and quartile cross-classification. 19 healthy children aged 6 months to 12 years were included in the study. Bland-Altman analysis showed 24-hour recall only marginally under-estimated energy (mean difference of 149kJ or 2.8%; limits of agreement -1618 to 1321kJ), protein (2.9g or 9.4%; -12.6 to 6.7g), and iron (0.43mg or 8.3%; -3.1 to 2.3mg). Quartile cross-classification was correct in 79% of cases for energy intake, and 89% for both protein and iron. The intraclass correlation coefficient between the separate dietary recalls for energy was 0.801 (95% CI, 0.429-0.933), indicating acceptable inter-observer agreement. Dietary assessment using 24-hour dietary recall with volumetric portion size estimation resulted in similar and acceptable estimates of dietary intake compared with weighed food records and thus is considered a valid method for daily dietary intake assessment of children in communities with similar diets. The method will be utilised in a sub-study of a large randomised controlled trial addressing treatment in severe childhood anaemia. This study was approved by the Mbale Research Ethics committee (Reference: 2013-050). Transfusion and Treatment of severe Anaemia in African Children: a randomized controlled Trial (TRACT) registration: ISRCTN84086586.

Global Estimates of Dietary Intake of Docosahexaenoic Acid and Arachidonic Acid in Developing and Developed Countries

Background/Aim: For international recommendations on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) dietary intake to be valid, there needs to be a greater understanding of dietary patterns across both the developed and developing world. The aim of this investigation was to provide a global overview of dietary intake of DHA and ARA. Methods: Food balance sheets from the Food and Agriculture Organisation Statistics Division and fatty acid composition data from Australian food composition tables in Nutrient Tables 2010 were utilised to generate median per capita intake estimates for DHA and ARA in 175 countries worldwide. Results: Estimated dietary intake per capita for DHA and ARA in 47 developed and 128 developing countries demonstrated that 48% of the 175 countries have an ARA intake of <150 mg/day and 64% have a dietary DHA intake of <200 mg/day. There was a direct relationship between dietary ARA and DHA intake and the per capita gross national income of the country. Regional analysis showed the lowest ARA and DHA dietary intake in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asian populations. Conclusions: This study demonstrates there are many populations worldwide that have ARA and DHA intake that do not reflect current international recommendations, and the public health consequences of this global inadequacy need to be urgently considered.

Final report: Testing a procedure for the identification of emerging chemical risks in the food chain. External Scientific Report. OC/EFSA/SCER/2014/03

Final report: Testing a procedure for the identification of emerging chemical risks in the food chain. External Scientific Report. OC/EFSA/SCER/2014/03

Sociodemographic and Behavioral Factors Associated with Added Sugars Intake among US Adults

BackgroundReducing added sugars intake is one of the Healthy People 2020 objectives. High added sugars intake may be associated with adverse health consequences. ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study identified sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics associated with added sugars intake among US adults (18 years and older) using the 2010 National Health Interview Survey data (n=24,967). MethodsThe outcome variable was added sugars intake from foods and beverages using scoring algorithms to convert dietary screener frequency responses on nine items to estimates of individual dietary intake of added sugars in teaspoons per day. Added sugars intake was categorized into tertiles (lowest, middle, highest) stratified by sex. The explanatory variables were sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios for the highest and middle tertile added sugars intake groups as compared with the lowest tertile group. ResultsEstimated median added sugars intake was 17.6 tsp/d for men and 11.7 tsp/d for women. For men and women, those who had significantly greater odds for being in the highest tertile of added sugars intake (men: ≥22.0 tsp/d; women: ≥14.6 tsp/d) were younger, less educated, had lower income, were less physically active, were current smokers, and were former or current infrequent/light drinkers, whereas non-Hispanic other/multiracial and those living in the West had significantly lower odds for being in the highest tertile of added sugars intake. Different patterns were found by sex. Non-Hispanic black men had lower odds for being in the highest tertile of added sugars intake, whereas non-Hispanic black women had greater odds for being in the highest tertile. ConclusionsOne in three men consumed ≥22.0 tsp added sugars and one in three women consumed ≥14.6 tsp added sugars daily. Higher added sugars intake was associated with various sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics; this information can inform efforts to design programs and policies specific to high-intake populations.

Simultaneous Determination of Nitrite and Nitrate in Milk Samples by Ion Chromatography Method and Estimation of Dietary Intake

The presence of nitrate and nitrite in foods may be considered hazardous after ingestion in the gastrointestinal tract due to their reaction with naturally occurred secondary amines to form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines. Due to this fact, a new method was developed in this study for the simultaneous determination of nitrite and nitrate in milk samples using by ion chromatography. Proposed mobile phase composed of sodium hydrogen carbonate and sodium carbonate (1.0 and 3.2 mmol/L) with a flow rate of 0.7 ml/min. The average recoveries for nitrate and nitrite were higher than 86 and 88%, respectively. The limit of detection for nitrate and nitrite were 0.24 and 0.09 mg/L, respectively. The results of 102 real milk samples showed nitrate was found in all of the samples (100%) with a mean of 34 ± 11 mg/L, while nitrite was found in none of the samples. The mean intake of nitrate in all age groups was lower than World Health Organization guideline. The present assessment concludes that the maximum contaminant level was equal to 82.8 mg/L nitrate. This method was fast, sensitive and accurate and is capable of being an alternative method in food control laboratories for investigation of nitrite and nitrate content. This is the first study of the determination and survey of nitrite and nitrate and exposure assessment of the Iranian population to nitrite and nitrate level in milk, which was widely used in infants and adolescents as one of the basic food components.

Low vitamin K1 intake in haemodialysis patients

Vitamin K acts as a coenzyme in the γ-carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins, including coagulation factors, osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein (MGP), and the growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6) protein. Osteocalcin is a key factor for bone matrix formation. MGP is a local inhibitor of soft tissue calcification. GAS6 activity prevents the apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. Few data on vitamin K intake in chronic kidney disease patients and no data in patients on a Mediterranean diet are available. In the present study, we evaluate the dietary intake of vitamin K1 in a cohort of patients undergoing haemodialysis. In this multi-centre controlled observational study, data were collected from 91 patients aged >18 years on dialysis treatment for at least 12 months and from 85 age-matched control subjects with normal renal function. Participants completed a food journal of seven consecutive days for the estimation of dietary intakes of macro- and micro-nutrients (minerals and vitamins). Compared to controls, dialysis patients had a significant lower total energy intake, along with a lower dietary intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibres, and of all the examined minerals (Ca, P, Fe, Na, K, Zn, Cu, and Mg). With the exception of vitamin B12, vitamins intake followed a similar pattern, with a lower intake in vitamin A, B1, B2, C, D, E, folates, K1 and PP. These finding were confirmed also when normalized for total energy intake or for body weight. In respect to the adequate intakes recommended in the literature, the prevalence of a deficient vitamin K intake was very high (70-90%) and roughly double than in controls. Multivariate logistic model identified vitamin A and iron intake as predictors of vitamin K deficiency. Haemodialysis patients had a significantly low intake in vitamin K1, which could contribute to increase the risk of bone fractures and vascular calcifications. Since the deficiency of vitamin K intake seems to be remarkable, dietary counselling to HD patients should also address the adequacy of vitamin K dietary intake and bioavailability. Whether diets with higher amounts of vitamin K1 or vitamin K supplementation can improve clinical outcomes in dialysis patients remains to be demonstrated.

Global Dietary Data Availability: Results of a Systematic Worldwide Search for Data on Dietary Intakes of 55 Foods and Nutrients

IntroductionQuantification of dietary intakes of key foods and nutrients across the lifecourse in all regions of the world is foundational to developing/targeting population‐based dietary policies and interventions to improve both maternal/child health and reduce chronic disease burdens. Yet currently, comprehensive/comparable data on dietary intakes around the world remains sparse in low/ middle‐income countries (LMIC), many of which currently bear dual burdens of under‐ and over‐nutrition characteristic of rapid nutrition transition.ObjectiveTo systematically search for and assess the availability/quality of nationally or subnationally‐representative dietary intake data in 188 countries around the world, with particular focus on children and pregnant women in LMIC.MethodsTo identify, assess, and harmonize dietary data from around the world, we established the Global Dietary Database (GDD) Consortium, a global collaborative effort to compile individual‐level data on dietary intakes of 55 foods and nutrients between 1990 and 2015 stratified by age, sex, urban vs. rural residence, and level of education. We systematically searched databases of published literature to identify contacts for national or subnational data, as well as databases of publically available microdata. Our current data searches focus on eight world regions that encompass most LMIC : Sub‐Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We contacted the corresponding authors of relevant publications, inviting them to become members of the GDD Consortium and contribute dietary intake data. For countries in which no data source was identified through either PubMed searches, personal contact with experts, or searches for public data, we have launched searches of region‐specific databases. To identify publically‐available data, we have searched large databases such as WHO Global Health Observatory data repository, the Harvard Dataverse, the Inter‐university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR), and the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), as well as country ministry of health website. Identified data is currently being graded for quality of both dietary assessment and survey sampling methodology.ResultsTo‐date, we have completed systematic searches of PubMed, screening a total of 2,878 articles and identifying ~600 unique data owners around the world. Thus far, we have identified 139 country‐specific surveys through personal contact with data owners. Overall, 36% of these data are nationally representative, 33% are based on multiple 24 hr recall, 53% are based on food‐frequency questionnaires, 38% include data on pregnant/nursing women, and 66% include data on children and adolescents. Additionally, we have identified over 800 publically‐available country‐year‐specific surveys that may have relevant data on dietary intakes or biomarkers, and we are in the process of assessing these surveys for relevance and quality (Figure).ConclusionsThrough systematic global data searches, we have identified numerous surveys on dietary intakes of key foods and nutrients. These data, once harmonized, will provide comprehensive estimates of dietary intakes of key foods and nutrients in countries around the world, crucial for understanding diet in poor and vulnerable populations and for characterizing epidemiologic transition in LMIC.Support or Funding InformationThis work was funded by the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.

Development and validation of a photographic food atlas for portion size assessment in the southern plains of Nepal.

To develop and validate a photographic food atlas of common foods for dietary assessment in southern Nepal. We created a life-sized photographic atlas of forty locally prepared foods. Between March and June 2014, data collectors weighed portion sizes that respondents consumed during one mealtime and then a different data collector revisited the household the next day to record respondents' estimations of their previous day's intakes using the atlas. Validity was assessed by percentage error, Cohen's weighted kappa (κ w) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement. Dhanusha and Mahottari districts in southern Nepal. A random sample of ninety-five adults in forty-eight rural households with a pregnant woman. Overall, respondents underestimated their intakes (mean error =-4·5 %). Rice and dal (spiced lentil soup) intakes were underestimated (-14·1 % and -34·5 %, respectively), but vegetable curry intake was overestimated (+20·8 %). Rice and vegetable curry portion size images were significantly reliably selected (Cohen's κ w (se): rice=0·391 (0·105); vegetable curry=0·430 (0·139)), whereas dal images were not. Energy intake over one mealtime was under-reported by an average of 569 kJ (136 kcal; 4·5 % error) using recall compared with the weighing method. The photographic atlas is a useful tool for field estimation of dietary intake. Average errors were low, and there was 'modest' agreement between weighed and recalled portion size image selection of rice and vegetable curry food items. Error in energy estimation was low but with wide limits of agreement, suggesting that there is scope for future work to reduce error further.

Dietary Fats Discriminate Risk for Abdominal Obesity and Glucose Metabolism among Urban Affluent Adult Males in Pune, India

Indian diets have not been thoroughly investigated despite the fact that 'Nutrition Transition' parallels a rapidly escalating epidemic of obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases. Data on socio-economic background, dietary intake, BMI, Body Fat, Waist Circumference (WC), Abdominal Circumference (AC) and fasting blood estimations were recorded on 302 affluent men (30-60 years) in a cross-sectional study in Pune, India. Average daily calorie intake was lower (1714.7 ± 442 kcal) than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (ICMR, 2010) while mean fat (45.8 ± 19.1 g), carbohydrate (279.2 ± 68.3 g) and protein intakes (46.5 ± 15.1 g) were comparable. Increase in mean WC and AC (3.9 cm), in prevalence of overall obesity (49.4% to 65.4%) and in prevalence of abdominal obesity (24.7% to 40.7%) was significant (p&amp;lt;0.05 for all) across tertiles of total calories. But with increase in fat intake, it was only the prevalence of abdominal obesity that increased significantly (23.2% to 39.5%; p&amp;lt;0.05). Subjects having higher calorie intake (&amp;gt;1816 kcal/d) had two times higher risk for overall and abdominal adiposity while subjects having higher fat intake (&amp;gt;50g/d) had two times higher risk for abdominal obesity alone. Fat density but not carbohydrate, was sensitive as the prevalence of high Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), significantly (p&amp;lt;0.05) increased (20.2% to 42.9%) with its increase. Additionally, the risk of high FBG was about 3 times higher (p&amp;lt;0.01) for high fat density (&amp;gt;30%). Thus, high fat density but not carbohydrate density may be an important causative factor for high rates of abdominal obesity and disturbed glucose metabolism in India.

Associations between omega fatty acid consumption and depressive symptoms among individuals seeking behavioural weight loss treatment.

SummaryObjectiveThe typical Western diet is deficient in omega‐3 and high in omega‐6 fatty acids (FAs). These FAs may play a role in depressive symptoms via inflammatory processes, especially in the context of obesity, a pro‐inflammatory state. This study investigated associations between omega‐3 and omega‐6 FA intake and depressive symptoms in adults seeking behavioural weight loss treatment (BWLT).MethodsOne hundred eighty‐eight persons with overweight or obesity (83.50% women, 93.10% White, 55.01 ± 10.09 years old, body mass index 36.02 ± 15.79 kg/m) seeking BWLT completed the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire, which provides estimates of dietary FA intake, daily total energy intake (TEI) and macronutrient composition of the diet. Depressive symptoms were measured via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Correlation and linear regression estimated associations between depressive symptoms and FAs.ResultsOn average, participants reported consuming 1866.2 ± 665.1 kcals/d, with 38% of TEI from fat and an omega‐6:3 ratio of 9.2 (13.9 g omega‐6 to 1.5 g omega‐3). In univariate models, omega‐6 intake was associated with depressive symptoms (r = .182, p = .012); however, this association was no longer statistically significant after controlling for TEI. Omega‐3 intake was not associated with depressive symptoms.ConclusionThe expected association between omega‐3 and omega‐6 FAs and depressive symptoms was largely unsupported. A robust association between FA intake and depressive symptoms may have been masked by a high level of chronic inflammation in this sample caused by excess weight and overall poor diet. Additional research is needed to determine whether BWLT improves FA intake, and whether associations between FA intake and depressive symptoms are strengthened after successful weight loss and improved diet.

Determinants of consumption-day amounts applicable for the estimation of usual dietary intake with a short 24-h food list.

Next to the information on frequency of food consumption, information on consumption-day amounts is important to estimate usual dietary intake in epidemiological studies. Our objective was to identify determinants of consumption-day amounts to derive person-specific standard consumption-day amounts applicable for the estimation of usual dietary intake using separate sources to assesss information on consumption probability and amount consumed. 24-h Dietary recall data from the German National Nutrition Survey II (n=8522; aged 20-80 years) conducted between 2005 and 2007 were analysed for determinants of consumption-day amounts of thirty-eight food and beverage groups using LASSO variable selection for linear mixed-effects models. Determinants included sex, age, BMI, smoking status, years of education, household net income, living status and employment status. Most often, sex, age and smoking status were selected as predictors for consumption-day amounts across thirty-eight food groups. In contrast, living with a partner, employment status and household net income were less frequently chosen. Overall, different determinants were of relevance for different food groups. The number of selected determinants ranged from eight for coffee and juice to zero for cabbage, tea, root vegetables, leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, legumes, offal, vegetable oils, and other fats. For the estimation of usual dietary intake in a combined approach with a 24-h food list, person-specific standard consumption-day amounts could be used. Sex, age and smoking status were shown to be the most relevant predictors in our analysis. Their impact on the estimation of usual dietary intake needs to be evaluated in future studies.

Dietary salt intake estimation by routine healthcare workers in an urban slum of Chandigarh: A feasibility study

Context: Hypertension is an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). From numerous studies, it was observed that excess dietary salt is responsible for 17-30% of high blood pressure and increases the risk of blood pressure-related CVD events in normotensives also. Employing the most appropriate method is important to assess the baseline consumption as well as to evaluate the impact of potential salt reduction initiatives. Aim and Objective: The aim and objective of this study is to collect salt data at population level by health workers, with a standard questionnaire, as they regularly visit household level for other national programs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban slum of Chandigarh for salt data collection using the WHO STEPS instrument version 3.1. Sample size of 255 was calculated by Epi Info software. However, we have taken 300 participants for our study. Six health staff from Urban Health Training Centre, Indira Colony, Department of Community Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, were involved. They were trained regarding filling the questionnaire. Investigator then re-interviewed 20% of the respondents interviewed by health workers, and a comparison of agreement was done. Results: The range of agreement was observed to be 55-90%, and percentage agreement varies between 63% and 83%, except in 3 questions which could be considered reasonable for initiating public health interventions. Conclusion: From this study, we can conclude that even in resource-poor settings, it is possible to collect salt data by proper training of health workers, and thus, we can initiate evidence-based salt reduction interventions in the community.

High-Molecular-Weight Proanthocyanidins in Foods: Overcoming Analytical Challenges in Pursuit of Novel Dietary Bioactive Components.

Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are an abundant but complex class of polyphenols found in foods and botanicals. PACs are polymeric flavanols with a variety of linkages and subunits. Connectivity and degree of polymerization (DP) determine PAC bioavailability and bioactivity. Current quantitative and qualitative methods may ignore a large percentage of dietary PACs. Subsequent correlations between intake and activity are hindered by a lack of understanding of the true PAC complexity in many foods. Additionally, estimates of dietary intakes are likely inaccurate, as nutrient databank values are largely based on standards from cocoa (monomers to decamers) and blueberries (mean DP of 36). Improved analytical methodologies are needed to increase our understanding of the biological roles of these complex compounds.

Dietary exposure to chlorinated pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from Ghanaian markets

Analysis of 400 fruit and vegetable samples obtained from open and closed markets in Accra, Ghana was carried out employing a multi-residue method based on solid-phase extraction followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Generally, the data showed that most of the fruit and vegetable samples analysed contain residues of the monitored pesticides below the accepted maximum residue limit (MRL) as adopted by the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), although some pesticide residues were not detected in some of the fruit and vegetable samples. The results obtained further revealed that 20% of the fruit and vegetable samples were above MRL, 73% were below MRL and 7% contained no detectable level of the monitored pesticides. Estimation of dietary intake of pesticides from fruit and vegetables revealed that, pesticides detected in fruits and vegetables did not cause dietary intake risks. The results recommend the need for regular monitoring for pesticide residues of a greater number of samples for long periods, especially in fruit and vegetables, to protect consumers’ health.

Validation of nutrient intake estimates derived using a semi-quantitative FFQ against 3 day diet records in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

To examine the relative validity of a multicultural FFQ used to derive nutrient intake estimates in a community dwelling cohort of younger and older men and women compared with those derived from 3 day (3d) diet records during the same time-frame. Cross-sectional analyses. The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) conducted in the Baltimore, MD and District of Columbia areas. A subset (n=468, aged 26 to 95 years (y), 47% female, 65% non-Hispanic white) from the BLSA, with complete data for nutrient estimates from a FFQ and 3d diet records. Pearson’s correlation coefficients (energy adjusted and de-attenuated) for intakes of energy and 26 nutrients estimated from the FFQ and the mean of 3d diet records were calculated in a cross-sectional analysis. Rankings of individuals based on FFQ for various nutrient intakes were compared to corresponding rankings based on the average of the 3d diet records. Bland Altman plots were examined for a visual representation of agreement between both assessment methods. All analyses were stratified by sex and age (above and below 65 y). Median nutrient intake estimates tended to be higher from the FFQ compared to average 3d diet records. Energy adjusted and de-attenuated correlations between FFQ intake estimates and records ranged from 0.23 (sodium intake in men) to 0.81 (alcohol intake in women). The FFQ classified more than 70 percent of participants in either the same or adjacent quartile categories for all nutrients examined. Bland Altman plots demonstrated good agreement between the assessment methods for most nutrients. This FFQ provides reasonably valid estimates of dietary intakes of younger and older participants of the BLSA.

Validity and reliability of a food frequency questionnaire to estimate dietary intake among Lebanese children.

BackgroundNutritional status during childhood is critical given its effect on growth and development as well as its association with disease risk later in life. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is experiencing alarming rates of childhood malnutrition, both over- and under-nutrition. Hence, there is a need for valid tools to assess dietary intake for children in this region. To date, there are no validated dietary assessment tools for children in any country of the MENA region. The main objective of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for the assessment of dietary intake among Lebanese children.MethodsChildren, aged 5 to 10 years (n = 111), were recruited from public and private schools of Beirut, Lebanon. Mothers (proxies to report their children’s dietary intake) completed two FFQs, four weeks apart. Four 24-hour recalls (24-HRs) were collected weekly during the duration of the study. Spearman correlations and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess validity. Linear regression models were used to derive calibration factors for boys and girls. Reproducibility statistics included Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and percent agreement.ResultsCorrelation coefficients between dietary intake estimates derived from FFQ and 24-HRs were significant at p < 0.001 with the highest correlation observed for energy (0.54) and the lowest for monounsaturated fatty acids (0.26). The majority of data points in the Bland-Altman plots lied between the limits of agreement, closer to the middle horizontal line. After applying the calibration factors for boys and girls, the mean energy and nutrient intakes estimated by the FFQ were similar to those obtained by the mean 24-HRs. As for reproducibility, ICC ranged between 0.31 for trans-fatty acids and 0.73 for calcium intakes. Over 80 % of study participants were classified in the same or adjacent quartile of energy and nutrients intake.ConclusionsFindings of this study showed that the developed FFQ is reliable and is also valid, when used with calibration factors. This FFQ is a useful tool in dietary assessment and evaluation of diet-disease relationship in this age group.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0121-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.