Excess Saturated Fat Research Articles

Do disparities exist between national food group recommendations and the dietary intakes of contemporary young adults?

The aim of this study was to compare food and nutrient intakes of young Australian adults (18-24 years) to national recommendations as per the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and Nutrient Reference Values. Dietary intake of 18 to 24 year olds (n=1005) participating in the Advice, Ideas, and Motivation for My Eating (Aim4Me) study was self-reported using the 120-item Australian Eating Survey Food Frequency Questionnaire. Median daily servings of Australian Guide to Healthy Eating food groups, macronutrients and micronutrients were compared to recommendations in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and Nutrient Reference Values using t-tests or Kruskal-Wallis tests (P < .05). None of the young adults met all Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommendations. The highest adherence [% meeting recommendations, median (IQR)] was for meat/alternatives [38%, 2.1(1.8)] and fruit [32%, 1.5(1.6)], with <25% meeting remaining food-group recommendations. The majority (76%) exceeded recommendations for the consumption of discretionary foods [4.0(3.3) vs 0-3 serves] and 81% had excessive saturated fat intakes. Young adults who met all key Nutrient Reference Values (dietary fibre, folate, iodine, iron, calcium and zinc) (18%) consumed a higher number of serves of all food groups, including discretionary foods. Dietary intakes of contemporary young adults do not align with Australian Guide to Healthy Eating targets, while meeting Nutrient Reference Values is achieved by a higher consumption of all food groups, including discretionary foods. Strategies to increase consumption of nutrient-dense foods in young adults to achieve the Nutrient Reference Values are warranted.

The Effect of Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status on Anthropometric Development and Systemic Inflammation: An Observational Study.

(1) Background: Daily caloric intake should aim to reduce the risk of obesity or poor anthropometric development. Our study objective was to analyze the association between food consumption, inflammatory status and anthropometric development; (2) Methods: We performed a prospective observational analytical research during September 2020 and April 2021 on a group of 160 healthy subjects, aged between 6 and 12 years old, by analyzing food ingestion, the basal metabolic rate, anthropometric development and the inflammatory status; (3) Results: IL-6 was significantly correlated to the sum of skinfolds, along with both serum proteins and triglycerides. The skin folds were significantly correlated with the caloric intake and with total fat intake, next to saturated and trans fats. Unlike the skin folds, the body weight was significantly correlated with the caloric intake along with some vitamins, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin B12. Inactive mass increased with excessive folic acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and saturated fat intake; (4) Conclusions: The inflammatory status was influenced by the ingestion of micronutrients, total serum lipids and proteins. The anthropometric development was associated with the ingestion of carbohydrates, energy balance and energy intake. We can conclude that daily menu and nutrition imbalances can influence both the risk of obesity and the inflammatory status.

Obesity, Nutrients and the Immune System in the Era of COVID-19.

The past year has shown that obesity is a risk factor for severe complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Excess fat mass during obesity is known to be a risk factor for chronic diseases but also for severe infections and infectious complications. We have focused here on the elements responsible for this particular susceptibility to infections and more specifically to COVID-19. Excess fat is, in itself, responsible for alterations of the immune system by disrupting the production and function of immune cells. Indeed, hypertrophic adipocytes produce more pro-inflammatory adipokines (including cytokines). The increase in their apoptosis induces a release of pro-inflammatory compounds into the circulation and a recruitment of pro-inflammatory macrophages into the adipose tissue. A chronic systemic inflammatory state is then observed. In addition, diet, apart from its role in the development of adipose tissue, can also affect the immune system, with excess simple sugars and saturated fats exerting pro-inflammatory effects. This inflammation, the adipokines released by the adipocytes, and the infiltration of lipids into the lymphoid organs affects the production of immune cells and, directly, the functions of these cells. The alteration of the immune system increases the risk of infection as well as complications, including secondary bacterial infections and septic states, and increases infection-related mortality. During COVID-19, the chronic inflammatory state promotes the cytokine shock, characteristic of severe forms, caused in particular by excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, in obese subjects, the already present endothelial dysfunction will render endothelial inflammation (endotheliitis) due to viral infiltration all the more severe. Added to this is a state of hypercoagulability and a decrease in respiratory capacity, leading to a risk of severe COVID-19 with cardiovascular complications, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, which can lead to multiple organ failure and even death.

Dietary Exposure to Excess Saturated Fat During Early Life Alters Hippocampal Gene Expression and Increases Risk for Behavioral Disorders in Adulthood.

PurposeMaternal and postnatal diets result in long-term changes in offspring brain and behavior; however, the key mediators of these developmental changes are not well-defined. In this study, we investigated the impact of maternal and post-weaning high-fat diets on gene expression of key components mediating hippocampal synaptic efficacy. In addition, we evaluated the risk for impaired stress-coping and anxiety-like behaviors in adult offspring exposed to obesogenic diets during early life.MethodsDams were fed a control (C) or high-fat (HF) diet prior to mating, pregnancy, and lactation. Male offspring from control chow and high-fat fed dams were weaned to control chow or HF diets. The forced swim test (FST) and the elevated-plus maze (EPM) were used to detect stress-coping and anxiety-like behavior, respectively. Real-time RT-PCR and ELISA were used to analyze hippocampal expression of genes mediating synaptic function.ResultsAnimals fed a HF diet post-weaning spent more time immobile in the FST. Swimming time was reduced in response to both maternal and post-weaning HF diets. Both maternal and post-weaning HF diets contributed to anxiety-like behavior in animals exposed to the EPM. Maternal and post-weaning HF diets were associated with a significant decrease in mRNA and protein expression for hippocampal GDNF, MAP2, SNAP25, and synaptophysin. Hippocampal mRNA expression of key serotonergic and glutamatergic receptors also exhibited differential responses to maternal and post-weaning HF diets. Hippocampal serotonergic receptor 5HT1A mRNA was reduced in response to both the maternal and post-weaning diet, whereas, 5HT2A receptor mRNA expression was increased in response to the maternal HF diet. The glutamate AMPA receptor subunit, GluA1, mRNA expression was significantly reduced in response to both diets, whereas no change was detected in GluA2 subunit mRNA expression.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that the expression of genes mediating synaptic function are differentially affected by maternal and post-weaning high-fat diets. The post-weaning high-fat diet clearly disturbs both behavior and gene expression. In addition, although the transition to control diet at weaning partially compensates for the adverse effects of the maternal HF diet, the negative consequence of the maternal HF diet is exacerbated by continuing the high-fat diet post-weaning. We present evidence to support the claim that these dietary influences increase the risk for anxiety and impaired stress-coping abilities in adulthood.

Daily intake of non-fried potato does not affect markers of glycaemia and is associated with better diet quality compared with refined grains: a randomised, crossover study in healthy adults.

Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of potatoes is associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases. However, few clinical trials have empirically tested this. The aim of this single-blind, randomised, crossover study was to evaluate the effect of daily potato consumption, compared with refined grains, on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. It was hypothesised that no difference in cardiometabolic endpoints would be detected between conditions, but diet quality would improve with potato consumption. Healthy participants on self-selected diets received one potato-based side dish or one refined grain-based side dish daily, for 4 weeks, separated by a minimum 2-week break. Dishes were isoenergetic, carbohydrate-matched and prepared without excess saturated fat or Na. Participants were instructed to consume the side dish with a meal in place of carbohydrates habitually consumed. Lipids/lipoproteins, markers of glycaemic control, blood pressure, weight and pulse wave velocity were measured at baseline and condition endpoints. Diet quality was calculated, based on 24-h recalls, using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015. Fifty adults (female n 34; age 40 (sd 13) years; BMI 24·5 (sd 3·6) kg/m2) completed the present study. No between-condition differences were detected for fasting plasma glucose (-0·05 mmol/l, 95 % CI -0·14, 0·04; P = 0·15), the primary outcome or any other outcomes. Compared with refined grains, the HEI-2015 score (3·5, 95 % CI 0·6, 6·4; P = 0·01), K (547 mg, 95 % CI 331, 764, P < 0·001) and fibre (2·4 g, 95 % CI 0·6, 4·2, P = 0·01) were higher following the potato condition. Consuming non-fried potatoes resulted in higher diet quality, K and fibre intake, without adversely affecting cardiometabolic risk.

Determining the balance between nutrition and sustainability of 173 food products using stepwise optimisation

AbstractIntroductionThe balance between nutrition and environmental impact is key for determining whether a product is future-proof. This balance refers to the Sustainability Nutrition Balance (SNB). A product that provides nutrients which improve the quality of the current diet with a low sustainability impact has a better SNB-score than a product that contains nutrients that we tend to consume in excess (like salt or saturated fat) and/ or with a high sustainability impact. For 173 food products, we calculated the SNB-score. These scores are valuable to guide product development in the direction of future healthy and sustainable diets.Materials and methodsBased on the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Food Consumption Database 173 products were selected, making up a European average diet. EFSA Food Composition Database was used to gather the nutritional properties of the products, like energy, dietary fibre, vitamin D, magnesium. About 60 nutritional properties were considered. The environmental impact of the products was calculated using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. EFSA's Dietary Reference Values for Nutrients and Tolerable Upper Intake Values for Vitamins and Minerals were consulted to determine the nutritional constraints for a healthy diet.To analyse the SNB-score the amount of a product in the diet is varied in steps. At every step the diet is optimised for nutritional constraints, using quadratic programming. This allows identification of trends in terms of the environmental impact of the diet on indicators like climate change and land use. An increase of impact with an increase in amount of product leads to a higher SNB-score. This indicates that the group of products which is nutritionally equivalent to the product of focus is a more sustainable alternative. The lower the SNB-score, the more future-proof a product is in terms of sustainability and nutrition.Results and discussionThis analysis has led to a palette of SNB-scores for the 173 products in the European average diet. Meat tends to have a higher SNB-score than dairy and whole grain products can have a negative SNB-score. This means the environmental impact of the product decreases when whole grains are consumed in increasing amounts. The palette of SNB-scores serves as a benchmark for product development. To create more future-proof products the SNB-scores can be improved by changing the nutritional or environmental profile by altering recipes or production processes.

Dietary intake and eating patterns of young children with type 1 diabetes achieving glycemic targets

IntroductionYoung children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) consume more saturated fat and less fruit and vegetables than recommended. A common challenge in this age group is unpredictable appetite potentially impacting...

Effect of BMI, Food Preference and Working Pattern on Coronary Heart Disease in the Southern Region of Bangladesh

Abstract Background: In present study focused on to detect the effect of BMI, food preference, and working pattern on coronary heart disease aged between (30-80) years old male and female in southern region of Bangladesh. Methods: Data were collected by questionnaires on the basis of sex, age, BMI, physical activity, hypertension, family history, food preferences, lipid profile test, smoking habit and presence or absence of other disease like diabetes. All data were analyzed statistically. Results: A total of 240 respondents of male and female diagnosed by coronary heart disease were selected randomly to collected data. Among them male were 188 and 52 were female. This study also indicates that increased body weight, hypertension, smoking, sedentary life style related factors, including poor dietary habits, excess saturated and trans fat, high salt intake, and low-level physical activity may be important as well and family history of cardiac diseases are influential risk factors for CHD. Most of patients’ affected by excessive overweight; 60.1% male and 61.5% female were suffer from diabetics which proved that Diabetic is often liable to affect CHD; 62.2% male and 65.4% female respondents gain heart disease from family; On the contrary the rate of CHD affected male were 73.40% who were involved in normal physical activity level; 56.9% male do smoke all time. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that increasing body weight, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits or food preferences, poor lifestyle is correlated with CHD and males are more vulnerable to CHD than females.

Obesity-induced insulin resistance and macrophage infiltration of the adipose tissue: A vicious cycle.

Obesity-induced insulin resistance and macrophage infiltration of the adipose tissue: A vicious cycle.

Total Usual Nutrient Intakes of US Children (Under 48 Months): Findings from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2016

BackgroundThe US Dietary Guidelines will expand in 2020 to include infants and toddlers. Understanding current dietary intakes is critical to inform policy.ObjectiveThe purpose of this analysis was to examine the usual total nutrient intakes from diet and supplements among US children.MethodsThe Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study 2016 is a national cross-sectional study of children aged <48 mo (n = 3235): younger infants (birth to 5.9 mo), older infants (6–11.9 mo), toddlers (12–23.9 mo), younger preschoolers (24–36.9 mo), and older preschoolers (36–47.9 mo) based on the use of a 24-h dietary recall. A second 24-h recall was collected from a representative subsample (n = 799). Energy, total nutrient intake distributions, and compliance with Dietary Reference Intakes were estimated with the use of the National Cancer Institute method.ResultsDietary supplement use was 15–23% among infants and toddlers and 35–45% among preschoolers. Dietary intakes of infants were adequate, with mean intakes exceeding Adequate Intake for all nutrients except vitamins D and E. Iron intakes fell below the Estimated Average Requirement for older infants (18%). We found that 31–33% of children aged 12–47.9 mo had low percentage of energy from total fat, and >60% of children aged 24–47.9 mo exceeded the saturated fat guidelines. The likelihood of nutrient inadequacy for many nutrients was higher for toddlers: 3.2% and 2.5% greater than the Adequate Intake for fiber and potassium and 76% and 52% less than the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamins D and E, respectively. These patterns continued through older ages. Intakes exceeded the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of sodium, retinol, and zinc across most age groups.ConclusionsDietary intakes of US infants are largely nutritionally adequate; concern exists over iron intakes in those aged 6–11.9 mo. For toddlers and preschoolers, high intake of sodium and low intakes of potassium, fiber, and vitamin D and, for preschoolers, excess saturated fat are of concern. Excess retinol, zinc, and folic acid was noted across most ages, especially among supplement users.

Research to Understand Milk Consumption Behaviors in a Food-Insecure Low-Income SNAP Population in the US

Milk, due to its affordability and nutritional value, can fortify the diets of families that experience food insecurity or find a high-quality diet cost-prohibitive. However, it can also be a leading source of excess calories and saturated fat. Yet, little is known about what influences consumer behavior of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients toward the type of milk used or the prevalence of low-fat milk use among this population. This cross-sectional telephone survey of SNAP recipients (n = 520) documented that 7.5% of this population usually consumes low-fat milk, a prevalence that lags behind national figures (34.4%) for the same time-period. There was a weak association between sociodemographic characteristics of SNAP recipients and low-fat milk use. Instead, less low-fat milk consumption was associated with a knowledge gap and misperceptions of the nutritional properties of the different types of milk. Promoting low-fat milk use by correcting these misperceptions can improve the diet of America’s low-income population and reduce food insecurity by maximizing the nutritional value of the foods consumed.

Eating behavior during dexamethasone treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Large prospective studies on dexamethasone-induced changes in eating behavior, energy, and nutrient intake are lacking in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We prospectively studied eating behavior, energy, nutrient intake, and the effect on leptin and adiponectin levels during dexamethasone administration in children with ALL. Parents of patients with ALL (3-16 years) completed a dietary diary for their child during 4 days of dexamethasone (6 mg/m2 ) administration. Energy intake and nutrient intake (energy percentage = E%) were assessed and compared with the recommended intake. The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire for Children was completed before start and after 4 days of dexamethasone administration by patients of 7-12 years of age. Fasting leptin and adiponectin levels were also measured before start and after 4 days of dexamethasone administration. Energy intake per day(kcal) (N = 44) increased significantly during dexamethasone (median day 1: 1,103 (717-1,572) versus day 4: 1,482 (1,176-1,822), P < 0.01), including an increase in total protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, and sodium intake. Intake of saturated fat (median day 4: 12 E%) and salt (median day 4: 1.9 g/day) exceeded the healthy range for age and gender. With respect to eating behavior, dexamethasone significantly decreased restrained eating (P = 0.04). Leptin levels as well as adiponectin levels increased significantly during the dexamethasone course. Four days of dexamethasone treatment significantly increased energy intake, including excessive saturated fat and salt intake, and changed eating behavior in children with ALL. Nutritional and behavioral interventions during dexamethasone treatment are recommended to stimulate a healthy lifestyle.

Sodium, sugar, and fat content of complementary infant and toddler foods sold in the United States, 20151–3

Background: As part of a healthy diet, limiting intakes of excess sodium, added sugars, saturated fat, and trans fat has been recommended. The American Heart Association recommends that children aged <2 y should avoid added sugars.Objective: We sought to determine commercial complementary infant-toddler food categories that were of potential concern because of the sodium, added sugar, saturated fat, or trans fat content.Design: Nutrition label information (e.g., serving size, sodium, saturated fat, trans fat) for 1032 infant and toddler foods was collected from manufacturers' websites and stores from May to July 2015 for 24 brands, which accounted for >95% of infant-toddler food sales. The presence of added sugars was determined from the ingredient list. Reference amount customarily consumed (RACC) categories were used to group foods and standardize serving sizes. A high sodium content was evaluated on the basis of the Upper Intake Level for children aged 1-3 y and the number of potential servings per day ([i.e., 1500 mg/7 servings (>210 mg/RACC)], a sodium amount >200 mg/100 g, or a mean sodium density >1000 mg/1000 kcal.Results: In 2015, most commercial infant-only vegetables, fruit, dinners, and cereals were low in sodium, contained no saturated fat, and did not contain added sugars. On average, toddler meals contained 2233 mg Na/1000 kcal, and 84% of the meals had >210 mg Na/RACC (170 g), whereas 69% of infant-toddler savory snacks had >200 mg Na/100 g. More than 70% of toddler meals, cereal bars and breakfast pastries, and infant-toddler grain- or dairy-based desserts contained ≥1 sources of added sugar. Approximately 70% of toddler meals contained saturated fat (mean: 1.9 g/RACC), and no commercial infant-toddler foods contained trans fats.Conclusion: Most commercial toddler meals, cereal bars and breakfast pastries, and infant-toddler snacks and desserts have high sodium contents or contain added sugars, suggesting a need for continued public health efforts to support parents in choosing complementary foods for their infants and toddlers.

Greater postprandial glucose excursions and inadequate nutrient intake in youth with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease

The gluten free diet (GFD) has a high glycemic index and low-fiber content, which potentially influences glycemic excursions in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CD). Participants in this case-control study of youth with T1D+CD (n = 10) and T1D only (n = 7) wore blinded continuous glucose monitoring systems for six days. Blood glucose levels (BGLs) were compared between groups for each meal, including pre-meal, peak, 2-hour postprandial and time-to-peak. Participants consumed a test-breakfast of GF cereal and milk for three days and kept weighed food diaries; nutrient intake was analyzed and compared to national recommendations. Youth with T1D+CD had shorter time-to-peak BGL (77 vs 89 mins, P = 0.03), higher peak (9.3 vs 7.3 mmol/L, P = 0.001) and higher postprandial BGLs than T1D (8.4 vs 7.0 mmol/L, P = 0.01), despite similar pre-meal BGLs (9.2 vs 8.6 mmol/L, P = 0.28). Regarding test breakfast, greater pre and post-meal BGL difference correlated with longer CD duration (R = 0.53, P = 0.01). Total energy and macronutrient intake didn’t differ between groups; however the majority of participants collectively had inadequate intake of calcium (76%), folate (71%) and fiber (53%), with excessive saturated fat (12%) and sodium (>2,000 mg/day). The GFD is associated with greater glycemic excursions and inadequate nutritional intake in youth with T1D+CD. Clinical management should address both glycemic variability and dietary quality.

Exposure to a Diet High in Saturated‐fat during Pre‐natal and Post‐weaning Brain Development Alters Hippocampal Gene Expression and Behavioral Indices for Anxiety and Depression

BackgroundWe have shown previously that high‐fat diets during critical periods of development perturb both hypothalamic and hippocampal function. More specifically, adult male rats in our studies that were exposed to dietary saturated fat during gestation and after weaning had perturbations in key hormones regulating metabolism, impaired spatial learning and memory, and alterations in both hypothalamic and hippocampal gene expression.ObjectiveOur current hypothesis is that maternal and postweaning exposure to excess saturated fat promotes an increased emotionality which is associated with altered expression of genes mediating hippocampal synaptic function.Design/MethodsDams were fed control or high fat diet (45% kcal saturated fat) prior to mating, pregnancy, and lactation. Male offspring from control and high fat‐fed dams were weaned to control (CC or HFC) or to high‐fat diet (CHF or HFF). At 120 d the forced swim test was used to measure differences in time spent immobile which is an index for depressive‐like behavior and at 150 d they were evaluated using the elevated plus maze which is an index for anxiety‐like behavior. Animals were sacrificed 2 weeks after completion of behavioral testing. Serum leptin, insulin and corticosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay; RT‐PCR and ELISA methods were used to analyze hippocampal gene expression.ResultsHippocampal synaptophysin mRNA level was significantly reduced in HFF offspring (maternal diet effect, P=0.044) and was susceptible to the modulating effects of the post‐weaning diet (post‐weaning diet effect, P=0.002). Reductions in the mRNA levels of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit, AMPAR1 (P=0.003), glial‐derived neurotrophic factor, GDNF (P=0.034), microtubule‐associated protein 2, MAP2 (P=0.025) and synaptosomal‐associated protein, SNAP25 (P=0.011) were detected in offspring exposed to excess fat in the postweaning diet. Expression of the glutamate receptor subunit, AMPAR2, was not significantly different among the four groups. Protein expression for GDNF and SNAP‐25 was reduced in response to excess fat in both the maternal and postweaning diet, and an interaction between the maternal and the postweaning high fat diet was detected for MAP2 protein expression. Changes in hippocampal gene expression were associated with anxiety‐like and depressive‐like behavior using the elevated plus maze or forced swim test, respectively.ConclusionsThese data support the hypothesis that prenatal and postweaning exposure to dietary saturated fat during critical periods of brain development has a complex and detrimental effect on hippocampal synaptic plasticity that may lead to affective disorders in adult life.Support or Funding InformationSupported by Bucknell University Biology Department

Looking Beyond the Terrestrial: The Potential of Seaweed Derived Bioactives to Treat Non-Communicable Diseases.

Seaweeds are a large and diverse group of marine organisms that are commonly found in the maritime regions of the world. They are an excellent source of biologically active secondary metabolites and have been shown to exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities. Several Asian cultures have a strong tradition of using different varieties of seaweed extensively in cooking as well as in herbal medicines preparations. As such, seaweeds have been used to treat a wide variety of health conditions such as cancer, digestive problems, and renal disorders. Today, increasing numbers of people are adopting a “westernised lifestyle” characterised by low levels of physical exercise and excessive calorific and saturated fat intake. This has led to an increase in numbers of chronic Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus, being reported. Recently, NCDs have replaced communicable infectious diseases as the number one cause of human mortality. Current medical treatments for NCDs rely mainly on drugs that have been obtained from the terrestrial regions of the world, with the oceans and seas remaining largely an untapped reservoir for exploration. This review focuses on the potential of using seaweed derived bioactives including polysaccharides, antioxidants and fatty acids, amongst others, to treat chronic NCDs such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.

Replacing Saturated Fat, Refined Carbs With Healthy Fats Could Ease Global CHD Burden

I burdens. This suggests that focus on nsuffi cient omega-6 polyunsaturated increasing healthful n-6 rich vegetable fatty acids (n-6 PUFA), excess trans fat oils may provide important public health and, to a lesser extent, excess saturatbenefits,” Qianyi Wang, ScD, and her ed fat, are signifi cant causes of coronary colleagues said. heart disease, suggests a global study The researchers estimated national recently published online. intakes of saturated fat, n-6 PUFA, “Our anal ysis provides, for the first and trans fat based on country-specific time, a rigorous comparison of global dietary surveys, food availability data, CHD burdens attributable to insufficient and for trans fat, industry reports on n-6 PUFA versus higher saturated fat. fats/oils and packaged foods. The In 80% of nations, n-6 PUFA–attributeffects of dietary fats on CHD mortalable CHD burdens were at least twofold ity were derived from meta-analyses of prospective cohorts, and CHD mortality rates were derived from the 2010 Global Burden of Diseases Study. Absolute and proportional attributable CHD mortality were computed using a comparative risk assessment framework. The researchers estimated insufficient n-6 PUFA consumption having been replaced by carbohydrate or saturated fat consumption was responsible for 711,800 CHD deaths per year, accounting for 10% of total global CHD mortality and for 187 CHD deaths per year per 1 million adults. The most absolute CHD deaths per year — 547 per 1 million adults — attributable to insufficient n-6 PUFA occurred in Eastern Europe, while Oceania had the highest proportion of n-6 PUFA–attributable CHD deaths. East Asia had both the fewest absolute — 74 per 1 million adults — and lowest proportion — 6.7% — of CHD deaths attributable to inadequate consumption of n-6 PUFA. Excess consumption of saturated fat as a replacement for n-6 PUFA caused an estimated 250,900 CHD deaths per year, accounting for 3.6% of CHD deaths and 66 CHD deaths per year per 1 million adults. T he researchers estimated that excess trans fat consumption caused 537,200 CHD deaths per year, representing 7.7% of global CHD mortality and 141 CHD deaths per year per 1 million adults. High-income nations generally had higher trans fat–attributable CHD mortality than lower-income nations. The highest trans fat–attributable absolute CHD mortality occurred in Egypt, with 1,120 deaths per year per 1 million adults. Canada, Pakistan, and the United States all had more than 475 deaths per year per 1 million adults because of excess consumption of trans fat. Such deaths accounted for more than 17% of corresponding national CHD mortality. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean had the lowest estimated trans fat–attributable CHD mortality. Additional findings of this study included mean global changes in dietary intakes of saturated fat, n-6 PUFA, and trans fat, and corresponding changes in CHD deaths occurring between 1990 and 2010. Specifically, global proportional CHD mortality attributable to insufficient n-6 PUFA and higher saturated fat consumption decreased by 9% and 21%, respectively. Such decreases occurred in concert with a 0.5% increase in consumption of n-6 PUFA and a 0.2% decrease in consumption of saturated fat. In high-income countries, trans fat consumption declined in parallel with policy strategies to reduce industrial trans fat production. In contrast, global proportional CHD deaths attributable to higher trans fat increased by 4% as global mean dietary intakes of trans fat increased by 0.1%. “Growing evidence indicates that lowering saturated fat provides convincing cardiovascular benefits only when replaced by PUFA, whereas cardiovascular benefits of n-6 PUFA are similar whether replacing saturated fat or total carbohydrates,” said Dr. Wang of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston. R ead the study in the Journal of the American Heart Association [doi:10.1161/ JAHA.115.002891]. CfA

Abstract MP88: Sodium, Sugar and Fat Content in Commercial Infant and Toddler Foods, 2015

Introduction: Early intake of foods with excess sodium, sugar, and saturated fat can influence later dietary habits and health, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. A 2012 analysis indicated that 72% of commercial toddler meals were high in sodium (average: 361 mg per serving) and 32% of toddler meals and &gt;70% of infant and toddler snacks, desserts, and juice drinks contained one or more added sugars. Given manufacturer reported changes in commercial infant and toddler foods the study objective is to determine the sodium, sugar and fat content of commercial infant and toddler foods sold in the U.S. in 2015. Methods: Major brands of infant and toddler food products were identified. Nutrition information was collected from manufacturer websites and grocery stores (e.g. private label products) from May to July, 2015. A total of 1,045 food products were categorized according to main ingredients, target eater and serving sizes. Serving sizes were standardized to the FDA Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC) per eating occasion for the specific category. Mean sodium, sugar and saturated fat content was computed per serving, per 100g, and in relation to calories (mg/1000 Kcal for sodium and as a percent of calories for sodium and fat). High sodium content was defined as &gt;210 mg/serving or &gt;200 mg/100g, the CODEX standard used by manufacturers. Presence of added sugar and industrially produced trans fat was determined from the ingredients list. Results: Mean sodium content ranged from 4 mg/serving (mixed grains and fruits) to 290 (toddler meals) and 73 mg/1000 Kcal (cereals, dry/instant) to 997 mg/1000 Kcal (savory snacks).Mean percent of calories from sugar ranged from 7% (savory snacks) to 82% (juices/drinks), and percent of calories from saturated fat from 0% (infant vegetables, dinners, fruits, dry cereals) to 7.5% (toddler meals). Almost all infant foods were low in sodium. Few infant foods contained added sugars except 44% of infant pureed fruits and 27% of mixed grains with fruits. Eighty-one percent of toddler meals exceeded 210 mg/serving, while 5% were &gt;200 mg/100 g with an average of 170 mg/100g. More than 70% of toddler’s meals, cereal bars/breakfast pastries, and infant/toddler desserts and dairy products contained added sugar. None of the products contained industrially produced trans fat. Conclusions: In 2015 average sodium content of commercial toddler meals was about 20% lower than in 2012, with the majority meeting the CODEX standard, but still above 210 mg per serving. Commercial toddler meals, infant mixed grain with fruits and infant or toddler cereal bars/breakfast pastries and desserts remain of concern due to added sugars. Commercial infant and toddler foods are generally low in their saturated fat content with no industrially produced trans fat.

Sodium, Saturated Fat, and Sugar Added Intake of The Diet of Children 2-12 Years Old

The aims of the study were to analyze intake of sodium, saturated fat (SFA), and added sugar of children 2-12 years old. For this purpose, 38.890 children 2-12 years old from the food consumption data of the basic health survey of the Ministry of Health were analyzed. The intake of sodium, SFA, and added sugar were calculated by using food composition table (FCT) of Indonesia and USDA, and from nutrition facts of labeled foods.The sodium and SFA calculated include both natural resources and which added to food and beverage products. The sugar added calculated include all sugar which added to food and beverage products. The results showed that the intake of sodium, SFA, and added sugar of each childern varies greatly. The mean of sodium, SFA, and added sugar intake was 1010.3 ± 963.5 mg, 10.9 ± 9,2 g, and 19.0 ± 35.1 g respectively. There were 30% of childern have excessive sodium intake, 28% of childern have excessive SFA intake (> 8%-e), and 14% of childern have excessive added sugar intake (> 10%-e). This implies that some childern exposed to high intake of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar.

Maternal and postweaning high-fat diets disturb hippocampal gene expression, learning, and memory function

We tested the hypothesis that excess saturated fat consumption during pregnancy, lactation, and/or postweaning alters the expression of genes mediating hippocampal synaptic efficacy and impairs spatial learning and memory in adulthood. Dams were fed control chow or a diet high in saturated fat before mating, during pregnancy, and into lactation. Offspring were weaned to either standard chow or a diet high in saturated fat. The Morris Water Maze was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory. Open field testing was used to evaluate motor activity. Hippocampal gene expression in adult males was measured using RT-PCR and ELISA. Offspring from high fat-fed dams took longer, swam farther, and faster to try and find the hidden platform during the 5-day learning period. Control offspring consuming standard chow spent the most time in memory quadrant during the probe test. Offspring from high fat-fed dams consuming excess saturated fat spent the least. The levels of mRNA and protein for brain-derived neurotrophic factor and activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein were significantly decreased by maternal diet effects. Nerve growth factor mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in response to both maternal and postweaning high-fat diets. Expression levels for the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA) receptor subunit NR2B as well as synaptophysin were significantly decreased in response to both maternal and postweaning diets. Synaptotagmin was significantly increased in offspring from high fat-fed dams. These data support the hypothesis that exposure to excess saturated fat during hippocampal development is associated with complex patterns of gene expression and deficits in learning and memory.