Food Intake Patterns Research Articles

Food Intake Pattern and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Premature Coronary Artery Disease in Iran

Background: There is limited evidence regarding the risk factors and nutritional patterns in patients with premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). This study aims to investigate the relationship between different dietary patterns and risk factors in patients with PCAD.
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on PCAD patients, including men younger than 55 years and women younger than 65 years, who underwent coronary angiography in the Angiography Department of the Shahid Mohamadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Anthropometric and clinical examination, demographic questionnaires, and containing dietary intake and physical activity questionnaires were filled for all participants.
 Results: The most prevalent risk factors for obstructive PCAD in the 65 selected patients were family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) (73%), hypertension (52%), and overweight/obesity (50%). Daily consumption of hydrogenated fats (P = 0.008) and high-fat milk (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in obstructive PCAD patients compared to non-obstructive and non-PCAD patients. Daily consumption of fruits was significantly higher in non-obstructive and non-PCAD patients compared to obstructive PCAD patients (P = 0.039).
 Conclusion: Family history of CAD, hypertension, and obesity were found to be the most common risk factors among obstructive PCAD patients. According to the findings, increased consumption of high-fat milk and hydrogenated fats may increase the risk of PCAD, whereas, daily consumption of fruits may reduce the risk of PCAD.

GLUT2 expression by glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive tanycytes is required for promoting feeding-response to fasting

Feeding behavior is a complex process that depends on the ability of the brain to integrate hormonal and nutritional signals, such as glucose. One glucosensing mechanism relies on the glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) in the hypothalamus, especially in radial glia-like cells called tanycytes. Here, we analyzed whether a GLUT2-dependent glucosensing mechanism is required for the normal regulation of feeding behavior in GFAP-positive tanycytes. Genetic inactivation of Glut2 in GFAP-expressing tanycytes was performed using Cre/Lox technology. The efficiency of GFAP-tanycyte targeting was analyzed in the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes by evaluating GFP fluorescence. Feeding behavior, hormonal levels, neuronal activity using c-Fos, and neuropeptide expression were also analyzed in the fasting-to-refeeding transition. In basal conditions, Glut2-inactivated mice had normal food intake and meal patterns. Implementation of a preceeding fasting period led to decreased total food intake and a delay in meal initiation during refeeding. Additionally, Glut2 inactivation increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in the ventromedial nucleus in response to fasting and a deregulation of Pomc expression in the fasting-to-refeeding transition. Thus, a GLUT2-dependent glucose-sensing mechanism in GFAP-tanycytes is required to control food consumption and promote meal initiation after a fasting period.

Multi-nutrient interventions and cognitive ageing: are we barking up the right tree?

As we continue to elucidate the mechanisms underlying age-related brain diseases, the reductionist strategy in nutrition–brain function research has focused on establishing the impact of individual foods. However, the biological processes connecting diet and cognition are complex. Therefore, consideration of a combination of nutritional compounds may be most efficacious. One barrier to establishing the efficacy of multi-nutrient interventions is that the area lacks an established set of evidence-based guidelines for studying their effect on brain health. This review is an output of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Europe. A multi-disciplinary expert group was assembled with the aim of developing a set of considerations to guide research into the effects of multi-nutrient combinations on brain functions. Consensus recommendations converged on six key issues that should be considered to advance research in this area: (1) establish working mechanisms of the combination and contributions of each individual compound; (2) validate the relevance of the mechanisms for the targeted human condition; (3) include current nutrient status, intake or dietary pattern as inclusion/exclusion criteria in the study design; (4) select a participant population that is clinically and biologically appropriate for all nutritional components of the combination; (5) consider a range of cognitive outcomes; (6) consider the limits of reductionism and the ‘gold standard’ randomised controlled trial. These guiding principles will enhance our understanding of the interactive/complementary activities of dietary components, thereby strengthening the evidence base for recommendations aimed at delaying cognitive decline.

Synbiotics, prebiotics and probiotics for solid organ transplant recipients.

Synbiotics, prebiotics and probiotics for solid organ transplant recipients.

Selenium status and type 2 diabetes risk

Optimal selenium (Se) status is necessary for overall health. That status can be affected by food intake pattern, age, sex, and health status. At nutritional levels of intake, Se functions metabolically as an essential constituent of some two dozen selenoproteins, most, if not all, of which have redox functions. Insufficient dietary intake of Se reduces, to varying degrees, the expression of these selenoproteins. Recent clinical and animal studies have indicated that both insufficient and excessive Se intakes may increase risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), perhaps by way of selenoprotein actions. In this review, we discuss the current evidence linking Se status and T2D risk, and the roles of 14 selenoproteins and other proteins involved in selenoprotein biosynthesis. Understanding such results can inform the setting of safe and adequate Se intakes.

Divergence in digestive and metabolic strategies matches habitat differentiation in juvenile salmonids.

Divergent energy acquisition and processing strategies associated with using different microhabitats may allow phenotypes to specialize and coexist at small spatial scales. To understand how ecological specialization affects differentiation in energy acquisition and processing strategies, we examined relationships among digestive physiology, growth, and energetics by performing captive experiments on juveniles of wild coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and steelhead trout (O. mykiss) that exploit adjacent habitats along natural low‐to‐high energy flux gradients (i.e., pools versus riffles) in coastal streams. We predicted that: (i) the specialization of steelhead trout to high‐velocity, high‐energy habitats would result in elevated food intake and growth at the cost of lower growth efficiency relative to coho salmon; (ii) the two species would differentiate along a rate‐maximizing (steelhead trout) versus efficiency‐maximizing (coho salmon) axis of digestive strategies matching their ecological lifestyle; and (iii) the higher postprandial metabolic demand (i.e., specific dynamic action, SDA) associated with elevated food intake would occupy a greater fraction of the steelhead trout aerobic budget. Relative to coho salmon, steelhead trout presented a pattern of faster growth and higher food intake but lower growth efficiency, supporting the existence of a major growth versus growth efficiency trade‐off between species. After accounting for differences in ration size between species, steelhead trout also presented higher SDA than coho salmon, but similar intestinal transit time and lower assimilation efficiency. Both species presented similar aerobic budgets since the elevated SDA of steelhead trout was largely compensated by their higher aerobic scope relative to coho salmon. Our results illustrate the key contribution of digestive physiology to the adaptive differentiation of juvenile growth, energetics, and overall performance of taxa with divergent habitat specializations along a natural productivity gradient.

Multidimensional associations between nutrient intake and healthy ageing in humans

BackgroundLittle is known about how normal variation in dietary patterns in humans affects the ageing process. To date, most analyses of the problem have used a unidimensional paradigm, being concerned with the effects of a single nutrient on a single outcome. Perhaps then, our ability to understand the problem has been complicated by the fact that both nutrition and the physiology of ageing are highly complex and multidimensional, involving a high number of functional interactions. Here we apply the multidimensional geometric framework for nutrition to data on biological ageing from 1560 older adults followed over four years to assess on a large-scale how nutrient intake associates with the ageing process.ResultsAgeing and age-related loss of homeostasis (physiological dysregulation) were quantified via the integration of blood biomarkers. The effects of diet were modelled using the geometric framework for nutrition, applied to macronutrients and 19 micronutrients/nutrient subclasses. We observed four broad patterns: (1) The optimal level of nutrient intake was dependent on the ageing metric used. Elevated protein intake improved/depressed some ageing parameters, whereas elevated carbohydrate levels improved/depressed others; (2) There were non-linearities where intermediate levels of nutrients performed well for many outcomes (i.e. arguing against a simple more/less is better perspective); (3) There is broad tolerance for nutrient intake patterns that don’t deviate too much from norms (‘homeostatic plateaus’). (4) Optimal levels of one nutrient often depend on levels of another (e.g. vitamin E and vitamin C). Simpler linear/univariate analytical approaches are insufficient to capture such associations. We present an interactive tool to explore the results in the high-dimensional nutritional space.ConclusionUsing multidimensional modelling techniques to test the effects of nutrient intake on physiological dysregulation in an aged population, we identified key patterns of specific nutrients associated with minimal biological ageing. Our approach presents a roadmap for future studies to explore the full complexity of the nutrition-ageing landscape.

Methanol leaf extracts of Chrysophyllum albidum and Irvingia gabonensis protected against dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress induced by high-fat diet in Wistar rats

BackgroundHigh-fat diet (HFD) has been linked to oxidative stress, dyslipidaemia, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that medicinal plants have antioxidant properties and may have protective effects against oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia induced by high-fat diet. Chrysophyllum albidum (white star apple) and Irvingia gabonensis (African bush mango) are very useful medicinal plants common in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This study was aimed at investigating the protective effect of methanol leaf extracts of Chrysophyllum albidum and Irvingia gabonensis against dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in Wistar rats promoted by the consumption of HFD as well as characterize active compounds in the extracts. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were assigned into six groups of six animals each and respective groups received normal fat diet (NFD), HFD, HFD + Chrysophyllum albidum (250 mg/kg/ 500 mg/kg), HFD + Irvingia gabonensis (250 mg/kg/ 500 mg/kg) for fifty six days. Dietary intake, body weight, lipid profile and indicators of oxidative stress were measured.ResultsAdministration of plant extracts did not change the pattern of food intake of the animals. There was a significant inhibition (p < 0.05) of increase in the body weight of rats treated with plant extracts in comparison with those rats that consumed HFD only. There was significant increase (p ˂ 0.05) in total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentrations in rats fed with HFD only when compared with NFD control and extract treated groups. However, HFD control produced significantly lower (p < 0.05) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase than normal control and extract treated groups. Gas chromatography flame ionization detector analysis of these extracts revealed the abundance of kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, myricetin and naringenin and tannic acid.ConclusionsThe observed antioxidant and anti-dyslipidaemic properties of leaves of Chrysophyllum albidum and Irvingia gabonensis may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and tannic acid.

P071 COVID-Related Diet Changes in a Multiethnic Sample of College Students

BackgroundResearch suggests varied dietary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including an increase in meal and snack frequency. While some studies report an increase in home cooking and fresh produce consumption, others report less favorable changes in diet patterns. Limited research examines these patterns in college students.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study explored self-reported changes in food intake patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in a multiethnic sample of college students.Study Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA web-based survey was administered to students enrolled in a general education introductory nutrition course during the 2020-2021 academic year. Two open-ended items were used to capture self-reported changes in food intake and drivers of those changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Food insecurity was assessed using the USDA six-item food security module.Measurable Outcome/AnalysisTwo researchers collaborated to develop a codebook and then assign codes independently to open-ended responses. Chi-square tests were used to investigate relationships between food security status and reported diet changes.ResultsParticipants (n = 436) were predominantly (77%) female; 39% identified as Hispanic/Latino, 33% identified as Asian/Pacific Islander, and 19% identified as Caucasian. A majority of participants (n = 295, 67.7%) reported diet changes as a result of the pandemic. Participants indicated mixed impacts on food intake, such as an increase or decrease in food intake, snacking more, eating less healthy, or eating healthier. Participants attributed diet changes to increased health consciousness, increased time at home, eating more home-prepared foods, changes in activity level, and increased feelings of boredom. Among respondents who reported a COVID-related diet impact, those experiencing food insecurity were more likely to report eating less healthy because of the pandemic (P = 0.01).ConclusionsA majority of students reported a change in food intake; while the type of change varied, food insecurity emerged as a factor significantly associated with self-reported dietary changes considered less healthy.FundingNone

Association of Obesity with Food Choices among Children Between Age Group of 5 To 12 Years in Different Areas of Lahore

The relationship between the socioeconomic status (SES) of parents and the effect of socio-economic status on the food intake pattern of their children was examined in this study. Children of low SES generally have poorer diets than children of high SES. Objective: To observe the association of child obesity with food choices in different areas of Lahore Methods: Data were collected from 38 participants, from different areas of Lahore, Pakistan. From which 20 were female and 18 were male children. Their parents were requested to solve a questionnaire which comprised of different questions related to child age, height, weight, eating habits and parent’s socioeconomic status and their education. Results: Study showed that children growing up in families with a lower SES had a higher body mass index (BMI), lower quality of life, less healthy nutrition, and less physical activity as compared to children growing up in families with a higher SES. The food frequency questionnaire showed that children belonging to lower SES consumed 17% grains, 18% dairy sources, 16% vegetables, 12% pluses and lentils, 0% meat, 11% fruits, and 13% tea and coffee in a day. While children belonging to higher SES consumed 17% grains, 29% dairy sources, 6% vegetables, 2% pulses and lentils, 13% meat, 13% fruits, and 7% tea and coffee daily. Conclusions: SES has an exquisite impact at the food alternatives and food intake among college-going youngsters. Lower SES children devour greater veggies, less meat, and dairy products at the same time as better SES kids devour fewer vegetables and extra meat and dairy products. Children from DHA were more obese and they were consuming more protein based diet and practicing sedentary life style.

Patterns of discretionary food intake among Australian children and their association with socio-demographic, lifestyle, and adiposity measures.

Australian children consume 35% of energy from discretionary food and beverages which increases their risk of non-communicable diseases like type 2 diabetes. Despite this concerning statistic, broad analysis of the profile of discretionary food intake has not been fully undertaken. This study asks: what is the discretionary food and beverage intake profile, contribution to nutrient intakes, and associations with demographic and health characteristics? Cross-sectional data from the 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n= 2812, 2-18 years) were used to profile discretionary food consumption. Dietary intake was assessed by 24-h recall. General linear models tested the difference in respondent characteristics by age group, sex, and quartiles of discretionary food energy contribution. Ninety-nine percent of respondents consumed discretionary foods, 74% exceeded the maximum discretionary food recommended serves. Among 10 eating occasions available to select: snack, dinner, lunch and morning tea appeared to contribute 76% of discretionary food energy, with snack and dinner contributing 24% each. Age and frequency of discretionary food consumption were positively associated with energy intake from discretionary foods (p< 0.001); while sex, socio-economic status, physical activity and body composition had no association. High discretionary food consumers chose specific discretionary food items in a large quantity (1.0-3.5-serves/discretionary food) compared to low discretionary food consumers (0.4-1.4-serves/discretionary food). Nearly all Australian children and adolescents consumed discretionary food daily. No demographic or anthropometric characteristics beyond increasing age were associated with higher discretionary food. Targeted public health policy and community interventions are required to focus on addressing the largest contributors to discretionary food intake in terms of equivalent serve sizes, popularity, and eating occasion.

Food consumption patterns, socio-demographic status and nutritional risks of women in low and middle income communities in Kwandengezi, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Food consumption patterns have changed dramatically in recent times. Traditional diets are replaced by “westernised diets” causing nutritional risks like malnutrition. Unemployment and lack of nutrition education have an impact on communities, in terms of the foods being purchased and consumed. This research seeks to establish a true reflection of the nutritional status, food intake patterns of the communities participating in the study and influencing factors. This is to estimate if the low income community, the north section is in a more disadvantaged situation when compared to the middle income community, the south section. The objective was to determine the socio-demographic status, food consumption patterns and nutritional risk of a low-income and middle-income community that reside in KwaNdengezi Township in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.The research being undertaken consists of descriptive and theoretical studies. Upon consention, participants data were collected by means of an interview setting. A set of questionnaires included, Socio-demographic, Food Frequency and 24-Hour Recall questions. The anthropometric measurements were taken in order to determine the body mass index status. Both sections of the township were affected by unemployment. The education status of the participants showed concern as both sections had fewer graduates. The mean Food Variety Scores (FVS) (±SD) for all items consumed from various food groups during seven days, indicated a medium where both sections had a good dietary diversity score ranging from 7-9 food groups, which summarize the food group diversity as being in the majority in the north section. The results of energy distribution of macronutrients from the average of the 24-hr recall when compared to the WHO dietary factor goals showed that the participants’ diet was well balanced, in relation to macronutrient intake for both sections but was lacking in micronutrient intake. Overweight and obesity tests showed disturbing results with majority of women caregivers in both sections found to be obese, showing risks of obesity related illnesses (NCDs). More nutrition knowledge should be geared towards educating the most vulnerable and poverty stricken communities. The micronutrient intake must be promoted at lower and middle income communities.. The government should devise and implement projects that empower women so that they are not co- dependent. Key words: Food, Consumption, Low and Middle- income, Education, Nutritional risks, KwaNdengezi, South Africa

A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study on Food Intake Patterns Identified from Very Short FFQ and Metabolic Factors Including Liver Function in Healthy Japanese Adults.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a growing health problem, and rapid diet assessment is required for personal nutrition education. This pilot study aimed to clarify associations between current food intake patterns identified from the short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and metabolic parameters, including liver function. We conducted a cross-sectional study on Japanese non-alcoholic residents of Tokyo and surrounding districts, 20 to 49 years of age. Anthropometric measurements, fasting blood samples, three-day dietary records, and FFQ with 21 items were collected. In all 198 participants, the proportions with obesity were 21% in men and 6% in women. Hypertriglyceridemia was significant only in men, affecting 26%. The traditional Japanese (TJ) pattern (greater intakes of green and yellow vegetables, other vegetables, seaweed/mushrooms/konjac, dairy, fruits, fish, salty, and soybeans/soy products) and the Westernized pattern (greater intakes of saturated-fat-rich foods, oily, egg/fish-eggs/liver, and sweets) were identified. The TJ pattern score showed an inverse relationship with body mass index, triglyceride, alkaline-phosphatase, leucine-aminopeptidase, and fatty liver index. The TJ pattern identified from the short FFQ was suggested to be associated with body fat storage. Further large-scale studies are needed to clarify the associations between this dietary pattern and metabolic parameters, including liver function.

The Food Intake Pattern in Relation to the Nutritional Status of School Age 6-12-Year-Old in Muhammadiyah Orphanage

School-age children have a very high risk of experiencing a nutritional problem during their development, consisting of an imbalance between their body mass index and the state of malnutrition due to their nutritional intake. The parenting at Muhammadiyah Orphanage is related to the nutritional status of the children managed in the group. This parenting status causes less attention to be paid to the children’s nutrition. This study aims to identify the food intake pattern in relation to the food delivery and nutritional status of school-aged children (6-12 years) in the Muhammadiyah Orphanage house setting.

The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Nutritional Status and Anxiety Levels in Turkish Young Adults.

The pandemic called "Coronavirus Disease 2019" (COVID-19), which first appeared in China, then spread to the whole world, has had negative consequences in many areas, especially in health. The long-term quarantine process caused by the pandemic and the experienced stress had a great impact on nutritional habits. In this study, it was aimed to determine the change in anxiety levels and eating habits of young adults after the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were obtained through an online questionnaire between April and July 2020. In the questionnaire, the general and health information of the individuals, their nutritional habits, and anthropometric measurements (height and body weight) were questioned. In addition, the food frequency questionnaire form and Beck Anxiety Inventory were applied. A total of 823 (174 males and 649 females) participants were included in the study. The median ages of males and females were 27.0 (18.0) and 26.0 (8.0), respectively. According to the results of the food frequency questionnaire; it was found that among females, the consumption of egg, cheese, milk, yogurt, pickles, fruit, onion, garlic, lemon, salad, legumes, pastry, sweets, red meat, turmeric, and herbal tea were increased significantly in the post-pandemic period; and the consumption of milk, yogurt, garlic, and lemon significantly increased in males. It was also found that the anxiety levels of the females increased statistically significantly in the post-pandemic period. It was determined that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were statistically significant changes in the food intake patterns and anxiety levels of the participants. It is thought that the results obtained from this study may be a guide for further studies to determine the nutritional habits in the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Comparison of Dietary Quality Among Korean Obese Children and Adolescents

ObjectivesThe prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is growing in Korea at present. Childhood obesity reflects multiple interactions of genetic, environmental, social, and behavioral factors. Also, nutritional components, and food intake patterns may be related with the increasing obesity rate in children and adolescents. This study aimed to assess the nutrition intake and dietary quality of children and adolescents analyzed the difference in children and adolescents. MethodsThe participants included 58 obese children and adolescents ranging in age from 7∼15 years. In this study, participants were divided into two groups (children ≦ age 11 years, adolescents ≧ 12 years). The dietary intake data was investigated through dietary records and nutrition quotient (NQ) for Korean was analyzed through questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. ResultsThe intake of energy, protein, and water-soluble vitamin were significantly higher in the adolescents than in the children. Compared with dietary recommended intake for Korean, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, magnesium intakes were insufficient in both groups. Sodium intake in the both groups were double times more than recommended intake and the difference was not significant. In NQ, the NQ total score, balance, diversity, and regularity score of adolescents were significantly higher from those in children, whereas both groups got low scores of NQ. ConclusionsThe adolescents showed a tendency to have better dietary intakes than the children. However, education for adequate diet intakes should be provided to prevent and treatment obese in children and adolescents. Funding SourcesThis work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (grant funded by the Korean government (MSIP).

155-OR: Brown Adipose Tissue Leptin Feedback Regulates Feeding Behavior

Obesity is a consequence of chronic disruption in energy homeostasis. This phenomenon is controlled by systemic and local signals such as leptin, a nutrient-sensitive signal secreted primarily by the white adipose tissue (WAT) . In contrast, interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) has been shown to express undetectable or very low levels of leptin. In this study, unexpectedly, we observed overnight fasting decreased leptin expression in iBAT, and 2-hour refeeding was able to restore the iBAT leptin levels. This nutritional status-dependent fluctuation suggests a vital role of iBAT leptin in the acute regulation of energy homeostasis. Consistently, we found that mice with leptin selectively overexpressed in the UCP1-positive cells of iBAT (LEP-OEiBAT/UCP1) showed reduced fast-induced food intake. This hypophagia phenotype was associated with increased satiation as reflected by decreased meal numbers and increase postmeal interval. Notably, LEP-OEiBAT/UCP1 selectively increased the mRNA expression of leptin in the iBAT without affecting circulating leptin levels, indicating a possible paracrine role of iBAT leptin. In supporting this point of view, we showed that chemical ablation of sensory nerves (SS) in iBAT significantly increased fast-induced food intake, associated with altered meal frequency. Additionally, we also found that iBAT-specific infusion of leptin increased Stat3 phosphorylation (pStat3) in the upstream iBAT-innervating sensory neurons, suggesting leptin-mediated sensory detection. Notably, the increased pStat3 was associated with neural activation in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in the brain, and chemical ablation of iBAT SS blunted this stimulation. Our results support a model that feeding-induced iBAT leptin modulates iBAT-specific sensory inputs to the brain to regulate food intake and feeding patterns. Disclosure M.D.Munoz: None. V.C.Torres irizarry: None. P.Xu: None. C.Liew: None. Funding RDK109015A1

Association between food intake patterns and serum vitamin D concentrations in US adults.

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between food patterns and serum vitamin D concentrations in US adults. Data from two cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2003-2004 and 2005-2006, were used (n 6637). Three major food patterns were derived using factor analysis. These three patterns were labeled as meat and processed meat foods (MPF), vegetables, fruit, nuts, and whole grains (VFNW), and sweet, snack, and beverage pattern (SSB). Serum vitamin D was measured with RIA and later standardized to reflect the assay changes over time. In multivariate-adjusted regression analysis, the MPF pattern was significantly, inversely associated with serum vitamin D concentrations (P < 0·001). However, the relation between the VFNW pattern and serum vitamin D was non-linear (P < 0·001). There was no relationship between SSB pattern and serum vitamin D in US adults. In conclusion, persons with a high intake of meat and processed meats are associated with lower serum vitamin D concentrations. Reducing processed foods and emphasizing VFNW will be beneficial from a health perspective.

Food consumption patterns and nutrient intakes of infants and young children amidst the nutrition transition: the case of Lebanon

BackgroundThis is the first study on dietary intakes of infants and young children in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, a region that is currently witnessing the nutrition transition. It aims at characterizing food consumption patterns amongst 0–4 year old children in Lebanon, evaluating their macro- and micronutrient intakes and assessing adherence to dietary recommendations.MethodsBased on a national cross-sectional survey in 2012 (n = 866), the study collected data on sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, and one 24-hour dietary recall was administered. Nutrient intakes were compared with reference values: Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), Adequate Intake (AI) and Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR).ResultsMilk was the highest contributor to energy intake (EI) in infants (95.8 and 56.5% in 0–5.9 months and 6–11.9 months old infants, respectively), while its intake was lower among toddlers and preschoolers (35.4 and 15.1%, respectively). In contrast, intakes of sweets and sweetened beverages were the highest in preschoolers compared to younger children, contributing 18.5% EI in preschoolers. Compared to dietary guidelines, the lowest dietary adherence was found for vegetables (17.8–20.7%) and fruits (14.4–34.3%). Protein intake was within the recommendations for the vast majority of children. Although total fat intake was lower in toddlers and preschoolers compared to infants, more than 40% of toddlers and preschoolers exceeded the AMDR for fat and 87.3% of preschoolers exceeded the upper limit for saturated fat. Only 3.6% of toddlers and 11.5% of preschoolers exceeded the AI level for dietary fiber. Micronutrient intake assessment showed that mean intakes in infants exceeded the AI for all micronutrients, except for vitamin D and magnesium. In toddlers, vitamin D and calcium were below the EAR among 84.7, and 44.6%, respectively. In preschoolers, most of the children (91.9%) had inadequate intakes of vitamin D, and a third had inadequate intakes of folate, calcium and vitamin A.ConclusionsThis study identified priority issues for nutrition intervention in infants and young children in Lebanon. Concerted multi-stakeholder efforts are needed to instill heathier food consumption and nutrient intake patterns early in life.

Development and the art of nutritional maintenance.

Development from early conceptus to a complex, multi-cellular organism is a highly ordered process that is dependent on an adequate supply of nutrients. During this process, the pattern of organ growth is robust, driven by a genetic blueprint and matched to anticipated body mass with high precision and with built-in physiological reserve capacity. This apparent canalisation of the developmental process is particularly sensitive to variation in environmental stimuli, such as inappropriate drug or hormone exposure, or pattern of nutrient delivery. Significant variation in any of these factors can profoundly affect fetal and neonatal growth patterns, with later detriment for physiological function and/or reserve capacity of the resultant adult, with potential health impact. This paradigm shift in science has become known as the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). Over the last 30 years, many animal and clinical studies have vastly expanded our fundamental knowledge of developmental biology, particularly in the context of later effects on health. In this horizons article, we discuss DOHaD through the lens of nutritional quality (e.g. micronutrient, amino acid, NSP intake). The concept of ‘Quality’ was considered undefinable by Robert Persig in his book, ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’. Here, development and the art of nutritional maintenance will define quality in terms of the pattern of nutrient intake, the quality of development and how each interact to influence later health outcomes.