Food Propensity Questionnaire Research Articles

Dietary Patterns, Adherence to the Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, and Ultra-Processed Consumption During the COVID-19 Lockdown in a Sample of Spanish Young Population.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the dietary patterns, adherence to Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, and the ultra-processed consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown among a Spanish young population aged 3–17 years.Methods: Parents/legal guardians of preschoolers, children, and adolescents aged 3–17 years were enrolled through social networks. The eating habits were assessed by a Food Propensity Questionnaire applied in the ENALIA (Encuesta Nacional de Alimentación en la población Infantil y Adolescente) Spanish survey, which aims to collect food intake information and other data about eating habits on children and adolescents (0–18 years old). Participants were dichotomized following the Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for the Spanish young population offered by the Spanish Society of Community Nutrition. The ultra-processed food score was determined following the principles established in the NOVA classification.Results: Data from 604 children and adolescents were included. An association between age group and the recommendations of snacks (p = 0.002), fruits (p = 0.010), and diaries (p < 0.001) was found. Adolescents showed a lower mean compliance with these guidelines than children (p = 0.004) and preschoolers (p < 0.001). Similarly, children reported lower Food-Based Dietary Guidelines than preschoolers (p = 0.015). Regarding ultra-processed consumption, it was also observed a higher intake in adolescents than in children (p = 0.037), as well as in preschoolers (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The associations that were found highlight the low proportion of the young population (especially adolescents) meeting the Food-Based Dietary Guidelines and the high consumption of ultra-processed foods during COVID-19 lockdown.

Basic taste sensitivity, eating behaviour, and propensity of dairy foods of preadolescent children: How are they related?

Background: Taste sensitivity has been reported to influence children’s eating behaviour and contribute to their food preferences and intake. This study aimed to investigate the associations between taste sensitivity and eating behaviour in preadolescents. Methods: Children’s taste sensitivity was measured by detection threshold with five different concentration levels of sweetness (sucrose), sourness (citric acid), saltiness (sodium chloride), bitterness (caffeine, quinine), and umami (monosodium glutamate). In addition, the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ), the Food Propensity Questionnaire (FPQ), and the children’s body weight and height were completed by the parents. Children conducted the sensory evaluation test at schools while parents completed the questionnaires online. Results: A total of 69 child-parent dyads participated. Taste sensitivity was significantly associated with eating behaviour in food responsiveness, emotional overeating, and desire to drink. Children who were less sensitive to caffeine bitterness (higher detection threshold) had higher food responsiveness scores, while those who were less sensitive to sweetness and caffeine bitterness had higher emotional overeating scores. In addition, children who were less sensitive to sourness and bitterness of both caffeine and quinine demonstrated to have higher scores in desire to drink. There was no association between taste sensitivity and FPQ, but significant differences were observed across children’s body mass index (BMI) regarding their FPQ of dairy food items, indicating higher consumption of low-fat milk in the overweight/obese compared to the normal-weight subjects. There was no significant difference in taste sensitivity according to BMI. Children’s eating behaviour differed across BMI, demonstrating a positive association between BMI and food approach, and a negative association between BMI and food avoidance. Conclusions: This study contributes to the preliminary understanding of the relationships between taste sensitivity and eating behaviour in preadolescents which could be used to develop effective strategies to promote healthy eating practices in children by considering their taste sensitivity.

Vitamin D Intake in Slovenian Adolescents, Adults, and the Elderly Population.

Vitamin D is involved in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and is vital for numerous bodily functions. In the absence of sufficient UV-B light-induced skin biosynthesis, dietary intake becomes the most important source of vitamin D. In the absence of biosynthesis, the recommended dietary vitamin D intake is 10–20 µg/day. Major contributors to dietary vitamin D intake are the few foods naturally containing vitamin D (i.e., fish), enriched foods, and supplements. The present study aimed to estimate the vitamin D intake in Slovenia, to identify food groups that notably contribute to vitamin D intake, and to predict the effects of hypothetical mandatory milk fortification. This study was conducted using data collected by the national cross-sectional food consumption survey (SI.Menu) in adolescents (n = 468; 10–17 years), adults (n = 364; 18–64 years), and the elderly (n = 416; 65–74 years). Data collection was carried out between March 2017 and April 2018 using the EU Menu Methodology, which included two 24-h recalls, and a food propensity questionnaire. Very low vitamin D intakes were found; many did not even meet the threshold for very low vitamin D intake (2.5 µg/day). Mean daily vitamin D intake was 2.7, 2.9, and 2.5 µg in adolescents, adults, and the elderly, respectively. Daily energy intake was found to be a significant predictor of vitamin D intake in all population groups. In adolescents and adults, sex was also found to be a significant predictor, with higher vitamin D intake in males. The study results explained the previously reported high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Slovenia. An efficient policy approach is required to address the risk of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Associations of healthy food choices with gut microbiota profiles

ABSTRACTBackgroundDiet has a major influence on the human gut microbiota, which has been linked to health and disease. However, epidemiological studies on associations of a healthy diet with the microbiota utilizing a whole-diet approach are still scant.ObjectivesTo assess associations between healthy food choices and human gut microbiota composition, and to determine the strength of association with functional potential.MethodsThis population-based study sample consisted of 4930 participants (ages 25–74; 53% women) in the FINRISK 2002 study. Intakes of recommended foods were assessed using a food propensity questionnaire, and responses were transformed into healthy food choices (HFC) scores. Microbial diversity (alpha diversity) and compositional differences (beta diversity) and their associations with the HFC score and its components were assessed using linear regression. Multiple permutational multivariate ANOVAs were run from whole-metagenome shallow shotgun–sequenced samples. Associations between specific taxa and HFC were analyzed using linear regression. Functional associations were derived from Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes orthologies with linear regression models.ResultsBoth microbial alpha diversity (β/SD, 0.044; SE, 6.18 × 10−5; P = 2.21 × 10−3) and beta diversity (R2, 0.12; P ≤ 1.00 × 10−3) were associated with the HFC score. For alpha diversity, the strongest associations were observed for fiber-rich breads, poultry, fruits, and low-fat cheeses (all positive). For beta diversity, the most prominent associations were observed for vegetables, followed by berries and fruits. Genera with fiber-degrading and SCFA-producing capacities were positively associated with the HFC score. The HFC score was associated positively with functions such as SCFA metabolism and synthesis, and inversely with functions such as fatty acid biosynthesis and the sulfur relay system.ConclusionsOur results from a large, population-based survey confirm and extend findings of other, smaller-scale studies that plant- and fiber-rich dietary choices are associated with a more diverse and compositionally distinct microbiota, and with a greater potential to produce SCFAs.

Empirically Derived Dietary Patterns Using Robust Profile Clustering in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

Latent class models (LCMs) have been used in exploring dietary behaviors over a wide set of foods and beverages in a given population, but are prone to overgeneralize these habits in the presence of variation by subpopulations. This study aimed to highlight unique dietary consumption differences by both study site and ethnic background of Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States, that otherwise might be missed in a traditional LCM of the overall population. This was achieved using a new model-based clustering method, referred to as robust profile clustering (RPC). A total of 11,320 individuals aged 18-74 y from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (2008-2011) with complete diet data were classified into 9 subpopulations, defined by study site (Bronx, Chicago, Miami, San Diego) and ethnic background. At baseline, dietary intake was ascertained using a food propensity questionnaire. Dietary patterns were derived from 132 food groups using the RPC method to identify patterns of the general Hispanic/Latino population and those specific to an identified subpopulation. Dietary patterns derived from the RPC were compared to those identified from an LCM. The LCM identified 48 shared consumption behaviors of foods and beverages across the entire cohort, whereas significant consumption differences in subpopulations were identified in the RPC model for these same foods. Several foods were common within study site (e.g., chicken, orange juice, milk), ethnic background (e.g., papayas, plantain, coffee), or both (e.g., rice, tomatoes, seafood). Post hoc testing revealed an improved model fit in the RPC model [Deviance Information Criterion DICRPC=2.3 × 104, DICLCM =9.5 × 106]. Dietary pattern behaviors of Hispanics/Latinos in the United States tend to align by ethnic background for some foods and by location for other foods. Consideration of both factors is imperative to better understand their contributions to population health and developing targeted nutrition intervention studies.

Romanian national food consumption survey for adolescents, adults and elderly

CARF (“Ce Are Românul în Farfurie”) (“What the Romanians have in their Plate”) is the dietary survey carried out in Romania in order to collect food consumption data on representative samples of adolescents (356 subjects 10-17 years old), adults (740 subjects 18-64 years old), elderly (356 subjects 65-74 years old) and ad hoc samples of pregnant women (142 subjects) and vegetarians (266 subjects). The study began in 2015 and was completed in 2020. Data on food consumption for over 1500 individuals for adolescents, adults, elderly, vegetarians and pregnant women was collected and obtained by means of two 24-hour recall interviews covering two seasons and equally representing weekdays and weekends. The interview data was complemented by a Food Propensity Questionnaire in line with the EFSA “Guidance on the EU Menu Methodology”. The data will be included in the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database. The software used for the collection of data was the CARF software. The weight and height if the participants were self-reported. The participation rate was 72% (people who agreed to participate) and final response rate 59.6% (people who answered the second interview).The survey was funded through an EFSA procurement contract and included in the EU Menu Project. No major deviation from the EU Menu guidance or technical specifications was registered while implementing the survey.

The Finnish National Dietary Survey in Adults and Elderly (FinDiet 2017)

Based on the service contract OC/EFSA/DATA/2015/03 CT1, the FinDiet 2017 Survey in adults (18-64 years old) and elderly (65-74 years old) was carried out in compliance with the EU Menu methodology. Altogether 10305 subjects were originally invited to participate in the FinHealth Study and the dietary data was collected in a sub-sample of about 30% (n= 3099) between January-October 2017. Background questionnaires and a food propensity questionnaire were answered by the participants of the dietary survey. The weight and height were measured or self-reported. The dietary data was collected from two non-consecutive days by applying the open-ended 24-hour dietary recall method both as computer assisted face-to-face personal and telephone interview methods using the in-house developed software Finessi, which applies the National Food Composition Database Fineli®. The Finessi software was updated to cover the collection of mandatory FoodEx2 facet descriptor information.Of the eligible sample, 57% provided an acceptable first 24-hour recall interview. Eventually, both interviews were acceptably completed by 1655 participants (53% response rate). Several quality assurance protocols were put in place. The methodology was piloted in August-September 2016 and the protocols were finalized based on the results of the pilot study. A two-week training of the dietary interviewers took place prior to the main data collection. The quality assurance of the survey was based on detailed study protocols, regular meetings of the survey management and planning groups, careful training of the personnel, several quality checks during the data collection and careful cross-checking of the data collected. The extents of under-reporting among full participants were 21% (personal interview) and 18% (telephone interview), respectively.

Validation of a Food Propensity Questionnaire for the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) and Results on This Population's Adherence to Key Food-Group Nutritional Guidelines.

Background: Food propensity questionnaires (FPQs) are means of dietary assessment in nutritional epidemiology, which provide valuable information for long term intakes and food group consumption. These tools, however, may be subjected to misreporting and need to be validated against standard quantitative methods. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the qualitative FPQ developed to assess the dietary habits of the general population in Greece during the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) and to assess the population’s intake of specific food groups in relation to guidelines. Methods: Validation analysis was based on 3796 [1543 men (42.82%) and 2253 women (57.18%)] participants of the HNNHS in relation to two interviewer-administered 24 h recalls (24 hR). Participants were asked to report the frequency of their dietary intake, using the FPQ provided. Correlations and significance between methods were assessed via Spearman correlation and a Two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney) test, respectively. Agreement between the FPQ and the 24 hR was performed using the Bland–Altman test and differences between the FPQ’s shown intakes and the recommended intakes by the Dietary Guidelines for Greek Adults were calculated. Results: Medium to weak correlations, but statistically significant (p < 0.05), were observed for most food groups between 24 hR and the FPQ; medium for fruits, dairy products, drinks, and spirits (ranging from ρ = 0.371 to ρ = 0.461; highest for drinks and spirits) and weak for vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, starch foods, sweets, nuts, fats and oils, and fast food (ρ = 0.111 to ρ = 0.290; lowest for starch foods). A non-significant correlation was found for legumes (ρ = 0.070). The mean intake agreement (Bland–Altman analysis) between the FPQ and the 24 hR was 96.08% and ranged from 94.43 to 99.34% for the 14 food groups under examination. When food group intakes were compared to guidelines, results showed that the population’s dietary intake was below the guidelines for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and legumes. On the other hand, it was above the guidelines for most of the “unhealthy” food groups, in particular, fast food, sweets, drinks and spirits, red meat, and sweets. Conclusions: The specific FPQ provides valid information on major food groups and can be used to examine long term dietary patterns in nutritional studies. Ιn addition, dietary intakes of Greek adults are problematic and initiatives at the public health level are necessary.

Abstract P209: Sugar and Artificially-sweetened Beverages and 6-year Weight Change: Results From The Hispanic Community Health Study, Study of Latinos

Background: Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the largest contributor to added sugars and calories in the U.S. diet with highest intake among US Hispanics. The prevalence of obesity in adults in the US is much higher in Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites (47% and 38% respectively). Improving our understanding of the association between SSB and artificially sweetened beverage (ASB) consumption and measures of adiposity can inform interventions targeting overweight and obesity. Aim: Examine the independent associations of daily SSB and ASB consumption with 6-year changes in weight, waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) in Hispanics in the US. Methods: We examined 7402 adults without diabetes aged 18-74yrs at baseline (2008-11) from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), a multi-site community-based cohort in the US. Baseline exposures of daily SSB and ASB consumption were estimated combining two 24-hour dietary recalls and a Food Propensity Questionnaire using the NCI method to correct for measurement error and account for episodically consumed foods. Complex survey linear regression models were used to examine associations of SSBs and ASBs with 6-year change in weight (kg), WC (cm) and BMI. Models were adjusted for age, gender, center, background, education, employment, marital status, cigarette use, physical activity, healthy eating index, depressive symptoms, non-SSB sugar intake, years in the US and years between visits. Interactions of SSB and ASB with gender and years lived in the U.S. (US born, &gt;10yr, ≤10 yr) were assessed. Results: Overall, 3326 [male=49.7%] and 1244 [male=35.7%] reported daily intake of &gt;2 servings of SSBs and ASBs respectively whereas 2203 [male=26.1%] and 4318 [male=41.2%] reported daily intake &lt; 1 servings of SSBs and ASBs respectively. Daily energy intake (kcal) was higher among those with higher daily SSB consumption [means=14768 and 2008 kcals; &lt;1 serving and &gt;2 servings, respectively] and lower with higher ASB consumption (means=1836 and 1773 kcals; &lt;1 serving and &gt;2 servings, respectively). Daily sugar intake independent of SSBs was higher with daily consumption of both SSB and ASB (&lt;1 serving vs. 2 servings). Non-significant associations were found for daily SSB and ASB intake and changes in adiposity for all measures in males and females. Interaction between years in the U.S. and ASB consumption were significant only for change in weight and BMI [p&lt;0.05]. Among those consuming &lt;1 serving per day of ASBs, there was a larger mean change in weight and BMI for those who spent &lt; 10yr in the U.S. compared to U.S. born. Conclusion: In this diverse Hispanic cohort, 6-year changes in measures of adiposity are not associated with daily SSB or ASB consumption. Modification of the association of ASB and measures of adiposity by years in US suggests further exploration is needed to discern its relationship among Hispanics.

Diet quality and dental caries in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Fermentable carbohydrate is universally recognized as the major dietary risk factor for dental caries. We assessed the broader relationship between diet quality and dental caries in a diverse Latinx adult population. In a cross-sectional probability sample, 14,517 dentate men and women in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) received a dental examination and completed two 24-hours dietary recalls and a food propensity questionnaire. The 2010 Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) assessed diet quality and the National Cancer Institute method predicted usual intake of the 11 dietary components that comprise the AHEI. Dental caries experience was quantified using the decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) index. Covariates included sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics. Survey multivariable-adjusted linear regression models quantified the relationship of 2010 AHEI score, and its 11 components, with DMFS. In multivariable-adjusted models, each 10-unit increase in diet quality score was associated with 2.5 fewer (95% confidence interval: -3.4, -1.6) DMFS. The relationship was pronounced among foreign-born individuals, who comprised three-quarters of the sample, irrespective of their length of US residence, but was not apparent among U.S.-born individuals. Greater intake of sugar-sweetened beverage and fruit juice was positively associated with dental caries, whereas vegetables (excluding potatoes); whole grains; and omega-3 fats were inversely associated with dental caries, independent of covariates and the other dietary components (all P < 0.05). An association between diet quality and dental caries was restricted to foreign-born Latinix and was not limited to the adverse impact of sugar-sweetened drinks.

Acculturation and Food Intake Among Ghanaian Migrants in Europe: Findings From the RODAM Study

ObjectiveThis study examined the role of migration and acculturation in the diet of Ghanaian migrants in Europe by (1) comparing food intake of Ghanaian migrants in Europe with that of Ghanaians living in Ghana and (2) assessing the association between acculturation and food intake. DesignData from the cross-sectional multicenter study Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants were used. Food intake was assessed using a Ghana-specific food propensity questionnaire (134 items and 14 food groups); foods were grouped based on a model of dietary change proposed by Koctürk-Runefors. SettingGhana, London, Amsterdam, and Berlin. ParticipantsA total of 4,534 Ghanaian adults living in Ghana and Europe, with complete dietary data. Of these, 1,773 Ghanaian migrants had complete acculturation data. Main Outcome MeasureFood intake (the weighted intake frequency per week of food categories). AnalysisLinear regression. ResultsFood intake differed between Ghanaians living in Ghana and Europe. Among Ghanaian migrants in Europe, there were inconsistent and small associations between acculturation and food intake, except for ethnic identity, which was consistently associated with intake only of traditional staples. Conclusions and ImplicationsFindings indicate that migration is associated with dietary changes that cannot be fully explained by ethnic, cultural, and social acculturation. The study provides limited support to the differential changes in diet suggested by the Koctürk-Runefors’ model of dietary change.

Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Predicted 10-Year Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among Ghanaian Populations: the Research on Obesity and Diabetes in African Migrants (RODAM) Study

ABSTRACTBackgroundSub-Saharan African populations are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although diet is an important lifestyle factor associated with CVD, evidence on the relation between dietary patterns (DPs) and CVD risk among sub-Saharan African populations is limited.ObjectiveWe assessed the associations of DPs with estimated 10-y atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in Ghanaian adults in Ghana and Europe.MethodsThree DPs (‘mixed’; ‘rice, pasta, meat, and fish’; and ‘roots, tubers, and plantain’) were derived by principal component analysis (PCA) based on intake frequencies obtained by a self-administered Food Propensity Questionnaire in the multi-center, cross-sectional RODAM (Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants) study. The 10-y ASCVD risk was estimated using the Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) for 2976 subjects, aged 40–70 y; a risk score ≥7.5% was defined as ‘elevated’ ASCVD risk. The associations of DPs with 10-y ASCVD risk were determined using Poisson regression with robust variance.ResultsStronger adherence to a ‘mixed’ DP was associated with a lower predicted 10-y ASCVD in urban and rural Ghana and a higher 10-y ASCVD in Europe. The observed associations were attenuated after adjustment for possible confounders with the exception of urban Ghana (prevalence ratio [PR] for Quintile 5 compared with 1: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.93, P-trend = 0.013). The ‘rice, pasta, meat, and fish’ DP was inversely associated with 10-y ASCVD across all study sites, with the adjusted effect being significant only in urban Ghana. A ‘roots, tubers, and plantain’ DP was directly associated with increased 10-y ASCVD risk.ConclusionsAdherence to ‘mixed’ and ‘rice, pasta, meat, and fish’ DPs appears to reduce predicted 10-y ASCVD risk in adults in urban Ghana. Further investigations are needed to understand the underlying contextual-level mechanisms that influence dietary habits and to support context-specific dietary recommendations for CVD prevention among sub-Saharan African populations.

Consumption of whole grain food and its determinants in a general Italian population: Results from the INHES study

Background and aimsWhole grain (WG) food consumption is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurological diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the consumption of WG food and its major demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial and behavioral determinants in a general Italian population. Methods and resultsData were from the Italian Nutrition & Health Survey (INHES), a telephone-based survey established in 2010–2013 including 9422 participants aged ≥5 years from all over Italy. WG food intake was assessed by the European Food Propensity Questionnaire and included bread, pasta, breakfast cereals, biscuits and WG soups. WG consumption was categorized as none, occasional (<1 time/week) and regular (≥1 time/week). Overall, 26.9% of the sample reported a regular consumption of WG food (27.2% of adults aged 20–97 y, and 21.9% of children/adolescents aged 5–19 y). In both age-groups, the major food source contributing to total WG intake was WG bread followed by WG pasta. Among adults, greater consumption of WG was associated with healthier lifestyle (e.g. sport activity), and higher educational level. Eating meals outside of the house in adults, and spending >2 h/day watching TV in children/adolescents were inversely associated with WG intake. ConclusionsThe percentage of WG consumers in Italy in 2010–2013 appears to be quite low and still below that recorded in other countries of Europe where consumption is frequently over 50 percent. WG consumption is likely to be influenced by socioeconomic status and is associated with a number of psychosocial factors, meal patterns and eating-related behaviors.

Differences in alcohol consumption and drinking patterns in Ghanaians in Europe and Africa: The RODAM Study.

BackgroundLittle is known about alcohol consumption among Africans living in rural and urban Africa compared to African migrants in Europe. We compared the patterns of alcohol consumption in a group of Ghanaians living in different locations in Ghana and in Europe and examined the factors associated with drinking alcohol.MethodsData were from a cross-sectional study (RODAM) of Ghanaians aged 25–70 years living in rural and urban Ghana and in Amsterdam, Berlin and London. Information on how often participants consumed at least one standard alcoholic drink in the preceding 12 months, the type of alcoholic beverage and the average serving size was obtained using a food propensity questionnaire. The associations between drinking alcohol and socio-demographic variables, and frequency of attending religious services were investigated using logistic regression models stratified by site and sex. For Ghanaians living in Europe, the number of years since migration and acculturation were also included in the model as covariates.Results4280 participants (62.2% women) were included in the analyses. In both men and women, the prevalence of drinking and amount of alcohol consumed per day was highest in Berlin (prevalence of drinking 71.0% and 61.7%) and lowest in urban Ghana (41.4% and 26.8%). After adjustment for age and education in both men and women in Europe, those attending religious services less frequently reported higher levels of drinking alcohol than non-attendants (never attend/no religion compared to attending service at least once a week men OR 4.60 95% CI 2.85, 7.44; women OR 1.80 95% CI 1.12, 2.90) p-trend with frequency <0.001 in men; 0.002 in women); this association was seen also in men in rural Ghana (p-trend = 0.001) and women in urban Ghana (p-trend = 0.02). The prevalence of drinking was positively associated with years since migration in both men and women in Europe ((OR per years increase in time lived in Europe 1.25 (95% CI 1.02,1.53) test for trend p = 0.03 in women; OR 1.29 (95% CI 1.03, 1.62 p = 0.03 in men) but no association was found with self-reported measures of acculturation (ethnic identity, cultural orientation or social networks).ConclusionThere are marked differences in alcohol consumption between Ghanaians living in Europe and in Ghana suggesting migration has an important influence of drinking patterns and also suggesting the possibility of requiring different strategies in alcohol reduction campaigns among Ghanaians in different locations.

Socioeconomic and psychosocial determinants of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in a general adult Italian population.

To evaluate the adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) and its major socioeconomic and psychosocial determinants in a large sample of the Italian population, covering three main geographical areas of the Country (Southern, Central and Northern). Data were obtained from the Italian Nutrition & Health Survey (INHES), including a total of 7, 430 participants (age >20) recruited from all over Italy (2010-13). Dietary information was collected by the European Food Propensity Questionnaire. Adherence to MD was assessed by using the MedDietScore based on 11 food groups. Associations were tested by multivariable logistic regression analysis (Odds ratio [OR] with 95% CI). Adherence to MD was higher in Southern Italy as compared with the Northern (OR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.18-1.53), and was closely associated with adult age (OR= 2.40; 1.61-3.58 for those aged > 75 years as compared with 20-34 years) and higher educational level (OR = 1.77; 1.40-2.24 for post-secondary education as opposed to lowest educational attainment). Subjects reporting adverse life events and those with family-related stress were less likely to show an optimal adherence to MD (OR = 0.55; 0.46-0.67 and OR = 0.44; 0.28-0.69, for highest vs. lowest tertile, respectively) as compared with adequate controls. A number of eating behaviours were also inversely associated with MD, such as consuming higher amount of alcohol in the weekend than in week days. Adherence to MD is strongly determined by age, geographical area and educational level. Psychosocial factors and several eating behaviours are also closely associated.

National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey of the Portuguese General Population (2015-2016): Protocol for Design and Development.

BackgroundThe assessment of food consumption data using harmonized methodologies at the European level is fundamental to support the development of public policies. Portugal is one of the countries with the most outdated information on individual food consumption.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to describe the design and methodology of the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, 2015-2016, developed to collect national and regional data on dietary habits, physical activity (PA), and nutritional status, in a representative sample of the Portuguese general population (3 months-84 years).MethodsParticipants were selected by multistage sampling, using the National Heath Registry as the sampling frame. Data collection, during 12 months, was harmonized according to European guidelines (EU-MENU, European Food Safety Authority [EFSA]). Computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) was performed on a specific electronic platform synchronized with nutritional composition data and considering the FoodEx2 classification system. Dietary assessment was performed using 24-hour recalls (two nonconsecutive, 8-15 days apart) or food diaries in the case of children aged <10 years, complemented with a food propensity questionnaire; PA data (International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ], the Activity Choice Index [ACI], and 4-days PA diaries); sociodemographic data, and other health-related data were also collected.ResultsA sample of 6553 individuals completed the first interview, and 5811 participants completed two dietary assessments. The participation rate among eligible individuals was 33.38% (6553/19,635), considering the first interview, and 29.60% (5811/19,635) for the participants with two completed interviews (about 40% in children and adolescents and 20% in elderly individuals). Results of the survey will be disseminated in national and international scientific journals during 2018-2019.ConclusionsThe survey will assist policy planning and management of national and European health programs on the improvement of nutritional status and risk assessment related to food hazards, and the enhancement of PA. The infrastructures and data driven from this Survey are a solid basis to the development of a future national surveillance system on diet, PA, and other health behaviors reproducible over time.

Associations between explorative dietary patterns and serum lipid levels and their interactions with ApoA5 and ApoE haplotype in patients with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes

AimsIn patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), responsiveness of serum lipid concentrations to dietary patterns may vary by genotype. The aims of the present study were to identify explorative dietary patterns and to examine their independent associations with serum lipid levels and interactions with apolipoprotein (Apo)A5 and ApoE variants among patients recently diagnosed with T2D.MethodsWithin a cross-sectional analysis, participants of the German Diabetes Study (n = 348) with mean T2D duration of 6 months were investigated for fasting serum lipid levels, ApoA5 and ApoE genotypes; food consumption frequencies were assessed by a food propensity questionnaire. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR), which extracts patterns explaining variation in serum lipid concentrations.ResultsPCA yielded interpretable dietary patterns which were, however, not related to serum lipid levels. Relevance of the RRR patterns varied by genotype: a preferred consumption of fruit gum, fruit juice, and potato dumpling, whilst avoiding fruits and vegetables independently associated with higher triglyceride levels among ApoA5*2. Patients in the highest compared to the lowest tertile of pattern adherence had 99 % higher triglycerides. Lower consumption frequencies of butter, cream cake, French fries, or high-percentage alcoholic beverages were independently related to lower LDL-cholesterol among ApoE2 carriers, with those in the highest compared to the lowest tertile of pattern adherence having 40 % lower LDL-cholesterol (both Pinteraction < 0.05).ConclusionsOur explorative data analyses suggest that associations of dietary patterns with triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol differ by ApoA5 and ApoE haplotype in recently diagnosed T2D.Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01055093. Date of registration: January 22, 2010 (retrospectively registered). Date of enrolment of first participant to the trial: September 2005Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-016-0455-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Impact of Dietary Factors on Glycemic Control, Insulin Sensitivity and Secretion in the First Years after Diagnosis of Diabetes.

Dietary factors play an important role in the prevention of diabetes mellitus. We tested the hypothesis that dietary factors related to diabetes onset also associate with its progression, i. e., early time courses of insulin sensitivity and secretion in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In a prospective observational study, well-controlled recent-onset diabetes patients (n=127) underwent detailed metabolic characterization within the first year after diagnosis. A follow-up was conducted 2 years after the first examination. Insulin secretion and sensitivity were assessed by intravenous glucose tolerance testing. Baseline food consumption was analyzed by a food propensity questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess associations between consumption frequencies at baseline with metabolic changes during the first 2 years. Within the first 2 years, metabolic control did not change in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes on average. In type 1 diabetes, an increased consumption frequency of refined grains by one time/day at baseline associated with higher HbA1c by 0.60% (95% CI: 0.04; 1.16), P=0.04 after 2 years compared to baseline. In type 2 diabetes, an increased consumption frequency of meat/meat products by one time/day at baseline associated with lower beta-cell adaptation index (-7.25% (95% CI: -13.16; -0.93), P=0.03) after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and changes of BMI and glucose-lowering medication. Dietary factors associate with the initial course of diabetes. Reduced consumption of refined grains in type 1 diabetes and of meat products in type 2 diabetes may contribute to preservation of insulin secretion and sensitivity.

Food-group and nutrient-density intakes by Hispanic and Latino backgrounds in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

Hispanics are a heterogeneous group of individuals with a variation in dietary habits that is reflective of their cultural heritage and country of origin. It is important to identify differences in their dietary habits because it has been well established that nutrition contributes substantially to the burden of preventable diseases and early deaths in the United States. We estimated the distribution of usual intakes (of both food groups and nutrients) by Hispanic and Latino backgrounds by using National Cancer Institute methodology. The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos is a population-based cohort study that recruited participants who were 18-74 y of age from 4 US cities in 2008-2011 (Miami, Bronx, Chicago, and San Diego). Participants who provided at least one 24-h dietary recall and completed a food propensity questionnaire (n = 13,285) were included in the analyses. Results were adjusted for age, sex, field center, weekend, sequencing, and typical amount of intake. Overall, Cubans (n = 2128) had higher intakes of total energy, macronutrients (including all subtypes of fat), and alcohol than those of other groups. Mexicans (n = 5371) had higher intakes of vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Lowest intakes of total energy, macronutrients, folate, iron, and calcium were reported by Dominicans (n = 1217), whereas Puerto Ricans (n = 2176) had lowest intakes of vitamin C and fiber. Food-group servings reflected nutrient intakes, with Cubans having higher intakes of refined grains, vegetables, red meat, and fats and Dominicans having higher intakes of fruit and poultry, whereas Puerto Ricans had lowest intakes of fruit and vegetables. Central and South Americans (n = 1468 and 925, respectively) were characterized by being second in their reported intakes of fruit and poultry and the highest in fish intake in comparison with other groups. Variations in diet noted in this study, with additional analysis, may help explain diet-related differences in health outcomes observed in Hispanics and Latinos.

Biomarker-based evaluation of two 24-h recalls for comparing usual fish, fruit and vegetable intakes across European centers in the EFCOVAL Study

A standardized methodology is important to enable consistent monitoring of dietary intake across European countries. For this reason, we evaluated the comparability of the assessment of usual food intake collected with two non-consecutive computerized 24-h dietary recalls (24-HDRs) and a food propensity questionnaire (FPQ) among five European centers. Two 24-HDRs using EPIC-Soft (the software developed to conduct 24-HDRs in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study) were performed to determine fish, fruit and vegetable (FV) consumed by 600 adults in Belgium (BE), the Czech Republic (CZ), France (FR), the Netherlands (NL) and Norway (NO) in a validation study. An FPQ was used to identify non-consumers. Information from the 24-HDRs and FPQ were used to estimate individual usual food intake by the Multiple Source Method (MSM). Blood samples were drawn to determine fatty acids in phospholipids and serum carotenoids as biomarkers of fish, and FV intake, respectively. The pooled correlation between usual fish intake and eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid in phospholipids was 0.19 in men and 0.31 in women (P for heterogeneity >0.50) and center-specific correlations ranged between 0.08 (CZ) and 0.28 (BE and NO) in men, and between 0.19 (BE) and 0.55 (FR) in women. For usual FV intake, the pooled correlation with serum carotenoids was 0.31 in men and 0.40 in women (P for heterogeneity >0.10); the center-specific correlations varied between 0.07 (NO) and 0.52 (FR) in men, and between 0.25 (NL) and 0.45 (NO) in women. Two standardized 24-HDRs using EPIC-Soft and an FPQ appeared to be appropriate to rank individuals according to their fish and FV intake in a comparable way among five European centers.