Food Intake Frequency Research Articles

Associations Between Sociodemographic Factors and Adolescent Food Consumption During Independent Eating Occasions

ABSTRACT Associations were examined between sociodemographic characteristics of a US online survey sample of caregiver/adolescent dyads (n = 533) and food intake during independent eating occasions. Caregivers reported sociodemographic characteristics for dyads. Adolescents reported daily intake frequency of sugar-sweetened beverages, junk foods, sugary foods, fast food, and fruits and vegetables during independent eating occasions. Logistic regression analysis showed increased odds of sugar-sweetened beverage intake by White vs. Asian counterparts, decreased odds of sugary food intake by age (12 vs. 11-year-olds) and increased odds of sugary food intake by weight status (overweight/obesity vs. normal weight). Understanding these relationships may inform future intervention development.

Association of dietary patterns with blood lipid level among the older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China

Objective: To explore the impact of adherence to plant-based and animal-based dietary patterns on blood lipid level in Chinese older adults aged≥65. Methods: The study subjects were from the Chinese Longitudinal Health Biomarker Survey on Aging conducted between 2008 and 2018. The project carried out a baseline survey on elderly people in nine longevity areas of China from 2008 to 2009, and conducted 3 follow-up visits respectively in 2011-2012, 2014, and 2017-2018. The information about their demographic characteristics, lifestyles, physical examinations and fasting venous blood samples were collected. Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to collect data on food intake frequency. Priori plant-based and priori animal-based dietary patterns were constructed, and plant-based diet index (PDI) and animal-based diet index (ADI) were calculated in 2 011 older adults. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the associations of different dietary pattern indices with blood lipid level in older adults. Results: The average age of 2 011 subjects was (83.1±11.5) years, 52.8% (1 061) of them were women. The PDI and ADI [M (Q1, Q3)] were 41.0 (38.0, 45.0) and 43.0 (39.0, 46.0), respectively. After adjusting for covariates, the results of the linear mixed effects model analysis showed that for each increment of 10-unit in PDI, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels decreased by 0.097 (95%CI:-0.151--0.042) mmol/L and 0.078 (95%CI:-0.118--0.038) mmol/L, respectively. For each increment of 10-unit in ADI, TC and LDL-C levels increased by 0.096 (95%CI: 0.042-0.151) mmol/L and 0.078 (95%CI: 0.038-0.118) mmol/L, respectively. Conclusions: In Chinese older adults≥65 years, higher adherence to the plant-based dietary pattern may lead to reductions in TC and LDL-C levels, while higher adherence to the animal-based dietary pattern may lead to increases in TC and LDL-C levels.

Relationship Between Dietary Diversity, Eating Behavior, and Cognitive Performance in Economically Disadvantaged School Children

The effect of dietary diversity and eating behavior on attention, and concentration among lack-resources children is unclear. We aim to investigate the association between dietary diversity, eating behavior, and cognitive abilities among economically disadvantaged children at high risk of cognitive impairment. This study enrolled 676 children aged 10–12 years from 16 free academic tutoring centers across Taiwan. Demographic and dietary behavior data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Cognitive abilities, specifically attention and concentration, were assessed using the following validated tools: the Attention Test for Elementary School Children and the Concentration Questionnaire. Those who reported poor concentration and attention tend to have a higher prevalence of obesity. After adjustment for confounding variables by general linear model, a significant positive correlation was identified between dietary diversity score (DDS) and classroom concentration score (regression coefficient (β) = 0.24; p < 0.0001). Conversely, the frequency of unhealthy food intake exhibited a negative correlation with concentration (β: −0.09; p = 0.025). Moreover, a negative correlation was observed between the frequency of instant food intake and the attention (β: −0.08; p = 0.04) and concentration scores (β: −0.09; p = 0.026). Thus, enhancing dietary diversity and reducing unfavorable food intake may improve cognitive performance in socioeconomically disadvantaged children.

Predisposition to eating disorders in rural adolescents

Background. The issues of eating disorders among adolescents are currently becoming increasingly relevant. Eating disorders have an impact on a person’s mental and physical health. The aim. To identify the relationship between dietary habits and predisposition to eating disorders among rural schoolchildren.Materials and methods. The study involved 106 adolescents aged 14–17 living in rural areas of the Irkutsk region. The assessment of individual actual nutrition was assessed using the method of “Analysis of the frequency of food intake”. To assess the risk of eating disorders, an Eating Disorder Inventory was used.Results. The results of the study showed that eating disorders were detected both in boys and girls. Girls are less likely to consume meat and dairy products. Boys skipped breakfast more often. When analyzing correlations between scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory and the frequency of food consumption, a direct moderate relationship was revealed only in boys on the subscale “Drive for thinness” with rare consumption of chocolate and ice cream. Skipping breakfast for both boys and girls is associated with high scores on the subscales “Drive for thinness” and “Body dissatisfaction”, in addition, skipping dinners for girls is associated with the “Bulimia” subscale.Conclusion. The prerequisites for the formation of eating disorders have been identified in both boys and girls. Eating disorders among adolescents is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach from society, healthcare institutions, educators and parents.

Predicting Obesity via Deep Learning: The Role of Chrononutrition

Abstract Background Obesity is a significant public health challenge, prompting the need for assessing effective tools for its monitoring and prevention. Chrononutrition investigates the role of timing, regularity and frequency of food intake on body metabolism and health. Here we aim to check if data on the distribution of calorie intake in the day may improve BMI prediction as compared to using only data on total day intake. Methods We apply deep learning on chrononutritional data on calorie intake over 6 daily timeslots from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey sample of the Italian population (INRAN-SCAI 2005/2006) comprising 2313 Italian adults 18-64 ys old with 3 day diet diaries. In particular, we implemented three deep neural network models, varying network configurations and feature selection. The 1st includes 18 (6 for each day diary) chrononutritional variables and the 3 day total intakes, beside age and sex; the 2nd includes age, sex and the 18 chrononutritional variables only; the 3rd uses age, sex and the 3 day totals only. We applied Early Stopping to limit overfitting. Optimization was conducted using the Adam algorithm, minimizing the mean squared error (RMSE), while mean absolute error (MAE) was the primary performance indicator. Results The results highlight that Model 3 outperformed the other models with MAE=2.514 and RMSE=3.476, indicating that for the purpose of predicting obesity, information on the time-of-day distribution of calorie intake is not increasing predictive ability of BMI on top of age, sex and total calorie intake in the day. Conclusions Additional use of day-time intake information worsened prediction of BMI via deep learning using this cross sectional Italian survey. However the error made is still sizeable and warrants the inclusion of other variables; our results don’t rule out the role of chrononutrition on metabolic health which may act through other biological mechanisms related to specific nutrients. Key messages • Chrononutrition data don’t improve BMI prediction over total calorie intake data in a cross-setional representative sample of the Italian population. • Deep learning approach to BMI prediction shows the importance of targeted selection of features in public health nutrition.

The association of schooling, sibling life situation, and dietary habits with the estimated 24-h urinary salt excretion and sodium-to-potassium ratio in 3-year-old children

ABSTRACT Objectives We examined the association of schooling, sibling life situation, and dietary habits with the estimated 24-h urinary salt excretion and the urinary sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio in 3-year-old children. Methods The subjects were 639 children who underwent a health checkup in four cities and towns in Kyoto Prefecture from January to November 2019. The children’s parents answered questionnaires about weekday childcare places, the birth order, and the awareness of reducing the salt intake. The questions on food intake frequency included 10 items. The estimated 24-h salt excretion and Na/K ratio were calculated from the participants’ first voiding urine in the morning. Results Data were available for 294 children. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) of salt excretion (g/day) was 2.6 (1.7–3.4), and urinary Na/K ratio (mmol ratio) was 2.6 (1.6–4.1). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the group with older siblings was significantly associated with high salt (odds ratio 1.89 (95% confidence interval 1.04 to 3.46)). In the urinary Na/K ratio, the nursery group had a significantly lower Na/K (odds ratio 0.32 (0.17 to 0.60)). High processed meat products intake was associated with a higher Na/K (odds ratio 1.96 (1.05–3.66)), whereas high vegetable intake was associated with a lower Na/K (odds ratio 0.45 (0.23–0.87)). Other factors showed no significant associations. Conclusions In Japanese 3-year-old children, the estimated 24-h urinary salt excretion was associated with older siblings, and the urinary Na/K ratios were associated with schooling situation and the intake of processed meat products and vegetables.

Impact DASH System on Patients' Dietary Pattern after Recovery from Myocardial Infarction

Background: One of the top three causes of death and morbidity is cardiovascular disease Myocardial infarction is a clinical illness defined by quickly growing severe myocardial ischemia. It is the most frequent health problem in the world and the main cause of mortality. Objectives: The study aims to assess the dietary pattern of food intake frequency for patients with post- myocardial infarction. Patients &amp; Methods: The quasi-experimental design has been carried out to determine the impact of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension system on patients with post-myocardial infarction, in the Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital's cardiac outpatient clinic for the period from 17th April 2023 to 3rd May, 2024. Nonprobability (purposive) sample of (60) patients were selected who recovering from myocardial infarction at AL Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital. The study instrument comprised of (3) parts: part I: demographic details of the patient, which included seven items. Part II: Data on clinical characteristics, consisting of (3) items and Part III: Evaluation of diet frequency consisting of (8) items. Results: The study results showed that most of the food groups were (less than the Recommended Daily Servings) in pre-test, then became (Equal to the Recommended Daily Servings) in post-test in the study group. While most of the food groups were (Less than the Recommended Daily Servings) in pre-test and post-test in the control group. Also, there were statistically significant differences between the study and control groups in the post-test measurements regarding the evaluation of the dietary pattern of food intake frequency at (p. value &lt;0.05). Conclusions: The DASH system was effective in improving the dietary pattern of patients after recovery from myocardial infarction. And in assessing food intake frequency and the dietary pattern at p. value &lt;0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the study and the control group on the post-test measures.

Development of a predictive scoring system for vitamin D deficiency 'Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring (ViDDPreS)' based on the vitamin D status in young Japanese women: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common among young women and causes various health problems, including those that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. Thus, we investigated the risk factors for VDD in young Japanese women and developed a simple risk scoring system called Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring (ViDDPreS). A cross-sectional study, using the following factors for multivariate logistic regression analysis to create the ViDDPreS score: residential area, season, cumulative ambient ultraviolet-B irradiation, BMI, vitamin D supplement use, sun exposure habits, frequency of habitual food intake and eating habits. The subjects were randomly divided into development and test sets for analysis. Serum 25-hydroxivitamin D concentration of less than 20 ng/ml was defined as VDD. Four regions (Hokkaido/Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu/Kinki/Shikoku and Kyushu/Okinawa) in Japan. Five hundred and eighty-three healthy women aged 18-40 years. In the development set, the VDD group (68·4 %) had higher proportions of the following variables than the non-VDD group: residential area outside the Kanto region; blood samples obtained in winter; low BMI (<18·5 kg/m2); vitamin D supplement non-users; short time regularly spent outside on weekdays; intake of fish, vitamin D-abundant fish, dried fish and redfish less than once a week. VDD risk was classified as low, medium or high according to the ViDDPreS scores including these contributing factors, with a test set C-index of 0·671. We identified the risk factors for VDD in young Japanese women and developed a simple risk scoring system that enables us to assess VDD risk and aid in the development of appropriate prevention and treatment strategies for this population.

Motor impulsivity and spicy food craving: A mediation analysis of insula-based resting state functional connectivity.

In China, the rate of spicy food consumption is rising, and chili pepper is among the most popular spicy foods consumed nationwide. However, little effort has been made to understand the mechanism behind spicy food craving. This exploratory study aimed to investigate differences in insula-based resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) between spicy food cravers and non-cravers, and the association between rsFC, impulsivity and spicy food craving. A group of extreme cravers (n = 49) and a group of age- and sex-matched non-cravers (n = 46) completed a resting-state fMRI scan, during which participants were instructed to keep their eyes closed, to not think of anything in particular, and to remain awake. Participants completed the Spicy Food Craving Questionnaire, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Sensation Seeking Scale and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and rated the frequency of spicy food intake. Results revealed increased insula-occipital lobe resting-state functional connectivity in individuals with spicy food cravings, and the positive correlations between insula-middle occipital gyrus rsFC, impulsivity and spicy food craving. Specifically, the insula-middle occipital gyrus rsFC strength mediated the relationship between the motor impulsivity and spicy food craving. It is hoped that our exploratory findings may shed new insights into the neural mechanisms of spicy food craving and motivate further exploration of spicy food craving in diverse contexts and cultures.

Association of Dietary Patterns, Suspected Sarcopenia, and Frailty Syndrome among Older Adults in Poland-A Cross-Sectional Study.

The association of sarcopenia and frailty syndrome with dietary patterns is not yet well recognized. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association among dietary patterns, suspected sarcopenia, and frailty syndrome among older people in Poland. The study was conducted in 2022 and 2023 among people aged 55 and older. The sample was chosen arbitrarily. The following questionnaires were used in the study: the KomPAN (assessment of frequency of food intake and sociodemographic characteristics), the SARC-F (assessment of risk of sarcopenia), and the EFS (diagnosis of frailty syndrome). To confirm the suspicion of sarcopenia, muscle strength was assessed using the HGS and FTSST, and physical fitness was assessed using the GST. Based on the frequency of food consumption, 11 DPs (factors) were selected using PCA analysis. SARC-F, HGS, FTSST, and GST results were used to identify homogeneous groups (clusters) using cluster analysis, a k-means method. Two clusters were identified: cluster 1 (the non-sarcopenic cluster, or nSC) and cluster 2 (the sarcopenic cluster, or SC). Associations between variables were assessed using logistic regression. Suspected sarcopenia was found in 32.0% of respondents, more in men than women, and more among those either over 75 or 65 and under. EFS results showed that the risk (22.1%) or presence of frailty syndrome (23.8%) was more common in men than women and more common in those aged 75 and older than in other age groups. Male gender; older age; and unfavorable dietary patterns, i.e., consumption of white bread and bakery products, white rice and pasta, butter, and potatoes (factor 1) and cheese, cured meat, smoked sausages, and hot dogs (factor 9), increased the likelihood of sarcopenia and frailty syndrome, while the pattern associated with fruit and water consumption (factor 7) had the opposite effect. Confirmation of the importance of dietary patterns in the etiology and pathogenesis of sarcopenia and frailty syndrome should be documented in prospective cohort studies.

The association between appetite and eating behaviors among Chinese female university students

BackgroundYoung females are at a higher risk of developing unhealthy eating behaviors. This study investigated the relationship between appetitive traits and eating behaviors among female university students. MethodsThe study participants were 520 female university students from a public university in Eastern China. Appetitive traits were assessed using the Chinese version of the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (C-AEBQ). Data on eating behaviors, including food intake frequency, meal regularity, and dieting behavior, were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported data. Pearson's and Spearman's correlations were used to correlate appetitive traits with BMI and eating behaviors. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify different appetitive patterns, and logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between different appetitive patterns and eating behaviors. ResultsTwo food-approach traits (food enjoyment and emotional over-eating) were positively correlated with BMI, while two food-avoidance traits (slowness in eating and satiety responsiveness) showed negative correlations. Food responsiveness was linked to a higher intake of delivered food, spicy food, and sugar-sweetened beverages, whereas satiety responsiveness was correlated with more frequent meal skipping. The LPA identified four appetitive patterns: food approachers, food approachers with emotional under-eating, food avoiders, and food avoiders with emotional over-eating. Food avoiders had significantly lower BMI than the other groups. Compared to food approachers, food avoiders skipped breakfast more frequently, and food avoiders with emotional over-eating skipped both breakfast and lunch more often. After adjusting for BMI, appetitive patterns showed no significant relationship with dieting behavior. ConclusionAmong female university students, appetitive patterns correlated with eating behaviors, and students with food-avoidance patterns had a higher risk of meal irregularity. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing trait- and pattern-specific approaches to promote healthy eating behaviors among female university students.

Accelerometers-based position and time interval comparisons for predicting the behaviors of young bulls housed in a feedlot system

Animal behavior monitoring is an important tool for animal production. This behavior monitoring strategy can indicate the well-being and health of animals, which can lead to better productive performance. This study aimed to assess the most effective accelerometer attachment position (on either the halter or a neck collar) and data transmission time intervals (ranging from 6 to 600 s) for predicting behavioral patterns, including water and food intake frequencies, as well as other activities in young beef cattle bulls within a feedlot system. A range of machine learning algorithms were applied to satisfy the aims of the study, including the random forest, support vector machine, multilayer perceptron, and naive Bayes classifier algorithms. All studied models produced high performance metrics (above 0.90) when using both attachment positions, except for the models built using the naive Bayes classifier. Therefore, coupling accelerometers with collars is a more viable alternative for use on animals, as doing so is easier than applying accelerometers to halters. Utilizing a dataset with more observations (i.e., shorter time intervals) did not result in considerable improvements in the performance metrics of the trained models. Therefore, using datasets with fewer observations is more advantageous, as it can lead to decreased computational and temporal demands for model training, in addition to saving the battery of the device considered in this study.

Association between the Intake/Type of Cheese and Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Women in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study.

While many studies have described the association between cognitive decline and eating habits, little attention has been paid to its association with cheese intake. In this epidemiological study of 1035 community-dwelling women aged ≥ 65, we investigated the association between intake/type of cheese and cognitive function. The anthropometry, functional ability, and the frequency of food intake, including cheese, were assessed. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive function, and a score of 20-26 was operationally defined as mild cognitive decline. We found that the MMSE score was significantly different between the presence of cheese intake and not (cheese intake: 28.4 ± 1.9; non-cheese intake: 27.6 ± 2.4) and between those who consumed Camembert cheese and those who did not (Camembert cheese: 28.7 ± 1.4; others: 28.3 ± 2.0). After adjusting for confounders, multiple logistic regression identified four independent variables significantly associated with mild cognitive decline: Camembert cheese intake (odds ratio = 0.448, 95% confidence interval = 0.214-0.936), age, usual walking speed, and repetitive saliva swallowing test scores. Our results, while based on cross-sectional data from Japanese community-dwelling older women, identified the significant inverse association between Camembert cheese intake and mild cognitive decline.

The impact of eating alone on food intake and everyday eating routines: A cross-sectional study of community-living 70- to 75-year-olds in Sweden

BackgroundEating is fundamental not only to survival and health, but also to how humans organise their social lives. Eating together with others is often seen as the healthy ideal, while eating alone is highlighted as a risk factor for negative health outcomes, especially among older adults. This paper, therefore, investigates the relationship between the frequency and subjective experience of eating alone and food-related outcomes among 70- to 75-year-olds in Sweden.MethodsA survey was distributed to a nationally representative random sample of 1500 community-living in Sweden, aged 70–75 years. Two different constructs of eating alone (objective and subjective) were measured, along with the following food-related outcomes: a food index, intake of food groups, consumption of ready-made meals, number of main meals per day, and body mass index (BMI).ResultsIn total, 695 respondents were included in the final sample. A quarter of the respondents were categorised as eating alone, of which a small proportion reported that doing so bothered them. There were no associations between eating alone and food index scores, BMI, or intake frequencies of fruits and berries, or fish and shellfish. However, people eating alone were less likely to report eating three meals per day (OR: 0.53, CI: 0.37–0.76, p = 0.006), less likely to report higher intake frequencies of vegetables and snacks, sugary foods, and sweet drinks (adjusted OR: 0.68, CI: 0.48–0.95, p = 0.023 resp. OR: 0.59, CI: 0.43–0.81, p = 0.001), and more likely to report higher intake frequencies of ready-made meals (adjusted OR: 3.71, CI: 2.02–6.84, p < 0.001) compared to those eating together with others. The subjective experience of eating alone did not have an impact on food-related outcomes.ConclusionEating alone or with others played a role in participants’ food intake, and seemed to influence aspects of the organisation of everyday eating routines rather than overall dietary healthiness or weight status. Our findings add to the previous body of research on commensality, eating alone, and health among the older population, providing insights into the development of future health policies and research.

Coconut Milk Consumption and Breast Cancer Risk in Thai Women: A Case-Control Study

Coconut milk contains plant-based saturated fat and phytochemicals with antioxidant activities. However, its role in breast cancer risk remains unclear. A case-control study was conducted on 244 participants to study the association. The Case group includes 61 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients receiving < 6 months of therapies. The Control group includes 183 healthy people with matched characteristics. A new questionnaire was developed, validated, and used in this study to estimate the frequency of coconut milk-containing food intake. Results show that the questionnaire has satisfactory content validity, test-retest reliability, and criterion-related validity. From the case-control study, either consuming 1–3 or 4–6 times/week of coconut-milk-containing curry or consuming 4–6 times/week of coconut milk-topped desserts are associated with increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 5.23, 5.6, and 2.6 respectively, p < 0.01). Consuming less than half of coconut milk liquid in desserts correlated with a reduced risk (OR = 0.43, p < 0.05). The findings suggest that moderate (less than half of a serving) and infrequent (less than once a week) consumption of coconut milk may be beneficial for breast cancer prevention. A larger scale study is warranted to confirm the findings and provide evidence for dietary recommendations.

Ethnicity-based analysis of supragingival plaque composition and dental health behaviours in healthy subjects without caries

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to scrutinise the disparities in the diversity, structure, and function of the oral microbiome among caries-free children from the Zhuang and Han ethnic groups with a focus on the influence of ethnically distinct oral health behaviours on the composition of the oral microbiota. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted to assess oral health behaviours and dental plaque samples were collected from 96 Zhuang and Han children aged 4–5 years living in Guangxi, southern China for high-throughput sequencing. PCR amplification was performed for sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rDNA gene, and second-generation sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform to compare and analyse the diversity, structure and function of the microbiota. ResultsSingle-factor analysis revealed significant differences between the Zhuang and Han ethnic groups regarding juice consumption, the frequency of consuming sugar-sweetened food or beverages before bedtime, the age that individuals started toothbrushing, the frequency of toothbrushing and the frequency of parental assistance with toothbrushing (p < 0.001). The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, etc., and the dominant genera included Streptococcus and Neisseria. The dental plaques of the caries-free Zhuang and Han ethnic groups had similar core microbiomes, with no significant differences in the diversity and structure of the microbiota and no significant differences in the abundance of the dominant genera. In addition, no significant difference in metabolic function was observed between the Zhuang and Han ethnic groups. ConclusionThe core oral microbiota was consistent in caries-free Zhuang and Han children. Despite differences in dietary habits and oral hygiene behaviours between the Zhuang and Han ethnic groups, with a high frequency of sugary food intake but better oral health behaviours in the Zhuang group, there were no significant differences in the diversity, structure and function of the oral microbiota of caries-free children in the Zhuang and Han ethnic groups.

Increasing the frequency of plant-based food intake in daily diets reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease among elderly Chinese: a cohort study.

There is limited research on the relationship between the frequency of plant-based food intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among elderly Chinese. This study aims to evaluate the association between plant-based dietary index (PDI) and CVD risks, providing evidence for elderly Chinese to reduce CVD risks by increasing the frequency of plant-based food consumption. This study analyzed data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) 2011-2018, employing a multivariate modified Poisson regression model, trend tests, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis to assess the linear and non-linear relationship between the PDI and CVD risks. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to evaluate the robustness and population-specificity of the results. This study included a total of 1,414 elderly Chinese, and at the end of follow-up, 487 participants had developed CVD. The multivariate modified Poisson regression model revealed a negative association between PDI and CVD risks [RR = 0.983, 95%CI = (0.970, 0.997)]. Similarly, the multivariate trend test (p = 0.031) and RCS analysis (P for nonlinear = 0.600) indicated a linear relationship between PDI and CVD risks. Subgroup analyses showed that the relationship between PDI and CVD risk was not influenced by gender, BMI, smoking, alcohol use, or exercise. The PDI was negatively correlated with CVD risks, indicating that increasing the frequency of plant-based food intake in the diet may reduce CVD risks among elderly Chinese.

Reliability of a short diet and vitamin supplement questionnaire for retrospective collection of maternal nutrient intake

BackgroundGestational nutrition can protect against adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. ObjectivesWe developed a short tool for collecting maternal nutritional intake during pregnancy to facilitate research in this area and compared its retrospective use to prospectively-collected food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). MethodsMaternal nutritional intake was retrospectively assessed using three versions (full interview, full self-administered online, and shortened interview) of the Early Life Exposure Assessment Tool (ELEAT) among participants of the MARBLES pregnancy cohort study of younger siblings of autistic children. Retrospective responses were compared with responses to supplement questions and the validated 2005 Block FFQ prospectively collected in MARBLES during pregnancies 2–7 years prior. ELEAT nutrient values were calculated using reported food intake frequencies and nutrient values from the USDA nutrient database. Correlations between retrospectively- and prospectively-reported intake were evaluated using Kappa coefficients, Youden's J, and Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficients (rs). ResultsMARBLES FFQ dietary intakes were compared among 54 women who completed the ELEAT full form including 12 online, and among 23 who completed the ELEAT short form. Correlations across most foods were fair to moderate. Most ELEAT quantified nutrient values were moderately correlated (rs = 0.3–0.6) with those on the Block FFQ. Supplement questions in both MARBLES and the ELEAT were completed by 114 women. Kappas were moderate for whether or not supplements were taken, but modest for timing. Correlations varied by version and child diagnosis or concerns, and were higher when mothers completed the ELEAT when their child was 4 years old or younger. ConclusionsWith recall up to several years, ELEAT dietary and supplement module responses were modestly to moderately reliable and produced nutrient values moderately correlated with prospectively-collected measures. The ELEAT dietary and vitamin supplements modules can be used to rank participants in terms of intake of several nutrients relevant for neurodevelopment.

The role of dietary fats on cognition and sarcopenia in the elderly.

To elucidate the role of dietary fats on the relationship between mild cognitive impairment and sarcopenia and help identifying and preventing the decline of cognitive and muscle function in elderly individuals. The study conducted involving a group of 1812 individuals between the ages of 61 and 92. Body composition and BMR were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cognitive function and dietary nutrition were evaluated by neuropsychological assessments and questionnaire of food intake frequency. Lipidomics analysis was performed using UHPLC-Qtrap-MS/MS. MCI and SA are mutual influencing factors, lower intake of MUFA, PUFA and higher intake of fat was associated with cognitive dysfunction and/or SA (p < 0.05). PUFA was important for MCI combined with SA (Compared with Q1, Q4 OR: 0.176, 95%CI: 0.058,0.533). Lipidomics analysis revealed that triacylglycerol (TAG) contain more carbon chains with saturated double bonds may be closely related to cognitive impairment and the progression of SA (p < 0.05). While, DAG with carbon chains of unsaturated double bonds is opposite. Insufficient intake of unsaturated fatty acids was associated with the development of cognitive decline and the progression of SA. MUFA affecting muscle health, fats and PUFA has a greater impact on MCI combined with SA. Less MUFA intake and increasing saturated double-bonded fatty acid intake might be the key factors on promoting cognitive impairment and SA in the elderly. They have the potential to serve as prospective biomarkers indicating a higher risk of cognitive decline and/or SA in the elderly population.

A healthy habitual score for dietary intake is associated with primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent school girls

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological complaints among adolescent and young females in their reproductive age that affects their daily activities and social life. Nutritional habits are considered as risk factor for primary dysmenorrhea. ‘Thus the aim of our study was to assess the relation between healthy habits score for dietary intake and prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: The present study was conducted on 432 adolescent school girls (218 girls with nil to mild dysmenorrhea and 214 girls with moderate to severe dysmenorrhea). Healthy habitual scores (HHS) was calculated from 5 modifiable dietary intake habits considering high risk habit as ‘0’ and low risk habit as ‘1’ giving a composite score ranging from 0 to 5. We classified the healthy life style score into three category: 0-2 as low; 3 as medium and 4-5 as high. Correlation between HHS and its components with incident of primary dysmenorrhea were evaluated. HHS and risk of primary dysmenorrhea were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. The significance level of the all the tests were considered at a level of 0.05. Results: Significant correlation was obtained between incident of primary dysmenorrhea and all tested habits. Magnitude of correlation was higher for HHS than individual habit. Among tested habitual factors sugar intake, skipping breakfast and frequency of junk food intake was positively correlated where as negative correlation was obtained between primary dysmenorrhea and dietary intake of vit-E and calcium. Considering low HHS as reference group odd ratio significantly low in medium and high HHS groups. Thus risk of primary dysmenorrhea was more among adolescent girls those led unhealthy dietary habits like take more sugar, frequently take junk foods and skipping breakfast and take vit-E and calcium below recommended amount. Conclusion: Avoiding of Junk food, skipping breakfast and intaking of vit-E and calcium as per recommended amount and restricting sugar intake is recommended as a healthy dietary habit to minimize the risk of primary dysmenorrhea.