Intake Of Green Leafy Vegetables Research Articles

Associations of vegetable and potato intakes with markers of type 2 diabetes risk in the AusDiab cohort.

The associations of vegetable and potato intakes with type 2 diabetes (T2D) appear to be nuanced, depending on vegetable types and preparation method, respectively. We investigated the associations of total vegetable, vegetable subgroup, and potato intakes with 1) markers of T2D at baseline and 2) incident T2D cumulative over a 12-year follow-up period in Australian adults. Using data from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study, intakes of vegetables and potatoes were assessed via a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Associations between vegetable intake and 1) fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour post load plasma glucose (PLG), updated homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA2-%β), HOMA2 of insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S), and fasting insulin levels at baseline and 2) cumulative incident T2D at the end of 12-year follow-up were examined using generalized linear and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively. In total, 8,009 participants were included having median age of 52 years, and vegetable intake of 132 g/day. Higher intake of total vegetable, green leafy, yellow/orange/red, and moderate intakes of cruciferous vegetables was associated with lower PLG. Additionally, higher green leafy vegetable intake was associated with lower HOMA2-%β and serum insulin. Conversely, higher potato fries/chips intakes were associated with higher FPG, HOMA2-%β, serum insulin, and lower HOMA2-%S. Participants with moderate cruciferous vegetables intake had a 25% lower risk of T2D at the end of 12 years follow-up. A higher intake of vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, may improve while consuming potato fries/chips, but not potatoes prepared in a healthy way, may worsen glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Our findings suggest a nuanced relationship between vegetable subgroups and their impact on glucose tolerance.

Development of a diet quality score and adherence to the Swiss dietary recommendations for vegans

BackgroundVegan diets have recently gained popularity in Switzerland as well as globally. The aim of the present study was to develop a diet quality score for vegans (DQS-V) based on the Swiss dietary recommendations for vegans.MethodsThe dataset included 52 healthy vegan adults. Dietary intake data were assessed by three-day weighed food records. Body weight and height were measured, and a venous blood sample for the analysis of vitamin and mineral status was collected. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used due to not-normally distributed data. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis (PCA).ResultsThe DQS-V score (mean ± SD) was 48.9 ± 14.7. Most vegans adhered to the recommended portions of vegetables, vitamin C-rich vegetables, fruits, omega-3-rich nuts, fats and oils, and iodized salt. However, the intake of green leafy vegetables, vitamin C-rich fruits, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds, selenium-rich nuts, zero caloric liquid, and calcium-fortified foods was suboptimal. The sample overconsumed sweet-, salty-, fried foods, and alcohol. The DQS-V had a significantly positive correlation with intakes of fibre, polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus intakes (p’s < 0.05) but was negatively correlated with vitamin B12 and niacin intakes (p’s < 0.05). Two dietary patterns were derived from PCA: 1) refined grains and sweets and 2) wholegrains and nuts. The correlation between the DQS-V and the first dietary pattern was negative (− 0.41, p = 0.004) and positive for the second dietary pattern (0.37, p = 0.01). The refined grains and sweets dietary pattern was inversely correlated with beta-carotene status (− 0.41, p = 0.004) and vitamin C status (r = − 0.51, p = 0.0002).ConclusionThe newly developed DQS-V provides a single score for estimating diet quality among vegan adults. Further validation studies examining the DQS-V in relation to an independent dietary assessment method and to biomarkers of nutritional intake and status are still needed before the general application of the DQS-V.

Study of sociodemographic factors associated with anemia during pregnancy at a university hospital in India

Background: Between 25% and 50% of pregnant women and almost half of nonpregnant women suffer from anemia, a common health problem, especially in developing and poor countries. Anemia is one of the most common diseases in women during pregnancy. Aim: Of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women, its morphological characterization, and associated sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 290 pregnant women from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The demographic data of the participants (age, place of residence, religion, education, employment status, type of housing, socioeconomic status, and source of drinking water) were collected. A general and physical examination was performed. They were assessed for anemia and its severity. Statistical Analysis: The Chi-square test, independent-samples t-test, and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 290 pregnant women aged 18–38 years were included in the study. A total of 161 individuals (55.5%) were diagnosed with anemia. The prevalence and severity of anemia largely correlated with maternal age (&lt;20 years or &gt; 30 years), lower body mass index, higher education level, employment status, medication use, and lack of iron supplementation. Employment status, Kachcha residence, lower intake of nonvegetarian diet, lower intake of green leafy vegetables, nonuse of oral contraceptives in the past 3 months, and iron supplementation were found to be significantly associated with anemia severity. Conclusions: A high prevalence of anemia during pregnancy was found in this community. Higher prevalence and severity of anemia were closely related to increasing maternal age, low socioeconomic position, and lack of iron supplementation.

Consumption Pattern of Wild Edible Green Leafy Vegetables Found in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

This study investigated the consumption pattern of wild edible green leafy vegetables found in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State using a descriptive survey research design. The sample size for this study was two hundred and eleven (211) respondents. A four-likert scale structured questionnaire containing twenty-four (24) items was used for data collection. Data were analysed using mean scores and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that ”Yarin,” “Worowo,” “Gbure,” and “Ebolo" are major wild edible green leafy vegetables found in the study area, and their consumption is quite low. The finding showed that wild edible green leafy vegetables have benefits such as alleviating malnutrition at no cost and can be a good source of income. The findings also showed that urbanisation's preference for cultivated vegetables over wild edible green leafy vegetables, as well as uncultured ideas like ignorance and poverty and well-researched information about cultivated leafy vegetables, are among the factors influencing the intake of wild edible green leafy vegetables. The findings of this study asserted that wild edible green leafy vegetables, when compared with cultivated ones, can alleviate malnutrition, prevent micronutrient deficiency, and equally serve as a source of income at little or no cost. Therefore, it was recommended that there is a need to explore, analyse, and document that wild green edible leafy vegetables are nutritious, health-promoting, and easy to cultivate, and bring out substantial yields even under difficult climatic and edaphic conditions.

Food preferences and periodontal status of adults assisted by a public health care system.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food choices and periodontal health status (PHS) in adults who receive care through a public health system. We evaluated food preferences and periodontal status in a sample of 442 individuals with at least eight natural teeth. We employed the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess food choices and the Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) instrument to evaluate periodontal health status during clinical appointments. Fisher's discriminant analysis was used to differentiate the participants according to PHS severity within three age-ranges (18-39; 40-59 and > 60 years-old). The results showed that the prevalence of overweight/obesity was high in all age groups (above 65%), and BMI increased with age, accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases. A lower preference for natural foods and a higher intake of processed and ultra-processed foods, along with a high waist circumference and diabetes, were associated with a poorer periodontal health status. In the 18-39 age group, a lower waist circumference was associated with healthier periodontal status. In the 40-59 age group, a worse periodontal status resulted from a higher frequency of diabetes, lower intake of green leafy vegetables, olive oil, and fruit, and higher intake of industrialized juice. Conversely, a healthier periodontal status was associated with a lower frequency of diabetes and higher intake of fruit and vegetables. In the > 60age group, the worst periodontal status was associated with male sex. Overall, the study highlights the possible beneficial role of a healthy diet in maintaining periodontal health, particularly for those who receive care through a public health system.

Diet in Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: Is There An Association?A Hospital Based Matched Case Control Study

Introduction: Preeclampsia has been rated amongst leading causes of feto-maternal morbidity and mortality but its etiology still remains not very clear.&#x0D; Aims &amp; Objectives: To study the association of intake of certain food items with preeclampsia.&#x0D; Place and duration of study: This was a matched case-control study, carried out in tertiary care hospitals of Lahore during February 2019 to March 2020.&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: One hunded and thirty-two subjects were recruited based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Matching was done for age, gestational period, parity, education status, and income status. Information on consumption of various food items was recorded on food frequency questionnaire and results were analyzed to determine risk of developing preeclampsia by computing Odds Ratio. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 20., p value ? 0.05 was taken as significant.&#x0D; Results: Milk, meat and fruits consumption in study group did not show statistically significant association with preeclampsia (OR 0.51, 0.69, 1.75 and p-value=0.194, 0.211, 0.114 respectively), while consumption of green leafy vegetables shows statistically significant difference between Cases and Control. Higher risk of developing preeclampsia was seen in Cases with deficient intake of green leafy vegetables than in Controls with regular intake (Odds ratio=3.51 and p-value=0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Deficient consumption of green leafy vegetables is associated with higher risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women.

Dietary patterns and their association with cardiovascular risk factors in Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

To identify the dietary patterns and their association with cardiovascular risk factors among adult people in urban and rural areas of Wolaita, southern Ethiopia. A total of 2,483 participants aged 25-64 years were selected using a three-stage random sampling. Data for this study were collected using structured questionnaires, the previous 24-h dietary intake assessment, anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemical measurements. We used factor analysis to identify dietary patterns. Factors associated with dietary patterns were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. The adjusted regression coefficients with their 95% CI were used to ascertain the association. We identified three major dietary patterns that explained 51% of the variance in food consumption. The western dietary pattern was characterized by the consumption of meat/organ meat, biscuits/sweets, chicken stew, pasta-macaroni recipes, butter, white wheat bread, egg recipe, and Ethiopian dish shiro-wet, and was positively associated with urban residence, obesity, hypertension, blood glucose, and total cholesterol levels. Adherence to the consumption of tubers, whole-grain maize products, coffee leaves-and-herbs beverage, legumes, and sweet potatoes featured the traditional dietary pattern. The traditional dietary pattern showed a positive relationship with rural residence, physical activity, and obesity, and it had a negative relationship with hypertension. The healthy dietary pattern was characterized by the intake of green leafy vegetables, green pepper, and whole-grain maize products, and negatively related to obesity, and hypertension, while positively related to urban residence. The coexistence of western, traditional, and healthy dietary patterns in the present study indicates the transition to a new dietary pattern in the study area. All dietary patterns were associated with one or more cardiovascular risk factors, but the western dietary pattern was associated with most of these, while the traditional diet showed fewer such associations. Therefore, it might be useful to promote healthy and traditional dietary patterns along with physical activity. Interventions related to the current findings, if initiated early in life, may benefit the public in preventing cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and type 2-diabetes.

Association of Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay and Mediterranean Diets With Alzheimer Disease Pathology.

Diet may reduce Alzheimer dementia risk and slow cognitive decline, but the understanding of the relevant neuropathologic mechanisms remains limited. The association of dietary patterns with Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology has been suggested using neuroimaging biomarkers. This study examined the association of Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) and Mediterranean dietary patterns with β-amyloid load, phosphorylated tau tangles, and global AD pathology in postmortem brain tissue of older adults. Autopsied participants of the Rush Memory and Aging Project with complete dietary information (collected through a validated food frequency questionnaire) and AD pathology data (β-amyloid load, phosphorylated tau tangles, and global AD pathology [summarized neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic and diffuse plaques]) were included in this study. Linear regression models controlled for age at death, sex, education, APOE-ε4 status, and total calories were used to investigate the dietary patterns (MIND and Mediterranean diets) and dietary components associated with AD pathology. Further effect modification was tested for APOE-ε4 status and sex. Among our study participants (N = 581, age at death: 91.0 ± 6.3 years; mean age at first dietary assessment: 84.2 ± 5.8 years; 73% female; 6.8 ± 3.9 years of follow-up), dietary patterns were associated with lower global AD pathology (MIND: β = -0.022, p = 0.034, standardized β = -2.0; Mediterranean: β = -0.007, p = 0.039, standardized β = -2.3) and specifically less β-amyloid load (MIND: β = -0.068, p = 0.050, standardized β = -2.0; Mediterranean: β = -0.040, p = 0.004, standardized β = -2.9). The findings persisted when further adjusted for physical activity, smoking, and vascular disease burden. The associations were also retained when participants with mild cognitive impairment or dementia at the baseline dietary assessment were excluded. Those in the highest tertile of green leafy vegetables intake had less global AD pathology when compared with those in the lowest tertile (tertile 3 vs tertile 1: β = -0.115, p = 0.0038). The MIND and Mediterranean diets are associated with less postmortem AD pathology, primarily β-amyloid load. Among dietary components, higher green leafy vegetable intake was associated with less AD pathology.

Nutritional Status of School Children and Efficacy of Awareness Intervention in Their Nutritional Knowledge – A Prospective Experimental Trial

Malnutrition is a severe health problem that impacts young children's development and growth. An accurate measure of a child's health is their nutritional state. Malnutrition affects a child's ability to grow physically and mentally, weakens their immune system, and makes them more susceptible to infection. By 2030, one billion school-aged children will have developmental delays in their physical and mental health due to malnutrition, primarily undernutrition, which already affects more than 200 million children of school age. On the other hand, stronger immunity, better health, and increased productivity are all benefits of proper nutrition. The study's main aim was to assess the nutritional status of school-going children belong Puducherry. The purposive sampling technique was done after the purposive sampling method. The 8-Interview schedule was administered to the selected 30 samples of middle school-going children in Puducherry. After a preliminary inquiry, an interactive awareness session was conducted. This program was conducted by the same team, which is well-versed in doing the same.Regarding the frequency and percentage of nutrition status, among middle school students, a majority (57 percent) of the 30 students interviewed suffered from underweight and cold intolerance. Forty-three percent of people were anemic, tired, have diffuse hyperpigmentation, and loss of appetite. Regarding other problems, 37 percent claimed to have lost their sense of taste. Twenty-five percent of students had an adequate intake of cereals, but the variety in cereal ingestion was rare. According to the analysis of the dietary assessment. 40 % of samples only had a good intake of pulses, 83 % had a poor intake of vegetables and green leafy vegetables, and most of the students were taking only less quantity of milk, nuts, fruits, egg, fish, and meat probably because they belong to a low economic category and a lack of awareness. On analyzing the type of exercise the selected samples did, frequent cycling (40 %), walking (17%), and a paltry 10 % participated in the sport. After the awareness session, the students gained adequate knowledge about nutritional status. Keywords: ,,,,,,

Vegetable, but Not Potato, Intake Is Associated With a Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health Cohort.

To examine the relationship between intake of vegetables/potatoes and incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) and explore whether the relationship between vegetable intake and incident T2D is mediated by baseline BMI. Cross-sectional associations between exposure (baseline intake of total vegetables, vegetable subgroups, and potatoes) and baseline BMI were assessed by multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. Associations between exposure and incident T2D were examined by multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Mediation by BMI was quantified through exploration of natural direct and indirect effects. Among 54,793 participants in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort, 7,695 cases of T2D were recorded during a median follow-up of 16.3 years. Participants in the highest total vegetable intake quintile (median 319 g/day) had a 0.35 kg/m2 (95% CI -0.46, -0.24) lower BMI and a 21% (95% CI 16, 26%) lower risk of incident T2D after multivariable adjustment compared with those in the lowest quintile (median 67 g/day). Baseline BMI mediated ∼21% of the association between vegetable intake and incident T2D. Participants in the highest compared with the lowest (median 256 vs. 52 g/day) potato intake quintile had a 9% (95% CI 2, 16%) higher risk of T2D after multivariable adjustment, with no association found after accounting for underlying dietary pattern. Of the vegetable subclasses, higher intake of green leafy and cruciferous vegetables was associated with a statistically significantly lower risk of T2D. The findings provide evidence that a higher vegetable, but not potato, intake might help mitigate T2D risk, partly by reducing BMI.

MIND diet lowers risk of open-angle glaucoma: the Rotterdam Study

PurposeTo assess the association between the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and the incidence of open-angle glaucoma (iOAG), as well as the association between iOAG and two other well-established diets in the Netherlands, i.e., the Mediterranean diet and Dutch dietary guidelines.MethodsIn the Rotterdam Study, participants were followed for iOAG since 1991, with intervals of approximately 5 years. A total of 170 participants developed iOAG during follow-up. Participants with iOAG were matched with healthy controls on age and sex in a case:control ratio of 1:5. The associations between food frequency questionnaire-derived diet adherences (baseline) and iOAG were analyzed using multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses. The associations between the diet adherences and intraocular pressure (IOP; a risk factor for OAG) were assessed using multivariable linear regression analyses.ResultsGreater adherence to the MIND diet was associated with a decreased iOAG risk (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.80 [0.66 to 0.96], for each 10-percent increase in adherence). Food component analyses showed that, in particular a higher intake of green leafy vegetables, berries and fish tended to be protective for iOAG. No significant associations were observed between adherence to the Mediterranean diet or Dutch dietary guidelines and iOAG. Moreover, none of the three examined diets were associated with IOP.ConclusionAdherence to the MIND diet was significantly associated with a lower incidence of OAG in contrast to adherence to the Mediterranean diet or the Dutch dietary guidelines. As this association was IOP-independent, the MIND diet may be particularly relevant for the prevention of neurodegeneration in the eye.

Impact of Lockdown on Physical Activity, Sleep and Eating Habits in Central India

Context: India, in its strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, imposed a nation-wide lockdown. Social restriction measures, when imposed legally, could change behavioural patterns among population groups. The changes in key behavioural patterns including exercise, sleep and eating habits are influenced during lockdown &amp; can have implications on health of individual for a long duration.&#x0D; Aim: To assess the effect of lockdown on physical activity, sleep and eating habits among adults in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India&#x0D; Settings and Design: A web-based cross-sectional survey&#x0D; Methods and Material: After obtaining ethics clearance, the was conducted among volunteers ≥18 years of age in Nagpur district. A self-reported retrospective pre-post questionnaire was disseminated through multiple platforms as an online survey form. A modified Global Physical activity questionnaire was used to assess level of physical activity. Sleep pattern was assessed using selected components of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Diet pattern was assessed by using food frequency questionnaire for specific food groups.&#x0D; Statistical analysis used:. Most of the quantitative parameters followed a non-normal distribution. The Wilcoxon Signed-rank test, McNemar's test and a binomial test were used to study difference between quantitative parameters, paired proportions and difference in proportions respectively using SPSS v 24.0.&#x0D; Results: A total of 586 responses were received through the online survey. The prevalence of physical inactivity increased from 47.6 % to 51.3% during the lockdown. The change in physical activity pattern from adequate to inadequate was 63% less likely compared to the converse (OR (95%CI) – 0.37 (0.18 -0.74)).The increase in sleep latency was at least 9 (OR (95%CI) = 9.33 (5.73 - 15.19)) times more likely during lockdown compared to a reduction. There was a significant increase in frequency intake of Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and fried foods during lockdown. But there was a significant decline in intake of eggs and non-vegetarian foods during lockdown.&#x0D; Conclusions: The levels of physical inactivity and duration of sleep latency increased during lockdown in central India. Leafy vegetables and fresh fruits were preferred over non-vegetarian foods. The impact of these behavioural changes needs to be further explored.

A study on prevalence and risk factors associated with anaemia among school going adolescent girls in Chargawan block of Gorakhpur district

Background: Adolescent anaemia is most common nutritional problem affecting the reproductive period, pregnancy and childbirth. Although there are several epidemiological studies to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with anaemia among adolescent girls in India, but limited data regarding the prevalence and risk factors associated with anaemia in adolescent girls of Eastern Uttar Pradesh (UP) is available. To estimate the prevalence of anaemia among school going adolescent girls in Chargawan block of Gorakhpur district of UP and to study specific factors like sociodemographic factors, dietary factors and menstrual factors.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the government higher secondary schools of Chargawan block, district Gorakhpur, UP. A total of 430 adolescent females (10-19 years old) were included in this study. The study took place from September 2019 to August 2020. In most of cases Chi-square test was applied as test of significance for comparing. Microsoft excel 2010 and statistical calculator has been used for statistical calculation.Results: The prevalence of anaemia found from this study was 61.39%. The statistically significant risk factors associated with anaemia were age, nuclear family, low socio-economic status, high intake of junk food; low intake of green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit, no iron folic acid intake and menorrhagia.Conclusions: A high prevalence of anaemia among adolescent females was found, which was higher in nuclear family, low socio economic strata; girls who were consuming less citrus fruits, less green leafy vegetables, more junk food and not taking any iron folic acid (IFA) supplement.

Dark Green Leafy Vegetable Intake, MTHFR Genotype, and Risk of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Evidence suggests that consumption of dark green leafy vegetables may influence the decrease in the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Dark green leafy vegetables contain folate as a main component among other nutrients; thus, we hypothesised that their possible observed protective effect on SCC, observed in previous studies, would be more evident in persons with specific genotypes related to folate metabolism. Methods: Genotyping of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variants rs1801133 (C677T) and rs1801131 (A1298C) was carried out for 1,128 participants in an Australian community-based longitudinal study of skin cancer. Dietary intakes were assessed through repeated Food Frequency Questionnaires (1992–1996), and all incident skin cancers were recorded in 1992–2007 and histologically confirmed. We assessed associations between intake of dark green leafy vegetables and SCC development in strata defined by genotype, by calculating relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using generalised linear models with negative binomial distribution and person-years of follow-up as offset. Results: High versus low intake of dark green leafy vegetables was associated with a lower risk of SCC tumours in carriers of the C677T variant allele (RR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.23–0.75), and within wild-type A1298C homozygotes (RR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.22–0.85). Conclusion: The protective effect of dark green leafy vegetables on cutaneous SCC may be genotype-dependent. Folate metabolism-related gene polymorphisms should be considered when assessing the relation of green leafy vegetables to cancer risk.

Effectiveness of a Non-pharmacological Intervention to Control Diabetes Mellitus in a Primary Care Setting in Kerala: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Despite being the first Indian state with a dedicated Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) program, glycemic control among a large proportion of patients is low in Kerala. This study tries to find evidence for a standardized non-pharmacological strategy delivered through Junior Public Health Nurses (JPHNs) in achieving and maintaining glycemic control among diabetic patients registered with NCD clinics of primary health care settings.Design: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among adult patients with Diabetes Mellitus attending NCD clinics of primary care settings of South Kerala, India. JPHNs of the intervention group received additional module-based training while standard management continued in the control group. Sequence generation was done by random permuted blocks method and a cluster of 12 patients was selected from each of the 11 settings by computer-generated random numbers. Patients were followed up for 6 months with monthly monitoring of Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Post-Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS), blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), and health-related behaviors. Knowledge and skills/practice of JPHNs were also evaluated. Analysis of Covariance was done to study the final outcome adjusting for the baseline values and a model for glycemic control was predicted using multilevel modeling.Results: We analyzed 72 participants in the intervention group and 60 participants in the control group according to the intention-to-treat principle. The intervention was associated with a significant reduction in FBS (p < 0.001) and PPBS (p < 0.001) adjusting for the baseline values. The achievement of glycemic control was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.05–2.3) times better with intervention and they showed a better trend of maintenance of glycemic control (FBS, p = 0.003 and PPBS, p = 0.039). Adjusting for clustering and the baseline values, the intervention showed a significant effect on FBS (B = −3.1, SE = 0.57; p < 0.001) and PPBS (B = −0.81, SE = 0.3; p < 0.001) with time. Drug adherence score (p < 0.001), hours of physical activity (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.002), fruit intake (p = 0.004), and green leafy vegetable intake (p = 0.01) were the major predictors of FBS control. The practice/skills score of the JPHNs significantly improved with intervention (p < 0.001) adjusting for baseline values.Conclusion: A well-designed health worker intervention package incorporated into the existing health system can translate into attitude change and skill development in the health workers which can reflect in the improvement of glycemic control among the patients.Trial registration: [URL: http://www.ctri.nic.in], identifier [CTRI/2017/11/010622].

Changes in the Global Diet Quality Score, Weight, and Waist Circumference in Mexican Women

BackgroundEvidence on concurrent changes in overall diet quality and weight and waist circumference in women of reproductive age from low- and middle-income countries is limited. ObjectiveWe examined the associations of changes in the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and each GDQS food group with concurrent weight and waist circumference change in Mexican women. MethodsWe followed prospectively 8967 nonpregnant nonlactating women aged 25–49 y in the Mexican Teachers’ Cohort between 2006 and 2008. We assessed diet using an FFQ of the previous year and anthropometric measures were self-reported. Regression models were used to examine 2-y changes in the GDQS and each food group (servings/d) with weight and waist circumference changes within the same period, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors. ResultsCompared with those with little change in the GDQS (−2 to 2 points), women with the largest increase in the GDQS (>5 points) had less weight (β: −0.81 kg/2 y; 95% CI: −1.11, −0.51 kg/2 y) and waist circumference gain (β: −1.05 cm/2 y; 95% CI: −1.62, −0.48 cm/2 y); likewise, women with the largest decrease in the GDQS (<−5 points) had more weight (β: 0.36 kg/2 y; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.66 kg/2 y) and waist circumference gain (β: 0.71 cm/2 y; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.32 cm/2 y). Increased intake of dark green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, deep orange vegetables, citrus fruits, and fish and shellfish was associated with less weight gain. In addition, deep orange vegetables, low fat and high fat dairy, whole grains, and fish were associated with less waist circumference gain within the 2-y period. ConclusionsImprovements in diet quality over a 2-y period reflected by an increase in the GDQS and changes in consumption of specific components of the GDQS were associated with less weight and waist circumference gain in Mexican women.

The nutritional status of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients compared to that of healthy people: a Turkish hospital-based study

ABSTRACT Objective This study compares the nutritional status and physical activity levels of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and healthy people. Method The study included 120 participants: 60 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 60 controls. RRMS diagnoses were made based on the 2017 McDonald criteria. The food intake frequency questionnaire was administered to the participants, their threeday food intake records were collected, their activity levels were determined, and anthropometric measurements were made. The differences between the groups were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and Pearson's exact chi-squared test. Results The participants with MS (46.7%) had a significantly lower rate of shopping for their own food compared to the control group (68.3%) (p = 0.002). The MS group (3.3%) had a lower rate of intake of green leafy vegetables 5 times weekly or more frequently than the control group (20.0%) (p < 0.05); and the control group (35.0%) had a higher consumption rate of pastry more than 1 to 2 times monthly than the MS group (13.3%) (p < 0.05). The participants with MS had a higher intake of fiber, insoluble fiber, and omega 3 fatty acid than the control group (p < 0.05). Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores indicates that a positive correlation was found between daily intake of fiber and insoluble fiber (p < 0.05). The patients with MS in the inactive group had a higher EDSS median [2.00(0.00 –5.00)] than the minimal active group [1.25(0.00 –4.00)] (p = 0.034). Conclusion With the increase in disability in MS patients, their physical activity levels decrease and it becomes difficult for them to shop on their own. In addition, the consumption frequency of green leafy vegetables, which take time to prepare and a source of fiber, is also decreasing. It has been shown that fiber intake decreases when the disability increase. Therefore, preventing the progression of disability in MS patients is very important in ensuring diversity in food consumption.

Green leafy vegetable and lutein intake and multiple health outcomes

Green leafy vegetables (GLVs) are a key element of healthy eating patterns and are an important source of lutein. To clarify the evidence for associations between GLVs and lutein intake and multiple health outcomes, we performed a review. A total of 24 meta-analyses with 29 health outcomes were identified by eligibility criteria. Dose-response analyses revealed that, per 100 g/d GLV intake was associated with a decreased risk (ca. 25%) of all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease and stroke. Beneficial effects of GLV intake were found for cardiovascular disease and bladder and oral cancer. Dietary lutein intake was inversely associated with age-related macular degeneration, age-related cataracts, coronary heart disease, stroke, oesophageal cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, metabolic syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Caution was warranted for contamination with potentially pathogenic organisms, specifically Escherichia coli. GLV consumption and lutein intake therein are generally safe and beneficial for multiple health outcomes in humans.

Does a high intake of green leafy vegetables protect from NAFLD? Evidence from a large population study

Background and aimsResults of in vitro and in vivo studies showed that green leafy vegetables (GLV) could attenuate liver steatosis. However, little is known regarding the association between GLV intake and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in human. We examined the association of GLV intake with NAFLD in a large-scale adult population. Methods and resultsThis cross-sectional study investigated 26,891 adults in China who participated in health examinations from 2013 to 2017. Newly diagnosed NAFLD was detected by liver ultrasonography. Dietary intake was assessed by using a validated and standardized food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across categories of GLV intake. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and other dietary intakes, the OR (95% CI) for comparing the highest vs. lowest GLV intake categories (≥7 times/week vs. almost never) was 0.72 (0.59, 0.90) (P < 0.0001). In addition, a linear inverse association was demonstrated between GLV intake and NAFLD in women (P for trend = 0.04), but ORs for any intake category did not reach significance. Stratified analyses suggested a potential effect modification by obesity status; the ORs (95% CIs) for comparing the highest vs. lowest GLV intake categories was 0.72 (0.54, 0.97) in normal/overweight individuals and 1.04 (0.65, 1.65) in obese individuals (P-interaction < 0.0001). ConclusionThis large population-based study shows that high GLV intake is inversely associated with NAFLD, particularly in women and non-obese participants.

Prevalence and correlates of anemia among women in the reproductive age (15-49 years) in a rural area of Tamil Nadu: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND:Anemia is a major public health problem among reproductive-aged women in India. Despite many programs implemented for decades to fight anemia, still the prevalence of anemia is high because its associated factors vary among different regions. This exploratory study was carried out to find the prevalence of anemia and factors influencing it among nonpregnant reproductive-aged women (15–49 years) in a rural area of Coimbatore.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study was conducted in the field practice area of Rural Health Training Centre, PSG IMSR, Coimbatore, during March 2016 to August 2016. Participants were recruited by two-staged random sampling method and 426 participants were enrolled. A predesigned semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data pertaining to the factors influencing the prevalence of anemia, and their hemoglobin level was measured using a hemoglobin photometer. The data were analyzed using SPSS-24. (IBM Corporation, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) Univariate analysis was done using Chi-square test and the strength of association was estimated by odds ratio. Those factors which were found to be significant by univariate analysis were further subjected to multivariate logistic regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:The prevalence of anemia was estimated as 64.8% (95% confidence interval: 60%–69%). Significant predictors for anemia among the study participants were less frequent intake of green leafy vegetables (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.65, confidence interval [CI]: 2.17–6.12), low socioeconomic status (AOR = 3.36, CI: 1.93–5.84), illiteracy (AOR = 3.09, CI: 1.09–5.24), birth spacing <2 years (AOR = 2.49, CI: 1.19–5.25), excessive menstrual bleeding (AOR = 2.27, CI: 1.09–4.76), and inadequate knowledge regarding anemia (AOR = 2.03, CI: 1.19–3.44).CONCLUSION:Anemia is still prevalent in high magnitude in reproductive-aged women, and measures to prevent and control it are not optimum. Hence, its multifactorial determinants have to be addressed to alleviate its burden.