High Milk Consumption Research Articles

Dietary patterns and breast cancer risk among women in northern Tanzania: a case-control study.

BackgroundBreast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. It was tested within a case–control study in this region whether a specific dietary pattern impacts on the breast cancer risk.MethodsA validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intake of 115 female breast cancer patients and 230 healthy age-matched women living in the same districts. A logistic regression was performed to estimate breast cancer risk. Dietary patterns were obtained using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation.ResultsThe adjusted logistic regression estimated an increased risk for a “Fatty Diet”, characterized by a higher consumption of milk, vegetable oils and fats, butter, lard and red meat (OR = 1.42, 95 % CI 1.08–1.87; P = 0.01), and for a “Fruity Diet”, characterized by a higher consumption of fish, mango, papaya, avocado and watery fruits (OR = 1.61, 95 % CI 1.14–2.28; P = 0.01). Both diets showed an inverse association with the ratio between polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids (P/S ratio).ConclusionA diet characterized by a low P/S ratio seems to be more important for the development of breast cancer than total fat intake.

Enfermedad de Parkinson y enfermedad de Alzheimer: factores de riesgo ambientales

IntroductionThe purpose of this review is to update and summarise available evidence on environmental risk factors that have been associated with risk of Parkinson disease (PD) or Alzheimer disease (AD) and discuss their potential mechanisms. DevelopmentEvidence consistently suggests that a higher risk of PD is associated with pesticides and that a higher risk of AD is associated with pesticides, hypertension and high cholesterol levels in middle age, hyperhomocysteinaemia, smoking, traumatic brain injury and depression. There is weak evidence suggesting that higher risk of PD is associated with high milk consumption in men, high iron intake, chronic anaemia and traumatic brain injury. Weak evidence also suggests that a higher risk of AD is associated with high aluminium intake through drinking water, excessive exposure to electromagnetic fields from electrical grids, DM and hyperinsulinaemia, obesity in middle age, excessive alcohol consumption and chronic anaemia. Evidence consistently suggests that a lower risk of PD is associated with hyperuricaemia, tobacco and coffee use, while a lower risk of AD is associated with moderate alcohol consumption, physical exercise, perimenopausal hormone replacement therapy and good cognitive reserve. Weak evidence suggests that lower risk of PD is associated with increased vitamin E intake, alcohol, tea, NSAIDs, and vigorous physical exercise, and that lower risk of AD is associated with the Mediterranean diet, coffee and habitual NSAID consumption. ConclusionsSeveral environmental factors contribute significantly to risk of PD and AD. Some may already be active in the early stages of life, and some may interact with other genetic factors. Population-based strategies to modify such factors could potentially result in fewer cases of PD or AD.

DIETARY PREDICTORS OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI SEROPREVALENCE IN MEXICAN ADULT POPULATION

Background and Aims: H. pylori (Hp) infection is the main etiological factor for gastritis and peptic ulcer. Prevalence of infection is one of highest around the world, and it varies in different societies and geographical locations. This variability is attributed to factors such as socioeconomic status, life style, family density and other factors such as eating habits. However, factors influencing the risk of acquisition of Hp infection are not well established. The objective of this study was to identify the dietary predictors of Hp seroprevalence in adult Mexican population. Methods: From January 2002 to December 2004 a cross-sectional study was carried out in Mexico City. A total of 349 ambulatory patients were recruited from 7 tertiary hospitals. From each participant, who had not received any previous anti-Hp treatment, Hp strains were isolated from an antral and corpus biopsy. Food and nutrients intake was estimated by a food frequency questionnaire. Results: A significant reduction in Hp seroprevalence was observed among those who reported high vs low consumption of milk (OR=0.52, 95%CI:0.31-0.89), Oaxaca cheese (OR=0.44, 95%CI:0.26-0.76), and olive oil (OR=0.49, 95%CI:0.28-0.83), adjusted respectively by age, gender and crowding during childhood. Moreover, we can observed a significant protective effect between high vs low intake of calcium (OR=0.49, 95%CI:0.29-0.85) and fatty acids including butyric acid (OR=0.48, 95%CI:0.25-0.93), caproic acid (OR=0.55, 95%CI:0.32-0.94), capric acid (OR=0.57, 95%CI:0.33-0.98), and lauric acid (OR=0.49, 95%CI:0.29-0.85). Inversely, a significant increase in Hp seroprevalence was observed between high vs low consumption of pork stew (OR=1.72, 95%CI:1.01-2.93), cauliflower (OR=1.83, 95%CI:1.07-2.93), broccoli (OR=1.73, 95%CI:1.01-2.95) and Tomato salsa (OR=1.86, 95%CI:1.09-3.18) Conclusions: This study suggests that consumption of fatty acids and dairy products may have a protective effect against H pylori infection. Additional analytical studies are needed to determine whether consumption of fatty acids and dairy food products can prevent H pylori infection.

Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Health of Women: The Nutrition Transition in Rural Tanzania

Many developing countries are experiencing a rapid nutrition transition in urban areas. To investigate whether a nutrition transition was occurring in a rural area by examining the dietary patterns of women in rural Tanzania. A total of 252 women aged 16 to 45 years from three districts of northeastern and central Tanzania participated. During three different seasons in 2006-2007, the women were interviewed with the use of a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, including a 24-hour dietary recall. From these recalls, the mean intakes of 12 main food groups were calculated and used to establish five dietary patterns by principal component analysis. Data were also obtained on attitudes toward obesity, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin level, and measures of socioeconomic status and analyzed for associations with dietary patterns. The five dietary patterns were "traditional-coast," characterized by fruits, nuts, starchy plants, and fish; "traditional-inland," characterized by cereals, oils and fats, and vegetables; "purchase," characterized by bread and cakes (usually fried in oil), sugar, and black tea; "pulses," characterized mainly by pulses, with few or no vegetables; and "animal products," characterized by a high consumption of meat, eggs, and/or milk. Significant positive associations were found, among others, between the purchase pattern and BMI (p = 0.192, p = .005) and between the animal products pattern and wealth (p = 0.168, p = .002). Differences between traditional and modern nutritional food patterns were evident. This study found the"traditional-inland" pattern to be the most healthy, while the "purchase" food pattern was the most prevalent. The purchase pattern, in particular, may provide some evidence for early stages of the nutrition transition in rural Tanzania.

Maternal cow’s milk consumption during pregnancy is inversely associated with the risk of cow’s milk allergy (CMA) in the offspring in a prospective birth cohort study

simultaneously. Even taking into account the age of introduction of cow's milk in the infant diet, high maternal milk consumption during pregnancy remained inversely associated with CMA in the offspring (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.38-0.92). When stratified according to maternal allergic rhinitis and asthma, only children of non-allergic mothers seemed to benefit from high maternal cow's milk consumption during pregnancy (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.13-0.69). In children of allergic mothers, cow's milk consumption was neither risk nor a protective factor. Conclusion High maternal consumption of cow's milk products dur- ing pregnancy may protect children from developing CMA, more so than maternal consumption during lacta- tion. This association is evident only in children of non- allergic mothers. These results support data from animal studies on possible enhancement of tolerance already in utero.

Influence of body mass index on breast cancer risk related dietary patterns among women in Northern Tanzania: a case-control study

Einleitung/Hintergrund: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Studies in industrialised countries identified age at menarche, age at first full-term pregnancy, lactation and a high Body Mass Index as determining factors in the aetiology of breast cancer. Daten und Methoden: 115 female breast cancer patients (cases) and 230 age- and district-matched women clinically free from breast cancer (controls) were interviewed about their reproductive history and socioeconomic condition. Semi-structured interviews including anthropometric measurements were conducted by trained enumerators. A validated Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intake. The logistic risk model included women's age, socioeconomic situation, age at menarche, age at first child, BMI, lifelong lactation and two sets of dietary patterns. The dietary patterns were obtained using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. Ergebnisse: The adjusted logistic regression estimated an increased risk for a „Fatty Diet“, characterized by a higher consumption of milk, vegetable oils and fats, butter, lard, and red meat (OR=1.42, 95% CI 1.08–1.87; P=0.01), and for a „Fruity Diet“ characterized by a higher consumption of fish, mango, papaya, avocado, and watery fruits (OR=1.61, 95% CI 1.14–2.28; P=0.01). Both diets showed an inverse association with the ratio between polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids (P/S-ratio). After stratification into the body mass index groups <24kg/m2, 24–26kg/m2 and >26kg/m2 a risk association of any dietary pattern could only be confirmed for the Fatty Diet among women with a body mass index above 26kg/m2 (OR=1.69, 95% CI 1.01–2.82; P=0.05). Diskussion/Schlussfolgerungen: A diet with a low P/S ratio seems to be more important for the development of breast cancer than total fat intake. However, this risk association can be considered affirmed among women with a body mass index above 26kg/m2 only.

Dairy Products in the Food Chain: Their Impact on Health

Milk is a complex and complete food containing an array of essential nutrients that contribute toward a healthy, balanced diet. Numerous epidemiological studies have revealed that high consumption of milk and dairy products may have protective effects against coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, diabetes, certain cancers (such as colorectal and bladder cancers), and dementia, although the mechanisms of action are unclear. Despite this epidemiological evidence, milk fatty acid profiles often lead to a negative perception of milk and dairy products. However, altering the fatty acid profile of milk by changing the dairy cow diet is a successful strategy, and intervention studies have shown that this approach may lead to further benefits of milk/dairy consumption. Overall, evidence suggests individuals who consume a greater amount of milk and dairy products have a slightly better health advantage than those who do not consume milk and dairy products.

Protein supplementation in strength and conditioning adepts: knowledge, dietary behavior and practice in Palermo, Italy

BackgroundIt is known that supplement use is a widespread and accepted practice by athletes and people who attend commercial gyms. Little is known about protein supplement amongst people undertaking strength training in commercial gyms in Italy when compared to the US.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the use of protein supplementation, alone or in association with other supplements, and dietary behavior amongst regular fitness center attendees in Palermo, Italy.DesignResistance training information have been collected from 800 regular fitness center attendees for the initial analysis. A specific questionnaire was generated for the experimentation. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview method. Supplement users were then compared to the non users and analyzed using a one-way ANOVA, Kruskall-Wallis, chi-square test or exact test of Fisher when appropriate.Results30.1% of the respondents use dietary supplements during their training as a believe it is the "way to gain muscles and strength". Whey protein shakes (50.0%) mixed with creatine and amino-acids (48.3%) were the most frequent choices amongst the users. A majority of the subjects (34.0%) appeared to rely on their gym instructors' advice for their intake; a lower proportion (13.0%) consulted physicians, while none of them consulted nutritionists. A high consumption of milk has been noticed in both users (67,7%) and non-users (52,8%); supplement non-users consumed significantly more snacks and bakery products than users per week (P < 0.001), while users consumed significantly more protein-rich foods (P < 0.01) with a particular preference for meat (48.0%).ConclusionsA considerable number of regular strength training adepts consume protein supplements mixed with other products (mainly creatine and amino-acids). Limited numbers consult "dietary specialists" and rely mainly on their instructors. We emphasize on the importance of the dissemination of scientifically based information about supplementation in this environment and the promotion of updated educational programs for the instructors.

Long-term dietary patterns and carotid artery intima media thickness: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

A whole-diet approach has proven useful for characterising dietary exposure in cardiovascular epidemiology research. In our previous analyses, we found dietary patterns to be significant determinants of CVD risk factor levels among the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns cohort. We investigated the associations of major dietary patterns with carotid intima media thickness (IMT), a subclinical predictor of CVD, in healthy adults. The Young Finns Study is an ongoing, prospective cohort study with a 21-year follow-up to date. The subjects were children and adolescents at baseline in 1980 (aged 3-18 years), and all had reached adulthood by the latest follow-up in 2001 (aged 24-39 years). Complete dietary data from the years 1980, 1986 and 2001 and outcome data from the year 2001 were obtained from 785 subjects. The long-term average pattern score for a traditional dietary pattern (characterised by high consumption of rye, potatoes, butter, sausages, milk and coffee) was associated with IMT especially among subjects with a low score for the health-conscious dietary pattern (characterised by high consumption of vegetables, legumes and nuts, rye, tea, cheese and other dairy products). In multivariable regression analyses using long-term pattern scores as predictors, the traditional dietary pattern was independently associated with IMT in men (P < 0.01), but not in women (P = 0.66). Long-term adherence to traditional food choices seems to increase the risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis among Finnish men.

Risk factors for small for gestational age infants

There are many established risk factors for babies who are small for gestational age (SGA) by population birth weight centiles (usually defined as <10th centile). The confirmed maternal risk factors include short stature, low weight, Indian or Asian ethnicity, nulliparity, mother born SGA, cigarette smoking and cocaine use. Maternal medical history of: chronic hypertension, renal disease, anti-phospholipid syndrome and malaria are associated with increased SGA. Risk factors developing in pregnancy include heavy bleeding in early pregnancy, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension. A short or very long inter-pregnancy interval, previous SGA infant or previous stillbirth are also risk factors. Paternal factors including changed paternity, short stature and father born SGA also contribute. Factors associated with reduced risk of SGA or increased birth weight include high maternal milk consumption and high intakes of green leafy vegetables and fruit. Future studies need to investigate risk factors for babies SGA by customised centiles as these babies have greater morbidity and mortality than babies defined as SGA by population centiles.

High-Milk Supplementation with Healthy Diet Counseling Does not Affect Weight Loss but Ameliorates Insulin Action Compared with Low-Milk Supplementation in Overweight Children1–3

Milk consumption has decreased in children over the past years. This may play a role in the prevalence of pediatric obesity, because clinical studies have found a beneficial effect of milk consumption for weight management. The objectives of this study were to test whether high-milk consumption leads to greater weight loss and improvements in metabolic risk factors than low milk consumption during a 16-wk healthy eating diet. Overweight children aged 8–10 y were randomized to either high (4 × 236 mL/d) or low (1 × 236 mL/d) milk consumption. Children were provided dietary counseling on healthy eating at baseline and at wk 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12. Serum glucose, insulin, and lipids were measured in fasting children at baseline and wk 8 and 16. An oral glucose tolerance test and body composition assessment by magnetic resonance imaging were conducted at baseline and endpoint. Body weight changes during the16-wk study not differ between the high-milk (1.3 ± 0.3 kg) and low-milk (1.1 ± 0.3 kg) groups. There was no beverage × week interaction on any of the body composition and metabolic variables studied (blood pressure, serum lipids, glucose, and insulin). There was a beverage × week interaction (P = 0.044) on insulin area under the curve showing a trend toward reduced insulin output with a glucose challenge after high-milk consumption (P = 0.062). These data suggest that in overweight children, high-milk consumption in conjunction with a healthy diet does not lead to greater weight loss but may ameliorate insulin action compared with low-milk consumption.

Association between dietary patterns and overweight/obesity in Mexican school children

ObjectiveTo identify dietary patterns and to evaluate their association with overweight/obesity (OW/OB) in Mexican school children.MethodsDietary patterns were defined by k‐means cluster analysis based on a 7 day semi‐quantitative FFQ from 8252 children (5 to 11 y old) from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (2006). Weight and height were measured and OW/OB prevalence was estimated with BMI. A logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of dietary pattern with OW/OB adjusting by age, dwelling (rural or urban) and survey design. After logistic regression analysis, the estimation of prevalence ratio was estimated.ResultsFive dietary patterns were identified: pattern 1 (high consumption of sweet cereals), pattern 2 (high consumption of tortillas), pattern 3 (high consumption of sweet beverages, meat and candies) pattern 4 (high consumption of sweet beverage, snacks, fat), and pattern 5 (high consumption of milk and candies). The global prevalence of OW/OB in children was 25.5%. Pattern 4 was associated with more risk of OW/OB (PR=1.35, p&lt;0.01). Patterns 1, 3, and 5 showed trend to increase the risk of OW/OB, but no significant differences were showed.ConclusionsA dietary pattern with high consumption of sweet beverages, snacks and fat was associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity in Mexican school children.

Impact of molecularly defined hypolactasia, self-perceived milk intolerance and milk consumption on bone mineral density in a population sample in Northern Europe

Objective. Milk intake as a source of calcium is considered an important factor for bone mineral metabolism. Low lactase activity in adult-type hypolactasia (HL) and self-perceived lactose intolerance (LI) are the main limiting factors of milk intake. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of HL, LI, individual milk consumption and bone mineral density in a population with high milk consumption and a prevalent vitamin D deficiency. Material and methods. A population-based study of 367 men and women aged 25–70 years was conducted in Estonia. HL was diagnosed by direct sequencing of the LCT gene, bone mineral density and body composition measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). An original health questionnaire was used to collect data on milk and dairy consumption, self-perceived milk intolerance, supplement usage and fracture history. Results. Lactase genotype and phenotype had no effect on bone mineral density in this high milk consumption population with a prevalent vitamin D insufficiency. Milk consumption was a significant determinant of bone mineral density in Estonia. Self-perceived milk intolerance leads to self-imposed reductions in milk consumption, increases in bone turnover and an increased risk of fracture. Conclusions. Self-perceived milk-intolerance rather than HL influences milk consumption and has deleterious effects on bone metabolism.

The Survival Advantage of Milk and Dairy Consumption: an Overview of Evidence from Cohort Studies of Vascular Diseases, Diabetes and Cancer

Objectives: To conduct a detailed evaluation, with meta-analyses, of the published evidence on milk and dairy consumption and the incidence of vascular diseases and diabetes. Also to summarise the evidence on milk and dairy consumption and cancer reported by the World Cancer Research Fund and then to consider the relevance of milk and dairy consumption to survival in the UK, a typical Western community. Finally, published evidence on relationships with whole milk and fat-reduced milks was examined.Methods: Prospective cohort studies of vascular disease and diabetes with baseline data on milk or dairy consumption and a relevant disease outcome were identified by searching MEDLINE, and reference lists in the relevant published reports. Meta-analyses of relationships in these reports were conducted. The likely effect of milk and dairy consumption on survival was then considered, taking into account the results of published overviews of relationships of these foods with cancer.Results: From meta-analysis of 15 studies the relative risk of stroke and/or heart disease in subjects with high milk or dairy consumption was 0.84 (95% CI 0.76, 0.93) and 0.79 (0.75, 0.82) respectively, relative to the risk in those with low consumption. Four studies reported incident diabetes as an outcome, and the relative risk in the subjects with the highest intake of milk or diary foods was 0.92 (0.86, 0.97).Conclusions: Set against the proportion of total deaths attributable to the life-threatening diseases in the UK, vascular disease, diabetes and cancer, the results of meta-analyses provide evidence of an overall survival advantage from the consumption of milk and dairy foods.

Correlates of soft drink and fruit juice consumption among Swedish adolescents.

The aim of the study was to investigate how soft drink and fruit juice consumption in teenagers is associated with life-style, other food choices, eating behaviour and maternal characteristics. A cross-sectional study of 16-year-old girls (n 275) and boys (n 199) and their mothers was undertaken. Questionnaires were used to assess habitual dietary intake, eating behaviour, physical activity, smoking and educational level. Weight and height were measured. It was found that eating breakfast less than five times per week was independently associated with a high soft drink consumption in both girls and boys. A low intake of cooked meals and milk and a high intake of salty snacks were associated with soft drinks in boys only, and a low intake of fruits in girls only. A high maternal juice intake, low milk and high fruit consumption were independent correlates of fruit juice intake in both girls and boys. In girls, being a smoker, having a smoking mother, a high soft drink intake, scoring low on emotional eating and high on cognitive restraint were also associated with fruit juice intake. A low intake of soft drinks and cooked meals was associated with fruit juice intake in boys only. Neither soft drinks nor fruit juice was associated with BMI. In conclusion, a high intake of both fruit juice and soft drinks were associated with a lower intake of foods such as milk and cooked meals. It might be possible to influence fruit juice intake among teenagers by aiming at their mothers, whereas the adolescents themselves should be targeted when the aim is to reduce soft drink consumption.

Nutrition and children's respiratory health in Guangzhou, China

To investigate the role of nutrition in children's respiratory health in subjects participating in a study on air pollution and respiratory health. Cross-sectional survey. The relationships between consumption of fresh fruit, vegetables and milk and pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, FEV(1)) and respiratory symptoms (phlegm with cold, phlegm without cold, cough with cold, and cough without cold) were examined in 2228 children (age 10.07+/-0.86 years) in Guangzhou, China. A positive association was found between consumption of leafy vegetables and lung function in children. Subjects with the highest consumption of leafy vegetables had significant higher FEV(1) values than subjects who ate leafy vegetables less than once per week (1.68 l vs 1.56 l; P=0.047). Children with high consumption of fresh fruit and milk had higher lung function values than children with low consumption, although the differences were not statistically significant. Milk consumption was a protective factor for phlegm with cold, cough with cold, and cough without cold [odds ratio (OR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.97; OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.36-0.79; OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.92, respectively, in the highest intake group]. Consumption of vegetables was a protective factor for cough with cold (P for trend=0.003) and cough without cold (P for trend=0.028). Consumption of fresh fruit was marginally associated with reduced prevalence of respiratory symptoms. This study suggests that dietary nutrients are important protective factors for children's respiratory health. Following-up these children may provide more evidence to confirm these associations.

Hypothesis: Is Lactose a Dietary Risk Factor for Ischaemic Heart Disease?

The prevalence of primary adult lactose malabsorption (LM) in 23 ethnic groups was matched with national data on milk consumption and mortality rates from ischaemic heart disease (HD). In 6 other ethnic groups prevalence of LM was related to unquantified assessments of milk consumption and frequency of IHD. On the available data, populations with a prevalence of LM over 30%, and whose consumption of milk is low or is largely in low lactose form, have a lower risk of IHD mortality than populations with a prevalence of LM under 30% and a high milk consumption. There is evidence against attributing these findings to genetic linkage between susceptibility to IHD mortality and persistent lactose absorption, or to differences in socio-economic development, cigarette consumption or intake of animal fats. The findings are compatible with an hypothesis that, if the correlation reported previously between milk consumption and IHD mortality is causal, lactose could be the responsible dietary factor.

Human Milk Consumption and Full Enteral Feeding Among Infants Who Weigh ≤1250 Grams

Establishing enteral feeding is an important goal in the care of very low birth weight infants. In such infants, receipt of >/=50 mL/kg per day human milk during hospitalization has been associated with shorter time to full enteral feeding. The objective of this study was to determine whether high proportions (>/=50%) of human milk during feeding advancement are associated with shorter time to full enteral feeding and improved feeding tolerance. This was a prospective cohort study of very low birth weight infants (n = 127) who were grouped into low (<50%; n = 34) and high (>/=50%; n = 93) human milk consumption groups according to their human milk proportion of enteral feeding during the time of feeding advancement. The primary outcomes of interest were ages at which 100 and 150 mL/kg per day enteral feedings were achieved. The high human milk group reached 100 mL/kg per day enteral feeding 4.5 days faster than the low human milk group. The high human milk group reached 150 mL/kg per day enteral feeding 5 days faster than the low human milk group. After adjustment for gestational age, gender, and respiratory distress syndrome, times to reach 100 and 150 mL/kg per day were significantly shorter for those in the high human milk group. Infants in the high human milk group had a greater number of stools per day; other indicators of feeding tolerance were not statistically different. In infants who weighed </=1250 g, enteral feeding that contained at least 50% maternal human milk was associated with fewer days to full enteral feedings.

Evaluation of urinary iodine excretion as a biomarker for intake of milk and dairy products in pregnant women in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa)

Milk and dairy products are the main sources of iodine in the Norwegian diet. This is due to a high consumption of milk and dairy products combined with a relatively high concentration of iodine in milk because of mandatory iodine fortification of cow fodder. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between 24-h urinary iodine excretion and estimated dietary intake, and to explore the use of 24-h urinary iodine excretion as a possible biomarker for the intake of milk and dairy products when assessing the validity of a new food frequency questionnaire for pregnant women participating the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). 119 women participated in a validation study. Iodine was analyzed in 24-h urine. Dietary intakes were estimated by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 4-day weighed food diary (FD). Using linear regression, predictors of urinary iodine excretion were identified. The triangular method was applied to calculate validity coefficients. Significant predictors of 24-h urinary iodine excretion were: intake of dairy products, iodine-containing supplements and intake of fruit/vegetables. Fish/seafood intake and time of the year influenced 24-h urinary iodine excretion, although not significantly. The validity coefficients observed for total intake of dairy products were 0.65, 0.94 and 0.52 for the FFQ, the FD and the 24-h urinary iodine excretion, respectively. The present study showed that 24-h urinary iodine excretion may be a useful biomarker for validating the intake of milk and dairy products in pregnant Norwegian women.

How Do Toddler Eating Problems Relate to Their Eating Behavior, Food Preferences, and Growth?

Eating problems are a common cause of concern for the parents of toddlers, but few studies have examined the correlates of eating problems or the growth patterns associated with them in a large population-based sample. Our goal was to examine the distribution of eating behaviors in a large representative sample of toddlers and their mothers' approach to feeding. In addition, we describe the prevalence of parentally perceived eating problems and how they relate to specific behaviors, food preferences, and growth in the child. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from a United Kingdom population-based birth cohort, the Gateshead Millennium Baby Study, which included 455 questionnaires completed by parents when their children were aged 30 months. Eating was perceived to be a problem by 89 (20%) parents. Eating a limited variety (79 [17%]) and preferring drinks to food (57 [13%]) were the most prevalent problem behaviors. Thirty-seven children (8%) were described by parents as definitely "faddy" (picky), and these children liked fewer foods and had higher eating restriction scores than those described as not faddy. Children who were described as having an eating problem gained less weight over the first 2 years; 11.1% had weight faltering compared with 3.5% in children not described as having an eating problem. Being faddy was only weakly associated with poor growth, and simply eating a limited variety was unrelated to growth. High milk consumption was associated with lower appetite but not with poor growth. Eating problems are common in toddlers and in the majority are associated with normal growth, although weight faltering is more common in such children. Excessive milk-drinking may be a cause of low appetite at meal times.