Intake Of Butter Research Articles

Abstract P263: Biomarkers of Dairy Fatty Acids and Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background: Evidence on the role of dairy fat intake in cardiovascular health has been mixed and inconclusive. Most prior large studies have used self-reported measures of dietary intake and focused on relatively racially homogeneous populations. Circulating biomarkers of dairy fat in a multi-ethnic cohort provide objective measures of dairy fat intake and facilitate conclusions relevant to populations with different diets and susceptibility to CVD. Aims: To evaluate plasma phospholipid fatty acids 15:0, trans-16:1n-7 and 14:0 as objective markers of dairy fat and prospectively assess their associations with incident CVD and CHD in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). We hypothesized that circulating biomarkers of dairy fat would be inversely associated with CVD risk. Methods: We evaluated 2,837 U.S. adults 45-84 years of age at baseline (2000-2002), evenly distributed across four race-ethnic groups (Caucasians, Hispanics, African and Chinese Americans), in whom plasma phospholipid fatty acid levels were measured using validated gas-chromatography. Adjudicated CVD (MI, resuscitated cardiac arrest, definite and probable angina, stroke, and CVD death; n=189) and CHD (MI, resuscitated cardiac arrest, CHD death; n=141) were identified through 2010 during cohort examinations and follow-up calls. We also evaluated the influence of potential mediators of the associations of interest including BMI, diabetes, hypertension, HDL-C and LDL-C. Results: Self-reported intakes of whole-fat dairy and butter had the strongest association with 15:0. Self-reported dairy fat intake was more weakly associated with 14:0 and trans 16:1n7. In multivariate models including demographics, lifestyle and dietary habits (e.g. intakes of red meat, fiber, fruits, vegetables), each SD-unit of 15:0 was associated with a 19% lower CVD risk (HR and 95% CI: 0.81 [0.68,0.98]) and a 26% lower CHD risk (HR and 95% CI: 0.74 [0.60,0.92]). Associations were strengthened after mutual adjustment for 14:0 and trans16:1n-7. Results were similar after adjustment for potential mediators. Plasma phospholipid 14:0 and trans16:1n-7 were not significantly associated with incident CVD or CHD in MESA. Results were similar across the 4 race-ethnicities. Conclusion: Plasma phospholipid 15:0, a biomarker of dairy fat, was inversely associated with incident CVD and CHD. Our data support the need for further investigation of CVD effects of dairy fat, dairy-specific fatty acids, and dairy products in general.

Diet and risk of chronic diseases: results from the first 8 years of follow-up in the EPIC-Potsdam study

There is still a need for scientific evidence about which foods characterize a healthy diet in terms of primary prevention of major chronic diseases. Therefore, we aimed to give a comprehensive overview on health-related foods, based on 8 years of follow-up of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam study. We used data from 23,531 participants of the EPIC-Potsdam study to analyse the associations between 45 single food groups and risk of major chronic diseases, namely, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type 2 diabetes and cancer using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression. Habitual dietary intake was assessed at baseline using food-frequency questionnaires. Incident chronic diseases were determined by self-administered follow-up questionnaires and medically verified, based on inquiry to treating physicians, cancer registries or through death certificates. During follow-up, 363 incident CVD, 837 type 2 diabetes and 844 cancer cases were identified. Higher intakes of whole-grain bread, raw vegetables, coffee and cakes and cookies were found to be significantly associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases. Conversely, higher intakes of low-fat dairy, butter, red meat and sauce were associated with higher risks of chronic diseases. Overall, a healthy diet was characterized by a high consumption of whole-grain bread, raw vegetables and a low consumption of red meat and possibly butter, which is generally in line with previous findings. The paradoxical findings concerning the potential health benefit of coffee as well as cakes and cookies are interesting and should be investigated further.

Does Dairy Food Intake Predict Arterial Stiffness and Blood Pressure in Men?

Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease events and mortality, and like blood pressure, may be influenced by dairy food intake. Few studies have investigated the effects of consumption of these foods on prospective measures of arterial stiffness. The present analysis aimed to investigate the prospective relationship between milk, cheese, cream, and butter consumption and aortic pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as cross-sectional relationships between these foods and systolic and diastolic blood pressure and metabolic markers using data from the Caerphilly Prospective Study. Included in this cohort were 2512 men, aged 45 to 59 years, who were followed up at 5-year intervals for a mean of 22.8 years (number follow-up 787). Augmentation index was 1.8% lower in subjects in the highest quartiles of dairy product intake compared with the lowest ( P trend=0.021), whereas in the highest group of milk consumption systolic blood pressure was 10.4 mm Hg lower ( P trend=0.033) than in nonmilk consumers after a 22.8-year follow-up. Cross-sectional analyses indicated that across increasing quartiles of butter intake, insulin ( P trend=0.011), triacylglycerol ( P trend=0.023), total cholesterol ( P trend=0.002), and diastolic blood pressure ( P trend=0.027) were higher. Across increasing groups of milk intake and quartiles of dairy product intake, glucose ( P trend=0.032) and triglyceride concentrations ( P trend=0.031) were lower, respectively. The present results confirm that consumption of milk predicts prospective blood pressure, whereas dairy product consumption, excluding butter, is not detrimental to arterial stiffness and metabolic markers. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms that underpin these relationships.

Association Between Organic Dietary Choice During Pregnancy and Hypospadias in Offspring: A Study of Mothers of 306 Boys Operated on for Hypospadias

The etiology of hypospadias is poorly understood. Exposure to pesticides has been considered a risk factor, although findings are inconsistent. Diet constitutes a significant exposure route for pesticides, and pesticide residues are more frequently reported in conventional than organic food products. We examined the association between organic dietary choice during pregnancy and presence of hypospadias in the offspring. Mothers of 306 boys operated on for hypospadias were frequency matched for geography and child birth year to 306 mothers of healthy boys in a case-control study. Telephone interviews were conducted regarding demographic and lifestyle factors, including intake and organic choice of selected food items (milk, dairy products, egg, fruit, vegetables and meat). Logistic regression models were constructed for dietary variables, and odds ratios were calculated controlling for maternal age, body mass index and alcohol consumption. Overall organic choice of food items during pregnancy was not associated with hypospadias in the offspring. However, frequent current consumption of high fat dairy products (milk, butter) while rarely or never choosing the organic alternative to these products during pregnancy was associated with increased odds of hypospadias (adjusted OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.09-4.36). This large case-control study of boys operated on for hypospadias suggests an association between hypospadias in the offspring and the mother not choosing the organic alternative, and having a high current intake of nonorganic butter and cheese. This finding could be due to chemical contamination of high fat dairy products. However, general lifestyle and health behavior related to choosing organic alternatives may also explain the finding.

Cumplimiento de la dieta mediterránea y nivel de actividad física de los usuarios de la web PAFES (Plan de Actividad Física, Deporte y Salud)

BackgroundThe Physical Activity Plan Sport and Health web site (www.pafes.cat) allows users to assess the level of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and level of physical activity (PA) by two interactive questionnaires: the MD questionnaire adapted from the study Prevention with Mediterranean Diet (Predimed) and the abbreviated version of the International Physical Activity questionnaire (IPAQ). MethodsA descriptive analysis was performed on the results of both questionnaires during the period 2009 to 2010. ResultsOf the 1376 questionnaires analyzed on adherence to the MD, 12.5% of users have a high compliance, 67.2% moderate, and 20.3% low. Almost all (95.8%) used olive oil as the main added fat, 82.2% and 78.4% reported a low intake of butter and derivatives, and sugary drinks, respectively, and 70.9% referred to an adequate intake of vegetables. On the negative side, 82.3% reported a low intake of legumes, 71.6% a high intake of red meat, 67.6% and 25% lower intake of fruit and nuts, respectively. As regards PA, of the 1221 questionnaires analyzed, 79.4% of the population met the PA health recommendations, 36.5% at a high level, and 42.9% moderate. ConclusionsWeb questionnaires can be a useful tool in the promotion and dissemination of both habits. As a suggestion for improvement, we propose the inclusion of demographic variables to determine the profile of users who completed the questionnaires.

Inverse association between yoghurt intake and upper aerodigestive tract cancer risk in a Japanese population

Although the combination of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking account for approximately 80% of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer risk, the role of dietary factors, including dairy products, in the risk of these cancers remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the association between dairy product intake and UADT cancer risk in a Japanese population. We conducted a case-control study in 959 patients with UADT cancer and 2877 sex- and age-matched noncancer control subjects who visited the Aichi Cancer Center in Nagoya, Japan. Data on lifestyle factors, including diet, were obtained by self-administered questionnaire. Associations were assessed by multivariate logistic regression models that considered potential confounders. We found a significant inverse association between yoghurt intake and UADT cancer risk with multivariate-adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for <1 time/week, ≥ 1 time/week and <1 time/day, and ≥ 1 time/day consumption of yoghurt of 0.70 (95% confidence interval: 0.54-0.91), 0.67 (0.54-0.84), and 0.73 (0.55-0.95) relative to nonconsumers (P trend=0.005). When stratified by primary tumor site, this association was significant among patients with hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, and esophageal cancer. However, we saw no significant association between milk or butter intake and UADT cancer risk. In this study, we found that a high intake of yoghurt may lower the risk of developing UADT cancer in a Japanese population. Further investigation of this association is warranted.

Cheese intake in large amounts lowers LDL-cholesterol concentrations compared with butter intake of equal fat content

Despite its high content of saturated fatty acids, cheese does not seem to increase plasma total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations when compared with an equivalent intake of fat from butter. This effect may be due to the high calcium content of cheese, which results in a higher excretion of fecal fat. The objective was to compare the effects of diets of equal fat content rich in either hard cheese or butter or a habitual diet on blood pressure and fasting serum blood lipids, C-reactive protein, glucose, and insulin. We also examined whether fecal fat excretion differs with the consumption of cheese or butter. The study was a randomized dietary intervention consisting of two 6-wk crossover periods and a 14-d run-in period during which the subjects consumed their habitual diet. The study included 49 men and women who replaced part of their habitual dietary fat intake with 13% of energy from cheese or butter. After 6 wk, the cheese intervention resulted in lower serum total, LDL-, and HDL-cholesterol concentrations and higher glucose concentrations than did the butter intervention. Cheese intake did not increase serum total or LDL-cholesterol concentrations compared with the run-in period, during which total fat and saturated fat intakes were lower. Fecal fat excretion did not differ between the cheese and butter periods. Cheese lowers LDL cholesterol when compared with butter intake of equal fat content and does not increase LDL cholesterol compared with a habitual diet. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01140165.

Dairy products and its association with incidence of cardiovascular disease: the Malmö diet and cancer cohort

It is unclear whether specific dairy products are associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this project was therefore to examine the association between intake of milk, cheese, cream and butter, and incidence of CVD in the Swedish Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort. Milk was separated into fermented (yoghurt and cultured sour milk) versus non-fermented milk, and low-fat versus high-fat milk. Among 26,445 individuals without a history of myocardial infarction, stroke and diabetes (44-74years; 62% females), 2,520 CVD cases (coronary and stroke events) were identified during a mean follow-up time of 12years. Dietary data was collected using a modified diet history method. Overall consumption of dairy products was inversely associated with risk of CVD (P (trend)=0.05). Among the specific dairy products, a statistically significant inverse relationship was observed only for fermented milk. The highest versus lowest intake category of fermented milk was associated with 15% (95% CI: 5-24%; P (trend)=0.003) decreased incidence of CVD. We observed a statistically significant interaction between sex and cheese intake (P=0.046). Cheese intake was significantly associated with decreased CVD risk in women (P (trend)=0.03), but not in men (P (trend)=0.98). The main finding was that a high intake of fermented milk may reduce the risk of CVD. This study suggests that it is important to examine dairy products separately when investigating their health effects.

Regional and socio-economic differences in food, nutrient and supplement intake in school-age children in Germany: results from the GINIplus and the LISAplus studies

To describe regional differences between eastern and western Germany with regard to food, nutrient and supplement intake in 9-12-year-old children, and analyse its association with parental education and equivalent income. Data were obtained from the 10-year follow-up of the two prospective birth cohort studies - GINIplus and LISAplus. Data on food consumption and supplement intake were collected using an FFQ, which had been designed for the specific study population. Information on parental educational level and equivalent income was derived from questionnaires. Logistic regression modelling was used to analyse the effect of parental education, equivalent income and region on food intake, after adjusting for potential confounders. Germany. A total of 3435 children aged 9-12 years. Substantial regional differences in food intake were observed between eastern and western Germany. Intakes of bread, butter, eggs, pasta, vegetables/salad and fruit showed a significant direct relationship with the level of parental education after adjusting for potential confounders, whereas intakes of margarine, meat products, pizza, desserts and soft drinks were inversely associated with parental education. Equivalent income had a weaker influence on the child's food intake. Nutritional education programmes for school-age children should therefore account for regional differences and parental education.

Effects of dietary cold-pressed turnip rapeseed oil and butter on serum lipids, oxidized LDL and arterial elasticity in men with metabolic syndrome

BackgroundRapeseed oil is the principal dietary source of monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the Northern Europe. However, the effect of rapeseed oil on the markers of subclinical atherosclerosis is not known. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dietary intake of cold-pressed turnip rapeseed oil (CPTRO) and butter on serum lipids, oxidized LDL and arterial elasticity in men with metabolic syndrome.MethodsThirty-seven men with metabolic syndrome completed an open and balanced crossover study. Treatment periods lasted for 6 to 8 weeks and they were separated from each other with an eight-week washout period. Subjects maintained their normal dietary habits and physical activity without major variations. The daily fat adjunct consisted either of 37.5 grams of butter or 35 mL of VirginoR CPTRO. Participants were asked to spread butter on bread on the butter period and to drink CPTRO on the oil period. The fat adjunct was used as such without heating or frying.ResultsCompared to butter, administration of CPTRO was followed by a reduction of total cholesterol by 8% (p < 0.001) and LDL cholesterol by 11% (p < 0.001). The level of oxidized LDL was 16% lower after oil period (p = 0.024). Minimal differences in arterial elasticity were not statistically significant.ConclusionCold-pressed turnip rapeseed oil had favourable effects on circulating LDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL, which may be important in the management of patients at high cardiovascular risk.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov NCT01119690

Intake of fat and fiber-rich foods according to socioeconomic status: the 11-year follow-up of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study.

This study describes the food intake of adolescents participating in the 1993 birth cohort from Pelotas, Southern Brazil, according to socioeconomic position. We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of data collected in the 2004-2005 follow-up visit. Food intake in the previous year was evaluated using the Block questionnaire. Socioeconomic status was evaluated based on an assets index, divided into quintiles. Foods with the highest frequency of daily intake were white bread (83%), butter or margarine (74.6%), beans (66.4%) and milk (48.5%). Intake of butter or margarine, bread, and beans was more frequent among poorer adolescents, and the inverse was true for milk. Intake of fruits and vegetables was low in all socioeconomic strata, but particularly low among the poor. In early adolescence, all socioeconomic groups showed high consumption of foods rich in fat and low consumption of foods rich in fiber.

Fat intake and asthma in Spanish schoolchildren

To study the relationship between lipid, fatty acid and lipid-rich food intake and current asthma in a group of Spanish schoolchildren. The subjects of this cross-sectional study were 638 Spanish schoolchildren (8-13 years of age). The weight and height of all the subjects were recorded. A questionnaire, completed by the subjects' parents, was used to obtain personal and health information. Current asthma was established when the children had ever had asthma, if they had been diagnosed with asthma by a doctor and if they had been treated with medications at some time in the previous 12 months. Food intake was monitored using a 3-day food record. All foods consumed were converted into energy and nutrients. The energy derived from lipids, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and myristic and palmitic acids was independently associated with current asthma (Odds Ratio (OR) third tertile 2.85 (1.01-8.07) P=0.049, 10.00 (0.89-111.97) P=0.002, 11.21 (1.36-92.24) P=0.002, 7.58 (1.40-41.03) P=0.022, respectively), as was the intake of butter (OR third tertile 2.97 (1.01-8.68) P=0.001). No relationship was seen between this condition and the intake of any other fatty acid, the n-6/n-3 ratio, nor the consumption of margarine, milk products, fish, meat, eggs or vegetable oils. Increased intakes of SFAs, myristic and palmitic acids and butter seem to be related to the risk of current asthma in children.

Effect of long-term optional ingestion of canola oil, grape seed oil, corn oil and yogurt butter on serum, muscle and liver cholesterol status in rats

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of long-term optional intake of vegetable oils (canola, grape seed, corn) and yogurt butter on the serum, liver and muscle cholesterol status. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly categorized into five groups ( n = 5) as follows: control, canola oil, grape seed oil, corn oil and manually prepared yogurt butter. In each group, 24 h two bottle choice (oil and water) tests were performed for 10 weeks. Serum cholesterol values showed a trend to decrease in grape seed oil, corn oil and yogurt butter groups compared to the control. Optional intake of yogurt butter made a significant increase in HDL-C values (42.34 ± 9.98 mg/dL) yet decrease in LDL-C values (11.68 ± 2.06 mg/dL) compared to the corresponding control (19.07 ± 3.51; 30.96 ± 6.38 mg/dL, respectively). Furthermore, such findings were concomitant with a significant decrease in the liver TC levels (1.75 ± 0.31 mg/g liver) and an increase in the muscle TC levels (1.85 ± 0.32 mg/g liver) compared to the corresponding control (2.43 ± 0.31; 0.94 ± 0.14 mg/g liver, respectively). Optional intake of manually prepared yogurt butter has more beneficial effects on serum lipoprotein cholesterol values with some alterations in the liver and muscle cholesterol states than the vegetable oils.

Intake of dairy products and the prevalence of dental caries in young children

Objectives In vitro studies show that milk or milk components may have cariostatic properties. However, the results of epidemiological studies on the association between intake of dairy products and dental caries have been inconsistent. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between intake of dairy products and the prevalence of dental caries in young children. Methods Study subjects were 2058 Japanese children aged 3 years. Information on diet was assessed with a self-administered brief diet history questionnaire for children. The consumption of dairy products was categorized into 3 levels in order to represent the tertiles as closely as possible. Dental caries was assessed by a visual examination. Adjustment was made for sex, toothbrushing frequency, use of fluoride, between-meal snack frequency, maternal smoking during pregnancy, environmental tobacco smoke exposure at home, and paternal and maternal educational levels. Results Compared with yogurt consumption at the lowest tertile (<1 time/week), its intake at the highest level (≥4 times/week) was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of dental caries, showing a clear dose–response relationship (adjusted prevalence ratio = 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.62–0.98, P for trend = 0.04). There were no material associations between intake of cheese, bread and butter, or milk and the prevalence of dental caries. Conclusions These data suggest that a high consumption of yogurt may be associated with a lower prevalence of dental caries in young children.

Study on the dietary pattern assessed with semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire among rural Tibetan women with children younger than 2 years in Lhasa city

To explore the dietary pattern of rural Tibetan women with children under 2 years of age. A cross-sectional survey on dietary pattern together with a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was conducted among Tibetan women in rural Lhasa in 2008. 386 women were investigated with the average age as 28.5 years old and average schooling-years as 4.6. For each member in the woman's family, daily intake of vegetable oil was 25.9 g on average. Daily intake of butter, sugar and salt were 27.8 g, 12.9 g and 14.8 g respectively, which were higher than figures from national nutrition and health survey (P < 0.01). Among 91 kinds of food under investigation, only 22 kinds with the frequencies of consumption more than 1 time per day. Three main factors were derived by factor analysis. The first factor represented vegetable pattern characterized with vegetables, grains, fruits and a few animal foods. It was a dominant pattern for the subjects, which explained nearly 10% variance. The second one was Tibetan style pattern in which Tibetan foods and a few vegetables were consumed. The last one called meats and milk products pattern also reflected the Tibetan dietary style. Daily intake of energy for women was 2097.02 kcal which met 91.2% of Chinese recommended nutrients intake (RNI). Daily intake of protein and fat reached 82% of RNI and vitamin A but only 34.7% on RNI. Daily intake of calcium, iron and zinc reached 64.6%, 174.1% and 150.7% of RNI, receptively. Grains provided 65% of energy but only 7.4% of the energy and 15.5% of protein were from animal foods. "Tsampa" provided 57.6% of iron. Vegetable pattern had been the dominant dietary pattern among Tibetan women in rural Lhasa. Intake of energy, protein and some micronutrients were not sufficient.

Dairy Intake and the Risk of Bladder Cancer in the Netherlands Cohort Study on Diet and Cancer

The authors examined the association between the intake of different dairy products and the risk of bladder cancer in 120,852 men and women aged 55-69 years participating in the Netherlands Cohort Study on Diet and Cancer. Dairy product intake was assessed in 1986 by using a 150-item food frequency questionnaire. The cohort was followed for 16.3 years, and 1,549 incident cases of bladder cancer were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards analysis was applied with a case-cohort approach by using the follow-up data of a random subcohort (n = 5,000). Multivariate hazard ratio estimates comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of total dairy intake were 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81, 1.27; P(trend) = 0.68). A statistically significant association for fermented milk products was found only for the second quintile (median, 12 g/day) (hazard ratio = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.91). Compared with nonconsumers, women with 25-75 g/day of butter consumption had a hazard ratio of 1.61 (95% CI: 1.03, 2.50; P(trend) < 0.01). No association was found with cheese, calcium, lactose, or nonfermented dairy intake. These results provide weak evidence that bladder cancer risk is inversely associated with low intake of fermented dairy products and suggest a positive association with butter intake in women.

Dairy Foods and Risk of Stroke

Consumption of milk and other dairy foods has been associated with reduced risk of stroke, although not all studies have shown this consistently. We examined the association between dairy food intake and risk of stroke subtypes within the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study. Between 1985 and 1988, 26,556 Finnish male smokers aged 50-69 years who had no history of stroke completed a food frequency questionnaire. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for potential confounders. During a mean follow-up of 13.6 years, 2702 cerebral infarctions, 383 intracerebral hemorrhages, and 196 subarachnoid hemorrhages were ascertained. We observed positive associations between whole milk intake and risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (RR = 1.41 for the highest vs. lowest quintile of intake; 95% CI = 1.02-1.96) and between yogurt intake and subarachnoid hemorrhage (RR = 1.83 for the highest vs. lowest quintile of intake; 95% CI = 1.20-2.80). Men in the highest quintile of cream intake had a moderate decreased risk of cerebral infarction (0.81; 0.72-0.92) and intracerebral hemorrhage (0.72; 0.52-1.00). There were no strong associations between intakes of total dairy, low-fat milk, sour milk, cheese, ice cream, or butter and risk of any stroke subtype. These findings suggest that intake of certain dairy foods may be associated with risk of stroke.

Dietary Patterns Predict Changes in Two-Hour Post-Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Plasma Glucose Concentrations in Middle-Aged Adults

We examined whether the adherence to major dietary patterns at baseline of 5824 nondiabetic Danes (30–60 y) enrolled in the nonpharmacological Inter99 intervention predicted changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postchallenge 2-h plasma glucose (2h-PG) concentrations during a 5 y period and whether a potential association was dependent on baseline glucose tolerance status. Through principal component analysis, a score for a traditional dietary pattern (characterized by higher intakes of high-fat sandwich spreads, red meat, potatoes, butter and lard, low-fat fish, sandwich meat, and sauces) and a score for a modern dietary pattern (characterized by higher intakes of vegetables, fruit, vegetable oil/vinegar dressing, poultry, pasta, rice, and cereals) were estimated for each person at baseline. Random effect models adjusting for relevant confounders were used to estimate changes in repetitive measures of FPG and 2h-PG. A higher modern score (of 1 SD) predicted an annual decrease in 2h-PG of 0.015 mmol/L (P < 0.01) regardless of glucose tolerance status. For individuals with isolated impaired glucose tolerance, a higher traditional score (of 1 SD) predicted an annual increase in 2h-PG of 0.083 mmol/L (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, glucose tolerance status did not, in general, affect the predictive effect of the dietary patterns. The study suggests that the risk of worsening 2h-PG concentrations may be smaller for individuals with a high modern dietary pattern score characterized by high intakes of vegetables, fruit, vegetable oil/vinegar dressing, poultry, pasta, rice, and cereals.

Olive oil and walnut breakfasts reduce the postprandial inflammatory response in mononuclear cells compared with a butter breakfast in healthy men

Background Inflammation is crucial in all stages of atherosclerosis, and few studies have investigated the effect of dietary fat on markers of inflammation related to this disease during the postprandial period. Objective To evaluate the chronic effects of dietary fat on the postprandial expression of proinflammatory genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy subjects. Design 20 healthy men followed three different diets for 4 weeks each, according to a randomized crossover design: Western diet: 15% protein, 47% carbohydrates (CHO), 38% fat (22% saturated fatty acid (SFA)); Mediterranean diet: 15% protein, 47% CHO, 38% fat (24% monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)); CHO-rich and n-3 diet: 15% protein, 55% CHO, <30% fat (8% polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)). After 12-h fast, volunteers were given a breakfast with a fat composition similar to that consumed in each of the diets—butter breakfast: 35% SFA; olive oil breakfast: 36% MUFA; walnut breakfast: 16% PUFA, 4% α-linolenic acid (LNA). Results The butter breakfast induced a higher increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α messenger RNA (mRNA) expression than the olive oil or walnut breakfasts ( P = 0.014) in PBMCs. Moreover, we found a higher postprandial response in the mRNA of interleukin (IL)-6 with the intake of butter and olive oil breakfasts than with the walnut breakfast ( P = 0.025) in these cells. However, the effects of the three fatty breakfasts on the plasma concentrations of these proinflammatory parameters showed no significant differences ( P = N.S.). Conclusion Consumption of a butter-enriched meal elicits greater postprandial expression of proinflammatory cytokine mRNA in PBMCs, compared to the olive oil and walnut breakfasts.

Genetic and shared environmental influences on children's 24-h food and beverage intake: sex differences at age 7 y

BackgroundThe genetics of habitual food and beverage intake in early childhood is poorly understood. ObjectiveThe objective was to test the magnitude of genetic and environmental influences on 24-h food and beverage intake in 7-y-old children. The association between intake of specific food-beverage categories and child body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) was also tested. DesignA classic twin design was conducted, using the MacArthur Longitudinal Study of Twins. There were 792 children, including 396 boys from 102 monozygotic and 96 dizygotic twin pairs and 396 girls from 112 monozygotic and 86 dizygotic twin pairs; Children's 24-h dietary intake was estimated by parental recall, from which 9 composite food-beverage categories were derived. Height and weight were converted to BMI. Biometrical analyses of children's daily intake of food-beverage categories and BMI were conducted. ResultsThere was consistent evidence of genetic influences on children's 24-h intake of food and beverages (servings/d), especially among boys. Seven categories showed significant heritability estimates among boys, ranging from 12% (fish and lemon) to 79% (peanut butter and jelly). Only 3 categories showed significant heritability estimates among girls, ranging from 20% (bread and butter) to 56% (fish and lemon). BMI showed a genetic correlation only with bread and butter intake in girls. ConclusionThe magnitude of genetic and environmental influences on children's 24-h food and beverage intake differed for boys and girls, which suggests sex differences in the development of eating patterns. Heritability estimates were generally large, although other eating phenotypes may be necessary for identifying genetic correlations with adiposity.