Intake Of Complex Carbohydrates Research Articles

Intestinal microbiota composition of children with glycogen storage Type I patients

AimDietary therapy of glycogen storage disease I (GSD I) is based on frequent feeding, with a high intake of complex carbohydrates (supplied by uncooked cornstarch), restriction of sugars, and a lower amount of lipids. There is limited information about the dietary regimen in patients with GSD, which might affect the intestinal luminal pH and microbiota composition. The aim of this study to investigate the intestinal microbiota composition in patients with GSD receiving diet treatment.MethodTwelve patients who were followed up with GSD I after the diagnosis receiving diet therapy and 11 healthy children have been enrolled. Intestinal microbiota composition was evaluated by 16 s rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsA significant difference was found for beta-diversity between the GSD group and controls. A significantly lower abundance of Firmicutes and higher abundance of Actinobacteria was found in GSD group compared to the controls. Akkermansia, Pseudoalteromonas, Uruburella, and Castellaniella were dominant in the GSD patients at the genus level, while Faecalibacterium, Bacterioides, Gemmiger, Parabacteroides in the control group. At species level, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii decreased, and Akkermansia muciniphila were dominant in children with GSD.DiscussionThere is a substantial change in the composition of the gut microbiota, reduction of F. prausnitzii and an increase of A. muciniphila in children with GSD receiving consumption of uncooked cornstarch. Alterations of the intestinal microbiota might be related with the disease itself or dietary restrictions in patients with GSD, however, in certain condition, dysbiosis can negatively affect the course and make it difficult to control the disease.

Edible Cutlery – A Prototype to Combat Malnutrition and Plastic Waste Management

Background: Edible cutlery is a natural and bio-degradable commodity which can be concocted to be nutritious and replace the usage of plastic cutlery. This study aims at sustainable development, elimination of plastics as cutlery from the food sector, ecological waste management, maintenance of optimal nutritional status and prevention of non-communicable diseases. These edible cutleries, which are made by combining all the five food groups given in the MyPlate, will prodigiously influence the intake of complex carbohydrates, protein, fibre, micronutrients and nutraceuticals on a routine basis. Materials and Methods: This report is targeted at the fabrication of edible cutleries using composite flour blends of whole wheat, foxtail millet, and roasted bengal gram, along with enrichment of skimmed milk powder, orange fruit powder and beetroot extract in proportions as suggested in a balanced diet, in order to evaluate its ability to meet the recommended daily allowances, phytochemical profile, functionality and economic competence. Three variations were baked at 180°C for 17 min. Results: According to the results of the analysis, variation 2, with an equimolar ratio of whole wheat flour and foxtail millet flour along with other ingredients, proved to be the most proficient alternative to plastic cutlery. Conclusion: The accepted cutlery indicated to considerably meet the RDA in terms of certain nutrients majorly lacking in the Indian diet, along with catering to the nutraceutical needs of the body. Economically, the cost of these cutleries was found to be lower than those present in the market.

Associations of overall and specific carbohydrate intake with anxiety status evolution in the prospective NutriNet-Santé population-based cohort

We investigated the association between carbohydrate intake and anxiety evolution within the general-population NutriNet-Santé cohort (N = 15,602; 73.8% female; mean age = 53.8y; mean follow-up = 5.4y). Carbohydrate intake was estimated at baseline from ≥ 2 24-h dietary records. Trait anxiety (STAI-T) was measured once at baseline (2013–2016) and once at follow-up (2020), resulting in 4 groups: “None” = absence of high anxiety (STAI-T > 40 points) at any time point; “Transient” = high anxiety only at baseline; “Onset at follow-up” = high anxiety only at follow-up; “Persistent” = high anxiety at baseline and follow-up. Polytomous logistic regression models revealed that sweetened beverage intake was associated with higher odds of “Transient” anxiety (ORQ4vsQ1 = 1.11; 95% CI 1.02–1.21). Intake of complex carbohydrates (ORQ4vsQ1 = 1.12; 1.01–1.25) was associated with higher odds of anxiety “Onset at follow-up.” The % energy from carbohydrates (ORQ4vsQ1 = 1.11; 1.03–1.19), intakes of total carbohydrates (ORQ4vsQ1 = 1.10; 1.03–1.18) and complex carbohydrates (ORQ4vsQ1 = 1.09; 1.02–1.17) were associated with higher odds of “Persistent” anxiety, whereas 100% fruit juice intake showed lower odds of “Persistent” anxiety (ORQ4vsQ1 = 0.87; 0.81–0.94). This prospective study found significant associations between dietary carbohydrate intake and anxiety status evolution among French adults. The findings could help inform dietary interventions aimed at anxiety prevention and management.

Beneficios y limitaciones de la dieta vegana en el requerimiento nutricional de atletas

The vegan diet refers to nutrition based on a wide variety of plant-based food groups (i.e., fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, spices and herbs, mushrooms, and algae) that also excludes all. to all foods of animal origin (ie meat, fish, dairy and eggs). Various scientific studies on the nutritional contribution of the vegan diet in athletes seek to identify the benefits and limitations of a vegan diet in the nutritional requirement of athletes, compared to an omnivore diet. Sports nutrition is essential for optimal physical and mental performance, reduces the risk of illness and injury; That is why it is necessary to consume the macro and micronutrient requirements according to the type and intensity of exercise performed by the athlete. Vegan diets in general provide an optimal basis for vegan athletes to develop their overall potential, from increased intake of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, antioxidant vitamins C and E. However, a plant-based diet reduces intake of exclusive nutrients of animal origin. This influences the performance of endurance and strength, even occasions that female athletes develop diseases such as the female athlete triad (FAT) or the Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) if it is not accompanied by supplements of vitamin B12, creatine and proteins. The present bibliographic review aims to show that with an adequate strategic selection and management of food choices, paying special attention to the achievement of energy, macro and micronutrient recommendations, together with adequate supplementation, a vegan diet can satisfy the needs of most athletes satisfactorily.

Dietary macronutrient intake according to sex and trait anxiety level among non-diabetic adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundStudies suggest that anxiety is correlated with eating behavior, however, little is known about the association between anxiety status as predictor of dietary macronutrient intake. The aim of the present study was to investigate the sex-stratified cross-sectional associations of trait anxiety with intake of various macronutrients in a large population-based sample of non-diabetic adults.MethodsN = 20,231 participants (mean age = 53.7 ± 13.6 years) of the NutriNet-Santé web-cohort, who had completed the trait anxiety subscale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (T-STAI; 2013–2016) were included in the analyses. Dietary intake was calculated from at least 3 self-administered 24-h dietary records. The associations of interest were assessed by multiple linear regression stratified by sex, owing to significant interaction tests.ResultsIn total, 74.3% (n = 15,033) of the sample were females who had a significantly higher mean T-STAI score than did males (39.0 versus 34.8; p < 0.01). Among females, the fully-adjusted analyses showed significant positive associations of T-STAI with total carbohydrate intake (β = 0.04; p < 0.04), complex carbohydrate intake (β = 0.05; p < 0.02), and percentage energy from carbohydrates (β = 0.01; p < 0.03), as well as a significant inverse association of T-STAI with percentage energy from fat (β = -0.01; p < 0.05). As regards males, the only significant finding was an inverse association between T-STAI and percent of the mean daily energy from protein (fully-adjusted model: β = -0.01; p = 0.05).ConclusionThis cross-sectional study found modest sex-specific associations between anxiety status and macronutrient intake among French non-diabetic adults. Prospective studies are needed to further elucidate the observed associations.

Nutrition and fertility

in recent decades, there has been an increase in the prevalence of infertility in the population. Numerous studies confirm that the nutritional status plays a key role in fertility. analyze the nutritional factors that may influence the fertility in men and women. a review was performed on the nutritional factors that may influence male and female fertility. there are several factors associated with infertility such as advanced age, the presence of structural alterations in the reproductive system and diseases, environmental pollution and lifestyle. In relation to the diet, it is emphasized that the high intake of saturated fats, trans fatty acids, proteins of animal origin, could have a detrimental effect on fertility, whilst the intake of complex carbohydrates, fibre, monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids could have a benefit effect. Also, it is essential provide an adequate intake of folic acid, B12, vitamin A, D, C y E, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and iodine to prevent impairments in fertility. the prevention and treatment of fertility impairment in women and men should consider the nutritional approach given its importance in the reproduction.

A Systematic Review on Insulin Overdose Cases: Clinical Course, Complications and Treatment Options.

A large overdose of insulin is a serious health matter. Information concerning administration and duration of intravenous (IV) glucose, other treatment options or complications besides hypoglycaemia following large insulin overdoses is not readily apparent from the literature. A systematic search, compilation and review of case reports on insulin overdoses, published 1986-2017, was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and PROSPERO databases. Of 1523 published articles, 45 cases of insulin overdoses were included with a total median insulin dose of 900 international units (IU) (range 26-4800 IU). Hospitalization occurred in 44 cases with a median hospitalization duration of 94 hr (range 12-721 hr), and one-third (n = 15) admitted to the intensive care unit. First-line treatment was IV glucose treatment in 95% of cases. Treatment options besides IV glucose that were reported beneficial included glucagon IV or intramuscular (IM), octreotide IV or IM, surgical excision, hydrocortisone IV and oral intake of complex carbohydrates. Prevalent complications were intermittent cerebral impairment (73%), hypokalaemia (49%), other electrolyte disturbances (42%), and hepatic disturbances (7%) and cardiac toxicity (e.g. cardiac arrhythmia) (9%). Long-term consequences were one case of lasting hypoglycaemic encephalopathy and one death. In conclusion, following large insulin overdoses, in-hospital admission and treatment with IV glucose may be needed for up to a week. Monitoring of electrolytes and hepatic and cardiac functions seems important. Several experimental treatment options may be considered in addition to glucose administration. With appropriate pre- and in-hospital treatment, cases with severe hypoglycaemia and neurologic complications may have a favourable outcome.

Impact of Nutrition Transition and Resulting Morbidities on Economic and Human Development.

Nutrition transition is an adverse outcome of rapid economic development and globalization. The present review documents the pattern of nutrition and health transition among different food groups leading to the growing global and national epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Studies published in various national and international journals were searched using PubMed and Google Scholar search engines from the year 2000 to 2015. Literature was reviewed to gather data pertaining to nutrition and health transition and economic burden of non-communicable disease (NCDs). Diets are changing globally towards higher intakes of simple and refined carbohydrates (including sugar), fat and lower intake of complex carbohydrates. The upsurge of co-morbidities arising from nutrition transition is a serious threat worldwide especially in developing countries like India, which in turn poses a huge impact on economic development of the nation. Better awareness and encouragement of using healthier diet option can help to combat the epidemic of NCDs in the developing world.

Oral Lactobacillus Counts Predict Weight Gain Susceptibility: A 6-Year Follow-Up Study

Background: Recent studies have shown an association between weight change and the makeup of the intestinal microbiota in humans. Specifically, Lactobacillus, a part of the entire gastrointestinal tract's microbiota, has been shown to contribute to weight regulation. Aim: We examined the association between the level of oral Lactobacillus and the subsequent 6-year weight change in a healthy population of 322 Danish adults aged 35-65 years at baseline. Design: Prospective observational study. Results: In unadjusted analysis the level of oral Lactobacillus was inversely associated with subsequent 6-year change in BMI. A statistically significant interaction between the baseline level of oral Lactobacillus and the consumption of complex carbohydrates was found, e.g. high oral Lactobacillus count predicted weight loss for those with a low intake of complex carbohydrates, while a medium intake of complex carbohydrates predicted diminished weight gain. A closer examination of these relations showed that BMI change and Lactobacillus level was unrelated for those with high complex carbohydrate consumption. Conclusion: A high level of oral Lactobacillus seems related to weight loss among those with medium and low intakes of complex carbohydrates. Absence, or a low level of oral Lactobacillus, may potentially be a novel marker to identify those at increased risk of weight gain.

Prospects for the use of alfalfa seeds in the production of special food products

The article is devoted to the problem of protein nutrition deficiency among the planet's population. The urgency of attracting protein-containing vegetable crops to diets of various groups of the population is revealed. It is noted that in recent years, the population has seen a decrease in the intake of complex carbohydrates, an increase in the intake of easily digestible carbohydrate and fatty foods. The consequence of an unbalanced diet is a decrease in life expectancy, an increase in endocrine and cardiovascular diseases. It is found out that alfalfa is a domestic unpretentious agricultural crop with a high yield and is widely cultivated in Russia. It is found out that alfalfa is a domestic unpretentious agricultural crop with a high yield and is widely cultivated in Russia. The prospect of attracting alfalfa to food production has been established. The chemical composition of the seeds of alfalfa has been studied. The article presents the results of studies to determine the content of vitamins, the composition of amino acids, the amount of macro- and microelements in the object. It was found out that the chemical composition of alfalfa seeds is characterized by a high content of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (A, B3, B5, B9, E, K), macro- (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus) and microelements (iron, manganese, copper, zinc). Lucerne can be an effective source of leucine, lysine, isoleucine, valine and threonine. Based on the above studies, it is concluded that the seeds of alfalfa are a promising raw material for the replacement of animal proteins, the enrichment of low nutritional vegetable proteins, the regulation of the chemical composition of catering products, the creation of analogues of food products and the development of specialized products of baby food. Alfalfa seeds are proposed for the development of low-calorie food formulas, food products with low cholesterol and the creation of specialized products for the correction of metabolic disorders of the body. It is shown that alfalfa, along with other domestic agricultural crops, is very promising in food production.

Influence of Corn and Millet Starches as Fat Substitutes on Cake Quality

Current dietary guidelines focus on lowering dietary fat and increasing complex carbohydrate intake. In the present study, two grain starches corn and millet were used to produce resistant starch (RS) and used as partially fat replacer (at 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50%) in cakes. The effect of the level of fat substitution on the physicochemical and sensory properties as well as starch digestibility and shelf life of the cakes were investigated. The study showed that moisture content of the products was increased by increasing the level of fat substitution. The caloric values of produced cakes were lower than that of control. The specific volume of cakes were higher at 12.5 and 25% fat replacement levels. In contrast, cake density decreased by increasing shortening replacement level up to 25%, it was lower and reached 0.38g cm-3 in relative to control (0.41g cm^-3). TPA values cleared that cake prepared with 12.5 and 25% substitution levels were less hardness. Increasing the replacement level more than 25% increased the cake hardness, gumminess and chewiness. Results of color analysis showed a significant increase in L value and a decrease in b value. The highest decrement in starch digestibility was observed at 50% replacement level. The use of (RS) does not change the taste and improve sensory properties of produced cakes. The shelf life based on the microbial examination of the cake for all samples and control recorded 2 weeks.

An eight-week high complex carbohydrate, energy restricted dietary intervention is associated with weight loss and a reduction of inflammation markers

Abstract Background Sub-clinical systemic inflammation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of obesity. In addition to impacting body weight, dietary modification may modulate markers of inflammation. Methods Overweight/obese adults were recruited to an 8-week dietary intervention characterized by energy restriction and increased complex carbohydrate intake. Blood samples for inflammatory and metabolic markers as well as anthropometric measurements were taken before and following the intervention. Results The study included 72 overweight or obese participants (BMI 31.8±5.8 kg/m 2 ). Significant reductions from baseline weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference were observed following dietary intervention. Levels of inflammatory markers hs–CRP, ESR, WBC, and ICAM decreased significantly from baseline following the 8-week intervention. Metabolic measures including serum triglycerides, total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly declined from baseline. Insulin and HOMA-IR declined in the subgroup of hyperinsulinemic participants. Conclusion An energy-restricted diet rich in complex carbohydrates is associated with weight loss, reduction of inflammatory markers and improved metabolic profile.

Starchy Food Consumption in French Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Profile of Consumers and Contribution to Nutritional Intake in a Web-Based Prospective Cohort

Background: French Nutritional Guidelines recommend eating starchy foods at each meal, according to appetite, and advise to vary sources. However, the proportion of energy from carbohydrates is currently too low in many Western European countries. Methods: Consumption of the different types of starchy foods was assessed among 80,209 adult participants in the French NutriNet-Santé cohort (78% women, mean age 42.9 ± 14.5). Description of starchy food consumption according to sociodemographics was provided as well as the contribution of starchy food to nutritional intake. Determinants of adherence to starchy food nutritional guidelines were estimated using multivariable polytomous logistic regression. Results: Starchy foods contributed approximately 22% of the energy intake, 75% of the complex carbohydrate intake and 36.1% of the fibre intake. About 43% of the subjects had intakes in line with the French Nutritional Guidelines concerning starchy foods. Men met the recommendation more frequently (55 vs. 33% for women), but were also more likely to exceed the recommendation (9.5 vs. 1.3%), even after adjustment for energy intake. According to our multivariable model, starchy food consumption increased also with age. Conclusions: A higher consumption of starchy foods should be promoted in the French population in order to increase the part of the energy intake coming from complex carbohydrates.

Effect of television viewing on food and nutrient intake among adolescents

ObjectiveAmong the behaviors associated with food intake, exposure to television is particularly important given the number of adolescents exposed. Also, increased time spent watching television has been associated with physical inactivity and with less desirable dietary intake among adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the association between television viewing and dietary intake among 13-y-old adolescents. MethodsA cross-sectional evaluation was carried out in the 2003–2004 school year, including adolescents born in 1990 and enrolled in the schools of Porto, Portugal. Time spent watching TV was collected by self-administered questionnaires and dietary intake was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire. Included in the analysis were 1436 adolescents. ResultsSpending more than 120 min per day watching TV was significantly associated with higher intake of total fat and polyunsaturated fat and with lower intake of magnesium, in both sexes. Additionally, in girls, spending more than 120 min per day watching TV was associated with lower intake of complex carbohydrates, fiber, total vitamin A, folate, vitamin C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. In boys, higher intake of saturated fat and cholesterol was found among those spending more time watching TV. ConclusionsWe found that television viewing is associated with higher consumption of foods containing more fats and sugars and a lower consumption of fruits and vegetables. Consequently, adolescents who watched more television had a higher intake of total fat and polyunsaturated fat and a lower intake of minerals and vitamins. This dietary behavior among adolescents may have long-term health implications, not only limited to obesity.

Slow Fungal Hydrolysis of Complex Sugar is Responsible for the Use of Sugar as Vehicle for Antifungal Drugs

Problem statement: Aspergillus niger strain (UUF 9202) significantly reduced the dormancy period and boosted aggregate germination time in seeds of Tetrapleura tetraptera by 42% in 32 days and produced a net reduction in mean germination time of the seeds to 12 days. A structure-fungitoxicity relationship study of a series of isoflavonoids against Aspergillus niger and Cladosporium cucumerinum showed that a high level of lipophilicity and the presence of at least one phenolic function appear important for isoflavonoid fungitoxicity. Amphotericin B, the best drug for deep or systemic infections is not active orally and as such is administered intra venously. The two intravenous formulations of amphotericin B include a complex of amphotericin B and Deoxycholate (DOC) and a Small Unilamella Vesicle containing (SUV) amphotericin B combined with 350 mg of lipid in Soy lecithin; cholesterol and distearoylphosphatidylglycerol. Approach: A study found that dispersion in concentrated sugar solution provided a better vehicle for marked antifungal effect of Eucalyptus camaldensis than distilled water eventhough both the sugar solution extract and the distilled water extract had equal antifungal activity against clinical dermatophyte isolates of Microsporium gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (P = 0.05). This study hydrolysed cassava starch, through the action of isolated alpha and beta-amylase enzymes on the one hand and through the action of Aspergillus niger fungal cells on the other; to find out why lipids and complex carbohydrates are the best vehicles of antifungal drugs and plant extracts. Results: The results of the study showed that α and β amylase enzymes hydrolysed gelatinized starch in 1 h while Aspergillus niger hydrolysed the same quantity of gelatinized starch in 72 h under the same conditions. These results show that Aspergillus niger hydrolyses complex carbohydrates (high calorie foods) very slowly. The findings of the study suggest that complex carbohydrates like the starch in this study; the concentrated sugar solution in the Eucalyptus camaldensis study and the soy lipid/cholesterol in amphotericin B SUV formulation; present antifungal drugs effectively for antifungal activity on fungal infections because fungal organisms take days to slowly hydrolyse such complex carbohydrate foods (high calorie foods) as has been demonstrated by the 3 days hydrolysis of gelatinized (cooked) starch by Aspergillus Niger. It is this slow hydrolysis of the cellulose of the seed coat of Tetrap [eura tetraptera by Aspergillus niger (strain UUF 9202) that significantly reduced the dormancy period; bosted aggregate germination time of the seeds by 42% in 32 days and reduced the mean germination of the seeds to 12 days in a situation in which seeds soaked in pre-sterised Aspergillus niger spore suspension at 30°C gave zero germination. The findings of this study suggest that Aspergillus niger hydrolysis of starch at room temperature engages the Aspergillus niger cells fully for a long period of three days which constitutes feeding on the starch for its own energy generation. While the Aspergillus niger cells are engaged in the 3-day hydrolysis of a complex carbohydrate vehicle of an antifungal drug, the drug simultaneously engages in the elimination of the fungi. Conclusion: These findings therefore suggest that slow speed hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates in the host body for its own food is a major mechanism of Aspergillus niger (and other fungi) infectivity of their human and other hosts. Reduction of complex carbohydrate intake is thus hereby identified as an important factor in the control of fungal infections. Also for antifungal herbal extracts and other antifungal drugs that do not need to be presented to infective fungi by complex carbohydrates, their activity will be enhanced by concurrent reduction of complex carbohydrate intake which will thus result in eradication of the fungal infection in question.

Carbohydrate catabolic flexibility in the mammalian intestinal commensal Lactobacillus ruminis revealed by fermentation studies aligned to genome annotations

BackgroundLactobacillus ruminis is a poorly characterized member of the Lactobacillus salivarius clade that is part of the intestinal microbiota of pigs, humans and other mammals. Its variable abundance in human and animals may be linked to historical changes over time and geographical differences in dietary intake of complex carbohydrates.ResultsIn this study, we investigated the ability of nine L. ruminis strains of human and bovine origin to utilize fifty carbohydrates including simple sugars, oligosaccharides, and prebiotic polysaccharides. The growth patterns were compared with metabolic pathways predicted by annotation of a high quality draft genome sequence of ATCC 25644 (human isolate) and the complete genome of ATCC 27782 (bovine isolate). All of the strains tested utilized prebiotics including fructooligosaccharides (FOS), soybean-oligosaccharides (SOS) and 1,3:1,4-β-D-gluco-oligosaccharides to varying degrees. Six strains isolated from humans utilized FOS-enriched inulin, as well as FOS. In contrast, three strains isolated from cows grew poorly in FOS-supplemented medium. In general, carbohydrate utilisation patterns were strain-dependent and also varied depending on the degree of polymerisation or complexity of structure. Six putative operons were identified in the genome of the human isolate ATCC 25644 for the transport and utilisation of the prebiotics FOS, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), SOS, and 1,3:1,4-β-D-Gluco-oligosaccharides. One of these comprised a novel FOS utilisation operon with predicted capacity to degrade chicory-derived FOS. However, only three of these operons were identified in the ATCC 27782 genome that might account for the utilisation of only SOS and 1,3:1,4-β-D-Gluco-oligosaccharides.ConclusionsThis study has provided definitive genome-based evidence to support the fermentation patterns of nine strains of Lactobacillus ruminis, and has linked it to gene distribution patterns in strains from different sources. Furthermore, the study has identified prebiotic carbohydrates with the potential to promote L. ruminis growth in vivo.

Perilipin Polymorphism Interacts with Dietary Carbohydrates to Modulate Anthropometric Traits in Hispanics of Caribbean Origin

Perilipin (PLIN) is the major protein surrounding lipid droplets in adipocytes and regulates adipocyte metabolism by modulating the interaction between lipases and triacylglycerol stores. Associations between PLIN gene polymorphisms and obesity risk have been described, but interactions with dietary macronutrients require further attention. We examined whether dietary macronutrients (e.g. carbohydrates and fats) modulated the associations of the common PLIN 11482G > A (rs894160) single nucleotide polymorphism with obesity. We studied a population-based sample of Caribbean-origin Hispanics (n = 920, aged 45–74 y) living in the Boston area. Obesity measures (waist and hip circumference, BMI) did not differ between GG subjects and carriers of the A allele (GA and AA). In multivariate linear regression models, we found a significant interaction between complex carbohydrate intake as a continuous variable and PLIN 11482 G > A genotype for waist circumference (P = 0.002). By dichotomizing complex carbohydrate intake, we found significantly different effects across PLIN 11482G > A genotypes. When complex carbohydrate intake was <144 g/d, waist circumference was larger in PLIN 11482G > A carriers (P = 0.024). Conversely, when complex carbohydrate intake was ≥144 g/d, waist and hip circumferences were less in PLIN 11482G > A carriers (P < 0.05). These interactions were not found for simple sugars or total carbohydrates. We identified a significant gene-diet interaction associated with obesity at the PLIN locus. In subjects with higher complex carbohydrate intake, the minor allele was protective against obesity, whereas in subjects with lower carbohydrate intake, the minor allele was associated with increased obesity. These interactions may be relevant to dietary management of obesity.

Family Dietary Coaching to Improve Nutritional Intakes and Body Weight Control

To test the hypothesis that family dietary coaching would improve nutritional intakes and weight control in free-living (noninstitutionalized) children and parents. Randomized controlled trial. Fifty-four elementary schools in Paris, France. One thousand thirteen children (mean age, 7.7 years) and 1013 parents (mean age, 40.5 years). Families were randomly assigned to group A (advised to reduce fat and to increase complex carbohydrate intake), group B (advised to reduce both fat and sugar and to increase complex carbohydrate intake), or a control group (given no advice). Groups A and B received monthly phone counseling and Internet-based monitoring for 8 months. Changes in nutritional intake, body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), fat mass, physical activity, blood indicators, and quality of life. Compared with controls, participants in the intervention groups achieved their nutritional targets for fat intake and to a smaller extent for sugar and complex carbohydrate intake, leading to a decrease in energy intake (children, P < .001; parents, P = .02). Mean changes in body mass index were similar among children (group A, + 0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI], - 0.06 to 0.16; group B, + 0.10, 95% CI, - 0.03 to 0.23; control group, + 0.13, 95% CI, 0.04-0.22; P = .45), but differed in parents (group A, + 0.13, 95% CI, - 0.01 to 0.27; group B, - 0.02, 95% CI, - 0.14 to 0.11; control group, + 0.24, 95% CI, 0.13-0.34; P = .001), with a significant difference between group B and the control group (P = .01). Family dietary coaching improves nutritional intake in free-living children and parents, with beneficial effects on weight control in parents. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00456911.

Dietary patterns among children aged 6-7 y in four Spanish cities with widely differing cardiovascular mortality.

Classic cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia, cannot explain a substantial part of the geographic differences in cardiovascular mortality. Anthropometric and nutritional factors in early stages of life may contribute to adult cardiovascular disease. Therefore, this work examines certain anthropometric variables and diet among children aged 6-7 y, living in four Spanish cities with widely differing ischaemic heart disease (IHD) mortality. Cross-sectional anthropometric and dietary survey in four cities in Spain. A total of 1112 children (50.1% males, 49.9% females) attending public and private schools in Cadiz and Murcia, cities with a relatively high IHD mortality, and Madrid and Orense, cities with a relatively low IHD mortality. A standardized method was used to measure anthropometric variables, and a food-frequency questionnaire completed by subjects' mothers, to measure diet. Body mass index (BMI), overweight (BMI>17.6 kg/m(2)), obesity (BMI>20.1 kg/m(2)) and intake of food and nutrients. Children in the four cities showed a high prevalence of overweight (range across cities, 28.9-34.5%) and obesity (8.5-15.7%). They also had a moderately hypercaloric diet (range, 2078-2218 kcal/day), marked by an excessive intake of lipids (45.0-47.3% kcal), particularly saturated fats (16.6-16.9% kcal), proteins (17.0-17.3% kcal), sugars (20.0-21.9% kcal) and cholesterol (161.6-182.9 mg/1000 kcal/day), and a low intake of complex carbohydrates (17.5-18.1% kcal) and fibre (19.6-19.9 g/day). Compared with children in the two low-IHD-mortality cities, those in the two high-IHD-mortality cities had a greater BMI (mean difference, 0.61 kg/m(2); P=0.0001) and ponderal index (0.58 kg/m(3); P=0.0001) and a higher intake of energy (104 kcal/day; P=0.007), cholesterol (16.00 mg/1000 kcal/day; P=0.0001) and sodium (321 mg/day; P=0.0001). Inter-city differences in anthropometric variables remained after adjustment for birthweight. Intake of fats, especially saturated fats, and cholesterol should be reduced among Spanish children. It could contribute to a needed reduction of the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in children. If the differences in anthropometric variables and diet between children from the cities with high and low coronary mortality are maintained in future or continue into adulthood, this could contribute to consolidate or even increase the IHD mortality gradient across cities. The finding that differences in anthropometric variables are independent of birthweight suggests that the childhood, rather than intrauterine environment, is involved in the development of such differences. This study was partly funded by grants from the International Olive Oil Board (Consejo Oleícola Internacional), Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid, Fundación Pedro Barrié de la Maza, and Fundación Eugenio Rodríguez Pascual.

Perspectives: A Practical Approach to the Dietary Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia.

Reducing high plasma triglyceride (TG) levels is an important step in the treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease. The rise in plasma TGs seen after subjects consume low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets for a period of time may be due to the simple form of carbohydrate provided and/or prevention of weight loss in these studies. Ad libitum low-fat, high-carbohydrate intake often results in weight loss and decreases in plasma TGs. Replacing dietary carbohydrate with monounsaturated fat lowers serum TG levels and maintains serum high-density lipoprotein levels but fails to result in weight loss. Low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate intake reduces incidence rates of coronary artery disease. On the basis of the evidence, a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet combined with limited alcohol and sugar intake is recommended for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. (c)2001 CHF, Inc.