Intake Of Food Items Research Articles

Vitamin B12 Status in Vegan and Vegetarian Seventh-Day Adventists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Serum Levels and Dietary Intake.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the vitamin B12 status and intake of Seventh-day Adventists following a plant-based diet and compare it with omnivore controls to investigate their susceptibility for vitamin B12 deficiency. Peer-reviewed articles were identified through a comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from inception up to the year 2024 using specific keywords related to vitamin B12 and Seventh-day Adventists. Observational studies published in the English language were included if they reported on vitamin B12 status or intake among plant-based Adventists and compared it with omnivore controls who may or may not have been Adventists. Studies that did not present distinguishable results for vegetarian/vegan from omnivore Adventists or only reported on food item intake without specific vitamin B12 data were excluded. Two independent reviewers extracted data on study characteristics, vitamin B12 intake, and serum levels using a customised data extraction form, resolving discrepancies through consultation with a third reviewer. A meta-analysis was conducted using random-effect models due to anticipated heterogeneity, without any subgroup analysis due to the low number of studies. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the 'leave-on-out' method to assess individual study influence on overall effect size and heterogeneity. Four studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing 1994 participants. Meta-analysis showed no significant differences in serum vitamin B12 levels (MD: -9.85pmol/L; 95% CI: -45.64 to 25.94pmol/L; P = 0.54, I2 = 50%) or daily intake (MD: 3.31mcg/d; 95% CI: -4.70 to 11.32mcg/d; P = 0.42, I2 = 90%) between plant-based Adventists and omnivore controls, although there was high heterogeneity between the studies. Adventists following a vegan or vegetarian diet did not demonstrate increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to the widespread consumption of fortified foods and supplements. The findings underscore the importance of supplementation and the consumption of fortified foods for maintaining adequate B12 status among vegan or vegetarian Adventists but highlight the need for further studies to confirm these observations in diverse geographical areas.

Self –reported knowledge and understanding of added sugars by consumers in Ghana

The consumption of added sugars has been a major concern among consumers and researchers around the world. Some of these added sugars pose health threats such as obesity, and liver diseases to consumers. Therefore, consumers' understanding and knowledge of added sugars is important in regulating the intake of food items that contain different types and levels of added sugar. In this study, the knowledge and understanding of staff (consumers) of the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana, was assessed through survey The results showed that about 38.5 % of consumers always read food labels whereas 3.1 % never read the labels of food they purchased. However, only about 20 % of consumers considered added sugars as most important information on food labels while most (about 38 %) were concerned about the calorie level in food items purchased. Based on the consumer's knowledge of sugars and sweeteners, there was a high level of disparity in classifying sugars in food as sugars and sweeteners. In addition, most consumers reported that they would adversely avoid food items containing lactose, isoglucose, and saccharin. The awareness of the consumers to the WHO recommendation for sugar reduction, the gender (P = 0.278), age (P = 0.959), level of education (P = 0.888), and staff category (P = 0.944) did not influence their decisions on purchasing food items with added sugars Most consumers were interested in issues of food and nutrition. Therefore, it is recommended that staff are taken through aspects of food nutrition as well as the consumption of added sugar towards the recommended levels.

An exploratory analysis of probable role of Pathya and Apathya in skin disease

Every living and non-living being in this universe is composed of five basic elements, the Pancha Mahabhuta. The Panch
 Every living and non-living being in this universe is composed of five basic elements, the Pancha Mahabhuta. The Pancha Mahabhuta components of the ingested food nourishes their respective tissue elements in the body. Ahara is the best of all medicines and is considered one among the Trayopsthamba. The main idea of Pathya Ahara and Vihara serves as the foundation for both the preventive and therapeutic components of Ayurveda. Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on fundamental dietary principles, or Ashtavidha Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatana. Skin is given due importance since time immemorial owning to the aesthetic value conferred upon it. Skin diseases are mainly described under the spectrum of Kushtha. Dietary modifications have hitherto received little attention in dermatological therapy. However, recent studies have discovered a strong link between various dermatological conditions and food. Ayurveda describes a wide range of etiological factors for dermatological disorders. Consumption of Ahara such as Ati-Lavana, Ati-Amla, Viruddhahara, Guru-Snigdha Annapana, Ajeernahara plays a significant role in the development of skin disease. Excessive intake of food items like Dadhi, fish with milk, Masha, Mulaka, Tila, Madya further contribute to Kushtha. In this article an attempt is made to highlight the probable role of Apathya and emphasize the scope of Pathya Ahara in the management of skin disease.
 a Mahabhuta components of the ingested food nourishes their respective tissue elements in the body. Ahara is the best of all medicines and is considered one among the Trayopsthamba. The main idea of Pathya Ahara and Vihara serves as the foundation for both the preventive and therapeutic components of Ayurveda. Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on fundamental dietary principles, or Ashtavidha Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatana. Skin is given due importance since time immemorial owning to the aesthetic value conferred upon it. Skin diseases are mainly described under the spectrum of Kushtha. Dietary modifications have hitherto received little attention in dermatological therapy. However, recent studies have discovered a strong link between various dermatological conditions and food. Ayurveda describes a wide range of etiological factors for dermatological disorders. Consumption of Ahara such as Ati-Lavana, Ati-Amla, Viruddhahara, Guru-Snigdha Annapana, Ajeernahara plays a significant role in the development of skin disease. Excessive intake of food items like Dadhi, fish with milk, Masha, Mulaka, Tila, Madya further contribute to Kushtha. In this article an attempt is made to highlight the probable role of Apathya and emphasize the scope of Pathya Ahara in the management of skin disease.

Impact of the economic crisis on food consumption of Sri Lankans: An online cross-sectional survey

AimsThis study investigated how the economic crisis has changed Sri Lankans' food consumption. MethodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in the month of July 2022, using an e-questionnaire based on Google Forms. The questionnaire assessed respondents' socio-demographics, food consumption, and dietary patterns before and during the economic crisis. The changes were compared using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. ResultsA total of 1095 respondents, aged ≥18 years were included in the survey. There was a significant reduction in the average consumption of main meals per day during the economic crisis (pre: 3.09 ± 0.42, post: 2.82 ± 0.47; P < 0.001). The intake of food items such as rice, bread, and snacks also reduced significantly (P < 0.001). The average daily milk intake frequency decreased from 1.41 ± 1.07 to 0.57 ± 0.80 meals/day (P < 0.001). On contrary, the intake of non-dairy beverages such as malted milk and “plain tea” has increased by several folds. Consumption of fruit and vegetables showed a significant reduction in both frequency and portion size. The consumption of meat, fish, eggs and dhal also decreased in around three-quarters of the study sample. During this period majority (81%) used food coping mechanisms and the most adopted strategy was buying less expensive food. ConclusionSri Lankans' food consumption have been adversely altered due to the country's economic crisis. There has been an overall reduction in the amount and frequency of intake of many common food items.

Dietary vitamin D intake and the bladder cancer risk: A pooled analysis of prospective cohort studies

Diet may play an essential role in the aetiology of bladder cancer (BC). Vitamin D is involved in various biological functions which have the potential to prevent BC development. Besides, vitamin D also influences the uptake of calcium and phosphorus, thereby possibly indirectly influencing the risk of BC. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between vitamin D intake and BC risk. Individual dietary data were pooled from ten cohort studies. Food item intake was converted to daily intakes of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus. Pooled multivariate hazard ratios (HRs), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using Cox-regression models. Analyses were adjusted for gender, age and smoking status (Model 1), and additionally for the food groups fruit, vegetables and meat (Model 2). Dose-response relationships (Model 1) were examined using a nonparametric test for trend. In total, 1994 cases and 518,002 non-cases were included in the analyses. The present study showed no significant associations between individual nutrient intake and BC risk. A significant decreased BC risk was observed for high vitamin D intake with moderate calcium and low phosphorus intake (Model 2: HRhigh vitD, mod Ca, low P: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.59-1.00). No significant dose-response analyses were observed. The present study showed a decreased BC risk for high dietary vitamin D intake in combination with low calcium intake and moderate phosphorus intake. The study highlights the importance of examining the effect of a nutrient in combination with complementary nutrients for risk assessment. Future research should focus on nutrients in a wider context and in nutritional patterns.

Lessons Learned in Using the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment (ASA24) System Among Chinese American Adults

ObjectivesThe Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment (ASA24) is a web-based tool that enables automatically coded 24-hour dietary recalls and food records. We summarize lessons learned from using the ASA24 to measure dietary intake within a Chinese American population based on our experience conducting a validation study. MethodsChinese American adults were recruited from the community and through ResearchMatch. Participants completed paper food records on a weekday and a weekend day of their choice. Data from the paper food records were entered into the ASA24 platform by community health workers. Missing data were obtained during follow-up phone interviews. ResultsThirty-three Chinese American adults were recruited from the community (n = 22, 67%) and ResearchMatch (n = 11, 33%). Mean age was 40 (SD = 12) years and 36% were men. Almost all participants (84.8%) reported Chinese food items in their food records. The lack of culturally appropriate foods in the ASA24 database made it difficult to report dietary intake as provided by participants. Items that were not available were placed under a generic category (e.g., pork (other cut) for pork belly) whenever possible, substituted (e.g., potato for taro), or written in manually. Dishes were recreated by entering individual ingredients, a process that was time-consuming and frequently missed the “flavor” of traditional Chinese cooking due to missing sauces that were not available on the ASA24. Community health workers’ knowledge of the population and their diets was crucial, especially during phone interviews. Sufficient experience with the ASA24 platform was necessary to become familiar with its limitations and to standardize methods for capturing intake of food items not available in its database. ConclusionsThe utility of the ASA24 as a self-administered tool is limited for Chinese Americans whose diets are less acculturated. The ASA24 system would benefit from modifications to accommodate the diversifying population of the United States, such as adding culturally-specific ingredients and foods and providing the platform in additional languages. Funding SourcesThis study was funded by the NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health, the National, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases.

A Step toward a Sustainable Diet by Reducing Carbon Footprint: A Case Study in Iran

Introduction: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have caused environmental effects. Food production is one of the sources of GHGs. This study aimed to suggest dietary scenarios for decreasing GHG emissions.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: GHG emissions in the target population of Urmia city, Northwest Iran, were investigated using a modeling approach. Three dietary scenarios were modeled and analyzed to evaluate and compare GHG emissions. The objectives and decision variables of the three scenarios included minimizing the carbon footprint and intake of food items, respectively. In the first scenario, the amount of energy intake was equal to baseline energy intake. The second scenario maintained the same energy intake constraint as the first scenario and made further alterations by considering the number of serving sizes suggested by the food pyramid for each food group. The third scenario was mostly based on this model by accounting for dietary reference intake for macronutrients, micronutrients, and energy.&#x0D; Results: There was about 72% and 55.67% reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq) production in the first and second scenarios rather than the baseline diet of 4072.10 g CO2 eq, respectively. In the final scenario, the CO2 eq emissions were less than half of the baseline diet.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study showed that a healthy diet with a higher proportion of vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, and dairy, and a lower share of red and white meat, egg, grains, fat and oil, and sweets can reduce CO2 eq emissions.

Dietary B group vitamin intake and the bladder cancer risk: a pooled analysis of prospective cohort studies

PurposeDiet may play an essential role in the aetiology of bladder cancer (BC). The B group complex vitamins involve diverse biological functions that could be influential in cancer prevention. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between various components of the B group vitamin complex and BC risk.MethodsDietary data were pooled from four cohort studies. Food item intake was converted to daily intakes of B group vitamins and pooled multivariate hazard ratios (HRs), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were obtained using Cox-regression models. Dose–response relationships were examined using a nonparametric test for trend.ResultsIn total, 2915 BC cases and 530,012 non-cases were included in the analyses. The present study showed an increased BC risk for moderate intake of vitamin B1 (HRB1: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00–1.20). In men, moderate intake of the vitamins B1, B2, energy-related vitamins and high intake of vitamin B1 were associated with an increased BC risk (HR (95% CI): 1.13 (1.02–1.26), 1.14 (1.02–1.26), 1.13 (1.02–1.26; 1.13 (1.02–1.26), respectively). In women, high intake of all vitamins and vitamin combinations, except for the entire complex, showed an inverse association (HR (95% CI): 0.80 (0.67–0.97), 0.83 (0.70–1.00); 0.77 (0.63–0.93), 0.73 (0.61–0.88), 0.82 (0.68–0.99), 0.79 (0.66–0.95), 0.80 (0.66–0.96), 0.74 (0.62–0.89), 0.76 (0.63–0.92), respectively). Dose–response analyses showed an increased BC risk for higher intake of vitamin B1 and B12.ConclusionOur findings highlight the importance of future research on the food sources of B group vitamins in the context of the overall and sex-stratified diet.

Dietary Modification and Life Style Changes due to COVID-19 Pandemic Homestay among Nursing Students of Pokhara: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: In December 2019, new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) emerged in Wuhan, China causing pandemic all over the world which results in homestay order. Homestay lead to changes in lifestyle like sedentary life, sleeping habits and eating behavior. So, the objective is to assess dietary and life style modification among nursing students of Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted from August 1 to October 15, 2020. The setting of study (Manipal) was selected purposively in which enumerative sampling technique was used constituting total sample size of 216 nursing students. Data was collected through self-administer semi-structure questionnaire via online mode which was further analyzed using descriptive statistics SPSS 20.0 version. RESULTS: There was slight modification in intake of food items like fruits, vegetable, protein, fats, commercialized items, carbonated/sweetened beverages and non-vegetarian diets (chicken and fish). During COVID-19, less than one-fifth (15%) wake up before 7 AM and 78.2% sleep duration is 7-9 hours. About 64.1% pass their leisure time watching TV/ facebook/ messenger/ youtube/ whatsapp/ instagram. Nearly 99.1% engaged in household activities during home stay. More than three-fourth (77.8%) of respondents were doing physical activity. But still 69.9% had weight gain. CONCLUSION: Despite physical and household activities, some unhealthy practices like waking up late, increased sleep duration and use of screen was observed. There was less modification in dietary pattern. So it is recommended to follow healthy diet like Mediterranean diet having several health benefits like weight reduction, prevention from non-communicable diseases and boost immune system in period of pandemic.

Complimentary Food Practices in Rural Areas (6 Months to 1 Year)

Background: Diet is defined as nutritionally adequate &amp; appropriate intake of food items that also provide the required energy &amp; protein intake by ensuring proper growth and development. Adequate nutrition of the infants &amp; child is essential. Complementary needed practices are included apart from breast milk to meet one's needs. A balanced diet is defined as nutritionally adequate &amp; appropriate intake of food items that also provide energy and protein.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional/observational study is to be conducted by taking approval to meet one’s need; complimentary food practices are included apart from breast milk, from the ethical committee which includes multigravida women as study participants PNC, PEDS ward, AVBRH. The data of sample size is recorded, tabulated analyzed.&#x0D; Results: As many as 43.33% of the mother from the study group has started weaning practices before six months of age. Whereas the standard complementary feeding practices is Dal pain (66.66%) followed by mashed roti/bread (60%) furthermore Dalia (53.33%). The no meals per day were three meals by 36.66% of participants. The typical food being Dal pani, a thin gruel, with most of the participants starting weaning&#x0D; Conclusion: Poor complementary feeding practices are observed in a rural typica e comisfood is Dal pani, a thin gruel, with most participants starting weaning before 6 months of age.

Associations Among Plant-Based Diet Quality, Uremic Toxins, and Gut Microbiota Profile in Adults Undergoing Hemodialysis Therapy

The objective of the study was to evaluate associations among diet quality, serum uremic toxin concentrations, and the gut microbiota profile in adults undergoing hemodialysis therapy. This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a clinical trial involving adults receiving hemodialysis therapy. Usual dietary intake was determined using a diet history method administered by Accredited Practising Dietitians. Two approaches were used for diet quality assessment: (1) using three a priori defined plant-based diet indices-an overall plant-based diet index (PDI), a healthy PDI, and an unhealthy PDI and (2) classification of food group intake. Serum uremic toxins (p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate (IS); free and total) were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Gut microbiota composition was established through sequencing the 16S rRNA gene in stool samples. Twenty-two adults (median age 70.5 [interquartile range: 59-76], 64% male) were included in the final analysis. Higher adherence to the PDI was associated with lower total IS levels (P=.028), independent of dialysis adequacy, urinary output, and blood albumin levels. In contrast, higher adherence to the unhealthy PDI was associated with increases in both free and total IS. Several other direct and inverse associations between diet quality with uremic toxins, microbial relative abundances, and diversity metrics were also highlighted. Diet-associated taxa showed significantly different trends of association with serum uremic toxin concentrations (P<.05). Higher adherence to the PDI was negatively associated with relative abundances of Haemophilus and Haemophilus parainfluenzae that were related to elevated total IS levels. In contrast, increased intake of food items considered unhealthy, such as animal fats, sweets and desserts, were associated with bacteria linked to higher IS and p-cresyl sulfate (total and free) concentrations. The quality of diet and food selections may influence uremic toxin production by the gut microbiota in adults receiving hemodialysis. Well-designed dietary intervention trials that adopt multi-omic technologies appropriate for the functional annotation of the gut microbiome are needed to validate our findings and establish causality.

Effect of dairy milk, eggs, meat, fish and fruits intake on academic performances of secondary school students in Bangladesh

Background: Contribution of dairy milk and other food items and schools to academic performances of students are the important factors to build a peaceful meritorious nation with sound mental and physical health.Objective: This experiment was designed to study the contribution of dairy milk and other food item intake pattern and schools to academic performances.Method: Students of class nine in Bangladesh were enumerated using a preprescribed questionnaire during March 2016 to June 2016 by direct interview method. Collected primary data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 14.015.Results: Male (69.63%) students and students of schools in the town (84.97%) performed better. Majority of the students in towns (46.85%; 49.65%) and villages (45.51%; 50.90%) drank dairy milk and ate meat respectively, once or twice in a week. Many students in towns (30.77%) and villages (38.92%) ate eggs for 3 to 4 days in a week. Maximum students in town (53.50%) and in village (46.71%) took fish for 5 to 7 days and 3 to 4 days in a week, respectively. Many students in town (39.86%) and in village (59.88%) took fruits 1 to 2 days and 5 to 7 days in a week, respectively. Most (74.31%) of the students who took dairy milk, meat (73.68%), fruits (66.67%), fish (65.81%) and eggs (64.71%) everyday in a week obtained A grade.Conclusions: Schools, availability of dairy milk, meat, fruits, fish and eggs, Tiffin intake status and gender affected the academic performances but educational institutions had no effect on weekly dairy milk, eggs and meat intake of the students but weekly fish and fruits intake status were affected.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(3) 2018 p.355-359

Assessment of food habits and dietary intake of rural women

A survey was carried out to assess the health and dietary status of rural women of Shaheed Bhagat Singh District. The data pertaining to background information, food habits and morbidity status were collected through an interview schedule. The results revealed that there was quite lower intake of green leafy vegetables (3.9%), fruits (14.8%), roots, tubers and other vegetables (31.9%), pulses (62.5%), cereals (71.9%) and milk products (72.3%) as compared to Suggested Dietary Guidelines (SDI) by the Indian Council of Medical Research. While the intake of fats and oils (112.9%) was found more than the SDI probably due to wrong feeding habits. The study also revealed that fever, cold, tiredness, headache and loss of appetite was frequently occurring health problems among the respondents, probably due to less intake of food items as suggested. Thus, it can be said that to improve the heath status of the respondents right feeding practices need to be taught through nutritional counseling, trainings, seminars and campaign etc.

Risk factors for the development of colorectal carcinoma: A case control study from South India.

To study the association of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) with diet, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, body mass index, family history and diabetes. All consecutive patients with CRC confirmed by histopathology diagnosis were included. Age (± 5 years) and gender matched controls were selected among the patients admitted in surgery ward for various conditions without any co-existing malignancy. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed and validated after pretesting by investigator trained in data collection techniques. Cases and controls were interviewed ensuring privacy, in similar interview setting, with same duration of time for both cases and controls without any leading question. Biological variables like family history of CRC in first degree relatives, history of diabetes mellitus; behavioral factors like tobacco use both smoking and smokeless form, alcohol consumption and physical activity were recorded. Dietary details were recorded using a FFQ consisting 29 food items with seven categories. Analysis was done using appropriate statistical methods. Ninety-four histopathologically confirmed cases of CRC and equal number of age and gender matched controls treated over a period of two years were studied. Age distribution, mean age, male to female ratio, education level and socioeconomic status were similar in cases and controls. Intake of food items was categorized into tertile due to skewed distribution of subjects as per recommended cut off for consumption of food item. On univariate analysis red meat [OR = 7.4 (2.935-18.732)], egg [OR = 5.1 (2.26-11.36)], fish, fried food and oil consumption were found to be risk factors for CRC. On multivariate analysis red meat consumption of more than 2-3 times a month (OR = 5.4; 95%CI: 1.55-19.05) and egg consumption of more than 2-3 times a week (OR = 3.67; 95%CI: 1.23-9.35) were found to be independent risk factors for the development of CRC. Egg and red meat consumption found to be independent risk factors for CRC. Smoking, alcohol, physical activity and family history were not associated with increased risk.

Contribution of Meat towards Nutritional Security - An Analysis through Consumption of Different Food Items among Meat and Non-Meat Consumers in Karnataka

Human diet and nutritional status have undergone a sequence of major shifts, stated as the nutrition transition. The present study was conducted to explore the contribution of meat towards nutritional security among rural, semi-urban and urban households in Karnataka with the sample size of 90 meat eating respondents and 30 non-meat eating respondents. Conventional analyses like mean and percentages were used for the present study. Apart from these analyses, the calorie and protein intake based on the respondent’s intake of food items of plant source, non-meat animal source and meat animal sources was worked out and discussed. As a whole, calorie and protein intake per consumption unit per day was found high in urban area followed by semi-urban area and awareness on calorie and protein intake among rural area in Karnataka was proposed.

The impact of food intake and social habits on embryo quality and the likelihood of blastocyst formation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of patients' lifestyle factors and eating habits on embryo development. A total of 2659 embryos recovered from 269 patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles were included. The frequency of intake of food items and social habits were registered and its influences on embryo development evaluated. The consumption of cereals, vegetables and fruits positively influenced the embryo quality at the cleavage stage. The quality of the embryo at the cleavage stage was also negatively correlated with the consumption of alcoholic drinks and smoking habits. The consumption of fruits influenced the likelihood of blastocyst formation, which was also positively affected by the consumption of fish. Being on a weight-loss diet and consumption of red meat had a negative influence on the likelihood of blastocyst formation. The likelihood of blastocyst formation was also negatively influenced by the consumption of alcoholic drinks and by smoking habits. The consumption of red meat and body mass index had a negative effect on the implantation rate and the likelihood of pregnancy. In addition, being on a weight-loss diet had a negative influence on implantation rate. Our evidence suggests a possible relationship between environmental factors and ovary biology.

A photographic method to measure food item intake. Validation in geriatric institutions

From both a clinical and research perspective, measuring food intake is an important issue in geriatric institutions. However, weighing food in this context can be complex, particularly when the items remaining on a plate (side dish, meat or fish and sauce) need to be weighed separately following consumption. A method based on photography that involves taking photographs after a meal to determine food intake consequently seems to be a good alternative. This method enables the storage of raw data so that unhurried analyses can be performed to distinguish the food items present in the images. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to validate a photographic method to measure food intake in terms of differentiating food item intake in the context of a geriatric institution. Sixty-six elderly residents took part in this study, which was performed in four French nursing homes. Four dishes of standardized portions were offered to the residents during 16 different lunchtimes. Three non-trained assessors then independently estimated both the total and specific food item intakes of the participants using images of their plates taken after the meal (photographic method) and a reference image of one plate taken before the meal. Total food intakes were also recorded by weighing the food. To test the reliability of the photographic method, agreements between different assessors and agreements among various estimates made by the same assessor were evaluated. To test the accuracy and specificity of this method, food intake estimates for the four dishes were compared with the food intakes determined using the weighed food method. To illustrate the added value of the photographic method, food consumption differences between the dishes were explained by investigating the intakes of specific food items. Although they were not specifically trained for this purpose, the results demonstrated that the assessor estimates agreed between assessors and among various estimates made by the same assessor. The results also revealed that the accuracy of this method was not dependent on the type of food studied, thus, the photographic method was not specific to a particular food type. Finally, the photographic method was able to provide more detailed data because it allowed differentiation between food item intakes. These findings clearly suggest that the photographic method is a valid and useful method to measure food intake in geriatric institutions.

Self-Reported Food-Related Gastrointestinal Symptoms in IBS Are Common and Associated With More Severe Symptoms and Reduced Quality of Life

Despite the fact that food and diet are central issues, that concern patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the current understanding about the association between the intake of certain foods/food groups and the gastrointestinal (GI) symptom pattern, psychological symptoms, and quality of life is poor. The aim of this study was to determine which food groups and specific food items IBS patients report causing GI symptoms, and to investigate the association with GI and psychological symptoms and quality of life. We included 197 IBS patients (mean age 35 (18-72) years; 142 female subjects) who completed a food questionnaire in which they specified symptoms from 56 different food items or food groups relevant to food intolerance/allergy. The patients also completed questionnaires to assess depression and general anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression), GI-specific anxiety (Visceral Sensitivity Index), IBS symptoms (IBS-Severity Scoring System), somatic symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-15), and quality of life (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life Questionnaire). In all, 84% of the studied population reported symptoms related to at least one of the food items surveyed. Symptoms related to intake of food items with incompletely absorbed carbohydrates were noted in 138 (70%) patients; the most common were dairy products (49%), beans/lentils (36%), apple (28%), flour (24%), and plum (23%). Of these, 58% experienced GI symptoms from foods rich in biogenic amines, such as wine/beer (31%), salami (22%), and cheese (20%). Histamine-releasing foods, such as milk (43%), wine/beer (31%), and pork (21%), were also considered causes of symptoms in IBS patients. GI symptoms were also frequently reported after intake of fried and fatty foods (52%). With increasing IBS symptom severity, patients reported more food items responsible for their GI symptoms (P=0.004), and this was also found in patients with more severe somatic symptoms (P<0.0001). Women tended to report more food items causing symptoms than men (P=0.06). A high number of food items causing GI symptoms was also associated with reduced quality of life and this was significant for the following domains: sleep (r=-0.25; P=0.001), energy (r=-0.21; P=0.005), food (r=-0.29; P<0.001), social functioning (r=-0.23; P=0.001), and physical status (r=-0.16; P<0.05). However, the number of food items reported to provoke GI symptoms was unrelated to body mass index, age, IBS subtype, anxiety, depression, or GI-specific anxiety. The majority of IBS patients believe that certain food items are important triggers of their GI symptoms. This is especially true for foods containing carbohydrates and fat, and also may be relevant for histamine-releasing food items and foods rich in biogenic amines. Self-reported food intolerance is associated with high symptom burden and reduced quality of life.

Food intake and social habits in male patients and its relationship to intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes

To investigate the influence of the male partner's lifestyle, including eating and social habits, on semen quality and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) success. Observational study. Private fertility clinic. Two hundred fifty male patients undergoing ICSI cycles. We recorded dietary and social habits using a food frequency questionnaire adapted to meet specific study objectives. Evaluation of semen parameters and ICSI outcomes were performed. Frequency of intake of food items and social habits were registered on a scale with five categories ranging from no consumption to repeated daily consumption. The sperm concentration was negatively influenced by body mass index (BMI) and alcohol consumption and was positively influenced by cereal consumption and the number of meals per day. The sperm motility was also negatively influenced by BMI, alcohol consumption, and smoking habit, whereas it was positively influenced by the consumption of fruits and cereals. The consumption of alcohol had a negative influence on the fertilization rate. The consumption of red meat as well as being on a weight loss diet had a negative impact on the implantation rate. In addition, the consumption of red meat and being on a weight loss diet had an effect on the pregnancy chance. Couples seeking assisted reproduction treatments must be advised about the drastic effect of both the male and female lifestyle on treatment success.

Species- and age-related variation in metal exposure and accumulation of two passerine bird species

We measured the concentration of several elements (arsenic [As], calcium [Ca], cadmium [Cd], copper [Cu], nickel [Ni], lead [Pb], selenium [Se] and zinc [Zn]) in adult and nestling pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) and great tits (Parus major) at different distances to a Cu–Ni smelter in 2009. Feces of nestlings generally failed to correspond with internal element concentrations but reflected the pollution exposure, indicating an increased stress by removal of excess metals. The uptake of Cu and Ni were regulated, but As, Cd, Pb and Se accumulated in liver tissue. Pied flycatchers had generally higher element concentrations than great tits. The higher accumulation of As and Pb in pied flycatcher livers was explained by a more efficient absorption, whereas the higher Cd concentration was primarily due to different intake of food items. Age-related differences occurred between the two species, though both Cd and Se accumulated with age.