Individual Intake Research Articles

(Poly)phenols and Multiple Sclerosis: Results from an Observational Cross-Sectional Study

(Poly)phenols are a wide and heterogeneous class of substances with several potential health benefits. Their role in neuroprotection and cognition is still questionable. This study’s scope is to examine the possible association between total and individual (poly)phenol intake, major dietary sources, and the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a cohort of MS patients. Participants’ demographics, physical activity, smoking, and dietary information were collected, alongside clinical parameters including the Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS), Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS), MS phenotype, and current therapy. A validated 110-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess participants’ habits. The (poly)phenol content of foods was estimated using the Phenol-Explorer database. Data from 106 participants were analyzed. A high intake of vegetables was associated with a 4.6-fold higher probability of mild MS (95% CI: 1.49, 14.28), whereas no association was found for other food and beverage sources. Hydroxycinnamic acids were significantly related to MSSS (OR: 6.55, 95% CI: 2.15, 19.92). Although coffee intake differed significantly between patients with mild and severe MS (90.5 ± 53.9 vs. 59.4 ± 40.8 mL/d, respectively), linear regression analysis did not confirm an association with MSSS. A higher intake of hydroxycinnamic acids and vegetables may impact MS severity. Coffee’s role remains unclear and needs to be further investigated.

Associations between the intake of single and multiple dietary vitamins and depression risk among populations with chronic kidney disease

BackgroundThe effects of multivitamin exposure on depression among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to explore the effects of individual vitamin intakes and the joint effect of the intake of multiple vitamins (including vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K) on depression risk in participants with CKD.MethodsA total of 3,123 participants with CKD (weighted n = 25,186,480) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 2007 to 2014 were included. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to analyze the associations of individual dietary vitamin intakes with depression risk. Additionally, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were performed to evaluate the joint effect of the intake of the nine vitamins on depression risk.ResultsThe overall prevalence of depression was approximately 11.3% in the study participants. In the fully adjusted model, high intakes of vitamin A (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.40–0.74), vitamin B1 (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48–0.95), vitamin B6 (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.49–0.99), vitamin D (OR: 0.67. 95% CI: 0.48–0.94), and vitamin K (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.44–0.85) were associated with a reduced likelihood of depression. BKMR and WQS regression showed that the joint effect of the intake of the nine dietary vitamins had a significant negative effect on depression, with vitamin A intake being the largest contributor in the two models. Lastly, WQS regression reflected the total mixed exposure effect of the nine vitamins (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69–0.99).ConclusionHigh intakes of vitamins A, B1, B6, D, and K are associated with low depression risk in patients with CKD. Furthermore, co-exposure to the nine dietary vitamins is a crucial factor contributing to low depression risk in this population.

Multi-dimensional evidence from the UK Biobank shows the impact of diet and macronutrient intake on aging.

The role of diet in aging is crucial, yet research findings on how specific diets influence human aging remain inconsistent. Understanding the relationship between dietary factors and aging could inform interventions to promote healthier aging outcomes. We analyzed data from the UK Biobank baseline survey and a 24-hour dietary assessment survey to investigate the association between diet and aging. The study examined 18 individual food intakes, 6 dietary patterns, 3 macronutrient intakes, and 3 dietary quality scores. High-dimensional Fixed Effects (HDFE) models were used to assess associations between dietary factors and aging measures, including telomere length, phenotypic age, and brain grey/white matter volumes. Multivariable Mendelian Randomization (MVMR) was employed to explore causal links between macronutrient consumption and aging outcomes. Our results show that healthier diets are generally associated with improved aging outcomes from HDFE analyses. Plant-based food consumption correlates with increased telomere length and reduced phenotypic age, while animal-based food intake is linked to adverse aging effects. MVMR results confirm the causal benefits of carbohydrate intake, including reductions in phenotypic age (β = -0.0025; 95% CI = [-0.0047, -0.0003]; p = 0.0253) and increases in whole-brain grey matter volume (β = 0.0262; 95% CI = [0.007, 0.046]; p = 0.0087). The latter association remains significant after multiple testing correction. This study underscores the significant role of diet in biological aging and provides robust evidence for the benefits of carbohydrate intake in promoting healthier aging. These findings highlight the potential of dietary interventions to improve aging-related outcomes.

Development and Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Dietary Antioxidant Intake among Prediabetic Individuals in the South Indian Population

Background: Prediabetes is a growing global public health concern, with dietary factors playing a major role in its progression to type 2 diabetes. Antioxidants can mitigate oxidative stress, a major contributor to prediabetes. This study developed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess the intake of key antioxidants, including vitamin C and E, selenium and zinc among prediabetic population in Chennai, India. Methodology: The food list was based on the Indian Food Composition Table (2017), and the portion sizes and frequencies were derived through a focus group discussion with registered dietitians and physicians. The FFQ intake data were compared with the mean of two 24-hour dietary recall (DR) using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Strong correlations were observed for vitamin C (r=0.909) and vitamin E(r=0.915), and moderate correlations were observed for selenium (r = 0.696), and zinc (r = 0.706), with significant results (p < 0.001 for vitamin C, E, selenium, and p = 0.036 for zinc). Conclusion: The results indicated good agreement between the FFQ and DR, validating the developed FFQ as a reliable tool for estimating antioxidant intake in prediabetic individuals. This tool is useful for monitoring antioxidant intake in both clinical and public health settings.

Exploring Dietary Assessment Methods Used to Measure Individual Dietary Intakes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries and Under-Served Populations in High-Income Countries.

For low- and middle- income country (LMIC) settings, a global nutrition transition is rapidly emerging as diets shift, resulting in a dual burden of malnutrition. High quality dietary intake data for these populations is essential to understand dietary patterns contributing to these nutrition issues. New technology is emerging to address dietary assessment challenges; however, it is unknown how researchers conducting studies with LMIC populations or under-served groups in high-income countries adopt technology-assisted methods. This study aimed to describe the features of the dietary assessment methods used in these settings. A cross-sectional survey of members of an online international nutrition network was conducted. Participants completed an online questionnaire collecting data on dietary assessment method use, populations studied, and factors influencing method selection. Of 45 participants (ranging from 27 to 60 years) who completed the questionnaire, 67% conducted dietary assessments in children aged 1-5 years, 60% in pregnant women and 60% in female adults. Dietary assessment was conducted predominantly in countries classified as LMIC (n = 50), compared to the assessment of vulnerable groups in high-income countries (n = 3). All participants reported using 24-h recalls, 80% used food frequency questionnaires, while 22% used image-based and 22% used image-assisted methods. Predominant modes were interviewer-administered, paper questionnaires and manual analysis; however, digital survey platforms were used by nearly half of participants. Although traditional dietary assessment methods continue to dominate in LMICs, evidence of technological-assisted method use is emerging. Technology-assisted methods, tailored to address challenges in collecting quality dietary intake data in LMICs, are becoming more accessible.

Consuming Pecans as a Snack Improves Lipids/Lipoproteins and Diet Quality Compared to Usual Diet in Adults at Increased Risk for Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The vascular and cardiometabolic effects of pecans are relatively under-studied. The aim was to examine how substitution of usual snack foods with 57 g/day of pecans affects vascular health, risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases and diet quality, compared to continuing usual intake in individuals at risk for cardiometabolic diseases. A 12-week single-blinded, parallel, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Adults with ≥1 criterion for metabolic syndrome who were free from cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes were included. Participants were provided with 57 g/day of pecans and instructed to replace the snacks usually consumed with the provided pecans. The control group was instructed to continue consuming their usual diet. Flow mediated dilation (FMD; primary outcome), blood pressure, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), lipids/lipoproteins, and glycemic control were measured at baseline and following the intervention. Participants completed three 24-hour recalls at three timepoints (baseline, week 6, and week 12) during the study (9 recalls in total). The Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020) was calculated to assess diet quality. In total, 138 participants (Mean±SD;46±13 years, 29.8±3.7 kg/m2) were randomized (69 per group). No between group differences in FMD, cf-PWV or blood pressure were observed. Compared to the usual diet group, pecan intake reduced total cholesterol (-8.1 mg/dL; 95%CI -14.5, -1.7), LDL-C (-7.2 mg/dL; 95%CI -12.3, -2.1), non-HDL-C (-9.5 mg/dL; 95%CI -15.3, -3.7) and triglycerides (-16.4 mg/dL; 95%CI -30.0, -2.9). Weight tended to increase in the pecan group compared with the usual diet group (0.7 kg; 95%CI -0.1, 1.4). The HEI-2020 increased by 9.4 points (95%CI 5.0, 13.7) in the pecan group compared to the usual diet group. Replacing usual snacks with 57 g/day of pecans for 12-weeks improved lipids/lipoproteins and diet quality, but did not affect vascular health in adults at risk for cardiometabolic disease. clinicaltrials.gov NCT05071807.

Association of dietary water intake with body composition and the potential mechanism based on urinary metabolic signatures in Chinese elderly individuals aged 75 years and above.

With the rising global aging rate, elderly nutrition and health issues are major concerns. Current research focuses on nutrients such as protein and vitamins, while there are limited studies on water intake in the elderly. The aim of this study was to assess whether Chinese people aged over 75 years are meeting the recommended adequate intake (AI) for total water intake and its relationship with body composition. This was done by exploring potential mechanisms through the analysis of urinary metabolites. Water intake and dietary status were collected from 456 community seniors aged over 75 years using a 24-hour water intake and dietary record form. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). We found that 16.01% of community seniors reached the AI. The protein, fat-free mass (FFM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) levels were all increased in the AI group compared to the <AI group. The increase in TWI was associated with increases in body weight and mineral and decreases in the percentage of body fat (β = 0.170, P = 0.032; β = 1.945, P = 0.023; β = -0.125, P = 0.036). TWI was positively correlated with urine volume (UV) (r = 0.560, P = 0.001) and negatively correlated with 24-hour urine osmolality (Uos) (r = -0.378, P < 0.05). Inadequate water intake led to reduced levels of 22 metabolites (e.g., aspartic acid, L-glutamine, and L-tryptophan). TWI was insufficient among older individuals aged over 75 years in China, impacting their body composition, hydration status, and body metabolism. Therefore, it is suggested to monitor the water intake of elderly individuals and guide them to eat sensibly and drink in moderation to promote their health.

Associations of serum fatty acids, serum urea nitrogen, and ruminal ammonia nitrogen with residual feed intake in lactating dairy cows.

Feed efficiency is critical in dairy farming, impacting production costs and environmental sustainability. The development of the trait residual feed intake (RFI) has provided an opportunity to select dairy cows that are more efficient in converting nutrients into milk. Note that RFI requires individual daily intake records, which are typically collected on a limited number of research farms. In this context, the identification of biomarkers that can be used to identify and select more feed-efficient cows is of great interest. As such, this study aimed to identify ruminal and serum biomarkers associated with RFI in mid-lactation Holstein cows. A selected subset of 24 out of 454 Holstein cows was used in this study. This subset was strategically selected to represent extremes of least feed-efficient (LFE, n = 12, RFI = 2.44) and most feed-efficient (MFE, n = 12, RFI = -2.69) cows with no difference in the 3 energy sinks, namely body weight (BW) change, metabolic BW, and energy secreted in milk. Rumen fluid and serum samples were collected between 60 and 90 d in milk (DIM). Rumen fluid samples were collected using an oresophageal tubing procedure. Serum samples were used to measure fatty acids using a 2-step assay. The fatty acid methyl ester was assessed using solid phase extraction and quantified using chromatographic peak area and internal standard-based calculations. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen was measured using a phenol-hypochlorite assay, while serum urea was measured using a commercial ELISA assay. Cows in the MFE group had higher ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentrations than cows in the LFE group. There were no differences in serum urea concentration between MFE and LFE cows. Serum fatty acids concentration differed between groups, with myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), cis-heptadecenoic acid (cis9-17:1), stearic acid (C18:0), and total saturated fatty acids (SFA) having greater concentrations in the MFE group than in the LFE group. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentration was lower in the MFE group than in the LFE group. A model incorporating C14:0, C16:0, palmitoleic acid (trans9-C16:1), ante iso heptadecanoic acid plus palmitoleic acid (C17:0+trans13-C16:1), oleic acid (cis9-C18:1), cis-vaccenic acid (cis11-C18:1), petroselinic acid (cis12-C18:1), C18:0, linoleic acid (C18:2n-6), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (C20:3n-6), cis-monounsaturated fatty acids, omega 6 PUFA, total PUFA, total SFA, other and unknown fatty acids was used to assess goodness-of-fit for RFI and showed an adjusted R2 of 0.74. When ruminal ammonia nitrogen was added to the previous model, adjusted R2 improved to 0.84. Our findings provide evidence that ruminal ammonia nitrogen and serum fatty acids are associated with RFI, thus suggesting that these metabolites might be helpful in identifying more feed-efficient dairy cows.

Asparagopsis taxiformis supplementation to mitigate enteric methane emissions in dairy cows - effects on performance and metabolism.

Methane emissions from ruminant digestion contribute significantly to global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Members of the phylum Rhodophyta (red algae), particularly Asparagopsis sp., have shown promising results in reducing methane emissions in ruminants, due to their high content of halogenated methane analog compounds. However, knowledge is lacking regarding the effects of red algae on animal performance and metabolism. This study investigated the effects of dairy cow diet supplementation with Asparagopsis taxiformis on enteric methane performance, metabolism of bromine and iodine, and health status of the cows. Thirty lactating Nordic Red dairy cows fed a total mixed ration, were blocked according to parity and days in milk, and randomly assigned to one of 3 diets: a control diet with no Asparagopsis taxiformis (CON), a diet with 0.15% Asparagopsis taxiformis on an organic matter (OM) basis (L-AT), and a diet with 0.3% Asparagopsis taxiformis on an OM basis (H-AT). The cows were fed the experimental diets continuously for 13 weeks, beginning with a baseline week (wk 0), which served as covariate by week where all cows received the basal diet. Individual feed intake and milk yield were recorded automatically throughout the experiment. Milk composition was determined by collecting milk samples during each milking session on 2 consecutive days every experimental week. While enteric methane and hydrogen levels were measured continuously by the GreenFeed system. Feces grab samples were collected as spot samples from a subset of 6 cows per treatment after milking during sampling wk 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12. Urine spot samples were collected from the same subset of cows during the same weeks as fecal samples. One urine sample was taken per day on 2 consecutive days, and the samples were analyzed for wk 12. Rumen fluid was collected after morning milking using a stomach tube in wk 0, 2, 4, and 12. We observed a 30% reduction in methane production in the H-AT group, with a concomitant increase in hydrogen production by 383%. However, the interaction between treatment and week showed that the AT effect on methane reduction began to diminish by wk 9 of the experiment. In the L-AT group, methane was reduced by 7.6% and hydrogen production was increased by 70%. However, dry matter intake (DMI) was 7% lower and energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield was 2% lower in the H-AT group compared with the other 2 groups. Total concentration of volatile fatty acids in rumen fluid was lower in the H-AT group compared with CON, with a reduction in acetate concentration and an increase in propionate, butyrate and valerate in the H-AT group. Bromine concentration was 5-fold higher and iodine concentration was 9-fold higher in milk from the H-AT group compared with CON. Bromine concentration in feces and urine samples from H-AT cows was approximately 4-fold and 9-fold higher, respectively, than in samples from CON cows. Metabolic profiling revealed a reduction in cholesterol levels and a decrease in the ferric-reducing ability of plasma in the H-AT treatment group compared with the CON group, as well as an increase in plasma magnesium concentration in the H-AT group. In conclusion, using 0.3% Asparagopsis taxiformis as an additive in dairy cow feed rations can mitigate enteric methane emissions, but this reduction was observed only during the first 8 weeks of the experiment, with no effect on methane emissions from wk 9 to 12. Additionally, it may have negative effects on DMI and ECM yield. Further long-term studies on red algae as methane inhibitor is needed to examine its sustained inhibitory effects over time and its impact on various metabolic processes. The effects appear to decline after wk 8 and influence several metabolic mechanisms.

Estimated potassium intake and major adverse cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study with trans-ethnic validation

BackgroundData on the relationship between potassium intake and major cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with diabetes are scarce. We aim to study the association between estimated potassium intake and risk of MACE in individuals with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe discovery cohort consisted of 1572 participants with type 2 diabetes from a secondary hospital. The validation cohort consisted of 1430 participants with diabetes from a multicenter study (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort, CRIC). Potassium intake was estimated from potassium in spot urine using Kawasaki formula and in 24-h urine collection in two cohorts, respectively. The primary outcome was MACE defined as a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death.ResultsDuring a median of 8.2 years of follow-up, 341 MACE events were identified in discovery cohort. Compared to the lowest tertile, participants with potassium intake in the top tertile had 34% lower risk for MACE after adjustment for cardio-renal risk factors (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR [95% CI], 0.66 [0.49–0.89]). This inverse association was more pronounced in participants with normal or moderately elevated albuminuria as compared to those with severely elevated albuminuria (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio > 300 mg/g, p for interaction < 0.05). In consistence, a higher potassium intake was independently associated with a lower risk of MACE in CRIC participants with diabetes and moderately elevated albuminuria (aHR 0.61 [0.42–0.90], top vs. lowest tertile).ConclusionsA high level potassium intake estimated from urine potassium excretion was independently associated with a low risk of MACE in patients with type 2 diabetes. Increasing potassium intake may be a potential effective strategy for cardiovascular risk reduction beyond controlling traditional risk factors.

Exploring Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle: From Data Collection to Genetic and Nutritional Modeling.

Increasing feed efficiency in beef cattle is critical for meeting the growing global demand for beef while managing rising feed costs and environmental impacts. Challenges in recording feed intake and combining genomic and nutritional models hinder improvements in feed efficiency for sustainable beef production. This review examines the progression from traditional data collection methods to modern genetic and nutritional approaches that enhance feed efficiency. We first discuss the technological advancements that allow precise measurement of individual feed intake and efficiency, providing valuable insights for research and industry. The role of genomic selection in identifying and breeding feed-efficient animals is then explored, emphasizing the benefits of combining data from multiple populations to enhance genomic prediction accuracy. Additionally, the paper highlights the importance of nutritional models that could be used synergistically with genomic selection. Together, these tools allow for optimized feed management in diverse production systems. Combining these approaches also provides a roadmap for reducing input costs and promoting a more sustainable beef industry.

Associations Between Problems in Oral Health, Oral Function and Malnutrition in Older People: Results From Three Databases.

Poor oral health can influence an individual's dietary intake, which may result in malnutrition. Both problems in oral health and function and malnutrition are common in older people. The aim of the present study was to explore the associations between oral health and oral function and malnutrition in community-dwelling older people within three different databases. Data analyses were performed on three existing Dutch databases (Interrai: n = 3876, LPZ: n = 966, PRIMa mouth CARE: n = 975). Logistic regressions (adjusted for age and gender) tested the relation between oral health and oral function (independent variable) and malnutrition (dependent variable). Problems in oral health and oral function such as broken teeth (OR: 1.43 [95%CI: 1.12-1.81]), oral pain and discomfort (OR: 2.58 [95%CI: 1.52-4.39]), chewing difficulties (OR: 1.99 [95%CI: 1.54-2.57]), swallowing problems (OR: 6.63 [95%CI: 2.85-15.42]), coughing (OR: 6.05 [95%CI: 2.08-17.61]) and food adaptations (OR: 5.46 [95%CI: 2.60-11.4]) were found to be significantly associated with malnutrition in older people. This study demonstrated a significant link between oral health problems and oral function with malnutrition in community-dwelling older people. Oral health care and healthcare professionals need to consider oral health and oral function in relation to nutritional status and vice versa in community-dwelling older people.

Association between the number of glucose-lowering drugs in use, diet quality, and nutrient intake among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The use of several glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus is common, but their effects on dietary intake have been little explored. Our study aimed to examine the association between the number of GLDs used by adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their diet quality and nutrient intake. This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a Brazilian national multicenter randomized clinical trial involving participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged >30 years. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric information and food intake data (24-h dietary recall). Diet quality was assessed by the modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association of dietary intake with the number of GLDs in use. Our analysis included data from a total of 363 participants, mean age of 60.8 ± 9.5 years, and mean glycated hemoglobin of 8.7 ± 1.5%. Of these, 28.1% were taking one GLD; 48.8% were taking two GLDs; and 23.1% were taking ≥3 GLDs. We found no difference in diet quality, but the intake of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids was different between the three groups (p ≤ 0.03). However, this association was no longer seen after adjusting for age, sex, duration of diabetes, prior diagnosis of dyslipidemia, physical activity and mean monthly family income. We did not find an association between the number of GLDs in use and either diet quality or nutrient intake in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Cannabidiol can affect morphology, morphometry, enzymatic and microbial activity of rabbit digestive system.

The present research aimed to evaluate the effects of the continuative dietary administration of a hemp oil extract containing cannabinoids (cannabidiol, CBD) on the macroscopic morphology, morphometry, and enzymatic activity of different intestinal tracts as well as on the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the cecum of growing rabbits. The research was performed on 16 rabbits randomly selected from 2 experimental groups (8 per group). In detail, 42, sixty-day-old New Zealand White x California rabbits (sex ratio 1:1, average weight 1621.3 ± 46.2g) were homogeneously divided into 2 groups (21 animals/group), named Control and CBD. Both groups were fed the same commercial diet, but the CBD one was supplemented with 0.1ml of a hemp extract in coconut-based oil corresponding to 10mg of CBD/animal/day. Up to 92 days of age (for 27 d), individual live weight and feed intake were weekly measured. At 92 days of age, 8 rabbits/group (sex ratio 1:1) were moved to a specialized slaughterhouse, and the gastro-intestinal tract was separated from the carcass. Samples from 8 rabbits per dietary treatment were used for the histomorphological analysis of small and large intestine. In addition, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and caecum were processed for enzymatic analysis. The caecal contents were used for the SCFA determination. The administration of CBD did not affect feed intake and the final rabbits whole body weight (P > 0.05), but some changes were detected in the gastro-intestinal tract of the animals. CBD seemed to interfere with protein digestion, with a significantly lower activity of the enzymes related to peptides in the small intestine and a consequent increase of the fermentative activity of caecal microbiota. This effect, in combination with a general decrease of fermentative activity in the caecal content of rabbits submitted to CBD treatment, was responsible for a change in the SCFA proportion mainly regarding the reduction of butyrate production (P < 0.01) that resulted significantly higher in CTR group compared to CBD. This last result is very important for intestinal health. Such fermentation activity modification was coupled with changes in the relative abundance of goblet cells in the colon. Overall, our findings suggest that a relative long-term administration of CBD may affect digestion in rabbits, in particular at enzymatic and fermentative level.

Individual-Level Drivers of Food Choices and Diet Quality Among Adolescents in Urban West Africa: Evidence From Accra, Ghana.

Diet quality is influenced by multiple individual factors, but their relative strength and importance remain unclear. We investigate the associations between five domains of individual factors (economic, cognitive, aspirational, situational and consumer behaviour) and diet intake of adolescents in Accra, Ghana. A cross-sectional survey among Junior High School (JHS) students (n = 409, mean age 14.3 years ± 1.28 (SD)) in Accra, Ghana, was conducted. Data on diet intake, knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) and socioeconomic background characteristics were collected. Adjusting for other factors, students' total budget was positively associated with food group diversity (β = 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.15) but inversely associated with diet quality (β = -0.07, 95% CI -0.11 to -0.03). Positive attitude towards nutrition and healthy eating was inversely associated with unfavourable diversity (β = -0.17, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.03). Differences between negative deviants relative to positive deviants were determined by attitude towards healthy eating (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41; 95% CI 0.17-0.99) and family practices (OR = 0.48; 95% CI 0.23-1.00). We provide evidence that higher food budgets were associated with higher diet diversity, but not with improved diet quality. Attitude, but not knowledge, was linked to better diet quality. Future studies should focus on the specific contribution of aspirational, situational and behavioural factors in directing increased diversity towards favourable eating habits.

Effect of sorghum flour-containing pasta on postprandial glycemia, appetite and energy intake in healthy individuals.

In vitro studies suggest that incorporating sorghum flour into staple foods including pasta reduces their starch digestibility and hence may suppress postprandial blood glucose levels, appetite and energy intake; however, these effects in humans have yet to be reported. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of red and white sorghum-containing pasta on blood glucose response, appetite and energy intake in humans. In a randomised crossover design, healthy individuals (n = 20) consumed the following three iso-caloric test meals (each providing 50 g available carbohydrates) as breakfast: control pasta (CP) made from100% durum wheat; 30% red sorghum pasta (RSP) and; 30% white sorghum pasta (WSP). Blood glucose and subjective appetite were measured postprandially for 2 and 3 h, respectively. Energy intakes from ad libitum lunch consumed 3 h after breakfast and for the remainder of the day were also measured. Incremental areas under or over the curves (iAUCs/iAOCs) for blood glucose and appetite parameters were calculated. The RSP meal resulted in significantly lower blood glucose response (-0.35 ± 0.09 mmol/l; 95% CI: -0.61 ~ -0.09; P = 0.005) and glucose iAUC over 120 min (-36.11 ± 10.53 mmol/l × min; 95% CI: -67.11 ~ -5.11; P = 0.017) compared to CP meal. Compared to CP meal, the RSP meal resulted in significantly higher satiety iAUC (1219.46 ± 383.26 mm × min; 95% 91.18 ~ 2347.75; P = 0.029), lower hunger iAOC (-1410.47 ± 349.14 mm x min; 95% CI: -2438.30 ~ -382.63; P = 0.004) and lower prospective food intake iAOC (-1645.73 ± 324.14 mm x min; 95% CI: -2599.97 ~ -691.49; P < 0.001). Energy intake at ad libitum lunch was significantly lower after the RSP meal than after the CP meal (-794.17 ± 163.25 kJ; 95% CI: -1274.77 ~ -313.57; P = 0.001). The results indicate that red sorghum addition into pasta provides a product inducing reduced glycemia, favourably changed appetite parameters and decreased subsequent energy intake.

Habitual dietary methyl donor’s intake and metabolic profile in obese individuals: a cross-sectional study

Considering the role of dietary methyl donor (DMD) in numerous biochemical processes, we hypothesized that DMD could play an important role in metabolic syndrome such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, and appetite in obese individuals. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 obese people. We collected dietary data using a valid and reliable 147-question Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between dietary methyl intake and cardio-metabolic risk factors. After adjusting for confounding variables, individuals at the fourth and third quartile of DMD, were more likely to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (OR = 0.968, CI = 0.943–0.994, P = 0.015 and OR = 0.978, CI = 0.957–0.998, P = 0.03 respectively) versus first quartile. Also, total cholesterol (TC) showed a significant decrease in forth quartile of DMD in model III (OR = 0.974, CI = 0.951–0.997, P = 0.029). Current results suggested that, high DMDs’ consumption, significantly associated with decreased risk of cardiometabolic risk factors.

Assessing food consumed away from home in low-and middle-income countries by developing specific modules for household surveys: Experimental evidence from Vietnam and Burkina Faso.

In a world rapidly transitioning, food consumption away from home is rising, therefore representing an increasing share of individual's diet. Food consumed away from home negatively impacts diet, nutritional status and consequently has detrimental effects on health. In some contexts, where individual level dietary intake surveys are not regularly conducted, this behavior is not well documented leading to a gap of knowledge. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate in Burkina Faso and Vietnam specific modules that could be added to Household Consumption and Expenditure Surveys that are usually regularly conducted worldwide, in order to document the economic and nutritional importance of food consumption away from home. In each country, two survey modules, one long (100 food items) and one short (30 food items) were developed, to measure individual-level food consumption away from home over the last 7 days. The modules were relatively validated in comparison with data from three non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls conducted over the same 7-days period. The validation was conducted in different settings (urban, peri-urban and rural) in Burkina Faso (n = 924) and Vietnam (n = 918). In both countries, a good concordance between the 24-hour dietary recalls and the modules in their ability to identify a person as having consumed food away from home (>77%) was found. However, in both countries, both modules underestimate the mean energy intake coming from foods consumed away from home (from 122 to 408 kcal) while they overestimate the budget allocated to it (from -0.07 to -0.29 USD/day). None of developed food away from home modules were considered as valid. There is a need for the international community to continue to work on developing and validating tools capable to estimate nutritional intakes related to food consumption away from home and that could be added to regular national household-level surveys.

Supplementation of lysophospholipids in calf starter: effects on growth performance, blood metabolites, health, and ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of a commercial mixture of Lysophospholipids (LPL) in calf starter on performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant capacity, liver enzymes concentration, and health status of pre-weaning dairy calves. Forty-eight newborn female Holstein calves (37.5 ± 2.9kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to four treatments (12 replicates), which included the control (CON, without additive) and a commercial blend of LPL at 0.5, 1, and 1.5g/kg of starter feed. The body weight of the calves was measured using a digital scale on days 15, 30, 45, and d 63 of the experimental period to calculate the average daily gain (ADG). The individual starter intake and fecal score were measured daily. Blood samples were collected at 30 and 63 days, while fecal samples were collected for four consecutive days after weaning to measure nutrient digestibility. The treatments did not significantly afffect the total dry matter and starter intake. However, the supplementation of LPL resulted in an increase in the ADG and improved feed efficiency (FE, from1-63 d) compared to the CON group. The addition of LPL did not have any significant impact on the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), and organic matter (OM). Eether extract (EE) digestibility tended to increase with the addition of LPL. Calves that received starter feed containing 0.5g/kg of LPL had higher superoxide dismutase activity at 30 d of age compared to the intake.CON group. Additionally, the average fecal score significantly decreased in calves fed 0.5 and 1.5g/kg LPL compared with the CON group. These findings suggest that the inclusion of LPL at an average dose of 1g/kg of calf starter can improve the performance of pre-weaning Holstein dairy calves.

A computer vision and RFID fusion-based method for measuring individual feed intake and its application for detecting individual differences in feed efficiency of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

A computer vision and RFID fusion-based method for measuring individual feed intake and its application for detecting individual differences in feed efficiency of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)