International Life Sciences Institute North Research Articles

Blueberries, Health, and Exercise Performance

Stella Lucia Volpe, Ph.D., RDN, FACSM, ACSM-CEP,is professor and head of the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Her degrees are in both nutrition and exercise physiology; she also is an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist® and a registered dietitian. Dr. Volpe’s research focuses on obesity and diabetes prevention using traditional interventions and mineral supplementation, altering the environment to result in greater physical activity and healthy eating as well as in sport nutrition. Dr. Volpe serves on the Program Committee for ACSM and is on the Board of Trustees for the International Life Sciences Institute North America. Dr. Volpe is an associate editor of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal®, the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, and Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews. She also is editor-in-chief for Current Nutrition Reports.

Cardiovascular Harm From Egg Yolk and Meat: More Than Just Cholesterol and Saturated Fat.

Cardiovascular Harm From Egg Yolk and Meat: More Than Just Cholesterol and Saturated Fat.

Modeling Nutrient Intakes for Current and Revised Daily Values of Children and Teens (4–18 Years) in the United States Population

Abstract Objectives In 2016, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration updated the Daily Values (DVs) on the Nutrition Facts Label for packaged foods and beverages. Implementation of these changes is required by manufacturers in 2020–2021. This study modeled the possible impact of these changes on nutrient intake of children and teens from intrinsic and fortified food sources. Methods We used data from the 2009–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with the International Life Sciences Institute, North America Fortification Database, which identifies intrinsic, enriched, and fortified sources of nutrients in foods and beverages. In our sample of 5155 children and teens aged 4–18 yrs, we determined the usual intake (UI), % UI < the Estimated Average Requirement (% <EAR), and % ≥the Tolerable Upper Limit (% ≥ UL) based on the current DVs. We modeled estimated UI, % <EAR and % ≥ UL using the updated DVs for 10 micronutrients with the assumption that fortified food products will be reformatted to maintain current % DV claims. UI was based on two 24-hr recalls. Results Comparison of models of the current versus updated DVs overall, demonstrated increases in the UI for vitamins C, D and calcium; a decrease for vitamins A and B12; slight decreases for niacin, zinc and vitamin B6; and little change for thiamin and riboflavin. Conversely, the % <EAR increased for vitamins A, B6, B12 and zinc; slightly increased for thiamin, riboflavin and niacin; and decreased for calcium, vitamins C and D. The % ≥ UL decreased for zinc (20%), niacin (38%) and vitamin A (65%) and remained unchanged for other nutrients studied. Modeling of the % <EAR indicated that teens 14–18 yrs could be severely deficient in vitamins A, C and D. The updated DV helped mitigate this deficiency for vitamins C and D, but worsened it for vitamin A. Younger children (4–8 yrs) had the greatest impact in UI from the revised DV for vitamin C. Conclusions In 4–18 yr olds, our modeling predicts reductions in overall vitamin A intake, a recognized “shortfall nutrient”, with an especially large increase in % <EAR for teens 14–18 yrs. Teens at greatest risk are those currently dependent upon vitamin A fortified foods. Funding Sources This work was supported by the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) North America Fortification Committee. ILSI North America is a public, nonprofit science foundation.

Advancements in Personalized Nutrition Technologies: Guiding Principles for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists

Individualized nutrition counseling and care is a cornerstone of practice for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). The term personalized nutrition (PN) refers to “individual-specific information founded in evidence-based science to promote dietary behavior change that may result in measurable health benefits.” PN technologies, which include the “omics” approaches, may offer the potential to improve specificity of nutrition care through assessment of molecular-level data, such as genes or the microbiome, in order to determine the course for nutrition intervention. These technologies are evolving rapidly, and for many RDNs, it is unclear whether, when, or how these technologies should be incorporated into the nutrition care process. In order to provide guidance in these developing PN fields, International Life Sciences Institute North America convened a multidisciplinary panel to develop guiding principles for PN approaches. The objective of this article is to inform RDN practice decisions related to the implementation of PN technologies by examining the alignment of proposed PN guiding principles with the Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession, as well as Scope and Standards of Practice. Guiding principles are described as they apply to each stage of the nutrition care process and include identifying potential beneficiaries, communicating effects transparently, and protecting individual privacy. Guiding principles for PN augment standard guidance for RDNs to pose relevant questions, raise potential concerns, and guide evaluation of supporting evidence for specific PN technologies. RDNs have a responsibility to think critically about the application of PN technologies, including appropriateness and potential effectiveness, for the individual served.

Collecting Brand and Product Names in the USDA Automated Multiple Pass Method (AMPM) 24‐hour Dietary Recall

Brand and product names collected from respondents in dietary surveys often provide specific characteristics of foods/beverages which can assist in assigning nutrient profiles to those foods/beverages. They can also be used to create direct links between a food/beverage reported by a respondent and a product specific nutrient profile in a food composition database. Using brand and product names reported by respondents can result in reduced processing time and effort and can increase the specificity and amount of detail about foods available from dietary surveys. In order to accomplish this, both the dietary survey collection system and the food composition database need to include brand and product names and respondents need to know the brand and product name of items they report. USDA/ARS is working to obtain branded food product label data in electronic format that can be made available in the USDA food composition database. The Partnership for Public Health: Branded Food Products Database, composed of USDA/ARS, the International Life Sciences Institute North America and the Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership Foundation was established to increase the knowledge of the nutritional content of the nation's food supply by obtaining comprehensive food composition data from food manufacturers. USDA/ARS included the collection of selected brand and product names in the design and development of the AMPM. The USDA AMPM collects 24‐hour dietary recalls for the What We Eat in America (WWEIA), National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). AMPM uses a research‐based, multiple‐pass approach which has 5 steps designed to encourage complete and accurate dietary recall and reduce respondent burden. The purpose of this research is to describe the use of AMPM brand and product name questions. AMPM questions and responses were analyzed for 15,885 complete and reliable dietary recall interviews in the 2011–2012 WWEIA, NHANES. AMPM questions were identified as asking for brand or product specific responses based on the text of the question. In 88% of the 2011–2012 AMPM dietary recall interviews, respondents were asked at least one question about the brand name of a reported food/beverage. Both days for both males and females averaged three questions about brand names per interview. There were no differences in the percentages (p < .05) between the day 1 and day 2 interviews or between males and females. Overall, 70% of the brand name responses matched a description in the AMPM, 10% of the brand name responses did not match an AMPM description, and 20% of the responses recorded that the respondent did not know. Collection of brand and product names in dietary recalls is becoming more important for producing comprehensive dietary survey data. Their collection in the AMPM interview demonstrates that respondents are able to provide this information.Support or Funding InformationARS, USDA

Transparent, Actionable Framework for Food and Nutrition Research Public-Private Partnerships.

Transparent, Actionable Framework for Food and Nutrition Research Public-Private Partnerships.

Enhancing USDA's Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies with Branded Food Product Label Data

Monitoring the dietary intake of Americans requires an accurate and complete database of foods and beverages and their nutrients. The average grocery store in the U.S. contains more than 40,000 items. There are over 20,000 new food and beverage products launched each year and continuing reformulations of existing products. Many of these changes are the result of public health initiatives to reduce intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium. Label data in electronic format are being obtained through the Partnership for Public Health: Branded Food Products Database. The partnership is composed of USDA/ARS, the International Life Sciences Institute North America and the Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership Foundation. The label information will include the manufacturer and brand, the Nutrition Facts Panel data, ingredients, serving size description and weight in grams, and dates for when a product is available, when it is discontinued, and when it is changed. Incorporating branded food product ...

Caffeine Intakes from Beverages in the U.S.

The caffeine intake from beverages was estimated for the US population using the Kantar Worldpanel Beverage Consumption Survey. This survey included a nationally representative sample of 37,815 consumers of caffeinated beverages (≥ 1 yr of age). Respondents completed 7‐day intake diaries including the type, amount, and preparation of each beverage. Parents or guardians completed surveys for children 1–12 yrs of age. Results show that 84% of the US population consumes at least 1 caffeinated beverage per day. The mean daily caffeine intake from all beverages was 165±1 mg for all ages combined. Caffeine intake was highest in the 50–64 yr age group at 223±2 mg and 2.2±0.03 mg/kg body weight. Mean daily intakes were lowest in consumers <6 yrs of age at 36±3 mg and the 6–12 yr age group on a mg/kg body weight basis at 0.9±0.03. The 90th percentile intake was 552 mg for all ages combined, ranging from 182 mg at 6–12 yrs to 651 mg in the 50–64 yr age group. Coffee was the primary contributor to caffeine intakes in all age groups combined but a more significant contributor in adults (>;18 yrs). Carbonated soft drinks and tea beverages were also significant caffeine sources, particularly in the younger age groups. The percentage of energy drink users was low (≤10%) and these beverages were minor contributors to overall caffeine intakes in all age groups. Supported by the International Life Sciences Institute North America; Caffeine Working Group

Second International ILSI North America Conference on Hydration and Health, November 15-16, 2011 - Miami Beach, Florida

On November 15 and 16, 2011, the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) North America Hydration Committee organized a second international conference on hydration and health in Miami Beach, Florida. (A first conference on hydration and health promotion was held in November 2006.) The 2011 conference featured experts in the field of hydration from the United States, Europe, and Asia, and attracted attendees from government, industry, professional organizations, and academia. The conference reviewed the available science on hydration and related health issues, highlighting new and recent research. The conference also provided a scientific discussion of the compilation of data on fluid intake as it relates to health, well-being, disease, and human performance. The meeting format featured …

The State of the Science on Dietary Sweeteners Containing Fructose: Summary and Issues to Be Resolved

This article highlights the discussion of the issues that had been raised during the International Life Sciences Institute North America- and USDA Agricultural Research Service-sponsored workshop surrounding the consumption of fructose. One conclusion of the discussion was that the metabolic effects of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and sucrose appear to be similar in humans. However, there have been few studies directly comparing the effects of fructose to other caloric sweeteners, such as glucose, HFCS, and sucrose. Differential effects may include those related to insulin sensitivity, triglyceride and lipoprotein levels, and glycated protein levels. Further exploration of the differences between nutritive sweeteners should be the basis of a research agenda. Studies should also further investigate factors that might affect the results, such as the amount and form of the sweetener consumed, the macronutrient composition of the basal diet, the length of the study, and the characteristics of the subjects. Meanwhile, health professionals could help consumers by providing simple messages, such as the importance of consuming lower levels of energy, including those from all caloric sweeteners.

Dietary Sweeteners Containing Fructose: Overview of a Workshop on the State of the Science

The occurrence and impact of fructose in the American food supply has garnered much recent attention in the popular press as well as the scientific community. This paper provides an overview of a workshop cosponsored by the International Life Sciences Institute North America and the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, titled "State of the Science on Dietary Sweeteners Containing Fructose." Papers in the workshop addressed the chemical composition and properties of dietary sweeteners that contain fructose, the sources and amount of fructose in the American diet, and the metabolism of fructose in the human body. Further, the authors of each paper assessed the strength of the existing data linking dietary fructose intake and risk for overweight, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders. The assessment considered factors in study design, including the amount fed, the food form, the length of the study, the characteristics of the subjects, the specific methodology, and other potential confounders including diet. In addition to papers assessing the basic science of fructose, some papers also addressed consumer concern about sugars and fructose in the diet, the way fructose and other sugars are presented in the media, and the resulting confusion of consumers about fructose and other sugars in the diet. The purpose of the papers in the aggregate was to clarify what data exist about fructose and what the gaps are in the data and to help both scientists and consumers understand issues surrounding fructose in the food supply.

Summary of the workshop

The International Life Sciences Institute North American Branch, in conjunction with the International Life Sciences Institute Research Foundation, on 8–9 July 2008, sponsored the workshop “Early Risk Determinants and Later Health Outcomes: Implications for Research Prioritization and the Food Supply.” A primary objective was to focus on the relative influence of genetics and environmental factors, particularly in relation to specific nutrients and food components, on determinants of risk within the developmental stages of pregnancy, infancy (0–12 mo), and early childhood (≤5 y of age). A panel of experts concluded the workshop by providing their reactions to the papers presented while attempting to identify the critical time windows and the research gaps and challenges for future research. This was followed by a discussion of how the food industry might assist in the acquisition and translation of the knowledge of the determinants of disease to improve human health.

Funding Food Science and Nutrition Research

In Brief There has been significant public debate about the susceptibility of research to biases of various kinds. The dialogue has extended to the peer-reviewed literature, scientific conferences, the mass media, government advisory bodies, and beyond. Although biases can come from myriad sources, the overwhelming focus of the discussion, to date, has been on industry-funded science. Given the critical role that the industry has played and will continue to play in the research process, the International Life Sciences Institute North America Working Group on Guiding Principles has, in this article, set out proposed conflict-of-interest guidelines regarding industry funding for protecting the integrity and credibility of the scientific record, particularly with respect to health, nutrition, and food-safety science. Eight principles are enumerated, specifying ground rules for industry-sponsored research. The article, which issues a challenge to the broader scientific community to address all bias issues, is only a first step; the document is intended to be dynamic, prompting ongoing discussion and refinement Nutrition and food scientists agree on funding standards to ensure scientific integrity

Towards Establishing Dietary Reference Intakes for Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids

There is considerable interest in the impact of (n-3) long-chain PUFA in mitigating the morbidity and mortality caused by chronic diseases. In 2002, the Institute of Medicine concluded that insufficient data were available to define Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), noting only that EPA and DHA could contribute up to 10% toward meeting the Adequate Intake for α-linolenic acid. Since then, substantial new evidence has emerged supporting the need to reassess this recommendation. Therefore, the Technical Committee on Dietary Lipids of the International Life Sciences Institute North America sponsored a workshop on 4–5 June 2008 to consider whether the body of evidence specific to the major chronic diseases in the United States—coronary heart disease (CHD), cancer, and cognitive decline—had evolved sufficiently to justify reconsideration of DRI for EPA+DHA. The workshop participants arrived at these conclusions: 1) consistent evidence from multiple research paradigms demonstrates a clear, inverse relation between EPA+DHA intake and risk of fatal (and possibly nonfatal) CHD, providing evidence that supports a nutritionally achievable DRI for EPA+DHA between 250 and 500 mg/d; 2) because of the demonstrated low conversion from dietary ALA, protective tissue levels of EPA+DHA can be achieved only through direct consumption of these fatty acids; 3) evidence of beneficial effects of EPA+DHA on cognitive decline are emerging but are not yet sufficient to support an intake level different from that needed to achieve CHD risk reduction; 4) EPA+DHA do not appear to reduce risk for cancer; and 5) there is no evidence that intakes of EPA+DHA in these recommended ranges are harmful.

Dietary Reference Intakes: Implications for Fiber Labeling and Consumption: A Summary of the International Life Sciences Institute North America Fiber Workshop, June 1-2, 2004, Washington, DC

Multiple definitions of dietary fiber have been developed and are in use around the world. The definitions vary as to which substances are considered to be fibers, the analytical methods utilized to identify and measure these fibers, and whether physiological criteria are part of the definition. A workshop entitled "Dietary Reference Intakes: Implications for Fiber Labeling and Consumption" was held by the International Life Sciences Institute North America Technical Committee on Carbohydrates to review the fiber definitions recently published by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies. Presentations and facilitated discussions reviewed the rationale for the IOM definitions of dietary fiber, functional fiber, and total fiber in light of evolving nutritional science. Also discussed were potential analytical, regulatory, and consumer issues involved if the US Food and Drug Administration and/or Health Canada were to implement the IOM's recommendations. Issues, concerns, and questions to be addressed are summarized here.

Dietary Reference Intakes: Implications for Fiber Labeling and Consumption: A Summary of the International Life Sciences Institute North America Fiber Workshop, June 1-2, 2004, Washington, DC

Dietary Reference Intakes: Implications for Fiber Labeling and Consumption: A Summary of the International Life Sciences Institute North America Fiber Workshop, June 1-2, 2004, Washington, DC

Dietary guidelines: past experience and new approaches

These proceedings are based on a symposium and workshop entitled, “Dietary Guidelines: Past Experience and New Approaches,” that was held April 30-May 1, 2002, at the University of Toronto, Canada. The Program in Food Safety, Nutrition and Regulatory Affairs (PFSNRA), University of Toronto, and the International Life Sciences Institute North America (ILSI NA), Washington, DC, were cosponsors, in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition (Canada), the Dietitians of Canada, and The American Dietetic Association. Participants came from Australia, the United States, and Canada.