Low Intake Of Vitamin Research Articles

Assessment of diet quality, nutrient intake, and dietary behaviours in obese children compared to healthy children.

Obesity has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as the most common chronic disease in the world. An increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity has been seen in Poland. The aim of this study was to compare the dietary behaviours, quality of diet, and nutrient intake in a group of obese children compared to children with normal body weight. A total of 105 children aged between seven and 15 years were surveyed. The test group consisted of 52 obese patients from a Dietary Clinic in the Children's University Hospital in Cracow, without accompanying chronic diseases, and 53 normal weight patients. Chil-dren's nutritional behaviours and diet were assessed with a questionnaire (FFQ) and a 24-hour recall. To assess diet quality the Healthy Eating Indicator (HDI) was used. The diet of the studied obese children was rich in highly processed and high-fat products, and poor in vegetables, fruits, and wholegrain products. Obese children consumed on average 73.42 ±19.60 kcal per body weight whereas normal-weight children consumed 49.89 ±12.20 (p < 0.01) and obtained more energy from fat than from carbohydrates. A low intake of vitamins A and D, folic acid, calcium, iodine, and iron in both groups was observed. The HDI showed a low-quality diet in nearly 40% of obese children. Dietary treatment of obese children should concentrate not only on reduction of calories from food products but also on choices of high-nutrient-density products and on developing healthy eating habits.

Do people change their diet after colorectal adenoma diagnosis?

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in the UK; 95% of CRCs develop from colorectal adenomas. Adults in England aged 60–74 years are screened for colorectal cancer through the national Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) which aims to detect colorectal cancer early, and also remove colorectal adenomas. However, adenoma recurrence is common. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) estimates that around 45% of CRC cases could be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. There are no specific dietary guidelines to protect against adenoma recurrence and patients do not receive dietary advice in the care pathway. Nonetheless understanding the dietary intake of people with adenoma who are at high-risk of developing CRC and their subsequent dietary behaviour post-diagnosis may design future intervention strategies.This study aims to describe the diet of colorectal adenoma patients and evaluate whether there were elective changes in diet following diagnosis.The data used in this study were obtained from colorectal adenoma patients at high risk of recurrence, recruited to the seAFOod polyp prevention trial through the English BCSP. Dietary intake was assessed using the EPIC Food Frequency Questionnaire at two time points: during the 12 months before and during the 12 months after adenoma diagnosis. FETA dietary analysis software was used to extract data. Paired Sample-T-Tests and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test were used to assess change in intake using SPSS version 25.Of the 709 patients recruited to the main study, 526 completed the FFQ on both occasions, of whom 81.7% were males. The mean age was 65 years (SD 4.8), 83.4% were overweight or obese with mean BMI = 29.5 kg/m2 (SD 5.7). The majority of nutrient intakes met UK DRVs, with the exception of low intake of fibre, vitamin D and selenium. Following diagnosis, a significant reduction was detected in daily intake of energy (from 7.7 to 7.5 MJ, p &lt; 0.05) meat and meat products (from 124 to 111 g, p &lt; 0.005), non-alcoholic beverages (from 939 to 898 g, p &lt; 0.05) and nuts (from 5.5 to 4.3 g, p &lt; 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that dietary changes were confined to men where the reduction in energy was by 293 kj/day and in meat by 1.5 portions per week.Patients do modify diet following a diagnosis of adenoma and changes correspond to WCRF healthy diet guidelines. Whether detected difference between males and females was due to the sample size or due to actual difference in behavior is not clear.

Practical tips for prevention of cardiovascular disease in women after quarantine for COVID-19 disease.

To contain the spread of CoV-19 / SARS-CoV-2 infection, several governments have imposed collective quarantine on the population. All of these restrictions have influenced women’s health and induced an unhealthy lifestyle that, in some cases, could persist after the lockdown. The present commentary briefly analyzes the effects of quarantine on women’s lifestyle. Quarantine is associated with stress and depression, which lead to unhealthy nutrition and reduced physical activity, particularly in women. Unhealthy diet is usually poor in fruit and vegetables, with a consequent low intake of antioxidants and vitamins. However, vitamins have recently been identified as a weapon in the fight against the Covid-19. Some reports suggest that Vitamin D could exert a protective effect on such infection. In addition, women are less likely to engage in regular physical activity and have increased sitting time and sedentary behaviors during quarantine, which have led to weight gain. During quarantine strategies to increase home-based physical activity and to encourage adherence to a healthy diet have been implemented. Following quarantine, a global action supporting healthy Diet and physical activity is mandatory to encourage women to return to a good lifestyle routine. (www.actabiomedica.it)

The Preventive Effect of Dietary Antioxidants Against Cervical Cancer Versus the Promotive Effect of Tobacco Smoking.

Uterine cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, and its etiology has been recognized. High-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) infection induces an opportunity for malignant transformation. This paper discusses the current issues based on a review of the literature and compares the impact of the dietary and nutrient intake to the impact of tobacco smoking on cervical cancer development. The important roles of diet/nutrition in cervical cancer are as prophylaxis against HR-HPV infection. Antioxidant vitamins can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, stabilize the p53 protein, prevent DNA damage, and reduce immunosuppression. In contrast, tobacco smoking not only causes DNA adducts and strand breaks, but it independently causes an increased viral load in HR-HPV-infected cells. Tobacco smoking induces the heightened expression of E6 and E7 and can inhibit the immune system response to HPV. What happens when two materials, which have opposite effects on cervical cells, are taken in at the same time? The negative effects of tobacco smoking may be stronger than the positive effects of vitamins, vegetables, and fruits on the regression of cervical disease such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). A relatively low intake of vitamins, vegetables, and fruits in combination with tobacco smoking was most associated with a high incidence of cervical neoplasia.

Associations of nutrient intakes with glaucoma among Japanese Americans.

The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations of nutrient intake on glaucoma in subjects of Japanese descent living in Los Angeles, CA.In this cross-sectional study, 581 Japanese American participants in Los Angeles underwent an interview, fundus photography, comprehensive physical, and blood examinations, along with determining the body mass index status and any confounding factors. CDSketch was used to measure the cup-disc ratio and rim width of each fundus in the retinal photographs. A multivariate logistic regression test with adjustment for confounding factors was used to assess the association between glaucoma and nutrient intake.A total of 61 of 581 participants were diagnosed with glaucoma in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a high intake of iron (odds ratio [OR]: 1.303, P = .004), low intake of vitamin A (OR: 0.365, P = .019), and vegetable fat (OR: 0.957, P = .004) were associated with an increased risk of glaucoma.Current findings showed that high iron intake and low vitamin A and vegetable fat intake appeared to be associated with an increased risk of glaucoma in subjects of Japanese descent living in the Los Angeles populations.

Chapter 6: Vitamins and Oral Health.

Vitamins are essential organic compounds that catalyze metabolic reactions. They also function as electron donors, antioxidants or transcription effectors. They can be extracted from food and supplements, or in some cases, synthesized by our body or gut microbiome. Severe vitamin deficiencies result in systemic complications, including the development of scurvy, rickets, pellagra, and beriberi. Some moderate and severe deficiencies also result in oral conditions. A lower intake of vitamin A has been associated with decreased oral epithelial development, impaired tooth formation, enamel hypoplasia and periodontitis. Vitamin D deficiency during tooth development may result in non-syndromic amelogenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta, enamel and dentin hypoplasia, and dysplasia. Clinical studies have demonstrated an association between vitamin D's endocrine effects and periodontitis. On the other hand, no significant association has been found between cariogenic activity and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin C deficiency results in changes in the gingivae and bone, as well as xerostomia; while vitamin B deficiencies are associated with recurrent aphthous stomatitis, enamel hypomineralization, cheilosis, cheilitis, halitosis, gingivitis, glossitis, atrophy of the lingual papillae, stomatitis, rashes around the nose, dysphagia, and pallor. The effects of vitamins E and K on oral health are not as clear as those of other vitamins. However, vitamin K has a systemic effect (increasing the risk of haemorrhage), which may affect individuals undergoing oral surgery or suffering an oral injury. Health care professionals need to be aware of the effects of vitamins on oral health to provide the best available care for their patients.

Adequacy of Critical Nutrients Affecting the Quality of the Spanish Diet in the ANIBES Study.

Diet is one of the key modifiable behaviors that can help to control and prevent non-communicable chronic diseases. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the overall diet composition of the population through non-invasive and independent indexes or scores as diet quality indexes (DQIs). The primary aim of the present work was to estimate the adequacy of the intake of critical nutrients in the Spanish “Anthropometry, Intake, and Energy Balance Study” (ANIBES) (n = 2285; 9–75 years), considering, as a reference, the European Food Scientific Authority (EFSA) values for nutrients for the European Union. We also assessed the quality of the diet for adults and older adults using four internationally accepted DQIs, namely the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI), the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), the Mediterranean Diet Score-modified (MDS-mod), and the Mediterranean-Diet Quality Index (MED-DQI), as well as the ANIBES-DQI, stratified by education and income. The ANIBES-DQI was based on compliance with EFSA and Food and Agriculture Organization recommendations for a selected group of nutrients (i.e., total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), simple sugars, fiber, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A), with a total range of 0–7. Misreporting was assessed according to the EFSA protocol, which allowed us to assess the DQIs for both the general population and plausible reporters. The majority of the Spanish population had high intakes of SFAs and sugars and low intakes of fiber, folate, and vitamins A and C. In addition, about half of the population had low DQI scores and exhibited low adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern. Overall, older adults (>65–75 years) showed better DQIs than adults (18–64 years), without major differences between men and women. Moreover, primary education and low income were associated with low MDS and ANIBES-DQI scores. For the ANIBES-DQI, the percentage of the population with low scores was higher in the whole population (69.5%) compared with the plausible energy reporters (49.0%), whereas for medium and high scores the percentages were higher in plausible reporters (41.2% vs. 26.2% and 9.8% vs. 4.3%, respectively). In conclusion, the present study adds support to marked changes in the Mediterranean pattern in Spain, and low education and income levels seem to be associated with a low-quality diet. Additionally, the misreported evaluation in the ANIBES population suggests that this analysis should be routinely included in nutrition surveys to give more precise and accurate data related to nutrient intake and diet quality.

A Diet High in Processed Foods, Total Carbohydrates and Added Sugars, and Low in Vegetables and Protein Is Characteristic of Youth with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is characterized in part by limited dietary variety, but dietary characteristics of this disorder have not yet been systematically studied. Our objective was to examine dietary intake defined by diet variety, macronutrient intake, and micronutrient intake in children and adolescents with full or subthreshold ARFID in comparison to healthy controls. We collected and analyzed four-day food record data for 52 participants with full or subthreshold ARFID, and 52 healthy controls, aged 9–22 years. We examined frequency of commonly reported foods by logistic regression and intake by food groups, macronutrients, and micronutrients between groups with repeated-measures ANOVA. Participants with full or subthreshold ARFID did not report any fruit or vegetable category in their top five most commonly reported food categories, whereas these food groups occupied three of the top five groups for healthy controls. Vegetable and protein intake were significantly lower in full or subthreshold ARFID compared to healthy controls. Intakes of added sugars and total carbohydrates were significantly higher in full or subthreshold ARFID compared to healthy controls. Individuals with full or subthreshold ARFID had lower intake of vitamins K and B12, consistent with limited vegetable and protein intake compared to healthy controls. Our results support the need for diet diversification as part of therapeutic interventions for ARFID to reduce risk for nutrient insufficiencies and related complications.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E Mitigate the Risk of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma from Meat-Derived Mutagen Exposure in Adults in a Case-Control Study

Previous studies have found that meat-derived mutagens increase, and vitamin C or E decrease, the risk of pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether intake of vitamin C or E modulates the association between meat-derived mutagen exposure and risk of pancreatic cancer. We conducted a case-control study in 1321 patients with pathologically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and 1061 healthy controls (aged 28-88 y). Cases and controls were frequency-matched by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Mutagen intake was assessed using a meat preparation questionnaire. Intakes of vitamin C, E, and other dietary components were assessed via a food-frequency questionnaire in a subset of 811 cases and 818 controls. ORs and 95% CIs were estimated in multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. The risk of PDAC was not associated with meat intake but was associated with consumption of well-done grilled or barbecued chicken (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.09; P=0.001). Intake of 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline was associated with increased PDAC risk (Ptrend=0.047). Participants in the highest, as compared with the lowest, quintile of 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (PhIP) intake experienced a 38% increased risk of PDAC (95% CI: 1.00, 1.90; P=0.048). Intakes of total vitamin C or E from food and supplements or from supplements alone were each inversely associated with PDAC risk. Stratified analyses showed differential associations for PhIP intake and PDAC risk, such that risk increased among individuals with lower intake of vitamin C or E and decreased among those with higher vitamin intake. Significant interactions of dietary vitamin C, dietary vitamin E, and total vitamin E with PhIP intake were detected (Pinteraction=0.023, <0.001, and 0.013, respectively). Consistent with experimental evidence, this study of 811 cases and 818 controls has shown that high intake of dietary vitamin C or E mitigates the risk of PhIP-related PDAC.

Provision of vitamin D in the adult population of Western Siberia: a population-based study

The results of research in recent years indicate a widespread low intake of vitamin D, its deficiency or lack among the population of many countries around the world. It is of interest to study vitamin D status of the population living at different geographic latitudes and depending on socio-demographic characteristics. The aim of the research is to analyze vitamin D status of the adult population living in the Omsk Region over the age of 18 in different seasons of the year. Material and methods. Evaluation of vitamin D status has been carried out in 818 adult residents (325 men and 493 women) aged 18 to 92 years, the median of age - 49 (35; 63) years. Vitamin D status was determined by the level of [25 (OH) D] in serum by the method of immuno-chemiluminescent or electrochemiluminescent analysis. Design: cross-section (simultaneous) uncontrolled epidemiological study. Research period: 2017, from January to December. Results and discussion. 25.8±1.5% showed optimal vitamin D provision, insufficient vitamin content was found in 32.5±1.6% of studied participants, and deficit in 41.4±1.7%. The median level of 25(OH)D for all subjects was in the suboptimal sufficiency range and amounted to 22.17 (16.5; 30.3) ng/ml. The lowest level of the metabolite has been registered in patients over the age of 80 years - 16.5 (13.2-22.6) ng/ml, at the age of 70-79 years - 19.1 (12.9-26.9) ng/ml. In persons aged 18-60 years, the median concentrations were higher (22.2-24.8 ng/ml) and did not differ in the age groups. Deficiencies of varying degrees were most prevalent in age groups over 80, 70-79, and 50-59 years. Slightly better sufficiency of men compared with women has been revealed (p=0.052). Seasonal differences were found in the nature of vitamin D supply characterized by a deficit state from January to June [median 18.7 (13.9; 23.5) ng/ml] and a state of insufficiency from July to December [median 24.8 (17.8; 32.04) ng/ml]. The dependence of the level of vitamin D status on the number of sunshine days during the periods of 15-90 days preceding blood collection hasn't been established. Conclusion. The problem of insufficiency of vitamin D applies to all age groups of the adult population of the region of Western Siberia, especially those over 70 years of age. For the first half of the year, predominantly deficient states are characteristic, and for the period from July to December - the state of vitamin D insufficiency in the residents.

The assessment of satisfaction of energy demand and of chosen macro - and micro-element content in the daily food rations of women diagnosed with schizophrenia with varied nutritional states.

The aim of the study was to assess the degree of satisfaction of the daily demand for energy and chosen nutrients in the diets of women with schizophrenia, depending on the nutritional state of the subjects, assessed on the basis of the chosen anthropometric and metabolic parameters. The study covered 102 women aged 21-64 (50 women diagnosed with schizophrenia and 52 healthy volunteers) aged 21-64 years. A 24-hour diet recall was used in the quantitative nutritional assessment. The anthropometric and biochemical measurements and the body composition analysis were used in the assessment of the nutritional state. The food rations of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were characterized by a significantly higher intake of saturated fatty acids and a lower intake of vitamin C, B12, folates, and sodium as compared to healthy women. It was noted at the same time that the food rations of patients from both groups provided too low amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, folates, potassium, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. Too high intake was observed in the case of vitamin A, B2, B6, sodium, and phosphorus in both groups. Total fat body mass of women with schizophrenia was significantly correlated with intake of saturated fatty acids, whereas the visceral adipose tissue content was significantly correlated with the carbohydrate intake, and the subcutaneous adipose tissue content - with the total fat and saturated fatty acids intake. The diet of women diagnosed with schizophrenia did not deviate from the diet of healthy persons, although the nutritional mistakes that were made by them suggest to choose the nutritional therapy individually for each patient, after carrying out a detailed nutritional interview.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Epidemiological, Immunological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects.

Background/Aim:Vitamin D displays an immunologic effect which can modulate function of Th17-related cytokines and thereby prevent perpetuation of inflammation in chronic disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review aims to conduct a literature review to provide a summary of recent studies addressing the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and RA based on epidemiological, immunological and therapeutic aspects.Methods:PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar were searched for relevant papers published between 2000–2018.Results:Low intake of vitamin D increases the risk of incident RA, and vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be inversely associated with RA activity in most of these studies. However, characteristics of RA and serum vitamin D status differ across the studies. The results of studies on the effect of supplemental vitamin D in RA vary, from no efficacy to significant improvement in disease activity, as well as quality of life. This should be attributed to variations in dosage of vitamin D, duration of treatment, baseline serum vitamin D in RA patients and characteristics of RA across diverse studies.Conclusion:Current data indicate a therapeutic potential for vitamin D in RA. However, further studies are needed to identify an optimal and effective dosage, duration of treatment and patients who will get the best benefit from the treatment.

Unhealthy Diet in Children with Cancer: A Case-Reference Study

AbstractObjective: To explore the dietary intake of a children’s cohort with cancer incomparison with an age-matched cohort of healthy children. MethodsWe enrolled children with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer (solid tumors, brain and blood malignancies) aged 1-18 years and agematched children as controls. A 3-days standardized food record was collected by a dietician blinded to the diagnosis. Differences of consumptions of nutrients were compared by parametric andnon-parametric tests, as appropriate. A multivariate discriminant analysis was used to identify the most effective nutrients to discriminate between the patients and controls.Results The diet of patients with solid tumors differed from that of the controls: they consumed a lower level of monounsaturated fats, a higher level of potential renal acid load and had a lower intake of vitamin E and B6. Children with blood malignancies showed greater differences with controls: they consumed lower quantities of calories, proteins, carbohydrates, monounsaturated fats, fibers and higher quantities of potential renal acid load and cholesterol. A multivariate analysis iscriminated blood malignancy patients by controls, with 90% efficiency, by a lower intake of vitamin E, B6, saturated fats, starch and a higher intake of sodium andvitamin A. Conclusions This extensive analysis of nutrients showed imbalances from recommended dietary intake in children affected by cancer, with significantly less protective nutrients.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Real Lifestyles of T1D Patients for the Purpose of Designing a Personalized Counselor for Prandial Insulin Dosing.

Post-prandial hyperglycemia is still a challenging issue in intensified insulin therapy. Data of 35 T1D patients during a four-week period were analyzed: RT-CGM (real time continuous glucose monitoring) record, insulin doses, diet (including meal photos), energy expenditure, and other relevant conditions. Patients made significant errors in carbohydrate counting (in 56% of cooked and 44% of noncooked meals), which resulted in inadequate insulin doses. Subsequently, a mobile application was programmed to provide individualized advice on prandial insulin dose. When using the application, a patient chooses only the type of categorized situation (e.g., meals with other relevant data) without carbohydrates counting. The application significantly improved postprandial glycemia as normoglycemia was reached in 95/105 testing sessions. Other important findings of the study include: A high intake of saturated fat (median: 162% of recommended intake); a low intake of fiber and vitamin C (median: 42% and 37%, respectively, of recommended intake); an increase in overweight/obesity status (according to body fat measurement), especially in women (median of body fat: 30%); and low physical activity (in 16/35 patients). The proposed individualized approach without carbohydrate counting may help reach postprandial normoglycemia but it is necessary to pay attention to the lifestyle habits of T1D patients too.

Association of High Intakes of Vitamins B6 and B12 From Food and Supplements With Risk of Hip Fracture Among Postmenopausal Women in the Nurses’ Health Study

Vitamin supplementation far exceeding recommended doses is popular in segments of the population. However, adverse effects can occur. In a previous secondary analysis of combined data from 2 double-blind randomized clinical trials (RCTs), an unexpected increased risk of hip fracture was found among those treated with high doses of vitamin B6 in combination with vitamin B12. To study if high intakes of vitamins B6 and B12 from food and supplements were associated with a risk of hip fracture in the Nurses' Health Study and to investigate whether combined high intakes of both vitamins conferred a particularly increased fracture risk. In this prospective cohort study, 75 864 postmenopausal women in the United States were followed up from June 1984 through May 2014. The dates of analysis were July 2016 to June 2018. Information on hip fracture and a wide range of potential confounders was collected at baseline and with biennial follow-up questionnaires. Extensive dietary information was collected approximately every 4 years with a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated by Cox proportional hazards regression, with cumulative average intakes of vitamins B6 and B12 as main exposures, adjusting for potential confounders. Hip fracture. During follow-up, 2304 of 75 864 women had a hip fracture. Among the women with hip fractures, the median (range) age at hip fracture was 75.8 (46.7-93.0) years and the mean (SD) body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) was 24.3 (4.6). Median (interquartile range) cumulative average intakes of total vitamins B6 and B12 were 3.6 (4.8) mg/d and 12.1 (11.7) μg/d, respectively. Both vitamin B6 (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04-1.59 for an intake of ≥35 vs <2 mg/d; P = .06 for linear trend) and vitamin B12 (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.98-1.58 for an intake of ≥30 vs <5 μg/d; P = .02 for linear trend) were associated with increased fracture risk. Risk was highest in women with a combined high intake of both vitamins (B6 ≥35 mg/d and B12 ≥20 μg/d), exhibiting an almost 50% increased risk of hip fracture (RR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.15-1.89) compared with women with a low intake of both vitamins (B6 <2 mg/d and B12 <10 μg/d). In this cohort study, a combined high intake of vitamins B6 and B12 was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. The intakes were far higher than the recommended dietary allowances. These findings add to previous studies suggesting that vitamin supplements should be used cautiously because adverse effects can occur.

Folate and Vitamin B12 in Morbid Obesity: The Influence of Folate on Anti-Atherogenic Lipid Profile.

Previous studies showed a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in obese subjects, with low folate and vitamin B12 serum levels and intakes. Correlations between vitamins and lipids have been investigated both in animal and human studies. The aim of our study is to evaluate the influence of dietetic and serum levels of folate and vitamin B12 on lipid pattern in morbidly obese subjects. We also analysed the relationship between serum concentrations and dietary intake of these micronutrients, and compared the intakes to the Recommended Levels of Nutrients and Energy Intakes (LARN). In 122 morbidly obese patients, mean BMI 45±7kg/m2, we evaluated anthropometric parameters, hepatic, glyco/lipid profile, total folate and vitamin B12, blood pressure, and finally nutritional intakes in a subgroup of 68 patients using a food frequency questionnaire about the frequency of food consumption and daily water intake. These values were determined in obese patients before and one year after sleeve gastrectomy. Both before and after surgery, levels of vitamins and minerals remained in normal range compared to LARN. According to univariate analysis, at baseline folate showed a significantly positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.028, ρ=0.204), apolipoprotein A-I (p=0.006, ρ=0.268) and vitamin B12 (p=0.040, ρ=0.192), and a significantly negative correlation with triglycerides (p=0.049, ρ=-0.184). Folate and vitamin B12 levels do not correlate with their nutritional intakes, which remain within recommended range after surgery. In conclusion the correlation between folate and anti-atherogenic lipid profile is confirmed also in a large group of morbid obese patients.

Fueling an epidemic of non-communicable disease in the Balkans: a nutritional survey of Bosnian adults.

Dietary surveys are essential for guiding national efforts to reduce the burden of non-communicable disease, but individual-level dietary data are lacking in many low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of inadequate and excessive intakes of specific nutrients in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A dietary survey among 853 adults using two 24-h recalls. The majority of men (73%) and women (66%) were overweight/obese, and > 50% of participants had elevated blood pressure. Low intakes of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically α-linolenic acid (men: 94.4mg/day among, women: 96.6mg/day) and DHA + EPA (men: 18.2mg/day, women: 16.0mg/day), low fiber intake (women: 21.5g/day), and high sodium (men: 3244mg/day, women: 2291mg/) and saturated fatty acids intakes (men: 29.2g/day) were reported. There was also a suggestion of low intakes of vitamins A, B6, C and D (in both sexes), and of riboflavin, folate, B12 and calcium (in women). Our findings provide initial evidence on the Bosnian population's dietary habits and identify aspects that need attention. As the survey evolves into a continuing surveillance system, it will allow evaluation of dietary changes over time.

Vitamin D intake, calcium intake and physical activity among children with wrist and ankle injuries and the association with fracture risk.

Several studies have revealed a substantial increase in the incidence of fractures in children in the past few decades. To assess the strength of the association between suggested risk factors and fracture prevalence in children. A cross sectional observational study. Children aged 6-15 years and their guardians presenting to the Emergency Department of a single tertiary paediatric hospital were recruited. Self-reported data on vitamin D intake, calcium intake and physical activity were collected. All participants had a radiograph of their injured limb reported by a consultant radiologist, on the basis of which they were classified into fracture or no fracture groups. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Of the 130 patients recruited, 53 (41%) had sustained a fracture. The overwhelming majority of children (98%) did not consume the recommended daily dietary amount of vitamin D (400 IU/day). Low calcium intake and low levels of physical activity were also ascertained. However, there were no significant differences between fracture and no fracture groups for vitamin D intake, calcium intake or physical activity. Both site of injury (wrist) and sex (male) were associated with increased fracture risk ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.05, respectively). Logistic regression showed a statistically significant relationship between calcium intake and fracture risk (every additional unit of calcium consumption (mg/day) decreased the likelihood of fracture by 0.002, 95% confidence interval, 0.001-0.003). Low dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D and low levels of physical activity were evident. Fracture risk was significantly associated with reduced calcium intake but showed no association with vitamin D intake or physical activity.

Associations of macro and micronutrients and antioxidants intakes with preeclampsia: A case-control study in Jordanian pregnant women

Background and objectivesA study was conducted to evaluate whether preeclampsia in pregnant women is associated with dietary factors and antioxidant intake (vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, and selenium). Methods and resultsIn this case–control study, a group of 79 pregnant Jordanian women (36 preeclamptic pregnant women and 43 healthy pregnant women aged 18–45 years with a gestational age ≥20th week of pregnancy) were recruited from the obstetrics and gynecology clinics at Royal Medical Services, King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan. Information about socio-demographics, anthropometric measurements, biochemical measurements, nutritional intake, and dietary habits was collected through a structured interview. Three 24-hour dietary records were also made. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and dietary intake was analyzed using ESHA software. Prepregnancy BMI, age, multiple pregnancies, energy intake, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and sodium showed significant difference between preeclamptic pregnant women and healthy pregnant women. The odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) show that a strong association with preeclampsia exists for the intake of fat (OR = 6.40, 95% CI: 1.85–22.17) and saturated fat (OR = 3.35, 95% CI: 1.0–11.54). Inverse associations with preeclampsia were found for fruit intake (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.47–0.55) and olive oil intake (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05–0.78). ConclusionIn this case–control study in Jordanian pregnant women, preeclampsia was associated with a high intake of fat, saturated fat, and sodium and a low intake of fruits, fiber, vitamin C, B-carotene, and olive oil.

The occurrence of abnormal body weight values and selected eating habits and physical activity of nurses

Aim. The aim of the research was to analyze the incidence of abnormal body weight values and to assess eating habits and physical activity of nurses.Material and Methods. The studies involved all first‑year nursing students of the second degree daily studies, working as a nurse. The women’s eating habits were analyzed based the diet. The questionnaire allowed the researchers to determine daily consumption of each particular dietary component (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fatty acids, vitamins) as well as the women’s calorie consumption.Results. The analysis showed that the group of underweight participants was comprised of 5 students (group I), the group of participants with normal body weight — of 43 students (group II), and the group of participants with excessive body weight — of 10 students (group III). Group II students spent the longest time on (moderate and intense) physical activity (on average 378 minutes/week), whereas group III students — the shortest (on average 203 minutes/week). While analyzing the average protein intake, it was found that all groups exceeded its daily requirement. The intake of sodium and cholesterol was exceeded more than twice of the recommended amount. A very low intake of vitamin D — covering from 40 to 48% of the daily requirement — was observed in all groups.Conclusions. Despite the fact that the nurses’ diet includes all nutrients necessary for the body, it is not properly balanced which obliges to raising awareness of types of consumed food.