Adequate Micronutrient Intake Research Articles

Adequacy of total usual micronutrient intakes among pregnant women in the United States by level of dairy consumption, NHANES 2003-2016.

Background: Dairy products are a rich source of nutrients of public health concern, though most women do not meet the recommended intake of 3 cup-eq/day. Aim: The objective of this analysis was to examine micronutrient adequacy among pregnant women in the US by level of dairy consumption. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 791) ages 20-44 years in NHANES 2003-2016 were categorized by level of dairy consumption (<1, 1 to <2, 2 to <3, and ≥3 cup-eq/day). Usual micronutrient intakes and prevalence of intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or above the Adequate Intake level (AI) were calculated from food alone and food plus dietary supplements using the National Cancer Institute method. Diet quality was assessed with the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015). Results: Pregnant women consuming ≥3 cup-eq/day of dairy were more likely to meet the potassium AI than women consuming lower levels. Compared to women consuming ≥3 cup-eq/day of dairy, women consuming <1 or 1 to <2 cup-eq/day were more likely to have inadequate intake of vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin A from foods plus supplements. Compared to women consuming ≥3 cup-eq/day of dairy, women consuming <1 cup-eq/day were more likely to have inadequate intake of calcium and riboflavin. The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among pregnant women consuming ≥3 cup-eq/day of dairy was 220 ng/mL compared with median UICs of 98-135 mg/mL among women consuming the lowest levels. Pregnant women consuming ≥3 cup-eq/day of dairy had the highest intake of sodium (mg/day) and saturated fat intake evaluated as a HEI-2015 component. Conclusions: Consumption of recommended levels of dairy products may help pregnant women achieve adequate intakes of select micronutrients.

Validation of a Short Food Frequency Questionnaire to Measure Dietary Intake of a Selection of Micronutrients in Oncology Patients Undergoing Systemic Therapy.

Dietary intake, specifically consumption of anti-inflammatory micronutrients, can play a role in both cancer initiation as well as the treatment-related outcomes experienced by patients receiving systemic cancer therapy. Increasing research is being conducted to determine whether micronutrient supplementation can aid in altering the tumor microenvironment (TME), reducing inflammatory side effects and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). However, further research pertaining to the adequacy of dietary micronutrient intake is indicated in the oncology cohort. Currently, no tool measuring dietary intakes of various micronutrients exists in the oncology population. In this study, a 21-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) measuring intakes of 14 different micronutrients was validated using diet history as the reference method in 112 oncology patients. Bland Altman plot and Passing Bablok regression analysis were conducted to determine agreement between the two methods. The results showed adequate agreement between FFQ and diet history for 12 nutrients including copper, iron, vitamins A, E, and D, alpha linolenic acid (ALA), long-chain omega 3 fatty acids (LC n3-FA), arginine, glutamic acid, isoleucine, leucine, and valine. This 21-item FFQ, which takes an average of 10 min to complete, can be utilized as a quick screening tool to determine adequacy for 12 different micronutrients in place of a diet history.

A Low-Protein Diet with a Renal-Specific Oral Nutrition Supplement Helps Maintain Nutritional Status in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

A low-protein diet (LPD) is recommended to patients with non-dialysis advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) for delaying renal function decline. However, this approach potentially prevents an adequate calorie and micronutrient intake. We examined the influence of an LPD including a renal-specific oral nutrition supplement (RONS) on the nutrition status of patients with stage 3b–5 CKD. This multicenter, open-label study prospectively enrolled patients over 18 years of age, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 10 and 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, serum albumin ≥3.0 g/dL, and body mass index ≤30 kg/m2. All participants implemented the LPD with one serving of RONS daily for 6 months. Daily energy intake, nutrition status, renal function, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention. Of 53 enrolled patients, 35 (66.0%) completed the study. We found that RONS use increased patients’ energy intake and maintained their serum albumin, nutritional status, and quality of life. Body weight and handgrip strength increased significantly at 6 months after enrollment (p = 0.0357); eGFR slightly decreased at 3 and 6 months after enrollment, suggesting that patients’ residual renal function was preserved. Our findings support the conclusion that patients with non-dialysis advanced CKD may benefit from additional RONS besides their regular diet. Patients with advanced CKD receiving RONS might achieve better nutrition and delay renal function decline.

HUBUNGAN ASUPAN ZAT GIZI MIKRO, DURASI TIDUR, INDEKS MASSA TUBUH DAN STATUS IMUN PEGAWAI BALITBANG HUKUM DAN HAM

Background: Adequate micronutrients intake is essential to ensure the immune function. Certain populations may have insufficient intake of micronutrients, and in situations that increase the demand for example infections, stress, and pollution that decrease the body's stores of micronutrients, putting them at risk of deficiency and may impair immunity. Several researchs related to micronutrient intake, nutritional status, sleep duration are still contradictory results in showing the relationship with immunity.Objectives: To determine the relationship between micronutrient intake, sleep duration, body mass index and the immune status of Balitbang Hukum dan HAM employees.Methods: This type of research is an observational study with a cross sectional approach. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling technique. The samples taken were 47 people.Results: Median intake of micronutrient vitamin A 1024.5 mcg, vitamin C 208.3 mg, vitamin D 1.4 mcg, vitamin E 3.5 mg, iron 5.1 mg, zinc 4.2 mg. Meanwhile, the median sleep duration was 6 hours and the median body mass index was 22.2 kg / m2. The intake of micronutrients with immune status has a p value&gt; 0.05. Sleep duration with immune status has a p value &lt;0.05 with a negative relationship direction. Body mass index with immune status has a p value&gt; 0.05.Conclusion: There is no relationship between micronutrient intake and body mass index with immune status, meanwhile there is a relationship between sleep duration and immune status of Balitbang Hukum dan HAM employees.Keywords : Micronutrient intake; Sleep duration; Body mass index; Immune status

Dietary diversity score as an indicator of micronutrient intake in Filipino children and adolescents.

The study objective was to assess if Dietary diversity score (DDS) based on counting 10 food groups consumed can be used as an indicator of adequacy of micronutrient intake in Filipino children and adolescents. Dietary data of 7448 Filipinos age 3 to 18 years old included in the National Nutrition Survey in 2013 were used to assess the adequacy of intake of iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. Nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) for each micronutrient was computed and these were used to calculate the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) for each individual. Linear association for MAR and the different scores of DDS was verified using Pearson's correlation. Sensitivity and specificity were analyzed through the receiver operating characteristics curve to determine the DDS cut-off point that can be used to ascertain adequacy of micronutrient intake. The mean DDS is 6 and the mean MAR is 0.69. There was significant positive correlation between MARs and NARs (p<0.0001), as well as between MAR and DDS (r=0.29; p<0.0001). A DDS of 6 showed the highest sensitivity (74.2%) and specificity (44.6%) for achieving MAR of 0.5, while a DDS of 7 had the highest sensitivity (54.9%) and specificity (67.6%) in achieving MAR of 0.75. DDS is significantly correlated with micronutrient intake and a score of 6 or 7 can be used as a cutoff in screening for those with possible dietary micronutrient inadequacy in Filipino children and adolescents.

Re\ufeffplacing dietary animal-source proteins with plant-source proteins changes dietary intake and status of vitamins and minerals in healthy adults: a 12-week randomized controlled trial

PurposeA shift towards more plant-based diets promotes both health and sustainability. However, controlled trials addressing the nutritional effects of replacing animal proteins with plant proteins are lacking. We examined the effects of partly replacing animal proteins with plant proteins on critical vitamin and mineral intake and statuses in healthy adults using a whole-diet approach.MethodsVolunteers aged 20–69 years (107 female, 29 male) were randomly allocated into one of three 12-week intervention groups with different dietary protein compositions: ANIMAL: 70% animal-source protein/30% plant-source protein; 50/50: 50% animal/50% plant; PLANT: 30% animal/70% plant; all with designed protein intake of 17 E%. We analysed vitamin B-12, iodine, iron, folate, and zinc intakes from 4-day food records, haemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin receptor, folate, and holotranscobalamin II from fasting blood samples, and iodine from 24-h urine.ResultsAt the end point, vitamin B-12 intake and status were lower in PLANT than in 50/50 or ANIMAL groups (P ≤ 0.007 for all). Vitamin B-12 intake was also lower in 50/50 than in ANIMAL (P < 0.001). Iodine intake and status were lower in both 50/50 and PLANT than in ANIMAL (P ≤ 0.002 for all). Iron and folate intakes were higher in PLANT than in ANIMAL (P < 0.001, P = 0.047), but no significant differences emerged in the respective biomarkers.ConclusionsPartial replacement of animal protein foods with plant protein foods led to marked decreases in the intake and status of vitamin B-12 and iodine. No changes in iron status were seen. More attention needs to be paid to adequate micronutrient intakes when following flexitarian diets.Clinical trial registryNCT03206827; registration date: 2017–06-30.

Diet Quality Impacts Mental Health Aspects of University Students

Introduction: Mental health problems, especially depression and anxiety, among university students are widespread, and begin pre-matriculation. Diet is among the factors contributing to mental health in all age groups. Aim: The present review aims to critically summarize the observational studies and clinical trials that have investigated the association between mental health and diet quality in university student populations. Methods: PubMed was comprehensively searched to identify studies that explore the role of aspects of diet quality on quality of life, depression, and anxiety in university students. Results: Healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean and the DASH diet, diets with high intakes of antioxidants and antioxidant vitamins, folate, Zinc and Calcium are associated with less depressive symptoms. Higher alcohol and salt intake have also been associated with depression. Conclusion: Healthy dietary patterns, with adequate micronutrient and antioxidant intakes are associated with better mental health status. However, further randomised controlled clinical studies are needed in order to clarify the cause and the effect of the observed associations.

Minimum dietary diversity in Mexico: establishment of cutoff point to predict micronutrients adequacy.

To establish the cutoff point for a Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) that most accurately predicts the Mean Probability Adequacy (MPA) of 11 micronutrients in the Mexican population, and estimate the population prevalence above it. We analyzed a 24 h-recall collected in a sample of 10,087 participants (≥1-year-old) from the 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey. Foods were classified into ten food group indicators (FGIs) of the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO). The cutoff points of MDD were established as follows: (1) sum of the number of FGIs in the participant's diet; (2) micronutrient intake adequacy estimated by the probability approach method of the FAO; (3) Receiver operating characteristic curves generated by age groups to assess the performance of the number FGIs consumed in predicting the MPA. The cutoff points of MMD established by age groups were: ≥4 FGIs in preschool-aged children (75.94% of sensitivity and 72.55% of specificity); ≥5 FGIs in school-aged children (60.51% of sensitivity and 72.82% of specificity) and adolescents (70.01% of sensitivity and 59.38% of specificity); and six in adults (62.26% of sensitivity and 70.33% of specificity) and elders (66.67% of sensitivity and 73.33% of specificity). Based on these cutoff points, we observed that 75% of the preschool-aged children, ~60% of school-aged children and adolescents, and less than 40% of adults and elders were above the MDD. This study provides novel insight into the specific MDD cutoff point to predict micronutrient adequacy in the Mexican population.

Patient Nutrition and Probiotic Therapy in COVID-19: What Do We Know in 2021?

Background: The main nutritional consequences of COVID-19 include reduced food intake, hypercatabolism, and rapid muscle wasting. Some studies showed that malnutrition is a significant problem among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection, and the outcome of patients with SARS-CoV-2 is strongly associated with their nutritional status. The purpose of this study was to collect useful information about the possible elements of nutritional and probiotic therapy in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods: A narrative review of the literature, including studies published up to 13 September 2021. Results: Probiotics may support patients by inhibiting the ACE2 receptor, i.e., the passage of the virus into the cell, and may also be effective in suppressing the immune response caused by the proinflammatory cytokine cascade. In patients’ diet, it is crucial to ensure an adequate intake of micronutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids (at 2–4 g/d), selenium (300–450 μg/d) and zinc (30–50 mg/d), and vitamins A (900–700 µg/d), E (135 mg/d), D (20,000–50,000 IU), C (1–2 g/d), B6, and B12. Moreover, the daily calorie intake should amount to ≥1500–2000 with 75–100 g of protein. Conclusion: In conclusion, the treatment of gut dysbiosis involving an adequate intake of prebiotic dietary fiber and probiotics could turn out to be an immensely helpful instrument for immunomodulation, both in COVID-19 patients and prophylactically in individuals with no history of infection.

Practical Recommendations of Micronutrients and Food Hygiene for Rehabilitation of Survived COVID-19 Patients: A Review

The outbreak of COVID-19 and a large number of infected people led to this viral disease of varying severity and hospitalization of patients. During periods of illness and recovery, the body uses its reservoirs and resources to fight the disease. In the post-recovery period, the body may experience nutritional insufficiency and deficiency. Therefore, adequateintake of micronutrients, such as water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phytochemicals, as well as the preparation of safe food is of great importance for the recovery of the immune system and strengthening rehabilitation for survived COVID-19 patients. In this work, we aim to review the literature and present a guide for nutritional needs and food hygiene practices for survived COVID-19patients.

Inadequate Maternal Dietary Micronutrient Intake and Differences by Nutritional Status: Findings From Pregnant Women in the COVID-19 Era

ObjectivesCOVID-19 pandemic increases the risk of an inadequate micronutrient intake and therefore, the risk of double burden of malnutrition in countries with high obesity prevalence. An adequate nutritional status, including micronutrient status is critical for pregnancy and offspring development; however, there is a lack of evidence regarding maternal dietary micronutrient intake and its relationship with BMI in the COVID-19 era. Henceforth, we sought to assess the adequacy of maternal dietary micronutrient intake and its relationship with BMI in pregnant women exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 810 Chilean pregnant women (>18 years) enrolled between March and October 2020 in Santiago, Chile. Maternal lifestyle, anthropometric and dietary intake (24-hr recall, n = 389) information was collected in the first trimester by telephonic interviews and from clinical records.Folate, calcium, iron, vitamins B-6, B-12 and D intake was estimated using the USDA nutrient database. Pre-pregnancy BMI was categorized according to the WHO criteria.ResultsOverall, 70% of women were classified as overweight or obese. Median (IQR) daily intake was 1.3 (0.8–1.8) mg for B-6, 2.5 (1.3–4.4) µg for B-12, 284 (187–408) µg for folate, 26 (7.2–86) IU for vitamin D, 639 (391–951) mg for calcium and 9.9 (6.9–13.7) mg for iron. Of all, <10% met the daily intake recommendation (RDA) for folate, vitamin D, iron, and calcium, while <25% and 50% met the recommendation for B-6 and B-12, respectively. B-6 intake was inversely correlated with BMI (ρ = −0.15, P < 0.05; Spearman correlation test). Furthermore, B-6, B-12, folate, iron, and calcium intake significantly differed by pre-pregnancy BMI categories (P < 0.05; KruskalWallis test), with obese and overweight women having a lower intake compared to normal or underweight women.ConclusionsIn this subgroup of Chilean pregnant women exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inadequacy of micronutrient intake was highly prevalent, especially in women with excess weight; these results need to be confirmed with the complete sample and by including more detailed analyses of both diet and potential confounders but suggest a very concerning nutrition scenario emerging from the pandemic.Funding SourcesChilean National Agency for Investigation

Very-low-calorie ketogenic diet for the management of obesity, overweight and related disorders.

Very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is a promising lifestyle intervention for the management of overweight and obesity. It is characterized by a restriction of both calories and carbohydrates, while assuring the adequate proteins, fats and micronutrients intake. Significant results in terms of excess body weight loss have been reported and this strategy considered also in the preoperative settings. Improvements in hypertension, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia follows. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for papers reporting data on VLCKD as a strategy for the management of overweight, obesity and related disorders in adults. Four main documents are available in the literature and were included in the present narrative review. The present review discusses available evidence and provides practical recommendations for the management of VLCKD.

Nutritional approach for increasing public health during pandemic of COVID-19: A comprehensive review of antiviral nutrients and nutraceuticals.

Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is considered as the most life-threatening pandemic disease during the last decade. The individual nutritional status, though usually ignored in the management of COVID-19, plays a critical role in the immune function and pathogenesis of infection. Accordingly, the present review article aimed to report the effects of nutrients and nutraceuticals on respiratory viral infections including COVID-19, with a focus on their mechanisms of action. Methods: Studies were identified via systematic searches of the databases including PubMed/ MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar from 2000 until April 2020, using keywords. All relevant clinical and experimental studies published in English were included. Results: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is common in severe respiratory infections and should be considered in the management of COVID-19 patients. On the other hand, obesity can be accompanied by decreasing the host immunity. Therefore, increasing physical activity at home and a slight caloric restriction with adequate intake of micronutrients and nutraceuticals are simple aids to boost host immunity and decrease the clinical manifestations of COVID-19. Conclusion: The most important nutrients which can be considered for COVID-19 management are vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, zinc, and probiotics. Their adequacy should be provided through dietary intake or appropriate supplementation. Moreover, adequate intake of some other dietary agents including vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, alpha linolenic acid and phytochemicals are required to maintain the host immunity.

The association between carbohydrate quality index and nutrient adequacy in Iranian adults

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the association between carbohydrate quality index (CQI) and nutrient adequacy in Iranian adults. Design/methodology/approach A total of 268 men and women with ages ranged from 18 to 70 years were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. The CQI was calculated by adding together the three components, namely, the ratio of solid to total carbohydrate, dietary fiber and glycemic index. The scores of three components were summed to calculate the CQI, with a higher score indicating a higher dietary carbohydrate quality. The odds ratios (ORs) of nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), defined as the ratio of intake of a nutrient to the age- and gender-specific recommended dietary allowance, for the intake of energy and 10 nutrients across quartiles of the CQI were calculated by logistic regression analysis and expressed with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Findings CQI ranged between 3 to 15 (mean ± SD: 9 ± 1.9). Being in top versus bottom quartile of the CQI was associated with a higher NAR of folic acid (OR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.06–9.62; P-trend: &lt;0.001), vitamin A (OR: 3.66; 95% CI: 1.46–9.17; P-trend: &lt;0.001), magnesium (OR: 5.94; 95% CI; 1.71–20.53; P-trend: &lt;0.001), vitamin C (OR: 7.85; 95% CI; 2.99–20.59; P-trend: &lt;0.001). Originality/value A higher CQI was associated with greater micronutrient consumption adequacy in Iranian adults. The results suggest that increasing the consumption of total fiber and solid carbohydrates and decreasing the glycemic index of the diet and liquid carbohydrates can improve micronutrient intake adequacy.

Comparison of pre-diagnosis dietary intake of women with gestational diabetes mellitus to dietary recommendations

The prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) increased from 7% to 13.1% between 2013 and 2017 in NSW, Australia. Limited detail has been reported on dietary patterns prior to GDM diagnosis. AimTo evaluate adequacy of micronutrient intakes and contribution of nutrient-dense versus energy-dense, nutrient-poor food groups to total energy. MethodDietary intake of women with GDM was assessed over the six months prior to attending the first outpatient nutrition education group using the Australian Eating Survey: food frequency questionnaire with food group serves compared to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommendations. Nutrient intakes compared to Estimated Average Requirements (EARs). Diet quality was evaluated using the Australian Recommended Food Score diet quality index. ResultsFifty women with a mean age of 30.8±4.6 years completed the Australian Eating Survey. Mean percentage (SD) energy intake derived from nutrient-dense versus energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods was 66.6% (12.4) and 33.4% (12.4); respectively. Median intakes of iron, calcium, fibre, iodine and folate were below EARs. Median (IQR) total Australian Recommended Food Score was 31(15) from a maximum 73 points. Adherence to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommendations was low, with no participants meeting recommendations for serves of bread and cereals, 92% below dairy and dairy alternatives and 82% below vegetable intake recommendations. ConclusionsBefore being diagnosed with GDM, women derive a high percentage of total energy from energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, have low dietary variety amongst nutrient-dense foods, and sub-optimal intakes of key pregnancy micronutrients. Poor dietary patterns require attention within medical nutrition therapy for GDM in order to optimise nutrition-related health outcomes.

Dietary Micronutrients and Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cohort Study with 12 Year Follow-Up.

We investigated the association between dietary micronutrient intakes and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Ansan-Ansung study of the Korean Genome and Epidemiologic Study (KoGES), a population-based prospective cohort study. Of 9079 cohort participants with a baseline estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and a urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) <300 mg/g and who were not diagnosed with CKD, we ascertained 1392 new CKD cases over 12 year follow-up periods. The risk of CKD according to dietary micronutrient intakes was presented using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) in a full multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, adjusted for multiple micronutrients and important clinico-epidemiological risk factors. Low dietary intakes of phosphorus (<400 mg/day), vitamin B2 (<0.7 mg/day) and high dietary intake of vitamin B6 (≥1.6 mg/day) and C (≥100 mg/day) were associated with an increased risk of CKD stage 3B and over, compared with the intake at recommended levels (HR = 6.78 [95%CI = 2.18–21.11]; HR = 2.90 [95%CI = 1.01–8.33]; HR = 2.71 [95%CI = 1.26–5.81]; HR = 1.83 [95%CI = 1.00–3.33], respectively). In the restricted population, excluding new CKD cases defined within 2 years, an additional association with low folate levels (<100 µg/day) in higher risk of CKD stage 3B and over was observed (HR = 6.72 [95%CI = 1.40–32.16]). None of the micronutrients showed a significant association with the risk of developing CKD stage 3A. Adequate intake of micronutrients may lower the risk of CKD stage 3B and over, suggesting that dietary guidelines are needed in the general population to prevent CKD.

An optimal glycemic load range is better for reducing obesity and diabetes risk among middle-aged and elderly adults

BackgroundDue to the lack of evidence, advice pertaining to glycemic load (GL) can be misleading. Does the excessive restriction of GL, mostly through an extreme reduction in carbohydrate intake, result in a relatively high intake of fat and protein and result in overweight and obesity? This study was performed to initially explore the optimal GL range.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 2029 participants aged 40 years or older in Guangzhou, China was conducted. Participants were divided into four groups according to cluster analysis. Dietary data were assessed using a previously validated 3-day food record.ResultsInstead of participants with the highest [cluster 1, median (interquartile ranges) GL was 112(107–119)/1000 kcal] and the lowest GL intake [cluster 4, 90(82–96)/1000 kcal], those with moderate GL intakes [clusters 2 and 3, 93(85–102) and 93(85–99)/1000 kcal, respectively] had a lower prevalence of overweight, obesity and diabetes. In addition, clusters 2 and 3 were more consistent with the macronutrient intake reference with adequate micronutrient intake. Therefore, the optimal GL range was determined to be (85–100)/1000 kcal, rather than “lower is better”.ConclusionsReducing the GL intake to prevent diabetes deserves more attention in the context of a balanced diet. An appropriate GL may be better than excessive restriction.

Supplémentation en micronutriments chez des femmes enceintes de l’ouest algérien

Background: Although micronutrient supplementation is a frequent practice during pregnancy, it remains poorly documented, particularly in Algeria. Aims: Our objective was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with the use of micronutrient supplements among pregnant women. Subjects and Methods: The data of the present study were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted through a questionnaire among 384 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at a major mother and child specialized hospital in Sidi-Bel-Abbes city (Algeria). Results: This study showed that 83.1% of pregnant women were taking micronutrient supplements. Among these women, 70,8% were taking a multi-supplementation. The two most frequently reported micronutrients were: iron (77.9%) and folic acid (77.3%). The highest rates of supplementation were recorded in the third trimester. Other common supplements used were: magnesium, iodine, vitamin D, vitamin C, omega 3, and calcium (46.4%, 38.8% 36.5%, 34.6%, 27.3%, and 21.4% respectively). It appears that these products were mainly dispensed in pharmacies under medical prescription. The variables significantly associated with their use were: Education level, pregnancy age, parity, pre-conception consultation, urbanicity, and physical activity. Conclusions: Collecting these types of data is essential not only to document micronutrient supplement intake, but also to help implement awareness campaigns about their use during pregnancy and whether they are necessary to ensure adequate micronutrient intake. Keywords: Micronutrients, supplementation, Pregnancy, Algeria.

Effect of Gazpacho, Hummus and Ajoblanco on Satiety and Appetite in Adult Humans: A Randomised Crossover Study.

Nowadays, overweight and obesity has reached an epidemic level around the world. With the aim to tackle them, an interesting strategy is the study of food and ingredients with satiety properties. In addition to reducing food and/or calorie intake, this type of foods must be included as part of a healthy diet. With regard to this, it is well known that the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a feeding pattern that helps us to maintain good health, providing an adequate intake of micronutrients and active compounds. With this background, the main aim of this research was to identify MD foods with a high satiating potential capacity. For this purpose, three typical foods of the Mediterranean region, mainly based on vegetables, were selected: hummus, ajoblanco and gazpacho. As a control, white bread was used. Twenty-four human healthy volunteers consumed a standard breakfast followed by the different typical Mediterranean foods, and then the subjective sensation of hunger and satiety for each food was assessed by visual analogue scales (VAS) during 3 h. Subsequently, volunteers had ad libitum access to a standard meal. The results indicate that gazpacho showed the highest satiating scores, despite the fact that it was not the food that provided the highest protein or fibre amount. More studies of this type are needed to determine the proportion and/or combination of ingredients from these classical Mediterranean recipes that could enhance human satiety.

Differences in Micronutrient Intakes of Exclusive and Partially Breastfed Indonesian Infants from Resource-Poor Households are Not Accompanied by Differences in Micronutrient Status, Morbidity, or Growth

BackgroundWhen maternal micronutrient intakes and statuses are compromised, reductions in micronutrient concentrations in neonatal stores and human milk may result in suboptimal micronutrient intakes, statuses, and functional outcomes of breastfed infants during the critical first 6-month period. ObjectivesWe compared the adequacy of micronutrient intakes and statuses at 2 and/or 5 months and morbidity and growth faltering at 2, 5, and 12 months in a cohort of exclusively breastfed (EBF) and partially breastfed (PBF) infants from low-resource Indonesian households. MethodsAt 2 and 5 months, the breastfeeding status and human milk intake of 212 infants were determined using the deuterium oxide dose-to-mother technique, and intakes were calculated from milk micronutrient concentrations and 3-d weighed food intakes. At 5 months, five infant micronutrient biomarkers, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, and α-1-acid-glycoprotein were measured. Infant morbidity, weight, and length were measured at 2, 5, and 12 months. Means, medians, or proportions were reported for each group and differences between groups were statistically determined. ResultsMedian intakes of iron, thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B-12 were higher in PBF than EBF infants at 5 months (all P values < 0.05), but intakes in all infants were below adequate intakes. At 5 months, anemia was <20% in both groups, although fewer PBF versus EBF infants had vitamin B-12 deficiency (11.5% vs. 28.6%, respectively; P = 0.011). The mean ± SD length-for-age z-scores for EBF versus PBF infants at 2 months were 0.7 ± 0.9 versus −0.5 ± 1.1, respectively (P = 0.158), declining to −1.4 ± 0.9 versus −1.1 ± 1.2, respectively, at 12 months (P = 0.059). Reported morbidity rates were generally low, with no evidence of a difference between infant groups (all P values > 0.126). ConclusionsIrrespective of exclusive or partial breastfeeding status, micronutrient intakes of infants were low, statuses were compromised, and growth faltering during the critical 6 months period of early infancy was present. The findings highlight the importance of improving maternal nutritional statuses and evaluating their impacts on infant outcomes.