Micronutrient Consumption Research Articles

Causes of metabolic syndrome and obesity-related co-morbidities Part 1: A composite unifying theory review of human-specific co-adaptations to brain energy consumption.

One line summaryMetabolic syndrome and obesity-related co-morbidities are largely explained by co-adaptations to the energy use of the large human brain in the cortico-limbic-striatal and NRF2 systems.The medical, research and general community is unable to effect significantly decreased rates of central obesity and related type II diabetes mellitus (TIIDM), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. All conditions seem to be linked by the concept of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), but the underlying causes are not known. MetS markers may have been mistaken for causes, thus many treatments are destined to be suboptimal.The current paper aims to critique current paradigms, give explanations for their persistence, and to return to first principles in an attempt to determine and clarify likely causes of MetS and obesity related comorbidities. A wide literature has been mined, study concepts analysed and the basics of human evolution and new biochemistry reviewed. A plausible, multifaceted composite unifying theory is formulated.The basis of the theory is that the proportionately large, energy-demanding human brain may have driven co-adaptive mechanisms to provide, or conserve, energy for the brain. A ‘dual system’ is proposed. 1) The enlarged, complex cortico-limbic-striatal system increases dietary energy by developing strong neural self-reward/motivation pathways for the acquisition of energy dense food, and (2) the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) cellular protection system amplifies antioxidant, antitoxicant and repair activity by employing plant chemicals, becoming highly energy efficient in humans.The still-evolving, complex human cortico-limbic-striatal system generates strong behavioural drives for energy dense food procurement, including motivating agricultural technologies and social system development. Addiction to such foods, leading to neglect of nutritious but less appetizing ‘common or garden’ food, appears to have occurred. Insufficient consumption of food micronutrients prevents optimal human NRF2 function. Inefficient oxidation of excess energy forces central and non-adipose cells to store excess toxic lipid. Oxidative stress and metabolic inflammation, or metaflammation, allow susceptibility to infectious, degenerative atherosclerotic cardiovascular, autoimmune, neurodegenerative and dysplastic diseases.Other relevant human-specific co-adaptations are examined, and encompass the unusual ability to store fat, certain vitamin pathways, the generalised but flexible intestine and microbiota, and slow development and longevity.This theory has significant past and future corollaries, which are explored in a separate article by McGill, A-T, in Archives of Public Health, 72: 31.

Consumo de alimentos com propriedades antioxidantes por idosos institucionalizados

AIMS: To analyze the consumption of micronutrients with antioxidant properties in institutionalized elderly. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with residents of an institution for the aged male. Dietary intake was assessed by direct observation of meals and was calculated in DietWin Profisional 2008 software. Adequacy of macronutrients followed the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Food and Nutrition and micronutrient intake was analyzed according to the Dietary Reference Intakes. The tests used were Spearman correlation and descriptive statistics. The level of significance was p less than 0.05. RESULTS: The study included 28 elderly males. The average intake of carbohydrates and lipids was adequate but the average protein intake was slightly elevated. The average intake of micronutrients was inadequate, except for the average intake of zinc and iron. Tocopherol was the micronutrient with the highest percentage of inadequacy. There was a positive correlation between consumption of tocopherol and lipids and negative correlations between the average intake of vitamin C and age, between the average selenium intake and blood levels of leukocytes and between triglycerides and zinc intake. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of most micronutrients with antioxidant properties was inadequate. It is important to establish strategies for nutrition education and adjustment of the menu of institutionalized elderly to correct these deficits.

PKU patients on a relaxed diet may be at risk for micronutrient deficiencies

To investigate micronutrient supply in phenylketonuria (PKU) patients on a relaxed diet. Sixty-seven patients (6-45 years) with a phenylalanine tolerance ≥ 600 mg/day were included in the study. From a 3-day diet record, protein supply as well as consumption of essential amino acids and several micronutrients were assessed and compared with the current recommendations and data for the healthy population. Protein supply and consumption of all essential amino acids were sufficient in all patients. Supply of micronutrients depended on dietary regime. Patients with a total protein supply of 120% or more of the recommended amount and at least 0.5 g protein per kg body weight from amino-acid mixture (AAM) were sufficiently supplied with all investigated micronutrients. All patients without AAM supplement showed severe micronutrient deficiencies in their diet records. PKU patients under a relaxed diet are at risk of an insufficient nutrient supply, if they have first no substitution with AAM, second a protein supply less than 0.5 g per kg body weight from AAM or third a total protein supply less than 120% of the recommendations. Therefore, close monitoring, specific dietary counseling and potential supplementation is mandatory to prevent micronutrient deficiencies in PKU patients.

Premenstrual syndrome and related anthropometry and feeding behavior aspects

The study aimed to portray the menstrual cycle relating it to premenstrual syndrome, to anthropometry and to feedingbehavior aspects. Anthropometric and dietary intake assessments were conducted on follicular and luteal phases of themenstrual cycle. Premenstrual symptoms were investigated through an outlined journal. Forty students, with a mean ageof 22.57 ± 1.97 years were assessed. It was not attested any differences in weight between the two phases (p > 0.05). However,a higher waist circumference (p=0.021) and a higher body fat percentage (p = 0.019) were noticed during the lutealphase. An excessive ingestion of sweets (p=0.020), chocolate (p=0.029), diet soft drinks (p=0.009) and coffee (p < 0.001)was also noted in this phase, despite the similarity in the macro and micronutrient consumption. It was concluded thatchanges in body composition and food behavior and more severe symptoms occur on the luteal phase of the menstrualcycle indicating the importance of nutritional counseling.

Optimizing micronutrient intake of lactating women through increased wild edible plant consumption in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Micronutrient consumption in many developing countries is insufficient to meet the needs of numerous individuals, resulting in a negative impact on health. Increasing consumption of wild edible plants, which are micronutrient rich, easy to grow, and culturally familiar, has been recommended to combat these deficiencies, but there is a gap in knowledge on which types of plants should be eaten or in what quantity. The objective of this project was to determine the optimal blend of South African wild edible plants needed to fill gaps between typical micronutrient consumption of lactating women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and estimated requirements. This was done by creating optimization models using linear programming. Components of these models included identifying gaps between current micronutrient intake measured in a sample of lactating women and Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) and the creation of composite nutrient profiles for groups of wild edible plants available in KwaZulu-Natal. Models calculated the optimum amounts of wild edible plants that would need to be consumed in addition to the current diet to meet micronutrient recommendations and the amounts needed if half the additional calories consumed would replace an equivalent number of calories of maize meal. A combination of 250g leafy vegetables and 349g fruit, replacing 54g of maize meal, was determined to be the best model. This mixture met the micronutrient needs of 50% of lactating women and added only 192 calories to the diet. This data can provide policy makers with the information necessary to formulate effective nutritional interventions. The high level of recommended change, however, also highlights the need to employ multiple approaches to achieving improved nutrition. Additional information is needed on the availability and nutritional values of wild edible plants in South Africa. Despite these limitations, it is clear that a reasonable increase in wild edible plant consumption can have a tremendous positive impact on micronutrient consumption of lactating women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Seasonal price variability and the effective demand for nutrients: Evidence from cereals markets in Mali

A key outcome of the food policy reforms initiated in the 1980s in Mali was the liberalization of the cereals markets in order to stimulate agricultural production and reduce reliance on imported rice. These market reforms resulted in more variable food prices because grain prices were no longer fixed by the government but rather influenced by the seasonal pattern of production and availability, regional and international supply and demand conditions. Malian policy makers have often expressed their concerns about seasonal grain price variation in Mali. However, measurements of its immediate effects on households' effective demand for nutrients have been relatively scarce. This study uses panel data from a 2000-2001 household consumption survey undertaken in Bamako to estimate nutrient-income and price elasticities by season and for the entire year and examine the effects of intra-year price variation on nutrient demand. The study finds that real income has a statistically significant positive impact on the demand for calories, protein, calcium, vitamin A, and iron and that the income elasticities for calories (from 0.102 to 0.193) varies less across seasons than those for micronutrients (for example vitamin A from 0.492 to 0.725). During the lean season, a 10 percent increase in real incomes will improve calorie availability from staples and other foods by 1.36 and 3.36 percent, respectively. The pooled data results show that a 10 percent growth in real incomes will increase the demand for calories (+1.62 %), protein (+1.91%), calcium (+1.98%), vitamin A (+7.21%) and iron (+1.29%). The findings of this study have several implications for food policy design in Mali, and possibly for other Sahelian countries. The most striking result is that in the face of seasonal variations in the price of staples, Bamako households attempt to “defend” their calorie consumption by reducing the consumption of higher-cost but more nutrient -rich foods. Thus, the price fluctuations of staples can significantly affect the consumption of protein and micronutrients that the staples themselves do not contain. Measures to bring about more stability of the staple-food markets (regional trade policies, better infrastructure) would thus have impacts on nutrition and on the demands for other more nutrient-rich products well beyond the staple-foods. In other words, if you are interested in Vitamin A or iron consumption, the path to affect those most may be through the staple foods market, even though most Malian staples are not rich in those micronutrients.

Micronutrient intake and risk of prostate cancer in a cohort of middle-aged, Danish men

Micronutrients may protect against prostate cancer. However, few studies have had high-quality assessment of both dietary and supplemental consumption of micronutrients, rendering possible different source-specific effects difficult to discern. This study evaluates associations between intake of vitamin C, E, folate, and beta-carotene and prostate cancer risk, focusing on possible different effects of dietary, supplemental, or total intake and on potential effect modification by alcohol intake and BMI. Danish prospective cohort study of 26,856 men aged 50-64 years with questionnaire-based information on diet, supplements, and lifestyle. Hazard ratios (HRs) for prostate cancer associated with micronutrient intake were calculated using Cox proportional hazard analyses. During follow-up (1993-2010), 1,571 prostate cancer cases were identified. Supplemental folic acid was inversely associated with prostate cancer risk, notably on a continuous scale [HR 0.88 (95 % CI 0.79-0.98) per 100 μg increase/day]. The risk reduction was largely confined to non-aggressive tumors [HR 0.71 (0.55-0.93) per 100 μg increase/day]. No influence on prostate cancer risk was observed for dietary folate or for the other studied micronutrients, regardless of source. We found no significant effect modification by alcohol intake and BMI in relation to any micronutrient. Our study may indicate an inverse association between folic acid and prostate cancer; however, the inverse association was confined to supplemental folic acid and non-aggressive prostate cancer and may thus be a chance finding. Further studies are warranted to evaluate our findings.

A Comparison of Adolescents Consumption of Micro and Macro Nutrient Rich Foods

The study involves a comparison of pupils’ consumption of macro and micro nutrient rich food as well as healthy and less healthy snacks after being exposed to a teaching model on balanced diet developed by the researcher which takes into cognisance pupils’ prior knowledge of healthy eating. Healthy snacks are snacks that are low in fat and sugar while less healthy snacks are snacks that are high in fat and sugar. The study was carried out in Britain, United Kingdom in summer term of 2007. Participants were year 7 pupils of Ceredigion Local Education Authority in rural Mid-Wales, they were requested to fill-in a Food Diary of food consumed at breakfast, lunch and dinner times including mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks for five days (Thursday to Monday). This is to include both food consumed at home at weekend as well as school meals consumed at school during weekdays. There was evidence of increase of consumption of healthy snack as well as the consumption of macro nutrients (carbohydrate, fat and protein) and micro nutrients (vitamin, mineral and fibre); all six classes of food that makes up a balanced diet [1] after the intervention compared to before the intervention, although the rate of increase in the consumption of micro nutrient was not statistically significant compared to the increased in the consumption of macro nutrient. This study revealed that though the teaching model was able to alter eating behaviour in the desired direction of healthy eating which is the consumption of micro nutrient. More has to be done to encourage adolescents to consume more vitamin, mineral and fibre rich food items.

Assessing the micronutrient and macronutrient intakes in female students and comparing them with the set standard values

Background:Healthy nutrition particularly the energy intake and the essential nutrients in female students is very important. This study aims to assess micro- and macronutrient intakes in female students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study involved 100 female students aged between 18 and 25 years in 2008–2009. Anthropometrics measures were performed and two 24-hours food recalls were used to collect the dietary information and were analyzed using food processor 2 and compared with the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) 2008.Findings:As many as 61.1% of subjects resided in dormitories; 12.7% were married. Prevalence of overweight or obesity and abdominal obesity in the subjects studied were 6.9% and 46.1%, respectively. The mean (±SD) systolic blood pressure was 105.2 ± 15.6 mmHg and the diastolic was 62.2 ± 10.4 mmHg. Totally, 3.9% of the subjects had hypertension. Food intake analysis indicated that B12, folate, magnesium, potassium, and calcium were below the recommended level, and vitamin C, E, pantothenic acid, B1, B3, phosphate, and zinc were above, and energy intake, macronutrient, vitamin A, pyridoxine, iron, and selenium were, in general, adequate.Conclusion:The findings of the study indicated that macronutrients intake was appropriate, but the problem mainly existed in the consumption of micronutrients. It is recommended to increase the intakes of important food groups such as dairy, vegetable, and fruit that are proper sources of micronutrients, and it is also suggested to improve strategies and the competence in this area of nutrition.

Prevalence of Inadequacy Intake for Older People: The Use of National Cancer Institute (NCI) Method

A purpose of dietary assessment is to evaluate the dietary intake of a group or a population. In Brazil few studies have been carried out to identify dietary intake of older people population. Then, the aim of this work is to estimate the distribution as well as estimate the prevalence of inadequacy of the usual intake in a representative sample of older population from Botucatu city, S?o Paulo, applying the NCI method. A sample of 365 older was used and some instruments to evaluate quality of life, activities of daily living and instrumental of daily living were applied as well as three 24-hour recalls. Data from the recalls were transformed in consumption of macro and micronutrients using NDSR software and were analyzed using NCI method in order to estimate the inadequacy prevalence. The energy and macronutrients intake of the studied population agree with their needs, however, the consumption of minerals and vitamins were below the recommendation even after including the covariates. This can reflects a monotone intake that is characteristic of this age and this inadequateness can be a serious public health problem that can carry on development of chronic diseases. Also, it is important to highlight that NCI method provides a good estimate of the usual intake.

Food reformulation: the challenges to the food industry

The role of the food industry (retailers, manufacturers and food service) in helping consumers eat healthily and sustainably has been receiving considerable attention in recent years. This paper focuses on the challenges facing the food industry and the role of food reformulation in meeting these challenges, through the lens of a public health nutritionist. Attention has been heightened by the Government's Responsibility Deal, launched in early 2011 by the Department of Health (England), by the UK's engagement with the global food security and food supply sustainability agendas and by the Government Office of Science's Foresight report. The Responsibility Deal's food network has to date focused on reduction of trans fatty acids, salt and calories and out-of-home calorie labelling (in food service settings). New pledges are expected soon on increasing fruit and vegetable intakes. Reformulation is a major feature of the Responsibility Deal's approach, and along with other approaches such as portion control, choice editing and information provision, there is potential to increase the breadth of healthier choices available to the public. With the exception of fruit and vegetables, the emphasis has been almost exclusively on aspects of the diet that are in excess for many of the population (e.g. energy and salt). Evidence of low consumption of some key micronutrients by some groups of the population, particularly adolescents and young adults, often alongside excess energy intake compared with expenditure, is all too often overlooked. This paper summarises the progress made to date, the challenges faced and the opportunities that exist, with particular focus on reformulation. One of the biggest challenges is the relatively poor understanding of how to effect positive and long-term dietary behaviour change. The paper concludes that, in isolation, reformulation is unlikely to provide a complete solution to the challenge of improving eating patterns and nutrient provision, although it is a contributor.

Effects of Smoking and Antioxidant Micronutrients on Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Antioxidant intake has been reported to increase the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) for smokers, yet reduce the risk for nonsmokers. We investigated the association between tobacco smoking and risk of colon or rectal cancer, and whether dietary and supplemental intake of the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, β-carotene, selenium, zinc, and manganese affects the risk of CRC among smokers. Data on smoking habits and antioxidant intake were analyzed for 54,208 participants in the Danish Prospective Diet, Cancer and Health Study. Of these participants, 642 were diagnosed with colon cancer and 348 were diagnosed with rectal cancer. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Principal components were used to analyze intake of combinations of antioxidants. Ever smoking increased the risk for CRC (hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.37), especially for rectal cancer. Smoking for at least 20 years was associated with a 26% increase in risk of CRC, compared with never smokers, and smoking 20 g tobacco or more each day was associated with a 30% increase in risk. Smoking for more than 30 years, or more than 20 g tobacco each day, was associated with a 48% increase in risk of rectal cancer. We did not observe an interaction between smoking and antioxidant consumption on risk of CRC. Tobacco smoking increases the risk for CRC. We did not observe that consumption of antioxidant micronutrients modulates the effects of smoking on CRC risk.

Gendered impacts of the 2007–2008 food price crisis: Evidence using panel data from rural Ethiopia

This paper provides empirical evidence on the gendered impact of the 2007–2008 food price crisis using panel data on 1400 households from rural Ethiopia that were initially surveyed before the onset of the crisis, in 1994–1995, 1997, and 2004, and after food prices spiked, in 2009. It investigates whether female-headed households are more likely to report experiencing a food price shock, and whether female-headed households experiencing a shock are more (or less) likely to adopt certain coping strategies, controlling for individual, household, and community characteristics. Our findings suggest that female-headed households are more vulnerable to food price changes and are more likely to have experienced a food price shock in 2007–2008. Because female-headed households are also resource poor and have a larger food gap compared with male-headed households, they cope by cutting back on the number of meals they provide their households during good months and eating less preferred foods in general. A combination of short-term measures to protect diet diversity and micronutrient consumption of vulnerable groups and longer-term measures to promote investment in sustainable agriculture, such as strengthening women’s property rights, may increase the ability of poor and vulnerable households to cope better with food price increases.

Estimating Micronutrient Intakes from Household Consumption and Expenditures Surveys (HCES): An Example from Bangladesh

Globally, there is a scarcity of national food consumption data that could help to assess food patterns and nutrient intakes of population groups. Estimates of food consumption patterns and apparent intakes of energy and nutrients could be obtained from national Household Consumption and Expenditures Surveys (HCES). To use the HCES conducted in Bangladesh in 2005 (HIES2005) to estimate apparent intakes of vitamin A, iron, and zinc. Food acquisition data from HIES2005, which surveyed 10,080 households, were transformed into standard measurement units. Intrahousehold food and nutrient distribution was estimated with Adult Male Equivalent (AME) units. Adequacy of intake was assessed by comparing individual nutrient intakes with requirements and was then aggregated by households. The weighted mean energy intake for the population was 2,151 kcal/person/day, with a range among divisions from 1,950 in Barisal to 2,195 in Dhaka division. The apparent intakes of vitamin A and iron were insufficient to satisfy the recommended intakes for more than 80% of the population in Bangladesh, while apparent intakes of zinc, adjusted by bioavailability, satisfied the requirements of approximately 60% of the population. Using the HIES2005, we were able to produce estimates of apparent food consumption and intakes of some key micronutrients for the Bangladeshi population and observed wide differences among divisions. However, the methodological approaches reported here, although feasible and promising, need to be validated with other dietary intake methods.

Faktor ibu dalam pemberian suplemen pada anak prasekolah

Background: Most children already meet their daily nutrient needs through food intake. However, many of them still consume food supplement. Supplement use becomes popular, but the pattern of supplement provision amongst preschool children has never been investigated. As the supplement use increases, there is an increased risk of over consumption of several micronutrients. Objective: To evaluate the predictors of preschooler’s supplement intake related to mother’s socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics and to compare dietary pattern and nutritional status of preschool children who consume and did not consume supplements.Method: This is an observational study with case control design. The subjects were preschool children enrolled at Bandar Lampung Kindergarten and their mothers. The case and control group consisted of 79 mothers, respectively. Sociodemographic information and frequency of dietary supplement consumption were collected via parental questionnaires, including a 24-hour food recall.Result: Most children consume multivitamin supplement once a day (65.45%).The most infl uential factor for mothers to give food supplement to their child is media exposure. Mothers from families with higher income, lower educated, consume supplement and highly motivated were signifi cantly more likely to give food supplement to their child than their counterparts. Excluding nutrient intake from supplement, there were no differences in nutrient intake between supplement consumers and non-consumers. There were also no differences in nutritional status between supplement consumers and non-consumers.Conclusion: The most infl uential factor for mothers to give supplement to their child is media exposure. There were no differences in nutritional status and nutrient intake between supplement consumers and non-consumers.

The Effect of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation on Mortality and Morbidity of HIV-Infected Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Numerous preclinical studies have suggested that micronutrient status is associated with the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, but results from observational studies are still controversial. The objective was to systematically review the efficacy of multiple micronutrient supplementation on mortality and morbidity in HIV-infected adults. A comprehensive search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library was performed. Six randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of multiple micronutrient supplementation on HIV-infected adults were included. Relative risk was used as an effect measure to compare the intervention and control groups with fixed-effects or random effects models. Sensitivity analyses were applied to further evaluate heterogeneity. Multiple micronutrient supplementation decreased the mortality and morbidity of HIV-infected adults nonstatistically significantly (RR=0.90; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.02; p=0.09). Sensitivity analyses revealed that multiple micronutrient supplementation decreased the mortality and morbidity of adults infected with HIV alone statistically significantly (RR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.95; p=0.02), but not adults infected with both HIV and pulmonary tuberculosis (RR=0.97; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.11; p=0.65). Multiple micronutrient consumption was correlated with reduction of the mortality and morbidity of HIV-infected adults, at least those in developing countries and infected with HIV alone, and should be prescribed by local doctors for those in earlier stages especially.Numerous preclinical studies have suggested that micronutrient status is associated with the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, but results from observational studies are still controversial. The objective was to systematically review the efficacy of multiple micronutrient supplementation on mortality and morbidity in HIV-infected adults. A comprehensive search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library was performed. Six randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of multiple micronutrient supplementation on HIV-infected adults were included. Relative risk was used as an effect measure to compare the intervention and control groups with fixed-effects or random effects models. Sensitivity analyses were applied to further evaluate heterogeneity. Multiple micronutrient supplementation decreased the mortality and morbidity of HIV-infected adults nonstatistically significantly (RR=0.90; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.02; p=0.09). Sensitivity analyses revealed that multiple micronutrient supplementation decreased the mortality and morbidity of adults infected with HIV alone statistically significantly (RR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.95; p=0.02), but not adults infected with both HIV and pulmonary tuberculosis (RR=0.97; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.11; p=0.65). Multiple micronutrient consumption was correlated with reduction of the mortality and morbidity of HIV-infected adults, at least those in developing countries and infected with HIV alone, and should be prescribed by local doctors for those in earlier stages especially.

Crises, Food Prices, and the Income Elasticity of Micronutrients:Estimates from Indonesia

The 2008 global food price crisis and more recent food price spikes have led to a greater focus on policies and programs to cushion the effects of such shocks on poverty and malnutrition. Analysis of the income elasticities of micronutrients and their changes during food price crises can shed light on the potential effectiveness of cash transfer and nutrition supplement programs. This article examines these issues using data from two cross-sectional household surveys in Indonesia, taken before (1996) and soon after (1999) the 1997–98 economic crisis, which led to a sharp increase in food prices. First, using nonparametric and regression methods, the article examines how the income elasticity of calories from starchy staples as a share of total calories differs between the two survey rounds. Second, the article estimates income elasticities of important nutrients in Indonesia. The analysis finds that, although summary measures such as the income elasticity of the starchy staple ratio might not change during crises, this stability masks important differences across individual nutrients. In particular, income elasticities of some key micronutrients, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin B1, are significantly higher in a crisis year than in a normal year, yet the income elasticities of others—such as vitamin C—remain close to zero. These results suggest that cash transfer programs might be even more effective during crises to ensure the consumption of essential micronutrients. But to ensure that all key micronutrients are consumed, nutrition supplement programs are also likely required. JEL classification codes: I12, O12, D12, E31 keywords: Income elasticity, crisis, prices, micronutrients, vitamin C, starchy staple ratio

The association between first trimester micronutrient intake, MTHFR genotypes, and global DNA methylation in pregnant women

Objective. Our aim was to evaluate possible associations between consumption of micronutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism, MTHFR genotypes, and global DNA methylation in pregnant women.Methods. A semi-quantitative dietary questionnaire was administered to 195 women during their first trimester in Morelos, Mexico. Two functional polymorphisms of the key folate-metabolizing gene, i.e. MTHFR 677 C>T and 1298 A>C, as well as global DNA methylation were assessed in peripheral blood drawn during the interview.Results. Independent of maternal age and caloric intake, vitamin B6 deficiency was associated with 1.8 fold increased risk of hypomethylation in women carrying the MTHFR 677 T allele.Conclusions. There exists a subpopulation that is more susceptible to B vitamin deficiencies.

Gene Polymorphisms and Low Dietary Intake of Micronutrients in Coronary Artery Disease

Background/Aims: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex disorder involving genetic and non-genetic factors. Food is an important component of the latter. We examined if DNA polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes of one-carbon metabolism coupled with low consumption of micronutrients such as folate, vitamins B₆ and B₁₂ might increase the risk of CAD. Methods: A case-control study consisting of 252 CAD patients and 252 controls were included. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), 2 insertion/deletion and 1 repeat polymorphism were typed. The micronutrient intake was estimated from a standard 24-hour dietary recall coupled to a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The results suggest an association of ‘early-onset CAD’ with betaine homocysteine S-methyl transferase (BHMT) 742G→A SNP (odds ratio = 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.96–2.41; p = 0.04). No association was observed for all age of onset, but more patients than controls whose micronutrient intake was in the lowest quintile also carried the minor allele (50% patients vs. 37% controls; p = 0.042). Furthermore, dietary intake of folate micronutrients below the recommended daily allowance was observed in a larger percent of patients than controls with the minor BHMT allele (51% patients vs. 44% controls; p = 0.021). Conclusions: In the presence of the minor BHMT allele, a decreased consumption of folate micronutrients might increase the risk of CAD.

Food intake and nutritional status analysis of a climacteric women´s group from a Brazilian Medical School Hospital

Background: Climacteric women population is increasing worldwide and their health needs care and nutritional assessment. The aim of the present study was to assess the dietary habits and the nutritional status of women in the climacterium. Methods: The diet was quantified with the use of a food consumption frequency questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian population and validated for the study population. The anthropometric measurements included body weight and height, skinfolds and body circumferences, and physical activity was evaluated by a validated questionnaire. Results: Mean ( + SD) daily calorie intake was 1780±570 kcal/day, with carbohydrates corresponding to 51 ± 11%, proteins to 17 ± 7% and lipids to 33 ± 6% of total caloric intake. The most consumed foods were rice, beans, soy oil, oranges, and whole milk. The mean intake of nutrients such as pyridoxine, sodium and phosphorus was above recommended levels, while the intakes of calcium, magnesium and zinc were those most below recommended levels. The mean ( + SD) anthropometric variables were: BMI 29 ± 6 kg/m 2 and hip/waist ratio 0.86 ± 0.16. Seventy percent of the women evaluated were physically active. Conclusions: The group here studied showed inadequate dietary patterns, with a low consumption of various micronutrients. Further studies are needed with a larger number of patients.