Non-whole Grain Research Articles

Quality Specific Associations of Carbohydrate Consumption and Frailty Index.

Background: The quality of carbohydrate consumed may influence the risk of frailty. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that indices of carbohydrate intake are associated with trajectories of frailty in participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Methods: Cross sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted in 1024 BLSA participants to examine the association between usual intake of carbohydrate and frailty index. Seven measures of carbohydrate consumption were estimated using data derived from Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) and examined in association with a 43-item Frailty Index (FI). Results: In cross-sectional analyses, there was a significant, positive association between higher tertiles of total carbohydrate, glycemic load, and non-whole grains and FI. Conversely, higher tertiles of fiber-to-carbohydrate ratio was associated with lower FI. These differences persisted over the follow-up period of up to 13.8 years. Women in the highest tertile of the fiber-to-carbohydrate ratio showed a less steep increase in FI over time. Conclusions: Carbohydrate intake was positively associated with increased frailty risk in the BLSA participants, whereas a higher fiber-to-carbohydrate ratio was related to reduced risk for frailty.

Creating "Plates" to Evaluate Canadians' Dietary Intake in Relation to the 2019 Canada's Food Guide.

Explore Canadians' dietary intake in relation to the 2019 Canada's Food Guide (CFG) Plate using novel volume-based food analyses, by age and meal occasion. Foods reported in 24-hour recalls by 20,456 Canadians in the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey - Nutrition were classified as: Vegetables and Fruits, Whole Grain Foods, Protein Foods, Non-Whole Grain Foods or Other Foods (high in fat, sugar, sodium). Food volumes were used to calculate percent contributions of each grouping to total intake, stratified by age (1-6; 7-12; 13-17; 18-64; 65+years) and meal (breakfast, lunch, supper, snack), applying sample survey weights and bootstrapping. By volume, the Canadian population diet included: 29% Vegetables and Fruits, 22% Protein Foods, 7% Whole Grains, 24% Non-Whole Grain Foods, and 18% Other Foods. Intakes of Protein Foods (1-6years) and Other Foods (7-12; 13-17years) were higher in children than adults by volume, relative to total intake. Whole Grains intake was highest at breakfast. Other Foods intake was highest at snack. The volume-based population diet of Canadians reported on a single day includes a substantial proportion of non-recommended foods. There are opportunities to design interventions that target specific foods, ages, and meals to align intake with recommendations.

Mediterranean Diet and Fatigue among Community-Dwelling Postmenopausal Women

We investigated cross-sectional relationships between the Mediterranean diet and overall fatigue, energy, and weariness scores among 4,563 women aged 65+ from the Women’s Health Initiative study. We also used the Isocaloric Substitution approach to explore whether the substitution of fish for red and processed meat, whole for non-whole grains, and whole fruit for fruit juice relate to RAND-36 measured overall fatigue and its subdomains. The alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) Index quintiles (Q1–Q5) and selected Mediterranean foods available on a Food Frequency Questionnaire were exposure measures. Results showed aMED Q5 was associated with 2.99 (95% CI: 0.88, 5.11), 4.01 (95% CI: 1.51, 6.53), and 2.47 (95% CI: 0.24, 4.70) point improvements in fatigue, energy, and weariness scores, respectively, compared with aMED Q1. Substituting fish for red and processed meat and whole for non-whole grains was associated with more favorable fatigue scores, whereas substituting whole fruit for juice was not.

The association of dietary macronutrients composition with the incidence of type 2 diabetes, using iso-energetic substitution models: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

AimsThere is still controversy on optimal percentage of macronutrient intakes especially carbohydrate on prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the iso-energetic substitution of dietary macronutrients in relation to incidence of T2D. MethodsThis prospective study was conducted on 6547 subjects who were followed for 3.0 ± 1.6 years. Dietary intakes were evaluated using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Biochemical variables and anthropometrics were evaluated at baseline and follow-up examinations. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the hazards ratio (HR) of T2D. ResultsA one unit higher proportion of carbohydrate from whole grain at the expense of carbohydrate from non-whole grain (HR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.71–0.95), protein (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60–0.94), total fat (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.67–0.93), saturated fatty acid (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.65–0.96), poly-unsaturated fatty acid (HR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.68–0.96) and mono-unsaturated fatty acid (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60–0.94) was associated with decreased risk of T2D. The substitution of protein and fats was not associated with diabetes. Risk of T2D increased from quartiles 1–4 for trans-fatty acid (HR: 1.00, 1.27, 0.95, 1.97, Ptrend = 0.01). ConclusionsA higher proportion of carbohydrate from whole grain in replacement of refined grain, and other macronutrients was associated with decreased risk of T2D. Also our study suggests a positive association between trans-fatty acid intake and risk of T2D.

Lunch on School Days in Canada: Examining Contributions to Nutrient and Food Group Intakes and Differences Across Eating Locations

Abstract Objectives Recent federal proposals in Canada have called for changes in the delivery and funding of school lunches. Yet little evidence has documented the nutritional quality of meals eaten by school children needed to inform school lunch reforms. This study assessed the dietary contributions of lunch foods to daily food and nutrient intakes on school days and compared dietary intakes across eating locations (school, home, and off-campus). Methods Nationally representative 24-hour dietary recall data were obtained from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition (n = 2540 children aged 6–17 years). Descriptive statistics were used to assess the % of daily energy, nutrients and food groups contributed by lunch foods. Multivariable age-stratified linear regression models examined differences in lunch-time consumption of energy, food groups and nutrients across eating locations. Results On average, foods reported at lunch provided ∼26% of daily calories. Relative to energy, lunch foods provided lower contributions of: dark green and orange vegetables, whole fruit, fruit juice, whole grains, milk and alternatives, fluid milk, minimally nutritious foods including sugary beverages, and several related nutrients including total sugars, vitamins A, D, B6, and B12, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Yet, lunch foods provided proportionally higher contributions of grain products, non-whole grains, meat and alternatives and sodium. Children aged 14–17 years who ate lunch at school reported higher intakes of total vegetables and fruit, whole fruit, whole grains, fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium but reported fewer calories from sugary beverages compared to their peers who ate lunch off-campus. Conclusions Relative to its contribution to energy, lunch on school days contributed to proportionally lower intakes of many healthful foods (dark green and orange vegetables, whole fruit, whole grains and fluid milk), but also proportionally lower intakes of sugary beverages. This study adds to the growing body of evidence on dietary concerns during school-time for Canadian children and highlights particular challenges for adolescents consuming lunch off-campus. Funding Sources Canadian Institutes of Health Research (FRN 151,549).

Whole grain and cereal fibre intake in the Australian Health Survey: associations to CVD risk factors.

To explore associations of whole grain and cereal fibre intake to CVD risk factors in Australian adults. Cross-sectional analysis. Intakes of whole grain and cereal fibre were examined in association to BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), serum lipid concentrations, C-reactive protein, systolic BP, fasting glucose and HbA1c. Australian Health Survey 2011-2013. A population-representative sample of 7665 participants over 18 years old. Highest whole grain consumers (T3) had lower BMI (T0 26·8 kg/m2, T3 26·0 kg/m2, P < 0·0001) and WC (T0 92·2 cm, T3 90·0 cm, P = 0·0005) compared with non-consumers (T0), although only WC remained significant after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle factors, including cereal fibre intake (P = 0·03). Whole grain intake was marginally inversely associated with fasting glucose (P = 0·048) and HbA1c (P = 0·03) after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle factors, including cereal fibre intake. Cereal fibre intake was inversely associated with BMI (P < 0·0001) and WC (P < 0·0008) and tended to be inversely associated with total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and apo-B concentrations, although associations were attenuated after further adjusting for BMI and lipid-lowering medication use. The extent to which cereal fibre is responsible for the CVD-protective associations of whole grains may vary depending on the mediators involved. Longer-term intervention studies directly comparing whole grain and non-whole grain diets of similar cereal fibre contents (such as through the use of bran or added-fibre refined grain products) are needed to confirm independent effects.

Whole grain intake compared with cereal fibre intake in association to CVD risk factors: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (UK).

To investigate how intakes of whole grains and cereal fibre were associated to risk factors for CVD in UK adults. Cross-sectional analyses examined associations between whole grain and cereal fibre intakes and adiposity measurements, serum lipid concentrations, C-reactive protein, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, HbA1c, homocysteine and a combined CVD relative risk score. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) Rolling Programme 2008-2014. A nationally representative sample of 2689 adults. Participants in the highest quartile (Q4) of whole grain intake had lower waist-hip ratio (Q1 0·872; Q4 0·857; P = 0·04), HbA1c (Q1 5·66 %; Q4 5·47 %; P = 0·01) and homocysteine (Q1 9·95 µmol/l; Q4 8·76 µmol/l; P = 0·01) compared with participants in the lowest quartile (Q1), after adjusting for dietary and lifestyle factors, including cereal fibre intake. Whole grain intake was inversely associated with C-reactive protein using multivariate analysis (P = 0·02), but this was not significant after final adjustment for cereal fibre. Cereal fibre intake was also inversely associated with waist-hip ratio (P = 0·03) and homocysteine (P = 0·002) in multivariate analysis. Similar inverse associations between whole grain and cereal fibre intakes to CVD risk factors suggest the relevance of cereal fibre in the protective effects of whole grains. However, whole grain associations often remained significant after adjusting for cereal fibre intake, suggesting additional constituents may be relevant. Intervention studies are needed to compare cereal fibre intake from non-whole grain sources to whole grain intake.

Association between Grain Intake, Nutrient Intake, and Diet Quality of Canadians: Evidence from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition 2015.

The new Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) recommends whole grains foods as the primary choice of grain products in the daily diet. This study examined whether higher shares of whole-grain consumption, beyond the recommended levels (i.e., above half) of the daily grain intake, are linked with optimal diet quality and intakes of some key nutrients, for both children and adolescents and adults in Canada. To meet the objective of this study, we used the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)–Nutrition 2015, which is a nationally representative data. We employed the propensity score matching (PSM) method in this study. PSM estimates the exposure effect when a set of individuals are exposed to a specific treatment (food group intake in this study) in a non-experimental setting. The results of our analyses implied that a high consumption of whole grains is associated with a good diet quality. However, after a certain level of whole-grain consumption, no significant differences can be observed in diet quality scores of children and adolescents and adults. Moreover, it was observed that the proportion of obese and overweight individuals was significantly lower among adults that had balanced intakes of whole and non-whole grains. The results of logistic regression analyses also showed the probability of being obese and overweight is significantly lower in the case of adults with balanced intakes of grains. However, no significant differences were observed in the prevalence of obesity and overweight across whole grains consumption patterns for children and adolescents.

Intakes and Food Sources of Dietary Fibre and Their Associations with Measures of Body Composition and Inflammation in UK Adults: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Airwave Health Monitoring Study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between intakes of fibre from the main food sources of fibre in the UK diet with body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (%BF), waist circumference (WC) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Participants enrolled in the Airwave Health Monitoring Study (2007–2012) with 7-day food records (n = 6898; 61% men) were included for cross-sectional analyses. General linear models evaluated associations across fifths of fibre intakes (total, vegetable, fruit, potato, whole grain and non-whole grain cereal) with BMI, %BF, WC and CRP. Fully adjusted analyses showed inverse linear trends across fifths of total fibre and fibre from fruit with all outcome measures (ptrend < 0.0001). Vegetable fibre intake showed an inverse association with WC (ptrend 0.0156) and CRP (ptrend 0.0005). Fibre from whole grain sources showed an inverse association with BMI (ptrend 0.0002), %BF (ptrend 0.0007) and WC (ptrend 0.0004). Non-whole grain cereal fibre showed an inverse association with BMI (Ptrend 0.0095). Direct associations observed between potato fibre intake and measures of body composition and inflammation were attenuated in fully adjusted analyses controlling for fried potato intake. Higher fibre intake has a beneficial association on body composition, however, there are differential associations based on the food source.

Comparing Whole Grain with Cereal Fibre – Associations to Markers of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey and the Australian Health Survey (P08-079-19)

ObjectivesWhole grain intake is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related risk factors. Cereal fibre content of whole grains may be responsible, although it is not clear to what extent. Inconsistent definitions of whole grains used within previous studies, such as including bran as a whole grain source, confound findings and limit the ability to separate the two exposures. We compared how intakes of whole grain and cereal fibre were separately associated with markers of CVD risk in adult participants within the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) and the Australian Health Survey (AHS). MethodsCross-sectional analyses of the NDNS Rolling Programme 2008–14 and the 2011–13 AHS examined associations between whole grain and cereal fibre intakes and markers of CVD risk using multivariate linear regression analysis. Whole grain was defined as containing the endosperm, germ and bran components in the expected proportions, and food composition databases were used to estimate intakes. ResultsWithin the NDNS, participants in the highest quartile (Q4) of whole grain intake had lower waist-hip ratio (Q1 0.872; Q4 0.857; P = 0.04), HbA1c (Q1 5.66%; Q4 5.47%; P = 0.01) and homocysteine (Q1 9.95 μmol/L; Q4 8.76 μmol/L; P = 0.01) compared to participants in the lowest quartile (Q1) after adjustment for cereal fibre intake. Participants in the highest tertile of whole grain intake within the AHS had lower waist circumferences (P = 0.03), HbA1c (P = 0.03) and fasting blood glucose (P = 0.048) compared to non-whole grain consumers after adjustment for cereal fibre intake. Cereal fibre intake, when analysed separately, was inversely associated with waist-hip ratio (P = 0.03) and homocysteine (P = 0.002) in the NDNS, and BMI (P < 0.0001) and waist circumference (P = 0.0008) in the AHS. ConclusionsSimilar inverse associations between whole grain and cereal fibre intakes to multiple markers of CVD risk suggest cereal fibre may play a role in protective associations of whole grains. However, whole grain associations often remained significant after adjustment for cereal fibre intake, suggesting additional constituents may be relevant. Future research should ensure use of consistent definitions when examining health associations of whole grains and their specific constituents. Funding SourcesNil funding.

Dietary patterns change over two years in early adolescent girls in Hawai'i.

In investigating diet-disease relationships, examination of dietary patterns allows for conclusions to be drawn based on overall intake. This study characterized dietary patterns of early adolescent girls over a two-year period and examined the relationship between dietary patterns and body mass index (BMI). Cross-sectional analyses were performed using longitudinal data from food records of early adolescent girls (n=148) 9 to 14 years in Hawai'i from the Female Adolescent Maturation (FAM) study. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis (PCA). Pearson's correlations between BMI percentile and z-score and dietary pattern factor scores at Times 1 (2001-2002) and 2 (2002-2003) were calculated. For each dietary pattern, participants were divided into low, intermediate, and high scorers. Mean BMI percentiles and z-scores were compared between groups using analysis of covariance. At Time 1, three patterns were identified, characterized by: (1) whole grains, nuts and seeds, added sugar; (2) non-whole grain, tomatoes, discretionary fat; and (3) deep yellow vegetables, other starchy vegetables, cooked dry beans/peas. At Time 2, three different dietary patterns emerged: (1) non-whole grains, meat, discretionary fat; (2) other vegetables, fish, eggs; and (3) whole grain, tomatoes, other vegetables. BMI percentile and z-score differed between high and low scorers on Time 1-Pattern 1 and Time 2-Pattern 3. Results revealed changes in dietary patterns over time and an association between intake and BMI. Findings demonstrate the importance of frequent nutrition assessment to monitor changes in intake that may be improved to prevent obesity.

Maternal Dietary Patterns during Pregnancy Are Associated with Newborn Body Composition

Background: Maternal dietary intake during pregnancy may influence offspring growth and adiposity. Specific dietary patterns associated with newborn adiposity have not been identified.Objective: We aimed to identify patterns of maternal dietary intake associated with gestational weight gain (GWG) and fasting glucose during pregnancy and to evaluate whether adherence to these patterns is associated with newborn adiposity.Methods: In the Healthy Start prospective cohort, dietary intake during pregnancy was assessed via 24-h recalls. Reduced-rank regression identified dietary patterns predictive of GWG and fasting glucose. Associations between dietary patterns and newborn fat mass, fat-free mass, and adiposity were estimated by using linear regression models among 764 ethnically diverse mother-infant pairs.Results: Two dietary patterns were identified. Pattern 1, correlated with greater GWG (r = 0.22, P < 0.01), was characterized by a higher consumption of poultry, nuts, cheese, fruits, whole grains, added sugars, and solid fats. Greater adherence to pattern 1 (upper compared with lower tertile) predicted a greater newborn fat-free mass (61 g; 95% CI: 12, 110 g) but no difference in fat mass or adiposity. Pattern 2, correlated with greater maternal fasting glucose (r = 0.16, P < 0.01), was characterized by a higher consumption of eggs, starchy vegetables, solid fats, fruits, and nonwhole grains and a lower consumption of dairy foods, dark-green vegetables, and whole grains. Greater adherence to pattern 2 was associated with a greater newborn birth weight (80 g; 95% CI: 15, 145 g), fat mass (33 g; 95% CI: 8, 59 g), and adiposity (0.9%; 95% CI: 0.3%, 1.6%).Conclusions: Among pregnant women, adherence to a dietary pattern characterized by an intake of poultry, nuts, cheese, and whole grains was associated with greater GWG but not maternal fasting glucose or newborn adiposity. Adherence to a pattern characterized by an intake of eggs, starchy vegetables, and nonwhole grains was associated with higher maternal fasting glucose and greater newborn adiposity. Maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy may influence newborn body composition.

A Comparison of Nutrition and Physical Activity Behaviors in Pregnant Women with Normal and Overweight Pre-Pregnancy BMI

Background:Prenatal counseling by health care professionals on appropriate gestational weight gain, diet and exercise for women who were overweight or obese before pregnancy, are a crucial step towards childhood obesity prevention. This study aims to characterize nutritional behavior change, physical activity and dietary practices differences between women of healthy and overweight pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Methods:Eight pregnant women with healthy pre-pregnancy BMI<25 kg/m2 and five pregnant women with overweight pre-pregnancy BMI≥25 kg/m2 in their third trimester were recruited through midwives at prenatal appointments to complete a prenatal survey and food frequency questionnaire. Results:Food frequency questionnaire results revealed that women in the healthy pre-pregnancy BMI group had greater consumption of vitamin/mineral supplementation, fruits, and vegetables, dairy and herbal supplements. Intake of carbohydrate, dietary fiber, cholesterol, folate, carotene, riboflavin, calcium, and phosphorus, and vitamins A, E, C, B12 intake was greater than the overweight group; however, differences were not statistically significant in food and nutrient intake. The overweight BMI group consumed more saturated fat, discretionary fat, added sugars, non-whole grain, tomato , dark green vegetable servings and caffeine consumption than the women with a healthy BMI but not statistically different. Both groups reported their perceived physical activity level to be the same or somewhat more active compared to other pregnant women of similar age. Conclusions:Pre-pregnancy BMI≥25 kg/m2 women were less likely to follow recommendations from health care professionals or friends/relatives and could benefit from nutrition education and intervention.

Hypocholesterolemic and Prebiotic Effects of a Whole-Grain Oat-Based Granola Breakfast Cereal in a Cardio-Metabolic "At Risk" Population.

Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RTC) have confirmed the hypocholesterolaemic effect of oats and oat based fibers. However, the mechanisms by which oats or oat fractions lower cholesterol is not totally clear. Recognizing the important role of the gut microbiome in metabolism and metabolic disease risk, we examined the impact of whole grain oat Granola (WGO) on the human gut microbiota and cardio-metabolic risk factors using a randomized crossover dietary intervention in at risk individuals (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01925365). We randomized 32 individuals at risk of developing cardio-metabolic disease by virtue of mild hypercholesterolaemia or glucose intolerance, into two groups consuming either 45 g of WGO or non-whole grain (NWG) breakfast cereals daily for two 6-week intervention periods separated by a 4-week wash out period in a randomized, controlled, crossover, double-blinded design. Confirming the cholesterol lowering effect of WGO, we observed a significant time by treatment interaction, for total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.0001) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) (P = 0.02) compared to NWG. A significant time by treatment interaction was also observed for the relative abundance of fecal bifidobacteria (P = 0.0001), lactobacilli (P = 0.001) and total bacterial count (P = 0.008), which were all elevated after consumption of WGO. Daily consumption of WGO resulted in a prebiotic effect on the human gut microbiota composition and significant reductions in TC and LDL-C concentrations. Prebiotic modulation of the human gut microbiota may thus constitute a previously unrecognized mechanism contributing to the hypocholesterolaemic effects of whole grain oat Granola.

Are Dietary Patterns Associated with Depression in U.S. Adults?

Nutrition is one of the most important modifiable determinants for and consequences of both mental and physical heath. Depression has become an increasingly important public health issue. We tested whether dietary patterns derived from food group intake are associated with depression in U.S. adults in a cross-sectional study with national population. This study included 4180 men and 4196 women aged 20-79 years in the 2007-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), with complete data of one 24-h dietary recall, sociodemographics, lifestyles, and Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ-9) for screening depression. Two major dietary patterns identified by factor analysis were investigated for their associations with presence of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥10) by using linear and multivariate logistic regressions. One of two major patterns, labeled "Western" dietary pattern was characterized by high intakes of nonwhole grain, white potatoes, cheese, meat, discretionary oil and fat, and added sugar; the second dietary pattern that was labeled "Healthy" dietary pattern was characterized by high intakes of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts and seeds. The "Western" dietary pattern was not significantly associated with depression in both men and women. The "Healthy" dietary pattern scores were inversely associated with the PHQ-9 depression scores and odd ratios (ORs) of depression after adjustment for covariates in women but not in men. The OR of depression in women with the highest quintile of "Healthy" dietary pattern scores was 0.60 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42-0.85, P < .001) compared to the lowest quintile as a reference. These findings warrant future interventions or clinical trials in elucidating causal and effect relations of depression and dietary patterns, an important public health concern.

Abstract 609: Plasma Carnitine is Associated with Gut Microbiome Composition, Diet, and Markers of Cardiometabolic Health

Cardiometabolic health is influenced by both diet and gut microbiome composition, however mechanisms remain unclear. The dietary-derived metabolite carnitine has been of particular interest for its potential gut microbial-mediated relationship to atherosclerosis. Using plasma carnitine as an intermediate probe, we examined the relationship between diet, gut microbiome composition, circulating metabolite levels, and measurements of cardiometabolic health. Samples (blood, stool) and data (diet, anthropometrics) were collected from 136 healthy subjects. Purified stool 16S V4 DNA was sequenced (Illumina MiSeq, 300bp paired-end reads, ~150,000 reads/sample). Plasma carnitine was analyzed by mass spectrometry. There were several dietary components significantly associated with plasma carnitine, with an overall pattern of a diet rich in animal products and refined carbohydrates (dairy, processed meats, non-whole grains and starchy vegetables) associated with higher carnitine, while monounsaturated fat intake was associated with lower carnitine. Plasma carnitine was significantly negatively correlated with several bacterial genera including Blautia (r=-0.3 p=0.001), Parabacteroides (r=-0.2, p=0.03), and Coprococcus (r=-0.389, p&lt;0.001). Carnitine levels above the median were associated with increases in cardiometabolic risk factors including higher systolic blood pressure (SBP, 118 vs 111 mmHg, p=0.014), BMI (27 vs. 24 kg/m 2 , p=0.002), waist-hip ratio (WHR, 0.85 vs 0.8, p=0.001) as well as higher levels of blood components associated with cardiovascular risk, including circulating monocytes (p=0.007) and hemoglobin (p=0.006). Both diet and microbiome composition also associated with several risk markers (WHR, SBP, hemoglobin), albeit to a lesser extent than plasma carnitine. In conclusion, we provide evidence for inter-related relationships between diet, microbiome composition, circulating metabolites, and markers of cardiometabolic health.

Identification of Preferences for Hard White Wheat, Hard Red Wheat and Non-Whole Grain Bread Products in Young Children and Their Parents

Identification of Preferences for Hard White Wheat, Hard Red Wheat and Non-Whole Grain Bread Products in Young Children and Their Parents

Preparing for the 2015 Dietary Guidelines: Attributes of Refined Grains, Added Fibers, and Bran

Whole grains have become a prominent discussion point over the past few years. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recommends that Americans “consume at least half of all grains as whole grains. Increase whole-grain intake by replacing refined grains with whole grains.” Although this recommendation may be achievable, in many cases it is interpreted to recommend modification of the diet by replacing all refined grains with whole grains, without consideration for the nutritional and culinary impact on diet and foods. The 2011 AACCI Annual Meeting Hot Topic session Preparing for the 2015 Dietary Guidelines: Attributes of Refined Grains, Added Fibers, and Bran provided an opportunity to explore the current scientific understanding of the nutritional and culinary value of non-whole grains, including refined grains, added fibers, and bran, in the diet. Speakers and session participants identified science gaps and research opportunities that might provide more information for use in deliberations for ...

Fruit and vegetable consumption is inversely associated with having pancreatic cancer

Studies on fruit, vegetable, fiber, and grain consumption and pancreatic cancer risk are inconclusive. We used a clinic-based case-control study specifically designed to address limitations of both cohort and case-control studies to examine the relationship. Participants were excluded who reported changing their diet within 5years prior to study entry. And 384 rapidly ascertained cases and 983 controls (frequency matched on age (±5years), race, sex, and residence) completed epidemiologic surveys and 144-item food frequency questionnaires. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, smoking, body mass index, energy intake, and alcohol consumption. Comparing highest to lowest quintiles, we observed significant inverse associations (OR<0.8) with significant trends (p (trend)<0.05) for citrus, melon, and berries, other fruits, dark green vegetables, deep yellow vegetables, tomato, other vegetables, dry bean and pea, insoluble fiber, soluble fiber, whole grains, and orange/grapefruit juice, and an increased association with non-whole grains. Results were similar after adjusting for diabetes or total sugar intake. We provide evidence that lower consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber is associated with having pancreatic cancer. This may have a role in developing prevention strategies.

Determination of thein vivoprebiotic potential of a maize-based whole grain breakfast cereal: a human feeding study

Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between risk of CVD and intake of whole grain (WG)-rich food. Regular consumption of breakfast cereals can provide not only an increase in dietary WG but also improvements to cardiovascular health. Various mechanisms have been proposed, including prebiotic modulation of the colonic microbiota. In the present study, the prebiotic activity of a maize-derived WG cereal (WGM) was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled human feeding study (n 32). For a period of 21d, healthy men and women, mean age 32 (sd 8) years and BMI 23·3 (sd 0·58) kg/m2, consumed either 48g/d WG cereal (WGM) or 48g placebo cereal (non-whole grain (NWG)) in a crossover fashion. Faecal samples were collected at five points during the study on days 0, 21, 42, 63 and 84 (representing at baseline, after both treatments and both wash-out periods). Faecal bacteriology was assessed using fluorescence in situ hybridisation with 16S rRNA oligonucleotide probes specific for Bacteroides spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Clostridium histolyticum/perfringens subgroup, Lactobacillus-Enterococcus subgroup and total bacteria. After 21d consumption of WGM, mean group levels of faecal bifidobacteria increased significantly compared with the control cereal (P=0·001). After a 3-week wash-out period, bifidobacterial levels returned to pre-intervention levels. No statistically significant changes were observed in serum lipids, glucose or measures of faecal output. In conclusion, this WG maize-enriched breakfast cereal mediated a bifidogenic modulation of the gut microbiota, indicating a possible prebiotic mode of action.