Dietary Nutrient Density Research Articles

Effect of Low Nutrient Density Diets and Certain Feed Additives on Performance of Laying Hens

A trial was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding low nutrient density diets with certain dietary agents on the egg production and nutrient metabolizability of layers (n=144). A practical type layer diet (BIS, 1992) served as control and test diets were prepared by replacing 10, 20 and 30 per cent of the control diet by a diluent feed ingredient i.e., sun-dried sugarcane press residue. Further, each diet was fortified with either lipid utilizing agents (lipase 100 units + lecithin 20 g/kg diet) or NSP degrading enzymes (xylanase 1000, β-glucanase 400, cellulose 200, pectinase 100 units/kg feed) or together to result in another set of three diets. Each diet was offered to triplicate groups of three laying hens (35 wks old, BV-300 birds) each for 56d. The results revealed a significant (P 0.05) among different groups. Further, the egg production, feed consumption, feed efficiency and egg qualities were similar (P>0.05) among the groups fed diets supplemented without or with lipid utilizing agents or NSP degrading enzymes or together. It was concluded that the diet dilution decreases the production performance of layers without affecting egg qualities.

Consumption of grapefruit is associated with higher nutrient intakes and diet quality among adults, and more favorable anthropometrics in women, NHANES 2003–2008

BackgroundDietary guidance recommends consumption of a nutrient-dense diet containing a variety of fruits. The purpose of this study was to estimate usual nutrient intakes and adequacy of nutrient intakes among adult grapefruit consumers and non-consumers, and to examine associations between grapefruit consumption and select health parameters.MethodsThe analysis was conducted with data collected in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2008. Respondents reporting consumption of any amount of grapefruit or 100% grapefruit juice at least once during the 2 days of dietary recall were classified as grapefruit consumers.ResultsAmong adults aged 19+ years with 2 days of dietary recall (n=12,789), 2.5% of males and 2.7% of females reported consumption of 100% grapefruit juice or fresh, canned, or frozen grapefruit during the recalls. Grapefruit consumers were less likely to have usual intakes of vitamin C (males: 0% vs. 47%; females: 0% vs. 43%; P<0.001) and magnesium (P<0.05) below the estimated average requirement (EAR) compared to non-consumers, and they were more likely to meet adequate intake levels for dietary fiber (P<0.05). Potassium and β-carotene intakes were significantly higher among grapefruit consumers (P<0.001). Diet quality as assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) was higher in grapefruit consumers (males: 66.2 [95% CI: 61.0–71.5] vs. 55.4 [95% CI: 54.4–56.4]; females: 71.4 [95% CI: 65.1–77.6] vs. 61.2 [95% CI: 59.8–62.6]). Among women, grapefruit consumption was associated with lower body weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP), and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P<0.05), However, risk of being overweight/obese was not associated with grapefruit consumption.ConclusionConsumption of grapefruit was associated with higher intakes of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber, and improved diet quality. Grapefruit may provide a healthful option for adults striving to meet fruit recommendations.

Relationship between Dietary Magnesium, Manganese, and Copper and Metabolic Syndrome Risk in Korean Adults: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2008)

Recent studies have reported correlations between mineral intake and metabolic syndrome (MS), but accurate relationships and consistency in the results are difficult to confirm. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the dietary intakes of magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) to determine their relationship with MS. Data from a total of 5,136 adults (2,084 men, 3,052 women) was collected from the 2007-2008 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), and the intakes of Mg, Mn, and Cu of the MS patients were compared with those of healthy adults. The relationship between the intakes of these minerals and the MS risks was analyzed. Diagnosis of MS was evaluated by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) standards. Among all study subjects, 25.9 % (540 subjects) of the men and 24.5 % (748 subjects) of the women met diagnostic criteria for inclusion in the MS group. In the men, daily intakes of Mg and Cu in the MS group were significantly lower than those in control group, and in the women, daily intakes of energy, Mg, Mn, and Cu in the MS group were significantly lower than those of the control group. The women subjects with high blood pressure showed significantly lower intakes of Mg, Mn, and Cu than control subjects. In addition, in the women, the highest quartile of Mg and Cu was inversely associated with MS, but with adjustment were not maintained. However, in the postmenopausal women, MS was significant and inversely associated with the highest quartiles of Cu intake and the association remained significant after adjustments. Considering that MS incidence increases and dietary intake and nutrient density decrease with increasing age, and mineral intake is reduced accordingly, these results suggest that meal management with adequate mineral intake is advisable to control MS.

Evaluation of probiotics in diets with different nutrient densities on growth performance, blood characteristics, relative organ weight and breast meat characteristics in broilers

1. A total of 720 1-d-old broilers were used in a 28 d experiment to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation in diets with different dietary nutrient densities.2. Birds were randomly allotted to one of the 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (12 replicateswith 15 broilers per replicate) with two levels of nutrient density [high nutrient density (metabolisable energy (ME) 12.7 MJ/kg and crude protein (CP) 230.3 g/kg for 1–7 d; ME 13.2 MJ/kg and CP 220.3 g/kg for 8–28 d) or low nutrient density (ME 12.1 MJ/kg and CP 220.2 g/kg for 0–7 d; ME 12.6 MJ/kg and CP 209.8 g/kg for 8–28 d)] and 0 or 2 g/kg probiotics (1.0 × 1010 viable spores/g of Bacillus subtilis endospores and 1.0 × 109 viable spores/g of Clostridium butyricum).3. The high-nutrient-density diet increased body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentration relative to the low-nutrient-density diet. High-nutrient-density diet reduced water loss ratio of breast muscle, liver and fat relative to body weight compared to low-nutrient density-diet. The inclusion of probiotics increased BWG and feed intake throughout the experiment. Dietary probiotics increased the percentage of blood lymphocytes and relative weight of spleen and bursa of Fabricius when compared to the non-probiotic treatment. The inclusion of probiotics decreased serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and lightness (L*) value of breast meat compared to the non-probiotic-supplemented diet.4. In conclusion, high dietary nutrient density increased growth performance and serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in broiler chickens. The inclusion of probiotics increased growth performance but reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. The positive effect of probiotic supplementation on growth performance was reduced by the high-nutrient-density diet during the first week of life.

Effects of probiotic supplementation in different energy and nutrient density diets on performance, egg quality, excreta microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, and serum cholesterol concentrations in laying hens

This 6-wk study was conducted to determine the effects of probiotic (Enterococcus faecium DSM 7134) supplementation of different energy and nutrient density diets on performance, egg quality, excreta microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, and serum cholesterol concentrations in laying hens. A total of 432 Hy-Line brown layers (40 wk old) were allotted into 4 dietary treatments with 2 levels of probiotic supplementation (0 or 0.01%) and 2 levels of energy (2,700 or 2,800 kcal ME/kg) and nutrient density. Weekly feed intake, egg quality, and daily egg production were determined. Eighteen layers per treatment (2 layers/replication) were bled to determine serum cholesterol concentrations at wk 3 and 6. Excreta microbial shedding of Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella and noxious gas emission were determined at the end of the experiment. Hens fed the high-energy and high-nutrient-density diets had less (P < 0.01) ADFI than those fed the low-energy and low-nutrient-density diets throughout the experimental period. During wk 4 to 6 and overall, hens fed the diets supplemented with the probiotic had greater (P < 0.01) egg production, egg weight, and eggshell thickness than hens fed the diets without the probiotic. Dietary supplementation of the probiotic increased (P = 0.01) excreta Lactobacillus counts and decreased (P = 0.02) Escherichia coli counts compared with hens fed the diets without the probiotic. The excreta ammonia emission was decreased (P = 0.02) in hens fed the probiotic diets compared with hens fed the diets without the probiotic. Serum total cholesterol concentration was decreased (P < 0.01) by feeding hens with the probiotic at wk 3 and 6. Layers fed the probiotic-incorporated diets had greater (P < 0.01) high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lower (P = 0.03) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations than hens fed the nonsupplemented diets at wk 6. Interactive effects (P < 0.05) of energy and nutrient density and the probiotic on excreta Lactobacillus counts and serum HDL cholesterol concentration were observed at wk 6. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.01% probiotic improved egg production and egg quality and decreased excreta ammonia emission. The use of a probiotic in the high-energy and high-nutrient-density diets may be more favorable than the low-energy and low-nutrient-density diets in laying hens.

Improved Diet Quality and Increased Nutrient Intakes Associated with Grape Product Consumption by U.S. Children and Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2008

Fruit contributes to dietary nutrient density and consumption of fruit in several forms (whole, dried, or 100% juice) has been reported to be associated with a healthier dietary pattern. The goal of this study was to examine the associations of the consumption of grapes (including fresh grapes, raisins, and 100% grape juice) with diet quality and food group/nutrient intake. A secondary analysis of Natl. Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003 to 2008 data was conducted to compare grape consumers (GC) with nongrape consumers (NGC) among children aged 2 to 19 y (n = 9622) and adults 20+ y (n = 12251). GC were defined as those who mentioned the consumption of fresh grapes, raisins, or 100% grape juice during 1 or both 24-h recall interviews. Compared to NGC, GC had higher Healthy Eating Index 2005 (HEI-2005) scores and higher intakes of total and whole fruit along with lower intakes of solid fat, added sugars, and calories from solid fats, alcohol, and added sugars (SoFAAS). Among adults, GC also had higher intakes than NGC of total and dark green/orange vegetables. Among both age groups, GC had higher intake than NGC of several key nutrients including dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Consumption of grape products is associated with a healthier dietary pattern and higher intake of key nutrients by both children and adults.

Changes of haematic parameters, redox status and mitochondrial complex activity in the heart and liver of broilers fed with different density diets under low ambient temperature

This experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary nutrient density on haematic parameters, oxidative status and mitochondrial complex activity in the heart and liver of broilers under low ambient temperature. Eight-day-old male ROSS-308 chickens were randomly divided into two treatments fed with normal (control) and high metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein density (H) diets. A high nutrient density diet increased body weight gain and reduced the feed conversation ratio during the first 3 weeks. Increased ascites-related mortality (weeks 4 to 6), right ventricle/total ventricle (week 6), blood haemoglobin (weeks 2 and 4) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (week 2) were observed in treatment H. Levels of malonaldehyde and protein carbonylation were increased at week 4, and activities of glutathione peroxidase at week 4 and CuZn superoxide dismutase and catalase at week 6 were decreased in the heart; only malonaldehyde (week 6) was increased in the liver in treatment H. Relative mRNA expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (heart) was increased and heme oxygenase-1 (heart and liver) was decreased at week 4 in broilers fed with high ME and protein diet. Activities of mitochondrial complex III and IV (week 6) in the heart, and complex I (week 6) and complex III and IV (week 4) in the liver were decreased in treatment H. In conclusion, high levels of dietary ME and protein resulted in oxidative stress and high incidence of ascites in broilers under low ambient temperature. Heart dysfunction was primarily attributed to ascites development, in which oxidative injury and inhibition of mitochondrial complex activity were involved.

Effect of dietary nutrient density and vitamin premix withdrawal on performance and meat quality of broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding high- and low nutrient density diets, and three different vitamin premix withdrawal regimes on broiler performance and meat quality. Male broiler chicks (480 days old) were reared on the floor in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement for 42 days. Chickens were slaughtered at 42 days of age and meat samples kept at -20 ± 1°C and analysed after 1, 90 and 180 days of storage. Broiler performance was significantly affected by dietary nutrient density. Vitamin premix withdrawal had no significant effect on body weight. The results showed no significant differences between nutrient density and vitamin premix withdrawal on lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*). Oxidative stability of thigh muscle lipids during frozen storage was significantly affected by nutrient density, while vitamin premix withdrawal had no significant impact on lipid oxidation. High nutrient density diet led to a significantly (P < 0.05) decreased pH compared with the low nutrient density diet. Increasing dietary nutrient density improved broiler performance but impaired meat quality while vitamin premix withdrawal during finisher periods had no negative effect on broiler performance and meat quality.

Effect of probiotics supplementation in diets with different nutrient densities on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, faecal microbial population and faecal noxious gas content in growing pigs

A total of 144 pigs with initial BW of 29.48±0.58 kg were used in a 6-wk experiment to evaluate the probiotics supplementation (Enterococcis faecium, 1.0×1010 CFU/g) with different nutrient densities in growing pigs. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of four treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments with two levels of nutrient density and probiotic (0 or 0.1%) according to their sex and BW (nine replicate pens with two gilts and two barrows per pen). Pigs fed the higher nutrient density diets led to a higher (P<0.05) ADG and G:F ratio than those fed low nutrient density diet. The inclusion of probiotic increased (P<0.05) ADG, ADFI, G:F, and the apparent total tract digestibility of DM, N, energy. Dietary high nutrient density led to a higher (P<0.05) faecal H2S and NH3 content, whereas the probiotic supplementation led to a reduced (P<0.05) faecal H2S and NH3 content. An increased faecal lactobacillus concentration was observed with probiotic supplementation. An interactive effect between energy and nutrient density diet and probiotic was observed on the ADG and G:F ratio, faecal lactobacillus, apparent total tract digestibility and faecal noxious gas content. In conclusion, both dietary probiotic supplementation and a high nutrient diet could improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs. The beneficial effect of probiotic supplementation in pigs could be enhanced with the high energy and nutrient density diets.

Influence of different concentrations of metabolisable energy at constant ratio to dietary protein, lysine, methionine, calcium and phosphorus on the performance of White Leghorn layers in the tropics

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrient density on the performance (21–72 weeks of age) of White Leghorn layers reared in an open-sided poultry house in the tropics. Six diets with graded levels (9.62–11.72 MJ/kg) of metabolisable energy (ME) with an increment of 0.42 MJ were formulated. Concentrations of crude protein, lysine, methionine, calcium and non-phytate phosphorus were kept constant to ME in all diets (15.9, 0.73, 0.35, 3.19 and 0.31 g/MJ ME, respectively). At 21 weeks of age, a total of 5280 birds was distributed randomly in 4-bird colony cages and 22 such cages in a row constituted one replicate. Each diet was fed ad libitum to 10 replicates from 21 to 72 weeks of age and performance parameters were recorded at 28-day intervals (period, 1–13). Egg production (EP) increased (P &lt; 0.05) with increasing dietary ME and maximum response in EP was observed when dietary ME levels ranged between 10.93 and 11.69 MJ/kg during the majority of periods, while in periods 6, 7 and 8 (summer, 28−37°C), maximum EP was observed at higher ME levels in diet (11.64–11.69 MJ/kg diet). Feed intake (P &lt; 0.01) decreased, feed efficiency (P &lt; 0.01), egg mass (P &lt; 0.01) and weight gain (P &lt; 0.05) improved quadratically with increase in dietary ME concentration. Maximum feed efficiency was observed at 11.36 MJ ME/kg diet during 21–72 weeks of age. Egg shell defects were not influenced (P &gt; 0.05) by dietary nutrient density. Mortality reduced quadratically with increase in dietary ME concentration and mortality was minimum at 11.64 MJ ME/kg diet. Based on results from the experiment it was concluded that White Leghorn layers (21–72 weeks of age) require 11.36 MJ ME/kg diet for maximum egg production, feed efficiency and egg mass with better liveability. The calculated intake of metabolisable energy, crude protein, lysine, methionine, calcium and non-phytate phosphorus in layers fed 11.30 MJ ME/kg diet was 1.157 MJ, 18.42 g, 865 mg, 409 mg, 3.68 g and 358 mg per bird per day, respectively.

Calorie Restriction in the Elderly People

Calorie Restriction in the Elderly People

Performance of broiler chicken fed varied nutrient density diets supplemented with direct fed microbial

Comparative dietary response of different isolated strains (Direct fed microbial- DFM) of lactobacilli, streptococci and yeast isolated from leopard feces (Panthera leo) was studied as probiotic in poultry broiler birds reared as per varied mineral densities viz. calcium and phosphorus. Various treatments consisted of T0 (Control, culture medium), T1 (Lactobacillus casei + Streptococcus fecalis + Saccharomyces cerevisiae) offered standard formulated diet D1, T2 – Control (Culture medium) offered ten percent lower calcium and phosphorus diet D2, T3 (Lactobacillus casei + Streptococcus fecalis + Saccharomyces cerevisiae) offered ten percent lower calcium and phosphorus diet D2. Growth results obtained during the starter phase (1 st to 3 rd week) exhibited higher gain in live body weight and lower feed conversion ratio, both by DFM supplemented treatment T1 offered standard formulated diet D1 and treatment T3 offered experimentally formulated mineral (Ca and P) deficient (10%) diet D2 compared to respective control T0 and T2. The obtained results revealed a significantly higher growth performance in treatment T1 compared to its control T0 where a higher growth in treatment T3 offered experimentally formulated mineral (Ca and P) deficient (10%) diet D2 supplemented with isolated DFM compared to its control T2 was exhibited. Treatment groups T1 and T3 supplemented with isolated DFM exhibited a better intestinal micro flora balance, effective colonization and higher count in the intestinal tract with higher calcium and phosphorus retention in the digestibility studies. Thus, it was found that supplementation of isolated DFM has the potential to improve biological growth performance of poultry broiler birds offered both standard formulated diet D1, as well as mineral deficient diet D2.

Food Intake and Nutrition During Pregnancy, Lactation and Weaning in the Dam and Offspring

ContentsIn mammalian species, the connection between reproduction and nutrition is undeniable and illustrated by numerous publications: its role concerning regulation of hormonal secretions, fertility, pregnancy outcome, lactation and neonatal development indeed retains the attention of the scientific community. The interest on the influence of nutrition in dog and cat reproductive physiology is growing. Awareness on the key aspects of feeding during critical periods like pregnancy, lactation and weaning is essential to optimize the reproductive performances in these species.

Bone Mineral Density and Vitamin D Status Among African American Children With Forearm Fractures

To determine whether African American children with forearm fractures have decreased bone mineral density and an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level ≤ 20 ng/mL) compared with fracture-free control patients. This case-control study in African American children, aged 5 to 9 years, included case patients with forearm fracture and control patients without fracture. Evaluation included measurement of bone mineral density and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to test for associations between fracture status and 2 measures of bone health (bone mineral density and 25-hydroxyvitamin D level) while controlling for other potential confounders. The final sample included 76 case and 74 control patients. There were no significant differences between case and control patients in age, gender, parental education level, enrollment season, outdoor play time, height, or mean dietary calcium nutrient density. Cases were more likely than control patients to be overweight (49.3% vs 31.4%, P = .03). Compared with control patients, case patients had lower whole body z scores for bone mineral density (0.62 ± 0.96 vs 0.98 ± 1.09; adjusted odds ratio 0.38 [0.20-0.72]) and were more likely to be vitamin D deficient (47.1% vs 40.8%; adjusted odds ratio 3.46 [1.09-10.94]). These data support an association of lower bone mineral density and vitamin D deficiency with increased odds of forearm fracture among African American children. Because suboptimal childhood bone health also negatively impacts adult bone health, interventions to increase bone mineral density and correct vitamin D deficiency are indicated in this population to provide short-term and long-term benefits.

The Dutch Healthy Diet index (DHD-index): an instrument to measure adherence to the Dutch Guidelines for a Healthy Diet.

BackgroundThe objective was to develop an index based on the Dutch Guidelines for a healthy Diet of 2006 that reflects dietary quality and to apply it to the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (DNFCS) to examine the associations with micronutrient intakes.MethodsA total of 749 men and women, aged 19–30 years, contributed two 24-hour recalls and additional questionnaires in the DNFCS of 2003. The Dutch Healthy Diet index (DHD-index) includes ten components representing the ten Dutch Guidelines for a Healthy Diet. Per component the score ranges between zero and ten, resulting in a total score between zero (no adherence) and 100 (complete adherence).ResultsThe mean ± SD of the DHD-index was 60.4 ± 11.5 for women and 57.8 ± 10.8 for men (P for difference = 0.002). Each component score increased across the sex-specific quintiles of the DHD-index. An inverse association was observed between the sex-specific quintiles of the DHD-index and total energy intake. Calcium, riboflavin, and vitamin E intake decreased with increasing DHD-index, an inverse association which disappeared after energy adjustment. Vitamin C showed a positive association across quintiles, also when adjusted for energy. For folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, thiamin, and vitamin B6 a positive association emerged after adjustment for energy.ConclusionsThe DHD-index is capable of ranking participants according to their adherence to the Dutch Guidelines for a Healthy Diet by reflecting variation in nine out of ten components that constitute the index when based on two 24-hour recalls. Furthermore, the index showed to be a good measure of nutrient density of diets.

Effects of breed and dietary nutrient density on the growth performance, blood metabolite, and genes expression of target of rapamycin (TOR) signalling pathway of female broiler chickens

This study was conducted to compare the effects of exchanged diets with identical energy level on characteristics of slow-growing (WENs Yellow-Feathered Chicken, WYFC) and fast-growing (White Recessive Rock Chicken, WRRC) female chickens. A total of 1450 WYFC and 1150 WRRC 1-day-old female hatchlings were used. A high-nutrient-density (HND) diet and a low-nutrient-density (LND) diet were formulated for three phases. A completely randomized experimental design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (diet and breed), each with five replicates of 145 and 115 birds, was applied. The results showed that WRRC had a higher body weight (BW), average daily feed intake and average daily gain than WYFC throughout the experiment (p<.05). WYFC that were provided with HND groups had a higher BW only in the starter and grower phases, whereas WRRC had a higher BW in the HND group than in LND groups throughout the experiment. The feed:gain ratio and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were better for WRRC in the starter and grower phases; however, these ratios were better for WYFC in the finisher period. The LND groups had a higher PER throughout the experiment for both breeds (p<0.05). The breast and leg muscle weights were higher for WRRC compared with WYFC during the grower and finisher phases (p<0.05). WRRC had a lower liver index but higher serum UA and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations than WYFC (p<0.05). No diet effect was observed on organ indices, muscle yields or blood responses. The gene expressions of Rheb, TOR, S6K1 and 4E-BP1 in gastrocnemius muscle were the highest in the WYFC-LND groups at 63 and 105 days (p<0.05). These findings suggested that different genotypes respond differently to changes in dietary nutrient density and that lower-nutrient-density diets are optimal for the long-term housing of broiler chickens.

The Effects of an Energy Density Prescription on Diet Quality and Weight Loss: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Dietary goals specific for lowering energy density (ED) may promote a nutrient-dense diet and weight loss. This pilot study examined the effects of ED-based diet prescriptions on diet quality and weight loss during a 3-month behavior-based obesity intervention conducted in a research setting. Forty-four adults with overweight/obesity (age 52.1±7.6 years, body mass index [BMI; calculated as kg/m2] 34.8±4.8, 81.8% women, and 93.2% white) were recruited between December 2009 and March 2010 and randomly assigned to: Low ED (consume ≥10 foods ≤1.0 kcal/g dietary ED and ≤2 foods ≥3.0 kcal/g dietary ED per day (n=15); Low-Energy, Low-Fat (1,200 to 1,500 kcal/day, ≤30% energy from fat (n=15); or Low-ED, Low-Energy, Low-Fat (n=14). Participants received 12 weekly group sessions led by a research interventionist. Dietary intake (measured by 3-day food records), self-reported physical activity, and weight were measured at baseline and 3 months. Intent-to-treat analyses showed all conditions reduced dietary ED and energy intake (P<0.001). Low-ED and Low-ED, Low-Energy, Low-Fat interventions increased fruit consumption (P<0.05). All conditions increased self-reported physical activity (P<0.001), with no difference between conditions. Although participants in all conditions lost weight (P<0.001), those in the Low-ED condition lost more (P<0.05) than those in the Low-ED, Low-Energy, Low-Fat condition (Low-ED −20.5±7.0 lb, Low-Energy, Low-Fat −16.9±10.1 lb, and Low-ED, Low-Energy, Low-Fat −12.5± 6.5 lb). A diet prescription that lowered ED increased fruit intake and enhanced weight loss compared with other weight loss prescriptions.

Phase feeding in a big-bird production scenario: Effect on growth performance, yield, and fillet dimension

Phase feeding (PF) has been effective at maintaining broiler growth while reducing production cost, but the effect on different broiler strains and sex has not been assessed. An experiment was conducted using 4 commercial broiler strains grown up to 63 d of age (n = 1,440), comparing a PF approach to an industry-type diet. At d 17, birds began either the industry or PF regimen. The industry regimen consisted of average industry nutrient levels with periods from 17 to 32 d, 32 to 40 d, 40 to 49 d, and 49 d to the end of trial. For PF, diets were prepared that contained Lys, sulfur amino acids, and Thr levels matching the predicted requirements for birds at the beginning (high nutrient density) and end (low nutrient density) of PF. Pelleted high and low nutrient density diets were blended to produce rations containing amino acid levels that matched the predicted PF requirements over 2-d intervals. Weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency were calculated through d 58. Birds were commercially processed at 59, 61, or 63 d; yield and fillet dimensions were measured. Phase feeding did not effect weight gain or feed intake of broilers during the overall growth period (17-58 d). For most strains, PF did not effect final BW, yield, or fillet dimensions. However, strain and sex had greater effects on growth performance, yields, and fillet dimensions. Strains B and D had greater breast yield than strains A and C. Reduced feed costs ($0.01 to $0.04 per kilogram of gain, depending on strain) were observed for all strains with PF for the overall growth period (17-58 d). Therefore, potential savings on feed costs are possible for all strains used in this study with the incorporation of the PF regimen.

Phase feeding in a small-bird production scenario: Effect on growth performance, yield, and fillet dimension

Phase feeding (PF) has been effective at maintaining broiler growth while reducing production cost, but the effect on different broiler strains grown in a small-bird production scenario has not been assessed. Three strains of commercial broilers were fed a diet containing average industry nutrient levels from 0 to 18 d. From 18 to 32 d, birds were fed either diets with average industry nutrient levels or diets with phased levels of amino acids. For PF, diets were prepared that contained Lys, sulfur amino acids, and Thr levels matching the predicted requirements for birds at the beginning (high nutrient density) and end (low nutrient density) of PF. Pelleted high and low nutrient-density diets were blended to produce rations containing amino acid levels that matched the predicted PF requirements over 2-d intervals, and diets were switched every other day during PF. Treatments were replicated in 6 pens; each pen contained 15 males and 15 females. Weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency were calculated. All birds were commercially processed; yield and fillet dimensions were calculated. Differences among strain BW were noted on d 0, 18, 32, and at processing. Males weighed more than females on d 18 (excluding strain C), 32, and the day of processing. Weight gain was affected by strain (P < 0.05) but not by feeding regimen in the overall growth period (18-39 d). Feed efficiency was improved by PF in strains B and C during the overall growth period. Fillet yield was improved with PF for strain B, and there were no significant differences between PF and industry fillet yields for the other 2 strains. Phase feeding had no effect on fillet dimensions, and there was little effect of strain. These results suggest that different strains may vary in their response to PF, although performance was similar or better in PF birds compared with birds fed the industry diet, regardless of strain.

Forearm Bone Mineral Density Varies as a Function of Adiposity in Inuit Women 40–90 Years of Age During the Vitamin D–Synthesizing Period

Aging Inuit women are at increased risk for low vitamin D status due to habitation at higher latitudes, darker skin, and ongoing nutrition transition. Lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration and higher risk of fracture have been separately reported in Inuit women, with particular relevance to postmenopausal women. We evaluated vitamin D status, forearm bone mineral density (fBMD), and nutrition in Inuit women ≥40years. Women (n=568) were randomly selected to participate in the 2007-2008 International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey from 36 Arctic communities. fBMD was measured using peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Dietary intakes were derived from 24h recall and food-frequency questionnaires. Fasting serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone, and osteocalcin (OC) were measured using a LIAISON(®) automated analyzer. The weighted prevalence of women having 25(OH)D concentration below 37.5, 50, and 75nmol/L was 7.2%, 17.6%, and 48.6%, respectively, with older women having better status. The dietary density of most nutrients increased with age, as did traditional food intake. fBMD was low in 3 (1.4%) premenopausal (Z score<-2) and 107 (29.6%) postmenopausal (T score<-1.5) women. Regression revealed that either weight, body mass index, or percent body fat significantly predicted fBMD in premenopausal women, in addition to age and OC in postmenopausal women. Women ≥50years have higher vitamin D status and more nutrient-dense diets than women 40-49years. While measures of adiposity predicted fBMD in all women, additional predictors after menopause included age and bone turnover.