Calculation Of Nutrient Intake Research Articles

The processing, preparation, and cooking practices of small fish among poor Ghanaian households: An exploratory qualitative study

Small fish are an important part of the diet in Ghana, but malnutrition rates remain high. The nutritional quality of fish consumed in Ghana may be affected by food processing and cooking practices, but the extent to which these processes are practiced among poor Ghanaian households along the coastal belt is unknown. This study explored how poor Ghanaian households process, prepare, and cook meals containing small fish. This exploratory qualitative study used Attride-Stirling thematic network analysis. Respondents were purposively sampled from fishing communities in the coastal regions of Ghana. One-on-one interviews were performed by trained field assistants, audio recorded and videotaped, and transcribed for further data analysis. The most common small fish species identified were anchovies and herrings. Anchovies were fried and eaten whole. Herrings were eaten either smoked or fresh; for fresh herring, the head, fins, and viscera were removed before boiling. Herrings were smoked with the head and viscera; however, both the head and viscera were removed before being added to boiling soup and were not consumed. Anchovies were fried for 10 min, and herrings were boiled for 15–30 min. Processing methods and further meal preparation depend on the small fish species. Nutrient composition and contribution of small fish depend on the processing method, preparation method, and what tissues are eaten. Thus, these results will be of importance for sampling schemes for food composition tables and for the calculation of nutrient intake from small fish.

Accuracy of Nutrient Intake Values From Four Popular Nutrition Tracking Apps

ObjectivesTo assess the accuracy of nutrient intake values from four popular nutrition tracking apps including, MyFitnessPal, MyNetDiary, SparkPeople, and Cronometer, compared to ESHA-Food Processor. MethodsOne-day food records were obtained from 30 students in an introductory nutrition course. After demonstrating inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.90), food records were entered by two researchers into ESHA-Food Processor, MyFitnessPal (MFP), My Net Diary (MND), Spark People(SP), and Cronometer (CR) apps to determine nutrient intake values. Wilcoxon sign rank test and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data comparing the apps to ESHA. ResultsEnergy intake values were significantly lower for MFP (P = 0.002), MND (P = 0.002), SP (P = 0.003); but not for CR (P > 0.05) when compared to ESHA. Fat intake values were significantly lower for MFP (P = 0.003), MND (P = 0.003), SP (P = 0.006), but not CR (P = 0.249). Carbohydrate intake values were significantly lower for MFP (P = 0.005), MND (P = 0.002), SP (P = 0.004), and CR (P = 0.026) when compared to ESHA. There were no differences in protein or fiber intake values between any of the apps compared to ESHA (P > .05). Sodium intake values were lower for MFP (P < 0.001), MND (P = 0.014), and CR (P = 0.019) compared to ESHA, while SP did not estimate sodium intake. ConclusionsA majority of the nutrition tracking apps calculated lower energy values and lower intake values of multiple nutrients compared to ESHA-Food processor. Users of the popular nutrition tracking apps, including consumers, educators, and researchers, should be aware of the significant differences in nutrient intake calculations as energy and many nutrients could be under-reported. Funding SourcesNo funding was provided.

Assessment of the Accuracy of Nutrient Intake Calculations from Popular Nutrition Tracking Apps

Assessment of the Accuracy of Nutrient Intake Calculations from Popular Nutrition Tracking Apps

Accuracy of applications to monitor food intake: Evaluation by comparison with 3-d food diary

ObjectiveThe availability of nutrition applications (apps) has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of nutrient intake calculations from some of the leading apps. MethodsWe identified five apps according to some selection criteria: >4-star ratings, >1 million downloads, including a food composition database, and in Italian language. Apps were used for 2 wk each. Using a 3-d food diary, the nutritional values obtained from each app were compared to a reference method including the Food Composition Database for Epidemiologic Studies in Italy. Energy intake differences were calculated for single nutrient and 3-d food diary between single app and reference method after food-item matching. Bland–Altman plots were used to assess agreement of the methods. ResultsApps identified were FatSecret, Lifesum, MyFitnessPal, Yazio, and Melarossa. Apps tended to underestimate total energy intake compared with the reference method, from a minimum of –2 kcal for Lifesum, to a maximum of –5.4 kcal for Yazio (average per item). Apps tended to underestimate lipids, and to a lesser extent carbohydrate and fiber intake, except for Yazio and Lifesum, which overestimated the intake of protein. These discrepancies appear to be due to the use of no country-specific food composition databases and to user customization of the food list. ConclusionsThe present findings suggest that the leading nutrition apps present critical issues in assessing the intake of energy and nutrients. Implementation of a framework for quality assessment is necessary to drive the design and development of higher-quality apps. Further research on efficacy and use of apps to monitor food intake is also warranted and some recommendations are provided.

Assessment of the accuracy of nutrient calculations of five popular nutrition tracking applications.

To assess the accuracy of nutrient intake calculations from leading nutrition tracking applications (apps). Nutrient intake estimates from thirty 24 h dietary recalls collected using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) were compared with intake calculations from these recalls entered by the researcher into five free nutrition tracking apps. Apps were selected from the Apple App Store based on consumer popularity from the list of free 'Health and Fitness' apps classified as a nutrition tracking apps. Dietary recall data collected from thirty lower-income adults. Correlations between nutrient intake calculations from NDSR and the nutrition tracking apps ranged from 0·73 to 0·96 for energy and macronutrients. Correlations for the other nutrients examined (Na, total sugars, fibre, cholesterol, saturated fat) ranged from 0·57 to 0·93. For each app, one or more mean nutrient intake calculations were significantly lower than those from NDSR. These differences included total protein (P=0·03), total fat (P=0·005), Na (P=0·02) and cholesterol (P=0·005) for MyFitnessPal; dietary fibre (P=0·04) for Fitbit; total protein (P=0·0004), total fat (P=0·008), Na (P=0·002), sugars (P=0·007), cholesterol (P=0·0006) and saturated fat (P=0·005) for Lose It!; Na (P=0·03) and dietary fibre (P=0·005) for MyPlate; and total fat (P=0·03) for Lifesum. Findings suggest that nutrient calculations from leading nutrition tracking apps tend to be lower than those from NDSR, a dietary analysis software developed for research purposes. Further research is needed to evaluate the validity of the apps when foods consumed are entered by consumers.

Serum carotenoid interactions in premenopausal women reveal α-carotene is negatively impacted by body fat.

Increasing body mass indices (BMIs) across the globe reflect pandemic shifts towards habitual positive energy imbalances. Excess body fat in individuals is often associated with high-energy and high-fat diets scanty in fresh produce. Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments plentiful in many fruits and vegetables. They are well-known for provitamin A and antioxidant functions, but little research has been done related to carotenoid-body mass interactions. Serum carotenoids were analyzed relative to body fat to determine correlations between major serum carotenoids, retinol, BMI, fat mass, and lean mass. Healthy women ( n = 76), 19-50 years old, were categorized into two comparison groups determined by percent body fat measured by air displacement plethysomography (BOD POD®), i.e. <31% and ≥31% fat mass. Anthropometric and three-day diet records were completed for BMI and nutrient intake calculations, respectively. Serum α-carotene concentrations were strongly inversely associated with all measures of body composition ( P < 0.001 α-carotene) controlling for dietary intake and age, while β-carotene, lutein, and lycopene were not ( P > 0.05). Dietary intake between groups did not differ, including carrot consumption (a high dietary source of α-carotene). These results confirm previous carotenoid-health research and propose the need for further investigation of potential protective roles that α-carotene may perform for optimal health. Serum α-carotene may provide a deeper and clinically relevant purpose, beyond previous suggestions for its use as a biomarker for fruit and vegetable consumption, in that α-carotene may be a biomarker for chronic disease risk frequently linked with obesity. Impact statement Carotenoids are important pigments in fruit and vegetables and found in human serum. This study isolated a negative relationship between serum α-carotene and body fatness. As humans begin to live over a century, determining biomarkers of ultimate health is important. α-Carotene does not have the same distribution in the food supply as β-carotene and therefore is often overlooked in surveys. In part, this is due to the fact that β-carotene provides two molecules of vitamin A, while α-carotene provides one upon central cleavage. This study shows a very clear association between α-carotene and body fatness, which appears to go beyond its fat-soluble nature. Dietary intake data were not able to explain the association. Further work is needed to determine what dietary components infer health benefits.

Nutritional status of celiac and non-celiac children from Rajasthan, India

PurposeThe aim of the study was to compare the nutritional status of children having celiac disease (CD) with those not having the disease in the age group of 7-12 years. Children not having CD were from first- and second-degree siblings of the children affected to match for family and environment. In Indian celiac pediatric population, studies on nutritional status of celiac children and comparisons with their siblings as reference have not been reported.Design/methodology/approachChildren with CD (n = 50) and without CD (n = 25) were matched for age and were purposively selected. Nutritional assessment included anthropometry, biochemical, clinical and nutrient intake. Weight and height measurements were recorded as per the standardized techniques. Biochemical investigations were done by skilled technicians. A two-day 24-h dietary recall method was used for calculation of nutrient intake. The observations were categorized as celiac and non-celiac children and pre-adolescents in age group of 7-9 years and 10-12 years.FindingsThe issues of being underweight and of low height according to age among celiac children were rampant. The non-celiac children were comparatively taller than children with CD. The hemoglobin and serum iron were significantly lower in celiac than non-celiac group (p < 0.01). Energy intake was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in celiac pre-adolescents as compared to non-celiac children (7-9 years). The protein intake was higher in non-celiac children, and the difference was highly significant (p < 0.01). The fat consumption was higher in celiac pre-adolescents. The nutritional status of celiac children was poor as compared to non-celiac children.Originality/valueThe present study is an attempt to compare the nutritional status of celiac children with their siblings.

국내 농산가공식품의 비타민 E 함량 분석

Accurate food composition data are essential for calculation of nutrient intake of a population based on its consumption statistics. In the Korean food composition database, there is a lack of reliable analytical data for tocopherols and tocotrienols. Therefore, this study was conducted to provide information on contents on vitamin E in agricultural processed foods in Korea. Tocopherols and tocotrienols were determined by the saponification extraction method followed by high performance liquid chromatography. Analytical method validation parameters were calculated to ensure the method’s validity. Samples were obtained in the years of 2013 and 2014 from the Rural Development Administration. The samples included 34 grains and grain products, 14 snacks, 25 fruits, 5 oils, and 11 sources and spices. All vitamin E isomers were quantitated, and the results were expressed as α-tocopherol equivalent (α-TE). α-TE values of cereal and cereal products, snacks, fruits, oils and sauces and spices ranged from 0.03 to 17.53, 1.01 to 12.84, 0.01 to 1.52, 1.09 to 8.15, and 0.01 to 27.53 α-TE/100 g, respectively. Accuracy was close to 100% (n=3). Repeatability and reproducibility were 2.04% and 4.69%, respectively. Our study provides reliable data on the tocopherol and tocotrienol contents of agricultural and processed foods in Korea.

Nutritional status of pre-pregnant and pregnant women residing in Bogor district, Indonesia: a cross-sectional dietary and nutrient intake study.

The diet of Indonesian women of childbearing age is relatively poor, posing increased risk for suboptimal pregnancy outcome. In a cross-sectional study including 403 women in three economic quintiles (Q), we investigated differences in dietary intake and nutrition sufficiency according to economic status and whether regular dietary intakes of pregnant women (PW, n 203) differ from that of pre-pregnant women (PPW, n 200). Dietary intake data were collected using 2×24 h dietary recall and FFQ. Energy, protein, Fe, Ca, Zn, vitamin A and vitamin C intakes were calculated utilising Food Composition Tables and compared with Indonesian recommendations for adequacy. Energy and protein intakes <70 % and Fe, Ca, Zn, vitamin A and vitamin C intakes <77 % of the local recommendation were considered insufficient. A higher intake of milk/dairy products (Q3, Q4), fruits and vegetables (Q2) and snacks (Q3) in PW was observed compared with PPW, but insufficient to meet nutrient requirements. Nutrient intake calculations showed insufficiency in 26 % of PPW for protein and up to 70 % for Fe. Deficient nutrient intakes in PW were found in 49 % of the subjects for energy and up to 85 % for Fe. Energy and protein intakes decreased with decreasing economic quintiles in PPW and PW. Ca and vitamin A intakes were lower in Q2 compared with Q4. The proportion of animal protein in Q2-PW was low (31 %). Biochemical status parameters in a subset showed that anaemia and Fe and Zn deficiencies were prevalent among PPW and PW. Habitual diets in the study area did not meet the nutrient requirements for both PPW and PW across the investigated economic groups.

Evaluation of an electronic tool to assess food label literacy in adult Australians: A pilot study

AbstractAimThis pilot study aimed to evaluate the food label literacy component of an electronic‐Nutrition Literacy Tool (e‐NutLiT) designed to assess nutrition literacy in adult Australians, and explore the influence of demographic factors.MethodsObese participants (OP) from an Australian obesity clinic and a criterion group of dietetic students (DS) from two Australian dietetic programs were recruited to complete the e‐NutLit; OP also completed the ‘Newest Vital Sign’ (NVS), a health literacy screening tool. Construct validity was assessed by comparing scores from the two groups. Associations between demographic factors and e‐NutLit scores were also explored.ResultsSixty‐one participants (OP: n = 32; DS: n = 29) completed the study. The total e‐NutLit scores for OP was significantly lower than that of DS (71.9 ± 17.9%; 94.5 ± 5.6%, respectively: P = 0.01). Items requiring calculation of nutrient intake from the nutrition information panel (NIP) and interpreting endorsement logos were the worst performing sections on the e‐NutLit in both OP (35.9%; 71.9%) and DS (86.2%; 75.8%). Adequate health literacy, indicated by an NVS ≥ 4, was strongly associated with higher scores on the e‐NutLit in OP (P = 0.01). Level of education (≤year 10) and lack of engagement in food shopping were significantly associated with poorer competency on the e‐NutLit (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsComparison of scores indicated that construct validity was established on most items for participants with lower literacy. The e‐NutLit identified specific weaknesses, such as nutrient calculations and interpretation of endorsement logos. This pilot study will help inform further development of the e‐NutLit.

Greater milk intake is associated with lower bone turnover, higher bone density, and higher bone microarchitecture index in a population of elderly Japanese men with relatively low dietary calcium intake: Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men (FORMEN) Study.

The effects of milk intake on bone health are not clear in elderly Asian men with low dietary calcium intake. This study showed that greater milk intake is associated with lower bone turnover, higher bone density, and higher bone microarchitecture index in community-dwelling elderly Japanese men. The consumption of milk or dairy products is widely recommended for maintaining bone health regardless of gender or age. However, little evidence exists on the beneficial effects of milk intake on bone health in elderly Japanese men characterized with relatively low dietary calcium intake. Here we examined whether or not greater milk intake was associated with lower bone turnover, higher bone density, and stronger bone microarchitecture in community-dwelling elderly Japanese men. Interviews were conducted to obtain information on medical history and lifestyle, including the amount of habitual milk intake, nutrient intake calculations based on a 1-week food diary, and measurements of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), and femoral neck (FN) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), trabecular bone score (TBS) using DXA images at LS, and biochemical markers of bone turnover in sera. Participants with a history of diseases or medications that affect bone metabolism, or with missing data, were excluded from the analysis. The median intake of milk in the 1479 participants (mean age, 73.0 ± 5.1years) was one glass of milk per day. Bone turnover markers showed a decreasing trend (p < 0.05) and aBMD at TH (p = 0.0019) and FN (p = 0.0057) and TBS (p = 0.0017) showed increasing trends with greater milk intake after adjusting for demographic and behavioral confounding factors. This association was attenuated after further adjusting for nutrient intake, in particular, calcium intake. Greater milk intake was associated with lower bone turnover, higher aBMD, and higher TBS in community-dwelling elderly Japanese men.

The Effect of Seasoning on the Distribution of Nutrient Intakes by a Food-Frequency Questionnaire in a Rural Area

The development of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is based on food use and/or dish use. Regardless of potential effect of oils and seasonings on chronic diseases, most of food-based FFQs do not include oils and seasonings in calculation of nutrient intake. This study examined the effect of added (seasoning) oils and seasonings on the distribution of subjects by relative nutrient intake using a dish-based FFQ. The subjects were 1,303 persons (men 478, women 825) aged over 20 years old, who completed FFQ composed of 121 items. Three types of daily nutrient intake were calculated; 1) total nutrient intake with oils and seasonings, 2) nutrient intake without oils, and 3) nutrient intake without oils and seasonings. The correlation and agreement of classification of subjects by relative nutrient intake were examined. All analyses were performed using absolute nutrient intakes and total energy-adjusted nutrient intakes by residual method. Comparing total nutrient intake with the nutrient intake without oils, energy, vegetable fat and vitamin E intake were significantly decreased and kappa values were 0.95 (Кw = 0.98), 0.64 (Кw = 0.81), and 0.59 (Кw = 0.79), respectively. Comparing total nutrient intake with the nutrient intake without oils and seasonings, most of nutrients intake except animal fat, animal protein, retinol and cholesterol were significantly decreased, and kappa values of vegetable fat (К = 0.64, Кw = 0.81), vitamin E (К = 0.59, Кw = 0.79) and sodium (К = 0.61, Кw = 0.80) were under 0.80. After total energy was adjusted, agreement was lower than before total energy adjustment. Excluding oils and seasonings to assess nutrient intake underestimated vegetable fat, vitamin E and sodium intake and affected the distribution of subjects by their relative nutrient intake. Therefore, we suggest that research focused on these nutrients need to be cautious about the interpretation of the results.

Design and Quality Control Issues Related to Dietary Assessment, Randomized Clinical Trials and Meta-Analysis of Field-Based Studies in Developing Countries

The essential design and quality control aspects of dietary assessment, randomized controlled trials (RCT) in developing countries and their subsequent meta-analysis are reviewed. Dietary assessment protocols consist of three stages: measurement of food intakes using a method appropriate for the study objectives, calculation of nutrient intakes and finally an evaluation of their nutrient adequacy. The latter may involve: 1) assessment of dietary diversity (average number of different foods consumed per day) and selected indices of dietary quality such as intakes of animal source foods (g/d); 2) percentage of energy from protein, fat and animal protein; 3) selected nutrient densities; and 4) dietary phytate:zinc molar ratio, as well as the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intakes calculated using a probability approach. To establish causality between the nutrient inadequacies identified and adverse health outcomes, RCT must be undertaken. A prerequisite of RCT is double-blind randomization, a procedure designed to eliminate biases arising from baseline confounding variables, unintended interventions and ascertainment bias. Results from existing RCT can be summarized via meta-analysis to gain a better understanding of the population relationship. Meta-analysis is a statistical technique involving linear models or generalized linear models, which can be performed after locating the individual studies, and selecting and abstracting all the necessary data.

Creation of a Database for the Calculation of Nutrient Intake Over Time

In 1987–1988, the first Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (DNFCS) was carried out; similar surveys were conducted in 1992 and 1997–1998. In each survey, food consumption data were converted into energy and nutrients using the most up-to-date version of the Dutch food composition table. To enable valid comparisons of nutrient intake over time specific food composition tables (Trend Table-1 (TT-1) for DNFCS-1 and TT-2 for DNFCS-2) were created. In these tables, for 20 nutrients, the composition of 550 selected food items was compared and reasons for differences were investigated. The food composition table used for DNFCS-3 (last update in 1997) was the reference table. To avoid artificial changes, differences as a consequence of improvements of the database were corrected in retrospect; real changes in the food composition remained intact. In TT-1 nearly 3500 modifications were made. Most of them concerned the composition of macronutrients. About 40% of the corrections arose from more and better analytical data; 6% were missing values. In both TTs many changes were related to the fatty acid composition of foods and were a consequence of changing the expression of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat into fatty acids. In TT-2 more than 2800 modifications were made; besides changes in the fatty acid composition, about 20% reflected improvements in the quality of data, and 16% were missing values. Changes in the different food groups and consequences of the modifications are discussed in more detail.

Dietary molar ratios of phytate:zinc and millimolar ratios of phytate x calcium:zinc in South Koreans.

The zinc nutritional status in south Koreans was established by evaluation of zinc, calcium and phytate intakes, the molar ratio of phytate:zinc, and the millimolar ratio of phytate x calcium:zinc. The intakes of iron and magnesium were also estimated. Sampling was designed so that it was representative of the national population. Two-day food records were used for the calculation of nutrient intakes, using food consumption data from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey ('95NNS) for South Korea. Daily intakes of zinc and calcium were estimated to be 10.1 mg/d and 426.5 mg/d, respectively, and those of iron and magnesium were 15.2 mg/d and 268.0 mg/d, respectively. The estimated daily phytate intake was 1676.6 mg/d. The ratio of phytate:zinc was 15.9 mol/d and that of phytate x calcium:zinc was 168.9 mmol/d. The ratio in millimoles per 4.2 MJ (1000 kcal) of phytate x calcium:zinc was 91.8. The major food groups for zinc intake were meat, poultry and their products (43%), and cereals and grain products (18%). Sixty-two percent of zinc was from animal food sources. Cereal and grain products supplied most of the phytate intake (46%) followed by seasonings, fruits, and legumes and their products. The major food source of phytate was rice (39%). The results of the study raise concern about the suboptimal zinc status in relation to the Western diet.

EPIC-SOFT a European computer program for 24-hour dietary protocols

Within the EPIC study (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) a calibration approach is applied to compare dietary data obtained by food frequency questionnaires from 9 European countries. A software for 24-h recalls was developed as the calibration instrument by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in collaboration with all national EPIC centers. This computer program, called EPIC-SOFT, is an interview-based dietary assessment instrument that allows one to obtain a very detailed description and quantification of foods, recipes, and supplements consumed in the course of the preceding day. Probing questions and entering consumed foods in chronological order support the respondent's memory. The standardized structure prescribes--on the food group level--possibilities of description and quantification of food items to choose from. Quantification of consumed foods is supported by the EPIC-SOFT picture book that comprises colored photographs of foods in different portion sizes. The software provides an automatic coding of food items and recipe ingredients as well as calculation of nutrient intake. EPIC-SOFT is characterized by the obtained standardization of dietary data within Europe, a large number of available foods and recipes, and a very detailed description of consumed foods. Currently, EPIC-SOFT is one of the few dietary instruments providing comparable nutritional data within Europe.

Dietary habits and geographic variation in stomach cancer mortality in Spain.

Following examination of the geographical pattern of stomach cancer incidence in Spain, the possible relationship between diet and stomach cancer has been assessed using an ecological model which looks into the relationship between the consumption of different foods and the nutrient intake in each of the 50 Spanish provinces during the period 1964-65, and the mortality rate for stomach cancer in these same 50 provinces during a period 20 years later (1984-86). The geographical pattern of stomach cancer mortality has been arrived at using the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) calculated for each province. The per capita consumption of foods was obtained from the National Institute for Statistics and the calculation of nutrient intake was based on tables of nutritional composition. The results have been obtained using the statistical techniques of linear and Poisson regression. Stomach cancer mortality in Spain exhibits a stable and well-defined pattern, with less risk being apparent in the Mediterranean coastal provinces. The variability in the geographical distribution of stomach cancer mortality can, in large part (76%), be explained by the variation in the types of foods consumed between provinces, and this figure rises to 82% when one considers other socio-economic variables. A significant inverse association has been found between gastric cancer mortality and consumption of vegetables, fruits and vegetable oil as well as with vegetative growth and population density. From the multiple regression analysis, which considered both nutritional and socio-economic variables, the strongest inverse association with stomach cancer mortality was found in the consumption of green vegetables. The estimated relative risk (RR) of dying, for an increase in consumption of vegetables of 100 g per capita per day is 0.72, (95% CI: 0.53-0.91). These results are consistent with those of similar studies elsewhere.

Dietary pattern, energy and nutrient intake in patients with oro-facial discomfort complaints.

In ninety-six patients with oro-facial and general complaints, which the patients assumed were caused by galvanic currents and/or metallic restorations, the recording and analysis of dietary pattern, energy and nutrient intake were performed. The records, in household measures, of the intake of food and beverages during 7 consecutive days according to a written instruction were collected. Sixty-eight out of the ninety-six records were sufficiently complete for calculation of nutrient intake. The remaining twenty-eight could only be used partially in the analyses. Most of the patients had a varied food intake of all the food groups during the 7-day period. The range was wide, however, and a few patients had relatively low intake of essential nutrients. It was not possible to find any correlation between oro-facial discomfort complaints and intake of any single nutrient that could indicate a cause-effect relationship. No correlation between diet pattern, energy and essential nutrients, and the measured electrode potentials of the fillings and constructions could be proved. Nor could the hypothesis that beverage intake might influence the electrode potentials and increase or aggravate the oro-facial complaints be verified.

Energy, protein and selected mineral intakes of low, middle and high income Nigerians

This study provides baseline information on usual intakes of energy, protein and selected minerals of low, middle and high income Nigerians. Nutrient intakes of 631 adults (384 males and 247 females) aged between 20 and 57 years, and classified as low, middle and high income were measured early in the wet season (April – June) by means of a 24-hour recall. The nutritive content of the day's diet as reported by each subject was calculated for energy, protein, calcium, iron, sodium and potassium. Calculation of nutrient intakes was done using a computerized nutrient data base. Analysis of data shows significant (p<0.05) income by sex interaction effect on nutrient intakes. Thus energy, protein and iron intakes increased (p<0.05) with income for males, while females in low and middle income groups consumed similar amounts which were lower (p<0.05) than the intakes of their high income counterparts. While there was an apparent though not all significant effects on calcium and sodium intakes of all groups, the effects on potassium intake was variable.

Dietary Self-Selection and Use of Reverse-Protein Diets for Developing Broiler Breeder Pullets

Broiler breeder pullets of a commercial strain were allowed a free-choice of diets providing concentrated sources of protein (46.3% CP, 2487 kcal ME/kg) or energy (8.6% CP, 3218 kcal ME/kg). Three replicate floor pen groups of 22 birds each were compared with control birds consuming a regular diet ad lib. Diet self-selection had no effect on growth rate (P>.05), while calculation of nutrient intake indicated a dietary equivalent consumed of some 18% CP 0 to 4 weeks, some 13% CP 4 to 16 weeks, and 17% CP from 16 to 20 weeks. This pattern is discussed relative to previous findings with Leghorn pullets. In a second trial birds were fed a reverse protein program, with the following diets being provided ad lib: 0 to 12 weeks, 12% CP, 3080 kcal ME/kg; 12 to 16 weeks, 16% CP, 2974 kcal ME/kg; and 16 to 20 weeks, 19% CP, 2972 kcal ME/kg. Control birds received a regular feeding program, involving a restricted feeding schedule as recommended by the breeding organization. Each diet was tested with six replicate cages of 10 birds each. Up to 8 weeks-of-age reverse protein fed birds were smaller in body size than conventionally restricted birds. However, after this time, the converse was true.