Nutrient Intake In Relation Research Articles

Dairy intake in relation to prostate cancer survival.

Dairy intake has been associated with increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. Two US cohort studies reported increased prostate cancer-specific mortality with increased high-fat milk intake. We examined whether dairy and related nutrient intake were associated with prostate cancer progression in a Swedish patient population with high dairy consumption. We prospectively followed 525 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (diagnosed 1989-1994). We identified and confirmed deaths through February 2011 (n = 222 prostate cancer-specific, n = 268 from other causes). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between food or nutrient intake and prostate cancer-specific death. On average, patients consumed 5.0 servings/day of total dairy products at diagnosis. In the whole population, high-fat milk intake was not associated with prostate cancer-specific death (95% CI: 0.78, 2.10; p-trend = 0.32; multivariate-adjusted model). However, among patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, compared to men who consumed <1 servings/day of high-fat milk, those who drank ≥3 servings/day had an increased hazard of prostate cancer mortality (HR = 6.10; 95% CI: 2.14, 17.37; p-trend = 0.004; multivariate-adjusted model). Low-fat milk intake was associated with a borderline reduction in prostate cancer death among patients with localized prostate cancer. These associations were not observed among patients diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer. Our data suggest a positive association between high-fat milk intake and prostate cancer progression among patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. Further studies are warranted to investigate this association and elucidate the mechanisms by which high-fat milk intake may promote prostate cancer progression.

Dietary Intake Is Associated with Occlusal Force Rather Than Number of Teeth in 80-y-Old Japanese.

There has been a growing interest in the association between the number of teeth and dietary intake in older populations. However, people around the age of 80 y have frequently lost most of their teeth, and dental prostheses replacing the missing teeth play an important role in masticatory function. Therefore, masticatory function cannot be evaluated by the number of teeth alone. The occlusal force of the complete dental arches is an index of masticatory function, reflecting not only the number of teeth, but the effect of removable dentures. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the relative importance of the number of teeth and occlusal force in association with dietary intake in 80-y-old Japanese people. This study included 760 community-dwelling Japanese people aged 79 y to 81 y. The authors measured bilateral maximal occlusal force in the intercuspal position using pressure-sensitive sheets. Removable denture wearers kept their dentures in place during the measurements. Energy-adjusted food groups and nutrient intake during the preceding month were assessed by a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. The authors assessed linear trends in food and nutrient intake in relation to the number of teeth and occlusal force after adjusting for gender and socioeconomic status (education level, financial status, family structure, resident area and BMI). P values of < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. The authors found that the number of teeth was not associated with the energy-adjusted intake of any food group examined. In contrast, a decline in occlusal force was significantly associated with a lower intake of vegetables, fish and shellfish, protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber and most vitamins and minerals ( P for trend < 0.05). We conclude that food and nutrient intake was more closely associated with occlusal force than the number of teeth in community-dwelling Japanese people aged 79 y to 81 y. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This cross-sectional study of older Japanese people showed that, after controlling for considerable covariates, occlusal force rather than the number of teeth is positively associated with energy-adjusted intake of vegetables, fish and shellfish, protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber and most of vitamins and minerals. This means that reduced occlusal force may unconsciously lead older people toward a habitual unhealthy dietary intake. Older people have frequently lost most of their teeth and require prosthetics to restore masticatory function. Bilateral occlusal force is therefore a better measure of masticatory function than the number of remaining teeth. Our findings suggest that prosthetic rehabilitation is a significant factor in the prevention and management of chronic diseases and frailty through better dietary intake in older populations.

Food Consumption and Nutrient Intake in Relation to Denture Use in 55- to 84-Year-Old Men and Women -Results of a Population Based Survey.

To study differences in consumption of foods and intake of nutrients attributable to denture status. Data from a cross-sectional, nationally representative Health 2000 Survey, subjects aged 55-84 years (n=2,241). Denture status (edentulous with full dentures, own dentition with removable dentures, own dentition with no removable dentures) was used as an explanatory variable. The consumption of foods and intake of nutrients was used as an outcome variable and was measured using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Denture status associated with food choices. Full denture wearers consumed less vegetables (p = 0.013 among men and p = 0.001 among women) and fruits (p = 0.001 among women), more sugary products (p = 0.012 among men and p = 0.008 among women), and their balance in fatty acids was less favourable than among dentate participants. Among dentate participants, the differences between the two groups were small and statistically significant differences were seen mostly in women. Wearing full dentures appears to be associated with unhealthier food choices, lower consumption of some foodstuffs and lower intake of certain nutrients when compared to the food choices of dentate persons.

Foraging decisions underlying restricted space use: effects of fire and forage maturation on large herbivore nutrient uptake.

Recent models suggest that herbivores optimize nutrient intake by selecting patches of low to intermediate vegetation biomass. We assessed the application of this hypothesis to plains bison (Bison bison) in an experimental grassland managed with fire by estimating daily rates of nutrient intake in relation to grass biomass and by measuring patch selection in experimental watersheds in which grass biomass was manipulated by prescribed burning. Digestible crude protein content of grass declined linearly with increasing biomass, and the mean digestible protein content relative to grass biomass was greater in burned watersheds than watersheds not burned that spring (intercept; F 1,251 = 50.57, P < 0.0001). Linking these values to published functional response parameters, ad libitum protein intake, and protein expenditure parameters, Fryxell's (Am. Nat., 1991, 138, 478) model predicted that the daily rate of protein intake should be highest when bison feed in grasslands with 400–600 kg/ha. In burned grassland sites, where bison spend most of their time, availability of grass biomass ranged between 40 and 3650 kg/ha, bison selected foraging areas of roughly 690 kg/ha, close to the value for protein intake maximization predicted by the model. The seasonal net protein intake predicted for large grazers in this study suggest feeding in burned grassland can be more beneficial for nutrient uptake relative to unburned grassland as long as grass regrowth is possible. Foraging site selection for grass patches of low to intermediate biomass help explain patterns of uniform space use reported previously for large grazers in fire‐prone systems.

Dietary predictors of exposure to multiple toxic metals in school age children

Food could play a role in children's toxicant exposure, but intake of specific nutrients could be protective. We studied food groups, food patterns, and nutrient intake in relation to urinary biomarkers of antimony (Sb), cadmium (Cd), uranium (U), lead (Pb) and cobalt (Co) in a cross‐sectional study of 328 Uruguayan children (6.7±0.5 y; 55% boys). Metals in urine were measured with ICP‐MS. Dietary factors were derived from 2 non‐consecutive 24‐hr recalls completed by mothers. Metal exposure was low. A single factor (Eigenvalue 1.1) of multiple exposure was identified with factor loadings &gt;0.40 for Sb, Cd, U, Pb and &gt;0.20 for Co. Higher scores were associated with family cultivating or consuming homegrown produce (β [95% CI]: 0.3 [0.1, 0.5]). In OLS models adjusted for home produce cultivation, school location, maternal education and employment, above‐median dairy consumption (−0.1 [−0.3, 0.0] and protein intake (−0.2 [−0.4, 0.0]) were each related with lower exposure factor score. Diet is not a major source of children's exposure to metals. Benefits of higher dairy/protein intake need to be investigated further.Support or Funding InformationNIEHS, R21 ES019949, 1R21 ES16523‐01

Milk Consumption after Age 9 Years Does Not Predict Age at Menarche1–3

Regular milk consumption during childhood and adolescence is recommended for bone health. However, milk consumption increases circulating insulin-like growth factor I concentrations, and may also accelerate puberty. We prospectively investigated the association between milk consumption and age at menarche in the Growing Up Today Study. Study participants were 5583 US girls who were premenarcheal and ages 9-14 y in 1996. Girls were followed through 2001, at which time 97% of noncensored participants had reported menarche. Frequency of milk and meat consumption was calculated with the use of annual youth/adolescent food frequency questionnaires from 1996-1998. Intake of related nutrients was also measured. Age at menarche was self-reported annually through 2001. During follow-up, 5227 girls attained menarche over 10,555 accrued person-years. In models adjusted for dietary and sociodemographic predictors of menarche, frequency of milk consumption did not predict age at onset of menarche (for >3 glasses of milk/d vs. 1.1-4 glasses/wk, HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.83, 1.04). After additional adjustment for body size, premenarcheal girls consuming >3 glasses of milk daily were 13% less likely (95% CI: -3%, -23%; P-trend: <0.01) to attain menarche in the next month relative to those consuming 1.1-4 glasses/wk. Neither total meat nor red meat consumption was associated with age at menarche. Our findings suggest that regular consumption of milk in girls aged ≥9 y is unlikely to substantially affect age at onset of menarche. Studies assessing associations between diet in early childhood and pubertal timing may be more illuminating.

Household Food Insecurity Is a Stronger Marker of Adequacy of Nutrient Intakes among Canadian Compared to American Youth and Adults1–

Background: The most recent statistics indicate that the prevalence of food insecurity in the United States is double that in Canada, but the extent to which the nutrition implications of this problem differ between the countries is not known.Objective: This study was undertaken to compare adequacy of nutrient intakes in relation to household food insecurity among youth and adults in Canada and the United States.Methods: Data from comparable nationally representative surveys, the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey and the 2003–2006 NHANES, were used to estimate prevalences of inadequate intakes of vitamins A and C, folate, calcium, magnesium, and zinc among youth and adults in food-secure and food-insecure households. Potential differences in the composition of the populations between the 2 countries were addressed by using standardization, and analyses also accounted for participation in food and nutrition assistance programs in the United States.Results: Larger gaps in the prevalences of inadequate intakes between those in food-secure and food-insecure households were observed in Canada than in the United States for calcium and magnesium. For calcium, the prevalences of inadequate intakes among those in food-secure and food-insecure households in Canada were 50% and 66%, respectively, compared with 50% and 51%, respectively, in the United States. For magnesium, the prevalences of inadequate intakes in Canada were 39% and 60% among those in food-secure and food-insecure households, respectively, compared with 60% and 61%, respectively, in the United States. These findings were largely unchanged after we accounted for participation in food and nutrition assistance programs in the United States.Conclusions: This study suggests that household food insecurity is a stronger marker of nutritional vulnerability in Canada than in the United States. The results highlight the need for research to elucidate the effects of domestic policies affecting factors such as food prices and fortification on the nutritional manifestations of food insecurity.

PWE-180 Dietary magnesium, calcium:magnesium ratio and risk of reflux oesophagitis, barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma

Introduction Recent evidence suggests a role for magnesium, and the ratio of calcium-to-magnesium, intake in the prevention of colonic carcinogenesis. However, the association between these nutrients and oesophageal adenocarcinoma has yet to be explored. The aim of this investigation was to explore the association between the intake of magnesium and related nutrients and the risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and its pre-cursor conditions, Barrett’s oesophagus and reflux oesophagitis. Method This analysis included cases of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 2 n = 218), Barrett’s oesophagus (n = 2 n = 212), reflux oesophagitis (n = 2 n = 208) and population-based controls (n = 2 n = 252) recruited between 2002 and 2005 throughout the island of Ireland. All subjects completed a 101-item food frequency questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was applied to determine odds of disease according to the dietary intakes of magnesium, calcium, and the resulting calcium:magnesium ratio. Results After adjustment for potential confounders, individuals consuming the highest magnesium intakes from foods had significant reductions in the odds of reflux oesophagitis (OR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11–0.87) and Barrett’s oesophagus (OR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12–0.71) compared with individuals consuming the lowest magnesium intakes. The protective effect of magnesium was more apparent in the context of a low calcium:magnesium intake ratio. No significant associations were observed for magnesium intake and oesophageal adenocarcinoma risk (OR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.30–1.99 comparing the highest and lowest tertiles of consumption). Conclusion Dietary magnesium intakes were inversely associated with reflux oesophagitis and Barrett’s oesophagus risk in this Irish population, suggesting a chemopreventive role for magnesium in the earlier stages of the inflammation-metaplasia-adenocarcinoma pathway. Further observational studies are needed to determine if dietary interventions are warranted. Disclosure of interest None Declared.

Do Nutrients Influence Bone Health? A Commentary on New Findings in the Field

Food is always a good topic of conversation and inquiry. Humans require it, the variety of eating patterns spark personal debate, scientific measurement of dietary intakes are fraught with methodical issues, and the often changing (and inconsistent) nutrition messages in the media make for good discussion. The devil is in the detail when it comes to nutrients and the inferences to health beyond food intakes. Indeed, food is often the example when nuances of scientific inference are examined across time periods: “Is dairy good or bad for you?”, “should we consume more or less protein in our diet?” “how much fruit & vegetable is needed?”, or “should salt intake be limited”? Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) as well as micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) are essential for the human body. Intakes of these nutrients have been the topic of bone investigations and patient questions for many years, especially as related to the occurrence of fractures. In this issue of Journal of Bone & Mineral Research, two exciting articles present their findings on first, serum sodium levels, and then, fruit and vegetable intakes, in relation to fracture risk. These topics are highly relevant to clinicians and researchers interested in bone outcomes. Patients are keenly interested in nutrition-related influences upon bone health, both those with positive as well as negative aspects. Examining nutrient intakes in relation to health outcomes is complicated, but can lead to significant risk factor modification as well as influence in food and health decisions, especially in older adults. Defining dietary intakes precisely is a major challenge in both clinical patients and participants of population-based studies as the scientific community continues to search for the long-term effects of dietary intakes. Nutrition studies are common in outcomes of cancer and heart disease, and less so with bone outcomes (with the exception of calcium and vitamin D). Prior to inference of causality, especially for dietary intakes, it is important to first document a significant association with outcomes and across populations.

Fatty acids found in dairy, protein and unsaturated fatty acids are associated with risk of pancreatic cancer in a case-control study.

Although many studies have investigated meat and total fat in relation to pancreatic cancer risk, few have investigated dairy, fish and specific fatty acids (FAs). We evaluated the association between intake of meat, fish, dairy, specific FAs and related nutrients and pancreatic cancer. In our American-based Mayo Clinic case-control study 384 cases and 983 controls frequency matched on recruitment age, race, sex and residence area (Minnesota, Wisconsin or Iowa, USA) between 2004 and 2009. All subjects provided demographic information and completed 144-item food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression-calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were adjusted for age, sex, cigarette smoking, body mass index and diabetes mellitus. Significant inverse association (trend p-value < 0.05) between pancreatic cancer and the groupings (highest vs. lowest consumption quintile OR [95% CI]) was as follows: meat replacement (0.67 [0.43-1.02]), total protein (0.58 [0.39-0.86]), vitamin B12 (0.67 [0.44, 1.01]), zinc (0.48 [0.32, 0.71]), phosphorus (0.62 [0.41, 0.93]), vitamin E (0.51 [0.33, 0.78]), polyunsaturated FAs (0.64 [0.42, 0.98]) and linoleic acid (FA 18:2) (0.62 [0.40-0.95]). Increased risk associations were observed for saturated FAs (1.48 [0.97-2.23]), butyric acid (FA 4:0) (1.77 [1.19-2.64]), caproic acid (FA 6:0) (2.15 [1.42-3.27]), caprylic acid (FA 8:0) (1.87 [1.27-2.76]) and capric acid (FA 10:0) (1.83 [1.23-2.74]). Our study suggests that eating a diet high in total protein and certain unsaturated FAs is associated with decreased risk of developing pancreatic cancer in a dose-dependent manner, whereas fats found in dairy increase risk.

Variability in human milk composition: benefit of individualized fortification in very-low-birth-weight infants

Preterm infants fed fortified human milk (HM) grow more slowly than those fed preterm formulas. These differences could be related to the variability in the macronutrient composition of expressed HM, resulting in inadequate nutrient intake in relation to the estimated needs of the preterm infants. The aim of this article was to show the variability in HM composition from an infant's own mother's milk (OMM) or pooled HM from the milk bank. The second objective was to evaluate the advantages of individual fortification on nutritional intakes over standard fortification. The macronutrient composition of 428 OMM, 138 HM pools from single donors, 224 pools from multiple donors, and 14 pools from colostral milk was determined by using a mid-infrared analyzer. Individualized fortification was performed after analysis of the milk samples in 2 steps: adjustment of fat content up to 4 g/dL, followed by the addition of an HM fortifier to provide 4.3 g · kg(-1) · d(-1) according to the daily prescribed volume of feeding. Nutritional intakes resulting from the individualized fortification were compared with calculated intakes resulting from standard fortification (HM fortifier: 4 packets/dL). The variability in contents of fat, protein, and energy was high for all types of HM samples. Compared with standard fortification, individual fortification significantly reduced the variability in nutritional intakes, allowing the maintenance of protein intake and the protein:energy ratio in the range of the nutritional recommendations. The variability in expressed HM with respect to its protein and energy content is high. This variability persists after standard fortification, possibly resulting in under- or overnutrition. Because both over- and undernutrition confer risks in later development, individualized fortification optimizes protein and energy intake.

Relationship of Diet Quality to Food Security and Nutrition Knowledge in Low-Income, Community-Dwelling Elders with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study

ObjectiveTo examine nutrient intake and diet quality in relation to current Canadian Diabetes Association recommendations related to food security status of low-income, community-dwelling elders with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Edmonton, Canada. MethodsA cross-sectional survey study obtained socio-demographic, perceived dietary adherence, repeated 24-hour dietary recall and food security information. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-Canada (HEI-C) calculated from dietary recall data. ResultsSixteen of 17 participants completed all study requirements. Overall, diet quality and dietary adherence were poor. The mean total HEI-C score was 64.4 ± 14.6, which was largely attributed to less than recommended servings of all food groups except meat and alternatives. One-third of participants were classified as food insecure-severe but food security status was not related to HEI-C score. Accessibility to current knowledge regarding an appropriate diet was suboptimal, with <50% reporting receiving advice to increase fibre or eat low glycemic index foods. ConclusionLow-income, community-dwelling elders with type 2 diabetes in this study had diet quality in the “needs improvement” range independent of food security status. Increased knowledge of current clinical practice recommendations may help increase diet quality.

Relationship of Creatinine and Nutrition with Arsenic Metabolism

Basu et al. (2011) reported the associations of both dietary and blood nutrient measures, as well as urinary creatinine (uCr), with arsenic (As) methylation capacity, as assessed by the proportions of urinary inorganic, monomethyl, and dimethyl As metabolites. One finding was that uCr was the strongest predictor of As methylation; participants with higher uCr concentrations had a higher percentage of total urinary As as dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) compared to those with lower uCr. This is consistent with what we have previously reported in Bangladeshi adults and children (Gamble et al. 2005; Ahsan et al. 2007; Hall et al. 2009), and is an interesting and potentially very important observation. Approximately 40% of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-derived methyl groups are devoted to the biosynthesis of creatine, the precursor of creatinine (Brosnan et al. 2011; Mudd and Poole 1975). At high levels of As exposure (500–1,000 µg/L), based on one-carbon kinetics (Schalinske and Steele 1989), we estimated that methylation of 80% of a daily dose of inorganic As (InAs) to DMA would require approximately 50 µmol SAM, thus consuming approximately 2–4% of the SAM normally turning over in a well-nourished adult per day. Low dietary creatine intake associated with low-protein or vegetarian diets places an increased demand for SAM for creatine biosynthesis (Brosnan 2011). This could potentially reduce the availability of SAM for As methylation, providing a plausible mechanism underlying this highly reproducible observation. This assumes that uCr reflects, to some extent, dietary creatine intake, as we have observed (Gamble M, unpublished data). Conversely, dietary creatine intake and/or creatine supplementation down-regulates endogenous creatine biosynthesis, potentially sparing SAM for methylation of other substrates such as As. We are currently testing this hypothesis in a randomized controlled trial of creatine supplementation. In addition, as Basu et al. (2011) noted, and as we have previously reported (Gamble and Liu 2005), one implication of the observed association between uCr and As methylation capacity is that urinary As should not be expressed per gram creatinine to correct for urine concentration. Rather, uCr should be included as a covariate in regression models. One concerning aspect of the study by Basu et al. (2011) is the handling of blood samples used for nutrient measurements. As noted by Basu et al. and in a previous publication on these same participants (Chung et al. 2006), the blood samples were stored in an ice chest in the field for up to 24 hr before processing. This 24-hr delay can be problematic for some nutrients, especially folate, which is extremely sensitive to oxidative degradation (Drammeh et al. 2008). Basu et al. (2011) reported that in univariate analyses, they observed higher urinary percentages of InAs in individuals with higher serum folate concentrations. This finding is contrary to our previous findings that folate facilitates As methylation (Gamble et al. 2005, 2006, 2007; Hall et al. 2007, 2009). This discrepancy might be explained by differences in sample processing. Basu et al. (2011) also reported associations between dietary intake of several nutrients (assessed using a modified 24-hr recall) and As methylation capacity. One of the most critical and widely discussed issues in nutritional epidemiology is the method used to adjust for total energy intake (TEI) (Willett et al. 1997). The main reasons to adjust for TEI are to a) adjust for potential confounding by TEI, b) remove extraneous variation in nutrient intakes that is due only to their correlation with TEI, and c) simulate a dietary intervention. What is often most relevant is diet composition, or nutrient intake in relation to TEI (Willett et al. 1997). Several methods are available to adjust for TEI, and the best approach can vary depending on the nutrient and question of interest. Basu et al. (2011) adjusted for TEI by dividing each nutrient intake by TEI (nutrient density method). While this approach is appealing because of its simplicity, in reality it can create a complex variable (Willett and Stampfer 1998). For example, when TEI is related to the outcome of interest, the use of nutrient densities can actually induce confounding in the opposite direction. Although we cannot determine from Basu et al.’s article whether TEI measured by the 24-hr recall was associated with As methylation, in theory, an association seems plausible. Also, because their statistical analysis tested for associations between multiple nutrients and urinary As metabolites, it is best to acknowledge that some of the statistically significant associations might be due to chance alone.

INTERACTION EFFECTS BETWEEN MATERNAL PRENATAL VITAMIN INTAKE AND PYRETHROID PESTICIDE EXPOSURE IN RELATION TO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN THE CHARGE CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Background and Aims: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasingly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1:110 children in the United States (CDC, 2009). Evidence supports large heritable contributions to the etiology of ASD, though environmental factors are likely to modify both the development and the course of ASD. Prenatal nutrient-environment interactions are unstudied in relation to autism etiology and risk. The objective of this study is to examine interaction effects between maternal supplemental nutrient intake and pyrethroid pesticides in relation to ASD. Methods: Northern California families were enrolled from 2003-2009 in the population-based case-control CHARGE (Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment) Study. Children aged 24-60 months were evaluated and confirmed to have autism (n=288), autism spectrum disorder (n=141), or typical development (n=278) at the M.I.N.D. Institute using standardized clinical assessments. Maternal prenatal vitamin intake before and during pregnancy and use of products containing pyrethroid pesticides were retrospectively collected through telephone interviews. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were estimated for associations between ASD and combinations of prenatal vitamin and pyrethroid pesticide exposure. Results: Estimated risk for having a child with autism when mothers did not take a prenatal vitamin and were exposed to pyrethroid pesticides during pregnancy (OR=5.4, 95% CI: 2.4-11.9) was over twice what was expected for that combination by either an additive (OR=2.2) or multiplicative model (OR=2.6). Though still significantly elevated, the observed risk for having a child with ASD associated with pyrethroid exposure during pregnancy was much lower if the mother reported taking a prenatal vitamin during the period around conception (OR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.0-2.8). Conclusions: These findings suggest that vitamin supplements taken before or early in pregnancy could potentially reduce the risk of ASD associated with pyrethroid pesticides. Further studies are warranted.

Abstract 5615: Global DNA methylation by LUMA predicts breast cancer risk in a population-based study

Abstract Global methylation dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer cells. Global methylation measurement in peripheral blood may be a predictor of cancer risk and prognosis. In this study, we used two independent assays, LUminometric Methylation Assay (LUMA) and LINE-1 methylation by pyrosequencing, to assess the global methylation content in the peripheral blood DNA from the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project, a population-based case-control study. We examined the association between global methylation levels and: 1) the risk of developing breast cancer among 1055 cases and 1101 controls using logistic regression models; 2) the risk of mortality among breast cancer cases using Cox proportional hazards models; and 3) one-carbon metabolism genetic polymorphisms and dietary intake among controls using ANOVA. LUMA methylation levels were higher among cases (mean: 57.3%) than among controls (mean: 52.4%; p&amp;lt;0.001). Compared to women in the lowest quintile of LUMA methylation, those in the highest quintile had a 2.41-fold increase in the risk of developing breast cancer (95% CI: 1.83-3.16; p for trend &amp;lt; 0.0001). Risk was strongest for in situ breast cancer (OR: 6.18; 95% CI: 3.34-11.43), although the estimate is based on small numbers; but the association did not vary by other tumor characteristics, life-style or several established breast cancer risk factors. Among cases, there was an indication that high LUMA levels were associated with reduced breast cancer-specific mortality. Among controls, LUMA levels were associated with two SNPs in the one-carbon metabolism pathway, MTHFR C677T (p=0.001) and MTRR A66G (p=0.018), but not with dietary intake of one-carbon related nutrients. No association was observed between LINE-1 methylation and breast cancer risk, breast cancer-specific mortality, one-carbon metabolism SNPs or nutrients, or LUMA methylation. Our results suggest that LUMA methylation levels in peripheral blood DNA are associated with breast cancer development and progression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5615. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5615

Long-Term Use of Supplemental Vitamins and Minerals Does Not Reduce the Risk of Urothelial Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder in the VITamins And Lifestyle Study

Urothelial carcinoma has the highest lifetime treatment cost of any cancer, making it an ideal target for preventative therapies. Previous work has suggested that certain vitamin and mineral supplements may reduce the risk of urothelial carcinoma. We used the prospective VITamins And Lifestyle cohort to examine the association of all commonly taken vitamin and mineral supplements as well as 6 common anti-inflammatory supplements with incident urothelial carcinoma in a United States population. A total of 77,050 eligible VITAL participants completed a detailed questionnaire at baseline on supplement use and cancer risk factors. After 6 years of followup 330 incident urothelial carcinoma cases in the cohort were identified via linkage to the Seattle-Puget Sound SEER cancer registry. We analyzed use of supplemental vitamins (multivitamins, beta-carotene, retinol, folic acid, and vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, C, D and E), minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium) and anti-inflammatory supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, saw palmetto, ginkgo biloba, fish oil and garlic). For each supplement the hazard ratios (risk ratios) for urothelial carcinoma comparing each category of users to nonusers, and 95% CIs, were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusted for potential confounders. None of the vitamin, mineral or anti-inflammatory supplements was significantly associated with urothelial carcinoma risk in age adjusted or multivariate models. The results of this study do not support the use of commonly taken vitamin or mineral supplements or 6 common anti-inflammatory supplements for the chemoprevention of urothelial carcinoma.

Energy and nutrient intakes in relation to sex and socio-economic status among school adolescents in urban Cameroon, Africa

To assess energy and nutrient intakes and physical activity of adolescents in urban Cameroon according to sex and socio-economic status (SES). Cross-sectional study with adolescents randomly selected from schools in low-, middle- and high-SES areas. Weight and height were measured and information about food intake and physical activity was obtained through repeated individual 24 h recalls. Under- and over-reporting of energy intake and inadequacy of nutrient intake were assessed. Yaoundé, Cameroon. Boys and girls aged 12-16 years (n 227). Boys had a lower BMI and reported higher energy expenditures and physical activity levels (PAL) than girls. Under-reporting of energy intake was large among boys and girls regardless of PAL; boys under-reported more than girls. Among those with low PAL, over-reporting of energy intake was common. Over 50% of boys and girls had protein below the recommendations. The intake of fat varied; 26% of the adolescents were below and 25% were above the recommendations. Inadequate intakes of vitamin B₁, vitamin B₃ and Fe were more common among girls, while boys more often had inadequate intake of vitamin A. Adolescents with low SES were more likely to be below the recommendations for fat and vitamins B₂, B₃, B₆ and B₁₂ than those with high SES. A high proportion of boys and girls reported inadequate intakes. However under- and over-reporting were also very common. Boys under-reported energy intake more than girls and inadequate nutrient intake was more frequently reported by adolescents with low SES than by those with high SES.

일부 지역 경찰공무원의 직무스트레스 정도에 따른 건강관련 형태 및 영양소 섭취량에 관한 연구

현대사회의 다양한 직업 중에서 경찰공무원의 업무는 힘들고 위험한 직업으로 각종 정신적, 신체적, 환경적 스트레스 발생 가능성이 매우 높다. 스트레스에 대한 대처능력은 평상시 건강 행태 및 영양소 섭취 정도에 따라 사회심리적인 스트레스 상황에 유효하게 대처할 수 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 전북지역 경찰공무원 166명을 대상으로 경찰공무원의 직무스트레스 정도에 따른 식생활 및 영양섭취와의 관계를 조사하였다. 경찰공무원은 주된 직무스트레스 요인으로는 ‘직무요구’, ‘조직체계’ 및 ‘직무자율성 결여’이었으며, 95% 이상의 대상자들이 본인이 건강하다고 인식하고 있었다. 전체의 86.1% 정도가 음주를 하고, 42.7% 정도 흡연을 하며, 89.6%가 운동을 지속적으로 하여 한국 성인의 평균과 비교하여 비교적 건강행태가 양호한 것으로 나타났으며, 직무스트레스에 따른 음주, 흡연, 운동 빈도의 차이는 보이지 않았다. 식습관 조사 결과 43% 정도가 아침식사를 하는 것으로 나타났고, 직무스트레스가 적은 집단이 높은 집단에 비해 아침 결식 비율도 낮고(p＜0.01), 식사 속도도 양호하며(p＜0.05), 간식습관도 양호한 것(p＜0.001)으로 조사되었다. 직무스트레스에 따른 맛의 기호도는 스트레스가 높은 집단이 단 음식을 덜 선호하는 것으로 나타났다(p＜0.05). 직무스트레스 정도에 따라 영양소 섭취정도는 유의한 차이는 없었으나, 스트레스가 높은 집단에서 칼슘 및 비타민 B2 섭취량이 권장섭취량의 75% 미만으로 매우 불량한 것으로 나타났다. 이상과 같이 경찰공무원의 건강관련 행태 분석 결과 경찰공무원은 직업특성 상 일반성인과 비교하여 건강에 대한 인식 및 흡연, 음주, 운동 등의 생활습관은 비교적 양호한 편으로 나타났으나, 부족한 영양소 섭취, 잦은 아침결식과 간식섭취, 빠른 식사 속도 등 식습관 및 영양 섭취 부분에서는 문제점이 확인되었다. 따라서 건강유지와 만성질환의 발병을 예방하기 위하여 경찰공무원 스스로 올바른 식습관을 인식하고 실천을 유도하기 위한 식생활 개선 교육프로그램이 직장 내에서 주기적으로 이루어져야 하겠으며, 또한 직장차원에서의 직무스트레스 관리도 병행되어야 할 것으로 사료된다.

Dairy consumption and patterns of mortality of Australian adults

Dairy foods contain various nutrients that may affect health. We investigated whether intake of dairy products or related nutrients is associated with mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and all causes. We carried out a 16-year prospective study among a community-based sample of 1529 adult Australians aged 25-78 years at baseline. Habitual intakes of dairy products (total, high/low-fat dairy, milk, yoghurt and full-fat cheese), calcium and vitamin D were estimated as mean reported intake using validated food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) self-administered in 1992, 1994 and 1996. National Death Index data were used to ascertain mortality and cause of death between 1992 and 2007. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox regression analysis. During an average follow-up time of 14.4 years, 177 participants died, including 61 deaths due to CVD and 58 deaths due to cancer. There was no consistent and significant association between total dairy intake and total or cause-specific mortality. However, compared with those with the lowest intake of full-fat dairy, participants with the highest intake (median intake 339 g/day) had reduced death due to CVD (HR: 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.12-0.79; P for trend=0.04) after adjustment for calcium intake and other confounders. Intakes of low-fat dairy, specific dairy foods, calcium and vitamin D showed no consistent associations. Overall intake of dairy products was not associated with mortality. A possible beneficial association between intake of full-fat dairy and cardiovascular mortality needs further assessment and confirmation.

Nutrient intake in relation to central and overall obesity status among elderly people living in the Mediterranean islands: The MEDIS study

Background and Aim The aim of the present work was to evaluate the relationship between energy-generating nutrients and the presence of central and overall obesity after correcting for socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics, among healthy elders. Methods and Results During 2005–2007, 553 elderly men and 637 elderly women (mean age 74 ± 7 years) from eight Mediterranean islands in Greece and Cyprus, were enrolled. The retrieved information included demographic, bio-clinical and dietary characteristics. MedDietScore assessed adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern. The prevalence of obesity was 27% in males and 39% in females ( p < 0.001), while 73% of males and 87% of females had central obesity. The prevalence of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension was higher in the obese than in the non-obese participants ( p < 0.01). After adjusting for various confounders, a 1% increase in carbohydrate consumption was associated with a 12% (95% CI 0.78–0.99) lower likelihood of having central obesity, while a 1% increase in carbohydrate and protein consumption was associated with a 14% (95% CI 0.78–0.95) and 16% (95% CI 0.72–0.97) lower likelihood of being obese, respectively. Vegetable protein was found to be associated with a 15% (95% CI 0.77–0.93) lower likelihood of being obese while, only low glycemic index carbohydrates seem to be associated with a 6% (95% CI 0.90–0.98) lower likelihood of having central obesity. Conclusions The presented findings suggest that a diet high in carbohydrates and vegetable protein is associated with a lower likelihood of being obese and may help elderly people to preserve normal weight.