Proportion Of Macronutrients Research Articles

The dietary changes during Ramadan and their impact on anthropometry, blood pressure, and metabolic profile.

The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on the metabolic profile, anthropometry and blood pressure has been investigated in multiple studies. However, it is still unknown to what extent changes in nutrient intakes contribute to these changes. This observational study was conducted in London (UK) in 2019. The study collected diverse data from a community-based sample in London before and during/after Ramadan. Collected data included a 3-day food diary (before and during Ramadan), as well as blood samples, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure (before and after Ramadan). The food diary was translated into nutritional data using nutrition software "Nutritics." The changes in nutrient intakes were investigated using a mixed-effects regression model. The impact of adjusting for nutrient intake change was investigated on the absolute difference of metabolites (Nightingale platform), systolic/diastolic blood pressure and anthropometric measures. The study collected data on food intake before and during Ramadan from 56 participants; the mean age was 44.7 ± 17.3, and 51.8% (n = 29) were females. We found a change in the intake of 11 nutritional factors, glucose, fructose, betaine, sugars, sugars as monosaccharide equivalents, lutein/zeaxanthin, starch, starch as monosaccharide equivalents, proline, glutamic acid and lycopene. No changes in quantities or proportions of macronutrients, carbohydrates, protein and fat. Mainly, the changes in diet during Ramadan are characterized by more consumption of sugars (62%, p < 0.001) and a lower intake of starch (-21%, p = 0.012). The changes in 14 metabolite levels (two glycolysis-related metabolites, one amino acid, two ketone bodies, two triglyceride, six lipoprotein subclasses, and an inflammation marker) after Ramadan were partially associated with some changes in nutrient intakes during Ramadan, especially betaine, fructose, glucose, starches and sugars. The lutein/zeaxanthin intake change explained inversely 14% of systolic blood pressure changes. Moreover, BMI and weight changes were partially explained by changes in intake of fat (7%; 9%), monounsaturated fat (6%; 7%), starch (8%; 9%), and starch as monosaccharide equivalents (8%; 9%) intakes in a direct relationship. Diet changes during Ramadan were associated partially with the observed changes in the metabolic profile, blood pressure and anthropometry. This confirms the changes associated with RIF in the metabolic profile, blood pressure and anthropometry are not an absolute physiological response to the diet transition occurring during Ramadan.

Eating behaviors and dietary intake 2 to 4 years following sleeve gastrectomy: Are there any associations?

ObjectivesA lack of research exists on associations between eating behaviors and dietary intake among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. This study aimed to ascertain the association between eating behaviors and dietary quantity and quality at mid-term postsleeve gastrectomy (SG). MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 146 adults within 2 to 4 years post-SG. Dietary intake and eating behaviors were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, respectively. Energy and the proportion of macronutrients were determined. Carbohydrate quality index (CQI), fat quality index (FQI), healthy plate protein quality index (HPPQI), macronutrient quality index (MQI), and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 were computed to evaluate diet quality. Participants were categorized into high and low groups based on median scores for each eating behavior scale. Least-squared (geometric) means and 95% confidence intervals were determined for each group using the analysis of covariance, adjusted for age and sex. ResultsThe mean time since surgery for participants was 30.8 ± 6.5 months, and 77.4% were female. Participants with high emotional eating had higher energy and HPPQI. Individuals with high external eating had higher energy and percentages of fat and lower FQI and HEI scores. Individuals with high restrained eating scores demonstrated lower energy intake but a higher percentage of protein intake and higher CQI, FQI, MQI, and HEI scores. ConclusionsExternal eating showed the most unfavorable associations, while restrained eating showed the most favorable associations with quantity and quality of diet 2 to 4 years after SG. Emotional eating was minimally related to dietary characteristics.

MestreChef nutritional game: an alternative method to promote nutrition facts label reading in obesity outreach activities.

Reading nutrition facts labels is a competency for which training is given in several nutrition education programs, especially in obesity outreach workshops. The Top Trumps-style card game is commonly used in obesity prevention educational programs to engage participants in reading nutrition facts labels; however, the success of TV cooking shows among children and teenagers has not been explored for educational purposes. This paper is a descriptive study of developing a gamified activity as part of the one-time outreach workshop facilitated by the Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC) in Brazil. By playing the MestreChef Nutritional (MCN) game, participants followed similar rules as the corresponding TV cooking show. They were challenged to decide to select food items, calculate dietary food intake, and prepare a recipe to visualize the proportion of macronutrients contained in daily diets. The analysis of the nutritional dietary table completed by participants revealed to be a rich source of information, and we identified in our cohort that selecting an adequate number of food items and making healthy food choices was not concerning. However, their lack of competency in performing mathematical reasoning, particularly in calculating serving sizes and converting grams of macronutrients into calories, was evident. Moreover, facilitators of the workshops agreed that the MCN game presents definitively more didactic effectiveness and playability than the Foods Top Trumps, a former game used in the outreach workshops. The MCN game nourishes the engagement of the participants in learning nutrition-related concepts and may be an efficient didactic resource to improve nutrition knowledge in outreach activities when an alternative method is required to stimulate reading nutrition facts labels.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Reading nutrition facts labels is a typical activity promoted in obesity prevention educational programs. By playing the MestreChef Nutritional, participants can immerse in the context of a food TV show game to have the first contact with reading nutrition facts labels for a learning purpose. However, the game can reveal the participant's limitations in mathematical reasoning despite the didactic potential of the game in promoting obesity-related physiology concepts.

Effects of bioavailability of macronutrients on overall control of plasma glucose: a review

Macronutrients play a crucial role in management of type 2 diabetes. This is seen in their ability to modulate plasma glucose concentrations. However, the ideal proportions of macronutrients to be consumed in order to maintain ideal plasma glucose concentrations remains elusive. Therefore, this paper set out to conduct a review to investigate the relationship between macronutrients and plasma glucose concentrations from a physiological perspective. The review was conducted using papers obtained from various databases such as MEDLINE (Pubmed), Open Access Journals Elsevier, Free Medical Journals and Google Scholar. The research papers included general reviews, systemic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized control trials that examined the effect of macronutrients on plasma glucose concentration as well as papers on mathematical models describing the relationship between macronutrient bioavailability and plasma glucose concentration. The review assessed the effect of various macronutrients on post-prandial plasma glucose concentration, post-prandial plasma insulin, post-prandial glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide plasma concentration, and post-prandial glucose-like peptide-1 plasma concentration. The results of the review showed that carbohydrates influence plasma glucose concentration in a dose dependant manner but this is dependent on their bioavailability. This bioavailability was shown to be subject to fluctuations determined by food processing techniques, food structure, and food matrix. The results also showed that some specific types of fats and proteins indirectly influence plasma glucose concentration through their effect on incretin hormones. The effect of fats and proteins on incretin hormones was through different mechanisms and pathways. In-lieu of the findings, the review concludes that the macronutrient composition of diets designed for type 2 diabetic patients should take into consideration the physiological relationship between the macronutrients and plasma glucose concentrations. In this way, diet proportions can be made in such a manner as to determine the exact amounts that will realize near normal plasma glucose concentrations for a type 2 diabetic patient. Key words: bioavailability, glucose-insulin system, macronutrients, incretin hormones, type 2 diabetes, glucose absorption models

Evaluation and Comparison of Daily Total Energy Intake and Macronutrient Proportion Consumption Between Poor vs Good Glycemic Control Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A cross-sectional study at Family Medicine OPD, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Thailand

OBJECTIVE To evaluate and compare daily total energy intake and macronutrient proportion consumption between poor and good glycemic control type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to March 2022 at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. Patient data was collected using a questionnaire. Dietary intake data was collected using 24-hour dietary recall and was analyzed by a dietitian. Factors and their association with poor glycemic control were analyzed. RESULTS Of the 127 participants, 40.16% had poor glycemic control. The mean HbA1c level in the poor and the good glycemic control group was 7.67±0.61% and 6.39±0.44% respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Among all patients, the mean total energy intake was 1,640.21±495.92 kcal/day, with mean proportions of 51.25% for carbohydrate, 16.56% for protein, and 32.12% for fat. There were no significant differences between the poor and good glycemic control groups in total energy intake (1702.63±503.48 kcal/day vs. 1598.32±489.65 kcal/day, p = 0.247), carbohydrate intake (222.78±89.98 g/day vs. 203.72±79.36 g/day, p = 0.211), protein intake (70.12±21.50 g/day vs. 65.44±21.38 g/day, p = 0.230), or fat intake (58.94±19.26 g/day vs. 57.86±24.33 g/day, p = 0.790). CONCLUSIONS The poor glycemic control group was more likely to consume more total energy and a higher proportion of carbohydrate and fat, which suggests that proper individualized dietary energy intake and diet proportions may enhance nutritional status and glycemic control. KEYWORDS DM, nutrition, diet, calories, glycemic control, consumption

Relationship between dietary fiber to carbohydrate ratio and mortality risk in US adults: NHANES 2007–2018

Background and aimsThe evidence is inconsistent regarding associations between relative proportions of macronutrient intake and disease risk, potentially due to limitations in accounting for differential effects of simple sugars and dietary fiber, grouped as “carbohydrates.” We examined the association between the ratio of dietary fiber to carbohydrate intake (FC-R) measure, the relative proportion of macronutrients, and mortality risk in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Methods and resultsWe performed a retrospective cohort study, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2007–2018 and linked mortality data among 15,789 adults aged ≥40 years. We categorized participants into three groups by tertile cutpoints of FC-R, and by percent calories from carbohydrate (<45 %, 45–65 %, and >65 %). Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI), adjusting for demographic, health history, and lifestyle factors. During a median follow-up of 6.5 years, 2044 deaths were observed. Compared to the low FC-R group, higher FC-R groups showed a reduction in mortality risk after adjusting for potential confounders (high vs low: HR = 0.71, 95 % CI = 0.62–0.83). The association persisted in those consuming 45–65 % and >65 % of calories from carbohydrate, while the association was attenuated in those with <45 % of calories from carbohydrate. Percent calories from carbohydrate showed no association with mortality risk. ConclusionHigher FC-R was associated with lower all-cause mortality risk in adults with moderate to high levels of percent calories from carbohydrate. Mechanisms of the association warrant further investigation.

Trimethylamine N-oxide generation process was influenced by the proportion and source of macronutrients in the diet

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a risk factor of various chronic diseases, which was produced by metabolism from precursors to trimethylamine (TMA) in gut and the oxidation from TMA in liver. The TMA generation was influenced by diet, mainly due to the rich TMAO precursors in diet. However, it was still unclear that the effects of different proportion and source of macronutrients in different dietary pattern on the production process of TMAO. Here, the generation of TMA from precursors and TMAO from TMA was determined after single oral choline chloride and intraperitoneal injection TMA, respectively, in mice fed with carbohydrates, proteins and fats in different proportion and sources. The results suggested that the generation of TMAO was increased by low non-meat protein and high fat via enhancing the production of TMAO from TMA, and decreased by plant protein and refined sugar via reducing TMA production from precursors in gut and TMAO transformation from TMA in liver. The high fat and high sugar diets accelerating the development of atherosclerosis did not increase the production of TMAO, the risk factor for atherosclerosis, which indicated that the dietary compositions rather than the elevated TMAO level might be a more key risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Unequivocally large, but not enormous: An examination of the nutritional content of objective and subjective binge-eating episodes using ecological momentary assessment data.

This study compared the macronutrient profiles of subjective binge-eating episodes (SBEs), objective binge-eating episodes (OBEs), and typical eating episodes. Twenty-one adults with binge eating completed ecological momentary assessment of all eating episodes for 2 weeks, including detailed monitoring of food types and portions. Binge-eating episodes (N = 237) were coded as OBEs (n = 76) or SBEs (n = 161). Calories and macronutrients were computed using manufacturer information and USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies. Multilevel regression models compared the eating episode types on caloric and macronutrient content. OBEs contained an average of 121.5 (95.1) g fat, 363.7 (289.1) g carbohydrates, 65.2 (38.2) g protein, 20.9 (16.4) g fiber, and 2856.2 (1869.2) calories. SBEs contained 31.6 (30.5) g fat, 76.5 (54.0) g carbohydrates, 20.5 (21.6) g protein, 5.3 (5.9) g fiber, and 695.1 (505.9) calories. Although OBEs contained significantly more calories and grams of all macronutrients than SBEs (p < .001), the macronutrient proportions of OBEs and SBEs did not differ. The proportions of carbohydrates (p = .005) and protein (p < .001) in SBEs significantly differed from typical eating episodes. Our findings offer preliminary evidence that OBEs and SBEs are more comparable in macronutrient profile than typical eating episodes. The present study compared the calories and grams of macronutrients in objectively large binge-eating episodes, subjectively large binge-eating episodes, and typical meals and snacks. Results suggest that objectively and subjectively large binge-eating episodes demonstrate similar profiles of macronutrients, which are different from the macronutrient profile of meals and snacks. These results may help the eating disorder field better study the impact of subjectively large binge-eating episodes.

Bioactivity of Macronutrients from Chlorella in Physical Exercise

Chlorella is a marine microalga rich in proteins and containing all the essential amino acids. Chlorella also contains fiber and other polysaccharides, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. The proportion of the different macronutrients in Chlorella can be modulated by altering the conditions in which it is cultured. The bioactivities of these macronutrients make Chlorella a good candidate food to include in regular diets or as the basis of dietary supplements in exercise-related nutrition both for recreational exercisers and professional athletes. This paper reviews current knowledge of the effects of the macronutrients in Chlorella on physical exercise, specifically their impact on performance and recovery. In general, consuming Chlorella improves both anaerobic and aerobic exercise performance as well as physical stamina and reduces fatigue. These effects seem to be related to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic activity of all its macronutrients, while each component of Chlorella contributes its bioactivity via a specific action. Chlorella is an excellent dietary source of high-quality protein in the context of physical exercise, as dietary proteins increase satiety, activation of the anabolic mTOR (mammalian Target of Rapamycin) pathway in skeletal muscle, and the thermic effects of meals. Chlorella proteins also increase intramuscular free amino acid levels and enhance the ability of the muscles to utilize them during exercise. Fiber from Chlorella increases the diversity of the gut microbiota, which helps control body weight and maintain intestinal barrier integrity, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which improve physical performance. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from Chlorella contribute to endothelial protection and modulate the fluidity and rigidity of cell membranes, which may improve performance. Ultimately, in contrast to several other nutritional sources, the use of Chlorella to provide high-quality protein, dietary fiber, and bioactive fatty acids may also significantly contribute to a sustainable world through the fixation of carbon dioxide and a reduction of the amount of land used to produce animal feed.

Adequacy of energy and macronutrients intake in differently active Slovenian adolescents

ObjectiveEvaluate the adequacy of energy/macronutrient intake in adolescents according to the Slovenian national recommendations adopted from the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society and to identify differences in energy/macronutrient intake between differently active adolescents.MethodsData on energy and macronutrient intake (24-hour dietary recall), physical activity (SHAPES questionnaire), and anthropometric characteristics (body mass and height) of adolescents were obtained on a representative sample of first-year secondary school students (average (SD) age: 15.3 (0.5) years; N = 341), who were included in the national survey The Analysis of Children’s Development in Slovenia (ACDSi) in 2013/14.Results75% of adolescents met the national recommendations for carbohydrates and proteins and 44% for fats, whereas only 10% of adolescents met the recommendations for energy intake. Energy/macronutrient intakes were significantly higher in vigorously physically active (VPA) boys compared to moderately (MPA) and less (LPA) physically active boys. No such differences were observed between girls of different physical activity levels.ConclusionAdolescents need to be encouraged to meet their energy needs according to gender and physical activity (especially VPA girls) and to reach for higher quality foods in adequate macronutrient proportions.

Застосування кетогенної дієти в педіатрії: спектр можливостей

Purpose - to describe the possibilities of using a ketogenic diet (KD) in the pediatric population for therapeutic purposes in refractory seizure syndrome and congenital metabolic disorders. The historical aspects of the development of special medical nutrition to achieve stable ketosis in children for the treatment of seizures of various genesis are briefly highlighted; the development of the evidence base for the effectiveness of the KD in children is presented. A review of current data on the multifactorial mechanisms of neuroprotective effects of KD is carried out. In particular, individual ways of modulating fundamental biochemical pathways, presynaptic and postsynaptic changes in vesicular transport and release of excitotoxic and inhibitory substrates at synapses are considered. Four types of diets are described according to the distribution of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates: the classic, modified Atkins diet, medium-chain triglyceride diet, and low glycemic index diet. The indications and contraindications for the appointment of medical ketogenic dietary therapy are considered. The most appropriate age periods of childhood for the type of KD are outlined to achieve maximum effectiveness. The authors describe in detail the main objectives of the stages of preparation of the child and family for the start of dietary treatment, the principles of initiation of KD, laboratory and instrumental monitoring and discontinuation of ketogenic dietary therapy. Particular attention is paid to the issue of counseling a child before starting a KD, the main steps in calculating the proportion of macronutrients and the principles of daily nutrition. The possibilities of prescribing medical ketogenic dietary therapy outside of refractory seizures, in particular, in glucose transaminase 1 deficiency syndrome, pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, mitochondrial disorders, heart failure, and brain injury, are analyzed. Available special products for medical purposes (clinical nutrition) for the organization of medical ketogenic therapy in pediatric patients, especially in the first years of life, are presented. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Development of a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire to Estimate Macronutrient Intake among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Malaysia.

The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) is one of the most frequently used instruments in epidemiological studies for evaluating dietary intake. Because of the variety of dietary habits within different populations, an FFQ must be tailored to the specific group. To date, no specific FFQ has been developed for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Malaysia. In this study, we developed a semi-quantitative FFQ to estimate macronutrient intake among T2DM patients. The development of the FFQ was based on the data acquired from 150 respondents with T2DM from the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia who completed the three-day 24-h dietary recalls. The respondents were selected by convenience sampling. The mean intake from each food item and the proportions of macronutrients were calculated. The approach from a previous study was used to compile a list of foods items with a cumulative 90% macronutrient contribution that is significant for the nutrient of interest. In conclusion, we have successfully developed a new semi-quantitative FFQ with a total of 79 food items and nine food groups. The frequencies of the FFQ were divided into nine categories and this FFQ represents the usual food intake of T2DM patients in Malaysia. However, this tool has yet to be validated in patients with T2DM in Malaysia.

Tofu is a promising candidate for the development of an edible 3D-printing ink

Tofu is a promising candidate in the development of edible printable inks in food three-dimensional (3D) printing. In this study, a mixed ink was prepared by adding starch to tofu in various ratios. Our results showed that hardness, adhesiveness, and gumminess increased at an additive starch ratio greater than 30% but had no effect on the brittleness and cohesiveness. The number of layers in 3D printing also increased at that ratio and showed a high positive correlation with hardness, adhesiveness, and gumminess, but no correlation with brittleness and cohesiveness. The density at which water separation is controlled was 1.071 g/cm 3 , while the inflection point for physical properties was approximately 1.07 g/cm 3 . These results suggest that tofu containing more than 30% additive starch is a suitable material for 3D printing. However, based on the proportion of energy-providing macronutrients, tofu containing 15–25% additive starch is most nutritionally desirable. Our results indicate that tofu is a promising candidate for the development of an edible ink that promote a healthy lifestyle. • Tofu is a promising candidate as an edible 3D-printing ink. • Hardness, adhesiveness, and gumminess are useful indicators in optimizing structure building. • Water-separation is an important initial screening factor. • A target optimum nutritional value was proposed. • Optimizing structure building does not provide optimum nutritional value.

Use of mixture experiments to design diets forTenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae

Insects, particularly the larvae of theTenebrio molitor beetle, are proposed as a food source since they have a high nutritional value and are easy to breed. Although researchers used different approaches to develop diets forT. molitor larvae growth, none used mixture design experiments. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a mixture experiments design and three macronutrient sources to develop a diet resulting in the best growth forT. molitor larvae. We placed groups of fifty larvae in polycarbonate containers, fed themad libitum one of 19 diets containing different macronutrient proportions for five weeks, and recorded the larvae’s weight and mortality every seven days, and a model was constructed for the relative weight increase (growth rate). Larvae weight rises as whey protein concentrate (protein source) increases, and soybean oil decreases. Results of survival analysis showed that the feed composition did not influence larvae survival. Mixture experimental designs could help develop adequate diets forT. molitor larvae and other insects.

Effects of vegetation type differences induced by human disturbance on the nutrition strategy and gut microbiota of Siberian roe deer.

The Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) is a widely distributed ungulate in northeast China. Due to a series of human disturbance activities such as large-scale forest cutting, deforestation and reclamation, road construction in the past, the appearance and internal structure of forest vegetation in the habitat of Siberian roe have changed significantly. At the same time, Siberian roe population had a series of ecological adaptation responses in the face of such habitat changes. Therefore, two typical vegetation types with differences were selected in the Muling Forest, China. We used nutritional ecology and microbial metagenomic analysis techniques to compare the nutritional selection strategy and the structure and functional characteristics of faecal microbiota of Siberian roe groups in two vegetation types. The results showed that the α diversity of dietary and gut microbes of deer in Natural Forest was higher than that in Plantation Forest. However, the gut microbes of the Plantation Forest group contained more unique enzymes in the functional pathways of carbon metabolism and biosynthesis of amino acids. This study suggests that habitat type is associated with plant community composition, and contributes to changes in the intake proportions of major macronutrients by altering the availability, quality, and composition of certain edible plants. Feeding behaviour may be an important regulatory factor of gut microbiota structure and function of deer. The metabolic function of gut microbiota to different nutrients may affect the microbial community structure. Therefore, our results suggest that the gut microbes of Siberian roe may have coevolved with their diets, and reflect the adaptability of deer populations to environmental changes (e.g., vegetation type). Our study provides new insights into how spatial heterogeneity affects nutrition and microecosystems by describing the interactions among the environment, diet, and symbiotic gut microbes in wild ungulates.

Composition of inorganic elements in fine particulate matter emitted during surface fire in relation to moisture content of forest floor combustibles

The moisture content of combustible material on the forest floor is constantly changing due to environmental factors, which have a direct impact on the composition and emission intensity of particulate matter released during fire. In this study, an indoor biomass combustion analysis device was used to analyze the emission characteristics of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from combustion of herbaceous combustible materials with different moisture contents (0%, 15%, and 30%). The composition of inorganic elements in PM2.5 (Zn, K, Mg, Ca, and other 13 measurable elements) were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results showed that the PM2.5 emission factor increased significantly with the increase of moisture content of combustible materials in the range of 11.63 ± 0.55 for dry samples to 36.71 ± 1.21 g/kg for samples with 30% moisture content. The main elemental components of PM2.5 were K, Zn, Ca, Mg, and Na and K, Ca, Mg, and Na emission factors increased with the increase of moisture content of combustibles. The proportion of macronutrients in PM2.5 released by combustion of each herb increased as the moisture content increased, but the proportion of trace elements gradually decreased. There was a good correlation between elemental composition of PM2.5 and that of herbaceous combustibles. The results provide evidence that the moisture content of combustible materials has a significant effect on the emission of inorganic elements in particulate matter, and hence cautions should be exercised during fuel reduction treatments, such as early prescribed fire.

The Contribution of Nutrients of Concern to the Diets of 18-to-30-Year-Old Australians from Food Prepared Outside Home Differs by Food Outlet Types: The MYMeals Cross-Sectional Study.

Young adults are frequent consumers of food prepared outside the home (FOH). In a cross-sectional survey, the MYMeals study, we showed FOH provided one-third of meals and snacks for young Australian adults, yet it contributed higher proportions of energy and nutrients of concern, such as saturated fat and sodium. This study aimed to determine the detailed proportional contribution of nutrients of concern from the nine food outlet types captured in the MYMeals study. Young adults residing in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, (n = 1001) used a validated smartphone app to report all types and amounts of food and beverages consumed for three consecutive days, as well as their preparation location. The proportions of daily energy, macronutrients, sodium, total sugars, and saturated fat were calculated for each of the nine following outlet types: bakeries or patisseries, coffee chains, cold-drink chains, fast-food chains, ice creamery or frozen yoghurt outlets, independent cafes or restaurants, pubs (hotels) and clubs, service stations or convenience stores, and others not fitting the above categories. Of all FOH outlet types, independent cafes or restaurants contributed the most energy (17.5%), sodium (20.0%) and saturated fat (17.8%) to the total diet, followed by fast-food chains (12.0% energy, 15.8% sodium, and 12.0% saturated fat) and other outlets, with smaller proportions. For males, the proportion of energy and nutrients contributed by fast-food outlets was higher than for females (14.8% versus 9.8% energy). Menu labelling at independent cafes and restaurants is recommended, comprising, in addition to the energy labels already in use in fast-food restaurants, the labelling of nutrients of concern. The feasibility of this recommendation warrants further exploration.

Nutrient balance and energy‐acquisition effectiveness: Do birds adjust their fruit diet to achieve intake targets?

Abstract According to diet‐regulation hypotheses, animals select food to regulate the intake of macronutrients or maximise energy feeding efficiency. Specifically, the nutrient balance model proposes that foraging is primarily a process of balancing multiple nutrients to achieve a nutritional intake target, while the energy maximisation model proposes that foraging aims to maximise energy. Here, we evaluate the adjustment of fruit diets (the fruit‐derived component of the diets) to nutritional and energy intake targets, characterising the nutrient balance and energy maximisation strategies across fruit‐eating bird species with different fruit‐handling behaviours (‘gulpers’, which swallow whole fruits, and ‘mashers’, which process the fruit in the beak) in subtropical Andean forests. Food‐handling behaviour determines the food intake rate and, consequently, influences animal efficiency to obtain nutrients and energy. We used extensive field data from the diet of fruit‐eating birds to test how species adjust their food intake. We used nutritional geometry to explore macronutrient balance and the effectiveness framework to explore energy‐acquisition effectiveness. Observed diets showed a good fit with predictions of a diet balanced in macronutrient proportions. With few exceptions, diets clustered near an optimal macronutrient mixture and did not differ from each other in terms of maximising energy intake. Moreover, when comparing our results with a random diet based on local fruit availability, birds tended to fit better to the nutritional target, and less to the energy target, than expected from a random diet. Fruit‐handling behaviour did not affect the ability of bird species to reach a nutritional target but it affected species energy acquisition, which was lower in mashers than in gulpers. This study explores for the first time different diet‐regulation strategies in wild fruit‐eating birds, and supports the argument that the diet reflects a specific regulation of macronutrients. Understanding why birds select fruits is a complex question requiring multiple considerations. The nutrient balance model explains the relevance of nutrient composition in the fruit selection by fruit‐eating birds, although it is still necessary to determine its relative importance with respect to other dietary drivers. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Increased Protein with Decreased Carbohydrate Intake Reduces Postprandial Blood Glucose Levels in Women with Gestational Diabetes: The iPRO Study.

Introduction:There is an urgent need to establish an evidence base for recommendations regarding proportions of macronutrients for optimized nutritional management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Our study compared isocaloric diets in women with GDM that differed in protein and carbohydrate content with fats held constant. We hypothesized that the glucose area under the curve (AUC) would be lower with the higher protein/lower carbohydrate diet.Research Design and Methods:This study used a random order crossover design within a controlled research unit environment. Nineteen women were randomized to treatment, with 12 participants completing both arms of the study. Blood sampling occurred preprandially and at t = 30, 60, 120, and 180" relative to meals. Inclusion criteria were confirmed diet-controlled GDMA1, singleton gestation, and with no pre-existing medical comorbidities. Mean gestational age at entrance to study = 32 (±1.76) weeks. Mean prepregnant body mass index of participants = 28.7 (±5.3) kg/m2 Participants were randomly assigned initially to either an increased protein/low carbohydrate (iPRO30%/CHO35%) diet or a lower protein/higher carbohydrate (LPRO15%/CHO50%) diet for a 36 hour inpatient stay on the research unit. All meals and snacks were prepared in a metabolic kitchen. After a 3–7 day washout period, participants were randomized to the opposite treatment.Results:On day 2 (with confirmed overnight fasting), the average 3-hour pre- through postprandial glucose AUC was lower in iPRO30%/CHO35% treatment arm (17395.20 ± 2493.47 vs. 19172.47 ± 3484.31, p = 0.01).Conclusion:This study is the first to demonstrate that a higher protein, lower carbohydrate meal, especially at breakfast, can result in lower postprandial blood glucose values in women with gestational diabetes. A lack of statistically significant differences at other collection time points could have been due to several factors, but most likely due to small sample size. Longer term outcomes of a higher protein diet, including maternal glycemic control, nitrogen balance, and impact on fetal growth outcomes, are needed.

Effects of Mediterranean Diet Combined with CrossFit Training on Trained Adults' Performance and Body Composition.

CrossFit is a high-intensity training discipline increasingly practiced in recent years. Specific nutritional approaches are usually recommended to maximize performance and improve body composition in high-intensity training regimens; notwithstanding, to date there are no targeted nutritional recommendations for CrossFit athletes. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a diet approach with a well-designed proportion of macronutrients, using only available/seasonal food of the Mediterranean area, whose health benefits are well demonstrated. No studies have evaluated this dietary strategy among CrossFit athletes and practitioners; for this reason, we tested the effects of 8 weeks of MD on CrossFit athletes’ performance and body composition. Participants were assigned to two groups: a diet group (DG) in which participants performed CrossFit training plus MD, and a control group (CG) in which participants partook in the CrossFit training, continuing their habitual diet. Participants were tested before and after the 8 weeks of intervention. At the end of the study, no significant difference was noted in participants’ body composition, whereas improvements in anaerobic power, explosive strength of the lower limbs, and CrossFit-specific performance were observed only in the DG. Our results suggest that adopting a MD in CrossFit athletes/practitioners could be a useful strategy to improve specific strength, endurance, and anaerobic capacity while maintaining overall body composition.