Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire Research Articles

Zinc, antioxidant enzymes in preeclampsia, and association with newborn outcome

BackgroundThe etiology of preeclampsia (PE) may be associated with the increased of production of reactive species and decreased antioxidant activity of enzymes. Inadequate intake of Zn can affect gestational health due to its biological functions, such as its role in the antioxidant defense system. The study aimed to assess the nutritional status of Zn and antioxidant enzymes in postpartum women and its correlation with neonatal outcomes. MethodsA cross-sectional analytical study was carried out at a referral gynecology and obstetrics hospital. A total of 119 women (PE = 58, HP = 61) participated in the study. A quantitative food-frequency questionnaire was used to assess food consumption and further analyze the dietary Zn levels.Zinc levels in plasma and erythrocytes samples were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. ResultsPlasma and dietary intake Zn results were considered adequate and without statistical difference between groups. SOD levels were significantly higher in the HP group (p = 0.011), and CAT levels were higher in the PE group (p = 0.050). There was a positive correlation between SOD activity in women with PE and the weight of their newborns (r = 0.336, p=0.021). ConclusionThe results showed adequate Zn levels (consumption and serum levels) in the groups studied, although with a reduction of plasma Zn in the PE group compared to the PH group.Zinc in plasma fractions and erythrocytes are important markers for oxidative stress, in particular, plasma Zn seems to be related to the rapid response to preeclampsia. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was elevated in the groups studied. Better SOD activity improves birth weight in children of pregnant women with preeclampsia.

Abstract 2203: Dietary patterns and prostate cancer risk in the Multiethnic Cohort Study

Abstract Background: A growing body of research has shown the benefits of a healthy diet on a variety of cancer outcomes. Evidence is inconsistent for prostate cancer and research in diverse populations is limited. Methods: In the Multiethnic Cohort Study (MEC), we conducted a prospective cohort analysis to investigate the association of four diet quality indices (DQIs; AHEI-2010, aMED, HEI-2015, DASH; a higher score indicates healthier diet), three plant-based diet indices (PDI, hPDI, uPDI), two inflammatory (DII, EDIP), and two insulinemic dietary indices (EDIH, EDIR) (a higher score indicates more pro-inflammatory or pro-insulinemic diet) with incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) in 79,930 men from five racial/ethnic groups (White, African American, Japanese American, Latino, and Native Hawaiian). All dietary scores were constructed from a baseline quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Outcomes examined included total PCa, high-grade PCa (Gleason score > 7), advanced PCa (regional or distant), aggressive PCa (high-grade or advanced), and lethal PCa (distant or death due to PCa). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) per one standard deviation (SD) increase in the dietary score were estimated from Cox proportional hazards models, overall and by race/ethnicity. Associations were considered nominally significant at P < 0.05. Results: During a mean follow-up of 18.9 years, a total of 9,759 incident PCa cases were identified, including 2,503 high-grade, 1,706 advanced, 3,430 aggressive, and 1,426 lethal PCa cases. None of the dietary scores was significantly associated with total PCa. We found a significant association between DII and advanced PCa (HR=1.08, 95% CI=1.01-1.15) overall and the association appeared to be the strongest in African Americans (HR=1.17, 95% CI=1.00-1.36) and Native Hawaiians (HR=1.29, 95% CI=0.98-1.68). We also observed weak associations of the four DQIs with advanced PCa (HR of 0.95-0.96, P of 0.07-0.10) in the overall population, among which a higher DASH score was significantly associated with a 15% (95% CI = 0.75-0.96) lower risk of advanced PCa in African Americans. In addition, we observed that several inflammatory (EDIP) and insulinemic (EDIH, EDIR) dietary scores were associated with lower incidence of advanced, aggressive, or lethal PCa (HR=0.89-0.95, P of 0.03-0.05), which requires further investigation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that diets with high proinflammatory potential may increase risk of advanced PCa while following a healthy dietary pattern may reduce the risk of advanced PCa. Further studies are needed to better understand the inconsistent results across studies on diet and PCa risk and whether our findings can be replicated in other populations. Citation Format: Wei Xiong, Song-Yi Park, Anqi Wang, Peggy Wan, Lynne R. Wilkens, Loïc Le Marchand, Christopher A. Haiman, Fei Chen. Dietary patterns and prostate cancer risk in the Multiethnic Cohort Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2203.

Dietary assessment of type 2 diabetic patients using healthful plant-based diet score in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by a wide range of metabolic problems. The current study sought to assess nutritional habits of Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and to propose recommendations to improve these patients’ dietary habits and delay possible disease complications.MethodsOver a period of three years, (2017–2019) 577 patients with T2D attending the outpatient’s diabetic clinics at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia were invited to participate in this study. Data of dietary intake were collected by trained nurses using a pretested structured validated semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The dietary data were collected using 7-day dietary recall questionnaire. A modified score system that associates dietary habits with glycemic control and lipid profile was used.ResultsOverall, a high healthful plant-based diet score was associated with a significant (P = 0.018) reduction in triglycerides (TG) level (mean difference − 3.78%; 95% CI, -0.65% to -6.81%) and a statistically non-significant (P = 0.06) increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (mean difference 1.87%; 95% CI -0.06–3.84%) in T2D patients from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, in our patient group, the prevalence of coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and chronic kidney disease in T2D patients was 11.3%, 6.2%, 3.3%, and 8.4%, respectively and were higher when compared to the prevalence in the general population.ConclusionThe present study showed that adherence to a healthful plant-based diet, when compared to high glycemic index diet, is associated with a favorable outcome in glycemic control and lipid profile in T2D patients. Prior assessment of total diet quality may be beneficial when giving nutritional advice to T2D patients with the possibility of improving glycemic control and lipid profile.

Food intake, plasma copeptin and cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional analysis

Background and aimIncreased consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to both mortality and cardiovascular risk. Copeptin levels may serve as potential risk markers for cardiovascular death and events. This cross-sectional analysis seeks to assess the potential correlation between the intake of ultra-processed foods and copeptin levels in outpatients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, based on estimates of cardiovascular risk. Methods and resultsOutpatients underwent clinical and nutritional assessments. Dietary information was gathered using a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and the consumption of all foods, beverages, and food products was assessed according to the NOVA food classification system. Fasting plasma-EDTA samples were collected and preserved at −80 °C. Plasma copeptin measurements were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on the competition principle. Participants were categorized into two groups: high risk and very high risk, based on cardiovascular risk calculated by the HEARTS calculator. A total of 190 participants were included in the evaluation, with an average age of 60 ± 9 years, glycated hemoglobin of 8.4 ± 1.4%, and a diabetes duration of 11 (5–19) years. Patients at a very high cardiovascular risk exhibited higher plasma copeptin levels compared to those at high cardiovascular risk. Notably, 92.1% of patients reported consuming more than 10% of total energy intake from ultra-processed foods, although this proportion did not differ between the two groups. ConclusionThis patient sample reported elevated consumption of ultra-processed foods; nevertheless, the correlation between ultra-processed foods and plasma copeptin has not been substantiated.

Dietary Assessment Methods in Surveillance Systems Targeted to Adults: A Literature Review

Accurate and reliable evaluation of dietary consumption is essential for understanding individual dietary profiles. Proper dietary practices should provide sufficient amounts of both macronutrients and micronutrients for leading a healthy life. Choosing the best dietary assessment method for a certain objective leads to greater evidence for effective nutrition projects, policies, and programs. This review provides a clear understanding of dietary diversity assessment methods and the problems associated with choosing the best method. The resource guide aims to improve the quality and accuracy of nutrition information and provides a description of its applications, validity, strengths, and limitations. The databases searched for relevant papers for this review were Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed, Hindawi, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, etc. The review focused on collecting data from the last ten years of published articles, and duplicate papers were excluded from the database. Assessment methods described and compared in this study were the 24-hour recall method, food frequency questionnaires (FFQs), food records (FRs), quantitative food frequency questionnaires (QFFQs), non-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (Non-QFFQs), semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (SQFFQs), weighed FRs, and estimated FRs. In conclusion, this study highlights the need for a surveillance system for adults that collects comprehensive dietary information using standardized techniques and minimizes bias. This review’s extensive information can help national authorities choose appropriate protocols for their own dietary assessment surveys.

Relationship between Magnesium Intake and Handgrip Strength in Elderly

Background Elders experience an aging process that is marked by a decrease in muscle mass that can result in a decrease in overall muscle strength. Handgrip strength is a parameter used to assess maximum handgrip which can represent an overall muscle strength. Magnesium has a role for skeletal muscles and also affects muscle performance. This study aims to measure the relationship between magnesium intake and handgrip strength in the elderly. Methods This study is an observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design, involving elders aged  60 years in elderly nursing homes as the study subjects. Elders who were able to communicate actively were included and elders who had physical disability were excluded. The Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used for assessing magnesium intake and handgrip strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. Data were analyzed with Chi-Square statistical test and Fisher’s Exact Test with a significance of < 0.05. Results A group of 71 elders participated in this study. The result of this study shows that subjects with sufficient magnesium intake amounted to 18 subjects (25.4%) and 53 (74.6%) with low magnesium intake. The distribution of subjects with sufficient handgrip strength amounted to 36 subjects (50.7%) and 35 (49.3%) with low handgrip strength. Statistical analysis shows that there is no significant relationship between magnesium intake and handgrip strength in elders (p=0.539; p>0.05), while sociodemographic factors of age and gender showed a significant relationship towards handgrip strength (p=0.012 and p=0.028; p<0.05). Conclusions There is no significant relationship between magnesium intake and handgrip strength in elders. Sociodemographic factors of age and gender showed significant relationships towards handgrip strength.

The association of a healthy lifestyle index and imaging-based body fat distribution with glycemic status and Type 2 diabetes in the Multi Ethnic Cohort: a cross-sectional analysis.

As several behaviors captured by the Lifestyle Risk Factor Index (LSRI) are protective against Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and may affect body fat distribution, we examined its relation with both outcomes. In a subset of the Multiethnic Cohort, participants from five ethnic groups (60-77 years) were assigned LSRI scores (one point each for consuming <1 (women)/<2 (men) alcoholic drinks/day, ≥1.5 physical activity hours/week, not smoking, and adhering to ≥3/7 dietary recommendations). All participants completed an extensive Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire to allow estimation of adherence to intake recommendations for fruits, vegetables, refined and whole grains, fish, processed and non-processed meat. Glycemic/T2D status was classified according to self-reports and fasting glucose. We estimated prevalence odds ratios (POR) of LSRI with glycemic/T2D status and DXA- and MRI-based body fat distribution using logistic regression. Of 1713 participants, 43% had normoglycemia, 30% Pre-T2D, 9% Undiagnosed T2D, and 18% T2D. Overall, 39% scored 0-2, 49% 3, and 12% 4 LSRI points. T2D prevalence was 55% (POR 0.45; 95% confidence intervals 0.27, 0.76) lower for 4 vs. 0-2 LSRI points with weaker associations for abnormal glycemic status. Despite the low adherence to dietary recommendations (22%), this was the only component related to lower T2D prevalence. The inverse LSRI-T2D association was only observed among Latinos and Japanese Americans in ethnic-specific models. Visceral fat measures were higher in T2D patients and attenuated the LSRI-T2D association. These findings support the role of a healthy lifestyle, especially diet, in T2D prevention with differences across ethnicity.

Obesogenic Eating Behavior and Nutritional Status in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients in Women of Childbearing Age at Harapan Kita Mother and Children's Hospital, Jakarta

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects the metabolic, endocrine and psychological systems. PCOS Mostly occurs in women of reproductive age. Problems with nutritional status in PCOS patients are supported by obesogenic eating behavior. This study aims to examine obesogenic eating behavior and nutritional status in PCOS patients. The type of research used is an analytical survey with a cross sectional study approach. This research was conducted at RSAB Harapan Kita. The sample for this study was women of childbearing age aged 20-35 years using a total sampling technique with a total sample of 33 people. Obesogenic dietary pattern data was obtained using SQFFQ (Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire) and nutritional status was obtained by BMI/U by directly measuring body weight using a digital scale and height using a microtoa. Data analysis uses Pearson correlation analysis.

Dietary intake, body composition and micronutrient profile of patients on maintenance hemodialysis attending Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Uganda: A cross sectional study.

Patients on maintenance hemodialysis are at a great risk for altered nutritional status, characterized by protein energy wasting and micronutrient deficiency due to medication interactions and dietary restrictions. This study determined the dietary intake, micronutrient profile and body composition of patients on maintenance hemodialysis at Kiruddu National referral hospital (KNRH), Uganda. A cross sectional study was done among adult CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis therapy at KNRH. Data concerning patients' demographics, clinical history and dietary intake was obtained using interactive and quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Body composition was obtained using the TANITA BC-351, Japan weighing Bathroom scale and anthropometric measurements using standard methods and procedures. Serum micronutrient profile assessment was done using the COBAS Auto analyzer. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software version 20. T-test was used to make comparisons and logistic regression analysis was done to check for any correlations. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the 63 hemodialysis patients, 38% were female, with a median duration of hemodialysis of 12 months and the overall age range of patients was 31-40 years. Majority (92.1%) of the patients had hypertension. Carbohydrates like maize flour were highly consumed, in addition to eggs among the proteins on the daily basis. Fruits and vegetables were not highly consumed. Regarding body composition; 75% of the study participants had normal Body mass Index (BMI), the mean muscle mass was 51.94±8.68, body fat was 15.25±7.35, bone mass was 2.77±0.46 and body water was 62.04±9.06. Patients had deranged micronutrient levels especially for Vitamin D, Potassium and phosphorus. In conclusion, hemodialysis patients at KNRH, have altered nutritional status as evidenced by altered body weight for some patients and deranged micronutrient levels. We recommend that hemodialysis patients should be regularly assessed for nutritional status, appropriately treated and educated about their nutritional status.

The Relationship Between Eating Patterns With Anemia Status In Adolescent Girls At Mtsn 1 Deli Serdang

Anemia is a condition where the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the blood is lower than normal according to age and gender. To find out the relationship between eating patterns and to find out the relationship between breakfast and anemia status in young women. The design method in this research isCross Sectional. The population is all young women at MTSN 1 Deli Serdang. The sampling in this research was purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out using interviewssemi quantitative food frequency questionnaire as a research instrument. Data processing through editing, coding, data entry, tabulating. Using the Chi Square test. The results of the study showed that 34.3% of teenagers had a variety of eating types, and 89.3% of teenagers with non-diverse eating types. Adolescents with a frequency of eating &gt;3 times/day were 37.5%. The frequency of eating and eating &lt;3 times/day is 90.4%. The number of teenagers who eat well is 35.7%, and the number of teenagers who eat poorly is 14.3%. Types of eating breakfast in the diverse category were 50.8%, and types of eating were not diverse as much as 49.2%. The frequency of eating in the category once a day was 50.7%, and the frequency of eating in the category &lt;3 times a week was 49.2%. The number of meals in the good category was 50.8%, the sufficient category was 20.6% and the number of meals in the poor category was 28.6%. Anemia status in the anemia category was 23.8%, and anemia status in the non-anemia category was 76.2%. There is a relationship between eating patterns and breakfast (type, frequency, amount) with anemia status at MTSN 1 Deli Serdang.

The association between dietary mineral intake and the risk of preeclampsia in Chinese pregnant women: a matched case–control study

Previous studies on the relationship between dietary minerals and preeclampsia (PE) have given inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to further clarify the relationship between dietary minerals intake and PE in Chinese pregnant women. In this study, 440 pairs of hospital–based preeclamptic and healthy women were matched 1:1. Dietary intake was obtained through a 78–item semi–quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic splines were plotted to evaluate the dose–response relationship between dietary minerals intake and PE. This study found significant inverse associations for dietary intake of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese and zinc and the risk of PE in both univariate and multivariate models (all P- trend < 0.05). After adjusting for possible confounders, compared with the lowest quartile, the odds ratio of the highest quartile was 0.74 (95% CI 0.56–0.98) for calcium, 0.63 (95% CI 0.42–0.93) for magnesium, 0.45 (95% CI 0.31–0.65) for phosphorus, 0.44 (95% CI 0.30–0.65) for iron, 0.72 (95% CI 0.53–0.97) for copper, 0.66 (95% CI 0.48–0.91) for manganese and 0.38 (95% CI 0.25–0.57) for zinc. In addition, a reverse J–shaped relationship between dietary minerals intake and PE risk was observed (P–overall association < 0.05). In Chinese pregnant women, a higher intake of dietary minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc was associated with a lower odds of PE.

Low Sun Exposure as a Dominant Risk Factor of Hypertension Among Adolescents in SMPN 21 South Tangerang

Hypertension is a global health problem that can occur in adolescents. According to Riskesdas 2018, the national prevalence of hypertension is 34.1%. In Banten Province, it stands at 29.4%, and in South Tangerang City, it’s 27.5%. This study was aimed to determine the association between age, sex, vitamin D intake, fat intake, and sun exposure with the incidence of hypertension among adolescents at SMPN 21 South Tangerang and the dominant factor among these variables that is a risk factor of hypertension. This study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 102 respondents taken using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through blood pressure measurements, the Sun Exposure Questionnaire (SEQ), and the Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). Association analysis was conducted using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, showing that there was an association between sun exposure (&lt;0.05; OR = 7.902) with the incidence of hypertension, and there were no association between age (p = 0.556), sex (p = 0.386), vitamin D intake (p = 0.760), and fat intake (p = 1.000) with the incidence of hypertension among adolescents at SMPN 21 South Tangerang. The result of multivariate analysis using the regression logistic test showed that sun exposure was the most correlated factor of hypertension among adolescents at SMPN 21 South Tangerang (p = &lt;0.05; OR = 7.949). Respondents should have more sun exposure to prevent hypertension.

Dietary protein in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study.

The relationship between dietary protein intake and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains inconsistent and unclear. Here, we examined the correlation between the various sources of protein intake among Chinese pregnant women and GDM. This prospective cohort study included 1060 pregnant women at 6-13+6 weeks of gestation from Guangdong Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, South China. The participants' intake of dietary protein was assessed using a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire during the early trimester. GDM was diagnosed via an oral glucose tolerance test performed at 24-28 gestational weeks. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between dietary protein intake during pregnancy and GDM. Furthermore, we applied restricted cubic splines to determine their linear relationship. About 26.3% (n = 279) of pregnant women were diagnosed with GDM. Animal protein intake was revealed to have a positive correlation with GDM risk (Q4 vs. Q1: OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.46-5.34; P = 0.015), whereas high intake levels of dietary plant protein were linked to reduced GDM risk (Q4 vs. Q1: OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.25-0.73). In stratified analysis, the relationship between protein and GDM was stronger during early pregnancy in women with obesity. However, total protein intake did not show a significant association with GDM. Our study findings suggest that a plant protein-based diet was associated with reduced GDM risk, whereas the dietary intake of animal protein was positively associated with GDM risk among Chinese women during early pregnancy.

Nutritional Quality of Diets of Adults (20-40 Years) in Delhi, India

Rise in prevalence of diet related non communicable diseases can be prevented by following balanced and healthy diets. The study aimed to assess adequacy of nutrient and food group intakes along with frequency of consumption of foods High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS). The study was a cross-sectional study with non-probability purposive sampling method. A total of 589 adults (20-40 years) were selected from housing colonies from four geographical zones of city. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall method. Frequency and amount of foods consumed was recorded using a semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The differences in food groups and nutrient intakes across socio-demographic groups were assessed using Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was assumed at 5% level (p&lt;0.05). Most participants had nutrient intakes lower than the EAR for calcium (97%), zinc (98%), riboflavin (100%), niacin (68%), vitamin B6 (96%) and vitamin A (60%). All participants had lower intakes of pulses, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, oilseed and nuts when compared to the recommended intakes. HFSS foods-sweet plain biscuits (46%), fried namkeen (37%), roasted namkeen (30%), non-carbonated drinks (29%) and deep-fried foods (25%) were eaten regularly by more than one fourth of participants. Participants occasionally consumed pizzas (60%), chat (54%), dosa (50%) and burgers (48%). Therefore, reducing the share of foods high in fat, sugar and salt and enabling healthier selection of food groups through behaviour change communication strategies will ensure adequate nutrient intakes.

The relationship between dietary patterns derived from inflammation and cognitive impairment in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Dietary patterns were shown to be closely related to inflammation, which was independently associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, it remains unclear the influence of dietary patterns derived from inflammation on CI in this population. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary patterns derived from C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CI in patients undergoing HD. Dietary intake was obtained from the simplified quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Reduced rank regression (RRR) was used to extract two dietary patterns, with IL-6 and CRP as response variables. Cognitive function was examined by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Beijing version). Venous blood was drawn for measuring IL-6 and CRP levels. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association between dietary patterns and CI. Dietary pattern derived from IL-6 was not significantly associated with CI. The third quartile of dietary pattern, which used CRP as the response variable, significantly contributed to the increased risk of CI (AOR 8.62, 95% CI 1.47-50.67) after controlling age, sex, education level, marital status, and residential pattern (p-for-trend = 0.028). After considering hypertension and diabetes, physical activity level, anxiety and depression, smoking and drinking status, social support, energy intake, and the dietary pattern derived from IL-6 (p-for-trend = 0.026), the relationship between the dietary pattern derived from CRP and CI remained significant (AOR 14.54, 95% CI 1.40-151.13). Dietary pattern associated with high CRP level, including high intake of rice, liquor, fruit, tea and coffee and low intake of dark vegetables and juice, contributed to the increased risk of CI. The association between the consumption of seafood, sweet beverages, and alcohol and CI is yet to be established. However, they may be dietary contributing factors to inflammation in patients undergoing HD.

Is restrained eating behaviour associated with pre-pregnancy weight and weight-gain in gestational diabetes?

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between eating behaviors and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and body weight gain in individuals with gestational diabetes mellitus.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 34 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus and 50 nondiabetic women above the 28th week of pregnancy. The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire was used to assess eating habits. A quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess food consumption.&#x0D; Results: Individuals with gestational diabetes had significantly higher levels of restrained eating behavior scores (27.11±5.98 vs 20.32±6.84) compared to nondiabetic women (p

Metabolic syndrome criteria and severity and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in an adult population

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) has become a growing risk factor of some non-communicable diseases. Increase of greenhouse gas emissions affects the planet.AimsTo assess the association between MetS severity and amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted in an adult population.DesignCross-sectional study (n = 6646; 55-76-year-old-men; 60-75-year-old-women with MetS).MethodsDietary habits were assessed using a pre-validated semi quantitative 143-item food frequency questionnaire. The amount of CO2 emitted due to the production of food consumed by person and day was calculated using a European database, and the severity of the MetS was calculated with the MetS Severity Score.ResultsHigher glycaemia levels were found in people with higher CO2 emissions. The risk of having high severe MetS was related to high CO2 emissions.ConclusionsLow CO2 emissions diet would help to reduce MetS severity. Advantages for both health and the environment were found following a more sustainable diet.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN89898870. Registered 05 September 2013.

Mercury Intake Estimation in Adult Individuals from Trieste, Italy: Hair Mercury Assessment and Validation of a Newly Developed Food Frequency Questionnaire

Seafood constitutes the primary source of exposure to the organic form of mercury in the general population, and the Trieste Gulf is considered a hotspot of mercury contamination. We used a newly developed quantitative food frequency questionnaire to obtain an estimation of the intake of mercury through seafood consumption in a sample of 32 individuals from Trieste. Then, we validated the results obtained from the questionnaire against those of the analysis of total mercury measured in the hair of the same individuals through Spearman rank correlation coefficients, Cohen’s weighted Kappa statistic, and a Bland–Altman plot. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient and Cohen’s weighted Kappa statistic were 0.76 and 0.69, respectively. In the Bland–Altman plot, 93.75% of the data points lay within the acceptability range. The plot revealed an ever-increasing overestimation of mercury intake by the questionnaires as the hair mercury increased. By applying a standardized filtering procedure to the results of the questionnaires, we obtained a Spearman rank correlation coefficient and Cohen’s weighted Kappa statistic of 0.69 and 0.57, respectively. In this Bland–Altman plot, 93.75% of the data points lay within the acceptability range. In this latter plot, the proportionality between the mean difference and the magnitude of the measurement was more subtle compared to that observed in the plot built upon the non-filtered questionnaires. This preliminary study shows the high accuracy of the reported questionnaire in the estimation of habitual mercury intake, similar to the one measured through the analysis of hair.

Association between the anthropometric measurements and dietary habits on telomere shortening in healthy older adults: A-cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of anthropometric measurements and dietary habits on telomere length in healthy older residents in rural and urban areas. This was a cross-sectional study. The study population included 81 healthy older individuals aged ≥80 years. A quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to determine dietary habits. Anthropometric measurements were taken by researchers. The telomere length of individuals was determined from leukocytes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Urban women had longer telomeres than rural women (P < 0.05). Rural men had significantly higher hip circumference, middle-upper arm circumference and fat-free mass than urban men (P < 0.05). It was shown that while fresh vegetable consumption was higher in rural areas, carbonated drink consumption was higher in urban areas (P < 0.05). In women, homemade bread and sugar consumption were higher in rural areas, and honey consumption was higher in urban (P < 0.05). Red meat, milk-based dessert and pastry consumption explain telomere shortening by 22.5%, 24.8% and 17.9%, respectively. In addition, the model based on anthropometric measurements also contributes to explaining telomere shortening by 42.9%. Red meat, milk-based dessert and pastry consumption, and waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio are associated with telomere length. Longer telomeres are associated with a healthy, balanced, adequate diet and maintaining a healthy body weight/proportion, and they are crucial for achieving healthy aging. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 565-572.

Relationship between Dietary Acid Load with Kidney Function among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects the structure and function of the kidneys. The burden of disease from CKD is expected to increase as the prevalence of CKD increases from year to year. The quality of the diet plays a role in the management and treatment of CKD. The diet quality of CKD patients is assessed using dietary acid load (DAL) which is estimated based on protein and potassium intake. A high score of DAL can lead to more rapid decline in renal function, rapid decline in GFR, and low-grade subclinical acidosis. This study was aimed to analyze the relationship between dietary acid load and kidney function in CKD patients with hemodialysis at the Bogor City Hospital. This study used a cross sectional design involving 50 subjects with CKD on hemodialysis. Data was collected by interview using a questionnaire for data characteristics and Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) for data intake. There was a significant relationship between DAL and eGFR, urea, and creatinine (p&lt;0,05). The level of DAL plays an important role in the development and severity of CKD. Therefore, dietary recommendations for patients CKD on hemodialysis need to focus to the dietary acid load derived from foods and to the condition of hyperkalemia. Further research is expected to be carried out with an intervention, case control or cohort design, as well as using different equations in estimating DAL such as the net acid excretion (NAE), potential renal acid load (PRAL) equation.