Recommended Calorie Intake Research Articles

Effects of Intermittent Calorie Restriction in Nondiabetic Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Background & AimsWe compared the effects of a 12-week intermittent calorie restriction (ICR) and standard of care (SOC) diet on liver fat content (LFC) in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) patients. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial included patients with MRI-proton density fat fraction (PDFF) ≥8%. Patients were randomly assigned to the ICR (5:2 diet) or SOC (80% of the recommended calorie intake) groups and stratified according to the body mass index (≥ or <25 kg/m2). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved a relative LFC reduction as measured by MRI-PDFF ≥30%. ResultsSeventy-two participants underwent randomization (36 patients with and 36 without obesity), and 63 (34 patients with and 29 without obesity) completed the trial. At week 12, a higher proportion of patients in the ICR arm achieved a relative LFC reduction of ≥30% compared to the SOC arm (72.2% vs. 44.4%; P=0.033), which was more prominent in the group with obesity (61.1% vs. 27.7%; P=0.033) than in the group without obesity (83.3% vs. 61.1%; P=0.352). The relative weight reduction was insignificant between the ICR and SOC arms (-5.3% vs. -4.2%; P=0.273); however, it was higher in the ICR arm compared to the SOC arm (-5.5% vs. -2.9%; P=0.039) in the group with obesity. Changes in fibrosis, muscle and fat mass, and liver enzyme levels were similar between the two groups (all P>0.05). ConclusionsThe ICR diet reduced LFC more effectively than SOC in patients with MASLD, particularly in patients with obesity. Additional studies are warranted in larger and more diverse cohorts.

Unveiling the Food and Income Insecurity among Farm Households of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

The study was conducted during 2022-23 to assess the level of food insecurity and income status among farm households. Data from 474 farmers through personal interview method were collected. Agriculture was the primary occupation for most households followed by off-farm activities. Average per capita annual income (Rs. 1,00,073) was lower than the national average. The per capita annual income was Rs. 73,303, Rs. 93,256 and Rs. 1,44,456 for marginal, small, and medium farmers, respectively. About 47 per cent of the expenditure was made on consumption. A comparison of calorie intake to recommended calorie intake indicated that food insecurity was prevailing among 26 percent of the farmers. The major contribution to calorie intake was from cereals, the consumption of vegetables and fruits was low. A decision tree model using machine learning algorithms was used to identify the factors influencing food security. Per capita income, family size, consumption expenditure, social participation, and land holdings had significant importance in classifying the households as food secure and insecure. Diversifying farm activities and creating additional opportunities in rural areas, teaching households about balanced diets, promoting home gardening, and institutional policies to improve food security may be the strategic points.

Vitamin Status in Children with Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Gene Mutation.

The issue of vitamin metabolism in children with cystic fibrosis screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID) is not well known. The aim of this study was to determine the status of vitamins A, D, E, and C in the blood of a group of children with CFSPID. A total of 89 children were enrolled in the study (Me: 3.6 years, 52.8% boys), as follows: 28 with CFSPID, 31 with CF (cystic fibrosis), and 30 HC (healthy children). Their blood concentrations of vitamins A, D, E, and C, and their dietary intake of these vitamins were analysed in the study groups on the basis of a three-day food diary. The patients with CFSPID had significantly higher serum vitamin D (p = 0.01) and E (p = 0.04) concentrations, compared to the children with CF. None of the children with CFSPID revealed vitamin A or E deficiencies. Patients with CF had been consuming significantly higher vitamin D and E amounts (p = 0.01). The vitamin concentrations did not depend either on the pancreatic/liver function or on anthropometric parameters. In total, 32.14% of patients with CF did not cover the baseline recommended calorie intake, and 53.6% and 36% did not take the recommended vitamin E and vitamin A intake, respectively. Children with CF and CFSPID did not fully cover the dietary recommendations for vitamin supply, but vitamin deficiency was found only in CF.

Inflammation Status and Body Composition Predict Two-Year Mortality of Patients with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma under Provision of Recommended Energy Intake during Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy.

Only few prospective cohort trials have evaluated the risk factors for the 2-year mortality rate between two patient subgroups with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC): oral cavity cancer with adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) (OCC) and non-oral cavity cancer with primary CCRT (NOCC), under the recommended calorie intake and investigated the interplay among calorie supply, nutrition–inflammation biomarkers (NIBs), and total body composition change (TBC), as assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Patients with LAHNSCC who consumed at least 25 kcal/kg/day during CCRT were prospectively recruited. Clinicopathological variables, blood NIBs, CCRT-related factors, and TBC data before and after treatment were collected. Factor analysis was performed to reduce the number of anthropometric and DXA-derived measurements. Cox proportional hazards models were used for analysis. We enrolled 123 patients with LAHNSCC (69 with OCC and 54 with NOCC). The mean daily calorie intake correlated with the treatment interval changes in total body muscle and fat. Patients consuming ≥30 kcal/kg/day had lower pretreatment levels but exhibited fewer treatment interval changes in anthropometric and DXA measurements than patients consuming <30 kcal/kg/day. In the multivariate analysis of the 2-year mortality rate, the prognostic influence of the recommended calorie intake could not be confirmed, but different risk factors (performance status, pretreatment platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and treatment interval body muscle changes in patients with OCC; age, pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and body fat storage in patients with NOCC) showed independent effects. Therefore, the inflammation status and body composition, but not the recommended calorie supply, contribute to the 2-year mortality rate for patients with LAHNSCC receiving CCRT.

SUSTAINABILITY AND DIETARY CHANGE: AN ANALYSIS OF INDIAN FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERNS

Indian consumption pattern is diversifying towards high value agricultural products in search of a nutritious and healthier diet. The study analyses the trends of changing Indian food baskets in terms of social (nutrition), economic (affordability of a healthy diet) and environmental (global warming potential) sustainability. In terms of nutrition, the study finds that against a recommended calorie intake of 2503 kcal, the highest monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) section of urban and rural population is consuming 3143 and 3184 kcal respectively. The lower MPCE section consumes only 65% of what is recommended as a healthy diet by LANCET. A comparison of the Indian diets with the LANCET recommended diet finds the environmental impact of the latter to be 1.3 times that of the actual intakes by Indians. The cost of the LANCET diet is 1.6 and 1.2 times the cost of the actual intake and recommended diets in India respectively. While the Indian diet is environmentally more sustainable, a nutritious diet of the global standard is beyond reach of the poor. Concerted efforts are required for facilitating an affordable, accessible and sustainable diet.

Динамика компонентного состава тела детей с ожирением на фоне гипокалорийной диеты в условиях стационара

Objective. To study the dynamics of body composition parameters in obese children against the background of hypocaloric diet in inpatient settings. Patients and methods. This study enrolled 89 children aged 5 to 17 (13 [12; 15]) years, of whom 44% were boys. The inpatient treatment program for obesity included a low-fat and low-carbohydrate diet with an energy value of 1668 kcal/day and therapeutic exercise. To assess the effectiveness of treatment, the clinical and anthropometric examination and body composition evaluation by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using the InBody 770 stationary analyzer (Biospace Co. Ltd., Korea) were performed at the beginning and at the end of inpatient treatment. Body fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), the amount of total body water, extracellular and intracellular fluid, protein, minerals, and the phase angle were determined. Results. At the beginning of the study, all children were found to have excess FM, and 47 (58%) had an increase in FFM due to muscle mass and intracellular fluid. By the end of treatment, there was a decrease in body weight, body mass index (BMI), BMI SDS, waist and hip circumference (p &lt; 0.001) in all children. The amount of body fat decreased by 4.15% [2,6; 6,7]. Most children showed a statistically significant decrease in all FFM components by 2.4-2.7%. Protein loss during hospitalization was 0.3 kg [0.1; 0.4], mineral loss was 0.07 kg [0.01; 0.14]. The phase angle value at the beginning of the study was 5.5 [5.1; 6.1], at the end of the study – 5.4 [5.1; 5.9], p = 0.07. Conclusion. As a result of short-term adherence to the hypocaloric diet in inpatient settings, all children with obesity demonstrated a decrease in both FM and FFM against the background of a statistically significant decrease in BMI SDS. A comprehensive approach to treatment, combining the recommended calorie intake with the amount of protein according to the age group and structured physical activity, is necessary to preserve FFM in order to maintain resting energy expenditure. Body composition monitoring is required during the treatment of obesity. Key words: obesity, children, treatment, hypocaloric diet, fat-free mass, fat mass, body composition

ASSESSMENT OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS FOOD INSECURITY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

The problem of food insecurity remains a challenge in developing countries, especially in rural areas. Despite the rising level of food insecurity, COVID-19 set in and was said to pose a threat to food security globally if adequate measures are not quickly put in place. This study, therefore, described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents; examined the extent to which the rural households are food secure or otherwise during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the drivers of food security status among rural households in South-East Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 200 households with the use of structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, food security index and logistics regression. Results of the findings revealed that the majority of the household heads were male (92%), married (93.5%), educated (87.5%) and had an average age of 54 years. They had an average household size of 7 persons, an average farming experience of 22 years, an average monthly income of N14, 305.5 and majority (83%) do not belong to a cooperative society. Majority (69.5%) of the households were food insecure, while only (30.5%) were food secure. The food-secure households had an average household size of 5 persons, while the food insecure households had 9 persons in their households. The headcount ratio of food secure households was 0.30, while it was 0.70 for food-insecure households. This shows that at least two out of three persons were food insecure in the study area. The surplus/shortfall index indicates that the food secure households exceeded the calorie requirement by 12%, while the food insecure fell short of the recommended calorie intake by 39%. Square food insecure gap or square shortfall index which indicate the severity of food insecurity among the food insecure household was 0.0056. The average calorie available (adult equivalent per day) for food secure households was 2523.5kcal, while average calorie available (AE/day) for food-insecure households was 1389.05kcal. The identified positive drivers of food security were marital status, educational level, cooperative members and annual income of the household heads. While, age of household head, household size and COVID-19 negatively influenced food security status.&#x0D; The study recommends, among others, putting in place immediate policy measures to reduce the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on rural household’s food security through the provision of enough palliatives which should be monitored so that it gets to the targeted population. Effective household size management and enlightenment programs on modern family planning techniques should be encouraged in rural areas. Rural households should also be educated on the nutritional implication of the various food items such as egg, milk, soybean and fish, especially for children to increase their protein intake and boost their immune system against COVID-19.

Nutritional Status of Reproductive Ethnic Woman Living in Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh: Influence of Socio-economic and Nutritional Factors

Aim This cross-sectional study assessed the nutritional status of ethnic reproductive women aged between 15-40 years, comprising 85 lactating women (LW) and 86 non-pregnant-non-lactating women (NPNLW) who lived in various parts of three hilly districts (Bandarban, Khagrachari and Rangamati) of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) of Bangladesh. Materials and Method Research tool was pretested semi-structured questionnaire for this observational study. Anthropometric indices like weight, height and mid-upper-arm-circumference (MUAC) were used in assessing the nutritional status. Results Most (44.4%) of the ethnic women were Marma, followed by Chakma (39.8%), Bam (8.2%) and Tripura (5.8%). No significant (P&gt;0.05) differences were observed in socio-economic variables between LW and NPNLW. Overall, mean age of the women was 28 (±7.2) years; mean family income was 18,822.2 (±3091) BDT and majority (86%-87%) were reported to be food secured throughout the year. Mean Dietary calorie (2631±798 kcal) intake of both groups were up to the mark according to the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) and most (80.3%-86%) of them also possessed good nutritional knowledge. However, no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences were observed in dietary calorie intake and nutritional knowledge score between two groups of women. Overall, most (68.4%) of the women had normal body max index (BMI kg/m2), 11.7% were found to be undernourished or thin and 19.9% were overweight. It was noticed that better nutritional status of LW and NPNLW were significantly associated with literacy (P&lt;0.05), occupancy in household chores (P&lt;0.05), better income (P&lt;0.05), food security (P&lt;0.05), recommended calorie intake level (P&lt;0.05) and better nutritional knowledge score (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion This study showed that vast majority of the ethnic reproductive women of CHTs are in better nutritional status with normal BMI (kg/m2) and daily calorie intake according to RDA. Most of them were food secured and their nutritional knowledge score was also up to the mark. Better socio-economic condition, nutritional knowledge and accurate calorie intake play a vital role in achieving healthy nutritional status of the two women groups of CHTs.

Determination of sugar types and content in formulated milk of infants and children in Malaysia

High sugar intake contributes to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and dental caries. Infants and young children who drink formulated milk have been exposed to free sugars early in their life. Objectives: To determine the amount of free sugar in different brands of formulated milk that are available in Malaysia and to compare the recommended serving size of the formulated milk according to the guideline of daily free sugar intake by WHO for infants and children. Methods: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the sugar amount in five different brands of age-specific formulated milk (0-9 years old). The sugar amount for each sample was determined by 1:100 dilution of milk and HPLC for 8 minutes. Percentage of free sugar intake per day was calculated based on the HPLC result and the recommended serving size per day was compared to the nutritional label of the formulated milk and further compared to the recommended calorie intake by WHO. Results: The total free sugar for all samples were ranged from 0.08% - 23.28% out of the total calories for each age. One out of the 20 aged-specific formulated milk exceeded the WHO recommendation of free sugar intake per day. Conclusion: The amount of sugar in formulated milk should be monitored by health policy as some of the formulated milk has exceeded the recommended free sugar intake by WHO.

DETERMINANTS OF FOOD SECURITY AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN AKURE NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

The determinants of food securityamong farming households in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria is the main focus of this study.It specifically described the socioeconomiccharacteristics of the farming households, analyzed the food security situation of the respondents and estimated the determinants of food security among the households in the study area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 109farming householdswho were selected by a three stage random sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Food security index, FGT and Binary Logit regression model. Findings of the study showed a young vibrant farming population, relatively literate and engaged in small scale farming. The outcome of the study also indicated that majority (80percent) of the respondents were food insecure consuming less than the recommended daily calories intake of 2260kcal. Food secure households in the study area exceeded the calorie requirement by 69% while the food insecure households fell short of the recommended calorie intake by 37%.The result of the Logit regression revealed that education, household size, farm size and total household income were the statistically significant variables affecting the food security of the farming households in the study area. These coefficients have values of1.490, - 0.021, 0.264 and 0.000 respectively. It was recommended that Government should provide an integrated approach that promotes formal education among farming households to enhance their farm production activities.There is also a need to promote large scale farming in the area. It was further recommended that enlightenment programmes on nutrition and birth control measure should be directed at the farming households in the study area. This will help to check the consumption of unbalanced diets and uncontrolled child births respectively.

Impact of climate variability on household food availability in Tigray, Ethiopia

BackgroundCurrently, climate variability is a hot issue across the globe, especially in countries where rain-fed agriculture is a means of livelihood. Climate variability increases the risks of hunger in the region as it affects all four components of food security: food availability, food accessibility, food utilization and food stability. Rainfall shortage or excess hampers food production in the region, causing food insecurity and escalating famine. Extreme weather is affecting people indirectly through the sequential rather direct depletion of their assets. Therefore, looking on the impact of climate on food security is crucial to build a sustainable production system.ResultsRandomized data from 150 households were collected and analyzed using SPSS software. Household Food Balance Model analysis indicates that 15.7% of the households met the recommended daily calorie intake of 2100 kcal per adult equivalent/day, while 84.3% of the households fell below the daily recommended calorie intake. The average calorie intake of the households covers only 56.2%. Female-headed households are found to be more food insecure than their male counterpart. Those food insecure households use different coping mechanism to avert the shortage like daily laborer, reducing meal, borrowing, selling productive asset and switching meals. Moreover, the annual rainfall of a 20-year record averaged 725 ml (with a standard deviation of 6.7), with the minimum and maximum records at 354.5 and 1037 ml, respectively. Similarly, the average precipitation concentration index (PCI) stood at about 24.4 ml, recording a minimum and maximum PCI of 15.6 ml and 41.7, respectively. Finally, the coefficient of variability of rainfall variability is 0.16, which indicates the variation in inter-annual rainfall distribution is medium.ConclusionsThe result shows a high prevalence of food insecurity in the rural community with high prevalence in female-headed household. Therefore, strong intervention is required by the government and should exhaustively work on promoting irrigation, providing credit to farmers and subsidizing farm inputs to improve food security in rural Tigray.

Nutritional composition and evaluation of different methodologies for fat determination in wet feed for dogs and cats

As a consequence of the increasing number of dog and cat owners, the pet food industry is expanding the range of pet food products in the market. In order to obtain more necessary information about the wet food segment for dogs and cats, the aim of this study was to determine the nutritional composition, to evaluate the information declared on the labels, and to compare the composition with the FEDIAF recommendations for protein and fat. Furthermore, three different methodologies of fat analysis were compared: crude fat (CFa), crude fat after acid hydrolysis (CFAH), and fat content obtained with Ankom XT15 (ANKOM) to determine the most adequate method for fat determination in wet foods. Twenty-five wet food products were evaluated, 13 wet foods for dogs and 12 for cats. Centesimal composition analyses obtained in this study were compared with guaranteed analysis declared on the label and with FEDIAF minimum recommended requirements for each species. The results of the nutritional composition and the values described on the label and the evaluation of the three fat determination methods were compared using the mixed model test with repeated measurements in the same samples, respectively (p &lt; 0.05) in the SAS program, evaluation of protein adequacy and fat content were analyzed by mathematical calculations of difference and proportion. No difference was observed between nutritional composition of wet foods and the values declared on the labels for the majority of the diets analyzed, and there was a predominance of products that exceeded FEDIAF minimum recommendations of protein and fat for both species. No difference was observed between the three methods of fat content evaluation (p = 0.68). It was concluded that wet foods evaluated in this study match the label information and FEDIAF nutrient requirement recommendations, considering recommended calorie intake. All three fat determination methodologies evaluated were similar, justifying the choice of the easiest or cheapest method.

Rural Household Food Security Status: The Case of Laelay Maichew Woreda, Tigray

The study was conducted in Tigray, Laelay Maichew woreda to assess the food security status of rural households. Different concepts and empirical findings are profoundly organized and presented. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The analysis was made from primary and secondary data. Multi-stage random sampling method was employed to select respective agro-ecologies, Administrative kebeles, and households. Primary data were gathered using survey questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. 150 (107 male, 43 female) households were used for the survey. While secondary data were collected from different published and unpublished materials. Data were analyzed using Household Food Balance Model (HFBM) and descriptive statistics. GIS is also used for mapping the study area. The result of HFBM analysis indicates that 22.7% of the households achieved the daily recommended calorie intake/adult equivalent/ day (2,100 kcal) while, 77.3% of households are found to be below the daily recommended calorie intake. The average calorie intake of the households covers only 56.2%. Based on the household head, female-headed households are found to be more food insecure than their male counterpart. So, the government should exhaustively work on promoting irrigation, providing credit, and subsidizing the farmers in the area of the agricultural sector to solve the problem of food insecurity. Moreover, the government should give due emphasis to female-headed households to empower them economically.

Observation and assessment of the nutritional quality of \u2018out of school\u2019 foods popular with secondary school pupils at lunchtime

BackgroundThe contemporary Scottish diet is unhealthy and a risk factor for poor health outcomes including obesity. Over a third of Scottish children are at risk of being overweight or obese, and there have been calls to strengthen the evidence base on the role of the food retail environment around schools in influencing the consumption of unhealthy foods.MethodsWe examined the food retail environment around five secondary schools in Glasgow city, Scotland. Trained fieldworkers observed the food purchasing behaviour of school pupils in local shops. Samples of the most popular foods were subsequently purchased by the research team and assessed for nutritional content, including energy, total and saturated fat, and salt. This was compared with the nutrient standards for school lunches established by the Scottish Government.ResultsThere was marked variation in the number of outlets identified within a 10 min walk from each school, ranging from five in the area with the lowest number of outlets to thirty in the area with the highest number of outlets. Outlets identified were heterogeneous and included fish and chip shops, kebab shops, convenience stores, newsagents, bakeries, mobile catering units, cafés, pizzerias, sandwich shops and supermarkets. Lunchtime offers and other marketing strategies targeting school pupils were observed at most outlets. Nutritional analysis of the 45 savoury food items purchased was conducted by laboratory staff. Of the foods analysed, 49% of the samples exceeded recommended calorie intake, 58% exceeded total fat recommendations and 64% exceeded saturated fat recommendations, 42% exceeded recommended salt levels. Over 80% of the 45 food items sampled did not comply with one of more of the nutrient standards for fat, saturated fat and salt. Meal deals and promotions of unhealthy foods aimed at pupils were widely available.ConclusionsThe majority of pupils purchased unhealthy convenience food of poor nutritional value at lunchtime in local shops around their school. Further effort is required to implement regulatory levers such as taxation on unhealthy foods, restriction on the concentration of outlets selling unhealthy foods as well as the development of partnerships and additional measures within and beyond schools to promote healthy foods.

Determinants of Food Security Status of Maize-Based Farming Households in Southern Guinea Savannah Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.

Nigeria is one of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa with insufficient food and high food import bill, which have debilitating effects on the productive capacity of the citizens. Maize is the most important cereal after rice and its production contributes immensely to food availability on the tables of many Nigerians. This study examined the contribution of maize production to household food security status of rural maize-farming households in the southern guinea savannah of Oyo state, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 200 farm households and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics, recommended daily calorie requirement (RDCR) approach, Logit model. Results showed that about three-quarters of the households were food secure and were able to meet the recommended calorie intake of 2260Kcal per capita per day. The shortfall index (P) which measures the extent of deviation from the food security line, indicated that the food secure households exceeded the RDCR by 65%, while the food insecure households fell short of the RDCR by 31%. The logit model showed that maize output, gender, primary occupation of the farmer, farm size and farming experience had a positive influence on food security status while age had a negative influence on the food security status of maize-based farming households in the Southern Guinea Savannah of Oyo State, Nigeria. This suggests need for specific support to improve maize production

Knowledge of Recommended Calorie Intake and Influence of Calories on Food Selection Among Canadians

ObjectiveTo examine knowledge of recommended daily calorie intake, use of calorie information, and sociodemographic correlates between knowledge and use. DesignPopulation-based, random digit–dialed phone surveys. ParticipantsCanadian adults (n = 1,543) surveyed between October and December, 2012. Main Outcome MeasuresKnowledge of recommended calorie intake and use of calorie information when purchasing food. AnalysisRegression models, adjusting for sociodemographics and diet-related measures. ResultsOverall, 24% of participants correctly stated their recommended daily calorie intake; the majority (63%) underestimated it, whereas few (4%) overestimated it. Females, younger participants, those with a higher income and more education, and those who consumed fruits and vegetables at least 5 times daily were significantly more likely to state recommended intake correctly. Most respondents (82%) reported considering calories when selecting foods. Respondents considered calories more often if they were female, had a higher income and more education, perceived themselves to be overweight, were actively trying to control their weight, reported a healthier diet, or consumed fruits and vegetables at least 5 times daily. Conclusions and ImplicationsAlthough most Canadians reported using calorie information to guide their food choices, few knew their daily recommended calorie intake. To promote healthy weights, policy initiatives, including education regarding daily calorie intake and changes to the Nutrition Facts table, may help consumers make better choices about food.

Christina Roberto: taking a broad view on combating obesity

Christina Roberto: taking a broad view on combating obesity

Supplementing Menu Labeling With Calorie Recommendations to Test for Facilitation Effects

We examined the effect on food purchases of adding recommended calorie intake per day or per meal to the mandated calorie information posted on chain restaurant menus. Before and after New York City implemented calorie posting on chain restaurant menus in 2008, we provided daily, per-meal, or no calorie recommendations to randomized subsets of adult lunchtime customers (n = 1121) entering 2 McDonald's restaurants, in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and collected receipts and survey responses as they exited. In linear and logistic regressions, with adjustment for gender, race, age, and day, we tested for simple differences in calories consumed and interactions between variables. Posting calorie benchmarks had no direct impact, nor did it moderate the impact of calorie labels on food purchases. The recommendation appeared to promote a slight increase in calorie intake, attributable to increased purchases of higher-calorie entrées. These results do not support the introduction of calorie recommendations as a means of enhancing the impact of posted calorie information or reducing the contribution of restaurant dining to the obesity epidemic.

Food security status among cocoa growing households in Ondo and Kwara states of Nigeria: A discriminant analysis approach

Cocoa, being a cash crop is mostly cultivated among cocoa farmers without giving much consideration to the cultivation of food crops. There is, however, little evidence on the translation of the income from cocoa production into improved food security by cocoa farmers. This study therefore examined the food security status of cocoa farming households in Nigeria. A simple purposive random sampling technique was used to select 100 cocoa farmers from each of Ondo and Kwara states of Nigeria, thus making a total of 200 respondents used for the study. Information was collected from the respondents with the aid of a structured questionnaire and the data obtained from the information were analysed with Descriptive Statistics, Food Security Index, Surplus/Shortfall Index and Discriminant Analysis. The mean age for the households’ head was 53±16.27 years while the mean household size was 7±4.24 persons per household. The mean per capita food consumption was 2063.15±1343.55 kilocalories and the mean monthly farm income was N27,536.50±29161.74. With food security line of N 1,959.00, 44.0 % of the sampled households in the study area were able to meet the recommended calorie intake of 245 0 Kilocalories per capita per day. The food secure households exceeded the calorie requirement by 0.03% while the food insecure households fell short of the recommended calorie intake by 0.02%. An increase in the value of association membership of household head, off -farm income, farming experience of household head and number of meals taken per day (p&lt;0.05) would improve the food security stat us of households and hence would shift the households to food security while an increase in the value of household size and per capita non -food expenditure (p&lt;0.05) would worsen the food security status of households and therefore shift the household to food insecurity. The study recommended that there is a need for an enlightenment programme on birth control and that government can subsidize the price of food items as this will reduce the cost of procuring food items by households thus enabling households to be able to increase the number of meals taken per day. Also, cocoa farming households are encouraged to ensure that income from cocoa is partly used to address food insecurity at household level.

Evaluation of calorie density and feeding directions for commercially available diets designed for weight loss in dogs and cats

To determine range of calorie density and feeding directions for commercially available diets designed for weight management in dogs and cats. Cross-sectional study. 93 diets (44 canine diets and 49 feline diets) that had a weight management claim with feeding directions for weight loss or implied weight management claims. Calorie density was collected from product labels or by contacting manufacturers. Recommended feeding directions for weight loss were compared with resting energy requirement (RER) for current body weight by use of a standard body weight (36.4 kg [80 lb] for canine diets and 5.5 kg [12 lb] for feline diets). Calorie density for the 44 canine diets ranged from 217 to 440 kcal/cup (median, 301 kcal/cup) and from 189 to 398 kcal/can (median, 310 kcal/can) for dry and canned diets, respectively. Calorie density for the 49 feline diets ranged from 235 to 480 kcal/cup (median, 342 kcal/cup) and from 78 to 172 kcal/can (median, 146 kcal/can) for dry and canned diets, respectively. Recommended calorie intake for weight loss in dogs ranged from 0.73 to 1.47 x RER (median, 1.00 x RER) and for weight loss in cats ranged from 0.67 to 1.55 x RER (median, 1.00 x RER). Diets ranged from $0.04 to $1.11/100 kcal of diet (median, $0.15/100 kcal of diet). Wide variation existed in recommended calorie intake, kilocalories, and cost for diets marketed for weight loss in pets. This variability could contribute to challenges of achieving successful weight loss in pets.