Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire Research Articles

Associations between dietary patterns and renal impairment in individuals with diabetes: a cross-sectional study.

A variety of chronic diseases are affected by diet. To our knowledge, few studies have investigated the relationship between dietary patterns and renal impairment in individuals with diabetes within an Asian population. This study aimed to assess the relationship between renal impairment and dietary patterns in individuals with diabetes within a Chinese population. In this cross-sectional survey, we analysed data on 1522 participants with diabetes aged 18 years or older who took part in the China National Diabetic Chronic Complications Study. We utilised the Chinese Diabetes Complications Questionnaire, including the semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ). We identified three dietary patterns using factor analysis: Chinese traditional, healthy and plant-based dietary patterns, and these dietary patterns were used to classify participants into four groups based on the quartiles of their scores. A decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) and an increase in the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR; ≥3 mg/mmol) were used as indicators of renal impairment. Binary logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of the highest quartile (Q4: high intake levels of each dietary pattern) for renal impairment compared to the lowest quartile (Q1: low intake levels of each dietary pattern). Among the 1522 participants, there was a 5.5% prevalence of low eGFR, with prevalence rates of 5.2% in men and 5.9% in women, yet the prevalence of albuminuria was as high as 47.9%. After adjusting for confounders, participants in Q4 of the plant-based dietary pattern had a smaller OR for renal impairment than those in Q1. Our findings demonstrated that a plant-based dietary pattern is associated with a reduced risk of renal impairment in a population with diabetes.

Associations between ultra-processed food consumption and kidney function in an older adult population with metabolic syndrome

Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption has increased dramatically over the last decades worldwide. Although it has been linked to some cardiometabolic comorbidities, there is limited evidence regarding kidney function. This study aimed to cross-sectionally and longitudinally assess the association between UPF consumption and estimated-glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on Cystatin C (CysC). Older adults (mean age 65±5.0 years, 46% women) with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) who had available data of CysC at baseline (n=1909), at one-year and at 3-years of follow-up (n=1700) were analyzed. Food consumption was assessed using a validated 143-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and UPF consumption (% of g/d) at baseline and changes after one-year of follow-up were estimated according to NOVA classification system. Multivariable-adjusted linear and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the cross-sectional associations between UPF consumption with eGFR levels and decreased kidney function (eGFR <60ml/min/1.73m2) at baseline. Multivariable-adjusted mixed-effects linear regression models were fitted to investigate the associations between one-year changes in UPF and eGFR over 3-years of follow-up. Individuals with the highest baseline UPF consumption showed lower eGFR (β:-3.39ml/min/1.73m2; 95% CI:-5.59 to-1.20) and higher odds of decreased kidney function (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.22) at baseline, compared to individuals in the lowest tertile. Participants in the highest tertile of one-year changes in UPF consumption presented a significant decrease in eGFR after one-year of follow-up (β:-1.45ml/min/1.73m2; 95% CI:-2.90 to-0.01) as well as after 3-years of follow-up (β:-2.18ml/min/1.73m2; 95% CI:-3.71 to-0.65) compared to those in the reference category. In a Mediterranean population of older adults with overweight/obesity and MetS, higher UPF consumption at baseline and one-year changes towards higher consumption of UPF were associated with worse kidney function at baseline and over 3-years of follow-up, respectively. ISRCTN89898870.

Association between Dietary Patterns and Serum Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Japanese Women and Men: The Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study.

The association between dietary patterns and serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol would be changing in recent dietary habits in Japan. We investigated the relationship between dietary patterns and serum LDL cholesterol in a large general population. From the baseline survey of Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study between 2005 and 2013, 27,237 participants (13,994 were women) aged 35-69 years were cross-sectionally analyzed. Using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, five major sex-specific dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. We assessed serum LDL cholesterol by quintiles of dietary pattern factor score. We identified dietary patterns; "vegetable rich pattern" , "meat and fried food rich pattern" and "high bread and low rice pattern" in women and men; "fish and shellfish rich pattern" and "high confectioneries and low alcohol pattern" in men; "healthy Japanese diet pattern" and "high alcohol and low rice pattern" in women. Serum LDL cholesterol in men was associated with "high bread and low rice pattern" score (Q5 was 4.2 mg/dL higher than Q1, p for trend ＜0.001) and "high confectioneries and low alcohol pattern" scores (Q5 was 9.5 mg/dL higher than Q1, p for trend ＜0.001). In women, serum LDL cholesterol was associated with "high bread and low rice pattern" score (Q5 was 7.1 mg/dL higher than Q1, p for trend ＜0.001). Some recent dietary patterns in Japan were associated with serum LDL cholesterol. Serum LDL cholesterol was associated with high bread and low rice pattern in both sex, and high confectioneries and low alcohol pattern in men.

Omega-6 and Omega-3 Intake Ratio in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients and Its Correlation with Depression Score

Introduction: Depression affects 45.19% of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients' adherence to treatment, resulting in increased morbidity and death, medication resistance, and continued disease transmission. This study aimed to examine the relationship between omega-6/omega-3 (ꞷ-6/ꞷ-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake ratio and depression score in patients with pulmonary TB at Persahabatan National Respiratory Referral Hospital, Jakarta. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 99 subjects with pulmonary TB. Data were collected using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), anthropometric measurements, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Results: Correlation analysis used the Spearman test and revealed the ratio of ꞷ-6/ꞷ-3 PUFAs intake of 7.78 ± 1.13, the median value of depression score was 9 (10-36). There was no correlation between ꞷ-6/ꞷ-3 PUFA intake and depression score (r = 0.063; p = 0.534). Conclusion: There was no correlation between ꞷ-6/ꞷ-3 PUFAs intake ratio and depression scores in pulmonary TB patients. This is the first study to examine the correlation between ꞷ-6/ꞷ-3 PUFA intake ratio and depression score in pulmonary TB patients.

Associations Between Health Literacy and Dietary Intake: A Cross-sectional Study of Adults With Metabolic Syndrome in Thailand

Background: Health literacy (HL) is an indicator of health outcomes, but its role in dietary intake has received little attention. Excessive dietary intake increases the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the HL score, dietary intake, and nutrient intake of participants and the relationship between HL score and dietary intake among adults with MetS in Thailand. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2527 adults aged 18–59 years in primary care services, Phetchaburi, Thailand were included in the study using a multistage sampling technique. We determined HL scores using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and dietary intake using a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. We used multiple linear regression analysis to investigate the associations between HL score and dietary intake. Results: HL scores were significantly lower in patients with MetS compared with participants without it (P&lt;0.05). Participants with MetS had significantly higher calorie and fat intake than participants without it (P&lt;0.05), and participants with MetS had higher fat and lower carbohydrate intake. The results of multiple linear regression showed a significant negative association between HL score and dietary intake, after controlling for potential confounding variables (ꞵ=−0.053, P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that low HL score is associated with high dietary intake. Therefore, improving HL might play an important role in reducing dietary intake to decrease the risk of MetS.

Dietary inflammatory index in relation to severe coronary artery disease in Iranian adults.

Limited findings are available on the relationship between dietary inflammation index (DII) and severe coronary artery disease (CAD). Considering the high prevalence of CAD and its complications, we examined the relationship between DII and CAD. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 275 adults who underwent elective angiography. Severe coronary artery disease was measured by the gensini scoring system. DII was measured by a valid semi-quantitative 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Blood samples were collected after 12 h of fasting to measure serum lipid profile and quantitative C-reactive protein (q-CRP) levels. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the odds (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). People in the last tertile of the DII had a higher chance of suffering from severe coronary artery disease (OR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.97-6.98), hypercholesterolemia (OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 5.03-1.48), reduced HDL-cholesterol levels (OR: 3.77; 95% CI: 9.34-1.52), and hypertension (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 3.49-1.06) compared to people in the first tertile. After adjusting for confounding factors, the relationship remained significant. A direct and significant relationship was observed between the DII and increased q-CRP levels, which disappeared after adjusting for confounding factors in the adjusted model (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 0.86-4.73). This cross-sectional study showed a direct and linear relationship between following an anti-inflammatory diet and decreasing the chance of severe CAD. Therefore, it seems necessary to implement community-based educational programs to promote healthy nutrition in order to prevent CADs.

Nutrients patterns and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among Egyptian children: a sibling and community matched case-control study

BackgroundAttention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis has been growing among children, with great public health concern. The relationship between nutrient intake pattern and ADHD remains unclear.AimTo identify the nutrient intake patterns and its association with ADHD in children.Subjects and methodsThe study involved 146 children with ADHD, 141 control sibling, and 146 community controls. ADHD diagnosis was confirmed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V) criteria following the assessment by the long-form Conner’s Scale. Dietary intakes were assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Nutrients patterns were identified using the principal component analysis (PCA).ResultsADHD children have significantly higher mean total energy intake than community controls and siblings (8867.9, 4481.9 and 7308.2 KJ, respectively, p < 0.001). Four nutrient patterns extracted by the PCA explained 75.9% of the total variance. Lower tertiles of “predominantly calcium-phosphorus; pattern 1” and “predominantly-vitamins; pattern 3” were significantly associated with increasing odds of ADHD, compared to community controls (p for trend: 0.002 and 0.005, respectively), while the same associations were noted in “predominantly-vitamins” and “predominantly Zinc-Iron; pattern 2” when compared to siblings (p for trend: <0.001 and <0.001, respectively). However, Higher tertiles of macronutrients; pattern 4” were associated with increased ADHD odds, compared to either community controls or siblings (p for trend: 0.017 and <0.001, respectively).ConclusionLower intakes of nutrients patterns of minerals and vitamins, and higher intakes of macronutrients were associated with increased likelihood of ADHD in children.

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.

Food Insecurity is Associated with Low Dietary Diversity in Rural Women in Mexico: Results from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey, ENSANUT 2018

ABSTRACT Rural women suffer greater vulnerability to food insecurity (FI) compared to their urban or male counterparts. We analyzed the association between food security (FS) status and dietary diversity (DD) in rural women through data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2018 from 2,099 rural women. DD was measured using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. FS was measured using the Latin America and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA). The prevalence of any level of FI was 70.1%. Mean DD score was 3.8. Mild FI was associated with low DD (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.06, 2.10). Results highlight the need for government strategies targeted to this population sector to improve their diet quality.

Coffee consumption habits with the addition of added ingredients correlated with obesity among females students in Semarang

Chemical compounds found in coffee are good for health, but most Indonesians often consume coffee with added ingredients, such as sugar and milk. Thus, it will potentially increase the risk of obesity. This study aimed to analyze coffee consumption habits with added ingredients and their correlation with the incidence of obesity among female students in Semarang. The research design was cross-sectional, with 77 female students randomly selected. This study was conducted from March to April 2021 in Semarang. All data collection process was conducted online. Data on coffee consumption habits, the kind of added ingredients, and the number of allowances were obtained through questionnaires. Furthermore, the food intake data were obtained from the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), physical activity data from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and anthropometric data through self-anthropometric measurement guided by the researcher. Data were analyzed by the Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression test at a 95% CI. There was a relationship between coffee consumption habits and obesity according to the body mass index (p= 0,014), waist circumference (p= 0,001), and waist-hip ratio (p= 0,001). The multivariate analysis showed that the frequent consumption of coffee with added ingredients was correlated with the incidence of abdominal obesity based on waist circumference and waist-hip circumference ratio. It can be concluded that coffee consumption with added ingredients was correlated with the incidence of obesity.

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.

The association between plant and animal protein intake and quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Hemodialysis (HD) patients often experience a significant reduction in quality of life (QOL). The source of dietary protein intake may influence the renal function and complications of HD patients. The present study assessed the relationship between plant and animal protein intake and QOL in HD patients. 264 adult patients under dialysis for at least three months were included in this cross-sectional study. Dietary intakes were collected using a valid and reliable 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) over the past year. Total, animal, and plant proteins were calculated for each patient. To evaluate QOL, Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF 1/3) was used. Anthropometric measures were assessed according to standard protocols. In this study, the average age of participants was 58.62 ± 15.26 years old; most (73.5%) were men. The mean of total, plant, and animal proteins intake were 66.40 ± 34.29 g/d, 34.60 ± 18.24 g/d, and 31.80 ± 22.21 g/d. Furthermore, the mean score of QOL was 59.29 ± 18.68. After adjustment for potential confounders, a significant positive association was found between total dietary protein intake and QOL (β = 0.12; p = 0.03). Moreover, there was a significant association between plant-based protein intake and QOL (β = 0.26; p < 0.001). However, the association between animal protein intake and QOL was insignificant (β = 0.03; p = 0.60). Higher total and plant proteins intake were associated with better QOL in HD patients. Further studies, particularly prospective ones, are needed to corroborate these associations.

Anemia in female adolescents at Karanganyar regency: A cross-sectional study associated with polymorphism of duodenal cytochrome B gene and daily consumptions of fruits and vegetables.

The prevalence of anemia in female adolescents increases every year. A duodenal Cytochrome B (CYBRD1) enzyme is involved in the regulation of iron metabolism. G797A gene polymorphism of the CYBRD1 reduces nonheme iron transport into the enterocytes, which was mediated by the divalent metal transporter 1 protein. Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables has been recommended for the prevention of non- communicable diseases, including anemia. This study aimed to analyze the association of CYBRD1 polymorphism and daily consumption of fruits and vegetables with anemia in female adolescents in the Karanganyar regency. This cross-sectional study recruited 233 female students in 6 senior and vocational high schools in Karanganyar regency, which were selected using purposive sampling. Data on fruit and vegetable consumption were collected using Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). Polymorphism of the G797A CYBRD1 gene was determined using the amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction. All collected data were analyzed using chi-square and multiple logistic regression tests with p < 0.05. Anemia was found in 13.73% of female students. Inadequate intakes of fruits and vegetables were found in 63.09 and 51.07% of female students, respectively. The AA genotype (OR = 5.779; 95%CI: 0.974-34.289; p = 0.053), inadequate fruit consumption (OR = 1.497; 95%CI: 0.603-3.718; p = 0.133), and inadequate vegetable consumption (OR = 11.99; 95%CI: 3.457-41.586; p < 0.001) increased higher risk of anemia, compared with their counterparts. G797A CYBRD1 gene polymorphism and daily consumption of vegetables increase the risk of anemia but not for daily consumption of fruits in female adolescents in the Karanganyar regency.

Effect of weight change on the association between overall and source of carbohydrate intake and risk of metabolic syndrome: Tehran lipid and glucose study

BackgroundIn this prospective cohort study, we aimed to evaluate the association between dietary carbohydrates, whole grains, refined grains, and simple sugar with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and assess the effect of weight change on these associations.MethodsThis study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). We included 1915 healthy participants with complete demographic, anthropometric and dietary measurements, among whom 591 developed MetS during 8.9 years of follow-up. Intake of dietary carbohydrates, whole grains, refined grains, and simple sugar was assessed with a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for MetS events across tertiles of dietary variables. Using joint classification, the effect of weight change on the association between dietary variables and risk of MetS was assessed by Cox regression.ResultsCarbohydrate intake was not associated with the risk of MetS in multivariable-adjusted models. Whole grains intake was inversely associated with the risk of MetS (HR: 0.78, CI: 0.63–0.98), while this association disappeared after adjustment for weight change. The risk of MetS increased by 11% (1.11, 1.09–1.14) for each 3% energy increment from simple sugar, and by 5% (1.05, 1.03–1.08) for each 1 serving/day increment in refined grains. Consumption of refined grains increased the risk of MetS; an effect modification of this association was found by weight change. Among subjects with weight loss, intake of refined grains < median intake decreased the risk of MetS (0.59, 0.41–0.87). However, consumption of refined grains ≥ median intake increased the risk of MetS in individuals with weight gain (1.47, 1.08–2.01). Simple sugar was positively associated with an increased risk of MetS, after adjustment for weight change (3.00, 2.37–3.82). In joint classification, intake of simple sugar greater than median intake increased the risk of MetS, independent of weight change.ConclusionOur findings suggest an effect modification by weight change on the association between carbohydrates, and refined grains intake and the risk of MetS. Weight loss along with lower consumption of carbohydrates, and refined grains reduced the risk of MetS. However, simple sugar intake, regardless of weight change, was associated with an increased risk of MetS.

Dietary linoleic acid intake in relation to breast cancer: A case-control study.

The present study aimed to investigate the association between dietary linoleic acid (LA) intake and breast cancer in women. In this population-based case-control study, we enrolled 350 pathologically confirmed breast cancer cases and 700 controls which were matched with cases in terms of age and socioeconomic status. Dietary intakes were assessed using a 106-item Willett-format semi-quantitative dish-based food frequency questionnaire (DS-FFQ). Odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. A significant inverse association was found between LA intake and odds of breast cancer (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.30-0.56). After adjusting for potential confounders, women in the highest tertile of dietary LA intake were 48% less likely to have breast cancer compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28-0.95). Such a significant inverse association was also seen among normal-weight women (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14-0.63), and premenopausal women (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.02-0.95). The findings of current study provide evidence for a protective role of LA against breast cancer particularly among normal-weight and premenopausal women. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this association.

Association of dietary and lifestyle inflammation score with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic risk factors in Iranian adults: Sabzevar Persian Cohort Study.

Systemic inflammation may contribute to the initiation and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through diet and lifestyle. We examined the association of dietary inflammation score (DIS), lifestyle inflammation score (LIS) and dietary and lifestyle inflammation score (DLIS) with T2DM and cardiometabolic risk factors among Iranian adults. In this study, we identified and recruited 619 patients with T2DM and 2113 without T2DM from 35 to 75 years old men and women in the baseline phase of the Sabzevar Persian Cohort Study. Using a validated 115-item semi-quantitative FFQ, we calculated a 19-component DIS and a 3-component LIS weighted by circulating inflammation biomarkers. The DIS, LIS and DLIS associations with diabetes were assessed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The average age of the participants was 48·29 (sd 8·53) (without T2DM: 47·66 (sd 8·42); with T2DM: 50·44 (sd 8·57)). Individuals in the highest compared with the lowest tertiles of DLIS (OR: 3·40; 95 % CI 2·65, 4·35; Ptrend < 0·001), DIS (OR: 3·41; 95 % CI 2·66, 4·38; Ptrend < 0·001) and LIS (OR: 1·15; 95 % CI 0·90, 1·46; Ptrend = 0·521) had an increased risk of T2DM. For those in the highest relative to the lowest joint DIS and LIS tertiles, the results were OR: 3·37; 95 % CI 2·13, 5·32; Pinteraction < 0·001. No significant associations were found between DLIS and cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure, liver enzymes and glycaemic and lipid profiles, except for waist circumference (P < 0·001) and waist-to-hip ratio (P = 0·010). A higher DIS and DLIS score was associated with a higher risk of T2DM, while the LIS score was not associated with T2DM risk.

Perinatal dietary patterns and symptomatic depression: A prospective cohort study.

To promote maternal and infant health, there is a need to optimise the dietary pattern of pregnant women to reduce perinatal depression. This prospective cohort study was conducted from June 2020 to February 2022, 300 women from a medical center were interviewed during late pregnancy and at 4-6 weeks postpartum. Dietary patterns were derived by factor analysis using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Symptomatic depression was defined using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS, ranged 0-30). Their dairy, vegetableand fruit intakes were below the Taiwanese recommendations for pregnant women. Symptomatic depression (EPDS ≥10) affected 31.3% in the third trimester and 35.7% postpartum. Pre- and post-EPDS scores were positively correlated (r = 0.386, p < 0.001). Approximately 55% of those depressed before delivery were also depressed postpartum. For late pregnancy, four dietary patterns were identified ('Good oil', 'Vegetables and fruits', 'Omnivorous' and 'Refined-grain and organ meats'). Dietary patterns were classified according to quartiles (Q). Higher omnivorous pattern scores reduced the risk of depression. For prenatal depression, with Q1 as a reference, the risk was reduced by 38% for Q2, 43% for Q3 and 59% for Q4 (p for trend = 0.068). These findings became evident postpartum (reduced risk by 68% for Q2, 69% for Q3 and 70% for Q4 (p = 0.031; p for trend = 0.0032). The association between dietary patterns and depression encourages the routine nutritional management of pregnant women.

Lifestyle Factors and Energy Intakes with Risks of Breast Cancer among Pre- and Post- Menopausal Women in Taiwan.

Although the incidence of invasive breast cancer (BC) among women in Asian is generally lower than that in Western countries, the incidence of BC has been on the rise in the past three decades in Asian countries. This hospital-based case-control study aimed to explore the relationship between dietary and metabolic factors and BC risk in pre- and post-menopausal women. We enrolled 285 patients with newly diagnosed BC at the National Taiwan University Hospital and 297 controls from the local community and hospital staff. Before receiving anticancer therapy, all patients with BC and control participants completed a 57-question semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. For pre-menopausal women, plant-based factor scores rich in seeds and nuts, soy, fruits, and seaweeds correlated significantly with reduced BC risks, whereas menarche occurring at <12 years of age, reduced physical activity, and high-density lipoprotein <40 mg/dL were associated with increased BC risks. For post-menopausal women, plant-based dietary factor scores were also associated with reduced risks, whereas increased body mass index and energy intake levels correlated with increased BC risks. Diets rich in plant-based dietary patterns are protective against BC risk, regardless of menopausal status. Habitual physical activity is protective against BC risk among pre-menopausal Taiwanese women. Maintaining optimal weight and caloric intake is beneficial for reducing post-menopausal BC risk.

Adherence to the dietary approaches to stop hypertension and bone health in the Chinese elderly.

Many studies have demonstrated the relationship between diet and bone health, but research on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern and bone health across populations is rare. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between the DASH dietary pattern and bone health outcomes in Chinese elders, to verify whether higher adherence to the DASH was associated with better bone health in elderly populations. A total of 839 Chinese adults aged 50years and above participated in this cross-sectional study. Bone mineral density (BMD) at calcaneus was measured via ultrasonic bone densitometer. A semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the usual dietary intake in the past 12months. The DASH score was calculated based on energy-adjusted intakes of nine dietary components, including whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, dairy, red meat, total fat, sodium, and sugar-sweetened beverages. In postmenopausal women, DASH score was significantly and positively correlated with BMD T-score after controlling potential covariates (β: 0.027 ± 0.012, P = 0.031) in multivariable linear regression models. In binary logistic regression analysis, male participants in the highest tertile of DASH score had lower risk of osteoporosis than those in the lowest tertile (odds ratio = 0.499; 95% confidence interval, 0.262-0.951; P = 0.035) after adjusting potential covariates. Adherence to the DASH dietary pattern was associated with better bone health in Chinese elderly adults.

Does School Gardening and Nutrition Education Improve Knowledge and Fruit-Vegetable Consumption Among Elementary School Students?

Background: Although scientific evidence has revealed the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) for children, 96.8% of age school children in Indonesia and 70.6% of primary school students in Jakarta did not have FVC as recommended. Aims: to assess how Muhammadiyah Elementary School Students’ knowledge and FVC were affected by school gardening and nutrition education. Methods: Following 6 monthly program, knowledge and FVC were assessed by using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) and knowledge questionnaire. Results: 1) There is a significant increase in students’ knowledge scores from 43.24 ± 14.24 to 70.31 ± 18.92 (P-value 0.000). 4); 2) The mean of FCV was elevated from 211.45±12.33 to 289.76±19.64, however, it was not statistically significant (P-Value of 0.058). Conclusion: Although knowledge has been improved following 6 months program, the FVC level was not dramatically enhanced. Future similar activities need to be done in a non-pandemic situation and should be lengthened into more than 6 months to portray a significant increase in FVC.