Snacking Patterns Research Articles

The Efficacy and Safety of Dietary Counseling in Prevention and Treatment of Dental Caries in Children

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease influenced by various factors, including diet, oral hygiene practices, and genetic predisposition. Preventive strategies are crucial in the pediatric population. Early intervention and prevention are key to mitigating the burden of dental caries. Energy needs are higher in early childhood, necessitating more frequent meals. Dietary counseling aims to modify behaviors and promote healthy choices to reduce caries risk. The United States Dietary Guidelines provide recommendations for promoting health and preventing disease. Dietary Reference Intakes specify nutrient requirements based on age and gender. Dietary counseling plays a valuable role in promoting oral health and preventing dental caries. Studies show a clear link between sugar intake and tooth decay. Dietary modifications, such as reducing sugary beverage consumption, can be implemented gradually to ensure compliance. Effective counseling interventions have shown reductions in early childhood caries incidence. However, challenges remain in encouraging healthy eating habits. Preventive educational initiatives for new mothers have been successful in reducing caries prevalence. The prenatal period is critical for oral health, and pregnant women should be educated about a healthy diet. Adequate nutrition in the first year of life is essential, and breastfeeding is encouraged. Introducing sugar early can lead to a preference for high-sugar foods. Caregivers should promote healthy meal and snack patterns. From ages one to five, nutritious foods should be provided, and high-sugar foods limited to mealtimes. By addressing these considerations, dental professionals can contribute to preventing dental caries in children

An empirically derived “prudent” dietary pattern is associated with lower obesity occurrence: Modeling and mapping from a national nutrition survey

The characterization of dietary patterns linked to obesity is important to address evidence-based interventions against the obesity epidemic. We hypothesized that both dietary behaviors and environmental characteristics affect the spatial distribution of obesity. This study aimed to analyze the role of dietary patterns in the occurrence of obesity in Colombia, taking into account the hierarchical (geographical) structure of the data. A cross-sectional study based on the Colombian National Nutrition Survey (2015) was carried out. A subsample of 8750 adults who reported dietary intake data (by the 24-hour diet recall method) was extracted. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component factor analysis. Their association with obesity occurrence was assessed by using multilevel Poisson regression models (8750 subjects nested in 33 geographic units). Thematic maps were constructed. The obesity prevalence was 18.0% (95% CI, 16.7-19.4). Four dietary patterns were identified for the study group. An inverse (negative) association was found in people with high adherence (vs. low adherence) to the "prudent pattern” (dairy products, fruits, vegetables) (prevalence ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78-0.96; P = .01). People with high adherence to the "soft drinks and snacking pattern" (sugary drinks, meat products, snacks) tended to show a direct (positive) association with obesity occurrence (prevalence ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.99-1.27; P = .06). Maps showed higher adherence levels to the prudent pattern in departments with higher socioeconomic conditions and lower obesity prevalence. To conclude, a prudent dietary pattern emerges as a key factor in obesity occurrence in Colombia. Obesity spatial distribution may be conditioned by contextual factors that represent social inequalities in health.

Dietary patterns and cardiovascular biomarkers in adults with and without type 1 Diabetes mellitus

To identify dietary patterns and assess their association with the presence or absence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and biochemical markers of cardiovascular risk. The study involved patients with T1D and healthy individuals (n=90). Patients with T1D were recruited at the Endocrinology and Diabetes Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital from the Federal University of Ceará (HUWC-UFC) and healthy adult individuals were recruited at the State University of Ceará (UECE) and UFC, in the period from 2016 to 2017. Dietary intake was obtained through 24-hour recalls. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component factor analysis, followed by orthogonal varimax rotation. Poisson regression estimated the prevalence ratios of independent variables in relation to outcomes. Three main patterns were identified: prudent (poultry, fish, tame fruits, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, skimmed milk, and with a negative charge for beef, pork, cereal, legumes, and whole milk), snack (sandwich and fruit smoothie) and western (industrialized drinks, sweets, snacks, and foods rich in fats). Association was observed between prudent pattern with lower HDL cholesterol level; snack pattern with lower fasting blood glucose and higher triglyceride level and the western one with higher fasting blood glucose level. There was no association between patterns and the presence or absence of T1D. The patterns identified were not associated with the presence or absence of T1D, but have been related with HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose.

RELATIONSHIP OF SNACKING PATTERNS WITH DENTAL CARIES IN SDN 1 JEUMPET STUDENTS, ACEH BESAR REGENCY IN 2022

Dental caries is a major dental and oral health problem in the world. Dental caries is a disease of dental hard tissue that is closely related to the consumption of cariogenic foods or drinks. Cariogenic foods are sweet foods that can cause dental caries. The large number of street food vendors will encourage students to have a habit of consuming street food, especially during class breaks. Based on the results of the initial data on dental caries examination conducted at SDN 1 Jeumpet, from 15 students, the average dental caries was 3.8 in the moderate category. This study aims to determine the relationship between snacking patterns and dental caries in students of SDN 1 Jeumpet, Aceh Besar District. Using the chi-square test with a value of <0.05. The research was carried out at SDN 1 Jeumpet, Aceh Besar District and was carried out on 19-21 January 2022. The population in this study amounted to 102 students. The sample of this research is all students of SDN 1 jeumpet taken using Random Sampling technique that is as many as 50 students. The results showed that the value obtained was p = 0.034. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the pattern of snacking was not good with dental caries status in the high category of 13 students (50%). Meanwhile, a good snack pattern with dental caries status was found in the moderate category, namely 13 respondents (54.2) with a p value of 0.034 (p<0.05). The results of the chi-square statistical test show that there is a relationship between snacking patterns and dental caries in SDN 1 Jeumpet students, Aceh Besar district in 2022. It can be concluded that there is a relationship between snacking patterns and dental caries. Suggestion: It is expected that students will reduce the pattern of snacking on sweet and sticky foods and it is recommended to increase the consumption of fibrous snacks as daily food and maintain dental and oral hygiene.

Disordered Eating Attitudes Scale Is Associated with Socio-Demographics, Stress, and Snack Intake in Overweight and Obese College Students

ObjectivesCollege students are at risk for disordered eating attitudes (DEA) due the high demands of higher education. This could lead to a greater snack intake that could replace meals. DEA could also be influenced by demographics. Our objective was to evaluate the association between DEA, snack patterns, stress level, and demographics. MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of the baseline data from the Snackability Trial, a trial to test the effects of using the Snackability app to choose healthier snacks compared to controls. Students were recruited online from June 2020 to March 2021. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline on socio-demographics, snack intake, stress level, and DEA. Descriptive statistics included frequency and mean/standard deviation of all variables. ANOVA and Pearson correlations were used to evaluate the associations between variables. ResultsA total of 287 completed the baseline questionnaires. The average age was 21.2 ± 1.83 years, most were female (83.5%), white (40.0%), with a household income of < $50,000 (54.1%) and 45.1% were Hispanic/Latino. Average DEA score was 89.4 ± 19.2 (medium level), snacks were consumed 2.38 ± 1.08 times per day, and stress score was 6.76 ± 1.88 (medium-high). Age, stress, and snack intake were significantly correlated with the Restrictive and Compensatory subscale (p < 0.05). Stress was also significantly correlated with the total DEA score (p < 0.001), Relationship with food subscale (p < 0.001), and Concern about food and weight gain subscale (p = 0.002). Mean total DEA scores were similar by gender, race, ethnicity, or household income. ConclusionsAge, stress, and snack intake were significantly correlated with total DEA score or with one of the subscales of DEA. These results can be used to develop interventions for college students to promote healthy snacks and manage stress. Funding SourcesInternal funds from FIU.

Associations of Diet Patterns and Cardiometabolic Disease Risk Factors Among Mexican Women in the Sonora-Arizona Transborder Region

ObjectivesTo identify dietary patterns of Mexican women in the Sonora-Arizona transborder region and assess their association with cardiometabolic risk factors.MethodsMexican-born women aged 25–50 years residing in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico (n = 61) and Phoenix, Arizona, United States (n = 61) self-reported dietary intake via the Southwest Food Frequency Questionnaire capturing the prior year of intake and completed a clinic visit for the assessment of anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, hair cortisol, and fasting blood lipids, glucose, C-reactive protein (hsCRP), insulin, adiponectin, ghrelin, and leptin. Dietary patterns were derived using exploratory factor analysis. Regression scores were used to explore associations between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors.ResultsEight derived patterns accounted for 67% of the variance in the following descending order: 1) fruits & vegetables, 2) animal protein, 3) snacks & fats, 4) refined carbohydrates & snacks, 5) mixed dishes & red meats, 6) sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) & soups, 7) starchy dishes, and 8) cereals & eggs. The animal protein pattern was associated with ghrelin (r = .244, P = .035.), and inversely associated with diastolic blood pressure (r = −.192, P = .047) and BMI (r = −.220, P = .023). The snacks & fats (r = −.208, P = .035), and sweets, SSBs & soups (r = −.194, P = .049) were inversely associated with total cholesterol. The mixed dishes & red meats pattern was associated with hair cortisol (r = .211, P = .04). The refined carbohydrates & snacks pattern was inversely associated with total cholesterol (r = −.211, P = .032) and adiponectin (r = −.333, P = .024). There were no significant associations between dietary patterns and the rest of the biomarkers assessed.ConclusionsFindings suggest the main dietary patterns among Mexican women in the Arizona-Sonora border are rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. Despite the positive association with ghrelin, following a pattern rich in animal proteins was associated with lower BMI and blood pressure. In contrast, a diet rich in refined carbohydrates and snacks was associated with lower adiponectin concentrations and could contribute to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk.Funding Sources1883-FRONTERAS-CONACYT, Mexico, and Program for Transborder Communities, ASU.

Snacking pattern of college students in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlthough unhealthy snack foods are commonly consumed by college students, snacking patterns among college students have not been comprehensively examined in Saudi Arabia. In our study, we aimed to investigate snacking patterns among Saudi college students and to assess sociodemographic data that affect adherence to these snacking patterns.MethodsBetween January 2021 and March 2021 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, an online survey was conducted with 662 college students from a Saudi university. The survey included sociodemographic questions and a short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) regarding the consumption of common snack foods. Snacking patterns were generated from the FFQ using the factor analysis method.ResultsFactor analyses generated seven snacking patterns, which explained 64.5% of the variance in snacking. Students in their early academic years (1–3 years) had a higher score for the convenience snack and fast-food pattern (0.22 ± 0.48 and 0.31 ± 0.52, respectively) than senior students (4–6 years) (P = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). Healthy snacks patterns were higher among students at higher income levels (P = 0.006) and active students (P < 0.001) than among students at low- or mid-income levels and inactive students. Higher adherence to the beverages pattern was observed among male students (P = 0.03), active students (P = 0.01), and students with obesity than their counterparts (P = 0.02). The dairy products pattern was higher among male students (P = 0.04), students at higher income levels (P = 0.04), and students with obesity (P = 0.03) than their counterparts.ConclusionsMost snacking patterns identified among the study participants were considered unhealthy. Adherence to healthy snacks is influenced by physical activity and family income. These findings may be helpful in the future for developing adequate nutrition education programs that promote health by adhering to healthy snack choices in this critical age group. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to investigate snacking patterns among other age groups in Saudi Arabia.

A Study on analyzing the consumption of snacks pattern among school children

All parents wants their kids to be happy and healthy, but their health can be greatly reduced when the kids fill up on junk food. Junk food includes some of the obvious culprits, such as cookies and candy, but can also include things that charade as nutritional choices when they are really not. The worst foods for kids are those that are high in calories and meaningless additives but low on nutrition. Some of the biggest offenders may be on the menu every day. The right time for healthy snacks is often the time after school, in the evenings, when kids are hungry and the body demands energy and nutrition. But if you indulge in preparing exhaustive and tedious varieties, that consume time to prepare, your kid will look for other simpler options like biscuits and wafers. Hence, just like it is important to prepare nutritious snacks, it is also important to do it quickly. The data are collected from parents through questionnaires which is the primary data collection method used in this research. The study is analyzed by applying statistical tools such as interval estimation, chi-square, weighted average etc. The findings of this study have thrown startling insights.

Most meal and snack patterns are stable over a 3-year period in schoolchildren in southern Brazil.

This study aimed to identify meal and snack patterns in Brazilian schoolchildren and assess their stability over 3years. This is a repeated cross-sectional study carried out in 2013, 2014 and 2015 with 6353schoolchildren aged 7-12years from public schools in Florianópolis, Brazil. Previous-day food consumption data for six pre-defined meals (breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, dinner and evening snack) were collected using the validated Web-CAAFE (Food Consumption and Physical Activity of Schoolchildren) questionnaire. Latent class analysis was performed to derive meal and snack patterns. The stability of patterns was analysed using multinomial logistic regression, and the probability of belonging to a meal pattern was calculated for each year. Three patterns were identified for breakfast and four patterns for a mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, dinner and evening snack. Most meal and snack patterns were stable over the 3-year evaluation period. In the total sample, for a mid-afternoon snack, there was an increase in the probability of the children belonging to the 'Fruits and porridge' pattern (14.5%, 95% CI 12%-17% in 2015 vs. 9.2%, 95% CI 6.8%-11.7% in 2013) and a reduction in the 'Ultra-processed' pattern (42.5%, 95% CI 39.4%-45.6% in 2015 vs. 51.3%, 95% CI 46.5%-56.1% in 2013). These results appear to be in line with the recommendations of the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines and regional policies to increase the intake of healthy foods and limit that of ultra-processed, high fat, sugar and salt foods.

Snack intake among college students with overweight/obesity and its association with gender, income, stress, and availability of snacks during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective. To assess the determinants of snack intake among college students with overweight/obesity during COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that younger and male students, those from minority background, those experiencing higher stress levels, and those with higher accessibility/availability of unhealthy snacks would snack more frequently or consume more unhealthy snack choices. Methods. This was a secondary analysis of the baseline data obtained from the Snackability trial, a trial testing the efficacy of a smartphone application for improving the quality of snack intake in US college students with overweight/obesity. Participants completed a survey on socio-demographics, stress levels, and snack patterns at the baseline visit (n=298). Analyses included correlation, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis, and logistic regressions. Results. Most students were females 81.9%, 40.9% were whites, and 55.7% had a household income

Changes in Snacking Patterns during COVID-19 Lockdown in Adults from Mumbai City, India

Mumbai was one of the 1st cities in India to go into total lockdown in March 2020. The lockdown was expected to have an influence on eating habits specially the snacking patterns. The main objective of this study was to access the change in snacking patterns of participants living in Mumbai city, India during lockdown. Data was collected in 256 Mumbai residents (60 males, 196 females) using Google forms. Information regarding number of meals consumed, meals at which snacks were consumed, change in snacking pattern, reasons for increase or decrease in snacking, and type of snacks consumed during lockdown as compared to before lock was collected. Around 20% reported a decrease, 31% reported no change and 49% reported an increase in snack consumption during lockdown. Participants consumed higher number of meals during lockdown (p&lt;0.05). Significantly higher percentage of participants did not consume store brought snacks during lockdown (30.9% vs 13.7%) (p&lt;0.05). Significantly higher percentage of participants consumed snacks at mid-evening (50.4% vs 33.6%), late evening (48% vs 32%) and late night (32% vs 16.8%) during lockdown as compared to before lockdown (p&lt;0.05). Significantly change in lemon-water (57.8% vs 43.4%), coffee (47.3% vs 40.6%) and carbonated beverages (14.8% vs 23.4%) was observed during lockdown as compared to before lockdown (p&lt;0.05). Significant increase in nuts (74.2% vs 65.6%), instant noodles (69.5% vs 60.9%) and biscuits (78.5% vs 68%) was observed during lockdown as compared to before lockdown (p&lt;0.05). Significant decrease in South Indian (61.75 vs 69.1%), Frankie (32.8% vs 51.6%), bhel (50.4% vs 69.1%), Chinese bhel (21.5% vs 35.5%) and usal (32% vs 40.2%) was observed during lockdown as compared to before lockdown (p&lt;0.05). To conclude, snacks were consumed at more number of meals during lockdown in comparison to before lockdown. A change in type of snacks consumed was observed during lockdown. Ready and easy to eat snacks such as nuts, instant noodles and biscuits showed an increase whereas snacks that require elaborate cooking procedure showed a decrease in consumption. With partial lockdown still persisting in many parts of the country and many still working from home it is imperative to circulate more accurate information on appropriate snacking habits.

Perceptions and practices regarding snack consumption among women with varying weight statuses

The changing nature of working environment and lifestyle across the globe is creating a need for people to eat inexpensive meals outside their homes. Snacking is becoming more popular among women, resulting in several health problems. The aim of this study was to compare normal-weight, overweight, and obese women's perceptions and practices regarding snacking patterns and serving size of such meals. For this purpose, a cross- sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted on 150 healthy adult (&gt;18 years) females residing in Lahore. A self-designed questionnaire containing the sections anthropometric measurements (BMI), perceptions about snacking (9 items on 5 point Likert scale of agreement) and practices about snack consumption (11 items- closed ended questions about frequency and portion size) was used and distributed among the respondents using Google forms. After segregating data for various BMI statuses, statistical analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel and the results were presented as frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that majority the participants gave neutral response, with the least of them agreeing that snacking is an unhealthy dietary activity. It was observed that 50% of the underweight women were unaware of the consequences of snacking. It was concluded that individuals with lower BMI showed weaker perceptions and practices regarding snack consumption as compared to those that belonged to other weight categories. It is recommended that individual behavior should be diverted in favour of healthy snacking and developing healthy eating strategies that can be adopted at home, in school and on community level to overcome obesity.

Is the association between dietary patterns and cognition mediated by children's adiposity? A longitudinal approach in Generation XXI birth cohort

There is a consistent body of evidence on the association between single nutrients and cognition, but the role of a healthful dietary pattern on cognition in children has been seldomly studied. This study aims to assess the association between dietary patterns at 4 years (y) and cognitive abilities at 10-13y and examine whether adiposity mediated these associations. This study used data from a sub-sample of the population-based birth cohort Generation XXI, with complete information on diet and cognition (n=3575). At 4y, data on dietary intake was collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire and dietary patterns were derived by latent class analysis, namely Energy-dense food (EDF) pattern, Snacking pattern and Healthier pattern (Reference). At 10-13y, the Portuguese Version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children®-Third Edition was administered by trained psychologists and age-adjusted composite scores were computed: a Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (IQ), plus a Verbal IQ, Performance IQ and Processing Speed IQ. Age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) z-scores, body fat percentage from bioimpedance, and waist-to-weight ratio and waist-to-hip ratio were used as measures of adiposity. Regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using linear regression models (adjusted for maternal age and education, pre-pregnancy BMI, smoking and alcohol intake during pregnancy, child's sex, birthweight, exclusive breastfeeding duration and having siblings at 4y). Mediation analysis was conducted using path analysis. After adjustment, children classified in the EDF or a Snacking patterns at 4y were more likely to have lower scores on total IQ (β=-0.116; 95%CI:-0.192,-0.039 and β=-0.148; 95%CI-0.252,-0.044, respectively), Verbal IQ (β=-0.104; 95%CI-0.177,-0.031 and β=-0.163; 95%CI-0.262,-0.064, respectively) and Performance IQ (β=-0.116 95%CI-0.193,-0.040 and β=-0.147; 95%CI-0.250,-0.042, respectively) at 10-13y, when compared to those classified in the Healthier pattern. None of the adiposity measures seemed to explain the associations between dietary patterns and IQ. This study supports that early unhealthy dietary patterns were associated with lower child's cognitive ability, but this effect did not seem to be mediated by adiposity.

Implication of snacking patterns on body mass index in school-age children in Croatia

Rationale: Snacking contributes to the total intake of energy and nutrients. However, snacking of nutritive-low and energy-dense foods may lead to poor dietary quality and consequently to inadequate nutritional status. The aim of this study was to observe snacking patterns regarding body mass index (BMI) of school-age children in Croatia.

Perilaku makan sebelum dan selama pandemi covid-19 pada kelompok remaja dan dewasa di Indonesia

The COVID-19 pandemic impacts lifestyle changes, one of which is the eating behavior of people. The research aims to examine changes in eating behavior before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents and adult groups in Indonesia. A cross-sectional study on 563 subjects, with the subject's inclusion criteria, namely living in Indonesia, aged 12-55 years, willing to participate in the research by filling in informed consent and filling out a questionnaire via an online google form. The data obtained were grouped based on variables before and after the pandemic, then tested the normality of the data. Bivariate analysis used the Wilcoxon text because the data were not normally distributed. As a result, there was an increase in the subject's breakfast habits and frequency of eating. Subjects experienced changes in eating habits, namely an increase in the frequency, variety, and portion of consumption of animal protein, vegetable protein, vegetables, and fruit between before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (p &lt;0,001). In addition, the habit of consuming fluids, supplements, and spices also experienced a significant increase, while the pattern of snacking decreased between before and during the pandemic (p &lt;0,001). In conclusion, there were differences in eating behavior: breakfast habits, dietary variations, consumption of animal and vegetable protein, vegetables, fruits, fluids, supplements, spices, and snacking patterns outside the home between before and during the pandemic in the subject

Snack Food Consumption across the Pune Transect in India: A Comparison of Dietary Behaviors Based on Consumer Characteristics and Locations.

This study examines patterns of snack food consumption (SFC) in the rural-urban-slum transect (RUST) of a large city Pune and its precincts (population 10 million) in India. The transect structure aims to mimic a representative survey for the location capturing differences by age, gender, urbanicity, and socio-economic levels. Dietary data from 1405 individuals were used to describe snacking patterns and other food consumed at different frequencies; extent of physical activity; and Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference of children, adolescents, and adults. Our results indicate high incidence of SFC across all population age groups, gender, socio-economic levels, and locations. A distinctive finding in relation to studies in high income countries is the prevalence of hunger snacking with 70% identifying hunger as the primary reason for SFC. Apart from hunger, particularly for adolescents, peer influence and social interactions played a significant role in SFC. Dietary behaviors of slum dwellers were characterized by three-quarters of them having SFC together with family members at home. SFC supplemented calories for low-income consumers and complemented calorie intake for high income ones. No significant association with BMI is possibly due to obesogenic SFC being likely offset by lower consumption of non-snack food and higher physical activity among poor and slum dwellers. Promoting awareness about diets and lifestyles, improving physical and economic access to healthier snacks and nutrient dense foods can improve diet quality in a large and heterogeneous population such as Pune.

Dietary intake of first- and third-year female dietetics students at a South African university

Objective: A survey was undertaken to evaluate and compare dietary intakes of first- and third-year female dietetics students. Design: This was a cross-sectional survey. Setting: The University of Pretoria (UP) was the site of the survey. Population: The study encompassed first- (2012–2015) and third- (2012–2017) year female dietetics students (N = 368). Outcome: Dietary intake data from multiple-day weighed food records were analysed on nutrient, food group and meal and snacking pattern levels. Results: Recorded energy intakes of participants (n = 105 first years, n = 166 third years; response rate: 73.6%) were below Estimated Energy Requirements. Across year groups, intakes exceeded and fell below the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range for fat and carbohydrates respectively; however, third years consumed cereals, grains and starchy vegetables more often. Over 50% of first and third years exceeded Estimated Average Requirements of respectively 3 and 6 of 10 tested micronutrients. Third years recorded higher (all p < 0.001) intakes of protein, magnesium, calcium, zinc and vitamin A than first years. Similarly, their Nutrient Adequacy Ratios were higher (all p < 0.001) for magnesium, calcium and vitamins A, B6 and B12. Average Mean Adequacy Ratios were 70% (first years) and 77% (third years). The year groups differed in terms of food group intake. The number of daily eating occasions decreased over weekends for first and third year students, yet intakes of energy (p < 0.05) and fat (p < 0.001) were higher over weekends. Conclusions: Amidst likely under-recording and/or under-eating, UP female dietetics students’ intakes of some micronutrients may be low. Recorded intakes of third years exceeded those of first years. Recorded nutrient intake improved from the first to the third year of the study in dietetics students.

Contribution of Snacks to Dietary Intakes Stratified by Race/Ethnicity in the United States

Background: Snacking recommendations do not exist, yet snacks contribute substantially to daily energy intakes. While dietary intakes of adults in the United States vary by race/ethnicity, little is known about their snacking patterns. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of snacks stratified by race/ethnicity in adults who participated in the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Method: Dietary data from 18,679 adults older than 19 years were assessed to examine differences in intakes from snacking occasions by self-identified race/ethnicity. Mean intakes were estimated for total snacking occasions, percentage of day, nutrient density per 100 kcals, and the average snack. Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI) scores were computed for intakes from total day, snack only, and meals only. Analysis of covariance assessed differences between racial/ethnic groups. US Department of Agriculture food categories determined sources of snack foods. Data were weighted to create a nationally representative sample. Results: Asians consumed the least amount of daily energy in the form of snacks, while Blacks and Whites consumed the most. Mean intakes of saturated fats and added sugars consumed during snacking occasions were significantly lowest in Asians, and highest in Blacks and Whites. While total and percentage of daily intakes of sodium were lowest in Asians during snacking occasions, they had significantly lowest meal-only HEI sodium subscore, indicating higher sodium consumption of sodium during mealtimes. Conclusions: Diet quality of snacks varies significantly by race/ethnicity. These data support the need for development of snacking recommendations with culturally appropriate dietary interventions.

Impact of dietary compositions and patterns on the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Japanese men: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the impact of dietary compositions and patterns on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) morbidity in Japanese men.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 281 individuals who underwent comprehensive medical examinations during health screening. Dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and factor analysis was performed to detect dietary patterns. NAFLD was diagnosed by the presence of fatty liver on abdominal ultrasonography in nondrinkers (< 30 g/day), and patients were categorized into control (n = 192) and NAFLD groups (n = 89).ResultsCompared with the control group, the NAFLD group consumed fewer mushrooms. Three dietary patterns were identified, namely, a healthy pattern, a western pattern, and a snack pattern. The score of healthy pattern was negatively correlated with the risk of NAFLD. Compared with the lowest tertile of the healthy pattern, the middle tertile was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD after adjusting for age, physical activity, and smoking (odds ratio: 0.47, 95% confidence interval: 0.25–0.91). After further adjustments for body mass index, the middle tertile was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD (odds ratio: 0.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.23–0.92).ConclusionsA healthy dietary pattern comprising frequent intake of seaweeds, vegetables, mushrooms, pulses, and potatoes and starches was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD in Japanese men. In our opinion, this healthy pattern closely resembles the Japanese Washoku diet, indicating that adherence to Washoku may help prevent NAFLD.

P59 Parenting and Snacks: A Mixed Methods Study to Guide Intervention Development

<h3>Background</h3> Recent work in family nutrition suggests a focus on snacking, since children's snacks are often lower in nutrients than foods served at mealtime and have increased in frequency and caloric contribution. Developing healthy snacking habits in early life may impact the trajectory of snacking behaviors later in life. <h3>Objective</h3> To explore the relationships between snacking patterns and snack-related parenting; and drivers of snacking decisions and desired support for parents. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> A mixed-methods approach was used among student parents whose child(ren) attended a preschool program at a Southern California university. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> A modified version of the Snack Intake Frequency Questionnaire and the Parenting around Snacking Questionnaire (P-SNAQ) were used to explore correlations between snacking patterns and snack-related parenting. Three focus groups were conducted to identify drivers of snacking decisions and to guide design of healthy snacking intervention strategies. Focus group transcripts were coded using thematic analysis by 2 independent coders. <h3>Results</h3> Survey participants (n = 42) were predominantly female (n = 35) and identified as Hispanic/Latino (n = 19). Findings indicated positive correlations between frequency of offering healthy snacks and reasoning/support for healthy snacks (r = 0.43, <i>P</i> = 0.006) and snack planning/routines (r = 0.37, <i>P</i> = 0.02); a negative correlation between frequency of unhealthy snacks and availability of healthy snacks (r = -0.32, <i>P</i> = 0.04); and negative correlations between parent age and emotion-based snacking (r = -0.46, <i>P</i> = 0.003), snacks as rewards (r = -0.35, <i>P</i> = 0.03), and snacks to manage behavior (r = -0.45, <i>P</i> = 0.005). Focus group findings (n = 11) suggest parents balance priorities when making snacking decisions, including health, behavior control, convenience/accessibility, parent/child roles, and social influences. Parents suggested a snacking-focused class with information on snacking strategies and social support. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Findings suggest younger parents may benefit from snacking-focused intervention programs that support healthy snacking routines and alternative behavior management strategies for children.