Specific Food Groups Research Articles

A longitudinal investigation of dietary diversity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mandinka households in Kanifing, Brikama, and the West Kiang region in The Gambia

The Covid pandemic has exposed fissures of inequality through heightened food insecurity and nutritional deficiency for vulnerable social cohorts with limited coping mechanisms. Given the multi-dimensional pathways through which its effects have been felt, several researchers have highlighted the need to analyse the pandemic in specific contexts. Using random and fixed effect regression models, this study analyzed longitudinal survey data collected from 103 Mandinka households in rural and urban Gambia. The study employed convenience and snowball sampling and involved the monthly collection of detailed income, food consumption, expenditure, sourcing, migration, health, and coping mechanism data through mobile phone interviews which yielded 676 observations. Food insecurity was manifest in terms of quality, not quantity, and spread unevenly across food types and households. Dietary outcomes and sourcing strategies were associated with location, improved sanitation, household size, changes in monthly income, Covid policy stringency, and Covid cases but these associations varied by food group. Staples were the most frequently consumed food group, and dark green vegetables were the least. Rural communities were more likely to eat more healthy millets but much less likely to consume dairy products or roots and tubers. Access to own production was also important for Vitamin A-rich foods but higher incomes and markets were key for protein and heme-iron-rich foods. Tighter Covid policy stringency was negatively associated with dietary diversity and, along with fear of market hoarding, was positively associated with reliance on a range of consumption and production coping mechanisms. Resilience was higher in larger households and those with improved water and sanitation. The number of Covid cases was associated with higher consumption of protein-rich foods and greater reliance on own produced iron-rich foods. Very few households received Government aid and those that did already had access to other income sources. Our findings suggest that the nature of food insecurity may have evolved over time during the pandemic. They also reiterate not only the importance of access to markets and employment but also that the capacity to absorb affordability shocks and maintain food choices through switching between sources for specific nutritious food groups varied by household and location.

Dietary patterns and birth outcomes of healthy Lebanese pregnant women.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to define the dietary patterns (DPs) of a sample of Lebanese pregnant women and to establish their correlation with maternal and neonatal outcomes.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 358 Lebanese pregnant women. Maternal socio-demographic variables, anthropometric measurements, gestational weight gain and neonatal outcomes such as weight, length, head circumference and Apgar score were collected by qualified dietitians. Dietary intake was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire and three 24-h dietary recalls. DPs were determined, a posteriori, by a factor analysis to distinguish the inter-correlations between the food groups and a cluster analysis method to assemble the participants into groupings based on similarities in food consumption.ResultsThe identified DPs were not exclusively composed of specific food groups, since some components were overlapping in the DPs. The first one was characterized by a high consumption of starchy vegetables, unsaturated fats and unhealthy foods, the second was rich in fruits and vegetables, seeds, rice and pasta, and in fried local meals and the third was mainly based on protein-rich foods like poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products. They were named respectively as “Westernized,” “Mixed” and “Neo-Mediterranean” by the research team. Women having the lowest pre-gestational body mass index (BMI) and higher gestational age followed mainly the “Neo-Mediterranean” eating pattern.ConclusionThe three identified DPs among Lebanese pregnant women were correlated with the pre-gestational BMI, and some maternal variables. However, neither the maternal nor the neonatal outcomes were correlated with the DP adopted by the mothers.

Eating Patterns in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The purpose of this research was to analyze the eating patterns of preschool- and school-aged children with ASD, as provided by their families, in the La Araucanía Region of Chile. It involved a cross-sectional study with 72 families with children diagnosed with ASD aged between 2 and 12 years old. Food selectivity, appetite, body mass index (BMI) and frequency of food consumption were studied. The research determined that 97.67% present food selectivity, corresponding to alterations in the frequency of consumption of specific food groups. Moreover, 93.06%, 90.28%, 80.56% and 62.50% of children in the study do not meet the daily recommendations for fruit, fish, water and vegetable consumption, respectively. Therefore, it is important for these findings to be considered when designing and carrying out educational interventions regarding food in families with children with ASD for greater assertiveness and effectiveness in improving health.

Dietary environmental impacts relative to planetary boundaries for six environmental indicators – A population-based study

The environmental impact of Swedish diets was assessed for six indicators (greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, cropland use, nitrogen application, phosphorus application, consumptive water use and extinction rate), using self-reported food intake within two population-based cohorts of men and women, 56–96 years of age. The dietary environmental impact was assessed in relation to per capita planetary boundaries, overall and by population subgroups, addressing the relative importance of specific foods and food groups. The total average dietary impact exceeded the planetary boundaries by 1.6 to 4-fold for five of the six environmental indicators; consumptive water use did not exceed the boundaries. Comparing the highest with lowest quintiles of the population impact showed >2.5-fold differences across all environmental indicators. Of the diet's total average environmental impact, animal-based, plant-based and discretionary foods accounted for 28–83%, 8–40% and 9–37%, respectively, across the six indicators. Animal-based foods dominated the impact on GHG emissions, cropland use and nitrogen and phosphorus application, while plant-based and discretionary foods contributed more to consumptive water use and extinction rate. Environmental impact was driven predominantly by consumption of red meat, dairy, fresh fruit and coffee. The findings show major challenges in affluent countries that have to be addressed to achieving sustainable food production systems and diets. They provide guidance on critical food groups, environmental indicators and population subgroups to prioritize in future efforts to reduce the environmental impact.

Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status among Refugees in Host Countries: A Systematic Review

Refugees remain vulnerable to acute food insecurity, malnutrition, and critically inadequate food and nutrient intake after migration, regardless of the economic level of the host country. We conducted this systematic review to summarize and evaluate the dietary intake and nutritional status among refugees resettled in non-camp settings worldwide. We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases to review relevant studies published between 2009 and 2020 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We also conducted an additional manual search through PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies that evaluated both dietary intake and nutritional status of refugees in host countries were included. A total of 15 articles from 10 countries were included and assessed for study quality and outcomes. Poor dietary diversity and insufficient intake of specific food groups were reported. In addition to these dietary patterns, a high prevalence of stunting, underweight, and anemia was reported, particularly among children. A double burden of malnutrition was also observed across and within studies. Post-resettlement dietary intake and nutritional status of refugees are both influenced by factors at the pre- and post-resettlement stages as refugees transition to their host countries. Those factors, including pre-resettlement experiences, host country resources, socioeconomic status, acculturation, and food security, were summarized and presented in a conceptual model. There is a need for comprehensive dietary and health screening as well as culturally appropriate and sustainable nutrition education resources and interventions for refugees to improve their diet and nutrition. Longitudinal studies and novel methodological approaches are also suggested to measure changes in refugees' food intake and nutritional status as well as to further investigate factors associated with these 2 components.

The Role of Food Insecurity and Dietary Diversity on Recovery from Wasting among Hospitalized Children Aged 6-23 Months in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Background: Current guidelines for the management of childhood wasting primarily focus on the provision of therapeutic foods and the treatment of medical complications. However, many children with wasting live in food-secure households, and multiple studies have demonstrated that the etiology of wasting is complex, including social, nutritional, and biological causes. We evaluated the contribution of household food insecurity, dietary diversity, and the consumption of specific food groups to the time to recovery from wasting after hospital discharge. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the Childhood Acute Illness Network (CHAIN) cohort, a multicenter prospective study conducted in six low- or lower-middle-income countries. We included children aged 6–23 months with wasting (mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC] ≤ 12.5 cm) or kwashiorkor (bipedal edema) at the time of hospital discharge. The primary outcome was time to nutritional recovery, defined as a MUAC > 12.5 cm without edema. Using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, study site, HIV status, duration of hospitalization, enrollment MUAC, referral to a nutritional program, caregiver education, caregiver depression, the season of enrollment, residence, and household wealth status, we evaluated the role of reported food insecurity, dietary diversity, and specific food groups prior to hospitalization on time to recovery from wasting during the 6 months of posthospital discharge. Findings: Of 1286 included children, most participants (806, 63%) came from food-insecure households, including 170 (13%) with severe food insecurity, and 664 (52%) participants had insufficient dietary diversity. The median time to recovery was 96 days (18/100 child-months (95% CI: 17.0, 19.0)). Moderate (aHR 1.17 [0.96, 1.43]) and severe food insecurity (aHR 1.14 [0.88, 1.48]), and insufficient dietary diversity (aHR 1.07 [0.91, 1.25]) were not significantly associated with time to recovery. Children who had consumed legumes and nuts prior to diagnosis had a quicker recovery than those who did not (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.21 [1.01,1.44]). Consumption of dairy products (aHR 1.13 [0.96, 1.34], p = 0.14) and meat (aHR 1.11 [0.93, 1.33]), p = 0.23) were not statistically significantly associated with time to recovery. Consumption of fruits and vegetables (aHR 0.78 [0.65,0.94]) and breastfeeding (aHR 0.84 [0.71, 0.99]) before diagnosis were associated with longer time to recovery. Conclusion: Among wasted children discharged from hospital and managed in compliance with wasting guidelines, food insecurity and dietary diversity were not major determinants of recovery.

Fruit and vegetable consumption and depression symptoms in young women: results from 1973 to 1978 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

PurposeGrowing evidence suggests that specific food groups may play an important role in improving mental health. However, very few studies explored the association between individual dietary factors and depression symptoms by following a large cohort of individuals over a long period. We examined the differential effects of fruit and vegetables in relation to depression symptoms over a 15-year follow-up period in the 1973–78 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health.MethodsFruit and vegetable consumption was assessed using short questions. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression-10 scale with a cut off ≥ 10 indicated depressive symptoms. Multiple imputations with generalised estimating equations models were performed to estimate odds ratio of depression symptoms according to fruit and vegetable consumption.ResultsA total of 4241 participants with a mean age of 27.6 (SD 1.45) years at baseline were followed up at five surveys (2003–2018). Fruit and vegetable intake (≥ 2 servings) was cross-sectionally associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms. In longitudinal analysis, a higher intake of fruit (≥ 4 servings) and vegetable (≥ 5 servings) was consistently associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms, with a 25% lower odds (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.57, 0.97; p = 0.031) and a 19% lower odds (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.70, 0.94; p = 0.007) than consuming one serve or less fruit and vegetable, respectively.ConclusionThese results suggest that a higher intake of fruit and vegetables was associated with a lower risk of depression symptoms over 15 years from a population-based prospective study of Australian women.

Habitual Diet Pattern Associations with Gut Microbiome Diversity and Composition: Results from a Chinese Adult Cohort.

The influence of long-term diet on gut microbiota is an active area of investigation. The present work aimed to explore the associations between habitual diet patterns and gut microbiota in a large sample of asymptomatic Chinese adults. The gut microbiome was profiled through the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene in stool samples from 702 Chinese adults aged 50–75 years who underwent colonoscopies and were diagnosed to be free of colorectal neoplasm. Long-term dietary consumption was assessed through a food-frequency questionnaire. The microbial associations with specific food groups and the posteriori dietary pattern were tested using the Kruskal–Wallis H test, permutational ANOVAs, and multivariate analyses with linear models. The Shannon indexes generally shared similar levels across different food intake frequency groups. Whole grain and vegetable intakes totally explained 1.46% of the microbiota compositional variance. Using the data-driven posteriori approach, a general dietary pattern characterized by lower intakes of refined grains was highlighted to be associated with higher abundances of the genus Anaerostipes and a species of it. We also observed 17 associations between various food group intakes and specific genera and species. For instance, the relative abundances of the genus Weissella and an uncultured species of it were negatively associated with red meat intake. The results of this study support the idea that the usual dietary consumption measured by certain food items or summary indexes is associated with gut microbial features. These results deepen the understanding of complex relationships of diet and gut microbiota, as well as their implications for gut microbiome studies of human chronic diseases.

Dietary changes based on food purchase patterns following a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

The study explores whether type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosis affects food consumption patterns in line with the dietary recommendations provided to individuals in relation to a diagnosis. Based on detailed food purchase data, we explore which dietary changes are most common following a T2D diagnosis. Changes are investigated for several energy-adjusted nutrients and food groups and overall adherence to dietary guidelines. We use data on diagnosis of T2D and hospitalisation in relation to T2D for a sample of adult Danes registered in the official patient register. This is combined with detailed scanner data on food purchases, which are used as a proxy for dietary intake. We included 274 individuals in Denmark who are diagnosed during their participation in a consumer panel where they report their food purchases and 16 395 individuals who are not diagnosed. Results suggest some changes in dietary composition following diagnosis, as measured by a Healthy Eating Index and for specific food groups and nutrients, although the long-term effects are limited. Socio-economic characteristics are poor predictors of dietary changes following diagnosis. Change in diet following diagnosis vary with the pre-diagnosis consumption patterns, where individuals with relatively unhealthy overall diets prior to diagnosis improve overall healthiness more compared to individuals with relatively healthy diets prior to diagnosis. Adherence to dietary advice is low, on average, but there is large variation in behavioural change between the diagnosed individuals. Our results stress the difficulty for diagnosed individuals to shift dietary habits, particularly in the long term.

A Review on Role of Nutraceutical in Alzhemer’s Disease

Nutraceuticals are the products derive from food sources with extra health benefits. They can prevent malignant processes. The term ‘nutraceuticals’ combines two words ‘nutrients ( a nourishing food component ) and ‘pharmaceuticals’(a medical drug ) The philosophy behind nutraceuticals is according to Hippocrates “ Let food be your medicine”. Categories of nutraceuticals are dietary supplements, functional food, medicinal food, pharmaceuticals. Advance age is often characterized by a declined in large spectrum of cognitive abilities including reasoning, memory, perceptual speed and language. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common and feared from dementia representing circa 70% of all dementia cases and displaying a dramatic epidemics due to the enormous growth of the aged population worldwide. It is still unclear which factors lead to molecular cascade of neurode generation in AD, but along with genetic environmental factors vascular pathology and risk factor have been recently shown to play crucial role in AD pathogenesis .AD impacts dramatically on everyday life of older adults, being one of the main cause of disability in old age. There is clear evidence that a diet rich in specific nutritional food group (fruit, fish, vegetables) can reduce the incidence and prevalence of some of the main clinical outcomes, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer. This specific nutritional food group are rich in micronutrients and vitamins are beneficial for health. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high consumption of plant food, fish olive oil as primary source of monounsaturated fat and moderate intake of wine. In this article, we focus our attention on group of substance proposed to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Introduction to Novel Approaches in the Valorization of Agricultural Wastes and Their Applications.

Sustainable food production, waste minimization, and valorization are critical concerns for the agricultural and food industry considering their environmental, social, and economic impacts. Foods are processed to prolong shelf life, make products available out of season, produce new products, and improve nutritional value. During processing, a significant amount of waste is generated, which attracts the attention of scientists and industrialists to valorize the value-added components, including dietary fibers, proteins, and bioactive components. This special issue focuses on the latest developments in waste valorization, covering different industries and methodologies. Within the special issue, waste valorization of some specific food groups, including fruit juice wastes, honeybee byproducts, soybean processing waste, grape pomace materials, and olive mill solid waste, are evaluated. On the other hand, novel approaches to valorizing agricultural wastes and their applications, also covering the recovery of natural pigments with potential health effects, are considered. Besides, nanotechnological and microbial bioconversion methods are used to improve the bioavailability and bioactivity of phytochemicals derived from wastes. It can be concluded that there are still some challenges in waste management and valorization concerning economic, safety, sensory, consumer acceptance, and regulative aspects, and further research is required to overcome these challenges and improve the quality and quantity of value-added products obtained from agricultural wastes and byproducts.

Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status Among Refugees in Host Countries: A Systematic Review

ObjectivesThe study aims 1) to describe and summarize the dietary intake and nutritional status among refugees living in non-camp settings within host countries worldwide; 2) to critically evaluate the potential association between refugee dietary intake and nutritional status; and 3) to specify and highlight the associated factors influencing refugee dietary patterns and nutritional health outcomes. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review to summarize and evaluate the dietary intake and nutritional status among refugees resettled in non-camp settings worldwide. We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases to review relevant studies published between 2009 and 2020 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We also conducted an additional manual search through PubMed and Google Scholar. ResultsA total of 15 articles from 10 countries were included and assessed for study quality and outcomes. Poor dietary diversity and insufficient intake of specific food groups were reported. In addition to these dietary patterns, a high prevalence of stunting, underweight, and anemia was reported, particularly among children. A double burden of malnutrition was also observed across and within studies. Post-resettlement dietary and nutritional status of refugees are both influenced by factors at the pre-and post-resettlement stages as refugees transition to their host countries. Those factors summarized in this review include pre-resettlement experiences, host country resources, socioeconomic status, acculturation, and food security. ConclusionsThere is a need for comprehensive dietary and health screening as well as culturally appropriate and sustainable nutrition education resources and interventions for refugees to improve their dietary intake and nutritional status. Longitudinal studies and novel methodological approaches are also suggested to measure changes in refugees’ food intake and nutritional status as well as to further investigate factors associated with these two components. Funding SourcesBall State University Digital Fellowship Funding.

Effect of a Weekly Text Message Program on Infant Food Group Intake in WIC Participating Families

ObjectivesTo test the effect of a weekly test message (SMS) program for improving feeding practices and infant weight on infant intake of specific food groups.MethodsThis study was a multi-site, randomized clinical trial, in 202 caregivers of healthy term infants participating in either the Puerto Rico or Hawaii WIC program. Participants were randomized to receive SMS about either infant's general health issues (control) or SMS for improving feeding practices (intervention) for four months. Anthropometrics and demographics were assessed at baseline. A validated infant food frequency questionnaire was assessed at the four-month visit to assess intake of general food groups.ResultsA total of 164 participants completed the study (n = 84 control and n = 80 intervention). Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups. At 4–6 months of age, consumption of food groups was similar between both groups and overall, 0 oz (SD: .011) of protein, .49 oz (SD: 1.74) whole grains, .35 oz (SD: 1.14) refined grains, .83 oz (SD: 4.07) fruits, .55 oz (SD: 1.99) vegetables, .20 oz (SD: .883) juices, and 0 oz (SD: .005) of salty snacks were consumed.ConclusionsThere was no significant difference among food group intake with the intervention. Starting messaging during pregnancy and messages tailored to first foods may improve the outcomes of future studies. SMS interventions may be an appropriate way to continue care between WIC visits.Funding SourcesThis study was supported by the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), of the National Institutes of Health. Infrastructure support was also provided in part by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities RCMI Grant. This research was also supported in part by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Personal Prioritization of Healthy Eating among Chinese Adults and Its Association with Dietary Behaviors: Findings from the China Health and Nutrition Survey

Objective: China faces a growing non-communicable disease (NCD) burden linked with diet. The link between attitudes towards healthy diets and specific eating behaviors has been underexplored in Chinese settings. The aim of this study is to evaluate disparities in personal healthy eating prioritization among Chinese adults and its association with specific dietary patterns.
 Methods: Data from the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) was used to examine healthy eating prioritization (how important “eating a healthy diet” was to participants) and its association with socio-demographic, interpersonal, and physical health variables, along with plant-based and healthy eating dietary patterns, and consumption of specific food groups. 
 Results: Of the 13,653 participants with healthy eating prioritization data, 94% believed eating a healthy diet to be important. Odds of believe healthy eating to not be important was negatively associated with increased age (AOR:0.98, 95%CI:0.98-0.99), higher educational attainment (AOR:0.12, 95%CI: 0.07-0.19), living in urban environments (AOR:0.76, 95%CI:0.63-0.83), living with both parents (AOR:0.69, 95%CI:0.48-0.98), and past diagnosis of NCDs (AOR:0.76, 95%CI:0.59-0.96). Men and those who were single had higher odds of believing eating a healthy to not be important (AOR:1.36, 95%CI:1.08-1.71; AOR:1.36, 95%CI:1.08-1.71). Compared to those who believed eating a healthy diet to be important, those who did not had a lower odds of higher vegetable intake (AOR:0.77, 95%CI:0.62-0.96) and higher meat intake (AOR:0.80, 95%CI:0.63-1.00). 
 Conclusion: Findings provide novel insights on how interventional and observational dietary attitude research in China may need to explore the unique role vegetable and meat intake play in the diet attitude-behavior link.

Food purchases in households with and without diabetes based on consumer purchase data

ObjectivesDietary recommendations for individuals with diabetes are easy to provide, but adherence is difficult to monitor. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference in grocery purchases between households with and without diabetes. Study designCohort study. MethodsConsumer purchase data in 2019 was collected from 6662 households donating their supermarket receipts via a receipt collecting service. Of these households, 718 included at least one individual with diabetes. The monetary percentages spent on specific food groups were used to characterize households using all purchases in 2019. A probability index model was used to compare households with diabetes to households without diabetes. ResultsWe included 405,264 shopping trips in 2019 attributed to 6662 households. Both households with and without diabetes spent the highest monetary percentage on sweets (with diabetes: 9.3%, without diabetes: 8.8%), with no statistically significant difference detected. However, compared to households without diabetes, households with diabetes had a significantly higher probability of spending a higher monetary percentage on butter, oil and dressings; non-sugary drinks; processed red meat and ready meals as well as a significantly lower probability of spending a higher monetary percentage on accessory compounds; alcoholic beverages; eggs; grains; rice and pasta, and raw vegetables. ConclusionsHouseholds with diabetes spent a relatively higher monetary value on several unhealthy foods and less on several healthy groceries compared to households without diabetes. There is a need for more diabetes self-management education focused on including more healthy dietary choices in their household grocery purchases.

Trans fatty acid intake increases likelihood of dyslipidemia especially among individuals with higher saturated fat consumption.

Evidence points to adverse effects of trans fatty acids (TFA) on health. The aim of this study was to estimate total TFA intake, evaluate major food contributors and its effect on dyslipidemia. A total of 3537 adults (48.3% males) were included. Total TFA intake was assessed using two 24-hour dietary recalls. Foods were categorized into specific food groups. Adjusted Logistic Regression analysis was performed to assess the likelihood of dyslipidemia by tertile of TFA aand Saturated Fatty Acid (SFA) level. Median TFA intake was 0.53% of energy (from 0.34 to 0.81) ranging from 0.27 (Q1) to 0.95 (Q3) (p 0.001, for trend), and 16% of individuals consumed TFA above 1% of their total energy. Cheese was the main contributor to TFA intake, with processed/refined grains and fried fish following. The latter was the main contributor in older adults (51+ years). Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that individuals at the highest tertile of trans consumption were 30% more likely to have dyslipidemia compared to the lowest ( : 1.3; 95% CI: 1.02-1.66 and : 1.3; 95% CI:1.01-1.66, respectively). This increased by 10% when stratified by SFA intake (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.061-1.942) and remained significant only in individuals at the highest tertile and with higher than recommended SFA intake. A high intake of TFA combined with high SFA intakes further increase the likelihood of dyslipidemia and should be accounted for in public health prevention programs. Monitoring and evaluation of the recent EU legislative measures on TFA levels in foods is also necessary.

Impact of Dietary Intake and Physical Activity on Metabolic Syndrome in Saudi Adults: An Exploratory Pilot Study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is characterized by the clustering of commonly observed multiple metabolic abnormalities, such as abdominal obesity, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure (BP), impaired fasting glucose level, and occasionally a meager amount of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The present case-control pilot study was designed to examine and compare the different dietary habits of specific food groups (meat, dairy, fats, and carbohydrates) in 85 male and female participants (age: 20 to 80 years) between MetSyn patients (n=54), based on World Health Organization criteria and non-MetSyn patients (n=31) at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Patients were studied based on a dietary questionnaire with clear validity that included personal and diet related habit queries, body mass index (BMI), HDL-C, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and BP. Results showed significantly increased values for BMI (kg/m2), systolic BP, diastolic BP, HDL-C, and blood calcium concentration among the MetSyn group compared to non-MetSyn group. Substantial differences were obtained for fasting glucose distribution between MetSyn and non-MetSyn groups (P<0.002). The study analysis revealed that consumption of dairy and fats was relatively higher in MetSyn patients. Also, the frequency of eating meat and derivatives showed no significant statistical difference. between the two groups. The study found that the MetSyn group consumed a significantly more proportion of dairy products, though there were no changes in dietary patterns between the MetSyn and non-MetSyn groups in terms of the intake of meats, dairy, fat, and carbohydrate.

Higher Dietary Intake of Advanced Glycation End Products Is Associated with Faster Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Objective: Dietary-derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) vary for different food types and the methods employed during their preparation may contribute to diverse chronic health conditions. The goal of this study was to investigate the associations of dietary AGEs (dAGEs) with cognitive decline in older adults. Methods: Non-demented older adults (n = 684) underwent annual testing with 19 cognitive tests summarized as a global cognitive score based on five cognitive domains. We modified a previously validated food frequency questionnaire designed to assess dAGE. The modified questionnaire assessed portion size and frequency of consumption of six food groups (meat, poultry, fish, cheese, spreads, and processed foods), as well as the method of their preparation (e.g., grilling, boiling). dAGE was the sum of the scores of the six food groups. Linear mixed-effect models were used to examine the association of baseline dAGE with cognitive decline. All models controlled for age, sex, education, race, and body mass index (BMI). Results: Average follow-up was 3.0 years. Higher baseline dAGEs was associated with a faster rate of global cognitive decline (Estimate = −0.003 (standard error = 0.001, p-value = 0.015). This association was driven by declines in episodic memory (−0.004 (0.002, 0.013)) and perceptual speed (−0.003 (0.001, 0.049)) but not by semantic memory, working memory, and visuospatial domains. These associations were not attenuated by controlling for cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, including diabetes. Levels of dAGE of the specific food groups were not associated with cognitive decline. Conclusions: Higher levels of dietary AGE levels in older adults are associated with faster cognitive decline. These data lend further support for the importance of diet and that its modification may slow or prevent late-life cognitive impairment. Further clinical studies will be needed and the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations will need to be identified.

Impact of Lockdown on Physical Activity, Sleep and Eating Habits in Central India

Context: India, in its strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, imposed a nation-wide lockdown. Social restriction measures, when imposed legally, could change behavioural patterns among population groups. The changes in key behavioural patterns including exercise, sleep and eating habits are influenced during lockdown &amp; can have implications on health of individual for a long duration.&#x0D; Aim: To assess the effect of lockdown on physical activity, sleep and eating habits among adults in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India&#x0D; Settings and Design: A web-based cross-sectional survey&#x0D; Methods and Material: After obtaining ethics clearance, the was conducted among volunteers ≥18 years of age in Nagpur district. A self-reported retrospective pre-post questionnaire was disseminated through multiple platforms as an online survey form. A modified Global Physical activity questionnaire was used to assess level of physical activity. Sleep pattern was assessed using selected components of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Diet pattern was assessed by using food frequency questionnaire for specific food groups.&#x0D; Statistical analysis used:. Most of the quantitative parameters followed a non-normal distribution. The Wilcoxon Signed-rank test, McNemar's test and a binomial test were used to study difference between quantitative parameters, paired proportions and difference in proportions respectively using SPSS v 24.0.&#x0D; Results: A total of 586 responses were received through the online survey. The prevalence of physical inactivity increased from 47.6 % to 51.3% during the lockdown. The change in physical activity pattern from adequate to inadequate was 63% less likely compared to the converse (OR (95%CI) – 0.37 (0.18 -0.74)).The increase in sleep latency was at least 9 (OR (95%CI) = 9.33 (5.73 - 15.19)) times more likely during lockdown compared to a reduction. There was a significant increase in frequency intake of Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and fried foods during lockdown. But there was a significant decline in intake of eggs and non-vegetarian foods during lockdown.&#x0D; Conclusions: The levels of physical inactivity and duration of sleep latency increased during lockdown in central India. Leafy vegetables and fresh fruits were preferred over non-vegetarian foods. The impact of these behavioural changes needs to be further explored.

Different dietary assessment methods, similar conclusions? Comparison of a country's adherence to food-based dietary guidelines as depicted in two population-based surveys using different dietary assessment methods.

Different methods of dietary intake assessment are frequently used to assess a population's diet. In this study, we aimed to compare the adherence to Swiss food-based dietary guidelines as depicted in two Swiss population-based surveys using different methods of dietary assessment. Two population-based, cross-sectional surveys were compared. In the Swiss Health Survey (SHS), diet was assessed via a short set of questions on specific food groups, while in menuCH by two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recall interviews. To compare the diet depicted in these surveys, we used the Swiss food-based dietary guidelines on vegetable, fruit, dairy product, meat and meat product, fish and alcohol. The weighted proportion of responders meeting these guidelines was calculated for both surveys and was compared overall and by selected characteristics. Residents of Switzerland, selected from a stratified random sample of the non-institutionalised residents, who agreed to participate in the respective survey. To ensure comparability between the surveys, the age of the study populations was restricted to 18-75 years. In menuCH, approximately 2 % of responders met ≥4 of the selected Swiss food-based dietary guidelines. In the SHS, using a cruder dietary assessment, the corresponding percentage was 20 %. In both surveys, more women and never smokers were meeting ≥4 food-based dietary guidelines compared to men and current or former smokers, respectively. Our study comparing the diet in two population-based, representative surveys detected large variations in guideline adherence depending on the dietary assessment method used.