Three-day Food Record Research Articles

Poor Eating Habits and Low Physical Activity Contribute to Weight Excess and Increase Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescents Practicing Soccer as a Recreational Sport.

Monitoring anthropometry, dietary intake, and physical activity (PA) is essential to prevent/counteract childhood obesity. This study examined dietary intake, PA, and anthropometric characteristics in young boys practicing soccer as a recreational sport. A cross-sectional study included 226 boys aged 8 to 13 years participating in soccer as a recreational activity in football academies located in Tunis, Tunisia. Anthropometric measures allowed the calculation of body mass index, fat mass, and peak height velocity as markers of biological maturity. A three-day food record and a food frequency questionnaire estimated nutrient intake and eating habits. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to estimate the PA level of the participants. It was found that a high percentage of the children had excess weight (54%) and excess fat mass (47%). The total energy, carbohydrate, and saturated fat intake of the children exceeded the recommended levels by approximately 10%, 15%, and 30%, respectively. However, the intake of unsaturated fat was below the estimated requirements, particularly in obese children. In addition to the unbalanced macronutrient intake, the children also showed an insufficient intake of many essential micronutrients. Around 60% to 70% of the children in all three groups had a low intake of magnesium, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and vitamins B9, B12, and D. Moreover, 20% to 35% of the children in the three groups had an insufficient intake of vitamins A and C. Insufficient vitamin E intake was found in 63% of obese children and 35% of non-obese children. It was observed that the PA level was lower in the overweight/obese group compared to the normal-weight group (p < 0.005). More than three-quarters of overweight/obese children had low PA levels, about 20% were moderately active, and only 1 to 2% were highly active. Conversely, normal-weight children showed moderate to high PA levels. Poor eating behavior, an unbalanced diet, and a low PA level are prevalent in Tunisian boys practicing recreational sports. Such a combination is responsible for a disparity between energy intake and expenditure, contributing to weight excess and increased cardiometabolic risk. The study findings provide meaningful information for practitioners and authorities on applying a balanced diet and adequate PA to prevent and fight against obesity and improve cardiometabolic health in youth.

Breastmilk mineral composition among well-educated mothers from Central Poland – Associations with maternal dietary intake, dietary patterns and infant psychomotor development

BackgroundMaternal dietary habits could affect breastmilk mineral composition, which may influence infant development. Mineral dietary intake or supplementation slightly affects its breastmilk concentration. However, the intake of selected food groups or dietary patterns that reflect diet complexity could have a greater impact. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess breastmilk mineral composition at one, three, and six months of lactation among mothers living in urban area of Central Poland, as well as the evaluate maternal dietary determinants and associations with infant anthropometric and psychomotor development. MethodsThe study was conducted among 43 healthy and exclusively breastfeeding mothers. In the first, third, and sixth months of lactation, we collected breastmilk samples and assessed the concentration of Ca, P, Zn, Fe, Se, Ni, As, Pb, and Cd using the ICP-MS method. Maternal dietary habits were evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire in the first month of lactation, whereas in the third and sixth by the three-day food record. Based on the collected data adherence to the Polish-adapted Mediterranean (Pl-aMED; 1 month) and the DASH diet (Mellen’s Index; 3 and 6 months) was assessed. In the third and sixth months of lactation infant anthropometric parameters and the sixth month of lactation psychomotor development were evaluated. ResultsBreastmilk Se, Ni, As, Pb, and Cd levels were under the LOQ in all the breastmilk samples at all study visits. Median breastmilk mineral concentrations of Ca, P, Zn, and Fe in the first, third, and sixth months of lactation varied from 381.9 to 332.7 mg/L, 161.6 to 139.1 mg/L, 2.2 to 0.8 mg/L, and 0.26 to 0.17 mg/L, respectively. Maternal dietary intake and supplementation did not affect breastmilk Ca, P, Zn, and Fe. Pl-aMED scores were associated with breastmilk Ca (β = 0.489, 95% CI 0.180 – 0.799, p = 0.003) and Zn (β = 0.499, 95% CI 0.199 – 0.798, p = 0.002) in the first month of lactation, whereas no association with the DASH diet were observed in the third and sixth month of lactation. Breastmilk Fe in the third month was associated with infant motor development (β = 0.420, 95% CI 0.113 – 0.727, p = 0.009) in the sixth month of life, but no other associations with anthropometric or psychomotor development were observed. Moreover, we estimated that few infants meet their adequate intake (AI) requirements for P, Zn, and Fe. ConclusionOur study showed that maternal adherence to Pl-aMED is a significant predictor of breastmilk Ca and Zn in the first month of lactation, which may be especially important considering that more than 75% of infants had inadequate Zn intake. Moreover, we found that breastmilk Fe positively influenced infant motor development, despite the majority of infants having inadequate intake. On the other hand, no infant had deficiency symptoms, which emphasizes the necessity to evaluate of AI norms for infants.

Difference of Dietary Habit on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Perumnas I Public Health Center, West Pontianak

Highlights: Good eating habits can control the blood sugar levels and BMI of type 2 DM patients. Good dietary control includes the schedule, amount, and type of food consumed. The schedule recommendation for type 2 DM consists of six meals a day, divided into three large meals and three times breaks. Abstract Introduction: In 2019, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) at Perumnas I Public Health Center was sixth-placed among the top ten diseases with 1,118 cases. This study aimed to determine the dietary habits of type 2 DM patients based on body mass index (BMI) and fasting blood glucose at Perumnas I Public Health Center, West Pontianak. Methods: This was an observational analysis study with a cross-sectional design. A total of 78 type 2 DM patients who were treated from January to July 2021 at Perumnas I Public Health Center were involved in this study. This study used a three-day food record questionnaire to get patients’ food dishes and the Wilcoxon test for correlation between variables. Results: Most of the respondents had a calorie deficit for three days straight (70.5%, 76.9%, and 71.8%), a normal BMI (51.3%), and above-normal fasting blood glucose (88.5%). The p-value of the Wilcoxon test that showed dietary habits on day one, two, and three with BMI was 0.000. The p-value of the Wilcoxon test that showed dietary habits on day one, two, and three with fasting blood glucose was 0.000. This showed a significant distinction between patients’ three-day dietary habits and their BMI and fasting blood glucose. Conclusion: There was a difference between nutritional status and fasting blood glucose in three-day dietary habits in type 2 DM patients at Perumnas I Public Health Center, West Pontianak.

Effects of Hardaliye, a Fermented Grape Drink, on Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profile, and Blood Pressure in Young Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective Hardaliye, a traditional fermented grape juice, can prevent imbalances in the antioxidant defense systems of soccer players. Hardaliye is mainly produced through the fermentation of grapes, sour cherry leaves, and mustard seeds and is consumed as a drink. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of hardaliye consumption on oxidative stress parameters, lipid profile, and blood pressure in young elite soccer players. Methods In this single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-design study, while the participants in one of the groups consumed 250 mL/d of hardaliye drink (Hardaliye Group), the participants in the other group consumed placebo drink (Placebo Group) for 28 days. Three-day food record and blood samples were taken from the soccer players and their blood pressure was measured. Results Nutrient intakes in both groups were similar at the beginning and end of the study (p > 0.05). Dietary carbohydrates and vitamin A, E, and C intakes were below the recommended levels in both groups. Hardaliye consumption significantly increased the serum total antioxidant capacity level but significantly decreased serum total oxidation status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels compared to the Placebo Group (p < 0.05). Lipid parameters and diastolic blood pressure levels were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). Hardaliye consumption significantly decreased systolic blood pressure compared to that in the Placebo Group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Hardaliye consumption in young elite soccer players showed antioxidative effects and decreased systolic blood pressure but did not affect their lipid profiles.

Protein content and amino acid composition in the diet of Danish vegans: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundA growing proportion of the population are replacing their dietary animal protein with plant protein. A particular example of this trend is the vegan diet, which excludes all food items of animal origin. However, the DIAAS score for individual plant proteins is generally lower than that of animal proteins due to an unbalanced amino acid composition and lower bioavailability. Care must therefore be taken to meet the nutritional recommendations in the daily food intake.MethodsA three-day dietary food record was carried out by 40 Danish vegans in a cross-sectional study. The data were analysed, with particular emphasis on protein requirements and the essential amino acid composition of the diet.ResultsThe protein recommendations were met on all three days by 60% of the participants. In contrast, 18% did not meet the protein recommendations on any of the three days and 7% met the recommendations on only one of the days. Lysine was the most limiting amino acid (only 50% met the recommendations every day) followed by the sulphur-containing amino acids (recommendations met by 67.5%), leucine and valine (recommendations met by 70%). Combining both the amount of protein and the intake of the essential amino acids showed that less than half of the participants met the recommendations on all three days (47.5%) and 35% did not meet the recommendations on any days or on one day only.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study showed that many of the participants in the present study failed to meet the daily protein intake requirements, both on single days and on all three days. Furthermore, the food intake was found to have an inadequate amino acid composition and was particularly limited by the essential amino acids lysine, the sulphur-containing amino acids, and leucine and valine. This could be ascribed to the fact that only a limited number of protein sources were consumed during a day.

Physical Activity Levels and Total Food Intake among Preclinical Students at a School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Highlights: 1. This is the first cross-sectional study in Indonesia that was conducted specifically to find a correlation between physical activity levels and food intake.2. As lower physical activity was found to be associated with higher food intake, this study suggests that physical activity might be taken into consideration to manipulate one’s food consumption Abstract One of the most crucial things a person can do to enhance the well-being of their body is to engage in regular physical activity. However, currently, there are still many people who have low physical activity levels. It is stated that habitual physical activity can affect the sensitivity of food intake regulation. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the total food intake and physical activity of preclinical students. This study was conducted using the cross-sectional method among preclinical students (n=238) in the classes of 2017, 2018, and 2019 at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia. Subjects with appetite-manipulating supplements, a diet program, a history of metabolic disease, a history of eating disorders, stress, or trauma were excluded from this study. The physical activity level was evaluated using the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ), while the total food intake was evaluated using the three-day food record method. The statistical test applied in this study was the Spearman test, with a significance of p&lt;0.05. There were 22.3% of respondents with a low physical activity level, and there were 9.7% of respondents with a total food intake higher than recommended. The statistical analysis showed a significant negative correlation between physical activity levels and total food intake (p=0.008). In conclusion, there is an association between students’ physical activity levels and their total food intake.

Weight Status, Dietary Intake, and Mealtime Behaviour Among Autism Spectrum Disorder Children in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Introduction: Nutrition is one of the important contributors to the well-being of children with disability. Given the various data on the nutritional status of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children, it is imperative to conduct a detailed nutritional assessment of the local population. This study compares ASD with typical developing (TD) children to determine the weight status and association of mealtime behavior with dietary intake in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: A total of 106 children aged five to nine years old participated in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic were assessed through self-administered questionnaires. The body weight and height were collected; the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A three-day food record and a Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI) data were obtained from the caretakers. Results: More than one-third (39%) of the ASD children were overweight or obese compared to TD children (23%). However, there is a significant difference (X2=10.29, p=0.03) when TD children were categorized as stunted and severely stunted. Meanwhile, the total energy intake was statistically significant (X2=9.53, p=0.008). The majority (88.2%) of ASD children experience problems in mealtime behavior characteristically limited food acceptance with a mean score of (28.78±6.80). Mealtime behavior was not associated with energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat when the p&gt;0.05. Conclusion: Even though there was no association of mealtime behavior with dietary intake, the BMI was significantly influenced by excessive daily calorie consumption. Because of growth parameters influence physical development, nutritional intervention program should be carried out in order to improve nutritional status of AS children.

Validation and reliability for the updated REAP-S dietary screener, (Rapid Eating Assessment of Participants, Short Version, v.2)

BackgroundThe American Heart Association (AHA) chose the REAP-S dietary screener in 2020 as one of three US dietary screeners recommended for integrating dietary assessment into clinical care. The REAP-S v.2 is an updated version that is aligned with the 2020–2025 US Dietary Guidelines and is easily incorporated into electronic medical records and taught to medical students.MethodsThe University of New England, Institutional Review Board, approved the study protocol. We evaluated the reliability and validity of the REAP-S v.2 scale by having first-year medical students (n = 167) complete both the REAP-S v.2 and a three-day food record and then analyzing their data with the following statistical techniques: Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was assessed with exploratory factor analysis. Criterion validity was evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) that explored the associations between REAP-S v.2 scale item responses and selected nutrient estimates from the food record analyses. The hierarchical cluster analysis classified healthy and unhealthy diet grouping under each subscale. Further using these groupings, cut points for "good" and "bad" diets for each of the three main REAP-S v.2 subscales (Food Sufficiency/Food Insufficiency; Healthy Eating Pattern and Low Nutrient Density Foods) were calculated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Students analyzed their three-day food intake records using an online USDA application called SuperTracker.ResultsThe Cronbach’s alpha measuring internal consistency was acceptable for the overall scale at 0.71. The exploratory factor analysis extracted three factors that roughly paralleled the three main subscales, suggesting construct validity. Most selected food record-derived nutrient values were significantly associated with scale items confirming criterion validity. The score cut points suggest that dietary counseling might be needed at ≤ 8, ≤ 10, and ≤ 16 for the above subscales.ConclusionThe REAP-S v.2 is intended for clinicians to use as a brief dietary screener with their patients. Tested in a population of first-year medical students, the REAP-S v.2 brief dietary screener showed acceptable internal consistency, criterion, and construct validity. It is easily scored and incorporated into the electronic medical record.

Associations of timing of food intake with energy intake, eating behaviour traits and psychosocial factors in adults with overweight and obesity.

Whether a late distribution of food intake impacts obesity through increased energy intake remains uncertain and the behavioural characterization of late eating needs to be further investigated. The first objective of this study was to assess the associations between late eating and body mass index (BMI) and total energy intake (TEI), and whether TEI mediates the association between late eating and BMI. The second objective was to assess the associations between late eating and eating behaviour traits or psychosocial factors and whether eating behaviour traits mediate the association between late eating and TEI. Baseline data from 301 individuals (56% women, age = 38.7 ± 8.5 years; BMI = 33.2 ± 3.4 kg/m2), who participated in four weight loss studies were used in this cross-sectional study. Total energy intake was assessed using a three-day food record from which the percentage of TEI after 17:00 and after 20:00 was calculated. Eating behaviour traits and psychosocial factors were assessed with questionnaires. Pearson correlations and mediation analyses adjusted for age, sex, underreporting of energy intake, sleep duration and bedtime were performed. Percent TEI after 17:00 and after 20:00 were associated with TEI (r = 0.13, p = 0.03 for both), and TEI mediated the association between percent TEI after 17:00 and BMI (β = 0.01 ± 0.01, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.02). Percent TEI after 17:00 was associated with disinhibition (r = 0.13, p = 0.03) and percent TEI after 20:00 was associated with susceptibility to hunger (r = 0.13, p = 0.03), stress (r = 0.24, p = 0.002) and anxiety (r = 0.28, p = 0.0004). In women, disinhibition mediated the association between percent TEI after 17:00 and TEI (β = 3.41 ± 1.43, 95% CI: 0.92, 6.47). Susceptibility to hunger mediated the association between percent TEI after 20:00 and TEI (β = 0.96 ± 0.59, 95% CI: 0.02, 2.34) in men and women. Late eating is associated with TEI and suboptimal eating behaviours which could contribute to explaining the association between timing of food intake and obesity.

The Waist-Hip Ratio is a Mediator Between Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Its Val66Met Polymorphism in Adolescents.

To explore anthropometric, metabolic and dietary factors associated with and their interplays with the Val66Met polymorphism at brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (Bdnf) on serum BDNF levels in adolescents. Serum BDNF levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 644 high school students (278 males/366 females). A polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay were utilized for Bdnf Val66Met genotyping followed by verification using DNA sequencing. Serum levels of metabolic characteristics were assayed by routine methods. The intake of macro and micronutrients was collected by a three-day food record. Serum BDNF levels were found to be significantly different in the subjects with different genotypes of Bdnf Val66Met (Val/Val homozygotes, 60.05 ± 28.07 ng/mL vs Val/Met heterozygotes, 56.37 ± 29.34 ng/mL vs Met/Met homozygotes, 51.32 ± 24.54 ng/mL, p = 0.022). Among the 36 tested variables, waist-hip ratio (WHR) (β = -0.163, p < 0.001), iodine intake (β = 0.132, p = 0.001), heart rate (β = 0.108, p = 0.005), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (β = 0.098, p = 0.011) and dietary fiber intake (β = 0.082, p = 0.084) were the predictor of serum BDNF levels, while SBP (β = 0.097, p = 0.013) and WHR (β = 0.091, p = 0.021) were related with Bdnf Val66Met. Moreover, WHR was observed to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between Bdnf Val66Met and serum BDNF levels (95% CI [-1.161, -0.087]) and contribute 13.05% of its total effect on serum BDNF levels. There are interplays between WHR and Bdnf Val66Met on serum BDNF levels, which may be among the explanations for the previous heterogeneous reports and provide novel insights into the regulation of serum BDNF levels.

Association between Dietary Habits and Severity of Symptoms in Premenstrual Syndrome.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The etiopathogenesis of this condition is not fully understood, and several studies suggest a possible role of environmental factors, such as diet. The aim of this work was to investigate the relationship between dietary habits and the occurrence and severity of PMS. Forty-seven women were enrolled in the study. Participants were asked to complete the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) to diagnose PMS and to complete a three-day food record during the perimenstrual phase. Thirty women completed the study (16 with PMS and 14 controls). An analysis of the food diaries revealed no differences between the women with PMS and the control subjects in terms of total energy intake (1649 vs. 1570 kcal/day), diet composition, and the consumption of macro- or micronutrients, except for copper, whose consumption was higher in women with PMS than in the control subjects (1.27 ± 0.51 vs. 0.94 ± 0.49 mg/d, p < 0.05). The data presented here are very preliminary, and only a significant difference in copper intake was found when comparing women with PMS and controls. Larger studies are needed to better define how diet may contribute to the exacerbation of the psychological and somatic symptoms associated with PMS and whether PMS itself may influence macro- or micronutrient intake by changing dietary habits.

Relationship between adherence to dietary treatment and binge-eating disorder in obese patients.

the binge eating disorder (BED) is the eating disorder that most affects the obese population, and BED is an aspect that possibly interferes with the rate of adherence to nutritional treatment, which is also low in individuals with chronic non-communicable disease. to examine the relationship between adherence to dietary treatment and BED presence in obese individuals. this cohort study was conducted with a sample of 73 obese individuals at a nutrition and metabolic disease outpatient unit. Anthropometric data were collected, and a three-day food record was used for dietary assessment. BED was identified using the Binge Eating Scale, and patients were divided into two groups (BED and non-BED controls). Patients were reassessed at three-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using Student's t-tests and generalized estimating equations with Bonferroni correction. Adherence to dietary treatment was assessed by calculating differences between recommended and actual energy intakes. BED was identified in 28.7 % of obese individuals. There was no significant difference in adherence to dietary treatment between BED and control patients. Both groups showed similar eating habits and physical activity levels throughout the study period. obesity is one of the factors contributing to the lack of adherence to nutritional guidelines. The importance of cognitive methods in dietary treatment programs should be further investigated.

Avaliação da frequência alimentar, perfil nutricional e antropométrico de adolescentes

To evaluate food frequency and verify the association with nutritional and anthropometric profile in adolescents. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected, as well as a three-day food record to identify food frequency, whether or not breakfast was served and the average consumption of dairy products and ultra-processed foods. Sixty-three adolescents aged 14 to 16 years, mostly females (61.9%), participated in the study. In none of the associations it was possible to identify significant differences, however it was observed: consumption of ≥4 meals a day present in 60.3% of the adolescents, being linked to overweight; low consumption of dairy products in both genders and high consumption of ultra-processed foods among younger people. The breakfast variable did not establish an association with the nutritional status of the sample. There was no relation found between food frequency and the nutritional and anthropometric profile in adolescents. However, further studies should be encouraged.

Time Following a Gluten-Free Diet, Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Quality of Life in Children with Celiac Disease

Maintaining a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) may affect the quality of life of children with celiac disease (CD) and promote a less healthy diet by substituting gluten-containing foods with ultra-processed foods. We aimed to assess the influences of the GFD and ultra-processed food consumption on parents’ perception of the quality of life of children with CD. Fifty-eight children (mean age 8.6 ± 4.1 years) were included. The participants were divided into groups based on the time following a GFD: &lt;6 months (n = 18) versus ≥12 months (n = 37). Their dietary consumption was assessed through a three-day food record. The 20-item Celiac Disease Quality Of Life survey (CD-QOL), which contains four subscales (limitations, dysphoria, health concerns, and inadequate treatment) was used to assess the quality of life. The children who followed a GFD for ≥12 months presented poorer scores in the limitations subscale than those who followed a GFD for &lt;6 months (p = 0.010). The mean % of the energy intake from ultra-processed foods was 47.3 ± 13.5. Children with CD consuming more than 50% of their total energy from ultra-processed foods showed poorer scores for the limitation and inadequate treatment (both, p = 0.019) subscales than their counterparts. According to parents’ perceptions, those children who consumed more than 50% of their energy through ultra-processed foods had more limitations, and their treatment was perceived as less effective.

Eating behaviour traits mediate the association between satiety responsiveness and energy intake among individuals with overweight and obesity

Whether eating behaviour traits represent factors that could explain the susceptibility to overeating in individuals with low satiety responsiveness remain to be extensively examined. This study aimed to assess if eating behaviours mediate the association between satiety responsiveness and energy intake. Baseline data from individuals with overweight or obesity (n = 303; age = 38.7 ± 8.4 years; BMI = 33.2 ± 3.4 kg/m2, 56% women) who participated in four weight-loss studies were included in this cross-sectional study. Satiety responsiveness was determined by the satiety quotient (SQ) based on fullness sensations in response to a standardized breakfast. Energy intake was self-reported in a three-day food record and measured by an ad libitum buffet meal. Eating behaviours were assessed with questionnaires. Mediation analyses adjusted for age and sex, and for underreporting for the food record, were performed using a regression-based and bootstrapping approach. The association between SQ and self-reported total energy intake was mediated by susceptibility to hunger (β = −2.51 ± 1.26, 95% CI, −5.38 to −0.52) and its subscales, internal and external locus of hunger (β = −2.00 ± 1.10, 95% CI, −4.50 to −0.28 and β = −2.42 ± 1.29, 95% CI, −5.30 to −0.30, respectively). Susceptibility to hunger (β = −2.71 ± 1.13, 95% CI, −5.29 to −0.84), internal and external locus of hunger (β = −1.84 ± 0.95, 95% CI -4.00 to −0.30 and β = −3.42 ± 1.31, 95% CI, −6.39 to −1.24, respectively), cues that may trigger food cravings (β = −5.43 ± 2.91, 95% CI, −11.83 to −0.44) and state-craving as a physiological state (β = −4.31 ± 2.51, 95%CI, −10.14 to −0.44) also mediated the association between SQ and measured energy intake. These results suggest that susceptibility to hunger and food cravings partly explained the susceptibility to overeating among individuals with low satiety responsiveness. Interventions targeting susceptibility to hunger and food cravings may thus be helpful to prevent overeating among these individuals.

The Relationship between Dietary Intake and Cognitive Performance Before and During Ramadan Fasting among Healthy Adult Population in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which healthy adolescents and adult Muslims fast from dawn to dusk for a month. During Ramadan fasting, dietary intake and cognitive performance changes can be seen related to many factors. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the comparison between dietary intake and cognitive performance among healthy adult populations in Kuala Nerus before and during Ramadan fasting and the possible correlation between these parameters.&#x0D; &#x0D; This study was conducted among a healthy adult population in Kuala Terengganu and mainly at University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). Socio-demographics data, dietary data, and cognitive assessment were measured. Energy and macronutrient intakes were measured by using a three-day food record while cognitive performance was measured by using Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) and Trail-Making Test (TMT) through a face-to- face activity-based survey. All the measurements were taken in the two-time interval which is before Ramadan fasting (one to two weeks prior to Ramadan month) and during Ramadan fasting (week two to four of Ramadan Month)&#x0D; &#x0D; A total of 113 participants with a mean age of 23.1 ± 4.9 years old were recruited in this cross-sectional study consisting of 23 males (20.4%) and 90 females (79.6%). The majority of the participants were Malay (97.3%), and still single (92.9%). Most of the participants also still pursuing their degrees (92%) and has no income (92%). Almost all of the participants were non-smokers (99.1%).&#x0D; &#x0D; The dietary data shows that the energy intake was significantly reduced during Ramadan by 293.8 kcal compared to before Ramadan (p&lt;0.001). Regarding macronutrients, a significant reduction in carbohydrates, protein, and fat was reported, p=0.003, p=0.011, and p&lt;0.001 respectively. Next, the results of cognitive performances varied according to Stroop congruent and incongruent test; and Trail Making Test A and B. Stroop Congruent Test (word test) showed that the reaction time was significantly higher before Ramadan compared to during Ramadan (p&lt;0.001), meanwhile the reaction time for Trail-making Test A and B showed that there were significantly lower before Ramadan compared to during Ramadan (p&lt;0.001). But there were no significant differences in others' tests. In addition, the result for correlation showed that the reaction time for Trail Making B was significantly negatively correlated with energy intake (p=0.002) and protein intake (p=0.007) while positively correlated with fat intake (p=0.004).&#x0D; In conclusion, according to the results, most participants reported a decrease in their dietary intake during Ramadan, similar to what was observed in cognitive performance, with most participants reporting a slower reaction time during Ramadan. Hence, the consumption of sufficient energy is critical for good cognitive performance because diet can influence cognitive abilities.

Reproducibility and validity of the Toronto-modified Harvard food frequency questionnaire in a multi-ethnic sample of young adults.

To assess the reproducibility and validity of a Toronto-modified Harvard food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) among a multi-ethnic sample of young adults. A total of 150 participants recruited from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study cohort who had existing dietary intakes assessed by FFQ (FFQ1) and reassessment one year later (FFQ2). Of these, 100 participants also completed a three-day food record to evaluate the validity of the FFQ for 38 nutrients (energy, 14 macronutrients, 22 micronutrients, and 1 bioactive). Analyses were also stratified between the two major ethnic groups (Caucasian and East Asian). Among the full sample, mean intakes of most nutrients (27/38) did not differ significantly between estimates derived from FFQ2 compared to the three-day food record. Energy, sex, and ethnicity adjusted deattenuated Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from 0.20 to 0.92 (mean r = 0.52 ± 0.15), and 34/38 validity coefficients were r ≥ 0.32. Gross misclassification of intakes between FFQ2 and the three-day food record was low (<6%), but energy, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and sodium were underestimated by FFQ2. Mean intakes between FFQ1 and FFQ2 did not differ significantly for any nutrient. Between the two major ethnic groups, mean validity coefficients were similar, but varied for individual nutrients with saturated fat, PUFA, and omega 3 being among the most discrepant. Compared to a three-day food record, the Toronto-modified Harvard FFQ is a reproducible and valid tool to estimate dietary intake among a multi-ethnic sample of young adults. However, incorporation of protocols to improve the assessment of culturally diverse diets should be considered.

Mediterranean Diet and Atrial Fibrillation: Lessons Learned from the AFHRI Case-Control Study.

A relationship between lifestyle, diet, and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. Except for alcohol consumption, AF guidelines do not differentiate specific advice for this rhythm disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between adherence to healthy dietary patterns and the presence of AF, among 104 low risk participants from the 1:1 matched case–control AFHRI (Atrial Fibrillation in High-Risk Individuals) study. Dietary data were obtained using a three-day food record. Adapted German versions of the validated 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the validated eight-item Healthy Eating Index (HEI) from the Epic Study served as the basis for data derivation. The median age of the study participants was 63.0 years, 73.1% were men. In multivariable adjusted binary logistic regression analyses, we found inverse associations between both dietary indices (MEDAS: Median = 3, HEI: Median = 54.9) and the presence of AF (odds ratio for MEDAS: 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47–0.91, odds ratio for HEI: 0.60, 95% CI 0.39–0.95). Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the extent to which high quality dietary patterns such as a Mediterranean diet influence the onset and natural history of AF, in order to provide dietary counselling.

Prevalence of sarcopenia among Saudis and its association with lifestyle behaviors: Protocol for cross-sectional study.

BackgroundSarcopenia is an age-related muscular disease manifesting as a loss of muscle function and mass–leads to detrimental consequences at both individual and community levels. Modifiable lifestyle factors (such as physical behaviors and nutritional habits) may be involved in sarcopenia etiology. European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older Population (EWGOSP2) established a cut-off point for sarcopenia diagnosis based on the European population and they recommend the use of a regional normative population. However, no sufficient data on sarcopenia prevalence is presently available in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this project aims to define appropriate reference values from healthy Saudi young adults (Phase I) and to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in Saudi Arabia (Phase II) and examine selected modifiable lifestyle correlates of sarcopenia (Phase I, II).MethodsThe project will involve two phases. Phase I will include 1532 healthy Saudi young adults aged between 20–40 years. While, Phase II will include 1532 Saudi older adults aged ≥50 years. The study will measure vital signs, anthropometrics, muscle mass using bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, muscle strength using handgrip strength and maximal isometric strength, physical function using short physical performance battery, and 6-minute walk test to measure aerobic endurance. To explore the associations between lifestyle behaviors with sarcopenia indices, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep will be evaluated subjectively using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and objectively via ActivPAL accelerometers. A three-day dietary food record will also be used to evaluate dietary intake. Additionally, EuroQOL five-dimension questionnaire will be utilized to assess health-related quality of life.DiscussionThe study will have significant implications in recognizing the prevalence of sarcopenia in Saudi population, which will guide our future interventional studies aimed at early prevention and treatment of this disease.

Effect of dietary n-6: n-3 Poly-Unsaturated fatty acids ratio on gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary n-6: n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Materials and methods A total of 100 pregnant women were prospectively included for detailed information on dietary intake at 16-18 weeks evaluated using a three-day food record, and subsequent GDM diagnosis at 24-28 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups for analysis: GDM group (n = 22) and control group (n = 78) based on oral glucose tolerance test results performed between 24 and 28 weeks. Results The average dietary n-6: n-3 PUFA ratio in the control group was 5.63 ± 2.12 and that in the GDM group was 8.35 ± 3.45, within a significant difference (p < .05). A significant difference was associated with a higher dietary n-6: n-3 PUFA ratio and GDM (adjusted odds ratio = 4.29, 95%confidence interval:1.303, 14.124). Conclusions Higher dietary n-6: n-3 PUFA ratio was associated with higher odds of GDM. Given the small sample, further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.