USDA Food Research Articles

P36 The Impact of COVID-19 on Food Security Status and Food Access Among SNAP-Eligible Utahns

<h3>Background</h3> COVID-19 has the potential to impact the health of individuals experiencing food insecurity and reduced food access. A national collaboration examined this impact across the United States, including Utah. <h3>Objective</h3> The objective of this study was to explore the effect of COVID-19 on perceived food access challenges, barriers, and compensatory strategies among SNAP-eligible Utahns. <h3>Study Design</h3> A 76-item survey was emailed to all SNAP-eligible Utahns (N = 24,763) in July 2020. The USDA's 6-item Food Security Module was used to determine food security prior to and since COVID-19. Additional questions asked about food access and eating/purchasing behaviors. Participants (n = 521) were predominately White (75%) females (77%). <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Level of agreement for using compensatory food access strategies was summed (score range: 7-42; higher scores reflecting increased use) and assessed for mean differences using ANOVA based on food insecurity classification. Rating scales were used to measure food access challenges and barriers to using nutrition assistance (4-5 item scales) during COVID-19. Spearman correlations examined associations between challenges/barriers and degree of food insecurity. <h3>Results</h3> Of participants (n = 358) who were food insecure, 74% were White and 77% were female. Food insecure individuals prior to and since COVID-19 were more likely than food secure participants to use compensatory strategies to ensure food affordability during COVID-19 (mean score = 30 vs 26, respectively; <i>P</i> = 0.002). Degree of food insecurity was associated with barriers to using nutrition assistance, including difficulty traveling to apply/recertify (r = 0.24; <i>P</i> < 0.001) and frequency of experiencing food access challenges during COVID-19 (r = 0.16-0.33; <i>P</i> ≤ 0.002). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Challenges with food access and barriers to utilizing nutrition assistance during COVID-19 are associated with food insecurity among SNAP-eligible individuals, potentially resulting in reliance upon more compensatory food affordability strategies. Efforts should be taken to minimize these barriers to ensure adequate food quantity and quality among food insecurity individuals.

O42 Examining the Geospatial Characteristics of COVID-19 Pandemic Summer Meal Distribution Sites in North Carolina

<h3>Background</h3> School meals are an important social safety net. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and community organizations were able to serve meals through federal summer meals programs (SMP) to reach kids in need who were not in school. It is important to understand how access to these programs may have been impacted across sociodemographic characteristics to prevent exacerbation of health disparities in future public health emergencies. <h3>Objective</h3> To examine the geospatial characteristics of COVID-19 pandemic SMP distribution sites in North Carolina. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Cross-sectional study of COVID-19 SMP distribution sites (n = 2,567) in North Carolina during the 2019-2020 school year. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> GIS was used to conduct a geospatial analysis. Pandemic SMP sites were mapped and spatially joined to US Census sociodemographic data and USDA Food Desert Atlas data, including designated census tracts. SMP site service areas were created for rural (10-mile) and urban sites (3-mile), and sociodemographic data aggregated within these areas to understand reach. Summary sociodemographic and food environment characteristics of meal sites were generated, and bivariate analysis used to assess group differences. <h3>Results</h3> There was a school meal site in 71% (267/368) of Food Desert Census Tracts. Census Tracts with meal sites had significantly higher levels of percent poverty (18.8% vs 13.2%) (<i>P</i> < 0.001), percent minority population (34.7% vs 25.7%) (<i>P</i> < 0.001), and a higher number of housing units without vehicle count beyond 1 mile from supermarket (56.3% vs 36.0%) (<i>P</i> < 0.001) compared to Census Tracts without SMP sites. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In North Carolina, meal sites were generally well placed to serve those in the most need. Future work should try to understand factors determining SMP location. The use of geospatial analysis of sociodemographic characteristics and use of spatial location-allocation modeling to inform meal distribution sites should be further explored to prevent future exacerbation of health disparities.

P61 Relationship Between Adults’ Dietary Habits and Food Security Status Amid COVID-19

BackgroundCOVID-19 rapidly spread throughout the United States (US) early in 2020. In March, the US federal government mandated that all residents and citizens remain in quarantine to reduce the spread and ease the burden on the healthcare system, which unwillingly impacted the rise in unemployment. Even though these preventative measures were necessary, it may have unwillingly shifted dietary habits based on food security status.ObjectiveTo identify adults’ demographics, dietary habits, and its relationship with food security status amid COVID-19.Study Design, Setting, ParticipantsAn online cross-sectional study was conducted between April – June 2020 throughout the United States. Participants (n = 3,133) completed a demographic questionnaire, the modified Dana-Farber's Cancer Institute Eating Habits Questionnaire and USDA Food Security Module once during the study period.Measurable Outcome/AnalysisFrequency counts and percentages were tabulated for demographics, dietary habits, and food security scores. One-way ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate relationships between dietary habits and food security status and correlations among demographics using STATA v14 at a statistical significance level of P < 0.05.ResultsParticipants were White (84.5%), female (79.4%), and between the ages of 30 to 49 years old (30.2%). Participants increased their consumption of sweets (43.8%) and salty snacks (37.4%) and decreased their consumption of fruit (33.4%), poultry products (31%) and non-starchy vegetables (28.2%). Average scores for food security were 0.69 ± 1.77. Per each month, there was a relationship between dietary habits and food security status; April (P < 0.02), May (P < 0.000) and June (P < 0.03). A significant negative correlation was found for female sex (P = 0.009), race (P < 0.001), and age range (P < 0.001) with total dietary habits score.ConclusionCOVID-19 continues to affect individuals, which influences the relationship between dietary habits and food security status. Future population studies are recommended in the US to help public health authorities frame actions to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 has on dietary habits and food security to minimize the risk factors today and in future inevitable pandemics. COVID-19 rapidly spread throughout the United States (US) early in 2020. In March, the US federal government mandated that all residents and citizens remain in quarantine to reduce the spread and ease the burden on the healthcare system, which unwillingly impacted the rise in unemployment. Even though these preventative measures were necessary, it may have unwillingly shifted dietary habits based on food security status. To identify adults’ demographics, dietary habits, and its relationship with food security status amid COVID-19. An online cross-sectional study was conducted between April – June 2020 throughout the United States. Participants (n = 3,133) completed a demographic questionnaire, the modified Dana-Farber's Cancer Institute Eating Habits Questionnaire and USDA Food Security Module once during the study period. Frequency counts and percentages were tabulated for demographics, dietary habits, and food security scores. One-way ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate relationships between dietary habits and food security status and correlations among demographics using STATA v14 at a statistical significance level of P < 0.05. Participants were White (84.5%), female (79.4%), and between the ages of 30 to 49 years old (30.2%). Participants increased their consumption of sweets (43.8%) and salty snacks (37.4%) and decreased their consumption of fruit (33.4%), poultry products (31%) and non-starchy vegetables (28.2%). Average scores for food security were 0.69 ± 1.77. Per each month, there was a relationship between dietary habits and food security status; April (P < 0.02), May (P < 0.000) and June (P < 0.03). A significant negative correlation was found for female sex (P = 0.009), race (P < 0.001), and age range (P < 0.001) with total dietary habits score. COVID-19 continues to affect individuals, which influences the relationship between dietary habits and food security status. Future population studies are recommended in the US to help public health authorities frame actions to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 has on dietary habits and food security to minimize the risk factors today and in future inevitable pandemics.

A Validation Study of NOVA Classification for Ultra-Processed Food on the USDA Food and Nutrient Database

Abstract Objectives In the last years, a group of Brazilian researchers has proposed a new food classification system, named NOVA, based on the extent of food processing. However, the feasibility of such classification has been debated, together with its cross-cultural validity. The present work assessed the NOVA classification feasibility, conducting a validation study on the USDA Food Composition Database. Methods Two independent reviewers rated each food reported in the 2015–2016 USDA Food and Nutrient Database to be or not ultra-processed food (UPF) according to the criteria presented in the manuscripts published by Monteiro CA et al. in 2016 and 2019 presenting the NOVA classification. A third independent reviewer solved disagreements. The Cohen's Kappa was calculated to evaluate the agreement between the two independent reviewers. Results The agreement between the reviewers was only moderate, with a Cohen's Kappa of 0.58. The disagreement pertained mainly the mixed dishes since it was difficult for the two independent reviewers to rate (UPF or not) the single food components of the mixed dishes. Conclusions Such work provides insights on the difficulties encountered in applying the NOVA classification to a real-word food database outside the cultural context in which the NOVA classification was developed. Funding Sources N/A.

Usual Intake of Food Pattern Components by U.S. Adolescents: What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015–2018

Abstract Objectives To estimate the usual, or long-term, adherence to recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), 2015–2020 by U.S. adolescents. Methods The analysis used dietary intake data from What We Eat in America, NHANES, 2015–2018. The sample included 1510 (740 male, 770 female) and 1421 (715 male, 706 female) adolescents age 9–13 yr and 14–18 yr, respectively. USDA's Food Patterns Equivalents Database and the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies 2015–2016 and 2017–2018 were used to determine the consumption of Food Pattern components, added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Usual intake estimates representative of the U.S. population were produced using the National Cancer Institute method and compared to the DGA energy-specific recommendations based on age, sex, and assuming the lowest physical activity level. Results Adolescents age 9–13 yr had significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.001) higher percentages meeting the DGA recommended intake than 14–18 yr for fruit (18% vs 8%) and grains (86% vs 60%). For components to limit, adolescents 9–13 yr had significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.001) lower percentages meeting the DGA recommendation for sodium less than the upper limit (2% vs 13%). When compared by age within sex, females age 9–13 yr had significantly higher percentages meeting the recommended intake than 14–18 yr for dairy (14% vs 4%) and grains (86% vs 55%) and lower percentages meeting the recommendation for sodium less than the upper limit (3% vs 23%). Males age 9–13 yr had significantly higher percentages meeting the recommended intake than age 14–18 yr for fruit (16% vs 4%) and grains (86% vs 65%). Conclusions Although adolescents age 9–13 yr had higher percentages than 14–18 yr meeting select recommended intakes, there was a lower percentage meeting the recommendation for sodium intake. With the exception of intake of grains, less than half of adolescents age 9–13 yr and 14–18 yr met any of the DGA recommendations for intake. These results reinforce the need for age-specific nutrition education. Funding Sources USDA.

Reclaiming lost nutrition

Reclaiming lost nutrition

1066-P: Association of Food Security with Cardiometabolic Health during Young Adulthood: Comparison by Race and Ethnicity

Food insecurity, defined as insufficient access to nutritious foods, poses a significant public health problem in the U.S. In the general population, food insecurity is related to poor cardiometabolic health. American Indians (AIs) have some of the greatest burdens of food insecurity and cardiometabolic disease in comparison to other racial/ethnic groups. However, few studies have established how food insecurity is related to cardiometabolic health with data disaggregated for AIs. The objective of this study was to assess the cross-sectional association of food insecurity and cardiometabolic risk factors among AI adults during young adulthood in comparison with non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic respondents. Data from the fourth wave of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) was used. Measures included one survey item on risk of food insecurity, objective measures of cardiometabolic health (body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose), and sociodemographic items. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the association of food insecurity with cardiometabolic health, while controlling for sociodemographic variables. All analyses were weighted and accounted for complex sampling survey design. In models inclusive of all adults, AI and non-Hispanic Black adults had significantly higher odds of reporting risk of food insecurity than non-Hispanic white adults. In models stratified by race, measures of cardiometabolic health were not significantly associated with risk of food insecurity among AI adults. Results suggest that AIs’ elevated risk of food insecurity is present in young adulthood, but its relationship with cardiometabolic health is unclear. Study implications are limited by the cross-sectional design, age of respondents, and reliance on a single-item measure of food insecurity. Future work should capitalize on longitudinal data and the USDA food security surveys. Disclosure C. J. Nikolaus: None. L. E. Hebert: None. A. Zamora-kapoor: None. K. Sinclair: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (P30DK092923)

Does Students’ Home Zip Code Relate to Food Insecurity on Campus? Implications of Home Demographics on Food Insecurity in College

Abstract Objectives To explore the relationship between students’ home zip code demographics and their food security status at a midsized, northeastern university. Methods Data were collected between 2018–2020 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing, cross sectional study at a midsized, public, northeastern university. As part of an online survey (Qualtrics) offered during the 3rd or 4th week of the semester, students completed the 6-item USDA Food Insecurity Questionnaire and provided the zip code associated with their primary residence prior to attending college. Students’ self-reported answers were used to categorize current food security status: food secure, low food secure, or very low food secure. A food security index was created from 13 unique sets of US Census data associated with zip codes. Each zip code was scored by sextiles for each census demographic and summed; final index values were assigned to each reported zip code and ranged from high to low risk of food insecurity (13–78). Results After exclusion of missing data, 687 students were included in the final analysis. The sample of predominantly female (62.0%), white (93.1%), first year (47.7%), and reported a zip code from the home state of the institution (39.9%). The mean food security index (±SD) of reported zip codes was 45.3 ± 8.9. In all, 18.8% reported food insecurity, (5.5% very low food security and 13.2% low food security), and 81.2% reported food security or marginal food security. Food insecurity was highest (21.8%) in students from zip codes most at risk for food insecurity based on the index, however, not significantly different from students from zip codes with the most food secure index score (18.8%). Conclusions Food insecurity among college students has been previously linked to poorer health, grades, and academic retention. More work is needed to elucidate the role of students’ prior place of residence to identify those at greatest risk of experiencing food insecurity on campus. Funding Sources The New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agricultural Hatch Project 1010738.

Contribution of Dairy Foods to Energy and Nutrient Intakes in Children and Adults: Analysis of Nhanes 2015–2018

ObjectivesDairy foods are foundational foods in healthy eating patterns. Consumption of dairy foods helps both children and adults meet the recommendations of a variety of essential nutrients. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to determine the contribution of total dairy, milk, cheese, and yogurt to energy and nutrient intake in children and adults. MethodsTwenty-four-hour dietary recall data from children age 2–18 (n = 5038) and adults age 19–99 (n = 9813) participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016 and 2017–2018 were analyzed. Intakes (both absolute amounts and as a percentage of total intake) of energy and nutrients were determined for all food groups using the USDA food category system. Data were generated on an as consumed basis and on a disaggregated basis; the latter approach reallocated energy and nutrients from milk and cheese found in other foods (e.g., pizza) back to the respective dairy food group. Total dairy was defined as milk, cheese, and yogurt in this analysis. ResultsOn a disaggregated basis, total dairy provided 14.2% and 9.7% of total kcal/d in children and adults, respectively. At current consumption levels, milk, cheese, and yogurt contributed 61.6% of calcium, 65.8% of vitamin D, 22.8% of potassium, 23.7% of protein, 38.5% of vitamin A, 38.3% of vitamin B12, 31.1% of riboflavin, 36.3% of phosphorus, 22.7% of zinc, and 18.1% of magnesium in children, on average. Dairy foods also contributed 19% of total fat, 31.1% of saturated fat, 13.9% of sodium, and 4.7% of added sugar to the diets of children. Similarly, in adults, milk, cheese, and yogurt contributed 49.5% of calcium, 45.9% of vitamin D, 11.6% of potassium, 15.7% of protein, 26.6% of vitamin A, 24.9% of vitamin B12, 18.6% of riboflavin, 25% of phosphorus, 15.5% of zinc, and 9.4% of magnesium to the diet, on average. Total dairy also provided 14.2% of total fat, 24.8% of saturated fat, and 10.1% of sodium in adults. Milk was the top source of calcium and vitamin D in both children and adults. ConclusionsMilk, cheese, and yogurt remain significant sources of key nutrients for children and adults, including three out of the four underconsumed nutrients of public health concern (vitamin D, calcium, and potassium) as defined by the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Funding SourcesNational Dairy Council.

Association of Weight Status With the Types and Quantities of Foods Consumed at Snacking Occasions Among US Adolescents

ObjectivesUS adolescents with overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) consume larger and more frequent snacks (i.e., foods consumed between meals) than adolescents with normal weight (NW); but, the food group sources of these snacks by body weight status remains largely unknown. This research aimed to evaluate snack food group composition by weight status among US adolescents. MethodsCross-sectional analysis evaluated 10 USDA Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED) components from snacking occasions using two, 24-hr dietary recalls among U.S. adolescents (n = 6,591;12–19 y) participating in the 2005–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate food intakes by weight status, adjusted for energy misreporting and other covariates. ResultsConsumption of added sugars, solid fats, and refined grains from snacks alone represented 64%, 38%, 32%, respectively, of recommended daily limits. Adolescents with OB consumed greater total daily energy from snacks (NW = 441(11)kcal; OW = 540(17)kcal; OB = 645(23)kcal, P < 0.05) and a greater percentage of total daily energy from snacks than adolescents with OW and NW (NW = 22%; OW = 24%; OB = 25%, P < 0.05). Adolescents with OB also consumed significantly higher amounts of refined grains, dairy, protein, oil, solid fat, and added sugar from snacks and total daily intake than adolescents with OW and NW (P < 0.05). ConclusionsUS adolescents consume one to two-thirds of recommended daily limits of added sugar, solid fats, and refined grains from snacks. Adolescents with OB consume higher levels of those and other food components from snacks than adolescents with OW and NW. Funding SourcesNational Institutes of Health; R21HD085137.

Nutritional Profiles of U.S. Adults With Suboptimal Dietary Creatine Intake

ObjectivesWe determined the prevalence of inadequate dietary intake of creatine and described nutritional profiles of individuals with low creatine intake in U.S. adults using data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) round. MethodsData for this study were obtained from the latest round of NHANES 2017–2018. Detailed dietary intake information from adult NHANES participants was obtained by dietary interview component through two 24-hour dietary recall interviews. To calculate creatine intake, we first identified meat-based protein foods using 8-digit USDA food codes organized in five database subgroups using dietary interview entry for individual foods. Next, we recorded the gram weight of each food/individual component containing meat-based protein, and calculated the net intake of meat-based protein for each respondent by merging all relevant food items on daily basis. Individual values for total grams of creatine consumed per day for each respondent were computed using the average amount of creatine (3.88 g/kg) across all sources of meat-based protein. A threshold for dietary intake of creatine was set at 1.00 gram per day, with respondents were classified into two subpopulations with the suboptimal intake of creatine (<1.00 g/day) or recommended intake (dietary creatine 3 1.00 g/day). ResultsAmong 4,004 NHANES adult participants that reported detailed dietary intake information, 2,611 (65.2%) were calculated to have dietary creatine intake below recommended levels of 1.00 g/day. The average daily creatine intake in this subpopulation was 0.52 ± 0.26 g (95% confidence interval, from 0.51 to 0.53). This was accompanied by a significantly lower dietary intake of meat-based protein, as compared to participants whose dietary creatine intake was equal to or above recommended levels (20.1 ± 10.2 g/day vs. 67.1 ± 30.4 g/day; P < 0.001). ConclusionsThe large-scale rate of suboptimal dietary creatine intake found in this cross-sectional study warrants additional research, and calls for immediate public health measures fostering creatine-rich foods in human nutrition. Funding SourcesNone.

Inadequate Maternal Dietary Micronutrient Intake and Differences by Nutritional Status: Findings From Pregnant Women in the COVID-19 Era

ObjectivesCOVID-19 pandemic increases the risk of an inadequate micronutrient intake and therefore, the risk of double burden of malnutrition in countries with high obesity prevalence. An adequate nutritional status, including micronutrient status is critical for pregnancy and offspring development; however, there is a lack of evidence regarding maternal dietary micronutrient intake and its relationship with BMI in the COVID-19 era. Henceforth, we sought to assess the adequacy of maternal dietary micronutrient intake and its relationship with BMI in pregnant women exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 810 Chilean pregnant women (>18 years) enrolled between March and October 2020 in Santiago, Chile. Maternal lifestyle, anthropometric and dietary intake (24-hr recall, n = 389) information was collected in the first trimester by telephonic interviews and from clinical records.Folate, calcium, iron, vitamins B-6, B-12 and D intake was estimated using the USDA nutrient database. Pre-pregnancy BMI was categorized according to the WHO criteria.ResultsOverall, 70% of women were classified as overweight or obese. Median (IQR) daily intake was 1.3 (0.8–1.8) mg for B-6, 2.5 (1.3–4.4) µg for B-12, 284 (187–408) µg for folate, 26 (7.2–86) IU for vitamin D, 639 (391–951) mg for calcium and 9.9 (6.9–13.7) mg for iron. Of all, <10% met the daily intake recommendation (RDA) for folate, vitamin D, iron, and calcium, while <25% and 50% met the recommendation for B-6 and B-12, respectively. B-6 intake was inversely correlated with BMI (ρ = −0.15, P < 0.05; Spearman correlation test). Furthermore, B-6, B-12, folate, iron, and calcium intake significantly differed by pre-pregnancy BMI categories (P < 0.05; KruskalWallis test), with obese and overweight women having a lower intake compared to normal or underweight women.ConclusionsIn this subgroup of Chilean pregnant women exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inadequacy of micronutrient intake was highly prevalent, especially in women with excess weight; these results need to be confirmed with the complete sample and by including more detailed analyses of both diet and potential confounders but suggest a very concerning nutrition scenario emerging from the pandemic.Funding SourcesChilean National Agency for Investigation

BMI modifies the association between dietary intake and serum levels of PCBs.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of persistent organic pollutants that are carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and endocrine disrupting in humans. Although diet is the primary source of exposure, there is no consensus on the association between dietary intake and serum PCBs. Additionally, body mass index (BMI) - with its inverse association with serum PCBs - may play a role in the association, which has never been studied. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between dietary intake and serum levels of PCBs, and whether the association was modified by BMI. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004, including 1531 participants. We estimated dietary intake of PCBs using the 24-hour diet recall, USDA Food Composition Intake Database, and PCB content in foods from the Canada Total Diet Study. Serum PCBs were measured by high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS). We used linear regression to examine the associations of dietary PCB intake with serum levels of seven PCB congeners and six PCB metrics. Further, we explored the role of BMI in the associations. We found that participants who were older and non-Hispanic tended to have a higher serum level of ∑37-PCB. In addition, we observed positive associations between dietary intake and serum PCBs for: PCB 105, 118, 126, 138+158, and 153 (P value ranges 0.005-0.03); seven PCB indicators (P value=0.03) and the sum of 37 PCBs (P value=0.04). Furthermore, we observed an effect modification by BMI (P for interaction=0.01 for ∑37-PCBs), with stronger associations in underweight or normal-weight individuals, and no association in overweight and obese individuals. In conclusion, within a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample of the US population, dietary PCB intake was positively associated with serum PCBs and the association was modified by BMI. Additional studies are warranted to replicate and confirm this effect modification.

Prevalence and Genetic Analysis of Chromosomal mcr-3/7 in Aeromonas From U.S. Animal-Derived Samples.

The prevalence of mcr-positive bacteria in 5,169 domestic animal-derived samples collected by USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service between October 2018 and May 2019 was investigated. A procedure including enriched broth culture and real-time PCR targeting mcr-1 to mcr-8 were used for the screening. Fifteen positive isolates were identified, including one plasmid-borne mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli strain, EC2492 (reported elsewhere) and 14 mcr-3/7-positive strains from poultry (1), catfish (2), and chicken rinse (11) samples, resulting in an overall prevalence of mcr-positive bacteria 0.29% in all meat samples tested. Analysis of 16S rRNA and whole genome sequences revealed that all 14 strains belonged to Aeromonas. Data from phylogenetic analysis of seven housekeeping genes, including gyrB, rpoD, gyrA, recA, dnaJ, dnaX, and atpD, indicated that nine strains belonged to Aeromonas hydrophila and five strains belonged to Aeromonas jandaei. Antimicrobial tests showed that almost all mcr-positive strains exhibited high resistance to colistin with MICs ≥ 128mg/L, except for one A. jandaei strain, which showed a borderline resistance with a MIC of 2 mg/L. A segment containing two adjacent mcr-3 and mcr-3-like genes was found in two A. hydrophila and one A. jandaei strains and a variety of IS-like elements were found in the flanking regions of this segment. A mcr-3-related lipid A phosphoethanolamine transferase gene was present in all 14 Aeromonas strains, while an additional mcr-7-related lipid A phosphoethanolamine transferase gene was found in 5 A. jandaei strains only. In addition to mcr genes, other antimicrobial resistance genes, including blaOXA–12/OXA–724, aqu-2, tru-1, cepS, cphA, imiH, ceph-A3, ant(3″)-IIa, aac(3)-Via, and sul1 were observed in chromosomes of some Aeromonas strains. The relative high prevalence of chromosome-borne mcr-3/7 genes and the close proximity of various IS elements to these genes highlights the need for continued vigilance to reduce the mobility of these colistin-resistance genes among food animals.

Decreased Iron Intake Parallels Rising Iron Deficiency Anemia and Related Mortality Rates in the US Population.

Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and its related mortality rate are on the rise in the United States and causes are unclear. The aim was to examine trends and causes of Fe deficiency anemia prevalence and Fe deficiency-related mortality rates in the total US population. Changes in daily dietary Fe intake, serum iron concentration, hemoglobin, red cell distribution width (RDW), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) obtained from the laboratory files of NHANES, Fe deficiency anemia-related mortality rates from the CDC, and iron concentrations of US food products from the USDA between 1999 and 2018 were analyzed. Of food items with revised concentrations in USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference [SR28 (2015)], 62.4% had lower Fe concentrations than in SR11 (1999). There was a 15.3% reduction in beef (relatively higher in heme iron) and a 21.5% increase in chicken meat consumption in the American diet between 1999 and 2018. Dietary iron intake decreased by ∼6.6% and ∼9.5% for male and female adults, respectively. Increases of prevalence of estimated anemia in the United States ranged from 10.5% to 106% depending on age and sex. Age-adjusted mortality rates with iron deficiency anemia as the underlying cause of death increased from ∼0.04 to ∼0.08 deaths per 100,000 people, whereas all other anemias as the underlying causes of death decreased by ≥25%. Mean RDW and serum folate concentrations increased, whereas hemoglobin, serum iron concentrations, and MCV, parameters traditionally associated with Fe deficiency anemia, decreased during this period. Increased iron deficiency anemia and related mortality rates in the US population between 1999 and 2018 were likely related to the decline in dietary iron intake resulting from an Fe concentration decline in US food products and a shift in dietary patterns.

Assessment of Food Security Status of Goat Farmers In Lagos State, Nigeria

The goat value chain plays a pivotal role in income and employment generation, livelihood enhancement; food and nutrition security among the poor, marginalized and disadvantaged groups and they are reared to supplement income and as a means of reducing food insecurity. The objective of this study is to assess the food security status of urban goat farmers in some local government areas of Lagos state, Nigeria. The use of qualitative method of data collection in the form of structured questionnaires were executed during the course of this study on a sample size of 80 goat farmers. Furthermore, during the course of the study, the specific objectives were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as USDA food security code module. Using the Pearson’s rank correlation and binary logistic regression, the hypotheses were accurately tested to achieve results. From the result acquired, it was determined that men dominated women in the goat farming sector as well as revealing that the average age of respondents were 42.4 years. Furthermore, the results revealed that, about 65.4% of the respondents made an annual income ranging from 100,000-300,000 Naira and have been residents of the sample location for about 10-15 years. Another observation made from the results obtained during the course of this study showed that majority of the respondents practiced semi intensive system of management. This involves them using family labor (55.6%), having an average of 18.8 goats, as well as revealing sales as their main purpose of farming. More revelations from the result showed that, majority of the respondents were food insecure without hunger. Showing the major reasons for food insecurity to be insufficient finance, high cost of food and poor storage and processing. It was recommended that farmers be encouraged to belong to organizations such as cooperatives to solve problems in management and also for easy access or contact by government and extension agents.

Determining the feasibility of an index of the social determinants of health using data from public sources

ABSTRACT Examining the feasibility of developing an index measure for the social determinants of health using public data is needed. We examined these characteristics at the ZIP code in California and New York using public data extracted from the US Census, American Community Survey, the USDA Food Research Access Atlas, and the Dartmouth Atlas. We conducted a retrospective study from 2000 to 2017. The main outcome was a novel index measure representing six domains (economic stability, neighborhood and physical environment, education, community and social context, food access, and health care) and encompassing 13 items. The index measure at the ZIP code was created using principal component analysis, normalized to “0” worse and “1” better in California (ZIP codes n = 1,447 to 1,515) and New York (ZIP codes n = 1,211 to 1,298). We assessed the reliability and conducted a nonparametric comparison to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County Health Rankings, Area Deprivation Index, Social Deprivation Index, and GINI Index. These measures shared similarities and differences with the novel measure. Mapping of this novel measure showed regional variation. As a result, developing a universal social determinants of health measure is feasible and more research is needed to link it to health outcomes.

Dietary high-oleic-acid soybean oil: Effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary high-oleic soybean oil (HOS) on the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of lambs. Spring-born, weaned, Dorset-Suffolk wethers (n = 20; average initial BW of 41.3 kg) were fed at the Illinois State University farm. Individually housed wethers were blocked by BW in a randomized complete block design and fed 1 of 2 treatments with 10 replications per treatment for 84 d. Treatments included a corn silage–based finishing diet (control) and control + 0.5% high-oleic soybean oil. Lambs were weighed on 2 consecutive days every 14 d. Average weights were used to calculate ADG, DMI, and G:F. Following finishing, wethers were transported 463 km for humane slaughter and fabrication under USDA–Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection. Standard USDA carcass data (QG and YG) were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS to obtain least squares means. No differences were found for the growth performance measures of ADG ( P = 1.0), DMI ( P = 0.84), or G:F ( P = 0.93). No differences were found for hot carcass weight ( P = 0.941), cold carcass weight ( P = 0.889), and DP ( P = 0.931). Wethers fed HOS exhibited a decrease in a* color value of the longissimus at the 12th rib junction ( P = 0.027), with no differences in L* ( P = 0.760) or b* values ( P = 0.347). Metmyoglobin ( P = 0.917), deoxymyoglobin ( P = 0.120), or oxymyoglobin ( P = 0.077) percentage in the longissimus face at the 12th rib junction was not altered by treatment. In this study, HOS inclusion did not affect standard growth or carcass characteristics in wethers. However, further evaluation into the decreased redness value of the loin eye in HOS lambs is warranted.

Disentangling food insecurity and maternal depression: which comes first?

To determine the temporal directionality of the association between food insecurity and maternal depression. Food insecurity was measured at two time points using the eighteen-item USDA Food Security Scale. Maternal depression was measured at two time points using the fifteen-item Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form. Two structural equation models were utilised to evaluate the impact of food insecurity on maternal depression (model 1) and the impact of maternal depression on food insecurity (model 2). Both models controlled for socio-demographic and parenting characteristics and child behaviour problems, along with prior measures of the dependent variable and concurrent measures of the independent variable. Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing (FFCW) study, twenty cities across the USA. 4897 mothers who participated in two waves of the FFCW study. On average, 17 % (time 1) and 15 % (time 2) of mothers experienced food insecurity and 21 % (time 1) and 17 % (time 2) of mothers experienced depression over time. Maternal depression at time 1 was associated with 53 % increased odds (OR = 1·53; B = 0·43; P < 0·001) of food insecurity at time 2, controlling for time 1 food insecurity, concurrent depression and covariates. Food insecurity at time 1 was associated with 36 % increased odds (OR = 1·36; B = 0·31; P < 0·001) of maternal depression at time 2, controlling for time 1 depression, concurrent food insecurity and covariates. We found a bidirectional relationship between food insecurity and maternal depression. A holistic approach that combines food assistance and mental health services may be an efficacious approach to reducing both depressive symptoms and food insecurity among low-income mothers.

VITAMINA D Y DIABETES MELLITUS. PARTE 1

Introduction: diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a major global public health problem. Vitamin D (VD) deficiency, on the other hand, has pandemic characteristics and its consequences go beyond its known effect on bone metabolism. The discovery of vitamin receptors in various tissues has led to increased interest in non-skeletal functions, many of which are related to the prevention and progression of DM. 25(OH) D is the main circulating form and is the most appropriate and most widely used marker for assessing the nutritional status of VD, since it reflects both endogenous production and intake of the vitamin. Objectives: as a Working Group we proposed to make a review of the topic VD and Diabetes. In this first part we analyzed the VD: metabolic aspects, food intake and controversies about the definition of adequate serum levels. Materials and methods: a bibliographic search was carried out using the PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Research Gate search engines. The search criteria were "vitamin D", "vitamin D and diabetes", "vitamin D functions, metabolism, sources" "vitamin D toxicity". Complete articles related to the topic were selected. The vitamin D content of foods was obtained from the Souci Fachmann Kraut and USDA food composition data bases. Conclusions: considering the scarce distribution of VD in natural foods, the low consumption of source foods in the Argentine population and the current recommendations to limit sun exposure due to skin cancer, it is necessary to have fortified foods for massive consumption, in addition to milk. Nutritional supplements offer a safe option to supplement the diet as long as serum levels are monitored. There is no consensus on reference levels for considering an individual deficient, although most authors agree on the need to maintain serum levels above 30 ng/ml.