Dietary Arsenic Intake in Taiwanese Districts with Elevated Arsenic in Drinking Water

Inorganic arsenic in dietary staples (i.e., yams and rice) may have substantially contributed to exposure and adverse health effects observed in an endemic Taiwanese population historically exposed to arsenic in drinking water. Observations of this population were used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to derive toxicity values that form the basis for arsenic risk assessment and various regulations in the United States. However, data were previously insufficient to accurately estimate dietary intake. Rice and yam samples collected in 1993 and 1995 from Taiwanese districts with endemic arsenic were analyzed for total arsenic and for inorganic and organic mono and dimethylarsenic. The acid digestion techniques used in the analyses are among the best to preserve organic arsenic in the test sample. Furthermore, concurrent analyses of the proportion of inorganic arsenic in split samples of rice and yams collected in the 1995 investigation were in good agreement, despite using a different digestion method. These data support a likely mean dietary intake of 50?µg/day with a range of 15 to 211?µg/day. Consideration of dietary intake may result in a downward revision of the assumed potency of ingested arsenic as reflected in EPA's toxicity values.     

Arsenic and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Drinking Water in Pakistan and Risk Assessment: A Case Study

The present study was performed to assess drinking water quality and potential health risk in the Nowshera District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. For this purpose drinking water samples were collected from local available sources and analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics, arsenic (As) and heavy metals. Results revealed high levels of toxic heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and As contaminations in the drinking water. Results were evaluated for chronic risk including average daily intake (ADI) and hazard quotient (HQ). Among heavy metals the HQ values were highest for Cd (5.80) and As (2.00). Therefore, populations in the study area may be at a low level of chronic toxicity and carcinogenic risk. Statistical analyses showed that contribution of different drinking water sources to the mean contaminant levels in the study area was insignificant (p =.53). Correlation analysis further revealed that anthropogenic activities were the main sources of contamination, rather than geogenic. This study strongly recommends the treatment of urban and industrial wastewater in the vicinity of the study area and provision of safe drinking water.     

Estimation of Multimedia Inorganic Arsenic Intake in the U.S. Population

Arsenic is widely distributed in the environment by natural and human means. The potential for adverse health effects from inorganic arsenic depends on the level and route of exposure. To estimate potential health risks of inorganic arsenic, the apportionment of exposure among sources of inorganic arsenic is critical. In this study, daily inorganic arsenic intake of U.S. adults from food, water, and soil ingestion and from airborne particle inhalation was estimated. To account for variations in exposure across the U.S., a Monte Carlo approach was taken using simulations for 100,000 individuals representing the age, gender, and county of residence of the U.S. population based on census data. Our analysis found that food is the greatest source of inorganic arsenic intake and that drinking water is the next highest contributor. Inhalation of airborne arsenic-containing particles and ingestion of arsenic-containing soils were negligible contributors. The exposure is best represented by the ranges of inorganic arsenic intake (at the 10^th and 90^th percentiles), which were 1.8 to 11.4 µg/day for males and 1.3 to 9.4 µg/day for females. Regional differences in inorganic arsenic exposure were due mostly to consumption of drinking water containing differing inorganic arsenic content rather than to food preferences.     

Arsenic toxicity,mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis – a health risk assessment and management approach

A comprehensive analysis of published data indicates that arsenic exposure induces cardiovascular diseases, developmental abnormalities, neurologic and neurobehavioral disorders, diabetes, hearing loss, hematologic disorders, and various types of cancer. Although exposure may occur via the dermal, and parenteral routes, the main pathways of exposure include ingestion, and inhalation. The severity of adverse health effects is related to the chemical form of arsenic, and is also time- and dose-dependent. Recent reports have pointed out that arsenic poisoning appears to be one of the major public health problems of pandemic nature. Acute and chronic exposure to arsenic has been reported in several countries of the world where a large proportion of drinking water (groundwater) is contaminated with high concentrations of arsenic. Research has also pointed significantly higher standardized mortality rates for cancers of the bladder, kidney, skin, liver, and colon in many areas of arsenic pollution. There is therefore a great need for developing a comprehensive health risk assessment (RA) concept that should be used by public health officials and environmental managers for an effective management of the health effects associated with arsenic exposure. With a special emphasis on arsenic toxicity, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis, this paper is aimed at using the National Academy of Science's RA framework as a guide, for developing a RA paradigm for arsenic based on a comprehensive analysis of the currently available scientific information on its physical and chemical properties, production and use, fate and transport, toxicokinetics, systemic and carcinogenic health effects, regulatory and health guidelines, analytical guidelines and treatment technologies.     

Water and Food Consumption Patterns of U.S. Adults from 1999 to 2001

Objective: High water consumption has been proposed as an aid to weight control and as a means of reducing the energy density of the diet. This study examines the relationship between water consumption and other drinking and eating patterns. Research Methods and Procedures: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2001, with responses from 4755 individuals ≥18 years of age, provides the data for this cross‐sectional analysis. A cluster analysis was performed using z‐scores of specific food and beverage consumption to examine patterns. A multinomial logit analysis was used to examine sociodemographic characteristics of each dietary pattern and to examine the effects of water consumption on the likelihood of consuming a non–dairy caloric beverage. All results were weighted to be nationally representative and controlled for design effects. Results: Within the sample, 87% consumed water, with an average daily consumption of 51.9 oz (1.53 liters) per consumer. Water consumers drank fewer soft/fruit drinks and consumed 194 fewer calories per day. Water consumers (potentially a self‐selected sample) consumed more fruits, vegetables, and low‐ and medium‐fat dairy products. Four distinct unhealthy dietary patterns were found that included little or no water consumption. Older and more educated persons used healthier food patterns. Mexican dietary patterns were much healthier than dietary patterns of blacks. Discussion: Water consumption potentially is a dietary component to be promoted, but much more must be understood about its role in a healthy diet. Because high water consumption is linked with healthier eating patterns—patterns more likely to be followed by higher‐educated, older adults—the target of water promotion and healthy diet options should focus on younger and less educated adults.     

Monitoring of arsenic in drinking water of high schools and assessment of carcinogenic health risk in Multan,Pakistan

Abstract

This study was performed to measure arsenic (As) contents in groundwater/drinking water of high schools and its effects on human health. Chronic daily intake, hazardous quotient (HQ), carcinogenic risk (CR), hazardous index (HI), and carcinogenic indices (CI) for oral and dermal exposure to arsenic were calculated. Samples were taken from high schools in four tehsils of Multan. As contents ranged from 3.25 to 184?µg/l and 99% samples exceeded World Health Organization safe limit (10?µg/l). HQ for Multan city (1.70) and for Multan Saddar (1.38) exceeded USEPA permissible toxic risk value (1.0). CR in four tehsils for oral (0.0001–0.0003) and dermal exposure (0.0000049–0.000011) exceeded USEPA limit (10^?6). HI for tehsil Multan city (1.75) and Multan Saddar (1.42) exceeded the limit (1.0). CI for four tehsils ranged from 0.00022 to 0.0008 exceeding USEPA limit (10^?6) indicating high chronic and carcinogenic health risk to exposed population. Results indicated that groundwater of district Multan is not fit for human consumption due to excessive arsenic contamination. It invites attention of water supplying agency and educational authorities to take steps for provision of arsenic free safe drinking water to students and local area peoples.     

Spirulina ameliorates arsenic induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), has numerous health benefits including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities, works against heavy metal toxicity, and is often used as a food supplement in human, animals, birds and fishes. This study aimed to evaluate the protective ability of the dietary spirulina against the toxic effects of inorganic arsenic (iAs) on male reproductive parameters in rats. Seventy-two mature Long-Evans male rats, dividing into six groups (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) (12 rats/group) were included in this study. The T3, T4 and T5 group rats were treated with three consecutive doses (1.0 g, 1.5 g and 2.0 g/kg feed) of spirulina in feed along with 3.0 mg NaAsO₂/kg body weight (BW) in drinking water (DW) daily for 90 days. Each rat of group T1 received NaAsO₂ (3.0 mg/kg BW) in DW, and those of T2 group were fed with spirulina (2.0 g/kg feed) daily for 90 days. The rats of group T0 served as the control with normal feed and water. Total arsenic (tAs) contents, reproductive parameters (testicular weight, sperm motility and morphology), and histological changes in the testicles were evaluated in these rats. Arsenic dosing significantly (p=0.003, Kruskal-Wallis test) increased the tAs contents in the testicles, decreased testes weight, sperm morphology and motility compared to the controls. The effect of arsenic dosing was also evidenced by the histological changes like decreased germinal layers in the seminiferous tubules of the treated rats. Moreover, dietary spirulina (2.0 g/kg feed) supplementation significantly (p=0.011, Kruskal-Wallis test) lowered tAs contents in testicles and increases testes weights, sperm motility and morphology. Therefore, spirulina can be used as an effective dietary supplement to ameliorate the adverse effects of arsenic induced reproductive toxicities. However, further study is required to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of reduction of arsenic induced reproductive toxicity by spirulina.     

Uncertainty in cancer risk at low doses of inorganic arsenic

It is unknown whether inorganic arsenic in drinking water concentrations at the current maximum contaminant level of 50 μg/1 poses a cancer risk in the United States. Data from two large epidemiological studies of cancer and arsenic in drinking water in Taiwan indicate a dose‐response relationship, but the magnitude of risk at low concentrations is highly uncertain. Four sources of uncertainty are described: model choice, data aggregation, intra‐village variability of arsenic in well water, arsenic intake from food. New data from an appropriately designed epidemiological study are needed to improve dose‐response assessment.     

Arsenic in Drinking Water and Mortality for Cancer and Chronic Diseases in Central Italy, 1990-2010

Background

In several volcanic areas of Italy, arsenic levels exceed European regulatory limits (10 μg/L in drinking water). There is still uncertainty about health risks from arsenic at low-medium doses (<100 μg/L).

Objectives

A large population-based study using an administrative cohort of residents in the Viterbo province (Central Italy), chronically exposed to low-medium arsenic levels via drinking water, was investigated to evaluate the effects of a lifetime exposure to arsenic on mortality from cancers and chronic diseases.

Methods

The study population consisted of 165,609 residents of 17 municipalities, followed from 1990 until 2010. Average individual arsenic exposure at the first residence (As_I) was estimated through a space-time modeling approach using residential history and arsenic concentrations from water supply. A time-dependent Cumulative Arsenic dose Indicator (CAI) was calculated, accounting for daily water intake and exposure duration. Mortality Hazard Ratios (HR) were estimated by gender for different diseases using Cox proportional models, adjusting for individual and area-level confounders. A flexible non-parametric approach was used to investigate dose-response relationships.

Results

Mean As_I exposure was 19.3 μg/L, and average exposure duration was 39.5 years. Associations of As_I and CAI indicators with several diseases were found, with greatest risks found for lung cancer in both sexes (HR = 2.61 males; HR = 2.09 females), myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease and COPD in males (HR = 2.94; HR = 2.44; HR = 2.54 respectively) and diabetes in females (HR = 2.56). For lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases dose-response relationship is modelled by piecewise linear functions revealing effects even for doses lower than 10 μg/L, and no threshold dose value was identified as safe for health.

Conclusions

Results provide new evidence for risk assessment of low-medium concentrations of arsenic and contribute to the ongoing debate about the threshold-dose of effect, suggesting that even concentrations below 10 μg/L carry a mortality risk. Policy actions are urgently needed in areas exposed to arsenic like in the Viterbo province, to comply with current EU regulations.     

Importance of Arsenic Speciation in Populations Exposed to Arsenic in Drinking Water

Total arsenic in urine is often the principal means for assessing chronic exposure to arsenic-contaminated drinking water. This approach ignores many components of the human diet, especially fish and seafood that contain arsenic at significant concentrations. The toxicity differences between the inorganic forms and the dietary forms suggest both should be evaluated when attempting to assess risk from arsenic exposure. Urine biomonitoring for 53 participants was used to confirm reduction in arsenic exposure resulting from well water remediation removing inorganic arsenic from drinking water. Initially, only total arsenic urine assays were performed, but spikes in total arsenic urine concentrations were determined to be diet related and demonstrated the need for analytical methods that differentiate the arsenic species. A secondary analysis was added that quantified inorganic-related arsenic in urine and the dietary forms related to fish and seafood by subtraction from total arsenic. Significant differences were found between the inorganic arsenic component and the total arsenic measured in their urine. On average, approximately 76% of total arsenic in urine was attributed to fish and other organo-arsenic dietary sources, implying a potential significant overestimate of exposure, and demonstrating the need for differentiation of the inorganic-related arsenic from dietary arsenic.     

Assessing Risk of Inorganic Arsenic in Drinking Water in the United States

Limitations of the current EPA risk assessment for inorganic arsenic in drinking water in the U.S. are discussed. An empirical approach is suggested that would sample survey the populations in regions with the highest arsenic levels in drinking water for signs of arsenicism, which has been much more prevalent and appeared much earlier in exposed populations than cancer (e.g., of the skin). Biomarkers of exposure, such as arsenic content in urine, nails, hair, and skin scales, may provide even earlier indications of subpopulations with excessive arsenic exposure and identify individuals at risk. Further study is needed to evaluate fully the potential for use of biomarkers, focusing on the accuracy and reliability of analytical methods, the utility of biomarkers as indicators of short-term and long-term exposure and as precursors to clinical signs of arsenicism, and the use of “normal” ranges of biomarkers for interpretation of field observations.     

Fish micronucleus assay to assess genotoxic potential of arsenic at its guideline exposure in aquatic environment

The exposure to arsenic, a potential genotoxic carcinogen in humans, via drinking water is a serious worldwide health hazard. The arsenic content of 10 μg L^?1 in drinking water, however, has been established as its guideline standard (maximum contaminant limit) that has been estimated to pose minimum risk to cancer. Since micronucleus induction in the erythrocytes of fish is a sensitive indicator of genotoxic agents in water, the piscine micronucleus assay was used in the present experiment to assess the genotoxic potential of arsenic at its various exposure levels including the guideline value for drinking water. The experiments were conducted in two different species of fishes, the pond murrel (Channa punctatus) and the goldfish (Carassius auratus). Significant increases in the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes were documented in a dose-dependent manner in both Channa and Carassius. The fishes, however, exhibited variations in inter-specific sensitivity to micronucleus induction following arsenic exposure. The exposure level of arsenic at its guideline value for drinking water, therefore, exhibited marked genotoxicity in fishes.     

An integrated health risk assessment of indigenous children exposed to arsenic in Sonora,Mexico

Exposure to inorganic arsenic (InAs) through drinking water, even at low to moderate concentrations, is a global public health problem. The objectives of this study were to estimate the risk ratio (HQ), cancer risk (R), and DNA damage (comet assay) of children from three indigenous Yaqui populations located in southern Sonora, Mexico, who were exposed to InAs through drinking water. A cross-sectional study was employed, and analysis of InAs in water and urine was performed via HPLC/ICP-MS. InAs levels in drinking water from Pótam, Vícam, and Cócorit were 108.2, 36.0, and 6.2 μg/L^?1 respectively. Children from Pótam had arsenic concentrations in urine of 107.1 μg As L^?1 compared with 40.3 μg As L^?1 for the children of Cócorit. The HQ values for the children of Pótam, Vícam, and Cócorit were 16.64, 6.02, and 0.94, while the R values were 9.4E-04, 3.5E-04, and 5.7E-05, respectively. Children with the highest arsenic exposure had significantly increased DNA damage (OTM = 14.4 vs. 4.3) [p < 0.0005] which positively correlated with urinary arsenic levels (r = 0.56, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, children of Pótam and Vícam are at significant risk of developing chronic diseases and cancers associated with chronic exposure to this metalloid.     

Health Hazard Assessment for Native Americans Exposed to the Herbicide Fluridone via the Ingestion of Tules at Clear Lake,California, USA

This study addresses concerns expressed by Native Americans regarding exposure via the consumption of aquatic vegetation to the herbicide fluridone (active ingredient) used by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Hydrilla Eradication Program in Clear Lake, California. In 2005, the Department monitored lakeshore vegetation, water, and sediment at four locations, before and after seasonal applications of fluridone. Subchronic and chronic exposures were evaluated, and hazard quotients calculated for a worst-case exposure (WCE) scenario. Ingestion rates and other exposure factors were developed in public meetings with tribal members. Environmental sampling found fluridone present at extremely low levels in tule vegetation, water, and sediment. Exposures were four times greater in subchronic timeframes than chronic timeframes; however, hazards were less due to the 25-fold larger reference dose (RfD) used for subchronic calculations: RfD_(subchronic) = 2.0 mg/kg-day, RfD_(chronic) = 0.08 mg/kg-day. Conservative, child, total daily ingestion (TDI) doses were calculated to be 8.3 × 10^?5 mg/kg-day (subchronic) and 2.1 × 10^?5 mg/kg-day (chronic). Hazard quotients (HQ) for subchronic and chronic exposures were on the order of 10^?5 and 10^?4, respectively, indicating that at current application regimes, there is little to no hazard of adverse effects from fluridone exposure via ingesting Clear Lake tules.     

Effects of dietary arsenic levels on serum parameters and trace mineral retentions in growing and finishing pigs

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary arsenic (As) levels on growth performance, serum biochemistry, and the retention of iron, copper, and zinc in tissues of growing and finishing pigs. Ninety-six crossbred pigs were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments. The corn-soybean basal diets were supplemented with 0, 10, 20, and 30 mg As/kg. Arsenic trioxide was used as the arsenic source. The feeding experiment lasted for 78d. The results showed that the high arsenic diet decreased average daily gain (ADG) (p<0.05) and increased feed gain ratio (F/G) (p<0.05). Arsenic intake significantly increased (p<0.05) serum γ-gultamyltransferase (GGT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and decreased (p<0.05) total protein, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and triglycerides. Glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) activity, albumin, and cholesterol were not affected (p>0.05). Arsenic feeding elevated (p<0.05) liver and kidney copper concentration, but reduced (p<0.05) copper concentration in heat, bile, and lymphaden of intestine mesentery. There were increases in iron levels in liver, bile, spleen, thymus, and pancreas in pigs fed the high As diets (p<0.05), but iron contents in kidney, heart, and serum were decreased by the arsenic treatment (p<0.05). Zinc concentrations were increased (p<0.05) in liver, kidney, and thymus of pigs with arsenic treatment, but decreased (p<0.05) in bile and lymphaden of intestine mesentery. This study suggested that high dietary As levels could alter serum biochemical parameters and the retention of copper, iron, and zinc in the viscera of growing and finishing pigs.     

Antihypertensive effect of low ethanol intake in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Light to moderate drinking in humans lowers the risk of coronary heart disease and may lower blood pressure. We examined the effect of chronic low daily alcohol consumption on blood pressure, platelet cytosolic free calcium [Ca²⁺]_i, tissue aldehyde conjugates and renal vascular changes in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We also examined the effects of the same weekly amount of alcohol consumption over a one day period each week simulating weekend drinking in humans. Animals, age 7 weeks, were divided into six groups of six animals each and were treated as follows: WKY and SHR control, normal drinking water; WKY and SHR, 0.5% ethanol in drinking water; WKY and SHR, 3.5% ethanol in drinking water one day/week. After 14 weeks systolic blood pressure, platelet [Ca²⁺]_i, liver, kidney and aortic aldehyde conjugates were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in untreated SHRs as compared to untreated WKYs. Daily 0.5% ethanol consumption in SHRs significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated these changes and also attenuated smooth muscle cell hyperplasia and narrowing of the lumen in small arteries and arterioles of the kidney. WKY rats treated with 0.5% ethanol had lower aldehyde conjugates without any significant effect on blood pressure and platelet [Ca²⁺]_i as compared to WKY controls. Consumption of 3.5% ethanol one day/week did not affect blood pressure and associated changes in normotensive WKY rats or hypertensive SHRs as compared to their respective controls. These results suggest that chronic daily low ethanol intake lowers blood pressure in SHRs by lowering tissue aldehyde conjugates and cytosolic free calcium.     

Occurrence of arsenic species in the seagrass <Emphasis Type="Italic">Posidonia oceanica</Emphasis> and in the marine algae <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lessonia nigrescens</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Durvillaea antarctica</Emphasis>

The seagrass Posidonia oceanica from the Mediterranean coast and the brown algae Durvillaea antarctica and Lessonia nigrescens from the Chilean coast were analysed for total arsenic and for arsenic species. Arsenic species were extracted with water and measured by high-performance liquid chromatography–inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Arsenite, arsenate, methylarsonate, dimethylarsinate, sulfonate sugar, sulphate sugar and phosphate sugar were analysed with an anion exchange column. Arsenobetaine, arsenocholine and glycerol sugar were separated with a cation exchange column. An extract of Fucus serratus was used to assign the arsenosugar peaks in the chromatograms from the sample extracts. In addition to the four common arsenosugars found in algae, inorganic arsenic was also measured in some samples, with the highest content found in L. nigrescens. The certified reference material (CRM) NIES no. 9 Sargassum fullvellum was analysed for quality assessment of total arsenic, and moreover, arsenosugars were also determined in this CRM.     

Lack of association of glutathione-S-transferase omega 1(A140D) and omega 2 (N142D) gene polymorphisms with urinary arsenic profile and oxidative stress status in arsenic-exposed population

Individual variability in arsenic metabolism is suggested to be associated with the effects of chronic arsenic exposure on health. Glutathione-S-transferase omega (GSTO) 1 and 2 are known to have the activity of monomethyl arsenate [MMA(V)] reductase, which is the rate-limiting enzyme for the biotransformation of inorganic arsenic. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms in the GSTO1 and GSTO2 genes and arsenic metabolism and oxidative stress status in Chinese populations chronically exposed to different levels of arsenic in drinking water. Two polymorphisms (GSTO1*A140D and GSTO2*N142D) with relatively higher mutation frequencies in the Chinese population were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The allele frequencies of 140D and 142D in the entire study population were 0.17 and 0.25, respectively. There were no significant differences in the urinary arsenic profile, the blood reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, the blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, or the urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels between the study subjects with different genotypes of GSTO1*A140D or GSTO2*N142D. Multivariate analysis revealed that there was no association between the urinary profile or oxidative stress status and the polymorphism of GSTO1*A140D or GSTO2*N142D. Collectively, polymorphisms in GSTO1 or GSTO2 do not appear to contribute to the large individual variability in arsenic metabolism or susceptibility to arsenicosis.     

Noncancer risk assessment of arsenic safe and unsafe water uses: Bayesian estimation on cohort study

Cancer and noncancer risk of arsenic exposure depends on arsenic intake through drinking water and diets. The present study evaluated the probability of noncancer effects of arsenic exposure from drinking water and diets in a cohort of 82 participants in arsenic-endemic rural areas, considering arsenic-safe and arsenic-unsafe water uses for three consecutive years. The risk assessment included the collection of last 24 hours' diet replica and urine of the participants followed by total arsenic analysis of the same. Toxic dose emerging from exposure duration is a nonlinear variable. So, Bayesian estimation of the data for noncancer risk assessment of the variable arsenic consumption was performed. In spite of using arsenic-safe water, we observed arsenic consumption and release. Participants with skin lesions had more arsenic in urine than participants without skin lesions. Future risk for participants without skin lesions was twice due to less arsenic release in urine. For the first time, Bayesian simulation was used to assess noncancer risk on a cohort for a consecutive three-year study. A significant finding was the higher assessed noncancer risk of the participants without skin lesions than the participants with skin lesions.     

Compliance with dietary guidelines in grocery purchasing among older adults by chewing ability and socio‐economic status

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00631.x
Compliance with dietary guidelines in grocery purchasing among older adults by chewing ability and socio‐economic status Background: Dietary guidelines promote good nutrition through healthy eating. Chewing deficiencies may hinder food intake while lower socio‐economic status (SES) may restrict food purchasing. The aim was to examine compliance of grocery purchasing behaviour with dietary guidelines by chewing ability and SES. Methods: Adults aged 60–71 years in Adelaide, South Australia were surveyed in 2008. Dietary guideline compliance was measured using 16 grocery purchasing items. Chewing ability was based on a 5‐item Chewing Index. SES was assessed using a subjective social status rating representing where people stand in society. Results: Responses were collected from n = 444 persons (response rate = 68.8%). Among dentate persons, 10.3% were chewing deficient and 21.3% were in the lower SES group. Prevalence ratios (PR: 95%CI) controlling for SES showed chewing deficiency was related to (p < 0.05) non‐compliance with dietary guidelines in relation to bread (1.7: 1.1–2.5), juice (2.7: 1.6–4.5), tinned fruit (2.9: 1.5–5.6), yoghurt (2.1: 1.2–3.7) and tinned fish (1.5: 1.2–1.9). Conclusions: Chewing deficiency was associated with lower compliance with dietary guidelines in relation to fibre, sugar, fat and salt. Chewing deficiency may have a direct effect on diet as well as reflect a clustering of risk in relation to a range of health behaviours.