Dietary Silicon Intake of Korean Young Adult Males and Its Relation to their Bone Status

Accumulated data suggests a positive effect of silicon on bone health; however, limited research exists on the silicon content of foods. To further the understanding of the relationship between dietary silicon intake and bone health, a food composition database of commonly consumed foods in Korea is required. For quantitative data on the intake levels of silicon, we analyzed the silicon content of 365 food items commonly consumed in Korea using inductively coupled plasma—atomic emission spectrometry following microwave-assisted digestion. To investigate the dietary silicon intake status and to examine the potential role of dietary silicon intake in the bone status of men, a total of 400 healthy Korean adult males aged 19–25 were observed for their diet intake and calcaneus bone density using the 24-h recall method and quantitative ultrasound, respectively. Clinical markers reflecting bone metabolism such as serum total alkaline phosphatase, N-mid osteocalcin, and type 1 collagen C-terminal telopeptide concentrations were also analyzed. Silicon intake of the subjects was estimated as 37.5 ± 22.2 mg/day. Major food sources of dietary silicon in the Korean male were cereal and cereal products (25.6 % of total silicon intake), vegetables (22.7 %), beverages and liquors (21.2 %), and milk and milk products (7.0 %). Silicon intake correlated positively with age, weight, energy intake, protein intake, calcium intake, and alcohol intake. After adjusted for age, weight, energy intake, protein intake, calcium intake, alcohol intake, smoking cigarettes, and regular exercise status, daily total silicon intake had no correlation with calcaneus bone density and the bone metabolism markers, but silicon intake from vegetables had a positive correlation with serum total alkaline phosphatase activity, a bone formation maker. These findings show the possible positive relationship between dietary silicon intake from vegetables and the bone formation of young adult males. Further investigation in a larger (Korean) population and correcting for additional nutritional confounders is required to confirm these findings.     

Nutrient intake of highly competitive male and female collegiate karate players

Nutrient intake of 29 male (M Group) and 16 female (F Group) highly competitive collegiate karate players were compared. The results were also compared with the daily energy expenditure (DEE), Japanese recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) or adequate dietary intakes (ADIs). Dietary information was collected using a 3-weekday diet record. Although the M Group showed significantly higher mean %RDAs or %ADIs in iron, vitamin B1, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium than the F Group, many of the mean %RDAs or %ADIs were below RDAs or ADIs in both groups. The subjects who skipped meals tended to show lower mean %DEE, Japanese %RDAs or %ADIs in minerals and vitamins than the subjects who did not skip in both M and F Groups. The consumption of green and other vegetables and milk and dairy products in both M and F Groups were low. It is concluded that the male and female highly competitive karate players studied in the present study may be at risk of sub-optimal nutrient intake, which increases the potential for nutrient deficiency. The subjects were advised not to skip meals, and to consume a balanced high-carbohydrate, moderate-protein, low-fat diet with increasing green and other vegetables and milk and dairy products to increase mineral, vitamin and dietary fiber intakes.     

重庆市市区中小学教师膳食食物摄入与营养知识知晓情况调查

目的:了解重庆市市区中小学教师膳食食物摄入与营养知识知晓情况,为指导该人群合理营养膳食提供依据。方法:以问卷形式对重庆市市区1345名中小学教师的膳食结构及营养知识知晓情况进行调查并对调查结果进行分析。结果:每天喝牛奶的占76%;经常摄入豆制品的占74%;经常摄入鱼类的占52%;每天摄入肉类的占50%;经常摄入蛋类的占78%;每天摄入蔬菜200 g的占55%;经常摄入粗粮的占73%。对自身膳食营养重视的占62%;回答了解或知道中国居民膳食指南占总人数的38%,其中男性占12%,女性占26%;回答了解或知道中国居民膳食宝塔的占37%,其中男性占10%,女性占27%。结论:该人群膳食食物摄入种类较多,食物来源丰富,但营养知识知晓情况较低,对自身健康关注的意识还有待提高。     

Dietary fat increases energy intake across the range of typical consumption in the United States

Objective: The fat content of a diet has been shown to affect total energy intake, but controlled feeding trials have only compared very high (40% of total calories) fat diets with very low (20% of total calories) fat diets. This study was designed to measure accurately the voluntary food and energy intake over a range of typical intake for dietary fat. Methods and Procedures: Twenty‐two non‐obese subjects were studied for 4 days on each of three diets, which included core foods designed to contain 26, 34, and 40% fat, respectively of total calories and ad lib buffet foods of similar fat content. All diets were matched for determinants of energy density except dietary fat. Subjects consumed two meals/day in an inpatient unit and were provided the third meal and snack foods while on each diet. All food provided and not eaten was measured by research staff. Results: Voluntary energy intake increased significantly as dietary fat content increased (P = 0.008). On the 26% dietary fat treatment, subjects consumed 23.8% dietary fat (core and ad lib foods combined) and 2,748 ± 741 kcal/day (mean ± s.d.); at 34% dietary fat, subjects consumed 32.7% fat and 2,983 ± 886 kcal/day; and at 40% dietary fat subjects consumed 38.1% fat and 3,018 ± 963 kcal/day. Discussion: These results show that energy intake increases as dietary fat content increases across the usual range of dietary fat consumed in the United States. Even small reductions in dietary fat could help in lowering total energy intake and reducing weight gain in the population.     

Evaluation of Magnesium Intake and Its Relation with Bone Quality in Healthy Young Korean Women

Many studies have reported magnesium's role in nutrition as a vital factor involved in bone health. However, not enough studies have evaluated magnesium (Mg) intakes in young women. In this study, we evaluated Mg intake in healthy adults and its relation with bone quality. A total of 484 healthy young women in their early 20s were enrolled into the study. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake survey using 3-day dietary records, and the bone quality of the calcaneus using quantitative ultrasounds were obtained and analyzed. Average age, height, and weight of the subjects were respectively 20.20?years, 161.37?cm, and 54.09?kg, respectively. Also, the average broadband ultrasound attenuation, speed of sound (SOS), stiffness index (SI), and calcaneus T scores were 114.32?dB/MHz, 1,568.45?m/s, 95.23, and 0.36?g/cm(2), respectively. The subject's average intake of energy was 1,543.19?kcal, and the average Mg intake was 185.87?mg/day. Mg intake per 1,000?kcal of consumed energy in our subjects was 119.85?mg. Subjects consumed 63.11% of the recommended intake for Mg. Food groups consumed with high Mg content in our subjects included cereals (38.62?mg), vegetables (36.97?mg), milk (16.82?mg), legumes (16.72?mg), and fish (16.50?mg). The level of Mg intake per 1,000?kcal showed significant correlation to the SOS in the calcaneus (r?=?0.110, p?相似文献   

Dietary calcium utilization among a group of spanish boys aged 11–14 years on their usual diets

Adolescence constitutes a period of nutritional vulnerability due to increased dietary requirements for growth and development and special dietary habits. A pilot trial was performed to evaluate the dietary calcium utilization among a sample of Spanish boys on their usual diets, in which the calcium intake and consumption of dairy products were as well examined. Nutrient and food intake was recorded using a 24-h dietary recall and a 2-d food consumption record for 21 subjects aged 11-14 years. Dietary calcium utilization was assessed by means of calcium intake in food and calcium output in faeces and urine as measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Overall intake of dairy products was 399.3 +/- 22.1 g/d, and the single most consumed item was milk (72% of the total). An inverse relationship was found between dairy product consumption at breakfast (55% of the total) and BMI (p = 0.016, r = -0.5168). Dairy products contributed the majority of dietary calcium (66.9%). Mean calcium intake was 881.7 +/- 39.9 mg/d, 88% of the recommended value for Spanish adolescents. Net calcium absorption (271.7 +/- 51.7 mg/d) and retention (170.6 +/- 50.9 mg/d) seemed not to be sufficient to meet growth demands during puberty. The results shown that adolescents of the study absorbed 31% of dietary calcium and retained nearly 20% of the total intake, but dietary calcium intake and consumption of dairy products failed to meet recommended values. Optimizing calcium intake is of crucial importance among adolescents, to maximize calcium retention and to help prevent osteoporosis in later life.     

Added Sugar,Macro- and Micronutrient Intakes and Anthropometry of Children in a Developing World Context

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between added sugar and dietary diversity, micronutrient intakes and anthropometric status in a nationally representative study of children, 1–8.9 years of age in South Africa.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a national survey of children (weighted n = 2,200; non weighted n = 2818) was undertaken. Validated 24-hour recalls of children were collected from mothers/caregivers and stratified into quartiles of percentage energy from added sugar (% EAS). A dietary diversity score (DDS) using 9 food groups, a food variety score (FVS) of individual food items, and a mean adequacy ratio (MAR) based on 11 micronutrients were calculated. The prevalence of stunting and overweight/obesity was also determined.

Results

Added sugar intake varied from 7.5–10.3% of energy intake for rural and urban areas, respectively. Mean added sugar intake ranged from 1.0% of energy intake in Quartile 1 (1–3 years) (Q1) to 19.3% in Q4 (4–8 years). Main sources of added sugar were white sugar (60.1%), cool drinks (squash type) (10.4%) and carbonated cool drinks (6.0%). Added sugar intake, correlated positively with most micronutrient intakes, DDS, FVS, and MAR. Significant negative partial correlations, adjusted for energy intake, were found between added sugar intake and intakes of protein, fibre, thiamin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin E, calcium (1–3 years), phosphorus, iron (4–8 years), magnesium and zinc. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher in children aged 4–8 years in Q4 of %EAS than in other quartiles [mean (95%CI) % prevalence overweight 23.0 (16.2–29.8)% in Q4 compared to 13.0 (8.7–17.3)% in Q1, p = 0.0063].

Conclusion

Although DDS, FVS, MAR and micronutrient intakes were positively correlated with added sugar intakes, overall negative associations between micronutrients and added sugar intakes, adjusted for dietary energy, indicate micronutrient dilution. Overweight/obesity was increased with higher added sugar intakes in the 4–8 year old children.     

Food safety and epidemiology: new database of functional food factors

More than 600 functional non-nutrient food factors (FFFs) in vegetables and fruits are considered to be effective for health promotion and disease prevention. However, phytochemicals studied thus far have failed to yield predicted results in randomized intervention studies. To assess the health effects of phytochemicals, a breakthrough in epidemiological methods was necessary. We constructed a database of non-nutrient FFFs to estimate the chemical classes and total amount of FFF-intake in order to facilitate estimation and calculation for nutritional research. So far, flavonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, and sulfur compounds are included in our FFF database. We calculated the intake of various phytochemicals per capita from 79 subjects' dietary records by FFF database, and estimated that subjects ingested more than 10 micromole per day of phytochemicals such as catechin, isoflavones, isothiocyanate, ferulic acid, quercetin, cinnamic acid and chlorogenic acid. Chief component analysis yielded 12 factors (80%), of which only a few factors showed negative associations with serum cholesterol and LDL concentration. Many factors showed adverse relationships with liver function and serum triacylglycerol concentration. Weekly self-reported daily dietary records including name of dish, constituent foods and their amounts were separately collected for 6 months and analyzed in Kyoto women. Seasonal changes of phytochemical intake showed significant variation according to the seasonal consumption of fruits and vegetables. Lycopene increased in the summer due to watermelon and tomato intake in this season. Seasonal variation of FFF was quite large compared to the variation of macro- and micronutrients. Careful evaluation of the effects of FFF intake on health is necessary, especially when supplements are also consumed. The most effective combinations of FFF intake for human health could be elucidated by using our FFF-DB in conjunction with population-based cohort studies.     

Living near the limits: Effects of interannual variation in food availability on diet and reproduction in a temperate primate,the Taihangshan macaque (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis)

Nutrient intake of animals is influenced by an interplay of external and internal factors, such as food availability and reproductive state, respectively. We used the nutritional geometry framework to analyze individual-based data on energy and nutrient intake in relation to reproductive state in a population of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis), which live in a harsh high-latitude habitat, the Taihangshan mountains of China, and exhibit strong reproductive seasonality. We combined data over a 3-year period on food availability, diets, reproductive output, and components of maternal investment to understand how Taihangshan macaques respond to variation in food availability and nutrition in reproduction. Our results show there was high interannual variation in availability of an important staple source of fat and carbohydrates (nonprotein energy), seeds of oak (Quercus spp). Despite this variability in seed availability skewing the dietary macronutrient ratios considerably (from 12.96% to 30.12% dietary energy from protein), total metabolizable energy intake was maintained across years during pregnancy. Lactating females had higher mean daily energy intakes than pregnant females. As in pregnant females, energy intake was maintained constant across years, but only when seed availability enabled the contribution of available protein to energy intake to be maintained between 15.32% (2013) and 17.97% (2015). In 2014, when seeds were scarce, lactating females had a shortfall in energy intake compared with 2013 and 2015. This corresponded with a reduction in the number of females giving birth (11 out of 23), but there was no interannual difference in survival rates. Compared to 2013 and 2015, in 2014 females had greater weight loss (drew on body reserves), moved less, and spent more time nursing their offspring. We discuss implications of these results for range limitation in Taihangshan macaques.     

Masticatory ability in 80-year-old subjects and its relation to intake of energy,nutrients and food items

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyse the relationship between masticatory ability (self‐assessed masticatory ability and bite force) and intake of energy, nutrients and food items in a population sample of elderly subjects. Design and Subjects: From a population sample of 80‐year‐old people, 160 individuals (74 men and 86 women) took part in an odontological study. Main Outcome Measures: A dental examination including bite force recording, a questionnaire focusing on self‐assessed masticatory ability, and a dietary interview. Setting: Department of Geriatric Medicine, Göteborg University, Sweden. Results: The dental status among the participants varied much (from edentulous in both jaws ‐ 22% ‐ to more than 20 natural teeth ‐ 30%). The mean maximum bite force was higher in men (165 N) than in women (105 N). Bite force was significantly correlated to the Eichner index and to the number of teeth. One third of the subjects reported no masticatory problem, whereas 18% identified 3 such problems. The intake of energy and nutrients varied much but the means were well above recommended values. The correlations between dental status and bite force on one side and dietary intake on the other side were in general weak and most often statistically non‐significant. Impaired general health and reduced dentition were both associated with more masticatory problems. Conclusion: The examined sample of 80‐year‐old subjects had a great variation in dental status, bite force and self‐assessed masticatory ability, but these factors had only a minor influence on dietary selection and intake, which on average were well above recommended values.     

Dietary Patterns and Household Food Insecurity in Rural Populations of Kilosa District,Tanzania

IntroductionFew studies have investigated the relationship between dietary pattern and household food insecurity. The objective of the present analysis was to describe the food consumption patterns and to relate these with the prevalence of food insecurity in the context of a rural community.MethodologyThree hundred and seven (307) randomly selected households in Kilosa district participated in the study. Data were collected during the rainy season (February–May) and post harvest season (September–October) in the year 2011. Food consumption pattern was determined using a 24-h dietary recall method. Food insecurity data were based on the 30 day recall experience to food insecurity in the household. Factor analysis method using Principal Components extraction function was used to derive the dietary patterns and correlation analysis was used to establish the existing relationship between household food insecurity and dietary patterns factor score.ResultsFour food consumption patterns namely (I) Meat and milk; (II) Pulses, legumes, nuts and cooking oils; (III) fish (and other sea foods), roots and tubers; (IV) Cereals, vegetables and fruits consumption patterns were identified during harvest season. Dietary patterns identified during the rainy season were as follows: (I) Fruits, cooking oils, fats, roots and tubers (II) Eggs, meat, milk and milk products (III) Fish, other sea foods, vegetables, roots and tubers and (IV) Pulses, legumes, nuts, cereals and vegetables. Household food insecurity was 80% and 69% during rainy and harvest–seasons, respectively (P = 0.01). Household food insecurity access scale score was negatively correlated with the factor scores on household dietary diversity.ConclusionFood consumption patterns and food insecurity varied by seasons with worst scenarios most prevalent during the rainy season. The risk for inadequate dietary diversity was higher among food insecure households compared to food secure households. Effort geared at alleviating household food insecurity could contribute to consumption of a wide range of food items at the household level.     

Homozygous loss of menin is well tolerated in liver,a tissue not affected in MEN1

In recent studies from Sweden and the United States, a high vitamin A intake has been associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. In Sweden and the United States, food items such as milk and breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin A, whereas in Denmark there is no mandatory fortification with vitamin A. In the present study, we investigated relations between vitamin A intake and BMD and fracture risk in a Danish population consuming mostly unfortified food items. Within a population-based cohort study in 2,016 perimenopausal women, associations between BMD and vitamin A intake were assessed at baseline and after 5-year follow-up. Moreover, associations between baseline vitamin A intake and 5-year changes in BMD were studied. Finally, fracture risk was assessed in relation to vitamin A intake. In our cohort, dietary retinol intake (0.53 mg/day) was lower than the intake reported in recent studies form Sweden (0.78 mg/day) and the United States (1.66 mg/day). Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses showed no associations between intake of vitamin A and BMD of the femoral neck or lumbar spine. Neither did BMD differ between those 5% who had the highest, and those 5% who had the lowest, vitamin A intake. During the 5-year study period, 163 subjects sustained a fracture (cases). Compared to 978 controls, logistic regression analyses revealed no difference in vitamin A intake. Thus, in a Danish population, average vitamin A intake is lower than in Sweden and the United States and not associated with detrimental effects on bone.     

Factors Influencing the Nutritional Health and Food Choices of African American HIV-Positive Marginally Housed and Homeless Female Substance Abusers

The toll of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse on economically disadvantaged women of color in the United States is a public health problem of epidemic proportions. Malnutrition, believed to be pervasive in this population, exacerbates the devastating health effects of addiction and HIV. This study documented dietary deficiencies in this population and examined factors influencing the food choices and eating patterns of marginally housed and homeless African American HIV-positive substance abusing women. Data were collected from 28 women ages 19–55 using two 24-hour dietary recalls and a semi-structured interview guide. Data revealed multiple nutritional intake hazards including skipped meals, substitution of carbohydrate-laden foods for dairy foods rich in animal fat and proteins, and an absence of raw fruits and vegetables indicative of deficiencies in key macro- and micronutrients. Food risks were increased for homeless women who were more likely to lack public assistance, have difficulty accessing free food service, and frequently eating food from dumpsters. Qualitative data analysis of interviews generated three major themes describing the context in which nutritional deficiencies emerged: (1) diet-disease and food-safety misconceptions; (2) socio-cultural and lifestyle barriers; and (3) lack of personal resources and neighborhood food availability and affordability. The relevance of these findings to nutrition intervention programs for this population is discussed.     

Effect of dietary intake and lifestyle factors on in vivo mutant frequency at the HPRT gene locus in healthy human subjects

This paper describes the results of a study designed to assess the effects of a variety of dietary and lifestyle factors on background levels of mutant frequency (MF) at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) gene locus in humans. Eighty-three healthy and free-living subjects (aged 20–80 yr; 61 males and 22 females; mean age of 63.07±14.71 yr) were recruited. Background levels of MF were determined for each subject using a cloning assay. The mean MF/10⁶ clonable cells (MF) for the study subjects was 4.63±2.20. An interview-administered questionnaire was completed by each study subject in order to assess details of dietary history, physical activity, health and potential genotoxin exposure history. A 7-day estimated dietary record method with a food frequency questionnaire was used to determine average intakes of energy and macronutrients (including alcohol), and a range of micronutrients (including vitamin and mineral supplement usage). The relationships between individual dietary and lifestyle factors and HPRT MF were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis (data was adjusted for age, lymphocyte plating efficiency [PE] and energy intake [EI]). Univariate analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between EI and MF and multivariate analysis revealed significant positive correlations between, body mass index (BMI), % energy intake from total carbohydrate, starch, fat and MF. These findings suggest that a reduction in EI may be a useful preventative measure against the onset of carcinogenesis in humans. No correlations were found between alcohol intake and MF or between estimated antioxidant intake and MF. Thus, estimated intakes of antioxidants may not reflect their bioavailability and functional capacity in vivo and it may be more useful to examine actual plasma/cell levels vs. MF to establish if any significant relationship exists.     

Association between functional dental state and dietary intake of Chinese vegetarian old age home residents

Objective: To examine the association between dental functional status and dietary intakes of Chinese vegetarian old age home residents. Subjects and methods: A cross‐sectional survey was performed in a group of 76 older vegetarian Chinese women living in an old age home. Oral examination was performed by a dental surgeon. Sixty‐eight of them had a 24‐hour food record by direct observation, analysed by a Chinese food composition table. Nutritional status was measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), and the functional status by modified Barthel Index (BI). Results: Forty‐two subjects (55.3%) were edentulous; 59 subjects (77.6%) had chewing difficulties; 35 subjects (46%) had poor dental functional status defined by having five or less functional teeth unit (FTU). When compared with those older people with better dental functional status, the poor dental functional status group was more likely to have chewing difficulties, tolerate soft diet only, and be functionally dependent (BI < 15/20). Poor dental functional status was associated with lower mean daily fibre intake, but not with intakes of macronutrients and micronutrients, after adjustment by BI categories. Conclusion: Poor dental functional status is associated with impaired chewing and lower fibre intake in Chinese vegetarian old age home residents, but it is not associated with reduced intakes of macronutrients or micronutrients.     

Tendency toward eveningness is associated with unhealthy dietary habits

Subjects with higher preference for evening hours in daily activities (eveningness) have been repeatedly shown to practice adverse health behaviors as compared to those preferring morning hours (morningness). However, associations between chronotype and dietary intake have not been explored intensively. The authors explored whether the human chronotype is associated with food and nutrient intakes in a random sample of the population aged 25 to 74 yrs. The cross-sectional study included 4493 subjects from the National FINRISK 2007 Study. Chronotype was assessed using a shortened version of Horne and ?stberg's Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. Diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Associations between morningness-eveningness (ME) score and dietary intakes were analyzed by linear regression and difference between lowest (eveningness) and highest (morningness) ME score quintiles by Tukey's test. In the multivariable model, intakes of whole grain, rye, potatoes, and vegetables and roots decreased, whereas those of wine and chocolate increased with lower ME scores. Participants in the lowest ME score quintile consumed less fish (p 相似文献   

Effect of dietary intake and lifestyle factors on in vivo mutant frequency at the HPRT gene locus in healthy human subjects

This paper describes the results of a study designed to assess the effects of a variety of dietary and lifestyle factors on background levels of mutant frequency (MF) at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) gene locus in humans. Eighty-three healthy and free-living subjects (aged 20–80 yr; 61 males and 22 females; mean age of 63.07±14.71 yr) were recruited. Background levels of MF were determined for each subject using a cloning assay. The mean MF/10⁶ clonable cells (MF) for the study subjects was 4.63±2.20. An interview-administered questionnaire was completed by each study subject in order to assess details of dietary history, physical activity, health and potential genotoxin exposure history. A 7-day estimated dietary record method with a food frequency questionnaire was used to determine average intakes of energy and macronutrients (including alcohol), and a range of micronutrients (including vitamin and mineral supplement usage). The relationships between individual dietary and lifestyle factors and HPRT MF were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis (data was adjusted for age, lymphocyte plating efficiency [PE] and energy intake [EI]). Univariate analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between EI and MF and multivariate analysis revealed significant positive correlations between, body mass index (BMI), % energy intake from total carbohydrate, starch, fat and MF. These findings suggest that a reduction in EI may be a useful preventative measure against the onset of carcinogenesis in humans. No correlations were found between alcohol intake and MF or between estimated antioxidant intake and MF. Thus, estimated intakes of antioxidants may not reflect their bioavailability and functional capacity in vivo and it may be more useful to examine actual plasma/cell levels vs. MF to establish if any significant relationship exists.     

Diet-Related Risk Factors for Leprosy: A Case-Control Study

Background

Food shortage was associated with leprosy in two recent studies investigating the relation between socioeconomic factors and leprosy. Inadequate intake of nutrients due to food shortage may affect the immune system and influence the progression of infection to clinical leprosy. We aimed to identify possible differences in dietary intake between recently diagnosed leprosy patients and control subjects.

Methods

In a leprosy endemic area of Bangladesh, newly diagnosed leprosy patients and control subjects were interviewed about their socioeconomic situation, health and diet. Dietary intakes were recorded with a 24-hour recall, from which a Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was calculated. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was filled out for every participant. Using logistic regression, a univariate, block wise multivariate, and an integrated analysis were carried out.

Results

52 leprosy cases and 100 control subjects were included. Food shortage was more common, dietary diversity was lower and household food insecurity was higher in the patient group. Patients consumed significantly less items from the DDS food groups ‘Meat and fish’ and ‘Other fruits and vegetables.’ Lower food expenditure per capita, lower BMI, lower DDS and absence of household food stocks are the main factors associated with an increased risk of having leprosy.

Conclusion

Low income families have only little money to spend on food and consequently have a low intake of highly nutritious non-rice foods such as meat, fish, milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables. Development of clinical leprosy could be explained by deficiencies of the nutrients that these foods normally provide.     

A Systematic Review on the Contributions of Edible Plant and Animal Biodiversity to Human Diets

The sustainable use of natural and agricultural biodiversity in the diet can be instrumental to preserve existing food biodiversity, address malnutrition, and mitigate adverse effects of dietary changes worldwide. This systematic review of literature summarizes the current evidence on the contribution of plant and animal biodiversity to human diets in terms of energy intake, micronutrient intake, and dietary diversification. Peer-reviewed studies were searched in ten databases using pre-defined search terms. Only original studies assessing food biodiversity and dietary intake were included, resulting in a total of 34 studies. 7, 14, and 17 studies reported information in relation to energy intake, micronutrient intake, and dietary diversification, respectively. In general, locally available foods were found to be important sources of energy, micronutrients, and dietary diversification in the diet of particularly rural and forest communities of highly biodiverse ecosystems. The current evidence shows local food biodiversity as important contributor of nutritious diets. Findings are, however, limited to populations living in highly biodiverse areas. Research on the contribution of biodiversity in diets of industrialized and urban settings needs more attention. Instruments are needed that would more appropriately measure the dietary contribution of local biodiversity.     

Ingesta dietética de los estudiantes de secundaria de la ciudad de Badajoz

ObjectivesTo quantify dietary intake of secondary education students in Badajoz, Spain, evaluating food frequency use in teenagers of both sexes.Material and methodsThe study sample consisted of 1197 secondary education students (49.9% male and 50.1% female). After giving informed consent, they completed a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) including 51 food items divided into five separate categories. This questionnaire was modified from the one used at the Valencian Community in 2003 and previously validated in a pilot study on 374 students.ResultsMale and females students reported higher intakes of 70.6% and 17.6% of foods analyzed respectively, while intake of 11.8% of food items was similar in both sexes. Sex differences were statistically significant for 35% of foods (of which 72% and 28% were taken more frequently by males and females respectively). Intake of milk and dairy products appeared to be adequate, while intake of fish and seafood was low consumption of meat products was high. Intake of vegetables, fruits, bread, and cereals was below the recommended levels. Intake of pasta, rice, and oils was adequate, and there was not a high consumptio of cookies or industrial pastries. There was an excess intake of sweets, but intake of soft drinks was not high.ConclusionsThese results show intermediate values as compared to other national surveys.