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Londinium (48–410 CE) was the focus for Roman administration and trade in Britain; it was established and inhabited by people from across the Empire who continued to practice their diverse food-ways. Roman London was a unique settlement, whose fluctuating economic and political fortunes throughout Roman occupation are clearly evidenced in the archaeological and historical records. This study conducts stable isotope analysis of the diet of a large sample of subadults (0–20 years old) dating from the 1st to 4th centuries AD in London. It includes an assessment of breastfeeding and weaning practices, but aims to focus more on the diets of older children and the transition to ‘adult’ dietary behaviours. The rib bones of 100 subadults and 20 adults were sampled for carbon and nitrogen isotopes. Using these data, we identified an infant feeding pattern that differed from contemporaneous sites in Italy and which remained unchanged over time, a special diet for nursing females, and temporal changes in diet, whereby subadults consumed greater quantities of freshwater resources compared to adults during periods of economic instability. more...

The alternative food network (AFN) refers to connections between consumers, producers, and sellers of organic, local/regional, “sustainably grown,” and other artisanal and niche food not produced by the conventional system (Goodman & Goodman, 2007). Alternative foods are often viewed as the “right” consumption choice while conventional counterparts are positioned as ethically “wrong.” A moral positioning of food, avoidance of certain food groups, and anxiety elicited by food consumption choices bears similarities to disordered eating behaviors (Hesse-Biber, Leavy, Quinn, & Zoino, 2006), including a newly proposed eating syndrome, orthorexia nervosa (ON; Vandereycken, 2011; Zamora, Bonaechea, Sanchez, & Rial, 2005). This study examines the relationship among engagement in the AFN, disordered eating behaviors, and special diets. We hypothesized that individuals with higher AFN engagement would be more likely report disordered eating behaviors as well as to follow a special diet. Adult men and women (N = 284) completed a series of measures assessing engagement in the AFN and eating behaviors. We found that individuals with higher AFN engagement were more likely to report ON tendencies but not significantly likely to engage in other disordered eating behaviors. Individuals following a special diet were significantly more engaged in the AFN, more likely to report ON tendencies, and more likely to self-report an eating disorder. Our findings suggest that the most engaged consumers participate in the AFN for the purported benefits reaped by society and the environment and not to moderate their consumption or mask disordered eating behaviors. Future research should prospectively explore associations between AFN engagement, ON and disordered eating behaviors, and special diets as well as consider the utility of incorporating AFN engagement into existing disordered eating prevention programs. more...

Heat stress results in a multitude of biological and physiological responses which can become lethal if not properly managed. It has been shown that heat stress causes significant adverse effects in both human and animals. Different approaches have been proposed to mitigate the adverse effects caused by heat stress, among which are special diet and probiotics. We characterized the effect of the yeast fermentate EpiCor (EH) on the prevention of heat stress-related complications in rats. We found that increasing the body temperature of animals from 37.1±0.2 to 40.6±0.2°C by exposure to heat (45°C for 25min) resulted in significant morphological changes in the intestine. Villi height and total mucosal thickness decreased in heat-stressed rats pre-treated with PBS in comparison with control animals not exposed to the heat. Oral treatment of rats with EH before heat stress prevented the traumatic effects of heat on the intestine. Changes in intestinal morphology of heat-stressed rats, pre-treated with PBS resulted in significant elevation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) level in the serum of these animals. Pre-treatment with EH was effective in the prevention of LPS release into the bloodstream of heat-stressed rats. Our study revealed that elevation of body temperature also resulted in a significant increase of the concentration of vesicles released by erythrocytes in rats, pre-treated with PBS. This is an indication of a pathological impact of heat on the erythrocyte structure. Treatment of rats with EH completely protected their erythrocytes from this heat-induced pathology. Finally, exposure to heat stress conditions resulted in a significant increase of white blood cells in rats. In the group of animals pre-treated with EH before heat stress, the white blood cell count remained the same as in non-heated controls. These results showed the protective effect of the EH product in the prevention of complications, caused by heat stress. more...

Aim of the study The aim of this study was to describe and compare characteristics of subgroups of CAM users among people with MS in Denmark. Materials and methods An Internet-based questionnaire was used for data collection among 3361 patient members of the Danish MS society. The final response rate was 55.5%. The respondents were asked about their use of various treatments within the past year and were subsequently divided into subgroups of: (1) those who had combined CAM treatments and conventional pharmacological treatments (74.2%), (2) those who had combined CAM treatments and conventional non-pharmacological treatments (16.0%) and (3) those who had used CAM treatments exclusively (9.8%). Statistical associations were presented as odds ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results When comparing with the other subgroups, those who had used CAM and conventional pharmacological treatments in combination were characterized by more often having other conditions than MS, more often using CAM for specific purposes and more often using herbal medicine. Exclusive CAM users were characterized by more often foregoing disease-modifying medicine for MS, more often using special diet and more often reporting a high self-assessed quality of life. The exclusive CAM users were also characterized by less often experiencing side effects and less often assessing the CAM treatments used positively. Conclusion Some differences in background characteristics, as well as in characteristics related to the use of CAM, were found between subgroups more...

Background Electrical bioimpedance (BI) has been used to indirectly measure steatosis. This method has not yet been established in the clinics thus experimental studies are needed in big animals. We assessed BI to measure liver steatosis in porcine animals. Methods Twelve large-white × Landrace pigs weighing 35 kg were allocated to a study ( n = 9) and a control group ( n = 3). A special diet was used to promote steatosis among the study group: methionine deficient and choline-restricted diet that contains supplements of cholesterol, collate and excess of saturated fat. Control group animals were fed a normal diet. A new tetrapolar electrode model was used for BI measurement, which were performed during open laparotomy by inserting a probe into one of the lobes. Measurements were done in the third and fourth segments of the pig liver, placing the probe either on the surface or inserted into the parenchyma of the liver. Open biopsies were obtained at the end of the measurements. Histological samples were processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to estimate macrosteatosis. Pearson correlation coefficient between BI and percentage steatosis were calculated at different frequencies. Results After 4 months of the special diet all the animals in the study group developed steatosis (90% to 20%), whereas none of the control group was affected. Pearson correlation coefficients between BI and percentage of steatosis were significant (0.877–0.878) with the best correlations obtained with a probe placed on the fourth segment of the liver surface and the best frequency to perform the measurements being 50 and 75 kHz. Conclusions BI is an accurate, fast method for steatosis measurements, that is easier and cheaper than either open or needle biopsy. more...

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) try many and varied interventions and therapies in the hopes of improving their children's outcomes; however, empirical evidence supporting (or opposing) the vast majority of treatments is limited or nonexistent. This study examined caregiver efficacy ratings for a wide range of biological and educational/behavioral treatments commonly used for children with ASD. A web-based questionnaire regarding the development of children with ASD was distributed nationally and internationally through more than 200 autism-support organizations; results were analyzed from 479 parents (91% mothers) who reported on their children with autism, Asperger's syndrome, or PDD-NOS ( M age = 8.3 years, 80.2% male). Improvement – whether small or dramatic – was rated for 50–80% of children in each of 9 drug categories, while ratings of “child became worse” were reported for 15–20.3%. Approximately half of children were said to improve while on a special diet; 51% of those on a gluten-free and/or casein-free (GF/CF) diet were reportedly improved, while no observable effects of the GF/CF diet were indicated for about one quarter of participating children. For 10 of the 16 educational/behavioral therapies, parents reported improvement for approximately 70% of children. The most common rating was “child improved somewhat” followed by “child improved dramatically.” Results are discussed relative to the meaning of “improvement” in ASD and in light of both placebo effects and cost of treatments/therapies. more...

Because of the restricted intake of high-biologic-value protein, children with phenylketonuria (PKU) may have lower than normal plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, and selenium. The purpose of the present study was to investigate erythrocyte zinc levels and serum copper and selenium levels in children and adolescents with PKU by analyzing the relation between their diet and the laboratory profiles of these elements. The study was conducted in 32 children and adolescents with PKU, who were on a special diet. Dietary records and blood samples were collected from each subject. Erythrocyte zinc and serum selenium levels were below normal in 37.5% and 90.6% of the subjects, respectively. Plasma copper levels were normal. Metabolic formulas were the only source of 86.9% of the zinc, 65.6% of the copper, and 32.4% of the selenium. Despite this, there was no significant correlation between the zinc formula supply and erythrocyte zinc levels ( ρ = −0.143, P = .435) or the supply and serum levels for copper ( ρ = −0.117, P = .523) and selenium ( ρ = 0.113, P = .538). These results suggest that Brazilian patients with PKU present with low ingestion levels, low serum selenium levels, and low erythrocyte zinc levels. more...

Standard commercial practice is to deny poultry access to feed 8 to 12 h prior to slaughter. Occasionally a flock of turkeys is marketed at several ages, and starvation can occur for birds that are not shipped. For this project multiple marketed female turkeys were fed a special diet (nutritive supplement) during the preslaughter feed withdrawal period to reduce live weight loss, bird stress, and grazing on manure. Three trials were conducted at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College using 60 female turkey poults for each of 8 pens for each trial. The birds were separated into 8 pens with 20 birds from half of the pens shipped at 63 d of age and all remaining birds shipped 1 wk later. Prior to shipping, feed was withdrawn, with half the pens receiving the supplement. The pens that had received supplement at 63 d of age received it again a week later along with half the pens not previously marketed. The supplement was only consumed in a significant quantity when it was new to the birds (~10 g/kg of bird). The carcass yield, based on the live weight before the conventional feed withdrawal period, was improved for birds that consumed the supplement. Microbiological profiles of the crops revealed that although the total number aerobic bacteria was not affected, birds ingesting the supplement had fewer Escherichia coli and coliforms present. Breast meat samples collected at 15 min postmortem and 24 h postmortem and measured for pH were not found to be different between the treatments. Because birds would only consume the supplement on the first exposure, this supplement is only effective for reducing live weight loss and microbial load of the crop in an all-in all-out management situation. more...

Glutaric aciduria type I is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from a deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. This leads to an accumulation of glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids and secondary carnitine deficiency. The symptomatology is discussed, especially those resulting from lesions in the basal ganglia, and the encephalopathic episodes which are often precipitated by infections. The variability of the clinical presentation is stressed. The most serious complications are collections of fluid and blood in the middle fossae, the bleeding resulting from rupture of bridging veins. The prognosis does not seem to be related to the extent of the enzyme deficiency. The diagnosis is confirmed by identifying the abnormal acids in the urine and the deficiency of the enzyme in cultured fibroblasts. The differential diagnosis is reviewed: from other biochemical disorders and from other cerebral lesions. Treatment is by special diet and carnitine supplementation. The dystonia can prove difficult to treat, and surgery may be needed to remove the collections of fluid and blood. Glutaric aciduria type II is caused by a deficiency of either electron transport flavoprotein or of electron transport flavoprotein oxoreductase. The symptoms can be mild or severe. The former may only occur in times of stress, and the latter include congenital anomalies, especially of the kidneys and heart. The pathology of these are discussed. The demonstration of organic acids in the urine and the results of muscle and liver biopsies confirm the diagnosis, and treatment with a special diet and supplementation with carnitine and riboflavine is effective. more...

Hypercholesterolemic rabbits, obtained by a special diet, were divided in three groups, and each group was fed a different diet for 21 days. The diets were: extruded amaranth diet (EAD), diet with amaranth oil (AOD) and a control diet. Growth rates of rabbits were similar in all groups. After being fed the experimental diets, total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations were lower in rabbits fed the EAD than in those fed the AOD or the control diet. Triglycerides and VLDL-C concentrations were approximately 50% lower in rabbits fed the EAD and the AOD than in rabbits fed the control diet. No significant differences were found among HDL-C concentrations of the three groups. These results demonstrate that the consumption of extruded amaranth reduces LDL and total cholesterol levels and may be another option to prevent coronary heart diseases. more...

Phenylketonuric patients are on a special diet that lacks certain essential fatty acids. This study evaluates the essential fatty acid status of a group of phenylketonuric patients in the Netherlands undergoing dietary treatment. To this end, the essential fatty acid status of nine phenylketonuria patients was studied. On the basis of age and gender, two control subjects were selected for each patient. The essential fatty acid composition of duplicate food portions and the essential fatty acid status of plasma and erythrocytes were analyzed. Phenylketonuria subjects had a different essential fatty acid profile from their peers, especially concerning the n-3 fatty acids. N-6 and n-3 fatty long-chain polyenes were hardly consumed by phenylketonuria subjects, in contrast to the control subjects. Linoleic acid, on the other hand, was consumed in significantly higher amounts by phenylketonuria subjects and made up about 40% of their daily fat consumption. The essential fatty acid consumption pattern of the phenylketonuria subjects is mirrored by the essential fatty acid concentrations in blood. The essential fatty acid status of the phenylketonuric diet should be improved in order to prevent deficiency in n-3 fatty acids. more...

This study examines the factors affecting perceptions by US consumers about the importance of following each type of healthy diet recommendation based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans . Results generally suggest that individuals from the Northeast and non-metropolitan areas, males, less educated, not on a special diet, and those who have a lower perception of the overall importance of nutrition when food shopping are generally less likely than their counterparts to perceive individual diet recommendations as important. Income, age, and body mass index also are significant factors for some individual healthy diet recommendations. Understanding consumers' perceptions about the importance of choosing healthy diets is an important preliminary step in changing dietary behavior and nutrition policies. Given worldwide trends toward Westernized diets and resulting increases in related health problems, the findings of this study may have relevance not only in the US but also globally. more...

In this study, the effects of two dry diets on growth, survival and conversion efficiency of juvenile winter flounder, Pleuronectes americanus, were tested. Laboratory-reared juveniles were successfully weaned onto both artificial diets with approximately 70% survival by the end of the experiment (37 days). Conversion efficiency ranged between 0.52% and 17.50% between Days 7 and 37 of the experiment depending on the sampling period. Specific growth rates (length) over the experimental period were similar for juveniles fed the two starter diets (1.32% day−1 for the salmonid feed and 1.36% day−1 for the non-salmonid diet). Specific growth rates (wet weight) were also similar; 3.11% day−1 (salmonid feed) and 2.65% day−1 (non-salmonid diet). There was no significant difference between the non-salmonid diet compared to salmonid starter feed on growth and survival of juvenile winter flounder. This study demonstrated that juvenile winter flounder can be easily weaned, and that these results may improve with special diet formulation and feeding technique. more...

This study presents data on the nutrition education needs and services among a nationally representative sample of American Indians participating in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) during September 1989. A multi-stage, stratified sample design was utilized, and 757 FDPIR households completed interviews. Three focus groups, composed of FDPIR household members responsible for food selection and preparation, also were conducted. Over half of all households participating in the program had at least one adult with one or more nutrition-related health problems, and more than one out of four households had at least one member who was supposed to be on a special diet. FDPIR Program Directors and focus group participants independently identified these same health problems as issues of importance to their reservations. However, focus group participants demonstrated misconceptions about diet and health, a lack of information related to improving dietary habits, frustration in changing dietary practices, and a need for more health and nutrition education. The 30 local FDPIR programs included in this study allocated an average of 5% of their administrative funds to nutrition education. Over 25% of the programs reported no nutrition education budget. Nineteen programs reported nutrition education personnel expenditures. With few exceptions, these staff had little or no formal training in either health or nutrition. The focus of nutrition education activities usually was limited to distributing commodity recipes and cookbooks, and demonstrating how to prepare foods. The nutrition education needs identified in this article go beyond the scope of FDPIR nutrition education services being provided or required by Federal regulations. Federal and tribal program changes are necessary to ensure that adequate nutrition education services are available through FDPIR. more...

The paper highlighted the fact that proper nutrition forms the foundation for excellent sport performance. Focus is also on the types of nutrition and their implication in sports. Facts were deducted from many literatures. It is found out that each categories of food is important for health and sports performance; and the ratio in which athletes need to consume these nutrients depend on the intensity and duration of the activity, training and sport. The required quantity for each nutrient in relation to sports performance is however debatable due to many influencing factors. The conclusion is that if a well-balanced diet is taken in adequate amounts and at least three times a day while in camp preparatory to competition. Athletes do not require any special diet to enhance their performance. more...

Introduction The study was conducted to assess the role of antioxidants in the treatment of DMS, assessing their performance in relation to therapy. Have been highlighted some data that suggest the importance of food in the prevention of DMS and progression of the initial or intermediate stage of the disease. The hypothesis of oxidative stress in DMS is based on the deterioration of antioxidants systems in the retina. Materials and Methods In our study, we evaluated for 12 consecutive months, 40 patients with AMD and we divided them into two groups. The first group (study group) was treated with antioxidants associated with a specific diet. The second group followed the recommended diet. Patients were regularly subjected to tests that included a careful control of the investigation fundus with a slit lamp associated with retinografia. Moreover, both before and during treatment was performed an assessment of oxidative stress of each patient, using a new technique that uses an innovative tool for the study of free radicals, the FRAS-4 (Free Radical Analytical System). Discussion With the FRAS-4, we run the d-ROMs test for determination of hydroperoxide in blood, on the assumption that there is a strong correlation between the amount of free radicals in blood and the development of DMS. A distance of 12 months, all patients treated with antioxidants associated with the special diet recommended by us were stable. In the control group, the deterioration was seen in both morphological and from the functional, with a further reduction in visual acuity. Conclusion The most important on which to focus was the reduction in the levels of free radicals produced in the study group undergoing therapy with antioxidants, highlighted with the d-ROMs test at the end of treatment. Quantitative Analysis of data collected shows that the administration of antioxidants (and the consequent reduction in the circulation of ROM, assessed with the d-ROMs test), reduces the risk of progression of DMS. more...

The purpose of this study was to document the dietary needs of patients referred to home health care. The charts of 812 patients taken for care by the Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago (VNA) were reviewed for the physician's diet order, number of restrictions, diagnoses, age, height, weight, and fee source. More than half of the patients had therapeutic diets ordered by their physicians. A quarter of the patients with therapeutic diets had two or more dietary modifications. An audit process was developed as a reliability check of the authors' determination of the appropriateness of the diet. Review of the charts by registered dietitians (R.D.s) showed that three-fourths of the patients appeared to need therapeutic diets. Forty-seven percent might have benefited from a different diet. More than half of the patients for whom the R.D.s recommended a special diet needed two or more modifications. This emphasizes the need for the R. D. to develop a system for monitoring the dietary requirements of all patients referred to home health care. It further underscores the need for collaboration between physician and dietitian. The registered dietitian who works in home health care agencies serving diverse age groups needs to be a generalist prepared to develop a plan for the total nutrition treatment of persons throughout the life cycle. more...

Absorption from a chemically defined liquid feed consisting of small peptides, oligosaccharides, and little fat (half medium-chain triglycerides) was compared with that from a feed of whole protein, polysaccharides, and long-chain triglycerides in 7 patients with less than 150 cm of jejunum ending in a stoma. Comparisons of absorption from three solid food diets varying in their fiber and fat content but containing equal amounts of nitrogen and minerals were also made in 4 of the patients. There were no consistent differences between the two liquid or three solid-food diets in percentage of calorie, nitrogen, or fat absorption. The absolute loss of fat depended on the fat intake, but larger losses did not appear detrimental. A liquid diet consisting of peptides, oligosaccharides, and medium-chain triglycerides is not more beneficial than a polymeric diet in patients with a high jejunostomy. A liberal attitude is appropriate toward the fat and fiber content of the diet. Electrolyte supplements, especially sodium and magnesium, are often needed. more...

The nutrition market in restaurants. The purpose of this article is to identify and communicate consumers' nutrition information needs to restaurateurs. In addi­ tion, we present suggestions and recommendations for promoting nutrition information in restaurants. Consumers' interest in the nutritional content of res­ taurant meals has increased with increasing consump­ tion of meals away from home (1). This has occurred in the midst of an increasing health and fitness aware­ ness in the U. S. population (2-6). According to reports published by the National Res­ taurant Association, 77% of consumers say they are more interested in nutrition than they were a year ago. This interest is reflected not only in the decision of whether to eat out, but where to eat out and what food to select when eating out. Seventy-five to 85% of sur­ veyed patrons rated nutrition as somewhat to very im­ portant in their decision to eat out. Demographically, consumers most interested in and knowledgeable about nutrition are similar to people who frequently patronize restaurants. Current changes in consumers' lifestyles emphasize nutritional eating habits. Nutri­ tional awareness has inspired the following changes: avoidance of certain foods, food substances, and in­ gredients; changes in food preparation methods; and increased consumption of "healthy" foods (7, 8). Although 65 % of the restaurant patrons that we sur­ veyed believe restaurateurs have a responsibility to provide a variety of wholesome, well-prepared foods, they also believe consumers have the primary respon­ sibility for their own nutritional well-being through the food selections they make when dining in restau­ rants (9). Consumers need information on how given menu items contribute to their dietary goals (10). Since 60% of adults have changed their dietary habits to reflect the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and 40% of these adults sustain these dietary changes when eat­ ing out (8), it is important for restaurants to provide nutritious meals and nutrition information. Further, 22 % of all consumers live in a household in which someone is on a special diet (11, 12). The' 'nutrition market" consists of consumers who have many different needs and who desire many types of food when eating out. Market segmentation based more...

We monitored sales of a nutrition information booklet in 25 Baltimore, Maryland, and 85 Washington, DC, supermarkets for 72 weeks. The Giant Food Inc. supermarket chain introduced the booklet titled “Special Diet Alert Guide” in conjunction with the Special Diet Alert shelf label nutrition information program. We estimated that 9 to 10% of Baltimore households and 7% of Washington households that patronized Giant stores purchased a Special Diet Alert Guide at some point during this period. Much of the demand occurred in the first 12 weeks. Promotional advertising of the program had a positive impact on booklet sales, but the effect was significantly larger in Baltimore stores. The generally higher level of interest in the guides observed among Baltimore shoppers compared to Washington shoppers is discussed in terms of the previous experience that Washington shoppers had with an earlier version of the guide. more...

The crab, Portunus trituberculatus , was cultured in a laboratory for 2 weeks by feeding a special diet containing β-carotene-15,15′- 3 H 2 dissolved in plant oil. β-Carotene-15,15′- 3 H 2 was converted to labelled astaxanthin through the steps of isocryptoxanthin, echinenone, canthaxanthin and 3-hydroxy-canthaxanthin. A classification of aquatic animals, based on their biosynthesis of astaxanthin, is discussed. more...

An extinction procedure (withdrawal of attention and social contact) was successfully used in the treatment of a patient with a 10-yr history of vomiting repeatedly after every meal. No special diet or chemotherapy was employed. Theraphy consisted of staff members, and subsequently other patients, avoiding and ignoring the patient whenever she vomited or reported feeling nauseated. Data were obtained on frequency and latency of vomiting. A 7-month follow-up revealed that the patient had vomited only once since discharge. more...

Preliminary experiments in intensive culture showed the possibility of raising healthy eel with obvious growth in water of moderate temperature, when fed a special diet.