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The consumption of herbal products is mainly due to the perception that being "natural" can only be beneficial and without risk to health. However the properties thereof are poorly studied and proven. Four episodes are presented of hepatotoxicity from the consumption of herbal products, by three children. We analyse the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these products, and stress the importance of proper anamnesis for accurate diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Feeding habits among the Spanish population are currently an increasing and concerning problem, especially during adolescence. Objectives: To improve feeding habits (breakfast, consumption of fruit and water, soft drinks, pastries, sweets and fried food) in adolescents. Methods: The intervention was conducted for 3 months in students from 12 to 16 years old, through an educational proposal based on a card game (built ad hoc) called "Fighting for my health", which was developed during the school breaks. This game was supplemented with the methodology of a healthy commitment, based mainly on the cooperative work between schools and families and the promotion of the responsibility among students about their health. Two groups were included (intervention and control), each one with a total number of 48 adolescents. Results: After the intervention, significant improvements were achieved in 5 of the 6 habits addressed (the exception was consumption of fried food) in the intervention group. Among them, it is necessary to highlight the significant difference (p ≤ 0.001) obtained in breakfast and consumption of fruit between pretest and posttest and between pretest and retest. However, in the control group there were no significant differences in any of them. Conclusion: A school-based intervention conducted from the Department of Physical Education, through healthy commitments using a card game, improved the feeding habits in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutrition marketing has generated a great amount of consumer interest; however, improper use of this type of marketing could mislead consumers. Objectives: To describe the frequency and proper use in Spain of nutrition marketing for products advertised on television while analyzing their nutrient profile for comparison. Methods: Advertised food and drink products included in the study were selected after watching 80 hours of broadcasting of 4 Spanish television channels during May and June 2008. Upon purchase of the selected items, we estimated the frequency of use of the different nutrition marketing approaches, the proportion of nutritional and health claims meeting European regulations, and the proportion of less healthy products according to the United Kingdom Nutrient Profile Model UKNPM. Results: Of the 88 products examined, 74 % used nutrition marketing approaches. Half of the advertisements made nutrition claims and 42% health claims. The majority (89%) of the 83 nutrition claims met European regulations, with the category of "light products" being the least compliant with only 25% of products meeting regulations. Of the 37 product advertisements making health claims, 43% used authorized statements, of which, however, 75% also included unauthorized claims. Nutrient profile was less healthy in 55% of the products resorting to nutrition marketing. Conclusion: Lack of compliance with European regulations regarding nutrition and health claims, combined with the "less healthy" nutrient profile of many of the products marketed using these claims, may mislead Spanish consumers. To avoid this misinformation, it would be beneficial to: a) monitor level of adherence to regulations systematically; and b) introduce the use of nutrient profiles to approve these types of claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is a consensus document of two Spanish scientific associations, FESNAD (Spanish Federation of Nutrition, Food and Dietetetic Associations) and SEEDO (Spanish Association for the Study of Obesity), about the role of the diet in the prevention and of overweight and obesity in adults. It is the result of a careful and systematic review of the data published in the medical literature from January 1st 1996 to January 31st 2011 concerning the role of the diet on obesity prevention. The conclusions obtained have been classified according several evidence levels. Subsequently, in agreement with these evidence levels, different degree recommendations are established. These recommendations could be potentially useful to design food guides as part of strategies to prevent overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is a consensus document of two Spanish scientific associations, FESNAD (Spanish Federation of Societies of Nutrition, Food and Dietetics Associations) and SEEDO (Spanish Association for the Study of Obesity), about the role of the diet in the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. In this part of the document the methodology and the classification of levels of evidence are described. In order to reach the strongest evidence possible, a systematic review of 543 medical studies dealing with these issues published in the last 15 years (from January 1st 1996 to January 31st 2011) has been conducted. In the executive summary, along with the obtained evidences, a set of degree-classified recommendations are established. These recommendations could constitute a useful tool to design food guides addressed to the nutritional counseling for obesity and overweight treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is a consensus document of two Spanish scientific associations, FESNAD (Spanish Federation of Nutrition, Food and Dietetetic Associations) and SEEDO (Spanish Association for the Study of Obesity), about the role of the diet in the prevention and of overweight and obesity in adults. It is the result of a careful and systematic review of the data published in the medical literature from January 1st 1996 to January 31st 2011 concerning the role of the diet on obesity prevention. The conclusions obtained have been classified according several evidence levels. Subsequently, in agreement with these evidence levels, different degree recommendations are established. These recommendations could be potentially useful to design food guides as part of strategies to prevent overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is a consensus document of two Spanish scientific associations, FESNAD (Spanish Federation of Societies of Nutrition, Food and Dietetics Associations) and SEEDO (Spanish Association for the Study of Obesity), about the role of the diet in the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. In this part of the document the methodology and the classification of levels of evidence are described. In order to reach the strongest evidence possible, a systematic review of 543 medical studies dealing with these issues published in the last 15 years (from January 1st 1996 to January 31st 2011) has been conducted. In the executive summary, along with the obtained evidences, a set of degree-classified recommendations are established. These recommendations could constitute a useful tool to design food guides addressed to the nutritional counseling for obesity and overweight treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: The prejudice biases the categorization processes, which implies assigning particular characteristics beyond the objective data available. The stereotype occupies the categorical content by adding what is lacking to what we little know. From a mere physical datum ("he/she is fat") we categorize the obese individual on the basis of our own believes, intimately fusing the stereotype and categorization. Setting, population, and interventions: We included 138 students and 47 patients with anorexia or bulimia that assigned qualifying adjectives of the personality of obese people by using a list of epithets. This same list was provided to 49 obese patients in order to be used to define their own personality. Results: We analyzed the most frequently used epithets and the corresponding scales of personality by applying the X2 test to determine the differences between the adjectives and the scales in the samples. We considered a p value < 0.05 as being statistically significant, by using the SPSS v.13 software. Obese people define their personality very differently than the control group and the group of patients does. While obese people more frequently use "positive" adjectives, the other groups tend to use adjectives with more "negative" connotations. It seems that the stereotypes introduce a perception bias regarding the personality characteristics. The fear to overweight-obesity or the fact of "weight gaining" of patients would explain some of the findings of this work. Patients attribute obese people some personality characteristics altogether more negative than those attributed by the people in the control group. Conclusions: Knowing the influence of the stereotypes on obesity perception is essential to approach the patient with no prejudice regarding his/her treatment. The personality characteristics attributed to obese people are far from how these people really perceive themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient Energy Malnutrition (NEM) is a common feature among liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, and might constitute a negative predictor of patient's survival. A prospective descriptive study was carried out in order to assess the influence of LC patient's nutritional status on the occurrence of complications and mortality in a tertiary care health institution in Havana City (Cuba). One-hundred twenty-one patients were recruited for the study (Women: 52,9%; Younger than 60 years: 59,0%; Whites: 90,0%). C virus infection, alcoholism, and B virus infection accounted for 71,0% of LC cases. Ninety-two percents of the patients had less than 5 years of diagnosis. Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) of nutritional status returned a 45,0% of malnutrition. Malnutrition was associated with disease progression: twenty-one percent of Child-Pugh Stage patients were malnourished, but this rate increased to become 90,0% among those in C stage. Fat and skeletal muscle compartments were reduced in 36,0 and 37,0% of the patients, respectively. Complications affected 44,6% of the patients. Sixty percent of them were malnourished (p < 0,01). One-year mortality rate was 11,0%. Ninety-two percent of deceased patients were malnourished (p < 0,01). LC malnourished patients have greater risk of complications and death as compared to well-nourished ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient Energy Malnutrition (NEM) is a common feature among liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, and might constitute a negative predictor of patient's survival. A prospective descriptive study was carried out in order to assess the influence of LC patient's nutritional status on the occurrence of complications and mortality in a tertiary care health institution in Havana City (Cuba). One-hundred twenty-one patients were recruited for the study (Women: 52,9%; Younger than 60 years: 59,0%; Whites: 90,0%). C virus infection, alcoholism, and B virus infection accounted for 71,0% of LC cases. Ninety-two percents of the patients had less than 5 years of diagnosis. Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) of nutritional status returned a 45,0% of malnutrition. Malnutrition was associated with disease progression: twenty-one percent of Child-Pugh Stage patients were malnourished, but this rate increased to become 90,0% among those in C stage. Fat and skeletal muscle compartments were reduced in 36,0 and 37,0% of the patients, respectively. Complications affected 44,6% of the patients. Sixty percent of them were malnourished (p < 0,01). One-year mortality rate was 11,0%. Ninety-two percent of deceased patients were malnourished (p < 0,01). LC malnourished patients have greater risk of complications and death as compared to well-nourished ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause a change in the thirst threshold. This is recovered in the postpartum period by a demand of drink to get back hydration homeostasis due to liquid loss after labour. Thus, an increase of necessity of drinking liquids is produced to generate milk. Objects: To demonstrate whether there are any differences of glucose and ions in the immediate recovery of postpartum. To compare the administration of isotonic drinks vs water during the post-labour period after a low-risk pregnancy, as well as the degree of satisfaction. Method: Comparison of the levels of glucose and ions in the pre-labour stage, post-labour stage and 24 hours after drinking isotonic drinks in a group of 50 women (experimental group) and another group of 50 women (control group) after drinking water. All participants completed a satisfaction survey. Results: The analytical control either of administration of isotonic drinks or of water doesn't make clear a meaningful difference. However, there is a great satisfaction when drinking isotonic drinks and there is a feeling of quicker recovery. Conclusions: Although isotonic drinks may not be essential in the analytical recovery at post-partum, woman's satisfaction is higher due to her feeling of taking part in her own recovery by drinking, the increase in blood glucose is also important, instead of just drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the lipid profile in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), and the changes with refeeding. Methods: The sample comprised 102 AN outpatients (mean age 22.32 ± 3.17). Blood tests, after 12-hour overnight fast, were performed before refeeding (M0) and after weight restoration (M1). Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides (TRG) were determined and the following cardiovascular risk markers were calculated: LDL/HDL and TC/HDL ratios. These cut-off points were considered: TC < 200 mg/dl; HDL > 40 mg/dl; LDL < 100 mg/dl and TRG < 150 mg/dl. Results: The time leading to weight restoration was 8.16 ± 7.35 months. Considering patients with scores higher and lower than the corresponding cut-off points, χ2-test revealed a significant difference (M0-M1) in case of TC (p < 0.05) as well as between LDL/HDL0 and LDL/HDL1 (p < 0.05) and between TC/HDL0 and TC/HDL1 (p < 0.01). Significant differences were found between HDL0 and HDL1 (p < 0.01) and between TRG0 and TRG1 (p < 0.01). Significant and negative associations between BMI0 and TC0 (r = -0.331; p < 0.05) and between TRG0 and HDL0 (r = -0.387; p < 0.05) were found. The association between TRG1 and LDL1 was significant and positive. Discussion: Weight restoration tends to decrease the TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios despite a considerable percentage of patients maintain scores on the different variables of the lipid profile usually considered at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We studied the differences on physical fitness, fatness and cardiovascular profile in Spanish and Moroccan women. Material and methods: The study comprised 63 and 58 women aged 45-65 years from South of Spain and North of Morocco, respectively. We assessed fitness and body composition using standard procedures. We also assessed resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. Results and discussion: Moroccan women had a better performance in the main health-related physical fitness components, i.e. higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (P =0.01) and (lower-body) muscular strength (P < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.004), RHR and total cholesterol (both P = 0.04) were lower in Moroccan women. No differences were observed in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: The women from Morocco had a healthier fitness and cardiovascular profile than the women from Spain. Further research on physical fitness and other health indicators in understudied populations is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We studied the differences on physical fitness, fatness and cardiovascular profile in Spanish and Moroccan women.Material and Methods: The study comprised 63 and 58 women aged 45-65 years from South of Spain and North of Morocco, respectively. We assessed fitness and body composition using standard procedures. We also assessed resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides.Results and Discussion: Moroccan women had a better performance in the main health-related physical fitness components, i.e. higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (P=0.01) and (lower-body) muscular strength (P<0.001). Diastolic blood pressure (P=0.004), RHR and total cholesterol (both P=0.04) were lower in Moroccan women. No differences were observed in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.Conclusions: The women from Morocco had a healthier fitness and cardiovascular profile than the women from Spain. Further research on physical fitness and other health indicators in understudied populations is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We studied the differences on physical fitness, fatness and cardiovascular profile in Spanish and Moroccan women. Material and methods: The study comprised 63 and 58 women aged 45-65 years from South of Spain and North of Morocco, respectively. We assessed fitness and body composition using standard procedures. We also assessed resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. Results and discussion: Moroccan women had a better performance in the main health-related physical fitness components, i.e. higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (P = 0.01) and (lower-body) muscular strength (P < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.004), RHR and total cholesterol (both P = 0.04) were lower in Moroccan women. No differences were observed in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: The women from Morocco had a healthier fitness and cardiovascular profile than the women from Spain. Further research on physical fitness and other health indicators in understudied populations is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Research on the influence of body shape model on adolescent males is scarce. The current study aimed to assess this influence among adult males involved in intense physical activity and to determine its relationship to eating behaviour. Possible variations between 1998 and 2008 were also analysed. Method: A total of 950 males (672 in 1998 and 278 in 2008), all aspiring professional soldiers, were studied using the Questionnaire of Influences on Body Shape Model (CIMEC-V) and the Eating Attitudes Test-40 (EAT-40), as well as by assessing their physical/sporting activity and body mass index (BMI). Results: Scores on the CIMEC-V were significantly correlated with the EAT-40 and BMI. As regards physical activity the only positive correlation referred to gym-based exercise. A cluster analysis revealed two subgroups with respect to physical activity, BMI, and scores on the CIMEC-V and EAT-40. One of them scored higher on these three variables and they also had a BMI > 25. The comparative study of data from 1998 and 2008 showed significant changes in some variables. Conclusions: Generally, the results differ considerably from those reported for younger samples (which would suggest a lower risk of disordered eating behaviour). However, there is a higher risk group in which the influence of body shape models, physical activity and eating behaviour are related to greater body volume. The influence of the body shape model on males has increased, especially as regards the influence of friends and in terms of behaviours aimed at weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment options are primarily limited to immunomodulatory therapies in MS non-progressive forms. Nutrition intervention studies suggest that diet may be considered as a complementary treatment to control disease progression. Therefore, dietary intervention may help to improve wellness and ameliorate symptoms of MS patients. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of a low-fat diet with antioxidant supplementation on biochemical markers of institutionalized patients with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. METHODS: A randomized prospective placebo-controlled study involving 9 participants, 5 of them assigned to the intervention group (low-fat diet and antioxidant supplementation) and the other 4 to the placebo group (low-fat diet). The effect of the dietary intervention, involving diet modification and antioxidant supplementation, was examined for 42 days by measuring anthropometric, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers in blood at baseline (day 0), intermediate (day 15) and end (day 42) stages of the treatment. RESULTS: The intervention group obtained C reactive protein levels significantly lower than those observed in the corresponding placebo group at the end of the study. Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers isoprostane 8-iso-PGF2[alpha] and interleukine IL-6 values also diminished after dietary intervention in the intervention group. Catalase activity increased significantly in the intervention group prior antioxidant supplementation. No significant differences were observed in other oxidative stress markers. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that diet and dietary supplements are involved in cell metabolism modulation and MS-related inflammatory processes. Consequently, low fat diets and antioxidant supplements may be used as complementary therapies for treatment of multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment options are primarily limited to immunomodulatory therapies in MS non-progressive forms. Nutrition intervention studies suggest that diet may be considered as a complementary treatment to control disease progression. Therefore, dietary intervention may help to improve wellness and ameliorate symptoms of MS patients. Objectives: To assess the effect of a low-fat diet with antioxidant supplementation on biochemical markers of institutionalized patients with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. Methods: A randomized prospective placebo-controlled study involving 9 participants, 5 of them assigned to the intervention group (low-fat diet and antioxidant supplementation) and the other 4 to the placebo group (low-fat diet). The effect of the dietary intervention, involving diet modification and antioxidant supplementation, was examined for 42 days by measuring anthropometric, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers in blood at baseline (day 0), intermediate (day 15) and end (day 42) stages of the treatment. Results: The intervention group obtained C reactive protein levels significantly lower than those observed in the corresponding placebo group at the end of the study. Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers isoprostane 8-iso-PGF2α and interleukine IL-6 values also diminished after dietary intervention in the intervention group. Catalase activity increased significantly in the intervention group prior antioxidant supplementation. No significant differences were observed in other oxidative stress markers. Conclusions: The results suggest that diet and dietary supplements are involved in cell metabolism modulation and MS-related inflammatory processes. Consequently, low fat diets and antioxidant supplements may be used as complementary therapies for treatment of multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo enfoca en el contexto social y la percepción de la obesidad. El objetivo del artículo es proporcionar información sobre las diferencias de percepción de la obesidad a través de un estudio transcultural con participantes cubanos y españoles. Según la investigación, la percepción de las personas obesas españolas resultó mucho más negativa que la percepción cubana. El artículo termina enfocando en la presión social hacia la delgadez y la estigmatización de la obesidad.

Objective: The aim was to induce the thought-shape fusion (TSF) distortion experimentally, testing: a) Whether the TSF distortion could be induced by anxiety in general or if it had a specific relationship with thoughts related to the intake of fattening foods; b) Whether the TSF could be induced in non-clinical participants as well as in the eating disorder patients; c) Whether participants with more appropriate coping strategies would experience less TSF than those who showed inadequate coping strategies; and d) That TSF could have behavioural effects (e.g., neutralization of TSF and food intake) related to emotions. Methods: The sample comprised two groups (eating disorder patients and students), with 45 participants each, aged between 18 and 25 years, 92.50% and 86.7% of women in the eating disorders group and the students group respectively. The two groups underwent three experimental conditions (TSF, anxiety, and control), measuring the results with regards to the emotional and behavioural responses. Results: Participants in the TSF induction condition reported more guilt, more feelings of fatness, more likelihood of weight gain, and higher degree of moral wrongdoing compared with participants in both the anxiety and control induction conditions. The effect of the adequate coping strategies in decreasing the strength of the TSF bias was confirmed in both eating disorder patients and non-clinical participants. Discussion: The study of the TSF distortion may have relevant implications in terms of treatment and prognostic of eating disorders. This distortion may be involved in the development and maintenance of eating disorder psychopathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The establishment of healthy eating habits in children at school and in family life is very important for preventing obesity in children. Aims: To know the habits of late-breakfast in a scholar population, the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and establish healthy dietary habits through the late-breakfast. Methods: A prospective interventional study was performed in a school group. Children from 10 to 13 years old were included. The study had three phases: pre-intervention (anthropometric assessment and questionnaire of late-breakfast frequency), intervention (parents and teachers received information about "the importance of proper nutrition in school" focused on the transcendence of a healthy and balanced diet that includes a suitable late-breakfast every day at school, and the students received the late-breakfast during two weeks that included milk, fruit and a traditional sandwich), and post-intervention (questionnaire of late-breakfast frequency). Results: Frequency of overweight was 10.6% and obesity 2.6%. After the intervention the proportion of children who had late-breakfast increased by 9.2%, and the kind of food which they ate changed. Conclusion: Dietary habits can be modified in a scholar population with an easy nutritional intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin is a peptidic hormone secreted by the fat tissue and plays an important role in body weight regulation. After menopause, weight gain increases as well as android-like obesity. Previous studies suggest a relationship between leptin level, body mass index (BMI) and fat distribution. Objective: To establish the relationships between serum leptin, BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist/hip ratio (WHR). Methodology: 48 women under the age of 60 years and with amenorrhea for longer than one year were assessed. Leptin and estradiol (ELISA) levels were determined; normal values: 3.63-11.09 ng/mL and 0-65 pg/Ml. BMI (WHO), WC > 88 cm, and WHR > 0.80 were considered as indicators of cardiometabolic risk. Results: Mean age for the group was 54 +/- 3.9 years; leptin: 8.4 +/- 3.7 ng/mL, and estradiol: 17.6 +/- 10.0 pg/mL; BMI: 27.0 +/- 4.9 kg/m(2); WC: 86.2 +/- 8.6 cm; and WHR: 0.84 +/- 0.06. Twenty percent of the women had hyperleptinemia, 58.4% malnourishment due to excessive intake, 35% presented WC cardiovascular risk. The highest leptin value was found in obese women. There was no association between serum leptin levels and anthropometrical variables. There was a significantly positive correlation between weight, height, BMI, WC, hip circumference, and estradiol. Conclusions: Postmenopausal women presented a high prevalence of overweight/obesity, android-like body fat distribution and normal serum leptin levels. The group assessed is considered to be at risk for cardiometabolic diseases according to anthropometrical indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin is a peptidic hormone secreted by the fat tissue and plays an important role in body weight regulation. After menopause, weight gain increases as well as android-like obesity. Previous studies suggest a relationship between leptin level, body mass index (BMI) and fat distribution. Objective: To establish the relationships between serum leptin, BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist/hip ratio (WHR). Methodology: 48 women under the age of 60 years and with amenorrhea for longer than one year were assessed. Leptin and estradiol (ELISA) levels were determined; normal values: 3.63-11.09 ng/mL and 0-65 pg/MI. BMI (WHO), WC > 88 cm, and WHR > 0.80 were considered as indicators of cardiometabolic risk. Results: Mean age for the group was 54 ± 3.9 years; leptin: 8.4 ± 3.7 ng/mL, and estradiol: 17.6 ± 10.0 pg/mL; BMI: 27.0 ± 4.9 kg/m²; WC: 86.2 ± 8.6 cm; and WHR: 0.84 ± 0.06. Twenty percent of the women had hyperleptinemia, 58.4% malnourishment due to excessive intake, 35% presented WC cardiovascular risk. The highest leptin value was found in obese women. There was no association between serum leptin levels and anthropometrical variables. There was a significantly positive correlation between weight, height, BMI, WC, hip circumference, and estradiol. Conclusions: Postmenopausal women presented a high prevalence of overweight/obesity, android-like body fat distribution and normal serum leptin levels. The group assessed is considered to be at risk for cardiometabolic diseases according to anthropometrical indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and the average length of Lactation. To describe the development of the weight during the first year of life and the demand of paediatric consultations in relation to the type of lactation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done using retrospective data. There was gathered a random sample of clinical histories of born children between years 2000 and 2005. There was estimated the prevalence of breast-feeding from the beginning until three and six months. An index of global desertion was elaborated. The average weight and the number of paediatric consultations were related to the type of lactation. RESULTS: The children initiate exclusive breastfeeding (MEL) in a 63.5% (CI 95%: 58.6-64.5). 22.6% amount them (IC 95%: 18.4-26.9) remained it until six months age. After three months of MEL 43.4% of the subjects gave up exclusively lactation. At the age of six months only 33.6% remained with MEL. Mixed form of lactation (MTL) was kept in 80.5% of the subjects (IC 95%: 75.4-84.6). Children included in the program of MTL (exclusive or mixed) have a minor index of desertion (26.5% and 54.4% up to three and six months, respectively). A higher weight was detected in children with mixed lactation. Those on the MEL up to six months consulted the paediatrician 4.5 times a year, whereas children with artificial lactation did it 6.5 times during their first year of life. There were statistically significant differences found (p < 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Percentage of lactation in the group studied is far from recommended levels (WHO). Exclusive breastfeeding (MEL) entails a suitable weight development, as well as a minor morbidity in the first year of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and the average length of Lactation. To describe the development of the weight during the first year of life and the demand of paediatric consultations in relation to the type of lactation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using retrospective data. There was gathered a random sample of clinical histories of born children between years 2000 and 2005. There was estimated the prevalence of breast-feeding from the beginning until three and six months. An index of global desertion was elaborated. The average weight and the number of paediatric consultations were related to the type of lactation. Results: The children initiate exclusive breastfeeding (MEL) in a 63.5% (CI 95%: 58.6.64.5). 22.6% amount them (IC 95%: 18.4-26.9) remained it until six months age. After three months of MEL 43.4% of the subjects gave up exclusively lactation. At the age of six months only 33.6% remained with MEL. Mixed form of lactation (MTL) was kept in 80.5% of the subjects (IC 95%: 75.4-84.6). Children included in the program of MTL (exclusive or mixed) have a minor index of desertion (26.5% and 54.4% up to three and six months, respectively). A higher weight was detected in children with mixed lactation. Those on the MEL up to six months consulted the paediatrician 4.5 times a year, whereas children with artificial lactation did it 6.5 times during their first year of life. There were statistically significant differences found (p <0.007). Conclusions: Percentage of lactation in the group studied is far from recommended levels (WHO). Exclusive breastfeeding (MEL) entails a suitable weight development, as well as a minor morbidity in the first year of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Clinical nutrition is an activity realized in most of Health Centres of France, Canada, Great Britain and USA. The aim of our work was to determine activity and resources of Nutrition Units of Hospitals in the Community of Castilla y León. Material and methods: A questionnaire was send to all Hospitals of Castilla y León (SACYL); Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Hospital Comarcal de Medina del Campo, Hospital General Yagüe-Divino Vallés (Burgos), Complejo Hospitalario de León, Hospital General de Segovia, Hospital Virgen de Sonsoles de Ávila, Hospital Virgen de la Concha de Zamora, Hospital Comarcal de Aranda de Duero, Hospital Comarcal de Miranda, Hospital General de Soria, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Salamanca. Results: Nine Centres responded questionnaire (75%). A total of 5 Hospitals had a Unit of Nutrition (55.6%). The results showed an average of 0.37 ± 0.55 specialists for each 400 beds, 0.87 ± 0.63 nurses for each 400 beds and 1.91 ± 2.3 auxiliaries for each 400 beds, with an average of 0.21 ± 0.41 specialists for each 100,000 habitants, 0.49 ± 0.36 nurses for each 100,000 habitants and 1.09 ± 1.2 auxiliaries for each 100,000 habitants. The activity of these Units is demanded by other Units, with an average of 3.2 ± 3.4 consultations per day. The main diseases of this activity were 33.3% tumoral pathology, 55.6% surgery and 11.1% neurological pathology. Oral supplements were the first intervention tool. Only 3 Centres had a home artificial nutrition consultation. The main diseases of this activity were post surgical patients (33,3%), tumoral pathology (33,3%), neurological pathology (22%) and inflammatory bowel disease (11%). Conclusion: Resources in Units of Nutrition of Castilla y Leon were limited. However, activity in Hospital an in home is equal than other areas. New actions of Local Administration are necessaries to follow recommendations of Council of Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]