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The burden of micronutrient malnutrition is high among women of reproductive age (WRA) in sub-Saharan Africa. We examined the dietary quality and associated factors for WRA in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. Data were collected from women aged 15–49 years using representative Diet Quality Questionnaire surveys. The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W), All-5 (key food group) consumption, noncommunicable disease risk (NCD-Risk), and Global Dietary Recommendation (GDR) indicators were assessed. Participants included N = 16,584 women [Cameroon: N = 2073; Côte d'Ivoire: N = 242; Kenya: N = 864; Adamawa State (Nigeria): N = 1283; Benue State (Nigeria): N = 1047; Nasarawa State (Nigeria): N = 1151; Senegal: N = 7232; Tanzania: N = 2692]. The MDD-W ranged from 43.0% in Tanzania to 81.4% in Côte d'Ivoire and was higher in urban, compared to rural, areas in Cameroon, Kenya, Nasarawa, Senegal, and Tanzania (p < 0.001). Increased education and wealth were positively associated with MDD-W in Kenya, Benue, Senegal, and Tanzania. Fewer than half of all women attained All-5 consumption. NCD-Risk scores ranged from 1.13 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.17) in Tanzania to 2.28 (95% CI: 2.16, 2.40) in Nasarawa, and women's GDR scores ranged from 10.47 (95% CI: 10.40, 10.54) in Cameroon to 11.45 (95% CI: 11.25, 11.64) in Côte d'Ivoire. Our findings highlight key aspects of women's diets in sub-Saharan African settings to enable greater awareness and more targeted responses to the specific areas needing the most improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood coagulation is a complex physiological process critical for maintaining hemostasis, and disruptions in this system can lead to various health complications. Since the effects of specific food groups on a series of circulating coagulation parameters in the population are not well established, this study examines such associations in the population-based KORA-Fit study. A total of 595 subjects (263 men and 332 women) born between 1945 and 1964 and living in the study region of Augsburg were included in the study. Habitual food intake was estimated based on a combination of repeated 24-h food lists (24HFLs) and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Antithrombin III, D-dimers, factor VIII, fibrinogen, protein C, protein S, aPTT, Quick value and INR were measured in citrate plasma. Multivariable linear regression models were applied to investigate associations between the consumption of specific foods of plant or animal origin and hemostatic factors. We found that the consumption of plant-based food groups, including green leafy vegetables (rich in vitamin K1), were hardly associated with coagulation parameters. Surprisingly, a high consumption of dairy products and especially butter were associated with higher D-dimer concentrations. These findings need further evaluation in prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing children healthy diversified diets is important for their optimal growth and development. The high prevalence of under-nourishment during the critical early life period is of serious concern in West Africa. We assessed the level of dietary diversity and associated factors for children aged 6–23 months in Côte d’Ivoire, Niger and Senegal. Prior 24 h dietary intake was assessed for 3,528 children (Côte d’Ivoire: N = 118; Niger: N = 763; Senegal: N = 2,647) using the Diet Quality Questionnaire survey tool administered to primary caregivers. Cluster random sampling was conducted for urban and rural areas in Niger and Senegal and simple random sampling was used in Côte d’Ivoire, where only rural households were selected. Survey data were analyzed to determine children’s intake of items from eight food groups: breast milk; grains, roots, tubers and plantains; pulses, nuts and seeds; dairy products; flesh foods; eggs; vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables; and other fruits and vegetables. Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) was assessed based on the consumption of ≥5 of the 8 food groups. In all countries, the majority of children were ≥ 12 months of age and from rural households. Children from poor/very poor households ranged from 32.4 to 41.9%. MDD prevalence was 54.2% in Côte d’Ivoire, 33.3% in Niger and 30.8% in Senegal. In all three countries, children 12–23 months had significantly higher consumption of six of the food groups, compared to those 6–11 months, and children ≥12 months had a higher likelihood of MDD, compared to infants, in Niger (aOR = 4.25; 95% CI: 2.46, 7.36) and Senegal (aOR = 2.69; 95% CI: 2.15, 3.35). MDD prevalence was higher among children in urban, compared to rural, areas in Niger (p = 0.020) and Senegal (p

The burden of micronutrient malnutrition is high among women of reproductive age (WRA) in sub-Saharan Africa. We examined the dietary quality and associated factors for WRA in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. Data were collected from women aged 15–49 years using representative Diet Quality Questionnaire surveys. The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W), All-5 (key food group) consumption, noncommunicable disease risk (NCD-Risk), and Global Dietary Recommendation (GDR) indicators were assessed. Participants included N = 16,584 women [Cameroon: N = 2073; Côte d’Ivoire: N = 242; Kenya: N = 864; Adamawa State (Nigeria): N = 1283; Benue State (Nigeria): N = 1047; Nasarawa State (Nigeria): N = 1151; Senegal: N = 7232; Tanzania: N = 2692]. The MDD-W ranged from 43.0% in Tanzania to 81.4% in Côte d’Ivoire and was higher in urban, compared to rural, areas in Cameroon, Kenya, Nasarawa, Senegal, and Tanzania (p < 0.001). Increased education and wealth were positively associated with MDD-W in Kenya, Benue, Senegal, and Tanzania. Fewer than half of all women attained All-5 consumption. NCD-Risk scores ranged from 1.13 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.17) in Tanzania to 2.28 (95% CI: 2.16, 2.40) in Nasarawa, and women’s GDR scores ranged from 10.47 (95% CI: 10.40, 10.54) in Cameroon to 11.45 (95% CI: 11.25, 11.64) in Côte d’Ivoire. Our findings highlight key aspects of women’s diets in sub-Saharan African settings to enable greater awareness and more targeted responses to the specific areas needing the most improvement.

Purpose: Dietary factors have been suggested as drivers of the rising prevalence of adult-onset asthma, but evidence is inconclusive, possibly due to the complex interrelation with obesity. We aim to explore the relation of diet quality and food intake with incident adult-onset asthma in normal weight and overweight adults of the prospective population-based Lifelines Cohort Study. Methods: Incident adult-onset asthma was defined as self-reported asthma at ± 4-year follow-up, in adults free of airway disease at baseline. Diet quality scores and food group intake were assessed at baseline. Log-binomial regression analyses were used to estimate adjusted relative risks (RR) between dietary intake (per portion) and incident adult-onset asthma, in categories of BMI (cutoff: 25 kg/m2). Results: 477 incident asthma cases (75% female, 62% overweight) and 34,698 controls (60% female, 53% overweight) were identified. Diet quality—assessed by the Lifelines Diet Score and Mediterranean Diet Score—was not associated with incident adult-onset asthma in the two BMI groups. Although the dietary intake of several food groups differed between cases and controls, after adjustment for confounders only few remained associated with adult-onset asthma, including red and processed meat (RR: 0.93 per 15 g intake; 95% CI 0.86–0.99) in the normal weight group and intake of cheese (RR 1.09 per 20 g intake; 95% CI 1.00–1.17) and vegetables (RR 1.10 per 50 g intake; 95% CI 1.00–1.21) in the overweight group. Conclusion: The results of this study question the role of food as a 'simple' predictor of adult-onset asthma and call for an integrative approach, including a range of modifiable lifestyle factors and further asthma phenotyping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A balanced diet is a blend of quantity and quality of foods eaten to support an individual's health and well-being. This narrative review aims to deliver a simplified version of the 2020 dietary guidelines by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN). The review comprehensively analyses the latest ICMR-NIN 2020 dietary guidelines for healthy adults. The approach to achieving a balanced diet is focused on the inclusion of a plant-based diet with special significance placed on dietary fibre and antioxidants. The review presents the updated macronutrient and micronutrient requirements, with the spotlight has been on the types of food to be taken or the food-based approach. This review also highlights food groups and gut nutrition and provides dietary tips on wholesome meals to promote optimal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, analysis of diet and bladder cancer (BC) is mostly based on the intake of individual foods. The examination of food combinations provides a scope to deal with the complexity and unpredictability of the diet and aims to overcome the limitations of the study of nutrients and foods in isolation. This article aims to demonstrate the usability of supervised data mining methods to extract the food groups related to BC. In order to derive key food groups associated with BC risk, we applied the data mining technique C5.0 with 10-fold cross-validation in the BLadder cancer Epidemiology and Nutritional Determinants study, including data from eighteen case-control and one nested case-cohort study, compromising 8320 BC cases out of 31 551 participants. Dietary data, on the eleven main food groups of the Eurocode 2 Core classification codebook, and relevant non-diet data (i.e. sex, age and smoking status) were available. Primarily, five key food groups were extracted; in order of importance, beverages (non-milk); grains and grain products; vegetables and vegetable products; fats, oils and their products; meats and meat products were associated with BC risk. Since these food groups are corresponded with previously proposed BC-related dietary factors, data mining seems to be a promising technique in the field of nutritional epidemiology and deserves further examination.

Blood coagulation is a complex physiological process critical for maintaining hemostasis, and disruptions in this system can lead to various health complications. Since the effects of specific food groups on a series of circulating coagulation parameters in the population are not well established, this study examines such associations in the population-based KORA-Fit study. A total of 595 subjects (263 men and 332 women) born between 1945 and 1964 and living in the study region of Augsburg were included in the study. Habitual food intake was estimated based on a combination of repeated 24-h food lists (24HFLs) and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Antithrombin III, D-dimers, factor VIII, fibrinogen, protein C, protein S, aPTT, Quick value and INR were measured in citrate plasma. Multivariable linear regression models were applied to investigate associations between the consumption of specific foods of plant or animal origin and hemostatic factors. We found that the consumption of plant-based food groups, including green leafy vegetables (rich in vitamin K1), were hardly associated with coagulation parameters. Surprisingly, a high consumption of dairy products and especially butter were associated with higher D-dimer concentrations. These findings need further evaluation in prospective studies.

Current research on diets and health focuses on composite food patterns and their likely impact on health outcomes. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have likewise adopted a more food group-based approach. By contrast, most nutrient profiling (NP) models continue to assess nutrient density of individual foods, based on a small number of individual nutrients. Nutrients to encourage have included protein, fiber, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Nutrients to limit are typically saturated fats, total or added sugars, and sodium. Because current NP models may not fully capture the healthfulness of foods, there is a case for advancing a hybrid NP approach that takes both nutrients and desirable food groups and food ingredients into account. Creating a nutrient- and food-based NP model may provide a more integrated way of assessing a food's nutrient density. Hybrid nutrient density scores will provide for a better alignment between NP models and the DGA, a chief instrument of food and nutrition policy in the United States. Such synergy may lead ultimately to improved dietary guidance, sound nutrition policy, and better public health.

We developed a survey to collect information on consumers' intentions to discard 15 food products when exposed to different date labels. Results show that the use of certain date labels has the capacity to reduce food waste, but the reductions would happen differentially across food groups. When we examine the nutritional implications, we find that a shift from the 'Best by' date label to the 'Best if Used by' date label would increase total household purchases of energy and lead to a disproportional increase in purchases of fats, cholesterol and protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infertility affects 15% of couples in Italy and approximately 10%–12% of couples worldwide. Focusing on female fertility, there are multiple causes, among which diet has a great influence. Methods: We investigated whether the consumption of certain fatty acids affects four outcomes of the assisted reproduction techniques. From September 2014 to December 2016, women referring to our Italian fertility unit, eligible for assisted reproduction techniques, were invited to participate. Information on diet was recorded through a validated food frequency questionnaire. Results: Four hundred and ninety‐four women were included, of whom 95% achieved good quality oocytes, 87% achieved embryo transfer, 32.0% achieved clinical pregnancies and 24.5% achieved pregnancy at term. The fourth quartile of saturated fatty acids consumption, compared to the first one, showed an association with clinical pregnancy (adjusted relative risk 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.45–1.00, p = 0.0491). Some associations emerge accounting for confounders. Age was associated with clinical pregnancy and pregnancy at term in the models considering all fatty intakes and food groups variables but was not associated with oocytes quality and embryo transfer. Physical activity was associated with clinical pregnancy. Conclusions: There is biological plausibility for the effect of omega‐3 and omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on oocyte development via synthesis of eicosanoids, even if only limited associations are shown in the present study. Future research should aim to measure the serum levels of fatty acids and investigate the outcomes of assisted reproduction techniques. Research highlights: There is biological plausibility for the effect of omega‐3 and omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on oocyte development via synthesis of eicosanoids.We investigated the relationship between fatty acids intake in a population of women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques (ART) and four outcomes: good quality oocytes, embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy and pregnancy at term.No associations emerged between fatty acids intake and ART outcomes, except for the fourth quartile of saturated fatty acids consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) may be associated with successful assisted reproductive techniques (ART). However, heterogeneous studies were conducted and opposing results were obtained. This systematic review aims to summarize the evidence on the effect of omega-3 dietary intake on oocyte and embryo quality for a positive ART outcome. The PRISMA 2020 statement was followed and the review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021283881). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were: eligible studies examined women undergoing ART cycles whose diet was evaluated for omega-3 intake or experienced an increase in omega-3 compared with women who followed in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) but did not increase the omega-3 intake before the cycle. 5,412 records were identified and five studies were included in the analysis. Two studies focused on sub-fertile or infertile women specifically, yet all women in all studies went through IVF/ICSI procedures. All five studies demonstrated how omega-3 FAs may be beneficial by increasing the positive rate of ART outcomes and embryo quality evaluated according to morphology and morphokinetic parameters. More research focusing on comparable and/or equal outcomes is required to strengthen supporting evidence with the aim to provide valid recommendations for women seeking a pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurately assessing dietary intake can promote improved nutrition. The PortionSize app (Pennington Biomedical Research Center) was designed to quantify and provide real-time feedback on the intake of energy, food groups, saturated fat, and added sugar. Objective: This study aimed to assess the preliminary feasibility and validity of estimating food intake via the PortionSize app among adults. Methods: A total of 15 adults (aged 18-65 years) were recruited and trained to quantify the food intake from a simulated meal by using PortionSize. Trained personnel prepared 15 simulated meals and covertly weighed (weigh back) the amount of food provided to participants as well as food waste. Equivalence tests (±25% bounds) were performed to compare PortionSize to the weigh back method. Results: Participants were aged a mean of 28 (SD 12) years, and 11 were female. The mean energy intake estimated with PortionSize was 742.9 (SD 328.2) kcal, and that estimated via weigh back was 659.3 (SD 190.7) kcal (energy intake difference: mean 83.5, SD 287.5 kcal). The methods were not equivalent in estimating energy intake (P=.18), and PortionSize overestimated energy intake by 83.5 kcal (12.7%) at the meal level. Estimates of portion sizes (gram weight; P=.01), total sugar (P=.049), fruit servings (P=.01), and dairy servings (P=.047) from PortionSize were equivalent to those estimated via weigh back. PortionSize was not equivalent to weigh back with regard to estimates for carbohydrate (P=.10), fat (P=.32), vegetable (P=.37), grain (P=.31), and protein servings (P=.87). Conclusions: Due to power limitations, the equivalence tests had large equivalence bounds. Though preliminary, the results of this small pilot study warrant the further adaptation, development, and validation of PortionSize as a means to estimate energy intake and provide users with real-time and actionable dietary feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is the first study on dietary intakes of infants and young children in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, a region that is currently witnessing the nutrition transition. It aims at characterizing food consumption patterns amongst 0-4 year old children in Lebanon, evaluating their macro- and micronutrient intakes and assessing adherence to dietary recommendations.Methods: Based on a national cross-sectional survey in 2012 (n = 866), the study collected data on sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, and one 24-hour dietary recall was administered. Nutrient intakes were compared with reference values: Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), Adequate Intake (AI) and Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR).Results: Milk was the highest contributor to energy intake (EI) in infants (95.8 and 56.5% in 0-5.9 months and 6-11.9 months old infants, respectively), while its intake was lower among toddlers and preschoolers (35.4 and 15.1%, respectively). In contrast, intakes of sweets and sweetened beverages were the highest in preschoolers compared to younger children, contributing 18.5% EI in preschoolers. Compared to dietary guidelines, the lowest dietary adherence was found for vegetables (17.8-20.7%) and fruits (14.4-34.3%). Protein intake was within the recommendations for the vast majority of children. Although total fat intake was lower in toddlers and preschoolers compared to infants, more than 40% of toddlers and preschoolers exceeded the AMDR for fat and 87.3% of preschoolers exceeded the upper limit for saturated fat. Only 3.6% of toddlers and 11.5% of preschoolers exceeded the AI level for dietary fiber. Micronutrient intake assessment showed that mean intakes in infants exceeded the AI for all micronutrients, except for vitamin D and magnesium. In toddlers, vitamin D and calcium were below the EAR among 84.7, and 44.6%, respectively. In preschoolers, most of the children (91.9%) had inadequate intakes of vitamin D, and a third had inadequate intakes of folate, calcium and vitamin A.Conclusions: This study identified priority issues for nutrition intervention in infants and young children in Lebanon. Concerted multi-stakeholder efforts are needed to instill heathier food consumption and nutrient intake patterns early in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: Nutrition is an important, modifiable, environmental factor affecting human health by modulating epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation (5mC). Numerous studies investigated the association of nutrition with global and gene-specific DNA methylation and evidences on animal models highlighted a role in DNA hydroxymethylation (5hmC) regulation. However, a more comprehensive analysis of different layers of nutrition in association with global levels of 5mC and 5hmC is lacking. We investigated the association between global levels of 5mC and 5hmC and human nutrition, through the stratification and analysis of dietary patterns into different nutritional layers: adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD), main food groups, macronutrients and micronutrients intake. Methods: ELISA technique was used to measure global 5mC and 5hmC levels in 1080 subjects from the Moli-sani cohort. Food intake during the 12 months before enrolment was assessed using the semi-quantitative EPIC food frequency questionnaire. Complementary approaches involving both classical statistics and supervised machine learning analyses were used to investigate the associations between global 5mC and 5hmC levels and adherence to Mediterranean diet, main food groups, macronutrients and micronutrients intake. Results: We found that global DNA methylation, but not hydroxymethylation, was associated with daily intake of zinc and vitamin B3. Random Forests algorithms predicting 5mC and 5hmC through intakes of food groups, macronutrients and micronutrients revealed a significant contribution of zinc, while vitamin B3 was reported among the most influential features. Conclusion: We found that nutrition may affect global DNA methylation, suggesting a contribution of micronutrients previously implicated as cofactors in methylation pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Government of Ethiopia has made a major commitment toward improving food security, diet, nutrition, and health through a series of national nutrition plans. The focus of these plans is on providing both nutrition-specific as well as nutrition-sensitive approaches for achieving national priorities for health and nutrition. The present study conducted a secondary analysis of data provided through a larger birth cohort study conducted in Ethiopia between 2014 and 2016. Objectives The overall objectives of this research were to assess the relation between minimum dietary diversity in women and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and evaluate the association between midupper arm circumference (MUAC) in women and WASH. Methods In addition to descriptive statistics, the study used mixed effects logistic regression analyses to investigate the relation between dietary diversity, MUAC, and household WASH practices. Results Improved WASH practices were associated with an increased probability (p  = 0.04) that a woman would consume a diet with foods from 5 or more food groups. A beneficial effect was observed for improved WASH practices and a decrease in low MUAC. Improved household WASH practices were successful in contributing to improved dietary diversity in women as well as an improved MUAC. Conclusions Interventions aimed at improving the diet and nutritional status of women during and after pregnancy should include relevant WASH components as essential elements in multisector nutrition programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that dietary factors may play a role in systemic low-grade chronic inflammation. Summary evidence from randomized controlled trials has shown substantial effects on biomarkers of inflammation following the adoption of plant-based diets (including, but not limited to, the Mediterranean diet), while consistent findings have been reported for higher intakes of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and positive trends observed for the consumption of legumes, pulses, nuts, and olive oil. Among animal food groups, dairy products have been shown to have the best benefits on biomarkers of inflammation, while red meat and egg have been shown to have neutral effects. The present review provides an overview of the mechanisms underlying the relation between dietary factors and immune system, with a focus on specific macronutrient and non-nutrient phytochemicals (polyphenols) and low-grade inflammation. Substantial differences within each macronutrient group may explain the conflicting results obtained regarding foods high in saturated fats and carbohydrates, underlying the role of specific subtypes of molecules (i.e., short-chain fatty acids or fiber vs. long chain fatty acids or free added sugars) when exploring the relation between diet and inflammation, as well as the importance of the food matrix and the commixture of foods in the context of whole dietary patterns. Dietary polyphenols and oligopeptides have been hypothesized to exert several functions, including the regulation of the inflammatory response and effects on the immune system. Overall, evidence suggests that dietary factors may affect the immune system regardless of obesity-related inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there are ~100 countries with national food-based dietary guidelines. While the intent of these guidelines is to inform national-level dietary recommendations, they also tie into global health and sustainable development initiatives, since diet and nutrition are linked to outcomes for all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, key messaging in food-based dietary guidelines plays an important role in both national and global health efforts. However, this type of national-level dietary guidance is not standardized and varies considerably from country to country, and from food group to food group. The main objective of this review is to provide a novel look at dairy food group messaging within global food-based dietary guidelines, focusing specifically on nutrient-based and health-based messaging. Dairy-based messaging from 94 national food-based dietary guidelines was reviewed and grouped by region, with an emphasis on messaging regarding dairy's contribution to nutrients of public health concern for both underconsumption and overconsumption. The results showed that most nutrient-based dairy messaging relating to underconsumption was focused on calcium, followed by vitamin D, iodine, potassium, and protein; whereas messaging related to overconsumption was focused on saturated fat, added sugars, and salt. Health-based messaging specific to dairy food intake typically coalesced around three types of health outcomes: (1) bone, teeth, and muscle, (2) cardiometabolic, and (3) gut and immune. Although a fundamental concept of food-based dietary guidelines is to provide dietary guidance in a manner that is both “food-based,” and in the context of “dietary” patterns, most food-based dietary guidelines still express the health value of dairy foods (and potentially other foods groups) solely in terms of their nutrient content – and often times only in the context of a single nutrient (e.g., calcium).

Background Dietary recommendations worldwide have focused on promoting healthy diets to prevent diseases. In 2019, the EAT– Lancet Commission presented global scientific targets for healthy diets and sustainable food production and proposed a healthy reference diet (EAT-HRD) that can be adapted to the culture, geography, and demography of the population and individuals in any country. Objectives We aimed to describe the daily energy intake from food groups and subgroups in Mexican adults relative to the EAT-HRD and propose an adaptation of the EAT-HRD to the Mexican context. Methods We analyzed data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys in 2012 and 2016. Diet information was obtained using the 5-step multiple-pass 24-h dietary recall method. We estimated the mean energy intake from food groups and subgroups and compared these figures with the midpoint of the EAT-HRD and with the Mexican Dietary Guidelines (MDGs). We also proposed an adaptation of the EAT-HRD to the Mexican context based on the mean energy intake and the comparison between the MDGs and the EAT-HRD. Results Mexican adults consume higher than the EAT-HRD for grains (mostly refined), dairy, added sugars, and animal-based proteins (particularly red meat, poultry, eggs, and processed meats); and lower than the EAT-HRD for vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, tubers and starchy vegetables, fish, and added fats. Based on these findings, we propose a healthy and sustainable reference diet adapted for the Mexican population. Conclusions Mexican adults have a diet that is far from being healthy and is not sustainable. The adaptation of the EAT-HRD to the Mexican context is a timely input for current government efforts to move to a sustainable and healthy food system, including the update of the current MDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: University students often cite increased monetary cost as a major barrier to improved eating behaviours. Here, we examine food expenditure behaviours in a sample of Australian university students. Methods: Students (n = 147) collected and analysed a 24‐hour food record to determine their food group and nutrient intakes, then costed the food and non‐tap water beverages consumed in the amounts recorded. Diet cost and food group expenditure (absolute and relative to total diet cost) were calculated and compared across socio‐demographic characteristics. Spearman's Rho correlations and partial correlations (controlling for energy intake) were also used to identify associations between diet cost and intake. Results: The median (IQR) 24‐hour diet cost was $12.42 ($7.06). However, students who worked ≥20 h·wk−1 had a higher diet cost than those who worked <20 h·wk−1 (P =.002) or were unemployed (P =.002). Relative food group expenditure also differed by sex, employment status and whether special dietary requirements were reported (P's <.05). For instance, males reported spending a smaller relative amount on the fruit and vegetables food groups and a larger relative amount on discretionary choices than females (P's < 0.05). Higher diet costs were also associated with greater intakes of the fruit, vegetables and lean meat and alternatives food groups, protein, alcohol, water and calcium, and lower intakes of the grain foods food group and carbohydrate (P's <.05). Conclusions: These findings provide insight into university students' food expenditure behaviours and may assist health professionals to develop targeted strategies and tailored advice aimed at improving their dietary behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that dietary factors may play a role in systemic low-grade chronic inflammation. Summary evidence from randomized controlled trials has shown substantial effects on biomarkers of inflammation following the adoption of plant-based diets (including, but not limited to, the Mediterranean diet), while consistent findings have been reported for higher intakes of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and positive trends observed for the consumption of legumes, pulses, nuts, and olive oil. Among animal food groups, dairy products have been shown to have the best benefits on biomarkers of inflammation, while red meat and egg have been shown to have neutral effects. The present review provides an overview of the mechanisms underlying the relation between dietary factors and immune system, with a focus on specific macronutrient and non-nutrient phytochemicals (polyphenols) and low-grade inflammation. Substantial differences within each macronutrient group may explain the conflicting results obtained regarding foods high in saturated fats and carbohydrates, underlying the role of specific subtypes of molecules (i.e., short-chain fatty acids or fiber vs. long chain fatty acids or free added sugars) when exploring the relation between diet and inflammation, as well as the importance of the food matrix and the commixture of foods in the context of whole dietary patterns. Dietary polyphenols and oligopeptides have been hypothesized to exert several functions, including the regulation of the inflammatory response and effects on the immune system. Overall, evidence suggests that dietary factors may affect the immune system regardless of obesity-related inflammation.

Background: Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. These procedures change the gastrointestinal system with the aim of reducing dietary intake. Improving diet quality is essential in maintaining nutritional health and achieving long-term benefits from the surgery. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the relationship between bariatric surgery and diet quality at least 1 year after surgery. Methods: A systematic search of five databases was conducted. Studies were included that reported diet quality, eating pattern, or quality of eating in adult patients who had undergone laparoscopic-adjusted gastric banding (LAGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedures. Data was extracted to determine the relationship between having had bariatric surgery and subsequent diet quality. Results: A total of 34 study articles (described in 36 articles) met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were observational in nature and showed a reduction in energy intake following surgery, as well as inadequate intakes of micronutrients and protein, and an excessive intake of fats. There was evidence of nutrient imbalances, suboptimal compliance with multivitamin and mineral supplementation, and limited follow-up of patients. Conclusion: The current evidence base suggests that despite being effective in reducing energy intake, bariatric surgery can result in unbalanced diets, inadequate micronutrient and protein intakes, and excessive intakes of fats. In combination with suboptimal adherence to multivitamin and mineral supplementation, this may contribute to nutritional deficiencies and weight regain. There is a need for high-quality nutrition studies, to identify optimal dietary compositions following bariatric surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about sex-based dietary differences in middle-income countries, particularly those undergoing the nutrition transition. This study aims at examining sex disparities in energy and macronutrients' intakes, food consumption patterns, and micronutrients' adequacy in Lebanon, while adopting a life course approach.Methods: Data were derived from a national cross-sectional survey conducted in Lebanon in 2008/2009. The study sample consisted of 3636 subjects: 956 children and adolescents aged 6-19.9 years; 2239 adults aged 20-59.9 years and 441 older adults aged above 60 years. At the households, trained nutritionists conducted face-to-face interviews with participants to complete a sociodemographic questionnaire and one 24-h diet recall. Food items were categorized into 25 food groups. The Nutritionist Pro software was used for the analysis of dietary intake data and the estimation of energy, macronutrients', and micronutrients' intakes.Results: In all age groups, males had significantly higher energy intakes, while females had significantly higher fiber intakes. In addition, in adolescents aged 12-19.9 years, females had higher fat intakes as compared to males (37.02 ± 0.6% vs 35.03 ± 0.61%), and in adults aged 20-59.9 years, females had significantly higher total fat (37.73 ± 0.33% vs 36.45 ± 0.38%) and saturated fat intakes (11.24 ± 0.15% vs 10.45 ± 0.18%). These differences in macronutrient intakes were not observed in younger children nor in older adults. Sex-based differences in food groups' intakes were also observed: men and boys had significantly higher intakes of red and processed meat, bread, fast food, soft drinks, and alcohol, while girls and women had higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, milk, and sweets. In all age groups, females had lower micronutrient intakes compared to males, including calcium, iron, and zinc.Conclusions: This study identified sex-specific priorities that ought to be tackled by context-specific interventions to promote healthier diets in Lebanon. The fact that sex-based differences in nutrient intakes and food consumption patterns were the most noticeable in the adolescent and adult years, hence women's reproductive years call for concerted efforts to improve nutrition for women and girls as this would lay the foundation not only for their future education, productivity, and economic empowerment, but also for the health of future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Nutrition and food consumption patterns have a very important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. There are many clinical and epidemiological evidence regarding to cardiovascular health and food consumption and dietary patterns. Given the importance of this issue, in this study a review of various studies and sources about role of consumption of various food groups in prevention of cardiovascular diseases was performed. METHODS: In this study, new evidence on the role of major food groups in the prevention of cardiovascular disease were investigated by using various databases including pubmed, pubmed central, scopus, web of science and key words such as cardiovascular disease, food groups, dietary patterns and diet were used. FINDINGS: According to the results of this study, diets containing fruits and vegetables because of their high fiber, antioxidants and minerals except sodium along with certain food groups such as grains, nuts, fish and low-fat dairy products are appropriate in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSION: Taken together, according to the results of this study, it can be considered that appropriate use of the major food groups has a significant role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and should be an important part of a healthy lifestyle

Optimal nutrition for children with cystic fibrosis (CF) improves prognosis and survival, but an increased caloric intake recommendation for this population raises concerns about the nutrient profile of their diets. Our aim was to assess the relative contribution of food groups to the total macronutrient intake of European pediatric patients with CF. We conducted a cross-sectional study in which the participants recorded dietary intake from 2016 to 2017. Specifically developed nutritional composition databases were used to obtain nutritional data, including macronutrients and food groups, according to previously standardized criteria. Two hundred and seven pediatric patients with CF from six European centers were involved in the My App for Cystic Fibrosis self-management project. Participants reported dietary intake with a detailed 4-day food record. Descriptive analyses of nutrient intake, food group consumption, and dietary origin of macronutrients were conducted with R software. Similar patterns were found in nutrient and food group intake; both sugar and saturated fatty acids contributed >10% each to the total daily energy intake in all the centers. Large mean and median percent differences were observed in the intake of other nutrient and food groups, because sweets and snacks were consumed once or twice a day, and fruit and vegetables were consumed two or three times a day. Milk, meat, sweets and snacks, and oils were the main sources of fat in all centers. Study findings indicated less than optimal nutrient profiles, especially for sugars and saturated fatty acids, resulting from the high consumption of meat, dairy, and processed products and low consumption of fish, nuts, and legumes. These results can serve as a basis for future tailored interventions that target improved adherence to nutritional recommendations for patients with CF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We have shown that nutrient intakes of rural and urban black Africans in the North West Province (NWP) of South Africa (SA) followed the typical nutrition transition pattern upon urbanization and modernization. The current study aimed to examine and report on the changes in food intakes from 2005 to 2010 in rural and urban black South Africans participating in the PURE-NWP-SA study.Design/Setting/SubjectsThe PURE-NWP-SA study recruited 2010 volunteers aged 35-70 years in 2005, from which detailed food intakes, measured with a validated quantified FFQ, for 1858 participants were available. In 2010, food intakes of a cohort of 1154 of these participants were measured.Results: Median energy intake increased in men and women in both rural and urban areas from 2005 to 2010. Changes in food intake were interpreted keeping these changes in energy intake and the contribution of foods and food groups to total energy intake in mind. No 'new' foods were eaten in 2010, but more participants consumed certain foods and products in 2010 than in 2005. Beneficial changes were increased intakes of vegetables, fruit and milk in most groups. The contribution of cooked staple porridges and bread made from fortified maize and bread flour decreased and therefore also did their contribution to micronutrient intakes.Conclusions: By promoting and supporting observed beneficial changes such as increased intakes of milk, vegetables and fruit by appropriate policies and educational interventions, it should be possible to steer the nutrition transition in this population into a positive direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition plays an important role in proper physical and cognitive functioning. However, there is limited evidence on the relationship between overall diet, cognition, and academic success in children, particularly among low-income and diverse groups. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between healthful versus less healthful food group intake, cognitive performance, and academic achievement in a diverse sample of schoolchildren. 868 urban schoolchildren (age 8 to 10 years) participated in the study. Intake of healthful (fruits, vegetables, unsweetened beverages) and less healthful (sweet and salty snacks, sugar-sweetened beverages) food groups was determined via a food frequency questionnaire. Digit Span and Stroop test scores were used to assess cognitive performance. Academic achievement was assessed via standardized test scores. Multiple Poisson and multiple linear regression were used to test the associations between diet and cognitive scores. Multiple ordered logistic regression was used to assess the associations between diet and academic achievement. Potential confounders (age, sex, body mass index (BMI) z-score, race/ethnicity, English language learner status, individualized education plan enrollment, physical activity, and parent education level) were tested for inclusion in all models. The sample included 868 children (56.7% girls; 33.2% non-Hispanic white, 26.2% Hispanic, 17.1% multiracial/other, 8.3% non-Hispanic black; 40.5% overweight/obese). The most frequently consumed foods were fruits and sweet snacks (1.9 and 1.6 servings per day, respectively). There were no statistically significant associations between diet and cognitive test scores. Greater intake of less healthful food groups (sweet snacks, salty snacks, and sweetened beverages) was associated with lower math (OR = 0.91, CI [0.84, 0.98], p = 0.014) and English standardized test scores (OR = 0.87, CI [0.80, 0.94, p = 0.001). Greater intake of sweet snacks and fruits was associated with lower English scores (OR = 0.72, 95% CI [0.59, 0.88] p = 0.001; and OR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.72, 0.94] p = 0.003, respectively). Consumption of less healthful food groups was associated with poorer academic achievement. Further research may shed light on unexpected associations between fruit consumption and achievement. Policies targeting multiple dietary components may positively influence child academic achievement and development.

Aims: To synthesize peer-reviewed literature that investigates the dietary intake by food group of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and compare intakes to national and international dietary guidelines.Methods: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Sciences) were searched for studies that investigated the dietary intake of adults (≥18 years) with T2DM using the five main food groups (fruit, vegetables, dairy, grains and meat/meat alternatives). Food group intake in serves was compared against national guidelines and fruit and vegetable intake in grams was compared against the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.Results: After screening 13,662 publications, 11 studies were included. All reported cross-sectional data. Majority of participants were consuming less than the recommended serves of fruit, vegetables, grains and dairy and were meeting or exceeding the recommended serves for meat/meat alternatives. Two of six studies reported fruit and vegetable recommendations were being met, two reported dairy recommendations were being met and two reported grain recommendations were being met. Of the five studies reporting intake in grams, four met the WHO minimum intake for fruit and vegetables.Conclusions: Individuals with T2DM do not comply with food group recommendations; particularly for fruit, vegetables, dairy and grains. Longitudinal research is required to better understand how food group intake changes over time after diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the intake of food groups and the related factors in lactating women.Methods: Methods: In this descriptive study, 1112 lactating women were selected from health centers in Qom. Data were gathered using the 24 hour dietary recall questionnaire. Efficiency of food groups was calculated by the formula: [(reported dietary intake ÷ predicted dietary requirement) ×100]. Food consumpsion was compared with food guide pyramid Results: The dietary intakes of lactating women in food groups except fruit and vegetables were less than the recommended levels. There was significant relationship between occupation and consumpsion of bread and cereal (P

To ensure the adequate supply of nutrients, a model food ration (MFR) should be used for planning the menu. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of the nutrition education program on the compliance with MFR in 231 preschools. The average supply of food products (per child/day) with reference to the MFR was examined on the baseline and 3 to 6 months after education on the basis of 10-day menus and daily inventory reports (4620 in total). According to the recommendations, preschool should implement 70–75% of the recommended daily intake standards. Examined menus had too high content of meat and meat products, whereas vegetables, milk and fermented milk beverages, cottage cheese and eggs were served in scarce. Education significantly reduced the amount of meat (47.7 vs. 44.5 g), processed meat (16.2 vs. 14.4 g), sugar and sweets (15.9 vs. 14.4 g) and increased the amount of cereals, groats, rice (17.7 vs. 18.5 g), vegetables (164.3 vs. 170.8 g), milk and fermented milk beverages (200.3 vs. 209.5 g) but the compliance with the MFR remained poor. The evaluation of menus stressed the need for further modifying their composition. Education can positively affect the quality of nutrition; however, introduction of the legal nutritional regulations should be recommended.

In this article, the author discussesSuperTracker, a tool created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist consumers with diet planning and healthy living. The author describes the main features of the tool, as well as the way consumers can use them, in order to achieve their goals. This article is not intended as a tutorial. The USDA has a very good user guide for this purpose, cited in the reference section of this article. The article is informative and is intended for use by consumers, educators, and health professionals. The author is using screenshots to help the readers locate links and features on theSuperTrackerWeb site. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study assessed knowledge of healthy eating and its consequences among rural secondary school learners. The study adopted a quantitative approach using a descriptive survey design. Data were collected from 321 randomly selected learners aged 14 – 18 years using a self-administered questionnaire. Permission was obtained from all relevant authorities. Parents/learners' informed consent was obtained. The majority (88%; n= 289) of learners did not know the basic nutrients found in food as compared to only 12% (n=32) who knew. Similarly, the majority (88% n= 289) of learners did not know food items that supply people with the basic nutrients as compared to only 12% (n=32) who knew. The conclusion was that rural secondary school learners in Vhembe district possessed inadequate knowledge of healthy eating. As a consequence, learners chose to buy and eat non-nutritious food items during school breaks. Education about healthy eating habits should be intensified in rural schools of Vhembe district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is one of the health problems that affect lives of many people. this study was designed to assess nutritional intake and dietary habit in osteoporotic patients . The population of this analytical cross-sectional study was 120 osteoporotic patients with 45-89 years old referred to rheumatologic clinic of Tabriz .Nutritional intake and dietary habit was determined by 3 day food recall and food frequency questionnaire' individual and clinical information by questionnaire and weight and height of subjects were measured by scale. Results of this study found that mean age of patients were 57.10 years old. The mean T-score of patients was -3.31±0.07SD.Analysis of FFQ questionnaire showed that dietary habit and food choice in osteoporotic patients was not suitable. Mean intake of zinc, calcium and vitamin D in patients was significantly lower than normal value (p<0.05)and intake of protein, iron and phosphor was higher than normal range. With notice the vital role of nutrition and dietary intake on bone mass, nutritional education and training in osteoporotic patients beside supplementation is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]