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Objectives: To study the relationship between lipid, fatty acid and lipid-rich food intake and current asthma in a group of Spanish schoolchildren. Subjects/Methods: The subjects of this cross-sectional study were 638 Spanish schoolchildren (8-13 years of age). The weight and height of all the subjects were recorded. A questionnaire, completed by the subjects' parents, was used to obtain personal and health information. Current asthma was established when the children had ever had asthma, if they had been diagnosed with asthma by a doctor and if they had been treated with medications at some time in the previous 12 months. Food intake was monitored using a 3-day food record. All foods consumed were converted into energy and nutrients. Results: The energy derived from lipids, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and myristic and palmitic acids was independently associated with current asthma (Odds Ratio (OR) third tertile 2.85 (1.01-8.07) P = 0.049, 10.00 (0.89-111.97) P = 0.002, 11.21 (1.36-92.24) P = 0.002, 7.58 (1.40-41.03) P = 0.022, respectively), as was the intake of butter (OR third tertile 2.97(1.01-8.68) P = 0.001). No relationship was seen between this condition and the intake of any other fatty acid, the n-6/n-3 ratio, nor the consumption of margarine, milk products, fish, meat, eggs or vegetable oils. Conclusions: Increased intakes of SFAs, myristic and palmitic acids and butter seem to be related to the risk of current asthma in children. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2010.127; published online 28 July 2010 Keywords: fat intake; fatty acids; butter; asthma; children, Introduction In recent years there has been an increase in the prevalence of asthma. This cannot be explained by genetic changes, and many studies searching for environmental causes have been [...]

Background/Objectives: To analyze the association between different anthropometric variables and vitamin D status in a group of Spanish schoolchildren. Subjects/Methods: Study subjects were 102 children aged 9-13 years. Records were made of their height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip measurements (to determine the quantity of visceral or abdominal fat), and the thickness of the tricipital and bicipital skinfold (to determine the quantity of subcutaneous fat). Diets were analyzed using a 3-day weighed food record and vitamin D intakes compared with those recommended. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured using chemiluminescent assay. Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 49.6 [+ or -] 15.9 nmol/l. The mean serum 25(OH)D in the ID subjects (that is, those with insufficient vitamin D levels, 25(OH)D of < 70 nmol/l) was 46.6 [+ or -] 13.4 nmol/l and in the AD subjects (that is, those with adequate vitamin D levels, 25(OH)D of [greater than or equal to] 70 nmol/l) was 77.5 [+ or -] 8.4 nmol/l (P Conclusions: BMI and abdominal obesity influence the appearance of vitamin D insufficiency in children. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2010.26; published online 10 March 2010 Keywords: vitamin D; body fat; central obesity; BMI; schoolchildren, Introduction In recent years there has been an increase in the prevalence of overweight/obesity among infants and young people (Alexander et al., 2009);indeed, the problem now affects some 26.3% of [...]

Prevalence of iron deficiency in a group of young women from Madrid, Spain showed that Haem-iron intake was only derived from meats and meat products which is the largest source of iron. Cereals and vegetables were the second and third most important though these products do not have iron. Food intake was monitored using a seven consecutive day 'food record' and blood samples were taken from night-fasted subjects. Iron deficiency among the subjects showed signs of ferropenic anaemia, the high incidence of which coincides with low intake of iron.

A longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the level of zinc in maternal milk and the nutritional status of gestating mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy. The results confirmed that diet affects the maternal milk zinc levels during pregnancy and those of milk during lactation. While it has been established that zinc in the diet is quite important in maintaining the health of gestating mothers, there is still a need to pursue further studies to warrant the modification of the current recommended intake of zinc.

A study conducted on the energy and nutritional intake of 60 elderly people living in Madrid, Spain, shows that their intake of meat, fruits, vegetables and fish is more than that of individuals in other European countries. The energy intake from proteins and lipids is more than the recommended limit while that from carbohydrates is less than the limit. The energy intake is more from saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids than from monounsaturated fatty acids. The intake of pyridoxine, folates, vitamin A, D and E, zinc, magnesium and iron is also lower than the recommended limit.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death in developed countries. Several factors are involved in its appearance and progress, among which nutrition enjoys a certain protagonism. Until recently, the dietetic criteria for preventing and controlling cardiovascular disease were mainly restrictive (at least in terms of energy and fat intake), but such advice is difficult to follow, and without careful monitoring can lead to deficiencies that might negatively affect quality of life and perhaps even life expectancy. Several investigations show that some components of the lipid fraction of the diet, such as ?-3 fatty acids, are beneficial with respect to cardiovascular disease, and these have become the centre of much attention. This paper reviews the results of some of these studies and evaluates the benefit of these fatty acids in the prevention of coronary heart disease. The sources of ?-3 fatty acids, their recommended consumption, possible mechanisms of action and potential adverse effects are discussed.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) 57, Suppl 1, S22-S25. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601805 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: The aim of this study was to determine the desire to lose weight in a group of university students, and to analyse the influence of this desire on declared food habits. The degree of knowledge on what constitutes a balanced diet was also determined. DESIGN:: Cross-sectional population survey. SUBJECTS:: The study subjects were 234 university students (48 males and 186 females) aged 22.3±1.5?y. The weight and height of each were recorded. All subjects were questioned on their desire to lose weight, habitual food intake frequencies, and about what they considered to constitute a balanced diet. RESULTS:: Approximately half the population (47.9%), both male (47.8%) and female (47.9%), expressed a desire to lose weight, even though the percentage of overweight students was low (11.1% overall, although much greater among male students [39.6%] than female students [3.8]). The body mass index (BMI) of those who wanted to lose weight was greater than that of those who did not. Nonetheless, the majority of subjects (especially females) showed BMIs within the normal range (18-25?kg/m2). Among those who wished to lose weight, the consumption of sweet foods was lower - although these subjects believed they ought to consume even less. It was also thought necessary that egg consumption be reduced, although no differences were recorded in declared consumption between those who wished to lose weight and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS:: The results show that there is great concern over body weight, although no great differences were seen in the food habits and nutrition knowledge of those who wished to lose weight and those who did not.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) 57, Suppl 1, S90-S93. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601807 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: To determine the relationships between habitual breakfast habits and performance in verbal aptitude, logical reasoning and mathematical tests in a group of well-nourished scholars from Madrid. DESIGN:: The study subjects were 180 children between 9 and 13?y of age. A dietetic study was undertaken using a 7-day food record. Scholastic aptitude was examined using the scholastic aptitude test (SAT-1) test. RESULTS:: Breakfast made up 19.1% of total daily intake. No differences were found between subjects in terms of personal data or total diet with respect to whether they habitually took adequate breakfasts (AB) (ie, more than 20% of daily energy being provided by this meal) or inadequate breakfasts (IB) (less than 20%). However, AB subjects achieved better reasoning scores in the SAT-1 test. CONCLUSIONS:: The normal breakfast habits of schoolchildren should be taken into account when studying diet-mental function relationships, even when studying well-nourished populations. SPONSORSHIP:: This study was performed with help from Danone España S.A.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) 57, Suppl 1, S49-S53. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601815 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: To study the differences in cognitive status with respect to food habits and energy and nutrient intake in a group of non institutionalised, elderly people. DESIGN:: Prospective study. SETTING:: The study subjects were independently living, elderly people who spent some of their time at day centres in the Comunidad de Madrid (the Madrid region). The study centres were selected by the Madrid City Hall. SUBJECTS:: The study included 168 elderly people aged 65-90?y. All accepted the invitation to participate, met all inclusion criteria, and were free of significant cognitive impairment. INTERVENTIONS:: Dietary intake was monitored using a 'food record' for 7 consecutive days including a Sunday. In addition, the 'precise individual weighing' method was used for 5 days in order to monitor the meals taken by the subjects at the centres' canteens. Cognitive capacity was measured using Folstein's mini-mental state examination (MMSE), validated for the Spanish population. RESULTS:: Subjects with an adequate cognitive capacity (MMSE=28) showed a greater intake of total foods, fish, and alcoholic drinks, but took less foods from the 'various' group (chocolates, cakes, etc). These subjects had a more adequate intake of fatty acids and cholesterol, and a greater intake of vitamins implicated in correct brain function (thiamine, folic acid, vitamin C). CONCLUSIONS:: Subjects with satisfactory intellectual function generally had a better diet. This shows the importance of correct nutrition in its maintenance.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) 57, Suppl 1, S54-S57. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601816 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: The aim of this work was to analyse the influence of dietetic and anthropometric data, as well as the sport practised, on the bone density of different groups of sportswomen. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:: Dietetic, anthropometric and bone density data were collected from 74 women who practised different sports (15 skiers, 26 basketball players and 33 ballet dancers), and compared to those of 90 women who led sedentary lifestyles. RESULTS:: The sportswomen had higher bone mineral contents and bone densities than controls. However, the dancers showed similar spinal and hip values as those of controls, and lower forearm values. Low body weight and body mass index, and insufficient energy intake-characteristic of the dancers-were associated with poorer bone mineralisation status. Increased energy, protein, vitamin D, calcium, zinc and magnesium intakes were associated with greater bone density and mineral content at different sites. CONCLUSIONS:: The worst bone density status was that of the dancers, who, as a group, displayed characteristics that have negative impacts in this respect (low energy intakes and low body weight). Dancers should therefore take steps to avoid suffering fractures and skeleto-muscular lesions which could negatively influence their health and physical performance. The greater consumption of milk products and calcium and better Ca/P ratio seen in the dancers could help this group to avoid bone deterioration. SPONSORSHIP:: This research was supported by the Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales, Instituto de la Mujer, III Plan de Investigación Científica y Desarrollo Tecnológico.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) 57, Suppl 1, S58-S62. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601817 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: To determine the vitamin status of different groups within the Spanish population. DESIGN:: Pooled analysis of cross-sectional population nutritional regional studies and meta-analysis of smaller studies in population subgroups performed in Spain between 1990 and 1999. SUBJECTS:: In total, 10?208 participants in eight random population studies aged 25-60 y and participants in 76 studies included in the meta-analysis. INTERVENTIONS:: The data from different nutritional studies performed on sample populations representative of eight regions of Spain were integrated into a single database. A meta-analysis was also performed on the results of nutritional studies on the Spanish population involving subjects of other ages and status (all published between 1990 and 1999). RESULTS:: The mean intakes observed after the integration of the eight regional studies, and in the meta-analysis study, were similar to those recommended, although a considerable percentage of people had insufficient intakes. CONCLUSIONS:: Further studies are required, but the vitamin status of the Spanish population clearly shows room for improvement, especially with respect to vitamins B2, B6, A, E, D and folates. Bearing in mind that adequate vitamin intakes are associated with protection from a range of diseases, steps should be taken to correct the imbalances recorded.The support of Roche Vitamins SA and Roche Consumer Health Spain was of great help in the undertaking of this research.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) 57, Suppl 1, S73-S75. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601821 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]