Search

Background Because few Japanese questionnaires assess the elderly's appetite, there is an urgent need to develop an appetite questionnaire with verified reliability, validity, and reproducibility. Methods We translated and back-translated the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ), which has eight items, into Japanese (CNAQ-J), as well as the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ-J), which includes four CNAQ-J-derived items. Using structural equation modeling, we examined the CNAQ-J structure based on data of 649 Japanese elderly people in 2013, including individuals having a certain degree of cognitive impairment, and we developed the SNAQ for the Japanese elderly (SNAQ-JE) according to an exploratory factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analyses on the appetite questionnaires were conducted to probe fitting to the model. We computed Cronbach's α coefficients and criterion-referenced/-related validity figures examining associations of the three appetite battery scores with body mass index (BMI) values and with nutrition-related questionnaire values. Test–retest reproducibility of appetite tools was scrutinized over an approximately 2-week interval. Results An exploratory factor analysis demonstrated that the CNAQ-J was constructed of one factor (appetite), yielding the SNAQ-JE, which includes four questions derived from the CNAQ-J. The three appetite instruments showed almost equivalent fitting to the model and reproducibility. The CNAQ-J and SNAQ-JE demonstrated satisfactory reliability and significant criterion-referenced/-related validity values, including BMIs, but the SNAQ-J included a low factor-loading item, exhibited less satisfactory reliability and had a non-significant relationship to BMI. Conclusions The CNAQ-J and SNAQ-JE may be applied to assess the appetite of Japanese elderly, including persons with some cognitive impairment., Highlights • We translated the CNAQ and SNAQ into Japanese (CNAQ-J and SNAQ-J). • The CNAQ-J was found to be constructed of one factor (appetite). • We developed the SNAQ-JE according to an exploratory factor analysis. • The CNAQ-J and SNAQ-JE showed acceptable reliability, reproducibility, and validity. • The CNAQ-J and SNAQ-JE may be applied to assess Japanese elderly's appetite.

Under the assumption that tryptophan (TRP) metabolism may be modulated by the intensity, duration, and total exercise/energy expenditure of the ultra-marathon, we evaluated the changes in two major TRP metabolic pathway substances [serotonin (5-HT) and kynurenine (KYN)] during a two-day ultra-marathon race. Blood was sampled at three different time points: before the race (baseline), after running 45 km on the first day, and after running 135 km on the second day. Serum TRP concentrations decreased in proportion to the distance covered, and the levels after running 135 km were significantly lower than at baseline and after running 45 km. Serum serotonin (5-HT) concentrations increased significantly after running 45 km but reduced towards baseline levels after running 135 km. Serum kynurenine (KYN) concentrations hardly changed after running 45 km but increased significantly after running 135 km compared with after running 45 km values. Serum FFAs levels increased significantly after running 45 km compared with baseline values, and they elevated even further after running 135 km. Serum albumin concentrations reduced significantly after running 45 km but remained at almost the same level after running 135 km. Serum 5-HT levels tended to be consistently correlated to the completion times on the first and second days. Serum 5-HT concentrations are known to be associated with central fatigue, and may predict exercise performance. KYN levels appeared to reflect the intensity of physical exercise, and its pathway may play a role in reactive oxygen species scavenging systems during a long-duration exercise.

To address preventive effects of n-3 PUFAs/LC n-3 PUFAs on CRTs, a randomized controlled trial was conducted. One-hundred four experimental group participants were advised to increase intake of n-3 PUFAs, including fish/shell fish, fish oil supplements and perilla oils, and to decrease consumption of n-6 PUFAs and fats/oils as a whole for 24 months. One-hundred one control group participants were only cautioned to reduce consumption of fats/oils as a whole. Random allocation was satisfactorily attained, and participants sufficiently complied with our regimen. Intakes, plasma concentrations, and compositions of the RBC and sigmoid colon membranes of n-3 PUFAs, LC n-3 PUFAs, EPA and DHA increased, and the ratios of n-6 PUFAs/n-3 PUFAs and AA/LC n-3 PUFAs decreased without any adverse response. Twenty-four months after the intervention, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals) was estimated to be 0.805 (0.536–1.209) with a signal towards the reduced CRT incidence.

Objective: We studied effects of fermented milk fortified with 200 μg of folic acid (FF milk) on serum folate levels in Japanese women university students. Methods: Adopting FF milk as intervention factor, a randomized controlled trial stratified by MTHFR genetic polymorphism C677T was conducted in 143 university women students. Experimental group subjects were requested to consume FF milk for 4 weeks; control group subjects to consume usual meals. Dietary surveys were conducted using an FFQ, and serum folate concentrations were analyzed utilizing chemiluminescence immunoassay. Using oral mucous membranes, MTHFR genotypes were determined employing PCR-RFLP. Paired ttest, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, Chi-square test, or Fisher’s exact probability test was adequately applied. Results: MTHFR genotype frequencies were CC type 36 (25%), CT type 75 (52.4%) and TT type 32 (22.4%) as a whole. The subjects were randomly stratified into 73 experimental group (CC type 16, CT type 41, TT type 16) and, 70 control group (CC type 20, CT type 34, TT type 16). Average of folate consumption was 246 μg/day. Average serum folate level was 9.8 ng/mL with statistically significant difference by MTHFR genotype (CC type>CT type>TT type). Serum folate concentrations in the experimental group increased by 1.5 on average after intervention. At baseline, there were 19 subjects having serum folate levels lower than the reference value of NTDs (7 ng/mL): CC type 1/36, CT type 10/75 and TT type 8/32 with statistical difference by MTHFR genotype. In the experimental group those subjects decreased from 10 to 2 (CT type 1 and TT type 1) after intervention. Conclusions: Serum folate levels increased in the experimental group subjects after intervention, suggesting consumption of the FF milk sufficiently elevated serum folate concentrations for prevention of NTDs, irrespectively of MTHFR genotypes.

We aimed to identify food sources of selected trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, I, Se, Cr, Mo) and biotin in the Japanese diet and to assess usual dietary intakes based on the ratios of within-person to between-person variance. Subjects were 98 middle-aged dietitians living in central Japan who participated in a survey of four-season 7 consecutive day weighed diet records. Based on the latest Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan published in 2010, food sources of selected nutrients were located according to a contribution analysis, and computed usual dietary intakes. Dietary intakes were checked with the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese 2010. Prevalence of inadequacy in a group was determined using the Estimated Average Requirement cut-point method. The major contributors to selected trace elements and biotin were not only meat and milk, but also traditional Japanese food items, including rice, tofu and tofu products, fish, seaweed, chicken eggs, fermented soy bean seasonings, and green tea. Medians of usual intakes were estimated for Zn (men 8.9 mg, women 8.4 mg), Cu (1.32 mg, 1.21 mg), Mn (3.73 mg, 3.76 mg), I (312 μg, 413 μg), Se (97 μg, 94 μg), Cr (10 μg, 9 μg), Mo (226 μg, 184 μg), and biotin (51.7 μg, 47.6 μg). The prevalence of inadequacy of dietary intakes was high for Zn, Cu and Cr. Regarding I, the proportion above the Tolerant Upper Level was overestimated based on the crude mean value. We first identified food sources of selected trace elements and biotin in the Japanese diet, and assessed the usual intakes.

To assess oxidative stress (OS) induced by endurance exercise, concentrations of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined in 70 Japanese male amateur runners completing a two-day ultra-marathon race. Serum ROS levels were analyzed at three time points: before the race (baseline), after the 1st day race (mid-race), and after the 2nd day race (goal) (post-race). The means (SE) of ROS were 151.4(3.7) (U. CARR.), 168.7(4.4), and 156.8(4.4), respectively. Significant positive trends were noted between age and serum ROS concentrations at the three race points (p

Using the urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration, effects of participation in a two-day ultramarathon race period on oxidative DNA damage were investigated in Japanese nonprofessional runners. Before the first day (baseline), after the first day (mid-race) of 40-km running, and after the second day (post-race) of 90 km running, biomaterials were successfully sampled from 95 participants (males, 79; females, 16) who completed the full race. We analyzed urine for 8-OHdG and blood for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and myoglobin, and evaluated fluctuation in the values at three sampling time points. Adjusted baseline urinary 8-OHdG levels (microg/g creatinine) (mean +/- standard deviation) showed no significant differences between males and females, at 2.85 +/- 1.17 and 3.04 +/- 1.56, respectively. In males, mid-race urinary 8-OHdG levels rose to 3.29 +/- 1.15 (p < 0.01), but then returned to 2.73 +/- 1.16 at the post-race time point (p < 0.01). In females, a similar increase to 3.32 +/- 1.47 and subsequent decline to 2.80 +/- 1.47 were noted. In contrast, AST, CPK and myoglobin were increased at both mid- and post-time points and particularly the latter, independent of the sex. Extreme prolonged exercise in a two-day ultramarathon race period causes oxidative DNA damage but antioxidant repair systems are apparently induced to protect against oxidative DNA stress with physical exercise.

BACKGROUND: In epidemiologic field studies, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is one of the most feasible tools to assess usual dietary habits. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reproducibility of consumption of foods and nutrients assessed with a self-administered short FFQ in a Japanese general population.METHODS: We have investigated 1-year interval reproducibility of a self-administered short FFQ, comprising 47 food items, and 8 frequency categories, among 1,918 subjects (844 males and 1,074 females) who participated in health check-up programs in Central Japan.RESULTS: Intakes of energy and 24 nutrients along with 15 food groups estimated using the first questionnaire (FFQ1) were approximately equal to those using the second (FFQ2). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (CCs) between intakes of nutrients quantified with FFQ1 and FFQ2 in males were distributed as 0.74 - 0.66- 0.55 (maximum - median - minimum), and intraclass CCs (ICCs) as 0.85 - 0.78 - 0.67. Among females, Spearman's rank CCs were distributed as 0.73 - 0.62 - 0.54, and ICCs as 0.84 - 0.77 - 0.69. Percentages of exact agreement, exact agreement plus agreement within adjacent categories and disagreement according to quintile categorization were 43%, 80%, and 1%, for males, and 42%, 79%, and 1% for females. Reproducibility figures were higher for the elderly than for young people in both sexes.CONCLUSIONS: Our FFQ yielded substantially high reproducibility and it may be applicable for assessing consumption of foods/food groups and energy and selected nutrients for the middle-aged and elderly population in Japan.J Epidemiol 2007; 17: 100-107.

Objective: To assess the relative validity of data for consumption of fatty acids (FAs) measured with a short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in comparison with plasma concentration of FAs. Design: In this cross-sectional study, completed FFQs were secured from 177 (92 male and 85 female) employees working for a company in August 2001. Intake of FAs was assessed with the FFQ, and the values were validated against FA concentration in plasma in overnight-fasting blood. Results: Mean9/SD daily intakes of total fatty acids (TFAs) were 44.49/8.0 g day-1 for men and 42.99/7.2 g day-1 for women. Plasma concentration of TFAs were 12.739/3.78 mmol l-1 for men and 10.549/1.75 mmol l-1 for women. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients, unadjusted and energy-adjusted by the energy-density method and residual method, for n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) were 0.37 (p

Components of the Japanese diet, which might contribute to the relatively low breast cancer incidence rates in Japan, have not been clarified in detail. Since soybean products are widely consumed in Japan, a case–control study taking account of the menopausal status was conducted using data from the hospital-based epidemiologic research program at Aichi Cancer Center (HERPACC). In total, 167 breast cancer cases were included and 854 women confirmed as free of cancer were recruited as the control group. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis. There were reductions in risk of breast cancer associated with high intake of soybean products among premenopausal women. Compared with women in the lowest tertile, the adjusted ORs for top tertile intake of tofu (soybean curd) was 0.49 (95% CI, 0.25–0.95). A significant decrease in premenopausal breast cancer risk was also observed for increasing consumption of isoflavones (OR=0.44; 95% CI, 0.22–0.89 for highest vs lowest tertile; P for trend=0.02). The present study found a statistically inverse association between tofu or isoflavone intake and risk of breast cancer in Japanese premenopausal women, while no statistically significant association was evident with the risk among postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Validation studies on brief food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) for measuring consumption of macro- and micro-nutrients for the general populace are not fully executed in Japan.METHODS: Two hundred and two middle-aged Japanese (73 males and 129 females) in Aichi Prefecture, Japan completed an FFQ and 3day-weighed diet records (3d-WDRs) in February 2004. We compared intakes of energy and 26 nutrients computed with the FFQ against those with the 3d-WDRs as a reference.RESULTS: Mean daily intakes of selected nutrients determined with the FFQ were generally less than those with 3d-WDRs. The ratios assessed with the FFQ vs. 3d-WDRs (minimum - median - maximum) were distributed from 0.57 - 0.79 - 1.09 for males, and 0.61 - 0.86 - 1.04 for females. De-attenuated, log-transformed and energy-adjusted Pearson's correlation coefficients between intakes of selected nutrients quantified with both devices were distributed from 0.12 - 0.45 - 0.86 and energy-adjusted Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were from 0.13 - 0.35 - 0.76, for males. The respective values for females were 0.10 - 0.38 - 0.66, and 0.11 - 0.34 - 0.47. Median percentages for exact agreement, agreement within adjacent categories, and disagreement according to quartile classification of the energy-adjusted nutrient intakes measured with both methods were 33, 74, and 5 for males, and 35, 76, and 7 for females, respectively.CONCLUSION: Satisfactorily high relative validity indices of most nutrient intakes computed with the FFQ were attained against those with the 3d-WDRs. The questionnaire therefore appears applicable for categorizing individuals according to consumption of energy and selected nutrients in dietary studies of middle-aged Japanese.J Epidemiol 2005;15:135-145.

In order to fortify bone mineral density (BMD), and to prevent osteoporosis in the future, we investigated consumption of BMD-associated nutrients, and their food sources of pre-school Japanese children. Intakes of minerals (calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus) and vitamins (vitamin D, vitamin K, and vitamin C) were studied based on two weekdays dietary record surveys together with photos taken by 84 parents/caregivers of 5-year-old children. Food sources of relevant nutrients were identified according to contribution analyses, and potential associations of consumption of food sources with selected nutrients were investigated. We further conducted a multiple regression analysis to clarify food/ food groups providing calcium. Calcium consumption of approximately 40% of the subjects manifested an inadequacy, but intakes of other nutrients met the criteria of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Major food sources of calcium were milk and dairy products, green and yellow vegetables, soybeans, and other vegetables, and 50% of calcium was supplied by milk and dairy products. Other nutrients were provided by, various food/food items, including milk and dairy products, vegetables, soybeans, fruit, fish and shellfish, meat, eggs, potatoes, and algae. A multiple regression analysis also detected that milk and dairy products were top contributors of calcium intake. Because there was an obvious inadequate intake of calcium in Japanese children, they are advised to enhance consumption of calcium from milk and dairy products and BMD-related minerals and vitamins from green and yellow vegetables, and other vegetables at home. Pertinent nutrition education should be given to parents/caregivers for promotion of bone health.

To assess intake of folate/folic acid and food sources in Japanese female dietitians. We evaluated folate consumption based on four season 7 consecutive day weighed diet records (WDRs) provided by 80 Japanese female dietitians and compared the results with data from a national survey. We then selected informative foods for folate intake on the basis of 2,240 WDRs according to contribution and multiple regression analyses. Daily folate consumption (mean±SD) among Japanese dietitians was 413±158 μg from raw foods and 343±128 μg from cooked foods. Average residual rate after cooking was 84±8%. Folate intake in summer was lower than that in other seasons by analysis of variance. According to contribution and multiple regression analyses, the major contributors were vegetables, fruit and green tea. Daily folate intake among Japanese female dietitians was far greater than the 200 μg recommended daily allowance for the Japanese. Irrespective of selection methods and raw/cooked foods, major folate sources were found to be green tea along with vegetables and fruit.

Objective: To clarify the influences of age on dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of fatty acids (FAs) in Japanese female dietitians. Subjects and methods: In autumn 1996, we estimated dietary FA intakes based on 7 day weighed diet records and analyzed plasma FA concentrations in 79 healthy Japanese female dietitians, and investigated their relationships with age, dividing into three age groups (young (32–42 y), middle-aged (43–50 y) and elderly (51–66 y)). Results: Dietary intakes of total FA, saturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs, n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) and α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) were significantly highest in the middle-aged group, and lowest in the elderly. Similar trends were observed for dietary intakes of n-6 PUFAs and linoleic acid (18:2n-6), but there were no differences with regard to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) and n-3 highly unsaturated FAs (HUFAs=EPA+22:5n-3+DHA). On the other hand, plasma concentrations of all FAs except for arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) demonstrated positive correlations with age. Moreover, plasma concentrations of EPA in all age groups, DHA in the elderly and n-3 HUFAs in the middle-aged and the elderly were all positively correlated with dietary intakes. Conclusions: We should take into account the influence of age on dietary habit and lipid metabolism when interpreting associations between dietary FA intakes and plasma FA concentrations. Sponsorship: This study was supported in part by a grant-in-aid from the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports, Culture and Technology, Japan (06454242).

Objective: To assess the relative validity of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) against 28 day weighed diet records (WDRs). Subjects and methods: The SQFFQ was administered to 106 (21 male and 85 female) Japanese dietitians in Aichi Prefecture in autumn, 1996 and four-season consecutive 7 day WDRs were carried out during 1996–1997. We evaluated validity of intakes of 15 foods and 31 macro- and micro-nutrients based on the SQFFQ against those according to 28 day WDRs among 79 Japanese female dietitians. Results: Mean daily intakes of selected foods and nutrients determined by the SQFFQ were generally equivalent to those measured by 28 day WDRs. Pearson's de-attenuated correlation coefficients (CCs) with log-transformation and energy-adjustment between intakes of selected foods and nutrients quantified by the SQFFQ and 28 day WDRs (minimum–median–maximum) ranged from 0.17 (beverages)–0.52 to 0.74 (rice), and Spearman's rank CCs with energy-adjustment ranged from 0.28 (confectionery)–0.42 to 0.68 (rice). Respective Pearson's CCs for intakes of nutrients were 0.28 (PUFAs)–0.51 to 0.73 (magnesium), and Spearman's rank CCs ranged from 0.23 (n-3 PUFAs)–0.45 to 0.71 (magnesium). Favorably higher agreement for intakes of foods/nutrients was achieved along with lower disagreement. Conclusions: Satisfactorily higher relative validity was attained in Japanese female dietitians with the SQFFQ. This calibrated questionnaire seems therefore appropriate for administration to Japanese dietitians to clarify associations between diet and health/disease. Sponsorship: A grant-in-aid from the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture (06454242). European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2001) 55, 735–742

本報では, 107人の栄養士を対象に, 四季, 各季連続7日間の秤量法食事調査において, 記録原票の内容確認面接, 入力過誤修正の方法, 食品成分表の取り扱い, 食品のコーディング, 重量換算, 主要料理の標準レシピなどを検討したので報告した。延べ2,925日の食事記録は, 149,187行の食品コード・重量データとしてコーディングされ, 総出現食品数は1,160食品であった。成分表未収載食品や調理済み食品などのコード化が困難な事例は414食品あり, 今後の食事調査で参照するために分類整理して処理した。入力過誤の修正は, 目視により原票を照合した後, 各食品コードごとに生じやすい過誤の例を,“入力過誤検索用食品一覧データベース”にして, 食品コード・重量データを検索し修正した。その結果, 春期・夏期のデータでは, 73,266行中1,112行の過誤データが見つかり, 特に食品コードの修正に効果があった。大量の入力データの過誤修正にはコンピュータ検索が不可欠であった。食品コーディングや重量換算の精度を保つためには, 記録を確認する面接や詳細なマニュアルが必要であった。フォローアップ成分表未収載食品の取り扱い方法によって, 脂肪酸, 食物繊維摂取量を過小評価, あるいは過大評価する可能性があった。秤量法食事記録調査における入力過誤の修正と調査方法の標準化が必要であることが示唆された。

Using 351 one-day weighted diet records, we selected foods providing vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber according to contribution analysis (CA) and multiple regression analysis (MRA). Vitamin C was supplied by various vegetables and fruits, and carotene was specifically derived from green-yellow vegetables based on MRA as well as CA. Vitamin A was provided by green-yellow vegetables, fruits, chicken egg and milk (whole) according to CA; whereas chicken liver and pork liver were major sources according to MRA. Vitamin E was mainly of vegetable origin as determined by CA, and largely of spinach, safflower oil and pumpkin as determined by MRA. Vitamin D was mainly derived from chicken egg, fish and mushroom based on CA, and particularly from fish based on MRA. Calcium was supplied by milk (whole), soy products and chicken egg as determined by CA; while milk, tofu and various small fishes were the main contributors to variance. Magnesium was provided by soy products, well-milled rice and spinach according to both analyses, and iron by chicken egg, spinach and soy products. Zinc was largely derived from well-milled rice, followed by chicken egg and milk (whole) as determined by CA, and copper was provided by well-milled rice, soy and wheat products. Dietary fiber was supplied by vegetable sources, whether water soluble or insoluble, based on both analytic methods.

On the basis of 351 one-day weighed diet records, we selected foods/recipes contributing to nutrients of interest for a data-based food frequency questionnaire by contribution analysis and multiple regression analysis. Total fat was largely of animal and vegetable origin, irrespective of analytic methods. Saturated fatty acid was mostly from animal and vegetable sources according to contribution analysis, and that of animal origin was the main contributor by multiple regression analysis. Mono-unsaturated fatty acid was substantially supplied by animal and vegetable products by either analytic method. Poly-unsaturated fatty acid, n-6 poly-unsaturated fatty acid and linoleic acid were found to be of vegetable origin and chicken egg according to contribution analysis; while vegetable oil and mayonnaise were the major contributors to variance in intake. Arachidonic acid was, however, mostly provided by animal sources including chieken egg and fish, irrespective of analytic methods. N-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids and a -linolenic acid were of vegetable and marine origin. Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids were particularly from marine products, irrespective of analytic methods, except for chicken egg in docosahexaenoic acid by contribution analysis. Cholesterol was of animal and marine origin by either analytic method. Thus, foods contributing to absolute intake and variance in intake of fat, fatty acids and cholesterol differed considerably. J Epidemiol, 1999; 9 : 78-90

Kazuyuki Arakawa,1,2 Akihiro Hosono,2 Kiyoshi Shibata,3 Reza Ghadimi,4 Mizuho Fuku,5 Chiho Goto,6 Nahomi Imaeda,7 Yuko Tokudome,8 Hideki Hoshino,9 Mitsuhiro Marumoto,1,2 Masaaki Kobayashi,10 Sadao Suzuki,2 Shinkan Tokudome1,2,11 1Department of Health and Nutrition Policy, 2Department of Public Health, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan; 3Department of Public Health and Nutrition, Aichi Gakusen University, Okazaki, Japan; 4Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; 5Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yokohama Stroke and Brain Center, Yokohama, Japan; 6Department of Health and Nutrition, Nagoya Bunri University, Inazawa, Japan; 7Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nagoya Women’s University, Nagoya, Japan; 8Department of Nutritional Sciences, Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences, Nisshin, Japan; 9Department of Early Childhood Studies, Aichi Bunkyo Women’s College, Inazawa, Japan; 10Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan; 11National Institute of Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan Abstract: We studied changes in blood markers of 18 nonprofessional, middle-aged runners of a 2-day, 130 km ultramarathon. Blood was sampled at baseline, after the goals on the first and second day, and at three time points (1, 3, and 5/6 days) after the race. Blood indices showed three patterns. First pattern indices showed essentially no changes after the two goals and after the race, including red blood cell indices, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Second pattern markers, including the majority of indices, were elevated during the race (and also after the race for some parameters) and then returned to baseline afterward, including hemolysis/red blood cell destruction markers (indirect bilirubin) and an iron reservoir index (ferritin), muscle damage parameters (uric acid, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase), renal function markers (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen), liver injury index (alanine aminotransferase), lipid metabolism indices (free fatty acid), reactive oxygen species and inflammation parameters (white blood cells, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein), and energy production and catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine). Third pattern index of a lipid metabolism marker – triglyceride – decreased during the race periods and started returning to baseline from then onward. Some hormonal markers such as insulin, leptin, and adiponectin showed unique patterns. These findings appeared informative for nonprofessional athletes to know about an optimal physical activity level, duration, and total exercise for elevating physical performance and monitoring physical/mental conditioning as well as for prevention of overtraining and physical injuries. Keywords: long-distance running, blood biochemical markers, anemia, muscle damage, lipid metabolism, inflammation

AIM To apply nutrition care management to elderly female patients, we predicted serum albumin (s-Alb) levels by non-invasive factors. METHODS After excluding patients with lesions/diseases which were directly related to s-Alb levels, we investigated 147 elderly women aged 75-years or over who were taking meals orally and were hospitalized from April 2008 to April 2009 at a hospital in Toyota. The patients were classified into 2 groups, one of patients with s-Alb levels of 3.5 g/dl or below (n=80), and the other of those with s-Alb levels of over 3.5 g/dl (n=67). Between the 2 groups, we examined differences in age, body mass index (BMI), living arrangements, necessary nursing care level (NNCL), bed confinement level (BCL), OH scale level (OHSL), and dietary intake either by the Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or chi-square test. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated among s-Alb levels and selected variables. Taking into account the correlation coefficients, we conducted multiple regression analysis adopting the s-Alb level as a dependent variable and non-invasive factors as independent variables. For all the performed tests and analyses, a p value of less than 0.05 (on two-tailed analysis) was assumed to represent a statistically significant difference. RESULTS S-Alb level was significantly associated with variables, including age, BMI, NNCL, BCL, OHSL, and percentage of protein intake (PPI). Multiple regression analysis revealed 4 significant variables: age, BCL, OHSL, and PPI. The multiple regression equation was y=4.977-(0.098×OHSL)-(0.080×BCL)-(0.016×age)+(0.003×PPI), and the multiple correlation coefficient R(2) was 0.398 (p

Changes in plasma thioredoxin (TRX) concentrations before, during, and after a 130-km endurance race were measured with the aim of elucidating the relationship between exercise and oxidative stress (OS).Blood samples were taken from 18 runners participating in a 2-day-long 130-km ultra-marathon during the 2 days of the race and for 1 week thereafter. There were six sampling time points: at baseline, after the goal had been reached on the first and second day of the endurance race, respectively, and on 1, 3, and 5/6 days post-endurance race. The samples were analyzed for plasma TRX concentrations, platelet count, and blood lipid profiles.Concentrations of plasma TRX increased from 17.9 ± 1.2 ng/mL (mean ± standard error of the mean) at baseline to 57.3 ± 5.0 ng/mL after the first day's goal had been reached and to 70.1 ± 6.9 ng/mL after the second day's goal had been reached; it then returned to the baseline level 1 day after the race. Platelet counts of 21.3 ± 1.2 × 10(4) cell/μL at baseline increased to 23.9 ± 1.5 × 10(4) cells/μL on Day 1 and to 26.1 ± 1.0 × 10(4) cells/μL on Day 2. On Day 7, the platelet counts had fallen to 22.1 ± 1.2 × 10(4) cell/μL. There was a significant positive correlation between plasma TRX and platelet count.These data suggest that plasma TRX is an OS marker during physical exercise. Further studies are needed to determine the appropriate level of exercise for the promotion of health.

To clarify sex and seasonal variations of plasma antioxidant concentrations among middle-aged Japanese.We investigated sex and seasonal variations of plasma antioxidant concentrations, including retinol, alpha-tocopherol, and carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein and lycopene), in 55 middle-aged dietitians (46 women and 9 men) in Aichi Prefecture, Central Japan, who took no supplements from autumn 1996 to summer 1997. Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography was used to measure plasma antioxidant concentrations in overnight-fasting blood samples.Plasma levels of alpha-tocopherol, alpha-/beta-carotene, b-cryptoxanthin and lutein were significantly influenced by sex, being significantly higher for women than men in each corresponding season; retinol and lycopene, however, showed no such difference. For women, winter values of alpha-tocopherol, alpha-/beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene were significantly lower than corresponding summer values, and had reached their annual lowest. Retinol failed to show any significant seasonal variation, whereas the winter value of beta-cryptoxanthin had reached its annual highest. For men, beta-cryptoxanthin exhibited significant seasonal changes and was also highest in winter. Winter values of alpha-tocopherol, alpha-/beta-carotene and lycopene were lower compared with other seasons, but not statistically significant, probably due to the small sample size.The findings indicate that sex and seasonal variations of plasma antioxidant concentrations should be taken into account in nutritional epidemiologic studies.

Epidemiologic studies of n-3 fatty acids (FAs) and risk of colorectal cancer have generated inconsistent results, and relations with precursor colorectal adenomas (CRA) have not been evaluated in detail. We here focused on possible associations of serum FAs with CRA in the Japanese population.We conducted a case-control study of 203 asymptomatic CRA cases (148 men, 55 women) and 179 healthy controls (67 men, 112 women) during 1997-2003 in Nagoya, Japan. Baseline information was obtained using a lifestyle questionnaire and serum FA levels were measured by gas chromatography.A non-significant inverse association with CRA was observed for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) among women. Moreover, the concentrations of docosahexaenoeic acid (DHA), a major component of n-3 highly-unsaturated FAs (HUFAs), were significantly lower in cases in both sexes. In addition, serum concentrations of total FAs, saturated FAs (SFAs) and mono-unsaturated FAs (MUFAs) had strong positive links with CRA risk. In contrast, arachidonic acid (AA) and DHA were inversely related, with 66% and 59% risk reduction, respectively. Ratios of SFAs/n-3 PUFAs and SFAs/n-3 HUFAs exhibited significant positive relations with CRA risk but there was no clear link with n-6 PUFAs/n-3 PUFAs.Our findings suggest a promoting influence of SFAs and MUFAs along with a protective effect of DHA on CRA risk. However, further research is needed to investigate the observed discrepancy with the generally accepted roles of the AA cascade in carcinogenesis.

We investigated the possible influence of an exhaustive physical exercise on mental stress biomarkers (serotonin, tryptophan, and beta-endorphin) along with dopamine, noradrenaline and free fatty acids in an ultramarathon race in which 45 km was run on the first day and 90 km on the second. We obtained serum samples at 6 different time points during and after the race from 18 Japanese male runners who completed the marathon. Overall changes of serum serotonin and tryptophan concentrations were statistically significant according to ANOVA for repeated measurements (p < 0.05). Serum serotonin levels elevated rapidly on the first day with the post hoc Tukey's test. Tryptophan concentrations inversely decreased during the race, possibly because of utilization for synthesis of serotonin. Levels of beta-endorphin appeared to increase on the first and second days, but were not statistically significant. In conclusion, serum serotonin, tryptophan and beta-endorphin appeared to be used for mental stress markers in physical exercise.

BACKGROUND: Anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle, and baseline biological markers of Japanese non-professional ultra-marathon runners have not been fully assessed. METHODS: We evaluated anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle, and baseline biological markers of 180 Japanese amateur ultra-marathon runners (144 males [mean age: 50.5±9.4 (standard deviation) years] and 36 females [48.9±6.9]), and compared them with those of participants in a community heath check-up program and with the figures in the literature. We furthermore evaluated baseline blood indices according to monthly running distance with analysis of variance adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking and alcohol drinking habits. RESULTS: The ultra-marathon runners demonstrated more favorable values for body mass index and bone density, and the proportion of smoking, and undertaking physical activity (for both sexes), eating breakfast (for males), and having daily bowel movements (for females), while greater proportion of alcohol drinking habit (for both sexes), than the comparison group. Average monthly running distances and standard deviations (km) were 257.2±128.9 for males and 209.0±86.2 for females. Male runners possessed beneficial markers, including lowered triglyceride and elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and their values showed hockey-stick (or inverse hockey-stick) patterns depending on their monthly running distance. Some subjects running more than 300 km/month exhibited signs of an over-reaching/training syndrome, including somewhat lowered hemoglobin, ferritin and white blood cell count, and elevated creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. CONCLUSIONS: Together with a desirable lifestyle, Japanese non-professional ultra-marathon runners with vigorous exercise habit demonstrated a preferable health status according to biological indices.

The present study identified dietary sources of fat, fatty acids, and cholesterol in Koreans residing in and near Seoul. The study also identified foods to be included in a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) by both contribution analysis (CA) and multiple regression analysis (MRA). Three-day dietary records were collected from 224 subjects (107 men and 117 women) aged 30 to 85 years. Pork was the main source of total fat and the largest contributor to saturated fatty acids (SFA) was beef. MRA identified animal food as the primary source of between-person variance for SFA. Arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid originated primarily from marine products. About a fourth of the total cholesterol intake was derived from chickens' eggs by CA, while chickens' eggs accounted for 46% of the cholesterol intake for between-person variance by MRA. With 10 food items, the FFQ could explain more than half of total intakes except for total fat and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and at least 65% of between-person variances. The percentage coverage in the FFQ ranged from 61% for n-6 PUFA and linoleic acid and to 90% for arachidonic acid. The value of this FFQ is that it can estimate usual dietary food patterns and nutrient intake in Koreans for epidemiological studies. It can also potentially be used to study the relationship between specific diseases and nutrient intakes of interest.

Development of a data-based short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for evaluating intake of nutrients by middle-aged Japanese.Of 102 foods listed in the formerly developed semi-quantitative FFQ, foods having similar nutrient contents were combined into 72 foods/food groups by research dietitians. Nutrient contents were computed by multiplying the weight of foods consumed and its nutrient contents. Next, a cumulative multiple regression coefficient up to 0.85 was applied, and 47 foods/food groups were chosen for a brief FFQ for assessing intake of 21 nutrients including energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers.The 47 foods/food groups comprised rice, bread and noodles (3), margarine/butter (2), eggs (1), milk and dairy products (2), soybean and soybean products (3), miso-soup (1), meat including beef, pork and chicken (4), fish (3), other fish, shellfish and fish products (4), green-yellow vegetables (5), other vegetables and mushrooms (3), edible roots (4), seaweeds (1), mayonnaise (1), fried dishes (2), seeds (1), fruit (2), beverages, including alcohol (3), and confectioneries (2).The evidence-based short FFQ efficiently covered the intake of 21 nutrients, and may be competent to rank the middle-aged general public Japanese according to intake of nutrients.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to clarify the associations of lifestyle factors (habitual exercise, alcohol intake and smoking habit) and plasma fatty acid (FA) concentrations as biomarkers of dietary FA intakes. We collected 7-d weighed diet records, lifestyle information and blood samples from 15 male and 79 female Japanese dietitians, and estimated dietary FA intakes and analyzed plasma FA concentrations. Plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and (n-3) highly unsaturated FA (HUFA) derived from marine foods, but not linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid from plant origins, demonstrated positive correlations with dietary intakes (r = 0.303-0.602, P < 0.05) in both genders. Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, BMI, total energy intake, fat (or respective FA) consumption and lifestyle factors showed that dietary intakes of EPA, DHA and (n-3) HUFA were positively associated with age in men (P < 0.05) and negatively associated with BMI in women [P < 0.01 for DHA and (n-3) HUFA]. The plasma concentrations of EPA, DHA and (n-3) HUFA in women were found to be positively associated with age and marine oil (or respective FA) intake (P < 0.01), and negatively associated with total energy intake [P < 0.05 for EPA and (n-3) HUFA]. Lifestyle factors were not associated with dietary FA intakes and plasma FA concentrations. These findings suggest that the plasma concentrations of EPA, DHA and (n-3) HUFA might be useful biomarkers for the assessment of relative FA intakes without considering associations with habitual exercise, alcohol intake and smoking habit.

Objective: To study seasonal variation in intake and plasma concentrations of fatty acids (FAs) in Japanese female dietitians. Subjects and methods: We assessed consumption of FAs based on four season 7 consecutive day weighed diet records from 71 Japanese female dietitians in 1996–1997. Using overnight fasting venous blood, plasma concentrations of FAs were analyzed by gas chromatography. Seasonal variation in consumption and plasma concentrations was examined by ANOVA for repeated values, followed by Tukey's multiple t-test. We calculated Spearman's partial rank correlation coefficients (CCs) between intake and plasma concentrations of FAs. Furthermore, we computed inter-seasonal Spearman's partial rank CCs for consumption and plasma concentrations of FAs. Results: Statistically significant seasonal differences were observed in consumption for most FAs, except for myristic acid, monounsaturated FAs, oleic acid, n-6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid, PUFAs/saturated FAs, and n-6 PUFAs/n-3 PUFAs, and for most plasma concentrations, except for stearic acid, γ-linolenic acid, n-3 PUFAs, α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and n-3 highly unsaturated FAs (HUFAs). However, statistically significant Spearman's partial rank CCs between intake and plasma concentrations were observed for EPA, DHA, n-3 HUFAs, n-6 PUFAs/n-3 PUFAs and n-6 PUFAs/n-3 HUFAs for almost all seasons. Conclusions: Seasonal variation exists in consumption and plasma concentrations of FAs, so that this should be taken into account in epidemiological analyses, including case–control and cohort studies.

The present study was conducted to report upon the reproducibility of a 98-item food frequency questionnaire among Koreans.The study subjects were recruited from among those who visited for a regular health check-up at the health centers from Samsung Hospital and Hallym University Hospital.The FFQ was administered first in April to June of 2002 to 145 Korean adults aged 40 and over residing in Seoul and its vicinity and was then re-administered to 126 three months later between July and September of 2002 (FFQ 1 and FFQ 2).Reproducibility was evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficients of log-e and the calorie-adjusted nutrient score. Weighted kappa (k) statistics with 95% confidence limits were calculated to assess the chance adjusted level of agreement between the FFQ 1 and the FFQ 2. The proportions of correctly categorized subjects in the same or adjacent quintiles were calculated.The average intake in FFQ 1 was no more than 12 percent different from the average intake in FFQ 2. Correlations varied between 0.47 for sodium and 0.72 for vitamin C. All k values exceeded 0.5 except that of fiber. The average k for all nutrients was 0.67. The percentage agreement varied from 62% for energy and potassium to 82% for vitamin B(2) and cholesterol. The average of the agreement was 72%.The results of this study verify that it is possible to use tailored, relatively simple, but comprehensive, self-administered food frequency questionnaires to study nutrient consumption in large-scale epidemiological studies.

We describe the development of a data-based food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to determine the relationship between dietary intakes and diseases among Koreans. A total of 224 individuals were recruited to participate in a three-day dietary record survey. In all, 596 food items were consumed. The intakes of 20 nutrients including energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, and crude fibre were calculated for each food item by multiplying the weight of food consumed by its nutrient content. Some foods, consumed less than five times in a total of three days, were deleted from the preliminary food item list. The number of foods accounting for up to 90 cumulative percentage contribution to nutrient intake was 314. One hundred and seventy seven foods that accounted for up to 0.90 cumulative multiple regression coefficients and 90 cumulative percentage contribution were then selected. By grouping foods, 94 food items were finally included in the questionnaire: Grains and their products (15 food items), potatoes and starch (4), seeds (1), soybean, soybean products and other beans (4), vegetables (22), mushrooms (2), fruits (13), meats (7), eggs (1), fish (7), shellfish (4), other fish (2), seaweed (2), milk and dairy products (4), and beverages (6). Intake frequencies were classified into eight categories. Portion size was determined from food consumption reports in the three-day records. The mean percentage coverage of the 20 nutrient intakes by the developed FFQ was 82.4%. This questionnaire may be useful for ranking diet-related risk factors in Koreans.

Morbidity and mortality statistics, including incidences of fat-related cancers (FRCs), and dietary intake and sources of fats and oils were compared for Japanese, Mediterranean and American people. Incidences of FRCs, except for steeply increasing colon cancer, have remained low in Japan. Similarly, Mediterranean people enjoy relatively low risks of FRCs compared with American people. The low risks of FRCs in Japanese may be explained by limited intake of fats and oils as a whole, and a low ratio of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) versus n-3 PUFAs through consumption of the latter from marine foods. They also frequently consume vegetables and fruit, and dietary fiber. Mediterranean people moderately consume fats and oils from a large amount of olive oil, containing not only oleic acid but also polyphenols (including flavonoids),mgr;-tocopherol and carotenoids (includingmgr;-carotene), which are antioxidants and anti-carcinogenic as in red wine, vegetables (including herbs) and fruit. The diet also features medium intake of fish and shellfish along with cereals/pasta/bread. From the standpoint of intake of total fat, the low risks of FRCs in Japanese seem "plausible," while the low risks in Mediterranean people may be termed "paradoxical." In summary, limited consumption of fats and oils, moderate intakes of marine foods, and vegetables and fruit, in line with a modest intake of energy may be advocated for promoting health, prolonging life and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases including FRCs.

Objective:To study daily, weekly, seasonal, within and between-individual variance in intake of selected nutrients and minimal days necessary for assessing true intake with a specified degree of error based on four season consecutive 7 day weighed diet records (WDRs).Subjects and Methods:We evaluated consumption of energy and 30 nutrients based on four season consecutive 7 day WDRs from 80 Japanese female dietitians in 1996-1997.We examined daily, weekly, seasonal, within- and between-individual variation in nutrient intake, relative contributions of their variances to total variance, and minimal days required to estimate a person's nutrient intake within 10% and 20% of their true mean with 95% confidence intervals.Results:The relative contributions of variation for all nutrients by person were larger than those by day, week and season.Within-individual variances were greater than the between-individual variances.The ratios of within- vs.between-individual variances thus ranged from 1.3 - 26.9.Minimal days necessary for estimating nutrient consumption per person within 10% (20%) of the true mean with 95% confidence intervals ranged from 10-35 (3-9) days for energy and major nutrients and 15-640 (4-160) days for micro-nutrients.Conclusions:The relative contributions of variability by person were largest for all nutrients, followed by those due to sequence of days, season and day of week.Within-individual variation was greater than between-individual variation.Minimal days necessary for ascertaining major nutrients were in general fewer than micro-nutrients. J Epidemiol, 2002;12:85-92

Objective: To examine reproducibility of assessed intake of foods and nutrients according to a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) in Japanese female dietitians. Subjects and Methods: An SQFFQ was self-administered to 106 (21 male and 85 female) Japanese dietitians in Aichi prefecture in autumn 1996 and the same questionnaire was repeated in autumn 1997. Reproducibility was evaluated in terms of consumption of 15 foods and energy and 30 macro- and micro-nutrients based on the SQFFQ from 84 Japanese female dietitians. Results: For intake of foods, Pearson's correlation coefficients (CCs) with log-transformation and energy adjustment (minimum - median - maximum) ranged from 0.35 (beverages) - 0.61 - 0.71 (dairy products). ANOVA intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) with log-transformation and energy adjustment ranged from 0.49 (beverages) - 0.74 - 0.82 (dairy products). Spearman's rank CCs with energy adjustment ranged from 0.43 (confectionery) - 0.57 - 0.76 (dairy products). Weighted kappa statistics with energy adjustment ranged from 0.34 (confectionery) - 0.49 - 0.71 (dairy products). For consumption of nutrients, Pearson's CCs with log-transformation and energy adjustment ranged from 0.23 (zinc) - 0.55 - 0.74 (insoluble dietary fiber). ANOVA ICCs with log-transformation and energy adjustment ranged from 0.37 (zinc) - 0.70 - 0.84 (insoluble dietary fiber). Spearman's rank CCs with energy adjustment ranged from 0.25 (zinc) - 0.56 - 0.74 (magnesium). Weighted kappa statistics with energy adjustment ranged from 0.25 (zinc) - 0.50 -0.68 (insoluble dietary fiber). Conclusions: Substantially high reproducibility of consumption of foods and nutrients was attained from an SQFFQ self-administered to Japanese female dietitians.

Background: We designed a data-based semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to clarify the relationship between food intake and lifestyle-related diseases among middle-aged Japanese. Methods: A total of 351 middle-aged individuals were recruited to a one-day weighed diet record survey in 1994. In all, 586 foods wereconsumed. Intakeof 31 nutrients including energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber by food was computed by multiplying the weight of food consumed by its nutrient content. First, 252 foods with up to 90 cumulative 0/0 contribution to nutrientintakewere selected. Of these, foods having apparently the same/similar nutrient contentwere combined into 206 foods by research dietitians. Next, 183 foods with up to 0.90 cumulative multiple regression coefficient and 90 cumulative % contribution were chosen. At this stage an additional food grouping was made. Results: Finally, 102 foods/recipes were included in the questionnaire: rice (2 items), bread and noodles(11), eggs, milkand dairyproducts (10), soybean, soybean products andotherbeans(7), meat including beef, pork and chicken (12), fish (5), other fish, shellfish and fish products (10), green-yellow vegetables (8), other vegetables and mushrooms (7), edible roots (2), seaweeds (3), seeds (2), fruits (8), beverages (7) and confectioneries (8). The frequencies were classified intoeight categories. Portion sizewascalculated for the respective foodslargelyfrom the one-day weighed diet record. Conclusions: The developed semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire substantially coveredthe intakeof31 nutrients andmaybecompetentto rankmiddle-aged Japanese efficiently.

To the Editor: Oh et al. ([1][1]) investigated the possible inverse association between consumption of fish/ n -3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs, marine omega-3 fatty acids mainly consisting of icosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) and the risk of colorectal cancer in the Nurses'

Introduction We have executed a validity test on our short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in “middle-aged” Japanese, but not “young women” yet, and here examined. Methods One hundred and twenty five young women in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, completed the FFQ and 3 day-weighed diet records (3d-WDRs) in 2009. We compared intakes of energy and 26 nutrients computed with the FFQ against those with 3d-WDRs as reference. Results Participant9s means (SD) of age and BMI were 20.3 (0.5) years and 23.3 (2.3) kg/m 2 , respectively. No significant difference was found between energy intakes of 1579 (221) and 1576 (258) kcal/day according to the FFQ and 3d-WDRs. Pearson9s correlation coefficients between each nutrient intake derived from the FFQ and 3d-WDRs were 0.29 (energy), 0.18 (protein), 0.26 (fat), 0.28 (carbohydrate), 0.53 (calcium), 0.20 (iron), 0.21 (sodium), 0.33 (potassium), 0.31 (carotene), 0.30 (Vitamin A), 0.36 (Vitamin D), 0.36 (soluble dietary fibre), 0.32 (insoluble dietary fibre), 0.31 (total dietary fibre) and 0.23 (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), respectively. Median percentages for exact agreement and disagreement according to quartile classification of each nutrient intake measured with both methods were 25.6 and 6.4, respectively. Conclusions Similarly to our previous study, we showed considerably high relative validity values for consumption of macro- and micro-nutrients estimated with the FFQ vs those assessed with 3d-WDRs. The FFQ therefore appears applicable for categorising individuals according to consumption of energy and the selected nutrients in dietary studies of young Japanese women.

(2003). n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Breast Cancer. Nutrition and Cancer: Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 210-210.