Sources of nutrition information of Chilean schoolers, metropolitan region, Chile, survey 1986-1987.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the relative importance of different sources of nutrition information used by Chilean schoolers to learn the basics of nutrition. In this respect, a representative sample of 4,509 elementary and high-school children was randomly selected and stratified according to grade, sex, type of school and geographic area. Schoolers were individually interviewed in order to collect data related with socioeconomic status (SES) and sociocultural conditions, as well as to learn as to what they considered to be the most important sources of nutrition information influencing their nutritional learning, gathering the necessary data through a questionnaire especially designed for this purpose. Results indicated that 87.8% schoolers mentioned their family (mainly the mother), as the most important source of nutrition information; 10.7% said the school teacher, and 1.5%, mass media (0.8% television, 0.5% books, 0.1% magazines and 0.1% radio) without significant differences by sex, age and geographic area. The role attributed to the family (mother) was important in all SES categories, but proved to be significantly higher in the high SES group (91.9%) than in the low SES group (84.6%). The role attributed to the school teacher, in contrast, was lower (6.7%) in the high SES group than in the low SES group (13.8%) (p less than 0.001). In relation to mass media, the influence attributed to books and magazines was high in the high SES group, but television and radio were more important in the low SES group. On the other hand, significant differences found by type of school were related to SES. These findings could be useful in the establishment of food and nutrition policies, as well as in educational planning focused on the Chilean school population, considering that few studies have been carried out along these lines.     

Prenatal diet, nutrient intake and pregnancy outcome in urban Ecuadorian primiparas.

A nutritional survey was conducted in an urban public maternity hospital, Hospital Gineco-Obstétrico Isidro Ayora (HGOIA), located in Quito, Ecuador. Seventy-four primiparas in the third trimester of pregnancy were recruited to assess the influence of sociedemographic factors on food patterns and nutrient intake, and the interrelationship between prenatal nutrient intake, maternal weight gain and pregnancy outcome. Results of the regression analysis indicated that maternal education was the factor most strongly associated with nutrient intake, followed by monthly per capita income. Maternal nutrient intake was next analyzed and compared with the WHO (1974, 1985) and NRC (1980) recommended daily allowances. Results also indicated the average daily intake of energy, protein, phosphorus, vitamins C and A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin met or exceeded the recommended daily allowances. Dietary calcium and iron intake, however, were below recommendations. Sodium and fat intake were both relatively high. Higher dietary fat intake was associated with increased birth weight, while lower protein intake was associated with increased risk of delivering a low-birth weight baby. Maternal weight gain during the third trimester predicted baby birth weight and height but not head circumference.     

Use of the urinary calcium/creatinine ratio as an indicator of the nutritional status of calcium

The relationship between calcium and creatinine in basal urine for evaluating its usefulness as an indicator of calcium nutritional status was evaluated. Samples of basal urine were collected form a group of 5 to 12-year-old school children who followed a three-month program of dietary complementation. The calcium to creatinine ratio showed no correlation with daily total calcium intake. However, a correlation was found when intake was expressed in mg per kg of body weight (r = 0.67) and increased significantly when data were grouped according to growth rate (r = 0.85). On this basis, the Ca/Creat. ratio was analyzed as a function of weight gain (g/kg) for calcium intake: higher and lower than 10 mg/kg/day (4 = 0.82 and 0.89, respectively), the intercept of each line with the Y axis (null weight gain) being 0.096 and 0.068, respectively. These findings indicate the possibility of using the Ca/Creat. ratio in field studies as an indicator of nutritional status of the population in regard to calcium.     

Food intake of students graduating from basic education in the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile

This study pursued to evaluate the adequacy of the dietary intake of students graduating from Basic Education in the Metropolitan Area of Santiago, Chile. A random sample of 258 students from public and non-public schools (1:1), of both sexes (1:1) and from high, medium and low socioeconomic level (SEL) (1:1:1), was selected. Standard procedures for 24-hr dietary recall individual interviews were used to collect data. The students' dietary intake was then compared with the FAO/WHO 1973 Recommended Dietary Allowances. Results revealed that 53.5% and 62.0% of the sample registered a deficient and excessive intake for energy and protein, respectively. Protein contributed 13.2% of the dietary energy, fat, 27.1%, and carbohydrates, 59.8%. Animal and vegetable protein intake was found in the proportion of 1:1. As findings indicated, the dietary intake of students differed significantly according to SEL. Deficiencies in energy, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin and calcium intake were observed, in both sexes, besides iron deficiency in the female group. It is considered that results could be useful for food and nutrition planning in school feeding programs.     

Nutritional status of marginated children of the Madrid's autonomous community, Spain

The nutritional status of 101 institutionalized students aged 6 to 13 was assessed from the dietary and biochemical points of view. The children were pupils of a Youth Care Boarding School. The dietary survey revealed an adequate nutrient intake which met the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) in most cases as well as a high protein intake (250% of RDA). A slight deficiency in energy, zinc, magnesium and vitamins B2 and C was found in some cases in the eldest group. Blood parameters (erythrocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular values, serum proteins, albumin, globulins, albumin/globulin ratio, urea and cholesterol) showed slightly lower values, mainly on hemoglobin, than those obtained from other similar groups. Nevertheless, urine parameters (nitrogen, urea, uric acid and creatinine) were higher, may be due to the high protein intake, energy deficiency and non-dietary factors such as lack of affection, socioeconomic problems, etc. All of these factors cause a rise in the students' catabolism. Correlations between dietary and biochemical data seem to corroborate that there is a shortage of energy, zinc, riboflavin, magnesium and vitamin C intakes in some cases, which limits the build up of several blood elements.     

Relationship between calcium intake and body mass index in adolescents

Epidemiologic and experimental data support thee possibility that dietary calcium intake plays a role in human body weight regulation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate calcium intake and its relationship with body mass index (BMI) in adolescents. Weight, height, 3-day food record and a food frequency questionnaire were collected among all adolescents participants at the Outpatient Clinic for Adolescents at the Federal University of Sao Paulo between 2001 and 2003. The statistical analysis comprised Chi-square, Student's T-test, Pearson correlation and linear regression. One-hundred and twenty-one adolescents were studied (62.8% female), with a mean age of 14.9 +/- 2.2 years old. Mean energy and calcium intakes were 1729.9 +/- 557.8 kcal/day and 598.2 +/- 287.9 mg/day respectively, with no significant statistical differences between sex or age. Almost ninety-eight percent of adolescents presented a mean calcium intake lower than proposed values. Calcium intake adjusted for energy presented a significant negative correlation with body weight (r=-0.194, p=0.03) and BMI (r=-0.185, p=0.04). Furthermore, adolescents in the lowest quartile of calcium intake presented higher BMI (29.7 +/- 7.4 kg/m2) than adolescents in the highest calcium quartile. These results indicated a dietary calcium intake lower than recommendations for this life stage, and a contribution of this mineral in the body mass index.     

Evolution of the nutritional and food situation of the metropolitan area of San Jose, Costa Rica]

Evolution of food and nutrient intake patterns in urban San José, Costa Rica, during the last decade, was studied comparing data from the last two national surveys (1978, 1982) and 1987 data obtained from 5 families previously included in the 1982 survey. Total food and nutrient intake was found to be similar to the 1982 results, although the pattern was altered, with a substantial decreased contribution of milk products to both energy and protein intakes. A small but constant decrease in the intake of more than half of the foods registered was also observed. Nevertheless, the nutritional adequacy of energy (from 100 to 78%), retinol (from 83 to 69%), riboflavin (from 94 to 63%), iron (from 106 to 69%) and niacin (from 103 to 81%), were found to be significantly lower than in previous years. The findings herein reported suggest that the effects of the economic crisis initiated in 1980 on food availability, could well be showing a time lag.     

Nutritional study relative to proteins, energy, and calcium in children eating school meals

Food consumption and nutritional status were evaluated on 419 children having meals at school located in the surrounding of Santa Fe (Argentina). The protein, energy and calcium content of the meals were analyzed. Anthropometrical evaluation was made by the following indicators: weight to age, height to age and weight to height. Biochemical evaluation to a sample of the children, was made by urea/creatinine and calcium/creatinine indicators. Recommended protein consumption is achieved but a biological efficiency loss is detected, probably due to an insufficient energy intake. School meals provide about 50% of the daily energy requirements. Regarding calcium consumption, the dinner cover about 15% of the recommendations but they achieve 47-49% with the cup of milk. As in the case of energy, the calcium daily intake is insufficient as we can see by the calcium/creatinine indicator which shows that a 60% of the people are below of the normal values. All these results suggest that is necessary to increase the energy intake and calcium consumption to improve the nutritional status.     

Dietary evaluation of pregnant adolescents during first, second and third trimester

In order to identify risk of inadequate intake of calories and nutrients during pregnancy, 75 pregnant adolescents (14 to 18 years old) apparently healthy, from low socioeconomic level, in their first prenatal control (12 weeks) were studied by two 24 hour recalls and a food frequency questionnaire at each trimester. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (pregestation weight/height) and classified according to American Medicine Institute reference. Paired t-test, frequency distribution and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Low weight was found in 34.6% of adolescent at the first visit and 5.3% were overweight. Even though, caloric intake was below recommendation, significant increases were observed between first and second trimester for energy, carbohydrates, niacin and zinc (p < 0.001) and for fat, proteins, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin C, calcium and iron (p < 0.05). From second to third trimester, differences (p < 0.05) were significant only for vitamin A. Between first and third trimester, differences were significant (p < 0.05) for energy, proteins, carbohydrates, niacin, riboflavin, zinc and for thiamin, vitamin A and calcium (p < 0.05). A high proportion of pregnant adolescent did not reach recommendations for energy, folate, calcium and zinc. Food intake pattern did not change significantly among trimesters. Mean total weight gain was 9.2 kg and 0.412 +/- 0.4 g/week. Newborn's mean weight was 3.221 +/- 418 grams. It is concluded that adolescents are at high nutritional risk and deficiency of dietary intake should be followed. Attention should be addressed from the preconceptional period to postpartum in order to improve maternal and fetal conditions.     

Comparison of serum concentration and dietary intake of alpha-tocopherol in a sample of urban and rural Costa Rican adolescents

Results from several studies have suggested that vitamin E intake could inhibit the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate Costa Rican adolescents' serum alpha-tocopherol levels and their correlation with Body Mass Index (BMI) and the dietary intake of vitamin E and saturated and polyunsaturated fat. Ninety-five healthy, non-smoking adolescents and non-vitamin supplement users (aged 13-18) from urban and rural areas in San José, Costa Rica, were included in this study. Serum levels of lipid adjusted alpha-tocopherol were significantly higher in rural adolescents compared with urban youngsters (4.192 mumol/mmol +/- 0.831 and 3.486 mumol/mmol +/- 0.996, respectively). Likewise, reported mean daily 1000 kcal adjusted-vitamin E intake was higher in rural adolescents than in urban youngsters (9.2 +/- 3.7 mg. 16.0 +/- 8.7 mg). An important correlation was observed between intake of energy from saturated fat and adjusted-alpha-tocopherol serum levels (r = 0.430). Contrariwise, they correlated poorly with dietary alpha-tocopherol (r = 0.273), suggesting that serum is not a good biomarket of intake for alpha-tocopherol. Additionally, our results showed a negative relationship between BMI and adjusted-serum vitamin E levels (beta = 0.189; CI 95% -0.153, -0.013). The analysis of vitamin E intake showed that over 25% of adolescents have inadequate intake of the nutrient. This study suggests that nutritionists and pediatricians should encourage alpha-tocopherol intake and monitor the food sources of the nutrient and the adolescents' body weight as part of the strategies aimed at developing a healthy lifestyle.     

Food consumption and dietary adequacy according to income in 1,200 families, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, 1973-1974

Data from a household expenditure survey of 1,200 Manaus families performed by the Amazonas State Government in 1973-74 are analyzed by income group. The per cent frequency of families buying different foods and the daily per capita consumption of each were calculated. The daily per capita intakes of energy, protein, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, ascorbic acid, calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc were estimated and their adequacy evaluated. In contrast to the south and northeast of Brazil, the main bulk of the diet was derived from cereals and fish. The quantities of eggs, meats, fruit and vegetables consumed per person, increased 50-100% as income improved, whereas fish consumption decreased 30%. The nutrients quantitatively most deficient were zinc, vitamin A, calcium, thiamine and riboflavin, with 60-80% of low and middle income families not achieving safe levels of intake for zinc and vitamin A. The beneficial effect of income on the adequacy of calcium, thiamine and riboflavin intake was quantitative. For zinc and vitamin A, increased income was associated with a qualitative improvement in the diet, principally due to the increased consumption of meat and liver. These results are discussed in relation to existing clinical evidence of deficiency states in the region.     

The influence of calcium and phosphorus intake on bone mineral density in young women

The threat of osteoporosis in later life means that the bone mass women achieve during their youth is important. Eighty seven women aged 18-35 y from the Madrid region were studied to determine the relationship between their calcium, phosphorus and milk product intakes and bone mineral density (BMD). Intakes of these items were moniroed using a three day food intake record. BMD was measured by double photonic densitometry of the lumbar region, hip and right forearm. Mean calcium intake (802.1+/-258.7 mg/day) was less than that recommended for 45% of women. A linear, positive correlation was seen between calcium intake and BMD at the hip (r=0.23) and greater trochanter (r=0.24) (p<0.05). Women whose calcium intake was >1000 mg/day had greater hip BMDs than those whose intake was below this level (0.97+/-0.11 g/cm2 compared to 0.90+/-0.10 g/cm2). Similar results were seen for the femur head and greater trochanter in subjects whose Ca/P ratio was >0.74 (50th percentile). In addition, an intake of more than two rations of milk per day was optimum for achieving adequate bone mass in different areas of the hip. These results show that greater calcium consumption and a Ca/P ratio of >0.74 are associated with better BMD values in young women, and that milk is the lactic product best associated with good bone health.     

Determination vitamin A source foods by pregnant women,using a simplified dietary assessment (SDA)

The International Vitamin A Consultative Group (IVACG) developed a research instrument based on consumption of vitamin-A food sources to classify populations into groups of high, moderate and low deficiency risk in the consumption of this nutrient. The instrument was tested on a population of 91 pregnant women who attended prenatal health care service run by School of Public Health of the University of S?o Paulo. Such instrument was termed Simplified Dietary Assessment (SDA) and it is comprised of a 24-hour dietary recall--Consumption Index (CI) and consumption frequency questionnaire--Usual Food Pattern (UFP). SDA pointed out the most consumed daily and weekly foods as being milk in liquid form, tomato, lettuce, margarine and banana. All these food sources belong to groups of low and moderate vitamin A content. Assignment in risk groups was based on the recommended dietary intake proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations--(FAO/OMS--1991) and two-thirds of the recommended intake was considered the cutting off point. According to data obtained by the SDA, more than 50% of the population interviewed was assigned to the High and Moderate risk groups for deficiency in vitamin A intake. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a significant statistical correlation r = 0.50 (p > 0.005) and a weighted Kappa value of (kw = 0.207), which suggests that the SDA is a useful instrument and is a reasonable means for risk assignment of vitamin A deficiency among groups with inadequate levels of intake of foods as sources of this nutrient. However, the results suggest that in order to evaluate vitamin A intake appropriately, a larger number of applications of the IC questionnaires would be required.     

Association between calcium intake and colorectal neoplasia in Puerto Rican Hispanics

Epidemiological studies show that a high calcium intake reduces the risk of colon cancer. The objective was to study the association between calcium intake and colorectal neoplasia in a clinic-based sample of Hispanics adults from Puerto Rico. As part of this cross-sectional study, a total of 433 subjects were recruited from surgery and gastroenterology clinics at the University of Puerto Rico. Calcium intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) of calcium rich foods. Socio-demographics, health history and colonoscopy results were obtained from the primary study. Chi square and odds ratios (OR) for colorectal neoplasia (adenomas and/ or adenocarcinoma) were calculated for total calcium, dietary calcium and for calcium supplement use. In total, 312 (72%) from 433 participants completed the FFQ and had available colonoscopy results; from these, 196 (62.5%) were free of neoplasia and 117 (37.5%) had colorectal neoplasia. Colorectal neoplasia subjects were older, a lower proportion were females and less educated than those without neoplasia (p < 0.01). Total calcium intake (median 1180 mg/d) was greater in those free of neoplasia compared to colorectal neoplasia subjects (median 1036 mg/d; p<0.05). A high total calcium intake and the use of calcium supplements significantly reduced the OR (crude and age adjusted) for colorectal neoplasia; although these associations lost statistical significance after additionally adjusting for gender and educational level. In conclusion, a high calcium intake and the use of calcium supplements may be protective against colorectal neoplasia, although a greater sample may be required to observe significant associations in a multivariate model.     

Food Insecurity and Associated Factors among HIV-infected individuals receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy in Jimma zone Southwest Ethiopia

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In resource limited settings, many People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) lack access to sufficient quantities of nutritious foods, which poses additional challenges to the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Maintaining adequate food consumption and nutrient intake levels and meeting the special nutritional needs to cope up with the disease and the ART are critical for PLWHA to achieve the full benefit of such a treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among HIV-infected individuals receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings. METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out from January 1, 2009 to March 3, 2009 at ART clinic at Jimma University specialized hospital (JUSH) in Ethiopia. We used multivariable logistic regression model to compare independent risk factors by food insecurity status among 319 adult PLWHA ([greater than or equal to]18 years) attending ART Clinic. RESULTS: A total of 319 adult PLWHA participated in the study giving a response rate of 100%. Out of 319 PLWHA the largest numbers of participants, 46.4% were in the age group of 25-34 years. The overall 201(63.0%) PLWHA were food insecure. Educational status of elementary or lower [OR=3.10 (95%CI; (1.68-5.71)], average family monthly income <100 USD [OR=13.1 (95% CI; (4.29-40.0)] and lower food diversity [OR=2.18 (95%CI; (1.21--3.99)] were significantly and independently associated with food insecurity. CONCLUSION: Food insecurity is a significant problem among PLWHA on HAART. Lower educational status and low family income were the predictors of food insecurity. Food security interventions should be an integral component of HIV/AIDS care and support programs. Special attention need to be given to patients who have lower educational status and are members of households with low income. KEYWORDS: Food insecurity, HAART, PLWHA, HIV/AIDS, Ethiopia.     

Associated factors to dietary intake of fruits and vegetables in Bucaramanga, Colombia

The objective of this study was to determine associated factors to the consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) in the adult population of each socioeconomic status (SES) in Bucaramanga, Colombia. We conducted a cross-sectional in a sample of 317 people and we measured socio-demographic, economic and anthropometric variables and dietary factors related to the purchase and consumption of FV. We made a survey, a 24-Hour dietary recall and we did anthropometric measurements. Portion sizes were estimated with a standardized set of utensils and food-photography atlas. Frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion were established and Logistic Regression models were used for the bi and multivariate analysis. Average consumption of FV was 162.6 g/day (188.5 g in high SES and 145.7 g in low SES, p = 0.056). On average 2 servings per day of FV (2.3 servings in high SES and 1.5 in low SES, p = 0.055). The prevalence of adequate intake of FV (more than 5 servings / day) was 8.6% (8.9% in high SES and 8.4% in low SES, p = 0.896). The associated factor to consumption of FV was BMI > or =25 (OR: 0.31, CI (95%): 0.11-0.89, p = 0.030), adjusted for occupation, income, SES, and number of family members. FV consumption is low; excess weight is the only variable associated to no-consumption of five or more servings; causes: cost to the consumption of fruit and flavor in the case of vegetables.     

Food habits of high school graduates in the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile

The purpose of this study was to determine the food habits of Chilean high-school graduates, and measure the effect that socioeconomic level (SEL), type of school (public and private school), sex and age exerts on those habits. A random and stratified sample of 283 schoolers, according to type of school, sex and SEL, measured through the Graffar Modified Scale was selected for the study. Food habits were defined by the frequency of consumption of food, expressed as days per week and were compared with the Model Allowance established by the Ministry of Health of Chile. A food habits questionnaire was administered to students by duly trained interviewers, and were defined by the frequency of consumption of food groups. Data were analyzed by the chi-square procedure, analysis of variance and Student's "t" test. In accordance with the results, the most consumed foods (over 90% of students) were meat, poultry, eggs, potatoes, apples, bread, rice, oil and butter or margarine. On the other hand, the most disliked foods (40% and more of students) were fresh cheese, viscera, radish and chickpeas. The high SEL students showed a significantly greater frequency of consumption of dairy products, and of meat products and eggs (p less than 0.001). No differences were found according to type of school, sex and age of students. We conclude, therefore, that SEL exerts a significant effect on food habits, in spite of which they were adequate according to the Model Allowance.     

SCIENCE VERSUS ENGINEERING IN THE SCHOOLS—A FURTHER CONTRIBUTION TO THE SYMPOSIUM ON CERAMIC EDUCATION1

In discussing ceramic education it is suggested that (1) as it is the function of a technical school to impart as complete a scientific foundation as possible to its graduates, the tendency is to produce technologists rather than engineers; (2) engineering ability does not develop from formal training but from individual traits or inborn qualities; (3) the average-size plant should endeavor to make better use of the talents and ability of their so-called practical men by encouraging them to acquire technical knowledge through evening courses and extension work. The benefits of cooperative agreements with local educational institutions by maintaining scholarships are also pointed out.     

松香基双季铵盐阳离子表面活性剂的合成与性能

以脱氢枞胺(DA)为原料,经中间体N,N-二甲基脱氢枞胺(DMDA),在乙腈溶液中,DMDA分别与1,3-二溴丙烷(摩尔比2.4∶1)和对溴二亚甲苯(摩尔比2.2∶1)加热回流48h,得到二(N-脱氢枞基-N,N-二甲基)-N,N′-(1,3-亚丙基)溴化二铵(DDMPDAB)和二(N-脱氢枞基-N,N-二甲基)-N,N′-对二亚甲苯基溴化二铵(DDMXDAB)两种双子表面活性剂。用元素分析,FTIR,1HNMR和13CNMR对二者进行了结构表征,测定其表面性能如下:DDMPDAB的阳离子表面活性物的质量分数为94.2%,临界胶束浓度为2.1×10-5mol/L,乳化力为22min,泡沫力为149mm,泡沫稳定性为53mm,Krafft为42℃,HLB为10.24;DDMXDAB的阳离子表面活性物的质量分数为90.8%,临界胶束浓度为8.0×10-5mol/L,乳化力为26.5min,泡沫力为160mm,泡沫稳定性为91mm,Krafft为43℃,HLB为10.88。二者与N-脱氢枞基-N,N,N-三甲基硫酸甲酯铵(DTMAS)、N-脱氢枞基-N,N-二甲基-N-苄基氯化铵(DDMBAC)和十六烷基三甲基溴化铵(CTAB)的表面性能进行了对比,结果表明:作者合成的两种表面活性剂具有更优良的表面活性。将产品和十二烷基硫酸钠(K12)分别配成质量分数为0.3%的水溶液,等体积混合后均不产生沉淀,说明产品与阴离子表面活性剂有很好的相容性。