Vitamin A deficiency in preschool children of Recife, Northeast of Brazil

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the extent of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) among preschool children in the city of Recife, Northeast Brazil. The sample comprised 344 children of both sexes, 24 to 60 months old, in 18 public day care centres in the city of Recife, in 2007. The nutritional status of vitamin A was assessed by biochemical (serum retinol) and dietetic (vitamin A rich-food consumption) indicators and the pondo-stature status through anthropometric indicators weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height. The prevalence of hyporetinolemia (< 0.70 micromol/L) was 7.7% (IC 95% 4.88 - 11.81), which characterizes the VAD as a light-type public health problem, according to World Health Organization criteria. On the other hand, 29.6% (IC 95% 24.22 - 35.63) of children had acceptable or marginal levels (0.70 to 1.04 micromol/L) of retinol. Regarding the vitamin A rich-food intake, values below the EAR (Estimated Average Requirement) - 210 microg/ day for children of 1 to 3 years old and 275 microg/day for children of 4 to 8 years old - were 8.1% and 21.3% respectively. The prevalence of anthropometrical deficits (< -2 scores -Z) in preschool children were 2.5% for the indicator weight-for-age, 8.6% for height-for-age and 1.5% for weight-for-height. The research findings point out to the importance of institutionalization for the appropriate nutritional status of children and maintenance of adequate reserves of vitamin A. However, more studies are needed focusing on non-institutionalized preschool, or children living outside the privileged environment of public day care centres.     

Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Blood of Children and Adolescents with Juvenile Bipolar Disorder

Reduced long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been reported in adult patients suffering from depression and bipolar disorder (BD). LCn-3PUFA status has not previously been examined in children and adolescents with BD compared with healthy controls. Fifteen children and adolescents (9-18 years, M +/- SD = 14.4 +/- 3.48) diagnosed with juvenile bipolar disorder (JBD) and fifteen healthy age and sex-matched controls were assessed for dietary intake and fasting red blood cell (RBC) membrane concentrations of LCn-3PUFA. Fatty acid concentrations were compared between participants diagnosed with JBD and controls after controlling for dietary intake. RBC membrane concentrations of EPA and DHA were not significantly lower in participants diagnosed with JBD compared with healthy controls (M +/- sem EPA = 3.37 +/- 0.26 vs. 3.69 +/- 0.27 microg/mL, P = 0.458; M +/- sem DHA = 22.08 +/- 2.23 vs. 24.61 +/- 2.38 microg/mL, P = 0.528) after controlling for intake. Red blood cell DHA was negatively (r = -0.55; P = 0.044) related to clinician ratings of depression. Although lower RBC concentrations of LCn-3PUFA were explained by lower intakes in the current study, previous evidence has linked reduced LCn-3PUFA to the aetiology of BD. As RBC DHA was also negatively related to symptoms of depression, a randomised placebo-controlled study examining supplementation with LCn-3PUFA as an adjunct to standard pharmacotherapy appears warranted in this patient population.     

Folate and iron in fertile age women from a Venezuelan community affected by incidence of neural tube defects

The objective of this transversal study was to determine folate and iron nutritional status of women in fertile age from Municipio Jiménez, Lara State, Venezuela. The sampling was probabilistic by conglomerates from the urban and rural areas, selecting 15 conglomerates from which women between 12 and 45 years (269), were studied. After signing informed consent, participating were interviewed for personal data, antecedents related to folate and iron, socioeconomic data (Graffar-Mendez Castellano method and unsatisfied basic needs). In blood sample was determined Hemoglobin, and Erythrocytic Folate (FE). Serum was obtained to determine Ferritin and Serum Folate (FS). 53.53% of the sample presented low FS levels, 10.78% were FS deficient. Severe FE deficiency was present in 80.7% of the cases, moderate deficiency affected 5.9%. For both tests, median was higher for women in treatment with Acido Fólico or pregnant (p = 0.000), median for FE was higher for adults (p = 0.001) and in non poor women (p = 0.011). There were no significant differences for coffee, alcohol, anticonceptive consumption, urban or rural resident or socioeconomic strata. The prevalence of anemia was 11.2% being significantly more frequent in adults than in adolescents (p = 0.029) and in urban women (p = 0.042). Low ferritin were found in 37.3% of the sample, the effect of different variables was not statistically significant. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of iron and folate deficiencies in women of fertile age from Municipio Jiménez, which could constitute a conditioning factor for the appearance of neural tube defects.     

Requirements of nutrients which participate in erythropoiesis

Proteins, some minerals and vitamins, play important roles in erythropoiesis and the survival of the red blood cell. This article deals specifically with the physiological requirements and recommended intakes of iron, folate and vitamin B12. A comparison of the physiologic iron requirements according to age and sex, and the amount of iron which is actually absorbed from the diets consumed by the lower socioeconomic strata of the Venezuelan population; indicates that these diets do not satisfy the requirements at all ages. Such disparity is most marked in children below three years of age, in adolescents and in women during their reproductive age. Failure to do so leads to varying degrees of iron deficiency. This low bioavailability of the Venezuelan diet is also observed in other Latin American diets consumed by the same low socioeconomic strata, which explains the high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in the vulnerable groups. The low intake of fruits and vegetables by the lower socioeconomic strata of the Latin American population prevents these sectors from consuming an adequate intake of folate, failing to fulfill the daily recommended intake (3.3 - 3.6 micrograms/kg body weight). This situation is aggravated in pregnant and lactating women who require an additional intake of 300 micrograms and 100 micrograms, respectively. Prevalence of folate deficiency in the first stage may be in the order of 30% in some regions. In the second stage of deficiency, characterized by megaloblastic changes in the bone marrow and an erythrocyte folate concentration of less than 50 micrograms/lt, it could be as high as 40% in pregnant women. Nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency does not constitute a health problem in Latin America. Various surveys in the lower socioeconomic strata have reported normal or higher than normal serum B12 concentrations, compared to well-nourished populations.     

Folate content and retention in selected raw and processed foods

Adequate intake of folate reduced the risk of abnormalities in early embryonic brain development such as the risk of malformations of the embryonic brain/spinal cord, collectively referred to as neural tube defects (NTDs). Folate is extremely sensitive to destruction by heat, oxidation and UV light. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of different extraction procedures and enzymatic treatment to determine folate concentrations in variety of foods using a microbiological assay (MA) with Lactobacillus rhamnosus as the test organism. This study also aimed to evaluate the retention of folate in foods after using different cooking processes. Nine of the most commonly consumed foods in Argentina and that contain folate were analyzed: broccoli, spinach, potato, lentil, soy (raw and boiled); hen whole egg and yolks (raw, boiled and fried); beef liver (raw and cooked); strawberry (raw) and white bread. For this study, rat plasma (RP) and human plasma (HP) conjugases together with acetate and phosphate buffers were tested. In extraction step for all analyses, RP conjugase was selected since it was easily available in our laboratory and small quantities were required. The acetate buffer was chosen since better growth and more reproducible results were obtained in the different conditions assayed. The results allowed the foods to be grouped into (a) rich sources of folate: hen eggs, yolks, spinach, soybean (raw) and strawberry (100 and 350 microg/100 g fresh weight (FW); (b) good sources of folate: broccoli (raw), soybean (boiled), lentils (raw) and potato (56 to 83 microg/100 g FW) and c) moderate sources of folate: broccoli, lentils (boiled), white breads, onions and beef liver (15 to 30 microg/100g FW). The folate retention was in the range 14-99% according to both type of food and method of processing. Contents and losses of folate vary widely according to type of food and cooking method.     

Prematurity and maternal folate deficiency: anemia during pregnancy study group results in Valencia, Venezuela

The purpose of this study was to determine the association and its magnitude between prematurity and folate deficiency in women in their third trimester of pregnancy, and at labor. An incident case-control study was conducted using 2 controls per case. Data was obtained in a tertiary hospital in Valencia, Venezuela. A total of 543 women who delivered between May and December 1996 entered into the study. Women having a preterm delivery (< 37 weeks of gestation at delivery) were defined as cases (n = 181). Anemia was defined according to WHO as Hb less than 11 g/dL, when a pregnant woman had a folate serum level < 3 microg/ml was considered a folate deficiency. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data and likelihood ratio test was done for model comparison. Folate deficiency was found to be significantly associated with prematurity (Odds Ratio: 1.97; 95%CI = 1.06 to 3.68 P = .032), after adjusting for prior preterm labor, prenatal care visits, prior abortion, prior fetal death, placental abruption, and premature rupture oval membranes. In conclusion, maternal folate deficiency at the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, at labor, was associated with an increased risk of prematurity.     

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.     

Vitamin A deficiency in elderly attending the Health Family Programme in Camaragibe, PE, Brazil

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major nutritional problem in many developing countries. However, the extent of the problem among elderly people has not been well established. The current study aimed at identifying the prevalence of VAD among elderly people attending the Family Health Programme (FHP) in the city of Camaragibe, PE, Northeast Brazil. Following a systematic sampling procedure, a cross-sectional study was carried out involving 315 subjects = 60 years, of both sexes, in 2003. VAD was assessed by serum retinol levels and vitamin A-rich-food intake by a food frequency method. The prevalence of VAD (Serum ret. < 1.05 microMol/L) was 26.1% (95% CI 21.2 - 31.6) and the frequency of animal and vegetal origin vitamin A-rich foods intake = 3x/week was 46.1% (IC95% 40.7 - 52.0) and 63.2% (IC95% 57.5 - 69.5), respectively. Serum retinol levels were not correlated to sex (p = 0.54) and age (p = 0.34) distribution. In the same way, serum retinol was not related to vitamin A rich-food intake (p > 0.05). VAD seems to be very prevalent among elderly people attending the HFP in Camaragibe. Concerted actions to prevent and control VAD are strongly recommended in this ecological context.     

Serum homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in venezuelan elderly

The anatomical and physiological changes of aging make elderly people a vulnerable group to malnutrition and specific deficiencies of nutrients such as vitamin B12 and folate. This study was aimed to establish relationships among serum vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine concentrations and dietary intake and adequacy. Fifty five male and female elderly (60 and more years), free-living, were assessed. Measurements were: serum vitamin B12 and folate by radioimmunoanalysis (RIA), homocysteine by polarized fluorescence immunoassay, nutrient intake by three 24 hours recalls and food frequency questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by Body Mass Index (BMI). Serum vitamin B12 and folate were at normal range (423,3+/-227,6 pmol/l and 6,4 +/- 4,5 mg/ml), but 17,5% of elderly had B12 deficiency and 12% had folate deficiency. Serum homocysteine was higher than reference values (15,8+/-4,4 mmol/l), but 47,5% showed concentrations above 15 mmol/L, male population showed higher mean value (p: 0,01). Nutrient intake was inadequate by deficiency. BMI indicated 11,8% of undernutrition, 29,4% of overweight and 20,6% of obesity A negative and inverse correlation between homocysteine and serum folate was found. Results suggest a biochemical deficiency of B12 and folate that is expressed as elevated homocysteine levels. These finding represent a high cardiovascular risk factor for this elderly group.     

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.     

MTHFR Knockdown Assists Cell Defense against Folate Depletion Induced Chromosome Segregation and Uracil Misincorporation in DNA

Folate depletion causes chromosomal instability by increasing DNA strand breakage, uracil misincorporation, and defective repair. Folate mediated one-carbon metabolism has been suggested to play a key role in the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through influencing DNA integrity. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the enzyme catalyzing the irreversible conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate that can control folate cofactor distributions and modulate the partitioning of intracellular one-carbon moieties. The association between MTHFR polymorphisms and HCC risk is inconsistent and remains controversial in populational studies. We aimed to establish an in vitro cell model of liver origin to elucidate the interactions between MTHFR function, folate status, and chromosome stability. In the present study, we (1) examined MTHFR expression in HCC patients; (2) established cell models of liver origin with stabilized inhibition of MTHFR using small hairpin RNA delivered by a lentiviral vector, and (3) investigated the impacts of reduced MTHFR and folate status on cell cycle, methyl group homeostasis, nucleotide biosynthesis, and DNA stability, all of which are pathways involved in DNA integrity and repair and are critical in human tumorigenesis. By analyzing the TCGA/GTEx datasets available within GEPIA2, we discovered that HCC cancer patients with higher MTHFR had a worse survival rate. The shRNA of MTHFR (shMTHFR) resulted in decreased MTHFR gene expression, MTHFR protein, and enzymatic activity in human hepatoma cell HepG2. shMTHFR tended to decrease intracellular S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) contents but folate depletion similarly decreased SAM in wildtype (WT), negative control (Neg), and shMTHFR cells, indicating that in cells of liver origin, shMTHFR does not exacerbate the methyl group supply in folate depletion. shMTHFR caused cell accumulations in the G2/M, and cell population in the G2/M was inversely correlated with MTHFR gene level (r = −0.81, p < 0.0001), MTHFR protein expression (r = −0.8; p = 0.01), and MTHFR enzyme activity (r = −0.842; p = 0.005). Folate depletion resulted in G2/M cell cycle arrest in WT and Neg but not in shMTHFR cells, indicating that shMTHFR does not exacerbate folate depletion-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. In addition, shMTHFR promoted the expression and translocation of nuclei thymidine synthetic enzyme complex SHMT1/DHFR/TYMS and assisted folate-dependent de novo nucleotide biosynthesis under folate restriction. Finally, shMTHFR promoted nuclear MLH1/p53 expression under folate deficiency and further reduced micronuclei formation and DNA uracil misincorporation under folate deficiency. In conclusion, shMTHFR in HepG2 induces cell cycle arrest in G2/M that may promote nucleotide supply and assist cell defense against folate depletion-induced chromosome segregation and uracil misincorporation in the DNA. This study provided insight into the significant impact of MTHFR function on chromosome stability of hepatic tissues. Data from the present study may shed light on the potential regulatory mechanism by which MTHFR modulates the risk for hepatic malignancies.     

Changes in body composition in lactating adolescent mothers

We assessed changes in body composition in lactating adolescent mothers living under unfavorable socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. A total of 17 healthy primiparous adolescents under 17 years of age attending the Maternity Hospital of the city of La Plata, Argentina, were followed at 4 time points (15 days and 3, 6 and 12 months postpartum) to assess, a) dietary intake, b) practice of physical activity, c) nutritional condition (weight, height, body mass index [BMI] according to age, and body composition by the sum of skinfold measurements), d) characteristics of lactation, and e) growth parameters of the child. The mean age of adolescents was 15.06 +/- 0.66 years (mean menarchal age, 11.59 +/- 0.80 years). All adolescents breastfed up to 12 months postpartum, and maternal milk covered above 80% the baby intake (mean 7.06 +/- 2.54 breast feeds/day). While the daily intake of nutrients by adolescent mothers was constant up to 6 months postpartum, there was a modest decrease in that of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids 15 days and 12 months postpartum. The decrease in energetic intake during the same period was significant (p < 0.05). The practice of physical activity was classified as moderate during the follow-up period. Whereas mean basal percent of fat body mass (FBM) was 29.85 +/- 2.87, and decreased significantly at 6 (27.2% +/- 3.9%; p = 0.02) and 12 (26.1% +/- 3.9%; p = 0.002) months postpartum, changes in lean body mass (LBM) were not significant. In conclusion, lactating adolescents maintained LBM, whereas weight, FBM and BMI decreased markedly from 3 months postpartum.     

Influence of gestational age and parity on the concentration of retinol in human colostrums

Vitamin A is particularly important during the critical periods of growth, proliferation and development of tissues such as pregnancy, neonatal period and childhood. This study aims to evaluate the influence of maternal variables such as gestational age and parity, on the levels of retinol in colostrum and verify that the concentration of vitamin A in the colostrum of those mothers provides the recommended amount of this micronutrient for newborns. We recruited 84 healthy pregnant women attended at a Brazilian public hospital. Retinol concentrations in colostrum were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. The retinol in colostrum from mothers at term (n=49) and preterm (n=35) showed values of 111.3 +/- 12.4 microg/dL and 79.2 +/- 10.6 microg/dL (p < 0.0001), respectively, and retinol concentration in colostrum from primiparous (n=40) (82.5 +/- 8.8 microg/dL) and multiparous (n=44) (116.9 +/- 10.3 microg/dL) was also statistically different (p < 0.0001). Retinol levels in colostrum at term and those whose mothers had one or more than one child in this study meet the needs of the child (400 microg retinol/day). However, levels of retinol in colostrum of preterm infants are not consistent with the recommendations of the DRI for premature infants, which is 420 microg retinol/day. These results demonstrate the need to supplement with vitamin A preterm mothers to ensure an adequate supply of this vitamin to the newborn.     

Dietary and other lifestyle correlates of serum folate concentrations in a healthy adult population in Crete, Greece: a cross-sectional study

Background  

Folate has emerged as a key nutrient for optimising health. Impaired folate status has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, various types of cancers, and neurocognitive disorders. The study aimed at examining the distribution and determinants of serum folate concentrations in a healthy adult population in Crete, Greece.     

Metabolic parameters and risk factors associated with abdominal obesity among female adolescents in public schools in the Distrito Federal (Brazil)

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of abdominal obesity and investigate their association with parameters markers of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its risk factors in female adolescents. It is a cross-sectional study with 150 adolescents from 10 public schools in the Federal District, Brazil. The presence of abdominal obesity was considered by measuring waist circumference above the 80th percentile, according to Taylor et al. (2000). The associated factors included sociodemographic characteristics, health status of adolescents and their parents, physical activity, eating habits, blood pressure and biochemical profile. The abdominal obesity prevalence ratio (PR) was estimated by Poisson regression model, with 95% CI. Among the adolescents studied (age= 15.6 +/- 0.8 years; BMI = 21.0 +/- 3.0 kg/m2), prevalence of abdominal obesity was 20%, and this condition was not associated with sociodemographic variables, physical activity and diet. However, abdominal obesity was significantly associated with intake of less than 4 meals a day (PR = 2.27; IC95% 1.27-4.10), previous obesity (PR = 2.36; IC95% 1.31-4.01), history of parental chronic disease (PR = 3.55; IC 95% 1.63-7.75), fasting insulin = 15 uUi/mL (PR = 3.05; IC 95% 1.36-6.82) e HDL-c > 40 mg/dL (PR = 0.39; IC95% 0.23-0.67). In this population, modifiable factors, family history and determinants of MS, such as insulin and HDL-c were associated with abdominal obesity, which points to the need for effective health promotion among adolescents.     

Prevalence of anemia during pregnancy: results of Valencia (Venezuela) anemia during pregnancy study

To determine the prevalence of anemia during pregnancy in Venezuelan pregnant women. By using a cross-sectional study, 630 Venezuelan pregnant women in their third trimester at labor from the Valencia Anemia during Pregnancy Study were studied. Anemia during pregnancy was defined according to WHO guidelines (Hb < 11 g/dl), iron deficiency was considered when serum ferritin level was < 12 ng/ml, and when serum folate level was < 3 ng/ml, it was considered as folate deficiency. 630 pregnant women (mean [+/- SD] age, 24 +/- 6.4 years) having an average of Hb 11.38 +/- 1.47 g/dl [95%CI = 11.27 to 11.50] were studied. No patient had hemolytic anemia nor clinical infections. Almost all patients were from low or very low socioeconomic status. Prevalence of anemia was 34.44% (severe: 1.8%, moderate: 15.2%, and mild: 83%). Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was present in 39.2% (95%CI = 32.7 to 45.7), prevalence of folate deficiency anemia (FDA) was 11.98% (95%CI = 7.6% to 16.3%). Combined anemia (IDA and FDA) occurred in 11.52% (95%CI = 7.27% to 15.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that multiparous (odds ratio -OR-: 1.95, 95%CI = 1.28 to 2.97, p = .002) and supplement use of iron (OR: .55 (95%CI = .33 to .91, p = .02) are associated with IDA. The factors associated with FDA were: supplement use of folic acid (OR: .37 (95%CI = .19 to .71, p = .003) and appropriate prenatal control (OR: .51 95%CI = .27 to .96, p = .04). Prevalence of anemia during pregnancy was found to be high. Educational efforts should be stressed in order to encourage improvements in the prenatal care visits.     

Vitamin A status of pregnant women assessed by a biochemical indicator and a simplified Food Frequency Questionnaire

The aim of this study was to compare plasma concentrations of vitamin A in 710 women after delivery, with a simplified Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Vitamin A was determined in plasma, by HPLC. The FFQ included 55 foods, and was based on the typical diet of the low socioeconomic families in the Southeast of Brazil. For calculation purposes, first were identified all potential sources of retinol and carotenoids; the portion sizes being assigned to each food item on the basis of a previous study in the same area. Daily, weekly and monthly frequencies of consumption of foods with high, moderate and low concentrations of vitamin A were grouped according to the IVACG recommendations (1) in usual pattern of food consumption (UPF) scores. Pregnant women were allocated by these scores in 3 different categories (high, moderate and low) according to their risk of developing vitamin A deficiency. The categories of risk were based on the safe level of vitamin A intake of 800 RE/day (5600 RE/week) (7) and the basal requirement of 370 RE/day for pregnant women (8). 1.3% of the women had plasma concentrations of vitamin A < or = 0.70 mumol/l, 10.2% between 0.71-1.05 mumol/l and 88.5% > 1.05 mumol/l. According to the score categories, 49.5% of the women were at low risk for vitamin A deficiency, and 50.5% were at moderate risk. There was a weak statistically significant correlation between the plasma concentrations of vitamin A and the score categories (r = 0.11; p = 0.005). Our results indicate that the FFQ does not provide a very precise information on vitamin A status, probably because of the day to day variation in vitamin A intake, and the insensitivity of plasma concentrations to consumption of vitamin A. However, by using a simple score based on the FFQ, we were able to predict that the majority of the mothers were not at high risk for vitamin A deficiency.     

Evaluation of effectiveness of class-based nutrition intervention on changes in soft drink and milk consumption among young adults

Background

The repeatability of a risk factor measurement affects the ability to accurately ascertain its association with a specific outcome. Choline is involved in methylation of homocysteine, a putative risk factor for cardiovascular disease, to methionine through a betaine-dependent pathway (one-carbon metabolism). It is unknown whether dietary intake of choline meets the recommended Adequate Intake (AI) proposed for choline (550 mg/day for men and 425 mg/day for women). The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) remains to be established in population settings. Our objectives were to ascertain the reliability of choline and related nutrients (folate and methionine) intakes assessed with a brief food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and to estimate dietary intake of choline and betaine in a bi-ethnic population.

Methods

We estimated the FFQ dietary instrument reliability for the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study and the measurement error for choline and related nutrients from a stratified random sample of the ARIC study participants at the second visit, 1990–92 (N = 1,004). In ARIC, a population-based cohort of 15,792 men and women aged 45–64 years (1987–89) recruited at four locales in the U.S., diet was assessed in 15,706 baseline study participants using a version of the Willett 61-item FFQ, expanded to include some ethnic foods. Intraindividual variability for choline, folate and methionine were estimated using mixed models regression.

Results

Measurement error was substantial for the nutrients considered. The reliability coefficients were 0.50 for choline (0.50 for choline plus betaine), 0.53 for folate, 0.48 for methionine and 0.43 for total energy intake. In the ARIC population, the median and the 75^th percentile of dietary choline intake were 284 mg/day and 367 mg/day, respectively. 94% of men and 89% of women had an intake of choline below that proposed as AI. African Americans had a lower dietary intake of choline in both genders.

Conclusion

The three-year reliability of reported dietary intake was similar for choline and related nutrients, in the range as that published in the literature for other micronutrients. Using a brief FFQ to estimate intake, the majority of individuals in the ARIC cohort had an intake of choline below the values proposed as AI.     

Fatty acid status and behavioural symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adolescents: A case-control study

Background

Most studies of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have focused on either young children or older adults. The current study compared 11 ADHD adolescents with 12 age-matched controls. The purpose was to examine differences in dietary intake, particularly of essential fatty acids, and determine whether this could explain the typical abnormalities in red blood cell fatty acids observed in previous studies of young children. A secondary purpose was to determine if there were relationships between circulating concentrations of essential fatty acids and specific ADHD behaviours as measured by the Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS-L).

Methods

Eleven ADHD adolescents and twelve age-matched controls were recruited through newspaper ads, posters and a university website. ADHD diagnosis was confirmed by medical practitioners according to DSM-IV criteria. Blood, dietary intake information as well as behavioural assessments were completed.

Results

Results showed that ADHD adolescents consumed more energy and fat than controls but had similar anthropometry. ADHD children consumed equivalent amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to controls, however they had significantly lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and total omega-3 fatty acids, higher omega-6 fatty acids and a lower ratio of n-3:n-6 fatty acids than control subjects. In addition, low omega-3 status correlated with higher scores on several Conners' behavioural scales.

Conclusion

These data suggest that adolescents with ADHD continue to display abnormal essential fatty acid profiles that are often observed in younger children and distinctly different from normal controls of similar age. Further these red blood cell fatty acid differences are not explained by differences in intake. This suggests that there are metabolic differences in fatty acid handling between ADHD adolescents and normal controls. The value of omega-3 supplements to improve fatty acid profiles and possibly behaviours associated with ADHD, need to be examined.     

The intake of carotenoids in Denmark

To estimate the intake of carotenoids in the Danish population Danish fruits and vegetables were screened with an HPLC method consisting of extraction with ethanol:tetrahydrofuran, separation by reversed phase HPLC with the mobile phase acetonitril:methanol:dichlormethan, triethylamin, BHT and detection at 450 nm. Food intakes were estimated by the national dietary surveys (1995) from 7 days' food registration (n = 1837 adults), which allows the whole diet to be described by the mean intake and intake distribution of 207 raw or semiprepared foods. By multiplication with the mean content in the foods the mean intake and intake distribution of the carotenoids were calculated. Carrots and tomatoes have both high contents of carotenoids (8,450 μg/100 g α‐ + β‐carotene and 4,790 μg/100 g lycopene, respectively) and high intakes (19 and 15 g/day, respectively) and were responsible for 47% and 32%, respectively, of the mean intake of carotenoids of 4.8 mg/day. A median value of 4.1 mg/day was found indicating skewed intake distributions. The difference between men and women was 0.4 mg/day (p < 0.0065). Only four carotenoids, α‐carotene, β‐carotene, lutein and lycopene, contributed significantly to the intake. Women had a 6 g/day higher intake of carrots than men (p < 0.0001), which explains the 0.4 mg/day difference in the intake between men and women, and the 25th percentile was well over zero (5.0 g/day for men and 5.9 g/day for women) indicating that almost everybody consumed at least some carrots.