Nutrition and education. II. Educational achievement and nutrient intake of Chilean elementary and high school graduates.

The interrelationships between educational achievement (EA) and nutrient intake were investigated in 550 Chilean adolescent schoolers graduating from elementary and high school. The random sample included schoolers from both educational levels (1:1), from public and private schools (1:1), and from high, medium, and low socioeconomic status (SES) (1:1:1). Standard procedures for 24-hour dietary recall interviews were used to collect data, and adequacy of intake was assessed by the FAO/WHO Pattern. EA was measured by means of the Achievement Evaluation Program (AEP) and Academic Aptitude Test (AAT) in elementary and high school, respectively. In elementary school graduates, results showed a significant and positive correlation between EA (AEP) and energy, protein, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, calcium and vitamin A intake (Multiple r = 0.456 p less than 0.01; r2 = 0.208). The School Feeding Program beneficiaries who belonged to the low SES presented the lowest EA (AEP) together with a deficient nutrient intake, especially for energy, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A and calcium, at the same time that they registered the lowest values for those anthropometric parameters, indicators of past nutrition, that is to say height-for-age, weight-for-age, head circumference-for-age and a higher upper-to-lower segment ratio, as compared with non-beneficiaries from the same SES and with those from the higher strata. In high-school graduates, EA (AAT) was found to be significantly and positively correlated with protein, calcium, riboflavin and iron intake (Multiple r = 0.438 p less than 0.001; r2 = 0.192). Nevertheless, these interrelationship are strongly related to SES and sex. Results showed that educational achievement (EA) is significantly and positively associated with nutrient intake, this fact being important for educational planning related to the School Feeding Program.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Profile of nutritional risk in pregnant adolescents

A sample of 215 adolescents (16.9 +/- 0.7 y; 13-18 y) from a low socioeconomic level of Valencia, Venezuela, at their first trimester of pregnancy were studied in order to identify nutritional risk. Socioeconomic, anthropometrical, hematological and dietary characteristic were assessed. Pregestational weight, actual weight, height, arm circumference (AC), triceps skin fold (TS), fat and muscle area (FA/MA) and pregestational body mass index (PBMI) were determined. Hemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin were measured by colorimetric and ELISA methods. Two 24 hour recalls were obtained. According to age, two groups were created. Pregnant adolescents were grouped by age: Group 1, 13 to 15 years old and Group 2, 16 to 18 years old. Nutritional risk was defined as: Gynecological age lower than 4 years since menarche. PBMI < 19.8 kg/m2, height below 10th Percentile of reference, Hb below 11 g/dL and ferritin < 12 micrograms/L. Almost all the adolescents (96.3%) were in poverty. 83.3% were single, 83.3% were at elementary school before pregnancy but 84.1% were attending house chores at the time of exam. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) for gynecological age and menarche age, but not for anthropometrical, hematological and dietary variables when Group 1 was compared to group 2. 35.3% of the adolescents had a gynecological age lower than 4 years, 23.3% were below 10th percentile for height, 36.3% had a PBMI lower than 19.8 kg/m2, 26.5% were below 10th percentile for arm circumference, anemia was present in 13.7% and low levels of ferritin in 18.4% of the adolescents. Calorie intake was below recommendation in 87.3% and adequacy for vitamin A and C, calcium and zinc were below 2/3 of recommendation in 36.3%. 25.9%, 88.7% and 73.5% of the adolescents respectively. Studied adolescents had a high prevalence of risk factors for nutritional deficiencies (short age, poverty, low weight, anemia and deficient intake). Early assessment of this conditions allows to identify the risk, to establish interventions and to monitor pregnancy evolution.     

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.     

Food consumption patterns of children 4 to 14 years old in Valencia, Venezuela

Results from a nutritional assessment are presented to establish the usual food consumption pattern of 438 children between 4-14 years of age, from a low income urban community in Valencia, Venezuela. Food intake data were collected through multiple 24 hours recalls and converted to individual food item weight in grams. Amounts of energy, macronutrients, iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C were estimated to compare them to national references. The food pattern was established according to intake frequency per food item and per food groups. Arepa was the most commonly consumed food item, and a main source of kilocalories, protein, carbohydrates, iron, and vitamin A. Unlike coffee, fruits were not among the most commonly consumed foods. Black beans were the main source of protein. Cookies and sodas were among the major sources of energy. Energy and nutrient intake were adequate, except for calcium (67% in preschoolers y 43% in school-aged children). Preschoolers' diet showed a better adequacy for all nutrients (p < 0.005), except for iron which was significantly higher in school-aged children. Since children below 15 years old are still forming food behaviors and habits, they are an ideal group to develop nutritional education strategies to modify harmful patterns such as high intake of sodas, and low intakes of calcium rich foods.     

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.     

Typical dishes consumed in Sonora: regionalization and nutrient contribution

This study deals with the development of a method to identify typical food dishes, successfully applied in the State of Sonora, Mexico. The State was divided into six regions considering the size of the territory and existence of different physical, economic and sociocultural conditions, and how they influence the consumption patterns. A list of 66 regional food dishes was prepared by interviewing housewives from different parts of Sonora who now lived in the city of Hermosillo. From this list, 47 dishes were identified as regionally consumed, and a State-wide survey was performed to determine their frequency of consumption. Based on the categories of "very frequently", "frequently" and "less frequently", a group of 15 dishes (2 per region, plus 3 dishes throughout the State) was selected. A questionnaire was used to obtain the different ways they had of preparing them. The "typical recipe" for each dish was also determined, using the mode as statistical parameter. Samples of these food dishes were prepared at the laboratory following the selected home recipes for proximal analysis and determination of their vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, phosphorus and iron content. The results showed that a portion of "gallina pinta" contributed more than 25% of the daily recommended intake established by the National Institute of Nutrition "Salvador Zubirán" (INNSZ) for an adult man for energy, protein, iron, niacin and 24.3% thiamine and 21.0% calcium. The "chivichangas de queso", for example, contributed 45.2% of the calcium requirement, and the "tamales de carne", 36% iron.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Food habits and culture factors in pregnant adolescents

The purpose of this study was to identify the food habits of pregnant adolescents and their perception about which, of her cultural concepts, have higher influence. 54 subjects between 12 and 19 years old from Guadalajara City were included and socioeconomic, dietetic data, as food frequency consumption and cultural concepts about feeding were also explored. Chi square was used for identifying association between variables. The fat intake was lower in late vs. Early and middle stage of adolescence (57 vs. 71 g/d, p = 0.05). The iron, calcium and zinc intake was also deficient in the early/middle stage; meanwhile, the folic acid consumption was very low in the late stage of adolescence. Corn tortillas were the most consumed cereal and food (93-96%); junk food and sodas (62 and 55%) prevailed in the early/middle stage. About local costumes, "tacos", "pozole" and burgers were the most referred (74.1%). They also mentioned that fat (36.7%), junk food (30%), chili (26.7%), sodas (23.3%), processed meals (26.7%) and salt (10%) were harmful. They also believed that vegetables (77%), fruits (60 %), milk (21%), broths (17%), and meat (12.5%) were beneficial; and, 96% considered that chicken and bean broths were nutritious (myth). There were some prohibited foods (taboos) during pregnancy: chili (48%), junk food (20%), and salt (16%). Prejudices were more common among later adolescents (60.9%) (p = 0.03). The erratic food habits and the conceptual confusion of these adolescents cause a low intake of nutrients and place them in a nutritional risk.     

Plasma amino acids profile of healthy pregnant adolescents in Maracaibo, Venezuela

One hundred female adolescents (13-18 y) were clinical and anthropometrically studied to select only those with adequate nutrition. Most adolescents belonged to IV socio-economic stratum families (worker class). Height, weight, age, body mass index and medial arm circumference were used as anthropometric parameters. After screening, only 41 non pregnant girls (control) and 42 pregnant girls with adequate nutrition were selected to analyze plasma amino acids. Fasting peripheral venous blood was drawn, and plasma amino acids were analyzed by HPLC. Amino acid concentrations were expressed as umol/L +/- SE. SAS/STAT program was used for statistical analysis. Amino acid values of control adolescent group were found in ranges reported by other investigators, with slight variations, mostly in diminution, presumably due to nutritional, metabolic or genetic conditions of people living in tropical regions. In pregnant healthy adolescents, distributed according to gestational age: < 32 weeks (n = 30) and > 32 weeks (n = 12), a diminution of total molar plasma amino acids was found, by comparing with control values. Ten amino acids (Pro, Gly, Gln, Arg, Ser, Orn, Tau, Leu, Thr and Val) appeared significantively diminished throughout gestation, being Gly. Gln and Arg most affected since earlier weeks. During the 2nd period. Thr and Val increased their grade of affectation; whereas some amino acids values (Orn, Pro and Tau) tended to recuperate. Several of affected amino acids are gluconegoenic, thus, they could be utilized to supply the energy required by the pregnant adolescent against her double stress: the fetus development and her own development. The plasma amino acid values reported in both, healthy non pregnant and pregnant adolescents, could be taken as regional referential profile of plasma amino acids in this poblational group for further research on adolescent and fetal--maternal malnutrition.     

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.     

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.     

Solvent extraction of rice brain. Production of B-vitamin concentrate and oil by isopropanol extraction

Freshly milled rice brain was extracted with hot 91 and 95% isopropanol to obtain the oil, sugars, and a considerable pootion of the B-complex vitamins. After concentration of the micella a sugar-syrup phase reparated from the oil. This syrup phase contained most of the extracted vitamins. Yields of oil and syrup were observed and vitamin assays made on the syrup and on the brain before and after extraction. The vitamins measured were biotin, folic acid, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, thiamin, niacin, and inositol. The study reported herein was made possible by a grant to the Texas A. & M. Research Foundation, College Station, Texas, from the River Brands Rice Mills inc., Houston, Tex. Presented at the 40th annual meeting of the American oil Chemists' Society, New Orleans, La., May 10–12, 1949.     

Associations between fruit and vegetable,and antioxidant nutrient intake and age-related macular degeneration by smoking status in elderly Korean men

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the major causes of irreversible blindness. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is any relationship between dietary intake of fruits and vegetables (F&V) and antioxidant nutrients including carotenoids and AMD according to smoking status in elderly men.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis using nationally representative samples of elderly aged ≥?65 years (n?=?1414) from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2010–2012).

Results

The current smokers consumed less food in total, and, in particular, less cereals/potatoes/sugar products, fruits and vegetables than the nonsmokers and former smokers (p?<?0.05). Intake of energy, thiamin, vitamin C, vitamin A, and β-carotene were significantly lower in the current smokers than in the nonsmokers and the former smokers. For current smokers, the ORs of the highest tertile compared with the lowest tertile were 0.36 (95% CI: 0.14–0.96, p for trend?=?0.0576) for F&V, 0.32 (95% CI: 0.12–0.85, p for trend?=?0.0561) for vitamin C, 0.23 (95% CI: 0.08–0.67, p for trend?=?0.0038) for α-carotene, 0.13 (95% CI: 0.04–0.46, p for trend?=?0.0003) for β-carotene after adjusting for confounding factors. In contrast, there was no association between antioxidant nutrient intake and AMD among the nonsmokers and former smokers.

Conclusions

These results suggest that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables containing antioxidant components such as vitamin C, α-carotene, and β-carotene may have a protective effect on AMD. These effects may be more evident among current smokers.

     

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.