Dietary Sources of Fiber Intake and Its Association with Socio-Economic Factors among Flemish Preschool Children

The objectives were to assess total dietary fiber intake, identify the major sources of dietary fiber, and examine its association with socio-economic factors among Flemish preschoolers. Three-day estimated dietary records were collected from a representative sample of preschoolers 2.5-6.5 years old (n = 661; 338 boys, 323 girls). The mean dietary fiber intake (13.4 g/d) was lower than the intake level recommended by the Belgian Superior Health Council (70% boys and 81% girls below the guidelines). The most important contributor was the group of bread and cereals (29.5%), followed by fruits (17.8%), potatoes and grains (16.0%), energy-dense, low-nutritious foods (12.4%), and vegetables (11.8%). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that total fiber intake was associated with maternal education and parents' employment. Overall, fiber intakes from high-nutritious foods (vegetables and fruits) were higher in preschoolers of higher educated mothers and those with one or both parents being employed. In conclusion, the majority of the preschoolers had dietary fiber intakes below the recommended level. Hence, dietary fiber should be promoted among parents of preschoolers and low socio-economic status families should be addressed in particular.     

Dietary factors associated with obesity indicators and level of sports participation in Flemish adults: a cross-sectional study

Background  

Obesity develops when energy intake continuously exceeds energy expenditure, causing a fundamental chronic energy imbalance. Societal and behavioural changes over the last decades are held responsible for the considerable increase in sedentary lifestyles and inappropriate dietary patterns. The role of dietary fat and other dietary factors in the aetiology and maintenance of excess weight is controversial. The purposes of the present study were to investigate the dietary factors associated with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and to analyse whether dietary intake varies between subjects with different levels of sports participation.     

Food purchase patterns: empirical identification and analysis of their association with diet quality,socio-economic factors,and attitudes

Background

Empirically derived food purchase patterns provide information about which combinations of foods were purchased from households. The objective of this study was to identify what kinds of patterns exist, which level of diet quality they represent and which factors are associated with the patterns.

Methods

The study made use of representative German consumption data in which approximately 12 million food purchases from 13,125 households are recorded. In accordance with healthy diet criteria the food purchases were assigned to 18 food groups of the German Food Pyramid. Based on these groups a factor analysis with a principal component technique was applied to identify food patterns. For these patterns nutrient and energy densities were examined. Using regression analysis, associations between pattern scores and socio-economic as well as attitude variables, reflecting personal statements about healthy eating, were analyzed.

Results

In total, three food purchase patterns could be identified: a natural, a processed and a traditional one. The first one was characterized by a higher purchasing of natural foods, the second by an increased purchasing of processed foods and the third by a meat-oriented diet. In each pattern there were specific diet quality criteria that could be improved whereas others were in line with actual dietary guidelines. In addition to socio-demographic factors, attitudes were significantly associated with the purchase patterns.

Conclusions

The findings of this study are interesting from a public health perspective, as it can be assumed that measures focusing on specific aspects of diet quality are more promising than general ones. However, it is a major challenge to identify the population groups with their specific needs of improvement. As the patterns were associated with both socio-economic and attitude variables these grouping criteria could be used to define target groups.

     

Nutrition transition among adolescents of a south-Mediterranean country: dietary patterns,association with socio-economic factors,overweight and blood pressure. A cross-sectional study in Tunisia

Background  

The increase in the burden of chronic diseases linked to the nutrition transition and associated dietary and lifestyle changes is of growing concern in south and east Mediterranean countries and adolescents are at the forefront of these changes. This study assessed dietary intake and association with socio-economic factors and health outcomes among adolescents in Tunisia.     

Vitamin A deficiency and inflammatory markers among preschool children in the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Background  

The exclusion of individuals with elevated acute phase proteins has been advocated in order to improve prevalence estimates of vitamin A deficiency in surveys, but it is unclear whether this will lead to sampling bias. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the exclusion of individuals with elevated acute phase proteins is associated with sampling bias and to characterize inflammation in children with night blindness.     

Effect of isoessential fatty acid lipids from animal and plant sources on cholesterol levels in mature male rats

Isopolyunsaturated lipids isolated from plant and animal sources were included in the diets of mature male rats. Liver and blood serum cholesterol lowering effects were noted only in the lipid from the vegetable source. The authors suggest that the cholesterol lowering effect of vegetable oils is associated with the generally betaunsaturated triglycerides found therein. Journal Article No. 3758, Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, East Lansing, Mich.     

Dietary patterns of adults living in Ouagadougou and their association with overweight

Background  

Urbanization in developing countries comes along with changes in food habits and living conditions and with an increase in overweight and associated health risks. The objective of the study was to describe dietary patterns of adults in Ouagadougou and to study their relationship with anthropometric status of the subjects.     

Influence of two breakfast meals differing in glycemic load on satiety, hunger, and energy intake in preschool children

Background

Glycemic load (GL) is the product of glycemic index of a food and amount of available carbohydrate in that food divided by 100. GL represents quality and quantity of dietary carbohydrate. Little is known about the role of GL in hunger, satiety, and food intake in preschool children. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two breakfast meals differing in GL on hunger, satiety, and subsequent food intake at lunch in preschool children aged 4-6 y.

Methods

Twenty three subjects consumed low-GL (LGL) and high-GL (HGL) breakfast meals according to a randomized crossover design followed by an ad libitum lunch 4 h after consumption of breakfast. Children were asked to consume meals until they are full. Each treatment was repeated twice in non-consecutive days and data were averaged.

Results

Children in LGL group consumed significantly lower amounts of GL, total carbohydrate, energy, energy density, and dietary fiber and higher amounts of protein and fat at the breakfast compared to those in HGL group. Prior to lunch, children were hungrier in the HGL intervention group compared to the LGL intervention group (P < 0.03). However, no significant difference was observed between LGL and HGL intervention groups in the amount of food and energy consumed during lunch.

Conclusions

Decreased hunger in children prior to lunch in LGL group is likely due to higher protein and fat content of LGL breakfast. Diets that are low in GL can be recommended as part of healthy diet for preschool children.     

The influence of frequently consumed beverages and snacks on dental erosion among preschool children in Saudi Arabia

Background

To determine the prevalence of dental erosion and its association to commonly used beverages and snacks among 3 to 5 year old preschool children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Three hundred eighty-eight preschool children between 3 and 5 years old were selected from 10 different schools using a cluster random sample selection; there were 184 (47%) boys and 204 (53%) girls. The surfaces of each tooth were examined for erosion, and the level of tooth wear was recorded. Data on the frequently used beverages and snacks were obtained by questionnaires completed by the parents of the preschool children.

Results

Among the 388 children examined, 47% exhibited low erosion, 10% exhibited moderate erosion and 4% exhibited severe erosion. There was no statistically significant difference between boys and girls in terms of the prevalence of erosion. Sixty percent of the children regularly consumed juice drinks. Among daily consumers, 84% of children showed erosion prevalence with strongly significant association (p?<?0.005). Holding the drink in the mouth also showed a significant association with erosion (p?<?0.02).

Conclusion

It was concluded that an association was found between the prevalence of dental erosion and the frequency of citrus and carbonated juice consumed by the preschool children in Saudi Arabia.

     

Comparison in the dietary intake of preschool children, attending national daycare centres (Junji), in the eastern area of Santiago, Chile

The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy intake of obese and normal nutritional status preschoolers, from four to five years old, attending several day care centres (JUNJI), in the eastern area of Santiago. The sample comprised 85 normal nutritional status and 35 obese children, representative of a population of 450 children. The food intake was evaluated twice a week and on one weekend day. At the day care centre, food intake was measured by food weighing and at the home; it was measured by food-recording. FAO 2001 energy requirements were used to calculate the energy requirements of the children. In both obese and normal nutritional status, energy intake was similar in the educational institution and home, although this energy intake corresponds to there meals time at JUNJI and only one serving at home. In respect to energy requirements of preschool children, both obese and normal nutritional status boys are at energy balance during the week (90 versus 110%). In the corresponding female groups, energy intake exceeds their energy requirement (116 and 111% respectively). In conclusion, energy intake at home, is greater and of minor quality, situation that worsens over the weekend in all preschoolers, independently of their nutritional condition (energy adequacy > 114%).     

Dietary diversity and associated factors among beneficiaries of 77 child care centers: Central Regional,Venezuela

The aim of this study was to estimate household measure diet quality, using a dietary diversity score, and its associated demographic and socio-economic factors. One hundred fifty three households representatives of the Capital District and Miranda State belonging of seventy seven day care children centers were studied. To gather data on dietary diversity, we used the food register method, collecting data on household food availability during a month. Dietary diversity at day care centers of the Capital District was 46 foods differed from that found, in Miranda State was 39 foods (p = 0.005). Likewise it differed in beneficiaries' households of the Capital District was 33 foods compared to those in Miranda State was 25 foods (p = 0.000). There were 13 and 14 foods more between day care centers and the households in both states. State (Capital District or Miranda), money spent on food per person, households size and social level were variables that explained 28.9% of dietary diversity variation in households studied. Households in the Capital District had less members, spent more money on food, and a greater proportion were non-poor compared to those in Miranda. These factors could partially explain differences in diet quality among households in the two States. Whatever perspective studied indicates that the dietary diversity had a statistically significant difference between day care centers and households in states studied. Miranda State was more deficiency than Capital District. Higher dietary diversity reflects a better quality diet at day care centers compared to households studied.     

Studies on the development of infant foods from plant protein sources. Part III. Preparation, processing and properties of various products developed

Studies have been carried out on the development of a low-cost, high-quality infant food of low paste viscosity from rice, chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and cow's milk. In order to improve the overall quality of the product, chickpea was processed by different methods prior to its incorporation. A number of formulations was prepared by mixing 52% rice, 30% each, the processed chickpea sample, and 18% whole milk powder. These mixtures were processed by extrusion cooking or drum drying. In the case of the extrusion cooking method, from the nutritional and technological points of view, it was found advantageous to incorporate milk powder after cooking a mixture of rice and chickpea. The values of net protein ratio (NPR) of the products developed, whether processed by extrusion cooking or drum-drying methods, were statistically equal, and not significantly different from those of casein. Supplementing the product with methionine and threonine showed no effect in improving the NPR value, suggesting that these amino acids were not limiting. There were slight differences in the digestibilities of proteins in the products developed and all were lower than that of casein. Depending on the processing method, differences were observed in paste viscosities of the products. After partial hydrolysis of the products with pounds amylase, both the cold and hot paste viscosities were greatly reduced and were comparable with those of whole milk powder. From the results herein reported, it can be concluded that the drum-dried product prepared using rice:chickpea (carbonate presoaked):milk (52:30:18) is the best of all the products developed. Its amino acid composition compares favorably with that of the milk proteins.     

Risk factors associated with hemoglobin levels and nutritional status among Brazilian children attending daycare centers in Sao Paulo City, Brazil

Like many other developing countries, Brazil has been going a nutritional transition which presence both malnutrition and overweight. Stunting and overweight are the major public health problems in Brazilian children. The objective of this study was to document the prevalence of stunting, overweight and anemia in preschool children and examine if those nutritional problems are related; also identify if these nutritional problems have the same risk factors. Data from the "Efficient Daycare Center Project" which include 270 children attending nurseries of eight daycare centers in Sao Paulo city, Brazil were used for this study. Data on height and weight were converted to z-scores using WHO anthro software. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were determined on finger-prick blood samples. The co-occurrence of stunting, overweight and anemia was investigated by contingency tables a log-linear model. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to estimate the association of HAZ, WAZ, WHZ and Hb levels with their risk factors. The results showed high prevalence of overweight (22.2%), risk of stunting (22.6%) and anemia (37%). Percent of daycare attendance, age, number of siblings under 5 years old and per capita income are associated with Hb levels. This study provides evidence that Brazil is going through a nutritional transition and suggest that the adoption of public policies to expand and improve services in daycare centers may help to prevent multi-nutritional problems in preschool children.     

Blood pressure and obesity of children and adolescents association with body mass index and waist circumference

The objective of this work was to evaluate the association between the average levels of blood pressure of 706 children in Porto Alegre with their nutritional state--body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference--and with their social-economic state. A prevalence of 12.3% (n=87) of high blood pressure was found. According to the BMI, 11% of the sample was obese. 47.7% belonged to the social class with an income less than two monthly minimum salaries. All of the correlations of the SBP (systolic blood pressure) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) with variables in the nutritional state showed to be significant (p < 0.001). What ended up having a stronger association was the BMI and waist circumference with SBP (R = 0.27). This study made it possible to notice that the anthropometric indicator that best is related to the existence of high BP is the BMI along with the waist circumference. This seems to be an easy method that is noninvasive and of low cost to detect the risk of high BP in children and adolescents.     

Nutritional anthropometry and dietary intake of children from the Las Cuevas region of the Dominican Republic

A nutritional survey was conducted in the "Las Cuevas" watershed located in the southwestern region of the Dominican Republic to assess the nutritional status of preschool children. Height, weight, mid-arm circumference and triceps skinfold measurements were taken of 280 children between 6 to 54 months of age. Dietary recall was elicited from mothers or care givers. Results compared with the National Center for Health Statistics reference data indicate that these children: 1) experience growth failure and poor nutritional status as indicated by low weight for age; 2) suffer chronic malnutrition as revealed by low height for age and reduced muscle mass of the mid-arm; and 3) have appropriate weight for height measurements. A food frequency survey revealed that these children consume a diet high in carbohydrates and low in animal protein. Breast feeding is a common practice although cow's milk was introduced early in 25% of the sample. The mean age at weaning is 12 months. The results indicate that these children experience the greatest growth deficits in the second year of life and that these deficits are indicative of chronic undernutrition rather than acute food shortage or recent disease episodes. This study was carried out to establish baseline data for a resource management project initiated by the Secretariat of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic.     

Nutritional value and economic aspects of fortification of foods of plant origin with soy protein

The protein requirements of children and adults are reviewed in comparison with the protein qualities of several foods with and without added soy. The economic considerations greatly favor soy containing foods for equivalent nutrition.     

Reproducibility and validity of the food frequency questionnaire for estimating habitual dietary intake in children and adolescents

Background  

A previous study reported the development a 75-item food frequency questionnaire for Japanese children (CFFQ). The first aim was to examine the reproducibility and validity of the CFFQ in order to assess dietary intake among two groups; 3-11 year old children (YC group) and 12-16 year old children (AD group). The second aim was to use the CFFQ and the FFQ for adults (AFFQ), and to determine which was better suited for assessing the intake of children in each group.     

Effect of animal protein supplementation and energy on the protein quality of diets based on rice and beans in adult males

Four short nitrogen balance index studies were carried out in adult subjects to evaluate the biological quality of a mixture based on rice and beans, and also to measure the effect of animal protein and/or energy supplementation on the nutritive value of the mixture. In the first study, rice supplied 60% and beans, 40% of the protein's diet, which was administered at an energy level of 45.5 kcal/kg/day of metabolizable energy. A regression coefficient of 0.76 +/- 0.11 was found between ingested nitrogen and nitrogen balance, and a value for nitrogen maintenance of 96.2 +/- 13.7 mg/kg/day. When this same diet was administered in the second study at a 51.2 kcal/kg/day of metabolizable energy, the regression coefficient was 0.80 +/- 0.13, and that of nitrogen for maintenance, 90.1 +/- 8.7 mg/kg/day, without differences being significant (P less than 0.05) for any of the two measures. In the third study, 10% of the mixture's protein was substituted by milk protein, and given at a level of 45.2 kcal/kg/day of metabolizable energy. In this case, the regression coefficient found was 0.96 +/- 0.08, and that of nitrogen for maintenance, 78.6 +/- 10.2 mg/kg/day. These values do differ significantly (P less than 0.05) from those found in the two previous studies. When the diet of the third study was administered to the same subjects at a level of 48.9 kcal/kg/day of metabolizable energy, the regression coefficient of the equation was 0.86 +/- 0.17, and that for maintenance nitrogen, 82.4 +/- 10.2 mg/kg/day. These values are statistically equal to those found in the third study and do differ significantly from those of the first two studies. Information indicates that the supplementary effect of protein and milk occurs mainly at the digestive level. It is therefore concluded that when rice and beans are consumed jointly, in the adequate proportions, they constitute an excellent-quality food for adult humans.     

Studies on the development of infant foods from plant protein sources. Part I. Effect of germination of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) on the nutritive value and digestibility of proteins

For the purpose of developing an infant food of improved dispersibility characteristics and high nutritive quality, different treatments and technologies were applied to chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Samples were germinated for two and four days at room temperature (25 - 27 degrees C). One portion of each germinated chickpea sample was boiled for 40 min and the other portion was autoclaved at 15 psi for 15 min. These processed samples were then compared with the corresponding value of raw germinated and ungerminated samples as well as with the ungerminated processed ones for the following characteristics: chemical composition, contents of antiphysiological factors, solubility of proteins, lysine availability, net protein ratio (NPR), and digestibility of proteins. Germination caused an increase in the protein content of the seeds. No appreciable changes were observed in the trypsin inhibitor and tannin contents during germination. Availability of lysine was found slightly lower in the germinated seeds. The solubility of the nitrogenous constituents was markedly increased during germination. Along with processing, germination had no beneficial effect in improving protein quality, although digestibility of the proteins was increased. Boiling was more advantageous in the case of germinated seeds than autoclaving, whereas the reverse was true in the case of ungerminated seeds.     

Effect of dietary animal and vegetable protein on gallstone formation and biliary constituents in the hamster

A gallstone-inducing diet was utilized to examine the effect of dietary proteins (casein, soybean and cottonseed) on gallstone formation. Casein produced gallstones in 100% of the animals; however, soybean or cottonseed proteins reduced gallstone incidence to 32% and 0%, respectively. In an effort to ascertain the mechanisms responsible for gallstone formation, serum cholesterol and the 3 primary biliary constituents (bile acids, phospholipids and cholesterol) were measured. Casein produced a 4-fold increase in biliary cholesterol, whereas soybean and cottonseed yielded a 3-and 2-fold increase, respectively, when compared to a commercial diet (Purina, no. 5001). Serum cholesterol was reduced by substituting dietary vegetable protein for animal protein. This study suggests that substitution of vegetable for animal protein in the diet can decrease gallstone formation in hamsters. It is proposed that this reduced gallstone formation is due to the decreased concentrations of biliary cholesterol induced by dietary modification. Preliminary reports of portions of this work were presented at the XIIth International Congress of Nutrition and at the 73rd annual AOCS meeting. Liepa, G., and Mahfouz, S. (1982) J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 59, 316A