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Blanca Roman-Viñas

Bio: Blanca Roman-Viñas is an academic researcher from Carlos III Health Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population & Micronutrient. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 40 publications receiving 1824 citations. Previous affiliations of Blanca Roman-Viñas include University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria & Ramon Llull University.

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Journal ArticleDOI
Haramaya University1, Université de Montréal2, Université de Moncton3, National Heart Foundation of Australia4, University of Ibadan5, University of La Frontera6, University of Cuenca7, University of Waterloo8, University of the Republic9, Ghent University10, National Taiwan University11, University of Ottawa12, Karolinska Institutet13, Technische Universität München14, University of the Witwatersrand15, University of Cape Town16, Swansea University17, Lithuanian Sports University18, Emory University19, University of Los Andes20, Central University of Venezuela21, Hong Kong Baptist University22, Qatar Airways23, University of Tartu24, University of Regina25, Mahidol University26, The Chinese University of Hong Kong27, Pennington Biomedical Research Center28, University of Queensland29, Seoul National University30, Queen's University31, Linköping University32, University of Medicine and Health Sciences33, University of Guadalajara34, Shanghai University of Sport35, National University of Science and Technology36, University of Primorska37, University of Porto38, University of Ghana39, University of Strathclyde40, University of Girona41, Carlos III Health Institute42, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina43, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven44, University of South Australia45, University of Southern Denmark46, University of Auckland47, Bath Spa University48, University of Ljubljana49, Tribhuvan University50, Utrecht University51, J. F. Oberlin University52, University of Botswana53, Stamford University Bangladesh54, National Chung Hsing University55, University of Warsaw56
TL;DR: The present study provides rich new evidence showing that the situation regarding the physical activity of children and youth is a concern worldwide and strategic public investments to implement effective interventions to increase physical activity opportunities are needed.
Abstract: Background: Accumulating sufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity is recognized as a key determinant of physical, physiological, developmental, mental, cognitive, and social health among children and youth (aged 5–17 y). The Global Matrix 3.0ofReportCardgradesonphysicalactivitywasdevelopedtoachieveabetterunderstandingoftheglobalvariationinchildand youth physical activity and associated supports. Methods: Work groups from 49 countries followed harmonized procedures to develop their Report Cards by grading 10 common indicators using the best available data. The participating countries were divided into 3 categories using the United Nations’ human development index (HDI) classification (low or medium, high, and very high HDI). Results: A total of 490 grades, including 369 letter grades and 121 incomplete grades, were assigned by the 49 work groups. Overall, an average grade of “C−,”“D+,” and “C−” was obtained for the low and medium HDI countries, high HDI countries, and very high HDI countries, respectively. Conclusions: The present study provides rich new evidence showing that the situation regarding the physical activity of children and youth is a concern worldwide. Strategic public investments to implement effective interventions to increase physical activity opportunities are needed.

502 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The inclusion of foods typical of the Mediterranean diet and greater adherence to this healthy pattern was related to a better nutrient profile, both in children and adults, with a lower prevalence of individuals showing inadequate intakes of micronutrients.
Abstract: The Mediterranean dietary pattern, through a healthy profile of fat intake, low proportion of carbohydrate, low glycemic index, high content of dietary fiber, antioxidant compounds, and anti-inflammatory effects, reduces the risk of certain pathologies, such as cancer or Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Nutritional adequacy is the comparison between the nutrient requirement and the intake of a certain individual or population. In population groups, the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy can be assessed by the probability approach or using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-point method. However, dietary patterns can also be used as they have moderate to good validity to assess adequate intakes of some nutrients. The objective of this study was to review the available evidence on the Nutritional Adequacy of the Mediterranean Diet. The inclusion of foods typical of the Mediterranean diet and greater adherence to this healthy pattern was related to a better nutrient profile, both in children and adults, with a lower prevalence of individuals showing inadequate intakes of micronutrients. Therefore, the Mediterranean diet could be used in public health nutrition policies in order to prevent micronutrient deficiencies in the most vulnerable population groups.

226 citations

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TL;DR: Evaluated adherence to the 3 recommendations most strongly associated with health outcomes in new 24-h movement guidelines and their relationship with adiposity across countries participating in the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) found that for ISCOLE participants meeting these 3 healthy movement recommendations the odds ratios of being obese or having high BMI z-scores were lower.
Abstract: The Canadian 24-h movement guidelines were developed with the hope of improving health and future health outcomes in children and youth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate adherence to the 3 recommendations most strongly associated with health outcomes in new 24-h movement guidelines and their relationship with adiposity (obesity and body mass index z-score) across countries participating in the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE). Cross-sectional results were based on 6128 children aged 9–11 years from the 12 countries of ISCOLE. Sleep duration and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were assessed using accelerometry. Screen time was measured through self-report. Body weight and height were measured. Body mass index (BMI, kg · m−2) was calculated, and BMI z-scores were computed using age- and sex-specific reference data from the World Health Organization. Obesity was defined as a BMI z-score > +2 SD. Meeting the overall 24-h movement guidelines was defined as: 9 to 11 h/night of sleep, ≤2 h/day of screen time, and at least 60 min/day of MVPA. Age, sex, highest parental education and unhealthy diet pattern score were included as covariates in statistical models. Associations between meeting vs. not meeting each single recommendation (and combinations) with obesity were assessed with odds ratios calculated using generalized linear mixed models. A linear mixed model was used to examine the differences in BMI z-scores between children meeting vs. not meeting the different combinations of recommendations. The global prevalence of children meeting the overall recommendations (all three behaviors) was 7%, with children from Australia and Canada showing the highest adherence (15%). Children meeting the three recommendations had lower odds ratios for obesity compared to those meeting none of the recommendations (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.18–0.45). Compared to not meeting the 24-h movement recommendations either independently or combined, meeting them was significantly associated with a lower BMI z-score. Whenever the MVPA recommendation was included in the analysis the odds ratios for obesity were lower. For ISCOLE participants meeting these 3 healthy movement recommendations the odds ratios of being obese or having high BMI z-scores were lower. However, only a small percentage of children met all recommendations. Future efforts should aim to find promising ways to increase daily physical activity, reduce screen time, and ensure an adequate night’s sleep in children. The International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT01722500) (October 29, 2012).

216 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The long version of the IPAQ has acceptable validity for the measurement of total and vigorous physical activity, and good reliability coefficients for application in the Spanish population studied here.
Abstract: Although questionnaires are useful for evaluating patterns of physical activity in populations, they need to be validated. The objective of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in a Spanish population. The participants wore a uniaxial MTI Actigraph (Computer Science and Application, Inc.) accelerometer for 7 days and self-completed the IPAQ questionnaire twice, to assess its reliability. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing data from the IPAQ and data from the MTI. The final sample included 54 adults for the validity analysis and 66 adults for the reliability analysis. The correlations (r) between the IPAQ and the accelerometer were 0.29 (P<0.05) for total physical activity (MET · min−1 · day−1) versus total counts per minute, 0.30 (P<0.05) for time spent in vigorous activity, and 0.34 (P<0.05) for time spent sitting. The IPAQ showed a good reliability coefficient for total physical activit...

178 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The MDP was associated to a better profile of nutrient intake and a lower prevalence of inadequacy for the intake of Zn, iodine, vitamin E, Mg, Fe, vitamin B1, vitamin A, Se, vitamin C and folic acid.
Abstract: Dietary patterns have been related to health outcomes and morbi-mortality. Mediterranean diet indexes are correlated with adequate nutrient intake. The objective of the present study was to analyse the adequacy of nutrient intake of a posteriori defined Mediterranean (MDP) and Western (WDP) diet patterns in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) cohort. A sample of 17 197 subjects participated in the study. Participants completed a 136-item validated semi-quantitative FFQ. Principal component analysis was used to define dietary patterns. Individuals were classified according to quintiles of adherence based on dietary pattern scores. Non-dietary variables, such as smoking and physical activity habits, were also taken into account. The probability approach was used to assess nutrient intake adequacy of certain vitamins (vitamins B12, B6, B3, B2, B1, A, C, D and E) and minerals (Na, Zn, iodine, Se, folic acid, P, Mg, K, Fe and Ca). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the adequacy of nutrient intake according to adherence to dietary patterns. WDP and MDP were defined. A higher quintile of adherence to an MDP was associated to a lower prevalence of inadequacy for the intake of Zn, iodine, vitamin E, Mg, Fe, vitamin B1, vitamin A, Se, vitamin C and folic acid. The adjusted OR for not reaching at least six (or at least ten) nutrient recommendations were 0.09 (95 % CI: 0.07, 0.11) (and 0.02 (95 % CI: 0.00, 0.16)) for the upper quintile of MDP and 4.4 (95 % CI: 3.6, 5.5) and 2.5 (95 % CI: 1.1, 5.4) for the WDP. The MDP was associated to a better profile of nutrient intake.

127 citations


Cited by
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TL;DR: Current prevalence and trends of insufficient physical activity among school-going adolescents aged 11–17 years by country, region, and globally are described and urgent scaling up of implementation of known effective policies and programmes is needed.

1,293 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review gathers updated recommendations considering the lifestyle, dietary, sociocultural, environmental and health challenges that the current Mediterranean populations are facing and contributes to a much better adherence to this healthy dietary pattern and its way of life with this new graphic representation.
Abstract: Objective To present the Mediterranean diet (MD) pyramid: a lifestyle for today. Design A new graphic representation has been conceived as a simplified main frame to be adapted to the different nutritional and socio-economic contexts of the Mediterranean region. This review gathers updated recommendations considering the lifestyle, dietary, sociocultural, environmental and health challenges that the current Mediterranean populations are facing. Setting and Subjects Mediterranean region and its populations. Results Many innovations have arisen since previous graphical representations of the MD. First, the concept of composition of the ‘main meals’ is introduced to reinforce the plant-based core of the dietary pattern. Second, frugality and moderation is emphasised because of the major public health challenge of obesity. Third, qualitative cultural and lifestyle elements are taken into account, such as conviviality, culinary activities, physical activity and adequate rest, along with proportion and frequency recommendations of food consumption. These innovations are made without omitting other items associated with the production, selection, processing and consumption of foods, such as seasonality, biodiversity, and traditional, local and eco-friendly products. Conclusions Adopting a healthy lifestyle and preserving cultural elements should be considered in order to acquire all the benefits from the MD and preserve this cultural heritage. Considering the acknowledgment of the MD as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO (2010), and taking into account its contribution to health and general well-being, we hope to contribute to a much better adherence to this healthy dietary pattern and its way of life with this new graphic representation.

1,246 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The present study assessed the relative and construct validity of the 14-point Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) used in the PREDIMED study, a primary prevention nutrition-intervention trial, and found it is a valid instrument for rapid estimation of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and may be useful in clinical practice.
Abstract: Ensuring the accuracy of dietary assessment instruments is paramount for interpreting diet-disease relationships. The present study assessed the relative and construct validity of the 14-point Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) used in the Prevencion con Dieta Mediterranea (PREDIMED) study, a primary prevention nutrition-intervention trial. A validated FFQ and the MEDAS were administered to 7146 participants of the PREDIMED study. The MEDAS-derived PREDIMED score correlated significantly with the corresponding FFQ PREDIMED score (r = 0.52; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.51) and in the anticipated directions with the dietary intakes reported on the FFQ. Using Bland Altman's analysis, the average MEDAS Mediterranean diet score estimate was 105% of the FFQ PREDIMED score estimate. Limits of agreement ranged between 57 and 153%. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that a higher PREDIMED score related directly (P < 0.001) to HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and inversely (P < 0.038) to BMI, waist circumference, TG, the TG:HDL-C ratio, fasting glucose, and the cholesterol:HDL-C ratio. The 10-y estimated coronary artery disease risk decreased as the PREDIMED score increased (P < 0.001). The MEDAS is a valid instrument for rapid estimation of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and may be useful in clinical practice.

962 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Current theories appear inadequate to inform mobile intervention development as these interventions become more interactive and adaptive, and Dynamic feedback system theories of health behavior can be developed utilizing longitudinal data from mobile devices and control systems engineering models.
Abstract: Mobile technologies are being used to deliver health behavior interventions. The study aims to determine how health behavior theories are applied to mobile interventions. This is a review of the theoretical basis and interactivity of mobile health behavior interventions. Many of the mobile health behavior interventions reviewed were predominately one way (i.e., mostly data input or informational output), but some have leveraged mobile technologies to provide just-in-time, interactive, and adaptive interventions. Most smoking and weight loss studies reported a theoretical basis for the mobile intervention, but most of the adherence and disease management studies did not. Mobile health behavior intervention development could benefit from greater application of health behavior theories. Current theories, however, appear inadequate to inform mobile intervention development as these interventions become more interactive and adaptive. Dynamic feedback system theories of health behavior can be developed utilizing longitudinal data from mobile devices and control systems engineering models.

929 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A full appreciation of folate's history as a public health issue, its biology, and an overview of available biomarkers and their interpretation across a range of clinical and population-based uses are provided.
Abstract: The Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development (BOND) project is designed to provide evidence-based advice to anyone with an interest in the role of nutrition in health. Specifically, the BOND program provides state-of-the-art information and service with regard to selection, use, and interpretation of biomarkers of nutrient exposure, status, function, and effect. To accomplish this objective, expert panels are recruited to evaluate the literature and to draft comprehensive reports on the current state of the art with regard to specific nutrient biology and available biomarkers for assessing nutrients in body tissues at the individual and population level. Phase I of the BOND project includes the evaluation of biomarkers for 6 nutrients: iodine, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin B-12. This review represents the second in the series of reviews and covers all relevant aspects of folate biology and biomarkers. The article is organized to provide the reader with a full appreciation of folate's history as a public health issue, its biology, and an overview of available biomarkers (serum folate, RBC folate, and plasma homocysteine concentrations) and their interpretation across a range of clinical and population-based uses. The article also includes a list of priority research needs for advancing the area of folate biomarkers related to nutritional health status and development.

813 citations