Showing papers by "Ian J. Griffin published in 2006"
TL;DR: In conclusion, young adolescents can learn how to read and understand the Nutrition Facts labels through educational sessions.
Abstract: While much research has focused on intake and eating behaviors of young adolescents, few studies have examined their knowledge of the Nutrition Facts label. The goals of this project were to assess the understanding of Nutrition Facts labels and the response of young adolescents to an educational program about Nutrition Facts labels. Thirty-four young adolescents participated by answering a short questionnaire and taking a pretest about Nutrition Facts labels and their food choices, which involved using actual Nutrition Facts labels from foods typically eaten by adolescents. Then the subjects participated in a short educational program on how to read the Nutrition Facts label. This was followed by a posttest. Initial knowledge of the basic use of the Nutrition Facts label was marginal, with only 6.65 (standard deviation=2.23) or ∼55% of pretest questions answered correctly. However, the subjects' scores improved significantly to 8.32 (standard deviation=2.01) or ∼70% correct on the posttest ( P
57 citations
TL;DR: It is indicated that beef protein increases both non-heme iron and zinc absorption compared to soy protein, which should be one of the factors taken into account when designing diets for children.
Abstract: Background: Iron and zinc deficiency remain substantial problems in small children in both developed and developing nations. Optimizing mineral absorption is an important strategy in minimizing this problem.Objectives: To assess the effects of beef and soy proteins on the bioavailability of non-heme iron and zinc in children.Methods: We measured iron (n = 26) and zinc (n = 36) absorption in 4–8 y old children from meals differing only in protein source (beef or a low-phytate soy protein concentrate). Iron and zinc absorption were measured using multi-tracer stable isotope techniques. Iron absorption was calculated from the red blood cell iron incorporation measured after 14 days and zinc absorption from the ratio of the oral and intravenous excretion of the zinc tracers 48 hours after dosing.Results: Iron absorption from the beef meal was significantly greater (geometric mean, 7.6%) than from the soy meal (3.5%, p = 0.0015). Zinc absorption from the beef meal was greater (mean ± SD, 13.7 ± 6.0%) than from...
54 citations