Showing papers on "Reference Daily Intake published in 1991"

Is the recommended daily allowance for vitamin D too low for the homebound elderly

Abstract: A population of sunlight-deprived elderly was studied to determine the daily intake of vitamin D and whether dietary intake was sufficient to maintain a normal vitamin D status. Twenty-two subjects over 65 years old with serum creatinine less than 180 mumols/L and confined indoors for more than 6 months were chosen from the community and a nursing home in Southeast Baltimore. Three-day food records were obtained along with serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)2 D), and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH). The mean daily vitamin D intake was over twofold greater than the adult Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of 200 IU. The mean 25-OHD level was 40 nmol/L (normal 25-138 nmol/L) with seven patients less than 25 nmol/L. Of these participants with 25-OHD values less than 25 nmol/L, the mean vitamin D intake was 467 IU (range 36-1096 IU). We conclude that the current RDA seems inadequate for many older individuals who do not get sun exposure. This particular population of elderly is at risk to develop vitamin D deficiency and the associated complications.

The 1987–88 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey: An Update on the Nutrient Intake of Respondents

Abstract: This analysis is based on the responses of participants in the most recent Nationwide Food Consumption Survey in 1987–88. The data are descriptive of nutrient intake of a large number of Americans. The results do not provide population estimates for the United States.

Vitamin D deficiency and cancer of the breast: an unprovocative ecological hypothesis.

Abstract: It has been stated recently that atmospheric acid haze containing sulfur dioxide and sulfate crystals may lead to vitamin D deficiencies in exposed populations and increase breast cancer mortality, especially in Montreal. In view of the implications of this hypothesis, we have done a case-control study within the same cohort of women attending the Canadian National Breast Screening Study to check whether a depletion of vitamin D could be detected in the diet of breast cancer patients (n = 108) as compared to controls (n = 322) or a random sample of 1,141 women in our Montreal centre as well as 40 breast cancer cases for which precise food intake data were available by way of a 24-hour dietary journal. The mean daily intake of vitamin D of breast cancer cases was 1.65 +/- 2.48 I.U./kg while in 322 controls matched for age the mean intake was 1.34 +/- 1.17 (S.D.). It has to be pointed out that in the 5 years before diagnosis, cancer patients had not increased significantly their consumption of foods rich in vitamin D, namely milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter and fish. It has also to be stressed that, in relation to the recommended daily intake, twice as many breast cancer patients than controls had a higher consumption of vitamin D.

Prenatal diet, nutrient intake and pregnancy outcome in urban Ecuadorian primiparas.

Abstract: A nutritional survey was conducted in an urban public maternity hospital, Hospital Gineco-Obstetrico 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 and socioeconomic status in children in northeast Thailand.

Abstract: To assess the food intake and to evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and food consumption of northeastern Thai children a dietary survey was carried out among 108 urban and rural 3-8-year-olds in Sakon Nakhon province. Energy and nutrient intakes were assessed by the 24 hour recall method and calculated with local food consumption tables. Urban children consumed significantly more eggs and products containing animal proteins than rural children. In urban areas the percentage of users of meat, eggs, and fruit was significantly higher than in rural areas; fish was consumed more frequently in rural areas. As compared with the FAO/WHO RDA (Recommended Daily Allowances) all children showed a very inadequate supply of energy, calcium, iron (except urban children), vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. The mean daily protein intake was almost equal to or higher than the calculated requirements. Children of lower socioeconomic background showed a lower fat intake, a lower contribution of fat to the energy intake, and a higher contribution of carbohydrates to the energy intake than children from families with a higher SES. This study shows that nutrient intakes far below recommended intakes are common among the examined northeastern Thai children and of a serious nature, and that much more emphasis needs to be given to increase the energy or food intake rather than the protein content of their grossly inadequate diets.

Food groups as the source of retinoids, carotenoids, and vitamin A in Finland.

Abstract: The average retinoid, carotenoid, and vitamin A (RE, retinol equivalents) intake of the Finnish population was determined. The food consumption data were derived mainly from the national food balance sheets (for 1987). In this study, the average Finnish diet was composed twice a year, and the retinoid and carotenoid composition was analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The intake of retinoids and carotenoids was also calculated using the most recent Finnish analytical data on food composition. The vitamin A content of beef, chicken and pork liver, all of which contribute of the vitamin A intake, at different times of the year was determined. The beta-carotene intake in Finland varied between 1700 and 2100 micrograms/day, depending on the season. It is obvious that liver consumption plays a significant role in the vitamin A intake. Since the concentration of retinoids in liver, and especially in pork liver, is extremely high, the average vitamin A intake of the Finnish population may exceed 3000 RE/day. If liver consumption (3.7 g/day) is excluded, the average daily vitamin A intake in Finland is 970-1200 RE, a value in better agreement with the recommended daily allowances.

Nutritional status and food consumption in 10-11 year old Dutch boys (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System).

Abstract: As part of the Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System, cardiovascular risk factors and food consumption (24 h recall) as well as haematological, Fe and vitamin status (A, B6, C) were assessed in 126 Dutch boys aged 10-11 years (response 71%). Body mass index (BMI) and the sum of four skinfolds were strongly associated (r 0.85, P 20.1 kg/m2). Elevated serum total cholesterol levels ( > 4.4 mmol/l) were observed in 38%; total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were strongly associated (r 0.88, P < 0.001). Intake of fat was high (38% of energy) and too much fat was saturated (polyunsaturated: saturated 0.44, guideline: 0.5-1.0), whereas intake of carbohydrate (49% of energy) and dietary fibre was low. About 12% of the boys had insufficient Fe stores (plasma ferritin < 12.0 μg/l) and the mean Fe intake (9.0 mg/d) was below recommended daily allowance (10.0 mg/d). Plasma ferritin was, however, not associated with haematological indices and no frank anaemias were observed. No marginal values were observed for vitamins A, B6 and C status. In conclusion, the main nutritional risks in boys aged 10-11 years are cardiovascular risk factors and Fe nutrition. Chemicals/CAS: Ascorbic Acid, 50-81-7; Cholesterol, 57-88-5; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Iron, 7439-89-6; Pyridoxine, 65-23-6; Vitamin A, 11103-57-4

Sources of macronutrients and energy in the diet of a group of French high-school students on school-days

Abstract: Dietary data from 481 French high-school students aged 15–19 years were used to provide quantitative information regarding the contribution of 26 food groups to the whole sample intake of the following macronutrients: energy, protein, simple and complex carbohydrates, total fat. Each subject recorded his/her dietary intake using a one-day record in household measures with interview. The percentage of total nutrient intake which each food group provided is presented as well as the proportion of students consuming them. Foods sometimes overlooked, such as sweet pastries, were found in some instances to be quantitatively important as a principal source of all macronutrients in the adolescent diet. These data should be useful to epidemiologists in the development of dietary assessment instruments and also for the nutritionists, health professionals and nutrition educators who work with adolescents.

The Chief Scientist reports... The diets of Scottish men and women in relation to nutritional recommendations for health.

Abstract: Diets of middle-aged Scottish men and women were assessed by food frequency questionnaire as part of the Scottish Heart Health Study (a cross-sectional study of risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) in 22 regions). The data have allowed evaluation of the diets of different (high CHD risk) sub-groups with respect to nutrient composition and major nutrient sources. This paper summarises the key nutrient source findings by non-manual and manual occupational groups; discusses the Scottish diet in relation to recent recommendations for healthy eating and recommended daily allowances for antioxidant vitamins; and considers ways of achieving dietary change.

Formulation of practical advice for reducing dietary fat intakes in unemployed in Dublin

Abstract: Patterns of food and nutrient intake in a sample of 97 adults in a region of Dublin with chronically high unemployment were examined. Food intake (g/10 MJ/day) of the upper and lower quartiles of intakes of selected nutrients were compared. Quartiles of fat intake were expressed as percentage energy from fat or as g/day. In both cases, but most notably in the former, the intake of table sugar was inversely related to the intake of fat. Again irrespective of the mode of expression, the high-fat diets were characterised by high intakes of spreadable fats. The high intakes of sugar seen with low intake of fat (g/day or percentage energy) were not associated with an absolute diminution of macronutrient (excluding sugar or energy) intake or of micronutrient intake.

[Evaluation of iodine levels in daily dietary intake and urine of persons participating in epidemiological studies in the Krakow macro-region after the disaster in Czernobyl and level of iodine in drinking water of that region].

Abstract: Following the Czernobyl accident, an epidemiologic study was undertaken in which the daily iodine intake was estimated in 15% of the population studied. Iodine excretion was measured in single morning urine specimens. The iodine content was also assessed in the water form wells and in cow-milk at farms in randomly chosen villages in the region of Krynica and Nowy Sacz. On the basis of a 24-hour diet recall, the mass of each food product consumed daily was estimated for 483 persons in the Krakow voivodship (14.4% of the total population) and for 397 persons in the Nowy Sacz voivodship (15.8% of the total population). Using this data, the nutrient content of the daily diet was calculated for each studied individual. Measurements of iodine content in water and cow-milk show relatively lower iodine levels in the Nowy Sacz voivodship. The estimated value of the iodine content in milk (5.5 micrograms/100 g of milk) was considered in the estimates of the chemical composition of the daily diet of the inhabitants of this region. The mean values of the daily energy as well as the protein and calcium consumption in all subpopulations grouped with respect to domicile, age and sex, fell within the recommended daily allowances for these groups. The iodine content, while widely scattered, concentrated around low values. The median values of the iodine content in children of age 3-10 years, age 10-16 years and in adults, were 66%, 48% and 25-40% of the recommended daily allowances, respectively. No particular differences in the food intakes were observed between inhabitants of Krakow and Nowy Sacz voivodships. Nor were significant differences found in the urine iodine excretion in groups of these regions. The low iodine content in the daily food intake may be an essential factor in the ethiology of the increasing number of thyroid goiter.

Fat and cholesterol intake of attendees at two national USA cardiovascular annual meetings.

Abstract: Using a 1-page bar-coded food frequency questionnaire, the food habits of 996 adults who participated in diet screening at the annual meetings of the American Heart Association (1989) and the American College of Cardiology (1990) were analyzed for sex, age and regional differences. Estimated nutrient intakes were also compared with those from the Department of Agriculture's 1985 and 1986 Continuing Survey of Food Intake of Individuals. The average diet reported in this study satisfied National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines for cholesterol intake, but was higher than that recommended for total and saturated fats. In addition, dietary fat intake was influenced by sex, age and geographic region. Reduction in total and saturated fat intake was confined to men greater than 35 years of age; intake of these nutrients was highest among young, Mid-western women. These results suggest the need for diet intervention programs, targeted specifically to young adults with additional consideration given to regional variation. Repeated surveys of cardiac care givers might be used as an early indicator of the nationwide effectiveness of dietary intervention programs.