Showing papers on "Reference Daily Intake published in 1999"

Folate Metabolism and Requirements

Abstract: Folate functions in multiple coenzyme forms in acceptance, redox processing and transfer of one-carbon units, including nucleotides and certain amino acids. Folate-requiring metabolic processes are influenced by folate intake, intake of other essential nutrients, including vitamins B-12 and B-6, and at least one common genetic polymorphism. Estimates of folate requirements have been based on intakes associated with maintenance of normal plasma and erythrocyte folate concentrations and functional tests that reflect abnormalities in folate-dependent reactions. Dietary Reference Intakes for folate that have been developed recently are based primarily on metabolic studies in which erythrocyte folate concentration was considered the major indicator of adequacy. For adults >/=19 y, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 400 microg/d of dietary folate equivalents (DFE); for lactating and pregnant women, the RDAs include an additional 100 and 200 microg of DFE/d, respectively.

Women’s Dietary Intakes in the Context of Household Food Insecurity

Abstract: A study of food insecurity and nutritional adequacy was conducted with a sample of 153 women in families receiving emergency food assistance in Toronto, Canada. Contemporaneous data on dietary intake and household food security over the past 30 d were available for 145 of the women. Analyses of these data revealed that women who reported hunger in their households during the past 30 d also reported systematically lower intakes of energy and a number of nutrients. The effect of household-level hunger on intake persisted even when other economic, socio-cultural, and behavioral influences on reported dietary intake were considered. Estimated prevalences of inadequacy in excess of 15% were noted for Vitamin A, folate, iron, and magnesium in this sample, suggesting that the low levels of intake associated with severe household food insecurity are in a range that could put women at risk of nutrient deficiencies.

Energy intake and micronutrient intake in elderly Europeans: seeking the minimum requirement in the SENECA study.

Abstract: Objective: to examine energy intake of elderly people participating in the Survey in Europe on Nutrition and the Elderly, a Concerted Action (SENECA) study in relation to the adequacy of micronutrient intake. Design: data from eight countries on 486 men and 519 women who were 74‐79 years old. Dietary intakes of energy, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine were calculated. Results: there was inadequate intake of one or more nutrients in 23.9% of men and 46.8% of women. The prevalence of inadequate intakes decreased gradually with higher energy intakes. Of all people with energy intakes exceeding 1500 kcal, 19% of men and 26% of women still had an inadequate intake of at least one micronutrient. Conclusion: we found no single criterion ensuring level of energy intake with an adequate micronutrient supply. The prevalence of an inadequate intake of micronutrients was high at all energy intake levels, especially in women

Functional biochemical and nutrient indices in frail elderly people are partly affected by dietary supplements but not by exercise.

Abstract: A decline in dietary intake due to inactivity and, consequently, development of a suboptimal nutritional status is a major problem in frail elderly people. However, benefits of micronutrient supplementation, all-round physical exercise or a combination of both on functional biochemical and hematologic indicators of nutritional and health status in frail elderly subjects have not been tested thoroughly. A 17-wk randomized controlled trial was performed in 145 free-living frail elderly people (43 men, 102 women, mean age, 78 +/- 5.7 y). Based on a 2 x 2 factorial design, subjects were assigned to one of the following: 1) nutrient-dense foods, 2) exercise, 3) both (1) and (2) or 4) a control group. Foods were enriched with micronutrients, frequently characterized as deficient [25-100% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA)] in elderly people. Exercises focused on skill training, including strength, endurance, coordination and flexibility. Dietary intake, blood vitamin levels and nutritional and health indicators, including (pre)albumin, ferritin, transferrin, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin and lymphocytes were measured. At baseline, 28% of the total population had an energy intake below 6.3 MJ, up to a maximum of 93% having vitamin intakes below two thirds of the Dutch RDA. Individual deficiencies in blood at baseline ranged from 3% for erythrocyte glutathione reductase-alpha to 39% for 25-hydroxy vitamin D and 42% for vitamin B-12. These were corrected after 17 wk in the two groups receiving the nutrient-dense foods, whereas no significant changes were observed in the control or exercise group. Biochemical and hematologic indicators at baseline were within the reference ranges (mean albumin, 46 g/L; prealbumin, 0.25 g/L; hemoglobin, 8.6 mmol/L) and were not affected by any of the interventions. The long-term protective effects of nutrient supplementation and exercise, by maintaining optimal nutrient levels and thereby reducing the initial chance of developing critical biochemical values, require further investigation. Other indicative functional variables for suboptimal nutritional status, in addition to those currently selected, should also be explored.

Food and nutrient intake of a national sample of 4-year-old children in 1950: comparison with the 1990s.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the food and nutrient intake of members of a birth cohort study when young children in 1950 and investigate differences from present-day children's diets. Design: One-day recall diet records from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD) (1946 Birth Cohort) at age 4 years were analysed for energy and selected nutrients and compared to the published results for 4-year-olds in the 1992/93 National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS). Setting: England, Scotland and Wales in 1950 and 1992/93. Subjects: 4599 children in 1950 and 493 children in 1992/93. Results: Mean (SD) daily intakes in 1950 were energy 1445 (343) kcal, or 6.1 (1.4) MJ, protein 46 (11)g, fat 64 (20)g, starch 117 (33)g, sugar 62 (24)g, unavailable carbohydrate 13 (4)g, calcium 736 (230)mg, iron 7.7 (2.1)mg, retinol 738 (1273) μg, carotene 1049 (1130) μg and vitamin C 40 (26) mg. Compared to 1992/93, the 1950 diet contained substantially more bread and vegetables and less sugar and soft drinks, giving it a higher starch and fibre content and making it more in line with current recommendations on healthy eating. However, fat provided 40% of energy in 1950, compared to 35% in 1992/93. In 1950, red meat was an important source of iron, but by 1992 most iron came from fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin C came mainly from vegetables in 1950, but from soft drinks in 1992. Conclusions: The relative austerity of post-war food supplies resulted in food and nutrient intakes in 1950 which in many respects may well have been beneficial to the health of young children, despite fat intake being higher than present-day recommendations.

Recent national French food and nutrient intake data.

Abstract: In France, the first national dietary survey, called ASPCC, was done in 1993-1994. According to this survey, the mean fat intake in France is rather high, both for men (37.7%) and women (40%). Saturated fat intake is above 15% of energy. The intake of fruit and vegetables is particularly low for younger people and manual workers. Fruit intake is also lower for people from the north of the country. These data show the necessity of a targeted nutritional policy in France. Therefore, public health authorities are determining new dietary guidelines. The fact that people with unsatisfactory nutritional status are often not concerned with nutrition proves the importance of simple understandable food-based dietary guidelines.

Impact of Adopting Lower-Fat Food Choices on Energy and Nutrient Intakes of American Adults

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the energy and nutrient intake of free-living men and women who choose foods consistent with different fat-reduction strategies. Design For each year of the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals from 1989 through 1991, food codes were used to sort respondents by type of milk; type of meats; and type of cheese, yogurt, salad dressing, cake, and pudding (ie, full-fat or fat-modified products) consumed. Subjects A nationally representative sample of 3,313 men and 3,763 women who completed 3-day intake records and consumed either a reduced-fat or full-fat food from at least 1 of the 3 fat-reduction strategy categories. Statistical analysis performed Analysis of variance with the Scheffe test was used to analyze differences in energy and nutrient intake between exclusive users, mixed users, and nonusers of each strategy or combined strategies. Results Regardless of fat-reduction strategy, men and women who used them reported significantly lower intakes of total fat (up to 18g lower), saturated fat (up to 12g lower), cholesterol (up to 75 ing lower) and energy compared with nonusers. Exclusive users of single strategies met or approached recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program for total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol intake; micronutrient intake varied depending on the strategy used. Skim milk users had the most favorable micronutrient intake, whereas lean meat users reported inadequate intake of zinc (men 6396 and women 59% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances [RDAs]) and female users of fat-modified products reported inadequate intakes of vitamin E (64% of RDA) and zinc (65% of RDA). Multiple-strategy users achieved National Cholesterol Education Program goals and reported adequate micronutrient intakes and significantly lower energy intake. Mixed users of fat-modified products compared with nonusers of any fat-modified products had adequate micronutrient intake and lower intakes of total fat (32% vs 36% of energy for men and 32% vs 35% of energy for women) and saturated fat (11% vs 13% of energy for men and 11% vs 12% of energy for women). In addition, nonusers of any fat-modified strategy had the highest cholesterol and energy intake and the lowest intake of. many micrbnutrients. Applications A variety of fat-reduction strategies can be implemented to reduce energy, total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol intake. Some of the strategies were associated with an inadequate micronutrient intake, so additional dietary guidance is needed to ensure that all nutrient requirements are met. Furthermore, people who do not use any fat-reduction strategy or those who exclusively use lean meats or fat-modified products would benefit from understanding how to balance their food choices. J Am Diet Assoc. 1999;99:177–183 .

Food-based dietary guidelines--the Austrian perspective.

Abstract: Presently, no national dietary guidelines--neither food- nor nutrient-based--exist for Austria. Usually, the recommendations of the German Society of Nutrition are used instead. The determination of national characteristics of nutritional behaviour and food consumption can reveal starting-points for the improvement of nutritional status in Austria. Seven-day weighed records (children and adolescents, n = 2.173) and 24-h-recalls (adults, n = 2.488) were used for the evaluation of nutrient intake and food consumption. For a sub-sample of children and adolescents, results from laboratory assessment of biomarkers were also available (n = 1.400). Based on fat intake, the age groups were divided into low fat intake (less than 25th percentile = 28-34% fat energy) and high-fat eaters (greater than 75th percentile = 38-45% fat energy). Approximately 75% of the Austrian population have fat intakes above 30% of energy intake, older age groups having a higher prevalence of high fat intakes. Intakes of saturated fatty acids reach 40-46% of total fat. The usual intake of dietary fibre in the Austrian population is between 17-21 g/d; some individuals are able to achieve the recommended intakes for dietary fibre, but do not represent a significant majority of the population. The mean intakes of fruits are clearly higher in children and adolescents (10% of total food intake) than in adults (2-6%). Differences in the intake of selected nutrients in foods between low and high fat consumers, unexpectedly, did not result in different plasma concentrations of cholesterol, nor did it result in differences in fat soluble vitamins. Therefore, one of the primary dietary guidelines for Austria should be the reduction of fat consumption, which is also associated with increasing intakes of fruits and vegetables, increasing intakes of dietary fibre and decreasing intakes of cholesterol.

Nutrient and food intakes in selected subgroups of Belgian adults.

Abstract: In March 1997, official dietary guidelines were for the first time published in Belgium by the National Council on Nutrition. These guidelines are entirely focussed on nutrient intake and do not translate this information into specific 'food-based' recommendations. In this paper, actual intake data for the adult Belgian population are compared to these guidelines. It is concluded that the overall macronutrient intake pattern in Belgium corresponds to the typical Western so-called affluent diet. As a next step, an attempt is made to outline a conceptual framework for developing food-based dietary guidelines on the basis of existing food consumption databases. For that purpose, nutrient and food intake profiles--percentage of consumers and mean intakes for the total population and for consumers only--are studied for subgroups of the population that do or do not comply to predefined dietary goals for total fat intake, fibre intake, and fruit and vegetable intake. Finally, it is shown with an example that these data can be used as a basis for formulating healthy food recommendations towards the general population in terms of specific foods or food groups to be avoided or to be chosen preferably. The food and nutrient intake data used in this paper are from the BIRNH study (Belgian Interuniversity Research on Nutrition and Health, 1980-1984), the only nationwide food consumption survey on an individual level ever carried out in Belgium.

Nutrition and chronic renal failure in rats : What is an optimal dietary protein?

Abstract: . In chronic uremia (CRF), malnutrition is an important determinant of morbidity in adults and impaired growth in children. Causes of malnutrition include anorexia and abnormal protein and amino acid metabolism. To determine how different levels of dietary protein and CRF interact to influence growth and nutritional status, CRF and sham-operated, pair-fed control rats were fed isocaloric diets containing 8, 17, or 30% protein for 21 d to mimic dietary regimens recommended for CRF patients: the minimum daily requirement; the recommended daily allowance; or an excess of dietary protein. Serum creatinine did not differ between groups of CRF rats but blood urea nitrogen was lowest in CRF rats fed 8% protein ( P P

Thiamine Deficiency is Prevalent in a Selected Group of Urban Indonesian Elderly People

Abstract: This cross-sectional study involved 204 elderly individuals (93 males and 111 females). Subjects were randomly recruited using a list on which all 60-75 y-old-people living in seven sub-villages in Jakarta were included. The usual food intake was estimated using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires. Hemoglobin, plasma retinol, vitamin B-12, red blood cell folate and the percentage stimulation of erythrocyte transketolase (ETK), as an indicator of thiamine status, were analyzed. Median energy intake was below the assessed requirement. More than 75% of the subjects had iron and thiamine intakes of approximately 2/3 of the recommended daily intake, and 20.2% of the study population had folate intake of approximately 2/3 of the recommended daily intake. Intakes of vitamins A and B-12 were adequate. Biochemical assessments demonstrated that 36.6% of the subjects had low thiamine levels (ETK stimulation > 25%). The elderly men tended to have lower thiamine levels than the elderly women. The overall prevalence of anemia was 28.9%, and the elderly women were affected more than the elderly men. Low biochemical status of vitamins A, B-12 and RBC folate was found in 5.4%, 8.8 % and 2.9% of the subjects, respectively. Dietary intakes of thiamine and folate were associated with ETK stimulation and plasma vitamin B-12 concentration (r = 0.176, P = 0.012 and r = 0.77, P = 0.001), respectively. Results of this study suggest that anemia, thiamine and possibly vitamin B-12 deficiency are prevalent in the elderly living in Indonesia. Clearly, micronutrient supplementation may be beneficial for the Indonesian elderly population living in underprivileged areas.

The role of past intake of vitamin E in early cataract changes.

Abstract: PURPOSE. We examined the association between prior supplementation of vitamin E and early cataract changes in volunteers currently enrolled in the cross-sectional VECAT study. The Vitamin E and Cataract Prevention Study (VECAT) is a clinical trial currently in progress, designed to assess the affect of vitamin E supplementation on the development and progression of cataract and age-related macular degeneration. METHODS. A history of vitamin E supplementation was ascertained through a self-administered questionnaire that was mailed to each of the 1,111 participants who were enrolled at the time in the prospective VECAT Study. RESULTS. With a 99% response rate, we found that 26% of participants reported prior supplementation of vitamin E. Only 8.8% of these participants took supplementation greater than the recommended daily intake (RDI) of 10 mg/day. Of these 26%, 57% took supplementation in the form of multivitamins as opposed to a vitamin E supplement on its own. The range of supplement intake ranged fro...

6. Recommendations on potassium, magnesium and calcium

Abstract: Objective: To provide updated, evidence-based recommendations on the consumption, through diet, and supplementation of the cations potassium, magnesium and calcium for the prevention and treatment of hypertension in otherwise healthy adults (except pregnant women). Options: Dietary supplementation with cations has been suggested as an alternative or adjunctive therapy to antihypertensive medications. Other options include other nonpharmacologic treatments for hypertension. Outcomes: The health outcomes considered were changes in blood pressure and in morbidity and mortality rates. Because of insufficient evidence, no economic outcomes were considered. Evidence: A MEDLINE search was conducted for the period 1966‐1996 with the terms hypertension and potassium, magnesium and calcium. Reports of trials, meta-analyses and review articles were obtained. Other relevant evidence was obtained from the reference lists of articles identified, from the personal files of the authors and through contacts with experts. The articles were reviewed, classified according to study design, and graded according to the level of evidence. Values: A high value was placed on the avoidance of cardiovascular morbidity and premature death caused by untreated hypertension. Benefits, harms and costs: The weight of the evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates that increasing intake of or supplementing the diet with potassium, magnesium or calcium is not associated with prevention of hypertension, nor is it effective in reducing high blood pressure. Potassium supplementation may be effective in reducing blood pressure in patients with hypokalemia during diuretic therapy. Recommendations: For the prevention of hypertension, the following recommendations are made: (1) The daily dietary intake of potassium should be 60 mmol or more, because this level of intake has been associated with a reduced risk of stroke-related mortality. (2) For normotensive people obtaining on average 60 mmol of potassium daily through dietary intake, potassium supplementation is not recommended as a means of preventing an increase in blood pressure. (3) For normotensive people, magnesium supplementation is not recommended as a means of preventing an increase in blood pressure. (4) For normotensive people, calcium supplementation above the recommended daily intake is not recommended as a means of preventing an increase in blood pressure. For the treatment of hypertension, the following recommendations are made: (5) Potassium supplementation above the recommended daily dietary intake of 60 mmol is not recommended as a treatment for hypertension. (6) Magnesium supplementation is not recommended as a treatment for hypertension. (7) Calcium supplementation above the recommended daily dietary intake is not recommended as a treatment for hypertension. Validation: These guidelines are consistent with the results of meta-analyses and recommendations made by other organizations. They have not been clinically tested. Sponsors: The Canadian Hypertension Society, the Canadian Coalition for High Blood Pressure Prevention and Control, the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control at Health Canada, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Dietary intake of Austrian diabetic children 10 to 14 years of age.

Abstract: Background: The dietary intake of 63 children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM; age 10 to 14 years) was weighed by dietitians for 2 days during a summer camp for youth with diabetes. Data were analyzed for the content of macronutrients with the help of a computer database program. Methods: The dietary intake of children with diabetes was compared with that of healthy Austrian school children and with the current nutritional recommendations for children with IDDM. Results: The mean intake of carbohydrate did not meet the recommended level, whereas sucrose, fiber, and protein intake approximated the recommendations. The total consumption of fat and cholesterol, however, exceeded the recommended values. The nutritional intake of Austrian children with IDDM was similar to that of healthy children of the same age and thus reflected regional dietary habits. Conclusion: Dietary educational measures on a national basis are needed to change harmful local eating patterns.

Dietary intake of selenium and its concentration in breast milk.

Abstract: Selenium concentration was measured in the breast milk of 30 mothers at different stages of lactation and various body mass indices (BMI). For a maternal mean selenium intake meeting 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance, mean milk selenium concentration was 14.06 ng/mL (range: 10.0–24.7 ng/mL). No significant correlation was found between the concentration of milk selenium with the stage of lactation, BMI, or dietary selenium intake.

Dietary intake of Indians living in the metropolitan area of Durban.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To report on energy and nutrient intakes, as a risk factor for coronary heart disease in Indian South Africans. DESIGN Cross-sectional dietary study as part of a coronary heart disease survey. SETTING Metropolitan area of Durban, South Africa. SUBJECTS Free-living Indian men (n = 406) and women (n = 370) 15-69 years of age. METHODOLOGY Dietary data were collected by three interviewers using a 24-h dietary recall and expressed as median intakes of macronutrients. RESULTS Results reported a low energy intake and the percentage of energy derived from total fat varied between 32.3 and 34.9% in men and between 33.1 and 36.1% in women. The energy intake to basal metabolic rate (EI:BMR) ratios were low for all age groups suggesting potential under-reporting. Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids was high, more than 10% of energy, with a median polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio (P:S ratio) that varied between 1.38 and 1.96 for the various age and sex groups. Dietary cholesterol varied between 66 and 117 mg per 4.2 MJ in men and between 76 and 109 mg per 4.2 MJ in women. Dietary fibre intakes were low and varied between 8.0 and 11.0 g per 4.2 MJ in men and between 7.6 and 9.6 g per 4.2 MJ in women. CONCLUSIONS The dietary P: S ratios were high and the effect of such a high P:S ratio on the oxidation of low density lipoprotein in this population, with a high prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD), should be investigated as a possible risk factor for CHD.

Measuring the dietary intake of Samoans living in New Zealand: Comparison of a food frequency questionnaire and a 7 day diet record.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for measuring the usual dietary intake of Samoans living in New Zealand. We compared a self-administered 89 item quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with a 7 day diet record (DR) in a sample of 55 Samoan adults aged 20 years and over. The FFQ asked people to report their dietary intake in frequency and amount and included photos of standard serving sizes. The DR was collected over non-consecutive three and four day periods, including two weekend days. Food weighing scales and measuring cups and spoons were provided to measure food portions. Correlations between the two methods were poor for both crude (range -0.03-0.48) and energy-adjusted (range -0.12-0.54) nutrient intakes. Approximately 29-53% of people fell into the same tertile when classified by the two methods and 9-22% of subjects were grossly misclassified into opposite tertiles. Agreement was also poor when the differences in energy, fat, protein and carbohydrate intake between the methods were plotted against mean intake. Relative to an estimate of energy expenditure, both methods underestimated usual energy intake; however, underestimation occurred to a greater extent with the DR. We conclude that agreement between the two dietary assessment methods was poor and we were unable to use the DR to calibrate the FFQ. In terms of total energy, the FFQ gave a better assessment of usual dietary intake than did the DR.

Development of food-based dietary guidelines: a case-study of fibre intake in Irish women.

Abstract: The recent FAO/WHO report on guidelines for the preparation of food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) identifies two key principles that should apply (FAO/WHO, 1998). The first is that dietary guidelines should be based on an existing public health problem rather than a difference between prevailing nutrient intake and some recommended ideal nutrient intake. The second key principle identified was that FBDG should be developed in a cultural context, which, among other things, implies that FBDG be derived from prevailing patterns of food intake rather than some epidemiologically based ideal. Within these guiding principles, the translation of nutrient recommendations into FBDG should be flexible to accommodate different levels of knowledge of prevailing food and nutrient intakes of the target group. Among the options for developing FBDG is that of identifying the major dietary sources of a nutrient. However, that alone will provide useful but limited information and will be only the starting point for developing FBDG strategies. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the possible options in this area using data on fibre intake of Irish females aged 40–60 years derived from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institutes (INDI) National Nutrition Survey. Table 1 lists the contribution of eight food categories to fibre intake of 40–60-year-old subjects. The objective of the exercise is to explore options for increasing fibre intake from its present level of 16 ⋅5 g/d. Four options are explored. The first looks at % consumers and asks whether it might be possible to get more women to eat a particular food category. The second and third focus on consumers of different foods and ask respectively whether the frequency of intake can be increased and whether serving size can be increased. The final strategy explores whether, within a given food category, nutrient intake can be increased by switching to a comparable alternative. Table 2 focusses on six sources of dietary fibre and expresses intakes of these foods in g/d for the total population, servings per day or week among consumers only and % consumers. Taking the options of the preceding paragraph, the following becomes evident: whereas it would be possible to increase the percentage of consumers of breakfast cereals and pulses, it would not really be possible to do so for the remaining foods. Again, whereas it would be possible to increase the frequency of consumption of pulses and fruit, it is either doubtful or not possible to do so for other food categories. In terms of increasing serving size, this seems possible only for pulses. Finally, for both bread and breakfast cereals, comparable higher-fibre alternatives do exist and could be considered. Tables 3 to 6 consider these strategies for bread, breakfast cereals, pulses and fruit. In each case, the prevailing pattern is compared for its impact on fibre intake with three levels of possible change: modest, quite significant and substantial. In the case of bread, the ratio of the intakes of white to wholemeal is about 80 : 20. The three levels of change explored are to alter that ratio from 80 : 20 to 60 : 40, 40 : 60 and 20 : 80. The impact on fibre intake would be to effect increases of 1 ⋅3 g/d, 2⋅5 g/d and 3⋅6 g/d across the three levels of change. Table 4 examines two options for breakfast cereals. One is to increase the percentage of consumers from 38 % to 50 %, 70 % and 80 % at existing fibre concentrations in the breakfast cereal component of the diets of 40–60-year-old Irish women (2 ⋅25 g/100 g). The second explores how increasing the fibre density of breakfast cereals, by switching to higher-fibre cereals (10 g/ 100 g), would influence fibre intake. The incremental change in fibre intake through increasing the percentage of consumers with present levels of fibre density in breakfast cereals is quite small (0 ⋅2, 0⋅1 and 0⋅3 g/d for level 1, 2 and 3 changes). This increases to 1 ⋅0, 0⋅5 and 1⋅3 g/d with the higher-fibre type of cereal. Table 5 examines the impact of increasing pulse intake from 1 serving per week to 2, 3 and 4 per week. The increases in fibre intake are 1⋅8 g/d for each level of change. Table 6 examines how increasing the frequency of fruit consumption from 1 serving per day to 2, 3 and 4 servings per day will influence fibre intake. The impact is of the order of 1 ⋅8 g/d for each level of change. Table 7 summarizes these effects and demonstrates that a level 1 change (modest) increases fibre intake from 16 ⋅5 g/d British Journal of Nutrition(1999),81, Suppl. 2, S151–S152 S151

Vitamins and Minerals

Abstract: Increasing attention has been given in recent years to the importance of diet in promoting health and preventing illness. The benefits of specific food components that expand the role of diet in health promotion have been identified. With a variety of compounds readily available to consumers, more people are taking self-prescribed supplemental nutrients to maintain or improve health. Vitamins and minerals are essential to the health of women across the lifespan, but deficiencies may occur because of inadequate diet; life-style choices and habits; increased requirements during growth, menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation; menopause; and illness. Critical knowledge for women's health care practitioners includes the recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals, sources, factors affecting dietary intake and use, and considerations for nutritional assessment and intervention.

Daily dietary silicon intake in Belgium using duplicate portion sampling

Abstract: For the first time, the daily dietary silicon intake of adults in Belgium has been evaluated by duplicate portion sampling, the samples were heated in a microwave oven and atomic absorption spectrometric determination of the element was carried out. The mean intake value of adults (18.6±8.5 mg/day) is similar to the few data found in the literature. Since the silicon requirement of humans and animals is still unknown, no comparison could be made with recommended daily allowance values.

Estimation of dietary boron intake in six countries: Egypt, Germany, Great Britain, Kenya, Mexico, and the United States

Abstract: Dietary boron (B) intakes were estimated from six countries selected because of the availability of adequate food consumption survey data and nutrient databases (with the exception of boron), and a wide variety of dietary patterns were represented. Large-scale nationwide survey data were provided by the United States (1989–91), Germany (1985–89) and Great Britain (1986–87). Survey data from rural agricultural communities of Mexico, Kenya, and Egypt were provided by the Human Nutrition Collaborative Research Support Program (1983–86). A boron nutrient database was created to include boron concentrations for the foods consumed in each country. This database incorporated boron analytical data from various sources in the United States, Finland, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, and China. Each person's average daily boron intake was estimated by linking the boron database with the survey food records. Mean dietary intake estimates for adults in the United States, Germany, Great Britain, Mexico, Kenya, and Egypt, respectively, were 1.11 ± 0.69, 1.72 ± 0.47, 1.30 ± 0.63, 2.12 ± 0.69, 1.95 ± 0.57 and 1.31 ± 0.50 mg B/d for males and 0.89 ± 0.57, 1.62 ± 0.76, 1.14 ± 0.55, 1.75 ± 0.48, 1.80 ± 0.49 and 1.24 ± 0.40 mg B/d for females. The major contributors to dietary boron intake were identified in each country. The top contributors in the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Mexico, Kenya, and Egypt, respectively, are coffee (6.5%), wine (14%), wine (15.4%), tortillas (56.1%), maize (35.3%), and rural breads (27.4%). These dietary boron intake estimates provide data that will be useful for setting recommended daily intake levels when boron is confirmed to be essential in humans. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 12:263–270, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Growth and nutrition in South African children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract: Objectives . To study nutritional status and its dietary correlates in a South African cystic fibrosis (CF) population. Design . Cross-sectional survey. Population . Thirty-eight children and adolescents attending the CF clinic at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town. Methods . Standard anthropometry and a 3-day weighed food record. Results . Median percentage expected weight for height (WFH) was 93 (interquartile range 84 - 101). Sixteen per cent of patients were below the 5th percentile for height. The proportion of patients who were malnourished (WFH less than 90) was greater among those over 10 years of age (47% v. 14.3%, X 2 = 4.33, P = 0.037). Sixty-eight per cent of patients consumed less than the recommended daily intake of energy. There was no correlation between WFH and energy intake. Fat intake represented 29.6% (interquartile range 27.5 - 33%) of daily energy intake. Conclusions . Young South African children with CF are growing well despite relatively low intakes of energy and fat. Greater attention needs to be given to overcoming malnutrition among older children.