Showing papers on "Reference Daily Intake published in 2005"

Dietary magnesium and C-reactive protein levels.

Abstract: Objective: Current dietary guidelines recommend adequate intake of magnesium (310–420mg daily) in order to maintain health and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Recent evidence from animal and clinical studies suggests that magnesium may be associated with inflammatory processes. The objective of this study was to determine whether dietary magnesium consumption is associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in a nationally representative sample.Methods: Analysis of adult (≥17 years) participants in a cross-sectional nationally representative survey (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2000 [NHANES]) who were not taking magnesium or magnesium-containing supplements. The primary outcome measure was high sensitivity CRP (elevated ≥3.0mg/L).Results: Among US adults, 68% consumed less than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium, and 19% consumed less than 50% of the RDA. After controlling for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors, adults who c...

Fast-food intake and diet quality in black and white girls: the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study.

Abstract: Objective To examine trends in fast-food consumption and its relationship to calorie, fat, and sodium intake in black and white adolescent girls. Design A longitudinal multicenter cohort study of the development of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in black and white female adolescents. Data collection occurred annually using a validated 3-day food record and a food-patterns questionnaire. Subjects and Settings A biracial and socioeconomically diverse group of 2379 black and white girls recruited from 3 centers. Main Outcome Measure Three-day food records and a food-patterns questionnaire were examined for intake of fast food and its association with nutrient intake. We compared patterns of exposure to fast food and its impact on intake of calories, fat, and sodium. Results Fast-food intake was positively associated with intake of energy and sodium as well as total fat and saturated fat as a percentage of calories. Fast-food intake increased with increasing age in both races. With increasing consumption of fast food, energy intake increased with an adjusted mean of 1837 kcal for the low fast-food frequency group vs 1966 kcal for the highest fast-food frequency group ( P P P Conclusions Dietary intake of fast food is a determinant of diet quality in adolescent girls. Efforts to reduce fast-food consumption may be useful in improving diet and risk for future cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin C deficiency in cancer patients

Abstract: Purpose: To assess the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency within a group of hospice patients. To assess the relationship between plasma vitamin C, dietary intake and subsequent survival. Methods: Patients with advanced cancer were recruited from a large hospice. Data were collected on demographic details, physical functioning and smoking history. An estimate was obtained of the number of weekly dietary portions consumed equivalent to 40 mg of vitamin C, the recommended daily intake. Plasma vitamin C was measured by a single blood sample. The study had local ethical approval. Results: Fifty patients were recruited (mean age 65.2 years, 28 female). Plasma vitamin C deficiency was found in 15 (30%). Dietary intake of vitamin C was correlated to plasma vitamin C (r=0.518, PB0.0001). Low dietary intake, low albumin, high platelet count, high CRP level and shorter survival were all significantly associated with low plasma vitamin C concentrations (B11 µmol/L). There was no correlation between plasma vitamin C, smoking history or physical functioning. Conclusion: Vitamin C deficiency is common in patients with advanced cancer and the most important factors determining plasma levels are dietary intake and markers of the inflammatory response. Patients with low plasma concentrations of vitamin C have a shorter survival.

Nutritive value of three potential complementary foods based on cereals and legumes

Abstract: The objectives of the study were to formulate composite blends (weaning foods) based on locally available cereals and legumes, to chemically evaluate their nutrient values, and compare with those of a proprietary formula and recommended daily allowance (RDA). The study is part of the effort to provide home-based complementary (weaning) foods that can be more cost effective to the low income families. Three composite blends were formulated based on protein basis of the food commodities used. Standard procedures of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) were used to determine the proximate chemical composition. Technicon amino acid analyzer was used to detect and quantify neither amino acids using nor leucine as the internal standard, while atomic absorption spectrophotometer and ion chromatographic analyzer were used to determine the mineral element composition. The overall results indicated that crude protein, lipid, fibre, ash, moisture, energy and carbohydrate were either comparable or higher than values in the proprietary formula. The subject formulae would meet the RDA for protein, lipid, magnesium, manganese and fluoride based on an estimated daily intake of 65 g of weaning foods by a normal six months old infant in Jos, Nigeria. The subject diets would not meet the RDA for other nutrients based on the same estimation. It is therefore recommended that infants fed on these formulations be breastfed for at least two years, since the formulations are not intended to substitute breast milk, but to complement it. Frequent feeding on these foods is also recommended to increase daily nutrient intake. Inclusion of other nutrient-dense food commodities or appropriate micronutrients is necessary to raise the level of nutrients. The researchers believe that complementary foods formulated from locally available food commodities have great potential in providing nutritious foods that are practical, food-based approaches, aimed at combating the problem of malnutrition among infants and children in Nigeria in particular, and developing counties in general. Key words : Complementary foods, Cereals, Legumes

Whole-grain intake of British young people aged 4-18 years.

Abstract: Inverse associations between whole-grain food consumption and risk of CVD, some cancers and type 2 diabetes have been reported. However, there are few reports of whole-grain intake, particularly among young people. The objective of the present study was to estimate whole-grain intake in a nationally representative sample of young people aged 4-18 years living in Great Britain. Whole-grain intake was estimated using 7 d weighed dietary records from 1583 young people who participated in the cross-sectional National Diet and Nutrition Survey in 1997. Whole-grain intake was quantified from the consumption of all foods containing ≥10 % whole-grain content. Median whole-grain intake was 7 g/d (interquartile range 0-19 g/d), with a corresponding mean of 13 (SD18) g/d. Intake was significantly lower among young people whose head of household had a manual occupation, but did not differ significantly by sex, age, region or season. There was no whole-grain intake for 27 % of participants. The percentages for less than one and less than three 16 g amounts of whole-grain intake per d were 70 and 94, respectively, while corresponding percentages based on 20 g amounts were 76 and 97. Foods with <51 % whole-grain content provided 28 % of whole-grain intake overall, with a higher percentage in older adolescents. The main sources of whole-grain intake were breakfast cereals (56 %) and bread (25 %). The present study provides the first quantification of absolute whole-grain intake from all significant food sources in any representative age group in the UK. Although there is some debate regarding the quantity of whole grains required for good health, whole-grain intake among British young people is low. © The Authors 2005.

Dietary fiber intake by American preschoolers is associated with more nutrient-dense diets

Abstract: Objective To illustrate and discuss implications of the new Diet Reference Intakes for fiber, relative to a nationally representative sample of American preschoolers. Design Cross-sectional study using the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals 1994–1996, 1998. Subjects Children 2 through 5 years of age who provided 2 days of dietary intake data (N=5,437) were grouped and 2- and 3-year-olds (n=2,805) were compared with 4- and 5-year-olds. Statistical analysis Descriptive analysis (mean±standard error) was used to describe the sample and to rank children into quartiles of dietary fiber intake. Nonparametric test for trend was employed to examine significance level of observed changes in nutrient and food group consumption by increasing fiber intake quartiles. Results Main contributors to dietary fiber intakes were low-fiber fruits and legumes. Children in the high-fiber quartile consumed diets with higher nutrient and fiber density and increased number of servings of Food Guide Pyramid food groups. Many children in this population did not meet intake recommendations of "age plus five," and most lacked the 14 g/1,000 kcal of energy consumed, even after considering a hypothetical estimated average of 5 g/day functional fiber. Conclusions Children would benefit from diets higher in fiber. Newly recommended intake levels are only met by a few and further studies need to be conducted to provide evidence for a recommended intake level of fiber in children. Average consumption of functional fiber in children has to be examined.

Lack of Relationship between Calcium Intake and Body Size in an Obesity-Prone Population

Abstract: Objective Dietary calcium intake, especially from dairy products, may have a protective effect against obesity. This study aimed to determine if calcium intake is associated with body weight and adiposity in Pima Indians, an obesity-prone population. Research Methods and Procedures Subjects were 65 Pima Indian adults (35 men/30 women, age 33±8 years [mean±standard deviation]) participating in a study of eating behavior and 78 Pima Indian children (36 boys/42 girls, age 10.4±0.3 years) participating in a study of childhood obesity. Height and weight were measured, and body composition was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Food intake in adults was assessed using the Block 1998 Food Questionnaire; food intake in children was assessed using a 24-hour recall with parental assistance. Results In adults, mean energy intake was 3,163±1,037 kcal/day, mean percentage of energy from fat was 41%±7%, and calcium intake was 914±333 mg/day. In children, mean energy intake was 1,988±733 kcal/day, mean percentage of energy from fat was 36%±9%, and calcium intake was 637±352 mg/day, half the recommended daily intake for this age group. There were no significant associations between calcium intake and body weight ( r =0.05, P =.71; r =0.04, P =.73), body fat ( r =0.16, P =.19; r =0.12, P =.42), or body mass index ( r =0.01, P =.97; r =0.04, P =.77) in either adults or children, respectively. Discussion One explanation for the lack of association between reported calcium intake and body size in Pima Indians may be that the high-fat, high-energy diet consumed by the population overwhelmed the "anti-obesigenic" effect of calcium. Conclusions We were unable to find an association between calcium intake and body size or adiposity in Pima Indian adults and children. Although the essentiality of calcium to bone health is well established, the role of calcium and dairy product intake in obesity and weight management remains uncertain.

Longitudinal changes in dietary intake in Scottish women around the menopause: changes in dietary pattern result in minor changes in nutrient intake.

Abstract: Objective To examine dietary change that has occurred over 5 to 6 years. Subjects A cohort of Scottish women ( n =898) with a mean age of 47.5 years (range 45–54 years) at baseline. Design Dietary intake was assessed by validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and analysed using the UK Composition of Foods database. Results Since the first dietary assessment, mean daily energy intake had decreased from 8.2±2.3 to 7.9±2.2 MJ. The degree of low energy reporting (defined as ratio of energy intake to basal metabolic rate >1.1) had increased from 18.7% at baseline to 25.6% at follow-up. Low energy reporters were significantly heavier than ‘normal’ energy reporters (mean weight at follow-up, 68.9±12.6 vs. 66.8±11.3 kg) and could be deliberately restricting intake rather than underreporting. Overall there were decreases in intakes of red meat, processed meat and cheese, but increases in poultry and non-oily fish consumption. Consumption of bread, biscuits and cakes had gone down and there was an increase in cereal and rice/pasta consumption. Intake of potatoes had decreased whereas fruit intake had increased. There were small but statistically significant differences in intakes for most nutrients (>8% change). Nutrient intakes at both visits were similar across menopausal status and usage groups of hormone replacement therapy. Modifications to the computer version of the McCance and Widdowson nutrient database, which differed from the published version, were noted. These changes altered the original baseline values for our study. Conclusions The menopause per se is not a period of marked change in nutrient intake. Caution is advised when using computer databases of food compositions for longitudinal studies.

Food-based recommendations to reduce fat intake: An evidence-based approach to the development of a family-focused child weight management programme

Abstract: OBJECTIVES To develop food-based recommendations to lower fat and energy intake for use in a family-focussed weight management programme for 6-9 year old children. METHODS Secondary analysis of the 1995 National Nutrition Survey (NNS95) informed the development of food-based recommendations aiming to reduce fat and energy intake. Each recommendation was used to progressively modify a model 3-day high fat dietary intake with the accumulative effect on energy and nutrient intake of each recommendation assessed. RESULTS Six to nine-year-olds in the NNS95 consuming 35-45% energy as fat (n= 280) consumed more total energy (mean +/- SD, 8671 +/- 2741 vs. 7571 +/- 2328 kJ/day) than children consuming a 'low fat' (23-27% energy as fat, n= 85) diet (P < 0.002). Food-based recommendations found to be most effective for reducing energy and fat intake included; changing to reduced fat milk, reducing intake of cereal-based and snack foods and replacing juice or soft drink with water. These changes, together with avoiding adding fat to vegetables and using sources of lean meat, reduced energy intake by approximately 10%, total fat intake by approximately 30% and saturated fat intake by 53%. CONCLUSIONS Modifying six areas of food choices results in a moderate reduction in fat and energy intake. An eating pattern that is consistent with Australian dietary guidelines and uses foods commonly eaten by children is achievable for children aged 6-9 years. These food-based recommendations provide an evidence-based dietary framework for prevention and management of overweight in children.

The status and trends of dietary nutrients intake of chinese population

Abstract: Objective: To describe the status and trends of dietary nutrients intake of Chinese residents. Method: The 24-hour dietary recall method for 3 consecutive days was used to collect food intake information, except for the condiment intake, which was collected by weighting method, and the dietary nutrients intake was analyzed. Results: 23 470 households including 68 962 subjects were included. The average nutrients intake per reference man per day of Chinese people was energy 9.42 MJ(2 250. 5 kcal),protein 65.9 g, fat 76.2 g, retinol equivalent 469.2 μg, riboflavin 0.8mg, ascorbic acid 88.4mg, calcium 388.8mg, iron 23.2mg, zinc 11.3mg respectively. Conclusion: The dietary quality of Chinese residents was improved, but the main dietary problems still exist, such as the deficiency of calcium, retinol and ascorbic acid etc. There is significant difference between the urban and rural area, and the dietary quality among rural people should be improved.

Dietary intake and nutritional status of Turkish pregnant women during Ramadan.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of Ramadan fasting on dietary intakes, nutritional status and biochemical parameters of Turkish pregnant women METHODS We carried out this study at Dr Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Care and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey from October 15th to November 13th 2004 Forty-nine fasting group and 49 non-fasting group (control group) voluntarily enrolled for the study We analyzed the blood biochemical parameters of pregnant women and obtained the dietary intakes from the groups RESULTS Compared to the control group, weight gain and energy intake (p<005 for second and third trimesters) was less in the fasting group The percentage of protein (p<005 for first and second trimesters) and carbohydrates (p<005 for all trimesters) from total energy was higher in the fasting group than in the control group We noticed a slight increase in the fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides (p<005 for first trimester) concentrations in the fasting group during Ramadan However, we found decreased levels in the plasma urea, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and total protein and albumin levels of the fasting group in comparison with the control group Dietary mineral and vitamin intakes were lower than the recommended daily allowance, except vitamin A and vitamin C in both groups CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of the present study, Ramadan fasting had no significant adverse effect on the health of pregnant women

A decrease in iron status in young healthy women after long-term daily consumption of the recommended intake of fibre-rich wheat bread.

Abstract: Fibrerich bread and cereals are included in the recommendations of a healthy diet. To measure the effects of long–term consumption of the recommended intake of fibre–rich wheat bread on the iron status of young healthy women with adequate iron stores. Four–months intervention study including healthy female subjects assigned into two groups provided daily with 300 g of fibre–rich wheat bread, prepared with or without phytase as a supplement to their habitual diet. Forty–one women aged 24.8 ± 3.8 years (mean ± SD) and an average BMI of 22.0 ± 2.9 kg/m2 participated. Baseline values for serum ferritin were 45 µg/L, 22–83 (geometric mean, range) and for haemoglobin 132 g/L, 119–148 (arithmetic mean, range), respectively. Distribution of energy intake from protein, fat and carbohydrate, and daily intake of dietary fibre and iron were similar in the two groups and within the recommended levels. There was no effect of the phytase added to the wheat bread on the iron status of the subjects, but an effect of the intervention period. Serum ferritin and haemoglobin levels were significantly reduced by 12 ± 1.1 µg/L (27%) (P < 0.001) and 2 ± 0.8 g/l (1.5%) (mean ± SE) (P < 0.05) respectively, after four months of intervention. The present long–term study indicates that consumption of the recommended daily intake of fibre–rich wheat bread results in an impairment of iron status in women with initially sufficient iron stores. Reduction of the phytic acid concentration in the bread was not sufficient to maintain iron status.

Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2004, based on scientific evidence

Abstract: The fourth edition of the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) includes detailed recommendations on daily physical activity. For adults 30 min of daily physical activity of moderate intensity and/or vigorous intensity is recommended. More physical activity (about 60 min daily) may be needed for prevention of weight gain. For children a minimum of 60 min of physical activity every day is recommended. As in the third edition, a limitation in the intake of saturated plus trans fatty acids to about 10% of the total energy intake (E%) and in the total fat intake to 30 E% is recommended. The intake of carbohydrate and dietary fibre intake should increase, while the intake of refined sugar should not exceed 10 E%. NNR are primarily intended for planning of diets for groups of healthy subjects with normal body weight and sedentary to active lifestyle. NNR are not intended for weight reduction, but give the prerequisites for the prevention of weight gain and a reduction of risk for the most common diet-associated diseases in the Nordic countries. Keywords: chronic diseases; minerals; Nordic countries; nutrition recommendations; physical activity; vitamins

Challenges in Using the Dietary Reference Intakes to Plan Diets for Groups

Abstract: A recent report describes a new paradigm for planning the dietary intakes of groups, the goals of which are to achieve low prevalences of both inadequate and excessive intakes. However, there are many challenges involved in properly implementing these methods, and pilot studies are urgently needed. For individuals, the target for nutrient intakes is usually the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA); for nutrients without an RDA, the Adequate Intake (AI) can be used. Intakes should be planned so they do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). Several applications illustrating how to use the DRIs for planning the diets of individuals have been published, so this review will focus primarily on the methods that are recommended for planning the diets of groups.

Calcium deficiency and causation of rickets in Ethiopian children.

Abstract: Objective: To assess the role of calcium in the development of clinical rickets among Ethiopian children coming to Jimma Specialised Hospital outpatient, department. Design: Case control study. Settings: Jimma Specialised Teaching Hospital and surrounding urban and rural community in the catchment area. Subjects: One hundred and thirty five under five year old children (30 cases of rickets and 104 non-rachitic cases) who came for paediatric service in Jimma hospital. Results: The mean (±SD) level of calcium intake for cases and controls was 664.5 (± 102.7) mg and 645.8(± 144.4) mg, respectively. There was no statistically significance difference between the two groups in the mean level of calcium intake (t=0.659, P>0.05). Generally, in both cases and controls the majority of the study participants were taking calcium below the recommended daily calcium requirement of 800 mg for age group according to Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council. When adjusted for different co-variates including age, sex, breast feeding history, history of diarrhoea lasting longer than 14 days and 24 hours calcium intake children and religion, occupation, educational status and residence the mothers/care givers using logistic regression model, frequency of exposure to sunlight ( OR=1.55, 95%CI: 1.2, 2.0), being from rural areas(OR= 5.0, 95% CI: 1.1, 23.3) and age 12-23 months (OR= 4.5, 95%CI: 1.2, 16.5) were significantly associated with rickets( P Conclusion: It was found that Ethiopian children with rickets and without had a low calcium intake as compared to the recommended daily allowance. The fact that there was no difference in the dietary calcium intake between cases and controls and the significant difference observed between case and controls in terms of frequency of exposure to sunlight per week reflects that vitamin D deficiency emanating from poor exposure to radiant energy is the main cause of rickets in Ethiopian children. This study also documented the fact that rural children are at a higher risk of developing rickets as compared to their urban counterparts which could be mainly due to the traditional beliefs and practices more prevalent in the rural areas. Enhancing behaviour change communication about the benefits of exposing children to sunlight is very important in preventing the prevalence of rickets. East African Medical Journal Vol.82(3) 2005: 154-160

U.S. Food Guide Pyramid food group intake by Asian Indian immigrants in the U.S.

Abstract: This study examined the food group intake and the dietary quality of middle-aged and older Gujarati Asian Indian immigrants (45 years or older) living in two urban metropolitan areas in the U.S. Participants (90 men, 99 females) completed a 24-hour dietary recall, which was used to determine if they met the daily food group intake guidelines of the U.S. Food Guide Pyramid. The overall quality of their reported dietary intake was determined using the Healthy Eating Index based on their nutrient and food group intake. Both men and women met the daily number of servings recommendations for the grains (men: 9.3 servings/day; women: 6.9 servings/day) and vegetables (men: 4.5 servings/day; women: 3.6 servings/day) groups, but did not meet the recommendations for fruits, dairy and meats groups. The total score on the Healthy Eating Index of the diets of these participants was 73, indicative of a dietary intake that does not meet the established U.S. dietary guidelines. These immigrants should be educated about appropriate food choices (ethnic and non-ethnic) within each of the U.S. Food Guide Pyramid food groups to improve the overall quality of their dietary intakes.

Assessment of daily iron intake for the Pakistani population

Abstract: Purpose – Iron deficiency is the number one nutritional disorder in the world and is quite common in Pakistan. Iron deficiency anaemia may result from a low dietary intake, inadequate intestinal absorption, excessive blood loss, and/or increased needs. While iron overload is also responsible of number of diseases. The normal iron status of our body is usually maintained by controlling amount of iron absorbed from food. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adult male and female in the age from 19 to 50 years is 8 and 18mg, respectively. While RDA above 50 years is it for both genders i.e. 8mg (NIH, 2002). Nutritional status of dietary iron was estimated to combat the iron related diseases in Pakistani population.Design/methodology/approach – Food samples were collected from major cities/districts of the country using market basket method. Daily diets were prepared and analyzed for iron contents using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS).Findings – An average value of iron concentration was measured to...

Vitamin D in nutrition of young Icelandic children

Abstract: Objective The aim was to study vitamin D intake in young Icelandic children. Methods Subjects were randomly selected infants (n=180, 77% participated) and 2-year-olds (n=140, 68% participated). These two groups were studied again at the age of 6 years (71% participated). The intake was assessed by weighed food records. Vitamin D intake was calculated using the Icelandic Nutrition Database and SPSS used for statistical analysis. Results Characteristic for vitamin D intake was a wide range of intake. More than quarter of the infants and half of the two and six year olds received less than 50% of recommended daily intake. The frequency of fish liver oil consumption or use of other vitamin D supplement was 40-68%, lowest among the 6-year-olds. Vitamin D intake of those consuming fish liver oil or vitamin D supplements was 10,4 microg/day on average for infants, 9,5 microg/dag for the two year olds and 12,3 microg/dag for the six year olds, four or five times that of those not consuming any vitamin D supplements (2,7 microg/day, 2,1 microg/day and 2,7 microg/day for infants, 2-year-olds and six-year-olds, respectively). Conclusion The results show that children who do not consume fish liver oils or vitamin D supplements get only one quarter or less of recommended daily intake for vitamin D from their diet. Vitamin D is important for normal function and growth of the body and its role for bone development is well known. It is important to give detailed recommendations on vitamin D intake for infants and children and ensure the compliance to the recommended intake to avoid too low and too high intake.

The impact of exercise on body composition and nutritional intake in patients with heart failure.

Abstract: Little is known about the nutritional status of heart failure patients and the potential synergistic effects between nutritional intake and exercise. This small, randomized trial examined the effects of a 3-month exercise program on body composition and nutritional intake in 31 men (17 exercisers; 14 controls), aged 30-76 years (mean, 56 years) with stable class II-III heart failure. Baseline and 3-month evaluations included body mass index, body fat mass by triceps skinfold thickness, dietary intake by food frequency questionnaire, and the 6-minute walk test. Exercise consisted of walking 3 d/wk and resistance exercises 2 d/wk for 40-60 minutes. Dietary recommendations were consistent with the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology heart failure guidelines. Exercisers decreased body weight (p=0.001), body mass index (p=0.0001), and triceps skinfold thickness (p=0.03) and improved 6-minute walk test (p=0.01) compared with controls. Exercisers also demonstrated trends toward decreased total caloric and cholesterol intake and a three-fold higher carbohydrate, fiber, and beta carotene intake vs. controls. In this study population, protein, fiber, and magnesium intake were below recommended daily allowance. After exercise, body mass index was reduced, accompanied by dietary modifications including greater intake of foods with higher moisture content. Further study is needed to investigate the interaction among diet, exercise, and weight.

US and Canadian Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for the macronutrients, energy and physical activity

Abstract: Summary The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), in conjunction with Health Canada, released the sixth in a series of reports on dietary reference values for the intake of macronutrients and energy by Americans and Canadians. This report established Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for carbohydrate, fibre, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein, amino acids, energy and physical activity. The DRIs replace the USA's Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) last updated in 1989, and Canada's Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs), last published in 1990. A panel of 21 US and Canadian research scientists, clinicians and epidemiologists with expertise in energy, protein and amino acids, carbohydrate, fibre, sugar, lipids, physical activity and life-stage nutrition were appointed to begin the process of reviewing observational and experimental studies published primarily in peer-reviewed journals. The DRIs are based on scientifically grounded relationships between nutrient intake and the prevention of chronic disease, as well as the maintenance of good health. The purpose of this paper is to highlight a number of the definitions, new approaches, and key findings as they apply to the DRIs for the macronutrients, energy and physical activity.

Nutrition and Health Characteristics of Low-Income Populations: Usual Nutrient Intakes

Abstract: The Nutrition and Health Characteristics of Low-Income Populations study examined longrun average, or usual intakes of 10 key nutrients and dietary components: energy intake, vitamin C, iron, zinc, calcium, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and fiber. Results were estimated for participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Food Stamp Program (FSP) participants, school-age children, and older adults. Because the recommendations for nutrient intake have been under revision, intake distributions are useful for estimating the prevalence of adequate intake under different standards. The study provides a baseline from which to monitor the nutrition and health characteristics of each group over time and to identify priorities for further research.

Nutritional profile of Indian rural preschoolers

Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to report on the nutritional profile of preschool children of 4 to 5 years.Design/methodology/approach – The data on raw food intake of the randomly selected subjects were collected by 24hr recall method for three consecutive days and the mean was taken. Daily intake of various nutrients by each subject was calculated using MSU Nutriguide and this was further compared with RDA recommended by ICMR to assess the adequacy of their diets.Findings – The analysis revealed that the intake of protein, fat, calcium, thiamine, folic acid and vitamin B12 was more than or equal to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) as recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research, while the intake of energy, iron, vitamin C, niacin and riboflavin was less than their respective RDAs. The intake of β‐carotene was marginally adequate. Boys consumed significantly more amount of energy and folic acid than girls.Research limitations/implications – A large number of samples could not be taken owing to pr...

Early detection of protein energy malnutrition in Sharkia Governorate.

Abstract: UNLABELLED The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the nutritional status of children, aged 6 to 36 months, in Sharkia Governorate aiming for early detection of malnourished cases. METHODS the present study was carried out on 1000 children aged 6 to 36 months, selected by a multistage random sample from 6 villages in two districts in Sharkia Governorate. Data were gathered by an interview questionnaire to the child's mother or care giver at their homes. Anthropometric measurements as height, weight, mid-arm, head circumference and skin fold thickness were assessed. Body mass index was calculated. Dietary evaluation was done by a 24 hours recall for amounts and frequencies of food and was transferred to their recommended daily allowance (RDA). The studied children were classified into three groups according to their weight for age percentiles, underweight children, borderline malnourished children and normal weight children. Serum hemoglobin, pre-albumin and albumin were assessed for a randomly selected number of the studied group. RESULTS the study showed that all anthropometric measurements were lower than normal in underweight and borderline subjects. The prevalence rates of wasting, stunting and underweight were 15%, 24.4% and 15.4% in the studied infants in Sharkia Governorate, respectively. The study revealed that nutrient intake of the study subjects was lower than the RDA for the energy intake from carbohydrates, vitamin D, and iron, while it was higher than the RDA for the energy intake from lipids and vitamin A and equal to the lower level of the normal range of RDA for the energy intake from proteins. Most of the protein intake was of plant origin. Caloric intake was less than RDA in underweight and border line children, but more than RDA in normal children (86%, 90% and 102%). The ratios of caloric intake to the required calories according to weight were 90%, 98% and 108% in the three groups respectively. Chronic cough and chronic and recurrent diarrhea were more complained by underweight and borderline children. Underweight children were more infested with oxyurius and entamoeba histolitica than the other 2 groups. Serum hemoglobin, albumin and plasma pre-albumin levels were within normal range with significantly lower values in underweight and borderline infants compared to normal children. By multiple linear regression analysis, the most important factors affecting BMI were carbohydrate, lipid and caloric intake, serum albumin, plasma pre-albumin, vitamin A and D intake and protein intake. CONCLUSION There is a high prevalence of wasting ,stunting and underweight among infants and children of the studied sample in Sharkia governorate explained by the low socioeconomic status, unbalanced diet. Early changes of protein energy malnutrition were detected, in spite of the fact that serum hemoglobin, albumin and plasma pre-albumin levels were within normal range, they were significantly lower in underweight and borderline infants compared to normal children.

Determining the strength of the relationship between a food, food component, or dietary supplement ingredient and reduced risk of a disease or health-related condition.

Abstract: Evaluation of the strength of the science between a food/substance and a disease is not unique to the FDA and their review of petitions for health claims, although this is the focus of the symposium. Determining the strength of the science linking a food/substance to a reduced risk of disease is also an important part of the process used to set the Dietary Reference Intake values (DRIs) and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It involves using an evidence-based system. An appreciation of how evidence-based systems work and how research studies attempting to show the relationship between a food/substance and a disease are evaluated should lead to the design of better studies. Better studies, in turn, will result in multiple benefits.