Showing papers on "Reference Daily Intake published in 2015"

Dietary Reference Intakes

Abstract: The term Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) is new to the field of nutrition. It refers to a set of at least four nutrient-based reference values that can be used for planning and assessing diets and for many other purposes. The development of DRIs replaces the periodic revisions of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), which have been published since 1941 by the National Academy of Sciences. This is a comprehensive effort being undertaken by the Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes of the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, with the involvement of Health Canada.

Intake of macro- and micronutrients in Danish vegans

Abstract: Since information about macro- and micronutrient intake among vegans is limited we aimed to determine and evaluate their dietary and supplementary intake. Seventy 18–61 years old Danish vegans completed a four-day weighed food record from which their daily intake of macro- and micronutrients was assessed and subsequently compared to an age-range-matched group of 1 257 omnivorous individuals from the general Danish population. Moreover, the vegan dietary and supplementary intake was compared to the 2012 Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR). Dietary intake differed significantly between vegans and the general Danish population in all measured macro- and micronutrients (p < 0.05), except for energy intake among women and intake of carbohydrates among men. For vegans the intake of macro- and micronutrients (including supplements) did not reach the NNR for protein, vitamin D, iodine and selenium. Among vegan women vitamin A intake also failed to reach the recommendations. With reference to the NNR, the dietary content of added sugar, sodium and fatty acids, including the ratio of PUFA to SFA, was more favorable among vegans. At the macronutrient level, the diet of Danish vegans is in better accordance with the NNR than the diet of the general Danish population. At the micronutrient level, considering both diet and supplements, the vegan diet falls short in certain nutrients, suggesting a need for greater attention toward ensuring recommended daily intake of specific vitamins and minerals.

The Western Diet and Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract: Characteristics of the Western diet that fueled the obesity epidemic may also impact kidney disease incidence and progression. Enlarging portion sizes over the past half century has been accompanied by increased intake of protein, sodium, and processed foods while consumption of fruits and vegetables has declined. Overall dietary patterns play a strong role for chronic disease risk including chronic kidney disease. While dietary patterns high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in red meats, such as the Mediterranean diet, decrease the risk of chronic diseases, the Western diet, characterized by high intake of red meat, animal fat, sweets, and desserts and low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products, increases risk of chronic diseases. In this article, we review the potential mechanisms whereby several key characteristics of the typical Western diet may impact kidney disease incidence and progression. We also discuss a public health policy initiative to improve dietary choices. Reducing protein intake to the recommended daily allowance of 0.8 g/kg/day and increasing intake of fruit and vegetables and fiber may mitigate kidney disease progression and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Higher-Protein Diets Are Associated with Higher HDL Cholesterol and Lower BMI and Waist Circumference in US Adults

Abstract: Background: Protein intake above the RDA attenuates cardiometabolic risk in overweight and obese adults during weight loss. However, the cardiometabolic consequences of consuming higher-protein diets in free-living adults have not been determined. Objective: This study examined usual protein intake [g/kg body weight (BW)] patterns stratified by weight status and their associations with cardiometabolic risk using data from the NHANES, 2001‐2010 (n = 23,876 adults $19 y of age). Methods: Linear and decile trends for association of usual protein intake with cardiometabolic risk factors including blood pressure, glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined with use of models that controlled for age, sex, ethnicity, physical activity, poverty-income ratio, energy intake (kcal/d), carbohydrate (g/kg BW) and total fat (g/kg BW) intake, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Results: Usual protein intake varied across deciles from 0.69 6 0.004 to 1.51 6 0.009 g/kg BW (means 6 SEs). Usual protein intake was inversely associated with BMI (20.47 kg/m 2 per decile and 24.54 kg/m 2 per g/kg BW) and waist circumference (20.53 cm per decile and 22.45 cm per g/kg BW), whereas a positive association was observed between protein intake and HDL cholesterol (0.01 mmol/L per decile and 0.14 mmol/L per g/kg BW, P < 0.00125). Conclusions: Americans of all body weights typically consume protein in excess of the RDA. Higher-protein diets are associated with lower BMI and waist circumference and higher HDL cholesterol compared to protein intakes at RDA levels. Our data suggest that Americans who consume dietary protein between 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg BW potentially have a lower risk of developing cardiometabolic disease. J Nutr 2015;145:605‐14.

The Effect of a Whey Protein Supplement on Bone Mass in Older Caucasian Adults.

Abstract: Context: It has been assumed that the increase in urine calcium (Ca) that accompanies an increase in dietary protein was due to increased bone resorption. However, studies using stable Ca isotopes have found that dietary protein increases Ca absorption without increasing bone resorption. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of a moderately high protein diet on bone mineral density (BMD). Design: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of protein supplementation daily for 18 months. Setting: The study was conducted at two institutional research centers. Participants: Two hundred eight older women and men with a body mass index between 19 and 32 kg/m2 and a self-reported protein intake between 0.6 and 1.0 g/kg participated in the study. Intervention: Subjects were asked to incorporate either a 45-g whey protein or isocaloric maltodextrin supplement into their usual diet for 18 months. Main Outcome Measure: BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, body com...

Beyond protein intake: bushmeat as source of micronutrients in the Amazon

Abstract: Wild meat is critical for the food security and income of millions of people, especially for poor rural households Its role as a primary source of macronutrients worldwide has been recognized, but there have been few attempts to evaluate the contribution of bushmeat consumption to micronutrient intake This is so particularly in the context of nutritional transitions induced by modernization and globalization Here, we calculated the role of bushmeat as a source of micronutrients in the diets of urban and periurban inhabitants within the Tres Fronteras (Peru, Brazil, Colombia) region in the Amazon We gathered food intake data from 35 households using 3-day 24-h food recalls combined with food weighing Additionally, we interviewed 105 households on food consumption frequency Our results indicate that 143% of the households consumed bushmeat, which represented approximately 32% of their caloric intake, 72% of consumed protein, and 77% of iron Typically, households consuming bushmeat presented higher a nutritional status, i e, lower intake of carbohydrates (-10%) and higher intake of proteins (+46%), iron (+151%), and zinc (+23%), than households not consuming bushmeat Most of the sampled households did not achieve standard nutritional requirements for calories (94%), fiber, vitamin C, or iron (97%) per adult per day None of the households achieved the recommended daily intake for calcium Households consuming bushmeat consumed statistically significantly higher levels of iron, zinc, and vitamin C than households that did not eat bushmeat The latter consumed an excess of 31% calories from processed foods per adult per day, and lower amounts of iron (-60%) and zinc (-19%) We argue that households not consuming bushmeat are at greater risk of anemia in the short run and other chronic health problems in the long run

Dietary intake and food sources of choline in European populations.

Abstract: Choline is an important nutrient for humans. Choline intake of the European population was assessed considering the European Food Safety Authority European Comprehensive Food Consumption Database and the United States Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database. Average choline intake ranges were 151–210 mg/d among toddlers (1 to ≤3 years old), 177–304 mg/d among other children (3 to ≤10 years old), 244–373 mg/d among adolescents (10 to ≤18 years old), 291–468 mg/d among adults (18 to ≤65 years old), 284–450 mg/d among elderly people (65 to ≤75 years old) and 269–444 mg/d among very elderly people (≥75 years old). The intakes were higher among males compared with females, mainly due to larger quantities of food consumed per day. In most of the population groups considered, the average choline intake was below the adequate intake (AI) set by the Institute of Medicine in the USA. The main food groups contributing to choline intake were meat, milk, grain, egg and their derived products, composite dishes and fish. The main limitations of this study are related to the absence of choline composition data of foods consumed by the European population and the subsequent assumption made to assess their intake levels. Given the definition of AI, no conclusion on the adequacy of choline intake can be drawn for most European population groups. Such results improve the knowledge on choline intake in Europe that could be further refined by the collection of choline composition data for foods as consumed in Europe.

Development of Korean Healthy Eating Index for adults using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data

Abstract: Purpose: The current study was conducted in order to develop the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) for assessing adherence to national dietary guidelines and comprehensive diet quality of healthy Korean adults using the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data. Methods: The candidate components of KHEI were selected based on literature reviews, dietary guidelines for Korean adults, 2010 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (2010 KDRI), and objectives of HP 2020. The associations between candidate components and risk of obesity, abdominal obesity, and metabolic syndrome were assessed using the 5th KNHANES data. The expert review process was also performed. Results: Diets that meet the food group recommendations per each energy level receive maximum scores for the 9 adequacy components of the index. Scores for amounts between zero and the standard are prorated linearly. For the three moderation components among the total of five, population probability densities were examined when setting the standards for minimum and maximum scores. Maximum scores for the total of 14 components are 100 points and each component has maximum scores of 5 (fruit intakes excluding juice, fruit intake including juice, vegetable intakes excluding Kimchi and pickles, vegetable intake including Kimchi or pickles, ratio of white meat to read meat, whole grains intake, refined grains intake, and percentages of energy intake from carbohydrate) or 10 points (protein foods intake, milk and dairy food intake, having breakfast, sodium intake, percentages of energy intake from empty calorie foods, and percentages of energy intake from fat). The KHEI is a measure of diet quality as specified by the key diet recommendations of the dietary guidelines and 2010 KDRIs. Conclusion: The KHEI will be used as a tool for monitoring diet quality of the Korean population and subpopulations, evaluation of nutrition interventions and research.

Update on protein intake: importance of milk proteins for health status of the elderly

Abstract: Loss of lean body mass that occurs with aging is the primary endpoint with which sarcopenia is defined. Furthermore, loss of muscle mass is central to the development of many adverse health issues in the elderly. Consequently, the response of lean body mass to nutritional interventions, particularly to dietary protein, has been a commonly measured endpoint. However, increased protein intake has been associated with improved markers for cardiovascular health, improved bone health, management of weight and metabolic diseases, and reduced all-cause mortality. Strength, rather than lean body mass, may be a more accurate indicator of health, especially in the elderly. The recommended dietary allowance for protein has been set at 0.8 g/kg/day. Because the average protein intake in the United States is approximately 1.2 g/kg/day, it appears that the average protein intake is above the recommended dietary allowance but below the low end of the acceptable macronutrient distribution range recommended by expert committees of the National Academy of Sciences and below the dietary intake levels suggested by the US Department of Agriculture in the Dietary Guidelines.

Assessment of dietary vitamin A intake (retinol, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin) and its sources in the National Survey of Dietary Intake in Spain (2009–2010)

Abstract: The aim of this study is to assess the intake of the individual components of vitamin A and major dietary sources in the Spaniards using data on food consumption from Spanish National Dietary Intake Survey (2009–2010). A 24-h dietary recall, 3-day diet diary and a software application that includes HPLC analytical data were used. Average dietary vitamin A intake is 716.4 µg retinol equivalents (RE), which is supplied as retinol (57.9%RE) and as provitamin-A carotenoids (42.1%RE). β-Carotene represents 71.9% of provitamin-A carotenoids, β-cryptoxanthin 15.3%, α-carotene 12.8%. Red- and orange-colored fruits and vegetables are major contributors of provitamin-A (1587 µg/day). Spanish diet covers the dietary reference on the intake for vitamin A, provided mainly by foods of animal origin. The main contributors to the intake of provitamin-A carotenoids are carrots, tomatoes, spinach and oranges. Data on the intake of individual components of vitamin A contribute to improving our understanding of the r...

The contribution of school meals to energy and nutrient intake of Swedish children in relation to dietary guidelines

Abstract: Background : In Sweden, school meals are served free of charge and Swedish law states that school meals must be nutritious. Nevertheless, data on children’s energy and nutrient intake from school meals are scarce. Objective : The aim was to describe the contribution of school meals to Swedish children’s nutrient and energy intake during weekdays and compare this to the reference values based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR), which have been adopted as the official Swedish recommendations. Design : A cross-sectional food consumption survey was performed on 1,840 Swedish children attending Grade 2 (mean age 8.6) and Grade 5 (mean age 11.7). The children’s nutrient and energy intake was compared to the reference values based on the NNR. Results : The mean intake from school meals of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and vitamins D and E did not reach the reference values and the intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and sodium exceeded the reference values in both age groups (significant differences, all p ≤0.001). Additionally, the pupils in Grade 5 did not reach the reference values for folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, and zinc (significant differences, all p ≤0.001). Standardized for energy, dietary fiber, PUFA, and vitamins D and E did not reach the reference values, whereas the reference values for SFA and sodium were exceeded in both age groups (significant differences, all p ≤0.001). Conclusions : The study pointed to some central nutrients in need of improvement as regards school meals in Sweden, namely the quality of fat, dietary fiber, sodium, vitamin D, and iron. Some of these results may be attributed to the children not reporting eating the recommended number of calories, the children omitting some components of the meal, or underreporting, as a consequence of which the reference values for several nutrients were not met. Keywords: school meals; school lunches; children; nutrient intake; energy intake (Published: 30 October 2015) Responsible Editor: Per Ole Iversen, University of Oslo, Norway. Citation: Food & Nutrition Research 2015, 59 : 27563 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v59.27563

Household food insecurity and dietary intake in Korea: results from the 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract: Objective To examine the prevalence of household food insecurity and compare dietary intake by food security status in a representative Korean population. Design Cross-sectional. Food security status of households was classified using an eighteen-item food security questionnaire. The nutrition survey comprised questions on dietary habits, a 24 h dietary recall and a semi-quantitative FFQ. Setting The 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Subjects A total of 3007 households completed the food security questionnaire. Family members within each household aged ≥1 year (n 7118) participated in the nutrition survey. Results Results from the 2012 survey indicated that 88·7 % of Korean households showed food security. The remaining 11·3 % (9·3 % for food insecurity without hunger and 2·0 % for food insecurity with hunger) were in food-insecure households. The prevalence of household food insecurity was 13·2 % in households with children and 10·3 % in households without children. Mean daily intakes of energy, fat and carbohydrates were not significantly different between food-secure and food-insecure adults. In contrast, mean daily intakes of protein, crude fibre, vitamins and minerals as well as weekly consumption frequencies of vegetables, seaweeds, fruits, fruit juice, nuts, and milk and milk products were significantly lower in food-insecure adults compared with food-secure adults. Conclusions The study demonstrated that food insecurity is associated with reduced intakes of healthy foods and nutrients essential for health and growth in a representative Korean population.

Whole grain intake and its association with intakes of other foods, nutrients and markers of health in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme 2008-11.

Abstract: Epidemiological evidence suggests an inverse association between whole grain consumption and the risk of non-communicable diseases, such as CVD, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some cancers. A recent analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme (NDNS-RP) has shown lower intake of whole grain in the UK. It is important to understand whether the health benefits associated with whole grain intake are present at low levels of consumption. The present study aimed to investigate the association of whole grain intake with intakes of other foods, nutrients and markers of health (anthropometric and blood measures) in the NDNS-RP 2008–11, a representative dietary survey of UK households. A 4-d diet diary was completed by 3073 individuals. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure levels, and blood and urine samples were collected after diary completion. Individual whole grain intake was calculated with consumers categorised into tertiles of intake. Higher intake of whole grain was associated with significantly decreased leucocyte counts. Significantly higher concentrations of C-reactive protein were seen in adults in the lowest tertile of whole grain intake. No associations with the remaining health markers were seen, after adjustments for sex and age. Over 70 % of this population did not consume the minimum recommend intake associated with disease risk reduction, which may explain small variation across health markers. Nutrient intakes in consumers compared with non-consumers were closer to dietary reference values, such as higher intakes of fibre, Mg and Fe, and lower intakes of Na, suggesting that higher intake of whole grain is associated with improved diet quality.

Low-Dose Daily Intake of Vitamin K(2) (Menaquinone-7) Improves Osteocalcin γ-Carboxylation: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trials.

Abstract: Vitamin K is essential for bone health, but the effects of low-dose vitamin K intake in Japanese subjects remain unclear. We investigated the effective minimum daily menaquinone-7 dose for improving osteocalcin γ-carboxylation. Study 1 was a double-blind, randomized controlled dose-finding trial; 60 postmenopausal women aged 50-69 y were allocated to one of four dosage group and consumed 0, 50, 100, or 200 μg menaquinone-7 daily for 4 wk, respectively, with a controlled diet in accordance with recommended daily intakes for 2010 in Japan. Study 2 was a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial based on the results of Study 1; 120 subjects aged 20-69 y were allocated to the placebo or MK-7 group and consumed 0 or 100 μg menaquinone-7 daily for 12 wk, respectively. In both studies, circulating carboxylated osteocalcin and undercarboxylated osteocalcin were measured. The carboxylated osteocalcin/undercarboxylated osteocalcin ratio decreased significantly from baseline in the 0 μg menaquinone-7 group, in which subjects consumed the recommended daily intake of vitamin K with vitamin K1 and menaquinone-4 (Study 1). Menaquinone-7 increased the carboxylated osteocalcin/undercarboxylated osteocalcin ratio dose dependently, and significant effects were observed in both the 100 and 200 μg groups compared with the 0 μg group. Undercarboxylated osteocalcin concentrations decreased significantly, and the carboxylated osteocalcin/undercarboxylated osteocalcin ratio increased significantly in the 100 μg menaquinone-7 group compared with the placebo group (Study 2). Daily menaquinone-7 intake ≥100 μg was suggested to improve osteocalcin γ-carboxylation.

Fast food intake in Canada: Differences among Canadians with diverse demographic, socio-economic and lifestyle characteristics

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To estimate the contribution of fast food to daily energy intake, and compare intake among Canadians with varied demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics. METHODS: Using the National Cancer Institute method, nationally representative estimates of mean usual daily caloric intake from fast food were derived from 24-hour dietary recall data from the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 2.2 ( n = 17,509) among participants age ≥2 years. Mean daily intake and relative proportion of calories derived from fast food were compared among respondents with diverse demographic (age, sex, provincial and rural/urban residence), socio-economic (income, education, food security status) and health and lifestyle characteristics (physical activity, fruit/vegetable intake, vitamin/ mineral supplement use, smoking, binge drinking, body mass index (BMI), self-rated health and dietary quality). RESULTS: On average, Canadians reported consuming 146 kcal/day from fast food, contributing to 6.3% of usual energy intake. Intake was highest among male teenagers (248 kcal) and lowest among women ≥70 years of age (32 kcal). Fast food consumption was significantly higher among respondents who reported lower fruit and vegetable intake, poorer dietary quality, binge drinking, not taking vitamin/mineral supplements (adults only), and persons with higher BMI. Socio-economic status, physical activity, smoking and self-rated health were not significantly associated with fast food intake. CONCLUSION: While average Canadian fast food consumption is lower than national US estimates, intake was associated with lower dietary quality and higher BMI. Findings suggest that research and intervention strategies should focus on dietary practices of children and adolescents, whose fast food intakes are among the highest in Canada.

Potential risks of excess iodine ingestion and exposure: statement by the american thyroid association public health committee.

Abstract: Dear Editor: Iodine is a micronutrient required for normal thyroid function. In the United States, recommended daily allowances (RDA) for iodine intake are 150 μg in adults, 220–250 μg in pregnant women, and 250–290 μg in breastfeeding women (1,2). The U.S. diet generally contains enough iodine to meet these needs, with common sources being iodized salt, dairy products, some breads, and seafood. During pregnancy and lactation, women require higher amounts of iodine for the developing fetus and infant. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) recommends that women take a multivitamin containing 150 μg of iodine daily in the form of potassium iodide (KI) (3) during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation to meet these needs (4). Ingestion of greater than 1100 μg of iodine per day (tolerable upper limits for iodine) (1) is not recommended and may cause thyroid dysfunction. During pregnancy and lactation, when the risk of excess iodine are primarily related to the fetus and newborn infant, the recommendations for the upper limit vary and range from 500–1100 μg of iodine daily (2). In particular, infants, the elderly, pregnant and lactating women, and individuals with preexisting thyroid disease (such as autoimmune Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease, nontoxic thyroid nodules, history of partial thyroidectomy, and other conditions) are susceptible to adverse effects of excess iodine intake and exposure (5). The public is advised that many iodine, potassium iodide, and kelp supplements contain iodine in amounts that are up to a hundred times higher than the daily tolerable upper limits for iodine. The ATA advises against the ingestion of iodine and kelp supplements containing in excess of 500 μg iodine daily for children and adults and during pregnancy and lactation. Long-term iodine intake in amounts greater than the tolerable upper limits should be closely monitored by a physician. There are only equivocal data supporting the benefit of iodine at higher doses than these, including a possible benefit for patients with fibrocystic breast disease (6). There is no known thyroid benefit of routine daily iodine doses in excess of the U.S. RDA. There are a limited number of medical conditions in which the short-term use of high amounts of iodine is indicated. Exceptions for the recommendations to not exceed the tolerable upper limits include closely monitored patients prescribed Lugol's solution or saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI) in their treatment of severe hyperthyroidism, such as thyroid storm and prior to surgery in patients with Graves' disease, and individuals in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant who are recommended to take KI in the event of a nuclear accident. SSKI is not indicated nor recommended in individuals with thyroid nodules. Finally, patients receiving the large amounts of iodine in iodinated contrast dyes, as required for radiologic studies, should be monitored for iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction if risk factors are present. Key points include: • Adequate iodine intake is required for normal thyroid function. • The recommended iodine intake in nonpregnant adults is 150 μg daily. • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should take a prenatal vitamin that contains 150 μg of potassium iodine daily. • Given a tolerable upper limit of 1100 μg iodine daily, ingestion of an iodine or kelp supplement containing in excess of 500 μg iodine daily should not be done. • Certain exceptions to these recommendations include those for specific medical conditions, which usually require only a limited number of doses for a short-term duration; such individuals should be closely monitored for thyroid dysfunction.

Food group and micronutrient intake adequacy among children, adults and elderly women in Greece.

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to record the percentage of children, adults and elderly women in Greece meeting food and micronutrient intake recommendations. Additionally, the present study was aiming to identify the main food contributors of micronutrient intakes and assess the degree up to which meeting food intake recommendations also ensures micronutrient intake adequacy. Dietary intake data from three studies conducted in Greece (on 9–13-year-old children; 40–60-year-old adults; and 50–75-year-old women) were used to estimate mean intakes, the percentages of subjects meeting food and nutrient intake recommendations and the contribution of six core food groups to nutrient intake adequacy. The present study showed that more than 50% of children, adults and elderly women were failing to consume the recommended portions of vegetables, dairy and grains. Furthermore, children and adults consuming the recommended portions of individual core food groups had significantly lower percentages of inadequate micronutrient intakes compared to their counterparts not meeting food intake recommendations (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, even among those consuming the recommended portions from a specific core food group, the recommended intake of the corresponding micronutrient (for which this food group is the main contributor) was not always met. Indicatively, 18.2%–44.1% and 4.2%–7.0% of the populations under study were not meeting calcium and vitamin C intake recommendations, although they were consuming the recommended portions of dairy and fruits, respectively. In conclusion, these findings highlight the importance for public health policy makers to take all necessary initiatives to support the population in achieving the recommended intakes from all core food groups, but also emphasize on food variety to ensure adequate intake for all micronutrients.

Low sodium and high potassium intake for cardiovascular prevention: evidence revisited with emphasis on challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract: Reduction in dietary salt intake and increase in potassium intake can make a major contribution to the prevention and control of hypertension and consequential cardiovascular disease, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where prevalence rates are highest. African populations are going through a westernization of their traditional eating patterns, with a shift towards a US/Western-style diet, which contains an excessive amount of salt. Currently, the mean sodium intake in SSA populations is far above the recommended daily allowance. Besides, potassium intake is low, and, particularly, the supply of fruits and vegetables that are important sources of potassium is insufficient to meet current and growing population needs in SSA countries. Context-relevant strategies are needed for population-wide sodium intake reduction and increase in potassium intake.

Theoretical Impact of Replacing Whole Cow's Milk by Young-Child Formula on Nutrient Intakes of UK Young Children: Results of a Simulation Study

Abstract: Background: Research into the role of young-child formulae (YCF) in a child's diet is limited and there is no consensual recommendation on its use. We evaluated the theoretical nutritional impact of replacing the existing practice of consuming cow's milk by YCF. Methods: From the UK Diet and Nutrition Survey of Infants and Young Children, whole cow's milk consumers, aged 12-18 months (n = 591) were selected for simulation scenarios. In Scenario 1, we tested the replacement of all whole cow's milk (434 ± 187 ml/day) by a matching volume of YCF, and in Scenario 2, all whole cow's milk was replaced by the on-pack recommended daily intake of 300 ml. Nutrient intakes before and after simulation scenarios were compared and evaluated against nutrient recommendations. Results: Intakes of protein and saturated fatty acids were significantly decreased, whereas essential fatty acid intakes were increased. The prevalence of nutrient inadequacy before simulation was 95.2% for vitamin D and 53.8% for iron. After simulation, inadequacy decreased to 4.9% (Scenario 1) and 0% (Scenario 2) for vitamin D and to 2.7% (Scenario 1) and 1.1% (Scenario 2) for iron. Conclusions: Replacement of habitual cow's milk intake by a matching volume or 300 ml of YCF may lead to nutritional intakes more in line with recommendations in young children.

Assessment of caffeine intake in the Korean population

Abstract: An improved method for the analysis of caffeine in foods by HPLC was validated by measuring several analytical parameters. The caffeine contents of 1202 products available from Korean markets were analysed. A consumption study was conducted by using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2010-12, to estimate the caffeine intakes of the Korean population. The mean intakes of caffeine from all sources in the general population and consumers were 67.8 and 102.6 mg day(-1) for all age groups, respectively. The 95th percentile intakes of the general population and consumers were 250.7 and 313.7 mg day(-1), respectively. In those aged 30-49 years, the caffeine intakes of the general population and consumers were highest at 25.5% (101.8 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) and 36.6% (0.9 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), respectively, compared with the maximum recommended daily intake (400 mg day(-1)) for adults. In the general population, the main contributors to the total caffeine intake were carbonated beverage for the younger age groups and coffee for the adults. These data provide a current perspective on caffeine intake in the Korean population.

Technology-enhanced game-based team learning for improving intake of food groups and nutritional elements

Abstract: Nutrition is a critical issue for educators, particularly given the unhealthy eating behaviors of many adolescents. While knowledge and self-reflection are important, learners must also be motivated and held accountable for their health behaviors. In order to foster healthy eating, a technology-enhanced approach, game-based team learning (GBTL), is proposed, based on social-interdependence theory. A cloud diet assessment system (CDAS) was designed for automatically providing feedback on the nutritional intake of learners through a meal analysis algorithm. Furthermore, a cloud server hosted a social competitive game which, in addition to in-class team learning activities, allowed teams to compete against each other on the basis of each group's dietary habits. A pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design evaluated the effectiveness of the GBTL group (E1) as compared to a group which received only metacognitive feedback from the CDAS (E2) and a comparison group (C). Female high school participants from three classes were randomly assigned to the three groups (C, n?=?31; E1, n?=?20; E2, n?=?37). Results demonstrate significant improvement for E2 in terms of most food groups (including Dairy, Meats and Protein, Vegetables, and Fruit), as well as for macronutrients, such as calories and dietary fiber, and micronutrients, including Calcium and Vitamin C and B2. Within- and between-group comparisons confirmed the advantage of the E2 group, suggesting that technology-supported GBTL can foster healthy eating habits among adolescents, improving most nutritional elements to nearly 100% the recommended daily intake. Female adolescents seldom receive sufficient intake of dairy, fruits, and vegetables.Social interdependence through technology was used to encourage healthy eating.A cloud-based approach utilized team experiments and a social competitive game.Nutritional intake significantly improved by food group, micro- and macronutrients.Within-group and between-group results support the effectiveness of the design.

Vitamin A concentration in human milk and its relationship with liver reserve formation and compliance with the recommended daily intake of vitamin A in pre-term and term infants in exclusive breastfeeding

Abstract: To evaluate vitamin A concentration in mature breast milk of nursing mothers aiming to meet the daily needs and the formation of liver reserve in pre-term (PT) and term infants (T) in comparison with the recommended intake for this nutrient in this group. We analyzed the retinol concentration in the milk of 120 nursing mothers (40 of PT infants and 80 of T infants) by collecting 10 mL of mature breast milk, held by a hand spray of one of the breasts 2 h after the last feeding in the morning. The cutoff points adopted for identification of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and the liver reserve were 2.3 μmol/L, respectively. The concentrations of retinol in the human milk of T infants were superior to concentrations in the milk of PT infants (1.87 + 0.81 > 1.38 + 0.67 μmol/L, p 217.65 + 105.65 μg, p < 0.0001), but both were below the recommendation. VAD was 20.0 % (T) and 27.5 % (PT). Only 40.0 % (T) and 22.5 % (PT) of the mothers had retinol concentrations in milk above 2.3 mmol/L. The milk of the nursing mothers studied did not have enough retinol to meet the daily needs and to form liver reserve in both groups, especially in PT newborns. This finding reinforces the idea that supplementation with massive doses of vitamin A in the immediate postpartum period can be used as a protective device of the infant against VAD.

Association of Home-Delivered Meals on Daily Energy and Nutrient Intakes: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Abstract: This study examines the impact of a home-delivered meal program on daily energy and nutrient intakes using nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2012 waves. First-difference estimator addressed selection bias by using within-individual variations in diet and service use status between two nonconsecutive 24-hour dietary recalls among 145 home-delivered meal service users. Service use was found to be associated with a net increase in daily intake of protein by 8.39 g, fiber 3.39 g, calcium 145.94 mg, copper 0.16 mg, magnesium 45.37 mg, potassium 317.39 mg, selenium 14.04 mcg, and sodium 327.52 mg; whereas the effects on daily intake of total energy, fat, and vitamin D were not statistically significant. Home-delivered meals improve nutrient intakes among participants, but currently the program may be too limited in scale and capacity to best capitalize its beneficial impact on healthy aging and health care cost containment at the national level.

Quantitative analysis of nutrient intake in children under 3 years old. ALSALMA study

Abstract: Objective The objective of the study was to analyse the nutritional patterns of children under three years of age and to compare the results against the recommendations for energy and nutrient intake. Patients and methods In this cross-sectional epidemiological study, parents completed a dietary diary on their food intake of their children on 4 non-consecutive days. The percentage of children with mean intakes below the recommendations for each age and nutrient was analysed using the “Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-point method.” Results A total of 186 paediatricians included 1701 children in the study. A total of 95.9% ( n = 1320) of the children between 7 and 36 months had a protein consumption more than twice that of the Recommended Daily Allowances. The deficiencies observed (% P = .013) and of carbohydrates ( P P Conclusions The study presents a very detailed view of the eating patterns of Spanish children less than three years of age. The encouragement of healthy feeding should be directed towards the correction of the dietary imbalances detected, in order to promote the future health of children.