Reference Daily Intake

About: Reference Daily Intake is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1564 publications have been published within this topic receiving 52794 citations.

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.

Micronutritional approaches to periodontal therapy

Abstract: AIM: Periodontitis results from the loss of a delicate balance between microbial virulence factors and a proportionate host response. Nutritional factors have been implicated in several chronic inflammatory diseases that are associated with periodontitis. This manuscript reviews the evidence for nutritional exposures in the etiology and therapeutic management of periodontitis, and makes recommendations for daily nutritional intake for vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D, calcium, and antioxidants. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Periodontitis is associated with low serum/plasma micronutrient levels, which may result from dietary and/or life-style factors as well as nutrigenetic characteristics. Early evidence suggests beneficial outcomes from nutritional interventions; supporting the contention that daily intake of certain nutrients should be at the higher end of recommended daily allowances. For prevention and treatment of periodontitis daily nutrition should include sufficient antioxidants, vitamin D, and calcium. Inadequate antioxidant levels may be managed by higher intake of vegetables, berries, and fruits (e.g. kiwi fruit), or by phytonutrient supplementation. Current evidence is insufficient to support recommendations of mono-antioxidant vitamin supplements and randomised controlled double-blind intervention studies are needed to provide evidence to underpin future recommendations. Inadequate supply of vitamin D and calcium may be addressed by implementing changes in diet/life style or by supplements.

Low Zinc Intake during Pregnancy: Its Association with Preterm and Very Preterm Delivery

Abstract: Zinc affects growth, development, and reproduction. However, the effect of poor maternal zinc nutriture, usually measured as plasma zinc, on poor pregnancy outcome has not been consistent. The influence of dietary zinc on pregnancy outcome was examined in a cohort of 818 pregnant girls and women from a poor urban community in Camden, New Jersey (1985-1990). Zinc intake in this sample was 11.1 mg/day, a level ascertained from averaged 24-hour dietary recalls during pregnancy. Gravidas with low zinc intake (< or = 6 mg/day, amounting to 40% of the recommended dietary allowance for pregnancy) had lower caloric intake and multivitamin usage as well as a higher incidence of inadequate weight gain during pregnancy and iron deficiency anemia at entry to prenatal care compared with those with higher intakes. A low zinc intake was associated with approximately a twofold increase in the risk of low birth weight (< 2,500 g) after controlling for calories and other confounding variables. The risk of preterm delivery (< 37 completed weeks) was also increased, particularly when rupture of the membranes preceded the onset of labor (adjusted odds ratio = 3.46, 95% confidence interval 1.04-11.47). A low intake of dietary zinc earlier in pregnancy was associated with a greater than threefold increase in the risk of very preterm delivery (< 33 completed weeks). In conjunction with iron deficiency anemia at entry to prenatal care, the adjusted odds ratio for very preterm delivery with low zinc intake was 5.44 (95% confidence interval 1.58-18.79). Among the urban poor, a marginal zinc intake during pregnancy may play an important role in the duration of gestation and is associated with increased risk of preterm and very preterm delivery.

Eating well with Canada's Food Guide (2007): development of the food intake pattern.

Abstract: A food intake pattern specifying amounts and types of food was created for Canada's revised food guide, Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide (2007), using a two-step modeling process. In step one, food composites were manipulated to develop a food intake pattern. The second step used the step one food intake pattern to create 500 simulated diets for each of 16 age and gender groups. The resulting nutrient content distributions were evaluated relative to Dietary Reference Intake reference values. The modeling cycled between these two steps until a satisfactory pattern was achieved. The final pattern reflects modeling, a review of associations between foods and chronic disease, and input received during consultation.