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.

Protein intake, IGF-1 and osteoporosis.

Abstract: Deficiency in nutritional elements could play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoporotic fracture in the elderly. Results of several studies indicate that calcium supplementation reduces bone loss and fracture incidence in vitamin D replete elderly subjects [1]. Other investigations have suggested that the level of protein intake could influence either calcium phosphate metabolism, bone mass or the risk of osteoporotic fracture [2]. Apparently contradictory information suggests that either a deficient or an excessive protein supplement could negatively affect the balance of calcium and the arnount of bony tissue contained in the skeleton [2,3]. Several reasons can be evoked with respect to the present uncertainty regarding the effect of protein supplementation on calcium balance and bone mass. The outcomes may differ because the protein supplementation was: (a) prescribed either to wellnourished people or to subjects exhibiting signs of malnutrition; (b) given in various forms: natural food products (i.e. ingested in complex forms), purified extracts or mixtures of amino acids; (c) of either animal (e.g. casein) or vegetable (e.g. soya) origin; (d) evaluated over either the short term or the long term; (e) assessed in the presence or absence of modifications in other nutritional factors such as energy and/or calcium. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein varies from 2.0 g/kg body weight in children to 1.0 g/kg in adolescents, and 0.75 g/kg in adults [4]. Protein intake below the RDA could be particularly detrimental for both the acquisition of bone mass and the conservation of bone integrity with aging. Protein undemutrition during childhood and adolescence results in a reduction of height, weight and overall body protein [5] and, therefore, can be expected to affect peak bone mass. A sufficient protein intake is also mandatory for the maintenance of bone homeostasis during adulthood. In the elderly, malnutrition can be considered as a risk factor for hip fracture because it can accelerate age-

Association of Fish and Fish Liver Oil Intake in Pregnancy with Infant Size at Birth among Women of Normal Weight before Pregnancy in a Fishing Community

Abstract: This 1998 study investigated the association between intake of fish and fish oil during pregnancy and full-term infants' size at birth in an Icelandic fishing community. Healthy women aged 20-40 years of normal weight before pregnancy (body mass index: 19.5-25.5 kg/m(2)) and at 38-43 weeks of gestation were selected randomly. Information on infant size at birth was collected from maternity records. Intake of fish and fish oil in pregnancy was ascertained (n = 491, 80.1%) by using a validated, focused, food frequency questionnaire. Infants of women in the lowest quartile of fish consumption weighed less (p = 0.036), were shorter (p or =1 tablespoon (11 ml)/day), consuming threefold the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin A and twofold that of vitamin D, were shorter (p = 0.036) and had a smaller head circumference (p = 0.003) than those of women consuming less. Infant size at birth increased with fish consumption, especially for women in the lower quartiles of consumption. Smaller birth size was linked to the highest levels of fish oil intake. Constituents of fish and fish oil might affect birth size differently depending on the amount consumed.

Dietary intake and nutritional status of US adult marijuana users: results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract: Objectives This study examined dietary intakes and nutritional status of marijuana users and non-current marijuana users in US adults aged 20 to 59 years. Methods We used data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988-1994. Information on self-reported drug use, including marijuana, was obtained as part of the NHANES III physical examination component. Nutritional status was assessed using height and weight, and blood biochemistries. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall and a food-frequency questionnaire. Results Among adults 20-59 years of age, 45% reported ever having used marijuana in their lifetime. A total of 8.7% reported using marijuana in the past month. Current marijuana users had higher intakes of energy and nutrients than non-current marijuana users; however, body mass index (BMI) was slightly lower. We found higher cigarette-smoking rates and higher consumption of sodas and alcohol, specifically beer, among marijuana users than among non-current marijuana users. Marijuana users also consumed more sodium, fewer fruits, and more pork, cheese, and salty snacks. Nutritional status, using indicators of serum nutrients, serum albumin, haematocrit and haemoglobin, was similar between marijuana users and non-current marijuana users. Serum carotenoid levels were lower among marijuana users, independent of cigarette smoking. Conclusion Dietary intake was different among marijuana users than among non-current marijuana users. Although overall nutritional status was similar, serum carotenoid levels were lower in marijuana users. The long-term health effects of these differences in marijuana users deserve careful consideration in future research.