Nutrient intakes and food consumption patterns among Ontario students in grades six, seven, and eight

BACKGROUND: The increased prevalence of overweight in Canadian children has stimulated interest in their lifestyle behaviours. The purpose of this research was to investigate dietary intake and food behaviours of Ontario students in grades six, seven, and eight. METHODS: Males and females from grades six to eight were recruited from a stratified random selection of schools from Ontario. Data were collected using the web-based "Food Behaviour Questionnaire", which included a 24-hour diet recall and food frequency questionnaire. Nutrients were analyzed using ESHA Food Processor and the 2001 Canadian Nutrient File database. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated based on self-reported weight and height, and classified according to the Centers for Disease Control BMI for age percentiles. RESULTS: The sample included males (n = 315) and females (n = 346) in grades 6, 7, and 8 from 15 schools in Ontario. According to Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating (CFGHE), median intakes were below recommendations for all participants, with the exception of meat and alternatives. Participants consumed a median of 54%, 15%, 31%, 11%, and 8% of total energy from carbohydrates, protein, total fat, saturated fat, and added sugars, respectively. Participants consumed 25% of total energy from foods from the "other" food group (CFGHE). Males had higher intakes of energy, carbohydrates, fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, protein, thiamine, niacin, iron, and zinc than females (all p < 0.05), and consumed more grain products servings (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high consumption of "other" foods, at the expense of nutrient-dense food groups, may ultimately be contributing to the increased weights in childhood and adolescence.     

Physical activity, smoking, and obesity among Canadian school youth. Comparison between urban and rural schools

BACKGROUND: More information is needed to document the prevalence of health risk factors in youth. The purpose of this study is to compare the prevalence of physical inactivity, smoking and overweight/obesity among youth in urban and rural schools. METHODS: Data were obtained from a Student Physical Activity and Smoking Survey of 2,697 high school students in four urban schools in Ontario and four rural schools in Alberta. Prevalence of physical inactivity was assessed by examining compliance with Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living, and with daily energy expenditure classification values. Prevalence of smoking was assessed by examining current smoking status. Overweight and obesity prevalences were examined by comparing BMI values to the BMI index for age and sex percentiles set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: Physical activity prevalence was found to be low in our study, with only 57.0% of youth achieving Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines, and with 26.0% classified as sedentary based on the daily energy expenditure classification values. A higher proportion of rural students reported "trying smoking" than urban school students (73.0% versus 64.4%, p<0.001). A significantly higher proportion of rural males were 'overweight' than urban males, and a significantly higher proportion of rural females were 'obese' in comparison to urban females. CONCLUSION: Our findings add further support for an urgent need to promote physical activity among Canadian youth. Additionally, our results suggest that it is especially important to target rural students, particularly girls, for smoking prevention programs. Future studies are required to examine such rural and urban differences within provinces.     

Homeless youth in Toronto are nutritionally vulnerable

This study was undertaken to characterize nutritional vulnerability among a sample of homeless youth in downtown Toronto. Interviews were conducted with 261 homeless youth (149 male, 112 female), recruited from drop-in centers and outdoor locations. Information about current living circumstances, nutrition and health-related behaviors, and 24-h dietary intake recalls were collected, and height, weight, triceps skinfold thickness, and mid-upper arm circumference were measured. A second 24-h dietary intake recall was conducted with 195 youth. Youth's energy intakes approximated the requirements for a very sedentary lifestyle; 7% were underweight and 22% were overweight or obese. Over half of the youth had inadequate intakes of folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc; in addition, more than half of females had inadequate vitamin B-12 and iron intakes. Most youth got food from more than one source in the course of a day: 74% of males and 75% of females purchased food; 48% of males and 51% of females obtained food from charitable meal programs; 47% of males and 75% of females received food from strangers or acquaintances; and 10% of males and 6% of females stole food or took it from the garbage. Compared to a sample of 114 domiciled youth from the 1997-1998 Ontario Food Survey, males had lower energy and nutrient intakes and females had lower intakes of most nutrients.     

Dietary intakes, physical activity, and predictors of child obesity among 4-6th graders in the Czech Republic

The prevalence of child obesity in the Czech Republic has increased in the last several years, especially among school-aged children. While obesity trends are closely monitored in the Czech Republic, very little is known about the dietary habits and exercise behaviors of Czech children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nutrient intakes and physical activity, as well as identify predictors of BMI-for-age in a sample of Czech school-aged children. Ninety-seven fourth, fifth and sixth graders and their parents from two large Czech cities participated in the study. Two 24-hour recalls provided total amount of energy, fat, percentage of energy derived from fat, dietary fiber, and servings of fruits and vegetables. Physical activity was measured by the Self-administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC). Children consumed less energy and dietary fiber than suggested by Czech dietary recommendations. The proportion of energy that children consumed from fat was 28.5%. Children consumed 1.4 cups of fruit and 1.2 cups of vegetables. Children's physical activity levels fell within the current recommendations. Age was the only significant predictor of higher BMI-for-age. Poor dietary quality may be responsible for increasing rates of child obesity in the Czech Republic. Nutritional professionals in the Czech Republic should focus on increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber foods in order to reduce the risk for overweight among Czech children.     

Fortified Foods Are Major Contributors to Nutrient Intakes in Diets of US Children and Adolescents

BackgroundEven in an era of obesity and dietary excess, numerous shortfall micronutrients have been identified in the diets of US children and adolescents. To help tailor strategies for meeting recommendations, it is important to know what foods contribute greatly to micronutrient intakes. Data are lacking on specific contributions made by added nutrients.ObjectiveOur aims were to examine the impact of fortification on nutrient adequacy and excess among US children and adolescents and to rank food sources of added nutrient intake and compare rankings with those based on total nutrient intake from foods.Design and statistical analysesData were from 7,250 respondents 2 to 18 years old in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006. Datasets were developed that distinguished nutrient sources: intrinsic nutrients in foods; added nutrients in foods; foods (intrinsic plus added nutrients); and total diet (foods plus supplements). The National Cancer Institute method was used to determine usual intakes of micronutrients by source. The impact of fortification on the percentages of children having intakes less than the Estimated Average Requirement and more than the Upper Tolerable Intake Level was assessed by comparing intakes from intrinsic nutrients to intakes from intrinsic plus added nutrients. Specific food sources of micronutrients were determined as sample-weighted mean intakes of total and added nutrients contributed from 56 food groupings. The percentage of intake from each grouping was determined separately for total and added nutrients.ResultsWithout added nutrients, a high percentage of all children/adolescents had inadequate intakes of numerous micronutrients, with the greatest inadequacy among older girls. Fortification reduced the percentage less than the Estimated Average Requirement for many, although not all, micronutrients without resulting in excessive intakes. Data demonstrated the powerful influence of fortification on food-source rankings.ConclusionsKnowledge about nutrient intakes and sources can help put dietary advice into a practical context. Continued monitoring of top food sources of nutrients and nutrient contributions from fortification will be important.     

US Adults Fall Short of the Dietary Guidelines for Cancer Prevention Regardless of BMI Category

BackgroundCancer risk is determined by specific factors, including body weight and dietary patterns. Accordingly, the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research published updated cancer prevention recommendations in 2018 based on comprehensive reviews of modifiable behaviors associated with cancer risk.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the extent to which US adults meet these evidence-based recommendations and how adherence differs by weight status.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study using nationally representative data from the 2005-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).Participants/settingDietary intake data for 30,888 adults 18 years and older with normal body mass index (BMI), overweight, or obesity were analyzed.Main outcome measuresDifferences in dietary intakes and the proportion of adults meeting guidelines were compared across BMI categories.Statistical analyses performedLogistic regression and 1-way analysis of covariance were used to analyze differences in adherence to recommendations, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and family income as a percent of the federal poverty rate.ResultsRegarding fruit and nonstarchy vegetables, 62.8% of adults with normal BMI, 64.5% with overweight, and 70.1% with obesity fell short of recommendations. Regarding whole grains, 67.9% of adults with normal BMI, 70.2% with overweight, and 73.1% with obesity did not meet the recommendation. Regarding red meat, 36.7% of adults with normal BMI, 41.6% with overweight, and 43.5% with obesity consumed >18 oz/week, with a significant difference in mean intakes between adults with normal BMI and obesity (P < .001). Adults with obesity consumed significantly less dietary fiber and more processed meat than adults with normal BMI and overweight (P < 0.001).ConclusionsFew U.S. adults meet cancer prevention recommendations; adults with obesity are significantly less likely to do so. Future research should evaluate compounded risk resulting from obesity and poor dietary patterns inconsistent with current evidence-based guidelines, and inform targeted interventions to address these issues.     

Do the contemporary dietary patterns of children align with national food and nutrient recommendations?

Background

Childhood nutrition is important in optimising growth, development and future health. The present study compared dietary intakes of Australian children aged 4–8 years with (i) Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) food group recommendations and (ii) age‐specific Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs), in addition to (iii) describing food group intakes of children meeting key NRVs.

Methods

Data were obtained from a representative sample of children (n = 789) from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey between May 2011 and June 2012. Parent‐reported 24‐h recall dietary data were disaggregated into five core food groups, along with energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor (EDNP) foods, with intakes being compared with AGHE recommendations. Food group intakes were compared for children meeting the NRVs for 10 nutrients used for the development of AGHE food groups. Chi‐squared and t ‐tests were performed to determine differences in food group intakes with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Only one child met the recommended daily servings for all AGHE core food groups and none met both core and energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor (EDNP) food group recommendations. The lowest level of alignment (percentage meeting recommendations) was for vegetables (4.6%) and the highest was for fruit (47.7%). Mean (SD) daily intake of EDNP foods [4.7 (3.2) serves day^?1] accounted for 38.4% of total energy intakes. Children meeting key NRVs (n = 395) consumed greater daily servings of fruit [2.2 (1.7)], dairy [2.2 (1.2)] and EDNP foods [5.0 (3.4)] compared to the total sample (n = 789).

Conclusions

Significant discrepancies exist between contemporary dietary patterns of Australian children and national recommendations. Future AGHE revisions should incorporate greater diversity of consumption patterns, including sub‐categories of EDNP foods.

     

河北省农村成人超重、肥胖及相关因素分析

目的了解河北省农村成年人超重、肥胖现状及膳食和体力活动的影响因素,为采取干预措施提供科学依据。方法运用多阶段随机整群抽样方法,对不同经济地区农村18岁及以上人群进行调查。结果共调查2 315人,超重、肥胖的粗患病率分别为30.7%和15.8%。多因素Logistic回归分析表明,超重、肥胖的影响因素主要有能量摄入过多、脂肪供给量过多和静态生活时间过长。结论合理的膳食结构（低能量和脂肪摄入）和体力活动是干预超重、肥胖的重要措施。     

Retail Food Availability, Obesity, and Cigarette Smoking in Rural Communities

ABSTRACT:  Context: Disparities in the availability of nutritionally important foods and their influence on health have been studied in US urban communities. Purpose: To assess the availability of selected retail foods and cigarettes, and explore ecologic relationships of the availability with obesity and smoking in rural communities. Methods: Inventories of all food stores (n = 182) in 2 rural New York counties were surveyed. The study area was divided into 4 regions through cluster analysis of 2000 Census and geographic information system data. Weight-adjusted per 10,000-population density of stores carrying selected foods was used as a standardized measure of availability. Prevalence of overweight/obesity (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m²) and smoking among adults was obtained from secondary data. Bivariate correlations among availability of foods and cigarettes, overweight/obesity, and smoking were analyzed at the regional level. Findings: Nutritionally important foods, including fresh fruit, vegetables (dark green or orange colored), low-fat (≤1%) milk, high-fiber (≥2g per slice) bread, and fish were most available in the semiurbanized region, followed by the rural heartland, the remote mountains region, and the most urbanized inner-town. No significant difference was found in the availability of general food items and cigarettes. Overweight/obesity was inversely associated with the availability of fresh fruit, vegetables, and low-fat milk. Smoking was positively associated with the availability of cigarettes, white bread, whole milk, and eggs. Conclusions: The observed disparities in food availability and their ecologic association with health risks in rural adults expanded the knowledge base of built environment and its association with health beyond the urban setting .     

Weight gain and nutritional intake in obese pregnant women: Some clues for intervention

Aim: Maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes for mothers and offspring. Strategies to better manage maternal obesity are urgently needed; however, there is little evidence to assist the development of nutrition interventions during antenatal care. The present study aimed to assess maternal weight gain and dietary intakes of overweight and obese women participating in an exercise trial. Results will assist the development of interventions for the management of maternal overweight and obesity. Methods: Fifty overweight and obese pregnant women receiving antenatal care were recruited and provided dietary and weight data at baseline (12 weeks), 28 weeks, 36 weeks gestation and 6 weeks post‐partum. Data collected were compared with current nutritional and weight gain recommendations. Associations used Pearson's correlation coefficient, and ANOVA assessed dietary changes over time, P < 0.05. Results: Mean prepregnancy body mass index was 34.4 ± 6.6 kg/m². Gestational weight gain was 10.6 ± 6 kg with a wide range (?4.1 to 23.0 kg). 52% of women gained excessive weight (>11.5 kg for overweight and >9 kg for obese women). Gestational weight gain correlated with post‐partum weight retention (P < 0.001). Dietary intakes did not change significantly during pregnancy. No women achieved dietary fat or dietary iron recommendations, only 11% achieved adequate dietary folate, and 38% achieved adequate dietary calcium. Very few women achieved recommended food group servings for pregnancy, with 83% consuming excess servings of non‐core foods. Conclusion: Results provide evidence that early intervention and personalised support for obese pregnant women may help achieve individualised goals for maternal weight gain and dietary adequacy, but this needs to be tested in a clinical setting.     

Nutritional Characteristics and Body Mass Index of Children in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Children in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands have been shown to have nutrient deficiencies, but data were estimated from a non–population-based sample. The current study is a cross-sectional assessment of 420 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands children, 6 months to 10 years old. Diet, height, and weight were measured. Dietary intake was collected with a 24-hour dietary recall and analyzed using the Pacific Tracker dietary assessment tool. Prevalence of dietary nutrient adequacy was estimated by the Estimated Average Requirement cut-point method. Fiber intake was one-third Adequate Intake (AI) and sodium intake was above the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for all ages. Calcium intake was half the AI for 4 to 8 years old, and less than half the AI for 9 to 10 years old. Meat/meat alternatives were double the recommendation, while all other food groups were below the recommendation for all ages. Prevalence of dietary nutrient adequacy for vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, and phosphorus was lowest among 9- to 10-year-olds. Based on body mass index-for-age percentiles, 45% of 7- to 10-year-olds, 26% of 4- to 6-year-olds, and 25% of 2- to 3-year-olds were overweight or obese. Increasing whole grain, fruit, vegetable, and dairy intakes; reducing meat intakes and high-calorie foods and drinks; and increasing physical activity could improve nutrient intakes and body mass index status in this population.     

北京市东城区494名超重和肥胖成人健康状况及相关知识、态度、行为调查

目的了解北京市东城区成人肥胖和超重人群与肥胖有关的疾病患病率，生活、饮食习惯以及与肥胖有关的知识、态度和行为。方法采用两阶段随机抽样方法，在北京市东城区肥胖和超重人群中随机抽取494人进行调查，调查采用一次性回顾性问卷调查并测量了被调查对象的身高、体重、腰围、臀围等指标。结果在494例被调查对象中，男性148人，占30％；女性346人，占70％。超重者占38％，肥胖者占62％。418人患有与肥胖有关的慢性非传染性疾病，患病率为84．6％；排在疾病谱第一位的是高血压，患病率63．6％。77．5％的人未采取任何减肥措施，59．5％的人日平均蔬菜摄人量低于250g，55．7％的人没有吃水果的习惯。调查对象对肥胖者易患高血压、高血脂和糖尿病有较高的知晓率，但对每人每天食用油适宜摄人量和每天应该进行多长时间的锻炼的知晓率较低。结论超重和肥胖与饮食习惯、运动等因素密切相关，超重和肥胖者有慢性非传染性疾病的比例显著增高。     

Fitness,dietary intake,and body mass index in urban Native American youth

This study investigated correlations among physical fitness, dietary intakes, activity levels, and body mass index (BMI) for 155 urban Native American youth, ages 5 to 18 years. Heights, weights, skinfold measurements, activity level, balance times, and dietary intakes were assessed. Presidential Physical Fitness (PPF) testing was completed with 82 youth. Age groups were examined for differences in energy and macronutrient intake, sedentary activities, activity level, and PPF achievement. Pearson and Spearman rho correlations were examined among dietary intakes, fitness, balance, and activity levels. The majority of youth (63%) were at risk for overweight or already overweight, and 59% were sedentary. BMI was correlated with age and PPF achievement for all youth, and with physical activity and frequency of television viewing for youth ages 9 to 18 years. No correlation was found between dietary intake and activity level. Culturally appropriate interventions for obesity should start early, focusing on decreasing sedentary activity and increasing opportunities for fitness.     

Changes in childhood food consumption patterns: a cause for concern in light of increasing body weights

Childhood obesity is currently at its highest: recent statistics show that 16% of children between the ages of 6 and 11 y are overweight [> or =95th percentile of body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) for age] and that an additional 14.3% are at risk of becoming overweight (> or =85th percentile but < 95th percentile of BMI for age). As children's body weights have increased, so has their consumption of fast foods and soft drinks. The proportion of foods that children consumed from restaurants and fast food outlets increased by nearly 300% between 1977 and 1996. Children's soft drink consumption has also increased during those years, and now soft drinks provide soft drink consumers 188 kcal/d beyond the energy intake of nonconsumers. These changes in food intakes among children may partly explain the rise in childhood obesity observed in the past few years. Although the mechanism of appetite regulation will not be explored in this report, it is hypothesized that the greater energy intakes in children who consume large amounts of soft drinks and fast foods are not compensated for by increased physical activity or decreased energy intakes. Furthermore, overweight and obesity in childhood may predispose persons to morbidity in adulthood. Blood pressure and fasting insulin and cholesterol concentrations are higher in overweight children than in normal-weight children. This review focuses on current food patterns and eating habits of children, in an attempt to explain their increasing BMI. In addition, a critical review of food service and political practices regarding food choices for children at school is included.     

葡萄糖调节受损患者膳食营养状况调查分析

目的 评价葡萄糖调节受损患者的膳食质量,为膳食干预提供理论依据.方法 从常规健康体检中选取符合空腹血糖受损(IFG)和/或糖耐量减低(IGT)的患者63例(统称为葡萄糖调节受损IGR),其中男性29例,女性34例,根据体质指数(BMI)分为正常体型组38例(BMI 21.0±1.11),超重体型组25例(BMI 26.6±0.95).采用食物频率问卷法和膳食史法相结合,分析患者的膳食能量、三大产热营养素摄入量及来源比例.结果 正常体型组能量、碳水化合物摄入量与标准供给量相比差异无统计学意义(P＜0.05),但其摄入量均超过标准供给量10％以上;蛋白质摄入量低于标准供给量10％,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);脂肪摄入量超过标准供给量10％,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).在营养素来源分配比例中,谷类食物、动物性蛋白质、动物性脂肪和植物性脂肪摄入量均超过标准供给量,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);非谷类食物和植物性蛋白质摄入量低于标准供给量,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).超重体型组能量、碳水化合物和脂肪摄入量均超过标准供给量,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).在营养素来源分配比例中,谷类食物、动物性脂肪和植物性脂肪摄入量均超过标准供给量,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);非谷类食物和植物性蛋白摄入量均低于标准供给量10％;动物性蛋白摄入量超过标准供给量10％.两组的胆固醇摄入量均高于300 mg/d,膳食纤维摄入量明显低于推荐剂量20～35 g/d.结论 糖调节受损患者膳食结构不合理,需要科学合理的营养干预.     

Sources of food affect dietary adequacy of Inuit women of childbearing age in Arctic Canada

Dietary transition in the Arctic is associated with decreased quality of diet, which is of particular concern for women of childbearing age due to the potential impact of maternal nutrition status on the next generation. The study assessed dietary intake and adequacy among Inuit women of childbearing age living in three communities in Nunavut, Canada. A culturally-appropriate quantitative food-frequency questionnaire was administered to 106 Inuit women aged 19-44 years. Sources of key foods, energy and nutrient intakes were determined; dietary adequacy was determined by comparing nutrient intakes with recommendations. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was >70%, and many consumed inadequate dietary fibre, folate, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin A, D, E, and K. Non-nutrient-dense foods were primary sources of fat, carbohydrate and sugar intakes and contributed >30% of energy. Traditional foods accounted for 21% of energy and >50% of protein and iron intakes. Strategies to improve weight status and nutrient intake are needed among Inuit women in this important life stage.     

The maximal amount of dietary alpha-tocopherol intake in U.S. adults (NHANES 2001-2002)

The current study was designed to determine the maximal amount of alpha-tocopherol intake obtained from food in the U.S. diet, and to examine the effect of different food group intakes on this amount. Data from 2138 men and 2213 women aged >18 y were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2002. Linear programming was used to generate diets with maximal alpha-tocopherol intake, with the conditions of meeting the recommended daily allowances or adequate intakes for a set of nutrients, sodium and fat recommendations, and energy limits, and that were compatible with the observed dietary patterns in the population. With food use and energy constraints in models, diets formulated by linear programming provided 19.3-24.9 mg alpha-tocopherol for men and women aged 19-50 or >50 y. These amounts decreased to 15.4-19.9 mg with the addition of the sodium, dietary reference intake, and fat constraints. The relations between maximal alpha-tocopherol intake and food group intakes were influenced by total fat restrictions. Although meeting current recommendations (15 mg/d) appears feasible for individuals, dramatic dietary changes that include greater intakes of nuts and seeds, and fruit and vegetables, are needed. Careful selection of the highest vitamin E source foods within these groups could further increase the likelihood of meeting the current recommended daily allowance.     

福州市区6所幼儿园日托幼儿营养调查及评价

「目的」了解福州市区日托幼儿膳食和健康状况。「方法」随机整群抽取市区６所幼儿园日托幼儿１２９０名进行膳食调查和体验。「结果」不同年龄组幼儿在园的午餐和点心中的各营养素摄入量除钙,ＶｉｔＡ外,均超过ＲＤＡ标准的４０％（钙占２８．４％、ＶｉｔＡ占３３．８％）;６所幼儿园中除２所部分营养素供给不平衡外,膳食结构均比较合理;营养不良的营养过剩发生率分别为３．０％和２６．３％,贫血率为１２．４％。「结论」福州市区日托幼儿在园营养状况良好,但要注意提高钙和ＶｉｔＡ的摄入量。营养过剩问题应引起家长、学校和社会的关注。     

Overweight and obesity among children who are deaf: Quantitative and qualitative findings

The current study examined rates of overweight and obesity among children attending schools for the deaf, including factors associated with greater prevalence of overweight. Further, interviews were conducted with school staff to assess school perceptions of overweight and weight management. Although prevalence of overweight and obesity was high (approximately 28%), this rate was not greater than that of youth in the general population, and body mass index was higher among females. Several themes regarding factors contributing to overweight among deaf children, barriers for weight management, and possible components for weight management interventions emerged in interviews with school staff.