Association between Rice Consumption and Selected Indicators of Dietary and Nutritional Status using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2008

The present study was aimed at evaluating whether white rice, brown rice, and rice flour consumption has any association with selected measures of dietary intake and nutritional status, including various variables of energy intake, major vitamin and mineral intakes, weigh status, blood pressure, cholesterol level, and serum folate level for adults 20 years and older. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2008 and the Food Commodity Intake Database were used. Rice consumers had a significantly higher energy intake, yet they had lower percentage calorie intake from fat and saturated fat. Rice consumers also had significantly higher intakes of a range of nutrients. Rice consumers had lower waist circumference, triceps skinfold, and were significantly more likely to have a body mass index less than or equal to 25.     

Maternal blood lead concentration,diet during pregnancy,and anthropometry predict neonatal blood lead in a socioeconomically disadvantaged population

To determine the influences of maternal diet and nutrition during pregnancy on the blood lead level of neonates, we conducted a study of mother-infant pairs from lower socioeconomic circumstances living in Albany County, New York. Maternal blood lead (MBPb), anthropometry, and diet were assessed in each trimester. Neonates' blood lead (NBPb) levels were low (geometric mean = 1.58 micro g/dL), and none had elevated blood lead. More than 50% of the mothers had intakes below the recommended dietary allowances for zinc, calcium, iron, vitamin D, and kilocalories. As expected, MBPb was strongly and positively related to NBPb. Among the anthropometric measures of maternal nutritional status, variables measuring gain in weight and arm circumference were negatively related to NBPb. In multivariable models reflecting different analytic strageties and including MBPb, anthropometry, and sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intakes of iron and vitamin D were negatively related to NBPb. The effect of zinc varied substantially depending on model covariates. Effects of dietary constituents are difficult to distinguish, given the intercorrelated nature of nutrients in the diet. Nevertheless, the influences of maternal anthropometric variables, iron, and vitamin D on neonatal lead levels are clear in our analyses.     

Effects of a salt-restricted diet on the intake of other nutrients

BACKGROUND: Salt restriction, recommended as the first-line treatment of hypertension, has been proposed to lead to deficiencies in intakes of some other nutrients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of salt restriction for 20 wk on the intake of other nutrients in free-living subjects with mildly elevated blood pressure. DESIGN: Thirty-nine subjects (24 men, 15 women) aged 28-65 y with a mean daytime ambulatory diastolic blood pressure of 90-105 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure measured in a health care center of 95-115 mm Hg participated in the study. The subjects completed 4-d food records and their salt intake was measured by 24-h urinary sodium excretion. The subjects received both oral and written instructions from a clinical nutritionist on how to reduce their daily sodium chloride intake to <5 g/d but were instructed not to change their diet otherwise. The subjects were provided with low-salt bread during the salt-restriction period. RESULTS: Few changes were found in nutrient intakes. In men, total energy intake decreased by 1059 kJ/d and alcohol, potassium, and vitamin D intakes decreased, but there were no significant changes in energy-adjusted potassium and vitamin D intakes. In women, total potassium intake increased, but the potassium density of the diet remained unchanged. Total selenium intake and energy-adjusted intake of selenium both decreased significantly in women. CONCLUSIONS: Salt restriction can be undertaken in free-living hypertensive subjects without any untoward changes in the intake of other nutrients.     

Concern about cholesterol and its association with diet in a group of healthy elderly

The association between diet and degree of concern about dietary cholesterol was examined in a group of 244 healthy elderly persons. Specifically, it was thought that a concern about cholesterol might result in diets that exclude essential nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, that are found in foods that also contain cholesterol. 70% of this group indicated a concern about dietary cholesterol; 18% were “very concerned”. Over half of these elderly thought that dietary cholesterol contributed to heart disease, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Many indicated that they were restricting their intake of certain foods because of cholesterol. This response was strongly associated with degree of concern about cholesterol. It was found that those who were concerned about cholesterol had lower intakes of cholesterol, total fat, saturated fat and total calories, and greater intakes of vitamin D. However, no other significant associations with diet were found.     

The association of intakes of vitamin D and calcium with blood pressure among women

Blood pressure and its relationship to nutritional factors, particularly intakes of calcium and vitamin D, were evaluated among 86 women, aged 20-35 yr, and 222 women, aged 55-80 yr, who were not using diuretics. Observations were based on a study of bone density among women in two communities which included blood pressure determinations, a food frequency estimate of calcium intake, a 24-h dietary recall and an extensive supplement use history. There was no significant relationship between estimated current dietary calcium consumption and blood pressure in either age group. However, in younger women, there was a significant inverse relationship between estimated dietary intake of vitamin D and systolic blood pressure which remained significant (p = 0.0016) after adjusting for age, Quetelet index, alcohol consumption and calcium intake. Older women whose consumption of both vitamin D and calcium was less than the Recommended Dietary Allowance, 400 IU/day and 800 mg/day respectively, had a significantly higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.0371) than their counterparts whose estimated intake met the RDA for at least one of the two nutrients. Vitamin D may be related to blood pressure through its regulation of calcium absorption from the gut or its interaction with parathyroid hormone in maintaining plasma calcium homeostasis.     

Major influences on median energy and nutrient intakes among teenagers: a Tasmanian survey

This report explores the characteristics that influenced median intakes of energy and ten nutrients in a representative sample of 1055 adolescents (11-16 years) in Tasmania, Australia. Among girls, the characteristic with greatest influence on intakes was different for different nutrients. Thus, median intakes of fat, iron, thiamin and niacin-equivalent were lower in heavier, fatter girls. Girls from larger families consumed more riboflavin, while girls with poorly educated mothers consumed less vitamin A. Girls who regularly took vitamin supplements had higher median intakes of (food-derived) calcium. Among boys the increase of intakes of energy and nutrients with age overshadowed the influence of other characteristics. Among younger boys the characteristic with greatest influence varied. Those with highly educated fathers had lower median intakes of energy and carbohydrate; those who exercised vigorously consumed more fat; those who smoked 'heavily' (greater than 10 cigarettes in the previous week) consumed more thiamin and niacin-equivalent. Among older boys the characteristic with greatest influence varied. Those who drank 'heavily' (greater than five glasses in the previous week) had higher intakes of energy and fat. Those from professional-managerial households consumed more thiamin. For vitamin C, there was no sex difference in intakes. Social status had the greatest influence, with children from professional-managerial households eating more. Food choices underlying these differences in energy and nutrient intakes were explored.     

A dietary survey of older people in Edinburgh.

1. Dietary histories covering 1 week were obtained from 212 men and 263 women, aged 62--90 years, who formed a random sample of the older people living in a defined area of Edinburgh. The histories were validated by 2 d weighed-diet records for 219 of the subjects. 2. Nutrient intakes are given as mean values and standard deviations, and as percentage distributions of intake relative to the recommended intakes of nutrients. Intakes are also related to factors which might affect diet adversely. 3. Mean values obtained suggested that intakes were less than recommended intakes for more nutrients for women than for men, particularly values for energy and vitamin D. Values for percentage distributions indicated that a substantial proportion of all subjects had low intakes of ascorbic acid and vitamin D, that the energy intake of many women was low and that for most nutrients a greater proportion of men than of women had the recommended intake. Factors assocIATED With significant proportions of subjects with less than the recommended intakes were mental illness in women and deafness and severe dyspnoea in men. 4. Possible action to improve the diet of the elderly is discussed.     

Vegetables, fruits, and related nutrients and risk of breast cancer: a case-control study in Uruguay

To evaluate whether the protective effect associated with vegetables and fruits in breast cancer could be explained by nutrients and bioactive substances present in these plant foods, we carried out a case-control study in Uruguay including 400 cases and 405 controls. The intake of vegetables, fruits, and related nutrients was estimated with a food frequency questionnaire on 64 food items. This questionnaire allowed the calculation of total energy intake, and nutrients were calorie adjusted by the residuals method. Odds ratios for study variables were estimated by unconditional multiple logistic regression. Total vegetable, total fruit, dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, folate, and total phytosterol intakes were inversely associated with breast cancer risk [4th quartile odds ratio for total vegetable intake = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = 0.26-0.65, p (for trend) = 0.004]. The association with total vegetable intake was not independent of lycopene intake. The results related to vegetable and nutrient intakes are consistent with antioxidant and antiestrogenic effects. This could be mediated, among other nutrients, by dietary fiber and lycopene intake. The role of other unmeasured phytochemicals, correlated with dietary fiber and lycopene intakes, cannot be ruled out.     

The paradox of anemia with high meat intake: a review of the multifactorial etiology of anemia in the Inuit of North America

Anemia is a serious concern among indigenous populations in North America, and it appears to be widespread among the Inuit despite abundant intakes of heme iron. It is therefore hypothesized that anemia for the Inuit involves other dietary factors not usually associated with animal foods, such as low intakes of vitamin A and/or folate, riboflavin, and vitamin C. Also, Helicobacter pylori infection and/or parasitosis may result in gastrointestinal blood loss and/or functional iron deficiency. This review aims to describe factors that may cause anemia in Inuit populations despite high meat intakes, abundant bioavailable iron, and other important hematological nutrients.     

The Difference in Nutrient Intakes between Chinese and Mediterranean,Japanese and American Diets

Across countries, the predominant diets are clearly different and highly related with human health. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate dietary nutrients between them. This study aimed to evaluate dietary nutrients in China and compare those between Chinese and Mediterranean (Italian), Japanese and American diets. Dietary intakes of 2659 subjects in south-east China, Zhejiang province, from 2010 to 2012, were estimated by three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. The contribution of carbohydrate to total energy in Chinese subjects was lower than that in Japanese and American subjects, but higher than that in Italian subjects. However, the energy contribution from fat in Chinese subjects was higher than that in Japanese and American subjects, and similar to that in Italian subjects. Moreover, the Chinese diet had lower daily intakes of fiber, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂ and vitamin C, compared with the Japanese, American and Italian diets. Nevertheless, intakes of sodium, iron, copper and vitamin E were higher among Chinese people relative to the people of other three countries. The present study demonstrated that the structure of the Chinese diet has been shifting away from the traditional diet toward high-fat, low-carbohydrate and low-fiber diets, and nutrients intakes in Chinese people have been changing even worse than those in American people.     

Socio-Economic Variables and Nutrient Adequacy of Women in the Vaal Region of South Africa

The aim of this cross-sectional, observational baseline survey was to examine the association between nutrient intakes and selected socio-economic variables in 722 women, aged 19 to 90 years living in peri-urban settlements. Measurements included socio-demographic data and 24-hour recall dietary intake data. The results showed poor nutrient intakes with the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) not met for the mean intakes of all nutrients except carbohydrates, phosphorus, and vitamin B12. The inadequate energy intakes were significantly higher among the women who had lower education (p = .015), lower income (p = .028), and were unemployed (p = .015). The epidemiological value of the study findings is in the contribution to the rationale of appropriate interventions such as income-generating projects as well as household agricultural projects to improve food and nutrient intakes.     

围绝经期女性膳食植物化合物摄入量与高血脂高血压相关性研究

目的探讨围绝经期女性植物化合物摄入量与高血脂高血压的相关性。方法选取2017年1月至2018年1月上海市第七人民医院门诊和住院部围绝经期女性504例,其中247例合并有高脂血症或高血压为病例组,257例无高血脂或高血压等慢性疾病为对照组。采用24 h回顾法和调整的膳食频率问卷统计营养素和植物化合物摄入量,并使用非条件Logistic回归方法分析营养素和植物化合物的摄入量与血脂、血压的关系。结果调整了研究人群基本信息因素(年龄、BMI、吸烟、饮酒等)和总能量摄入对各营养素和植物化合物的混杂因素干扰后,发现维生素A、植物甾醇和花色苷与围绝经期女性的血压或血脂相关联,与参照水平相比,第四分位的OR值分别是为3.8、1.56和0.22,并且随着日摄入量的增加,高血压或高血脂的危险度减小,趋势检验P值均小于0.05。结论植物甾醇和花色苷与围绝经期女性血脂血压可能存在一定的相关性,增加其摄入量可降低高血脂和高血压风险。     

Risk of nutrient inadequacies in elite Canadian athletes with spinal cord injury

Energy intakes of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) have been reported to be relatively low, with many micronutrients below recommended amounts, but little is known about the diets of athletes with SCI. The purpose of this cross-sectional, observational study was to assess energy intakes and estimate the prevalence of dietary inadequacy in a sample of elite Canadian athletes with SCI (n = 32). Three-day self-reported food diaries completed at home and training camp were analyzed for energy (kcal), macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals and compared with the dietary reference intakes (DRIs). The prevalence of nutrient inadequacy was estimated by the proportion of athletes with mean intakes below the estimated average requirement (EAR). Energy intakes were 2,156 ± 431 kcal for men and 1,991 ± 510 kcal for women. Macronutrient intakes were within the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges. While at training camp, >25% of men had intakes below the EAR for calcium, magnesium, zinc, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. Thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, and vitamin D intakes were higher at home than training camp. Over 25% of women had intakes below the EAR for calcium, magnesium, folate, and vitamin D, with no significant differences in mean intakes between home and training camp. Vitamin/mineral supplement use significantly increased men's intakes of most nutrients but did not affect prevalence of inadequacy. Women's intakes did not change significantly with vitamin/mineral supplementation. These results demonstrate that athletes with SCI are at risk for several nutrient inadequacies relative to the DRIs.     

Intake of micronutrients high in animal-source foods is associated with better growth in rural Kenyan school children

Observational studies have shown that children in developing countries consuming diets containing high amounts of bioavailable nutrients, such as those found in animal-source foods, grow better. The present study investigated which specific nutrients from the diet of Kenyan school children predicted their growth. The children (n 544, median age 7 years) participated in a 2-year long food supplementation study with animal-source foods. Height gain during the intervention period was positively predicted by average daily intakes of energy from animal-source foods, haem Fe, preformed vitamin A, Ca and vitamin B12. Weight gain was positively predicted by average daily intakes of energy from animal-source foods, haem Fe, preformed vitamin A, Ca and vitamin B12. Gain in mid-upper-arm muscle area was positively predicted by average daily intakes of energy from animal-source foods and vitamin B12. Gain in mid-upper-arm fat area was positively predicted by average daily intakes of energy from animal-source foods. Gain in subscapular skinfold thickness was not predicted by any of the nutrient intakes. Negative predictors of growth were total energy and nutrients that are contained in high amounts in plant foods. The study shows that growth was positively predicted by energy and nutrients that are provided in high amounts and in a bioavailable form in meat and milk, and their inclusion into the diets of children in developing countries should be part of all food-based programmes in order to improve micronutrient status and growth.     

Dietary intakes of Title III meal program recipients and nonrecipients

Nutrient intakes, dietary habits, and the nutrition knowledge and attitudes of elderly recipients and nonrecipients of a Title III meal program were examined. Mean intakes of energy and all nutrients except niacin and vitamin C were higher for recipients, although no statistically significant differences were found. High average intakes of protein, iron, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C were shown among all groups. Low individual intakes were found for energy, calcium, vitamin A, and thiamin. Men consumed significantly more protein, fat, and riboflavin than women. As age increased, intakes of fat, protein, iron, thiamin, and niacin decreased. More than 75% of all subjects had diets rated "fair" or "good." Percentages of kilocalories from protein were above the recommended levels for all groups, and percentages of kilocalories from fat were above recommended levels for all groups except recipient women. Neither the number of meals eaten alone nor living arrangements had a significant effect on the patterns of intake of the nutrients studied. Most of the subjects interviewed did not regularly take vitamin/mineral supplements. Of those who took supplements, most consumed adequate diets. No significant differences were found in the nutrition knowledge or attitudes of recipients and nonrecipients, although recipients had slightly higher scores. Nutrition knowledge scores were above 60% for all groups. Educational attainment was positively correlated with nutrition knowledge.     

Hyperhomocysteinemia,and low intakes of folic acid and vitamin B12 in urban North India

Summary Background and Aim An adverse coronary risk profile has been reported amongst rural-to-urban migrant population living in urban slums undergoing stressful socio-economic transition. These individuals are likely to have low intakes of folic acid and vitamin B12, which may have an adverse impact on serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy). To test this hypothesis, we studied serum levels of Hcy in subjects living in an urban slum of North India and healthy subjects from urban non-slum area. Methods Group I consisted of 46 subjects (22 males and 24 females) living in an urban slum, while group II consisted of healthy subjects (n = 26, 13 males and 13 females) living in the adjacent non-slum area. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical profile (fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and fasting serum levels of Hcy were measured. Dietary intakes of folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B1, and iron were calculated by the 24-hour dietary recall method. Serum levels of Hcy were correlated with dietary intakes of nutrients, anthropometry, and metabolic variables. Results Sex-adjusted serum levels of Hcy in mmol/L (Mean ± SD) were high, though statistically comparable, in both the groups (group I: 20.8 ± 5.9 and group II: 23.2 ± 5.9). Overall, higher than normal serum levels of Hcy (> 15 μmol/L) were recorded in 84 % of the subjects. A substantial proportion of subjects in both groups had daily nutrient intakes below that recommended for the Asian Indian population (folic acid: 93.4 % in group I and 96.7 % in group II, vitamin B12: 76.1 % in group I and 88.4 % in group II). However, between the two groups, average daily dietary intakes of both the nutrients were statistically comparable. As compared to non-vegetarians, vegetarians showed lower intakes of folic acid (p < 0.01) and vitamin B12 (p < 0.01) in both groups. On multivariate linear regression analysis with serum Hcy as the response variable and vegetarian/non-vegetarian status and sex (male/female) as predictor variables, higher serum levels of Hcy were observed in vegetarians vs non-vegetarians (β = 4.6, p < 0.05) and males vs females (β = 5.3, p < 0.01). Conclusions Low intakes of folic acid and vitamin B12, and hyperhomocysteinemia, in both the healthy population living in urban slums and adjacent urban non-slum areas, are important observations for the prevention of nutritional and cardiovascular diseases in the Indian subcontinent. Received: 30 October 2001, Accepted: 14 January 2002     

The nutritional implications of food wastage in continuing care wards for elderly patients with mental health problems

Long-stay wards, where patients are permanently resident, have a responsibility to ensure that the diet that they provide is adequate to meet their residents' needs. The diets of long-stay, elderly patients with mental health problems were assessed and compared with dietary reference values. The nutritional value of the food supplied from the kitchen and the ward, the food served to the patient and the food consumed by the patient was evaluated.
Results showed that food wastage, as service losses and plate waste, had nutritional implications. In the cases of vitamin C, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin A, calcium, iron, copper, zinc and total energy, the amounts available to patients were adequate. After service losses and plate waste however, intakes were found to be low. In other cases the food available would not have supplied adequate amounts of the nutrients, even if no losses had occurred (folate, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, iodine, selenium and dietary fibre). Actual intakes of some nutrients, notably heat labile vitamins, may be lower than recorded owing to the effects of catering practices (e.g. warm-holding). Low intakes usually resulted from a combination of service losses and plate waste. Plate waste occurred for a number of reasons, including inappropriate eating utensils, unfamiliar or disliked foods and insufficient time for meals.     

Dietary intake and nutritional status of young vegans and omnivores in Sweden

BACKGROUND: Adolescents sometimes become vegetarian for ethical rather than health reasons. This may result in health problems caused by lack of interest in and knowledge of nutrition. OBJECTIVE: We compared the dietary intake and nutritional status of young Swedish vegans and omnivores. DESIGN: The dietary intakes of 30 vegans (15 males and 15 females; mean age: 17.5 +/- 1.0 y) and 30 sex-, age-, and height-matched omnivores were assessed with the use of a diet-history interview and validated by the doubly labeled water method and by measuring nitrogen, sodium, and potassium excretion in urine. Iron status and serum vitamin B-12 and folate concentrations were measured in blood samples. RESULTS: The diet-history method underestimated energy intake by 13% and potassium intake by 7% compared with the doubly labeled water method and 24-h urine excretion, respectively. Reported dietary nitrogen and sodium intakes agreed with the 24-h urinary excretion measure. Vegans had higher intakes of vegetables, legumes, and dietary supplements and lower intakes of cake and cookies and candy and chocolate than did omnivores. Vegans had dietary intakes lower than the average requirements of riboflavin, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium, and selenium. Intakes of calcium and selenium remained low even with the inclusion of dietary supplements. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of low iron status among vegans (20%) and omnivores (23%). Two vegans with low intakes of vitamin B-12 had low serum concentrations. CONCLUSION: The dietary habits of the vegans varied considerably and did not comply with the average requirements for some essential nutrients.     

Nutrient intake and blood pressure: families of adult identical twins

To investigate the relationship of dietary intake to blood pressure, 198 adults and 53 children who were members of 92 nuclear families completed a 3-day diet diary prior to an outpatient clinic examination for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Nutrient intake was significantly related to age and anthropometric variables in adults. Sodium and potassium intake were related to blood pressure in adults, but this relationship was no longer significant after adjustment for caloric intake. The diet and blood pressure relationships in children were less clear. Multiple linear regression techniques using age, anthropometric variables, and nutrient intake demonstrated that in adults age and skinfold were the principal determinants of blood pressure, but in children age and saturated fat intake were most likely to enter the equations. In comparisons of normotensive and hypertensive adults, there were no differences in the dietary intakes of these electrolytes. The results of this investigation underscore the complex interaction of nutrient intake with body size and age. Investigators who focus only on a few nutrients and fail to account for other sources of variation can be misled.