Dietary Patterns and Risk of Frailty in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older People in Hong Kong: A Prospective Cohort Study

Dietary pattern analysis is an emerging approach to investigate the association between diet and frailty. This study examined the association of dietary patterns with frailty in 2724 Chinese community-dwelling men and women aged ≥ 65 years. Baseline dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire between 2001 and 2003. Adherence to a priori dietary patterns, including the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) and the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) was assessed. Factor analysis identified three a posteriori dietary patterns, namely “vegetables-fruits”, “snacks-drinks-milk products”, and “meat-fish”. Incident frailty was defined using the FRAIL scale. Binary logistic regression was applied to examine the associations between dietary patterns and four-year incident frailty. There were 31 (1.1%) incident frailty cases at four years. Every 10-unit increase in DQI-I was associated with 41% reduced risk of frailty in the sex- and age-adjusted model (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.59 (0.42–0.85), p = 0.004). The association attenuated in the multivariate adjusted model (0.69 (0.47–1.02), p = 0.056). No association between other dietary patterns and incident frailty was observed. Our study showed that a better diet quality as characterized by higher DQI-I was associated with lower odds of developing frailty. The contribution of MDS or a posteriori dietary patterns to the development of frailty in Chinese older people remains to be explored.     

Association Between Dietary Patterns in Midlife and Healthy Ageing in Chinese Adults: The Singapore Chinese Health Study

ObjectiveTo examine the associations between dietary patterns in midlife and likelihood of future healthy ageing in Chinese older adults.DesignProspective population-based study.Setting and ParticipantsWe included 14,159 participants aged 45-74 years who were free from cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes at baseline (1993-1998) from the Singapore Chinese Health Study.MethodsDietary intakes in midlife were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Diet quality was scored according to the alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)–2010, overall plant-based diet index (PDI), and healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI). Healthy ageing was assessed at the third follow-up visit (2014-2016), which occurred about 20 years after the baseline visit, and was defined as the absence of 10 chronic diseases, no impairment of cognitive function, no limitations in instrumental activities of daily living, no clinical depression at screening, good overall self-perceived health, good physical functioning, and no function-limiting pain among participants who had survival to at least 65 years of age. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were applied to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between each dietary pattern score and healthy ageing.ResultsAbout 20.0% of participants met the healthy ageing criteria. The OR (95% CI) for healthy ageing comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of diet quality scores was 1.52 (1.31-1.77) for aMED, 1.53 (1.35-1.73) for DASH, 1.39 (1.23-1.57) for AHEI-2010, 1.34 (1.18-1.53) for PDI, and 1.45 (1.27-1.65) for hPDI (all P-trend < .001). Each standard deviation increment in different diet quality scores was associated with 12% to 18% higher likelihood of healthy ageing.Conclusions and ImplicationsIn this Chinese population, adherence to various healthy dietary patterns at midlife is associated with higher likelihood of healthy ageing at later life.     

The Influence of Active Gaming on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Black and Hispanic Youth

BACKGROUND

Youth in the United States have low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, a risk factor for childhood obesity. Lower levels of physical fitness for black and Hispanic youth contribute to health disparities. In this feasibility study, we examined active video games (AVGs) as a tool to improve fitness and attitudes toward physical activity during early adolescence.

METHOD

A 6‐week AVG program took place in a youth development program in a high‐poverty neighborhood in New York City. Youth aged 10 to 15 years (50% overweight or obese) participated in 2 fitness tests and completed surveys that captured barriers to physical activity pre‐ and postintervention. Each week, participants played Wii Fit games for 30 minutes.

RESULTS

Participants improved the number of sit‐ups and step‐ups they completed from pre‐ to postintervention (p < .05). Participants also increased their self‐efficacy, intention to exercise and perceived social support to exercise (p < .05). Youth reported a high level of enjoyment and perceived Wii Fit as ways to increase physical fitness and increase their physical activity.

CONCLUSION

AVGs may be a viable alternative exercise program to increase physical activity for black and Hispanic youth living in poverty‐impacted neighborhoods.

     

Dietary Inflammatory Index and Associations with Sarcopenia Symptomology in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Low-grade systemic inflammation is a key driver of muscle degeneration in older adults, and diets with pro-inflammatory properties may further contribute to loss of muscle mass, strength and function. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the associations between the inflammatory potential of the diet and measures of sarcopenia symptomology in community-dwelling older adults. Upper (handgrip strength, HGS) and lower extremity (sit-to-stand) muscle strength, physical performance (timed-up-and-go, TUG) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People version 2 (EWGSOP2) criteria. Multiple 24-hr dietary recalls were used to calculate the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), which was then used to group participants into anti- and pro-inflammatory dietary groups. Multiple linear regression investigated associations between DII, muscle strength, physical performance, and muscle quantity adjusted for age, gender, comorbidities, waist circumference and physical activity. Adults 65–85 years (n = 110, 72.1 ± 4.7 years, 76.4% female) were recruited. One participant was identified with sarcopenia, 35.2% were pre-frail, or frail. More participants with a pro-inflammatory DII score had low muscle quantity than those with anti-inflammatory DII (3.4% vs. 6.4%, x² = 4.537, p = 0.043) and DII was negatively associated with HGS (β = −0.157, p = 0.016) and ASM (β = −0.176, p = 0.002) which remained significant after adjusting for covariates. In this population, DII was associated with less favorable muscle strength, physical performance, and muscle quantity.     

Estimating Cardiorespiratory Fitness Without Exercise Testing or Physical Activity Status in Healthy Adults: Regression Model Development and Validation

BackgroundLow cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. Most health care settings use some type of electronic health record (EHR) system. However, many EHRs do not have CRF or physical activity data collected, thereby limiting the types of investigations and analyses that can be done.ObjectiveThis study aims to develop a nonexercise equation to estimate and classify CRF (in metabolic equivalent tasks) using variables commonly available in EHRs.MethodsParticipants were 42,676 healthy adults (female participants: n=9146, 21.4%) from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study examined from 1974 to 2005. The nonexercise estimated CRF was based on sex, age, measured BMI, measured resting heart rate, measured resting blood pressure, and smoking status. A maximal treadmill test measured CRF.ResultsAfter conducting nonlinear feature augmentation, separate linear regression models were used for male and female participants to calculate correlation and regression coefficients. Cross-classification of actual and estimated CRF was performed using low CRF categories (lowest quintile, lowest quartile, and lowest tertile). The multiple correlation coefficient (R) was 0.70 (mean deviation 1.33) for male participants and 0.65 (mean deviation 1.23) for female participants. The models explained 48.4% (SE estimate 1.70) and 41.9% (SE estimate 1.56) of the variance in CRF for male and female participants, respectively. Correct category classification for low CRF (lowest tertile) was found in 77.2% (n=25,885) of male participants and 74.9% (n=6,850) of female participants.ConclusionsThe regression models developed in this study provided useful estimation and classification of CRF in a large population of male and female participants. The models may provide a practical method for estimating CRF derived from EHRs for population health research.     

Association between Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Breakfast Quality with Physical Fitness in School Children: The HIIT Project

Dietary habits have been linked with health in childhood. However, few studies have examined the association between healthy dietary patterns and physical fitness. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the associations of adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) and breakfast quality with physical fitness in children. Further to this, we examined the role of physical activity in these associations. A total of 175 children (86 girls, 9.7 ± 0.3 years) participated. Adherence to MDP and breakfast quality were assessed by the KIDMED questionnaire and 24 h recall, respectively. Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and speed–agility were assessed. Physical activity was evaluated by wrist-worn accelerometers. Greater adherence to the MDP was related with higher cardiorespiratory fitness, lower-limbs muscular strength, and speed–agility (all β ≥ 0.189, all p ≤ 0.02). No significant associations were observed between breakfast quality and physical fitness (all p > 0.05). However, all the significant associations disappeared after adjusting for physical activity (all p > 0.05). Our study sheds light on the relevance of adhering to the MDP over physical fitness in school children. However, there is no association between breakfast quality and physical fitness. Furthermore, physical activity seems to explain, at least partially, these findings.     

Dietary Patterns and Risk Factors of Frailty in Lebanese Older Adults

Factors associated with frailty, particularly dietary patterns, are not fully understood in Mediterranean countries. This study aimed to investigate the association of data-driven dietary patterns with frailty prevalence in older Lebanese adults. We conducted a cross-sectional national study that included 352 participants above 60 years of age. Sociodemographic and health-related data were collected. Food frequency questionnaires were used to elaborate dietary patterns via the K-mean cluster analysis method. Frailty that accounted for 15% of the sample was twice as much in women (20%) than men (10%). Identified dietary patterns included a Westernized-type dietary pattern (WDP), a high intake/Mediterranean-type dietary pattern (HI-MEDDP), and a moderate intake/Mediterranean-type dietary pattern (MOD-MEDDP). In the multivariate analysis, age, waist to height ratio, polypharmacy, age-related conditions, and WDP were independently associated with frailty. In comparison to MOD-MEDDP, and after adjusting for covariates, adopting a WDP was strongly associated with a higher frailty prevalence in men (OR = 6.63, 95% (CI) (1.82–24.21) and in women (OR = 11.54, 95% (CI) (2.02–65.85). In conclusion, MOD-MEDDP was associated with the least prevalence of frailty, and WDP had the strongest association with frailty in this sample. In the Mediterranean sample, a diet far from the traditional one appears as the key deleterious determinant of frailty.     

Dietary intake among elderly Chinese in Hong Kong

Evaluation and improvement of nutritional status should be among the research priorities aimed towards a better life for the elderly. In a cohort study of about 1 ,000 elderly subjects in Hong Kong, a 24-hour dietary recall and dietary consumption pattern were obtained in the first phase cross-sectional study. This paper reports on the 695 men and women living outside institutions. All subjects were aged 70 and above. They were either living with their spouse, with children or grandchildren, or with relatives or friends. Based on Recommended Dietary Allowances for East Asia, the dietary intakes in general were adequate in terms of energy and nutrients except for calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin and niacin. The general low intake of these nutrients, especially calcium, were supported by the dietary consumption pattern and deserves attention from health care providers. Practical dietary recommendations can be given to improve the nutritional intake of the ageing Chinese population in Hong Kong.     

Mediterranean Diet and Risk of Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background and ObjectiveLow intake of certain micronutrients and protein has been associated with higher risk of frailty. However, very few studies have assessed the effect of global dietary patterns on frailty. This study examined the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the risk of frailty in older adults.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsProspective cohort study with 1815 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years recruited in 2008–2010 in Spain.MeasurementsAt baseline, the degree of MD adherence was measured with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score and the Mediterranean Diet Score, also known as the Trichopoulou index. In 2012, individuals were reassessed to detect incident frailty, defined as having at least 3 of the following criteria: exhaustion, muscle weakness, low physical activity, slow walking speed, and weight loss. The study associations were summarized with odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) obtained from logistic regression, with adjustment for the main confounders.ResultsOver a mean follow-up of 3.5 years, 137 persons with incident frailty were identified. Compared with individuals in the lowest tertile of the MEDAS score (lowest MD adherence), the OR (95% CI) of frailty was 0.85 (0.54–1.36) in those in the second tertile, and 0.65 (0.40–1.04; P for trend = .07) in the third tertile. Corresponding figures for the Mediterranean Diet Score were 0.59 (0.37–0.95) and 0.48 (0.30–0.77; P for trend = .002). Being in the highest tertile of MEDAS was associated with reduced risk of slow walking (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.35–0.79) and of weight loss (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.36–0.80). Lastly, the risk of frailty was inversely associated with consumption of fish (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.45–0.97) and fruit (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.39–0.91).ConclusionsAmong community-dwelling older adults, an increasing adherence to the MD was associated with decreasing risk of frailty.     

Dietary Patterns and Obesity in Chinese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Certain dietary patterns are associated with an increased risk of obesity and its comorbidities. However, these associations vary across populations. The prevalence of obesity has been rising amid a drastic nutrition transition in China during the country’s rapid economic growth. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to summarize how dietary patterns are associated with obesity in the Chinese population. We searched for articles from 1 January 2000 to 1 February 2022 in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Scopus that assessed the relationship between dietary patterns and obesity outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a random effects model. From the 2556 articles identified from the search, 23 articles were included in the analysis. We found that the traditional Chinese dietary pattern was associated with a lower risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.84, p < 0.001), whereas the Western dietary pattern was associated with a higher OR of overweight/obesity, but not reaching statistical significance (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.84, p = 0.07). There were inconsistent results for other dietary patterns, such as meat/animal protein and plant/vegetarian patterns. In conclusion, the traditional Chinese diet characterized by vegetables, rice, and meat was associated with a lower risk of obesity. The heterogeneity in characterizing dietary patterns contributes to the inconsistency of how dietary patterns are associated with obesity in the Chinese population.     

The Relationship between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration,Cardiorespiratory Fitness,and Insulin Resistance in Japanese Men

Here, we aim to investigate the independent and combined associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with glucose metabolism. Fasting blood samples of 107 men aged 40–79 years were analyzed for 25(OH)D, glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated from the fasting concentrations of glucose and insulin. Visceral fat area (VFA) was determined by magnetic resonance imaging and CRF by measuring maximal oxygen uptake. Median 25(OH)D concentration was 36.3 nmol/L, while the prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency was 74.8%. Participants with high CRF had significantly lower HOMA-IR, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin values than participants with low CRF (p < 0.05). Higher 25(OH)D concentration was strongly correlated with lower HOMA-IR and insulin values independent of VFA (p < 0.01) but significantly affected by CRF. In the high CRF group, participants with higher 25(OH)D concentration had lower HOMA-IR values than participants with low 25(OH)D concentration (p < 0.05). Higher 25(OH)D and CRF are crucial for reducing insulin resistance regardless of abdominal fat. In addition, higher 25(OH)D concentration may strengthen the effect of CRF on reducing insulin resistance in middle-aged and elderly Japanese men with high CRF.     

Higher Dietary Intake of Advanced Glycation End Products Is Associated with Faster Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Objective: Dietary-derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) vary for different food types and the methods employed during their preparation may contribute to diverse chronic health conditions. The goal of this study was to investigate the associations of dietary AGEs (dAGEs) with cognitive decline in older adults. Methods: Non-demented older adults (n = 684) underwent annual testing with 19 cognitive tests summarized as a global cognitive score based on five cognitive domains. We modified a previously validated food frequency questionnaire designed to assess dAGE. The modified questionnaire assessed portion size and frequency of consumption of six food groups (meat, poultry, fish, cheese, spreads, and processed foods), as well as the method of their preparation (e.g., grilling, boiling). dAGE was the sum of the scores of the six food groups. Linear mixed-effect models were used to examine the association of baseline dAGE with cognitive decline. All models controlled for age, sex, education, race, and body mass index (BMI). Results: Average follow-up was 3.0 years. Higher baseline dAGEs was associated with a faster rate of global cognitive decline (Estimate = −0.003 (standard error = 0.001, p-value = 0.015). This association was driven by declines in episodic memory (−0.004 (0.002, 0.013)) and perceptual speed (−0.003 (0.001, 0.049)) but not by semantic memory, working memory, and visuospatial domains. These associations were not attenuated by controlling for cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, including diabetes. Levels of dAGE of the specific food groups were not associated with cognitive decline. Conclusions: Higher levels of dietary AGE levels in older adults are associated with faster cognitive decline. These data lend further support for the importance of diet and that its modification may slow or prevent late-life cognitive impairment. Further clinical studies will be needed and the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations will need to be identified.     

Analysis of the Impact of a Multi-Strain Probiotic on Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Long-Distance Runners

Use of probiotic supplements, the benefits of which have not been proven in sportspeople, is becoming more widespread among runners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and inflammation in the body. The randomised, double-blind study included 66 long-distance runners. The intervention factor was a multi-strain probiotic or placebo. At the initial and final stages of the study, evaluation of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness was performed and the presence of inflammation determined. In the group of men using the probiotic, an increase in lean body mass (p = 0.019) and skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.022) was demonstrated, while in the group of women taking the probiotic, a decrease in the content of total body fat (p = 0.600) and visceral fat (p = 0.247) was observed. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2max) increased in women (p = 0.140) and men (p = 0.017) using the probiotic. Concentration of tumour necrosis factor-alpha decreased in women (p = 0.003) and men (p = 0.001) using the probiotic and in women (p = 0.074) and men (p = 0.016) using the placebo. Probiotic therapy had a positive effect on selected parameters of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness of study participants and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation.     

Dietary Pattern and Dietary Energy from Fat Associated with Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Chinese People: A Cross-Sectional Study in Three Regions of China

Associations between dietary patterns (DPs) and sarcopenia remain controversial, and fewer studies have mentioned the relationship between dietary energy composition and sarcopenia. The present cross-sectional study was conducted in three regions of China, to detect the associations between DPs and sarcopenia, and to identify the influencing nutrients. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted for DP identification. Logistic regressions were performed to explore the associations between DPs and sarcopenia. Dietary nutrients and dietary energy composition were calculated and compared among different DPs. Three DPs were identified from 861 community-dwelling older people. The “mushrooms–fruits–milk” pattern was negatively associated with sarcopenia (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.14~0.77, p-trend = 0.009). Subjects in the highest quartile of the “mushrooms–fruits–milk” pattern showed more abundant intake (1.7 g/kg/d) of dietary protein, and lower percentage (31%) of energy from fat (PEF) than the other two DPs. Further analyses indicated that lower PEF (<30%) was negatively associated with sarcopenia. In conclusion, the “mushrooms–fruits–milk” pattern was negatively associated with sarcopenia in community-dwelling older Chinese people. This pattern showed abundant protein intake and low PEF, which may partially contribute to its protective effect on sarcopenia. Therefore, besides protein, dietary fat and PEF may also be considered in the prevention and management of sarcopenia.     

Dietary Patterns and Prevalent NAFLD at Year 25 from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is rapidly rising. We aimed to investigate associations of diet quality and dietary patterns with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Black and White adults. We included 1726 participants who attended the Year 20 Exam of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study and had their liver attenuation (LA) measured using computed tomography at Year 25 (2010–2011). NAFLD was defined as an LA of ≤51 Hounsfield units after the exclusion of other causes of liver fat. The a priori diet-quality score (APDQS) was used to assess diet quality, and dietary patterns were derived from principal components analysis. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between the APDQS, dietary patterns, and NAFLD, and were adjusted for Year 20 covariates. NAFLD prevalence at Year 25 was 23.6%. In a model adjusted for age, race, sex, education, alcohol use, physical activity, smoking, and center at Year 25, the APDQS was inversely associated (p = 0.004) and meat dietary pattern was positively associated (p < 0.0001) with NAFLD, while the fruit-vegetable dietary pattern was not significantly associated (p = 0.40). These associations remained significant when additionally adjusting for comorbidities (type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension), however, significant associations were diminished after additionally adjusting for body mass index (BMI). Overall, this study finds that the APDQS and meat dietary patterns are associated with prevalent NAFLD in mid-life. The associations appear to be partially mediated through higher BMI.     

Association between Dietary Patterns and Depression in Chinese Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study Based on CLHLS

(1) Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and depression in Chinese older adults. (2) Method: A cohort study was conducted on the relationship between dietary patterns and the risk of depression in older adults based on the China Health and Longevity Longitudinal Survey (CLHLS) from 2011 to 2014. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. The relationship between dietary patterns and the risk of depression after four years was examined using logistic regression, and subgroup analysis was carried out to determine whether the association differed by gender. (3) Results: A total of 2873 older adults were included in our cohort study. Three dietary patterns were identified: vegetable–egg–bean–milk pattern, meat–fish pattern, and salt-preserved vegetable–garlic pattern. The vegetable–egg–beans–milk pattern was negatively correlated with the risk of geriatric depression development (adjusted OR = 0.65 (95%CI: 0.49–0.87)), and the salt-preserved vegetable–garlic pattern was positively associated with aged depression risk (adjusted OR = 1.33 (95CI: 1.00–1.77)). The meat–fish pattern was not associated with the risk of depression in older adults. These associations were consistent in both men and women. (4) Conclusions: In this cohort study, the vegetable–egg–beans–milk dietary pattern was associated with lower risk of depression, while the salt-preserved vegetable–garlic dietary pattern was associated with higher risk of depression, and there were no gender differences in these associations.     

Dietary Patterns Associated with the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Kuwaiti Adults

BackgroundKuwaiti adults have experienced a rapid increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors. Dietary patterns in the Kuwaiti diet associated with the increasingly higher CVD burden have not been adequately evaluated.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify the major dietary patterns in Kuwaiti adults and examine their associations with CVD risk factors.DesignThis cross-sectional study examined data from the 2008-2009 National Nutrition Survey of the State of Kuwait.Participants/settingThe study included 555 Kuwaiti adults aged ≥20 years who completed a 24-hour dietary recall.Main outcome measuresThe outcome measures included CVD risk factors such as obesity (body mass index), abdominal obesity (waist circumference), elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia (blood lipid levels), diabetes (glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels), and metabolic syndrome.Statistical analysisDietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. The associations between dietary patterns and CVD risk factors were analyzed using survey-weighted multivariable linear and logistic regression models.ResultsThree dietary patterns were identified: vegetable-rich, fast food, and refined grains/poultry. Younger adults had higher adherence to the fast-food or refined-grains/poultry dietary patterns, whereas older adults had higher adherence to the vegetable-rich dietary pattern. The fast-food dietary pattern was positively associated with body mass index (β=.94, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.79), waist circumference (β=2.05, 95% CI 0.20 to 3.90 cm), and diastolic blood pressure (β=1.62, 95% CI 0.47 to 2.77 mm Hg). The refined grains/poultry dietary pattern was positively associated with plasma glucose levels (β=1.02, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.04 mg/dL [0.056 to 0.058 mmol/L]). Individuals in the highest tertile of the fast-food or refined-grains/poultry dietary patterns had higher odds of metabolic syndrome than those in the lowest tertile.ConclusionsThe fast-food and refined grains/poultry dietary patterns were associated with high prevalence of CVD risk factors among Kuwaiti adults. The current findings underscore the need for prospective studies to further explore dietary pattern and CVD risk factor relationships among at-risk Kuwait adults.     

Association between Dietary Patterns and Physical Fitness among Chinese Children and Adolescents in Shaanxi Province

Background: This study aims to investigate the associations between dietary patterns (breakfast, egg, dairy products, and sugared beverage intake frequencies) and physical fitness among Chinese children and adolescents in Shaanxi Province. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Chinese National Survey on Students’ Constitution and Health (CNSSCH). The study ultimately included 7305 participants (48.4% male, 51.6% female) aged 6–22 in Shaanxi Province, China. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association of the frequency of breakfast, egg, dairy product, and sugared beverage intakes with physical fitness. RESULTS: The frequency of breakfast, egg, and dairy product intakes were all independently and positively associated with the level of physical fitness. The frequency of sugared beverage intake was negatively associated with the level of physical fitness. CONCLUSION: Healthier dietary patterns (i.e., higher breakfast, egg, and dairy product intakes and lower sugared beverage intake) were associated with greater physical fitness. Specifically, maintaining a healthy dietary pattern of breakfast, egg, and dairy product intakes can positively affect the strength and endurance performance of children and adolescents. Increased dairy product intake plays a crucial part in boosting the physical fitness total scores of children and adolescents.     

Protein Intake among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Influence of (Pre-) Motivational Determinants

An adequate protein intake is important for healthy ageing, yet nearly 50% of Dutch community-dwelling older adults do not meet protein recommendations. This study explores protein intake in relation to eight behavioral determinants (I-Change model) among Dutch community-dwelling older adults. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from October 2019–October 2020. Protein intake was assessed by the Protein Screener 55+, indicating a high/low chance of a low protein intake (<1.0 g/kg body weight/day). The behavioral determinants of cognizance, knowledge, risk perception, perceived cues, attitude, social support, self-efficacy and intention were assessed by evaluating statements on a 7-point Likert scale. A total of 824 Dutch community-dwelling older adults were included, recruited via online newsletters, newspapers and by personal approach. Poisson regression was performed to calculate quartile-based prevalence ratios (PRs). Almost 40% of 824 respondents had a high chance of a low protein intake. Univariate analyses indicated that lower scores for all different behavioral determinants were associated with a higher chance of a low protein intake. Independent associations were observed for knowledge (Q4 OR = 0.71) and social support (Q4 OR = 0.71). Results of this study can be used in future interventions aiming to increase protein intake in which focus should lie on increasing knowledge and social support.     

Dietary Factors Associated with the Development of Physical Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

The journal of nutrition, health & aging - Nutrition plays an important role in the development of frailty, and the present study examined the association between energy, macronutrient, and...