α‐priori versus α‐posterior methods in dietary pattern analysis: a review in nutrition epidemiology

Dietary patterns are a set of habits regarding consumption of foods and beverages. They are often influenced by environmental or cultural particularities, and by religion. Examples of dietary patterns include the Mediterranean, Asian and Western diets, and the prudent diet. The majority of these dietary patterns suggest portion sizes for different food items, as well as giving information on the number of servings from each food group to be consumed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. In the past, many epidemiological studies assessing the role that diet plays in health have focused upon single nutrients or food items. However, people do not eat isolated nutrients; instead they consume meals consisting of a variety of foods, with complex combinations of micro‐ and macronutrients. Therefore, it is becoming apparent that dietary pattern analysis may be a useful tool to use in research of this nature. In this review, two methodologies used to assess dietary patterns are described: α‐posterior and α‐priori pattern analysis.     

3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid (CMPF): A metabolite identified after consumption of fish oil and fish

3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid (CMPF) is a known metabolite of furan fatty acids and was first referred to as a urofuran fatty acid, as it was found in urine of humans and other species after consumption of furan fatty acids or foods containing furan fatty acids. More recently, CMPF has been identified as a highly prominent metabolite following the consumption of fish oil, fish oil fractions and diets rich in fish, and can be regarded as biomarker of oil‐rich fish or fish oil intakes. As furan fatty acids are known to occur in fish and fish oil (at a low level), it is possible that the CMPF in plasma arises from these furan fatty acids. On a structural basis, this is a likely explanation rather than the CMPF being an actual metabolite of long‐chain marine omega‐3 fatty acids. Recent studies in high fat‐fed mice given purified CMPF suggest that CMPF might contribute to the improved metabolic effects observed following consumption of long‐chain marine omega‐3 fatty acids but much is still to be known about the relationships between CMPF and health.     

Healthy eating for 1–3 year‐olds: A food‐based guide

The UK's eatwell plate is a visual representation of the types and proportions of foods needed for a healthy, balanced diet. The Department of Health states that it can be gradually applied from the age of 2 years and applied in full from 5 years. However, there are currently no widely available specific food‐based models for 1–3 year‐olds (toddlers). The British Nutrition Foundation, with advice from an expert group, reviewed current dietary guidelines in the UK for 1–3 year‐olds in order to develop a visual food‐based resource depicting the main messages around healthy eating for toddlers. This article provides a summary of the development of this resource, which was produced to help parents, carers, health professionals and early years providers to understand and communicate the basics of healthy eating for this age group and consider other issues such as suitable snacking, healthy hydration, suitable portion sizes and advice regarding supplementation. It is hoped that this resource will help toddlers to establish good dietary habits that will persist into later life.