Associations between Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Gastro-Intestinal Microbiota,Diet, and Cognitive Functioning in Dutch Healthy Older Adults: The NU-AGE Study

Dietary modulation of the gastro-intestinal microbiota is a potential target in improving healthy ageing and age-related functional outcomes, including cognitive decline. We explored the association between diet, gastro-intestinal microbiota and cognition in Dutch healthy older adults of the ‘New dietary strategies addressing the specific needs of the elderly population for healthy aging in Europe’ (NU-AGE) study. The microbiota profile of 452 fecal samples from 226 subjects was determined using a 16S ribosomal RNA gene-targeted microarray. Dietary intake was assessed by 7-day food records. Cognitive functioning was measured with an extensive cognitive test battery. We observed a dietary and microbial pro- to anti-inflammatory gradient associated with diets richer in animal- or plant-based foods. Fresh fruits, nuts, seeds and peanuts, red and processed meat and grain products were most strongly associated to microbiota composition. Plant-rich diets containing fresh fruits, nuts, seeds and peanuts were positively correlated with alpha-diversity, various taxa from the Bacteroidetes phylum and anti-inflammatory species, including those related to Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Eubacterium rectale and E. biforme. Animal product-rich diets associated with pro-inflammatory species, including those related to Ruminococcus gnavus and Collinsella spp.. Cognition was neither associated with microbiota composition nor alpha-diversity. In conclusion, diets richer in animal- and plant-based foods were related to a pro- and anti-inflammatory microbial profile, while cognition was associated with neither.     

Dietary Pattern among Schoolchildren with Normal Nutritional Status in Navarre,Spain

A nutrition survey was carried out (food intake registration of three consecutive school days) in a randomly selected group of 353 schoolchildren (188 males and 165 females) with normal nutritional status. The average age of the surveyed students was 10.5 years (CI 95%: 10.3–11.7). There were no significant differences between both sexes in mean values for calorie intake (males: 2072.7 ± 261.7 and females: 2060.9 ± 250.6) and intake of macronutrients, minerals and vitamins. Cereals (34%), dairy products (19%) and meats (17%) were responsible for approximately 70% of total calorie intake. Protein accounted for 20.3% of energy intake, carbohydrates for 48.8%, total fat for 30.9%, and saturated fat for 12.6%. Cholesterol intake was excessive and over two-thirds of protein intake was from animal sources. The mean intakes of calcium, iodine and Vitamins A, D and E were below recommended levels. The dietary patterns of the schoolchildren with normal nutritional status differed from the Mediterranean diet. Intakes of meat were too high and dairy products and cereals consumption was relatively limited; while that of vegetables; legumes; fruits and fish were insufficient; leading to excessive protein and fat intake from animal sources and insufficient mineral (calcium and iodine) and Vitamins A; D and E intake.     

Anti-Inflammatory Dietary Diversity and Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Analysis

The purpose of this study was to associate the anti-inflammatory dietary diversity and depressive symptoms among a nationwide sample of Chinese older adults. We used data from the 2018 wave of Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey (CLHLS). We assessed depressive symptoms using the 10 items of the center for epidemiologic studies depression scale (CES-D-10). Based on the dietary diversity index (DDI) generated by previous studies, we construct two novel indicators: the protein-enriched dietary diversity index diet (PEDDI) and the anti-inflammatory dietary diversity index diet (AIDDI). We used multivariate logistic models to evaluate the associations of DDI, PEDDI, and AIDDI with depressive symptoms, statistically adjusted for a range of potential confounders. A total of 12,192 participants (mean age 83.6 years) were included in the analysis. We found that participants with a higher score of DDI (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89–0.92) and PEDDI (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88–0.93) showed lower odds of having depressive symptoms, while the association between AIDDI and depressive symptoms was more marked (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.78–0.83). The associations remained in subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses. The results indicate that intaking diversified diet, particularly anti-inflammatory foods, may be associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms. The findings of this study, if confirmed as causal, provide evidence that an intervention of adopting an anti-inflammatory diversified diet may reduce the burden of depression among older adults.     

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.     

Association between Milk Intake and All-Cause Mortality among Chinese Adults: A Prospective Study

Background: Little is known about the effect of milk intake on all-cause mortality among Chinese adults. The present study aimed to explore the association between milk intake and all-cause mortality in the Chinese population. Methods: Data from 1997 to 2015 of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) were used. A total of 14,738 participants enrolled in the study. Dietary data were obtained by three day 24-h dietary recall. All-cause mortality was assessed according to information reported. The association between milk intake and all-cause mortality were explored using Cox regression and further stratified with different levels of dietary diversity score (DDS) and energy intake. Results: 11,975 (81.25%) did not consume milk, 1341 (9.10%) and 1422 (9.65%) consumed 0.1–2 portions/week and >2 portions/week, respectively. Milk consumption of 0.1–2 portions/week was related to the decreased all-cause mortality (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.41–0.85). In stratified analysis, consuming 0.1–2 portions/week was associated with decreased all-cause mortality among people with high DDS and energy intake. Conclusions: Milk intake is low among Chinese adults. Consuming 0.1–2 portions of milk/week might be associated with the reduced risk of death among Chinese adults by advocating health education. Further research is required to investigate the relationships between specific dairy products and cause-specific mortality.     

Association between Dietary Patterns and the Risk of Depressive Symptoms in the Older Adults in Rural China

Geriatric depression, a chronic condition, has become a substantial burden in rural China. This study aimed to assess the association between dietary patterns and the risk of geriatric depression in rural China. Between March 2018 and June 2019, 3304 participants were recruited for this cross-sectional study in rural Tianjin, China. Principal component analysis was used to determine the major dietary patterns. The associations between dietary patterns and the risk of geriatric depression were assessed using a logistic regression model. Four dietary patterns were identified: vegetables-fruit, animal food, processed food, and milk-egg. The study found that vegetable-fruit (Q2 vs. Q1: OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.46–0.83; Q3 vs. Q1: OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.38–0.75; Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.26–0.57) and animal food patterns (Q3 vs. Q1: OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50–0.95; Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.41–0.82) were associated with a decreased risk of depression, and inflammatory dietary pattern (Q2 vs. Q1: OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.23–2.38; Q3 vs. Q1: OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.22–2.36; Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.03–2.03) was associated with an increased risk of depression. The present findings reinforce the importance of adopting an adequate diet consisting of vegetables, fruit and animal foods, while limiting the intake of pro-inflammatory foods, to decrease the risk of depression.     

Role of Dietary Protein and Thiamine Intakes on Cognitive Function in Healthy Older People: A Systematic Review

The effectiveness of nutritional interventions to prevent and maintain cognitive functioning in older adults has been gaining interest due to global population ageing. A systematic literature review was conducted to obtain and appraise relevant studies on the effects of dietary protein or thiamine on cognitive function in healthy older adults. Studies that reported on the use of nutritional supplementations and/or populations with significant cognitive impairment were excluded. Seventeen eligible studies were included. Evidence supporting an association between higher protein and/or thiamine intakes and better cognitive function is weak. There was no evidence to support the role of specific protein food sources, such as types of meat, on cognitive function. Some cross-sectional and case-control studies reported better cognition in those with higher dietary thiamine intakes, but the data remains inconclusive. Adequate protein and thiamine intake is more likely associated with achieving a good overall nutritional status which affects cognitive function rather than single nutrients. A lack of experimental studies in this area prevents the translation of these dietary messages for optimal cognitive functioning and delaying the decline in cognition with advancing age.     

Using Dietary Macronutrient Patterns to Predict Sarcopenic Obesity in Older Adults: A Representative Korean Nationwide Population-Based Study

Older adults with sarcopenic obesity (SO) are at increased risk of adverse health outcomes. It has not been identified which pattern of macronutrient intake is appropriate in relation to SO. We aimed to compare the patterns of macronutrient intake for predicting SO in older adults. Data from a total of 3828 older adults who participated in the 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. The one-day 24 h dietary recall method was used to assess macronutrient intake. SO was defined by a combination of body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² and BMI adjusted-appendicular skeletal muscle mass <0.789 for men and <0.512 for women. Weighted logistic regression analysis revealed the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for SO of total calorie intake per 100 increments and carbohydrate (CHO) intake (g/kg/day) per 1 increment to be 0.95 (0.91–0.99) and 0.83 (0.74–0.94), respectively, after adjusting for confounding variables in women. The predictive power for SO of CHO intake (g/kg/day) was higher compared with the other patterns of macronutrient intake both in men and women. In conclusion, total calorie intake and CHO intake (g/kg/day) are inversely related to SO in women. CHO intake (g/kg/day) could be the best index for determining SO.     

Factors Influencing Dietary Intake Frequencies and Nutritional Risk among Community-Residing Older Adults

Abstract

Older adult (OA) dietary practices may be placing them at nutritional risk. This cross-sectional study examined the dietary intake frequencies (DIF) and nutritional risk (NR) using the Dietary Screening Tool (DST) of OA attending community-based nutrition education and physical activity programs. Most were white females aged 60–80 years. The majority (80.1%) were classified as “at NR” or “at possible NR.” Participants had “low” lean protein, dairy, and processed meat DIF and “moderate” whole fruit and juice, total and whole grains, vegetables and added fats, sugars, and sweets DIF. State influenced whole fruit and juice (p?≤?.001) and vegetable (p?=?.021) DIF, age influenced processed meat DIF (p?=?.001), and gender influenced NR (p?=?.006), vegetable (p?=?.022), and processed meat (p?=?.033) DIF. Results indicate that OA participating in lifestyle interventions are at NR. When developing future nutrition education programs, educators should consider sociodemographic factors to promote dairy and protein-rich foods to OA at NR.     

Comparison of the Dietary Intakes of New Parents,Second-Time Parents,and Nonparents: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

The objective of this study was to examine the dietary intake profiles of first-time parents, second-time parents, and couples without children; once during pregnancy, then at 6- and 12-months postpartum. This was an observational, longitudinal, cohort study. Participants were a community-based sample of 153 couples aged 25 to 40 years. Data were collected between 2007 and 2011. Dietary intake was recorded using 3-day dietary recall. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to compare the dietary intakes of groups (ie, parent, sex, and couple days) over time. Percentage of participants per group meeting recommended daily dietary guidelines was also analyzed, as were variables that influenced meeting overall recommended guidelines using a multivariate analysis of variance. First-time mothers had higher overall energy, fat, sugar, fruit, and milk intake compared with women without children, and longitudinally first-time mothers decreased their fruit intake. Second-time mothers had higher overall energy, fat, sugar, and fruit intake compared with nonparent women, and longitudinally second-time mothers increased their meat intake. First-time fathers had overall higher bread intake compared with second-time fathers and men without children, and first-time fathers consumed less sugar than second-time fathers. Longitudinally, first-time fathers increased their fiber intake. At any stage of data collection, from pregnancy to 12-months postpartum, only 2% to 16% of all mothers met recommended overall daily dietary guidelines. The only variable investigated that influenced meeting overall daily dietary guidelines at baseline was parent status.     

Long-Term Food Variety and Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Frailty among Chinese Older Adults: A Cohort Study Based on CLHLS from 2014 to 2018

(1) Objective: To examine the association between posterior-derived dietary patterns, food variety, and frailty measured by frailty index (FI) in Chinese elderly. (2) Method: A cohort study based on the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 2014 to 2018 was conducted among older adults. The food variety was defined by the food variety score (FVS), which was calculated using the frequency of food categories consumption. Dietary patterns were obtained using factor analysis. A FI composed of 38 health deficits was used to measure subjects’ frailty status. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the correlation between dietary factors and the incidence of frailty. (3) Results: Compared with low FVS, a high dietary diversity score at baseline was not associated with a reduced incidence of frailty after four years. Regarding long-term food variety, compared with the low variety maintained group, people with high variety maintained were associated with a lower risk of frailty (0.59, 95%CI 0.39–0.90). Adherence to the “egg-bean-pickle-sugar pattern” and “fruit-vegetable-meat-fish pattern” was associated with a lower risk of frailty. (4) Conclusion: Maintaining high food variety and adherence to two patterns, i.e., the egg-bean-pickle-sugar pattern and fruit-vegetable-meat-fish pattern, could reduce the incidence of frailty among Chinese older adults.     

Data-Driven Dietary Patterns,Nutrient Intake and Body Weight Status in a Cross-Section of Singaporean Children Aged 6–12 Years

Pattern analysis of children’s diet may provide insights into chronic disease risk in adolescence and adulthood. This study aimed to assess dietary patterns of young Singaporean children using cluster analysis. An existing dataset included 15,820 items consumed by 561 participants (aged 6–12 years) over 2 days of dietary recall. Thirty-seven food groups were defined and expressed as a percentage contribution of total energy. Dietary patterns were identified using k-means cluster analysis. Three clusters were identified, “Western”, “Convenience” and “Local/hawker”, none of which were defined by more prudent dietary choices. The “Convenience” cluster group had the lowest total energy intake (mean 85.8 ± SD 25.3% of Average Requirement for Energy) compared to the other groups (95.4 ± 25.9% for “Western” and 93.4 ± 25.3% for “Local/hawker”, p < 0.001) but also had the lowest calcium intake (66.3 ± 34.7% of Recommended Dietary Allowance), similar to intake in the “Local/hawker” group (69.5 ± 38.9%) but less than the “Western” group (82.8 ± 36.1%, p < 0.001). These findings highlight the need for longitudinal analysis of dietary habit in younger Singaporeans in order to better define public health messaging targeted at reducing risk of major noncommunicable disease.     

The Relationship between Restrained Eating,Body Image,and Dietary Intake among University Students in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aims to explore the association between restrained eating, body image, and dietary intake among Chinese college students. This cross-sectional study included 1301 college students at two universities in Hunan Province. Electronic questionnaires were used to collect information including students’ demographic characteristics, restrained eating, perception of body weight, body satisfaction, and dietary intake. Anthropometric measurements were collected to calculate body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of high restrained eating was 52.8%. Students who were dissatisfied with their bodies or overestimated their body weight showed a higher tendency toward high restrained eating (p < 0.05). Students with high restrained eating tended to eat fruits and eggs more frequently, while the frequency of eating domestic animals and poultry, sugar-sweetened beverages, and fast food were the opposite. Moreover, high restrained eating was a risk factor for low dietary diversity (odds ratio (OR) = 1.384, 95% confidence interval: 1.002~1.912). The high incidence of restrained eating among Chinese college students and its energy-restricted diets that may lead to possible health implications require attention. Further studies are needed to investigate the characteristics of college students’ restrained eating to tailor appropriate interventions for forming positive body images and promoting healthy eating behaviors, thus, improving dietary quality.     

中国四省55岁及以上人群睡眠时长与轻度认知功能障碍的关联性

目的 探索中老年人睡眠时长与轻度认知功能障碍(mild cognitive impairment,MCI)的关联性.方法 采用多阶段分层整群随机抽样的方法,于2018年5-8月份抽取河北、浙江、陕西、湖南4个省32个县中5334名55岁及以上居民[男性2362人,女性2972人,年龄(67.43±7.48)岁],通过问...     

福建铁路居民的膳食营养状况

目的：了解福建铁路居民的膳食营养状况。方法；采用三日称量记帐法。结果：福建铁路居民每标准人每日摄入的粮谷类，豆类，蔬菜水果类分别为４４７，９０，３３１克，摄入的动物类食物为３３５克，其中肉类，奶类，蛋类，鱼贝类分别为１４９，４３，５３和９０克，摄入纯热类食物为６６克，膳食粮谷类食物为豆类，蔬菜水果类，动物类和纯热能食物提供的热能分别占每日膳食总热能的５７．４％，２．２％，３．８％，２３．６％和１３     

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B-12 and Their Association with Vitamin B-12 Status Markers in Healthy Older Adults in the B-PROOF Study

Low vitamin B-12 concentrations are frequently observed among older adults. Malabsorption is hypothesized to be an important cause of vitamin B-12 inadequacy, but serum vitamin B-12 may also be differently affected by vitamin B-12 intake depending on food source. We examined associations between dietary sources of vitamin B-12 (meat, fish and shellfish, eggs, dairy) and serum vitamin B-12, using cross-sectional data of 600 Dutch community-dwelling adults (≥65 years). Dietary intake was assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Vitamin B-12 concentrations were measured in serum. Associations were studied over tertiles of vitamin B-12 intake using P for trend, by calculating prevalence ratios (PRs), and splines. Whereas men had significantly higher vitamin B-12 intakes than women (median (25th–75th percentile): 4.18 (3.29–5.38) versus 3.47 (2.64–4.40) μg/day), serum vitamin B-12 did not differ between the two sexes (mean ± standard deviation (SD): 275 ± 104 pmol/L versus 290 ± 113 pmol/L). Higher intakes of dairy, meat, and fish and shellfish were significantly associated with higher serum vitamin B-12 concentrations, where meat and dairy—predominantly milk were the most potent sources. Egg intake did not significantly contribute to higher serum vitamin B-12 concentrations. Thus, dairy and meat were the most important contributors to serum vitamin B-12, followed by fish and shellfish.     

Relationship between Vitamin Intake and Resilience Based on Sex in Middle-Aged and Older Japanese Adults: Results of the Shika Study

Epidemiological studies reported that resilience, generally regarded as the ability to manage stress in the face of adversity, correlates with mental health in middle-aged and older adults. Currently, there is limited information on eating habits that affect resilience. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between vitamin intake and resilience based on sex in community-dwelling middle-aged and older individuals in Shika town, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. A total of 221 participants (106 men and 115 women) aged 40 years or older were included in the analysis. We assessed vitamin intake and resilience using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) and the resilience scale (RS), respectively. A two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that higher intakes of β-carotene and vitamin K were associated with higher RS in women, but not in men. Furthermore, a multiple logistic regression analysis stratified by sex showed that β-carotene and vitamin K were significant independent variables for RS only in women. The present study suggests that higher intakes of β-carotene and vitamin K were associated with higher resilience among middle-aged and older women. The results obtained demonstrate that β-carotene and vitamin K intakes may enhance resilience by strengthening stress tolerance.     

Risk of High Dietary Calcium for Arterial Calcification in Older Adults

Concern has recently arisen about the potential adverse effects of excessive calcium intakes, i.e., calcium loading from supplements, on arterial calcification and risks of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in older adults. Published reports that high calcium intakes in free-living adults have relatively little or no beneficial impact on bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture rates suggest that current recommendations of calcium for adults may be set too high. Because even healthy kidneys have limited capability of eliminating excessive calcium in the diet, the likelihood of soft-tissue calcification may increase in older adults who take calcium supplements, particularly in those with age or disease-related reduction in renal function. The maintenance of BMD and bone health continues to be an important goal of adequate dietary calcium consumption, but eliminating potential risks of CVDs from excessive calcium intakes needs to be factored into policy recommendations for calcium by adults.     

Role of Dietary Pattern Analysis in Determining Cognitive Status in Elderly Australian Adults

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to determine the association between dietary patterns and cognitive function and to examine how classification systems based on food groups and food items affect levels of association between diet and cognitive function. The present study focuses on the older segment of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) sample (age 60+) that completed the food frequency questionnaire at Wave 1 (1999/2000) and the mini-mental state examination and tests of memory, verbal ability and processing speed at Wave 3 (2012). Three methods were used in order to classify these foods before applying PCA. In the first instance, the 101 individual food items asked about in the questionnaire were used (no categorisation). In the second and third instances, foods were combined and reduced to 32 and 20 food groups, respectively, based on nutrient content and culinary usage—a method employed in several other published studies for PCA. Logistic regression analysis and generalized linear modelling was used to analyse the relationship between PCA-derived dietary patterns and cognitive outcome. Broader food group classifications resulted in a greater proportion of food use variance in the sample being explained (use of 101 individual foods explained 23.22% of total food use, while use of 32 and 20 food groups explained 29.74% and 30.74% of total variance in food use in the sample, respectively). Three dietary patterns were found to be associated with decreased odds of cognitive impairment (CI). Dietary patterns derived from 101 individual food items showed that for every one unit increase in ((Fruit and Vegetable Pattern: p = 0.030, OR 1.061, confidence interval: 1.006–1.118); (Fish, Legumes and Vegetable Pattern: p = 0.040, OR 1.032, confidence interval: 1.001–1.064); (Dairy, Cereal and Eggs Pattern: p = 0.003, OR 1.020, confidence interval: 1.007–1.033)), the odds of cognitive impairment decreased. Different results were observed when the effect of dietary patterns on memory, processing speed and vocabulary were examined. Complex patterns of associations between dietary factors and cognition were evident, with the most consistent finding being the protective effects of high vegetable and plant-based food item consumption and negative effects of ‘Western’ patterns on cognition. Further long-term studies and investigation of the best methods for dietary measurement are needed to better understand diet-disease relationships in this age group.