An analysis of potato consumption habits and diet quality among adults and children in the UK

Many people are confused about the nutritional role of potatoes in a healthy, balanced diet. Starchy foods are often under‐regarded by the public and maligned by proponents of low carbohydrate diets, yet carbohydrate should supply around 50% of dietary energy, preferably from sources such as potatoes, pulses and wholegrains. Potatoes provide significant quantities of shortfall micronutrients, yet they do not count as vegetables in 5 A DAY targets. To provide balanced advice, research is needed on potato consumption and its possible nutritional consequences. Therefore we analysed individual dietary records from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008–2012 to investigate potato consumption patterns and associations with nutrient intakes. We hypothesised that high consumption of potatoes would be associated with higher total intakes of potassium, B vitamins and fibre. Across the whole population, potatoes provided 7% of energy, 15% of potassium, 13% of dietary fibre (non‐starch polysaccharide) and vitamin C, 14% of vitamin B₆, 10% of folate, 8% of magnesium and 6% of iron. Both very low and very high consumption of potatoes (Q1 and Q5) was associated with lower energy and nutrient intakes, compared with average consumers. Lower micronutrient intakes were most pronounced in Q5 (mean 14.8% energy from potatoes), although Q1 had lowest intakes of potassium, vitamin B₆ and thiamin. Food intakes suggest a less healthy, varied dietary pattern among high potato consumers. Conversely, low consumers of potatoes had lower intakes of potassium, thiamin and vitamin B₆ (all found in potatoes) despite an apparently health‐conscious dietary pattern that included higher consumption of fruit, vegetables and fish. Our study suggests that based on current habits, a broad range of potato consumption is compatible with good nutrition, while high reliance on potatoes may be associated with an unbalanced diet. To help raise intakes of shortfall nutrients such as potassium and fibre, consumption of potatoes could be encouraged alongside existing healthy eating messages relating to vegetables, fruit and wholegrain foods.     

Estimating nitrate intake in the Australian diet: Design and validation of a food frequency questionnaire

Background

Dietary nitrates may play a role in mediating several key physiological processes impacting health and/or exercise performance. However, current methods for assessing dietary nitrate (NO₃⁻) consumption are inadequate. The present study aimed to examine the dietary nitrate intake in a sample of 50 healthy adults, as well as test the validity of a purposefully developed food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).

Methods

Dietary nitrate intake was estimated over a week using (i) three 24-h dietary recalls; (ii) a short-term (7-day) FFQ; and (iii) a biomarker (urinary nitrate), in conjunction with a nitrate reference database.

Results

Daily dietary nitrate intake estimates were 130.94 mg (average of three 24-h recalls) and 180.62 mg (FFQ). The mean urinary NO₃⁻ excretion was 1974.79 µmol day^–1 (or 917.9 µmol L^–1). Despite the difference between the two dietary assessment methods, there was a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.736, ρ < 0.001) between the two tools. There was also a positive correlation between urinary NO₃⁻ and 24-h recall data (r = 0.632, ρ < 0.001), as well as between urinary NO₃⁻ and FFQ (r = 0.579, ρ < 0.001).

Conclusions

The ability to accurately estimate nitrate intakes depends on having suitable reference methods to estimate the concentrations of nitrate in the food supply, coupled with valid and reliable dietary assessment tools. Based on the findings from the present study, at an individual level, dietary recalls or records may be more accurate in estimating intakes of NO₃⁻. However, given the lower cost and time needed for administration relative to recalls, the FFQ has merit for estimating NO₃⁻ intakes in health interventions, dietary surveys and surveillance programs.

     

Sources of fibre in the diet of irritable bowel patients prescribed a high-fibre diet

Seventy-two patients (27 male and 45 female) with irritable bowel syndrome were prescribed a high-fibre diet. They were given a diet sheet and variable amounts of individual dietetic counselling. After 6 months they kept a 7-day weighed food inventory. Median (mean) intake of dietary fibre was 19.5 (21.6)g, 57% of which was provided by cereal sources, mainly breads and breakfast cereals. Patients also frequently ate low-fibre and energy-dense foods. Average fibre intakes were greater at the evening (main) meal of the day. However, the largest intakes by individuals were at breakfast and the lunch (snack) meal, which suggests that dietary advice should put emphasis on the consumption of high-fibre breakfast cereals and wholemeal bread at these two meals.     

Food provision and the nutritional implications of food choices made by young adult males, in a young offenders' institution

The nutritional adequacy of diets provided by a prison was assessed by analysis of the kitchen menu for 1 week of a 4‐week cycle. Dietary intakes were determined using a predefined 7‐day diet diary in which prisoners indicated what they had eaten, and how much. A total of 159 prisoners took part in the study. The food provided by the prison kitchen was broadly in line with current dietary recommendations. Vitamin content exceeded recommendations, with the exception of niacin in the vegetarian menu (12.6 mg compared with the reference nutrient intake of 16.8 mg). Selenium content was low in all menus, but particularly in the vegetarian menu in 1997 where it equalled the lower reference nutrient intake (LRNI) (39.5 μg). Food choices made by prisoners resulted in a wide variation in dietary intakes. Fat intake (as a proportion of energy) exceeded the recommended 35% in 82% of diets in 1996, and 64% of diets in 1997. In 1996, 34% of prisoners had intakes above 40% energy as fat. High fat intakes were largely the result of consuming items from the prison shop. Vitamin D intakes were low (3.4 and 3.3 μg in 1996 and 1997, respectively) compared with the recommendation (10 μg) for those with limited exposure to sunlight. Intakes of a number of minerals fell below recommendations, with some prisoners barely meeting the LRNI. This was particularly notable for selenium where 35% of prisoners in 1996, and 60% of prisoners in 1997 had intakes below the LRNI.     

北京地区居民丙烯酰胺膳食摄入量的研究

目的应用24小时回顾询问法,估计北京地区居民丙烯酰胺摄入量。方法采用GC-MS方法检测北京市场上购买的24类食物,并应用检测结果计算2460份食谱(820人×3天)的丙烯酰胺含量。结果北京地区居民的丙烯酰胺的平均摄入量为(μg/d):男性18·6,女性16·6;97·5分位数为(μg/d):男性59·0,女性50·4。应用每kg体重计算均值[μg/(kgbw·d)]:男性0·282,女性0·284;97·5百分位数[μg/(kgbw·d)]:男性0·898,女性1·007。各餐丙烯酰胺摄入比例为:早餐20·48%,午餐38·99%,晚餐39·42%,零食1·17%。结论午餐和晚餐食品是北京地区居民丙烯酰胺的主要来源,改变北京地区居民的正餐的烹调方式和控制北京传统早餐食品中的丙烯酰胺含量是减低北京地区居民丙烯酰胺暴露量的主要措施。     

Update on the role of maternal diet in pregnancy and the programming of infant body composition

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is a major environmental factor that can programme offspring health outcomes in later life. Evidence is now available to suggest a role for maternal diet in the programming of infant body composition. Infant body composition may be modifiable by nutritional interventions in the mother, particularly those that focus on balancing protein and carbohydrate intakes. Offspring susceptibility to disease in adulthood is likely to relate to body composition in infanthood and thus must be investigated in future studies. This article provides an update on the role of maternal diet in the programming of infant body composition. Current challenges and implications for research and practice are also discussed.     

A total diet study of nickel intake in a Spanish population (Canary Islands)

The aim of this study was to analyse nickel content in foods and beverages most commonly consumed by the Canary Island people to determine the dietary intake of this metal throughout the Canary Islands as a whole and in each of the seven islands. A total of 440 samples were analysed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Nickel concentrations ranged between 2.348 ± 1.716 mg/kg in nuts and 0.002 ± 0.002 mg/l in water. Estimated total intake of nickel was 0.093 mg/day for the Canary population, which is far below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) established for adults. Gran Canaria turned out to be the island with the highest nickel intake. Differential analysis of nickel intake by age and sex of the Canary Island community showed that values were below the UL in children as well as in adults. These outcomes were compared with data from other populations at the national and international levels.     

Sources of macronutrients and energy in the diet of a group of French high-school students on school-days

Dietary data from 481 French high-school students aged 15–19 years were used to provide quantitative information regarding the contribution of 26 food groups to the whole sample intake of the following macronutrients: energy, protein, simple and complex carbohydrates, total fat. Each subject recorded his/her dietary intake using a one-day record in household measures with interview. The percentage of total nutrient intake which each food group provided is presented as well as the proportion of students consuming them.
Foods sometimes overlooked, such as sweet pastries, were found in some instances to be quantitatively important as a principal source of all macronutrients in the adolescent diet. These data should be useful to epidemiologists in the development of dietary assessment instruments and also for the nutritionists, health professionals and nutrition educators who work with adolescents.     

Energy Intake,Profile, and Dietary Sources in the Spanish Population: Findings of the ANIBES Study

Energy intake, and the foods and beverages contributing to that, are considered key to understanding the high obesity prevalence worldwide. The relative contributions of energy intake and expenditure to the obesity epidemic, however, remain poorly defined in Spain. The purpose of this study was to contribute to updating data of dietary energy intake and its main sources from food and beverages, according to gender and age. These data were derived from the ANIBES (“Anthropometry, Intake, and Energy Balance in Spain”) study, a cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample of the Spanish population (from 9–75 years old). A three-day dietary record, collected by means of a tablet device, was used to obtain information about food and beverage consumption and leftovers. The final sample comprised 2009 individuals (1,013 men, 996 women). The observed mean dietary energy intake was 7.6 ± 2.11 MJ/day (8.2 ± 2.22 MJ/day for men and 6.9 ± 1.79 MJ/day for women). The highest intakes were observed among adolescents aged 13–17 years (8.4 MJ/day), followed by children 9–12 years (8.2 ± 1.80 MJ/day), adults aged 18–64 (7.6 ± 2.14 MJ/day) and older adults aged 65–75 years (6.8 ± 1.88 MJ/day). Cereals or grains (27.4%), meats and derivatives (15.2%), oils and fats (12.3%), and milk and dairy products (11.8%) contributed most to daily energy intake. Energy contributions from non-alcoholic beverages (3.9%), fish and shellfish (3.6%), sugars and sweets (3.3%) and alcoholic beverages (2.6%) were moderate to minor. Contributions to caloric profile were 16.8%E from proteins; 41.1%E from carbohydrates, including 1.4%E from fiber; 38.5%E from fats; and 1.9%E from alcohol intake. We can conclude that energy intake is decreasing in the Spanish population. A variety of food and beverage groups contribute to energy intake; however, it is necessary to reinforce efforts for better adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet.     

A Mixed-Method Study Exploring Experiences and Perceptions of Nutritionists Regarding Use of an Image-Based Dietary Assessment System in Tanzania

Due to global advances in technology, image-based food record methods have emerged as an alternative to traditional assessment methods. The use of image-based food records in low and lower-middle income countries such as Tanzania is limited, with countries still using traditional methods. The current study aimed to determine the feasibility of using a new voice and image-based dietary assessment system (VISIDA) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This mixed-method study recruited 18 nutritionists as participants who collected image-based records of food and drinks they consumed using the VISIDA smartphone app. Participants viewed an online demonstration of the VISIDA web platform and the analysis process for intake data collected using the VISIDA app. Then, participants completed an online survey and were interviewed about the VISIDA app and web platform for food and nutrient intake analysis. The method was reported as being acceptable and was found to be easy to use, although technical challenges were experienced by some participants. Most participants indicated a willingness to use the VISIDA app again for one week or longer and were interested in using the VISIDA system in their current role. Participants acknowledged that the VISIDA web platform would simplify some aspects of their current job. Image-based food records could potentially be used in Tanzania to improve the assessment of dietary intake by nutritionists in urban areas. Participants recommended adding sound-on notifications, using the VISIDA app in both Apple and Android phones, enabling installation from the app store, and improving the quality of the fiducial markers.     

Estimates of food intake and dietary habits in a random sample of adolescents in south-east Spain

Dietary habits and food intake of the six basic food groups (milk, meats, cereals, fruits, vegetables and fats) were investigated in a random sample of 206 adolescents (aged 10–15 years) from a region of south-east Spain (Murcia). Adolescents were interviewed on their recall of food intake over the previous 24 h. The results showed a very low consumption of vegetables, some deficiencies in the intake of the milk and fruits, and an excessive intake of fats. Intake of foods belonging to the cereal and meat groups was adequate, agreeing with the recommendations for the adolescent population. Within the meat group, the distribution of foods consumed was not satisfactory; an excessive consumption of meats and sausages was observed, while the intake of fish and pulses was insufficient. In our study, nutritional advice was given to mothers and adolescents. The use of Spanish portions from the six basic food groups proved to be a very helpful method to popularize the principles of balanced diet in our population. Our results seem to indicate some nutritional imbalances in the diets of the adolescents in the study, especially deficits in fibre and calcium and an excess in saturated fats. The study reveals that although Murcia is a typically Mediterranean Region, the characteristics of the diet of Murcian adolescents are quite different in some respects from the typical alimentary habits of the Mediterranean diet.     

Changes in habitual food intake during weighed inventory surveys and duplication diet collections. A short review

It has been suggested that food consumption changes during prospective dietary surveys if the method used places too many demands on the subject. Because of the practical difficulties in its estimation, this possible source of error has been ignored to a large extent. Studies which indirectly measure the size and direction of such changes are reviewed. In the study populations, collection of duplicate diets resulted in decreases in energy intake of as much as 20 %. Any effect of the weighed inventory appeared to be weaker than this, but quantification was not possible with the methods used.     

Relationships Among the Physical and Social Home Food Environments,Dietary Intake,and Diet Quality in Mothers and Children

BackgroundBoth the physical and social home food environment (HFE) are believed to influence dietary intake and diet quality, but few studies have examined both aspects together.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among the physical and social HFE, dietary intake, and diet quality in mothers and children.DesignThis was a cross-sectional substudy of a larger study.Participants/settingThe study included 24 mothers (aged ≥30 years) with a biological child aged 6 to 12 years living in the Newark, DE, area between June and November 2018.Main outcome measuresThe outcome measures of interest included the physical HFE (ie, home food availability); aspects of the social HFE (ie, parenting styles, family meal frequency, and policies); maternal and child intake of fruits, vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages, and snacks; and diet quality using the 2015 Healthy Eating Index total score.Statistical analysisPearson correlations were used to examine the relationship between physical HFE and dietary intake as well as social HFE and dietary intake in both mothers and children. The relationships were further examined through exploratory regression analyses.ResultsIn mothers, fruit availability in the physical HFE was correlated with fruit intake (r = 0.50; P = 0.02). Fruit and vegetable availability in the physical HFE were correlated with 2015 Healthy Eating Index total score in both the mother and child. Family meals participation was correlated with dietary intake (vegetable intake in children, r = 0.44; P = 0.04; and snack intake in mothers, r = –0.74; P < .001). Exploratory regression analysis showed vegetables in the HFE was associated with vegetable intake and 2015 Healthy Eating Index total score in mothers, and fruits and vegetables in the HFE were associated with child 2015 Healthy Eating Index total score. Family meals participation was negatively associated with maternal snack intake and child sugar-sweetened beverages intake. Authoritative parenting was negatively associated with child snack intake and permissive parenting was negatively associated with mother’s fruit intake.ConclusionsBoth the physical and social HFE are associated with maternal and child dietary intake, but only the physical HFE was associated with dietary quality. Although preliminary, these data indicate the importance of future studies that include measures to assess both the physical and social HFE to better elucidate the influences of the HFE on dietary intake.     

成都市居民膳食中铅镉暴露水平评估

目的 了解成都市居民膳食中铅、镉暴露的基础数据,评估成都市居民膳食铅、镉暴露风险.方法 对成都市市售食品中铅、镉含量进行监测,参考2002年中国居民营养与健康状况调查中的成都市居民膳食摄入量,应用WHO推荐的食品中化学污染物膳食暴露评估方法,对成都市居民膳食中铅、镉暴露水平进行评估.结果 成都市居民平均每周膳食中铅暴露量为0.006 9 mg/kg BW,占暂定每周可耐受摄入量（PTWI）的27.6％;镉暴露量为0.005 1 mg/kg BW,占暂定每周可耐受摄入量（PTWI）的72.86％.结论成 都市居民膳食中镉暴露水平高于铅暴露水平,正常情况下均低于PTWI,但仍有进一步降低的必要.     

The role of parental control practices in explaining children's diet and BMI

This paper aimed to investigate which parents use which types of parenting control practices to manage their children's diets and to assess the impact of these practices on children's dietary patterns and their BMI. A cross-sectional survey of 518 parents with children aged 4-7 years was carried out in 18 primary schools across the South of England. Measures included aspects of parental control practices and the child's diet. Results showed that older parents with a lower BMI and who were stay at home parents used more "snack overt control", "snack covert control" and "meal covert control" and those with more education used more covert control strategies. In contrast, male, non-white parents with younger children used more "pressure to eat". In terms of the children's diet, the results showed links between parental and child demographics and aspects of unhealthy and healthy food intake. In addition, links were also found for parental control practices. For example, eating more unhealthy snacks was related to less covert control and more pressure to eat, eating fruit and vegetables was related to higher levels of both overt and covert control over meals and less pressure to eat and being neophobic was related to less covert control over meals and more pressure to eat. The children's BMIs were unrelated to any variables measured in the study.     

Global Trends in the Availability of Dietary Data in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Individual-level quantitative dietary data can provide suitably disaggregated information to identify the needs of all population sub-groups, which can in turn inform agricultural, nutrition, food safety, and environmental policies and programs. The purpose of this discussion paper is to provide an overview of dietary surveys conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 1980 to 2019, analyzing their key characteristics to understand the trends in dietary data collection across time. The present study analyzes the information gathered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization Global Individual Food consumption data Tool (FAO/WHO GIFT). FAO/WHO GIFT is a growing repository of individual-level dietary data and contains information about dietary surveys from around the world, collected through published survey results, literature reviews, and direct contact with data owners. The analysis indicates an important increase in the number of dietary surveys conducted in LMICs in the past four decades and a notable increase in the number of national dietary surveys. It is hoped that this trend continues, together with associated efforts to validate and standardize the dietary methods used. The regular implementation of dietary surveys in LMICs is key to support evidence-based policies for improved nutrition.     

Beverages have an appreciable contribution to the intake of soluble dietary fibre: a study in the Spanish diet

Beverages are generally not taken into account to determine the intakes of dietary fibre (DF) in diets. Soluble dietary fibre (SDF) content was determined in common alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages – ranging from 0.18 g/l in white wine to 9.01 g/l in instant coffee – and their contribution to the DF intake in the Spanish Mediterranean diet was estimated as 2.13 g/person/day. It is concluded that beverages provide an appreciable amount of SDF in the diet, and the omission of its contribution may lead to underestimate DF intakes.