Roles of defective <Emphasis Type="Italic">ALDH2</Emphasis> polymorphism on liver protection and cancer development

Because serum transaminases elevate alcohol dose dependently as a consequence of liver injury, they serve as useful biological markers of excessive drinking. However, these markers are inadequate in individuals with a defective allele of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene, ALDH2*2, because they show a different correlation with the amount of ethanol. For example, the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level could become even lower than the baseline after alcohol intake in ALDH2*2 carriers. In fact, multiple studies suggest that ALDH2*2 is a hepato-protective factor in healthy individuals. Importantly, excessive drinking is particularly dangerous in carriers of ALDH2*2 because the risk of alcohol-related cancer is much higher than that for ALDH2*1/*1 carriers. Without recognizing the genotype interaction on serum transaminase, the opportunity to warn people about potential cancer risks is missed owing to incorrect interpretation. This is particularly important in East Asian countries where approximately half of the population carries the ALDH2*2 allele. To date, the mechanism of liver protection from ethanol load in individuals with ALDH2*2 has not been fully elucidated. However, some reasonable mechanisms have been suggested by experimental studies, including remodelling of detoxifying systems. Further studies to uncover the whole mechanism are anticipated.     

The synergistic effect between the Mediterranean diet and <Emphasis Type="Italic">GSTP1</Emphasis> or <Emphasis Type="Italic">NAT2</Emphasis> SNPs decreases breast cancer risk in Greek-Cypriot women

Purpose

Xenobiotic metabolism is related to the interplay between diet and breast cancer (BC) risk. This involves detoxification enzymes, which are polymorphic and metabolise various dietary metabolites. An important characteristic of this pathway is that chemoprotective micronutrients can act not only as substrates but also as inducers for these enzymes. We investigated whether functional GSTP1 (p.Ile105Val-rs1695), NAT2 (590G>A-rs1799930) SNPs and GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms could modulate the effect of the Mediterranean diet (MD) on BC risk, in Greek-Cypriot women.

Methods

Genotyping was performed on women from the MASTOS case–control study of BC in Cyprus. A 32-item food-frequency questionnaire was used to obtain dietary intake information. A dietary pattern, which closely resembles the MD (high loadings of vegetables, fruit, legumes and fish), was previously derived with principal component analysis and was used as our dietary variable.

Results

GSTT1 null genotype increased BC risk compared with the homozygous non-null GSTT1 genotype (OR 1.21, 95 % CI 1.01–1.45). Increasing adherence to the MD reduced BC risk in women with at least one GSTP1 Ile allele (OR for Ile/Ile = 0.84, 95 % CI 0.74–0.95, for Ile/Val = 0.73, 95 % CI 0.62–0.85) or one NAT2 590G allele (OR for 590 GG = 0.73, 95 % CI 0.63–0.83, for 590 GA = 0.81, 95 % CI 0.70–0.94). p interaction values were not, however, statistically significant.

Conclusion

The homozygous null GSTT1 genotype could be a risk allele for BC among Greek-Cypriot women. The anticarcinogenic effects of the high adherence to MD against BC risk could also be further enhanced when combined with the wild-type alleles of the detoxification GSTP1 or NAT2 SNPs.

     

Consumption of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bifidobacterium animalis</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">lactis</Emphasis> BB-12 in yogurt reduced expression of TLR-2 on peripheral blood-derived monocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in young adults

Purpose

Probiotic bacteria modulate immune parameters and inflammatory outcomes. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the matrix used to deliver probiotics may influence the efficacy of probiotic interventions in vivo. The aims of the current study were to evaluate (1) the effect of one species, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 at a dose of log10 ± 0.5 CFUs/day on immune responses in a randomized, partially blinded, 4-period crossover, free-living study, and (2) whether the immune response to BB-12 differed depending on the delivery matrix.

Methods

Healthy adults (n = 30) aged 18–40 years were recruited and received four treatments in a random order: (A) yogurt smoothie alone; smoothie with BB-12 added (B) before or (C) after yogurt fermentation, or (D) BB-12 given in capsule form. At baseline and after each 4-week treatment, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, and functional and phenotypic marker expression was assessed.

Results

BB-12 interacted with peripheral myeloid cells via Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2). The percentage of CD14⁺HLA-DR⁺ cells in peripheral blood was increased in male participants by all yogurt-containing treatments compared to baseline (p = 0.0356). Participants who consumed yogurt smoothie with BB-12 added post-fermentation had significantly lower expression of TLR-2 on CD14⁺HLA-DR⁺ cells (p = 0.0186) and reduction in TNF-α secretion from BB-12- (p = 0.0490) or LPS-stimulated (p = 0.0387) PBMCs compared to baseline.

Conclusions

These findings not only demonstrate a potential anti-inflammatory effect of BB-12 in healthy adults, but also indicate that the delivery matrix influences the immunomodulatory properties of BB-12.

     

Association between <Emphasis Type="Italic">NAT2</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">CYP1A1</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">CYP1A2</Emphasis> genotypes,heterocyclic aromatic amines,and prostate cancer risk: a case control study in Japan

Background

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) may confer prostate cancer risk; however, the evidence is inconclusive and the activity of HAA-metabolizing enzymes is modulated by gene variants. The purpose of our study was to determine whether there was evidence of an association between HAA intake, polymorphisms in NAT2, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2 and prostate cancer risk in Japanese men.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of an observational case control study was performed. Among 750 patients with prostate cancer and 870 healthy controls, 351 cases and 351 age-matched controls were enrolled for analysis. HAA intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire and genotypes were scored by TaqMan real-time PCR assay. Logistic regression analysis was conducted according to affected/control status.

Results

We found that high HAA intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (odds ratio (OR), 1.90; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.40–2.59). The increased risk of prostate cancer was observed among individuals with the NAT2 slow acetylator phenotype (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.04–2.61), CYP1A1 GA + GG genotype (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02–1.59), and CYP1A2 CA + AA genotype (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.03–2.00). In addition, CYP1A1 GA + GG genotypes were associated with increased cancer risk in low (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.19–3.63), moderate (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.07–2.76), and high (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.83–4.47) HAA intake groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that high HAA intake is a risk factor of prostate cancer, and genotypes related to HAA metabolic enzymes can modulate the degree of the risk.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">SEPP1</Emphasis> polymorphisms modulate serum glucose and lipid response to Brazil nut supplementation

Purpose

The consumption of Brazil nuts has been associated with benefits to lipid metabolism and reductions in total cholesterol and LDL concentrations. They are the richest natural source of selenium which has essential functions in human physiology. Genetic polymorphisms in Selenoprotein P could impair lipid and glucose metabolisms. The aim of this work was to verify the influence of polymorphisms in genes for selenoproteins on blood lipid levels after dietary supplementation with Brazil nuts in healthy adults.

Methods

The study included 130 healthy volunteers selected at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. They were supplemented with one nut a day for 8 weeks, followed by 8 weeks without intervention. The following analyses were performed: anthropometric measurements, serum fasting glucose, lipid profile, C-reactive protein and plasma MDA levels. The volunteers were genotyped for SNPs rs1050450, rs3811699, rs1800699, rs713041, rs3877899, rs7579, rs34713741, and rs5845 in genes for selenoproteins.

Results

The concentrations of total cholesterol and fasting glucose levels decreased after 8 weeks of supplementation (p < 0.05). Glucose levels were modulated by rs3877899 in SEPP1, with significantly lower levels observed for individuals with the GA + AA genotype (p = 0.025). In addition, rs7579 was associated with cholesterol concentrations, which were significantly lower for individuals with the GG genotype (p = 0.053).

Conclusions

Supplementation with one Brazil nut a day for 8 weeks reduced total cholesterol and glucose levels. Furthermore, our results suggest that rs3877899 might be associated with glucose concentrations and rs7579 with cholesterol concentrations. Therefore, the effect of genetic variations should be considered in future nutritional interventions evaluating the response to Brazil nut supplementation.

     

Uptake of Urea Nitrogen by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oocystis borgei</Emphasis> in Prawn <Emphasis Type="Italic">(Litopenaeus vannamei)</Emphasis> Aquaculture Ponds

The goal of this study was to assess the rate of urea nitrogen uptake (ρ) by Oocystis borgei and the relationship between environmental factors and ρ. Light intensity, temperature, pH, salinity, and algal concentration, were used to construct an empirical model. The results showed that light intensity, algal concentration, pH and salinity had significant effects on ρ, and the optimal combination of environmental conditions for ρ was a temperature of 25°C, pH of 7.0, light intensity of 81 µmol m^?2 s^?1, salinity of 15‰, and algal concentration of 4.5?×?10⁸ cell L^?1–5.5?×?10⁸ cell L^?1. The model equation was ρ?=?2?×?10^?5?×?(A^0.363B^0.783C^0.045D^?0.503E)?+?0.0017, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.83. No significant difference in variance was observed between the model-predicted values and the measured values (F?=?0.238, p?>?0.05), which demonstrated the high fitting degree of the simulation equation. This study provided valuable insight into the reduction of urea nitrogen levels in aquaculture water by O. borgei.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Enterococcus hirae</Emphasis> biofilm formation on hospital material surfaces and effect of new biocides

Background

Nowadays, the bacterial contamination in the hospital environment is of particular concern because the hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. This work evaluated the capability of Enterococcus hirae to form biofilm on different surfaces and the action of two biocides on the produced biofilms.

Methods

The biofilm formation of E. hirae ATCC 10541 was studied on polystyrene and stainless steel surfaces through the biomass quantification and the cell viability at 20 and 37 °C. The effect of LH IDROXI FAST and LH ENZYCLEAN SPRAY biocides on biomasses was expressed as percentage of biofilm reduction. E. hirae at 20 and 37 °C produced more biofilm on the stainless steel in respect to the polystyrene surface. The amount of viable cells was greater at 20 °C than with 37 °C on the two analyzed surfaces. Biocides revealed a good anti-biofilm activity with the most effect for LH ENZYCLEAN SPRAY on polystyrene and stainless steel at 37 °C with a maximum biofilm reduction of 85.72 and 86.37%, respectively.

Results

E. hirae is a moderate biofilm producer depending on surface material and temperature, and the analyzed biocides express a remarkable antibiofilm action.

Conclusion

The capability of E. hirae to form biofilm can be associated with its increasing incidence in hospital-acquired infections, and the adoption of suitable disinfectants is strongly recommended.

     

Antibiotics for the treatment of Cholera, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shigella</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptosporidium</Emphasis>in children

Background

Diarrhea is a major contributor to the burden of morbidity and mortality in children; it accounts for a median of 11% of all deaths among children aged less than 5 years, amounting to approximately 0.8 million deaths per year. Currently there is a dearth of literature exploring the effectiveness of antibiotics for diarrhea due to Cholera, Shigella and cryptosporidiosis in children.

Methods

We reviewed the literature reporting the effect of antibiotics for the treatment of diarrhea due to Cholera, Shigella and Cryptosporidium in children under five years. We used a standardized abstraction and grading format and performed meta-analyses to determine the effect of the treatment with various antibiotics on mortality and rates of clinical and bacteriological/parasitological failure. The CHERG Standard Rules were applied to determine the final effect of treatment with antibiotics on diarrhea morbidity and mortality.

Results

For Cholera; the evidence was weak to recommend any effect on mortality. For Shigella; there was no data on mortality; either all-cause or cause specific, hence we used clinical failure rates as a proxy for Shigella deaths and propose that treatment of Shigella dysentery with antibiotics can result in a 82% reduction in diarrhea mortality due to Shigella. For cryptosporidiosis; there was data on all-cause mortality but the evidence was weak hence we used clinical failure rates as a proxy for mortality to estimate that antimicrobial treatment of diarrhea due to cryptosporidiosis can result in a 54% reduction in mortality.

Conclusions

There is evidence to recommend antibiotic use for reduction of morbidity and mortality due to Cholera, Shigella and Cryptosporidium. We recommend that more clinical trials should be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of first- and second- line drugs currently in use for treatment for diarrhea and dysentery in both developing and developed countries.

     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dracontomelon duperreanum</Emphasis> Leaf Litter on the Growth and Photosynthesis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcystis aeruginosa</Emphasis>

This study investigated the use of Dracontomelon duperreanum leaf litter extract (DDLLE) in inhibiting the growth and photosynthesis of the algae Microcystis aeruginosa. The goal of the study was to evaluate a potential solution for cyanobacterial bloom prevention. M. aeruginosa was exposed to extract concentrations from 0.4 to 2.0 g L^?1. Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) content and photosynthesis levels were assessed using pulse amplitude modulated fluorimetry phytoplankton analyzer. Results suggested that the extract could efficiently suppress M. aeruginosa growth. The content of Chl-a was only 19.0 µg L^?1 and achieved 96.0% inhibition rate when exposed to 2.0 g L^?1 on day 15. Growth rate in response to different extract concentrations were consistent with changes in the photosynthesis efficiency (alpha), maximal relative electron transport rate and maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (F _v /F _m ). Furthermore, several kinds of volatile chemicals and their concentrations in DDLLE had been identified by GC–MS, which of them play major role to suppress the growth of M. aeruginosa should be further studied.     

Distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aeromonas</Emphasis> species in environmental water used in daily life in Okinawa Prefecture,Japan

Objectives

The genus Aeromonas is known to causes diseases such as food poisoning, sepsis, and wound infection. However, the mode of Aeromonas transmission from environment to humans is not clearly understood. To evaluate the health risks of Aeromonas spp. in environmental freshwater, the number, proportion and putative virulence factors of Aeromonas species were investigated in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

Methods

Environmental freshwater samples were collected from three dams, two springs and three private wells. Aeromonas strains were identified by the biochemical method and the viable count was calculated. The production of extracellular enzymes and the virulence genes were investigated for possessing putative virulence factors using representative isolates.

Results

At least seven species of already-known Aeromonas isolates as well as unidentified Aeromonas spp. with/without arginin dehydrolase (ADH) exist in water at these sites. Aeromonas spp. was found to exist at over 1000 CFU/100 ml in one spring and two wells. A. veronii biovar sobria and A. jandaei were the predominant species in dams, and A. hydrophila and/or A. eucrenophila were predominant in wells. Almost all the sampled Aeromonas species produced protease, gelatinase, lipase, esterase and DNase, but A. caviae, A. caviae-like bacteria, and A. eucrenophila had low hemolytic activity. Most sampled A. hydrophila strains possessed both aerolysin gene (aer) and hemolysin gene (hlyA), but A. caviae and A. eucrenophila strains did not possess either gene.

Conclusions

Since these results indicated that several Aeromonas species having potential pathogenicity exist in environmental water in Okinawa, surveys are recommended as a public health measure.

     

Partial Gene Sequencing of CYP1A,Vitellogenin, and Metallothionein in Mosquitofish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gambusia yucatana</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gambusia sexradiata</Emphasis>

Ground characteristics in the Yucatan Peninsula make recovery and treatment of wastewater very expensive. This situation has contributed to an increase of pollutants in the aquifer. Unfortunately, studies related to the effects of those pollutants in native organisms are scarce. The aim of this work was to obtain partial sequences of widely known genes used as biomarkers of pollutant effect in Gambusia yucatana and Gambusia sexradiata. The studied genes were: cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A); vitellogenin (VTG); metallothionein (MT), and two housekeeping genes, 18S and β-actin. From reported sequences of Gambusia affinis, primers were designed and amplification was done in the local Gambusia species exposed for 48 h to gasoline (100 µL/L, stirred for 24 h pre-exposure). Preliminary results revealed partial sequences of all genes with an approximate average length of 200 bp. BLAST analysis of found sequences indicated a minimum of 97% identity with reported sequences for G. affinis or Gambusia holbrooki showing great similarity.     

Comparison of the effects of three different <Emphasis Type="Italic">Baccaurea angulata</Emphasis> whole fruit juice doses on plasma,aorta and liver MDA levels,antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity

Purpose

Baccaurea angulata (common names: belimbing dayak or belimbing hutan) is a Malaysian underutilized fruit. The preliminary work on B. angulata fruit juice showed that it possesses antioxidant properties. Therefore, further work is needed to confirm the efficacy and proper dosage of B. angulata as a potential natural antioxidant. The present study was thus carried out to compare the effects of three different B. angulata whole fruit (WF) juice doses administered at nutritional doses of 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50 ml/kg/day on plasma, aorta and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) as well as total antioxidant capacity in rabbits fed high-cholesterol diet.

Methods

Thirty-five male rabbits of New Zealand strain were randomly assigned to seven groups. For 12 weeks, group CH was fed 1% cholesterol diet only; group C1 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 0.50 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice; group C2 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 1.00 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice; group C3 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 1.50 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice; group N was fed standard pellet only; group N1 was fed standard pellet and 0.50 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice; and group N2 was fed standard pellet and 1.00 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice.

Results

The three doses reduced the formation of MDA and enhanced the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. The highest dose used (1.50 ml/kg/day) was, however, seen as the most potent.

Conclusion

Higher doses of B. angulata juice exerted better antioxidant activity.

     

Effects of Ammonia and Density on Filtering of Commensal and Pathogenic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> by the Cladoceran <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daphnia magna</Emphasis>

Grazing by cladocerans can reduce the survival of enteric bacteria associated with fecal pollution. This study examined the potential of Daphnia magna to filter commensal and pathogenic Escherichia coli of human origin. Grazing on commensal and pathogenic bacteria was comparable, but slightly greater at 20 compared to 15 and 25°C. Filtering activity was strongly dependent on D. magna and E. coli densities at environmentally relevant bacterial concentrations. Maximum feeding rates were >10⁷ cells h^?1 daphnid^?1, clearance rates were 1–6 mL h^?1 daphnid^?1, and filtering was independent of bacterial cell sizes between 0.7 and 1.8 µm. Filtering and ingestion of E. coli by D. magna was susceptible to acute inhibition by unionized ammonia with a 24 h EC50 of 0.18 mg L^?1 NH₃–N, and a LOEC of 0.09 mg L^?1 NH₃–N. The study indicated that biological and chemical constraints should be considered when applying Daphnia for attenuation of fecal pollution.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">XPC</Emphasis> intron11 C/A polymorphism as a risk factor for prostate cancer

Objectives

DNA repair genes play an important role in protection against environmental and endogenous DNA damage, and constitute the first line of defense against cancer. Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) is involved in the damage recognition step during nucleotide excision repair. The relationship between XPC intron11 C/A polymorphism and cancer risk has not been widely studied. Hence, this study evaluated the relationship between the XPC intron11 C/A polymorphism and prostate cancer risk.

Materials and methods

This hospital-based cohort consisted of 152 patients with prostate cancer and 142 male controls. The XPC intron11 C/A genotype was determined using the PCR–RFLP method. Medical, occupational, and cigarette-smoking history was obtained from each participant using questionnaires.

Results

Logistic regression analysis revealed that compared to controls, the frequencies of the A/A and C/A genotypes were significantly higher than those of the C/C genotype in cancer patients (OR = 2.03, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.03–3.98 and OR = 1.91, 95 % CI 1.13–3.24, respectively). We also found that the frequency of the A/A genotype was significantly higher in cancer cases than in controls among non-smokers (OR = 7.7, 95 % CI 1.38–42.88, compared to the C/C genotype).

Conclusion

We found that the XPC intron11 C/A polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Among non-smokers, the A/A genotype was significantly more prevalent in prostate cancer patients than in controls.

     

Growth Recovery of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lemna gibba</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lemna minor</Emphasis> Following a 7-Day Exposure to the Herbicide Diuron

In agricultural catchments, aquatic ecosystems can experience a pulse exposure to pesticides. Following such exposure, non-target organisms that are not extirpated may recover. This paper investigates the potential of two duckweed species (Lemna minor and Lemna gibba) to recover from a 7-day exposure to different concentrations (0.4–208 µg L^?1) of the herbicide diuron. There was significant inhibition in the growth and biomass after the initial 7-day exposure (e.g. frond number EC₅₀ = 59.2 and 52.2 µg L^?1 for L. minor and L. gibba, respectively). Following transfer to clean media, recovery (the highest concentration yielding no significant difference in the effect endpoint from the control) was observed for all effects endpoints at concentrations ranging 60–111 µg L^?1 for L. minor and 60–208 µg L^?1 for L. gibba. These results suggest that recovery is possible for primary producers at environmentally relevant concentrations considered significant in ecological risk assessment.     

Toxicity of Diclofenac in the Fern <Emphasis Type="Italic">Azolla filiculoides</Emphasis> and the Lichen <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xanthoria parietina</Emphasis>

This study investigated the occurrence of toxicity, expressed as damage to the photosynthetic apparatus, in the aquatic fern Azolla filiculoides and the lichen Xanthoria parietina following treatments with diclofenac at different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mg/L) and different exposure times (24, 48, 72 and 240 h). Measurements of photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll content and chlorophyll degradation indicated dose- and time-dependent toxicity, since significant differences with control samples as well as among treatments, emerged mainly for the highest concentration (100 mg/L) and the longest time (240 h). In addition, also the mycobiont of the lichen X. parietina showed similar toxic effects, expressed as ergosterol content. The absence of relevant alterations at the lowest concentration (0.1 mg/L) suggested a very limited susceptibility of these species to environmentally relevant levels of this pharmaceutical.     

Fluid intake of Latin American children and adolescents: results of four 2016 <Emphasis Type="Italic">LIQ.IN</Emphasis><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">7</Emphasis></Superscript> National Cross-Sectional Surveys

Purpose

The primary aim of this survey was to report total fluid intake (TFI) and different fluid types for children (4–9 years) and adolescents (10–17 years) in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. The second aim was to compare TFI with the adequate intake (AI) of water from fluids as recommended by the USA Institute of Medicine.

Methods

Data were collected using a validated liquid intake 7-day record (Liq.In ⁷ ). Participants’ characteristics, including age, sex and anthropometric measurements were recorded.

Results

A total of 733 children and 933 adolescents were recruited. Over 75% of children in Uruguay met the IOM’s recommended intake. Fewer children in Argentina (64–72%) and Brazil (41–50%) obtained AI and the lowest values were recorded in Mexico (33–44%), where 16% of boys and 14% girls drank 50% or less of the AI. More adolescents in Argentina (42%) met the AIs than other countries; the lowest was in Mexico (28%). Children and adolescents in Mexico and Argentina drank more sugar sweetened beverages than water.

Conclusions

Large numbers of children and adolescents did not meet AI recommendations for TFI, raising concerns about their hydration status and potential effects on mental and physical well-being. Given the negative effects on children’s health, the levels of SSB consumption are worrying.

     

Fluid intake in urban China: results of the 2016 <Emphasis Type="Italic">Liq.In</Emphasis><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">7</Emphasis></Superscript> national cross-sectional surveys

Purpose

To describe total fluid intake (TFI) and types of fluid consumed in urban China by age, gender, regions and city socioeconomic status relative to the adequate intakes (AI) set by the Chinese Nutrition Society.

Methods

In 2016, participants aged 4–9, 10–17 and 18–55 years were recruited via a door-to-door approach in 27 cities in China. In total, 2233 participants were included. The volumes and sources of TFI were collected using the Liq.In ⁷ record, assisted by a photographic booklet of standard fluid containers.

Results

The mean daily TFI among children, adolescents and adults were 966, 1177 and 1387 mL, respectively. In each age group, TFI was significantly higher in male vs female (981 vs 949, 1240 vs 1113, 1442 vs 1332; mL). Approximately 45, 36 and 28% of children, adolescents and adults reached the AI. Although plain water was the highest contributor to TFI, the contribution of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) was ranked in the top three together with water and milk and derivatives. Approximately 27, 48 and 47% of children, adolescents and adults consumed more than one serving of SSB per day, respectively.

Conclusions

A relatively large proportion of participants did not drink enough to meet the AI in urban China. Many children, adolescents and adults consumed more than one serving of SSB per day. A majority of children, adolescents and adults in the study population do not meet both quantitative and qualitative fluid intake requirements, and signal socioeconomic disparities.