Measurement of dietary intake in the UNC Alumni Heart Study. University of North Carolina

BACKGROUND: Research needs to identify diet and disease associations to provide direction about effecting change in individuals with dietary behaviors that increase risk of chronic disease. Inclusion of dietary assessment in the University of North Carolina Alumni Heart Study (UNCAHS) provides the opportunity to prospectively investigate dietary intake and chronic disease associations with measures of personality and behavioral risk factors. METHODS: Development of the UNCAHS food frequency questionnaire and nutrient intake of 4,443 middle-aged men and women is provided stratified by total fat and vitamin A intake within demographic and health behavior categories. RESULTS: Alumni consume diets close to that recommended by current dietary guidelines. Both men and women have low calcium intake. Thirty-nine percent of the alumni consume diets with 30% of kilocalories from fat or less and 88% meet the RDA for vitamin A. Never smokers had lower fat diets and greater intakes of vitamin A than former or current smokers. Over 54% of alumni currently took vitamin/mineral supplements. CONCLUSIONS: UNCAHS participants will be tracked as they approach older ages with apparently less risk for diet-related chronic diseases than many Americans. The psychosocial correlates of these eating behaviors will be evaluated as disease endpoints occur.     

Dietary macro- and micronutrient intakes of nonsupplemented pre- and postmenopausal women with a perspective on menopause-associated diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the dietary intakes and diet quality of menopausal women relative to premenopausal women, and to determine whether their diets are compatible with reducing risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using 3-day food records and anthropometric measurements. Subjects Thirty apparently healthy, nonoestrogen using and nonsupplemented women menopausal since 3-5 years and 30 well-matched premenopausal women. Outcome measures Nutrient intakes, diet nutrient density, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and serum oestradiol. RESULTS: Energy intake and body weight of pre- and postmenopausal women were comparable. Their BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratios were within healthy ranges. The diet of postmenopausal women was compatible (less total lipids and saturated fatty acids; more fibres, antioxidant vitamins and potassium) with North American nutritional recommendations linked to cardiovascular health. Their dietary iron intakes exceeded their reduced physiological need, which may jeopardize their cardiovascular system. Their calcium and vitamin D intakes were far below recommendations for healthy bones. Five other nutrients were also suboptimal. Phosphorus intake (high in both groups) correlated with dietary proteins, sulphur amino acids and calcium. CONCLUSIONS: The diet of the postmenopausal women studied were more compatible with national nutritional recommendations than that of premenopausal controls. However, these postmenopausal women, not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and having inadequate dietary calcium and vitamin D intakes, may be at increased risk of osteoporotic fracture later in life. More studies on CVD risk inherent to body iron accumulation involving a large number of postmenopausal women are warranted before planning public health measures regarding dietary iron intake.     

Micronutrient challenges across the age spectrum: Is there a role for red meat?

In recent years, there has been controversy about the healthiness of red meat, prompting suggestions that people should limit their consumption. However, national dietary surveys indicate that UK diets can be low in nutrients typically found in red meat, e.g. vitamin B₂, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and potassium, particularly among low‐income groups, teenagers and females. This article examines the nutritional challenges from infanthood to old age and considers whether there is still a role for red meat in helping people to achieve their dietary requirements. The fossil record indicates that early man evolved as an omnivore, with meat representing a significant source of protein and nutrients in the prehistoric diet. Modern diets offer substantially more variation in protein sources yet the range of nutrients supplied by red meat and their high bioavailability may make meat particularly suitable for human diets. Studies suggest that low intakes of red meat are a marker for iron insufficiency, while inclusion of red meat in the diet is associated with higher mineral intakes. Moderate amounts of lean red meat provide a wide range of important nutrients, without substantially increasing intakes of energy and saturated fatty acids. While concerns have been raised about the potential impact of red meat on the risk of chronic disease, the data are mostly observational and may be confounded by cooking methods or other dietary factors. In conclusion, integrating red meat into diets across the age spectrum, from infanthood to old age, may help to narrow the present gap between micronutrient intakes and recommendations.     

Assessment of Pre-Pregnancy Dietary Intake with a Food Frequency Questionnaire in Alberta Women

Purpose: Pre-pregnancy is an under-examined and potentially important time to optimize dietary intake to support fetal growth and development as well as maternal health. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which dietary intake reported by non-pregnant women is similar to pre-pregnancy dietary intake reported by pregnant women using the same assessment tool. Methods: The self-administered, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was adapted from the Canadian version of the Diet History Questionnaire, originally developed by the National Cancer Institute in the United States. Pregnant women (n = 98) completed the FFQ which assessed dietary intake for the year prior to pregnancy. Non-pregnant women (n = 103) completed the same FFQ which assessed dietary intake for the previous year. Energy, macronutrients, and key micronutrients: long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, folate, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, calcium, vitamin D and iron were examined. Results: Dietary intake between groups; reported with the FFQ; was similar except for saturated fat; trans fat; calcium; and alcohol. Pregnant women reported significantly higher intakes of saturated fat; trans fat; and calcium and lower intake of alcohol in the year prior to pregnancy compared to non-pregnant women who reported intake in the previous year. Conclusions: Despite limitations; a FFQ may be used to assist with retrospective assessment of pre-pregnancy dietary intake.     

Dietary shortcomings in children on a gluten‐free diet

Background: Coeliac disease (CD), or permanent gluten intolerance, is one of the most common chronic food‐related diseases among children in Europe and the USA. The treatment is lifelong gluten‐free diet (GFD) (i.e. the exclusion of wheat, rye and barley from the diet, which are important sources particularly of iron, dietary fibre and vitamin B). The present study aimed to evaluate dietary intakes of energy and nutrients in children and adolescents on GFD and compare these with intake of comparable age groups on a normal diet as well as current recommendations. Methods: Thirty children, 4–17 years of age with confirmed CD and on GFD were agreed to participate in this study at the Department of Pediatrics, Umeå University Hospital. Weight and height were used to calculate individual energy requirement according to Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2004 (NNR‐04). Dietary intake was assessed using 5‐day food records and household measures were used for quantities. Twenty‐five children completed their dietary record. Results: Thirteen of the 25 children did not meet the recommended energy intake and the dietary intakes were inadequate regarding quality of macronutrients and quantity of minerals and vitamins. The mean intakes of sucrose and saturated fatty acids were above and the intakes of dietary fibre, vitamin D, magnesium and selenium below the NNR‐04. High intakes of sucrose and saturated fat and a low intake of dietary fibre were also noted in a previous national survey on healthy children on a normal diet. The nutrient density of vitamin D, riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, magnesium and selenium were lower among CD children than healthy children but, for iron and calcium, it was higher in CD children. Conclusions: Children on GFD appear to follow the same trends as healthy children on a normal diet, with high intakes of saturated fat and sucrose and low intakes of dietary fibre, vitamin D and magnesium compared to recommendations.     

Periconception Diet does not Vary by Duration of US Residence for Mexican Immigrant Women

This cross-sectional study assessed the influence of duration of residence in the United States on periconception dietary intake of pregnant Mexican immigrant women, using baseline data from Healthy Mothers on the Move, a randomized control trial conducted with 234 women from 2004 to 2006 in Detroit, MI. Average maternal age was 27.3±5.2 years (range=18 to 41 years) with 5.99±4.76 years of US residence (range=0 to 36 years). Women's usual dietary intake during the past 12 months was recorded on a validated food frequency questionnaire (17.3 weeks average gestation). Intakes of selected micronutrients, macronutrients, and food groups were compared by US residence categories (≤5, 6 to 10, or ≥11 years) using analysis of covariance. The percent of women with intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement and the percent not meeting US dietary guidelines were calculated. There was no association between dietary intake and duration of US residence in this population. Percentages of women with dietary intake below the Estimated Average Requirement were: 12.0% for folate, 7.7% for vitamin C, 23.9% for calcium, 11.2% for protein, and 5.1% for carbohydrates. US dietary guidelines were not met for fruit by 17.5% and for vegetables by 74.8% of women. Typical diets were high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Of the 2,195 kcal average daily energy intake, >25% came from saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugars that may replace nutrients important for healthy fetal growth and development and women's health. Interventions to improve intake before, during, and after pregnancy are important in this population, regardless of duration of US residence.     

孕期营养评价及干预措施对妊娠结局的影响

目的:了解厦门市孕妇孕期营养状况,分析日常饮食对体内营养素的影响,评价营养干预措施的效果,为制定合理的孕期膳食计划提供科学依据。方法:2006年1月～2008年8月间,在厦门市妇幼保健院营养科接受营养咨询的孕妇571例,分别在孕20周前、孕26～27周、孕35～36周进行3次前3天的膳食调查,同时检测体内营养素水平,探讨日常饮食与体内营养素变化的关系,评价孕期营养。随机选取同一时期在本院分娩、孕20周前正常者,但未接受孕期营养指导的产妇254例,作为对照组。追踪随访两组孕妇的妊娠结局,评价营养干预措施的效果。结果:①两组孕妇在日常膳食中,脂肪摄入占总能量的比例均达营养素推荐摄入量(RNI)的要求,88.3%的孕妇摄入过高,超过了RNI的要求。孕中、后期,孕妇钙、铁的摄入不足,尤其是孕末期,钙、铁摄入量达到RNI的孕妇分别占29.8%及8.5%。孕中、晚期,锌、维生素C、维生素A、维生素B1、维生素B2摄入量达到RNI的孕妇分别占40.9%、36.2%、44.8%、22.7%、45.9%。②孕期同时增加补充铁及维生素C,能较好地延缓血清铁蛋白浓度下降的趋势(P0.05),增加维生素B2的摄入是孕期胆固醇水平升高的保护因素(P0.05),而脂肪摄入过高,则是危险因素(P0.05)。③孕期能量摄入水平控制在1900～2600kCal/d,蛋白质摄入水平控制在70～115g/d时,新生儿出生体重异常的发生比例最低。④孕期接受过营养知识健康教育和指导的孕妇,其孕期营养相关并发症发生率、剖宫产率、新生儿出生体重异常率均低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:厦门市孕妇膳食结构有待于进一步改进,建议孕妇注重蛋白质、各类矿物质和维生素补充,减少脂肪摄入,能量与蛋白质摄入应在适宜范围内。同时大力提倡孕期营养咨询与指导,要加大孕期营养知识健康教育力度,普及营养知识,提高孕妇营养知识水平,改善妊娠结局。     

Position of the American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes. A vegetarian diet is defined as one that does not include meat (including fowl) or seafood, or products containing those foods. This article reviews the current data related to key nutrients for vegetarians including protein, n-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamins D and B-12. A vegetarian diet can meet current recommendations for all of these nutrients. In some cases, supplements or fortified foods can provide useful amounts of important nutrients. An evidence-based review showed that vegetarian diets can be nutritionally adequate in pregnancy and result in positive maternal and infant health outcomes. The results of an evidence-based review showed that a vegetarian diet is associated with a lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease. Vegetarians also appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than nonvegetarians. Furthermore, vegetarians tend to have a lower body mass index and lower overall cancer rates. Features of a vegetarian diet that may reduce risk of chronic disease include lower intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol and higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, soy products, fiber, and phytochemicals. The variability of dietary practices among vegetarians makes individual assessment of dietary adequacy essential. In addition to assessing dietary adequacy, food and nutrition professionals can also play key roles in educating vegetarians about sources of specific nutrients, food purchase and preparation, and dietary modifications to meet their needs.     

Concern about cholesterol and its association with diet in a group of healthy elderly

The association between diet and degree of concern about dietary cholesterol was examined in a group of 244 healthy elderly persons. Specifically, it was thought that a concern about cholesterol might result in diets that exclude essential nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, that are found in foods that also contain cholesterol. 70% of this group indicated a concern about dietary cholesterol; 18% were “very concerned”. Over half of these elderly thought that dietary cholesterol contributed to heart disease, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Many indicated that they were restricting their intake of certain foods because of cholesterol. This response was strongly associated with degree of concern about cholesterol. It was found that those who were concerned about cholesterol had lower intakes of cholesterol, total fat, saturated fat and total calories, and greater intakes of vitamin D. However, no other significant associations with diet were found.     

The Dietary Variety Score: Assessing Diet Quality in Healthy Young and Older Adults

Objective To develop a new dietary variety score (DVS) and link it to other measures of diet quality, including a modified diet quality index (DQI).Subjects The subjects were 24 healthy young (ages 20 to 30 years) and 24 healthy older (ages 60 to 75 years) adults, including 24 men and 24 women. Their dietary intake assessments were based on one 24-hour food recall interview and 14 consecutive days of food records.Design and measures Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated using Nutritionist IV software. DVS was based on the cumulative number of different foods consumed over the 15-day period. DQI was a 5-potnt scale based on conformity with the key US dietary recommendations. Full score was awarded for diets deriving 30% or less of energy from fat, 10% or less of energy from saturated fat, more than 50% of energy from carbohydrate, and containing less than 300 mg cholesterol and 2,400 mg sodium per day. Analytic measures included analyses of variance, correlation analyses, and χ² tests.Results Older subjects consumed more varied diets than did young subjects. Higher DVS values were linked positively to vitamin C intakes and negatively to the consumption of salt, sugar, and saturated fat. However, a high DVS was not linked to a high score on the DQI in this subject sample. Discussion/conclusions Few studies have addressed the issue of how many different foods constitute a varied diet. The present classification scheme offers a new way of assessing dietary variety at the individual or group level. Measures of dietary variety may represent an additional facet of diet quality and their relationship to selected health outcomes should be examined further. J Am Diet Assoc. 1997;97:266–271.     

Health effects of vegetarian and vegan diets

Vegetarian diets do not contain meat, poultry or fish; vegan diets further exclude dairy products and eggs. Vegetarian and vegan diets can vary widely, but the empirical evidence largely relates to the nutritional content and health effects of the average diet of well-educated vegetarians living in Western countries, together with some information on vegetarians in non-Western countries. In general, vegetarian diets provide relatively large amounts of cereals, pulses, nuts, fruits and vegetables. In terms of nutrients, vegetarian diets are usually rich in carbohydrates, n-6 fatty acids, dietary fibre, carotenoids, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and Mg, and relatively low in protein, saturated fat, long-chain n-3 fatty acids, retinol, vitamin B(12) and Zn; vegans may have particularly low intakes of vitamin B(12) and low intakes of Ca. Cross-sectional studies of vegetarians and vegans have shown that on average they have a relatively low BMI and a low plasma cholesterol concentration; recent studies have also shown higher plasma homocysteine concentrations than in non-vegetarians. Cohort studies of vegetarians have shown a moderate reduction in mortality from IHD but little difference in other major causes of death or all-cause mortality in comparison with health-conscious non-vegetarians from the same population. Studies of cancer have not shown clear differences in cancer rates between vegetarians and non-vegetarians. More data are needed, particularly on the health of vegans and on the possible impacts on health of low intakes of long-chain n-3 fatty acids and vitamin B(12). Overall, the data suggest that the health of Western vegetarians is good and similar to that of comparable non-vegetarians.     

The Difference in Nutrient Intakes between Chinese and Mediterranean,Japanese and American Diets

Across countries, the predominant diets are clearly different and highly related with human health. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate dietary nutrients between them. This study aimed to evaluate dietary nutrients in China and compare those between Chinese and Mediterranean (Italian), Japanese and American diets. Dietary intakes of 2659 subjects in south-east China, Zhejiang province, from 2010 to 2012, were estimated by three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. The contribution of carbohydrate to total energy in Chinese subjects was lower than that in Japanese and American subjects, but higher than that in Italian subjects. However, the energy contribution from fat in Chinese subjects was higher than that in Japanese and American subjects, and similar to that in Italian subjects. Moreover, the Chinese diet had lower daily intakes of fiber, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂ and vitamin C, compared with the Japanese, American and Italian diets. Nevertheless, intakes of sodium, iron, copper and vitamin E were higher among Chinese people relative to the people of other three countries. The present study demonstrated that the structure of the Chinese diet has been shifting away from the traditional diet toward high-fat, low-carbohydrate and low-fiber diets, and nutrients intakes in Chinese people have been changing even worse than those in American people.     

Nutritional intake of women and men on the NCEP Step I and Step II diets.

Restriction of dietary fat and cholesterol are recommended for treating hyperlipidemia, but may alter vitamin or mineral intakes. We evaluated changes in nutrients of individuals taught the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Step II diet.

Subjects participated in a randomized controlled trial of the cholesterol-lowering effect of the NCEP Step II diet. Eligibility criteria included elevated fasting plasma LDL-cholesterol, no lipid-altering medications, and diet not already fat-modified. Subjects attended eight weekly dietitian-led classes. Four-day food records collected 6 months post-intervention were compared to baseline records.

Of 409 subjects with complete data, 123 met Step I and 166 met Step II diet criteria. Intakes of micronutrients associated with fruits and vegetables (beta-carotene and vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium, and potassium) increased on both diets. Patterns of decreased mean intake and/or fewer subjects consuming 2/3 Recommended Dietary Allowance were seen for calcium, vitamin E, and zinc.

NCEP Step I and II diets generally match or exceed unmodified diet for vitamin and mineral content. Premenopausal women do not appear to be at increased risk of low iron intake. Vitamin E intake decreases, although the significance is unknown in the context of lower fat intake and increased intake of other antioxidants. Diet counseling and materials should encourage sources of calcium for women, and zinc for both women and men.     

Diet and nutritional status of 4–18-year-olds: public health implications

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey: young people aged 4–18 years, published in June 2000, is the most detailed survey yet to be undertaken in this age group in Britain. It has revealed that Britain's young people are largely inactive and, although the majority appears to have adequate intakes of most vitamins, intakes tended to be lowest in families on benefit. This was particularly the case for folate and vitamin C, reflecting lower intakes of fruit and vegetables. Thirteen per cent of 11–18‐year‐olds had low vitamin D status, the vitamin usually provided via exposure to sunlight and essential for the development of healthy bones. A sizeable proportion of children may have inadequate intakes of a number of minerals, including zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron. For example, 25% of 11–14‐year‐old girls and 19% of those aged 15–18 years had intakes of calcium that were likely to be inadequate (i.e. lower than the LRNI); in all age and gender groups there was evidence of low zinc intakes; and 14% of girls and 13% of boys had low ferritin levels, suggesting low iron stores and an increased risk of anaemia. On the positive side, fat intakes were close to the population goal of 35% of dietary energy, but intakes of saturated fatty acids exceeded the recommended population level for adults of 11% of energy, and intakes of sugars and salt were also high in many children. This article discusses some of the public health implications of this major survey.     

Evolution of atherogenic diets in South Asian and Italian women after migration to a higher risk region

BACKGROUND: To identify differences in the evolution of the diets of South Asian and Italian migrants, a cross-sectional, multiethnic study was undertaken in Glasgow, Scotland. METHODS: Five groups of women aged 20-42 years comprising general population (n = 35), South Asian migrants (n = 35) British-born controls (n = 37), Italian migrants (n = 30) and British-born (n = 38) participated in an interviewer administered structured questionnaire on issues relating to health, diet and food selection. Anthropometric measurements were made and subjects completed a 7-day weighed diet inventory. RESULTS: Compared with the general population, dietary differences were greatest amongst first generation migrant groups. There were major differences between the two migrant groups. South Asian migrants tended to display a more atherogenic profile (fat 42.4% energy, saturated fat 15.0% energy, vitamin C 5.1 mg per 1000 kJ) than the general population (fat 39.1% energy, saturated fat 13.5% energy, vitamin C 6.8 mg per 1000 kJ), and Italian migrants (fat 35.7% energy, saturated fat 12.1% energy, vitamin C 10.9 mg per 1000 kJ). However, South Asian groups had higher intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids which may be cardioprotective. CONCLUSIONS: South Asian migrants to Scotland appear to develop adverse dietary elements in the first generation, which are modified in subsequent generations, whereas Italians' diets remain cardioprotective in the migrant generation but deteriorate in subsequent generations.     

An index of diet and eating patterns is a valid measure of diet quality in an Australian population

Diet indices represent an integrated approach to assessing eating patterns and behaviors. The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive food-based dietary index to reflect adherence to healthy eating recommendations, evaluate the construct validity of the index using nutrient intakes, and evaluate this index in relation to sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, risk factors, and self-assessed health status. Data were analyzed from adult participants of the Australian National Nutrition Survey who completed a 108-item FFQ and a food habits questionnaire (n = 8220). The dietary guideline index (DGI) consisted of 15 items reflecting the dietary guidelines, including dietary indicators of vegetables and legumes, fruit, total cereals, meat and alternatives, total dairy, beverages, sodium, saturated fat, alcoholic beverages, and added sugars. Diet quality was incorporated using indicators relating to whole-grain cereals, lean meat, reduced/low fat dairy, and dietary variety. We investigated associations between the DGI score, sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, chronic disease risk factors, and nutrient intakes. We found associations between the DGI scores and sex, age, income, area-level socioeconomic disadvantage, smoking, physical activity, waist:hip ratio, systolic blood pressure (males only), and self-assessed health status (females only) (all P < 0.05). Higher DGI scores were associated with lower intakes of energy, total fat, and saturated fat and higher intakes of fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate, calcium, and iron (P < 0.05). This food-based dietary index is able to discriminate across a variety of sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and self-assessed health and reflects intakes of key nutrients.     

A Review of the Impact of Dietary Intakes in Human Pregnancy on Infant Birthweight

Studies assessing maternal dietary intakes and the relationship with birthweight are inconsistent, thus attempting to draw inferences on the role of maternal nutrition in determining the fetal growth trajectory is difficult. The aim of this review is to provide updated evidence from epidemiological and randomized controlled trials on the impact of dietary and supplemental intakes of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, zinc, folate, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, as well as dietary patterns, on infant birthweight. A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken via the electronic databases Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Medline. Included articles were those published in English, in scholarly journals, and which provided information about diet and nutrition during pregnancy and infant birthweight. There is insufficient evidence for omega-3 fatty acid supplements’ ability to reduce risk of low birthweight (LBW), and more robust evidence from studies supplementing with zinc, calcium, and/or vitamin D needs to be established. Iron supplementation appears to increase birthweight, particularly when there are increases in maternal hemoglobin concentrations in the third trimester. There is limited evidence supporting the use of folic acid supplements to reduce the risk for LBW; however, supplementation may increase birthweight by ~130 g. Consumption of whole foods such as fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean meats throughout pregnancy appears beneficial for appropriate birthweight. Intervention studies with an understanding of optimal dietary patterns may provide promising results for both maternal and perinatal health. Outcomes from these studies will help determine what sort of dietary advice could be promoted to women during pregnancy in order to promote the best health for themselves and their baby.     

Familial correlation of dietary intakes among postmenopausal women

A positive family history is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including most cancers, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. Since diet is also associated with most chronic diseases, one possible explanation for non-Mendelian familial clustering is shared eating habits. Food frequency data were obtained on 3,515 sisters in the Iowa Women's Health Study, a prospective cohort of postmenopausal women. Intraclass correlations between sisters were computed on a range of energy-adjusted nutrients to determine whether dietary intakes were more similar among siblings than among unrelated individuals. Two methods were used to calculate correlations: analysis of variance modeling and weighted sibling correlations. F-tests and randomization tests were used to determine statistical significance. The intraclass correlations for all of the nutrients examined were statistically significantly greater than the hypothesized value of zero (P < 0.05). Representative correlations include dietary fiber (0.15), animal fat (0.12), vegetable fat (0.13), calcium (0.14), iron (0.04), cholesterol (0.08), sodium (0.10), vitamin D (0.16), and total energy intake (0.11). When corrected for measurement error, the magnitude of these correlations increased, on average 62%. Although modest in magnitude, these correlations may be high enough to influence familial clustering of complex diseases that are attributed, in part, to diet. Genet. Epidemiol. 15:553–563,1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Contemporary diet and body weight of Navajo women receiving food assistance: an ethnographic and nutritional investigation

Preceded by 6 months of ethnographic research, a survey of 107 Navajo women, primarily food assistance participants, was conducted to describe and evaluate the contemporary Navajo diet. On the basis of results of 1-day dietary recalls, mean nutrient intakes were found to be below the RDA for calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, and energy. Sixty-three percent of the women in the sample were overweight or obese. The overall percentages of energy from fat, carbohydrate, and protein were closer to those recommended in the Dietary Goals than those in the current U.S. diet. The fat in the diet appeared to be primarily saturated, however, and fiber intake was lower than the U.S. average. Traditional foods were infrequently consumed. Women with higher incomes tended to have better diets. Commodity foods supplied by USDA's Food Distribution Program provided 43% of caloric intake and 37% to 57% of the intakes of all other nutrients except fat and vitamin C for the 72% of the sample participating in that program. It is concluded that the Food Distribution Program provides an important nutritional contribution to the contemporary Navajo diet.     

Systematic review and meta-analysis of energy and macronutrient intakes during pregnancy in developed countries

Research reporting diet during pregnancy in nationally representative samples is limited. This review summarizes the dietary intakes of pregnant women in developed countries and compares them with national recommendations. A systematic search without date limits was conducted. All studies reporting the macronutrient intakes of pregnant women were considered, irrespective of design. Two authors independently identified the studies to be included and assessed the methodological quality. Nutritional adequacy was summarized, with confounding factors considered. Meta-analysis data are reported for developed countries collectively, by geographical region, and by dietary methodology. Energy and macronutrient intakes of pregnant women do not match national recommendations. Energy and fiber intakes were consistently below recommendations, while total fat and saturated fat intakes were generally above recommendations and carbohydrate and polyunsaturated fat intakes were below to borderline low compared with recommendations. A mismatch between dietary practices and macronutrient recommendations in pregnant women is widespread and not well quantified. The implications of these practices are unknown until further research compares maternal diet with short-term and long-term maternal and offspring health outcomes.