Imbalances in dietary consumption of fatty acids, vegetables, and fruits are associated with risk for Crohn's disease in children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The role of dietary factors in the etiology of Crohn's disease (CD) is inconsistent largely due to difficulties in acquiring valid information on consumption habits. We examined the impact of diet on new onset CD in children using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). METHODOLOGY: A case-control study was carried out. Children < or =20 yr, newly diagnosed with CD, were recruited from 3 pediatric gastroenterology clinics across Canada. Population or hospital controls were selected matched to cases for time of diagnosis (+/-6 months) and area of residence. Dietary consumption 1 yr prior to disease diagnosis was evaluated using a validated FFQ, administered within 1 month of diagnosis. Conditional logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounding variables (energy intake, age, gender, body mass index) was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 130 CD patients and 202 controls were studied. Mean age at diagnosis (+/-SD) was 14.2 (2.7). There were more male patients (59%). Comparing the highest to the lowest levels of consumption, higher amounts of vegetables (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.33-1.44, P= 0.03), fruits (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.96, P= 0.02), fish (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.20-1.06, P= 0.02), and dietary fiber (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04-0.37, P < 0.001) protected from CD. Consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCN-omega-3) was negatively associated with CD (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.19-1.00, P < 0.001). A higher ratio of LCN-omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids was significantly associated with lower risks for CD (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.71, P= 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that an imbalance in consumption of fatty acids, vegetables, and fruits is associated with increased risks for CD among Canadian children.     

The relationship between intake of vegetables and fruits and colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence]

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Evidence for the effect of dietary factors on colorectal carcinogenesis is yet inconsistent. Few studies have been conducted to investigate whether dietary factors were associated with the development of colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence in Korea. We evaluated the relationship between the intake of vegetables and fruits and the degree of dysplasia of the colorectal adenoma and cancer. METHODS: For this study, 539 cases with histopathologically confirmed incidental colorectal adenoma, 162 cases with colorectal cancer and 2,576 controls were collected from Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea during 1994-1999. Informations on demographic characteristics, life style habits and dietary intake were obtained by interviewed questionnaire before the colonoscopy. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by using polytomous logistic regression model. RESULTS: In female, the high intake of raw green and yellow vegetables were found to be negatively associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (adjusted OR: 0.54, 95% CI = 0.32-0.93) and the high intake of persimmon, mandarin and strawberry among fruits were negatively associated with the risk of adenoma with mild dysplasia (adjusted OR: 0.43, 95% CI = 0.20-0.94). In male, the high intake of banana, pear, apple and watermelon among fruits were negatively associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (adjusted OR: 0.36, 95% CI = 0.16-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the intake of vegetables and fruits may act differently in developmental steps of colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence.     

Dietary antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables and the risk of Barrett's esophagus

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the associations among antioxidants, fruit and vegetable intake, and the risk of Barrett's esophagus (BE), a potential precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma.
METHODS: We conducted a case–control study within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California population. Incident BE cases (N = 296) were matched to persons with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (GERD controls N = 308) and to population controls (N = 309). Nutrient intake was measured using a validated 110-item food frequency questionnaire. The antioxidant results were stratified by dietary versus total intake of antioxidants.
RESULTS: Comparing cases to population controls, dietary intake of vitamin C and beta-carotene were inversely associated with the risk of BE (4th vs 1st quartile, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26–0.90; OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32–0.99, respectively), and the inverse association was strongest for vitamin E (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11–0.59). The inverse trends for antioxidant index (total and dietary) and fruit and vegetable intake were statistically significant, while most total intakes were not associated with reduced risk. The use of antioxidant supplements did not influence the risk of BE, and antioxidants and fruits and vegetables were inversely associated with a GERD diagnosis.
CONCLUSION: Dietary antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables are inversely associated with the risk of BE, while no association was observed for supplement intake. Our results suggest that fruits and vegetables themselves or associated undetected confounders may influence early events in the carcinogenesis of esophageal adenocarcinoma.     

Dietary patterns and asthma in the E3N study

The aim of the present study was to determine dietary patterns and investigate their association with asthma incidence, current asthma and frequent asthma exacerbations. Dietary habits and asthma data were collected from the large E3N study (of French females, mostly teachers). Of the 54,672 females followed-up in 2003, 2,634 reported ever-adulthood asthma, 1,063 reported current asthma, 206 reported frequent asthma attacks (one or more a week), and 628 reported asthma onset between 1993 and 2003. Using principal component analysis, three dietary patterns were identified: the "prudent" pattern (fruits and vegetables); the "Western" pattern (pizza/salty pies, dessert and cured meats); and the "nuts and wine" pattern. Pattern scores were categorised into tertiles, and the incidence and prevalence of asthma was compared between tertiles. After adjustment for confounders, no association of dietary patterns was observed with asthma incidence, ever-asthma or current asthma. The Western pattern was associated with an increased risk of reporting frequent asthma attacks (highest versus lowest tertile odds ratio (OR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-3.73). Increasing scores of the nuts and wine pattern were associated with a decreased risk of reporting frequent asthma attacks (highest versus lowest tertile OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.31-0.96). The results of the present study suggest that overall diet could be involved in frequent asthma exacerbations, one aspect of asthma severity.     

Risk factors of gastric cancer specific for tumor location and histology in Cali, Colombia

INTRODUCTION Gastric cancer (GC) is still one of the most common cancers worldwide[1,2] although its mortality has been decreasing over the years in many countries, including Colombia[3], due to the changing dietary habits and lifestyles[1]. Lauren classi…     

Dietary Patterns and Self-Reported Associations of Diet with Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background

There are insufficient data to make firm dietary recommendations for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Yet patients frequently report that specific food items influence their symptoms. In this study, we describe patients’ perceptions about the benefits and harms of selected foods and patients’ dietary patterns.

Methods

CCFA Partners is an ongoing internet-based cohort study of patients with IBD. We used a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to measure dietary consumption patterns and open-ended questions to elicit responses from patients about food items they believe ameliorate or exacerbate IBD. We categorized patients into four mutually exclusive disease categories: CD without an ostomy or pouch (CD), UC without an ostomy or pouch (UC), CD with an ostomy (CD-ostomy), and UC with a pouch (UC-pouch).

Results

Yogurt, rice, and bananas were more frequently reported to improve symptoms whereas non-leafy vegetables, spicy foods, fruit, nuts, leafy vegetables, fried foods, milk, red meat, soda, popcorn, dairy, alcohol, high-fiber foods, corn, fatty foods, seeds, coffee, and beans were more frequently reported to worsen symptoms. Compared to CD patients, CD-ostomy patients reported significantly greater consumption of cheese (odds ratio [OR] 1.56, 95 % CI 1.03–2.36), sweetened beverages (OR 2.14, 95 % CI 1.02–1.03), milk (OR 1.84, 95 % CI 1.35–2.52), pizza (OR 1.57, 95 % CI 1.12–2.20), and processed meats (OR 1.40; 95 % CI 1.04–1.89).

Conclusions

Patients identified foods that they believe worsen symptoms and restricted their diet. Patients with ostomies ate a more liberal diet. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether diet influences disease course.     

Etiologic factors of gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma among men in Taiwan

AIM: To elucidate etiologic associations between Helicobacter pylori ( H pylori), lifestyle, environmental factors and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA) among men.METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Taiwan from 2000 to 2009.All cases were newly confirmed as primary GCA.Five controls were selected matching with age, sex, and admission date to each case.Participants were informed of potential risk factors with a structured questionnaire by trained interviewers during hospitalization and provided a blood sample for the determination of H pylori infection.Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to evaluate risk, and a multivariate conditional logistic regression model was performed.RESULTS: All participants recruited for this study were men, consisting of 41 cases and 205 controls.Results of the univariate analysis showed that significant factors associated with the etiology of GCA included H pylori (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.30-5.53), cigarette smoking (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.05-4.96), working or exercising after meals (OR = 3.26, 95% CI = 1.31-8.11), salted food (OR = 2.51, 95%CI = 1.08-6.11), fresh vegetables (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.09-0.80), fruits (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.04-0.89), and rice as principal food (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.30-0.85).Multivariate conditional logistic regression models indicated that a significantly elevated risk of contracting GCA was associated with working or exercising after meals (OR = 3.18, 95% CI = 1.23-9.36) and H pylori infection (OR = 2.93, 95% CI = 1.42-6.01).In contrast, the consumption of fresh vegetables (OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.06-0.83), fruits (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.09-0.79) and rice as principal food (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.24-0.93) remained as significant beneficial factor associated with GCA.CONCLUSION: Working or exercising after meals and H pylori infection increase the risk of GCA, but higher intakes of rice, fresh vegetables and fruits reduce the risk.     

Associations of meal frequency and breakfast with obesity and metabolic syndrome traits in adolescents of Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986

Background and aimsBreakfast consumption and meal frequencies have been linked to the risk of obesity in youth but their associations with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in young populations are yet to be studied. We examined associations of three meal patterns on weekdays – five meals including breakfast, ≤four meals including breakfast and ≤four meals without breakfast – with overweight/obesity and MetS components in Finnish adolescents.Methods and resultsA population-based sample of 16-year-old boys and girls (n = 6247) from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 was used. Adolescents were clinically examined and dietary data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Overweight/obesity and MetS features were defined according to the International Obesity Task Force cut-offs and the International Diabetes Federation MetS paediatric criteria and their associations with meal patterns assessed using logistic regression, adjusted separately for early life factors (birth size, maternal health) and later childhood factors (health behaviours, weight status, parental education). After adjustment for early life factors, the adolescents who ate five meals/day were at lower risk for overweight/obesity (OR [95% CI] for boys: 0.47 [0.34, 0.65]; girls: 0.57 [0.41, 0.79]), abdominal obesity (OR [95% CI] for boys: 0.32 [0.22, 0.48]; girls: 0.54 [0.39, 0.75]) and hypertriglyceridaemia (boys only). Adjusting for later childhood factors, the five-meal-a-day pattern was associated with decreased odds of overweight/obesity (OR [95% CI] for boys: 0.41 [0.29, 0.58]; girls: 0.63 [0.45, 0.89]) and abdominal obesity in boys (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.16, 0.63).ConclusionAmong 16-year-olds, the five-meal-a-day pattern was robustly associated with reduced risks of overweight/obesity in both genders and abdominal obesity in boys.     

Recipe for diabetes disaster: a study of dietary behaviors among adolescent students in south Delhi, India

Objective: To study unhealthy dietary behaviors amongst adolescent students in South Delhi and the epidemiological correlates. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Three schools and two colleges in South Delhi. Subjects: Adolescent students aged 14–19 year selected by multi-stage cluster sampling. Statistical Analysis: Proportions, Chi square test, Multivariate logistic regression. Results: Almost half of the respondents reported not having fruits, green vegetables or other vegetables daily. About 177 (32.2%) students were having ‘junk food’ and 28.2% were consuming carbonated soft drinks daily. More boys than girls reported unhealthy dietary practices. One in every two students (49.6%) had missed their breakfast once or more in the past 30 days. On logistic regression analysis, father’s education and type of residence were found to be the two chief correlates of unhealthy dietary behaviors. Adolescents with father’s education level lesser than graduation were more likely to be at risk for unhealthy dietary practices (Odds Ratio 4.5, 95% CI: 1.6–12.7). Those residing in private colonies or bungalows were more likely to be having unhealthy dietary practices, than those from government colonies (OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3–6.5). Conclusion: The dietary behavior of an overwhelming majority of the students was found to be unhealthy. The study points to an urgent need for measures amongst the adolescents to prevent a catastrophic burden of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes in the coming generations.     

Associations of appetitive behaviors in 7-year-old children with their cardiometabolic health at 10 years of age

Background and AimsAtherosclerosis begins early in life, thus optimal cardiovascular health needs to be promoted early. We investigated whether appetitive behaviors among 7 year olds are associated with their cardiometabolic health years later.Methods and ResultsA sample of 2951 children from a Portuguese birth cohort was analyzed. The Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire assessed eating behaviors, and a measure of cardiometabolic risk (higher risk group: those in the upper quartile of triglycerides, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, waist circumference and systolic blood pressure and in the lower quartile of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol z-scores) was created. Linear and logistic regressions were run. Children with more food avoidant behaviors had lower cardiometabolic risk (Satiety Responsiveness – boys: OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.16; 0.93, girls: OR=0.37, 95% CI 0.17; 0.82 and Slowness in eating – boys: OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.25; 0.95, girls: OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.27; 0.91). Food approach behaviors (Food responsiveness (CEBQ-FR), Enjoyment of food (CEBQ-EF) and Emotional overeating (CEBQ-EOE)) increased cardiometabolic risks (e.g. CEBQ-FR: boys: OR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.45; 4.32, girls: OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.46; 3.71). CEBQ-EF had stronger effects in boys, while CEBQ-EOE was positively associated with cardiometabolic risk among girls. When adjusting for BMIz at 7y, associations did not remain significant. Appetitive behaviors were also associated with isolated cardiometabolic parameters; the strongest association being with waist circumference.ConclusionsAppetitive behaviors at 7-years are associated with cardiometabolic risk at age 10. While ‘food avoidant’ behaviors protect against cardiometabolic risk and ‘food approach’ behaviors increase cardiometabolic risk, these associations are largely dependent of child's adiposity.     

Risk profile for gallstone disease in southern Indian population: Is there anything new?

Aim

There are reports of changes in demographic and morphological characteristics of gallstone (GS) disease in South Asian countries. The changes in dietary factors have not been previously reported. The aim of the study was to identify dietary factors and lifestyle patterns among southern Indian patients with GS disease.

Methodology

Seventy-one consecutive patients with GS disease were compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Baseline demographic characteristics, alcohol intake and smoking, and dietary details were noted and associations examined statistically.

Results

The demographic and lifestyle variables were similar in both groups. Family history of GS disease and diabetes mellitus was higher among cases (16.9 %; p?=?0.01; odds ratio (OR) 2.02; 95 % CI 1.58 to 2.58 for both). Vegetables consumed ≥2 times per week (OR 0.09; 95 % CI 0.04 to 0.21), fruits (OR 0.45; 95 % CI 0.20 to 0.99), and sugar (OR 0.27; 95 % CI 0.07 to 0.95) consumed ≥3 times per week were negatively associated with GS. Tea and coffee were taken less frequently by cases (2.5 vs. 2.9 cups/day; ANOVA p?<?0.01). Tamarind (OR 27.6; 95 % CI 9.5 to 84.4), spicy foods (OR 6.6; 95 % CI 2.8 to 16.3), and fried foods (OR 9.1; 95 % CI 2.8 to 33.2) when taken ≥4 times per week and cooking oil ≥300 mL per month (OR 62.0; p?<?0.0000) increased the risk for GS.

Conclusions

Several dietary preferences were associated with GS disease in this southern Indian population.     

Human papillomavirus infection and abnormal cytology of the anus in HIV-infected and uninfected adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of and risk for anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and abnormal anal cytology in sexually active adolescents. DESIGN: Prevalence data from adolescents aged 13-18 years with and without HIV infection and with a history of high-risk sexual behavior. METHODS: HPV DNA was detected using amplification techniques. Abnormal anal cytology was defined as atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance or worse. RESULTS: Prevalence of anal HPV infection was similar in HIV-infected [28/58 (48%)] and uninfected [9/25 (36%)] boys (P = 0.3). but greater in HIV-infected [59/183 (59%)] than in uninfected [11/82 (13%)] girls (P < 0.001). Perianal warts were a risk for anal HPV in both boys [odds ratio (OR), 15.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6-149] and girls (OR, 9.9; 95% CI, 1.9-51.3). In subjects without anal warts, HIV infection was significant for girls (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-4.9) and homosexual/bisexual orientation was significant for boys (OR, 5.2; 95% CI, 1.3-20.6). Abnormal anal cytology was more common among boys [32/77 (41.6%)] than girls [38/230 (16.5%)] (P < 0.001) and in addition to anal HPV, independent risk factors were positive HIV status in boys (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 1.5-11.9) and number of partners within the past 3 months in girls (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.5-11.9). CONCLUSIONS: Strong risk factors for abnormal anal cytology were HIV infection and anal HPV in boys and anal HPV and higher number of sexual partners for girls. The results suggest that anal cytology screening should be considered in HIV infected homosexual/bisexual males.     

Colors of vegetables and fruits and the risks of colorectal cancer

AIM To investigate the relationship between the colors of vegetables and fruits and the risk of colorectal cancer in Korea.METHODS A case-control study was conducted with 923 colorectal cancer patients and 1846 controls recruited from the National Cancer Center in Korea. We classified vegetables and fruits into four groups according to the color of their edible parts(e.g., green, orange/yellow, red/purple and white). Vegetable and fruit intake level was classified by sex-specific tertile of the control group. Logistic regression models were used for estimating the odds ratios(OR) and their 95% confidence intervals(CI).RESULTS High total intake of vegetables and fruits was strongly associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in women(OR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.21-0.48 for highest vs lowest tertile) and a similar inverse association was observed for men(OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.45-0.79). In the analysis of color groups, adjusted ORs(95%CI) comparing the highest to the lowest of the vegetables and fruits intake were 0.49(0.36-0.65) for green, and 0.47(0.35-0.63) for white vegetables and fruits in men. An inverse association was also found in women for green, red/purple and white vegetables and fruits. However, in men, orange/yellow vegetables and fruits(citrus fruits, carrot, pumpkin, peach, persimmon, ginger) intake was linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer(OR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.22-2.12).CONCLUSION Vegetables and fruits intake from various color groups may protect against colorectal cancer.     

Risk factors for typhoid in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India: evidence for practical action

Objective  To identify risk factors for typhoid and propose prevention measures.
Methods  Case–control study; we compared hospital-based typhoid cases defined as fever>38°C for ≥3 days with four-fold rise in 'O' antibodies on paired sera (Widal) with community, age and neighbourhood matched controls. We obtained information on drinking water, fruits, vegetables, milk products and sanitation; and calculated matched odds ratios (MOR) and attributable fractions in the population (AFP) for the risk factors or failure to use prevention measures.
Results  The 123 typhoid cases (median age: 25 years, 47% female) and 123 controls did not differ with respect to baseline characteristics. Cases were less likely to store drinking water in narrow-mouthed containers (MOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.7, AFP 29%), tip containers to draw water (MOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.7, AFP 33%) and have home latrines (MOR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.8, AFP 23%). Cases were more likely to consume butter (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3–4.1, AFP 28%), yoghurt (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4–3.7, AFP 34%) and raw fruits and vegetables, including onions (MOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2–3.9, AFP 34%), cabbages (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7–4.8, AFP 44%) and unwashed guavas (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2–3, AFP 25%).
Conclusion  Typhoid was associated with unsafe water and sanitation practices as well as with consumption of milk products, fruits and vegetables. We propose to chlorinate drinking water at the point of use, wash/cook raw fruits and vegetables and ensure safer preparation/storage of local milk products.     

Dietary patterns and the risk of coronary heart disease in women

BACKGROUND: Although substantial information on individual nutrients or foods and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) is available, little is known about the role of overall eating pattern. METHODS: Using dietary information from a food frequency questionnaire in 1984 from the Nurses' Health Study, we conducted factor analysis and identified 2 major dietary patterns-"prudent" and "Western"-and calculated factor scores of each pattern for individuals in the cohort. We used logistic regression to examine prospectively the associations between dietary patterns and CHD risk among 69 017 women aged 38 to 63 years in 1984 without history of major chronic diseases. RESULTS: The prudent pattern was characterized by higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, poultry, and whole grains, while the Western pattern was characterized by higher intakes of red and processed meats, sweets and desserts, french fries, and refined grains. Between 1984 and 1996, we documented 821 CHD cases. After adjusting for coronary risk factors, the prudent diet score was associated with a relative risk (RR) of 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.60-0.98; P for trend test,.03) comparing the highest with lowest quintile. Extreme quintile comparison yielded an RR of 1.46 (95% CI, 1.07-1.99; P for trend test,.02) for the Western pattern. Those who were jointly in the highest prudent diet quintile and lowest Western diet quintile had an RR of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.44-0.92) compared with those with the opposite pattern profile. CONCLUSION: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, poultry, and fish and low in refined grains, potatoes, and red and processed meats may lower risk of CHD.     

Infant diet and type 1 diabetes in China

Infant milk and food introduction may be linked to type 1 diabetes risk in high incidence populations. Dietary data through age 12 months was collected for 247 type 1 diabetic cases and 443 controls in China, a low incidence population, to determine if milk and solid food intake differed. Age range at introduction to milk and formulas was similar in cases and controls but solid food introduction more often occurred before age 3 months in cases. Logistic regression analyses showed soy milk formula consumption at 4-6 (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1-3.4) and 7-12 months of age (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.1) was associated with a twofold higher risk of type 1 diabetes, while steamed bread consumption (4-6 months, OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.28-0.68; 7-12 months, OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.34-0.69) and higher SES (4-6 months, OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.39-0.78; 7-12 months, OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.40-0.83) were negatively associated. Drinking cow's milk at 7-12 months (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.43-0.85) was negatively associated with type 1 diabetes while consuming vegetables at 4-6 months (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.2) was positively associated. Results suggest that infant milk and solid food intake are associated with type 1 diabetes in China. Prospective studies may determine how these dietary factors impact disease etiology, particularly for at-risk-populations.     

Dietary patterns, meat intake, and the risk of type 2 diabetes in women

BACKGROUND: Although obesity is the most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes, evidence is emerging that certain foods and dietary factors may be associated with diabetes. To examine the association between major dietary patterns and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a cohort of women. METHODS: We prospectively assessed the associations between major dietary patterns and risk of type 2 diabetes in women. Dietary information was collected in 1984, 1986, 1990, and 1994 from 69,554 women aged 38 to 63 years without a history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer in 1984. We conducted factor analysis and identified 2 major dietary patterns: "prudent" and "Western." We then calculated pattern scores for each participant and examined prospectively the associations between dietary pattern scores and type 2 diabetes risks. RESULTS: The prudent pattern was characterized by higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, poultry, and whole grains, while the Western pattern included higher intakes of red and processed meats, sweets and desserts, french fries, and refined grains. During 14 years of follow-up, we identified 2699 incident cases of type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for potential confounders, we observed a relative risk for diabetes of 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-1.76, P for trend, <.001) when comparing the highest to lowest quintiles of the Western pattern. Positive associations were also observed between type 2 diabetes and red meat and other processed meats. The relative risk for diabetes for every 1-serving increase in intake is 1.26 (95% CI, 1.21-1.42) for red meat, 1.38 (95% CI, 1.23-1.56) for total processed meats, 1.73 (95% CI, 1.39-2.16) for bacon, 1.49 (95% CI, 1.04-2.11) for hot dogs, and 1.43 (95% CI, 1.22-1.69) for processed meats. CONCLUSION: The Western pattern, especially a diet higher in processed meats, may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in women.     

Correlates of sexual behaviors with health status and health perception in Chinese adolescents: a cross-sectional survey in schools

Sexual intercourse remains taboo among adolescents in a Chinese society such as Hong Kong. It is not openly discussed and little research has been done on its impact on health, although it carries serious risks of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)/HIV. In 1999, a cross-sectional, self-report survey on youth risk behaviors was carried out on 8382 students 15-18 years of age from 48 schools in Hong Kong. Three hundred seventy-seven (4.69%) reported that they had had sexual intercourse. Among them, forced sex (16.94%) was common, most often happening to boys (52.38%). They were more likely to have consulted doctors in the last month (odds ration [OR] 1.41 in boys 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 1.94; OR 2.46 in girls 95% CI 1.81, 3.30) and 6 months (OR 1.33 in boys 95% CI 0.98, 1.78; OR 2.66 in girls 95% CI 1.80, 3.91). They also perceived poorer and deteriorating health. The sexually active female students were 6.70 times (95% CI 4.65, 9.66) more likely to attempt suicide than the other group and were more likely to take sick leaves (OR 3.56 in girls 95% CI 2.35, 5.41). Parental education and occupation, place of birth, and type of housing did not correlate in the initiation of sexual intercourse. The sexually experienced group reported worse physical and psychological health as well as health perception. Some of the characteristics and patterns identified in our study were quite different from the findings in the West but further studies are required to determine the reason for this.     

Association between diet and esophageal cancer in Taiwan

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported the importance of dietary factors in the development of esophageal cancer. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of several common dietary factors on the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in a Taiwanese population. METHODS: The association between diet and esophageal cancer was examined in 284 male patients and 480 male controls, who were recruited during 6 year period. RESULTS: Consumption of preserved and overheated foods was found to be associated with increased risk of esophageal cancer, whereas intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and tea was inversely associated with this risk. Men who consumed fermented bean products, salted food and preserved/pickled vegetables more than once a week after age 40 years had a 3.4-fold risk (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9-6.2), 2.3-fold risk (95%CI: 1.2-4.2), and 2.5-fold risk (95%CI: 1.3-4.5), respectively, compared to men eating these items less than once a week. It was further found that these preserved foods were more strongly associated with esophageal cancer among men who consumed fruit less than once per day than those who consumed fruits one or more times per day. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a high intake of preserved foods and overheated drinks might increase the risk of esophageal cancer, and intake of fruit, vegetables, and tea might be negatively associated with risk of esophageal cancer. The results also suggest that diet is an important factor in the development of esophageal cancer in Taiwan.     

Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. DATA SOURCES: We retrieved studies published in any language by systematically searching MEDLINE from 1966 to February 2007 and by manually examining the references of the original articles. STUDY SELECTION: We included prospective cohort studies reporting relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for the association between magnesium intake and incidence of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: The seven identified cohort studies of magnesium intake [from foods only (n = 4) or from foods and supplements combined (n = 3)] and incidence of type 2 diabetes included 286,668 participants and 10,912 cases. All but one study found an inverse relation between magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes, and in four studies the association was statistically significant. The overall relative risk for a 100 mg day(-1) increase in magnesium intake was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.79-0.92). Results were similar for intake of dietary magnesium (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.95) and total magnesium (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.77-0.89). There was no evidence of publication bias (P = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium intake was inversely associated with incidence of type 2 diabetes. This finding suggests that increased consumption of magnesium-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, nuts, and green leafy vegetables may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.