Serum concentrations of beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium are influenced by sex, age, diet, smoking status, alcohol consumption and corpulence in a general French adult population

OBJECTIVE: To assess relationships between energy, nutrient and food intakes, alcohol consumption, smoking status and body mass index (BMI), and serum concentrations of beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, selenium and zinc. METHODS: Data on health status, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, anthropometric data and biochemical measurements were obtained in 1821 women aged 35-60 y and 1307 men aged 45-60 y, participant to the SU.VI.MAX Study. Data on dietary intake were available on a subsample who reported six 24-h dietary records during the first 18 months of the study. RESULTS: Women had higher baseline serum beta-carotene and vitamin C concentrations and lower concentration for serum vitamin E, zinc and selenium than men. In women, younger age was associated with lowered mean concentration of serum beta-carotene, vitamin E and selenium. In men, only differences were observed for serum zinc, which was lower in older men. Current smokers of both sexes had significantly lower concentrations of serum beta-carotene, vitamin C and selenium, and, only in women, of vitamin E, than nonsmokers. Alcohol consumers had lower concentrations of serum beta-carotene and higher selenium concentrations. Serum beta-carotene and vitamin C concentrations were lower in obese subjects. There were positive associations of dietary beta-carotene, vitamin C and E with their serum concentrations. Age, nutrient and alcohol intakes, serum cholesterol, BMI and smoking status explained 15.2% of the variance of serum beta-carotene in men and 13.9% in women, and 10.8 and 10.0% for serum vitamin C, and 26.3 and 28.6% for serum vitamin E, respectively. CONCLUSION: Serum antioxidant nutrient concentrations are primarily influenced by sex, age, obesity, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and especially dietary intake of those antioxidant nutrients.     

Vitamin and mineral status in physically active men: effects of a high-potency supplement.

Changes in nutritional status during supplementation with a high-potency multivitamin-mineral supplement were examined in 22 physically active men randomly assigned to take a supplement (n = 11) or placebo (n = 11) for approximately 12 wk. Four-day dietary intakes, blood concentrations, and urinary excretions of selected vitamins and minerals were measured before, during (approximately 6 and 12 wk), and after supplementation. No changes were observed in blood concentrations of vitamins A and C and measures of zinc, magnesium, and calcium status; the supplement provided less than 300% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of these nutrients. In contrast, blood concentrations of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamins B-6 and B-12, pantothenate, and biotin increased significantly (P less than 0.05) by 6 wk to values that were maintained until the end of the supplementation. These vitamins were provided in amounts that ranged from 396% (biotin) to 6250% (vitamin B-6) of the RDA. Urinary excretions of these vitamins also increased during supplementation and both blood and urine values returned to presupplementation concentrations at approximately 13.5 wk postsupplementation.     

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.     

Effects of increased consumption of fluid milk on energy and nutrient intake, body weight, and cardiovascular risk factors in healthy older adults

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of increased consumption of milk, without other dietary advice, on older adults' energy and nutrient intakes, weight, cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, plasma lipid levels), and quality of life. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Two hundred four healthy men and women, aged 55 to 85 years, who consumed fewer than 1.5 dairy servings per day were chosen from six US academic health centers. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled open trial. INTERVENTION: Advice to increase skim or 1% milk intake by 3 cups per day (n = 101) or to maintain usual diet (n = 103) for 12 weeks after a 4-week baseline period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in energy and nutrient intake assessed from 3-day food records, body weight, blood pressure, and plasma lipid levels. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Group-by-time analysis of variance with repeated-measures, chi 2 test. RESULTS: Compliance with the intervention was good. Compared with controls, participants in the milk-supplemented group significantly increased energy, protein, cholesterol, vitamins A, D, and B-12, riboflavin, pantothenate, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and potassium intakes. Prevalence of nutrient inadequacy, assessed for nutrients with Estimated Average Requirements, decreased among women in the milk group for magnesium (40% at baseline vs 13% at 12 weeks, P < .001) and vitamin B-12 (6% vs 0%, P < .05) and tended to decrease (P < .10) for protein and thiamin (women) and magnesium and vitamin B-6 (men). The milk group gained 0.6 kg more than control group (P < .01); however, weight gain was less than predicted, which suggests some compensation for the added energy from milk. Blood pressure decreased similarly over time in both groups. Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, were unchanged. Triglyceride levels increased within the normal range in the milk group (P = .002). Quality of life scores were high at baseline and remained high throughout. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: Older adults can successfully increase milk intake, thereby meaningfully improving their nutrient intakes. Dietitians can play a key role in disseminating this advice.     

Nutritional status of vitamin A, E, C, B1, B2, B6, nicotinic acid, B12, folate, and beta-carotene in young women

To investigate the vitamin status of young Japanese women, dietary intakes of vitamin A, E, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folate, and beta-carotene were assessed by a 3-d weighed food record in 150 female students aged 21-22. Whole blood levels of vitamin B1, B2, and nicotinic acid, and serum levels of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin B6, and beta-carotene were determined by HPLC. Vitamin B12 and folate in serum were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay, and serum vitamin C was done by dinitrophenylhydrazine method. When the 6th revision RDAs for the Japanese (physical activity level 1) were applied, 46.7% of the females showed sufficient intake for vitamin A, 28.7% for E, 80.7%, for B1, 92.7% for B2, 54.7% for B6, 99.3% for niacin, 76.0% for B12, 34.0% for folate, and 54.0% for C. Fifty-nine percent of total vitamin A (microgRE) intakes were derived from beta-carotene. The mean+/- SD of energy intakes was low, 1.572+/-315 kcal. Significant correlations among intakes of energy and all these vitamins were found. Serum folate and ascorbic acid levels in the females with corresponding vitamin intakes above the RDA were significantly higher than in those with intakes below the RDA. There were significant correlations between blood vitamin levels and vitamin intakes in vitamin B12 (r=0.185), folate (r=0.255), vitamin C (r=0.272), and beta-carotene (r=0.319). Mean blood levels of folate, ascorbic acid, vitamin B2, B12, and beta-carotene were higher in the highest quartile of intake than in the lowest. The 95% confidence intervals of blood vitamin levels obtained from the females with sufficient vitamin intakes were nearly equal to those obtained from all subjects. Only a few females (0.7-4.7%) had their blood vitamin levels below the lower limits. Serum alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly correlated with serum levels of retinol, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. This data suggested that young women should increase suitable dietary food intakes in order to maintain good status of vitamin. Moreover, sufficient amount of physical activity would be expected for prevention of excessive energy intake.     

Wasting malnutrition and inadequate nutrient intakes identified in a multiethnic homeless population.

The few previous studies of the nutritional status and dietary intakes of the homeless have been limited by small sample sizes. We collected information from a multiethnic sample of 277 homeless men and women in Miami, Fla. Data collected included a brief personal history, anthropometric variables, and a detailed 24-hour dietary recall. An additional 24-hour dietary recall was collected from a subsample of 36 men. Socioeconomic characteristics of our sample were similar to that of other samples of the homeless. Using measurements of the upper arm muscle area, we identified wasting malnutrition in 20% of the men. Dietary intakes (percentage of the Recommended Dietary Allowances [RDAs] +/- standard error of the mean) for energy (82 +/- 2.88%), calcium (63 +/- 3.28%), zinc (56 +/- 2.61%), and vitamin B-6 (68 +/- 3.93%) were significantly below RDA guidelines for all ethnic groups. In addition, thiamin (75 +/- 6.34%) intakes for whites and vitamin A (61 +/- 12.53%) and riboflavin (74 +/- 7.72%) intakes for Hispanics were below RDA guidelines. Compared with men, women consumed significantly less energy, calcium, and zinc.     

Mineral balances of men and women consuming high fiber diets with complex or simple carbohydrate

Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc balances of 20 men, 19 premenopausal women, and 12 postmenopausal women were determined while they consumed self-selected diets or high fiber diets with either complex or simple carbohydrate. Self-selected intakes of calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc were generally below RDA levels. Iron intakes of premenopausal women were less than two-thirds RDA. Balances during the self-selected intake period of calcium in men and women and of magnesium and zinc in women were negative, but lower-than-usual intakes could have contributed to this. High fiber diets did not adversely affect zinc, copper, manganese or iron balances. Calcium and magnesium balances were generally negative, especially in women, even though intakes were adequate. Excretion of copper was increased in premenopausal women consuming the simple carbohydrate diet. The levels of magnesium and especially calcium needed to maintain balance when consuming a high fiber diet may be above present RDA levels.     

北京市城乡乳母的营养状况、乳成分、乳量及婴儿生长发育关系的研究 Ⅴ.母乳中维生素及无机元素的含量

对北京市产后0～6个月的152名乳母乳汁中维生素A、硫胺素、核黄素、尼克酸及维生素C的含量,以及132名乳母乳中灰分、钙、磷、镁、锌、铜、铁含量进行了测定。所得结果表明,城市母乳中核黄素及锌的含量明显地高于郊区,随着哺乳期的延长,这两种成分的含量也随之有规律的下降。相关性的分析结果证实,乳母的动物蛋白质摄取量与乳中核黄素(r=0.75,P<0.01)及锌(r=0.57,P<0.05)的含量呈明显相关。与供给量相比较,平均每个婴儿每日从母奶中所获得的营养素,除核黄素及维生素C外,均感不足。其中尤以硫胺素、尼克酸、锌和铁严重不足。     

Dietary intakes and serum nutrients differ between adults from food-insufficient and food-sufficient families: Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994

Approximately 10.2 million persons in the United States sometimes or often do not have enough food to eat, a condition known as food insufficiency. Using cross-sectional data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), we examined whether dietary intakes and serum nutrients differed between adults from food-insufficient families (FIF) and adults from food-sufficient families (FSF). Results from analyses, stratified by age group and adjusted for family income and other important covariates, revealed several significant findings (P < 0.05). Compared with their food-sufficient counterparts, younger adults (aged 20-59 y) from FIF had lower intakes of calcium and were more likely to have calcium and vitamin E intakes below 50% of the recommended amounts on a given day. Younger adults from FIF also reported lower 1-mo frequency of consumption of milk/milk products, fruits/fruit juices and vegetables. In addition, younger adults from FIF had lower serum concentrations of total cholesterol, vitamin A and three carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein/zeaxanthin). Older adults (aged > or =60 y) from FIF had lower intakes of energy, vitamin B-6, magnesium, iron and zinc and were more likely to have iron and zinc intakes below 50% of the recommended amount on a given day. Older adults from FIF also had lower serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, albumin, vitamin A, beta-cryptoxanthin and vitamin E. Both younger and older adults from FIF were more likely to have very low serum albumin (<35 g/L) than were adults from FSF. Our findings show that adults from FIF have diets that may compromise their health.     

孕妇营养状况及对胎儿营养储备的影响

对南京市区孕中、晚期妇女及产母311例次．产母及脐血配对89例进行营养状况的综合研究。结果显示：孕中期妇女膳食总热量及蛋白质摄入分别达到供给量标准(RDA)的115％和114％，但钙、铁、锌的摄入仅为RDA的41．3％、661％和63．8％。血生化指标检测，血浆白蛋白随孕期进展逐步下降、球蛋白增高。孕期妇女的甘油三酯．总胆固醇，维生素A、E显著高于非孕妇女．而钙、铁、锌显著低于非孕妇女。产母血浆总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白，血浆铁蛋白及微量元素锌水平与脐血显著相关。     

Population dietary habits and physical activity modification with age

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyse the relation between age and both dietary habits and leisure-time physical activity, and to determine nutrient inadequacy of aged groups in our population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A random sample of the 25-74-y-old population of Gerona, Spain. SUBJECTS: A total of 838 men and 910 women were selected from among the general population according to the 1991 census. OUTCOME MEASURES: Analysis of dietary habits, including amount and type of alcohol consumption, and detailed evaluation of leisure-time physical activity. RESULTS: Nutrient densities of carbohydrates, vitamin B(1), vitamin B(12), vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, and dietary fiber increased significantly (P<0.05) with age in both genders, whereas an inverse trend was observed for total fat, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and sodium. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a direct association of healthy dietary habits, characterized through a composite dietary score, with age after adjusting for several confounders both in men and women (P<0.001). This score was composed of folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, dietary fibre, cholesterol, saturated fatty acids, and sodium. In all, 29 and 10% of male and female subjects aged 65-74 y, respectively, reported inadequate intakes of six or more of 16 nutrients. Total leisure-time physical activity increased with age in men (P<0.002), and was not different among female age groups. CONCLUSION: Dietary behaviours and levels of physical activity spent during leisure time indicate a healthy lifestyle of the aged men and women in the present population. Nutrient inadequacy observed in some aged men and women, however, deserves particular intervention of health-care programmes for this growing part of our society.     

Nutritional survey of highly trained women runners

Mean daily intakes from 3-day dietary records for calories, energy-providing nutrients, and selected minerals were calculated for 51 highly trained women runners. Selected blood constituents relating to mineral status were also measured. Intakes of calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper were above the amounts recommended by the National Research Council whereas zinc intake was below the recommended dietary allowances (RDA). Caloric intakes, although above the RDA for sedentary women, appeared low for women running 10 miles/day. Concentrations of serum ferritin and plasma zinc were indicative of marginal iron and zinc status in many of the women. Whether the nutrient content of the diets consumed by these women is adequate relative to energy output or whether training lowers nutrient requirements by enhancing metabolic efficiency will require further investigation.     

Food insecurity and nutrition transition combine to affect nutrient intakes in Canadian arctic communities

Food insecurity and the nutrition transition have been noted in arctic communities. We therefore evaluated biomarkers of nutritional status and nutrient intakes by traditional food (TF) and food security status among Inuit in Canada. A cross-sectional health survey of Inuit (≥18 y) in 36 arctic communities was conducted in 2007-2008. Food security was assessed by 24-h dietary recalls using USDA questionnaires and nutrient intakes. Biomarkers included serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and erythrocyte RBC fatty acids (FA). Analyses were stratified by past-day TF consumption (yes vs. no) and food security status (secure vs. insecure). Food insecurity was prevalent (62.6%) and associated with higher RBC trans-FA and lower hemoglobin levels and serum ferritin, whereas TF consumption was associated with higher serum 25(OH)D, (n-3) FA, and serum ferritin (P ≤ 0.05). In men, food insecurity was associated with lower intake of energy and energy-adjusted fiber, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and magnesium. In women, food insecurity was associated with a higher intake of carbohydrates and lower intake of fiber, dietary folate equivalent, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D. For both sexes, when TF was consumed, there was a higher intake of protein, protein-related micronutrients, and vitamins A and C and a lower intake of carbohydrates, saturated fat, and fiber and a lower sodium:potassium ratio (P ≤ 0.05). Nutrition transition and food insecurity are associated with a multifaceted shift in nutrient status and intakes with implications for increased risk of diet-sensitive chronic diseases.     

Effects of a low-fat vegan diet and a Step II diet on macro- and micronutrient intakes in overweight postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the nutrient intake of overweight postmenopausal women assigned to a low-fat vegan diet or a Step II diet. METHODS: Fifty-nine overweight (body mass index, 26 to 44 kg/m2) postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a self-selected low-fat vegan or a National Cholesterol Education Program Step II diet in a 14-wk controlled trial on weight loss and metabolism. Nutrient intake, which was measured per 1000 kcal, was the main outcome measure. Statistical analyses included within-group and between-group t tests examining changes associated with each diet. RESULTS: Consumption of a low-fat vegan diet was associated with greater decreases in fat, saturated fat, protein, and cholesterol intakes and greater increases in carbohydrate, fiber, beta-carotene, and total vitamin A intakes than was a Step II diet. The low-fat vegan group also increased thiamin, vitamin B6, and magnesium intakes more than the Step II group, and both groups increased folic acid, vitamin C, and potassium intakes. If considering only food sources of micronutrients, the low-fat vegan group decreased vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, selenium, phosphorous, and zinc intakes compared with baseline. However, with incidental supplements included, decreases were evident only in phosphorous and selenium intakes. No micronutrient decreases were found in the Step II group. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals on a low-fat vegan or Step II diet should take steps to meet the recommended intakes of vitamin D, vitamin K, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Individuals on a low-fat vegan diet should also ensure adequate intakes of vitamin B12, phosphorous, and selenium.     

Maternal nutritional status and the risk for orofacial cleft offspring in humans

Periconceptional folate and folic acid intake prevents orofacial clefts (OFC) in the offspring. It has been suggested that other nutrients also play a role. We investigated the preconceptional intake of macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, and cholesterol), vitamins (vitamin A, retinol, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and zinc) and food groups in mothers of OFC children and controls. At approximately 14 mo after the index pregnancy, 206 mothers of a child with a nonsyndromic OFC and 203 control mothers completed a FFQ on current food intake and a general questionnaire. After exclusion of pregnant and lactating mothers, mothers who reported a change in diet compared with the preconceptional period, and those for whom periconceptional folic acid supplement use was unclear, 182 OFC mothers and 173 control mothers were evaluated. Macronutrient, vitamin, mineral, and food group intakes were compared. After adjustment for energy, quintiles of dietary nutrient intake and odds ratios with 95% CI were calculated. The preconceptional intake of all macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and food groups with the exception of milk (products), potatoes, pies/cookies were lower in OFC mothers than in controls. The energy-adjusted intakes of vegetable protein, fiber, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, iron, and magnesium were significantly lower in cases compared with controls. Increasing intakes of vegetable protein, fiber, ascorbic acid, iron, and magnesium decreased OFC risk. In conclusion, a higher preconceptional intake of nutrients predominantly present in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of offspring affected by OFC.     

Race-, gender- and age-specific differences in dietary micronutrient intakes of US children

Race-, gender- and age-specific differences in dietary micronutrient intakes of 1- to 10-year-old US children were evaluated. Three-day, dietary intakes from the US Department of Agriculture's Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals were evaluated. Data from 1895 children (967 males, 928 females; 1,540 Whites, 355 Blacks) who resided in the 48 conterminous states were analyzed. Micronutrient intakes, intakes as percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and percent of children who consumed < or =67% of the RDA were computed. Black males compared with White males, Black females compared with White females and White females compared with White males had significantly lower dietary intakes for several micronutrients. More Black males than White males had intakes < or =67% of the RDA for vitamin E, calcium and zinc. Blacks and female children were at a greater risk for vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, iron and zinc deficiency.     

Effects of daily consumption of honey solution on hematological indices and blood levels of minerals and enzymes in normal individuals

Seven men and three women (mean age, 31.2 years; range, 20-45 years) received a strictly controlled regular diet during a 2-week control period, followed by the regular diet supplemented with daily consumption of 1.2 g/kg body weight honey dissolved in 250 ml of water during a 2-week test period. At the end of each period, overnight fasting blood samples were withdrawn for assays of blood glucose, blood minerals, vitamin C, beta-carotene, uric acid, glutathione reductase, immunoglobulin E, hemoglobin, blood indices and cells, serum ferritin, serum iron, and iron-binding capacity. Results showed that honey increased antioxidant agents. It increased blood vitamin C concentration by 47%, beta-carotene by 3%, uric acid by 12%, and glutathione reductase by 7%. Honey increased serum iron by 20% and decreased plasma ferritin by 11%. It increased the percentage of monocytes by 50%, and increased lymphocyte and eosinophil percentages slightly. Honey reduced serum immunoglobulin E by 34% and increased serum copper by 33%. It decreased aspartate transaminase by 22% and alanine transaminase by 18%. Honey markedly reduced lactic acid dehydrogenase by 41%, decreased creatinine kinase by 33%, and reduced fasting blood sugar by 5%. It caused slight elevations in blood zinc and magnesium, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume. It may be concluded that honey increased antioxidant agents, serum iron and blood indices, and trace elements and decreased immunoglobulin E, liver and muscle enzymes, and fasting blood sugar in healthy subjects.     

Studies of the relationship between the nutritional status of lactating mothers and milk composition as well as the milk intake and growth of their infants in Beijing. Pt. 5. Essential inorganic elements and vitamins in human milk]

The contents of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, and vitamin C in the breastmilk of 152 lactating mothers, as well as ash, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron in 132 lactating mothers were measured within 6 months of lactation. The results indicated that the breastmilk vitamin B2 and zinc contents of urban mothers in Beijing were significantly higher than those of suburban and rural mothers. However, when lactation continued, the contents of these 2 elements in breastmilk decreased. The correlation analysis of these results showed that the animal protein intakes of the mothers were highly correlated with their breastmilk, vitamin B2, and zinc contents (r=0.75, p0.01 for vitamin B2; r=0.57, p. 0.05 for zinc). The average intakes of all nutrients from breastmilk alone, with the exception of vitamin B2 and vitamin C, could not meet the Chinese RDA for these infants. This was true especially for vitamin B1, niacin, zinc, and iron intakes which were substantially below the RDA. (author's modified)     

Effect of a fortified maize-meal porridge on anemia, micronutrient status, and motor development of infants

BACKGROUND: Maize-meal porridge is used for infant feeding in many African countries, including South Africa. A low-cost, finely milled, maize-meal porridge was fortified with beta-carotene, iron, and zinc (100% of recommended dietary allowance), as well as ascorbic acid, copper, selenium, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and vitamin E. OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether the fortified porridge could reduce anemia and improve the micronutrient status and motor development of infants. DESIGN: Infants aged 6-12 mo (n = 361) were randomly assigned to receive either the fortified or unfortified porridge for 6 mo. Primary outcomes were hemoglobin and serum retinol, zinc, and ferritin concentrations and motor development. Growth was assessed as a secondary outcome. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 mo. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-two infants completed the study. The fortified-porridge group had an intervention effect of 9.4 microg/L (95% CI: 3.6, 15.1 microg/L) for serum ferritin and 9 g/L (95% CI: 6, 12 g/L) for hemoglobin concentrations. The proportion of infants with anemia decreased from 45% to 17% in the fortified-porridge group, whereas it remained >40% in the control group. The fortified-porridge group achieved on average 15.5 of the 25 motor development score items, whereas the control group achieved 14.4 items (P = 0.007). Serum retinol concentration showed an inconsistent effect, and no intervention effect was observed for serum zinc concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: This low-cost fortified porridge can potentially have a significant effect in reducing anemia and improving iron status and motor development of infants in poor settings. The formulation needs some adjustment in terms of zinc fortification.     

Women in resource-poor settings are at risk of inadequate intakes of multiple micronutrients

A systematic review was conducted to identify all studies that were published between 1988 and 2008 reporting micronutrient intakes of women in resource-poor settings. Inclusion criteria were study location (resource-poor), dietary assessment method (24-h recall, estimated/weighed record, or locally validated FFQ), energy and 1 or more micronutrient intakes reported (vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, iron, or zinc), age range (15-50 y), sample size (≥30), and sex (female). Of the 1560 papers identified, 52 papers were included. Results showed that, except for vitamin A (29%), vitamin C (34%), and niacin (34%), the reported mean/median intakes in over 50% of studies were below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). Folate intake was most often below EAR (91% of studies). Regional differences were apparent for intakes of vitamins A, C, and B-6 and riboflavin; mean/median intakes in Latin America exceeded the EAR, whereas in Asia, reported mean/median intakes of vitamin C, vitamin A, and riboflavin were below the EAR in 47, 50, and 77% of the studies, respectively, as was the case for vitamin B-6 in 75% of the studies in Africa. These results suggest that inadequate intakes of multiple micronutrients are common among women living in resource-poor settings and emphasize the need for increased attention to the quality of women's diets. There is a need for more high-quality studies of women's micronutrient intakes.