Food patterns of Australian children ages 9 to 13 y in relation to ω-3 long chain polyunsaturated intake

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine food patterns of Australian children ages 9 to 13 y in relation to ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 LCPUFA) intake.MethodsSecondary analysis was conducted on nationally representative food data of 1110 Australian children ages 9 to 13 y (525 boys and 585 girls) that was obtained using two 24-h recalls. Principle component factor analysis was used to identify food patterns. Discriminant function analysis was used to identify the relationship between the food patterns and total ω-3 LCPUFA intake.ResultsFour major food patterns emerged for each sex. For boys these were labeled: “snack foods,” “soft drinks,” “vegetables,” and “pork and meat chops, steak, and mince.” For girls they were labeled: “vegetables,” “take-away,” “tea, coffee, iced coffee drinks” and “canned meals and soup.” Fish consumption bought from take-away outlets was more frequently consumed in the “soft drink” (r = 0.577) and take-away (r = 0.485) food pattern in boys and girls, respectively. In contrast, fish prepared at home was more often consumed in “vegetables” in both boys (r = 0.018) and girls (r = 0.106), as well as in the “pork and meat chops, steak and mince” food pattern in boys (r = 0.060). There was a trend that in boys, the “vegetables” group discriminated children who consumed ω-3 LCPUFA levels similar to adequate intakes (AI) (P = 0.067), whereas in girls, the take-away food pattern discriminated for being a fish consumer (P = 0.060).ConclusionsDietary patterns associated with a high consumption of vegetables and “take-aways” food that include meat and fish are likely to positively influence dietary ω-3 LCPUFA intake in Australian children.     

Foods, nutrients and portions consumed by a sample of Australian children aged 16–24 months

Aim:  To describe the diet of a sample of Australian children aged 16–24 months with regard to the amounts of foods and nutrients consumed.
Methods:  Cross-sectional data collected from participants in a five-year randomised trial of the primary prevention of asthma. Pregnant women with a family history of atopy were recruited from six hospital antenatal clinics in western Sydney. At the 18-month assessment, carers of 429 of children completed three-day weighed food records. Three-day average intakes of foods and nutrients and average portions per eating occasion for commonly consumed foods. T -tests for comparing gender differences.
Results:  Diets were characterised by large amounts of milk and non-milk drinks with smaller amounts of cereals, fruits, vegetables and meats. Total energy intake was significantly higher for boys than girls and exceeded estimated energy requirements in both boys and girls. Food groups contributing most to energy included milk and milk products (35%), cereals (15%), cereal-based products (9%) and non-milk drinks (8%). Micronutrient intakes were below the Estimated Average Requirement in more than 5% of the children for vitamin A, calcium, vitamin C and iron. Sodium intakes exceeded the upper level of 1000 mg for 62% of children, while dietary fibre intake was only half the Adequate Intake of 14 g. Relatively few foods were widely consumed and median portion sizes were typically small in relation to commonly used reference portion sizes.
Conclusion:  These data may be useful as a preliminary basis for developing age-specific dietary surveillance tools and dietary guidance for children aged one to two years.     

Higher unprocessed red meat,chicken and fish intake is associated with a higher vegetable intake in mid‐age non‐vegetarian women

Aim: To investigate whether higher intakes of unprocessed red meat, chicken and fish are associated with higher intakes of vegetables in middle‐aged, non‐vegetarian Australian women. Methods: Food intake data was collected from a nationally representative sample of 10 530 middle‐aged Australian women (50–55 years) who completed the third survey of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. The validated Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies (Version 2) was used. Multivariate regression analyses were used to determine the association between vegetable intake and four variables: total meat, red meat, chicken and fish intake in grams per day. Results: Total meat (regression coefficient (RC) = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.30–0.34; P < 0.001), red meat (RC = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.42–0.48; P < 0.001), chicken (RC = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.70–0.85; P < 0.001) and fish intake (RC = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.42–0.53; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher vegetable intakes after adjusting for confounders. The adjusted R² values for each of the regression models were relatively small (0.1590, 0.1394, 0.0932, 0.0802), indicating that the included predictors did not account for much of the variation in vegetable intake. Conclusion: These results provide some evidence that higher intakes of unprocessed red meat, chicken and fish are associated with higher intakes of vegetables. This supports the notion that many Australians who are serving up unprocessed red meat, chicken or fish for their meals are also consuming a number of vegetable serves.     

Regional dietary habits of French women born between 1925 and 1950

Summary Background Diseases distributions are not the same all over France. As diet is an important determinant of health it is essential to determine whether there was still a diversity in food habits across French regions. Aim of the study We examined regional differences in dietary habits and nutrient intakes among French women born between 1925 and 1950 participants in the “Etude Epidémiologique auprès des femmes de l’Education Nationale” (E3N) cohort. Methods Data were extracted from self–administered dietary history questionnaires completed by 73024 highly educated, middle–aged women between 1993 and 1995. Canonical and cluster analyses were used to identify contiguous areas of homogeneous dietary habits spanning two or more of the 20 French regions. Dietary clusters were described relatively to the entire cohort mean. Results Eight dietary clusters were identified. The following food items were overconsumed: cooked vegetables in the Mediterranean, fish in the West, fruit in the South–East, and potatoes in the North. The following food items were under–consumed: fish in the East, fruit in the North, and potatoes in the South–East and Mediterranean cluster. Consumption of soup and fruit increased with age, while consumption of pork, horse meat and coffee fell with age. Ethanol intake was highest in the North and lowest in the South–East; the types of alcoholic beverages consumed also varied across clusters. Total energy intake, nutrient intakes, and the contribution of carbohydrates, fat and protein to total energy intake were similar across clusters. Intake of cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids varied across clusters. Conclusion Dietary habits and alcohol consumption show marked regional differences in this population of middle–aged, highly educated French women. Changes in dietary behaviour with age involved few food items and were similar across clusters, suggesting that regional differences in food and beverage consumption persist.*M.Van Liere, C. Le Corre, L.Hoang, M. Niravong     

Consumption of red meat, white meat and processed meat in Irish adults in relation to dietary quality

The aim of the present study was to examine the association of red meat, white meat and processed meat consumption in Irish adults with dietary quality. A cross-sectional study of subjects, randomly selected using the electoral register, estimated habitual food intakes using a 7 d food diary in a nationally representative sample of 662 men and 717 women (not pregnant or lactating) aged 18-64 years. Consumers were classified into thirds, based on the distribution of mean daily intakes for red meat, white meat and processed meat. The mean intakes of red meat, white meat and processed meat were 51, 33 and 26 g/d respectively, and men consumed significantly more (P<0.001) than women for all meat types. In men, red meat consumption was associated with lower (P<0.001) prevalence of inadequacy for Zn, riboflavin and vitamin C intakes. Increasing processed meat intake was associated with a lower (P<0.01) level of compliance with dietary recommendations for fat, carbohydrate and fibre in men. Increasing processed meat consumption was associated with lower (P<0.01) wholemeal bread, vegetables, fruit and fish intakes in men and women. Managerial occupations were associated with lower processed meat intakes. It is important to distinguish between meat groups, as there was a large variation between the dietary quality in consumers of red meat, white meat and processed meat. Processed meat consumption is negatively associated with dietary quality and might therefore be a dietary indicator of poor dietary quality. This has important implications in nutritional epidemiological studies and for the development of food-based dietary guidelines.     

Consumption of 'extra' foods by Australian children: types, quantities and contribution to energy and nutrient intakes

OBJECTIVE: To measure the types and quantities of energy-dense, nutrient-poor 'extra' foods consumed by Australian children and adolescents and their contribution to total energy and nutrient intakes. DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS: We used data from 3007 children, aged 2-18 years, who participated in the nationally representative 1995 National Nutrition Survey. Intake was determined by 24-h recall and 'extra' foods were defined using principles outlined in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) and by applying cut points for maximum amounts of fat and sugar within each food category. RESULTS: All children (99.8%) consumed at least one 'extra' food and the most commonly consumed were margarine, sugar-sweetened soft drinks, cordials and sugar. 'Extra' foods contributed 41% of daily energy intake. Those foods contributing most to energy intake were fried potatoes (4.2%), sugar-sweetened soft drinks (3.3%), ice cream/ice confection (3.1%) and cordials (2.7%). Age and sex were important determinants of 'extra' food intake, with males and older children generally consuming more and different types of, 'extra' foods than females and younger children. 'Extra' foods contributed 19% protein, 47% total fat, 47% saturated fat, 54% sugar, and approximately 20-25% of selected micronutrients to the diet. Calcium and zinc intakes from core foods were below 70% of the recommended dietary intakes for adolescent girls. CONCLUSIONS: 'Extra' foods are over-consumed at two to four times the recommended limits and contribute excessively to the energy, fat and sugar intakes of Australian children, while providing relatively few micronutrients. This is of concern in terms of children's weight and nutrient status.     

Socioeconomic differences among Australian adults in consumption of fruit and vegetables and intakes of vitamins A, C and folate

Objective To determine whether socioeconomic groups differ in their food intakes for fruit and vegetables, their consumption of fruit and vegetables dense in vitamin A, folate and vitamin C, and their nutrient intakes of vitamin C, folate and vitamin A. Methods The 1995 Australian National Nutrition Survey collected food intake data from 8883 adults aged 18–64 years using a 24‐h dietary recall. Fruit and vegetables were measured as amount (g) consumed. Intakes of nutrients were estimated from the 24‐h dietary recall data. Participants were categorized by whether or not they consumed fruit or vegetables high in vitamin A, folate and vitamin C. Gross annual household income was used to measure socioeconomic position. Results Participants from low‐income households consumed a smaller quantity of fruit and vegetables. They were also less likely to consume fruit and vegetables high in vitamin C, folate and vitamin A. Consistent with these findings, men and women from disadvantaged socioeconomic groups had lower intakes of vitamin C and folate compared with their more affluent counterparts. These differences were small to moderate in magnitude. Vitamin A intakes were not significantly related to income. Conclusion As well as promoting healthy dietary practices, nutrition‐promotion strategies should target the nutrient intakes of lower socioeconomic groups. These programmes should focus on improving the quantity and choice of fruit and vegetables consumed by people from low‐income households.     

A comparison of dietary estimates from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey to food and beverage purchase data

Objective : We compared self‐reported dietary intake from the very remote sample of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (VR‐NATSINPAS; n=1,363) to one year of food and beverage purchases from 20 very remote Indigenous Australian communities (servicing ～8,500 individuals). Methods : Differences in food (% energy from food groups) and nutrients were analysed using t‐test with unequal variance. Results : Per‐capita energy estimates were not significantly different between the surveys (899 MJ/person/day [95% confidence interval ?152,1950] p=0.094). Self‐reported intakes of sugar, cereal products/dishes, beverages, fats/oils, milk products/dishes and confectionery were significantly lower than that purchased, while intakes of meat, vegetables, cereal‐based dishes, fish, fruit and eggs were significantly higher (p<0.05). Conclusion : Differences between methods are consistent with differential reporting bias seen in self‐reported dietary data. Implications for public health : The NATSINPAS provides valuable, much‐needed information about dietary intake; however, self‐reported data is prone to energy under‐reporting and reporting bias. Purchase data can be used to track population‐level food and nutrient availability in this population longitudinally; however, further evidence is needed on approaches to estimate wastage and foods sourced outside the store. There is potential for these data to complement each other to inform nutrition policies and programs in this population.     

Dietary patterns in adolescence are related to adiposity in young adulthood in black and white females

Few studies have systematically used a total diet approach to classify adolescent dietary patterns. We examined dietary patterns in relation to nutrient intakes and adiposity in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study cohort of 2371 black and white girls recruited at 9-10 y of age and followed for 10 y. Serial measurements were obtained for indices of anthropometry, dietary intake, physical activity, and sociodemographic variables. Dietary patterns for the 2 racial subgroups were separately identified by cluster analysis of 40 food groupings derived from 3-d food records. Nutrient intakes and measures of adiposity (BMI, percent body fat, and waist circumference) were compared by dietary pattern. We identified 4 discrete dietary patterns for black and for white adolescents. A Healthy pattern, followed by 12% of white girls and characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains without added fats, mixed dishes and soups, and a low intake of sweetened drinks, other sweets, fried foods, burgers, and pizza, was related to more favorable nutrient intakes and a smaller increase in waist circumference. Among black girls, none of the dietary patterns appeared distinctly advantageous in terms of mitigating increases in adiposity. In conclusion, a cumulative pattern of food intake consistent with recommendations for general health appears to help prevent overweight, but this pattern was followed by only a minority of adolescent girls.     

Associations between watching TV during family meals and dietary intake among adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between watching television during family meals and dietary intake among adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using survey data from a diverse sample of adolescents. SETTING: Data were collected from a school-based survey during the 1998-1999 school year. PARTICIPANTS: Middle and high school students (N = 4746) from 31 public schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Response rate was 81.5%. VARIABLES MEASURED: Intake of fruits, total vegetables, dark green/yellow vegetables, calcium-rich food, grains, soft drinks, fried food, snack food, calories, family meal frequency, and watching television during meals. ANALYSIS: General linear modeling comparing dietary intake across 3 groups. RESULTS: 33.5% of boys and 30.9% of girls reported watching television during family meals. Adolescents watching television were found to have lower intakes of vegetables, dark green/yellow vegetables, calcium-rich food, and grains and higher intakes of soft drinks compared to adolescents not watching television during meals. However, watching television during family meals was associated with a more healthful diet than not eating regular family meals. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Watching television during family meals was associated with poorer dietary quality among adolescents. Health care providers should work with families and adolescents to promote family meals, emphasizing turning the TV off at meals.     

Meat consumption among 18-month-old children participating in the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study

Objective: To document meat consumption among 18‐month‐old children, for use in refining population dietary assessment methods and dietary guidance for young children. Design: A secondary analysis of data collected in 1998–2000 from the 18 months follow up of the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study: an intervention trial of omega‐3 oil supplementation and house‐dust mite reduction, from birth to five years. Subjects and setting: Pregnant women whose unborn children had an atopic family history were recruited from antenatal clinics of six hospitals in western Sydney. Carers of 429 18‐month‐old children (80% response) satisfactorily completed three‐day weighed food records. Main outcome measures: Mean and median intakes per day and portion sizes of various meats and meat products. Statistical analyses: T‐tests for comparing gender differences; Pearson correlation and one‐way analysis of variance for relationships between meat and nutrient intake. Results: During the recording period 94% of the children ate meat. McDonald's Chicken McNuggets?, beef mince, and beef sausages were the most frequently consumed meats. Median portion sizes ranged from 20–50 g, and were considerably smaller than ‘usual’ portions specified on food frequency questionnaires in common use. Higher meat diets in this age group were not associated with higher intakes of iron or zinc per MJ. Conclusion: The marginally low intakes of iron and zinc in this age group could be improved by greater use of cuts of red meat appropriately prepared for toddlers.     

Intakes of Vitamin C,Vegetables and Fruits: Which Schoolchildren Are at Risk?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine vitamin C intakes among American schoolchildren. We investigated the leading sources of vitamin C in children’s diets, the leading vegetables and fruits consumed by children and differences in dietary intake associated with vitamin C consumption.

Methods: Data from 1,350 7- to 12-year-old and 908 13- to 18-year-old schoolchildren were obtained from the 1994–1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII). The children were stratified by age and gender and then split into three vitamin C consumption groups based upon two 24-hour recalls: low (0 to 30.0 mg), marginal (30.1 to 59.9 mg), and desirable (>60.0 mg). Data were analyzed by tabulation and by ANOVA followed by post hoc Scheffe’s test. Outcome measures included food groups and energy-adjusted intakes of micro- and macronutrients.

Results: Among the 7- to 12-year-olds, 12% of boys and 13% of girls had mean vitamin C intakes that were less than 30 mg/day, and, among 13- to 18-year-olds, 14% of boys and 20% of girls had low vitamin C intakes. In addition to consuming significantly more vitamin C, children with desirable vitamin C intakes also consumed significantly more (p <0.001) energy-adjusted folate and vitamin B₆; children with low vitamin C intakes tended to have significantly greater (p <0.001) energy-adjusted intakes of fat and saturated fat. Children with desirable vitamin C intakes consumed significantly more (p <0.006) high-vitamin C fruit juice, low-vitamin C vegetables and whole milk. Children with low vitamin C intakes on average consumed two daily servings of vegetables and fruits, of which less than ? of a serving was citrus, while children with desirable vitamin C intakes consumed an average of one daily serving of citrus.

Conclusions: A considerable number of children drastically under-consumed vitamin C and total vegetables and fruits. Overall, children with desirable vitamin C intakes had healthier diets, including more milk and vegetables, than did their peers with low vitamin C intakes. Health care professionals should continue to promote at least five daily servings of vegetables and fruits and should advise parents that at least one of these should be rich in vitamin C.     

Reproducibility and validity of a simple checklist-type questionnaire for food intake and dietary behavior

BACKGROUND: A simple, reliable, and valid food questionnaire is needed in clinical dietary assessments, community health education, and multi-purpose epidemiologic studies to obtain a crude measure of dietary intake. METHODS: To assess the validity and reproducibility of a simple 4-point scale food intake and behavior checklist, it was compared to two 3-day weighed dietary records. The FBC was administered to 47 students of a dietician course and their parents (n = 94) over a 9-month interval to assess the reproducibility. The mean intakes of selected food groups assessed by the two dietary records completed between food intake and behavior checklists were compared to the responses to the food intake and behavior checklist to assess its validity. RESULTS: The kappa statistics for reproducibility ranged from 0.25 for confectionaries to 0.63 for a preference for fatty foods (median, 0.39). There was a reasonable level of correlation between the dietary record and the food intake and behavior checklist in the intake of eggs, milk, and fruits (r = 0.53, 0.56, and 0.50, respectively). There was a weaker but still significant correlation in the intake of vegetables, and alcohol (r = 0.31 and 0.45, respectively). No significant correlation was observed in the intake of meat, fish, confectionaries, and soft drinks. However, those who reported consuming mainly fish rather than meat were found to eat significantly less meat and animal fat. Similarly, those who did not prefer fatty foods consumed significantly less meat, animal fat, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: This simple food checklist was useful in collecting data on egg, milk, and fruit consumption. Assessing intake frequency of vegetables, meat or fish with the FBC may be useful in screening high- or low-intake individuals.     

Food intake patterns among Australian adolescents

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the food intake patterns of adolescents with respect to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, and to examine variations in food intake patterns by age, gender and region of residence. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online food survey administered through schools. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: In 2004-2005, 3841 secondary students in years seven (12-13 years) and nine (14-15 years) drawn from 37 secondary schools in Victoria, Australia completed an online food intake patterns survey. OUTCOME MEASURES: Food intake was measured by a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and categorized according to the five basic food groups (fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, cereal) and the 'extra' food group as defined by the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE). The foods groups were examined in the study population and compared across age, gender and region. RESULTS: Many adolescents in this sample reported food intakes that deviated substantially from recommendations of the AGHE. For example, two-thirds of participants failed to consume foods from the five recommended food groups daily; over a third reported eating fruit 'rarely or never'; and 22% reported eating fast foods every day. Food intakes were generally more in line with dietary guidelines among girls than boys. Regional differences were less consistent, and there were few differences by age. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of adolescents have food intakes that fall short of the recommendations outlined in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. This highlights the need for public health initiatives to promote healthier food intake patterns among adolescents.     

Do the contemporary dietary patterns of children align with national food and nutrient recommendations?

Background

Childhood nutrition is important in optimising growth, development and future health. The present study compared dietary intakes of Australian children aged 4–8 years with (i) Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) food group recommendations and (ii) age‐specific Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs), in addition to (iii) describing food group intakes of children meeting key NRVs.

Methods

Data were obtained from a representative sample of children (n = 789) from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey between May 2011 and June 2012. Parent‐reported 24‐h recall dietary data were disaggregated into five core food groups, along with energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor (EDNP) foods, with intakes being compared with AGHE recommendations. Food group intakes were compared for children meeting the NRVs for 10 nutrients used for the development of AGHE food groups. Chi‐squared and t ‐tests were performed to determine differences in food group intakes with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Only one child met the recommended daily servings for all AGHE core food groups and none met both core and energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor (EDNP) food group recommendations. The lowest level of alignment (percentage meeting recommendations) was for vegetables (4.6%) and the highest was for fruit (47.7%). Mean (SD) daily intake of EDNP foods [4.7 (3.2) serves day^?1] accounted for 38.4% of total energy intakes. Children meeting key NRVs (n = 395) consumed greater daily servings of fruit [2.2 (1.7)], dairy [2.2 (1.2)] and EDNP foods [5.0 (3.4)] compared to the total sample (n = 789).

Conclusions

Significant discrepancies exist between contemporary dietary patterns of Australian children and national recommendations. Future AGHE revisions should incorporate greater diversity of consumption patterns, including sub‐categories of EDNP foods.

     

Low intakes of vegetables and fruits, especially citrus fruits, lead to inadequate vitamin C intakes among adults

OBJECTIVE: To determine vitamin C intakes among adults and to identify differences in dietary intake associated with vitamin C consumption. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study compared vitamin C intake, nutrient intake, and food group choices of adults with low (<30 mg/d), marginal (30-60 mg/d), and desirable (>60 mg/d) vitamin C intakes. SUBJECTS: Data from 2472 men and 2334 women aged 25-75 y were obtained from the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII). RESULTS: Overall, 18% of the sample had low vitamin C intakes, 24% had marginal intakes, and 58% had desirable intakes. In addition to consuming less vitamin C, adults with low vitamin C intakes consumed significantly less (P相似文献   

Family dinner and diet quality among older children and adolescents

CONTEXT: The proportion of children eating dinner with their families declines with age and has decreased over time. Few data exist concerning the nutritional effect of eating family dinner. OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between frequency of eating dinner with family and measures of diet quality. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: A national convenience sample. PARTICIPANTS: There were 8677 girls and 7525 boys in the study, aged 9 to 14 years, who were children of the participants in the ongoing Nurses' Health Study II. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We collected data from a self-administered mailed survey, including food and nutrient intakes from a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Main outcome measures included servings per day of selected foods and food groups, daily intakes of selected macronutrients and micronutrients, and frequency of multivitamin use. RESULTS: Approximately 17% of participants ate dinner with members of their family never or some days, 40% on most days, and 43% every day. More than half of the 9-year-olds ate family dinner every day, whereas only about one third of 14-year-olds did so. In age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression models, the odds ratios associated with a frequency of family dinner of most days compared with never or some days, or every day compared with most days, were as follows: for eating at least 5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables, 1.45 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-1.53); for eating any fried foods away from home, 0.67 (95% CI, 0.64-0.70); and for drinking any soda, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.66-0.80). Multiple linear regression showed that an increased frequency of family dinner was also associated with substantially higher intake of several nutrients, including fiber, calcium, folate, iron, vitamins B6, B12, C, and E; lower glycemic load; and lower intake of saturated and trans fat as a percentage of energy. We observed little or no effect on intakes of whole dairy products, red meat, or snack foods. Patterns were similar for boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS: Eating family dinner was associated with healthful dietary intake patterns, including more fruits and vegetables, less fried food and soda, less saturated and trans fat, lower glycemic load, more fiber and micronutrients from food, and no material differences in red meat or snack foods.     

Food group categories used in dietary analysis can misrepresent the amount and type of fat present in foods

Objective: To determine whether analysis of food intake data using different food group classification systems changes the apparent contribution of defined food groups to total daily fat intake. Design: Three food classification systems were used to assess dietary intake of male omnivore subjects from a food frequency questionnaire. Setting: RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. Subjects: A total of 78 healthy men aged 20–55 years, divided by meat consumption into moderate meat‐eaters (n = 60) and high meat‐eaters (n = 18). Methods: Dietary intake data were collected as semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaires and analysed using the NUTTAB 95 database. The contribution of food groups to nutrient intakes was determined using three food classification systems. Results: When red meat was grouped with meat, poultry and game products and dishes, ‘meat’ contributed 19.8% of total fat to a diet typical of an adult Australian man. When lean meat cuts were distinguished from meat products or dishes and fast foods, ‘red meat cuts’ provided only 4.3% of the total fat in this diet, whereas ‘fast foods’ provided 18.7%. Conclusions: Food classification systems have a profound impact on the apparent nutrient content of defined food groups, particularly the fat content attributed to meats. Less precise systems may result in provision of misleading dietary advice. Meats such as lean beef and lamb can be a valuable part of a healthy diet by providing important nutrients, especially iron, zinc and vitamin B12, but relatively little fat.     

Dietary intake among young adolescents in Ontario: associations with vegetarian status and attitude toward health

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the dietary intakes of adolescent vegetarians and omnivores and determine if, and how, attitude toward personal health related to food consumption. METHODS: Among grade 9 students in Ontario, Canada (n = 630), vegetarian status and estimated consumption of foods and food groups were determined by food frequency questionnaire. Personal health was self-categorized as very important (the "health conscious") or somewhat/not important (the "non-health conscious"). RESULTS: The prevalence of vegetarianism was 6.5% (CI = 4.6-8.4%) among females and 1.0% (CI = 0.2-1.8%) among males. Health-conscious omnivores consumed more grain, vegetables and fruit, and milk product than non-health-conscious omnivores (P < 0.05). Health-conscious vegetarians ingested more grain products, vegetables and fruit, and meat and alternatives than non-health-conscious vegetarians (P < 0.05). Among non-health-conscious vegetarians, none consumed two daily servings of meat and alternatives compared to 60.5% of non-health-conscious omnivores (P < 0.001). Among health-conscious vegetarians, milk product consumption was lower than that of health-conscious omnivores (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Large proportions of both vegetarian and omnivore adolescents consumed suboptimal diets. Health consciousness had value as an indicator of dietary adequacy and may be useful as a rudimentary screen for problematic dietary consumption patterns.     

Breastfeeding mothers consume more vegetables and a greater variety of fruits and vegetables than non‐breastfeeding peers: The influence of socioeconomic position

Aim: This study compared the diets of breastfeeding and non‐breastfeeding mothers from socioeconomically diverse regions of Melbourne to determine whether breastfeeding is a marker for healthier maternal dietary intakes. Methods: This cross‐sectional study obtained information via self‐reported questionnaire from 529 first‐time Melbourne mothers. Breastfeeding status was determined when the children were 3.9 months. Diet information was obtained using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Maternal diet was assessed by seven indicators: average daily intake of fruit, vegetables, non‐core drinks, non‐core sweet snacks, non‐core savoury snacks, variety of fruit and variety of vegetables eaten in the preceding 12 months. Associations between breastfeeding status and each dietary variable were assessed using linear regression analyses. Socioeconomic position, maternal body mass index and the cluster‐based sampling design were controlled for. Results: Of the 529 subjects, 70% were breastfeeding their child. Compared with non‐breastfeeding mothers, breastfeeding mothers were found to consume more serves of vegetables (P= 0.001), a greater variety of fruit and vegetables (P= 0.001 and P≤ 0.001 respectively), and sweet snacks were consumed more frequently (P= 0.006). Differences were observed between low and high socioeconomic position mothers for fruit serves (P= 0.003), vegetable serves (P= 0.010) and fruit variety (P= 0.006). These associations persisted after controlling for socioeconomic position and maternal body mass index. Conclusions: The association between infant feeding (breastfeeding) and some aspects of maternal diet provides further evidence suggesting a link between maternal and child diets from a younger age than previously examined.