Late Evening Eating Patterns among US Adults Vary in Their Associations With,and Impact on,Energy Intake and Diet Quality: Evidence from What We Eat in America,National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016

BackgroundEvening eating has been associated with higher energy intake and lower nutrient density. However, these qualities may not characterize all late evening (LE) eating patterns.ObjectiveWe sought to characterize US adults’ LE eating patterns on a given day and identify differences, if any, in pattern-specific associations with, and impact on, daily energy intake and total diet quality.DesignLE eating patterns, energy intakes, and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores were identified using Day-1 dietary recall data from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016.Participants/settingThe sample included adults aged ≥ 20 years (n = 9,861). LE reporters were respondents who consumed foods/beverages between 20:00 and 23:59 on the intake day.Main outcome measuresEnergy intake and HEI-2015 scores by LE status/pattern and the impact of LE consumption on these measures.Statistical analysesCluster analysis assigned individuals to LE eating patterns based on the LE energy contribution of food/beverage groups. Regression models estimated energy intake and HEI-2015 scores; estimates were compared between LE reporters and nonreporters. Similarly, LE’s contribution to total energy and the difference in total HEI inclusive vs exclusive of LE consumption were estimated and compared among patterns.ResultsAmong US adults, 64.4% were LE reporters. Eleven LE patterns were identified; the six most prevalent patterns (representing 89% of LE reporters) were further analyzed. Daily energy intake in all prevalent patterns except the fruit pattern exceeded that of nonreporters by ≥ 268 kcal (unadjusted; P < 0.001), varying by pattern. Conversely, total HEI score did not differ from that of nonreporters (51.0) in any pattern except the fruit pattern, where it was higher (57.4, unadjusted; P < 0.001). Generally, LE consumption’s impact on energy was high and its impact on HEI scores was low.ConclusionsLate evening food/beverage consumption is common among US adults, and LE patterns are not monolithic in their associations with, and impact on, total energy intake and dietary quality.     

Diet Quality of Frequent Fast-Food Consumers on a Non-Fast Food Intake Day Is Similar to a Day with Fast Food,What We Eat in America,NHANES 2013-2016

BackgroundFrequent fast food (FF) consumers may make more healthful food choices at eating occasions without FF. However, it is not clear if poor diet quality of frequent FF consumers is a function of FF consumption or less healthful food choices overall.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare diet quality, energy, and nutrient intakes of infrequent FF consumers (INFREQ) with that of frequent FF consumers on an intake day with FF (FREQ-FF) or without FF (FREQ_NO FF).DesignThis study is a cross-sectional analysis of 1 day dietary intake data from What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016, the dietary intake component of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.Participants/settingParticipants included adults aged 20 years and older (N = 4,012), who, during the previous 7 days, reported no consumption of FF or pizza (n = 2,142 INFREQ) or reported FF or pizza three or more times and either had FF/pizza (n = 1,455 FREQ_FF) or did not have FF/pizza (n = 415 FREQ_NO FF) on the intake day.Main outcome measuresMain outcomes were energy, nutrient density (nutrient intake per 1,000 kcal), and diet quality evaluated using Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015.Statistical analyses performedGroup comparisons were made using t tests. Differences were considered significant at P < 0.001.ResultsCompared with INFREQ consumers, FREQ_FF consumers had higher intakes of energy and fat per 1,000 kcal, lower scores for total HEI and most components, and lower nutrient densities of most micronutrients (P < 0.001). HEI component scores of INFREQ consumers for vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and added sugars were higher than FREQ_FF consumers (P < 0.001). Energy intake, most nutrient densities, and total HEI and component scores of FREQ_NO FF consumers were not significantly different from FREQ_FF consumers with the exception of fruit but were different from INFREQ consumers for some nutrients and HEI components.ConclusionsResults suggest diet quality and nutrient intake of frequent FF consumers on a non-FF intake day is not markedly different from a day with FF.     

Diet and diabetes: a common approach.

Objective: To assess the impact of breakfast skipping and type of breakfast consumed on energy/nutrient intake, nutrient adequacy, and diet quality.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999–2002.

Subjects: Young adults (20–39 years, n = 2615).

Measures: A 24-hour dietary recall was used, with breakfast defined as self-reported. Covariate-adjusted sample-weighted means for the entire day's energy/nutrient intakes, mean adequacy ratio (MAR) for nutrient intakes, and diet quality (i.e., Healthy Eating Index [HEI]-2005) scores were compared using analysis of variance and Bonferroni's correction (p < 0.0167) among breakfast skippers (BS), ready-to-eat-cereal breakfast consumers (RTECC), and other breakfast consumers (OBC). Energy/nutrient intakes and food consumption at breakfast were also compared (p ≤ 0.05).

Results: Twenty-five percent of young adults were BS, 16.5% were RTECC, and 58.4% were OBC. Intakes of total energy, percent energy from carbohydrate, and dietary fiber were higher in RTECC than in BS and OBC. Percent energy intake from added sugars was higher in BS than in RTECC and OBC. Compared with BS and RTECC, OBC consumed a lower percent energy from carbohydrates and total sugars, but consumed a higher percent energy from total fat and discretionary solid fats and had a higher cholesterol intake. Intakes of several micronutrients were higher in RTECC than in BS and OBC. Both MAR and total HEI scores were the highest in RTECC and higher in OBC than in BS. The HEI scores for intakes of whole fruits, total/whole grains, milk, and percent energy from solid fat/alcohol/added sugar were the highest in RTECC and higher in OBC than in BS. Compared with OBC, RTECC had a higher HEI score for the intake of saturated fat. At breakfast, RTECC consumed higher intakes of total fruits, whole grains, dairy products, carbohydrates and total sugars, dietary fiber, and several micronutrients than OBC, who consumed higher intakes of meat/poultry/fish, eggs, total fat, discretionary oils/solid fats, cholesterol, and sodium than RTECC.

Conclusion: Thus, RTECC had more favorable nutrient intakes and better diet quality than BS and OBC.     

Consumption of Dried Fruits Is Associated with Greater Intakes of Underconsumed Nutrients,Higher Total Energy Intakes,and Better Diet Quality in US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2016

BackgroundDried fruits are shelf-stable alternatives to fresh fruit that avert common barriers to consuming fruit. Consumption of dried fruits may facilitate greater fruit consumption and contribute to better diet quality and nutrient intakes.ObjectiveOur aims were to assess differences in diet quality and cardiometabolic health between dried fruit consumers and nonconsumers, and evaluate differences in nutrient intakes on days when dried fruits were consumed vs not consumed.DesignThis is a cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2016.Participants/settingMean dried fruit intakes were estimated in adults 20 years and older (n = 25,590) who completed a dietary recall. Dried fruit consumers (one-quarter cup-equivalent/day or more) were defined in respondents with 2 complete dietary recalls (n = 22,311). Within-person differences in nutrient intakes were assessed in respondents who consumed dried fruit on 1 of 2 dietary recalls (n = 1,233).Main outcome measuresCardiometabolic risk factors, diet quality scored using the Healthy Eating Index 2015, and nutrient intakes were assessed.Statistical analysesDiet quality and cardiometabolic health were compared in consumers vs nonconsumers using multivariate linear regression, adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors. Within-person differences in nutrient intakes on days when dried fruits were consumed vs not were assessed using multivariate linear regression.ResultsMean ± standard error dried fruit intake was 0.04 ± 0.001 cup-equivalents and represented 3.7% of total fruit consumed. Consumers (7.2% of adults) had higher quality diets than nonconsumers (mean ± standard error Healthy Eating Index 2015 score = 60.6 ± 0.5 vs 52.6 ± 0.3; P < 0.001) and lower mean body mass index, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01). Total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, potassium, and polyunsaturated fat intakes were greater on days when dried fruits were consumed vs not consumed (P < 0.001). Total calorie intakes were also greater (208-215 kcal; P ≤ 0.002) when dried fruits were consumed.ConclusionsDried fruit consumption is associated with higher diet quality and greater intakes of underconsumed nutrients. However, dried fruits do not appear to displace other calorie sources on days when consumed.     

Eating behavior influences diet,weight, and central obesity in women after pregnancy

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore whether type of eating behavior is related to diet and overweight in women after childbirth.MethodsIn a prospective mother–infant study, women's (N = 189) eating behavior, dietary intake from food diaries, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured at 6, 12, 24, and 48 mo after giving birth. Three aspects of eating behavior were measured by the validated Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-18: cognitive restraint (CR; restricting of eating without associated hunger or fullness), emotional eating (EE; overeating due to negative feelings), and uncontrolled eating (UE; overeating irrespective of physiologic need).ResultsHigh scores in CR associated with the lowest tertile of fat intake (% of energy [E%], P = 0.045). High UE scores associated with the highest tertiles of intakes of energy (kcal; P < 0.001), fiber (g; P < 0.001) and sucrose (E%; P < 0.001). High EE scores (P = 0.003) linked with overweight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m²), whereas UE (P < 0.001) linked with central obesity (WC ≥ 80 cm).ConclusionsWe demonstrated that certain types of eating behavior related to both energy-dense diet and weight and central adiposity. We propose that measuring eating behavior by the simple questionnaire could be a helpful tool in dietary counseling that aids in identifying women who are likely at risk for unhealthy dietary patterns and for developing overweight.     

Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Factors Associated With Diet Quality in 6 Rural Native American Communities

ObjectiveTo identify psychosocial and household environmental factors related to diet quality among Native Americans (NA).DesignAnalysis of baseline data from a community-randomized obesity prevention trial.SettingSix rural NA communities in the Midwest and the Southwestern US.ParticipantsA total of 580 tribal members, aged 18–75 years old (mean 45 years), 74% female, self-identified as the main household food purchaser.Variables MeasuredDiet quality (Healthy Eating Index–2015 [HEI]) was derived from a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Sociodemographic, psychosocial, and home food environment factors were assessed via interviewer-administered questionnaires.AnalysisOne-way ANOVA, linear regression models, and 2-tailed t tests compared HEI scores among sociodemographic categories. Multiple linear regression models assessed the relationship between psychosocial factors, home food environment, and HEI.ResultsPrevalence of obesity was 59%. Mean HEI–2015 score was 49.3 (SD = 8.1). Average HEI scores were 3.0 points lower in smokers than nonsmokers (P < 0.001), and 2.2 points higher in females than males (P < 0.01). Higher self-efficacy (β = 0.97; P < 0.001) and healthier eating intentions (β = 0.78; P < 0.001) were positively associated with HEI. Healthier household food patterns score was associated with higher HEI (β = 0.48; P < 0.01).Conclusions and ImplicationsPsychosocial factors were associated with diet quality, a finding that supports the use of social-cognitive intervention approaches in rural NA communities in the Midwest and Southwest, and warrants evaluation in other locations. There remains a need to elucidate the association between the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and diet quality.     

Breakfast eating pattern and its association with dietary quality indices and anthropometric measurements in young women in Isfahan

ObjectiveTo assess the association between consuming or skipping breakfast and dietary quality indices such as the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), diversity scores of different food groups, and anthropometric measurements in young Isfahanian women.MethodsWomen 18 to 28 y old were selected randomly from among university students (n = 411) in Isfahan, Iran. A validated semiquantitative questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake. Five food groups of the Food Guide Pyramid were considered for calculating the DDS and diversity score of the food groups. Subjects were categorized based on consuming or skipping breakfast. The HEI was calculated based on 10 components including the five food groups, different fat and sodium intakes, and the DDS.ResultsBreakfast consumers versus skippers had higher scores for the HEI (66 ± 13 versus 47 ± 13, P = 0.001), the DDS (6.8 ± 1.2 versus 4.9 ± 0.7, P = 0.001), and the DDSs for fruits (1.3 ± 0.2 versus 0.9 ± 0.1, P = 0.001), vegetables (1.6 ± 0.2 versus 1.2 ± 0.1, P = 0.001), and whole grains (1.3 ± 0.2 versus 0.9 ± 0.1, P = 0.001). Also, eating breakfast was associated with lower values for dietary energy density (0.96 ± 0.25 versus 1.04 ± 0.40, P = 0.01), the body mass index (20.0 ± 1.8 versus 23.3 ± 2.7, P = 0.001), and waist circumference (69.2 ± 7.6 versus 72.5 ± 8.7, P = 0.001). There was a higher prevalence of breakfast consumers in the third tertiles of the HEI and DDS. However, there was a smaller percentage of breakfast consumers in the third tertiles of the body mass index and waist circumference.ConclusionsBreakfast consumption was associated with higher scores of the dietary quality indices and lower values for the body mass index and waist circumference in young Isfahanian women. Further studies should be performed to determine the relation between the kind of breakfast consumed and the dietary quality indices.     

Validation of a Diet Quality Screening Tool for Use in the Oldest Old*

Abstract

The oldest old (aged ≥80?years) are often the population subgroup at high nutritional risk due to age-related metabolic changes. We performed a validation analysis of a dietary screening tool (DST) which was developed for older adults among the oldest old. We examined dietary intakes using three 24-hour dietary recalls and the DST among 122 participants (aged 82–97) of the Geisinger Rural Aging Study. DST scores were compared with the Health Eating Index (HEI)-2015 scores, which were calculated based on three-day dietary recalls. Pearson correlations were used to characterize concurrent validity and Bland-Altman plots were used to identify potential bias. DST scores were significantly correlated with HEI scores (adjusted r?=?0.68; p?<?0.001) in an age- and sex-adjusted model. Those within the not-at-risk DST group had significantly higher HEI scores (adjusted means = 79.6?±?3.68) compared with those who were in the at-risk (adjusted means = 51.2?±?1.56) and the possibly-at-risk (adjusted means = 66.3?±?1.79) groups (p-trend < 0.001). The DST appears to be a valid measure of diet quality in the oldest old when compared with the HEI and may be a potential tool to assess overall diet quality in this population.     

Dietary Patterns of Infants and Toddlers Are Associated with Nutrient Intakes

Dietary patterns are a useful summary measure of diet. Few studies have examined the nutrient profiles underpinning the dietary patterns of young children. The study aim is to determine whether dietary patterns at 6 and 15 months of age are associated with nutrient intakes at 8 and 18 months, respectively. Participants were children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children who had complete dietary pattern and nutrient intake data (n = 725 at 6–8 months, n = 535 at 15–18 months). The association between tertiles of dietary pattern scores and nutrient intake was examined using a non-parametric test for trend. Scores on the home-made traditional pattern (6–8 months) were positively associated with median energy intake. Each dietary pattern had different associations with energy-adjusted intakes of macro- and micro-nutrients. At both times, the discretionary pattern was positively and the ready-prepared baby foods pattern was negatively associated with sodium intake. At 6–8 months, calcium and iron intakes decreased across scores on the home-made traditional and breastfeeding patterns, but increased across the ready-prepared baby food patterns. These findings highlight that dietary patterns in infants and toddlers vary in their underlying energy and nutrient composition.     

Gender and age group differences in nutrition intake and dietary quality of Korean adults eating alone: based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data, 2013–2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThis study investigated gender and age differences in nutrient intake and dietary quality of people eating alone.SUBJECTS/METHODSFrom Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2016 data, 2,305 adults aged 20 years and older that ate meals alone were included in this study. Their energy and nutrients intakes, as well as their nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), mean adequacy ratio (MAR), and index of nutritional quality (INQ) were analyzed. Food group consumption pattern, dietary variety score (DVS), dietary diversity score (DDS) were also analyzed. All data were compared among gender and age groups.RESULTSMen consumed more energy and nutrients than women, except for vitamin C, and the NARs showed similar gender differences. The INQs of 4 nutrients (calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and riboflavin) were lower than 1.0 in men, whereas only the calcium INQ was lower than 1.0 in women. Men had a lower DDS (3.6) than women (3.9) (P < 0.001) and had more ‘undesirable’ food group consumption patterns than women (P < 0.001). The intakes of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C were relatively low in the young-aged group (INQs less than 1.0). In the old-aged group, the MAR level was relatively low, and the INQs of calcium, riboflavin, and niacin were below 1.0. The old-aged group consumed more menu items, but their DVS was the lowest.CONCLUSIONSCompared to women, the dietary quality and food diversity among men were poorer. There were poorer quality and diversity patterns in the young-aged group compared to those of the older groups. An overall low intake of nutrients and the low nutrient density of meals were the main dietary problems among the old-aged group who eat alone. Therefore, men, particularly young- and old-aged, need to be prioritized in nutritional policies directed toward those who eat alone.     

Relationships Among the Physical and Social Home Food Environments,Dietary Intake,and Diet Quality in Mothers and Children

BackgroundBoth the physical and social home food environment (HFE) are believed to influence dietary intake and diet quality, but few studies have examined both aspects together.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among the physical and social HFE, dietary intake, and diet quality in mothers and children.DesignThis was a cross-sectional substudy of a larger study.Participants/settingThe study included 24 mothers (aged ≥30 years) with a biological child aged 6 to 12 years living in the Newark, DE, area between June and November 2018.Main outcome measuresThe outcome measures of interest included the physical HFE (ie, home food availability); aspects of the social HFE (ie, parenting styles, family meal frequency, and policies); maternal and child intake of fruits, vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages, and snacks; and diet quality using the 2015 Healthy Eating Index total score.Statistical analysisPearson correlations were used to examine the relationship between physical HFE and dietary intake as well as social HFE and dietary intake in both mothers and children. The relationships were further examined through exploratory regression analyses.ResultsIn mothers, fruit availability in the physical HFE was correlated with fruit intake (r = 0.50; P = 0.02). Fruit and vegetable availability in the physical HFE were correlated with 2015 Healthy Eating Index total score in both the mother and child. Family meals participation was correlated with dietary intake (vegetable intake in children, r = 0.44; P = 0.04; and snack intake in mothers, r = –0.74; P < .001). Exploratory regression analysis showed vegetables in the HFE was associated with vegetable intake and 2015 Healthy Eating Index total score in mothers, and fruits and vegetables in the HFE were associated with child 2015 Healthy Eating Index total score. Family meals participation was negatively associated with maternal snack intake and child sugar-sweetened beverages intake. Authoritative parenting was negatively associated with child snack intake and permissive parenting was negatively associated with mother’s fruit intake.ConclusionsBoth the physical and social HFE are associated with maternal and child dietary intake, but only the physical HFE was associated with dietary quality. Although preliminary, these data indicate the importance of future studies that include measures to assess both the physical and social HFE to better elucidate the influences of the HFE on dietary intake.     

More-To-Less Home Healthful Foods Ratio is Associated With Diet Quality in Preadolescents With Elevated Body Mass Index

ObjectiveTo examine home food availability (HFA) and the association with diet quality in preadolescents with elevated body mass index.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis examined HFA and diet quality (using the 2015-Health Eating Index [HEI] derived from 1 or 2 24-hour dietary recalls) among preadolescents (n = 111; aged 8–12 years; body mass index ≥ 75th percentile). A novel ratio of more-to-less healthful items was created to represent HFA. Multivariate linear regression models examined the HFA ratio and individual food and beverage groups as correlates of HEI.ResultsThe HFA ratio was associated with higher HEI (β = 5.3 [1.3]; P < 0.001). Home food availability of sweets (β = ?2.6 [0.9]; P = 0.003) and sugar-sweetened beverages (β = ?2.3 [1.0]; P = 0.02) were associated with lower HEI. Home food availability of fruits was associated with higher HEI (β = 1.3 [0.7]; P = 0.05).Conclusions and ImplicationsStructuring the HFA so that more healthful choices are available relative to less healthful foods could be an effective approach for improving diet quality in preadolescents at risk for obesity.     

Dietary intakes of essential nutrients among Arab and Berber ethnic groups on rural Tunisian island

ObjectiveThe dietary intake was investigated and food sources were identified among Tunisian ethnic groups from Jerba Island in the south of Tunisia.MethodsNinety-four subjects of moderate socioeconomic status (47 Berbers and 47 Arabs) aged 32 to 64 y completed a 1-mo qualitative food-frequency questionnaire and a single 24-h dietary recall, and dietary intakes and demographic status were observed from 2006 to 2007.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity was not significantly associated with Arab men compared with Berber men. Therefore, obesity was significantly associated with Berber women (P < 0.001). Height was significantly different between Arab and Berber women (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in energy intake between men and women. Protein intake was not significantly different between ethnic groups. Milk and dairy products in the Berber group were significantly different from the Arab group. Intakes of calcium, zinc, iron, and folate were below recommended nutrient intakes in men and women in the two ethnic groups. Vitamin E intake was greater in Berbers than in Arabs (P < 0.01).ConclusionEthnicity was significantly associated with dietary intakes in the two ethnic groups of Jerba Island.     

Poor Intake of Milk,Vegetables, and Fruit with Limited Dietary Variety by Botswana's Elderly

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine dietary intake of elderly Batswana, evaluate the diet quality using the Health Eating Index (HEI), identify factors associated with poor quality, and determine the impact of age on dietary scores. Villages and towns were selected in three strata: urban, semiurban, and rural. A total of 99 elderly (67% female, 33% males), age range 60–95 years, were recruited through purposive sampling. A 24-hour multiplepass food recall was combined with demographic, health, and cooking responsibilities questions. The elderly diet met requirements for only the Grains group (9 serving/day). Most elderly obtained good HEI component scores on fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and Grains group intake. The HEI scores were poor for variety, milk, fruits, and vegetables. Most elderly had poor diet (38%) or a diet that needed improvement (59%), and only 3% had a good diet.     

Healthy Food Density is Not Associated With Diet Quality Among Pregnant Women With Overweight/Obesity in South Carolina

ObjectiveExamine the association and moderating effect of residential location (urban/rural) on the relationship between neighborhood healthy food density and diet quality.DesignCross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum study, a randomized trial designed to prevent excessive gestational weight gain.ParticipantsPregnant women in South Carolina with prepregnancy overweight/obesity (n = 228).Main Outcome MeasuresHealthy Eating Index–2015 (HEI) was used to measure diet quality from 2 24-hour dietary recalls. The HEI total scores and 11 binary HEI components (those that met the standard for maximum component score vs those that did not) were calculated as dependent variables.AnalysisMultiple linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the association between healthy food density and HEI total scores and meeting the standards for maximum component scores. Healthy food density × residential location tested for moderation. P < 0.05 indicated significance.ResultsParticipants’ diet quality was suboptimal (mean, 52.0; SD, 11.7; range, 27–85). Healthy food density was not significantly related to HEI total scores or components, and residential location was not a moderator.Conclusions and ImplicationsDiet quality was suboptimal, and there was no relationship between healthy food density and diet quality among Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum study participants. These data support examining behavioral factors that could influence diet quality.     

Perceived Access and Actual Intake of Healthy Diets Among Households in Vulnerable Salvadoran Communities

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the dietary intake of Salvadoran households according to perceived access to healthy meals (PAHD), and to identify household characteristics associated with diet quality and PAHD.MethodsSecondary data analysis with a sample of 139 Salvadoran households from resource-poor communities in El Salvador. Chi-square tests and ANOVA were used to assess differences in dietary intake across households classified according to PAHD.ResultsHigh-PAHD households had higher women's education, household food security levels, overall diet quality, and variety, and higher intakes of animal products, fats, cholesterol, vitamin C, and sodium (P < .05). Diet quality was not associated with the household characteristics studied.Conclusions and ImplicationsOverall diet quality was associated with higher levels of PAHD, but some differences in intakes were not as expected, such as higher intakes in foods and nutrients associated with low-quality diets, among high PAHD households.     

Effet de l’alimentation maternelle sur le gain de poids au cours de la grossesse

ObjectivesTo assess maternal intakes of energy and nutrients in each trimester of pregnancy and their effect on gestational weight gain.Materials and methodsA prospective and longitudinal study of a cohort of 300 women was carried out during the entire period of pregnancy at antenatal consultation and monitoring centers in Constantine (Algeria) from December 2013 to July 2016. The estimation of energy and nutrient intakes was made by a three-day dietary record and repeated each trimester of pregnancy. Height and starting weight and weight at the end of pregnancy were measured. Statistics were performed using StatviewTM and SPSS software.ResultsThe majority of women (75.0%) had inadequate weight gain in late pregnancy. Intakes of energy, vitamines and minerals of women with low weight gain were lower than that of women with normal and excessive gain in the three trimesters of pregnancy (P < 0.0001). For all weight categories, average energy and nutrient intakes were lower in the first trimester then increase in the second trimester and stabilized in the third trimester. Between the first and third trimesters, 86 to 100% of women had vitamin and mineral intakes that were significantly lower than recommended dietary allowance.ConclusionOur study demonstrated the impact of maternal nutrition on gestational weight gain in relation to energy intake and specific nutrients, but the role of macronutrients was inconsistent. Pregnancy should be used as a ‘window of opportunity’ for changes in diet.     

Food Insecurity Is Inversely Associated with Diet Quality of Lower-Income Adults

Food insecurity acts as a chronic stressor independent of poverty. Food-insecure adults may consume more highly palatable foods as a coping mechanism, leading to poorer diet quality and increased risks of chronic disease over time. Using data from the 1999-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, this study aimed to examine the cross-sectional differences in dietary intake and diet quality by household food security among 8,129 lower-income adults (≤300% of the federal poverty level). Food insecurity was assessed using the 18-item US Household Food Security Survey Module. Dietary intake was assessed from 24-hour recalls and diet quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Index-2005 and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010. Relative mean differences in dietary outcomes by household food security were estimated using linear regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Lower-income food-insecure adults reported higher consumption of some highly palatable foods, including high-fat dairy products (P trend<0.0001) and salty snacks (P trend=0.01) compared with lower-income food-secure adults. Food insecurity was also associated with more sugar-sweetened beverages (P trend=0.003); more red/processed meat (P trend=0.005); more nuts, seeds, and legumes (P trend=0.0006); fewer vegetables (P trend<0.0001); and fewer sweets and bakery desserts (P trend=0.0002). No differences were observed for intakes of total energy and macronutrients. Food insecurity was significantly associated with lower Healthy Eating Index-2005 (P trend<0.0001) and Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores (P trend<0.0001). Despite no macronutrient differences, food insecurity was associated with characteristics of poor diet quality known to increase chronic disease risk.     

Mango Consumption Is Associated with Improved Nutrient Intakes,Diet Quality,and Weight-Related Health Outcomes

As nutrient-dense fruits, mangoes are commonly consumed globally and are important sources of nutrients in the diet. Nonetheless, mangoes remain relatively under-consumed in the United States. The objective of the present analysis was to examine nutrient intakes, diet quality, and health outcomes using data from NHANES 2001–2018 in children and adult mango consumers (n = 291; adults n = 449) compared with mango non-consumers (children n = 28,257; adults n = 44,574). Daily energy and nutrient intakes were adjusted for a complex sample design of NHANES using appropriate weights. Mango consumption was not associated with daily energy intake, compared with non-consumption, in both children and adults. Children consuming mangoes had a significantly lower daily intake of added sugar, sodium, total fat, and a higher intake of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, total choline, vitamin C, and vitamin D, compared with non-consumers. In adults, mango consumers had significantly higher daily intakes of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E and significantly lower intakes of added sugar and cholesterol, compared with non-consumers. Mango consumption was also associated with a better diet quality vs. mango non-consumers (p < 0.0001). Mango consumption in adolescents was associated with lower BMI z-scores, compared with non-consumption. In adults, BMI scores, waist circumference, and body weight were significantly lower only in male mango consumers when compared with mango non-consumers. The current results support that mango consumption is associated with improved nutrient intakes, diet quality, and certain health outcomes. Thus, dietary strategies that aim to increase mango consumption in the American population should be evaluated as part of future dietary guidance.