Dietary intakes and blood concentrations of antioxidant vitamins in German vegans

We report on an evaluation of intake and blood concentrations of antioxidant vitamins in a cross-sectional study of 104 German vegans, and examine the association between blood concentration of antioxidant vitamins and their intake as well as fruit and vegetable intake. Comparisons are made with dietary reference intakes and established threshold values (ETV) for blood concentrations. Mean intakes of vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene were higher than actual recommendations, but comparable to reported intakes in other vegan cohorts. Mean blood concentrations were 0.76 micromol/L for beta-carotene and 117 micromol/L for vitamin C, so that nearly all participants showed concentrations that were above the ETV for the prevention of chronic diseases. Although mean vitamin E intake was 24.8 mg/day, only 32% of female and 18% of male participants showed plasma concentrations above the ETV. However, the mean vitamin E/cholesterol ratio was high (5.97), indicating a good protection of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) against peroxidation. Of the reported antioxidant vitamins, only plasma vitamin C concentration was a good biomarker of fruit and vegetable intake. The high concentration of antioxidative compounds in plasma may be one of the reasons for the lower incidence of chronic diseases in people consuming a plant-only diet.     

Dietary micronutrient intakes are associated with markers of inflammation but not with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis

Few studies have examined associations of dietary micronutrients with markers of inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis. The present study investigated associations of heme iron, nonheme iron, zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), β-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E with C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, total homocysteine (tHcy), fibrinogen, coronary artery calcium, and common and internal carotid artery intima media thickness. Micronutrient intakes and markers of inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis were studied in 5,181 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who were aged 45-84 y and free of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Models were adjusted for energy intake, demographics, lifestyle characteristics, and BMI. Dietary nonheme iron and Mg intakes were inversely associated with tHcy concentrations (mean tHcy: 9.11, 8.86, 8.74, 8.71, and 8.50 μmol/L, and 9.20, 9.00, 8.65, 8.76, and 8.33 μmol/L across increasing quintiles of nonheme iron and Mg, respectively; P-trend < 0.001 for both). However, dietary Zn and heme iron were positively associated with CRP [mean: 1.73, 1.75, 1.78, 1.88, and 1.96 mg/L across increasing quintiles of Zn and 1.72, 1.76, 1.83, 1.86, and 1.94 mg/L across increasing quintiles of heme iron (P-trend = 0.002 and 0.01, respectively). Other tested micronutrient-marker associations were not significant. In conclusion, of the 49 tested associations, only 7 were significant. Although this study does not provide strong support for associations between the micronutrients and markers of inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis, the results are consistent with dietary guidelines that advocate for a balanced diet that includes a variety of plant foods containing Mg, Zn, and nonheme iron.     

Dietary fat intakes for pregnant and lactating women

Dietary fat intake in pregnancy and lactation affects pregnancy outcomes and child growth, development and health. The European Commission charged the research project PERILIP, jointly with the Early Nutrition Programming Project, to develop recommendations on dietary fat intake in pregnancy and lactation. Literature reviews were performed and a consensus conference held with international experts in the field, including representatives of international scientific associations. The adopted conclusions include: dietary fat intake in pregnancy and lactation (energy%) should be as recommended for the general population; pregnant and lactating women should aim to achieve an average dietary intake of at least 200 mg DHA/d; intakes of up to 1 g/d DHA or 2.7 g/d n-3 long-chain PUFA have been used in randomized clinical trials without significant adverse effects; women of childbearing age should aim to consume one to two portions of sea fish per week, including oily fish; intake of the DHA precursor, alpha-linolenic acid, is far less effective with regard to DHA deposition in fetal brain than preformed DHA; intake of fish or other sources of long-chain n-3 fatty acids results in a slightly longer pregnancy duration; dietary inadequacies should be screened for during pregnancy and individual counselling be offered if needed.     

Dietary intakes of fat and risk of Parkinson's disease

Previous epidemiologic studies have generated inconsistent results regarding the associations between fat intakes and risk of Parkinson's disease. The authors investigated these associations in two large, prospective US cohorts. They documented 191 incident cases of Parkinson's disease in men (1986-1998) and 168 in women (1980-1998) during the follow-up. Overall, intakes of total fat or major types of fat were not significantly associated with the risk. The relative risks comparing the highest quintile of animal fat intake with the lowest were 1.42 for men (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91, 2.20; p for trend = 0.1) and 0.65 for women (95% CI: 0.36, 1.16; p for trend = 0.3). For men, but not women, replacement of polyunsaturated fat with saturated fat was associated with a significantly increased risk (5% of energy intake, relative risk (RR) = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.03). Of the individual polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid tended to be inversely associated with the risk (pooled RR between extreme quintiles = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.91; p for trend = 0.05). Results do not support an important role of overall fat intake in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, but a possible adverse effect of saturated fat for men could not be excluded.     

Dietary studies of children from a biracial population: intakes of vitamins in 10- and 13-year-olds

Impact of vitamin supplements upon dietary intakes of eight vitamins was examined in 10- and 13-year-old children randomly selected from a biracial community, Bogalusa, LA. More younger children reported taking supplements daily (17%) than did adolescents (12%). Over 90% of the children surveyed had dietary intakes of vitamin E and niacin that met or exceeded the RDA. One-half to two-thirds of children using supplements had adequate intakes of ascorbic acid from diet alone. Children who most needed ascorbic acid supplements were the least likely to take them. One-quarter to one-half of the children did not consume the RDA levels of vitamin A, thiamine, and riboflavin. Adolescents had less adequate vitamin A intakes than younger children. In all surveys, a higher proportion of girls than boys had intakes that did not meet the RDA for vitamins B6 and B12. Vitamin intakes of Bogalusa children and adolescents were comparable to other U.S. surveys. Inclusion of vitamin E and niacin in supplements may be unnecessary.     

Dietary studies of children from a biracial population: intakes of vitamins in 10- and 13-year-olds.

Impact of vitamin supplements upon dietary intakes of eight vitamins was examined in 10- and 13-year-old children randomly selected from a biracial community, Bogalusa, LA. More younger children reported taking supplements daily (17%) than did adolescents (12%). Over 90% of the children surveyed had dietary intakes of vitamin E and niacin that met or exceeded the RDA. One-half to two-thirds of children using supplements had adequate intakes of ascorbic acid from diet alone. Children who most needed ascorbic acid supplements were the least likely to take them. One-quarter to one-half of the children did not consume the RDA levels of vitamin A, thiamine, and riboflavin. Adolescents had less adequate vitamin A intakes than younger children. In all surveys, a higher proportion of girls than boys had intakes that did not meet the RDA for vitamins B6 and B12. Vitamin intakes of Bogalusa children and adolescents were comparable to other U.S. surveys. Inclusion of vitamin E and niacin in supplements may be unnecessary.     

Dietary quality and adequacy of micronutrient intakes in children

Presented are longitudinal studies, extending from infancy (n 180) to 2 years of age (n 130) and 6 years of age (>70% participation) of diet and Fe status in a population with high birth weight, high frequency of breast-feeding and, at the time of the study, high intake of cow's milk during the weaning period. The association between socio-demographic and dietary factors was also studied, together with Fe status in early childhood and developmental status at 6 years. Fe status was found to be poorer than in the neighbouring Nordic countries. Every fifth 1-year-old was Fe-deficient (serum ferritin <12 microg/l and mean corpuscular volume <74 fl). It was demonstrated by regression analysis that Fe status was negatively associated with cow's milk consumption at 9-12 months (significant at >460 g/d) and was weakly positively associated with fish, meat and Fe-fortified cereal consumption. Fe-deficient infants had a shorter duration of breast-feeding, and breast-feeding was related to slower growth, which can protect from worsening Fe status. Fe deficiency was less common at ages 2 and 6 years. Maternal factors associated with lower adherence to the recommended infant diet were less education, lower age and smoking. In a multiple stepwise regression analysis that included food factors, socio-demographic factors were not found to be associated with Fe status. Fe-depleted and Fe-deficient 1-year-olds had lower fine motor scores when they were 6 years old than those who were not Fe-deficient or Fe-depleted. The findings of these studies have already led to changes in the local recommendations for diet in infancy. The results suggest that Fe deficiency at 12 months of age affects development at 6 years of age. The studies indicated that mothers with less education, who smoked and who were younger needed more guidance concerning recommendations about diet in infancy.     

Dietary intakes and antioxidant status in mind-body exercising pre- and postmenopausal women

Objective

The decline in antioxidant defenses due to both estrogen loss and frequent adoption of poor dietary choices exposes postmenopausal women to cardiovascular diseases. Adequate nutrition and physical exercise are two factors of health promotion. This study investigated whether regular practice of mind-body exercise (yoga and/or tai chi) alters dietary intake and antioxidant status and balances the menopause related increases in lipid peroxidation and cardiovascular risk.

Design

Cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted in an urban community in Bangkok (Thailand) between May and August 2007.

Participants

Premenopausal (Pre M; 39±8 yrs; n=56) and postmenopausal (Post M; 54±5 yrs; n=39) women who had been practicing yoga (Y) and/or tai chi (TC) more than 3 hours/week for a year, or who had no regular physical activity practice (sedentary, S).

Measurements

All participants completed food frequency questionnaires and 4-day food and activity records. Blood was collected on day 5. Factorial ANOVA tests were performed according to menopause status, exercise, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) groups.

Results

Post M had higher (p = 0.01) dietary fiber intake compared with Pre M. Yoga practitioners had lower BMI (p = 0.004) and lower fat intake (p = 0.02) compared with their S and TC counterparts. Plasma total antioxidant status was significantly and independently lower and higher in Y and Post M groups, respectively. However, no difference was shown after adjusting for BMI. Regardless of menopause status and HRT, the activity of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase an aerobic training responsive enzyme was higher (p < 0.001 ) in TC practitioners compared with other groups. No effects were shown on erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, plasma lipid peroxidation (TEARS) or total homocysteine concentrations.

Conclusion

Yoga and tai chi exercises can be used as components of a strategy to promote healthy lifestyles (balanced diet and moderate intensity exercise) in vulnerable populations, such as menopausal women, in order to prevent aging induced oxidative stress diseases.     

Dietary and physical activity patterns in French children are related to overweight and socioeconomic status

Sedentary behavior (SED) has already been identified as a risk factor of childhood overweight (OW) but less is known about the dietary patterns related to adiposity. Our objective was to investigate if lifestyle patterns combining overall diet and physical activity were associated with childhood OW and if they were involved in the reverse association between socioeconomic status (SES) and OW. Dietary intake was assessed using a 7-d food record in 748 French children aged 3-11 y from the 1998-1999 cross-sectional French Enquête Individuelle et Nationale sur les Consommations Alimentaires national food consumption survey. Weight and height, leisure time physical activity, SED (television viewing), and SES were reported by parents or children by answering questionnaires. Scores for lifestyle patterns were assessed with factor analysis and their relationship with OW was explored by logistic regression analysis. Two similar lifestyle patterns were identified in children aged 3-6 y and 7-11 y: "snacking and sedentary" and "varied food and physically active." The snacking and sedentary pattern was positively associated with OW in the youngest children (P-trend = 0.0161) and partly mediated the negative association of SES to OW. The varied food and physically active pattern was inversely correlated with OW in the eldest children only (P-trend = 0.0401). A third pattern called "big eaters at main meals" was derived in children aged 7-11 y and was positively correlated with OW (P-trend = 0.0165). From a public health perspective, the combinations of identifiable dietary and physical activity behaviors may be useful as a basis for recommendations on preventing OW.     

Dietary factors and low-grade inflammation in relation to overweight and obesity

Low-grade inflammation is a characteristic of the obese state, and adipose tissue releases many inflammatory mediators. The source of these mediators within adipose tissue is not clear, but infiltrating macrophages seem to be especially important, although adipocytes themselves play a role. Obese people have higher circulating concentrations of many inflammatory markers than lean people do, and these are believed to play a role in causing insulin resistance and other metabolic disturbances. Blood concentrations of inflammatory markers are lowered following weight loss. In the hours following the consumption of a meal, there is an elevation in the concentrations of inflammatory mediators in the bloodstream, which is exaggerated in obese subjects and in type 2 diabetics. Both high-glucose and high-fat meals may induce postprandial inflammation, and this is exaggerated by a high meal content of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and partly ablated by inclusion of certain antioxidants or antioxidant-containing foods within the meal. Healthy eating patterns are associated with lower circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers. Among the components of a healthy diet, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and fish are all associated with lower inflammation. AGE are associated with enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation. SFA and trans-MUFA are pro-inflammatory, while PUFA, especially long-chain n-3 PUFA, are anti-inflammatory. Hyperglycaemia induces both postprandial and chronic low-grade inflammation. Vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids decrease the circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers. Potential mechanisms are described and research gaps, which limit our understanding of the interaction between diet and postprandial and chronic low-grade inflammation, are identified.     

Dietary intakes and activity levels of stunted and non-stunted children in Kingston, Jamaica. Part 1. Dietary intakes

The dietary intakes of stunted and non-stunted children were measured on enrollment to a longitudinal study of growth and development. Children aged 9-24 months were recruited by house to house survey of several poor areas of Kingston. All children with height for age less than -2 SD of the NCHS standards and weight for height below the standard median were enrolled. Alternate stunted children were matched for age and sex with the non-stunted child (height for age greater than -1 SD) living nearest. Dietary information was obtained by two 24-h recalls. Mean trainer-interviewer reliability was greater than 90 per cent throughout the study. Correlation between energy intakes on the 2 days was 0.68 (P less than 0.001). Stunted children had a significantly less varied diet, fewer dairy products and fruit than non-stunted children. Protein intakes met requirements. Energy intakes were similar in both groups and approximately 200 kcal below the recommended intake. Energy and protein intakes per kg were significantly higher in the stunted children than in non-stunted children (energy P less than 0.001, protein P less than 0.005). Greater morbidity in the stunted children could account for some, but not all, of this difference. Children with lower weight for height had lower intakes (energy P less than 0.05, protein P less than 0.01). Intakes were greater in children who lived in better housing, with more household possessions and whose mothers had more skilled occupations. Good reliability and the above associations indicate that the data are valid.     

广东居民抗氧化维生素摄入量与个体特征因素的关系

为找出膳食抗氧化维生素摄入量与年龄、性别、文化程度、家庭总收入、工作状况等个体特征之间的关系 ,1995年在广东省调查了 92 1人 ,其中男性 418人 ,女性 5 0 3人 ,年龄 2 5～ 84岁 ,收集了社会经济状况资料 ,及用食物频数法收集了调查对象最近 1年食物摄入状况资料。结果显示 ,多种抗氧化维生素和热量的摄入量男性高于女性 ;年龄较大者各种抗氧化维生素的摄入量较低 ;较高文化程度者及家庭每年总收入高者摄入维生素 E较多 ;个体户和农民各种抗氧化维生素的摄入量普遍较其他职业者低 ,男性待业者及女性退休者维生素 E的摄入量明显高于其余各组 ;除肥胖组以外 ,体重指数高者膳食各种抗氧化维生素摄入量较多。本研究表明 ,由于社会经济环境不同 ,抗氧化维生素的摄入量各有差异 ,老年人、文化程度低者及农村地区需要加强健康饮食的指导 ,如增加豆类、水果和蔬菜的摄入量。     

Dietary and circulating antioxidant vitamins in relation to carotid plaques in middle-aged women

BACKGROUND: The results of the few studies conducted on the relation between antioxidant vitamins and carotid atherosclerosis have been inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association between preclinical carotid atherosclerosis, as determined by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound, and both the intake amounts and plasma concentrations of antioxidant vitamins. DESIGN: Among 5062 participants in Progetto Atena, a population-based study on the etiology of cardiovascular disease and cancer in women, 310 women were examined by B-mode ultrasound to detect early signs of carotid atherosclerosis. The participants answered a food-frequency questionnaire, and their plasma concentrations of vitamin E, vitamin A, and carotenoids were measured. None of the women took vitamin supplements. RESULTS: The occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques at the carotid bifurcation was inversely associated with tertiles of vitamin E intake; the test for a linear trend across tertiles was significant (P < 0.05). Similarly, the ratio of plasma vitamin E to plasma cholesterol was inversely related to the presence of plaques at the carotid bifurcation; the test for a linear trend across tertiles was significant (P < 0.02). No association was found between the intake of other antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A and C and carotenoids) or their plasma concentrations and the presence of carotid plaques. CONCLUSIONS: An inverse association was found between both the intake amount and plasma concentration of vitamin E and preclinical carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged women. This association was independent of other cardiovascular risk factors, was not related to vitamin supplements, and supports the hypothesis that low vitamin E intake is a risk factor for early atherosclerosis.     

Dietary intake and the metabolic syndrome in overweight Latino children

Little is known about the relationship between diet and metabolic health in Latino children, a population at increased risk for diabetes. The present study evaluates diet composition and the metabolic syndrome in a cross-sectional sample of 109 overweight Latino children aged 10 to 17 years with a family history of type 2 diabetes. Dietary intake was assessed by two 24-hour recalls. Associations between nutrients and features of the metabolic syndrome were examined using multiple linear regression and analysis of covariance. Log cholesterol intake was positively associated with log systolic blood pressure (beta=0.034, P=0.017) and log soluble dietary fiber intake was inversely associated with log waist circumference (beta=-0.069, P=0.036). Log soluble fiber intake was significantly higher in participants with 0 features compared to those with 3+ features of the metabolic syndrome (P=0.046), which translates to 5.2 g vs 4.1 g soluble fiber daily. No other significant associations were found between dietary variables and either the individual features of the metabolic syndrome or the clustering of metabolic syndrome components. Increases in soluble fiber through the daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, and beans may improve metabolic health in Latino children.     

Milk intakes are not associated with percent body fat in children from ages 10 to 13 years

Epidemiologic studies report conflicting results for the relationship between milk intake and adiposity in children. We examined prospective and cross-sectional associations between milk intake and percent body fat among 2245 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Cross-sectional analyses were performed at age 13 y between total, full-fat, and reduced-fat milk intake assessed using 3-d dietary records and body fat from DXA. Prospective analyses were conducted between milk intakes at age 10 y and body fat at 11 and 13 y. Models were adjusted for age, sex, height, physical activity, pubertal status, maternal BMI, maternal education, and intakes of total fat, sugar-sweetened beverages, 100% fruit juice, and ready-to-eat cereals; baseline BMI was added to prospective models. Subset analyses were performed for those with plausible dietary intakes. Mean milk consumption at 10 and 13 y was (mean ± SD) 0.90 ± 0.73 and 0.85 ± 0.78 servings/d [1 serving = 8 oz of milk (244 g of plain and 250 g flavored milk)], respectively. Cross-sectional results indicated an inverse association between full-fat milk intake and body fat [β = -0.47 (95% CI = -0.76, -0.19); P = 0.001]. Milk intake at age 10 y was inversely associated with body fat at 11 y [β = -0.16 g/d (95%CI = -0.28, -0.04); P = 0.01], but not among those with plausible dietary intakes, suggesting that this association was influenced by dietary measurement errors. Milk intake was not associated with body fat at age 13 y after adjustment. Although our prospective results corroborate other findings of a null associations between milk intake and adiposity, our inconsistent findings across analyses suggest further investigation is needed to clarify the relation, and accounting for dietary reporting errors is an important consideration.     

Dietary vitamin A intakes of preschool-age children in South India.

The vitamin A intake of children aged 1-3 y (n = 683) was assessed using a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire in a vitamin A intervention study in South India. Trained field workers interviewed mothers about their children's usual consumption of common sources of vitamin A and collected information on portion sizes using standard cups. Mothers were asked to state the number of months in a year during which specific seasonal foods were available. Information about current breast-feeding was also obtained. Vitamin A intakes from nonbreast milk sources were extremely low at all ages. The median intake of total vitamin A, beta-carotene and retinol was 121, 100 and 21 retinol equivalents (RE), respectively. Maternal education and socioeconomic status (SES) were positively associated with total vitamin A and retinol intakes. Girls had significantly lower intakes than boys even after adjusting for differences in age, maternal education, SES and breast-feeding status. Breast-feeding was common, but declined to 60% by 24 mo and to 15% by 36 mo. Vitamin A intakes from nonbreast milk sources increased with age only for currently breast-fed children, who tended to be of lower SES. After taking into account the potential contribution of breast milk by using published estimates, nonbreast-fed children met only 60% of the Indian recommended dietary allowance (RDA; 250 RE/d), whereas breast-fed children met approximately 90% of the RDA during y 2 of life.     

Dietary studies of children from a biracial population: intakes of fat and fatty acids in 10- and 13-year olds

Dietary intakes of fat and fatty acids were examined in children randomly selected from a biracial community, Bogalusa, LA. Between two 10-yr-old groups examined 3 yr apart, temporal trends of 1) higher intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic acids, and 2) lower intakes of animal fat, saturated fatty acids, and palmitic acid were documented. No racial differences were found, and the only difference between sexes was for myristic acid (boys greater than girls). Longitudinal comparisons of a cohort of 148 children examined at both 10 and 13 yr showed higher intakes over time of unsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vegetable fat, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, and lower intakes of cholesterol, saturated fatty acids, animal fat, and myristic acid. The percentage of energy intake from fat, saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids was quite similar to other reports of US children and adults. Few children's intakes of cholesterol, fat, and fatty acids were compatible with current recommendations for prudent diets. Patterns of dietary fat and fatty acid intake of Bogalusa children reflect reported food market trends of increased use of vegetable fats.