The nutrient and food intakes of 16–17 year old female dieters in the UK

A group of female teenage dieters was isolated from a larger national dietary survey of teenagers at 16–17 years of age. The dieting group included girls who both claimed to be dieting and who had energy intakes which were considered appropriate for weight loss, based on calculated reported energy intake to estimated basal metabolic rate cut-off points. The nutrient intakes and food choices of dieters (n= 204) were compared with a similar sample of non-dieters (n= 226) from the same cohort group. The mean reported energy intake of the dieters was 1604 kcals/day compared to 2460 kcals/day amongst non-dieters. The intakes of all the macronutrients in g/day were considerably lower amongst dieters, allowing for differences in region and social class, but when expressed as a percentage of energy intake, dieters had significantly lower intakes of fat and higher intakes of protein and intrinsic sugars, milk sugars and starch. No differences were seen in the percentage of energy provided by non-milk extrinsic sugars between the two groups. The intake of all micronutrients was substantially lower amongst dieters, allowing for regional and social class differences, and more than twice as many dieters as non-dieters failed to achieve the reference nutrient intake (RNI) for retinol equivalents, thiamin, riboflavin, folates, vitamin B12, vitamin B₆, zinc, copper and selenium. Reported food intake data for the two groups suggest that dieters consumed smaller quantities of most foods, although intakes of items associated with dieting such as low calorie soft drinks, low fat spread, skimmed milk, cottage cheese, yoghurt, salad vegetables, fruit and fruit juice were consumed in equal or greater amounts by dieters. Teenage dieters should be encouraged to include more nutrient-dense foods in their diets such as fortified breakfast cereals and low fat dairy products in order to obtain sufficient micronutrients from a lower calorie intake.     

Food and nutrient intakes in Swedish diabetic children

Food and energy intakes in diabetic children, 7-9 and 12-14 years of age, were studied by the 7-d record method. The mean duration of diabetes in the younger group was 3.0 years and in the older group 4.2. The children had 3 main meals and 3.4 light meals daily. The median daily number of sandwiches was 7, often offered as snacks. All children used a low-fat margarine, low-fat cheese and low-fat milk. Sweets and diabetic food were seldom used. Of the energy intake protein contributed 18 per cent, fat 32 per cent and carbohydrates 50 per cent, including sucrose 2 per cent. Mean daily intake of fibre was 20 g. Compared to healthy children of the same age and from the same areas of Sweden the diabetics had a more regular meal pattern, their energy intakes did not differ, but the diet of diabetics was lower in fat and sucrose and higher in protein. The mean height, weight and BMI did not differ from healthy children.     

Major influences on median energy and nutrient intakes among teenagers: a Tasmanian survey

This report explores the characteristics that influenced median intakes of energy and ten nutrients in a representative sample of 1055 adolescents (11-16 years) in Tasmania, Australia. Among girls, the characteristic with greatest influence on intakes was different for different nutrients. Thus, median intakes of fat, iron, thiamin and niacin-equivalent were lower in heavier, fatter girls. Girls from larger families consumed more riboflavin, while girls with poorly educated mothers consumed less vitamin A. Girls who regularly took vitamin supplements had higher median intakes of (food-derived) calcium. Among boys the increase of intakes of energy and nutrients with age overshadowed the influence of other characteristics. Among younger boys the characteristic with greatest influence varied. Those with highly educated fathers had lower median intakes of energy and carbohydrate; those who exercised vigorously consumed more fat; those who smoked 'heavily' (greater than 10 cigarettes in the previous week) consumed more thiamin and niacin-equivalent. Among older boys the characteristic with greatest influence varied. Those who drank 'heavily' (greater than five glasses in the previous week) had higher intakes of energy and fat. Those from professional-managerial households consumed more thiamin. For vitamin C, there was no sex difference in intakes. Social status had the greatest influence, with children from professional-managerial households eating more. Food choices underlying these differences in energy and nutrient intakes were explored.     

Food and nutrient intakes and asthma risk in young adults

BACKGROUND: Some aspects of diet are relatively newly recognized potential risk factors for asthma, but the evidence to date is conflicting. OBJECTIVE: The goal was to determine whether the food and nutrient intakes of adults with asthma differ from those of adults without asthma. DESIGN: This was a community-based, cross-sectional study of 1601 young adults ( +/- SD age: 34.6 +/- 7.1 y) who were initially recruited by random selection from the federal electoral rolls in Melbourne in 1999. Subjects completed a detailed respiratory questionnaire, a validated semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire, skin-prick testing, and lung function tests, including a methacholine challenge test for bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR). A total of 25 nutrients and 47 food groups were analyzed by using multiple logistic regression with alternate definitions of asthma and atopy as the outcomes. RESULTS: Whole milk appeared to protect against current asthma (odds ratio: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.97), doctor-diagnosed asthma (0.73; 0.54, 0.99), BHR (0.68; 0.48, 0.92), and atopy (0.71; 0.54, 0.94). Conversely, soy beverage was associated with an increased risk of current asthma (2.05; 1.19, 3.53), doctor-diagnosed asthma (1.69; 1.04, 2.77), and BHR (1.65; 1.00, 2.71). Apples and pears appeared to protect against current asthma (0.83; 0.71, 0.98), asthma (0.88; 0.78, 1.00), and BHR (0.88; 0.77, 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of dairy products, soy beverages, and apples and pears, but not of nutrients per se, was associated with a range of asthma definitions. Dietary modification after diagnosis is one possible explanation for this finding. Intervention studies using whole foods are required to ascertain whether such modifications of food intake could be beneficial in the prevention or amelioration of asthma.     

Food and nutrient intakes and K-ras mutations in exocrine pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND: No studies have investigated the relation between K-ras mutations and dietary factors in exocrine pancreatic cancer (EPC), and fewer than 10 studies have done so in other neoplasms. Patients and METHODS: Incident cases of EPC were prospectively identified, and interviewed face-to-face during hospital admission. Food and nutrient intakes were measured with a food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to compare EPC cases (n = 107) with and without K-ras mutations (case-case study). RESULTS: K-ras mutations were more common among daily consumers of milk and other dairy products than among non-daily consumers: the odds ratio adjusted by total energy, age, sex, smoking, alcohol and coffee consumption (ORa) was 5.1 (95% CI 1.1 to 24.5, p = 0.040). For all dairy products, including butter, the ORa for the medium and upper tertiles of intake were 5.4 and 11.6, respectively (p for trend = 0.023). The ORa for regular coffee drinkers further adjusted by dairy consumption was 4.7 (95% CI 1.1 to 20.7, p = 0.043). K-ras mutated cases reported a lower intake of vitamin E (ORa = 0.2, p for trend = 0.036), polyunsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids (ORa = 0.2; p for trend <0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Results support the hypothesis that in EPC exposure to specific dietary components or contaminants may influence the occurrence or persistence of K-ras mutations.     

Effect of a nutrition education program on the diet of homemakers of low-income families. Food group and nutrient intakes

The dietary intake of 600 low-income women in 29 countries in Georgia was measured every two months from June to December 1980, using 24 hour dietary recalls for data collection. Three counties constituted a control group, while the remainder were involved in one of two educational versions of an established nutrition education program. During this six month period, the cost of living increased by 7%. In response to the increase in food costs, the control group showed a decrease in their intake of meat and a resultant decreased intake of protein and iron. Over this six months, their average intake of iron and vitamin C was 39% and 66% of the RDA, respectively. The two groups receiving nutrition education had initial food and nutrient intakes quite similar to those seen in the control group, but maintained their meat intake and significantly increased their intake of certain other foods and key nutrients.     

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

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

Food habits and nutrient intakes of Filipino women in Los Angeles.

Food habits, dietary changes, and nutrient intakes of forty-seven college-educated, empolyed Filpino women who have moveed from the Philippines to Los Angeles were studied. One-third started drinking mikk in the United STAtes. They said that they were eating more meat, vegetables, frit and less starchy food since they left the Philippines. Eighy per cent continued to eat ricedaily, and seafood was eaten frequently. Daily intakes of protein, niacin, and thiaminment 100 per cent of the 1974 u.s. Recommended Dietary Allowances for almost all subjects, but intakes of calcium and vitamin A were less than two-thrids of the allowances fo 61 and 22 per cent, respectively. The daily caloric intake was higher, with twice as amny calories coming from protein and three times as many from fat as was reported for diets in Philippines.     

Food and nutrient intakes of pregnant and lactating women in the United States

Food and nutrient intakes of pregnant and lactating women in the U.S. were estimated using 24-hour dietary recall data from USDA's 1985 and 1986 Continuing Surveys of Food Intakes by Individuals. Comparisons were made with intakes of nonpregnant and nonlactating (other) women and with dietary recommendations. Pregnant and lactating women were more likely to use milk products and to consume larger amounts of these products than were other women; however, reported intakes were still below recommended levels. The results also suggest that many pregnant and lactating women consume less than the recommended amounts of vegetables, fruits, and meat, poultry, fish, and meat alternates. Absolute intakes of most nutrients were higher among pregnant and lactating women than among other women. However, except for some nutrients provided by milk products and fruit, nutrient intakes per 1000 kcal were similar between pregnant and lactating women and other women. Pregnant women consumed 66% of their RDA for folate and only 43% of their RDA for iron. Lactating women consumed 63% of their RDA for zinc.     

Association between food and nutrient intakes and cognitive capacity in a group of institutionalized elderly people

Background  

Some authors have indicated that the cognitive decline may be due to an inadequate nutritional status.     

A preliminary assessment of vitamin K1 intakes and serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin levels in 11-13 year old Irish girls

Low vitamin K1 intakes have been associated with low bone mineral density in women and reduced bone turnover in girls. No European data exist on the relationship between vitamin K1 and serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), an indicator of K1 status in adolescents. The aim of the current study was to assess intakes of vitamin K1 in relation to serum ucOC status in Irish girls. A detailed dietary history method, which measured habitual intakes from a typical 14-day period, was used to estimate vitamin K1 intakes in 18 girls aged 11-13 years. Recently compiled and validated food composition data for vitamin K1 were used to determine vitamin K1 intakes. An enzyme immunoassay was used to measure ucOC in fasting serum samples. The mean (+/- SD) intake of vitamin K1 in the girls was 72.4 microg/day (SD 34.4). Vegetables (particularly broccoli, composite dishes, and lettuce) contributed 53% of total vitamin K1 intakes. Thirty-Seven percent of the girls failed to meet the current U.S. adequate intake for adolescents of 60 microg/day vitamin K1. Serum ucOC levels were inversely related to body weight-adjusted vitamin K1 intakes, controlling for energy intake (partial correlation r = -0.538; p = 0.026). The data indicate that large-scale studies to examine relationships between vitamin K1 (and green vegetable) intakes and bone growth and development in adolescents are warranted.     

Unintentional injuries among 16 to 20 year old students in Switzerland

In our society, accidents constitute a major public health problem, especially among youth. The objective of this paper was to describe the incidence of nonfatal injuries that required medical care among 16 to 20 year-old in Switzerland, its distribution by type of injury and whether there were differences by gender or by academic track and whether these injuries had sequels (hospitalisation, physical and psychological sequels). Overall, 28.3% of the sample reported at least one accident needing medical care in the previous 12 months, with males having more accidents than females and apprentices more than students. By type of accident, sports were the most frequently reported, followed by traffic, leisure time and work accidents. Half of males and one-third of females reported more than one accident, and 16% and 8% of them, respectively, reported four or more. Both physical and psychological sequels were more frequent among females, while hospitalisation was more frequent among males. Accident prevalence rates remain high among adolescents. Safety counselling and environmental measures need to be implemented.     

Food and nutrient intakes by pregnant Nigerian adolescents during the third trimester

We assessed the food and nutrient intakes of pregnant adolescent Nigerians during the third trimester of pregnancy. The study was hospital based and the subjects consisted of 101 adolescents (47 urban and 54 rural) and 20 controls (primigravidae, 20 to 25 y old) who attended antenatal clinics. The 3-d weighed-intake technique was used to obtain information on food intake. For all cohorts, the results showed that the bulk of the foods derived from three main food groups, namely roots or tubers, cereals, and legumes. Older adolescents (17.5 to 19 y) in urban areas had the highest energy intake (5.9 MJ/d), and the younger urban adolescents (15 to 17 y) had the lowest (5.2 MJ/d) energy intake. Mean protein intake levels for urban adolescents (37.7 g/d) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) from mean intake levels (35.3 g/d) for rural subjects. Dietary iron intake was similar in all cohorts including controls, and only 32.3% to 39.3% of the recommended daily allowance for iron was met by the subjects. Approximately 30% of subjects individually achieved 100% of the recommended levels of zinc. Mean intakes as percentages of the recommended daily allowance by adolescent subjects were 50.7% for calcium, 29.2% for copper, and 28.5% for folate. There is urgent need to monitor the nutrition status of pregnant women in the area.     

Food habits and nutrient intakes of Nigerian University students in traditional halls of residence

Dietary intake analysis, over 7 days, of 120 randomly selected Nigerian University students aged 17-26 years, disclosed deviations from internationally accepted standards. The students were in residence at the University, where all meals were provided. Food preferences and habits were determined by questionnaire, and nutrient intake was calculated from weighed meals eaten over a 7-day period. Food intake of 95% of the students did not differ from that at home; 73% missed breakfast. The energy intake of the men (14.79 +/- 1.49 MJ/day) was significantly (p less than 0.01) higher than that of women (13.82 +/- 0.68 MJ/day); the differences increased in the older students. The energy ingested exceeded that recommended by the FAO/WHO. Protein intakes was 95.6 +/- 20.69 g/day and 102.2 +/- 10.9 g/day for women and men, respectively, also substantially above the FAO/WHO recommendations. Thiamin and vitamin A intakes were above and riboflavin intake of men and of the 20-26-year-old women was below requirements. The intakes of iron were above, and of calcium were below the FAO recommendation of 0.5 g/day.     

Food and nutrient intakes of primary school children: a comparison of school meals and packed lunches

Background New school meal standards are currently being phased in by the government in an attempt to improve the nutritional composition of school food. However, no standards are applied to packed lunches. The present study aimed to compare the food and nutrient intakes of primary school children eating a school meal with those taking a packed lunch. Methods A sample of 120 children, aged 6–11 years, was observed once at a lunch time and all items consumed were recorded. Nutrient analysis was performed, and differences in nutrient intake between those children consuming packed lunches and school meals were determined. Results Mean energy and protein intakes were similar. The amount of energy provided by starchy carbohydrate was also similar but, compared with school meals, packed lunches provided twice as much energy from sugar (P < 0.001). School meals on average provided more energy from fat (P < 0.001), but intakes of saturated fat were lower in the school meals group (P = 0.021). Packed lunches provided more sodium (P < 0.001), calcium (P < 0.001) and iron (P = 0.016) than the school meals. Very few packed lunches contained vegetables, and fruit intake was particularly low for those having a school meal. Conclusions Children taking a packed lunch to school were consuming approximately double the amount of sugar and 50% more sodium and saturated fat in their midday meal compared with those having a school lunch. However packed lunches were providing children with more calcium, iron and fruit.     

Food composition and empirical weight methods in predicting nutrient intakes from food frequency questionnaire

PURPOSE: Although the empirical weight (regression-based) method has theoretical advantages over the traditional food composition method in predicting nutrient levels from food frequency questionnaires (FFQs), the empirical assessments have been limited. METHODS: We compared the validity of the two approaches for a 44-item questionnaire used in a population-based prospective study in Japan. Based on four 7-day diet records and questionnaire responses collected from a subsample of the prospective study (94 men and 107 women), we developed a food composition table and stepwise regression models to predict intakes of energy and 14 nutrients from the questionnaire. RESULTS: When we applied the two methods to an independent population (207 men and 166 women) providing a 3-day diet record and responding to a 36-item dietary questionnaire, energy-adjusted and deattenuated correlation coefficients between the questionnaire and the diet records were not higher for the empirical weight method than for the food composition method; the median (range) was 0.22 (0.07-0.57) for men and 0.23 (-0.09-0.62) for women in the former method, and 0.26 (-0.04-0.58) for men and 0.38 (0.18-0.67) for women in the latter method. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find the improved validity of FFQ by empirical weight method in predicting nutrient intakes.     

Food habits and nutrient intakes of Nigerian University students in traditional halls of residence.

Dietary intake analysis, over 7 days, of 120 randomly selected Nigerian University students aged 17-26 years, disclosed deviations from internationally accepted standards. The students were in residence at the University, where all meals were provided. Food preferences and habits were determined by questionnaire, and nutrient intake was calculated from weighed meals eaten over a 7-day period. Food intake of 95% of the students did not differ from that at home; 73% missed breakfast. The energy intake of the men (14.79 +/? 1.49 MJ/day) was significantly (p less than 0.01) higher than that of women (13.82 +/? 0.68 MJ/day); the differences increased in the older students. The energy ingested exceeded that recommended by the FAO/WHO. Protein intakes was 95.6 +/? 20.69 g/day and 102.2 +/? 10.9 g/day for women and men, respectively, also substantially above the FAO/WHO recommendations. Thiamin and vitamin A intakes were above and riboflavin intake of men and of the 20-26-year-old women was below requirements. The intakes of iron were above, and of calcium were below the FAO recommendation of 0.5 g/day.     

Dietary energy and nutrient intakes and growth of healthy Australian infants in the first year of life

A prospective study of growth and nutrition in Australian infants has shown a high rate of breast-feeding, which was continued past 6 months in almost two-thirds. This trend back to breast-feeding was most pronounced in the highest social class. Protein intakes dominantly artificially fed infants. Intakes of sodium were less than recent reported figures. Body weight increases in this group when artificial feeding prevailed.