Food groups and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the knowledge about the relation between intake of 12 major food groups and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Medline (Ovid), Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar for prospective studies investigating the association between whole grains, refined grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, eggs, dairy, fish, red meat, processed meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) on risk of T2D. Summary relative risks were estimated using a random effects model by contrasting categories, and for linear and non-linear dose–response relationships. Six out of the 12 food-groups showed a significant relation with risk of T2D, three of them a decrease of risk with increasing consumption (whole grains, fruits, and dairy), and three an increase of risk with increasing consumption (red meat, processed meat, and SSB) in the linear dose–response meta-analysis. There was evidence of a non-linear relationship between fruits, vegetables, processed meat, whole grains, and SSB and T2D risk. Optimal consumption of risk-decreasing foods resulted in a 42% reduction, and consumption of risk-increasing foods was associated with a threefold T2D risk, compared to non-consumption. The meta-evidence was graded “low” for legumes and nuts; “moderate” for refined grains, vegetables, fruit, eggs, dairy, and fish; and “high” for processed meat, red meat, whole grains, and SSB. Among the investigated food groups, selecting specific optimal intakes can lead to a considerable change in risk of T2D.     

Intake levels and major food sources of energy and nutrients in the Taiwanese elderly

The purpose of this article is to examine dietary intake levels and major food sources of energy and nutrients for the Taiwanese elderly in order to relate nutrient intakes to food choices and to provide suggestions for dietary improvement. The data were derived from the 24-hour recalls from 1,911 subjects (955 males and 956 females) aged 65 and above, who participated in the Elderly NAHSIT carried out from 1999 to 2000. The differences in food consumption patterns between the elderly and younger adults (aged 19 to 64) were also evaluated by comparison with data obtained from NAHSIT 1993-1996. The results revealed that cereals/roots, meat, other protein-rich foods and fats/oils contributed most to daily energy intake. The energy contributions from fats/oils, poultry, meat, other protein-rich foods, refreshments/snacks, alcoholic beverages, and miscellaneous food groups were lower in elderly diets compared with those of younger adults. Meat and cereals/roots were the major food sources of protein. The main carbohydrate-contributing food group was cereals/roots, while primary lipid sources were meat and fats/oils for the elderly. The food groups with a high contribution to vitamin intake were the following: vegetables for vitamin A; meat and cereals/roots for vitamin B1; dairy products, vegetables, cereals/roots and meat for vitamin B2; cereals/roots, seafood and meat for niacin; meat, vegetables and cereals/roots for vitamin B6; plant oils for vitamin E; and vegetables and fruit for vitamin C. The highest ranked food sources for minerals are listed as follows: dairy products, vegetables and seafood for calcium; dairy products and cereals/roots for phosphorous; vegetables and meat for iron; and vegetables, cereals/ roots, other protein-rich foods and seafood for magnesium. The elderly were found to consume more salt, dairy products and vegetables, but less poultry and meat than their younger counterparts. In summary, differences in consumption patterns between the elderly and younger adults was reflected in differences in common food sources of energy and specific nutrients. The dietary patterns of the elderly are in general "healthier" than that of younger adults except for higher salt intake among the elderly. Nonetheless, our elderly population needs to increase their intake of calcium, magnesium, vitamins E and B6, and dietary fiber, and decrease their consumption of salt. Promoting the ingestion of whole-grain and nut products may be a useful strategy to improve the nutritional status of the Taiwanese elderly, aiming at increasing the percentage of energy obtained from carbohydrates and the daily intake of vitamins E and B6, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Suitable strategies are also needed to improve the calcium status of Taiwanese elderly, particularly as a high proportion of them are either lactose intolerant or dislike dairy products.     

Associations between microalbuminuria and animal foods, plant foods, and dietary patterns in the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: The balance between the intake of animal and the intake of plant foods may influence renal vascular integrity as reflected by urinary albumin excretion. OBJECTIVE: We assessed cross-sectional associations between urinary albumin excretion and dietary patterns and intake of plant and animal foods. DESIGN: At baseline, diet (food-frequency questionnaire) and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR; spot urine collection) were measured in 5042 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who were aged 45-84 y and were without clinical cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or macroalbuminuria (sex-adjusted ACR >or= 250). We derived dietary patterns by principal components analysis. We also summed food groups to characterize plant food intake (fruit, fruit juice, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and refined grains), animal food intake (red meat, processed meat, poultry, fish, high-fat dairy, and low-fat dairy), and nondairy animal food intake. RESULTS: After adjustment for multiple demographic and lifestyle confounders, a dietary pattern characterized by high consumption of whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods was associated with 20% lower ACR across quintiles (P for trend = 0.004). Neither total animal nor total plant food intake was associated with ACR. However, greater low-fat dairy consumption was associated with 13% lower ACR across quartiles (P for trend = 0.03). Total nondairy animal food consumption was associated with 11% higher ACR across quintiles (P for trend = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: A high intake of low-fat dairy foods and a dietary pattern rich in whole grains, fruit, and low-fat dairy foods were both associated with lower ACR. In contrast, collectively, nondairy animal food intake was positively associated with ACR.     

A comparison of two methods of measuring food group intake: grams vs servings

Different measurements can be used to quantify food group intake, such as servings, cups, or grams. Dietary recommendations are given in terms of servings (recently expressed as cup and ounce measurements), but research on disease risks often uses grams as the intake measure. Because serving sizes vary among foods within a food group, the method of expressing food group intake (grams vs servings) may impact disease risk analyses. Daily consumption of eight food groups was calculated as both Food Guide Pyramid servings and grams for 206,721 participants in the Multiethnic Cohort Study who completed a quantitative food frequency questionnaire between 1993 and 1996. Mean grams per serving ranged from 25 g for red meat to 172 g for dairy products. Spearman correlation coefficients between intakes as grams per day and servings per day were 0.85 for grains, 0.97 for vegetables, 0.99 for fruit, 0.95 for dairy products, 0.98 for red meat, 0.93 for processed meat, 1.00 for poultry, and 1.00 for fish. Because there was little effect on the ranking of study participants' intakes due to the method of calculating food group consumption, the two measures are interchangeable in disease risk models.     

Foodstuffs and colorectal cancer risk: a review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To assess the relationships between food intake and colorectal cancer risk. METHODS: Systematic review of available prospective studies on dietary intake and colorectal cancer. RESULTS: Twelve out of 15 studies found no significant relationship between vegetable intake and colorectal cancer risk; also, 11 out of 14 studies found no relationship with fruit consumption. Conversely, the combined consumption of vegetables and fruit reduced colorectal cancer risk in three out of six studies, although the relationship was somewhat inconsistent between genders and anatomical localizations. Most studies found no relationship between cancer risk and red meat (15 in 20) or processed meat (seven out of 11) consumption; still, most of the reported relative risks were above unity, suggesting that high consumption of red or processed meat might increase colorectal cancer risk. The consumption of white meat, fish/seafood, dairy products, coffee or tea was mostly unrelated to colorectal cancer risk, although the consumption of smoked or salted fish actually increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: The relationships between dietary intake and colorectal cancer risk might be less important than previously reported. The combined consumption of vegetables and fruit might be protective, whereas excessive consumption of meat or smoked/salted/processed food appears to be deleterious.     

Serum homocysteine is related to food intake in adolescents: the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health

BACKGROUND: An understanding of the relation in adolescents between serum homocysteine and foods rich in vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and folate is important because high homocysteine concentrations in childhood and adolescence may be a risk factor for later cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the relation between food intake and homocysteine in adolescents. OBJECTIVE: Five years after national folic acid fortification of enriched grain products, cross-sectional relations between food intake and serum homocysteine concentrations were examined in 2695 adolescents [x age: 18.3 (range: 15-20) y] enrolled in the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health. DESIGN: A nonfasting blood specimen was analyzed for serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamins B-6 and B-12. Dietary intake was assessed by using a food-frequency questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the relation of intakes of whole grains, refined grains, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, red and processed meats, and poultry with serum homocysteine concentrations after adjustment for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and food intake. RESULTS: Serum homocysteine concentrations were lower with greater intakes of whole grains (P for trend = 0.002), refined grains (P for trend = 0.02), and dairy foods (P for trend <0.001); were higher with greater intake of poultry (P for trend = 0.004); and were not related to intakes of fruit, vegetables, or red or processed meat. After additional adjustment for serum B vitamins, the relations of serum homocysteine with most food groups were attenuated. CONCLUSION: These observational findings suggest a beneficial effect of whole-grain, refined-grain, and dairy products on serum homocysteine concentrations in an adolescent population.     

深圳市常见食品中晚期糖基化终末产物含量分析

目的 检测分析深圳市常见食品中晚期糖基化终末产物(advanced glycation end products, AGEs)代表物羧甲基赖氨酸(carboxymethyllysine, CML)的含量,提出合理的人群膳食建议。方法 根据深圳市膳食调查结果,选择市民摄入量较大的11类食品,包括谷类及其制品、肉类及其制品、水产品、豆类和坚果制品、蛋及蛋制品、乳及乳制品、薯类及其制品、糖果蜜饯、调味品、饮料、水果蔬菜,均来自大型超市和大型餐饮店。采用竞争法酶联吸附试验(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA)对采样食品中的CML含量进行检测。结果 检测结果显示,不同种类的食品CML含量差异较大,调味品CML含量最高可达(628.60±194.61)mg/kg,含量最低则为液态奶(3.39±0.98)mg/kg,由高到低为调味品、肉类、糖果蜜饯、乳类、谷类、豆类与坚果、水产品、蛋制品、薯类、饮料、水果蔬菜,其中调味品、水果蔬菜与其他各组间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。不同烹饪方式的食物CML含量由大到小排序为焙烤(44.45±11.82 mg/kg)、油炸(36.78±7.24 mg/kg)、煎炒(29.83±8.39 mg/kg)、蒸煮(16.64±5.33 mg/kg),其中焙烤与油炸、油炸与煎炒间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),煎炒与蒸煮间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 深圳市常见食品的CML含量高,从通过减少外源性AGEs摄入来维护健康的角度讲,建议人群食用少油少盐及未经长时间发酵腌制的食品,制作食物时尽量采用煎炒、蒸煮等方式,减少油炸、焙烤食品的摄入。     

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.     

成都市儿童青少年富含蛋白质食物摄入与青春期发育关系

目的探讨成都市儿童青少年富含蛋白质食物摄入与青春期发育的关系。方法采用整群抽样法选取成都市1669名7~15岁儿童青少年作为研究对象,采用食物频率问卷收集富含蛋白质食物的摄入情况,利用现场观测了解其青春期发育状况,通过秩和检验进行组间比较分析二者关系。结果成都市男生红肉及白肉摄入量均随睾丸体积增大而增加(P<0.05);已初遗男生红肉、白肉及奶类摄入量均高于未初遗者(P<0.05);红肉及白肉摄入量均随发育程度的升高而增加(P<0.05),发育早期组男生奶类摄入量较多(P<0.05)。女生豆类摄入量随乳房发育水平升高先减少后增加(P<0.05),奶类摄入量乳房未发育者明显高于乳房已发育者(P<0.05);已初潮女生红肉摄入量高于未初潮者(P<0.05),豆类、水产类、蛋类及奶类摄入量均低于未初潮者(P<0.05);红肉摄入量随发育程度升高而增加(P<0.05),豆类、水产类、蛋类及奶类摄入量随发育程度升高而减少(P<0.05)。结论成都市儿童青少年富含蛋白质食物摄入与青春期发育有关,且不同类别食物对青春期发育的影响存在性别差异。     

Changes in diet during adult life and risk of colorectal adenomas

To evaluate the associations of changes in diet during adult life with adenoma risk, data from a case-control study of 146 colorectal adenomas and 226 controls were analyzed. Dietary habits during the year before sigmoidoscopy and when subjects were 30 yr old were collected using a food-frequency questionnaire. Change in frequency of consumption during adulthood was calculated by subtracting frequency of consumption of specific foods or food groups at age 30 yr from frequency of consumption during the previous year (recent consumption). Associations with changes in frequency of consumption were estimated by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). There was no association for foods or food groups consumed at age 30 yr. For recent consumption, more frequent consumption of red meat, breakfast sausage, and pork chops/ham steaks and less frequent consumption of fish, chicken/turkey, and vegetables were related to a higher risk. Compared with individuals with the highest reduction in consumption since age 30 yr, risks were higher for those with smallest reduction in red meat intake (OR = 2.8; CI = 1.1-7.3), particularly for hamburgers/cheeseburgers (OR = 2.8; CI = 1.2-6.8) and pork chops/ham steaks (OR = 3.7; CI = 1.6-8.7). In contrast, individuals in the highest quartile of increased consumption of fish (OR = 0.6; CI = 0.3-1.1) and vegetables (OR = 0.5; CI = 0.3-1.1) had a lower risk compared with those with minimal increase in consumption. In conclusion, irrespective of frequency of consumption at age 30 yr, a greater reduction in consumption of red meat and a larger increase in consumption of vegetables since age 30 yr were associated with a decreased risk of colorectal adenomas later in life.     

Dietary Predictors of 5-Year Changes in Waist Circumference

Background

Previous studies on the association between macronutrient intake and the development of abdominal obesity, which carries an increased health risk, have not shown a consistent pattern, possibly due to mixed effects of other aspects of the food intake.

Objective

This study investigated the association between intake from 21 food and beverage groups and the subsequent 5-year difference in waist circumference.

Methods

The study population consisted of 22,570 women and 20,126 men, aged 50 to 64 years at baseline, with complete data on baseline and follow-up waist circumference, baseline diet (192 items food frequency questionnaire), body mass index, and selected potential confounders (eg, smoking status, sport activities, and intake of alcoholic beverages). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed.

Results

For women, 5-year difference in waist circumference was inversely related to intake from red meat, vegetables, fruit, butter, and high-fat dairy products, whereas intake from potatoes, processed meat, poultry, and snack foods was positively associated. For men, red meat and fruit intakes were inversely associated with 5-year difference in waist circumference, whereas snack foods intake was positively associated. Sex differences occurred for vegetables, high-fat dairy products, and processed meat.

Conclusions

The results suggest that a diet low in fruits and red meat and high in snack foods was associated with larger waist circumference gains in both sexes. Furthermore, in women a diet low in vegetables, butter, and high-fat dairy products, and high in poultry, potatoes, and processed meat were likely determinants of subsequent gain at the waist.     

Phosphorus supply per capita from food in Japan between 1960 and 1995

The awareness of phosphorus intake is important because hyperphosphatemia and hypophosphatemia both impair bone metabolism. Phosphorus consumption from food was obtained from values in the Food Balance Sheet (PBS) of Japan from 1960 to 1995. The amounts of phosphorus calculated from the FBS increased gradually from 1,243 mg/d in 1960 to 1,332 mg/d in 1975 and to 1,421 mg/d in 1995. This is explained by the increased consumption of cow's milk and milk products, meat, and chicken eggs. The main foods supplying phosphorus in 1995 were cereals, milk and milk products, fishes and shellfishes, and vegetables; their contributions were 24.4, 15.8, 14.2, and 10.9%, respectively. The phosphorus-to-calcium ratio calculated from the FBS was 3.51 in 1960, which decreased to 2.89 in 1975 and 2.44 in 1995. Therefore total phosphorus consumption in 1995 was presumably more than 1,500 mg/d when imported food containing phosphorus and the consumption of phosphorus-containing food additives in Japan are also considered. These findings suggest that the phosphorus consumption estimated from the FBS is increasing and that more attention should be paid to the maintenance of healthy bones in Japan, where the average amount of calcium intake is less than 600 mg/d.     

A preliminary study of hyperlipidemia in Bangkok school children

As a preliminary study, we determined the serum lipid profiles among primary school children from four Bangkok schools and identified the risk factors and their association with child lipid profiles. We conducted a cross-sectional study using fasting blood samples and food frequency questionnaires. Overall, there were 40% that had hypercholesterolemia with total cholesterol (TC) at > or = 200 mg/dl and high low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) at > or = 130 mg/dl. Overall, 5.4% had high triglyceride (TG) levels at > or = 150 mg/dl. There was no association between lipid profiles and age, gender or nutritional status, except that higher TG levels were found among obese children than others (p < 0.001). The most popular high fat foods were fried chicken, sausages and cakes, in order of preference. Results from this study indicate that Bangkok public primary school children are facing a problem with hyperlipidemia. Build up discipline in healthy eating habits, healthy food choices and physical exercise should pave the way to healthy Thai kids and growing adults with better quality of life.     

The associations between blood lipids and the Food Guide Pyramid: findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND: Dietary recommendations are based on nutrients, foods, and food groups, but the relationship between the Food Guide Pyramid (FGP) food groups and serum lipids has not been studied. METHODS: NHANES III data were obtained for US adults who met the following criteria: aged 20-59 years, reliable participant, and typical 24-h recall. We examined whether serum lipids (serum total cholesterol (STC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triacylglycerol) were related to FGP food group intake (dairy, fruit, grain, meat, and vegetable). RESULTS: A sample of 9111 participants qualified for this analysis. Fruit intakes were inversely related to STC, HDL-C, and LDL-C (P = 0.012, P = 0.001, and P = 0.014, respectively) and directly related to triacylglycerol levels (P = 0.003). Grain intake was inversely associated with both STC and HDL-C (P = 0.020 and P = 0.000). Dairy and meat intakes were directly related to LDL-C (P = 0.026 and P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Food groups are related to serum lipids. Universal definitions for food groups are needed in research and nutrition education. Studying the relationships between food groups and serum lipids is important for future dietary recommendations related to serum lipids.     

Dietary fat intake and lipid profiles of Iranian adolescents: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program--Heart Health Promotion from Childhood

OBJECTIVES: To assess the serum lipid profiles of Iranian adolescents and their correlation with dietary fat intake and to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of students, parents, and school staff. METHODS: The subjects of this cross-sectional study were 2000 students (1000 girls and 1000 boys), ages 11-18 years, selected by multistage random sampling, and one of their parents (2000 subjects), as well as 500 school staff in urban and rural areas of two provinces in Iran (one for further interventions and the other for reference). The data were obtained by questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, 3-day food record form, and a 20-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). All serum lipids were determined in the same laboratory. RESULTS: Although the percentage of fat intake (21.2 +/- 0.4%) among the adolescents was within the recommended daily allowance (RDA < or = 30%), in most cases, the percentiles of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) were significantly higher and the percentiles of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were lower than standard values according to Lipid Research Clinics (LRC) data; for example, the mean TC values for girls in the 11- to 14- and 15- to 18-year age groups were significantly higher than LRC standard values (169 and 172 vs. 160 and 159 mg/dl, respectively, P < 0.05). This difference was also significant in boys (167 and 168 vs. 160 and 153 mg/dl, respectively) at the P < 0.05 level. A significant linear association was shown between adolescents' dyslipidemia and the frequency of intake of hydrogenated fat, fast foods, cheese puffs, and potato chips (P < 0.05). Although the protein intake was lower than the RDA (13.4 +/- 0.9% vs. 15%, P < 0.05), because of the highly prevalent consumption of fatty lamb meat, the frequency of red meat intake had a direct association with dyslipidemia (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The improper intake of high amounts of saturated fat and the observed serum lipid profile of Iranian adolescents are likely placing them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and necessitate developing guidelines and community-based interventions.     

Meat and dairy food consumption and breast cancer: a pooled analysis of cohort studies

BACKGROUND: More than 20 studies have investigated the relation between meat and dairy food consumption and breast cancer risk with conflicting results. Our objective was to evaluate the risk of breast cancer associated with meat and dairy food consumption and to assess whether non-dietary risk factors modify the relation. METHODS: We combined the primary data from eight prospective cohort studies from North America and Western Europe with at least 200 incident breast cancer cases, assessment of usual food and nutrient intakes, and a validation study of the dietary assessment instrument. The pooled database included 351,041 women, 7379 of whom were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during up to 15 years of follow-up. RESULTS: We found no significant association between intakes of total meat, red meat, white meat, total dairy fluids, or total dairy solids and breast cancer risk. Categorical analyses suggested a J-shaped association for egg consumption where, compared to women who did not eat eggs, breast cancer risk was slightly decreased among women who consumed < 2 eggs per week but slightly increased among women who consumed > or = 1 egg per day. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant associations between intake of meat or dairy products and risk of breast cancer. An inconsistent relation between egg consumption and risk of breast cancer merits further investigation.     

A Novel Dietary Assessment Method to Measure a Healthy and Sustainable Diet Using the Mobile Food Record: Protocol and Methodology

The world-wide rise in obesity parallels growing concerns of global warming and depleting natural resources. These issues are often considered separately but there may be considerable benefit to raising awareness of the impact of dietary behaviours and practices on the food supply. Australians have diets inconsistent with recommendations, typically low in fruit and vegetables and high in energy-dense nutrient-poor foods and beverages (EDNP). These EDNP foods are often highly processed and packaged, negatively influencing both health and the environment. This paper describes a proposed dietary assessment method to measure healthy and sustainable dietary behaviours using 4-days of food and beverage images from the mobile food record (mFR) application. The mFR images will be assessed for serves of fruit and vegetables (including seasonality), dairy, eggs and red meat, poultry and fish, ultra-processed EDNP foods, individually packaged foods, and plate waste. A prediction model for a Healthy and Sustainable Diet Index will be developed and tested for validity and reliability. The use of the mFR to assess adherence to a healthy and sustainable diet is a novel and innovative approach to dietary assessment and will have application in population monitoring, guiding intervention development, educating consumers, health professionals and policy makers, and influencing dietary recommendations.     

Amino acid profile of foods from the Portuguese Total Diet Pilot Study

The amino acid content of foods commonly consumed by specific populations is rarely measured systematically, especially if we take into account the different ways that foods are usually processed or cooked. The objective of this study is to evaluate the amino acid profile of the representative foods on the Portuguese diet, with a particular focus on indispensable amino acids. We also aim to assess the amino acid intake of the population and the most common sources of amino acids within the Portuguese diet. To achieve these goals, the amino acid intake of Portuguese adults was assessed combining data of food consumption with the food analysis data from samples collected according to the Total Diet Study methodologies. Results of the amino acid profiles of food groups typically consumed in Portugal are reported in this paper. We found that red meat consumption is the most common source of amino acids of the Portuguese population, followed by white meat and fish. The main contribution of individual portions to the recommended intakes of essential amino acids were: cheese, 88%88 %; red meat, 83 %; fatty fish, 81 % and seitan with 74 %. This data could be used to show alternative amino acid sources within commonly consumed foods.     

Cancers in Australia in 2010 attributable to the consumption of red and processed meat

Objectives: To estimate the proportion and numbers of cancers in Australia in 2010 attributable to consuming red/processed meat. Methods: We estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) for cancers causally associated with red/processed meat consumption (colon, rectum) using standard formulae incorporating prevalence of consumption (1995 National Nutrition Survey), relative risks associated with consumption and cancer incidence. We also estimated the proportion change in cancer incidence (potential impact fraction [PIF]) that might have occurred under two hypothetical interventions whereby Australian adults reduced their consumption of red/processed meat from prevailing levels to ≤100 g or ≤65 g per day, respectively. Results: An estimated 2,614 cases (18%) of colorectal cancer occurring in Australians in 2010 were attributable to red/processed meat consumption (16% of colon cancers; 23% of rectal cancers). We estimated that if all Australian adults had consumed ≤65 g/day or ≤100 g/day of red/processed meat, then the incidence of colorectal cancer would have been 5.4% (798 cancers) or 1.4% (204 cancers) lower, respectively. Conclusions: About one in six colorectal cancers in Australians in 2010 were attributable to red/processed meat consumption. Implications: Reducing red/processed meat intake may reduce colorectal cancer incidence, but must be balanced against nutritional benefits of modest lean meat consumption.     

Frequency of consumption of foods and beverages by Inuvialuit adults in Northwest Territories, Arctic Canada

Limited data exist regarding nutrient intakes and overall dietary quality in Canadian Arctic populations. This cross-sectional study determined the frequency of consumption of traditional meats (e.g. caribou, polar bear, seal, char and whale) and non-traditional store-bought foods including non-traditional meats (e.g. beef, pork and chicken), grains, dairy, fruits, vegetables and non-nutrient dense foods (NNDFs) (e.g. butter, chocolate, chips, candy and pop) by Inuvialuit adults (175 women, mean age 44?±?14 years; 55 men, mean age 41?±?13 years) in three remote communities in the Northwest Territories. Using a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire, frequency of consumption over a 30-day period was determined for 141 commonly reported foods. Mean consumption of traditional meats (1.6 times/day), fruits (1 time/day) and vegetables (0.6 times/day) was less frequent than that of NNDFs (5.0 times/day). Nutritional intervention strategies are needed to promote more frequent consumption of nutrient-rich foods and less frequent consumption of NNDFs in these Arctic communities.