Association of Dietary Fish and n-3 Unsaturated Fatty Acid Consumption with Diabetic Nephropathy from a District Hospital in Northern Taiwan

Nephropathy caused by diabetes mellitus (DM) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). To understand the association of dietary intake with renal function indicators among patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN), this cross-sectional study was conducted at the dietetic consultation clinic of the Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital in Taiwan. In total, 317 participants were recruited for this study. Patients with diabetes who had a urinary albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) of ≥30 mg/g were defined as having DN. The anthropometric characteristics, blood biochemistry, and renal function of the participants were assessed. Furthermore, a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) was administered to investigate the dietary intake of the participants in the DM and DN groups. The result showed that participants in the DN group were older, had longer diabetes duration and poorer glycemic control and renal function than those in the DM group. Logistic regression models revealed that intake of high-fat marine fishes had the lowest odds ratio (OR) for DN risk compared with other fishes (OR: 0.868; 95% CI: 0.781–0.965, p = 0.009). Shellfish, soybean products, and skim milk also provided better protective effects to decrease the risk of DN. A further analysis of polyunsaturated fatty acids revealed that Σn-3 PUFAs significantly reduced DN risk, while Σn-6 PUFAs did not, especially EPA (OR: 0.821; 95% CI: 0.688–0.979, p = 0.029) and DHA (OR: 0.903; 95% CI: 0.823–0.992, p = 0.033) regardless of whether the variables were adjusted, including diabetes duration, age, and HbA1c. Our findings suggest that a diet that incorporates high-fat fish, shellfish, soybean products, and a lower Σn-6/Σn-3 ratio can mitigate DN risk.     

How Does the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program Work? A Theory of Change

Increased fruit and vegetable (FV) intake is associated with decreased risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases. Sociodemographic disparities in FV intake indicate the need for strategies that promote equitable access to FVs. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) supports state and local programs that offer nutrition incentives (NIs) that subsidize purchase of FVs for people participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While a growing body of research indicates NIs are effective, the pathways through which GusNIP achieves its results have not been adequately described. We used an equity-focused, participatory process to develop a retrospective Theory of Change (TOC) to address this gap. We reviewed key program documents; conducted a targeted NI literature review; and engaged GusNIP partners, practitioners, and participants through interviews, workshops, and focus groups in TOC development. The resulting TOC describes how GusNIP achieves its long-term outcomes of increased participant FV purchases and intake and food security and community economic benefits. GusNIP provides NIs and promotes their use, helps local food retailers develop the capacity to sell FVs and accept NIs in accessible and welcoming venues, and supports local farmers to supply FVs to food retailers. The TOC is a framework for understanding how GusNIP works and a tool for improving and expanding the program.     

Dietary-Lifestyle Patterns Associated with Bone Turnover Markers,and Bone Mineral Density in Adult Male Distance Amateur Runners—A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Excessive mileage can be detrimental to bone mineral density among long-distance runners. The negative effects of mileage could be alleviated by appropriate nutrition. The purpose of this study was to analyse the dietary-lifestyle patterns in relation to bone mineral density and bone turnover markers among amateur marathoners. Methods: A total of 53 amateur male distance runners were divided into two clusters by k-means cluster analysis. Bone mineral density was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Blood was drawn to analyse bone resorption marker C-terminal telopeptide (cTX) and bone formation marker amino-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP). Food frequency intake and lifestyle information were measured by multicomponent questionnaire KomPAN^®. Yearly average mileage per month was taken from each participant. Results: There were two distinguished clusters: Less-healthy-more-active-low-Z-score (LessHA) (n = 33) and More-healthy-less-active-high-Z-score (MoreHLA) (n = 20). LessHA had a lower frequency intake of pro-healthy food groups, a lower number of meals during a typical day, and a higher mileage training than the group of athletes who followed the MoreHLA. Athletes following the LessHA pattern also had a lower Z-score in the lumbar spine and femoral bone and a lower PINP. Conclusion: The current study suggests that pro-healthy dietary patterns and lower mileage may favour higher bone mineral density in male amateur marathoners.     

The Complex Role of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Food Detoxification

Toxic ingredients in food can lead to serious food-related diseases. Such compounds are bacterial toxins (Shiga-toxin, listeriolysin, Botulinum toxin), mycotoxins (aflatoxin, ochratoxin, zearalenone, fumonisin), pesticides of different classes (organochlorine, organophosphate, synthetic pyrethroids), heavy metals, and natural antinutrients such as phytates, oxalates, and cyanide-generating glycosides. The generally regarded safe (GRAS) status and long history of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as essential ingredients of fermented foods and probiotics make them a major biological tool against a great variety of food-related toxins. This state-of-the-art review aims to summarize and discuss the data revealing the involvement of LAB in the detoxification of foods from hazardous agents of microbial and chemical nature. It is focused on the specific properties that allow LAB to counteract toxins and destroy them, as well as on the mechanisms of microbial antagonism toward toxigenic producers. Toxins of microbial origin are either adsorbed or degraded, toxic chemicals are hydrolyzed and then used as a carbon source, while heavy metals are bound and accumulated. Based on these comprehensive data, the prospects for developing new combinations of probiotic starters for food detoxification are considered.     

“Food Is Our Love Language”: Using Talanoa to Conceptualize Food Security for the Māori and Pasifika Diaspora in South-East Queensland,Australia

Queensland is home to the largest diaspora of Māori and Pasifika peoples in Australia. They form an understudied population concerning experiences and challenges of food insecurity. This community co-designed research aims to explore the conceptualization of household food security by Māori and Pasifika peoples living in south-east Queensland. Participatory action research and talanoa were used to collect and analyse forty interviews with leaders representing 22 Māori and Pasifika cultural identities in south-east Queensland. Eight key themes emerged that conceptualise food security as an integral part of the culture and holistic health. These themes included: spirituality, identity, hospitality and reciprocity, stigma and shame, expectations and obligations, physical and mental health and barriers and solutions. Addressing food insecurity for collectivist cultures such as Māori and Pasifika peoples requires embracing food sovereignty approaches for improved food security through the co-design of practical solutions that impact social determinants and strengthen existing networks to produce and distribute affordable and nutritious food.     

推拿治疗小儿泄泻伤食证多中心随机对照研究

目的客观评价推拿治疗小儿泄泻伤食证的有效性。方法多中心、分层区组随机、平行对照临床研究方法。由3个中心协作完成小儿急性泄泻伤食证111例,包括观察组(推拿治疗)80例、对照组(培菲康和思密达治疗)31例。袪除脱落病例后,观察组76例、对照组30例。治疗2个疗程(6 d)后观察疗效。结果观察组疗效显著优于对照组(P<0.01)。2个疗程后,观察组主症总积分及分症(大便质地、质量)积分改善均优于对照组(P<0.01),而两组分症(大便次数、性状)积分改善差异无统计学意义。观察组总积分改善优于对照组(P<0.01)。结论推拿辨证疗法治疗小儿泄泻伤食证疗效优于西药(思密达+培菲康),值得推广应用。     

Residing in a food desert is associated with an increased risk of readmission following esophagectomy for cancer

BackgroundNutritional status is related to treatment outcomes for esophageal cancer. Residing in a food desert (FD) has been associated with worse outcomes in breast and colon cancer. We assessed the association of residing in a FD on 30-day outcomes of esophageal cancer patients who received tri-modality therapy.MethodsA retrospective review of patients who underwent esophagectomy (1/2015 to 7/2020, in New Hampshire, USA) was performed. Patients were excluded if they did not undergo neo-adjuvant treatment, required treatment outside of standard Chemoradiotherapy for Oesophageal Cancer Followed by Surgery Study (CROSS) protocol, or lacked both pre and post neo-adjuvant treatment computed tomography (CT) scans for review. Demographics, nutrition parameters, treatment characteristics, 30-day complications and 90-day mortality were reviewed. FD status was defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Access Research Atlas and cross-referenced with patients’ home zip code. Readmission was defined as readmission to any hospital for any reason within 30-day of discharge. Univariable analysis was conducted using Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum for continuous variables, and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was then used to model readmission status on FD status adjusted for measures statistically associated with readmission status at the P<0.10 in univariable analyses.ResultsSeventy-eight patients were included in the analysis. Overall pre-treatment prevalence of sarcopenia was 11.5% (9/78) and did not vary by FD status. Univariable analysis, demonstrated few significant differences between those who were readmitted and those who were not. On unadjusted analysis, patients who lived in a FD were 5 times more likely to be readmitted [5.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.70–15.67] compared to those who did not. Residing in a FD remained a significant risk factor for readmission after adjustment for operative time, discharge to a rehabilitation facility and development of a grade III/IV complication [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 6.38; 95% CI: 1.45–28.08].ConclusionsOur data suggest that residing in a FD is a prognostic factor for readmission after tri-modality therapy for esophageal cancer. Clinicians need to be aware that previously established nutritional markers may not completely capture nutritional status and living in a FD may significantly increase the risk of readmission in these patients.     

Evaluation of Food Labelling the Products with Information Regarding the Level of Sugar: A Preliminary Study

The aim of this article is to explore the reasons for seeking selected information on a food label, with particular emphasis on certain information about sugar. In order to meet the aim, in 2020, a survey was conducted among consumers aged 18–45. Predictive models (Logistic Regression) were developed for noticing “light” products and reading food labels. The results of our study indicate that consumers are mainly discouraged from reading label information by a large amount of information, the lack of time, and a general reluctance to be interested in label information. When it comes to the factors that lead people to read label information, the naturalness of the product, its organic origin, and physical activity are important. Moreover, respondents who declared that they noticed products on the market defined as “light” were those who were interested in the naturalness of the product, but also consumers declaring that they have nutritional knowledge. The results of the study indicate the need to intensify information campaigns in order to emphasize how important it is for consumers to read the information on food labels. The amount and complexity of information currently appearing on the food label may unfortunately discourage consumers from reading it, so it is important to continuously improve this form of communication with the consumer.