Biomedical subjects

R M Ortega

Publications and source records attributed to R M Ortega.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Changes in thiamin intake and blood levels in young, overweight/obese women following hypocaloric diets based on the increased relative consumption of cereals or vegetables.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the changes in thiamin intake and blood levels of young, overweight/obese women following slightly hypocaloric diets based on the increased relative consumption of foods whose intakes were most removed from the ideal: cereals and vegetables. DESIGN: The women were randomly assigned to one of two slightly hypocaloric diets: diet V, in which the consumption of vegetables was increased, or diet C, in which the consumption of cereals (especially breakfast cereals) was increased. SUBJECTS: The study subjects were 67 young women with a body mass index of 24-35 kg/m2. INTERVENTIONS: Dietetic, anthropometrics and biochemical data were collected at the start of the study and again at 2 and 6 weeks. RESULTS: The reduction in energy intake was similar in both groups. However, diet C subjects lost significantly more weight. Blood thiamin concentration was higher in group C women than in group V women at 2 and 6 weeks. Compared to initial values, group C subjects showed a higher blood thiamin level at 2 weeks. The highest blood thiamin levels seen in group C women may have been due to their greater thiamin intake, their higher thiamin dietetic density, and a higher thiamin/carbohydrates ratio at both week 2 and 6 of the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the relative consumption of breakfast cereals within the context of a slightly hypocaloric diet can help in weight control and improve thiamine intake and blood levels.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Changes in folate status in overweight/obese women following two different weight control programmes based on an increased consumption of vegetables or fortified breakfast cereals.

The modification of folate status was analysed in a group of sixty-seven overweight/obese women of childbearing age (20-35 years). Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two slightly hypocaloric diets: diet V (increased consumption of vegetables) or diet C (increased consumption of breakfast cereals). Dietetic, anthropometric and biochemical data were collected at the start of the study and again at 2 and 6 weeks. At 6 weeks a weight loss of 2.0 (sd 1.3) kg was achieved in V subjects and of 2.8 (sd 1.4) kg in C subjects (P < 0.05). At the start of the study, 64.2 % of all subjects had a folate intake of < 67 % of the recommended intake; this fell to just 3 % (7.14 % of V subjects and 0 % of C subjects) by week 6. Significant increases were only seen in C subjects in serum folate concentrations (both at 2 and 6 weeks), accompanied by a significant reduction in serum homocysteine (at week 6). Some 62.1 % of all subjects had serum folate concentrations of > or = 13.6 nmol/l (associated with a very low risk of neural tube defects) at the start of the study, while 87.0 % (85.2 % of V subjects and 88.9 % of C subjects) had concentrations of > or = 13.6 nmol/l at 6 weeks (P < 0.01). Increasing the relative consumption of vegetables/cereals in the context of a slightly hypocaloric diet may therefore be a good way to lose body weight. Breakfast cereals may be of special help with respect to folate status and serum homocysteine levels in overweight/obese young women following energy restriction diets.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Influence of maternal education on food consumption and energy and nutrient intake in a group of pre-school children from Madrid.

A study was conducted on the influence of maternal education level on food consumption, energy and nutrient intake, and dietary adequacy in 110 pre-school children from Madrid, Spain. With increasing maternal education, children consumed more sugar(p < 0.05), fruit (p < 0.05), and fish (p < 0.05). Snacking was more frequent with decreasing maternal education (p < 0.05). Though statistical significance was not reached, the consumption of pre-cooked foods was greater among children of mothers educated to a higher level, a phenomenon probably related to the work situation of these women. With respect to dietary composition, no significant differences were found between groups for macronutrient, fiber and energy intakes, except for energy supplied by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which was greater in the children of less educated women (p < 0.01). This is probably due to their greater consumption of sunflower seed oil. The diets of children belonging to well-educated mothers came closer to meeting the recommended intakes for folate, vitamin C, and iodine. It would seem that maternal educational level influences the food habits of children. Mothers with less education may require special advice in this area.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death in developed countries. Several factors are involved in its appearance and progress, among which nutrition enjoys a certain protagonism. Until recently, the dietetic criteria for preventing and controlling cardiovascular disease were mainly restrictive (at least in terms of energy and fat intake), but such advice is difficult to follow, and without careful monitoring can lead to deficiencies that might negatively affect quality of life and perhaps even life expectancy. Several investigations show that some components of the lipid fraction of the diet, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are beneficial with respect to cardiovascular disease, and these have become the centre of much attention. This paper reviews the results of some of these studies and evaluates the benefit of these fatty acids in the prevention of coronary heart disease. The sources of omega-3 fatty acids, their recommended consumption, possible mechanisms of action and potential adverse effects are discussed.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

PubMed2003

Influence of the desire to lose weight on food habits, and knowledge of the characteristics of a balanced diet, in a group of Madrid university students.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the desire to lose weight in a group of university students, and to analyse the influence of this desire on declared food habits. The degree of knowledge on what constitutes a balanced diet was also determined. DESIGN: Cross-sectional population survey. SUBJECTS: The study subjects were 234 university students (48 males and 186 females) aged 22.3+/-1.5 y. The weight and height of each were recorded. All subjects were questioned on their desire to lose weight, habitual food intake frequencies, and about what they considered to constitute a balanced diet. RESULTS: Approximately half the population (47.9%), both male (47.8%) and female (47.9%), expressed a desire to lose weight, even though the percentage of overweight students was low (11.1% overall, although much greater among male students [39.6%] than female students [3.8]). The body mass index (BMI) of those who wanted to lose weight was greater than that of those who did not. Nonetheless, the majority of subjects (especially females) showed BMIs within the normal range (18-25 kg/m(2)). Among those who wished to lose weight, the consumption of sweet foods was lower - although these subjects believed they ought to consume even less. It was also thought necessary that egg consumption be reduced, although no differences were recorded in declared consumption between those who wished to lose weight and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that there is great concern over body weight, although no great differences were seen in the food habits and nutrition knowledge of those who wished to lose weight and those who did not.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Relationship between habitual breakfast and intellectual performance (logical reasoning) in well-nourished schoolchildren of Madrid (Spain).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationships between habitual breakfast habits and performance in verbal aptitude, logical reasoning and mathematical tests in a group of well-nourished scholars from Madrid. DESIGN: The study subjects were 180 children between 9 and 13 y of age. A dietetic study was undertaken using a 7-day food record. Scholastic aptitude was examined using the scholastic aptitude test (SAT-1) test. RESULTS: Breakfast made up 19.1% of total daily intake. No differences were found between subjects in terms of personal data or total diet with respect to whether they habitually took adequate breakfasts (AB) (ie, more than 20% of daily energy being provided by this meal) or inadequate breakfasts (IB) (less than 20%). However, AB subjects achieved better reasoning scores in the SAT-1 test. CONCLUSIONS: The normal breakfast habits of schoolchildren should be taken into account when studying diet-mental function relationships, even when studying well-nourished populations.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Influence of nutrition on cognitive function in a group of elderly, independently living people.

OBJECTIVE: To study the differences in cognitive status with respect to food habits and energy and nutrient intake in a group of non institutionalised, elderly people. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: The study subjects were independently living, elderly people who spent some of their time at day centres in the Comunidad de Madrid (the Madrid region). The study centres were selected by the Madrid City Hall. SUBJECTS: The study included 168 elderly people aged 65-90 y. All accepted the invitation to participate, met all inclusion criteria, and were free of significant cognitive impairment. INTERVENTIONS: Dietary intake was monitored using a 'food record' for 7 consecutive days including a Sunday. In addition, the 'precise individual weighing' method was used for 5 days in order to monitor the meals taken by the subjects at the centres' canteens. Cognitive capacity was measured using Folstein's mini-mental state examination (MMSE), validated for the Spanish population. RESULTS: Subjects with an adequate cognitive capacity (MMSE>/=28) showed a greater intake of total foods, fish, and alcoholic drinks, but took less foods from the 'various' group (chocolates, cakes, etc). These subjects had a more adequate intake of fatty acids and cholesterol, and a greater intake of vitamins implicated in correct brain function (thiamine, folic acid, vitamin C). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with satisfactory intellectual function generally had a better diet. This shows the importance of correct nutrition in its maintenance.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Influence of dietetic and anthropometric factors and of the type of sport practised on bone density in different groups of women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to analyse the influence of dietetic and anthropometric data, as well as the sport practised, on the bone density of different groups of sportswomen. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Dietetic, anthropometric and bone density data were collected from 74 women who practised different sports (15 skiers, 26 basketball players and 33 ballet dancers), and compared to those of 90 women who led sedentary lifestyles. RESULTS: The sportswomen had higher bone mineral contents and bone densities than controls. However, the dancers showed similar spinal and hip values as those of controls, and lower forearm values. Low body weight and body mass index, and insufficient energy intake-characteristic of the dancers-were associated with poorer bone mineralisation status. Increased energy, protein, vitamin D, calcium, zinc and magnesium intakes were associated with greater bone density and mineral content at different sites. CONCLUSIONS: The worst bone density status was that of the dancers, who, as a group, displayed characteristics that have negative impacts in this respect (low energy intakes and low body weight). Dancers should therefore take steps to avoid suffering fractures and skeleto-muscular lesions which could negatively influence their health and physical performance. The greater consumption of milk products and calcium and better Ca/P ratio seen in the dancers could help this group to avoid bone deterioration.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Nutritional risks in the Spanish population: results of the eVe study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the vitamin status of different groups within the Spanish population. DESIGN: Pooled analysis of cross-sectional population nutritional regional studies and meta-analysis of smaller studies in population subgroups performed in Spain between 1990 and 1999. SUBJECTS: In total, 10 208 participants in eight random population studies aged 25-60 y and participants in 76 studies included in the meta-analysis. INTERVENTIONS: The data from different nutritional studies performed on sample populations representative of eight regions of Spain were integrated into a single database. A meta-analysis was also performed on the results of nutritional studies on the Spanish population involving subjects of other ages and status (all published between 1990 and 1999). RESULTS: The mean intakes observed after the integration of the eight regional studies, and in the meta-analysis study, were similar to those recommended, although a considerable percentage of people had insufficient intakes. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are required, but the vitamin status of the Spanish population clearly shows room for improvement, especially with respect to vitamins B(2), B(6), A, E, D and folates. Bearing in mind that adequate vitamin intakes are associated with protection from a range of diseases, steps should be taken to correct the imbalances recorded.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

The influence of vitamin B2 intake on the activation coefficient of erythrocyte glutation reductase in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of dietetic vitamin B2 on the activation coefficient of erythrocyte glutation reductase (alpha-EGR) of a group of elderly people. DESIGN: The study subjects were 133, independently-living elderly people, between 65 and 90 years of age. A dietetic study was performed using a 7-day food record. Riboflavin status was measured by determining the alpha-EGR. RESULTS: Some 23.9% of subjects had riboflavin intakes lower than those recommended. At the biochemical level, 9.8% of subjects (7.7% of men and of 10.6% women) showed alpha-EGR>1.2. Those subjects with riboflavin intakes below 90% of those recommended showed significantly higher alpha-EGR levels (1.15+/-0.16), an indication of a poorer riboflavin status at the biochemical level. Those with greater intakes showed lower alpha-EGR values (1.05+/-0.10). Furthermore, the mean consumption of dairy products (an important source of this vitamin) by subjects is insuficiente (341.1+/-159.8 g/day, 2.1+/-1 servings/day). The data show that those with riboflavin intakes below those recommended took 204.7+/-89.4 g/day of milk products (1.3+/-0.5 servings/day) compared to the 384+/-153.1 g/day (2.4+/-1 servings/day) (p<0.001) consumed by those with higher riboflavin intakes. CONCLUSION: Although the mean riboflavin intake is acceptable, there remain some insufficiencies that require attention. It would seem advisable to recommend the elderly increase their intake of milk products. This would be especially important for subjects who take less than two rations per day.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Homocysteine levels in elderly Spanish people: influence of pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and folic acid intakes.

BACKGROUND: Serum homocysteine levels are a risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Knowledge on how dietary factors might affect these levels is therefore of interest. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum homocysteine levels in a group of elderly people and analyse the effect of pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and folic acid intakes on these levels. DESIGN: The study subjects were 130 independently-living elderly people over the age of 65. A dietetic study was performed using a 7-day food record. Serum homocysteine levels were determined by HPLC. RESULTS: Mean pyridoxine, vitamin B12 and folate intakes were 67.2+/-16.8%, 392.8+/-549.2% and 84.5+/-28.3% of recommended values respectively. With regard to sex, differences were seen only for vitamin B12 intake (9.1+/-12.7 microg/day in men, and 6.5+/-8.8 microg/day in women). Some 93.6% of subjects showed pyridoxine intakes below those recommended, as did 17.6% with respect to vitamin B12 and 72.8% with respect to folic acid. Homocysteine levels were 12.4 micromol/l (12.6+/-3.7 micromol/l in men and 12.2+/-7.9 micromol/l in women) (P<0.05). No significant differences were seen in homocysteine levels between subjects with lower than recommended intakes of pyridoxine or vitamin B12 and those with better intakes. However, subjects with folic acid intakes below 200 microg/day showed higher homocysteine levels (13.0+/-6.7 micromol/l) than did subjects with more adequate intakes (10.9+/-4.1 micromol/l) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The diet of the study subjects might be improved, especially with respect to pyridoxine and folic acid. Raising the intake of the latter might be especially useful in controlling homocysteine levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Vitamin E status in a group of elderly people from Madrid.

BACKGROUND: Given that vitamin E plays an important role in the prevention of pathological processes frequently observed in older age, it is of special interest to evaluate the nutritional situation of this population with respect to this vitamin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional situation with respect to vitamin E in a group of elderly individuals from Madrid, Spain. DESIGN: The vitamin E status of a group of 120, independently-living elderly people was investigated. All included subjects (i.e., those for whom it was possible to determine vitamin E status) belonged to a sample of 158 elderly volunteers, subjects of a larger nutritional study. A 5-day food record (including a Sunday) was kept in order to monitor food intake. Serum levels of alpha-tocopherol were determined by HPLC. RESULTS: Some 95.2% of subjects showed intakes below those recommended; 86.7% did not even meet 66% of the recommended values. At serum level, subjects showed alpha-tocopherol values of 8.3+/-3.6 mg/L, with no differences between men and women (8.5+/-3.6 mg/l in men and 8.2+/-3.6 mg/L in women). Some 51.7% (52.4% of men and 51.3% of women) showed levels below 7.8 mg/L; 17.5% (14.3% of men and 19.2% of women) showed values of 5 mg/L. The influence of the diet at the biochemical level can be seen in that those subjects with intakes lower than 50% of the recommended who showed significantly lower serum levels (7.8+/-3.4 mg/L) that those with greater intakes (9.3+/-4.2 mg/L). This difference was independent of serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Subjects with coefficients of vitamin E (mg)/polyunsaturated fatty acids (g) (E/AGP) below the 5 th percentile (0.32) had significantly lower serum alpha-tocopherol levels (5.3+/-1.1 mg/L) than did subjects with E/AGP>or= 0.32 (8.5+/-3.7 mg/L). CONCLUSION: Given the importance of vitamin E as an antioxidant, and its role in the prevention of a range of pathological processes, insufficient intakes (frequently detected in the group studied) should be corrected.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Vitamin status in different groups of the Spanish population: a meta-analysis of national studies performed between 1990 and 1999.

OBJECTIVE: Studies performed on the nutritional status of the Spanish population have been very heterogeneous with respect to methodology, sample size, geographical location, socio-economic level and health status of the subjects involved. In order to gain an overall view of the state of knowledge in this area, a meta-analysis was performed on the results of all such studies undertaken in Spain between 1990 and 1999. RESULTS: The dietetic data reviewed showed mean intakes similar to those recommended. The results obtained for the biochemical parameters analysed were within normal limits. However, results for some vitamins were very close to the lower established limits for the reference intervals (recommended intakes or blood levels), meaning that a variable percentage of subjects show values lower than those recommended. The percentage of subjects with intakes below those recommended for niacin, vitamin B12 and C was small. The percentage of inadequate intakes of thiamine and riboflavin was small as well. However, for all other vitamins, especially D and E, the number of people with intakes below recommended was rather high, particularly so in some studies. At blood level, deficiencies of vitamins B12, A and E were infrequent. However, for all other vitamins, prevalence of deficiency varied within a wide range. With respect to vitamins D, B1, B2 and B6, over 50% of the population showed inadequate levels. CONCLUSIONS: The methodologies used in the studies included in this review were very varied and the knowledge gained is still incomplete. Despite the average Spanish diet often being regarded as satisfactory, this review and other studies show the situation can be improved.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Dietary guidelines for pregnant women.

The nutrition of pregnant women is decisive in the course of gestation and the health of both mother and child. However, in the Spanish population, clinical monitoring of nutrition is rare, the control of bodyweight receiving most attention. Many studies show that pregnant women take too much fat and too little carbohydrate, and that intakes of fibre and several trace elements are lower than recommended. Although many people think they know what a correct (varied and balanced) diet is, the concept is often misleading. Generally, they do not match the ideal theoretical framework for achieving an adequate energy profile of the diet. Neither do they facilitate intakes of vitamins and minerals close to recommended levels. Nutrition education programmes are therefore required to explain adequate dietary guidelines to pregnant women, and indeed to all women of childbearing age. Considering the criteria suggested by a number of researchers concerning the number of food portions from each food group that pregnant women should include in their diets, the following guidelines for daily consumption are proposed: 3-4 portions of milk products, 2-3 portions of meat, fish or eggs, and 3 portions of fruit, 4-5 portions of vegetables or greens and 7-8 portions of cereals and legumes (a portion is defined as the amount of food that would be found on an average plateful or the normal units of consumption of a food).

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Effect of saturated fatty acid consumption on energy and nutrient intake and blood lipid levels in preschool children.

In this article the effects of saturated fatty acid (SFA) consumption on energy and nutrient intake, and on a range of serum lipid parameters (indicators of cardiovascular risk) are reported in a group of 110 preschool children. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: high consumption (HC), in which > or =13% (20th percentile) of total energy came from SFAs, and low consumption (LC), in which SFAs provided <13% of energy intake. Food intake was monitored for 7 consecutive days. At participating day care centers, a 'precise individual weighing' method was used, while a 'food intake record' was kept for foods taken at home. At the blood level it was found that HC subjects showed higher HDL-cholesterol levels and better HDL-cholesterol/LDL-cholesterol ratios than did LC subjects. The greater intakes of riboflavin, iodine, zinc, magnesium and calcium seen in HC subjects suggest that these may have a better nutritive status (with respect to certain nutrients) than LC subjects. The development of criteria for providing the greatest protection against cardiovascular disease, while maintaining good nutritive condition, should be the subject of future studies. This is especially important in children of preschool age since nutritional deficiencies at this stage in life can have important effects on growth and health.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

PubMed2000

Difference in dietary intake and activity level between normal-weight and overweight or obese adolescents.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in an adolescent group representative of a rural Mediterranean area and to determine possible associations with energy and nutrient intakes and levels of physical exercise. METHODS: A representative sample of adolescents was drawn from the secondary school of Torre Pacheco (Murcia), a rural Mediterranean area located in the southeast of Spain. The population selected (331 adolescents aged 14-18 years), was divided into two groups: normal-weight subjects with a body mass index less than 23 kg/m2 and overweight or obese subjects with a body mass index of 23 kg/m2 or more. Weight, height, abdominal and hip perimeters, triceps skinfold, and upper arm circumference were measured. A prospective 7-consecutive-days food record and physical activity questionnaire were completed. RESULTS: Overweight boys and girls had an apparently lower energy intake (P = 0.001 and P = 0.042, respectively), and carbohydrate intake (P = 0.000, P = 0.032) than their normal-weight counterparts, but they tended to underreport more often. Overweight boys derived a greater percentage of their energy from fat (P = 0.049) and less from carbohydrate (P = 0.016) than their normal-weight counterparts. Among girls, the percentage of energy derived from fat increased with body mass index (r = 0.210, P = 0.008), whereas fiber intake decreased (r = -0.145; P = 0.041). Overweight and obesity were negatively related to physical activity level only among boys (P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adolescent population studied (48.2% in boys and 30.7% in girls). The study shows an association between overweight and obesity and nutrient intake and activity level.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

[Maternal age as conditioning factor of vitamin E levels in the third trimester of pregnancy and in breast milk].

BACKGROUND: Since pregnancy in older women is becoming more common, the aim of this work was to determine the influence of maternal age on third trimester maternal vitamin E status, and on vitamin E levels in maternal milk. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The pregnancies and lactation periods of 57 women were examined. The intake of vitamin E during the third trimester of pregnancy was determined using a 5 days food record. Vitamin E concentrations in serum, transition milk (days 13 and 14 of lactation) and mature milk (day 40 of lactation) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Pregnant women < 32 years of age (90th percentile) showed significantly higher serum vitamin E levels (1.46 [0.38] mg/dl) than older pregnant women (1.19 [0.24] mg/dl). Transition milk vitamin E levels were significantly lower in pregnant women > or = 29 years of age (75th percentile) than did younger pregnant women (1.7 [0.4] mg/l compared to 2.0 [0.7] mg/l). CONCLUSIONS: Given that serum vitamin E levels were seen to fall in pregnancy and in transition milk, when maternal age increase, the monitoring of maternal nutritional status is highly recommendable. Antioxidant supplements, especially vitamin E, might be prescribed for older, pregnant women.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The age at which meat is first included in the diet affects the incidence of iron deficiency and ferropenic anaemia in a group of pre-school children from Madrid.

A study was made into the effect of the age at which meat was first included in the diet on a series of haematological parameters and biochemical indicators of iron status in 94 pre-school children (aged 2-6 years) from Madrid (Spain). Those children who first took meat during their eighth month of life or earlier (Group A) showed better iron status that did those who were introduced to meat later (Group B). Significant differences were found in hemoglobin levels (P < 0.01), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) (P < 0.05), serum ferritin (P < 0.05), transferrin levels (P < 0.05) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (P < 0.001). Some 13.8% of all subjects showed iron deficiency and 5.3% showed ferropenic anaemia. These latter subjects were the last to have meat included in their diets (9.3 +/- 1.2 months compared to 7.4 +/- 2.0 months in those without ferropenic anaemia) (P < 0.05). It would appear that the age at which meat is included in the diet has an important effect on iron status in pre-school children. Delaying its inclusion beyond the age of eight months seems to be associated with an impairment of later iron status.

Age Factors↗