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Biomedical subjects

R M Ortega

Publications and source records attributed to R M Ortega.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Dietary intake and cognitive function in a group of elderly people.

Associations between dietary intake and cognitive performance were examined in 260 elderly people aged 65-90 y who were free of significant cognitive impairment. Dietary intake was monitored with a weighed-food record for 7 consecutive days. The subjects' cognitive capacity was tested by using Folstein et al's Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Pfeiffer's Mental Status Questionnaire (PMSQ). Subjects with adequate MMSE results (> or = 28 points) had lower intakes of monounsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and cholesterol, and higher intakes of total food, fruit, carbohydrate, thiamine, folate, and vitamin C compared with those with less satisfactory results. Subjects who made no errors on the PMSQ had greater intakes of total food, vegetables, fruit, carbohydrate, fiber, folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, and zinc, and lower intakes of saturated fatty acids compared with those who made errors. Our results agree with those of other authors indicating that intakes of different nutrients or the consumption of a more satisfactory global diet is associated with better cognitive function in the elderly. However, more research is required to determine whether differences in intake of a particular nutrient are the result of or a conditioning factor for incipient impaired cognition. Unmeasured confounding factors may also affect both dietary intake and risk of cognitive impairment. A diet with less fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and more carbohydrate, fiber, vitamins (especially folate, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotenes), and minerals (iron and zinc) may be advisable not only to improve the general health of the elderly but also to improve cognitive function.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

The relationship between breakfast and whole diet energy profiles in a group of preschool children.

The energy profile of the diet of the Spanish population is imbalanced, showing excessive intake of fats and protein and insufficient intake of carbohydrates. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this imbalance also existed in 110 preschool children between 2 and 6 years of age, and to examine the relationship between their breakfast and whole diet energy profiles. The results obtained show that subjects who consumed less carbohydrate (< 50% of energy intake) or more fat (> 35% of total intake) at breakfast showed poorer energy profiles and poorer fat quality over their whole diet. Significant and positive correlations were found between energy supplied at breakfast by protein, fats, carbohydrates, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the same parameters measured for the whole diet.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1997

The female Spanish population: a group at risk of nutritional iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional problems in the world. It is frequent in both developed and developing countries and mainly affects women of childbearing age. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency in a group of young women from Madrid, Spain. The study subjects were a group of 130 women aged between 19 and 35 (24.53 +/- 0.24 years). Measurements were made of iron intake and also of the haematological and biochemical indicators of iron status. 10.7% of subjects showed iron deficiency (defined as the recording of at least two indicator parameters with values below normal). The high incidence of iron deficiency at blood level (10.7%) coincided with the low iron intake of these subjects (11.08 +/- 2.98 mg/day). 98.3% of subjects showed intakes below recommended. Observed intake covered only 61.6% of recommended intake. 3.9% of subjects presented ferropenic anaemia, i.e. they showed both iron deficiency and low haemoglobin levels.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Folate and vitamin B12 status in a group of preschool children.

UNLABELLED: An adequate intake of folates and vitamin B12 is essential for the rapid growth rates characteristic of infancy. However, little information exists on the prevalence of deficiencies of these nutrients in preschool children. The status of these vitamins was therefore evaluated in a group of 79 children between 2 and 6 years of age. A 5 day dietary record (including a Sunday) was kept for all subjects. All food taken at day care centres was monitored using "Precise individual weighing" and recorded by trained personnel. Measurements were made of serum and erythrocyte folate levels, vitamin B12 levels, number of red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, and mean corpuscular volume. Though the mean intake of folic acid surpassed recommended levels for this age group 31.4% of the subjects showed intakes below those recommended. 7.7% of the subjects showed serum folate levels between 3 and 6 ng/mL, values which indicate a moderate deficiency of this vitamin. A correlation was found between folate intake and serum folate levels r = 0.3654 (P < 0.01). Vitamin B12 intake was 438% that recommended. Only 2.9% of the subjects showed vitamin B12 intake below recommended and none showed serum values below 150 pg/ml, the lower normal limit below which deficiency is considered to exist. CONCLUSION: Amongst preschool children, folate deficiency is probably much more common than vitamin B12 deficiency. However, its incidence is low, and much lower than that observed in other age groups.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1997

Influence of the number of meals taken per day on cardiovascular risk factors and the energy and nutrient intakes of a group of elderly people.

The aim of this investigation was to analyse the influence of the number of meals per day on a range of cardiovascular risk factors and on the energy and nutrient intakes of a group of elderly people. The participants in this study were 150 elderly people (64 men and 86 women) from Madrid. Food intake was followed over a period of 5 days. "Precise individual weighing" was used to determine the intake of institutionalized subjects (n = 58) whilst "food intake records" were used to register the same for independent subjects (n = 92). The nutrient and energy intake of the studied population was then determined from these data. The number of meals taken was also recorded. Serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels were determined using enzymatic methods. In this population, the meal most frequently omitted was breakfast. No subject took only one meal per day, though 7.4% took only two. 56.6% took three meals and 36% took four. No subject took more than four meals per day. As the number of meals taken increased, so too the covering of theoretical energy expenditure, and the intakes of a range of nutrients became closer to those recommended e.g. proteins, fibre, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium and iodine. As the number of meals taken per day increased, carbohydrate intake (in g/1000 Kcal and as % of energy) also increased, and approached recommended levels more closely. As observed in other studies, blood cholesterol levels were seen to be negatively correlated with increasing number of meals (r = -0.2297, p < 0.05). Further, those subjects who distributed their food intake more evenly throughout the day showed lower serum cholesterol (p < 0.05). VLDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05) and triacylglycerol levels (p < 0.05). The results favour the distribution of energy intake over the day as a method of improving nutritional status and as a factor that might improve blood lipid profiles.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Associations between obesity, breakfast-time food habits and intake of energy and nutrients in a group of elderly Madrid residents.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to gain more knowledge about the breakfast habits of different groups of elderly people and to investigate the differences in breakfast habits between overweight and normal weight elderly subjects. METHODS: A study was made of the food preferences, dietary habits and the intake of energy and nutrients at breakfast in a group of 122 elderly Spanish people (65 men and 57 women) aged 75.7+/-8.7 years. Study participants were divided into two groups: overweight and obese subjects (O) with a body mass index (BMI)>or=25 kg/m2 (58% of the population), and normal weight subjects (NW) with a BMI<25 kg/m2 (42% of the population). The members of each group were further divided into subgroups according to age (>or=80 years of age (Y) and<or=79 (Z)), to determine if this factor gave rise to any differences in breakfast habits or modified existing differences between NW and O subjects. RESULTS: NW subjects more frequently indicated a preference for fruit (Y), juices (Y) and bread (Y and Z) as breakfast foods, and showed less preference for churros (Y) (a traditional Spanish breakfast fritter) than did O subjects. NW subjects consumed more varied breakfasts, taking both a greater number of foods and more groups of foods. They also spent a longer time eating their breakfasts and consumed greater quantities of food than did O subjects. The breakfasts of NW subjects covered a higher percentage of their theoretical energy expenditure and provided greater contributions of fiber, vitamin E and iron to meet recommended intakes than did those of O subjects. Age did not produce any statistically significant differences in subjects' breakfast habits. CONCLUSION: The shorter length of time spent eating breakfast, the consumption of smaller quantities and less varied diets and the different composition of NW and O breakfasts, could indicate the existence of less healthy breakfast habits among overweight and obese subjects. It is also possible that less adequate breakfast habits contribute to the appearance and further development of obesity.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Functional and psychic deterioration in elderly people may be aggravated by folate deficiency.

The deterioration of functional and mental capacity is one of the major problems of the elderly. This deterioration may be caused or worsened by folate deficiency. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the relationship between mental and functional capacities and folate status in a group of 177 elderly Spanish people. Folate deficiency is common in the Spanish population. In this study, 48.6% of the elderly subjects had folate intakes below recommended values (200 microg/day), 34.9% had serum concentrations < 14 nmol/L and 6.6% had <360 nmol/L erythrocyte folate. Subjects took part in a series of tests: Katz' scale of activities of daily living, Lawton's scale of instrumental activities of daily living, Pfeiffer's mental status questionnaire, Folstein's Mini-Mental State Test and the Geriatric Depression scale of Yesavage. The results for Lawton's scale of instrumental activities of daily living were significantly better (indicating greater independence and capacity) when folate intake and serum or erythrocyte folate concentrations were adequate (i.e., folate intake no less than recommended, > or = 14 nmol/L serum folate or > or = 360 nmol/L erythrocyte folate). Subjects with adequate Mini-Mental State Exam results (> or = 28 points) had serum and erythrocyte folate concentrations significantly higher than those with less adequate results (<28 points). Thus, there is evidence to suggest that the folate status of the elderly should be monitored and, if possible, improved.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1996

Influence of the intake of fortified breakfast cereals on dietary habits and nutritional status of Spanish schoolchildren.

A study was performed on the breakfast habits of 200 schoolchildren between 9 and 13 years of age. The subjects were classified into two groups: group C, children who consumed fortified breakfast cereals (65 boys and 35 girls), and group NC, children who did not (64 boys and 36 girls). The different dietary habits and the nutritional status of the two groups were analyzed. Haematological, biochemical, anthropometric, and dietary data were collected, the latter involving a 5-day food record. The children of the C group were found not only to have a more complete and nutritive breakfast, but also showed better dietary patterns for the rest of the day. Their lipid intake (% kJ) was lower and the carbohydrate intake (g/d and % kJ) higher than in the NC children. The intakes of thiamine, pyridoxine, folates, and beta-carotenes were also higher in group C. Better dietary habits were reflected in higher blood levels of some important compounds. Group C children had higher retinol, serum folate, and riboflavin levels than NC children. The percentage of children with hypercholesterolaemia (serum cholesterol > 4.5 mmol/l) was higher amongst those of the NC group: 37% as compared with 18% of the C children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Dietary intake of a physically active elderly Spanish male group of high socioeconomic status.

The energy and nutrient intake of a group of 29 non-institutionalised elderly males was evaluated. Subjects were between 65 and 79 years of age and practised sport (usually tennis) daily. Their high income classified them as belonging to a high socioeconomic group. The subjects consumed more fruits, fish and non-alcoholic beverages than results reported for the sedentary elderly. Although the nutritional situation of the subjects is better than that of other elderly Spanish groups, more than 50% of the population showed intakes of vitamin D, zinc and magnesium lower than 80% of the recommended intakes (RI). Even though the intake of many of these nutrients will be higher than the observed, given the degree of underreporting noticed, a risk of falling into situations of deficit of these micronutrients must be considered. These require adjustment if a more optimum health and functional status is to be achieved.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Influence of maternal serum lipids and maternal diet during the third trimester of pregnancy on umbilical cord blood lipids in two populations of Spanish newborns.

An analysis was made of the influence of maternal diet and serum lipids during the third trimester of pregnancy upon cord blood lipids in two populations of Spanish newborns. A significant correlation was found to exist between maternal cholesterol concentrations and those of newborn infants (r = 0.3298). A correlation was also found between maternal cholesterol levels and infant HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.2575) and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.3053) levels. Further, a positive correlation was seen between maternal LDL-cholesterol and infant cholesterol (r = 0.3204) and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.3507). The relationship between maternal cholesterol and cord blood cholesterol was independent of participants' dietary, anthropometric and personal data. 3.1% of neonates showed total cord blood cholesterol concentrations of > 2.6 mmol/L. The mothers of these children showed the strongest concentrations of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in the third trimester of pregnancy, the shortest pregnancies and the smallest newborns of all subjects. Negative correlations were found between birth weight and cord blood cholesterol levels (r = -0.1475) and LDL-cholesterol (r = -0.1686). It might be deduced from these results that a relationship exists between the maternal blood lipid parameters studied and those of the cord. Inverse relationships were also seen to exist between the lipid parameters of cord blood and weight at birth and length of pregnancy. These data have implications that deserve further study.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1996

Estimated energy balance in female university students: differences with respect to body mass index and concern about body weight.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationships between concern over bodyweight, anthropometric parameters (both real and ideal) and estimated energy balance. DESIGN: Prospective study. SUBJECTS: 126 young, female university students from Madrid, Spain, between the ages of 19 and 36. MEASUREMENTS: Energy intake was measured by means of a "seven day food record'. Anthropometric data were collected both at the beginning of the study and at 30 d to determine any change in weight. Subjects were grouped with respect to body mass index (BMI) (BMI < 30th percentile, between 30th and 60th percentiles and > or = 60th percentile). Subjects also completed a questionnaire asking if they would like to lose some weight. RESULTS: The concern of these young women about their body image was greater amongst those with higher BMI. However, 31.6% of subjects with BMI falling < 30th percentile (< 20.1 Kg/m2) wished to lose some weight. Though the mean discrepancy between energy intake and estimated energy expenditure was 5.7%, there were great differences with respect to BMI and concern expressed about bodyweight. The declared energy intake was 9.3% greater than estimated energy expenditure in very thin subjects (BMI < 30th percentile) who expressed no desire to lose weight. However, in subjects with BMI between the 30th and 60th percentiles and who wanted to lose weight, declared energy intake was 11.4% below estimated expenditure. Similarly in subjects with BMI > or = 60th percentile, declared energy intake was 15.7% below estimated expenditure. CONCLUSION: In order to gain more exact knowledge of food intake in dietary studies, factors such as subject BMI and desire for a different bodyweight should be taken into account.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Differences in breakfast habits between institutionalized and independent elderly Spanish people.

An investigation was made into the breakfast habits of 150 elderly people between 65 and 95 years of age. The food intake of 58 institutionalized subjects was followed by means of "precise individual weighing of food". The food intake of 92 subjects living independently was followed using a prospective method involving the keeping of a "weighed food record". For all subjects the study lasted 5 consecutive days including a Sunday. Institutionalized subjects spent more time at breakfast (p < 0.01 in women) and the food they consumed was more varied, both in terms of number of foods (p < 0.001) and food groups (p < 0.001). Their breakfasts included more fruit (P < 0.001), fibre (P < 0.05 in women) and vitamin A (P < 0.01) than those of independent subjects, 7% of whom took no breakfast at all with a further 8% consuming only a glass of milk or fruit juice. 62.7% of independent and 43.1% of institutionalized subjects consumed an inadequate breakfast (i.e. their breakfasts provided less than 20% of their energy expenditure). The breakfasts of institutionalized subjects contained a greater percentage of their total daily intake of carbohydrates (P < 0.001 in women), fibre (P < 0.01 in women), thiamine (p < 0.05 in women), vitamin B12 (p < 0.05 in women, p < 0.001 in men), vitamin D (p < 0.01 in women) and magnesium (p < 0.05 in women). Given the importance of breakfast in the maintenance of a satisfactory nutritive condition, these results suggest that both qualitative and quantitative improvements of elderly people's breakfasts are required. Residing at an old people's home seems to improve the quality of breakfast consumed, especially for elderly women.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[Food, energy and nutrient intake at breakfast in a group of elderly persons. Most common problems and differences related to body mass index].

A study was made of the dietary habits and intake of energy and nutrients of 127 elderly people aged between 65 and 95 (60 men and 67 women). The method employed involved the recording of food consumption over a period of five days. Subjects were divided into two groups according to body mass index: those who were overweight or obese (0) (BMI > or = 25 Kg/m2), who made up 60% of the experimental population, and those with normal bodyweight (NW) (BMI < 25 Kg/m2) (40%). The percentage of subjects who took no breakfast was somewhat higher amongst members of group 0 (5.6% compared to 3.9% of NW subjects). Further, the breakfast of 0 subjects was less varied, smaller and contributed less to daily energy intake and the covering of theoretical energy expenditure than did the breakfasts of NW subjects. 0 subjects also took less time over their breakfasts. More than half (58.8%) of NW subjects took what might be considered a satisfactory breakfast, i.e. this meal provided more than 20% of the total energy intake. Only 29.6% of 0 subjects took breakfasts of similar energetic value. NW subjects consumed greater quantities of sugars and fruits at breakfasts and also more carbohydrates, fibre, vitamin E and iron than did 0 subjects. The shorter length of time spent at breakfast by 0 subjects, their consumption of smaller and less varied breakfasts and the composition of the same, could indicate the existence of less healthy breakfast habits amongst the overweight and obese. This could be the reflection of inadequate food habits all round, or be a conditioning factor prompting 0 subjects to make poorer food choices for the rest of the day. Though some people omit breakfast in an attempt to control their weight, this is probably an inadvisable practice. The control of bodyweight might be more efficiently accomplished by taking an adequate breakfast and better distributing total calorie intake across the day, avoiding its concentration into one or two meals.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

[Energy balance and caloric profile in the elderly obese or in those with overweight compared to those of normal weight].

BACKGROUND: Elderly obese people have higher morbidity and mortality rates than those of normal weight and thus deeper knowledge of the problem of obesity is required in order to establish measures for prevention and correction. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in the energetic ingestion and caloric profile in the diets of elderly patients based on their body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A collective of 127 elderly patients (44 institutionalized and 83 not) from 65 to 89 years of age were studied being grouped as: overweight-obese elderly (BMI > 25 kg/m2) and normal weight elderly patients (BMI < 25 kg/m2). The ingestion of energy and caloric profile of their diets was calculated in both groups by the "precise individual weight" method (in the institutionalized patients) and by the "register of food consumption" (in non institutionalized patients). The data of energetic ingestion were validated by comparison with the energy spent calculated on the basis of weight, age, and the daily activities of each patient. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the energetic ingestion of overweight and obese elderly persons and those of normal weight, although the former had a more unbalanced caloric profile, with greater protein contribution and lesser carbohydrate contribution to total calories. It was also found that overweight and obese elderly patients underevaluate their energetic ingestion more than those of normal weight. CONCLUSIONS: The main difference observed between overweight-obese elderly patients with respect to those of normal weight was in the composition of their diets more than in the total energetic consumption.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Relationship between diet composition and body mass index in a group of Spanish adolescents.

The dietary patterns of sixty-four adolescents (thirty-seven young men and twenty-seven young women) between 15 and 17 years of age were examined by analysis of food, energy and nutrient intakes, over a period of 5 d, including a Sunday. Adolescents were identified for inclusion in two study groups: (1) overweight and obese subjects (O) with a BMI (kg/m2) > or = 75th percentile, and (2) subjects of normal weight (NW) with BMI < 75th percentile. The study was designed to investigate the differences between the energy and nutrient intakes of NW and O adolescents. No differences were found in energy intake between NW and O adolescents. However, O subjects derived a greater proportion of their energy from proteins (19.8% v 16.4% for NW subjects) and fats (45.4% v. 38.7% for NW subjects), and less from carbohydrates (34.6% v. 44.6% for NW subjects). Also, O subjects consumed significantly larger amounts of cholesterol. In order to prevent obesity and avoid the disorders associated with this condition, it appears necessary not only to regulate energy intake, but also to control the composition of the diet. Given that it is during infancy that feeding habits are developed, it is important to ensure that correct habits are acquired. Special attention should be given to improving the dietary habits of overweight and obese children and adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Eating behavior and energy and nutrient intake in overweight/obese and normal-weight Spanish elderly.

Dietary patterns were studied in 122 Spanish elderly people divided into two groups: overweight/obese subjects (O) (BMI > or = 25 kg/m2), and normal-weight subjects (NW) (BMI < 25). O subjects ate less fruit and more meat than NW subjects. No differences were found between NW and O subjects with respect to energy intake, but O elderly obtained more of their energy from proteins and less from carbohydrates. Further, O subjects showed a higher cholesterol intake per MJ than NW subjects. The existence of the dietary imbalances seen in the diet of the O elderly may damage their health.

Aged↗