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Adolescence and the diet-dieting disparity: healthy food choice or risky health behaviour?

OBJECTIVES: Food choice in schoolchildren was examined in relation to dieting and measures of eating psychopathology. It was predicted that dieters would make healthier food choices compared to non-dieters and that measures of eating psychopathology would be associated with food choice. DESIGN: A cross-sectional questionnaire design incorporating an established adapted recall method was used to assess patterns of food consumption. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered in 13 state secondary schools. Measures included a food frequency questionnaire, the Children's Eating Attitudes Test (CHEAT), body satisfaction ratings, dietary restraint, and questions about dieting status. The sample consisted of 574 females and 445 males aged 11-16 years. RESULTS: Females made significantly more healthy food choices compared to males. Females reported dieting more than males (35% vs. 18%, respectively), and female dieters made more healthy food choices than female non-dieters. Almost a fifth (19%) of the entire sample reported skipping breakfast, with female dieters being three times more likely to do so than non-dieters. There were small but significant associations between reported food consumption and measures of eating attitudes, body dissatisfaction and restraint. For females who scored in the at-risk range on the CHEAT (8.7%), these associations were more substantial. CONCLUSIONS: Female dieters appear to make more healthy food choices than non-dieters and so may be tuning into healthy eating messages more effectively. Vulnerable females may use 'healthy eating' to hide risky weight reduction behaviours. Further studies are required to examine the nutritional impact of moderate and extreme dieting in this age group.

Adolescent↗

Variation in commercial rodent diets induces disparate molecular and physiological changes in the mouse uterus.

Although ovarian estrogen, estradiol-17beta, is a key modulator of normal reproductive functions, natural and synthetic compounds with estrogen-like activities can further influence reproductive functions. Plant-derived phytoestrogens specifically have received much attention because of associated health benefits. However, a comprehensive understanding of the beneficial and/or detrimental impacts of phytoestrogen consumption through commercial rodent diets on uterine biology and early pregnancy at the molecular level remains largely unexplored. Using multiple approaches, we demonstrate here that exposure of adult female mice to a commercial rodent diet with higher phytoestrogen levels facilitates uterine growth in the presence or absence of ovarian estrogen, alters uterine expression of estrogen-responsive genes, and advances the timing of implantation compared with a diet with lower phytoestrogen levels. The finding that variability in phytoestrogen content in commercial rodent diets, both within and between brands, influences experimental results stresses the importance of this investigation and raises caution for investigators using rodents as animal models.

Animal Feed↗

Renal mitochondrial glutamine metabolism during K+ depletion.

We studied changes in renal mitochondrial glutamine metabolism during the development of and recovery from K+ depletion in rats. Significant increase in mitochondrial NH3 production was noted after 3 days of K+-free diet. Ammoniagenesis in K+-depleted animals reached maximal level within 2 wk of K+ deprivation when there was 64% increase in NH3 production. In contrast to the pattern of changes in mitochondrial ammoniagenesis, phosphate-dependent glutaminase (PDG) activity increased within the first 48 h of K+ deprivation, before there was any increase in NH3 production, and did not plateau even after 2 wk of K+-free diet. The disparity between NH3 production and PDG activity cannot be explained by the difference in matrix glutamate level, thus raising the possibility that mitochondrial glutamine entry may be a rate-limiting step for ammoniagenesis during K+ depletion. Recovery from K+ depletion was studied in animals prefed with K+-free diet for 2 wk prior to the initiation of K+-supplemented diet. Muscle K+ content of K+-depleted animals returned to normal after 1 wk of K+ replacement. Mitochondrial NH3 production decreased concomitantly with the attenuation in K+ deficit but did not reach the base-line value even after K+ deficit was completely corrected. Additional experiments with isolated cortical tubules also showed persistent increase in NH3 production after the correction of K+ deficit. Thus, unlike earlier studies in rats during the recovery from metabolic acidosis, which showed only increased ammoniagenesis in isolated mitochondria but not in cortical slices, animals recovered from K+ depletion demonstrated augmented NH3 production both in isolated mitochondria and intact renal tissues.

Ammonia↗

Binge eating and binge eating disorder in a small-scale, indigenous society: the view from Fiji.

OBJECTIVE: Although the cross-cultural prevalence of anorexia and bulimia nervosa has been investigated in multiple studies, little is known about the prevalence and correlates of binge eating and binge eating disorder (BED) cross-culturally. No published studies to date have explored BED in small-scale, indigenous, or developing societies. The current study investigated the prevalence and correlates of binge eating in a community sample of Fijian women living in rural Fiji. METHODS: Fifty ethnic Fijian women completed a self-report measure developed for this study on dieting and attitudes toward body shape and change, a Nadroga-language questionnaire on body image, and the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns-Revised (QEWP-R). Their height and weight were also measured. Patterns of dieting, high body mass index (BMI), and attitudes toward eating and body image were compared between women with and without a history of binge eating. RESULTS: Ten percent of respondents reported at least weekly episodes of binge eating during the past 6 months and 4% endorsed symptoms consistent with BED. Binge eating in this sample was associated significantly with a BMI value above 35, a history of dieting, and a high concern with body shape. Binge eating was not associated with several markers of acculturation in this sample, although it was associated with a key, nontraditionally Fijian (i.e., acculturated) attitude toward the body. DISCUSSION: Binge eating occurred in a social context with traditions concerning weight and diet widely disparate from Western populations. However, correlates of binge eating in this sample suggest that nontraditional Fijian attitudes toward weight and body shape play a contributory role.

Adolescent↗

Trends in the Prevalence of Foods High in Saturated Fats, Sodium, and Added Sugars among U.S. adults, NHANES 2007-2018.

BACKGROUND: Foods and beverages high in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars (HFSS) are often ultra-processed and linked to poor health outcomes, but few studies have investigated their intake. OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in the intake of HFSS foods and beverages between 2007 and 2018 in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, by sociodemographic characteristics and What We Eat in America food groups. DESIGN: This is a secondary, cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The final sample included 27,984 adults 19 years of age or older from NHANES with at least one complete dietary recall. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes are the percentage of total energy intake from foods classified as HFSS according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Nutrient Profile Model. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: To estimate the percentage of energy intake from foods and beverages HFSS, linear regression models with interaction terms between cycles and covariates were used. RESULTS: The overall intake of foods and beverages HFSS did not change, representing over 60% of the total energy intake between 2007-2010 and 2015-2018. The intake of foods and beverages high in sodium increased by 2.0 percentage points (95% CI: 0.5, 3.5) and 3.5 percentage points (95% CI: 1.1, 5.8), respectively. The intake of foods and beverages high in saturated fats increased by 6.1 percentage points (95% CI: 4.5, 7.6) and 6.1 percentage points (95% CI: 3.9, 8.2), respectively. The intake of foods and beverages high in added sugars did not change. CONCLUSION: In the U.S., intake of HFSS foods and beverages is high. Future research should focus on whether public health interventions and policies might reduce the intake of foods high in nutrients of concern.

Added sugars↗

Social inequalities in infant feeding during the first year of life. The Longitudinal Study of Child Development in Québec (LSCDQ 1998-2002).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to describe the source and the scope of social inequalities in infant feeding practices. It examines the extent to which different recommendations are followed in different social groups and highlights the main factors influencing the total adherence to three recommendations at the population level. DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS: The study follows a representative sample (n=2103) of the children born in 1998 in the province of Québec (Canada). Detailed information on breast-feeding and complementary feeding was collected at 5 and 17 months by face-to-face interviews with the mother. The independent variables were mother's age, mother's education level, poverty level, family type, socio-economic status (SES) and living area. Odds ratios (adjusted for baby's rank in the family, birth weight and premature birth) are presented for breast-feeding, and for formula and cows' milk consumption, at different ages. The adherence to a combined indicator cumulating three recommendations (breast-fed at birth, complementary food at 4 months or later and cows' milk at 9 months or later) is also presented. RESULTS: The analysis indicates that adherence to the recommendations is low in Québec. Breast-feeding initiation, duration and its exclusivity improved with mother's age and education level and SES. Adherence to the different recommendations was interrelated, indicating an accumulation of bad nutritional circumstances for children in low-SES families. The odds of being fed in accordance with the three studied recommendations, when living in a family with the highest SES, was 2.3 times higher than when living in a family with the lowest SES. When living with a highly educated mother, the odds ratio was 2.7 times higher than when living with a low-educated mother. For mother's age, the odds ratio reached 3.7 for children from mothers aged > or =35 years, in comparison with children from mothers < or =24 years old. When SES or mother's education level was combined with mother's age, the children in the best situation were >8 more times likely than the least privileged children to be fed in accordance with these recommendations. Living area was not related with infant feeding during the first year of life. CONCLUSIONS: Breast-feeding and nutrition could be related with different health and cognitive outcomes in childhood and later in life. Consequently, social disparities in diet during infancy could play a role in the development of social and health inequalities more broadly observed at the population level. Intervention to improve adherence to breast-feeding and nutrition recommendations in infancy should be prioritised and evaluated for its impact on the reduction on infant diet inequalities over time.

Adult↗

Performance of Lymantria xylina (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) on artificial and host plant diets.

Lymantria xylina Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) is a serious defoliator of hardwood and fruit trees in Taiwan. The larvae of L. xylina feed on >63 species of host plants, belonging to 29 families. Because a large number of larvae are needed for the production of nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) or other related studies, the development of a suitable artificial diet is very important for the mass rearing of this moth in the laboratory. In this study, eight artificial diets, modified from different formulas, and one host plant, Liquidambar formosana Hance, were used to feed L. xylina caterpillars. Through various bioassays (first instar survival trial and long- and short-term feeding trials), the most suitable diet for the L. xylina was selected by performance comparisons with L. formosana. After the first instar survival trial, two of the diets were discarded, because no larva survived on these diets. The results of the long-term feeding trial indicated that the larvae grew successfully on only three kinds of artificial diet. Finally, results of the short-term feeding trial revealed that a diet (diet A), modified from the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), formula diet, was the most appropriate for the L. xylina. Larvae fed on diet A had better survival rate, pupal weight, adult size, efficiency of conversion, and relative growth rate than larvae fed on other diets; they did not grow as well as those fed on L. formosana, however, except for pupal and adult weight, and approximate digestibility. In summary, diet A was found to be the best of the artificial diets for the L. xylina and is suitable for mass rearing of this moth in the laboratory.

Animal Feed↗

Disparate effects of a triglyceride lowering diet and of bezafibrate on the HDL system: a study in patients with hypertriglyceridaemia and low HDL-cholesterol levels.

The response of plasma triglyceride and of the high density lipoprotein (HDL) system to a triglyceride lowering diet and to a bezafibrate was compared in a group of 24 human subjects with mild to moderate hypertriglyceridaemia and low HDL-cholesterol levels. Post-heparin plasma lipoprotein (LPL) and hepatic (HL) lipase activities were determined before the initiation of the study and at the end of the diet (12 weeks) and bezafibrate (12 weeks) periods. HDL structure and composition were determined on a zonal centrifugation system at the end of the diet and bezafibrate periods. Diet caused a 9-20% reduction of plasma triglycerides but there was no change in LPL, HL or HDL levels. The individual responses between plasma triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels however were highly correlated (r = 0.60 to 0.78). Combined diet plus bezafibrate therapy caused a further 38% decrease of plasma triglycerides with a 28% increase of HDL-cholesterol and a 47% increase of LPL activity. HDL3 density decreased and the contribution of cholesteryl ester to the HDL mass was increased while the contribution of proteins and triglycerides decreased. In the majority of the subjects (61%) HDL cholesterol levels increased by 20% or more and in these subjects the change of HDL was highly correlated with the change of the LPL/HL ratio (r = 0.74) but not with the change of the plasma triglyceride levels. In the remaining subjects (39%), HDL cholesterol levels remained unchanged or increased by less than 20%. The change of HDL cholesterol levels in these subjects was unrelated to the decrease of plasma triglycerides or the change of post-heparin lipase activities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bezafibrate↗

Disparate effects of weight reduction by diet on serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels in obese men and women.

To assess the effect of weight reduction on serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-sulfate, insulin, and glucose, these parameters were assessed in 18 men and 29 women before and after weight loss achieved by a 2-month 1000-1400 kcal diet. Men and women did not differ at baseline with respect to age, body mass index (BMI), or serum insulin and glucose, but serum DHEA-sulfate was almost 2-fold higher in women than men (5.4 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.8 +/- 0.2 mumol/L; P < 0.001). During the diet, men and women experienced similar reductions in BMI of 3.5 kg/m2 and 3.2 kg/m2, respectively. Fasting serum insulin fell by 38% in men and 33% in women, and did not differ between sexes at the diet's end (135 +/- 7 vs. 156 +/- 8 pmol/L; P = NS). Serum glucose fell slightly in both men and women, but did not differ between sexes. Weight loss in men was associated with a 125% rise in serum DHEA-sulfate from 2.8 +/- 0.2 to 6.3 +/- 0.3 mumol/L (P < 0.0001). In contrast, serum DHEA-sulfate did not change with weight loss in women (P = 0.35). Serum DHEA-sulfate at the end of the diet did not differ between men and women (6.3 +/- 0.3 vs. 5.2 +/- 0.5 mumol/L; P = 0.10). Hence, dietary weight loss accompanied by equivalent reductions in body mass index and serum insulin between sexes was associated with a marked rise in serum DHEA-sulfate in men, whereas in women serum DHEA-sulfate did not change. Although speculative, these findings are consistent with the idea that insulin acts in a sex-specific fashion to reduce circulating DHEA-sulfate in men only.

Adult↗

High contents of both docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids in milk of women consuming fish from lake Kitangiri (Tanzania): targets for infant formulae close to our ancient diet?

Current recommendations for arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids in infant formulae are based on milk of Western mothers. Validity may be questioned in view of the profound dietary changes in the past 100 years, as opposed to our slowly adapting genome. Hominin evolution occurred in the proximity of East-African freshwater lakes and rivers and early homo sapiens had higher intakes of AA and DHA from a predominantly lacustrine-based diet. In search of milk AA and DHA contents of our African ancestors, we investigated the milk of 29 lactating women living in Doromoni near lake Kitangiri (Tanzania). They consumed sunflower oil-fried local fish as only animal lipid sources, maize and local vegetables. AA and DHA contents of Doromoni milk may be close to that of early homo sapiens, because of the similarity of their life-long consumption of East-African lacustrine-based foods. Human milk fatty acid relationships from our historical worldwide database and the literature revealed that disparities between the Doromoni diet and the presumed ancient diet (i.e. higher carbohydrate and linoleic acid intakes) are unlikely to affect milk AA and DHA contents. Doromoni milk had high contents of AA (median 0.70 mol%), DHA (0.75) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 0.17), and low AA/DHA ratios (median 0.91; 0.55-2.61). This tracks down to consumption of fish with high AA and DHA contents, and AA/EPA ratios. We conclude that the milk AA, DHA and EPA contents of Doromoni women might provide us with clues to optimize infant formulae and perhaps the milk of Western women.

Adolescent↗

Nutrition education: a computer-based education program.

African Americans have higher than average rates of morbidity and mortality for numerous health conditions despite the improvements in overall health in the United States over the past century. Despite the proliferation of material on health promotion and health disparities concerns related to diet and health care for African Americans persist. In the present paper, the authors describe a computer-based nutrition education program designed for use with African American adults. Specific features of the program that qualify it as culturally-tailored are presented and preliminary results demonstrating success in improving nutrition in a church-based sample of 82 adults are provided.

Adult↗

Improved psychomotor performance in aged mice fed diet high in antioxidants is associated with reduced ex vivo brain interleukin-6 production.

Psychomotor performance is decreased in the aged. This study investigated the relationship between brain oxidative stress, interleukin-6 (IL-6) production by brain tissue ex vivo and psychomotor deficits during aging, and the effects of feeding an antioxidant-rich diet on ex vivo brain IL-6 production and motor function in aged mice. Male BALBc mice reared in SPF conditions and ranging in age from 3 to 24 months were studied. There was a precipitous decline in motor function after 12 months of age and an increase in brain lipid peroxidation and IL-6 production by coronal brain slices ex vivo. In another study, 12-month-old mice were fed diets formulated to provide a disparate range of antioxidants. At 18 months of age psychomotor coordination, motor learning, and ex vivo brain IL-6 production were evaluated. Mice fed an antioxidant-rich diet had improved psychomotor coordination compared to mice fed diet adequate or low in antioxidants. When mice were tested on successive days, only those fed adequate and high antioxidants exhibited motor learning. Analysis of IL-6 production by coronal brain slices indicated that as dietary antioxidants increased, IL-6 production decreased. Collectively, these data indicate that antioxidants improve psychomotor performance in aged mice, and suggest antioxidants may be useful for reducing brain IL-6 production, which has been shown to increase in aged mice.

Aging↗

Disparities within traditional Mediterranean food patterns: an historical approach of the Greek diet.

The scope of this study was to address the historical features underpinning the Greek variant of the Mediterranean diet and to examine whether relevant differences exist among dietary patterns followed in Greece prior to World War II and those recorded in the 1960s within the Seven Countries Study framework. For this purpose, archival data on family budgets were used to extract information on food availability and composition of the diets followed by two rural Greek populations prior to World War II. Results indicate that diets followed by rural Greeks in the nineteenth century and early twentieth century were characterized by a low availability of fat sources, olive oil included. Lipids represented 22-27% of the total available energy, saturated fatty acids accounted for less than 10% of the total energy, while monounsaturated fatty acids contributed 8-9% of the energy. Our results suggest that although the dietary patterns of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century are in line with the Cretan diet of the 1960s with regards to saturated fat intake, important differences can be traced with regards to total and monounsaturated fat intake. These findings suggest that the model of the Mediterranean diet represents a dietary pattern that has not persisted over a long time period in the region.

Dietary Fats↗

Racial disparity in infant and maternal mortality: confluence of infection, and microvascular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Racial disparities in infant and maternal mortality have been attributed to the unique stresses faced by Black women in the United States, but the underlying pathophysiological pathways are poorly understood. This paper reviews the literature related to potential causes of racial disparities in infant and maternal mortality. METHODS: A review of the literature from 1966 to 2003 was conducted using a series of searches of Medline, obstetrical journals, and bibliographies. The review focused on potential contributing pathophysiological factors to infant and maternal mortality. RESULTS: Racial disparities in neonatal mortality largely result from excess rates of preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and neonatal sepsis while racial disparities in maternal mortality reflect greater prevalence and/or severity of cardiovascular/preeclamptic complications, hemorrhage, and infection among African American women. A large body of epidemiological, placental, and pathophysiological evidence suggests that racial disparities in these disparate outcomes result from two distinct, but potentially converging, pathways: infection and vascular. Racial disparities in intrauterine infection and microvascular dysfunction during pregnancy may result from a constellation of environmental and intergenerational risk factors including psychosocial stress, douching, bottle-feeding, lead exposure, diet, intrauterine growth, and genes. CONCLUSIONS: Disparities in infant and maternal mortality appear to reflect a confluence of infections and microvascular dysfunction during pregnancy among African American women. Interventions that target these conditions offer promise for reducing racial disparities in these critical outcomes.

Black or African American↗

The place of physical activity in the WHO Global Strategy on Diet and Physical Activity.

In an effort to reduce the global burden of non-communicable disease, the World Health Organization released a Global Strategy for Diet and Physical Activity in May 2004. This commentary reports on the development of the strategy and its importance specifically for physical activity-related work of NGOs and researchers interested in increasing global physical activity participation. Sparked by its work on global efforts to target non-communicable disease prevention in 2000, the World Health Organization commissioned a global strategy on diet and physical activity. The physical activity interest followed efforts that had led to the initial global "Move for Health Day" in 2002. WHO assembled a reference group for the global strategy, and a regional consultation process with countries was undertaken. Underpinning the responses was the need for more physical activity advocacy; partnerships outside of health including urban planning; development of national activity guidelines; and monitoring of the implementation of the strategy. The consultation process was an important mechanism to confirm the importance and elevate the profile of physical activity within the global strategy. It is suggested that separate implementation strategies for diet and physical activity may be needed to work with partner agencies in disparate sectors (e.g. urban planning for physical activity, agriculture for diet). International professional societies are well situated to make an important contribution to global public health by advocating for the importance of physical activity among risk factors; developing international measures of physical activity and global impacts of inactivity; and developing a global research and intervention agenda.

Journal Article↗

Polymorphic trophonosis: the pseudo-omnivorous diet-related disease--a hypothesis.

Consideration of a wide range of seemingly disparate, non-infectious diseases reveals that most of them are only the varying forms or symptoms of a single, diet-related disease postulated to be Polymorphic Trophonosis. It is pointed out that they are all associated with pseudo-omnivorous dietary practices--negating the biological limitations of Homo omnivorus. In these practices, neither the out-of-all-proportion consumption of certain essential nutrients nor the liberal eating of new types of food seems to be suitable to the structure and mode of functioning of the digestive and/or metabolic systems.

Animals↗

Polyunsaturated fatty acid status of Dutch vegans and omnivores.

We compared the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status of Dutch vegans and omnivores to investigate whether disparities can be explained by different diets and long chain PUFA (LCP) synthesis rates. Dietary intakes and fatty acid compositions of erythrocytes (RBC), platelets (PLT), plasma cholesterol esters (CE) and plasma triglycerides (TG) of 12 strict vegans and 15 age- and sex-matched omnivores were determined. Vegans had higher omega 6 (CE, TG), 18:2 omega 6 (RBC, CE, TG), 18:3 omega 6 (TG), 20:3 omega 6 (TG), 22:4 omega 6 (TG), 22:5 omega 3 (RBC, PLT), 22:5 omega 3/22:6 omega 3 (RBC, PLT) and 22:5 omega 6/22:6 omega 3 (RBC, PLT), and lower 22:4 omega 6 (RBC, PLT), 22:4 omega 6/22:5 omega 6 (RBC, PLT), omega 3 (CE), LCP omega 3 (CE, TG), 20:5 omega 3 (RBC, PLT, CE), 22:5 omega 3 (TG) and 22:6 omega 3 (all compartments). Vegans had lower 20:4 omega 6 (TG) after normalization of PUFA to 100%, and normalization of eicosanoid precursors to 100% revealed similar 20:4 omega 6 (all), higher 20:3 omega 6 (TG) and lower 20:5 omega 3 (all). High omega 6 (notably 18:2 omega 6) and low omega 3 (notably 20:5 omega 3, 22:6 omega 3) status in Dutch vegans derives from low dietary LCP omega 3 and 18:3 omega 3/18:2 omega 6 ratio. Higher 18:3 omega 6 and 20:3 omega 6 in their TG may reflect higher hepatic 20:4 omega 6 production rate, whereas higher 20:4 omega 6 and 22:4 omega 6 in omnivores indicates 20:4 omega 6 intake from meat.

Adult↗