scholarly journals Evaluation of a nutrient-rich food index score in the Netherlands

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diewertje Sluik ◽  
Martinette T. Streppel ◽  
Linde van Lee ◽  
Anouk Geelen ◽  
Edith J. M. Feskens
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Cereal Products ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Rich Food ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Methodological Considerations ◽  
Development And Validation

AbstractNutrient-rich food (NRF) index scores are dietary quality indices based on nutrient density. We studied the design aspects involved in the development and validation of NRF index scores, using the Dutch consumption data and guidelines as an example. We evaluated fifteen NRF index scores against the Dutch Healthy Diet Index (DHD-index), a measure of adherence to the Dutch dietary guidelines, and against energy density. The study population included 2106 adults from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2007–2010. The index scores were composed of beneficial nutrients (protein, fibre, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals), nutrients to limit (saturated fat, sugar, Na) or a combination. Moreover, the influence of methodological decisions was studied, such as the choice of calculation basis (100 g or 100 kcal (418 kJ)). No large differences existed in the prediction of the DHD-index by the fifteen NRF index scores. The score that best predicted the DHD-index included nine beneficial nutrients and three nutrients to limit on a 100-kcal basis, the NRF9.3 with a model R2 of 0·34. The scores were quite robust with respect to sex, BMI and differences in calculation methods. The NRF index scores were correlated with energy density, but nutrient density better predicted the DHD-index than energy density. Consumption of vegetables, cereals and cereal products, and dairy products contributed most to the individual NRF9.3 scores. In conclusion, many methodological considerations underlie the development and evaluation of nutrient density models. These decisions may depend upon the purpose of the model, but should always be based upon scientific, objective and transparent criteria.

Abstract P355: Development and Validation of a Nutrient Density Score That Includes Foods Groups

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica D Smith ◽  
Victor Fulgoni ◽  
Adam Drewnowski
Keyword(s):  
Diet Quality ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Unsaturated Fat ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Density Score ◽  
Considerable Work ◽  
Development And Validation

Introduction: There has been considerable work performed on nutrient profiling to assess the nutritional contribution of a food to a healthy dietary pattern. Most profiling approaches have focused on nutrients to limit and nutrients to encourage. A few profiling approaches have also included certain food groups in the profiling algorithm. Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop a nutrient density score, based on the Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF) 6.3, that includes food groups and validate the score against a gold-standard marker of diet quality, the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015. Methods: Stepwise regression was used to develop a nutrient density score based on the day 1 total dietary intake of the U.S. population 2 years and older (excluding pregnant and lactating women) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2016 (n=23,743). Intake of food groups was taken from the Food Patterns Equivalent Database (FPED) 2011-2016. Sixteen nutrients (as a percent of the Daily Value) as well as five food groups (as a percentage of recommended intake in 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines) were considered in the score. Results: When only the 16 nutrients were included in the score, 66% of the variability in the HEI 2015 could be accounted for (R 2 = 0.66). When only the five food groups were considered, the maximum R 2 with the HEI 2015 was 0.50. However, when both nutrients and foods groups were considered, the model explained 74% of the variability in the HEI 2015 (Table). The increase in the R 2 begins to plateau after the inclusion of 10 elements: 3 nutrients to encourage (fiber, potassium and unsaturated fat), 4 food groups (dairy, fruit, whole grains, and nuts and seeds) and 3 nutrients to limit (added sugar, saturated fat, sodium). Conclusion: A nutrient density score that includes both nutrients and foods groups best predicts diet quality as measured by the HEI 2015.

scholarly journals Food consumption and nutrient intake in Finnish 1–6-year-old children

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (6A) ◽  
pp. 947-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pipsa Kyttälä ◽  
Maijaliisa Erkkola ◽  
Carina Kronberg-Kippilä ◽  
Heli Tapanainen ◽  
Riitta Veijola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cereal Products ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Prediction And Prevention

AbstractObjectiveTo study food consumption and nutrient intake in Finnish children aged 1–6 years and to assess the effect of age and sex on food consumption and nutrient intake.DesignCross-sectional samples of children participating in the Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) birth cohort study in Finland.SubjectsThe study population comprised healthy children recruited in the nutrition study within the DIPP study in 1998–2003. Three-day food records (2535 in total) from 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-year-old children were kept between the years 2003 and 2005.ResultsThe energy-adjusted consumption of fruits and berries, cereal products, infant formulas and meat dishes was higher and the consumption of vegetables, salads, breads, dairy products, fat spreads, drinks, sweets and sugar was lower among 1-year-old children than older age groups (P for all <0·05). The mean daily energy intake increased with age and was higher among boys than girls in all age groups, except among the 2-year-olds (P for all <0·05). The diet of the 2–6-year-old children contained too much saturated fat and sucrose, and too little PUFA compared with the current Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. The intakes of most vitamins and minerals met the recommendations. However, the intakes of vitamin D, E and iron fell below the recommended levels. The nutrient density of the diet decreased after the age of 1 year at the time that the children adapted to the regular family diet.ConclusionsIn order to improve the diet of young children, it is essential to evaluate the diet of the whole family.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Nutri-Score in Relation to Dietary Guidelines and Food Reformulation in The Netherlands

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4536
Author(s):  
Sovianne ter ter Borg ◽  
Elly Steenbergen ◽  
Ivon E. J. Milder ◽  
Elisabeth H. M. Temme
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Added Sugar ◽  
Cereal Products ◽  
Scenario Analyses ◽  
Health Council ◽  
Dutch Health ◽  
Grain Products

An unhealthy dietary pattern is an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Front-of-Pack nutritional labels such as Nutri-Score can be used to improve food choices. In addition, products can be improved through reformulation. The current study investigates to what extent Nutri-Score aligns with the Dutch Health Council dietary guidelines and whether it can be used as an incentive for reformulation. Nutri-Score calculations were based on the Dutch Branded Food database (2018). The potential shift in Nutri-Score was calculated with product improvement scenarios. The Nutri-Score classification is in line with these dietary guidelines: increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables, pulses, and unsalted nuts. It is, however, less in line with the recommendations to limit (dairy) drinks with added sugar, reduce the consumption of red meat and replace refined cereal products with whole-grain products. The scenario analyses indicated that a reduction in sodium, saturated fat or sugars resulted in a more favourable Nutri-Score in a large variety of food groups. However, the percentage of products with an improved Nutri-Score varied greatly between the different food groups. Alterations to the algorithm may strengthen Nutri-Score in order to help consumers with their food choices.

scholarly journals Sodium and Saturated Fat Content of Children's Foods at Top-selling U.S. Chain Restaurants in 2017 (P04-150-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula-Dene Nesbeth ◽  
Yuru Huang ◽  
Kasey Heintz
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Oak Ridge ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Serving Size ◽  
Limited Service

Abstract Objectives To understand the nutritional landscape of restaurant meals targeted to children, the nutrient content of common menu categories, such as sandwiches, were collected from top U.S. chain restaurants. Median sodium and saturated fat content of restaurant entrees, sandwiches (including burgers), and pizzas were compared to U.S. dietary recommendations. Mean sodium and saturated fat per 100 kilocalories were also compared by menu category and restaurant type (limited service and full service). Methods Nutrient data was obtained from publicly available menu and nutrition information collected in 2017 from websites of top-selling U.S. chain restaurants. Foods were categorized using menu category definitions in MenuStat, a restaurant nutrition database created by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Linear regression was used to identify differences in nutrient density by menu category and restaurant type. Results The dataset contained 356 entrees, 28 pizzas, 162 sandwiches and burgers from 64 top U.S. chain restaurants that have online nutrition information with menu items aimed for children. Median (Q1, Q3) milligrams of sodium were 780 (500, 1150) for entrees, 1000 (797.5, 1272.5) for pizzas, and 850 (613, 1160) for sandwiches and burgers respectively. Median (Q1, Q3) grams of saturated fat were 4.25 (2, 8) for entrees, 8 (6, 11.25) for pizzas, and 6 (3.5, 10.75) for sandwiches and burgers. Fifty-one % of entrees, 89% of pizzas, and 73% of sandwiches have >10% of calories from saturated fat, whereas the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended consuming <10% of calories per day from saturated fat. Predicted mean saturated fat in grams per 100 kcal for sandwiches and burgers was lower in limited service (1.51, 95% CI: 1.37, 1.65) compared to full service restaurants (2.08, 95% CI: 1.88, 2.29). However, this difference may be related to serving size which was not available for 83% of menu items. Conclusions With more Americans purchasing meals outside the home and the availability of restaurant nutrition information, examination of nutrient content and serving size for restaurant foods can help to identify areas for nutritional improvement for meals targeted to children. Funding Sources U.S. Food and Drug Administration and an appointment to FDA administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education through an interagency agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy and FDA.

scholarly journals The New Hybrid Nutrient Density Score NRFh 4:3:3 Tested in Relation to Affordable Nutrient Density and Healthy Eating Index 2015: Analyses of NHANES Data 2013–16

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1734
Author(s):  
Adam Drewnowski ◽  
Jessica Smith ◽  
Victor L. Fulgoni
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Partial Replacement ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Rich Food ◽  
The Impact

Background: Hybrid nutrient density scores are based on both nutrients and selected food groups. Objective: To compare the new hybrid nutrient-rich food NRFh 4:3:3 score to other nutrient-rich food (NRF) scores, energy density, and energy cost and to model the impact on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) of partially replacing less nutrient-rich with more nutrient-rich foods. Methods: Analyses were based on 5870 foods and beverages in the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies and on 24 h dietary recalls from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2013–16). The NRFh 4:3:3 model was based on four nutrients to encourage (protein fiber, potassium, MUFA + PUFA); three food groups to encourage (dairy, fruit, whole grains); and three nutrients to limit (saturated fat, added sugar, sodium). Ratings generated by NRFh 4:3:3 and by other NRF models were correlated with score components, energy density (kcal/100 g), and energy cost (USD/100 kcal). The impact on HEI-2015 of replacing foods in the lowest nutrient density tertile (T1) with top tertile (T3) foods at 10%, 20%, 30%, and 100% equicaloric replacement was modeled using NHANES 2013–16 dietary data by population subgroups. Results: The NRFh 4:3:3 model awarded higher scores to foods containing dairy, fruit, and whole grains and proportionately lower scores to vegetables when compared to the NRF 9.3 model. Higher NRF and NRFh nutrient density scores were linked to lower energy density and higher energy cost; however, both correlations were lower for the NRFh 4:3:3. Isocaloric replacement of bottom tertile with top tertile foods as rated by both models led to significantly higher HEI-2105 values, based on complete (100%) and on partial (10–30%) replacement. Conclusion: The new NRFh 4:3:3 model provides the basis for developing new metrics of affordable nutrient density. The model identified “best value” food categories that were both affordable and nutrient-rich. Total and partial replacement of low nutrient density with high nutrient density foods was associated with higher HEI-2015 scores, suggesting that even partial inclusion of more nutrient dense foods in the diet may have an important impact on total diet quality.

scholarly journals Food portion sizes and dietary quality in Irish children and adolescents

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 1444-1452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Lyons ◽  
Janette Walton ◽  
Albert Flynn
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Dietary Energy ◽  
Portion Sizes ◽  
Food Portion ◽  
Dietary Energy Density ◽  
Weighed Record

AbstractObjectiveTo describe relationships between the portion sizes of a range of foods commonly consumed by Irish children and adolescents and key indicators of dietary quality on the days they were consumed.DesignCross-sectional data from the Irish National Children’s Food Survey (2003–2004; 7 d weighed record) and National Teens’ Food Survey (2005–2006; 7 d semi-weighed record) were used to compare mean values for a number of dietary quality indicators (e.g. energy-adjusted intakes of saturated fat, dietary fibre and Na) across portion size tertiles for a range of foods, on the days the foods were consumed.SettingThe Republic of Ireland.SubjectsNationally representative samples of children aged 5–12 years (n594) and adolescents aged 13–17 years (n441).ResultsRelationships between food portion sizes and indicators of dietary quality on the days the foods were consumed were similar in both children and adolescents. Lower dietary energy density and saturated fat intakes, and higher dietary fibre intakes, were observed on the days larger portions of fruit and boiled potatoes were consumed. Higher dietary energy density and lower micronutrient intakes were observed on the days larger portions of sugar-sweetened beverages were consumed. Higher Na intakes were observed on the days larger portions of frying meats were consumed.ConclusionsThe current work identifies foods for which larger portion sizes may be associated with positive dietary attributes, as well as the opposite. Findings will form an evidence base from which more specific dietary guidance relating to portion size may be developed for Irish children and adolescents.

scholarly journals Food-based dietary guidelines: some assumptions tested for the Netherlands

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (S1) ◽  
pp. S143-S149 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. H. Löwik ◽  
K. F. A. M. Hulshof ◽  
J. H. Brussaard
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Fats And Oils ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Nutrient Density

Recently, the concept of food-based dietary guidelines has been introduced by WHO and FAO. For this concept, several assumptions were necessary. The validity and potential consequences of some of these assumptions are discussed in this paper on the basis of the Dutch National Food Consumption Surveys. The topics were interrelationships among dietary characteristics, nutrient density, diets in accordance with the guidelines, and food variety.To obtain insight into overall diet quality, a dietary quality index based on nutrients and a food-based quality index based on food groups were created and tested. As expected the results showed that a higher dietary quality index was associated with an improved intake of the nutrients included in the index, in particular a lower intake of total fat and cholesterol. This was related to a lower consumption of cheese, fats and oils, meat and meat products, and a higher consumption of fruit and vegetables. The information obtained with a dietary quality index can be used to assess the feasibility of a particular goal in combination with other relevant goals and to obtain clues or confirmation for recommendations regarding food consumption.The food-based quality index created showed that a combination of several food-based goals (formulated in quantitative terms) was associated with an increase in food consumption, without a clear relevance for the dietary quality. Therefore, the formulation of food-based guidelines should be based on explicitly stated dietary goals. The findings regarding nutrient density were in the direction of what was assumed, namely a positive association between density and absolute intake, although the expected effects were not completely found. The results regarding the association between variety and dietary intake were characterized mainly by differences in quantity rather than dietary quality.The data indicate that energy intake may be an important pitfall in implementing food-based dietary guidelines, that ‘eat a variety of food’ can be an empty slogan and that nutrient density is positively related to the absolute intake of specific micronutrients. Further, the ‘absence’ of interrelationships among risk nutrients indicates that a selection process has to be applied.

scholarly journals A Modified Nutrition Rich Food Index to Assess Nutrient Density of Protein Foods and Snacks

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 782-782
Author(s):  
Simon Sum ◽  
Joyce Cao ◽  
Meline Chakalian ◽  
Casey Vanous
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Good Source ◽  
Protein Food ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Rich Food ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Calcium Iron

Abstract Objectives To develop a modified Nutrition Rich Food Index (PS-NRF) to assess the nutrient density (ND) of protein snack foods, based on the nutritional profile of most commonly consumed protein-rich food items, which can be used to develop nutrient-dense protein snacks. Methods Good source protein food items, defined as ready-to-eat food items with ≥10% of the US protein daily value (DV), were selected from the 450 most frequently consumed food items by the NHANES 2013–14 participants aged ≥2y. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on the 7 encouraged micronutrients in the original NRF 9.3 calculation (vitamins A, C, D, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium) to determine which would be appropriate for the PS-NRF. PS-NRF was calculated by subtracting the sum of percentages of maximum recommended values for discouraged nutrients (saturated fat, total sugar and sodium) from the sum of percentages of DVs for encouraged nutrients (protein, fiber and select micronutrients from this study), capped at 100% per DV. In order to use healthy food options as the basis, only positive PS-NRF/100 kcal values were used to calculate the mean, median, and inter-quartile range (IQR) of the good protein source food items and target those items with accompanying nutrient(s) to encourage. Results One hundred and sixty-nine good source protein food items were identified (17.16% Milk and Milk Products, 29% Meat, Poultry, Fish and mixtures, 23.67% Eggs, 21.3% Legumes, nuts and seeds, and 8.88% grain products). According to the PCA, vitamin A (r = −0.61), vitamin D (r = −0.49), and calcium (r = −0.53) had relatively stronger strengths of correlation compared to other micronutrients and therefore included in the PS-NRF. Based on this approach, 127 (75.15%) good source protein food items were found to have positive PS-NRF. The mean ± SD and median (IQR) of the PS-NRF/100 kcal index were: 12.23 ± 10.95 and 10.22 (4.72 to 16.35). Conclusions This study demonstrated that in good source protein food items, vitamins A, D and calcium were found to be accompanying nutrients that were influential contributors to the DVs and were included as encouraged micronutrients in the PS-NRF. The mean PS-NRF among all good source protein food items with positive PS-NRF was 12.23/100 kcal, which could be used as a reference to differentiate healthy protein snack foods with good nutrient density. Funding Sources None.

scholarly journals Development and validation of a new simple Healthy Meal Index for canteen meals

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1559-1565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne D Lassen ◽  
Anja Biltoft-Jensen ◽  
Gitte L Hansen ◽  
Ole Hels ◽  
Inge Tetens
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Average Energy ◽  
Scoring Systems ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Index Components ◽  
Development And Validation

AbstractObjectiveNutrition evaluation tools should be developed both for scientific purposes and to encourage and facilitate healthy nutritional practices. The purpose of the present study was to develop and validate a simple food-based Healthy Meal Index (HMI) reflecting the nutritional profile of individual canteen meals.DesignThe development process included overall model selection, setting nutritional goals and defining scoring systems and thresholds. Three index components were included: (i) contents of fruit and vegetables, (ii) fat content and quality and (iii) contents of wholegrain products and potatoes. The development was built on the principles embodied by the Plate Model, but providing more specificity in some areas. The simple HMI was validated against weighed and chemically analysed food and nutrient content of a representative sample of canteen meals. The sample was split into four categories according to the total index score and compared across categories.SettingA total of 180 meals from fifteen worksite canteens.ResultsAverage energy density decreased significantly across categories (from 876 kJ/100 g to 537 kJ/100 g, P < 0·001). Also, the content of total and saturated fat, carbohydrate and fruit and vegetables varied across categories with higher score values being closer to dietary guidelines (P < 0·001).ConclusionsThe simple HMI was successful in ranking canteen meals according to their nutritional quality. The index provides a valuable tool to both researchers and food and nutrition professionals, e.g. caterers and dietitians, who wish to evaluate nutritional quality of meals in line with the recommendations for healthier eating without the use of nutrition calculation programs.

scholarly journals Daily Snacking Occasions, Snack Size, and Snack Energy Density as Predictors of Diet Quality among US Children Aged 2 to 5 Years

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandria Kachurak ◽  
Regan L. Bailey ◽  
Adam Davey ◽  
Lauren Dabritz ◽  
Jennifer Orlet Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Added Sugars ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Daily Intakes

Whether snacks help young children meet nutritional needs or merely contribute to excessive intakes is debated. This research evaluated associations of snacking with dietary quality among US preschoolers (two to five years, n = 4217) in the 2005–2016 National Health Examination Survey (NHANES). Snacking occasions, size, and energy density (ED) were estimated from two 24-hr dietary recalls. Diet quality indices included the 2015 Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015, 0–100), the mean adequacy ratio (MAR, 0–100) for five shortfall nutrients (vitamin D, calcium, fiber, potassium, and iron), and the mean % of recommended limits for added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Linear regressions included snacking parameters, demographics, and dietary reporting accuracy. Children had a mean HEI-2015 of 53.0, a MAR of 67.7, and intake of 121.4% of nutrients to limit. Daily snacking occasions were positively associated with HEI-2015 scores, whereas mean snack size and ED were negatively associated with HEI-2015 and MAR scores (all p < 0.05). Snack ED was positively associated with daily intakes of added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium (p < 0.001). These nationally representative findings reveal that more frequent, smaller, and less energy-dense snacks are associated with higher diet quality among US preschoolers.

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