scholarly journals The impact of proposed nutrient criteria for the display of mandatory front-of-package ‘high-in’ symbols in the Canadian prepackaged foods supply

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary L'Abbe ◽  
Anthea Christoforou ◽  
Christine Mulligan ◽  
Laura Vergeer ◽  
Jodi Bernstein

AbstractBackground: Front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labelling has become a core component of policy recommendations to address the growing burden of diet-related non-communicable disease globally. The CODEX Committee on Food Labelling is in the process of establishing standardized criteria for the definition of “high-in” for use with FOP labels highlighting excessive amounts of fats, sugars and sodium in foods. Recently, as part of Health Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy, regulations requiring the mandatory display of high-in FOP symbols have been published. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which these symbols would appear on foods and beverages in the Canadian prepackaged food supply, both overall and by food category.Methods: Foods and beverages in the University of Toronto's Food Label Information Program database 2013 (n = 15,277) were assessed for the prevalence of products that would have to display a symbol based on criteria published in the draft Canadian regulations. The criteria include thresholds based on the % Daily Value (DV) for each nutrient, above which, products would be required to display a FOP symbol for that nutrient. Exemptions are provided for fruits and vegetables without added sodium, sugars, or saturated fats, non-flavoured whole or partly skimmed milk, eggs, sweetening agents (i.e. sugar, honey, syrups and molasses) and table salt.Results: 61.7% (n = 10,251) of products would be required to display at least one symbol. Of these, 52.3% (n = 5,358) would have a sodium symbol, 41.9% (n = 4,295) a saturated fats symbol and 41.0% (n = 4,207) a sugars symbol. Overall, 37% of products would display a symbol for more than one nutrient. The highest concentration of symbols were found on processed meats (93.8%), soups (93.0%), desserts (87.2%), sugars and sweets (82.3%), dairy (76.9%) and bakery products (71.0%).Discussion: This is the first study to evaluate the impact of proposed regulations for the mandatory display of FOP symbols on Canadian prepackaged foods. Findings identify a high concentration of symbols in categories contributing meaningfully to dietary sodium, sugars, and saturated fats intakes, but also in categories for which consumption is discouraged in national dietary guidelines (e.g. processed meats, desserts). The findings presented here will inform ongoing discussions on how best to optimize criteria underpinning the display of FOP “high-in” labels.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Nugent ◽  
Frank Thielecke

AbstractIntroductionThere is a long history of use for whole grain cereals as part of human dietary intakes with records of dietary grain consumption from the Middle Stone Ages. Whole grains are nutrient dense and research demonstrates that the healthiest diets (those associated with reduced risk of non-communicable diseases e.g. cardiovascular disease or cancer) are characterised by higher intake of fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes and whole grains and lower intakes of red and processed meats. Currently, grains are a main energy and carbohydrate source and as such form a cornerstone of food based dietary guidelines and dietary guidance globally. However, grains also naturally contain contaminants and as a food category can represent a significant dietary source of foodborne contaminants.Materials and MethodsThe outcomes of a narrative review on the major contaminants present in whole grains, their potential health risks and suggested strategies to mitigate any risk are described. Contaminants are limited to mycotoxins (aflatoxinB1, ochratoxin A, Fumonisin B1, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone), heavy metals (e.g. arsenic, cadmium, lead) and the process contaminant acrylamide.ResultsWhole grains can contain more contaminants than refined versions e.g. whole grain rice with bran intact can have up to 80% more arsenic than white rice. However, whole grains also provide more nutrients which may mitigate against the impact of these contaminants. For example, for heavy metals, there is some evidence that dietary fibres (e.g. wheat bran) may bind to them and reduce their absorption, as can nutrients naturally found in whole grains e.g. zinc, magnesium or copper. Minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc may also impede heavy metal absorption by down-regulating or competing for attachment to transporters that facilitate intestinal absorption. Although, strict regulatory thresholds and monitoring processes by competent authorities minimise any risk to public health, the consumer may further lessen any risk through their own dietary choices and food storage and preparation practicesDiscussionThere are a number of potential health-protective properties inherent to whole grains. Given that complete elimination of contaminants from grains is unlikely to be achieved, their presence merits continued monitoring with evidence to date suggesting any such risk does not outweigh the known benefits of wholegrain consumption.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Mulligan ◽  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
Mary R L'Abbe

AbstractThe Health Canada Surveillance Tool (HCST), a Canadian nutrient profile (NP) model, assesses products’ adherence to the 2007 Canada's Food Guide (CFG), using thresholds for total fat, saturated fat, sugars and sodium. In 2019, new dietary guidelines were published (i.e., CFG 2019); however; the HCST has not been updated to reflect changes implemented in this new guide. Given suggestions to adapt previously validated NP models rather than create new models, this research aimed to assess whether the HCST could be a useful tool to assess alignment with updated dietary guidance. Specifically, the objective of this study was to test the agreement between products’ alignment with the CFG 2007 (as per the HCST) and products’ alignment with the recently released CFG 2019 guidelines. This study analyzed data from the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program (FLIP) 2017 database. FLIP contains label and nutrition information for prepackaged food products from top Canadian grocery retailers. Products were categorized into Tiers based on HCST thresholds: Tiers 1 and 2 were considered “in line” with dietary guidance, while Tiers 3, 4 and “Other” (i.e. foods not addressed by CFG) were considered “not in line”. Two raters independently classified foods according to their alignment to CFG 2019. Proportions of products that were considered “in line” with CFG 2007 and 2019 were calculated. Overall agreement between alignment with CFG 2007 and 2019 was determined by cross-classifications of the proportion of products considered “in line” or “not in line” with both CFG versions. Cohen's Kappa (κ) statistic tested the level of agreement (Interpretation of κ: 0.01–0.20, “slight”; 0.21–0.40, “fair”; 0.41–0.60, “moderate”; 0.61–0.80, “substantial”; and 0.81–0.99, “almost perfect”). Analyses were conducted overall and by Health Canada's Table of Reference Amounts for Food category. In total, n = 16,973 products were analyzed, with 98% inter-rater reliability for CFG 2019 alignment. Overall, 30.2% and 28.2% of products were “in line” with CFG 2007 and 2019, respectively, with 80.4% overall agreement and “moderate” kappa agreement (κ [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.46, 0.49]). Overall agreement in individual food categories ranged from 100% (Dessert Toppings, Sauces, Sugars and Sweets; κ: N/A) to 54.8% (Eggs, κ: 0.21 [-0.01, 0.4]). From these results, the HCST appears to be an effective NP model for assessing alignment with CFG 2019. Further analysis could elucidate specific areas for adaptation of the HCST to optimize its functionality in this context.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 751-751
Author(s):  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
Laura Vergeer ◽  
Gabriel B. Tjong ◽  
Mary L'Abbé

Abstract Objectives Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition characterized by an adverse response to gluten ingestion. While only 1% of the population must follow a gluten-free diet (e.g., those with celiac disease), gluten-free products are becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada, particularly among packaged products, which are largely processed or ultra-processed. Yet, excess consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods has been associated with poor diet quality, a risk factor for obesity and other non-communicable diseases. Objectives To examine whether the presence of gluten-free claims (GFC) on packaged food and beverage products was associated with level of processing. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2017. GFC were identified by systematically reviewing the photographs of food labels (n = 17,267). Products were classified into 22 main food categories as determined by the Health Canada's Table of Reference Amounts for Foods. Using the NOVA food processing classification system, products were also classified into two groups: 1) Unprocessed or minimally processed and processed culinary ingredients; and 2) processed or ultra-processed. Proportions of products displaying GFC were calculated overall, by food category and by level of processing. Binomial logistic regression models examined the association of GFC with level of processing. Results Fifteen % of products displayed GFC. Categories displaying the largest proportion of GFC were snacks (32%), meat and poultry products (28%), and nuts and seeds (26%). The presence of GFC claim was associated with foods being processed or ultra-processed (β = 1.63, P < 0.001). In 8 of the 22 food categories, 100% of products displaying GFC were processed or ultra-processed, while more than 80% of foods displaying GFC in 17 of 22 categories were considered processed or ultra-processed. Conclusions About 1/6 of prepackaged foods and beverages displayed gluten-free claims in the Canadian Food supply. Most of them were considered processed and ultra-processed foods. Funding Sources Canadian Institutes of Health (CIHR) Scholarships [BFA, LV], Department of Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student Fellowship [BFA; LV], Ontario Graduate Scholarship [LV], CIHR Research Grant 2016PJT-152,979 [MRL].


1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (03) ◽  
pp. 504-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L Booth ◽  
Jacqueline M Charnley ◽  
James A Sadowski ◽  
Edward Saltzman ◽  
Edwin G Bovill ◽  
...  

SummaryCase reports cited in Medline or Biological Abstracts (1966-1996) were reviewed to evaluate the impact of vitamin K1 dietary intake on the stability of anticoagulant control in patients using coumarin derivatives. Reported nutrient-drug interactions cannot always be explained by the vitamin K1 content of the food items. However, metabolic data indicate that a consistent dietary intake of vitamin K is important to attain a daily equilibrium in vitamin K status. We report a diet that provides a stable intake of vitamin K1, equivalent to the current U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance, using food composition data derived from high-performance liquid chromatography. Inconsistencies in the published literature indicate that prospective clinical studies should be undertaken to clarify the putative dietary vitamin K1-coumarin interaction. The dietary guidelines reported here may be used in such studies.


1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard E. Farrell ◽  
Jae E. Yang ◽  
P. Ming Huang ◽  
Wen K. Liaw

Abstract Porewater samples from the upper Qu’Appelle River basin in Saskatchewan, Canada, were analyzed to obtain metal, inorganic ligand and amino add profiles. These data were used to compute the aqueous speciation of the metals in each porewater using the computer program GEOCHEM-PC. The porewaters were classified as slightly to moderately saline. Metal concentrations reflected both the geology of the drainage basin and the impact of anthropogenic activities. Whereas K and Na were present almost entirely as the free aquo ions, carbonate equilibria dominated the speciation of Ca. Mg and Mn (the predominant metal ligand species were of the type MCO3 (s). MCO30. and MHCO3+). Trace metal concentrations were generally within the ranges reported for non-polluted freshwater systems. Whereas the speciation of the trace metals Cr(III) and Co(II) was dominated by carbonate equilibria, Hg(II)-, Zn(II)- and Fe(II)-speciation was dominated by hydroxy-metal complexes of the type M(OH)+ and M(OH)2°. The speciation of Fe(III) was dominated by Fe(OH)3 (s). In porewaters with high chloride concentrations (> 2 mM), however, significant amounts of Hg(II) were bound as HgCl20 and HgClOH0. The aqueous speciation of Al was dominated by Al(OH)4− and Al2Si2O4(OH)6 (s). Total concentrations of dissolved free amino acids varied from 15.21 to 25.17 umole L−1. The most important metal scavenging amino acids were histidine (due to high stability constants for the metal-histidine complexes) and tryptophan (due to its relatively high concentration in the porewaters. i.e., 5.96 to 7.73 umole L−1). Secondary concentrations of various trace metal-amino add complexes were computed for all the porewaters, but metal-amino acid complexes dominated the speciation of Cu(II) in all the porewaters and Ni(II) in two of the porewaters.


Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 257
Author(s):  
Jin Sang Jung ◽  
Ji Hwan Kang

To investigate the impact of burning postharvest crop residues in home stoves, PM2.5 samples (particulate matter with a diameter of <2.5 μm) were collected every 3 h at a rural site in Daejeon, Korea during the postharvest season in 2014. A high concentration of levoglucosan was observed with a peak value of 3.8 µg/m3 during the sampling period. The average mannosan/levoglucosan ratio (0.18) at the rural site during a severe BB episode (levoglucosan > 1 μg/m3) was similar to burnings of pepper stems (0.19) and bean stems (0.18) whereas the average OC/levoglucosan ratio (9.9) was similar to burning of pepper stems (10.0), implying that the severe BB episode was mainly attributed to burning of pepper stems. A very strong correlation was observed between levoglucosan and organic carbon (OC) (R2 = 0.81) during the entire sampling period, suggesting that the emission of organic aerosols at the rural site was strongly associated with the burning of crop residues in home stoves. The average mannosan/levoglucosan ratio (0.17 ± 0.06) in the rural area was similar to that in a nearby urban area in Daejeon (0.16 ± 0.04). It was concluded that crop residue burning in a home stove for space heating is one of the important sources of carbonaceous aerosols not only in a rural area but also in the urban area of Daejeon, Korea during the postharvest season.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 528
Author(s):  
Roswitha Siener ◽  
Norman Bitterlich ◽  
Hubert Birwé ◽  
Albrecht Hesse

Despite the importance of dietary management of cystinuria, data on the contribution of diet to urinary risk factors for cystine stone formation are limited. Studies on the physiological effects of diet on urinary cystine and cysteine excretion are lacking. Accordingly, 10 healthy men received three standardized diets for a period of five days each and collected daily 24 h urine. The Western-type diet (WD; 95 g/day protein) corresponded to usual dietary habits, whereas the mixed diet (MD; 65 g/day protein) and lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (VD; 65 g/day protein) were calculated according to dietary reference intakes. With intake of the VD, urinary cystine and cysteine excretion decreased by 22 and 15%, respectively, compared to the WD, although the differences were not statistically significant. Urine pH was significantly highest on the VD. Regression analysis showed that urinary phosphate was significantly associated with cystine excretion, while urinary sulfate was a predictor of cysteine excretion. Neither urinary cystine nor cysteine excretion was affected by dietary sodium intake. A lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet is particularly suitable for the dietary treatment of cystinuria, since the additional alkali load may reduce the amount of required alkalizing agents.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 882.1-882
Author(s):  
T. Meng ◽  
J. Wilson ◽  
A. Venn ◽  
F. Cicuttini ◽  
L. March ◽  
...  

Background:Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disease worldwide, but no disease-modifying treatments are available. Existing treatments largely focus on relieving symptoms, but they may have substantial adverse effects. Identifying risk factors affecting knee symptoms is important for developing safer prevention strategies of knee OA symptoms.Objectives:To describe the associations between diet quality in childhood and adulthood and knee symptoms in young adults.Methods:Participants were from the Australian Schools Health and Fitness Survey (ASHFS) in 1985, which was conducted to provide benchmark data on the health and fitness of Australian schoolchildren. During 2004-2006, participants were followed up in the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health (CDAH) Study. Dietary measures were collected in ASHFS (aged 10-15 years) and CDAH Study (aged 26-36 years) using food questionnaires. Diet quality was assessed by Dietary Guidelines Index (DGI), reflecting the adherence to Australian Dietary Guidelines. The DGI comprises 9 components and its maximum possible score is 100. A higher score indicated higher diet quality. During 2008-2010, participants (aged 31-41years) were followed up in the CDAH Knee Study. Knee symptoms were collected using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Zero-inflated negative binomial regression analyses were used to assess the associations between diet quality and knee symptoms. Age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, total energy intake, and knee injury history were included as potential confounders based on biological plausibility.Results:A total of 399 participants (48.4% were female) were included in analysis. The average childhood and adult DGI was 46.5 and 55.4, respectively. The prevalence of knee pain, stiffness and dysfunction was 35.1%. 31.6% and 39.9%, respectively. The overall childhood DGI was not associated with adult knee symptoms. However, the limited intake of discretionary foods in childhood was associated with lower pain (Mean ratio (MR): 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92-1.00) and dysfunction (MR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.99). The overall adult DGI was not associated with knee symptoms. However, replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats in adulthood was associated with lower WOMAC (Pain: MR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.99; stiffness: MR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.99; dysfunction: MR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.99), drinking water in adulthood was associated with lower stiffness (MR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.99), and fruit intake in adulthood was associated with lower dysfunction (MR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81-0.99). Moreover, higher DGI score for dairy in adulthood was associated with higher WOMAC (Pain: MR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00-1.13; stiffness: MR 1.13, 95% CI 1.05-1.21; dysfunction: MR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21). The overall score change of DGI from childhood to adulthood was not associated with adult knee symptoms. However, the score change of replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats from childhood to adulthood was associated with lower stiffness (MR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.98), and the score change of fruit intake was associated with lower dysfunction (MR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.99).Conclusion:Several DGI component scores in childhood and adulthood and some changes of DGI component score from childhood to adulthood were associated with knee symptoms in young adults. The results suggested that early-life diet quality may affect knee symptoms in young adults.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Machover ◽  
Wathek Almohamad ◽  
Vincent Castagné ◽  
Christophe Desterke ◽  
Léa Gomez ◽  
...  

AbstractSupplementation of cancer cells exposed to 5-fluorouracil (FUra) and folinic acid (FA) with high concentration pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, the cofactor of vitamin B6, potentiates the cytotoxicity of FUra in a synergistic interaction mode. We report a pilot study in 13 patients with previously untreated advanced carcinoma of the digestive tract to assess the impact of high-dose pyridoxine (PN) on the antitumor activity of regimens comprising FUra and FA. Five patients had colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC); 5 had pancreas adenocarcinoma (PC); and 3 had squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (EC). Patients with CRC and with PC received oxaliplatin, irinotecan, FUra and FA, and patients with EC had paclitaxel, carboplatin, FUra and FA. PN iv from 1000 to 3000 mg/day preceded each administration of FA and FUra. Eleven patients responded. Two patients with CRC attained CRs and 3 had PRs with reduction rates ≥ 78%. Two patients with PC attained CRs, and 2 had PRs with reduction rates ≥ 79%. Responders experienced disappearance of most metastases. Of 3 patients with EC, 2 attained CRs. Median time to attain a response was 3 months. Unexpected toxicity did not occur. Results suggest that high-dose vitamin B6 enhances antitumor potency of regimens comprising FUra and FA.


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