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 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.

scholarly journals Dietary guidelines and patterns of food and nutrient intake in Sweden

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (S1) ◽  
pp. S113-S117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wulf Becker
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Dietary Survey ◽  
Frequent Consumption ◽  
Total Carbohydrates ◽  
Food And Nutrient Intake ◽  
Total Fat

The Nordic and Swedish Nutrition Recommendations emphasize the balance between macronutrients in the diet. The amount of saturated and total fat should be limited to c. 10 %energy and 30 %energy, respectively, and the amount of total carbohydrates should be 55–60 %energy. Data from the first Swedish national dietary survey in 1989 show that the average diet is too high in fat, especially saturated fat (36–37 %energy and 16 %energy, respectively) while the content of total carbohydrates and dietary fibre is too low. However, parts of the population consume a diet that meets the recommendation for a particular macronutrient. A comparison of subjects with a low or high intake of total fat and saturated fat, dietary fibre or fruit and vegetables show some common trends with respect to the characteristics of a dietary pattern equal or close to the recommendations, e.g. more frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables and a lower consumption of some fat-rich foods, such as spreads, cheese and sausages.

scholarly journals Menu Descriptions and Nutrient Content of Food Items in U.S. Restaurants (FS02-01-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Krobath ◽  
William Masters ◽  
Megan Mueller
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
The United States ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Trans Fat ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nutrient Data

Abstract Objectives This study concerns how the description of foods on restaurant menus relates to their nutrient content as disclosed on company websites. We aimed to test halo effects, regarding how claims about some desirable features might be associated with the presence of other attributes. Methods We used item descriptions and nutrient data for food items (n = 92,949) at the top-selling restaurant chains (n = 92) from 2012 through 2017 in the United States, compiled by the MenuStat project. We classified items into 4 types (mains, appetizers, desserts, sides) and claims into 3 groups using 29 search terms based on consumer interests in health (e.g., “nutritious”), product sourcing (e.g., “local” or “organic”), and vegetal items (vegetarian or vegan). Nutrient data focus on 4 dietary recommendations to limit sodium (mg), trans-fat (g) and saturated fats (% of energy), and to increase fiber (g). We also report calories per item (kcal) and its share from carbohydrates, protein and total fat (%). We used multiple regression to test whether nutrient content was associated with menu claims, controlling for year and restaurant brand, the item being marked as “shareable”, on a kid's menu, or regional and limited-time offerings. Methods and hypotheses were preregistered on As-Predicted.com. Results Contrary to our prediction, nutrient content was more often aligned with U.S. dietary guidelines when their description did include claims. With 3 claim types, 4 food types and 4 recommendations we test 48 possible cases. In 25 (52%) we found alignment between claims and nutrient recommendations, e.g., main dishes with health-related claims had 2% less calories from saturated fat (P < 0.01) and 142 mg less sodium (P < 0.01). In 3 of 48 cases (7%), claims were contrary to recommendations, all of which were desserts with sourcing claims which had more sodium, more trans-fat and more saturated fat than other desserts (all P < 0.01). In 20 of 48 cases (42%) there was no significant difference between items with and without claims. Conclusions Items described as vegetarian/vegan or with sourcing and health claims had nutrient contents that were more often aligned with dietary guidelines than other items. Menu labeling that communicates meal content more directly, such as nutrient fact panels, could inform choice and build trust in restaurant meals. Funding Sources None.

scholarly journals Exploratory Analysis of Nutritional Quality and Metrics of Snack Consumption among Nepali Children during the Complementary Feeding Period

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2962 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alissa M. Pries ◽  
Elaine L. Ferguson ◽  
Nisha Sharma ◽  
Atul Upadhyay ◽  
Suzanne Filteau
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Total Energy ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Nutrition Transition ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Dietary Adequacy

The World Health Organization recommends feeding snacks between meals to young children. This study explored nutritional quality of snacks consumed between meals and consumption metrics (% total energy intakes (%TEI) and amount of kcal from snacks) to understand correlations with dietary outcomes (total energy intakes and dietary adequacy) and body-mass-index-for-age z-scores (BMIZ). Data used were 24-h dietary recalls and anthropometric measurements among a representative sample (n = 679) of one-year-olds in Nepal. Nepali meal patterns for young children were identified through formative research and all foods/beverages consumed outside of meals were categorized as snacks. A nutrient profiling model was used to categorize snacks as healthy or unhealthy, based on positive and negative nutrient content. Snacks consumed between meals provided half of all energy consumed, and were associated with increased energy and nutrient intakes. The positive effect of snacks between meals on dietary adequacy was greater when these snacks were healthy, while increasing %TEI from unhealthy snacks consumed between meals was negatively associated with dietary adequacy. Consumption of snacks between meals was not associated with mean BMIZ among the children. These findings indicate that the provision of and nutritional quality of snacks are important considerations to communicate to caregivers. Discouragement of unhealthy, nutrient-poor snacks is critical for complementary feeding dietary guidelines in contexts experiencing nutrition transition.

scholarly journals The Effects of a Supermarket-Based Intervention on the Nutritional Quality of Private-Label Foods: A Prospective Study

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisy H. Coyle ◽  
Jason HY Wu ◽  
Gian Luca Di Tanna ◽  
Maria Shahid ◽  
Fraser Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Private Label ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Star Rating ◽  
Private Label Products

Private-label products, products owned by supermarkets, are a growing area of the food supply. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an intervention that provided an Australian supermarket (‘intervention supermarket’) with comparative nutrition data to improve the healthiness of their private-label range. Between 2015 and 2016, the intervention supermarket received reports that ranked the nutritional quality of their products against competitors. Changes in the nutrient content (sodium, sugar, saturated fat, energy and Health Star Rating) of products from the intervention supermarket between 2015 and 2018 were compared against changes achieved for three comparators (private-label products from two other supermarkets and branded products). The intervention supermarket achieved a significantly greater reduction in the sodium content of their products relative to all three comparators, which ranged between −104 and −52 mg/100 g (all p < 0.05). Conversely, the three comparators each achieved a greater relative reduction in the sugar content of their products by between −3.5 and −1.6 g/100 g (all p < 0.05). One of the comparators also had a greater relative reduction in the saturated fat and energy content of their products compared to the intervention supermarket (both p <0.05). There were negligible differences in the Health Star Rating of products between the intervention supermarket and comparators (all p > 0.05). Providing comparative nutrition information to a supermarket may be ineffective in improving the healthiness of their private-label products, likely due to competing factors that play a role in the decision-making process behind product reformulation and product discontinuation/innovation.

scholarly journals Effect of Postharvest Handling and Storage on Apple Nutritional Status Using Antioxidants as a Model

1997 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric A. Curry
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Natural Antioxidants ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
The World ◽  
Postharvest Handling ◽  
Apple Cultivars ◽  
And Storage

With the development of improved postharvest technology, the shelf life of fruit and vegetables has increased dramatically in many parts of the world. Presently, dietary recommendations for these commodities are based on the bioavailability of essential nutrients at the time of optimum harvest. Few people, however, are fortunate enough to have available freshly harvested produce all year and, therefore, must consume fruit and vegetables that have been stored under the best conditions available. The question, then, is whether nutritional quality changes with storage method and length. Little is known concerning the effects of storage on nutrient content or bioavailability. Furthermore, if levels of these antioxidants do indeed change, perhaps dietary recommendations should reflect this as well. The data in this study indicate that there are significant changes in the levels of natural antioxidants in two apple cultivars at harvest and after an extended period in cold storage.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Consistency of the French Nutri-Score Front-of-Pack Scoring System with Canadian Dietary Guidelines

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1711-1711
Author(s):  
Mavra Ahmed ◽  
Kacie Dickinson ◽  
Laura Vergeer ◽  
Christine Mulligan ◽  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
University Of Toronto ◽  
High Consistency

Abstract Objectives Nutrient profiling (NP) models, underpinning front-of-pack (FOP) labelling, can guide consumers towards healthier food choices and should be aligned with food-based dietary guidelines. In France, [the FSAm/HCSP NP model], underpinning the Nutri-Score (NS) FOP, ranks foods on both nutrients-to-limit (saturated fat, sodium, sugar) and nutrients-to-encourage (e.g., protein, fibre, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts) and was found to adequately align with dietary recommendations in Europe. However, investigations on the comparable ranking of foods by the FSAm/HCSP NP model with the new Canadian dietary guidelines is lacking. The objective was to assess the ability of the NS to discriminate the nutritional quality of foods and beverages in the Canadian food supply and their consistency with nutritional recommendations according to the Canada's 2019 Food Guidelines (CFG). Methods Using the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2017 database (n = 17,360), the nutritional scores for prepackaged foods and beverages were derived using the NS. These scores correspond to five grades of nutritional quality, ranging from green (A; highest quality) to red (E; lowest quality). Scores were assessed as binary where A/B were considered ‘in alignment’ with CFG recommendations while C/D/E were considered ‘not in alignment’. Results The NS system classified 21% of products as A, ranging from 99% of legumes to 0.45% of the sugars/sweets. The NS was able to discriminate the nutritional quality of foods within the same food groups (based on display of three grades represented within the Nutri-Score). Overall, there was 73% agreement between NS and CFG, ranging from 48% for combination dishes to 95% for eggs/egg substitute categories. The classification of foods according to the NS was consistent with the CFG; foods for which consumption is recommended were more favourably classified (e.g., 76% of vegetables were classified as A or B) than foods for which consumption should be limited (e.g., 79% of snacks were classified as C/D/E). Conclusions The NS FOP system is an effective tool to discriminate products across and within food categories. The classification of different food groups in the NS displayed a high consistency with the new Canadian dietary guidelines. Funding Sources Sanofi-Pasteur University of Toronto Université Paris-Descartes Collaborative Grant.

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 Dietary guidelines and food nutrient intakes in Portugal

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (S1) ◽  
pp. S99-S103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Graça
Keyword(s):  
Energy Intake ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
National Council ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Percentage Contribution ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Total Fat

The average intakes of nutrients by a group of 489 adult Portuguese (≥ 40 years) living in a metropolitan area of Northern Portugal were studied using a food frequency questionnaire, and used to compare with the most recent recommendations for the same population by the National Council of Food and Nutrition. The data suggested a relative concordance between consumption levels and nutritional goals, however we found differences between subgroups of the population. Higher intakes of total fat and saturated fat, and lower intakes of fibre/energy and carbohydrates were shared by younger people (40–55 years), and higher intakes of total fat, saturated fat, fibre/energy, protein and carbohydrates and lower intakes of alcohol by women. Nutrients have been analysed in terms of the percentage contribution to total energy intake, but as alcohol is energy dense, its consumption can decrease the proportion of the energy intake from nutrients other than alcohol, and some caution must be taken in interpreting these results.

scholarly journals Development and validation of a meal quality index with applications to NHANES 2005-2014

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244391
Author(s):  
Fabio Mainardi ◽  
Daniela Prozorovscaia ◽  
Gary Sweeney ◽  
Hilary Green
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Meal Quality ◽  
The Us ◽  
Development And Validation

The Meal Balance Index (MBI) assesses the nutritional quality and balance of meals. It is a score between 0 and 100 that takes into account both shortfall and excess nutrients, adjusted for the energy content of the meal. In the present study the score was applied to 147849 meals reported in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2005-2014 in order to evaluate its validity and compare against exemplary meals designed as part of 24h diets that meet US dietary guidelines. Meals from exemplary menu plans developed by nutrition experts scored on average 76±14 (mean ± standard deviation) whereas those of NHANES participants scored 45±14. Scores of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, considered jointly as independent variables, were moderately but positively and significantly associated with the Healthy Eating Index (Pearson correlation 0.6). MBI scores were significantly associated with the density of positive micronutrients (e.g. Vit A, Vit C) and favorable food groups (e.g. fruits, whole grains) not directly included in the MBI algorithm. The MBI is a valid tool to assess the nutritional quality of meals reported in the US population and if applied to culinary recipe websites could potentially help users to understand which meals are nutritionally balanced. Choice of more balanced individual meals can guide healthier cooking and eating.

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