scholarly journals Dietary Practices Among US Immigrants: Energy Density as a Marker for Acculturation and Diet Quality

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 441-441
Author(s):  
Sofia Pendley ◽  
Melanie Reyes ◽  
Jacqueline Vernarelli

Abstract Objectives The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) 2020 report indicates a need for examining the association between acculturation, dietary behaviors and disease risk. Dietary energy density (ED, kcal/g) is an established indicator of diet quality and a risk factor for chronic disease. Because ED is calculated using the whole diet, it is culturally relevant for use in a variety of populations. Past research on acculturation and diet indicates a need for more research using indicators that measure diet quality. The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between acculturation, dietary intake, and dietary energy density. Methods Dietary data was collected using 24hour-recall in a nationally representative sample of 10 622 adults who participated in the 2013–2016 NHANES. Specific questions about acculturation were asked of participants. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 survey procedures to account for the complex survey design of the NHANES. Results A linear relationship between dietary ED and length of time in the US was observed (p-trend < 0.0001). Individuals who were in the US for < 5 years had the lowest dietary ED compared to those who had been in the US for the longest (1.39 vs. 1.84 kcal/g, P < 0.0004) representing ∼450 kcal/day difference after adjusting for relevant cofactors. Despite this difference, there was no difference in the amount of money spent on food compared with length of time in the US. Conclusions This study is consistent with other studies that examine changes in dietary patterns among those who have immigrated to the US. Findings from this study, specifically using ED as an indicator of diet quality, may provide recommendations to developing culturally inclusive efforts to encourage healthy diets. Funding Sources None.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 572-572
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Vernarelli ◽  
Sarah Poirier

Abstract Objectives Recent trends in nutritional intake have emphasized decreasing meat intake and increasing intake of whole plant-based foods as a dietary strategy that has both health and environmental benefits. National surveillance data have demonstrated that intake of fish and plant protein has increased over the past decade, but little has been done to examine the association with plant protein intake and diet quality. Dietary energy density (ED, kcal/g) is an established indicator of diet quality and is a risk factor for chronic disease. The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between plant food intake, dietary energy density and overall diet quality. Methods Data from a nationally representative sample of 10,622 adults who participated in the 2013–2016 NHANES was analyzed. Dietary data was collected using 24HR, and intake was quantified using the USDA FPED serving equivalents. Sex-specific quartiles of energy density were calculated. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 survey procedures to account for the unequal sampling probability and complex survey design of the NHANES. All models are energy-adjusted and adjusted for age, sex race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and household income. Results In this sample of US adults, dietary energy density was associated with higher intakes of plant foods, including fruits, vegetables and plant proteins (all P < 0.0001). Individuals in with low-ED diets had significantly higher intakes of legume protein foods (0.63 vs 0.22 oz eq, P = 0.0001) and soy protein foods (P = 0.03). Individuals with low-ED diets also consumed nearly double the amount of fiber, as well as significantly higher intakes of B-carotene (4006 vs 950 mcg) and lycopene (6742 vs. 2404 mcg) than those with energy-dense diets (p's < 0.0001). Conversely, individuals with high-ED diets had significantly higher intake of processed meats (1.0 vs. 0.66 oz eq, P < 0.0001); cheese products (P < 0.0001); solid, saturated and total fat; and lower intakes of seafood (all P < 0.01). No association between energy density and intake of total animal source proteins, eggs nor total dairy intake was observed. Conclusions Plant protein intake is associated with lower dietary ED and higher diet quality in adults. Dietary strategies to increase plant food intake may be useful for health promotion and disease prevention. Funding Sources None.


2014 ◽  
Vol 111 (8) ◽  
pp. 1474-1480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Zhu ◽  
James H. Hollis

Epidemiological studies have revealed that soup consumption is associated with a lower risk of obesity. Moreover, intervention studies have reported that soup consumption aids in body-weight management. However, little is known about mechanisms that can explain these findings. The objective of the present study was to investigate associations between soup consumption and daily energy intake, dietary energy density (ED), nutrient intake and diet quality. Adults aged 19–64 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys during 2003–8 were included in the study. Soup consumers were identified from the first dietary recall using the United States Department of Agriculture food codes and combination food type from the dietary data. Compared with non-consumers (n9307), soup consumers (n1291) had a lower body weight (P= 0·002), a lower waist circumference (P= 0·001) and a trend towards a lower total energy intake (P= 0·087). Soup consumption was associated with a lower dietary ED (P< 0·001); this was independent of whether data on beverage or water consumption were included. Diet quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2005, was significantly better in soup consumers (P= 0·008). Soup consumption was also associated with a reduced intake of total fat and an increased intake of protein, carbohydrate and dietary fibre, as well as several vitamins and minerals (P< 0·05 for all). However, it was also associated with a higher intake of Na (P< 0·001). The relationship between soup consumption and body weight could be due to a reduced dietary ED and an improved diet quality. Consumers need to pay attention to their Na intake and choose low-Na products for a healthier diet.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Vernarelli ◽  
Rebecca DiSarro

Abstract Objectives Adults over age 50 have different nutritional and metabolic needs than younger adults. During the aging process, metabolism slows, increasing risk for weight gain. Concurrently, as age increases, risk for cardiovascular disease increases. Adults over age 50 may benefit from guidance that provides nutritional guidance that encourages sufficient nutrient intake without caloric excess. Current recommendations in the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage adults to consume a diet low in energy density, and limit intake of solid fats, added sugars and sodium The USDA's MyPlate Plan is available online and provides free, individualized nutrition plans for individuals of all ages, including specific guidelines for adults over age 50. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between use of the online MyPlate Plan and dietary intake in adults >50. Methods Using data from 2014–2016 NHANES, the impact of the MyPlate plan on dietary intake was evaluated in a nationally representative sample of older adults (>50y). During the NHANES, participants were asked to report whether or not they had tried the MyPlate plan. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 survey procedures to account for the unequal sampling probability and complex survey design of the NHANES. Results Adults over age 50 who reported using the MyPlate Plan online had diets lower in energy density (1.74 vs 1.95, P = 0.0009), total calories (1846 vs 2105, P < 0.002); reported fewer calories from beverages (128 vs. 234, P = 0.01), fewer added sugars (11 vs. 15 tsp, P = 0.003), and consumed more grains (7 vs 6 servings) and over double the amount of intact fruits, after adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, BMI, food security status, education, physical activity and smoking status. Conclusions These findings expand on previous work from our group evaluating the impact of DGA on diet quality. Promotion of the MyPlate plan, particularly among older adults, may be an effective strategy to combat weight gain and risk for hypertension in the US. Funding Sources None. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 84-84
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Vernarelli ◽  
Sarah Poirier

Abstract Objectives National surveillance data has demonstrated that fewer than 1 in 5 older adults meet physical activity (PA) guidelines, despite research showing that PA is associated with decreased functional limitations in older adults. Most strategies for healthy eating focus on caloric intake as opposed to overall diet quality. Energy density (ED; kcal/g) is an established indicator of diet quality as well as an established risk factor for chronic disease. Studies in children and adolescents have also demonstrated that dietary ED is associated with physical functioning, however there has been minimal research in older adults. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between dietary energy density and physical activity in a nationally representative sample of older adults. Methods Using data from a sample of 4484 adults &gt; 60y who participated in the 2014–2016 NHANES, the association between dietary ED and physical functioning was assessed. During the NHANES, participants were asked to report whether or not they engaged in moderate PA (mPA) and report hours of sedentary behaviors. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 survey procedures to account for the unequal sampling probability and complex survey design of the NHANES. Results Energy-dense diets were associated with sedentary behavior and lower physical abilities in older adults. Individuals who reported engaging in mPA had a significantly lower dietary ED than those who did not engage in any mPA; this was observed in men (1.71 vs. 1.87, P = 0.03) and women (1.61 vs. 1.72, P = 0.02) after controlling for age, education, race/ethnicity, and beverage ED. Further, each unit increase in dietary energy density was associated with a 39% decrease in probability of engaging in mPA (P &lt; 0.001). In contrast, there was no association between caloric intake and sedentary behavior in this population Low-ED diets were also lower in saturated fat; higher in vegetable, fiber and micronutrient content, offering additional health benefits. Conclusions These results indicate the energy density of the diet is associated with diet quality and active lifestyle behaviors. Strategies that promote low-ED diets may be effective tools in the promotion of healthy aging in the US population. Funding Sources None.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faris M Zuraikat ◽  
Nour Makarem ◽  
Marie-Pierre St-Onge ◽  
MING LIAO ◽  
Hedda L Boege ◽  
...  

Background: An individual’s chronotype, the innate preference for the timing of behaviors such as eating and sleeping, has been linked to various health outcomes. Indeed, we recently demonstrated that evening chronotype was related to poorer cardiovascular health (CVH) in US women. However, the associations of chronotype with specific health behaviors are not well characterized in this population. This is particularly true for diet, the CVH metric for which recommendations are least likely to be met. Therefore, the current study examined the association of chronotype with diet and the role of diet in the chronotype-CVH relation in a diverse sample of women. Hypotheses: Evening chronotype will be associated with higher energy intake and poorer diet quality, including higher dietary energy density (ED), the total kcal per weight of food consumed and an index of the types and amounts of food eaten; these diet factors will mediate an association of chronotype with CVH. Methods: Baseline data from 506 participants enrolled in the AHA Go Red for Women SFRN were examined. Women were 20-76 y of age (mean±SD: 37±16 y); 49% had overweight/obesity and 61% were racial/ethnic minority. Women were categorized as either morning/intermediate or evening chronotype based on their Morningness/Eveningness Questionnaire scores. Dietary ED and daily intakes of food [by weight (g) and energy (kcal)], nutrients (g/1000 kcal), and fruits and vegetables [FV (servings/1000 kcal)] were assessed using the validated Block Brief Food Frequency Questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to examine associations of chronotype with diet. Causal mediation analyses tested whether dietary ED or energy intake mediated a relation between chronotype and CVH (AHA Life’s Simple 7 score). Models were adjusted for age, BMI, race/ethnicity, education, and health insurance. Results: On average, women consumed 1433±862 kcal with a dietary ED of 1.44±0.40 kcal/g. Evening (n=64) vs. morning/intermediate (n=442) chronotype was associated with higher dietary ED (β=0.21, P=0.0001), energy intake (β=448, P=0.0001), and weight of food consumed (β=129.3, P=0.06). Evening chronotype was also related to greater consumption of animal protein (β=1.1, P=0.04) and lower intakes of plant protein (β=-0.66, P=0.006), fiber (β=-2.2, P=0.0005), and FV (β=-1.3, P<0.0001). Dietary ED was a significant partial mediator of the association between chronotype and CVH (percent mediated: 28%, P=0.01). Results were similar when chronotype was analyzed on the continuous scale. Conclusions: In a diverse sample of women, evening chronotype was associated with a less heart-healthy diet, including greater energy intake and poorer diet quality. Moreover, that dietary ED partially mediated the relation between evening chronotype and poor CVH suggests that behavioral interventions to reduce dietary ED may improve CVH in women with evening chronotype.


2004 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Darmon ◽  
André Briend ◽  
Adam Drewnowski

AbstractObjective:High consumption of energy-dense foods has been linked to high energy intakes and excess weight gain. This study tested the hypothesis that high energy density of the total diet is associated with lower diet costs.Design:Dietary intakes of 837 French adults, aged 18–76 years, were assessed using a dietary history method. Dietary energy density (MJ kg−1) was calculated by dividing total energy by the edible weight of foods consumed. Daily diet cost (€day−1) was estimated using mean national food prices for 57 food items. The relationship between dietary energy density and diet cost at each level of energy intake was examined in a regression model, adjusted for gender and age.Results:The more energy-dense refined grains, sweets and fats provided energy at a lower cost than did lean meats, vegetables and fruit. Within each quintile of energy intake, diets of lower energy density (MJ kg−1) were associated with higher diet costs (€day−1).Conclusion:In this observational study, energy-dense diets cost less whereas energy-dilute diets cost more, adjusting for energy intakes. The finding that energy-dilute diets are associated with higher diet costs has implications for dietary guidelines and current strategies for dietary change.


Appetite ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 120-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Mendes ◽  
Jaqueline Lopes Pereira ◽  
Regina Mara Fisberg ◽  
Dirce Maria Lobo Marchioni

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