Consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners by pre-schoolers of the food and environment Chilean cohort (FECHIC) before the implementation of the Chilean food labelling and advertising law

Abstract Background Consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) is becoming increasingly more frequent, particularly in the context of obesity prevention policies. The aim of this study was to describe the consumption of NNS in an ongoing cohort of pre-schoolers (4–6-year-old) before the implementation of the Chilean Food Labelling and Advertising Law, identify sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics associated with their consumption, and describe the main dietary sources of each NNS sub-type. Methods In 959 low-medium income pre-schoolers from the Food and Environment Chilean Cohort (FECHIC), dietary data from a single 24-h recall was linked to NNS content information obtained from packaged foods (n = 12,233). The prevalence of NNS consumption was estimated by food source and characterized by child and maternal sociodemographic and anthropometric variables. Intakes and main dietary sources were described for the six most prevalent NNS in Chile: Sodium Cyclamate, Saccharin, Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, and Steviol glycosides. Results Sixty-eight percent of the pre-schoolers consumed at least one source of NNS on the day of the dietary recall; most of them consumed NNS from foods and beverages (n = 532), while only 12% (n = 119) also consumed table-top sweeteners. The prevalence of NNS consumption was significantly higher among children whose mothers had a high educational level compared to children whose mothers did not complete high school (p < 0.05); however, it did not differ by any other variable studied. The highest intakes of NNS were observed for Aspartame [2.5 (1.4–3.7) mg/kg per consumer], followed by Sodium Cyclamate [1.6 (1.3–2.6) mg/kg per consumer] and Steviol glycosides [1.2 (0.2–2.1) mg/kg per consumer]. Beverages were the only food group that contributed to the intake of the six NNS studied, accounting for 22% of the overall intake of Saccharine and up to 99% of Aspartame intake. Conclusions Before the implementation of the Food Labelling and Advertising Law, NNS consumption was highly prevalent among a cohort of low-middle income Chilean pre-schoolers. Continuous monitoring of NNS consumption is essential given potential food reformulation associated with the implementation of this set of obesity-prevention policies.

Download Full-text

Adhering to a Mediterranean diet in a Mediterranean country: an excess cost for families?

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114521002518 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-24

Author(s):

Ricardo Alves ◽

Carla Lopes ◽

Sara Rodrigues ◽

Julian Perelman

Keyword(s):

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Food Group ◽

Food Prices ◽

Mediterranean Country ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Middle Income ◽

Diet Cost ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

The Cost ◽

Activity Survey

Abstract Background: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been decreasing in southern Europe, which could be linked to several cultural or educational factors. Our aim is to evaluate the extent to which economic aspects may also play a role, exploring the relationship between food prices in Portugal and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods: We evaluated data from the Portuguese National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015-2016) (n=3,591). Diet expenditures were estimated by attributing a retail price to each food group and the diet was transposed into the Mediterranean Diet Score used in the literature. Prices were gathered from five supermarket chains (65% of the Portuguese market share). Linear regression models were used to assess the association between different adherence levels to the MD levels and dietary costs. Results: Greater adherence to the MD was associated with a 21.2% (p< 0.05) rise in total dietary cost, which accounts for more 0.59€ in mean daily costs when compared with low adherence. High adherence individuals (vs. low adherence) had higher absolute mean daily costs with fish (0.62€/+285.8%; p< 0.05), fruits (0.26€/+115.8%; p< 0.05), and vegetables (0.10€/+100.9%; p< 0.05). The analysis stratified by education and income level showed significantly higher mean daily diet cost only amongst higher income groups. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that greater adherence to the MD was positively and significantly associated with higher total dietary cost. Policies to improve population’s diet should take into consideration the cost of healthy foods, especially for large low- and middle-income families.

Download Full-text

Strategies to improve the implementation of healthy eating, physical activity and obesity prevention policies, practices or programmes within childcare service

Primary Health Care Research & Development ◽

10.1017/s1463423621000219 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 ◽

Author(s):

Daksha Trivedi

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Obesity Prevention ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Prevention Policies

Download Full-text

What Motivates Stakeholder Groups to Focus on Childhood Obesity Prevention Policies?

Journal of Childhood Obesity ◽

10.21767/2572-5394.100007 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 01 (02) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lainie Rutkow ◽

Jesse Jones Smith ◽

Hannah J Walters ◽

Marguerite O Hara ◽

Sara N Bleich

Keyword(s):

Childhood Obesity ◽

Obesity Prevention ◽

Childhood Obesity Prevention ◽

Prevention Policies ◽

Stakeholder Groups

Download Full-text

Strategies to improve the implementation of healthy eating, physical activity and obesity prevention policies, practices or programmes within childcare services

10.1002/14651858.cd011779 ◽

2015 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Luke Wolfenden ◽

Jannah Jones ◽

Meghan Finch ◽

Rebecca J Wyse ◽

Sze Lin Yoong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Obesity Prevention ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Prevention Policies

Download Full-text

A response to “A critical analysis of obesity prevention policies and strategies”

Can J Public Health ◽

10.17269/cjph.108.6520 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 108 (5-6) ◽

pp. e630-e632 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jennifer Brady ◽

Natalie Beausoleil

Keyword(s):

Obesity Prevention ◽

Critical Analysis ◽

Prevention Policies

Download Full-text

Impact of Dietary Interventions during Pregnancy on Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12020531 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 531

Author(s):

Zohra S Lassi ◽

Zahra A Padhani ◽

Amna Rabbani ◽

Fahad Rind ◽

Rehana A. Salam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Obesity Prevention ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Child Outcomes ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Food Distribution ◽

Dietary Interventions ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Low And Middle Income

Optimal nutrition plays a crucial role in pregnancy. Maternal malnutrition is a risk factor for maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications and is more prevalent in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review aims to study the effectiveness of antenatal macronutrient nutritional interventions on maternal, neonatal, and child outcomes. We searched the CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, and other databases for randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs on healthy pregnant women in LMICs. We also searched grey literature and reports from Google Scholar, Web of Science, and websites of different organizations. Title/abstract screening, full-text screening, and data extraction filtered 15 studies for inclusion. Balanced energy protein (BEP) supplementation (n = 8) studies showed a reduced incidence of perinatal mortality, stillbirths, low birth weight (LBW) infants, small for gestational age (SGA) babies and increased birth weight. Food distribution programs (FDPs) (n =5) witnessed reduced rates of SGA, stunting, wasting, and increased birth weight and birth length. Studies on intervention for obesity prevention (n = 2) showed reductions in birth weight. Other findings were statistically insignificant. Subgroup analyses were conducted to study the effectiveness of supplementation between regions, location, the timing of supplementation and nutritional status; however, there were a limited number of studies in each subgroup. Data from our review supports the antenatal supplementation of BEP and FDP for the prevention of adverse maternal, neonatal, and child outcomes that can be utilized for future policymaking. However, more research is required before recommending obesity prevention programs.

Download Full-text

Comparison of the Block Kid's Food Frequency Questionnaire with a 24 h dietary recall methodology among Hmong-American children, 9–18 years of age

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114512001043 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 109 (2) ◽

pp. 346-352 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Urvashi Mulasi-Pokhriyal ◽

Chery Smith

Keyword(s):

Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽

Dietary Assessment ◽

Food Group ◽

Food Frequency ◽

Dietary Recall ◽

Current Block ◽

The Usa ◽

Hmong American ◽

American Children ◽

Vegetables And Fruits

Hmong are one of the immigrant Asian subgroups with increasing rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes and CVD. Despite their population growth in the USA and declining health status, no research has investigated the appropriateness of dietary assessment measures, including FFQ and 24 h dietary recalls among Hmong. The present study compared the nutrient information obtained through a 24 h dietary recall method with that collected using the Block Kid's Food Frequency Questionnaire (Block FFQ) among Hmong-American children (n 335) of 9–18 years of age. For this purpose, two 24 h dietary recalls were collected during non-consecutive days and averaged for comparison. The Block FFQ was administered on the day of the second 24 h recall and the two methodologies were also compared using t tests. Among all children, Block FFQ nutrient estimates for vitamin A, vitamin C and food group servings for vegetables and fruits were significantly higher than those assessed through the 24 h dietary recalls (P< 0·001). Nutrient estimates for protein and food group servings for grains and meat and beans were significantly higher among all participants when assessed through the 24 h dietary recalls than through the Block FFQ (P< 0·05). The results suggest that the Block FFQ does not appear to be a good measure of protein, grain, and meat and bean intake among Hmong children of 9–18 years of age, and the 24 h dietary recall offers a better account of the Hmong diet and is inclusive of ethnic food options otherwise missed in the Block FFQ. We recommend the modification of the current Block FFQ to appropriately reflect cultural food/beverage items of the population in interest.

Download Full-text

Breakfast habits among European adolescents and their association with sociodemographic factors: the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) study

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980012000341 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 15 (10) ◽

pp. 1879-1889 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Lena Hallström ◽

Carine A Vereecken ◽

Idoia Labayen ◽

Jonatan R Ruiz ◽

Cinzia Le Donne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Index ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Economic Status ◽

Food Group ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dietary Recall ◽

Socio Economic Status ◽

Older Adolescents

AbstractObjectiveTo describe breakfast habits at food group level in European adolescents and to investigate the associations between these habits and sociodemographic factors.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingSecondary schools from nine European cities participating in the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study. Breakfast habits were assessed twice using a computer-based 24 h dietary recall. Adolescents who consumed breakfast on at least one recall day were classified as ‘breakfast consumers’ and adolescents who did not have anything for breakfast on either of the two recall days were considered ‘breakfast skippers’. A ‘breakfast quality index’ to describe breakfast quality was created based on the consumption or non-consumption of cereals/cereal products, dairy products and fruits/vegetables. The sociodemographic factors studied were sex, age, region of Europe, maternal and paternal education, family structure and family affluence.SubjectsAdolescents (n 2672, 53 % girls) aged 12–17 years.ResultsThe majority of the adolescents reported a breakfast that scored poorly on the breakfast quality index. Older adolescents, adolescents from the southern part of Europe and adolescents from families with low socio-economic status were more likely to consume a low-quality breakfast.ConclusionsThe study highlights the need to promote the consumption of a high-quality breakfast among adolescents, particularly in older adolescents, adolescents from southern Europe and adolescents from families with low socio-economic status, in order to improve public health.

Download Full-text

Under- and overreporting of energy is related to obesity, lifestyle factors and food group intakes in Jamaican adults

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2003508 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 9-19 ◽

Cited By ~ 87

Author(s):

Michelle A Mendez ◽

Suzanne Wynter ◽

Rainford Wilks ◽

Terrence Forrester

Keyword(s):

Food Group ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Capital City ◽

Food Groups ◽

Healthy Foods ◽

Middle Income ◽

Multinomial Models ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Obese Subjects ◽

Industrialised Countries

AbstractObjective:Research in industrialised countries has documented a high prevalence of underreported energy intakes associated with characteristics such as obesity. This paper examines the prevalence, patterns and impact of energy under- and overreporting on diet–obesity relationships in a middle-income developing country.Design:A 70-item food-frequency questionnaire was used. Underreporters had reported energy intakes < 1.35 × basal metabolic rate (BMR), overreporters > 2.4 × BMR. Multinomial models were used to identify characteristics associated with implausible reporting. Intakes were compared across reporting groups to assess evidence of bias. Associations between diet and obesity were compared with and without adjustment for implausible reporting.Setting:Spanish Town, neighbouring the capital city of Kingston, Jamaica.Subjects:Eight hundred and ninety-one Jamaican adults, aged 25–75 years, were randomly recruited.Results:More women than men (38.6% vs. 22.5%) underreported, but more men overreported energy (23.7% vs. 16.0%). Underreporting was positively associated with obesity, special diets, smoking and age; age was inversely associated with overreporting. Underreporters estimated lower energy from potentially socially undesirable food groups (e.g. snacks) and higher intakes of ‘healthy’ foods (e.g. fruit) than did plausible reporters. For some of these food groups, significant differences in intakes among normal-weight versus obese subjects observed among plausible reporters were absent when implausible reporters were included. In models of food group–obesity associations, adjusting for implausible energy yielded more credible results that more closely resembled findings in plausible reporters.Conclusions:Energy under- and overreporting are highly prevalent in Jamaica. Adjusting for implausible reporting may help to reduce bias in diet–health outcome associations.

Download Full-text