Application of the Healthy Eating Index-2015 and the Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 for assessing overall diet quality in the Japanese context: Different nutritional concerns from the US

We examined food combinations in relation to the quality of the overall diet and individual meals using a newly developed food combination questionnaire (FCQ) in a nationwide sample of Japanese adults aged 19–80 years (n = 2233). The quality of the overall diet and of each meal was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) and Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 (NRF9.3). For all main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), the most commonly consumed food combinations consisted of ‘rice, total vegetables, and tea and coffee’. Consistently positive associations between these food combinations and diet quality were found for breakfast (Spearman r: ≥0.46). Positive rather weak associations between these food combinations and diet quality were also observed for lunch (Spearman r: ≤0.48). Conversely, the associations were inconsistent for dinner: inverse associations with HEI-2015 (Spearman r: ≤−0.35) and generally weak positive associations with NRF9.3 (Spearman r: ≥0.09). For snacks, the most commonly consumed food combinations consisted of ‘confectioneries and tea and coffee’, but these showed rather weak associations with diet quality. Similar results were obtained when associations with the quality of overall diet were investigated. The FCQ may be useful in capturing the complex nature of food combinations in Japanese adults.

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Diet Quality and Environmental Sustainability Are Linked, But in Unexpected Ways

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa042_002 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 137-137

Author(s):

Zach Conrad ◽

Nicole Blackstone ◽

Eric Roy

Keyword(s):

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Irrigation Water ◽

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Representative Sample ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Agricultural Resources ◽

The Us ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Dietary Data

Abstract Objectives Studies linking diet quality with environmental impacts in the US have generally not accounted for the additional burden associated with retail losses, inedible portions, and consumer waste. Moreover, there is a need to assess the environmental impacts of shifts in diet quality using data collected directly from individuals, rather than assessing the impacts of nutritionally perfect theoretical diets. This study fills these important research gaps by assessing the relationship between observed diet quality among a nationally-representative sample and the amount of agricultural resources used to produce food. Methods Dietary data from 50,014 individuals ≥2 y were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005–2016), and diet quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI) and Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI). Food retail losses, inedible portions, and consumer waste were estimated by linking data from the USDA Loss-adjusted Food Availability data series with dietary data from NHANES. These data were input into the US Foodprint Model, which was modified to estimate the amount of agricultural resources needed to meet food demand. Results Daily per capita food demand represented nearly four pounds (1673 grams) of food, including 7% retail loss, 15% inedible, 24% consumer waste, and 54% consumption. Higher diet quality (HEI and AHEI) was associated with greater retail loss, inedible portions, consumer waste, and consumption (P < 0.001 for all). Higher diet quality was associated (P < 0.05) with lower use of agricultural land (HEI and AHEI), greater use of irrigation water and pesticides (HEI), and lower use of fertilizers (AHEI). Conclusions Among a nationally-representative sample of over 50 thousand Americans, higher diet quality was associated with greater food retail loss, inedible portions, consumer waste, and consumption. Higher diet quality was also associated with lower use of some agricultural resources (land and fertilizers), but greater use of others (irrigation water and pesticides). By combining robust measures of diet quality with an advanced food system modeling framework, this study reveals that the link between diet quality and environmental sustainability is more nuanced than previously understood. Funding Sources None.

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Diet Quality of Items Advertised in Supermarket Sales Circulars Compared to Diets of the US Population, as Assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2010

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics ◽

10.1016/j.jand.2015.09.016 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 116 (1) ◽

pp. 115-122.e1 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Lisa Jahns ◽

Angela J. Scheett ◽

LuAnn K. Johnson ◽

Susan M. Krebs-Smith ◽

Collin R. Payne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

The Us

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Higher diet quality is associated with higher diet costs when eating at home and away from home: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2016

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021002810 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-29

Author(s):

Zach Conrad ◽

Sarah Reinhardt ◽

Rebecca Boehm ◽

Acree McDowell

Keyword(s):

Healthy Eating ◽

National Health ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Food Prices ◽

Nutrition Examination Survey ◽

Food Away From Home ◽

Health And Nutrition ◽

Food Consumed ◽

At Home

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the association between diet quality and cost for foods purchased for consumption at home and away from home. Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Multivariable linear regression models evaluated the association between diet quality and cost for all food, food at home, and food away from home. Setting: Daily food intake data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2016). Food prices were derived using data from multiple, publicly available databases. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010. Participants: 30,564 individuals ≥20 y with complete and reliable dietary data. Results: Mean per capita daily diet cost was $14.19 (95% CI: $13.91-14.48), including $6.92 ($6.73-7.10) for food consumed at home and $7.28 ($7.05-7.50) for food consumed away from home. Diet quality was higher for food at home compared to food away from home (P<0.001). Higher diet quality was associated with higher food costs overall, at home, and away from home (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that higher diet quality is associated with higher costs for all food, food consumed at home, and food consumed away from home. This research provides policymakers, public health professionals, and clinicians with information needed to support healthy eating habits. These findings are particularly relevant to contemporary health and economic concerns that have worsened because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Diet Quality of Preschoolers in Greece Based on the Healthy Eating Index: The GENESIS Study

Journal of the American Dietetic Association ◽

10.1016/j.jada.2008.12.011 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 109 (4) ◽

pp. 616-623 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Yannis Manios ◽

Georgia Kourlaba ◽

Katerina Kondaki ◽

Evangelia Grammatikaki ◽

Manolis Birbilis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Healthy Eating Index

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Nutritional intake and overall diet quality of female soccer players before the competition period

Revista de Nutrição ◽

10.1590/1678-98652016000400010 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 555-565 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Daniel dos SANTOS ◽

Jacqueline Queiroz da SILVEIRA ◽

Thais Borges CESAR

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Protein Quality ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Professional Soccer

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the dietary intake and overall diet quality of female soccer players before the competitive games. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study included 21 women aged 20.8±4.5 years from a professional soccer team. Their nutritional status and dietary adequacy during the training period, before competition season, were assessed. Dietary intake was assessed by three 24-hour recalls, one food frequency questionnaire, and the Healthy Eating Index, an overall diet quality index based on food group intake. Results: The athletes have shown proper nutritional status, but a diet deficient in energy due largely to low carbohydrate intake. On the other hand, the intakes of protein, fatty acids, and sodium were above the recommended intakes, even for athletes. Diet quality assessment by the Healthy Eating Index - 2010 resulted in a mean score of 54.6 points of a maximum of 100, indicating a need of improving the overall diet quality. Conclusion: The study found that the dietary patterns of female football players were both quantitatively and qualitatively inappropriate. A nutritional intervention is indicated to improve diet quality, with the inclusion of various foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and better protein quality, along with a reduction in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugar.

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Role of alternate healthy eating index (AHEI) in communicating the quality of diet

FOOD SCIENCE RESEARCH JOURNAL ◽

10.15740/has/fsrj/11.2/96-102 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 96-102

Author(s):

Krishna Mohandas ◽

L. Prema

Keyword(s):

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Mean Value ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Food Groups ◽

Good Tool ◽

The Difference

The food habits of global population has been evolving in such a way that makes unhealthy foods cheaper and widely available and healthy foods costly and less available. Being surrounded by such foods and living in an environment with lesser requirement for physical activity is the primary reason for the pandemic explosion in overweight and obesity. This study is an attempt to analyze the quality of diet with an aim to study the significance of Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) in predicting the quality of dietary intake. Methodology: The study was conducted in 66 respondents (44 females and 22 males) aged 18-65 years with BMI between 23 kg/m2 to 50 kg/m2. The respondent’s data were collected using a pretested standard questionnaire. The nutrient consumption was calculated from the 24 hour recall and the AHEI scores were derived from recall and food use frequency data. The data were analysed using SAS software. Results: The intake of Energy, protein, fat and carbohydrates were more than their requirement while intake of fibre was not meeting the requirement. The AHEI scores obtained ranged from 36 to 76 with a mean value of 55.6 ± 9.54. A positive linear association for AHEI with BMI (0.0362) and energy intake (0.13) was established through Pearson’s correlation while the association was negative with BMR (-0.14). Paired t test comparing AHEI against the difference between intake and requirement of macronutrients revealed that when the diet quality was good (as indicated by AHEI>51), the difference in intake exhibited a significant linear relationship with p values <0.001 while no relation was established when the diet quality was poor. Conclusion: AHEI encompasses all nutrients and food groups relevant to metabolic health and it can be used as a good tool to assess the quality of dietary habits of overweight and obese subjects.

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Modifying the healthy eating index to assess diet quality in children and adolescents

Journal of the American Dietetic Association ◽

10.1016/j.jada.2004.06.020 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 104 (9) ◽

pp. 1375-1383 ◽

Cited By ~ 118

Author(s):

Diane Feskanich ◽

Helaine R.H. Rockett ◽

Graham A. Colditz

Keyword(s):

Children And Adolescents ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Healthy Eating Index

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An Examination of Demographic and Psychosocial Factors, Barriers to Healthy Eating, and Diet Quality Among African American Adults

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11030519 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 519 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ingrid Richards Adams ◽

Wilson Figueroa ◽

Irene Hatsu ◽

James Odei ◽

Mercedes Sotos-Prieto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

African American ◽

African Americans ◽

Psychosocial Factors ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

African American Adults

A healthy diet is associated with lower risk of chronic disease. African Americans generally have poor diet quality and experience a higher burden of many chronic diseases. We examined the associations of demographic and psychosocial factors and barriers to diet quality among African American adults. This cross-sectional study included 100 African American adults in a southeastern metropolitan area. Psychosocial factors (social support, self-efficacy), and barriers to healthy eating were assessed with validated measures. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010). Nested linear regressions were used to examine the association between the variables of interest and HEI scores. Participants reported having social support (M (mean) = 2.0, SD (standard deviation) = 0.6, range 0–3), high levels of self-efficacy (M = 3.1, SD = 0.7, range 1–4), and low barriers (M = 1.4, SD = 0.6, range 0–4) to engage in healthy eating but total mean HEI scores needed improvement (M = 54.8, SD = 10.9, range 27.1–70.0). Participants consumed significantly higher empty calories and lower whole fruits, dairy, and total protein foods than the national average. Barriers to healthy eating (b = −12.13, p = 0.01) and the interaction between age and barriers (b = 0.25, p = 0.02) were most strongly associated with lower HEI scores. Younger African Americans with the highest barriers to healthy eating had the lowest HEI scores. Culturally appropriate interventions targeting empty calories, barriers to healthy eating, and knowledge of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are needed for African Americans.

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Diet Quality Profile of Track-and-Field Paralympic Athletes

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism ◽

10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0361 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (6) ◽

pp. 589-595

Author(s):

Daniel P. Joaquim ◽

Claudia R. Juzwiak ◽

Ciro Winckler

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Dairy Products ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Track And Field ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Male Athletes ◽

Maximum Score

This study aimed to assess the diet quality of Brazilian Paralympic track-and-field team sprinters and its variation between days. All sprinters (n = 28) were invited, and 20 (13 men and seven women) accepted the invitation consisting of 13 athletes with visual impairment, four with cerebral palsy, and three with limb deficiency. The dietary intake was recorded by photographic register on four consecutive days, and diet quality was determined using a revised version of the Healthy Eating Index for the Brazilian population. Physical activity was assessed using an accelerometer, and metabolic unit information was used to classify exercise intensity. Variance Analysis Model and Bonferroni multiple comparisons were used to assess relationships between variables. The correlations between variables used Pearson linear correlation coefficient. The results show that revised version of the Healthy Eating Index score was classified as “needs to be modified” for all athletes. The maximum score for the components “Whole fruits,” “Total vegetables,” and “Dark green and orange vegetables and legumes” was achieved by 23.1% and 14.3%, 7.7% and 14.3%, and 46.2% and 57.8% of male and female athletes, respectively. Only 38.5% of the male athletes achieved the maximum score for the “Total cereal” component. Female athletes achieved higher scores than male athletes for the “Milk and dairy products” component (p = .03). Intake of whole grain cereals, dairy products, vegetables, and whole fruits needs modifications to improve adequate intake of vitamins and antioxidants, highlighting the need of continuous actions of nutrition education for this population.

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