scholarly journals Measuring the healthiness of child-targeted cereals: a study of the FoodSwitch platform in Sweden (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Rådholm ◽  
Antoine Mottas ◽  
Veli-Matti Lappi ◽  
Johan Sundström ◽  
Bruce Neal ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Childhood obesity is a major public health issue. The increase in consumption of foods with poor nutritional value, such as processed foods, contributes to this. Breakfast cereals are often advertised to be a healthy way to start the day, but the healthiness of these products varies greatly. OBJECTIVE Our main objective was to gather information about the nutritional characteristics of breakfast cereals in Sweden and to investigate the healthiness of products targeted at children compared to other cereals. A secondary objective was to evaluate the alignment between the Keyhole symbol and the Health Star Rating. METHODS Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals from the largest Swedish grocery retailers were collected using the FoodSwitch platform. Products were defined as targeting children if they presented features addressed to children on the package. RESULTS In all, information on 261 ready-to-eat cereals were examined. Child-targeted cereals (8%) were higher in sugar (22.3g/100g vs 12.8g/100g, P < .001) and lower in fiber (6.2g/100g vs 9.8g/100g, P < .001) and protein (8.1g/100g vs 10.5g/100g, P < .001). Total fat (3g/100g vs 10.5g/100g, P < .001) and saturated fat (0.8g/100g vs 2.6g /100g, P < .001) were also lower and no difference was found in salt content (P = .61). Fewer child-targeted breakfast cereals displayed an on-pack Keyhole label (5% vs 22%; P = .06) and the mean Health Star Rating values were 3.5 vs 3.8 (P = .07) for child-targeted cereals compared to others. A correlation was found between the Keyhole symbol and the Health Star Rating. CONCLUSIONS Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals targeted at children were less healthy overall compared to products not targeted at children. There is a clear need to improve the nutritional quality of child-targeted cereals.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Julie Perron ◽  
Sonia Pomerleau ◽  
Pierre Gagnon ◽  
Joséane Gilbert-Moreau ◽  
Simone Lemieux ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: The Food Quality Observatory was created in the province of Quebec (Canada) in 2016. In this study, the Observatory aimed to generate a methodology to (1) test the use of sales data combined with nutrient values to characterise the nutritional composition of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast cereals offered and purchased in the province of Quebec (Canada) and (2) verify the extent to which a front-of-pack label based on the percentage of daily value (DV) for total sugar, as a strategy to improve the food supply, would be distributed in this food category. Design: Nutritional information were obtained by purchasing each RTE breakfast cereal available in the Greater Montreal area. Cereals were then classified according to their processing type. Setting: The nutritional values of 331 RTE breakfast cereals available in Quebec were merged with sales data covering the period between May 2016 and May 2017. A total of 306 products were successfully cross-referenced. Results: Granola and sweetened cereals were the most available (36·6 % and 19·6 %, respectively) and purchased (19·8 % and 40·9 % of sales, respectively). When compared with other types of cereals, granola cereals had a higher energy, fat, saturated fat, protein content and a lower Na content. A larger proportion of chocolate (65 %) and sweetened cereals (49 %) were above 15 % of the DV for sugar. Conclusions: This study showed that the methodology developed generates important data to monitor nutritional quality of the food supply and ultimately contribute to improve the nutritional quality of processed foods.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Yuh Leong ◽  
Louis Tong

Dry eye, a visually disabling disease that has been reported to be a major public health issue in many countries, is known to induce a significant decrease in quality of life. In this report, we aim to compile information on the investigators of dry eye that published most frequently in peer reviewed scientific journals and the publications in Asia and Europe.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205031211984302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Telfar-Barnard ◽  
Julie Bennett ◽  
Andrew Robinson ◽  
Albert Hailes ◽  
Jenny Ombler ◽  
...  

Substandard housing is a major public health issue in New Zealand. Approximately, two-thirds of the housing stock is uninsulated and many homes are inadequately heated, with an average indoor temperature of 14.5°C. Cold, damp, and mouldy housing results in poor health; each year, respiratory hospital admissions are 74% higher during winter, and excess winter mortality is 20% higher than other seasons. The relationship between injury and housing conditions is also well established. Each year, 500,000 New Zealanders suffer falls requiring medical treatment in their homes. As a step towards improving the quality of existing housing, an evidence-based warrant of fitness has been developed. This article outlines the evidence base to each criterion in the warrant of fitness. We conclude that introducing and properly enforcing a housing warrant of fitness will ensure that basic minimum standards are met, which could mitigate the disease burdens and injuries associated with, or caused, by poorer quality housing. In addition, there are potential fiscal and economic advantages of the scheme, including reduced hospitalisations and increased productivity.


Describing the major clinical syndromes affecting ICU survivors, this resource delineates established or postulated biological mechanisms of the post-acute recovery process, and discusses strategies for treatment and rehabilitation to promote recovery in the ICU and in the long term. Many ICU survivors suffer from a range of long-lasting physical and psychological issues such as end stage renal disease, congestive heart failure, cognitive impairment, neuromuscular weakness, and depression or anxiety, which affect their overall quality of life and ability to lead productive lives. This online work discusses the science of the recovery process and the innovative treatment regimens which are helping ICU survivors regain function as they heal following trauma or disease. This lingering burden or 'legacy' of critical illness is now recognized as a major public health issue, with major efforts underway to understand how it can be prevented, mitigated, or treated.


2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 2221-2230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia Lythgoe ◽  
Caireen Roberts ◽  
Angela M Madden ◽  
Kirsten L Rennie

AbstractObjectiveThe predominance of marketing of products high in fat, sugar and/or salt to children has been well documented and implicated in the incidence of obesity. The present study aimed to determine whether foods marketed to children in UK supermarkets are nutritionally similar to the non-children's equivalent, focusing on food categories that may be viewed as healthier options.DesignNutritional data were collected on yoghurts (n 147), cereal bars (n 145) and ready meals (n 144) from seven major UK supermarkets and categorised as children's or non-children's products based on the characteristics, promotional nature or information on the product packaging. Fat, sugar and salt content was compared per 100 g and per recommended portion size.SettingUK.ResultsPer 100 g, children's yoghurts and cereal bars were higher in total sugars, fat and saturated fat than the non-children's; this was significant for all except sugar and total fat in cereal bars. Per portion these differences remained, except for sugars in yoghurts. Conversely children's ready meals were significantly lower in these nutrients per portion than non-children's, but not when expressed per 100 g. Children's yoghurts and ready meals had significantly lower sodium content than non-children's both per portion and per 100 g.ConclusionsSignificant differences between the nutritional composition of children's and non-children's products were observed but varied depending on the unit reference. A significant number of products marketed towards children were higher in fat, sugar and salt than those marketed to the general population.


2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1036-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Z Walker ◽  
Julie Woods ◽  
Jamie Ross ◽  
Rachel Hechtman

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the nutrient profile of yoghurts and dairy desserts.DesignNutrition information panels and product labels on yoghurts and dairy desserts offered for sale were surveyed in 2005 and 2008 and nutrients analysed by two nutrient profiling systems.SettingA large supermarket in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia.ResultsIn total, 248 and 140 dairy snacks (yoghurt, fromage frais or dairy desserts) were surveyed in 2005 and 2008, respectively. Over this time, median packet size rose significantly (P≤ 0·001). In yoghurts, median energy and total fat content also increased while protein decreased (allP< 0·05). The proportion of ‘full-fat’ products rose from 36 % to 46 %. Because of the addition of sugar, most ‘reduced-fat’ yoghurts had energy content similar to many ‘full-fat’ yoghurts. Overall, the proportion of yoghurts and dairy desserts that were ‘less healthy’ (i.e. displaying one or more ‘red traffic lights’ for high fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar content) rose from 12 % in 2005 to 23 % in 2008. Only 1–2 % could be deemed ‘healthy’ by the most stringent criterion (displaying four ‘green traffic lights’), while 21 % (2005) or 28 % (2008) were ‘healthy’ by a nutrient profiling system that included a score for protein. Sucrose, the most common sweetener, was found in levels up to 29 g/100 g. Claims on packaging mainly related to Ca, fat or protein content. Few labels referred to sugar content.ConclusionsThe deterioration in nutrient quality of yoghurts needs to be redressed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Made Mahaguna Putra ◽  
Kadek Siki Mariani ◽  
Ni Nyoman Ari Ratnadi

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue particularly in the elderly. Religion may affect the Quality of Life in such patients, mediated by factors such as religious coping and medication adherence. This study aimed to investigate the impact of religious coping and medication adherence on quality of life.Method: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue particularly in the elderly. Religion may affect the Quality of Life in such patients, mediated by factors such as religious coping and medication adherence. This study aimed to investigate the impact of religious coping and medication adherence on quality of life.Result: there is a significant relationship between Religious Coping and adherence to treatment in Diabetes Mellitus patients with a value of r = 0.266 (p = 0.00) and quality of life (r = 0.216; p = 0.00).Conclusion: Religious coping has an important influence and relationship on treatment adherence to diabetes mellitus sufferers and can provide motivation for sufferers in carrying out medication.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1085 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sisse Fagt ◽  
Jeppe Matthiessen ◽  
Camilla Thyregod ◽  
Karsten Kørup ◽  
Anja Biltoft-Jensen

Breakfast is considered by many to be the most important meal of the day. This study examined the intake of nutrients and foods at breakfast among Danes and the relation to the overall dietary quality. Data were derived from the Danish National Survey on Diet and Physical Activity 2011–2013, a cross-sectional national food consumption study. A total of 3680 participants aged 6–75 years were included in the analyses of breakfast consumption. The Nutrient Rich Food Index 9.3 method was used to examine the overall dietary quality of the diet. The intake of nutrients and foods at breakfast were compared across dietary quality score tertiles by ANCOVA adjusted for energy and socio economic status. Breakfast was eaten frequently by children and adults and contributed with 18–20% of total energy intake. Breakfast was relatively high in dietary fibre, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium and low in added sugar, total fat, sodium, vitamin A and D. A decrease in the intake of added sugar, total fat and saturated fat and an increase in the intake of dietary fibre and most micronutrients were seen across tertiles of dietary quality scores. Commonly consumed foods provided at breakfast in Denmark included bread, breakfast cereals and dairy products as well as water, coffee and juice, while intakes of fruits, vegetables, cakes and soft drinks were low.


Author(s):  
Jaana Lindström ◽  
Kirsikka Aittola ◽  
Auli Pölönen ◽  
Katri Hemiö ◽  
Kirsti Ahonen ◽  
...  

Lack of tools to evaluate the quality of diet impedes dietary counselling in healthcare. We constructed a scoring for a validated food intake questionnaire, to measure the adherence to a healthy diet that prevents type 2 diabetes (T2D). The Healthy Diet Index (HDI) consists of seven weighted domains (meal pattern, grains, fruit and vegetables, fats, fish and meat, dairy, snacks and treats). We studied the correlations of the HDI with nutrient intakes calculated from 7-day food records among 52 men and 25 women, and associations of HDI with biomarkers and anthropometrics among 645 men and 2455 women. The HDI correlated inversely with total fat (Pearson’s r = −0.37), saturated fat (r = −0.37), monounsaturated fat (r = −0.37), and the glycaemic index of diet (r = −0.32) and positively with carbohydrates (r = 0.23), protein (r = 0.25), fibre (r = 0.66), magnesium (r = 0.26), iron (r = 0.25), and vitamin D (r = 0.27), (p < 0.05 for all). In the linear regression model adjusted for BMI and age, HDI is associated inversely with waist circumference, concentrations of fasting and 2-h glucose and triglycerides in men and women, total and LDL cholesterol in women, and fasting insulin in men (p < 0.05 for all). The HDI proved to be a valid tool to measure adherence to a health-promoting diet and to support individualised dietary counselling.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisy H. Coyle ◽  
Jason HY Wu ◽  
Gian Luca Di Tanna ◽  
Maria Shahid ◽  
Fraser Taylor ◽  
...  

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.


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