Don't Take it With a Grain of Salt

Background: Currently, sodium consumption of Canadians (2760 mg/day) exceeds the 2300 mg/day tolerable upper level putting Canadians at risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Voluntary sodium reformulation strategies have been implemented in Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US) to reduce sodium intake from processed foods. The potential for sodium reformulation to reduce sodium intake across socioeconomic position (SEP) is not well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent to which fully achieving sodium reformulation targets for processed foods outlined in the Canada, UK, US strategies would decrease population and social inequities in sodium intake in Canadian adults. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey–Nutrition (n=13,519 participants aged ≥19 years, 53% females). Foods from the 24-hour dietary recall were matched to each country’s sodium reduction categories and target sodium levels were applied. Multivariable linear regressions were used to estimate mean sodium intake for the population and across SEP indicators (educational attainment, household food security, and household income adequacy quintiles). Results: Achieving Canada’s targets would reduce average sodium intake by 228 mg/day (95%CI: 196,260) compared to baseline. UK’s sodium targets would achieve greater reductions, decreasing average sodium intake by 270 mg/day (95%CI: 242,299). The US sodium targets would increase average sodium intake by 98 mg/day (95%CI: 64,132). Achieving sodium reformulation targets resulted in greater reductions in sodium intake in men, and in lower SEP groups. For example, educational inequalities in sodium intake observed at baseline were reduced in men [Canada: (RD: 148 mg/day, 95%CI: -30,327); UK: (RD: 152 mg/day, 95%CI: -43,347)] and eliminated in women. Conclusion: Achieving targets outlined in Canada and UK’s voluntary sodium reformulation strategies would significantly reduce mean sodium intake in Canadians. This study demonstrated the potential for reducing social inequities in sodium intake and health.

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Sodium Content of Processed Foods Available in the Mexican Market

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10122008 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 2008

Author(s):

Claudia Nieto ◽

Lizbeth Tolentino-Mayo ◽

Catalina Medina ◽

Eric Monterrubio-Flores ◽

Edgar Denova-Gutiérrez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sodium Intake ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sodium Content ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Processed Meats ◽

Adverse Health Outcomes ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Food Standards ◽

Health Organization

Background: Sodium intake is related to several adverse health outcomes, such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Processed foods are major contributors to the population’s sodium intake. The aim of the present study was to determine sodium levels in Mexican packaged foods, as well as to evaluate the proportion of foods that comply with sodium benchmark targets set by the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (UK FSA) and those set by the Mexican Commission for the Protection of Health Risks (COFEPRIS). We also evaluated the proportion of foods that exceeded the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) targets. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that comprised data collected from the package of 2248 processed foods from selected supermarkets in Mexico. Results: Many processed food categories contained an excessive amount of sodium. Processed meats, ham, bacon and sausages, had the highest concentrations. The proportion of foods classified as compliant in our sample was lower for international targets (FSA UK and PAHO) compared to the Mexican COFEPRIS criteria. Conclusions: These data provided a critical baseline assessment for monitoring sodium levels in Mexican processed foods.

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Consumption of ultra-processed foods and associated sociodemographic factors in the USA between 2007 and 2012: evidence from a nationally representative cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020574 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. e020574 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

Larissa Galastri Baraldi ◽

Euridice Martinez Steele ◽

Daniela Silva Canella ◽

Carlos Augusto Monteiro

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Processed Food ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dietary Recall ◽

The Usa ◽

Nationally Representative

ObjectivesTo compare ultra-processed food consumption across sociodemographic groups and over time (2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2011–2012) in the USA.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingNational Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012.ParticipantsAll individuals aged ≥2 years with at least one 24-hour dietary recall were included (n=23 847).Main outcome measuresAverage dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods (expressed as a percentage of the total caloric value of the diet), obtained after classifying all food items according to extent and purpose of industrial food processing using NOVA classification.Data analysisLinear regression was used to evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics or NHANES cycles and dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods.ResultsAlmost 60% of calories consumed in the period 2007–2012 came from ultra-processed foods. Consumption of ultra-processed foods decreased with age and income level, was higher for non-Hispanic whites or non-Hispanic blacks than for other race/ethnicity groups and lower for people with college than for lower levels of education, all differences being statistically significant. Overall contribution of ultra-processed foods increased significantly between NHANES cycles (nearly 1% point per cycle), the same being observed among males, adolescents and high school education-level individuals.ConclusionsUltra-processed food consumption in the USA in the period 2007–2012 was overall high, greater among non-Hispanic whites or non-Hispanic blacks, less educated, younger, lower-income strata and increased across time.

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Eating Out-of-Home in Adult Residents in Shanghai and the Nutritional Differences among Dining Places

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10070951 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 951 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Jiajie Zang ◽

Baozhang Luo ◽

Yaping Wang ◽

Zhenni Zhu ◽

Zhengyuan Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diet Quality ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Rapid Development ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dietary Recall ◽

Regression Methods ◽

School Canteen ◽

The Social ◽

Social Demographic

Background: With the rapid development of Shanghai’s economy, diet habits have undergone great changes. The study aimed to examine the situation of out-of-home (OH) eating in Shanghai adults and the nutrition characteristics of eating in different dining places, and to assess the social demographic determinants of eating OH. Method: Data was sourced from the Shanghai Diet and Health Survey (SDHS) involving people aged 18 years or older in 2012–2013. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and three-day 24-h dietary recall (24-HDR) were used to collect dietary intake data on how people eat out in a cross-sectional study of 1689 adults. OH food refers to the food prepared or consumed away from home. We define that people who eat at least one meal prepared away from home in each survey have a habit of eating outside. The multiple linear and logistic regression methods were used for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of eating OH and at restaurants was only 55.1% and 31.8%, respectively. There was an increase in energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, and iron intake while eating OH. Restaurant and company/school canteen consumption were both associated with an increase in daily total energy intake of 140 kcal and 91 kcal, and fat intake of 6.0 g and 4.3 g, respectively. However, eating at restaurants was associated with higher intake of 548 mg of sodium. However, no significant association was observed between eating at canteens and higher sodium intake. Conclusions: Eating OH related to a poor diet quality, and the diet quality was different restaurant and canteen food. There may be a need for interventions to target residents’ overall dining-out behavior, particularly focusing on the consumption of restaurant food.

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Ultra-processed foods, protein leverage and energy intake in the USA

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980017001574 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 114-124 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Euridice Martínez Steele ◽

David Raubenheimer ◽

Stephen J Simpson ◽

Larissa Galastri Baraldi ◽

Carlos A Monteiro

Keyword(s):

Protein Content ◽

Energy Intake ◽

Dietary Protein ◽

Protein Intake ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dietary Recall ◽

Protein Density

AbstractObjectiveExperimental studies have shown that human macronutrient regulation minimizes variation in absolute protein intake and consequently energy intake varies passively with dietary protein density (‘protein leverage’). According to the ‘protein leverage hypothesis’ (PLH), protein leverage interacts with a reduction in dietary protein density to drive energy overconsumption and obesity. Worldwide increase in consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has been hypothesized to be an important determinant of dietary protein dilution, and consequently an ecological driving force of energy overconsumption and the obesity pandemic. The present study examined the relationships between dietary contribution of UPF, dietary proportional protein content and the absolute intakes of protein and energy.DesignNational representative cross-sectional study.SettingNational Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2010.SubjectsParticipants (n 9042) aged ≥2 years with at least one day of 24 h dietary recall data.ResultsWe found a strong inverse relationship between consumption of UPF and dietary protein density, with mean protein content dropping from 18·2 to 13·3 % between the lowest and highest quintiles of dietary contribution of UPF. Consistent with the PLH, increase in the dietary contribution of UPF (previously shown to be inversely associated with protein density) was also associated with a rise in total energy intake, while absolute protein intake remained relatively constant.ConclusionsThe protein-diluting effect of UPF might be one mechanism accounting for their association with excess energy intake. Reducing UPF contribution in the US diet may be an effective way to increase its dietary protein concentration and prevent excessive energy intake.

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Sodium Content of Processed Foods Available in the Mexican Market

10.20944/preprints201810.0556.v1 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Claudia Nieto ◽

Lizbeth Tolentino-Mayo ◽

Catalina Medina ◽

Eric Monterrubio-Flores ◽

Edgar Denova-Gutiérrez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sodium Intake ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sodium Content ◽

Dietary Sodium ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Processed Meats ◽

Adverse Health Outcomes ◽

Health Organization ◽

The Uk

Background: Sodium intake has been related to several adverse health outcomes; such as, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Processed foods are major contributors to the population’s dietary sodium intake. The aim of the present study was to determine sodium levels in Mexican packaged foods; also to evaluate the proportion of foods that comply with sodium benchmark targets set by the UK Food Standards Agency (UK FSA) and those set by the Mexican Commission for the Protection of Health Risks (COFEPRIS). We also evaluated the proportion of foods that exceeded the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) targets. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that comprised data collected from the package of 2,248 processed foods from selected supermarkets of Mexico. Results: Many processed food categories contained excessive amount of sodium, being the processed meats (ham, bacon and sausages) those that have the highest concentrations. The proportion of foods classified as compliant in our sample was lower for international targets (FSA UK and PAHO) compared to the Mexican COFEPRIS criteria. Conclusions: These data provide a critical baseline assessment for monitoring sodium levels in Mexican processed foods.

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Relationship Between Nutrient Intake and Vitamin D Status in Osteoporotic Women

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831.77.6.376 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 77 (6) ◽

pp. 376-381 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

de Souza Genaro ◽

de Paiva Pereira ◽

de Medeiros Pinheiro ◽

Szejnfeld ◽

Araújo Martini

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Mineral Metabolism ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Serum Vitamin ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Serum Vitamin D ◽

Dietary Records

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining calcium homeostasis and optimizing bone health. Its inadequacy is related to many factors including dietary intake. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum 25(OH)D and its relationship with nutrient intakes in postmenopausal Brazilian women with osteoporosis. This cross-sectional study comprised 45 free-living and assisted elderly at São Paulo Hospital. Three-day dietary records were used to assess dietary intakes. Bone mineral density was measured with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DXA). Blood and urine sample were collected for analysis of biochemical markers of bone and mineral metabolism. Insufficiency of vitamin D was observed in 24.4% of the women and optimal levels (≥ 50 nmol/L) were observed in 75.6%. Parathyroid hormone was above the reference range in 51% of the participants. The mean calcium (724 mg/day) and vitamin D (4.2 μ g/day) intakes were lower than the value proposed by The Food and Nutrition Board and sodium intake was more than two-fold above the recommendation. Higher levels of serum 25(OH)D were inversely associated with sodium intake. Dietary strategies to improve serum vitamin D must focus on increasing vitamin D intake and should take a reduction of sodium intake into consideration.

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Outdoor Air Pollution and Depression in Canada: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study from 2011 to 2016

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052450 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2450

Author(s):

Ashley K. Dores ◽

Gordon H. Fick ◽

Frank P. MacMaster ◽

Jeanne V. A. Williams ◽

Andrew G. M. Bulloch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

Fine Particulate Matter ◽

Canadian Community Health Survey ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Future Research ◽

Outdoor Air ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Outdoor Air Pollution ◽

Environmental Health Research

To assess whether exposure to increased levels of outdoor air pollution is associated with psychological depression, six annual iterations of the Canadian Community Health Survey (n ≈ 127,050) were used to estimate the prevalence of a major depressive episode (2011–2014) or severity of depressive symptoms (2015–2016). Survey data were linked with outdoor air pollution data obtained from the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium, with outdoor air pollution represented by fine particulate matter ≤2.5 micrometers (μm) in diameter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Log-binomial models were used to estimate the association between outdoor air pollution and depression, and included adjustment for age, sex, marital status, income, education, employment status, urban versus rural households, cigarette smoking, and chronic illness. No evidence of associations for either depression outcomes were found. Given the generally low levels of outdoor air pollution in Canada, these findings should be generalized with caution. It is possible that a meaningful association with major depression may be observed in regions of the world where the levels of outdoor air pollution are greater, or during high pollution events over brief time intervals. Future research is needed to replicate these findings and to further investigate these associations in other regions and populations.

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Changes of Physical Activity and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Adolescents from Different Countries during Covid-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12082289 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 2289 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

María Belén Ruíz-Roso ◽

Patricia de Carvalho Padilha ◽

Diana C. Matilla-Escalante ◽

Paola Brun ◽

Natalia Ulloa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Latin America ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Processed Food ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Consumption Data ◽

Food Consumption Data

Aim: to describe physical activity and ultra-processed foods consumption, their changes and sociodemographic predictors among adolescents from countries in Europe (Italy and Spain) and Latin America (Brazil, Chile, and Colombia) during the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic period. Methods: Cross-sectional study via web survey. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and weekly ultra-processed food consumption data were used. To compare the frequencies of physical activity status with sociodemographic variables, a multinomial logistic and a multiple logistic regression for habitual ultra-processed foods was performed. In final models, p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Sample of 726 adolescents, mostly females (59.6%) aged 16–19 years old (54.3%). Adolescents from Latin America presented odds ratio (OR) 2.98 (CI 95% 1.80–4.94) of being inactive and those whose mothers had higher level of education were less active during lockdown [OR 0.40 (CI 95% 0.20–0.84)]. The habitual ultra-processed consumption was also high during this period in all countries, and more prevalent in Latin America. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of inactivity was observed in this population, but reductions of physical activity and habitual ultra-processed consumption during the pandemic were more pronounced in Latin America. Our findings reinforce the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle, i.e., exercise and diet, during periods of social isolation.

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Ultra-processed foods and added sugars in the US diet: evidence from a nationally representative cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009892 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. e009892 ◽

Cited By ~ 202

Author(s):

Eurídice Martínez Steele ◽

Larissa Galastri Baraldi ◽

Maria Laura da Costa Louzada ◽

Jean-Claude Moubarac ◽

Dariush Mozaffarian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Added Sugars ◽

The Us ◽

Nationally Representative

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Nutritional Status and Anthropometric Indices in High School Girls in Ilam, West Iran

Scientifica ◽

10.1155/2016/4275148 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fatemeh Jamalikandazi ◽

Elham Ranjbar ◽

Eskandar Gholami-Parizad ◽

Zeinab Ghazanfari ◽

Seyed-Ali Mostafavi

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Human Growth ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Anthropometric Indices ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dietary Recall ◽

High School Girls ◽

School Girls

Background. Adolescence is one of the most challenging periods for human growth and nutritional status. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status and anthropometric indices in high school girls in Ilam.Methods. This cross-sectional study was performed on 360 domestic high school girl students chosen randomly by cluster sampling. Data were gathered through interviews performed by a dietitian to fill 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency and demographic questionnaires. Then we performed the anthropometric measurements and we compared the results with CDC2000 standards. We analyzed our data by N4 food analyzer and SPSS16 software.Results. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 5% and 10.8%, respectively. Simultaneously, the prevalence of underweight was 20.2%. The prevalence of stunting was 5.8%. We also showed that 50% of high school girls in Ilam suffered from severe food insecurity, 14.7% suffered from mild insecurity, and 4.7% get extra energy from foods. Food analysis showed that micronutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium, folate, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B12 were less than what is recommended by the RDA.Conclusion. Undernutrition and overnutrition are completely prevalent among girls studied in Ilam. This needs further acts and investigations in the field and more nutritional and health educations.

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