Nutrient Intake during Pregnancy and Adherence to Dietary Recommendations: The Mediterranean PHIME Cohort

Few studies provide a detailed description of dietary habits during pregnancy, despite the central role of nutrition for the health of the mother and offspring. This paper describes the dietary habits, energy and nutrient intake in pregnant women from four countries belonging to the Mediterranean PHIME cohort (Croatia, Greece, Italy and Slovenia) and evaluates their adherence to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations. A total of 1436 women were included in the present analysis. Maternal diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The mean macro and micronutrient intakes were estimated and compared with the dietary reference values (DRVs). The percentage distribution of the 16 food groups in the total intake of each macronutrient was estimated. All women shared a similar diet during pregnancy; almost all the women in the four countries exceeded the DRV for sugars, and the total fat intake was above the DRV in most women in all the countries, as was the contribution of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to the total energy intake. In all four countries, we observed an increased risk of micronutrient deficiency for iron, folate and vitamin D. Shared guidelines, implemented at both the national and European level, are essential to improve the maternal nutritional status during pregnancy.

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Evaluation of Nutrient Intake and Food Consumption among Dutch Toddlers

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051531 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1531

Author(s):

Elly Steenbergen ◽

Anne Krijger ◽

Janneke Verkaik-Kloosterman ◽

Liset E. M. Elstgeest ◽

Sovianne ter Borg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Food Groups ◽

Milk Products ◽

Health Council ◽

Dutch Health

Improving dietary habits at a young age could prevent adverse health outcomes. The aim was to gain insight into the adequacy of the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers, which may provide valuable information for preventive measures. Data obtained from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2012–2016 were used, which included 672 children aged one to three years. Habitual intakes of nutrients were evaluated according to recommendations set by the Dutch Health Council. Specific food groups were evaluated according to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines. For most nutrients, intakes were estimated to be adequate. High intakes were found for saturated fatty acids, retinol, iodine, copper, zinc, and sodium. No statement could be provided on the adequacy of intakes of alpha-linoleic acids, N-3 fish fatty acids, fiber, and iron. 74% of the toddlers used dietary supplements, and 59% used vitamin D supplements specifically. Total median intakes of vegetables, bread, and milk products were sufficient. Consumption of bread, potatoes and cereals, milk products, fats, and drinks consisted largely of unhealthy products. Consumption of unfavorable products may have been the cause of the observed high and low intakes of several nutrients. Shifting towards a healthier diet that is more in line with the guidelines may positively affect the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers and prevent negative health impacts, also later in life.

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The role of nutrition in Alzheimer’s disease

Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny ◽

10.32394/rpzh.2021.0154 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 29-39

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Fatty Acids ◽

Dietary Intervention ◽

Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Preventive Intervention ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Effective Prevention ◽

The Mediterranean

The aging population is a significant social, medical and economic problem due to increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in elderly population. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and the most common neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by a progressive deterioration of memory and cognitive function. So far, there is neither an effective prevention nor cure for dementia, so more and more attention is paid to the prevention of this group of diseases, particularly to the appropriate diet. Preventive intervention gives the best results if introduced before the first symptoms of dementia, i.e., around the age of 50. This is when the nutritional status, number of synapses, cognition, and neuropathological changes in the nervous system compensate each other, which increases the chances of staying healthy for a longer period of time. It has been proven that dietary habits, which lead to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, significantly increase the risk of dementia. On the other hand, a Mediterranean diet rich in antioxidants, fiber and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may have a protective effect on the neurodegenerative process. The beneficial effect of many nutrients on the course of AD has been demonstrated. These include: glutathione, polyphenols, curcumin, coenzyme Q10, vitamins B6, B12, folic acid, unsaturated fatty acids, lecithin, UA, caffeine and some probiotic bacteria. A diet rich in saturated fatty acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) promotes the progression of dementia. Dietary intervention should be introduced as early as possible to minimize the risk of developing dementia. The Mediterranean and DASH diets have been documented to protect against AD. However, the MIND diet is reported to be much more effective in preventing cognitive decline/dementia than either the Mediterranean or DASH diets alone.

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Gene-diet interaction and plasma lipid responses to dietary intervention

Biochemical Society Transactions ◽

10.1042/bst0300068 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 68-73 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

J. M. Ordovas

Keyword(s):

Coronary Heart Disease ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Dietary Intervention ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽

Dietary Recommendations ◽

Dietary Pufa ◽

Increased Risk

Strategies for disease prevention can have a major impact on people's health. However, major gaps exist in our knowledge with regard to nutritional adequacy, nutrient-disease interactions, nutrient-gene interactions, and effective strategies for implementation of dietary recommendations which have the potential to decrease the disease burden and to contribute to successful aging of the population. Coronary heart disease is one of the major causes of mortality in the world. We have sound evidence that high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. Lipoprotein concentrations are associated with environmental variables such as diet and lifestyle, but genetics also play a significant role. We have examined polymorphisms at candidate loci to determine their usefulness as markers for dietary responses. A G/A polymorphism 75 bp upstream from the gene encoding apolipoprotein AI (APOA1) has been described in ~ 30% of the population. Our studies show that this polymorphism is associated with variability in the HDL-C response to dietary fat, specifically to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the diet. Carriers of the A allele respond to increases in dietary PUFA with elevations in HDL-C levels, probably due to altered interactions of transcription factors with the mutated promoter. Therefore carriers of the A allele can potentially decrease their atherogenic risk by consuming high-PUFA diets. Likewise, we have examined the interaction between other dietary habits, such as alcohol drinking, and variability at the APOE locus, and have demonstrated that the classical associations between APOE polymorphism and LDL-C levels are observed primarily in those subjects who consume alcohol. Moreover, we have found a subgroup of the population, APOE4 carriers, for whom drinking alcohol may exert detrimental effects on lipid metabolism. This knowledge will contribute towards the development of more effective personalized dietary recommendations.

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The North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey: the dietary fibre intake of Irish adults

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2001187 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 4 (5a) ◽

pp. 1061-1068 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

MA Galvin ◽

M Kiely ◽

KE Harrington ◽

PJ Robson ◽

R Moore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Dietary Fibre ◽

Representative Sample ◽

Gastrointestinal Disease ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Total Sample ◽

Food Groups ◽

Dietary Recommendations ◽

Men And Women ◽

Increased Risk

AbstractObjectiveMean daily intakes of dietary fibre (DF, Southgate) and non-starch polysaccharide (NSP, Englyst) are estimated in a representative sample of adults aged 18-64 years in Ireland. The contribution of food groups to DF and NSP intake is reported and fibre intakes are compared with dietary recommendations and with intakes in some European countries.DesignFood consumption was estimated using 7-day food diaries for a representative sample (n = 1379; 662 men, 717 women) of 18–64 year old adults in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland selected from the electoral register. DF and NSP intakes were estimated from tables of food composition.ResultsThe mean daily intake of DF in the total sample was 20.2 g (standard deviation (SD) 7.8) [23-2 g (SD 8.5) in men, 17.4 g (SD 5.9) in women] or 2.24 g MJ−1 (SD 0.7) [2.16 g MJ−1 (SD 0.7) in men, 2.33 g MJ−1 (SD 0.7) in women]. Mean daily intake of NSP was 14.8 g (SD 6.2) [16.7 g (SD 6.8) in men, 13.0 g (SD 5.0) in women] or 1.65 g MJ−1 (SD 0.6) [1.56 g MJ−1 (SD 0.6) in men, 1.74 g MJ−1 (SD 0.6) in women]. The main food groups that contributed to mean daily intake of DF (NSP) in the sample were breads 31% (23%), potatoes 19% (23%), and vegetables 17% (19%). Absolute intakes of DF and NSP were higher (P < 0.001) in men than women; however, women overall consumed more (P < 0.001) fibre-dense diets than men. Women aged 18-35 years consumed less (P < 0.01) DF and NSP (g) than women aged 36-64 years. Both men and women aged 18–35 years consumed less (P < 0.01) fibre-dense diets than men and women aged 36–64 years. The NSP intake was below the nutritional goal of 18 g day−1 in 77% of adults and below the minimum of the recommended range (12 g day−1) in 37% of the total sample. Compliance (i.e. the maximum number of individuals whose collective mean daily intake corresponded to the population goal) with the (UK) population goal for an average intake of 18 g day−1 NSP was achieved by a greater proportion of the population (63%) than compliance with the (German) dietary fibre recommendation of 30 g day−1 (27%) or the (Nordic) recommendation of 3 g MJ−1 day−1 (33%).ConclusionDF (NSP) intakes were lower than dietary recommendations in a substantial proportion of the population. This is likely to contribute to impaired bowel function and constipation, which in turn may contribute to increased risk of chronic gastrointestinal disease.

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Mediterranean Adequacy Index in Young People in Syria

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Health Care ◽

10.18311/ajprhc/2016/4595 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 112

Author(s):

Malda Atasi

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Young People ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Mediterranean Area ◽

Food Groups ◽

Syrian Population ◽

The Mediterranean

Objective: To assess, the degree of adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MD) in Syrian young people, and studying the effect of some variables on Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI) value and its comparison with other studies in Spain and Mediterranean area. Background: It has been observed that the Syrian population, especially the young ones, are abandoning the (MD), which affects in long term their health, the same has been observed in Spanish youth. The longitudinal study of the "seven counties" involved active rural population in Italy, was firstly demonstrated the progressively abandoning of MD. Methods: The sample under the study was 204 young people (41.7% men and 58.3% women) in the area of Damascus (65% were students). They filled in a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, then the Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI) was computed by dividing the sum in gram of typical Mediterranean food Groups (Cereals, Legumes, Fruits, Fish), by the sum in gram of non-typical Mediterranean food groups (Meats, Eggs, Cookies and cakes, dairy). It was used the SPSS program to study the correlation between the variables and MAI of the sample. Results: The average MAI of the young sample was (1.17) which is lower than another study in Spanish young people and much lower than 7.2 in Italy several decades ago. Those results demonstrated that the young Syrian are abandoning the Mediterranean Diet as well as the Spanish young people. The caloric profile has changed over time that results in lower consumption of carbohydrates and higher consumption of protein and lipids, similar to almost Mediterranean area. Moreover the war has an impact on the type of food consumed which affect MAI. The lipid profile (measured by the cocient of intake of Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) and Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) divided by Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) of the sample was 3.71 better than other studies in Spain 1,69, 1,71 (the recommended value should be > 2). This illustrates a moderate consumption of olive and vegetable oil, but poor consumption of meat and eggs in contrast of Spanish diet.

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Dietary patterns and their association with cardio-metabolic outcomes in US firefighters

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.717 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

A Christodoulou ◽

M Sotos-Prieto ◽

S N Kales ◽

C A Christophi

Keyword(s):

Body Fat ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

Standard Diet ◽

Metabolic Outcomes ◽

Increased Risk ◽

American Standard ◽

The Mediterranean

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease is prevalent among US firefighters. Obesity is known to be associated with an increased risk of CVD and it can be prevented by following a more Mediterranean style diet. The aim of this study was to identify the dietary patterns of US firefighters and assess how these patterns are associated with cardio-metabolic outcomes in the specific population. Methods Individuals were recruited from within a FEMA sponsored study from the Indiana Fire Department. IFD members with permanent station assigned were included. All participants underwent the Public Safety Medical examination, which includes occupational and medical history; a physical examination; routine laboratory tests; resting electrocardiograms; and maximal treadmill exercise testing. Participants self-reported their dietary habits. Results The mean BMI of the participants was 30.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2 and the percentage of body fat was 28.1 ± 6.1%. Using principal component analysis, two dietary patterns were identified, namely a Mediterranean style diet and an American Standard style diet. The Mediterranean style diet is positively associated with HDL cholesterol (β = 2.08, p = 0.001) even after adjusting for gender, BMI, VO2 max, max METS, age, and body fat percent. Triglycerides (β=-3.195, p = 0.585) and glucose (β=-0.079, p = 0.219) decreased with the Mediterranean style diet. The Standard American diet was also significantly associated with HDL cholesterol (β=-4.82, p = 0.002) and LDL cholesterol (β = 0.455, p = 0.014). In addition, body fat percentage increases significantly in the Standard American style diet (β = 1.778, p = 0.029), even after the adjustments. Discussion Two dietary patterns were identified in US firefighters - a Mediterranean style diet and an American Standard diet. Mediterranean diet was protective whereas the American Standard diet had the opposite effect. This could help provide suitable recommendations that could improve the lives of US firefighters. Key messages Two diet patterns have been identified in US firefighters. The Mediterranean style diet seems to have a protective effect. The American Standard diet has a negative impact on cardio-metabolic outcomes as expected.

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Application of the Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 and the Dietary Inflammatory Index for Assessing Maternal Dietary Quality in Japan: A Single-Center Birth Cohort Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13082854 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 2854

Author(s):

Chihiro Imai ◽

Hidemi Takimoto ◽

Ayako Fudono ◽

Iori Tarui ◽

Tomoko Aoyama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nutrient Intake ◽

Metabolic Regulation ◽

Maternal Diet ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Birth Cohort Study ◽

Dietary Inflammatory Index ◽

Food Groups ◽

Inflammatory Index ◽

Rich Food ◽

Vegetables And Fruits

The maternal diet can potentially influence the life-course health of the child. A poor-quality maternal diet creates nutrient deficiencies and affects immune–metabolic regulation during pregnancy. The nutrient-based overall dietary quality can be assessed using the Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 (NRF9.3), which measures adherence to the national reference daily values of nutrient intake. Pro- and anti-inflammatory nutrient intake can be assessed using the energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII), a comprehensive index of diet-derived inflammatory capacity. Using these indices, we assessed the overall dietary quality and inflammatory potential of pregnant women during mid-gestation in an urban area of Japan (n = 108) and found that there was a strong inverse correlation between the NRF9.3 and E-DII scores. Comparison of the scores among the tertiles of NRF9.3 or E-DII indicated that dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, and magnesium mainly contributed to the variability of both indices. Intake of vegetables and fruits was positively associated with high NRF9.3 scores and negatively associated with high E-DII scores, after adjustment for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and educational level. Consistent with the previous studies that used dietary pattern analysis, this study also demonstrated that vegetables and fruits were the food groups chiefly associated with high dietary quality and low inflammatory potential among pregnant Japanese women.

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Adherence to Dietary Recommendations, Nutrient Intake Adequacy and Diet Quality among Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Patients: Results from the GreeCF Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12103126 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 3126 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dimitrios Poulimeneas ◽

Maria G. Grammatikopoulou ◽

Panagiota Devetzi ◽

Argyri Petrocheilou ◽

Athanasios G. Kaditis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Ideal Body Weight ◽

Fiber Intake ◽

Dietary Recommendations ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Optimal Adherence

Nutrition is an important component of cystic fibrosis (CF) therapy, with a high-fat diet being the cornerstone of treatment. However, adherence to the dietary recommendations for CF appears suboptimal and burdensome for most children and adolescents with CF, leading to malnutrition, inadequate growth, compromised lung function and increased risk for respiratory infections. A cross-sectional approach was deployed to examine the degree of adherence to the nutrition recommendations and diet quality among children with CF. A total of 76 children were recruited from Aghia Sophia’s Children Hospital, in Athens, Greece. In their majority, participants attained their ideal body weight, met the recommendations for energy and fat intake, exceeding the goal for saturated fatty acids consumption. Carbohydrate and fiber intake were suboptimal and most participants exhibited low or mediocre adherence to the Mediterranean diet prototype. It appears that despite the optimal adherence to the energy and fat recommendations, there is still room for improvement concerning diet quality and fiber intake.

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Nutrient and food intakes in selected subgroups of Belgian adults

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114599000872 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 81 (S1) ◽

pp. S37-S42 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Stefaan De Henauw ◽

Guy De Backer

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Nutrient Intake ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

National Council ◽

Food Groups ◽

Individual Level ◽

Food Consumption Survey ◽

Belgian Population ◽

Total Fat

In March 1997, official dietary guidelines were for the first time published in Belgium by the National Council on Nutrition. These guidelines are entirely focussed on nutrient intake and do not translate this information into specific ‘food-based’ recommendations. In this paper, actual intake data for the adult Belgian population are compared to these guidelines. It is concluded that the overall macronutrient intake pattern in Belgium corresponds to the typical Western so-called affluent diet. As a next step, an attempt is made to outline a conceptual framework for developing food-based dietary guidelines on the basis of existing food consumption databases. For that purpose, nutrient and food intake profiles — percentage of consumers and mean intakes for the total population and for consumers only — are studied for subgroups of the population that do or do not comply to predefined dietary goals for total fat intake, fibre intake, and fruit and vegetable intake. Finally, it is shown with an example that these data can be used as a basis for formulating healthy food recommendations towards the general population in terms of specific foods or food groups to be avoided or to be chosen preferably. The food and nutrient intake data used in this paper are from the BIRNH study (Belgian Interuniversity Research on Nutrition and Health, 1980–1984), the only nationwide food consumption survey on an individual level ever carried out in Belgium.

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Intake of dietary iron is low in patients with Crohn's disease: a case–control study

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1079/bjn20041022 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 91 (1) ◽

pp. 141-148 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

Miranda C. E. Lomer ◽

Kamelia Kodjabashia ◽

Carol Hutchinson ◽

Simon M. Greenfield ◽

Richard P. H. Thompson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crohn’S Disease ◽

Crohn's Disease ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Dietary Advice ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Food Groups ◽

Food Diary ◽

Control Subjects ◽

Abdominal Symptoms ◽

Increased Risk

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) often experience Fe deficiency (ID) and frequently alter their diet to relieve abdominal symptoms. The present study set out to assess whether patients with CD have dietary habits that lead to low Fe intakes and/or reduced bioavailable Fe compared with control subjects. Patients with asymptomatic CD were matched to controls (n91/group). Dietary intakes of Fe and contributions from different food groups were compared using a 7 d food diary. Promoters and inhibitors of non-haem Fe absorption were investigated and a recently published algorithm was applied to assess bioavailable Fe. Fewer patients than controls met the reference nutrient intake for Fe (32 % CD patientsv. 42 % controls). Overall, patients had significantly lower mean Fe intakes (by 2·3 mg/d) and Fe density (by 0·26 mg/MJ (1·1 mg/1000 kcal)) compared with controls (bothP<0·001). Differences were mainly due to a preference among CD patients for low-fibre non-Fe fortified cereals, particularly breakfast cereals. In particular, control subjects had higher Fe intakes than matched CD subjects for men (P<0·001) and women less than 50 years (P=0·03). Intakes of both ascorbic acid (P<0·001) and phytic acid (P<0·01), but not animal tissue (P=1·0), were lower in patients with CD, but these had no overall effect on the predicted percentage of bioavailable Fe. Thus total bioavailable Fe was reduced in patients with CD due to lower intakes (P<0·01). Dietary Fe intakes are low in CD patients, which may contribute to an increased risk of ID and anaemia. Changing dietary advice may compromise perceived symptoms of the disease so the need for Fe supplementation should be carefully considered.

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