Free-Living Dietary Intake in Tactical Personnel and Implications for Nutrition Practice: A Systematic Review

Tactical personnel (including military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue) are responsible for ensuring national and public safety. Dietary intake is an important consideration to support optimal health and performance. The aims of this systematic review were to: (1) describe the reported free-living dietary intake (energy and macronutrients) of tactical personnel, and (2) describe the practical implications of reported dietary intakes to support the physical and dietary requirements of tactical personnel. A systematic search of databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science) was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. English and full text research articles were identified and screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic and dietary intake data were extracted, tabulated, and synthesized narratively. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. Twenty-two studies (15 military, 4 law enforcement, and 2 fire and rescue) were eligible to inform this review. The volume of evidence suggested that tactical personnel met dietary protein and exceeded dietary fat recommendations but failed to meet energy and carbohydrate recommendations. Therefore, practical approaches to support optimized energy, fat and carbohydrate intake in tactical personnel is important.

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A systematic review update of athletes’ nutrition knowledge and association with dietary intake

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114521004311 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-36

Author(s):

Amy Janiczak ◽

Brooke Devlin ◽

Adrienne Forsyth ◽

Gina Trakman

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Quantitative Measure ◽

Nutrition Knowledge ◽

Included Study ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Modifiable Factors ◽

Measurement Tools ◽

Diet Intake ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Athletes’ dietary intakes sometimes do not meet sports nutrition guidelines. Nutrition knowledge (NK) is one factor that may influence dietary intake, but NK measurement tools are often outdated or unvalidated, and results regarding athletes’ NK are equivocal. The aims of this systematic review were to update previous systematic reviews by examining athletes’ NK and to assess the relationship between athletes’ general NK, sport NK and dietary intake. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched for studies published between November 2015 and November 2020, that provided a quantitative measure of NK and described the NK tool used. Twenty-eight studies were included; study quality was assessed using JBI checklists and data on NK score, diet intake was extracted. Eight studies utilised validated, up-to-date NK measurement tools. Mean general and sport NK% scores varied between 40.2% ± 12.4 and 70 % ± 9. Mean protein and carbohydrate consumption were 1.1-3.4 g/kg.bw/day and 2.4-4.6 g/kg.bw/day, respectively. Weak-to-moderate, positive associations were found between NK and positive dietary behaviours. Due to a wide variety of NK measurement tools used, it is difficult to synthesise results to determine overall NK in athletes. Overall, there appears to be a low standard of knowledge. Quality of measurement tools for NK has improved but remains an issue. Future studies should use relevant, current validated NK tools, or validate tools in their study population. More research is needed into the relationship between NK and other modifiable factors influencing dietary intake.

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The effectiveness of nutrition education programmes on improving dietary intake in athletes: a systematic review

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114520003694 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Aimee Boidin ◽

Ryan Tam ◽

Lachlan Mitchell ◽

Gregory R. Cox ◽

Helen O’Connor

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Nutrition Education ◽

Well Being ◽

Assessment Method ◽

Control Group ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

College Level ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Education Interventions

Abstract Nutrition education programmes for athletes aim to enhance nutrition knowledge and more importantly support positive dietary change to enhance performance, health and well-being. This systematic review assessed changes in the dietary intakes of athletes in response to nutrition education programmes. A search was conducted which included studies providing quantitative dietary intake assessment of athletes of any calibre aged between 12 and 65 years in response to a nutrition education programme. Standardised differences (effect sizes) were calculated (when possible) for each dietary parameter. The search yielded 6285 papers with twenty-two studies (974 participants (71·9 % female)) eligible for inclusion. Studies described athletes competing at high school (n 3) through to college level or higher (n 19). Study designs were either single arm with an intervention-only group (twelve studies; n 241) or double arm including an intervention and control group (ten studies; n 689). No control groups received an alternative or ‘sham’ intervention. Face-to-face lectures (9/22) and individual nutrition counselling (6/22) were the most common education interventions. Non-weighed, 3-d diet records (10/22) were the most frequently utilised dietary assessment method. Although 14/22 studies (n 5 single and n 9 double) reported significant change in at least one nutrition parameter, dietary changes were inconsistent. Poor study quality and heterogeneity of methods prohibit firm conclusions regarding overall intervention success or superior types of educational modalities. Of note, carbohydrate intakes ‘post-intervention’ when assessed often failed to meet recommended guidelines (12/17 studies). Given the substantial investment made in nutrition education interventions with athletes, there is a need for well-designed and rigorous research to inform future best practice.

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Do Dutch nutrition and dietetics students meet nutritional requirements during education?

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980013001237 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 17 (6) ◽

pp. 1237-1244 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Joke J van der Kruk ◽

Harriët Jager-Wittenaar ◽

Roos MB Nieweg ◽

Cees P van der Schans

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Longitudinal Research ◽

First Year ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

First Year Students ◽

Dietary Record ◽

Nutrition And Dietetics

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the dietary intakes of Dutch nutrition and dietetics students with the Dutch RDA and the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (DNFCS), and to assess whether dietary intake changes during education.DesignCross-sectional and longitudinal research (2004–2010).SettingData collection by 7 d dietary record and questionnaire.SubjectsDutch nutrition and dietetics students.ResultsThree hundred and fifty-two first-year and 216 fourth-year students were included. One hundred and thirty-three students in three cohorts were assessed twice. Of first-year students, >80 % met the RDA for all macronutrients. Of these students only 37 % met the RDA for fibre and in 43 % intake of saturated fat was too high. Fourth-year students more often met the RDA for fruits (55 %) and vegetables (74 %) compared with first-year students (32 % and 40 %, respectively). Intake of fruits and vegetables of both first- and fourth-year students was much higher than that of DNFCS participants (where 2 % and 7 %, respectively, met the corresponding RDA). Only <25 % of fourth-year students met the RDA for Fe, Se and vitamin D. In the cohorts, dietary intake for all macronutrients stabilised from the first to the fourth year (>80 %). Intakes of dietary fibre, Ca, Mg, Se, riboflavin, niacin, fruits, vegetables and fish improved significantly during education.ConclusionsDietary intake of nutrition and dietetics students is much better than that of DNFCS participants and improved during education. However, there is still a gap between actual dietary intake and the RDA, especially for Fe, Se and vitamin D.

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Stress Control for Military, Law Enforcement, and First Responders: A Systematic Review

10.7249/rr-a119-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Law Enforcement ◽

First Responders ◽

Stress Control ◽

Military Law

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Associations between maternal urinary iodine assessment, dietary iodine intakes and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the child: a systematic review

Thyroid Research ◽

10.1186/s13044-021-00105-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anna M. Monaghan ◽

Maria S. Mulhern ◽

Emeir M. McSorley ◽

J. J. Strain ◽

Matthew Dyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Iodine Deficiency ◽

Urinary Iodine ◽

Negative Association ◽

Cognitive Outcomes ◽

World Health ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Abstract Objective Mild to moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Few research studies to date combine assessment of urinary iodine (UIC and/or ICr), biomarkers that best reflect dietary intake, with reported dietary intake of iodine rich foods in their assessment of iodine deficiency. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to incorporate both these important measures. Design Using PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in three electronic databases (EMBASE®, MedLine® and Web of Science®) from January 1970–March 2021. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Eligible studies included reported assessment of iodine status through urinary iodine (UIC and/or ICr) and/or dietary intake measures in pregnancy alongside neurodevelopmental outcomes measured in the children. Data extracted included study author, design, sample size, country, gestational age, child age at testing, cognitive tests, urinary iodine assessment (UIC in μg/L and/or ICr in μg/g), dietary iodine intake assessment and results of associations for the assessed cognitive outcomes. Results Twelve studies were included with nine reporting women as mild-moderately iodine deficient based on World Health Organization (WHO) cut-offs for urinary iodine measurements < 150 μg/l, as the median UIC value in pregnant women. Only four of the nine studies reported a negative association with child cognitive outcomes based on deficient urinary iodine measurements. Five studies reported urinary iodine measurements and dietary intakes with four of these studies reporting a negative association of lower urinary iodine measurements and dietary iodine intakes with adverse offspring neurodevelopment. Milk was identified as the main dietary source of iodine in these studies. Conclusion The majority of studies classified pregnant women to be mild-moderately iodine deficient based on urinary iodine assessment (UIC and/or ICr) and/or dietary intakes, with subsequent offspring neurodevelopment implications identified. Although a considerable number of studies did not report an adverse association with neurodevelopmental outcomes, these findings are still supportive of ensuring adequate dietary iodine intakes and urinary iodine monitoring throughout pregnancy due to the important role iodine plays within foetal neurodevelopment. This review suggests that dietary intake data may indicate a stronger association with cognitive outcomes than urinary iodine measurements alone. The strength of this review distinguishes results based on cognitive outcome per urinary iodine assessment strategy (UIC and/or ICr) with dietary data. Future work is needed respecting the usefulness of urinary iodine assessment (UIC and/or ICr) as an indicator of deficiency whilst also taking account of dietary intakes.

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Barriers, Attitudes, and Influences Towards Dietary Intake Amongst Elite Rugby Union Players

Frontiers in Sports and Active Living ◽

10.3389/fspor.2021.789452 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

Author(s):

A. M. Sharples ◽

Stuart D. Galloway ◽

D. Baker ◽

Brett Smith ◽

Katherine Black

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Nutrition Education ◽

Rugby Union ◽

Nutritional Intake ◽

Sport Nutrition ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Individual Interviews ◽

Meal Planning ◽

And Performance ◽

Rugby Players

Background: Dietary intakes can impact an athletes health and performance. Although evidence exists about what an athlete should eat, an athlete's nutritional intake is influenced by many factors. The limited research available suggests the main barriers preventing optimal nutritional intakes reported by athletes are lack of time, food accessibility, poor cooking skills, costs, taste, and time spent in “off-season.” Although these factors have been shown to influence dietary intake they remain relatively unexplored in Rugby Union. This study aimed to describe the nutritional influences on dietary intake amongst Rugby Union player's.Methods: This was a qualitative study utilising in person individual interviews with all participants. Participants were Rugby Union players (n = 30) for either a Super Rugby franchise or one of their development squads in New Zealand. Participant's undertook recorded face to face interviews, which were later transcribed. A thematic approach was used to code the transcripts by the primary coder and the themes were subsequently evaluated by the research team.Results: Childhood upbringing, organisational skills, time and food security also emerged as barriers. Body composition and sport nutrition knowledge emerged as both barriers and enablers to nutritional intake. Influence on performance was an enabler to optimal dietary intake. Fully professional rugby players have access to dietitians, whereas development and semi-professional rugby players only have limited if any access, and they were more likely to seek nutritional information via social media.Conclusion: This study suggests a need for greater nutrition education at developmental levels with an emphasis on affordable food choices, meal planning and skills for interpreting online nutrition information.

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A Review of Family Meal Influence On Adolescents’ Dietary Intake

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research ◽

10.3148/69.1.2008.14 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 69 (1) ◽

pp. 14-22 ◽

Cited By ~ 61

Author(s):

Sarah J. Woodruff ◽

Rhona M. Hanning

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Family Meals ◽

Self Report ◽

Family Influence ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Family Meal ◽

Adolescent Nutrition ◽

Familial Influences ◽

The Family

Recent concerns about adolescent nutrition and unhealthy weights have prompted an examination of the myriad influences on dietary intake during adolescence. Included here are a summary of the literature on family influence on dietary intake, specifically during adolescence and within the family context, a summary of family meal patterns, and a systematic review of the known influences of family meals on dietary intake. Because of the complexity of families in today’s society, models were developed to depict the broad context of familial influences on adolescent nutritional behaviours and attitudes and to describe what is known and not known about family meal influences on adolescent dietary intake and quality. A systematic review of the literature revealed seven articles specifically related to adolescents, family meals, and dietary intake, which were analyzed for strength of evidence and plausibility. In spite of data collection methods relying on self-report, results suggested that family meals were associated with improved dietary intakes. Families in today’s societies are complex. Nevertheless, parents have the potential to influence positively, through family meals, what food is provided, where it is provided (e.g., home, restaurant), and within what type of atmosphere it is provided.

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Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research ◽

10.3148/cjdpr-2015-047 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 77 (1) ◽

pp. 54-54 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Keyword(s):

Athletic Performance ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Professional Associations ◽

The United States ◽

Sports Nutrition ◽

Registered Dietitian ◽

Optimal Health ◽

Sporting Activities ◽

And Performance ◽

Nutrition And Dietetics

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine that the performance of, and recovery from, sporting activities are enhanced by well-chosen nutrition strategies. These organizations provide guidelines for the appropriate type, amount, and timing of intake of food, fluids, and supplements to promote optimal health and performance across different scenarios of training and competitive sport. This position paper was prepared for members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada (DC), and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), other professional associations, government agencies, industry, and the public. It outlines the Academy's, DC's and ACSM's stance on nutrition factors that have been determined to influence athletic performance and emerging trends in the field of sports nutrition. Athletes should be referred to a registered dietitian/nutritionist for a personalized nutrition plan. In the United States and in Canada, the Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and a credentialed sports nutrition expert.

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The Relationship between Addictive Eating and Dietary Intake: A Systematic Review

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu14010164 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 164

Author(s):

Kirrilly M. Pursey ◽

Janelle Skinner ◽

Mark Leary ◽

Tracy Burrows

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Food Addiction ◽

Dietary Advice ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Treatment Approaches ◽

Yale Food Addiction Scale ◽

Refined Carbohydrates ◽

The Relationship

(1) Background: Research suggests that certain foods may have addictive effects; however, no reviews have systematically appraised studies in this area. The aims of this review were to determine the nutrients, foods and dietary patterns associated with addictive eating. (2) Methods: Published studies up to November 2020 were identified through searches of 6 electronic databases. Eligible studies included those in in children and adults that reported dietary intakes of individuals with ‘food addiction’. (3) Results: Fifteen studies (n = 12 in adults and n = 3 in children/adolescents with Yale Food Addiction Scale defined ‘food addiction’) were included. Foods commonly associated with addictive eating were those high in a combination of fat and refined carbohydrates. Generally, intakes of energy, carbohydrates and fats were significantly higher in individuals with addictive eating compared to those without. (4) Conclusions: Due to the heterogeneity in study methodologies and outcomes across included studies, it is difficult to conclude if any specific foods, nutrients or dietary patterns facilitate an addictive process. Further research is needed to elucidate potential associations. However, present addictive eating treatment approaches could incorporate individualised dietary advice targeting foods high in fat and refined carbohydrates.

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