scholarly journals Nutrient Density as a Dimension of Dietary Quality: Findings of the Nutrient Density Approach in a Multi-Center Evaluation

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4016
Author(s):  
Marieke Vossenaar ◽  
Noel W. Solomons ◽  
Siti Muslimatun ◽  
Mieke Faber ◽  
Olga P. García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Dietary Adequacy ◽  
Nutrient Adequacy ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Public Health Epidemiology

The nutrient adequacy of a diet is typically assessed by comparing estimated nutrient intakes with established average nutrient requirements; this approach does not consider total energy consumed. In this multinational survey investigation in Indonesia, Mexico, and South Africa, we explore the applications of the “critical nutrient-density approach”—which brings energy requirements into the equation—in the context of public health epidemiology. We conducted 24 h dietary recalls in convenience samples of normal-weight (BMI 18.5–25 kg/m2) or obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), low-income women in three settings (n = 290). Dietary adequacy was assessed both in absolute terms and using the nutrient density approach. No significant differences in energy and nutrient intakes were observed between normal-weight and obese women within any of the three samples (p > 0.05). Both the cut-point method (% of EAR) and critical nutrient density approach revealed a high probability of inadequate intakes for several micronutrients but with poor concordance between the two methods. We conclude that it may often require some approximate estimate of the habitual energy intake from an empirical source to apply a true critical nutrient density reference for a population or subgroup. This will logically signify that there would be more “problem nutrients” in the diets examined with this nutrient density approach, and efforts toward improved food selection or food- or biofortification will frequently be indicated.

The nutritional consequences of foraging in primates: the relationship of nutrient intakes to nutrient requirements

1991 ◽  
Vol 334 (1270) ◽  
pp. 161-170 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Food Selection ◽  
Nutrient Requirements ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
High Nutrient ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
High Dietary Protein ◽  
Growth And Reproduction

Many studies have examined the proportion of time that primates devote to feeding on various types of food, but relatively little is known about the intake rates associated with each food. However, the nutritional consequences of foraging can only be interpreted by comparing nutrient intakes with estimated nutrient requirements. The energy available to primates from ingested foods will depend both on the composition of the food and the extent to which various constituents, including fibre fractions, are digested. Both human and non-human primates have relatively low requirements for protein as a consequence of slow growth rates, small milk yields and relatively dilute milk. Because the nutrient demands of growth and reproduction are spread out over time, it appears that primates do not need to seek out foods of particularly high nutrient density, except perhaps during weaning. Although food selection in some species of primates appears to be correlated with the protein concentration of foods, it is unlikely that high dietary protein levels are required, at least when foods of balanced amino acid composition (such as leaves) are included in the diet.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a community-based dietary intervention to enhance micronutrient adequacy of high-phytate maize-based diets of rural Malawian children

2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 826-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Yeudall ◽  
Rosalind S Gibson ◽  
Timothy R Cullinan ◽  
Beatrice Mtimuni
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Molar Ratios ◽  
Nutrient Adequacy

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of a community-based dietary intervention to reduce risk of micronutrient inadequacies in high-phytate maize-based Malawian diets.DesignQuasi-experimental post-test design with a non-equivalent control group.SettingFour villages in Mangochi District, Southern Malawi.ParticipantsHouseholds with children aged 3–7 years in two intervention (n = 200) and two control (n = 81) villages participated in a 6-month intervention employing dietary diversification, changes in food selection patterns, and modifications to food processing to reduce the phytate content of maize-based diets. Baseline comparability between the groups was confirmed via assessment of sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometry, knowledge and practices, morbidity, haemoglobin and hair zinc. After 12 months, knowledge and practices and dietary intakes were assessed by interactive 24-hour recalls, one during the food plenty and a second during the food shortage season. Nutrient adequacy for the two groups was compared via dietary quality indicators and predicted prevalence of inadequate intakes using the probability approach.ResultsIntervention children had diets that were significantly more diverse and of a higher quality than those of controls. Median daily intakes of protein, calcium, zinc (total and available), haem iron, vitamin B12 and animal foods (grams; % of total energy) were higher (P<0.05) whereas phytate intakes, phytate/zinc and phytate/iron molar ratios were lower (P<0.01) in the intervention group; some spread of knowledge and practices to controls occurred.ConclusionsOur community-based dietary strategies reduced the predicted prevalence of inadequate intakes of protein, calcium, zinc and vitamin B12, but not iron, in children from Malawian households with very limited resources.

The Relationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity, and Dietary Quality

1994 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane E. Butterworth ◽  
David C. Nieman ◽  
Bruce C. Underwood ◽  
Kristian D. Lindsied
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Diet Records ◽  
Metabolic Monitoring ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
The Relationship

This study evaluated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and dietary quality in a group of 20- to 40-year-old women (n= 34) who varied widely in levels of physical activity. Nutrient intakes were determined using 10 repeated 24-hr diet records, randomly assigned, over a 10-week period, Physical activity was determined on the same randomly assigned days using the Caltrac Personal Activity Computer. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by two maximal graded treadmill tests with continuous metabolic monitoring at both the beginning and end of the 10-week period. Neither physical activity nor cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly correlated with nutrient density (nutrient/1,000 kcal). Intake of energy (kcal/kg body weight) was higher for the more physically active and fit women, leading to a significant increase in most nutrients consumed per kilogram of body weight.

scholarly journals Dietary Quality of Women of Reproductive Age in Low-Income Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kyrgyzstan

Nutrients ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 289
Author(s):  
Aiperi Otunchieva ◽  
Jamila Smanalieva ◽  
Angelika Ploeger
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Vitamin B1 ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrient Adequacy

Dietary diversity and adequate nutrient intake are essential for conducting a healthy life. However, women in low-income settings often face difficulties in ensuring dietary quality. This research assessed relationships between the dietary diversity, nutrient adequacy, and socio-economic factors among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Kyrgyzstan. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in four locations, including two rural and two urban areas in the north and south of Kyrgyzstan. A survey with pre-coded and open-ended questions was employed during the interviews of 423 WRAs aged 18–49. Data collection was conducted in March–May 2021. The average value body mass index (BMI) of WRA was 24.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2. The dietary diversity score (DDS) was higher among rural women (common language effect size) cles = 0.67, adjusted p < 0.001) in the northern region (cles = 0.61, p < 0.05) who have cropland (cles = 0.60, p < 0.001) and a farm animal (cles = 0.60, p < 0.05). Mean nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) was below 1 in most micronutrients, whereas thiamine, riboflavin, vitamins B6 and C, folic acid, calcium, and magnesium were even lower than 0.5. Women with a kitchen garden or a cropland had better NAR energy (cles = 0.57), NAR carbohydrate (cles = 0.60), NAR fiber (cles = 0.60), NAR vitamin B1 (cles = 0.53), and NAR folic acid (cles = 0.54). Respondents who receive remittances and a farm animal have better NARs for energy, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin B1, folic acid, iron, zinc, and mean adequacy ratio for 16 nutrients (MAR 16) than those who do not. Education and income have a negative correlation with dietary quality. This study contributes to the limited literature on the quality of diets in Kyrgyzstan. Hidden hunger and undernutrition are a severe problem among WRA in low-income settings. Recommendations are including study programs in nutrition, teaching households farming practices, and raising awareness on adequate nutrition.

scholarly journals Weight Matters—Factors Influencing Eating Behaviors of Vulnerable Women

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcela Vizcarra ◽  
Ana María Palomino ◽  
Lorena Iglesias ◽  
Alejandra Valencia ◽  
Patricia Gálvez Espinoza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
World Health ◽  
Photo Elicitation ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Qualitative Approaches

Women from low socioeconomic backgrounds are more affected by obesity than men. The influence of weight as a determinant of women’s eating behaviors has seldom been studied, especially in Latin America. In this study, we analyzed the food choices of vulnerable women according to their weight status. We conducted photo-elicitation interviews with 31 women from low-income neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile. Weight and height were measured and participants were divided into normal weight (n = 9), overweight (n = 15), and obese groups (n = 7) according to World Health Organization (WHO) body mass index (BMI) categories (p < 0.001). Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used for the analysis. Women in overweight and obese groups described more about their families, temporality, financial issues, and food perception. When weight groups were analyzed separately, more factors explaining eating behaviors were found (mental and physical health, body dissatisfaction, gender role, and obstacles for eating healthy) in the obese group. Results suggest that women with obesity or overweight based their diets on more internal and external factors than did normal weight women. This study contributes to our understanding of why changing behaviors can be difficult in women with obesity. Health care providers should consider these factors in the implementation of programs to address the need for a healthy diet for overweight and obese women.

scholarly journals Determining minimum food intake amounts for diet diversity scores to maximize associations with nutrient adequacy: an analysis of schoolchildren’s diets in rural Kenya

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 2667-2673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance A Gewa ◽  
Suzanne P Murphy ◽  
Robert E Weiss ◽  
Charlotte G Neumann
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Diet Diversity ◽  
Nutrient Adequacy ◽  
Intake Level ◽  
Group I ◽  
Rural Kenya

AbstractObjectiveTo explore multiple methods of calculating diet diversity scores (DDS) to maximize associations with predicted dietary micronutrient adequacy among schoolchildren in rural Kenya.DesignUp to three 24 h recall interviews were administered for each child for a total of 1544 d of intake from all schoolchildren. Daily amounts of food consumed were assigned to one of eight food groups. Five DDS were developed based on various minimum intake amounts from each food group: (i) 1 g; (ii) 15 g; (iii) a variable minimum based on the content of a target nutrient for each group; (iv) the median intake level for each group; and (v) the 90th percentile intake level for each group. A diet was assigned 1 point towards the daily DDS if the food group intake was above the defined minimum level. Five scores were calculated for each child, and bivariate longitudinal random-effects models were used to assess the correlation between each DDS and the mean probability of adequacy for fourteen nutrients.SettingEmbu District, Kenya.SubjectsSchoolchildren (n 529), mean age 7·00 (sd 1·41) years.ResultsOnly DDS based on a 15 g minimum and DDS based on nutrient content were significantly associated with mean probability of adequacy after adjusting for energy intake (0·21 and 0·41, respectively).ConclusionsA DDS using minimum intakes based on nutrients contributed by a food group best predicted nutrient adequacy in this population. These analyses contribute to the continued search for simpler and more valid dietary quality indicators among low-income nations.

scholarly journals Dietary Quality May Play a Role in Classroom Engagement

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 504-504
Author(s):  
Fiona Asigbee ◽  
Reem Ghaddar ◽  
Amy Hoover ◽  
Matthew Landry ◽  
Sarvenaz Vandyousefi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Bioelectrical Impedance ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Task Behavior ◽  
5Th Grade

Abstract Objectives Classroom time on task (TOT) is positively associated with academic performance. Studies have found a relationship between dietary intake and cognitive performance. This study aimed to examine the association of dietary quality with TOT. Methods Data were obtained from 3rd–5th grade students participating in TX Sprouts—a large, school-based gardening, nutrition, and cooking randomized controlled trial. Measures collected included: height, weight, and body composition via bioelectrical impedance. We assessed dietary intake via two, 24-hr dietary recalls, TOT via four, 15-min direct observations sessions, and dietary quality using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015). On-task behavior was defined as any verbal or physical behavior that followed the classroom rules or followed instructions given by the teacher. Off-task behavior was defined as any actions whereby a student was disengaged or distracted from the assigned task. Multilevel mixed-effects modeling was used to determine the association of HEI on TOT, controlling for school, class, sex, grade level, child ethnicity/race, BMI category, economically disadvantage status, and day of the week. Results The analytic sample was comprised of 478 participants (mean age 9.4 years; 53.0% male; 59.2% Hispanic; 54.2% normal weight; 64.5% FRL). Students with higher TOT scores consumed more total vegetables (b = 1.60, SE = 0.35, P &lt; 0.01), more seafood and plant proteins (b = 0.85, SE = 0.26, P &lt; 0.01), and more fatty acids (b = 0.72, SE = 0.17, P &lt; 0.01) when compared to their counterparts. Similarly, those with higher TOT scores consumed less sodium (b = 0.55, SE = 0.16, P &lt; 0.01), less refined grains (b = 0.32, SE = 0.14, P &lt; 0.05), less added sugar (b = 1.15, SE = 0.19, P &lt; 0.01), and less saturated fats (b = 0.35, SE = 0.15, P &lt; 0.05) when compared to other students. Conclusions Findings suggest a link between dietary quality and TOT in 3rd–5th grade students. Small incremental changes in dietary quality could have implications for increased academic achievement and cognitive performance in low-income, 3rd–5th grade students. Funding Sources Supported by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute grant R01HL123865.

Predictors of Fat Intake Behavior Differ between Normal-Weight and Obese WIC Mothers

2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-Wei Chang ◽  
Linda C. Baumann ◽  
Susan Nitzke ◽  
Roger L. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Fat Intake ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Reinforcing Factors

Purpose. To determine whether predictors of fat intake behavior were the same for normal-weight and obese WIC mothers when applying the PRECEDE-PROCEED model and to identify predictors for each group. Design. Proportional stratified convenience sampling. Subjects. Five hundred eighty-one nonpregnant, black and white normal-weight (n = 180) or obese (n = 401) women. Settings. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children in six counties in southern Wisconsin. Measures. The independent variables were predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors. Predisposing factors included beliefs in diet and health, beliefs in diet and body shape, health concerns in food choice, health concerns in nutrition, and eating habits. Enabling factors were cost of food, availability of time to prepare food, and accessibility to purchase food. Reinforcing factors were weight control intentions, sensory appeal, and mood. The dependent variable was fat intake behavior. Structural equation modeling was performed. Results. When controlling for covariates, certain factors affecting fat intake behavior differed between the normal-weight and the obese groups. For the normal-weight group, only reinforcing factors were positively associated with fat intake behavior. For the obese group, reinforcing and enabling, but not predisposing, factors were positively associated with fat intake behavior. Conclusions. Interventions to modify low-income women's fat intake behavior might benefit from targeting behavioral predictors that differ with body size. Messages that emphasize weight control intentions, sensory appeal, and mood are likely to affect both normal-weight and obese women. Information about cost of food, availability of time to prepare food, and accessibility to purchase food is likely to be more effective with obese women.

scholarly journals Obese People Do Not Have a Higher Chance of Adherence to Recommended Daily Intake for the Most Nutrients

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1054-1054
Author(s):  
Ming-Chieh Li ◽  
Hsin-Yu !Fang
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Vitamin B3 ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Obese People ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Objectives There is a myth that obesity equals overnutrition. We conducted a study to examine whether obese people had a higher chance of adherence to recommended daily intake. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) 2014–2016. NAHSIT is a nationwide representative survey aimed to investigate and monitor the nutritional status of Taiwanese people. Fourteen nutrient intakes, including vitamin A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Fe, Mg, Zn, Ca, and P, were evaluated using 24-hour dietary recall. Logistic regression models will be used to determine whether obesity was related to the higher chance of adherence to recommended daily intakes. Stratified analyses were conducted by sex. Obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2) and normal-weight (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI &lt; 24 kg/m2) people were defined according to the criteria of the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan. Results A total of 3075 participants (51% of females) aged 19 and above were included in the final analysis. After adjusting for age, body mass index, education level, marital status, and family income, as expected, we found that obese men have a higher chance of adherence to recommended daily intake of vitamin B3 (odds ratio (OR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29–2.23), Fe (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.06–2.00), and Zn (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07–1.85), compared with normal-weight men. However, obese women have a lower chance of adherence to recommended daily intake of vitamin C (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56–0.95) and Mg (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.54–0.95), compared with normal-weight women. For the most nutrient intakes, we found no difference between obese and normal-weight people in the chance of adherence to recommended daily intake. Conclusions In general, we found that obesity did not equal overnutrition. Obese women have insufficient intakes of some nutrients compared with normal-weight women. Our finding indicated that obese people might have more nutritional imbalance. Funding Sources This study was supported by China Medical University.

scholarly journals Unhealthy Snack Food and Beverage Consumption Is Associated with Lower Dietary Adequacy and Length-for-Age z-Scores among 12–23-Month-Olds in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 149 (10) ◽  
pp. 1843-1851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alissa M Pries ◽  
Andrea M Rehman ◽  
Suzanne Filteau ◽  
Nisha Sharma ◽  
Atul Upadhyay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Iron Status ◽  
Kathmandu Valley ◽  
Snack Food ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Poor Growth ◽  
Dietary Adequacy ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Unhealthy Snack

ABSTRACT Background Consumption of unhealthy snack foods and beverages (USFBs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is rising, with global awareness increasing about risks of overnutrition. However, little is known about the relation between USFB consumption and young children's diet/nutritional outcomes in contexts where nutrient density of complementary foods is often low. Objectives This study assessed the association of high USFB consumption, compared with low consumption, with nutrient intakes, dietary adequacy, iron status, and growth in young children in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of 745 primary caregivers of children aged 12–23 mo. Food consumption was measured through quantitative 24-h recalls, and child anthropometric measurements and capillary blood samples were collected. Using adjusted linear/logistic regression models, nutrient intakes, dietary adequacy, length-for-age and weight-for-length z-scores (LAZ and WLZ, respectively), and iron status were compared between lowest and highest tertiles of consumption based on the contribution of USFBs to total energy intakes (TEIs). Mediation of the relation between USFB consumption and LAZ via lowered dietary adequacy was explored using structural equations modeling. Results On average, USFBs contributed 46.9% of TEI among the highest tertile of consumers, compared with 5.2% of TEI among the lowest. Compared with low-USFB consumers, high-USFB consumers had lower nutrient intakes and a greater proportion were at risk of inadequate intakes for 8 nutrients. Mean LAZ was nearly 0.3 SD lower among high-USFB consumers than low consumers (P = 0.003), with this relationship partially mediated through dietary adequacy. No associations were found with stunting prevalence or iron status. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was low. Conclusions In this LMIC context, high USFB consumption among young children was associated with inadequate micronutrient intakes, which can contribute to poor growth outcomes. Addressing increased availability of USFBs in LMIC food systems should be a priority for policies and programs aiming to safeguard child nutrition.

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