The influence of fasting on energy and nutrient intake and their corresponding food sources among 6-23 months old children in rural communities with high burden of stunting from Northern Ethiopia

Background Limited studies in Ethiopia showed that infants and young children are at high risk of inadequate intake of energy and nutrients. However, inclusive assessment of both nutrient intakes and their food sources are lacking. We aimed at assessing energy and nutrient intakes and their food sources during religious fasting and non-fasting periods among 6–23 months old children in Northern Ethiopia. Methods Data for this longitudinal study were collected following repeated multiple-pass 24-h dietary recall technique through face-to-face interviews with primary caregivers. Using a two-stage systematic random sampling method, a total of 570 and 551 children participated respectively in the lent fasting and non-fasting periods. Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated and compared with WHO daily requirements. All foods that a child consumed on the day preceding the date of data collection were recorded and processed with database software. Chi-square and t- tests were used to analyze the data. Non-normally distributed data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The overall prevalence of child stunting was 41.4%. Almost all of children (99.6%) consumed grains, roots, and tubers. The inadequacy prevalence of energy, protein and eight selected micronutrients (calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C) intake were 96.2, 44.9, and 95.5%, respectively. Calcium and zinc were the highest (100%) deficits observed across all age groups. Although consumption of animal source foods (ASFs) was very low (dairy 10.1%, meat 2.3% and eggs 23.6%), there was significantly higher consumption of meat and eggs during the non-fasting compared to fasting period (p < 0.001). Conclusions Inadequate intake of energy and nutrients was common among 6–23 months old children. Cereals were found to be the main sources of many of the nutrients. The consumption of ASFs among 6–23-month-old children was low which was also affected by the religious fasting period. Hence, strengthening social and behavior change communication, supporting rural households to raise poultry and small ruminants is recommended.

Validity and Reliability of Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires for Assessing Nutrient Intake among Preschool Children in Northwest China

Background. Considering the lack of valid and reliable food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) for nutritional epidemiological studies in China, it is necessary to develop an effective one for assessing nutrient intake among preschool children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of newly developed FFQs for assessing food and nutrient intakes among preschool children in Northwest China. Methods. Semiquantitative 67-item FFQs were developed and validated. In total, 326 children (aged 2–6 years) were recruited from three different cities in Northwest China. All subjects were asked to complete the FFQs twice with a six-month interval period for test-retest reliability. Apart from the FFQs, a 3-day food record (3-DFR) was also carried out to evaluate the validity of the FFQs. Results. There was no significant difference in the nutrient intakes of preschool children between the two FFQs ( P > 0.05 ), and these two FFQs demonstrated a positive correlation ( P < 0.05 ). Spearman’s coefficient correlation values ranged from 0.222 (“Selenium”) to 0.832 (“Energy”). The intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged from 0.282 (“Selenium”) to 0.882 (“Energy”). With regards to the validity of FFQs, nutrient intakes from FFQs were greater than 3DR dietary recalls ( P < 0.05 ). After adjusting for total energy and intraindividual variation, all nutrient intakes showed a positive correlation ( P < 0.05 ), and these correlations became stronger. According to the quartiles of nutrient intakes, the exact agreement between the FFQs and 3DR dietary recalls ranged between 40% (“Selenium”) and 70% (“Energy”), and grossly misclassified was low (12.5%). Conclusions. The findings of this study indicate that the designed FFQs exhibit good test-retest reliability and moderate relative validity. Hence, the FFQs can serve as an important tool for the large-scale assessment of food and nutrient intakes among preschool children (in the mentioned areas of China).

Dietary intake patterns, nutrient adequacy and associated factors in a multi-ethnic Caribbean population

Background: Diet is a significant contributor to health and wellbeing of individuals. Aim: In this study we investigated patterns of dietary intakes, levels of nutrient inadequacies and associated sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle factors among adults in Trinidad and Tobago. Method: The study was cross-sectional in nature. A convenience sample of 11783 persons from districts throughout Trinidad and Tobago completed a self-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic and lifestyle items. Anthropometry was self-reported with 15% of participants having measurements done according to recommended procedures. Dietary patterns were determined by principal component analysis (PCA) while nutrient intakes and adequacy were assessed using the NutriGenie 7.0 software and nutrient adequacy ratio (MAR) respectively. Foods were categorised as unprocessed/minimally processed and processed/ultra-processed. The University of The West Indies Ethics Committee approved the study. Results: Approximately 72.5% of participants met the Goldberg criteria for plausible reporting. The three predominant dietary patterns ‘Typical’, ‘Fruits and Vegetables’, and ‘High Fat’ explained 45% of the total variance in foods consumed. Processed/ultra-processed foods accounted for most of the energy (80%) and nutrients consumed. Nutrient inadequacies were observed for potassium, vitamins B12, D, E, K, fibre, magnesium; and iron among females. The mean adequacy ratio (MAR) for participants was 67%. MAR was positively associated with predominant dietary patterns independent of socioe demographic and lifestyle factors (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Irrespective of their nature, the predominant dietary pattern was associated with nutrient adequacy among participants. Reducing the risk of inadequate nutrient intakes may be addressed by increasing availability, access and consumption of appropriate sources of these micronutrients.

Mango Consumption Is Associated with Improved Nutrient Intakes, Diet Quality, and Weight-Related Health Outcomes

As nutrient-dense fruits, mangoes are commonly consumed globally and are important sources of nutrients in the diet. Nonetheless, mangoes remain relatively under-consumed in the United States. The objective of the present analysis was to examine nutrient intakes, diet quality, and health outcomes using data from NHANES 2001–2018 in children and adult mango consumers (n = 291; adults n = 449) compared with mango non-consumers (children n = 28,257; adults n = 44,574). Daily energy and nutrient intakes were adjusted for a complex sample design of NHANES using appropriate weights. Mango consumption was not associated with daily energy intake, compared with non-consumption, in both children and adults. Children consuming mangoes had a significantly lower daily intake of added sugar, sodium, total fat, and a higher intake of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, total choline, vitamin C, and vitamin D, compared with non-consumers. In adults, mango consumers had significantly higher daily intakes of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E and significantly lower intakes of added sugar and cholesterol, compared with non-consumers. Mango consumption was also associated with a better diet quality vs. mango non-consumers (p < 0.0001). Mango consumption in adolescents was associated with lower BMI z-scores, compared with non-consumption. In adults, BMI scores, waist circumference, and body weight were significantly lower only in male mango consumers when compared with mango non-consumers. The current results support that mango consumption is associated with improved nutrient intakes, diet quality, and certain health outcomes. Thus, dietary strategies that aim to increase mango consumption in the American population should be evaluated as part of future dietary guidance.

Nutrient Intakes of Canadian Children and Adolescents: Results from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2015 – Nutrition Public Use Microdata Files

Background: Up-to-date and appropriate estimates of the usual intakes of key nutrients are crucial for monitoring the nutritional adequacy of the Canadian population. Comprehensive, nationally-representative nutrient estimates for Canadian children and adolescents are available using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) – Nutrition 2004, however results are scarce for the most-recent 2015 data. The objective of this research was to assess nutrient intakes of Canadian children and adolescents using data from the CCHS 2015 Public Use Microdata Files (PUMF) Methods: Participants’ first 24-hr dietary recall, and the second-day recall from a subset of participants were used to estimate usual intakes of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals in children and adolescents (2-18 years). Usual intakes by Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) age-sex groups were estimated using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method, adjusted for age, sex, misreporting status, weekend/weekday, and sequence of recall analyzed (first/second), with consideration for outliers (N=5,493). Usual intakes from food and beverages were assessed for prevalence of inadequacy in relation to the DRI recommendations. Results: Children 2-3y consumed a percentage of total energy from protein above the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR). Among children and adolescents, 71% met the AMDR for carbohydrates and 63-71% met the AMDR for total fat. With the exception of calcium and vitamin D, a very low prevalence (<10%) of inadequate intakes was observed for select micronutrients among Canadian children 2-8y, while a substantial proportion of adolescents (>15%) did not meet requirements for vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and zinc.Conclusions: Canadian children and adolescents may not be meeting recommendations for short fall nutrients such as calcium, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin D. Fibre intake continues to remain low, while sodium intake exceeded recommendations. These findings provide important, updated baseline estimates on the nutrient intakes of this subpopulation in Canada for continued monitoring of adherence to the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide and may be useful to inform future public health nutrition policies, programs and initiatives.

Effect of Intermittent Fasting (18/6) on Energy Expenditure, Nutritional Status, and Body Composition in Healthy Adults

Objective. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of intermittent fasting of Ramadan on resting energy expenditure (REE), body composition, and nutritional status. Methods. The study was conducted on a total of 27 adults (16 females, 11 males) who were fasting (18 h) in the Ramadan month (May 6–June 3) of 2019. REE was measured using the indirect calorimeter. Dietary energy and nutrient intakes were evaluated by 3-day food records in baseline and post-Ramadan. Body composition and some metabolic parameters were analyzed simultaneously with REE measurements. All measurements were performed two times at baseline, and post-Ramadan. Results. Body weight (−2.9% vs. −1.4%), body mass index (BMI) (−3.1% vs. −2.1%), fat-free mass (−2.7% vs. −1.4%), and hydration status were decreased in both males and females after the Ramadan fasting ( p < 0.05 ). REEs (kcal/d) of the participants were 1708.1 ± 262.50 kcal/d and 1596.5 ± 302.27 kcal/d at baseline and post-Ramadan, respectively (6.5%) ( p < 0.05 ). This decrease in REE (kcal/d) in females was greater than that in males (−8.1% vs. −4.6%). However, no statistically significant difference was found in sleep duration (h), physical activity levels, dietary energy and nutrient intakes, and blood pressures (mm Hg) of both genders compared to baseline ( p > 0.05 ). Conclusion. Intermittent circadian fasting may lead to a decreased energy expenditure and a change in fat-free mass in healthy individuals, and this effect is interpreted as gender-dependent.

The correlations between gut microbiota of Muslim Thai lactating women and their dietary intake and gut microbiota of breastfed infants

Introduction: Foods and nutrients are essential not only for human health, but also for the balance of gut microbiota. This research aimed to correlate the gut microbiota of lactating women with their food/ nutrient intakes, as well as with their infants’ gut microbiota. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 27 pairs of mothers and their exclusively breastfed infants. For lactating women, the dietary assessment was conducted by 24-hour recall, and food groups were assessed following the Food and Agriculture Organization’s guidelines, while nutrient intake was analysed using INMUNCAL V3 programme. Gut microbiota of mothers and infants were measured in stool samples using fluorescent in situ hybridisation technique. Results: It was found that energy intake of mothers was only 66% of the recommended Thai Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Most micronutrient and dietary fibre intakes were below the Thai DRIs. Vitamin A (VA)-rich fruits and vegetables food group correlated positively with Lactobacillus species (spp). The association between gut microbiota and nutrient intake of lactating women showed that total protein, phosphorus, and VA were positively correlated with Bifidobacterium spp.; while β-carotene and vitamin C were also positively correlated with Lactobacillus spp. In contrast, consumption of eggs and calcium correlated negatively with Clostridium spp./ Enterobacter spp. Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. of lactating women and breastfed infants showed strong correlations. Conclusion: Food and nutrient intakes of lactating women were correlated with their Clostridium spp./Enterobacter spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. Furthermore, Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. of mothers and breastfed infants showed strong correlations.

A healthy dietary pattern with a low inflammatory potential reduces the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus

Purpose An optimal diet for lowering the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is still to be defined, but may comprise of nutrient intakes, dietary patterns, diet quality, and eating frequency. This study was designed to investigate the contribution of diet in developing GDM in a comprehensive way. Methods The dietary intake of overweight or obese women, a risk group for GDM (n = 351), was assessed using 3-day food diaries and diet quality questionnaires in early pregnancy. Eating frequency and nutrient intakes were calculated, and dietary patterns identified using principal component analysis. The inflammatory potential of the diet was determined by calculating the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and energy-adjusted DII (E-DII™). GDM was diagnosed with an oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 gestational weeks. Results Higher adherence to ‘healthier dietary pattern’ characterized by consumptions of vegetables and rye bread associated with a reduced risk of GDM (adjusted OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.11–0.70). Higher E-DII score, indicating pro-inflammatory diet, was associated with a 27% higher risk of GDM (adjusted OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.08–1.49) for each E-DII point. In the evaluation of nutrient intakes, total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), and trans fatty acids were higher and fiber lower in women developing GDM compared to women not developing GDM (all p < 0.05). Intakes of total fat, SFAs, and trans fatty acids were also significant predictors for GDM (all p < 0.05). Conclusions The results emphasize the importance of an overall healthy diet and limitation of foods with SFAs, and other nutrients with a high inflammatory potential in reducing the risk of GDM. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01922791, August 14, 2013.

Patterns of Egg Consumption Can Help Contribute to Nutrient Recommendations and Are Associated with Diet Quality and Shortfall Nutrient Intakes

Limited data are available on how eggs are consumed in the typical American eating pattern and the contribution to usual intakes, diet quality and in meeting recommendations. The objectives of the present analysis included identifying how eggs are consumed within U.S. dietary patterns and how these patterns are associated with the usual intakes of shortfall nutrients and diet quality (Healthy Eating Index 2015) using data from the combined National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001–2016. An additional objective included assessing the differences between egg consumers and egg non-consumers in nutrient intakes and nutrient adequacy. Several egg-containing dietary patterns were identified, and two egg patterns were associated with a greater diet quality compared to a no egg pattern (p < 0.0001). Most egg patterns identified were similar in diet quality scores when compared to the no egg pattern; however, the two egg patterns had lower diet quality scores. Egg consumption combined with a greater intake of total protein foods, seafood and plant protein, total vegetables, total fruit, whole fruit, whole grains and dairy foods, and a lower intake of refined grains and added sugars contributed to an improved diet quality, supporting that no one food is responsible for a healthy dietary pattern. Egg consumers demonstrated significantly higher intakes of dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, total choline, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E when compared to egg non-consumers. A comparison of egg consumers and egg non-consumers found egg consumers had significantly less percentages of the population below the EAR for calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Similarly, the percentage of the population above the recommendations for potassium and choline were greater for egg consumers vs. egg non-consumers. In egg consumers, 24.4% of the population was above the AI for dietary choline when compared to 4.3% of egg non-consumers (p < 0.0001). Findings from the present analysis demonstrate that eggs and egg-containing foods can be an important part of a healthy dietary pattern when balanced accordingly with other nutrient-dense foods.