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Current dietary recommendations on fish consumption for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention put somewhat vague emphasis on fatty fish, mainly driven by evidence on the cardioprotective effects of n–3 PUFAs. Recent data on the consumption of different types of fish in relation to hard cardiovascular endpoints suggests that fatty but not lean fish can contribute to CVD prevention. This considered, we aimed at evaluating, by an environmental perspective, fish consumption limited to the fatty type – in appropriate amounts for optimizing CVD prevention – within the European context. Starting from the current average intake of total fish by the European population (i.e., 2 servings/week of fatty plus lean fish), we show that the shift towards the consumption of 2 servings/week of solely fatty fish – appropriate for optimizing CVD prevention – would allow a 32% saving of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to fish consumption. This is due to the lower environmental impact of fatty fish globally considered, compared to lean fish. However, since the carbon footprint of different fatty fish species can vary significantly – with small blue fish (e.g., anchovies, sardines, herrings) in the lowest range, we estimated that GHG emissions due to fish consumption in Europe could be reduced by 82% by focusing on small blue fish consumption. Consumption of 2 servings/week of small blue fish could represent a feasible and effective choice among the functional dietary strategies available to achieve the maximal benefits for human and environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition can play a key role in cardiovascular disease risk reduction, and its risk factors modification. This paper aims to present, compare, and summarize the main dietary concepts for preventing the main cardiovascular disease risk factors – obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The dietary models and macronutrient intakes were compared between main cardiovascular risk factors prevention recommendations. Dietary recommendations related to selected cardiovascular risk factors share the points, that can be suggested as crucial for overall cardiovascular risk factors reduction. Recommendations suggest limiting saturated fatty acids intake to <10% of total caloric intake in obesity, and <7 % in hypercholesterolemia, along with an increased intake of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In addition, daily dietary fiber intake should reach a level of 25-40 g. The vegetables and fruits should be consumed at a daily minimum level of 200g (or 4-5 portions) each. Salt intake should not exceed 5g/day. Alcohol should be generally avoided, and moderate intake levels (sex-specific) should not be exceeded. It is also worth noting, that proteins are essential for tissue formation and regeneration. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy, but it is necessary to choose products with a low glycemic index. Dietary antioxidants help combat free radicals and prevent cell damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Little data exists describing the dietary habits of nutrition students, including whether students’ personal dietary choices influence their clinical recommendations. Study objectives were to: (1) Identify common dietary choices made by nutrition students, (2) determine students’ rationale for choosing or avoiding specific diets, (3) identify key factors used to make dietary recommendations. Methods: An anonymous online survey was distributed to graduate-level clinical nutrition students who were attending five American universities. Data collected included demographics, current diet, reasons for following the current diet, reasons for recommending diets, and degree completion status. Percentage of diets chosen and rationale for dietary decisions were compared. Diets chosen and recommended were stratified and compared by degree completion status via chi-square test. Results: 208 participants completed the survey. The top diets students reported following were Whole Foods/Unprocessed (49%) and Gluten-Free (16%), followed by Vegan/Vegetarian (13%) and Paleo (12.5%). The top reasons identified for choosing a personal diet were health optimization and food allergy/intolerance/sensitivity. The top factors used to make dietary recommendations were clients’ preferences/resources and results of laboratory testing. A Whole Foods/Unprocessed diet was also selected by the largest proportion of students as one they would recommend to clients— 97% of students early in their program and 98.3% of students late in their program would recommend it to a client. Conclusion: A Whole Foods/Unprocessed diet was the most followed diet and the one most likely to be recommended to future clients, irrespective of students’ degree completion progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the alignment of the Canadian food supply to the recommended daily food intake. The annual supply data of 92 foods per Canadian resident from 1961 to 2019 was collected and evaluated. The adherence of the average total food supply (kg/capita/day) for the 58 years to the Canada Food Guide and the EAT-Lancet reference diet was assessed. A trend analysis of the food supply over the 58 years was also conducted. The environmental impact of the average food supply (kg/capita/year) was also estimated employing publicly available global averages of impact values for food crops. The predominant result was an insufficient daily per capita supply of nuts (−86 %), legumes (−71 %), vegetables (−5 %), and added oils (−12 %), yet an excessive supply of red meat (+1187 %), added sugar (+255%), dairy (+138%), roots and tubers (+342%), eggs (+164) %) and chicken (+162), as revealed in comparison to the EAT-Lancet reference diet. Compared to the Canada Food Guide, the supply of red and processed meat (among foods to decrease) was higher than nuts and legumes (suggested alternative protein sources) by 457%. Also, the per capita daily food supply yielded 34 kgCO 2 eq greenhouse gas emissions, 65. m2 land use, 270 gPO4eq eutrophication potential, 99,601 L water scarcity, and 2517 L water withdrawals. Considering the obtained results, low consumption adherence could be associated with the non-alignment of the food supply to these guidelines. Conformity to the recommended dietary patterns is necessary and can potentially reduce the current environmental impacts by more than 50%. Therefore, implementing steps to ensure an alignment of the food supply to the dietary recommendations is worth pursuing in national efforts toward a sustainable food system. • The Canadian food supply (food availability) does not support sustainable dietary guidelines. • Dairy products are the most supplied foods in the Canadian daily food supply. • Animal-based foods accounted for 80% of GHGEs from the Canadian food supply. • Red meats constituted 7% of the Canadian food supply. • Red meats accounted for 54% of land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron deficiency anemia affects approximately one-third of the world's population, and about half the cases are due to iron deficiency. The latest research on iron metabolism published in original articles and systematic reviews is described, and references to recent reviews provided. The topics include dietary sources and bioavailability, iron homeostasis, functions of iron in the body, and biomarkers of status. The consequences of iron deficiency and excess are discussed, with particular focus on vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, infants and the elderly. The newest dietary recommendations, including dietary reference values and food based dietary guidelines, are briefly summarized, followed by the latest developments in food fortification and iron supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of EU project MyNewGut is to contribute to future public health-related recommendations supported by new insight in gut microbiome and nutrition-host relationship. In this Opinion Paper, we first revisit the concept of dietary fiber, taking into account their interaction with the gut microbiota. This paper also summarizes the main effects of dietary fibers with prebiotic properties in intervention studies in humans, with a particular emphasis on the effects of arabinoxylans and arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides on metabolic alterations associated with obesity. Based on the existing state of the art and future development, we elaborate the steps required to propose dietary guidelines related to dietary fibers, taking into account their interaction with the gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high cost of a nutritious diet can worsen nutrition outcomes especially among low-income households. Yet little is known about the cost of a nutritious diet in South Asia, where malnutrition in multiple forms remains high. We use data from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh to calculate the minimum cost of meeting recommended food-based dietary guidelines, or the Cost of a Recommended Diet (CoRD). We further compare CoRD to actual food expenditures. Across these countries, we find that majority of households spend less on food than the CoRD estimate, that an average household overspends on staples and protein foods and underspends on dairy and vegetables, and that subnational variation in CoRD is to an extent driven by the higher variability in the price of vegetables relative to that of starchy staples. Our results suggest a need to shift food policy focus away from energy-dense towards nutrient-rich foods. • A large majority of households spend less on food than the cost of a recommended diet. • Households overspend on staples and underspend on dairy and vegetables. • Households are not meeting the recommended intake for almost all food groups. • Within countries the cost of a recommended diet varies largely. • The price of perishable food, such as vegetables, varies the most within countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The gut microbiota coexists in partnership with the human host through adaptations to environmental and physiological changes that help maintain dynamic homeostatic healthy states. Break-down of this delicate balance under sustained exposure to stressors (e.g. unhealthy diets) can, however, contribute to the onset of disease. Diet is a key modifiable environmental factor that modulates the gut microbiota and its metabolic capacities that, in turn, could impact human physiology. On this basis, the diet and the gut microbiota could act as synergistic forces that provide resilience against disease or that speed the progress from health to disease states. Associations between unhealthy dietary patterns, non-communicable diseases and intestinal dysbiosis can be explained by this hypothesis. Translational studies showing that dietary-induced alterations in microbial communities recapitulate some of the pathological features of the original host further support this notion. In this introductory paper by the European project MyNewGut, we briefly summarize the investigations conducted to better understand the role of dietary patterns and food components in metabolic and mental health and the specificities of the microbiome-mediating mechanisms. We also discuss how advances in the understanding of the microbiome's role in dietary health effects can help to provide acceptable scientific grounds on which to base dietary advice for promoting healthy living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with loss of function mutations of lipoprotein lipase resulting in hypertriglyceridemia and accumulation of chylomicrons in plasma, often leading to acute pancreatitis. The mainstay of treatment is a specialized very-low-fat diet. Even adhering to the diet, some patients may experience high triglycerides and pancreatitis. There currently are no comprehensive dietary guidelines. Objective To report best practices and develop comprehensive dietary guidelines for nutrition therapy in patients with FCS. Methods Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) convened to develop this report based on experience treating patients with FCS and a review of current literature on the topic. One author provided a patient perspective of living with FCS. Results This report provides guidelines and rationales for nutrition therapy associated with FCS across the life span. The top global guidelines are to (1) limit fat to <15 to 20 g per day (<10%–15% of total daily energy intake); (2) meet recommendations for essential fatty acids: α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid; (3) choose complex carbohydrate foods while limiting simple and refined carbohydrate foods; (4) supplement with fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and medium-chain triglyceride oil, as needed; (5) adjust calories for weight management. Recommended foods include vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean protein foods, fruits in limited amounts, and fat-free milk products without added sugars. Foods to avoid include alcohol and products high in sugar. Conclusions These patient-centered nutrition guidelines provide guidance to help patients adhere to the recommended diet and optimize nutritional needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: To systematically review the latest evidence on established and emerging nutrition-related risk factors for incidence of and mortality from total, ischemic and haemorrhagic strokes. The present review was conducted in the framework of the work carried out through 2015 and 2016 for the preparation of the Italian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke, 8th Edition, by ISO-SPREAD (Italian Stroke Organization and the Stroke Prevention and Educational Awareness Diffusion).Methods and Results: Systematic review of articles focused on primary prevention of stroke published between January 2013 to May 2016 through an extensive search of the literature using MEDLINE/PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Articles were ranked according to the SIGN methodology while the GRADE system was used to establish the strength of recommendations. As a result of our literature search, we examined 87 meta-analyses overall (mainly of prospective studies), a few isolated more recent prospective studies not included in the meta-analyses, and a smaller number of available randomized controlled trials and case-control studies. Based on the analysis of the above articles, 36 Syntheses of the available evidence and 36 Recommendations were eventually prepared. The present document was developed by organizing the available evidence into three individual areas (nutrients, food groups and dietary patterns) to provide a systematic and user-friendly overview of the available evidence on the relationship between nutrition and primary prevention of stroke. Yet analysis of foods and food patterns allowed translating the information about nutrients in a tool more amenable to use in daily life also in the light of the argument that people eat foods rather than nutrients.Conclusions: The present literature review and dietary recommendations provide healthcare professionals and all interested readers with a useful overview for the reduction of the risk of total, ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke through dietary modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background & aims Poor diet may increase the risk that childhood cancer survivors (CCS) will suffer from chronic disease. We compared adherence to national dietary recommendations between CCS, their siblings and the Swiss population, identified determinants of adherence, and assessed the association of adherence with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profiles. Methods As part of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (SCCSS), a questionnaire was sent to all Swiss resident CCS aged <21 years at diagnosis, who survived ≥5 years and were 16–45 years old at the time of the survey. We compared dietary adherence between CCS, their siblings and participants in the Swiss Health Survey (SHS), a representative survey of the general population. A multivariable logistic regression was used to assess characteristics associated with dietary adherence. We sorted CCS into four kinds of CVD risk groups based on type of treatment (anthracyclines, chest irradiation, a combination, or neither). Results We included 1864 CCS, 698 siblings and 8258 participants of the general population. Only 43% of the CCS met the recommended dietary intakes for meat, 34% for fruit, 30% for fish, 18% for dairy products, 11% for vegetables, and 7% for combined fruit and vegetables. Results were similar for both control groups. In all groups, dietary adherence was associated with gender, parental education, migration background, language region in Switzerland, smoking, alcohol consumption and sport participation. CCS with a higher CVD risk profile because of cardiotoxic treatment had no better adherence. Conclusions CCS have similar food patterns as their siblings and the general population, and poorly adhere to current recommendations. Awareness of the importance of a healthy diet should be raised among CCS, to prevent chronic diseases like CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most important public health problems in the world. Lifestyle modification including dietary changes such as following the Dietary to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan is the first step to control HTN. The aim of the present study was to identify perceived barriers to following dietary recommendations in hypertensive patients in Zanjan, Iran.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 outpatients (161 women, 39 men) with essential HTN (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] ≥ 90 mmHg) were recruited from August to November 2012. A 29-item structured questionnaire was designed to assess perceived barriers to follow dietary recommendations. Validity and reliability were assessed by content validity index, content validity ratio, and Chronbach's alpha, respectively. An exploratory factor analysis with a principal component analysis extraction method and varimax rotation was performed to extract the underlying factors.Results: Mean age and body mass index (BMI) of participants were 46.9 ± 5.5 years and 30.6 ± 3.6 kg/m2, respectively. The exploratory factor analysis extracted 6 interpretable factors with eigenvalue > 1. In order of importance, they were social and environmental barriers (eigenvalue = 2.489), social gathering (eigenvalue = 2.379), compliance with recommended diet and preference of other family members (eigenvalue = 2.127), palatability of the recommended diet (eigenvalue = 1.972), emotional statues and psychological factors (eigenvalue = 1.921), and cost (eigenvalue = 1.845). Mentioned factors explained 44% of the total variance.Conclusion: Patients with HTN in our study perceived some barriers to following the recommended diet. In nutritional counseling, considering these barriers may be effective in improving the dietary adherence level in hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Large discrepancies exist among the dietary zinc recommendations set by expert groups.Objective: To describe the basis for the differences in the dietary zinc recommendations set by the World Health Organization, the US Institute of Medicine, the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group, and the European Food Safety Agency.Methods: We compared the sources of the data, the concepts, and methods used by the 4 expert groups to set the physiological requirements for absorbed zinc, the dietary zinc requirements (termed estimated and/or average requirements), recommended dietary allowances (or recommended nutrient intakes or population reference intakes), and tolerable upper intake levels for selected age, sex, and life-stage groups.Results: All 4 expert groups used the factorial approach to estimate the physiological requirements for zinc. These are based on the estimates of absorbed zinc required to offset all obligatory zinc losses plus any additional requirements for absorbed zinc for growth, pregnancy, or lactation. However, discrepancies exist in the reference body weights used, studies selected, approaches to estimate endogenous fecal zinc (EFZ) losses, the adjustments applied to derive dietary zinc requirements that take into account zinc bioavailability in the habitual diets, number of dietary zinc recommendations set, and the nomenclature used to describe them.Conclusions: Estimates for the physiological and dietary requirements varied across the 4 expert groups. The European Food Safety Agency was the only expert group that set dietary zinc recommendations at 4 different levels of dietary phytate for adults (but not for children) and as of yet no tolerable upper intake level for any life-stage group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background & aims During the aging process, human physiology changes noticeably, mostly to the disadvantage of the individual. A healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient physical activity as well as a balanced and diverse diet contributes to healthy aging. One key factor that elderly people need to be aware of is compliance with nutritional recommendations. There is very little data concerning eating patterns, consumption behavior, and compliance with food guides (food pyramid) and nutritional recommendations among the Swiss, particularly for the middle-aged and elderly. The objective of this study was to gather new and representative information about these issues, concentrating on people aged 50+ and living in Switzerland. Methods A questionnaire in online and written form was distributed to a representative sample of middle-aged and elderly people living in Switzerland. Results In total, 632 people returned the survey. Of those respondents, 71% knew the Swiss Food Pyramid but only 38% said they comply with it. Based on self-reports, only a few participants met the recommendations for the different food groups listed in the food pyramid, whether in the pyramid-comply or pyramid-non-comply group. Conclusion The survey shows that the middle-aged and elderly living in Switzerland need more nutritional guidance to help them to meet dietary recommendations. As usage and understanding of food guides seem limited among this population group, new tools must be explored for transfer of recommendations to real applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of studies based on stated behaviour suggest that consumption of organic food is part of a life style that involves healthy eating habits that go beyond shifting to organic varieties of the individual food products. However, so far no studies based on observed behaviour have addressed the relationship between organic purchases and diet composition. The aim of the present paper is to fill this gab using purchase data for a large sample of Danish households. Using a Tobit regression analysis, the diets of households with higher organic consumption were found to include more vegetables and fruits but less fat/confectionary and meat which is in accordance with the official Danish Dietary Recommendations. Moreover, higher organic budget shares were found among well-educated consumers in urban areas and clearly linked to a belief that organic products are healthier. No statistical relations were found between consumption of organic food and perceptions that organic production is more animal or environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • There are two mechanisms by which chitosan and derivatives affect the intestinal. • One mechanism is that they regulate the gut as signaling molecules. • Another mechanism is by regulating the gut microbiota. • The different effects upon different healthy individuals are mainly through the regulation of intestinal flora. Chitosan and Chitooligosaccharides can serve as prominent food materials with high biological activities, of which the intestinal flora regulation is critical to probiotic regulation as reported by increasing studies. However, no such review has summarized their regulation about intestinal flora and the molecular mechanisms on the intestinal part. In this review, their intestinal manipulating mechanisms on healthy, obese, diabetic individuals and those with other diseases are mainly summarized. In sum, they improve the intestinal villi on healthy individuals by up-regulating Bifidobacteri and Lactobacill and reducing the lipids absorption in the obese intestine by up-regulating weight reducing bacteria (e.g., Coprobacillus cateniformis and Clostridium leptum). Moreover, they inhibit the intestinal absorption of glucose and regulate certain diabetes-related bacteria, reducing intestinal inflammation and up-regulating the tight junction protein expression in epithelial cells of their anti-diabetic effects. This review is aiming to provide some mechanism study of chitosan and chitooligosaccharides as food materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutrición is the property of Sociedad Latinoamericana de Nutricion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Background and aims: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) accounts for one-third of annual deaths in the U.S. and mortality rates vary by ethnicity. The association between adherence to dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake with IHD mortality among different ethnic groups has not previously been examined. Methods and results: A prospective cohort design was used to examine the incidence of fatal IHD among participants in the Multiethnic Cohort Study. Participants included 164,617 men and women from five ethnic groups: African American, Native Hawaiian, Japanese American, Latino, and Caucasian. Cox proportional hazards models, stratified by ethnicity and sex, were used to examine associations between adherence with recommended dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake and risk for fatal IHD. The results did not provide evidence that the association between adherence with dietary recommendations for fruit or vegetable intake and IHD mortality varies by ethnicity. Pooled data did provide evidence that adhering to the recommendations for vegetables lowered risk among men (RR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74–0.96) and women (RR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.69–0.94). No significant effects were observed for fruit intake. Conclusions: The effect of dietary intake of fruit and vegetables did not vary by ethnicity, providing evidence that recommendations do not need to be individualized for these special populations. The protective effect observed for vegetable intake among both sexes confirms previous findings and supports the evidence base for promoting diet modification in this direction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common endocrine and progressive metabolic disorder disease, which seriously threatens peoples' lives and health. Due to the high cost of clinical treatments and obvious side effects, looking for effective bioactive ingredients in the diet is an important strategy to prevent or even reduce the risk of diabetes. Epidemiological studies have suggested that dietary flavonoids have a potential antidiabetic effect, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Accumulating evidences indicates that gut microbiota has become an important target of dietary interventions. It plays essential roles in the digestion and absorption of flavonoids and affects the occurrence and progression of T2DM. This review systematically summarized the progress of dietary flavonoids targeting gut microbiota to ameliorate T2DM and analyzed possible molecular mechanisms. It suggests that flavonoids may prevent T2DM for healthy people and ameliorate health situations for T2DM patients. In addition, microbiota-based nutrition aims to provide personalized nutritional guidance to alter an individual's microbiota and further improve response to dietary flavonoids, which will benefit to achieve a more effective diet for the prevention and management of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background & aims: To assess the adherence to the national dietary recommendations and to identify factors contributing to dietary compliance in Switzerland. Methods: Population-based cross-sectional study in Lausanne, Switzerland (CoLaus study), 2009–2012. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Participants were dichotomized according to whether they followed the national recommendations for fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and dairy products. Results: Data from 4371 participants (54% women, mean age ± SD: 57.6 ± 10.5 years) were analyzed. Compliance with the recommendations was low: only 39.4%, 7.1%, 61.3%, 66.4%, and 8.4% complied with the Swiss recommendations for fruit (≥2/day), vegetables (≥3/day), meat (≤5/week), fish (≥1/week) and dairy products (≥3/day), respectively. In multivariate analyses, gender, age, smoking status, Swiss-born status, education, being on a diet and body mass index were associated with dietary compliance, while no difference was found between women before and after menopause. Factors specifically associated with fruits, vegetables, meat, fish or dairy products recommendations were identified. Conclusion: The low degree of compliance with dietary recommendations calls for a continued effort to increase the population awareness of the importance of a healthy and balanced diet, especially for vegetables and dairy products. This study identified determinants that should guide this effort. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Kakovostna Starost is the property of Anton Trstenjak Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The successful ability to efficiently collect diet histories, convey appropriate health messages, and discuss client concerns about the safe feeding of pets requires excellent communication skills. In addition to understanding what the client wants for their pet, thorough nutritional interviewers gather information pertaining to animal factors, dietary factors, and feeding management factors. With the expansion of the Internet, increasing advances in medical care, and the health concerns associated with pet food recalls, small animal clients are looking to veterinarians for guidance and information on dietary recommendations in ever increasing numbers. Evaluating current information on changes in the pet food industry should be a periodic learning objective for all members of the veterinary health care team. Consistent, effective communication between veterinarians, their staff, and their clients can improve compliance, increase satisfaction levels, and improve patient outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Evidence from controlled trials suggests that ingestion of 0.4 mg of folic acid per day in the periconceptional period is effective in preventing neural tube defects (NTD). For this reason, most countries recommend that women planning pregnancy take folic acid supplements in the periconceptional period, and some countries even fortify stable foods with folic acid. Denmark exemplifies a country with a relatively conservative attitude with respect to taking action in these matters. In 1999, a national information campaign was launched that recommended women planning pregnancy take 0.4 mg of folic acid periconceptionally, but with the moderation that women who eat a healthy diet do not need to take folic acid supplement. The campaign was repeated during 2001. The results of the latter campaign were evaluated by using data from a national survey among pregnant women conducted simultaneously with the campaign by the Danish National Birth Cohort. An increase in the proportion of folic acid users took place concomitantly with the launching of the information events, but the increase was limited. Among women who did not plan their pregnancy, a small proportion had taken folic acid supplements periconceptionally, and this proportion did not change concomitantly with the campaign. Young age and low education were factors associated with low likelihood of taking folic acid. It seems that different and more efficient actions are needed if a more substantial proportion of Danish women and their fetuses are going to benefit from the knowledge that folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period can prevent NTD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that evaluated the confidence, attitudes and beliefs regarding calcium intake and identified determinants of adherence to calcium recommendations among women with low bone mineral density (BMD). Study participants show high percentage of using calcium supplements. Barriers to obtaining adequate calcium intake include uncertainty regarding calcium food sources, concerns related to weight gain and fat-content of some calcium-rich foods.

Abstract: Introduction: Epidemiological studies have shown that dietary behaviour is an important aetiological factor in various chronic diseases. We used principal component factor analysis to identify dietary patterns and to examine the associations of these patterns with health-related variables in a sample of elderly (≥60years) Italians participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Methods and results: Exploratory factor analysis was applied to the intake of food groups as estimated by semi-quantitative food questionnaires. Individual participants were assigned factor scores, indicating the extent to which their diet conformed to each of the four dietary patterns identified: prudent (cooked vegetables, pulses, cabbage, seed oil and fish); pasta & meat (pasta, tomato sauce, red meat, processed meat, bread and wine); olive oil & salad (raw vegetables, olive oil, soup and chicken); and sweet & dairy (sugar, cakes, ice cream, coffee and dairy). Highly educated people had high scores on prudent and low scores on pasta & meat. The pasta & meat and prudent patterns were strongly positively associated with body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in men and women. Hyperlipidaemic men and women consumed more of the prudent and olive oil & salad patterns and less of the sweet & dairy pattern than those with normal lipids. The olive oil & salad was significantly higher and the pasta & meat and sweet & dairy patterns significantly lower in men and women who had dieted over the previous year, suggesting awareness of the health consequences of these patterns. Conclusions: Dietary pattern analysis provides a characterization of recurrent dietary behaviour in elderly people, and can be used to provide tangible dietary advice to elderly people. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Diabetes & Metabolism is the property of Masson Editeur and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Today, most nutritionists do not consider a trace element essential unless it has a defined biochemical function in higher animals or humans. As a result, even though it has been found that trace elements such as boron and silicon have beneficial bioactivity in higher animals and humans, they generally receive limited attention or mention when dietary guidelines or intake recommendations are formulated. Recently, the possibility of providing dietary intake recommendations such as an adequate intake (AI) for some bioactive food components (e.g., flavonoids) has been discussed. Boron, chromium, nickel, and silicon are bioactive food components that provide beneficial health effects by plausible mechanisms of action in nutritional and supra nutritional amounts, and thus should be included in the discussions. Although the science base may not be considered adequate for establishing AIs, a significant number of findings suggest that statements about these trace elements should be included when dietary intake guidance is formulated. An appropriate recommendation may be that diets should include foods that would provide trace elements not currently recognized as essential in amounts shown to reduce the risk of chronic disease and/or promote health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Guidelines and recommendations for the dietary intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are topics of debate. Recently, EPA and DHA intakes have been demonstrated to be associated with dietary protein intakes and not dietary fat intakes that are distinct from α-linolenic acid. We presently confirm these observations in a secondary analysis of baseline dietary intake data for the validation of a food frequency questionnaire (n=99). DHA intakes measured by both 3 d dietary record and food frequency questionnaire and EPA intakes measured by food frequency questionnaire were positively correlated with protein intakes. EPA and DHA were not associated with fat intakes in either assessment, while ?-linolenic acid was positively correlated with fat intakes. Future recommendations regarding the intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and EPA and DHA specifically, should consider these associations that provide insight on dietary sources of EPA and DHA in the food supply. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Actual food production potential of a 0.08 ha peri-urban food forest in Scotland is determined. • One hectare of food forest could supply up to 7 males or 9 females with carbohydrates. • One hectare of food forest could supply up to 4 males or 5 females with fat. • One hectare of food forest could supply up to 3 males or 4 females with protein. • The food forest could supply more people with protein and fat if legumes and nut trees were incorporated in the design. Food forestry is an emerging multifunctional perennial polyculture food production system that has the potential to contribute to food security and mitigate malnutrition in urban and peri-urban areas by addressing the three main components of food security: Availability, access and utilisation. Despite this potential to increase food security only very few studies have estimated the food production potential of food forests in a temperate climate. In this study the actual food production potential of a 0.08 ha peri-urban food forest in Coldstream, Scotland is determined based on average annual yield records of the 99 species grown in the food forest from 2011–2017, coupled with information about energy and macronutrient content of these species obtained from nutritional databases, research articles and laboratory measurements. The results show that the average annual yield of the 0.08 ha food forest is 713 kg, corresponding to 415,075 kcal, 9868 g protein, 8394 g fat and 85,627 g carbohydrates. Assuming a carbohydrate rich diet where the maximum recommended 60% of energy comes from carbohydrates and the remaining 40% is divided between 25% from fat and 15% from protein, one hectare of food forest with the same species composition as the Garden Cottage food forest would be able to supply up to 7 males or 9 females with carbohydrates, 4 males or 5 females with fat, and 3 males or 4 females with protein. This is somewhat lower than previous assessments and estimates of the food supply capacity of food forests ranging from 6 to 10 people, but since the studied food forest has a relatively low production of protein and fat compared with carbohydrates, this could potentially be increased by incorporating more protein and fat crops, such as legumes and nut trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]