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Purpose: Esports players' training takes long periods and they sit for a long time during competitions, which increases their risk of obesity and urges them to develop inappropriate eating behaviors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the night-eating syndrome and food addiction in esports players. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 248 esports players who were members of a university's esports community. The study data were collected using an online questionnaire consisting of the descriptive information form, Night Eating Questionnaire, and Yale Food Addiction Scale. Results: The mean age of the sports players participating in the study was 22.19 ± 5.97 years. Of them, 55.6% had a normal body weight, 13.4% were obese, 54.4% played esports for 3 years or more, 13.3% experienced night eating syndrome, and 21.4% experienced food addiction. While the weekly duration of playing esports and skipping meals were associated with night eating syndrome, the weekly duration of playing esports and smoking were associated with food addiction (p < 0.05). Additionally, although there was no statistically significant difference, the risk of food addiction was 2.12 times higher in those with poor perceived sleep quality. Conclusion: We observed that night eating syndrome was very common in esports players and that these individuals were at risk in terms of food addiction. Since esports has a more sedentary structure than traditional sports, we suggest that esports players should be evaluated in terms of their unhealthy eating behaviors and risk of eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Skeletal muscle strength decline is strongly associated with inflammation. While previous research has confirmed that diet can modulate chronic inflammation, little is known about the relationship between an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern and muscle strength. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern and handgrip strength decline in a large-scale adult population. Methods: During a median follow-up period of 3 years, this prospective cohort study was carried out between 2013 and 2018 and included 2840 participants (60.2% men). Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline, and handgrip strength was measured annually with a handheld digital dynamometer. The dietary inflammatory potential score was calculated using white blood cell count and hypersensitive C-reactive protein as inflammatory markers, and was determined using reduced rank regression and stepwise linear regression. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the association between the dietary inflammatory potential score and the annualized change in handgrip strength and weight-adjusted handgrip strength. Results: After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, significant associations between the dietary inflammatory potential score and the annualized change in handgrip strength and weight-adjusted handgrip strength in women, with values of − 0.8322 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] − 1.6405, − 0.0238; P < 0.0408) and − 0.0171 kg/kg (95% CI − 0.0310, − 0.0032; P < 0.0158), respectively. However, no significant differences were observed between the dietary inflammatory potential score and the annualized change in handgrip strength and weight-adjusted handgrip strength in men, with values of 0.1578 kg (95% CI − 0.6107, 0.9261; P < 0.6874) and − 0.0014 kg/kg (95% CI − 0.0115, 0.0088; P < 0.7933), respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that consuming an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern could be a protective strategy against the decline in skeletal muscle strength in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Oxford WebQ is a web-based 24-h dietary assessment method which has been used in UK Biobank and other large prospective studies. The food composition table used to calculate nutrient intakes has recently been replaced with the UK Nutrient Databank, which has food composition data closer in time to when participants completed the questionnaire, and new dietary variables were incorporated. Here we describe the updated version of the Oxford WebQ questionnaire nutrient calculation, and compare nutrient intakes with the previous version used. Methods: 207,144 UK Biobank participants completed ≥ 1 Oxford WebQs, and means and standard deviations of nutrient intakes were averaged for all completed 24-h dietary assessments. Spearman correlations and weighted kappa statistics were used to compare the re-classification and agreement of nutrient intakes between the two versions. Results: 35 new nutrients were incorporated in the updated version. Compared to the previous version, most nutrients were very similar in the updated version except for a few nutrients which showed a difference of > 10%: lower with the new version for trans-fat (− 20%), and vitamin C (− 15%), but higher for retinol (+ 42%), vitamin D (+ 26%) and vitamin E (+ 20%). Most participants were in the same (> 60%) or adjacent (> 90%) quintile of intake for the two versions. Except for trans-fat (r = 0.58, κ = 0.42), very high correlations were found between the nutrients calculated using the two versions (r > 0.79 and κ > 0.60). Conclusion: Small absolute differences in nutrient intakes were observed between the two versions, and the ranking of individuals was minimally affected, except for trans-fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Epidemiological evidence suggests higher dietary flavonoid intake is associated with lower risk of several chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between intake of flavonoids and their subclasses, and incidence of hypertension among Australian women in two age cohorts. Methods: This population-based study included 6599 middle-aged (52.5 ± 1.5 years) and 6099 reproductive-aged (27.5 ± 1.5 years) women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Food frequency questionnaires were used to quantify intake of flavonoids by cross‐referencing with the Phenol-Explorer food composition database. Generalised Estimating Equation analyses investigated associations with incident hypertension, adjusting for demographic and dietary variables and hypertension risk factors. Results: There were 1645 cases (24.9%) of hypertension during 15 years follow-up in the middle-aged cohort and 336 cases (5.5%) during 12 years follow-up in the reproductive-aged cohort. Higher intakes of flavones [adjusted relative risk (ARR) for quintile 5 vs. 1: 0.82, 95% CI 0.70–0.97], isoflavones (0.86, 0.75–0.99) and flavanones (0.83, 0.69–1.00) were associated with a lower risk of hypertension in the middle-aged cohort. In the reproductive-aged cohort, higher intakes of flavanols (0.70, 0.49–0.99) were associated with a lower risk of hypertension. Key foods that provided these flavonoids were oranges, orange juice, apples, red wine and soy milk. Conclusion: Higher intakes of total flavonoids and subclasses were associated with a lower risk of hypertension in Australian women. These findings can be used in nutrition messaging and policies for improved cardiovascular health of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Increased awareness of the importance of dietary fibre has led to increased interest in 'functional' fibre components like digestion-resistant maltodextrin (RMD). This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study assessed the effects of RMD in the colonic transit time (CTT) and defecation characteristics (frequency, stool volume and consistency). Methods: Sixty-six healthy adult volunteers (32 men) who did not have a daily defecation habit had a 7-day run-in period before the 21-day intervention period with RMD or placebo. CTT and segmental CTT (SCTT) were assessed by a single abdominal X-ray film taken at the end of both periods after radiopaque marker ingestion. Defecation characteristics and intestinal functions were also assessed, which were self-reported by patients. Intragroup comparisons were evaluated by Student's paired t test, Bonferroni test and Chi-square test, while time comparisons by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and time-by-treatment interaction by repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Fifty-seven subjects were assessed for CTT (placebo, n = 28; RMD, n = 29). In the RMD group, the total CTT, left SCTT and rectosigmoidal SCTT decreased significantly compared to baseline ( p < 0.01 each; −13.3, −4.7, −8.7 h, respectively). Significant differences between groups were observed in total CTT and left SCTT. Significant time-by-treatment interaction was observed in the RMD group for stool volume ( p = 0.014), increasing 56 % compared to baseline ( p < 0.01), while remained unchanged in the placebo group. Stool consistency was improved only in the RMD group ( p < 0.01). No adverse effects related to study products were observed. Conclusions: The results show that RMD improved CTT, stool volume, stool consistency and some intestinal functions in a healthy population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This cross-sectional study assesses the relationship between consumption frequencies of food items and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in European children. Methods: Out of the baseline sample ( N = 16.228) of the IDEFICS study, 6.403 children (1.315 boys aged 2 to <6, 1.908 boys aged 6 to <10, 1.204 girls aged 2 to <6 and 1.976 girls aged 6 to <10 years) had hs-CRP measured and the Children's Eating Habits Questionnaire filled, including a food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression adjusted for body mass index z-score, education of the mother, breast-feeding and self-reported hours of physical activity in a sport club per week was conducted. Results: Mean frequency intake of raw vegetable was lower in boys ( p = 0.022 in young and p = 0.020 in old) and older girls ( p = 0.026) with high hs-CRP concentration, while in younger girls ( p = 0.008) the same occurred with the cooked vegetables. The probability of having higher hs-CRP concentration was significantly associated with having low consumption frequency of vegetables ( p = 0.004 in older boys, raw vegetables; and p = 0.0032 in younger girls, cooked vegetables). Also, honey/jam intake decreased the probability of having higher concentration of hs-CRP, whereas soft drinks with sugar, mayonnaise and cereals milled increased this probability. Conclusions: Out of all food items associated with hs-CRP, frequency intake of vegetables presented more associations across all the analysis. Findings suggest that a high-frequency intake of vegetables is inversely related to an inflammatory status in children. More studies are needed to assess the association between diet and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carbohydrate (CHO) supplementation during prolonged exercise is widely acknowledged to blunt in vitro immunoendocrine responses, but no study has investigated in vivo immunity. Purpose: To determine the effect of CHO supplementation during prolonged exercise on in vivo immune induction using experimental contact hypersensitivity with the novel antigen diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP). Methods: In a double-blind design, 32 subjects were randomly assigned to 120 min of treadmill exercise at 60 % $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} { \hbox{max} }$$ with CHO (Ex-CHO) or placebo (Ex-PLA) supplementation. Responses were also compared to 16 resting control (CON) subjects from a previous study (for additional comparison with a resting non-exercise condition). Standardised diets (24 h pre-trial) and breakfasts (3.5 h pre-trial) were provided. Subjects received a primary DPCP exposure (sensitisation) 20 min after trial completion, and exactly 28 days later the strength of immune reactivity was quantified by magnitude of the cutaneous response (skin-fold thickness and erythema) to a low dose-series DPCP challenge. Stress hormones and leucocyte trafficking were also monitored. Results: CHO supplementation blunted the cortisol and leucocyte trafficking responses, but there was no difference ( P > 0.05) between Ex-CHO and Ex-PLA in the in vivo immune responses (e.g. both ~46 % lower than CON for skin-fold response). Conclusions: CHO supplementation does not influence the decrease in in vivo immunity seen after prolonged exercise. The effects with more stressful (or fasted) exercise remain to be determined. However, there appears to be no benefit under the conditions of the present study, which have practical relevance to what many athletes do in training or competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: While adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) guidelines on lifestyle and cancer was recently proven to be associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer, no investigation has yet been carried out on its role on Barrett's esophagus (BE) development and its progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the role of adherence to WCRF lifestyle recommendations in BE onset and progression. The secondary aim was to investigate the association between disease progression and specific aspects of diet and lifestyle. Methods: Established risk factors for BE and EAC development and adherence to WCRF guidelines were assessed in 107 consecutive patients undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for symptoms suggesting gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and a suspected diagnosis of BE/dysplasia on BE. Patients were divided according to histology: those with GERD without metaplasia, with non-dysplastic BE, with low-grade dysplasia, with high-grade dysplasia or with early EAC. The four groups were expressed as an ordered categorical variable of disease progression. An ordered logit model was estimated to identify the independent predictors of disease progression. Results: Adherence to WCRF guidelines was identified as independent protective factor (OR 0.51, 95 % CI 0.37-0.67) of disease progression. Disease progression was associated with reduced adherence to guidelines on physical activity (from 48.2 to 5.3 %, p = 0.001), sedentary habits (from 33.3 to 0 %, p = 0.03), fruit consumption (from 37.0 to 5.6 %, p = 0.02) and processed meat consumption (from 51.9 to 10.5 %, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Adherence to WCRF guidelines has a protective factor in BE onset and its evolution to EAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: ω3 and ω6 fatty acids (FA) may have divergent effects on the development of obesity. We examined the association of baseline erythrocyte ω3 and ω6 FA composition with body weight change and the risk of becoming overweight or obese in the Women's Health Study (WHS) participants. Methods: We identified 534 women who had baseline erythrocyte FA measured and a baseline body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-<25 kg/m. Body weight was updated at a total of six time points during follow-up. Results: Weight gain during a mean of 10.4-year follow-up increased with increasing quartiles of baseline erythrocyte cis ω6 FA, ω6/ω3 ratio, and trans FA while decreased with increasing cis ω3 FA. After multivariable adjustment including total energy intake and physical activity, the weight gain (kg) in the highest versus the lowest quartile was 3.08 versus 2.32 for erythrocyte cis ω6 FA ( p 0.04), 2.07 versus 2.92 for cis ω3 FA ( p 0.08), 2.93 versus 2.05 for ω6/ω3 ratio ( p 0.046), and 3.03 versus 2.27 for trans FA ( p 0.06). Among individual FA, the associations were significant for 18:2ω6, 18:3ω6, and trans 18:1 and marginally significant for 20:3ω6 and trans 18:2. The risk of becoming overweight or obese (defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m at any follow-up time point) increased across increasing ω6/ω3 ratio (multivariable model p 0.04). Conclusions: In this prospective study, we found suggestive evidence that erythrocyte cis ω6 FA may be positively associated, and cis ω3 FA inversely associated with weight gain in initially normal-weight women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have linked major dietary nutrient patterns to chronic diseases. Despite the growing evidence of associations between dietary patterns and obesity, we are aware of no study that examined the association between patterns of nutrient intake and obesity. Objective: To identify major nutrient patterns in Iranian adults and investigate their association with general and abdominal obesity. Methods: In this cross-sectional study that was conducted under the framework of the Study on the Epidemiology of Psychological Alimentary Health and Nutrition (SEPAHAN), dietary data were collected using a validated dish-based 106-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire in 8691 subjects aged 18-55 years. Complete data of 6724 and 5203 adults were available for general and abdominal obesity, respectively. Data on anthropometric measures were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. General obesity was defined as body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m, and abdominal obesity as waist circumference > 102 cm for men and >88 cm for women. Daily intakes of 38 nutrients and bioactive compounds were calculated for each participant. Factor analysis, followed by a varimax rotation, was applied to derive major nutrient patterns. Results: Three major nutrient patterns were identified: (1) The first pattern was high in fatty acids (including saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids), cholesterol, vitamin B, vitamin E, zinc, choline, protein, pyridoxine, phosphorus and pantothenic acid; (2) the second pattern was high in thiamine, betaine, starch, folate, iron, selenium, niacin, calcium, and manganese; and (3) the third pattern was high in glucose, fructose, sucrose, vitamin C, potassium, total dietary fiber, copper and vitamin K. Men in the highest quintile of the second pattern were less likely to be generally obese in the fully adjusted model [odds ratio (OR) 0.39, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.20-0.76]. After adjustment for potential confounders, a significant positive association was observed between the third pattern and general obesity among men (OR 1.77, 95 % CI 1.04-3.04), but not women (OR 1.18, 95 % CI 0.74-1.88). No overall association was seen between patterns of nutrient intake and abdominal obesity in both genders. Conclusion: Major nutrient patterns were significantly associated with general, but not abdominal obesity among male participants of the SEPAHAN study. Further studies in other populations, along with future prospective studies, are required to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To prospectively assess the association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), added sugar, and total fructose and serum concentrations of liver enzymes among healthy, reproductive-age women. Methods: A prospective cohort of 259 premenopausal women (average age 27.3 ± 8.2 years; BMI 24.1 ± kg/m) were followed up for up to two menstrual cycles, providing up to eight fasting blood specimens/cycle and four 24-h dietary recalls/cycle. Women with a history of chronic disease were excluded. Alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST, respectively) were measured in serum samples. Linear mixed models estimated associations between average SSB, added sugar, and total fructose intake and log-transformed liver enzymes adjusting for age, race, body mass index, total energy and alcohol intake, and Mediterranean diet score. Results: For every 1 cup/day increase in SSB consumption and 10 g/day increase in added sugar and total fructose, log ALT increased by 0.079 U/L (95 % CI 0.022, 0.137), 0.012 U/L (95 % CI 0.002, 0.022), and 0.031 (0.012, 0.050), respectively, and log AST increased by 0.029 U/L (−0.011, 0.069), 0.007 U/L (0.000, 0.014), and 0.017 U/L (0.004, 0.030), respectively. Women who consumed ≥1.50 cups/day (12 oz can) SSB versus less had 0.127 U/L (95 % CI 0.001, 0.254) higher ALT [percent change 13.5 % (95 % CI 0.1, 28.9)] and 0.102 (95 % CI 0.015, 0.190) higher AST [percent change 10.8 % (95 % CI 1.5, 20.9)]. Conclusions: Sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with higher serum ALT and AST concentrations among healthy premenopausal women, indicating that habitual consumption of even moderate SSB may elicit hepatic lipogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Obesity is a global epidemic affecting around 10 % of 5- to 17-year olds. With the causes for obesity being multifactorial, a better understanding of the influencing factors is essential for effective treatment and prevention programs. The aim of this study was therefore to identify specific risk factors for overweight and obesity in children in Switzerland. Methods: A nationally representative sample of children aged 6-12 years was recruited ( n = 2724). Height and weight were measured to calculate BMI (kg/m). In addition, a questionnaire was distributed to all children asking about their physical activity, media consumption, and dietary habits as well as some parental factors. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in boys was 11.8 and 7.5 %, respectively, and in girls, it was 11.9 and 5.7 %. In univariate analyses, a number of parental, dietary, and activity factors were shown to be associated with BMI category. Based on a multinomial logistic regression, parent nationality and media consumption were the most important factors predicting obesity in boys, while in girls it was parental education, nationality, and physical activity. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that parental nationality and education play an important role in the development of childhood obesity, together with media consumption and physical activity. However, risk factors are also different according to child gender. Thus, an important target group for the treatment and prevention of childhood obesity in Switzerland are immigrant families, and the problem needs to be tackled differently in boys and girls as their risk factors are not the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic, heterogeneous, multifactorial disease, which has sharply increased in prevalence in both developed and developing countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of obesity and to identify socio-demographic risk factors associated with it, with special emphasis on diet. Methods: Nutritional status, demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and food consumption patterns derived from a Food Frequency Questionnaire were investigated. Exhaustive exploratory analyses were performed in order to describe dietary patterns, and logistic regression models were used for odds ratio estimation. Results: The study included 4328 subjects, over 18 years old and resident in Cordoba city. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 34 and 17 %, respectively, with 60 % in men and 45 % in women of BMI ≥ 25. Obesity risk factors were high intake of sodium, refined grains, starchy vegetables, and snacks. A lower risk of overweight and obesity was associated with an adequate, moderate intake of meats, eggs, alcoholic beverages, sugar and sweets, milk, yogurt, and pulses. Conclusions: A high intake of snacks, refined grains, starchy vegetables and sodium and low intake of yogurt, milk, pulses, and whole grains seem to be associated with the emergence and high prevalence of obesity in Cordoba, Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurodevelopmental effects of omega-3 fatty acids and mercury from fish consumption have been characterized in children. In contrast, neurobehavioral outcomes associated with fish are not well studied in adults. Objective: This study of avid seafood consumers on Long Island (NY, USA) sought to define associations between mercury, seafood consumption, omega-3 fatty acids and neurobehavioral outcomes. Methods: A computer-based test system was used to assess neurobehavioral function. Blood total Hg (Hg) and omega-3 index were measured in 199 adult avid seafood eaters, who also completed the neurobehavioral assessment and an extensive food and fish frequency and demographic questionnaire. Results: For most of the outcomes considered, neither Hg nor omega-3 index was associated with neurobehavioral outcomes after adjustment for key confounding variables. Fish consumption, however, was associated with decreased odds of both self-reported fatigue (OR 0.85; 95 % CI 0.72, 1.01) and a constellation of neurologic symptoms (OR 0.79; 95 % CI 0.66, 0.96). Conclusions: Results from our study provide little evidence that omega-3 fatty acids or Hg is associated with cognitive function in adult avid seafood consumers. Larger studies are needed to confirm our finding of associations between fish consumption and decreased self-reported fatigue and neurologic impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare dietary intake in 1-year-old infants and their parents between families with high and low obesity risk, and to explore associations between infant dietary intake and relative weight. Methods: Baseline analyses of 1-year-old infants ( n = 193) and their parents participating in a longitudinal obesity intervention (Early STOPP) were carried out. Dietary intake and diet quality indicators were compared between high- and low-risk families, where obesity risk was based on parental weight status. The odds for high diet quality in relation to parental diet quality were determined. Associations between measured infant relative weight and dietary intake were examined adjusting for obesity risk, socio-demographics, and infant feeding. Results: Infant dietary intake did not differ between high- and low-risk families. The parents in high-risk families consumed soft drinks, French fries, and low-fat spread more frequently, and fish and fruits less frequently ( p < 0.05) compared to parents in low-risk families. Paternal intake of vegetables and fish increased the odds for children being consumers of vegetables (OR 1.7; 95 % CI 1.0-2.9) and fish, respectively (OR 2.5; 95 % CI 1.4-4.4). Infant relative weight was weakly associated with a high intake of milk cereal drink ( r = 0.15; p < 0.05), but not with any other aspect of dietary intake, obesity risk, or early feeding patterns. Conclusions: At the age of one, dietary intake in infants is not associated with family obesity risk, nor with parental obesogenic food intake. Milk cereal drink consumption but no other infant dietary marker reflects relative weight at this young age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few epidemiological studies have assessed the relationship between the traditional Japanese dietary pattern and longitudinal changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors among Japanese people. We designed a 3-year longitudinal study of 980 subjects living in Japan to evaluate how the Japanese dietary pattern is related to longitudinal changes in well-recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease among apparently healthy Japanese adults. Methods: Dietary consumption was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis was used to derive three major dietary patterns-'Japanese,' 'sweets-fruits-cooked wheaten food,' and 'Izakaya (Japanese Pub)' from 39 food groups. Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, the mean (95 % confidence interval) for the change per year in diastolic blood pressure for men, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure for women related to the 'Japanese' dietary pattern factor score tertiles were 0.89 (0.10, 1.68), 2.25 (0.19, 4.31), and 0.75 (−1.00, 2.50) for the lowest tertile, 0.77 (−0.02, 1.56), 1.01 (−1.13, 3.15), and 0.44 (−1.38, 2.26) for the middle tertile and − 0.04 (−0.81, 0.72), −0.48 (−2.52, 1.56), and −0.77 (−2.51, 0.96) for the highest tertile (trend P value = 0.03, <0.01, and 0.04, respectively). A significant detrimental relationship was found between the 'Izakaya (Japanese Pub)' pattern factor score tertiles and the longitudinal change in serum triglyceride concentration only in men (trend P value = 0.02). Conclusions: Greater adherence to a traditional Japanese diet was independently related to a decreased change every year in diastolic blood pressure in men and women and in systolic blood pressure in women over a 3-year follow-up period. The findings suggest that the 'Japanese' dietary pattern appeared to be related to a fall in blood pressure, which might have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease. A randomized trial is required to clarify the underlying mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Controversy exists regarding whether increasing dairy intake without energy restriction would lead to weight loss. We aimed to compare the potential weight-reducing effects of kefir drink (a probiotic dairy product) and milk in a dairy-rich non-energy-restricted diet in overweight or obese premenopausal women. Methods: One hundred and forty-four subjects were assessed for eligibility in this single-center, multi-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Of these, seventy-five eligible women aged 25-45 years were randomly assigned to three groups, labeled as control, milk, and kefir, to receive an outpatient dietary regimen for 8 weeks. Subjects in the control group received a diet providing a maintenance level of energy intake, containing 2 servings/day of low-fat dairy products, while those in the milk and kefir groups received a weight maintenance diet, containing 2 additional servings/day (a total of 4 servings/day) of dairy products from low-fat milk or commercial kefir drink, respectively. Anthropometric outcomes including weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were measured every 2 weeks. Results: Fifty-eight subjects completed the study. Using analysis of covariance models in the intention-to-treat population ( n = 75), we found that at 8 weeks, subjects in the kefir and milk groups had significantly greater reductions in weight, BMI, and WC compared to those in the control group (all p < 0.01). However, no such significant differences were found between the kefir and milk groups. Conclusions: Kefir drink leads to a similar weight loss, compared with milk, in a dairy-rich non-energy-restricted diet in overweight or obese premenopausal women. However, further studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To propose an index for assessing adherence to a Middle Eastern version of the Mediterranean diet as represented by the Traditional Lebanese Mediterranean diet (LMD), to evaluate the association between the LMD and selected European Mediterranean diets (EMD), and to examine socio-demographic and lifestyle correlates of adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) among Lebanese adults. Methods: Using nationally representative dietary intake data of Lebanese adults, an index to measure Adherence to the LMD was derived. The choice of foods/food groups used for calculating the LMD score was based on results of previous factor analyses conducted on the same dataset. These foods/food groups included fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, burghol, dairy products, starchy vegetables, dried fruits and eggs. Using Pearson's correlation and scores tertiles distributions agreement, the derived LMD index was compared to previously published EMD indexes from Greece, Spain, Italy, France and EPIC/Europe. Results: Fruits, vegetables and olive oil were common denominators to most MD scores. Food groups, specific to the LMD, included burghol, dried fruits, and eggs. The LMD score significantly correlated with the EMD scores, while being closest to the Italian ( r = 0.56) and farthest from the French ( r = 0.21). Percent agreement between scores' tertile distributions and Kappa statistics confirmed these findings. Multivariate linear regressions showed that older age and higher educational levels were associated with increased adherence to all MDs studied. Conclusion: A novel LMD index was proposed to assess adherence to a Middle Eastern version of MD, complementing international efforts to characterize the MD and its association with disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether daily consumption of coffee and tea was associated with components and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Polish arm of the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe cohort study. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based survey including 8,821 adults (51.4 % female) was conducted in Krakow, Poland. Coffee and tea consumption was evaluated using food frequency questionnaires. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. Linear and logistic regression models were performed to estimate odds ratios and confidence intervals. Results: Among high coffee and tea consumers (3 or more cups/day), high prevalence of female gender, young age, medium-high educational and occupational level, high total energy intake, and smoking habit were found. High coffee drinkers had lower BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and higher HDL cholesterol than those drinking less than 1 cup/day. In contrast, high tea consumers had lower BMI, waist circumference, but not diastolic blood pressure, which was higher than low drinkers. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, both higher coffee and tea consumption were negatively associated with MetS (OR 0.75, 95 % CI 0.66, 0.86 and OR 0.79, 95 % CI 0.67, 0.92, respectively). Among specific components of MetS, high coffee consumption was negatively associated with waist circumference, hypertension, and triglycerides, whereas tea consumption with central obesity and fasting plasma glucose in women, but not in men. Conclusions: Coffee and tea consumption was negatively associated with MetS and some of its components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the association between dietary glycaemic index (GI) and dietary glycaemic load (GL) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in a rural elderly population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 343 subjects (60-74 years) residing in a Spanish rural area (Priego de Córdoba). Subjects were selected using stratified random sampling. Food intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We assigned GI values to each item of the FFQ to estimate dietary GI and GL. Multivariate linear regression models were fitted to assess the association between GI/GL with CVD risk factors (blood glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1, body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure). The potential modifying effect of sex, smoking status, diabetes and medication has been explored. Results: A statistically significant inverse association between dietary GI and blood glucose was found in the multivariate model ( p = 0.029): for every 10 unit increment of GI, serum glucose levels decreased by 0.2 units. However, statistical significance was lost after controlling for diabetes or hypoglycaemic medication. In the crude model, dietary GL was associated with triglycerides ( ß for every 10 GL units increase = 0.70, p = 0.005), but statistical significance was lost in the multivariate model ( p = 0.508). No associations were found between dietary GI/GL and the rest of the variables studied. Conclusions: Neither dietary GI nor GL were associated with CVD risk factors in the study population of Priego de Córdoba. Results obtained suggest the necessity to consider the diagnosis of diabetes in these studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dietary pattern analysis may uncover the joint effects of multiple dietary components on bone health, but such research is scarce and targets mostly adults. Methods: We quantified prospective associations between dietary patterns and bone mineral density (BMD) in 1,007 adolescents of a cohort born in 1990 and recruited at schools in Porto during the 2003/2004 school year. Forearm BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Participants' dietary patterns were classified 'Healthier', 'Dairy products', 'Fast food and sweets' and 'Lower intake' according to previously identified patterns obtained in a larger sample of 1,489 participants using the K-means method. Using dietary patterns at 13 years old as the main exposure, associations were estimated cross-sectionally (with BMD at the age of 13) and prospectively (with annual BMD variation between 13 and 17 years), using linear regression coefficients adjusted for height, weight, energy intake and, in girls, for menarche age. Results: No significant associations between the a posteriori dietary patterns identified and mean BMD at 13 were found. However, among girls, adherence to a pattern characterized by low intake of energy and all food groups was negatively associated with annual BMD variation between 13 and 17 years [adjusted coefficient (95 % CI) −0.451 (−0.827; −0.074) mg·cm·year]. Conclusions: Although results showed that, in girls, adherence to a 'Lower intake' dietary pattern is associated with lower annual BMD variation throughout adolescence, overall, there were no consistent associations between dietary patterns and forearm BMD in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is evidence that dietary habits contribute to the presence and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to explore any associations between consumption of grains and the development and severity of NAFLD. Methods: Seventy-three consecutive NAFLD patients were enrolled. Additionally, 58 controls matched for age, sex and body mass index with 58 patients were also included. Consumption of grains was estimated through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Medical history, anthropometric indices, body composition analysis, physical activity data, biochemical and inflammatory markers were available for all the participants. Liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography was performed in 58 and liver biopsy in 34 patients. Results: In patients, consumption of whole grains was associated with lower abdominal fat level ( β = −0.24, p = 0.02) and lower levels of insulin resistance index ( β = −0.28, p = 0.009), while it also correlated inversely with interleukin-6 levels ( ρ = −0.23, p = 0.05). Consumption of whole grains was associated with lower likelihood of having histological steatohepatitis (OR 0.97, 95 % CI 0.94-1.000), after adjusting for sex and energy intake, but the association became weaker after further adjusting for abdominal fat or interleukin-6 levels. In the case-control analysis, consumption of refined grains was associated with higher odds of having NAFLD (OR 1.021, 95 % CI 1.001-1.042), after adjusting for age, sex, energy intake, abdominal fat level, HOMA-IR, LDL, adiponectin and TNF-α. Conclusions: Although refined grain consumption increased the likelihood of having NAFLD, whole-grain consumption favorably affected clinical characteristics of patients with NAFLD and tended to be associated with less severe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Meta-analyses have suggested an effect of MTHFR C677T genotype (rs1801133), a proxy for blood total homocysteine, on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in populations with low population dietary folate. The aim was to examine the association and effect modification by serum folate and vitamin B12 levels between MTHFR and CVD-related outcomes in a general population with no mandatory folic acid fortification policy. Methods: The study population included 13,748 adults retrieved from pooling of four population-based studies conducted in Denmark. MTHFR genotype, serum folate (measured in approximately 9,356 individuals), and serum vitamin B12 (9,215 individuals), hypertension, and dyslipidemia were measured at baseline, and participants were followed for a mean of 10.5-11.7 years in central registries for diagnoses of stroke (623 incidents), ischaemic heart disease (IHD) (835 incidents), and all-cause mortality (1,272 incidents). Results: The MTHFR genotype (TT vs. CC/CT) was not associated with hypertension [OR (95 % CI) 1.09 (0.95-1.25)], dyslipidemia [OR (95 % CI) 0.97 (0.84-1.11)], stroke [HR (95 % CI) 0.92 (0.69-1.23)], and all-cause mortality [HR (95 % CI) 0.94 (0.77-1.14)], either overall, or in participants with low serum folate or B12 status ( P values for interactions 0.15-0.94). Individuals with the MTHFR TT genotype had a higher risk of IHD (HR (95 % CI) 1.38 (1.11-1.71)), but this association was not modified by folate status ( P value for interaction 0.45). Conclusions: Our results do not support a causal relationship between homocysteine and CVD. However, we cannot exclude a direct causal effect of MTHFR C677T genotype on IHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Studies have previously examined the relation between a single measure of plasma fatty acids and risk of heart failure. However, it is unclear whether the use of repeated measures of fatty acids over time is required for the assessment of omega-3 fatty acids heart failure relation. Methods: Using a nested case-control design, this ancillary study used 421 cases and 421 matched controls from the Physicians' Health Study to assess the variability of plasma phospholipid fatty acids over time and compare the results of omega-3 fatty acids heart failure associations using a single versus repeated measurements of plasma phospholipid fatty acids. Plasma omega-3 fatty acids were measured at baseline (1982) and approximately 15 years later using gas chromatography. Results: Spearman's correlation coefficients between baseline and follow-up measures of α-linolenic acid (ALA), EPA, DPA, and DHA were 0.20, 0.45, 0.28, and 0.50, respectively, in the control series. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios for heart failure per standard deviation higher plasma ALA were 0.98 (95 % CI 0.85-1.13) when using baseline ALA and 0.86 (95 % CI 0.74-1.01) when using the average of baseline and follow-up ALA measurements. Corresponding odds ratios for total long chain omega-3 FAs (EPA + DHA + DPA) were 0.87 (0.73-1.03) and 0.88 (0.75-1.04). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate modest correlation between measurements of plasma phospholipid fatty acids spaced by 15 years. A single measurement of plasma phospholipid fatty acids appears reasonable to estimate the risk of heart failure over long-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In cohort studies, often only one baseline measurement of dietary intake is available. This may underestimate the strength of the association with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Objective: The main objective is to compare the strength of the association of a Mediterranean style diet with CVD using one baseline measurement of diet versus three repeated measurements over a 10-year period. Design: We used dietary and lifestyle data of three rounds of the Doetinchem Cohort Study. At baseline, 7,769 persons aged 20-65 years were examined. Diet was assessed with a 178 item validated food-frequency questionnaire and operationalized with the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) ranging from 0 to 9. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and repeated measurements of smoking, sports, total energy intake, and educational level. Results: Comparing an MDS of ≥5.5-9 to an MDS of 0-<3.5, baseline MDS was associated with a 23 % lower risk [HR 0.77 (95 % CI 0.53-1.11)] and the updated mean with a 35 % lower risk [HR 0.65 (0.43-0.97)] of a composite of fatal CVD, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and stroke (composite CVD). For fatal CVD, baseline MDS was associated with a 13 % lower risk [HR 0.87 (0.36-2.07)] and the updated mean with a 56 % lower risk [HR 0.44 (0.19-1.05)]. Conclusion: The strength of the association between a Mediterranean style diet and CVD is likely underestimated because most studies so far used only one baseline measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Faster eating is positively associated with body mass index in apparently healthy Japanese populations. In the present study, we examined the associations between self-reported rate of eating and visceral and subcutaneous fat areas in apparently healthy middle-aged Japanese men. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of men who participated in health checkups in Japan. We removed participants who were diagnosed with metabolic diseases by the time of their health checkups. A total of 320 subjects aged 30-64 years (mean ± standard deviation, 47.4 ± 8.6 years) were selected. We compared the associations between rate of eating and various clinical parameters including visceral and subcutaneous fat areas, using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), which was adjusted by age and lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake, energy intake, smoking, and physical activity. Multivariate logistic regression analyses (MLRA) were performed with visceral fat area (cm) as the dependent variable and independent variables that included self-reported rate of eating. Results: Tukey's multiple test following ANCOVA showed that self-reported rate of eating was positively associated with visceral fat area (cm), but not with subcutaneous fat area (cm). MLRA showed that the odds ratio of rate of eating for visceral fat area in tertile (T) 3 (>100 cm) compared with T1 (≤70 cm) was 1.99 (95 % CI 1.40-2.90, P < 0.01), and the association remained after adjustment for the subcutaneous fat area. Conclusions: The present results show that self-reported faster eating is positively associated with visceral fat accumulation, independently of subcutaneous fat accumulation, in apparently healthy Japanese men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate how long-term dietary intake of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3 PUFAs), estimated by repeated food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) over 15 years, is correlated with LCn-3 PUFAs in adipose tissue (AT). Methods: Subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained in 2003-2004 (AT-03) from 239 randomly selected women, aged 55-75 years, after completion of a 96-item FFQ (FFQ-03). All participants had previously returned an identical FFQ in 1997 (FFQ-97) and a 67-item version in 1987-1990 (FFQ-87). Pearson product-moment correlations were used to evaluate associations between intake of total and individual LCn-3 PUFAs as estimated by the three FFQ assessments and AT-03 content (% of total fatty acids). Results: FFQ-estimated mean relative intake of LCn-3 PUFAs (% of total fat intake) increased between all three assessments (FFQ-87, 0.55 ± 0.34; FFQ-97, 0.74 ± 0.64; FFQ-03, 0.88 ± 0.56). Validity, in terms of Pearson correlations between FFQ-03 estimates and AT-03 content, was 0.41 (95 % CI 0.30-0.51) for total LCn-3 PUFA and ranged from 0.29 to 0.48 for individual fatty acids; lower correlation was observed among participants with higher percentage body fat. With regard to long-term intake estimates, past dietary intake was also correlated with AT-03 content, with correlation coefficients in the range of 0.21-0.33 and 0.21-0.34 for FFQ-97 and FFQ-87, respectively. The correlations were improved by using average estimates from two or more FFQ assessments. Exclusion of fish oil supplement users (14 %) did not alter the correlations. Conclusion: These data indicate reasonable validity of FFQ-based estimates of long-term (up to 15 years) LCn-3 PUFA intake, justifying their use in studies of diet-disease associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Folate has been strongly implicated in the aetiology of colorectal cancer. However, the relationship between dietary folate intake, rectal mucosal folate status and colorectal cancer risk is uncertain. The study aimed to estimate nutrient intakes and measure systemic folate status and rectal mucosal folate concentration in people at differential risk of developing colorectal cancer. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-eight individuals were recruited from gastroenterology clinics and subdivided into three patient groups: untreated colorectal cancer ( n = 43), adenomatous polyps ( n = 90) or normal bowel ( n = 95). Biopsies from macroscopically normal rectal mucosa and blood were collected and used for the measurement of rectal mucosal 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MeTHF) and systemic markers of folate status, respectively. Nutrient intake was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Results: Dietary intake variables, plasma 5-MeTHF and red cell folate and plasma homocysteine concentrations were similar in all three subject groups and 95 % CI fell within normal range for each variable. Rectal mucosal 5-MeTHF concentration was higher in the normal mucosa of adenomatous polyp patients than in normal subjects ( P = 0.055). Rectal mucosal 5-MeTHF was associated significantly with plasma folate ( P < 0.001, r = 0.294), red cell folate ( P = 0.014, r = 0.305), plasma homocysteine ( P = 0.017, r = −0.163) and dietary folate intake ( P = 0.036, r = 0.152). Conclusions: This study demonstrates adequate folate status of patients attending gastroenterology clinics for the investigation of bowel symptoms, with no significant difference in dietary intakes or systemic folate status indices according to diagnosis. Rectal mucosal 5-MeTHF concentrations were elevated in adenomatous polyp patients, but failed to reach significance. Further studies are required to determine the biological significance of this observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. It was tested within a case-control study in this region whether a specific dietary pattern impacts on the breast cancer risk. Methods: A validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intake of 115 female breast cancer patients and 230 healthy age-matched women living in the same districts. A logistic regression was performed to estimate breast cancer risk. Dietary patterns were obtained using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. Results: The adjusted logistic regression estimated an increased risk for a 'Fatty Diet', characterized by a higher consumption of milk, vegetable oils and fats, butter, lard and red meat (OR = 1.42, 95 % CI 1.08-1.87; P = 0.01), and for a 'Fruity Diet', characterized by a higher consumption of fish, mango, papaya, avocado and watery fruits (OR = 1.61, 95 % CI 1.14-2.28; P = 0.01). Both diets showed an inverse association with the ratio between polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids (P/S ratio). Conclusion: A diet characterized by a low P/S ratio seems to be more important for the development of breast cancer than total fat intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Animal and laboratory studies suggest that long-chain omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat found in fatty fish, may protect against carcinogenesis, but human studies on dietary intake of polyunsaturated fats and fish with endometrial cancer risk show mixed results. Methods: We evaluated the associations between endometrial cancer risk and intake of fatty acids and fish in a population-based sample of 556 incident cancer cases and 533 age-matched controls using multivariate unconditional logistic regression methods. Results: Although total n-3 fatty acid intake was not associated with endometrial cancer risk, higher intakes of eicosapentaenoic (EPA 20:5) and docosahexaenoic (DHA 22:6) fatty acids were significantly associated with lower risks (OR = 0.57, 95 % CI: 0.39-0.84; OR = 0.64, 95 % CI: 0.44-0.94; respectively) comparing extreme quartiles. The ratio of n-3:n-6 fatty acids was inversely associated with risk only on a continuous scale (OR = 0.84, 95 % CI: 0.71-0.99), while total fish intake was not associated with risk. Fish oil supplement use was significantly associated with reduced risk of endometrial cancer: OR = 0.63 (95 % CI: 0.45-0.88). Conclusions: Our results suggest that dietary intake of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA in foods and supplements may have protective associations against the development of endometrial cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a very common disorder in elderly, especially in those institutionalized. Nutrition could play an important role in the onset and/or progression of depression, since the intake of carbohydrates with a high glycaemic index (GI) or diets with a high glycaemic load (GL) may increase the insulin-induced brain serotonin secretion. Objective: The aim of our study was to analyse the association between dietary GI and GL and the odds of suffering depression in institutionalized elderly people without antidepressant treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 140 institutionalized elderly people from the Madrid region (Spain) (65-90 years of age) whose diets were recorded using a precise weighing method over seven consecutive days. Energy and nutrient intakes were recorded and the GI and GL calculated. The participants' affective capacity was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Subjects were grouped into non-depressed (GDS ≤ 5) and depressed (GDS > 5). Since GDS scores and gender were statistically associated ( p < 0.01), the data were grouped considering this association. Results: Dietary GI (51.09 ± 3.80) and GL (97.54 ± 13.46) were considered as medium. The dietary GL was significantly higher in the non-depressed (100.00 ± 12.13) compared with the depressed group (93.97 ± 14.04, p < 0.01). However, a similar GI was observed between non-depressed (51.50 ± 3.29) and depressed groups (50.52 ± 4.46). Additionally, participants with a dietary GL placed in the second and third tertiles had a 67.4 % and 65.3 %, respectively, less odds of suffering depression than those in the first tertile. GDS scores and dietary GL were inversely related; therefore, an increase in one unit in the dietary GL scale decreased the GDS score by 0.058 units. Conclusions: Glyaemic load is associated with a lower odd of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although previous studies suggested that higher low-fat dairy consumption lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, the mediating factors are not well understood. Higher baseline adiponectin levels are related with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated whether low-fat dairy is related with adiponectin in apparently healthy adults. Methods: We investigated a cross-sectional ( n = 938) and one-year longitudinal ( n = 759) relationship between low-fat and whole-/high-fat dairy (both including cow's milk and yogurt) and adiponectin. Dairy consumption was assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Serum adiponectin was measured by using a specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: In the cross-sectional analysis, the geometric means (95 % confidence intervals [95 % CIs]) of log-transformed adiponectin related with the low-fat dairy categories were 7.27 (6.80-7.77) for the lowest category, 7.67 (7.09-8.31) for the middle category, and 8.40 (7.73-9.13) for the highest category ( p < 0.001) after adjustment for potential confounders (including all lifestyle factors). In the longitudinal analysis, repeated-measures ANCOVA adjusted for confounding factors showed a significant time-by-categories (categories of low-fat dairy) interaction in the change of adiponectin. In contrast, no significant relationship was found between the whole-/high-fat dairy categories and adiponectin. Conclusions: This study has shown that higher consumption of low-fat dairy, but not of whole-/high-fat dairy, is related with higher levels of adiponectin and with the change of adiponectin level at the one-year follow-up. These results suggest that the consumption of low-fat dairy may have a beneficial effect on serum adiponectin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the effect of the daily intake of a fruit & vegetable soup with high in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids on β-carotene and lycopene serum concentrations. Methods: Fourteen healthy young men (24 ± 1 years) received 300 mL/day of a carrot, tomato, and broccoli soup, containing 3.9 mg β-carotene and 4 mg lycopene, for 4 weeks followed by a 4-week washout period. The serum carotenoid response and oxidative markers were analyzed after 3 and 4 weeks of soup consumption and after a 4-week washout. Results: The in vitro bioaccessibility of β-carotene and lycopene was 55 and 43%, respectively, in the soup. Serum β-carotene concentrations were significantly higher than baseline (0.33 ± 0.05 μmol/L) after 3 weeks (0.69 ± 0.06 μmol/L) and 4 weeks (0.78 ± 0.10 μmol/L) of soup consumption ( P < 0.001). Serum lycopene was also significantly higher compared with baseline levels (0.26 ± 0.08-0.56 ± 0.04 μmol/L and 0.60 ± 0.04 μmol/L, after 3 and 4 weeks, respectively) ( P < 0.001). Although the highest concentration of both carotenoids was found after 4 weeks, the levels were not statistically different from the levels at 3 weeks. A 4-week washout significantly decreased serum carotenoid concentrations, although only β-carotene returned to baseline. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased significantly after soup supplementation compared with baseline, while superoxide dismutase was significantly lower only after 3 weeks. Glutathione reductase, lipid, protein, and DNA oxidative markers remained unchanged. Conclusions: The soup contributed to increasing the concentration of each carotenoid by more than 100% after 3 and 4 weeks of consumption, the maximum increase being observed after 4 weeks. Oxidative markers did not show any variation except for GPx. Serum lycopene half-life was longer than that of β-carotene, which may be important for studies evaluating both carotenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]