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ObjectiveObesity and insulin resistance play important roles in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mg intake is linked to a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance; people with NAFLD or alcoholic liver disease are at high risk of Mg deficiency. The present study aimed to investigate whether Mg and Ca intakes were associated with risk of fatty liver disease and prediabetes by alcohol drinking status.DesignWe analysed the association between Ca or Mg intake and fatty liver disease, prediabetes or both prediabetes and fatty liver disease in cross-sectional analyses.SettingThird National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) follow-up cohort of US adults.SubjectsNationally representative sample of US adults in NHANES (n 13 489).ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, Mg intake was associated with approximately 30 % reduced odds of fatty liver disease and prediabetes, comparing the highest intake quartile v. the lowest. Mg intake may only be related to reduced odds of fatty liver disease and prediabetes in those whose Ca intake is less than 1200 mg/d. Mg intake may also only be associated with reduced odds of fatty liver disease among alcohol drinkers.ConclusionsThe study suggests that high intake of Mg may be associated with reduced risks of fatty liver disease and prediabetes. Further large studies, particularly prospective cohort studies, are warranted to confirm the findings.

ObjectiveTo identify determinants of low birth weight (LBW) in Karachi, Pakistan, including environmental exposures and nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsFive hundred and forty mother–infant pairs. We interviewed mothers about obstetric history, diet and exposure to Pb. We measured birth weight and blood lead level (BLL). We performed multiple log binomial regression analysis to identify factors related to LBW.ResultsOf 540 infants, 100 (18·5 %) weighed ≤2·5 kg. Umbilical cord BLL was not significantly associated with LBW. Maternal poor self-rated health (adjusted prevalence ratio (adjPR) = 1·83; 95 % CI 1·09, 3·07) and none or one prenatal visit (adjPR = 2·18; 95 % CI 1·39, 3·43) were associated with LBW. A statistically significant interaction between mothers’ mid upper-arm circumference (MUAC) and dietary vitamin C intake was noted. Compared with mothers with MUAC above the median and dietary vitamin C intake above the 3rd quartile (>208·7 mg/d), infants of mothers with MUAC less than or equal to the median and dietary vitamin C intake >208·7 mg/d (adjPR = 10·80; 95 % CI 1·46, 79·76), mothers with MUAC above the median and vitamin C intake ≤208.7 mg/d (adjPR = 10·67; 95 % CI 1·50, 76·02) and mothers with MUAC less than or equal to the median and vitamin C intake ≤208·7 mg/d (adjPR = 13·19; 95 % CI 1·85, 93·79) more likely to give birth to an LBW infant.ConclusionsIn Pakistan, poor nutritional status and inadequate prenatal care were major determinants of LBW in this setting. Environmental factors including umbilical cord BLL were not significantly associated with LBW.

ObjectiveTo examine the socio-economic and lifestyle determinants of cooking oil choice in Costa Rica during the last decade (1994–2004).DesignCross-sectional study. Subjects (total n = 2274) belonged to the control population of a large case–control study; they were recruited yearly. Data about type of oil used for cooking, dietary intake, socio-economic and demographic characteristics were collected.SettingA dietitian visited all subjects and conducted the interviews at their homes; all subjects lived in the Costa Rican central valley region.SubjectsAdult, free-living, rural and urban Costa Ricans with no history of myocardial infarction and physical or mental disability.ResultsThe odds of choosing soybean over palm oil increased significantly each year (P P P ConclusionThese data show that, in addition to SES, health awareness is associated with the selection of unsaturated oils over palm oil in a developing country undergoing transition. These data should be considered when targeting nutrition messages and policies that promote better dietary choices.