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Background Gut microbiota data obtained by DNA sequencing are complex and compositional because of large numbers of detectable taxa, and because microbiota characteristics are described in relative terms. Nutrition researchers use principal component analysis (PCA) to derive dietary patterns from food data. Although compositional PCA methods are not commonly used to describe patterns from complex microbiota data, this approach would be useful for identifying gut microbiota patterns associated with diet and body composition. Objectives To use compositional PCA to describe the principal components (PCs) of gut microbiota in 5-y-old children and explore associations between microbiota components, diet, and BMI z -score. Methods A fecal sample was provided by 319 children aged 5 y. Their primary caregiver completed a validated 123-item quantitative FFQ. Body composition was determined using DXA, and a BMI z -score was calculated. Compositional PCA identified characterizing taxa and weightings for calculation of gut microbiota PC scores at the genus level, and was examined in relation to diet and body size. Results Three gut microbiota PCs were found. PC1 (negative loadings on uncultured Christensenellaceae and Ruminococcaceae) was related to lower BMI z -scores and longer duration of breastfeeding (per month) (β = −0.14; 95% CI: −0.26, −0.02; and β = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.34, respectively). PC2 (positive loadings on Fusicatenibacter and Bifidobacterium ; negative loadings on Bacteroides) was associated with a lower intake of nuts, seeds, and legumes (β = −0.05 per gram; 95% CI: −0.09, −0.01). When adjusted for fiber intake, PC2 was also associated with higher BMI z -scores (β = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.24). PC3 (positive loadings on Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium , and Roseburia) was associated with higher intakes of fiber (β = 0.02 per gram; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.04) and total nonstarch polysaccharides (β = 0.02 per gram; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.04). Conclusions Our results suggest that specific gut microbiota components determined using compositional PCA are associated with diet and BMI z -score. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00892983. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite increased use of uncemented and hybrid fixation, there is little evidence of their superiority over cemented implants. The aim of this study is to compare the long-term survivorship of cemented, hybrid and uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) at varying ages.Methods: A total of 2156 hips (1315 cemented, 324 uncemented, and 517 hybrid) were performed in a single center between 1999 and 2005 with follow-up through to 2017. Registry and local databases were used to determine revision rates and cause. Unadjusted and adjusted competing risk survival analysis was performed.Results: The cumulative incidence of all-cause revision at 18 years was cemented 10.9%, uncemented 8.9%, and hybrid 6.5%. Cemented fixation had a statistically significant higher risk of all-cause revision than hybrid in the adjusted model for all ages to 65 years (subhazard ratios [SHRs], 2.28-4.67) and a higher risk of revision for loosening, wear, or osteolysis at all ages (SHRs, 3.25-6.07). Uncemented fixation showed no advantage over hybrid fixation at any age, but did show advantages over cemented at younger ages (≤60 years) for all-cause revision (SHRs, 2.3-4.3).Conclusion: Hybrid fixation with conventional polyethylene shows an advantage over cemented hips at all ages. Uncemented THA showed improved survival over cemented only at younger ages and no advantage over hybrid THA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of, and factors associated with, response to a chronic disease management program for patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods: Over a 2-year period (2012-2014), 218 patients (97 hip OA; 121 knee OA) were managed with an individualized program of interventions that could include education, physiotherapy, orthotics, occupational therapy, or dietitian referral. Changes in Oxford Hip Score or Oxford Knee Score and Short Form-12 (SF-12) Physical and Mental Component Summary Score (PCS, MCS) were analyzed by joint affected, both unadjusted, and gender and age adjusted. A further analysis also adjusted for body mass index.Results: At mean 12-month follow-up, patients with knee OA had a statistically significant improvement in Oxford Knee Score and PCS, while patients with hip OA had a statistically significant deterioration in all 3 scores. There was evidence that these changes differed between joints for Oxford and PCS scores. Older age was associated with worse outcomes for Oxford scores. Higher body mass index was associated with worse outcomes for Oxford and PCS scores. Patients with hip OA (35%) were more likely to deteriorate to a clinically significant extent (5 points) for Oxford scores than those with knee OA. Gender was not associated with outcomes. Patients with hip OA (54%) were more likely than those with knee OA (24%) to have subsequently had surgery (P < .001).Conclusions: Patients with knee OA were more likely to improve with a chronic disease management plan than patients with hip OA and efforts should be directed to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine how these interventions influenced growth at ages 3.5 and 5 y compared with usual care (Control). Design: A follow-up of a parallel, 4-arm, single-blind, 2-y, randomized controlled trial in 802 women (86% European, 48% primiparous) recruited in pregnancy (58% response rate) was undertaken. All groups received standard Well-Child care with additional support for 3 intervention groups: FAB (promotion of breastfeeding, healthy eating, physical activity: 8 contacts, antenatal, 18 mo); Sleep (prevention of sleep problems: antenatal, 3 wk); Combination (both interventions). Follow-up measures were collected by staff blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome was child body mass index (BMI) z score, and secondary outcomes were prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile), self-regulation (psychological measures), sleep, physical activity (accelerometry, questionnaires), and dietary intake (food-frequency questionnaire). Analyses were conducted through the use of multiple imputation. Results: Retention was 77% at age 3.5 y and 69% at age 5 y. Children in the FAB group had significantly higher BMI z scores than did Controls at age 5 y (adjusted difference: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.47) but not at age 3.5 y (0.15; 95% CI: −0.04, 0.34). Children who received the Sleep intervention (Sleep and Combination groups) had significantly lower BMI z scores at age 3.5 y (−0.24; 95% CI: −0.38, −0.10) and at age 5 y (−0.23; 95% CI: −0.38, −0.07) than children who did not (Control and FAB groups). Conclusions: A conventional intervention had unexpected adverse long-term weight outcomes, whereas positive outcomes from a less conventional sleep intervention remained promising at age 5 y. More intensive or extended sleep intervention might have larger or longer-lasting effects and should be investigated. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00892983. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consumption of high-dose folic acid supplements is common throughout pregnancy and lactation in several countries, including Canada, Brazil, and the United States, and may lead to high levels of circulating unmetabolized folic acid.Objective: The objective of the study was to characterize serum and whole-blood folate forms in Canadian lactating women regularly consuming a daily high-dose folic acid supplement.Methods: One-hundred and seventeen Canadian lactating women aged between 18 and 42 y, with a geometric mean ± SD prepregnancy body mass index (kg/m2) of 23.1 ± 1.2, were enrolled in a vitamin D supplementation trial between 13 and 22 wk of gestation. As part of the trial, the women received a daily multivitamin containing 1000 µg folic acid throughout pregnancy and lactation until 8 wk postpartum. At 8 wk postpartum, serum folate forms, including folic acid and RBC total folate, were determined from nonfasted blood samples. Differences in median folate vitamer concentrations among quintiles of serum total folate status were assessed by the Wald test and quantile regression methods. A breakpoint in the relation between serum folic acid and serum total folate was modeled with the use of the segmented package in R.Results: Median serum total folate concentration among participants was 79.3 nmol/L (5th-95th percentile 30.7-186 nmol/L) and median RBC folate concentration was 2790 nmol/L (5th-95th percentile 1330-4850 nmol/L). There was a breakpoint in the relation between serum total folate and serum folic acid at 78.5 nmol/L (95% CI: 67.9, 89.1 nmol/L), below which serum folic acid was not associated with serum total folate, and above which serum folic acid increased 0.78 nmol/L (95% CI: 0.70, 0.86 nmol/L; P < 0.001) for each 1 nmol/L increase in serum total folate.Conclusions: These data demonstrate the potential for high serum folic acid concentrations proportional to overall folate concentrations in lactating women with serum total folate >80 nmol/L taking high-dose supplemental folic acid. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01112891. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite an extensive well-child health service, 30% of New Zealand’s 2- to 4-y old children are overweight or obese. This suggests that additional intervention is necessary to establish healthy nutrition behaviors. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of intervention from 0 to 18 mo of age on food and nutrient intake, eating behaviors, and parental feeding practices in 18- to 24-mo-old children. Design: In total, 802 families with healthy infants were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 groups: Usual Care (UC); Food, Activity, and Breastfeeding (FAB); Sleep; or FAB and Sleep (Combination). All groups received standard “well-child” care. The FAB intervention comprised 7–8 additional contacts for education and support around breastfeeding, food, and activity. The Sleep intervention comprised 2 additional contacts for guidance about sleeping habits. Combination families received both interventions. A validated food-frequency questionnaire assessed food intake at 2 y. A questionnaire assessed eating behaviors and parental feeding practices at 18 and 24 mo. Results: At 2 y, there were no statistically significant differences in food and nutrient intake or eating behaviors in the groups receiving the FAB intervention (FAB, Combination; 325 children) compared with the groups who did not (Sleep, UC; 341 children). With the use of a 5-point scale, small but statistically significant differences in parental feeding practices were observed in the group s receiving the FAB intervention: greater child control over eating (difference: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.26) and less pressure to eat (difference: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.32) at 18 mo, as well as greater encouragement of nutrient-dense foods at 24 mo (difference: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.30). No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups who received the Sleep intervention (Sleep, Combination; 313 children) and those who did not, except higher meat intake in the former (11 g/d). Conclusion: Additional education and support for parents from birth did not improve nutrition behaviors in this population at 2 y of age. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00892983. Am J Clin Nutr 2015;102:704–12 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social support and community connectedness are key determinants of both mental and physical wellbeing. While social capital has been used to indicate the instrumental value of these social relationships, its broad and often competing definitions have hindered practical applications of the concept. Within the health promotion field, the related concept of community capacity, the ability of a group to identify and act on problems, has gained prominence (Labonte and Laverack, 2001). The goal of this study was to develop and validate a scale measuring community capacity including exploring its associations with socio-demographic and civic behaviour variables among the residents of four small (populations 1500–2000) high-deprivation towns in southern New Zealand. The full (41-item) scale was found to have strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89) but a process of reducing the scale resulted in a shorter 26-item instrument with similar internal consistency (alpha 0.88). Subscales of the reduced instrument displayed at least marginally acceptable levels of internal consistency (0.62–0.77). Using linear regression models, differences in community capacity scores were found for selected criterion, namely time spent living in the location, local voting, and volunteering behaviour, although the first of these was no longer statistically significant in an adjusted model with potential confounders including age, sex, ethnicity, education, marital status, employment, household income, and religious beliefs. This provides support for the scale's concurrent validity. Differences were present between the four towns in unadjusted models and remained statistically significant in adjusted models (including variables mentioned above) suggesting, crucially, that even when such factors are accounted for, perceptions of one's community may still depend on place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To examine the association between paid part-time employment among schoolchildren, and adult substance use, psychological well-being, and academic achievement. Methods Longitudinal data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study were used to evaluate the association between employment at each of 11, 13, and 15 years and adult smoking, regular alcohol binge drinking, regular cannabis use, sense of coherence, social participation, positive coping style, prosociality, no formal qualifications, and university degree. Associations were initially assessed using unadjusted regression analyses and then adjusted for the potential childhood confounders intelligence quotient, reading development, Student's Perception of Ability Scale, socioeconomic disadvantage, family climate, harsh parent–child interaction, parental opinion of their child's attitude to school, and child's personal attitude to school. Results Employment at 11 years of age was associated with a lower odds of adult smoking; the odds of subsequent regular alcohol binge drinking were greater for those who were employed at age 13; and higher adult rates of social participation and prosociality were identified for adolescents who were employed at 15 years of age. When the potential confounders were controlled, employment at age 13 was predictive of both adult smoking and regular binge drinking, and working at 15 years of age was protective against regular cannabis use and associated with greater social participation. Conclusions There is no consistent evidence that exposing schoolchildren to part-time employment compromised subsequent health, well-being, and education in a developed country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular nut consumption may improve markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. The quantity of nuts required to achieve these health benefits without compromising body weight and acceptance is unknown. This study compared the effects of incorporating hazelnuts at 2 different doses with a diet without nuts on inflammatory markers, cell adhesion molecules, and body composition in 107 overweight and obese individuals. This was a randomized, controlled, parallel 12-wk intervention including 3 treatment arms: no nuts (control group), 30 g/d of hazelnuts, or 60 g/d of hazelnuts. Blood pressure, body composition, plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), lipid, and apolipoprotein (apo) profiles were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 wk. "Desire" and "liking" for nuts were assessed during the intervention. Results showed no significant differences in follow-up clinical outcomes between groups after adjusting for baseline values, age, sex, and BMI (all P ≥ 0.10), except for a tendency toward improvement in VCAM-1 concentration in the 60-g/d nut group (P = 0.07). Hazelnut consumption significantly improved diet quality in a dose-response manner. Desire and liking for nuts remained stable in the 30-g/d group, whereas these ratings decreased significantly over time in the 60-g/d group (both P < 0.001). In conclusion, 12 wk of hazelnut consumption appears to have minimal effect on inflammatory markers and cell adhesion molecules in this group of healthy, normocholesterolemic overweight and obese individuals. Nut consumption improves diet quality without adversely affecting body composition. Consuming 30 g/d of nuts regularly is achievable, whereas 60 g/d appears to compromise desire and liking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sedentary behavior is a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease. Regularly interrupting sedentary behavior with activity breaks may lower this risk. Objective: We compared the effects of prolonged sitting, continuous physical activity combined with prolonged sitting, and regular activity breaks on postprandial metabolism. Design: Seventy adults participated in a randomized crossover study. The prolonged sitting intervention involved sitting for 9 h, the physical activity intervention involved walking for 30 min and then sitting, and the regular-activity-break intervention involved walking for 1 min 40 s every 30 min. Participants consumed a meal-replacement beverage at 60, 240, and 420 min. Results: The plasma incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for insulin differed between interventions (overall P < 0.001). Regular activity breaks lowered values by 866.7 IU · L-1 · 9 h-1 (95% CI: 506.0, 1227.5 IU · L-1 · 9 h-1; P < 0.001) when compared with prolonged sitting and by 542.0 IU · L-1 · 9 h-1 (95% CI: 179.9, 904.2 IU · L-1 · 9 h-1; P = 0.003) when compared with physical activity. Plasma glucose iAUC also differed between interventions (overall P < 0.001). Regular activity breaks lowered values by 18.9 mmol · L-1 · 9 h-1 (95% CI: 10.0, 28.0 mmol · L-1 · 9 h-1; P < 0.001) when compared with prolonged sitting and by 17.4 mmol · L-1 · 9 h-1 (95% CI: 8.4, 26.3 mmol · L-1 · 9 h-1; P < 0.001) when compared with physical activity. Plasma triglyceride iAUC differed between interventions (overall P = 0.023). Physical activity lowered values by 6.3 mmol · L-1 · 9 h-1 (95% CI: 1.8, 10.7 mmol · L-1 · 9 h-1; P = 0.006) when compared with regular activity breaks. Conclusion: Regular activity breaks were more effective than continuous physical activity at decreasing postprandial glycemia and insulinemia in healthy, normal-weight adults. This trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials registry as ACTRN12610000953033. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The sensory attributes of foods may have an important influence on intake because of sensory-specific satiety (SSS). Foods with high SSS may aid in body weight maintenance as a result of termination of consumption before metabolic satiety. No studies have investigated whether long-term exposure to a food might change SSS or how this affects food intake. Objective: The objective was to compare the effects of daily consumption of 3 energy-dense snack foods (hazelnuts, chocolate, and potato chips) for 12 wk on SSS and ad libitum intake during a tasting session. Design: One hundred eighteen participants took part in this randomized, controlled, parallel study with 4 arms: control group (no additional food) or ~1100 kj/d for each snack. SSS, food intake, and body composition were measured at baseline and at week 12. Results: Daily consumption of snacks for 12 wk resulted in a statistically significant reduction in SSS in all 3 snack groups (P = 0.015). However, no such changes were seen in the control group (P = 0.608). Ad libitum energy intake increased over the study during the tasting sessions for the snack food across all groups, including the control group (P = 0.039). Inverse associations were found between baseline SSS and BMI (P = 0.039), percentage body fat (P = 0.013), and fat mass (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Habitual consumption of a high energy-dense snack food results in a decrease in SSS, which could lead to a higher energy intake of the snack. This trial was registered at www.anzctr.org.au as ACTRN12609000265279. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For young children, the level of vitamin D required to ensure that most achieve targeted serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] ≥50 nmol/L has not been studied. We aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D-fortified milk on serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations and to examine the dose-response relationship between vitamin D intake from study milks and serum 25(OH)D concentrations in healthy toddlers aged 12-20 mo living in Dunedin, New Zealand (latitude 46°S(. Data from a 20-wk, partially blinded, randomized trial that investigated the effect of providing red meat or fortified toddler milk on the iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin D status in young New Zealand children (n = 181; mean age 17 mo( were used. Adherence to the intervention was assessed by 7-d weighed diaries at wk 2, 7, 11, 15, and 19. Serum 25(OH(D concentration was measured at baseline and wk 20. Mean vitamin D intake provided by fortified milk was 3.7 μg/d (range, 0-10.4 μg/d). After 20 wk, serum 25(OH(D concentrations but not PTH were significantly different in the milk groups. The prevalence of having a serum 25(OH(D <50 nmol/L remained relatively unchanged at 43% in the meat group, whereas it significantly decreased to between 11 and 15% in those consuming fortified study milk. In New Zealand, vitamin D intake in young children is minimal. Our findings indicate that habitual consumption of vitamin D-fortified milk providing a mean intake of nearly 4 μg/d was effective in achieving adequate year-round serum 25(OH)D for most children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the fun effect of chronic low-dose folic acid is important in interpreting the effect of the mandatory folic acid fortification program in North America. Objective: We aimed to describe the rate of attainment and steady state (plateau) of red blood cell (RBC) folate in response to long- term intake of 140 pg (designed to mimic fortification) and 400 pg (recommended dose for the primary prevention of neural tube defects) folic aciclld in reproductive-aged women living in a country with minimal fortification. Design: On the basis of pharmacokinetics principles, it was recently proposed that a steady state should be reached after 40 wk. Thus, 144 women aged 18-40 y were randomly assigned to receive a daily folic acid supplement of 140 (n= 49) or 400 (n = 48) pg or placebo (n = 47) for 40 wk. RBC folate was measured at baseline and at 6, 12, 29, and 40 wk. Results: After 40 wk, RBC folate did not reach a plateau in either treatment group. Kinetic modeling of the data indicated that RBC folate would approximately double from 779 to 1356 nmol/L in response to 140 pg folic acidld with only ≈50% of model-estimated steady state conditions achieved at 40 wk. An average RBC folate concentration of 1068 nmol/L after 12 wk of supplementation with 400 pg folic acidld was readily achieved at 36 wk after continuous intake of 140 pg/d. Conclusion: Our model shows the considerable length of time required to attain the frill effect of tow-dose folic acid, which suggests that 140 pg folic acid/d could be as effective as 400 pg folic acid/d taken during the periconceptional period if given sufficient time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that New Zealand (NZ) children are mildly zinc deficient and may respond to dietary change. A 20-wk randomized intervention trial was therefore conducted to determine whether an increased intake of red meat or consumption of a fortified manufactured toddler milk drink )FTMD, fortified with zinc and other micronutrients) would increase dietary zinc intakes and improve the biochemical zinc status of 12- to 20-mo-old NZ toddlers. Toddlers were randomized to a red meat intervention In 90), FTMD intervention In = 45), or nonfortified milk placebo In = 90). Study foods were provided. Adherence was assessed via monthly 7-d meat or milk recording diaries. Hair and serum zinc concentrations, and length and weight were measured at baseline and postintervention. Nutrient intakes were assessed via 3-d weighed food records at baseline, wk 4, and wk 18. At baseline, 38% of participants had low serum zinc concentrations despite seemingly adequate dietary zinc intakes (<4% below the Estimated Average Requirement). Dietary zinc intakes significantly increased by 0.8 mg/d 195% Cl: 0.5, 1.11 in the meat group and 0.7 mg/d 195% Cl: 0.2, 1.1) in the FTMD group compared with a decrease of -0.5 (95% C): -0.8, -0.21 mg/din the placebo group. No corresponding increases in serum or hair zinc concentrations were observed. Dietary zinc intakes achievable via interventions based on red meat or a FTMD are unlikely to improve biochemical zinc status in NZ toddlers. These results also question cutoffs used to define zinc deficiency in toddlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Postural control and motor coordination are essential components of normal athletic activity. Tasks involving balance and coordination are used to determine neurological function in sports-related concussion. Determining normative values for these tasks is therefore essential to provide sports medicine professionals with a frame of reference with which to interpret clinical measures obtained from players suspected of sustaining a concussion. One hundred and seventytwo healthy subjects (16–37 yrs) performed three timed tests: Tandem Gait (TG); Finger-to-Nose (FTN); Single-Leg-Stance (SLS) on firm and foam surfaces. Unadjusted geometric means (±SD) for each measure were averaged across three trials. Time to complete TG was 11.2±1.2s. FTN for the dominant and non-dominant arm were 2.9±1.1s and 3.0±1.2s, respectively. SLS values for dominant and non-dominant leg were 20.4±3.0s (firm), 3.4±1.6s (foam), and 21.0±2.9s (firm), 3.3±1.6s (foam), respectively. For TG, there was an order effect (P <.001) but no age, sex or BMI effects. FTN demonstrated a dominant arm preference (P <.001), sex (P =.006), BMI (P =.043) and order effects (P <.001). SLS demonstrated an order effect on the firm surface (P =.009) and an order (P <.001) and BMI (P =.001) effect on foam. Intra-rater reliability, as measured by ICC (3,3), demonstrated that TG and FTN had excellent reliability compared to SLS. FTN and TG should continue to be used in test batteries to determine neurological function in sports-related concussion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The results of randomized controlled trials indicate that the amount and type of dietary fat are important predictors of serum cholesterol concentrations. However, the results of observational studies show weak or no association between dietary fat intake and serum cholesterol. Serum fatty acids are valid biomarkers of fat intake and may improve dietary estimates. Objective: The objective was to ascertain whether serum fatty acids are associated with serum cholesterol concentrations in New Zealand adolescents and adults. Design: The current study was a cross-sectional, national, population-based survey of 2793 New Zealanders aged ⩾15 y who participated in the 1997 National Nutrition Survey. The fatty acid composition of serum cholesterol esters, phospholipids, and triacylglycerols was measured. Results: A 1-SD increase in myristic acid (14:0) in serum cholesterol ester, phospholipids, and triacylglycerol corresponded with increases in serum cholesterol of 0.19, 0.13, and 0.10 mmol/L, respectively, after adjustment of the regression analysis for sex, age, body mass index, ethnicity, and smoking. The mean difference in cholesterol concentrations between persons in the highest and the lowest quintiles of serum cholesteryl-myristate was 0.48 mmol/L (P for trend<0.001).A1-SD increase in the proportion of linoleic acid (18:2n-6) in serum cholesterol ester, phospholipids, and triacylglycerol corresponded with decreases in serum cholesterol of 0.07, 0.07, and 0.05 mmol/L, respectively. The difference in mean serum cholesterol between the highest and lowest quintiles of cholesteryllinoleate was 0.18 mmol/L (P for trend = 0.019). Conclusion: Saturated and polyunsaturated fat intakes, measured by using fatty acid biomarkers, are important predictors of serum cholesterol concentrations in New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Activating nuts refers to soaking or pre-germination to reduce the phytate. • Activating nuts does not result in meaningful reductions in phytate concentrations. • Mineral concentrations were lower in activated nuts. • Activating nuts does not improve phytate to mineral ratios. Claims in the lay literature suggest soaking nuts enhances mineral bioavailability. Research on legumes and grains indicate soaking reduces phytate levels, however, there is no evidence to support or refute these claims for nuts. We assessed the effects of different soaking regimes on phytate and mineral concentrations of whole and chopped almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and walnuts. The treatments were: 1. Raw; 2. soaked for 12 h in salt solution; 3. soaked for 4 h in salt solution; 4. soaked for 12 h in water. Phytate concentrations were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and minerals by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Differences in phytate concentrations between treated and untreated nuts were small, ranging from −12% to +10%. Overall, soaking resulted in lower mineral concentrations, especially for chopped nuts, and did not improve phytate:mineral molar ratios. This research does not support claims that 'activating' nuts results in greater nutrient bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children consume ultra-processed food (UPF) from a young age, but the proportional contribution of UPF to young children's total energy intakes has not been evaluated in developed countries. To describe UPF intake and associations with demographic factors in young children from 12 to 60 months of age. Cohort study comprising a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial. Demographic data were collected by questionnaire. At 12, 24, and 60 months of age validated food frequency questionnaires estimated percentage of energy intake from UPF (%kcal UPF). The 669 children were born in Dunedin, New Zealand, between May 2009 and December 2010. Mean percentage of energy intake from UPF at 12, 24, and 60 months of age, mean differences in %kcal UPF by demographic variables. Mixed effects regression models were used to estimate relationships between demographics and %kcal UPF. Multiple imputation methods were used to impute missing UPF data. UPF contributed mean (95% confidence interval) 45% (44%, 47%), 42% (41%, 44%), and 51% (50%, 52%) of energy intake to the diets of children at 12, 24, and 60 months of age, respectively. Energy intake from UPF was moderately correlated between 24 and 60 months (r = 0.36). No demographic factors were associated with mean %kcal UPF across time points, except for maternal obesity predicting higher UPF intake at 12 months. Bread, yoghurt, crackers, whole-wheat breakfast cereal, sausages, and muesli bars were among the 10 foods making the greatest contribution to mean %kcal UPF intakes at all time points. UPF contribute a substantial proportion of energy to the diets of young children. A range of foods with varying nutritional profiles contribute to these high intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the iron status of pregnant tribal women from Ramtek, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India using a combination of indices. Methods: A community-based observational study was conducted to assess iron status using a convenience sample of pregnant Indian tribal women from Ramtek. Pregnant women were recruited at 13 to 22 wk gestation (first visit; n = 211) and followed to 29 to 42 wk gestation (second visit; n = 177) of pregnancy. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data; iron supplement intake; and blood samples for estimating hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were obtained. Results: The mean (SD) Hb concentration at recruitment was 106 (15) g/L and 106 (14) g/L at the second visit; 41% of the women at recruitment and 55% at second visit were anemic (14% higher, P < 0.001). No women at recruitment and 3.7% at second visit had SF concentration < 15 ng/mL; and 3.3% at recruitment and 3.9% at the second visit had sTfR > 4.4 ng/mL (0.6% higher, P = 0.179). Almost 62% and 71% of pregnant women used iron supplements at both visits, respectively. Iron supplement intake > 7 d in the preceding month improved the Hb concentration by 3.23 g/L and reduced sTfR concentration by 13%; women who were breastfeeding at the time of recruitment had 11% higher SF concentration. Conclusions: The iron indices suggest that pregnant tribal women of central India, although anemic, had good iron status. Use of iron supplements > 7 d in the preceding month improved iron status; however, non-iron-deficiency anemia persisted in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The existence of concurrent micronutrient deficiencies in Indian women of reproductive age has received little attention. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the micronutrient status of nonpregnant rural and tribal women 18–30 y from central India. Methods: Participants (n = 109) were randomly selected using a stratified (rural-tribal) proportionate-to-population size cluster sampling method from 12 subcenters in Ramtek block, Nagpur. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary, and biochemical data, including blood and urine samples, were obtained. Results: Tribal and rural women had similar sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric status; 63% of women had a body mass index <18.5 kg/m2. The median urinary iodine concentration was 215 μg/L (IQR: 127, 319). The mean (SD) concentration of hemoglobin, serum zinc, retinol, and folate was 112 (13) g/L, 10.8 (1.6) μmol/L, 1.2 (0.3) μmol/L, 18.4 (8.4) nmol/L, respectively, with a geometric mean serum vitamin B12 concentration of 186 pmol/L. The percentage of women with low values for hemoglobin (<120 g/L), serum zinc (<10.7 μmol/L), vitamin B12 (<148 pmol/L), retinol (<0.7 μmol/L), and folate (<6.8 nmol/L) was 66%, 52%, 34%, 4%, and 2%, respectively. Tribal women had a higher prevalence of zinc deficiency (58% versus 39%, P = 0.054) and concurrent deficiency of any two micronutrients (46% versus 26%; P = 0.034), including zinc and anemia (38% versus 21%, P = 0.024). Conclusion: Zinc, vitamin B12, and iron constitute the principal micronutrient deficiencies in these women. Existing supplementation programs should be extended to include 18- to 30-y-old nonpregnant women as the majority of childbearing occurs within this timeframe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]