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Abstract: Calcium from dairy sources is beneficial to weight loss; however, no studies have compared the effects of dairy to nondairy sources of calcium on weight loss. This pilot study explored differences between soy and skim milk on changes in anthropometric values in premenopausal women. In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 14 women with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to 720 mL soy milk (n=7) or an equivalent volume of skim milk (n=7) daily for 8 weeks. Subjects followed a 500-kcal deficit diet based on metabolic rate data. There were no anthropometric differences between soy and skim milk groups at baseline. Subjects followed an energy-restricted diet; both groups experienced reductions in kilogram weight (4.27±2.05 vs 3.76±2.25; P=0.668), body fat percent (1.30±1.37 vs 1.87±1.45; P=0.464), and abdominal circumference (11.28±5.23 vs 8.66±2.51; P=0.259) while attenuating losses of fat-free mass (1.12±1.29 vs 0.43±1.12; P=0.299) during the 8-week study. There were no significant differences in weight, fat percent, abdominal circumference, and fat-free mass between groups. To optimize the weight loss effects of calcium, one can consume 720 mL of either soy milk or skim milk daily. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to examine differences between elderly herbal supplement users and nonusers with respect to their perceptions of the safety of supplements and their satisfaction with current medical care. The researchers interviewed 69 elderly persons from congregate meal sites in four Illinois counties to assess herbal supplement use, perceptions of herbal supplement safety, medical supervision of herbal supplement use, and satisfaction with medical care. Two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests compared both perceived safety of herbal supplements and satisfaction with medical care of supplement users and nonusers. Herbal supplement users were more likely to perceive supplements as safe and to be less satisfied with conventional medical care than nonusers. Some elderly persons do not inform physicians that they are using herbal supplements, thus increasing the risk for supplement misuse, toxicity, and drug-supplement interactions. It is important that physicians, dietetics professionals, and pharmacists inquire about and discuss herbal supplement use with elderly patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Long-haul truckers are confined, by parking regulations and other constraints, to dining at truck-stop restaurants. Objectives were to (a) compare truckers’ anthropometrics with recommended guidelines; and (b) assess eating/exercise habits, importance of healthful food choices, and attitudes about restaurants’ provision of healthful options. Hypotheses were: (a) overweight/obese drivers will place less importance on healthful food choices than will drivers of optimal weight; (b) importance of healthful food choices and attitudes about their provision will be positively correlated. Questionnaires included Food Choices Index, Nutrition Attitude Survey, and demographic information; bioelectrical impedance assessed weight, body fat, and body mass index. Subjects (n=92) were truckers at a Midwestern truck-stop restaurant; 79 were overweight, 52 were obese. Mean rating of importance of healthful choices was above average. There was no difference in importance of healthful food choices for overweight/obese and optimal weight drivers, t(89)=−1.312; P=0.19. Drivers placing more importance on healthful food choices had more positive attitudes about restaurants’ provision of such options, r(90)=0.74, P<0.001. Overall, drivers indicated they would choose healthful foods if available and appetizing. Registered dietitian-directed wellness programs that include education, support, and cooperation of truck-stop restaurants are critical to reduce obesity and risk of disease in this population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]