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Purpose: There is increasing interest in the health benefits of plant-based diets (PBDs). Evidence reports favourable associations with inflammatory profiles and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. However, limited studies have examined relationships between PBD indices (PDIs) and inflammatory biomarkers. We explored overall PDI, healthful PDI (hPDI) and unhealthful PDI (uPDI) associations with inflammatory biomarker profiles. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis included 1986 middle- to older-aged adults from the Mitchelstown Cohort. PDI scores were calculated using validated food frequency questionnaires. PDI score associations with inflammatory biomarkers were assessed via linear regression analysis, with adjustment for potential confounders. Results: Comparison of quintiles (Q5 vs Q1) revealed lower concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils and monocytes, and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (PDI and hPDI P < 0.05); lower leptin (PDI, P < 0.05), and complement component 3 (C3), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, lymphocytes and eosinophils (hPDI, P < 0.05); and higher concentrations of adiponectin (PDI and hPDI, P < 0.05). Conversely, higher concentrations of C3, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, resistin, WBCs, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and lower adiponectin concentrations were observed comparing uPDI quintiles (P < 0.05). In fully adjusted regression models, higher hPDI scores were associated with lower concentrations of C3, TNF-α, WBCs, neutrophils and monocytes (all P < 0.01). Higher uPDI scores were associated with higher C3 and TNF-α concentrations (all P < 0.01). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that a more healthful PBD is associated with a more favourable inflammatory profile and that a more unhealthful PBD is associated with the reverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The childhood years represent a period of increased nutrient requirements during which a balanced diet is important to ensure optimal growth and development. The aim of this study was to examine food and nutrient intakes and compliance with recommendations in school-aged children in Ireland and to examine changes over time. Analyses were based on two National Children's Food Surveys; NCFS (2003–2004) (n 594) and NCFS II (2017–2018) (n 600) which estimated food and nutrient intakes in nationally representative samples of children (5–12 years) using weighed food records (NCFS: 7-d; NCFS II: 4-d). This study found that nutrient intakes among school-aged children in Ireland are generally in compliance with recommendations; however, this population group have higher intakes of saturated fat, free sugars and salt, and lower intakes of dietary fibre than recommended. Furthermore, significant proportions have inadequate intakes of vitamin D, Ca, Fe and folate. Some of the key dietary changes that have occurred since the NCFS (2003–2004) include decreased intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juice, milk and potatoes, and increased intakes of wholemeal/brown bread, high-fibre ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, porridge, pasta and whole fruit. Future strategies to address the nutrient gaps identified among this population group could include the continued promotion of healthy food choices (including education around 'healthy' lifestyles and food marketing restrictions), improvements of the food supply through reformulation (fat, sugar, salt, dietary fibre), food fortification for micronutrients of concern (voluntary or mandatory) and/or nutritional supplement recommendations (for nutrients unlikely to be sufficient from food intake alone). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The rate of neural tube defects (NTDs) in Europe has remained similar since the 1990s despite folic acid supplement recommendations (400 µg/day) for women of childbearing age. Mandatory folic acid fortification of staple foods has proved effective for reducing the prevalence of NTDs in over 80 countries. This study estimated the impact of addition of folic acid to bread or flour in the Republic of Ireland on reducing the risk of occurrence of NTD-affected pregnancies and the possible risk of masking (undiagnosed) vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults. Methods: Analyses were based on the Irish National Adult Nutrition Survey (2008–2010). Folic acid fortification was modelled using DaDiet© software. Estimates were made of the increase in average daily folic acid intake in women (18–50 years) and the risk of exceeding the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 1000 µg for folic acid in adults over 50 years of age. Results: The fortification scenarios examined would reduce the risk of NTD-affected pregnancies by 8–32%, corresponding to an increase of 39–152 μg in the mean daily folic acid intake of WCBA. The risk of masking anaemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults would be negligible as the probability of exceeding the UL for folic acid, even by a small amount, is very low (≤ 0.2%). Conclusions: These levels of addition of folic acid to bread or flour would effectively reduce the risk of NTDs while allowing safe consumption of folic acid at current levels from other fortified foods and supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: Dietary free sugars (FS) are the most important risk factor for dental caries and can contribute to excess energy intake. Measuring FS intake is limited by food composition databases and appropriate dietary assessment methods. The aim of this analysis was to estimate total sugar (TS) and FS intakes for Irish pre-schoolers and examine the proportion of dietary TS and FS captured using a short food questionnaire (SFQ). Methods: This is a secondary analysis of 3-year-old children from two national surveys; Growing Up in Ireland (GUI), N = 9793 of whom 49% were girls and the National Preschool Nutrition Survey (NPNS), N = 126 and 52% were girls. GUI used SFQs and NPNS used semi-weighed food diaries to collect dietary data from 3-year-old children. Dietary intake databases were linked using an established approach. Mean daily TS and FS intakes and frequency were calculated, and consumption patterns from foods and meals are presented. The proportion of foods that were covered or non-covered by the GUI SFQ was calculated by comparison with the NPNS food diary. Results: 75% of 3 year-olds had FS intake greater than the maximum recommended by WHO guidelines for free sugar intake, while 4% met the lower threshold. The median frequency of TS and FS consumption was 5.0 (4.0–6.0) and 4.0 (3.0–5.0) times/day. Less than one-quarter of TS intake (g/day) was non-covered by the GUI SFQ while less than one-third of FS intake was non-covered. Conclusions: A large majority of 3-year-old Irish children do not meet the WHO recommended guidelines for FS intake and almost none meet the desired conditional recommendation. SFQs only capture two-thirds of FS intake at this early age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The trace element iodine is a vital constituent of thyroid hormones. Iodine requirements increase during pregnancy, when even mild deficiency may affect the neurocognitive development of the offspring. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) is the means of assessing iodine status in population surveys; a median UIC of 100–199 µg/L is deemed sufficient in a non-pregnant population. Milk is the main dietary source of iodine in the UK and Ireland. Methods: We surveyed the iodine status of 903 girls aged 14–15 years in seven sites across the island of Ireland. Urine iodine concentration was measured in spot-urine samples collected between March 2014 and October 2015. Food group intake was estimated from iodine-specific food-frequency questionnaire. Milk-iodine concentration was measured at each site in summer and winter. Results: The median UIC overall was 111 µg/L. Galway was the only site in the deficient range (median UIC 98 µg/L). All five of the Republic of Ireland sites had UIC ≤ 105 µg/L. In the two sites surveyed twice, UIC was lower in summer vs winter months [117 µg/L (IQR 76–165) vs 130 µg/L (IQR 91–194) (p < 0.01)]. Milk samples collected from Galway and Roscommon had a lower mean iodine concentration than those from Derry/Londonderry (p < 0.05). Milk intake was positively associated with UIC (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This is the largest survey of its kind on the island of Ireland, which currently has no iodine-fortification programme. Overall, the results suggest that this young female population sits at the low end of sufficiency, which has implications if, in future, they enter pregnancy with borderline status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inadequate intakes of vitamin D and iron have been reported in young children in Ireland. The present study aimed to identify the main foods determining vitamin D and iron intakes and to model the impact of dietary strategies to improve adequacy of these micronutrients in young children. Methods The present study is based on the Irish National Pre-School Nutrition Survey ( NPNS), which estimated food and nutrient intakes in a representative sample ( n = 500) of children (aged 1-4 years) using a 4-day weighed food record. Dietary strategies were modelled using DaDiet© software (Dazult Ltd, Co. Kildare, Republic of Ireland) and the usual intake distribution, prevalence of inadequate intakes and risk of excessive intakes were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Results Fortified foods and nutritional supplements were the key foods influencing the intakes of vitamin D and iron. Adding a 5 μg day−1 vitamin D supplement, fortifying cow's milk ( CM) with vitamin D or replacing CM with growing-up milk ( GUM) would modestly increase intakes of vitamin D. A combined strategy of fortifying CM with vitamin D or replacing CM with GUM plus a 5 μg day−1 vitamin D supplement would increase mean intakes of vitamin D (from 3.5 μg day−1 at baseline to ≥11 μg day−1) and substantially reduce the prevalence of inadequate intakes (from >95% to 12-36%). Fortifying CM with iron or replacing CM with GUM would increase mean intakes of iron (from 7.3 mg day−1 to >10 mg day−1), achieving adequate intakes across all ages. Conclusions Based on real food consumption data in a representative sample of Irish children, we have shown that through targeted dietary strategies adequate intakes of iron are achievable and intakes of vitamin D could be greatly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the importance of fruit and vegetable (F&V) intakes in the prevention of chronic diseases is well established, there are limited data on intakes in very young children. This study estimates F&V intakes and sources and the contribution to the total diet using data from the National Pre- School Nutrition Survey, a nationally representative sample (n 500) of Irish children aged 1-4 years. A 4-d weighed food record was used to collect food intake data. Of 1652 food codes consumed, 740 had a fruit/vegetable component. The percentage of edible fruits and/or vegetables in each food code was calculated. Intakes (g/d), sources (g/d) and the contribution of F&V to the weight of the total diet (%) were estimated, split by age. All children consumed F&V. Intakes of total fruits, in particular fruit juice, increased with age. The contribution to total fruit intake was discrete fruits (47-56% range across age), 100% fruit juice, smoothies and pureés (32-45 %) as well as fruits in composite dishes (7-13 %). Total vegetable intake comprised of discrete vegetables (48-62% range across age) and vegetables in composite dishes (38-52 %). F&V contributed on average 20% (15% fruit; 5% vegetables) to the weight of the total diet and was <10% in sixty-one children (12%). F&V contributed 50% of vitamin C, 53% of carotene, 34% of dietary fibre and 42% of non-milk sugar intakes from the total diet. F&V are important components of the diet of Irish pre-school children; however, some aspects of F&V intake patterns could be improved in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are major congenital malformations that are potentially preventable if the woman takes periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplements. A recent report found that NTD incidence had increased in Ireland. This study examined the usage of FA supplementation in women presenting for antenatal care in a maternity hospital. Methods Women were recruited at their convenience in the first trimester. Their clinical and sociodemographic details were computerized. Maternal weight and height were measured before calculating body mass index. Detailed FA questionnaires were completed under supervision of a trained researcher. Results While 96.1 %(n = 564) out of 587 reported that they took FA after they became pregnant, only 24.7% (n = 145) took it for .12 weeks preconceptionallyas recommended. Only 5.7% (n = 6) of obese women took high-dose FA as recommended. On univariate analysis, the strongest predictors of preconceptional FA usage were higher maternal age, higher education and income, being married, being nulliparous, not smoking, infertility treatment and planned pregnancy. On multivariate analysis, both planned pregnancy and nulliparity were the most important predictors of preconceptiona l FA use. Conclusions Our study shows that current recommendations to prevent NTDs by FA supplementation pre-pregnancyare not being fully implemented in Ireland. We recommend a review of current public health policies on FA supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although imbalances in dietary intakes can have short and longer term influences on the health of preschool children, few tools exist to quickly and easily identify nutritional risk in otherwise healthy young children. Objectives: To develop and test the validity of a parent-administered questionnaire (NutricheQ) as a means of evaluating dietary risk in young children (12-36 months). Design: Following a comprehensive development process and internal reliability assessment, the NutricheQ questionnaire was validated in a cohort of 371 Irish preschool children as part of the National Preschool Nutrition Survey. Dietary risk was rated on a scale ranging from 0 to 22 from 11 questions, with a higher score indicating higher risk. Results: Children with higher NutricheQ scores had significantly (p<0.05) lower mean daily intakes of key nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin D, riboflavin, niacin, folate, phosphorous, potassium, carotene, retinol, and dietary fibre. They also had lower (p<0.05) intakes of vegetables, fish and fish dishes, meat and infant/toddler milks and higher intakes of processed foods and non-milk beverages, confectionery, sugars and savoury snack foods indicative of poorer dietary quality. Areas under the curve values of 84.7 and 75.6% were achieved for 'medium' and 'high' dietary risk when compared with expert risk ratings indicating good consistency between the two methods. Conclusion: NutricheQ is a valid method of quickly assessing dietary quality in preschoolers and in identifying those at increased nutritional risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]