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Background and Aims: There are indications for tracking of circulating total cholesterol concentration (TC) from childhood to later in life. An increased lifelong TC exposure increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, however little is known about the determinants of TC early in life. We aimed to describe TC in Norwegian offspring aged 6, 12 and 24 months, and to explore if maternal TC, breastfeeding and offspring diet are associated with offspring TC., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, mothers of offspring aged 6 (n = 629), 12 (n = 258) and 24 (n = 263) months completed a questionnaire of the offspring's diet and took home-based dried blood spot samples from themselves and their offspring. The mothers and offspring participating at age 12 months also participated at age 6 months of the offspring., Results: Offspring TC showed a wide range in all three age groups. Twenty one percent of the offspring had TC ≥ 5.1 mmol/l. There was significant tracking of offspring TC from 6 to 12 months of age (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Maternal and offspring TC was positively associated in all age groups (0.20 ≤ β ≤ 0.40, p < 0.001 for all). Breastfeeding was positively associated with offspring TC at ages 6 and 12 months (0.05 ≤ β ≤ 0.26, 0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.03), but not at age 24 months., Conclusions: The wide range in TC and probable tracking of TC from infancy to later in life highlights the importance of early identification of children with elevated TC who can benefit from preventive measures., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: Elevated total cholesterol (TC) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) are risk factors for cardiovascular disease; however, little is known about their determinants in infants. We aimed to describe TC and HbA1c concentrations in infants aged 8-14 months and explore the relation between infant TC, HbA1c, breastfeeding, infant diet, and maternal TC and HbA1c., Methods: In this cross-sectional pilot study, mothers of infants aged 6 and 12 months were invited to complete a food frequency questionnaire and to take home-based dried blood spot samples from themselves and their infants., Results: Among the 143 included infants, the mean (SD, range) concentration was 4.1 (0.8, 2.3-6.6) mmol/L for TC and 4.9 (0.4, 3.7-6.0)% for HbA1c. There was no significant difference between age groups and sexes. There was a positive relation between TC concentrations of all infants and mothers (B = 0.30 unadjusted, B = 0.32 adjusted, P < .001 for both) and a negative relation between infant TC and intake of unsaturated fatty acids in the oldest age group (B = -0.09, P = .03 unadjusted, B = -0.08, P = .06 adjusted). Infant HbA1c was not significantly related to diet or maternal HbA1c., Conclusion: TC and HbA1c concentrations varied widely among infants aged 8-14 months. Infant TC was associated with macronutrient intake and maternal TC., (©2019 The Authors. Acta Paediatrica Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation Acta Paediatrica.)

Adipose tissue is highly involved in whole-body metabolism and is the main site for lipid synthesis, storage and mobilization in ruminants. Therefore, knowledge about adipose tissue responses to different diets is important, especially in growing heifers as the feeding regimes of replacement heifers affect their future success as dairy cows. However, at gene expression level such knowledge is limited. As part of a larger feed trial, adipose tissue biopsies from 24 Norwegian Red heifers were collected at 12 months of age (12MO) and at month seven of gestation (PREG) and analyzed by next-generation mRNA sequencing. Between these two sampling points, all heifers had gone through a successful conception and a feed change from four dietary treatments of high or low energy (HE/LE) and protein (HP/LP) content (treatments LPHE, HPHE, LPLE and HPLE) to a low-energy, low-protein pregnancy feed given to all animals. Gene expression differences between different feed treatments at 12MO are described in an earlier publication from our group. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the long-term effects of diets differing in protein and energy density level on gene expression in adipose tissue of growing replacement dairy heifers. To achieve this, we examined the post-treatment effects between the treatment groups at month seven of gestation; 6 months after the termination of experimental feeding, and the long-term gene expression changes occurring in the adipose tissue between 12MO and PREG. Post-treatment group comparisons showed evidence of long-term effects of dietary treatment on adipose gene expression. Differences between protein treatments were smaller than between energy treatments. Adipose gene expression changes from 12MO to PREG were much larger for the HE than the LE treatments and seemed to mostly be explained by the characteristics of the diet change. 97 genes displayed a unidirectional expression change for all groups from 12MO to PREG, and are considered to be treatment-independent, possibly caused by pregnancy or increased age. This study provides candidate genes and key regulators for further studies on pregnancy preservation (TGFB1, CFD) and metabolic regulation and efficiency (PI3K, RICTOR, MAP4K4,) in dairy cattle., Competing Interests: The authors have read the journal's policy and have the following competing interests: This study is partly funded by TINE SA Norwegian dairies, Felleskjøpet agricultural cooperative and Animalia AS. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products to declare. This does not alter our adherence to all the PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Objective: To describe the introduction of complementary foods in a population-based cohort in relation to recommendations and explore the possible impact of maternal education on infant feeding practices., Design: Prospective data from the All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS) cohort study were used. The ABIS study invited all infants born in south-east Sweden during October 1997-October 1999 (n 21 700) to participate. A questionnaire was completed for 16 022 infants. During the infants' first year parents continuously filed in a diary covering introduction of foods., Setting: Sweden., Subjects: Infants (n 9727) with completed food diaries., Results: Potatoes, vegetables, fruits/berries and porridge were the foods first introduced, with a median introduction between 19 and 22 weeks, followed by introduction of meat, cow's milk, follow-on formula and sour milk/yoghurt between 24 and 27 weeks. Early introduction of any food, before 16 weeks, occurred for 27 % of the infants and was more common in infants of mothers with low education. Overall, potatoes (14·7 %), vegetables (11·1 %), fruits/berries (8·5 %), porridge (7·4 %) and follow-on formula (2·7 %) were the foods most frequently introduced early. The majority of infants (≥70 %) were introduced to potatoes, vegetables, fruits/berries and porridge during concurrent breast-feeding, but introduction during concurrent breast-feeding was less common in infants of mothers with low education., Conclusions: Most infants were introduced to complementary foods timely in relation to recommendations. Low maternal education was associated with earlier introduction of complementary foods and less introduction during concurrent breast-feeding. Still, the results indicated exposure to fewer foods at 12 months in infants of mothers with low education.

Load carriage (LC) exercise may exacerbate inflammation during training. Nutritional supplementation may mitigate this response by sparing endogenous carbohydrate stores, enhancing glycogen repletion, and attenuating negative energy balance. Two studies were conducted to assess inflammatory responses to acute LC and training, with or without nutritional supplementation. Study 1: 40 adults fed eucaloric diets performed 90-min of either LC (treadmill, mean ± SD 24 ± 3 kg LC) or cycle ergometry (CE) matched for intensity (2.2 ± 0.1 VO2peak L min(-1)) during which combined 10 g protein/46 g carbohydrate (223 kcal) or non-nutritive (22 kcal) control drinks were consumed. Study 2: 73 Soldiers received either combat rations alone or supplemented with 1000 kcal day(-1) from 20 g protein- or 48 g carbohydrate-based bars during a 4-day, 51 km ski march (~45 kg LC, energy expenditure 6155 ± 515 kcal day(-1) and intake 2866 ± 616 kcal day(-1)). IL-6, hepcidin, and ferritin were measured at baseline, 3-h post exercise (PE), 24-h PE, 48-h PE, and 72-h PE in study 1, and before (PRE) and after (POST) the 4-d ski march in study 2. Study 1: IL-6 was higher 3-h and 24-h post exercise (PE) for CE only (mode × time, P < 0.05), hepcidin increased 3-h PE and recovered by 48-h, and ferritin peaked 24-h and remained elevated 72-h PE (P < 0.05), regardless of mode and diet. Study 2: IL-6, hepcidin and ferritin were higher (P < 0.05) after training, regardless of group assignment. Energy expenditure (r = 0.40), intake (r = -0.26), and balance (r = -0.43) were associated (P < 0.05) with hepcidin after training. Inflammation after acute LC and CE was similar and not affected by supplemental nutrition during energy balance. The magnitude of hepcidin response was inversely related to energy balance suggesting that eating enough to balance energy expenditure might attenuate the inflammatory response to military training., (© 2016 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Physiological Society and The Physiological Society. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.)

Background: Children growing up on small family farms are at much lower risk of developing allergy than other children. We hypothesized that low intake of margarine and polyunsaturated fats among farming families could contribute to this protection., Methods: Twenty-eight mother-infant pairs living on small dairy farms and 37 nonfarm rural resident pairs were recruited in the FARMFLORA birth cohort. Food items expected to affect dietary fat composition were recorded by food frequency questionnaires during pregnancy and by 24-h recalls followed by 24-h food diaries during lactation. Allergy was diagnosed by doctors, using strict predefined criteria. Maternal diet and breast milk fat composition were compared between farming and nonfarming mothers and related to children's allergy at age 3 y., Results: Farming mothers consumed more butter, whole milk, saturated fat, and total fat than nonfarming mothers, who consumed more margarine, oils, and low-fat milk. Farming mothers' breast milk contained higher proportions of saturated and lower proportions of polyunsaturated fat. Allergy was eight times more common in nonfarm children. Mothers of allergic children consumed more margarine and oils than mothers of nonallergic children., Conclusion: Low maternal consumption of margarine and vegetable oils might contribute to the allergy-preventive effect of growing up on small dairy farms.

Objective: To investigate if maternal diet during pregnancy is associated with occurrence of islet autoimmunity (IA) in the offspring., Methods: Of 21 700 infants invited to the All Babies in South-east Sweden (ABIS) study, 16 004 screening questionnaires, including a 22-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) regarding the mothers' diet during pregnancy, were completed after delivery. Follow-up of the children (questionnaires and blood sampling) was performed at 1, 2.5 and 5 yr of age. IA was defined as being positive (above the 95th percentile for healthy children) in two or more measurements of autoantibodies [glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA); tyrosine phosphatase (IA-2A), insulin autoantibodies (IAA)] analysed at the three time points or being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during the 5-yr follow-up period. The 5 724 children in whom we carried out two to three possible blood samplings were included in the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables predicting IA., Results: Of 5 724 children,191 (3.3%) were considered positive for IA. In a univariate analysis, less than daily consumption of vegetables (3-5 times/week) in the mothers' diet was associated with increased risk of IA (OR 1.71, 95% CI:1.24-2.35, p = 0.001) compared to daily consumption (p for trend = 0.004). The association was strengthened when adjusting for known IA-risk factors (p for trend <0.001)., Conclusions: Daily consumption of vegetables in the mothers' diet during pregnancy was associated with a decreased risk of IA in the offspring.

Objective: To describe two lifestyle prevention strategies tested in first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes and to present the short-term effects of these strategies on nutrient intake, physical activity pattern, and body weight., Design: In this 16-week controlled intervention trial, subjects were assigned to one of three treatment conditions: diet group (D) (n=25), diet and exercise group (DE) (n=30), or control group (C) (n=22). Subjects/setting Non-diabetic relatives of individuals with diabetes were recruited (n=77; men and women; age 25 to 55 years)., Intervention: Intervention groups received group counseling on two occasions and follow-up through unannounced telephone interviews every 10 days. Counseling regarding diet and physical activity was based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. In addition, increased intake of fatty fish and low glycemic index foods were recommended. Main outcome measures Changes in diet (assessed by food frequency questionnaires), leisure time physical activity (assessed through interviews), fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membrane, and body weight. Statistical analysis One-way analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare changes among groups., Results: Compared with the control group, both intervention groups decreased intake of saturated fatty acids (percent of energy), increased intake of dietary fiber, and reduced average glycemic index of the diet. The ratio of n-6:n-3 fatty acids of the erythrocyte membranes decreased, confirming increased intake of fatty fish. Body weight decreased 1.7 kg (2.1%, P=.030) in group DE, and physical activity increased in the least-active subjects (+70 min/week, P<.01 within group). Applications/Conclusions Healthy individuals with heredity for type 2 diabetes can achieve desired changes in lifestyle factors associated with increased risk for the disease.

Adipose tissue is no longer considered a mere energy reserve, but a metabolically and hormonally active organ strongly associated with the regulation of whole-body metabolism. Knowledge of adipose metabolic regulatory function is of great importance in cattle management, as it affects the efficiency and manner with which an animal converts feedstuff to milk, meat and fat. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating metabolism in bovine adipose tissue are still not fully elucidated. The emergence of next-generation sequencing technologies has facilitated the analysis of metabolic function and regulation at the global gene expression level. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diets differing in protein and energy density level on gene expression in adipose tissue of growing replacement dairy heifers using next-generation RNA sequencing (RNAseq). Norwegian Red heifers were fed either a high- or low-protein concentrate (HP/LP) and a high- or low-energy roughage (HE/LE) diet from 3 months of age until confirmed pregnancy to give four treatments (viz, HPHE, HPLE, LPHE, LPLE) with different growth profiles. Subcutaneous adipose tissue sampled at 12 months of age was analyzed for gene expression differences using RNAseq. The largest difference in gene expression was found between LPHE and LPLE heifers, for which 1092 genes were significantly differentially expressed, representing an up-regulation of mitochondrial function, lipid, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism as well as changes in the antioxidant system in adipose tissue of LPHE heifers. Differences between HPHE and HPLE heifers were much smaller, and dominated by genes representing NAD biosynthesis, as was the significantly differentially expressed genes (DEG) common to both HE-LE contrasts. Differences between HP and LP groups within each energy treatment were minimal. This study emphasizes the importance of transcriptional regulation of adipose tissue energy metabolism, and identifies candidate genes for further studies on early-stage obesity and glucose load in dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Overweight and obesity among young, adult women are increasing problems in Sweden as in many other countries. The postpartum period may be a good opportunity to improve eating habits and lose weight in a sustainable manner. The aim was to make a cost-utility analysis of a dietary behavior modification treatment alongside usual care, compared to usual care alone, among lactating overweight and obese women. Methods This study was a cost-utility analysis based on a randomized controlled and longitudinal clinical diet intervention. Between 2007-2010, 68 women living in Sweden were, after baseline measurement at 8-12 weeks postpartum, randomly assigned to a 12-week dietary behavior modification treatment or control group. Inclusion criteria were: self-reported prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) 25-35 kg/m², non-smoker, singleton term delivery, birth weight > 2500 g, intention to breastfeed for 6 mo and no diseases (mother and child). The women in the intervention group received 1.5 hour of individual counseling at study start and 1 hour at follow-up home visits after 6 weeks of intervention, with support through cell phone text messages every two wk. Dietary intervention aimed to reduce dietary intake by 500 kcal/day. The control group received usual care. Weight results have previously been reported. Here we report on analyses carried out during 2012-2013 of cost per quality adjusted life years (QALY), based on the changes in quality of life measured by EQ-5D-3 L and SF-6D. Likelihood of cost-effectiveness was calculated using Net Monetary Benefit method. Results Based on conservative assumptions of no remaining effect after 1 year follow-up, the diet intervention was cost-effective. Costs per gained QALY were 8 643 - 9 758 USD. The likelihood for cost-effectiveness, considering a willingness to pay 50 000 USD for a QALY, was 87-93%. Conclusions The diet intervention is cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: To study the long-term (1- and 2-year) effect of a lifestyle intervention on non-diabetic first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients, i.e., the 1-year effect of diet versus diet and exercise in relation to a control group and the 2-year sustainability of these treatment effects. Method: Seventy-seven healthy first-degree relatives (men and women) between the ages of 25 and 55 were allocated to one of three groups: diet group (D), diet and exercise group (DE) and control group (C). For ethical reasons, after 1 year the control group began the intervention and were followed for another 2 years. Diet and physical activity counselling was based on current nutrition recommendations, including increased intake of fatty fish and low glycaemic index foods. The fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membrane was studied as an objective measure of dietary change. Assessments included fasting insulin, 2-h insulin, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), anthropometry and blood lipid measurements. Groups D and DE received intensive follow-up through unannounced telephone interviews during the first 4 months. Results: Dietary changes were significant at 1 year, and to a large degree sustained at 2 years. Adherence to advice regarding fat quality was confirmed through changes in the fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membrane. The least active subjects in DE increased their physical activity (PA). At 1 year, group D showed a reduction in the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol (p =0.028) while group DE decreased their body weight by 2.7% (p <0.029) and increased HDL (p <0.037) versus controls. At 2 years, cholesterol levels (total, LDL and the ratio LDL/HDL) were reduced within group D and when compared to DE (p =0.022, 0.009, 0.035, respectively). Fasting insulin was reduced within group DE and when compared to group D (p =0.025). Conclusions: Positive changes in lifestyle, blood lipids and fasting insulin can be achieved and maintained in a non-diabetic population at risk of type 2 diabetes after 2 years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims:: To investigate the short-term (16 weeks) effect of lifestyle intervention on insulin sensitivity, anthropometric and metabolic variables in non-diabetic first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients (FDR). Methods:: Seventy-seven (49 male, 28 female) FDR were allocated to one of three groups, diet (D-group; n = 25), diet and exercise (DE-group; n = 30) or control group (C-group; n = 22). Lifestyle counselling was based on current nutrition recommendations, including increased intake of fatty fish and low glycaemic index foods. Group counselling was given on two occasions with follow-up through telephone interviews every 10 days. Assessments included insulin sensitivity index (S i), anthropometry, lipid parameters, circulating leptin and adiponectin levels. Results:: The D-group reduced total cholesterol (−0.31mmol/l, P = 0.024), LDL cholesterol (−0.22mmol/l, P = 0.021) and apolipoprotein B (−9.5mg/dl, P = 0.009) levels, whereas the DE-group decreased body weight (−2.1%, P = 0.030) and waist circumference (−3.0cm, P &#60; 0.001) versus controls. A 13% reduction in fasting insulin was observed in the DE-group, but no significant improvement in S i in D-group or DE-group was observed. A subgroup, adherent to diet and who increased exercise, significantly improved S i and lipid profile. Conclusions:: The improved metabolic risk profile in FDR suggests that lifestyle changes can be effective in individuals at high risk to develop type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Pregnancy has been identified as a contributor to obesity. We have shown that a diet intervention postpartum produced a 2-y weight loss of 8%. Here, we present the impact of the diet intervention on cost-effectiveness and explore changes in quality of life (QOL).Methods: A total of 110 postpartum women with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to diet (D-group) or control (C-group). D-group received a 12-wk diet intervention within primary health care followed by monthly emails up to the 1-y follow-up. C-group received a brochure. Changes in QOL were measured using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and EQ-5D. The analysis of cost-effectiveness was a cost-utility analysis with a health care perspective and included costs of intervention for stakeholder, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained and savings in health care. The likelihood of cost-effectiveness was examined using the net monetary benefit method.Results: The D-group increased their QOL more than the C-group at 12 wk. and 1 y, with pronounced differences for the dimensions general health and mental health, and the mental component summary score (all p < 0.05). Cost per gained QALY was 1704-7889 USD. The likelihood for cost-effectiveness, based on a willingness to pay 50,000 USD per QALY, was 0.77-1.00.Conclusions: A diet intervention that produced clinically relevant postpartum weight loss also resulted in increased QOL and was cost-effective.Trial Registration: Clinical trials, NCT01949558 , 2013-09-24. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High parity has been suggested to increase risk of maternal cardiovascular disease independent of body mass index measured after childbearing. Pregnancy is, however, associated with persistent weight gain and metabolic changes that, independent of parity, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It could therefore be questioned if high parity independently increases the risk of cardiovascular disease or if this association may be confounded, mediated, or modified by other parity-related factors.Objective: We sought to investigate the association between parity and risk of cardiovascular disease, and secondary outcomes in terms of myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction, with particular focus on potential mediation by anthropometric measures and effect modification by lactation.Study Design: We used data from 16,515 female participants (age 44.5-73.6 years) of the population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer Study with baseline examination from 1991 through 1996. The Malmö Diet and Cancer Study was followed up throughout 2010, with a median follow-up of 15.8 years. We used Cox proportional hazards model to examine the association between parity and cardiovascular disease.Results: Adjusted for age and other potential confounders, grand multiparous women (≥5 children) had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-2.14), myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.45), and cerebral infarction (hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.58) compared to women with 2 children. Additional adjustment for baseline body mass index and weight change since age 20 years attenuated the risk, but the increased risk for cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.87) and myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.26) in grand multiparous women remained significant. Models stratified by lactation time showed that risk was only raised in grand multiparous women who had a mean lactation time of <4 mo/child. In sensitivity analyses excluding women with a history of diabetes at baseline, risk estimates for grand multiparous women became nonsignificant in the full model.Conclusion: Part of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction in grand multiparous women seems to be mediated by weight gain and potentially by higher likelihood of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lactation may modify the increased risk of grand multiparity in that longer duration might offset the cardiovascular disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary changes during and after a dietary treatment shown to result in significant and sustained weight loss among lactating overweight and obese women. This is crucial before clinical implementation. Data were collected from the LEVA (in Swedish: Livsstil för Effektiv Viktminskning under Amning [Lifestyle for Effective Weight Loss During Lactation]) randomized controlled factorial trial with a 12-week intervention and a 1-year follow up. At 10 to 14 weeks postpartum, 68 lactating Swedish women with a prepregnancy body mass index (calculated as kg/m 2 ) of 25 to 35 were randomized to structured dietary treatment, physical exercise treatment, combined treatment, or usual care (controls) for a 12-week intervention, with a 1-year follow-up. Dietary intake was assessed with 4-day weighed dietary records. Recruitment took place between 2007 and 2010. The main outcome measures were changes in macro- and micronutrient intake from baseline to 12 weeks and 1 year. Main and interaction effects of the treatments were analyzed by a 2×2 factorial approach using a General Linear Model adjusted for relevant covariates (baseline intake and estimated underreporting). It was found that at baseline, the women had an intake of fat and sucrose above, and an intake of total carbohydrates and fiber below, recommended levels. At 12 weeks and 1 year, the dietary treatment led to reduced intake of energy ( P <0.001 and P =0.005, respectively), fat (both P values <0.001), and sucrose ( P <0.001 and P =0.050). At 12 weeks, total carbohydrates were reduced ( P <0.001). A majority of women in all groups reported low intakes of vitamin D, folate, and/or iron. In conclusion, a novel dietary treatment led to reduced intake of fat and carbohydrates. Diet composition changed to decreased proportions of fat and sucrose, and increased proportions of complex carbohydrates, protein and fiber. Weight loss through dietary treatment was achieved with a diet in line with macronutrient recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]