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Objectives: The association between diet and inflammation is well documented. Yet, no evidence exists on the relationship between the inflammatory potential of the diet and low-grade inflammation (LGI) as measured by a composite score of plasma and cellular biomarkers. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII ® ) and LGI in a large population-based cohort., Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on data from 20 823 adults (age ≥35 y; 48% male) without acute inflammation, who were recruited within the general population of the Moli-sani study from 2005 to 2010. LGI was measured by using a composite score (INFLA-score) including platelet and leukocyte counts, the granulocyte to lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein. DII scores were computed based on dietary intake assessed by the EPIC food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression models were fit to produce adjusted regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)., Results: Higher DII scores were associated with increased LGI (β = 0.131; 95% CI, 0.089-0.174 for the highest versus lowest quintile of DII) after adjusting for age, sex, lifestyle, prevalence of chronic diseases, and health conditions. A higher DII score also was positively associated with each single biomarker of inflammation included in the INFLA-score, unhealthy behaviors (smoking, sedentary lifestyle), and insulin., Conclusions: Higher DII scores, indicating greater inflammatory potential of the diet, were directly associated with LGI, as measured by a composite score of plasma and cellular biomarkers of inflammation. These findings are consistent with the contributing role of diet-mediated inflammation in increasing risk for inflammation-related chronic diseases., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The effect of the polyphenol content of the human diet on mortality risk is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of a polyphenol-rich diet with mortality rate and a possible mediation effect by inflammation, in what we believe to be a novel, holistic approach., Methods: We analyzed 21 302 participants (10 980 women and 10 322 men, aged ≥35 y) from the Moli-sani cohort. The participants were followed up for a median of 8.3 y. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used for dietary assessment. Flavonol, flavone, flavanone, flavanol, anthocyanin, isoflavone, and lignan intakes were calculated using European Food Information Resource-Bioactive Substances in Food Information Systems and the polyphenol antioxidant content (PAC)-score was constructed to assess the total content of these nutrients in the diet., Results: Participants included in the highest quintile of intake of various polyphenol classes and subclasses presented a significant lower all-cause mortality risk compared with those in the lowest group of consumption (hazard ratio [HR] < 1; P <0.05). Cox regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders indicated that participants in higher quintiles of PAC-score had lower all-cause mortality risk (HR <1; P <0.05). When cause-specific mortality rates were considered, similar effects were observed for cardiocerebrovascular and cancer mortality (HR <1; P <0.05)., Conclusions: The polyphenol content of the diet was associated with reduced mortality risk in a Mediterranean population, possibly through an antiinflammatory mechanism., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The association of the polyphenol content of human diet with pulmonary function is not yet fully understood. This study aims at evaluating the association of polyphenol consumption with lung function in a novel holistic approach., Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 4551 women and 5108 men (age ≥35 years) from the Moli-sani study was performed. Participants were randomly recruited from the general population. The EPIC-FFQ was used for the dietary assessment. Polyphenol intakes were calculated using Eurofir-eBASIS, and a polyphenol antioxidant content (PAC) score was constructed to assess the total content of the diet in these nutrients. Pulmonary function maneuvers were performed, and the forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1 ) were measured; FVC% predicted and FEV 1 % predicted were computed using the European Community of Coal and Steel prediction equations that included height and age., Results: In both genders, in age, height, and energy intake adjusted models, the majority of classes of polyphenols (mg/day) showed a positive association with FEV 1 , FVC, FEV 1 % predicted, and FVC% predicted (β-coef >0, P < .05). Associations remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors in most cases (β-coef >0, P < .05). The PAC score was associated in both genders with an increase in pulmonary function parameters (β-coef >0, P < .05). The inclusion of white blood cell (WBC) counts in the multivariate model reduced the association in men but not in women. ., Conclusions: A higher overall polyphenol content of human diet was associated with better pulmonary function in a general population. The association might be partially mediated by WBC in men., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aim: Dietary habits evolve over time, being influenced by many factors and complex interactions. This work aimed at evaluating the updated information on food group consumption in Italy., Methods and Results: A total of 8944 (4768 women and 4176 men) participants aged >18 years from all over Italy recruited in 2010-13 (Italian Nutrition & HEalth Survey, INHES) was analyzed. The recruitment was performed using computer-assisted-telephone-interviewing and one-day 24-h dietary recall retrieved from all participants. The updated, second version, of FoodEx2 food classification system was applied to extract data on food group consumption. The participation rate was 53%; 6.2% of the participants declared to follow a special diet, the most prevalent being hypo-caloric diets (55.7% of special diets). Men compared to women presented significantly higher intakes of "grains and grain-based products", "meat and meat products", "animal and vegetable fats and oils and primary derivatives" and "alcoholic beverages" (P for all<0.001); moreover, men had lower intakes of "milk and dairy products", "water and water-based beverages" and "products for non-standard diets, food imitates and food supplements" (P for all<0.001). Differences in food group intake among age groups, geographical regions and educational level groups were also identified (P for all<0.05)., Conclusions: Data on the consumption of more than 70 food groups and sub-groups were illustrated in different strata. The present analysis could be considered as an updated source of information for future nutrition research in Italy and in the EU., (Copyright © 2017 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background/objectives: The objective of this study is to extract and assess data on the dietary intake of flavonoids and lignans in a healthy free-living Mediterranean population, using newly updated harmonized European Union food composition data. This work also aimed at analyzing in a holistic way the total content of the diet in major classes of polyphenols., Subjects/methods: Six thousand nine hundred and eighty-one men and 7048 women (aged ⩾ 35 years) of the Moli-sani cohort, randomly recruited from the general population, were analyzed. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) and Nutrition-Food Frequency Questionnaire was used for dietary assessment. The polyphenol content of each food group was evaluated using Eurofir BioActive Substances in Food Information System and the United States Department of Agriculture food composition tables (FCTs), when data were missing. Flavonol, flavone, flavanone, flavanol, anthocyanin, isoflavone and lignan intakes were calculated and polyphenol antioxidant content (PAC) score (-28, 28) constructed, to assess the total content of the diet in these nutrients., Results: Seasonal and citrus fruits, leafy, grain, pod and root vegetables, and onions and garlic accounted for different proportions (11-70%) of the total intake of different polyphenols. Within the Moli-sani population, men or older, or no/former smokers, or physically active or obese/overweight individuals presented higher consumption of flavonoids, lignans and PAC score (P for all <0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that PAC score and its seven components were positively associated with Mediterranean diet (MeD) adherence in both genders (β-coefficient >0, P<0.001). In addition, 1 unit increase in PAC score was associated with 7.1-7.8% increase in the likelihood of high MeD adherence (P<0.001)., Conclusions: The intake of flavonoids and lignans in an European Union population was calculated using harmonized European Union FCT data. In addition, a holistic approach in dietary analysis of polyphenol intake was proposed.

The association of polyphenol content of human diet with low-grade inflammation is not yet fully understood. It was the objective of this study to evaluate the association of flavonoid and lignan intake with frequently used and easily applicable in clinical practice low-grade inflammation biomarkers, in a novel holistic approach. A total of 5,948 women and 5,965 men (aged ≥ 35 years) were analysed from the Moli-sani cohort, randomly recruited from the general population. The EPIC-FFQ was used for dietary assessment. Flavonol, flavone, flavanone, flavanol, anthocyanin, isoflavone and lignan intakes were calculated using Eurofir eBASIS and the polyphenol antioxidant content (PAC)-score was constructed to assess the total content of diet in these nutrients. CRP levels, WBC and PLT count and granulocyte to lymphocyte ratio were conceived as low-grade inflammation biomarkers. INFLA-score was constructed summarizing synergistic effects of these biomarkers. The INFLA-score was negatively associated with PAC-score in different levels of adjustment, in both genders (for all β-coef<0, P<0.05). 10 units increase in PAC-score was associated with 5-8% decrease in the likelihood of higher low-grade inflammation status (i.e. higher quartile of INFLA-score) in men and women (odds ratio [ORs] 0.92 to 0.95, p<0.05). The total variation of INFLA-score that was explained by PAC-score was estimated to be 16.7% in women and 9.1% in men (%R²=16.7 and 9.1). In conclusion, polyphenol content of diet evaluated in a holistic approach was negatively associated with a score of low-grade inflammation biomarkers in a large population based study. For the first time low-grade inflammation was evaluated in a holistic way through INFLA-score and was associated with polyphenol content of diet.

Objective: Folate status has been associated with neural tube defects and cerebrovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible differences in folate status in two European Union countries and to assess their possible association with dietary patterns and/or other lifestyles., Methods: In the framework of the European Union-funded IMMIDIET Project, 1068 individuals (534 male-female pairs), ages 26 to 64 y, were enrolled in Italy and the United Kingdom. One-year-recall food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate dietary intake. Reduced rank regression analysis was used to derive a dietary pattern better describing high dietary folate intake., Results: Of the total participants, 11.3% of the Italians and 45.1% of the British exceeded the optimal dietary folate intake of 400 μg/d (Recommended Dietary Allowance). Of the women, 66.7% and 22.1% of Italian and British women, respectively, all at childbearing age, had folate serum levels <6.62 ng/mL (P = 0.01). The percentage of total variance of dietary folate intake explained by food group consumption was 14.2% and 16.3% in Italy and the United Kingdom, respectively. Reduced rank regression analysis indicated a healthy pattern that was positively associated with folate serum levels in both countries (for all β-coefficients >0; P < 0.001): 100 μg/d increase in dietary folate intake was associated with 13.8% and 10.5% increase in folate serum levels in the Italian and British population, respectively (for 100 μg/d increase e(β-coef) = 1.138 and 1.105; P < 0.001). Smoking habit was negatively but physical activity positively associated with folate serum levels (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: An inadequate dietary folate intake and subsequent serum levels were observed in the Italian participants. High consumption of food sources of folate was positively associated with folate serum levels, explaining a good proportion of its variability., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background/objectives: To categorize healthy food groups into categories of low-antioxidant (LAC) or high-antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals content (HAC) and comparatively associate them with metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD)., Subjects/methods: A total of 6879 women (55±12 years) and 6892 men (56 ± 12 years) were analyzed from the Moli-sani cohort, randomly recruited from the general population. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Food Frequency Questionnaire was used for dietary assessment. The antioxidant content of each food group was evaluated using Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food composition tables. Healthy foods, according to a Mediterranean dietary pattern, were categorized into HAC or LAC; total food antioxidant content (FAC) score was constructed for a comparative evaluation of the consumption of these two groups., Results: In men, an increase in FAC score, which represents an increased consumption of HAC with respect to LAC foods, was associated with a decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and C-reactive protein (CRP) (β=-0.5, P=0.02, β=-0.3, P=0.02 and β=-0.03, P=0.03, respectively). Logistic regression analyses showed that in men 15% (30 units) increase in FAC score was associated with 6% decrease in the likelihood of having hypertension (odds ratio (OR)=0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91-0.98) and 3% decrease in the likelihood of having a high CRP risk level (OR=0.97, 95% CI 0.94-0.99). No significant associations were observed in women., Conclusions: A possible greater protective role of healthy HAC as compared with healthy LAC foods on hypertension and inflammation was detected in men. These results stress the importance of studying healthy foods according to their content in antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals, in primary prevention of CVD.

Background and Aim: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the relationship between energy-generating nutrients and the presence of central and overall obesity after correcting for socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics, among healthy elders., Methods and Results: During 2005-2007, 553 elderly men and 637 elderly women (mean age 74±7years) from eight Mediterranean islands in Greece and Cyprus, were enrolled. The retrieved information included demographic, bio-clinical and dietary characteristics. MedDietScore assessed adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern. The prevalence of obesity was 27% in males and 39% in females (p<0.001), while 73% of males and 87% of females had central obesity. The prevalence of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension was higher in the obese than in the non-obese participants (p<0.01). After adjusting for various confounders, a 1% increase in carbohydrate consumption was associated with a 12% (95% CI 0.78-0.99) lower likelihood of having central obesity, while a 1% increase in carbohydrate and protein consumption was associated with a 14% (95% CI 0.78-0.95) and 16% (95% CI 0.72-0.97) lower likelihood of being obese, respectively. Vegetable protein was found to be associated with a 15% (95% CI 0.77-0.93) lower likelihood of being obese while, only low glycemic index carbohydrates seem to be associated with a 6% (95% CI 0.90-0.98) lower likelihood of having central obesity., Conclusions: The presented findings suggest that a diet high in carbohydrates and vegetable protein is associated with a lower likelihood of being obese and may help elderly people to preserve normal weight., (Copyright © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of low energy reporting (LER) and associations between LER and lifestyle, psychological and clinical parameters, in elderly people living in eastern Mediterranean islands., Methods: 1190 men and women, aged 65-100 years, participated in this cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics were recorded for the study participants. Among others, the ratio of energy intake to estimated basal metabolic rate (EI/BMR) was calculated and was used for the assessment of LER., Results: Prevalence of LER was 47.7%. Lower EI/BMR (i.e., higher risk for LER) was associated with older age (p=0.001), male sex (p<0.001), higher body mass index (BMI; p=0.04), lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p<0.001) and non-current smoking (p=0.007). The sex-specific analysis revealed that, lower EI/BMR values were associated with lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet and being non-current smoker in both men and women (p≤0.05), as well as with older age (p=0.01), higher BMI (p=0.02) and hypercholesterolemia (p=0.02), only in women., Conclusion: In elderly, several clinical and lifestyle factors seem to be related to LER, and they should be taken into account in their nutritional assessment., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the repeatability and the validity of a short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) that could be used for older people living in Mediterranean areas. The semi-quantitative FFQ included questions regarding the frequency of consumption of the main food groups and beverages typically consumed in the Mediterranean areas as well as some questions regarding eating habits of older persons. During 2006-2007, for the repeatability assessment (within 10-30 days), 150 individuals (51 +/- 17 yrs, 40% males) were studied, while another 190 individuals (74 +/- 9 yrs, 52% males) were enrolled for the validation purposes. Agreement of the FFQ with the 3-day food records was evaluated using the Bland-Altman method and the Kendall's tau-b coefficient. Repeatability was tested using the Cohen's kappa coefficient. Between 3-day food records and the FFQ, good agreement for alcohol (tau-b = 0.64, p < 0.001) was found, while moderate agreement for food and beverage groups of greens (tau-b = 0.32, p < 0.001), fruits (tau-b = 0.35, p < 0.001), cereals (tau-b = 0.61, p < 0.001), sweets (tau-b = 0.51, p < 0.001), and coffee (tau-b = 0.58, p < 0.001) was observed. Low, but still significant, agreement for fish (tau-b = 0.21, p = 0.001), legumes (tau-b = 0.23, p < 0.001), vegetables (tau-b = 0.23, p < 0.001), pasta (tau-b = 0.25, p < 0.001), potatoes (tau-b = 0.17, p = 0.006) and meat consumption (tau-b = 0.14, p < 0.001) were also found. The FFQ was also valid regarding the estimation of macronutrients and energy intake. Sensitivity analyses by sex, age category ( 75 yrs), and education status showed similar validity of the FFQ in each subgroup, except for elders older than 75 years. The repeatability of the FFQ was fair in all foods tested (Cohen's kappa coefficients varied between 0.15-0.39, p-values < 0.05). The suggested FFQ seems to be a reasonably valid and repeatable measure of dietary intake and can be used in older persons living in the Mediterranean areas.