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OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a child feeding training program for primary care health professionals about breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. METHODS: Cluster-randomized field trial conducted in the city of Porto Alegre, (RS), Brazil. Twenty primary health care centers (HCC) were randomized into intervention (n = 9) and control (n = 11) groups. The health professionals (n = 200) at the intervention group centers received training about healthy feeding practices. Pregnant women were enrolled at the study. Up to six months of child's age, home visits were made to obtain variables related to breastfeeding and introduction of foods. RESULTS: 619 children were evaluated: 318 from the intervention group and 301 from the control group. Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence in the first (72.3 versus 59.4%; RR = 1.21; 95%CI 1.08 - 1.38), second (62.6 versus 48.2%; RR = 1.29; 95%CI 1.10 - 1.53), and third months of life (44.0% versus 34.6%; RR = 1.27; 95%CI 1.04 - 1.56) was higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. The prevalence of children who consumed meat four or five times per week was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (36.8 versus 22.6%; RR = 1.62; 95%CI 1.32 - 2.03). The prevalence of children who had consumed soft drinks (34.9 versus 52.5%; RR = 0.66; 95%CI 0.54 - 0.80), chocolate (24.5 versus 36.7% RR = 0.66 95%CI 0.53 - 0.83), petit suisse (68.9 versus 79.7; 95%CI 0.75 - 0.98) and coffee (10.4 versus 20.1%; RR = 0.51; 95%CI 0.31 - 0.85) in their six first months of life was lower in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: The training of health professionals had a positive impact on infant feeding practices, contributing to the promotion of child health.

Background/Aim The impact of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in the primary dentition on oral health-related quality of life indicates the need for the planning of prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to assess whether anthropometric characteristics in early life are associated with TDI by preschool age Materials and Methods A birth cohort was recruited from the public healthcare system in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Socio-demographic variables, type of birth, head circumference, weight and length were collected at birth (WHO standards). Head circumference, body mass index for age and height for age were collected at 12 months. TDI (Andreasen criteria) at three years of age (n = 458) were recorded by two examiners who had undergone training and calibration exercises. Multivariable analysis was carried out with Poisson regression with robust variance Results A total of 31.0% of the children (142/458) exhibited TDI at three years of age. In the final model, the risk of TDI was 47% higher among children with a smaller head circumference upon birth and nearly 60% higher among those who were overweight/obese at 12 months of age (RR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.15-2.17). The risk of TDI was also significantly higher among boys (RR 1.50; 95% CI: 1.13-2.00), but the outcome was not significantly associated with socioeconomic variables or other anthropometric variables Conclusion Overweight/obesity in early life is a risk factor for TDI in preschool children. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This is a cross-sectional analysis of a follow-up study to examine the perceptions of mothers treated at public health centers, regarding their own diets and the diets of their children aged 2–3. Among the 464 participants, 57% (n = 267) reported perceiving their own diets as unhealthy while 72% (n = 334) perceiving their children’s diets as healthy. The mothers’ perceptions of their own diets as healthy were associated with less maternal schooling and having received health care from professionals who had received special training (p

Objectives (i) Quantify the relative association between child dental caries experience and maternal-reported child oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL); (ii) examine whether that association differed according to family socioeconomic status (SES); and (iii) explore whether absolute OHRQoL varied by family SES at similar levels of child caries experience. Methods This study was a cross-sectional analysis of children in southern Brazil (n=456, mean age: 38 months) participating in an existing health centre-based intervention study. OHRQoL impact was quantified as mean score on the Brazilian Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and compared over categories of caries experience (dmft: 0, dmft: 1-4, dmft: ≥5). Adjusted ECOHIS ratios between caries categories were calculated using regression modelling, overall and within socioeconomic strata defined by maternal education, social class and household income. Results Caries prevalence (dmft >0) was 39.7%, mean ECOHIS score was 2.0 (SD: 3.5), and 44.3% of mothers reported OHRQoL impact (ECOHIS score >0). Increasing child caries experience was associated with worsening child and family quality of life: ECOHIS scores were 3.0 times greater (95% CI: 2.0, 4.4) for children with dmft ≥5 vs dmft=0, a pattern that persisted regardless of family socioeconomic status (P for interaction: all >0.3). However, adjusted for dental status and sociodemographic characteristics, mean ECOHIS scores were lower when reported by mothers of less educational attainment (ratio: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5, 1.0), lower social class (ratio: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5, 1.0) or in lower income households (ratio: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.6, 1.3). Conclusion Dental caries was associated with negative child and family experiences and lower OHRQoL across all social groups; yet, families facing greater disadvantage may report lesser quality-of-life impact at the same level of disease experience. Thus, subjective quality-of-life measures may differ under varying social contexts, with possible implications for service utilization, evaluating oral health interventions, or quantifying disease morbidity in low-SES groups.

Objective: To investigate the impact of excessive maternal weight on the early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding Methods: This is a longitudinal study including mother-infant dyads of low socioeconomic status receiving prenatal care in Health Care Centers in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A structured questionnaire was administered to women in the last trimester of pregnancy, including weight measurements. Another interview was conducted six months after delivery, and data on infant feeding practices were collected and maternal height was measured. Maternal nutritional status was assessed using body mass index values according to gestational age. Discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding before 4 months was considered a low duration rate Results: A total of 619 mother-infant dyads were evaluated. The prevalence of maternal overweight in the third trimester of pregnancy was 51%. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 2.0 months. After adjustment for possible confounding factors, no association between maternal overweight and early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding was identified. Maternal smoking was identified as a risk factor (1.23, 95%CI=1.13-1.35) for early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding Conclusion: Excessive maternal weight was not confirmed as a risk factor for early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. However, women who reported being smokers had a higher risk of early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding than those who did not smoke. This indicates the need for public health interventions to promote smoking cessation during pregnancy and in the postpartum period because of the deleterious effects of this habit on maternal and infant health.

BackgroundDiet- and physical activity-based interventions in pregnancy have the potential to alter maternal and child outcomes.ObjectivesTo assess whether or not the effects of diet and lifestyle interventions vary in subgroups of women, based on maternal body mass index (BMI), age, parity, Caucasian ethnicity and underlying medical condition(s), by undertaking an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis. We also evaluated the association of gestational weight gain (GWG) with adverse pregnancy outcomes and assessed the cost-effectiveness of the interventions.Data sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and Health Technology Assessment database were searched from October 2013 to March 2015 (to update a previous search).Review methodsResearchers from the International Weight Management in Pregnancy Collaborative Network shared the primary data. For each intervention type and outcome, we performed a two-step IPD random-effects meta-analysis, for all women (except underweight) combined and for each subgroup of interest, to obtain summary estimates of effects and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and synthesised the differences in effects between subgroups. In the first stage, we fitted a linear regression adjusted for baseline (for continuous outcomes) or a logistic regression model (for binary outcomes) in each study separately; estimates were combined across studies using random-effects meta-analysis models. We quantified the relationship between weight gain and complications, and undertook a decision-analytic model-based economic evaluation to assess the cost-effectiveness of the interventions.ResultsDiet and lifestyle interventions reduced GWG by an average of 0.70 kg (95% CI –0.92 to –0.48 kg; 33 studies, 9320 women). The effects on composite maternal outcome [summary odds ratio (OR) 0.90, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.03; 24 studies, 8852 women] and composite fetal/neonatal outcome (summary OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.08; 18 studies, 7981 women) were not significant. The effect did not vary with baseline BMI, age, ethnicity, parity or underlying medical conditions for GWG, and composite maternal and fetal outcomes. Lifestyle interventions reduce Caesarean sections (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.99), but not other individual maternal outcomes such as gestational diabetes mellitus (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.10), pre-eclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.16) and preterm birth (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.13). There was no significant effect on fetal outcomes. The interventions were not cost-effective. GWG, including adherence to the Institute of Medicine-recommended targets, was not associated with a reduction in complications. Predictors of GWG were maternal age (summary estimate –0.10 kg, 95% CI –0.14 to –0.06 kg) and multiparity (summary estimate –0.73 kg, 95% CI –1.24 to –0.23 kg).LimitationsThe findings were limited by the lack of standardisation in the components of intervention, residual heterogeneity in effects across studies for most analyses and the unavailability of IPD in some studies.ConclusionDiet and lifestyle interventions in pregnancy are clinically effective in reducing GWG irrespective of risk factors, with no effects on composite maternal and fetal outcomes.Future workThe differential effects of lifestyle interventions on individual pregnancy outcomes need evaluation.Study registrationThis study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42013003804.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Objective: To evaluate factors associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables among preschoolers from families treated at basic health centers in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Methods: This was a cohort study nested in a randomized field trial. Data collection was performed through structured questionnaires to obtain demographic and dietary data, combined with two 24-hour recalls in the age groups 12–16 months and again at 2–3 years of age. Data on the consumption of one daily serving of fruits (80 g) and vegetables (60 g) were evaluated, as well as consumption of non-recommended foods such as candy, chocolate, and soft drinks. Statistical analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust estimation. Results: A total of 388 children aged 2-3 years were evaluated; of these, 58% and 87.4% did not consume one daily serving of fruits and vegetables, respectively. The following factors were negatively associated with fruit consumption: family income higher than four minimum wages, (p = 0.024), lower paternal educational level (p = 0.03), and lower fruit consumption at 12–16 months (p = 0.002). Factors negatively associated with the consumption of vegetables were low paternal educational level (p = 0.033) and consumption of high-sugar content beverages at 12–16 months (p = 0.014). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of children who consumed less than one daily serving of fruit and vegetables; early feeding practices, parental education, and family income were associated with this process. Resumo: Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores associados ao baixo consumo de frutas e verduras entre pré-escolares de famílias usuárias da rede básica de saúde de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo de coorte aninhado a ensaio de campo randomizado. A coleta de dados foi feita por meio de questionários estruturados para obtenção de dados dietéticos e sociodemográficos, além de dois recordatórios de 24 horas nas faixas etárias de 12–16 meses e novamente aos 2-3 anos de idade. Foram avaliados os dados de consumo de uma porção diária de frutas (80 g) e verduras (60 g), além de consumo de alimentos não recomendados, como balas, chocolates e refrigerantes. As análises estatísticas foram feitas por regressão de Poisson com estimativa robusta. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 388 crianças de 2-3 anos, destas 58% e 87,4% não consumiram uma porção de frutas e verduras, respectivamente. Os fatores que se mostraram negativamente associados ao consumo de frutas foram: renda familiar superior a 4 salários mínimos, (p = 0,024), menor escolaridade paterna (p = 0,03) e menor consumo de frutas aos 12–16 meses (p = 0,002). Os fatores negativamente associados à ingestão de verduras foram a menor escolaridade paterna (p = 0,033) e consumo de refrigerante aos 12–16 meses (p = 0.014). Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo mostraram alta prevalência de crianças que consumiram menos de uma porção de frutas e verduras ao dia e sugerem que práticas alimentares precoces, escolaridade paterna e renda estão associadas a esse processo. Keywords: Preschooler, Food consumption, Fruits, Vegetables, Palavras-chave: Pré-escolar, Consumo de alimentos, Frutas, Verduras

O objetivo foi avaliar o impacto da atualização de profissionais de saúde em relação aos Dez Passos da Alimentação Saudável para Crianças Menores de Dois Anos sobre as práticas alimentares no primeiro ano de vida. Participaram do estudo unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) do Município de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, randomizadas em controle (n = 11) e intervenção (n = 9). Unidades de saúde que possuem serviço de saúde comunitária como Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) foram incluídas como um cluster de intervenção (n = 12). As práticas alimentares das crianças incluídas no estudo foram avaliadas quando elas tinham 6 (n = 918) e 12 meses (n = 799) de idade. Os resultados mostraram que o tempo médio de duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo foi significativamente maior nos dois grupos que receberam a intervenção (2,56 ± 1,91 mês nas US-ESF e 2,32 ± 1,63 mês nas UBS-intervenção) comparados às UBS-controle (1,91 ± 1,60 meses). Houve impacto positivo na qualidade da alimentação complementar das crianças atendidas nos serviços de saúde que participaram da intervenção, especialmente naqueles com ESF. This study aimed to evaluate the impact on feeding practices for infants (< 1 year of age) resulting from update training for health workers in the Ten Steps to Healthy Feeding of Children Under Two. Health Care Centers (HCC) in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, were randomized into a control group (n = 11) and an intervention group (n = 9). Health centers organized according to Brazil’s Family Health Program (FHP) were included as an intervention cluster (n = 12). Infant feeding practices were evaluated at the health centers at 6 months (n = 918) and again at 12 months of age (n = 799). The results showed that mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was significantly longer in the two groups that received the intervention (2.56 ± 1.91 months in the FHP intervention and 2.32 ± 1.63 months in the HCC intervention) compared to the HCC control group (1.91 ± 1.60 months). There was a positive impact on the quality of complementary feeding of infants treated at the health centers that participated in the intervention, especially those with the FHP. El objetivo fue evaluar el impacto de la actualización de los profesionales de la salud, en relación con los diez pasos de la alimentación saludable en niños con menos de dos años, dentro de las prácticas de alimentación durante el primer año de vida. Participaron en el estudio las unidades básicas de salud (UBS) de Porto Alegre, Río Grande do Sul, Brasil, distribuidas aleatoriamente en control (n = 11) e intervención (n = 9). Las unidades de salud con Estrategia de Salud de la Familia (ESF) fueron incluidas como un clúster de intervención (n = 12). Las prácticas alimentarias de los niños, cuyo seguimiento se realizó en los servicios de salud fueron evaluadas a los seis meses (n = 918) y, luego, a los 12 meses (n = 799). Los resultados mostraron que el tiempo medio de duración de la lactancia materna exclusiva fue considerablemente mayor en los dos grupos que recibieron la intervención (2,56 ± 1,91 meses en las US-ESF; 2,32 ± 1,63 meses en las UBS-intervención), comparados con las UBS-control (1,91 ± 1,60 meses). Hubo un impacto positivo en la calidad de la alimentación complementaria de los niños atendidos en los servicios de salud que participaron en la intervención, especialmente, en aquellos con ESF.

Purpose: To estimate the association between breastfeeding 24 months or beyond and severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). Methods: Within a birth cohort (n ¼ 715) from low-income families in Porto Alegre, Brazil, the age 38month prevalence of S-ECC (� 4 affected tooth surfaces or � 1 affected maxillary anterior teeth) was compared over breastfeeding duration categories using marginal structural models to account for timedependent confounding by other feeding habits and child growth. Additional analyses assessed whether daily breastfeeding frequency modified the association of breastfeeding duration and S-ECC. Multiple imputation and censoring weights were used to address incomplete covariate information and missing outcomes, respectively. Confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using bootstrap resampling. Results: Breastfeeding 24 months or beyond was associated with the highest adjusted populationaverage S-ECC prevalence (0.45; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.54) compared with breastfeeding less than 6 months (0.22; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.28), 6e11 months (0.38; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.53), or 12e23 months (0.39; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.56). High-frequency breastfeeding enhanced the association between long-duration breastfeeding and caries (excess prevalence due to interaction: 0.13; 80% CI, � 0.03 to 0.30). Conclusions: In this population, breastfeeding 24 months or beyond, particularly if frequent, was associated with S-ECC. Dental health should be one consideration, among many, in evaluating health outcomes associated with breastfeeding 24 months or beyond.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the adaptation of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) to Brazilian dietary recommendations for children aged 3 to 4 years (n = 345) and 7 to 8 years (n = 307). Methods: Dietary data were collected using two 24-hour recalls and diet quality was evaluated according to the adapted HEI. Results: The mean HEI score was 65.7 ± 11.2 at 3 to 4 years and 65.0 ± 8.8 at 7 to 8 years. The HEI correlated positively with dietary variety and food groups (grains, vegetables, fruits, and meat/beans), except for milk at 3 to 4 years, and negatively with sodium, total fat, and saturated fat intake. HEI score was moderately to strongly associated with dietary fiber and several micronutrients. Conclusions: The HEI as adapted to Brazilian dietary guidelines can be used to determine diet quality in preschool- and school-aged children in Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a retenção de peso 12 meses após o parto e seus fatores associados entre mulheres que realizaram o pré-natal em Unidades de Saúde da cidade de Porto Alegre. MÉTODOS: Gestantes no terceiro trimestre gestacional foram identificadas em 20 Unidades de Saúde, e dados socioeconômicos, demográficos e antropométricos foram coletados. Seis e 12 meses após o parto, realizou-se visita domiciliar às mulheres participantes para obtenção das medidas antropométricas. O ganho de peso gestacional foi avaliado considerando-se o índice de massa corporal (IMC) pré-gestacional. A retenção de peso foi obtida pela subtração do peso pré-gestacional, e o peso aferido 6 e 12 meses após o parto. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se o Teste de McNemar, a ANOVA com as comparações múltiplas de Bonferroni e a regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS: Das 715 gestantes entrevistadas, 545 foram avaliadas 12 meses após o parto. A prevalência de excesso de peso 12 meses após o parto foi superior comparado ao período pré-gestacional (52,9 versus 36,7%) e 30,7% das mulhere retiveram ≥10 kg. A retenção de peso 12 meses após o parto foi superior nas mulheres que apresentavam sobrepeso pré-gestacional (9,9±7,7 kg) em comparação àquelas eutróficas (7,6±6,2 kg). Maior IMC pré-gestacional, maior ganho de peso gestacional e ser adolescente foram associados com maior retenção de peso 12 meses após o parto (p

AIM: To investigate risk factors for the occurrence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) at 4 years of age. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: A birth cohort (n = 500) was recruited from the public healthcare system in Sao Leopoldo, Brazil. Demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, and behavioral variables were collected at 6 months, 1 year, and 4 years of age. Clinical examinations at 4 years of age were carried out by a single examiner using the Andreasen classification. Poisson regression was used to determine risk factors for the occurrence of TDI at 4 years of age. RESULTS: A total of 23.7% of the children (80/337) exhibited TDI at 4 years of age. The risk of TDI was 35% lower among children who had been breastfeed for ≥6 months relative risk (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.43-0.97) and more than twofold higher among those who were bottle fed ≥ three times a day (RR 2.37; 95% CI 1.10-5.11) at 12 months of age. Higher household income in the first year of life and greater height at 4 years of age were significantly associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of behavioral, socioeconomic, and anthropometric risk factors for TDI in early childhood can contribute to the elaboration of prevention strategies. Language: en

Objective: To evaluate the maternal perceptions and attitudes related to adherence to healthcare professionals’ guidelines on breastfeeding and complementary feeding, and associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of data from a randomized field trial was performed, in which 20 health centers (HCs) were selected in the city of Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul, from eight Health Management Districts of the city. Pregnant women were selected from these HCs, and when the children were aged between six and nine months, data regarding the maternal perception of adherence to professional advice and consequences of feeding practices on child health were obtained during home visits. Association analyses were performed using Poisson regression. Results: Data were collected from 631 mother-child binomials. According to the mothers’ perception, 47% reported not following instructions received in the HU. Among these, 45.7% did not recognize the importance of eating habits for the child's health. The perception of adherence to professional advice was associated with higher prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), introduction of solid food (ISF) after four months, introduction of non-recommended foods after six months, and higher family income. A higher prevalence of EBF and ISF was observed after four months (p < 0.05) among mothers who believed in the importance of feeding habits for the child's health. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of mothers who did not follow the advice of health professionals; the perception that food does not affect the child's health can be a barrier to the improvement of eating habits in childhood. Resumo: Objetivo: Avaliar a percepção e as atitudes maternas relacionadas à adesão às orientações de profissionais de saúde sobre aleitamento materno e alimentação complementar e fatores associados. Métodos: Análise transversal de dados de ensaio de campo randomizado, em que foram sorteadas 20 Unidades de Saúde (US) de Porto Alegre-RS das oito gerências distritais de saúde do município. Gestantes atendidas nestas US foram selecionadas e, aos 6-9 meses de idade das crianças, foram obtidos, em visitas domiciliares, dados quanto à percepção materna de adesão às orientações dos profissionais e de consequências das práticas alimentares na saúde da criança. Análises de associação foram realizadas por meio de Regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Foram obtidos dados de 631 binômios mãe-criança. Conforme a percepção das mães, 47% relataram não seguir orientações recebidas nas US. Dentre essas, 45,7% não reconhecem a importância da alimentação para a saúde da criança. A percepção de adesão às orientações dos profissionais foi associada com maiores prevalências de aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME), introdução de alimentos sólidos (IAS) após quatro meses e introdução de alimentos não recomendados após seis meses, além de maior renda familiar. Observaram-se maiores prevalências de AME e IAS após quatro meses (p

A previous study demonstrated that dietary counselling for mothers during the first year of life improved overall diet quality of children at pre-school age in a low-income population. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the long-term effect of this intervention on diet quality of children at school age and examine the tracking of dietary intake throughout childhood. The present study was a follow-up of a randomised controlled trial with children who were assessed at 3–4 years (n 345) and 7–8 years (n 307) of age. We collected two 24 h dietary recalls and assessed diet quality using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Analyses were performed by group using a paired t test and a Student's t test for independent samples. Diet quality did not differ between the intervention and control groups at 7–8 years of age (HEI score 65·2 (sd 9·5) v. 64·9 (sd 8·5)). Regarding changes in diet quality from pre-school to school age, we observed the tracking of diet quality in the control group and the loss of the intervention effect in the intervention group. In both groups, the score for fruit and milk intake decreased, while that for saturated fat and dietary variety intake increased. The score for the intakes of grains, meat and legumes, and total fat remained constant for all children. The present data provide evidence that diet quality tracks during childhood since the total HEI score did not differ over time in the control group. The decrease in score for some HEI components did not affect the overall diet quality due to the increase in score for other HEI components.

The objective of this study was to estimate the caries impact of providing training in infant feeding guidelines to workers at Brazilian public primary care clinics. In a cluster-randomized controlled trial (n = 20 clinics), health care workers either were trained in guidelines for infant nutrition, stressing healthful complementary feeding, or were assigned to a ‘usual practices’ control, which allowed for maternal counseling at practitioner discretion. Training occurred once; the amount of counseling provided to mothers was not assessed. Eligible pregnant women were enrolled to follow health outcomes in their children. Early childhood caries (ECC) was measured at age three years (n = 458 children). The overall reductions in ECC (relative risk, 0.92; 95%CI, 0.75, 1.12) and severe ECC (RR, 0.87; 95%CI, 0.64, 1.19) were not statistically significant. There was a protective effect among mothers who remained exclusively at the same health center (S-ECC RR, 0.68; 95%CI, 0.47, 0.99) and among those naming the health center as their principal source of feeding advice (S-ECC RR, 0.53; 95%CI, 0.29, 0.97). Health care worker training did not yield a statistically significant reduction in caries overall, although caries was reduced among children of mothers more connected to their health centers (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00635453).

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary sodium intake on blood pressure among low income children aged 3–4 years. Data were collected during a randomized trial conducted in Sao Leopoldo, Brazil, with 500 mother–child pairs recruited from the maternity ward of a local hospital. Breastfeeding data were obtained during the children’s first year of life. At 3 to 4 years of age, children’s anthropometric, dietary, and blood pressure assessments were obtained. Sodium intake was estimated from two multiple-pass 24-h dietary recalls. Systolic blood pressure > 90th percentile for age, sex, and height was classified as high systolic blood pressure, according to the population-based percentiles provided by the Task Force on Hypertension Control in Children and Adolescents. Blood pressure data were obtained from 331 children at 3 to 4 years. The mean value of systolic blood pressure was 91.31 mmHg (SD = 8.30 mmHg) and 5.2 % (n = 17) presented high systolic blood pressure. The results of the multivariable analyses showed that children who consumed more than 1,200 mg of sodium/day and with waist-to-height ratio higher than 0.5 presented, respectively, 3.32 (95 %CI 0.98–11.22) and 8.81 (95 %CI 2.13–36.31) greater risk of having high systolic blood pressure. Exclusive breastfeeding, child overweight and change in body mass index z score during the first year of life were not associated with the outcome. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that at preschool age sodium intake and high waist-to-height ratio are risk factors for high systolic blood pressure.

Family expenditures on food for children may represent an important barrier to the adoption of healthy feeding practices in populations of low socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between cariogenic feeding practices, expenditures on food for children and dental caries. This cross-sectional study included 329 four-year-old children from São Leopoldo in southern Brazil. Cariogenic dietary practices were assessed at 4 years of age using two 24-hour recalls conducted with the children's mothers. Expenditures on food for children were estimated based on all reported food items and the respective amounts ingested. Early childhood caries and severe early childhood caries were assessed by clinical examination at 4 years of age. Cariogenic dietary habits were not associated with lower food expenditures. On the contrary, in multivariable regression analysis, the intake of chocolate (p = 0.007), soft drinks (p = 0.027) and a higher number of meals and snacks per day (p < 0.001) was associated with greater expenditures on food for children. No statistically significant differences were observed in food expenditures or in the proportion of household income spent on feeding children between caries-free children, those with early childhood caries and those with severe early childhood caries. In conclusion, keeping children free of dental caries does not necessarily increase food expenditures or the proportion of household income spent on feeding children in low-socioeconomic status populations. Some cariogenic dietary practices were associated with greater expenditures on child feeding.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of home visits for advising mothers about breastfeeding and weaning on pacifier use in the first year of life. METHOD: A randomized field trial was conducted on mothers who gave birth within the public health system in the Brazilian city of Sao Leopoldo (intervention group = 200; controls = 300). The intervention group received the advice 10 days after the childs birth monthly up to 6 months at 8 10 and 12 months based on the Ten Steps for Healthy Feeding a Brazilian national health policy for primary care which follows WHO guidelines. Relative risk (RR) was used to estimate the effects of the intervention on the risk of using a pacifier. RESULTS: 55.4% of the children in the intervention group and 66.1% of the controls used a pacifier in the first year of life. The risk of using a pacifier was 16% lower for the intervention group (RR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.71-0.99). A multivariable Poisson regression model showed higher adjusted risk of using a pacifier for children who had breastfeeding interrupted in the first month of life (RR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.21-1.69) and whose mothers presented higher level of depression (RR = 1.40; 95% CI 1.17-1.66). CONCLUSIONS: Pacifier use is highly prevalent in the population studied. The home visits for dietary advice appear to help in reducing pacifier use in infants. These findings suggest the need for public health strategies that address early advice on pacifier use to promote child oral and general health. (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a mudança no escore Z do índice de massa corpórea por idade >0,67 no primeiro ano de vida se associou ao excesso de peso na idade pré-escolar. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte aninhado a ensaio de campo randomizado realizado na cidade de São Leopoldo, no Rio Grande do Sul. Foram coletados dados de peso e estatura das crianças ao nascimento, dos seis aos oito meses e dos 12 aos 16 meses. Aos três e aos quatro anos, além destes dados aferiu-se a circunferência da cintura. Calculou-se o ganho de peso pela diferença no escore Z do índice de massa corpórea/idade dos 12 até os 16 meses em relação ao índice de massa corpórea/idade ao nascimento, adotando-se ponto de corte >0,67 para ganho de peso excessivo. A relação cintura/estatura foi realizada, considerando-se excesso de adiposidade central se valores >0,5. Utilizou-se a análise multivariada para o teste da associação entre os desfechos e as variáveis independentes. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do ganho de peso excessivo no primeiro ano de vida foi de 29,5% de um total de 338 crianças. Após ajuste para as variáveis sexo, grupo, peso ao nascer, tempo de aleitamento materno exclusivo e índice de massa corpórea da mãe, a mudança no escore Z >0,67 do nascimento até os 12 a 16 meses apresentou-se como fator de risco para o excesso de peso (RR 2,81; IC95% 1,53-5,16) e elevada relação cintura/altura na idade pré-escolar (RR 2,10; IC95% 1,19-3,72). CONCLUSÕES: O ganho de peso excessivo no primeiro ano de vida está associado ao excesso de peso e à elevada adiposidade abdominal na idade pré-escolar.OBJETIVO: Evaluar si el cambio en el escore Z del Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) por edad >0,67 en el primer año de vida se asoció al exceso de peso en la edad pre-escolar. MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte aunado a ensayo de campo aleatorio realizado en la ciudad de São Leopoldo (Rio Grande do Sul). Se recogieron datos de peso y estatura de los niños al nacer, 6 a 8 y 12 a 16 meses. A los 3 a 4 años de edad, se verificó también la circunferencia de la cintura. Se calculó la ganancia de peso por la diferencia en el escore Z de IMC/Edad a los 12 a 16 meses respecto al IMC/Edad al nacer, adoptando punto de corte >0,67 para ganancia de peso excesiva. Relación cintura/estatura fue realizada, considerando exceso de adiposidad central valores >0,5. Se utilizó el análisis multivariado para probar la asociación entre los desenlaces y las variables independientes. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de ganancia de peso excesiva en el primer año de vida fue de 29,5% de un total de 338 niños. Después del ajuste para las variables sexo, grupo, peso al nacer, tiempo de lactancia materna exclusiva e IMC de la madre, el cambio en el escore z >0,67 del nacimiento hasta los 12 a 16 meses se presentó como factor de riesgo para excesos de peso (RR 2,81; IC95% 1,53-5,16) y elevada relación cintura/altura en la edad pre-escolar (RR 2,10; IC95% 1,19-3,72). CONCLUSIÓN: Ganancia de peso excesivo en el primer año de vida está asociada a exceso de peso y elevada adiposidad abdominal en la edad pre-escolar.OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the change in body mass index Z-score for age >0.67 in the first year of life was associated with overweight at preschool age. METHODS: A cohort study nested in a randomized field trial conducted in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Data on weight and height of children at birth, from six to eight, and from 12 to 16 months were collected. From ages three to four, besides these data, waist circumference was measured. Weight gain was calculated by the difference in body mass index/age Z-score from 12 to 16 months in relation to that at birth, adopting as cutoff >0.67 Z-score for weight gain. Waist-to-height ratio was calculated, and the excess of central adiposity was considered for values >0.5. Multivariate analysis to test the association between outcomes and independent variables was applied. RESULTS: The prevalence of excessive weight gain in the first year of life was 29.5% out of the 338 studied children. After adjustment for gender, origin group, birth weight, duration of exclusive breastfeeding and mother's body mass index, the change in >0.67 Z-score from birth to 12 to 16 months was an independent risk factor for overweight (RR 2.81, 95%CI 1.53-5.16) and for elevated waist-to-height ratio (RR 2.10, 95%CI 1.19-3.72) in preschool age. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive weight gain in the first year of life was associated with overweight and high abdominal adiposity at preschool age.

Background The assessment of the factors that influence children's diets is important for supporting the development of public health policies for the prevention of diet-related diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the diet quality of preschoolers by using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and to identify maternal and family characteristics associated with this score and its components. Methods The present study comprised a cohort study conducted with 345 low socioeconomic status children from Sao Leopoldo in southern Brazil aged 6 months and 3–4 years old. Dietary data were collected through 24-h recalls and diet quality was evaluated according to the HEI. Results The mean (SD) total HEI score was 65.7 (11.2). Only 9.6% (n = 33) of the children had a good diet. No significant association was detected between the overall diet quality of children and the characteristics. The prevalence of children who achieved the 75th percentile of the scores for grains [prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.43–0.98] and total fat (PR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.69–0.93) was lower among children whose families had higher incomes, whereas the prevalence for grains was lower in those whose fathers were employed (PR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.34–0.81). The prevalence for diet variety (PR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.01–2.05) and milk (P = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.04–1.35) was higher and for total fat (PR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.70–0.98) and saturated fat (PR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.59–0.98) was lower among children whose mothers had higher levels of education. Conclusions The total HEI score in these children indicates that compliance with dietary guidelines is generally poor. Although the overall diet quality did not show variation across maternal and family characteristics, some components of the diet were affected by these features.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a adequação das práticas alimentares no primeiro ano de vida e seus fatores associados na cidade de Porto Alegre (RS). MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal foi realizado durante a Campanha Nacional de Imunização no ano de 2008. Utilizou-se amostragem por conglomerados em dois estágios e foram avaliadas 1.099 crianças menores de um ano de idade, em 31 postos de vacinação. A coleta de dados consistiu da aplicação de questionário estruturado sobre características maternas, uso de chupeta, consumo de leite materno, de leites artificiais, chá, água, alimentos complementares e de alimentos de baixo valor nutricional pelas crianças. Para estimar a associação entre variáveis maternas, uso de chupeta e práticas alimentares, foram utilizadas análises de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo foi de 47,1% entre as crianças com até quatro meses de vida e de 21,4% entre as crianças entre quatro e seis meses. A frequência de aleitamento materno exclusivo foi maior entre as crianças que não usavam chupeta, que não eram primogênitas e cujas mães não trabalhavam fora de casa ou estavam em licença maternidade. Melhores práticas de alimentação complementar foram observadas em crianças cujas mães tinham maior nível de escolaridade e trabalhavam fora de casa. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo mostrou a existência de fatores de risco para a interrupção precoce do aleitamento materno exclusivo e o consumo de alimentos inadequados aos lactentes. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the adequacy of feeding practices in the first year of life and associated factors in the city of Porto Alegre (RS). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed during the national vaccination campaign in 2008. Two-stage cluster sampling was used and 1,099 children under one year of age were evaluated at 31 vaccination sites. Maternal and breastfeeding data and the use of pacifiers, infant formulas, tea, water, complementary foods and low-nutrient foods were investigated using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the association between maternal characteristics, use of pacifiers and infant feeding practices. RESULTS: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 47.1% in children aged up to four months and 21.4% in children aged four to six months. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was higher in children who did not use pacifiers, who were not firstborns and whose mothers were on maternity leave or not employed. Better complementary feeding practices were observed among employed mothers with higher education level. CONCLUSION: This study evidenced the existence of risk factors for early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding and inappropriate feeding practices.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of dietary counseling given to mothers during the first year of infants’ lives on food consumption, nutritional status, and lipid profile of the children up to 7 to 8 years old. METHODS: The randomized trial was conducted with 500 mothers who gave birth to full-term infants with birth weight ≥2500 g between October 2001 and June 2002 in São Leopoldo, Brazil. Mothers were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 200) and control groups (n = 300) and those in the intervention group received counseling on breastfeeding and complementary feeding by 12 fieldworkers on 10 home visits during the first year of children’s lives. Blinded fieldworkers assessed dietary and anthropometric data at 12 to 16 months, 3 to 4 years, and 7 to 8 years and lipid profiles at 3 to 4 years and 7 to 8 years old. The lipid profile was the primary outcome. RESULTS: Of the 500 recruited children, 397 underwent the 12- to 16-month, 354 the 3- to 4-year, and 315 the 7- to 8-year assessment. The energy-dense foods intake was significantly lower in the intervention group at 12 to 16 months and 3 to 4 years old. At 3 to 4 years, serum lipid levels did not differ between groups. At 7 to 8 years, high-density lipoprotein levels were 0.11 mmol/L higher (0.00 to 0.20), and triglycerides concentration was 0.13 mmol/L lower (−0.25 to −0.01) in intervention children but only among the girls. Overweight/obesity rates did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary counseling for mothers during infancy decreased the energy-dense foods consumption and improved lipid profile.

AIM: To identify risk factors for cariogenic feeding practices in the first year of life. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: 500 children born within the public health care system in Sao Leopoldo, Brazil, were recruited in a follow-up program. Anthropometric and demographic data were collected soon after birth; data on feeding practices were assessed at 12 months of age using a standardised questionnaire; clinical examination at 4 years of age allowed identification of cariogenic feeding practices in the first year of life and to quantify their relative risks. In the present study, the attributable risks of each child were summed, and the outcome was assessed for the upper quartile of scores for cariogenic feeding practices. STATISTICS: Adjusted relative risks for the outcome were estimated using robust Poisson regression models. RESULTS: A total of 327 children comprised the final study sample, i.e. were followed from birth to 4 years of age. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of cariogenic feeding practices doubled in children from mothers with less than 5 years of education (RR 2.19, 95%CI 1.26–3.82) and was 70% higher in children from mothers with 5–8 years of education when compared with maternal education >8 years. The other independent variables were not associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Low maternal education is a risk factor for cariogenic feeding practices, independently of other factors. Mothers with low educational levels should be the focus of child health promotion interventions, especially those aimed at controlling dental caries.

Several studies have implicated dopamine (DA) in appetite regulation. The enzymes catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) control DA availability and their genes have well-characterized functional variants. In this study, we examined three polymorphisms in these genes, T941G and MAOAu-VNTR in the MAOA gene and Val158Met in the COMT gene, to investigate how heritable variations in enzymes that determine DA levels might influence food intake and nutritional status. This investigation was a cross-sectional examination of 354 Brazilian children of three to four years old. Polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-based methods. Means of dietary and anthropometric data were compared among genotypes by one-way analyses of variance or Kruskal Wallis tests. The MAOAu-VNTR and COMT Val158Met polymorphisms were associated with the amount of palatable food intake in boys. Presence of the MAOAu-VNTR*long allele was associated with higher intake of lipid-dense foods (LDF) when compared with the *short allele (P=.009); the amount of sugar-dense foods (SDF) intake was also higher in males carriers of the MAOAu-VNTR *long allele than in carriers of the *short allele (P=.034). In the girls' sample, MAOAu-VNTR polymorphism was not associated with food intake and nutritional status. Carriers of the COMT Val158Met*Val allele presented higher intake of LDF when compared with Met/Met homozygotes (P=.008). This study provides the first indication that genetic variants of enzymes that control DA availability might be involved in determination of the amount of palatable food intake in children.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a ingestão alimentar de micronutrientes em pré-escolares no domicílio e em escolas de educação infantil públicas e particulares. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com 362 pré-escolares entre dois e seis anos de idade, em Caxias do Sul (RS) Brasil, em 2007. A ingestão alimentar na escola foi avaliada por meio do método de pesagem direta individual, e no domicílio, por meio de registro alimentar realizado pelos pais ou responsáveis. Foi calculada a ingestão alimentar de cálcio, ferro, folato, vitamina A, vitamina C e zinco de acordo com o local da refeição e tipo de escola. RESULTADOS: Houve maior ingestão de alimentos contendo ferro, folato e vitamina C durante o período em que as crianças permaneceram na escola infantil, e maior ingestão de cálcio, vitamina A e zinco no domicílio. Houve significativamente maior ingestão de alimentos contendo ferro (p=0,03), folato (p=0,03), vitamina A (p

A reconhecida relevância da anemia por deficiência de ferro, em termos de saúde pública, decorre não apenas da magnitude de sua ocorrência, mas, principalmente, dos efeitos deletérios que ocasiona à saúde da criança. Com o objetivo de investigar as práticas alimentares no primeiro ano de vida e sua associação com a deficiência de ferro, realizou-se revisão da literatura científica nacional e internacional sobre a questão, selecionando os artigos mais relevantes. Crianças que nascem atermo e com peso adequado, ao receberem o leite materno de forma exclusiva suprem suas necessidades de ferro, sendo desnecessário qualquer complemento nos primeiros seis meses de vida. Próximo aos seis meses de idade ocorre gradualmente o esgotamento das reservas de ferro e a alimentação complementar passa a ter papel predominante no atendimento às necessidades desse nutriente. O papel do aleitamento materno na ocorrência da deficiência de ferro é ainda controverso e parece depender do país, região e tipo de leite utilizado em substituição ao leite materno. Na impossibilidade da continuidade do aleitamento materno, a substituição deste por leite de vaca aumenta o risco de a criança apresentar deficiência de ferro. Práticas complementares que comprovadamente contribuem com a prevenção da deficiência de ferro são: alimentação complementar com alta biodisponibilidade de ferro, alimentos fortificados e suplemento de ferro em doses profiláticas. Dieta com alta biodisponibilidade de ferro é aquela que contém os alimentos básicos da família, desde que saudáveis, com a presença de carne, vitamina A e vitamina C. A alimentação no primeiro ano de vida tem papel importante na prevenção da anemia por deficiência de ferro e, para sua adequada implementação, é necessário que suas diretrizes sejam adotadas como rotina nas unidades básicas de saúde. The well-known relevance of iron deficiency anemia for public health derives not only from its prevalence, but mainly from its harmful effects on child health. In order to investigate feeding practices in the first year of life and their association with iron deficiency, domestic and international scientific articles were reviewed and the most relevant articles were selected. Children born at term and with appropriate birth weight get all the iron they need from exclusive breastfeeding, with complementary foods of any kind being unnecessary in the first six months of life. At about six months of life, the iron reserves are gradually depleted and complementary foods take on a predominant role in meeting the iron requirement. The role of breastfeeding in the occurrence of iron deficiency is still debated, and appears to depend on the country, region and type of milk used to replace breast milk. The replacement of breast milk with cow's milk increases the risk of the child developing iron deficiency. Complementary practices that have been proven to contribute to the prevention of iron deficiency are complementary foods high in bioavailable iron, enriched foods and iron supplementation in prophylactic doses. A diet high in iron bioavailability is that which contains the staple foods of the family, as long as they are healthy, with the presence of meat, vitamin A and vitamin C. The foods consumed in the first year of life have an important role in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia, and their correct implementation depends on guidelines that should be adopted as standard practice by primary healthcare units.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de anemia, deficiência de ferro e anemia por deficiência de ferro em uma coorte de crianças. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte aninhado a um ensaio de campo randomizado. As crianças foram selecionadas ao nascimento na maternidade do único hospital público da cidade de São Leopoldo (RS), Brasil. O presente estudo avaliou o estado nutricional de ferro (hemoglobina e ferritina sérica) quando essas crianças apresentavam idade de 12-16 meses e, posteriormente, na idade de 3-4 anos. A anemia foi definida pela concentração de hemoglobina < 11,0 g/dL; a deficiência de ferro, por ferritina sérica < 15,0 µg/L; e a anemia por deficiência de ferro, pela presença de concentrações de hemoglobina < 11,0 g/dL com deficiência de ferro. RESULTADOS: Na idade de 12-16 meses, a prevalência geral de anemia, deficiência de ferro e anemia por deficiência de ferro foi de 63,7, 90,3 e 58,8%, respectivamente. Esses valores, para a faixa etária de 3-4 anos, foram de 38,1, 16,1 e 7,4%, respectivamente. Na idade de 12-16 meses, 95% dos casos de anemia foram associados à deficência de ferro, e na idade de 3-4 anos, apenas 19,3% dos casos. CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se que a deficiência de ferro foi a principal causa da anemia no segundo ano de vida, porém não na idade de 3-4 anos. Assim, enfatiza-se que a anemia em crianças de idade pré-escolar pode ter outras etiologias e merece avaliações cuidadosas.

A reconhecida relevância da anemia por deficiência de ferro, em termos de saúde pública, decorre não apenas da magnitude de sua ocorrência, mas, principalmente, dos efeitos deletérios que ocasiona à saúde da criança. Com o objetivo de investigar as práticas alimentares no primeiro ano de vida e sua associação com a deficiência de ferro, realizou-se revisão da literatura científica nacional e internacional sobre a questão, selecionando os artigos mais relevantes. Crianças que nascem atermo e com peso adequado, ao receberem o leite materno de forma exclusiva suprem suas necessidades de ferro, sendo desnecessário qualquer complemento nos primeiros seis meses de vida. Próximo aos seis meses de idade ocorre gradualmente o esgotamento das reservas de ferro e a alimentação complementar passa a ter papel predominante no atendimento às necessidades desse nutriente. O papel do aleitamento materno na ocorrência da deficiência de ferro é ainda controverso e parece depender do país, região e tipo de leite utilizado em substituição ao leite materno. Na impossibilidade da continuidade do aleitamento materno, a substituição deste por leite de vaca aumenta o risco de a criança apresentar deficiência de ferro. Práticas complementares que comprovadamente contribuem com a prevenção da deficiência de ferro são: alimentação complementar com alta biodisponibilidade de ferro, alimentos fortificados e suplemento de ferro em doses profiláticas. Dieta com alta biodisponibilidade de ferro é aquela que contém os alimentos básicos da família, desde que saudáveis, com a presença de carne, vitamina A e vitamina C. A alimentação no primeiro ano de vida tem papel importante na prevenção da anemia por deficiência de ferro e, para sua adequada implementação, é necessário que suas diretrizes sejam adotadas como rotina nas unidades básicas de saúde.The well-known relevance of iron deficiency anemia for public health derives not only from its prevalence, but mainly from its harmful effects on child health. In order to investigate feeding practices in the first year of life and their association with iron deficiency, domestic and international scientific articles were reviewed and the most relevant articles were selected. Children born at term and with appropriate birth weight get all the iron they need from exclusive breastfeeding, with complementary foods of any kind being unnecessary in the first six months of life. At about six months of life, the iron reserves are gradually depleted and complementary foods take on a predominant role in meeting the iron requirement. The role of breastfeeding in the occurrence of iron deficiency is still debated, and appears to depend on the country, region and type of milk used to replace breast milk. The replacement of breast milk with cow's milk increases the risk of the child developing iron deficiency. Complementary practices that have been proven to contribute to the prevention of iron deficiency are complementary foods high in bioavailable iron, enriched foods and iron supplementation in prophylactic doses. A diet high in iron bioavailability is that which contains the staple foods of the family, as long as they are healthy, with the presence of meat, vitamin A and vitamin C. The foods consumed in the first year of life have an important role in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia, and their correct implementation depends on guidelines that should be adopted as standard practice by primary healthcare units.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto de amamentação exclusiva e a introdução de leite de vaca no primeiro ano de vida no diagnóstico de asma, sibilância e atopia em crianças entre 3 e 4 anos de vida. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte aninhado a ensaio de campo randomizado que investigou a efetividade de orientações nutricionais no primeiro ano de vida de crianças, na cidade de São Leopoldo, RS. As crianças acompanhadas em relação a sua dieta no primeiro ano de vida, nesse estudo primário, foram revisitadas três anos mais tarde. Seus pais responderam, então, a um questionário relacionado a problemas respiratórios em seus domicílios, aplicado por entrevistadores treinados. As crianças também realizaram testes cutâneos para avaliar a resposta a alérgenos ambientais comuns. RESULTADOS: Do total de 397 crianças acompanhadas no primeiro ano de vida, 354 foram reavaliadas entre 3 e 4 anos de idade. A prevalência de sibilos, avaliada no período referente aos 12 meses prévios ao questionário, foi 21,3%, a de asma, 5,5% e a de atopia, 28,7%. Crianças que consumiram leite de vaca antes de 4 meses de vida tinham chance significativamente maior de apresentar asma entre 3 e 4 anos (OR 3,22; IC95%: 1,05-9,80). Aleitamento exclusivo por período menor de 6 meses foi marginalmente associado à atopia. CONCLUSÕES: A introdução precoce do leite de vaca mostrou-se importante fator de risco para o desencadeamento de sintomas da asma aos 4 anos de idade. Aleitamento materno por período superior a 6 meses está também potencialmente associado à proteção no desenvolvimento de atopia. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem haver um potencial de intervenção para diminuir o impacto da asma através de intervenções na dieta no primeiro ano de vida. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of exclusive breastfeeding and introduction of cow's milk in the first year of life on the diagnosis of asthma, wheezing, and atopy in children aged 3 to 4 years. METHODS: This is a cohort study nested in a randomized field trial investigating the effectiveness of dietary guidelines during the first year of life of children in the city of São Leopoldo, southern Brazil. Children who had their diet monitored during the first year of life, in a primary study, were revisited three years later, when their parents answered a questionnaire related to respiratory problems, applied during home visits by trained interviewers. Children were also skin-prick tested to assess responses to common environmental allergens. RESULTS: Of the 397 children followed during the first year of life, 354 were reassessed between 3 and 4 years of age. Prevalence of wheezing, evaluated for the 12 months prior to questionnaires, was 21.3%, while prevalence of asthma and atopy was 5.5 and 28.7%, respectively. Children fed cow's milk previous to being four months of life were significantly more likely to have asthma between three and four years of age (OR 3.22; 95%CI 1.05-9.80). In the same line, exclusive breastfeeding for a period shorter than six months was marginally associated with atopy. CONCLUSIONS: The early introduction of cow's milk was an important risk factor for triggering asthma/wheeze symptoms at the age of 4 years. Exclusive breastfeeding for longer than six months was also potentially associated with protection against the development of atopy. The results of this study suggest that dietary interventions during the first year of life have the potential to reduce the impact of asthma, and possibly, atopy.

Resumen pt: Objeti vo: Identi fi car prati cas alimentares cariogenicas e esti mar os fatores associados ao consumo de guloseimas entre as refeicoes em pre-escolares...

Feldens CA, Giugliani ERJ, Duncan BB, Drachler ML, Vitolo MR. Long-term effectiveness of a nutritional program in reducing early childhood caries: a randomized trial. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 324–332. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of home visits advising mothers about healthy feeding practices during the first year of life on the occurrence of early childhood caries and severe early childhood caries at 4 years of age. Methods: We conducted a parallel randomized trial of mothers of single, full-term children with birthweight ≥ 2500g in Sao Leopoldo, Brazil. The intervention group received monthly advice up to 6 months and then at 8, 10 and 12 months by undergraduate nutrition students, based on the ``Ten Steps for Healthy Feeding'', a Brazilian national health policy for primary care based on World Health Organization guidelines. The primary outcome was the occurrence of early childhood caries at age four. Secondary outcomes included the occurrence of severe early childhood caries and the number of affected teeth: decayed (white spots and cavities), missing and filled teeth (d1+mft). Blinded observers ascertained feeding habits in the home and one blinded dentist performed dental examinations in a municipal clinic. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00629629. Results: Of 500 mother-child pairs (200 intervention, 300 control) enrolled, 340 (141 intervention, 199 control) completed 4 year follow-up. As 138 (69.3%) controls but only 76 (53.9%) intervention children had early childhood caries, home counseling reduced incidence by 22% (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.65-0.93). Severe early childhood caries incidence was reduced by 32% (RR 0.68; 95% CI 050-0.92). The mean number of affected teeth was lower for the intervention group (3.25) compared with the control group (4.15) (Mann Whitney U-test; p=0.023). No adverse effects were noted. Conclusions: Home nutritional advice during the first year of life decreases caries incidence and severity at four years of age in a low income community.

Objective: To estimate the energy and macronutrient intake at home and at all-day in the kindergarten programs in children aged 2 to 6 and to investigate differences in consumption and intake between children at public and private kindergartens. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 362 preschool children from Caxias do Sul, Brazil. Nutritional status was assessed in terms of weight to height ratios. Foods consumed in the kindergarten were evaluated by weighing the actual foods eaten by the children and home intakes were calculated from a food diary kept by parents or guardians. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05). Results: It was found that 28 children (7.7%) were overweight, 92 (25.4%) were at risk of becoming overweight and seven (1.9%) were classified as having wasting. Analysis of 24-hour nutritional intake demonstrated that 51.3% of the energy, 60.3% of the lipids and 51.6% of the proteins consumed by children were eaten at home, despite the children spending the whole day in the kindergarten programs. Preschool children at kindergartens ate greater quantities of energy (p = 0.001), carbohydrates (p < 0.001), and lipids (p = 0.04) than did children at public kindergartens, but their total daily intakes were similar, irrespective of which type of kindergarten program children attended. Conclusions: The findings suggest that these children eat proportionally more energy, proteins and lipids in their extra meals at home than they do in their daytime meals in the kindergarten programs. Despite the differences in intake between public and private kindergarten, daily intakes were similar.

OBJECTIVE Assess the maternal socio-demographic factors associated with the frequency of use of child care services by low income families. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of 393 children between 12 and 16 months old who participated in a randomized field trial during their first year of life in a program of nutritional intervention. The study began in the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Unico de Saude, SUS) of the maternity hospital in the city of Sao Leopoldo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Children were examined regarding child care follow-up and vaccination schedule by checking the immunization chart. Data were analyzed using statistical tests Pearson's chi square and prevalence ratio (PR) with respective 95% confidence interval. RESULTS The frequency of children who were not continuously taken to the child care service was 53.2%. Multivariate analysis suggests that the factors associated with the lack of continuous use of the service were: mother's educational level

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores sociodemograficos associados a frequencia da utilizacao do servico de puericultura por familias de baixo nivel socioeconomico. METODOS: Analise transversal de 393 criancas, com idades entre 12 e 16 meses, que participaram de um ensaio de campo randomizado no primeiro ano de vida em um programa de intervencao nutricional. O estudo iniciou nos setores de atendimento do Sistema Unico de Saude da maternidade da cidade de Sao Leopoldo (RS). As criancas foram avaliadas quanto ao acompanhamento na puericultura e calendario de vacinacao. Para analise dos dados utilizou-se teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e razao de prevalencia (RP) com respectivo intervalo de confianca de 95% (IC95%). RESULTADOS: A frequencia de criancas que nao foram levadas regularmente foi de 53,2%. A analise multivariada sugere que os fatores associados a ausencia de utilizacao regular do servico foram: escolaridade materna < 8 anos (RP 1,32; IC95% 1,02-1,71), estrutura familiar nao nuclear (RP 1,32; IC95% 1,10-1,59) e nao ser filho unico (RP 1,38; IC95% 1,10-1,72). Os motivos relatados para o nao acompanhamento da crianca na puericultura foram: 66,2% consideraram desnecessario, 21,7% referiram insatisfacao com o servico, 6,05% impossibilidade devido ao emprego e 6,05% outros motivos. CONCLUSAO: A elevada frequencia de criancas que nao sao levadas para acompanhamento no servico de puericultura esta associada a baixa escolaridade materna e a estrutura familiar, alem da percepcao de que e desnecessario na ausencia de doenca da crianca.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between feeding practices in the first year of life and the occurrence of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) at 4 years of age. A birth cohort study (n = 500) was conducted in children who were born within the public health system in São Leopoldo, Brazil. Feeding practices were assessed using standardized methods at 6 and 12 months of age. A total of 340 children were examined at 4 years of age. S-ECC was defined as recommended by an expert panel for research purposes: ≧1 cavitated, missing or filled smooth surfaces in primary maxillary anterior teeth or d1+ mfs ≧5. Poisson regression with robust variance was used in order to determine the early feeding practices which represent risk factors for the occurrence of S-ECC at 4 years of age. The multivariable model showed a higher adjusted risk of S-ECC for the following dietary practices at 12 months: breastfeeding ≧7 times daily (RR = 1.97; 95% CI = 1.45–2.68), high density of sugar (RR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.08–1.89), bottle use for liquids other than milk (RR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.08–1.86), as well as number of meals and snacks >8 (RR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.02–1.97). Mother’s education ≤8 years was also associated with the outcome. The present study identified early feeding practices which represent risk factors for caries severity in subsequent years. These findings may contribute to developing general and oral health interventions, with special attention to families with low maternal education.

Objectives To assess the effectiveness of home visits advising mothers about breast feeding and weaning in reducing symptoms of respiratory morbidity at the age of 12 months. Methods A randomized field trial was conducted with mothers who gave birth within the public health system in the Brazilian city of Sao Leopoldo (2001/2002). The intervention group received dietary advice during the first year based on a Brazilian national health policy for primary care, which is based on WHO guidelines. Morbidity data was assessed in 397 children at 12 months. Results A total of 23.3% of the children in the intervention group and 39.7% of the controls had one or more of the following symptoms during the month preceding assessment: cough, stuffy nose, runny nose, or breathlessness. The risk of respiratory morbidity symptoms was 41% lower for the intervention group (RR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43–0.81). The number of families needed to be visited to avoid one children presenting symptoms of respiratory morbidity (Number Needed to Treat) was 6.1. The intervention-group status was also associated with a longer duration of exclusive (RR:1.59; 95% CI: 1.21–2.07; p = 0.001) and total breastfeeding (RR: 1.25; 95% CI:1.02–1.55; p = 0.032) later introduction of solid foods (RR:1.11; 95% CI: 1.02–1.21; p = 0.023), and a lower proportion of current medication use (RR:0.56; 95% CI:0.34–0.91; p = 0.016). Conclusion A nutrition education program during the first year of life has a positive impact on reducing respiratory symptoms in infants.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a freqüência com que os adolescentes assistem televis��o na região Sul do Brasil e quais fatores estão associados a esse comportamento. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com 722 adolescentes entre 10 e 19 anos. Foi calculado a média de horas diárias que os adolescentes assistiam televisão. Foi realizada análise de regressão logística para analisar possível associação entre fatores sociodemográfico, antropométricos, atividade física, sexo e idade, com o hábito de assistir mais do que 4 horas diárias de televisão. RESULTADOS: Entre os adolescentes estudados, 41,1% assistiam mais do 4 horas de TV por dia. A prevalência de adolescentes que assistiam > 4h de TV foi maior entre aqueles com menos de 16 anos. Ser filho de mãe com escolaridade maior do que 8 anos (OR 1,9; IC 1,25-2,89) e possuir circunferência da cintura maior do que o percentil 80 (OR 2,77; IC 1,33-5,77) foi positivamente associado ao hábito de assistir televisão mais do que 4 horas diárias. CONCLUSÕES: Maior escolaridade materna e circunferência da cintura maior do que o percentil 80 estão associados ao comportamento de assistir TV em excesso entre os adolescentes. Esses achados devem ser utilizados para direcionar a elaboração de programas de saúde pública, especialmente por meio das escolas, enfocando adolescentes com faixa etária entre 10 e 15 anos, assim como devem servir de alerta para os profissionais de saúde e educadores.OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the frequency adolescents watch TV in southern Brazil and which factors are associated with this behavior. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 722 adolescents between 10 and 19 years of age. Logistic regression analysis was used to verify association between socio-demographic and anthropometric factors, physical activity, age and sex with the adolescents who watched TV for more than four daily hours. RESULTS: Forty-one percent of the adolescents watched more than four daily hours of TV. The prevalence of adolescents who excessively watched TV was higher among those under 16 yr of age (PR 1.92; CI 1.33-2.78). Having a mother with higher educational background (PR 1.51; CI 1.08-2.11), and having waist circumference above 80 percentile (PR 1.63; CI 1.09-2.44) were positively associated with the habit of watching more than 4 hours/day of television. CONCLUSIONS: Higher mother educational background and higher waist circumference are associated with excessive television watching. These results can be useful to create health programs at schools, focusing adolescents between 19 and 15 years old.

AIMS: To examine the effects of the home environment on unintentional domestic injuries and related health care attendance in infants from deprived families. METHODS: Ten mechanisms that caused unintentional domestic injury during the first year were investigated in a population-based study of 1-year-old children in southern Brazil. Odds ratios of injury-related health care attendance were estimated by number of injury mechanisms reported. Variation in number of mechanisms (in the whole sample) and odds ratios of care attendance (in children with reported injuries) were estimated for socioeconomic and psychosocial variables. RESULTS: Among all children (394) 86% had injuries; 10.9% care attendance and 0.5% hospitalisation were reported, and 14.5% presented dental trauma. Injury-related care attendance increased with the number of injury mechanisms (linear trend OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.09-1.66). In multivariable linear regression, injury mechanisms increased with the number of home hazards (p = 0.047) and decreased with duration of exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.039), maternal involvement-responsiveness (p = 0.037) and mother's paid work (p = 0.018). Injury-related health care attendance among children with reported injuries was positively associated with maternal involvement-responsiveness (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.11-4.67) and home organization (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.09-4.65). CONCLUSION: Injury control can benefit from policy and practice that improve housing, reduce home hazards and promote breastfeeding, maternal bonds, safety practices and injury care. Language: en

The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa (MEAN) region increased from 87000 in 2003 to 152000 in 2005 according to United Nations estimates. While these numbers may look small compared to about 40 million people who are living with HIV worldwide the number of infections appears to be increasing rapidly in the region. More important the low number of HIV infections does not mean low risk. MEANs conservative culture--in which sexual relationships outside marriage are forbidden--has been partly responsible for keeping the rates of HIV infection relatively low. The same conservative norms however often contribute to a general attitude of denial combined with strong stigmatization and social ostracism of people living with HIV/AIDS. Because HIV infection is concentrated for now among people who are often perceived as socially deviant the AIDS epidemic has been shrouded in ignorance--and that ignorance does not help prevent the spread of the infection. Thepurpose of this policy brief is to raise awareness among MEANs decision-makers and opinion leaders about the urgent need for action by presenting some of the warning signs risks and vulnerabilities that face the region. The current low rates of HIV infection and concentration among specific groups in MEAN offer the opportunity to develop policies and programs to prevent an epidemic that could have far-reaching social and economic implications. (excerpt)

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de sintomas depressivos num grupo de mães de crianças entre 12 e 16 meses do município de São Leopoldo (RS) e suas associações com tempo de aleitamento materno e aspectos do desenvolvimento da criança. MÉTODO: Foram avaliadas 263 mães de crianças recrutadas ao nascimento em uma maternidade que atende população de baixo nível socioeconômico. Os sintomas depressivos foram avaliados por meio do Inventário para Depressão de Beck. RESULTADOS: Foi observado que 35,7% das mães apresentaram sintomas de depressão. Quanto à classificação, 18,3% apresentaram depressão leve, 11%, depressão moderada, e 6,5%, grave. As mães sem companheiros (razão de prevalência - RP = 1,70; IC95% = 1,20-2,38) e provenientes de famílias não-nucleares apresentaram mais sintomas depressivos (RP = 1,38; IC95% = 0,99-1,92). As freqüências de aleitamento materno exclusivo por 6 meses (RP = 1,86; IC95% = 0,94-3,68) e aleitamento materno aos 12 meses (RP = 1,80; IC95% = 1,26-2,58) foram maiores no grupo de mães sem sintomas depressivos. CONCLUSÃO: É necessária maior atenção à saúde mental das mulheres, considerando a alta prevalência de sintomas depressivos nessa população e a forte associação com o menor tempo de aleitamento materno.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at verifying the incidence of depressive symptoms in a group of mothers of children between 12 and 16 months in the municipality of São Leopoldo (RS, Brazil) and their associations with breast feeding and overall child development. METHOD: This study included 263 mothers who delivered at a hospital providing services to a population of low socioeconomic level. Depressive symptoms were assessed using Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: It was observed that 35.7% of mothers presented depressive symptoms. As to classification, 18.3% had mild, 11% moderate and 6.5% severe depression. Mothers without partners (prevalence ratio - PR = 1.70; IC95% = 1.20-2.38) and mothers from non-nuclear families presented more depressive symptoms (PR = 1.38; IC95% = 0.99-1.92). Exclusive breast feeding at 6 (PR = 1.86; IC95% = 0.94-3.68) and 12 months (PR = 1.80; IC95% = 1.26-2.58) was more frequent in the group of mothers without depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: More attention should be given to women's mental health, considering the high prevalence of depressive symptoms in this population and the strong association with less breastfeeding time.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo investiga os fatores dieteticos determinantes da ausencia de anemia entre lactentes de familias de baixo nivel socioeconomico submetidos a um programa de intervencao nutricional, bem como a adequacao do consumo de ferro de acordo com as recomendacoes. METODOLOGIA: O estudo compreendeu 369 criancas pertencentes a uma coorte do municipio de Sao Leopoldo (RS), as quais foram randomizadas ao nascimento para constituirem dois grupos: intervencao e controle. O grupo intervencao foi submetido a orientacoes dieteticas no primeiro ano de vida, com visitas domiciliares mensais, e o grupo controle foi visitado aos 6 e 12 meses, sem intervencao dietetica. Ao final do primeiro ano de vida, realizou-se inquerito alimentar recordatorio de 24 horas. O diagnostico de anemia foi determinado pelo nivel de hemoglobina inferior a 11 g/dL. As dietas das criancas foram classificadas de acordo com a biodisponiblidade do ferro presente. RESULTADOS: A prevalencia de anemia encontrada neste estudo foi de 63,7%. A proporcao de criancas com consumo adequado em relacao as recomendacoes foi estatisticamente mais elevada no grupo sem anemia (26,8%) do que no grupo com anemia (17,7%). As criancas que nao apresentaram anemia mostraram maior consumo de ferro (p = 0,019), vitamina C (p = 0,001), densidade energetica no jantar (p = 0,006), densidade de ferro por 1.000 calorias (p = 0,045), e 16,3% delas apresentaram dieta com alta biodisponibilidade em ferro (p = 0,002). CONCLUSOES: A pratica alimentar que garante alta biodisponibilidade de ferro protege a crianca contra anemia e pode ser usada como proposta de intervencao na rede basica de saude e no âmbito das secretarias municipais de educacao infantil.

Resumo Avaliar práticas alimentares de crianças brasileiras e os fatores associados à qualidade e à diversidade da dieta. Foram utilizados dados de 2.477 crianças com idade de 6 a 36 meses da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde realizada no Brasil em 2006/2007. As dietas foram avaliadas e classificadas por meio de um índice composto. Apresentaram dieta de alta qualidade 28,2% e dieta diversificada 20% das crianças. Crianças pertencentes às classes socioeconômicas menos privilegiadas e residentes em domicílio em situação de insegurança alimentar grave apresentaram, aproximadamente, 40% menos chances de ter dieta de alta qualidade. A chance de ter dieta diversificada foi 71% menor para crianças residentes em domicílio em situação de insegurança alimentar grave e 43% menor se filhas de mães com baixa escolaridade. Crianças residentes na Região Norte do país apresentaram menos chances de ter dieta diversificada e dieta de alta qualidade. A qualidade da dieta de crianças brasileiras é inadequada, e a situação de vulnerabilidade social está fortemente associada a esse quadro alimentar desfavorável. Abstract The objective of this study was to assess dietary patterns in Brazilian children and factors associated with better diet. The authors used data for 2,477 children 6 to 36 months of age from the Brazilian National Survey of Demographic and Health in 2006-2007. Diet was assessed and classified using a composite index. The results showed that 28.2% of the children received a high-quality diet and 20% had a diversified diet. Children from socioeconomically underprivileged families or with serious food insecurity were approximately 40% less likely to have high-quality diets. Children living in homes with food insecurity were 71% less likely to have diversified diets, and those whose mothers had limited education were 43% less likely. Children residing in the North of Brazil were less likely to have diversified and high-quality diets. The dietary quality of Brazilian children is inadequate, and social vulnerability is closely associated with this adverse dietary situation. Resumen Evaluar las prácticas alimentarias de los niños brasileños y los factores asociados con mejores prácticas dietéticas. Se utilizaron los datos de 2.477 niños de 6 a 36 meses de la Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud, llevada a cabo en Brasil en 2006/7. Las dietas fueron evaluadas y calificadas por un índice compuesto. Presentaron una dieta de alta calidad el 28,2% y una dieta variada el 20% de los niños. Niños pertenecientes a clases socioeconómicas menos privilegiadas, y que viven en domicilios en situación de inseguridad alimentaria grave, presentaron aproximadamente un 40% menos de probabilidad de tener una dieta de alta calidad. La probabilidad de tener una dieta diversificada fue un 71% menor en los niños que viven en domicilios en situación de inseguridad alimentaria grave y un 43% menor, si son hijas de madres con bajo nivel de escolaridad. Los niños que viven en el norte del país tenían menos probabilidad de tener una dieta diversificada y de alta calidad. La calidad de la dieta de los niños es inadecuada y la situación de vulnerabilidad social está asociada con el panorama alimentario desfavorable.

Background Serotonin plays a critical role in the regulation of food intake. The solute carrier family 6 member 14 (SLC6A14) and serotonin receptor 2C (5-HTR2C) genes are involved in the bioavailability and action of this neurotransmitter. Objective Evaluation of the association of six polymorphisms in these genes with food intake and nutritional status in children followed to 7–8 years of age. Design Blood samples and the biodemographic data of 344 children were collected at three development stages, in a cross-sectional study undertaken with the cohort from a randomized trial. Polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-based techniques. Results At 7 to 8 years of age, carriers of the A alleles for both the SLC6A14 rs2312054 and SLC6A14 rs12391221 polymorphisms showed higher food intake, except for the sugar-dense food (SDF) intake parameter, than T/T and C/C homozygotes, respectively. Boy carriers of the C allele of rs2071877 had a higher sum of triceps and subscapular folds than T allele carriers at 7 to 8 years old. For 5-HTR2C gene variants, A allele carriers (rs3813928) and T allele carriers (rs3813929) had higher food intake at 3 to 4 years old than G/G and C/C homozygotes, respectively, except for SDF. At this age, the intake of energy-dense foods was higher in carriers of the T allele (rs3813929) than in C/C homozygotes. Conclusion This study provides evidence that genetic variants of these proteins might be involved in the determination of food intake and nutritional status in children.

Pregnant women who gain excess weight are at risk of complications during pregnancy and in the long term. Interventions based on diet and physical activity minimise gestational weight gain with varied effect on clinical outcomes. The effect of interventions on varied groups of women based on body mass index, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, parity, and underlying medical conditions is not clear. Our individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomised trials will assess the differential effect of diet- and physical activity-based interventions on maternal weight gain and pregnancy outcomes in clinically relevant subgroups of women.Randomised trials on diet and physical activity in pregnancy will be identified by searching the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, LILACS, Pascal, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Health Technology Assessment Database. Primary researchers of the identified trials are invited to join the International Weight Management in Pregnancy Collaborative Network and share their individual patient data. We will reanalyse each study separately and confirm the findings with the original authors. Then, for each intervention type and outcome, we will perform as appropriate either a one-step or a two-step IPD meta-analysis to obtain summary estimates of effects and 95% confidence intervals, for all women combined and for each subgroup of interest. The primary outcomes are gestational weight gain and composite adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The difference in effects between subgroups will be estimated and between-study heterogeneity suitably quantified and explored. The potential for publication bias and availability bias in the IPD obtained will be investigated. We will conduct a model-based economic evaluation to assess the cost effectiveness of the interventions to manage weight gain in pregnancy and undertake a value of information analysis to inform future research.PROSPERO 2013: CRD42013003804.

This study evaluated the dietary fiber intake of adolescents in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo city and any association between low dietary fiber intake with constipation and overweight.In total, 716 adolescents were included within the study, of whom 314 attended private school and 402 attended public school. Evaluation of fiber intake was based on a 24-h daily intake record and a frequency questionnaire. Data concerning bowel movements and height and weight measurements were also taken.Fiber consumption, below that recommended ("age + 5"), was found in 61.8% and 41.4% (P = 0.000) of girls attending private and public schools, respectively, and in 44.1% and 25.6% of boys (P = 0.001). Adolescents who did not eat beans on more than 4 d/wk presented a higher risk of fiber intake below that recommended (age + 5; P0.05), with odds ratios ranging from 10.4 to 14.2 according gender and private or public schooling. Dietary fiber intake below that recommended was associated with a greater risk (P0.05) toward overweight in students attending public schooling (odds ratios 2.84 and 2.95 for males and females, respectively). Low dietary fiber intake was not associated with constipation.Intake of beans more than four times per week is associated with the appropriate level of fiber intake. Dietary fiber intake below the recommendation was not associated with constipation but was associated with being overweight among those students attending public schooling.

The objective was to evaluate factors associated with the risk of low folate intake among adolescents. We employed cluster sampling using a random selection of 40 representative census sectors and households within those sectors including all individuals between 10 and 19 years of age. The weight height and skin folds of subjects were measured and socioeconomic data on their families were collected. A 24-hour dietary recall and frequency questionnaire were used to estimate the quantity and frequency of folate intake. Folate consumption was quantified using Nutwin software. Risk of low folate intake was defined as Folate consumption below the estimated average requirement. The statistical analysis employed hierarchical logistic regression. A total of 722 adolescents were investigated and their mean folate intake was 145 ± 117 µg. The frequency of subjects at risk of having a lower than recommended folate intake was 89%. Adolescents had a greater risk of inadequate folate intake if their body mass index was at or above the 85th percentile their waist circumference was at or above the 80th percentile or they had a family history of cardiovascular disease. Adolescents who ate beans and dark green vegetables less than four times a week also exhibited an increased chance of having folate intake below recommended levels. These adolescents present a high risk of low folate intake and this risk is linked with increasing age waist circumference above the 80th percentile and low frequency of beans and dark green vegetables consumption. (authors)

INTRODUÇÃO: A compulsão alimentar (CA) entre mulheres tem sido considerada fator de risco para o diagnóstico de transtornos alimentares mais graves. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a prevalência de CA entre universitárias e a sua associação com IMC (índice de massa corpórea) e idade. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram avaliadas 491 estudantes universitárias, com idade entre 17 e 55 anos, de três áreas de estudo (exatas, saúde e humanas) da Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), situada no município de São Leopoldo (RS). Para avaliar a freqüência de CA, utilizou-se o questionário auto-aplicável Escala de Compulsão Alimentar Periódica (ECAP). As medidas de peso e estatura foram auto-informadas. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de CA entre as universitárias estudadas foi de 18,1%. A freqüência de IMC > 25 kg/m² foi de 11,4%, e 75,8% delas apresentavam mais de 20 anos. Observou-se uma associação significativa entre IMC e CA no grupo geral, sendo que 54,5% das universitárias com excesso de peso ou obesidade apresentaram CA (p < 0,001), e a idade não foi associada com a presença de CA. Porém, na área da saúde, as estudantes com idade igual ou menor a 20 anos apresentaram maior freqüência de CA (p < 0,05), e, na área de humanas, o resultado foi inverso (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O questionário auto-aplicável ECAP revelou elevada prevalência de CA entre mulheres universitárias, mostrando associação com excesso de peso. Investigações futuras são necessárias, com o objetivo de confirmar esses resultados e avaliar a presença de outros transtornos alimentares.INTRODUCCIÓN: La compulsión alimentaria (CA) entre mujeres viene siendo considerada como factor de riesgo para el diagnóstico de trastornos alimentares más graves. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido investigar la prevalencia de CA entre universitarias y su asociación con el IMC (índice de masa corpórea) y edad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se evaluaron 491 estudiantes universitarias, con edad entre 17 y 55 años, de tres áreas de estudio (exactas, salud y humanidades) de la Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), ubicada en el municipio de São Leopoldo (RS, Brasil). Para evaluar la frecuencia de CA, se utilizó el cuestionario autoaplicable Escala de Compulsión Alimentaria Periódica (ECAP). Las medidas de peso y estructura han sido autoinformadas. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de CA entre las universitarias estudiadas ha sido de 18,1%. La frecuencia de IMC > 25 kg/m² ha sido de 11,4% y 75,8% de ellas tenían más de 20 años de edad. Se observó una asociación significativa entre IMC y CA en el grupo general, siendo que el 54,5% de las universitarias con exceso de peso u obesidad presentaron CA (p < 0,001), y la edad no ha sido asociada a la presencia de CA. Sin embargo, en el área de salud, las estudiantes con edad igual o menor a 20 años presentaron mayor frecuencia de CA (p < 0,05) y, en el área de humanas, el resultado ha sido inverso (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: El cuestionario autoaplicable ECAP reveló elevada prevalencia de CA entre mujeres universitarias, mostrando asociación con exceso de peso. Investigaciones futuras son necesarias, con el objetivo de confirmar esos resultados y evaluar la presencia de otros trastornos alimentares.INTRODUCTION: Binge eating (BE) among women has been regarded as a risk factor for the diagnosis of more severe eating disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of BE among female university students and its association with body mass index (BMI) and age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study evaluated 491 female university students aged between 17 and 55 years in three fields of knowledge (exact sciences, health and humanities) at the Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos), located in São Leopoldo (Brazil). A self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate BE frequency on the Binge Eating Scale (BES). Height and weight data were provided by study subjects. RESULTS: Prevalence of BE among the students was 18.1%. Frequency of BMI > 25 kg/m² was 11.4%, of which 75.8% were over 20 years old. Significant association was found between BMI and BE in the general group, since 54.5% of the overweight and obese students presented BE (p < 0.001). Age was not associated with BE. Students in the health field with age < 20 years showed greater frequency of BE (p < 0.05), whereas this result was reversed in the humanities (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The self-administered questionnaire revealed a high prevalence of BE among female university students and an association with overweight. Further investigations are necessary to confirm the results and evaluate the presence of other eating disorders.

Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-27T11:21:47Z No. of bitstreams: 0Bitstream added on 2014-05-27T14:40:02Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 2-s2.0-33645998468.pdf: 381078 bytes, checksum: 4f8f8ce991af29e3bb05b5ceff029de9 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-27T11:21:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-01-01 Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate what effect the ingestion of sardines, rich in omega-3 series polyunsaturated fatty acids, has on the composition of breastmilk. Methods: This was a prospective study of 31 nursing mothers under observation at the Hospital Guilherme Álvaro. Each was given 2 kg of fresh sardines twice with a 15-day interval. Milk was sampled and a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire was applied on days 0, 15 and 30. Milk was assayed for fatty acid content by gas chromatography. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using nonparametric tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results demonstrate that the nutritional intake of the nursing mothers was adequate at all three sample points. With regard to the omega-3 series fatty acid content of the breastmilk, it was observed that regular consumption and shorter intervals between ingestion and milk collection resulted in higher concentrations of docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid at 15 and 30 days into the study. Fatty acids from the omega-3 and omega-6 series exhibited a significant correlation, r 2 was 0.58 and 0.59 at 15 and 30 days, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that incorporating fish into the diets of nursing mother during lactation, in the form of 100 g of sardines two or three times a week, contributes to an increase in omega-3 series fatty acids. Copyright © 2006 by Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Paulo, SP , Rua Loefgreen, 1647, V. Clementino, CEP 04040-032 - São Paulo, SP Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Paulo, SP