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Over the past few years, growing interest has been shown for the impact of dietary requirements and nutritional factors on chronic diseases. As a result, nutritional programs have been reinforced by public health policies. The precise role of micronutrients in chronic liver disease is currently receiving particular attention since abnormalities in vitamin levels are often detected. At present, treatment programs are focused on correcting vitamin deficiencies, which are frequently correlated to higher rates of comorbidities with poor outcomes. The literature reviewed here indicates that liver diseases are often related to vitamin disorders, due to both liver impairment and abnormal intake. More specific knowledge about the role of vitamins in liver disease is currently emerging from various results and recent evidence. The most significant benefits in this area may be observed when improved vitamin intake is combined with a pharmacological treatment that may also affect the progression of the liver disease, especially in the case of liver tumors. However, further studies are needed.

Melatonin is a hormone that controls the human circadian rhythm and also protects plants against severe stress conditions. Recently, melatonin has been used for immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer health purposes. However, scant information concerning tropical fruit contents of melatonin and its derivatives is available. Melatonin, serotonin, and tryptophan contents in fifteen tropical fruits were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Melatonin concentrations in Thai fruits varied from 1.528 to 2.401 ng/g dw, with highest levels of melatonin, serotonin, and tryptophan detected in mango, pineapple, and mulberry (2.401, 68.092, and 175.527 ng/g dw, respectively). Fruit tablets rich in melatonin and its derivatives were also developed from selected fruits including mango, pineapple and mulberry. Mango tablets were high in melatonin (2.24 ng/g dw). Increasing pineapple and mulberry percentages in the tablets significantly improved the serotonin level, while mulberry tablets contained the highest tryptophan level. Serotonin content in mixed fruit tablets containing mango, pineapple and mulberry or mixed pineapple and mulberry were higher than in individual fruits. Results can be used as guidelines to determine the concentrations of melatonin and its derivatives. Our findings can also be used to construct a database for melatonin, serotonin, and tryptophan contents in fruits and estimate their potential contribution to dietary requirements.

Background Preschool children consume two thirds of their dietary requirements at Early Care and Education (ECE) programs. Programs in tribal communities face unique challenges like rural location and reduced food access. Evaluation of ECE menus is an efficient method to examine dietary quality of foods and find opportunity to enhance nutrition quality through training and interventions for programs including those serving Native American children. Objective Determine nutrient content, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) compliance, food substitution to assess menu quality in tribally affiliated ECE programs. Study Design, Setting, Participants Cross-sectional analysis was conducted as the baseline assessment in FRESH, a community-based participatory research study. Menus and recipes were collected from 9 sites and foods served to children were photographed. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Food Processor was used for nutrient analyses of fiber, saturated fat, and energy content. A quantitative index assessed the revised 2017 CACFP requirement, best practice, and combined compliance (possible score of zero to 100 percent for each). Food substitutions were classified as nutritionally equivalent, nutritionally superior (higher nutrient quality), or nutritionally inferior (poorer nutrient quality), and summed. Means, standard deviation, medians, and interquartile ranges were calculated for all variables. Results Mean fiber, saturated fat, and energy content of menus were 3.5g ± 0.5g, 10.5g ± 3.4g, and 643.7 ± 106.6 kcals, respectively. Menus were 74.4%, 61.4%, and 88.1% compliant with the total CACFP guidelines, best practices, and requirements, respectively. In 1 week, 54.8% of the foods were substituted; 44.3% were equivalent quality substitutions, 32.6% superior, and 23.1% inferior. Conclusion Menus need to provide two thirds of the daily requirement of fiber (12-16g) to match the CACFP guidelines. More than 10% of total calories came from saturated fat and menus did not provide two thirds of total energy requirement (666-1067 kcals). Menus were fairly compliant with the CACFP guidelines however, there is a room for improvement. Foodservice personnel training may enhance nutritional quality of meals and substitutions.

BACKGROUND An acute and orally delivered toxic bait containing micro-encapsulated sodium nitrite (MESN), is under development to provide a novel and humane technology to help curtail damage caused by invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa). We evaluated potential secondary risks for non-target species by: testing whether four different types of micro-encapsulation coatings could reduce vomiting by invasive wild pigs, testing the levels of residual sodium nitrite (SN) in tissues of invasive wild pigs, testing the environmental persistence of SN in vomitus, and conducting a risk assessment for scavengers. RESULTS Micro-encapsulation coatings did not affect the frequency of vomiting. We identified no risk of secondary poisoning for non-target scavengers that consume muscle, eyes, and livers of invasive wild pig carcasses because residual SN from the toxic bait was not detected in those tissues. The risk of secondary poisoning from consuming vomitus appeared low because ∼90% of the SN was metabolized or broken down prior to vomiting, and continued to degrade after being exposed to the environment. Secondary poisoning could occur for common scavengers that consume approximately ≥15% of their daily dietary requirements of digestive tract tissues or undigested bait from carcasses of invasive wild pigs in a rapid, single-feeding event. The likelihood of this occurring in a natural setting is unknown. The digestive tracts of poisoned invasive wild pigs contained an average of ∼4.35 mg/g of residual SN. CONCLUSION Data from this study suggest no risks of secondary poisoning for non-target species (including humans) that consume muscle, liver, or eyes of invasive wild pigs poisoned with a MESN toxic bait. More species-specific testing for scavengers that consume digestive tract tissues and undigested bait is needed to reduce uncertainty about these potential risks. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry

The popularity of owning reptiles as pets is steadily increasing, with a huge variety of different species becoming readily available. Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are the second of the most commonly owned pet reptile presented in veterinary practice, with an extensive range of genetic skin colour variations being available. Leopard geckos are routinely presented to veterinary surgeons with a myriad of conditions, most often as a result of environmental deficiencies. General knowledge of the correct species-specific husbandry conditions is essential when seeing reptiles in practice. This article provides a basic outline of the correct care for this species, including heating, lighting, housing and dietary requirements, as well as a review of the common conditions seen in this species and discussion of the common presentations, diagnostics and treatments required for each condition.

The levels of the minerals: Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and the trace elements: Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn were determined in foods for 4–6, 7+ and 10+ months old babies in a brand available on the UK market. The mineral contents in the vegetarian meals for all the age groups were similar, in contrast, when compared to the non-vegetarian options, the Ca, Na and P levels were higher in the former. Both the trace elements and minerals levels in the 4–6 months vegetarian meal were the lowest of all the products analysed. The Cu, Se and Zn levels in all the meals were comparable to those in mature human breast milk. Calculations of the following molar ratios: Zn:Cu, Fe:Zn, and Fe:Mn, pairs of elements that have been shown to interaction antagonistically, were higher in the vegetarian meals.

A stoma is a surgically shaped opening in the abdomen skin used for divertingurine. The need for a stoma typically arises in patients with invasive, surgically treated bladder cancer. As it is a difficult and mutilating surgery, educating and preparing patients begins before the procedure. Following the diagnosis and determining surgical treatment, the nurse plays a key role in further preparing the patient. The nurse must, in a way understandable for the patient, explain the typical course of recovery, special postoperative dietary requirements, and how to handle and take care of the stoma bags. The patient is shown samples of bags and surfaces in order to clearly understand what they can expect. In the early postoperative period, simultaneously with patient care, the nurse educates the patient on handling surfaces and bags, as well as stoma hygiene. The patient learns through observation and repetition of actions, and that way gets accustomed to their changed body. Since patients often have difficulties accepting their illness and surgical procedure, the nurse is important for providing psychological support for the patient and their family. When discharged from the hospital, the patient and their family are ready for independently handling the bags and taking care of the stoma. They are also informed about the dietary requirements and possible limitations for reintegration into society.

Dairy desserts are popular traditional products, but because of their high calorie or fat content, they can be unsuitable for people who have certain dietary requirements. The aim of this study was to design panna cottas with similar organoleptic and textural properties to the traditional ones but with a lower fat content, by replacing part of the cream with new emulsions prepared with hydrocolloids (cellulose ethers), namely methylcellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).; Results: Incorporating the MC and HPMC emulsions modified the textural properties (firmness and stiffness) of the panna cottas. Regarding the sensory results, the panna cottas prepared with the MC and HPMC emulsions were considered lumpy and soft respectively.; Conclusion: Considering the results as a whole, the cellulose type and the amount of cream are factors to take into account. Although the texture and taste of the control panna cotta are better than those of the panna cottas prepared with the MC and HPMC emulsions, it is possible to replace 75% of the cream in traditional panna cottas with HPMC emulsion and obtain good consumer acceptance and purchase intention. The panna cottas with 75% substitution by HPMC emulsion were described as creamy, with smooth appearance and moist mouth feel. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Summary As the proportion of aged horses within the general equine population appears to be increasing in the UK and other developed countries, it is important to be aware of the changing dietary requirements associated with the ageing process and age-related diseases. This review provides guidelines for optimal nutrition of the older horse with practical approaches to improve or maintain body condition and support general health.

Christian pastors and Christian community has the special dietary requirements of the food choices and balanced diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to promote longevity, there are various obstacles that prevent or limit from practicing and benefiting from good eating habits. Total of hundred respondents age between (20 to 50 above) were selected from Nutritional Assessment of Christian pastor and Christian community of Churches in Kanpur City (52 males, 48 females). Data on socio-demographic information dietary habits, physical activities, morbidity patterns, personal and social adjustments and prevalence of non-communicable diseases were recorded using a pretested schedules/ questionnaire), diet of each respondent was recorded by using the 24 hours dietary recall method and nutrient intake was calculated .The optimal health can be achieved from a diet that emphasizes a generous intake of vegetables and fruits such plant enriched diets can be not only healthy but interesting and enjoyable as well. The maximum 43.24 per cent deficiency of energy was found in 20-30 years of age group, and 37.44 per cent deficiency of energy was found in 40-50 years of age group. 36.11 per cent deficiency of energy was found in 50 years and above age group. The maximum 32.84 per cent deficiency of protein was found in 40-50 years of age group and 29.91 per cent deficiency of protein was found in 50 and above years of age group. 26.15 per cent deficiency of protein was found in 20-30 years of age group. The maximum 17.80 per cent deficiency of fat was found in 40-50 years of age group and 16.44 per cent deficiency of fat was found in 20-50 years of age group. 14.4 per cent deficiency of fat was found in 50years and above age group. The maximum 25.49 per cent deficiency of calcium was found in 40-50 years of age group and 25.13 per cent deficiency of calcium was found in 50 years above of age group. 24.22 per cent deficiency of calcium was found in 20-30 years of age group. The maximum 15.30 per cent deficiency of iron was found in 20-30 years of age group, and 5.33 per cent deficiency of iron was found in 40-50 years of age group. 5.33 per cent deficiency of iron was found in 50 years and above age group. The maximum 15.97 per cent deficiency of vitamin A was found in 40-50 years of age group, and 15.92 per cent deficiency of vitamin A was found in 20-30 years of age group. 14.76 per cent deficiency of vitamin A was found in 50 years and above age group.

Aim: Information about the prevalence of special diets in preschool children is limited. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of all special diets among preschool children in a Swedish municipality. Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional survey of all 3276 preschool children aged one to five years in the municipality of Karlskrona, Sweden. The questionnaire assessed the number of children at each preschool, how many were on special diets, their dietary requirements, age, sex, whether they had a medical certificate and whether the special diet had a perceived medical cause. Results: We obtained data for 3221 (98%) of the children, and 19% had special diets, including 12% on nonmedical diets and 6.3% on medical diets. The five most common diets were avoiding pork (7.8%), a vegetarian diet (4.8%), and avoiding cows' milk (3.5%), hens' eggs (1.2%) and lactose (1.1%). Gluten avoidance was more common in girls than boys (0.8% versus 0.2%, p = 0.032). Half (47%) of the children on special medical diets lacked a medical certificate. Conclusion: Special diets were common in preschool children in south-east Sweden, and the causes were mainly nonmedical. Mandatory medical certificates for medically based special diets might reduce unnecessary dietary restrictions. (Less)

Vitamin D is a unique nutrient that has captured the attention of scientific and medical communities, regulatory authorities and the general public over recent years. Low vitamin D status is a worldwide public health concern and occurs across all age, sex and ethnic groups. Dietary requirements for vitamin D have been re‐evaluated and revised over recent years by several authoritative bodies, including the Institute of Medicine, the Nordic Council of Ministers, the European Food Safety Authority and, of course, the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. However, a lack of vitamin D dose–response trials in children and adolescents prior to these reports has hindered the development of evidence‐based dietary requirements for vitamin D in these population sub‐groups. Two recent randomised controlled trials have addressed this significant knowledge gap and estimated that intakes of between 6 and ~30 μg/day are needed during the winter time to avoid vitamin D deficiency and ensure adequacy in healthy White 4–8 year‐old children residing in Denmark (55°N) and 14–18 year‐old adolescents residing in the UK (51°N). These new data suggest that, while the current vitamin D recommendations of 10–15 μg/day for children and adolescents will help avoid winter‐time vitamin D deficiency (25–hydroxyvitamin D concentrations

Daily activity patterns and micro-variations in specific behaviors are essential for understanding how primates meet their energetic and/or nutritional requirements while dealing with environmental change. However, such data regarding the Assamese macaques living in limestone forests has yet to be obtained. This study focused on the daily activity patterns and temporal distribution of feeding behaviors of Assamese macaques at the Nonggang National Nature Reserve in southwest Guangxi, China, using instantaneous scan sampling method. Our results indicated that the Assamese macaques included two feeding peaks and two resting peaks. However, the resting peaks in the fruit-rich season occurred at midday (10:00–12:00) and at dusk (17:00–19:00), whereas the resting peaks in the fruit-lean season occurred in the morning (7:00–9:00) and at dusk (18:00–19:00). Meanwhile, the intervals between the feeding peaks in the fruit-lean season were shorter than in the fruit-rich season. Moreover, fruit consumption generally peaked during the morning (37%). The consumption of young leaves during the morning was lower than that in the afternoon, likely being attributed to their higher water content. The implication of the findings is that Assamese macaques not only adjust their daily activity patterns and feedings to cope with the seasonal and micro-variations in temperature and dietary requirements, but also to adapt to their particular environment. Keywords: Assamese macaques Macaca assamensis, Feeding behaviors, Limestone forests, Daily activity patterns

Background The rapid nutrition transition China is now ongoing; the so-called westernisation of diets has been negatively affecting both human health and that of the environment. Against this backdrop, the Chinese government released new Dietary Guidelines (CDG) in 2016 and has been actively promoting them since. Our research makes use of quantitative modelling and aims to determine whether adjusting the average Chinese diet, so that it fulfils dietary requirements, could lead to nutritional and environmental co-benefits. Moreover, we want to determine the maximum reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) that could be achieved while simultaneously consuming a healthy diet. Methods A diet optimisation model is used to simulate, quantify and compare the effects on the consumption of 19 food groups, and associated levels of GHGEs, resulting from two different scenarios: consumers complying with either the CDG or the WHO dietary norms. Subsequent simulations set maximum emission limits for the optimised diets and progressively reduce emissions by 5%. Four waves of consumption and price survey data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey are used in the analysis, while LCA estimates of GHGEs are compiled from the appropriate literature. Findings Preliminary results show that outcomes under the two scenarios differ significantly, both nutritionally and in terms of GHGEs. Adopting the CDG would lead to a considerable intensification of emissions for both men and women, while adhering to the WHO norms would marginally increase emissions for women and slightly decrease emissions for men. However, we find a 10% reduction in GHGEs relative to current levels could be achieved, under both scenarios, through healthy and realistic dietary change. The maximum decrease in emissions achievable in the CDG model is 15%. The WHO models with a more drastic decrease in emissions (30% and 40%) involve major dietary change and lead to less balanced and varied diets compared with existing ones. Interpretation Our quantitative estimates show the potential for dietary guidelines to lead to environmental and health co-benefits, but only if they are specifically formulated to include environmental considerations. Achieving a major reduction in GHGEs through diets involves clear trade-offs between nutritional and environmental considerations. Funding None.

Cowpea is the most important seed legume in Africa. Its leaves and seed are consumed to meet the dietary requirements of protein and micronutrient in rural African communities. In this study, leaf protein of 32 cowpea genotypes was 23–40% at Taung (South Africa), 28–40% at Wa and 24–35% at Manga (Ghana). Seed protein level was also up to 40% in landrace Bengpla and more than 30% in nine other genotypes planted at Taung. Trace elements in cowpea leaves showed markedly high concentrations of Fe (2,011 μg.g−1), Zn (150 μg.g−1), Mn (325 μg.g−1), and B (43 μg.g−1) in genotype Apagbaala, in contrast to the very low levels of Fe (273 μg.g−1), Zn (40 μg.g−1), Mn (219 μg.g−1), and B (32 μg.g−1) in genotype Encore. Leaf Fe concentration was highest in genotype Apagbaala (2,011 μg.g−1), followed by Fahari (2,004 μg.g−1), Iron Gray (1,302 μg.g−1), Line 2020 (944 μg.g−1), Bensogla (927 μg.g−1), Omondaw (605 μg.g−1), IT96D-1951 (591 μg.g−1), IT93K-452-1 (574 μg.g−1), Ngonji (569 μg.g−1), and Mchanganyika (566 μg.g−1), and lowest in Bechuana white (268 μg.g−1). Cowpea seed also showed greater concentrations of Fe in genotype Soronko (67 μg.g−1), IT93K-452-1 (67 μg.g−1), Brown Eye (65 μg.g−1), Bensogla (61 μg.g−1), and TVU11424 (62 μg.g−1). Trace elements in cowpea seed differed among genotypes, and ranged from 45.1 to 67.0 μg.g−1 for Fe, 33.9 to 69.2 μg.g−1 for Zn, 10.1 to 17.4 μg.g−1 for Mn, 14.7 to 21.4 μg.g−1 for B, and 5.2 to 8.1 μg.g−1 for Cu. Genotypes Apagbaala, Fahari, Iron Gray, and Line 2020, respectively, exhibited 34.2-, 34.0-, 22.5-, and 18.3-fold higher Fe concentration in leaves than seed, and 3.5-, 2.0-, 2.0-, and 3.5-fold greater Zn in leaves than seed (in that order). The genotypes that accumulated significantly high levels of protein and trace elements in cowpea leaves and seed, were generally high N2-fixers, thus suggesting a link between N2 fixation and cowpea's ability to synthesize protein and accumulate nutrient elements in leaves and seed. Therefore, identifying cowpea genotypes that can enhance protein accumulation and micronutrient density in edible leaves and seed through breeding has the potential to overcome protein-calorie malnutrition and trace element deficiency in rural Africa.

Purpose of review Nonessential amino acids (NEAAs) represent a relevant portion of dietary protein(s), yet their requirement(s) has not been determined. Despite their nature as dispensable substrates, should either shortage of any NEAA precursor or impaired synthetic reactions occur, NEAA dietary intake may become insufficient. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent hypotheses and data on individual NEAA requirements and metabolism. Recent findings A minimum total NEAA requirement can simply be estimated by subtraction of essential amino acid (EAA) total RDAs, from recommended 'safe' protein intake. By this calculation, NEAA intake would account for two to three times that of the EAAs, under nitrogen-balance conditions. Although the α-amino-nitrogen of the NEAAs is 'not essential', yet it must be furnished by a common pool contributed by both EAAs and NEAAs. Thus, an increased demand for NEAAs may deprive the α-amino-nitrogen body pool(s) possibly limiting the NEAA de novo synthesis itself. Conversely, shortage of NEAAs may require more EAAs to maintain the nitrogen pool. Conditions of increased requirements could those of unbalanced diets, EAA intake below RDA, pregnancy, or else. In addition, the 'obligatory nitrogen losses' may consume NEAAs too. A novel approach to estimate NEAA 'requirements' in humans is proposed. Summary Methods to estimate NEAA requirements in humans should be the object of further studies.

Animals require sufficient intake of a variety of nutrients to support their development, somatic maintenance and reproduction. An adequate diet provides cell building blocks, chemical energy to drive cellular processes and essential nutrients that cannot be synthesised by the animal, or at least not in the required amounts. Dietary requirements of nematodes, including Caenorhabditis elegans have been extensively studied with the major aim to develop a chemically defined axenic medium that would support their growth and reproduction. At the same time, these studies helped elucidating important aspects of nutrition-related biochemistry and metabolism as well as the establishment of C. elegans as a powerful model in studying evolutionarily conserved pathways, and the influence of the diet on health.

ObjectiveTo model dietary changes required to shift the UK population to diets that meet dietary recommendations for health, have lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and are affordable for different income groups.DesignLinear programming was used to create diets that meet dietary requirements for health and reduced GHGE (57 and 80 % targets) by income quintile, taking account of food budgets and foods currently purchased, thereby keeping dietary change to a minimum.Setting/ParticipantsNutrient composition, GHGE and price data were mapped to 101 food groups in household food purchase data (UK Living Cost and Food Survey (2013), 5144 households).ResultsCurrent diets of all income quintiles had similar total GHGE, but the source of GHGE differed by types of meat and amount of fruit and vegetables. It was possible to create diets with a 57 % reduction in GHGE that met dietary and cost restraints in all income groups. In the optimised diets, the food sources of GHGE differed by income group due to the cost and keeping the level of deviation from current diets to a minimum. Broadly, the changes needed were similar across all groups; reducing animal-based products and increasing plant-based foods but varied by specific foods.ConclusionsHealthy and lower-GHGE diets could be created in all income quintiles but tailoring changes to income groups to minimise deviation may make dietary changes more achievable. Specific attention must be given to make interventions and policies appropriate for all income groups.

Compared to meals prepared at home, meals eaten out of home tend to contain more energy, total fat and saturated fat and it is here where consumers can have very little knowledge of the nutrient profile of the dish they are eating. The aim of the European Union-funded FoodSMART project (www.foodsmartproject.net) was to develop an innovative technical menu solution ‘app’ that enables informed consumer food choice, which takes into account individual preferences (such as dietary requirements) as well as food product specifications, in a workplace canteen setting. A best–worst scaling questionnaire was conducted to identify consumers’ functional app requirements and inform the development of personalised food choice messages. Proof of concept was tested using the System Usability Scale in consumers from four European countries (Denmark, France, Greece and the UK). Information on ingredients, nutrition, food ‘naturalness’ and value for money were those most valued by consumers, with this presented ideally in a personalised way and using a traffic light model. Field trials of the FoodSMART app indicated that consumers found it to be simple, easy to use and attractive for frequent use. By gaining insight into the needs of consumers, dietary information can be better tailored and provided in an appropriate format to enable informed food choice.

Population sizes and species distributions of wild ungulates in Europe have increased during the past decades, and continue to do so. As a result, browsing pressure in forests is increasing and concerns about the effects of increasingly common multi-species deer communities on forestry are rising. However, we currently lack an understanding of how the composition of deer communities affects browsing damage, particularly with respect to the role of species with different dietary requirements. Further, the relative importance of predictors of browsing damage in systems with multiple browsers remains elusive. Here, we used data from Swedish management, which is monitoring ungulates and their damage to forests, to test how deer densities, forage availability, and winter severity predict browsing damage on commercially important Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) at national and regional scales. Moose (Alces alces) is the main browser of Scots pine, but competes with other deer over more preferred forage. During winter, a higher index of moose density was associated with higher browsing damage in northern Sweden, where there is low competition from other deer. In southern Sweden, competition from other deer is higher and a higher density index of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) was associated with higher winter damage. However, there was no relationship between moose density and damage. We suggest that moose are forced to browse more pine due to interspecific competition over alternative forage resources in the south, yielding stronger relationships between densities of competing deer species and damage than between moose density and damage. Pine density, a proxy for forage availability, was an equally or more important determinant for browsing damage as deer density indices in most regions. Increasing pine density was associated with reduced browsing damage caused in winter in all regions and reduced damage caused in summer in central Sweden. Increased winter severity, as an index of snow depth, predicted increased winter damage in the northern region only. To reduce winter damage, our results suggest that management should consider deer densities and forage availability simultaneously, while adopting a multi-species approach. Results varied among regions, with densities of other deer being more relevant in the south and winter severity more relevant in the north. Management data did not predict summer damage well. Since national models did not capture regional variations, we conclude that management decisions and actions need to be tailored to the regional or local scale.

In resort hotels (RHs), customers are effectively a captive audience and may not leave the RH during their stay; thus, online menus are crucial, especially for guests with special dietary requirements. This study aims to measure the influence of online menus on customers’ decision-making relating to RHs’ selection in Sharm El Sheikh city in Egypt. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and a self-administered questionnaire. This study concludes that an online menu plays a magic role in attracting most customers to choose a particular resort hotel and may encourage customers to switch from one resort to another.

The six-food elimination diet (SFED), where dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, nuts, and seafood are avoided, is an effective treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Patient-related costs of this approach, however, are unknown. We aimed to assess the cost of and ease of shopping for an SFED compared to an unrestricted diet. A dietitian with expertise in EoE generated menus meeting dietary requirements for a week's worth of meals for the SFED and an unrestricted diet. We compared prices and the number of missing items for both diets at standard and specialty grocery stores. The average weekly price of the SFED at a standard supermarket was $92.54 compared to $79.84 for an unrestricted diet (p = 0.0001). A patient shopping at a standard grocery store needed a higher proportion of items from a second store compared to an unrestricted diet (32 vs. 3 %, p = 0.0001). The prices of the SFED and unrestricted diet using a specialty supermarket were comparable ($106.47 vs. $105.96, p = 0.81), as was the percentage of items requiring a trip to a second store (6 vs. 2 % items, p = 0.03). Shopping at a specialty grocery store increased weekly grocery costs by $13.93 (p = 0.04) for the SFED and $26.12 (p = 0.03) for the unrestricted diet. In conclusion, for patients shopping at standard grocery stores, the cost of an SFED is higher, and an SFED requires more items from a second store. These differences disappear at specialty grocery stores, but costs were significantly higher. This cost and logistical burden can inform patients when selecting dietary therapy.

This study assesses the quality of drinking water from commercially available bottled waters in Bangladesh in terms of nutrient minerals and estimates their contribution in fulfilling the dietary requirements from such minerals. Ca, Mg, Na, trace element concentration and other physical parameters of the various bottled waters were investigated and compared on 13 samples of major local and imported brands of bottled water collected from local markets. It was found that imported brands had significantly high levels of bicarbonates (245 to 485 mg/l) compared to local brands (12.27 to 86.87 mg/l). Imported brands also had distinctively high levels of calcium (average concentration108.56 mg/l) and magnesium (average concentration 18.49 mg/L) concentrations compared to local brands and can fulfil upto 19.8% and 16.6% of the calcium and magnesium dietary reference intake (DRI) requirement respectively (for an average male). The DRI fulfilment from local brands hardly exceeded 3.3% for calcium and 7.3% for magnesium. The lack of mineral in local brands can be attributed to inadequate mineral amendments after extensive demineralization treatment. This study suggests that most of the local brands of bottled water in the market,poor in mineral content, may have negative dietary implications for long term consumption.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 51(2), 111-120, 2016

Balance data obtained since 1997 indicate that the Estimated Average Requirement and Recommended Dietary Allowance for magnesium should be 175 and 250 mg/d, respectively, for 70 kg healthy individuals, and increase or decrease based on body weight. Urinary excretion data from balance studies indicate that 40 to 80 mg (1.65 to 3.29 mmol) Mg/day are excreted when magnesium intakes are250 mg/day, and 80 to 160 mg/day (3.29 to 6.58 mmol) when intakes are250 mg/day. The change in urinary magnesium excretion with the change in dietary magnesium intake occurs within a few days. Thus, urinary magnesium would be most useful for population studies. Metabolic unit depletion/repletion experiments show that serum magnesium concentrations decrease only after a prolonged depletion if an individual starts with an adequate magnesium status. Individuals with serum magnesium concentrations in excess of 0.75 mmol/L (1.82 mg/dL), or as high as 0.85 mmol/L (2.06 mg/dL), might be magnesium-deficient because such individuals respond to magnesium supplementation. A combination of a dietary intake250 mg /day, urinary excretion80 mg (3.29 mmol)/day, and serum magnesium concentration0.85 mmol/L (2.06 mg/dL) and preferably0.80 mmol/L (1.94 mg/dL) could indicate that an individual would respond to magnesium supplementation.

Objective: To explore the factors that influence food choices of older adults and identify potential sources of dietary advice. Design: A qualitative research design using semi-structured, one on one interviews. Setting: A general medical practice in Victoria, Australia. Participants: Twelve community dwelling adults aged 75 to 89 (mean 82.8 ± 4.4) years, 92% living alone and 92% female. Measurements: Interview questions addressed usual daily food pattern, shopping routines, appetite, importance of diet and potential sources of dietary advice or assistance. Results: Thematic analysis identified key themes influencing food choices were maintaining independence; value of nutrition; childhood patterns; and health factors. Dietary restrictions and concerns with weight gain were expressed, and although these were managed independently, the GP was identified as the first source of information if required. Conclusion: This sample of older adults placed high value on eating well as they age, however a number followed self-imposed dietary restrictions which have the potential to compromise their nutritional status as dietary requirements change. Further research is needed into how to communicate changing nutritional needs to this group.

Nutrition is essential for maintaining peak health and performance of Warfighters. This review will focus on a series of nutrients of concern for female Warfighters. Biological function, dietary sources, and requirements will be reviewed, and recommendations for women in combat roles will be provided. Iron, essential for physical and cognitive performance, is critical for female Warfighters because of elevated dietary requirements as compared to male Warfighters, as well as declines in iron status that may occur in response to physical activities, such as military training. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health, and should be considered in efforts to prevent stress fractures, which occur with greater frequency in female Warfighters as compared to their male counterparts. Folate, essential for the prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy and gestation, is critical for female Warfighters because of elevated dietary requirements before pregnancy. Providing optimal levels of these nutrients will facilitate readiness as women prepare to serve in combat roles.

Carbohydrates are one of the most important nutrients in human consumption. The digestible part of carbohydrates has a significant role in maintaining the energy status of the body and the non-digestible parts like dietary fibers have specific nutritional functions. One of the key issues of food processing is how to influence the technological and nutritional properties of carbohydrates to meet modern dietary requirements more effectively, considering particularly the trends in the behavior of people and food-related health issues. Physical processing methods have several advantages compared to the chemical methods, where chemical reagents, such as acids or enzymes, are used for the modification of components. Furthermore, in most cases, these is no need to apply them supplementarily in the technology, only a moderate modification of current technology can result in significant changes in dietary properties. This review summarizes the novel results about the nutritional and technological effects of physical food processing influencing the starch and dietary fiber content of plant-derived foodstuffs.

Growing evidence suggests that micronutrient status is adversely impacted by toxic metals (e.g., cadmium, lead, and arsenic) exposures, however, the micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers who are amongst the highest metal-exposed groups is not known. This study, therefore, assessed the micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers using dietary information (2-day 24-h recall survey) and biomarker data (whole blood and urine) among 151 participants (100 e-waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie and 51 controls at Madina Zongo from the Accra region, Ghana) in March 2017. Biomarker levels of iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were analyzed by the ICP-MS. Linear regression models were used to assess associations ofwork-related factors and sociodemographic characteristics with micronutrient intake, blood, and urine micronutrient levels. The results showed that apart from Fe and Zn, e-waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie did not meet the day-to-day dietary requirements for Ca, Cu, Se, and Mg intake. Except for the low levels of Mg and Fe detected in blood of e-waste recyclers, all other micronutrients measured in both blood and urine of both groups fell within their reference range. Exposure to biomass burning was associated with lower blood levels of Fe, Mg, and Zn among the e-waste recyclers. Further, among e-waste recyclers, significant relationships were found between the number of years spent recycling e-waste and urinary Ca and Cu excretion. Given that, some dietary and blood levels of micronutrients were below their reference ranges, the implementation of evidence-based nutrition strategies remains necessary among e-waste recyclers to reduce their risk of becoming malnourished.