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The quality of a dietary protein refers to its ability to provide the EAAs necessary to meet dietary requirements. There are 9 dietary amino acids that cannot be metabolically produced in the body and therefore must be consumed as part of the diet to avoid adverse metabolic consequences. These essential amino acids (EAAs) serve a variety of roles in the body. The amount and profile of the dietary EAAs relative to the individual EAA requirements and the digestibility of the dietary protein are the key factors that determine its quality. Currently the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) is the best available approach to quantifying protein quality. The most prominent metabolic role of dietary EAAs is to stimulate protein synthesis by serving as signals to activate molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation of protein synthesis and, most importantly, to provide the necessary precursors for the synthesis of complete proteins. Current dietary recommendations generally do not consider protein quality. Accounting for protein quality in dietary patterns can be accomplished while staying within established ranges for dietary protein consumption. Poor protein quality can be compensated for to some extent by eating more low-quality protein, but to be effective (“complementary”) the limiting EAA must differ between the low-quality protein and the base diet to which it is being supplemented. Adding a high-quality protein to a dietary pattern based on low-quality protein is more effective in meeting EAA goals than increasing the amount of low-quality protein, even if the low-quality proteins are complementary. Further, reliance entirely on low-quality protein food sources, particularly in circumstances that may benefit from a level of dietary EAAs greater than minimal requirements, is likely to include excessive caloric consumption. While protein consumption in high-income nations is generally perceived to be adequate or even excessive, assessment of dietary patterns indicates that a significant percentage of individuals may fall short of meeting optimal levels of EAA consumption, especially in circumstances such as aging in which the optimal EAA consumption is greater than basal values for healthy young individuals. The case is made that protein quality is an important consideration in meeting EAA requirements.

Information regarding the dietary requirements and consumption of young athletes is limited. Hence, the aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive combination of research and review papers on the nutritional status of young athletes aged 5–18 years old, as well as quantitative, qualitative, wholesome foods, food choices, and eating disordered data concerning the dietary requirements for growing young athletes. This study involved systematic searches of electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. The specific criteria for identifying research papers published in English from July 1980 until May 2024 were included. Only 48 studies out of 1,262 were included in this narrative review. The findings of this study suggest that, compared with adults, junior athletes need a unique approach to meet their dietary needs. Growth, development, and general athletic performance depend on macronutrients, as they are vital nutrients for young active athletes. However, research on enhancing junior athletes’ performance is still in progress, and studies on hydration status, and eating disorders are limited.

Migraine is a neurologic condition characterized by hypersensitivity to auditory, olfactory, visual, and cutaneous stimuli; vomiting and nausea; and severe headache. It is the most frequent headache syndrome in children and can be categorized in chronic and/or episodic. Multiple dietary supplements have been inaugurated for the management of migraine, the most prevalent of which is vitamin D. In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has been a global public health problem, with 30–80% of the worldwide population having vitamin D deficiency. The significant role of vitamin D in neurological disorders is underlined by its key role in the brain function of the central nervous system (CNS). Current approaches in paediatric neurology include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) for the treatment of paediatric migraine, among others. Vitamin D is one of the dietary factors that has been linked to migraine, however, this association has mostly been examined in the adult population. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between serum vitamin D and paediatric migraine by conducting a review of existing literature. The main question is described with the PICO format (population, intervention, control, and outcomes), while the assessment of the present research is under the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. A systematic review of the literature reveals a remarkable association between vitamin D and migraine presentation in the paediatric population, affecting the frequency and duration of the episodes. That being the case, vitamin D supplementation could potentially improve the quality of life of paediatric patients suffering from migraine headaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C is an essential enzyme cofactor and antioxidant with pleiotropic roles in human physiology. Circulating vitamin C concentrations are lower in people with diabetes mellitus, suggesting a higher dietary requirement for the vitamin. We interrogated the NHANES 2017–2018 and EPIC-Norfolk datasets to compare vitamin C requirements between those with and without diabetes mellitus using dose–concentration relationships fitted with sigmoidal (four-parameter logistic) curves. The NHANES cohort (n = 2828 non-supplementing adults) comprised 488 (17%) participants with diabetes (self-reported or HbA1c ≥ 6.5%). The participants with diabetes had a lower vitamin C status (median [IQR]) than those without (38 [17, 52] µmol/L vs. 44 [25, 61] µmol/L, p < 0.0001), despite comparable dietary intakes between the two groups (51 [26, 93] mg/d vs. 53 [24, 104] mg/d, p = 0.5). Dose–concentration relationships indicated that the group without diabetes reached adequate vitamin C concentrations (50 µmol/L) with an intake of 81 (72, 93) mg/d, whilst those with diabetes required an intake of 166 (126, NA) mg/d. In the EPIC-Norfolk cohort, comprising 20692 non-supplementing adults, 475 (2.3%) had self-reported diabetes at baseline. The EPIC cohort had a lower BMI than the NHANES cohort (26 [24, 28] kg/m2 vs. 29 [25, 34] kg/m2, p < 0.0001). Correspondingly, the EPIC participants without diabetes required a lower vitamin C intake of 64 (63, 65) mg/d while those with diabetes required 129 (104, NA) mg/d to reach adequate circulating vitamin C status. C-reactive protein concentrations were strongly correlated with body weight and BMI and provided a surrogate biomarker for vitamin C requirements. In conclusion, people with diabetes had 1.4 to 1.6 fold higher requirements for vitamin C than those without diabetes. This corresponds to additional daily vitamin C intake requirements of ~30–40 mg for people with diabetes, equating to a total daily intake of at least 125 mg/d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the trace and ultra-trace mineral concentration in different forages utilized by sheep (Kajli and Fat tail) in the rangelands of Chakwal district, Punjab, Pakistan. The concentrations of Se, Mo, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co were assessed using spectrophotometric methods after the digestion of forage samples. The dominant forage species consumed by sheep were Buxus pappillosa, Prosopis juliflora, Ficus palmata, Acacia modesta, Trichodesma indica, Olea permiginea, Lantana camara, Justicia adhatoda, Morus nigra, and Ipomoea carnea. The overall mean concentration of Co (1.27±0.24 mg/Kg of DM), Zn (35.14±1.28 mg/Kg of DM), and Cu (28.06±1.29 mg/Kg of DM) in forages were higher than the requirements for lactating ewes, while the concentration of Se was within the normal range. Molybdenum (0.030±0.004 mg/Kg of DM) and Mn (29.69±1.61 mg/Kg of DM) concentrations were lower than dietary requirements for sheep. In different administrative divisions (tehsils) like Chakwal, Talagang, Choa Saidan Shah, and Kalar Kahar of Chakwal district, the trace minerals Zn, Mn, and Co, showed non-significant variation, whereas Se, Mo, and Cu showed substantial variation. In conclusion, rangeland forages contained a sufficient concentration of most trace minerals (Co, Cu, Se, Zn) to meet the requirements of grazing sheep in the study district. However, Mn and Mo supplementation seems to be essential to maintain the optimal production capabilities of sheep in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of a dietary protein refers to its ability to provide the EAAs necessary to meet dietary requirements. There are 9 dietary amino acids that cannot be metabolically produced in the body and therefore must be consumed as part of the diet to avoid adverse metabolic consequences. These essential amino acids (EAAs) serve a variety of roles in the body. The amount and profile of the dietary EAAs relative to the individual EAA requirements and the digestibility of the dietary protein are the key factors that determine its quality. Currently the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) is the best available approach to quantifying protein quality. The most prominent metabolic role of dietary EAAs is to stimulate protein synthesis by serving as signals to activate molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation of protein synthesis and, most importantly, to provide the necessary precursors for the synthesis of complete proteins. Current dietary recommendations generally do not consider protein quality. Accounting for protein quality in dietary patterns can be accomplished while staying within established ranges for dietary protein consumption. Poor protein quality can be compensated for to some extent by eating more low-quality protein, but to be effective ("complementary") the limiting EAA must differ between the low-quality protein and the base diet to which it is being supplemented. Adding a high-quality protein to a dietary pattern based on low-quality protein is more effective in meeting EAA goals than increasing the amount of low-quality protein, even if the low-quality proteins are complementary. Further, reliance entirely on low-quality protein food sources, particularly in circumstances that may benefit from a level of dietary EAAs greater than minimal requirements, is likely to include excessive caloric consumption. While protein consumption in high-income nations is generally perceived to be adequate or even excessive, assessment of dietary patterns indicates that a significant percentage of individuals may fall short of meeting optimal levels of EAA consumption, especially in circumstances such as aging in which the optimal EAA consumption is greater than basal values for healthy young individuals. The case is made that protein quality is an important consideration in meeting EAA requirements., Competing Interests: Robert R. Wolfe is a founder and part owner of The Amino Company. He is an inventor of multiple patents for EAA-based dietary supplements. Arny Ferrando is a co-inventor on three patents related to Essential Amino Acid formulations. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 Wolfe, Church, Ferrando and Moughan.)

Nutrient needs, including those of the essential nutrient choline, are a population wide distribution. Adequate Intake (AI) recommendations for dietary choline (put forth by the National Academies of Medicine to aid individuals and groups in dietary assessment and planning) are grouped to account for the recognized unique needs associated with age, biological sex, and reproductive status (i.e., pregnancy or lactation). Established and emerging evidence supports the notion that common genetic variants are additional factors that substantially influence nutrient requirements. This review summarizes the genetic factors that influence choline requirements and metabolism in conditions of nutrient deprivation, as well as conditions of nutrient adequacy, across biological sexes and reproductive states. Overall, consistent and strong associative evidence demonstrates that common genetic variants in choline and folate pathway enzymes impact the metabolic handling of choline and the risk of nutrient inadequacy across varied dietary contexts. The studies characterized in this review also highlight the substantial promise of incorporating common genetic variants into choline intake recommendations to more precisely target the unique nutrient needs of these subgroups within the broader population. Additional studies are warranted to facilitate the translation of this evidence to nutrigenetics-based dietary approaches.

Kidney transplantation is a preferred treatment and the 'last resort' in chronic kidney disease after end-stage renal disease. Considering the key role of nutrition in post-transplant recovery, the present study aimed to review the nutritional assessment and dietary requirements of kidney transplant patients. Relevant articles were retrieved via searching in databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science using various keywords and phrases, including kidney transplantation, end-stage disease, nutrition, dietary intake, nutritional assessment, and nutritional evaluation. According to the literature, medical nutrition therapy is essentially involved in the post-transplantation recovery of patients with kidney failure. Furthermore, it seems that nutritional and medical evaluation based on laboratory methods, vital signs, and anthropometric measurements are critical to improving the quality of nutritional interventions after kidney transplantation and may help decrease the risk of kidney transplant rejection. Therefore, the periodic evaluation and follow-up of these could yield beneficial outcomes.

Background Healthier dietary patterns involve more plant-based foods than current Western diets rich in animal products containing high amounts of bioavailable iron and zinc. Little consideration is given to the bioavailability of iron and zinc when studying healthy eating patterns. Objectives Our aim was to determine whether currently estimated requirements for bioavailable iron and zinc limit the identification of healthier dietary patterns. Methods Using dietary data from a representative French survey and multicriteria nonlinear optimization, we identified diets that maximize health criteria based on food-based dietary guidelines and concomitantly depart only minimally from the observed diet while complying with all nutrient reference values either strictly (nonflexible optimization) or by allowing bioavailable iron and zinc below the current reference values, but to a limited extent (flexible optimization). Using a comparative risk assessment model, we estimated the resulting impact on cardiometabolic and colorectal cancer mortality/morbidity and changes to iron-deficiency anemia. Results Under nonflexible optimization, reference values for bioavailable iron and zinc were the most binding of the 35 nutrient constraints, and modeled diets displayed considerable redistributions within grains and meat. With flexible optimization, modeled diets were healthier as they contained less red meat and more whole-grain products, but would increase iron-deficiency anemia to 5.0% (95% CI: 3.9%, 6.4%). Globally, in terms of disability adjusted life years (DALYs), as the loss due to anemia would represent <30% of the gain otherwise made on chronic diseases, adding flexibility in the iron and zinc reference values would result in a further 18% decrease in the disease burden from 84,768 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 81,066, 88,470] to 99,689 (95% UI: 95,787, 103,591) DALYs averted. Conclusions Currently estimated requirements for bioavailable iron and zinc proved to be critical factors when modeling healthy eating patterns. Considering lower reference values enables the identification of diets that are apparently healthier overall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information regarding the dietary requirements and consumption of young athletes is limited. Hence, the aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive combination of research and review papers on the nutritional status of young athletes aged 5-18 years old, as well as quantitative, qualitative, wholesome foods, food choices, and eating disordered data concerning the dietary requirements for growing young athletes. This study involved systematic searches of electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. The specific criteria for identifying research papers published in English from July 1980 until May 2024 were included. Only 48 studies out of 1,262 were included in this narrative review. The findings of this study suggest that, compared with adults, junior athletes need a unique approach to meet their dietary needs. Growth, development, and general athletic performance depend on macronutrients, as they are vital nutrients for young active athletes. However, research on enhancing junior athletes' performance is still in progress, and studies on hydration status, and eating disorders are limited., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The reviewer SP-P declared a past co-authorship with the authors HJ and HG to the handling editor., (Copyright © 2024 Amawi, Khataybeh, Al Aqaili, Ababneh, Alnimer, Qoqazeh, Oukal, Jahrami, Mousa Ay, Al Saoud and Ghazzawi.)

Dietary reference values (DRV) are estimates of the daily amounts of nutrients or food energy that meet the needs of healthy people. In the UK, three terms are used to express these estimates, assuming a normal distribution of requirements in a population. These are the estimated average requirement, the lower reference nutrient intake and the reference nutrient intake. DRV are for use in a variety of settings, including the assessment of adequacy and safety of nutrient or energy intake in a population group, in the design of meal provision in care settings, in food labelling and in considering food fortification strategies. DRV, and other expressions of nutrient requirements, assume a relationship between the intake of a nutrient and some criterion of adequacy, the outcome. Estimates of requirements are based on a diverse range of measures of adequacy, according to available evidence. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is the body responsible for reviewing and setting DRV for the UK population. The work of SACN is guided by a framework of evidence that relates food and nutrients to health. There have been calls for the harmonisation of approaches used in the setting of nutrient requirements, globally, and an increased transparency in the decision-making process. Some progress has been made in this regard, but there is a great deal of work to be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vitamin A (VA) estimated average requirements (EARs) for women and children are extrapolated from rats and adult males. The retinol isotope dilution (RID) test can sensitively characterize VA status and intake requirements. Objectives These studies evaluated current EARs for children 4–8 y and women 19–30 y old. Methods Zambian children (n  = 133, ages 5–7 y), US women (n  = 51, ages 19–27 y), and Indonesian women (n  = 29, ages 19–30 y) were provided diets or supplements containing 30%–155% of VA EARs for 42–90 d. RID was performed before and after the intervention to quantify changes in total body VA stores (TBSs) and total liver VA reserves (TLRs). Linear regression was performed between VA intake and change in TBSs or TLRs. Results Baseline mean ± SD TLRs were hypervitaminotic in Zambian children (1.13 ± 0.41 μmol VA/g liver), optimal in US women (0.46 ± 0.32 μmol/g VA/g liver), and deficient to marginal in Indonesian women (0.10 ± 0.08 μmol VA/g liver). VA intakes, resulting in no change in TBSs or TLRs, were 185 (95% CI: 18, 288) or 257 (95% CI: 124, 411) and 285 or 330 (CIs undefined) μg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)/d in the Zambian and US trials, respectively, but inconclusive in Indonesian women. The regression was not significant in either group of women. Conclusions Point estimates of VA intakes to maintain stores were below the current EARs of 275 (children) and 500 (women) μg RAE/d despite the TLRs being higher than the EARs were formulated to maintain (i.e. 0.07 μmol VA/g liver). Interventions based on these EARs may need to be scaled back. Lack of change in VA stores in women taking lower doses may result from physiological adaptation resulting in lower VA utilization. Longer, larger, and controlled studies are needed to accurately define EARs for VA. These trials were registered at Clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04123210 and NCT01814891. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney transplantation is a preferred treatment and the 'last resort' in chronic kidney disease after end-stage renal disease. Considering the key role of nutrition in post-transplant recovery, the present study aimed to review the nutritional assessment and dietary requirements of kidney transplant patients. Relevant articles were retrieved via searching in databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science using various keywords and phrases, including kidney transplantation, end-stage disease, nutrition, dietary intake, nutritional assessment, and nutritional evaluation. According to the literature, medical nutrition therapy is essentially involved in the posttransplantation recovery of patients with kidney failure. Furthermore, it seems that nutritional and medical evaluation based on laboratory methods, vital signs, and anthropometric measurements are critical to improving the quality of nutritional interventions after kidney transplantation and may help decrease the risk of kidney transplant rejection. Therefore, the periodic evaluation and follow-up of these could yield beneficial outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the nutritional status of an elderly is the accumulated result from a number of different factors impacting one another at different levels. Objectives: a primary intervention to evaluate the primary nutritional intakes of individuals in the residential homes. It also aims to describe the residents' health statuses, and to determine factors that can be independently associated with respect to under-and/or over-nutrition. Design: a cross-sectional study was performed on 9 residential homes for the elderly in Amman, Jordan. The nutritional status was\evaluated using anthropometric measurements. Food recalls were analyzed by ESHA. Results: the study included 139 residents (aged from 41 to 70+ years old). Malnutrition was not detected; inverse obesity was more common (average BMI was 45 kg/m²). Noncommunicable Chronic diseases were observed amongst most of the residents. Macronutrients and micronutrients intakes varied between age groups. Most of the micronutrients did not meet the dietary reference intake (DRI). Sodium intake was higher than the recommended level 4714 mg and Vitamin D intake was less 52.3 IU than the requirements for all of age groups. Conclusion: high energy intake as well as lack of sports/activities combined with non-communicable chronic diseases all becomes problematic health-wise for individuals in residential homes in Amman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in patients with kidney failure. Since body weight does not reflect body composition, other methods are needed to determine muscle mass, often estimated by fat-free mass (FFM). Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is frequently used for monitoring body composition in patients with kidney failure. Unfortunately, BIS-derived lean tissue mass (LTM BIS ) is not suitable for comparison with FFM cutoff values for the diagnosis of malnutrition, or for calculating dietary protein requirements. Hypothetically, FFM could be derived from BIS (FFM BIS ). This study aims to compare FFM BIS and LTM BIS with computed tomography (CT) derived FFM (FFM CT ). Secondarily, we aimed to explore the impact of different methods on calculated protein requirements., Methods: CT scans of 60 patients with kidney failure stages 4-5 were analyzed at the L3 level for muscle cross-sectional area, which was converted to FFM CT . Spearman rank correlation coefficient and 95% limits of agreement were calculated to compare FFM BIS and LTM BIS with FFM CT . Protein requirements were determined based on FFM CT , FFM BIS , and adjusted body weight. Deviations over 10% were considered clinically relevant., Results: FFM CT correlated most strongly with FFM BIS (r = 0.78, P < .001), in males (r = 0.72, P < .001) and in females (r = 0.60, P < .001). A mean difference of -0.54 kg was found between FFM BIS and FFM CT (limits of agreement: -14.88 to 13.7 kg, P = .544). Between LTM BIS and FFM CT a mean difference of -12.2 kg was apparent (limits of agreement: -28.7 to 4.2 kg, P < .001). Using FFM CT as a reference, FFM BIS best predicted protein requirements. The mean difference between protein requirements according to FFM BIS and FFM CT was -0.7 ± 9.9 g in males and -0.9 ± 10.9 g in females., Conclusion: FFM BIS correlates well with FFM CT at a group level, but shows large variation within individuals. As expected, large clinically relevant differences were observed in calculated protein requirements., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The key aims of the study were to document and analyze contemporary restaurant practices germane to meeting dietary requirements in significant tourist cities. Social practice theory informed the study. Detailed coding of menu information and TripAdvisor sources for 60 restaurants in six strategically selected tourist cities provided the bases for the work. The results identified locational differences; that overall religious and lifestyle requirements are moderately well presented, while health needs addressed less adequately. Social practice theory insights helped interpret the findings through issues of managerial caution, perceived competence, and image and identity management for both restaurants and customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D is a unique nutrient. First, it acts as a pro-hormone and secondly, the requirement for vitamin D can be met by both endogenous synthesis from sunlight and by dietary sources. This complicates the determination of dietary requirements for vitamin D, which along with the definition of optimal vitamin D status, have been highly controversial and much debated over recent years. Adolescents are a population group at high risk of low vitamin D status, which is concerning given the important role of vitamin D, and calcium, in promoting normal bone mineralisation and attainment of peak bone mass during this rapid growth phase. Dietary vitamin D recommendations are important from a public health perspective in helping to avoid deficiency and optimise vitamin D status for health. However limited experimental data from winter-based dose-response randomised trials in adolescents has hindered the development of evidence-based dietary requirements for vitamin D in this population group. This review will highlight how specifically designed randomised trials and the approach adopted for estimating such requirements can lead to improved recommendations. Such data indicate that vitamin D intakes of between 10 and about 30 µg/d may be required to avoid deficiency and ensure adequacy in adolescents, considerably greater than the current recommendations of 10-15 µg/d. Finally this review will consider the implications of this on public health policy, in terms of future refinements of vitamin D requirement recommendations and prioritisation of public health strategies to help prevent vitamin D deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the absence of dose-response data, Dietary ReferenceValues for vitaminDin nonpregnant adults are extended to pregnancy. Objective: The aim was to estimate vitamin D intake needed to maintain maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in late gestation at a concentration sufficient to prevent newborn 25(OH)D <25-30 nmol/L, a threshold indicative of increased risk of nutritional rickets. Design: We conducted a 3-arm, dose-response, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial in Cork, Ireland (51.9°N). A total of 144 white-skinned pregnant women were assigned to receive 0, 10 (400 IU), or 20 (800 IU) µg vitamin D3/d from ≤18 wk of gestation. Vitamin D metabolites at 14, 24, and 36 wk of gestation and in cord sera, including 25(OH)D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3, and 25(OH)D2 were quantified by liquid chromatography--tandem mass spectrometry. A curvilinear regression model predicted the total vitamin D intake (from diet and antenatal supplements plus treatment dose) that maintained maternal 25(OH)D in late gestation at a concentration sufficient to maintain cord 25(OH)D at ≥25-30 nmol/L. Results: Mean ± SD baseline 25(OH)D was 54.9 ± 10.7 nmol/L. Total vitamin D intakes at the study endpoint (36 wk of gestation) were 12.1 ± 8.0, 21.9 ± 5.3, and 33.7 ± 5.1 µg/d in the placebo and 10-µg and 20-µg vitamin D3 groups, respectively; and 25(OH)D was 24.3 ± 5.8 and 29.2 ± 5.6 nmol/L higher in the 10- and 20-µg groups, respectively, compared with placebo (P < 0.001). For maternal 25(OH)D concentrations ≥50 nmol/L, 95% of cord sera were ≥30 nmol/L and 99% were >25 nmol/L. The estimated vitamin D intake required to maintain serum 25(OH)D at ≥50 nmol/L in 97.5% of women was 28.9 µg/d. Conclusions: Thirty micrograms of vitamin D per day safely maintained serum 25(OH)D concentrations at ≥50 nmol/L in almost all white-skinned women during pregnancy at a northern latitude, which kept 25(OH)D at >25 nmol/L in 99% and ≥30 nmol/L in 95% of umbilical cord sera. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as NCT02506439. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study sought to assess the food consumed and the nutritional status of teachers in one education district in Zimbabwe. Underpinned by the positivist research paradigm, the study followed a quantitative research approach in which a descriptive survey design was utilised. A convenience sample of 62 teachers participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data, based on a three-day food record. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data and analysed data were presented in tables, figures and graphs. The study found that most teachers did not consume food adequately from at least two food groups. The majority of teachers did not consume adequately from the milk and fruit groups while consumption in the grain and vegetable group lacked variety. Food consumption in the meat group was generally adequate and a variety of foods were consumed. The Body Mass Index (BMI) data revealed that 35% of the males and 36% of the females were at risk of being overweight or obese while 4% of the males and 9% of the females were at risk of being underweight. The rest (61% males and 55% females) had normal weight. Inadequate consumption of foods in some food groups accompanied by lack of variety in other food groups leaves most teachers at risk of several nutrient deficiency diseases. There is need to provide nutrition education to teachers to make them aware of cheaper nutrient dense dishes and the importance of physical activity in the promotion of good health.

There is emerging interest in linking vitamin D status to physiological health and disease states in the dog, as evidenced by the recent increase in publications in this area. This research has most likely been spurred by the studies exploring vitamin D and disease in humans. However, there are important differences in vitamin D intake and metabolism between humans and dogs that should be accounted for. The understanding of basic vitamin D metabolism and the relationship between vitamin D intake and vitamin D status in dogs remains even more limited than current knowledge in humans. This review will summarize current knowledge of vitamin D in the dog, including metabolism and dietary recommendations. Emphasis is placed on the limitations to current knowledge. Studies investigating links between vitamin D and disease will be discussed in light of this knowledge. Suggestions for future research, including the development of reference ranges to define blood vitamin D sufficiency, are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite a number of studies indicating increased dietary protein needs in bodybuilders with the use of the nitrogen balance technique, the Institute of Medicine (2005) has concluded, based in part on methodologic concerns, that "no additional dietary protein is suggested for healthy adults undertaking resistance or endurance exercise."Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the dietary protein requirement of healthy young male bodybuilders ( with ≥3 y training experience) on a nontraining day by measuring the oxidation of ingested l-[1-13C]phenylalanine to 13CO2 in response to graded intakes of protein [indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique].Methods: Eight men (means ± SDs: age, 22.5 ± 1.7 y; weight, 83.9 ± 11.6 kg; 13.0% ± 6.3% body fat) were studied at rest on a nontraining day, on several occasions (4-8 times) each with protein intakes ranging from 0.1 to 3.5 g · kg-1 · d-1, for a total of 42 experiments. The diets provided energy at 1.5 times each individual's measured resting energy expenditure and were isoenergetic across all treatments. Protein was fed as an amino acid mixture based on the protein pattern in egg, except for phenylalanine and tyrosine, which were maintained at constant amounts across all protein intakes. For 2 d before the study, all participants consumed 1.5 g protein · kg-1 · d-1 On the study day, the protein requirement was determined by identifying the breakpoint in the F13CO2 with graded amounts of dietary protein [mixed-effects change-point regression analysis of F13CO2 (labeled tracer oxidation in breath)].Results: The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of protein and the upper 95% CI RDA for these young male bodybuilders were 1.7 and 2.2 g · kg-1 · d-1, respectively.Conclusion: These IAAO data suggest that the protein EAR and recommended intake for male bodybuilders at rest on a nontraining day exceed the current recommendations of the Institute of Medicine by ∼2.6-fold. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02621294. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este trabalho teve por objetivo determinar as exigências líquidas de zinco (Zn), cobre (Cu) e ferro (Fe) de cordeiros Santa Inês em pastejo na região semiárida. Os animais com peso vivo entre 20 e 30 kg apresentaram conteúdo corporal no peso de corpo vazio (PCV) para esses minerais de 60,26 a 76,37 mg kg-1, 10,78 a 16,72 mg kg-1 e 133,44 a 126,98 mg kg-1, respectivamente. Observou-se que com o aumento do PCV, as concentrações de Cu e Zn também aumentavam, enquanto a de Fe diminuía. As exigências líquidas para cordeiros em regime de pastejo variaram de 1,69 a 7,86 mg dia-1 para Cu e 7,20 a 27,4 mg dia-1 para Zn. Os resultados obtidos no presente trabalho, para exigências desses minerais, foram maiores do que as exigências dietéticas recomendadas pelo do NRC (1985), que são de 7 a 11 mg, com máximo de 25 mg e de 20 a 30 mg, com máximo de 750 mg kg-1 de alimento, para Cu e Zn, respectivamente. As exigências líquidas de Fe variaram de 8,46 a 26,66 mg dia-1, e portanto, menores do que as recomendadas pelo NRC (1985) para este mineral que são de 30 a 50 mg kg-1 de alimento.This work had as an aim determine the net requirements of Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe) of Santa Inês lambs raised grazing in the semi-arid area. Animals with body weight between 20 e 30 kg showed corporea contents in empty body weight (EBW) in these minerals from 60.26 to 76.37 mg kg-1, 10.78 to 16.72 mg kg-1 and from 133.44 to126.98 mg kg-1, respectively. It was observed that increasing the PCV increased Cu and Zn concentration but decreased the Fe concentratiêson. The net requirements for lambs under pasture varied from 1.69 to 7.86 mg day-1 for Cu and from 7.20 to 27.4 mg day-1 for Zn. The results obtained in the present experiment suggest that the dietary requirements in Cu and Zn are higher than those recommended by NRC (1985), between 7 and 11 mg, with a maximum value of 25 mg for Cu and between 20 and 30 mg, with a maximum of 750 mg kg-1 of food for Zn, respectively. The net requirements for Fe varied from 8.46 to26.66 mg day-1 and were lower than that recommended by NRC (1985) for this mineral, from 30 to 50 mg kg-1 of diet.

Osteoporosis, a chronic disease that results in low bone mass with an increased risk of fragility fractures, is prevalent in older adults. Diet can prevent or lessen the severity of osteoporosis. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess differences in diet, quality of life, self-rated health, and physical function between congregate meal participants with and without osteoporosis. Data were from telephone survey, 10th Annual National Survey of Older American Act Participants, a representative sample of congregate meal attendees across the United States. (N = 888). Osteoporosis was present in 20% of this population. Participants with, as compared to without, osteoporosis reported that their physical health limited moderate activities (31.5% vs. 18.9%, p = 0.026), stair climbing (32.2% vs. 22.8%, p = 0.032), and shopping (27.4 vs. 15.3, p = 0.018). More than half of the participants consumed less than the recommended servings of dairy, meat, grains, and fruits/vegetables regardless of osteoporosis status. Participants with osteoporosis had lower self-rated health and more physical limitations than people without osteoporosis. Although congregate meals are a way to improve nutritional intake, additional methods to improve nutrition (including education) may be of benefit, since undernutrition is a concern in this population.

There were no considerable up to date on the trace element requirements of commercial poultry in recent years in despite of the progress in their performance traits. One of the more prevalent problems in modern broiler production system which could be attributed to the trace mineral inadequacy is skeletal disorders. Zinc, is an essential trace element which acts as a co-factor in several metaloenzymes and plays an important role in different metabolic pathways. Zinc deficiency in poultry affect the protein and carbohydrate metabolism and have negative effects on feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion ratio and also is associated with immunological, reproductive, skeletal and skin disorders. The commercial poultry producers often use a considerable safety margin for trace minerals including Zn in feed formulation, which will resulted in trace mineral excretion into environment. There are differences in the recommended dietary Zn requirement between commercial strains of broiler chickens and all of them are differ from NRC (1994) recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]