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While breast-feeding initiation and duration among US Latina women appear to decrease with acculturation, health care providers in the Greater Cincinnati area have noted lower rates of breast-feeding among even first-generation Latina immigrants. This study's purpose was to identify determinants of breast-feeding for Latina mothers in Cincinnati through qualitative interviews and Spanish Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale ratings. Our findings suggest that, along with similar levels of breast-feeding self-confidence, foreign-born Latina women in the Greater Cincinnati area share similar breast-feeding determinants with the general population. However, characteristics of these determinants and their impact vary because of unique pressures experienced by this community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in dietary variety over time in children and to determine the relationship between dietary variety and diet quality. DESIGN: Dietary data were collected from fourth and fifth grade students for 14 consecutive days by a registered dietitian. SETTING: Colerain School District of Cincinnati, Ohio. PARTICIPANTS: There were 33 children involved in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Two cumulative dietary variety scores were estimated. The first was based on the Food Guide Pyramid groups: grain, fruit, vegetable, dairy, and meat (GFVDM). The second was based on the groups highlighted by the 2000 Dietary Guidelines for variety: grain, fruit, and vegetable (GFV). Diets were analyzed for energy and nutrient content. ANALYSIS: Analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Dietary variety increased over time up to 14 days. A significant difference (P <.0001) was found for the cumulative GFVDM and GFV variety scores on days 3, 7, and 14. Positive correlations were found between the GFVDM and GFV variety scores and vitamin C and fiber. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study suggests that a 2-week period is necessary to capture food variety in children. Some associations were found between dietary variety and diet quality. New tools are needed to measure dietary variety in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient, but overexposure can lead to neurotoxicity. Given the essentiality of Mn in the diet, particularly during children's growth and development, it is imperative to quantify dietary Mn intake in populations that may be exposed to industrial sources of Mn. Dietary absorption of Mn is inversely associated with iron (Fe) stores, yet there is currently no food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess dietary Mn and Fe intake. The study objective was to develop and evaluate the validity of a FFQ to measure dietary Mn and Fe intake in pediatrics by comparing the estimated intakes of Mn and Fe with biomarkers: Mn in blood and hair and Fe in serum. This study utilized a subset of the Communities Actively Researching Exposure Study (CARES) population residing in Guernsey County, Ohio. Dietary Mn was not correlated with either blood or hair Mn; however, dietary Mn and serum ferritin were significantly correlated, with a correlation coefficient of 0.51, p < 0.01. Moreover, dietary Fe and serum ferritin were also significantly correlated, with a correlation coefficient of 0.51, p < 0.01. This FFQ is a valid measurement tool for Fe intake as measured by serum ferritin; however, Mn intake did not correlate with either blood or hair Mn., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between food security, social capital, and social support among urban food pantry users in Cincinnati. In-person interviews with 53 participants were completed using the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module, Social Capital questionnaire, and Social Support questionnaire. Social capital was assessed through four subscales using a Likert scale, with a response range 1 to 4, and social support was measured by rating significant others' emotional, informational, and instrumental support as well as companionship (ranged from 0 to 4). The findings suggested that there were no significant associations among them. This may be due to a small sample size. Thus, the associations need to be examined with a larger sample. Further, a qualitative approach may be necessary to explore the contextual nature of social capital and social support related to food security.

Background: Research indicates that the length of time needed to describe dietary diversity is approximately 2 weeks. This is the first study conducted to develop a dietary variety measurement tool that is sensitive to the effect of time on dietary variety without the burden of gathering data for 2 weeks., Objective: To determine whether 3 days of 24-hour dietary recall logs collected during a 15-day period would predict food variety as well as 15 consecutive days. The study also determined which set of 3 days (consecutive vs interval days) within a 15-day period would better predict 15-day food variety., Design: Prospective survey of the dietary practices of children., Subjects/setting: Seventy-two children aged 9 to 12 years attending fourth and fifth grades in a public elementary school in a Midwestern town in the fall of 2005., Main Outcome Measures: Predicted 15-day cumulative dietary variety score from 3 consecutive days and 3 interval days of dietary data., Statistical Analysis Performed: Two prediction models were obtained from multiple linear regression analyses in which natural log-transformed (log(e)) 15-day variety scores were regressed on log(e) 3-day variety scores (consecutive and interval days). The ability of each model to predict the 15-day cumulative variety score was assessed by comparisons of mean bias, mean-squared error, coefficient of determination (R(2)), and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients., Results: Three days of dietary data accurately estimated dietary variety over time for this sample of 9- to 12-year-old children using the predictive equation generated in this study. Three interval days predicted 15-day food variety more precisely than 3 consecutive days., Conclusions: The predictive equation is accurate in estimating food variety over time for this population and, if validated in independent samples, could be applied to similar populations.

There is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of high protein intake on kidney health, especially as it relates to age. We investigated the short-term effects of a high-protein diet on kidney function and systemic acid-base homeostasis in older compared to younger adults. The subjects were healthy men and women either between the ages of 25 and 40 years (n=12) or 55 and 70 years (n=10). They underwent a two-period crossover trial with each period consisting of 2 weeks of usual diet followed by a 1-week experimental diet. During the experimental diet period subjects consumed metabolic meals that provided either low protein content (0.5 g protein/kg/day) or high protein content (2.0 g protein/kg/day). Outcome measures included blood and urine markers of renal function and acid-base balance. An analysis of variance was used to assess differences between age groups with respect to experimental diet. The older group, mainly women, showed an increase in glomerular filtration rate after the high-protein compared to low-protein diet; the younger group did not. Urinary pH was significantly lower, and ammonium excretion was significantly higher after the high-protein diet in both age groups, but neither group developed a clinically detectable acidosis after the week of receiving a high-protein diet.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of head and neck cancer. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of an intervention to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and improve overall diet quality in patients with early stage head and neck cancer at risk for second primary cancer. The study was a crossover-controlled design with each patient being his or her own control. Patients received usual care during the control period followed by a clinical-based intervention grounded in the Social Learning Theory for 3 months. Measurements were taken at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The intervention consisted of a face-to-face counseling session, a phone call, and three mailings. Findings from this study indicate that these patients increased their intake of fruits (number of servings and variety), vegetables (number of servings), and improved overall diet quality while exposed to the intervention as compared with usual care.

Growth and development disorders in humans caused by zinc (Zn) deficiency have been investigated for a long time. Although marginal Zn deficiency is a common nutritional problem around the world, especially in the children of developing countries where diets have less Zn available, it is difficult to identify. This review provides the progression of studies in the effect of Zn deficiency on human growth and development, and also explains the possible mechanisms of how Zn promotes these phenomena. These mechanisms involve the effects of Zn on DNA synthesis, RNA synthesis, and cell division. The concept of zn-finger proteins explains the role of Zn in gene expression and endocrine function. Findings indicate that Zn deficiency can result in delayed growth and development which can be corrected in part by Zn supplementation.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate genetic influence on preference for 17 foods. The relationship between preference and use of these foods was also examined. The study focused on frequently eaten foods and on foods consumed less frequently but promoted for good health., Design: Food preferences were investigated in young monozygotic and same-sex dizygotic twin pairs living at home and sharing the same environment. Subjects provided preference ratings after testing each food. A food frequency questionnaire was used to determine whether the genetic component of preference is associated with food use., Subjects: Subjects were 14 pairs of monozygotic twins and 21 pairs of same-sex dizygotic twins, aged 9 to 18 years. They were recruited on a volunteer basis from public schools in Cincinnati, Ohio., Main Outcome Measures: We found a greater similarity in food preference between members of monozygotic twin pairs than between dizygotic twin pairs, which suggests an important role for genetics in accounting for individual differences in food preference., Statistical Analyses Performed: Food preference data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and Fischer z scores. Additional estimates of heritability were obtained by applying the Mann-Whitney nonparametric t test and the Holzinger index. Food use was correlated with preference using Pearson correlation coefficients., Results: Significant differences in intrapair correlations for monozygotic and dizygotic twins were found for orange juice (z = 5.39; P < .05), broccoli (z = 2.60; P < .05), cottage cheese (z = 2.54; P < .05), chicken (z = 2.54; P < .05), sweetened cereal (z = 2.00; P < .05), and hamburger (z = 1.95; P < .10). The genetic component of preference was correlated with use for only two foods., Applications/conclusions: It is important for nutritionists to realize that heritable factors may influence selection of a range of foods, including some that are promoted for good health. If health-promoting foods are to be included in the diet, accessibility and exposure to these foods must be increased.

This study explored the learning styles of older adult females (65 + years) as compared to younger adult females (35-55 years) in the areas of immediate environment, emotionality, sociological needs and physical needs. At recreation community centers, 80 subjects were selected on a non-random basis, with one-half falling in each age category. Each subject was individually questioned using the Productivity Environmental Preference Survey, which analyzes a personal preference for each of 20 elements and identifies how adults prefer to function, learn, concentrate and perform in their educational or occupational activities. An analysis by t test showed a significant difference between the two groups in the elements of light, learning alone--peer oriented, authority figures present, and evening--morning. When the elements were combined and treated by discriminant analysis, most of these findings were confirmed, showing a significant difference in five elements: light, motivation, responsibility, learning alone--peer oriented, evening--morning. These findings might be useful to nutrition educators when developing nutrition programs for the elderly.