Nutrients

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12 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Caffeine, D-glucuronolactone and Taurine Content in Energy Drinks: Exposure and Risk Assessment

by Carmen Rubio, Montaña Cámara, Rosa María Giner, María José González-Muñoz, Esther López-García, Francisco J. Morales, M. Victoria Moreno-Arribas, María P. Portillo and Elena Bethencourt

Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5103; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235103 - 1 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8126

Abstract

The consumption of energy drinks (EDs) is increasing globally while the evidence and concern about the potential health risks are also growing. Caffeine (generally 32 mg/100 mL) together with a wide variety of other active components such as taurine (usually 4000 mg/L) and [...] Read more.

The consumption of energy drinks (EDs) is increasing globally while the evidence and concern about the potential health risks are also growing. Caffeine (generally 32 mg/100 mL) together with a wide variety of other active components such as taurine (usually 4000 mg/L) and D-glucuronolactone (generally 2400 mg/L) are the main ingredients of EDs. This study aims to assess the exposures to caffeine, taurine and D-glucuronolactone from EDs in various consumption scenarios and consumer profiles and to characterize the risks by evaluating caffeine and taurine intakes with their reference values and by calculating the margin of safety (MOS) for D-glucuronolactone. While the exposure assessment results showed that caffeine intakes from EDs ranged from 80 to 160 mg (1.14–4 mg/kg b.w.) for the considered scenarios, the risk characterization estimated some risks that could be managed with consumption recommendations such as limiting EDs in 40, 60 and 80 kg b.w. consumers to 175, 262.5 and 350 mL, respectively, to prevent sleep disturbances and to 375, 562.5 and 750 mL to prevent general caffeine adverse health risks, respectively. Dietary exposure to D-glucuronolactone from EDs ranged from 600 to 1200 mg (7.5–30 mg/kg b.w.). As D-glucuronolactone MOS ≥ 100 is only observed when EDs consumption is limited to 250 mL, for individuals weighing above 60 kg, some risks were observed in some of the studied scenarios. A taurine exposure from EDs varied from 1000 to 2000 mg (12.5–50 mg/kg b.w.) and consumptions over 500 mL were estimated to generate intakes above the reference value. In conclusion, the management of these risks requires a European legal framework for EDs with maximum limits for the active components, volume size limitations and labeling improvements along with the development of education and awareness programs and risk communication actions in collaboration with the industry and society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

20 pages, 2372 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Development of the Cook-Ed^TM Matrix to Guide Food and Cooking Skill Selection in Culinary Education Programs That Target Diet Quality and Health

by Roberta C. Asher, Tammie Jakstas, Fiona Lavelle, Julia A. Wolfson, Anna Rose, Tamara Bucher, Moira Dean, Kerith Duncanson, Klazine van der Horst, Sonja Schonberg, Joyce Slater, Leanne Compton, Roslyn Giglia, Sandra Fordyce-Voorham, Clare E. Collins and Vanessa A. Shrewsbury

Nutrients 2022, 14(9), 1778; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091778 - 24 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6097

Abstract

Culinary education programs are generally designed to improve participants’ food and cooking skills, with or without consideration to influencing diet quality or health. No published methods exist to guide food and cooking skills’ content priorities within culinary education programs that target improved diet [...] Read more.

Culinary education programs are generally designed to improve participants’ food and cooking skills, with or without consideration to influencing diet quality or health. No published methods exist to guide food and cooking skills’ content priorities within culinary education programs that target improved diet quality and health. To address this gap, an international team of cooking and nutrition education experts developed the Cooking Education (Cook-Ed^TM) matrix. International food-based dietary guidelines were reviewed to determine common food groups. A six-section matrix was drafted including skill focus points for: (1) Kitchen safety, (2) Food safety, (3) General food skills, (4) Food group specific food skills, (5) General cooking skills, (6) Food group specific cooking skills. A modified e-Delphi method with three consultation rounds was used to reach consensus on the Cook-Ed^TM matrix structure, skill focus points included, and their order. The final Cook-Ed^TM matrix includes 117 skill focus points. The matrix guides program providers in selecting the most suitable skills to consider for their programs to improve dietary and health outcomes, while considering available resources, participant needs, and sustainable nutrition principles. Users can adapt the Cook-Ed^TM matrix to regional food-based dietary guidelines and food cultures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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13 pages, 1353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modelling the Impact of Reducing Ultra-Processed Foods Based on the NOVA Classification in Australian Women of Reproductive Age

by Nahal Habibi, Shalem Yiner-Lee Leemaqz and Jessica Anne Grieger

Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071518 - 5 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3551

Abstract

Women of reproductive age have a high proportion of overweight/obesity and an overall poor nutritional intake and diet quality. Nutritional modelling is a method to forecast potential changes in nutrition composition that may offer feasible and realistic changes to dietary intake. This study [...] Read more.

Women of reproductive age have a high proportion of overweight/obesity and an overall poor nutritional intake and diet quality. Nutritional modelling is a method to forecast potential changes in nutrition composition that may offer feasible and realistic changes to dietary intake. This study uses simulation modelling to estimate feasible population improvements in dietary profile by reducing ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption in Australian women of reproductive age. The simulation used weighted data from the most recent 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. A total of 2749 women aged 19–50 years was included, and 5740 foods were examined. The highest daily energy, saturated fat, and added sugar and sodium came from UPF. Reducing UPF by 50% decreased energy intake by 22%, and saturated fat, added sugar, sodium, and alcohol by 10–39%. Reducing UPF by 50% and increasing unprocessed or minimally processed foods by 25% led to a lower estimated reduction in energy and greater estimated reductions in saturated fat and sodium. Replacement of 50% UPF with 75% of unprocessed or minimally processed foods led to smaller estimated reductions in energy and nutrients. Our results provide insight as to the potential impact of population reductions in UPF, but also increasing intake of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, which may be the most feasible strategy for improved nutritional intake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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11 pages, 1026 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Absolute and Relative Agreement between the Current and Modified Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Dietary Index (BALANCE DI) and the American Heart Association Healthy Diet Score (AHA-DS) in Post Myocardial Infarction Patients

by Camila Weschenfelder, Philip Sapp, Terrence Riley, Kristina Petersen, Jacqueline Tereza da Silva, Angela Cristine Bersch-Ferreira, Rachel Helena Vieira Machado, Erlon Oliveira de Abreu-Silva, Lucas Ribeiro Silva, Bernardete Weber, Alexandre Schaan de Quadros, Penny Kris-Etherton and Aline Marcadenti

Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1378; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071378 - 25 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2563

Abstract

The American Heart Association Diet Score (AHA-DS) defines the cardiovascular health, and the Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Dietary Index (BALANCE DI) was designed to evaluate diet quality in secondary cardiovascular prevention settings. Our aim was to assess the absolute and relative agreement between [...] Read more.

The American Heart Association Diet Score (AHA-DS) defines the cardiovascular health, and the Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Dietary Index (BALANCE DI) was designed to evaluate diet quality in secondary cardiovascular prevention settings. Our aim was to assess the absolute and relative agreement between both tools in Brazilian adults after a myocardial infarction (MI). In this cross-sectional study, 473 individuals were included and had their diet assessed by a 24 h food recall and a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. The weighted Kappa between BALANCE DI and primary AHA-DS was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.08–0.21), and between BALANCE DI and total AHA-DS was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.20–0.32). To improve the agreement between the tools, modifications were made to the BALANCE DI scoring system. The weighted Kappa between New BALANCE DI and primary AHA-DS was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.36–0.48), and between BALANCE DI and total AHA-DS was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.34–0.46). The mean bias observed between the New BALANCE DI as compared to the primary and total AHA-DS was −16% (−51 to 19) and −8% (−41 to 24), respectively. Our results suggest that the New BALANCE DI may be a useful tool to evaluate diet quality in post MI patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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17 pages, 2107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovation as a Factor Increasing Fruit Consumption: The Case of Poland

by Dagmara Stangierska, Iwona Kowalczuk, Katarzyna Widera, Dawid Olewnicki and Piotr Latocha

Nutrients 2022, 14(6), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14061246 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3538

Abstract

Due to the low level of fruit consumption in relation to dietary recommendations in many European countries, including Poland, multidirectional actions should be taken to increase the consumption of these products. One of the ideas could be the introduction of innovative products. The [...] Read more.

Due to the low level of fruit consumption in relation to dietary recommendations in many European countries, including Poland, multidirectional actions should be taken to increase the consumption of these products. One of the ideas could be the introduction of innovative products. The main goal of the study is to determine the relationship between consumer propensity to purchase innovative products and the frequency of consumption of fruits and their preserves of consumers. The research sample consisted of 600 respondents who declared to consume fruit and were responsible for food shopping in their households. The results obtained indicate that consumers with a higher propensity to purchase innovative products consumed fruit and fruit preserves more. In addition, statistically significant differences were found between innovators and non-innovators in terms of income, expenditures on fruit purchases, places where fruit and fruit preserves were purchased and product characteristics that determined the purchase decision. The logistic regression results indicate that a higher frequency of supermarket/hypermarket and online shopping, a higher weekly spending on fruit and a greater importance attributed to the biodegradability of the packaging increased the favorability of innovation relatively to fruit products (by 23.8%, 31.4%, 32.7% and 21.6%, respectively). The relationships found may have important implications for both private and public stakeholders in the fruit and vegetable sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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11 pages, 654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adherence to the Japanese Food Guide: The Association between Three Scoring Systems and Cardiometabolic Risks in Japanese Adolescents

by Masayuki Okuda, Aya Fujiwara and Satoshi Sasaki

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010043 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3738

Abstract

The Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top (JFGST) indicates optimal intake of five food groups (grain, fish and meat, vegetables, milk, and fruits) and sugar and confectionaries. We aimed to investigate whether adherence to the JFGST in 8th grade junior high school students ( [...] Read more.

The Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top (JFGST) indicates optimal intake of five food groups (grain, fish and meat, vegetables, milk, and fruits) and sugar and confectionaries. We aimed to investigate whether adherence to the JFGST in 8th grade junior high school students (n = 3162) was associated with cardiometabolic risks and how different scorings of the JFGST influenced the associations. Metabolic risks were assessed from anthropometrics, blood pressure measurements, and blood glucose and lipid profile measurements. Three types of scoring adherent to the JFGST were analyzed (10 points were given for each item with optimal intake; range: 0–60): the original scoring (ORG scoring); first modified scoring, which had no upper limits for vegetables and fruits (MOD1 scoring); and MOD2 scoring without upper limits for five dishes (MOD2 scoring). The MOD2 scoring was positively associated with dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamins. All types of scorings were associated with low glucose levels (p ≤ 0.001); the MOD2 scoring was associated with low systolic blood pressure (p = 0.001) and low cardiometabolic risk (p = 0.003). Our findings suggest that Japanese adolescents adherent to the JFGST had low cardiometabolic risks and should not fall below lower limits for intake of the abovementioned five food groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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13 pages, 313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Diet Quality in a Sample of Rural and Urban Australian Adults

by Rebekah Pullen, Katherine Kent, Matthew J. Sharman, Tracy L. Schumacher and Leanne J. Brown

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 4130; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13114130 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3295

Abstract

The diet quality of rural Australians is under researched. Characterising disparities in diet quality between rural and urban populations may inform targeted interventions in at- risk groups. A cross-sectional study aimed to determine the relationship between diet quality, rurality and sociodemographic characteristics in [...] Read more.

The diet quality of rural Australians is under researched. Characterising disparities in diet quality between rural and urban populations may inform targeted interventions in at- risk groups. A cross-sectional study aimed to determine the relationship between diet quality, rurality and sociodemographic characteristics in a sample of Australian adults. Participants were recruited at rural and regional events between 2017 and 2020, in New South Wales, Australia. Diet quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Quiz or Australian Eating Survey to generate an Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS). ARFS was compared by rurality and sociodemographic characteristics using multivariate regression. Participants (n = 247; 53% female) had a mean ± SD ARFS of 34.5 ± 9.0. There was no significant effect of rurality on ARFS (β-coefficient = −0.4; 95%CI −3.0, 2.3). Compared to participants aged 18–30 years, higher ARFS was evident for those aged 31–50 (β = 5.4; 95%CI 0.3, 10.4), 51–70 (β = 4.4; 95%CI 0.3, 8.5) and >71 years (β = 6.5; 95% CI 1.6–11.4). Compared to those living alone, participants living with a partner (β = 5.2; 95%CI 2.0, 8.4) and families with children (β = 5.6; 95%CI 1.4, 9.8) had significantly higher ARFS. ARFS was significantly lower with each additional self-reported chronic health condition (β = −1.4; 95%CI −2.3, −0.4). Our results indicate that diet quality as defined by the ARFS was classified as ‘getting there’ and that age, living arrangements and chronic health conditions, but not rurality, influenced diet quality in a sample of Australian adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

12 pages, 920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Older Women of Reproductive Age Have Better Diet Quality than Younger Women of Reproductive Age?

by Nahal Habibi, Katherine M. Livingstone, Suzanne Edwards and Jessica A. Grieger

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3830; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113830 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2692

Abstract

There is increasing recognition of the importance of nutrition for reproductive health, but little is known regarding the diet quality of younger vs. older reproductive aged women, and how their intakes relate to dietary recommendations. The purpose of the study was to examine [...] Read more.

There is increasing recognition of the importance of nutrition for reproductive health, but little is known regarding the diet quality of younger vs. older reproductive aged women, and how their intakes relate to dietary recommendations. The purpose of the study was to examine the diets of younger (19–35 years old) compared to older (35–50 years old) reproductive aged women, and how they align with dietary recommendations. Women aged 19–50 years from the 2011–13 Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey were included (n = 2323). Dietary intakes were assessed by a single 24-h dietary recall and were compared to (i) Australian Dietary Guidelines; (ii) Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution for protein, carbohydrates, and fat; and (iii) Dietary Guideline Index (DGI). Regression analyses comparing younger and older women against recommendations were undertaken, with confounders determined a priori. There was no difference between older and younger women in meeting food group recommendations, with 26% of all women meeting recommendations for fruit, and meat and alternatives, and <20% meeting recommendations for vegetables and alternatives, grains, and dairy. Although there was no difference between older and younger women in total DGI score (mean (SE) 75.6 (1.7) vs. 74.5 (2.5), p > 0.05), older women had higher component scores in limiting saturated fat, consuming low-fat milk, and limiting adding salt during cooking. Continued health promotion for women of reproductive age should be a key priority to improve their own health and that of future generations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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15 pages, 860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Enrique Ramón-Arbués, José-Manuel Granada-López, Blanca Martínez-Abadía, Emmanuel Echániz-Serrano, Isabel Antón-Solanas and Benjamin Adam Jerue

Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3512; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103512 - 5 Oct 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6877

Abstract

Given that there is only a limited body of evidence available concerning the dietary habits of Spanish university students, the present study assesses the quality of this group’s diet, their adherence to the National Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, and the predictive factors of their [...] Read more.

Given that there is only a limited body of evidence available concerning the dietary habits of Spanish university students, the present study assesses the quality of this group’s diet, their adherence to the National Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, and the predictive factors of their diet quality. To do so, a cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 1055 students. The quality of the participants’ diets was then analysed by using the Spanish Healthy Eating Index, and then their level of compliance was assessed in light of the dietary recommendations put forth by the Spanish Society for Community Nutrition. According to these standards, only 17.4% of the participants had a healthy diet. The level of compliance with the recommendations was poor, highlighting especially the low levels of “fruit” and “vegetables” that they consumed as well as high levels of “cold meats and cuts” and “sweets”. The factors that predicted a worse diet are being male, living alone, low levels of physical activity, smoking, high alcohol intake, leading a sedentary lifestyle, psychological distress, and insomnia (p < 0.005). Furthermore, participants with low or high body weights showed signs of a higher quality diet (p < 0.001). The present findings suggest that a significant proportion of university students ought to change their dietary habits; these also attest to the importance of developing strategies that are directly targeted at university students in order to promote a healthy diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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15 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines around the World: A Comparative Analysis to Update AESAN Scientific Committee Dietary Recommendations

by Montaña Cámara, Rosa María Giner, Elena González-Fandos, Esther López-García, Jordi Mañes, María P. Portillo, Magdalena Rafecas, Laura Domínguez and José Alfredo Martínez

Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3131; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093131 - 8 Sep 2021

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 8736

Abstract

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) include dietary recommendations based on food groups according to the general and accepted nutrition principles and current scientific evidence. Adoption of FBDG contributes to the prevention of malnutrition in all its forms, promotes human health, and reduces environmental impact. [...] Read more.

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) include dietary recommendations based on food groups according to the general and accepted nutrition principles and current scientific evidence. Adoption of FBDG contributes to the prevention of malnutrition in all its forms, promotes human health, and reduces environmental impact. The present review aims to perform an international comparative analysis of the FBDG adopted in different countries from three different continents (America, Asia, and Europe), with particular reference to the Spanish Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (AESAN, Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición) Scientific Committee dietary recommendations. A total of twelve countries with the most updated FBDG and/or closest to the traditional and cultural preferences of Spain were finally selected. All the reviewed FBDG provided recommendations for fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, nuts, milk and dairy products, meat and derivatives, fish, eggs, water, and oil; however, remarkable differences regarding recommended amounts were found among countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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19 pages, 998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cost and Affordability of Healthy, Equitable and Sustainable Diets in Low Socioeconomic Groups in Australia

by Meron Lewis, Sarah A. McNaughton, Lucie Rychetnik and Amanda J. Lee

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2900; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082900 - 23 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6728

Abstract

Few Australians consume a healthy, equitable and more sustainable diet consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADGs). Low socioeconomic groups (SEGs) suffer particularly poor diet-related health problems. However, granular information on dietary intakes and affordability of recommended diets was lacking for low SEGs. [...] Read more.

Few Australians consume a healthy, equitable and more sustainable diet consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADGs). Low socioeconomic groups (SEGs) suffer particularly poor diet-related health problems. However, granular information on dietary intakes and affordability of recommended diets was lacking for low SEGs. The Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing protocol was modified for low SEGs to align with relevant dietary intakes reported in the National Nutrition Survey 2011–2012(which included less healthy and more discretionary options than the broader population), household structures, food purchasing habits, and incomes. Cost and affordability of habitual and recommended diets of low SEGs were calculated using prices of ‘standard brands’ and ‘cheapest options’. With ‘standard brands’, recommended diets cost less than habitual diets, but were unaffordable for low SEGs. With ‘cheapest options’, both diets were more affordable, but recommended diets cost more than habitual diets for some low SEGs, potentially contributing to perceptions that healthy food is unaffordable. The study confirms the need for an equity lens to better target dietary guidelines for low SEGs. It also highlights urgent policy action is needed to help improve affordability of recommended diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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12 pages, 456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Variety over Time Is Associated with Lower 15-Year Healthcare Costs: Results from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

by Jennifer N. Baldwin, Lee M. Ashton, Peta M. Forder, Rebecca L. Haslam, Alexis J. Hure, Deborah J. Loxton, Amanda J. Patterson and Clare E. Collins

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2829; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082829 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4035

Abstract

Healthcare costs are lower for adults who consume more vegetables; however, the association between healthcare costs and fruit and vegetable varieties is unclear. Our aim was to investigate the association between (i) baseline fruit and vegetable (F&V) varieties, and (ii) changes in F&V [...] Read more.

Healthcare costs are lower for adults who consume more vegetables; however, the association between healthcare costs and fruit and vegetable varieties is unclear. Our aim was to investigate the association between (i) baseline fruit and vegetable (F&V) varieties, and (ii) changes in F&V varieties over time with 15-year healthcare costs in an Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. The data for Survey 3 (n = 8833 women, aged 50–55 years) and Survey 7 (n = 6955, aged 62–67 years) of the 1946–1951 cohort were used. The F&V variety was assessed using the Fruit and Vegetable Variety (FAVVA) index calculated from the Cancer Council of Victoria’s Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies food frequency questionnaire. The baseline FAVVA and change in FAVVA were analysed as continuous predictors of Medicare claims/costs by using multiple regression analyses. Healthy weight women made, on average, 4.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–6.8) fewer claims for every 10-point-higher FAVVA. Healthy weight women with higher fruit varieties incurred fewer charges; however, this was reversed for women overweight/obese. Across the sample, for every 10-point increase in FAVVA over time, women made 4.3 (95% CI 1.9–6.8) fewer claims and incurred $309.1 (95% CI $129.3–488.8) less in charges over 15 years. A higher F&V variety is associated with a small reduction in healthcare claims for healthy weight women only. An increasing F&V variety over time is associated with lower healthcare costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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16 pages, 304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Adherence of Singaporean Students in Different Educational Institutions to National Food-Based Dietary Guidelines

by Mia Eng Tay, Emma Foster, Leo Stevenson and Iain Brownlee

Nutrients 2020, 12(10), 2995; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12102995 - 30 Sep 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4335

Abstract

There are currently limited data on the dietary habits of young Singaporeans. This study aimed to evaluate the adherence of 17–21 year olds attending different educational institutions using a novel diet-quality scoring method. Dietary data were collected using a single weekday 24 h [...] Read more.

There are currently limited data on the dietary habits of young Singaporeans. This study aimed to evaluate the adherence of 17–21 year olds attending different educational institutions using a novel diet-quality scoring method. Dietary data were collected using a single weekday 24 h dietary recall in a cross section of 536 Singaporeans aged 17–21 years. An 11 category scoring system (0.0–100.0) was used to define adherence to food based dietary guidelines. Demographic and self-reported data were also collected via a questionnaire, BMI status, and using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis (non-parametric) tests, with post-hoc Bonferroni-corrected tests. The median diet quality score was 48.5 (IQR 40.5, 56.4) for this cohort, with component scores for “Total fruit”, “Whole fruit”, “Total vegetables”, “Dark green leafy & orange vegetables”, “Whole grains”, “Dairy products”, and “Sodium” frequently scoring the minimum value. Median diet quality scores were statistically different for groups by ethnic origin (p < 0.001) and by educational institution (p < 0.001). Intake of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains is minimal, while sodium intake is frequently too high in young Singaporeans. Differences across ethnic groups and types of educational institutions suggest the need for targeted interventions to improve dietary habits in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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31 pages, 651 KiB

Open AccessReview

Adherence to Food-Based Dietary Guidelines: A Systemic Review of High-Income and Low- and Middle-Income Countries

by Ana Carolina B. Leme, Sophia Hou, Regina Mara Fisberg, Mauro Fisberg and Jess Haines

Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13031038 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 8120

Abstract

Research comparing the adherence to food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) across countries with different socio-economic status is lacking, which may be a concern for developing nutrition policies. The aim was to report on the adherence to FBDGs in high-income (HIC) and low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). [...] Read more.

Research comparing the adherence to food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) across countries with different socio-economic status is lacking, which may be a concern for developing nutrition policies. The aim was to report on the adherence to FBDGs in high-income (HIC) and low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). A systematic review with searches in six databases was performed up to June 2020. English language articles were included if they investigated a population of healthy children and adults (7–65 years), using an observational or experimental design evaluating adherence to national FBDGs. Findings indicate that almost 40% of populations in both HIC and LMIC do not adhere to their national FBDGs. Fruit and vegetables (FV) were most adhered to and the prevalence of adhering FV guidelines was between 7% to 67.3%. HIC have higher consumption of discretionary foods, while results were mixed for LMIC. Grains and dairy were consumed below recommendations in both HIC and LMIC. Consumption of animal proteins (>30%), particularly red meat, exceeded the recommendations. Individuals from HIC and LMIC may be falling short of at least one dietary recommendation from their country’s guidelines. Future health policies, behavioral-change strategies, and dietary guidelines may consider these results in their development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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21 pages, 1302 KiB

Open AccessReview

Characterizing Dietary Intakes in Rural Australian Adults: A Systematic Literature Review

by Laura Alston, Troy Walker and Katherine Kent

Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3515; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113515 - 15 Nov 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4250

Abstract

Rural Australians experience a higher burden of diet-related chronic disease than their metropolitan counterparts. Dietary intake data is needed to understand priorities for nutrition initiatives that reduce disparities in the health of rural Australians. A systematic literature review aimed to synthesize the evidence [...] Read more.

Rural Australians experience a higher burden of diet-related chronic disease than their metropolitan counterparts. Dietary intake data is needed to understand priorities for nutrition initiatives that reduce disparities in the health of rural Australians. A systematic literature review aimed to synthesize the evidence on dietary intakes in adult populations residing in rural and remote Australia, to identify areas for intervention, and make recommendations for future research. A comprehensive search of five electronic databases was conducted and 22 articles were identified for inclusion. Half of the included studies (50%) collected dietary data using non-validated questionnaires and nearly half (41%) did not benchmark dietary intakes against public health guidelines. Most studies (95%) showed that rural populations have suboptimal dietary intakes. Despite the high level of preventable diet-related disease in rural and remote Australia, this review identified that there is insufficient high-quality dietary data available and a lack of consistency between dietary outcomes collected in research to inform priority areas for intervention. Further cross-sectional or longitudinal data should be collected across all remoteness areas, using robust, validated dietary assessment tools to adequately inform nutrition priorities and policies that reduce rural health disparities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating in Relation to National Dietary Guidelines)

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