Evaluation of changes in eating habits of chronically mentally ill patients residing in 24-hour social welfare home, subject to various forms of health-promoting education.

INTRODUCTION: One of the decisive factors in maintaining good health and physical and mental fitness is proper nutrition. Its role becomes particularly important when a disease occurs, including chronic and mental illness. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was aimed at investigating whether, and to what extent, it is feasible to conduct health-promoting nutritional education and to implement principles of correct nutrition in chronically mentally ill patients residing in a 24-h Social Welfare Home (SWH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 52 people staying in the 24-hour SWH for chronically mentally ill participated in the study. Nutritional education was conducted by a dietitian with whom a psychologist, nurse and physiotherapist collaborated. Nutritional education was aimed at accepting changes in the way of nutrition by changing the composition otfthe diet and food preparation, changing eating behavior (throwing food under the table, taking food from other residents, etc.) and changing the structure of own purchases. RESULTS: One year after the correction of the diet and nutritional supervision, a statistically significant increase in the consumption of vegetables, fruit, cottage cheese, fish and vegetable fats and a decrease in the consumption of white wheat bread, rennet cheese, cold meats and sugar and sweets. In the assortment of women's own purchases, the amount of cold cuts, sweets and cakes decreased, and apples and dairy products appeared. In men, the amount of cold cuts, cheese, cakes and sweetened drinks decreased, and fruits and fermented milk drinks appeared. A significant reduction in the value of the glycemic load was found: 2nd breakfasts, snacks and the value of a 24-hour diet. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that multidirectional pro-health nutritional education of chronically mentally ill people is reflected in their nutritional behavior. The fact that the respondents are aware of the influence of the diet on their health also translates into a change in the range of their own purchases.

Position statement of the Polish Academy of Sciences Committee Human Nutrition Science on the principles for the nutrition of children aged 1-3 years.

The Position Statement on the principles of nutrition for children aged 1-3 years emphasizes that proper nutrition of children at this age determines their optimal psychometric development and has beneficial effects on the process nutritional programming, which reduces the risk of diet-related diseases in adulthood. Continued breastfeeding in the post-infancy period, together with the proper introduction of complementary foods, supplies all the nutritional needs of the child. A varied selection of food products is important to balance out the diet of a child in the context of energy and nutrient needs. Attention should be paid to products not recommended for frequent consumption, due to the possibility of the early development of improper eating habits that can lead to undesirable health consequences. Due to the potential risk of deficiency, adequate intake of iron, iodine, calcium and vitamin D, as well as of n-3 PUFAs (which is often insufficient) should be provided. Adequate dietary energy and protein intake protects children against protein-energy undernutrition and is crucial for their proper growth and development. An important element in the assessment of the development of children involves monitoring their nutritional status and physical development by systematically measuring their body weight and length/height and analyzing their weight gain. It is necessary to diagnose the causes of being underweight/overweight in children. Physical activity (such as outdoor walks, plays, and games) and healthy sleep hygiene are recommended. Physical activity, an adequate number of hours of sleep, and the quality of sleep in early childhood may improve immunity, reduce the risk of excessive weight gain, and consequently reduce the risk of obesity later in life. Other issues discussed include the functioning of the digestive system as one of the determinants of the nutrition of young children, basics of proper nutrition, risk of nutrient deficiencies and development of proper eating habits in early childhood.

Dietary recommendations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Statement of the Committee of Human Nutrition Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, care for an adequate diet, well adapted to the body's needs and the current level of physical activity, becomes of particular importance. Many dietary compounds participate in the functioning of the immune system, while vitamins D, C, A (including beta-carotene), E, B6, B12, folic acid, zinc, copper, selenium, iron, amino acids, n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and intestinal microbiota are crucial in various types of defence processes. There has been no evidence that consumed food and its compounds, including those with pro-/prebiotic properties, play a significant role in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection or alleviating its course. However, in terms of the nutritional value of food and the prevention of dysbiosis, recommending a varied diet with a high proportion of plant-based foods and an adequate amount of animal-based foods has a sound scientific basis. Malnutrition, underweight and obesity are considered independent and prognostic risk factors of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, which reduce a patient's chances of survival. Therefore, ensuring good nutritional status, including healthy body weight, is a reasonable approach in the prevention of viral infection SARS-CoV-2 or alleviating its course. The document is accompanied by two catalogues of practical nutritional recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressed to the general population and children.

Assessment of dietary choices of young women in the contexts of hormonal contraceptives

Background: Metabolic changes caused by hormonal contraception combined with unbalanced diet may pose many threats, and deficiency or excess of nutrients may increase the risk of using such contraceptives. Objective: The purpose of the survey was to assess the dietary choices of young women using hormonal contraceptives, taking into account their general knowledge about the contraception and its impact on their bodies. Material and methods: The survey comprised 67 women aged from 18 to 25 years. In of three-day menus (201 daily food rations) of the women under research the content of energy and most of nutritious ingredients wandered away from recommended values in Poland. Each respondent additionally filled in a questionnaire concerning her: anthropometric data, education, place of residence; the type, name and time of taking contraceptives; purpose for using hormonal contraception along with its determinants; duration of use, breaks in contraceptive practice; occurrence of side effects during contraceptive use; stimulants used; physical activity, incidence of diarrhoea and vomiting, and dietary supplements use. Results: The assessment of nutritional status of young women taking hormonal contraceptives has shown a number of nonconformities. The survey has revealed insufficient energy value of the menus, and incorrect proportions of basic nutrients, from recommended values, what was reflected in insufficient intake of vitamins (A, D, E, C, B1, B3, B6, and folates) and minerals (K, Ca, Mg, Fe). An excessive consumption of proteins, animal-based in particular, and insufficient consumption of lipids and carbohydrates, polysaccharides in particular, what resulted in insufficient consumption of dietary fibre. Conclusions: Nutritional choices of the respondents were typical to their gender and age, but were not adjusted to the use of hormonal contraceptives. Side effects observed by the respondents, mainly weight gain, may have been a summary result of improper eating behaviors that facilitated accumulation of body fat and water.

The effectiveness of nutritional education among women aged 60-85 on the basis of anthropometric parameters and lipid profiles

Background: After several years of experience with guiding of an original program on health-promoting nutritional education for women during menopause, which by inducing changes in nutritional behaviour resulted in many favorable health promoting effects, on request of the students of the Association of Third Age University, an original educational program "Comprehensive stimulation of senior citizens to activity" was developed out and implemented. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of four-month nutritional education and adjustments in diets of women aged 60-85, on the basis of the measurements of the selected lipid parameters in their blood tests Material and methods: This research project was joined by 37 female subjects aged 60-85, who are the members of the University of the Third Age in Szczecin, and whose average BMI was 31.7 kg/m2. Before the nutritional education commenced and after it was completed, the female subjects' nutritional status was assessed (BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR) and the energy and nutritional value of their diets was examined based on the subjects' regular journalkeeping. Keys' atherogenic score in their diets were also computed. Results: The applied nutritional education led to changes in the energy and nutritional value of the female subjects' diets, which specifically improved their anthropometric parameters and the resulting BMI, WC and WHtR parameters. This fact was also reflected in a substantial decrease of the glucose level and a substantial increase of HDL-C level in the blood of the examined female subjects, as well as in the improvements in the assessed parameters TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/ HDL-C, TG/HDL-C. Conclusions: The analysis of the results allows to confirm, that the four-month nutritional education of elderly women resulted in changes of their erroneous dietary habits and an improvement in their nutrition.

Assessment of influence of pro-health nutrition education and resulting changes of nutrition behavior of women aged 65-85 on their body content.

INTRODUCTION: One of systemic changes connected to body ageing is the change of body content and the possibility of formation and/or intensification of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was conducted on 68 women aged 65-85 with body mass index (BMI) of 25.3 to 44.5 kg/m(2) who have been educated for four months. The energy and nutritive value of 204 daily food rations (DFRs) was evaluated twice: first days of October and - after the diet correction and implementation of the basic rules - from the end of January. The measurements, anthropometric and body content (in 35 women under research) with the bio-impedance method was checked twice - before and after completing the education. RESULTS: After completing the education, there was a statistically significant increase in consumption of grain products, fermented milk products, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, as well as seeds of legumes. Consumption of meat and cold meats, sugar and sweets significantly decreased. In the course of education, an individual-specific decrease in body mass of the participants was noticed, which found its reflection in positive changes of the anthropometric indicators value. A significant decrease in fat content in bodies of women under research was also noticed, which was accompanied by a slight increase in fat-free body mass and water. CONCLUSIONS: The four-month pro-health education of women influenced changes in improper nutrition habits resulting in, besides the improvement of organism functions and well-being of women under research, body mass loss and changes in content of the body.

Assessing Effects of Diet Alteration on Carbohydrate-Lipid Metabolism of Antipsychotic-Treated Schizophrenia Patients in Interventional Study.

This study aimed at finding whether healthy eating habits could be introduced to and maintained by chronically mentally ill permanent residents of a nursing home. Of interest was also if the effects of the dietary intervention would be observable as improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism indicators were selected. Assays covered 30 antipsychotics-treated residents diagnosed with schizophrenia. The prospective method applied involved questionnaires, nutrition-related interviews, anthropometric measurements, and determination of selected biochemical parameters of the blood. The dietary intervention as well as the parallel health-promoting nutrition-related education was aimed at balancing the energy and nutrient contents. Schizophrenia patients were shown to be capable of accepting and observing the principles of appropriate nutrition. The intervention was strong enough to result in a significant blood glucose concentration drop to the reference level in all patients, regardless of the antipsychotic they were treated with. The blood lipid levels also improved, but the reduction in triacylglycerols, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels was significant in the male patients only. Nutritional changes were reflected in overweight and obese women only, in body weight reduction and in waist adipose tissue loss.

Assessing effects of diet alteration on selected parameters of chronically mentally ill residents of a 24-hour Nursing Home. Part 3: Effects of diet modification on selected health indicators. / Ocena wplywu zmian sposobu zywienia na wybrane parametry u osób przewlekle psychicznie chorych przebywajacych w calodobowym DPS. Cz. 3: Wplyw zmian w sposobie zywienia na wybrane wskazniki zdrowia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the research was to check whether, and to what extent, dietary changes affect the selected indicators of health, including well-being. METHODS: The study, lasting 3 years, included 52 chronically mentally ill people. Hand grip strength (HGS) measurements ?before" and ?after" feeding adjustments were performed using a SaehanTM pear dynamometer, blood pressure measurements were made using an Omron blood pressure monitor. Well-being was assessed using the UMACL Adjective Mood Scale. Based on the analysis of medical records, the study also included: the number of infections of the upper respiratory tract, the number of autoaggressive/aggressive behaviors and the frequency of stay of extremely offensive/agitated residents in the hospital. RESULTS: The dietary changes were reflected in the increased value of the hand grip strength (especially in women), lowered or normalized blood pressure to normal or recommended values, lowered tension arousal, accompanied by an increase in energetic arousal and hedonic tone (translating into improved well-being and mood), and a decrease in the number of episodes of aggression/self-aggression and associated hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary changes resulted in an improvement in the tested parameters as well as in reduction in the amount of food wasted by the residents. There was also a decrease in the number of catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, which reduced the overall number and quantity of prescribed drugs.

[Assessment of the effect of selected mixture of food additives on the protein metabolism--model studies]. / Ocena wplywu mieszaniny wybranych dodatków do zywnosci na wskazniki metabolizmu bialkowego--badania modelowe.

BACKGROUND: Contemporarily, food production without food additives is very rare. Increasingly often, however, scientific works report on adverse effects of specified, single food additives on the body. Data is, in turn, lacking on the synergistic effect of a mixture of different food additives on body functions and its main metabolic pathways. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study, an animal model, was to evaluate if and in what way the compound of chosen and most frequently used and consumed food additives, along with the change of diet composition to processed, purified, influence the selected markers of protein metabolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The animals were divided into four groups, which were fed with compound of feed pellets: group I and II with basic compound, group III and IV with modified compound in which part of the full grain was replaced by isocalorie wheat flour type 500 and saccharose. Animals from groups I and III received tap water, which was standing for some time, to drink. Animals from groups II and IV received solution of chosen additives to food and next they were given water to drink. The amount of given food additives was evaluated by taking into consideration their consumption by people recalculated to 1 kg of their body mass. The experiment spanned for 7 weeks. RESULTS: It was ascertained that the applied additives caused significant changes in total protein concentration and its fractions: albumin, alpha1-globulin, alpha2-globulin, beta-globulin and gamma-globulin in the blood serum of the animals under research, which can indicate and contribute to disclosure of creation of undesirable food reaction, especially when recommended levels of consumption of those additives are being exceeded. The organism response to the applied additives and accompanying it change of diet was essentially connected to sex of the animals. Undesirable character of changes taking place under the influence of applied additives, was observed both in animals fed with basic feed and modified feed with various intensity according to the parameter under research. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the results achieved enabled concluding that the applied mixture of food additives caused significant changes in the concentration of total protein and its fractions: albumins, alphal-, alpha2-, beta- and gamma-globulins in blood serum of the investigated animals. These changes may indicate but also may contribute to the development or manifestation of undesirable nutritional responses, especially when recommended dietary allowances are exceeded. The body's response to the applied additives and concomitant modification of diet composition was significantly correlated with sex of the animals. The unfavorable character of changes following the administration of additives was observed in both the animals on the basal diet and these fed the modified feed mixture, yet with a different intensity that was found to depend not on the feeding group but on the parameter examined.

[Evaluation of eating habits and nutritional behaviors of women in the perimenopausal period with the diagnosed celiac disease]. / Ocena sposobu zywienia i zachowan zywieniowych kobiet w okresie okolomenopauzalnym z rozpoznana choroba trzewna.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate eating habits and nutritional behaviors of women in the perimenopausal period with celiac disease diagnosed within the last 4 years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study covered a group of 26 women, at the age of 51-54 years, with celiac disease diagnosed in the last 4 years and staying on a gluten-free diet for 6 months to 4 years and agreed to participate in this studies. Information of nutrition were collected from the women, who, after an appropriate instruction, recorded the timing, type and amount of food consumed in the three days a week, selected at random. The amount of consumed portions was defined on the basis of the "Book of portions, products and dishes". The menus (78) were recorded in April and May. Collected data were prepared, based on a computer program Dietetyk 2009 Prof. RESULTS: The analysis of results achieved in this study enabled concluding that--from the viewpoint of the diagnosed disease--the nutritional patterns of the women were very appropriate. However, it failed to meet basic nutritional guidelines, which was reflected in, among other things, unsatisfactory intake of vegetables, fruits, oils and water, and in excessive intake of protein of animal origin. In addition, it did not cover demands resulting from the perimenopausal period the surveyed women were in, which is likely to facilitate, e.g. disorders in lipid metabolism and water-mineral balance, as well as development of osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: The general picture of behaviors, including the nutritional ones, pointed to a strong predominance of the diagnosed disease but also to the need of compensating for the resultant restrictions, with the latter being perceived by the surveyed women as health-promoting actions.

Assessing effects of diet alteration on selected parameters of chronically mentally ill residents of a 24-hour Nursing Home. Part 2. Effects of nutritional changes on anthropometric parameters and composition of the body. / Ocena wplywu zmian sposobu zywienia na wybrane parametry u osób przewlekle psychicznie chorych, przebywajacych w calodobowym DPS. Cz. 2: Wplyw zmian w sposobie zywienia na parametry antropometryczne i sklad ciala.

OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed at finding out whether, and how, changes in dietary habits would be reflected in anthropometric parameters and body composition. METHODS: Anthropometric measurements (Martin's technique) were taken on 52 chronically mentally ill patients, twice: before and a year after diet correction. The patients' body composition was examined, directly after the measurements, by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) in tetragonal arrangement, using a Bodystat ®1500MDD device. RESULTS: Changes in dietary habits were reflected in a significant reduction of body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in schizophrenic women; WHR in men with other diseases increased significantly. BMI analysis showed an increase in the percentage of normal-weight schizophrenic women and men, a decrease in the proportion of underweight women and men, and an increase in the proportion of individuals with normal weight suffering from other diseases. Both groups showed beneficial changes in body composition (increased content and percentage of fatless body weight and water, reduced content and percentage of fat tissue). These changes were statistically significant only in men suffering from other diseases and concerned the increased content of fatless body weight. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in dietary habits enhanced body weight reduction in overweight and obese individuals and resulted in desired changes in BMI, WHR, and body composition. The body fat content was distinctly reduced, with no concurrent changes in the fatless body weight and/or water content. Changes in dietary habits were beneficial for the nutritional status of undernourished patients or those with low body weight.

[Appreciation of selenium concentration in blood and tissues of male rat as a result of diet ingredients changes and its supplementation with chosen group B vitamins]. / Ocena zmian stezenia selenu w krwi i tkankach samców szczura pod wplywem zmiany skladu diety i jej suplementcji wybranymi witaminami z grupy B.

The influence of diet ingredients and its supplementation with chosen B group vitamins on concentration of selenium in blood serum and tissues and activity of glutathione peroxidase in blood and liver of male rats was examined in the conducted experiment. The animals, aged 5 months, were divided into three groups and fed ad libitum with granulated mixes. Group I with basic mix containing among other things full grains, Group II with modified mix in which full grains were exchanged for wheat flour and in part with saccharose and Group III with modified mix supplemented in excess with vitamins B1, B2, B6 and PP. The experiment was conducted for six weeks during which the amount of consumed feeding stuff was calculated currently and once a week body mass of the animals was checked. When the experiment was finished the activity of GSH-Px was determined by spectrophotometric method in blood and liver whereas concentration of selenium in blood serum, muscles and in liver by fluorometric method. It was ascertained that the change of diet ingredients and its supplementation with chosen group B vitamins was in favour of lowering the amount of selenium in the examined tissues, and the decrease was not only the result of lower amount of the consumed element, but also of its increased usage, forced by the changes taking place under the influence of diet components and its supplementation.

Assessing effects of diet alteration on selected parameters of chronically mentally ill residents of a 24-hour Nursing Home. Part I: Effects of diet modification on carbohydrate-lipid metabolism. / Ocena wplywu zmian sposobu zywienia na wybrane parametry u osób przewlekle psychicznie chorych przebywajacych w calodobowym Domu Pomocy Spolecznej. Cz. I: wplyw zmian w sposobie zywienia na metabolizm weglowodanowo-lipidowy.

OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed at finding out whether, and to what extent, it is possible to introduce and maintain proper nutrition habits in chronically mentally ill residents of a24-hour Nursing Home. METHODS: The study involved 52 residents of a 24-hour Nursing Home (NH) for the chronically mentally ill. The study was carried out with a prospective method using questionnaires, nutrition-related interviews, anthropometric measurements, and analysis of selected blood biochemical indicators. Diet modification, accompanied by simultaneous health-promoting nutrition-related education, involved balancing the energy and nutrient contents, with adue consideration to gender and age as well as the major ailment and the accompanying disorders. Sources of the basic nutrients, i.e., proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, were replaced by recommended and/or health-promoting ones. RESULTS: Both female and male patients showed a statistically significant reduction in energy uptake, resulting primarily from a significant reduction in the uptake of lipids and simple carbohydrates. Changes in nutritional habits were reflected in statistically significant increase in the uptake of vitamins, minerals and liquids (in the form of water). Diet composition modifications translated into beneficial changes in concentrations of glucose, triacylglycerols, cholesterol (total as well as HDL and LDL fractions) in numerous patients examined. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed chronic mental patients to be capable of adopting, with full acceptance and cooperation, proper nutritional habits. Changes in those habits were reflected in improved body functions, including carbohydrate-lipid metabolism indicators, also in schizophrenia patients treated with antipsychotics.

[Evaluation of influence of diet content and its supplementation with chosen group of B vitamins on lipids and lipoprtoteins concentration in female rat serum]. / Ocena wplywu skladu diety i jej suplementacji wybranymi witaminami z grupy B na stezenie lipidów i lipoprotein we krwi samic szczura.

The influence of diet content and its supplementation with chosen group of B vitamins on the intake of feeding stuff increase, changes of body mass, accumulation of fat tissue, lipids and lipoproteins concentration in the blood of female rats were under research. The animals, aged 5 months, were divided into three groups (8 persons each) and fed ad libitum with granulated Labofeed B type mix. Group I with the basic mix containing among other things whole grain, Group II with a modified mix, where whole grain was replaced by wheat flour and saccharose and Group III with modified mix supplemented in excess with chosen vitamins of B group. This experiment took 6 weeks during which the amount of consumed feed was currently evaluated, and the body mass was controlled weekly. After finishing the experiment in the obtained serum the concentration of triacylglycerols, complete cholesterol with enzyme method and the content of cholesterol fractions with electrophoretic separation method were determined. Analysis of fat content in muscles and livers was conducted and the amount of round the bodily organ fat was determined. It was ascertained that change of the content of the feed and its supplementation with the chosen B group vitamins did not influence in a substantial way its intake and the increase of body mass, however it had influenced substantially, in animals fed with the modified feed the accumulation of round the organ fat and in supplemented the intramuscular fat. Analysis of the results enabled the ascertainment that the diet supplementation with chosen ingredients of the B group vitamins corrects the negative effect of accumulation of the visceral fat tissue as a result of the change of its contents, caused substantial increase in the concentration of triacylglycerols, complete cholesterol and its fractions VLDL- and LDL- with simultaneous decrease of the concentration of cholesterol HDL- fractions.

[Evaluation of nutrition mode and nutritional status and pro health education of children during the period of pubertal spurt in the city of Szczecin]. / Ocena sposobu zywienia i stanu odzywienia oraz prozdrowotna edukacja zywieniowa dzieci w okresie skoku pokwitaniowego z terenu miasta Szczecin.

This research was aimed at evaluation of the method of nutrition and the state of nutrition in the children aged 13 during the period of pubertal spurt who had their body mass, body height and waist measurement defined. These values led to calculation of BMI, WC, and WHtR indicators, which were related to centile distribution of children from Warszawa and Lódz. Only in 63.6% of girls and 68.9% of boys from Szczecin schools the value of BMI was proper. The problem of accumulation of fat tissue (WC > or = 90 c) around the waist refers to nearly 14% of girls and 9.4% of boys. The value of the indicator WHtR > or = 90 c was found in 11% of the children under research. Children with overweight (BMI 90-97 c) and obesity (BMI > or = 97 c) were selected based on the value of BMI indicator. Their menus of three chosen at random weekdays were obtained. Analysis of the nutrition method of children with overweight and obesity showed low energy value of the diet, general protein, complex carbohydrates, cellulose, mineral components (Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn), A, E (girls), C (boys), group B vitamins and also liquids deficiency. The children have undergone a special pro health education in the form of "live" workshops and 3 months after an evaluation inquiry was conducted to assess the effects of the workshops. The analysis of the evaluation inquiry showed that the children have included in their diet breakfasts and afternoon snacks and to their main meal menus whole wheat products, larger quantity of vegetables, fruit and water. It has been also established that sweets, meals of fast food types, chips, pizzy and energizing drinks have been limited.

[Dietary modification of body composition and fat tissue distribution in obese menopausal women]. / Zywieniowa modyfikacja skladu ciala i lokalizacji tkanki tluszczowej u otylych kobiet w okresie menopauzalnym.

The study was aimed at determining effects of health-oriented education in nutrition and the resultant changes in diet composition and dietary habits on body weight, values of BMI, WHR, and WHtR, body composition, and location of the lost fat tissue in obese menopausal women. The research was carried out in 2004-2007 and involved 146 women aged 46-60 years, with BMI >30.0 and >40.0, i.e., indicative of second and third degree obesity. The subjects were exposed to a 4-month-long education in nutrition. The classes were held once a week for 90 minutes, for groups of 20-22. The curriculum covered, i.a., information on the physiological role, sources of, and demand for basic nutrients, vitamins, macro- and micro-elements, and water; diet-based prevention of coronary diseases, insulin-independent diabetes, and diet-dependent cancer; and numerous other topics related to physiology and dietetics. The 4 months of health-oriented education in nutrition was found to be important in shaping dietary habits of the subjects, which was manifested as: development of a dietary pattern involving the magnitude and timings of meals, increased consumption of protein, whole-grain cereal products, pulses, fruits, and vegetables, accompanied by reduction in the consumption of sausages, sugar, and sweets. As a result, the women involved experiences a slow, but consistent body weight reduction as well as a decrease in the values of the body mass indices. Significant changes in body composition were found; the changes involved not only a significant reduction in fat per cent and increased percentage of fat-free body mass and water in the total body weight, but also an absolute reduction of body fat content, the absolute contents of fat-free mass and water remaining unchanged.

Effects of complementary and excess diet supplementation with selected minerals on their metabolism and distribution in the body: a model study.

BACKGROUND: n. The study was aimed at determining, on an animal model, effects of supplementing a diet, modified by substituting whole wheat and corn grains with white flour and sucrose, with calcium, magnesium, zinc, and chromium on metabolism of the minerals and their distribution in the body. METHODS: The study involved 4 groups of Wistar rat females (n = 11) fed: a standard feed (group I) containing, i.a., whole wheat and corn grains; modified feed (84% and 50% of whole wheat and corn grains, respectively, in the standard feed substituted with Type 500 wheat flour and sucrose, respectively) (group II); modified feed with complementary supplementation (elimination of Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cr deficiencies resulting from diet modification) (group III); and modified feed with excess supplementation (the same minerals applied in excess, i.e., amounts from 0.5 to 3 times higher than the deficiencies produced by diet modification) (group IV). The replacement of whole grains with white flour and sucrose, as well as the mineral  supplementation could, to some extent, imitate the contemporary eating habits and supplementation applied in food technology. The excess supplementation is, on the other hand, typical of current behaviours of various social groups. RESULTS: Both types of supplementation resulted in a significant increase in the perivisceral adipose tissue content, but did not affect the fat tissue content in muscles. The supplementation applied did not change the content of calcium, magnesium, and zinc in muscles, nor did it significantly change calcium and magnesium excretion with urine. However, changes in the ALP activity and calcitonin concentration did not suggest the deposition of the minerals in bones. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the results allowed to conclude that: 1) except for chromium, contents of the selected minerals in the tissues examined and urea, as well as concentrations of calcitonin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities did not point to any significant effect of the supplementation applied on the body contents of those minerals; 2) effects observed as the accumulation of perivisceral, epicardial and intramuscular adipose tissue, as well as increased body weight increments could have been related to disturbed proportions of the minerals supplemented, their synergy and antagonism and, consequently, a potential generation of secondary deficiencies and excesses which could significantly affect individual metabolic pathways; 3) the intensity of changes observed was generally higher in the females receiving complementary supplementation, although their uptake of minerals studied was similar to that shown by the females kept on the standard diet.

[Health-promoting education in nutrition as a factor modifying dietary habits in menopausal women]. / Prozdrowotna edukacja zywieniowa jako czynnik modyfikujacy nawyki zywieniowe kobiet w okresie menopauzalnym.

The study was aimed at evaluating effects of health-promoting education in nutrition on changes in incorrect dietary habits and on effects of those changes on blood parameters regarded as diagnostic for medical purposes. The study, carried out in 1991-2003, involved 1648 women aged 45-54 years with Body Bass Index (BMI) higher than 30 and 40, i.e., indicative of second and third degree obesity. The women participated in a 4-month-long nutrition course. The classes, held once a week and two 45-minute periods each, were taught to groups of 20-22 individuals. The curriculum encompassed information on: fundamentals of alimentary tract function; physiological role and sources of as well as demand for basic nutrients, vitamins, micro- and macroelements; the role of water and acid-base equilibrium in nutrition; nutrition-based prophylaxis of circulatory diseases, insulin-independent diabetes, and diet-depending cancers; and numerous other problems of physiology and dietetics. The 4-month-long period of health-promoting education in nutrition was found to result in significant improvement of dietary habits (increased consumption of dairy products, whole-meal grain products, pulses, fruits, vegetables, and fluids, accompanied by a reduced intake of meat products, sugar, and sweets). The changes gave rise to a slow, but consistent body weight reduction and normalisation of contents of hormones and blood biochemical components analysed.

Assessing the effect, on animal model, of mixture of food additives, on the water balance.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine, on the animal model, the effect of modification of diet composition and administration of selected food additives on water balance in the body. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 48 males and 48 females (separately for each sex) of Wistar strain rats divided into four groups. For drinking, the animals from groups I and III were receiving water, whereas the animals from groups II and IV were administered 5 ml of a solution of selected food additives (potassium nitrate - E 252, sodium nitrite - E 250, benzoic acid - E 210, sorbic acid - E 200, and monosodium glutamate - E 621). Doses of the administered food additives were computed taking into account the average intake by men, expressed per body mass unit. Having drunk the solution, the animals were provided water for drinking. RESULTS: The mixture of selected food additives applied in the experiment was found to facilitate water retention in the body both in the case of both male and female rats, and differences observed between the volume of ingested fluids and the volume of excreted urine were statistically significant in the animals fed the basal diet. The type of feed mixture provided to the animals affected the site of water retention - in the case of animals receiving the basal diet analyses demonstrated a significant increase in water content in the liver tissue, whereas in the animals fed the modified diet water was observed to accumulate in the vascular bed. CONCLUSION: Taking into account the fact of water retention in the vascular bed, the effects of food additives intake may be more adverse in the case of females.