Biomarker-based validity of a food frequency questionnaire estimating intake in Brazilian children and adolescents.

This study evaluated the validity of nutrient and food group intakes estimated by an FFQ against biomarkers. A 71-item semiquantitative FFQ was administered to 210 Brazilian children and adolescents aged 9-13 years. Intakes were correlated with biomarkers in plasma and red blood cells. Correlations between nutrients and their biomarkers were presented for animal protein, myristic acid (C14:0), EPA, DHA, ß-carotene, folate, and vitamins B3, B5 and B6. Food groups and biomarkers were correlated as follows: fish products with EPA and DHA; milk and dairy with C14:0, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and vitamin B12; total vegetables and dark green and orange vegetables with ß-carotene; 5-methyltetrahydrofolate with green vegetables; and flour products with para-aminobenzoylglutamic acid. This FFQ is a valid tool for ranking Brazilian children and adolescents according to their intake of several nutrients and food groups.

DNA Damage, n-3 Long-Chain PUFA Levels and Proteomic Profile in Brazilian Children and Adolescents.

Fatty acids play a significant role in maintaining cellular and DNA protection and we previously found an inverse relationship between blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and DNA damage. The aim of this study was to explore differences in proteomic profiles, for 117 pro-inflammatory proteins, in two previously defined groups of individuals with different DNA damage and EPA and DHA levels. Healthy children and adolescents (n = 140) aged 9 to 13 years old in an urban area of Brazil were divided by k-means cluster test into two clusters of DNA damage (tail intensity) using the comet assay (cluster 1 = 5.9% ± 1.2 and cluster 2 = 13.8% ± 3.1) in our previous study. The cluster with higher DNA damage and lower levels of DHA (6.2 ± 1.6 mg/dL; 5.4 ± 1.3 mg/dL, p = 0.003) and EPA (0.6 ± 0.2 mg/dL; 0.5 ± 0.1 mg/dL, p < 0.001) presented increased expression of the proteins CDK8-CCNC, PIK3CA-PIK3R1, KYNU, and PRKCB, which are involved in pro-inflammatory pathways. Our findings support the hypothesis that low levels of n-3 long-chain PUFA may have a less protective role against DNA damage through expression of pro-inflammatory proteins, such as CDK8-CCNC, PIK3CA-PIK3R1, KYNU, and PRKCB.

Metabolic Groups Related to Blood Vitamin Levels and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Brazilian Children and Adolescents.

Certain B-vitamins and vitamin A may be involved in inflammatory pathways associated with homocysteine and omega-3 fatty acids. The aims of this study were (i) to determine whether different metabolic profiles of B-vitamins and vitamin A in Brazilian children and adolescents were positively or negatively related to homocysteine and omega-3 fatty acids using k-means clustering analysis, (ii) compare nutrient intakes and metabolites between the different metabolic profiles, (iii) evaluate if the statistically significant metabolites found between the metabolic groups, can predict the variation of leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) levels, a biomarker of low-grade inflammation, in the total studied population. This cross-sectional study included 124 children and adolescents, aged 9-13 y old. Dietary intake was assessed by the food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall. Biomarkers for vitamins B2, B6, B12, folate and vitamin A were measured in plasma. Omega-3 fatty acids and homocysteine were measured in red blood cells (RBC). Two different metabolic profiles were found. Thirty of these individuals had overall average higher riboflavin, pyridoxal, and vitamin B12 plasma levels (metabolic group 1) compared to 94 individuals (group 2). Group 2 had lower dietary intake of vitamin B2, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 and higher RBC levels of homocysteine. EPA and DHA erythrocyte levels were not different between metabolic groups. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that blood cobalamin, riboflavin, pyridoxal and homocysteine combined, explained 9.0% of LTA4H levels variation in the total studied population. The metabolic group that had low plasma levels of riboflavin, pyridoxal, and cobalamin also had a lower dietary intake of B-vitamin and higher RBC homocysteine. The combined levels of the riboflavin, pyridoxal, cobalamin and homocysteine biomarkers can predict the variation of LTA4H in the total population studied, but it is not clear how this regulation occurs.

DNA damage is inversely associated to blood levels of DHA and EPA fatty acids in Brazilian children and adolescents.

This study aimed to investigate the association between DNA damage and blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), retinol, beta-carotene and riboflavin in Brazilian children and adolescents. Subjects (n = 140) were healthy boys and girls aged 9 to 13 years in Ribeirão Preto (SP, Brazil). Data collection included anthropometry, assessment of energy intake and blood sampling. DNA damage was evaluated by single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to verify associations between blood concentrations of vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and DNA damage. Multiple regression analyses, k-means cluster, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusted for confounding variables such as age, sex, energy intake, body mass index and total cholesterol (when needed), were applied to confirm the associations. PCA explained 69.4% of the inverse relationships between DNA damage and blood levels of DHA, EPA, retinol, and beta-carotene. Results were confirmed by ANCOVA and multiple regression analyses for DHA and EPA. In conclusion, omega-3-fatty acids were inversely associated with DNA damage in Brazilian children and adolescents and may be a protective factor against the development of future diseases.

Metabo groups in response to micronutrient intervention: Pilot study.

Micronutrients and their metabolites are cofactors in proteins involved in lipid metabolism. The present study was a subproject of the Harmonized Micronutrient Project (ClinTrials.gov # NCT01823744). Twenty participants were randomly selected from 136 children and adolescents that consumed a daily dose of 12 vitamins and 5 minerals supplementation for 6 weeks. The 20 individuals were divided into two pools of 10 individuals, according to their lipid profile at baseline (Pool 1 with lower triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL). The individuals were analyzed at baseline, after 6 weeks of daily supplementation, and after 6 weeks of a washout period in relation to anthropometric, body composition, food intake, lipid profile, micronutrient levels, and iTRAQ proteomic data. Genetic ancestry and its association with vitamin serum levels were also determined. After supplementation, LDL levels decreased while alpha-tocopherol and pantothenic acid levels increased in pool 2; lipid profiles in pool 1 did not change but had higher plasma levels of pantothenic acid, pyridoxal, and pyridoxic acid. In pool 2, expression of some proteins increased, and expression of other ones decreased after intervention, while in pool 1, the same proteins responded inversely or did not change their levels. Plasma alpha-tocopherol and Native American genetic ancestry explained a significant fraction of LDL plasma levels at baseline and in response to the intervention. After intervention, changes in expression of alpha-1 antitrypsin, haptoglobin, Ig alpha-1 chain C region, plasma protease C1 inhibitor, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1, fibrinogen alpha, beta, and gamma-chain in individuals in pool 2 may be associated with levels of LDL and vitamin E. Vitamin E and Native American genetic ancestry may also be implicated in changes of vitamin E and LDL levels. The results of this pilot study must be validated in future studies with larger sample size or in in vitro studies.

Clinical and Vitamin Response to a Short-Term Multi-Micronutrient Intervention in Brazilian Children and Teens: From Population Data to Interindividual Responses.

SCOPE: Micronutrients are in small amounts in foods, act in concert, and require variable amounts of time to see changes in health and risk for disease. These first principles are incorporated into an intervention study designed to develop new experimental strategies for setting target recommendations for food bioactives for populations and individuals. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 6-week multivitamin/mineral intervention is conducted in 9-13 year olds. Participants (136) are (i) their own control (n-of-1); (ii) monitored for compliance; (iii) measured for 36 circulating vitamin forms, 30 clinical, anthropometric, and food intake parameters at baseline, post intervention, and following a 6-week washout; and (iv) had their ancestry accounted for as modifier of vitamin baseline or response. The same intervention is repeated the following year (135 participants). Most vitamins respond positively and many clinical parameters change in directions consistent with improved metabolic health to the intervention. Baseline levels of any metabolite predict its own response to the intervention. Elastic net penalized regression models are identified, and significantly predict response to intervention on the basis of multiple vitamin/clinical baseline measures. CONCLUSIONS: The study design, computational methods, and results are a step toward developing recommendations for optimizing vitamin levels and health parameters for individuals.

Análise de prevalência de obesidade infantil em adolescentes matriculados em uma escola no município de Itajobi / Analysis of the prevalence of childhood obesity in adolescents enrolled in a school in the city of Itajobi

Objetivo ­ Analisar a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade infantil entre crianças com idade de 10 anos, do ensino fundamental, de uma escola do município de Itajobi/SP. Métodos ­ O trabalho é constituído por um estudo transversal, experimental com abordagem quantitativa com 70 escolares. A amostragem da população foi feita do tipo de conveniência, com a participação de ambos os gêneros matriculados no 5° ano do ensino fundamental, os participantes foram submetidos primeiramente a uma avaliação antropométrica, e após classificados pelo seu estado nutricional, esses dados foram avaliados e depois foram aplicados encontros de educação alimentar e nutricional com os escolares. Resultados ­ A prevalência de sobrepeso foi de 25,7%, obesidade 34,4% e eutrofia 38,6%. Conclusão ­ As prevalências de sobrepeso e obesidade da população estudada encontram-se elevadas, com isso é de extrema importância medidas de educação alimentar e nutricional junto a essa população

Objective ­ To analyze the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity among children aged 10 years, from elementary school, in a school in the city of Itajobi/SP. Methods ­ The work consists of a cross-sectional, experimental study with a quantitative approach with 70 students. The population was sampled according to the convenience type, with the participation of both genders enrolled in the 5th year of elementary school, the participants were first submitted to an anthropometric assessment, and after classified by their nutritional status, these data were evaluated and then food and nutrition education meetings were held with the students. Results ­ The prevalence of overweight was 25.7%, obesity 34.4% and eutrophy 38.6%. Conclusion ­ The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the studied population is high, so it is extremely important to take food and nutrition education measures for this population

A alimentação materna no período gestacional e o ganho de peso da mãe e da criança / Maternal feeding in the gestational period and mother and child weight gain

Objetivo ­ Investigar o estado nutricional de gestantes e seus hábitos alimentares ao longo do período gestacional. Métodos ­ Um questionário online foi disponibilizado, tendo como público-alvo mulheres, com Ensino Médio completo, acima de 18 anos e que tiveram filho entre 2017 e 2020. Resultados ­ Participaram ao todo 19 mulheres, com média de idade 20, sendo que 42,1% apresentaram IMC gestacional em obesidade e 31,6% em sobrepeso, o IMC pré-gestacional encontrado foi de 26,3% em sobrepeso e 15,8% em obesidade, o ganho de peso na gestação médio foi de 15 kg e foi predominantemente classificado como elevado, com 31,6% e o peso dos bebês ao nascer apresentou-se predominantemente adequado, com 89,5%, além do alto índice de nascidos termo de 78,9%. A frequência alimentar das participantes na gestação apresentou alta porcentagem de consumo diário de frutas, verduras e legumes e consumo frequente de frituras e fast foods. Também pôde ser observado bom consumo hídrico entre as participantes. Conclusão ­ A alimentação materna e o acompanhamento nutricional durante a gestação influenciam no ganho de peso adequado à mãe, evidenciando a importância da nutrição no desenvolvimento humano desde seu início

Objective ­ Investigate the nutritional status of pregnant women and their eating habits throughout the gestational period. Methods ­ An online questionnaire was made available, targeting women, with completed high school, over 18 years of age and who had children between 2017 and 2020. Results ­ A total of 19 women participated, with a mean age of 20, with 42.1% having gestational BMI in obesity and 31.6% in overweight, the pre-gestational BMI found was 26.3% in overweight and 15.8% in obesity, the average weight gain during pregnancy was 15 kg and was predominantly classified as high, with 31.6% and the weight of babies at birth was predominantly adequate, with 89.5%, in addition to the high index of term births of 78.9%. The dietary frequency of participants during pregnancy showed a high percentage of daily consumption of fruits and vegetables and frequent consumption of fried foods and fast foods. Good water consumption could also be observed among the participants. Conclusion ­ Maternal feeding and nutritional monitoring during pregnancy influence the appropriate weight gain for the mother, showing the importance of nutrition in human development since its inception

Benefícios do consumo de cafeína como pré-treino por pratiantes de muculação: uma revisão bibliográfica / Benefits of caffeine consumption as a pre-workout by bodybuilders: a literature review

O crescente aumento do número de praticantes de musculação, relaciona-se diretamente com a maior busca por recursos ergogênicos, principalmente no que se diz respeito aos compostos mais naturais, como a cafeína, por exemplo. O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar a utilização da cafeína como suplementação pré- treino por praticantes de musculação e os benefícios associados ao desempenho físico destes. O presente trabalho trata-se de uma revisão da literatura, onde foram incluídas as pesquisas publicadas nos últimos 5 anos e que foram realizadas apenas em seres humanos, que tinham resultados da utilização individual do princípio ativo da cafeína, que não se tratavam de outras revisões e que envolviam a modalidade da musculação como estudo. Foram encontrados 33 artigos quando vinculados os descritores tanto em português como em inglês, e após uma análise criteriosa, 8 desses artigos foram incluídos ao final. A análise desses artigos de maior relevância para o estudo, basearam-se nos benefícios da suplementação de cafeína, relacionado ao aumento no desempenho de força, bem como o retardo do aparecimento de fadiga e percepção de dor. A dose de suplementação, proposta segundo a compilação de dados de diversos autores, encontra-se na faixa de 3 a 6 mg/kg de cafeína, cerca de 60 minutos antes do treino, levando sempre em consideração a individualidade de cada pessoa

The growing increase in the number of bodybuilding practitioners is directly related to the greater search for ergogenic resources, especially with regard to the most natural compounds, such as caffeine, for example. The present study aimed to investigate the use of caffeine as a pre-workout supplement by bodybuilders and the benefits associated with their physical performance. The present work is a review of the literature, which included the research published in the last 5 years and which were carried out only on humans , who had results from the individual use of the active principle of caffeine, which were not other revisions and that involved the modality of bodybuilding as a study. A total of 33 articles were found when the descriptors were linked in both Portuguese and English, and after a careful analysis, 8 of these articles were included at the end. The analysis of these articles of greater relevance to the study, were based on the benefits of caffeine supplementation, related to the increase in strength performance, as well as the delay in the appearance of fatigue and pain perception. The supplementation dose, proposed according to the compilation of data from different authors, is in the range of 3 to 6 mg/kg of caffeine, about 60 minutes before training, always taking into account the individuality of each person

Benefícios do consumo de cafeína como pré-treino por praticantes de musculação: uma revisão bibliográfica / Benefits of caffeine consumption as a pre-workout by bodybuilders: a literature review

O crescente aumento do número de praticantes de musculação, relaciona-se diretamente com a maior busca por recursos ergogênicos, principalmente no que se diz respeito aos compostos mais naturais, como a cafeína, por exemplo. O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar a utilização da cafeína como suplementação pré- treino por praticantes de musculação e os benefícios associados ao desempenho físico destes. O presente trabalho trata-se de uma revisão da literatura, onde foram incluídas as pesquisas publicadas nos últimos 5 anos e que foram realizadas apenas em seres humanos, que tinham resultados da utilização individual do princípio ativo da cafeína, que não se tratavam de outras revisões e que envolviam a modalidade da musculação como estudo. Foram encontrados 33 artigos quando vinculados os descritores tanto em português como em inglês, e após uma análise criteriosa, 8 desses artigos foram incluídos ao final. A análise desses artigos de maior relevância para o estudo, basearam-se nos benefícios da suplementação de cafeína, relacionado ao aumento no desempenho de força, bem como o retardo do aparecimento de fadiga e percepção de dor. A dose de suplementação, proposta segundo a compilação de dados de diversos autores, encontra-se na faixa de 3 a 6 mg/kg de cafeína, cerca de 60 minutos antes do treino, levando sempre em consideração a individualidade de cada pessoa

The growing increase in the number of bodybuilding practitioners is directly related to the greater search for ergogenic resources, especially with regard to the most natural compounds, such as caffeine, for example. The present study aimed to investigate the use of caffeine as a pre-workout supplement by bodybuilders and the benefits associated with their physical performance. The present work is a review of the literature, which included the research published in the last 5 years and which were carried out only on humans , who had results from the individual use of the active principle of caffeine, which were not other revisions and that involved the modality of bodybuilding as a study. A total of 33 articles were found when the descriptors were linked in both Portuguese and English, and after a careful analysis, 8 of these articles were included at the end. The analysis of these articles of greater relevance to the study, were based on the benefits of caffeine supplementation, related to the increase in strength performance, as well as the delay in the appearance of fatigue and pain perception. The supplementation dose, proposed according to the compilation of data from different authors, is in the range of 3 to 6 mg/kg of caffeine, about 60 minutes before training, always taking into account the individuality of each person

Avaliação da prevalência de alergias e intolerâncias e do consumo alimentar de escolares matriculados em escolas municipais no interior de São Paulo / Evaluation of the prevalence of food allergies and intolerances and the food consumption of schoolchildren enrolled in a municipal school in the interior of the state of São Paulo

Objetivo ­ Avaliar a prevalência de restrições alimentares e o consumo alimentar entre escolares em escolas municipais do estado de São Paulo. Métodos ­ Participaram do estudo pais ou responsáveis de crianças entre 7 e 11 anos. Foi aplicado um questionário online com perguntas referentes a alergias e intolerâncias alimentares. Sobre o consumo alimentar, foi aplicado um questionário de frequência alimentar também autopreenchido pelos pais ou responsáveis. Resultados ­ Participaram da pesquisa um total de 31 pessoas. Dentre todos os participantes, 32,2% dos pais relataram que seus filhos apresentavam alergia alimentar, sendo que o leite, ovo, camarão e amendoim, tiveram a maior prevalência, com 30% cada. Em relação ao consumo alimentar, foi observado a frequência de alguns grupos de alimentos, como a frequência inadequada de alimentos de alta densidade calórica como refrigerantes, doces, chocolates, paçoca, pudim e/ou mouses e bolos. Conclusão ­ Levando-se em conta o que foi observado, o estudo possibilitou a análise da prevalência alta de crianças com alergias alimentares, e o consumo alimentar frequente e inadequado de alimentos de alta densidade calórica como refrigerantes, doces, chocolates, paçoca, pudim e/ou mouses e bolos. Em virtude dos dados encontrados e com base nos achados a prevalência de alergias alimentares vem crescendo nos últimos anos, isso se deve a forma de alimentação e estilo de vida dessas crianças desde o seu nascimento

Objective ­ To evaluate the prevalence of dietary restrictions and food consumption among schoolchildren in municipal schools in the state of São Paulo. Methods ­ Parents or guardians of children between 7 and 11 years old participated in the study. An online questionnaire was applied with questions regarding food allergies and intolerances. Regarding food consumption, a food frequency questionnaire was also applied, self-completed by parents or guardians. Results ­ A total of 31 people participated in the survey. Among all participants, 32.2% of parents reported that their children had food allergies, with milk, eggs, shrimp and peanuts having the highest prevalence, with 30% each. Regarding food consumption, the frequency of some food groups was observed, such as the inadequate frequency of high calorie density foods such as soft drinks, sweets, chocolates, paçoca, pudding and / or mice and cakes. Conclusion ­ Taking into account the that was observed, the study made it possible to analyze the high prevalence of children with food allergies, and the frequent and inappropriate food consumption of high calorie density foods such as soft drinks, sweets, chocolates, paçoca, pudding and / or mice and cakes. Due to the data found and based on the findings, the prevalence of food allergies has been growing in recent years, this is due to the way of eating and the lifestyle of these children since their birth

Avaliação do estado nutricional e do padrão alimentar de crianças em idade escolar matriculadas na rede de ensino em alguns municípios do estado de São Paulo / Assessment report on the nutritional state and diet patterns of school aged children enrolled at a few public schools in some cities across the São Paulo state

Objetivo ­ Analisar o estado nutricional e o padrão alimentar de alunos matriculados na rede de ensino em alguns municípios do estado de São Paulo. Métodos ­ Para elaboração deste estudo foram coletados dados como hábitos alimentares, peso e altura por meio de um formulário online preenchido pelos responsáveis de crianças em idade escolar, de 7 a 11 anos. Os dados antropométricos foram analisados através de cálculos necessários para obtenção de classificações de IMC/idade, peso/idade e estatura/idade. Resultados ­ No total, foram incluídas 31 crianças. Foi observada uma prevalência de obesidade em 22,6 % das crianças e um déficit de estatura em relação a idade em 9,7%. Também foi possível observar uma alta coexistência de hábitos saudáveis e não saudáveis e uma média de refeições entre 4 a5 refeições ao dia. Conclusão ­ Dessa maneira podemos concluir valores de prevalência de obesidade infantil encontram-se elevados e semelhantes a resultados apresentados em outras regiões do Brasil

Objective ­ To analyze the nutritional status and the nutritional habits of the students (children) enrolled at a few public schools in some cities across the São Paulo state. Methods ­ For the elaboration of this study, anthropometric data of school-age children from ages 7 to 11 years, such as height and weight, will be collected and analyzed through formulas to obtain the classifications according IMC/age, weight/age, height/age. Results ­ It was shown a prevalence of obesity in 22,6% of the children and a height déficit in relation to respective age in 9,7%, also it was possible to observe a high correlation between healthy and non healthy nutricional habits and a average number of meals per day between 4-5. Conclusion ­ Therefore, it was possible to conclude that the prevalence of childhood obesity are currently high and similar to the results found in other regions of Brazil