Diet quality in the population of Norway and Poland: differences in the availability and consumption of food considering national nutrition guidelines and food market.

BACKGROUND: Adequate nutrition is a public health challenge due to the increase in the incidence of diet-related diseases. The aim of this study was to examine food and nutrient intakes in the light of the current dietary guidelines of Poland and Norway. This is a suitable model for studying the diet quality in countries with different degrees of government intervention in the food market, which may affect food diversity available for citizens. METHODS: The food diversity on the market was assessed using national food balance sheets. To show the actual food and nutrient intake within countries, data from 24-h recalls from the national surveys, NORKOST 3 from Norwegians and WOBASZ II from Poles, were used. In order to evaluate whether dietary patterns comply with nutritional and dietary recommendations, the Norwegian and Polish recommendations for nutrition and the national food based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences between the national supplies for most food products were found. Only subtle differences in the national FBDGs and nutritional recommendations were found. Low compliance with the national FBDGs for milk, fish and sugar consumption in Poland was observed. The intakes of most nutrients were in line with the countries' nutrition recommendations. The intakes of folate and vitamin D by both genders and the intake of iron among women, were inadequate in both countries. Calcium and magnesium intakes were below the recommended intake among the adult population of Poland, additionally, insufficient intake of potassium and thiamine was found among Polish women. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited availability of certain food products on the market, the diet of Norwegians was better balanced in terms of food consumed and micronutrient intakes. The good supply of various groups of food has not, however, reduced the problem of widespread deficiency of vitamin D and folic acid in the diet, and action should be taken at national level to eliminate their inadequacy. In view of increasing risk of non-communicable diseases, low compliance with the dietary guidelines requires educational campaigns aimed at increasing dietary literacy in vulnerable groups.

Supporting patients with long-term catheterisation to reduce risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection.

More than 90 000 of the UK adult population are estimated to have a urinary catheter, with 24% likely to develop symptoms of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). The consequences of having a CAUTI are reduced quality of life, risk of hospitalisation and increased mortality. The authors undertook a literature review of primary research studies to identify how nurses could support patients to maintain effective catheter care to reduce the risk of CAUTI. Four themes emerged: education, knowledge, empowerment and communication. The authors therefore conclude that consistent knowledge, clear communication and treating patients as partners in the decision-making process can help build trust and allow empower patients. This will enable patients to make safe and healthy decisions about their catheter, particularly with regard to personal hygiene and optimal fluid intake, to reducing the risk of CAUTI.

Differences in food consumption in regions of Poland that had been previously under Austrian, Prussian and Russian annexations

Background: It seems that one of the factors affecting the way of nutrition in Poland was the dietary habits of countries that in the late 18th century made partitions, ie. Russia, Prussia and Austria. Therefore, nutrition models in the areas of individual partitions have undergone significant changes. Objective: The aim of the study was to check whether after 85 years after regaining independence there were still differences in the way of feeding indigenous inhabitants of areas previously under Austrian, Prussian and Russian annexation. Material and methods: The data collected during the WOBASZ survey carried out in the years 2003-2005 were used for the analysis. Results: The greatest differences in the way of feeding were found in the area that was previously under the rule of Prussia. The nutrition model was still largely reminiscent of typical German cuisine. There was a large consumption of sausages and spreads, and small vegetables and fruit. Nutrition models in other areas were less characteristic. Conclusions: The way of feeding indigenous people living in areas that were once partitions of Poland is still diverse and similar to the cuisine of the occupying country.

Metabolic syndrome and its components in Polish women of childbearing age: a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal body mass and related metabolic disorders may affect female reproductive health. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity, lipid and glucose metabolism disorders, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, among Polish women of childbearing age. METHODS: One thousand five hundred eighty-eight non-pregnant Polish women of childbearing age (20-49 years) who participated in the Multi-Centre National Population Health Examination Survey (WOBASZ II study) in 2013-2014, were assigned to 3 age groups: 20-29 years (n = 403), 30-39 years (n = 600) and 40-49 years (n = 585). Measurements of weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood glucose were taken. For statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-Square, and Cohran-Armitage tests were used. RESULTS: Of the participants, 4.3% were determined to be underweight, 25.2% were overweight, 15% were obese, and 53.1% had abdominal obesity. With age, the prevalence of both excessive body mass and abdominal obesity tended to increase, and that of underweight to decrease. Frequency of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia found in the whole group were 50% and 12.6% respectively, and also tended to rise with age. Low serum HDL-cholesterol (high density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels were found in 15.1% of the participants. Prevalence of impaired fasting glucose in the whole group was 8.2% and tended to increase with age. Diabetes was found in 1.2% of the participants and its prevalence also tended to rise with age, at the borderline of significance. Frequency of arterial hypertension and metabolic syndrome in the whole group was 15.7% and 14.1% respectively and both tended to increase with age. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity, especially of abdominal type, and the related metabolic abnormalities are common in Polish women of childbearing age. Their prevalence tends to increase with age. Underweight is relatively common in the youngest age group.

Dietary antioxidant capacity of the patients with cardiovascular disease in a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to establish sources and patterns of antioxidant, polyphenol and flavonoid intakes in men and women with cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: The subjects with CVD and healthy controls (HC) were participants of the Polish National Multicenter Health Survey (WOBASZ). Food intakes were measured with the 1-day 24-hour recall method. A self-developed database was used to calculate dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC), dietary total polyphenol content (DTPC) and dietary total flavonoid content (DTFC). RESULTS: DTAC did not differ between the men with CVD and HC men (6442 vs. 6066 µmol trolox equivalents - TE), but in the women with CVD it was significantly higher than in the HC women (6182 vs. 5500 µmol TE). The main sources of antioxidants in the males with CVD were: tea, coffee, apples, and nuts and seeds, and tea, coffee and apples in HC. In the females they were: tea, coffee, apples and strawberries, both in the women with CVD and HC. DTPC in the men with CVD did not differ from HC (1198 vs. 1114 mg gallic acid equivalents, GAE). In the females, DTPC was significantly higher in the subjects with CVD as compared to HC (1075 vs. 981 mg GAE). Predominant sources of polyphenols were: tea, coffee, cabbage, potatoes, apples and white bread in the men with CVD, and tea, coffee, potatoes, white bread and apples in HC, while in the women (both with CVD and HC): tea, coffee, apples, potatoes and cabbage. No differences in DTFC have been found between the males with CVD and HC (212 vs. 202 mg quercetine equivalents, QE). In the women with CVD, DTFC was significantly higher than in HC (200 vs. 177 mg QE). Main sources of flavonoids in all participants (men and women, CVD and HC) were tea, apples, cabbage and coffee. CONCLUSIONS: Polish men and women faced with CVD beneficially modify their dietary practices by enhancing intakes of foods that are sources of antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids. Different sources and patterns of antioxidant, polyphenol and flavonoid intakes, however, between male and female patients with CVD were observed.

Mineral supplements' effect on total nutrient intake in Warsaw adult population; cross-sectional assessment.

BACKGROUND: Mineral supplementation is important whenever any dietary deficiencies of these nutrients occur. However, an excessive consumption of such products can lead to the negative health consequences. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the mineral supplements contribution to total dietary intake for adults living in Warsaw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Within the frame of the EHES JA Poland and WAW-KARD Projects a representative sample of Warsaw population aged 20 years and above was screened in years 2011/2012. Nutrient intake and supplements use were available for 573 men and 497 women. The minerals levels were analyzed in reference to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). RESULTS: In Warsaw population the intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium were lower than RDA, and supplementation didn't eliminate deficiency of these nutrients (except for magnesium in a group of women). Phosphorus intakes were somewhat higher than those recommended. Enriching the diet with zinc and copper supplements in both sexes were un- necessary, as was iron in men, as their daily dietary intakes closely met the recommended standards. Iron supplementation in women however proved effective, as their daily dietary intakes were rather low. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of supplementing the diets of adults living in Warsaw with minerals depends on their type.

Metabolic disorders in women at procreative age living in Warsaw.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal body mass and related metabolic disorders may affect female reproductive health. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of under- and overweight, and also related metabolic disorders, among women at procreative age in Warsaw. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 164 non-pregnant women at procreative age (20-49 years) living in Warsaw, who in 2011-2012 participated in the WAW-KARD cross-sectional study of the Warsaw population, assigned to 3 age groups: 20-29 years (n=17), 30-39 years (n=78) and 40-49 years (n=69). RESULTS: Under- and overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity was found in respectively 1.2%, 25%, 12.2% and 37.2% of the participants. Prevalence of excessive body mass tended to increase with age. Hypercholesterolemia was shown in 42.7% of the whole group and was particularly widespread in the oldest females (56.5%). Prevalence of low serum HDL-cholesterol levels (found in 13.4% of the whole group) tended to increase with age, on the borderline of statistical significance. The mean fasting glucose level was 5.0±0.4 mmol/l and tended to increase with age. Impaired fasting glucose concerned 7.7% and 10.6% of females in age groups of 30-39 and 40-49 years respectively, and diabetes 4.4% of females 40-49 years old. Prevalence of arterial hypertension and metabolic syndrome (MS) in the whole group was 10.4% and 7.3% respectively; prevalence of MS tended to increase with age, on the borderline of statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity, especially of abdominal type, are prevalent in women at procreative age in Warsaw. Disturbances of lipid and glucose metabolism, as well as arterial hypertension and MS, are also frequent. Prevalence of many of them tended to increase with age. Some of the women exhibited diabetes.

The use of vitamin supplements among adults in Warsaw: is there any nutritional benefit?

BACKGROUND: The use of dietary supplements is widespread and can contribute substantially to total nutrient intake. However, it also generates some potential risks in the case of unreasonable and excessive use of such products. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of supplementation and the vitamin supplement contribution to total intake among Warsaw population aged 20-74 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nutrient intake and supplement use were studied in a representative sample of Warsaw population in years 2011/12 (486 men and 421 women) and in 2001 (658 and 671 respectively). The vitamin levels were analyzed in reference to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and the tolerable upper intake level (UL). RESULTS: In the years 2011/12 the use of dietary supplements (vitamins and minerals) was reported by 31% men and 40% women. Vitamin intake from food showed the deficiency of vitamins D, B1 and folates and adequate intake of vitamins A, C, E, B2, B6, B12. Supplementing with vitamins D and B1 as well as folic acid contributed to better RDA fulfillment. Supplementing with vitamins A, C, E, B2, B6 and B12 was not justified because these vitamins were taken in sufficient amounts with food. In 1.3%-14.9% supplement users, the total intake of vitamins A, C, E and B6 exceeded the UL. The prevalence of supplementation of vitamins A, C and E did not change between 2001 and 201 1/12, but the total intake of vitamin A in both sexes and vitamins C, E in women was significantly higher in 2001. CONCLUSIONS: The use of dietary supplements in Warsaw population was widespread and in case of some vitamins- unreasonable.

Negative Association of Lignan and Phytosterol Intake with Stress Perception during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Polish Study on Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increasing global prevalence of depression and other psychiatric diseases in recent years. Perceived stress has been proven to be associated with psychiatric and somatic symptoms. Some animal and human studies have suggested that consuming foods abundant in lignans and phytosterols may be associated with lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Still, the evidence is not yet strong enough to draw firm conclusions. Thus, we investigated the association between dietary intake of these phytochemicals and the level of stress experienced by adult individuals. METHODS: Diet was assessed using self-reported 7-day dietary records. The intakes of lignans and phytosterols were estimated using databases with their content in various food products. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was implemented to measure the level of perceived stress. A logistic regression analysis was used to test for associations. RESULTS: The odds of elevated PSS were negatively associated with dietary intake of total phytosterols, stigmasterol, and ß-sitosterol, with evidence of a decreasing trend across tertiles of phytochemicals. The analysis for doubling the intake reinforced the aforementioned relationships and found protective effects against PSS for total lignans, pinoresinol, and campesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Habitual inclusion of lignans and phytosterols in the diet may play a role in psychological health. To address the global outbreak of depression and other mental health issues triggered by stress, it is important to take a holistic approach. There is a need to develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment, among which certain dietary interventions such as consumption of products abundant in lignans and phytosterols may play a substantial role.

Dietary Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Health-Editorial Comments and Summary.

The influence of dietary antioxidants on health is supported by a large body of evidence [...].

Association of dietary intake of polyphenols, lignans, and phytosterols with immune-stimulating microbiota and COVID-19 risk in a group of Polish men and women.

Objectives: Devastating consequences of COVID-19 disease enhanced the role of promoting prevention-focused practices. Among targeted efforts, diet is regarded as one of the potential factors which can affect immune function and optimal nutrition is postulated as the method of augmentation of people's viral resistance. As epidemiological evidence is scarce, the present study aimed to explore the association between dietary intake of total polyphenols, lignans and plant sterols and the abundance of immunomodulatory gut microbiota such as Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli and the risk of developing COVID-19 disease. Methods: Demographic data, dietary habits, physical activity as well as the composition of body and gut microbiota were analyzed in a sample of 95 young healthy individuals. Dietary polyphenol, lignan and plant sterol intakes have been retrieved based on the amount of food consumed by the participants, the phytochemical content was assessed in laboratory analysis and using available databases. Results: For all investigated polyphenols and phytosterols, except campesterol, every unit increase in the tertile of intake category was associated with a decrease in the odds of contracting COVID-19. The risk reduction ranged from several dozen percent to 70 %, depending on the individual plant-based chemical, and after controlling for basic covariates it was statistically significant for secoisolariciresinol (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11-0.61), total phytosterols (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22-0.95) and for stigmasterols (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14-0.72). We found an inverse association between increased ß-sitosterol intake and phytosterols in total and the occurrence of Escherichia coli in stool samples outside reference values, with 72% (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08-0.86) and 66% (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.10-1.08) reduced odds of abnormal level of bacteria for the highest compared with the lowest tertile of phytochemical consumption. Additionally, there was a trend of more frequent presence of Enterococcus spp. at relevant level in people with a higher intake of lariciresinol. Conclusion: The beneficial effects of polyphenols and phytosterols should be emphasized and these plant-based compounds should be regarded in the context of their utility as antiviral agents preventing influenza-type infections.

Dietary Antioxidants, Quality of Nutrition and Cardiovascular Characteristics among Omnivores, Flexitarians and Vegetarians in Poland-The Results of Multicenter National Representative Survey WOBASZ.

Several reports have shown that more plant-based dietary patterns provide a higher intake of antioxidants compared to diets rich in meat and animal products. Data on the intake of key nutrients in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in relation to particular diets in countries of Central and Eastern Europe are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess quality of nutrition and CVD characteristics in a representative sample of Polish adults following different dietary patterns. Special regard was paid to the intake of natural antioxidants. The study comprised 13,318 (7159 females) randomly selected adults aged ≥ 20 years participating in the National Multicentre Health Surveys WOBASZ and WOBASZ II. The subjects were categorized into groups of omnivores (92.4%), flexitarians (7.4%) and vegetarians (0.16%) according to type of diet using the Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24 h dietary recall. The obtained results showed that neither flexitarians nor vegetarians represented better dietary habits or lifestyle behaviors compared to omnivores. Flexitarians had significantly lower daily energy intake than omnivores, but their diet was rich in total fat (above 30% of daily energy consumption) and low in fiber. Omnivores declared a higher consumption of fresh vegetables (p < 0.001), fresh fruit (p < 0.01), coffee (p < 0.01) and tea (p < 0.05, in women only) than flexitarians. Omnivores had significantly higher intake of natural antioxidants (vitamin C, E, zinc in both genders and vitamin A in men) as compared with flexitarians. Among women, the highest adherence to the intake of recommended amounts of antioxidant nutrients was noted among omnivores. Among men, vegetarians had the highest proportion of meeting the guidelines for vitamin A (77.8%), E (66.7%) and C (66.7%), while the lowest proportions were found in flexitarians (69.9%, 39.5% and 32.4%, respectively). The groups did not differ in terms of smoking and physical activity level. There were no significant differences in the analyzed CVD characteristics between omnivores and flexitarians. In women, vegetarians had substantially lower BMI than omnivores (p < 0.05) and flexitarians (p < 0.05) and a lower mean serum glucose compared with omnivores (p < 0.01) and flexitarians (p < 0.05). Vegetarians had lower prevalence of hypertension and obesity than meat eaters. In conclusion, the results of the current research showed an inappropriate intake of several nutrients, including highly potent antioxidants, irrespective of the dietary regimen. Flexitarians did not have a more favorable CVD profile than omnivores. Taking into account the growing popularity of diets with reduced animal products, there is a need to elaborate strategies providing Polish adults with guidance regarding properly balanced nutrition.

Dietary Plant Sterols and Phytosterol-Enriched Margarines and Their Relationship with Cardiovascular Disease among Polish Men and Women: The WOBASZ II Cross-Sectional Study.

Dietary cholesterol has been suggested to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Phytosterols, present in food or phytosterol-enriched products, can reduce cholesterol available for absorption. The present study aimed to investigate the association between habitual intake of total and individual plant sterols (ß-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol) or a diet combined with phytosterol-enriched products and CVD in a cross-section of Polish adults, participants of the Multicenter National Health Survey II (WOBASZ II). Among men (n = 2554), median intakes of plant sterols in terciles ranged between 183−456 mg/d and among women (n = 3136), 146−350 mg/d in terciles. The intake of phytosterols, when consumed with food containing phytosterols, including margarine, ranged between 184−459 mg/d for men and 147−352 mg/d for women. Among both men and women, beta-sitosterol intake predominated. Plant sterol intake was lower among both men and women with CVD (p = 0.016) compared to those without CVD. Diet quality, as measured by the Healthy Diet Index (HDI), was significantly higher in the third tercile of plant sterol intake for both men and women and the entire study group (p < 0.0001). This study suggests that habitual dietary intake of plant sterols may be associated with a lower chance of developing CVD, particularly in men.

Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity-A New Indicator of Healthy Diet Quality in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Polish Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as well as healthy diet quality, in a representative sample (n = 5690) of the whole Polish adult population (WOBASZ II study). Daily food consumption was estimated by the single 24 h dietary recall method. Antioxidant vitamins (C, E, and ß-carotene) and minerals (Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu) from the diet and supplements were calculated using 5D Diet software, and dietary total polyphenol intake (DTPI) was determined using the Phenol-Explorer database and our database. Total diet quality was measured by the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) based on World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for the prevention of CVD. DTAC was calculated using the data on food consumption and the antioxidant potential of foods measured by the FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential) method. It was shown that higher DTAC was associated with a higher intake of polyphenols, antioxidant vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, a higher quartile of DTAC was associated with a reduced odds ratio for cardiovascular diseases in a Polish population, as well as with a higher HDI. Therefore, dietary recommendations for the prevention and therapy of CVDs should take into account a high DTAC. DTAC, measured by the FRAP method, can be considered an indicator of healthy diet quality.

Assessment of Plant Sterols in the Diet of Adult Polish Population with the Use of a Newly Developed Database.

Plant sterols are compounds with multiple biological functions, mainly cholesterol-reducing. There are no comprehensive databases on plant sterols, which makes it difficult to estimate their intake in the Polish population. This work attempted to use international food databases, additionally supplemented by scientific data from the literature, to create a database of plant sterols, which would cover various kinds of foods and dishes consumed in Poland. The aim was to assess the size and sources of dietary plant sterols in the adult population of Poland. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify possible sources of published food composition data for plant sterols. The study group consisted of 5690 participants of the WOBASZ II survey. We identified 361 dietary sources of plant sterols based on the consumption of foods and dishes reported by participants. Cereals and fats provided 61% of the total plant sterols, and together with vegetables and fruits, this totaled 80%. The median intake of plant sterols in the Polish population was 255.96 mg/day, and for men and women 291.76 and 230.61 mg/day, respectively. Canola oil provided the most plant sterols at 16.92%, followed by white bread at 16.65% and soft margarine at 8.33%. The study found that plant sterol intake in Poland is comparable to other populations, and women's diets are more dense in plant sterols. Due to the lack of literature sources on plant sterol content in some foods, future studies should expand and complete the databases on plant sterol content in foods.

Dietary intake of vitamins B6, B12 and folate in relation to homocysteine serum concentration in the adult Polish population - WOBASZ Project.

BACKGROUND: Increased homocysteine (Hcy) levels predispose to atherosclerosis. Vitamin B6, B12 and folate play an important role in Hcy metabolism. AIM: To assess vitamin B6, B12 and folate intake and describe the relationship between these vitamins intake and Hcy level in the Polish population. METHODS: Within the framework of the National Multicentre Health Survey (WOBASZ), a representative sample of the whole Polish population aged 20-74 was screened in the years 2003-2005. In each province of Poland 6 communities were randomly selected and in each of them a sample of 100 men and 100 women was randomly selected from the personal identification number (PESEL) database. In a sample of 50% of subjects (3004 men and 3401 women) Hcy level and nutrients were assessed according to the study protocol. RESULTS: Average intake of vitamin B6 was 2.26 mg/day in men and 2.03 mg/day in women, of vitamin B12 - 5.85 microg/day and 3.69 microg/day, and folate 258 microg/day and 211 microg/day, respectively. The recommended levels of intake were not achieved by 16% of men and 36% of women for vitamin B6, 32% and 51% for vitamin B12, and 78% and 90% for folate, respectively. The Hcy level (after adjustment for age, smoking, coffee and alcohol consumption) and prevalence of hyper-Hcy (> or = 12 micromol/l) decreased with increasing number of quartile of vitamins B6 and B12 in both genders and folate in men. In multivariable linear regression analysis an inverse association between the Hcy level and intake of vitamin B6 and folate in both genders, and vitamin B12 in men, was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: In the Polish population insufficient folate intake was common (deficiency was noted in nearly 80-90% of the population) and despite the correct average, a high proportion of subjects did not fulfil B6 and B12 intake recommendations; an inverse association between vitamins B6, B12 and folate consumption and Hcy concentration and prevalence of hyper-Hcy was observed

Dietary Habits and Dietary Antioxidant Intake Are Related to Socioeconomic Status in Polish Adults: A Nationwide Study.

The aim of this study was to estimate dietary habits and dietary antioxidant intake in a Polish adult population in relation to socioeconomic status. The subjects (4774) were participants in the Polish National Multi-Centre Health Examination Survey (the WOBASZ II study) performed in 2013-2014. Socioeconomic status (SES) scores were calculated by multiplying ordinal numerical values assigned to consecutive categories of education level and monthly income per capita in a family. In the Polish adult population, a higher socioeconomic status was significantly associated with a better lifestyle (more physical activity and less smoking), a better health status (lower occurrence of overweight individuals and metabolic syndrome in both genders, and lower occurrence of central obesity, hypertension, and diabetes in women), and better dietary habits, including a higher intake of dietary antioxidants.

[Evaluation of prevalence and magnitude of vitamins and minerals supplementation in Polish population]. / Ocena rozpowszechnienia i wielkosci suplementacji witaminami i skladnikami mineralnymi w populacji polskiej.

The aim of this paper was evaluation of prevalence of supplementation according to demographic, economic and healthy factors and assessment of vitamins and minerals intake from supplements in Polish population aged 20-74 years. Data of 3132 men and 3529 women, from whom data about use of vitamins and minerals supplements on the day before examination was obtained, was used. Prevalence of supplement use in the study group was rather small and depended on gender, place of residence, education level and income. Mean intake from supplements of the majority of vitamins was higher than recommended daily allowance (RDA). Only iron intake from supplements was higher than RDA, however calcium and magnesium intake from supplements was 25% of RDA. High vitamin A, niacin and iron intake from supplements can display risk of adverse effect on health.

[Vitamins and minerals intake from diet and supplements among subjects with a history of cardiovascular events in Polish population]. / Spozycie witamin i skladników mineralnych z uwzglednieniem suplementacji u osób po przebytych incydentach sercowo-naczyniowych w populacji polskiej.

Some vitamins and minerals play an important role in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of this study was the assessment of dietary vitamins and minerals intake and patterns of supplement use among subjects with diagnosed CVD in Polish population. Within the frame of the WOBASZ study, a representative sample of whole Polish population aged 20-74 (7257 subjects) was screened in 2003-2005. A subsample of 803 persons with a clinical history of cardiovascular events was analyzed. It was found, that the average diet of adult Polish citizens with established CVD was not balanced concerning the intake of vitamins and minerals. Daily intake of antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E) and vitamin B12 was satisfactory the realization degree of recommended dietary allowances (RDA) was about 126-310%. The insufficient amounts of vitamins B1, B2, folates, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium in diet of both genders and vitamin B6 in men and iron in women were noted. The highest deficiency has been noticed in vitamins B1, B2 and calcium and magnesium intake--the realization degree of RDA has stayed on 54-82% level. Around 1% of potassium, calcium and magnesium intake in both genders and more than 25% of vitamins E and B6 consumption in women derived from the supplementation.

[Can health behavior of Polish adolescents foster prevalence of overweight and obesity?]. / Czy zachowania zdrowotne Polskich nastolatków moga sprzyjac powstawaniu nadwagi i otylosci?

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and health behavior leading to those diseases among Polish adolescents. In year 2006 a survey study was conveyed among a representative sample of 530 girls and 518 boys aged 11-16 from whole territory of Poland. Overweight and obesity were noted in 8.7% of girls and 10.2% of boys. Among studied subjects a low level of physical activity (60% of boys and 70% of girls did not reach the recommended level of physical activity) and large amount of time spend in front of TV and computer (4 hours during the weekdays and 5.5 hours during days off school) were observed. Study also showed negative dietary habits: skipping first breakfasts and eating too many sweets and sweetened soda beverages and salted snacks as well a tendency to buy unhealthy products at school shops.