Hydration status in adults with metabolic disorders in relation to socioeconomic, lifestyle and health factors.

INTRODUCTION: Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining the health and functionality of the human body. This study aimed to examine the association between selected socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health factors and the hydration status of adults with metabolic disorders by analyzing their urine osmolality. METHODS: The study involved 290 adults aged 18-70 years with metabolic disorders. Separate multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate the factors associated with urine osmolality in tertiles for women and men. Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) were calculated. RESULTS: In women, the following factors of urine osmolality were identified in 1st tertile: age (OR:1.04), physical activity (moderate/high vs. no/low; OR:0.38), and headaches (no vs. yes; OR:1.55), in 2nd tertile: physical activity (moderate/high vs. no/low; OR:2.46) and fatigue during the day (sometimes vs. never/very rarely; OR:0.45), and in 3rd tertile: age (OR:0.94), professional status ('I work part-time/I study and I work' vs. 'I do not work/I study'; OR:0.27), fatigue during the day (very often vs. never/very rarely; OR:2.55), and headaches (no vs. yes; OR:0.44). In men, the following factors of urine osmolality were identified in 1st tertile: place of residence (city vs. village; OR:2.72) and health assessment (average vs. poor; OR:0.32). CONCLUSION: Different factors affecting urine osmolality have been identified in women and men. These results highlight the need to implement studies to clarify the relationship between socioeconomic, lifestyle and health factors, and hydration status in adults with metabolic disorders.

Attitudes of 10-12-year-old primary school pupils towards food and nutrition: insights from Qualitative FGI Research - Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ) Project.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Primary school pupils aged 10-12 years constitute an interesting consumer group due to their greater autonomy in the area of nutrition, compared to the younger group of children, among other things, due to their 'pocket money' and the greater influence of their peer group. However, this is an age group at high risk of inadequate nutrition, eating disorders, including those related to obesity and underweight. Hence, the aim of the study was to explore the attitudes of pupils aged 10-12 years towards food and nutrition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using the Focus Group Interview (FGI) technique among 84 primary school pupils from different localities in Poland. RESULTS: Pupils had moderate knowledge of food and nutrition but did not consistently apply this knowledge in practice. Four pupils' profiles were identified, categorized as 'engaged,' 'obedient,' 'rebels,' and 'indifferent,' based on their level of involvement and awareness of proper nutrition. Lunch was the most regularly consumed meal, sometimes eaten twice a day (at school and at home), while first breakfast was skipped the most frequently, mainly because of lack of time and morning rush. Pupils accurately identified recommended and not recommended food products, but lacked an understanding of their importance for health. Pupils' emotional state increased the consumption of salty snacks, sweets, and fast food, and to a lesser extent, seeds, vegetables, and fruit. Pupils reported engaging in moderate physical activity, although they also spent a significant amount of time on the internet or watching TV. CONCLUSIONS: Primary school pupils aged 10-12 years represented a relatively good level of knowledge about adequate nutrition; nevertheless, they did not follow these recommendations in practice.

The influence of early and current feeding practices, eating behaviors, and screen time on dietary patterns in Polish toddlers - A cross-sectional study.

Early nutrition has an important influence on a child's proper health and development, and understanding factors that may be related to desirable dietary patterns is key to improving the diet of future generations. The aim of this study was to assess whether early and current feeding practices, eating behaviors, and screen time viewing are associated with toddlers' dietary patterns. A cross-sectional sample of 467 mothers of toddlers (aged 1 year to 3) was surveyed between 2020 and 2022. Food consumption was evaluated by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The k-means algorithm was used to define dietary patterns on the basis of data collected from the FFQ and mealtime environment patterns, based on the data about practices during meals consumption. The odds of following a prohealth dietary pattern among early feeding factors were lower when infants ate commercial complementary foods more often. Distracted mealtime environment pattern increased the odds of following a non-eaters pattern, and commercial complementary foods pattern increased the odds of following a processed pattern. Currently, the odds of following a processed dietary pattern were higher when children were not breastfed and had higher screen time. Toddlers who ate during distraction and were more fussy had lower odds of following a prohealth dietary pattern, whereas higher enjoyment of food and satiety responsiveness increased the odds. The results indicate the need to increase parents' awareness about the importance of early factors in establishing dietary patterns.

The Effect of Maternal Overweight/Obesity on Serum and Breastmilk Leptin, and Its Associations with Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Health Indices, and Maternal Diet: The BLOOM Study.

In overweight and obese patients, elevated serum and breastmilk leptin concentrations are observed, with serum leptin also being likely affected by the diet. We analyzed serum and breastmilk leptin in normal weight (NW) and overweight/obese (OW/OB) mothers, and evaluated its associations with (1) maternal anthropometric parameters; (2) markers of cardiometabolic health; and (3) the maternal diet. The BLOOM (Breastmilk and the Link to Overweight/Obesity and Maternal diet) study was conducted among 40 women (n = 20 OW/OB; n = 20, NW) who were exclusively or predominantly breastfeeding for 15.5 ± 1.2 (OW/OB group (0.99)) weeks. We collected 24 h breastmilk and fasting blood samples for leptin analysis by ELISA. Maternal dietary habits were evaluated using a 3-day dietary record and food frequency questionnaire, which were used to calculate the Polish-adapted Mediterranean Diet score. Maternal anthropometric measurements and DEXA scans were performed, and anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices were calculated. The OW mothers had 1.4 times higher serum levels, while OB mothers had 4.5 and 6.2 higher serum and breastmilk leptin levels, respectively, in comparison to the NW mothers. The FM% was correlated with serum and breastmilk leptin levels (r = 0.878, r = 0.638). Serum leptin was associated with markers of cardiometabolic health such as AIP, CMI, and VAI in the NW mothers, and with LAP in the OW/OB mothers. Higher energy, fructose intake and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were associated with serum leptin in the NW mothers (ß = 0.323, 0.039-0.608; ß = 0.318, 0.065-0.572; ß = 0.279, 0.031-0.528); meanwhile, higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet could protect against elevated breastmilk leptin concentrations in OW/OB mothers (ß = -0.444, -0.839--0.050), even after adjustment for FM%. Our results suggest a potential association between maternal serum leptin concentrations and cardiometabolic health. In addition, we confirm the importance of healthy dietary patterns in the improvement of breastmilk composition.

Dietary Antioxidants May Support Cosmetic Treatment in Patients with Rosacea.

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that significantly reduces the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary antioxidants can support the effect of cosmetic treatment in improving the QoL of patients with rosacea. Basic data about participants (N = 160) were collected using a self-reported survey. QoL was assessed using the standardized Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. An interventional cosmetic treatment was performed using cavitation peeling and sonophoresis with a commercial capillary repair serum. The study was registered as a clinical trial (NCT06271135). To assess antioxidant diet quality, for the first time, a new dietary antioxidant quality index (DAQI) was developed, which consisted of 12 items: dietary total antioxidant capacity, dietary polyphenols, phytosterols, lignans, vitamin C, vitamin E, ß-carotene, zinc, iron, copper, manganese and selenium. It was found that the highest tertiles of DAQI diminished the odds about 40-45% of the moderate, large and extremely large effect of rosacea on QoL and about 8-11% of the occurrence of rosacea symptoms compared with the lowest tertile. This study showed that rosacea has a negative impact on QoL, but a comprehensive approach to treatment, including antioxidant cosmetic treatment and dietary antioxidants, can improve the QoL of patients with rosacea.

Changes in eating behaviours and physical activity among primary schoolchildren aged 7-12 during the pandemic in the light of qualitative and quantitative research - Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ) Project.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic had many direct and indirect effects, including lifestyle changes in all subpopulations, including children and adolescents. The aim of the study was to identify: 1) attitudes of students aged 7-12 years and their parents towards food, nutrition, and physical activity; 2) changes in the consumption of basic food products during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative survey was conducted among students and their parents using the Focus Group Interview method, as well as quantitative research among parents and schoolchildren aged 10-12 years. RESULTS: During the pandemic, changes were demonstrated in the eating habits of primary schoolchildren which were both positive and negative. Positive changes include a greater number of meals and their regularity, especially in relation to meals prepared at home, and a greater consumption of mainly fruit, and to a lesser extent vegetables and whole grain products. Among the negative changes observed were an increased consumption of salty snacks and sweets, including those prepared at home. Moreover, limiting physical activity during isolation may have resulted, as a long-term effect, in excessive body weight and obesity-related non-communicable diseases in children and adolescence, and later in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to develop post-pandemic support strategies addressed to both schoolchildren and their parents regarding adequate eating behaviours and physical activity.

Breastmilk mineral composition among well-educated mothers from Central Poland - Associations with maternal dietary intake, dietary patterns and infant psychomotor development.

BACKGROUND: Maternal dietary habits could affect breastmilk mineral composition, which may influence infant development. Mineral dietary intake or supplementation slightly affects its breastmilk concentration. However, the intake of selected food groups or dietary patterns that reflect diet complexity could have a greater impact. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess breastmilk mineral composition at one, three, and six months of lactation among mothers living in urban area of Central Poland, as well as the evaluate maternal dietary determinants and associations with infant anthropometric and psychomotor development. METHODS: The study was conducted among 43 healthy and exclusively breastfeeding mothers. In the first, third, and sixth months of lactation, we collected breastmilk samples and assessed the concentration of Ca, P, Zn, Fe, Se, Ni, As, Pb, and Cd using the ICP-MS method. Maternal dietary habits were evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire in the first month of lactation, whereas in the third and sixth by the three-day food record. Based on the collected data adherence to the Polish-adapted Mediterranean (Pl-aMED; 1 month) and the DASH diet (Mellen's Index; 3 and 6 months) was assessed. In the third and sixth months of lactation infant anthropometric parameters and the sixth month of lactation psychomotor development were evaluated. RESULTS: Breastmilk Se, Ni, As, Pb, and Cd levels were under the LOQ in all the breastmilk samples at all study visits. Median breastmilk mineral concentrations of Ca, P, Zn, and Fe in the first, third, and sixth months of lactation varied from 381.9 to 332.7 mg/L, 161.6 to 139.1 mg/L, 2.2 to 0.8 mg/L, and 0.26 to 0.17 mg/L, respectively. Maternal dietary intake and supplementation did not affect breastmilk Ca, P, Zn, and Fe. Pl-aMED scores were associated with breastmilk Ca (ß = 0.489, 95% CI 0.180 - 0.799, p = 0.003) and Zn (ß = 0.499, 95% CI 0.199 - 0.798, p = 0.002) in the first month of lactation, whereas no association with the DASH diet were observed in the third and sixth month of lactation. Breastmilk Fe in the third month was associated with infant motor development (ß = 0.420, 95% CI 0.113 - 0.727, p = 0.009) in the sixth month of life, but no other associations with anthropometric or psychomotor development were observed. Moreover, we estimated that few infants meet their adequate intake (AI) requirements for P, Zn, and Fe. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that maternal adherence to Pl-aMED is a significant predictor of breastmilk Ca and Zn in the first month of lactation, which may be especially important considering that more than 75% of infants had inadequate Zn intake. Moreover, we found that breastmilk Fe positively influenced infant motor development, despite the majority of infants having inadequate intake. On the other hand, no infant had deficiency symptoms, which emphasizes the necessity to evaluate of AI norms for infants.

Nutrition-Related Knowledge, Diet Quality, Lifestyle, and Body Composition of 7-12-Years-Old Polish Students: Study Protocol of National Educational Project Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ).

Increasing students' nutrition knowledge is an important goal of school education which may improve their lifestyle and consequently reduce the incidence of non-communicable chronic diseases, including obesity. This research aimed at assessing the dietary habits, nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes, and nutritional status of Polish students aged 7-12 years. Additional objectives included recognizing nutrition-related knowledge among their parents and teachers as well as the school food and nutrition environment. The final goal was to develop a nutrition education program. This study protocol presents a general and detailed approach for realizing the above-mentioned issues, including conducting quantitative and qualitative research. The study was designed as cross-sectional, covering primary school students from all over Poland, including rural, town, and metropolitan areas. Data on eating habits, lifestyle, nutrition-related knowledge, and attitudes were collected with questionnaires. Measurements of body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and handgrip strength were performed in accordance with the International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment (ISAK) recommendations. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Ultimately, 2218 schools from all 16 voivodeships in Poland registered for the project. In total, quantitative data were collected among 27,295 students, 17,070 parents, and 2616 teachers. Anthropometric measurements were taken among 18,521 students. The results allow us to develop a multifaceted educational program based on knowledge and adapted to the perception of students. Our research may contribute to the identification of subpopulations of children and adolescents at risk of excessive body weight and define the predictors of obesity risk in Poland.

How Can We Increase the Nutrition-Related Knowledge in Children Aged 7-12 Years: Results of Focus Groups Interviews with Parents-Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ) Project.

Nutrition education is a long-term process that should cover various population groups. A special focus should be placed on children, adolescents and their parents. The aim of this research was to find out the opinions of parents of primary school pupils aged 7-12 on their expectations towards school education in the areas of food and nutrition, addressed to both pupils and their parents. The research was conducted among 101 parents of primary school pupils with the use of the Focus Group Interview (FGI) method. It demonstrated that what is most needed are hands-on activities relating to basic theoretical issues. While parents see the need for nutrition education for their children, educating pupils in this area is of interest to only some of the respondents for whom nutrition aspects are quite important. All parents would like formal nutrition education at school, but at the same time, they do not want classes to take up too much of their children's time, due to the already excessive number of school subjects. It seems appropriate to include everyone in regard to nutrition education, regardless of their declared interest in this issue. The need for consistent presentation of educational content addressed to teachers and parents is very important, so that they can, in a uniform way, shape the attitudes towards food and nutrition of children and adolescents.

Do Food and Meal Organization Systems in Polish Primary Schools Reflect Students' Preferences and Healthy and Sustainable Dietary Guidelines? The Results of Qualitative Research for the Junior-Edu-Zywienie (JEZ) Project.

The school environment, together with that of the family, shapes students' eating behaviors, and is an important element of formal and informal nutrition education. The informal and practical dimensions can be realized through the food and meals offered/sold in school canteens, shops, and vending machines. As children and adolescents spend 6-10 h/day in schools and consume at least two meals there, the school food environment is important from a public health perspective. The aim of this study is to assess food and meal organization in primary schools in Poland. The study was conducted using individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) involving 24 school headmasters and 24 representatives of people employed in school canteens or catering companies involved in meal organization in schools. The nutritional food on offer at schools is important for shaping students' food preferences and choices, consequently influencing the development, functioning, and health of this subpopulation. The school environment can be an ideal place for hands-on nutrition education. In addition to the knowledge provided, there must be a consistent message concerning the provision of nutrition information to students between the teachings of parents, teachers, and, indirectly, the food and meals available at school. Our qualitative study is confirmed by the results of quantitative research to better understand the organization of nutrition and the problems and needs of primary schools in this area.