Machine learning accurately predicts food exchange list and the exchangeable portion.

Introduction: Food Exchange Lists (FELs) are a user-friendly tool developed to help individuals aid healthy eating habits and follow a specific diet plan. Given the rapidly increasing number of new products or access to new foods, one of the biggest challenges for FELs is being outdated. Supervised machine learning algorithms could be a tool that facilitates this process and allows for updated FELs-the present study aimed to generate an algorithm to predict food classification and calculate the equivalent portion. Methods: Data mining techniques were used to generate the algorithm, which consists of processing and analyzing the information to find patterns, trends, or repetitive rules that explain the behavior of the data in a food database after performing this task. It was decided to approach the problem from a vector formulation (through 9 nutrient dimensions) that led to proposals for classifiers such as Spherical K-Means (SKM), and by developing this idea, it was possible to smooth the limits of the classifier with the help of a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) which were compared with two other algorithms of machine learning, these being Random Forest and XGBoost. Results: The algorithm proposed in this study could classify and calculate the equivalent portion of a single or a list of foods. The algorithm allows the categorization of more than one thousand foods with a confidence level of 97% at the first three places. Also, the algorithm indicates which foods exceed the limits established in sodium, sugar, and/or fat content and show their equivalents. Discussion: Accurate and robust FELs could improve implementation and adherence to the recommended diet. Compared with manual categorization and calculation, machine learning approaches have several advantages. Machine learning reduces the time needed for manual food categorization and equivalent portion calculation of many food products. Since it is possible to access food composition databases of various populations, our algorithm could be adapted and applied in other databases, offering an even greater diversity of regional products and foods. In conclusion, machine learning is a promising method for automation in generating FELs. This study provides evidence of a large-scale, accurate real-time processing algorithm that can be useful for designing meal plans tailored to the foods consumed by the population. Our model allowed us not only to distinguish and classify foods within a group or subgroup but also to perform the calculation of an equivalent food. As a neural network, this model could be trained with other food bases and thus improve its predictive capacity. Although the performance of the SKM model was lower compared to other types of classifiers, our model allows selecting an equivalent food not from a group previously classified by machine learning but with a fully interpretable algorithm such as cosine similarity for comparing food.

Gut Microbiota and Predicted Metabolic Pathways in a Sample of Mexican Women Affected by Obesity and Obesity Plus Metabolic Syndrome.

Obesity is an excessive fat accumulation that could lead to complications like metabolic syndrome. There are reports on gut microbiota and metabolic syndrome in relation to dietary, host genetics, and other environmental factors; however, it is necessary to explore the role of the gut microbiota metabolic pathways in populations like Mexicans, where the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome is high. This study identify alterations of the gut microbiota in a sample of healthy Mexican women (CO), women with obesity (OB), and women with obesity plus metabolic syndrome (OMS). We studied 67 women, characterizing their anthropometric and biochemical parameters along with their gut bacterial diversity by high-throughput DNA sequencing. Our results indicate that in OB or OMS women, Firmicutes was the most abundant bacterial phylum. We observed significant changes in abundances of bacteria belonging to the Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae families and significant enrichment of gut bacteria from 16 different taxa that might explain the observed metabolic alterations between the groups. Finally, the predicted functional metagenome of the gut microbiota found in each category shows differences in metabolic pathways related to lipid metabolism. We demonstrate that Mexican women have a particular bacterial gut microbiota characteristic of each phenotype. There are bacteria that potentially explain the observed metabolic differences between the groups, and gut bacteria in OMS and OB conditions carry more genes of metabolic pathways implicated in lipid metabolism.

The consumption of antioxidants protects against cognitive and physical disabilities in aged with obesity.

INTRODUCTION: antioxidants play an important role in the antioxidant defense system. Obesity and the aging process increase oxidative stress. The disruption of the oxidant-antioxidant balance towards oxidant condition could be related to cognitive and physical disabilities. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the consumption of antioxidants, the oxidative stress status and their relationship with cognitive and functional alterations in aged with obesity. METHOD: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 94 subjects ≥ 60 years stratified by body mass index (BMI) (76.6% were women). The antioxidants intake as well as cognitive and functional status were evaluated by validated surveys. The oxidative stress markers were thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid-hydroperoxides (LOOH). RESULTS: the antioxidants consumption of the participants was below the recommended daily intakes (RDI) independently of the BMI group. Especially, a lower consumption of vitamins E and D, selenium and ß-carotenes was observed. The concentration of TBARS was higher (p < 0.05) in the obese (1.2 µM) versus the normal weight group (0.7 µM). The concentration of LOOH in the normal weight group (17 µM) did not show statistical difference versus obese group (15 µM). The presence of obesity in aged showed an association with walking difficulties. Multivariable analysis adjusted for several variables showed that the intake of selenium, copper and magnesium is associated with lower risk of cognitive and physical disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: aged with obesity showed a higher concentration of peripheral TBARS, walking difficulties and lower intake of antioxidants. The consumption of copper, selenium, and magnesium seems to protect against cognitive and physical disabilities in aged with obesity.

Genetic Polymorphisms in SOD (rs2070424, rs7880) and CAT (rs7943316, rs1001179) Enzymes Are Associated with Increased Body Fat Percentage and Visceral Fat in an Obese Population from Central Mexico.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oxidative disturbance is an important factor involved in the etiology of comorbidities associated with obesity. Genetic polymorphisms such as SOD1 -251A>G, SOD2 47 C>T, CAT -21A>T and CAT -262 C>T have been described to alter the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The aim of the present work was to analyze the association of the mentioned SNPs with obesity and their relationship with anthropometric and clinical variables in this group. METHODS: The study included 416 Mexican women (208 normal weight, NW and 208 subjects with obesity, OB). Dietary intake, anthropometric, biochemical and clinical features were evaluated and then analyzed in function of the genotypes. RESULTS: The mutated carriers (GA+GG) of SOD -251 were significantly higher in the OB group (0.24) compared to the NW group (0.08). The other SNPs showed no differences compared with control group. When comparing carrier mutated subjects with obesity vs. wild-type obese participants with the SNPs SOD1 -251, SOD2 47 and CAT -262, the carriers showed a significantly (p <0.05) higher value in body fat percentage. Also, carriers of SOD2 47 and CAT-262 showed significantly higher values (p = 0.002) and (p = 0.01), respectively, when visceral fat was compared between groups. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in carriers of mutated CAT-21. CONCLUSION: SOD1 -251A>G is associated with obesity independent of the presence of diabetes or dyslipidemia. Mutated obese carries of SOD1 -251, SOD2 47 and CAT -262 are associated with a higher distribution of fat in comparison with obese wild-type carriers.

Consenso para las prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos / Guidelines for complementary feeding in healthy infants

Resumen: La nutrición adecuada durante los primeros dos años de vida es fundamental para el desarrollo pleno del potencial de cada ser humano; actualmente se reconoce que este periodo es una ventana crítica para la promoción de un crecimiento y desarrollo óptimos y un buen estado de salud. Por tanto, cumplir con una alimentación adecuada en esta etapa de la vida tiene impacto sobre la salud, estado de nutrición, crecimiento y desarrollo de los niños; no sólo en el corto plazo, sino en el mediano y largo plazo. El presente trabajo ofrece recomendaciones de alimentación complementaria (AC) que se presentan en forma de preguntas o enunciados que consideran temas importantes para quienes atienden niños durante esta etapa de la vida; por ejemplo: inicio de la alimentación complementaria a los 4 o 6 meses de edad; exposición a alimentos potencialmente alergénicos; introducción de bebidas azucaradas; uso de edulcorantes artificiales y productos light; secuencia de introducción de alimentos; modificaciones de consistencia de alimentos de acuerdo a la maduración neurológica; número de días para probar aceptación y tolerancia a los alimentos nuevos; cantidades por cada tiempo de comida; prácticas inadecuadas de alimentación complementaria; mitos y realidades de la alimentación complementaria; hitos del desarrollo; práctica del "Baby Led Weaning" y práctica de vegetarianismo.

Abstract: A proper nutrition during the first two years of life is critical to reach the full potential of every human being; now, this period is recognized as a critical window for promoting optimal growth, development, and good health. Therefore, adequate feeding at this stage of life has an impact on health, nutritional status, growth and development of children; not only in the short term, but in the medium and long term. This paper provides recommendations on complementary feeding (CF) presented as questions or statements that are important for those who take care for children during this stage of life. For example: When to start complementary feedings: 4 or 6 months of age?; Exposure to potentially allergenic foods; Introduction of sweetened beverages; Use of artificial sweeteners and light products; Food introduction sequence; Food consistency changes according to neurological maturation; Number of days to test acceptance and tolerance to new foods; Amounts for each meal; Inadequate complementary feeding practices; Myths and realities of complementary feeding; Developmental milestones; Practice of "Baby Led Weaning" and practice of vegetarianism.

Variables nutricias asociadas con la ansiedad y la autopercepción corporal en niñas y niños mexicanos de acuerdo con la presencia de sobrepeso/obesidad / Nutritional variables associated with anxiety and body image self-perception in Mexican children according with the presence of overweight/obesity

Resumen: INTRODUCCIÓN: La obesidad infantil se ha asociado con la ingesta de alimentos densamente energéticos, con el sedentarismo y con indicadores de salud mental como la ansiedad manifiesta y la percepción de la imagen corporal. En México no se ha reportado la relación entre dichas variables en población infantil. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la auto-percepción corporal y el riesgo de ansiedad, de acuerdo con la presencia de sobrepeso u obesidad, controlando las variables dietéticas y los hábitos de salud en niños en edad escolar. MÉTODO: Clasificados por su Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) se compararon 259 niños y niñas sin sobrepeso/obesidad vs. 326 quienes presentaron dicha condición, en tres escuelas públicas del Estado de México. El IMC se obtuvo por medición directa del peso y la estatura. Se exploró la relación del consumo de alimentos (dieta) y el estilo de vida con la presencia de ansiedad (cuestionario CMAS-R), auto-percepción y satisfacción corporal (test-SC). RESULTADOS: El 43% de los escolares presentan riesgo cardiovascular y 7.7% riesgo de síndrome metabólico. Los participantes sin sobrepeso/obesidad presentaron mayor satisfacción con su imagen corporal (68.3%). No se encontraron diferencias entre el IMC y la ansiedad total, ni con cada una de sus dimensiones. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIÓN: No se reportaron diferencias en la ansiedad de acuerdo con el IMC. La auto-percepción de la imagen corporal fue menos favorable, en zonas específicas del cuerpo en niñas y niños con sobrepeso u obesidad.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Childhood obesity has been associated with the intake of energy-dense foods and sedentary lifestyle, and with mental health indicators such as anxiety and perception of body image. In Mexico it has not been studied the relationship between these variables in children. OBJECTIVE: To assess the body self-perception and risk of anxiety according to the presence of children with normal weight for their stature and age (BMI) and children with overweight/obese, controlling for dietary variables and health habits in children of school age. METHOD: 259 boys and girls with normal BMI vs. 326 with overweight/obesity from three public schools in the State of Mexico were evaluated. Diet and lifestyle were associated with the presence of anxiety and body-image dissatisfaction. BMI was calculated from direct measures of weight and height. For anxiety assessment the CMAS-R questionnaire was used and test-SC for body image self-perception. RESULTS: 43% of school children showed cardiovascular risk and 7.7% metabolic syndrome risk. Children with normal weight have greater satisfaction with their body image and weight, compared to children with overweight or obesity (68.3% vs. 49.1%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There were no differences in anxiety according to BM1. The self-perception of body image is less favorable in specific areas of the body, in children with overweight or obesity.

Community Health Workers-Promotores de Salud in Mexico: History and Potential for Building Effective Community Actions.

This article takes a historical perspective combining 3 illustrative examples of the origins of the community health worker (CHW) model in Mexico, as a community-based participatory strategy. Three examples were identified from the sparse literature about CHWs in Mexico emphasizing their key roles and functions in various community settings. The CHW models illustrate what is known of training-development and planning, implementation, and evaluation of the CHWs model in different settings addressing cardiovascular disease and risk factors. The potential exists for integrating CHW projects to expand the health promotion model with new emphasis on municipality and regional participation.

[Guidelines for complementary feeding in healthy infants]. / Consenso para las prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos.

A proper nutrition during the first two years of life is critical to reach the full potential of every human being; now, this period is recognized as a critical window for promoting optimal growth, development, and good health. Therefore, adequate feeding at this stage of life has an impact on health, nutritional status, growth and development of children; not only in the short term, but in the medium and long term. This paper provides recommendations on complementary feeding (CF) presented as questions or statements that are important for those who take care for children during this stage of life. For example: When to start complementary feedings: 4 or 6 months of age?; Exposure to potentially allergenic foods; Introduction of sweetened beverages; Use of artificial sweeteners and light products; Food introduction sequence; Food consistency changes according to neurological maturation; Number of days to test acceptance and tolerance to new foods; Amounts for each meal; Inadequate complementary feeding practices; Myths and realities of complementary feeding; Developmental milestones; Practice of "Baby Led Weaning" and practice of vegetarianism.

GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE-1 PRO200LEU POLYMORPHISM (RS1050450) IS ASSOCIATED WITH MORBID OBESITY INDEPENDENTLY OF THE PRESENCE OF PREDIABETES OR DIABETES IN WOMEN FROM CENTRAL MEXICO.

INTRODUCTION: obesity affects more than a third of Mexican population. Oxidative stress participates actively in the etiology of this phenomenon. Glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-1) plays a protective role against oxidative stress. The SNP Pro200Leu (rs10504050) has been reported to affect the activity of the enzyme. OBJECTIVE: to determine the frequency of rs10504050 polymorphism in women with obesity and normal weight control, asses the concentration of peripheral TBARS and evaluate the consumption of pro and antioxidants. METHODS: 104 women with obesity and 70 healthy controls (CG) were included in the study. Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and dietary features were evaluated. GPx-1 rs10504050 was determined by PCR/RFLP method. TBARS was assayed spectrophotometrically in plasma. The subjects were stratified and compared by obesity grades and by subgroups of prediabetes and diabetes condition. Statistical analysis included ANOVA of Kruskal Wallis, Xi squared and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: for rs10504050 polymorphism there were differences (Xi2 = 6; p = 0.01) between frequency (0.61) of obese carriers (Pro/Leu plus Leu/Leu) and CG carriers (0.42), and between (Xi2 = 8; p = 0.004) morbid (IMC > 40) obesity (0.74) and CG carriers. The obese group (OB) showed a prevalence of 66% of prediabetes plus diabetes. There were no differences in frequencies of rs10504050 in OB with pre or diabetes versus CG, or versus obese participants without diabetes. TBARS concentration was greater in all the degrees of OB versus CG. CONCLUSION: GPx-1 Pro200Leu polymorphism was associated with obesity especially with morbid obesity, but not with obese participants with prediabetes or diabetes. Oxidative stress is present in all grades of obesity significantly.

Introducción: la obesidad afecta a una tercera parte de la población mexicana. El estrés oxidativo (EO) participa activamente en la etiología del fenómeno. La glutatión peroxidasa-1 (GPx-1) juega un papel protector contra el EO. El SNP Pro200Leu (rs10504050) afecta a la actividad de la enzima. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia del polimorfismo rs10504050 en mujeres con obesidad (OB) y normopeso (CG), determinar la concentración de TBARS en sangre periférica y evaluar el consumo de pro y antioxidantes. Métodos: en el estudio se incluyeron 104 mujeres con obesidad y 70 controles. El polimorfismo rs10504050 se determinó por el método PCR/RFLP. La concentración de TBARS se cuantificó mediante espectrofotometría en plasma sanguíneo. Las participantes se estratificaron y compararon por grados de obesidad y subgrupos de prediabetes y diabetes. Se emplearon las pruebas estadísticas ANOVA de Kruskal Wallis, Xi cuadrada y correlación de Pearson. Resultados: el polimorfismo rs10504050 mostró diferencias estadísticas (Xi2 = 6; p = 0,01) entre la frecuencia del grupo OB (0,61) por arrastre (Pro/Leu+Leu/Leu) y el CG (0,42), así como (Xi2 = 8; p = 0,004) entre personas con obesidad mórbida (0,74) comparadas con el CG. No hubo diferencia significativa entre las frecuencias del rs10504050 en OB con pre o diabetes, comparado con el CG, ni con personas con obesidad sin diabetes. Las concentraciones de TBARS fueron mayores en todos los grados de OB comparados con el CG. Conclusión: el polimorfismo rs10504050 se asoció con obesidad, especialmente mórbida, pero no se asoció con diabetes o prediabetes. El estrés oxidativo está presente de manera significativa en todos los grados de obesidad.

Improving heart healthy lifestyles among participants in a Salud para su Corazón promotores model: the Mexican pilot study, 2009-2012.

INTRODUCTION: In Mexico, cardiovascular disease and its risk factors are growing problems and major public health concerns. The objective of this study was to implement cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention activities of the Salud para su Corazón model in a high-risk, impoverished, urban community in Mexico City. METHODS: We used a pretest-posttest (baseline to 12-week follow-up) design without a control group. Material from Salud para su Corazón was validated and delivered by promotores (community health workers) to community members from 6 geographic areas. Two validated, self-administered questionnaires that assessed participants' knowledge and behaviors relating to heart health were administered. We used t tests and χ(2) tests to evaluate pretest and posttest differences, by age group (≤60 and >60 years), for participants' 3 heart-healthy habits, 3 types of physical activity, performance skills, and anthropometric and clinical measurements. RESULTS: A total of 452 (82%) adult participants completed the program. Heart-healthy habits from pretest to posttest varied by age group. "Taking action" to modify lifestyle behaviors increased among adults aged 60 or younger from 31.5% to 63.0% (P < .001) and among adults older than 60 from 30.0% to 45.0% (P < .001). Positive responses for cholesterol and fat consumption reduction were seen among participants 60 or younger (P = .03). Among those older than 60, salt reduction and weight control increased (P = .008). Mean blood glucose concentration among adults older than 60 decreased postintervention (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Significant improvements in some heart-healthy habits were seen among adult participants. The model has potential to improve heart-healthy habits and facilitate behavioral change among high-risk adults.

Clinimetric testing in mexican elders: associations with age, gender, and place of residence.

AIM: To evaluate the ability of five clinimetric instruments to discriminate between subjects >60 years of age living at home versus those living in a residency. METHODS: Trained nutritionists applied five instruments (cognition/depression/functionality/nutrition/appetite) to 285 subjects with majorities of women (64%), aged <80 years (61%), and home residents (54%). RESULTS: Multivariable regression models were generated for each instrument using age, gender, and residency as independent variables. Age was associated with worsening scores in the five instruments whereas residency showed association in three instruments, and gender in two. Score-age regressions by place of residency showed differences suggesting that Mundet residents had increasingly worse scores with increasing age than home dwellers for cognition, depression, and nutrition. Also, living at home prevented the worsening of depression with increasing age. In contrast, functionality and appetite deteriorated at a similar rate for home and Mundet residents suggesting an inability of these two instruments to discriminate between settings. Score-age regressions by gender suggested that males have less cognitive problems at 60 and 80 years of age but not at 100 years, and better appetite than women at all ages. CONCLUSION: Increasing age proved to be associated to worsening scores in the five instruments but only three were able to detect differences according to setting. An interesting observation was that living at home appeared to prevent the depression increase with increasing age seen in Mundet residents.

Association between Apolipoprotein E Variants and Obesity-Related Traits in Mexican School Children.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Genetic variation in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has a key role in lipid metabolism. However, its contribution to the amount and distribution of body fat is under investigation. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between genetic variation in ApoE and obesity-related traits in Mexican school children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anthropometric, body composition and physical activity measures were conducted using standard methods in 300 children (177 girls/123 boys) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. DNA was isolated from saliva. ApoE genotypes were analyzed by allelic discrimination. The association between variation in ApoE and anthropometric and body composition measures was investigated using the General Linear Model. RESULTS: The mean±SD values for age, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were 9.05±0.80 years, 19.01±3.83 and 67.98±10.97 cm, respectively. Approximately 46% of the participants were overweight or obese. A significant association between ApoE isoforms and WC was found after controlling for age, sex and the percentage of physical activity (p=0.025). Significant main effects were found for vigorous physical activity and light physical activity influencing the adiposity-related BMI (p<0.001) and WC (p=0.044), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Variation in ApoE and physical activity intensity were associated with adiposity-related phenotypes in Mexican school children.

[Comparison of resting energy expenditure determined by indirect calorimetry and estimated by predictive formulas in women with obesity degrees I to III]. / Comparación del gasto energético en reposo determinado mediante calorimetría indirecta y estimado mediante fórmulas predictivas en mujeres con grados de obesidad I a III.

INTRODUCTION: The determination of resting energy expenditure (REE) is calculated in clinical practices by predictive formulas; however the result varies among the population due to several factors. OBJECTIVE: To compare the REE determination by indirect calorimetry and by Harris-Benedict (HB), Mifflin (MF), World Health Organization (WHO), Institute of Medicine (IOM), "Formula Rápida" (FR) and Valencia (VA) formulas, in women with obesity grades I to III. METHODS: Mexican mestizo adult women were included in the study and stratified in three groups according to their body mass index (BMI). Grade I obesity (BMI 30.0-34.9, n = 42), grade II (BMI 35.0-39.9, n = 38) and grade III (BMI > 40, n = 41). REE was determined by indirect calorimetry and by the aforementioned equations. Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Dunn test were used for statistical comparison and p < 0.05 was accepted as a statistical difference. RESULTS: There were no statistical difference between the REE values estimated by formulas HB, WHO and VA regarding the CI. The accuracy obtained from these formulas was 63%, 67% and 64%, respectively, when data were analyzed in a single group. The IOM, ER and MF formulas showed statistically significant difference versus the CI and their accuracy were 58%, 53%, and 54%, respectively. In grade III obesity VA (78%) and FR (71%) accuracy were the highest obtained. DISCUSSION: HB, WHO and VA formulas were the best to estimate REE in Mexican women with BMI > 30. In obesity grade III FR and VA formulas showed the best performance.

Introducción: La determinación del gasto energético en reposo (GER) se calcula cotidianamente a partir de fórmulas predictivas aunque el resultado varía dependiendo de la población. Objetivo: Comparar la determinación del GER mediante calorimetría indirecta y mediante las ecuaciones Harris-Benedict (HB), Mifflin (MF), Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), «Institute of Medicine¼ (IOM), Fórmula Rápida (FR) y Valencia (VA) en mujeres con grados de obesidad I a III. Métodos: Mujeres adultas mestizas mexicanas se incluyeron en el estudio y formaron 3 grupos a partir del índice de masa corporal (IMC). Obesidad grado I (IMC 30,0-34,9; n = 42), grado II (IMC 35,0-39,9; n = 38) y grado III (IMC > 40; n = 41). Se determinó el GER mediante calorimetría indirecta y mediante las ecuaciones antes señaladas. ANOVA de Kruskal-Wallis y la prueba de Dunn se emplearon para el análisis estadístico (p < 0,05 se aceptó como diferencia). Resultados: No se observó diferencia estadística entre los valores de las fórmulas HB, OMS y VA respecto a la CI. La concordancia obtenida de dichas fórmulas fue 63%, 67% y 64%, respectivamente, al analizar los datos en un solo grupo de obesidad. Asimismo, las fórmulas IOM, ER y MF mostraron diferencia estadística significativa versus la CI, siendo la concordancia 58%, 53% y 54%, respectivamente. En el grado III de obesidad la concordancia de VA (78%) y FR (71%) fue la mayor obtenida. Discusión: Las fórmulas HB, OMS y VA fueron las mejores para estimar el GER en mujeres mexicanas con IMC>30. En el grado III VA y FR muestran el mejor desempeño.

Prevalence of metilentetrahidrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism, consumption of vitamins B6, B9, B12 and determination of lipidic hydroperoxides in obese and normal weight Mexican population.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of the principal comorbidities of obesity. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme (MTHFR) participates in the metabolism of folate with the action of vitamins B6 and B12. The gene of MTHFR may present a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 677 (C677T), which can promote homocysteinemia associated to the production of free radicals. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of SNP C677T of the MTHFR, evaluate the consumption of vitamins B6, B9, B12 and determine the concentration of plasma lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) in obese and control groups. METHODS: 128 Mexican mestizo according to their body mass index were classified as normal weight (Nw; n=75) and obesity (ObeI-III; n=53). Identification of SNP C677T of MTHFR was performed by PCR-RFLP technic. The consumption of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 was assessed by a validate survey. LOOH was determined as an indicator of peripheral oxidative stress. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the frequency of the C677T polymorphism between the TT homozygous genotype in Nw (0.19) and ObeI-III (0.25). The frequency of T allele in Nw was 0.45 and 0.51 in ObI-III group. There were no statistical differences in the consumption of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 between Nw and ObI-III groups. The LOOH showed statistical difference (p < 0.05) between Nw and ObI­III group. DISCUSSION: Oxidative stress is present in all grades of obesity although there were no differences in the vitamin consumption and the SNP C677T between Nw and ObeI­III groups.

Introducción. El estrés oxidativo es un factor clave en el inicio y el desarrollo de las comorbilidades de la obesidad. La enzima metiltetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) participa en el metabolismo del folato con la acción de las vitaminas B9 y B12. El gen MTHFR puede presentar un polimorfismo de un solo nucleótido (SNP) en la posición 677 (C677T), que puede promover homocisteinemia asociada a la producción de radicales libres. Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia del SNP C677T de la MTHFR, evaluar el consumo de vitaminas B6, B9, B12 y determinar la concentración de hidroperóxidos lipídicos (LOOH) en plasma en un grupo de obesos y testigo. Métodos. Se clasificaron 128 mexicanos mestizos de acuerdo a su índice de masa corporal en normopeso (Nw; n=75) y obesidad (ObeI-III; n=53). Se identificó el SNP C677T de la MTHFR mediante la técnica de PCR-RFLP. El consumo de vitaminas B6, B9 y B12 se evaluó mediante una encuesta validada. Se determinaron LOOH como un indicador de estrés oxidativo periférico. Resultados. No hubo diferencia estadística significativa en la frecuencia del polimorfismo C677T entre homocigotos TT en Nw (0.19) y ObeI-III (0.25). La frecuencia del alelo T en Nw fue de 0.45, y 0.51 en el grupo ObeI-III. Los LOOH mostraron diferencia estadística significativa (p.

[Complementary feeding]. / Alimentación complementaria.

According to PAHO and WHO, supplementary feeding is the process that begins when human milk is insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of an infant and requires other foods and liquids. The decision to begin complementary feeding depends on socio-economic, physiological, nutritional and psychological factors. The maturation of the neuromuscular, gastrointestinal and renal system influences the chances of success of supplementary feeding. Reflexes and skills in a child with normal development can be expected and the consistency of foods can provide a way to, on one hand allow the ingestion of food and the other to allow the children to exercise their reflexes to enhance neuromuscular maturation. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding promotion to six months, as there are several benefits to mother and child; in Mexico, the NOM-043-SSA2-2005 promotes complementary feeding from 6 months. It should be noted that the order of introduction is not definitive and that the literature shows different patterns of input according to the needs of children and their socio-economic and cultural environment. Parents and caregivers select and buy food, model, and establish rules of behavior at home related to food. Evidence suggest that environmental factors acting at an early stage of development of small modeling preferences and eating behaviors.

[Nutrition and diabetes in the elderly]. / Nutrición y diabetes en el anciano.

The aging process conveys multiple changes in the organism, as well as changes in individual's surroundings. Such modifications make the appearance of this sufferance, diagnose, and treatment to be complex and different in the rest of the population. The last makes necessary the coordinated work of the multidisciplinary team, in which the diabetic senior, caretaker, or relative most be actively participants. The success of preventive and curative measures relies in increasing knowledge about health and, life conditions (economic, social, community, family, etc.) of each patient and of the senior population in general; as well as facilitating the patient with information about the means to have a better understanding about the disease, and the available resources for its treatment, and to be aware of the importance of achieving the therapeutic objectives. This last part is particularly important for the nutritional treatment for diabetes, since its objective is the change in the habit, and customs of nutrition, and the physical activity that the patient has realized throughout many years.

Formación nutriológica en las escuelas de medicina de México / Clinical nutrition training in medical schools of Mexico

Objetivo. Describir las actividades relacionadas con la enseñanza de la nutrición en las escuelas y facultades de medicina de México, con énfasis en el estado de la enseñanza previo al programa, en la descripción de un plan de estudios básico, y en la presentación de estrategias aplicadas para impulsarla. Métodos. a) Análisis de los programas de estudio disponibles; b) aplicación de un cuestionario a directores de escuelas; c) evaluación del nivel de conocimientos de nutrición de estudiantes de medicina avanzados; d) diseño de un plan de estudios básicos. Resultados. La mayoría de los programas de estudios analizados no incluyó algunos tópicos de nutriología importantes (dietoterapia, dietética, antropología y economía). Los temas básicos de nutrición fueron los temas enseñados más frecuentemente. Entre los principales problemas de enseñanza identificados se encontraron una falta de docentes especializados y una infraestructura de enseñanza débil. Para impulsar la enseñanza fue diseñado un currículum básico adaptable a diferentes contextos, y se editó un libro de texto. Asimismo se realizaron programas de capacitación de docentes y de formación de especialistas

Nutriología médica / Medical nutrition

Desde la perspectiva de la autora, se ofrece una descripción de la situación de la alimentación y la nutrición de la población mexicana, durante la década de los noventa. Para esto, analiza los métodos que se han utilizado para la medición del estado de nutrición, así como los obstáculos que dificultan la conceptualización precisa de la problemática nutricia del país. Este trabajo comprende los siguientes apartados: 1) Los instrumentos de evaluación: indicadores indirectos y directos; 2) Situación nutricia: desnutrición; obesidad y enfermedades crónico degenerativas. 3) Situación alimentaria: patrones de consumo de alimentos y su efecto en la nutrición; modificación de patrones alimentarios en el Distrito federal; 4) Conclusión