Associations between dietary diversity and high sensitive C-reactive protein among Japanese workers: findings of a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: To clarify the association between dietary diversity and inflammatory status in Japanese workers. METHODS: Of 1,460 men and women aged 20-64 years in 2010 (baseline), those who were followed-up at least once between 2011 and 2018 were included in this study; 1,433 participants and 745 participants were included in the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline, and the dietary diversity score was determined using the Quantitative Index for Dietary Diversity (QUANTIDD). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was taken to indicate inflammatory status at the baseline and follow-up surveys. In the cross-sectional analysis using baseline data, a generalized linear model was used to calculate adjusted means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hs-CRP according to the QUANTIDD score. In the longitudinal analysis, generalized estimating equations were used to calculate the adjusted mean (95% CI) for hs-CRP in follow-up according to the QUANTIDD score at baseline. RESULTS: In the cross-sectional analysis, the hs-CRP concentration in male participants was significantly lower in those who had a high QUANTIDD score (adjusted mean [95% CI]: 0.074 [0.009-0.140] mg/dL in the lower group vs. 0.038 [-0.029-0.105] mg/dL in the higher group, p-value = 0.034). In the longitudinal analysis, the hs-CRP concentration of male participants also tended to be lower in those with higher QUANTIDD scores (p-value = 0.103). In both the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses in women, there was no significant difference between the lower and higher QUANTIDD score groups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that, in male Japanese workers, higher dietary diversity might be important for maintaining a low inflammatory status.

Changes in higher-level functional capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults living in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate change in higher-level functional capacity of older Japanese individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Four hundred older Japanese individuals completed an online questionnaire in early May 2021. Participants were asked retrospectively about their higher-level functional capacity and lifestyle before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher-level functional capacity was determined as total score on the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC). Total TMIG-IC score ranges from 0 to 13. A decline in higher-level functional capacity was defined as a decrease in TMIG-IC score of more than 2 points during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in higher-level functional capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed by paired t-test and a general linear model. RESULTS: Decreased TMIG-IC scores were found in 43 (21.5%) men and 61 (30.5%) women. Among those with higher-level functional capacity, scores for total TMIG-IC and Social Role decreased significantly in both sexes (all p<0.005). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest an association of the COVID-19 pandemic with a decrease in higher-level functional capacity, especially in Social Role, among older adults living in Japan. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 66-74, February, 2024.