Diet Quality and Risk of Bladder Cancer in the Multiethnic Cohort Study.

This study analyzed the overall quality of the diet using predefined indices, including the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), the alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) score, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), to explore their association with the risk of bladder cancer in the Multiethnic Cohort Study. Data were taken from 186,979 African American, Japanese American, Latino, Native Hawaiian, and non-Hispanic White participants aged 45-75 years, with 1152 incident cases of invasive bladder cancer during a mean follow-up period of 19.2 ± 6.6 years. Cox models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with comprehensive adjustment for smoking. Comparing the highest vs. lowest diet quality score quintile, HRs (95% CIs) in men was 1.08 (0.86-1.36) for HEI-2015, 1.05 (0.84-1.30) for AHEI-2010, 1.01 (0.80-1.27) for aMED, 1.13 (0.90-1.41) for DASH, and 0.96 (0.76-1.21) for DII®, whereas the corresponding HRs for women were 0.75 (0.53-1.07), 0.64 (0.45-0.92), 0.60 (0.40-0.88), 0.66 (0.46-0.95), and 0.63 (0.43-0.90) with all p values for trend <0.05. The inverse association found in women did not vary by smoking status or race and ethnicity. Our findings suggest that adopting high-quality diets may reduce the risk of invasive bladder cancer among women in a multiethnic population.

Food (in) security and nutritional dietary quality In Brazil / Insegurança alimentar e nutricional e qualidade da dieta no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective Verify association between the perception of food insecurity and the diet quality of the Brazilian population, applying The Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale and the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised. Methods Cross-sectional study using data from the Householder Budget Survey collected in 2017/18 with two 24-hour recalls. A multinomial regression model was used with Odds Ratio and a 95% confidence interval, with the final model being the insertion of variables according to the theoretical model of hierarchy adopted. Results A total of 57,920 households were analyzed, and of these, 39.22% lived with some degree of Food Insecurity. There was a significant difference between female heads of the household, mixed race and black race, households with adults and children and living in rural regions as the three levels of AI [Food insecure] (p=<0.001), with a greater chance of food insecurity in these households. The average Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised for the 46,152 individuals was 54.23 points for those who were not food insecure, and 54.11 points for those who experienced severe food insecurity. Conclusion It is concluded that there is an association between the perception of food insecurity and the nutritional quality of the diet of the Brazilian population, which can lead to malnutrition and obesity.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a associação entre a percepção de insegurança alimentar e a qualidade da dieta da população brasileira, aplicando a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar e o Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado a partir de dois recordatórios de 24 horas. Métodos Estudo transversal que utilizou dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares de 2017-2018. Utilizou-se o modelo de regressão multinomial com Odds Ratio e intervalo de confiança de 95%, sendo o modelo final com inserção das variáveis de acordo com o modelo teórico de hierarquia adotado. Resultados Foram analisados 57.920 domicílios, e destes, 39,22% viviam com algum grau de Insegurança Alimentar. Verificou-se diferença significativa entre pessoas do sexo feminino como chefe do domicílio, raça pardo e preto, domicílios com adultos e crianças e residir na região rural como os três níveis de Insegurança Alimentar (p=<0,001), havendo uma maior chance de insegurança alimentar nesses domicílios. A média do Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado para os 46.152 indivíduos foi de 54.23 pontos para os que não apresentavam insegurança alimentar, e 54.11 pontos para aqueles que vivenciaram insegurança alimentar grave. Conclusão Conclui-se que existe associação entre a percepção de insegurança alimentar e a qualidade nutricional da dieta da população brasileira, o que pode levar à desnutrição e obesidade.

Challenges for building healthy food environment in an agricultural municipality in southern Brazil / Os desafios para a construção de ambientes alimentares saudáveis em um município agrícola no Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this paper is to review the challenges for the development of healthier food environments in Palmeira da Missões, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods A qualitative approach was carried out with 29 participants. Data were produced through semi-structured interviews and the content was assessed by thematic categories. Results Three main difficulties were identified for the fostering of healthier food environments in the municipality: the disconnection between consumption and food production; the fragility in the food safety regulations and finally, the disconnection between public policies and local actions for food production. Conclusion The results allow to conclude that there are weaknesses concerning the food environments in Palmeira das Missões, which imply challenges for the fostering of healthy eating and, at the same time, a need for more effective articulation and local action.

RESUMO Objetivo Este trabalho analisou os desafios para a construção de ambientes alimentares mais saudáveis em Palmeira da Missões, no Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos Foi realizada uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, que contou com a participação de 29 interlocutores. Os dados foram produzidos por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas as quais foram analisadas através da avaliação análise de conteúdo por categorias temáticas. Resultados Foram identificadas três principais dificuldades para a promoção de ambientes alimentares mais saudáveis no município: a desconexão entre consumo e produção de alimentos; a fragilidade na legislação higiênico-sanitária dos alimentos; e por último, a desarticulação entre políticas públicas e ações locais para a produção de alimentos. Conclusão Os resultados permitem concluir que há fragilidades em relação aos ambientes alimentares em Palmeira das Missões, os quais implicam desafios para a promoção da alimentação saudável e, ao mesmo tempo, necessidade de articulação e atuação local mais efetiva.

The Effectiveness of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Traditional Brazilian Diet in Reducing the Inflammatory Profile of Individuals with Severe Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

We analyzed the effectiveness of two nutritional interventions alone and together, EVOO and the DieTBra, on the inflammatory profile of severely obese individuals. This study was an RCT with 149 individuals aged from 18 to 65 years, with a body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2, randomized into three intervention groups: (1) 52 mL/day of EVOO (n = 50); (2) DieTBra (n = 49); and (3) DieTBra plus 52 mL/day of EVOO (DieTBra + EVOO, n = 50). The primary outcomes we measured were the-neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the secondary outcomes we measured were the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR); leukocytes; and C reactive protein (CRP). After 12 weeks of intervention, DieTBra + EVOO significantly reduced the total leucocytes (p = 0.037) and LMR (p = 0.008). No statistically significant differences were found for the NLR in neither the intra-group and inter-group analyses, although a slight reduction was found in the DieTBra group (-0.22 ± 1.87). We observed reductions in the total leukocytes and LMR in the three groups, though without statistical difference between groups. In conclusion, nutritional intervention with DietBra + EVOO promotes a significant reduction in inflammatory biomarkers, namely leukocytes and LMR. CRP was reduced in EVOO and DieTBra groups and NLR reduced in the DieTBra group. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT02463435.

Diet Quality and Risk of Lung Cancer in the Multiethnic Cohort Study.

Diet quality, assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), the alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) score, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), was examined in relation to risk of lung cancer in the Multiethnic Cohort Study. The analysis included 179,318 African Americans, Native Hawaiians, Japanese Americans, Latinos, and Whites aged 45-75 years, with 5350 incident lung cancer cases during an average follow-up of 17.5 ± 5.4 years. In multivariable Cox models comprehensively adjusted for cigarette smoking, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the highest vs. lowest quality group based on quintiles were as follows: 0.85 (0.77-0.93) for HEI-2015; 0.84 (0.77-0.92) for AHEI-2010; 0.83 (0.76-0.91) for aMED; 0.83 (0.73-0.91) for DASH; and 0.90 (0.82-0.99) for DII. In histological cell type-specific analyses, the inverse association was stronger for squamous cell carcinoma than for adeno-, small cell, and large cell carcinomas for all indexes. There was no indication of differences in associations by sex, race/ethnicity, and smoking status. These findings support that high-quality diets are associated with lower risk of lung cancer, especially squamous cell carcinomas, in a multiethnic population.

The Relationships between Sleep and Mental and Physical Health of Chinese Elderly: Exploring the Mediating Roles of Diet and Physical Activity.

Sleep quality, diet quality, and physical activity are significant factors influencing physical and mental health. However, few studies have explored their underlying mechanisms, especially among the elderly population in East Asia, where people have food culture and lifestyles distinct from those living in Western countries. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the relationships among sleep quality, diet quality, physical activity, and physical and mental health in a Chinese elderly sample. Sleep quality, diet quality, physical activity, physical health, and mental health were investigated among 313 Chinese elderly (aged 51-92 years, M = 67.90, SD = 7.94). Mediation analysis was used to examine the empirical model based on previous theories and literature. Close positive relationships were observed between all factors investigated (r = 0.22~0.73, p < 0.001). The relationships between sleep quality and physical and mental health were partially mediated by diet quality and physical activity. In clinical interventions, sleep quality, diet quality, and physical activity can be targeted to improve physical and mental health among the older adult populations.

Dietary intake and lipid levels in Norwegian and Spanish children with familial hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Both the Nordic and Mediterranean diets claim to have a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular prevention. The objective of this study was to compare diets consumed by children with FH at the time of diagnosis in Norway and Spain and to study their relationship with the lipid profile. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this cross-sectional study, we appraised the dietary intake in children (4-18 years old) with (n = 114) and without FH (n = 145) from Norway and Spain. We compared Nordic and Mediterranean diet composition differences and determined the association between food groups and lipid profiles. RESULTS: The Spanish FH group had a higher intake of total fats (mainly monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)), cholesterol and fibre, but a lower intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) compared to the Norwegian FH group. The Norwegian children consumed more rapeseed oil, low-fat margarine and whole grains and less olive oil, eggs, fatty fish, meat, legumes and nuts. In the Norwegian FH group, fat and MUFAs were directly correlated with total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B and inversely correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C). In Spanish children with FH, the intake of fats (mainly MUFAs) was directly associated with HDL-C and apolipoprotein A1. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a similar lipid phenotype, diets consumed by children with FH in Norway and Spain have significant differences at time of diagnosis. Nutrition advice should be more adapted to local intake patterns than on specific nutrient composition.

Sociodemographic Determinants of Life's Simple 7: Implications for Achieving Cardiovascular Health and Health Equity Goals.

Background: Life's Simple 7 (LS7; nutrition, physical activity, cigarette use, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose) predicts cardiovascular health. The principal objective of our study was to define demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with LS7 to better inform programs addressing cardiovascular health and health equity. Methods: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1999-2016 data were analyzed on non-Hispanic White [NHW], NH Black [NHB], and Hispanic adults aged ≥20 years without cardiovascular disease. Each LS7 variable was assigned 0, 1, or 2 points for poor, intermediate, and ideal levels, respectively. Composite LS7 scores were grouped as poor (0-4 points), intermediate (5-9), and ideal (10-14). Results: 32,803 adults were included. Mean composite LS7 scores were below ideal across race/ethnicity groups. After adjusting for confounders, NHBs were less likely to have optimal LS7 scores than NHW (multivariable odds ratios (OR .44; 95% CI .37-.53), whereas Hispanics tended to have better scores (1.18; .96-1.44). Hispanics had more ideal LS7 scores than NHBs, although Hispanics had lower incomes and less education, which were independently associated with fewer ideal LS7 scores. Adults aged ≥45 years were less likely to have ideal LS7 scores (.11; .09-.12) than adults aged <45 years. Conclusions: NHBs were the least likely to have optimal scores, despite higher incomes and more education than Hispanics, consistent with structural racism and Hispanic paradox. Programs to optimize lifestyle should begin in childhood to mitigate precipitous age-related declines in LS7 scores, especially in at-risk groups. Promoting higher education and reducing poverty are also important.

Healthy dietary patterns to reduce obesity-related metabolic disease: polyphenol-microbiome interactions unifying health effects across geography.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The spread of the Western lifestyle across the globe has led to a pandemic in obesity-related metabolic disease. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), Okinawa diet (OkD) and Nordic diet, derived from very different regions of the world and culinary traditions, have a large whole plant food component and are associated with reduced disease risk. This review focuses on polyphenol : microbiome interactions as one possible common mechanistic driver linking the protective effects whole plant foods against metabolic disease across healthy dietary patterns irrespective of geography. RECENT FINDINGS: Although mechanistic evidence in humans is still scarce, animal studies suggest that polyphenol or polyphenol rich foods induce changes within the gut microbiota and its metabolic output of trimethylamine N-oxide, short-chain fatty acids, bile acids and small phenolic acids. These cross-kingdom signaling molecules regulate mammalian lipid and glucose homeostasis, inflammation and energy storage or thermogenesis, physiological processes determining obesity-related metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk. However, it appears that where in the intestine metabolites are produced, the microbiota communities involved, and interactions between the metabolites themselves, can all influence physiological responses, highlighting the need for a greater understanding of the kinetics and site of production of microbial metabolites within the gut. SUMMARY: Interactions between polyphenols and metabolites produced by the gut microbiota are emerging as a possible unifying protective mechanism underpinning diverse healthy dietary patterns signaling across culinary traditions, across geography and across domains of life.

Associations between Diet, the Gut Microbiome, and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production among Older Caribbean Latino Adults.

BACKGROUND: Caribbean Latino adults have disproportionately high prevalence of chronic disease; however, underlying mechanisms are unknown. Unique gut microbiome profiles and relation to dietary quality may underlie health disparities. OBJECTIVES: To examine the dietary quality of an underrepresented group of Caribbean Latino older adults with high prevalence of chronic disease; characterize gut microbiome profiles in this cohort; determine associations between dietary quality, gut microbiome composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production; examine associations of clinical factors (body mass index, type 2 diabetes [T2D] status, and laxative use) with gut microbiome composition. DESIGN: The study design was cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Recruitment and interviews occurred at the Senior Center in Lawrence, MA, from September 2016-September 2017. A total of 20 adults aged ≥50 years, self-identified of Caribbean Latino origin, without use of antibiotics in 6 months or intestinal surgery were included in the study. EXPOSURE AND OUTCOME MEASURES: Diet was assessed by two, 24-hour recalls and dietary quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index 2015 and the Mediterranean Diet Score. The gut microbiome was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing and fecal SCFA content. Anthropometrics (ie, weight and height) were measured by a trained interviewer, and self-reported laxative use, and other self-report health outcomes (ie, T2D status) were assessed by questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Faith Phylogenetic Diversity (alpha diversity) and unique fraction metric, or UniFrac (beta diversity) and nonphylogenetic metrics, including Shannon diversity index (alpha diversity) were calculated. Spearman correlations and group comparisons using Kruskal-Wallis test between alpha diversity indexes and nutrient intakes were calculated. Patterns in the microbiome were estimated using a partitioning around medoids with estimation of number of clusters, with optimum average silhouette width. Log odds were calculated to compare predefined nutrients and diet score components between microbiome clusters using multivariable logistic regression, controlling for age and sex. Pearson correlation was used to relate SCFA fecal content to individual nutrients and diet indexes. Final models were additionally adjusted for laxative use. Differences in lifestyle factors by gut microbiome cluster were tested by Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Generally, there was poor alignment of participant's diets to either the Mediterranean Diet score or Healthy Eating Index 2015. Range in the Healthy Eating Index 2015 was 36 to 90, where only 5% (n=1) of the sample showed high adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Mediterranean Diet scores suggested low conformance with a Mediterranean eating pattern (score range=2 to 8, where 45% scored ≤3 [poor adherence]). The gut microbiome separated into two clusters by difference in a single bacterial taxon: Prevotella copri (P copri) (permutational multivariate analysis of variance [PERMANOVA] R2=0.576, ADONIS function P=0.001). Significantly lower P copri abundance was observed in cluster 1 compared with cluster 2 (Mann-Whitney P<0.0001). Samples in the P copri dominated cluster 2 showed significantly lower alpha diversity compared with P copri depleted cluster 1 (Shannon diversity index P=0.01). Individuals in the P copri dominated cluster showed a trend toward higher 18:3 α-linolenic fatty acid intakes (P=0.09). Percentage of energy from total fat intake was significantly, positively correlated with fecal acetate (r=0.46; P=0.04), butyrate (r=0.50; P=0.03) and propionate (r=0.52; P=0.02). Associations between dietary intake and composition of the gut microbiome were attenuated by self-report recent laxative use. Individuals with T2D exhibited a significantly greater abundance of the Enterobacteriales (P=0.01) and a trend toward lower fecal content of butyric acid compared to subjects without T2D (P=0.08). Significant beta diversity differences were observed by weight (Mantel P<0.003) and body mass index (Mantel P<0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Two unique microbiome profiles, identified by abundance of P copri, were identified among Caribbean Latino adults. Microbiome profiles and SCFA content were associated with diet, T2D, and lifestyle. Further research is needed to determine the role of P copri and SCFA production in the risk for chronic disease and associated lifestyle predictors.

Eating and physical activity behaviours among ethnic groups in Queensland, Australia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in eating and physical activity behaviours among ethnic groups in Queensland, Australia, and differences in those behaviours due to the duration of residency in Australia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using baseline data collected for the Living Well Multicultural-Lifestyle Modification Program between October 2014 and June 2017. SETTING: Culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD), including Afghani, Somali, Burmese, Pacific and South Sea Islander, Sri Lankan, Sudanese and Vietnamese, living in Queensland, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: People were recruited if they were ≥18 years old and living in the targeted CALD communities. RESULTS: Burmese/Vietnamese, on average, had better eating scores in line with Australian dietary guidelines, compared with Afghani/Arabic-speaking (difference = 2·05 points, 95 % CI 1·39, 2·72), Somali/Sudanese (difference = 1·53 points, 95 % CI 0·79, 2·28) and Pacific Islander (difference = 1·46 points, 95 % CI 0·79, 2·13). Association between ethnicity and meeting the physical activity guideline was not significant. Those who stayed in Australia longer than a year were less likely to meet the physical activity guideline than those staying <1 year (OR = 0·51, 95 % CI 0·31, 0·84). There was no significant association between duration of residency in Australia and eating scores. CONCLUSIONS: Eating behaviours were significantly different among the ethnic groups in Queensland with Burmese/Vietnamese and Sri Lankan/Bhutanese having the healthiest diets. All ethnic groups were less likely to meet the physical activity guideline compared with the general Australian population. People with duration of residency of at least 1 year in Australia were less likely to meet the physical activity guideline compared with those who had shorter stays.

Nutrition Label Use Is Related to Chronic Conditions among Mexicans: Data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2016.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, can be prevented and treated through a balanced nutrient-rich diet. Nutrition labels have been recognized as crucial to preventing obesity and non-communicable diseases through a healthier diet. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine the association between nutrition label use and chronic conditions (overweight, obesity, previously diagnosed diabetes, and hypertension) among an adult Mexican population. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study that used data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey of 2016 (ENSANUT MC 2016). PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The participants were 5,013 adults aged 20 to 70 years old. Older adults (>70 years), illiterate participants, pregnant women, and participants with implausible blood pressure data were excluded from the sample. The survey was conducted from May to August 2016 in the participants' households. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured chronic conditions (overweight, obesity, previously diagnosed diabetes, and hypertension). STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Pearson χ2 test was used to examine the associations among the use of nutrition labels and sociodemographic characteristics and chronic conditions. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the association between nutrition label use and chronic conditions adjusting for the effect of confounding variables like sex, age, body mass index, education level, marital status, ethnicity, residence area, region, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: From the total sample, 40.9% (95% CI 38.4% to 43.8%) reported using nutrition labeling. Respondents with overweight or obesity were less likely to use nutrition labels (odds ratio 0.74; P<0.05). Participants who self-reported diabetes had significantly lower odds of nutrition label use than participants who did not report to have diabetes (odds ratio 0.66; P<0.05). Participants having 3 chronic conditions had lower odds of nutrition label use (odds ratio 0.34; P<0.01) relative to having zero chronic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests an association between nutrition label use and chronic conditions (obesity and diabetes). These findings demonstrate that people with obesity, diabetes, and a combination of chronic conditions were less likely to use nutrition labels than people without these conditions.

Definition of the Traditional Mexican Diet and Its Role in Health: A Systematic Review.

Promoting traditional diets could potentially reduce the current high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. While the traditional Mexican diet (TMexD) could be specifically promoted in Mexico, a concise definition of the TMexD and evidence of its association with NCDs are needed before its promotion. To evaluate what constitutes this diet pattern, we aimed to systematically review, for the first time, how the TMexD has been described in the literature to date. A secondary aim was to examine whether the TMexD, as described by available definitions, is associated with NCD outcomes. We searched for records describing a whole TMexD up to July 2019 in 12 electronic databases, reference lists, a relevant journal, and by contacting experts on the topic. We reported the results using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We included 61 records for the definition of the diet and six for the association with NCD outcomes. The food groups characterising the TMexD that were consistently mentioned in all the study subgroups were grains and tubers, legumes, and vegetables; specific foods included maize, beans, chile, squash, tomato, and onion. Other groups also mentioned, although with lesser frequency, were maize products, fruits, beverages, fish and seafood, meats, sweets and sweeteners, and herbs and condiments. Only a few studies reported on the frequency of consumption or the amounts in which these foods were consumed in the TMexD. It was not possible to reach strong conclusions for the association between adherence to the TMexD and NCD outcomes. The TMexD was weakly associated with developing breast cancer, not associated with triglyceride levels, and inconsistently associated with obesity and diabetes outcomes. However, results were limited by the small number of studies (n = 6), of which most were of observational nature and evaluated diets using different TMexD definitions. These findings provide systematically identified evidence of the characteristics of the TMexD. More studies are needed to ascertain the exact quantities by which foods were consumed in the TMexD in order to establish whether this dietary pattern is associated with health and should be promoted within the Mexican population.

Proposal for an Empirical Japanese Diet Score and the Japanese Diet Pyramid.

A traditional Japanese diet (JD) has been widely regarded as healthy, contributing to longevity. The modern Japanese lifestyle has become markedly westernized, and it is speculated that the number of people who eat JD is decreasing. A simple evaluation of people with low adherence to JD will help improve dietary life. We developed a simple assessment tool that can capture JD, and examined factors associated with low adherence to JD. A total of 1458 subjects aged 18 to 84 years completed a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. We constructed an empirical Japanese diet score (eJDS) consisting of 12 items from the common characteristics of a JD. In our participants, 47.7% of subjects reported low adherence to JD and only 11.1% demonstrated high adherence. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, younger age persons, physically inactive persons, and heavy drinkers were associated with low adherence to JD. Based on the cutoff values of eJDS, we proposed to create a Japanese diet pyramid that is easy to use visually. In conclusion, the eJDS and the Japanese diet pyramid will be useful tools for nutrition education and dietary guidance.

[Research progress on the relationship between dietary nutrition, lifestyle and depression].

Depression jeopardizes human health and brings heavy burden to both related families and societies. However, pathogenesis of depression has not been fully clarified yet. Previous studies show that there are some connections seen between dietary factors and depression, which are affected by various lifestyles. This paper aims at providing evidence for the prevention and treatment of depression by evaluating the relationships between factors as nutrients, dietary patterns, lifestyle and depression, based on the published literature.

The association of religious affiliation with cholesterol levels among South Asians: the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study.

BACKGROUND: South Asians have disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia, a contributing factor, may be influenced by lifestyle, which can vary by religious beliefs. Little is known about South Asian religions and associations with dyslipidemia. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses of the MASALA study (n = 889). We examined the associations between religious affiliation and cholesterol levels using multivariate linear regression models. We determined whether smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and dietary pattern mediated these associations. RESULTS: Mean LDL was 112 ± 32 mg/dL, median HDL was 48 mg/dL (IQR:40-57), and median triglycerides was 118 mg/dL (IQR:88-157). Muslims had higher LDL and triglycerides, and lower HDL, while participants with no religious affiliation had lower LDL and higher HDL. The difference in HDL between Muslims and those with no religious affiliation was partly explained by alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Religion-specific tailoring of interventions designed to promote healthy lifestyle to reduce cholesterol among South Asians may be useful.

French and Mediterranean-style diets: Contradictions, misconceptions and scientific facts-A review.

The determination of appropriate dietary strategies for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases remains a challenging and highly relevant issue worldwide. Epidemiological dietary interventions have been studied for decades with contrasting impacts on human health. Moreover, research scientists and physicians have long debated diets encouraging alcohol intake, such as the Mediterranean and French-style diets, with regard to their impact on human health. Understanding the effects of these diets may help to improve in the treatment and prevention of diseases. However, further studies are warranted to determine which individual food components, or combinations thereof, have a beneficial impact on different diseases, since a large number of different compounds may occur in a single food, and their fate in vivo is difficult to measure. Most explanations for the positive effects of Mediterranean-style diet, and of the French paradox, have focused largely on the beneficial properties of antioxidants, among other compounds/metabolites, in foods and red wine. Wine is a traditional alcoholic beverage that has been associated with both healthy and harmful effects. Not withstanding some doubts, there is reasonable unanimity among researchers as to the beneficial effects of moderate wine consumption on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and longevity, which have been ascribed to polyphenolic compounds present in wine. Despite this, conflicting findings regarding the impact of alcohol consumption on human health, and contradictory findings concerning the effects of non-alcoholic wine components such as resveratrol, have led to confusion among consumers. In addition to these contradictions and misconceptions, there is a paucity of human research studies confirming known positive effects of polyphenols in vivo. Furthermore, studies balancing both known and unknown prognostic factors have mostly been conducted in vitro or using animal models. Moreover, current studies have shifted focus from red wine to dairy products, such as cheese, to explain the French paradox. The aim of this review is to highlight the contradictions, misconceptions, and scientific facts about wines and diets, giving special focus to the Mediterranean and French diets in disease prevention and human health improvement. To answer the multiplicity of questions regarding the effects of diet and specific diet components on health, and to relieve consumer uncertainty and promote health, comprehensive cross-demographic studies using the latest technologies, which include foodomics and integrated omics approaches, are warranted.

Questionnaire study of the dietary habits of breast cancer survivors and their relationship to quality of life (KROG 14-09).

We evaluated the dietary habits of breast cancer survivors and investigated the relationship with quality of life (QoL), with 1,156 survivors recruited from 17 institutions. We used the Questionnaire Survey of Dietary Habits of Korean Adults (Q-DH-KOR) comprising 25 questions. The following indices were derived as follows: (1) quality of healthy dietary habits (Q-HD)-eight questions on number of meals, regularity, quantity, duration, skipping breakfast, dinner with companion(s), overeating and late-night snacks; (2) habits of nutritional balance (H-NB)-questions on consuming five food categories (grains, fruits, proteins, vegetables and dairy products); and (3) habits of unhealthy foods (H-UF)-questions on consuming three food categories (fatty, instant and fast foods). The times and regularity of meals, frequency of skipping breakfast, dinner with companion(s) and overeating were better in groups with high symptomatic and functional QoL. Symptomatic QoL positively affected Q-HD and H-NB (p < 0.001 and p = 0.024 respectively) and negatively affected H-UF (p = 0.02). Breast cancer survivors more frequently ate from the fruit, protein and vegetable categories than did the control group, with lower H-UF and higher Q-HD values (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). Our findings supported the relationship between QoL and dietary habit and showed healthier dietary habits of breast cancer survivors than controls.

Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviours in African Migrant Women Living in High Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Framework Synthesis.

Dietary and physical activity behaviours during preconception and in pregnancy are important determinants of maternal and child health. This review synthesised the available evidence on dietary and physical activity behaviours in pregnant women and women of childbearing age women who have migrated from African countries to live in high income countries. Searches were conducted on Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Pubmed, CINAHL, Scopus, Proquest, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library. Searches were restricted to studies conducted in high income countries and published in English. Data extraction and quality assessment were carried out in duplicate. Findings were synthesised using a framework approach, which included both a priori and emergent themes. Fourteen studies were identified; ten quantitative and four qualitative. Four studies included pregnant women. Data on nutrient intakes included macro- and micro-nutrients; and were suggestive of inadequacies in iron, folate, and calcium; and excessive sodium intakes. Dietary patterns were bicultural, including both Westernised and African dietary practices. Findings on physical activity behaviours were conflicting. Dietary and physical activity behaviours were influenced by post-migration environments, culture, religion, and food or physical activity-related beliefs and perceptions. Further studies are required to understand the influence of sociodemographic and other migration-related factors on behaviour changes after migration.

Exploring How the Home Environment Influences Eating and Physical Activity Habits of Low-Income, Latino Children of Predominantly Immigrant Families: A Qualitative Study.

Latinos are the largest and fastest growing minority population group in the United States, and children in low-income Latino families are at elevated risk of becoming overweight or having obesity. A child’s home is an important social environment in which he/she develops and maintains dietary and physical activity (PA) habits that ultimately impact weight status. Previous research suggests the parents are central to creating a home environment that facilitates or hinders the development of children’s early healthy eating and PA habits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore low-income Latino parents’ beliefs, parenting styles, and parenting practices related to their children’s eating and PA behaviors while at home. METHODS: Qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGDs) with 33 low-income Latino parents of preschool children 2 to 5 years of age. FGDs were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Data analyses revealed that most parents recognize the importance of healthy eating and PA for their children and themselves. However, daily life demands including conflicting schedules, long working hours, financial constraints, and neighborhood safety concerns, etc., impact parents’ ability to create a home environment supportive of these behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides information about how the home environment may influence low-income Latino preschool children’s eating and PA habits, which may be useful for health promotion and disease prevention efforts targeting low-income Latino families with young children, and for developing home-based and parenting interventions to prevent and control childhood obesity among this population group. Pediatric healthcare providers can play an important role in facilitating communication, providing education, and offering guidance to low-income Latino parents that support their children’s development of early healthy eating and PA habits, while taking into account daily life barriers faced by families. Moreover, pediatric healthcare providers also can play an important role in the integration and coordination of home-visitations to complement office-based visits and provide a continuum of care to low-income Latino families.