Overnutrition is a risk factor for iron, but not for zinc or vitamin A deficiency in children and young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Traditionally associated with undernutrition, increasing evidence suggests micronutrient deficiencies can coexist with overnutrition. Therefore, this work aimed to systematically review the associations between iron, zinc and vitamin A (VA) status and weight status (both underweight and overweight) in children and young people. METHODS: Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Scopus and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for observational studies assessing micronutrient status (blood, serum or plasma levels of iron, zinc or VA biomarkers) and weight status (body mass index or other anthropometric measurement) in humans under 25 years of any ethnicity and gender. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist. Where possible, random effects restricted maximum likelihood meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS: After screening, 83 observational studies involving 190 443 participants from 44 countries were identified, with many studies having reported on more than one micronutrient and/or weight status indicator. Iron was the most investigated micronutrient, with 46, 28 and 27 studies reporting data for iron, zinc and VA status, respectively. Synthesising 16 records of OR from seven eligible studies, overnutrition (overweight and obesity) increased odds of iron deficiency (ID) (OR (95% CI): 1.51 (1.20 to 1.82), p<0.0001, I2=40.7%). Odds appeared to be higher for children living with obesity (1.88 (1.33 to 2.43), p<0.0001, I2=20.6%) in comparison to those with overweight (1.31 (0.98 to 1.64), p<0.0001, I2=40.5%), although between group differences were not significant (p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Overnutrition is associated with increased risk of ID, but not zinc or VA deficiencies, with an inverted U-shaped relationship observed between iron status and bodyweight. Our results highlight significant heterogeneity in the reporting of micronutrient biomarkers and how deficiencies were defined. Inflammation status was rarely adequately accounted for, and the burden of ID may well be under-recognised, particularly in children and young people living with overnutrition. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020221523.

Prevalencia de malnutrición por exceso en niños, niñas y adolescentes en pandemia, en centro médico de la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Tarapaca / Prevalence of malnutrition due to excess in children, girls and adolescents during pandemic, in a medical center of the School of Medicine of the University of Tarapacá

INTRODUCCIÓN: La malnutrición por exceso afecta aproximadamente a 337 millones de niños, niñas y adolescentes en el mundo. Entre los aspectos multifactoriales asociados a la obesidad, destaca el contexto Pandemia por COVID-19, el cual ha aumentado las cifras de obesidad infantil. Por otro lado, la obesidad es considerada un factor de riesgo para desarrollar de forma grave la enfermedad por COVID-19. Este estudio busca analizar el efecto de la pandemia en los índices de malnutrición por exceso en los niños, niñas y adolescentes atendidos en el centro médico de la carrera de medicina de la Universidad de Tarapacá durante el año 2021 y compararlos con estudios previos realizados en Chile. METODOLOGÍA: La investigación tiene un enfoque analítico, transversal, retrospectivo y observacional. El estudio se basó en la revisión de fichas clínicas de 1094 pacientes entre 2 y 17 años atendidos en el Centro Médico de la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Tarapacá en la ciudad de Arica. Los datos obtenidos fueron almacenados en plantilla Excel para ser ingresados en un programa estadístico. RESULTADOS: Del total de 1094 fichas analizadas, 611 pacientes (55,8%) se encontraron en un estado nutricional concordante con malnutrición por exceso, predominando en el sexo masculino (54,7%) y a mayor edad mayor malnutrición por exceso, encontrando mayor prevalencia de obesidad y obesidad severa en los(las) adolescentes. DISCUSIÓN: La malnutrición por exceso ha adquirido las características de epidemia y es un problema frecuente de los países en vías de desarrollo, convirtiéndose en un problema de salud pública. En este estudio se demuestra un aumento en los niveles de malnutrición por exceso durante el año 2021, comparando los resultados obtenidos en relación a la realidad nacional y regional en los años 2019 y 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition due to excess affects approximately 337 million children and adolescents in the world. Among the multifactorial aspects associated with obesity, the COVID-19 Pandemic context stands out, which has warned the figures of childhood obesity. On the other hand, obesity is considered a risk factor for severely developing COVID-19 disease. This study seeks to analyze the effect of the pandemic on the rates of malnutrition due to excess in children and adolescents treated at the medical center of the University of Tarapacá during the year 2021 and compare them with previous studies carried out in Chile. METHODOLOGY: The research has an analytical, cross-sectional, retrospective and observational approach. The study was based on the review of clinical records of 1094 patients between 2 and 17 years of age treated at the Medical Center of the School of Medicine of the University of Tarapacá in the city of Arica. The data obtained was stored in an Excel template to be entered into a statistical program. RESULTS: Of the total of 1094 records analyzed, 611 patients (55.8%) were found to be in a nutritional state consistent with malnutrition due to excess, predominating in males (54.7%) and at older ages, finding a higher prevalence of obesity and severe obesity in adolescents. DISCUSSION: Malnutrition due to excess has acquired the characteristics of an epidemic and is a frequent problem in developing countries, becoming a public health problem. This study demonstrates an increase in the levels of malnutrition by excess during the year 2021, comparing the results obtained in relation to the national and regional reality in the years 2019 and 2020.

Overnutrition and its associated factors among adult human immunodeficiency virus positive patients on antiretroviral therapy, Northwest, Ethiopia.

Background: Anti-retroviral therapy was introduced to treat human immunodeficiency virus patients; comorbidities affecting individuals with human immunodeficiency virus-positive have changed dramatically, with increasing the prevalence of overnutrition. Overnutrition has increased from time to time in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus. However, there is scarce adequate documented evidence regarding nutrition on human immunodeficiency virus. Objective: The study aimed to assess the magnitude of over nutrition and its associated factors among human immunodeficiency virus receiving antiretroviral therapy. Methods: We used a cross-sectional study design to collect data from 422 participants from Debre Markos hospital. We used a systematic sampling technique to select the total number of participants. The outcomes of Data were entered, and coded using Epi-data version 4.1 and analysed using STATA Version 14.1. We performed a multivariable logistic regression model to identify determinants of over-nutrition at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: The magnitude of overnutrition was 19.7% (95%CI: 14.6-25.4). Age group > 45 years (AOR: 3.18:95%CI: 1.09, 9.22), being farmer (AOR: 0.068, 95%CI (0.007, 0.611), family size greater than or equal to 4 (AOR: 3.18:95%CI (1.09-9.22), viral load less than 1000 copies/ml (AOR: 4.45 95%CI (1.69-11.76), and use of prophylaxis therapy (AOR: 2.67:95%CI (1.138-6.291) were significantly associated with over nutrition. Conclusions: In this study one-fifth of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus patients had over nutrition. In this study, the magnitude of overnutrition is high associated with a viral load of fewer than 1000 copies/cell, age greater than 45, and having taken prophylaxis therapy. Therefore, education about lifestyle change, regular monitoring of weight, regular nutritional assessment, and intervention of the existed problems like doing regular exercise is highly recommended.

Factors associated with nutritional status, knowledge and attitudes among tuberculosis patients receiving treatment in Ghana: A cross-sectional study in the Tema Metropolis.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional deficiencies are generally associated with increased risk and severity of tuberculosis. This study investigated the nutritional status, knowledge, and attitudes of tuberculosis (TB) patients receiving treatment in the Tema Metropolis. METHOD: A cross-sectional design was used to collect data on the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and status of TB patients. Nutritional status was analysed using World Health Organization's formula for body mass index. Pearson's chi-square and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between predictor and outcome variables. All statistical analyses were considered significant at p-values < 0.05. RESULT: The prevalence of malnutrition among TB patients was 39.7%, 14.4%, and 4.8% for underweight, overweight, and obesity respectively. There was a high (61.0%) knowledge of nutrition among the patients. Also, 65.8% had good attitude towards nutrition. There were significant associations between normal nutritional status and age of the TB patients (p = 0.041), highest educational level attained (p = 0.036), employment status (p = 0.019), status of alcohol intake (p = 0.031), number of months on TB treatment (p = 0.021), and attitude towards nutrition (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: There was a reasonable nutrition-related knowledge and attitude towards nutrition among the TB patients. However, that did not reflect on their nutritional status. We recommend continuing education on smoking cessation, avoidance of harmful use of alcohol, and the establishment of food aid and other livelihood intervention programs for TB patients.

Prevalence and Determinants of the Co-Occurrence of Overweight or Obesity and Micronutrient Deficiencies among Adults in the Philippines: Results from a National Representative Survey.

The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) affects many low- and middle-income countries. However, few studies have examined DBM at the individual level, or undernutrition and overnutrition co-occurring within the same person. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and determinants of DBM among adults in the Philippines. Data from the 2013 National Nutrition Survey were used. The sample size in the analysis was 17,010 adults aged ≥20 years old, after excluding pregnant and lactating women. DBM was defined as the co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and anemia (definition #1), overweight/obesity and anemia or vitamin A deficiency (definition #2), and overweight/obesity and anemia or vitamin A deficiency or iodine insufficiency (definition #3). Anthropometric measurements and biochemical markers were used for DBM assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and logistic regression by R software. Results showed that definition #3 is the predominant type of DBM (7.0%) in the general population, whereas the prevalence of DBM has increased to 23.7% in overweight/obese persons. Sex, age, educational attainment, marital status, household size, wealth quintile, and smoking status were the determinants of DBM. This study revealed that Filipino adults experience malnutrition critically and must be addressed through food and nutrition interventions.

Hipovitaminosis D y malnutrición por exceso en niños asmáticos hospitalizados / Hypovitaminosis D and malnutrition by excess in hospitalized asthmatic children

La tasa de hospitalización por crisis de asma en niños chilenos se ha duplicado en los últimos años. Diversos estudios muestran una asociación entre hipovitaminosis D y crisis de asma. El objetivo principal del presente estudio fue describir la prevalencia de déficit e insuficiencia de vitamina D (vitD) en escolares asmáticos hospitalizados por crisis de asma y evaluar su estado nutricional. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio analítico, transversal, que incluyó a todos los pacientes de 5 años o más que se hospitalizaron por crisis de asma durante un año calendario en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile. Se aplicó una encuesta que incluyó datos sociodemográficos y clínicos, se evaluó el nivel de control del asma mediante el cuestionario Asthma Control Test (ACT), se determinó el estado nutricional y se midió la concentración de vitD. RESULTADOS: Se observó que 6 de cada 10 pacientes presentaba déficit o insuficiencia de vitD (22,8 ng/ml ± 10,5), encontrándose una asociación positiva entre concentración de vitD y ACT. La malnutrición por exceso estaba presente en casi la mitad de los pacientes. Aquellos pacientes que se hospitalizaron por más de 3 días tenían una concentración sérica de vitD significativamente menor. CONCLUSIONES: La hipovitaminosis D afectó a la mayoría de los niños hospitalizados por crisis de asma. Se encontró una asociación significativa entre concentración de vitD con días de hospitalización y control de la enfermedad medido por ACT.

Asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children has doubled in recent years. Multiple studies show an association between hypovitaminosis D and asthma attacks. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D (vitD) deficiency and insufficiency in asthmatic school age children hospitalized for asthma crisis and to evaluate their nutritional status. METHODS: Cross-sectional, analytical study that included patients 5 years of age or older hospitalized for asthma attacks during one calendar year, in the Pediatric Service of the University of Chile Clinical Hospital. A survey was conducted that included sociodemographic and clinical data, the level of asthma control was evaluated using the Asthma Control Test questionnaire (ACT), the nutritional status was determined and the concentration of vitD was measured. RESULTS: 6 out of 10 patients had either Vit D deficiency or insufficiency (22,8 ng/ml ± 10,5), showing a positive association between vitD concentration and ACT. Malnutrition due to excess was present in almost half of the patients. Children hospitalized for more than 3 days had a significantly lower vitD serum concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients had hypovitaminosis D. An association was found between vitD concentration and hospital stay and between vitD concentration and asthma control, measured by ACT .

[Questionnaire for measuring risk eating behaviors for excess malnutrition in adolescents]. / Cuestionario para medir conductas alimentarias de riesgo de malnutrición por exceso en adolescentes.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: there are behavioral factors that predispose to the development of excess malnutrition, and which can be key to the promotion of healthy habits. The purpose of this study was to construct and validate a questionnaire to identify risky eating behaviors in adolescents. Objective: to evaluate the psychometric properties of a questionnaire to measure risky eating behaviors related to excess malnutrition in adolescents in the province of Concepción, Chile. Materials and methods: quantitative psychometric research with correlational scope; non-experimental, cross-sectional design. The population was composed by adolescents aged 10 to 15 years in the province of Concepción, from different socio-economic levels. A total of 303 students, chosen by non-probabilistic sampling, responded to the Questionnaire on Alimentary Malnutrition Risk Behaviors, CARME. A subsample of 115 students also answered a body image questionnaire, and 80 were assessed anthropometrically. Exploratory factor analyses and correlation evaluations were performed. Results: four factors were identified for the CARME: response to food, feeding without control, consumption of highly caloric foods, and emotional feeding, with reliability between α = 0.64 and α = 0.87. Scores showed differences by sex, and relationships with perceived body image (p < 0.05), but not with nutritional status. Conclusions: the evidence supports the construct validity, reliability and criteria validity of CARME. The questionnaire would be appropriate to measure dietary risk behaviors for overweight and obesity in adolescents. However, no associations were found between nutritional status and questionnaire dimensions.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: existen conductas que predisponen al desarrollo de malnutrición por exceso cuya detección es clave para la promoción de hábitos saludables. Esto hace necesario contar con instrumentos con evidencia de validez y confiabilidad que permitan diagnosticar e investigar este fenómeno oportunamente. Objetivo: construir y evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de un cuestionario que evalúa las conductas alimentarias de riesgo de malnutrición por exceso en adolescentes chilenos. Material y métodos: se realizó una investigación cuantitativa, psicométrica, analítico-relacional por encuesta. La población estuvo compuesta por adolescentes de 11 a 18 años de la provincia de Concepción, Chile. De esta, 303 estudiantes, elegidos por muestreo no probabilístico por cuotas, respondieron el Cuestionario de Conductas Alimentarias de Riesgo de Malnutrición por Exceso (CARME). Una submuestra respondió además a un cuestionario de imagen corporal y fue evaluada antropométricamente. Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio del CARME, se analizó su confiabilidad y se evaluó su relación con otras variables para evaluar su validez de criterio. Resultados: los ítems del CARME se organizaron en cuatro factores: respuesta frente a alimentos, alimentación sin control, consumo de alimentos altamente calóricos y alimentación emocional. Sus confiabilidades fueron de cuestionables (α = 0,64) a muy buenas (α = 0,87). Al evaluar su asociación con otras variables se encontraron relaciones con la percepción de la imagen corporal (p < 0,05), pero no con el estado nutricional. Conclusiones: la evidencia apoya la validez de constructo, la confiabilidad y la validez de criterio del CARME. El cuestionario sería adecuado para medir conductas alimentarias de riesgo de sobrepeso y obesidad en adolescentes.

Malnutrition in Paediatrics: Stationary Screening & Follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence and follow-up of the clinical real-world data focussing on existing or risk of malnutrition in a tertiary hospital general paediatric ward including 4 months of follow-up was assessed. METHODS: Measurements included anthropometric measurements, a nutrition interview and an extended version of the Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP). R Studio 3.4.2 was used for statistical analysis and diagnosing malnutrition by calculating height-for-age (HfAz)-, weight-for-age (WfAz)- weight-for-height (WfHz)-, body mass index-for-age (BMIz) and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUACz)-z-scores with the childsds package with KIGGS and WHO for reference. RESULTS: The median age of the 68 participants was 8.00 (4.00-13.00) years. The main reasons for hospitalisation in the tertiary centre were gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes mellitus and rheumatic diseases. At admission 39.71%, at the second examination 36.00% and at the third examination 45.90% were malnourished. 68% of inpatients lost weight during their clinical stay, of which 35.29% lost more than 3% of their initial weight. However, changes were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: A significant share of patients was diagnosed to be malnourished at admission, the majority of patients lost weight during their hospital stay and the 4 months after admission. Due to the far reaching consequences for patients, doctors, health insurance and politics, the early diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition should take greater account in the future.

[Evaluation of food habits and physical activity in Galician students]. / Evaluación de los hábitos de alimentación y actividad física en escolares gallegos.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: obesity causes millions of deaths each year. Its high prevalence in children and adolescents from southern European countries, including Spain, is associated with the new food preferences and decreased physical activity. Objective: to evaluate diet quality and physical activity in Galician schoolchildren in order to assess if modifying the current intervention strategies in lifestyles is required. Methods: in the present study, 662 students from the south of Galicia were studied (9-17 years). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as adiposity indicator. The dietary pattern was evaluated through the Kidmed test and physical activity with PAQ-C. The sample was stratified by BMI according to Cole international standards. Data were analysed with the SPPS software. Results: fifty-six per cent of children are at high risk of overnutrition or need to improve their nutrition. The average adherence to the Mediterranean diet was low (7.64 ± 2.28), worsening with age and adiposity significantly. The average level of physical activity was moderate (3.02 ± 0.74) and it was lower in girls and adolescents; 58% showed a low-moderate level of physical activity. Quality diet was positively correlated with physical activity and negatively with BMI. Conclusions: Galician students showed a diet and physical activity risky pattern according to international/national recommendations. After several years of awareness campaigns and lifestyle interventions, improving their diet and increasing physical activity is still necessary.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la obesidad causa millones de muertes anuales. Su elevada prevalencia en niños y adolescentes de países del sur de Europa, entre ellos España, se asocia con las nuevas preferencias alimentarias y la disminución de actividad física. Objetivos: evaluar la calidad de la dieta y la práctica de actividad física en escolares gallegos para valorar la necesidad de modificar las estrategias actuales de intervención en estilos de vida. Métodos: se estudiaron 662 niños de Galicia (9-17 años). Se calculó su índice de masa corporal (IMC) como indicador de adiposidad. El patrón alimentario se evaluó con el cuestionario Kidmed y la actividad física con el PAQ-C. Se estratificó la muestra en función del IMC de acuerdo con los estándares internacionales de Cole. Los datos se analizan con el paquete SPSS. Resultados: el 56% de los escolares están en riesgo elevado de malnutrición por exceso o necesitan mejorar su alimentación. La adherencia media al patrón alimentario mediterráneo fue baja (7,64 ± 2,28), empeorando significativamente con la edad y la adiposidad. El nivel de actividad física medio fue moderado (3,02 ± 0,74), significativamente menor en niñas y adolescentes. El 58% mostraron un nivel bajo-moderado de actividad física. La calidad de la dieta se correlacionó positivamente con la actividad física y negativamente con el IMC. Conclusiones: los escolares gallegos presentaron un patrón alimentario y de actividad física de riesgo en relación con las recomendaciones nacionales/internacionales. Tras varios años de campañas de concienciación e intervenciones sobre estilos de vida, continúa siendo necesario mejorar la dieta y aumentar la práctica física-deportiva.

Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en población adolescente aymara. Rol de la occidentalización de la nutrición / Risk factors in Aymara adolescents: influence of western type nutrition

RESUMEN ANTECEDENTES: La obesidad es una epidemia mundial que provoca una alta frecuencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV). Se ha observado que la aculturación está incidiendo en los pueblos originarios, como consecuencia de una dieta occidentalizada, lo cual predispone la obesidad, desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) y diabetes. En general la población aymara adulta presenta un bajo riesgo cardiovascular innato, lo cual lleva a una baja incidencia de ECV. Objetivos: Conocer la influencia de la occidentalización de la nutrición y evaluar riesgo cardiovascular de la población adolescente aymara de la comuna de Camiña. Método: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en población aymara entre 11 y 18 años de la comuna de Camiña. Muestra probabilística aleatoria simple constituida por 94 individuos. Se aplica una encuesta alimentaria de tendencia de consumo cuantificada, medición antropométrica y exámenes de glicemia y perfil lipídico. Resultados: Se evaluaron 94 participantes 57,4 % mujeres. Malnutrición por exceso presenta 41%; riesgo cardiovascular según medición de perímetro de cintura (PC) 55,2%; colesterol total alterado 52,6% y triglicéridos alterados 89,5%. Mediante encuesta alimentaria se pudo conocer que 71,7% mantenían una dieta hipercalórica, 69,8 % una dieta hiperglucídica, 45% una dieta hiperlipídica. Conclusión: En la población adolescente aymara estudiada se encontraron factores de riesgo cardiovascular alterados, como malnutrición por exceso, PC aumentado, Colesterol total y Triglicéridos elevados. Su alimentación era "de tipo occidental", consumiendo alimentos procesados y elaborados con dietas hipercalóricas, hiperglucídicas e hiperlipídicas.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND. Obesity is widely known to lead to increased cardiovascular risk factors (RF). Cultural changes observed in native populations, including the adoption of a western type nutrition, leads to obesity, increased levels of RF ,cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Aim: To determine the influence of a western type nutrition on RF among adolescent Aymaras in northern Chile. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was performed in Camiña (northern Chile), including Aymaras aged 11 to 18 years-old. A quantified alimentary consumption questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, blood glucose levels and lipid profile were obtained. Results: 94 subjects (57% women) were studied. Excess malnutrition (obesity) was present in 41%, abnormally high waist circumference in 55%, high cholesterol levels in 53%, and high triglycerides in 90% of subjects. The contents of the diet being consumed was high in calories in 72%, high in sugar in 70% and high in lipids in 45%. Conclusion: A high prevalence of cardiovascular RF was present in adolescent Aymaras of northern Chile. This finding was related to the consumption of a western type diet, rich in calories, lipids and sugar, leading to obesity

Nutrition in transition: historical cohort analysis summarising trends in under- and over-nutrition among pregnant women in a marginalised population along the Thailand-Myanmar border from 1986 to 2016.

The objective of the present study is to summarise trends in under- and over-nutrition in pregnant women on the Thailand-Myanmar border. Refugees contributed data from 1986 to 2016 and migrants from 1999 to 2016 for weight at first antenatal consultation. BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) data were available during 2004-2016 when height was routinely measured. Risk factors for low and high BMI were analysed for <18·5 kg/m2 or ≥23 kg/m2, respectively. A total of 48 062 pregnancies over 30 years were available for weight analysis and 14 646 pregnancies over 13 years (2004-2016) had BMI measured in first trimester (<14 weeks' gestational age). Mean weight at first antenatal consultation in any trimester increased over the 30-year period by 2·0 to 5·2 kg for all women. First trimester BMI has been increasing on average by 0·5 kg/m2 for refugees and 0·6 kg/m2 for migrants, every 5 years. The proportion of women with low BMI in the first trimester decreased from 16·7 to 12·7 % for refugees and 23·1 to 20·2 % for migrants, whereas high BMI increased markedly from 16·9 to 33·2 % for refugees and 12·3 to 28·4 % for migrants. Multivariate analysis demonstrated low BMI as positively associated with being Burman, Muslim, primigravid, having malaria during pregnancy and smoking, and negatively associated with refugee as opposed to migrant status. High BMI was positively associated with being Muslim and literate, and negatively associated with age, primigravida, malaria, anaemia and smoking. Mean GWG was 10·0 (sd 3·4), 9·5 (sd 3·6) and 8·3 (sd 4·3) kg, for low, normal and high WHO BMI categories for Asians, respectively.

Early life programming and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and can be considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. NAFLD represents a spectrum of disease, from the relatively benign simple steatosis to the more serious non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which can progress to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and end-stage liver failure, necessitating liver transplantation. Although the increasing prevalence of NAFLD in developed countries has substantial implications for public health, many of the precise mechanisms accounting for the development and progression of NAFLD are unclear. The environment in early life is an important determinant of cardiovascular disease risk in later life and studies suggest this also extends to NAFLD. Here we review data from animal models and human studies which suggest that fetal and early life exposure to maternal under- and overnutrition, excess glucocorticoids and environmental pollutants may confer an increased susceptibility to NAFLD development and progression in offspring and that such effects may be sex-specific. We also consider studies aimed at identifying potential dietary and pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing this risk. We suggest that further human epidemiological studies are needed to ensure that data from animal models are relevant to human health.

Effects of pediatric cancer and its treatment on nutritional status: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: Malnutrition in pediatric cancer is common worldwide, yet its prevalence and effects on clinical outcomes remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to evaluate primary research reporting the prevalence of malnutrition in pediatric cancer patients and to assess the effects of pediatric cancer and its treatment on nutritional status. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases of MEDLINE, CINHAL, and PubMed were searched (January 1990-February 2013). STUDY SELECTION: Studies of patients aged <18 years who were diagnosed with and treated for cancer and for whom measurements of anthropometry were reported and included. The primary outcome was the prevalence of malnutrition (undernutrition and overnutrition), expressed as body mass index (BMI), in children diagnosed with and treated for cancer. DATA EXTRACTION: Evidence was appraised critically by employing the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool, and data was extracted from original articles. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 46 studies were included, most of which were considered to be of low quality on the basis of heterogeneity in both the criteria and the measurements used to define malnutrition. Undernutrition was identified by measuring BMI, weight loss, mid-upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness, while overnutrition was assessed using BMI. Overall, the prevalence of undernutrition ranged from 0% to 65% and overnutrition from 8% to 78%. Finally, undernutrition in pediatric cancer at diagnosis was associated with poor clinical outcomes in 6 of 9 studies. CONCLUSION: The possibility of a high prevalence of malnutrition in childhood cancer, indicated by the studies reviewed, highlights the need for high-quality, population-based, longitudinal studies using standard criteria to identify malnutrition.

[Impact of maternal overnutrition on the periconceptional period]. / Impacto de la sobrenutrición materna sobre el periodo de periconcepción.

Overnutrition may lead to obesity. Maternal obesity may affect fertility not only via anovulation, but also through direct effects on oocytes and preimplantation embryos, indicating that the periconceptional period is sensitive to conditions of overnutrition. The periconceptional period includes from folliculogenesis to implantation. Animal model studies suggest that oocytes derived from obese females usually have a small size and mitochondrial abnormalities. These disruptions are probably induced by changes in the components of the ovarian follicular fluid. Experimental evidence also suggests that obesity may affect the microenvironment in oviducts and uterus, resulting in development of preimplantation embryos with reduced cell numbers and up-regulation of proinflammatory genes. However, further research is needed for in-depth characterization of the effects of maternal obesity during the periconceptional period.

Benefits and constraints in screening for non-communicable diseases in the rural area of Thailand's northeast.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the benefits and constraints of a screening attempt as initiated by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) measuring over-nutrition, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undertaken by the local health officials on sub-district level. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Capillary blood glucose (CBG), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) of first degree relatives was assessed following the direction of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) by the local health officials. RESULTS: The proportions of obesity, hypertension, and T2DM from 7,698 villagers were about 35%, 20%, and suspected to be 9%, respectively. This was similar to previous investigations except for the history of T2DM of first-degree relatives, which strongly relates to elevated CBG levels. A high percentage of missing value was recognized for all variables. CONCLUSION: The screening of non-communicable disease program executed by the lower level of the health delivery system is an achievement by itself It can detect new cases of diseases. However incompleteness of variables is a constraint observed due to high workload of the health staff To decrease the burden of the public health staff and the curative sector and increase accuracy, the proportion of the population eligible for screening should be restricted to a higher age, being obese, and having a first-degree relative with diabetes mellitus.

The paradox of overnutrition in aging and cognition.

Populations of many countries are becoming increasingly overweight and obese, driven largely by excessive calorie intake and reduced physical activity; greater body mass is accompanied by epidemic levels of comorbid metabolic diseases. At the same time, individuals are living longer. The combination of aging and the increased prevalence of metabolic disease is associated with increases in aging-related comorbid diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular dementia, and sarcopenia. Here, correlative and causal links between diseases of overnutrition and diseases of aging and cognition are explored.

The relationship between nutrition and prostate cancer: is more always better?

CONTEXT: Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most diagnosed malignancies in the world, correlating with regions where men consume more of a so-called Western-style diet. As such, there is much interest in understanding the role of lifestyle and diet on the incidence and progression of PCa. OBJECTIVE: To provide a summary of published literature with regard to dietary macro- and micronutrients and PCa incidence and progression. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was completed using the PubMed database for all studies published on diet and PCa in June 2012 or earlier. Primary literature and meta-analyses were given preference over other review articles when possible. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The literature was reviewed on seven dietary components: carbohydrates, protein, fat and cholesterol, vegetables, vitamins and minerals, and phytochemicals. Current literature linking these nutrients to PCa is limited at best, but trends in the published data suggest consumption of carbohydrates, saturated and ω-6 fats, and certain vitamin supplements may promote PCa risk and progression. Conversely, consumption of many plant phytochemicals and ω-3 fatty acids seem to slow the risk and progression of the disease. All other nutrients seem to have no effect or data are inconclusive. A brief summary about the clinical implications of dietary interventions with respect to PCa prevention, treatment, and survivorship is provided. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the number and heterogeneity of published studies investigating diet and PCa, it is difficult to determine what nutrients make up the perfect diet for the primary and secondary prevention of PCa. Because diets are made of multiple macro- and micronutrients, further prospective studies are warranted, particularly those investigating the relationship between whole foods instead of a single nutritional component.

Mapping the nutrition transition in Peru: evidence for decentralized nutrition policies / Cartografía de la transición nutricional en el Perú: datos que avalan la necesidad de políticas nutricionales descentralizadas

The study objectives were to map the different stages of the nutrition transition for each departmentwithin Peru, and to determine the nutrition policy needs for each geographic areabased on their current stage in the nutrition transition. Results show that most of the countryis suffering from a double-burden of malnutrition, with high rates of stunting among childrenless than 5 years of age and high rates of overweight and obesity among women of reproductiveage. Currently, Peru has only country-wide nutrition policies, administered by the Ministryof Health, that are primarily focused on stunting prevention. This study argues for the need tohave decentralized nutrition policies that vary according to what type of malnutrition is beingexperienced in each geographic area.

Los objetivos de este estudio consistían en trazar un mapa por departamentos yetapas de la transición nutricional en el Perú y determinar las políticas nutricionalesnecesarias en las distintas zonas geográficas en función de sus etapas en la transición.Los resultados demuestran que la mayor parte del país está sufriendo la llamada“doble carga de la malnutrición”, en la que coexisten tasas elevadas de desnutricióncrónica entre los menores de 5 años y tasas elevadas de sobrepeso y obesidad en lasmujeres en edad fecunda. En el Perú actual, las políticas nutricionales, gestionadaspor el Ministerio de Salud, están centralizadas y su prioridad es prevenir la detencióndel crecimiento. Este estudio aboga por la necesidad de contar con políticas nutricionalesdescentralizadas que varíen en función del tipo de malnutrición que se estépadeciendo en cada zona geográfica.