The Double Burden of Malnutrition and Associated Factors among South Asian Adolescents: Findings from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey.

The health and nutrition of the global adolescent population have been under-researched, in spite of its significant size (1.2 billion). This study investigates the prevalence and associated factors of malnutrition (stunting, thinness and overweight) among adolescents living in South Asia. The sample analysed was 24,053 South Asian schooled adolescents aged 12-15 years that participated in the cross-sectional Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) between 2009 and 2016. The prevalence of stunting, thinness and overweight was calculated using the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Reference 2007. Associations between the three forms of malnutrition and their possible associated factors were assessed with binary logistic regression analysis using bootstrapping as a resampling method. The overall prevalence of stunting in South Asia was 13%, thinness was 10.8% and overweight was 10.8%. In the logistic regression model of the overall pooled sample, the factors associated with adolescent malnutrition were: age, hygiene behaviours, social support, sedentary behaviour, and tobacco use. A substantial proportion of stunting, thinness and overweight was found among school-going South Asian adolescents, indicating that the double burden of malnutrition is present in this population. Future research should seek to further understand the relationship between all forms of malnutrition and its associated factors in the adolescent population.

A Qualitative Inquiry into the Eating Behavior and Physical Activity of Adolescent Girls and Boys in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Despite the rising double burden of malnutrition, adolescent nutrition has received little attention in Indonesia. Eating and physical activity behaviors established in adolescence are known to track into adulthood and may contribute to chronic diseases in later life. This study aimed to explore the eating behaviors and physical activity of Indonesian adolescents, and their influencing factors. METHODS: The study, designed as a qualitative study, was conducted in 2 selected districts in Indonesia: Klaten and Lombok Barat. Data were collected through immersion, open and informal discussions, and participant observations with 302 adolescent girls and boys. RESULTS: The eating and physical activity behaviors of adolescent boys and girls are influenced by contextual changes in their family lifestyles and environment. The adolescents in this study only conflate physical activity with participation in sport. Even when a wider view of physical activity is cast, their level of physical activity remains low, especially for adolescent girls. Adolescents and their families generally eat 3 meals a day, with schools an important source of food for adolescents. Adolescents skip breakfast at home, and breakfast and lunch are usually purchased and eaten at school. Fewer families cook and families rarely eat together due to increasingly busy lives, increased mobility, and digital connectivity. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid contextual shifts taking place in Indonesia influence the home, school, and peer environment to shape eating behaviors and physical activity among adolescent boys and girls. Gender-responsive multicomponent school-based interventions have the potential to serve as an important entry point for influencing adolescent nutrition.

Revisión bibliográfica: alimentación vegetariana en la infancia y adolescencia / Vegetarian diet in childhood and adolescence

RESUMEN Introducción: la popularidad de las dietas vegetarianas y veganas está aumentando en países occidentales y son adoptadas por niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNyA). Las principales asociaciones de nutrición y dietética del mundo avalan este tipo de práctica alimentaria en estos grupos etáreos si son supervisados y acompañados por profesionales idóneos. Objetivo: tomar posicionamiento como Asociación Argentina de Dietistas y Nutricionistas Dietistas acerca de la implementación de dietas vegetarianas en edad pediátrica y adolescencia, considerando recomendaciones basadas en evidencias científicas. Materiales y método: revisión y actualización bibliográfica, no sistemática con búsquedas en Google Scholar, PudMed y Medline entre diciembre 2018 y marzo 2019. Resultados: la valoración nutricional, evaluando ingesta alimentaria utilizando recordatorio de 24 horas y frecuencia de consumo, orientará sobre cuáles son las potenciales deficiencias nutricionales que puede presentar para adecuar la dieta y/o suplementación de nutrientes específicos. La alimentación vegetariana tiene una densidad energética más baja que la no vegetariana, pero se logran alcanzar las recomendaciones. Las necesidades proteicas se satisfacen fácilmente cuando la dieta incluye variedad de alimentos y las calorías son adecuadas. Algunos autores sugieren aumentar un 10 a 15% la recomendación proteica. Además, considerar el aporte de ácidos grasos omega 3 (EPA y DHA) para lograr el equilibrio óptimo entre los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega3/omega6. Los requerimientos nutricionales de calcio no varían con respecto a los omnívoros. Es imprescindible suplementar vitamina B12 oral a todos los NNyA vegetarianos, incluso en ovolactovegetarianos o en NNyA que consuman habitualmente alimentos fortificados. La suplementación adecuada es la mejor forma de garantizar unos niveles óptimos de esta vitamina. Se recomienda evaluar el estado de la vitamina D suplementando según edad. Conclusiones: La Asociación Argentina de Dietistas y Nutricionistas Dietistas (AADYND) plantea que la alimentación vegetariana y/o vegana planificada, supervisada y suplementada por un profesional de la nutrición idóneo, son saludables en la niñez y adolescencia. Los profesionales de la alimentación y nutrición pueden desempeñar un papel clave en la educación y acompañamiento de las personas vegetarianas acerca de fuentes específicas de nutrientes, preparación de alimentos, y modificaciones dietéticas necesarias para satisfacer sus necesidades(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: the popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets is increasing in western countries and are adopted by children and adolescents (Ch&A). The main nutrition and dietetic associations in the world approve this type of dietary practice in these age groups if they are supervised and accompanied by qualified professionals. Objective: take a position as the Argentine Association of Dietitians and Dietitian Nutritionists about the implementation of vegetarian diets in pediatric and adolescent age, considering recommendations based on scientific evidence. Materials and Method: review and bibliographic update, non-systematic, with searches on Google Scholar, PudMed and Medline between December 2018 and March 2019. Results: The nutritional assessment, evaluating food intake using a 24-hour reminder and frequency of consumption, will provide guidance on what are the potential nutritional deficiencies that may come up, adapt the diet and/or supplementation of specific nutrients. The vegetarian diet has a lower energy density than the non-vegetarian diet but manages to meet the recommendations. Protein needs are easily met when the diet includes a variety of foods and calories are adequate. Some authors suggest increasing the protein recommendation by 10 to 15%. Considering the contribution of omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to achieve the optimal balance between omega3/omega6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The nutritional requirements of calcium do not vary with respect to omnivores. It is essential to supplement oral vitamin B12 to all vegetarian Ch&A, even in ovolactovegetarians or in Ch&A that habitually consume fortified foods. Proper supplementation is the best way to ensure optimal levels of this vitamin. It is recommended to evaluate the status of vitamin D by supplementing according to age. Conclusions: Argentine Association of Dietitians and Dietitian Nutritionists states that vegetarian and/or vegan food, planned, supervised and supplemented by a suitable nutrition professional, are healthy in childhood and adolescence. Food and nutrition professionals can play a key role in educating and mentoring vegetarians about specific sources of nutrients, food preparation, and dietary modifications necessary to meet their needs(AU)

Social, economic and cultural influences on adolescent nutrition and physical activity in Jimma, Ethiopia: perspectives from adolescents and their caregivers.

OBJECTIVE: To explore influences on adolescent diet and physical activity, from the perspectives of adolescents and their caregivers, in Jimma, Ethiopia. DESIGN: Qualitative design, using focus group discussions (FGD). SETTING: A low-income setting in Jimma, Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: Five FGD with adolescents aged 10-12 years and 15-17 years (n 41) and three FGD with parents (n 22) were conducted. RESULTS: Adolescents displayed a holistic understanding of health comprising physical, social and psychological well-being. Social and cultural factors were perceived to be the main drivers of adolescent diet and physical activity. All participants indicated that caregivers dictated adolescents' diet, as families shared food from the same plate. Meals were primarily determined by caregivers, whose choices were driven by food affordability and accessibility. Older adolescents, particularly boys, had opportunities to make independent food choices outside of the home which were driven by taste and appearance, rather than nutritional value. Many felt that adolescent physical activity was heavily influenced by gender. Girls' activities included domestic work and family responsibilities, whereas boys had more free time to participate in outdoor games. Girls' safety was reported to be a concern to caregivers, who were fearful of permitting their daughters to share overcrowded outdoor spaces with strangers. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents and caregivers spoke a range of social, economic and cultural influences on adolescent diet and physical activity. Adolescents, parents and the wider community need to be involved in the development and delivery of effective interventions that will take into consideration these social, economic and cultural factors.

Adolescent nutrition and physical activity in low-income suburbs of Abidjan, Côte d'lvoire: the gap between knowledge, aspirations and possibilities.

OBJECTIVE: To explore adolescents' perceptions, knowledge and behaviours regarding nutrition and physical activity in low-income districts of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, taking into consideration their caregivers' perspectives. DESIGN: Two investigators conducted six focus group discussions. SETTING: The study was carried out in two low-income suburbs, Yopougon and Port-Bouët, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents and their caregivers were recruited into the study via local head teachers and heads of settlement. RESULTS: Overall, seventy-two participants, including forty-six adolescents and twenty-six caregivers, took part. Participants demonstrated good nutrition knowledge, relating nutritional health to a balanced diet and hygiene. Sustained physical activity was reported. However, adopting good practices was challenging due to participant's economic circumstances. Their environment was a barrier to improving health due to dirtiness and violence, with a lack of space limiting the possibility to practice sport. Adolescents and their caregivers differed in their response to these constraints. Many caregivers felt powerless and suggested that a political response was the solution. Alternatively, adolescents were more likely to suggest new creative solutions such as youth-friendly centres within their community. CONCLUSIONS: Participants were aware that their nutritional habits were not in line with what they had learnt to be good nutritional practices due to socio-economic constraints. Physical activity was part of adolescent life, but opportunities to exercise were restricted by their environment. Strategies for improving adolescent health in these settings need to be developed in collaboration with adolescents in a manner that accommodates their opinions and solutions.

Acompanhamento fonoaudiológico nas dificuldades alimentares no câncer infanto-juvenil: uma série de casos / Speech therapy follow-up for eating difficulties with juvenile child cancer: a series of cases / Seguimiento fonoaudiológico en las dificultades de alimentación en el cáncer infantojuvenil: una serie de casos

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo relatar o acompanhamento fonoaudiológico nas dificuldades alimentares no câncer infanto-juvenil. Métodos: O estudo de série de casos retrospectivo e descritivo-qualitativo teve amostra composta por 3 indivíduos com idade variando entre 8 e 14 anos, em acompanhamento com a equipe do Serviço de Oncologia Pediátrica do Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio - Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, com solicitação de avaliação fonoaudiológica para investigação de deglutição/alimentação. A coleta foi realizada por meio de dados extraídos de prontuário eletrônico da instituição, onde constavam as evoluções dos casos dos pacientes internados e atendidos em ambulatório, de março de 2018 a agosto de 2019. Resultados: Nos 3 casos relatados, os pacientes apresentaram deglutição normal, com indicação de via alternativa para alimentação pelo prejuízo na ingestão oral de alimentos durante e/ou após o tratamento oncológico. As queixas alimentares devido aos efeitos colaterais do tratamento foram inapetência, alteração de paladar, náusea e vômitos. Os casos foram acompanhados durante a internação e em ambulatório de fonoaudiologia. Dois dos pacientes permaneceram com a via alternativa por tempo prolongado e um deles reestabeleceu a alimentação por via oral exclusiva. Conclusão: O fonoaudiólogo inserido na equipe multidisciplinar de cuidados ao paciente com câncer infanto-juvenil é um dos responsáveis pelo acompanhamento das dificuldades alimentares provocadas pela doença e tratamentos, com olhar além da disfagia orofaríngea. A sua atuação deve envolver estratégias que promovam a nutrição adequada, seja por via alternativa ou via oral, visando segurança e conforto, com respeito à autonomia do paciente.

Objective: This study was aimed to report speech therapy follow-up for eating difficulties with childhood cancer. Methods: The retrospective and descriptive-qualitative case series study was sampled composed of patients aged between 8 and 14 years, under follow-up with the Pediatric Oncology Service of the Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio - Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, with a request for speech therapy evaluation for swallowing/feeding research. The collection was performed through data extracted from the institution's electronic medical records, with the evolution of the cases of patients hospitalized and attended in an outpatient clinic, from March 2018 to August 2019. Results: In the 3 reported cases, the patients presented normal swallowing, with indication of feeding tubes by impairment in oral food intake during and/or after cancer treatment. The dietary complaints due to the side effects of treatment were inapetence, taste change, nausea and vomiting. The cases were followed during hospitalization and in the speech therapy outpatient clinic. Two of the patients remained on a feeding tube for a long time and one of them reestablished exclusive oral feeding. Conclusion: The speech therapist inserted in the multidisciplinary team of care for patients with childhood cancer is one of those responsible for follow-up of eating difficulties caused by the disease and treatments, with a look beyond oropharyngeal dysphagia. Its performance should involve strategies that promote adequate nutrition, either alternatively or orally, aiming at safety and comfort, with respect to the patient's autonomy.

Objetivo: Este estudio tenía como objetivo de relatar el seguimiento fonoaudiológico en las dificultades de alimentación en el cáncer infantil. Métodos: El estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo-cualitativo de la serie de casos estaba compuesto por 3 individuos de entre 8 y 14 años, bajo seguimiento con el equipo de Servicio de Oncología Pediátrica del Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio - Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, con solicitud de evaluación fonoaudiológica para la investigación de la deglutición/alimentación. La recopilación se realizó a través de datos extraídos de la historia clínica digitalizada institucional con la evolución de los casos de pacientes hospitalizados y atendidos en un servicio de consulta externa, de marzo de 2018 a agosto de 2019. Resultados: En los 3 casos reportados, los pacientes presentaron deglución normal, con indicación de vía alterna de alimentación por presentar dificultad en la ingesta oral de alimentos durante y/o después del tratamiento oncológico. Las quejas alimenticias asociadas a los efectos secundarios del tratamiento fueron la pérdida del apetito, alteración en el sentido del gusto, náuseas y vómito. Los casos fueron acompañados por el fonoaudiólogo durante la hospitalización y el servicio de consulta externa. Dos de los pacientes permanecieron con via alterna de alimentación durante un tiempo prolongado y uno de ellos restableció la alimentación por vía oral por completo. Conclusión: El fonoaudiólogo como parte del equipo multidisciplinario de atención en pacientes con cáncer infantil, es uno de los responsables del seguimiento de las dificultades de alimentación causadas por la enfermedad y los tratamientos, con una mirada más allá de la disfagia orofaríngea. Su actuación debe incluir estrategias que promuevan una nutrición adecuada, ya sea por vía alterna o vía oral, con el objetivo de garantizar la seguridad y comodidad del paciente y respetando su autonomía.

The longitudinal relationship between dietary intake, physical activity and muscle strength among adolescents.

The longitudinal relationship between muscle strength, dietary intake and physical activity among adolescents is not well understood. We investigated the trend and longitudinal effects of dietary intakes and physical activity scores on muscle strength in adolescents. This prospective cohort study consisted of 436 adolescents (134 males; 302 females) aged 13 years at baseline (2012) who were followed up at the ages of 15 (2014) and 17 (2016) years, respectively. We measured muscle strength using a calibrated hand dynamometer, estimated dietary intake with a 7-d dietary history and physical activity scores with a validated physical activity questionnaire for older children. A generalised estimating equation was used to examine the effect of dietary intakes and physical activity on muscle strength changes. The analysis was performed separately by sex. The muscle strength for males and females had increased within the 5-year period. The dietary intakes (energy and macronutrients) also increased initially but plateaued after the age of 15 years for both sexes. Females recorded a significant declining trend in physical activity scores compared with males as they grew older. A significant positive longitudinal relationship was found between protein (ß = 0·035; P = 0·016), carbohydrate intake (ß = 0·002; P = 0·013) and muscle strength among males. However, no longitudinal relationship was found between dietary intake, physical activity and muscle strength among females. Higher protein and carbohydrate intake among males was associated with higher muscle strength but was not observed in females. Nutrition and physical activity focusing on strength building are required in early adolescence and need to be tailored to males and females accordingly.

Selected lifestyle elements in adolescents attending high schools.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle encompasses, among other things, eating habits, physical activity, and the use of stimulants. Individual choices in this area have a direct impact on human health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the lifestyle in adolescents and to verify whether there is a relationship between selected lifestyle elements and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 304 students (160 women and 144 men) were included in the study. The study used an original questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to assess the correlations between gender and eating habits, physical activity and the use of stimulants among adolescents. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The students surveyed usually have 4-5 meals daily at 3-4-hour intervals (50.33% and 53.8%, respectively). They consume confectionery up to several times a week (35.2%), as declared by more women than men (41.9% of women and 27.8% of men). Adolescents usually practise physical exercise several times a week (36.51%), as reported by 29.38% of women and 44.44% of men. Occasional alcohol consumption was reported by 44.38% of women and 42.4% of men. A total of 61.92% of respondents were non-smokers, as declared by more women than men. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of adolescents lead an unhealthy lifestyle in terms of eating habits, alcohol consumption and smoking. Positive behaviours were observed for physical activity. Some lifestyle elements were correlated with gender. Women devote less time to physical activity compared to men. Men have a higher tendency to consume carbonated beverages and higher amounts of alcohol than women. The obtained research results indicate the need for health education.

Micronutrient intake in children with cystic fibrosis in Sydney, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Children with CF have been reported to consume significantly more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods than controls where there are now concerns of inadequate micronutrient intake. There are no current or comprehensive dietary studies assessing micronutrient intake in CF children. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate micronutrient intake in children with CF compared to recommended dietary intakes (RDIs). METHODS: Dietary intake of 13 micronutrients was measured in CF children aged 2-18 years and age- and sex-matched controls using a validated food frequency questionnaire (The Australian Child and Adolescent Eating Survey). RESULTS: CF children (n = 82) consumed significantly more energy than controls (n = 82) [3142(2531-3822) kcal vs 2216(1660-2941) kcal; p < .001]. Absolute intake in CF children was significantly higher in all micronutrients except vitamin C and folate, however energy-adjusted intake was significantly lower for all micronutrients except vitamin A, sodium, calcium and phosphorous. Energy-adjusted intake in primary school CF children was significantly less than controls in 8/13 micronutrients. Overall, median intakes exceeded the RDIs for all micronutrients however CF children fell short of the RDIs for folate (26.8%), iron (15.9%) and calcium (9.8%). In pre-school, 50% of CF children and 91.7% of controls did not meet the iron RDI. High school CF and control children failed to meet RDIs for 7/13 and 9/13 micronutrients respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased intake of most micronutrients in CF children was largely attributed to higher energy consumption. However, micronutrient density of the diet declined with increasing age, where high school children failed to meet RDIs for most key micronutrients.

Determination of Nutrition and Physical Activity Status of Early Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Anatolian Side of Istanbul.

This study was conducted to determine the nutritional and physical activity statuses of adolescents and to examine the relationship between their nutritional and physical activity levels and anthropometric measurements. The sample of this study was composed of 2.000 students from 20 secondary schools in Istanbul, Turkey. The physical activity levels were also examined using the survey, food consumption levels were determined by applying the 24-h Dietary Recall. The height and weight were measured and evaluated by World Health Organization (WHO) growth references. Among the male students (n = 888), 50.9% were normal weighted, 25.8% were overweight, 19.2% were obese, and 2.2% were severely obese. The percentage of those who were normal weight was higher (65.5%) among the female adolescents (n = 852), and 21.8% of the females were overweight, 10.2% were obese, and 0.9% were severely obese. The differences in terms of intake values of all food items were found to be statistically significant (p < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in the food consumption of male and female adolescents in terms of the level of intake of macronutrients. Children and adolescents need to be provided an adequate, balanced nutrition and physical activity to help them grow and develop healthily.

Famine Exposure in Early Life and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Adulthood: Comparisons of Different Metabolic Syndrome Definitions.

This study examined the association between famine exposure in early life and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adulthood during the 1959-1961 Chinese Famine. Two cross-sectional surveys involving randomly selected Chinese adults aged 35-74 years in the Qingdao area were conducted. A total of 9,588 individuals were grouped into four birth cohorts of unexposed (born between January 1, 1962, and December 31, 1975), fetal-exposed (born between January 1, 1959, and December 31, 1961), childhood-exposed (born between January 1, 1949, and December 31, 1958), and adolescence/adult-exposed cohorts (born between January 1, 1931, and December 31, 1948). We assessed the prevalence rate of MetS in relation to famine exposure according to three definitions of MetS by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and China Diabetes Society (CDS). According to the CDS criterion, the prevalence rates of MetS were 17.8%, 25.7%, 31.1%, and 45.3% in the unexposed, fetal-, childhood-, and adolescence/adult-exposed cohorts, respectively (P < 0.001). For the CDS criteria, compared with individuals without famine exposure, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for MetS were 1.36 (1.02-1.81), 1.36 (1.06-1.75), and 1.60 (1.06-2.41) in women and 1.10 (0.79-1.53), 1.07 (0.79-1.42), and 1.21 (0.74-1.99) in men who were exposed in the fetal, childhood, and adolescence/adult periods, respectively, after adjustment for age, study cohorts, residential areas, education levels, income levels, current smoking, and current drinking. The same trend was observed in fetal and childhood exposure for the NCEP-ATP III and IDF definitions, except for a marginal effect in adolescence/adult exposure. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the odds ratios for MetS prevalence for the CDS definition were 1.37 (1.03-1.82), 1.40 (1.09-1.79), and 1.58 (1.04-2.40) among fetal, childhood, and adolescence/adult exposure in rural areas, respectively. The CDS definition is superior to the other definitions for determining the association between famine exposure and MetS with respect to early life. Famine exposure in early life is associated with an increased risk of MetS in later life, especially in women. Early-life malnutrition and later life overnutrition were critical in determining adulthood metabolic disorders.

Poor Dietary Polyphenol Intake in Childhood Cancer Patients.

Emerging research demonstrates polyphenol-rich diets like the Mediterranean diet may play a role in improving the outcomes of adult cancer therapy. To date, there are no trials assessing the intake or efficacy of polyphenol-rich diets in childhood cancer patients. In this study we collected dietary data on 59 childhood cancer patients on treatment using a three-pass 24-h dietary recall (24-HDR), which is based on a validated and structured three-part methodology. Polyphenol consumption was calculated by matching the food consumption data with polyphenol content extracted from the most updated Phenol-Explorer database. The mean total polyphenol intake was 173.31 ± 141.02 mg/day. The major food sources of polyphenols were fruits, beverages, and cereals. There were no significant associations with time since diagnosis, body mass index (BMI) z-score, types of cancer, treatment intensity, food-related symptoms, relapse, and total daily polyphenol intake. Further investigation with larger studies will facilitate the steps in assessing the value of polyphenol-rich dietary patterns in future nutritional interventions for childhood cancer patients.

Nutrition Education during the Preconception Period.

Women's nutrition, starting from infancy through the school age years, early adulthood, during pregnancy and lactation, and between pregnancies has the potential to affect the health and well-being of the next generation. Nutrition education and counseling (NEC) during pregnancy can improve pregnancy outcomes but dietary habits are influenced by practices prior to conception. Observational studies support the importance of nutrition during the peri-conceptional period for improving birth outcomes, but evidence from intervention studies is limited. NEC, however, has been incorporated in traditional health promotion strategies targeted towards women of reproductive age including adolescent girls and/or young adults. Two large case studies from Egypt and India have demonstrated the benefits of combining NEC with weekly iron supplementation to reduce the burden of anemia among adolescent girls, but effects on later birth outcomes have not been assessed. A few controlled studies have evaluated the benefits of NEC prior to conception, mainly in developed country settings, and focused on promoting the consumption of folic acid supplements. Although there is global awareness to promote preconception care, further work is needed to evaluate the benefits of NEC using different platforms, such as daycare centers, schools, health facilities, and worksites especially in resource-limited settings.

Dietary assessment methods in surveillance systems targeted to adolescents: A review of the literature.

AIMS: The present paper aims to identify ongoing multinational surveillance systems (SURSYSs) assessing diet and nutrition targeted to adolescents, including European surveys involving multiple countries and similar initiatives conducted in non-European countries with developed economies, and to describe the dietary assessment methods used. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 13 SURSYSs conducted in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand were identified. Dietary assessment methods commonly used include 24-h recalls (24H-Rs) and questionnaires or interviews. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are used in combination with 24H-Rs in six SURSYSs: only FFQs are used in four SURSYSs; 24H-Rs only in one system and a 24H-R in combination with a general questionnaire/interview in one SURSYS. Eleven systems collect information also on some dietary habits and ten systems on other nutritional indicators such as anthropometric and/or biochemical measures. The FFQs used are not homogeneous and often include limited food or beverage items such as fruits and vegetables or sugar-sweetened beverages. In seven systems, foods specifically consumed by adolescents, such as fast food or snacks, are not assessed; instead, a total of seven systems collect data on supplement intake and just in very few cases on fats, legumes and/or water. CONCLUSIONS: This study detected considerable variability across the systems identified, suggesting the need for a SURSYS targeted to adolescents that gathers as much as possible complete dietary information, with standardised methodology and regular periodicity. The detailed information provided by this review could be useful to national authorities for the choice of protocols to be applied in their own national surveys.

Determinants of lifestyle associated with metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Background: metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been diagnosed in adolescents. However, it remains uncertain which determinants of lifestyle are independently associated with its occurrence. Objective: to verify the association between lifestyle determinants (physical activity, sedentary behavior and food consumption) and MetS, by controlling demographic indicators and anthropometric nutritional status in a sample of adolescents from the southern region of Brazil. Subjects and methods: a school-based cross-sectional study involving 1,035 adolescents (565 girls and 470 boys) aged 12 to 20 years. Anthropometric measurements were performed and a questionnaire was applied with structured questions. MetS was identified according to criteria proposed by the International Diabetes Federation. The data were treated using bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: the overall prevalence of MetS was equivalent to 4.5% (95% CI: 3.8 to 5.4). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between MetS and age (OR = 1.34 [95% CI, 1.09 to 1.80]) and economic class (OR = 1.35 [95% CI: 1.08 to 1.86]). Among the determinants of lifestyle, high recreational screen time (OR = 1.32 [95% CI: 1.07 to 1.94]) and low fruit/vegetable intake (OR = 1.23 [95% CI: 1.01 to 1.87]) were independently associated with MetS. Likewise, obesity (OR = 1.62 [95% CI: 1.28 to 2.47]) was significantly associated with the outcome. Conclusion: in view of the significant association with MetS, intervention strategies should be designed to reduce recreational screen time and encourage fruit/vegetable consumption, especially among older adolescents, with a high economic class and obesity status.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el síndrome metabólico (SMet) se ha diagnosticado en adolescentes, sin embargo, sigue siendo incierto qué determinantes del estilo de vida se pueden asociar de forma independiente con su ocurrencia. Objetivo: verificar la asociación entre determinantes del estilo de vida (actividad física, comportamiento sedentario y consumo de alimentos) y SMet mediante el control de indicadores demográficos y el estado nutricional antropométrico en una muestra de adolescentes de la región sur de Brasil. Sujetos y métodos: estudio transversal con 1.035 adolescentes (565 chicas y 470 chicos) de 12 a 20 años. Se midieron valores antropométricos y se aplicó un cuestionario con preguntas estructuradas. El SMet se identificó de acuerdo con los criterios propuestos por la International Diabetes Federation. Los datos fueron tratados mediante análisis bivariado y regresión múltiple jerarquizada. Resultados: la prevalencia general de SMet fue del 4,5% [IC 95%: 3,8-5,4]. El análisis multivariado mostró una asociación significativa entre SMet y edad (OR = 1,34 [IC 95%: 1,09-1,80]) y clase económica (OR = 1,35 [IC 95%: 1,08-1,86]). Entre los determinantes del estilo de vida, el alto tiempo de pantalla en actividad recreativa (OR = 1,32 [IC 95%: 1,07-1,94]) y la baja ingesta de frutas/vegetales (OR = 1,23 [IC 95%: 1,01-1,87]) se asociaron de forma independiente con el SMet. Del mismo modo, la obesidad (OR = 1,62 [IC 95%: 1,28-2,47]) se asoció significativamente con el SMet. Conclusión: en vista de la asociación significativa con el SMet, las estrategias de intervención deben diseñarse para reducir el tiempo de pantalla recreativo y fomentar el consumo de frutas y verduras, especialmente entre los adolescentes mayores, de clase económica más alta y obesos.

Iron-fortified lentils to improve iron (Fe) status among adolescent girls in Bangladesh - study protocol for a double-blind community-based randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Lentils are generally considered to be a nutrient-dense food, and a good source of iron (Fe). This study aims to establish novel evidence of the effectiveness of the consumption of Fe-fortified lentils in improving the body Fe status and thus cognitive performance in non-pregnant adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh, compared to consumption of ordinary lentils. METHODS: We have designed a double-blind (both trial participants and outcome assessors), community-based, cluster-randomized controlled trial among 1260 Bangladeshi adolescent girls between the ages of 10-17 years who are non-smoking, not married, not pregnant, not breastfeeding, and generally healthy at the time of enrollment. The intervention will include three arms who will receive: (1) Fe-fortified lentils; (2) unfortified lentils; or (3) usual intake. Participants will be served a thick preparation of cooked Fe-fortified lentils (37.5 g raw lentils, approximately 200 g cooked lentils) 5 days per week for 85 feeding days (around 4 months) using a locally acceptable recipe. Lentils were fortified with Fe in the laboratory at the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. A subsample of participants (n = 360) will be randomly invited to be included in cognitive testing. DISCUSSION: Data on socio-demographic characteristics, household food security status, adolescent food habits and cognitive testing will be collected at baseline and endline (4 months). Venous blood samples will be collected at baseline, midline (2 months) and endline to measure adolescents' Fe status. Computerized cognitive testing will include five common measures of attentional (three of attention) and mnemonic functioning (two of memory) carried out using DMDX software. The results of this study will be used to garner support for and to substantiate large-scale production and market expansion of Fe-fortified lentils, and will contribute to knowledge about how to enhance Fe status in adolescents worldwide in resource-poor settings, using staple food crops. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03516734 . Registered on 24 May 2018.

Dietary inflammatory index® and cortical bone outcomes in healthy adolescent children.

Diet is thought to modulate inflammation. This study shows no relationships between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and biomarkers of inflammation or bone after adjusting for covariates. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was inversely associated with peripheral tibia cortical thickness and prospective childhood studies should be conducted to better understand this relationship and to determine if there are long-term consequences in adulthood. INTRODUCTION: Examine the relationships between the DII-scores and bone and biomarkers of inflammation in 290 adolescents, ages 9-13 years. METHODS: DII-scores were calculated from 3-day diet records and categorized into tertiles, low (< - 1.34), medium (- 1.34 to 1.41), and high (> 1.41) inflammation. Radius and tibia bone were assessed via peripheral quantitative computed tomography (Stratec XCT 2000) at the 66% site relative to the distal growth plate. Fasting serum was measured for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). The relationships between DII-scores and bone and biomarkers of inflammation were assessed using bivariate and partial correlations adjusting for sexual maturation, sex, race, muscle cross-sectional area, and height. ANOVA/ANCOVA models were used to compare DII-tertiles with dependent variables. RESULTS: DII-scores were negatively associated with tibia trabecular area (TtAr; r = - .141, P = .019), periosteal perimeter (PsPM; r = - .145, P = .016), endosteal perimeter (r = - .145, P = .016), strength strain index (SSI; r = - .129, P = .032), and radius TtAr (r = - .140, P = .020), PsPM (r = -.138, P = .027) and SSI (r = -.131, P = .036) but nullified when adjusting for covariates. Tibia PsPM was higher in the low DII group compared to the medium (P = .050) and high (P = .046) groups but nullified after controlling for covariates. DII-scores were not associated with TNF-α, VEGF, or IL-6, but were associated with MCP-1 only in the unadjusted model (r = .125, P = .042). In the adjusted model, MCP-1 was inversely associated with tibia cortical thickness (r = -.150 P = .030). CONCLUSION: The DII-scores were not related to biomarkers of inflammation or bone; however, the biomarker of inflammation, MCP-1 was negatively associated with tibia CtTh. Future prospective pediatric studies should be conducted to better understand this relationship and determine if there are long-term implications in adulthood.

Lifestyle patterns and endocrine, metabolic, and immunological biomarkers in European adolescents: The HELENA study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of lifestyle patterns related to physical activity (PA), sedentariness, and sleep with endocrine, metabolic, and immunological health biomarkers in European adolescents. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study comprised 3528 adolescents (1845 girls) (12.5-17.5 years) enrolled in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Study. Cluster analysis was performed by including body composition, PA by accelerometry, self-reported sedentary behaviors, and sleep duration. We also measured endocrine, metabolic, and immunological biomarkers. RESULTS: Three-cluster solutions were identified: (a) light-PA time, moderate-vigorous-PA time and sedentary time, (b) light-PA time, moderate-vigorous-PA time, sedentary time and sleep time, (c) light-PA time, moderate-vigorous-PA time, sedentary time and body composition. In addition, each cluster solution was defined as: "healthy," "medium healthy," and "unhealthy" according to the presented rating. Analysis of variance showed that overall the healthiest groups from the three clusters analyzed presented a better metabolic profile. A decision tree analysis showed that leptin had a strong association with cluster 3 in both boys and girls, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol had the strongest association with clusters 1 and 3 in boys. Cortisol had the strongest association with cluster 1. HOMA index (homeostatic model assessment) and C3 showed a strong association with cluster 3 in girls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the existence of different interactions between metabolic health and lifestyle patterns related to PA, sedentariness, and sleep, with some gender-specific findings. These results highlight the importance to consider multiple lifestyle-related health factors in the assessment of adolescents' health to plan favorable strategies.

Vitamin D Supplementation Modestly Reduces Serum Iron Indices of Healthy Arab Adolescents.

Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to affect iron status via decreased calcitriol production, translating to decreased erythropoiesis. The present study aimed to determine for the first time whether vitamin D supplementation can affect iron levels among Arab adolescents. A total of 125 out of the initial 200 Saudi adolescents with vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) were selected from the Vitamin D-School Project of King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cluster randomization was done in schools, and students received either vitamin D tablets (1000 IU/day) (N = 53, mean age 14.1 ± 1.0 years) or vitamin D-fortified milk (40IU/200mL) (N = 72, mean age 14.8 ± 1.4 years). Both groups received nutritional counseling. Anthropometrics, glucose, lipids, iron indices, and 25(OH)D were measured at baseline and after six months. Within group analysis showed that post-intervention, serum 25(OH)D significantly increased by as much as 50%, and a parallel decrease of -42% (p-values <0.001 and 0.002, respectively) was observed in serum iron in the tablet group. These changes were not observed in the control group. Between-group analysis showed a clinically significant increase in serum 25(OH)D (p = 0.001) and decrease in iron (p < 0.001) in the tablet group. The present findings suggest a possible inhibitory role of vitamin D supplementation in the iron indices of healthy adolescents whose 25(OH)D levels are sub-optimal but not severely deficient, implying that the causal relationship between both micronutrients may be dependent on the severity of deficiency, type of iron disorder, and other vascular conditions that are known to affect hematologic indices. Well-designed, randomized trials are needed to confirm the present findings.

Changes in Sport Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes/Beliefs and Behaviors Following a Two-Year Sport Nutrition Education and Life-Skills Intervention among High School Soccer Players.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a sport nutrition education and life-skills intervention on sport nutrition knowledge (SNK), attitudes/beliefs and dietary behaviors relevant to sport nutrition among high school (HS) soccer players. Three assessments were done over the 2-year intervention (baseline = time 1, end year 1 = time 2, end year 2 = time 3). Participants (n = 217; females = 64%; Latino = 47.5%; 14.9 ± 0.9-year; 46.5% National School Breakfast/Lunch Program) were assigned to an intervention group (IG, n = 153; 9 schools) or comparison group (CG, n = 64; 4 schools) based on geographical location. Differences over time were examined based on group, sex, socioeconomic status (SES) and race/ethnicity. The IG increased SNK scores by ~10% (time 1 = 51.6%; time 3 = 60.9%; p ≤ 0.001), with the greatest change in the female IG vs. CG and no differences in male IG vs. CG. Daily breakfast consumption was 53.7% in both groups. IG players were 3 times more likely (95%CI = 2.59, 7.77) to report trying to eat for performance (IG = 48.7% vs. CG = 30.2%). By time 3, IG players were less likely to report that 'diet met nutritional requirements' (31.6%) compared to CG (47.6%). For IG, the consumption of lunch (≥5-days/week) did not change (92.2⁻93.4%), but declined in the CG (90.6%) (p = 0.04). No other differences by sub-population (race/ethnicity, SES) were observed. Our findings indicate that HS athletes are motivated to learn and improve diet behaviors, and benefit from team-based nutrition interventions. Future interventions should consider delivery of curriculum/experiential learning during a defined training period, with messages reinforced with supports at home, school and athletic settings.