Desigualdad en las prácticas de lactancia y alimentación complementaria en la Argentina, según nivel de ingresos del hogar en 2018-19 / Inequality in breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in Argentina by household income level in 2018­2019

Introducción. La calidad de la alimentación es un derecho vinculado con la supervivencia, el crecimiento saludable, la prevención de enfermedades crónicas y malnutrición en todas sus formas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las prácticas de lactancia y de alimentación de menores de 2 años de áreas urbanas de la Argentina en 2018-19, según el nivel de ingreso de los hogares. Población y métodos. Estudio secundario con datos de la 2da. Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición y Salud 2018-19. Se analizaron indicadores de lactancia y alimentación complementaria, según metodología de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y Unicef. Se estratificó según nivel de ingresos del hogar. Resultados. El análisis incluyó 5763 menores de 24 meses. Aunque el 97 % fue alguna vez amamantado, solo el 47 % de los menores de 6 meses tuvo lactancia exclusiva el día previo y el 48 % mantenía la lactancia luego del año, con mayor prevalencia en los niños/as de menores ingresos. En el día previo, el 23 % de los niños/as de 6 a 23 meses no consumió ninguna verdura o fruta; el 60 % consumió alimentos no saludables y el 50 %, bebidas dulces. Las bebidas dulces y la ausencia de frutas y verduras fueron mayores en aquellos de hogares de menores ingresos. Conclusión. La calidad de la alimentación de los niños/as dista de las recomendaciones y está condicionada por los ingresos. En los sectores empobrecidos, es menor el inicio temprano de la lactancia, la diversidad alimentaria mínima y el consumo de frutas y verduras, y es mayor el consumo de bebidas dulces.

Introduction. Diet quality is a right related to survival, healthy growth, prevention of chronic diseases, and malnutrition in all its forms. The objective of this study was to analyze breastfeeding and feeding practices in children younger than 2 years from urban areas of Argentina in 2018­2019 according to their household income level. Population and methods. Secondary analysis of data of the Second National Survey on Nutrition and Health (ENNyS2) of 2018­2019. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding indicators proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) were analized. Data were stratified by household income level. Results. The analysis included 5763 children younger than 24 months old. Although 97% was ever breastfed, only 47% of infants younger than 6 months were exclusively breastfed the previous day and 48% continued with breastfeeding after 1 year old, with a higher prevalence in low-income children. The previous day, 23% of children aged 6 to 23 months did not eat any fruit or vegetable, 60% consumed unhealthy foods, and 50% consumed sweet beverages. The consumption of sweet beverages and the absence of fruit and vegetables were higher in low-income households. Conclusion. The quality of children's diet is far from the recommendations and is conditioned by income. Early initiation of breastfeeding, minimum dietary diversity, fruit and vegetable consumption are lower and sweet beverage consumption is greater in impoverished sectors.

Effect of bone and analytical method on assessment of bone mineralization in response to dietary phosphorus, phytase, and vitamin D in finishing pigs.

A total of 882 pigs (PIC TR4 × [Fast LW × PIC L02]; initially 33.2 ±â€…0.31 kg) were used in a 112-d study to evaluate the effects of different bones and analytical methods on the assessment of bone mineralization response to changes in dietary P, phytase, and vitamin D in growing pigs. Pens of pigs (20 pigs per pen) were randomized to one of five dietary treatments with nine pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were designed to create differences in bone mineralization and included: 1) P at 80% of NRC (2012) standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P requirement, 2) NRC STTD P with no phytase, 3) NRC STTD P with phytase providing an assumed release of 0.14% STTD P from 2,000 FYT/kg, 4) high STTD P (128% of the NRC P) using monocalcium phosphate and phytase, and 5) diet 4 with additional vitamin D3 from 25(OH)D3. On day 112, one pig per pen was euthanized for bone, blood, and urine analysis. Additionally, 11 pigs identified as having poor body condition which indicated a history of low feed intake (unhealthy) were sampled. There were no differences between treatments for final body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, gain to feed, or bone ash measurements (treatment × bone interaction) regardless of bone ash method. The response to treatment for bone density and bone mineral content was dependent upon the bone sampled (density interaction, P = 0.053; mineral interaction, P = 0.078). For 10th rib bone density, pigs fed high levels of P had increased (P < 0.05) bone density compared with pigs fed NRC levels with phytase, with pigs fed deficient P, NRC levels of P with no phytase, and high STTD P with extra 25(OH)D3 intermediate, with no differences for metacarpals, fibulas, or 2nd ribs. Pigs fed extra vitamin D from 25(OH)D3 had increased (P < 0.05) 10th rib bone mineral content compared with pigs fed deficient P and NRC levels of P with phytase, with pigs fed industry P and vitamin D, and NRC P with monocalcium intermediate. Healthy pigs had greater (P < 0.05) serum Ca, P, vitamin D concentrations, and defatted bone ash than those unhealthy, with no difference between the two health statuses for non-defatted bone ash. In summary, differences between bone ash procedures were more apparent than differences between diets. Differences in bone density and mineral content in response to dietary P and vitamin D were most apparent with 10th ribs.

Lameness is defined as impaired movement or deviation from normal gait. The evaluation of bone mineralization can be an important component of a diagnostic investigation of lameness. Lameness in growing pigs can cause an increase in morbidity and mortality, which leads to economic losses and animal welfare concerns for producers. Calcium and P are the primary minerals in skeletal tissue and their deficiency is considered to be one of the causes of lameness. To evaluate bone mineralization, it is important to know the differences between methodologies used to determine bone ash and the expected differences between the bones analyzed. Furthermore, there has been limited data comparing bone mineralization and serum Ca and P concentrations between healthy pigs and those exhibiting clinical signs of illness (unhealthy). By removing the lipid in the bone (defatting) before the bone is ashed, variation across bones is decreased compared with not removing lipid before ashing (non-defatted). The reduction in variation across bones allows for more differences to be detected among dietary treatments and health statuses of pigs. The 10th rib is more sensitive to detect dietary differences using bone density than metacarpals, fibulas, and 2nd ribs. When comparing healthy vs. unhealthy pigs exhibiting clinical signs of illness, healthy pigs have increased defatted percentage bone ash and serum Ca, P, and vitamin D.

Assessment of probiotic Bacillus velezensis supplementation to reduce Campylobacter jejuni colonization in chickens.

Campylobacter jejuni continues to be a major public health issue worldwide. Poultry are recognized as the main reservoir for this foodborne pathogen. Implementing measures to decrease C. jejuni colonization on farms has been regarded as the most effective strategy to control the incidence of campylobacteriosis. The probiotics supplementation has been regarded as an attractive approach against C. jejuni in chickens. Here the inhibitory effects of one probiotic B. velezensis isolate CAU277 against C. jejuni was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro antimicrobial activity showed that the supernatant of B. velezensis exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effects on Campylobacter strains compared to other bacterial species. When co-cultured with B. velezensis, the growth of C. jejuni reduced significantly from 7.46 log10 CFU/mL (24 h) to 1.02 log10 CFU/mL (48 h). Further, the antimicrobial activity of B. velezensis against C. jejuni remained stable under a broad range of temperature, pH, and protease treatments. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that oral administration of B. velezensis significantly reduced the colonization of C. jejuni by 2.0 log10 CFU/g of feces in chicken cecum at 15 d postinoculation. In addition, the supplementary of B. velezensis significantly increased microbial species richness and diversity in chicken ileum, especially enhanced the bacterial population of Alistipes and Christensenellaceae, and decreased the existence of Lachnoclostridium. Our study presents that B. velezensis possesses antimicrobial activities against C. jejuni and promotes microbiota diversity in chicken intestines. These findings indicate a potential to develop an effective probiotic additive to control C. jejuni infection in chicken.

Effects of discounting fruits, vegetables, and noncaloric beverages in New York City supermarkets on purchasing, intake, and weight.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess purchasing, intake, and weight after discounting fruits and vegetables (F&V) and noncaloric beverages in New York City supermarkets. METHODS: A 16-week randomized controlled trial was conducted with a 4-week baseline, an 8-week intervention with 50% discounts on F&V and noncaloric beverages, and a 4-week follow-up. Purchasing was tracked via loyalty cards, and intake was tracked via 24-h dietary recalls. Weights were measured at five in-person visits. RESULTS: Data from 67 participants were analyzed (38 in the experimental group; 29 in the control group). F&V and noncaloric beverage weekly purchasing was greater in the experimental than the control group (mean difference [SD], $4.64 [$1.44], p < 0.0001; $0.53 [$0.39], p = 0.008) during intervention, with F&V purchasing remaining greater in the experimental versus control group during follow-up (p = 0.005). F&V intake was greater for the experimental than the control group during intervention (142 [105] g/day; p = 0.009) and follow-up (p = 0.001). Although no difference in noncaloric beverage consumption was observed between groups, there was lower alcohol intake in the experimental than the control group during follow-up (-85.8 [60.2] g/day; p = 0.004). The experimental group lost weight compared with the control group (-1.33 [0.92] kg; p = 0.006 intervention and p = 0.106 follow-up). No differences in nutrient composition or high energy-dense product consumption were found. CONCLUSIONS: A 50% discount on F&V and noncaloric beverages promoted increased purchasing and intake of F&V and induced weight loss.

U.S. food policy to address diet-related chronic disease.

Poor diet is the leading cause of mortality in the U.S. due to the direct relationship with diet-related chronic diseases, disproportionally affects underserved communities, and exacerbates health disparities. Evidence-based policy solutions are greatly needed to foster an equitable and climate-smart food system that improves health, nutrition and reduces chronic disease healthcare costs. To directly address epidemic levels of U.S. diet-related chronic diseases and nutritional health disparities, we conducted a policy analysis, prioritized policy options and implementation strategies, and issued final recommendations for bipartisan consideration in the 2023-24 Farm Bill Reauthorization. Actional recommendations include: sugar-sweetened beverage taxation, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fruit and vegetable subsidy expansion, replacement of ultra-processed foods (UPF) with sustainable, diverse, climate-smart agriculture and food purchasing options, and implementing "food is medicine."

Dietary risk assessment of drinking water and fish from cultivated wetlands of Ndop.

This study evaluated pesticide exposure practices, and the potential health risks of drinking water and consuming fish from the cultivated wetlands of Ndop, Cameroon. Six hundred and twenty-six questionnaires were conveniently administered to farmers (≥ 26 years old) in a cross-sectional study to assess exposure practices and dietary risks. The Chi-square and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish relationships between variables. The PRIMET model was used to predict a worst-case dietary risk. The pesticide handling practices of 90% of farmers were inadequate. Chlorpyriphos, lambda-cyhalothrin, fipronil, and paraquat dichloride posed a possible dietary risk at recommended and applied doses, with chlorpyrifos having the highest exposure toxicity ratio (ETRdiet = 36.72). Paraquat dichloride, fipronil, and lambda-cyhalothrin posed a possible dietary risk at 26.3%, 58.3%, and 62.2% of their recommended concentrations, respectively. Remarkably, the dietary risk for cypermethrin was acceptable at 5.8 times its recommended dose (ETRdietR = 0.29). The significant positive correlation (p = 0.000) between PECfish and ETRdiet, suggests a possible health risk of consuming fish and drinking water harvested from the wetlands, thus the need for replacing pesticides posing possible risks at lower or recommended concentrations with less toxic alternatives and to train farmers on pesticide application practices.

The Assessment of the Nutritional Status among the Young-Old and Old-Old Population with Alimentary-Dependent Diseases.

Background and Objectives: Unhealthy nutrition can contribute to the development or progression of various alimentary-dependent diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, anaemia, and arterial hypertension. Young-old and old-old individuals often have diets deficient in essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, characterized by high consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods and insufficient intake of plant-based products like vegetables and fruits. This study aims to identify key parameters of nutritional status among the young-old (aged 60-74 years) and old-old (aged 75-90 years) populations in central Kazakhstan, particularly in relation to specific alimentary-dependent diseases. Materials and Methods: The study involved 300 participants aged 60-90 years. The study incorporated a dietary questionnaire, food consumption records (such as 24 h recalls), and measurements of anthropometric indicators including weight and skinfold measurements. Results: Residents in the surveyed regions typically consumed food 3-4 times daily, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner being eaten at consistent times. A significant proportion of individuals, especially older adults, followed this meal schedule. About one-third ate before bedtime, and more than half believed they adhere to a specific diet. The mean BMI for men aged 60-74 years was 28.3 (95% CI: 20.1-43.2) and, for those aged 75-90 years, it was 29.0 (95% CI: 22.1-40.8). Caloric intake among individuals aged 60-74 was higher compared to those aged 75-90, with males consuming an average of 2372.7 kcal and females consuming 2236.78 kcal versus 2101.5 kcal for males and 2099.9 kcal for females in the older age group. Conclusions: The dietary patterns observed among old-old individuals were marked by excessive calorie intakes and imbalances in macronutrient composition, with a predominant emphasis on high-carbohydrate foods at the expense of essential nutrients like proteins, fats, and key vitamins (such as C, E, B vitamins) and minerals (such as potassium, calcium, and iron).

Geographical patterns of implementing a government subsidy program: implications for health outcomes and nutrient intake in Iran.

Introduction: The lack of access to a diverse and nutritious diet has significant health consequences worldwide. Governments have employed various policy mechanisms to ensure access, but their success varies. Method: In this study, the impact of changes in food assistance policy on food prices and nutrient security in different provinces of Iran, a sanctioned country, was investigated using statistical and econometric models. Results: Both the old and new policies were broad in scope, providing subsidized food or cash payments to the entire population. However, the implementation of these policies led to an increase in the market price of food items, resulting in a decline in the intake of essential nutrients. Particularly, the policy that shifted food assistance from commodity subsidies to direct cash payments reduced the price sensitivity of consumers. Consequently, the intake of key nutrients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are often constrained by their high prices, decreased. To improve the diets of marginalized populations, it is more effective to target subsidies towards specific nutrient groups and disadvantaged populations, with a particular focus on food groups that provide essential nutrients like Vitamin A and Vitamin C in rural areas of Iran. Discussion: More targeted food assistance policies, tailored to the specific context of each province and income level, are more likely to yield positive nutritional outcomes with minimal impact on food prices.

Effects of finisher diet nutrients density and slaughter age on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and meat quality of broilers.

BACKGROUND: The current broilers have been greatly optimized for weight gain and breast yield, which necessitates the provision of nutrients-dense diets for maximum potential. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of finisher diet nutrients density (ND) on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and breast meat quality of broilers raised until different slaughter age. METHODS: A total of 600 23-day-old broiler male chicks (Cobb-500) were assigned to 10 treatments with six replicates and 10 birds each. Experimental treatments were included factorial arrangement of five increment (2.5%) levels of finisher diet ND (92.5%, 95%, 97.5%, 100% and 102.5% as strain recommendation) and slaughtered at 38 or 46 days of age. The relative difference in the energy level of experimental diets was used to increase ND levels at the same ratio. RESULTS: Feed intake (FI) and breast meat quality traits exception water holding capacity (WHC) were not affected by finisher diet ND. In response to increasing finisher diet ND, energy and protein efficiency, productive traits, bio-economic index (BEI) and breast relative weight (BRW) linearly improved. However, residual feed intake and breast meat WHC improved with a quadratic trend. By using broken-line regression analysis, the optimum dietary ND was obtained at 97.5%-102% of strain recommendation. Energy and protein efficiency, feed conversion ratio and BEI deteriorated by prolonging rearing period. The BRW, meat lightness (L*), redness (a*), hue angle (h*) and WHC values for the birds slaughtered at 46 days of age were significantly higher, and cooking loss was lower than those slaughtered at 38 days old. CONCLUSIONS: Broilers during the finisher period are not able to regulate their FIs with diet ND. The energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance were reduced when broilers were fed diluted diet or the rearing period was prolonged.

[Analysis of food carbon footprint and its socio-demographic disparities in China in 2018].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze food carbon footprint and its socio-demographic disparities among adults in China. METHODS: A total of 12 777 adults aged 18 years and above from the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2018 who have completed dietary and socio-demographic data were analyzed. The information of food intake were collected by 24 h recalls combined with the weighing of household seasonings. Food consumption was converted into energy intake by the China Food Composition Table. Carbon footprint of 26 food groups were calculated by the food carbon footprint database based on life-cycle assessment(LCA), multinomial logit model was used to analyze the association of socio-demographic factors and food carbon footprint. RESULTS: Average food carbon footprint were decreased with increasing age while increased with increasing income and education levels, and was higher among male than that among female, was higher among urban residents than that among rural residents, was higher in the south than that in the north. Multinomial logit analysis showed that compared with people aged 18-44, the likelihood of occurring high carbon footprint in 60y and above group were 29%(OR=0.71, 95%CI 0.61-0.83) lower than that occurring low carbon footprint. Women were 11%(OR=0.89, 95%CI 0.81-0.99) and 25%(OR=0.75, 95%CI 0.67-0.84) less likely to appear medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint, compared with their male counterparts. In comparison to people living in cities, rural dwellers were 24%(OR=0.76, 95%CI 0.69-0.85) and 38%(OR=0.62, 95%CI 0.55-0.70) less likely to appear medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint. People in the south were 3.89 times(95%CI 3.52-4.30) and 11.35 times(95%CI 10.01-12.88) more likely to occur medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint, compared with people in the north. Participants were more likely to occur medium carbon footprint and high carbon footprint with the increasing income level(OR>1), and were more likely to occur high carbon footprint with the increasing education level(OR>1). CONCLUSION: The food carbon footprint of adults in China in 2018 show different socio-demographic disparities, gender, income and education level are significant factors.

Target for lipid-to-carbohydrate intake minimizes cost of growth.

Many theoretical treatments of foraging use energy as currency, with carbohydrates and lipids considered interchangeable as energy sources. However, herbivores must often synthesize lipids from carbohydrates since they are in short supply in plants, theoretically increasing the cost of growth. We tested whether a generalist insect herbivore (Locusta migratoria) can improve its growth efficiency by consuming lipids, and whether these locusts have a preferred caloric intake ratio of carbohydrate to lipid (C : L). Locusts fed pairs of isocaloric, isoprotein diets differing in C and L consistently selected a 2C : 1L target. Locusts reared on isocaloric, isoprotein 3C : 0L diets attained similar final body masses and lipid contents to locusts fed the 2C : 1L diet, but they ate more and had a ~12% higher metabolic rate, indicating an energetic cost for lipogenesis. These results demonstrate that some animals can selectively regulate carbohydrate-to-lipid intake and that consumption of dietary lipids can improve growth efficiency.

Consumption of in natura and ultra-processed foods in adults: an analysis of social, metabolic, and lifestyle determinants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the social, metabolic, and lifestyle determinants of consumption of fruits, vegetables, and greens (FVG) and ultra-processed food (ULT) in adults from Pernambuco. METHODS: Cross-sectional and analytical study, conducted in 2015/2016. In addition to sociodemographic variables, the determinants of lifestyle were level of physical activity, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and metabolic variables were self-reported hypertension, blood glucose, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Consumption was measured by the Food Frequency Questionnaire, then created the Frequency of Consumption Index (SFI) of the mean intake of ULT and FVG foods. The indices of FVG and ULT consumption were transformed into quartiles and these variables were included in the multinomial logistic regression, considering their determinants when p<0.05. RESULTS: The sample was representative of the state, with 1,067 people being interviewed, whose intake of ULT was higher than that of FVG in the lowest and highest quartile of the consumption index. Consumption of fruit and vegetables was higher in higher consumption of alcoholic beverages (p=0.031) and BMI>25 kg/m2 (p=0.047); and lower in the lowest income (p=0.001). ULT intake was higher in young adults (p=0.005), lower income (p=0.044), and controlled blood glucose (p=0.021). Rural areas were 52% less exposed to medium-high ULT consumption (p<0.006). CONCLUSION: Higher rate of ULT consumption in relation to fresh foods, with income as a common determinant, inversely associated with ULT intake and directly related to FVG, which demands structuring policies.

Accuracy of energy and nutrient intake estimation versus observed intake using 4 technology-assisted dietary assessment methods: a randomized crossover feeding study.

BACKGROUND: Technology-assisted 24-h dietary recalls (24HRs) have been widely adopted in population nutrition surveillance. Evaluations of 24HRs inform improvements, but direct comparisons of 24HR methods for accuracy in reference to a measure of true intake are rarely undertaken in a single study population. OBJECTIVES: To compare the accuracy of energy and nutrient intake estimation of 4 technology-assisted dietary assessment methods relative to true intake across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. METHODS: In a controlled feeding study with a crossover design, 152 participants [55% women; mean age 32 y, standard deviation (SD) 11; mean body mass index 26 kg/m2, SD 5] were randomized to 1 of 3 separate feeding days to consume breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with unobtrusive weighing of foods and beverages consumed. Participants undertook a 24HR the following day [Automated Self-Administered Dietary Assessment Tool-Australia (ASA24); Intake24-Australia; mobile Food Record-Trained Analyst (mFR-TA); or Image-Assisted Interviewer-Administered 24-hour recall (IA-24HR)]. When assigned to IA-24HR, participants referred to images captured of their meals using the mobile Food Record (mFR) app. True and estimated energy and nutrient intakes were compared, and differences among methods were assessed using linear mixed models. RESULTS: The mean difference between true and estimated energy intake as a percentage of true intake was 5.4% (95% CI: 0.6, 10.2%) using ASA24, 1.7% (95% CI: -2.9, 6.3%) using Intake24, 1.3% (95% CI: -1.1, 3.8%) using mFR-TA, and 15.0% (95% CI: 11.6, 18.3%) using IA-24HR. The variances of estimated and true energy intakes were statistically significantly different for all methods (P < 0.01) except Intake24 (P = 0.1). Differential accuracy in nutrient estimation was present among the methods. CONCLUSIONS: Under controlled conditions, Intake24, ASA24, and mFR-TA estimated average energy and nutrient intakes with reasonable validity, but intake distributions were estimated accurately by Intake24 only (energy and protein). This study may inform considerations regarding instruments of choice in future population surveillance. This trial was registered at Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12621000209897.

Assessment of the prevalence of inadequate iron intakes in premenopausal females based on the reference values of the European Food Safety Authority using cross-sectional food consumption data.

BACKGROUND: The iron intake requirement distribution for premenopausal females is not symmetric, which invalidates the EAR cut-point approach for assessing the prevalence of iron inadequacy. Therefore, Beaton's Full Probability Approach (PA) must be used. Although the PA requires information on the entire iron intake requirement distribution, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) only provided the EAR (50th percentile), 90th, 95th (population reference intake), and 97.5th percentiles. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to reliably estimate the prevalence of iron inadequacy in premenopausal females using the PA, based on the intake requirements established by EFSA, and compare the results with those obtained from the EAR cut-point method. METHODS: Habitual iron intakes were calculated using the statistical program to assess dietary exposure with data from 484 females (20-45 y) from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2012-2016. Iron requirements of EFSA (including additionally obtained information) were applied. Results from the PA were compared to results obtained with the EAR cut-point method. Sensitivity analyses examined the impact of lower iron intake distributions on differences in estimated inadequate intakes between PA and EAR cut-point methods. RESULTS: A 2-fold higher prevalence of iron inadequacy among Dutch premenopausal females was observed when employing the PA compared to the EAR cut-point method, using EFSA's reference values. Sensitivity analysis showed that the EAR cut-point method could also result in large overestimations for populations with lower intake distributions. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided an example of using the PA method by using additionally derived information on the full requirement distribution underlying EFSA's reference values. Results showed once more the unsuitability of the EAR cut-point method to calculate the prevalence of iron inadequacy in premenopausal females. Hence, we recommend that institutions deriving dietary reference values provide all the information needed to use the correct method to determine inadequate intakes in the population.

Validity of dietary assessment methods compared with doubly labeled water in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to validate dietary assessment methods against the gold standard, doubly labeled water (DLW), for estimating total energy intake (TEI). METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched until May 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies involving participants aged 1-18 years, employing dietary assessment methods like food records, dietary histories, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), or 24-h recalls estimating TEI alongside DLW to measure total energy expenditure (TEE). Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis models. RESULTS: Thirty-three studies were identified, with sample sizes ranging from 9 to 118 participants. Meta-analysis of 22 studies identified underestimation of TEI (mean difference [MD] = -262.9 kcal/day [95% CI: -380.0, -145.8]; I2 = 93.55%) for food records compared with TEE estimated by DLW. Other dietary assessment methods, including food recalls (n = 9) (MD = 54.2 kcal/day [95% CI: -19.8, 128.1]; I2 = 49.62%), FFQ (n = 7) (MD = 44.5 kcal/day [95% CI: -317.8, 406.8]; I2 = 94.94%), and diet history (n = 3) (MD = -130.8 kcal/day [95% CI: -455.8, 194.1]; I2 = 77.48%), showed no significant differences in TEI compared with DLW-estimated TEE. All studies were of high quality. CONCLUSION: Food records may underestimate TEI, yet additional research is needed to identify the most accurate methods for assessing children's dietary intake.

Investigating the role of the built environment, socio-economic status, and lifestyle factors in the prevalence of chronic diseases in Mashhad: PLS-SEM model.

Background: Chronic diseases remain a significant contributor to both mortality and disability in our modern world. Physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet are recognized as significant behavioral risk factors for chronic diseases, which can be influenced by the built environment and socio-economic status (SES). This study aims to investigate the relationship between the built environment, SES, and lifestyle factors with chronic diseases. Methods: The current study was conducted in Mashhad's Persian cohort, which included employees from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS). In the study, 5,357 participants from the cohort were included. To assess the state of the built environment in Mashhad, a Geographic Information System (GIS) map was created for the city and participants in the Persian Mashhad study. Food intake and physical exercise were used to assess lifestyle. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess food intake. To assess food intake, the diet quality index was computed. To assess the link between variables, the structural model was created in accordance with the study's objectives, and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized. Results: The chronic diseases were positively associated with male sex (p < 0.001), married (p < 0.001), and higher age (p < 0.001). The chronic diseases were negatively associated with larger family size (p < 0.05), higher SES (p < 0.001), and higher diet quality index (DQI) (p < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between chronic disease and physical activity. Conclusion: Food intake and socioeconomic status have a direct impact on the prevalence of chronic diseases. It seems that in order to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing economic access, reducing the class gap and increasing literacy and awareness should be emphasized, and in the next step, emphasis should be placed on the built environment.

Nutritional Value of Meat and Meat Products and Their Role in Human Health.

Meat and meat products are among the most nutrient-dense food sources in the human diet [...].

A blended face-to-face and eHealth lifestyle intervention on physical activity, diet, and health outcomes in Hong Kong community-dwelling older adults: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Aging individuals are vulnerable to various Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). Different behaviors are closely related to a decreased risk of suffering from NCDs: sufficient Physical Activity (PA) (e.g., at least 150 mins Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) per week) and a healthy daily diet (e.g., at least five portions of Fruit and Vegetable Intake (FVI), 5-6 taels (189.0-226.8 g) Meat, Fish, Egg and Alternatives (MFEA)). Traditional face-to-face interventions were effective in behavior change. However, it was revealed to be resource-intensive and limited transfer due to poor self-regulation skills outside of face-to-face sessions. Thus, eHealth could be a supplement for older adults outside traditional face-to-face settings. The blended approach combining these two interventions might optimize the intervention effects on lifestyle behavior initiation and maintenance, but little research can be found among Hong Kong older adults. Therefore, the study aims to test a blended intervention to promote PA, diet, and health outcomes among Hong Kong community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This study will adopt a 10-week three-arm randomized controlled trial. The blended group will receive weekly (1) two 60-min face-to-face sessions with one for PA and one for diet, and (2) two web-based sessions with one for PA and one for diet. The face-to-face group will receive the same intervention content as the face-to-face sessions in the blended group. The control condition will receive a biweekly telephone call. The outcomes will include MVPA (minutes/week), FVI (portions/day), MFEA consumption (taels/day), social-cognitive factors (self-efficacy, planning, social support, action control), physical health outcomes (clinical indicators, senior physical fitness), mental health outcomes (depression, loneliness) and health-related quality of life. Data collection will be implemented at the pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up test. Discussion: This is the first study evaluating a blended intervention promoting multiple health behaviors among Hong Kong community-dwelling older adults. If the effect of the blended intervention is superior to the traditional face-to-face group and the control group, it will enrich lifestyle intervention approaches and can be applied to older adults, helping them obtain health benefits. Furthermore, a better understanding of mechanisms will also have implications for theory-building. Clinical trial registration: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN32329348, ISRCTN32329348.

Performance and economic efficiency of laying hens in response to adding zeolite to feed and litter.

This study investigated the effect of different levels of zeolite in laying hen (Silver Montazah) diet and litter on productive performance, egg quality criteria, and economics during the second stage of production (40-56 wk of age). An experiment with a 3 × 4 factorial design was performed to study the effects of four levels of zeolite (0, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg feed) in the diet and three levels of zeolite (0, 1.5, and 2 kg/m2) in the litter. Adding zeolite to diet and litter significantly improved final BW and BW change, egg number, egg weight, egg mass, laying rate, feed consumption (FC), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as egg quality criteria when compared to the unsupplemented group. Additionally, adding zeolite at a level of 2 kg /m2 litter and 20 g/kg diet achieved the greatest enhancement in productive performance features. Therefore, it can be suggested that the greatest results were obtained in laying farms when zeolite was added as a litter addition and as a supplement to feed.

Assessment of fish protein hydrolysate as a substitute for fish meal in white shrimp diets: Impact on growth, immune response, and resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection.

This study investigated the effects of fish protein hydrolysate derived from barramundi on growth performance, muscle composition, immune response, disease resistance, histology and gene expression in white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). In vitro studies demonstrated FPH enhanced mRNA expressions of key immune-related genes and stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and phagocytic activity in shrimp hemocytes. To evaluate the effects of substituting fish meal with FPH in vivo, four isoproteic (43 %), isolipidic (6 %), and isoenergetic diets (489 kcal/100 g) were formulated with fish meal substitution levels of 0 % (control), 30 % (FPH30), 65 % (FPH65), and 100 % (FPH100). After 8-week feeding, the growth performance of FPH65 and FPH100 were significantly lower than that of control and FPH30 (p < 0.05). Similarly, the midgut histological examination revealed the wall thickness and villi height of FPH100 were significantly lower than those of control (p < 0.05). The shrimps were received the challenge of AHPND + Vibrio parahaemolyticus at week 4 and 8. All FPH-fed groups significantly enhanced resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus at week 4 (p < 0.05). However, this protective effect diminished after long-period feeding. No significant difference of survival rate was observed among all groups at week 8 (p > 0.05). The expressions of immune-related genes were analyzed at week 4 before and after challenge. In control group, V. parahaemolyticus significantly elevated SOD in hepatopancreas and Muc 19, trypsin, Midline-fas, and GPx in foregut (p < 0.05). Moreover, hepatopancreatic SOD of FPH65 and FPH100 were significantly higher than that of control before challenge (p < 0.05). Immune parameters were measured at week 8. Compared with control, the phagocytic index of FPH 30 was significantly higher (p < 0.05). However, dietary FPH did not alter ROS production, phenoloxidase activity, phagocytic rate, and total hemocyte count (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that FPH30 holds promise as a feed without adverse impacts on growth performance while enhancing the immunological response of white shrimp.