A food-exchange model for achieving the recommended dietary intakes for saturated fat in Irish children: analysis from the cross-sectional National Children's Food Survey II.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the main foods determining SFA intakes and model the impact of food exchanges to improve compliance with dietary fat recommendations in Irish children. DESIGN: Estimated food and nutrient intakes were obtained from a cross-sectional study, the National Children's Food Survey II. Participants were categorised into low, medium and high SFA consumers, and the contribution of food categories to SFA intakes was compared. A food-exchange model was developed, whereby a selected range of high SFA foods was exchanged with lower SFA or unsaturated fat alternatives. SETTING: Participants were randomly selected from primary schools throughout the Republic of Ireland. PARTICIPANTS: A representative sample of 600 Irish children (5-12 years). RESULTS: The main determinants of low and high SFA consumers were milk, cheese and butter. These foods, including snack foods and meat and meat products, were considered exchangeable foods within the model. Compared with baseline data, modelled intakes for total fat, SFA, MUFA and trans-fat presented decreases of 3·2, 2·7, 1·6 and < 0·1 % of total energy (% TE), respectively. PUFA, n-6, n-3 and alpha-linolenic acid showed increases of 1·0, 0·8, 0·2 and 0·1 % TE, respectively. Compliance with total fat, MUFA and trans-fat recommendations remained adequate (100 %). Adherence to SFA and PUFA recommendations improved from 18 to 63 % and 80 to 100 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: The food-exchange model decreased SFA intakes and increased PUFA intakes, suggesting modest dietary changes to children's diets can effectively improve their overall dietary fat profile.

Food and nutrient intakes and compliance with recommendations in school-aged children in Ireland: findings from the National Children's Food Survey II (2017-2018) and changes since 2003-2004.

The childhood years represent a period of increased nutrient requirements during which a balanced diet is important to ensure optimal growth and development. The aim of this study was to examine food and nutrient intakes and compliance with recommendations in school-aged children in Ireland and to examine changes over time. Analyses were based on two National Children's Food Surveys; NCFS (2003-2004) (n 594) and NCFS II (2017-2018) (n 600) which estimated food and nutrient intakes in nationally representative samples of children (5-12 years) using weighed food records (NCFS: 7-d; NCFS II: 4-d). This study found that nutrient intakes among school-aged children in Ireland are generally in compliance with recommendations; however, this population group have higher intakes of saturated fat, free sugars and salt, and lower intakes of dietary fibre than recommended. Furthermore, significant proportions have inadequate intakes of vitamin D, Ca, Fe and folate. Some of the key dietary changes that have occurred since the NCFS (2003-2004) include decreased intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juice, milk and potatoes, and increased intakes of wholemeal/brown bread, high-fibre ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, porridge, pasta and whole fruit. Future strategies to address the nutrient gaps identified among this population group could include the continued promotion of healthy food choices (including education around 'healthy' lifestyles and food marketing restrictions), improvements of the food supply through reformulation (fat, sugar, salt, dietary fibre), food fortification for micronutrients of concern (voluntary or mandatory) and/or nutritional supplement recommendations (for nutrients unlikely to be sufficient from food intake alone).

Dietary fat intakes in Irish children: changes between 2005 and 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To examine current dietary fat intakes and compliance in Irish children and to examine changes in intakes from 2005 to 2019. DESIGN: Analyses were based on data from the Irish National Children's Food Survey (NCFS) and the NSFS II, two cross-sectional studies that collected detailed food and beverage intake data through 7-day and 4-day weighed food diaries, respectively. SETTING: NCFS and NCFS II, Republic of Ireland. PARTICIPANTS: A nationally representative sample of 594 (NCFS) and 600 (NCFS II) children aged 5-12 years. Current intakes from the NCFS II were compared with those previously reported in the NCFS (www.iuna.net). RESULTS: Current intakes of total fat, SFA, MUFA, PUFA and trans fat as a percentage of total energy are 33·3, 14·0, 13·6, 5·6 and 0·5 %, respectively. Total fat, SFA and trans fat intakes since 2005 remained largely stable over time with all displaying minor decreases of <1 %. Adherence to SFA recommendations remains inadequate, with only 7 % of the population complying. Insufficient compliance with PUFA (71 %) and EPA and DHA (DHA; 16 %) recommendations was also noted. CONCLUSION: Children in Ireland continue to meet the total fat and trans fat target goals. Adherence to MUFA and PUFA recommendations has also significantly improved. However, deviations for some fats remain, in particular SFA. These findings are useful for the development of dietary strategies to improve compliance with current recommendations.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Irish children between 1990 and 2019.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to examine the temporal prevalence of overweight and obesity in Irish children through different methodologies and evaluate the change in rates between 1990 and 2019. DESIGN: Anthropometric data from three Irish national food consumption surveys were used to examine the change in the prevalence of BMI and waist circumference-derived overweight and obesity levels. SETTING: Three cross-sectional food consumption surveys from the Republic of Ireland: the Irish National Nutrition Survey (1990), the National Children's Food Survey (2005) and The Second National Children's Food Survey (2019). PARTICIPANTS: A demographically representative sample of Irish children aged 5-12 years: 1990 (n 148), 2005 (n 594) and 2019 (n 596). RESULTS: Twelve percentage of children had overweight/obesity in 1990, which was significantly higher in 2005 at 25 % and significantly lower in 2019 at 16 % (P = 0·003). In 2019, more girls had overweight/obesity in comparison with boys (19 v. 14 %), whilst children from the lowest social class group had the highest levels of overweight/obesity (P = 0·019). Overall, the proportion of children with abdominal overweight/obesity was significantly lower in 2019 in comparison with 2005 (P ≤ 0·001). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from the most recent national survey suggests that overweight and obesity levels are plateauing and in some cases reducing in children in Ireland. Despite this, rates remain high, with the highest prevalence in 2019 observed in girls and in those from the lowest social class group. Thus, overweight/obesity prevention and intervention policies are necessary and should be continued.

Whole grain intakes in Irish adults: findings from the National Adults Nutrition Survey (NANS).

PURPOSE: Observational studies link high whole grain intakes to reduced risk of many chronic diseases. This study quantified whole grain intakes in the Irish adult population and examined the major contributing sources. It also investigated potential dietary strategies to improve whole grain intakes. METHODS: Whole grain intakes were calculated in a nationally representative sample of 1500 Irish adults using data from the most recent national food survey, the National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS). Food consumption was assessed, at brand level where possible, using a 4-day semi-weighed food diary with whole grain content estimated from labels on a dry matter basis. RESULTS: Mean daily whole grain intakes were 27.8 ± 29.4 g/day, with only 19% of the population meeting the quantity-specific recommendation of 48 g per day. Wheat was the highest contributor to whole grain intake at 66%, followed by oats at 26%. High whole grain intakes were associated with higher dietary intakes of fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and a higher alternative Mediterranean Diet Score. Whole grain foods were most frequently eaten at breakfast time. Regression analysis revealed that consumption of an additional 10 g of whole grain containing 'ready-to-eat breakfast cereals', 'rice or pastas', or 'breads' each day would increase intake of whole grains by an extra 5, 3.5, and 2.7 g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals low intakes of whole grains in Irish adults. Recommending cereals, breads, and grains with higher whole grain content as part of public health campaigns could improve whole grain intakes.

Selenium intakes in the Irish adult population.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element which has an important role as a constituent of seleno-proteins involved in various physiological processes. Previous research in Irish adults suggests that intakes of this important nutrient are suboptimal. The aim of the present study was to estimate the current intakes and major food sources of Se by Irish adults. Mean daily intakes (MDIs) of Se were calculated using data from the National Adult Nutrition Survey which involved 1500 Irish adults aged 18-90 years. The Se content of foods and drinks consumed over a 4-d period was determined using data from the Irish Total Diet Study (TDS). Adequacy of Se intakes was assessed by calculating the proportion of the population with intakes below the adequate intake (AI) of 70 µg/d and lower reference nutrient intake of 40 µg/d (LRNI). The MDI of Se in the total population was 71⋅7 µg/d, with significantly higher intakes reported in men (80⋅2 µg/d) compared with women (63⋅4 µg/d, P < 0⋅01). Meat and meat products were the major contributing food group to Se intakes for both men (37 %) and women (31 %). Overall, 47 % of the population were not meeting the recommended AI, while 4 % of the total population were not meeting the LRNI. Although the average intake of Se is above the AI, a significant proportion of the population is not meeting this recommendation and continued monitoring of Se intakes is necessary, particularly by at-risk groups and also in the context of sustainability.

Erratum: Selenium intakes in the Irish adult population - CORRIGENDUM.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1017/jns.2023.23.].

Application of a composite scoring protocol to identify factors that contribute to the risk of overweight and obesity in Irish children.

BACKGROUND: Investigations into the main drivers of childhood obesity are vital to implement effective interventions to halt the global rise in levels. The use of a composite score may help to identify children most at risk of overweight/obesity. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the cumulative impact of factors associated with overweight/obesity risk in children. METHODS: Data were analysed from the Irish National Children's Food Survey II which included 600 children, aged 5-12-years. The risk factors examined included social class, parental, early life, lifestyle, and dietary components. A composite score was calculated which ranged from 0 (no risk factors for overweight/obesity) to 4 (4 risk factors for overweight/obesity). RESULTS: In model 1 (%BF) the four factors associated with overweight/obesity risk were having a parent with overweight/obesity (odds ratio 3.1; 95% confidence interval 1.9-4.8), having a high birth weight of ≥4 kg (2.5; 1.6-3.9), being from a low social class (2.3; 1.4-3.8) and low physical activity (1.9; 1.2-2.8). Children who scored 3-4 points on the composite score had a 10-fold (10.0; 4.2-23.9) increased risk of overweight/obesity compared to those with 0 points, a sevenfold (7.2; 3.9-13.5) increased risk compared to those with 1 point and a threefold (2.6; 1.4-4.8) increased risk compared to those with 2 points, with similar results observed in model 2 (BMI). CONCLUSION: The use of a composite score is a beneficial means of identifying children at risk of overweight/obesity and may prove useful in the development of effective interventions to tackle childhood obesity.

Risk of Iron Overload in Obesity and Implications in Metabolic Health.

Excessive adiposity is associated with several metabolic perturbations including disturbances in iron homeostasis. Increased systemic inflammation in obesity stimulates expression of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin, which can result in a maldistribution of bodily iron, which may be implicated in metabolic dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adiposity and any associated inflammation on iron homeostasis and the potential implications of dysregulated iron metabolism on metabolic health. Analyses are based on a subsample from the cross-sectional Irish National Adult Nutrition Survey (2008-2010) (n = 1120). Ferritin status and risk of iron overload were determined based on established WHO ferritin ranges. Participants were classed as having a healthy % body fat or as having overfat or obesity based on age- and gender-specific % body fat ranges as determined by bioelectrical impedance. Biomarkers of iron status were examined in association with measures of body composition, serum adipocytokines and markers of metabolic health. Excessive % body fat was significantly associated with increased serum hepcidin and ferritin and an increased prevalence of severe risk of iron overload amongst males independent of dietary iron intake. Elevated serum ferritin displayed significant positive associations with serum triglycerides and markers of glucose metabolism, with an increased but non-significant presentation of metabolic risk factors amongst participants with overfat and obesity at severe risk of iron overload. Increased adiposity is associated with dysregulations in iron homeostasis, presenting as increased serum hepcidin, elevated serum ferritin and an increased risk of iron overload, with potential implications in impairments in metabolic health.

Comparison of the contractile properties, oxidative capacities and fibre type profiles of the voluntary sphincters of continence in the rat.

The external urethral sphincter (EUS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) are the principal voluntary striated muscles that sustain continence of urine and faeces. In light of their common embryological origin, shared tonic sphincteric action and synchronized electrical activity in vivo, it was expected that they would exhibit similar physiological and structural properties. However, the findings of this study using paired observations of both sphincters isolated from the rat show clearly that this is not the case. The anal sphincter is much more fatigable than the urethral sphincter. On completion of a fatigue protocol, the amplitude of the last twitch of the EAS had declined to 42 +/- 3% of the first twitch, whereas the last twitch of the EUS was almost identical to that of the first (95 +/- 3%). Immunocytochemical detection of myosin heavy-chain isoforms showed that this difference was not due to the presence of more slow-twitch oxidative type 1 fibres in the EUS compared with the EAS (areal densities 4 +/- 1% and 5 +/- 1%, respectively; P = 0.35). In addition, the fatigue difference was not explained by a greater contribution to force production by fast oxidative type 2A fibres in the urethral sphincter. In fact, the anal sphincter contained a higher areal density of type 2A fibres (56 +/- 5% vs. 37 +/- 4% in the EUS, P = 0.017). The higher oxidative capacity of the EUS, measured histochemically, explained its fatigue resistance. These results were surprising because the fatigue-resistant urethral muscle exhibited faster single-twitch contraction times compared with the anal sphincter (56 +/- 0.87 ms vs. 72.5 +/- 1.16 ms, P < 0.001). Neither sphincter expressed the type 2X myosin isoform but the fast-twitch isoform type 2B was found exclusively in the EUS (areal density 16 +/- 2%). The type 2B fibres of the EUS were small (diameter 19.5 +/- 0.4 mum) in comparison to typical type 2B fibres of other muscles. As a whole the EUS is a more oxidative than glycolytic muscle. In conclusion, analysis of the twitch mechanics and fatigue of two sphincters showed that the EUS contained more fatigue-resistant muscle fibres compared with the EAS.

Dietary intakes of six intense sweeteners by Irish adults.

This research investigated the intakes of six intense sweeteners: acesulfame-K (E950), aspartame (E951), cyclamate (E952), saccharin (E954), sucralose (E955), and steviol glycosides (E960) in the diets of Irish adults, using data from the National Adult Nutrition Survey. A food label survey that included products currently available on the Irish market supplemented the analysis. Sweetener intakes were investigated using three different exposure scenarios; beginning with a crude assessment which assumed that all foods permitted to contain the additives of interest always did contain them, and at their maximum permitted level (Tier 1). Refined assessments estimated intakes of the six sweeteners using food consumption data up to brand level with additive occurrence data from a survey of products currently available on the Irish market (Tier 2) and sweetener concentration data (Tier 3). Results of all exposure assessment scenarios demonstrate that intakes of each of the sweeteners of interest by the total population were below the relevant ADI level (mg kg-1 bodyweight-1), even by high consumers (P99). The three sweeteners consumed in highest amounts were acesulfame-k, aspartame, and sucralose. The main sources of these sweeteners in the diet were 'cider and perry', 'energy reduced and no added sugar (ER and NAS) carbonated flavoured drinks', 'table-top sweeteners', 'dairy products', 'solid food supplements', and 'sauces'. Intakes of the six intense sweeteners are currently not a concern among Irish adults. However, exposure to these chemicals should be monitored on a regular basis due to evolving market and consumption patterns.

Reduced expression of regucalcin in young and aged mdx diaphragm indicates abnormal cytosolic calcium handling in dystrophin-deficient muscle.

The cytosolic Ca2+ -binding protein regucalcin is involved in intracellular signaling and present in high abundance in the liver. Here, we could show by comparative mass spectrometry-based proteomics screening of normal versus dystrophic fibres that regucalcin of 33.9 kDa and pI5.2 also exists in diaphragm muscle. Since the expression of sarcolemmal Ca2+ -leak channels and luminal Ca2+ -binding elements is altered in dystrophin-deficient muscle, we initiated this study in order to determine whether additional soluble muscle proteins involved in Ca2+ -handling are affected in muscular dystrophy. Following separation by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, the spot pattern of the normal versus the mdx diaphragm muscle proteome was evaluated by densitometry. The expression levels of 20 major protein spots were shown to change and their identity determined by mass spectrometry. A 2-fold reduction of regucalcin in mdx diaphragm, as well as in dystrophic limb muscle and heart, was confirmed by immunoblotting in both young and aged mdx mice. The results from our proteomics analysis of dystrophic diaphragm support the concept that abnormal Ca2+ -handling is involved in x-linked muscular dystrophy. The reduction in key Ca2+ -handling proteins may result in an insufficient maintenance of Ca2+ -homeostasis and an abnormal regulation of Ca2+ -dependent enzymes resulting in disturbed intracellular signaling mechanisms in dystrophinopathies.