The Association between Maternal Dietary Iron Intake during the First Trimester of Pregnancy with Pregnancy Outcomes and Pregnancy-Related Complications

Pickle Consumption is Associated with Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure among Iranian Female College Students: a Cross-Sectional Study

Pickle is consumed in high amount among Iranians. Pickle consumption may be related to body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) but limited evidence exist in this regard. The aim of current study was to determine the association between pickle consumption and risk of overweight, central obesity and BP among Isfahanian female youths. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 289 female students aged 18–27 years randomly selected from students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Diet was assessed by a validated and reliable food-frequency questionnaire. Mean pickle consumption was 15.1 ± 2.2 g/day. Individuals in the highest tertile of pickle consumption had a significantly higher BMI, systolic and diastolic BP (p = 0.001, 0.03, and 0.03, respectively), whereas we did not observe significant association for waist circumference (p = 0.21). Total energy intake (p = 0.02) and consumption of carbohydrate (p = 0.01), protein (p = 0.03), and fat (p = 0.05) in the upper tertile was higher than lower tertiles. There was a significant association between pickle consumption and obesity and BP among Iranian female youths. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm this association.

Effects of Bread with Nigella Sativa on Lipid Profiles, Apolipoproteins and Inflammatory Factor in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

Nigella sativa (N.sativa) has been used in traditional medicine and many studies have been performed in different communities in order to reveal the effects of it on medical disorders and chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bread with N. Sativa on lipid profiles, apolipoproteins, and inflammatory factors in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over and clinical trial was conducted in 51 MetS patients of both sexes with age group of 20-65 years old in Chaloos, north of Iran. Patients were randomly divided in two groups. In phase 1, intervention group (A, n = 27) received daily a bread with N. sativa and wheat bran and control group (B, n = 24) received the same bread without N. sativa for 2 months. After 2 weeks of wash out period, phase 2 was started with switch the intervention between two groups. Measuring of lipid profiles, apolipoproteins and inflammatory factor was performed for all patients before and after two phases. In this study, treatment, sequence and time effects of intervention were evaluated and revealed that consumption of bread with N. sativa has no significant treatment and time effects on triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein (APO)-A, APO-B and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p > 0.05). Sequence effect was significant on CHOL, LDL, APO-A, and APO-B (p 0.05). Consumption of bread with N. sativa has no a significant effect on lipid profiles, apolipoproteins and inflammatory factor in MetS patients.

[Consumption of Trans fatty acids and the risk of cardiovascular diseases]

Introduction and Aims: dietary Tran's fatty acids [TFA] comes mostly from the industrial hydrogenation of unsaturated vegetable oils. TFA also are formed during the natural bacterial hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids that occurs in the rumen of polygastric ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats. The epidemiologic evidences suggest that the intake of Tran's fatty acid may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases [CVD] such as atherosclerosis or chronic heart disease [CHD]. The purpose of the current study is better understanding of effects of TFA on cardiovascular disease. So, the available evidences from studies were reviewed

Materials and Methods: a complete search was performed about the association of TFA intake with risk of CVD in databases electronic such as ISI Web of science and PubMed and also in SID from1993 to 2014

Results: the results of most studies have indicated a significant direct association between the TFA intake and risk of CVD. Also, increasing of TFA intake was related with increased risk of diabetes, systemic inflammation, decreased membrane fluidity, increased serum lipid levels and inflammatory markers

Conclusion: the most evidence for association between the intake of TFA and cardiovascular diseases were related to TFA from hydrogenated vegetable oils and information about the effects of TFA from ruminant was inconsistent. It is necessary performing studies about the effects of rTFA [ruminant Tran's fatty acid] on risk of CVD and banning the use of these fatty acids in the food industry

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH] Eating Plan: Beyond the Hypertension

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH] eating pattern, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy with a reduced content of sodium, saturated fat, and total fat is introduced as an appropriate diet for hypertension. This eating pattern was basically designed to normalize blood pressure in patients with hypertension, and a large body of data could confirm its beneficial effects on blood pressure level. Here, we are going to discuss about the other aspects of this diet. PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant publications up to November 2014. No limitation was considered regarding the language or publication date. Some studies have proposed more useful effects of this dietary approach, other than lowering blood pressure, such as reducing insulin resistance, and controlling the fasting blood sugar and lipid profiles, proposing it as a good dietary pattern to prevent cardiovascular diseases [CVDs]. There is some evidence in prospective cohorts regarding the effect of DASH-style diet on CVDs or their major subclasses like coronary heart disease [CHD], stroke and heart failure [HF]. A meta-analysis also showed the effects of this pattern on the indices of the glycemic control. Adherence to the DASH diet was inversely related to central obesity and metabolic syndrome features in observational studies in Iran. Furthermore, DASH is suitable for gestational diabetes mellitus, can have a role in the growth of the fetus, and may affect pregnancy outcomes. It is emphasized that DASH diet is suitable for whole life span. Evidence also confirms the beneficial effects of DASH on obese children. Consumption of DASH diet for 6 weeks could reduce the circulating levels of hs-CRP among adolescents with MetS. Based on the existing facts, we can conclude that DASH is a good dietary pattern for both controlling the metabolic risk factors and being healthy

association between different kinds of fat intake and breast cancer risk in women

So far several animal and case-control studies have confirmed this hypothesis that dietary fat increases the risk of breast cancer. However, cohort studies have not shown this relationship. The aim of this study was to review the studies on the relationship between dietary fat intake and breast cancer risk among women. Electronic database PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using the key words: Breast cancer, dietary fat, serum estrogen, saturated fatty acids [SFAs], monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFAs] and polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs]. The evidence of the studies regarding to the association of total and subtypes of fat intake with breast cancer risk are inconsistent. Several studies have shown that, among several types of fat, SFAs and w-3 PUFA intake are associated with an increased and reduced risk of breast cancer, respectively. The relationship between MUFAs intake and breast cancer risk is conflicting. Narrow ranges of fat intake among populations, measurement errors, high correlation between specific types of dietary fat, the confounding variables like body fatness and high-energy intake and other dietary components such as fiber and antioxidants might be probable explanations for these inconsistent results. Although we are not at a stage where we can justifiably advise women to reduce their fat intake to decrease the risk of developing breast cancer, it seems the current guidelines to lower total fat consumption and recommendation to consumption of unsaturated fats such as MUFAs and w-3 fatty acids and also reduction of SFAs [meat and dairy products] intake to avoid heart disease is also useful for breast cancer risk

Is the association between salt intake and blood pressure mediated by body mass index and central adiposity?

Objective: to assess the amount of salt intake among normotensive [NT] and prehypertensive [PHT] subjects and to determine whether the association between salt intake and blood pressure is correlated with body weight and waist circumference [WC] or is independent

Methods: a total of 806 NT and PHT subjects from Isfahan Healthy Heart Program [IHHP] were enrolled in the study. A standard questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic characteristics. The amount of salt intake was measured by the 24-hour urine collection method. Blood pressure, height, weight, and WC were measured based on standard protocols

Results: the mean ages [+/- SD] of NT and PHT subjects were 35.9 [+/- 11.9] and 44.7 [+/- 12.5] years, respectively [P < 0.001]. The mean values of body mass index [BMI] and WC were greater among PHT than NT subjects [BMI: 27.9 +/- 3.8 vs. 25.1 +/- 4.3 kg/m2; P < 0.001 and WC: 90.2 +/- 8.6 vs. 81.2 +/- 11.2 cm; P < 0.001, respectively]. PHT subjects had higher amount of salt intake than NT ones [10.3 +/- 6.2 vs. 12.7 +/- 7.1 g/d, respectively; P = 0.003]. Odds ratio [OR] for being PHT increased significantly across the tertils of salt intake in crude model and sociodemographic- adjusted model. Further adjustment for BMI and WC values weakened the OR for being PHT and showed nonsignificant trend [OR [and 95% CI] for BMI across tertiles of salt intake: 1, 1.26 [0.59 – 2.69], 1.89 [0.93 – 3.81]; P = 0.063 and OR [and 95% CI] for WC across tertiles of salt intake: 1, 1.22 [0.58 – 2.57], 1.79[0.89 – 3.56]; P = 0.082]

Conclusion: the findings of this study suggest that the association between salt intake and blood pressure is related to body weight and WC

Relationship of body satisfaction, with nutrition and weight control behaviors in women

Considering the importance and prevalence of obesity and the desire to lose weight, especially among women, this study intended to investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index, body satisfaction, and weight control behavior among women employees in Isfahan. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 408 women who were selected by stratified random sampling method among employees at Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences during 2012. The data collection tool was a multidimensional questionnaire which comprised two sections: Demographic Tool and Body Satisfaction Tool [7 items], Weight Control Behavior Scale [18 items]. Age, marital status, educational level, and multiparity were significantly correlated with body size satisfaction. Seventy-five participants were dissatisfied with their weight and 60.5% reported a desire to lose weight; 92.15% of women studied had participated in a healthy dieting behavior and 10.8% of them had participated in an unhealthy one during the past six months. There was an inverse correlation between body satisfaction and Body Mass Index [BMI] [r = ?0.64, P = 0.001]. Ninety percent of participants had at least one of the dieting behaviors. There was an inverse significant relationship between body satisfaction and dieting behaviors [r = ?0.19, P = 0.001]. Due to the importance of the prevention of obesity and the necessity of having a normal BMI in order to prevent subsequent complications, precise self-evaluation of body size can be used to focus on designing and conducting public health programs, especially for women

Epidemiologic evidence on serum adiponectin level and lipid profile

The concentration of adiponectin, a hormone which is secreted from adipose tissue, is inversely correlated with body fat mass. This hormone has anti inflammatory and anti atherogenic properties. Its concentration reduces in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. This study reviews the evidence on the relationship between serum adiponectin concentration and lipid profile. In this study former clinical trials, cross sectional and prospective studies have been reviewed. The PubMed search engine has been used to find related research for the topic by considering dyslipidemia, total cholesterol [TC], high and low density protein [HDL and LDL], triglyceride [TG], lipid profile [LP] and adiponectin as the key words. Finally, 25 articles were recruited to review in the present article. Serum adiponectin level was positively correlated with plasma HDL cholestrol concentrations. There was a significant inverse relationship between plasma triglyceride and serum adiponectin. An inverse correlation between very low density lipoprotein [VLDL] and LDL levels and adiponectin was reported from the studies. So, Adiponectin has an important role in the metabolism of lipid profile including HDLc

[ assessment of the correlation between nutritional self-management and health promotion model constructs in women with metabolic syndrome, 2012]

The metabolic syndrome as a branch of metabolic disorders is known as the background of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and stroke. One of the main strategies for the control and surveillance of this disease is nutrition self-management in these patients. This study aimed to determine the correlation between nutritional self-management and health promotion model constructs in women with metabolic syndrome. This cross-sectional study was carried out on women with metabolic syndrome in Isfahan city. 329 persons were selected from the patients with metabolic syndrome of five treatment centers of Isfahan Oil Industry in 2012. Data were collected in 11 parts using a researcher-made questionnaire, which had been designed based on the health promotion model that its validity and reliability had been assessed in a separate phase of design. Data analysis was performed using independent t-test, variance, and Pearson's matrix of correlation at 95% confidence interval. The mean score of the nutrition self-management was obtained 35.1. The mean scores of health promotion model constructs was average or under average. Also, nutrition self-management had a significant correlation with knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived self-efficacy, situational factors, husband's social support, and commitment on self-management implementation, and had a significant inverse correlation with perceived barriers, feeling related to behavior, preferences, and competitors. Considering the correlation of nutrition self-management with metabolic syndrome in women with metabolic syndrome, health promotion model constructs for educational interventions could be used for adoption of an appropriate diet in these patients

Determinants of central adiposity among Iranian population

Central obesity is one of the major public health problems. Recent studies have indicated that body fat distribution would be important in general health. The present study is a review of several studies which discuss the contributing factors of abdominal obesity, particulary in Iran. This study reviews 34 crosssectional and interventional studies, which have been comducted during 1995-2012 and issued in English language. PubMed search engine and the related keywords were used to search the papers. Breakfast skipping and also the sleep duration as well as the quality of diet are also associated with central adiposity. Dietary diversity score among Iranians can be related to abdominal adiposity. Fastfood consumption can increase the risk of central adiposity among young Iranian population. Red meat intake and food source of trans fat can increase the risk of central adiposity. Low quality diet with low amount of nutrients can increase the risk of central adiposity. Some behaviours such as sleep duration and eating breakfast can be associated with central adiposity among Iranians. Diet quality and dietary diversity score is also associated with this problem among Iranians

The effect of low glycemic index diet on body weight status and blood pressure in overweight adolescent girls: a randomized clinical trial

Although several studies have assessed the influence of the glycemic index on body weight and blood pressure among adults, limited evidence exists for the pediatric age population. In the current study, we compared the effects of low glycemic index (LGI) diet to the healthy nutritional recommendation (HNR)-based diet on obesity and blood pressure among adolescent girls in pubertal ages. This 10-week parallel randomized clinical trial comprised of 50 overweight or obese and sexually mature girls less than 18 years of age years, who were randomly assigned to LGI or HNR-based diet. Macronutrient distribution was equivalently prescribed in both groups. Blood pressure, weight and waist circumference were measured at baseline and after intervention. Of the 50 participants, 41 subjects (include 82%) completed the study. The GI of the diet in the LGI group was 42.67 +/- 0.067. A within-group analysis illustrated that in comparison to the baseline values, the body weight and body mass index (not waist circumference and blood pressure) decreased significantly after the intervention in both groups (P = 0.0001). The percent changes of the body weight status, waist circumference and blood pressure were compared between the two groups and the findings did not show any difference between the LGI diet consumers and those in the HNR group. In comparison to the HNR, LGI diet could not change the weight and blood pressure following a 10-week intervention. Further longitudinal studies with a long-term follow up should be conducted in this regard.

investigation on the effect of gastric cancer education based on Health Belief Model on knowledge, attitude and nutritional practice of housewives

Planning the educational programs and informing people regarding the prevention of widespread diseases like cancers is necessary. With regard to high mortality rate of gastric cancer, the present study was conducted to define the effect of education based on Health Belief Model on knowledge, attitude and nutritional practice of homemakers. In this interventional study, 84 housewives were randomly divided into two groups. The study group underwent seven sessions of education based on Health Belief Model. Control group did not receive the education. Both groups filled valid and reliable questionnaires before and 2 months after program. There was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic characteristics. While mean scores of knowledge, attitude and practice were not significantly different before education, the intervention group showed significantly higher scores after education [p < 0.001]. Health education based on Health Belief Model increases the knowledge and improves the attitudes and practices of housewives regarding prevention of the gastric cancer. It seems essential to development this sort of educational programs.

Effect of soymilk consumption on waist circumference and cardiovascular risks among overweight and obese female adults

Soy milk replacement in the diet might have beneficial effects on waist circumference and cardiovascular risk factors for overweight and obese subjects. Therefore, we are going to determine the effects of soy milk replacements on the waist circumference and cardiovascular risk factors among overweight and obese female adults. In this crossover randomized clinical trail, 24 over weight and obese female adults were on a diet with soy milk or the diet with cow's milk for four weeks. In the diet with soy milk only one glass of soy milk [240 cc] was replaced instead of one glass of cow's milk [240 cc]. Measurements were done according to the standard protocol. Waist circumference reduced significantly following soy milk period [mean percent change in soy milk period for waist circumference: -3.79 +/- 0.51 vs. -1.78 +/- 0.55%; P = 0.02 in the cow's milk period]. Blood pressure, weight, liver enzymes and glycemic control indices did not changed significantly after soy milk period compared to the cow's milk period. Among over weight and obese patients, soy milk can play an important role in reducing waist circumference. However, soy milk replacement had no significant effects on weight, glycemic control indices, liver enzymes, fibrinogen and blood pressure in a short term trial

Development and evaluation of a questionnaire for assessment of determinants of weight disorders among children and adolescents: the caspian-IV study

Little experience exists on valid and reliable tools for assessment of the determinants of underweight and overweight in children and adolescents living in the Middle-East and North Africa [MENA]. This study aimed to develop a valid and wide-ranging questionnaire for assessment of these parameters in a nationwide sample of Iranian children and adolescents. This national study was conducted in 31 provinces in Iran. The first phase consisted of focus group discussion with 275 children and adolescents and their parents. After a qualitative content analysis, the initial items were extracted. In the next step, the face validity was assessed by expert panelists using the quantitative method of the Impact Score. To assess the content validity, the content validity rate [CVR] and the content validity index [CVI] were determined. The internal consistency was examined by Cronbach alpha, and its test-retest reliability was determined. The socio-demographic variables, perinatal factors, lifestyle factors, family history, knowledge and attitude were assessed. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A validated questionnaire for quality of life was filled in anonymously. A team of expert researchers conducted the data analysis of 576 interviews by using qualitative content analysis method. The analysis process began by determining the semantic units associated with the understanding of participants about the concepts studied. The initial questionnaire was developed in four domains by including Likert scale questions. In the face validity step, all questions of the primary questionnaire obtained a score of more than 1.5. In the phase of CVR assessment, 6 questions obtained a score of less than 0.62, and were omitted. The rest of questions were assessed for CVI, and got a score of more than 0.75. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the whole questionnaire was 0.97, and the Pearson correlation coefficient of the test-retest phase was 0.94. The developed questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessment of the determinants of weight disorders in a nationally representative sample of children and adolescents in the MENA

Dietary determinants of pregnancy induced hypertension in Isfahan

Pregnancy-induced hypertension [PIH] is a pregnancy-specific condition that occurs after the 20th week of gestation. These physiologic changes can be aggravated by undernutrition. There are some evidence based on the importance of nutrient deficiency in developing this syndrome. Therefore, the aim of present study was to determine the nutritional risk factors for pregnancy induced hypertension in a group of pregnant women in Isfahan. In this case-control study, we recruited 46 Isfahanian pregnant women in two groups [with and without PIH]. They were 19 to 45 year-old and they did not consume any antihypertensive or diuretic medications. Demographic questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire were filled in both groups. There were no significant differences in energy and vitamin E and C intakes between the two groups. Zinc and calcium intakes were lower in women with PIH compared to those without PIH [P = 0.04 and P = 0.007, respectively]. Riboflavin and protein intakes were lower in women with PIH compared to subjects without PIH [P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively]. Lower intake of calcium, zinc, riboflavin and protein should be considered as possible risk factors for PIH. Adequate intake of dairy products which are good sources of mentioned nutrients are recommended to prevent PIH

Soy and cardio-metabolic abnormalities: an update

Soy protein contains beneficial components like complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fatty acids, vegetable protein, soluble fiber, oligosaccharides, vitamins, minerals, inositol-derived substances and phytoestrogens, particularly the isoflavones genistein, diadzein, and glycitein, which might affect different cardio-metabolic abnormalities. Soy consumption has been reported to beneficially affect features of the metabolic syndrome in animal models and also in humans to some extent. There are inconsistent reports regarding the hypothesis of the effectiveness of soy protein on obesity. While some studies have shown that soy consumption can improve the features of the metabolic syndrome without affecting body weight, others showed that soy consumption has beneficial role in weight management and might improve the metabolic syndrome by affecting body weight control. Several studies have consistently reported the effects of soy on cardiovascular risks. Beneficial role of soy intake on diabetes is another aspect of soy inclusion in the diet. The present study discusses the effects of soy consumption on different cardio-metabolic abnormalities and provides information regarding the possible mechanisms by which soy protein might exert its beneficial roles