Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity: Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Based on an Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews.

This Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position Paper reports current evidence on pediatric overweight and obesity prevention interventions and discusses implications for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). An overview of current systematic reviews provided evidence-based results from a range of nutrition interventions according to developmental age group (ages 2 to 5, 6 to 12, and 13 to 17 years). Twenty-one current systematic reviews of nutrition interventions demonstrated a beneficial effect of nutrition and physical activity interventions on body mass index measures and no adverse events were identified. RDNs impart nutrition expertise in a wide range of settings to provide comprehensive care for children and adolescents as their nutrition and developmental needs change over time. This Position Paper outlines the current roles of, and proposed directions for, RDNs engaged in pediatric overweight and obesity prevention. Prevention of pediatric overweight and obesity requires comprehensive strategies ranging from policy-level to individual-level interventions in settings that will have the most beneficial impact for children according to their developmental stage. This Position Paper advocates for increased availability of nutrition and food access programs and interventions to reduce risk of pediatric obesity and associated adverse health outcomes both now and for future generations.

Efficacy of various prescribed vitamin D supplementation regimens on 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels in long-term care.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to examine the efficacy among various vitamin D supplementation regimens on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and determine the minimal dose rate required to achieve sufficient serum concentrations (≥75 nmol/l) among older adults in long-term care (LTC). DESIGN: A 1-year medical history was abstracted from medical records, and a one-time blood draw to measure serum 25(OH)D concentrations was obtained. Individuals were stratified into vitamin D-supplemented and non-supplemented groups. The supplemented group was further categorised into four treatment forms: single-ingredient vitamin D2or3, multivitamin, Ca with vitamin D or combination of the three, and by daily prescribed doses: 0-9·9, 10-19·9, 20-49·9, 50-99·9 and >100 µg/d. SETTING: Five LTC communities in Austin, Texas. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred seventy-three older (≥65 years) adults. RESULTS: Of the participants, 62% received a vitamin D supplement and 55% had insufficient (≤75 nmol/l) 25(OH)D serum concentrations. Individuals receiving single-ingredient vitamin D2or3 supplementation received the highest daily vitamin D mean dose (72·5 µg/d), while combination of forms was the most frequent treatment (44%) with the highest mean serum concentration (108 nmol/l). All supplementation doses were successful at reaching sufficient serum concentrations, except those<20 µg/d. Using a prediction model, it was observed that 0·025 µg/d of vitamin D supplementation resulted in a 0·008 nmol/l increase in serum 25(OH)D concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the predictive equation, results suggest that supplementation of 37·5 µg/d of vitamin D2or3 or combination of vitamin D is most likely to achieve sufficient serum 25(OH)D concentrations in older adults in LTC.

Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: interventions for the prevention and treatment of pediatric overweight and obesity.

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that prevention and treatment of pediatric overweight and obesity require systems-level approaches that include the skills of registered dietitians, as well as consistent and integrated messages and environmental support across all sectors of society to achieve sustained dietary and physical-activity behavior change. This position paper provides guidance and recommendations for levels of intervention targeting overweight and obesity prevention and treatment from preschool age through adolescence. Methods included a review of the literature from 2009 to April 2012, including the Academy's 2009 evidence analysis school-based reviews. Multicomponent interventions show the greatest impact for primary prevention; thus, early childhood and school-based interventions should integrate behavioral and environmental approaches that focus on dietary intake and physical activity using a systems-level approach targeting the multilevel structure of the socioecological model as well as interactions and relationships between levels. Secondary prevention and tertiary prevention/treatment should emphasize sustained family-based, developmentally appropriate approaches that include nutrition education, dietary counseling, parenting skills, behavioral strategies, and physical-activity promotion. For obese youth with concomitant serious comorbidities, structured dietary approaches and pharmacologic agents should be considered, and weight-loss surgery can be considered for severely obese adolescents. Policy and environmental interventions are recommended as feasible and sustainable ways to support healthful lifestyles for children and families. The Academy supports commitment of resources for interventions, policies, and research that promote healthful eating and physical-activity behaviors to ensure that all youth have the opportunity to achieve and maintain a weight that is optimal for health.

Associations among dietary supplement use and dietary and activity behaviors by sex and race/ethnicity in a representative multiethnic sample of 11th-grade students in Texas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine associations among dietary supplement use and dietary/activity patterns in a representative sample of adolescents by sex and race/ethnicity, a research area where extant data is limited. DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional, multistage, probability-based sample of 11th graders in Texas during 2004-2005 (n=6,422; 48.8% white/other, 37% Hispanic, and 14.2% African American; 50.6% boys; mean age 16.7 years). SETTING: Classrooms. MAIN VARIABLES ASSESSED: Dietary supplement use, dietary/activity patterns, and anthropometrics. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Multiple logistic regression models (odds ratios [ORs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]). RESULTS: Dietary supplement users reported healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors overall, yet sex- and race/ethnicity-specific differences were seen in associations among specific diet/activity behaviors and supplement use. In whites/others and Hispanics, but not African Americans, supplement use was associated with higher diet quality scores (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.74 to 4.95 for whites/others; OR 3.93, 95% CI 2.26 to 6.83 for Hispanics), and regular consumption of breakfast (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.40 to 3.66 for whites/others; OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.46 for Hispanics) and low-fat foods (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.53 to 5.98 for whites/others; OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.11 to 11.6 for Hispanics). Supplement use was not associated with body mass index or with sedentary behaviors overall, but was associated with less television viewing only in whites/others (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.84). For physical activity, boys and whites/others showed positive associations between supplement use and all indicators examined, but girls, Hispanics and African Americans showed mixed patterns of associations. Supplement use was associated with higher weight preference only in boys (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.24 to 4.90), and vegetarian diets only in girls (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.35 to 6.47). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary and activity patterns associated with dietary supplement use may vary by sex- and racial/ethnic subpopulation, especially amongst African American youth. These findings together with further research on psychosocial and attitudinal characteristics associated with adolescent supplement use can enhance the development of targeted and tailored health communications about supplement use in adolescent subpopulations.

Diet- and body size-related attitudes and behaviors associated with vitamin supplement use in a representative sample of fourth-grade students in Texas.

OBJECTIVE: To examine diet- and body size-related attitudes and behaviors associated with supplement use in a representative sample of fourth-grade students in Texas. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data from the School Physical Activity and Nutrition study, a probability-based sample of schoolchildren. Children completed a questionnaire that assessed supplement use, food choices, diet-related attitudes, and physical activity; height and weight were measured. SETTING: School classrooms. PARTICIPANTS: Representative sample of fourth-grade students in Texas (n = 5967; mean age = 9.7 years standard error of the mean [SEM] = .03 years, 46% Hispanic, 11% African-American). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Previous day vitamin supplement consumption, diet- and body size-related attitudes, food choices, demographic factors, and physical activity. ANALYSIS: Multivariable logistic regression models, P < .05. RESULTS: The prevalence of supplement use was 29%. Supplement intake was associated with physical activity. Girls who used supplements were more likely to report positive body image and greater interest in trying new food. Relative to nonusers, supplement users were less likely to perceive that they always ate healthful food, although supplement use was associated with more healthful food choices in boys and girls (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The widespread use of supplements and clustering of supplement use with healthful diet and greater physical activity in fourth graders suggest that supplement use be closely investigated in studies of diet-disease precursor relations and lifestyle factors in children.

Patients previously treated for lymphoma consume inadequate or excessive amounts of five key nutrients.

Adequate amounts of nutrients such as folate, vitamin A, iron, selenium and calcium are essential for general health including prevention of cancer. Yet, excess amounts of vitamin A, folate, and iron may also promote cancer. This study sought to determine whether adults who had completed initial treatments for B-cell lymphoma from 1 to 3 years earlier were consuming recommended amounts of these key nutrients and their interests in nutritional education. We surveyed 141 patients undergoing follow-up in the Lymphoma/Myeloma Clinic at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center using a validated food frequency questionnaire and supplemental questionnaire regarding nutritional interest. Nutrient intakes were estimated based on national databases of average content in foods and compared with recommended guidelines. One hundred forty-one participants returned complete questionnaires, but errors limited some nutrient estimates to 134 participants. Participants' mean age was 50, 55% were male, and 80% were non-Hispanic whites. Most participants (94%) were consuming either inadequate or excessive amounts of one or more of these key nutrients. Half of the participants were interested in receiving nutritional education. These findings are of concern because of their potential impact upon recovery and maintenance of general health and possibly cancer-related pathways after treatment.

Vitamin supplement intake is related to dietary intake and physical activity: The Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH).

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of multiple-vitamin supplement use with selected food groups, physical activity, lifestyle behaviors, and weight status. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two thousand seven hundred sixty-one adolescents in the 12th grade who participated in the fourth Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health study had height and weight measured and completed health behavior survey and food frequency questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to determine the likelihood of supplement use with health and activity behaviors and dietary intake. RESULTS: Prevalence of multiple-vitamin supplement use among adolescents was 25% and varied by sex and race/ethnicity. Supplement users had higher mean daily intakes of most food groups, but lower intakes of total fat and saturated fat than nonusers. Higher food index scores were positively associated with the likelihood of using multiple-vitamin supplements. Supplement users were more likely to be physically active, participate in team and organized sports, and less likely to be overweight and to watch more than an hour of television per day. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who use multiple vitamin supplements have more healthful dietary and lifestyle behaviors than nonusers. Further study on supplement use by adolescents, including other types of supplements used and reasons for use, is warranted.