Investigating the Prevalence of Copper and Zinc Abnormalities in Patients Pre and Post bariatric Surgery-an Australian Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery predisposes patients to nutritional deficiencies. There are limited studies on zinc and copper abnormalities in this cohort. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of these abnormalities in a cohort of Australian bariatric patients. Inflammatory markers, adherence to multivitamin supplementation (MVS) and the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were also investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data was collected on all patients who attended a single clinic in Sydney, Australia, from August 2020 to August 2021. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 231 patients (76.2% female; mean pre-operative body mass index of 43.4 ± 7.1 kg/m2), most of whom underwent sleeve gastrectomy (78.8%). Data were collected preoperatively and then at ≤ 6 months, 1 and > 2 years postoperatively. Prior to surgery, low levels of zinc (2.1%) and copper (0.7%) were rare, but elevated copper levels were common (16.7%) and potentially related to an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (47.7%). Following surgery at > 2 years, the mean total weight loss (TWL) was 33.5 ± 12.4. CRP levels improved over time. Post operatively, low zinc (2.7-3.6%) and copper (1.5%) levels were rare. Patients with low levels in zinc and copper were a higher-risk group and generally exhibited GI symptoms, despite taking MVS. CONCLUSION: In the initial post-operative stages and with good adherence to MVS containing copper and zinc, abnormalities may not be a concern. Patients with GI symptoms appear to be at higher risk of abnormalities; increasing awareness, thorough screening, and more comprehensive supplementation are recommended.

Examining dietary behaviours, diet quality, motives and supplementation use in physically active individuals following vegetarian-based eating patterns.

The adoption of vegetarian-based dietary patterns among athletes has been gaining popularity. However, limited research examines the dietary behaviours within this group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine self-reported dietary behaviours in a cohort of physically active individuals following vegetarian-based dietary patterns, recruited via social media. A 52-item online survey was created with questions related to demographics, physical activity, eating patterns and supplementation use. An external link to the Australian Automated Self-Administered 24-h (ASA24-AU) recall was included to examine nutrient intakes. Dietary quality was assessed using the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010) and the Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI) tools. A total of 781 (84.8%) respondents completed the survey in 2018. Principal motives for adhering to a vegetarian-based dietary pattern included animal rights (86.5%), environmental concerns (75.4%), health reasons (69.6%) and improving physical performance (24.1%). Vitamin B12 was the most commonly reported supplement (58.1%) followed by protein powder (36.3%) and vitamin D (35.9%). A total of 133 respondents completed the ASA24-AU dietary recall with generally adequate nutrient intakes and a high-quality diet as assessed by the AHEI-2010 and DPI. A significant minority of physically active individuals following vegetarian-based diets do so with the aspiration of improving their exercise performance. Dietary quality was considered high in this group for recreational physical activity, although intakes of vitamin B12 and LC n-3 PUFA were low.

Effect of individualised dietary advice for weight loss supplemented with walnuts on blood pressure: the HealthTrack study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In addition to weight-loss, healthy dietary patterns and lower sodium intakes can help reduce blood pressure (BP), but individualised dietary advice may be necessary to achieve these effects. This study aimed to examine the impact of individualised dietary advice on BP in the intensive phase of a weight-loss trial. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Secondary analysis of baseline and 3-month data from the HealthTrack randomised controlled trial (n = 211). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three dietary advice groups: general advice (control), individualised advice (intervention group, I), or intervention group supplemented with 30 g walnuts/day (IW). Resting BP and 24-h urine sodium and potassium were measured. Dietary intake was evaluated through diet history interviews. RESULTS: Unadjusted SBP reduced significantly in all groups (IW and I groups P < 0.001; control group P = 0.002) and DBP in IW and I groups (P < 0.001). Compared to controls, the reductions in BP were 3-4 mmHg greater in the I and IW groups, but this only reached significance for DBP in the I group (-3.3 mmHg; P = 0.041). After controlling for age, sex, medication, weight-loss, physical activity and smoking, only the IW group showed a significant association between SBP reduction and increased urinary potassium (ß = -0.101, P = 0.044), decreased sodium:potassium ratio (ß = 2.446, P = 0.037) and increased consumption of seed and nut products and dishes (ß = -0.108, P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary patterns with distinctive foods and lower sodium:potassium ratios may enhance the effects of weight-loss on BP. The patterns were best achieved with individualised dietary advice and food supplements.

Foods, nutrients or whole diets: effects of targeting fish and LCn3PUFA consumption in a 12mo weight loss trial.

BACKGROUND: There is some evidence in the literature that emphasising fish consumption may assist with weight loss. The aim was to assess the effects of advice to consume 2 fish meals per week in a weight loss diet. METHODS: A parallel randomised placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 118 obese Australian adults (mean BMI ± SD 31.3 ± 3.5 kg/m2; mean age ± SD 45 ± 10 y; 28% male). Participants received low calorie dietary advice+placebo (1 g olive oil; CONTROL), low calorie dietary advice emphasising fish+placebo (Fish), or low calorie dietary advice emphasising fish diet + LCn3PUFA supplements (Fish+S). Individualised advice targeted 2 MJ energy deficit (30%E fat, 45%E carbohydrate and 25%E protein) with or without two servings (180 g) fatty fish/wk. RESULTS: All groups lost weight at 12 months (CONTROL -4.5 kg vs. Fish -4.3 kg vs. Fish+S -3.3 kg; p<0.001) and percentage body fat ( CONTROL: -1.5% vs. Fish: -1.4% vs. Fish+S: -0.7%; p<0.001) but there were no significant differences between groups. Cardiovascular disease risk factors changed as expected from weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Advice to consume 2 fish meals per week did not enhance the effects on weight loss of a healthy low calorie diet. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12608000425392.

Processed pork is the most frequently consumed type of pork in a survey of Australian children.

Pork represents a core food that provides key nutrients to the diet. Dietary guidelines recommend limiting processed meat intake because of adverse health outcomes. The aims of this study were to describe pork consumption, assess the contribution of pork to nutrient intakes, and compare anthropometric characteristics between pork consumers and nonconsumers in a survey of Australian children. We hypothesized that pork consumption will contribute to intakes of key nutrients and that the weight status of children who consume pork will be similar to nonconsumers. This study involved a secondary analysis of the 2007 Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Pork and pork-containing dishes were identified and classified as fresh or processed pork. The contributions of pork to nutrient intakes were calculated. Weight, waist circumference, and body mass index were compared between pork consumers and nonconsumers. Data from 4487 children were available for use. Of this sample, 2245 reported consuming pork, 14% (n = 310) of whom consumed fresh pork, whereas 93% (n = 2084) consumed processed pork. All types of pork contributed to intakes of protein, niacin, and zinc. In addition, fresh pork contributed to intakes of thiamine, long-chain omega-3, phosphorous, and potassium. Total and processed pork contributed 12.2% and 13.0% of sodium, respectively. There were no significant differences between weight, waist circumference, and body mass index in consumers and nonconsumers of total, fresh, or processed pork. In a survey of Australian children, processed pork was the most frequently consumed form of pork, suggesting a deviation from dietary guidelines.

Short-term effects of fish and fish oil consumption on total and high molecular weight adiponectin levels in overweight and obese adults.

OBJECTIVE: Fish or fish oil consumption may increase levels of total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, a hormone associated with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitising effects, however it is not known if the effects of the food and supplement are the same. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of consuming fish and fish oil supplements on plasma total and HMW adiponectin concentrations in overweight human participants. MATERIALS/METHODS: 29 overweight and obese participants underwent a two week run-in period, followed by a four week isocaloric dietary intervention which provided 1.8 g of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) in the form of either fish or fish oil supplements. Primary outcomes were changes in plasma total and HMW adiponectin. Secondary outcomes were changes in anthropometric variables, plasma insulin and glucose levels, and dietary intakes. RESULTS: Changes in plasma HMW adiponectin during the intervention period were significantly different between groups (p=0.009). Mean HMW adiponectin increased by 0.29 µg/mL in the 'fish' group and decreased by 0.60 µg/mL in the 'supplement' group. There were no significant changes in other anthropometric and biochemical variables. Dietary data suggested the 'fish' group significantly increased their fish (p=0.001) and dietary LC n-3 PUFA (p=0.001) consumption over the course of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term consumption of fish and fish oil supplements did not have the same effects on HMW adiponectin levels. The impact of fish intake on HMW adiponectin levels may not be mediated by its LC n-3 PUFA content alone.