Addressing nutrient shortfalls in 1- to 5-year-old Irish children using diet modeling: development of a protocol for use in country-specific population health.

BACKGROUND: Dietary habits formed in early childhood can track into later life with important impacts on health. Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) may have a role in improving population health but are lacking for young children. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to establish a protocol for addressing nutrient shortfalls in 1- to 5-y-old children (12-60 mo) using diet modeling in a population-based sample. METHODS: Secondary analysis of 2010-2011 Irish National Pre-School Nutrition Survey data (n = 500) was conducted to identify typical food consumption patterns in 1- to 5-y-olds. Nutrient intakes were assessed against dietary reference values [European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Institute of Medicine (IOM)]. To address nutrient shortfalls using diet modeling, 4-d food patterns were developed to assess different milk-feeding scenarios (human milk, whole or low-fat cow milk, and fortified milks) within energy requirement ranges aligned with the WHO growth standards. FBDGs to address nutrient shortfalls were established based on 120 food patterns. RESULTS: Current mean dietary intakes for the majority of 1- to 5-y-olds failed to meet reference values (EFSA) for vitamin D (≤100%), vitamin E (≤88%), DHA (22:6n-3) + EPA (20:5n-3) (IOM; ≤82%), and fiber (≤63%), whereas free sugars intakes exceeded recommendations of <10% energy (E) for 48% of 1- to 3-y-olds and 75% of 4- to 5-y-olds. "Human milk + Cow milk" was the only milk-feeding scenario modeled that predicted sufficient DHA + EPA among 1- to 3-y-olds. Vitamin D shortfalls were not correctable in any milk-feeding scenario, even with supplementation (5 µg/d), apart from the "Follow-up Formula + Fortified drink" scenario in 1- to 3-y-olds (albeit free sugars intakes were estimated at 12%E compared with ≤5%E as provided by other scenarios). Iron and vitamin E shortfalls were most prevalent in scenarios for 1- to 3-y-olds at ≤25th growth percentile. CONCLUSIONS: Using WHO growth standards and international reference values, this study provides a protocol for addressing nutrient shortfalls among 1- to 5-y-olds, which could be applied in country-specific population health.

Guidelines on Standard and Therapeutic Diets for Adults in Hospitals by the French Association of Nutritionist Dieticians (AFDN) and the French Speaking Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (SFNCM).

AIM: Hospital food provision is subject to multiple constraints (meal production, organization, health safety, environmental respect) which influence the meal tray offered to the patient. Multiple diets can add complexity and contribute to non-consumption of the meal. To avoid undernutrition, it appeared necessary to propose guidelines for foods and diets in hospitals. METHODS: These guidelines were developed using the Delphi method, as recommended by the HAS (French Health Authority), based on a formal consensus of experts and led by a group of practitioners and dieticians from the AFDN (French Association of Nutritionist Dieticians) and SFNCM (French Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism). RESULTS: Twenty-three recommendations were deemed appropriate and validated by a panel of 50 national experts, following three rounds of consultations, modifications and final strong agreement. These recommendations aim to define in adults: 1-harmonized vocabulary related to food and diets in hospitals; 2-quantitative and qualitative food propositions; 3-nutritional prescriptions; 4-diet patterns and patient adaptations; 5-streamlining of restrictions to reduce unnecessary diets and without scientific evidence; 6-emphasizing the place of an enriched and adapted diet for at-risk and malnourished patients. CONCLUSION: These guidelines will enable catering services and health-care teams to rationalize hospital food and therapeutic food prescriptions in order to focus on individual needs and tasty foods. All efforts should be made to create meals that follow these recommendations while promoting the taste quality of the dishes and their presentation such that the patient rediscovers the pleasure of eating in the hospital.

Evaluation of Nutrient Intake and Food Consumption among Dutch Toddlers.

Improving dietary habits at a young age could prevent adverse health outcomes. The aim was to gain insight into the adequacy of the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers, which may provide valuable information for preventive measures. Data obtained from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2012-2016 were used, which included 672 children aged one to three years. Habitual intakes of nutrients were evaluated according to recommendations set by the Dutch Health Council. Specific food groups were evaluated according to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines. For most nutrients, intakes were estimated to be adequate. High intakes were found for saturated fatty acids, retinol, iodine, copper, zinc, and sodium. No statement could be provided on the adequacy of intakes of alpha-linoleic acids, N-3 fish fatty acids, fiber, and iron. 74% of the toddlers used dietary supplements, and 59% used vitamin D supplements specifically. Total median intakes of vegetables, bread, and milk products were sufficient. Consumption of bread, potatoes and cereals, milk products, fats, and drinks consisted largely of unhealthy products. Consumption of unfavorable products may have been the cause of the observed high and low intakes of several nutrients. Shifting towards a healthier diet that is more in line with the guidelines may positively affect the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers and prevent negative health impacts, also later in life.

Nutrient Requirements during Pregnancy and Lactation.

A woman's nutritional status during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not only critical for her health, but also for that of future generations. Nutritional requirements during pregnancy differ considerably from those of non-pregnant women. Thus, a personalized approach to nutritional advice is recommended. Currently, some countries recommend routine supplementation for all pregnant women, while others recommend supplements only when necessary. Maternal physiological adaptations, as well as nutritional requirements during pregnancy and lactation, will be reviewed in the literature examining the impacts of dietary changes. All of these data have been studied deeply to facilitate a discussion on dietary supplement use and the recommended doses of nutrients during pregnancy and lactation. The aim of this review is to evaluate the knowledge in the scientific literature on the current recommendations for the intake of the most common micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Taking into account these considerations, we examine minerals, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acid requirements. Finally, we conclude by discussing the potential benefits of each form of supplementation.

Achievement of the Targets of the 20-Year Infancy-Onset Dietary Intervention-Association with Metabolic Profile from Childhood to Adulthood.

The Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) is a prospective infancy-onset randomized dietary intervention trial targeting dietary fat quality and cholesterol intake, and favoring consumption of vegetables, fruit, and whole-grains. Diet (food records) and circulating metabolites were studied at six time points between the ages of 9-19 years (n = 549-338). Dietary targets for this study were defined as (1) the ratio of saturated fat (SAFA) to monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA + PUFA) < 1:2, (2) intake of SAFA < 10% of total energy intake, (3) fiber intake ≥ 80th age-specific percentile, and (4) sucrose intake ≤ 20th age-specific percentile. Metabolic biomarkers were quantified by high-throughput nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics. Better adherence to the dietary targets, regardless of study group allocation, was assoiated with higher serum proportion of PUFAs, lower serum proportion of SAFAs, and a higher degree of unsaturation of fatty acids. Achieving ≥ 1 dietary target resulted in higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size, lower circulating LDL subclass lipid concentrations, and lower circulating lipid concentrations in medium and small high-density lipoprotein subclasses compared to meeting 0 targets. Attaining more dietary targets (≥2) was associated with a tendency to lower lipid concentrations of intermediate-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein subclasses. Thus, adherence to dietary targets is favorably associated with multiple circulating fatty acids and lipoprotein subclass lipid concentrations, indicative of better cardio-metabolic health.

Fascículo 3: protocolos de uso do guia alimentar para a população brasileira na orientação alimentar de gestantes / Issue 3: protocols for the use of the food guide for the Brazilian population in the dietary guidance of pregnant women

Este terceiro fascículo da série Protocolos de Uso do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira tem como objetivo apresentar o Protocolo de Uso do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira na Orientação Alimentar de Gestantes como um instrumento de apoio à prática clínica no cuidado individual na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Na gestação, é particularmente relevante o consumo de uma grande variedade de alimentos in natura e minimamente processados e água, para suprir a necessidade de nutrientes fundamentais para esse evento da vida, como ferro, ácido fólico, cálcio, vitaminas A e D, entre outros. A alimentação saudável na gestação favorece o bom desenvolvimento fetal e a saúde e o bem-estar da gestante, além de prevenir o surgimento de agravos, como diabetes gestacional, hipertensão e ganho de peso excessivo. Segundo os dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF) de 2017-2018, o padrão de consumo alimentar de gestantes no Brasil é caracterizado majoritariamente pelo consumo de alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados, com destaque para o consumo de arroz, feijão, carnes, vísceras e frutas, e uma menor participação de alimentos ultraprocessados em comparação a seus pares não gestantes.

Telessaúde, Telemedicina, aplicativos de celular e uso de mensagens de texto/SMS na melhora da alimentação em adultos / Telehealth, Telemedicine, mobile apps and the use of text messages/SMS in improving nutrition in adults

Esta revisão rápida foi comissionada e subsidiada pelo Ministério da Saúde, no âmbito do projeto GEREB-010-FIO-20 e faz parte da Coleção "Rapid response for health promotion". Intervenções baseadas em novas tecnologias têm sido adaptadas com o objetivo de melhorar indicadores individuais de consumo alimentar. Destacam-se neste cenário as atividades realizadas de modo remoto, por meio de teleconsulta, quando profissionais e pacientes interagem simultaneamente por meio de canais de comunicação eletrônicos, via internet e ligações telefônicas, por exemplo. Igualmente, o uso de aplicativos de celular (mHealth) e mensagens de textos têm se consolidado como alternativas no monitoramento e gestão clínica para iniciativas de mudanças comportamentais e melhora em índices antropométricos e de consumo alimentar. Pergunta: Qual é a eficácia/efetividade e a segurança das intervenções oferecidas via telessaúde, telemedicina e de aplicativos de celular e uso de mensagens de texto/SMS para melhora da alimentação em adultos? Métodos: A partir de um protocolo prévio, nove bases eletrônicas da literatura foram consultadas em novembro de 2020, para identificar revisões sistemáticas (RS), publicadas em inglês, português e espanhol, sem restrição quanto ao ano de publicação. A qualidade metodológica das revisões sistemáticas foi avaliada utilizando o instrumento AMSTAR 2. Para executar esta revisão rápida em 13 dias, apenas o processo de triagem de títulos e resumos foi realizado em duplicidade e de forma independente. Resultados: A busca nas bases de dados resultou em 8.249 referências, e após o processo de seleção e elegibilidade 3 revisões sistemáticas foram incluídas para compor esta revisão rápida. Com relação à qualidade metodológica, uma revisão sistemática foi considerada de moderada confiança e duas foram de confiança criticamente baixa. Foram encontrados resultados das intervenções de aplicativos no consumo de frutas e vegetais e de intervenções de mensagens de texto com informações a respeito do consumo alimentar em geral. O aplicativo Vegethon mostrou aumentar o consumo de vegetais em comparação ao acompanhamento para perda de peso. Contudo, mensagens de texto combinadas a curso online de educação nutricional não apresentaram diferenças em relação à realização apenas do curso. Quanto ao consumo alimentar em geral, mensagens de texto associadas a ações presenciais e materiais educativos demonstraram resultados melhores que as ações presenciais realizadas de forma isolada na adesão às recomendações alimentares, tamanho da porção, ingestão de óleo e consumo de carboidratos, mas sem efeito sobre adesão ao regime alimentar recomendado. Conclusão: Esta revisão rápida mostrou efeitos positivos de aplicativos e de mensagens de texto combinados a outras intervenções sobre o consumo de vegetais e alimentação saudável em geral. Entretanto, devese interpretar com cautela os resultados, uma vez que são provenientes de poucos estudos primários com pequenas amostras de participantes

This rapid review was commissioned and subsidized by the Ministry of Health, within the scope of the GEREB-010-FIO-20 project and is part of the "Rapid response for health promotion" Collection. Interventions based on new technologies have been adapted with the aim of improving individual indicators of food consumption. In this scenario, activities carried out remotely, through teleconsultation, when professionals and patients interact simultaneously through electronic communication channels, via the internet and telephone calls, for example, stand out. Likewise, the use of cell phone applications (mHealth) and text messages have been consolidated as alternatives in clinical monitoring and management for behavioral change initiatives and improvement in anthropometric and food consumption indices. Question: What is the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of interventions offered via telehealth, telemedicine and mobile apps and use of text/SMS messages to improve nutrition in adults? Methods: Based on a previous protocol, nine electronic literature databases were consulted in November 2020 to identify systematic reviews (SR), published in English, Portuguese and Spanish, without restriction as to the year of publication. The methodological quality of the systematic reviews was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 instrument. To perform this rapid 13-day review, only the title and abstract screening process was performed in duplicate and independently. Results: The search in the databases resulted in 8,249 references, and after the selection and eligibility process, 3 systematic reviews were included to compose this rapid review. Regarding methodological quality, one systematic review was considered moderately reliable and two were critically low. Results were found from app interventions on fruit and vegetable consumption and text message interventions with information about food consumption in general. The Vegethon app has been shown to increase vegetable consumption compared to tracking for weight loss. However, text messages combined with an online nutritional education course did not show differences in relation to the course alone. Regarding food consumption in general, text messages associated with face-to-face actions and educational materials showed better results than face-to-face actions carried out in isolation in terms of adherence to food recommendations, portion size, oil intake and carbohydrate consumption, but with no effect on adherence to the recommended diet. Conclusion: This rapid review showed positive effects of apps and text messages combined with other interventions on vegetable consumption and healthy eating in general. However, the results should be interpreted with caution, as they come from few primary studies with small sample sizes of participants.

Dietary Inadequacy, Micronutrient Deficiencies, and Approaches to Preventing Poor Nutrition in the Gaza Strip.

Palestine refugees comprise the largest refugee population in the world, most of whom are encamped in Middle Eastern countries. In the Gaza Strip, where ∼1.4 million Palestinians reside, there are high prevalences of anemia and multiple micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs), including those of iron, zinc, vitamins A, B12, D, and E, ranging from 11.4% to 84.7% among pregnant women and 2.9% to 70.9% among preschool children. Dietary diversification and adequate food fortification are framed in policies but remain aspirational goals. Alternative, effective, targeted preventive approaches include, for women, replacement of antenatal iron-folic acid with multiple micronutrient supplementation, and for young children, point-of-use multiple micronutrient powder fortification to prevent anemia, both of which can reduce other MNDs and may bring additional health benefits. These interventions coupled with monitoring of dietary intakes, periodic assessment of MNDs, and implementation research to improve existing nutrition interventions are warranted to protect the health of the Middle East Palestinian diaspora.

Do the Dietary Intakes of Pregnant Women Attending Public Hospital Antenatal Clinics Align with Australian Guide to Healthy Eating Recommendations?

The maternal diet influences the long-term health status of both mother and offspring. The current study aimed to compare dietary intakes of pregnant women compared to food and nutrient recommendations in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) and Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs). Usual dietary intake was assessed in a sample of women in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy attending antenatal outpatient clinics at John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW). Dietary intake was measured using the Australian Eating Survey, a validated, semi-quantitative 120-item food frequency questionnaire. Daily food group servings and nutrient intakes were compared to AGHE and NRV targets. Of 534 women participating, none met the AGHE recommendations for all food groups. Highest adherence was for fruit serves (38%), and lowest for breads and cereals (0.6%). Only four women met the pregnancy NRVs for folate, iron, calcium, zinc and fibre from food alone. Current dietary intakes of Australian women during pregnancy do not align with national nutrition guidelines. This highlights the importance of routine vitamin and mineral supplementation during pregnancy, as intakes from diet alone may commonly be inadequate. Future revisions of dietary guidelines and pregnancy nutrition recommendations should consider current dietary patterns. Pregnant women currently need more support to optimise food and nutrient intakes.

The Pediatric Obesity Encounter: Literature and Resources to Help with 4 Common Issues.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review here best practices and resources for pediatricians providing pediatric obesity management in 4 key areas: how to assess all of the relevant factors contributing to obesity, how to provide nutrition education, how to counsel families who eat out regularly, and what to do with patients who frequently make poor eating choices. RECENT FINDINGS: While there are many resources indicating recommendations for the physical exam and laboratory tests, there are very few resources that give pragmatic advice on the counseling aspects of the pediatric obesity encounter. We note new nutrition research showing the importance of avoiding ultra-processed foods. Most importantly, we list several resources regarding useful questionnaires, nutrition guidance, and even further training for pediatricians. There is a need for more curation of resources in different aspects of obesity care. We hope that this review and list of resources are helpful for pediatricians and will empower families and can be expanded in the future.

Diets for Health: Goals and Guidelines.

Diet is the single most significant risk factor for disability and premature death. Patients and physicians often have difficulty staying abreast of diet trends, many of which focus primarily on weight loss rather than nutrition and health. Recommending an eating style can help patients make positive change. Dietary patterns that support health include the Mediterranean diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the Healthy Eating Plate. These approaches have benefits that include prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity. These dietary patterns are supported by strong evidence that promotes a primary focus on unprocessed foods, fruits and vegetables, plant-based fats and proteins, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. Added sugars should be limited to less than 5% to 10% of daily caloric intake. Vegetables (not including potatoes) and fruits should make up one-half of each meal. Carbohydrate sources should primarily include beans/legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. An emphasis on monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax, cold-water fish, and nuts, helps prevent cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline. A focus on foods rather than macronutrients can assist patients in understanding a healthy diet. Addressing barriers to following a healthy diet and utilizing the entire health care team can assist patients in following these guidelines.

A Clinician's Guide for Trending Cardiovascular Nutrition Controversies: Part II.

The potential cardiovascular (CV) benefits of many trending foods and dietary patterns are still incompletely understood, and scientific inquiry continues to evolve. In the meantime, however, a number of controversial dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients have received significant media attention and are mired by "hype." This second review addresses some of the more recent popular foods and dietary patterns that are recommended for CV health to provide clinicians with current information for patient discussions in the clinical setting. Specifically, this paper delves into dairy products, added sugars, legumes, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, mushrooms, fermented foods, seaweed, plant and marine-derived omega-3-fatty acids, and vitamin B12.

Position paper on vegetarian diets from the working group of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Interest in vegetarian diets is growing in Italy and elsewhere, as government agencies and health/nutrition organizations are emphasizing that regular consumption of plant foods may provide health benefits and help prevent certain diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a Pubmed search, up to September, 2015, for studies on key nutrients (proteins, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and n-3 fatty acids) in vegetarian diets. From 295 eligible publications the following emerged: Vegetarians should be encouraged to supplement their diets with a reliable source of vitamin B12 (vitamin-fortified foods or supplements). Since the plant protein digestibility is lower than that of animal proteins it may be appropriate for vegetarians to consume more proteins than recommended for the general population. Vegetarians should also be encouraged to habitually consume good sources of calcium, iron and zinc - particularly vegetables that are low in oxalate and phytate (e.g. Brassicaceae), nuts and seeds, and calcium-rich mineral water. Calcium, iron, and zinc bioavailability can be improved by soaking, germination, and sour-dough leavening that lower the phytate content of pulses and cereals. Vegetarians can ensure good n-3 fatty acid status by habitually consuming good sources of a-linolenic acid (walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and their oils) and limiting linoleic acid intake (corn and sunflower oils). CONCLUSIONS: Well-planned vegetarian diets that include a wide variety of plant foods, and a reliable source of vitamin B12, provide adequate nutrient intake. Government agencies and health/nutrition organizations should provide more educational resources to help Italians consume nutritionally adequate vegetarian diets.

Current Concepts of Maternal Nutrition.

BACKGROUND: A nutrient-rich maternal diet before and during pregnancy is associated with improved fetal health, more appropriate birth weight, and increased rates of maternal and infant survival. Physicians need a better understanding of the role of diet in shaping fetal outcomes. Given this background, we reviewed and summarized articles on maternal nutrition found in MEDLINE since 1981, written in English, and limited to human subjects. FOR THE OFFSPRING: Maternal diets high in sugar and fat lead to an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease later in life. Folic acid should be supplemented prior to conception and continued through at least the first 28 days of fetal life to prevent neural tube defects, and vitamin C should be given to women who smoke to lower the incidence of asthma and wheezing in the children. Iodine deficiency is increasing, and iodine should be included in prenatal supplements. If the maternal hemoglobin is 7 g/dL or more, there is no evidence that iron supplementation is needed. Fish intake during pregnancy is protective against atopic outcomes, whereas high-meat diets contribute to elevated adult blood pressure and hypersecretion of cortisol. FOR THE MOTHER: Calcium supplementation lowers the risk of preeclampsia and hypertensive disease in pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Given the limits of our current knowledge, a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and selected fish is desirable for the best outcomes. Diets high in sugar and fat lead to higher rates of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Folic acid, iodine, and calcium in all pregnant women and vitamin C in smokers are the only supplements so far shown to be of value for routine use. The physician treating a pregnant woman should be ready to advise a healthy diet for the benefit of the fetus.