Physical activity practice and sports preferences in a group of Spanish schoolchildren depending on sex and parental care: a gender perspective.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity plays an important role in the maintenance of health, and it is especially important during childhood. However, the lack of information about differences in physical activity practice and sports preferences of children considering gender differences can result in non-effective policies that enhance inequalities between sexes. The aim of this study is to identify the sports preferences of Spanish schoolchildren and their physical activity practice behaviors depending on their sex and their parental care, analyzing the possible differences from a gender perspective. METHOD: Three hundred sixty-four Spanish schoolchildren (179 girls, 185 boys) participated in this cross-sectional study. A daily physical activity questionnaire was used to evaluate physical activity level (PAL), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sports preferences and a socio-health questionnaire were used to collect data about parental care. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and applying Student's T-test for normal variables, Mann-Whitney U-test for non-parametrical variables, and chi-square (χ2) test for categorical variables. Subsequently, odds ratios were used to analyze associations between the physical activity practice of the children and parental care. RESULTS: PAL and time spent in MVPA was significantly lower for girls compared to boys (1.44 ± 0.07 vs. 1.46 ± 0.07, p < 0.001 and 0.74 ± 0.40 h/day vs. 0.90 ± 0.45 h/day; p < 0.001, respectively). Dancing, rhythmic gymnastics, skating, and water sports were practiced more by girls, while football, wrestling sports, handball, and racket sports were practiced more by boys (p < 0.05). Children cared for by their fathers had higher odds for physical activity practice (OR = 1.995 (1.202-3.310), p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Physical activity among girls was less frequent and less intense. Girls opted for individual sports with artistic connotations, while boys often practiced more team contact sports. Furthermore, children are more physically actives when their father is in charge of them.

Adequacy of usual macronutrient intake and macronutrient distribution in children and adolescents in Spain: A National Dietary Survey on the Child and Adolescent Population, ENALIA 2013-2014.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the nutritional profile and assess the National Dietary Survey on the Child and Adolescent Population project in Spain (ENALIA) regarding usual total energy and macronutrient intake. METHODS: A cross-sectional nationally representative sample of 1862 children and adolescents (age 6 months to 17) was surveyed between 2013 and 2014 following European methodology recommendations. Dietary information was collected using two methods, dietary records (for children from age 6 months to 9 years) and 24-h dietary recall (participants age 10 and older). Usual intake was estimated by correcting for within-person intake variance using the Iowa State University (ISU) method. A probability analysis was used to assess compliance with dietary reference intakes in the target population. RESULTS: Protein consumption in the age 1-3 group as a percentage of total energy exceeded the upper limit of the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) by 4.7% for boys and 12.1% for girls. 42.9% of girls age 4-8 were under the lower limit of the AMDR for carbohydrates. 43.4% of boys and 46.9% of girls between 4 and 17 exceeded the AMDR in total fat intake, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) accounting for 12.3% of total energy. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that Spanish children and adolescents could improve macronutrient distribution by reducing fat and increasing carbohydrate intake across all age groups, and decreasing protein intake, especially in young children.

Low Adherence to Dietary Guidelines in Spain, Especially in the Overweight/Obese Population: The ANIBES Study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the dietary intake of the Spanish population according to ponderal status and body fat distribution. METHODS: Data were obtained from ANIBES (Anthropometry, Intake, and Energy Balance in Spain), a cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample (1013 men, 996 women) of the Spanish population (18-64 years). The final fieldwork was carried out from mid-September to November (three months) 2013. A 3-day dietary record provided information about food and beverage consumption. Height, weight, and waist circumference were assessed, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-height ratio (WHtR) calculated. RESULTS: The Spanish population had a low consumption of fruits and vegetables, cereals, whole cereals, and dairy and high consumption of meat products. Individuals with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and abdominal adiposity (WHtR ≥ 0.5) showed lower compliance with dietary guidelines. In the male group, adjusting by age, inadequate consumption of cereals (<4 servings/day) and vegetables and fruit (<5 servings/day) was associated with higher risk of overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.704, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.187-2.447, p = 0.001, for cereals and OR = 3.816, 95% CI, 1.947-7.480, p = 0.001, for vegetables and fruits) and abdominal adiposity (OR = 2.081, 95% CI, 1.419-3.053, p = 0.000 and OR = 4.289, 95% CI, 2.108-8.726, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Nutritional campaigns should be conducted to improve the dietary habits of the Spanish population in general, especially men, who have poorer ponderal status and abdominal adiposity, due to their lower adherence to dietary guidelines.

ß-Carotene Concentration and Its Association with Inflammatory Biomarkers in Spanish Schoolchildren.

AIM: To examine the correlation between inflammatory biomarkers and plasma ß-carotene levels in children. METHODS: A total of 564 Spanish schoolchildren aged 9-12 were observed and studied. Plasma ß-carotene levels were assessed by HPLC. A ß-carotene level <4.83 µg/dL (0.09 µmol/L) was considered deficient. Plasma tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by immunoenzyme assays. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was tested by immunonephelometry. RESULTS: Subjects who were ß-carotene-deficient (23.1% of the studied children) had higher IL-6 levels than subjects with normal ß-carotene concentrations. The log-IL-6 and log-hs-CRP concentrations, but not the log-TNF-α level, were strongly and inversely related to the plasma log-ß-carotene level (taking into account log-age, energy intake, log-triglycerides, gender, log-body mass index, log-ß-carotene intake, energy from lipids and cholesterol as covariables). When the 3 inflammatory biomarkers were introduced into the regression model along with the corresponding covariables, only the log-IL-6 level was related to the plasma log-ß-carotene level (ß = -0.505 ± 0.078; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory status, in particular IL-6 levels, appears to be negatively associated with plasma ß-carotene levels in schoolchildren.

Sedentary behavior among Spanish children and adolescents: findings from the ANIBES study.

BACKGROUND: An increase of sedentary behaviors far from the Mediterranean lifestyle is happening in spite of the impact on health. The aims of this study were to describe sedentary behaviors in children and adolescents. METHODS: A representative sample of 424 Spanish children and adolescents (38% females) involved in the ANIBES study was analyzed regarding their sedentary behaviors, together with the availability of televisions, computers, and consoles by means of the HELENA sedentary behavior questionnaire. RESULTS: For the total sample of children, 49.3% during weekdays and 84% during weekends did not meet the recommendation of less than 2 hours of screen viewing per day. The use of TV was higher during weekdays (p < 0.05) and there were significant differences between adolescents and children (16.9 vs. 25.1%, p < 0.05). The use of computer, console games and of internet for non-study reasons was higher during weekends (p < 0.001). Adolescents played more computer games and used more internet for non-study reasons than children during both weekdays and weekends (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The use of internet for academic reasons was lower in children (p < 0.001) than adolescents during weekends; however, no significant differences were found between sexes. In addition, more than 30% of the children and adolescents had at least one electronic device in their bedrooms. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish children and adolescents are not meeting the recommendations regarding the maximum of screen viewing (<2 h/day), especially during the weekend, for all of sedentary behaviors. Urgent strategies and intervention studies are needed to reduce sedentary behavior in young people.

Antioxidant status in a group of institutionalised elderly people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important and prevalent diseases suffered by the elderly. Evidence exists that its onset and severity might be conditioned by antioxidant status. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between antioxidant status and COPD in institutionalised elderly people. In all, 183 elderly people aged >65 years (twenty-one had COPD and 160 healthy controls) were studied. The subjects' diets were investigated via the use of precise individual weighing for 7 d. Body weight, height, and biceps and triceps skinfold thickness were measured, and body fat (kg) and BMI (kg/m2) were calculated. Serum retinol, α-tocopherol, ß-carotene and vitamin C levels were determined. Subjects with COPD ate less fruits than healthy controls (117 (sd 52) v. 192 (sd 161) g/d), their coverage of the recommended intake of vitamin C was smaller (150 (sd 45) v. 191 (sd 88) %; note that both exceeded 100 %) and their diets had a lower antioxidant capacity (6558 (sd 2381) v. 9328 (sd 5367) mmol trolox equivalent/d). Those with COPD had lower serum vitamin C and α-tocopherol concentrations than healthy controls (32·4 (sd 15·3) v. 41·5 (sd 14·8) µmol/l and 12·1 (sd 3·2) v. 13·9 (sd 2·8) µmol/l, respectively). In addition, subjects with α-tocopherol <14·1µmol/l (50th percentile) were at 6·43 times greater risk of having COPD than those subjects with ≥14·1µmol/l (OR 6·43; 95 % CI 1·17, 35·24; P<0·05), taking sex, age, use of tobacco, body fat and vitamin E intake as covariables. Subjects with COPD had diets of poorer antioxidant quality, especially with respect to vitamins C and E, compared with healthy controls.

Central Nervous System Metastases in Patients With Cervical Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common malignancy throughout developing countries, although considered rare, central nervous system metastasis (CNSm) does occur. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe our experiences and compare them to other published cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2009 to August 2015, the files of all patients with CC treated at our referral center were reviewed. RESULTS: We found 27 patients with CC and CNSm. Mean age at the time of CNS diagnosis was 50 ± 11 years, mean interval between initial CC and CNSm was 46 months; the most frequent initial International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage was IIB with 17 patients followed by IB in 4. Fifty-nine percent of patients had lung metastases at the time CNSm were diagnosed. Headache was the most common symptom, followed by weakness, altered mental status, and ataxia/cerebellar. Mean survival was 8.2 months after CNSm was discovered; 3 patients are still alive. CONCLUSIONS: The present study describes the largest series of patients with CNSm from CC; this rare complication should be suspected in patients with CC who present with headache, ataxia, cranial nerve palsy, visual disturbance, altered mental status, focal weakness, or other neurological symptom, without other plausible explanation.

Relationship between 24 h urinary potassium and diet quality in the adult Spanish population.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between diet quality and 24 h urinary K excretion. DESIGN: K was measured in 24 h urine samples, while diet was studied using a 24 h recall method over two consecutive days. Diet quality was determined using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). The body weight, height and body composition of all participants were recorded, and the BMI of each calculated. SETTING: Representative members of the adult Spanish population from the FANPE Study ('Fuentes Alimentarias de Nutrientes en Población Española'; Dietary Sources of Nutrients in the Spanish Population). SUBJECTS: The final sample size was 329 participants aged 18-60 years. RESULTS: Participants with a 24 h urinary K excretion ≥ 93 mmol/d (group AP = adequate potassium) had greater self-reported K intakes, consumed more fruit and vegetables, had a more varied diet and had better HEI scores than those with a 24 h urinary K excretion <93 mmol/d (group IP = inadequate potassium). A significant positive correlation was seen between 24 h urinary K and dietary variety and the number of servings of fruits, vegetables and dairy products consumed, and between each of these and the HEI after correcting for age, sex, BMI, coefficient of activity, energy intake and the under-reporting of energy intake. AP participants were less likely to have an inadequate diet (HEI score <50) than IP participants (OR =0.439; 95 % CI 0.201, 0.961; P=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Diet quality, measured by the HEI, is correlated with 24 h urinary K excretion in Spanish adults.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity and current asthma in Spanish schoolchildren: a case control-control study.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this work was to study the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and current asthma in a group of Spanish schoolchildren. A total of 78 Spanish schoolchildren (26 asthmatic and 52 healthy controls) were randomly selected from a cohort of 564 children (9-12 years of age). The weight and height of all subjects were recorded. A questionnaire, completed by the subjects' parents, was used to obtain personal and health information. Current asthma was established when children had ever had asthma, they had been diagnosed with asthma by a physician, and they had been treated with medications at some time in the previous 12 months. Food intake was monitored using a 3-day food record. All consumed foods were converted into energy and nutrients. Dietary TAC was evaluated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. The TAC measured using all the assays was significantly lower in children with asthma than in children without this condition (2.95 (2.10-3.75) mmol Fe(II)/day vs. 3.70 (3.08-4.49) mmol Fe(II)/day, p < 0.01; 1.50 (1.06-2.05) mmol Trolox equivalents/day vs. 2.10 (1.40-2.65) mmol Trolox equivalents/day, p < 0.05; and 1.60 (1.08-2.00) mmol Trolox equivalents/day vs. 1.85 (1.50-2.68) mmol Trolox equivalents/day, p < 0.05 for FRAP, TEAC, and TRAP, respectively). After adjusting for energy intake, children with FRAP values higher than 3.5 mmol Fe(II)/day (p50) and TEAC values higher than 1.9 mmol Trolox equivalents/day (p50) had 22.6 and 35.0 %, respectively, lower likelihood of suffering asthma episodes than children with lower values. When logistic regression analysis was performed separately for children with nonsmoker and smoker (at least one) parents, the association between dietary TAC and asthma was only observed in the nonsmoker group (OR = 0.257, 95 % CI = 0.107-0.618, p = 0.002 for FRAP; OR = 0.212, 95 % CI = 0.069-0.639, p = 0.006 for TEAC; and OR = 0.264, 95 % CI = 0.091-0.769, p = 0.015 for TRAP assay). CONCLUSION: Dietary TAC may have a favorable role in asthma in children and, specially, in those with nonsmoker parents.

Moderate vitamin D deficiency and inflammation related markers in overweight/obese schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity has been associated with vitamin D deficiency and increased oxidative stress, which can lead to the dysregulation of adipokines and inflammation. The aim of the present work was to examine the association of vitamin D status [25(OH)D] on inflammatory related markers in overweight/obese children. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 137 Spanish schoolchildren between 9 and 12 years of age (31.4% with overweight/obesity) were studied. Being overweight was defined as BMI≥85th percentile and obesity as BMI≥97th percentile using the reference tables of Hernández. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent assay. Plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by immunoenzyme assay. Serum adiponectin was determined using an ELISA kit. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-PCR) was tested by immunonephelometry. RESULTS: IL-6 concentrations were higher in the overweight/obese children with deficient serum 25(OH)D (<20 ng/mL) than in those in this group but whose serum 25(OH)D concentrations were adequate (≥20 ng/mL). Serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with IL-6 concentrations in the overweight/obese subjects taking into account different covariates; thus, for every 1 ng/mL rise in the former, the latter fell by 0.160 pg/mL (ß=-0.160±0.068; R2=0.131; p=0.023). The obese subjects with concentrations of ≥25 ng/mL had lower hs-CRP values compared to those with concentrations of <25 ng/mL (0.053±0.035 vs. 0.356±0.613 mg/dL; p=0.035). CONCLUSION: Low serum 25(OH)D was significantly associated high serum IL-6 in overweight/obese children, and with increased hs-CRP in obese children.

High-Protein Processed Foods: Impact on Diet, Nutritional Status, and Possible Effects on Health.

Proteins are macronutrients with multiple health benefits, but excessive consumption can negatively affect health. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of a sample of high-protein processed foods (HPPFs), describe how their consumption affects dietary balance, and acquire knowledge of the consumption patterns of these products in a Spanish population. A sample of HPPFs available in supermarkets and on websites was collected. The contribution to recommended protein intakes was calculated using national and international references and considering the single consumption of the HPPFs and the product plus 150 g of meat. Furthermore, an online survey was conducted among a convenience sample. A total of 36 enriched protein products were evaluated. The percentage of proteins in these products ranges from 10 to 88%. The contribution of the protein recommended intake was within a range of 87.4-306.6% and 66.4-232.8% (women and men, respectively), only considering the additional proteins from 150 g of meat. One hundred thirty-nine participants completed the survey; 67.6% affirmed that they had consumed HPPFs, and half consumed them without following any consumption control. Since these products are accessible to everyone in supermarkets and protein intake is generally higher than the recommended limits, regulating the mass sale of HPPFs is essential to ensure they do not lead to protein overconsumption.

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids intake and dietary sources in a representative sample of Spanish adults.

The present study analyzes the intake of omega 3 (n-3 PUFAs) and omega 6 (n-6 PUFAs) and dietary sources in a representative sample of Spanish adults. For this purpose 418 adults (18 - 60 y), from 15 Spanish provinces were studied. The intake of energy and nutrients [specifically, the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs,) α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); and the n-6 PUFA, linoleic acid (LA)] was determined using a 24-hour recall questionnaire for two days. The Multiple Source Method (MSM) was used to estimate participants’ usual fatty acid intake. The total n-3 PUFAs intake was 1.8 ± 0.60 g/day (ALA: 1.3 ± 0.32, EPA: 0.16 ± 0.14, and DHA: 0.33 ± 0.21 g/day) and n-6 PUFA intake was 11.0 ± 2.7 g/day (LA: 10.8 ± 2.7 g/day). A high proportion of participants did not meet their nutrient intake goals for total n-3 PUFAs (84.7 %), ALA (45.0 %), and EPA plus DHA (62.9 %). The main food sources for ALA were oil, dairy products, and meat; for EPA fish; for DHA, fish, eggs, and meat; and for LA, oils, meat, and cereals. Therefore, an increase in the intake of foods rich in n-3 PUFAs or the use of supplements with n-3 PUFAs might help to improve the n-3 PUFA intake.

Adherence to 24-h movement guidelines in Spanish schoolchildren and its association with insulin resistance: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Being more active, being less sedentary, and sleeping enough are associated with adequate body weight and adiposity in children. However, few researchers have analyzed these different lifestyle behaviors and the adherence to 24 h movement guidelines with respect to insulin resistance (IR) at school age. Therefore, we aimed to analyse the association between the adherence to 24 h movement guidelines (physical activity, sedentary time, sleep) and IR in Spanish schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 839 children (8-13 years, 51.1% girls) were studied. Anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle behavioral data were collected. IR was defined as HOMA-IR>3.16. Compliance with the 24 h movement guidelines were defined as ≥60 min/day of moderate and/or vigorous physical activity, < 120 min/day of screen time, and 9-11 h/day of sleep time. Associations between adherence to the 24 h movement guidelines and IR were performed by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: The IR in our sample was 5.0%, being higher in girls. Compliance with physical activity or screen time, but not with sleep recommendations, was associated with lower fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR values. A low adherence to 24 h movement guidelines was associated with a higher risk of IR (odds ratio (95% CI): 2.150 [1.089-4.247]), especially in girls (odds ratio (95% CI): 2.800 [1.180-6.645]). Conclusion: Higher physical activity levels and lower screen times were associated with a lower risk of IR in schoolchildren, underlining the importance of adhering to as many healthy lifestyle recommendations as possible.

Breakfast Quality and Insulin Resistance in Spanish Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Breakfast has traditionally been considered one of the most important meals of the day; however, there is little evidence for the influence of breakfast quality and insulin resistance (IR). This study aimed to assess the quality of breakfast in a group of schoolchildren, and its association with IR. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 852 children (8−13 years) was carried out. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin and anthropometric parameters were measured. A three-day dietary record was used to assess their diet and to calculate the Breakfast Quality Index (BQI). The sample was divided into tertiles according to the BQI (tertile 3: better breakfast quality). The homeostatic model was used to assess insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and IR was defined as HOMA-IR > 3.16. Results: The prevalence of IR was 5.2%. The mean BQI score was 4.50 ± 1.25, and boys had lower scores than girls. Children in the BQI tertile 3 had a better global diet quality. In boys, being in the BQI tertile 3 was associated with a lower risk of IR (OR [95% CI]: 0.10 [0.01−0.77], p < 0.05). Conclusions: A higher-quality breakfast was associated with better overall diet quality and a lower risk of IR, especially in boys.

[Properties of milk in sleep induction]. / Propiedades de la leche en la inducción del sueño.

Introduction: Sleep induction and its quality are issues of growing concern because its deterioration affects a large number of people and poses a risk to their well-being and quality of life and long-term health. There are several factors involved in the problem, but nutrition is one of them and in particular milk consumption has often been linked to sleep habits, sometimes as a promoter and sometimes as an inhibitor. The purpose of this review is to examine the matter further. On reaching the brain, tryptophan is the basis for the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin, which improve the induction and quality of sleep. But there is competition between tryptophan and other long-chain neutral amino acids (LNAA) (valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine) to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain. In this sense, milk proteins with a high tryptophan content and the highest ratio between tryptophan and LNAA are very useful in promoting sleep. Moreover, milk also provides various micronutrients that help in the transformation of tryptophan into serotonin and melatonin, as well as antioxidant components, anti-inflammatory and bioactive peptides, and recent studies indicate that it favorably modulates the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Studies show that increasing milk consumption, up to the recommended intake and within a correct diet, favors the achievement and maintenance of quality sleep.

Introducción: La inducción del sueño y su calidad son temas de preocupación creciente porque su deterioro afecta a un número elevado de personas y supone un riesgo en su bienestar y calidad de vida y en la salud a largo plazo. Hay diversos factores implicados en el problema, pero la nutrición es uno de ellos y, en concreto, el consumo de leche se ha relacionado frecuentemente con los hábitos de sueño, a veces como factor promotor y otras como inhibidor. Profundizar en el tema es el objeto de la presente revisión. El triptófano, al llegar al cerebro, es la base para la síntesis de serotonina y melatonina, que mejoran la inducción y la calidad del sueño. Pero hay una competencia entre el triptófano y otros aminoácidos neutros de cadena larga (ANCL) (valina, leucina, isoleucina, tirosina y fenilalanina) para cruzar la barrera hematoencefálica y llegar al cerebro. En este sentido, las proteínas de la leche, con elevado contenido en triptófano y la relación más elevada entre triptófano y ANCL, son muy útiles en la promoción del sueño. Por otra parte, la leche también aporta diversos micronutrientes que ayudan en la transformación del triptófano en serotonina y melatonina, así como componentes antioxidantes, antiinflamatorios y péptidos bioactivos, y estudios recientes indican que modula favorablemente la composición de la microbiota intestinal. Los estudios realizados ponen de relieve que aumentar el consumo de leche, hasta el aporte aconsejado y dentro de una alimentación correcta, favorece el conseguir y mantener un sueño de calidad.

The effects of physical activity on dietary habits in young adults from madrid.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of the study was to analyze the relation between the physical activity levels and diet quality of a group of young adults from Madrid. METHODS: The nutritional and activity records of a group of 222 young adults (113 females and 109 males), with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years, were evaluated using dietary and activity questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements. From the data collected, the food, energy, macro and micronutrients intake, activity coefficient, body mass index, and body fat percentage were calculated. RESULTS: The study revealed that 67.1 % of the individuals evaluated (82.3 % of the females and 51.3 % of the males) were classified as sedentary. The sedentary individuals had a higher percentage of body fat compared to active individuals. Generally, active individuals consumed more cereals and less fat. The nutritional intake of the participants did not follow the recommended daily intake, however the nutritional intake of the active individuals was closer to the recommended, with higher micronutrient intakes. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that active individuals follow healthier diets and keep a more adequate body weight, which provides protection against several chronic diseases.

Young children with excess of weight show an impaired selenium status.

People who are overweight/obese commonly experience poorer antioxidant protection. The aim of the present study was to determine whether overweight/obesity is associated with children's selenium status. The study subjects were 573 Madrid schoolchildren aged 8 - 13 years. Their selenium intake was monitored via a three-day food record. Serum selenium concentration and blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity of each subject was also determined, as was body mass index (BMI). Children with excess of weight (BMI>P85) had lower serum selenium concentrations than those of normal weight (64.6 ± 16.8 µg/L compared to 75.3 ± 12.2 µg/L; p < 0.001). Their selenium intake was also lower (1.99 ± 0.62 µg/kg compared to 2.73 ± 0.88 µg/kg; p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between serum selenium and selenium intake (the best being obtained when intake was measured in µg/kg/day, r = 0.338, p < 0.05), while a negative relationship was seen between serum selenium and all the anthropometric variables recorded (the strongest correlation was seen between serum selenium and BMI, r = -0.390, p < 0.05). Logistic regression showed the risk of selenium deficiency (<70 µg/L) to increase with BMI [OR = 1.5031 (1.3828 - 1.6338)] and to decrease with selenium intake [OR = 0.9862 (0.9775 - 0.9949)] and age [OR = 0.6813 (0.5434 - 0.8542)] (p < 0.001). A correlation was also detected between serum selenium and GPx activity (r = 0.177; p < 0.05) but there were no significant relationships between GPx activity and any anthropometric variables, excluding the correlation with waist/hip ratio (r = -0.298; p < 0.01). Children with excess of weight have a poorer selenium status than children of normal weight, which can contribute to poor antioxidant protection. This situation could be more evident in children with central adiposity.

Association of Healthy Eating Index-2015 and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Patterns with Insulin Resistance in Schoolchildren.

Background: Diet quality patterns are associated with a lower incidence of insulin resistance (IR) in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between two diet quality indices and IR in schoolchildren and to identify the best diet quality index associated with a lower risk of IR. Methods: A total of 854 schoolchildren (8−13 years) were included in a cross-sectional study, who completed a three-day dietary record to assess their diet. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin were also measured, and anthropometric data were collected. Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and adjusted DASH (aDASH) were calculated as diet quality indices. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used, and IR was defined as HOMA-IR > 3.16. Results: The prevalence of IR was 5.5%, and it was higher in girls. The mean HEI-2015 and DASH scores were 59.3 and 23.4, respectively, and boys scored lower in both indices. In girls, having a HEI-2015 score above the 33rd percentile was associated with a lower risk of IR (odds ratio [95% CI]: 0.43 [0.19−0.96], p = 0.020). Conclusion: Greater adherence to a healthy dietary pattern, as assessed by a higher HEI-2015 score, was associated with a lower risk of IR in schoolchildren, especially in girls.

[Childhood obesity as a health priority. Guidelines for improving weight control]. / La obesidad infantil como prioridad sanitaria. Pautas en la mejora del control de peso.

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a growing concern, because the problem affects a high percentage of children and is the source of many diseases in the present and in the future, which can lead to a decrease in life expectancy and quality of life. In order to combat the problem, it is necessary to analyze the factors associated with excess weight in childhood in order to act on them and try to curb the trend observed in recent years. Various socio-demographic aspects, as well as inactivity and sedentary lifestyle in children are factors that are associated with an increased risk of obesity and central adiposity. With great prominence in this issue, we have to highlight that the consumption of food is improvable: decrease the consumption of sugar, fat and sodium, and above all increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, dairy is associated with lower obesity and central obesity in children. There is no single responsible for the problem and the interaction between healthy behaviors increases the chances of success in the fight against childhood obesity, which should be considered when planning nutritional education campaigns. Many aspects of the diet and lifestyle of the child population must be improved, perhaps now more emphasis is being placed on restrictive guidelines. Of course, it is desirable to reduce the consumption of sweets and snacks, but messages aimed at increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal can be prioritized. Constructive guidelines should stand out from restrictive ones.

Introducción: La obesidad infantil es objeto de preocupación creciente, porque el problema afecta a un elevado porcentaje de niños y es el origen de numerosas enfermedades en el presente y en el futuro, pudiendo condicionar un descenso en la esperanza y calidad de vida. Para combatir el problema es necesario analizar los factores que se asocian con el exceso de peso en la infancia para actuar sobre ellos e intentar frenar la tendencia observada en los últimos años. Diversos aspectos sociodemográficos, así como la inactividad y el sedentarismo de los niños son factores que se asocian con mayor riesgo de padecimiento de obesidad y adiposidad central. Con gran protagonismo en este tema debe destacarse que el consumo de alimentos es mejorable: disminuir el consumo de azúcar, grasa y sodio, y sobre todo aumentar el consumo de frutas, verduras, cereales integrales, pescado, lácteos se asocia con menor padecimiento de obesidad y obesidad central en los niños. Pero no hay un único responsable del problema y la interacción entre conductas saludables aumenta las posibilidades de éxito en la lucha contra la obesidad infantil, lo que debe ser considerado al planificar campañas de educación nutricional. Se deben mejorar numerosos aspectos de la alimentación y estilo de vida de la población infantil, quizá en este momento se hace más hincapié en pautas restrictivas, aunque es muy conveniente reducir el consumo de dulces y snacks, resulta muy deseable y quizá prioritario el aumentar el consumo de verduras, hortalizas, frutas, cereales integrales y aproximar la dieta al ideal teórico. Las pautas constructivas deberían destacar respecto a las restrictivas.

[Nutritional problems in celiac patients. Difficulties in achieving an adequate nutritional status]. / Problemática nutricional en pacientes celíacos. Dificultades para conseguir una situación nutricional adecuada.

Introduction: Celiac disease is the most common chronic intestinal disease. It affects approximately 1 % of the world population, affects all age groups and has symptoms both digestive and extra-digestive. The treatment of celiac disease is based on the strict withdrawal of gluten from the diet. This treatment supposes the improvement of symptoms and histology and the reduction of long-term comorbidities. People with celiac disease often follow diets that are far from the theoretical ideal, so they must be supervised and guided to achieve gluten-free diets that are also varied and balanced. In these patients it is important to avoid gluten consumption, but also to achieve an adequate supply of nutrients. However, their health problems, together with the limitations they must introduce in the diet make it more difficult to achieve a correct diet, so the group deserves special nutritional monitoring and surveillance.

Introducción: La enfermedad celíaca es la enfermedad crónica intestinal más frecuente que existe. Afecta aproximadamente al 1 % de la población mundial, a todos los grupos de edad y tiene síntomas de presentación tanto digestivos como extradigestivos. El tratamiento de la enfermedad celíaca se basa en la retirada estricta del gluten de la dieta. Este tratamiento supone la mejora de los síntomas y de la histología y la disminución de comorbilidades a largo plazo. Las personas con enfermedad celíaca realizan con frecuencia dietas alejadas del ideal teórico, por lo que deben ser supervisadas y orientadas para lograr dietas sin gluten y también variadas y equilibradas. En estos pacientes es importante evitar el consumo de gluten, pero también lograr un aporte adecuado de nutrientes y su problemática sanitaria, junto con las limitaciones que deben introducir en la dieta, hacen más difícil lograr una alimentación correcta, por lo que el colectivo merece una vigilancia y un control nutricional especiales.