Frequency of occurrence of metabolic syndrome risk factors in children and adolescents from the city of Wroclaw and surroundings

Background: A recently growing number of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity is indicative of the need for diagnosing their complications that may appear in the early childhood. For this reason, diagnostic criteria were developed for components of the metabolic syndrome (MS) also for these groups of the population. Objective: This study was aimed at evaluating the frequency of metabolic syndrome risk factors occurrence in children and adolescents from the city of Wroclaw and surroundings depending on gender, age and physical activity. Material and methods: Investigations on the frequency of occurrence of dietary and non-dietary risk factors of the metabolic syndrome were carried out in the years 2010-2017 among 771 children and adolescents aged 10-18 year, attending to primary schools, gymnasiums and secondary schools in Wroclaw. Results: The lack of any components of the metabolic syndrome was demonstrated in 14.78% of the children aged 10-12 years as well as in 17.38% of both adolescents aged 13-15 and 17-18 years. One risk factor was most frequently diagnosed in children aged 10-12 years (17.89%) and it was arterial hypertension (16.08% of the whole surveyed population). Three MS components were demonstrated in 15 persons (1.95% of the whole surveyed population), including in 7 girls and 8 boys. The persons with three MS risk factors from the age category 13-15 years constituted 0.26% whereas these from the age category 17-18 years constituted 1.69% of the whole surveyed group. Conclusions: It shall be concluded that the incidence of the fully symptomatic MS depended significantly on the age of the surveyed, but not on their gender. Among the three adopted components of MS, the most frequently demonstrated disorders included: arterial hypertension, abdominal obesity and increased concentration of triglycerides in blood serum.

Occurrence of dietary risk factors in inflammatory bowel disease: Influence on the nutritional status of patients in clinical remission.

BACKGROUND: Among the complex factors that may favor the occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), genetic, immunological and environmental initiators, including nutritional factors, are listed. So far, there have been no previous studies on the type and frequency of dietary risk factors for IBD in Poland and their effect on the nutritional status of patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the frequency and type of dietary risk factors for IBD on the nutritional status of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study, the dietary habits and nutritional status of patients were assessed using the cross-check dietary history method and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. The study group consisted of 162 IBD patients: 61 individuals with CD and 101 with UC. The data was compared to the results of a control group (129 healthy volunteers). RESULTS: The results obtained showed that IBD patients during a period of remission disclosed such dietary risk factors as inadequate consumption of fiber and excessive consumption of red meat and meat products, animal fats, and sugars in comparison to the control group. Only low fiber intake was associated with a worse nutritional status of patients with UC. No consistent influence of the number of IBD dietary risk factors on the nutritional status of patients was found. CONCLUSIONS: The nutritional status of IBD patients in remission was related to the type of dietary risk factors, but did not depend on the number of them.

The usefulness of routinely used malnutrition screening tools in predicting anemia in lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Anemia and malnutrition are frequently observed during lung cancer development, and the associations between them have been researched. However, no study concerning the utility of routinely used nutritional screening tools in predicting anemia in lung cancer has been performed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of routinely used malnutrition screening tools in predicting anemia in lung cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-five male patients were recruited to this study. Blood counts, serum iron concentration, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and serum transferrin saturation (STS), measurements of selected anthropometric parameters, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) were performed for the subjects. To evaluate the differences in the distribution of hematological and iron status parameters according to nutritional status, a t-test (Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric data) and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. Tukey's post hoc test was performed for intergroup comparison of parametric data. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of MNA and GPS were compared to blood counts and biochemical parameters of iron status. RESULTS: Using the MNA test, we observed that ca. 60% of subjects had deteriorated nutritional status. About half of the patients had inflammation cumulated with malnutrition. A similar part of the subjects had anemia. The MNA test showed a significant difference in the distribution of Hb and Htc, while GPS showed the distribution of Fe and TIBC among lung cancer patients. We did not observe any influence of fat-free mass index (FFMI) on hematological and iron status parameters. The MNA test had very high specificity and positive predictive values (PPV) for all the hematological parameters evaluated as well as GPS for serum Fe concentration and TIBC. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrates that an evaluation of nutritional status with the MNA test can provide additional predictive information regarding anemia, while GPS may do the same with type of anemia in lung cancer patients.

Influence of arsenic on selected biochemical blood parameters in rats fed diet with different fat and protein content.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic is widely distributed in the environment. The main routes of absorption of inorganic arsenic compounds are the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. Arsenates both (III) and (V) are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in 55-95%, while the organic arsenic compounds in 75-85%. Arsenic poisoning leads to damage the activities and morphological changes in the stomach and intestines, causing the occurrence of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Arsenic compounds may also be the cause of the development of certain cancers (lung, skin and liver). The first changes caused by arsenic poisoning usually remain unnoticed. Arsenic affects haematological and both lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. It also causes changes in the organs involved in metabolism, so biochemical parameters or enzymes activity are therefore a good indicator of poisoning changes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of protein and fat content in diet on selected biochemical blood parameters in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats (11 groups n = 88) were fed with 5 types of diet: control, low-protein, high-protein, low-fat and high-fat. Animals received water without arsenic (control group) or water with 10 or 20 µg As/mL. RESULTS: In animals fed a low protein diets, regardless of the dose of arsenic, it was a decreasing of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in serum observed, compared to the control group. In the groups fed with low-protein diet revealed a significantly less damage in the liver as compared to the control group. In animals fed high-protein diets and with varying addition of arsenic a significant higher concentration of various biochemical parameters were found, in comparison to the respective control groups. In animals fed the high protein diet and poisoned with 20 µg As/mL of the arsenic significantly higher liver damage were found, compared to control group. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of arsenic hepatotoxicity measured with enzyme activity were highest in the groups of animals fed with low-protein diet. The parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism depended mostly on diet than the dose of arsenic.

Influence of non-dietary factors on the prevalence of abdominal obesity as a major component of the metabolic syndrome among 17-18-year-old youth.

BACKGROUND: Youth nutrition and their nutritional status are conditioned by many factors, some of the main ones being: economic, social, climatic, cultural, and psychological factors as well as nutritional knowledge. With the growing problem of overweight and obesity among children and young people, the incidence of the metabolic syndrome is also increasing. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of demographic, sociological and psychological factors on the incidence of obesity among 17-18-year-old adolescents from Wroclaw and vicinity as a major risk factor for the development of the metabolic syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in three upper-secondary schools in Wroclaw, Poland. In the surveyed group (17-18 years old, n = 269) girls accounted for 59.5% and boys constituted 40.5%. Majority of young people were Wroclaw citizens (72.9%). Centile charts elaborated by the Children's Memorial Health Institute were adopted for the evaluation of anthropometric parameters. Evaluation of the impact of non-dietary factors on the manner of nutrition was carried out using own questionnaire. RESULTS: Based on the tests, abdominal obesity was determined among 34.5% of adolescents aged 17 years and among 65.5% of these aged 18 years. Obesity was more common in girls carrying genetic burden of the disease. Youth with the largest waist circumference most often declared to use slimming diets - 6.7%, and the lowest hunger sensation in stress - 3.4%. In addition, 30.5% of the adolescents with the smallest waist circumference and 11.5% with the largest waist circumference declared to be non-smoking. Occasional alcohol consumption was declared by 30.1% of young people with the smallest waist circumference, and 13.4% with the largest waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS: Youth with abdominal obesity significantly more likely than those with normal waist circumference applied slimming diets. Significant impact on the formation of abdominal obesity among girls had inherited disease burden.

Dietary habits of lung cancer patients from the Lower Silesia region of Poland.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Assessment of lung cancer patients' dietary habits before treatment enable medical staff to provide more individual, precise and complex care to patients, taking into consideration their nutritional status. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate dietary habits related to lung cancer risk of lung cancer patients in comparison with controls from the Lower Silesia region of Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Assessments of dietary habits, based on a validated questionnaire related to lung cancer risk were performed on 92 lung cancer patients and compared with the results obtained in 157 controls. Dietary patterns were evaluated concerning on eating frequency of high- and low- glycemic index products, vegetables and fruits, vegetable and fruit juices, green tea, liquid dairy products, meat and fried products over the previous year. Alcohol consumption was assessed on a dichotomous scale (yes or no). RESULTS: Majority of patients had inappropriate dietary habits, such as low consumption of low GI cereal products, vegetables, fruit and green tea, and a high consumption frequency of fried products. CONCLUSIONS: Reported dietary mistakes indicate the need for dietary education among people at lung cancer risk and with newly diagnosed disease, to enhance their nutritional status.

Estimation of dietary exposure to acrylamide of Polish teenagers from an urban environment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary exposure to acrylamide (AA) in a group of teenagers (n = 261) from an urban environment. The intake of AA from food was estimated based on a 7-day food record diary (consecutive days). The food rations obtained (n = 1827) were used to calculate the amounts of the consumed food products, which were the main sources of AA. In the case of girls, the estimated dietary intake of AA per kg body weight (BW) amounted to 0.09 µg/kg BW/day (50th percentile), 0.32 µg/kg BW/day (75th percentile) and 1.04 µg/kg BW/day (95th percentile), and among boys it was 0.13, 0.41, and 1.18 µg/kg BW/day, respectively. The main sources of AA exposure were French fries, potato crisps, corn flakes, bread and salty sticks. The lowest values for margin of exposure (MOE) were calculated for the P95th percentiles of exposure, and ranged from 152 to 173.

Arsenic contents in rats' fur as an indicator of exposure to arsenic. Preliminary studies.

BACKGROUND: Since arsenic compounds have an affinity to thiol groups their greatest amounts can then be found in the tissues containing sulphur-rich proteins, like beta-keratin in skin, hair and nails. Accumulation of arsenic also depends on the macronutrient content in daily food ration. The deficiency and excess of both the protein and fat may contribute to a higher content of arsenic in the organism, including hair in human or fur in animals. OBJECTIVE: Hair and fur is a good indicator of population exposure to many toxic substances, including arsenic. The degree of arsenic accumulation may depend on the diet and nutritional status. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of protein and fat in diet on the accumulation of arsenic in rats' fur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 70 male Buffalo rats (body weight 200 - 220 g, age - 6 weeks) were divided into 10 groups. Rats were housed in plastic cages (4 per cage) in a 12h light/dark cycle for 6 weeks. The diets of different protein and fat contents ware administered to the animals. Five of ten groups of rats received throughout the whole period 10 ppm sodium arsenite dissolved in distilled drinking water (about 250 µg As/animal/day). The arsenic were determined with the method of atomic adsorption spectrometry in conjunction with a graphite-furnace atomize using a Varian AA240FS apparatus. RESULTS: The highest arsenic concentrations were found in fur of rats which were given low protein diet and water with arsenic. The lowest arsenic contents were found in fur of rats, which were given control diet and high protein diet with arsenic in water. CONCLUSIONS: Balanced control diet or high protein diet protected organism from arsenic accumulation, only small increase of arsenic content in rats' fur, compared to the control group, was observed. KEY WORDS: arsenic, rats' fur, protein and fat in diet, exposure to arsenic.

Comparing of nutrients content and calorific value in the diets of Poles and Greeks living in Athens.

BACKGROUND: Diet is generally defined as a set of behaviors, on the choice of certain foods, their consumption, and it is conditioned by various factors. Each model is shaped feeding in a given place and time by repeated regularly eating and dietary habits. Polish migration to Greece contributed not only to change their place of residence, but also forced them to adapt to a new country. In the literature, foreign language is used for this purpose, the concept of acculturation, which can be distinguished in many aspects of life as well as on the diet. Acculturation related to a diet is called acculturation nutritional and can cause desirable or undesirable effects on nutrition. OBJECTIVE: To compare calorific intakes and core nutritional components in the daily diets of Poles and native Greeks, residing in Athens. Materials and methods. Three repeats of completing a 24-hour food questionnaire were performed for the study. Results were compared with known nutritional requirements and recommendations (according to weighted means). SUBJECTS: These were recruited at the turn of 2010/2011 in Athens and consisted of 66 persons aged 19-26, 31-50 and 51-65 years of whom 31 were Polish and 35 Greek. In the former, 18 (58%) were women and 13 (42%) men, whilst in the latter 19 were women (54%) and 16 men (46%). RESULTS: Daily dietary intakes of calories were 1832 kcal for the Poles but 1628 kcal for the Greeks. Significant differences were observed between the subject groups for daily dietary intakes of calories, total carbohydrate, fibre, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In women subjects, both Polish and Greek, these significant differences were seen in calorific and carbohydrate intakes, whereas for Polish and Greek men such differences were limited only to dietary fibre. CONCLUSIONS: The daily diets of Poles and Greek subjects living in Athens did not meet recommended standards of proper nourishment.

Interactions between preparations containing female sex hormones and dietary supplements.

An increasing number of premenopausal women use contraception whereas postmenopausal women use hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This long-term hormone therapy poses a high risk of interactions with dietary supplements. Taking estrogens at the same time as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), biologically-active compounds of glycine soja, Ginkgo biloba or Pimpinella anisum, may distort the final effect of the hormone agent. On the other hand, estrogen therapy coupled with melatonin or retinol supplementation may lead to an increased level of dietary supplements in the serum as studies have proved a concomitant beneficial effect of HRT and vitamin E supplementation on lipid profiles. In turn, taking preparations containing St John's wort during hormone therapy may lead to a reduction in hormone concentrations in serum and debilitation of the pharmacological effect. It results from the inductive effect of the biologically-active compounds of St John's wort on the metabolism of hormones as a result of the enhanced activity of cytochrome P450 CYP3A4.

Assessment of intake of iron and nutrients that affect bioavailability of daily food rations of girls.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: In a human body iron occurs at a level of 3 to 5 g, 60-70 % of which are in hemoglobin, ca. 10% in myoglobin, and ca. 3% are accumulated in enzymes of cellular respiration or enzymes degrading toxic hydrogen peroxide. The other part of iron is accumulated in liver, spleen, kidneys and bone marrow. The dietary deficiency of iron appears at its insufficient level in a diet and at impaired absorption of iron ions present in food products by a body. Groups at an especially high risk of iron deficiencies include, among others, menstruating girls in the pubescence period and women with heavy and irregular menstruations, as well as vegetarians and patients with chronic enteritis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intake of iron and nutrients that affect its bioavailability from daily food rations of girls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 159 girls aged 17-18, students of high schools in the city of Wroclaw. The study was conducted between November 2010 and ay 2011. Girls were divided into 3 subgroups according to the BMI score. Girls' diets were analyzed with the method of a direct interview of the last 24 hours before the test and the interview was repeated seven times. RESULTS The present study demonstrated that the intake of iron from food rations of almost all the girls surveyed was below the requirements defined for this age group. Statistically significant differences were noted in the intake of energy and nutrients among the three distinguished subgroups of girls. CONCLUSIONS Food rations of the surveyed girls were characterized by a low, compared to dietary allowances, calorific value, which resulted in deficiencies of nutrients increasing iron bioavailability.

[Interactions between synthetic drugs used in treatment of selected central nervous system disorders and dietary supplements and herbal drugs]. / Interakcje pomiedzy syntetycznymi lekami stosowanymi w wybranych schorzeniach osrodkowego ukladu nerwowego a suplementami diety i lekami ziolowymi.

The risk of interaction between dietary supplements, herbal drugs and synthetic drugs increases when patients are treated chronically, e.g. due to impairment of central nervous system (CNS)--depression, psychotic disorders, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. On the basis of scientific literature, there was shown that simultaneous intake of antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs and herbal drugs or dietary supplements containing: St. John's wort, valerian root, ginkgo biloba leaf, hops, and food ingredients: dietary fiber or folic acid, may lead to interactions. Dietary fiber supplementation should be applied carefully during treatment of Parkinson's disease and in case of Alzheimer disease treatment--supplements containing ginkgo biloba leaf can increase the risk of interaction. Knowledge of these interactions is essential in effective treatment of this illness. However this area of science should be verified constantly due to growing number of new products registered as a supplements--often with complex composition.

Effect of resistant starch RS4 added to the high-fat diets on selected biochemical parameters in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Resistant starch (RS) is part of potato starch that is not digested in the gastrointestinal tract. RS4 is a chemically modified starch (for example by oxidation and esterification) and physically (by heating). OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed at determining the effect of resistant starch on lipid metabolism and activity of hepatic enzymes in Wistar strain rats fed high-fat diets containing 15% of lard or 15% of soybean oil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four types of diets were administered to the animals (4 groups of males, n = 32): control diet (K1) containing 15% of soybean oil; control diet (K2) containing 15% of lard as well as two groups receiving the same diets with 10% addition of resistant starch RS4 (K1S and K2S). RESULTS: The mean concentration of total cholesterol was lower in the group of animals fed a diet with vegetable oil (39.9 mg/dl) as compared to that reported in the group of rats fed the lard-supplemented diet (55.2 mg/dl). Compared to the control groups in both groups of animals receiving the diet supplemented with resistant starch RS4 the total cholesterol concentration in serum decreased by ca. 25% (differences were statistically significant). In groups of rats receiving oil- or lard-containing diets with the addition of the resistant starch preparation the concentration of triglycerides in serum decreased by ca. 47% and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A beneficial effect of the resistant starch RS4 added to Wistar rats diets on the lipid metabolism has been shown. The concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum were lower and concentration of HDL-cholesterol was higher in the rats fed with the diets containing the addition of the RS4 preparation as compared to the control groups. Based on the activity of hepatic enzymes the degree of liver damage was lower in groups of rats fed with diets containing resistant starch RS4 as compared to the control groups.

Assessment of dietary flavonoid intake among 50-year-old inhabitants of Wroclaw in 2008.

BACKGROUND: In much epidemiological research, a positive impact of flavonoid intake on human health has been observed. The role of flavonoids in heart diseases and cancer prevention was described. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess dietary flavonoid intake among 50-year-old inhabitants of Wroclaw in 2008. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 1520 inhabitants of Wroclaw (879 women, 641 men) who participated in the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program in 2008, which was organized by the Health Division of the Municipal Office in Wroclaw. The mean age of the women was 49.9 +/- 0.3 year old and of the men 50.0 +/- 0.2. To assess dietary flavonoid intake, the consumption of fruits, vegetables, tea, wine and chocolate was evaluated. To assess daily food intake, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used. The dietary flavonoid intake was evaluated using the database from 2007 "U.S. Department of Agriculture Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods, Release 2.1". RESULTS: The flavonoid intake from fruits and vegetables in women amounted respectively to 13.64 mg/day and 8.59 mg/day. The flavonoid intake from these products in men was respectively 9.56 mg/day and 6.54 mg/day. Fruits and vegetables provided respectively 2.2%, 1.4% of daily flavonoid intake in women and respectively 1.6%, 1.1% in men. The flavonoid intake provided by fruit juices amounted to 4.57 mg/day in women and 4.97 mg/day in men. Chocolate, in both women and men, was a source of 0.80 mg/day of total flavonoids. Fruit juices and chocolate provided respectively 0.7% and 0.1% of daily flavonoid intake in women and respectively 0.8% and 0.1% in men. Tea provided, in both women and men, 595 mg/day of total flavonoids (respectively 95.6% and 96.5% of daily total flavonoid intake). Total daily flavonoid intake in the investigated group amounted to 622.60 mg in women and 616.87 mg in men. CONCLUSIONS: This study assessed a higher dietary flavonoid intake in the investigated group in comparison with other studies results. The major source of these compounds, especially flavan-3-ols, was tea consumption. The authors concluded that increased fruit and vegetable consumption in the investigated group would increase anthocyanidin, flavanone and flavonol intake.

Self-perceived assessment of nutritional status as a determinant of health-promoting and anti-health-promoting behaviors of adolescent boys.

BACKGROUND: Analyses were conducted for the effect of selected elements of lifestyle determining the attitude of adolescent boys to health, care over good physical condition and own appearance against self-consciousness and the real nutritional status of their bodies. OBJECTIVES, MATERIAL AND METHODS: Investigations were conducted at Collective School No. 1 in Wroclaw and covered 369 boys (103 at the age of 16, 104 at the age of 17 and 162 at the age of 18) from Poland (Wroclaw). The boys were subjected to anthropometric measurements and nutritional status assessment. A questionnaire survey referred to: 1) interests in own appearance, self-perceived assessment of body mass and nutritional status; 2) nutritional behaviors, applying a body mass-reducing diet, other "special diet" and dietary supplements; 3) the level of physical activity; and 4) the use of stimulants (cigarettes, alcohol). Data was also collected on the educational status of parents and the number of siblings, which were then analyzed for their effect on the above elements of lifestyle. Results obtained were subjected to a statistical analysis. RESULTS: Proper body mass (BMI between 10th and 90th percentile) was observed in 81.8% of the boys; malnutrition (BMI < 10th percentile) in 5.7% of the boys; whereas overweight and obesity (BMI > or = 90th percentile) in 12.5% of the examined boys. Analyses have also shown that 34.2% of the boys were evaluating their nutritional status, whereas 19.5% did not think about it. Only approx. half the examined pupils (51.0%) considered their body mass "fine", i.e. were satisfied with their body mass. A lack of satisfaction with their own appearance was declared by 21.4% of the boys. CONCLUSIONS: The self-perceived assessment of body mass was observed to diverge from the results of objective analyses of the nutritional status of the boys. That factor was found to determine, to a considerable extent, behaviors of the pupils with respect to going on a body mass-reducing diet, taking dietary supplements and smoking cigarettes. The study indicates that the nutritional status of youth should be monitored and that actions should be undertaken to increase their awareness of the principles of a healthy lifestyle.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among 40- and 50-year-old inhabitants of Wroclaw, Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been discussed for many years, but there is no doubt that those who have confirmed the presence of risk factors comprising the MetS had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MetS among 40- and 50-year-old (y.o.) inhabitants of Wroclaw, Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included Wroclaw inhabitants who were recruited between 2001-2004 into the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Programme. The study group consisted of 18,583 participants (females: 40 y.o.--5,248 and 50 y.o.--5,329; males: 40 y.o.--4,229 and 50 y.o.--3,777). The MetS was defined by IDF/NHLBI/AHA (2009) criteria. RESULTS: MetS was found in 12.7% of 40 y.o. and in 33.1% of 50 y.o. females, while in males, respectively, in 30.4% and 42.1%. Overall, MetS occurred in 28.5% of the study group. MetS occurred significantly more frequent among the older than the younger groups, both in females and males. MetS was found significantly more frequent among males than females from Wroclaw, in both 40- and in 50 y.o. participants. Among those females with MetS, the most frequently (more than 90% in both age groups) occurred excessive waist circumference (WC), followed by elevated blood pressure-BP (72.1% of 40 y.o., 86.8% of 50 y.o.). Excessive WC, elevated BP and triglycerides-TG was found in more than 80% of males aged 40 and with diagnosed MetS. Among the older group of males with MetS, the most frequently occurred elevated BP (90.4%), followed by excessive WC (87%) and elevated TG (78.5%). CONCLUSION: MetS was diagnosed more frequent in males than females of Wroclaw. Prevalence of MetS increased with age. The most significant impact on reducing the prevalence of MetS in the study group would be the lowering of BP and WC to recommended values.

[The value of glycemic index and glycemic load from selected corn flakes eaten with milk]. / Wartosci indeksów i ladunków glikemicznych wybranych platków zbozowych spozywanych z mlekiem.

BACKGROUND: Carbohydrates consumed with the daily diet are the cause of fluctuations in the concentrations of glucose in the blood, known as the glycemic effect. Glucose content in blood after eating any meal, and usually reaches its maximum after 20-30 min after ingestion of food and then gradually decreases to 1-2 hours to return to fasting levels. Knowing the GI along with information on their composition and nutrient content is important in terms of knowing the effect of carbohydrates on health. OBJECTIVE: The glycemic indexes (GI) and the calculate values of the glycemic loads (GL) of the corn flakes eaten with milk (nesquik chocolate balls, cheerios, muesli tropical, fitness chocolate, oatmeal and instant flakes, corn flakes) were investigated. The relationship between IG and sex was calculated and examined. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 67 young, healthy volunteers: 42 women and 25 men participated in the study. The average age of the participants was between 23.1 +/- 1.0 years, mean BMI- 22.4 +/- 3.1 kg/m2. Cereal with milk were given in 50 grams of digestible carbohydrates. The reference product was a solution in water (250 ml) containing 50 g glucose. In the morning, 7 times the blood was calleced - on an empty stomach and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after eating. RESULTS: An average value GI and GL were calculated (for women and men), which were respectively: 48,6 and 25,5 - the milk soup with nesquik chocolate balls, 67,5 and 36,1 the milk soup with cheerios, 58,8 and 31,9 - the milk soup with muesli tropical, 66,7 and 34,9 - the milk soup with fitness chocolate, 42,5 and 23,4 - the milk soup with oatmeal flakes, 54,0 and 29,5 - the milk soup with oatmeal instant flakes, 54,4 i 27,9 - the milk soup with corn flakes. CONCLUSIONS: The results allowed the meal for the meals of low and medium GI. Showed statistically significant correlation between the glycemic index and gender of respondents.

Assessment of dietary intake and nutritional status (MNA) in Polish free-living elderly people from rural environments.

The proportion of elderly people in the global population is rapidly increasing. Their nutritional status indicates many deficiencies that are risky to health. The aim of this paper was to assess the nutrition and nutritional status in elderly individuals above 60 years old living in their family houses in rural areas. Dietary intake and nutritional status were measured in 174 elderly women and 64 men living in the rural areas of Olesnica (near Wroclaw, SW Poland). Energy intake, consumption of nutrients, selected anthropometric and biochemical indicators, were measured in two groups: one at risk of malnutrition and one with adequate nutrition. Using the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire, 238 persons over 60 years of age were qualified according to their nutritional status. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured. The group of women at risk of malnutrition (n=30) showed a statistically significantly lower energy intake in their diet (1,127 kcal) compared to women with adequate nutrition (1,351 kcal). The entire group of examined individuals showed a too low consumption of fiber, calcium, vitamins C and D, and folates. Most of the examined women had a too high body mass index (BMI) (on average 28.8), waist circumference was 96.3 cm, and the triceps skinfold (TSF) was 25.2mm thick. Women at a risk of malnutrition had statistically significantly lower lipid parameters than those with adequate nutrition (respectively: TC 191.1 vs. 219.1m/dl, p<0.001, LDL-cholesterol 107.1 vs. 125.1m/dl, p<0.008, TG 129 vs. 143 mg/dl). Men with a risk of malnutrition had a statistically significantly lower BMI (26.0 vs. 28.7, p<0.04), and also lower waist and arm perimeters compared to men with correct nutrition. According to the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), 8.2% of person with adequate nutrition had poor prognostic indicator for overall survival. All the examined individuals showed many significant nutritional deficiencies. The group with nutritional risk had more pronounced nutritional deficiencies. Despite a too low energy value of foods among individuals with correct nutrition, their anthropometric parameters paradoxically showed the presence of excessive fatty tissue. The most frequent diseases existed in examined group were coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure.

[Assessment of fruit and vegetable intake among the 50-year-old population of Wroclaw]. / Ocena spozycia warzyw i owoców w grupie 50-letnich mieszkanców Wroclawia.

Intake of fruit and vegetable among 50-year-old population of Wroclaw and the impact of education level on the consumption of fruits and vegetables was assessed. The study group was 50-year-old, 1520 inhabitants of Wroclaw (879 women and 641 men), who participated in 2008 in the Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention Program organized by the Health Division of the Municipal Office in Wroclaw. To assess fruit and vegetable intake Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used. The mean daily intake of vegetables and fruit was 289,4 g for women and 209,1 g for men. Women consumed significantly more vegetables, fruits, and the amounts of fruits and vegetables compared with men. The impact of educational level on fruit and vegetable consumption in the study group was found.

The effect of cultivation intensity on mineral content in grain, flakes and bran of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)--preliminary study.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of cultivation intensity on the Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe contents in winter wheat grain, flakes and bran. The initial material for the study comprised grain, flakes and bran of two winter wheat cultivars Kobiera and Bogatka. These cultivars were from two strain testing stations located in Lower Silesia, Zybiszów and Tomaszów Boleslawiecki in the years 2007-2008. The cultivation was conducted on two intensity levels: lower and higher The mineral content was determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The investigation showed that the level of cultivation had no significant effect on the content of all minerals analyzed in grain, flakes and bran. The Ca content in wheat grain, flakes and bran was stable, regardless of varieties, weather conditions, tillage intensity and cultivation place, furthermore soil conditions significantly affect Fe content in wheat grain, flakes and bran.