Association between adherence to the EAT-Lancet sustainable reference diet and cardiovascular health among European adolescents: the HELENA study.

BACKGROUND: The EAT-Lancet Commission proposed a global reference diet to promote healthy diets within planetary boundaries. Studies evaluating the associations between the reference diet with health outcomes among adolescents are scarce. Thus, our aim was to assess the association between adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and cardiovascular health among European adolescents. METHODS: Data from the HELENA study were used. Usual dietary intake was assessed using two 24-h dietary recalls and adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was assessed using the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI), a 16-component index that ranges from 0 to 150 points. Cardiovascular health was assessed through the seven-component Ideal Cardiovascular Health (ICH) score: never smoked, eutrophic body mass index, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, healthy dietary pattern, low blood pressure, low fasting plasma glucose, and low total cholesterol. Total ICH score was categorized into ideal (5-7) and non-ideal (0-4). RESULTS: A 10-point increment in the PHDI was associated with a lower probability of a non-ideal ICH status (OR 0.84, [95% CI: 0.75, 0.94]) among European adolescents, after adjusting for age, sex, socio-economic status, and total energy intake. Furthermore, a 10-point increment in the PHDI was associated with lower probability of high blood pressure (OR: 0.87 [0.79, 0.96]) and a lower probability of high blood cholesterol (OR: 0.88 [0.78, 0.99]). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that a higher PHDI may be associated with a better cardiovascular health status among European adolescents.

Clustering Health Behaviors in Mexican Adolescents: The HELENA-MEX Study.

Purpose: The prevalence of excess weight within the adolescent population is rapidly increasing in Mexico, especially in areas with lower socioeconomic status. The present study aimed to identify lifestyle clustered patterns in adolescents and analyze the associations among these clusters and body composition. Method: A final sample of n=259 participants (13 to 17 years old, 58.7% girls), residents in rural and urban areas, were included. Hierarchical and k-means clusters analyses included moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), handgrip strength, screen time, sleep time, and diet. The associations between cluster membership and body composition were analyzed through general linear models (ANCOVA), including sex, age, place of residence, and socioeconomic status as covariates. Results: Three different clusters were identified: Cluster 1, [Unhealthy] (low values in all lifestyle patterns), Cluster 2, [Low Physical Fitness] (low values in CRF and handgrip strength) and Cluster 3, [High Physical Activity and CRF] (highest values in CRF, handgrip strength and MVPA). Clusters 2 and 3 showed high values in screen time and industrialized food consumption. There were no differences in sleep between the 3 Clusters. ANCOVA analysis revealed that participants belonging to Cluster 3 showed significantly lower adiposity and a higher Fat Free Mass compared with the other two clusters (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a lifestyle characterized by high levels of physical activity and physical fitness and low consumption of industrialized food may be protective against the problem of obesity, which could be helpful to develop interventions to reduce excess weight in Mexican adolescents.

Design and validity of the Spanish version of two questionnaires related to adverse reactions to foodstuffs.

Introduction: Introduction: there is an emerging current necessity of valid questionnaires, encompassing most of food, beverages, diseases, signs and symptoms currently related to the pathogenesis of adverse reactions to foodstuffs (ARFS) in the Spanish population. Objectives: this study aimed to design and validate two questionnaires to assess ARFS in the Spanish population, Food and Beverages Frequency Consumption Questionnaire to Identify Adverse Reactions to Foodstuffs (FBFC-ARFSQ-18); and Pathologies and Symptomatology Questionnaire associated with Adverse Reactions to Foodstuffs (PSIMP-ARFSQ-10). Methods: both questionnaires were designed adapting questionnaires from the literature; and validated, using the expert judgment method, in five phases: questionnaires development, pilot test and reliability, content validity, face validity, and ethical considerations. Questionnaires were developed using the REDCap™ tool hosted at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. A total of 20 Spanish experts evaluated the questionnaires. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients were calculated using SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY-USA) and Aiken's V coefficient values were calculated using ICaiken.exe (Visual Basic 6.0, Lima-Perú). Results: a final construct of questions was designed, ensuring no overlap, for FBFC-ARFSQ-18 and PSIMP-ARFSQ-10. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients were 0.93 and 0.94; and Aiken's V coefficient values were 0.90 (0.78-0.96 CI) and 0.93 (0.81-0.98 CI) for FBFC-ARFSQ-18 and PSIMP-ARFSQ-10, respectively. Conclusions: both validated questionnaires could be used to analyze the association between certain food and beverages consumption with ARFS, such as food allergies and food intolerances; also, to investigate the link between some specific diseases, signs and symptoms with ARFS.

Introducción: Introducción: actualmente, existe una necesidad emergente de cuestionarios validados que abarquen la mayor parte de los alimentos, bebidas, enfermedades, signos y síntomas relacionados con la patogénesis de las reacciones adversas a los alimentos (RAA). Objetivos: diseñar y validar dos cuestionarios para evaluar las RAA en población española, el Cuestionario de Frecuencia de Consumo de Alimentos y Bebidas para Identificar Reacciones Adversas de Origen Alimentario (CFCAB-RAA-18); y el Cuestionario de Patologías y Sintomatología Asociadas a Reacciones Adversas a Alimentos (PSIMP-RAA-10). Métodos: ambos cuestionarios se diseñaron adaptando cuestionarios de la literatura y se validaron, utilizando el método de juicio de expertos, en cinco fases: desarrollo de cuestionarios, prueba piloto y confiabilidad, validez de contenido, validez aparente y consideraciones éticas. Los cuestionarios se desarrollaron utilizando la herramienta REDCap™. Un total de 20 expertos evaluaron los cuestionarios. Se calcularon coeficientes de confiabilidad alfa de Cronbach con SPSS versión 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY-Estados Unidos) y valores del coeficiente V de Aiken con ICaiken.exe (Visual Basic 6.0, Lima-Perú). Resultados: se diseñó una construcción final de preguntas, evitando solapamiento entre ambas herramientas. Los coeficientes de confiabilidad alfa de Cronbach fueron 0,93 y 0,94, y los valores del coeficiente V de Aiken fueron 0,90 (IC: 0,78-0,96) y 0,93 (IC: 0,81-0,98) (CFCAB-RAA-18 y PSIMP-RAA-10, respectivamente). Conclusiones: ambos cuestionarios fueron validados y podrían utilizarse para analizar la asociación entre el consumo de determinados alimentos y bebidas con las RAA, como alergias e intolerancias alimentarias, así como para investigar el vínculo entre algunas enfermedades, signos y síntomas específicos con las RAA.

Body Dissatisfaction and Its Association with Health-Related Factors in Rural and Urban Mexican Adolescents from the State of Jalisco.

BACKGROUND: To better understand Mexican adolescent's body self-perception, this study aimed to analyze their body dissatisfaction (BD) levels according to sex and place of residence. We also aimed to explore differences in body composition (BC), physical fitness (PF), and physical activity (PA) between satisfied and dissatisfied adolescents and to find the associations between BD and these parameters. METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational study carried out in Jalisco (Mexico) in which 451 adolescents (43.68% males, 43.90% rural) aged 13-17 years were evaluated. BD and self-perceived PF and PA were assessed with validated questionnaires, while objectively measured PF (strength, explosive strength, speed-agility, and cardiovascular fitness) was assessed using field tests. To evaluate BC, anthropometric measures and bioelectric impedance analysis were carried out. Regression analysis was used to ascertain the associations between health-related factors and body dissatisfaction. RESULTS: Girls obtained higher scores on the BD questionnaire than boys (11.12 ± 3.13 vs. 10.33 ± 2.73; p < 0.05), whereas no geographical differences between rural and urban adolescents were found. BD was positively associated with higher fat mass (ß = 0.15; p < 0.001), and negatively associated with muscle mass and PF (ß = -0.24 and ß = -0.23; p < 0.001). However, PA was not associated with any of the measured parameters. CONCLUSIONS: selected parameters of BC, PF, and sex have an impact on the Mexican adolescent's body satisfaction levels and should be considered when designing future health policies.

Breakfast Dietary Pattern Is Inversely Associated with Overweight/Obesity in European Adolescents: The HELENA Study.

Obesity in children and adolescents is a public health problem and diet can play a major role in this condition. We aimed to identify sex-specific dietary patterns (DP) and to evaluate the association with overweight/obesity in European adolescents. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis with 2327 adolescents aged between 12.5 to 17.5 years from a multicenter study across Europe. The body mass index was categorized in "normal weight" and "overweight/obesity". Two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls were collected with a computerized self-reported software. Principal component factor analysis was used to identify DP. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between the sex-specific DP and overweight/obesity outcome. As a result, we found three DP in boys (snacking and bread, Mediterranean diet, and breakfast) and four DP in girls (convenience, plant-based and eggs, Western, and breakfast). The association between DP and overweight/obesity highlights that those adolescents with higher adherence to the breakfast DP had lower odds for overweight/obesity, even after the inclusion of covariables in the adjustments. In European adolescents, the breakfast DP positively characterized by breakfast cereals, fruit, milk, and dairy and negatively characterized by sugar-sweetened beverages in boys and negatively characterized by cereals (pasta, rice, and others) in girls, was inversely associated with overweight/obesity.

Health-Related Factors in Rural and Urban Mexican Adolescents from the State of Jalisco: The HELENA-MEX Study.

Mexico shows a high prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents. Geographical location and cultural environment could play a role in the promotion of healthy lifestyles in terms of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and nutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess rural and urban differences in body composition (BC), physical fitness (PF), PA and nutritional status of adolescents from the state of Jalisco (Mexico). The study involved 469 students aged 13-17 years (55.0% girls) from eight high schools. BC was analyzed by bioimpedance and PF by standardized field tests. Objective measurements of PA and SB were taken in a subsample (n = 240). Energy intake (EI) was calculated from two 24h recalls. Rural residents presented a higher prevalence of overweight, waist circumference, trunk fat mass, regional fat free mass and muscle handgrip strength (all p < 0.05, η2p < 0.06). Cardiorespiratory fitness was similar among participants, whereas urban adolescents showed higher muscle power, speed-agility and flexibility scores (all p < 0.05, η2p < 0.07). Overall lifestyle behavior in urban adolescents was more sedentary (p < 0.05, η2p = 0.11). EI was similar in both locations. In conclusion, rural Mexican adolescents presented a generally lower sedentary behavior and a lower fitness and fatness profile than their urban peers.

Association between CNTF Polymorphisms and Adiposity Markers in European Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between polymorphisms of the ciliary neurotrophic factor gene (CNTF) and total and central adiposity markers in adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study involved 1057 European adolescents aged 12-18 years enrolled in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional Study. Five polymorphisms of CNTF were genotyped, and the weight, height, waist and hip circumference, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness of the subjects were measured and recorded. RESULTS: The T allele of rs2509914, the C allele of rs2515363, and the G allele of rs2515362 were significantly associated (after Bonferroni correction) with higher values for several adiposity markers under different inheritance models. The CNTF CCGGA haplotype (rs2509914, rs17489568, rs2515363 rs1800169, and rs2515362) was also significantly associated with lower body mass index, waist circumference, waist/height ratio, and waist/hip ratio values compared with the TCCGG haplotype under several inheritance models. CONCLUSIONS: Three polymorphisms-rs2509914, rs2515363, and rs2515362-and the CCGGA haplotype of CNTF were significantly associated with adiposity in European adolescents. These results suggest the potential role of CTNF in the development of obesity-related phenotypes.

Skipping breakfast is associated with adiposity markers especially when sleep time is adequate in adolescents.

Adolescence is a critical stage of development and has an important influence on energy balance-related behaviours (EBRBs). When adolescents are associated with obesity it can lead to increased cardiometabolic risk. Here we assess if EBRBs adopted by adolescents included in a subsample are associated with markers of total and abdominal adiposity in a multicentre European study, Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA-CSS) and a Brazilian study, Brazilian Cardiovascular Adolescent Health (BRACAH study), and whether sleep duration influence the association between skipping breakfast, physical activity and sedentary behaviours, with total and abdominal obesity (AO). Multilevel linear regression models using fixed and random intercepts were used to analyse the association between markers of obesity and EBRBs. Skipping breakfast was the prevalent behaviour in association with obesity among European and Brazilian boys besides European girls, even after stratification by sleep time. Moreover, European boys who slept properly and skipped breakfast had an increased waist circumference (WC), while body mass index (BMI) increased in Brazilian boys. Among Brazilian boys less sleep was protective for total obesity (ß = -0.93 kg/m2; 95% CI: -1.80; -0.07). European girls when they were more sedentary, showed an increase in WC, especially for those who reported they slept adequately. Skipping breakfast was associated with total and AO in adolescents independent of sleep duration.

Cardiometabolic risk through an integrative classification combining physical activity and sedentary behavior in European adolescents: HELENA study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare adolescents' cardiometabolic risk score through an integrative classification of physical activity (PA), which involves the combination of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB). METHODS: A cross-sectional study derived from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional Study database (2006-2008) was conducted in adolescents (n = 548; boys, 47.3%; 14.7 ± 1.2 years) from 10 European cities. MVPA and SB were objectively measured using accelerometry. Adolescents were divided into 4 categories according to MVPA (meeting or not meeting the international recommendations) and the median of SB time (above or below sex- and age-specific median) as follows: High-SB & Inactive, Low-SB & Inactive, High-SB & Active, and Low-SB & Active. A clustered cardiometabolic risk score was computed using the homeostatic model assessment, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, sum 4 skinfolds, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Analyses of covariance were performed to discern differences on cardiometabolic risk scores among PA categories and each health component. RESULTS: The cardiometabolic risk score was lower in adolescents meeting the MVPA recommendation and with less time spent in SB in comparison to the high-SB & Inactive group (p < 0.05). However, no difference in cardiometabolic risk score was established between High-SB or Low-SB groups in inactive adolescents. It is important to note that CRF was the only variable that showed a significant modification (higher) when children were compared from the category of physically inactive with "active" but not from high- to low-SB. CONCLUSION: Being physically active is the most significant and protective outcome in adolescents to reduce cardiometabolic risk. Lower SB does not exhibit a significant and extra beneficial difference.

Measuring nutritional knowledge using Item Response Theory and its validity in European adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the Nutritional Knowledge Test (NKT) using Item Response Theory (ITR) analysis and to assess the construct validity of the Nutritional Knowledge Scale (NKTS) and its associations with adolescent food group consumption and nutritional biomarkers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Multicentre investigation conducted in ten European cities.ParticipantsAdolescents aged 12·5-17·5 years (n 3215) who completed over 75 % of the NKT. RESULTS: Factor analysis indicated that the NKT can be analysed with a one-dimensional model. Eleven out of twenty-three items from the NKT presented adequate parameters and were selected to be included in the NKTS. Nutrition knowledge was positively associated with consumption of fruits, cereals, dairy products, pulses, meat and eggs, and fish, as well as with blood concentrations of vitamin C, ß-carotene, n-3 fatty acids, holo-transcobalamin, cobalamin and folate; nutrition knowledge was negatively associated with intake of olives and avocado, alcohol and savoury snacks. CONCLUSIONS: The NKTS assessed nutritional knowledge adequately and it is proposed as a new tool to investigate this subject in future studies.

Leptin and adiposity as mediators on the association between early puberty and several biomarkers in European adolescents: the HELENA Study.

Background Adolescents having early puberty (EP) are more likely to have obesity and increased cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers and atherosclerosis risk. We aimed to assess the indirect and mediated effects of leptin and adiposity on the relation between EP and cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers in European adolescents. Methods A sample of 511 adolescents with EP (12.5-17.5 years) from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) cross-sectional study was studied. To assess whether leptin levels and adiposity mediate the relation between EP and several biomarkers, linear regression models for mediation analyses were performed. Results EP was positively associated with the atherogenic index (Ath-I) (ß=0.174; 95%CI 0.029-0.265) and negatively associated with the C-reactive protein (CRP) (ß=-0.284; 95%CI -0.542 to -0.028) in girls. These associations were fully mediated by leptin levels (9.5%) and adiposity (44%), respectively. Moreover, EP has indirect effects on the apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1) levels through adiposity in girls (for body mass index [BMI], ß=0.014; 95%CI 0.005-0.028, and for waist circumference [WC], ß=0.011; 95%CI 0.003-0.024), and on ApoA-1 (ß=0.012; 95%CI 0.004-0.025), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (ß=-0.004; 95%CI -0.011 to -0.0004) and CRP (ß=-0.265; 95%CI -0.819 to -0.047) through abdominal fat in boys. Conclusions Leptin levels and adiposity seem to play an important indirect and mediation role in the association between EP and cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers in adolescents. Weight control should be recommended in order to control the impaired cardiometabolic and inflammatory status arising in early pubertal adolescents.

Clustering of multiple energy balance related behaviors is associated with body fat composition indicators in adolescents: Results from the HELENA and ELANA studies.

The objective of this study was to identify clustering patterns of four energy balance-related behaviors (EBRB): television (TV) watching, moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V), and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), among European and Brazilian adolescents. EBRB associations with different body fat composition indicators were then evaluated. Participants included adolescents from eight European countries in the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescents) study (n = 2,057, 53.8% female; age: 12.5-17.5 years) and from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil in the ELANA study (the Adolescent Nutritional Assessment Longitudinal Study) (n = 968, 53.2% female; age: 13.5-19 years). EBRB data allowed for sex- and study-specific clusters. Associations were estimated by ANOVA and odds ratios. Five clustering patterns were identified. Four similar clusters were identified for each sex and study. Among boys, different cluster identified was characterized by high F&V consumption in the HELENA study and high TV watching and high MVPA time in the ELANA study. Among girls, the different clusters identified was characterized by high F&V consumption in both studies and, additionally, high SSB consumption in the ELANA study. Regression analysis showed that clusters characterized by high SSB consumption in European boys; high TV watching, and high TV watching plus high MVPA in Brazilian boys; and high MVPA, and high SSB and F&V consumption in Brazilian girls, were positively associated with different body fat composition indicators. Common clusters were observed in adolescents from Europe and Brazil, however, no cluster was identified as being completely healthy or unhealthy. Each cluster seems to impact on body composition indicators, depending on the group. Public health actions should aim to promote adequate practices of EBRB.

Physical activity modifies the associations between genetic variants and blood pressure in European adolescents.

We hypothesized that physical activity and sedentary behavior could modify the associations between known genetic variants blood pressure-associated genes in European adolescents. Meeting current physical activity recommendations (≥ 60 minutes/day) was able attenuate the deleterious effect of the NOS3 rs3918227 polymorphism on systolic blood pressure in European adolescents.

More physically active and leaner adolescents have higher energy intake.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether youths who engage in vigorous physical activity are more likely to have lean bodies while ingesting relatively large amounts of energy. For this purpose, we studied the associations of both physical activity and adiposity with energy intake in adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: The study subjects were adolescents who participated in 1 of 2 cross-sectional studies, the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study (n = 1450; mean age, 14.6 years) or the European Youth Heart Study (EYHS; n = 321; mean age, 15.6 years). Physical activity was measured by accelerometry, and energy intake was measured by 24-hour recall. In the HELENA study, body composition was assessed by 2 or more of the following methods: skinfold thickness, bioelectrical impedance analysis, plus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or air-displacement plethysmography in a subsample. In the EYHS, body composition was assessed by skinfold thickness. RESULTS: Fat mass was inversely associated with energy intake in both studies and using 4 different measurement methods (P ≤ .006). Overall, fat-free mass was positively associated with energy intake in both studies, yet the results were not consistent across measurement methods in the HELENA study. Vigorous physical activity in the HELENA study (P < .05) and moderate physical activity in the EYHS (P < .01) were positively associated with energy intake. Overall, results remained unchanged after adjustment for potential confounding factors, after mutual adjustment among the main exposures (physical activity and fat mass), and after the elimination of obese subjects, who might tend to underreport energy intake, from the analyses. CONCLUSION: Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that more physically active and leaner adolescents have higher energy intake than less active adolescents with larger amounts of fat mass.

Physical activity, fitness, and serum leptin concentrations in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of physical activity and fitness with leptin concentrations in European adolescents, after taking into account several potential confounders including total body fat (TBF). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a school setting for the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional Study. This study included 902 (509 girls) adolescents aged 12.5-17.5 years. Weight, height, and TBF (sum of 6 skinfold thickness) were measured, and fat free mass and body mass index were calculated. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry. Physical fitness was assessed by the handgrip, standing long jump, 4 × 10-m shuttle run, and 20-m shuttle run tests. Serum fasting leptin, insulin, and glucose concentrations were measured, and homeostasis model assessment was computed. Multiple linear regression models were used. RESULTS: Vigorous physical activity and fitness tests (all P < .05) were negatively associated with leptin, independently of several confounders including TBF and homeostasis model assessment. These associations remained significant after further controlling for each other (physical activity and fitness). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that vigorous physical activity and fitness moderate the levels of leptin concentrations, regardless of relevant confounders including TBF. Intervention programs addressed to increase high intensity physical activity and fitness as well as to assess its impact on leptin concentration are required.

La nutrición en la práctica deportiva: adaptación de la pirßmide nutricional a las características de la dieta del deportista / Nutrition in the sport practice: adaptation of the food guide pyramid to the characteristics of athletes diet

In spite of all the advances in sport nutrition and the importance of an adequate food intake in order to improve sport performance, both recreational and professional athletes forget frequently to include planning an optimum diet and fluid intake in their global strategy for performance. Physiological and metabolic adaptations produced as a consequence of physical exercise lead to the necessity of increasing caloric (in accordance to energy output) and protein (based on the trophic needs of the organism) intake. Likewise, paying major attention to vitamin and mineral intake, specifically B vitamins and zinc and chromium, is required, in order to optimize carbohydrate metabolism, the ultimate limiting factor for sport performance. During the training phase, 60 of calories should come from carbohydrates, protein intake should be 1.2-2 g/kg/day and athletes should follow the recommendations of the food guide pyramid. During the pre-, per- and post-competition phase the healthy aspect of the diet passes to a second level, in order to obtain good sport performance and to guarantee a fast and effective recovery. Again, carbohydrates with a high or medium glycaemic index and water are the nutrients which have to be calculated more thoroughly. In conclusion, athletes have to follow a diet that is adequate to their higher energy output and to their higher metabolic turnover. The food guide pyramid is a graphic expression which facilitates the comprehension and following of a healthy diet. In the present article, the authors introduce the pyramid adapted to the characteristics of sports nutrition, with easy-to-follow practical recommendations regarding the kind and amounts of foodstuffs that should be consumed in order to cover nutrient needs of people who exercise regularly.

Influencia del status en hierro en la atención y rendimiento intelectual de un colectivo de adolescentes espanoles / Influence of iron status on attention and intellectual performance of a population of Spanish adolescents

Dietetic, hematologic and biochemical data were used to asses the iron status of a group of 64 adolescents (37 males and 27 females), aged 15 to 18 (mean age 15.94 +/- 0.76 years), who study in a High School in the comunidad Aut onoma de Madrid. All were asked to keep a dietary record during 5 days, one of which had to be a sunday. Iron intake was estimated using the Food Composition Tables of the Instituto de Nutrici on (1990). The hematologic survey determined hemoglobin hematocrit mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), serum iron and serum ferritin. These data were correlated with the scores obtained in the attention and school capability test (AT), that gave information about the verbal (V), reasoning (R) and calculus (C) capabilities. There is a positive correlation between MCV (r = 0.2705), MCH (r = 0.3370) ferritin (r = 0.3383) and attention. MCV (r = 0.2995), MCH (r = 0.3998), MCHC (r = 0.3134) and ferritin (r = 0.3970) were also correlated with the speed capability shown on the attention test and the hemoglobin level was correlated with the calculus capability (r = 0.2905). The students who obtained higher scores in the school capability test had also better blood parameter values. This was statistically significant for serum ferritin in males students and for hemoglobin and MCHC in female students. 19.6 per cent of the adolescents had ferritin levels lower than 12 ng/ml. Their intelligence test scores were lower to those who had serum ferritin > or = 12 ng/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influencia de la nutrición en la capacidad funcional de un grupo de ancianos españoles / Influence of the nutritional status on the functional capability of Spanish elderly

Se ha valorado la influencia del estado nutricional (cuantificado mediante datos dietéticos, antropométricos y bioquímicos) en la capacidad funcional (medida por la adiposidad, fuerza de manos y piernas en flexión y extensión y flexibilidad) de un grupo de 11 ancianos institucionados de Madrid (España). Los principales problemas nutricionales que condicionan mermas funcionales son la obesidad, hipercolesterolemia déficit en proteínas y micronutrientes. La influencia adversa de la obesidad e hipercolesterolemia en la capacidad funcional del anciano se pone de relieve por la existencia de relaciones inversas entre la flexibilidad y la fuerza de manos y piernas con el grado de adiposidad, con el espesor de los pliegues cutáneos con la colesterolemia. Respecto a la influecia de la dieta, existen relaciones positivas entre el consumo de alimentos de la dieta, existen relaciones positivas entre el consumo de alimentos y de la mayor parte de los nutrientes con la fuerza de manos y piernas, y la significación estadística se alcanza con frecuencia en el caso de las proteínas, hierro, zinc, magnesio y vitamina B, seguidas de la vitamina C, niacina, tiamina, ácido fólico y vitamina E, En relación con los parámetros sanguíneos las correlaciones de mayor valor son las existentes entre parámetros funcionales y niveles de hierro, ferritina y vitamina C. Nuestros resultados contribuyen a confirmar la influencia de la nutrición en la capacidad funcional del anciano y ponen de relieve la necesidad de mejorar la dieta de las personas de edad, evitando las deficiencias en micronutrientes, así como la conveniencia de incrementar la actividad física del colectivo, ambas medidas supondrán una importante ayuda en la mejora sanitaria y funcional de las personas de edad avanzada