Vitamin B12 and Folate Status in Pregnant Females and Their Infants in Norway: Secondary Analysis from the Mommy's Food Study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 and folate are essential micronutrients important for normal infant growth and development. OBJECTIVES: The aims were to describe vitamin B12 and folate status in pregnant females and their infants according to commonly used status cutoffs and examine the associations between maternal status, maternal supplement use, and breastfeeding and infant status. METHODS: Pregnant females were recruited at 18 wk gestation in Bergen, Norway. Maternal vitamin B12 and folate status were measured at gestational weeks 18 (n = 136) and 36 (n = 116), and infant status was measured at ages 3 (n = 73) and 6 (n = 74) mo. RESULTS: At gestational weeks 18 and 36, respectively, 4.4% and 2.6% of the mothers had plasma cobalamin concentrations <148 pmol/L, 0.7% and 6.9% had methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations >0.26 µmol/L, and 3.7% and 30% had folate concentrations <10 nmol/L. None of the females had total homocysteine (t-Hcy) concentrations >13 µmol/L or 3 combined indicator of vitamin B12 (cB12) < -0.5. At 3 and 6 mo, respectively, 4.1% and 5.4% of the infants had cobalamin concentrations <148 pmol/L, 63% and 74% had t-Hcy concentrations >6.5 µmol/L, 59% and 66% had MMA concentrations >0.26 µmol/L, and 47% and 60% had cB12 > -0.5. None of the infants had folate concentrations <10 nmol/L. Several of the vitamin B12 biomarkers in infants were associated with maternal vitamin B12 status during pregnancy. Breastfed infants had lower vitamin B12 status (as indicated by plasma cobalamin, t-Hcy, and cB12) than nonbreastfed infants at both 3 and 6 mo. Use of supplements during pregnancy was associated with better vitamin B12 status among infants at 3 and 6 mo, as indicated by infants' cobalamin and t-Hcy concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency among infants was common and associated with maternal vitamin B12 status during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Among the mothers, an increase in biochemical folate deficiency was discovered toward the end of gestation. Further studies are needed to investigate clinical consequences. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02610959.

The processing, preparation, and cooking practices of small fish among poor Ghanaian households: An exploratory qualitative study.

Small fish are an important part of the diet in Ghana, but malnutrition rates remain high. The nutritional quality of fish consumed in Ghana may be affected by food processing and cooking practices, but the extent to which these processes are practiced among poor Ghanaian households along the coastal belt is unknown. This study explored how poor Ghanaian households process, prepare, and cook meals containing small fish. This exploratory qualitative study used Attride-Stirling thematic network analysis. Respondents were purposively sampled from fishing communities in the coastal regions of Ghana. One-on-one interviews were performed by trained field assistants, audio recorded and videotaped, and transcribed for further data analysis. The most common small fish species identified were anchovies and herrings. Anchovies were fried and eaten whole. Herrings were eaten either smoked or fresh; for fresh herring, the head, fins, and viscera were removed before boiling. Herrings were smoked with the head and viscera; however, both the head and viscera were removed before being added to boiling soup and were not consumed. Anchovies were fried for 10 min, and herrings were boiled for 15-30 min. Processing methods and further meal preparation depend on the small fish species. Nutrient composition and contribution of small fish depend on the processing method, preparation method, and what tissues are eaten. Thus, these results will be of importance for sampling schemes for food composition tables and for the calculation of nutrient intake from small fish. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40152-023-00300-w.

Infant iodine status and associations with maternal iodine nutrition, breast-feeding status and thyroid function.

Adequate iodine nutrition during infancy is required for normal thyroid function and, subsequently, brain development. However, data on infant iodine status in the first year of life are scarce. This study aimed to describe infant iodine status and further explore its associations with maternal iodine nutrition, breast-feeding status and thyroid function. In this cohort study, 113 infants were followed up at ages 3, 6 and 11 months in Norway. Infant and maternal urinary iodine concentration (UIC), maternal iodine intake, breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC), breast-feeding status and infant thyroid function tests were measured. The median infant UIC was 82 µg/l at the age of 3 months and below the WHO cut-off of 100 µg/l. Infant UIC was adequate later in infancy (median 110 µg/l at ages 6 and 11 months). Infant UIC was associated positively with maternal UIC (ß = 0·33, 95 % CI (0·12, 0·54)), maternal iodine intake (ß = 0·30, 95 % CI (0·18, 0·42)) and BMIC (ß = 0·46, 95 % CI (0·13, 0·79)). Breastfed infants had lower median UIC compared with formula-fed infants at ages 3 months (76 v. 190 µg/l) and 6 months (105 v. 315 µg/l). Neither infant UIC nor BMIC were associated with infant thyroid function tests. In conclusion, breastfed infants in Norway are at risk of insufficient iodine intake during the first months of life. Maternal iodine nutrition is important for providing sufficient iodine intake in infants, and awareness of promoting adequate iodine nutrition for lactating women should be prioritised.

Fluoride - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023.

Fluoride has a well-documented role in the prevention and treatment of dental caries, but the mechanism is attributed to local effects on the tooth enamel surface rather than systemic effects. Fluoride is not considered essential for humans, no deficiencies are known, and no optimal range, which will not result in moderate fluorosis in some individuals, can be set. Recently, research studies have shown evidence for a relationship between fluoride intake and cognitive outcomes and interaction with iodine nutrition, but the evidence is weak so more data are warranted. For performing longitudinal cohort studies in the Nordic and Baltic region, data on fluoride in food and beverages need to be implemented in food composition tables. As the preventive effects of fluoride are mainly from topical treatment, monitoring of fluoride intake and establishing reference values for fluoride in urine and plasma are warranted to establish safe intake values.

Safeguarding nutrients from coral reefs under climate change.

The sustainability of coral reef fisheries is jeopardized by complex and interacting socio-ecological stressors that undermine their contribution to food and nutrition security. Climate change has emerged as one of the key stressors threatening coral reefs and their fish-associated services. How fish nutrient concentrations respond to warming oceans remains unclear but these responses are probably affected by both direct (metabolism and trophodynamics) and indirect (habitat and species range shifts) effects. Climate-driven coral habitat loss can cause changes in fish abundance and biomass, revealing potential winners and losers among major fisheries targets that can be predicted using ecological indicators and biological traits. A critical next step is to extend research focused on the quantity of available food (fish biomass) to also consider its nutritional quality, which is relevant to progress in the fields of food security and malnutrition. Biological traits are robust predictors of fish nutrient content and thus potentially indicate how climate-driven changes are expected to impact nutrient availability within future food webs on coral reefs. Here, we outline future research priorities and an anticipatory framework towards sustainable reef fisheries contributing to nutrition-sensitive food systems in a warming ocean.

The Effect of the Meat Factor in Animal-Source Foods on Micronutrient Absorption: A Scoping Review.

The EAT-Lancet Commission's planetary health guidelines suggest a reduction in the consumption of animal-source foods (ASFs) for better health and more sustainable food systems. ASFs are highly nutrient dense, therefore suited to address the widespread issue of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in low-resource settings where diets are predominantly plant based. ASFs are also believed to contain the meat factor, a substance enhancing the absorption of micronutrients from plant-based foods. We conducted a scoping review with the objective of systematically mapping the available evidence on the meat factor. The MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for literature published up to September 2021. Articles eligible for inclusion were all studies assessing the effect of adding ASFs and/or ASF fractions on micronutrient absorption from a plant-based meal or the overall diet in animal models and human subjects. Screening and data extraction were performed, and results were charted into 12 categories. We identified 77 articles eligible for inclusion, 52 of which were conducted in human subjects, 24 in animal models, and 1 in both. The addition of muscle tissue and muscle tissue fractions to single plant-based meals steadily increased absorption of iron and zinc across studies. The efficacy of the meat factor in increasing iron and zinc absorption in the overall diet is less clear. No clear differences emerged between red meat, poultry, and fish in promoting the meat factor effect. No clear evidence indicates that milk and egg products contain the meat factor. Our review highlights the importance of muscle tissue for the potential of the meat factor to enhance absorption of micronutrients of concern. Although the literature supports including sustainable and economically accessible forms of these ASFs into the diet, we found limited studies in resource-poor countries and of diets with low meat intake.

Temporal variations in the nutrient content of Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), 2005-2020.

The changes in the feed of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) towards a more plant-based diet affect the nutritional value of the fillets. By compiling the contents of a range of nutrients in 1108 samples of Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon collected between 2005 and 2020, we found that the median contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have decreased by > 60%. However, farmed Atlantic salmon remains a considerable source of EPA and DHA, with one and two portions being sufficient to meet the weekly adequate intake of EPA and DHA for adults (175 g) and two-year-olds (80 g), respectively. Farmed Atlantic salmon also remains a considerable source of protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3. Together, we demonstrate that farmed Atlantic salmon can contribute substantially to the nutrient intake of the consumers. These data are important for the Norwegian food composition table and future risk-benefit assessments on fatty fish consumption.

Climate Performance, Environmental Toxins and Nutrient Density of the Underutilized Norwegian Orange-Footed Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa).

Low trophic species are often mentioned as additional food sources to achieve broader and more sustainable utilisation of the ocean. The aim of this study was to map the food potential of Norwegian orange-footed sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa). C. frondosa contained 7% protein, 1% lipids with a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and a variety of micronutrients. The nutrient density scores (NDS) of C. frondosa were above average compared towards daily recommended intakes (DRI) for men and women (age 31-60) but below when capped at 100% of DRI. The concentrations of persistent organic pollutants and trace elements were in general low, except for inorganic arsenic (iAs) (0.73 mg per kg) which exceeded the limits deemed safe by food authorities. However, the small number of samples analysed for iAs lowers the ability to draw a firm conclusion. The carbon footprint from a value chain with a dredge fishery, processing in Norway and retail in Asia was assessed to 8 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq.) per kg C. frondosa, the fishery causing 90%. Although, C. frondosa has some nutritional benefits, the carbon footprint or possible content of iAs may restrict the consumption.

A Review of Chemical Contaminants in Marine and Fresh Water Fish in Nigeria.

Pollutants in aquatic food are a major global concern for food safety and are a challenge to both national and international regulatory bodies. In the present work, we have reviewed available data on the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), persistent organic pollutants, metals, and microplastics in freshwater and marine fish in Nigeria with reference to international maximum levels for contaminants in food and the potential risk to human health. While most of the contaminant levels reported for fish do not imply any health issues, iron and lead may represent potentially toxic levels in fish from specific areas. Studies on PAHs in marine fish are scarce in Nigeria, and the main focus is on the environmental pollution caused by PAHs rather than on their presence in food. The findings suggest that the consumption of smoked Ethmalosa fimbriata poses a higher potential carcinogenic risk than the other fish species that were investigated. Most of the other studies on PAHs in smoked fish are focused on the smoking method, and little information is available on the initial level of PAHs prior to the smoking process. Metal contamination in fish appeared to be affected by mineral deposits in the environment and industrial effluents. In general, heavy metal levels in fish are below the maximum levels, while there is limited data available on POPs of relevance to food safety in fish from Nigeria, particularly in terms of dioxins, brominated flame retardants, and fluorinated compounds. Furthermore, there is currently limited information on the levels of microplastics in fish from Nigerian waters. This work revealed the need for a more systematic sampling strategy for fish in order to identify the most vulnerable species, the hot spots of contaminants, and applicable food safety control measures for fish produced and consumed in Nigeria.

Locally-Procured Fish Is Essential in School Feeding Programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Fish make an important contribution to micronutrient intake, long-chained polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAS), and animal protein, as well as ensuring food and nutrition security and livelihoods for fishing communities. Micronutrient deficiencies are persistent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), contributing to public health issues not only in the first 1000 days but throughout adolescence and into adulthood. School feeding programs (SFPs) and home-grown school feeding programs (HGSF), which source foods from local producers, particularly fisherfolk, offer an entry point for encouraging healthy diets and delivering essential macro- and micronutrients to schoolchildren, which are important for the continued cognitive development of children and adolescents and can contribute to the realization of sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, 5, and 14. The importance of HGSF for poverty alleviation (SDG1) and zero hunger (SDG 2) have been recognized by the United Nations Hunger Task Force and the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD), which formulated a strategy for HGSF to improve nutrition for the growing youth population across Africa. A scoping review was conducted to understand the lessons learned from SFPs, which included fish and fish products from small-scale producers, identifying the challenges and best practices for the inclusion of fish, opportunities for improvements across the supply chain, and gaps in nutritional requirements for schoolchildren which could be improved through the inclusion of fish. Challenges to the inclusion fish in SFPs include food safety, supply and access to raw materials, organizational capacity, and cost, while good practices include the engagement of various stakeholders in creating and testing fish products, and repurposing fisheries by-products or using underutilized species to ensure cost-effective solutions. This study builds evidence of the inclusion of nutritious fish and fish products in SFPs, highlighting the need to replicate and scale good practices to ensure sustainable, community-centred, and demand-driven solutions for alleviating poverty, malnutrition, and contributing to greater health and wellbeing in adolescence.

Aquatic foods to nourish nations.

Despite contributing to healthy diets for billions of people, aquatic foods are often undervalued as a nutritional solution because their diversity is often reduced to the protein and energy value of a single food type ('seafood' or 'fish')1-4. Here we create a cohesive model that unites terrestrial foods with nearly 3,000 taxa of aquatic foods to understand the future impact of aquatic foods on human nutrition. We project two plausible futures to 2030: a baseline scenario with moderate growth in aquatic animal-source food (AASF) production, and a high-production scenario with a 15-million-tonne increased supply of AASFs over the business-as-usual scenario in 2030, driven largely by investment and innovation in aquaculture production. By comparing changes in AASF consumption between the scenarios, we elucidate geographic and demographic vulnerabilities and estimate health impacts from diet-related causes. Globally, we find that a high-production scenario will decrease AASF prices by 26% and increase their consumption, thereby reducing the consumption of red and processed meats that can lead to diet-related non-communicable diseases5,6 while also preventing approximately 166 million cases of inadequate micronutrient intake. This finding provides a broad evidentiary basis for policy makers and development stakeholders to capitalize on the potential of aquatic foods to reduce food and nutrition insecurity and tackle malnutrition in all its forms.

Anchovy powder enrichment in brown rice-based instant cereal: a process optimization study using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).

There is a need for expanding the utilization of small fish as they constitute an undervalued and important source of protein and micronutrients in many developing countries suffering from micronutrient deficiencies. One way to increase consumption and health benefits is to add nutrient-rich fish meal into staple food ingredients. In this study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the processing of an instant rice-based cereal enriched with anchovy powder. The Box-Behnken design was used to study the effect of principal processing variables (drying temperature, drum rotation speed, and slurry solids concentration) on product water activity, color, bulk density, and water solubility index. Viscosity, consistency, and cohesiveness of the reconstitute cereal were also evaluated. Empirical models were developed to describe the relationship between independent and dependent variables and showed regression coefficients (R 2) ranging between 71% and 98%. Higher drying temperatures resulted in reduced water activity, darker product color, and lower consistency. While drum speed influenced (p < .05) product color and water-binding capacity, bulk density, and consistency of the reconstituted product was associated with slurry solids concentration. Optimal processing conditions obtained from the study were temperature of 130°C, drum speed of 9.3 rpm, and solids concentration of 20.5%. These conditions would be useful in the production of brown rice-based instant cereal enriched with anchovy powder with desired quality properties.

Corrigendum to ''Sampling protocol for the determination of nutrients and contaminants in fish and other seafood - The EAF-Nansen programme" [MethodsX 7 (2020) 101063].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2020.101063.].

Iodine Nutrition and Iodine Supplement Initiation in Association with Thyroid Function in Mildly-to-Moderately Iodine-Deficient Pregnant and Postpartum Women.

BACKGROUND: Whereas the adverse effects of severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy are well documented, the effects of mild-to-moderate deficiency are not well established. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore whether iodine nutrition and timing of iodine supplement initiation are associated with thyroid function in pregnant and postpartum women. METHODS: In this cohort study, 137 pregnant women were enrolled and followed up at gestational weeks (GWs) 18 and 36, and 3 and 6 mo postpartum. Thyroid function tests [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxine (fT4)], urinary iodine and creatinine concentration (UIC:Cr), and iodine intake (including iodine supplement use) were measured at each time point. The associations between thyroid hormone concentrations and UIC:Cr, iodine intakes, and iodine supplement use were estimated using multiple generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: The median UIC at GW18 was 94 µg/L, indicating mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency. UIC:Cr (ß; 95% CI) per 100 µg/g was negatively associated with fT3 (-0.191; -0.331, -0.051) and fT4 (-0.756; -1.372, -0.141) concentrations. Iodine intake (ß; 95% CI) per 100 µg/d was positively associated with TSH (0.099; 0.022, 0.177), and negatively associated with fT3 (-0.084; -0.0141, -0.027) and fT4 (-0.390; -0.599, -0.182) concentrations. Compared with no use of supplement, those initiating an iodine-containing supplement prepregnancy and continuing through pregnancy had lower TSH (estimated means) (1.35 compared with 1.68 mIU/L, P = 0.021), and higher fT3 (4.48 compared with 4.28 pmol/L, P = 0.035) and fT4 (15.2 compared with 14.4 pmol/L, P = 0.024) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Lower iodine availability during pregnancy and postpartum was associated with lower TSH, and higher fT3 and fT4 concentrations. The use of an iodine-containing supplement that was initiated prepregnancy and continuing through pregnancy was associated with lower TSH, and higher fT3 and fT4 concentrations, which may suggest improved thyroid function. These findings support the notion that optimization of iodine intake should start before pregnancy.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02610959.

Metal Contents in Fish from the Bay of Bengal and Potential Consumer Exposure-The EAF-Nansen Programme.

Fish represent an important part of the Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi diet. However, fish is also a source of contaminants that may constitute a health risk to consumers. The aim of this study was to analyse the contents of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in 24 commonly consumed marine fish species from the Bay of Bengal and to assess the potential health risk associated with their consumption. Mercury and lead contents did not exceed the maximum limits for any of the sampled species, and consumer exposure from estimated daily consumption was assessed to be minimal for adults and children. Numerous samples exceeded the maximum limit for cadmium (58%), particularly those of small size (≤25 cm). However, consumer exposure was insignificant, and health assessment showed no risk connected to consumption. These data represent an important contribution to future risk/benefit assessments related to the consumption of fish.

Targeted risk assessment of mercury exposure of recreational fishers: Are nephrops fishers in Norway at risk?

Recreational fishers often consume their catch, which may expose them to environmental contaminants. However, targeted risk assessment for exceeding the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of a specific contaminant is often lacking, as specific data on the extent of fishing, consumption rates, and contamination of the caught seafood is needed. This study examined recreational fishing for nephrops (Nephrops norvegicus) at several different locations in Western Norway to identify important risk factors. The combination of a field survey to examine actual catches, interviews of recreational fishers about their seafood eating habits, and the analysis of total mercury (Hg, as a proxy for methylmercury (MeHg)) in recreationally captured nephrops allowed to conduct a targeted risk assessment. Recreational fishers consumed on average seven nephrops per meal, and 73% of the fishers ate nephrops once a month or more. The average Hg concentrations in nephrops were below the legal maximum level (100 ± 50 µg/kg wet weight (mean ± SD)). Hg concentrations in female nephrops were significantly higher than in males at the same size, and differed significantly between locations. The recreational fishers in this study were not at risk of exceeding the TWI for MeHg from consuming nephrops only; however, there is a general risk of exceeding TWI for MeHg as 70% of the fishers reported a frequent consumption of fish for dinner. Targeted risk assessments on recreational fishers may reveal particularly vulnerable populations where national dietary surveys may miss the highest seafood consumers.

Maternal Cod Intake during Pregnancy and Infant Development in the First Year of Life: Secondary Analyses from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Maternal seafood intake during pregnancy is associated with child neurodevelopment. No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the effect of maternal lean fish consumption during pregnancy on child neurodevelopment. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to examine the effect of increased maternal cod intake during pregnancy on infant general and socio-emotional development in the first year of life, and whether any effects observed were mediated by maternal iodine status. METHODS: In an RCT, 133 pregnant women (≤19 weeks of gestation) were randomly assigned to receive 200 g cod fillet twice weekly (intervention) or to continue with their habitual diet (control) for 16 wk. The mothers completed the developmental screening questionnaires Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 2nd edition (ASQ-2) and Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE) when the infants were 3, 6, and 11 mo old. We compared scores between groups using linear mixed-effects models and examined whether iodine status postintervention mediated the effect on child development. RESULTS: We found no difference between infants in the intervention and control groups on total ASQ-2 scores (P = 0.633), but a difference on the ASQ:SE scores in favor of the intervention group (20.9 and 20.5 in the intervention group and 26.1 and 26.8 in the control group for 3 and 6 mo, respectively; P = 0.020). There was no difference in change of the scores between the groups over time (P = 0.946). The effect of group on the total ASQ:SE scores was not mediated via maternal urinary iodine concentration postintervention (ß = -1.03, SE = 0.68, P = 0.126). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide no evidence for an effect of increased cod intake during pregnancy on general child development in the first year of life, but there was a positive effect on socio-emotional problems. More studies are needed to define the role of fish consumption during pregnancy and the effects on child neurodevelopment.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02610959.

Commercially available kelp and seaweed products - valuable iodine source or risk of excess intake?

BACKGROUND: Seaweeds and kelps, also known as macroalgae, have long been common in the East-Asian diet. During recent years, macroalgae have entered the global food market, and a variety of macroalgae products are now available for consumers. Some macroalgae species are known to be particularly rich in iodine, but little data regarding the iodine content of macroalgae-containing foods exists. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research study was to analyse the iodine content in a large variety of commercially available macroalgae-containing foods and supplements and to evaluate whether such products are sources of adequate dietary iodine. DESIGN: Ninety-six different products were collected after surveying the Norwegian market for commercially available macroalgae products, collected from three categories: 1) wholefood macroalgae products (n = 43), 2) macroalgae-containing foods (n = 39), and 3) dietary supplements containing macroalgae (n = 14). All products were analysed for iodine content by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: The iodine content in one portion of wholefood macroalgae products ranged from 128 to 62,400 µg. In macroalgae-containing foods, the iodine content ranged from 30 to 25,300 µg per portion, and in supplements it ranged from 5 to 5,600 µg per daily dose. The species with the highest analysed iodine content were oarweed, sugarkelp and kombu, with mean iodine levels of 7,800, 4,469 and 2,276 µg/g, respectively. For 54 products, the intake of one portion or dose would exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for iodine. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The iodine content in the included products was variable and for most products high, exceeding the tolerable upper intake level (UL) if consumed as a serving or portion size. The labelling of macroalgae species included, and declaration of iodine content, were inadequate or inaccurate for several products. As macroalgae-containing products are unreliable iodine sources, inclusion of such products in the diet may pose a risk of consuming excessive amounts of iodine.

Diet quality in the population of Norway and Poland: differences in the availability and consumption of food considering national nutrition guidelines and food market.

BACKGROUND: Adequate nutrition is a public health challenge due to the increase in the incidence of diet-related diseases. The aim of this study was to examine food and nutrient intakes in the light of the current dietary guidelines of Poland and Norway. This is a suitable model for studying the diet quality in countries with different degrees of government intervention in the food market, which may affect food diversity available for citizens. METHODS: The food diversity on the market was assessed using national food balance sheets. To show the actual food and nutrient intake within countries, data from 24-h recalls from the national surveys, NORKOST 3 from Norwegians and WOBASZ II from Poles, were used. In order to evaluate whether dietary patterns comply with nutritional and dietary recommendations, the Norwegian and Polish recommendations for nutrition and the national food based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences between the national supplies for most food products were found. Only subtle differences in the national FBDGs and nutritional recommendations were found. Low compliance with the national FBDGs for milk, fish and sugar consumption in Poland was observed. The intakes of most nutrients were in line with the countries' nutrition recommendations. The intakes of folate and vitamin D by both genders and the intake of iron among women, were inadequate in both countries. Calcium and magnesium intakes were below the recommended intake among the adult population of Poland, additionally, insufficient intake of potassium and thiamine was found among Polish women. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited availability of certain food products on the market, the diet of Norwegians was better balanced in terms of food consumed and micronutrient intakes. The good supply of various groups of food has not, however, reduced the problem of widespread deficiency of vitamin D and folic acid in the diet, and action should be taken at national level to eliminate their inadequacy. In view of increasing risk of non-communicable diseases, low compliance with the dietary guidelines requires educational campaigns aimed at increasing dietary literacy in vulnerable groups.

Iodine status during pregnancy and at 6 weeks, 6, 12 and 18 months post-partum.

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and in the post-partum period may lead to impaired child development. Our aim is to describe iodine status longitudinally in women from pregnancy until 18 months post-partum. Furthermore, we explore whether iodine status is associated with dietary intake, iodine-containing supplement use and breastfeeding status from pregnancy until 18 months post-partum. We also assess the correlation between maternal iodine status 18 months post-partum and child iodine status at 18 months of age. Iodine status was measured by urinary iodine concentration (UIC) during pregnancy (n = 1,004), 6 weeks post-partum (n = 915), 6 months post-partum (n = 849), 12 months post-partum (n = 733) and 18 months post-partum (n = 714). The toddlers' UIC was assessed at 18 months of age (n = 416). Demographic variables and dietary data (food frequency questionnaire) were collected during pregnancy, and dietary data and breastfeeding practices were collected at all time points post-partum. We found that iodine status was insufficient in both pregnant and post-partum women. The UIC was at its lowermost 6 weeks post-partum and gradually improved with increasing time post-partum. Intake of milk and use of iodine-containing supplements significantly increased the odds of having a UIC above 100 µg/L. Neither the mothers' UIC, vegetarian practice, nor exclusion of milk and dairy products were associated with the toddlers UIC 18 months post-partum. Women who exclude milk and dairy products from their diets and/or do not use iodine-containing supplements may be at risk of iodine deficiency. The women possibly also have an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction and for conceiving children with nonoptimal developmental status.