Association of High Calcitriol Serum Levels and Its Hydroxylation Efficiency Ratio with Disease Risk in SLE Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency.

Vitamin D (calcidiol) deficiency in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is more frequent than in healthy subjects (HS); it is associated with clinical activity and damage in SLE. Although calcidiol is considered the best indicator of the vitamin D serum status, its deficiency could not reflect its hydroxylation efficiency ratio and calcitriol serum status. This study was aimed at assessing the association of calcidiol and calcitriol serum levels and its hydroxylation efficiency ratio with the risk to clinical and renal disease activities in SLE patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 308 SLE and HS women; calcidiol and calcitriol serum levels were evaluated by immunoassays. SLE patients showed lower calcidiol serum levels vs. HS (21.2 vs. 24.2 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Active SLE patients presented higher calcidiol/calcitriol ratio scores vs. inactive SLE patients (2.78 vs. 1.92 pg/ng; p = 0.02), and SLE patients with renal disease activity showed a pattern of calcidiol-deficient levels (19.5 vs. 25.3 ng/mL; p < 0.04) with higher calcitriol levels (47 pg/mL vs. 41.5 pg/mL; p = 0.02) and calcidiol/calcitriol ratio scores (2.13 vs. 1.54 pg/ng; p < 0.02) compared to SLE patients without renal disease activity. Calcidiol levels were negatively correlated with calcitriol levels (r = -0.26; p = 0.001) and urine proteins (mg/dL) (r = -0.39; p < 0.01). Regarding calcitriol levels, it was positively correlated with the blood lymphocyte count (r = 0.30; p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with the glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.28; p = 0.001). Moreover, the calcitriol/calcidiol ratio was positively correlated with urine proteins (r = 0.38; p < 0.01). The calcidiol deficiency (OR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.15-4.49; p < 0.01), high calcitriol levels (T3rd, OR = 4.19, 95% CI = 2.23-7.90; p < 0.001), and a high calcitriol/calcidiol ratio score (T3rd, OR = 5.93, 95% CI: 3.08-11.5; p < 0.001) were associated with the risk for SLE. In conclusion, a pattern of calcidiol deficiency with high calcitriol serum levels and a high vitamin D hydroxylation efficiency ratio was associated with disease risk in SLE patients.

The Relevance of Selenium Status in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that can cause joint damage. Among the environmental risk factors, diet plays an important role because it can aggravate or attenuate inflammation. Selenium (Se) is considered an essential trace element since it is a structural component of antioxidant enzymes; however, its concentration can be affected by diet, drugs and genetic polymorphisms. Studies have reported that RA patients have a deficient diet in some food groups that is associated with parameters of disease activity. Furthermore, it has been shown that there is an alteration in serum Se levels in this population. Although some clinical trials have been conducted in the past to analyze the effect of Se supplementation in RA, no significant results were obtained. Contrastingly, experimental studies that have evaluated the effect of novel Se nanoparticles in RA-induced models have shown promising results on the restoration of antioxidant enzyme levels. In particular, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is an important selenoprotein that could have a modulating effect on inflammation in RA. Considering that RA patients present an inflammatory and oxidative state, the aim of this review is to give an overview of the current knowledge about the relevance of Se status in RA.

Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Endotoxemia in Young Obese Mexican Subjects.

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota plays an important role in human metabolism; previous studies suggest that the imbalance can cause a metabolic endotoxemia that may be linked to weight gain and insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiota composition, the lipopolysaccharide levels and the metabolic profile in obese and normal-weight young subjects. METHODS: We studied 32 obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 32 normal-weight subjects (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), aged 18-25 years. Quantification of intestinal bacteria was performed by real-time PCR. Endotoxin units were determined with the test QCL-1000, and biochemical profile was performed under a standard protocol of Spinreact. RESULTS: Obese individuals had a BMI of 34.5 (32.9-36.45) kg/m2, increased triglycerides (123 vs. 70 mg/dl), total cholesterol (168 vs. 142 mg/dl), and LDL-cholesterol (114 vs. 96.5 mg/dl). In obese subjects body temperature was higher than in normal-weight subjects. We found a greater number of Clostridum leptum and Lactobacillus (p < 0.001) and lower numbers of Prevotella and Escherichia coli (p < 0.001) in the obese group. A decrease of E. coli was associated with an increased risk of lipopolysaccharide levels ranging from 1 to 1.3 EU/ml. A positive correlation was found between serum lipopolysaccharides and BMI (r = 0.46, p = 0.008), triglyceride levels (r = 0.44, p = 0.011) as well as waist circumference (r = 0.34, p = 0.040), being more evident in young obese females. CONCLUSION: Subclinical metabolic endotoxemia determined by serum concentration of lipopolysaccharides was related to the smallest amount of E. coli, high triglyceride levels, and central adiposity in obese young persons.

A review of graphical representations used in the dietary guidelines of selected countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia / Una revisión de las representaciones gráficas utilizadas en las guías alimentarias de países seleccionados de América, Europa Y Asia

Introduction: Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) are an initiative by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) designed to help countries establish their own nutrition education principles. Such principles should be expressed through clear and specific messages that provide guidance and promote good health among populations. Many of these guidelines contain graphical representations (GRs) as visual aids for dietary guidance. Objectives: to analyze the characteristics of GRs used in various countries on four continents to identify international trends in these graphical messages and assess their usefulness as educational tools for their target populations. Methods: a review of GRs used in the FBDGs of countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia for which data were available in Spanish or English. Results and discussion: the models most used are the food circle and pyramid. The GRs (n=37) depict the following recommendations: food groups (37), physical activity (21), water intake (17), low salt intake (7), family meals (1) and relaxation (1). In addition, 10 quantitative recommendations were detected. The GRs of Greece and the United States do not show images of food. The aspects considered in the GRs vary by the regions, cultures and epidemiological characteristics of each country. A tendency to use the food circle and to include lifestyle recommendations in illustrations was observed in the United States, Spain and Mexico. Quantitative recommendations may help to clarify information provided during the educational process (AU)

Introducción: las Guías Alimentarias Basadas en Alimentos 'Food-Based Dietary Guidelines' (FBDG) son una propuesta de la Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) y la World Health Organization (WHO) para que cada país plantee sus principios de educación nutricional de manera clara y concreta con el fin de orientar y promover la buena salud en la población. Muchas de estas guías incluyen una representación gráfica (GR) como ayuda visual en el proceso de orientación alimentaria. Objetivos: analizar las características de las GR de países de tres continentes, para conocer las tendencias internacionales de los mensajes gráficos y para facilitar su transmisión durante el proceso educativo a la población a la que van dirigidos. Métodos: revisión de las GR de las FBDG de países de América, Europa y Asia, cuya información estuviera accesible, en español o en inglés. Resultados y discusión: las figuras más utilizadas son el círculo y la pirámide. Las GR ilustran las siguientes recomendaciones: todas (n=37) grupos de alimentos, 21 actividad física, 17 consumo de agua, 7 restricción de sal, 1 convivencia familiar, 1 relajación y 10 recomendaciones cuantitativas. Las GR de Grecia y Estados Unidos no muestran imágenes de alimentos. Los aspectos considerados en las GR dependen de la región, la cultura y algunas características epidemiológicas de cada país. Se observa una tendencia al uso de la figura del círculo en países como Estados Unidos, España y México, además de incluir recomendaciones sobre el estilo de vida en la ilustración. Las recomendaciones cuantitativas pueden clarificar la información en el proceso educativo (AU)

EFFECTS OF A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT ON THE INCIDENCE OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN SUSCEPTIBLE ADULTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

INTRODUCTION: although supplementation of specific micronutrients may improve immunologic factors, few studies about the combination of micronutrients with plant extracts on the occurrence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) have been published. OBJECTIVES: to assess the effect of a nutritional supplement with micronutrients and plant extracts on the incidence of ARI in susceptible adults between January and April, 2012. METHODS: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo- controlled clinical trial was performed. Participants were adults susceptible to ARI who were healthy at the time of evaluation, signed informed consent forms and were not taking medication. They completed a medical history; weight, height, vital signs and laboratory analyses were assessed. Subjects were randomly assigned for consumption of the supplement or a placebo, for a 90 days period. Subjects made daily diary entries indicating the presence ARI symptoms. Those who became ill notified researchers and the attending physician confirmed the presence of an infection. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the proportion of ill subjects between groups. Relative risk and risk difference were also calculated (p < 0.05 significant). RESULTS: of 59 included subjects, 45 (25 women) completed the study (21 in the supplemented group and 24 in the placebo group). There were no significant differences at baseline between groups. After the intervention, the supplemented group had a lower incidence of ARI compared with the placebo group (57.1% vs. 91.7%, p = 0.013, RR = 0.62, 95%CI 0.42, 0.92). DISCUSSION: the consumption of a supplement with vitamins, minerals and plant extracts may decrease the incidence of ARI in susceptible adults.

Introducción: aunque la suplementación de micronutrientes específicos puede mejorar determinados factores inmunológicos, han sido publicados pocos estudios sobre la combinación de micronutrientes con extractos herbales y la incidencia de infecciones respiratorias agudas (ARI) . Objetivos: evaluar el efecto de un suplemento alimenticio con micronutrientes y extractos herbales en la incidencia de ARI en adultos susceptibles, en enero-abril de 2012. Métodos: se realizó un ensayo clínico paralelo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo. Se incluyeron adultos susceptibles a ARI, sanos en el momento de la evaluación, que firmaron un consentimiento informado y que no tomaban medicamentos. Completaron una historia clínica y se evaluó: peso, talla, signos vitales y de laboratorio. Se asignaron aleatoriamente para consumir durante 90 días el suplemento o un placebo. Los sujetos registraron diariamente si presentaban o no síntomas de ARI en un diario. En caso de enfermedad, se lo notificaron a los investigadores y el médico responsable confirmó la presencia de infección. Se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher para comparar la proporción de enfermos entre los grupos y se calculó el riesgo relativo y la diferencia de riesgos (p < 0,05 significativa). Resultados: de 59 sujetos incluidos, 45 (25 mujeres) completaron el estudio (21 del grupo suplementado y 24 del placebo). No hubo diferencias significativas al inicio entre grupos. Al finalizar la intervención, el grupo suplementado tuvo una menor incidencia de ARI en comparación con el placebo (57,1% vs 91,7%, p = 0,013, RR = 0,62, IC95% 0,42, 0,92). Discusión: en conclusión, el consumo de un suplemento a base de micronutrientes y extractos herbales puede disminuir la incidencia de ARI en adultos susceptibles.

A REVIEW OF GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATIONS USED IN THE DIETARY GUIDELINES OF SELECTED COUNTRIES IN THE AMERICAS, EUROPE AND ASIA.

INTRODUCTION: Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) are an initiative by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) designed to help countries establish their own nutrition education principles. Such principles should be expressed through clear and specific messages that provide guidance and promote good health among populations. Many of these guidelines contain graphical representations (GRs) as visual aids for dietary guidance. OBJECTIVES: to analyze the characteristics of GRs used in various countries on four continents to identify international trends in these graphical messages and assess their usefulness as educational tools for their target populations. METHODS: a review of GRs used in the FBDGs of countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia for which data were available in Spanish or English. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: the models most used are the food circle and pyramid. The GRs (n = 37) depict the following recommendations: food groups (37), physical activity (21), water intake (17), low salt intake (7), family meals (1) and relaxation (1). In addition, 10 quantitative recommendations were detected. The GRs of Greece and the United States do not show images of food. The aspects considered in the GRs vary by the regions, cultures and epidemiological characteristics of each country. A tendency to use the food circle and to include lifestyle recommendations in illustrations was observed in the United States, Spain and Mexico. Quantitative recommendations may help to clarify information provided during the educational process.

Introducción: las Guías Alimentarias Basadas en Alimentos "Food-Based Dietary Guidelines" (FBDG) son una propuesta de la Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) y la World Health Organization (WHO) para que cada país plantee sus principios de educación nutricional de manera clara y concreta con el fin de orientar y promover la buena salud en la población. Muchas de estas guías incluyen una representación gráfica (GR) como ayuda visual en el proceso de orientación alimentaria. Objetivos: analizar las características de las GR de países de tres continentes, para conocer las tendencias internacionales de los mensajes gráficos y para facilitar su transmisión durante el proceso educativo a la población a la que van dirigidos. Métodos: revisión de las GR de las FBDG de países de América, Europa y Asia, cuya información estuviera accesible, en español o en inglés. Resultados y discusión: las figuras más utilizadas son el círculo y la pirámide. Las GR ilustran las siguientes recomendaciones: todas (n = 37) grupos de alimentos, 21 actividad física, 17 consumo de agua, 7 restricción de sal, 1 convivencia familiar, 1 relajación y 10 recomendaciones cuantitativas. Las GR de Grecia y Estados Unidos no muestran imágenes de alimentos. Los aspectos considerados en las GR dependen de la región, la cultura y algunas características epidemiológicas de cada país. Se observa una tendencia al uso de la figura del círculo en países como Estados Unidos, España y México, además de incluir recomendaciones sobre el estilo de vida en la ilustración. Las recomendaciones cuantitativas pueden clarificar la información en el proceso educativo.

Effects of a dietary supplement on the incidence of acute respiratory infections in susceptible adults: a randomized controlled trial / Efectos de un suplemento nutricional en la incidencia de infecciones respiratorias agudas en adultos susceptibles: un ensayo clínico controlado

Introduction: although supplementation of specific micronutrients may improve immunologic factors, few studies about the combination of micronutrients with plant extracts on the occurrence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) have been published. Objectives: to assess the effect of a nutritional supplement with micronutrients and plant extracts on the incidence of ARI in susceptible adults between January and April, 2012. Methods: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed. Participants were adults susceptible to ARI who were healthy at the time of evaluation, signed informed consent forms and were not taking medication. They completed a medical history; weight, height, vital signs and laboratory analyses were assessed. Subjects were randomly assigned for consumption of the supplement or a placebo, for a 90 days period. Subjects made daily diary entries indicating the presence ARI symptoms. Those who became ill notified researchers and the attending physician confirmed the presence of an infection. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the proportion of ill subjects between groups. Relative risk and risk difference were also calculated (p< 0.05 significant). Results: of 59 included subjects, 45 (25 women) completed the study (21 in the supplemented group and 24 in the placebo group). There were no significant differences at baseline between groups. After the intervention, the supplemented group had a lower incidence of ARI compared with the placebo group (57.1% vs. 91.7%, p=0.013, RR=0.62, 95%CI 0.42, 0.92). Discussion: the consumption of a supplement with vitamins, minerals and plant extracts may decrease the incidence of ARI in susceptible adults (AU)

Introducción: aunque la suplementación de micronutrientes específicos puede mejorar determinados factores inmunológicos, han sido publicados pocos estudios sobre la combinación de micronutrientes con extractos herbales y la incidencia de infecciones respiratorias agudas (ARI). Objetivos: evaluar el efecto de un suplemento alimenticio con micronutrientes y extractos herbales en la incidencia de ARI en adultos susceptibles, en enero-abril de 2012. Métodos: se realizó un ensayo clínico paralelo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo. Se incluyeron adultos susceptibles a ARI, sanos en el momento de la evaluación, que firmaron un consentimiento informado y que no tomaban medicamentos. Completaron una historia clínica y se evaluó: peso, talla, signos vitales y de laboratorio. Se asignaron aleatoriamente para consumir durante 90 días el suplemento o un placebo. Los sujetos registraron diariamente si presentaban o no síntomas de ARI en un diario. En caso de enfermedad, se lo notificaron a los investigadores y el médico responsable confirmó la presencia de infección. Se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher para comparar la proporción de enfermos entre los grupos y se calculó el riesgo relativo y la diferencia de riesgos (p < 0,05 significativa). Resultados: de 59 sujetos incluidos, 45 (25 mujeres) completaron el estudio (21 del grupo suplementado y 24 del placebo). No hubo diferencias significativas al inicio entre grupos. Al finalizar la intervención, el grupo suplementado tuvo una menor incidencia de ARI en comparación con el placebo (57,1% vs 91,7%, p=0,013, RR=0,62, IC95% 0,42, 0,92). Discusión: en conclusión, el consumo de un suplemento a base de micronutrientes y extractos herbales puede disminuir la incidencia de ARI en adultos susceptibles (AU)

[Association between food behavior and hypercholesterolemia-LDL in university students]. / ASOCIACIÓN ENTRE COMPORTAMIENTO ALIMENTARIO E HIPERCOLESTEROLEMIA-LDL EN JÓVENES UNIVERSITARIOS.

INTRODUCTION: Hypercholesterolemia-LDL (H-LDL) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The association between H-LDL and feeding has focused on nutritional aspects. The study of the association between eating behavior (EB) and H-LDL in university students, could provide nutritional elements for correction and/or prevention in this population. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between EB and H-LDL in university students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 167 students from the Autonomous University of Guerrero, Mexico. LDL cholesterol in serum was measured and a concentration ≥100 mg/dL was considered hypercholesterolemia. The EB was assessed using a previously validated questionnaire. The association between EB and H-LDL was determined with a bivariate logistic regression, adjusting for sex, age, socioeconomic status, smoking, energy intake, physical activity, presence or absence of obesity and family history. RESULTS: Eating lunch (morning snack) was related with 63% lower risk of H-LDL (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.15, 0.90). Take food away from home once or twice a week was associated with a fourfold increased risk of H-LDL (R 5.14; 95% CI 1.12, 23.62). Subjects who reported consuming excess food (1 or 2, and 3 or more times/week) had higher risk of H-LDL (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.10, 9.64 and OR 10.52; 95% CI 2.66, 41.60 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Some usual EB of the university students (Guerrero, Mexico) involve greater risk of H-LDL. To encourage actions corrective and/or preventive focused on these EB, could improve the health of this population.

Introducción: la hipercolesterolemia-LDL (H-LDL) se asocia a mayor riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. La asociacion entre H-LDL y alimentacion se ha centrado en aspectos nutrimentales. El estudio de la asociacion entre el comportamiento alimentario (CA) y la H-LDL en estudiantes universitarios podria brindar elementos de correccion y/o prevencion nutricional en esta poblacion. Objetivo: evaluar la asociacion entre CA e H-LDL en estudiantes universitarios. Métodos: estudio transversal realizado en una muestra de 167 estudiantes de la Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Mexico. Se midio el colesterol-LDL serico, considerandose hipercolesterolemia una concentracion ≥100 mg/dL. El CA se evaluo mediante un cuestionario previamente validado. La asociacion entre CA e H-LDL se determino con una regresion logistica bivariada, ajustando por sexo, edad, nivel socioeconomico, tabaquismo, ingesta de energia, actividad fisica, presencia o no de obesidad y antecedentes familiares. Resultados: consumir el almuerzo (colacion matutina) se asocio con un 63% de menos riesgo de H-LDL (OR 0,37; 95% IC 0,15, 0,90). Ingerir alimentos fuera de casa una o dos veces a la semana, se asocio con cuatro veces mas riesgo de H-LDL (R 5,14; 95% IC 1,12, 23,62). Los sujetos que referian consumir alimentos en exceso (1 o 2, y 3 o mas veces/semana) tuvieron mayor riesgo de H-LDL (OR 3,26; 95% IC 1,10, 9,64 y OR 10,52; 95% IC 2,66, 41,60, respectivamente). Conclusiones: algunos CA habituales de los estudiantes universitarios de Guerrero implican mayor riesgo de H-LDL. Por ello, promover acciones correctivas y/o preventivas centradas en estos CA podria mejorar la salud de esta poblacion.

Asociación entre comportamiento alimentario e hipercolesterolemia-LDL en jóvenes universitarios / Association between food behavior and hypercholesterolemia- ldl in university students

Introducción: la hipercolesterolemia-LDL (H-LDL) se asocia a mayor riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. La asociación entre H-LDL y alimentación se ha centrado en aspectos nutrimentales. El estudio de la asociación entre el comportamiento alimentario (CA) y la H-LDL en estudiantes universitarios podría brindar elementos de corrección y/o prevención nutricional en esta población. Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre CA e H-LDL en estudiantes universitarios. Métodos: estudio transversal realizado en una muestra de 167 estudiantes de la Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, México. Se midió el colesterol-LDL sérico, considerándose hipercolesterolemia una concentración más o igual a 100 mg/dL. El CA se evaluó mediante un cuestionario previamente validado. La asociación entre CA e H-LDL se determinó con una regresión logística bivariada, ajustando por sexo, edad, nivel socioeconómico, tabaquismo, ingesta de energía, actividad física, presencia o no de obesidad y antecedentes familiares. Resultados: consumir el almuerzo (colación matutina) se asoció con un 63% de menos riesgo de H-LDL (OR 0,37; 95% IC 0,15, 0,90). Ingerir alimentos fuera de casa una o dos veces a la semana, se asoció con cuatro veces más riesgo de H-LDL (R 5,14; 95% IC 1,12, 23,62). Los sujetos que referían consumir alimentos en exceso (1 o 2, y 3 o más veces/semana) tuvieron mayor riesgo de H-LDL (OR 3,26; 95% IC 1,10, 9,64 y OR 10,52; 95% IC 2,66, 41,60, respectivamente). Conclusiones: algunos CA habituales de los estudiantes universitarios de Guerrero implican mayor riesgo de H-LDL. Por ello, promover acciones correctivas y/o preventivas centradas en estos CA podría mejorar la salud de esta población (AU)

Introduction: hypercholesterolemia-LDL (H-LDL) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The association between H-LDL and feeding has focused on nutritional aspects. The study of the association between eating behavior (EB) and H-LDL in university students, could provide nutritional elements for correction and/or prevention in this population. Objective: to assess the association between EB and H-LDL in university students. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 167 students from the Autonomous University of Guerrero, Mexico. LDL cholesterol in serum was measured and a concentration greater than or equal to 100 mg / dL was considered hypercholesterolemia. The EB was assessed using a previously validated questionnaire. The association between EB and H-LDL was determined with a bivariate logistic regression, adjusting for sex, age, socioeconomic status, smoking, energy intake, physical activity, presence or absence of obesity and family history. Results: eating lunch (morning snack) was related with 63% lower risk of H-LDL (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.15, 0.90). Take food away from home once or twice a week was associated with a fourfold increased risk of H-LDL (R 5.14; 95% CI 1.12, 23.62). Subjects who reported consuming excess food (1 or 2, and 3 or more times/week) had higher risk of H-LDL (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.10, 9.64 and OR 10.52; 95% CI 2.66, 41.60 respectively). Conclusions: some usual EB of the university students (Guerrero, Mexico) involve greater risk of H-LDL. To encourage actions corrective and/or preventive focused on these EB, could improve the health of this population (AU)

[Design and validation of a questionnaire to assess dietary behavior in Mexican students in the area of health]. / Diseño y validación de un cuestionario para evaluar el comportamiento alimentario en estudiantes Mexicanos del área de la salud.

INTRODUCTION: The dietary behavior (DB) establishes the relationship between the human being and foods and has an influence on nutrient intake and, therefore, it contributes to the health or disease status of a population, even among college students. There exit some validated instruments to assess food and nutrients intake, but there are very few assessing DB. OBJECTIVE: To design and validate a questionnaire to assess DB in Mexican college students. METHODS: According to the literature and Reasoned Theory, a questionnaire assessing DB was designed. Its logic and content validity was determined by expert assessment. It was applied on two occasions with a 4-week interval to 333 students from the University of Guadalajara coursing the sixth semester of Medicine or Nutrition. The reproducibility was assessed by means of the interclass correlation coefficient. The construct validity and the internal consistency were calculated by Rasch analysis, for both the difficulty of the items and the subjects' capability. RESULTS: The questionnaire finally included 31 questions with multiple choice answers. The interclass correlation coefficient of the instrument was 0.76. The Cronbach alpha was 0.50 for the subjects' capability and 0.98 for the internal consistency of the items. 87.1% of the subjects and 89.8% of the items had INFIT and OUTFIT values within acceptable limits. CONCLUSIONS: The present questionnaire has the potentiality of measuring at low cost and in a practical way aspects related with DB in college student with the aim of establishing or following-up corrective or preventive actions.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El comportamiento alimentario (CA), que establece la relación del ser humano con los alimentos, influye en el consumo de nutrimentos y por tanto contribuye al estado de salud o enfermedad de la población, incluso en jóvenes universitarios. Existen algunos instrumentos validados para evaluar el consumo de alimentos y nutrimentos, pero son escasos los que valoran el CA. OBJETIVO: Diseñar y validar un cuestionario para valorar el CA en estudiantes universitarios mexicanos. MÉTODOS: Con base en la literatura existente y se diseñó un cuestionario para evaluar el CA. Se determinó su lógica y validez de contenido mediante la evaluación por expertos. Se aplicó en dos ocasiones con un intervalo de 4 semanas a 333 estudiantes del sexto semestre de dos licenciaturas (Medicina y Nutrición) de la Universidad de Guadalajara. Se determinó su reproducibilidad mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase. Su validez de constructo y consistencia interna se calculó a través del análisis Rasch, tanto para la dificultad de los ítems como para la habilidad de los sujetos. RESULTADOS: El cuestionario quedó integrado por 31 preguntas con opción de respuesta múltiple.El coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue de 0,76 para la reproducibilidad del instrumento. Se obtuvo un alfa de Cronbach de 0,50 para la habilidad de los sujetos y de 0,98 para la consistencia interna de los ítems. El 87,1% de los sujetos y el 89,8% de los ítems tuvieron valores de INFIT y OUTFIT dentro de los valores aceptables. CONCLUSIONES: El presente cuestionario tiene el potencial de medir a bajo costo y de forma práctica aspectos del CA en universitarios, con el propósito de establecer o dar seguimiento a acciones correctivas o preventivas.

Diseño y validación de un cuestionario para evaluar el comportamiento alimentario en estudiantes mexicanos del área de la salud / Design and validation of a questionnaire to assess dietary behavior in Mexican students in the area of health

Introducción: El comportamiento alimentario (CA), que establece la relación del ser humano con los alimentos, influye en el consumo de nutrimentos y por tanto contribuye al estado de salud o enfermedad de la población, incluso en jóvenes universitarios. Existen algunos instrumentos validados para evaluar el consumo de alimentos y nutrimentos, pero son escasos los que valoran el CA. Objetivo: Diseñar y validar un cuestionario para valorar el CA en estudiantes universitarios mexicanos. Métodos: Con base en la literatura existente y se diseñó un cuestionario para evaluar el CA. Se determinó su lógica y validez de contenido mediante la evaluación por expertos. Se aplicó en dos ocasiones con un intervalo de 4 semanas a 333 estudiantes del sexto semestre de dos licenciaturas (Medicina y Nutrición) de la Universidad de Guadalajara. Se determinó su reproducibilidad mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase. Su validez de constructo y consistencia interna se calculó a través del análisis Rasch, tanto para la dificultad de los ítems como para la habilidad de los sujetos. Resultados: El cuestionario quedó integrado por 31 preguntas con opción de respuesta múltiple. El coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue de 0,76 para la reproducibilidad del instrumento. Se obtuvo un alfa de Cronbach de 0,50 para la habilidad de los sujetos y de 0,98 para la consistencia interna de los ítems. El 87,1% de los sujetos y el 89,8% de los ítems tuvieron valores de INFIT y OUTFIT dentro de los valores aceptables. Conclusiones: El presente cuestionario tiene el potencial de medir a bajo costo y de forma práctica aspectos del CA en universitarios, con el propósito de establecer o dar seguimiento a acciones correctivas o preventivas (AU)

Introduction: The dietary behavior (DB) establishes the relationship between the human being and foods and has an influence on nutrient intake and, therefore, it contributes to the health or disease status of a population, even among college students. There exit some validated instruments to assess food and nutrients intake, but there are very few assessing DB. Objective: To design and validate a questionnaire to assess DB in Mexican college students. Methods: According to the literature and Reasoned Theory, a questionnaire assessing DB was designed. Its logic and content validity was determined by expert assessment. It was applied on two occasions with a 4-week interval to 333 students from the University of Guadalajara coursing the sixth semester of Medicine or Nutrition. The reproducibility was assessed by means of the interclass correlation coefficient. The construct validity and the internal consistency were calculated by Rasch analysis, for both the difficulty of the items and the subjects’ capability. Results: The questionnaire finally included 31 questions with multiple choice answers. The interclass correlation coefficient of the instrument was 0.76. The Cronbach alpha was 0.50 for the subjects’ capability and 0.98 for the internal consistency of the items. 87.1% of the subjects and 89.8% of the items had INFIT and OUTFIT values within acceptable limits. Conclusions: The present questionnaire has the potentiality of measuring at low cost and in a practical way aspects related with DB in college student with the aim of establishing or following-up corrective or preventive actions (AU)

Validation of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess food groups and nutrient intake / Validación de un cuestionario semi-cuantitativo de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos para determinar la ingestión de grupos de alimentos y nutrientes

Introduction: Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) analyze average food and nutrient intake over extended periods to associate habitual dietary intake with health problems and chronic diseases. A tool of this nature applicable to both women and men is not presently available in Mexico. Objective: To validate a FFQ for adult men and women. Methods: The study was conducted on 97 participants, 61% were women. Two FFQs were administered (with a one-year interval) to measure reproducibility. To assess validity, the second FFQ was compared against dietary record (DR) covering nine days. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). The de-attenuation of the ICC resulting from intraindividual variability was controlled. The validity analysis was complemented by comparing the classification ability of FFQ to that of DR through concordance between intake categories and Bland-Altman plots. Results: Reproducibility: ICC values for food groups ranged 0.42-0.87; the range for energy and nutrients was between 0.34 and 0.82. Validity: ICC values for food groups ranged 0.35-0.84; the range for energy and nutrients was between 0.36 and 0.77. Most subjects (56.776.3%) classified in the same or adjacent quintile for energy and nutrients using both methods. Extreme misclassification was <6.3% for all items. Bland-Altman plots reveal high concordance between FFQ and DR. 
Conclusions: FFQ produced sufficient levels of repro-ducibility and validity to determine average daily intake over one year. These results will enable the analysis of possible associations with chronic diseases and dietary diagnoses in adult populations of men and women (AU)

Introducción: Los cuestionarios semicuantitativos de frecuencia de consumo (CFC) analizan ingestión promedio de alimentos y nutrimentos en períodos extensos para asociar consumo habitual con problemas de salud, como enfermedades crónicas. En México, no existe una herramienta similar, aplicable en mujeres y hombres. Objetivo: Validar un CFC en mujeres y hombres adultos. Métodos: El estudio incluyó 97 participantes (61% mujeres). Dos CFC fueron aplicados (un año entre ambos) para medir reproducibilidad. Para validez, se comparó el segundo CFC con registros dietéticos de nueve días. Los análisis incluyeron correlaciones de Pearson y coeficientes de correlación intraclase (CCI). Se controló desatenuación de CCI provocada por la variabilidad intraindividual. El análisis de validez se complementó con la comparación de la capacidad de clasificación entre CFC y registros dietéticos, mediante concordancia de categorías de consumo y gráficos de Bland y Altman. Resultados: Reproducibilidad: los CCI para grupos de alimentos oscilaron entre 0,42-0,87 y para nutrimentos entre 0,34-0,82. Validez: los CCI para grupos de alimentos variaron entre 0,35-0,84 y para nutrimentos entre 0,360,77. La mayoría de sujetos (56,7-76,3%) clasificaron en el mismo quintil o adyacente por ambos métodos (media 66,1%), para energía y nutrimentos. La mala clasificación extrema para todos los ítems fue <6,3%. El análisis con gráficos de Bland y Altman determinó una buena capacidad de acuerdo del CFC, respecto a registros dietéticos. Conclusiones: El CFC obtuvo reproducibilidad y validez adecuadas para determinar ingestión diaria promedio, en un año. Esto permitirá analizar posibles asociaciones con enfermedades crónicas y diagnósticos dietéticos poblacionales en mujeres y hombres adultos (AU)

Validation of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess food groups and nutrient intake.

INTRODUCTION: Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) analyze average food and nutrient intake over extended periods to associate habitual dietary intake with health problems and chronic diseases. A tool of this nature applicable to both women and men is not presently available in Mexico. OBJECTIVE: To validate a FFQ for adult men and women. METHODS: The study was conducted on 97 participants, 61% were women. Two FFQs were administered (with a one-year interval) to measure reproducibility. To assess validity, the second FFQ was compared against dietary record (DR) covering nine days. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). The de-attenuation of the ICC resulting from intraindividual variability was controlled. The validity analysis was complemented by comparing the classification ability of FFQ to that of DR through concordance between intake categories and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Reproducibility: ICC values for food groups ranged 0.42-0.87; the range for energy and nutrients was between 0.34 and 0.82. VALIDITY: ICC values for food groups ranged 0.35-0.84; the range for energy and nutrients was between 0.36 and 0.77. Most subjects (56.7-76.3%) classified in the same or adjacent quintile for energy and nutrients using both methods. Extreme misclassification was <6.3% for all items. Bland-Altman plots reveal high concordance between FFQ and DR. CONCLUSIONS: FFQ produced sufficient levels of reproducibility and validity to determine average daily intake over one year. These results will enable the analysis of possible associations with chronic diseases and dietary diagnoses in adult populations of men and women.

Introducción. Los cuestionarios semicuantitativos de frecuencia de consumo (CFC) analizan ingestión promedio de alimentos y nutrimentos en períodos extensos para asociar consumo habitual con problemas de salud, como enfermedades crónicas. En México, no existe una herramienta similar, aplicable en mujeres y hombres. Objetivo. Validar un CFC en mujeres y hombres adultos. Métodos. El estudio incluyó 97 participantes (61% mujeres). Dos CFC fueron aplicados (un año entre ambos) para medir reproducibilidad. Para validez, se comparó el segundo CFC con registros dietéticos de nueve días. Los análisis incluyeron correlaciones de Pearson y coeficientes de correlación intraclase (CCI). Se controló desatenuación de CCI provocada por la variabilidad intraindividual. El análisis de validez se complementó con la comparación de la capacidad de clasificación entre CFC y registros dietéticos, mediante concordancia de categorías de consumo y gráficos de Bland y Altman. Resultados. Reproducibilidad: los CCI para grupos de alimentos oscilaron entre 0.42-0.87 y para nutrimentos entre 0.34-0.82. Validez: los CCI para grupos de alimentos variaron entre 0.35-0.84 y para nutrimentos entre 0.36-0.77. La mayoría de sujetos (56.7-76.3%) clasificaron en el mismo quintil o adyacente por ambos métodos (media 66.1%), para nutrimentos. La mala clasificación extrema para todos los ítems fue.