The global diet quality score as an indicator of adequate nutrient intake and dietary quality - a nation-wide representative study.

BACKGROUND: The Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) was developed to be a simple, timely and cost-effective tool to track, simultaneously, nutritional deficiency and non-communicable disease risks from diet in diverse settings. The objective was to investigate the performance of GDQS as an indicator of adequate nutrient intake and dietary quality in a national-representative sample of the Brazilian population. METHODS: Nationally-representative data from 44,744 men and non-pregnant and non-lactating women aging ≥ 10 years, from the Brazilian National Dietary Survey were used. Dietary data were collected through two 24-h recalls (24HR). The GDQS was calculated and compared to a proxy indicator of nutrient adequate intake (the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women-MDD-W) and to an indicator of high-risk diet for non-communicable diseases (caloric contribution from ultra-processed foods-UPF). To estimate the odds for overall nutrient inadequacy across MDD-W and GDQS quintiles, a multiple logistic regression was applied, and the two metrics' performances were compared using Wald's post-test. RESULTS: The mean GDQS for Brazilians was 14.5 (0-49 possible range), and only 1% of the population had a low-risk diet (GDQS ≥ 23). The GDQS mean was higher in women, elderly individuals and in higher-income households. An inverse correlation was found between the GDQS and UPF (rho (95% CI) = -0.20(-0.21;-0.19)). The odds for nutrient inadequacy were lower as quintiles of GDQS and MDD-W were higher (p-trend < 0.001), and MDD-W had a slightly better performance than GDQS (p-diff < 0.001). Having a low-risk GDQS (≥ 23) lowered the odds for nutrient inadequacy by 74% (95% CI:63%-81%). CONCLUSION: The GDQS is a good indicator of overall nutrient adequacy, and correlates well with UPF in a nationally representative sample of Brazil. Future studies must investigate the relationship between the GDQS and clinical endpoints, strengthening the recommendation to use this metric to surveillance dietary risks.

Impact of Plant Protein Intakes on Nutrient Adequacy in the US.

There is an increasing interest in plant-based diets and higher levels of plant proteins due to rising concerns around health and environmental sustainability issues. We determined the effects of increasing quartiles of plant protein in the diet on nutrient adequacy using a large nationally representative observational dataset. Twenty-four-hour dietary-recall data from NHANES 2013-2018 from 19,493 participants aged 9+ years were used to assess nutrient intakes. Nutritional adequacy was assessed by estimating the percentage of the population with intakes below the EAR or above the AI. A quartile trend was assessed using regression and the significance was set at Pquartile trend < 0.05. With increasing quartiles of plant protein, the adequacy decreased for calcium, potassium, and vitamin D and increased for copper and magnesium for adolescents. Among the adults aged 19-50 years, the adequacy decreased for protein, choline, selenium, vitamin B12, and zinc and increased for copper, folate, iron, magnesium, thiamin, and vitamin C with increasing quartiles of plant protein. The adequacy for calcium, vitamin A, and zinc decreased and it increased for copper, folate, magnesium, thiamin, and vitamin C with increasing quartiles of plant protein among adults aged 51+ years. The results indicate that diets of mixed protein sources (from both animals and plants) are the most nutritionally adequate.

Nutrient Intake, Performance, and Body Composition of Preseason Wrestlers.

College athletes, especially in weight class sports, often experience energy deficits. Athletes competing in weight class sports such as wrestling are at greatest risk for deficiencies and little is known about the relationships between body composition, nutrient intake, and performance in these athletes. The purposes of this study were to (1) quantify macronutrient and micronutrient intake of pre-season male collegiate wrestlers and compare to estimated needs, and (2) examine relationships among nutritional intakes, body composition, and performance measurements of strength and anaerobic capacity. Male Division I wrestlers (n = 11, age: 21.3 ± 1.7 years, wrestling experience: 14.9 ± 2.5 years) were recruited during pre-season. Nutrient intake was collected from a 3-day food diary. A 7-site skinfold assessment determined fat-free mass (FFM) to estimate total daily energy expenditure (eTEE). Isokinetic and isometric strength were evaluated by a Biodex dynamometer. Anaerobic capacity was tested on a stationary cycle ergometer. Eight of eleven wrestlers were energy deficient based on estimated needs. Mean intake of four micronutrients fell below the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Significant correlations were found between dietary intake, strength and anaerobic performance variables (r = 0.603 - 0.902, p = 0.0001 - 0.05). However, after accounting for FFM, these relationships were no longer significant. Nutrient intake in tandem with body composition affects performance for weight class athletes. Achieving high FFM during the preseason may be advantageous for wrestling performance. Nutrient intake and body composition should be monitored so coaches and health professionals can create individualized recommendations to help athletes optimize performance.

Contribution of Food from Market Purchases and Home Production to Child Nutrient Intake: Evidence from the EFFECTS Study Baseline Data.

BACKGROUND: Child undernutrition is prevalent in Tanzania, and households rely primarily on local markets and home production as food sources. However, little is known about the contribution of food market purchases to nutrient intakes among children consuming complementary foods. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the relationships between diversity of foods purchased and produced by households and adequate child nutrient intake in Mara, Tanzania. METHODS: Cross-sectional baseline dietary and household food source data from the Engaging Fathers for Effective Child Nutrition and Development in Tanzania study were collected from mothers of 586 children aged 9-23 mo clustered in 80 villages in Mara, Tanzania. We conducted mixed effects linear regressions to quantify the association between the diversity of foods consumed at home, from market purchases and home production, and nutrient intake adequacy (based on 24-h food recalls). RESULTS: Children had inadequate diets, with fewer than half of children consuming adequate amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B9 (folate), calcium, iron, and zinc. Breastfeeding was associated with higher overall mean adequacy (b = 0.15-0.19 across models, P < 0.001). Diversity of foods purchased was positively associated with the intake of vitamin B12 and calcium (both P < 0.001); this effect was attenuated among breastfed children. Among nonbreastfed children, production diversity was positively associated with vitamin A intake (b=0.04; P < .05) but not with intake of other nutrients. CONCLUSIONS: Both household food purchase and food production diversities were positively associated with children's nutrient intake in rural Mara, Tanzania. Nutrition programming should consider the role of food markets in addition to home food production to improve child diets. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03759821, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03759821.

Environmental sustainability of diets among children and adolescents in the German DONALD cohort study: age and time trends, and nutrient adequacy.

BACKGROUND: Identifying diets beneficial for both human and planetary health has become increasingly important. However, to date, there is limited research on sustainable diets for children and adolescents, a vulnerable population group with specific nutritional needs. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify 1) the main determinants; 2) age and time trends of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), land use (LU), and water use (WU) of diets of children and adolescents; and 3) analyze the associations of dietary GHGE, LU, and WU with nutrient adequacy. METHODS: A total of 5510 3-d-weighted dietary records (n = 856; 6-17 y; 48% ♀) of the DONALD (DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed) study between 2000 and 2021 were analyzed. Values of GHGE (kgCO2eq), LU (m2 × year), and WU (L) determined by life cycle assessment were assigned to all recorded foods. For nutrient adequacy, the mean adequacy ratio (MAR = ∑(nutrient intake / recommended intake) / number of nutrients) was used. Data were analyzed using polynomial mixed-effects regression models. RESULTS: The main contributors to GHGE and LU were meat products (GHGE: 25.6%; LU: 32.8%), dairy products (22.2%; 17.7%), and sweets and pastries (14.0%; 14.3%); to WU, nonalcoholic beverages (24.3%), meat products (18.9%), and vegetables and fruits (17.7%). GHGE, LU, and WU per 1000 kcal increased with age (P < 0.01). GHGE and LU per 1000 kcal increased between 2000 and 2010 and decreased after that in females (P < 0.01) and males (GHGE only: P = 0.02). No significant time trend was found for WU (P > 0.05). A higher MAR was directly associated with GHGE/1000 kcal (MAR: ß: 0.011, 95% CI: 0.008, 0.013, P < 0.0001), LU/1000 kcal (MAR: ß: 0.009, 95%CI: 0.005, 0.013, P < 0.0001), and WU/1000 kcal (MAR: ß: 0.429, 95% CI: 0.325, 0.533, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the further need and the capacity for change toward more environmentally sustainable diets. Yet, the tradeoff between environmental sustainability and nutrient adequacy in the diets of children and adolescents requires specific attention to dietary composition.

Maternal employment status and child age are positive determinants of minimum dietary diversity among children aged 6-23 months in Sagnarigu municipality, Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Intake of a diversified diet is key to the prevention of malnutrition among children as it results in improved intake of energy and micronutrients, which are deemed critical for better nutritional status of children. This study assessed minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and its determinants among children aged 6-23 months in the Sagnarigu Municipality of Ghana. METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study, carried out in the Sagnarigu Municipality, Ghana and involved 369 mother-child pairs selected through a systematic random sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, feeding practices, nutritional knowledge and anthropometry. MDD was assessed using a repeated 24-hour dietary recall method. Chi-square/Fisher exact test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors associated with MDD. RESULTS: The study found that 24.9% of the children were between the ages of 6-8 months and 75.1% were between the ages of 9-23 months. About 64.2% of the children met the MDD. Children of mothers who were self-employed were approximately 2 times more likely to meet the MDD as compared to children of mothers who were unemployed [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 1.93, 95% CI (1.13-3.31), P = 0.017]. Also, children aged 9-23 months were approximately 14 times more likely to meet MDD as compared to younger children aged 6-8 months [AOR: 13.98, 95% CI (7.54-25.91), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that maternal empowerment may have positive effects on improving the MDD of infants and young children.

Diet quality and snack preferences of Turkish adolescents in private and public schools.

Introduction: Socioeconomic level is one of the important factors determining diet quality. Snack preferences are affected by socioeconomic level. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of socioeconomic levels on diet quality and snack preferences among adolescents from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Methods: The study involved 118 adolescents aged between 10-18 years residing in Istanbul. A questionnaire prepared by the researchers was used to obtain information on the adolescents' dietary habits, consumption of main meals and snacks, habits, and food consumption records. The participants' food consumption was assessed using the retrospective 24-hour recall method, and diet quality was evaluated using the calculated nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR). Results: The mean age of the adolescents was 16.42±0.89 years. The number of snacks consumed in private schools was found to be higher than in public schools (p < 0.05). The NAR score for vitamin C consumption was significantly higher in private schools compared to public schools (p < 0.05). Although the MAR scores of adolescents in private schools were higher than those in public schools, this difference was not statistically significant. The majority of adolescents in private schools regularly consumed fresh fruit (67.2%), milk (60.3%), yogurt (60.3%), and nuts (56.9%) as snacks. In contrast, 45% of adolescents in public schools regularly consumed pastries (p < 0.05). Discussion: It was observed that adolescents studying in public schools had a lower tendency to prefer healthy foods for snacks compared to those in private schools. Socioeconomic level was identified as an important factor influencing eating habits during adolescence. Considering that the level of income is significantly different between the adolescents studying at private and public schools, the higher consumption of snacks by the adolescents studying at private school may be associated with higher income.

A review of dairy food intake for improving health among black children and adolescents in the US.

Adequate nutrition during childhood and adolescence is crucial for proper neurological, musculoskeletal, immunological, and cardiometabolic health and development. Yet, disparities among socially underserved racial/ethnic groups in the United States (US) provide significant challenges to achieving adequate nutrition during these years of rapid growth and maturation. For example, Black children and adolescents are at greater risk for having food insecurity, lower-quality diets, obesity, and numerous associated health challenges that result from these disparities compared to their White peers. A growing body of evidence indicates that improving diet quality is critical for improving childhood and adolescent health and well-being, and that the diverse nutritional profile and bioactive compounds found within dairy foods may play multiple roles in promoting proper growth and development during these life stages. Therefore, to support overall health and development among Black youth, greater education and implementation efforts are needed to help this population meet the national dietary recommendations of 2.5 to 3 servings of dairy foods per day. Continuing to fall short of these recommendations puts Black children and adolescents at risk of multiple nutrient inadequacies and health disparities that can have lifelong impacts on disease development, mental health, and quality of life. This review presents the state of knowledge on health disparities and modifiable nutritional strategies involving milk and dairy foods to support the growth and maturation of children and adolescents, with a special focus on Black youth in the US.

Aligning Santal Tribe Menu Templates with EAT-Lancet Commission's Dietary Guidelines for Sustainable and Healthy Diets: A Comparative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the context of global shifts in food systems, this paper explores the unique dietary practices of the Santal tribe, an indigenous group in eastern India, to understand the health, nutrition, and sustainability aspects of their traditional food systems. This study evaluates the nutritional content of the Santal diet in comparison to the EAT-Lancet Commission's 2019 dietary guidelines for healthy and sustainable diets. METHODS: The University of East Anglia, in collaboration with the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health in Cambridge, PRADAN; colleagues in India and local Santal youth, conducted nutritional analyses of traditional Santal recipes. Two menu templates, Kanhu Thali and Jhano Thali, were selected for comparative analysis based on their representation of diverse dietary practices within the Santal community. Nutritional data, including energy as well as the distribution of macronutrients and micronutrients, were compiled and compared with the EAT-Lancet guidelines. RESULTS: The Santal menu templates (nutritionally complete meals) demonstrated alignment with EAT-Lancet recommendations in aspects such as whole grains, starchy vegetables, vegetables, plant-based protein sources, unsaturated fats, and limited added sugars. However, notable deviations included the absence of animal-based protein sources and dairy. The Santal diet showed high protein intake, largely from plant-based sources, and emphasised the importance of whole grains. Seasonal variations in nutritional content were observed between the two templates. CONCLUSIONS: While the Santal diet aligns with some aspects of global dietary guidelines, there are notable deviations that underscore the complexity of aligning traditional diets with universal recommendations. The findings emphasise the need for culturally sensitive dietary recommendations that respect traditional diets while promoting sustainability. Research needs to support tailored global guidelines enshrining core principles of nutritional adequacy which are inter-culturally operable in order to accommodate cultural diversity, local practices, and seasonal variations, crucial for fostering sustainable and healthy eating habits in diverse sociodemographic contexts.

Nutritional evaluation of therapeutic diets for cardiovascular diseases in hospitals of General Santos City, Philippines: A comparative cross-sectional study

Objective@#This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional adequacy and compliance with cardiovascular disease (CVD) guidelines in therapeutic diets implemented in four hospitals in General Santos City, Philippines. @*Methods@#The study employed a cross-sectional study and analyzed the one-day therapeutic menus of four hospitals using the Philippine Food Composition Table and the United States Department of Agriculture nutrient database. The nutrient contents calculated in this study were compared among hospitals and benchmarked against the Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI) and CVD-specific guidelines, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC). The nutrient adequacy ratios (NARs) and the corresponding mean (SD) values were used to interpret the data.

Beef Intake Is Associated with Higher Nutrient Intake and Nutrient Adequacy in U.S. Adolescents, NHANES 2001-2018.

Nutrient adequacy among adolescents is of concern due to higher nutrient requirements for their developing bodies as well as the gap between the current nutrient intake and the recommendations. The objective of this study was to determine beef intake and assess the relationship between beef consumption and nutrient intake and nutrient adequacy in male and female adolescents, 14-18 years of age. Dietary recalls collected during the What We Eat in America (WWEIA) portion of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 2001-2018 were utilized to determine beef intake. Usual nutrient intakes were determined with the National Cancer Institute method in conjunction with day 1 and day 2 total nutrient files. Nutrient adequacy was assessed by calculating the percentage of the population below the estimated average requirement (EAR) or above the adequate intake (AI). The average beef intake of male and female adolescent beef consumers was 57.9 ± 2.4 and 46.8 ± 2.2 g with a 90th percentile of 82.3 ± 4.3 and 67.8 ± 3.5 g, respectively. Compared to non-consumers, beef consumers had a 10% or higher intake of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, total choline, vitamin B12, and zinc. Over 50% of the adolescent population (regardless of beef consumption) had intakes below the EAR for calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. The percentage of the beef-consuming population below the EAR was lower for calcium, copper, folate, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins B12 and B6 as compared to non-consumers. Additionally, the portion of the population above the AI for sodium was higher in female beef consumers as compared to non-consumers. We estimate approximately 900,000 to 1,400,000, 400,000-700,000, 200,000-600,000, and 200,000-400,000 fewer adolescents to be below the EAR for zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and iron, respectively if beef non-consumers were to consume beef. This study suggests beef can help increase the nutrient intake and nutrient adequacy in the diets of adolescents, helping to close important gaps for this nutritionally vulnerable population. While recommendations to reduce beef intake are widely prevalent, this could result in unintended nutritional consequences regarding under-consumed nutrients including those of public health concern important for adolescent health.

Higher intake of certain nutrients among older adults is associated with better cognitive function: an analysis of NHANES 2011-2014.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of adults are over the age of 65, and there is concern about the increasing prevalence of age-associated cognitive decline and poor mental health status in older adults in the United States. Several nutrients are known to have important biological roles in brain health and neurological function, but many individuals fall short of recommended intake levels. The objective of this study was to examine the association between nutrient intake and cognitive function. We also explored whether nutrient intake was associated with depression. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 and included participants ≥ 60 years of age who had reliable day 1 dietary recall data and either valid cognitive function data (n = 2713) or valid depression score data (n = 2943). The sample was stratified by gender, and cognitive functioning test (CFT) composite z-scores were analyzed by quartiles. Depression status was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). RESULTS: Higher intake and adequacy of a number of different nutrients from food were associated with higher cognitive function in both males and females. Nutrients that showed the most consistent associations with cognitive function across intake and adequacy analyses for food in both males and females were vitamin A, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin K, and lutein and zeaxanthin (p < 0.05 for all). These associations were positive with increasing intake and adequacy being associated with higher CFT composite z-scores. Analysis of nutrient intake and depression yielded results that differed by gender. In females, the nutrients that showed consistent inverse associations with depression scores across both intake and adequacy analyses for food were vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin K, potassium, and dietary fiber (p < 0.05 for all). In males, no significant associations between nutrient intake from food and depression scores were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that older adults with sufficient intakes of certain essential nutrients have higher cognitive function. Future studies are needed to confirm whether a well-balanced diet and/or dietary supplements which emphasize these nutrients are effective for prevention of age-related declines in cognitive function and mood.

Examining energy and nutrient production across the different agroecological zones in rural Ethiopia using statistical methods.

Poor-quality diets are of huge concern in areas where consumption is dominated by locally sourced foods that provide inadequate nutrients. In agroecologically diverse countries like Ethiopia, food production is also likely to vary spatially. Yet, little is known about how nutrient production varies by agroecology. Our study looked at the adequacy of essential nutrients from local production in the midland, highland, and upper highland agroecological zones (AEZs). Data were collected at the village level from the kebele agriculture office and at the farm and household levels through surveys in rural districts of the South Wollo zone, Ethiopia. Household data were acquired from 478 households, and crop samples were collected from 120 plots during the 2020 production year. Annual crop and livestock production across the three AEZs was converted into energy and nutrient supply using locally developed crops' energy and nutrient composition data. The total produced energy (kcal) met significant proportions of per capita energy demand in the highland and upper highland, while the supply had a 50% energy deficit in the midland. Shortfalls in per capita vitamin A supply decreased across the agroecological gradient from midland (46%) to upper highland (31%). The estimated shortfall in folate supply was significantly higher in the upper highlands (63%) and negligible in the highlands (2%). The risk of deficient iron and zinc supply was relatively low across all AEZs (<10%), but the deficiency risk of calcium was unacceptably high. Agroecology determines the choice of crop produced and, in this way, affects the available supply of energy and nutrients. Therefore, agroecological variations should be a key consideration when designing food system interventions dedicated to improving diets.

Assessment of nutrient adequacy in undergraduate students during the undertaking shipboard internship: using 12-day dietary recall through smartphone photography.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigated nutritional status and estimated the adequacy of dietary intake of university students during shipboard internships. METHODS: In this cross- sectional study, data were collected from 25 students out of 42 participants who attended in the research information session in the department of maritime at a university located in Jeonbook, South Korea. The dietary intake data was obtained using the 12-day dietary recall through smartphone photography during the shipboard internships. The data on dietary intake were used to calculate acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDRs), frequency of inappropriate intake of the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) as a reference, intake ratio to the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), mean adequacy ratio (MAR), and index of nutritional quality (INQ). RESULTS: The average age of subjects was 21.68 years and average BMIs in men and women were 25.67 kg/m2 and 23.44kg/m2, respectively. The average energy of men and women was 2018.66 kcal and 1727.87 kcal, respectively. More than half of the subjects did not meet the inappropriate range of the AMDRs for carbohydrates and fat. The NAR of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium among all 10 nutrients tended to be lower in both men and women. The MAR were 0.71 and 0.769. On the other hand, in both men and women, vitamin C had the lowest INQ (0.5 and 0.39). For men, grains and potatoes were the major contributors to energy and carbohydrates, and calcium contributed in the order of meat, fish and eggs and vegetables and fruits. Although the highest contributors to energy and carbohydrates for women were grains and potatoes, the contributions from meat, fish, and eggs were similar, and the major contributors to calcium were vegetables and fruits. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the inadequate nutritional status of university students engaged in shipboard internships with the aim of pursuing careers as seafarers, there is a need to provide additional nutritional education tailored to their specific circumstances. Additionally, professional health guidance should be provided to maintain optimal nutritional status.

Performance of the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) App in Predicting Nutrient Adequacy and Metabolic Risk Factors among Thai Adults.

BACKGROUND: The Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) was developed for monitoring nutrient adequacy and diet-related noncommunicable disease risk in diverse populations. A software application (GDQS app) was recently developed for the standardized collection of GDQS data. The application involves a simplified 24-h dietary recall (24HR) where foods are matched to GDQS-food groups using an onboard database, portion sizes are estimated at the food group level using cubic models, and the GDQS is computed. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to estimate associations between GDQS scores collected using the GDQS app and nutrient adequacy and metabolic risks. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of 600 Thai males and nonpregnant/nonlactating females (40-60 y), we collected 2 d of GDQS app and paper-based 24HR, food-frequency questionnaires (FFQs), anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, and biomarkers. Associations between application scores and outcomes were estimated using multiple regression, and application performance was compared with that of metrics scored using 24HR and FFQ data: GDQS, Minimum Dietary Diversity-Women, Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010, and Global Dietary Recommendations score. RESULTS: In covariate-adjusted models, application scores were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with higher energy-adjusted mean micronutrient adequacy computed using 24HR (range in estimated mean adequacy between score quintiles 1 and 5: 36.3%-44.5%) and FFQ (Q1-Q5: 40.6%-44.2%), and probability of protein adequacy from 24HR (Q1-Q5: 63%-72.5%). Application scores were inversely associated with BMI kg/m2 (Q1-Q5: 26.3-24.9), body fat percentage (Q1-Q5: 31.7%-29.1%), diastolic blood pressure (Q1-Q5: 84-81 mm Hg), and a locally-developed sodium intake score (Q1-Q5: 27.5-24.0 points out of 100); positively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Q1-Q5: 49-53 mg/dL) and 24-h urinary potassium (Q1-Q5: 1385-1646 mg); and inversely associated with high midupper arm circumference (Q5/Q1 odds ratio: 0.52) and abdominal obesity (Q5/Q1 odds ratio: 0.51). Significant associations for the application outnumbered those for metrics computed using 24HR or FFQ. CONCLUSIONS: The GDQS app effectively assesses nutrient adequacy and metabolic risk in population surveys.

Intakes of Added Sugars, with a Focus on Beverages and the Associations with Nutrient Adequacy in US Adults (NHANES 2003-2018).

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend adults increase their intake of nutrients that are under-consumed while limiting their intake of added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between added sugars intake from specific types of beverages with added sugars (soft drinks, fruit drinks, sports and energy drinks, coffee and tea, and flavored milk) and nutrient adequacy among US adults (19+ y). Data from eight consecutive 2-y cycles of NHANES were combined (2003-2004 through 2017-2018), and regression analysis was conducted to test for trends in quantiles of added sugars intake from each beverage source and the rest of the diet (excluding those beverages) and nutrient adequacy. Results revealed significant associations that varied in direction according to the added sugars source, negative for some (i.e., soft drinks) in terms of greater percentages of adults not meeting a defined threshold of nutrient adequacy with higher added sugars intakes, and positive for others (i.e., fruit drinks, flavored milk, the rest of the diet) in terms of lower percentages of adults not meeting nutrient thresholds. In conclusion, the contribution of different added sugars sources to nutrient intakes is a critical consideration in developing population-based dietary recommendations.

Erratum: Plant to animal protein ratio in the diet: nutrient adequacy, long-term health and environmental pressure.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1178121.].

The Global Diet Quality Score is associated with nutrient adequacy and depression among Vietnamese youths.

The Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) has been recommended as a simple diet quality metric that is reflective of both nutrient adequacy and noncommunicable disease outcomes. It has been validated among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in diverse settings but not specifically among younger women. This paper examines the relationship between the GDQS and nutrient adequacy, anthropometric outcomes, and depressive symptoms among 1001 Vietnamese young women aged 16-22 years. In energy-adjusted models, the GDQS was significantly (p < 0.05) and positively correlated with intakes of protein (ρ = 0.23), total fat (ρ = 0.06), nine micronutrients (calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin A) (ρ = 0.12-0.35), and the mean probability of adequacy of micronutrients (ρ = 0.28). Compared to young women with optimal GDQS, those with low and very low GDQS were two to five times more likely to have a mean probability of nutrient adequacy less than 50% and showed two to three times higher odds for depression. No association was observed for GDQS and anthropometric outcomes. In conclusion, the GDQS performed well in capturing nutrient adequacy and depressive symptoms among Vietnamese young women. Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between diet quality and depression in other settings.

Plant to animal protein ratio in the diet: nutrient adequacy, long-term health and environmental pressure.

Background: Animal and plant protein sources have contrasting relationships with nutrient adequacy and long-term health, and their adequate ratio is highly debated. Objective: We aimed to explore how the percentage of plant protein in the diet (%PP) relates to nutrient adequacy and long-term health but also to environmental pressures, to determine the adequate and potentially optimal %PP values. Methods: Observed diets were extracted from the dietary intakes of French adults (INCA3, n = 1,125). Using reference values for nutrients and disease burden risks for foods, we modeled diets with graded %PP values that simultaneously ensure nutrient adequacy, minimize long-term health risks and preserve at best dietary habits. This multi-criteria diet optimization was conducted in a hierarchical manner, giving priority to long-term health over diet proximity, under the constraints of ensuring nutrient adequacy and food cultural acceptability. We explored the tensions between objectives and identified the most critical nutrients and influential constraints by sensitivity analysis. Finally, environmental pressures related to the modeled diets were estimated using the AGRIBALYSE database. Results: We find that nutrient-adequate diets must fall within the ~15-80% %PP range, a slightly wider range being nevertheless identifiable by waiving the food acceptability constraints. Fully healthy diets, also achieving the minimum-risk exposure levels for both unhealthy and healthy foods, must fall within the 25-70% %PP range. All of these healthy diets were very distant from current typical diet. Those with higher %PP had lower environmental impacts, notably on climate change and land use, while being as far from current diet. Conclusion: There is no single optimal %PP value when considering only nutrition and health, but high %PP diets are more sustainable. For %PP > 80%, nutrient fortification/supplementation and/or new foods are required.

Nutritional Adequacy Assessment of the Japanese Diet Using the Number of Dishes Compared to Existing Dietary Diversity Indices: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey, Japan.

The Japanese diet has attracted attention as a factor contributing to the Japanese population's longevity. A typical Japanese meal, traditionally called "ichiju-sansai," is composed of various dishes. This study assessed the nutritional adequacy of the Japanese diet using the number of dishes in all meals (NDAM) compared to existing dietary diversity indices (DDIs). This cross-sectional study used data from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey. A total of 25,976 participants aged ≥20 y were included in this study. NDAM was calculated for whole dishes or single foods (except supplements and beverages) from one-day weighted dietary records. The food variety score (FVS), number of foods, dietary diversity score (DDS), and number of food groups are some of the existing DDIs. NDAM had relatively high positive correlation coefficients with potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. The partial correlation coefficients with an indicator of the overall nutrient adequacy of NDAM was 0.42 for men and 0.42 for women. It was almost the same as that of the FVS (men: 0.44, women: 0.42) and DDS (men: 0.44, women: 0.43). On the other hand, NDAM, similar to existing DDIs, was also positively correlated with nutrient restriction in both sexes. These findings indicate that the nutrient adequacy of NDAM is similar to that of the existing DDIs. Because of the higher sodium intake and cholesterol intake in higher NDAM and existing DDIs, the effect of higher NDAM on health outcomes must be investigated in future studies.