Quantity versus quality of objectively measured sleep in relation to body mass index in children: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although sleep duration is well established as a risk factor for child obesity, how measures of sleep quality relate to body size is less certain. The aim of this study was to determine how objectively measured sleep duration, sleep timing, and sleep quality were related to body mass index (BMI) cross-sectionally and longitudinally in school-aged children. SUBJECTS/METHODS: All measures were obtained at baseline, 12 and 24 months in 823 children (51% female, 53% European, 18% Maori, 12% Pacific, 9% Asian) aged 6-10 years at baseline. Sleep duration, timing, and quality were measured using actigraphy over 7 days, height and weight were measured using standard techniques, and parents completed questionnaires on demographics (baseline only), dietary intake, and television usage. Data were analysed using imputation; mixed models, with random effects for person and age, estimated both a cross-sectional effect and a longitudinal effect on BMI z-score, adjusted for multiple confounders. RESULTS: The estimate of the effect on BMI z-score for each additional hour of sleep was -0.22 (95% CI: -0.33, -0.11) in cross-sectional analyses and -0.05 (-0.10, -0.004) in longitudinal analyses. A greater effect was observed for weekday sleep duration than weekend sleep duration but variability in duration was not related to BMI z-score. While sleep timing (onset or midpoint of sleep) was not related to BMI, children who were awake in the night more frequently (0.19; 0.06, 0.32) or for longer periods (0.18; 0.06, 0.36) had significantly higher BMI z-scores cross-sectionally, but only the estimates for total time awake (minutes) were significant longitudinally (increase in BMI z-score of 0.04 for each additional hour awake). CONCLUSION: The beneficial effect of a longer sleep duration on BMI was consistent in children, whereas evidence for markers of sleep quality and timing were more variable.

Predictors of breastfeeding duration in a predominantly Maori population in New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: Although breastfeeding duration in New Zealand's indigenous Maori is shorter than in non-Maori, we know little about barriers or motivators of breastfeeding in this community. The aim of this analysis was to identify predictors for extended duration of breastfeeding amongst participants drawn from predominantly Maori communities in regional Hawke's Bay. METHODS: Mother/baby dyads were recruited from two midwifery practices serving predominantly Maori women in mostly deprived areas, for a randomised controlled trial comparing the risks and benefits of an indigenous sleeping device (wahakura) and a bassinet. Questionnaires were administered at baseline (pregnancy) and at one, three and six months postnatal. Several questions relating to breastfeeding and factors associated with breastfeeding were included. The data from both groups were pooled to examine predictors of breastfeeding duration. RESULTS: Maori comprised 70.5% of the 197 participants recruited. The median time infants were fully breastfed was eight weeks and Maori women were more likely to breastfeed for a shorter duration than New Zealand European women with an odds-ratio (OR) of 0.45 (95% CI 0.24, 0.85). The key predictors for extended duration of breastfeeding were the strong support of the mother's partner (OR = 3.64, 95% CI 1.76, 7.55) or her mother for breastfeeding (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.27, 4.82), longer intended duration of maternal breastfeeding (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.03) and being an older mother (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.02, 1.12). The key predictors for shorter duration of breastfeeding were pacifier use (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.17, 0.46), daily cigarette smoking (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.37, 0.69), alcohol use (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.31, 0.93) and living in a more deprived area (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22, 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding duration in this group of mainly Maori women was shorter than the national average. Increasing the duration of breastfeeding by these mothers could be further facilitated by ante and postnatal education involving their own mothers and their partners in the support of breastfeeding and by addressing pacifier use, smoking and alcohol use.

Impact of a modified version of baby-led weaning on iron intake and status: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the iron intake and status of infants following a version of baby-led weaning (BLW) modified to prevent iron deficiency (Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS; BLISS) compared with those of infants following traditional spoon-feeding. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: This randomised controlled trial included 206 participants assigned to control (n=101) or BLISS (n=105) groups. Both groups received standard midwifery and 'Well Child' care. BLISS participants received eight additional visits (from before birth to 9 months) providing education and support on the BLISS approach to complementary feeding (ie, BLW modified to increase iron intake). The primary outcome of the BLISS study (growth) has been previously reported. This paper reports the key prespecified secondary outcomes, iron intake and iron status. OUTCOME MEASURES: Intake of iron and key absorption modifiers were assessed using weighed 3-day diet records at 7 and 12 months. A venipuncture blood sample was collected at 12 months to determine plasma ferritin, haemoglobin, soluble transferrin receptor, C-reactive protein and α1-acid glycoprotein concentrations; and body iron was calculated. RESULTS: Differences in median dietary iron intakes between the control and BLISS groups were not significant at 7 (difference 0.6 mg/day; 95% CI -1.0 to 2.3) or 12 (-0.1 mg/day; -1.6 to 1.4) months of age. Similarly, there were no significant differences in plasma ferritin concentration (difference -2.6 µg/L; 95% CI -10.9 to 5.8), body iron (0.04 mg/kg; -1.1 to 1.2) or the prevalence of depleted iron stores, early functional iron deficiency or iron deficiency anaemia (all p≥0.65) at 12 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: A baby-led approach to complementary feeding does not appear to increase the risk of iron deficiency in infants when their parents are given advice to offer 'high-iron' foods with each meal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12612001133820; Pre-results.

Spot urine and 24-h diet recall estimates of dietary sodium intake from the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey: a comparison.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to test the difference between estimates of dietary sodium intake using 24-h diet recall and spot urine collection in a large sample of New Zealand adults. METHODS: We analysed spot urine results, 24-h diet recall, dietary habits questionnaire and anthropometry from a representative sample of 3312 adults aged 15 years and older who participated in the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey. Estimates of adult population sodium intake were derived from 24-h diet recall and spot urine sodium using a formula derived from analysis of INTERSALT data. Correlations, limits of agreement and mean difference were calculated for the total sample, and for population subgroups. RESULTS: Estimated total population 24-h urinary sodium excretion (mean (95% CI)) from spot urine samples was 3035 mg (2990, 3079); 3612 mg (3549, 3674) for men and 2507 mg (2466, 2548) for women. Estimated mean usual daily sodium intake from 24-h diet recall data (excluding salt added at the table) was 2564 mg (2519, 2608); 2849 mg (2779, 2920) for men and 2304 mg (2258, 2350) for women. Correlations between estimates were poor, especially for men, and limits of agreement using Bland-Altman mean difference analysis were wide. CONCLUSIONS: There is a poor agreement between estimates of individual sodium intake from spot urine collection and those from 24-hour diet recall. Although, both 24-hour dietary recall and estimated urinary excretion based on spot urine indicate mean population sodium intake is greater than 2 g, significant differences in mean intake by method deserve further investigation in relation to the gold standard, 24-hour urinary sodium excretion.

Modified Version of Baby-Led Weaning Does Not Result in Lower Zinc Intake or Status in Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about zinc intakes and status during complementary feeding. This is particularly true for baby-led approaches, which encourage infants to feed themselves from the start of complementary feeding, although self-feeding may restrict the intake of zinc-rich foods. OBJECTIVE: To determine the zinc intakes, sources, and biochemical zinc status of infants following Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS), a modified version of Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), compared with traditional spoon-feeding. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of the BLISS randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Between 2012 and 2014, 206 community-based participants from Dunedin, New Zealand were randomized to a Control or BLISS group. INTERVENTION: BLISS participants received eight study visits (antenatal to 9 months) providing education and support regarding BLISS (ie, infant self-feeding from 6 months with modifications to address concerns about iron, choking, and growth). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dietary zinc intakes at 7 and 12 months (weighed 3-day diet records) and zinc status at 12 months (plasma zinc concentration). STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Regression analyses were used to investigate differences in dietary intakes and zinc status by group, adjusted for maternal education and parity and infant age and sex. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in zinc intakes between BLISS and Control infants at 7 (median: 3.5 vs 3.5 mg/day; P=0.42) or 12 (4.4 vs 4.4 mg/day; P=0.86) months. Complementary food groups contributing the most zinc at 7 months were "vegetables" for Control infants, and "breads and cereals" for BLISS infants, then "dairy" for both groups at 12 months. There was no significant difference in mean±standard deviation plasma zinc concentration between the Control (62.8±9.8 µg/dL [9.6±1.5 µmol/L]) and BLISS (62.8±10.5 µg/dL [9.6±1.6 µmol/L]) groups (P=0.75). CONCLUSIONS: BLISS infants achieved similar zinc intake and status to Control infants. However, the BLISS intervention was modified to increase iron intake, which may have improved zinc intake, so these results should not be generalized to infants following unmodified BLW.

High-Intensity Interval Training in the Real World: Outcomes from a 12-Month Intervention in Overweight Adults.

PURPOSE: Although high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise have comparable health outcomes in the laboratory setting, effectiveness studies in real-world environments are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an unsupervised HIIT program in overweight/obese adults over 12 months. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty overweight/obese adults could choose HIIT or current exercise guidelines of 30 min·d moderate-intensity exercise. HIIT participants received a single training session and were advised to independently perform HIIT three times per week using a variety of protocols. Mixed models, with a random effect for participant, compared differences in weight, body composition, blood pressure, aerobic fitness, physical activity, and blood indices at 12 months, adjusting for relevant baseline variables. RESULTS: Forty-two percent (n = 104) of eligible participants chose HIIT in preference to current guidelines. At 12 months, there were no differences between exercise groups in weight (adjusted difference HIIT vs conventional = -0.44 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.5 to 1.6) or visceral fat (-103 cm; -256 to 49), although HIIT participants reported greater enjoyment of physical activity (P = 0.01). Evidence of adherence to ≥2 sessions per week of unsupervised HIIT (from HR monitoring) declined from 60.8% at baseline to 19.6% by 12 months. Participants remaining adherent to HIIT over 12 months (23%) were more likely to be male (67% vs 36%, P = 0.03), with greater reductions in weight (-2.7 kg; -5.2 to 0.2) and visceral fat (-292 cm; -483 to -101) than nonadherent participants. CONCLUSIONS: HIIT was well accepted by overweight adults, and opting for HIIT as an alternative to standard exercise recommendations led to no difference in health outcomes after 12 months. Although regular participation in unsupervised HIIT declined rapidly, those apparently adherent to regular HIIT demonstrated beneficial weight loss and visceral fat reduction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12615000010594), retrospectively registered.

Modifiable "Predictors" of Zinc Status in Toddlers.

Suboptimal zinc status is common in very young children and likely associated with increased risk of infection and detrimental effects on growth. No studies have determined potentially modifiable "predictors" of zinc status in toddlers from high-income countries. This cross-sectional analysis of 115 toddlers from the Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS) study used weighed diet records (three non-consecutive days) to assess dietary intake, and a venous blood sample (trace-element free techniques) to assess plasma zinc, at 12 months of age. "Predictors" of plasma zinc were determined by univariate analysis and multiple regression. Mean (SD) plasma zinc was 9.7 (1.5) µmol/L, 60% were below the IZiNCG reference limit of <9.9 µmol/L. Median (25th, 75th percentiles) intake of zinc was 4.4 (3.7, 5.4) mg/day. Red meat intake (p = 0.004), consumption of zinc-fortified infant formula (3-6 mg zinc/100 g) (p = 0.026), and food fussiness (p = 0.028) were statistically significant "predictors" of plasma zinc at 12 months. Although higher intakes of red meat, and consumption of infant formula, are potentially achievable, it is important to consider possible barriers, particularly impact on breastfeeding, cost, and the challenges of behavior modification. Of interest is the association with food fussiness-further research should investigate the direction of this association.

Sleep patterns in children differ by ethnicity: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses using actigraphy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether sleep patterns (duration, timing, efficiency) differ by ethnicity. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SETTING: Dunedin, New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 939 children (48% male) aged 4-12 years (572 European, 181 Maori, 111 Pacific, 75 Asian). MEASUREMENTS: All measurements were obtained at months 0, 12, and 24. Anthropometry was obtained using standard techniques, and parents completed questionnaires assessing demographics, dietary intake, and television habits of children. Sleep and physical activity were measured using Actigraph accelerometers over 1 week. Differences in sleep outcomes according to ethnicity were adjusted for demographics, weight status, and behavioral variables using mixed models. RESULTS: Pacific children had greater body mass index and were more likely to live in deprived areas than children from other ethnic groups (all P<.001), but few differences were observed in behavioral variables. Pacific Island children slept 16 (95% confidence interval, 7-25) minutes less per night than New Zealand European children, predominantly as a result of later bedtimes (29; 20-38 minutes). By contrast, sleep efficiency did not differ by ethnicity or over time (all P≥.118). Maori children did not show the same relative deficits in sleep, displaying similar results to European children. Sleep duration decreased by 8 minutes (95% confidence interval, 6-10) a night each year over 2 years, and change over time did not differ by ethnicity (all P≥.165). CONCLUSIONS: From a young age, Pacific children had poorer sleep patterns than European children, and these patterns were maintained over 2 years.

The Pepi-Pod study: Overnight video, oximetry and thermal environment while using an in-bed sleep device for sudden unexpected death in infancy prevention.

AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the potential risks and benefits of sleeping infants in a Pepi-Pod distributed to families with high risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy compared to a bassinet. METHODS: Forty-five mostly indigenous Maori mothers who were referred by local health providers to receive a Pepi-Pod were surveyed at recruitment, 1 and 3 months. A sleep study at 1 month included infrared video, oximetry and temperature measures. RESULTS: When compared with 89 historical bassinet controls, an intention-to-treat analysis of questionnaires showed no increase in direct bed sharing but demonstrated significantly less sharing of the maternal bedroom at both interviews, with the majority of those not sleeping in the maternal bedroom, actually sleeping in the living room. The 1 month 'as-used' analysis showed poorer maternal sleep quality. The 'as-used' analysis of video data (24 Pepi-Pod and 113 bassinet infants) also showed no increase in direct bed sharing, head covering or prone/side sleep position. Differences in oxygen saturation were not significant, but heart rate was higher in the Pepi-Pod infants by 8.37 bpm (95% confidence interval 4.40, 12.14). Time in the thermal comfort zone was not different between groups despite Pepi-Pod infants being situated in significantly warmer rooms. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we found that most differences in infant risk behaviours in a Pepi-Pod compared to a bassinet were small, with confidence intervals excluding meaningful differences. We noted poorer maternal sleep quality at 1 month. Higher infant heart rates in the Pepi-Pod group may be related to higher room temperatures. The Pepi-Pod appears physiologically safe but is associated with lower reported maternal sleep quality.

Physiological stability in an indigenous sleep device: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare overnight oxygen saturation, heart rate and the thermal environment of infants sleeping in an indigenous sleep device (wahakura) or bassinet to identify potential risks and benefits. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Family homes in low socio-economic areas in New Zealand. PATIENTS: 200 mainly Maori mothers and their infants. INTERVENTIONS: Participants received a wahakura or bassinet from birth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Overnight oximetry, heart rate and temperature at 1 month. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis for 83 bassinet and 84 wahakura infants showed no significant differences between groups for the mean time oxygen saturation (SpO2) was less than 94% (0.54 min, 95% CI -1.36 to 2.45) or less than 90% (0.22 min, 95% CI -0.56 to 1.00), the mean number of SpO2 dips per hour >5% (-0.19, 95% CI -3.07 to 2.69) or >10% (-0.41, 95% CI -1.63 to 0.81), mean heart rate (1.99 beats/min, 95% CI -1.02 to 4.99), or time shin temperature >36°C (risk ratio (RR): 0.63, 95% CI 0.13 to 2.99) or <34°C (RR: 0.89, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.30). A per-protocol analysis of 45 bassinet and 26 wahakura infants and an as-used analysis of 104 infants in a bassinet and 48 in a wahakura found no significant differences between groups for all outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: This indigenous sleep device is at least as safe as the currently recommended bassinet, which supports its use as a sleep environment that offers an alternative way of bed-sharing. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12610000993099.

Effect of a Baby-Led Approach to Complementary Feeding on Infant Growth and Overweight: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Baby-led approaches to complementary feeding, which promote self-feeding of all nonliquid foods are proposed to improve energy self-regulation and lower obesity risk. However, to date, no randomized clinical trials have studied this proposition. Objective: To determine whether a baby-led approach to complementary feeding results in a lower body mass index (BMI) than traditional spoon-feeding. Design, Setting, and Participants: The 2-year Baby-Led Introduction to Solids (BLISS) randomized clinical trial recruited 206 women (168 [81.6%] of European ancestry; 85 [41.3%] primiparous) in late pregnancy from December 19, 2012, through March 17, 2014, as part of a community intervention in Dunedin, New Zealand. Women were randomized to a control condition (n = 101) or the BLISS intervention (n = 105) after stratification for parity and education. All outcomes were collected by staff blinded to group randomization, and no participants withdrew because of an adverse event. Data were analyzed based on intention to treat. Interventions: Mothers in the BLISS group received lactation consultant support (≥5 contacts) to extend exclusive breastfeeding and delay introduction of complementary foods until 6 months of age and 3 personalized face-to-face contacts (at 5.5, 7.0, and 9.0 months). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was BMI z score (at 12 and 24 months). Secondary outcomes included energy self-regulation and eating behaviors assessed with questionnaires at 6, 12, and 24 months and energy intake assessed with 3-day weighed diet records at 7, 12, and 24 months. Results: Among the 206 participants (mean [SD] age, 31.3 [5.6] years), 166 were available for analysis at 24 months (retention, 80.5%). The mean (SD) BMI z score was not significantly different at 12 months (control group, 0.20 [0.89]; BLISS group, 0.44 [1.13]; adjusted difference, 0.21; 95% CI, -0.07 to 0.48) or at 24 months (control group, 0.24 [1.01]; BLISS group, 0.39 [1.04]; adjusted difference, 0.16; 95% CI, -0.13 to 0.45). At 24 months, 5 of 78 infants (6.4%) were overweight (BMI≥95th percentile) in the control group compared with 9 of 87 (10.3%) in the BLISS group (relative risk, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.6-5.7). Lower satiety responsiveness was observed in BLISS infants at 24 months (adjusted difference, -0.24; 95% CI, -0.41 to -0.07). Parents also reported less food fussiness (adjusted difference, -0.33; 95% CI, -0.51 to -0.14) and greater enjoyment of food (adjusted difference, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.43) at 12 months in BLISS infants. Estimated differences in energy intake were 55 kJ (95% CI, -284 to 395 kJ) at 12 months and 143 kJ (95% CI, -241 to 526 kJ) at 24 months. Conclusions and Relevance: A baby-led approach to complementary feeding did not result in more appropriate BMI than traditional spoon-feeding, although children were reported to have less food fussiness. Further research should determine whether these findings apply to individuals using unmodified baby-led weaning. Trial Registration: http://anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12612001133820.

The Effect of Different Types of Monitoring Strategies on Weight Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of various monitoring strategies on weight loss, body composition, blood markers, exercise, and psychosocial indices in adults with overweight and obesity following a 12-month weight loss program. METHODS: Two hundred fifty adults with BMI ≥ 27 were randomized to brief, monthly, individual consults, daily self-monitoring of weight, self-monitoring of diet using MyFitnessPal, self-monitoring of hunger, or control over 12 months. All groups received diet and exercise advice, and 171 participants (68.4%) remained at 12 months. RESULTS: No significant differences in weight, body composition, blood markers, exercise, or eating behavior were apparent between those in the four monitoring groups and the control condition at 12 months (all P ≥ 0.053). Weight differences between groups ranged from -1.1 kg (-3.8 to 1.6) to 2.2 kg (-1.0 to 5.3). However, brief support and hunger training groups reported significantly lower scores for depression (difference [95% CI]: -3.16 [-5.70 to -0.62] and -3.05 [-5.61 to -0.50], respectively) and anxiety (-1.84, [-3.67 to -0.02]) scores than control participants. CONCLUSIONS: Although adding a monitoring strategy to diet and exercise advice did not further increase weight loss, no adverse effects on eating behavior were observed, and some monitoring strategies may even benefit mental health.

Change of School Playground Environment on Bullying: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether increasing risk and challenge in primary school playgrounds influences interactions between children. METHODS: In a 2-year cluster-randomized controlled trial, 8 control schools were asked to not change their play environment, whereas 8 intervention schools increased opportunities for risk and challenge (eg, rough-and-tumble play), reduced rules, and added loose parts (eg, tires). Children (n = 840), parents (n = 635), and teachers (n = 90) completed bullying questionnaires at baseline, 1 (postintervention), and 2 (follow-up) years. RESULTS: Intervention children reported higher odds of being happy at school (at 2 years, odds ratio [OR]: 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-2.25) and playing with more children (at 1 year, OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.29-2.15) than control children. Although intervention children indicated they were pushed/shoved more (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.03-1.71), they were less likely to tell a teacher (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52-0.92) at 2 years. No significant group differences were observed in parents reporting whether children had "ever" been bullied at school (1 year: P = .23; 2 years: P = .07). Intervention school teachers noticed more bullying in break time at 1 year (difference in scores: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.06-0.34; P = .009), with no corresponding increase in children reporting bullying to teachers (both time points, P ≥ .26). CONCLUSIONS: Few negative outcomes were reported by children or parents, except for greater pushing/shoving in intervention schools. Whether this indicates increased resilience as indicated by lower reporting of bullying to teachers may be an unanticipated benefit.

Wahakura Versus Bassinet for Safe Infant Sleep: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare an indigenous sleep device (wahakura) for infants at high risk for sudden unexpected death with a bassinet, for measures of infant sleep position, head covering, breastfeeding, bed-sharing, and maternal sleep and fatigue. METHODS: A total of 200 mainly Maori pregnant women were recruited from deprived areas of New Zealand. They were randomized to receive a bassinet or wahakura and asked to sleep the infant in this device from birth. Questionnaires at 1, 3, and 6 months and an overnight infrared video in the home at 1 month were completed. RESULTS: An intention-to-treat and an "as-used" analysis of questionnaires showed no group differences at 1, 3, and 6 months in infant-adult direct bed-sharing (7% vs 12%, P = .24 at 1 month), and at the 6-month interview, the wahakura group reported twice the level of full breastfeeding (22.5% vs 10.7%, P = .04). Maternal sleep and fatigue were not significantly different between groups. Video identified no increase in head covering, prone/side sleep position, or bed-sharing in the wahakura group, either from intention-to-treat analysis, or when analyzed for actual sleep location. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in infant risk behaviors in wahakura compared with bassinets and there were other advantages, including an increase in sustained breastfeeding. This suggests wahakura are relatively safe and can be promoted as an alternative to infant-adult bed-sharing. Policies that encourage utilization are likely to be helpful in high-risk populations.

A Baby-Led Approach to Eating Solids and Risk of Choking.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a baby-led approach to complementary feeding on infant choking and gagging. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial in 206 healthy infants allocated to control (usual care) or Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS; 8 contacts from antenatal to 9 months providing resources and support). BLISS is a form of baby-led weaning (ie, infants feed themselves all their food from the beginning of complementary feeding) modified to address concerns about choking risk. Frequencies of choking and gagging were collected by questionnaire (at 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 months) and daily calendar (at 6 and 8 months); 3-day weighed diet records measured exposure to foods posing a choking risk (at 7 and 12 months). RESULTS: A total of 35% of infants choked at least once between 6 and 8 months of age, and there were no significant group differences in the number of choking events at any time (all Ps > .20). BLISS infants gagged more frequently at 6 months (relative risk [RR] 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.17), but less frequently at 8 months (RR 0.60; 95% CI, 0.42-0.87), than control infants. At 7 and 12 months, 52% and 94% of infants were offered food posing a choking risk during the 3-day record, with no significant differences between groups (7 months: RR 1.12; 95% CI, 0.79-1.59; 12 months: RR 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83-1.07). CONCLUSIONS: Infants following a baby-led approach to feeding that includes advice on minimizing choking risk do not appear more likely to choke than infants following more traditional feeding practices. However, the large number of children in both groups offered foods that pose a choking risk is concerning.

Serum and erythrocyte folate status of New Zealand women of childbearing age following a countrywide voluntary programme by the baking industry to fortify bread with folic acid.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the folate status of New Zealand women of childbearing age following the introduction, in 2010, of a new voluntary folic acid fortification of bread programme. DESIGN: The 2011 Folate and Women's Health Survey was a cross-sectional survey of women aged 18-44 years carried out in 2011. The survey used a stratified random sampling technique with the Electoral Roll as the sampling frame. Women were asked about consumption of folic-acid-fortified breads and breakfast cereals in a telephone interview. During a clinic visit, blood was collected for serum and erythrocyte folate measurement by microbiological assay. SETTING: A North Island (Wellington) and South Island (Dunedin) city centre in New Zealand. SUBJECTS: Two hundred and eighty-eight women, of whom 278 completed a clinic visit. RESULTS: Geometric mean serum and erythrocyte folate concentrations were 30 nmol/l and 996 nmol/l, respectively. Folate status was 30-40 % higher compared with women of childbearing age sampled as part of a national survey in 2008/09, prior to the introduction of the voluntary folic acid bread fortification programme. In the 2011 Folate and Women's Health Survey, reported consumption of fortified bread and fortified breakfast cereal in the past week was associated with 25 % (P=0·01) and 15 % (P=0·04) higher serum folate concentrations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum and erythrocyte folate concentrations have increased in New Zealand women of childbearing age since the number of folic-acid-fortified breads was increased voluntarily in 2010. Consumption of fortified breads and breakfast cereals was associated with a higher folate status.

Trends in serum total cholesterol and dietary fat intakes in New Zealand between 1989 and 2009.

OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in serum cholesterol and dietary fat intakes for New Zealand adults between 1989 and 2008/09. METHODS: Serum total cholesterol concentrations and dietary fat intakes were analysed for 9,346 New Zealanders aged 15-98 years (52% women) who participated in three national surveys in 1989, 1997 and 2008/09. RESULTS: Population mean serum cholesterol decreased from 6.15 mmol/L in 1989 to 5.39 mmol/L in 2008/09. Mean saturated fat intake decreased from 15.9% of energy intake in 1989 to 13.1% in 2008/09. Between 1997 and 2008/09, unsaturated fat intake increased and fat from butter and milk decreased. Older adults had the largest decrease in serum cholesterol (1.35 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in serum cholesterol is substantially larger than reported for many other high-income countries, and occurred in parallel with changes in dietary fat intakes and, for older adults, increased use of cholesterol-lowering medications. IMPLICATION: Given the demonstrated role of reduced saturated fat intake on lowering serum cholesterol, and as population average serum cholesterol levels and saturated fat intakes exceed recommended levels, initiatives to further encourage reductions in saturated fat are imperative.

Urinary iodine concentration of New Zealand adults improves with mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt but not to predicted levels.

PURPOSE: To measure the iodine status and iodine intake of New Zealand adults 18-64 years of age following mandatory fortification of bread with iodine. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of NZ adults living in Dunedin and Wellington during February-November 2012. Three hundred and one men and women aged 18-64 years randomly selected from the New Zealand Electoral Roll completed a 24-h urine collection, a demographic and iodine-specific food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and had height and weight measured. Urine collections were analysed for iodine and reported as median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) µg/L and median urinary iodine excretion (UIE) µg/day. The FFQ was used to estimate iodine intake with and without discretionary iodised salt use. RESULTS: The median UIC for all adults was 73 µg/L, indicative of mild iodine deficiency. The mean urinary volume was 2.0 L. As an estimate of iodine intake, the median UIE was 127 µg/day. Estimated iodine intake, using the FFQ which included discretionary iodised salt use, was 132 µg/day. Iodine intakes were associated with UIC (P = 0.040) and UIE (P = 0.003), but not with bread iodine intake and iodised salt use. CONCLUSION: Using the WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD target for iodine sufficiency (a UIC of >100 µg/L) based on school-aged children with a mean urinary volume of 1.0 L, the iodine status of NZ adults does not reach adequate levels (73 µg/L). A more realistic parameter in a population with a higher urinary volume excretion (2.0 L) is the UIE. A median UIE of 127 µg/day suggests that the iodine status of NZ adults is now likely to be adequate.

Telomere length and periodontal attachment loss: a prospective cohort study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to examine the association between telomere erosion and periodontitis in a long-standing prospective cohort study of New Zealand adults. Specific hypotheses tested were as follows: (i) that exposure to periodontitis at ages 26 and 38 was associated with accelerated leucocyte telomere erosion and (ii) that accelerated leucocyte telomere erosion was associated with higher rates of periodontitis by ages 26 and 38. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Periodontal attachment loss data were collected at ages 26 and 38. Blood samples taken at the same ages were analysed to obtain estimates of leucocyte telomere length and erosion over a 12-year period. RESULTS: Overall, the mean telomere length was reduced by 0.15 T/S ratio (adjusted) from age 26 to 38 among the 661 participants reported on here. During the same period, the mean attachment loss increased by 10%, after adjusting for sex, socio-economic status and smoking. Regression models showed that attachment loss did not predict telomere length, and that telomere erosion did not predict attachment loss. CONCLUSIONS: Although both periodontitis and telomere length are age-dependent, they do not appear to be linked, suggesting that determination of leucocyte telomere length may not be a promising clinical approach at this age for identifying people who are at risk for periodontitis.

Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS) study: a randomised controlled trial of a baby-led approach to complementary feeding.

BACKGROUND: In 2002, the World Health Organization recommended that the age for starting complementary feeding should be changed from 4 to 6 months of age to 6 months. Although this change in age has generated substantial debate, surprisingly little attention has been paid to whether advice on how to introduce complementary foods should also be changed. It has been proposed that by 6 months of age most infants will have developed sufficient motor skills to be able to feed themselves rather than needing to be spoon-fed by an adult. This has the potential to predispose infants to better growth by fostering better energy self-regulation, however no randomised controlled trials have been conducted to determine the benefits and risks of such a "baby-led" approach to complementary feeding. This is of particular interest given the widespread use of "Baby-Led Weaning" by parents internationally. METHODS/DESIGN: The Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS) study aims to assess the efficacy and acceptability of a modified version of Baby-Led Weaning that has been altered to address potential concerns with iron status, choking and growth faltering. The BLISS study will recruit 200 families from Dunedin, New Zealand, who book into the region's only maternity hospital. Parents will be randomised into an intervention (BLISS) or control group for a 12-month intervention with further follow-up at 24 months of age. Both groups will receive the standard Well Child care provided to all parents in New Zealand. The intervention group will receive additional parent contacts (n = 8) for support and education on BLISS from before birth to 12 months of age. Outcomes of interest include body mass index at 12 months of age (primary outcome), energy self-regulation, iron and zinc intake and status, diet quality, choking, growth faltering and acceptability to parents. DISCUSSION: This study is expected to provide insight into the feasibility of a baby-led approach to complementary feeding and the extent to which this method of feeding affects infant body weight, diet quality and iron and zinc status. Results of this study will provide important information for health care professionals, parents and health policy makers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612001133820 .