Risk Factors for Eating Disorders and Perception of Body in Young Adults Associated with Sex.

(1) Background: The integrated approach to the prevention and treatment of eating disorders (EDs) requires knowledge and can be used only when specific risk factors are known. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in food choices and eating behavior between males and females; (2) Methods: This study comprised 148 females and 27 males aged from 18 to 26-years-old (MEAN ± SD = 21.4 ± 1.86 years old). Information about EDs was obtained from four different measures: the body mass index (BMI), the eating disorder screen for primary care (ESP), a standardized and validated questionnaire called "My Eating Habits" and the food frequency questionnaire with 10 answers (FFQ-10); (3) Results: The risk for developing eating disorders was detected in nearly 67% of respondents. It was also shown that EDs were more common in females and how body weight affected the way individuals feel about themselves. Females showed more unhealthy eating habits, which contributed to dietary restrictions and emotional overeating, as they were also afraid of gaining weight. The frequency of eating meat and drinking alcohol was higher in males, whereas eating legume seeds was less frequent in females. (4) Conclusions: This study opens a new field, which will help health care professionals recognize the problems with eating disorders and treat them based on different sex characteristics.

The Impact of the Method Extraction and Different Carrot Variety on the Carotenoid Profile, Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Properties of Juices.

The study assesses the antioxidant activity (AA), carotenoid profile and total phenolic content (TPC) of carrot juices obtained from three different varieties (black, orange and yellow) and prepared using high- (HSJ) and low-speed juicer (LSJ). The AA assessment was carried out using four assays (DPPH, ABTS, PCL ACW and PCL ACL). The content of carotenoids was conducted by high performance liquid chromatography equipped with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method, while the total phenolic content by the spectrophotometric method. It was shown that orange carrot juices contain more carotenoids than yellow and black carrot juices, approximately ten and three times more, respectively. The total carotenoid content in orange carrot juice made by the HSJ was higher (by over 11%) compared to juice prepared by the LSJ. The highest total phenolic content was noticed in black carrot juices, while the lowest in orange carrot juices. In black carrot juices, a higher range of TPC was found in juices made by HSJ, while in the case of the orange and yellow carrots, the highest content of TPC was detected in juices prepared by the LSJ. AA of the juices was highly dependent on the carrot variety, juice extraction method. The most assays confirmed the highest AA values in black carrot juices. Furthermore, it was shown that the HSJ method is more preferred to obtain orange and yellow carrot juices with higher antioxidant properties, while the LSJ method is more suitable for black carrot juice extraction.

Food aversions and dietary preferences in pre-school children from Olsztyn

Background: The nutrition of pre-school children often does not follow the recommendations, and qualitatively and quantitatively limited selection of products in the diet shapes an attitude of aversion towards new products and dishes. The risk of deficiencies in many important nutrients emerges, particularly in vitamins and mineral components, which can affect the psychophysical development of the child and have an impact on nutritional status and health disorders in adulthood. Objective: Study of dietary preferences in pre-school children and identify possible food aversions. Material and methods: Nutritional preferences of pre-school children in Olsztyn were examined using a questionnaire prepared in a graphic form, presenting images of 40 food products classified into 5 groups, and the acceptance level and knowledge of the product was established. Results: The values of Cole's index proving the proper nutritional status of pre-school children were obtained for about 87% of the examined group, excessive nutrition was observed in more than 4% of the examined group, about 2% of the group demonstrated obesity and mild malnutrition was observed in about 7% of the examined children. A high acceptance rate of sweets and fast-food products by children was observed. A high degree of preference for milk was recorded, as well as traditional and cognitive aversion for kefir. In the group of fruit and vegetables, both a high degree of preference and aversions to all indicated vegetables and fruit were observed. Taste determined the results, with high acceptance for the sweet taste and rejection or a neutral attitude towards sour and bitter products. Conclusions: Food aversions, by reducing the intake of food products, can result in nutritional deficiencies, affecting the psychosomatic development and cognitive abilities of the child. Traditional and cognitive food aversions was observed towards kefir, cheeses and most of vegetables. A high level of preference was observed in relation towards sweet and fast food products and a low acceptance level for selected vegetables, fruits and dairy products.

Natural mineral bottled waters available on the Polish market as a source of minerals for the consumers. Part 2: The intake of sodium and potassium.

Background: Natural mineral waters are purchased and consumed according to consumer preferences and possible recommendations. The choice of appropriate water should take into account not only the general level of mineralization but also the content of individual components, including electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Sodium is necessary to ensure the proper physiological functions of the body. It is defined as a health risk factor only when its excessive intake occurs. Potassium acts antagonistically towards sodium and calcium ions, contributes to a reduction of the volume of extracellular fluids and at the same time reduces muscle tension and permeability of cell membranes. The demand for sodium and potassium is of particular importance in people expending significant physical effort, where an increased electrolyte supply is recommended. Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the content of sodium and potassium in natural mineral waters available in the Polish market and to evaluate the intake of those components with the commercially available mineral waters by different groups of consumers at the assumed volume of their consumption. Material and Methods: The research material consisted of natural mineral waters of forty various brands available on the Polish market. The examined products were either produced in Poland or originated in other European countries. Among the products under examination, about 30% of the waters were imported from Lithuania, Latvia, the Czech Republic, France, Italy and Germany. A sample for analyses consisted of two package units of the examined water from different production lots. Samples for research were collected at random. The study was conducted with the same samples in in which calcium and magnesium content was determined, which was the subject of the first part of the study. The content of sodium and potassium was determined using the emission technique (acetylene-air flame), with the use of atomic absorption spectrometer ­ ICE 3000 SERIES ­ THERMO ­ England, equipped with a GLITE data station, with wavelengths of 589.0 nm and 766.5 nm, respectively. Results: The obtained research results indicate a high differentiation of the content of both sodium and potassium in natural mineral waters available on the Polish market, particularly in medium- and highly-mineralized waters. The consumption of 1 liter of low-mineralized natural mineral water ensures recommendations concerning the amount of sodium intake only in a limited scope, while in case of products of medium and high level of mineralization, it is much diversified. On the other hand, potassium supply with one liter of natural mineral water may ensure no more than several percent of the recommended daily intake of this component. Conclusions: The high diversification of sodium content in natural mineral waters available on the Polish market should encourage the analysis of their composition to avoid health disorders in a given group of consumers. The natural mineral waters examined in the study, at the assumed volume of their daily consumption, are not a good source of potassium for the population groups under analysis.

Natural mineral bottled waters available on the Polish market as a source of minerals for the consumers. Part 1. Calcium and magnesium.

BACKGROUND: Natural mineral waters may be an essential source of calcium, magnesium and other minerals. In bottled waters, minerals occur in an ionized form which is very well digestible. However, the concentration of minerals in underground waters (which constitute the material for the production of bottled waters) varies. In view of the above, the type of water consumed is essential. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to estimate the calcium and magnesium contents in products available on the market and to evaluate calcium and magnesium consumption with natural mineral water by different consumer groups with an assumed volume of the consumed product. MATERIAL AND METHODS: These represented forty different brands of natural mineral available waters on Polish market. These waters were produced in Poland or other European countries. Among the studied products, about 30% of the waters were imported from Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, France, Italy and Germany. The content of calcium and magnesium in mineral waters was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry in an acetylene-air flame. Further determinations were carried out using atomic absorption spectrometer--ICE 3000 SERIES-THERMO-England, equipped with a GLITE data station, background correction (a deuterium lamp) as well as other cathode lamps. RESULTS: Over half of the analysed natural mineral waters were medium-mineralized. The natural mineral waters available on the market can be characterized by a varied content of calcium and magnesium and a high degree of product mineralization does not guarantee significant amounts of these components. Among the natural mineral waters available on the market, only a few feature the optimum calcium-magnesium proportion (2:1). Considering the mineralization degree of the studied products, it can be stated that the largest percentage of products with significant calcium and magnesium contents can be found in the high-mineralized water group. CONCLUSIONS: For some natural mineral waters, the consumption of 1 litre daily may ensure the recommended intake levels of calcium and magnesium in some consumer groups to a considerable degree. For 1-3-year-old children it is recommended to consume less than 1 litre daily of natural mineral waters containing an excess of 700 mg of calcium and 80 mg of magnesium in 1 litre.