Diet quality and nutritional status in children with human immunodeficiency virus.

Background: Poor diet quality in children and adolescents may contribute to decreased immunity and lead to an increased risk of opportunistic diseases. Aim: To investigate diet quality and its relationship to nutritional status in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pediatric patients (HIV-PIHIV). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 87 patients aged between 6 and 19 years carried out in two University Hospitals. Diet quality was analyzed by an adapted Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and nutritional status. The association between HEI with body mass index-for-age (BMI-for-age) and height-for-age was performed using a linear regression model. Clinical, maternal, anthropometric, and dietary data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, based on nutrition service protocols. Results: Diet quality was intermediate (median IAS = 54.8 interquartile range: 47.5 to 65.9 points), due to low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products and high empty calories and sodium by the PPIHIV. The multivariate regression model indicated that HEI was not significant for explaining BMI-for-age [ß = -0.01; 95% CI = (-0.03; 0.01); p 0.40] nor height-for-age [ß = 0.01; 95% CI = (-0.02; 0.03); p 0.51]. However, it was observed that adolescents showed 1 Z-score [95% CI = (-1.6; -0.44); p 0.001] a reduction in BMI-for-age compared with children, and those black patients showed an increase in BMI-for-age Z-score of 0.57 [95% CI = (0.7; 1.1); p 0.03] compared with non-blacks. Conclusion: The diet quality of the HIV-infected children and adolescents was below desired. No association was found between diet quality and inadequate nutritional status of HIV-PIHIV.

Considerações da percepção dos cuidadores diante do cuidado com pacientes com esclerose lateral amiotrófica / Considerations of the caregivers' perception regarding the care of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis / Consideraciones de percepción profesional antes de cuidar a pacientes con esclerosis amiotrófica lateral

Objetivo: Analisar as considerações dos cuidadores de pacientes diagnosticados com esclerose lateral amiotrófica para obtenção de melhor compreensão quanto sua saúde mental. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura de caráter narrativo, realizada através das bases BVS Brasil, BVSalud, Lilacs, Pepsic e site da ABRELA, entre abril e maio de 2020. Foram incluídos artigos no idioma português onde considera-se cuidadores, saúde mental relacionados a pacientes diagnosticados com esclerose lateral amiotrófica. Resultados: Desde os primeiros sintomas de esclerose lateral amiotrófica até o momento da morte, o paciente e seu cuidador, passam por perturbações emocionais e sociais significativas, das quais contribuem negativamente na qualidade de vida de ambos. Os cuidadores, em sua maioria mulheres e parentes, apresentaram níveis de sobrecarga percebida e atenção negligenciada a si mesmos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que os cuidadores necessitam de maiores ferramentas que possibilitem a manutenção de seus aspectos psicológicos, gerando maior qualidade de vida (AU).

Objective: To analyze the caregivers' considerations regarding patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to obtain a better understanding of their mental health. Method: This is an integrative review of the literature of a narrative character, carried out through the VHL Brazil, BVSalud, Lilacs, Pepsic databases and ABRELA, between April and May 2020. Articles in Portuguese were included, including caregivers, mental health related to patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Results: From the first symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to the moment of death, the patient and his caregiver undergo significant emotional and social disturbances, which contribute negatively to the quality of life of both. Caregivers, mostly women and relatives, had levels of perceived overload and neglected attention to themselves. Conclusion: It is concluded that caregivers need greater tools that enable the maintenance of their psychological aspects, generating greater quality of life (AU).

Objetivo: Analizar las consideraciones de los cuidadores de pacientes diagnosticados de esclerosis lateral amiotrófica para conocer mejor su salud mental. Método: Se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura de carácter narrativo, realizada a través de las bases de datos BVS Brasil, BVSalud, Lilacs, Pepsic y sitio web ABRELA, entre abril y mayo de 2020. Se incluyeron artículos en portugués, incluyendo cuidadores, salud mental relacionados con pacientes diagnosticados con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica. Resultados: Desde los primeros síntomas de la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica hasta el momento de la muerte, el paciente y su cuidador sufren importantes trastornos emocionales y sociales, que contribuyen negativamente a la calidad de vida de ambos. Los cuidadores, en su mayoría mujeres y familiares, tenían niveles de sobrecarga percibida y descuidaban la atención hacia ellos mismos. Conclusión: Se concluye que los cuidadores necesitan mayores herramientas que permitan el mantenimiento de sus aspectos psicológicos, generando mayor calidad de vida (AU).

Sodium found in processed cow milk and estimated intake by infants

Abstract Objective: To determine the sodium concentration in cow milk available for sale and to estimate its consumption by infants up to 6 months of age. Methods: Sodium level was determined by flame emission spectrophotometry in eight different lots of five brands of liquid ultra-high temperature milk and three brands of powdered milk. To estimate sodium consumption via cow milk, orientations for exceptional situations when neither breastfeeding nor infant formula is possible were considered. Inferential statistics were performed and results were compared with critical parameters at a 5% significance level. Results: The mean sodium content per portion found in liquid milk (162.5 ± 16.2) mg/200 mL was higher than that in powdered milk (116.8 ± 3.0) mg/26 g. Estimated sodium consumption by infants through powdered milk varied from 149.8 to 224.7% of adequate intake, and via liquid milk can be more than 500% of the adequate intake, reaching 812.4% of it if dilution is not applied. Seven of the eight brands of milk studied had declared, on their labels, that the sodium content was 13-30% lower than that found in chemical analysis. Conclusion: Liquid and powdered whole cow milk have high sodium content, and the content per portion is higher in liquid milk than in powdered milk. The estimated consumption of sodium through these products can far exceed the adequate intake for infants from 0 to 6 months old, even when the recommended dilution and maximum daily volumes are followed.

Sodium found in processed cow milk and estimated intake by infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sodium concentration in cow milk available for sale and to estimate its consumption by infants up to 6 months of age. METHODS: Sodium level was determined by flame emission spectrophotometry in eight different lots of five brands of liquid ultra-high temperature milk and three brands of powdered milk. To estimate sodium consumption via cow milk, orientations for exceptional situations when neither breastfeeding nor infant formula is possible were considered. Inferential statistics were performed and results were compared with critical parameters at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The mean sodium content per portion found in liquid milk (162.5±16.2) mg/200mL was higher than that in powdered milk (116.8±3.0) mg/26g. Estimated sodium consumption by infants through powdered milk varied from 149.8 to 224.7% of adequate intake, and via liquid milk can be more than 500% of the adequate intake, reaching 812.4% of it if dilution is not applied. Seven of the eight brands of milk studied had declared, on their labels, that the sodium content was 13-30% lower than that found in chemical analysis. CONCLUSION: Liquid and powdered whole cow milk have high sodium content, and the content per portion is higher in liquid milk than in powdered milk. The estimated consumption of sodium through these products can far exceed the adequate intake for infants from 0 to 6 months old, even when the recommended dilution and maximum daily volumes are followed.

High abdominal adiposity and low phase angle in overweight renal transplant recipients.

Obesity is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Body mass index (BMI) is the most used parameter for obesity screening. However, the evaluation of CVD risk in overweight individuals should include the assessment of body fat distribution and body composition. Renal transplant recipients (RTR) have a high CVD risk and frequently present weight gain and loss of lean mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate body fat distribution and body composition in overweight RTR. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 86 RTR and 86 hypertensive individuals (comparison group, CG) presenting BMI 25-35 Kg/m2 and 45-70 years. Anthropometric evaluation included BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and a body shape index. Body composition was evaluated with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Glomerular filtration rate was estimated (eGFR) by CKD-EPI equation. RTR group (RTRG) and CG presented similar age and BMI. RTRG when compared to CG presented lower percentage of women and eGFR; higher central adiposity; and lower values of reactance, intracellular water, body cell mass and phase angle, more consistently observed in women. This study suggests that overweight RTR present higher abdominal adiposity and impairment in BIA parameters that are sensitive indicators of impaired membrane integrity, water distribution, and body cell mass.

Serum Uric Acid Levels are Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Healthy Young and Middle-Aged Adults / Os Níveis Séricos de Ácido Úrico estão Associados a Fatores de Risco Cardiometabólico em Adultos Jovens e de Meia-Idade Saudáveis

Abstract Background: Observational studies have highlighted an association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and cardiovascular risk factors. Despite the growing body of evidences, several studies were conducted in older individuals or in carriers of diseases susceptible to affect SUA levels and cardiometabolic risk markers. Objective: To evaluate the relationship of SUA with body adiposity, metabolic profile, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, blood pressure and endothelial function in healthy young and middle-aged adults. Methods: 149 Brazilian adults aged 20-55 years, both sexes, underwent evaluation of body adiposity, SUA, fasting glucose and insulin, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), adiponectin, blood pressure and endothelial function. Endothelial function was assessed by the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) derived from peripheral arterial tonometry method. Participants were allocated in two groups according to SUA levels: control group (CG; n = 130; men ≤ 7 mg/dL, women ≤ 6 mg/dL) and hyperuricemia group (HG; n = 19; men > 7 mg/dL, women > 6 mg/dL). A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After adjustment for confounders, participants in HG compared with those in CG displayed higher body mass index (BMI): 34.15(33.36-37.19) vs.31.80 (26.26-34.42) kg/m2,p = 0.008, higher MDA: 4.67(4.03-5.30) vs. 3.53(3.10-4.07) ng/mL, p < 0.0001 and lower RHI: 1.68 ± 0.30 vs. 2.05 ± 0.46, p = 0.03). In correlation analysis adjusted for confounders, SUA was positively associated (p < 0.05) with BMI, waist circumference, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and MDA, and negatively associated (p < 0.05) with HDL-cholesterol, adiponectin and RHI. Conclusions: This study suggests that in healthy young and middle-aged adults higher SUA levels are associated with higher body adiposity, unfavorable lipid and inflammatory phenotype, higher oxidative stress and impaired endothelial function.

Resumo Fundamento: Estudos observacionais têm destacado uma associação entre níveis de ácido úrico sérico (AUS) e fatores de risco cardiovascular. Apesar do crescente conjunto de evidências, vários estudos foram realizados em indivíduos mais velhos ou em portadores de doenças passíveis de influenciar os níveis de AUS e marcadores de risco cardiometabólico. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação do AUS com adiposidade corporal, perfil metabólico, estresse oxidativo, biomarcadores de inflamação, pressão arterial e função endotelial em adultos jovens e de meia-idade saudáveis. Métodos: 149 adultos, brasileiros, com idades entre 20 e 55 anos, de ambos os sexos, foram submetidos a avaliação de adiposidade corporal, AUS, glicose e insulina de jejum, perfil lipídico, malondialdeído (MDA), proteína C-reativa ultra-sensível (PCR-us), adiponectina, pressão arterial e função endotelial. A função endotelial foi avaliada pelo índice de hiperemia reativa (RHI) derivado do método de tonometria arterial periférica. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com os níveis de AUS: grupo de controle (GC; n = 130; homens ≤ 7 mg/dL, mulheres ≤ 6mg/dL) e grupo de hiperuricemia (GH; n = 19; homens > 7mg/dL, mulheres > 6mg/dL). Valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Após ajuste para fatores de confundimento, os participantes do GH comparados aos do GC apresentaram índice de massa corporal (IMC) mais alto: 34,15 (33,36-37,19) vs. 31,80 (26,26-34,42) kg/m2, p = 0,008, MDA mais alto: 4,67(4,03-5,30) vs. 3,53(3,10-4,07) ng/mL, p < 0,0001 e RHI mais baixo: 1,68 ± 0,30 vs. 2,05 ± 0,46, p = 0,03. Na análise de correlação ajustada para fatores de confundimento, o AUS se associou positivamente (p < 0,05) com IMC, circunferência da cintura, LDL colesterol, triglicérides e MDA, e se associou negativamente (p < 0,05) com HDL colesterol, adiponectina e RHI. Conclusões: Este estudo sugere que, em adultos jovens e de meia-idade saudáveis, níveis mais altos de AUS estão associados a maior adiposidade corporal, fenótipo inflamatório e de lipídios desfavorável, maior estresse oxidativo e função endotelial comprometida.

Serum Uric Acid Levels are Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Healthy Young and Middle-Aged Adults.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies have highlighted an association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and cardiovascular risk factors. Despite the growing body of evidences, several studies were conducted in older individuals or in carriers of diseases susceptible to affect SUA levels and cardiometabolic risk markers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship of SUA with body adiposity, metabolic profile, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, blood pressure and endothelial function in healthy young and middle-aged adults. METHODS: 149 Brazilian adults aged 20-55 years, both sexes, underwent evaluation of body adiposity, SUA, fasting glucose and insulin, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), adiponectin, blood pressure and endothelial function. Endothelial function was assessed by the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) derived from peripheral arterial tonometry method. Participants were allocated in two groups according to SUA levels: control group (CG; n = 130; men ≤ 7 mg/dL, women ≤ 6 mg/dL) and hyperuricemia group (HG; n = 19; men > 7 mg/dL, women > 6 mg/dL). A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounders, participants in HG compared with those in CG displayed higher body mass index (BMI): 34.15(33.36-37.19) vs.31.80 (26.26-34.42) kg/m2,p = 0.008, higher MDA: 4.67(4.03-5.30) vs. 3.53(3.10-4.07) ng/mL, p < 0.0001 and lower RHI: 1.68 ± 0.30 vs. 2.05 ± 0.46, p = 0.03). In correlation analysis adjusted for confounders, SUA was positively associated (p < 0.05) with BMI, waist circumference, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and MDA, and negatively associated (p < 0.05) with HDL-cholesterol, adiponectin and RHI. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that in healthy young and middle-aged adults higher SUA levels are associated with higher body adiposity, unfavorable lipid and inflammatory phenotype, higher oxidative stress and impaired endothelial function.

No difference in acute effects of supplemental v. dietary calcium on blood pressure and microvascular function in obese women challenged with a high-fat meal: a cross-over randomised study.

Recent studies suggest that supplemental Ca (SC) increases the risk of cardiovascular events, whereas dietary Ca (DC) decreases the risk of cardiovascular events. Although frequently consumed with meals, it remains unclear whether Ca can mitigate or aggravate the deleterious effects of a high-fat meal on cardiovascular risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SC or DC on blood pressure (BP) and microvascular function (MVF) in the postprandial period in obese women challenged with a high-fat meal. In this cross-over controlled trial, sixteen obese women aged 20-50 years were randomly assigned to receive three test meals (2908 kJ (695 kcal); 48 % fat): high DC (HDCM; 547 mg DC), high SC (HSCM; 500 mg SC-calcium carbonate) and low Ca (LCM; 42 mg DC). BP was continuously evaluated from 15 min before to 120 min after meals by digital photoplethysmography. Before and 120 min after meals, participants underwent evaluation of serum Ca and microvascular flow after postocclusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) by laser speckle contrast imaging. Ionised serum Ca rose significantly only after HSCM. Systolic BP increased after the three meals, whereas diastolic BP increased after LCM and HDCM. Hyperaemia peak, hyperaemia amplitude and AUC evaluated after PORH decreased with LCM. After HDCM, there was a reduction in hyperaemia peak and hyperaemia amplitude, whereas HSCM decreased only hyperaemia peak. However, comparative analyses of the effects of three test meals on serum Ca, BP and MVF revealed no significant meal×time interaction. This study suggests that in obese women SC and DC do not interfere with the effects of a high-fat meal on BP and MVF.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with insulin resistance independent of intracellular calcium, dietary calcium and serum levels of parathormone, calcitriol and calcium in premenopausal women / La deficiencia de vitamina D se asocia con resistencia a la insulina independiente del calcio intracelular, el calcio de la dieta y los niveles séricos de hormona paratiroidea, calcitriol y calcio en mujeres premenopáusicas

Background: There is evidence that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is not known if this association is independent of dietary calcium, intracellular calcium and serum levels of parathormone, calcitriol and calcium. Objectives: To investigate the independent relationship of vitamin D deficiency with insulin resistance, lipid profile, inflammatory status, blood pressure and endothelial function. Method: Cross-sectional study conducted with 73 healthy Brazilian premenopausal women aged 18-50 years. All participants were evaluated for: 25 hydroxyvitamin D serum levels, anthropometric parameters, body composition, calcium metabolism, insulin resistance, lipoprotein profile, inflammatory status, blood pressure and endothelial function. Endothelial function was assessed by reactive hyperemia index using Endo-PAT 2000®. Women were stratified in two groups: with vitamin D deficiency (25 hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/ml; n=12) and without vitamin D deficiency (25 hydroxyvitamin D ≥ 20 ng/ml; n=61). Results and discussion: Participants with vitamin D deficiency compared with those without deficiency of this vitamin had significantly higher levels of glucose (88.25 ± 3.24 vs. 80.15 ± 1.13 mg/dl), greater HOMA-IR (6.43 ± 0.73 vs. 4.42 ± 0.25) and lower reactive hyperemia index (1.68 ± 0.1 vs. 2.17 ± 0.1). After adjustments for confounding factors including age, body mass index, waist circumference, dietary calcium, intracellular calcium and serum levels of parathormone, calcitriol and calcium differences between groups remained significant, regarding glucose and HOMA-IR. Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with insulin resistance independent of dietary calcium, intracellular calcium and serum levels of parathormone, calcitriol and calcium in healthy premenopausal women (AU)

Introducción: Hay evidencias de que la deficiencia de vitamina D se asocia con mayor riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. Sin embargo, no se sabe si esta asociación es independiente de calcio en la dieta, el calcio intracelular y los niveles séricos de hormona paratiroidea, calcitriol y calcio. Objetivos: investigar la relación independiente de la deficiencia de vitamina D con resistencia a la insulina, el perfil lipídico, el estado inflamatorio, la presión arterial y la función endotelial. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado con 73 mujeres pre menopáusicas sanas brasileñas con edad 18-50 años. Todos los participantes fueron evaluados para: niveles séricos de 25 hidroxivitamina D, parámetros antropométricos, la composición corporal, metabolismo del calcio, resistencia a la insulina, el perfil de lipoproteínas, estado inflamatorio, la presión arterial y la función endotelial. La función endotelial fue evaluada por el índice de hiperemia reactiva mediante el uso de Endo-PAT 2000®. Las mujeres fueron estratificados en dos grupos: con deficiencia de vitamina D (25 hidroxivitamina D <20 ng / ml; n = 12) y sin deficiencia de vitamina D (25 hidroxivitamina D ≥ 20 ng / ml; n = 61). Resultados y Discusión: Los participantes con deficiencia de vitamina D en comparación con aquellos sin deficiencia de esta vitamina tenían niveles significativamente más altos de glucosa (88.25 ± 3.24 vs. 80.15 ± 1.13 mg/dl), mayor índice HOMA-IR (6.43 ± 0.73 vs. 4.42 ± 0.25) y menor índice de hiperemia reactiva (1.68 ± 0.1 vs. 2.17 ± 0.1). Después de los ajustes por factores de confusión como la edad, índice de masa corporal, circunferencia de la cintura, el calcio en la dieta, el calcio intracelular y los niveles séricos de hormona paratiroidea, calcitriol y calcio las diferencias entre los grupos siguieron siendo significativas, con respecto a la glucosa y el HOMA-IR. Conclusiones: Los resultados del presente estudio sugieren que la deficiencia de vitamina D se asocia con resistencia a la insulina independiente de calcio en la dieta, el calcio intracelular y los niveles séricos de hormona paratiroidea, calcitriol y calcio en mujeres pre menopáusicas sanas (AU)

Vitamin d deficiency is associated with insulin resistance independent of intracellular calcium, dietary calcium and serum levels of parathormone, calcitriol and calcium in premenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is not known if this association is independent of dietary calcium, intracellular calcium and serum levels of parathormone, calcitriol and calcium. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the independent relationship of vitamin D deficiency with insulin resistance, lipid profile, inflammatory status, blood pressure and endothelial function. METHOD: Cross-sectional study conducted with 73 healthy Brazilian premenopausal women aged 18 - 50 years. All participants were evaluated for: 25 hydroxyvitamin D serum levels, anthropometric parameters, body composition, calcium metabolism, insulin resistance, lipoprotein profile, inflammatory status, blood pressure and endothelial function. Endothelial function was assessed by reactive hyperemia index using Endo-PAT 2000®. Women were stratified in two groups: with vitamin D deficiency (25 hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/ml; n=12) and without vitamin D deficiency (25 hydroxyvitamin D ≥ 20 ng/ml; n=61). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Participants with vitamin D deficiency compared with those without deficiency of this vitamin had significantly higher levels of glucose (88.25 ± 3.24 vs. 80.15 ± 1.13 mg/dl), greater HOMA-IR (6.43 ± 0.73 vs. 4.42 ± 0.25) and lower reactive hyperemia index (1.68 ± 0.1 vs. 2.17 ± 0.1). After adjustments for confounding factors including age, body mass index, waist circumference, dietary calcium, intracellular calcium and serum levels of parathormone, calcitriol and calcium differences between groups remained significant, regarding glucose and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with insulin resistance independent of dietary calcium, intracellular calcium and serum levels of parathormone, calcitriol and calcium in healthy premenopausal women.

Introducción: Hay evidencias de que la deficiencia de vitamina D se asocia con mayor riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. Sin embargo, no se sabe si esta asociación es independiente de calcio en la dieta, el calcio intracelular y los niveles séricos de hormona paratiroidea, calcitriol y calcio. Objetivos: investigar la relación independiente de la deficiencia de vitamina D con resistencia a la insulina, el perfil lipídico, el estado inflamatorio, la presión arterial y la función endotelial. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado con 73 mujeres pre menopáusicas sanas brasileñas con edad 18-50 años. Todos los participantes fueron evaluados para: niveles séricos de 25 hidroxivitamina D, parámetros antropométricos, la composición corporal, metabolismo del calcio, resistencia a la insulina, el perfil de lipoproteínas, estado inflamatorio, la presión arterial y la función endotelial. La función endotelial fue evaluada por el índice de hiperemia reactiva mediante el uso de Endo-PAT 2000®. Las mujeres fueron estratificados en dos grupos: con deficiencia de vitamina D (25 hidroxivitamina D.

Dietary counseling on long-term weight loss in overweight hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate long-term weight loss in overweight hypertensive patients receiving dietary counseling. METHODS: Longitudinal study included overweight hypertensive patients who had an initial individual consultation with a nutritionist between January 2002 and December 2005 and were followed for four years in a hypertension clinic. Patients who had at least four consultations during the follow-up period were included in the dietary counseling group. Those who scheduled their first consultation but missed that appointment or had fewer than four consultations during the follow-up period were allocated to the control group. Target Energy intake was calculated at 20-25 kcal/kg actual body weight/day. RESULTS: The study included 102 patients aged 55 ± 1 years old (58 in the dietary counseling group). As compared with the control group, patients in the dietary counseling group showed a significantly greater reduction in body weight (-3.6 ± 0.8 vs. 0.8 ± 0.7 kg), which remained significant after controlling for age, gender, baseline body mass index, and the use of different antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs. Weight loss between 5.0% and 9.9% was observed in a significantly higher percentage of patients in the dietary counseling group (28% vs. 11%). A weight loss of at least 10% was only observed in dietary counseling group patients, who had a significantly lower odds ratio for increasing the number and/or dosage of antihypertensive agents, even after controlling for age, gender, and baseline body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary counseling may be associated with long-term weight loss in overweight hypertensive patients.

Dietary calcium intake and its relationship with adiposity and metabolic profile in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: An inverse relation between dietary calcium and adiposity has been found in several epidemiologic studies. Recent evidence has also suggested that a calcium-rich diet may have beneficial effects on insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. This study aimed to evaluate the association of dietary calcium intake with global adiposity, abdominal obesity, and metabolic profile in hypertensive patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 85 hypertensive patients 25 to 70 y old underwent clinical, dietary, anthropometric, and biochemical evaluations. Participants were stratified into the following two groups according to their usual dietary calcium intake: low calcium group (<800 mg/d) and high calcium group (≥800 mg/d). RESULTS: Fifty-seven participants (11 men and 46 women) were included in the final analyses. Subjects in the low calcium group compared with those in the high calcium group exhibited significantly higher levels of body mass index and percentage of body fat after adjustments for variables that could interfere with those adiposity parameters (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). Patients in the high calcium group had a lower odds ratio for prevalent obesity than those in the low calcium group, even after controlling for potential confounders (P = 0.01). No significant differences were found in abdominal adiposity and metabolic profile between the two groups. Using data from all patients, an inverse and significant association was observed between dietary calcium intake and percentage of body fat, and it remained after controlling for confounders (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that, in hypertensive patients, higher dietary calcium intake could be associated with lower global adiposity.

Dietary counseling on long-term weight loss in overweight hypertensive patients

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate long-term weight loss in overweight hypertensive patients receiving dietary counseling. METHODS: Longitudinal study included overweight hypertensive patients who had an initial individual consultation with a nutritionist between January 2002 and December 2005 and were followed for four years in a hypertension clinic. Patients who had at least four consultations during the follow-up period were included in the dietary counseling group. Those who scheduled their first consultation but missed that appointment or had fewer than four consultations during the follow-up period were allocated to the control group. Target Energy intake was calculated at 20-25 kcal/kg actual body weight/day. RESULTS: The study included 102 patients aged 55 + 1 years old (58 in the dietary counseling group). As compared with the control group, patients in the dietary counseling group showed a significantly greater reduction in body weight (-3.6 + 0.8 vs. 0.8 + 0.7 kg), which remained significant after controlling for age, gender, baseline body mass index, and the use of different antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs. Weight loss between 5.0 percent and 9.9 percent was observed in a significantly higher percentage of patients in the dietary counseling group (28 percent vs. 11 percent). A weight loss of at least 10 percent was only observed in dietary counseling group patients, who had a significantly lower odds ratio for increasing the number and/or dosage of antihypertensive agents, even after controlling for age, gender, and baseline body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary counseling may be associated with long-term weight loss in overweight hypertensive patients.