Assessment of the Impact of Nutritional Intervention with the Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v on Nutritional Status and Quality of Life of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patients-A Randomized Double-Blind Study Protocol.

The current treatment for the autoimmune disease of hypothyroidism (AIDH) is based on pharmacotherapy with levothyroxine. A non-pharmacological supplementary element of therapy could be the implementation of an individualized balanced diet and probiotics. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v), with its anti-inflammatory effects, may also support the therapy. However, the number of studies on personalized dietary interventions with probiotics in AIDH is limited, and no clear conclusions can be drawn from the results so far. Therefore, this trial will analyze the effect of Lp299v supplementation in conjunction with nutrition education on the quality of life and nutritional status of patients with Hashimoto's. Methods: This double-blind, 12-week intervention study will include 100 female patients with AIDH. They will be divided into two groups: (1) individual personalized nutrition education + Lp299v and (2) individual personalized nutrition education + placebo. Before and after the education intervention, selected elements in the diet, eating behavior, quality of life, nutritional status (anthropometric parameters, body composition), blood pressure, and anti-TPO (antibodies against thyroid peroxidase) titer will be assessed. Hypothesis: It is expected that this study will provide deeper knowledge on the validity of using proper nutritional principles and Lp299v in AIDH. Specifically, the impact on the subjective assessment of the quality of life, selected elements in the diet, and the state of nutrition and health will be assessed.

The Influence of Nutritional Intervention in the Treatment of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis-A Systematic Review.

Diet can be a complementary treatment for Hashimoto's disease by affecting thyroid function and anti-inflammatory properties. It is still unclear which dietary strategy would be the most beneficial. The aim of this systematic review is to examine all the data currently available in the literature on the effects of nutritional intervention on biochemical parameters (anti-thyroid antibody and thyroid hormones levels) and characteristic symptoms in the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This systematic review was prepared based on PRISMA guidelines. Articles in PubMed and Scopus databases published up to November 2022 were searched. As a result of the selection, out of 1350 publications, 9 were included for further analysis. The nutritional interventions included the following: elimination of gluten (3 articles) or lactose (1 article), energy restriction with or without excluding selected foods (n = 2), consumption of Nigella sativa (n = 2), or dietary iodine restriction (n = 1). The intervention duration ranged from 21 days to 12 months and included individuals with various thyroid function. Of the nine studies, three studies were female only. An improvement was observed during an energy deficit and after the elimination of selected ingredients (e.g., gluten, lactose, or goitrogens), as well as after the intervention of Nigella sativa. These interventions improved antibody levels against peroxidase (anti-TPO), (thyrotropin) TSH, and free thyroxine (fT4). No improvement was seen on the iodine-restricted diet. Varied outcomes of analyzed dietary interventions may be due to the heterogeneous thyroid condition, high variability between patients, and differences in habitual intake of critical nutrients (e.g., iodine, selenium, and iron) in different populations. Therefore, there is a great need for further experimental studies to determine whether any nutritional interventions are beneficial in Hashimoto's disease.

The Association between the Type of Delivery and Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice among Polish Women-A Cross-Sectional Study.

The type of delivery influences breastfeeding, both in terms of initiation and duration. The aim of the study was to determine the association between the type of delivery and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice among Polish women. Data on sociodemographic variables, pre-pregnancy weight, height, course of pregnancy, type of delivery and duration of breastfeeding were collected using a Computer-Assisted Web Interview. Of the 1024 breastfeeding women who participated in the study, 59.9% gave birth vaginally and 40.1% gave birth by caesarean section. The chance of starting EBF [OR: 0.478; 95% Cl: 0.274, 0.832] and continuing it for four months [OR: 0.836; 95% Cl: 0.569, 0.949] was lower in the case of caesarean delivery. Starting EBF was negatively affected by pre-pregnancy overweight status and obesity in the case of caesarean delivery. EBF practice for four months was negatively affected by age [18-24 years and 25-34 years], elementary education and average income [2001-4000 PLN] in the case of caesarean delivery. A negative impact on the chance of EBF for six months was also observed for younger age [18-24 years], elementary and secondary education and average income [2001-4000 PLN] in the case of caesarean delivery. There was no association between starting EBF and age, net income, place of living, pregnancy complications or the child's birth weight category in the case of both subgroups, as well as between education and previous pregnancies in the case of vaginal delivery. These results suggest that women who deliver by caesarean section need additional breastfeeding support.

Nutritional Education Is an Effective Tool in Improving Beverage Assortment in Nurseries in Poland.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of education on improving the assortment of beverages served in nurseries in Poland. This analysis focused on beverages served to children with meals and between meals. We examined: water, tea, juices, soft/fruit drinks, compote, milk, cocoa, and coffee substitute. The study involved 93 nurseries enrolled in the Eating Healthy, Growing Healthy project and was conducted from 2015 to 2017. Nutritional education was carried out by dieticians or nutritionists and included 24 h of lectures given to the staff of nurseries. Training was conducted in a form of workshops that were divided into 12 topics. Additionally, consultations regarding infants and young children nutrition were available to the staff. Typically, education training was completed within 1-2 months in each nursery. The effectiveness of education was verified based on data on beverage supply in 186 ten-day menus, 1860 daily inventory reports before (at baseline), and 3-6 months after staff training (post baseline). Data were analyzed in a total group, and separately for public and non-public nurseries. Statistical analyses for categorical variables were done with Chi2 Pearson test. The differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. After education, a significant increase in the supply of water as a beverage served with meals was observed in all nurseries (68% vs. 87%; p = 0.002), both in public (72% vs. 90%, p = 0.036) and non-public (62% vs. 84%, p = 0.017) ones. Moreover, a decrease in served tea was noted: in all nurseries (71% vs. 44%, p < 0.001) and in public nurseries (77% vs. 42%, p < 0.001). Water was available between meals in almost all nurseries. Nutritional education for staff is an important tool for improving adherence to the nutritional recommendation in the case of core beverage supply in Polish nurseries.

Impact of Lifestyle Intervention Programs for Children and Adolescents with Overweight or Obesity on Body Weight and Selected Cardiometabolic Factors-A Systematic Review.

Excessive body mass is a health problem among children and adolescents that contributes to the occurrence of lipid disorders and abnormal blood pressure. Effective treatment of excessive body mass in children is essential for the health of population in the future. The aim of the study was to identify universal components of lifestyle interventions in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity leading to weight loss and improvement of selected cardiometabolic parameters. The review included studies from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases published in 2010-2019, which were analyzed for eligibility criteria including age of the participants, BMI defined as overweight or obese, nutritional intervention and the assessment of BMI and/or BMI z-score and at least one lipid profile parameter. Eighteen studies were included in the review, presenting the results of 23 intervention programs in which a total of 1587 children and adolescents participated. All interventions, except one, were multi-component. Data analysis suggests a relationship between a decrease in BMI and/or BMI z-score with diet and physical activity, the involvement of a dietician/nutrition specialist and physician in the treatment team and a longer duration of intervention. Moreover, it seems that a decrease in BMI is mostly associated with decreases in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure. No change in BMI and/or BMI z-score is associated with no change in blood pressure. Our data can be used by public health authorities to design effective weight loss programs for children and adolescents.

Intake of Dietary Salicylates from Herbs and Spices among Adult Polish Omnivores and Vegans.

There is a growing body of evidence that a diet rich in bioactive compounds from herbs and spices has the ability to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The consumption of herbs and spices is often overlooked in the studies on food intake. However, measurement of dietary intake of these products, as a source of bioactive compounds, including salicylates, has recently gained much significance. The aims of the study were (i) to assess the intake of herbs and spices at the individual level and (ii) to calculate the dietary salicylates intake from herbs and spices among adult omnivores and vegans. The study group consisted of 270 adults aged 19 to 67 years, including 205 women and 65 men. Among all, 208 individuals were following an omnivorous diet while 62 were vegans. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was designed to assess the habitual intake of 61 fresh and dried herbs and spices during the preceding three months. The five most frequently eaten herbs among omnivores were parsley, garlic, dill, marjoram and basil, while among vegans they were garlic, parsley, ginger, basil and dill. An average intake of all condiments included in the study was 22.4 ± 18.4 g/day and 25.8 ± 25.9 g/day for both omnivores and vegans, respectively (p = 0.007). Estimated medial salicylates intake was significantly higher among vegans (p = 0.000) and reached 5.82 mg/week vs. 3.13 mg/week for omnivores. Our study confirmed that herbs and spices are important sources of salicylates; however, the type of diet influenced their level in the diet. Vegans consume significantly more total salicylates than omnivores.

Dissatisfaction with Body Weight among Polish Adolescents Is Related to Unhealthy Dietary Behaviors.

The aims of the study were to determine the socio-demographic factors that may affect body weight dissatisfaction and to analyze the relationship between eating habits and dissatisfaction with body weight among a national random sample of Polish adolescents aged 13-19 years. Data on gender, age, level of education, body weight status, screen time, body weight satisfaction and selected nutritional behaviors were collected using a questionnaire. Body mass status was assessed based on weight and height measurements. A total of 14,044 students from 207 schools participated in the study. A significant effect of gender, age, level of education, body weight status and screen time status on the participants' dissatisfaction with the body weight was observed. The greater prevalence of body weight satisfaction was observed among boys, younger subjects, secondary school students, adolescents with normal body weight status and those with screen time up to 2 h. Whereas girls, older study participants (17-19 years old), overweight/obese adolescents and subjects with screen time over 4 h were more often dissatisfied with body weight. Furthermore, it has been shown that participants dissatisfied with their body weight less often met dietary recommendations. These findings can help dietitians, nutritionists and healthcare professionals to provide age-specific and gender-specific nutrition strategies to promote healthy lifestyle among school-going adolescents.

The Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Food Insecurity in Poland.

While food insecurity (FI) has been extensively studied in many countries, there have been few empirical contributions in Poland to date. The main objective of our research was to identify the socio-demographic factors affecting the risk of FI in Poland within 2014-2019. Moreover, we aimed to examine the effects of the family-oriented social program "Family 500+" by comparing the situation in various types of households with children a few years before and after the program was launched. The analysis was based on the set of eight-item FI indicators adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization using the Gallup World Poll nationally representative survey data. Based on our results the most vulnerable groups in the context of FI were identified. We confirmed the importance of education, gender, age, marital status, household composition, status of employment and income in preventing FI. The effectiveness of the support program in reducing FI was demonstrated as households with at least three children experienced significant improvement in the FI status during the studied years. These findings should be especially important in the context of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FI. As FI can affect the quality and quantity of food choices it is associated with a poorer health status, which increases the risk of infection, including COVID-19, and worsens recovery prognosis. Planning an efficient response to the pandemic requires a comprehension of the increased risk of exposure experienced by people, especially those who are food insecure.

Reduced Screen Time is Associated with Healthy Dietary Behaviors but Not Body Weight Status among Polish Adolescents. Report from the Wise Nutrition-Healthy Generation Project.

Screen time (ST) not only affects physical activity but can also be associated with dietary behaviors. Both of these factors determine the health and development of adolescents. The aims of the study were: 1. to analyze the relationship between ST and nutritional behaviors among adolescents; 2. to examine this association in relation to body weight status. Data on the ST duration and nutritional behaviors were collected using a questionnaire. Body mass status was assessed based on weight and height measurements. A total of 14,044 students aged 13-19 years old from 207 schools participated in the study. A significant relationship between ST and gender, age and type of school was observed, but not body weight status. The average ST duration increased with age (from 2.6 h among 13 years old to 3.2 h among 19 years old), and was significantly higher among boys in all age categories (2.7 h vs. 2.5 h in the youngest age group, and 3.5 h vs. 3.0 h in the oldest age group, respectively). The chance for meeting the recommendation for ST in a group of girls (regardless of age) was almost 50% higher compared to boys. Meeting ST recommendation (≤2 h) was associated with a greater odds ratio for favorable nutritional behaviors in the whole group, with exception of drinking milk or milk beverages, and significantly reduced the odds ratio of adverse dietary behaviors (drinking sweet beverages, consumption of sweets and fast food) in the whole group and by gender. More research is needed to clarify the possible cause-and-effect relationships between ST and dietary behaviors.

Eating Healthy, Growing Healthy: Outcome Evaluation of the Nutrition Education Program Optimizing the Nutritional Value of Preschool Menus, Poland.

Staff education can improve the quality of nutrition in childcare centers, but an objective assessment of the change is necessary to assess its effectiveness. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the multicomponent educational program for improving the nutritional value of preschools menus in Poland measured by the change in nutrients content before (baseline) and 3-6 months after education (post-baseline). A sample of 10 daily menus and inventory reports reflecting foods and beverages served in 231 full-board government-sponsored preschools was analyzed twice: at baseline and post-baseline (in total 4620 inventory reports). The changes in 1. the supply of nutrients per 1 child per day; 2. the nutrient-to-energy ratio of menus; 3. the number of preschools serving menus consistent with the healthy diet recommendations, were assessed. Education resulted in favorable changes in the supply of energy, fat and saturated fatty acids. The nutrient-to-energy ratio for vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, folate and minerals Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc increased significantly. The percentage of preschools implementing the recommendations for energy, share of fat, saturated fatty acids and sucrose as well as calcium, iron and potassium increased significantly. However, no beneficial effects of education on the content of iodine, potassium, vitamin D and folate were observed. This study indicates the potentially beneficial effect of education in optimizing the quality of the menu in preschools. However, the magnitude of change is still not sufficient to meet the nutritional standards for deficient nutrients.

Nutritional Behaviors of Polish Adolescents: Results of the Wise Nutrition-Healthy Generation Project.

BACKGROUND: Recognition of the dominant dietary behaviors with respect to gender and specific age groups can be helpful in the development of targeted and effective nutritional education. The purpose of the study was to analyze the prevalence of the selected eating behaviors (favorable: Consuming breakfasts, fruit, vegetables, milk and milk beverages, whole grain bread and fish; adverse: Regular consumption of sweets, sugared soft drinks and fast-foods) among Polish adolescents. METHODS: Data on the nutritional behaviors were collected using a questionnaire. Body mass status was assessed based on weight and height measurements. RESULTS: 14,044 students aged 13-19 years old from 207 schools participated in the study. Significant differences were found in the nutritional behaviors depending on age, gender and nutritional status. Favorable nutritional behaviors corresponded with each other, the same relationship was observed for adverse behaviors. The frequency of the majority of healthy eating behaviors decreased with age, whereas the incidence of adverse dietary behaviors increased with age. Underweight adolescents more often consumed sugared soft drinks, sweets and fast food compared to their peers with normal and excessive body mass. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of adolescents showed unhealthy nutritional behaviors. Showing changes in the incidence of nutritional behaviors depending on age, gender and body weight status, we provide data that can inform the development of dietary interventions tailored to promote specific food groups among adolescents on different stages of development to improve their diet quality.

Types of Milk and/or Its Substitutes Are Given to Children (6⁻36 Months) in Nurseries in Poland: Data from the Research and Education Project "Eating Healthy, Growing Healthy".

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the types of milk and/or its substitutes given to children (aged 6⁻36 months) in nurseries in Poland. Methods: The study was conducted in 211 nurseries across Poland. The supply of milk and its substitutes was checked in ten-day menus and inventory documents. In total, 211 ten-day menus and 2110 daily inventory reports were analyzed. Additionally, data were obtained by interviews with day-care center (DCC) directors and/or staff responsible for nutrition. Results: Compared to non-public nurseries, public ones were characterized by a higher average number of children, most often maintained their own kitchens, and charged a lower financial fee. Public DCCs also more often employed dietitians. The type of milk and its substitutes offered to children in nurseries was dependent on the age of the children and type of DCC. In a larger percentage of public DCCs infants received a milk formula, and in smaller percentage they received breast milk. This regularity also occurred in older children's diets (13⁻36 months). In toddlers' diets in public nurseries, cow's milk was more common. The share of other milk substitutes in the nutrition of children from both age groups was negligible. Conclusion: The types of milk given to children in nurseries in Poland varied and depended on the age of children and the type of DCCs. It is necessary to provide education to DCC staff regarding the type of milk recommended for children under one year of age.

Impact of Nutrition Education on the Compliance with Model Food Ration in 231 Preschools, Poland: Results of Eating Healthy, Growing Healthy Program.

To ensure the adequate supply of nutrients, a model food ration (MFR) should be used for planning the menu. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of the nutrition education program on the compliance with MFR in 231 preschools. The average supply of food products (per child/day) with reference to the MFR was examined on the baseline and 3 to 6 months after education on the basis of 10-day menus and daily inventory reports (4620 in total). According to the recommendations, preschool should implement 70⁻75% of the recommended daily intake standards. Examined menus had too high content of meat and meat products, whereas vegetables, milk and fermented milk beverages, cottage cheese and eggs were served in scarce. Education significantly reduced the amount of meat (47.7 vs. 44.5 g), processed meat (16.2 vs. 14.4 g), sugar and sweets (15.9 vs. 14.4 g) and increased the amount of cereals, groats, rice (17.7 vs. 18.5 g), vegetables (164.3 vs. 170.8 g), milk and fermented milk beverages (200.3 vs. 209.5 g) but the compliance with the MFR remained poor. The evaluation of menus stressed the need for further modifying their composition. Education can positively affect the quality of nutrition; however, introduction of the legal nutritional regulations should be recommended.

Eating Healthy, Growing Healthy: Impact of a Multi-Strategy Nutrition Education on the Assortments of Beverages Served in Preschools, Poland.

Day-care centers are the ideal place for conducting nutrition intervention to improve children’s nutrition. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-strategy childcare-base intervention in improving compliance with nutrition guidelines regarding beverages supply in preschools. The intervention included the staff training, audit, feedback, and ongoing support provided by trained educators. The emphasis was put on adequate nutrition, including recommended beverages, reducing sugar-sweetened beverages and increasing water availability. Enrolled were 478 full-board preschools from Poland (4.2% of all preschools in the country). The assortment of beverages served to children within ten consecutive days was assessed based on menus and inventory reports at the baseline, and three months after the intervention. Education increased significantly the percentage of preschools serving water to meals and between meals (67% vs. 83% and 93% vs. 99%, respectively), fruit/herbal tea (75% vs. 81%), and natural fruit juices (46% vs. 56%). The percentage of preschools offering fruit/soft drinks decreased from 23% to 15%. This study shows that education has a great potential in improving the assortment of beverages served in preschools. Future research is needed to determine barriers in better optimizing the assortment of beverages in preschool settings.

Implementation of Dietary Reference Intake Standards in Preschool Menus in Poland.

Although the nutritional value of preschool menus largely determines the proper nutrition of attending children, their nutrient composition often does not meet the standards. The purpose of the study was to assess the nutritional value of menus served in preschools throughout Poland. We analyzed a sample of 10 daily menus and inventory reports reflecting foods and beverages served in 270 full-board government-sponsored preschools. Nutrient content was calculated per child per day, and compared with 70% of dietary reference intake (DRI) for children aged 1⁻3 and 4⁻6. The content of energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates generally exceeded 70% of DRI. The amount of vitamins was correct, with the exception of vitamin D (100% of daycare centers (DCCs) were below the recommendations); in ≤3% of preschools vitamin E, folate, and niacin were below DRI. Calcium was too low in 63% of preschools for children aged 1⁻3 years and in 99% for 4⁻6-year-olds. A shortage of iodine, iron, and potassium (especially for 4⁻6-year-olds) was observed in a small number of preschools. Our study highlights the need for uniform legal standards of nutrition in childcare centers, based on the current recommendations for the age group.

Nutrition practices in nurseries in Poland - initial results of nationwide study

Background: Rational nutrition of infants and toddlers is essential for their normal growth and development, and for the development of proper nutritional habits. It should be preceded by proper planning. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate of the planning and organization of nutrition in nurseries. Material and methods: In the research conducted within the program "Eating healthy, growing healthy" (EHGH), 128 crèches from all over Poland participated. The nurseries were attended by 8182 children under the age of 3. The research was carried out between 2015 and 2016. Data on the organization and quality of nutrition were collected through direct interviews with directors and / or staff responsible for feeding in crèches. In addition, analysis of the decade's menu of the participating institutions (128 menus) and daily inventory reports (1280 documents) were analyzed. The data were analyzed for the total number and the type (public and non-public) of institution. The program Statistica Version 13.1 was used. Results: Half of the surveyed DCCs planned in the menu whole grains, nearly all of them served fresh vegetables and fruits to the children, and every third added them to every meal. The most common drink during the meal was compote. Access to water between meals was offered to children in majority of the DCCs. The quality of diet was differentiated by the type of nursery: depending on the type (public vs non-public), the differences in salting and sweetening meals have been shown. Public DCCs had a much lower average amount of money allocated per day to feed a child compared to non-public, most of these managed own kitchens and did not employ a dietitian. Despite the higher nutritional rates in non-public crèches, some errors in nutrition planning have been observed. Conclusions: Higher average amount of money allocated per day to feed a child in non-public nurseries did not provide adequate nutrition. There is a need to publish standardized, understandable and practical recommendations in nutrition of children in nurseries. Adopting such recommendations in daily practice in all public and non-public crèches should improve the nutrition of children.

Nutrition-related practices in kindergartens in the context of changes to legal regulations on foodstuffs used in canteen menus for children

Background: In order to improve the quality of nutrition in care and educational institutions, in year 2015 a restrictive law regulation was introduced. The following year this regulation was withdrawn, and a new legal policy has been introduced. However, data on the impact of these legislations on nutrition in kindergartens are lacking. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the compliance with mandatory nutrition recommendations in preschools. Material and methods: The study included 706 institutions. Data were collected during the periods when two consecutive Regulation of the Minister of Health were in force (I - 01.09.2015 - 31.08. 2016 and II - 01.09.2016 to 30.05.2017). Data were obtained by face-to-face interviews with staff with a validated questionnaire. Parameters characterizing the quality of nutrition were analyzed with focus on compliance with legal regulations. 706 decade's menus and 7060 daily inventory reports were analyzed to verify information on vegetables and fruit supply, frequency of frying and type of fat used, sweetening and salting practices. Statistical significances were determined in Statistica 13.1 with t-Student and Chi2 tests (p< 0.05).The study included 706 institutions. Data were collected during the periods when two consecutive Regulation of the Minister of Health were in force (I - 01.09.2015 - 31.08. 2016 and II - 01.09.2016 to 30.05.2017). Data were obtained by face-to-face interviews with staff with a validated questionnaire. Parameters characterizing the quality of nutrition were analyzed with focus on compliance with legal regulations. 706 decade's menus and 7060 daily inventory reports were analyzed to verify information on vegetables and fruit supply, frequency of frying and type of fat used, sweetening and salting practices. Statistical significances were determined in Statistica 13.1 with t-Student and Chi2 tests (p< 0.05). Results: The preschools have implemented regulations concerning the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables (~93%), the amount of fried dish per week (~75%), and the use of suitable frying fat (~95%). About half of institutions managed to serve vegetables and/or fruits in every meal. Compliance with the regulations on sweetening and salting was unsatisfactory: about » of institutions used banned sugar, and 46% regular salt. Conclusions: Legislations influenced nutrition practices in preschools, but additional support is needed to bring all institutions into compliance with the current policies. The current law regulations are general, and allow a great flexibility in planning menus, which might has an adverse effect on menus quality. Therefore, nutrition education and more detailed mandatory nutrition standards for kindergartens are crucial.

Do Preschools Offer Healthy Beverages to Children? A Nationwide Study in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Children's beverage consumption patterns have received increased attention in light of the obesity epidemic in this group. In day care centers (DCCs), children spend up to 10 h a day, and typically consume half to three quarters of their daily food intake. The purpose of the study was to investigate what beverages are typically served to children in preschools in Poland, and to evaluate the practices associated with adding sugar and other sweetening agents to beverages. METHODS: Direct interviews with preschools staff were conducted with a questionnaire regarding offered beverages and adding sugar and other sweetening agents. The menu of 10 consecutive days and inventory reports were analyzed to verify information. RESULTS: A total of 720 preschools were included in the study. Cocoa and milk coffee substitute were served in 95% of preschools, followed by compote (92%), tea (84%), fruit/herbal tea (73%) and water (69%). Water was the only beverage available between meals (93% DCCs). 86% of preschools added sugar to tea/cocoa/coffee substitute drinks, and 74% to compote. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of preschools, beverages which are not recommended were offered. Such an assortment of beverages and common practice of sweetening can increase the amount of added sugar in a children diet. Nutrition education and legal regulations concerning the assortment of beverages served in preschools are urgently needed.

Current prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia treated in Warsaw, Poland.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in patients with dyspepsia has important clinical and epidemiological implications. However, the current prevalence of Hp infection among patients within Poland is unknown; the last data were collected a decade ago and the majority of previous studies showed the prevalence to be between 60% and 100%. AIM: To establish the current prevalence of Hp infection among patients with dyspepsia in Warsaw, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 148 patients (126 women and 22 men) with dyspepsia, treated in two outpatient clinics in Warsaw. The mean age in the group that tested positive for Hp was 45.8 years (SD = 14.86; median = 51; min = 19; max = 64). They were tested for Hp infection with a urea breath test that uses 13C-enriched urea and isotope ratio mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Helicobacter pylori infection was found in 53 patients (44 women and 9 men), i.e. in 35.8% of the whole study group. We did not find any significant relationship between Hp infection and the patients' age, gender, or their body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: The current prevalence of Hp infection among patients with dyspepsia treated in Warsaw is 35.8%. However, our data suggest almost a two-fold fall in the prevalence of Hp infection compared to the previous Polish studies.

[The period of dialysis and nutritional habits of patients with the end stage renal disease]. / Okres dializoterapii a sposób zywienia pacjentów ze schylkowa niewydolnoscia nerek.

The influence of dialysis's period on energy and selected nutrients intake was examined on 38 patients with end stage renal disease. The longer period of dialysis caused higher energy and protein content in daily food rations. Furthermore lower intake of energy, protein, iron and calcium were observed as well as too high level of saturated fatty acids comparing to recommendations. Our data strongly suggest that constant dietician care might be essential to correct nutrients intake and prevent possible deficiencies among patients with the end stage renal disease.