Analysis of Caloric and Noncaloric Sweeteners Present in Dairy Products Aimed at the School Market and Their Possible Effects on Health.

Over the past decades, Mexico has become one of the main sweetener-consuming countries in the world. Large amounts of these sweeteners are in dairy products aimed at the children's market in various presentations such as yogurt, flavored milk, flan, and cheeses. Although numerous studies have shown the impact of sweeteners in adults, the current evidence for children is insufficient and discordant to determine if these substances have any risk or benefit on their well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the sweeteners present in 15 dairy products belonging to the school-age children's market in Mexico and their impact on health. These dairy products were selected through a couple of surveys directed at parents of school-age children. After that, the list of ingredients of each product was analyzed to identify their sweetener content. From there, exhaustive bibliographic research on sweeteners and their possible health effects was carried out, which included 109 articles and 18 studies. The results showed that at a neurological, endocrinological, cardiovascular, metabolic, osseous, renal, hepatic, dental, reticular, carcinogenic, and gut microbiota level; sucrose, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, maltodextrins, sucralose, and acesulfame K, have a negative effect. While maltodextrins, stevia, polydextrose, and modified starch have a positive one. For these reasons, it is necessary to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages that the consumption of each sweetener entails, as well as a determination of the appropriate acceptable daily intake (ADI).

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus type-2 and their association with intake of dairy and legume in Andean communities of Ecuador.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are metabolic alterations associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Diet has a significant impact on the risk to develop MetS and T2D; in this regard, consumption of fruits, vegetables, and protein rich foods (from plant and animals) are important to prevent and manage these pathologies. There are limited studies regarding the potential association between Andean foods rich in proteins and the presence of cardio-metabolic conditions in Ecuador. It is necessary to develop new low-cost, local-culturally acceptable strategies to reduce the burden of cardio-metabolic diseases. We describe the prevalence (baseline data) of MetS and T2D in the Ecuadorian cohort of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study and their potential association with the consumption of protein rich foods, including beef, white meat, dairy and legumes. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed 1,997 individuals aged 35-70 years (mean age 51 years, 72% women), included in the Ecuadorian cohort of the PURE study, from February to December 2018. The prevalence of MetS was 42% for male and 44% for female participants; the prevalence of T2D was 9% for male and 10% for female. Metabolic syndrome and T2D were more common in women older than 50 years of age with primary education or less, low economic income, and with obesity; MetS was more frequent in the rural area while T2D was more frequent in the urban area. Using logistic regression analysis, we observed a significant protective effect of higher consumption of dairy and legumes in the prevalence of MetS and T2D compared with low consumption. It will be important to develop policies for ample production and consumption of protein rich foods such as legumes and dairy, part of traditional diets, to reduce the burden of cardio-metabolic diseases.

Dairy product consumption and hypertension risk in a prospective French cohort of women.

BACKGROUND: Among potentially modifiable factors, dairy product consumption has been inconsistently associated with hypertension risk. The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between dairy product consumption and the risk of hypertension among middle-aged women. METHODS: In a prospective cohort of 40,526 French women, there were 9340 new cases of hypertension after an average 12.2 years of follow up. Consumptions of milk, yogurt, and types of cheese were assessed at baseline using a validated dietary questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for hypertension were estimated with multivariate Cox models with age as the time scale. RESULTS: The mean dairy consumption was 2.2 + 1.2 servings/day, as cottage cheese (0.2 + 0.2 servings/day), yogurt (0.6 + 0.5 servings/day), milk (0.4 + 0.7 servings/day), and cheese (1.1 + 0.8 servings/day). There was no association between risk of hypertension and total dairy consumption (multivariate HR for the fifth vs. first quintile HR5vs.1 = 0.97 [0.91; 1.04]). There was no association with any specific type of dairy, except for a positive association between processed cheese consumption and hypertension (multivariate HR4vs.1 = 1.12 [1.06; 1.18]; p trend = < 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In this large prospective cohort of French women, overall consumption of dairy products was not associated with the risk of hypertension. Results regarding processed cheese must be further confirmed.

Associações entre consumo de produtos lácteos, proteína C-reativa e perfil lipídico em adultos: resultados do ELSA-Brasil / Associations between consumption of dairy products, C-reactive protein, and lipid profile in adults: results of the ELSA-Brasil study / Asociaciones entre consumo de productos lácteos, proteína C-reativa y perfil lipídico en adultos: resultados del ELSA-Brasil

Anormalidades lipídicas e inflamação sistêmica subclínica estão associadas ao processo de aterosclerose, sendo utilizadas como marcadores de risco cardiovascular. Estudos sugerem um possível efeito benéfico dos produtos lácteos na saúde cardiovascular, mas os resultados em marcadores lipídicos e inflamatórios ainda são controversos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a associação entre o consumo de produtos lácteos e seus diferentes subgrupos e proteína C-reativa (PCR), LDL-colesterol (LDL-C) e razão triglicerídeo/HDL-colesterol (TG/HDL-C) nos participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) (n = 9.372). O consumo de lácteos foi avaliado por meio de questionário de frequência alimentar validado e apresentado em porções/dia. O consumo total de lácteos foi descrito em quatro categorias (≤ 1 porção/dia a > 4 porções/dia). As associações foram estimadas por meio do odds ratios (OR), utilizando-se o grupo de menor consumo (≤ 1 porção/dia) como referência. Os menores valores de OR para TG/HDL-C no modelo multivariado (0,70; IC95%: 0,55-0,90 em homens; e 0,55; IC95%: 0,43-0,70 em mulheres) foram encontrados no grupo com consumo > 4 porções/dia de lácteos totais. Esses resultados foram apoiados pelas associações inversas encontradas entre diferentes subgrupos de lácteos e a razão TG/HDL-C. Não foi encontrada associação entre consumo de produtos lácteos e seus subgrupos e valores de LDL-C e de PCR. Os resultados sugerem um possível efeito benéfico dos lácteos no perfil lipídico, porém são necessárias evidências de estudos longitudinais e de intervenção que elucidem os mecanismos de efeito dos diferentes tipos de lácteos.

Lipid abnormalities and subclinical systemic inflammation are associated with atherosclerosis and are used as markers of cardiovascular risk. Studies have suggested a possible beneficial effect of dairy products on cardiovascular health, but the results in lipid and inflammatory markers are still controversial. This study aimed to assess the association between consumption of dairy products and their different subgroups and C-reactive protein (CRP), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) in participants in the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) (n = 9,372). Consumption of dairy products was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire and expressed as servings/day. Total consumption of dairy products was described in four categories (≤ 1 serving/day to > 4 servings/day). The associations were estimated via odds ratios (OR), using the group with the lowest consumption (≤ 1 serving/day) as the reference. The lowest ORs for TG/HDL-C in the multivariate model (0.70; 95%CI: 0.55-0.90 in men; and 0.55; 95%CI: 0.43-0.70 in women) were found in the group that consumed > 4 servings day of dairy products. These results were supported by the inverse associations between different subgroups of dairy products and the TG/HDL-C ratio. No association was found between consumption of dairy products and their subgroups and LDL-C and CRP. The results suggest a possible beneficial effect of dairy products on lipid profile, but longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to elucidate the effect mechanisms of different types of dairy products.

Las anormalidades lipídicas e inflamación sistémica subclínica están asociadas con el proceso de arteriosclerosis, siendo utilizadas como marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular. Los estudios sugieren un posible efecto benéfico de los productos lácteos en la salud cardiovascular, pero los resultados en marcadores lipídicos e inflamatorios todavía son controvertidos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre el consumo de productos lácteos y sus diferentes subgrupos y proteína C-reativa (PCR), LDL-colesterol (LDL-C) y razón triglicéridos/HDL-colesterol (TG/HDL-C) en los participantes del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) (n = 9.372). El consumo de lácteos fue evaluado mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia alimentaria validado, y presentado en porciones/día. El consumo total de lácteos se describió en cuatro categorías (≤ 1 porción/día a > 4 porciones/día). Las asociaciones fueron estimadas mediante odds ratios (OR), utilizando el grupo de menor consumo (≤ 1 porción/día) como referencia. Los menores valores de OR para TG/HDL-C en el modelo multivariado (0,70; IC95%: 0,55-0,90 en hombres; y 0,55; IC95%: 0,43-0,70 en mujeres) se encontraron en el grupo con consumo > 4 porciones/día de lácteos totales. Estos resultados se apoyaron en las asociaciones inversas encontradas entre diferentes subgrupos de lácteos y la razón TG/HDL-C. No se encontró asociación entre consumo de productos lácteos y sus subgrupos y valores de LDL-C y de PCR. Los resultados sugieren un posible efecto benéfico de los lácteos en el perfil lipídico, pese a que se necesitan evidencias de estudios longitudinales y de intervención que eluciden los mecanismos de efecto de los diferentes tipos de lácteos.

Produção de leite e derivados lácteos em estabelecimentos sob inspeção estadual no Rio Grande do Sul, no período de janeiro de 2016 a outubro de 2018 / Milk and dairy production in establishments under state sanitary inspection in the state for Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from January 2016 to October 2018

O objetivo do estudo foi realizar levantamento quanto à produção de leite e derivados lácteos, por estabelecimentos registrados sob inspeção estadual no Rio Grande do Sul, no período de janeiro de 2016 a outubro de 2018. Foram analisados os mapas de produção oriundos do Sistema de Defesa Agropecuária RS. A produção de leite e derivados lácteos encontra-se nas Supervisões Regionais de Santa Rosa (53,08%), Palmeira das Missões (14,33%), Estrela (10,81%), Caixas do Sul (7,86%), Passo Fundo (5,89%), Soledade (2,49%), Ijuí (2,39%), Cruz Alta (0,93%), Porto Alegre (0,71%), Pelotas (0,64%), Rio Pardo (0,3%), São Luiz Gonzaga (0,25%), Santa Maria (0,2%) e Bagé (0,12%). Os queijos mais produzidos foram Muçarela (90,9629%) e Colonial (3,6732%). Os demais tipos de queijos representam 5,3639% do total produzido.(AU)

Produção de leite e derivados lácteos em estabelecimentos sob inspeção estadual no Rio Grande do Sul, no período de janeiro de 2016 a outubro de 2018 / Milk and dairy production in establishments under state sanitary inspection in the state for Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from January 2016 to October 2018

O objetivo do estudo foi realizar levantamento quanto à produção de leite e derivados lácteos, por estabelecimentos registrados sob inspeção estadual no Rio Grande do Sul, no período de janeiro de 2016 a outubro de 2018. Foram analisados os mapas de produção oriundos do Sistema de Defesa Agropecuária RS. A produção de leite e derivados lácteos encontra-se nas Supervisões Regionais de Santa Rosa (53,08%), Palmeira das Missões (14,33%), Estrela (10,81%), Caixas do Sul (7,86%), Passo Fundo (5,89%), Soledade (2,49%), Ijuí (2,39%), Cruz Alta (0,93%), Porto Alegre (0,71%), Pelotas (0,64%), Rio Pardo (0,3%), São Luiz Gonzaga (0,25%), Santa Maria (0,2%) e Bagé (0,12%). Os queijos mais produzidos foram Muçarela (90,9629%) e Colonial (3,6732%). Os demais tipos de queijos representam 5,3639% do total produzido.

[Associations between consumption of dairy products, C-reactive protein, and lipid profile in adults: results of the ELSA-Brasil study]. / Associações entre consumo de produtos lácteos, proteína C-reativa e perfil lipídico em adultos: resultados do ELSA-Brasil.

Lipid abnormalities and subclinical systemic inflammation are associated with atherosclerosis and are used as markers of cardiovascular risk. Studies have suggested a possible beneficial effect of dairy products on cardiovascular health, but the results in lipid and inflammatory markers are still controversial. This study aimed to assess the association between consumption of dairy products and their different subgroups and C-reactive protein (CRP), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) in participants in the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) (n = 9,372). Consumption of dairy products was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire and expressed as servings/day. Total consumption of dairy products was described in four categories (≤ 1 serving/day to > 4 servings/day). The associations were estimated via odds ratios (OR), using the group with the lowest consumption (≤ 1 serving/day) as the reference. The lowest ORs for TG/HDL-C in the multivariate model (0.70; 95%CI: 0.55-0.90 in men; and 0.55; 95%CI: 0.43-0.70 in women) were found in the group that consumed > 4 servings day of dairy products. These results were supported by the inverse associations between different subgroups of dairy products and the TG/HDL-C ratio. No association was found between consumption of dairy products and their subgroups and LDL-C and CRP. The results suggest a possible beneficial effect of dairy products on lipid profile, but longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to elucidate the effect mechanisms of different types of dairy products.

Anormalidades lipídicas e inflamação sistêmica subclínica estão associadas ao processo de aterosclerose, sendo utilizadas como marcadores de risco cardiovascular. Estudos sugerem um possível efeito benéfico dos produtos lácteos na saúde cardiovascular, mas os resultados em marcadores lipídicos e inflamatórios ainda são controversos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a associação entre o consumo de produtos lácteos e seus diferentes subgrupos e proteína C-reativa (PCR), LDL-colesterol (LDL-C) e razão triglicerídeo/HDL-colesterol (TG/HDL-C) nos participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) (n = 9.372). O consumo de lácteos foi avaliado por meio de questionário de frequência alimentar validado e apresentado em porções/dia. O consumo total de lácteos foi descrito em quatro categorias (≤ 1 porção/dia a > 4 porções/dia). As associações foram estimadas por meio do odds ratios (OR), utilizando-se o grupo de menor consumo (≤ 1 porção/dia) como referência. Os menores valores de OR para TG/HDL-C no modelo multivariado (0,70; IC95%: 0,55-0,90 em homens; e 0,55; IC95%: 0,43-0,70 em mulheres) foram encontrados no grupo com consumo > 4 porções/dia de lácteos totais. Esses resultados foram apoiados pelas associações inversas encontradas entre diferentes subgrupos de lácteos e a razão TG/HDL-C. Não foi encontrada associação entre consumo de produtos lácteos e seus subgrupos e valores de LDL-C e de PCR. Os resultados sugerem um possível efeito benéfico dos lácteos no perfil lipídico, porém são necessárias evidências de estudos longitudinais e de intervenção que elucidem os mecanismos de efeito dos diferentes tipos de lácteos.

Las anormalidades lipídicas e inflamación sistémica subclínica están asociadas con el proceso de arteriosclerosis, siendo utilizadas como marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular. Los estudios sugieren un posible efecto benéfico de los productos lácteos en la salud cardiovascular, pero los resultados en marcadores lipídicos e inflamatorios todavía son controvertidos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre el consumo de productos lácteos y sus diferentes subgrupos y proteína C-reativa (PCR), LDL-colesterol (LDL-C) y razón triglicéridos/HDL-colesterol (TG/HDL-C) en los participantes del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) (n = 9.372). El consumo de lácteos fue evaluado mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia alimentaria validado, y presentado en porciones/día. El consumo total de lácteos se describió en cuatro categorías (≤ 1 porción/día a > 4 porciones/día). Las asociaciones fueron estimadas mediante odds ratios (OR), utilizando el grupo de menor consumo (≤ 1 porción/día) como referencia. Los menores valores de OR para TG/HDL-C en el modelo multivariado (0,70; IC95%: 0,55-0,90 en hombres; y 0,55; IC95%: 0,43-0,70 en mujeres) se encontraron en el grupo con consumo > 4 porciones/día de lácteos totales. Estos resultados se apoyaron en las asociaciones inversas encontradas entre diferentes subgrupos de lácteos y la razón TG/HDL-C. No se encontró asociación entre consumo de productos lácteos y sus subgrupos y valores de LDL-C y de PCR. Los resultados sugieren un posible efecto benéfico de los lácteos en el perfil lipídico, pese a que se necesitan evidencias de estudios longitudinales y de intervención que eluciden los mecanismos de efecto de los diferentes tipos de lácteos.

Dietary Behaviors among Young and Older Adults in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To describe healthy and unhealthy dietary behaviors among young and older Brazilian adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study based on secondary data from the Brazilian National Health Survey 2013/2014, conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). SETTINGS: Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: 59,402 Brazilian adults (18 years or over), representative of the whole community-dwelling Brazilian adult population. MEASUREMENTS: Frequency of regular (5 days/week or more) consumption of food considered of a healthy diet (fruit, vegetables, greens, cooked vegetables, beans, milk, chicken, fish) and unhealthy diet (red meat, soda and sweets, meal replacement for fast food and high salt consumption) was investigated. Differences among young adults (18-39 years), middle-aged adults (40-59 years) and older adults (60+ years) were assessed through 95% confidence intervals and logistic regression models with contrast function, considering the complexity of the sample and the sample weight of the research. RESULTS: Less than half of the population reported consuming fruit regularly (41.3%, 95% CI = 40.5 - 42.2) and only one quarter reported consuming vegetables regularly (25.4%, 95% CI = 24.7 - 26.1). Regular consumption of soft drinks was cited by 26.6% (95% CI = 25.5 - 27.6) for men and 20.6% (95% CI = 19.8 - 21.4) for women. Young adults presented, in general, lower frequency of regular consumption of healthy food and higher frequency of unhealthy food when compared to middle-aged and the older adults. CONCLUSION: Current dietary behaviors adopted by the Brazilian population is characterized by a high prevalence of inadequate food intake, mainly among young adults calling the attention to the necessity for age-specific public health interventions.

Estudo da disponibilidade de produtos lácteos caprinos / Study on the availability of goat milk products

O leite de cabra é uma opção saudável e saborosa tanto para quem tem problemas relacionados com a ingestão de leite bovino quanto para quem gosta de variar sua alimentação com novos ingredientes. Neste sentido objetivou-se identificar os produtos lácteos caprinos oferecidos ao consumidor no comércio varejista de Porto Alegre e acompanhar a disponibilidade desses ao longo do ano. Identificaram-se, em quatorze pontos de venda, treze produtos: leite UHT (temperatura ultra-alta) nas apresentações integral, light e com extrato de soja, leite em pó, iogurte e oito tipos de queijo. Os leites UHT e em pó são os produtos mais disponíveis nos pontos de venda. Já os derivados, muitas vezes, estão disponíveis em apenas um estabelecimento e com frequência irregular. Nos queijos, no inverno ocorre uma nítida diminuição da variedade desses produtos. Conclui-se que apesar da grande variedade de produtos lácteos caprinos no Brasil, o consumidor de Porto Alegre tem acesso a uma restrita gama de produtos disponíveis. Da mesma forma, esses produtos não apresentam uma oferta constante em muitos dos estabelecimentos visitados. A constatação desses fatos pode ser útil àquelas pessoas envolvidas ou interessadas em otimizar a cadeia produtiva de lácteos caprinos.

Goat milk is a healthy, flavorful alternative both for those who have trouble ingesting cow milk and for those who enjoy changing their nutrition through the inclusion of new ingredients. This research aims mainly at (1) identifying goat milk products offered to the consumer in the retail market of Porto Alegre and (2) observing the availability of these products throughout a whole year. There were identified, in fourteen points of sale, thirteen products: UHT milk (whole, low-fat, and with soybeans extract), powdered milk, and yogurt, as well as eight types of cheese. The UHT milks and the powdered milk are the most available products in the points of sale. On the other hand, the milk derivatives are often available in only one point of sale and with irregular frequency. There is a clear decline in the variety of cheese available in winter. One can conclude that, despite the great diversity of goat milk products in Brazil, the Porto Alegre consumer has access only to a narrow range of available products. In addition, these products do not show a constant offer in many of the visited points of sale. Realizing these facts can be fruitful for those involved with, or interested in, optimizing goat milk production chain.

Dairy consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome among young adults from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that a greater dairy consumption is a contributing factor to a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a result of the possible actions of some milk nutrients. However, results remain controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the association between dairy consumption and MetS and its components. METHODS: Dairy consumption and biochemical and anthropometric parameters were determined in 2031 young adults ages 23 to 25 y. Food consumption was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The estimated habitual portion of dairy products consumed daily was divided into quintiles. The criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and of the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) were used for the classification of MetS. Nonadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 11.9% by the IDF criteria and 9% by the JIS criteria. A greater dairy consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS according to both IDF (OR, 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.97) and JIS (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39-0.98) criteria when the last quintile was compared with the first. The association persisted in the model adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, dietary, and lifestyle variables according to the IDF (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.30-0.93) and was borderline according to the JIS (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.34-1.00), but lost significance when data were adjusted for calcium in both models. CONCLUSIONS: A greater dairy consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of MetS, with calcium probably being the nutrient responsible for this association.

Cambios en el consumo aparente de lácteos, bebidas azucaradas y jugos procesados en el Gran Santiago. Chile. 1987-2007: Changes in the consumption of dairy products, sugary drinks and processed juices in the Chilean population

Background: Nowadays, Chilean population tends to replace or eat a lower amount of food with health protective properties and a higher proportion of unhealthy foodstuff. Aim: To describe and compare the intake of dairy products, sugary drinks and processed juices among Chileans. Material and Methods: An analysis of data compiled from the Survey on Household Budget and Expenses carried out by the Chilean National Institute of Statistics (INE), using a representative sample of households. The sample was surveyed between 1987 and 2007. The analysis was performed for all households surveyed and for households belonging to the second (highest incomes) and fifth quintile (lowest incomes). The Chilean Food Guide and the international recommendations of the Institute of Medicine of the United States and the American Heart Association (in the case of sugars) were used as reference. Results: Even though the intake of dairy products increased during the period of the survey, it was lower than the intake of sugary drinks and juices, which increased. Also, calcium recommendations were not covered. On the other hand, the intake of added sugars increased to figures over current recommendations. Conclusions: The intake of dairy products and calcium is below the recommended amounts established by international organisms, and added sugars intake is greater than the advisable levels recommended by international organisms.

[Changes in the consumption of dairy products, sugary drinks and processed juices in the Chilean population]. / Cambios en el consumo aparente de lácteos, bebidas azucaradas y jugos procesados en el Gran Santiago. Chile. 1987-2007.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, Chilean population tends to replace or eat a lower amount of food with health protective properties and a higher proportion of unhealthy foodstuff. AIM: To describe and compare the intake of dairy products, sugary drinks and processed juices among Chileans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis of data compiled from the Survey on Household Budget and Expenses carried out by the Chilean National Institute of Statistics (INE), using a representative sample of households. The sample was surveyed between 1987 and 2007. The analysis was performed for all households surveyed and for households belonging to the second (highest incomes) and fifth quintile (lowest incomes). The Chilean Food Guide and the international recommendations of the Institute of Medicine of the United States and the American Heart Association (in the case of sugars) were used as reference. RESULTS: Even though the intake of dairy products increased during the period of the survey, it was lower than the intake of sugary drinks and juices, which increased. Also, calcium recommendations were not covered. On the other hand, the intake of added sugars increased to figures over current recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of dairy products and calcium is below the recommended amounts established by international organisms, and added sugars intake is greater than the advisable levels recommended by international organisms.

[Consumption of dairy products by adults and the elderly in the south of Brazil: a population-based study]. / Consumo de leite e derivados entre adultos e idosos no Sul do Brasil: um estudo de base populacional.

This is a population-based cross-sectional study to evaluate the frequency of consumption of dairy products by adults and the elderly in Pelotas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in accordance with demographic, social and economic characteristics. Frequency of dairy product consumption was obtained by means of a questionnaire containing short, straightforward questions. Information about the type of milk (cow's milk, soy, other) and the fat contained in the milk consumed (full-cream, semi-skimmed and skimmed) was also investigated. Heterogeneity, linear trend and chi-square tests were used for the statistical analysis. The prevalence of regular dairy product consumption was 45.9%, and was 1.7 times higher among the elderly compared with 20 to 29-year-olds. Dairy product consumption frequency was higher among women, Caucasians and those with tertiary education. The economic level was significantly and inversely associated with the outcome. Nearly 98% of the sample drink cow's milk and 75.5% drink full-fat milk. About 26% of the adults do not drink milk and of these less than 20% consume dairy products daily. Dairy product consumption, especially low-fat products, should be encouraged among adults. Special attention should be given to younger individuals, males, and groups with less education and income.

Survey of calcium supplementation to prevent preeclampsia: the gap between evidence and practice in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide and especially in Latin America. High quality evidence indicates that calcium supplementation during pregnancy significantly reduces the incidence of preeclampsia and its consequences, including severe maternal morbidity and death. Few studies have assessed the implementation of this intervention in clinical practice. The study aimed to assess the proportion of pregnant women who received calcium supplements in Brazilian public antenatal care clinics. METHODS: This cross-sectional study interviewed women waiting for antenatal care visits in 9 public clinics in 4 Brazilian cities in 2010-2012. Trained interviewers used a standardized anonymous questionnaire to collect socio demographic and obstetric data, information on ingestion of dairy products and on prescriptions received during current pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 788 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Participants were young (mean age 25.9), mostly multiparous (71.3%) and in the 2nd or 3rd trimesters of pregnancy at the time of interview (87.6%). Only 5.1% (40/788) had received a prescription for calcium supplements. Based on their reported ingestion of dairy products, the mean daily dietary calcium intake of the participants was 210 (+ 265) mg/day and over 90% consumed less than 1 g of calcium/day. CONCLUSIONS: Despite good quality evidence indicating the benefits of this practice especially for women with low calcium diets, less than 6% of a sample of women receiving antenatal care in Brazilian public clinics received a prescription for calcium supplements. There is an urgent need to upscale the implementation of this life-saving intervention.

[Food calcium intake in teenager women in Panama]. / Consumo de fuentes de calcio en adolescentes mujeres en Panamá.

The adequacy of calcium intake from food and carbonated drinks consumption levels in a Panama City's female adolescents group was studied. We evaluated 180 teenage girls (12-17 years) in two public schools using food frequency questionnaires and a 24-hour food recall. According to the results, milk and cheese were this population's main calcium source. Milk was a food source in 60.5%, while 56.7% indicated that they eat cheese. On average, a once-a-day intake of one of these dairy products was observed in 1/4 of the group. Ice cream and pulses were secondary calcium sources. Yogurt, milk-made meals and beverages, green vegetables, fortified food and sardines were not components of these girls' food habits. The average calcium intake was 440 mg/d +/- 423 according to the food frequency questionnaire and 314 mg/d +/- 255 according to their 24-hour food recall. Calcium's low level intakes are less than 50% of the recommended daily intake for this age group. Carbonated drinks were consumed by 72% of the group and 30% drank one unit daily. Dairy products are the main calcium source for the studied group. However, because of insufficient calcium intake and high consumption of carbonated drinks, the future bone health of these teenage girls is at risk.

Children's dairy intake in the United States: too little, too fat?

OBJECTIVE: To compare reported dairy/calcium intake with intake recommendations and examination of food sources and fat levels of dairy intake in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002. STUDY DESIGN: Dietary, anthropometric, and sociodemographic data for 2- to 18-year-olds (n = 7716) were evaluated to compare intakes of dairy (MyPyramid) and calcium (Adequate Intake [AI]) recommendations. US Department of Agriculture food codes were used to identify mutually exclusive food groups of dairy-contributing foods, which were ranked in descending order proportional to total intake. Complex sample survey Student t tests were used to determine statistical significance among intakes in 4 age groups and between reported and recommended intakes. RESULTS: Dairy consumption was not significantly different among age groups, but only 2- to 3-year-olds met the MyPyramid recommendation. Calcium intake was significantly different among age groups, and 2- to 8-year-olds met the AI. Intake of flavored milk ranged from 9% to 18%. More than half of the milk consumed by 2- to 3-year-olds was whole milk, and, with the exception of yogurt consumption in 2- to 3-year-olds, children choose to consume more of the highest-fat varieties of cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and dairy-based toppings. CONCLUSIONS: Dairy and calcium intakes are inadequate in 4- to 18-year-olds. Most children consume the high-fat varieties of milk and dairy products. Focusing nutrition guidance efforts on increasing the intake of the low-fat dairy products, with special emphasis on increasing calcium intake in school-age children and adolescents through flavored low-fat milk products, may be beneficial.

[Nutritional status, food consumption and physical activity in female school children of different socioeconomic levels from Santiago, Chile]. / Estado nutricional, consumo de alimentos y actividad física en escolares mujeres de diferente nivel socioeconómico de Santiago de Chile.

BACKGROUND: A high prevalence of obesity is the main public health problem in Chilean school children. AIM: To compare the nutritional status, consumption of selected foods and extracurricular physical activity (PA) habits in school children of different socioeconomic levels as a baseline for developing effective educational interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study that determined the body mass index, food consumption and physical activity with previously validated instruments in 202 and 358 girls from 3rd to 8th grade in schools of medium-high and low socioeconomic level (SEL) from Santiago, Chile, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to their counterparts of low socioeconomic level (SEL), the prevalence of obesity was significantly lower in 8-9 year-old girls of medium high SEL (19% and 9%, respectively, p =0.012) and 12-13 year-old (12% and 2.5% respectively, p =0.008). Also median daily intake of dairy products was higher in girls of medium high SEL (250 and 470 ml/day, respectively). The intake of fruits and vegetables was similar (200 g/d); and the intake of bread was lower (230 and 70 g/day, respectively, p <0.01). Consumption of energy-dense foods was lower in 10-13 year-old girls of medium high SEL (80 and 50 g/day, respectively, p <0.01). 45% of 8-9 year-old girls and 35% of 12-13 year-old girls of both SEL engaged in PA four or more times per week (NS). CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of obesity in girls of medium-high SEL was not as high as in those from low SEL, it is still high. There is a need for educational interventions to improve their food and PA habits and to promote an environment that enhances healthy behaviors.

Estado nutricional, consumo de alimentos y actividad física en escolares mujeres de diferente nivel socioeconómico de Santiago de Chile / Nutritional status, food consumption and physical activity in female school children of different socioeconomic levels from Santiago, Chile

Background: A high prevalence of obesity is the main public health problem in Chilean school children. Aim: To compare the nutritional status, consumption of selected foods and extracurricular physical activity (PA) habits in school children of different socioeconomic levels as a baseline for developing effective educational interventions. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study that determined the body mass index, food consumption and physical activity with previously validated instruments in 202 and 358 girls from 3rd to 8th grade in schools of medium-high and low socioeconomic level (SEL) from Santiago, Chile, respectively. Results: Compared to their counterparts of low socioeconomic level (SEL), the prevalence of obesity was significantly lower in 8-9 year-old girls of medium high SEL (19 percent and 9 percent, respectively, p =0.012) and 12-13 year-old (12 percent and 2.5 percent respectively, p =0.008). Also median daily intake of dairy products was higher in girls of medium high SEL (250 and 470 ml/day, respectively). The intake of fruits and vegetables was similar (200 g/d); and the intake of bread was lower (230 and 70 g/day, respectively, p <0.01). Consumption of energy-dense foods was lower in 10-13 year-old girls of medium high SEL (80 and 50 g/day, respectively, p <0.01). 45 percent of 8-9 year-old girls and 35 percent of 12-13 year-old girls of both SEL engaged in PA four or more times per week (NS). Conclusions: Although the prevalence of obesity in girls of medium-high SEL was not as high as in those from low SEL, it is still high. There is a need for educational interventions to improve their food and PA habits and to promote an environment that enhances healthy behaviors.

[Dietary patterns and its relation with overweight and obesity in Chilean girls of medium-high socioeconomic level]. / Patrones alimentarios y su relación con sobrepeso y obesidad en niñas chilenas de nivel socioeconómico medio alto.

The aim of the present study was to identify dietary patterns in girls and to assess their association with obesity or overweight. A school-based sample of 108 girls between 8 and 11 years of medium-high socioeconomic level was selected in Santiago, Chile. The body mass index was calculated and a quantified food frequency and physical activity questionnaires (validated in the FAO/MINEDUC/INTA Project Nutritional Education in primary schools) were applied. Four distinct dietary factors or patterns were obtained explaining 54% of the total variation using factorial analysis. The first factor was characterized by an energy-dense diet (high consumption of fat foods, ice creams, chocolates, French fries, snacks). The second factor represented a healthy diet (dairy products, fruits and salads). The third factor represented intake of soft drinks (either with or without sugar). The fourth factor represented a diet rich in calories and sugars (bread, sausages, sweets). The association between the four dietary factors and overweight/obesity was assessed through logistic regression models. The first factor, energy-dense foods, was the only one significantly associated with the presence of obesity (OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.12 - 3.09). The results of this research about dietary patterns are consistent with studies carried out in other countries.