Maximum Anterior Tongue Strength and Maximum Lip Strength in Healthy Spanish Adults: A Proposal of Reference Values.

Adequate tongue and lip strengths are needed for normal speech, chewing, and swallowing development. The aim was to evaluate the influence of sex and age on maximum anterior tongue strength (MTS) and maximum lip strength (MLS) in healthy Spanish adults to establish reference values that can be used in clinical practice.This cross-sectional study comprises 363 subjects (mean age 47.5 ± 20.7 years) distributed by sex (258 women and 105 men) and across three age groups: Young (18-39 years), middle-aged (40-59 years), and older adults (> 59 years). MTS and MLS were determined using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). The mean MTS was 49.63 ± 13.81 kPa, regardless of sex, and decreased with age. The mean MLS was statistically higher for men (28.86 ± 10.88 kPa) than for women (23.37 ± 6.92 kPa, p = 0.001), regardless of age.This study provides the first reference values for the standardized measurement of MTS and MLS in a healthy adult Spanish-speaking population using the IOPI.

Impact of COVID-19 confinement on eating behaviours across 16 European countries: The COVIDiet cross-national study.

We aimed to evaluate the changes in eating behaviours of the adult population across 16 European countries due to the COVID-19 confinement and to evaluate whether these changes were somehow related to the severity of the containment measures applied in each country. An anonymous online self-reported questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, validated 14-items Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) Adherence Screener (MEDAS) as a reference of a healthy diet, eating and lifestyle behaviours prior to and during the COVID-19 confinement was used to collect data. The study included an adult population residing in 16 European countries at the time of the survey. Aggregated Stringency Index (SI) score, based on data from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker, was calculated for each country at the time the questionnaire was distributed (range: 0-100). A total of 36,185 participants completed the questionnaire (77.6% female, 75.2% with high educational level and 42.7% aged between 21 and 35 years). In comparison to pre-confinement, a significantly higher adherence to the MedDiet during the confinement was observed across all countries (overall MEDAS score prior to- and during confinement: 5.23 ± 2.06 vs. 6.15 ± 2.06; p < 0.001), with the largest increase seen in Greece and North Macedonia. The highest adherence to MedDiet during confinement was found in Spain and Portugal (7.18 ± 1.84 and 7.34 ± 1.95, respectively). Stricter contingency restrictions seemed to lead to a significantly higher increase in the adherence to the MedDiet. The findings from this cross-sectional study could be used to inform current diet-related public health guidelines to ensure optimal nutrition is followed among the population, which in turn would help to alleviate the current public health crisis.

Modification of appetite by bread consumption: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

The inclusion of different ingredients or the use of different baking technologies may modify the satiety response to bread, and aid in the control of food intake. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic search of randomized clinical trials on the effect of bread consumption on appetite ratings in humans. The search equation was ("Bread"[MeSH]) AND ("Satiation"[MeSH] OR "Satiety response"[MeSH]), and the filter "clinical trials." As a result of this procedure, 37 publications were selected. The satiety response was considered as the primary outcome. The studies were classified as follows: breads differing in their flour composition, breads differing in ingredients other than flours, breads with added organic acids, or breads made using different baking technologies. In addition, we have revised the data related to the influence of bread on glycemic index, insulinemic index and postprandial gastrointestinal hormones responses. The inclusion of appropriate ingredients such as fiber, proteins, legumes, seaweeds and acids into breads and the use of specific technologies may result in the development of healthier breads that increase satiety and satiation, which may aid in the control of weight gain and benefit postprandial glycemia. However, more well-designed randomized control trials are required to reach final conclusions.

Dietary glycaemic index and glycaemic load in a rural elderly population (60-74 years of age) and their relationship with cardiovascular risk factors.

PURPOSE: To examine the association between dietary glycaemic index (GI) and dietary glycaemic load (GL) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in a rural elderly population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 343 subjects (60-74 years) residing in a Spanish rural area (Priego de Córdoba). Subjects were selected using stratified random sampling. Food intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We assigned GI values to each item of the FFQ to estimate dietary GI and GL. Multivariate linear regression models were fitted to assess the association between GI/GL with CVD risk factors (blood glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1, body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure). The potential modifying effect of sex, smoking status, diabetes and medication has been explored. RESULTS: A statistically significant inverse association between dietary GI and blood glucose was found in the multivariate model (p = 0.029): for every 10 unit increment of GI, serum glucose levels decreased by 0.2 units. However, statistical significance was lost after controlling for diabetes or hypoglycaemic medication. In the crude model, dietary GL was associated with triglycerides (ß for every 10 GL units increase = 0.70, p = 0.005), but statistical significance was lost in the multivariate model (p = 0.508). No associations were found between dietary GI/GL and the rest of the variables studied. CONCLUSIONS: Neither dietary GI nor GL were associated with CVD risk factors in the study population of Priego de Córdoba. Results obtained suggest the necessity to consider the diagnosis of diabetes in these studies.

Ultrafiltration of skimmed goat milk increases its nutritional value by concentrating nonfat solids such as proteins, Ca, P, Mg, and Zn.

Goat milk has been reported to possess good nutritional and health-promoting properties. Usually, it must be concentrated before fermented products can be obtained. The aim of this study was to compare physicochemical and nutritional variables among raw (RM), skimmed (SM), and ultrafiltration-concentrated skimmed (UFM) goat milk. The density, acidity, ash, protein, casein, whey protein, Ca, P, Mg, and Zn values were significantly higher in UFM than in RM or SM. Dry extract and fat levels were significantly higher in UFM than in SM, and Mg content was significantly higher in UFM than in RM. Ultrafiltration also increased the solubility of Ca and Mg, changing their distribution in the milk. The higher concentrations of minerals and proteins, especially caseins, increase the nutritional value of UFM, which may therefore be more appropriate for goat milk yogurt manufacturing in comparison to RM or SM.

Calf Circumference, a Valuable Tool to Predict Sarcopenia in Older People Hospitalized with Hip Fracture.

Sarcopenia is an important risk factor for hip fracture in older people. Nevertheless, this condition is overlooked in clinical practice. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with sarcopenia among older patients hospitalized for hip fracture, to identify a predictive model of sarcopenia based on variables related to this condition, and to evaluate the performance of screening tools in order to choose the most suitable to be adopted in routine care of older people with hip fracture. A cross-sectional study was undertaken with 90 patients (mean age 83.4 ± 7.2 years), by assessing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, anthropometric measures, such as body mass index (BMI) and calf circumference (CC), the functional status (Barthel Index), the nutritional status (MNA-SF), and the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MEDAS). Diagnosis of sarcopenia was established according to the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). The analysis of variables associated with sarcopenia was performed using multivariate logistic regression models. Clusters of sarcopenia were explored with heatmaps and predictive risk models were estimated. Sarcopenia was confirmed in 30% of hip fracture patients. Variables with the strongest association with sarcopenia were BMI (OR = 0.79 [0.68−0.91], p < 0.05) and CC (OR = 0.64 [0.51−0.81], p < 0.01). CC showed a relatively high predictive capacity of sarcopenia (area under the curve: AUC = 0.82). Furthermore, CC could be a valuable tool to predict sarcopenia risk compared with the currently used screening tools, SARC-F and SARC-CalF (AUC, 0.819 vs. 0.734 and 0.576, respectively). More studies are needed to validate these findings in external study populations.

Circadian clock gene variants and their link with chronotype, chrononutrition, sleeping patterns and obesity in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC) study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The circadian clock is involved in the control of daily rhythms and is related to the individual's chronotype, i.e., the morningness-eveneningness preference. Knowledge is limited on the relationship between circadian genes, chronotype, sleeping patterns, chronutrition and obesity. The aim was to explore these associations within the EPIC-Spain cohort study. METHODS: There were 3183 subjects with information on twelve genetic variants of six genes (PER1, PER2, PER3, CRY1, NR1D1, CLOCK). Their association was evaluated with: chronotype and sleeping duration/quality (assessed by questionnaires), chrononutrition (number of meals and timing of intake assessed by a diet history), and also anthropometric measures of obesity at early and late adulthood (in two points in time), such as weight and waist circumference (assessed by physical measurements). Multivariable logistic and linear regression as well as additive genetic models were applied. Odds ratios (ORs), ß coefficients, and p-values corrected for multiple comparisons were estimated. Genetic risk scores (GRS) were built to test gene-outcome associations further. RESULTS: At nominal significance level, the variant rs2735611 (PER1 gene) was associated with a 11.6% decrease in long-term weight gain (per-allele ß = -0.12), whereas three CLOCK gene variants (rs12649507, rs3749474 and rs4864548), were associated with a ∼20% decrease in waist circumference gain (per-allele ߠ∼ -0.19). These and other associations with body measures did not hold after multiple testing correction, except waist-to-hip ratio and rs1801260, rs2070062 and rs4580704 (CLOCK gene). Associations with chrononutrition variables, chronotype and sleep duration/quality failed to reach statistical significance. Conversely, a weighted GRS was associated with the evening/late chronotype and with all other outcomes (p < 0.05). The chronotype-GRS was associated with an increased overweight/obesity risk (vs normal weight) in both early and late adulthood (OR = 2.2; p = 0.004, and OR = 2.1; p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: Genetic variants of some circadian clock genes could explain the link between genetic susceptibility to the individual's chronotype and obesity risk.

Levels of Se, Zn, Mg and Ca in commercial goat and cow milk fermented products: Relationship with their chemical composition and probiotic starter culture.

We determined Se, Zn, Mg and Ca levels in 42 samples of goat and cow fermented milks which are widely consumed in Spain were determined. Atomic absorption spectrometry (hydride generation for Se and flame atomisation for remaining elements) was used as an analytical technique. Reliability of the procedure was checked. Only Mg levels in goat fermented milks were significantly higher to those found in cow fermented milks (p<0.022). Important similarities in concentrations and behaviours for Mg and Ca have been observed. Mg contents were significantly correlated with Zn (r=0.590; p<0.001) and Ca (r=0.344; p<0.028) concentrations, Zn, Mg and Ca levels with protein content (r=0.554, r=0.479, r=0.388, respectively), Mg levels with fats (r=0.403; p=0.011) and Se levels with carbohydrates (r=-0.379; p=0.031). Mineral and macronutrient levels in yogurts with traditional probiotic starter cultures were not significantly different to those found in fermented milks with additional probiotic microorganisms (p>0.05). It was concluded that goat fermented milks are a better source for Mg than cow samples.

Exploring Dietary Behavior Changes Due to the COVID-19 Confinement in Colombia: A National and Regional Survey Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of coronavirus SARS-Cov2 (COVID-19) confinement measures in Colombia on the dietary behaviors of a large population sample, at national and regional levels. A survey was conducted to assess dietary behaviors during the COVID-19 confinement. The survey involved 2,745 participants, aged 18 years or older, from six regions of the country (Atlántica, Bogotá, Central, Oriental, Orinoquía and Amazonía, and Pacífica). Dietary intake of foods and foods groups in grams per day before and during the confinement was estimated by considering standard serving sizes of foods. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze differences between the regions with regard to dietary behavior changes during the confinement. Differences were deemed significant at p-value < 0.05. Dietary patterns (DPs) before and during the confinement were derived from principal component analysis. Certain dietary habits were adopted by the study population during the confinement (e.g., higher frequency of snacking and home cooking), with significant differences by regions with regard to these habits, as well as regarding culinary processes. The levels of consumption of several foods also changed during the confinement, nationally and regionally. We identified three DPs before the confinement (protein-rich, carbohydrate-rich, and sugar foods patterns) and four DPs during the confinement (westernized, carbohydrate-rich, protein-rich, fish and fruits-vegetable patterns), with an explained total variance of 33 and 45%, respectively. The profile of these DPs varied to some extent between the regions; their adherence to each DP also varied (p-value < 0.001). Our results show that there were marked differences by regions in the dietary behaviors of this population during the confinement, with an overall trend toward unhealthier DPs. These results may help to shape public health nutrition interventions in Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic and in a post-COVID stage.

Milk protein peptides with angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory (ACEI) activity.

Bioactive peptides derived from milk proteins are currently of great scientific interest due to their beneficial health properties. The group of bioactive peptides most studied up until now are the angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitory (ACEI) peptides, which, when administered orally, seem to possess the capacity to lower blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. The various techniques of separation, identification, and classification of bioactive peptides obtained from milk and milk products, permit the selection of molecules with the highest level of health benefits to be used as a functional ingredient in the production of milk products with blood pressure-lowering effects such as Evolus((R)) or Calpis((R)). This review focuses on the major research in the areas of isolation, identification, and application of bioactive peptides with ACEI activity in milk proteins, paying special attention to in vitro, in animal model systems, and in clinical studies of hypertensive patients.

Anthropometric Measurements and Cognitive Impairment Rather Than Nutrition Status Are Associated With Sarcopenia in Long-Term Care Residents.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is an important health problem in older adults. The aim was to study the association of anthropometric measurements, functional capacity, cognitive impairment, and nutrition status with sarcopenia in institutionalized older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken, determining the calf circumference (CC), mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC), and body mass index (BMI) and administering the Pfeiffer test and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Sarcopenia was diagnosed following criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. After bivariate analyses, a multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to determine the association of study variables with sarcopenia. RESULTS: The study group comprised 249 residents (mean age 84.9 ± 6.7 years). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 63%. The multivariate analysis with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) indicated that the risk of sarcopenia was significantly increased by being female (OR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.3-6.2), having moderate or severe cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer test score of 5-10) (OR = 2.4; 95% CI 0.9-6.4), and having a BMI < 22 kg/m2 (OR = 22.4; 95% CI 6.7-75.0). Moreover, a low CC (OR = 6.5; 95% CI 3.0-14.0) or MUAMC (OR = 3.9; 95% CI 1.7-9.3) also significantly increased the risk of sarcopenia. A negative association was observed between sarcopenia and MNA-SF, although it did not remain statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The variables identified as risk factors for sarcopenia can assist in detecting individuals at higher risk who require special clinical attention.

Changes in Dietary Behaviours during the COVID-19 Outbreak Confinement in the Spanish COVIDiet Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether dietary behaviours of the Spanish adult population were changed during the COVID-19 outbreak confinement. For that purpose, an online questionnaire, based on 44 items including socio-demographic data, Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) Adherence Screener (MEDAS) as a reference of a healthy diet, processed foods intake, changes in their usual food choices and weight gain was distributed using social media and snowball sampling. A total of 7514 participants (37% aged below 35 years, 70.6% female, 77.9% university-level education or higher) from all the Spanish territory completed the questionnaire. Results outlined healthier dietary behaviours during the confinement when compared to previous habits. Overall, the MEDAS score (ranging from 0 to 14, whereby higher a scoring reflects greater adherence to the MedDiet) increased significantly from 6.53 ± 2 to 7.34 ± 1.93 during the confinement. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for age, gender, region and other variables, showed a statistically significant higher likelihood of changing the adherence to the MedDiet (towards an increase in adherence) in those persons who decreased the intake of fried foods, snacks, fast foods, red meat, pastries or sweet beverages, but increased MedDiet-related foods such as olive oil, vegetables, fruits or legumes during the confinement. COVID-19 confinement in Spain has led to the adoption of healthier dietary habits/behaviours in the studied population, as reflected by a higher adherence to the MedDiet. This improvement, if sustained in the long-term, could have a positive impact on the prevention of chronic diseases and COVID-19-related complications.

Dietary Intake and Associated Factors in Long-Term Care Homes in Southeast Spain.

Diet is a key modifiable factor in the management of malnutrition and age-related diseases such as sarcopenia, an important issue in long-term care homes. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the dietary intake of residents, define dietary patterns, and analyze their association with sex, diet texture, nutritional status, and the presence of sarcopenia. Intake was assessed by the precise weighing method, dietary patterns were defined a posteriori by cluster analysis, and nutritional status and sarcopenia were evaluated by applying the MNA-SF test and EWGSOP algorithm, respectively. A regular diet was consumed by 63% of participants; 56% were at risk of malnutrition and 63% were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Intake of potassium, magnesium, zinc, iodine, vitamin D, E, folic acid, and fiber was low in >80% of participants. Protein intake was <1 g/kg/day in 56% of participants and <25 g/meal in 100%. Two dietary patterns were identified, but neither fully met recommendations. The risk of a poorer diet was higher in females and residents with sarcopenia and was lower in those consuming regular diets. In conclusion, action is required to improve the inadequate nutritional intake of long-term care residents.

Prevalence and Diagnosis of Sarcopenia in Residential Facilities: A Systematic Review.

Assessing sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, in institutionalized older adults is a challenging task. Data on its prevalence in residential facilities are scant and highly variable. Our objective was to report the prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults living in residential facilities (nursing/long term-care homes and assisted-living facilities) and review the criteria and methodologies used to diagnose sarcopenia in this setting. Bibliographic searches were carried out in 6 electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, LILACS, and Cochrane) with the use of the Medical Subject Heading terms "Sarcopenia" and "Residential Facilities." We included studies that evaluated the prevalence of sarcopenia among older adults (aged ≥60 y) living in residential facilities. Forty-four studies were identified, of which 21 studies were included after applying eligibility criteria. The reported prevalence of sarcopenia ranged widely between 17.7% and 73.3% in long term-care homes and between 22% and 87% in assisted-living facilities. Most studies (n = 14) followed the consensus on sarcopenia diagnosis published by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. In the other 7 studies, sarcopenia was diagnosed according to muscle mass, which was measured via 5 different techniques, most frequently bioelectrical impedance analysis, establishing cutoff scores for low muscle mass with the use of 5 different indexes, most frequently the skeletal muscle index. There are major differences in study design, methodology, and the approach to sarcopenia diagnosis in this setting, which would, in part, explain the enormous variability in the reported prevalence data. The lack of consensus on the correct diagnostic approach hampers the implementation of appropriate nutritional interventions.

[Menus offered in long-term care homes: quality of meal service and nutritional analysis].

BACKGROUND: Institutionalization is a risk factor for malnutrition. Low energy intake and/or nutrient deficiencies are considered to be the main causes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of meals and meal service as well as the nutritional value of the main menus (regular menu, menu for diabetics, and pureed menu) offered in three long-term care (LTC) homes located in the metropolitan area of Granada (Spain). METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A validated "quality of meals and meal service" set of indicators was applied. The menus were assessed by weighed food records on 14 consecutive days. The results were compared with the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) and the recommended number of servings. RESULTS: Important deficiencies in the quality of meals and meal service have been reported. Average energy varies from 1,788 to 2,124 kcal/day in the regular menus, from 1,687 to 1,924 kcal/day in the menus for diabetics, and from 1,518 to 1,639 kcal/day in the pureed menus. Average protein varied from 71.4 to 75.4 g/day, from 72.6 to 76.1 g/day, and from 50.5 to 54.7 g/day, respectively. None of the menus complied with the recommendations for fiber, potassium, magnesium, iodine, vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, nor for vegetables, fruit, milk products, olive oil, legumes, or nuts. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to ensure the implementation of regular routines for controlling the quality of meals and meal service as well as the nutritional value of the menus offered in LTC homes.

Glycemic index, glycemic load, and metabolic syndrome in Mexican adolescents: a cross-sectional study from the NHNS-2012.

BACKGROUND: The role of dietary glycemic index (GI) and dietary glycemic load (GL) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in youth populations remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association among dietary GI, dietary GL, and MetS and its components in Mexican adolescents. METHODS: This study was conducted within the framework of the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012, a cross-sectional, probabilistic, population-based survey with a multistage stratified cluster sampling design. We analyzed a sample of 1346 subjects aged 12-19 years, representing 13,164,077 adolescents. Dietary habits were assessed through a validated semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. We assigned GI values using the International Tables of GI values. We defined MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria developed for adolescents. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the association between categories of dietary GI and GL and the prevalence of MetS and its components. RESULTS: We observed no associations between dietary GI or GL and MetS prevalence. Female adolescents in the highest category of dietary GI had higher odds of abnormal blood pressure (OR = 3.66; 95% CI, 1.46-9.22; P for trend = 0.012). A high dietary GL was also associated with higher odds of abnormal blood pressure in female adolescents (OR = 5.67; 95% CI, 1.84-17.46; P for trend = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: We found higher odds of abnormal blood pressure for female adolescents with a high dietary GI and dietary GL.

The Quality Index for Nutrition in Nursing Homes (QUINN). A new tool for evaluating diet quality in long-term care homes / El índice de calidad de la nutrición en las residencias de ancianos (QUINN). Una nueva herramienta para evaluar la calidad de la dieta en las residencias de ancianos

Antecedentes: la valoración de la calidad de la dieta es fundamental para el estudio de las asociaciones enfermedad-dieta, y es necesario implantar una herramienta de fácil aplicación en las residencias de ancianos. Nuestro objetivo fue proponer y aplicar un nuevo indicador de calidad de la dieta (diet QUALITY indicator, DQIn) utilizando un enfoque a priori para su utilización en residencias de ancianos. Métodos: el Índice de Calidad Nutricional en Residencias de Ancianos (QUALITY Index for NUTRITION in NURSING homes, QUINN) se aplicó en una residencia pública de Valladolid durante un periodo de 5 semanas (n = 137 sujetos). La elección de los componentes del QUINN se basó en una revisión rápida. En el QUINN se consideraron 15 componentes dietéticos, 12 básicos (verduras, frutas, legumbres, aceite de oliva, cereales, lácteos, pescado blanco y marisco, carnes blancas, huevos/positivos; otras grasas, carnes rojas y procesadas, y dulces/negativos) y 3 adicionales (variedad de frutas y verduras, pescado azul, y cereales integrales/positivos). Cada componente se clasificó en 4 categorías (0, 1, 2 o 3 puntos; rango: 0-45 puntos). Resultados: el QUINN se aplicó en el menú ofertado por una residencia de ancianos dando un resultado de 34 puntos (dieta de buena calidad). Los componentes con mayor puntuación estaban relacionados con la dieta mediterránea (alto consumo de legumbres, aceite de oliva, pescado blanco y marisco, bajo consumo de otras grasas y variedad de frutas y verduras), junto con los cereales, las carnes blancas, los lácteos y los huevos. Los componentes que requerían un cambio importante fueron las carnes rojas y procesadas, los dulces y los cereales integrales. Conclusión: el menú de esta residencia de ancianos situada en España mostró una calidad de la dieta buena según el QUINN. La evaluación de la calidad de la dieta en las residencias de ancianos mediante el QUINN permitirá proponer intervenciones para mejorar la dieta. (AU)

Background: the assessment of diet QUALITY (DQ) is fundamental to the study of disease-diet associations, and it is necesary to implement an easy to-apply tool in NURSING homes (NHs). Our objective was to propose and apply a novel diet QUALITY indicator (DQIn) using an a priori approach for NHs. Methods: the QUALITY Index for NUTRITION in NURSING homes (QUINN) was implemented in a public NH located in Valladolid, Spain, during a 5-week period (n = 137 subjects). The choice of the QUINN components was based on a rapid review. The QUINN was based on 15 dietary components — 12 were basic (vegetables, fruits, legumes, olive oil, cereals, dairy, white fish and seafood, white-meat, eggs/positive; other fats, red and processed meat, and sweets/negative), and 3 were supplementary (fruits and vegetables variety, oily-fish, and whole-grains/positive). Each component was classified into 4-categories (0, 1, 2 o 3 points; range: 0-45 points). Results: the QUINN was tested on a menu offered by a NH giving a result of 34 points (good diet). The components with the highest scores were related to the Mediterranean diet (high consumption of legumes, olive oil, white fish and shellfish; low intake of other fats; and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables), together with cereals, white meat, dairy, and eggs. The components that required a major change were red- and processed-meats, sweets, and whole grains. Conclusion: the menu of this Spanish NH showed a good DQ according to the QUINN. The assessment of the DQ in NHs using QUINN will allow the proposal of interventions aimed at improving their diet. (AU)

[Linoleic conjugated acid: current interest in human nutrition]. / Acido linoleico conjugado: interés actual en nutrición humana.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid. The major dietary sources of CLA are meat from rumiants and dairy products. There are also foods enriched in CLA (by modification animal feed or addition of commercial CLA from cartamo oil). However, the major isomer of CLA in natural food is cis-9,trans-11 and commercial CLA contains approximately equal amounts of cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 isomers. Although CLA is minor component of the diet, at present CLA has provoked intense scientific research accompanied by an advertising boom. This is due to the potential health effects demonstrated in animal and cell culture experiments including effects on body composition, specially a reduction in body fat mass and anticarcinogenic, antidiabetogenic and immune modulating effects. The results obtained in human volunteers are limited and even sometimes contradictory. This review focuses on recently studies in humans. To draw conclusions on CLA's potential interest as a functional ingredient, additional studies are needed to clearly define optimal level of CLA intake, short and long term effects and side effects of each individual CLA isomer in order to determine its safety and efficacy.

Glycemic index, glycemic load and invasive breast cancer incidence in postmenopausal women: The PREDIMED study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prospective associations between dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) and the risk for invasive breast cancer incidence in postmenopausal women at high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study was conducted within the framework of the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) study, a nutritional intervention trial for primary cardiovascular prevention. We included 4010 women aged between 60 and 80 years who were initially free from breast cancer but at high risk for CVD disease. Dietary information was collected using a validated 137-item food frequency questionnaire. We assigned GI values using the International Tables of GI and GL values. Cases were ascertained through yearly consultation of medical records and through consultation of the National Death Index. Only cases confirmed by results from cytology tests or histological evaluation were included. We estimated multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios for invasive breast cancer risk across tertiles of energy-adjusted dietary GI/GL using Cox regression models. We repeated our analyses using yearly repeated measures of GI/GL intakes. No associations were found between baseline dietary GI/GL and invasive breast cancer incidence. The multivariable hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the top tertile of dietary GI was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.42-2.46) and for dietary GL was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.44-2.30) when compared with the bottom tertile. Repeated-measures analyses yielded similar results. In sensitivity analyses, no significant associations were observed for women with obesity or diabetes. Dietary GI and GL did not appear to be associated with an increased risk for invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women at high CVD risk.

Does Lactobacillus plantarum or ultrafiltration process improve Ca, Mg, Zn and P bioavailability from fermented goats' milk?

Ca, Mg, Zn and P bioavailability from two experimental ultrafiltered fermented goats' milks (one of them with the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum and another one without it), and fermented goats' milk samples available in the market were evaluated. Solubility, dialysability and a model combining simulated gastrointestinal digestion and mineral retention, transport and uptake by Caco-2 cells were used to assess bioavailability. The highest Ca, Mg, Zn and P bioavailability values always corresponded to the fermented milk developed by our research group, which could be explained by the effect of milk ultrafiltration. The fermented milk with L. plantarum showed higher Ca retention than the ones without the microorganism, and major Ca uptake when compared to commercial products. This fact could be attributed to a positive effect exerted by the probiotic strain.