Food provision to support improved nutrition and well-being of people experiencing disadvantage - perspectives of service providers.

OBJECTIVE: Diet quality is significantly impacted by social and environmental factors. People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage face inequitable barriers to accessing nutritious foods and health services, resulting in significant health disparities. This study aimed to explore the barriers faced by organisations that provide food support to people experiencing disadvantage as well as to identify potential strategies to enhance this support for improved well-being of clients. DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews using an exploratory approach and inductive thematic analysis. SETTING: Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals from organisations involved in the provision of food support for people experiencing disadvantage aged ≥16 years. RESULTS: Two major themes were identified from thirteen interviews. 'Dignity and respect for clients' serves as a guiding principle for food-related services across all organisations, while 'food' was a point of connection and a potential gateway to additional support pathways. Five additional subthemes included 'food as a platform to reduce social isolation, foster connection and promote participation', challenges with 'servicing clients with diverse experiences and needs', 'dependence on staff and volunteers with varying knowledge and skillsets', ensuring 'adequate access to services, resources and facilities' and 'necessity of community collaboration'. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the unique position of organisations involved in food support to identify client-specific needs and implement broader holistic health support. Future interventions should prioritise dignity, respect and social connection in design. Organisations require an adequately trained, sustainable workforce, with shared or enhanced services, resources and facilities, and greater community coordination with other services to maximise effectiveness.

Trends in food sources of added sugar in Australian eating patterns between 1995 and 2012 using national consumption survey data.

BACKGROUND: When aiming to develop dietary messaging to achieve reductions in added sugar intakes, it is necessary to identify key food contributors. Food contributors are not expected to remain static over time. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the total added sugars (AS) intake and related food sources for adult respondents of two Australian national consumption surveys. METHODS: Repeated 24-h recall data from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey (1995NNS, n = 10 851) and the 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2012NNPAS, n = 9341) was used to estimate AS consumption. Food group sources of AS were examined per consumer and per capita and the food group predictors of energy provided by AS were determined. RESULTS: A significant difference in total AS intake was identified by age and gender between the surveys (all P < 0.001). Increased variability in food group contributions per consumer was also identified. Nine of the top 20 food groups from the 1995NNS differed (P < 0.001) in their contribution to AS in 2012NNPAS per consumer. Fewer changes were apparent at the population level, with >40% AS coming from only three food groups. Age-stratified analyses showed that the 'sugar, honeys and syrups' and the 'sweetened beverages' food groups were the top contributors between the surveys up to the age group of 70 years. 'Sugar, honey and syrups', 'chocolate and chocolate-based confectionery,' and 'other confectionery' (all, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of AS intake (1995NNS, r2  = 0.755; 2012NNPAS r2  = 0.740). CONCLUSIONS: At a population level, food group contributions to AS intakes for Australian adults have not changed substantially over time, yet notable shifts in AS can be seen when targeting only the consumers of these food sources. 'Cake type desserts' appear to be increasingly consumed though 'sweetened beverages' remain a major contributor to AS intakes warranting targeted public health strategies.

The impact of home-delivered meal services on the nutritional intake of community living older adults: a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: There is a global increase in populations aged over 65 years. Physiological changes that occur during ageing may increase the nutritional risk for older adults. To avoid malnutrition and address some of the barriers to obtain an adequate food supply, home-delivered meals services provide meals in the home or in congregate settings for older adults who require nutritional support. METHODS: This systematic literature review explored whether nutritional intake is improved in community-living older adults when receiving meal services compared to when meal services are not received. Four electronic databases were searched up to 31 January 2019. In total, 13 original studies were included in this analysis with the components: intervention of home-delivered meal or congregate meal services to older adults; comparison with groups not receiving meal services or days not receiving the meal service; and nutritional intake as an outcome measured by food history, dietary recall and/or food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: The results supported a beneficial effect of home-delivered meals on dietary intake of energy, protein and/or certain micronutrients in older adults. CONCLUSIONS: The increased total energy intake is a positive influence on malnutrition risk in frail older adults and the increased protein intake supports good health, promotes recovery from illness and assists in maintaining functionality in older adults. Additionally, there was a particular increase in calcium intake, which is relevant in ageing, especially for bone health.

Usual dietary anthocyanin intake, sources and their association with blood pressure in a representative sample of Australian adults.

BACKGROUND: Anthocyanins represent an important subgroup of non-nutritive components of food as evidence continues to build related to their beneficial bioactive effects. Using a recently developed Australian anthocyanin database, the present study aimed to estimate the intake of both total anthocyanins and their subclasses, identify food sources of anthocyanins, and determine associations between anthocyanin intake and measured blood pressure (BP). METHODS: The present study comprised a secondary analysis of the 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity component of the Australian Health Survey. Anthocyanin intake was estimated using an Australian anthocyanin database. Usual anthocyanin intake, as estimated from 24-h diet recall data, was computed using multiple source methods, whereas food sources were determined by calculating contribution of food groups to total anthocyanin intake. Regression analysis, adjusted for covariates (age, gender, body mass index, high BP diagnosis, smoking status and physical activity) assessed the relationship between anthocyanin intake and BP in adults aged ≥50 years. RESULTS: Mean anthocyanin intake was 24.17 ± 0.32 mg day-1 . Across age groups, berries were the top sources: blackberry (5-65%), cherry (2-24%), blueberry (2-13%) and raspberry (3-12%). There was a significant inverse association between anthocyanin intake and systolic BP (ß = -0.04, F = 16.8, d.f. = 6, r2  = 0.05, P < 0.01) and diastolic BP (ß = 0.01, F = 5.35, d.f. = 6, R2  = 0.013, P < 0.01), in models that adjusted for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with the world composite database, anthocyanin intake in the Australian population was above average [mean (SD): 24.17 (0.32) mg day-1 versus 18.05 (21.14) mg day-1 ]. Berries were the primary source of anthocyanins. Anthocyanin intake in older adults aged ≥50 years was inversely associated with BP.

Nutrient profiling and food prices: what is the cost of choosing healthier products?

BACKGROUND: The Health Star Rating (HSR) is a front-of-pack label designed to help Australian consumers identify healthier packaged foods. Price is an important determinant of food choice and yet no previous studies have examined the relationship between HSR and price. In the present study, we investigated whether (i) healthier packaged food products, as determined by HSR, are more expensive than less healthy alternatives and (ii) products displaying the HSR are more expensive than similar products that do not. METHODS: Prices of three packaged foods categories (breakfast cereals, cereal-based bars and fruit juices) and nutrient data (to calculate HSR) were obtained from shopping receipts of approximately 1600 Australians between June 2014 and September 2016. Associations between HSR and price [per energy ($/100 kJ) and per unit ($/100 g)] for products of comparable package sizes were assessed by linear regression and the results are presented as differences in average price over the theoretical maximum range of HSR from 0.5 to 5 stars. RESULTS: The HSR of products was not consistently related to price. Small positive associations were observed for juice ($0.08/100 mL; P = 0.03) and for cereal-based bars ($0.04/100 kJ; P = 0.02). No other associations between HSR and price were observed (P ≥ 0.23). Products that displayed the HSR were no more expensive on average than products that received a similar HSR but did not display the HSR (P ≥ 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the findings of the present study suggest that healthier packaged food products were not consistently more expensive than less healthy products and also that price is unlikely to be a barrier for consumers to use the HSR to select healthier packaged foods.

A systematic literature review of the effect of anthocyanins on gut microbiota populations.

BACKGROUND: Evidence has shown that anthocyanins, a subclass of polyphenol, are metabolised in the gut, modulate bacterial species and exert bioactive effects through this interaction. METHODS: A systematic literature review was undertaken to determine the level of current evidence for the association between anthocyanin intake and changes in gut microbiota populations. The studies included were also assessed for the different techniques used in microbiota determination. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, scientific databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and MEDLINE, were searched up to June 2017. Details on population/sample, study design, intervention/control, dosage and method of microbiota determination were extracted. RESULTS: Six studies (three in vitro, two animal and one human trials) were included in the review, which showed that anthocyanins induced a significant proliferative effect on Bifidobacterium spp., known for their wide use in probiotics and for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. There was also an observed inhibition of Clostridium histolyticum, which was shown to be pathogenic in humans. The depth of analysis is an important consideration for the choice of microbiota determination technique with respect to a comprehensive, high-resolution microbiota analysis or analysis of the main microbiota taxa. CONCLUSIONS: Very limited research has been carried out in the area of anthocyanins and gut microbiota; beneficial effects have generally been observed, and further clinical trials in humans are needed to confirm changes to gut microbes in relation to dietary anthocyanin intake and potential health benefits.

Associations between dietary salt, potassium and blood pressure in South African adults: WHO SAGE Wave 2 Salt & Tobacco.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In June 2016, South Africa implemented legislation mandating maximum sodium levels in a range of processed foods with a goal of reducing population salt intake and disease burden from hypertension. Our aim was to explore the relationship between salt and blood pressure (BP) in a subsample of the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 2 before implementation of legislation in South Africa. METHODS & RESULTS: Blood pressure (BP) was measured in triplicate (n = 2722; median age 56 years; 33% male) and 24-h urine collected in a nested subsample (n = 526) for sodium, potassium and creatinine analysis. Hypertension prevalence was 55% in older adults (50-plus years) and 28% in younger adults (18-49 years). Median salt intake (6.8 g/day) was higher in younger than older adults (8.6 g vs 6.1 g/day; p < 0.001), and in urban compared to rural populations (7.0 g vs 6.0 g/day; p = 0.033). Overall, 69% of participants had salt intakes above 5 g/day. Potassium intakes were generally low (median 35 mmol/day) with significantly lower intakes in rural areas and older adults. Overall, 91% of adults failed to meet the daily potassium recommendation of 90 mmol/d. Salt intakes above 5 g/day, and to a greater extent, a dietary sodium-to-potassium (Na:K) ratio above 2 mmol/mmol, were associated with significantly steeper regression slopes of BP with age. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results indicate that high dietary Na:K ratio may lead to a greater increase in BP and hypertension risk with age. Interventions to increase potassium intakes alongside sodium reduction initiatives may be warranted.

Using data mining to predict success in a weight loss trial.

BACKGROUND: Traditional methods for predicting weight loss success use regression approaches, which make the assumption that the relationships between the independent and dependent (or logit of the dependent) variable are linear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between common demographic and early weight loss variables to predict weight loss success at 12 months without making this assumption. METHODS: Data mining methods (decision trees, generalised additive models and multivariate adaptive regression splines), in addition to logistic regression, were employed to predict: (i) weight loss success (defined as ≥5%) at the end of a 12-month dietary intervention using demographic variables [body mass index (BMI), sex and age]; percentage weight loss at 1 month; and (iii) the difference between actual and predicted weight loss using an energy balance model. The methods were compared by assessing model parsimony and the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: The decision tree provided the most clinically useful model and had a good accuracy (AUC 0.720 95% confidence interval = 0.600-0.840). Percentage weight loss at 1 month (≥0.75%) was the strongest predictor for successful weight loss. Within those individuals losing ≥0.75%, individuals with a BMI (≥27 kg m-2 ) were more likely to be successful than those with a BMI between 25 and 27 kg m-2 . CONCLUSIONS: Data mining methods can provide a more accurate way of assessing relationships when conventional assumptions are not met. In the present study, a decision tree provided the most parsimonious model. Given that early weight loss cannot be predicted before randomisation, incorporating this information into a post randomisation trial design may give better weight loss results.

Food-based anthocyanin intake and cognitive outcomes in human intervention trials: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical evidence suggests that the anthocyanins, which comprise a subclass of dietary flavonoids providing the purple and red pigmentation in plant-based foods, may have a beneficial impact on cognitive outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify the published literature on food-based anthocyanin consumption and cognitive outcomes in human intervention trials. The literature search followed PRISMA guidelines and included six databases, as well as additional hand searching. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in this review, comprising acute trials (n = 4) and longer-term (n = 3) interventions that assessed multiple cognitive outcomes in children, adults and older adults with cognitive impairment. Six of seven studies reported improvements in either a single, or multiple, cognitive outcomes, including verbal learning and memory, after anthocyanin-rich food consumption. As a result of methodological limitations and the large clinical and methodological diversity of the studies, the pooling of data for quantitative analysis was not feasible. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of food-based anthocyanin consumption on both acute and long-term cognition appears promising. However, adequately powered studies that include sensitive cognitive tasks are needed to confirm these findings and allow the translation of research into dietary messages.

Development and validation of a food frequency questionnaire to assess omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake in Australian children aged 9-13 years.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to develop a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) assessing dietary omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LCPUFA) intake in Australian children and to validate the FFQ against a 7-day food diary. METHODS: The investigation comprised a cross-sectional and validation study. The study setting was two private primary schools in the in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. Twenty-two Australian children, aged 9-13 years, who were not on a special diet or receiving medical care that limited their food choice in the 3 months prior to recruitment, were recruited into the study. RESULTS: A total of 131 items, classified according to seven food group categories, was included in the n-3 LCPUFA FFQ, as identified from published dietary surveys and a supermarket survey. Good correlations between the FFQ and the 7-day food diary were observed for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) [r = 0.691, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.51-0.83, P < 0.001], docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (r = 0.684, 95% CI = 0.45-0.84, P < 0.001) and total n-3 LCPUFA (r = 0.687, 95% CI = 0.48-0.85, P < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots showed an acceptable limit of agreement between the FFQ and the average 7-day food diary. However, the mean EPA, DHA and total n-3 LCPUFA intakes estimated from the FFQ were significantly higher than those from the average 7-day food diary estimates (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A novel n-3 LCPUFA FFQ that has been developed to estimate dietary n-3 LCPUFA intakes in Australian children has been shown to have relative validity. The FFQ provides a useful contribution to dietary assessment methodology in this age group; however, reproducibility remains to be demonstrated.

Trends in added sugar intake and food sources in a cohort of older Australians: 15 years of follow-up from the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

BACKGROUND: The trend of added sugar (AS) intake has not been investigated in the Australian population, including in older adults. The present study aimed to assess trends and food sources of AS intake among a cohort of older Australians during 15 years of follow-up. METHODS: Dietary data from participants of the Blue Mountains Eye Study (1264 men and 1614 women), aged ≥49 years at baseline, were collected. Dietary intakes were assessed at 5-yearly intervals (1992-94 to 2007-09) using a 145-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). AS content of FFQ food items was estimated using a stepwise systematic method. Trends for AS intake between baseline and the three follow-up periods were assessed using linear mixed modelling. RESULTS: In men, the mean (SEM) percentage of energy provided by AS intake (EAS%) declined from 10.4% (0.1%) at baseline to 9.4% (0.2%) at 15-year follow-up (Ptrend = 0.028). Women's mean (SEM) EAS% intake at baseline and 15-year follow-up was 9.2% (0.1%) and 8.8% (0.2%), respectively (Ptrend = 0.550). EAS% intake of men was significantly higher than that of women for 10 years (P < 0.05). Sugar products (table sugar, syrup, jam and honey) were the major sources of AS at all-time points and contributed to more than 40% and 35% of AS intake in men and women, respectively. Intake of sugar products decreased in men during follow-up (Ptrend < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An overall downward trend was observed in AS intake in both genders, however, was only significant for men during 15 years of follow-up. Table sugar and sugar-containing spreads represent the major source of AS in this cohort of older Australians.

Erring on the side of caution: pregnant women's perceptions of consuming fish in a risk averse society.

BACKGROUND: Fish and seafood are good sources of several nutrients that are important for foetal growth and development. Despite guidelines encouraging the eating of fish during pregnancy, research indicates that pregnant women may be limiting or avoiding these foods. Possible factors contributing to this include concerns regarding levels of mercury and other contaminants and pregnant women's purported heightened risk consciousness. The present study aimed to explore pregnant women's perceptions of consuming fish and seafood during pregnancy. METHODS: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 15 pregnant women across all three trimesters in New South Wales, Australia. Questions focussed on exploring nutrition information received during pregnancy, dietary changes made during pregnancy and, more specifically, perceptions of fish and seafood, as well as views on information of fish and seafood commonly provided to pregnant women. Data were collected, then transcribed and analysed using an inductive coding process, guided by the qualitative theory grounded approach. RESULTS: Multiple inter-related themes were found to shape pregnant women's perceptions related to fish and seafood consumption during pregnancy; namely, the understanding of fish and seafood as part of a healthy diet, external factors such as cost, individual preferences such as taste, and confidence in choosing and preparing fish. The context of a risk adverse society permeated these themes. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides insight into the inter-related factors that influence pregnant women's consumption or avoidance of fish and seafood.

Augmented supraspinal fatigue following constant-load cycling in the heat.

The development of central fatigue is prominent following exercise-induced hyperthermia, but the contribution of supraspinal fatigue is not well understood. Seven endurance-trained cyclists (mean ± SD peak O2 uptake, 62.0 ± 5.6 mL/kg/min) completed two high-intensity constant-load cycling trials (296 ± 34 W) to the limit of tolerance in a hot (34 °C, 20% relative humidity) and, on a separate occasion, for the same duration, a control condition (18 °C, 20% relative humidity). Core body temperature (Tc ) was measured throughout. Before and immediately after each trial, twitch responses to supramaximal femoral nerve and transcranial magnetic stimulation were obtained from the knee extensors to assess neuromuscular and corticospinal function, respectively. Exercise time was 11.4 ± 2.6 min. Peak Tc was higher in the hot compared with control (38.36 ± 0.43 °C vs 37.86 ± 0.36 °C; P = 0.035). Post-exercise reductions in maximal voluntary contraction force (13 ± 9% vs 9 ± 5%), potentiated twitch force (16 ± 12% vs 21 ± 13%) and voluntary activation (9 ± 7% vs 7 ± 7%) were similar in hot and control trials, respectively. However, cortical voluntary activation declined more in the hot compared with the control (8 ± 3% vs 3 ± 2%; P = 0.001). Exercise-induced hyperthermia elicits significant central fatigue of which a large portion can be attributed to supraspinal fatigue. These data indicate that performance decrements in the heat might initially originate in the brain.

Association between Malnutrition and Delirium in Older Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units: A Data Linkage Study.

BACKGROUND: Independently, malnutrition and delirium in older hospitalised adults is prevalent. However, there is limited evidence on the association between these two conditions in older hospitalised adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between malnutrition and delirium in older CKD patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). METHODS: This data linkage study utilised administrative data from New South Wales (NSW) hospitals in Australia between 2017 and 2020.Admitted patient data was linked with Cause of Death Unit Record File, and NSW Registry of Deaths (RBD). The study population comprised all CKD patients aged 65 and over admitted to ICUs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise patient characteristics. Binary logistic tested for association between malnutrition and delirium. RESULTS: The study population included 748 CKD patients with a total 948 admissions in the study period. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) was used to code for all outcomes and comorbidities. The incidence of delirium was 15.5% (n=141) and malnutrition was recorded in 11.3% (n=103) across all admissions. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of a delirium diagnosis was 2.07 (95% CI: 1.27-3.39) for CKD patients that were malnourished compared to non-malnourished CKD patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a significant association between delirium and malnutrition in older CKD patients admitted to ICU. Management of malnutrition could be critical in reducing the risk of delirium in older hospitalized patients with CKD. Additionally, more education and awareness around delirium and its association with malnutrition are needed in clinical practice.

Short term effects of energy restriction and dietary fat sub-type on weight loss and disease risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Decreasing energy intake relative to energy expenditure is the indisputable tenet of weight loss. In addition to caloric restriction modification of the type of dietary fat may provide further benefits. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of energy restriction alone and with dietary fat modification on weight loss and adiposity, as well as on risk factors for obesity related disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: One-hundred and fifty overweight men and women were randomized into a 3month controlled trial with four low fat (30% energy) dietary arms: (1) isocaloric (LF); (2) isocaloric with 10% polyunsaturated fatty acids (LF-PUFA); (3) low calorie (LF-LC) (-2MJ); (4) low calorie with 10% PUFA (LF-PUFA-LC). Primary outcomes were changes in body weight and body fat and secondary outcomes were changes in fasting levels of leptin, insulin, glucose, lipids and erythrocyte fatty acids. Changes in dietary intake were assessed using 3day food records. One-hundred and twenty-two participants entered the study and 95 completed the study. All groups lost weight and body fat (P<0.0001 time effect for both), but the LC groups lost more weight (P=0.026 for diet effect). All groups reduced total cholesterol levels (P<0.0001 time effect and P=0.017 intervention effect), but the LC and PUFA groups were better at reducing triacylglycerol levels (P=0.056 diet effect). HDL increased with LF-LC and LF-PUFA but not with LF-PUFA-LC (0.042 diet effect). The LF and LF-LC groups reported greater dietary fat reductions than the two PUFA groups (P=0.043). CONCLUSION: Energy restriction has the most potent effect on weight loss and lipids, but fat modification is also beneficial when energy restriction is more modest.

Future perspectives in addressing the global issue of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is a fundamentally critical nutrient that the human body requires to function properly. It plays an important role in musculoskeletal health due to its involvement in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus. Having a low level of vitamin D in the body may be detrimental for a wide range of health outcomes, including risk of osteoporotic and stress fractures, risk of CVD and some cancers, and lowering of the capability of the immune system. Vitamin D is an unusual nutrient; it is not a vitamin, in the true sense of the word but a pro-hormone. The main source of vitamin D is UV exposure, not dietary intake. Interestingly, there are two forms of vitamin D, vitamin D2 and vitamin D3, both of which are metabolised into 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in the liver, the biomarker of vitamin D status. Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem, especially amongst older people and ethnic minority groups. The newest publication from the UK Government's Public Health England Department recommends that vitamin D intake should be 10 µg daily and this recommendation compares well (albeit lower) with other guidelines such as the Institute of Medicine recommendation of 15 µg for those aged 1-70 years and 20 µg for those 70 years or over. Few countries, however, have a specific vitamin D policy to prevent deficiency in populations. Finland leads the way, demonstrating impressive results in reducing population-level vitamin D deficiency through mandatory food fortification programmes. Collaboration between academia, government and industry, including countries from varying latitudes, is essential to identify long-term solutions to the global issue of vitamin D deficiency. This paper provides a narrative review of the evidence related to the role of vitamin D deficiency in health outcomes, outlines controversies regarding setting levels of adequacy, identifies the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency across the globe, and identifies population-level strategies adopted by countries to prevent vitamin D deficiency.

Anthocyanin-rich plum juice reduces ambulatory blood pressure but not acute cognitive function in younger and older adults: a pilot crossover dose-timing study.

Consumption of anthocyanins from fruit sources may exert protection against hypertension and improve cognition. However, the effect of dose timing in studies is rarely considered. We hypothesized that timed-dose consumption of juice from an anthocyanin-rich Japanese plum variety (Queen Garnet plum, QGP) will have acute and dose-timing effects on cardiovascular responses, cognition, and urinary anthocyanin excretion profiles. Our study objective was to investigate the impact of plum juice on these health parameters. Twelve older (65+ years) and 12 younger (18-45 years) adults participated in an acute crossover study. Participants received, randomly, either 1 × 300 mL or 3 × 100 mL plum juice over 3 hours on 2 different occasions with a 2-week washout period. A battery of cognitive tasks was administered at 0 and 6 hours on each study day. Blood pressure (BP) and urinary anthocyanin/metabolite excretion profiles were measured over 24 hours. Area under the curve for BP was calculated (0-6 hours). A significant reduction in BP and cardiovascular responses was observed in both age groups which was more obvious in the older age group on the single dose for systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate (P values = .035, .028, .017, and .006, respectively). No significant difference was observed between dose-timing regimens for either age group. There was no observed effect on cognition. Native QGP anthocyanins, as well as methylated/glucuronidated metabolites, were detected in urine with no significant differences between age groups or dose timing. High-anthocyanin plum juice significantly reduced BP, but dose timing did not appear to be a significant factor in the potential acute BP-lowering effect of QGP juice.

Nutritional status, tobacco use and alcohol consumption of older persons in Botswana.

AIM: To describe body mass index (BMI) distribution according to patterns of tobacco use, alcohol consumption and sociodemographic factors of older persons in Botswana. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected in 1998 as part of a national household survey of 1085 subjects aged 60 years and older. For the purpose of this analysis, data are utilised from a representative 50 % sub-sample (n=393; response rate = 72 %), in which weight and height were measured as part of a medical examination in the subjects' homes. RESULTS: A high prevalence of underweight (BMI < 18.5) was found in men (20.1 %), while overweight (BMI = 25-29.9) and obesity (BMI > or = 30) were common in women (21.3 % and 27.9 %, respectively). Thirty-four percent of the subjects reported alcohol consumption and 39 % reported tobacco use. Half of the sample used either one or both of the stimulants. Underweight was significantly associated with low socioeconomic status (OR=3.3; 95 % CI=1.3-8.2) and the use of a combination of alcohol and tobacco (OR=2.2; 95 % CI=1.1-4.4). Obesity was significantly associated with female gender (OR=4.9; 95 % CI=2.5-9.7) and younger age (60-69 years, compared to older groups; OR=3.2; 95 % CI=1.3-7.7). A higher than expected clustering of the three health-related risk factors (underweight, tobacco use and alcohol consumption) was found at 6.7 % (observed:expected ratio = 2.9). CONCLUSION: A double burden of undernutrition and overnutrition was found in this sample of older persons in an African country. A clustering of the three risk factors for increased morbidity (tobacco use, alcohol consumption and underweight) was evident. These findings indicate a need for health education to effect lifestyle behavioural change in older adults in the subregion.

Effectiveness of a community based low intensity exercise program for older adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a community-based, low-intensity exercise programme in older adults from socio-economically and historically disadvantaged communities. DESIGN: Three community centres were selected: two were allocated to the same 20-week, twice-weekly exercise program (EX1, n=38; EX2, n=32); and a third to relaxation classes (control/CTL; n=21). Measurements at baseline, 10 and 20 weeks included field tests for anthropometry, static and dynamic balance, gait, upper and lower body strength, 6-minute walk test, blood pressure, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), physical activity recall and self perceived health status. RESULTS: Exercise training significantly improved dynamic balance in both groups (75.1+/-31.5 vs 55.3+/-13.6 s, and 53.3+/-17.0 vs 37.0+/-10.4 s, for EX1 and EX2, respectively, p < 0.001 compared to CTL (57+/-27 vs 53+/-15 s). Lower body strength, as measured by the number of sit-to-stand repetitions in 10 s was also significantly improved in both EX1 and EX2 (p<0.001). No significant changes occurred in the CTL group. Systolic blood pressure decreased in both EX1 and EX2 from baseline to 20 weeks (147.8+/-12.8 vs 143.9+/-3.3 mmHg and 143.0+/-13.9 vs 137.4+/-14.5 mmHg, respectively, p<0.009, compared to CTL (147+/-13 to 150+/-16 mmHg). Furthermore, in a sub sample of subjects who were hypertensive at the outset, exercise intervention was associated with a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (n=26; 146+/-14 mmHg to 140+/-14 mmHg; p=0.005). Variables unaffected by exercise training were upper body strength, body composition and fat distribution, 20 m walk, cardiovascular endurance, time spent in recreational activities, self perceived health status and ADL. CONCLUSION: A community-based, low intensity exercise programme improved dynamic balance and lower body strength in community dwelling older adults and improved blood pressure, particularly in those who were hypertensive.

Baseline characteristics associated with different BMI trajectories in weight loss trials: a case for better targeting of interventions.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary weight loss interventions have heterogeneous outcomes in long-term studies, with many participants regaining part or all of the lost weight. Growth mixture modelling is a novel analytic approach that can be used to identify different trajectories of weight change during a trial rather than focussing on the total amount of weight lost. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data were pooled from two 12-month dietary weight loss studies where no significant difference was detected between the treatment and control arms, thus allowing analysis independent of treatment. The data set included 231 subjects (74.5% female), with a mean weight loss of 6.40 kg (4.96). Growth mixture models were used to identify participants with similar trajectories of change in body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Three subgroups were identified. A rapid and continuing BMI loss over the study period (rapid, n=53), a rapid initial weight loss in the first 3 months with a slowing rate over the remaining 9 months (maintainers, n=146) and those with an initial loss trajectory, which slowed and began to increase at 9 months (recidivists, n=53). Age (s.d.) and BMI (s.d.) were significantly different between the three groups (rapid 53 years (7), 28.99 kg/m(2) (3.30); maintainers 47 years (9), 30.90 kg/m(2) (2.95); recidivists 44 years (7), 34.84 kg/m(2) (1.92), both P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Older subjects with lower BMIs were more likely to have a rapid and continuing weight loss in a 1-year dietary-based weight loss intervention. Different interventional approaches may be necessary for different ages and baseline BMIs and stratification prior to randomisation may be necessary to prevent confounding in weight loss trials.