Adverse Effects of Medications on Micronutrient Status: From Evidence to Guidelines.

Recent dietary reference intake workshops focusing on nutrient requirements in chronic disease populations have called attention to the potential adverse effects of chronic medication use on micronutrient status. Although this topic is mostly ill defined in the literature, several noteworthy drug-nutrient interactions (DNIs) are of clinical and public health significance. The purpose of this narrative review is to showcase classic examples of DNIs and their impact on micronutrient status, including those related to antidiabetic, anticoagulant, antihypertensive, antirheumatic, and gastric acid-suppressing medications. Purported DNIs related to other drug families, while relevant and worthy of discussion, are not included. Unlike previous publications, this review is primarily focused on DNIs that have sufficient evidence supporting their inclusion in US Food and Drug Administration labeling materials and/or professional guidelines. While the evidence is compelling, more high-quality research is needed to establish clear and quantitative relationships between chronic medication use and micronutrient status.

Essential nutrient element profiles in rice types: a risk-benefit assessment including inorganic arsenic.

Rice is consumed by nearly half of the global population and a significant source of energy and nutrients. However, rice consumption can also be a significant pathway of inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure, thus requiring a risk-benefit assessment. This study assessed nutrient element (NE) densities in fifty-five rice types (white, brown and wild rice) marketed in the UK. Densities of essential NE were used to rank rice types in meeting daily NE targets under different consumption scenarios through a newly developed optimisation approach. Using iAs data from these rice types, we assessed the margin of exposure (MOE) for low (the UK) and high (Bangladesh) rice intake scenarios. Our results showed that brown and wild rice are significantly higher in many NE and significantly contribute to dietary reference value (DRV). Our modelling showed that switching to brown or wild rice could increase the intake of several essential nutrients by up to eight times that of white rice. Using rice consumption data for mid-to-high-consumption countries, we estimate that brown rice could provide 100 % adult DRV for Fe, Mg, Cr, P and Mo, and substantial contributions for Zn, Se and K. Our results show that the amount of rice primarily determines risk from iAs consumed rather than the type of rice. Therefore, switching from white to brown or wild rice could be beneficial, provided iAs concentration in rice is within the recommended limits.

Content and Nutritional Evaluation of Zinc in PDO and Traditional Italian Cheeses.

Zinc is an essential mineral which plays a key role in several important biological processes in the human body. The determination of its level in food matrices can contribute to the food quality characterization and to the adequacy of the diet. Animal food products generally have a higher zinc content compared to vegetables. Among them, dairy products consumption can provide a great contribution to the zinc reference intakes. In this study, different Italian cheeses (38 Protected Denomination of Origin and 9 Traditional) were evaluated for their zinc content. Cow cheeses generally showed the highest zinc content (1.83-7.75 mg/100 g cheese), followed by sheep cheeses (1.34-3.69 mg/100 g), and cheeses from mixed milk (0.39-4.54 mg/100 g). The only cheese from buffalo milk (Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO) showed a zinc content of 2.14 mg/100 g. The great variability in the zinc content observed among the samples is the result of the influence of several factors, such as the feeding system, the species (cow, sheep, goat, and buffalo), and the cheese-making. Most of the samples resulted in a great contribution (>10%) to the zinc Daily Reference Intake set by EU (10 mg/day), with only two samples contributing to less than 4%.

Probabilistic assessment of the daily intake of microelements and toxic elements via the consumption of rice with different degrees of polishing.

BACKGROUND: The polishing process plays a key role in determining the beneficial quality of rice. However, the effects of polishing on human exposure to essential and toxic elements are not well reported. This study evaluated the effects of polishing on the levels of essential and toxic elements in rice grains and evaluated the status of their daily intake using probabilistic assessment. RESULTS: The levels of essential elements decreased as the degree of polishing increased. The highest reduction percentages of essential elements [24% of copper (Cu), 26% of nickel (Ni), and 52% of manganese (Mn)] were found after the first polishing step. The highest zinc (Zn) reduction (15%) was found after the fourth polishing step. For toxic elements, polishing significantly reduced the arsenic (As) concentration (15-31%) from that of the whole grains, of which 26% was removed after the first step. CONCLUSION: Polishing removed both essential and toxic elements from rice grains. The highest losses of Cu, Mn, Ni, and As were found after the first polishing step since these elements generally localize in the aleurone layers of rice grains. The last polishing step caused a significant Zn reduction from the grain. Polishing had no significant effect on the cadmium (Cd) concentration in grains. The consumption of all types of rice could not supply sufficient amounts of all microelements except Mn to maintain optimum health. Both As and Cd intake levels were lower than the benchmarks of toxic health effects. Thus, the potential health impacts of both of these elements in rice can be neglected. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pro-vitamin A carotenoid content of 48 plantain (Musa AAB genome) cultivars sourced from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Unlike in developed countries, where the main source of vitamin A comes from meat, the diet of poor populations in SSA is largely plant based. It is thus important to identify local / popular plants with higher vitamin A content for combating VAD. Banana (including plantains) is an important staple food crop in this region. The identification and promotion of vitamin A-rich banana cultivars could contribute significantly to the alleviation of VAD in areas heavily dependent on the crop. We assessed pro-vitamin A carotenoid (pVACs) content in the fruit pulp of 48 local plantains from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, to identify cultivars that could help reduce VAD, especially among young children and women of reproductive age. RESULTS: Mean pVACs content varied from 175-1756 µg/100 gfw in ripe fruits. Significant increases (P < 0.001) in total pVACs content occurred after ripening in all cultivars except 'UCG II'. Retinol activity equivalents (RAE) in ripe fruits ranged from 12-113 µg/100 gfw. Fifteen plantain cultivars, including 'Adili II', 'Nzirabahima', 'Mayayi', 'Buembe', and 'Sanza Tatu' (associated with RAE values of 44 µg/100 gfw and above) can be considered as good sources of pVACs. Modest consumption (250 or 500 gfw) of the fruit pulp of the five best plantain cultivars at ripening stage 5 meets between 39-71% and 44-81% of vitamin A dietary reference intake (DRI) respectively, for children below 5 years old and women of reproductive age. CONCLUSION: The 15 best plantain cultivars (especially the top 5) could potentially be introduced / promoted as alternative sources of pro-vitamin A in banana-dependent communities, and help to reduce cases of VAD substantially. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Positive relationship between consumption of specific fish type and n-3 PUFA in milk of Hong Kong lactating mothers.

Residents of Hong Kong have undergone a dietary transition from a traditional Chinese diet that is high in seafood to a more Western diet. This may have affected the nutritional composition of breast milk of Hong Kong mothers. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the dietary pattern and the fatty acid profile of the breast milk of lactating women in Hong Kong. Seventy-three volunteering healthy Hong Kong lactating mothers participated in the study. Their dietary intakes were assessed by using a 3-d dietary record and FFQ. The mean n-3 fatty acid levels were approximately 0·4 % (EPA) and 0·9 % (DHA) of total fatty acids in the breast milk of lactating mothers who had exclusively breastfed their infants aged 2-6 months. Maternal dietary intakes of n-3 fatty acids were positively associated with their levels in the breast milk. The levels of maternal intakes of freshwater and saltwater fish, especially the consumption of salmon, croaker and mandarin, were significantly correlated with the content of DHA in breast milk. The present study is among the very few in the literature to determine the fatty acid profile of breast milk in Hong Kong populations and verify certain dietary factors that influence this profile. High levels of n-3 PUFA, especially DHA, were observed in the breast milk of Hong Kong lactating women. The findings may serve as a dietary reference for lactating mothers to optimise the fatty acid profile of their breast milk.

Prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intakes of Canadian long-term care residents.

This study determines the prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intakes consumed by long-term care (LTC) residents. This cross-sectional study was completed in thirty-two LTC homes in four Canadian provinces. Weighed and estimated food and beverage intake were collected over 3 non-consecutive days from 632 randomly selected residents. Nutrient intakes were adjusted for intra-individual variation and compared with the Dietary Reference Intakes. Proportion of participants, stratified by sex and use of modified (MTF) or regular texture foods, with intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or Adequate Intake (AI), were identified. Numbers of participants that met these adequacy values with use of micronutrient supplements was determined. Mean age of males (n 197) was 85·2 (sd 7·6) years and females (n 435) was 87·4 (sd 7·8) years. In all, 33 % consumed MTF; 78·2 % (males) and 76·1 % (females) took at least one micronutrient pill. Participants on a MTF had lower intake for some nutrients (males=4; females=8), but also consumed a few nutrients in larger amounts than regular texture consumers (males=4; females =1). More than 50 % of participants in both sexes and texture groups consumed inadequate amounts of folate, vitamins B6, Ca, Mg and Zn (males only), with >90 % consuming amounts below the EAR/AI for vitamin D, E, K, Mg (males only) and K. Vitamin D supplements resolved inadequate intakes for 50-70 % of participants. High proportions of LTC residents have intakes for nine of twenty nutrients examined below the EAR or AI. Strategies to improve intake specific to these nutrients are needed.

Vitamin D deficiency and sufficiency among Canadian children residing at high latitude following the revision of the RDA of vitamin D intake in 2010.

Recently, countries at high latitudes have updated their vitamin D recommendations to ensure adequate intake for the musculoskeletal health of their respective populations. In 2010, the dietary guidelines for vitamin D for Canadians and Americans aged 1­70 years increased from 5 µg/d to 15 µg/d, whereas in 2016 for citizens of the UK aged ≥4 years 10 µg/d is recommended. The vitamin D status of Canadian children following the revised dietary guidelines is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of vitamin D deficiency and sufficiency among Canadian children. For this study, we assumed serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations <30 nmol/l as 'deficient' and ≥50 nmol/l as 'sufficient'. Data from children aged 3­18 years (n 2270) who participated in the 2012/2013 Canadian Health Measures Survey were analysed. Of all children, 5·6% were vitamin D deficient and 71% were vitamin D sufficient. Children who consumed vitamin D-fortified milk daily (77 %) were more likely to be sufficient than those who consumed it less frequently (OR 2·4; 95% CI 1·7, 3·3). The 9% of children who reported taking vitamin D-containing supplements in the previous month had higher 25(OH)D concentrations (ß 5·9 nmol/l; 95% CI 1·3, 12·1 nmol/l) relative to those who did not. Children who were older, obese, of non-white ethnicity and from low-income households were less likely to be vitamin D sufficient. To improve vitamin D status, consumption of vitamin D-rich foods should be promoted, and fortification of more food items or formal recommendations for vitamin D supplementation should be considered.

Making the Most of Mealtimes (M3): protocol of a multi-centre cross-sectional study of food intake and its determinants in older adults living in long term care homes.

BACKGROUND: Older adults living in long term care (LTC) homes are nutritionally vulnerable, often consuming insufficient energy, macro- and micronutrients to sustain their health and function. Multiple factors are proposed to influence food intake, yet our understanding of these diverse factors and their interactions are limited. The purpose of this paper is to fully describe the protocol used to examine determinants of food and fluid intake among older adults participating in the Making the Most of Mealtimes (M3) study. METHODS: A conceptual framework that considers multi-level influences on mealtime experience, meal quality and meal access was used to design this multi-site cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 639 participants residing in 32 LTC homes in four Canadian provinces by trained researchers. Food intake was assessed with three-days of weighed food intake (main plate items), as well as estimations of side dishes, beverages and snacks and compared to the Dietary Reference Intake. Resident-level measures included: nutritional status, nutritional risk; disease conditions, medication, and diet prescriptions; oral health exam, signs of swallowing difficulty and olfactory ability; observed eating behaviours, type and number of staff assisting with eating; and food and foodservice satisfaction. Function, cognition, depression and pain were assessed using interRAI LTCF with selected items completed by researchers with care staff. Care staff completed a standardized person-directed care questionnaire. Researchers assessed dining rooms for physical and psychosocial aspects that could influence food intake. Management from each site completed a questionnaire that described the home, menu development, food production, out-sourcing of food, staffing levels, and staff training. Hierarchical regression models, accounting for clustering within province, home and dining room will be used to determine factors independently associated with energy and protein intake, as proxies for intake. Proportions of residents at risk of inadequate diets will also be determined. DISCUSSION: This rigorous and comprehensive data collection in a large and diverse sample will provide, for the first time, the opportunity to consider important modifiable factors associated with poor food intake of residents in LTC. Identification of factors that are independently associated with food intake will help to develop effective interventions that support food intake. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02800291 , retrospectively registered June 7, 2016.

Dietary Intake and Associated Body Weight in Canadian Undergraduate Students Enrolled in Nutrition Education.

The primary purpose of this study was to describe dietary intakes among Canadian undergraduate students enrolled in an Introductory Nutrition course. A secondary objective was to determine food group servings associated with meeting more Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) of select nutrients and with a lower body mass index (BMI). Participants (n = 124, 20.7±3.2yrs) provided output from a 3-day dietary record and completed a physical activity/demographics questionnaire. Linear regression showed that the dietary intake associated with meeting the most DRIs included vegetables, fruits, protein foods, and dairy (p = 0.001). Protein foods were a positive predictor and fruit a negative predictor of BMI (p = 0.001 and p = 0.023 respectively). Males consumed more grains (p = 0.001), dairy (p = 0.04), protein foods (p < 0.001), empty calories (p = 0.007) and total calories than females (p < 0.001). A diet characterized by greater intake of vegetables, fruits, protein foods, and dairy was associated with a Canadian undergraduate population meeting the greatest number of nutrient requirements.

Macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of children in Oklahoma child-care centres, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine macronutrients and micronutrients in foods served to and consumed by children at child-care centres in Oklahoma, USA and compare them with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). DESIGN: Observed lunch nutrients compared with one-third of the age-based DRI (for 1-3 years-olds and 4-8-year-olds). Settings Oklahoma child-care centres (n 25), USA. SUBJECTS: Children aged 3-5 years (n 415). RESULTS: Regarding macronutrients, children were served 1782 (sd 686) kJ (426 (sd 164) kcal), 22·0 (sd 9·0) g protein, 51·5 (sd 20·4) g carbohydrate and 30·7 (sd 8·7) % total fat; they consumed 1305 (sd 669) kJ (312 (sd 160 kcal), 16·0 (sd 9·1) g protein, 37·6 (sd 18·5) g carbohydrate and 28·9 (sd 10·6) % total fat. For both age-based DRI: served energy (22-33 % of children), protein and carbohydrate exceeded; consumed energy (7-13 % of children) and protein exceeded, while carbohydrate was inadequate. Regarding micronutrients, for both age-based DRI: served Mg (65·9 (sd 24·7) mg), Zn (3·8 (sd 11·8) mg), vitamin A (249·9 (sd 228·3) µg) and folate (71·9 (sd 40·1) µg) exceeded; vitamin E (1·4 (sd 2·1) mg) was inadequate; served Fe (2·8 (sd 1·8) mg) exceeded only in 1-3-year-olds. Consumed folate (48·3 (sd 38·4) µg) met; Ca (259·4 (sd 146·2) mg) and Zn (2·3 (sd 3·0) mg) exceeded for 1-3-year-olds, but were inadequate for 4-8-year-olds. For both age-based DRI: consumed Fe (1·9 (sd 1·2) mg) and vitamin E (1·0 (sd 1·7) mg) were inadequate; Mg (47·2 (sd 21·8) mg) and vitamin A (155·0 (sd 126·5) µg) exceeded. CONCLUSIONS: Lunch at child-care centres was twice the age-based DRI for consumed protein, while energy and carbohydrate were inadequate. Areas of improvement for micronutrients pertain to Fe and vitamin E for all children; Ca, Zn, vitamin E and folate for older pre-schoolers. Adequate nutrients are essential for development and the study reveals where public health nutrition experts, policy makers and care providers should focus to improve the nutrient density of foods.

Practical application of flavonoid-poor menu meals to the study of the bioavailability of bilberry anthocyanins in human subjects.

Practical application of flavonoid-poor menus was evaluated on the bioavailability of anthocyanins as model flavonoids. Detectable amounts of flavonoids were not found in plasma and urine collected from 13 participants, who took the menus. After ingesting bilberry anthocyanins (919 µmol), average plasma AUC0-6h, Cmax, Tmax values and urinary recovery were 386.0 nmol h/mL, 139.1 nM, 1.31 h and 0.21%, respectively.

Typical Guidelines for Well-Balanced Diet and Science Communication in Japan and Worldwide.

Numerous studies have investigated healthy diets and nutrients. Governments and scientists have communicated their findings to the public in an easy-to-understand manner, which has played a critical role in achieving citizens' well-being. Some countries have published dietary reference intakes (DRIs), whereas some academic organizations have provided scientific evidence on dietary methods, such as traditional diets. Recently, more user-friendly methods have been introduced; the Health Star Rating system and Optimized Nutri-Dense Meals are examples from Australia and Japan, respectively. Both organizations adopt a novel approach that incorporates nudges. This review summarizes the science communication regarding food policies, guidelines, and novel methods in Japan and other countries. In the food policies section, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the DRIs and food-based guidelines published by the government. Dietary methods widely known, such as The Mediterranean diet, Nordic diet, Japanese traditional diet, and the EAT-Lancet guidelines, were also reviewed. Finally, we discussed future methods of science communications, such as nudge.

Nutritional Assessment of Protein and Sodium Contents in Commercial Senior-Friendly Foods.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional adequacy of senior-friendly foods sold in Korea, focusing on protein and sodium. This study examined the nutritional content of 170 products with nutritional labels that were sold in online stores in Korea and categorized the products into 93 staple foods (cooked rice, porridge, and mousse) and 77 side-dish and snack foods (braized·steam·roast products, broth, sauces, and snacks). Then, the adequacy of the nutritional content of these foods, focusing on protein and sodium, was evaluated according to product type. The 93 staple products and 77 side-dish products had average serving sizes of 163.27 g and 127.92 g, prices of $3.25 and $2.72, and energy contents of 295.25 kcal and 141.95 kcal, respectively. For staple foods, the energy content was significantly greater in cooked rice, but the protein content and index of nutrition quality (INQ) were significantly greater in mousse. There were no significant differences in sodium content or contribution to adequate intake (AI) by product type, but the sodium INQ was significantly greater in the mousse and porridge. For side-dish foods and snack products, the protein content, contribution to the recommended intake, and INQ were all significantly greater for the braized·steam·roast products. Sauces and braized·steam·roast products were significantly higher in sodium content and contribution to the AI, while broth was significantly higher in sodium INQ. These findings can be used to guide proper product selection and nutritional management that considers the health characteristics of health-vulnerable and elderly people.

Dietary Quality and Nutrient Intakes of Elite Paracyclists.

Nutrient requirements for para-athletes will be influenced by a variety of factors secondary to their impairment and, therefore, recommendations for para-athletes cannot be drawn directly from that of able-bodied athletes. Information on the dietary intakes of para-athletes is lacking and therefore needs to be examined. This study assessed the nutrient intakes and diet quality of 31 paracyclists via food frequency questionnaires. Based on the dietary reference intakes, most paracyclists consumed intakes above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or adequate intake (AI). Recommendations were not met for iodine (males = 87% RDA; females = 62% RDA) or fibre in males (84% AI). A 26% risk of inadequacy was noted for vitamins D and E in females. A total of 42% of females and 75% of males did not meet fibre recommendations (14 g/1000 kcal), and only three athletes (all females) consumed fatty acids in the recommended omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 4:1 or less. Athletes consumed grains, fruits, and vegetables frequently, though whole grains, pulses, and oily fish were generally consumed less often. Paracyclists appear to be consuming intakes at or above recommendations for most nutrients, though several nutrients were consumed below the recommended amounts; therefore, increasing the variety of foods consumed is suggested.

Modeling Zinc Absorption in the Adult Population of Colombia: Insights for Nutritional Evaluation and Intervention Strategies.

Zinc is a vital trace element, yet its deficiency is common in various populations. This study addresses the gap in understanding zinc intake and its relationship with key nutritional parameters in a Colombian population. We analyzed data from 12,987 individuals, focusing on the daily intake of zinc, phytate, protein, and calcium, and used the phytate/zinc molar ratio as an input parameter in the Miller et al. (2013) model. This model was employed to estimate the total absorbed zinc (TAZ) and the fractional absorption of zinc (FAZ). Our findings highlight a general trend towards insufficient intake compared to the standards of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Colombia, with a significant percentage of the population falling below the estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zinc, underscoring the need for targeted nutritional strategies. Our study contributes to a broader understanding of zinc nutrition and public health implications in Colombia, providing a basis for future dietary guidelines and health interventions.

Nutritional intake and determinants of nutritional quality changes from pregnancy to postpartum-a longitudinal study.

Nutrient requirements vary across the reproductive cycle, but research on changes in nutritional intake and quality from pregnancy to beyond the lactation period is limited. Thus, we aimed to study nutritional intake and quality changes, among Swedish pregnant participants from late pregnancy to 18 months postpartum and to study the determinants of nutritional quality changes. Participants (n = 72) were studied longitudinally from the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum (2 weeks 4, 12, and 18 months postpartum). At each visit, participant characteristics and 4-day food diaries were collected. Nutritional quality was assessed by energy adjusted Nutrient Rich Food Index 11.3. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the determinants of change in nutritional quality. Intakes of carbohydrate energy percentage (E%), fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium were higher in the third trimester compared to postpartum, whereas intakes of E% protein and monounsaturated fat were lower. Adherence to recommended intakes was low at all study visits for saturated fat (4%-11%), fiber (15%-39%), vitamin D (8%-14%), folate (0%-2%), and iron (6%-21%). Overall, nutritional quality did not differ significantly from third trimester to postpartum. Shorter duration (<4 months) of lactation was negatively related to nutritional quality changes, whereas higher age was positively related to changes. In conclusion, nutritional intake from pregnancy to postpartum changed, whereas quality remained relatively stable, with age and lactation duration as determinants. Identification of people at risk of adverse dietary changes from pregnancy to the postpartum period should be further addressed in future larger and more diverse study populations.

Visceral Fat-Reducing Effect of Novel Dietary Intervention Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Japanese Males.

Background/Objectives: Reducing visceral fat is a critical factor in preventing obesity-related health complications. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of our previously reported novel dietary intervention program, "Optimized Nutri-Dense Meals", designed according to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) in Japan in reducing visceral fat. Method: This open-label, randomized controlled trial included 100 Japanese males with obesity or overweight. In total, 50 participants were assigned to a control group that continued their usual diets, and the other 50 consumed test meals twice per week for four weeks (test group). Result: The primary outcome, visceral fat area, significantly decreased in the test group compared to that in the control group (-7.5 cm2, confidence interval [CI]: -14.3 to -0.6). In addition, we measured the changes in gut flora and work productivity. The abundance of Bifidobacterium (+1.5%, CI: 0.3-2.7) and Christensenellaceae (+0.4%, CI: 0.01-0.8) increased significantly in the test group compared with those in the control group. Work Limitation Questionnaire Japanese version scores representing presenteeism also significantly increased in the test group (+1.2 points, CI: 0.2-2.3) compared with the control group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that dietary interventions based on Japanese DRIs can effectively decrease visceral fat and improve health outcomes over the short term without the need for a complete dietary overhaul.

Getting Into the Goldilocks Zone: Finding the Right Nutrient Balance in Saudi Prison Food.

Background The general characteristics of prison menus worldwide can include unhealthy, low-quality options. This imbalance can lead to poor health consequences. In seeking the optimal "Goldilocks Zone" of nutritional adequacy, this study analyzed the uniform seven-day cycle menu for both Saudi female and male prisons and compared it to standard dietary recommendations. Aim The United Nations recognizes that the "food security and nutritional status of the most vulnerable" are projected to "deteriorate further due to the health and socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021 report. This study focuses on the nutritional status of female and male Saudi prisoners and is designed to understand and quantify the prevailing levels of nutrient provision to Saudi prisoners based on a seven-day cycle menu. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive study design was utilized to examine the seven-day cycle national menu, which is consistently applied to both male and female Saudi prisoners. We calculated the nutrient provision from this menu using data on the typical nutrient content of the provided food. Subsequently, we compared the determined levels of nutrients with the reference Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Results For most nutrients, the levels provided in the menu were adequate. Prisoners receive an adequate supply of energy and macronutrients, as well as sufficient quantities of most minerals and vitamins. The fiber content of the diet was notably low, and the sodium content was above the recommended upper limits. Mineral and vitamin levels were low for potassium and Vitamin A and slightly below the recommended level for calcium. The potential health implications of long-term nutrient imbalances are discussed, along with suggestions for addressing these imbalances by introducing different foods. Conclusion The Saudi prison menu operates within the Goldilocks Zone of nutritional balancing. However, optimizing the standard prison menu to more closely meet nutritional and prisoner health goals and to offer more plant-based options for prisoners to help address the United Nations - Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030 is worthy of further discussion and research.

Effect of Animal Protein Intake on Meeting Recommendations for Nutrient Intake among US Adults, What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015-2018.

Background: Replacing some animal sources of protein with plant foods is encouraged. Nutrient intake may reflect changes in the protein source. The adequacy of habitual nutrient intake among US adults has not been evaluated by the level of animal protein (AP) intake. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare food consumption and nutrient intake and adequacy among quintiles of percent AP intake. Methods: Dietary intake data of adults 19+ y (N = 9706) from What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2018 were used. Proportions of protein from animal and plant sources were estimated from ingredients in the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies 2015-2018, and then applied to dietary intakes. Intakes were classified by Q of percent AP. Food intake was described using the United States Department of Agriculture Food Patterns components. Usual nutrient intakes were estimated using the National Cancer Institute Method and compared with age and gender-specific Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Comparisons between quintiles were made using t-tests. Results were considered significant at P < 0.01. Results: Total protein intake was higher as the Q of AP intake increased. Among the higher quintiles of percent AP, <1% did not meet their DRIs for protein than 17% in Q1 and 5% in Q2 (P < 0.01). In quintiles with lower compared with higher percent AP, there were significantly higher percentages not meeting DRIs for vitamins A, B12, choline, zinc, and calcium but meeting recommendations for folate, vitamin C, saturated fat, cholesterol, and fiber (P < 0.01). Among all quintiles, over one-third did not meet DRIs for fiber, vitamins A, C, D, E, K, choline, calcium, and potassium. Conclusions: Replacing protein from animal sources with plant foods may result in lower intakes of protein and some nutrients but a better intake of dietary components associated with reducing chronic disease risk. The current intake of US adults indicates dietary improvements are needed, regardless of protein source.