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Public Health Nutrition Jan 2022The objectives were to describe changes in diet quality between off-reserve Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and youth from 2004 to 2015 and examine the...
OBJECTIVE
The objectives were to describe changes in diet quality between off-reserve Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and youth from 2004 to 2015 and examine the association between food security and diet quality.
DESIGN
We utilised a repeated cross-sectional design using both the 2004 and 2015 nutrition-focused Canadian Community Health Surveys, including 24-h dietary recall. Diet quality was estimated according to the Healthy Eating Index (HEI).
SETTING
The surveys were conducted off-reserve in Canada's ten provinces.
PARTICIPANTS
Our analysis included children and youth 2-17 years old (n 18 189). Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants were matched, and using a general linear model, we tested time period and (non-)Indigenous identifiers, including their interaction effect, as predictors of HEI.
RESULTS
Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and youth had significantly higher HEI scores in 2015 as compared to 2004. There was not a significant (non-)Indigenous and time period interaction effect, indicating the improvements in diet quality in 2015 were similar between both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Improvements in diet quality are largely attributed to reductions in percentage energy from 'other' foods, though a disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and youth persisted in 2015. Overall, food security was lower among the Indigenous population and positively, and independently, associated with diet quality overall, though this relationship differed between boys and girls.
CONCLUSIONS
School policies may have contributed to similar improvements in diet quality among Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. However, an in-depth sex and gender-based analysis of the relationship between food security and diet quality is required.
Topics: Adolescent; Canada; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Diet, Healthy; Female; Food; Humans; Indigenous Canadians; Male
PubMed: 34108071
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980021002561 -
Nutrients Apr 2021Why measure and leverage food motives and values? Every failure and every success in dietary change can be connected to motivation. Therefore, this research question... (Review)
Review
Why measure and leverage food motives and values? Every failure and every success in dietary change can be connected to motivation. Therefore, this research question naturally arises: How can food motives and values be measured and leveraged to improve diet outcomes from the individual to populations? There are four ways that food motives and values (FMVs) can assist researchers and health professionals. First, FMVs can help to create a personalized approach to dietary change. Second, FMVs can inform content for dietary interventions. Third, these FMV measures can be used in data analysis to elucidate differences in adherence and outcomes among participants. Fourth, public health nutrition messages can be tailored using information on FMVs. Each of these uses has the potential to further the literature and inform future efforts to improve diet. A central aim of our study is to provide specific examples and recommendations on how to measure and leverage FMVs. To do so, we reviewed 12 measures included in the literature citing the Food Choice Questionnaire by Steptoe, Pollard, and Wardle, which was identified as the earliest, highly cited article appearing under the search terms "food motives" AND "food values" AND "eating behavior" AND "measure". Specific details on how articles were selected from the citing literature are described in the Methods section. We also expound on our reasoning for including the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, which made for 13 measures in total. Our main finding is that each measure has strengths and shortcomings to consider in using FMVs to inform nutritional recommendations at different levels.
Topics: Diet; Feeding Behavior; Food Preferences; Humans; Motivation; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 33922896
DOI: 10.3390/nu13051452 -
Health Reports Nov 2020A larger share of ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPF) in the diet is increasingly linked with poor diet quality, weight gain and elevated risk of diet-related chronic...
BACKGROUND
A larger share of ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPF) in the diet is increasingly linked with poor diet quality, weight gain and elevated risk of diet-related chronic disease. This study used 2015 national-level data, the most recent available, to characterize the intake of UPF among Canadians and to examine changes since 2004.
DATA AND METHODS
The 2004 and 2015 Canadian Community Health Surveys provided 24-hour dietary recall data for Canadians aged 2 or older. All food and drink items were classified according to type of food processing using the NOVA classification. The mean energy contribution of UPF (as a percentage of total daily energy intake) was compared across survey years for the overall population and for eight age-sex groups. The National Cancer Institute's methodology was used to assess the distribution of usual energy contributed by UPF.
RESULTS
On average, UPF contributed 47.8% (95% CI: 47.3% to 48.3%) of total daily energy in 2004 and 45.7% (95% CI: 45.0% to 46.4%) in 2015 among the overall population, and more than half of total daily energy among children and adolescents. Both the mean energy contribution of UPF and their usual energy distribution shifted downward since 2004 for all age-sex groups, except among adults aged 55 or older. The energy contributions of soft drinks, fruit juices and fruit drinks declined, particularly among children and adolescents. Ultra-processed breads contributed more energy in 2015 for nearly all age-sex groups.
DISCUSSION
As in 2004, the overall dietary share of UPF in Canada remained high in 2015, but intakes of some UPF, particularly beverages, declined. The energy contribution of UPF remained highest among children and adolescents, and increased among adults aged 55 or older.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Canada; Child; Child, Preschool; Diet; Energy Intake; Fast Foods; Female; Food Handling; Food Quality; Health Surveys; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys
PubMed: 33205938
DOI: 10.25318/82-003-x202001100001-eng -
Nutrients May 2023There are some concerns about the adequacy of vegetarian diets for pregnant women, infants, and young children because diets that exclude meat and other animal-based...
There are some concerns about the adequacy of vegetarian diets for pregnant women, infants, and young children because diets that exclude meat and other animal-based products increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies. The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional knowledge of parents raising 12- to 36-month-old children on vegetarian diets and to evaluate the children's diets based on the recommendations formulated in the model food ration. The study involved a questionnaire survey that was completed by 326 women raising their children on various types of vegetarian diets and 198 women raising their children on an omnivorous diet. Mothers raising children on a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet had the highest nutritional knowledge scores (15.8 points on average), whereas control group mothers and women raising children on a vegan diet had the lowest nutritional knowledge scores (average of 13.6 points). Parents who raised their children on more restrictive vegetarian diets were more aware of the risk of nutritional deficiencies and administered dietary supplements more frequently. A vegetarian diet can be safe for young children, but parents should be educated about the risk of nutritional deficiencies and the principles of healthy nutrition regardless of the administered diet, and effective communication between parents, pediatricians, and dietitians should be the cornerstone of every nutritional strategy in the management of vegetarian children.
Topics: Animals; Female; Child; Humans; Pregnancy; Diet; Diet, Vegetarian; Diet, Vegan; Dietary Supplements; Parents; Malnutrition
PubMed: 37242126
DOI: 10.3390/nu15102244 -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Reviews... Mar 2024Renewed interest in tumor metabolism sparked an enthusiasm for dietary interventions to prevent and treat cancer. Changes in diet impact circulating nutrient levels in... (Review)
Review
Renewed interest in tumor metabolism sparked an enthusiasm for dietary interventions to prevent and treat cancer. Changes in diet impact circulating nutrient levels in the plasma and the tumor microenvironment, and preclinical studies suggest that dietary approaches, including caloric and nutrient restrictions, can modulate tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancers are heterogeneous in their metabolic dependencies and preferred energy sources and can be addicted to glucose, fructose, amino acids, or lipids for survival and growth. This dependence is influenced by tumor type, anatomical location, tissue of origin, aberrant signaling, and the microenvironment. This review summarizes nutrient dependencies and the related signaling pathway activations that provide targets for nutritional interventions. We examine popular dietary approaches used as adjuvants to anticancer therapies, encompassing caloric restrictions, including time-restricted feeding, intermittent fasting, fasting-mimicking diets (FMDs), and nutrient restrictions, notably the ketogenic diet. Despite promising results, much of the knowledge on dietary restrictions comes from in vitro and animal studies, which may not accurately reflect real-life situations. Further research is needed to determine the optimal duration, timing, safety, and efficacy of dietary restrictions for different cancers and treatments. In addition, well-designed human trials are necessary to establish the link between specific metabolic vulnerabilities and targeted dietary interventions. However, low patient compliance in clinical trials remains a significant challenge.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Diet; Fasting; Caloric Restriction; Neoplasms; Glucose; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 38158024
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189062 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2020For many centuries, hunter-gatherer societies relied on subsistence practices and traditional diets. However, forces of globalization have increased market involvement,... (Review)
Review
For many centuries, hunter-gatherer societies relied on subsistence practices and traditional diets. However, forces of globalization have increased market involvement, thereby fueling the nutrition transition of hunter-gatherer societies. We review the academic literature on market involvement of hunter-gatherer societies in the Western Amazon and its consequences on diet, health and well-being. First, we elaborate on four main determinants of market involvement (accessibility, monetary income, wild meat trade and social capital), showing how each determinant draws individuals toward or away from markets. Thereafter, we discuss how these determinants alter diet, health and well-being. Our results add to the understanding of the complex relations between market involvement, dietary change, health and well-being of indigenous societies. Furthermore, they bring to light that additional research is needed on the topic to support decision-makers and help preserve indigenous values.
Topics: Acculturation; Animals; Commerce; Diet; Diet, Paleolithic; Food Industry; Food Supply; Humans; Indigenous Peoples; Nutritional Status; Social Change
PubMed: 32872589
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176307 -
Nutrients Jul 2021Restaurant meal consumption has increased substantially, but the ability of restaurants to adhere to guidelines for the Mediterranean diet, healthiness and food allergen...
Restaurant meal consumption has increased substantially, but the ability of restaurants to adhere to guidelines for the Mediterranean diet, healthiness and food allergen management is a challenge. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the Mediterranean diet adherence, healthiness, nutritional quality and food allergen management of meals at restaurants in the Tarragona province (Catalonia, Spain). Primary outcomes included adherence to criteria for the Mediterranean diet (AMed) and gluten management (SMAP), nutritional quality of dishes indicated by a green traffic light rating, meal nutrient content and allergen-free options. Secondary outcomes included restaurant staff knowledge about the Mediterranean diet and food allergens. Forty-four restaurants and 297 dishes were analysed. The restaurants fulfilled an average (mean ± SD) of 5.1 ± 1.6 of 9 compulsory AMed criteria and 12.9 ± 2.8 of 18 SMAP criteria. Dishes were mainly rated green for sugar ( = 178/297; 59.9%) but not for energy ( = 23/297; 7.7%) or total fat ( = 18/297; 6.1%). Waiters and cooks received passing scores for food allergen knowledge (5.8 ± 1.7 and 5.5 ± 1.5 out of 10 points, respectively). Restaurants partially met the AMed and SMAP criteria. Increasing fibre and decreasing saturated fat content are necessary to improve consumers' adherence to healthy diets. For restaurant staff, training courses should be considered to improve their food allergen management.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet, Gluten-Free; Diet, Healthy; Diet, Mediterranean; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Food Hypersensitivity; Food Labeling; Food Quality; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Meals; Nutritive Value; Restaurants; Spain
PubMed: 34371970
DOI: 10.3390/nu13072464 -
Nutrients Mar 2023Snacks are a staple of the American diet, contributing to approximately 20% of energy intake. Most U.S. adults consume one to three snacks/day, yet few reviews have... (Review)
Review
Snacks are a staple of the American diet, contributing to approximately 20% of energy intake. Most U.S. adults consume one to three snacks/day, yet few reviews have focused on snacking among this population. This scoping review was conducted to characterize snacks and snacking occasions among U.S. adults to further inform healthy eating practices. The protocol was prepared following the PRISMA-Extension for Scoping Reviews. Three web databases were used to identify articles using snacking or eating occasions as primary or secondary outcomes among U.S. adults. A search strategy was developed using subject headings, truncation, and phrase searching in the title and abstract of articles published between 2010 and 2022. A two-stage, multi-step screening process identified 31 of 4795 publications as meeting the inclusion criteria. Findings included identification of snacking themes, e.g., cues and motivations; diet composition; and weight management. Food quality, time of consumption, and convenience emerged as characteristics of snacking; time of day was found to influence food choice. Snacks contribute to or detract from a healthy diet. Strategic selection of healthy snack options can improve diet quality. Applied to nutrition education, this information can help strengthen programs or policies, ultimately contributing to health and wellbeing.
Topics: United States; Snacks; Diet; Energy Intake; Food Preferences; Diet, Healthy; Feeding Behavior
PubMed: 37049435
DOI: 10.3390/nu15071596 -
BMC Medicine Jul 2023Whether diet has beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in childhood cancer survivors as in the general population is unknown. Therefore, we examined...
BACKGROUND
Whether diet has beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in childhood cancer survivors as in the general population is unknown. Therefore, we examined associations between dietary patterns and risk of CVD in adult survivors of childhood cancer.
METHODS
Childhood cancer survivors, 18-65 years old in the St Jude Lifetime Cohort (1882 men and 1634 women) were included in the analysis. Dietary patterns were defined by the adherence to the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED) based on a food frequency questionnaire at study entry. CVD cases (323 in men and 213 in women) were defined as participants with at least one grade 2 or higher CVD-related diagnosis at baseline. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for confounders was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CVD.
RESULTS
Greater adherence to HEI-2015 (OR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.75-1.03, per 10 score increment), DASH (OR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.71-1.01, per 10 score increment), and aMED (OR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.84-1.00, each score increment) were, albeit trending towards significance, associated with a lower risk of CVD in women. HEI-2015 was associated with a non-significantly lower risk of CVD in men (OR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.50-1.28). These dietary patterns were also associated with a lower risk of CVD in survivors with high underlying CVD risk.
CONCLUSIONS
As recommended to the general population, a diet rich in plant foods and moderate in animal foods needs to be a part of CVD management and prevention in childhood cancer survivors.
Topics: Humans; Female; Child; Diet, Healthy; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cancer Survivors; Cross-Sectional Studies; Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Diet; Diet, Mediterranean; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37400811
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02956-x -
Public Health Nutrition Dec 2019To evaluate associations of demographic and socio-economic factors with diet quality among population subgroups in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate associations of demographic and socio-economic factors with diet quality among population subgroups in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H).
DESIGN
A cross-sectional analysis of 2017 B&H dietary survey data. Diet quality was assessed by the Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS) utilizing data from two non-consecutive 24 h diet recalls. Socio-economic variables were extracted from the 2015 B&H Household Budget Survey. Homogeneity of means across population subgroups was evaluated using multivariable regression.
SETTING
B&H population survey.
PARTICIPANTS
A population-based sample of 853 adults.
RESULTS
The mean PDQS was 15·8 (range 7-28 out of a possible 42 points). In general, Bosnian adults had low PDQS due to high intakes of refined grains, high-fat dairy and processed meats, and low intakes of whole grains, nuts and fish. The PDQS was significantly higher (P < 0·0001) among older individuals (17·0) compared with those in the youngest group (14·5), among individuals living in the central and northern regions (16·5) compared with those living in the south (15·1; P < 0·0001), and among people who are married/cohabitating (16·1) v. single (14·8; P = 0·02). In energy-adjusted models, socio-economic status (P = 0·04) and tertiles of household spending (P = 0·002) were inversely associated with the PDQS.
CONCLUSIONS
Diet quality in this population was low. Young and middle-aged individuals, singles and those living in the south had significantly lower quality diets compared with other subgroups. Public health action is needed to promote higher consumption of whole grains, nuts and fish, and a higher variety of fruits and vegetables.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Cross-Sectional Studies; Demography; Diet; Diet Surveys; Energy Intake; Family Characteristics; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritive Value; Nuts; Seafood; Socioeconomic Factors; Urban Population; Whole Grains; Young Adult
PubMed: 31397250
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980019001988