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BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Oct 2021To examine the associations between dietary intake and tissue biomarkers of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and risk of mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Dietary intake and biomarkers of alpha linolenic acid and risk of all cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the associations between dietary intake and tissue biomarkers of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and risk of mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar to 30 April 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
Prospective cohort studies that reported the risk estimates for death from all causes, CVD, and cancer.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Summary relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the highest versus lowest categories of ALA intake using random effects and fixed effects models. Linear and non-linear dose-response analyses were conducted to assess the dose-response associations between ALA intake and mortality.
RESULTS
41 articles from prospective cohort studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, totalling 1 197 564 participants. During follow-up ranging from two to 32 years, 198 113 deaths from all causes, 62 773 from CVD, and 65 954 from cancer were recorded. High intake of ALA compared with low intake was significantly associated with a lower risk of deaths from all causes (pooled relative risk 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.83 to 0.97, I=77.8%, 15 studies), CVD (0.92, 0.86 to 0.99, I=48.2%, n=16), and coronary heart disease (CHD) (0.89, 0.81 to 0.97, I=5.6%, n=9), and a slightly higher risk of cancer mortality (1.06, 1.02 to 1.11, I=3.8%, n=10). In the dose-response analysis, a 1 g/day increase in ALA intake (equivalent to one tablespoon of canola oil or 0.5 ounces of walnut) was associated with a 5% lower risk of all cause (0.95, 0.91 to 0.99, I=76.2%, n=12) and CVD mortality (0.95, 0.91 to 0.98, I=30.7%, n=14). The pooled relative risks for the highest compared with lowest tissue levels of ALA indicated a significant inverse association with all cause mortality (0.95, 0.90 to 0.99, I=8.2%, n=26). Also, based on the dose-response analysis, each 1 standard deviation increment in blood concentrations of ALA was associated with a lower risk of CHD mortality (0.92, 0.86 to 0.98, I=37.1%, n=14).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings show that dietary ALA intake is associated with a reduced risk of mortality from all causes, CVD, and CHD, and a slightly higher risk of cancer mortality, whereas higher blood levels of ALA are associated with a reduced risk of all cause and CHD mortality only.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021229487.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Eating; Humans; Mortality; Neoplasms; Protective Factors; Risk Assessment; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 34645650
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n2213 -
Fertility and Sterility Oct 2020
Topics: Genetic Testing; Humans
PubMed: 33040982
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.1403 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Jan 2021
Topics: Anemia; Blood Transfusion; Hemorrhage; Humans; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 32981674
DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.09.009 -
Cureus Mar 2020Widespread, non-stop, and often sensational coverage of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has caught many governments flat-footed in efforts to protect the health and safety of...
Widespread, non-stop, and often sensational coverage of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has caught many governments flat-footed in efforts to protect the health and safety of their citizens. In response to the current global health event, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Mass gatherings present a historic challenge in protecting the health and safety of attendees. The majority of the prominent mass gatherings are religious in nature. Global sporting events, such as the Olympics and the World Cup, pose unique health risks to attendees and host nations. Deferment or cancellation of such mass gatherings may exert an extraordinary economic loss to the host nation. Universal adoption of best practices for infection control is the surest way for governments to prepare for mass gatherings. In these uncertain times, it is up to intergovernmental organizations to be the voice of reason.
PubMed: 32211279
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.7345 -
JAMA Dermatology Mar 2022
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Psoriasis
PubMed: 35044422
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.4723 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2022Lentils are naturally gluten-free and are recommended for people with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. However, like oats, they appear to be at a...
Lentils are naturally gluten-free and are recommended for people with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. However, like oats, they appear to be at a heightened risk of cross contact with gluten-containing grains. The purpose of this study was to spot check for the presence of errant gluten-containing grains in a variety of brands of lentils purchased in 2021. Twenty-five bags of different dry lentil products representing 24 brands were purchased online and at various grocery stores. Each bag of lentils was individually hand sorted. Two of the 25 packages of lentils contained errant gluten-containing grains. One 16-ounce (454 g) bag contained a grain of wheat. Another 16-ounce (454 g) bag contained a grain of wheat and a grain of barley. For a product to be considered gluten-free in the United States, it must contain <20 mg of gluten per kilogram (or 20 parts per million of gluten). A product at the 20-ppm level of gluten should contain no more than 2 intact gluten-containing grains per kilogram or 35.27 ounces (1,000 g) of food (or 1 intact gluten-containing grain in 17.64 ounces [500 g] of food). Based on these calculations, a 16-ounce (454 g) bag of lentils containing 1 intact gluten-containing grain would not be considered gluten-free. Lentils are at risk of cross contact with gluten-containing grain. Consumers should continue to sort through lentils removing foreign grain, and rinse sorted lentils under running water to remove grain dust before cooking.
PubMed: 35571920
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.867954 -
The Journal of Nutrition Sep 2022The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020 DGA) recommend 3 dietary patterns for Americans, including a Healthy Vegetarian Dietary Pattern (HVDP).
BACKGROUND
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020 DGA) recommend 3 dietary patterns for Americans, including a Healthy Vegetarian Dietary Pattern (HVDP).
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to assess whether nutritionally adequate dairy-free and vegan adaptations to the HVDP can be modeled with foods already in the DGA.
METHODS
Using similar food pattern modeling procedures as the 2020 DGA, the nutrient composition of 2 alternative models-dairy-free and vegan-of the 1800-, 2000-, 2200-, and 2400-kcal/d HVDPs was assessed. The dairy food group was replaced with a dairy alternative group comprised of soy milk and soy yogurt fortified with calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. For the vegan model, eggs were replaced with equal proportions of vegetarian protein foods.
RESULTS
Dairy-free and vegan models required minimal changes to the HVDP. Cup-equivalents and/or ounce-equivalents of vegetables, fruits, grains, oils, and discretionary calories remained unchanged. Content of total fat, polyunsaturated fat, linoleic acid (18:2n-6), linolenic acid, iron, copper, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, and vitamin K increased in both models by ≥10% (all comparisons relative to the original HVDP). Choline increased ≥25% in the dairy-free models. Protein decreased 11% in both 1800-kcal/d models and 10% in both 2000-kcal/d models. Sodium, cholesterol, zinc, and phosphorus decreased across all energy levels in both models, and selenium decreased in the vegan model. Carbohydrate, fiber, saturated fat, EPA, DHA, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, thiamin, folate, and vitamin B-6 changed ≤10%. Both models contained adequate nutrients to meet Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for most age and sex groups for which 1800-, 2000-, 2200-, and 2400-kcal/d diets are appropriate. Zinc was the only nutrient below the DRI for males.
CONCLUSIONS
The dairy-free and vegan HVDP models could help adults who do not consume dairy foods and/or other animal products to meet nutrition recommendations.
Topics: Calcium; Calcium, Dietary; Diet; Diet, Vegetarian; Humans; Male; United States; United States Department of Agriculture; Vegans; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Zinc
PubMed: 35485767
DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac100 -
JTCVS Techniques Apr 2021
PubMed: 34318142
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjtc.2021.01.015 -
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and... Nov 2022Marketing strategies for sweetened beverages (SBs) are pervasive across food retail. Yet few studies have examined how these strategies associate with planned and... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Marketing strategies for sweetened beverages (SBs) are pervasive across food retail. Yet few studies have examined how these strategies associate with planned and unplanned SB purchasing.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to examine whether customers with greater exposure to SB retail marketing (eg, advertisements and product placement) were more likely to purchase an SB and whether this varied by customer characteristics.
DESIGN
This was an observational, cross-sectional study using objective customer purchasing and store assessment data from convenience and other small food stores.
PARTICIPANTS/SETTING
Participants were 1,604 food and beverage customers at 144 randomly sampled convenience and other small food stores in Minneapolis-St Paul, MN.
EXPOSURE
Marketing strategies, including SB advertisements, placement, and shelf space were included.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
We determined the probability of customers purchasing ≥4 fluid ounces of a ready-to-drink sugar and/or artificially sweetened beverage.
STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED
Associations between marketing strategies and purchasing were estimated using mixed regression models, controlling for customer characteristics and accounting for customers nested within stores.
RESULTS
Fifty-six percent of customers purchased an SB; 14% also specified that it was an unplanned purchase. Customers were more likely to purchase an SB when exterior advertisements (P < .001) and advertisements hanging from the ceiling (P < .001) that promoted SBs were present. Customers with moderate and high cumulative exposure to SB marketing were significantly more likely to purchase SBs (51.2% and 54.9%, respectively) than those with lower exposure (34%); this effect was particularly salient for men. There were no significant associations between retail marketing strategies and unplanned purchases.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings demonstrate that feasible and sustainable approaches are required from policy makers, retailers, and public health professionals to shift store environments away from cues that promote unhealthy beverage selections. Given that numerous retail actors are invested in the availability, promotion, and sales of SBs, changing the predominance of SB marketing in convenience stores will likely be challenging and require cross-sector collaboration.
Topics: Male; Humans; Sugar-Sweetened Beverages; Sweetening Agents; Consumer Behavior; Beverages; Commerce; Food Supply; Marketing; Sugars
PubMed: 35240342
DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.02.017