The development of a national salt reduction strategy for Australia
Author:Jacqui Webster MA, Elizabeth Dunford MPH, Rachel H
Keywords:salt, public health, food supply, dietary, cardiovascular disease
Abstract:Excess dietary salt is a well established cause of high blood pressure and vascular disease. National and international bodies recommend a significant reduction in population salt intakes on the basis of strong evidence for
health gains that population salt reduction strategies could achieve. The Australian Division of World Action on
Salt and Health (AWASH) coordinates the Drop the Salt!campaign in Australia. This aims to reduce the average
amount of salt consumed by Australians to six grams per day over five years through three main implementation
strategies targeting the food industry, the media and government. This strategy has the potential to achieve a
rapid and significant reduction in dietary salt consumption in Australia. With industry and government engagement, this promises to be a highly effective, low cost option for preventing chronic disease.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):303-309.doi:
>>Abstract
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Combined nattokinase with red yeast rice but not nattokinase alone has potent effects on blood lipids in human subjects with hyperlipidemia
Author:Nae-Cherng Yang PhD, Chien-Wen Chou BS, Chung-Yin
Keywords:nattokinase, red yeast rice, human trial, hyperlipidemia, blood lipid
Abstract:The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel comparison study was to evaluate the
lipid-lowering effect of orally administrated nattokinaseand nattokinase combined with red yeast rice (RYR) extract on blood lipids in patients with hyperlipidemia. A total of 47 patients with hyperlipidemia were assigned to
one of three groups: 1. nattokinase-mono formula (50 mg/capsule), 2. combined formula of nattokinase with
RYR (300 mg of extract/capsule) and 3.placebo. Subjects received a twice daily dose of two capsules for six
months. The mono formula showed no effects on blood lipids until month six, while the combined formula ameliorated all of measured lipids starting from month one. In the combined group significant decreases were found
with regard to: triglycerides (TG) by 15%, total cholesterol (TC) by 25%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
(LDL-C) by 41%, TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio by 29.5%, and increases in HDL-C by
7.5%. These changes were sustained until the end of study. After controlling for baseline levels, only the combined group, but not mono group, showed a significant difference (p<0.0001) in TC, LDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratio when compared with the placebo group. In summary, this study provides long-term efficacy of nattokinase
supplementation and shows thatthe combined formula has relatively more potent effects than the mono formula
on lowering of blood lipids, suggesting that combined nattokinase with RYR will be a better neutraceutical for
patients with hyperlipidemia than nattokinase alone.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):310-317.doi:
>>Abstract
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Serum lutein and its dynamic changes during supplementation with lutein in Chinese subjects
Author:Le Ma MD, Xiao-Ming Lin MD, Xian-Rong Xu MSc, Zhi-
Keywords:lutein, β-carotene, carotenoid, interactions, adults
Abstract:Observational epidemiological studies have shown that a high consumption of lutein-containing foods is associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases. However,results are inconsistent, suggesting the possibility that
confounders may impact serum lutein concentration after consumption. The present study aimed to determine
the factors affecting serum lutein status and to characterize dynamic changes of lutein concentration in serum
during lutein supplementation in healthy Chinese subjects. After baseline characteristics were determined, thirtyseven healthy participants were randomized to receive 6 mglutein/d, 12 mg lutein/d, or placebo for 12 weeks, as
well as to be observed for 6 additional weeks after the cessation of supplementation. Serum levels of lutein and
β-carotene were measured by HPLC atweeks 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18. Dietary intake was estimated by foodfrequency questionnaires. No significant sex differences were found in serum concentration of lutein. Serum lutein level positively correlated with dietary lutein, retinol equivalents, vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene and fat
intake after adjustment for caloric intake, but not with BMI. After 12-weeks of supplementation, lutein levels increased approximately 1.8-fold and 2.3-fold for the 6-, and 12-mg dose groups respectively, approaching a plateau at week 9, and then decreased to baseline values at week 18. No adverse events or reductions in serum β-carotene were observed throughout the study. Our findingsindicate that increasing the consumption of luteinrich fruit and vegetables can be considered as a long-term, sustainable and safe approach to reach and maintain
high serum levels of lutein.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):318-325.doi:
>>Abstract
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Impact of milk consumption on performance and health of primary school children in rural Vietnam
Author:Do Thi Kim Lien PhD, Bui Thi Nhung PhD, Nguyen Con
Keywords:malnutrition, micronutrients, Vietnam, children, health
Abstract:This is a follow-up study to an investigation on the prevalence of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies
among Vietnamese primary schoolchildren. A total of 454 children aged 7 to 8 years attending three primary
schools in the Northern delta province of Vietnam were either provided with regular milk, milk fortified with vitamins, minerals and inulin or servedas a reference control group. Children were monitored for anthropometrics,
(micro)-nutritional status, faecal microbiota composition, school performance, and health indices. Both weightfor-age (WAZ) and height-for-age (HAZ) significantly improved during 6 months of milk intervention; and underweight and stunting dropped by 10% in these groups. During intervention the incidence of anemia decreased
and serum ferritin levels increased significantly in all groups. Serum zinc levels increased and consequently the
incidence of zinc deficiency improved significantly in all three groups. Serum retinol levels and urine iodine levels remained stable upon intervention with fortified milk whereas in the control group the incidence of iodine deficiency increased. Bifidobacteria composed less than 1% of the total faecal bacteria. After three months of milk
intervention total bacteria, bifidobacteria and Bacteroidessp. increased significantly in both milk and inulin fortified milk groups. Children in the milk consuming groups had significantly better short-term memory scores.
Parent reported that health related quality of life status significantly improved upon milk intervention. In conclusion, (fortified) milk consumption benefited the children in rural Vietnam including lowering the occurrence of
underweight and stunting, improving micronutrients status and better learningindicators as well as improving
the quality of life.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):326-334.doi:
>>Abstract
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Average daily intake of phosphorus in 3- to 5-year-old Japanese children as assessed by the duplicate–diet technique
Author:Tomoko Sugiyama DDSc, Taeko Murakami DDSc, Tomiko
Keywords:phosphorus intake, duplicate-diet technique, preschool children, seasonal variation, nutrition survey
Abstract:The present study aimed to determine whether there is excessive mean daily intakeof phosphorus in 3- to 5-year-old Japanese children and to ascertain relationships between phosphorus intake and various food and beverage groups. Subjects comprised of 90 children, with 15 boys and 15 girls in each age group from 3 to 5 years.
The duplicate-diet technique was used to ascertain total dietary intake, including snacks and beverages over a
24-h period on 3 separate days from summer 1999 to winter 2000. After wet ashing food samples, phosphorus
was quantified by colourimetry using a spectrophotometer. Median and 25th-75th percentile daily phosphorus
intake for 3- to 5-year-old Japanese children was 674 mg (534-890 mg), and phosphorus intake correlated with
the intake of many food groups and was closely correlated with total daily intake of food and beverage (rs=0.64).
In addition, phosphorus intake correlated withthe intake of magnesium and calcium (rs≥0.6, p<0.001). When assessed based on dietary reference intakes for the US, maximum intake did not exceed the tolerable upper intake
level in any of the young children, but phosphorus intakewas not more than the estimated average requirement
(EAR) in 4.4% of subjects, which exceeded the target of 2.5% for the US EAR. We concluded that there is a risk
of insufficient phosphorous intake, rather than excessive intake, for 4.4% of 3- to 5-year-old Japanese children.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):335-343.doi:
>>Abstract
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Nutrient intake and blood iron status of male collegiate soccer players
Author:Yuka Noda RD, Kazuhide Iide PhD, Reika Masuda RD,
Keywords:dietary assessment, serum ferritin, hemolysis, iron deficiency, anemia
Abstract:The purpose of this study was: 1) to collect baseline data on nutrient intake in order to advise athletes about nutrition practices that might enhance performance, and 2) to evaluate the dietary iron intake and blood iron status
of Japanese collegiate soccer players. The subjects were31 soccer players and 15 controls. Dietary information
was obtained with a food frequency questionnaire. The mean carbohydrate (6.9 g･kg
-1
BW) and protein (1.3
g/kg) intakes of the soccer players were marginal in comparisons with recommended targets. The mean intakes
of calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, B1, B2, and C were lower than the respective Japanese recommended dietary
allowances (RDAs) or adequate dietary intakes in the soccer players. The mean intakes of green and other vegetables, milk and dairy products, fruits, and eggs werelower than the recommended targets. Thus, we recommended athletes to increase the intakeof these foodstuffs along with slightincrease in carbohydrate and lean
meat. The mean intake of iron was higher than the respective RDA in the soccer players. A high prevalence of
hemolysis (71%) in the soccer players was found. None ofthe soccer players and controls had anemia. Two soccer players had iron depletion, while none was found in the controls. In those players who had iron deficiency,
the training load need to be lowered and/or iron intake may be increased.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):344-350.doi:
>>Abstract
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A good response to oil with medium- and long-chain fatty acids in body fat and blood lipid profiles of male hypertriglyceridemic subjects
Author:Yinghua Liu MD, Jin Wang BS, Rongxin Zhang BS, Yue
Keywords:medium-chain fatty acids, long-chain fatty acids, hypertriglyceridemia, sex, Chinese
Abstract:A double blind clinical trial was carried out to clarify the effects of oil withmedium- and long-chain triglyceride
(MLCT) on body fat and blood lipid profiles in hypertriglyceridemic subjects. One-hundred-and-twelve subjects
were enrolled and divided into two groups; those that consumed MLCT oil and those that consumed long-chain
triglyceride (LCT) oil for 8 weeks. All subjects were requested toconsume 25-30 g of the oils daily and maintain
a fixed level of energy intake and exercise. Anthropometric and blood biochemical parameters were measured
when the study was initiated and completed. The LCT group consisted of 50 subjects (34 men and 16 women),
while the MLCT group consisted of 51 subjects (33 men and 18 women) who completed the study. Larger decreases in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, bodyfat, total fat area and subcutaneous fat area
in the abdomen and serum triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, C2, C3 and E
were observed in male subjects in the MLCT group thanthose in the LCT group. However, no significant differences in these parameters between the female subjects inthe two groups were observed. Data from this study indicate that consumption of medium-and long-chain triglycerides can reduce body weight and body fat and improve blood lipid profiles in malehypertriglyceridemic subjects.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):351-358.doi:
>>Abstract
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Association of transfatty acid intake with metabolic risk factors among free-living young Japanese women
Author:Mai Yamada MS, Satoshi Sasaki PhD, Kentaro Murakam
Keywords:transfatty acid intake, metabolic risk factors,young Japanese women, cross-sectional study, Asian population
Abstract:Objective: We examined cross-sectional associations of total, hydrogenated, and natural transfatty acid intake
with selected metabolic risk factors in young Japanese women. Methods: Subjects were 1136 Japanese female
dietetic students aged 18-22 years. Dietary intake was estimated using a validated, self-administered diet history
questionnaire. Associations between transfatty acid intake and metabolic risk factors were examined with multivariate linear regression analysis, with control for potential covariates. Dietary covariates included intake of
energy, total fat, and saturated fatty acids (model 1); monounsaturated fatty acids instead of saturated fatty acids
(model 2); and polyunsaturatedfatty acids instead of saturated fatty acids (model 3). Results: Mean (standard
deviation) total transfatty acid intake was 0.90% (0.30%) of total energy. Hydrogenated transfatty acids contributed 77% of total transfatty acid intake. Total transfatty acid intake was significantly and positively associated with waist circumference, triacylglycerol, and glycated hemoglobin, except in the analysis of triacylglycerol
with adjustment for monounsaturated fatty acids. No associations were found between total transfatty acid intake and body mass index, cholesterol, or glucose. Hydrogenatedtransfatty acid intake was significantly and
positively associated only with waist circumference and glycated hemoglobin. No association was observed for
natural transfatty acid intake. Conclusion: hydrogenated transfatty acid intake was positively associated with
several metabolic risk factors among free-living young Japanese women with relatively low intake.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):359-371.doi:
>>Abstract
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Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3is related to fish intake and exercise in Korean adult men
Author:Youl Lee Lym MDand Hee-Kyung Joh MD
Keywords: exercise, fishes, Koreans, life style, vitamin D
Abstract:Vitamin D is an important factor for bone health. It is uncertain which lifestyle is associated with vitamin D
status, especially in healthy middle aged Asian men. A cross-sectional analysis was performed in 149 men aged
40–69 years who visited a health check-up center in Korea. Serum vitamin D (25-OHD
3
) was measured and
smoking, alcohol, exercise, occupation, frequency of fish and dairy intake were estimated by self-administered
questionnaire. The mean (±SD) 25-OHD3
concentration was 96.5±30.7 nmol/L. Higher and lower 25-OHD3
groups were generated with the median concentration as the cut-off point. By univariateanalysis, exercise status
and fish intake frequency were significantly different between two 25-OHD
3
groups (p=0.012, 0.019 respectively). After multivariable logistic regression, higher fishintake frequency and regular exercise were associated
with higher levels of 25-OHD3
(p for trend=0.017 and 0.02 respectively). Inconclusion, frequent fish intake and
regular exercise are positively associated with serum 25-OHD3concentrations in healthy Korean men.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):372-376.doi:
>>Abstract
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Maternal and neonatal plasma n-3 and n-6 fatty acids of pregnant women and neonates from three regions of China with contrasting dietary patterns
Author:Jian Zhang Msc, Yiqun Wang MPhil, Liping Meng MSc,
Keywords:docosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentenoic acid, Chinese pregnant women, neonate
Abstract:The aim of this study was to investigate n-3 and n-6 fatty acid status of pregnant women and neonates from
River/Lake, Coastal and Inland regions of China. Demographic, nutritional and anthropometric data, as well as
blood samples (maternal and cord) were obtained. Plasma choline phosphoglyceride (CPG) fatty acids were analysed. Median daily fatty acid intakes of the women from River/Lake, Coastal and Inland women were linoleic
acid (LA), 20.2, 22.1, 31.7 g; arachidonic acid (AA), 157.2, 95.6, 141.3 mg; α-linolenic acid (ALA), 4.2, 1.0, 1.8
g; eicosapentenoic acid (EPA), 22.4, 28.6, 3.1 mg; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 51.7, 54.7, 33.3 mg and the n-6
to n-3 fatty acid ratio, 4.7, 20.9, 17.2. The median maternal and cord plasma CPG AA levels of River/Lake,
Coastal and Inland groups were 7.3% and 15.7%, 6.7% and 16.1%, and 7.2% and 16.9%. The median maternal
and neonatal DHA levels in the three regions were 3.2% and 4.7%, 3.0% and 4.3%, and 2.0% and 3.6%. There
appears to be a close association between dietary intake of AA, EPA, DHA and the corresponding levels of the
fatty acids in maternal plasma CPG (p<0.05). The results of the study indicate low intake of the n-3 long chain
polyunsaturated fatty acids, EPA and DHA,and n-6 to n-3 fatty acid imbalance are the main problems of dietary
fat intake of Chinese pregnant women. Measures such as increased supply of oily fish and ALA-rich edible oils
should be taken to help enhance n-3 fatty acid intake of pregnant Chinese women.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):377-388.doi:
>>Abstract
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Polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption and concentration among South Indian women during pregnancy
Author:Pratibha Dwarkanath MSc, Sumithra Muthayya PhD, Ti
Keywords: long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), linoleic acid (LA), αlinolenic acid (ALA), pregnancy, South India
Abstract:In recent years there is growing interest on the role of long chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LC-PUFA)
in pregnancy and the growth and development of the offspring. We aim to characterize and provide baseline data
on the intake of LCPUFA (ω-3 and ω-6) in a prospective cohort of 829 pregnant Indian women and report associations between LCPUFA intake and erythrocyte membrane phospholipid fatty acid concentration in a subgroup at baseline (1
st
trimester), the 2
nd
and 3
rd
trimesters of pregnancy. The dietary intake of all the macronutrients and of α-linolenic acid(ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) significantly
increased over the 3 trimesters of pregnancy while that of ω-6 fatty acids (FA) remained unchanged. Median ω-3
FA intakes of ALA, EPA and DHA, however, were on average low at 0.56, 0.003 and 0.011 g/d, respectively
while LA was 14.6 g/d during pregnancy. Consequently, the intake ratio of ALA to LA in the women in the present study was very low at 1:26. A significant decline in erythrocyte membrane arachidonic acid (AA) concentration but not of DHA was observed throughout pregnancy. This might be due to increased efficiency in terms
of elongation of parent ω-3 FA. Dietary methods for improving the consumption of ω-3 FA need to be considered in the diets of young women as well as during pregnancy. As newborns primarily depend on placental transfer of ω-3 FA there is need to examine the ω-3 LC-PUFA concentration in infants of mother’s with low intakes
of ω-3 FA.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):389-394.doi:
>>Abstract
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Development and validation of 3-Minute Nutrition Screening (3-MinNS) tool for acute hospital patients in Singapore
Author:Su-Lin Lim BSc (Hons), Chung-Yan TongBSc (Hons), E
Keywords:3-Minute Nutrition Screening, subjective globalassessment, validation, sensitivity, specificity
Abstract:It is important to detect and treat malnutrition in hospital patients so as to improve clinical outcome and reduce
hospital stay. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a nutrition screening tool with a simple and
quick scoring system for acute hospital patients in Singapore. In this study, 818 newly admitted patients aged
above 18 years old were screened using five parameters that contribute to the risk of malnutrition. A dietitian
blinded to the nutrition screening score assessed the same patients using the reference standard, Subjective
Global Assessment (SGA) within 48 hours. Sensitivity and specificity were established using the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve and the best cut-off scores determined. The nutrition parameter with the largest
area under the ROC curve (AUC) was chosen as the final screening tool, which was named the 3-Minute Nutrition Screening (3-MinNS). The combination of the parameters weight loss, intake and muscle wastage (3-MinNS), gave the largest AUC when compared with SGA.Using 3-MinNS, the best cut-off point to identify
malnourished patients is three (sensitivity 86%, specificity 83%). The cut-off score to identify subjects at risk of
severe malnutrition is five (sensitivity 93%, specificity 86%). The 3-Minute Nutrition Screening is a valid, simple and rapid tool that identifies acute hospital patients at risk of malnutrition in Singapore. It is able to differentiate patients at risk of moderate malnutrition and severe malnutrition for prioritization and management purposes.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):395-403.doi:
>>Abstract
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Accuracy of body mass index (BMI) thresholds for predicting excess body fat in girls from five ethnicities
Author:J Scott Duncan PhD, Elizabeth K Duncan PhD, Grant
Keywords:epidemiology, ethnicity, child, adolescent, obesity
Abstract:The association between body mass index (BMI) and body fat in young people differs among ethnic groups.
Consequently, BMI thresholds for defining childhood overweight may not represent an equivalent level of adiposity in multiethnic populations. The objectives of this study were to characterise the relationships between
BMI and percentage body fat (%BF) and to determine the appropriateness ofuniversal BMI standards for predicting excess fatness in girls from five ethnic groups. The BMI and %BF of 1,676 European, Maori, Pacific Island, East Asian, and South Asian girls aged 5-16 years were determined using anthropometric and bioimpedance measurements. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were prepared to assess the sensitivity
and specificity of the International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) BMI thresholds for detecting %BF >85
th
percentile. Compared with European girls, South and East
Asians averaged 4.2% and 1.3% more %BF at a fixed BMI and age, whereas Pacific Islanders averaged 1.8%
less %BF. Areas under the ROC curves ranged from 89.9%to 92.4%, suggesting thatBMI is an acceptable
screening tool for identifying excess adiposity. However,the IOTF and CDC thresholds showed low sensitivity
for predicting excess %BF in South and East Asian girls, with low specificity in Pacific Island and Maori girls.
The development of an ethnic-specific definition of overweight improved diagnostic performance. We conclude
that BMI can be an acceptable proxy measure of excess fatness in girls from diverse ethnicities, especially when
ethnic-specific BMI reference points are implemented.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):404-411.doi:
>>Abstract
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Food variety score is associated with dual burden of malnutrition in Orang Asli(Malaysian indigenous peoples) households: implications for health promotion
Author:Nurfaizah Saibul MSc, Zalilah Mohd Shariff PhD, Kh
Keywords: indigenous peoples, dual burden of malnutrition, food variety, overweight, underweight
Abstract:This paper reports on the presence of dual burden households in Orang Asli (OA, indigenous people) communities and its associated factors. A total of 182 OA households in two districts in Selangor with the required criteria
(182 non-pregnant women of child bearing age and 284 children aged 2-9 years old) participated in the study.
Height and weight of both women and children were measured. Energy intake and food variety score (FVS)
were determined using three 24-hour diet recalls. While58% were underweight and 64% of the children were
stunted, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in women were 31% and 20% respectively. The percentage of
dual burden households (overweight mother/underweight child) was 25.8% while 14.8% households had normal
weight mother/normal weight child. The mean food variety score (FVS) was similar for women (7.0+2.1) and
children (6.9+1.9). Dual burden households were associated with women’s employment status (OR: 3.18, 95%
CI: 2.65-5.66), FVS of children (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.51-0.95) and FVS of women (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.02-
1.89). The FVS of children (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.25-0.89)and women (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.64-2.77) remained
significant even when dual burden households were compared to only households with normal weight
mother/normal weight child. In these OA communities, food variety may predict a healthier diet in children, but
may increase the risk of overweight and obesity in adults. Efforts to address households with dual burden malnutrition should consider promotion of healthy diets and lifestyle for all members.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):412-422.doi:
>>Abstract
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What extent of weight loss can benefit the health-related quality of life in motivated obese Chinese?
Author:Chih-Hsing WuMD, Hui-Ching Kuo RD, Chin-Sung Chang
Keywords:very low calorie diet, sibutramine, orlistat, weight control, life quality
Abstract:Background: A clinical significant improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is one of the main
goals of weight control. Objective: To reveal the extentof weight loss on changes of HRQOL in obese Chinese.
Design: A total of 119 motivated obese adults (BMI: 33.5 ±0.4 kg/m
2
) completed a 6-month weight loss intervention program by following either low calorie diet suggestions (LCDS; n=18), LCDSplus sibutramine (SG;
n=27), LCDS plus orlistat (OG; n=41), or very low calorie diet (VLCD; n=33). Changes in body composition
(TBF-410GS, Tanita Co., Tokyo, Japan) and HRQOL (36-item Short-Form (SF-36) questionnaire) were measured accordingly. Results: After 6-months, the greatest weight loss (p<0.001) was found in VLCD group (14.1 ±
1.2 kg, 15.1%), followed by OG (10.6 ± 0.9 kg, 11.5%), SG(9.6 ± 1.3 kg, 10.2%) and LCDS alone (8.7 ± 1.2 kg,
11.1%). The physical component score of SF-36 weresignificantly improved at 6-month follow-up (p<0.001),
but not the mental component score. Improvements in general health score of SF-36 (Δmean: 6.1 ± 2.8, p<0.05)
were greater in females than males. Subjects with weight loss ≥15 % had the greatest improvements in SF-36
scores whereas no changes in SF-36 scores were found with weight loss < 5%. Conclusions: The extent, not the
type of intervention, of weight loss is highly correlated with the favorable changes in HRQOL at 6-months.
Weight loss above 5% of baseline values is necessary to show significant improvements in HRQOL in motivated
obese Chinese.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):423-432.doi:
>>Abstract
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Association of major dietary patterns with obesity risk among Mongolian men and women
Author:Otgontuya Dugee MSc, Geok Lin Khor PhD,Munn-Sann L
Keywords:dietary pattern, factor analysis, body mass index, waist circumference, Mongolian adults
Abstract:Mongolia is experiencing changes in its unique nomadic lifestyle and dietary habits in the last two decades with
accompanying increase in obesity rate. The dietary pattern approach, which investigates the overall diet in relation to obesity risks, has become appealing in nutrition epidemiology. The aim of this study was to identify major dietary patterns of the Mongolian adults in relation to the risk of having obesity. Dietary intake of a total 418
adults aged ≥25 years was assessed by using a food frequency questionnaire with 68 items. An exploratory factor analysis resulted in three dietary patterns: transitional high in processed meat and potato, traditional rich in
whole milk, fats and oils and healthy with greater intakeof whole grains, mixed vegetables and fruits. Individuals in the upper quintile of the transitional pattern had significantly greater risk of obesity (BMI≥25kg/m
2
:
OR=2.47; 95% CI=1.04-5.86) while subjects in the highest quintile of the healthy dietary pattern were found to
have significantly decreased risk ofobesity (OR: 0.49; 95% CI=0.25-0.95). Men in the highest quintile of the
transitional pattern had greater risk of abdominal obesity WC≥90cm: OR= 4.08; 95% CI=1.11-14.97) than those
in the lowest quintile. Women in the top quintile of the traditional pattern had a greater odds of having abdominal obesity (WC≥80cm: OR=4.59; 95% CI=1.58-13.30) than those in the lowest quintile. The study suggests that
public health efforts be targeted at adults in Mongoliato address the undesirable aspects of the transitional and
the traditional dietary patterns.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):433-440.doi:
>>Abstract
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Gender differences in “luxury food intake” owing to temporal distribution of eating occasions among adults of Hindu communities in lowland Nepal
Author:Noriko Sudo PhD, Makiko Sekiyama PhD, Ryutaro Ohts
Keywords:women, luxury food intake, feeding behaviour, Nepal, 24-hour dietary recall interview
Abstract:Our previous studies in developing countries have indicated that gender differences in intake of luxury foods incur risk of micronutrient deficienciesamong women. As the next step, we examined the causes of gender differences in food intake by comparing eating patterns, including meal frequency (skipping) and temporal distribution of food consumption throughout the day among adults of Hindu communities in lowland Nepal. A total of
321 adults (126 men and 195 women) aged 20 years and above were randomly selectedfrom 94 households in
three rural communities. A face-to-face questionnaire-based 24-hour dietary recall interview was conducted
whereby foods eaten throughout the six eating occasions (morning snack, breakfast, lunch, daytime snack, dinner,
and evening snack) were recorded and analyzed. Results shows that men frequently skipped lunch (p<0.001),
they also frequently consume daytime snack (p<0.001), and consumed purchased luxury foods such as tea with
sugar and milk (p= 0.008) and samosa (p= 0.049) as daytime snack. The six-eating occasion analysis revealed
that gender differences in food intake of rural Nepaleseadults occurred during lunch and daytime snack, attributing to gender differences in daily activity patterns.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):441-446.doi:
>>Abstract
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Influences on consumption of soft drinks and fast foods in adolescents
Author:Elizabeth Denney-Wilson PhD, David Crawford PhD, T
Keywords: adolescent, obesity, fast food, soft drink, weight gain
Abstract:Soft drink and fast food are energy dense foodstuffs that are heavily marketed to adolescents, and are likely to be
important in terms of risk of obesity. This study soughtto examine the influences on soft drink and fast food
consumption among adolescents as part of a cross-sectional survey of 2,719 adolescents (aged 11-16) from 93
randomly selected schools in New South Wales, Australia. Students provided information on soft drink and fast
food consumption, and responded to statements examining influences over consumption. Over half of the boys
and more than one third of the girls reported drinking soft drink daily, and consumption peaked in Grade 8 students. A quarter of students reported choosing soft drinks instead of water or milk, and around 40% agreed that
soft drink was usually available in their homes. Availability in the home and drinking soft drinks with meals was
most strongly associated with consumption in all age groups. Fast food consumption was higher among boys
than girls in all age groups. Convenience and value for money yielded the strongest associations with fast food
consumption in boys, while preferring fast food to meals at home and preferring to “upsize” meals were most
strongly associated with consumption in girls. Interventions to reduce consumption of soft drinks should target
availability in both the home and school environment by removing soft drinks and replacing them with more nutritive beverages. Fast food outlets should be encouraged to provide a greater range of healthy and competitively
priced options in reasonable portions.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):447-452.doi:
>>Abstract
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Trends in BMI, diet and lifestyle between 1976 and 2005 in North Sydney
Author:Lillian M Kent PhD and Anthony Worsley PhD
Keywords: BMI, diet, lifestyle, prudent lifestyle, Western lifestyle
Abstract:Although the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Australia has increased during the past 30 years, little is
known about the dietary and behavioural antecedents of body mass index (BMI). We examined changes in mean
BMI, diet, and other lifestyle behaviours between 1976 and 2005 and described the cross-sectional associations
between these factors and BMI. A series of biennialbiomedical surveys by Sydney Adventist Hospital from
1976 to 2005 allowed examination of BMI trends, while the selection of three surveys enabled detailed examination of likely dietary and lifestyle associations. Subjects included in this study were: 384 men and 338 women in
1976; 160 men and 146 women in 1978; 166 men and 141 women in 1980; 164 men and 142 women in 1982;
177 men and 13 women in 1984; 239 men and 227 women in 1986; 210 men and 225 women in 1988; 165 men
and 148 women in 1990; 138 men and 167 women in 1992 and 270 men and 62 women in 2005. Height and
weight were measured by hospital staff. Mean BMI increased in the early 1990s. Salt,coffee, cola, alcohol and
meat consumption, dieting to lose weight and eating between meals were positively associated with BMI while
physical activity, food variety, large breakfasts and consumption of spreads were negatively associated. Food
consumption and daily activities have important associations with BMI, though their specific associations differ
by sex. “Affluent” lifestyle patterns appear to contribute to higher BMI, while a more “prudent” lifestyle seems
to protect from such increases.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):453-461.doi:
>>Abstract
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Expert meeting on child growth and micronutrient deficiencies – new initiatives for developing countries to achieve millennium development goals: executive summary report
Author:Avita A Usfar DrScHum, Endang L Achadi DrPH, Reyna
Keywords: child, growth, micronutrient, deficiencies, Indonesia
Abstract:Undernutrition in early childhood has long-term physicaland intellectual consequences. Improving child growth
should start before the age of two years and be an integrated effort between all sectors, covering all aspects such
as diet and nutrient intake, disease reduction, optimum child care, and improved environmental sanitation. To
discuss these issues, the Indonesian Danone Institute Foundation organized an expert meeting on Child Growth
and Micronutrient Deficiencies: New Initiatives for Developing Countries to Achieve Millennium Development
Goals. The objective of the meeting was to have a retrospective view on child growth: lessons learned from programs to overcome under-nutrition in the developed countries and to relate the situation to the Indonesian context, as well as to discuss implications for future programs. Recommendations derived from the meeting include
focus intervention on the window of opportunity group, re-activation of the Integrated Health Post at the village
level, improvement of infant and young child feeding, expand food fortification intervention programs, strengthen
supplementation programs with multi-micronutrient, and strengthening public and private partnership on food
related programs.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):462-469.doi:
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Book Review and Future Events
Author:
Keywords:
Abstract:
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(3):470-471.doi:
>>Abstract
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