Dietetics

Background: Reference values and confidence intervals for the hydration indices of a large athletic population are currently lacking. Methods: Urine indices were gathered from an athletic population (n = 189) based on spot-urine samples. Results: High urine concentration was associated with a low volume and short void duration. When stratifying the data, differences for urine volume were seen for race and ethnicity and for athletic affiliation (p < 0.05), but no differences were found for urine concentration markers or volume for time of day of collection, thirst sensation, or age (p > 0.05). When classifying urine samples for a low vs. a high urine concentration by scoring urine color (Uc), the athletic population reported a slightly lower accuracy (4–7%) compared to investigators (p < 0.02). Subjects scored samples as lighter than the investigators, with a higher misclassification of the more concentrated urine samples. Conclusions: In this convenience sample of a predominantly young athletic population, urinary indices did not differ for subgroups within a large athletic population aside from some difference for race and ethnicity on urine volume. Although well-trained investigators reported better accuracy for Uc scoring, both athletes and investigators reported the highest accuracy for correctly classifying samples with a very low or a very high urine concentration. Full article

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated central nervous system disorder that affects females twice as often as males. MS patients show increased susceptibility to obesity and related cardiometabolic disorders, while diet may influence disease course. In the present randomized controlled study, we aimed to increase Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) adherence in MS women and improve their nutritional status. Methods: Adult women with relapsing-remitting MS (n = 40) were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). Individual dietary plans based on MedDiet together with nutritional consultation were provided to the intervention group. Controls received general lifestyle advice according to “National Dietary Guidelines”. Medical history, anthropometry, dietary records, and blood withdrawal were performed at baseline and at 3 months. Results: Compared to controls, the intervention group demonstrated greater MedDiet adherence (p < 0.001), which was negatively associated with cholesterol intake levels (p < 0.05). At 3 months, women following MedDiet had ameliorated body weight and body composition compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Serum 1,25(OH)2D was significantly higher in both study groups at 3 months (p < 0.001), but in the intervention group, the mean increment was twofold compared to controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Personalized nutritional intervention in MS patients may improve MedDiet adherence and nutritional status towards cardioprotective health outcomes. Full article

Previous studies of the relationship between energy intake and child weight have shown mixed results and have largely not described differences in diet quality or the impact of underreporting. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary intake and childhood obesity by assessing energy intake and diet quality across BMI categories for 2–19-year-old children before and after excluding underreporters. Energy intake and the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI) were studied for 2–19-year-old children using data from 2005–2014 NHANES. Underreporters were defined as children consuming <100% of their predicted resting energy expenditure (REE) and were excluded from some analyses. There were no statistically significant differences in HEI scores across weight categories; mean HEI total score was 47.1 (SE 0.23) out of a possible 100. When considering all 12–19-year-old children, those in the overweight, obesity, and severe obesity categories had a lower mean energy intake than children in the healthy weight category (p < 0.001). Excluding underreporters, 6–11-year-old children in the overweight, obesity, and severe obesity categories had a higher energy intake than healthy weight children (p < 0.001). In both analyses, children in the overweight, obesity, and severe obesity categories reported consuming a lower % REE than healthy weight children. Diet quality in all children is low, and the relationship between reported energy intake and BMI remains complex. Healthy eating messages should target all children. Full article

Osteoarthritis is the most common inflammation-based joint disease. Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites with established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recognizing the need for holistic approaches in the management of knee osteoarthritis, we designed a two-arm, randomised clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a supplement rich in phenolic compounds in OA. Primary outcomes included changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) pain subscale. Secondary outcome measures were the changes in WOMAC stiffness and functionality subscales. Patients were randomised (1:1) to receive a mixture of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid (PhAA,) or ascorbic acid (AA). Μedical history, biochemical profile and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Eighty-six patients were screened and 25 were randomly allocated in a pilot study to receive a mixture of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid (PhAA,) or ascorbic acid (AA) adjunct to stable medical treatment. The nutraceutical supplements were well tolerated and no adverse events were reported. VAS decreased in the PhAA group (p < 0.001). Additionally, WOMAC composite score decreased significantly only in the PhAA group (p < 0.05). The WOMAC subscale of pain decreased in both treatment groups (p = 0.001 for the PhAA group, p < 0.05 for the AA group). The decrease in the subscales of stiffness and physical function was not significant for either group. A possible improvement in the quality of life of these patients using nutraceutical supplements is apparent. Although preliminary, our positive results support the hypothesis that treatment with nutraceuticals may be effective for pain relief in osteoarthritis. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04783792. Full article