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Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Children and Youth for Health Outcomes Including Obesity Prevention, Cardiometabolic Risk and Cognitive Health

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 January 2022) | Viewed by 23203

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Prof. Dr. Jennifer Sacheck

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Guest Editor

Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
Interests: physical activity and dietary patterns among children and youth; health disparities; obesity prevention; cognitive and cardiometabolic health
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The journal Nutrients has released a call for a Special Issue on “Physical Activity, Dietary Patterns, and Associated Health Outcomes among Children and Youth”. As you are an expert in a related field, I am hopeful that you and/or some of your colleagues may be interested in submitting an article to be included in this issue. We are interested in receiving both physical activity and nutrition/dietary studies that have a special emphasis on related health outcomes, including obesity prevention, mental wellbeing and cognitive health, and cardiometabolic health. Additionally, we hope to include several articles that focus on youth health disparities in these areas. The deadline for the Special Issue is 5 January 2022. Please feel free to forward this call for papers to colleagues who may also be interested in submitting to this Special Issue.

Thanks in advance for your consideration!

Prof. Dr. Jennifer Sacheck
Guest Editor

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Keywords

children
adolescent and youth
obesity prevention
physical activity
nutrition
dietary patterns
cognitive health
stress and wellbeing
cardiometabolic health
health disparities

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk of Chronic Disease after an Episode of Marasmus, Kwashiorkor or Mixed–Type Severe Acute Malnutrition in the Democratic Republic of Congo: The Lwiro Follow-Up Study

by Pacifique Mwene-Batu, Ghislain Bisimwa, Philippe Donnen, Jocelyne Bisimwa, Christian Tshongo, Michelle Dramaix, Michel P. Hermans and André Briend

Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2465; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122465 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2683

Abstract

Background: Long-term impact of different forms of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in childhood on the emergence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is poorly known. Aim: To explore the association between subtypes of SAM during childhood, NCDs, and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in young adults 11 to 30 years after post-SAM nutritional rehabilitation. Methods: In this follow-up study, we investigated 524 adults (mean age 22 years) treated for SAM during childhood in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between 1988 and 2007. Among them, 142 had a history of marasmus, 175 of kwashiorkor, and 207 had mixed-form SAM. These participants were compared to 407 aged- and sex-matched control adults living in the same community without a history of SAM. Our outcomes of interest were cardiometabolic risk markers for NCDs. Logistic and linear regressions models were sued to estimate the association between subtype of SAM in childhood and risk of NCDs. Results: Compared to unexposed, former mixed-type SAM participants had a higher adjusted ORs of metabolic syndrome [2.68 (1.18; 8.07)], central obesity [1.89 (1.11; 3.21)] and low HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol) [1.52 (1.08; 2.62)]. However, there was no difference between groups in terms of diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and hyper TG (hypertriglyceridemia) and overweightness. Former mixed-type SAM participants had higher mean fasting glucose [3.38 mg/dL (0.92; 7.7)], reduced muscle strength [−3.47 kg (−5.82; −1.11)] and smaller hip circumference [−2.27 cm (−4.24; −0.31)] compared to non-exposed. Regardless of subtypes, SAM-exposed participants had higher HbA1c than unexposed (p < 0.001). Those with a history of kwashiorkor had cardiometabolic and nutritional parameters almost superimposable to those of unexposed. Conclusion: The association between childhood SAM, prevalence of NCDs and their CVRFs in adulthood varies according to SAM subtypes, those with mixed form being most at risk. Multicenter studies on larger cohorts of older participants are needed to elucidate the impact of SAM subtypes on NCDs risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Children and Youth for Health Outcomes Including Obesity Prevention, Cardiometabolic Risk and Cognitive Health)

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12 pages, 894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Isocaloric Fructose Restriction on Ceramide Levels in Children with Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk: Relation to Hepatic De Novo Lipogenesis and Insulin Sensitivity

by Emily Olson, Jung H. Suh, Jean-Marc Schwarz, Susan M. Noworolski, Grace M. Jones, John R. Barber, Ayca Erkin-Cakmak, Kathleen Mulligan, Robert H. Lustig and Michele Mietus-Snyder

Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071432 - 30 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3821

Abstract

Sugar intake, particularly fructose, is implicated as a factor contributing to insulin resistance via hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL). A nine-day fructose reduction trial, controlling for other dietary factors and weight, in children with obesity and metabolic syndrome, decreased DNL and mitigated cardiometabolic risk (CMR) biomarkers. Ceramides are bioactive sphingolipids whose dysregulated metabolism contribute to lipotoxicity, insulin resistance, and CMR. We evaluated the effect of fructose reduction on ceramides and correlations between changes observed and changes in traditional CMR biomarkers in this cohort. Analyses were completed on data from 43 participants. Mean weight decreased (−0.9 ± 1.1 kg). The majority of total and subspecies ceramide levels also decreased significantly, including dihydroceramides, deoxyceramides and ceramide-1-phoshates. Change in each primary ceramide species correlated negatively with composite insulin sensitivity index (CISI). Change in deoxyceramides positively correlated with change in DNL. These results suggest that ceramides decrease in response to dietary fructose restriction, negatively correlate with insulin sensitivity, and may represent an intermediary link between hepatic DNL, insulin resistance, and CMR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Children and Youth for Health Outcomes Including Obesity Prevention, Cardiometabolic Risk and Cognitive Health)

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13 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stop the Pop: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Children’s Physical and Emotional Responses during Three Days of Sugary Drink Cessation

by Jasmine H. Kaidbey, Kacey Ferguson, Sabrina E. Halberg, Caroline Racke, Amanda J. Visek, Ashley N. Gearhardt, Laura M. Juliano, William H. Dietz, Jennifer Sacheck and Allison C. Sylvetsky

Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071328 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2492

Abstract

Despite public health efforts to reduce sugary drink consumption, children’s intake continues to exceed recommendations. While numerous barriers to lowering sugary drink consumption have been identified, aversive feelings during sugary drink cessation may further challenge sustained reduction in children’s sugary drink consumption. Herein, we describe “Stop the Pop”, an intervention to examine children’s physical and emotional responses during three days of sugary drink cessation. Children (n = 150) ages 8–14, who reported habitual consumption of ≥12 ounces of sugary drinks daily, were instructed to avoid sweetened beverages for three days. At baseline and on each day of cessation, children completed a daily feelings questionnaire, and a subset of children (n = 30) also completed a qualitative interview following cessation. During sugary drink cessation, children reported physical and emotional improvements, including being less tired, angry, and annoyed; having less trouble sleeping; and less frequently arguing with others, getting in trouble, and getting mad. However, unfavorable responses, such as mood disturbances and having less energy, were reported by some participants. Our results suggest that children who habitually consume sugary drinks may experience physical and emotional improvements during short-term sugary drink cessation, although longer-term examination is needed and inter-individual variability in responses to cessation warrants further study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Children and Youth for Health Outcomes Including Obesity Prevention, Cardiometabolic Risk and Cognitive Health)

19 pages, 773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diet Quality Scores and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Mexican Children and Adolescents: A Longitudinal Analysis

by Abeer Ali Aljahdali, Karen E. Peterson, Alejandra Cantoral, Edward Ruiz-Narvaez, Martha M. Tellez-Rojo, Hyungjin Myra Kim, James R. Hébert, Michael D. Wirth, Libni A. Torres-Olascoaga, Nitin Shivappa and Ana Baylin

Nutrients 2022, 14(4), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040896 - 20 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4225

Abstract

There is limited evidence for the effects of diet on cardiometabolic profiles during the pubertal transition. We collected repeated measures of diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors among Mexican youth. This analysis included 574 offspring of the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) birth cohort followed up to three time points. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMedDiet), and Children’s Dietary Inflammatory Index (C-DII^TM) scores were computed from food frequency questionnaires. Higher DASH and aMedDiet scores reflect a higher diet quality, and lower C-DII scores reflect an anti-inflammatory diet. Cardiometabolic risk factors were lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Linear mixed models were used between quartiles of each diet score and outcomes. Compared to the first quartile, the fourth DASH quartile was inversely associated with log serum insulin (μIU/mL) [β = −0.19, p = 0.0034] and log-Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [β = −0.25, p = 0.0008]. Additionally, log serum triglycerides (mg/dL) was linearly associated with aMedDiet score [β = −0.03, p = 0.0022]. Boys in the highest aMedDiet quartile had higher serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dL) [β = 4.13, p = 0.0034] compared to the reference quartile. Higher diet quality was associated with a better cardiometabolic profile among Mexican youth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Children and Youth for Health Outcomes Including Obesity Prevention, Cardiometabolic Risk and Cognitive Health)

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11 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Changes in Sugar Sweetened Beverage Intake Are Associated with Changes in Body Composition in Mexican Adolescents: Findings from the ELEMENT Cohort

by Lindsey English, Yanelli R. Carmona, Karen E. Peterson, Erica C. Jansen, Martha María Téllez Rojo, Libni Torres Olascoaga and Alejandra Cantoral

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030719 - 08 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3178

Abstract

Changes in consumption of sugar sweetened beverage (SSBs) have been associated with increased body mass index (BMI), but little work has evaluated the effect on waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage during adolescence, a period characterized by rapid growth and change in dietary behaviors. We examined the relationship of changes in SSB intake and changes in adiposity over two years in 464 Mexican adolescents. Food frequency questionnaires were used to sum intake of regular soda, coffee with sugar, tea with sugar, sweetened water with fruit, chocolate milk, corn atole, and a sweetened probiotic milk beverage. Linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of changes in SSBs with changes in BMI, body fat percentage, and WC, adjusting for sex, socioeconomic status, screen time, physical activity, age, and change in age. Adolescents who increased their daily SSB intake by >2 serving had a −2.72% higher body fat percentage (95% CI: 0.61, 4.82); a 1–2 serving increase was associated with a 2.49 cm increase (95% CI: 0.21, 4.76) in WC compared with those with no change in intake. Within an adolescent sample, changes in SSB intake were related to concomitant changes in body fat percentage and WC, but not BMI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Children and Youth for Health Outcomes Including Obesity Prevention, Cardiometabolic Risk and Cognitive Health)

17 pages, 370 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Aerobic Fitness, B-Vitamins, and Weight Status Are Related to Selective Attention in Children

by Lauren B. Raine, Jennifer N. H. Watrous, Katherine McDonald, Nicole E. Logan, Naiman A. Khan, Arthur F. Kramer and Charles H. Hillman

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010201 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2622

Abstract

There is an increasing prevalence of poor health behaviors during childhood, particularly in terms of physical activity and nutrition. This trend has occurred alongside a growing body of evidence linking these behaviors to cognitive function. B-vitamins are thought to be particularly important in the neural development that occurs during pregnancy, as well as in healthy cognitive aging. However, much less is known regarding the role of B-vitamins during childhood. Given that preadolescent childhood is a critical period for cognitive development, this study investigated the relationship between specific aspects of nutrition, particularly B-vitamins, and related health factors (e.g., body mass, fitness) on selective attention in children. Children (n = 85; 8–11 years) completed a selective attention task to assess inhibition. Participant’s dietary intake was collected using the Automated Self-Administered 24-h dietary assessment tool. Correlations between specific nutrients, BMI, fitness, and task performance were investigated. After accounting for demographic variables and total caloric intake, increased B-vitamin intake (i.e., thiamin and folic acid) was associated with shorter reaction times (p’s < 0.05), fitness was associated with greater response accuracy (p < 0.05), and increased BMI was related to increased variability in reaction times (p < 0.05). Together, these findings suggest that aspects of health may have unique contributions on cognitive performance. Proper physical health and nutrition are imperative for effective cognitive functioning in preadolescent children. Targeted efforts aimed at health education amongst this population could ensure proper cognitive development during school-age years, providing a strong foundation throughout life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Children and Youth for Health Outcomes Including Obesity Prevention, Cardiometabolic Risk and Cognitive Health)

12 pages, 1085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Calcium Intake and Fat Mass in Spanish Young Adults: The Role of Muscle Strength

by Ana Torres-Costoso, Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno, Rubén Fernández-Rodríguez, Irene Sequí-Dominguez, Sara Reina-Gutiérrez, Sergio Núñez de Arenas-Arroyo and Miriam Garrido-Miguel

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4498; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124498 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3260

Abstract

Obesity is declared as a chronic multifaceted health problem, and young adults may be particularly vulnerable to weight gain. This study aims to identify the role of dietary calcium intake and the muscle strength index in handling excess of fat mass in young adults and to examine if the relationship between dietary calcium intake and fat mass percentage is mediated by muscle strength. A cross-sectional study including 355 Spanish college students (aged 21.05 ± 3.11) was performed during the 2017–2018 academic year. Pearson correlation coefficients were estimated to determine the relationship between dietary calcium intake, fat mass percentage, body mass index, muscle strength components, and total energy intake. ANCOVA models were used to analyze the differences in the muscle strength index by total dietary calcium intake categories, as well as the differences in % fat mass by total dietary calcium intake and muscle strength index categories, controlling for different sets of confounders. A mediator analysis was conducted to test if the relationship between dietary calcium intake and fat mass percentage was explained by muscle strength. Data on the fat mass percentage, dietary calcium intake, and muscle strength index as the sum of the standardized z-score of the standing long jump and z-score of handgrip/weight were collected. The muscle strength index was significantly better in young adults with higher dietary calcium intake. Moreover, the fat mass percentage was significantly lower in those with a higher dietary calcium intake and a better muscle strength index. Finally, the relationship between dietary calcium intake and fat mass percentage was fully mediated by muscle strength (z = −1.90; p < 0.05), explaining 33.33% of this relationship. This study suggests that both a major dietary calcium intake and muscle strength are associated with fat mass percentage. Moreover, muscle strength mediates the link between dietary calcium intake and fat mass percentage. Therefore, both high dietary calcium intake and exercise activities aimed at improving muscle strength levels may help to prevent the cardiometabolic risk associated with an excess of fat mass in young people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Children and Youth for Health Outcomes Including Obesity Prevention, Cardiometabolic Risk and Cognitive Health)

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