Search Results (76)

Background/Objectives: Poor diet is a leading modifiable cause of chronic disease in the US. In addition to targeting nutrients of concern (saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium), nutrients with both inadequate intakes and associations with major health outcomes require identification. We aimed to identify priority nutrients to address both malnutrition and diet-related disease in the US population. Methods: An established method for identifying priority nutrients across multiple demographic groups was adapted for the US population. This method evaluates and scores nutrients consumed at insufficient or excessive levels, with proposed revised requirements, and shows associations with established health priorities, based on the degree of deviation from recommendations and the number of linked health priorities. Priority nutrients were defined as those scoring in the top 25%. For each priority nutrient, a comparison of intake levels against the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) was conducted. Results: There were 21 of 24 nutrients with consumption below recommended levels in at least one demographic group. Certain nutrients, such as dietary fiber, vitamin D, and choline, exhibited particularly high inadequacy rates, exceeding 90% throughout different life stages. The highest priority nutrients included vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and dietary fiber, with vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, folate, and potassium showing priority for specific demographic groups. Comparing current intake levels with those known to benefit health priorities indicated that higher intakes of vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium could be beneficial. Conclusions: Ten essential nutrients play a role in the prevention of diet-related disease, yet are consumed inadequately across the US population, suggesting that the prioritization of these nutrients can help to address the burden of chronic disease. Priority nutrients should be considered in diet and nutrition policies and guidelines. Full article

Background/Objective: Inadequate nutrient intake in childhood can have lasting detrimental developmental and health outcomes. The objective of this study was to identify key nutrient intake gaps among US children. Method: Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2016 data, we compared nutrient intakes against dietary reference intakes (DRIs). Participants were grouped by age (in years): 0–0.5, 0.6–1, 1–4, 5–8, 9–14, and 15–19. Gender differences were assessed in the two older groups. Results: Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, vitamin D, and choline were the most consumed at lesser than DRIs in all age groups. Additionally, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, iron, and calcium were consumed at lesser than DRIs in 1–19 year olds. They also had an inadequate intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Children with nutrient intake gaps increased from infancy and toddlerhood to school-age period, with the inflection point at 5–8 years of age when parents have limited control on children’s nutrient intake. Above 9 years of age, females had greater nutrient intake gaps than males. Females in the 15–19-year-old segment especially had higher nutrient intake gaps (p < 0.05) for vitamin D, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B12, folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium compared to males. Selected laboratory biomarkers were used to verify the nutrient intake data. Conclusions: Key nutrient intake gaps were identified among different age groups of children in the US, which may have implications for future dietary interventions and target food formulations to help narrow these gaps. Full article

Background/Objective: Adequate nutrition is essential for patient recovery and overall health, yet hospital food services often fail to meet dietary guidelines. This study aimed to catch the gap between the dietary recommendation and the real intake. Methods: A total of 300 inpatients (100 per hospital type) were included in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted over two months. Nutritional intake was measured via weighed food records and actual intake was analyzed to calculate actual nutrient intake. Data were evaluated against dietary reference intakes (DRIs) and analyzed statistically via SPSS. One-way ANOVA and paired-sample t tests were used to identify significant differences between hospital categories and meal components. Results: The results revealed that private hospitals provided energy and macronutrient intakes closer to the recommended levels, with the total energy intake (2098.54 ± 97.33 kcal) exceeding the recommended level. Governmental and educational hospitals fell short, providing 1118.59 ± 68.21 kcal and 1285.91 ± 78.42 kcal, respectively. All hospital types served inadequate fiber, but private hospitals (23.18 ± 1.14 g) were closer to the recommendations. Micronutrient deficiencies were prevalent, particularly for vitamin D, vitamin E, and iron, across all hospital types. Conclusions: Nutritional intake varies significantly across Jordanian hospital categories, with private hospitals performing better than governmental and educational facilities do. Addressing these disparities through enhanced meal planning and monitoring is essential to improve patient health outcomes and reduce the risk of malnutrition. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is limited evidence on gene-nutrient interaction associated with hypertension (HTN). We examined interactions between genotypes and various nutrients that influenced high blood pressure (BP). Methods: Data were obtained from a total of 50,808 participants from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). Dietary intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, and dietary reference intakes (DRIs) were set. We performed genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) and subsequent interaction analyses with genome-wide significant SNPs to identify genomic loci that interact with specific nutrients associated with HTN. Results: We identified one locus near the CUB and Sushi Multiple Domains 1 (CSMD1) gene that showed interaction with dietary iron and vitamin B6 (Vit.B6) intake and significantly influenced HTN risk. Among the individuals consuming iron above DRI (9.5 mg/day for men, 9.25 mg/day for women), carriers of the rs13282715 minor allele (A) at 8p23.2 showed a lower risk of HTN than those who did not (odds ratio [OR] 0.723, 95% confidence interval [CI] (0.644–0.813), p-value 4.858 × 10⁻⁸; interaction p-value 1.336 × 10⁻³). Among the individuals consuming Vit.B6 above DRI (1.5 mg/day for men, 1.4 mg/day for women), carriers of the same variant rs13282715 minor allele (A) also showed a lower risk of HTN (OR 0.733, 95% CI 0.733 (0.656–0.819), p-value 4.121 × 10⁻⁸; interaction p-value 7.183 × 10⁻⁴). Conclusions: We identified a novel gene-nutrient interaction regarding dietary iron and Vit.B6 intake affecting the risk of HTN in Korean adults. This suggests individuals with the variant may benefit from lower HTN risk from dietary intervention of iron and Vit.B6 intake. Further studies with larger diverse populations are warranted to validate our findings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Reducing visceral fat is a critical factor in preventing obesity-related health complications. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of our previously reported novel dietary intervention program, “Optimized Nutri-Dense Meals”, designed according to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) in Japan in reducing visceral fat. Method: This open-label, randomized controlled trial included 100 Japanese males with obesity or overweight. In total, 50 participants were assigned to a control group that continued their usual diets, and the other 50 consumed test meals twice per week for four weeks (test group). Result: The primary outcome, visceral fat area, significantly decreased in the test group compared to that in the control group (−7.5 cm², confidence interval [CI]: −14.3 to −0.6). In addition, we measured the changes in gut flora and work productivity. The abundance of Bifidobacterium (+1.5%, CI: 0.3–2.7) and Christensenellaceae (+0.4%, CI: 0.01–0.8) increased significantly in the test group compared with those in the control group. Work Limitation Questionnaire Japanese version scores representing presenteeism also significantly increased in the test group (+1.2 points, CI: 0.2–2.3) compared with the control group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that dietary interventions based on Japanese DRIs can effectively decrease visceral fat and improve health outcomes over the short term without the need for a complete dietary overhaul. Full article

Dietary requirements for vitamin C in age and gender groups are based on body weight. Mean body weight has increased since the requirements were set due to the increase in obesity prevalence. How does dietary adequacy change if the requirements are adjusted for current mean body weight? NHANES 2017–March 2020 survey data were obtained. Participants with complete demographic, dietary and body measures data were included (n = 12,409). Mean body weight was obtained for men and women, which was used to calculate the EAR according to the method used by the Institute of Medicine. Dietary adequacy was assessed according to the current and adjusted Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), using the Statistical Program for Assessing Dietary Exposure (SPADE) to obtain habitual intakes. Dietary intakes from food and dietary supplements were used. Using the current mean body weights for men and women, the DRIs increased from 75 to 85 mg per day for men and from 60 to 75 mg per day for women. When assessed against the current requirements, 42% and 33% of male and female participants, respectively, did not meet the EAR. With the adjusted requirements, 47% and 43% of male and female participants, respectively, did not meet the EAR. In the age/gender groups most at risk of inadequate intakes (adult men aged 19–30 and 31–50), the prevalence of inadequate intakes below the EAR increased from 59% and 52%, to 65% and 59% with the adjusted DRIs. The habitual intake analysis showed that when DRIs are adjusted linearly for increases in body weight due to obesity, the prevalence of inadequate intakes increased over the US population. For men aged 19–30 and 31–50, who are at the greatest risk of inadequate intakes, the increase in body weight further increases the proportion with inadequate intakes. This age/gender group shows the highest prevalence of biochemical deficiency and should be a focus of nutritional interventions to improving intakes. Assessment of the relevance of current DRIs in light of increased body weight due to a greater prevalence of obesity should be undertaken. Full article

The EAT-Lancet commission advocated a planetary health diet in 2019. Some have raised concerns about its nutrient adequacy. This study used data from recent Nutrition and Health Surveys in Taiwan—from 2017 to 2020 (n = 6538)—to assess food intake and nutrient adequacy among three red meat consumption levels (low/medium/high). The low red meat group, whose diet was similar to the EAT-Lancet reference, showed significantly higher/better levels of vitamins C and E, calcium, magnesium, sodium, dietary fiber, and the polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio. However, protein, B vitamins, phosphorus for females, and zinc were slightly compromised, but they were still near or above 100% of the Daily Reference Intakes (DRIs), except for zinc (74~75%). The intake levels of vitamin D, calcium, and dietary fiber in all three groups at times did not reach 70% of the DRIs, but this was more pronounced in the high red meat group compared to the low red meat group. Replacing ultra-processed foods (UPFs) with whole/healthy foods improved levels of zinc, calcium, and dietary fiber, but not vitamin D. Finally, a proposed local planetary health dietary construct was provided, suggesting maintaining the original distribution of the food groups recommended by the Taiwan Food Guide while specifying amounts of protein sources in line with the EAT-Lancet principles. The proposed diet, according to our estimation and comparison with Taiwanese DRIs, was nearly perfect in its nutrient composition. Full article

Imbalanced dietary intake is associated with the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and is often observed during the active phases of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Cumulative data also suggest the potential for dietary manipulation in avoiding IBD relapse. However, there is a paucity of dietary data from patients in clinical remission to guide such an approach. Our study aimed to characterize the dietary pattern and adequacy of patients with IBD in clinical remission. Data on dietary intake (three alternate 24 h food records) were collected from 40 patients with IBD (20 CD and 20 UC) and 45 gender-matched healthy controls (HC). Statistical comparisons between patients and controls employed Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U, chi-squared, and Fisher’s exact tests. The adequacy of dietary intake of IBD patients was further studied by assessing the nutrient inadequacy prevalence, estimated using the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) framework and the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) parameter. We observed significant dietary imbalances among patients with IBD compared to the HC group, marked by disparities in both macronutrient and micronutrient intakes. Inadequacies with frequencies >80% were observed for the ingestion of total fiber and 13 micronutrients in IBD patients. Our preliminary findings suggest that imbalanced dietary intake is also characteristic among individuals with IBD during clinical remission, corroborating the need for dietary interventions in this population. Full article

Numerous studies have investigated healthy diets and nutrients. Governments and scientists have communicated their findings to the public in an easy-to-understand manner, which has played a critical role in achieving citizens’ well-being. Some countries have published dietary reference intakes (DRIs), whereas some academic organizations have provided scientific evidence on dietary methods, such as traditional diets. Recently, more user-friendly methods have been introduced; the Health Star Rating system and Optimized Nutri-Dense Meals are examples from Australia and Japan, respectively. Both organizations adopt a novel approach that incorporates nudges. This review summarizes the science communication regarding food policies, guidelines, and novel methods in Japan and other countries. In the food policies section, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the DRIs and food-based guidelines published by the government. Dietary methods widely known, such as The Mediterranean diet, Nordic diet, Japanese traditional diet, and the EAT-Lancet guidelines, were also reviewed. Finally, we discussed future methods of science communications, such as nudge. Full article

Minimizing human exposure to arsenic (As) and ensuring an adequate dietary intake of selenium (Se) are significant issues in research on food sources. This study measured the content of As and Se in the muscles, gills, liver, and gonads of the fish round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) to assess the benefits and risks associated with their consumption. This was achieved by using dietary reference intake (DRI), estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR). The elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentrations of As and Se (in μg kg⁻¹ wet weight) were 25.1 and 161.4 in muscle, 58.8 and 367.4 in liver, 47.4 and 635.3 in gonads, and 16.4 and 228.5 in gills, respectively. Arsenic in the muscle portion of fish accounted for up to 0.5% of the DRI, while Se constituted approximately 30% of the DRI. The EDI values were below the reference oral dose (RfD). The THQ were much below the permissible levels (THQ < 1), and the CR were at least within the permissible limit (CR < 10⁻⁴). With regard to the As content, round goby muscles can be deemed safe for consumers. They may also be a valuable source of Se in the human diet. However, round goby consumption should be monitored for the proper and safe intake of these elements. Full article

Nutrient-dense, acceptable foods are needed in low-resource settings. Rice bran, a global staple byproduct of white rice processing, is rich in amino acids, fibers, and vitamins, when compared to other cereal brans. This pilot study examines the nutritional contribution of rice bran to the daily diets of mother–child pairs in rural southwest Guatemala. Thirty households were screened. Mothers (≥18 years) and children (6 to 24 months) completed 24 h dietary recalls at baseline and after 12 weeks (endline) for diet intake and diversity analyses. During biweekly visits for 12 weeks, households with <5 members received 14 packets containing 60 g of heat-stabilized rice bran, and those with ≥5 members received 28 packets. The macro- and micro-nutrient contributions of rice bran and whole, cooked black beans were included in dietary simulation models with average intakes established between the recalls and for comparison with dietary reference intakes (DRIs). A baseline child food frequency questionnaire was administered. The 27 mothers and 23 children with complete recalls were included in analyses. Daily maternal consumption of 10 g/d of rice bran plus 100 g/d of black beans resulted in all achieving at least 50% of the fiber, protein, magnesium, niacin, potassium, and thiamin DRIs. Daily child consumption of 3 g/d of rice bran plus 10 g/d of black beans resulted in all achieving at least 50% of the magnesium, niacin, phosphorous, and thiamine DRIs. For 15/17 food categories, male children had a higher intake frequency, notably for animal-source foods and coffee. Dietary rice bran coupled with black beans could improve nutritional adequacy, especially for fiber and key micro-nutrients, with broader implications for addressing maternal and child malnutrition in low-resource settings. Full article

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to the loss of motor neurons. The dietary intake of ALS patients is thought to influence the prognosis and progression of the disease. The aim of this study was to examine the nutritional, clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of ALS patients in Spain. A cross-sectional descriptive study with demographics, clinical anamnesis and anthropometric assessment was carried out. Nutritional intake was recorded and compared with dietary reference intakes (DRI). Forty subjects (25 males; 15 females) aged 54.7 ± 10.17 were included in the study. The mean weight and height were 67.99 ± 8.85 kg and 167.83 ± 8.79 cm, respectively. Clinical phenotype, time to diagnosis, year of onset and family history were not associated with the place of origin. Clinical phenotype had no influence on time of diagnosis. Caloric and protein intakes were adequate, while carbohydrate, vitamin B8 and iodine intakes were significantly lower than the DRI. Lipids; vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C and E; sodium; phosphorus; and selenium intakes were significantly higher than the recommended nutritional standards. ALS patients, who are homogeneously distributed throughout our national territory, should modify their dietary habits to minimize ultra-processed products and prioritize foods rich in healthy fats and fiber. Full article

The scarcity of dietary guidance for renal transplant recipients (RTRs) raises concerns regarding obesity and associated comorbidities, including impaired renal function. This two-stage cross-sectional study examined longitudinal changes in dietary nutrient intake in the same individuals over a 5-year interval. This study involved two stages: T1 (September 2016 to June 2018) and T2 (July 2022 to August 2023). The average duration between the two data collection stages was 6.17 ± 0.42 (range 5.20–6.87) years. The study included 227 RTRs with an average age and time since transplant of 49.97 ± 12.39 and 9.22 ± 7.91 years, respectively. Of the 35 patients who participated in both phases, fewer than half met the recommended intakes for energy, dietary fiber, and most vitamins and minerals, as set in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) or by the Dietitian Association Australia (DAA). Over half exceeded the DRI recommended intake for total protein, and more than 80% of the protein consumed per kilogram of body weight exceeded the DAA’s recommendations. In the T2 stage, the RTRs had a significantly higher blood urea nitrogen level, lower albumin level, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. These findings indicate that deteriorating dietary intake in RTRs can adversely affect their nutritional status and transplanted kidney function over a 5-year period. Full article

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated nutrient intake adequacy in 4450 Japanese people aged 1–79 years. Dietary data was collected through non-consecutive 8-day weighed dietary records. Usual nutrient intakes from foods and beverages were estimated using the Multiple Source Method. Participant proportions with intakes below and above the Japanese Dietary Reference Intakes (2020) were calculated. Usual intakes of most nutrients were below the Estimated Average Requirement; calcium showed a high percentage of inadequacy across all sex and age groups (29–88%), and iron showed a high inadequacy among females aged 12–64 years (79–95%). The percentages of energy from protein and carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and potassium were typically below the lower limit of the Tentative Dietary Goal for Preventing Lifestyle-related Diseases (DG). Furthermore, over 20% of the participants exceeded the upper limit of the DG for the percentages of energy from total and saturated fats, and over 88% exceeded the upper limit of the DG for sodium. Japanese children and adults could improve their nutrient intake by increasing calcium, iron, dietary fibre, and potassium and reducing total and saturated fats and sodium. These findings can inform policies and interventions to improve nutrient intake in Japan. Full article

The aim of this work was to study the nutritional value of game meat through the fulfillments of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for trace elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Se, and Zn). A probabilistic model (@Risk) was developed based on the consumption data of hunter-consumers obtained from a previously published survey. Two game species widely consumed in Europe were selected: red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). Red deer muscle had the highest content of Cr (0.25 mg/kg) and Zn (44.3 mg/kg) and wild boar muscle recorded the highest Cu (2.23 mg/kg), Ni (0.60 mg/kg), and Se (0.19 mg/kg), showing statistically significant differences between the two species for these elements. No statistically significant differences were found for Fe between both game species (red deer: 52.9 mg/kg and wild boar: 53.3 mg/kg). Co content in this kind of meat was negligible for both species. The results obtained from the simulation of the probabilistic model with red deer indicated that a consumption once per week of this meat fulfills Cr, Fe, and Zn DRIs for the 95th percentile in hunter-consumers. Regarding wild boar, the values obtained also fulfill the Fe DRI and were between 61 and 75% for the rest of the trace elements analyzed. Full article