Lack of calcium rich foods in the diet, low knowledge on calcium level recommendations and severe food insecurity predicts low calcium intake among Vietnamese women

Rising incidence and impact of early-onset colorectal cancer in the Asia-Pacific with higher mortality in females from Southeast Asia: a global burden analysis from 2010 to 2019

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing global health concern, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. However, comprehensive research on this topic from the region is lacking. Our study aims to investigate trends in early-onset CRC in Asia over 10 years, filling this research gap.

METHODS

This study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to assess temporal trends in early-onset CRC in the Asia-Pacific. The analysis included estimating annual frequencies and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of early-onset CRC incidence, death, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) by gender.

RESULTS

The incidence of early-onset CRC significantly increased in both regions with higher increase and in the Western Pacific region. Notable increases were observed among males in the Western Pacific and females in Southeast Asia (SEA). Mortality rates remained stable in the Western Pacific but increased by 10.6% in SEA, especially among females. DALYs due to CRC also increased significantly in SEA, with a greater rise among females. The Western Pacific had the highest CRC incidence, and in SEA, the mortality rate was higher in females than males.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals a substantial increase in early-onset CRC in the Asia-Pacific underscoring the urgency for effective interventions. Thus, a comprehensive approach comprising controlled risk reduction, health promotion to heightened disease awareness, and implementation of effective screening strategies should be executed timely to mitigate the burden of early-onset CRC.

Assessment of calcium intake and recognition of calcium-rich food sources among the Saudi population

Calcium is an essential skeletal mineral, and calcium deficiency has a negative impact on bone health. We conducted an online questionnaire to assess the intake and knowledge among the Saudi population. The survey included 950 participants, with 51.1% demonstrating poor knowledge of calcium sources and a mean intake lower than the recommended level.

INTRODUCTION

Calcium is an essential mineral and one of the most prevalent in the body. Chronic insufficient calcium intake increases the risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and bone fracture.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the Saudi population's calcium intake and knowledge of calcium sources as well as to identify factors associated with inadequate calcium intake.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted across Saudi Arabia using an online questionnaire distributed randomly through social media channels. The questionnaire was a validated tool that was previously developed and used by the original author to assess knowledge of calcium food sources and estimate calcium intake in the Saudi population. If an individual answered more than 11 questions correctly, calcium knowledge was considered adequate. Calcium intake was considered sufficient or insufficient based on the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 1000 mg/day.

RESULTS

The survey included male and female Saudi citizens and residents aged 14 years or older. A total of 950 respondents aged 9-70 completed the questionnaire. A total of 62.9% of the respondents were 26-50 years old. Of the participants, 64.2% were female, 71.7% were married, and 61.9% had a diploma or a bachelor's degree. Of these, 63.8% were from the central region, and 97.6% were from Saudi Arabia. For those aged 9-18, the average calcium consumption was 577 mg/day, whereas it was 479 mg/day for those aged 19-50. The average intake was 479 mg/day for males aged 51-70 (EAR = 1000 mg/day) and 438 mg/day for females (EAR = 1200 mg/day). These calcium consumption values were significantly lower than the estimated average requirement (EAR) and RDA (p < 0.01). Correct response rates for the 19 calcium intake knowledge items ranged from 23.4 to 94.7%. Among the participants, 48.9% had significant calcium intake knowledge, as indicated by a score of > 11 out of 19 correct responses. Age, sex, marital status, educational attainment, and residence were significantly correlated with adequate knowledge of calcium. Demographic characteristics such as age, marital status, and residence were associated with sufficient calcium intake in the study.

CONCLUSION

The study findings revealed that a significant proportion (51.1%) of participants demonstrated inadequate knowledge regarding calcium food sources. Additionally, the mean calcium intake was found to be lower than the RDA of 1300 mg/day for males and females 14-18 years old and 1000 mg/day for males and females 19-50 years old and males 51-70 years old; however, the RDA for females 51-70 years old is 1200 mg/day, suggesting an urgent need for interventions aimed at enhancing both calcium knowledge and intake.

COVID-19 epidemic lockdown-induced remarkable decrease in dairy products consumption of Iran population: does it really matter? National Food and Nutrition Surveillance

Background

The pandemic of the newly emerged coronavirus infection and its related disease, Covid-19, has influenced various aspects of human life including dietary habits. This study aimed to examine changes in dairy products consumption during Covid-19 lockdown period in a huge sample of Iranian households.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study using a web-based electronic self-administered questionnaire designed to detect any changes in the consumption frequency of dairy products in the Iranian households during Covid-19 lockdown.

Results

A total of 21,290 households were enrolled. During Covid-19 epidemic lockdown, about 29%, 26% and 7% of the households had decreased their consumption frequency of milk, yogurt and cheese, respectively. The female-headed households were 21% more likely to decrease their consumption of milk, compared with male-headed households (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05–1.4). The households residing in food insecure provinces were 29%, 20% and 45% more likely to decrease their consumption of milk, yogurt and cheese as compared with those living in the food secure provinces. About 37%, 25.3%, 19.4% of those households who reported a decrease in consumption of dairy products had fully omitted them.

Conclusion

We found considerable decrement of dairy products consumption, especially milk and yogurt, in a high proportion of the studied households. Inadequate intake and, in some households, omission of dairy products can potentially bring about serious health outcomes with heavier economic burden. Further studies to track these changes over time and to evaluate their health consequences are warranted.