Risk of inadequate intakes of vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, folate, iron and calcium in the Spanish population aged 4 to 18

Pediatric Anti-Inflammatory Diet

The anti-inflammatory diet is based on two diets that have been shown to have many positive health effects-the Mediterranean diet and the Okinawan diet. The anti-inflammatory diet is more than just a prescription for healthy food, but rather a way of life characterized by a plant-based diet and a pattern of living that includes eating a diverse range of locally grown foods eaten in season, conviviality, culinary activities, physical activity, and rest. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the burden and even prevent the development of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, depression, colorectal cancer, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and cognitive decline in adults. In children, there is emerging evidence demonstrating beneficial effects with regard to obesity, cardiorespiratory fitness, diabetes, fatty liver, academic performance, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, asthma, and allergies. Maternal ingestion of the diet during pregnancy has also been shown to have positive effects on infants and children. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(6):e220-e225.].

The Mediterranean diet and nutritional adequacy: a review

The Mediterranean dietary pattern, through a healthy profile of fat intake, low proportion of carbohydrate, low glycemic index, high content of dietary fiber, antioxidant compounds, and anti-inflammatory effects, reduces the risk of certain pathologies, such as cancer or Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Nutritional adequacy is the comparison between the nutrient requirement and the intake of a certain individual or population. In population groups, the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy can be assessed by the probability approach or using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-point method. However, dietary patterns can also be used as they have moderate to good validity to assess adequate intakes of some nutrients. The objective of this study was to review the available evidence on the Nutritional Adequacy of the Mediterranean Diet. The inclusion of foods typical of the Mediterranean diet and greater adherence to this healthy pattern was related to a better nutrient profile, both in children and adults, with a lower prevalence of individuals showing inadequate intakes of micronutrients. Therefore, the Mediterranean diet could be used in public health nutrition policies in order to prevent micronutrient deficiencies in the most vulnerable population groups.

An evidence-based systematic review of vitamin A by the natural standard research collaboration

An evidence-based systematic review of vitamin A by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration consolidates the safety and efficacy data available in the scientific literature using a validated and reproducible grading rationale. This paper includes written and statistical analysis of clinical trials, plus a compilation of expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

Anthropometric characteristics and nutritional profile of young amateur swimmers

The aim of this study was to evaluate nutritional and anthropometric profiles of young swimmers belonging to semiprofessional teams. Thirty-six caucasian adolescent swimmers (22 boys and 14 girls) participated voluntarily in the study. Anthropometric data, dietary intake, and blood parameters were determined. Female swimmers had greater values of triceps, suprailiac, and abdominal skinfolds. Endomorphic somatotype was twofold greater in girls compared with in boys. Energy intake and protein intake per kilogram of body weight were significantly greater in boys compared to in girls. On the other hand, girls had significantly greater polyunsaturated fatty acid intake compared that of boys. Energy intake of boys and girls was below their requirements. In contrast, protein intake doubled the requirements of the study population. Furthermore, inadequate intake of carotenes, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and folic acid was found in both boys and girls; girls also had inadequate intake of iron and calcium. Plasma levels of iron, vitamins C and E, and carotenes were similar in male and females swimmers, and they were within the normal range. In conclusion, young swimmers participating in the present study had differences between sexes in somatotypes. Adolescent swimmers had low average total energy intakes, excessive protein intake, and lower intake of several micronutrients in both sexes.

Assessing, understanding and modifying nutritional status, eating habits and physical activity in European adolescents: The HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study

Objectives

To identify the main knowledge gaps and to propose research lines that will be developed within the European Union-funded ‘Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence’ (HELENA) project, concerning the nutritional status, physical fitness and physical activity of adolescents in Europe.

Design

Review of the currently existing literature.

Results

The main gaps identified were: lack of harmonised and comparable data on food intake; lack of understanding regarding the role of eating attitudes, food choices and food preferences; lack of harmonised and comparable data on levels and patterns of physical activity and physical fitness; lack of comparable data about obesity prevalence and body composition; lack of comparable data about micronutrient and immunological status; and lack of effective intervention methodologies for healthier lifestyles.

Conclusions

The HELENA Study Group should develop, test and describe harmonised and state-of-the-art methods to assess the nutritional status and lifestyle of adolescents across Europe; develop and evaluate an intervention on eating habits and physical activity; and develop and test new healthy food products attractive for European adolescents.

Evaluation of Energy, Nutrient and Dietary Fiber Intakes of Adolescent Males

OBJECTIVE

The minimal data available on the current energy, nutrient and dietary fiber intakes of adolescent males challenges the development of effective nutrition education programs. There is a need for research into the current intakes of adolescent males and in particular their relation to the current Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). The primary objective of this study was to assess the diet of adolescent males and relate energy, nutrient and dietary fiber intakes to the DRIs. Secondary objectives were to relate energy, macronutrient and dietary fiber intakes to body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentile categories as well as to explore vitamin/mineral supplement use and soft drink consumption.

METHODS

Three-day food records were completed by 180 healthy adolescent males for analysis of energy, nutrient and dietary fiber intakes from food and supplements. Following adjustment for intra-individual variability, nutrient intake percentile distributions were related to the DRIs. Energy, macronutrient and dietary fiber intakes were compared among BMI-for-age percentile categories and diets were evaluated for vitamin/mineral supplement use and soft drink consumption.

RESULTS

Median intakes for percent energy from carbohydrate, fat and protein were within the Accepted Macronutrient Distribution Ranges. Intakes of micronutrients with Estimated Average Requirement values indicated that greater than 50% of subjects consumed inadequate amounts of vitamin A and vitamin B6, and greater than 75% of subjects consumed inadequate amounts of magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Subjects classified as overweight had significantly lower energy and carbohydrate intakes compared with subjects classified as having an acceptable body weight. The prevalence of vitamin/mineral supplement use was 16.1% and 67% of subjects reported daily consumption of soft drinks.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study reveal that adolescent males are consuming the recommended amounts of macronutrients but may be at risk for consuming inadequate levels of specific micronutrients. Nutrition education programs should consider targeting select micronutrients to improve nutritional intakes of adolescent males.

Healthy Lifestyle by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA). A New EU Funded Project

The key to health promotion and disease prevention in the 21st century is to establish an environment that supports positive health behaviour and healthy lifestyle from childhood. The HELENA project includes cross-sectional, crossover and pilot community intervention multi-centre studies, as an integrated approach to the above-mentioned problem. Dietary intake, nutrition knowledge and eating attitudes, food choices and preferences, body composition, biochemical, physical activity and fitness and genotype (to analyse gene-nutrient and gene-environment interactions) assessment will provide the full information about the nutritional and lifestyle status of the European adolescents. The requirements for health promoting foods will be also identified, and three sensory acceptable products for adolescents will be developed. Harmonization and standardisation of the assessments for both scientific and technological objectives should result in reliable and comparable data of a representative sample of European adolescents. This will contribute to understand why health-related messages are not being as effective as expected in the adolescent population. A realistic intervention strategy will be proposed in order to achieve the goals of understanding and effectively enhancing nutritional and lifestyle habits of adolescents in Europe.

The prevalence of folic acid deficiency among adolescent girls living in Edirne, Turkey

PURPOSE

A high incidence of iron-deficiency is a common observation among adolescent girls, whereas only limited data are available regarding the folic acid status of this group. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of biochemical folic acid deficiency in a group of Turkish adolescent girls.

METHODS

We surveyed the serum folic acid, complete blood count, and dietary folic acid intake of Turkish adolescent girls after using three-day self-reported food intakes in urban and rural areas of Edirne, Turkey.

RESULTS

A sample population was composed of 704 adolescent girls; their serum folic acid levels were found to be adequate for 37.6% (> or = 6 ng/mL), marginal for 46% (3 to 5.9 ng/mL), and at deficient levels for 16.3% (< 3 ng/mL). Folic acid deficiencies were found in 20.1% (36 of 179) and 14.7 % (61 of 416) of adolescent girls from rural and urban areas, respectively. Self-reported three-day folic acid intakes were correlated with the corresponding blood values for this nutrient. In the logistic regression analysis, three factors emerged as significant independent predictors of folic acid deficiency: low income (odds ratio [OR]: 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-4.2, p < .001), low vitamin C (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.5, p < .05), and folic acid intake (OR: 4.8, 95% CI: 2.8-8.1, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Data from the present study may indicate that serum folic acid is low in a group of Turkish adolescent girls. These low values appear to be associated with low income, and low dietary intakes of folic acid and vitamin C.

The Contribution of Ready-to-Eat Cereals to Daily Nutrient Intake and Breakfast Quality in a Mediterranean Setting

OBJECTIVES

To examine if and how ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) contribute to the quality of the diet of children, adolescents and young adults in a Mediterranean setting.

METHODS

A random sample of 3534 subjects aged 2 to 24 years in Spain was studied. Food and nutrient intakes were determined by a 24 hour recall. RTEC consumption was assessed by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Additional questions on socioeconomic level and nutritional knowledge were administered. Cereal consumption was classified into non-consumers and daily intakes between 1 and 20g, 21 and 40g, and more than 40g. After excluding the underreporters the final sample consisted of 2852 individuals.

RESULTS

About half of the population (49.8%) reported eating RTEC. Macronutrient profile improved with increasing cereal consumption. Intakes of thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B6 increased significantly with increasing consumption of RTEC in all age-sex groups, whereas niacin and folate intake improved in almost all groups and calcium, iron and vitamin D in at least half of the groups. Except for magnesium, vitamin B12 and vitamin E in males, consumption of RTEC was significantly associated with increased coverage of the daily nutrient requirements for all micronutrients studied. Higher levels of RTEC consumption was associated with a greater consumption of dairy products, and related to better breakfast quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Level of RTEC consumption is associated with a better nutritional profile in the diets of Spanish children, adolescents and young adults and a lower risk for inadequate micronutrient intakes. RTEC consumers have better quality breakfasts, in terms of both food choices as well as energy and nutrient content.

Nutrient adequacy and Mediterranean Diet in Spanish school children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate dietary habits and nutritional status of Spanish school children and adolescents, and their relationship with the Mediterranean Diet.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study by face-to-face interview.

SETTING

Free living children and adolescents of all Spanish regions.

SUBJECTS

A random sample of 3166 people aged 6-24 y.

METHODS

Home interviews conducted by a team of 43 dietitians included 24-h recalls (a second 24-h recall in 25% of the sample) and a short frequency questionnaire to determine the quality of the Mediterranean Diet (KIDMED).

RESULTS

The participation rate was 68%. In general, the adequacy of the Mediterranean Diet rose with increased mean intakes of the majority of vitamins and minerals and decreased percentages of inadequate intakes (&<2/3 of the RNI) for calcium, magnesium, vitamin B(6) and C in both sexes, and iron and vitamin A only in females.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the Mediterranean Diet contributes to nutritional quality, and also shows concomitant risks as the Mediterranean Diet deteriorates.

[Dietary habits and food consumption in Spanish children and adolescents (1998-2000): socioeconomic and demographic factors]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Although children and adolescents have special nutritional requirements due to their physical development, little is known about the concept of a healthy diet. This study shows the food consumption of the Spanish population aged 2-24 years in relation to socio-economic and geographic factors.

SUBJECTS AND METHOD

A representative sample of the Spanish population (n = 3.534 individuals, 1.905 female and 1.629 male) was studied. Both a 24-hours recall and a general questionnaire with socio-economic, demographic and life style items were administered.

RESULTS

Most individuals consumed meals at home. The consumption of vegetables (90.4 g), cereals (181.1 g) and potatoes (69.7 g) was low, the consumption of red meat (71.6 g) and sausages (46.8 g) was high, and fish consumption was low (47.7 g). Girls had insufficient intakes of milk (280.9 g). We noticed geographical differences in food consumption which may be reflected in various health outcomes in adulthood. The familiar socioeconomic status and the educational level of the mother showed some influence on the intakes of meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, yoghurt and cheese.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutritional education programs are needed to settle the observed nutritional inadequacies in the food habits of Spanish children and adolescents so that the future health of the population improves. It is also needed to reduce the inequalities linked to geographic and socio-economic factors.