Analysis of Self-Care Activities in Type 2 Diabetes in Brazil: Protocol for a Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that is growing worldwide. It is estimated that 15.7 million people aged between 20 and 79 years live with diabetes in Brazil, and the majority of cases are type 2 diabetes (T2D). To successfully manage diabetes, the patient needs to develop self-care activities. However, there is limited understanding of what self-care activities are performed by people with T2D in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify and map studies that evaluate self-care activities in T2D in Brazil.

METHODS

This is a scoping review protocol structured according to the methodological guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Six databases and gray literature were used. The process of searching, identifying, and evaluating the papers was carried out by 2 independent reviewers, guided by the assumptions established by the Joanna Briggs Institute. We sought to answer the following guiding question: How are self-care activities for people with T2D evaluated in Brazil? We included papers and publications in any language, from public and private domains, and with different methodological approaches.

RESULTS

Initial database searches produced a total of 681 results. These papers will be critically analyzed, and relevant information will be extracted. Quantitative and qualitative results of the papers reviewed will be presented to respond to the study's objective. We intend to publish the scoping review in the first half of 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

The protocol for this scoping review will evaluate the main self-care activities carried out by adults and older people with T2D in Brazil. The results may help identify knowledge gaps and contribute to future research and diabetes education interventions.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/49105.

A MUFA/carotenoid-rich oil ameliorated insulin resistance by improving inflammation and oxidative stress in obese rats

Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to insulin resistance and type II diabetes. Caryocar brasiliense pulp oil (pequi oil - PO) is rich in oleic acid and carotenoids and positively implicated in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress. This study investigated PO's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in a diet-induced obesity model. Male Wistar rats were allocated into three experimental groups: Control (CD), Western Diet (WD), and Western Diet, with 27% of lard switched by PO (WDP). Metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated after 12 weeks of diet protocols in liver and adipose tissue. WDP rats gained less body mass and epididymal fat, had less hepatic fat infiltration, and were more glucose-tolerant and insulin-sensitive than WD (p < 0.05). In the liver, the WDP group had the highest non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity, SOD and GPx activities, CAT, SOD II, and HSP72 expression compared to WD (p < 0.05). Adipose tissue IL-6 and TNF were reduced, and IL-10 was increased in WDP compared to WD (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that the partial replacement of lard by PO in a Western diet prevented visceral fat accumulation and contributed to reducing inflammation in adipose tissue and liver oxidative stress, improving obesity-related insulin resistance.

Intense Caloric Restriction from Birth Prevents Cardiovascular Aging in Rats

We previously demonstrated that a 50% caloric restriction (CR) from birth improves several cardiometabolic risk factors in young rats. In this study, we investigated in middle-aged rats the consequences of a 50% CR from birth on cardiometabolic risk factors, heart function/morphology, ventricular arrhythmia, and fibrillation incidence, and cardiac intracellular proteins involved with redox status and cell survival. From birth to the age of 18 months, rats were divided into an Ad Libitum (AL18) group, which had free access to food, and a CR18 group, which had food limited to 50% of that consumed by the AL18. Resting metabolic rate, blood pressure, and heart rate were recorded, and oral glucose and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests were performed. Blood was collected for biochemical analyses, and visceral fat and liver were harvested and weighed. Hearts were harvested for cardiac function, histological, redox status, and western blot analyses. The 50% CR from birth potentially reduced several cardiometabolic risk factors in 18-month-old rats. Moreover, compared with AL18, the CR18 group showed a ∼50% increase in cardiac contractility and relaxation, nearly three to five times less incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and fibrillation, ∼18% lower cardiomyocyte diameter, and ∼60% lower cardiac fibrosis. CR18 hearts also improved biomarkers of antioxidant defense and cell survival. Collectively, these results reveal several metabolic and cardiac antiaging effects of a 50% CR from birth in middle-aged rats.

Corrigendum: Modulation of leukocyte subsets mobilization in response to exercise by water immersion recovery

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.867362.].

Effects of the association of different volumes of strength training with photobiomodulation therapy on insulin resistance: A protocol for a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) is the main risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Both strength training (ST) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMt) reduce IR, but the effect of combining different volumes of ST with PBMt is unknown.

Methods

Overweight/obese individuals will be assigned to 4 groups (n = 12/group): ST with volume following international guidelines (3 sets per exercise - high volume) or one-third of this volume (1 set per exercise - low volume), combined with PBMt or placebo. ST will be performed for 20 sessions over 10 weeks and will consist of 7 exercises. The PBMt will be applied after training sessions using blankets with light emitters (LEDs) placed over the skin on the frontal and the posterior region of the body, following the parameters recommended by the literature. The placebo group will undergo an identical procedure, but blankets will emit insignificant light. To measure plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) will be performed before and after the training period. Thereafter, IR, the area under the curve of glucose and insulin, and OGTT-derived indices of insulin sensitivity/resistance will be calculated.

Expected impact on the field

This study will determine the effects of different ST volumes on IR and whether the addition of PBMt potentiates the effects of ST. Because previously sedentary, obese, insulin-resistant individuals might not comply with recommended volumes of exercise, the possibility that adding PBMt to low-volume ST enhances ST effects on IR bears practical significance.

Modulation of Leukocyte Subsets Mobilization in Response to Exercise by Water Immersion Recovery

Purpose: To investigate the effect of different water immersion temperatures on the kinetics of blood markers of skeletal muscle damage and the main leukocyte subpopulations. Methods: Eleven recreationally trained young men participated in four experimental sessions consisting of unilateral eccentric knee flexion and 90 min of treadmill running at 70% of peak oxygen uptake, followed by 15 min of water immersion recovery at 15, 28 or 38°C. In the control condition participants remained seated at room temperature. Four hours after exercise recovery, participants completed a performance test. Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after exercise, after immersion, immediately before and after the performance test and 24 h after exercise. The number of leukocyte populations and the percentage of lymphocyte and monocytes subsets, as well as the serum activity of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were determined. Results: Leukocytosis and increase in blood markers of skeletal muscle damage were observed after the exercise. Magnitude effect analysis indicated that post-exercise hot-water immersion likely reduced the exercise-induced lymphocytosis and monocytosis. Despite reduced monocyte count, recovery by 38°C immersion, as well as 28°C, likely increased the percentage of non-classical monocytes in the blood. The percentage of CD25⁺ cells in the CD4 T cell subpopulation was possibly lower after immersion in water at 28 and 15°C. No effect of recovery by water immersion was observed for serum levels of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase. Conclusions: Recovery by hot-water immersion likely attenuated the leukocytosis and increased the mobilization of non-classical monocytes induced by a single session of exercise combining resistance and endurance exercises, despite no effect of water immersion on markers of skeletal muscle damage. The monocyte response mediated by hot water immersion may lead to the improvement of the inflammatory response evoked by exercise in the skeletal muscle.

Determinants of High Fat Mass Index in Preschoolers Living in Brazilian Urban Areas

OBJECTIVE

Determine the social, environmental, and personal factors associated with high fat mass index in preschoolers.

DESIGN

A quantitative, exploratory, and cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-one Brazilian preschoolers from public schools living in urban areas.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The preschoolers' fat mass index was determined using dual-energy radiological absorptiometry. The quality of home and school environments were accessed using the Early Childhood Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment and Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales. The physical activity levels were recorded by accelerometers. The daily energy intake was recorded and sociodemographic data using the Brazilian Economic Classification criterion. Data on exposure time to screens and parental obesity were collected according to the parents' reports.

ANALYSIS

Data analyses were performed using simple and multiple regressions models.

RESULTS

Parental obesity (β, 0.516; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.078-5.133), high quality of environmental stimulation of home (β, 0.429; 95% CI, 1.294-4.023), and high exposure time to screens (β, 0.256; 95% CI, 0.215-2.554) explained 43% of preschoolers' high fat mass index.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Identification of parental obesity, high quality of environmental stimulation of home, and high exposure time to screens as the most important determinants of the high fat mass index in preschoolers from Brazilian urban areas.

The anabolic role of plant-based proteins in response to chronic resistance exercise

Proper maintenance of skeletal muscle mass is essential to prevent sarcopenia and ensure health and quality of life as aging progress. The two determinants of muscle protein synthesis are the increased load on skeletal muscle through resistance exercise and protein intake. For an effective result of maintaining or increasing muscle mass, it is relevant to consider the quantitative and adequate intake of protein, and the dietary source of protein since the plant-based protein has differences in comparison to animals that limit its anabolic capacity. Given the increase in vegetarianism and the elderly population, which consumes fewer food sources of animal protein, the importance of understanding how protein of plant-based protein can sustain muscle protein synthesis in the long term when associated with resistance exercise is justified, as well as the possibilities of dietary adequacy in the face of this demand.

Strength training improves insulin resistance and differently affects mitochondria in skeletal muscle and visceral adipose tissue in high-fat fed mice

AIMS

Strength training (ST) improves insulin resistance and glucose tolerance by yet unknown mechanisms. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of ST on mitochondrial adaptation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, on heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) in skeletal muscle, and on visceral adipocyte size in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Balb/c mice were divided into sedentary control-chow (C-chow), strength trained-chow (ST-chow), sedentary control-HFD (C-HFD) and strength trained-HFD (ST-HFD). Diet was provided for 12 weeks, while ladder climbing ST was performed for the final six weeks of the study at a frequency of three days per week.

KEY FINDINGS

Strength training led to increased strength, muscular endurance, and skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Compared to the C-HFD group, mice in the ST-HFD group decreased their whole-body insulin resistance, improved their glucose tolerance, and had higher activation of the insulin pathway in skeletal muscle. ST increased citrate synthase (CS) activity in skeletal muscle, but this increase was blunted in ST-HFD. Conversely, HFD reduced adipose tissue CS activity regardless of training status. Hsp72 content was reduced in C-HFD, but returned to control levels in ST-HFD. Finally, reduced epididymal adipocyte size was observed in ST-HFD.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that the improvement in insulin resistance induced by ST is related to mitochondrial adaptation in skeletal muscle, but not in adipose tissue. Moreover, this improvement might be related to increased skeletal muscle Hsp72 and reduced epididymal adipocyte size.

Intestinal GLUT5 and FAT/CD36 transporters and blood glucose are reduced by a carotenoid/MUFA-rich oil in high-fat fed mice

AIMS

Intestinal nutrient absorption plays a vital role in developing obesity, and nutrient transporters expressed in the enterocytes facilitate this process. Moreover, previous studies have shown that specific foods and diets can affect their cell levels. Herein, we investigated the effects of pequi oil (PO), which is high in several bioactive compounds, on intestinal nutrient transporter levels as well as on intestinal morphology and metabolic biomarkers.

MAIN METHODS

Groups of male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a standard (C) or a high-fat diet (HFD) and pequi oil (CP and HFDP with PO by gavage at 150 mg/day) for eight weeks. Food intake and body weight were monitored, serum metabolic biomarkers, intestinal transporter levels and histological analyses were performed.

KEY FINDINGS

PO increased caloric intake without increasing body or fat mass regardless of diet. The HFD group treated with PO reduced fasting blood glucose and villus width. PO did not affect GLUT2, L-FABP, FATP4, NPC1L1, NHE3 or PEPT1 content in CP or HFDP groups. GLUT5 and FAT/CD36 levels were reduced in both CP and HFDP.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data suggest that PO attenuated monosaccharide and fatty acid absorption, contributing to lower fasting glycemia and higher food intake without affecting body weight or visceral fat of high-fat feed mice.

HIIT is superior than MICT on cardiometabolic health during training and detraining

PURPOSE

This study investigated the cardiometabolic health of overweight/obese untrained individuals in response to 8 weeks of HIIT and MICT using a field approach, and to 4 weeks of training cessation (TC).

METHODS

Twenty-two subjects performed 8 weeks of moderate intensity continuous training (MICT-n = 11) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT-n = 11) (outdoor running), followed by 4 weeks of TC. Cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, arterial blood pressure, glucose metabolism and blood lipids were measured pre-training (PRE), post-training (POST) and TC.

RESULTS

HIIT improved eight indicators of cardiometabolic health ([Formula: see text], BMI, body fat, visceral fat, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, fasting glucose and triglycerides-p  < 0.05) while MICT only three ([Formula: see text], BMI, and visceral fat-p  < 0.05). After 4 weeks of TC, four positive adaptations from HIIT were negatively affected ( [Formula: see text], visceral fat, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol-p  < 0.05) and three in the MICT group ([Formula: see text], BMI and visceral fat, p  < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Eight weeks of HIIT performed in a real-world setting promoted a greater number of positive adaptations in cardiometabolic health of individuals with overweight/obese compared to MICT. Most of the positive effects of the HIIT protocol were also found to be longer lasting and maintained after the suspension of high-intensity interval running for 4 weeks. Conversely, all positive effects of MICT protocols were reversed after TC.

Caloric restriction-induced weight loss with a high-fat diet does not fully recover visceral adipose tissue inflammation in previously obese C57BL/6 mice

Caloric restriction (CR) reduces body weight and systemic inflammation, but the effects on adipose tissue under dietary lipid overload are controversial. We evaluated the effects of CR-induced weight loss with a high-fat diet on adipose tissue inflammation of obese mice. Male mice were assigned into low-fat diet (LF) and high-fat diet (HF) groups. After 8 weeks, the mice in the HF group were reassigned for another 7 weeks into the following 3 conditions: (i) kept in the HF condition; (ii) changed to low-fat diet ad libitum (LFAL); and (iii) changed to high-fat calorie-restricted (RHF) diet to reach LFAL body weight. Serum markers, adipocytokines, morphology, and inflammatory infiltrates in retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RAT) were accessed. The body weights of the LFAL and RHF groups were reduced, equaling the body weights of the LF group. The LFAL mice had restored almost all inflammatory markers as the LF mice, except tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and adiponectin. Compared with the HF group, the RHF group had lowered visceral adiposity, retroperitoneal adipocyte sizes, and RAT inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as TNF-α, interleukin-6, and hepatic and serum C-reactive protein, which were higher than that of the LFAL group; adiponectin and MCP-1 did not change. CR with high-fat diet reduced body weight and attenuated visceral adiposity but did not fully recover visceral tissue inflammation. Novelty Caloric restriction in a high-fat diet ameliorated visceral adiposity. Caloric restriction in a high-fat diet did not recover visceral adipose tissue inflammation.

Late Neutrophil Priming Following a Single Session of High-intensity Interval Exercise

This study evaluated the effect of an acute high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) session on the function of human neutrophils. Twelve sedentary men performed a HIIE session (8 bouts of 60 s at 90% of peak power, intercalated with 75 s of active recovery at 30 W). Neutrophils were collected before, 30 min and 24 h after the exercise session for the evaluation of phagocytic capacity, expression of phagocytic receptors, reactive oxygen species generation, and redox status. 24 h after the HIIE session, an increase was observed in both neutrophil phagocytic capacity and yeast-induced generation of reactive oxygen species, which indicates neutrophil priming in response to an acute HIIE session. Neutrophils also presented an increase in superoxide dismutase activity 24 h after the exercise. Improvement in neutrophil function was accompanied by increased serum levels of IL-8 and increased concentration of plasma lactate dehydrogenase. Our findings show a late activating effect of one HIIE session on neutrophils. We propose that priming of neutrophils by HIIE may play a role in skeletal muscle inflammation after exercise.

Infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy improves glucose metabolism and intracellular insulin pathway in adipose tissue of high-fat fed mice

Obesity represents a continuously growing global epidemic and is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The etiology of type 2 diabetes is related to the resistance of insulin-sensitive tissues to its action leading to impaired blood glucose regulation. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy might be a non-pharmacological, non-invasive strategy to improve insulin resistance. It has been reported that PBM therapy in combination with physical exercise reduces insulin resistance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PBM therapy on insulin resistance in obese mice. Male Swiss albino mice received low-fat control diet (n = 16, LFC) or high-fat diet (n = 18, HFD) for 12 weeks. From 9th to 12th week, the mice received PBM therapy (LASER) or Sham (light off) treatment and were allocated into four groups: LFC Sham (n = 8), LFC PBM (n = 8), HFD Sham (n = 9), and HFD PBM (n = 9). The PBM therapy was applied in five locations: to the left and right quadriceps muscle, upper limbs and center of the abdomen, during 40 s at each point, once a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks (780 nm, 250 mW/cm², 10 J/cm², 0.4 J per site; 2 J total dose per day). Insulin signaling pathway was evaluated in the epididymal adipose tissue. PBM therapy improved glucose tolerance and phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) and reversed the HFD-induced reduction of GLUT4 content and phosphorylation of AS160 (Ser588). Also, PBM therapy reversed the increased area of epididymal and mesenteric adipocytes. The results showed that chronic PBM therapy improved parameters related to obesity and insulin resistance in HFD-induced obesity in mice.

Caryocar brasiliense oil improves cardiac function by increasing Serca2a/PLB ratio despite no significant changes in cardiovascular risk factors in rats

Background

Caryocar brasiliense (pequi) oil is high in monounsaturated fat acids (MUFA), especially oleic, and in carotenoids, which have been associated with protection against cardiovascular disease. However, this food is poorly studied in this context, especially in the cardiac function. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a long-term intake of pequi oil in systemic cardiovascular risk factors and in the ex vivo cardiac function of rats.

Methods

Previously, we determined fatty acids and carotenoids in pequi oil. Next, male rats were divided in C – control group feed a standard diet, and PO – pequi oil group fed the same diet added pequi oil (+2.25 g.100 g⁻¹). After 15 weeks, plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, blood pressure, heart rate, hepatic lipids were accessed and visceral fat pads were harvested. Hearts were used for the ex vivo cardiac function, histologic assays, SERCA2a and phospholanban (PLB) determinations.

Results

In agreement with scientific data, pequi oil had expressive amounts MUFA, especially oleic acid, and carotenoids. Hepatic triglycerides (TG) were reduced by pequi oil intake (p < 0.05). All others cardiovascular risk factors were not changed. The intrinsic heart rate was lower in PO group (p < 0.05). SERCA2a content was higher in this group (p < 0.05), without affecting PLB. Also, SERCA2a/PLB ratio increased in PO group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Pequi oil intake improved cardiac function ex vivo, despite no significant changes in systemic cardiovascular risk factors. The higher lipid offer in pequi oil diet, its composition in oleic acid and carotenoids could be related to those effects.

Distinct beneficial effects of continuous vs accumulated exercise training on cardiovascular risk factors in Wistar rats

We compared the effects of continuous exercise (CE) vs accumulated exercise (AE) training on CVD risk factors and heart of young male Wistar rats. The exercise training (ET) was performed in a swimming pool for 30-60 min/day, 5 days/week over 15 weeks. CE group performed the ET in a single long daily session (30-60 min), while AE group performed the ET at the same frequency, intensity, and duration of CE rats, but in three short bouts over the course of a day (10-20 min in three daily sessions). AE training was more efficient than CE in attenuating body and fat weight gain and inhibiting visceral adipocyte hypertrophy at the same food intake level. CE training was more efficient in improving systolic blood pressure, LDL/HDL cholesterol, and serum triglyceride. Both ET protocols increased heart function, decreased lipid peroxidation, and increased intracellular Hsp72 content in the heart. This work shows distinct beneficial effects of CE vs AE training suggesting that the prescription of one or other may be preferred to prevent the increase of a specific CVD risk factor.

Polyphenols, antioxidants, and antimutagenic effects of Copaifera langsdorffii fruit

Copaifera langsdorffii (copaiba) is a Brazilian exotic fruit, poorly studied regarding its bioactive composition. The aim of this study was to determine bioactive compounds, antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of copaiba pulp. The samples were extracted with different solvents in order to analyze polyphenol compounds (Folin Ciocalteau and HPLC-DAD), total flavonoids (reaction with AlCl3) and antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ORAC, DPPH). The copaiba fruit showed high polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. Phenolic compounds, such as gallic acid, epicatechin gallate, catechin, epicatechin and isoquercitrin, were identified in the copaiba pulp. Despite the antioxidant capacity, the highest dose of copaiba showed no antimutagenic effects in the in vivo study. The dose which showed antimutagenic activity was 100 mg kg(-1).

Energy expenditure: components and evaluation methods

INTRODUCTION

The determination of energy expenditure, considering the physical activity level and health status, is very important to adjust the individuals' nutritional supply. Energy expenditure can be determined by using indirect calorimetry, bioelectrical impedance, doubly labeled water, predictive equations, among others. All these methods have been used in clinical and research areas. However, considering the inconsistence in several research results, there is no consensus yet about the applicability of many of these methods.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review is to describe the components of energy expenditure and the methods for its determination and estimation, summarizing their main advantages and limitations.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Indirect calorimetry and doubly labeled water are considered more accurate methods, but expensive. On the other hand, even though other methods present limitations, they are convenient and less expensive, and can be used with some caution.

Dietary restraint, dietary disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger of normal weight and overweight women

Background: Eating behavior is a strong predictor of weight gain in adults. Research characterizing differences in components of dietary restraint, disinhibition and hunger between overweight and normal weight subjects is insuffi cient.Objective: To evaluate and to compare scores of dietary restraint (DR), disinhibition (DD), and hunger (H) between women at normal weight (NW, n=32) and overweight (WW, n=32). We evaluated correlations between these scores with adiposity and food intake variables.Material and methods: It was a cross-sectional comparison of two groups (overweight and normal weight women), at ages between 20 and 40 years. We measured body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body composition (BC), energy and macronutrient intake (EMI), DR, DD and H. The differences between groups were analyzed using Student’s T or Mann-Whitney tests. Correlations among DR, DD or H and all other variables in each group were also evaluated.Results: Mean values of BMI, CC, BC, EMI, DR, DD and H were higher for WW (P<.05). Half or more of WW women had moderate or high levels of DR, DD or H. Mean scores of these variables were higher for this group (P<.05) and tended to “high level”. There was a positive correlation between the H and the EMI (P<.05) in the WW group.Conclusions: Eating behavior was associated with weight and body composition in these women, especially for WW. Strategies that address changes in cognitive control of food intake can become useful tools in controlling body weight.

Ingestão dietética de cálcio e adiposidade em mulheres adultas

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a ingestão de cálcio dietético e sua correlação com parâmetros de adiposidade em mulheres adultas, residentes em Diamantina (MG). MÉTODOS: Foram determinados, em cinquenta mulheres adultas, o índice de massa corporal, a circunferência da cintura, a relação cintura-quadril e o percentual de gordura corporal. A ingestão dietética de cálcio foi avaliada por meio de recordatório de 24 horas e de um questionário de frequência de consumo. Os alimentos do questionário foram divididos em três grupos: 1) laticínios, 2) vegetais fontes de cálcio, 3) redutores da biodisponibilidade de cálcio. Foram calculados os escores I, II e III de frequência de consumo, correspondentes aos grupos 1, 2 e 3 de alimentos. RESULTADOS: Aproximadamente 42,0% das mulheres apresentou índice de massa corporal >25Kg/m², sendo 26,0% com algum grau de obesidade; 90,0% apresentou excesso de gordura corporal, sendo 42,0% com risco para doenças metabólicas. A ingestão média diária de cálcio representou 43,8% da Ingestão Adequada e não diferiu entre aquelas com índice de massa corporal <24,9 e >25kg/m². Os escores I e II foram significativamente inferiores àquele dos alimentos que interferem na biodisponibilidade deste nutriente (p<0,05). Não existiram correlações entre a ingestão de cálcio ou escores I, II e III e os parâmetros de adiposidade (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A baixa ingestão de cálcio pode ter contribuído para a ausência de correlação entre as variáveis estudadas. Associações entre a ingestão de cálcio e parâmetros de adiposidade ainda permanecem pouco claras e devem ser objeto de pesquisas adicionais.

Zinc and iron bioavailability of genetically modified soybeans in rats

The aim of this work was to evaluate zinc and iron bioavailability of UFV-116, a new variety without 2 lipoxygenases, with better taste and flavor than a commercial variety OCEPAR 19, containing all 3 isozymes. To evaluate zinc absorption using 65Zn whole body retention and femur 65Zn uptake, rats were given 3 g of a 65ZnCl2 labeled test meal (0.25 microCi). The 2 varieties were tested at the level of 9 and 30 ppm of zinc as defatted soy flour. Two other groups (control) received egg white as source of protein and ZnS04.H20 as the zinc source. To evaluate iron absorption, using 59Fe whole body retention, animals were given a 3 g 59FeCl3 labeled test meal (0.2 microCi). The 2 varieties were tested at 12 and 25 ppm iron as defatted soy flour. Whole fat soy flour of variety 1 (UFV-116) was higher (P < 0.05) in Ca, K, Mg, phytic acid, and oxalate than variety 2 (OCEPAR-19). No difference was observed among the soybean varieties (P > 0.05) for femur 65Zn retention, at different levels of zinc. However, whole body retention was lower (P < 0.05) for UFV-116 than for OCEPAR-19. Femur 65Zn uptake was correlated with the whole body retention; however, whole body retention was more sensitive. Whole body 59Fe retention from UFV-116 was lower (P < 0.05) than from OCEPAR-19. Zinc and iron bioavailability was lower for UFV-116, possibly due to its higher content of antinutrient factors, especially phytate.

[WinDiet. Support decision system for the assessment of nutritional status and diet prescription]

A "Sistema de Apoio à Decisão para Avaliação do Estado Nutricional e Prescrição de Dietas" called "WinDiet" was developed. The system was developed on a computer compatible to IBM-PC standard. For system processing procedures through the computer, that is, interpretation, compilation, table generation en others, it was selected the Delphi version 1.0 software, from Borland International, for its using facilities, data basis accomplishment, communication environment and mainly an ample availability of mathematic, impression and programming resources besides allowing for all the programming operations to be accomplished on Windows environment. Knowing the procedures for nutritional evaluation and diet prescription was possible by consulting to text books, periodicals and the area experts. This system allows for individual nutritional assessment applying the anthropometric methods such as weight, height, skinfold thickness measurings, the lab methods such as albumin, transferrin, height/creatinin index and others, the dietary methods by food consumption recall, and the clinical methods that give emphasis to pathological antecedents and indicative sings of nutritional status. The software also turns possible to prescribe and calculate diets from recommendation besides having an actual data basis which may be changed or modified. Yet it maintains the individual description from all evaluation and menus, emitting its complete reports. It was verified that it reduce significantly the working time and increase the precision of estimate and nutritional diagnosis. Thus, the WinDiet may be used in nutritionist's offices, ambulatories, hospitals as well as on nutritional researches and education.