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Liversidge BD, Gomez DE, Dodd SAS, MacNicol JL, Adolphe JL, Blois SL, Verbrugghe A. Comparison of the fecal microbiota of adult healthy dogs fed a plant-based (vegan) or an animal-based diet. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1367493. [PMID: 38694809 PMCID: PMC11061427 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1367493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pet guardians are increasingly seeking vegan dog foods. However, research on the impact of these diets on gastrointestinal (GI) physiology and health is limited. In humans, vegan diets modify the GI microbiota, increasing beneficial digestive microorganisms. This study aimed to examine the canine fecal microbiota in response to a vegan diet compared to an animal-based diet. Methods Sixty-one client-owned healthy adult dogs completed a randomized, double-blinded longitudinal study. Dogs were randomly assigned into two groups that were fed either a commercial extruded animal-based diet (MEAT, n = 30) or an experimental extruded vegan diet (PLANT, n = 31) for 12 weeks. Fecal collections occurred at the start of the experimental period and after 3 months of exclusively feeding either diet. Bacterial DNA was extracted from the feces, and the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified using PCR and sequenced on Illumina MiSeq. Beta-diversity was measured using Jaccard and Bray-Curtis distances, and the PERMANOVA was used to assess for differences in fecal microbiota within and between groups. Alpha-diversity indices for richness, evenness, and diversity, as well as relative abundance, were calculated and compared between groups. Results Beta-diversity differences occurred between diet groups at exit time-point with differences on Bray-Curtis distances at the family and genus levels (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively), and for the Jaccard distance at the family and genus level (p = 0.006 and p = 0.011, respectively). Significant differences in alpha-diversity occurred when comparing the PLANT to the MEAT group at the exit time-point with the PLANT group having a lower evenness (p = 0.012), but no significant differences in richness (p = 0.188), or diversity (p = 0.06). At exit-timepoint, compared to the MEAT group, the relative abundance of Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, and Campylobacter was lower in the PLANT group. The relative abundance of Fusobacterium decreased over time in the PLANT group, while no change was observed in the MEAT group. Conclusion These results indicate that vegan diets may change the canine gut microbiota. Future studies are warranted to confirm our results and determine long-term effects of vegan diets on the canine gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooklynn D. Liversidge
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Diego E. Gomez
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah A. S. Dodd
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer L. MacNicol
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer L. Adolphe
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Petcurean Pet Nutrition, Chilliwack, BC, Canada
| | - Shauna L. Blois
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Adronie Verbrugghe
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Davenport GM, Block SS, Adolphe JL. Effects of extruded pet foods containing dried yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on palatability, nutrient digestibility, and fecal quality in dogs and cats. Transl Anim Sci 2023; 7:txad107. [PMID: 37745285 PMCID: PMC10516452 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txad107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Global protein shortages and sustainability concerns have increased consumer demand for non-animal-derived protein. Dried whole-cell yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) may be a suitable alternative to rendered protein meals in pet foods. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dried yeast in dog and cat foods on indicators that pet parents typically use to evaluate the suitability of a food for their pet. For this evaluation, two dog and two cat dry extruded diets were formulated. For each species, the test diet contained 10% dried yeast (Yeast) and the control diet was devoid of yeast (Control). Palatability, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, and fecal quality of the foods were assessed in dogs and cats. Urine pH and specific gravity were measured in cats as indicators of urinary tract health. In dogs, the Yeast diet showed equivalent or better palatability compared to the Control diet based on total food consumption (P = 0.06), average daily consumption (day 1, P = 0.10; day 2, P = 0.54), and first choice preference over 2 consecutive days (P = 0.005). Cats showed a strong preference for the Yeast diet with more than double the consumption during the 2-d test period (P = 0.001). More cats showed a first-choice preference for the Yeast diet (24 vs. 16), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.21). There were no significant differences in stool quality or nutrient digestibility when fed Yeast vs. Control diets to the dogs and cats (P > 0.05). All cats produced urine with pH and specific gravity values within the normal range, though specific gravity was lower in the Control group (P = 0.003). This study provides support for the acceptability and digestibility of dog and cat diets containing dried yeast as an alternative protein source.
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Dodd SAS, Cave NJ, Adolphe JL, Shoveller AK, Verbrugghe A. Correction: Plant-based (vegan) diets for pets: A survey of pet owner attitudes and feeding practices. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268982. [PMID: 35588426 PMCID: PMC9119536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Briens JM, Subramaniam M, Kilgour A, Loewen ME, Desai KM, Adolphe JL, Zatti KM, Drew MD, Weber LP. Glycemic, insulinemic and methylglyoxal postprandial responses to starches alone or in whole diets in dogs versus cats: Relating the concept of glycemic index to metabolic responses and gene expression. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 257:110973. [PMID: 33933629 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.110973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Species differences between domestic cats (Felis catus) and dogs (Canis familiaris) has led to differences in their ability to digest, absorb and metabolize carbohydrates through poorly characterized mechanisms. The current study aimed to first examine biopsied small intestine, pancreas, liver and skeletal muscle from laboratory beagles and domestic cats for mRNA expression of key enzymes involved in starch digestion (amylase), glucose transport (sodium-dependent SGLTs and -independent glucose transporters, GLUT) and glucose metabolism (hexokinase and glucokinase). Cats had lower mRNA expression of most genes examined in almost all tissues compared to dogs (p < 0.05). Next, postprandial glucose, insulin, methylglyoxal (a toxic glucose metabolite) and d-lactate (metabolite of methylglyoxal) after single feedings of different starch sources were tested in fasted dogs and cats. After feeding pure glucose, peak postprandial blood glucose and methylglyoxal were surprisingly similar between dogs and cats, except cats had a longer time to peak and a greater area under the curve consistent with lower glycolytic enzyme expression. After feeding starches or whole diets to dogs, postprandial glycemic response, glycemic index, insulin, methylglyoxal and d-lactate followed reported glycemic index trends in humans. In contrast, cats showed very low to negligible postprandial glycemic responses and low insulin after feeding different starch sources, but not whole diets, with no relationship to methylglyoxal or d-lactate. Thus, the concept of glycemic index appears valid in dogs, but not cats. Differences in amylase, glucose transporters, and glycolytic enzymes are consistent with species differences in starch and glucose handling between cats and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Briens
- Toxicology Graduate Program, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Marina Subramaniam
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Alyssa Kilgour
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Matthew E Loewen
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Kaushik M Desai
- Pharmacology & Physiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Jennifer L Adolphe
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Kyla M Zatti
- Animal & Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Murray D Drew
- Animal & Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Lynn P Weber
- Toxicology Graduate Program, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada; Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada.
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Rankovic A, Adolphe JL, Ramdath DD, Shoveller AK, Verbrugghe A. Glycemic response in nonracing sled dogs fed single starch ingredients and commercial extruded dog foods with different carbohydrate sources. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5889930. [PMID: 32770217 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study adapted the established glycemic index (GI) methodology used in human research to perform two studies in sled dogs in order to assess the blood glucose-raising potential of pulse-based dog foods. The first was a pilot study (n = 6 dogs) to determine the GI of single starch sources (white bread, cooked white rice, and cooked green lentils) using a glucose solution as control. Next, the effect on glycemic and insulinemic meal responses and GI of commercial extruded dog foods containing different categories of starch sources (traditional grain, whole grain, grain-free, and vegan) were investigated on 11 dogs using a glucose control. Results were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Consumption of 10 g of available carbohydrate (Av CHO) was insufficient to elicit a measurable response in blood glucose for GI determination, and as such, the amount was increased to 25 g for the second study. The GI (±SE) of the single starch sources and dog foods was: white bread: 47 ± 11, cooked white rice: 71 ± 14, cooked green lentils: 60 ± 20 (P = 0.569), traditional grain: 83 ± 17, whole grain: 56 ± 8, grain-free: 41 ± 6, and vegan: 65 ± 15 (P = 0.154). No statistical differences in glycemic response over time were observed between the single starch sources or the extruded diets tested (P = 0.1412; P = 0.2651). The insulinemic response elicited by the extruded diets was also not different (P = 0.079); however, the traditional grain diet did have the slowest time to peak for insulin (P = 0.0078). Among single starch sources and extruded dog foods, there were no differences in the glycemic indices measured in this study. The GI methodology has not been validated for use in canine species, and it is likely that our results were due to higher interindividual variation or inadequate study power. Regardless, this study will serve to better define future studies to investigate the potential physiological benefits of low GI foods for dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rankovic
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - D Dan Ramdath
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Anna K Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Adronie Verbrugghe
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Kelly DM, Adolphe JL, Vernouillet A, McCausland JA, Rankovic A, Verbrugghe A. Motoric self-regulation by sled dogs and pet dogs and the acute effect of carbohydrate source in sled dogs. Anim Cogn 2019; 22:931-946. [PMID: 31256338 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-019-01285-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitory control is a term used to envelop a collection of processes that allow an organism to refrain from engaging in an inappropriate prepotent or responsive behavior. Studies have examined the propensity of inhibitory control by nonhuman animals, from the cognitively complex processes involved in self-control to potentially less cognitively taxing processes such as motoric self-regulation. Focusing on canines, research has suggested that the domestication process as well as experiences during ontogeny contribute to inhibitory control. Diet may also play an important role in an individual's ability to self-regulate. This study examined this possibility by investigating motoric self-regulation in sled dogs, using three well-established tasks (i.e., A-not-B Bucket, Cylinder, and A-not-B Barrier tasks), performed after consumption of one of three dietary treatments with different glycemic index values. We also compared the performance of sled dogs during these tasks with results previously obtained from pet dogs. Overall, the results show many similarities in the performance of sled dogs and pet dogs on the motoric self-regulation tasks, with the notable exception that sled dogs may have a stronger spatial perseveration during the A-not-B Bucket task. Previous research findings reporting a lack of correlation among these tasks are also supported. Finally, during the early postprandial phase (period after consumption), dietary treatments with different glycemic index values did not influence self-regulatory performance for sled dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie M Kelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Duff Roblin Building, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada. .,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, 50 Sifton Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | | | - Alizée Vernouillet
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, 50 Sifton Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - J Andrew McCausland
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Duff Roblin Building, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Alexandra Rankovic
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Adronie Verbrugghe
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Dodd SAS, Cave NJ, Adolphe JL, Shoveller AK, Verbrugghe A. Plant-based (vegan) diets for pets: A survey of pet owner attitudes and feeding practices. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210806. [PMID: 30645644 PMCID: PMC6333351 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
People who avoid eating animals tend to share their homes with animal companions, and moral dilemma may arise when they are faced with feeding animal products to their omnivorous dogs and carnivorous cats. One option to alleviate this conflict is to feed pets a diet devoid of animal ingredients-a 'plant-based' or 'vegan' diet. The number of pet owners who avoid animal products, either in their own or in their pets' diet, is not currently known. The objective of this study was to estimate the number of meat-avoiding pet owners, identify concerns regarding conventional animal- and plant-based pet food, and estimate the number of pets fed a plant-based diet. A questionnaire was disseminated online to English-speaking pet owners (n = 3,673) to collect data regarding pet owner demographics, diet, pet type, pet diet, and concerns regarding pet foods. Results found that pet owners were more likely to be vegetarian (6.2%; 229/3,673) or vegan (5.8%; 212/3,673) than previously reported for members of the general population. With the exception of one dog owned by a vegetarian, vegans were the only pet owners who fed plant-based diets to their pets (1.6%; 59/3,673). Of the pet owners who did not currently feed plant-based diets but expressed interest in doing so, a large proportion (45%; 269/599) desired more information demonstrating the nutritional adequacy of plant-based diets. Amongst all pet owners, the concern most commonly reported regarding meat-based pet foods was for the welfare of farm animals (39%; 1,275/3,231). The most common concern regarding strictly plant-based pet foods was regarding the nutritional completeness of the diet (74%; 2,439/3,318). Amongst vegans, factors which predicted the feeding of plant-based diets to their pets were concern regarding the cost of plant-based diets, a lack of concern regarding plant-based diets being unnatural, and reporting no concern at all regarding plant-based diets for pets. Given these findings, further research is warranted to investigate plant-based nutrition for domestic dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. S. Dodd
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nick J. Cave
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | - Anna K. Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adronie Verbrugghe
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Adolphe JL, Drew MD, Silver TI, Fouhse J, Childs H, Weber LP. Effect of an extruded pea or rice diet on postprandial insulin and cardiovascular responses in dogs. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2015; 99:767-76. [PMID: 25475789 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Peas are increasing in popularity as a source of carbohydrate, protein and fibre in extruded canine diets. The aim of this study was to test the health effects of two canine diets with identical macronutrient profiles, but containing either yellow field peas or white rice as the carbohydrate source on metabolism, cardiovascular outcomes and adiposity. First, the acute glycemic, insulinemic and cardiovascular responses to the pea- or rice-based diets were determined in normal weight beagles (n = 7 dogs). The glycemic index did not differ between the pea diet (56 ± 12) and rice diet (63 ± 9). Next, obese beagles (n = 9) were fed the yellow field pea diet or white rice diet ad libitum for 12 weeks in a crossover study. Adiposity (measured using computed tomography), metabolic (oral glucose tolerance test, plasma leptin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein) and cardiovascular assessments (echocardiography and blood pressure) were performed before and after each crossover study period. After 12 weeks on each diet, peak insulin (p = 0.05) and area under the curve (AUC) for insulin after a 10 g oral glucose tolerance test (p = 0.05) were lower with the pea than the rice diet. Diet did not show a significant effect on body weight, fat distribution, cardiovascular variables, adiponectin or leptin. In conclusion, a diet containing yellow field peas reduced the postprandial insulin response after glucose challenge in dogs despite continued obesity, indicating improved metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Adolphe
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - M D Drew
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - T I Silver
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - J Fouhse
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - H Childs
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - L P Weber
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Adolphe JL, Drew MD, Huang Q, Silver TI, Weber LP. Postprandial impairment of flow-mediated dilation and elevated methylglyoxal after simple but not complex carbohydrate consumption in dogs. Nutr Res 2012; 32:278-84. [PMID: 22575041 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2012.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Hyperglycemia produces oxidative stress, which may impair endothelial function. Methylglyoxal, a reactive intermediate metabolite of glucose, is known to cause oxidative stress and is produced when excess carbohydrate is consumed in diabetic patients, but postprandial responses in healthy patients are unknown. We hypothesize that methylglyoxal levels will cause impaired endothelial function via increased oxidative stress after consuming a high glycemic index meal in healthy animals. Normal-weight laboratory beagles (n = 6) were used in a crossover study that tested postprandial responses of 4 complex carbohydrate sources (barley, corn, peas, rice) vs a simple carbohydrate (glucose). Blood samples were taken prefeeding and at timed intervals after feeding to measure serum glucose, insulin, nitrotyrosine, and methylglyoxal. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), cardiac function (echocardiography), and blood pressure measurements were determined before and 60 minutes after feeding. The mean (±SEM) glycemic indices of the complex carbohydrate sources were 29 ± 5 for peas, 47 ± 10 for corn, 51 ± 7 for barley, and 55 ± 6 for rice. Postprandial FMD was lowest in the glucose group and significantly different from both the corn group and the FMD value for all complex carbohydrates combined. Methylglyoxal was significantly elevated at 60 minutes postprandial after glucose compared with the other carbohydrate sources. No significant effects of carbohydrate source were observed for blood pressure, nitrotyrosine, or echocardiographic variables. The novel finding of this study was that methylglyoxal levels increased after a single feeding of simple carbohydrate and may be linked to the observed postprandial decrease in endothelial function. Thus, consuming low-glycemic-index foods may protect the cardiovascular system by reducing oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Adolphe
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5B4
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Vatanparast H, Adolphe JL, Whiting SJ. Socio-economic status and vitamin/ mineral supplement use in Canada. Health Rep 2010; 21:19-25. [PMID: 21269008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The link between diet quality and socio-economic status (SES) may extend to the use of vitamin/ mineral supplements. This article examines factors related to Canadians' use of such supplements, with emphasis on associations with household income and education. DATA AND METHODS The data are from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition (n = 35,107). The prevalence of vitamin/mineral supplement consumption during the previous month was recorded. Supplement use at the national level was estimated by age/sex groups, SES and chronic conditions. Logistic regression was used to determine significant associations between socio-economic factors and vitamin/mineral supplement use. Estimates of usual calcium intake from food and from food plus supplements were obtained using SIDE-IML. RESULTS The prevalence of supplement use was significantly higher in females than in males in all age groups 14 or older. Age, being female, high household income and education, and being food-secure were positively associated with supplement use. Supplement use substantially increased the percentage of the population, particularly older adults, meeting the Adequate Intake level for calcium. INTERPRETATION The reported use of vitamin/mineral supplements varies by age, sex and SES. The relatively low prevalence of use among Canadians of low SES is similar to findings from American studies. These individuals, already at risk for inadequate intake from food, do not make up the difference with vitamin/ mineral supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassanali Vatanparast
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5C9.
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Abstract
Purpose: We investigated barriers to healthful eating and vitamin/mineral supplement use among groups at risk for low nutrient intakes, particularly those with low income. Methods: Twelve focus groups (73 participants) and 11 key informant interviews were conducted in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Focus group participants represented a diverse population. Key informants included health professionals and personnel from community-based organizations who worked in a lowincome area. Focus group meetings and key informant interviews were audiotaped and transcribed; thematic coding was used to identify key concepts. Results: The focus groups and interviews revealed five themes on barriers to healthful eating and to the use of vitamin/mineral supplements: knowledge, income, accessibility, health, and preferences. Key informants were aware of the barriers, and were able to see not only individual and family reasons but also societal influences. Conclusions: The study results provide valuable information for focusing efforts on reducing barriers to healthful eating and to appropriate vitamin/mineral supplement use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J. Whiting
- College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
| | | | - Jeff G. Taylor
- College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
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Abstract
PURPOSE Elderly people are at risk for malnutrition, and those who consume a puréed diet may be particularly at risk. A fortification procedure was developed at a long-term care (LTC) facility, and nutrient intakes and serum vitamin levels were assessed to determine whether they subsequently increased. METHODS Fortification levels were determined using a combination of two techniques: the Dietary Reference Intakes planning formula and Health Canada's defined nutrient contribution method. For six puréed foods, triangle sensory tests were performed to determine whether fortification changed the flavour of the foods. Four fortified foods were incorporated into the daily puréed menu at an LTC facility. Nutrient intakes of 10 residents and serum vitamin B12, folate, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of 11 residents were analyzed at baseline and eight weeks after the intervention. RESULTS Nutrient intakes increased after the intervention for all nutrients in the fortification mix (p0.01). 25-hydroxyvitamin D and folate levels increased after the intervention (p0.01), but serum vitamin B12 levels did not change (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The development of acceptable vitamin-fortified puréed foods is feasible and is an effective way to increase the micronutrient status of LTC residents. Mineral fortification requires further work to minimize flavour changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Adolphe
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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