Identifying the relation between food groups and biological ageing: a data-driven approach

BACKGROUND

Heterogeneity in ageing rates drives the need for research into lifestyle secrets of successful agers. Biological age, predicted by epigenetic clocks, has been shown to be a more reliable measure of ageing than chronological age. Dietary habits are known to affect the ageing process. However, much remains to be learnt about specific dietary habits that may directly affect the biological process of ageing.

OBJECTIVE

To identify food groups that are directly related to biological ageing, using Copula Graphical Models.

METHODS

We performed a preregistered analysis of 3,990 postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative, based in North America. Biological age acceleration was calculated by the epigenetic clock PhenoAge using whole-blood DNA methylation. Copula Graphical Modelling, a powerful data-driven exploratory tool, was used to examine relations between food groups and biological ageing whilst adjusting for an extensive amount of confounders. Two food group-age acceleration networks were established: one based on the MyPyramid food grouping system and another based on item-level food group data.

RESULTS

Intake of eggs, organ meat, sausages, cheese, legumes, starchy vegetables, added sugar and lunch meat was associated with biological age acceleration, whereas intake of peaches/nectarines/plums, poultry, nuts, discretionary oil and solid fat was associated with decelerated ageing.

CONCLUSION

We identified several associations between specific food groups and biological ageing. These findings pave the way for subsequent studies to ascertain causality and magnitude of these relationships, thereby improving the understanding of biological mechanisms underlying the interplay between food groups and biological ageing.

Diet in secondary prevention: the effect of dietary patterns on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Improving dietary habits is a first-line recommendation for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unclear which dietary pattern most effectively lowers cardiovascular risk factors and what the short- and long-term effects are. Therefore, this network meta-analysis compared the effects of popular dietary patterns on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with established CVD.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, SCOPUS and Web of Science was conducted up to 1 April 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of popular dietary patterns (Mediterranean, moderate carbohydrate, low glycemic index, low-fat and minimal dietary intervention) on cardiovascular risk factors (body weight, systolic blood pressure, lipids) in CVD populations were selected. A random-effects network meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Seventeen RCTs comprising 6,331 participants were included. The moderate carbohydrate diet had the most beneficial effect on body weight (-4.6 kg, 95%CrI -25.1; 15.8) and systolic blood pressure (-7.0 mmHg 95%CrI -16.8; 2.7) compared to minimal intervention. None of the included dietary patterns had a favorable effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. After 12 months, the effects were attenuated compared to those at < 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In this network meta-analysis of 17 randomized trials, potentially clinically relevant effects of dietary interventions on CV risk factors were observed, but there was considerable uncertainty due to study heterogeneity, low adherence, or actual diminished effects in the medically treated CVD population. It was not possible to select optimal dietary patterns for secondary CVD prevention. Given recent clinical trials demonstrating the potential of dietary patterns to significantly reduce cardiovascular event risk, it is likely that these effects are effectuated through alternative physiological pathways.

Factors associated with dietary behaviour change support in patients: A qualitative study among community nurses

AIM

To explore which factors, influencing dietary behaviour change support among patients by Dutch community nurses (CNs; nurses), are key focal points in training programmes.

BACKGROUND

Nurses have an important role in counselling patients towards healthier dietary behaviour to prevent or delay long-term complications from chronic lifestyle-related diseases. Most nurses do not incorporate dietary behaviour change support in their routines to the fullest potential.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive study.

METHODS

Data were collected in the Netherlands in 2018-2019 via semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 18 nurses. Interview guide themes were informed by the COM-B model, using validated descriptions in Dutch. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Factors that affected dietary behaviour change support were linked to (1) the nurse (role identity, dietary knowledge and competences such as methodical approach, behaviour change techniques and communication techniques), (2) nurse-patient encounter (building a relationship with a patient, supporting patient autonomy and tailoring the approach) and (3) cooperation and organizational context.

CONCLUSION

It is of utmost importance to pay attention to nurses' role identity regarding dietary behaviour change support, as this underlies professional behaviour. This should be accompanied by improving competences on dietary behaviour change support. Focus on competences regarding the application of behaviour change technique is crucial. Furthermore, having a relationship of trust with a patient was important for discussing sensitive topics such as diet.

IMPACT

The promotion of a healthy diet provides opportunities to contribute to patient autonomy and self-management. Well-fitted training offers for (senior) nurses will lead to improved professional practice of nurses, leading to healthier dietary behaviour of patients.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

A nurse provided feedback on the interview guide.

Long-term lifestyle change and risk of mortality and Type 2 diabetes in patients with cardiovascular disease

AIMS

To quantify the relationship between self-reported, long-term lifestyle changes (smoking, waist circumference, physical activity, and alcohol consumption) and clinical outcomes in patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data were used from 2011 participants (78% male, age 57 ± 9 years) from the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort-Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease cohort who returned for a re-assessment visit (SMART2) after ∼10 years. Self-reported lifestyle change was classified as persistently healthy, improved, worsened, or persistently unhealthy. Cox proportional hazard models were used to quantify the relationship between lifestyle changes and the risk of (cardiovascular) mortality and incident Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Fifty-seven per cent of participants was persistently healthy, 17% improved their lifestyle, 8% worsened, and 17% was persistently unhealthy. During a median follow-up time of 6.1 (inter-quartile range 3.6-9.6) years after the SMART2 visit, 285 deaths occurred, and 99 new T2D diagnoses were made. Compared with a persistently unhealthy lifestyle, individuals who maintained a healthy lifestyle had a lower risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.63], cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38-0.87), and incident T2D (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28-0.73). Similarly, those who improved their lifestyle had a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.37-0.74), cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26-0.81), and incident T2D (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27-0.92).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that maintaining or adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly lower mortality and incident T2D risk in CVD patients. This study emphasizes the importance of ongoing lifestyle optimization in CVD patients, highlighting the potential for positive change regardless of previous lifestyle habits.

The role of the partner in the support of a pregnant woman's healthy diet: an explorative qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Active partner involvement during pregnancy is an effective strategy to enhance both maternal and newborn health outcomes. The presence of a supportive partner equips women with a heightened sense of empowerment to deal with the challenges of pregnancy, including maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy, which is important for the health of both the mother and child. However, little information exists regarding the partner's role in encouraging a pregnant woman's healthy dietary choices. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of pregnant women and their partners concerning the partner's role in promoting a healthy dietary intake during pregnancy.

METHODS

Sixteen semi-structured couple interviews were conducted in the Netherlands, involving expecting couples. Based on Berkman's social networks and support theory, we categorized various forms of support as emotional, instrumental, appraisal, and informational. The interviews were accurately recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using an inductive approach.

RESULTS

In general, pregnant women reported being positive regarding the support they received from their partners. Partners primarily offered instrumental support to pregnant women, such as cooking, grocery shopping, and helping them avoid unsafe foods. Partners provided informational support, mainly about foods considered unsafe during pregnancy. Emotional support was relatively less common. The primary motives for giving support were pregnancy-related symptoms, the importance of the health of the mother and baby, and solidarity with the pregnant woman. Support from the partner was more willingly accepted by pregnant women if the support was perceived as being helpful, showing involvement, and positive. Conversely, partner support was not accepted if it was perceived as judgmental or unwanted.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of pregnant women were satisfied with the support received from their partners, although there are opportunities for a partner to provide more support to improve the dietary intake of pregnant women. To optimise this support, partners are advised to tailor their support to the needs and expectations of pregnant women. Personalizing dietary support can be achieved by couples communicating their dietary wishes and expectations regarding support.

Pre- and post-diagnostic dairy intake in relation to recurrence and all-cause mortality in people with stage I-III colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Higher dairy consumption is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), but no studies thus far have investigated its relation with recurrence in CRC. Few studies have investigated total dairy in relation to mortality in CRC, and yielded inconsistent results.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, people newly diagnosed with stage I-III CRC filled out a food frequency questionnaire at diagnosis (n = 1812) and six months after diagnosis (n = 1672). We examined associations between pre- and post-diagnostic intake of total dairy, low-fat dairy, high-fat dairy, milk, yoghurt, and cheese with recurrence and all-cause mortality using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic splines (RCS).

RESULTS

A total of 176 recurrences and 301 deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 3.0 and 5.9 years, respectively. Before diagnosis, a higher low-fat dairy intake was associated with a lower risk of recurrence (HRQ4vsQ1: 0.42, 95% CI 0.26-0.67; PRCS: 0.008) and all-cause mortality (HRQ4vsQ1: 0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.81; PRCS < 0.001), whereas a higher high-fat dairy consumption tended to be associated with an increased all-cause mortality risk (HRQ4vsQ1: 1.41, 95% CI 0.98-2.01; PRCS: 0.030). After diagnosis, only the associations between low- and high-fat dairy in relation to all-cause mortality remained.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that higher pre- and post-diagnostic intakes of low-fat dairy were associated with a reduced all-cause mortality risk in people with stage I-III CRC, whereas higher intakes of high-fat dairy were associated with an increased all-cause mortality risk. Also, a higher pre-diagnostic low-fat dairy intake was associated with a reduced risk of recurrence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT03191110.

Physical exercise volume, type, and intensity and risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease: a mediation analysis

Aims

To estimate the relation between physical exercise volume, type, and intensity with all-cause mortality and recurrent vascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to quantify to what extent traditional cardiovascular risk factors mediate these relations.

Methods and results

In the prospective UCC-SMART cohort (N = 8660), the associations of clinical endpoints and physical exercise volume (metabolic equivalent of task hours per week, METh/wk), type (endurance vs. endurance + resistance), and intensity (moderate vs. vigorous) were estimated using multivariable-adjusted Cox models. The proportion mediated effect (PME) through body mass index, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin sensitivity, and systemic inflammation was assessed using structural equation models. Sixty-one percent of patients (73% male, age 61 ± 10 years, >70% receiving lipid-lowering and blood pressure-lowering medications) reported that they did not exercise. Over a median follow-up of 9.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 5.1-14.0], 2256 deaths and 1828 recurrent vascular events occurred. The association between exercise volume had a reverse J-shape with a nadir at 29 (95% CI 24-29) METh/wk, corresponding with a HR 0.56 (95% CI 0.48-0.64) for all-cause mortality and HR 0.63 (95% CI 0.55-0.73) for recurrent vascular events compared with no exercise. Up to 38% (95% CI 24-61) of the association was mediated through the assessed risk factors of which insulin sensitivity (PME up to 12%, 95% CI 5-25) and systemic inflammation (PME up to 18%, 95% CI 9-37) were the most important.

Conclusion

Regular physical exercise is significantly related with reduced risks of all-cause mortality and recurrent vascular events in patients with CVD. In this population with high rates of lipid-lowering and blood pressure--lowering medication use, exercise benefits were mainly mediated through systemic inflammation and insulin resistance.