Jayanthi Kandiah

Sensory attributes and acceptance of flavored soy nuts by college students

Abstract The objective of the project was to determine college students’ acceptance and preference of five flavors of soy nuts. Using a 9-point hedonic scale, 575 college students (335 students between 17–20 years) and (240 students between 21–30 years) evaluated 5 flavors of soy nuts for appearance, texture, flavor and overall acceptability. Regardless of sex, candy coated soy nuts were liked very much by both age groups, while unsalted soy nuts were the least accepted. Females and older students rated the overall appearance of the nuts higher than males and younger students. Simple effects tests showed mean ratings of the nuts for texture and flavor were significantly different for the younger and the older age groups. Nut preference based on purchasing of nuts showed both age groups and gender preferred candy coated soy nuts the most. Thus it appears that college student’s acceptability of soy nuts is based on flavor, texture, appearance as well as age of the students.

Implications of Smart Wear Technology for Family Caregiving Relationships: Focus Group Perceptions

Technological advances in monitoring vulnerable care-recipients are on the rise. Recent and future development of Smart Wear technology (devices integrated into clothing that monitor care-recipients) might assist family caregivers with tasks related to caring for young children, relatives with disabilities, and frail spouses or parents. However, the development and use of this technology in family caregiving contexts is in its infancy. Focus group interviews of family caregivers were conducted to explore perspectives regarding the potential integration of Smart Wear technology into their family caregiving. Responses were analyzed qualitatively for themes related to perceptions of how Smart Wear could impact relationships between caregivers and care-recipients. Three major themes emerged: quality and quantity of interaction, boundary issues, and implications for anxiety. Implications and recommendations are discussed regarding maximizing the potential benefits of Smart Wear technology in ways that promote and protect healthy relationships among caregivers and care-recipients.

Practice Paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Selecting Nutrient-Dense Foods for Good Health

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage selection of nutrient-dense foods for health promotion and disease prevention and management. The purpose of this Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics practice paper is to provide an update regarding the science and practice of nutrient-dense food identification and selection. Characterization of tools used to identify nutrient density of foods is provided and recommendations for how registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered, might use available profiling tools to help consumers select nutrient-dense foods is discussed.

Protein utilization in humans as affected by level of dietary fat

The objective of the project was to determine the effects of level of fat with or without manganese supplementation of diets on protein status of humans. Fourteen healthy adult humans participated in a 61 day study in which they were fed a low fat diet similar to the HANES I survey or a moderate fat diet similar to the U.S. Dietary Goal recommendation with or without manganese supplementation. Mean fecal nitrogen excretions were significantly lower while subjects received moderate fat diets (p<0.0001). There were no significant differences in urinary nitrogen losses while subjects received the low or moderate fat diet. Nitrogen balances were more positive when low fat diets then moderate fat diets were fed (p<0.004). Manganese supplementation did not show any statistical significance on nitrogen excretions or on nitrogen balances. Thus, it would appear that lower fat diets may have a positive effect on the protein status of humans.

Calcium carbonate supplements may adversely affect protein nutriture

Abstract The objective of the project was to determine the effects of level and form of calcium carbonate supplementation of diets on protein status of humans. In study 1, 9 healthy adult subjects were fed a basal diet alone or with graded levels of calcium carbonate. Total calcium intakes were 325, 925, 1525 and 2125 mg/day, respectively, while protein intake (expressed as nitrogen intake) was kept relatively constant at 8.48 g nitrogen/day. As levels of calcium carbonate increased, urinary and fecal excretions of nitrogen increased and nitrogen balances decreased. In study 2, 10 healthy adult humans participated in a 33 days study in which they were fed a basal diet plus added calcium carbonate in several commercially available forms. These included a tablet, a caramel, a gum and a wafer (chewable). The wafer form of calcium produced lower mean urinary and fecal nitrogen losses, thereby giving a numerically higher nitrogen balance. Thus, it would appear that high level calcium carbonate supplementation of diets of humans may have an adverse effect on protein status but that there are only minimal difference among the various forms at least at low levels of calcium intake.