Jennifer Bernal

Understanding the Coexistence of Food Insecurity and Obesity

Coexistence of food insecurity and obesity is expected given that both are consequences of economic and social disadvantage. Food insecurity and obesity are positively associated in adult women but not men. There is some evidence of association in adolescents, but mixed results for children. Distinct from adults, children experience cognitive, emotional, and physical awareness of food insecurity and take responsibility for it by participating in adult strategies, initiating their own strategies, and taking action to obtain additional food or money for food. Food insecurity is detrimental for children, being associated with behavior problems, disrupted social interactions, compromised school performance and attendance, poor dietary intake and physical activity, altered daily activities, and poor health. Some of these outcomes increase the risk of developing obesity. From life course, cumulative inequality, and developmental perspectives, child food insecurity may have long-term effects, including on risk of obesity. Pediatricians can help identify and respond to children who are food-insecure and at risk of obesity.

Food Insecurity of Children and Shame of Others Knowing They Are Without Food

ABSTRACT We studied the association of shame when children experience food insecurity and management strategies. The cross-sectional study assessed food insecurity in 404 children using 2 instruments with 10 and 11 items for food insecurity and management strategies. Food insecurity in children was associated with shame of others knowing that they were out of food (γ = 0.37, P < .01). Nine out of 11 management strategies were associated (P < 0.05) with feeling of shame of being out of food. Older girls were most likely to report shame when they reported lack of food (P < .01). Understanding these relations may increase access to food in socially acceptable ways.

Hydration guidelines for fractionation of liquid intake in hot environments: report of Latin America

Introduction: Total water intake is the sum of the liquid provided by water and all types of fluids, beverages and foods that contain it. It is assumed to represent around 80 % of total intake by humans, including 20 % from foods (EFSA). Water intake is mostly achieved though fluids like water, juices, energetic drinks, caffeinated drinks, soft drinks or soups. The needs of water intake vary depending on characteristics such as gender, life span, physical activity, geography, weather conditions, and others. Considering the life cycle, our first fluid intake, as suggested by the World Health Organization, should be breast milk. If the healthy newborn is well hydrated it can self-regulate the human milk intake. After the first six months of age and until 2 years old, others liquids and foods different from breast milk are responsible of the hydration and nutrition of the infant. Then, breastfeeding is displaced by others fluids, that may change across life cycle.

Dietary potential renal acid load in Venezuelan children

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to determine and analyze the dietary PRAL and food composition pattern in apparently healthy children from 1 to 6 years of age. METHODS Parents of 52 children were selected by convenience, in an outpatient clinic of healthy children. Dietary quality and pattern was assessed by 24 hour recall and food frequency questionnaire. We focused on the intake of macronutrients and food groups, such as meats, dairy, fruits and vegetables. Nutrient intake was compared with national and international recommendations. PRAL was determined according to the method described by Remer and Manz. Descriptive statistics and correlations were applied. RESULTS Dietary intake of proteins, milk and meat was high, while fruits and vegetables intake was low. PRAL was positive in 92% of the children and correlated (p<0.05) with intake of energy, proteins, fat, meat and dairy products. Protein intake was above 2.5 g/kg/day in 46.2% of the children. Food groups with the highest unbalance were meat and dairy products for excessive intake and fruits and vegetables regarding low intake, both of which represent risk factors for endogenous acid production. CONCLUSION The diet of the children studied was characterized by an excessive acid load with the risk for the generation of systemic acidosis and its metabolic consequences.