Marly Augusto Cardoso

Construção de um questionário de freqüência alimentar como subsídio para programas de prevenção de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis

O presente estudo avaliou a adequacao de uma lista de alimentos e a distribuicao do tamanho das porcoes alimentares em versao simplificada de um questionario quantitativo de frequencia alimentar, visando sua adocao em programas de prevencao e controle de doencas cronicas nao transmissiveis. Para esta analise, um inquerito recordatorio de 24 horas (IR24) foi obtido em amostra aleatoria de funcionarios da Administracao Central da Secretaria de Estado da Saude de Sao Paulo (n =212), durante um estudo piloto do programa de combate ao tabagismo. A lista de alimentos do questionario de frequencia alimentar foi avaliada pela contribuicao percentual de alguns de seus nutrientes em relacao ao consumo total estimado atraves do IR24. O tamanho das porcoes alimentares do questionario de frequencia alimentar foi classificado em pequeno, medio e grande de acordo com a distribuicao percentual dos pesos correspondentes as medidas caseiras referidas no IR24, utilizando-se os percentis 25, 50 e 75, respectivamente.

Reproducibility and validity of a food frequency questionnaire among women of Japanese ancestry living in Brazil

Abstract A 120-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was assessed among Female Registered Dietitians of Japanese ancestry living in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The reproducibility of the FFQ was assessed by repeated administration at one-month interval ( n = 77). The relative validity was evaluated by comparison with dietary intake obtained from 4 three-day weighed dietary records (DR), covering the same 12-month period assessed by the FFQ ( n = 52). Reproducibility: Pearson correlation coefficients for 24 energy-adjusted nutrients ranged from 0.52 for protein to 0.75 for retinol. Validity: Pearson correlation coefficients between the mean energy-adjusted intakes from the DR and those from the FFQ ranged from 0.27 for sodium to 0.68 for dietary fiber without supplements. These correlations were higher after adjusting for day-to-day variation in DR intakes. We conclude that this FFQ is reproducible and can be used to classify persons according to their nutrient intake over a one-year period.

Dietary intakes associated with metabolic syndrome in a cohort of Japanese ancestry

The present study examined the association between dietary factors and metabolic syndrome in a 7-year follow-up of Japanese-Brazilians. In 1993, a survey estimated the prevalence of diabetes in a Japanese-Brazilian population aged 40-79 years. From 647 subjects studied at baseline, 394 (60.9 %) participated in a second survey (2000); after exclusion of subjects with self-reported diseases, 23.4 % (n 151) were included in the present analysis. Metabolic syndrome diagnosis was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria modified for Asians. Food intake was assessed by a validated food-frequency questionnaire. At baseline, mean ages were 56.1 (sd 9.7) and 54.7 (sd 10.6) years for men and women, respectively. Similar cumulative incidence rates of the metabolic syndrome were found in both sexes (36.9 (95 % CI 26.6, 48.1)% for men and 38.8 (95 % CI 27.1, 51.4) % for women). In 1993, mean values of blood pressure, waist circumference for men and 2 h plasma glucose for both sexes were higher among subjects who developed metabolic syndrome when compared with those who did not. Comparisons of nutrient intakes between subsets of subjects who developed or did not develop metabolic syndrome showed an association of protein intake with the syndrome only in men (96.4 (sd 56.8) v. 74.3 (sd 26.0) g/d; P<0.05). Odds ratios of the metabolic syndrome across tertiles of food groups intake showed that among men the highest tertile of red meat consumption was associated with a 4.7-fold increase in risk of developing the syndrome, after adjustments for confounders. However, the statistical significance of this model disappeared when saturated fatty acids were added. The data raised the possibility of a role of red meat consumption for the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in Japanese-Brazilian men. The present findings may have implications for the prevention of metabolic syndrome in this high-risk population.

Prevalence and spatial distribution of intestinal parasitic infections in a rural Amazonian settlement, Acre State, Brazil

A population-based survey of the prevalence and spatial distribution of intestinal parasitism was carried out in an agricultural settlement in the Amazon Basin of Brazil (Granada, Acre State). More than half (53.4%) of the 429 stool specimens from subjects in all age groups, living in 113 households, had cysts, ova, or larvae of intestinal parasites. The most prevalent parasites were Giardia duodenalis (19.6%) and soil-transmitted helminths (12.7%); 105 (24.5%) subjects were infected with more than one species of parasite. Significant age-related differences in prevalence were only found for G. duodenalis (children 30 years were less affected). Six households (5.3%), situated within a radius of 690m, comprised 48.1% of all subjects harboring soil-transmitted helminths in our study area. Households within this cluster were poorer and more crowded than those outside the cluster. The observed spatial clustering of infections with soil-transmitted helminths provides valuable information for the spatial targeting of sanitary interventions in this area.

Child health and nutrition in the Western Brazilian Amazon: population-based surveys in two counties in Acre State

The article presents prevalence rates for malnutrition, intestinal parasitic infections, anemia, and iron deficiency in under-five children in a population-based cross-sectional survey performed in the urban area of two counties in the Western Brazilian Amazon, Assis Brasil (n = 200) and Acrelandia (n = 477). Available data included: (a) weight and height measurements, standardized as z-scores using the 1977 NCHS reference population, (b) diagnosis of current intestinal parasitic infection, (c) blood hemoglobin levels, and (d) plasma ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor levels. Overall prevalence rates of low weight-for-height, low weight-for-age, and low height-for-age were 3.7%, 8.7%, and 7.5%, respectively, with similar figures in the two towns. Intestinal parasites were detected in 32.5% children; helminths were uncommon. Anemia and iron deficiency were diagnosed in 30.6% and 43.5% of the children, respectively. Evidence of anemia was found in only 47.6% of the children with depleted iron reserves, indicating that hemoglobin measurement alone would severely underestimate the magnitude of iron deficiency in this population. In both towns, anemia and malnutrition were significantly more prevalent among children in the lowest socioeconomic stratum.

High intake of fruits and vegetables predicts weight loss in Brazilian overweight adults

To determine whether changes in dietary intakes predict weight loss, we studied 80 overweight adults who attended a nutritional counseling program during 6 months of follow-up at a primary health care center in Brazil. Habitual diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline and after 6 months. The mean age (+/-SD) of the participants was 46.5 +/- 9.5 years, and their mean body mass index was 29 +/- 3 kg/m(2) at baseline. After 6 months, the differences in body weight and fruit/vegetable intake were -1.4 +/- 3 kg and +/-109 +/- 320 g daily, respectively. Using multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, changes in walking time, and total energy intake, the increased intake of dietary fiber from fruits/vegetables was associated with a greater weight loss (beta1 [95% confidence interval (CI)] = -0.180 [-0.269, -0.091]) after 6 months of follow-up. Similar results were observed for increased intake of vegetables (beta1 [95% CI] = -0.00497 [-0.008, -0.002]) and fruits (beta1 [95% CI] = -0.00290 [-0.005, -0.001]) as predictors of weight loss. The increase of 100 g/d of vegetables and fruits represented a body weight loss of 500 and 300 g after 6 months, respectively (P < .05). Our findings support the relevance of increased intakes of fruits and vegetables that may help avoid weight gain in overweight adults.

Underlying Factors Associated with Anemia in Amazonian Children: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study

Background Although iron deficiency is considered to be the main cause of anemia in children worldwide, other contributors to childhood anemia remain little studied in developing countries. We estimated the relative contributions of different factors to anemia in a population-based, cross-sectional survey. Methodology We obtained venous blood samples from 1111 children aged 6 months to 10 years living in the frontier town of Acrelândia, northwest Brazil, to estimate the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency by measuring hemoglobin, erythrocyte indices, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, and C-reactive protein concentrations. Children were simultaneously screened for vitamin A, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies; intestinal parasite infections; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency; and sickle cell trait carriage. Multiple Poisson regression and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were used to describe associations between anemia and the independent variables. Principal Findings The prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia were 13.6%, 45.4%, and 10.3%, respectively. Children whose families were in the highest income quartile, compared with the lowest, had a lower risk of anemia (aPR, 0.60; 95%CI, 0.37–0.98). Child age (<24 months, 2.90; 2.01–4.20) and maternal parity (>2 pregnancies, 2.01; 1.40–2.87) were positively associated with anemia. Other associated correlates were iron deficiency (2.1; 1.4–3.0), vitamin B12 (1.4; 1.0–2.2), and folate (2.0; 1.3–3.1) deficiencies, and C-reactive protein concentrations (>5 mg/L, 1.5; 1.1–2.2). Conclusions Addressing morbidities and multiple nutritional deficiencies in children and mothers and improving the purchasing power of poorer families are potentially important interventions to reduce the burden of anemia.

Alimentação complementar e estado nutricional de crianças menores de dois anos atendidas no Programa Saúde da Família em Acrelândia, Acre, Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira

Our objective was to investigate nutritional status and complementary feeding practices in children from 6 to 24 months of age living in the Western Brazilian Amazon. A cross-sectional study was conducted within an urban area of Acrelândia, Acre State. A total of 164 children were studied. Prevalence rates for stunting and anemia were 12% and 40%, respectively, and overall prevalence of iron deficiency was 85%. Vitamin A and B12 serum levels were below normal thresholds in 15% and 12% of children, respectively. Low intake was observed for the following nutrients (% of children): folic acid (33%), vitamin C (40%), vitamin A (42%), zinc (46%), and iron (71%). Iron bioavailability in the diet was approximately 8%. Very low dietary intakes of fruits, vegetables, and meats were observed, in contrast with excessive consumption of cows milk and porridge.

Beneficial effects of short-term nutritional counselling at the primary health-care level among Brazilian adults

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of a low-cost nutritional intervention in changing the lifestyle of adults. DESIGN Randomised clinical trial. SETTING Primary health-care centre in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. SUBJECTS We randomly assigned 104 adults (83 women and 21 men aged 30-65 years, body mass index 24-35 kg m(-2), non-diabetic) into two groups: nutrition counselling and control. Each subject in the intervention group received three individualised nutritional counselling sessions during the first 6 months aimed at increasing intakes of fruits, vegetables and olive oil, reducing saturated fat and improving physical activity. Body composition, biochemical indicators and lifestyle were assessed at baseline and at 6 months and 1 year in both groups. RESULTS After 6 months of follow-up, body weight, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total and saturated fat, and dietary energy and cholesterol levels showed a more significant decrease among subjects in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in each intervention goal, such as reduced intake of saturated fat and increased intakes of fruits, vegetables, fibre and olive oil (P < 0.05). After 12 months of follow-up, most of the outcomes were maintained. CONCLUSIONS The low-cost nutritional intervention programme improved serum lipids profile and weight control, and appeared to be feasible for use at a primary health-care centre in a developing country.

Intervenção nutricional e prevenção primária do diabetes mellitus tipo 2: uma revisão sistemática

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most important public health problems in the world. Its increasing prevalence in several countries and the difficult metabolic control of individuals with the disease justify studying strategies for primary prevention. Recent randomized clinical trials suggest that nutritional intervention may have an important impact on risk reduction for type 2 diabetes mellitus among individuals at high risk. The present systematic review describes the effect of lifestyle intervention trials on primary prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus.