P.B. Brevard

Residence of College Students Affects Dietary Intake, Physical Activity, and Serum Lipid Levels

OBJECTIVE Dietary intake, physical activity, and serum lipid levels of college students living on and off campus were compared. DESIGN Subjects completed a questionnaire regarding lifestyle factors and a 3-day food record. Lipid levels were determined. SUBJECTS College students enrolled in an introductory nutrition class. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Energy and nutrient intakes and serum lipid levels. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Analysis of variance and Students t tests were used to determine differences in energy and nutrient intakes and serum lipid levels between men and women living on and off campus; chi 2 analysis was used to determine whether there were associations between residence and lifestyle factors; stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to investigate relationships among serum lipid levels, nutrient intakes, and exercise levels. RESULTS Of the 104 participants, 81% were women and 19% were men; 51% lived on campus. In women, there was a statistically significant difference in age based on residence. Reported percentage of energy from protein was significantly higher in subjects living off campus. Serum triglyceride level and the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein were also significantly higher in students living off campus. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS Residence may affect serum lipid levels; living arrangements influence lifestyle factors such as food choices, nutrient content of the diet, and activity patterns. University foodservice directors are challenged to offer low-fat foods that students will choose to eat. Nutrition education is important for all students because their lifestyle may predispose them to development of chronic disease.

Differences in antioxidant levels of fresh, frozen and freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry jam

Abstract The present study was conducted to determine differences in antioxidant levels of fresh, frozen, and freeze-dried strawberries, and strawberry jam. Hydrophilic antioxidant activity (HAA) and lipophilic antioxidant activity (LAA) were measured using the ABTS/H2O2/HRP decoloration method. HAA and LAA were then summed to calculate the total antioxidant activity (TAA). Mean differences in HAA and LAA were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Dunnetts T3 pairwise comparisons. The mean TAA for freeze-dried strawberries based on an ‘as consumed’ weight (95% confidence interval [CI]: 29.58, 30.58) was significantly higher than for fresh (95% CI: 3.18, 3.66), frozen (95% CI: 2.58, 2.79), and jam (95% CI: 1.10, 1.22). The mean TAA based on dry weight for fresh strawberries (95% CI: 40.48, 46.67) was significantly higher than for freeze-dried (95% CI: 29.58, 30.58), frozen (95% CI: 24.62, 26.59), and jam (95% CI: 1.48, 1.64). Results agree with previous studies reporting that strawberries are a valuable source of antioxidants for consumers.

Dietary oxygen radical absorbance capacity as a predictor of bone mineral density

Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the middle phalange of the non-dominant hand by dual x-ray absorptiometry in a random sample of 123 women aged 19 to 63 years. Monthly intake of foods with high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) was obtained using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), ORAC scores were calculated, and lifestyle factors were used as confounding variables. After adjusting for age, supplement use, HRT status, physical activity, calcium intake, and ORAC intake, BMD was not predicted by ORAC. We conclude that more research is needed to measure ORAC for all free radicals in all commonly consumed fruits, vegetables, and teas in order to improve the usefulness of the FFQ in calculating approximate dietary ORAC. At this time, the potential of ORAC as a reliable predictor of health remains largely unknown, however, using currently available ORAC information, it cannot be considered a predictor of BMD.

Cooking does not decrease hydrophilic antioxidant capacity of wild blueberries

The present study examined the effects of domestic cooking methods on the hydrophilic antioxidant activity (HAA) of wild blueberries. Baked, microwaved, simmered, and pan-fried frozen wild blueberries, and a thawed uncooked control, were analyzed for HAA using an ABTS/H2O2/HRP decoloration method. All cooking treatments were derived from recipes using wild blueberries, and were performed in triplicate. A randomized block design was used to determine whether there were statistical differences in antioxidant content after cooking and between each of the trials. There were no statistically significant decreases after cooking the thawed berries. On both a fresh weight and a dry weight basis, pan-fried blueberries had significantly higher HAA than baked, simmered, and control blueberries (P<0.05). Antioxidants in wild blueberries appear to be heat stable since cooked berries retained significant HAA. Cooked wild blueberries can be recommended as a good source of dietary antioxidants.

Link between diet and cardiovascular disease in Latin America and the Caribbean using geographic information systems

OBJECTIVE To determine the visual, spatial, and/or statistical relationships between food availability/dietary patterns and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). METHODS CVD mortality rates and diet information (the number of kilocalories and amount of alcohol, fats, fish, fruits, meats, sugars, and vegetables available per person daily) were obtained from internationally available databases. The analyses included 32 LAC countries with sufficient data (15 of 47 had been excluded for incomplete data). Pearsons correlations (r) were used to determine relationships between diet and CVD mortality, and multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of mortality. ArcGIS version 9.2 (Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., Redlands, California, United States) was used to construct maps to explore visual relationships between CVD and diet. RESULTS No relationships were found between CVD and alcohol, fruit, meat, sugar, or vegetable intake. Statistically significant, positive correlations were found between oil-crops (r = 0.680, P = 0.000) and fish and seafood (r = 0.411, P = 0.019) and CVD mortality. Regression analysis revealed that high kilocalorie availability was a predictor of low CVD mortality (P = 0.020). High oil-crop availability was a predictor of high CVD mortality (P = 0.000). Maps constructed show visual relationships between availability of fish and seafood, kilocalories, and oil-crops, and CVD mortality. CONCLUSIONS Fish and seafood, kilocalorie, and oil-crop availability appear to be related to CVD mortality, but further investigation is needed. Associations between diet and CVD mortality create the opportunity to target specific countries for nutrition education and CVD prevention programs.

Chromium Nicotinate Supplementation: Effects on Body Composition and Strength in Female Colleigate Athletes Participating in Off-Season Training

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To evaluate differences in body composition, upper and lower body strength, and macronutrient intake in female collegiate athletes consuming a supplement of Cr Nic or a placebo This study investigated the relationship between chromium nicotinate (Cr Nic) supplementation and strength, body composition, and macronutrient intake in female collegiate athletes participating in off-season strength training. Seventeen collegiate athletes were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to receive daily either a placebo (Pl; n=10), or 200 micrograms Cr Nic (Cr; n=7) over eight weeks of a progressive strength training program. The athletes were pair-matched using body composition as the primary variable of interest, and strength as a secondary variable when applicable. Subjects were tested at baseline and at week eight for body composition, using skinfold measurements; and for strength, using a 1-repetition maximum technique for both upper and lower body strength. The athletes trained all major muscle groups 3 times a week. They were encouraged to maintain their usual diets over the course of the experiment. Diets were not significantly different with the Cr group consuming an eight week average of 1957 kcals (14% protein, 60% carbohydrate, 25% fat, & 2% alcohol), and the Pl group consuming 1748 kcals (14% protein, 60% carbohydrate, 26% fat, & 1% alcohol). Although there were no statistically significant differences in strength, upper body strength increased by 5 pounds (5.49%) in the Cr group, and 9 pounds (9.64%) in the Pl group. Lower body strength increased by 9 pounds (3.05%) in the Cr group, and 13 pounds (5.34%) in the Pl group. Since no treatment effect occurred, the gain in strength was attributed to the strength training program the athletes completed. Although the difference was not statistically significant, body fat increased by .60% in the Cr group, and by .10% in the Pl group. In conclusion, 8 weeks of Cr Nic supplementation, in conjunction with a progressive strength training program did not appear to increase strength or decrease body fat in these female athletes. Encouraging clients to use strength training would be an effective technique to increase muscle mass, while Cr Nic supplementation appears, in this population, to be of little benefit

Folate Fortification of Breads and Cereals and Supplement Use During Pregnancy Increases Likelihood of Meeting Dietary Reference Intakes

Abstract Women of child-bearing age are advised to consume 400 meg of folic acid daily and 600 meg during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. The purpose of this study was to determine folic acid intake of pregnant women, before and after bread/cereal fortification became mandatory in January of 1999, and with and without supplement use. Subjects were recruited from health departments and obstetricians offices. Three food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) were completed by telephone 3 months before pregnancy (FFQ1), and after the first (FFQ2) and second (FFQ3) trimesters. A brief FFQ was pilot tested and validated, specifically targeting folate-rich foods. Before bread/cereal fortification, 20% met the RDA on FFQ1, 34% on FFQ2, and 17% on FFQ3, which rose to 34%, 39%, and 28%, respectively after fortification. Mean folate intake before fortification for all FFQs was 450 meg, after fortification it was 536 meg, and with supplements it was 1093 meg. A statistically significant increase (p=.000) in mean folic acid intake on all three FFQs was found after fortification. With supplement use, those meeting the RDA increased to 54%, 93%, and 97%, respectively. There was a highly significant correlation between total folic acid intake and bread/cereal intake (p=.0005, r=.925). Fortified grain intake and supplement use are keys to helping females receive adequate folic acid during pregnancy.

Recreational runners' beliefs and practices concerning water intake

Water is the nutrient most critical to athletic performance. Water maintains blood volume, which is necessary for cardiovascular function and for regulating body temperature. Water is lost each day in sweat, urine, feces, moist air exhaled from the lungs, and diffusion through the skin. If water is not replaced, exercise performance is adversely affected.!,2 One mL of water per kilocalorie of energy expenditure can be recommended as the water requirement for adults under average conditions; however, because there is seldom a risk of water intoxication the water requirement is often increased to 1.5 mL/kilocalorie to cover variations in activity level, sweating, and renal solute load.3 With an average energy expenditure of 1800 kilocalories, the daily water requirement would be 8-11 cups, The median daily intake of water among respondents in the 1977-1978 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey was 2.8 cups.s The rate at which the stomach can empty water and other fluids is limited by the volume, temperature, composition, and concentration of the fluid. The limit of gastric emptying during exercise appears to be about 26 ounces per hour,! Fluids should be 40-50° F, because cold fluids help cool body temperature and leave the stomach more rapidly. 2 Consumption of heavily sugared drinks, such as sugarsweetened soft drinks and fruit juices, just prior to exercise has been shown to raise plasma insulin levels. This causes a significant decrease in blood glucose and a subsequent decline in performance. In contrast, beverages with a low concentration of carbohydrate and electrolytes, such as sport drinks or diluted fruit juice, appear to enhance performance in ehdurance activities. After exercise, a sweet tasting beverage may stimulate thirst and thereby stimulate additional drinking. 2

Effect of dietary caffeine intake on serum lipid levels in healthy adults

Recent reports suggest that caffeine consumption is associated with increased serum cholesterol and/or low density lipoprotein cholesterol. The authors examined the association between serum lipids and dietary caffeine intake in 179 healthy adults. The study confirmed that when consumption of caffeine reaches 200 mg or more total cholesterol significantly increased in males. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were somewhat increased in males who consumed 200 mg or more (p<0.01 for a linear trend). In women, triglyceride levels significantly increased when dietary caffeine intake was 200 mg or higher. Dietary caffeine intake may be a factor to consider when evaluating serum lipid levels.

GIS identifies trends in heart disease, cancer, and diet in the US

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore relationships between cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer (CA), and diet using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping techniques to investigate spatial trends.Design/methodology/approach – Databases containing CVD and CA deaths are listed by state in the USA; databases containing state food consumption statistics, therefore, were sought. Available databases indicating dietary patterns were used to create spatial maps of the USA using ArcGIS (ESRI, Redlands, CA, version 9.2), to visually show trends in relationships among CVD, CA, and diet. Correlations and linear regression were used to determine statistical relationships among variables.Findings – Maps show visual relationships between CVD and CA death rates, and a statistically significant positive correlation (r=0.765; p=0.0005) was also found. Southeastern states have the highest death rates for both diseases. Negative correlations were found between CVD and CA deaths and household expenditure f...