Background
Previous research has shown that diet is associated with low‐grade systemic inflammation among adults. However, no study has yet been conducted to explore the association between ...inflammatory potential of diet and low‐grade systemic inflammation among adolescents whose dietary behavior may be different from adults.
Methods and Results
We examine the predictive ability of 24‐h recall‐derived dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores on inflammation among 532 European adolescents in the HELENA cross‐sectional study. The DII is a literature‐derived dietary index developed to predict inflammation. The DII was calculated per 1000 calories and was tested against C‐reactive protein, ILs‐1,2,4,10, TNF‐α, ICAM, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), and IFN‐γ. All inflammatory markers had nonnormal distributions and therefore were log transformed. Analyses were performed using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, city, BMI, smoking, and physical activity. Pro‐inflammatory diet (higher DII scores) was associated with increased levels of various inflammatory markers: TNF‐α, IL‐1, 2, IFN‐γ, and vascular cell adhesion molecule (bDIIt3vs1 = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.25; 0.13, 95% CI 0.001, 0.25; 0.40, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.77; 0.53, 95% CI: 0.05, 1.01; 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.13, respectively).
Conclusion
These results reinforce the fact that diet, as a whole, plays an important role in modifying inflammation in adolescents.
Previous research has shown that diet is associated with low‐grade systemic inflammation among adults. However, no study has yet been conducted to explore the association between inflammatory potential of diet and low‐grade systemic inflammation among adolescents whose dietary behavior may be different from adults. A pro‐inflammatory diet as evidenced by higher DII scores is associated with increased levels of various inflammatory markers in the healthy lifestyle in europe by nutrition in adolescents (HELENA) cross‐sectional study.
Eating out of home (EOH) is a common practice worldwide but research gaps have been identified. The aims of this review were (a) to find a common definition for EOH, (b) to determine the nutritional ...contribution of EOH, and (c) to analyze the relationship of EOH with health parameters in adults. Fifty-seven articles were finally selected. The definition of EOH was not harmonized between researchers and the comparison between studies was quite difficult. Restaurant and fast food were the terms most used, followed by chain restaurant, à la carte, sit-down restaurant, eating at table, full service, ready to eat, takeaway, buffet and buffet by weight, bar, cafes, and cafeterias, either alone or attached to at least one of the above. The profile of the main EOH participant was a highly educated, high-income, and unmarried young man. EOH was related to a body mass index (BMI) or being overweight in a different way depending on age, sex, or EOH frequency. A high rate of EOH led to poorer diet quality, characterized by higher intakes of energy, total and saturated fats, sugar, and sodium, as well as lower intakes of fiber, dairy, fruit, vegetables, and micronutrients. Regarding beverages, a higher intake of soft drinks, sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices, beer, and other alcohol was observed when EOH. There is a need for a methodological consensus for analyzing the impact of EOH on dietary intake and health to avoid bias. Additionally, measures and policies should be utilized to help consumers to make healthier choices when EOH is compatible with business regarding those running EOH establishments.
Vitamin B
deficit is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies. However, there is no consensus on the cut-off points for vitamin B
and its co-markers, such as folate, holotranscobalamin, ...methylmalonic acid and homocysteine. In order to establish the state of the art about cut-off points used to determine vitamin B
deficiency in the last decades, the database MEDLINE was used for searching studies published in adults between December 1992 and May 2014 (69 articles), using search terms like ‘vitamin B
’, ‘cobalamin’, ‘cut-off’, ‘deficiency’ alone or in combinations. Broad ranges of cut-off points for vitamin B
and its biomarkers were identified: vitamin B
ranged between 100 pmol/L and 350 pmol/L, holotranscobalamin 20–50 pmol/L, methylmalonic acid 0.210–0.470 μmol/L, homocysteine 10–21.6 μmol/L, serum folate 3.7–15.9 nmol/L and red blood cell 124–397 nmol/L. For the majority of studies, the potential influence of age, analytical methods, gender and fortified food consumption was not taken in account when choosing cut-off values. This could explain the discrepancies between studies on vitamin B
and folate deficiency prevalences. We conclude that there is inconsistency in the literature regarding vitamin B
cut-offs. It would be necessary to establish different reference cut-offs according to age, considering the analytical methods used.
Governments have restricted public life during the COVID-19 pandemic, inter alia closing sports facilities and gyms. As regular exercise is essential for health, this study examined the effect of ...pandemic-related confinements on physical activity (PA) levels. A multinational survey was performed in 14 countries. Times spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as well as in vigorous physical activity only (VPA) were assessed using the Nordic Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form). Data were obtained for leisure and occupational PA pre- and during restrictions. Compliance with PA guidelines was calculated based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). In total, n = 13,503 respondents (39 ± 15 years, 59% females) were surveyed. Compared to pre-restrictions, overall self-reported PA declined by 41% (MVPA) and 42.2% (VPA). Reductions were higher for occupational vs. leisure time, young and old vs. middle-aged persons, previously more active vs. less active individuals, but similar between men and women. Compared to pre-pandemic, compliance with WHO guidelines decreased from 80.9% (95% CI: 80.3-81.7) to 62.5% (95% CI: 61.6-63.3). Results suggest PA levels have substantially decreased globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key stakeholders should consider strategies to mitigate loss in PA in order to preserve health during the pandemic.
We studied in European adolescents (i) the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and ideal cardiovascular health as defined by the American Heart Association and (ii) whether there is a ...cardiorespiratory fitness threshold associated with a more favourable cardiovascular health profile.
Participants included 510 (n=259 girls) adolescents from 9 European countries. The 20 m shuttle run test was used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. Ideal cardiovascular health was defined as meeting ideal levels of the following components: four behaviours (smoking, body mass index, physical activity and diet) and three factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose).
Higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with a higher number of ideal cardiovascular health components in both boys and girls (both p for trend ≤0.001). Levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were significantly higher in adolescents meeting at least four ideal components (13% higher in boys, p<0.001; 6% higher in girls, p=0.008). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed a significant discriminating accuracy of cardiorespiratory fitness in identifying the presence of at least four ideal cardiovascular health components (43.8 mL/kg/min in boys and 34.6 mL/kg/min in girls, both p<0.001).
The results suggest a hypothetical cardiorespiratory fitness level associated with a healthier cardiovascular profile in adolescents. The fitness standards could be used in schools as part of surveillance and/or screening systems to identify youth with poor health behaviours who might benefit from intervention programmes.
The benefits of regular physical activity have been known since ancient Greek. But in the last Century the scientific knowledge around this topic has progressed enormously, starting with the early ...studies of JN Morris and RS Paffenberger, who demonstrated that physical activity at work reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. In the Harvard alumni study, the lowest risk was associated with a weekly output of 1000 to 2000 kcal performing vigorous activities. Further studies in all age groups have supported these findings and have added that even moderate levels of physical activity provide considerable benefits to health, including lower prevalence of overweight and obesity at all ages. Metabolic fat oxidation rate is highest at exercise intensities between 45 and 65% of VO2max. This means that people must be active regularly and force physiological mechanisms at certain intensities. All this body of evidence has contributed to current WHO physical activity recommendations of 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in adults and elderly, and 60 min/day of MVPA in children and adolescents, with additional strength training, apart from adopting an active lifestyle. In the last 50 years, occupational physical activity has been reduced for about 120 kcal/day, and sedentarism has emerged as an additional risk factor to physical inactivity. Even if less than 60 min of TV time in adults have been related to lower average BMI, there is still a need for research to determine the appropriate dose of exercise in combination with sedentary behaviours and other activities in the context of our modern lifestyle in order to prevent obesity at all ages. As public health measures have failed to stop the obesity epidemic in the last 3 decades, there is clearly a need to change the paradigm. The inclusion of sport scientists, physical education teachers and other professionals in the multidisciplinary team which should be responsible for drawing the road map to prevent the increase of the obesity epidemic effectively is a "must" from our point of view.
Scope
The nutrition societies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are the joint editors of the “D‐A‐CH reference values for nutrient intake”, which are revised regularly.
Methods and Results
By ...reviewing vitamin‐B12‐related biomarker studies, the reference values for vitamin B12 were revised in 2018. For adults, the estimated intake is based on the adequate serum concentrations of holotranscobalamin and methylmalonic acid. The estimated values for children and adolescents are extrapolated from the adult reference value by considering differences in body mass, an allometric exponent, and growth factors. For infants below 4 months of age, an estimated value is set based on the vitamin B12 intake via breast milk. The reference values for pregnant and lactating women consider the requirements for the fetus and for loss via breast milk. The estimated values for vitamin B12 intake for infants, children, and adolescents range from 0.5 to 4.0 µg d−1. For adults, the estimated values are set at 4.0 µg d−1, and for pregnant and lactating women, they are set at 4.5 and 5.5 µg d−1, respectively.
Conclusion
Based on the data of several vitamin B12 status biomarkers studies, the reference value for vitamin B12 intake for adults is raised from 3.0 to 4.0 µg d−1.
In 2018, the nutrition societies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (D‐A‐CH) revised the reference values for vitamin B12. For the value for adults, adequate biomarker status of vitamin B12 in healthy people was considered, notably adequate serum concentrations of holotranscobalamin and methylmalonic acid. As a result, the revised reference value for adults was raised from 3 up to 4 µg d−1.
Background
A validated, standardized, and feasible test to assess muscle power in older adults has recently been reported: the sit‐to‐stand (STS) muscle power test. This investigation aimed to assess ...the relationship between relative STS power and age and to provide normative data, cut‐off points, and minimal clinically important differences (MCID) for STS power measures in older women and men.
Methods
A total of 9320 older adults (6161 women and 3159 men) aged 60–103 years and 586 young and middle‐aged adults (318 women and 268 men) aged 20–60 years were included in this cross‐sectional study. Relative (normalized to body mass), allometric (normalized to height squared), and specific (normalized to legs muscle mass) muscle power values were assessed by the 30 s STS power test. Body composition was evaluated by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis, and legs skeletal muscle index (SMI; normalized to height squared) was calculated. Habitual and maximal gait speed, timed up‐and‐go test, and 6 min walking distance were collected as physical performance measures, and participants were classified into two groups: well‐functioning and mobility‐limited older adults.
Results
Relative STS power was found to decrease between 30–50 years (−0.05 W·kg−1·year−1; P > 0.05), 50–80 years (−0.10 to −0.13 W·kg−1·year−1; P < 0.001), and above 80 years (−0.07 to −0.08 W·kg−1·year−1; P < 0.001). A total of 1129 older women (18%) and 510 older men (16%) presented mobility limitations. Mobility‐limited older adults were older and exhibited lower relative, allometric, and specific power; higher body mass index (BMI) and legs SMI (both only in women); and lower legs SMI (only in men) than their well‐functioning counterparts (all P < 0.05). Normative data and cut‐off points for relative, allometric, and specific STS power and for BMI and legs SMI were reported. Low relative STS power occurred below 2.1 W·kg−1 in women (area under the curve, AUC, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.85 0.84–0.87) and below 2.6 W·kg−1 in men (AUC 95% CI = 0.89 0.87–0.91). The age‐adjusted odds ratios 95% CI for mobility limitations in older women and men with low relative STS power were 10.6 9.0–12.6 and 14.1 10.9–18.2, respectively. MCID values for relative STS power were 0.33 W·kg−1 in women and 0.42 W·kg−1 in men.
Conclusions
Relative STS power decreased significantly after the age of 50 years and was negatively and strongly associated with mobility limitations. Our study provides normative data, functionally relevant cut‐off points, and MCID values for STS power for their use in daily clinical practice.
Dietary habits amongst the Spanish population are currently a relevant cause for concern, as macronutrient profiles and micronutrient intakes seem to be inadequate and globally moving away from the ...traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern. However, recent food consumption patterns have not been fully assessed. In the present study, our aim was therefore to describe the current food consumption from the "anthropometric data, macronutrients and micronutrients intake, practice of physical activity, socioeconomic data and lifestyles in Spain" (ANIBES) study population by assessing data defined by age and gender. The ANIBES study is a cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample of the Spanish population. A three-day dietary record was used to obtain information about food and beverage consumption. The sample comprised 2009 individuals aged 9-75 years, plus a boost sample for the youngest age groups (9-12, 13-17, and 18-24 years,
= 200 per age group). The most consumed food group across all age segments were non-alcoholic beverages followed by milk and dairy products and vegetables. Consumption of cereals and derivatives, milk and dairy products, sugars and sweets, and ready-to-eat meals by children was significantly higher than those by the adult and older adult populations (
≤ 0.05). Conversely, intakes of vegetables, fruits, and fish and shellfish were significantly higher in adults and older adults (
≤ 0.05). In order to comply with recommendations, adherence to the Mediterranean dietary patterns should be strengthened, especially amongst younger population groups. Therefore, substantial nutritional interventions may be targeted to improve the Spanish population's dietary patterns nowadays.
Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D have important biological roles in the body, especially in bone metabolism. We aimed to study the reported intake, the disparity between the reported ...consumption and the level needed for adequacy and food sources of these four nutrients in the Spanish population. We assessed the reported intake for both, general population and plausible reporters. Results were extracted from the ANIBES survey,
= 2009. Three-day dietary reported intake data were obtained and misreporting was assessed according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Mean ± SEM (range) total reported consumption of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D for the whole population were 698 ± 7 mg/day (71-2551 mg/day), 1176 ± 8 mg/day, (331-4429 mg/day), 222 ± 2 mg/day (73-782 mg/day), and 4.4 ± 0.1 µg/day (0.0-74.2 µg/day), respectively. In the whole group, 76% and 66%; 79% and 72%; and 94% and 93% of the population had reported intakes below 80% of the national and European recommended daily intakes for calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, respectively; these percentages were over 40% when the plausible reporters were analysed separately. The main food sources were milk and dairy products for calcium and phosphorus, cereals and grains for magnesium and fish for vitamin D. In conclusion, there is an important percentage of the Spanish ANIBES population not meeting the recommended intakes for calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.
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