Background
Dietary habits during infancy and early childhood could have short and long-term health effects and could influence future adults' dietary habits. Acting during this sensitive period of ...life could be crucial. In 2006 a prospective infants cohort study was established at the Maternal and Child Institute - Burlo Garofolo in Trieste, Italy (Trieste Infant Feeding Cohort - TIF cohort) to assess energy and nutrients intake during the first three years of infants' life. This nutritional analysis focused on dietary habits of infants at 24 months of age.
Methods
Dietary data were collected using a 3-day dietary record (3-d DR) and data were analysed using a nutritional software containing the Italian Food Composition database and integrated with data from nutritional labels and literature. Energy and macronutrients intake were compared with the Italian Dietary Reference Values (DRV) and the WHO recommendation. Differences by sex were also assessed.
Results
3d-DR was filled for 157 infants. Available carbohydrates (CHO) and starch intakes were significantly significant higher in males (p < 0.05). The percentage contribution of CHO to total energy intake was in line with DRV (75.8% of infants within the reference interval (RI)) similarly 75.2% of infants are within the RI for fats. Proteins' contribution to energy intake, instead, was above the RI for 53.5% of infants over the RI and the daily protein intake was greater than the estimated DRV (median 43.9 g/d, IQR of 16.2 g/d vs median DRV 10.3 g/d, IQR 1.3 g/d).
Conclusions
The results show a substantial adherence with recommendations for macronutrient intakes except for the excess protein intake. Elevated protein intake play a role in developing long-term health consequences and seems linked to overweight and obesity. Further evaluation of protein intake should be desirable.
Key messages
Nutritional studies are essential tools to assess dietary habits in infants and allow to contribute of reference recommendations evolution.
Macronutrients analysis, with a particular focus on proteins intake, can help to evaluate children’ dietary patterns, to intercept and possibly correct unhealthy habits.
A favorable role of fruit and vegetables on colorectal cancer risk has been related to the antioxidant properties of their components. We used data from an Italian case–control study including 1,953 ...patients with incident, histologically confirmed colorectal cancer (1,225 colon and 728 rectal cancers). Controls were 4,154 patients admitted to hospital for acute, non‐neoplastic conditions. A reproducible and valid food frequency questionnaire was used to assess subjects' usual diet. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured using Italian food composition tables in terms of ferric reducing‐antioxidant power (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and total radical‐trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP). We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) through multiple logistic regression models, including terms for potential confounding factors, and energy intake. TAC was inversely related with colorectal cancer risk: the OR for the highest versus the lowest quintile was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.57–0.82) for FRAP, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.57–0.83) for TEAC and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.57–0.83) for TRAP. Corresponding values, excluding TAC deriving from coffee, were 0.75 (95% CI, 0.61–0.93) for FRAP, 0.76 (95% CI, 0.61–0.93) for TEAC and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.57–0.89) for TRAP. The inverse association was apparently—though not significantly—stronger for rectal than for colon cancer. This is the first case–control study indicating consistent inverse relations between dietary TAC and colorectal cancer risk.
What's new?
A diet rich in fruit and vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk of common cancers, including colorectal cancer. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), rather than individual components, has been suggested as a relevant factor for cancer risk. In this case‐control study of over 6,000 patients, the authors used several different techniques to measure the dietary TAC of subjects' usual diet, and found a consistent inverse relationship between dietary TAC and colorectal cancer risk.
The validity of a 77-item food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) developed for a multicenter case-control study on diet and cancer in Italy was assessed. Trained interviewers administered the same FFQ to ...452 volunteers from three Italian provinces (Pordenone, Genoa, and Forli) completed in two different seasons, at an interval of 3 to 10 months. For 395 (130 males, 265 females; median age = 52 years; range = 35 to 69 years) volunteers, two 7-day dietary (7-DD) records were available. Average intake obtained by means of the FFQ was overestimated by approximately 18% in comparison with the corresponding values based on the two 7-DD records (reference method). Pearson partial correlation coefficients, adjusted for total energy intake between the nutrient intakes assessed by the FFQ and reference method, ranged from 0.19 for vegetable fat to 0.64 for sugar (median value
r = 0.46). The unadjusted deattenuated coefficients, which took into account the interindividual variability of consumption, estimated by means of the two 7-DD records, ranged from 0.29 for vegetable fat to 0.72 for starch (median value
r = 0.54). The proportion of subjects correctly classified within the lowest two quintiles ranged between 59% for vegetable fat and vitamin E, and 96% for alcohol, and those correctly classified within the highest two quintiles ranged between 44% for vegetable fat and 94% for alcohol. The average proportion of subjects correctly classified within one quintile was 73%. These data indicate that this FFQ provides valid estimates of intakes for major nutrients, comparable to those reported from other studies in North America and other European countries.
Background: Dietary carbohydrates vary in their ability to raise blood glucose and insulin levels, which, in turn, influence levels of sex hormones and insulin-like growth factors. We analyzed the ...effect of type and amount of carbohydrates on ovarian cancer risk, using the glycemic index (GI) and the glycemic load (GL) measurement in a large case–control study conducted in Italy. Materials and methods: Cases included 1031 women with incident, histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer, from four Italian regions. Controls included 2411 women admitted to the same hospital networks for acute, non-neoplastic conditions. Average daily GI and GL were calculated from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using multiple logistic regression. Results: Ovarian cancer was directly associated with dietary GI (OR for highest versus lowest quartile = 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.1) and GL (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.1). The associations were observed in pre- and postmenopausal women, and they remained consistent across strata of major covariates identified. Conclusions: This study supports the hypothesis of a direct association between GI and GL and ovarian cancer risk and, consequently, of a possible role of hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance in ovarian cancer development.
Background
Since heart transplantation (HTx) has become the gold standard therapy in end-staged heart failure, many factors, including metabolic syndrome (MS), represent a burden in HTx patients. ...Considering key role of immunosuppressive therapy and its side effects on the appearance of MS, we focused on modifiable factors including adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MD) and improvement of dietary habits.
Methods
21 heart-transplanted patients were enrolled and randomized in a control group (CG; N 10) and an intervention group (IG; N 11). During two meetings (baseline, 6-month follow-up) were administered a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), to assess adherence to MD, and collected clinical and anthropometric parameters, IG were additionally requested to fill a food diary. IG received personalized advices, CG received standard recommendations. Comparison between IG and CG were analyzed, differences into the IG were also assessed.
Results
The prevalence of MS at baseline was 46% in IG and 20% in CG. During 6-month follow-up, significant lower blood pressure values were observed (median, 25th-75th: systolic 130, 120-130 IG vs 145, 130-147 CG; p = 0.004). Seven patients of IG underwent a 12-month meeting. In this group MD scores increased significantly (7 + 1.3 vs 4 + 1.5, p = 0.001). Furthermore, significant decrease of fat mass percentage (%) (23.3 + 6.3 vs 14.8 + 10.1, p = 0.014), increase of fat free mass % (76 + 6.3 vs 85.2 + 10.1, p = 0.014) and increase of body cell mass % (50.9 + 3.8 vs 53.4 + 3.4, p = 0.031) were observed. Dietary data in IG showed significant decrease of energy from saturated fatty acids % (13.0±2.1 vs 9.6±1.5, p = 0.001), sodium (mg) (2138±359 vs 1822±417, p = 0.045), and decreasing trend for cholesterol (mg) (219±82 vs 171±59, p = 0.082).
Conclusions
Dietary intervention based on MD perhaps can improve MS risks in heart-transplanted patients. Further investigations may be needed to assess the fundamental role of a structured nutritional follow-up in these patients.
Key messages
* Personalized nutritional advices based on the MD, compared to general recommendation, can significantly improve health and quality of life in heart-transplanted patients.
* A structured nutritional follow-up for heart-transplanted patients may be desirable to prevent risks of Metabolic Syndrome as a public health instrument in selected categories as these patients.
Fiber intake and risk of colorectal cancer Negri, E; Franceschi, S; Parpinel, M ...
Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention,
08/1998, Letnik:
7, Številka:
8
Journal Article
Recenzirano
The relationship between various types of fiber and colorectal cancer risk was investigated using data from a case-control
study conducted between January 1992 and June 1996 in Italy. The study ...included 1953 cases of incident, histologically confirmed
colorectal cancers (1225 colon cancers and 728 rectal cancers) admitted to the major teaching and general hospitals in the
study areas and 4154 controls with no history of cancer admitted to hospitals in the same catchment areas for acute nonneoplastic
diseases. Dietary habits were investigated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) were computed
after allowance for age, sex, and other potential confounding factors, including physical activity and protein, fat, and carbohydrate
intake. Fiber was analyzed both as a continuous variable and in quintiles. For most types of fiber, the OR of colon and rectal
cancers was significantly below 1, and no appreciable differences emerged between the two. When the unit was set at the difference
between the upper cutpoints of the fourth and first quintile, i.e., the 80th and 20th percentiles, the ORs for colorectal
cancer were 0.68 for total fiber (determined by the Englyst method as nonstarch polysaccharides), 0.67 for soluble noncellulose
polysaccharides (NCPs), 0.71 for total insoluble fiber, 0.67 for cellulose, 0.82 for insoluble NCPs, and 0.88 for lignin.
When fiber was classified according to the source, the OR was 0.75 for vegetable fiber, 0.85 for fruit fiber, and 1.09 for
cereal fiber. The ORs were similar for the two sexes and the strata of age, education, physical activity, family history of
colorectal cancer, and energy intake. Likewise, no appreciable differences emerged when subsites of the colon and rectum were
investigated separately. This study provides additional support for a protective and independent effect of fiber on colorectal
cancer, particularly for cellulose and soluble NCPs, and of fiber of vegetable or fruit origin.
Abstract
Background
In literature, few studies evaluated Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence in pregnant women, so we decided to conduct a survey to analyze MD and healthy habits in pregnant women ...living in North East of Italy, in 2018.
Methods
In our monocentric observational study, we enrolled >18 years pregnant women (2nd-3rd trimester) to evaluate MD adherence through “PREDIMED” validated questionnaire. Based on previous studies on MD score, women were classified into High-MD adherence (score >8; range 0-14) and low-MD adherence group (score ≤ 8). Comparisons between groups were performed using a t-test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, chi square test and regression models as appropriate. We also investigated BMI (body mass index) and healthy habits before and during pregnancy.
Results
We analyzed 113 questionnaires and MD score, ranging from 3 to 13, had a mean value of 8.04 (SD 1.95), with low MD adherence in 63% (71) of our sample. Women (mean age 32 years; min 22- max 43; SD 1.95) were mostly employed (95; 84%) and alcohol consumers before pregnancy 79 (70%), especially wine 53 (47%). 5 (4%) didn't quit smoking while pregnant. Comparing BMI data before and during pregnancy to international recommendations, we found inadequate weight gain for each BMI category (100% in underweight, 70.7% in normal weight, 35% in overweight, 50% in obese range). Age was associated with MD adherence (β 0.11; 95%CI 0.04-0.17). Employment was also positively associated with higher MD values (p 0.002). Wine assumption before pregnancy was statistically significant associated with high MD group (p 0.0334).
Conclusions
In our study we found MD adherence levels lower than expected and an inadequate weight gain during pregnancy. MD seems also to be age and employment-related. Wine consumption before pregnancy and its positive association with MD need to be further analyzed.
Key messages
Mediterranean Diet adherence among pregnant women studied is not high and weight gain is frequently inadequate. Age and employment status might influence MD adherence in pregnancy.
Background: Folate and vitamin B6 intake has been associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease, but studies are not consistent. Objective: The relation between folate and vitamin B6 intake ...and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was assessed in a Mediterranean population. Design: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Milan, Italy, between 1995 and 1999. Information was collected by interviewer-administered questionnaires. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained by multiple logistic regression models. Subjects: Cases were 507 patients with a first episode of nonfatal AMI, and controls were 478 patients admitted to hospital for acute conditions. Results: Compared to patients in the lowest tertile of intake, the ORs for those in the highest tertile were 0.56 (95% CI 0.35-0.88) for folate and 0.34 (95% CI 0.19-0.60) for vitamin B6. The OR was consistently below unity in strata of sex, age, alcohol, methionine, tobacco smoking, coffee, hypertension and family history of AMI; the inverse association was apparently stronger for vitamin B6 in regular alcohol drinkers than in no or occasional drinkers. Compared to subjects with a low intake of both micronutrients, the OR was 0.29 for those with a high intake of both. Compared to subjects reporting no or occasional alcohol drinking and low methionine and folate intake, the OR was 0.28 in regular drinkers with high methionine and high folate intake. The corresponding value for vitamin B6 was 0.25. Conclusions: A high intake of folates, vitamin B6 and their combination is inversely associated with AMI risk.
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