BMC Nutrition最新文献

Background: In Iran, not only the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing but also the age of patients at diagnosis is alarmingly dropping. We need urgent actions to better understand the epidemiology of CRC and the contributing factors for such pattern in Iranian population. The aim of our study was to determine the potential contribution of lifestyle, including dietary pattern, to CRC in a large Iranian province.

Methods: A hospital based case-control study was performed on 572 participants (275 cases and 297 controls). Patients in the case group were newly diagnosed with CRC in a referral hospital and patients in the control group were selected from those patients with non-malignancy diseases who were admitted to the same hospital. Control group was frequency matched to the case group for gender and age.

Results: Based on the results of multivariable logistic regression analysis, direct associations were observed between usual pattern of defecation (OR_{> 3rd /every day} =4.74, 95% CI: 1.78-12.59), chicken consumption (OR_{sometimes or always/occasionally} = 6.33, 95% CI:3.23-12.43), family history of CRC (OR_yes/no =5.79, 95% CI: 2.72-12.31), and alcohol consumption (OR_yes/no =6.03, 95% CI: 2.14-16.98) with the odds of CRC among the study population. On the other hand, taking multivitamins (OR_yes/no=0.09, 95% CI:0.04-0.20), consumption of coffee (OR_{always/occasionally} =0.29, 95% CI: 0.12-0.69), taking vitamins D supplement (OR_yes/no =0.38,95% CI:0.22-0.66), and consumption of garlic (OR_{sometimes/occasionally} =0.53,95% CI: 0.30-0.95) significantly reduced the odds of CRC.

Conclusions: We revealed potentially significant effects of several lifestyle related factors with CRC risk in Iranian population. More studies are required to understand the mechanism of action of the associated factors in developing CRC.

Background: Despite global efforts to achieve zero hunger, food insecurity remains a critical challenge in several African countries, including Cameroon. This study aims to identify sociodemographic predictors of food insecurity across Cameroon through a comprehensive, nationwide cross-sectional analysis.

Methods: Data for this study were drawn from the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS). Food insecurity levels were evaluated using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). To estimate the probabilities of moderate and severe food insecurity among different sociodemographic groups, logistic regression models were applied, with results expressed as average marginal effects (AME).

Results: The findings reveal that approximately 24.86% of participants experienced moderate food insecurity, while 28.96% faced severe food insecurity. Among men, the proportion experiencing severe food insecurity was 38.8%, compared to 24.3% for women. Multivariable regression analysis showed that severe food insecurity was less likely among women [AME = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.83,0.86], Muslims [AME = 0.91, 95%CI = 0.90,0.93], individuals with higher education levels (secondary education: AME = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.90,0.95; higher education: AME = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.85,0.90), those owning land (either alone or jointly) [AME = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.89,0.96], wealthiest households (moderate food insecurity: AME = 0.91, 95%CI = 0.88,0.93; severe food insecurity: AME = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.70,0.75), female-headed households [AME = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.96,0.99], and rural residents [AME = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.95,0.98].

Conclusions: These findings underscore that food insecurity affects a substantial portion of the Cameroonian population, with certain sociodemographic groups more vulnerable than others. This study proposes targeted policy recommendations to address food insecurity in Cameroon, including social assistance programs for at-risk groups, investments in socioeconomic empowerment, improvements in agricultural productivity, and ongoing research to guide evidence-based interventions.

Background: Gallstones are a common digestive disorder that threatens human health. Iron deficiency may be related to the formation of gallstones, but there is limited current epidemiological research. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between iron status and gallstones.

Methods: The datasets from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020 were used in a cross-sectional investigation. Gallstones were determined by using the 2007-2010 NHANES questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the association between serum iron, serum ferritin and iron intake with the risk for gallstones. Subgroup analysis based on gender, age, race, and diabetes were performed. Fitted smoothing curves were used to describe the linear relationship.

Results: The research involved 7847 participants aged 20 and above, among whom 845 were identified as having gallstones. Participants with higher serum iron levels tended to have a lower gallstones prevalence. A negative relationship between serum iron and gallstones prevalence was observed (OR = 0.979, 95% CI:0.965-0.992). The group with the highest serum iron tertile had a 23.7% lower risk of gallstones compared to the lowest tertile (OR = 0.763, 95% CI:0.628‒0.929). Gallstone prevalence was inversely correlated with iron intake in model 1. The negative association between serum iron and gallstones remained stable in stratifications, including gender, age, race, and diabetes.

Conclusions: Elevated serum iron was associated with a decreased prevalence of gallstones. However, to confirm the impact of long-term iron metabolism on gallstone formation, additional prospective research is necessary.

Background: Although adherence to a healthy dietary pattern is one of the primary recommendations for the prevention of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), there is still no conclusive evidence of which specific dietary pattern is best. The Lifelines diet score (LLDS) is a new, evidence-based scoring system to determine diet quality, and its association with PCOS has not been investigated. The present study aimed to assess the association between LLDS and PCOS in Iranian women.

Materials and methods: This frequency-matched case-control study was carried out on 108 women with PCOS and 108 women without PCOS as a control group in Yazd, Iran. Healthy controls were matched to PCOS women based on age and BMI. The validated 178-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the usual dietary intake. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between LLDS and PCOS.

Results: The findings of the present study showed women in the highest tertile of LLDS compared with the participants in the lowest tertile had 90% lower odds of PCOS (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.10; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.04 to 0.21, p for trend: <0.001). This association remained significant after adjustment for energy intake, marital status, pregnancy history, WC, chronic disease history, physical activity, and BMI (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.11; 95% (CI):0.05 to 0.27, p for trend: <0.001).

Conclusion: Although the present study found a significant protective association between adherence to LLDS and PCOS, more mechanism-based studies are needed to confirm these findings in the future.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder in which the intake of food is known to exacerbate symptoms. Experiencing food related symptoms can lead to avoidance of food, and cause anxiety related to food intake. We aimed to explore perceptions of the healthiness of food, food avoidance, and food-related worry and anxiety among individuals with and without IBS.

Methods: This study was based on a survey conducted in January-February 2017. In total, 2000 participants aged 20-65 were invited by postal letter randomly obtained through the Swedish state personal address register. The questionnaire included aspects of socioeconomic position, different disorders including IBS and food intolerances, food avoidance, and food-related worry or anxiety.

Results: In total, 538 participants were included in this study, of whom 8.4% (n = 45) reported having IBS. There were few differences regarding the perceived healthiness of foods between individuals with and without IBS. Participants with IBS avoided gluten (OR 3.45, p = 0.002), lactose (OR 5.0, p < 0.001) and alcohol (OR 2.0, p = 0.042) more frequently than individuals without IBS, and avoidance was driven by abdominal pain. Participants with IBS also reported feeling more worried and having anxiety about diet than those without IBS (p = 0.032 and p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion: This study indicates that individuals with IBS perceive most foods as equally healthy as individuals without IBS. Having IBS increases the odds of avoiding gluten, lactose, and alcohol. Worry and anxiety related to diet were more common among individuals with IBS, and these aspects need to be considered both in clinical practice and in future research.

Background: While several validated sports nutrition knowledge questionnaires exist, none are specifically designed to assess the sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) of Sri Lankan track and field athletes. This study aims to validate the Sri Lankan Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (SLn-SNKQ), tailored for this athlete group, to provide more accurate and meaningful insights for research and practice. This will enable health professionals and coaches to confidently assess athletes' nutrition knowledge, which directly influences their food choices.

Methods: The validity of the questionnaire was established through a multi-step approach. Content validity was achieved via ratings from nutrition experts, all of whom had specialized training in human nutrition and experience of working with athletes. Face validity was evaluated through in-depth telephone interviews with elite or highly trained athletes, using a retrospective think-out-loud protocol to gather feedback on the clarity and relevance of the questions. Construct validity involved nutrition-trained doctors (NTG), non-nutrition-trained professionals (NNTG), and elite-level athletes' groups (AG). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was evaluated.

Results: The final tool comprised 123 individual statements or prompts (items) that were organized into 32 broader questions, spanning 12 sub-sections. Content validity was confirmed by fully integrating 49 out of 70 comments and partially integrating four comments received from nutrition experts for each sub-section. Face validity was established by fully integrating 33 out of 40 comments received from 16 elite and highly trained athletes. Construct validity was confirmed, indicating significant differences in the total scores achieved as a percentage of the SLn-SNKQ among the NTG (462.5, 92.5%), NNTG (223.5, 44.7%), and AG (235, 47.0%; p < 0.001). Reproducibility was established by strong test-retest reliability between individuals' scores on two test attempts, three weeks apart (spearman's correlation; ρ = 0.99, p < 0.05). Internal reliability for each sub-section met psychometric reliability requirements (Cronbach's α > 0.7).

Conclusions: The SLn-SNKQ has been validated and demonstrates robust psychometric properties, offering a reliable tool for assessing SNK among Sri Lankan track and field athletes.

Introduction: Burkina Faso implemented stringent measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that profoundly affected its economy and might have exacerbated food insecurity. While prior studies have assessed the impact of these measures on consumers, there is a dearth of evidence of its effects on food producers in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims (i) to evaluate the repercussions of COVID-19 on the possession of food production assets and on the number of livestock owned; and (ii) to determine the correlation between the food insecurity experience scale (FIES) score, ownership of these assets, and the number of livestock owned.

Methods: This study employs a pre-post comparison design in two panels of randomly selected households in Burkina Faso. While Panel A was constituted of 384 households predominantly (76%) living in rural areas, Panel B comprised 504 households, only half of which (51%) lived in rural areas. All households were visited twice: in July 2019 and February 2021, for Panel A, and in February 2020 and February 2021, for Panel B. Panel B was added to the study before the pandemic thanks to additional funding; the timing of the survey was harmonized in both panels for the second round. Regression models were used with fixed effects at the household level, controlling for potential time-invariant confounding variables, and correlation coefficients between possession of production assets or number of livestock and FIES score were measured.

Results: Our findings indicate that the possession of some assets in Panel A (cart, livestock, bicycle, watch) was significantly reduced during the pandemic, as was the herd sizes among livestock-owning households in both panels. Households with fewer production assets and number of livestock were more likely to experience food insecurity.

Conclusion: This study underscores the vulnerability of rural households in Burkina Faso to the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the challenges faced by farming and livestock-owning households is crucial for mitigating food insecurity and improving resilience in the face of ongoing crises.

Background: Dietary patterns play a crucial role in the development and management of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) is a novel tool that assesses the quality of beverage choices in the diet and provides insights into their potential impact on metabolic health. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the HBI and the MetS.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected at baseline from the Ravansar Noncommunicable Disease Cohort Study. A total of 9,025 participants aged 35 to 65 years were included in the analysis. HBI was calculated using food items from the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). MetS status was defined according to established criteria, and logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between HBI scores and MetS, adjusting for potential confounding variables.

Results: In our study, 41.13% of the population was found to have MetS, with a significant association between MetS and tertiles of HBI. Furthermore, the logistic regression model showed a significant inverse association between HBI scores and the odds of developing a MetS (OR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.86, 0.94), even after adjusting for confounding factors, emphasizing the potential protective effect of higher HBI scores.

Conclusion: Increased HBI scores were associated with lower risk of MetS, emphasizing the importance of choosing health-promoting beverages in controlling MetS. These findings support the association between dietary habits and metabolic health and provide practical guidance for individuals and public health initiatives aimed at improving metabolic outcomes.

Background: Pneumonia remains the leading cause of mortality among children under 5 years. Poor nutritional status increases pneumonia mortality. Nutritional status assessed by anthropometry alone does not provide information on which body composition element predicts survival. Body composition proxy measures including arm-fat-area (AFA), arm-muscle-area (AMA), and arm-muscle-circumference (AMC) could be useful predictors.

Objective: To compare the ability of fat and muscle mass indices to predict 6-month survival among children with severe pneumonia.

Methods: This prospective cohort study was nested in the COAST-Nutrition trial (ISRCTN10829073, 06/06/2018) conducted between June 2020 and October 2022 in Uganda and Kenya. We included children aged 6-59 months hospitalized for severe pneumonia with hypoxemia. Children with severe malnutrition, known chronic lung or cardiac diseases were excluded. Anthropometry and clinical status were assessed at enrolment and at follow-up to day 180. We examined Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves of fat and muscle mass indices with 6-month survival as the outcome, and compared the areas under the curve (AUCs) using chi-square tests. Cox survival analysis models assessed time-to-mortality.

Results: We included 369 participants. The median age was 15-months (IQR 9, 26), and 59.4% (219/369) of participants were male. The baseline measurements were: median MUAC 15.0 cm (IQR 14.0,16.0); arm-fat-area 5.6cm² (IQR 4.7, 6.8); arm-muscle-area 11.4cm² (IQR 10.0, 12.7); and arm-muscle-circumference 12.2 cm (IQR 11.5, 12.9). Sixteen (4.3%) participants died and 4 (1.1%) were lost-to-follow-up. The AUC for Arm-Fat-Area was not significantly higher than that for Arm-Muscle-Area and Arm-Muscle-Circumference [AUC 0.77 (95%CI 0.64-0.90) vs. 0.61 (95%CI 0.48-0.74), p = 0.09 and 0.63 (95%CI 0.51-0.75), p = 0.16 respectively], but was not statistically different from MUAC (AUC 0.73 (95%CI 0.62-0.85), p = 0.47). Increase in Arm-Fat-Area and Arm-Muscle-Circumference significantly improved survival [aHR 0.40 (95%CI 0.24-0.64), p = < 0.01 and 0.59 (95%CI 0.36-1.06), p = 0.03 respectively]. Survival prediction using Arm-Fat-Area was not statistically different from that of MUAC (p = 0.54).

Conclusions: Muscle mass did not predict 6-month survival better than fat mass in children with severe pneumonia. Fat mass appears to be a better predictor. Effects of fat and muscle could be considered for prognosis and targeted interventions.