Daily diet influences whole body metabolism, and intricately linked to the prevention or progression of metabolic diseases including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Several epidemiological and large scale studies have shown that diets enriched with whole grains improves metabolic function and protect from the development of metabolic diseases. Direct impact of whole grain diet can be mediated on several levels of metabolic functions i.e. reduced glycemic index, improved fat oxidation potential, increased cholesterol clearance or decreased cholesterol biosynthesis and modulation of gut microbiome. In this article we reviewed several studies indicating the beneficial effects of whole grain diets on metabolic functions, as well as discussed the potential active phytochemicals present in these whole grain foods to contribute in modulation of metabolic function in our body.
Objective: This study evaluated whether providing the Fruits and Vegetables (F/V) required by the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) increased phytochemical/antioxidant content of school lunches. Additionally, the ability of adolescents to apply their nutritional knowledge following participation in a nutrition-focused science-based curriculum was assessed.
Methods: Changes in antioxidant/phytochemical content from F/V offered in school lunch menus were analyzed Pre-and Post-HHFKA. Food logs completed by 717 youth aged 10-18 were analyzed for correctly identifying "fighting foods".
Results: Significant increases in antioxidant/phytochemical content resulted following implementation of HHFKA (P<0.05). Seventy-five percent [0, 100] of the time students accurately identified "fighting foods" in their one-day in-school food log (n=468).
Conclusions and implications: Creatively incorporating nutrition education into core curriculum, when paired with a supportive built environment that increases F/V access (HHFKA), generates a multilevel intervention promoting F/V consumption among school-aged youth.
Objective: To create a Diet Quality Index Score (DQIS) for infants and toddlers and to assess its relative validity.
Design: Three DQIS were created (0-5, 8-11 and 12-24 months) based on a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nine components were included, scored from 0 (inadequate) to 5 (adequate consumption) based on guidelines for timing of food's introduction and portion sizes; the component on breastfeeding (Yes/No) was scored (0-15). Infants 6-7 months were excluded as new foods are introduced during this period. The total score (0-55 points) was categorized as Excellent (≥45), Good (35-44), Needs improvement (25-34), and Poor (<25). Relative validity was assessed against weight status among a sample of 296 children using logistic regression.
Results: In infants 0-5 months (n=100), mean DQIS was 42.4±9.3 and 52% had 'Excellent' diets. In infants 8-11 months (n=42), mean DQIS was 36.1±7.7 and most had 'Good' diets (47.6%). Among toddlers 12-24 months (n=117), mean DQIS was 25.7±8.0 and most had 'Poor' diets (50.4%). There was a trend for a higher odd of Excessive weight in those with 'Poor' diets compared to those with 'Excellent' diets, after controlling for confounders (OR 2.01; 95% CI: 0.85, 5.18).
Conclusions: These scores could be used to assess diet quality in infants and toddlers. There was a trend for a higher odd of Excessive weight among those with 'Poor' diets. To our knowledge, this is the first algorithm for the assessment of diet quality in infants and toddlers considering intake of each food group and their portion sizes.