Nutrition
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Because it is involved in calcium homeostasis, vitamin D is a prohormone with many implications for health, especially bone health. Hypovitaminosis D is considered pandemic worldwide, with important health health consequences. The aim of our study was to evaluate vitamin D levels in children living in a southern region of Italy with high exposure to sunlight for at least 5 mo a year along with contributing factors. ⋯ More than 80% of our population had 25(OH)D less than sufficiency cutoff levels. Results highlight a high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in our area, even during summer. It is important to establish screening, supplementation guidelines, and pediatric cutoff levels to optimize vitamin D status in children, taking into account age, nutritional status, and seasonality.
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Universal salt iodization has been adopted by many countries to address iodine deficiency. More recently, salt-reduction strategies have been widely implemented to meet global salt intake targets of <5 g/d. Compatibility of the two policies has yet to be demonstrated. This study compares urinary iodine excretion (UIE) according to 24-h urinary sodium excretion, between South Africa (SA) and Ghana; both countries have implemented universal salt iodization, but in Ghana no salt-reduction legislation has been implemented. ⋯ Monitoring and surveillance of iodine status is recommended in countries that have introduced salt-reduction strategies, in order to prevent reemergence of iodine deficiency.
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Arterial stiffness, particularly of the aorta, is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and hypertension. Arterial stiffening may be caused or exacerbated by the composition of the diet. Current research has indicated that habitual dietary patterns may influence arteriosclerosis, or the thickening and hardening of the artery walls, but has yet to identify a specific food group as the culprit. In young, college-aged adults, dietary fat intake and alcohol consumption tend to be higher compared to other periods throughout the life cycle. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the influence of dietary fat and alcohol consumption on the vascular health of apparently healthy young adults. ⋯ These results indicate the potential roles of dietary fat and alcohol consumption in early vascular aging by stiffening the arteries of young, college-aged adults, which may in turn contribute to future adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes.
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The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of substituting handgrip strength (HGS) for muscle mass as a constituent in the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) to diagnose malnourished patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. ⋯ HGS can be a substitute for muscle mass as a constituent in the diagnostic criteria of GLIM in patients with GI cancer.
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Breakfast consumption on the go is becoming an established food habit; this has been accompanied by a growing number of related products. Given the limited research on these products and the growing trend in breakfast consumption away from home and on the go, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to survey and scrutinize the nutritional composition of breakfast on-the-go products available in the UK. ⋯ Reformulation of breakfast on-the-go products, principally with respect to sugar content, is warranted. This is particularly relevant given the growing role of breakfast consumption on the go and ongoing developments in the sector as new product ranges and formats are introduced.