Nutrition
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This study analyzes the impact of malnutrition on infant mortality and life expectancy in a sample of 36 African countries during the 2003 to 2018 period. The economic implications of malnutrition are examined through the vicious cycle of poverty, malnutrition, low productivity, and further malnutrition. It was hypothesized that malnutrition at infancy contributes to high mortality and leads to lower labor productivity in adults through the reduction of their life span, because more and more skilled laborers leave sooner. ⋯ The results show a mitigated impact of malnutrition on life expectancy. Also, growth in the gross domestic product significantly reduced the infant mortality rate, but any increase in income per capita was not followed by a reduction of death in children. Thus, it is recommended 1) to strengthen the entire health system and infrastructure, 2) to promote nutritional training programs, and 3) to reinforce the fight against infectious diseases that mostly affect children.
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The association between major dietary patterns and metabolic health status in adolescents has been understudied, especially in Middle Eastern populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate this association in overweight/obese adolescents. ⋯ We found an inverse association between the Mediterranean-like dietary pattern and odds of MUO in Iranian overweight/obese adolescents, whereas the Western dietary pattern was associated with an increased likelihood of being MUO. Further studies, with a prospective nature, are required to confirm these findings.
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A few previous studies have described a potential role of Ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from marine animals in obesity in children, but the results are conflicting. The objectives of this study were to examine if intake of marine fat was related to less gain in body mass index (BMI) and body fat (BF) over a 15-mo period among Danish children age 2 to 6 y, and if potential associations depended on which types of fatty acids were replaced. ⋯ This study suggests that marine fat intake and fat composition in a diet may have little or no effect on weight and adiposity development among preschool-aged children.
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This study aimed to explore psychological distress, lifestyle, and demographic factors, as well as their relationship to discretionary choices in women of reproductive age during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Australia. ⋯ Public health messaging to promote healthy eating should take into account the effect of psychological distress on health behavior. Messages aimed at maintaining a positive relationship between food intake and mental wellbeing, particularly among vulnerable groups, are warranted.
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The aims of this study were to investigate the correlation of phase angle (PhA) with other parameters (e.g., muscle mass/quality/strength and physical function), assess the prognostic relevance of prechemoradiotherapy (CRT) PhA, and suggest a reference value of PhA in Asian patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). ⋯ PhA was correlated with muscle mass/quality/strength, and physical function. Low PhA was associated with severe adverse events, treatment interruption, and shorter survival. These findings suggested that 4.6° for men and 4° for women may be useful as prognostic reference values in Asian patients with HNC.