The Journal of nutrition
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The Journal of nutrition · Jun 2013
The CDC's Second National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U.S. Population is a valuable tool for researchers and policy makers.
The CDC's National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U. S. Population (Nutrition Report) is a serial publication that provides ongoing assessment of the population's nutritional status. ⋯ Young women (20-39 y) had median urine iodine concentrations bordering on insufficiency. First-time data are presented on plasma concentrations of 24 saturated and mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Tabulation and graphical presentation of NHANES data in the Second Nutrition Report benefits those organizations involved in developing and evaluating nutrition policy.
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The Journal of nutrition · Jun 2013
Does chocolate consumption really boost Nobel Award chances? The peril of over-interpreting correlations in health studies.
A correlation observed between chocolate consumption and the number of Nobel laureates has recently led to the suggestion that consuming more chocolate would increase the number of laureates due to the beneficial effects of cocoa-flavanols on cognitive functioning. We demonstrate that this interpretation is disproved when other flavanol-rich nutriment consumption is considered. We also show the peril of over-interpreting correlations in nutrition and health research by reporting high correlations between the number of Nobel laureates and various other measures, whether cogently related or not. We end by discussing statistical alternatives that may overcome correlation shortcomings.