Cataracts are a major cause of vision impairment in older adults and pose a growing concern in aging societies. This study examined the association between dietary macronutrient intake and the odds of having cataracts among 1,619 Korean adults aged ≥ 60 years using data from the 2015–2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Cataracts were present in 51.8% of participants. Dietary intake was assessed via 24-hour recall and macronutrient intake was categorized by quartiles and energy ratios. After adjusting for covariates, individuals in the highest quartile of carbohydrate-to-energy intake (> 80%) had 41% higher odds of having cataracts (odds ratio [OR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99–2.01), with a significant trend (p for trend = 0.022). In contrast, the highest quartile of protein intake (Q3: 12%–15% energy) was associated with significantly lower odds of having cataracts in women (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40–0.88). Likewise, fat intake exceeding 18% of total energy was associated with reduced odds of having cataracts (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49–0.97). Saturated and monounsaturated fat intake also showed inverse associations with the odds of having cataracts. These results suggest that excessive carbohydrate intake, particularly when replacing fats and proteins, may increase the odds of having cataracts in older adults, especially among women. Dietary adjustments aimed at reducing the proportion of carbohydrates and increasing high-quality protein and fat intake may help prevent cataracts in aging populations. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal relationships and to inform nutritional guideline development.
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A diet rich in proinflammatory components and inflammation are suggested to be significant risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to investigate the association between the risk of MS and the inflammatory potential of an individual’s diet and dietary diversity through pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory food intake score (PAIFIS) and dietary diversity score (DDS). In a hospital-based case–control study, 397 participants, including 197 patients with MS and 200 healthy participants aged over 18 years, were evaluated. The history of smoking, dietary intake, and anthropometric characteristics, including body mass index, waist circumference, total body fat, and fat-free mass were assessed. A validated 160-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate the PAIFIS and DDS scores. The mean age of the participants was 32.45 ± 8.66 years, and most were females (274, 79.4%). The PAIFIS score was significantly higher among MS patients than healthy participants (p = 0.001). Between PAIFIS and DDS, only PAFIS was significantly related to MS risk (odds ratio, 1.002; 95% confidence interval, 1.001–1.004; p = 0.001). PAIFIS, as an index of dietary inflammation, can predict MS. Further studies are needed to document these findings.
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Decreased food intake is an effective mechanism for gastric bypass surgery (GBS) for successful weight loss. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess dietary intake, micro-and macro-nutrients in the patients undergoing GBS and determine the possible associations with weight changes. We assessed anthropometric indices and food intake at 24 month-post gastric bypass surgery. Dietary data was evaluated using three-day food records. After the 24 months of surgery, among 35 patients (mean age: 43.5 ± 11.2 years; 82.85% females), with the mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.5 ± 4.5 kg/m2, 17 cases were < 50% of their excess weight. The average daily calorie intake was 1,733 ± 630 kcal, with 14.88% of calories from protein. Consumption amounts of protein (0.82 ± 0.27 g/kg of the current weight), as well as fiber, and some micro-nutrients (vitamin B9, E, K, B5, and D3) were lower than recommended amounts. Patients were classified into three groups based on their success in weight loss after surgery. Calorie intake was not significantly different between groups, but successful groups consumed considerably more protein and less carbohydrate than the unsuccessful group (p < 0.05). Based on our findings, the patients undergoing GBS had inadequate macro- and micro-nutrient intake after 24 months. However, protein intake can affect patients' success in achieving better weight loss. Long-term cohort and clinical studies need to be conducted to comprehend this process further.
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In the present research, we have evaluated the association between patterns of nutrient intake and obesity. The present cross-sectional study recruited 850 adults aged between 20–59 years old. Dietary intakes were assessed with three 24-hour recalls. As well, data on anthropometric measures were collected. General obesity was specified as body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2. Factor analysis was conducted, and followed by a varimax rotation, was performed to extract major nutrient patterns. Our analysis identified three major nutrient patterns: The first nutrient pattern was characterized by the high consumption of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), protein, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B5, B3, B12, Zinc, and iron. The second nutrient pattern was rich in total fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, SFAs, oleic acid, linolenic acid, zinc, vitamin E, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene. The third one was greatly loaded with protein, carbohydrate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin C, and folate. Women in the third quintile of the first pattern were less likely to be generally obese in the fully adjusted model (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.75). None of the other nutrient patterns had a significant association with obesity, even after adjusting for confounders. Adherence to a nutrient pattern rich in water-soluble vitamins was significantly associated with a greater chance of general obesity among women. Further studies in other populations, along with future prospective studies, are required to confirm these findings.
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Adequate nutrition is extremely crucial for the growth and development of preterm, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants owing to an increased risk of postnatal growth failure and poor neurodevelopmental outcome. Despite the beneficial properties of human milk (HM), it should be fortified to prevent extrauterine growth restriction; however, fortification of HM with a bovine-based human milk fortifier (BHMF) may induce feeding intolerance (FI) and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm newborns. Herein, we have described the nutritional management of a preterm SGA newborn with intolerance to BHMF. A male infant was born at a gestational age of 32 weeks and 5 days, SGA weighing 1,490 grams (< 10th percentile). During BHMF use, he presented with symptoms of FI including abdominal distention, increased gastric residuals, and delayed enteral feeding advancement. Therefore, HM was fortified with carbohydrate powder, whey protein powder, and medium-chain triglycerides oil instead of BHMF to prevent FI and promote weight gain. Caloric density of feeds was increased once every 3 or 4 days by approximately 5 kcal/kg/day until an intake of 100 kcal/kg/day was achieved. Subsequently, his caloric and protein intake increased, growth rate improved, and full enteral feeding was achieved without any further symptom of FI. In conclusion, the symptoms of FI with BHMF in a preterm SGA neonate improved with the administration of a macronutrient fortified HM without compromising his enteral feed advancements, growth rate, and energy or protein intake.
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The prevalence and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is mediated via several factors correlating with hepatic necroinflammation (adipokines/cytokines). This study was performed to analyze the level of inflammatory markers according to the presence of NAFLD and to identify related nutritional factors. A total of 80 adults were classified into 2 groups (healthy and NAFLD), and their body composition, blood tests, and eating habits were evaluated. In addition, inflammatory markers (adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [CRP], and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), nutrient intake status, and dietary quality were compared. The quality of diet was assessed according to the nutrient adequacy ratio and the mean adequacy ratio (MAR). The NAFLD group had a higher body mass index (p < 0.001) than the healthy group and also carried significantly higher CRP levels (p < 0.001) but lower adiponectin (p = 0.001). TNF-α levels increased significantly with fatty liver grade (p = 0.023). The NAFLD group showed significantly higher intake of energy, carbohydrates, iron, sodium, vitamin A and saturated fatty acids, but significantly lower intake of zinc and vitamin E than the healthy group. The MAR values were slightly higher in the NAFLD group but without any significant difference. The levels of adiponectin and vitamin E showed a significant inverse correlation (p < 0.05). Nutritional management of NAFLD patients is important, and the intake of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients such as zinc and vitamin E should be emphasized.
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As the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension increases, complications such as decreased renal function are also increasing in many patients. Nutritional management in hemodialysis patients is a very important factor for prognosis and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in nutritional status and dietary management according to hemodialysis duration. A total of 145 patients were divided into 4 groups according to hemodialysis duration: less 1 year (D1), 1–5 years (D2), and above 5 years (D3). The rates of protein-energy wasting were 31.1% in D1 group, 49.5% in D2 group, and 47.6% in D3 group. However, there was no significant difference between the 3 groups. Nutrient intake analysis showed that protein, iron, and vitamin C were significantly lower in the D3 group than in the D1 group. Protein intake in all 3 groups was insufficient compared to the recommended dietary amount for dialysis patients. The most difficult aspect in dietary management was cooking with low sodium. In the D3 group, which had the longest duration of dialysis, the practice of diet therapy and self-perceived need for nutrition education was lowest. Observations of nutritional status are necessary to maintain the health status of dialysis patients. In addition, education plans should be prepared to mediate the nutrient intakes and identify the patient's difficulties and provide practical help.
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