scholarly journals Promoting a Healthy Diet in Young Adults: The Role of Nutrition Labelling

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zehra Buyuktuncer ◽  
Aylin Ayaz ◽  
Damla Dedebayraktar ◽  
Elif Inan-Eroglu ◽  
Basma Ellahi ◽  
...  

The use of the nutrition facts label has been associated with healthy eating behaviors for adults. However, the relationship between nutrition facts label use and overall diet quality is not well known in young adults, a vulnerable group that acquire lifelong eating behaviors during this period of life. This study aimed to assess if the use of information on the nutrition facts label is associated with a higher diet quality in young adults. In this cross-sectional study, 958 university students aged 18–34 years were recruited. Nutrition facts label use was recorded. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recall. Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) scores were calculated. HEI-2005 score was significantly associated with using nutrition facts label (p < 0.001). The mean total HEI-2005 score was 60.7 ± 10.11, 62.4 ± 11.43 and 67.1 ± 12.23 respectively for never, sometimes and everytime users of nutrition facts label (p < 0.001). Sub-group scores of HEI-2005 for total fruits, whole fruits, total vegetables, whole grains, milk, oils, saturated fat, and calories from solid fat, alcohol and added sugar (SoFAAS) were significantly higher in regular nutrition facts label users (p < 0.05, for each). This study showed that young adults who regularly use the nutrition facts label have a higher diet quality.

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 117863881881884
Author(s):  
Dalila Pinto de Souza Fernandes ◽  
Maria Sônia Lopes Duarte ◽  
Milene Cristine Pessoa ◽  
Sylvia do Carmo Castro Franceschini ◽  
Andréia Queiroz Ribeiro

Background: The food consumption assessment is necessary to monitor elderly’s nutritional status because it allows detecting nutrition deficits and guiding the elaboration of effective conducts. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the global quality of the elderly’s diet in Viçosa—MG, Brazil. Methods: This is a population-based cross-sectional study, involving noninstitutionalized elderly. Diet quality was assessed through the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised (BHEI-R) validated to the Brazilian population. Results: The study comprised 620 elderly individuals. The mean total BHEI-R score was 64.28. The worse consumption scores concerned the components Whole grains, Milk and derivatives, Sodium, Total fruit, and Whole fruit. Approximately 82% scored zero (0%) for Whole grains and 67% for Sodium. Men presented significantly lower scores than women, who have presented maximal score in the same items. Women’s scores were not only significantly higher for Total fruit, Whole fruit, Milk and derivatives, but also significantly lower for Saturated fat. Discussion: Most elderly need to improve their diet quality. Strategies heading toward the improvement of diet quality must be priority in policies to health promotion toward the healthy and active aging.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (13) ◽  
pp. 2384-2394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia A Wolfson ◽  
Cindy W Leung ◽  
Caroline R Richardson

AbstractObjective:To examine the association between cooking frequency and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, overall and by income, among US adults.Design:Cross-sectional analysis using multivariable linear regression models to examine the association between cooking frequency and total HEI-2015 score adjusted for sociodemographic variables, overall and stratified by income.Setting:Nationally representative survey data from the USA.Participants:Adults aged ≥20 years (with 2 d of 24 h dietary recall data) obtained from the 2007 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n 8668).Results:Compared with cooking dinner 0–2 times/week, greater cooking frequency was associated with higher HEI-2015 score overall (≥7 times/week: +3·57 points, P < 0·001), among lower-income adults (≥7 times/week: +2·55 points, P = 0·001) and among higher-income adults (≥7 times/week: +5·07 points, P < 0·001). Overall, total HEI-2015 score was higher among adults living in households where dinner was cooked ≥7 times/week (54·54 points) compared with adults living in households where dinner was cooked 0–2 times/week (50·57 points). In households in which dinner was cooked ≥7 times/week, total HEI-2015 score differed significantly based on income status (lower-income: 52·51 points; higher-income: 57·35 points; P = 0·003). Cooking frequency was associated with significant differences in HEI-2015 component scores, but associations varied by income.Conclusions:More frequent cooking at home is associated with better diet quality overall and among lower- and higher-income adults, although the association between cooking and better diet quality is stronger among high-income adults. Strategies are needed to help lower-income Americans consume a healthy diet regardless of how frequently they cook at home.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atiyeh Nayebi ◽  
Davood Soleimani ◽  
Shayan Mostafaei ◽  
Negin Elahi ◽  
Homayoun Elahi ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) is a multidimensional criterion of diet quality utilized to evaluate how well people’s dietary behaviors align with major recommendations of the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. We aim to investigate the association between the diet quality and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity.Design: Cross-sectional studySetting: This study was done on 184 patients with RA in rheumatology clinic in Kermanshah city, Iran, in 2020. RA was diagnosed according to the criteria of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/ European League against Rheumatism. The overall quality diet was extracted from a validated 168-item food frequency questioner (FFQ) to calculate the HEI-2015 score. RA disease activity was assessed using Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) scores. One-way ANOVA and ANCOVA were done to find the associations.Participants: RA patientsResults: Individuals in the highest HEI-2015 quartile had a lower mean Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) than those in the lowest quartiles of the HEI scores (P-value: 0.014). A linear trend towards decreasing waist circumference in patients was observed with increasing quartiles of the HEI-2015 scores (P-value= 0.005). After controlling for all potential confounders, patients in the highest HEI-2015 quartile had the lowest DAS28 scores than those in the lowest quartile of the HEI-2015 scores (Q1= 3.65; 95% CI= 3.29 – 4.02 vs. Q4= 2.35; 95% CI= 1.94 - 2.67; P-value<0.001).Conclusion: Our results indicated that following a high diet quality might be one of the therapeutic strategies to control or reduce the disease activity in RA patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 112 (6) ◽  
pp. 1613-1630
Author(s):  
Minoo Bagheri ◽  
Walter Willett ◽  
Mary K Townsend ◽  
Peter Kraft ◽  
Kerry L Ivey ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background Adherence to a healthy diet has been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. Identifying nutritional biomarkers of diet quality may be complementary to traditional questionnaire-based methods and may provide insights concerning disease mechanisms and prevention. Objective To identify metabolites associated with diet quality assessed via the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and its components. Methods This cross-sectional study used FFQ data and plasma metabolomic profiles, mostly lipid related, from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS, n = 1460) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS, n = 1051). Linear regression models assessed associations of the AHEI and its components with individual metabolites. Canonical correspondence analyses (CCAs) investigated overlapping patterns between AHEI components and metabolites. Principal component analysis (PCA) and explanatory factor analysis were used to consolidate correlated metabolites into uncorrelated factors. We used stepwise multivariable regression to create a metabolomic score that is an indicator of diet quality. Results The AHEI was associated with 83 metabolites in the NHS and 96 metabolites in the HPFS after false discovery rate adjustment. Sixty-three of these significant metabolites overlapped between the 2 cohorts. CCA identified “healthy” AHEI components (e.g., nuts, whole grains) and metabolites (n = 27 in the NHS and 33 in the HPFS) and “unhealthy” AHEI components (e.g., red meat, trans fat) and metabolites (n = 56 in the NHS and 63 in the HPFS). PCA-derived factors composed of highly saturated triglycerides, plasmalogens, and acylcarnitines were associated with unhealthy AHEI components while factors composed of highly unsaturated triglycerides were linked to healthy AHEI components. The stepwise regression analysis contributed to a metabolomics score as a predictor of diet quality. Conclusion We identified metabolites associated with healthy and unhealthy eating behaviors. The observed associations were largely similar between men and women, suggesting that metabolomics can be a complementary approach to self-reported diet in studies of diet and chronic disease.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 2641-2649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany M Powell-Wiley ◽  
Paige E Miller ◽  
Priscilla Agyemang ◽  
Tanya Agurs-Collins ◽  
Jill Reedy

AbstractObjectiveThe Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern has been shown to reduce cardiometabolic risk. Little is understood about the relationship between objective diet quality and perceived diet quality (PDQ), a potential psychosocial barrier to appropriate dietary intake. We compared PDQ and diet quality measured by a nutrient-based DASH index score in the USA.DesignCross-sectional study. Participants in the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) rated diet quality on a 5-point Likert scale and PDQ scores were generated (low, medium, high). A single 24 h dietary recall was used to estimate DASH index scores (range 0–9 points) by assigning 0, 0·5 or 1 point (optimal) for nine target nutrients: total fat, saturated fat, protein, cholesterol, fibre, Ca, Mg, K and Na.SettingNationally representative sample of the US population.SubjectsAdults aged ≥19 years in 2005–2006 NHANES (n 4419).ResultsParticipants with high PDQ (33 %) had higher DASH index scores (mean 3·0 (sd 0·07)) than those with low PDQ (mean 2·5 (sd 0·06), P < 0·001), but average scores did not align with targets for intermediate or optimal DASH accordance. Adults with high PDQ reported higher total fat, saturated fat and Na intakes compared with optimal DASH nutrient goals. Differences between those with high v. low PDQ were similar for Whites and Blacks, but there was no difference between PDQ groups for Mexican Americans.ConclusionsAmong Whites and Blacks, but not Mexican Americans, high PDQ may be associated with higher diet quality, but not necessarily a diet meeting DASH nutrient goals. This disconnect between PDQ and actual diet quality may serve as a target in obesity prevention.


2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 1564-1573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zach Conrad ◽  
Micaela Karlsen ◽  
Kenneth Chui ◽  
Lisa Jahns

AbstractObjectiveTo compare diet quality scores between adult non-meat eaters and meat eaters, and to compare the consumption of diet components across quintiles of diet quality.DesignCross-sectional analysis. The Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) and Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010) were used to assess mean diet quality. Differences in consumption of diet components between quintiles of diet quality were tested usingpost hocWald tests andztests.SettingThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007–2012.SubjectsThe sample consisted of 16810 respondents aged≥18 years, including 280 individuals who reported not consuming meat, poultry, game birds or seafood on two non-consecutive days of dietary recall. Dietary data were obtained from one dietary recall per individual.ResultsNon-meat eaters had substantially greater HEI-2010 and AHEI-2010 scores than meat eaters (P<0·05). Among non-meat eaters, mean consumption across HEI-2010 quintiles demonstrated different (P<0·05) amounts of empty calories and unsaturated:saturated fatty acids. Mean consumption across AHEI-2010 quintiles demonstrated different (P<0·05) amounts of nuts and legumes, vegetables and PUFA.ConclusionsPublic health messages targeted at vegetarians and others who may choose to eat meat-free on certain days should emphasize decreased consumption of empty calories, and increased consumption of nuts and legumes, PUFA and vegetables, as a way to improve overall dietary quality.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Pinto ◽  
Leslie Landaeta-Díaz ◽  
Oscar Castillo ◽  
Luis Villarroel ◽  
Attilio Rigotti ◽  
...  

Most worldwide causes of disease and death are strongly associated with dietary factors and the application of eating indexes has proved to be a useful tool to determine diet quality in populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diet quality in Chile through the application of the Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010). A representative sample (n = 879) of Chilean urban population aged 15–65 years old from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud; ELANS) was used. Dietary intake data were obtained through two 24-hour food recalls and one beverage frequency questionnaire, which were used to calculate AHEI-2010 and its association with sociodemographic and anthropometric variables. In this Chilean sample, the AHEI-2010 score was 43.7 ± 7.8 points (mean ± SD). Trans fats and sodium intake were the highest scoring AHEI-2010 components whereas sugar-sweetened beverages and whole grains had the lowest score. Women, older subjects, and individuals in medium-high socioeconomic levels had significantly higher mean AHEI-2010 scores. No association was found between AHEI-2010 and body mass index (BMI), or nutritional status. Conclusions: Diet quality in the Chilean urban population aged 15–65 years old is far from optimal. Thus, there is room for significant improvement of diet quality in Chile through design and implementation of public health policies, particularly in high-risk groups for chronic diseases.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela de ASSUMPÇÃO ◽  
Semíramis Martins Álvares DOMENE ◽  
Regina Mara FISBERG ◽  
Marilisa Berti de Azevedo BARROS

Objective : To evaluate sociodemographic inequalities in the diet quality of the urban population of the city of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study was performed using data from a health survey conducted in the city of Campinas in 2008-2009. Diet quality was evaluated using the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised. A total of 3,382 individuals aged 10 years old and older were analyzed. Results : Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised scores increased with age and education level. Women consumed more vegetables, fruits, and milk, and less sodium, meat and eggs, oils, saturated and solid fats, alcohol, and added sugars than men. Scores for whole grains, vegetables, and fruits also increased with age and education level. Conclusion: These findings point to sociodemographic segments that are more vulnerable to an inappropriate diet and identify the need of strategies to increase the consumption of whole grains, dark green vegetables, fruits, and milk, and decrease the consumption of sodium, solid fats, alcohol, and added sugar.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1290-1290
Author(s):  
Julia Borelli ◽  
Giselle Pereira Pignotti ◽  
Adrianne Widaman

Abstract Objectives College students in the US tend to have low diet quality due to a confluence of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental factors. Restrictive dieting is commonly used for weight management but often ineffective in the long term and can lead to dangerous eating behaviors. Intuitive eating is an adaptive form of eating that has gained interest as an alternative to restrictive dieting due to its successful use in eating disorder recovery and correlation with decreased body mass index in healthy populations. The objective of the current study was to identify if higher intuitive eating, as measured by the intuitive eating scale (IES-2), correlated with increased diet quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) in a college sample. Methods In this cross-sectional study, participants completed an online survey containing the IES-2 questionnaire which provides a total score for intuitive eating and four subscale scores representing the main behaviors of intuitive eating. The dietary intake of participants was assessed with up to three 24-hour diet recalls, which were completed over the phone. A total of 55 participants (40 females and 15 males) completed the survey and a minimum of two 24-hour diet recalls, which were used to calculate the HEI-2015. Independent sample t-test and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results The total IES-2 scores were higher for males than females (82.9 ± 8.1 vs. 76.3 ± 11.2, P = 0.04). The average total HEI-2015 score was 59.5 ± 15.1 and did not differ between gender (P = 0.93). The total IES-2 score was not significantly correlated with the total HEI scores (r = −0.218, P = 0.11), and one subscale of the IES-2, the Unconditional Permission to Eat subscale, was negatively correlated with the total HEI score (r = −0.418, P &lt; 0.01) and BMI (r = −0.335, P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions The results of the study do not support that intuitive eating is correlated with diet quality, furthermore, increased scores of the Unconditional Permission to Eat subscale of intuitive eating was correlated with a lower diet quality suggesting that intuitive eating and diet quality may be separate constructs that should be addressed individually. Funding Sources None.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 506-506
Author(s):  
Minoo Bagheri ◽  
Rachana D Shah ◽  
Jonathan D Mosley ◽  
Jane F Ferguson

Abstract Objectives Higher diet quality measured by healthy eating index (HEI) is associated with improved metabolic function, however the molecular basis remains unclear. We assessed associations between HEI and the metabolome in plasma and stool and explored interaction between genotype and HEI on circulating and gut metabolites. Methods We analyzed data from heathy individuals recruited to a single cross-sectional study visit (ABO Study, N = 75). HEI score was calculated from food frequency questionnaire. Metabolites in plasma (n = 800) and stool (n = 767) were measured at Metabolon Inc. Genotyping was performed by Exome chip (Illumina, CoreExome, N &gt; 540,000 variants). Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association of HEI score with metabolites adjusting for age, sex and body mass index. Plasma associations were replicated in the Fish oils and Adipose Inflammation Reduction (FAIR) study (N = 29). Metaboanalyst 4.0 was used to determine metabolic pathways. The interaction of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and HEI on metabolites was tested using Plink. Results Metabolites in plasma (n = 74) and stool (n = 77) were associated with the HEI index (P &lt; 0.05). One metabolite (N-acetyl-beta-alanine) overlapped between plasma (B = 0.003, P = 0.035) and stool (B = 0.008, P = 0.02). Glycine replicated between ABO (B = −0.001, P = 0.02) and FAIR studies (B = −0.01, P = 0.02). In plasma there was significant pathway enrichment in glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycine, serine-threonine metabolism and caffeine metabolism. In stool, histidine and caffeine metabolism pathways were significantly enriched. Significant (Pinteraction &lt;5 × 10−8) interactions were observed between HEI and multiple independent SNPs for metabolites including circulating Valylleucine and gut Sedoheptulose-7-phosphate. Conclusions Diet quality, measured by HEI, is associated with differences in plasma and stool metabolites. The observed associations might aid understanding the link between food patterns and metabolic health outcomes. Further, our data support gene-nutrient interactions between HEI and SNPs contributing to plasma and gut metabolomic profiles. Future work will explore the relationship between HEI and gut microbiome composition. Funding Sources This project was supported by the National Institutes of Health.


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