The role of breakfast in nutrient intake of urban schoolchildren

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the breakfast habits of 10-15-year-old schoolchildren and to assess the quality of this meal as well as its relationship to the food consumption pattern for the full day. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Eight hundred and two schoolchildren, boys and girls, aged 10-15 years, belonging to different urban schools located in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. METHOD: The breakfast eating patterns of the children were studied and their impact on growth was assessed, using dietary recalls and anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: Only 42.8% of the children ate breakfast regularly. Over half of the children skipped breakfast, ranging from daily to once in two weeks. The energy and protein composition of breakfasts eaten by the children indicated that those who did not skip breakfast met one-quarter to one-third of their total daily energy and protein requirements. Mean nutrient intakes calculated from 24-hour recalls revealed that the children's diets were inadequate compared with the recommended values for energy and protein. The inadequate energy intake was reflected in a high incidence of malnutrition in both boys and girls; 40.3% of the boys and 32.1% of the girls studied were found to be underweight. Protein intake was also inadequate among boys and girls, although a higher percentage of children met their protein requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of the schoolchildren studied skipped breakfast frequently, the main reason being getting up late. Children who consumed breakfast had higher daily intakes of energy and protein than children who skipped breakfast. These data confirm the importance of breakfast to overall dietary quality and adequacy in school-aged children.     

Anaemia and vitamin A status among adolescent schoolboys in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of anaemia and subclinical vitamin A deficiency among adolescent schoolboys in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, and to identify factors related to anaemia and vitamin A status.DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.SETTING: Government high schools in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 381 boys, aged 11-16 years, from 10 schools in Dhaka City participated in the study. Socio-economic, anthropometric and dietary data were collected. Haemoglobin and serum retinol (vitamin A) concentrations were determined.RESULTS: Seven per cent of the boys were anaemic and 22% had serum vitamin A levels below the adequate level of 1.05 micromol l(-1), with only 1.5% having subclinical vitamin A deficiency (<0.70 micromol l(-1)). Food frequency data revealed poor dietary habits. Multiple regression analysis showed that age, body mass index (BMI), parents' occupation, serum vitamin A level and frequency of intakes of meat and fruit were significantly independently related to haemoglobin level. The overall F-ratio (13.1) was highly significant (P<0.000) and the adjusted R(2) was 0.192. For serum vitamin A, BMI, father's education, per capita expenditure on food, haemoglobin concentration and frequency of intake of vitamin A-rich fruit were found to be significantly independently related. The overall F-ratio (14.5) was highly significant (P<0.000) and the adjusted R(2) was 0.186.CONCLUSION: The data show that adolescent schoolboys in Dhaka City have anaemia and inadequate vitamin A status, although the extent of the problems is lower than in other population groups in the country. Sociodemographic and dietary factors appear to have important relationships with anaemia and vitamin A status of these boys.     

Longitudinal changes in dietary intake in Scottish women around the menopause: changes in dietary pattern result in minor changes in nutrient intake

Objective: To examine dietary change that has occurred over 5 to 6 years.Subjects: A cohort of Scottish women (n=898) with a mean age of 47.5 years (range 45-54 years) at baseline.Design: Dietary intake was assessed by validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and analysed using the UK Composition of Foods database.Results: Since the first dietary assessment, mean daily energy intake had decreased from 8.2+/-2.3 to 7.9+/-2.2 MJ. The degree of low energy reporting (defined as ratio of energy intake to basal metabolic rate <1.1) had increased from 18.7% at baseline to 25.6% at follow-up. Low energy reporters were significantly heavier than 'normal' energy reporters (mean weight at follow-up, 68.9+/-12.6 vs. 66.8+/-11.3 kg) and could be deliberately restricting intake rather than underreporting. Overall there were decreases in intakes of red meat, processed meat and cheese, but increases in poultry and non-oily fish consumption. Consumption of bread, biscuits and cakes had gone down and there was an increase in cereal and rice/pasta consumption. Intake of potatoes had decreased whereas fruit intake had increased. There were small but statistically significant differences in intakes for most nutrients (<8% change). Nutrient intakes at both visits were similar across menopausal status and usage groups of hormone replacement therapy. Modifications to the computer version of the McCance and Widdowson nutrient database, which differed from the published version, were noted. These changes altered the original baseline values for our study.Conclusions: The menopause per se is not a period of marked change in nutrient intake. Caution is advised when using computer databases of food compositions for longitudinal studies.     

Poinsettia growth,tissue nutrient concentration,and nutrient uptake as influenced by nitrogen form and stage of growth

Growth, development, and uptake of essential nutrients as influenced by nitrogen (N) form and growth stage was evaluated for ‘Freedom’ poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. Ex Klotz.). Treatments consisted of five nitrate (NH₄ ⁺):ammonium (NO₃ ^‐) ratios (% NH₄ ⁺:% NO₃ ^‐) of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 with a total N concentration of 150 mg L^‐1. Plants were grown in solution culture for ten weeks under greenhouse conditions. Nutrient uptake data was combined into three physiological growth stages. Growth stage I (GSI) included early vegetative growth (long days). Growth stage II (GSII) began at floral induction and leaf and bract expansion (short days). Growth stage III (GSIII) was from visible bud through anthesis and harvest. Dry weights for all plant parts and height increased as the ratio of NO₃ ^‐ increased. Leaf area and bract area were maximized with 25:75 and 50:50 N treatments, respectively. Nitrogen treatments significantly affected foliar nutrient concentrations with calcium (Ca⁺⁺) and magnesium (Mg⁺⁺) being highest when NO₃ ^‐ was the predominant N form. Uptake of each macronutrient was averaged across all treatments and divided into physiological growth stages (GS) to identify peak demand periods during the growth cycle. The greatest uptake of NH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ^‐ was from the early vegetative stage to floral induction (GSI). Phosphorus (P), potassium (K⁺), and Mg⁺⁺ uptake were greatest from floral induction to visible bud (GSII) and Ca⁺⁺ uptake remained relatively unchanged through GSI and GSII. Uptake was lowest for all nutrients from visible bud to anthesis (GSIII). Results from this study clearly indicate that peak demand periods for macronutrient uptake existed during the growth cycle of poinsettia.     

Water and nutrient dynamics of a paddy soil of Bangladesh

The objectives of the study were the changes in water tension, redox potential, and the pH value of a silty Eutric Gleysol from young river sediments near Mymensingh, the nutrient concentration of soil solution, as well as the supply of nutrients by rain, irrigation and fertilizing, and the uptake of nutrients by rice during the year. In the case of nitrogen, a moderate loss was observed, caused by the leaching of NH₄, and significant losses due to volatilisation and denitrification. Fertilized P was enriched in the soil. The leaching of Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn was clearly higher than the addition by rain, irrigation and fertilization. It is concluded, that the loss of nutrients was caused by weathering.     

Dietary intake and the insulin-like growth factor system: effects of migration in two related populations in India and Britain with markedly different dietary intake

BACKGROUND: The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: We report the effects of total energy intake on the IGF system in two populations with markedly different dietary macronutrient intake and cardiovascular event rate. DESIGN, SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Dietary macronutrient intake was measured in a specific Gujarati migrant community in Sandwell, UK (n=205) compared with people still resident in the same villages of origin in India (n=246). Fasting IGF-I, IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-1 and IGFBP-3, insulin and glucose (0 and 2-hour) were measured. RESULTS: Total energy and total fat intake were higher in UK migrants, as were IGFBP-3 and IGF-I (mean (95% confidence interval): 145.9 (138.1-153.6) vs. 100.9 (94.6-107.3) ng ml(-1); F=76.6, P<0.001). IGFBP-1 was lower in UK migrants (29.5 (25.9-33.0) vs. 56.5 (50.6-62.5) microg l(-1); F=48.4, P<0.001). At both sites, IGF-I correlated positively with total energy (Spearman's rho=0.45, P<0.001) and total fat (rho=0.44, P<0.001) as did IGFBP-3 with total energy (rho=0.21, P<0.05) and fat (rho=0.26, P<0.001). Conversely, in Indian Gujaratis, IGFBP-1 fell with increasing total energy (rho=-0.27, P<0.001) and fat intake (rho=-0.26, P<0.01) but not in UK Gujaratis. Multiple linear regression modelling showed that increasing quartiles of fat intake were associated with higher IGF-I (beta=0.42, P=0.007) independent of age, body mass index, plasma insulin, fatty acids and 2-hour glucose. CONCLUSION: In these genetically similar groups, migration to the UK and adoption of a different diet is associated with marked changes in the IGF system, suggesting that environmental factors profoundly modulate serum concentrations and actions of IGFs.     

The growth pattern and nutrient uptake of durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) on an oxisol

Abstract

The growth pattern and element uptake during early years of production of durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) was studied using various ages of trees growing at Serdang, Malaysia. Growth was rapid until the seventh year when the dry matter production was nearly at its maximum. The proportion of underground to above ground materials decreases as the tree ages and in a seven‐year old tree, 30% is roots and 70% tops. The elements (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) stored in the vegetative parts increases with the age of the tree in a similar manner to that of the total dry matter. However, the amount of elements stored in a seven‐year old tree exceeds that which, was applied as fertilizers suggesting that the once‐jungle tree obtains additional elements from the soil. The element removed in fruits during the first two years of production was low. In general, the growth and early production of durian on an Oxisol, using the agronomic practices adopted at Serdang, are satisfactory.     

栽培模式对直播油菜生长、产量和养分吸收利用的影响

发展直播油菜对增加我国油菜种植面积和总产有重要意义,但栽培措施尤其是施肥技术的滞后极大地影响了油菜的产量及施肥效果。2009/2010年度在湖北省油菜主产区设置田间试验,研究栽培模式对直播油菜生长、产量、经济效益和养分吸收利用的影响,探讨适合当前生产的高产高效栽培技术。结果表明,各优化模式比农民习惯栽培模式均有增产增收效果,其中在30104 plant/hm2种植密度、秸秆还田和加强病虫草害防治的基础上进行优化施肥（氮、磷、钾肥用量分别为N 195 kg/hm2、 P2O5 90 kg/hm2、K2O 90 kg/hm2,硼砂用量15 kg/hm2,氮肥和钾肥分次施用）的模式Ⅲ表现最好,比农民习惯施肥增产35.9 %、增收1632 Yuan/hm2,地上部干物质量和养分累积也均较高,氮、钾肥偏生产力分别为N 13.7 kg/kg和K2O 29.8 kg/kg,实现高产高效目标。说明当前直播油菜的栽培模式应结合其生长发育进程和养分吸收规律,适当密植以增库促源,加强植保防治病虫草害,更重要的是积极推行平衡施肥和有机、无机配施,并合理安排施肥时期及比例。     

不同氮磷肥施用量对城市景观草坪生长与养分吸收的影响

为了给城市景观草坪科学施肥提供理论依据,试验在城市环境条件下研究了不同氮、磷用量对景观草坪生长与养分吸收的影响。结果表明:7、9、10月氮、磷用量为41.90 kg/hm2处理的叶片长度最大,分别高于对照1.58、2.46、2.62 cm,差异显著;7~10月41.90 kg/hm2处理干物质积累量最高,分别比对照提高2.79、1.78、2.32、1.89倍,差异显著,37.71 kg/hm2处理与对照之间无显著差异。41.90 kg/hm2处理的氮吸收量7~10月分别比对照提高3.93、2.50、3.59、2.66倍,差异显著,46.09 kg/hm2处理显著高于对照;41.90 kg/hm2处理的磷吸收量7~10月分别高于对照3.98、2.18、3.07、2.18倍,差异显著,8~10月37.71 kg/hm2处理与对照之间无显著差异;41.90 kg/hm2处理的钾吸收量7~10月分别高于对照4.24、2.16、3.22、2.55倍,差异显著。综合分析认为,城市景观草坪氮、磷施用量以41.90 kg/hm2为宜。     

Iron status of adolescent girls from two boarding schools in southern Benin

Iron deficiency (ID) is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency in the world, particularly in developing countries. Blood samples and a qualitative FFQ on Fe- and vitamin C-rich foods were obtained in 180 adolescent girls aged 12 to 17 years living in two boarding schools from south Benin. ID, defined as serum ferritin either 73 micromol/l or transferrin saturation<20%, was found in 32% of subjects. Anaemia (Hb<120 g/l) was found in 51% of adolescents, while 24% suffered from iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) (ID and Hb<20 g/l). After adjusting for confounding factors (age, mother's and father's occupation, household size) in a logistic regression equation, subjects having a low meat consumption (beef, mutton, pork) (<4 times/week) were more than twice as likely to suffer from ID (OR=2.43; 95% CI 1.72, 3.35; P=0.04). Adolescents consuming less fruits (<4 times/week) also had a higher likelihood of suffering from ID (OR=1.53; 95% CI 1.31, 2.80; P=0.03). Finally, subjects whose meat consumption was low were twice as likely to suffer from IDA (OR=2.24; 95% CI 1.01, 4.96; P=0.04). The prevalence of ID represents an important health problem in these Beninese adolescent girls. A higher consumption of Fe-rich foods and of promoters of Fe absorption (meat factor and vitamin C) is recommended to prevent ID deficiency in these subjects.     

Yields nutrient intake and soil fertilizing in 40 years fertilizer trials

The set of twenty long‐term field nutrition trials starting from 1957 at five sites. The sites differed by their altitude (from 180 m to 620 m) with average daily temperatures (from 6,8°C m to 9°C m) and soil type (from chernozem to brown podsolic soil) Provided mainly the following results:

? The geonomic division to the fertile sugarbeet region and less fertile potato region did not strictly differentiate the influence of fertilizer and climatic effects to the crop yields.

? The effect of fertilizing was dependent on the nutrient content and on the conditions of releasing and binding of the nutrients in soil.

? The precipitation regime has a strong influence on the effect of the nitrogen escalated doses.

? The facts concerning the nutrient intake are very precious knowledge. These facts have not been examined yet during the long‐term trials.

? The site effect, particularly its climatic conditions, on the nutrient intake is often more obvious compared to the fertilizing effect.

? Very interesting impulses for further research monitoring during the long‐term trials was contributed by “mapping”; of soil capacity to provide nutrients to plants at various sites and under different climate.     

Dietary iron intake and risk of non-fatal acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE: The relation between several measures of body iron and atherosclerotic disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is debated. This is of specific interest since iron is frequently included in supplementation and fortification of foods. We assessed the relation between dietary iron intake and the risk of non-fatal AMI. DESIGN: Case-control study. The information was collected by interviewers using a food-frequency questionnaire tested for validity and reproducibility. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained by multiple unconditional logistic regression models, including terms for energy and alcohol intake, as well as for sociodemographic factors, tobacco and other major recognised risk factors for AMI. SETTING: Milan, Italy, between 1995 and 1999. SUBJECTS: Cases were 507 patients, below age 79 years, with a first episode of non-fatal AMI, and controls were 478 patients admitted to hospital for a wide spectrum of acute conditions unrelated to known or potential AMI risk factors. RESULTS: Compared with patients in the lowest tertile of total iron intake, the OR was 0.48 (95% CI 0.29-0.82) for those in the highest tertile. The corresponding value for haem iron was 0.71 (95% CI 0.48-1.06), for non-haem, non-alcohol iron was 0.80 (95% CI 0.51-1.24) and for iron derived from alcoholic beverages was 0.60 (95% CI 0.40-0.90). Sex-specific OR for total iron intake were not heterogeneous. CONCLUSIONS: In this Italian population dietary iron intake was inversely related to AMI risk. This inverse association may depend on other nutrients present in the major sources of iron in the Italian diet.     

不同养分配比对高粱根系生长及养分吸收的影响

为探明高粱养分吸收和根系生长对氮、磷、钾胁迫的响应,通过长期定位试验,在高粱/玉米轮作条件下研究了不同养分配比NPK、PK、NK、NP、CK对高粱根系生长及养分吸收的影响。结果表明:与NPK相比,长期不施氮肥(PK)条件下高粱总根长增加18.29%,总根体积降低26.52%,且根系主要分布在0~10 cm土层,直径小于0.5 mm细根所占比例显著增加。不施磷肥(NK)显著抑制了高粱根系生长,总根长、总根表面积和总根体积分别降低24.03%、27.48%和41.29%。不施钾肥(NP)对细根生长有明显抑制作用。不施氮、磷、钾均降低高粱对相应养分的吸收和累积,不施氮促进了营养器官中氮和钾素向籽粒转运,不施磷或钾肥抑制了氮、磷及钾的转运。高粱对养分的吸收、积累和转运与根系形态有关,不同养分积累与运转与根系形态关系表现不尽相同:氮素、钾素积累和转运与根系形态具有较好的相关性,氮素的积累和转运与植株生物量和产量的相关性大于磷素和钾素。综上,高粱根系形态及养分吸收对氮、磷及钾胁迫响应不同,该研究可为不同养分瘠薄地高粱高效栽培提供理论依据。     

Dietary intake and different types of physical activity: full-day energy expenditure, occupational and leisure-time

OBJECTIVE: To describe the relationship between dietary intake and different levels and types of physical activity (PA). DESIGN: Cross-sectional evaluation of the EPIPorto study. Energy expenditure (metabolic energy equivalent tasks) and dietary intake during the past year were assessed using a PA questionnaire and a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire, respectively. SETTING: Representative sample of adults in Porto, Portugal. SUBJECTS: Data were analysed for 2404 Portuguese Caucasian adults, aged between 18 and 92 years. RESULTS: For total PA, males who were active had significantly higher mean intake of energy (10.76 (2570.7) vs. 9.78 (2336.9) MJ/d (kcal/d), P < 0.001) and lower level of protein consumption (16.9 vs. 17.6 % of energy, P < 0.001) compared with sedentary males. In males, the association between total PA and energy intake remained after adjustment for age, education and body mass index. Similar results were observed when occupational activity was analysed. Concerning the energy expended in leisure time, in both genders, after adjustment for the previously described variables, a significant positive association was found between PA and intake of vitamin C (g/d): beta = 0.12, 99 % confidence interval (CI) 0.02, 0.21 for females and beta = 0.13, 99 % CI 0.03, 0.22 for males. Leisure-time activity in females was also positively associated with intakes of fibre, vitamin E, folate, calcium and magnesium, and negatively associated with saturated fat. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of PA in leisure time were associated with higher intakes of micronutrients and lower intakes of saturated fat, particularly in females. For total and occupational PA, similar nutrient intake was observed between active and sedentary individuals.