Lunch contents were observed and recorded for 3 consecutive days for 74 kids. More than 50% of the 3-day means provided less than 33% of the Dietary Reference Intakes for energy (n=58), carbohydrate (n=59), vitamin A (n=58), calcium (n=49), iron (n=44), and zinc (n=38). 96% of the children received less than 33% of the recommended amount of dietary fiber, yet the mean amount of sodium in observed lunches was 114% of the recommendated amount. 71% of the observed lunches did not meet the standards for servings of F&V or for servings of milk (80%). Sack lunches sent from home may not regularly provide adequate nutrients for the growth and development of young children.
A cohort of 35 boys and girls in grades 3 through 5 (mean age=9.5 years) was studied during the course of the 2004-2005 school year, providing seasonal assessments of diet and physical activity. Only three students (9%) were overweight and another three were “at risk” for overweight. Food intake patterns fell far below MyPyramid guidelines for average daily servings of F&V. The findings identify targets for behavioral and environmental interventions to reduce childhood obesity risks.
Whole flaxseeds seeds in rye bread reduce apparent digestibility of fat in healthy Danish volunteers
Jan 3
In a randomized crossover study, gross intake and faecal excretion of fat and energy were measured in 11 young healthy men. Enrichment of bread with whole flaxseed does not appear to result in increased fat and energy intake when added to breads, but the results rather indicate an impairment of nutrient utilization. Sunflower seeds are an other story.
This study examined the independent and interactive association between dietary restraint, body mass index and the relative reinforcing value of food. 403 psychology students completed questionnaires assessing age, gender, BMI, hunger, smoking status, nicotine dependence, dietary restraint, hedonic ratings for snack food and F&V and the relative reinforcing value of snack food and F&V. Findings suggest that BMI moderates the relationship between dietary restraint and snack food reinforcement in females. such that restraint and snack food reinforcement are inversely correlated in females with lower BMI, but restraint is positively correlated with snack food reinforcement in females with higher BMI.
Analysis of menues from 1440 secondary state schools shows that progress is still required to achieve a meal composition in accordance with the food-group frequency guidelines.
A total 130 participants in nine communities completed the F&V questionnaire and could be linked to grocery store assessments. Community produce availability was determined by grocery store assessments measuring the display space devoted to fruit and vegetable offerings, as well as price, variety and freshness. Participants made modest but significant increases in fruit and vegetable consumption from programme start to end: the average increase was from 2.52 to 2.88 servings weekly. Greater perceived access to F&V was significantly associated with higher increases in F&V consumption from programme start to programme end. Greater availability of produce was associated with greater increases in F&V servings from programme start to programme end as measured by store assessments. Environmental factors, such as access to F&V can modify the effects of community interventions.
A structured framework was used in Western Australia to develop strategies to improve F&V consumption and supply, and to identify implementation priorities. After one year a desktop audit of progress on framework interventions was undertaken. The structured framework led to a plan for defined actions, partners, costs, and performance indicators for strategies to improve fruit and vegetable consumption and supply. Lead agency custodians for management of the selected interventions were identified. There was significant progress in the implementation of a number of the high-ranking interventions. The exceptions were research and development capacity and information systems. Further work is required to develop performance outcomes and cost effectiveness measures for many of the strategies that have been proposed to address portfolio objectives.
Moderating picky eaters
Jan 3
73 children (2-5-year-olds) from the South Birmingham area in the UK participated in this cross-sectional study. It’s about child food neophobia and F&V consumption of both mothers and children. Parental and child F&V consumption in the sample were positively associated. Children who were sensitive to taste/smell stimuli ate fewer fruit and vegetables, regardless of their mothers FV consumption. This finding implies that those children, who are sensitive to taste/smell stimuli, may be less likely to model maternal FV consumption. For these children, a more gradual route to encouraging acceptance, with attention to small sensory changes in foods, may be necessary to increase FV consumption.
Despite recent widespread media attention given to studies that have indicated one-third of American children have a weight problem, a new study shows just one-third of children who are overweight or obese actually receive that diagnosis by a pediatrician.
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