A food frequency questionnaire for use in the Chinese population in Hong Kong: Description and examination of validity

The effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis: Study protocol for a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial

Osteoarthritis (OA) knee is one of the most common chronic degenerative conditions that imposes clinical and economic burdens on individuals and societies worldwide. Previous studies showed vitamin D levels correlated positively with lean muscle mass and grip strength, implying that vitamin D supplementation may improve muscle health in knee OA subjects. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to compare the effects of vitamin D supplementation on knee muscle strength, physical function, pain, and sarcopenia status in patients with end-stage knee OA. Patients and outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation. Fifty-six end-stage knee OA patients with vitamin D insufficiency fulfilling our inclusion criteria will be invited to participate in this study. Patients will be randomly assigned to take vitamin D supplementation (4,000 IU capsule daily) or placebo for six months. Measurements will be taken at baseline, three and six-month after the commencement of the vitamin D supplement, and 6-month after the interventional period. The primary outcome includes the isometric quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength measured by a hand-held dynamometer. Secondary outcomes include pain, performance-based and self-reported physical function and sarcopenia status. The success of this study will provide scientific evidence of whether the relatively cheap and well-tolerated vitamin D supplement can improve quadriceps muscle strength, physical function, pain symptoms, and sarcopenia status of this increasingly large population for end-stage knee OA patients. The study has great clinical significance given Hong Kong's lengthy and growing waiting list for complete knee replacement procedures. Trial registration: The trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05981534) on 31st July 2023.

Associations of soy product intake with all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality: Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study and updated meta-analyses

PURPOSE

We examined the associations of soy product intake with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality and mediations through CVD risk factors based on the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS), and conducted updated meta-analyses.

METHODS

A total of 29,825 participants aged 50 + years were included. Causes of death were identified through record linkage. Soy product intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the associations between soy product intake and mortality, yielding hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Mediation analyses with CVD risk factors as mediators, and updated meta-analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

During 454,689 person-years of follow-up, 6899 deaths occurred, including 2694 CVD and 2236 cancer. Participants who consumed soy product of 1-6 portions/week, versus no consumption, had significantly lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (adjusted HR (95% CI) 0.91 (0.86, 0.97) and 0.87 (0.79, 0.96), respectively). In participants who consumed soy product of ≥ 7 portions/week, the association of higher intake with lower CVD mortality was modestly mediated by total cholesterol (4.2%, 95% CI 1.0-16.6%). Updated meta-analyses showed that the highest level of soy product intake, versus the lowest, was associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (pooled HR (95% CI) 0.92 (0.88, 0.96) and 0.92 (0.87, 0.98), respectively).

CONCLUSION

Moderate and high soy product intake were associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality. Our findings provide support for current dietary guidelines recommending moderate soy product intake, and contribute additional evidence regarding the potential protective effects of high soy product intake.

Dietary inflammatory index, mediating biomarkers and incident frailty in Chinese community-dwelling older adults

OBJECTIVES

Diet can modulate systemic inflammation, while inflammation is a critical contributory factor of frailty. However, longitudinal data on the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and frailty are limited, and the intermediate mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between DII and incident frailty and the potential mediating roles of frailty-related biomarkers.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The Mr. OS and Ms. OS (Hong Kong) study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 3,035 community-dwelling men and women aged above 65 years without frailty at baseline were included.

MEASUREMENTS

DII scores were calculated using the locally validated food frequency questionnaire. Incident frailty at year four was defined using the Fried frailty phenotype. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between DII and frailty onset. Mediation analysis was used to explore the mediating roles of frailty-related biomarkers in the DII-frailty association.

RESULTS

During four years of follow-up, 208 individuals developed frailty. Compared with the lowest tertile of DII, the highest tertile was associated with an increased risk of incident frailty (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.17-2.82; p = 0.008) after adjustment for relevant confounders. The DII-frailty association was significant in men but not in women. Furthermore, increasing serum homocysteine, decreasing serum folate, and reducing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) mediated 11.6%, 7.1%, and 9.6 % of the total relation between DII and frailty onset, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort study, a pro-inflammatory diet was associated with a higher risk of frailty onset, mediated by homocysteine, folate, and renal function.

Association of Cantonese dietary patterns with mortality risk in older Chinese: a 16-year follow-up of a Guangzhou Biobank cohort study

Background: Evidence about the associations between Cantonese dietary patterns and mortality is scarce. We examined the prospective association of the dietary pattern with all-cause, cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in older Chinese. Methods: We included 19 598 participants of a Guangzhou Biobank cohort study aged 50+ years, who were recruited from 2003 to 2006 and followed up until July, 2022. The diet was assessed by using a 300-item validated food frequency questionnaire. The food items were collapsed into 27 food groups. Factor analysis (FA) was used to identify dietary patterns. Multivariable Cox regression produced hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality. Results: During 305 410 person-years, 4966 deaths including 1971 CVD, 1565 cancer and 1436 other-causes occurred. Four dietary patterns were identified by FA. No association of the vegetable-based dietary pattern with all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality was found. Compared with the lowest quartile of the healthy Cantonese dietary pattern score, the highest quartile showed lower risks of all-cause (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.94) and CVD mortality (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.97). The highest quartile of the nut and fruit dietary pattern showed lower risks of all-cause (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.99) and CVD mortality (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.93), while the unhealthy western dietary pattern was associated with a higher risk of all-cause (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.19) and cerebrovascular disease mortality (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03-1.58). Conclusion: We have first identified four dietary patterns based on the Cantonese cuisine and found that healthy Cantonese and nut and fruit dietary patterns were associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality, whereas the unhealthy western dietary pattern was associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cerebrovascular disease mortality.

Reproducibility and Relative Validity of a Short Food Frequency Questionnaire for Chinese Older Adults in Hong Kong

Changes in an individual's digestive system, hormones, senses of smell and taste, and energy requirement accompanying aging could lead to impaired appetite, but older adults may not notice their risk of nutrient deficiency. When assessing the dietary intake of older adults, it was found that they had more difficulties with short-term recall and open-ended recall and would experience greater fatigue and frustration when compared to younger individuals when completing a lengthy questionnaire. There is a need to develop a brief dietary assessment tool to examine the nutritional needs of older adults. In this study, we aimed to assess the diet of Hong Kong older adults using the short FFQ and examine its reproducibility and relative validity as a dietary assessment tool. Dietary data of 198 older adults were collected via FFQs and three-day dietary records. Correlation analyses, cross-tabulation, one-sample t-tests, and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the relative validity of the short FFQ. In general, the short FFQ was accurate in assessing the intake of phosphorus, water, grains, and wine, as shown by a significant correlation (>0.7) between values reported in the FFQs and dietary records; good agreement (more than 50% of observations belonged to the same quartile) and insignificant differences detected with the one-sample t-tests and linear regression analyses were observed for the above four variables. Additionally, the intake of proteins, carbohydrates, total fat, magnesium, and eggs in terms of the values reported in the FFQs and dietary records showed good agreement.

Association of dietary protein intake, inflammation with muscle mass, physical performance and incident sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older adults

OBJECTIVES

Inflammation and impaired muscle synthesis are important factors of sarcopenia. Plant protein may reduce inflammation but may not be as efficient as animal protein in providing essential amino acids. We therefore examined the associations between dietary protein intake and changes in muscle mass and physical performance, incident sarcopenia, and the interaction effect of inflammation.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The Mr. OS and Ms. OS (Hong Kong) cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2,811 sarcopenia-free participants and 569 sarcopenia participants aged ≥65 years were recruited from communities.

MEASUREMENTS

Dietary protein intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured. Linear regression examined the associations between dietary protein intake and 4-year changes in muscle mass and physical performance. Cox regression examined the association between dietary protein intake and incident sarcopenia.

RESULTS

Higher plant protein intake, but not total and animal protein, was associated with less decline in muscle mass and gait speed among sarcopenia-free participants. Conversely, higher ratio of animal-to-plant protein was associated with reduced muscle mass loss among participants with sarcopenia. The highest tertile of plant protein intake was associated with lower incident sarcopenia risk (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57-0.98; P-trend = 0.034) compared to the lowest tertile. Notably, this association was observed among participants with higher serum hs-CRP levels (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.95), but not in those with lower hs-CRP levels.

CONCLUSION

Dietary animal and plant protein intake have differential associations with muscle mass and physical performance in older adults with and without sarcopenia. The role of plant protein in preventing sarcopenia involves modulation of inflammation.

Association of Measures of Glucose Metabolism with Colorectal Cancer Risk in Older Chinese: A 13-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study-Cardiovascular Disease Substudy and Meta-Analysis

BACKGRUOUND

Abnormal glucose metabolism is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, association of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with CRC risk remains under-reported. We examined the association between glycemic indicators (HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, 2-hour glucose, 2-hour insulin, and homeostasis model of risk assessment-insulin resistance index) and CRC risk using prospective analysis and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Participants (n=1,915) from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study-Cardiovascular Disease Substudy were included. CRC events were identified through record linkage. Cox regression was used to assess the associations of glycemic indicators with CRC risk. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the association between HbA1c and CRC risk.

RESULTS

During an average of 12.9 years follow-up (standard deviation, 2.8), 42 incident CRC cases occurred. After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) of CRC for per % increment in HbA1c was 1.28 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.63) in overall population, 1.51 (95% CI, 1.13 to 2.02) in women and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.68 to 1.68) in men. No significant association of other measures of glycemic indicators and baseline diabetes with CRC risk was found. Meta-analyses of 523,857 participants including our results showed that per % increment of HbA1c was associated with 13% higher risk of CRC, with the pooled risk ratio being 1.13 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.27). Subgroupanalyses found stronger associations in women, colon cancer, Asians, and case-control studies.

CONCLUSION

Higher HbA1c was a significant predictor of CRC in the general population. Our findings shed light on the pathology of glucose metabolism and CRC, which warrants more in-depth investigation.

Association of fish and meat consumption with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease. Unhealthy dietary habit is one of major risk factors of NAFLD. However, the associations between specific types of fish and meat consumption and NAFLD remain inconclusive. We explored the associations of fish and meat consumption with NAFLD risk in middle-aged and older Chinese.

METHODS

We collected information on 1,862 participants aged 50 years or older from Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study in 2009 to 2010. Fish and meat consumption was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasound. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations of fish and meat consumption with the presence of NAFLD.

RESULTS

The average age was 61.0 (standard deviation = 6.5) years for the participants, 50.2% were women, and 37.2% were diagnosed with NAFLD. After adjusting for age, sex, education, family income, occupation, smoking status, drinking status, physical activity and several metabolic traits, compared with 0 serving/week (one serving = 50 g), fatty fish consumption of ≥ 3 servings/week showed higher odds of NAFLD (odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64 (1.12, 2.39)). The highest (≥ 11 servings/week of red meat and poultry; ≥ 3 servings/week of processed meat) versus the lowest (0-3 servings/week of red meat and poultry; 0 serving/week of processed meat) consumption of all other types of meats, including red meat, poultry and processed meat, showed no association with NAFLD (1.17 (0.75, 1.81), 1.02 (0.42, 2.50) and 0.85 (0.50, 1.45), respectively). Aquatic and sea food, and red meat had negative indirect effects on NAFLD via systolic blood pressure and/or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Processed meat had positive indirect effects on NAFLD via body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose and triglycerides.

CONCLUSION

High consumption of fatty fish was associated with higher NAFLD risk. Our results, if causal, provide evidence that limiting consumption of fatty fish can be considered as part of NAFLD lifestyle prevention and treatment.

Associations of meat, fish and seafood consumption with kidney function in middle-aged to older Chinese: a cross-sectional study based on the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of red meat, poultry, fish and seafood and processed meat consumption with kidney function in middle-aged to older Chinese.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study based on the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study.

SETTING

Community-based sample.

PARTICIPANTS

9768 participants (2743 men and 7025 women) aged 50+ years.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) derived from the Chinese-specific equation based on the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation (c-aGFR). eGFR derived from the original isotope-dilution mass spectrometry-traceable MDRD study equation, and prevalent chronic kidney disease (CKD) defined as c-aGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were considered the secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

After adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, education, occupation, family income, smoking status, alcohol use, physical activity, daily energy intake, self-rated health and chronic disease history (diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia), compared with processed meat consumption of 0-1 portion/week, those who consumed ≥3 portions/week had lower c-aGFR (β=-2.74 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI=-4.28 to -1.20) and higher risk of prevalent CKD (OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.09 to 1.80, p<0.0125). Regarding fish and seafood consumption, the associations varied by diabetes (p for interaction=0.02). Fish and seafood consumption of ≥11 portions/week, versus 0-3 portions/week, was non-significantly associated with higher c-aGFR (β=3.62 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI=-0.06 to 7.30) in participants with diabetes, but was associated with lower c-aGFR in normoglycaemic participants (β=-1.51 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI=-2.81 to -0.20). No significant associations of red meat or poultry consumption with c-aGFR nor prevalent CKD were found. Similar results were found for meat, fish and seafood consumption with eGFR.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher processed meat, fish and seafood consumption was associated with lower kidney function in normoglycaemic participants. However, the associations in participants with diabetes warrant further investigation.

Quantity and Variety of Fruit and Vegetable Intake with Changes in Measures of Adiposity among Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults

BACKGROUND

The association between fruit and vegetable intake, considering both quantity and variety, and weight change among older adults remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable intake, variety, and changes in adiposity measures among community-dwelling Chinese older adults.

METHODS

A total of 2944 participants aged ≥65 years from Hong Kong communities were included. Fruit and vegetable intake was estimated by a locally validated food frequency questionnaire. Adiposity measures (weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat and lean mass) were assessed at baseline and the year four follow-up. Restricted cubic spline and logistic models were performed to estimate the associations between fruit and vegetable intake, variety, and changes in adiposity measures.

RESULTS

A nonlinear association between vegetable intake and weight change was found, following a J-shape curve. Increased vegetable intake was associated with less increases in weight, BMI, and fat mass among those below median intakes. However, these associations became insignificant at higher intakes (all P-nonlinearity < 0.05). The ORs (95% CIs) for weight gain across the quartiles of vegetable intake were as follows: 1.00 (reference), 0.81 (0.56, 1.17), 0.55 (0.36, 0.83), and 0.88 (0.58, 1.33). Similar patterns were observed in overweight and normal weight participants, but not in those with low body weight. No associations with weight change were found for fruit intake or fruit and vegetable variety.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate vegetable intake was associated with less weight gain among community-dwelling Chinese older adults, but not in those with low body weight. No association was observed between fruit intake or variety with weight change.

Effect of prehabilitation-related DIETary protein intake on Quality of Recovery after elective cardiac surgery (DIETQoR) study: protocol of a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Protein malnutrition is associated with higher risks of postoperative complications, mortality, prolonged postoperative stays in hospital, slower physical and mental recovery after surgery and lower subsequent health-related quality of life. To reduce the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, nutritional prehabilitation programmes have been developed recently to build up patient's nutritional reserve to withstand the stress of surgery. The intervention involves nutritional screening and counselling, and increasing dietary protein intake in protein-malnourished patients in the several weeks before surgery. However, there are few well-conducted preoperative studies to examine the effect of increasing dietary protein intake on the quality of recovery of malnourished patients after elective cardiac surgery.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This randomised controlled trial of malnourished patients undergoing major elective cardiac surgery will compare the quality of postoperative recovery in patients with or without nutritional prehabilitation. One hundred and thirty-two patients will be randomised to receive nutritional prehabilitation (target-adjusted whey protein powder supplementation and an individualised 1 hour session/week counselling by a dietician 1 month before operation date) or standard care (no nutritional prehabilitation). Primary outcomes will be the quality of recovery after surgery (15-item Quality of Recovery) on the third postoperative day. Secondary outcomes will include days (alive and) at home within 30 days, changes in the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, changes in health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) and Cardiac Postoperative Morbidity Survey. An outcomes assessor will be blinded to the treatment allocation. Appropriate univariate analyses, generalised estimating equations and multiple regressions will be performed for intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Joint CUHK-NTEC Clinical Research Ethics Committee approved the study protocol (CREC Ref. No.: 2021.703 T). The findings will be presented at scientific meetings, peer-reviewed journals and to study participants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2200057463.

Quantity and Variety in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Mortality in Older Chinese: A 15-year Follow-Up of a Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Independent associations of quantity and variety of fruit and vegetables (FVs) with mortality in older people are still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the association between the quantity and variety in FV consumption and mortality in older Chinese.

METHODS

A total of 19,597 participants of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study aged >50 y were recruited from 2003 to 2006 and followed up until April 2021. The diet was assessed using a 300-item validated FFQ. Variety as a continuous variable was defined as the number of unique FV items (excluding potatoes, legumes, and fruit juices) intake per week over the past week. The associations of quantity and variety of FVs with mortality were analyzed, and analyses by the color of edible parts was performed. Multivariable Cox regression yielded HRs and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

During 286,821 person-year of follow-up, 4385 deaths occurred, including 1678 cardiovascular diseases (CVD), 1450 cancer, and 1257 other causes. Compared with the lowest quintile of variety in FV, the highest quintile was associated with lower risks of all-cause (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73-0.89) and CVD mortality (HR: 0.79; 95% CI 0.67-0.92). A greater variety of green and white FV intake was associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD morality, and a greater variety of red/purple FV intake was associated with lower risks of all-cause and cancer mortality. However, the quantity of FV intake showed no association with all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality.

CONCLUSION

Our findings have first showed that the variety, rather than quantity, in FV intake was associated with a lower risk of mortality in older Chinese. Dietary guidelines may recommend increasing the variety in FV intake, especially green, red/purple, and white FVs in older people.

Relative Validity of a Short Food Frequency Questionnaire for Disadvantaged Families in Hong Kong

Individuals with lower socioeconomic status are more vulnerable in securing good nutritional quality. It was also found that people who had received a lower education level had greater difficulty in completing the conventional dietary assessment such as a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Previous studies have demonstrated the validity of a short FFQ in Hong Kong's pregnant women, but its validity among a wider community was still unknown. For the present study, we aimed to validate a short FFQ among disadvantaged communities in Hong Kong. Amongst 103 individuals participating in a dietary intervention programme, their dietary data were collected by FFQs and three-day dietary records. Relative validity was assessed by correlation analysis, cross-tabulation, one-sample t-test, and linear regression. In general, water and total energy intake had significant correlations (0.77 for crude water intake and 0.87 for crude total energy intake) between values reported by FFQ and dietary records, good agreement (both with over 50% of observations falling into the same quartile), and insignificant differences between assessment methods reported by one-sample t-test and linear regression. Meanwhile, several nutrients had good agreement in terms of the values reported by FFQ and dietary records, such as energy from total fat, carbohydrates, total fat, cholesterol, phosphorus, and potassium. The results of this study demonstrated that the short version FFQ could be a convenient assessment tool of multiple dietary behaviors, especially in total energy and water intakes.

Cereal intake and mortality in older Chinese: a 15-year follow-up of a prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

We examined the association between whole grain and refined grain intake with all-cause, cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality using the data from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study.

METHODS

19,597 participants aged 50+ years were recruited from 2003 to 2006 and followed-up until April 2021. Multivariable Cox regression was used to calculate hazard radios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Substitution analysis was used to replace a serving (50 g/day) of whole grain with a serving of refined grain.

RESULTS

During 286,821 person-years of follow-up, 4385 deaths occurred, including 1450 from cancer, 1678 from CVD and 1257 from other causes. Compared with never whole grain intake, the highest intake category of whole grain (> 300 g/week) was associated with lower risk of all-cause (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.98) and CVD mortality (HR 0.85, 0.74-0.98). Compared with the low-intake category of refined grain (< 500 g/day), the highest intake category (> 900 g/week) was associated with a lower risk of cancer mortality (HR 0.76, 0.62-0.95), but a higher risk of CVD mortality (HR 1.25, 1.03-1.51). No significant associations were found between whole grain intake and cancer mortality nor refined grain and all-cause mortality. The HRs of all-cause, cancer and CVD mortality substituting a serving of whole grain for refined grain were 0.96 (0.94-0.99), 1.01 (0.99-1.02) and 0.95 (0.90-0.99), respectively.

CONCLUSION

We have first shown that in older Chinese, whole grain intake was associated with lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. Our results suggest that intake of whole grain of at least 300 g/week and refined grain of ≤ 900 g/day might be suitable for older Asian. Substituting 50 g/day of whole grain for refined grain was associated with a 4-5% lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality.

Association of novel and conventional obesity indices with colorectal cancer risk in older Chinese: a 14-year follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

Background

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) and a body shape index (ABSI) were newly developed indices for visceral fat mass. Whether they are superior to conventional obesity indices in predicting colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. We examined the associations of VAI and ABSI with CRC risk, and investigated their performance in discriminating CRC risk compared with conventional obesity indices in the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study.

Methods

A total of 28,359 participants aged 50 + years without cancer history at baseline (2003-8) were included. CRC were identified from the Guangzhou Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the association of obesity indices with the CRC risk. Discriminative abilities of obesity indices were assessed using Harrell’s C-statistic.

Results

During an average follow-up of 13.9 (standard deviation = 3.6) years, 630 incident CRC cases were recorded. After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of incident CRC for per standard deviation increment in VAI, ABSI, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was 1.04 (0.96, 1.12), 1.13 (1.04, 1.22), 1.08 (1.00, 1.17), 1.15 (1.06, 1.24), 1.16 (1.08, 1.25)and 1.13 (1.04, 1.22), respectively. Similar results for colon cancer were found. However, the associations of obesity indices with risk of rectal cancer were non-significant. All obesity indices showed similar discriminative abilities (C-statistics from 0.640 to 0.645), with WHR showing the highest whilst VAI and BMI the lowest.

Conclusions

ABSI, but not VAI, was positively associated with a higher risk of CRC. However, ABSI was not superior to the conventional abdominal obesity indices in predicting CRC.

A systematic review of measurement methods used to estimate fluid and beverage intake in free-living, working-age adults

BACKGROUND

Beverage intake in employees is important to quantify due to the potential of dehydration to increase the risk of errors and reduced work performance. This systematic review aimed to (1) characterise existing fluid intake measurement tools used in the workplace setting or among free-living, healthy adults of working age and (2) report the current validation status of available assessment tools for use in a UK setting.

METHODS

Three electronic databases were searched for publications measuring beverage intake using a defined tool or method. Additional studies were identified by hand from trial registers, grey literature and reference lists. Eligibility was determined using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed using a modified Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology framework. Narrative synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

The review identified 105 studies. The most frequently reported beverage assessment methods were total diet diaries/records (n = 22), fluid specific diaries/records (n = 18), food and fluid frequency questionnaires (n = 17), beverage-specific frequency questionnaires (n = 23) and diet recalls (n = 11). General dietary measurement tools (measuring beverages as part of total diet) were used in 60 studies, and 45 studies used a beverage-specific tool. This review identified 18 distinct dietary assessment tools, of which 6 were fluid/beverage specific. Twelve tools published relative validity for a beverage-related variable and seven tools for total daily fluid intake (from whole diet or from beverages only).

CONCLUSIONS

Several fluid intake assessment tools were identified; however, few have been fully evaluated for total beverage intake, and none in a UK working population.

Association of Plant Protein Intake with Change in Physical Performance in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

(1) Background: Dietary protein intake might be beneficial in optimizing physical performance, yet whether this is dependent on protein source and sex is unclear. We examined the association between dietary protein intake and change in physical performance among Chinese community-dwelling older adults. (2) Methods: This prospective study included older Chinese adults (≥65 years) in Hong Kong. Total, plant and animal protein intakes at baseline were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Physical performance at baseline and 4-year follow-up were assessed by the time to complete a 6-m walking test. Adjusted linear regression examined the association between total, plant and animal protein intakes (g/kg of body weight (BW)) and 4-year change in physical performance. (3) Results: 3133 participants (49.8% males) aged 71.8 ± 4.9 years were included. In males, total, plant and animal protein intakes were not associated with a change in physical performance. In females, higher plant protein intake was associated with less decline in physical performance (β 0.723, SE 0.288, p = 0.012). No associations were observed for total animal protein intakes. (4) Conclusion: In Chinese community-dwelling older adults, total and animal protein intakes were not associated with a 4-year change in physical performance. Higher plant protein intake was associated with less decline in physical performance in females.

Joint Associations of Food Groups with All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in the Mr. OS and Ms. OS Study: A Prospective Cohort

Despite continuous growth in dietary pattern research, the relative importance of each dietary component in the overall pattern and their joint effects on mortality risk have not been examined adequately. We explored the individual and joint associations of multiple food groups with all-cause and cause-specific mortality (cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cancer), by analyzing data from a cohort of 3995 Hong Kong Chinese older adults in the Mr. Osteoporosis (OS) and Ms. OS Study. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations of food groups with mortality risk. The individual and joint contribution of food groups to mortality risk has been quantified by a machine learning approach, i.e., the Quantile G-Computation. When comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of intake, dark green and leafy vegetables (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.70 to 0.96, Ptrend = 0.049), fruit (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.68 to 0.93, Ptrend = 0.006), legumes (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.63 to 0.87, Ptrend = 0.052), mushroom and fungi (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.65 to 0.88, Ptrend = 0.023), soy and soy products (HR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.66 to 0.90, Ptrend = 0.143), and whole grains (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.65 to 0.89, Ptrend = 0.008) were inversely associated with all-cause mortality. Legume intake was associated with a lower risk of CVD mortality, while fruit, nuts, soy and soy products were associated with a lower risk of cancer mortality. From the Quantile G-Computation, whole grains, legumes, fruits, mushroom and fungi, soy and soy products had a higher relative weighting on mortality risk, and the joint effect of food groups was inversely associated with the mortality risk due to all-causes (HR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.55), CVD (HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.67 to 0.91), and cancer (HR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.65). From a sex-stratified analysis, most associations between food groups (whole grains, legumes, fruits, mushroom and fungi, soy and soy products) and mortality risk remained significant among men. In conclusion, whole grains, legumes, fruits, mushroom and fungi, soy and soy products were the main contributors to a reduction in mortality risk, and their joint effects were stronger than individual food groups. Moreover, the sex-specific association of sweets and desserts with cancer mortality may be worth further investigation.

Association of alcohol drinking with incident type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes: The Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

AIMS

We examined associations of baseline alcohol drinking with incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and explore whether the associations were modified by genetic polymorphisms of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) and alcohol dehydrogenase-1B (ADH1B).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All participants were aged 50+ (mean = 60.45; standard deviation = 6.88) years. Information of alcohol consumption was collected at baseline from 2003 to 2008. Incident T2D was defined as fasting glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L or post-load glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L at follow-up examination (2008-2012), self-reported T2D and/or initiation of hypoglycaemia medication or insulin during follow-up. Impaired fasting glucose was defined as fasting glucose ≥5.6 mmol/L and <7 mmol/L.

RESULTS

Of 15,716 participants without diabetes and 11,232 participants without diabetes and IFG at baseline, 1624 (10.33%) developed incident T2D and 1004 (8.94%) developed incident IFG during an average 4 years of follow-up. After multivariable adjustments, compared with never drinking, occasional or moderate alcohol drinking was not associated with risk of incident hyperglycaemia (T2D + IFG) (odds ratio (OR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95-1.27, and 0.90 (0.69-1.18), respectively), whereas heavy alcohol drinking was associated with a higher risk of incident hyperglycaemia (T2D + IFG) (OR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.24-2.68). No interactions of sex, overweight/obesity and genetic polymorphisms of ADH1B/ALDH2 genes with alcohol drinking on incident T2D and/or IFG were found (P for interaction from 0.12 to 0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support a detrimental effect of heavy alcohol use on IFG and T2D. No protective effect was found for those carrying lower risk alleles for ADH1B/ALDH2 genes.

Adequate Dietary Intake and Vitamin D Supplementation: A Study of Their Relative Importance in Determining Serum Vitamin D and Ferritin Concentrations during Pregnancy

Vitamin D is essential for human health. However, it is not clear if vitamin D supplementation is necessary for all pregnant women. This study examines the relative importance of dietary patterns and vitamin D supplementation frequency in determining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and ferritin concentrations among pregnant women in Hong Kong, China. A total of 572 healthy women were recruited from antenatal clinics at 25–35 weeks pregnant. Participants completed an electronic version of the food frequency questionnaire and a web questionnaire on supplement use. Their blood samples were tested for serum 25(OH)D and ferritin. The associations of dietary patterns and vitamin D supplementation frequency with serum 25(OH)D and ferritin concentrations were analyzed using moderated hierarchical regression. Two dietary patterns were identified. The adequate dietary intake was characterized by the high probability of meeting recommended daily food group servings, whereas the inadequate dietary intake was characterized by inadequate consumption of vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and eggs, or alternatives. The association between adequate dietary intake and serum ferritin concentrations was independent of vitamin D supplementation frequency (β = 0.05, p = 0.035), but dietary patterns interacted with vitamin D supplementation frequency to determine serum 25(OH)D concentrations (β = −13.22, p = 0.014). The current study presents evidence on the relative importance of dietary patterns and vitamin D supplementation in maintaining sufficient vitamin D and iron in pregnancy. Antenatal nutrition counselling services should be provided to pregnant women who show signs of inadequate dietary intake.

The Association of Circulating Amino Acids and Dietary Inflammatory Potential with Muscle Health in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older People

Amino acids (AAs) and dietary inflammatory potential play essential roles in muscle health. We examined the associations of dietary inflammatory index (DII) of habitual diet with serum AA profile, and ascertained if the associations between DII and muscle outcomes were mediated by serum AAs, in 2994 older Chinese community-dwelling men and women (mean age 72 years) in Hong Kong. Higher serum branched chain AAs (BCAAs), aromatic AAs and total glutathione (tGSH) were generally associated with better muscle status at baseline. A more pro-inflammatory diet, correlating with higher serum total homocysteine and cystathionine, was directly (90.2%) and indirectly (9.8%) through lower tGSH associated with 4-year decline in hand grip strength in men. Higher tGSH was associated with favorable 4-year changes in hand grip strength, gait speed and time needed for 5-time chair stands in men and 4-year change in muscle mass in women. Higher leucine and isoleucine were associated with decreased risk of sarcopenia in men; the associations were abolished after adjustment for BMI. In older men, perturbations in serum sulfur AAs metabolism may be biomarkers of DII related adverse muscle status, while the lower risk of sarcopenia with higher BCAAs may partly be due to preserved BMI.

The Associations of Dietary Inflammatory Potential With Musculoskeletal Health in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older People: The Mr. OS and Ms. OS (Hong Kong) Cohort Study

Inflammation, an important contributory factor of muscle and bone aging, is potentially modulated by diet. This study examined the associations of dietary inflammatory index (DII) score with musculoskeletal parameters and related disease outcomes in 3995 community-dwelling Chinese men and women aged ≥65 years in Hong Kong. DII score at baseline was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. Bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle mass estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), hand grip strength, gait speed, and chair stand test were measured at baseline, year 4, and year 14. The associations of DII score with the longitudinal changes of musculoskeletal parameters, and incidence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and fractures were examined by using general linear model, multinomial logistic regression model, and Cox proportional hazards regression model, respectively. After multiple adjustments, each tertile increase in DII score in men was associated with 0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10-0.64) kg loss in grip strength and 0.02 (95% CI, 0.01-0.03) m/s loss in gait speed over 4 years. In men, the highest tertile of DII was associated with a higher risk of incident fractures, with adjusted and competing death adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) of 1.56 (1.14-2.14) and 1.40 (1.02-1.91), respectively. In women, DII score was not significantly associated with any muscle-related outcomes or incidence of fracture, but a significant association between higher DII score and risk of osteoporosis at year 14 was observed, with the highest tertile of DII score having adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) of 1.90 (1.03-3.52). In conclusion, pro-inflammatory diet consumption promoted loss of muscle strength and physical function, and increased risk of fractures in older Chinese men. Pro-inflammatory diets had no significant association with muscle related outcomes but increased the long-term risk of osteoporosis in older Chinese women. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

A Scoping Review of Epidemiological Studies on Intake of Sugars in Geographically Dispersed Asian Countries: Comparison of Dietary Assessment Methodology

Previous systematic reviews, which focused on sugar intake and its relation with health issues, were mainly conducted in Western countries, not Asian countries characterized by differences in dietary habits and disease prevalence. The scarcity of Asian studies may be attributed to the lack of assessment tools for estimating sugar intake. To provide an overview of the epidemiological studies on sugar intake in Asian countries, with a primary focus on dietary assessment methodology for estimating sugar intake, we conducted a scoping review of the epidemiological studies estimating sugar intake in Asian countries (the United Nations' definition) and Taiwan using PubMed and Web of Science. Study quality was evaluated based on its assessment of sugar intake in the whole diet, dietary assessment methods, and data sources used for estimating sugar content. We identified 143 studies from 136 publications from Eastern (n = 63), Southern (n = 30), South-Eastern (n = 26), and Western (n = 24) Asia. Total sugars were investigated in 95 studies, while 23-30 studies investigated sucrose, fructose, added sugars, and free sugars. The main aim of the selected studies was assessment of diet-disease relations (n = 85) and estimation of dietary intake (n = 40), and 62 studies assessed sugars as the primary exposure/outcome. A total of 120 studies assessed sugar intake in the whole diet, and 62 studies used validated FFQs or multiple-day dietary assessment methods. Only 41 studies used country-specific comprehensive food-composition databases or directly measured sugar content. Only 17 studies reported high-quality data. This review elucidated a sufficient number of epidemiological studies estimating sugar intake across Asian countries; however, most studies reported low-quality data. The results from our review showed that both feasible and validated dietary assessment methods, as well as comprehensive country-specific sugar-composition databases, are essential for producing high-quality studies with accurate sugar intake to examine its association with health outcomes.

The association of serum sulfur amino acids and related metabolites with incident diabetes: a prospective cohort study

AIM

Plasma total cysteine (tCys) is associated with fat mass and insulin resistance, whereas taurine is inversely related to diabetes risk. We investigated the association of serum sulfur amino acids (SAAs) and related amino acids (AAs) with incident diabetes.

METHODS

Serum AAs were measured at baseline in 2997 subjects aged ≥ 65 years. Diabetes was recorded at baseline and after 4 years. Logistic regression evaluated the association of SAAs [methionine, total homocysteine (tHcy), cystathionine, tCys, and taurine] and related metabolites [serine, total glutathione (tGSH), glutamine, and glutamic acid] with diabetes risk.

RESULTS

Among 2564 subjects without diabetes at baseline, 4.6% developed diabetes. Each SD increment in serum tCys was associated with a 68% higher risk (95% CI 1.27, 2.23) of diabetes [OR for upper vs. lower quartile 2.87 (1.39, 5.91)], after full adjustments (age, sex, other AAs, adiposity, eGFR, physical activity, blood pressure, diet and medication); equivalent ORs for cystathionine were 1.33 (1.08, 1.64) and 1.68 (0.85, 3.29). Subjects who were simultaneously in the upper tertiles of both cystathionine and tCys had a fivefold risk [OR = 5.04 (1.55, 16.32)] of diabetes compared with those in the lowest tertiles. Higher serine was independently associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes [fully adjusted OR per SD = 0.68 (0.54, 0.86)]. Glutamic acid and glutamine showed positive and negative associations, respectively, with incident diabetes in age- and sex-adjusted analysis, but only the glutamic acid association was independent of other confounders [fully adjusted OR per SD = 1.95 (1.19, 3.21); for upper quartile = 7.94 (3.04, 20.75)]. tGSH was inversely related to diabetes after adjusting for age and sex, but not other confounders. No consistent associations were observed for methionine, tHcy or taurine.

CONCLUSION

Specific SAAs and related metabolites show strong and independent associations with incident diabetes. This suggests that perturbations in the SAA metabolic pathway may be an early marker for diabetes risk.

Low-Carbohydrate Diets and Mortality in Older Asian People: A 15-Year Follow-Up from a Prospective Cohort Study

The long-term effects of a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) on mortality, accounting for the quality and source of the carbohydrate, are unclear. Hence, we examined the associations of LCDs with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a prospective cohort study. A total of 20,206 participants (13.8% diabetes) aged 50+ years were included. Overall, vegetable-based and meat-based LCD scores were calculated based on the percentage of energy as total and subtypes of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During 294,848 person-years of follow-up, 4624 deaths occurred, including 3661 and 963 deaths in participants without and with diabetes, respectively. In all participants, overall LCD score was not associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality, after multivariable adjustment. However, for the highest versus the lowest quartiles of vegetable-based LCD, the adjusted HRs (95%CIs) of all-cause and CVD mortality were 1.16 (1.05–1.27) and 1.39 (1.19–1.62), respectively. The corresponding values for highest versus lowest quartiles of meat-based LCD for all-cause and CVD mortality were 0.89 (0.81–0.97) and 0.81 (0.70–0.93), respectively. Similar associations were found in participants without diabetes. In patients with diabetes, the adjusted HR (95%CI) of CVD mortality for the highest versus the lowest quartiles of vegetable-based LCD was 1.54 (1.11–2.14). Although there were no significant associations with overall LCD score, we found that the vegetable-based LCD score was positively, whereas the meat-based LCD score was negatively, associated with all-cause and CVD mortality in older Asian people.

Decreased cortical bone density and mechanical strength with associated elevated bone turnover markers at peri-pubertal peak height velocity: a cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study of 396 girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Decreased cortical bone density and bone strength at peak height velocity (PHV) were noted in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). These findings could provide the link to the previously reported observation that low bone mineral density (BMD) could contribute as one of the prognostic factors for curve progression that mostly occurs during PHV in AIS.

INTRODUCTION

As part of the studies related to aetiopathogenesis of AIS, we assessed bone qualities, bone mechanical strength and bone turnover markers (BTMs) focusing at the peri-pubertal period and PHV in AIS girls.

METHODS

396 AIS girls in two separate cohorts were studied. Skeletal maturity was assessed using the validated thumb ossification composite index (TOCI). Bone qualities and strength were evaluated with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and finite element analysis (FEA).

RESULTS

Cohort-A included 179 girls (11.95 ± 0.95 years old). Girls at TOCI-4 had numerically the highest height velocity (0.71 ± 0.24 cm/month) corresponding to the PHV. Subjects at TOCI-4 had lower cortical volumetric BMD (672.36 ± 39.07 mg/mm³), cortical thickness (0.68 ± 0.08 mm) and apparent modulus (1601.54 ± 243.75 N/mm²) than: (a) those at TOCI-1-3 (724.99 ± 32.09 mg/mm³ (p < 0.001), 0.79 ± 0.11 mm (p < 0.001) and 1910.88 ± 374.75 N/mm² (p < 0.001), respectively) and (b) those at TOCI-8 (732.28 ± 53.75 mg/mm³ (p < 0.001), 0.84 ± 0.14 mm (p < 0.001), 1889.11 ± 419.37 N/mm² (p < 0.001), respectively). Cohort-B included 217 girls (12.22 ± 0.89 years old). Subjects at TOCI-4 had higher levels of C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (1524.70 ± 271.10 pg/L) and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (941.12 ± 161.39 µg/L) than those at TOCI-8 (845.71 ± 478.55 pg/L (p < 0.001) and 370.08 ± 197.04 µg/L (p < 0.001), respectively).

CONCLUSION

AIS girls had decreased cortical bone density and bone mechanical strength with elevated BTMs at PHV. Coupling of PHV with decreased cortical and FEA parameters could provide the link to the previously reported observation that low BMD could contribute as one of the prognostic factors for curve progression that mostly occurs during PHV in AIS.

Higher fruit and vegetable variety associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment in Chinese community-dwelling older men: a 4-year cohort study

PURPOSE

Few studies have examined the variety in fruit and vegetable (FV) intake with cognitive impairment in older adults. This study examined the associations of variety in fruit, vegetable and combined FV with 4-year incident cognitive impairment in Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

Data was derived from a cohort study among Chinese community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years in Hong Kong. At baseline, a validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess variety in fruit, vegetable and combined FV. Cognitive impairment was defined as a Community Screening Instrument of Dementia score of < 29.5 points and/or Mini-Mental State Examination score of < 27 points. Adjusted multiple logistic regression was performed to examine the associations. Results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Of the 1518 participants [median age: 70 years (IQR 68-74), 32.7% women] included at baseline, 300 men and 111 women were newly identified as cognitively impaired at the 4-year follow-up. In men, higher variety in vegetable (adjusted OR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99, p = 0.029) and combined FV (adjusted OR: 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.98, p = 0.039) were significantly associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment. Fruit variety was not associated with cognitive impairment. In women, there were no associations between variety in fruit, vegetable and combined FV with cognitive impairment in the adjusted model.

CONCLUSION

Independent of FV quantity, higher variety in vegetable and combined FV were associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment in Chinese community-dwelling older adults, and these associations were only observed in men.

Muscle plays a more superior role than fat in bone homeostasis: A cross-sectional study of old Asian people

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to discover the role of fat and muscle in bone structures, as well as the relationship between obesity and sarcopenia on age-related osteoporosis.

METHODS

A total of 400 participants (65.0 ± 8.2 years old, 42.3% women) were recruited. Fat, muscle, bone parameters, basic demographics, medical history, physical performance and activity, and calcium intake of participants were obtained from datasets. The diagnosis of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity was based on current recommendations. Pearson correlation, non-linear regression models, and decision tree analyses were performed to study the relationship between fat, muscle, and bone. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the risk of osteoporosis in old people with obesity or sarcopenia via Model 1 (unadjusted) and Model 2 (adjusted by age, physical activity, and calcium intake).

RESULTS

Correlation analysis showed that limb muscle mass and index, and age were best related to bone mineral density (BMD) (|r| = 0.386-0.632, p < 0.001). On the contrary, body mass index (BMI) and increased body fat percentage (BF%) were harmful for bone health. An increase of BMI and fat mass index slowed the increase of BMD in the spine, while skeletal muscle mass index accelerated the increase. People with sarcopenia had low muscle mass and strength. When separating subjects into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia status, sarcopenia was independently related to higher risks of osteoporosis in both models (OR > 1, p < 0.05). BMI-defined obesity in Model 1 as well as BF%-defined obesity in both models did not reduce the risk of osteoporosis in both models (p > 0.05). The decision tree classification (85% accuracy) showed that greater body weight and larger lower limb muscle performance were negatively related to osteoporosis, while fat mass and percentage did not play roles in this prediction.

CONCLUSION

Low muscle mass and function were harmful to bone health. Obesity defined by both BMI and BF% had limited protective roles in osteoporosis. The benefits for bone from increased muscle mass and function play a more superior role than increased fat mass in old people. Sarcopenia prevention and treatment instead of controlling obesity should be recommended as an approach to reduce the risks of age-related osteoporosis and fragility fracture for elderly people.

Dietary Patterns and Intrinsic Capacity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have investigated the link between diet and intrinsic capacity (IC), and the potential sex difference in such association. This study examined the association between dietary patterns and IC and its sub-domains in Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from the MrOs and MsOs study.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

Chinese community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years in Hong Kong.

MEASUREMENTS

Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and priori and posteriori dietary pattern scores were generated. IC including measures of cognitive, locomotor, vitality, sensory and psychological domains was assessed. Multiple logistic regression was performed to examine the associations between dietary pattern scores and the likelihood of greater IC and sub-domain scores with adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

Data of 3730 participants (aged 72.2±5.0 years, 50.4% men) was available. In men, higher Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) and Okinawan diet scores, and lower "meat-fish" pattern scores were associated with greater IC. A higher DQI-I score was associated with greater locomotion, whereas higher "snacks-drinks-milk products" pattern score was associated with a greater sensory function. In women, none of the dietary pattern scores was associated with IC. Higher DQI-I score, Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay Diet (MIND) score and "vegetables-fruits" pattern score were associated with greater psychological function.

CONCLUSION

Various dietary patterns were associated with greater IC and its sub-domains in Chinese community-dwelling older adults, and more associations were observed in men than women. Strategies to improve diet and IC should take sex differences into account.

Prospective Association of the Portfolio Diet with All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Risk in the Mr. OS and Ms. OS Study

The Portfolio Diet has demonstrated its cardiovascular benefit from interventions, but the association between Portfolio Diet adherence and the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality has not been examined in Chinese population. The present study has collected Portfolio Diet adherence (assessed by food frequency questionnaire), lifestyle factors and mortality status of 3991 participants in the Mr. Osteoporosis (OS) and Ms. OS Study. Cox regression models were used to examine the association between the Portfolio Diet adherence and mortality risk (all-cause, cardiovascular disease or cancer). The highest quartile of the Portfolio Diet score was associated with a 28% lower risk of all-cause (hazard ratio, HR: 0.72) and cancer (HR: 0.72) mortality, respectively. The association between Portfolio Diet adherence and cardiovascular disease mortality did not reach statistical significance (HR: 0.90, 95% CI = 0.64, 1.26). Among male participants, the highest adherence to the Portfolio Diet was also associated with a lower risk of all-cause (HR: 0.63) and cancer mortality (HR: 0.59), and there was an inverse association between food sources of plant protein and the risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR: 0.50). However, most associations between the Portfolio Diet and mortality were not significant among females. The protection for cancer mortality risk might reach the plateau at the highest adherence to the Portfolio Diet for females. To conclude, greater adherence to the Portfolio Diet was significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality in Hong Kong older adults, and the associations appeared stronger among males.

Fracture Incidence and the Relevance of Dietary and Lifestyle Factors Differ in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong: An International Comparison of Longitudinal Cohort Study Data

Geographic variation in fracture risk may be due to divergent profiles of dietary, lifestyle, and other risk factors between populations. We investigated differences in fracture rates between two older-population cohorts: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Norfolk cohort (n = 7732) in the United Kingdom (UK), and the Mr and Ms Os cohort (n = 3956) in Hong Kong (HK). Data were collected by questionnaires, laboratory assessments, and hospital records. Incidence of hip, spine, and wrist fractures in the two cohorts was calculated and multivariable regression was used to explore variables important to fracture risk. Total hip, spine, and wrist fracture incidence was higher in the UK vs HK for women (13.70 vs 8.76 per 1000 person-years; p < 0.001), but not men (5.95 vs 5.37 per 1000 person-years; p = 0.337), and the proportions of different fractures also varied between cohorts (p < 0.001). Hip fracture was the most common UK fracture (accounting for 56.8% fractures in men and 52.6% in women), while wrist fracture was most common in HK (42.9% in men and 57.9% in women). The major contributor to total fracture risk in multivariable regression models of both cohorts and sexes, was age; with BMI also an important contributor to fracture risk HK men and UK women. The distribution of factors relevant to fracture risk, and the rates of different fractures, varied significantly between UK and HK cohorts. However, the importance of each factor in contributing to fracture risk was similar between the cohorts. The differences in fracture rates suggest targeted approaches may be required when developing interventions and public health recommendations to reduce the burden of osteoporosis in these two countries.

Certain dietary patterns are associated with GLIM criteria among Chinese community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional analysis

Disease-related malnutrition is prevalent among older adults; therefore, identifying the modifiable risk factors in the diet is essential for the prevention and management of disease-related malnutrition. The present study examined the cross-sectional association between dietary patterns and malnutrition in Chinese community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years in Hong Kong. Dietary patterns, including Diet Quality Index International (DQI-I), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), the Mediterranean Diet Score, ‘vegetable–fruit’ pattern, ‘snack–drink–milk product’ pattern and ‘meat–fish’ pattern, were estimated and generated from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Malnutrition was classified according to the modified Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria based on two phenotypic components (low body mass index and reduced muscle mass) and one aetiologic component (inflammation/disease burden). The association between the tertile or level of adherence of each dietary pattern and modified GLIM criteria was analysed using adjusted binary logistic regression models. Data of 3694 participants were available (49 % men). Malnutrition was present in 397 participants (10⋅7 %). In men, a higher DQI-I score, a higher ‘vegetable–fruit’ pattern score and a lower ‘meat–fish’ pattern score were associated with a lower risk of malnutrition. In women, higher adherence to the DASH diet was associated with a lower risk of malnutrition. After the Bonferroni correction, the association remained statistically significant only in men for the DQI-I score. To conclude, a higher DQI-I score was associated with a lower risk of malnutrition in Chinese older men. Nutritional strategies for the prevention and management of malnutrition could potentially be targeted on dietary quality.

Serum Amino Acids Patterns and 4-Year Sarcopenia Risk in Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults

INTRODUCTION

Dietary protein intake and serum amino acids (AAs) are factors controlling the rate of muscle protein synthesis and catabolism. This study examined the association between serum AAs patterns and incident sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

Chinese older adults in Hong Kong aged ≥65 years attended a health check at baseline and 4-year follow-up. At baseline, fasting blood was collected to measure 17 serum AAs. Serum AAs patterns were identified using principal component analysis. Dietary protein intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. A composite score was computed by summing the principal component score and sex-standardized protein intake. Six composite scores representing each AAs pattern were available for each participant. Sarcopenia was defined using the updated version of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Crude and adjusted multiple logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations between each of the 6 composite scores and sarcopenia over 4 years. Results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). To address multiple testing, a Bonferroni correction was applied using a corrected significance level of p < 0.008 (α 0.05/6 patterns).

RESULTS

Data of 2,610 participants (mean age 71.6 years, 45.4% men) were available. In men, serum AAs patterns characterized by high branched-chain AAs (BCAAs) (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.87, p < 0.001) and tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.89, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia over 4-year follow-up. After adjusting for confounders, the associations were no longer significant. In women, serum AAs patterns characterized by glutamine, glutamic acid, and methionine (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.47, p = 0.001) and arginine, taurine, and serine (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.06-1.35, p = 0.003) were associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia. After adjusting for confounders, serum AAs pattern characterized by high BCAAs (adjusted OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.25-1.86, p < 0.001) and arginine, taurine, and serine (adjusted OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.09-1.56, p = 0.004) were significantly associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia. No association between other AAs patterns with incident sarcopenia was found.

CONCLUSIONS

In community-dwelling Chinese older adults, serum AAs patterns characterized by high BCAAs and nonessential AAs (arginine, taurine, and serine) were associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia in women. Findings may allow identifying new targets for interventions.

Longitudinal association of built environment pattern with DXA-derived body fat in elderly Hong Kong Chinese: a latent profile analysis

BACKGROUND

One major limitation of prior studies regarding the associations between built environment (BE) and obesity has been the use of anthropometric indices (e.g., body mass index [BMI]) for assessing obesity status, and there has been limited evidence of associations between BE and body fat. This study aimed to explore the longitudinal association between BE and body fat in a cohort of elderly Hong Kong Chinese and examine whether the BE-body fat associations differed by BMI categories.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2003, 3944 participants aged 65-98 years were recruited and followed for a mean of 6.4 years. BE characteristics were assessed via Geographic Information System. Body fat (%) at whole body and regional areas (trunk, limbs, android, and gynoid) were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and three follow-ups. Latent profile analysis was used to derive BE class, and linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate the associations of BE class with changes in body fat. Stratified analyses by BMI categories were also conducted.

RESULTS

Three BE classes were identified. Participants in Class 2 (characterized by greater open space and proportion of residential land use) had a slower increase in whole body fat (B = -0.403, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.780, -0.014) and limbs fat (-0.471, 95% CI: -0.870, -0.071) compared with participants in Class 1 (characterized by high proportion of commercial land use). There were significant interactions of BE class with BMI, and participants in Class 2 had a slower increase in whole body fat and regional fat compared with participants in Class 1 (B ranging from -0.987 [limbs] to -0.523 [gynoid]) among overweight and obese participants only.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that those who resided in the areas characterized by greater open space and proportion of residential land use had a slower body fat increase.

Association of fish consumption with risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality: an 11-year follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Whether fish consumption is associated with all-cause, cardiovascular (CVD), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke mortality remains inconclusive. We examined the association of fish consumption with all-cause, cardiovascular (CVD), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke mortality in older men and women in south China.

METHODS

A total of 18,215 participants including men and women without CVD at baseline (2003-2006) from Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS) were included and followed up till December 2017. Deaths were identified through record linkage with the Death Registry. Information on fish consumption was obtained using a food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS

During an average follow-up of 11.4 (standard deviation = 2.1) years, 2,697 deaths occurred, including 917 total CVD, 397 IHD and 374 stroke deaths. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with fish consumption of 0-3 servings/week (i.e., 0-21 g/day, one serving = 50 g), consumption of 4-6 servings/week (29-43 g/day) showed significantly lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (hazards ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85 (0.76, 0.95) and 0.77 (0.64, 0.93), respectively), but the reduced risk of IHD mortality (HR (95% CI): 0.80 (0.60, 1.07)) was not significant. Consumption of 7-10 servings/week or higher showed no association with all-cause, CVD, IHD, and stroke mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate fish consumption of 4-6 servings/week (29-43 g/day) was associated with lower all-cause and CVD mortality risk. Our findings support the current general advice on regular fish consumption also in middle-aged and older adults.

Prospective Analysis of Fruit and Vegetable Variety on Health Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

Evidence on the topic regarding fruit and vegetable (FV) variety and health outcomes among older adults is limited. This study explored the prospective association of fruit variety, vegetable variety and combined FV variety with the risk of sarcopenia, frailty, all-cause and cause-specific mortality in community-dwelling Chinese older adults.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling Chinese older adults aged ≥65 years in Hong Kong.

MEASUREMENTS

Fruit variety, vegetable variety and combined FV variety at baseline were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and the variety scores were stratified into tertiles. Sarcopenia (Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019), frailty (Cardiovascular Health Study) and all-cause and cause-specific mortality (retrieved from an official database) were assessed at 14-year follow-up. Adjusted binary logistic regression or Cox proportional hazards model were performed to examine the association of fruit variety, vegetable variety and combined FV variety with each health outcome. Data are presented as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Baseline dietary data of 3992 participants (median age: 72 years (interquartile range: 68-76), 49.9% women) was available. There were 436 and 371 participants who were newly identified as having sarcopenia and frailty respectively, and 1654 all-cause mortality, 367 cardiovascular diseases (CVD) mortality and 534 cancer mortality over 14-year. Tertiles of fruit variety, vegetable variety and combined FV variety were not associated with sarcopenia, frailty, CVD mortality and cancer mortality. Participants in the highest tertile of fruit variety (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70-0.95, p-trend 0.010), vegetable variety (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67-0.89, p-trend <0.001) and combined FV variety (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67-0.89. p-trend <0.001) showed lower risk of all-cause mortality compared with participants in the lowest tertile.

CONCLUSION

Among community-dwelling Chinese older adults, FV variety was not associated with sarcopenia, frailty, CVD mortality and cancer mortality over 14-year. Higher fruit variety, vegetable variety and combined FV variety were associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Promoting a wide FV variety might be recommended to benefit the health and longevity of this population.

Evaluation of dietary pattern in early pregnancy using the FIGO Nutrition Checklist compared to a food frequency questionnaire

Objective

To evaluate the reliability and utility of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist to identify dietary and nutritional inadequacy in early pregnancy by comparing it against nutritional indicators and dietary quality indices (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH] score, Mediterranean Diet Score [MDS], and Dietary Quality Index‐International [DQI‐I]), derived by a locally validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).

Methods

A prospective cohort study of healthy Chinese pregnant women randomly recruited between September 2017 and April 2018 at their first antenatal appointment. Women completed the FIGO Nutrition Checklist (translated into Chinese) and the FFQ. Spearman correlation was performed to examine association between the Checklist and dietary quality indices or food and nutrient intakes, calculated based on dietary data from the FFQ.

Results

Of 160 participants, 156 (97.5%) completed both the FIGO Nutrition Checklist and FFQ and were included. There were 148 (95%) women who reported at least one suboptimal dietary behavior using the Checklist. Checklist score was significantly associated with dietary quality indices (DASH ρ=0.344, P<0.001; DQI‐I ρ=0.304, P<0.001; MDS ρ=0.164, P=0.041). The Checklist question on fruit/vegetables was significantly associated with fiber, vitamin C, and fruit and vegetable intake as calculated from the FFQ (0.325 ≤ ρ ≤0.441, P<0.001). The question on dairy intake was significantly associated with intake of calcium, milk and dairy products captured via FFQ (0.576 ≤ ρ ≤0.655, P<0.001).

Conclusion

This study supports the use of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist to identify women with suboptimal dietary quality in early pregnancy.

The FIGO Nutrition Checklist was significantly associated with dietary quality indices derived from a validated food frequency questionnaire. The Checklist can help identify nutritional issues in pregnancy.

Elastic-band resistance exercise or vibration treatment in combination with hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB) supplement for management of sarcopenia in older people: a study protocol for a single-blinded randomised controlled trial in Hong Kong

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterised by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function with risks of adverse outcomes and becomes more prevalent due to ageing population. Elastic-band exercise, vibration treatment and hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation were previously proven to have positive effects on the control of sarcopenia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of elastic-band exercise or vibration treatment with HMB supplementation in managing sarcopenia. Our findings will provide a safe and efficient strategy to mitigate the progression of sarcopenia in older people and contribute to higher quality of life as well as improved long-term health outcomes of elderly people.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In this single-blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT), subjects will be screened for sarcopenia based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) definition and 144 sarcopenic subjects aged 65 or above will be recruited. This RCT will have three groups evaluated at two time points to measure changes over 3 months-the control and the groups with combined HMB supplement and elastic-band resistance exercise or vibration treatment. Changes in muscle strength in lower extremity will be the primary outcome. Muscle strength in the upper extremity, gait speed, muscle mass (based on AWGS definition), functional performance in terms of balancing ability and time-up-and-go test and quality of life will be taken as secondary outcomes. In addition, each participant's daily activity will be monitored by a wrist-worn activity tracker. Repeated-measures analysis of variance will be performed to compare within-subject changes between control and treatment groups at two time points of pretreatments and post-treatments.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The procedures have been approved by the Joint CUHK-NTEC Clinical Research Management Office (Ref. CREC 2018.602) and conformed to the Declaration of Helsinki. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and workshops.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04028206.

Association of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Frequency with Adiposity: Evidence from the "Children of 1997" Birth Cohort

Background: Observationally, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is associated with adiposity in Western children but could be confounded. We examined the association of SSB frequency with adiposity in the non-Western setting of Hong Kong. Methods: We examined the associations of SSB consumption frequency at 11 and 13 years assessed by using a food frequency questionnaire with subsequent body mass index (BMI) z-score and overweight/obesity up to 18 years using generalized estimating equations, and with waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage at 16–19 years using linear regression in a population-representative Chinese birth cohort “Children of 1997” (n = 3628). Results: At 11 and 13 years, 6.8% and 8.2% of children respectively consumed SSB daily. Neither SSB frequency at 11 nor at 13 years was associated with subsequent BMI z-score or overweight/obesity up to 18 years, or with waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or body fat percentage at 16–19 years adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic position, health status, physical activity and other food consumption, although bias to the null from under-reporting cannot be eliminated. Conclusion: Although we cannot definitively exclude a small association of SSB frequency with adiposity, lack of association of SSB frequency with adiposity in a non-Western setting with low SSB consumption suggests that the role of SSB in adiposity appears to be minor.

Dietary patterns and telomere length in community-dwelling Chinese older men and women: a cross-sectional analysis

PURPOSE

Environmental and lifestyle factors that affect oxidative stress and inflammation may influence telomere length (TL). There are limited data to relate dietary patterns with TL. This study examined the association of various dietary patterns with TL in Chinese older adults.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis and performed multivariate linear regression analyses using available data from 1981 (965 men, 1016 women) community-dwelling Chinese adults aged 65 years and over in Hong Kong. The interviewer administered questionnaires that covered dietary intake estimation and dietary pattern generation from the food frequency questionnaire, demographic and lifestyle factors, and self-reported medical history. TL was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

None of the dietary pattern scores including the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) score, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay Diet (MIND) score, the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), the Okinawan diet score, as well as the "vegetables-fruits" pattern score, the "snacks-drinks-milk" pattern score, and the "meat-fish" pattern score were associated with TL in the age- and sex-adjusted model and the multivariate adjusted model.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a minimal role of dietary patterns in telomere length in community-dwelling Chinese older adults.

The Mediterranean Diet Slows Down the Progression of Aging and Helps to Prevent the Onset of Frailty: A Narrative Review

The aging population is rapidly increasing all over the world. This results in significant implications for the planning and provision of health and social care. Aging is physiologically characterized by a decrease in lean mass, bone mineral density and, to a lesser extent, fat mass. The onset of sarcopenia leads to weakness and a further decrease in physical activity. An insufficient protein intake, which we often observe in patients of advanced age, certainly accelerates the progression of sarcopenia. In addition, many other factors (e.g., insulin resistance, impaired protein digestion and absorption of amino acids) reduce the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis in the elderly, even if the protein intake is adequate. Inadequate intake of foods can also cause micronutrient deficiencies that contribute to the development of frailty. We know that a healthy eating style in middle age predisposes to so-called "healthy and successful" aging, which is the condition of the absence of serious chronic diseases or of an important decline in cognitive or physical functions, or mental health. The Mediterranean diet is recognized to be a "healthy food" dietary pattern; high adherence to this dietary pattern is associated with a lower incidence of chronic diseases and lower physical impairment in old age. The aim of our review was to analyze observational studies (cohort and case-control studies) that investigated the effects of following a healthy diet, and especially the effect of adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), on the progression of aging and on onset of frailty.

Circulating amino acids are associated with bone mineral density decline and ten-year major osteoporotic fracture risk in older community-dwelling adults

With aging, poor bone mineral density (BMD) and accelerated decrease in BMD are strong risk factors for fracture. Reports of the associations of dietary protein intake with bone strength are inconsistent, possibly owing to differences in protein sources and amino acid (AA) composition. We examined the associations of serum AA with 4-year hip BMD loss and subsequent fracture risk within 10 years in older community-dwelling adults, and further addressed whether lifestyle, dietary protein intake and its source, and body composition would affect the associations. In 1424 men and 1573 women (mean age 72 years), using binary logistic regression, higher serum valine, leucine, isoleucine and tryptophan concentrations were associated (or approaching a borderline significance in case of the last three ones) with less hip BMD decline (defined as BMD loss ≥ 2.8 times the precision error of the BMD measurement at femoral neck) in 4 years later, with the OR (95%CI) /SD of AA increase, ranging from 0.83 (0.75, 0.91) to 0.92 (0.87, 0.98) after multiple adjustments for baseline age, gender, BMI, BMD, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), dietary protein intake (animal- and plant-derived protein intakes), calcium intake, established lifestyles (physical activity level, smoking and alcohol drinking status), osteoporosis medications, and changes of body fat and lean muscle mass. Higher serum total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration was independently associated with BMD decline 4 years later (OR (95%CI) /SD of 1.16 (1.05, 1.27)). Using multivariate Cox regression, higher serum tryptophan concentration potentially predicted low risk of incident major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs) (HR/SD (95%CI)=0.86 (0.75, 0.98)) after multiple adjustments. Higher serum tHcy was associated with MOFs (HR/SD (95%CI)=1.29 (1.12, 1.50)) risk after multiple adjustments in men. These findings suggest that a specific AA profile correlates with greater BMD and lower subsequent fracture risk, independent of diet and lifestyle factors.

Dietary Habits, Fatty Acids and Carotenoid Levels Are Associated with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Chinese

The role of diet and circulatory carotenoids and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are implicated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) but not well studied in Chinese. However, other fatty acids were not comprehensively evaluated if it had additional consequence on AMD. This study investigated the relationship among dietary habits, fatty acids levels, carotenoids and AMD in Hong Kong Chinese adults. In this cross-sectional case-controlled study, plasma fatty acids including, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and carotenoids levels were quantified between patients with neovascular AMD (n = 99) and age-gender-matched controls (n = 198). A food frequency questionnaire was also conducted. Low blood carotenoid levels and omega-3 PUFAs namely DHA, EPA and -linolenic acid increased the odds ratio of developing neovascular AMD. High blood omega-6 PUFAs specifically arachidonic acid and eicosadienoic acid, oleic acid (a MUFA) and SFA levels increased the odds ratio of having neovascular AMD. Neovascular AMD group had significantly less omega-3 PUFA rich food (vegetables, nuts, seafood) intake and higher SFA (meat) intake than controls. In short, neovascular AMD was associated with lower circulatory levels of carotenoids and omega-3 PUFAs, and higher level of omega-6 PUFAs, oleic acid and SFAs in the Hong Kong Chinese population. These findings enhance the understandings of dietary impacts on neovascular AMD and provide a context for future nutritional intervention studies.

Associations of consuming specific fruit and vegetable subgroups with LDL-C status in early postmenopausal Chinese women

OBJECTIVE

Aging and menopausal changes contribute to increased cardiovascular risks in postmenopausal women. This study examined the associations of total and specific fruit and vegetable consumption with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) status, a critical cardiovascular risk factor, in early postmenopausal Chinese women.

METHODS

A total of 508 postmenopausal Hong Kong Chinese women aged 50 to 64 years were recruited into a cohort study on cardiovascular risks. Sociodemographic characteristics, medical conditions, use of medications, and lifestyle factors were obtained via structured interviews. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. LDL-C and total cholesterol concentrations were determined using biochemical enzymatic techniques and categorized according to the Adult Treatment Panel III classification.

RESULTS

Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that women with total fruit and vegetable intake in the highest quartile were 33% less likely (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.44-1.03) to have a worse LDL-C status than those with lower intake after adjustments. The intakes of total vegetables (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41-0.96) and vegetable subgroups in the highest quartiles, including darkgreen leafy vegetables (OR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.41-0.89) and corn and tubers (OR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40-0.96), were significantly inversely associated with LDL-C status. Further adjustment for total cholesterol did not attenuate the associations.

CONCLUSIONS

A daily consumption of vegetables equivalent to about four servings or more might be beneficial for LDL-C control in early Chinese postmenopausal women. In particular, darkgreen leafy vegetables, as well as corn and tubers, deserve greater advocacy for their ability to improve lipid profiles and hence cardiovascular health.

Dietary Sources of Salt in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Literature Review

Rapid urbanization in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is transforming dietary patterns from reliance on traditional staples to increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, sugars, and salt. A systematic literature review was conducted to determine major food sources of salt in LMICs that could be targeted in strategies to lower population salt intake. Articles were sourced using Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature. Inclusion criteria were: reported dietary intake of Na/salt using dietary assessment methods and food composition tables and/or laboratory analysis of salt content of specific foods in populations in countries defined as low or middle income (LMIC) according to World Bank criteria. Of the 3207 records retrieved, 15 studies conducted in 12 LMICs from diverse geographical regions met the eligibility criteria. The major sources of dietary salt were breads, meat and meat products, bakery products, instant noodles, salted preserved foods, milk and dairy products, and condiments. Identification of foods that contribute to salt intake in LMICs allows for development of multi-faceted approaches to salt reduction that include consumer education, accompanied by product reformulation.

Positive relationship between consumption of specific fish type and n-3 PUFA in milk of Hong Kong lactating mothers

Residents of Hong Kong have undergone a dietary transition from a traditional Chinese diet that is high in seafood to a more Western diet. This may have affected the nutritional composition of breast milk of Hong Kong mothers. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the dietary pattern and the fatty acid profile of the breast milk of lactating women in Hong Kong. Seventy-three volunteering healthy Hong Kong lactating mothers participated in the study. Their dietary intakes were assessed by using a 3-d dietary record and FFQ. The mean n-3 fatty acid levels were approximately 0·4 % (EPA) and 0·9 % (DHA) of total fatty acids in the breast milk of lactating mothers who had exclusively breastfed their infants aged 2-6 months. Maternal dietary intakes of n-3 fatty acids were positively associated with their levels in the breast milk. The levels of maternal intakes of freshwater and saltwater fish, especially the consumption of salmon, croaker and mandarin, were significantly correlated with the content of DHA in breast milk. The present study is among the very few in the literature to determine the fatty acid profile of breast milk in Hong Kong populations and verify certain dietary factors that influence this profile. High levels of n-3 PUFA, especially DHA, were observed in the breast milk of Hong Kong lactating women. The findings may serve as a dietary reference for lactating mothers to optimise the fatty acid profile of their breast milk.

Association of dietary patterns with serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level in community-dwelling older adults

INTRODUCTION

Studies examining the association between dietary patterns and inflammatory markers are limited, in particular among Chinese older adults.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the association of various dietary patterns with serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level in community-dwelling Chinese older adults, taking into account demographics and other lifestyle factors.

METHODS

We conducted ordinal regression analyses using baseline data based on 1332 older men and 1314 older women of Chinese origin from a cohort study of bone health in Hong Kong. Baseline interviewer administered questionnaires included dietary intake estimation and dietary pattern generation from the food frequency questionnaire, as well as demographic and lifestyle factors. Serum hsCRP was measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

In men, higher serum hsCRP level was associated with lower Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) score, the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet (MIND) score, Okinawan diet score, "vegetables-fruits" pattern score, and lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet. In women, serum hsCRP level was not associated with any dietary patterns.

CONCLUSION

Our cross-sectional analyses suggest that various dietary patterns were associated with a lower serum hsCRP level in community-dwelling Chinese older adults, and these associations were only observed in older men.

Dietary Fiber Intake, Myocardial Injury, and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Among End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction

Dialysis patients are frequently advised to restrict fruit and vegetable intake due to their high potassium content. This study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary fiber intake and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among dialysis patients.

Methods

A total of 219 prevalent dialysis patients were prospectively recruited from a major university teaching hospital and regional dialysis center in Hong Kong. Dietary fiber intake estimated using a 7-day locally validated food frequency questionnaire was examined in relation to a primary composite outcome of MACE over a follow-up period of 4 years.

Results

A total of 127 patients were complicated with 1 or more MACE. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, every 1 g higher fiber intake, and every 1 g/d per 1000 kcal higher fiber intake density were associated with an 11% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81-0.97) and a 13% lower risk of MACE (95% CI: 0.77-0.99), respectively, independent of clinical, demographic, biochemical, hemodynamic, adequacy parameters, dietary protein, energy intake, inflammatory, and cardiac markers. Patients in the lower tertile of fiber intake density showed an increased hazard for MACE (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.13-2.80) than those in the upper tertile.

Conclusion

Higher fiber intake and higher fiber intake density may be associated with less inflammation, less myocardial hypertrophy, injury, and lower risk of MACE in dialysis patients. These data form an important basis for a randomized controlled trial to examine fiber supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes in the dialysis population.