Dietary total antioxidant capacity: a novel indicator of diet quality in healthy young adults

EAACI position paper on diet diversity in pregnancy, infancy and childhood: Novel concepts and implications for studies in allergy and asthma

To fully understand the role of diet diversity on allergy outcomes and to set standards for conducting research in this field, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Task Force on Diet and Immunomodulation has systematically explored the association between diet diversity and allergy outcomes. In addition, a detailed narrative review of information on diet quality and diet patterns as they pertain to allergic outcomes is presented. Overall, we recommend that infants of any risk category for allergic disease should have a diverse diet, given no evidence of harm and some potential association of benefit in the prevention of particular allergic outcomes. In order to harmonize methods for future data collection and reporting, the task force members propose relevant definitions and important factors for consideration, when measuring diet diversity in the context of allergy. Consensus was achieved on practice points through the Delphi method. It is hoped that the definitions and considerations described herein will also enable better comparison of future studies and improve mechanistic studies and pathway analysis to understand how diet diversity modulates allergic outcomes.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity and risk of ulcerative colitis: A case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Data on the association between the antioxidant capacity of a diet and the risk of ulcerative colitis (UC) are scarce. This study aimed to assess whether a relationship exists between dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the odds of UC in Iranian adults.

METHODS

In this case-control study, patients with UC and age-matched healthy controls were recruited from a hospital clinic. All participants completed a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire, the results of which were subsequently used to generate dietary TAC. Ferric reducing-antioxidant power values were used to calculate dietary TAC.

RESULTS

Altogether 62 patients with UC and 124 healthy controls were enrolled. UC patients had a higher calorific intake (P < 0.01), and consumed more monounsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.01), vitamin B₉ (P < 0.01) and calcium (P = 0.02) compared with healthy controls, while the control group had a higher vitamin C intake than the participants with UC (P < 0.01). In a fully adjusted model, participants who were in the highest quartile of dietary TAC had a lower risk of UC (odds ratio 0.11, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.73).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher dietary TAC score was associated with lower odds of UC in this case-control study. Further elucidation of the role of key dietary elements is now warranted.

Association of dietary total antioxidant capacity to anthropometry in healthy women: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Reactive oxygen species level is a fundamental component in the pathogenesis of obesity that might be reduced by dietary antioxidants. Measurement of dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) is regarded as a new holistic dietary index. Given the limited research on DTAC, the aim of this study was to examine the association of DTAC with obesity-related features in women.

METHODS

The present cross-sectional study included 627 female participants. Data on dietary intake were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. DTAC was estimated through total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). Anthropometric parameters (body mass index and waist circumference), were investigated using standard methods.

RESULTS

After adjustment for possible covariates, both TRAP and TEAC were significantly positively associated with obesity (TRAP: OR, 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.63; P_trend, 0.03; TEAC: OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.01-2.63; P_trend, 0.04). However, there was no association between FRAP and obesity (OR_, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.64-1.93; P_trend, 0.68). Moreover, no relationship was found between different DTAC indices and waist circumference (TRAP: OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.70-1.80; P_trend, 0.60; TEAC: OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.64-1.69; P_trend, 0.87; FRAP: OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.49-1.51; P_trend, 0.62).

CONCLUSION

Women with higher DTAC scores had higher risk for obesity. No association was found between DTAC and waist circumference.

Comparison of cheeses from goats fed 7 forages based on a new health index

This study proposed the General Health Index of Cheese (GHIC) as an indicator for the presence of health-promoting compounds in cheese and compared the antioxidant capacity and phenolic and fatty acid contents of cheeses from goats consuming 7 forage species. Ninety-one homogeneous Red Syrian goats were randomly assigned to 1 of 7 feeding treatments (Festuca arundinacea, Hordeum vulgare, Triticosecale, Pisum sativum, Trifolium alexandrinum, Vicia sativa, and Vicia faba minor). The housed goat groups received the scheduled forage ad libitum. Forage species affected the antioxidant capacity, the phenolic and fatty acid contents, the Health Promoting Index, and the GHIC. Trifolium alexandrinum, Triticosecale, and Hordeum vulgare showed a clear advantage in terms of beneficial fatty acids content in goat cheese. Cheese from the Triticosecale group also showed a high antioxidant capacity value even if its polyphenol content was intermediate compared with others. Trifolium alexandrinum and Triticosecale had the highest value of the new index GHIC. This comparison suggests that there are important differences in fatty acid profile and polyphenol content among cheeses from goats fed grasses and legumes commonly used in the Mediterranean area. In this first approach, GHIC index, which combines the positive components found in cheese, seems to be a useful tool to provide an indication concerning the general health value of the product.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity is inversely associated with depression, anxiety and some oxidative stress biomarkers in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Postmenopausal women are at higher risk of mental disorders. Oxidative stress has implication in the development of these disorders. Dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) has been proposed as a tool for assessing dietary antioxidants intake. The relationship between DTAC with depression, anxiety and stress has not been investigated in postmenopausal women. Thus, we aimed to assess the association between DTAC and depression, stress and anxiety as well as oxidative stress biomarkers.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 175 postmenopausal women. Data on dietary intake and mental health were collected by 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42), respectively. Dietary and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized-LDL, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. ANOVA test was applied to compare the mean of variables across the tertiles of DTAC. The relationship between DTAC and oxidative stress biomarkers was determined through ANCOVA method. Simple and multivariate linear regression tests were performed to measure the relationship between DTAC and mental health.

RESULTS

Serum MDA level was significantly lower in the subjects at the highest tertiles of DTAC (P-value < 0.001). In addition, serum TAC level was significantly higher in subjects at the second tertile of DTAC (P-value = 0.04). DTAC was inversely and independently related to depression (β = - 0.16, P-value = 0.03) and anxiety scores (β = - 0.21, P-value = 0.007). There was no significant association between DTAC and stress score (β = - 0.10, P-value = 0.1).

CONCLUSION

An inverse relationship was found between DTAC with depression, anxiety scores and some oxidative stress biomarkers in postmenopausal women. These findings indicate DTAC may be used for developing effective dietary measures for reducing depression and anxiety in these women.

Dietary and Biochemical Characteristics Associated with Normal-Weight Obesity

Background: Inflammation and oxidative stress have been reported to be higher in subjects with normal weight obesity (NWO) syndrome [normal body mass index (BMI) (<25 kg/m²) but excessive body fat (for women ≥ 30% and for men ≥ 20%) according to World Health Organization (WHO) definitions]; however, it is unclear whether this is due to inadequate dietary antioxidant intake or the pathophysiology of NWO. The aim of present study was to assess the association between dietary factors and body antioxidant status with NWO syndrome in male university students. Methods: This study was a case-control study carried out on ninety age-matched male university students [30 normal weights (NW), 30 NWO and 30 overweight-obese (OB)]. A validated food frequency questionnaire (98 items) and 3-day 24-h recalls were used for dietary assessment. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of diet and serum and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations were also measured. Results: Dietary intake of fruits (frequency factor (FF) = 2.3 vs 2.9, p < 0.05), legumes (FF = 0.7 vs 1.3, p < 0.01), nuts and seeds (FF = 0.4 vs 0.8, p < 0.05), beta-cryptoxanthin (p < 0.05), lycopene (p < 0.05) and serum TAC levels (p < 0.01) were significantly lower in NWO compared to the NW group. No significant differences in these parameters were observed between NWO and OB group. A significant negative correlation was observed between serum TAC levels and BMI (r = -0.57, p < 0.001) and body fat percent (r = -0.52, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study shows that NWO male subjects consume lower amounts of dietary antioxidants and share the same low body antioxidant status as obese individuals, although they appear lean.

Association of Dietary Inflammatory Index with anthropometric indices in children and adolescents: the weight disorder survey of the Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and Prevention of Adult Non-communicable Disease (CASPIAN)-IV study

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), a validated tool for evaluating diet-associated inflammation, and anthropometric indices in children and adolescents. This multicentre survey was conducted on 5427 school students selected via multistage cluster sampling from thirty provinces of Iran. This survey was conducted under the framework of the weight disorders survey, which is part of a national surveillance programme entitled Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and Prevention of Adult Non-communicable Diseases-IV. For calculating the DII scores, twenty-five dietary factors were obtained from a validated 168-item FFQ. Height, weight, wrist circumference, neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) were measured. BMI z-score, waist circumference:hip circumference ratio (WHR), waist circumference:height ratio (WHtR) and parental BMI were computed. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association of DII and anthropometric indices. Significant trends were observed across quartiles of DII score for all anthropometric indices in all participants (P &lt;0·05), except for WHR and WHtR. After adjustment for potential confounders, the multiple linear regression analysis for each anthropometric index revealed that participants in the highest DII quartile had higher BMI z-score, WC, HC and parental BMI compared with those in the first (or lowest) quartile. In summary, we found that a pro-inflammatory diet was associated with higher BMI z-score, wrist circumference, NC, WC, HC and parental BMI. The large sample size of the present study may influence the statistical significance of observed associations. Hence, the findings should be clinically interpreted with caution.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity in relation to depression and anxiety in Iranian adults

OBJECTIVES

Although several studies are available that link individual dietary antioxidants to the risk of psychological disorders, data about the association of dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with depression and anxiety are scarce. This study was conducted to investigate the association between dietary TAC and odds of depression and anxiety among Iranian adults.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, the dietary intakes of 3297 apparently healthy adults in the Isfahan province of Iran were assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Dietary TAC was estimated using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power international databases. Depression and anxiety were assessed using a validated Persian translated version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire. Scores of 0 to 7 in either subscales of the questionnaire were considered normal, and scores of ≥8 indicated the presence of depression or anxiety.

RESULTS

Overall, 943 study participants (28.6%) were depressed, and 448 participants (13.6%) had anxiety. After controlling for potential confounders, including the dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, we found that participants in the top quintile of the dietary TAC were 43% less likely to be depressed than those in the bottom category (odds ratio: 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.82; P_trend = .001). Regarding anxiety, we found an inverse significant association between dietary TAC and anxiety when comparing the extreme quintiles (odds ratio: 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.99; P_trend = .06).

CONCLUSIONS

We found an significant inverse association between dietary TAC and odds of depression and anxiety among adults. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Interplay of Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, and Dietary Antioxidant Capacity with Insulin Resistance in Subjects with a Cardiometabolic Risk Profile

Background: Dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL) are accepted indicators of diet quality, which have an effect on diet–disease relationships. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential associations of dietary TAC, GI, and GL with variables related to nutritive status and insulin resistance (IR) risk in cardiometabolic subjects. Methods: A total of 112 overweight or obese adults (age: 50.8 ± 9 years old) were included in the trial. Dietary intake was assessed by a validated 137-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which was also used to calculate the dietary TAC, GI, and GL. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), glycemic and lipid profiles, C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as fatty liver quantification by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed. Results: Subjects with higher values of TAC had significantly lower circulating insulin concentration and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Participants with higher values of HOMA-IR showed significantly higher GI and GL. Correlation analyses showed relevant inverse associations of GI and GL with TAC. A regression model evidenced a relationship of HOMA-IR with TAC, GI, and GL. Conclusion: This data reinforces the concept that dietary TAC, GI, and GL are potential markers of diet quality, which have an impact on the susceptible population with a cardiometabolic risk profile.

Dietary manganese and type 2 diabetes mellitus: two prospective cohort studies in China

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The association between dietary Mn and type 2 diabetes is unclear. We aimed to elucidate whether dietary Mn is associated with type 2 diabetes, to investigate whether this association is independent of dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and to explore the underlying mechanisms in their association.

METHODS

Two prospective cohorts of 3350 and 7133 Chinese adults (20-74 years old) were enrolled including, respectively, 244 and 578 individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with mean values of 4.2 and 5.3 years of follow-up. Cox's proportional-hazards regression and linear regression were performed to investigate the association between dietary Mn and type 2 diabetes (diagnosed by OGTT) or HbA_lc and to analyse the joint association between dietary Mn and TAC. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was applied to the non-linear association between dietary Mn and incidence of type 2 diabetes. Mediation analysis was applied to explore potential mediators in their association in a subgroup of 500 participants.

RESULTS

Dietary Mn intakes were 4.58 ± 1.04 and 4.61 ± 1.08 (mean ± SD) mg/day in the two cohorts. Dietary Mn was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes incidence and HbA_lc concentration in both cohorts (p_trend < 0.01 and <0.01 for type 2 diabetes, and p_trend < 0.01 and =0.02 for HbA_lc, respectively, in each cohort) independent of TAC, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diabetes inheritance, total energy, carbohydrate, total fatty acids, fibre, calcium, Mg, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and impaired glucose tolerance or FBG (all at baseline). Their inverse association was stronger in the presence of diets with high, compared with low, TAC. In RCS, intakes of >6.01 and 6.10-6.97 mg/day were associated with a significantly lower type 2 diabetes incidence in the two respective cohorts. Mediation analysis showed that high plasma Mn and low oxidative stress (increased Mn superoxide dismutase and decreased 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) contributed to the association between dietary Mn and both type 2 diabetes and HbA_lc.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Dietary Mn was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes independently of TAC. In addition, this association was stronger in a high- rather than low-TAC diet. Plasma Mn and oxidative stress were mediators in the association between dietary Mn and type 2 diabetes. Future studies on absolute Mn intake should be conducted to study the potential non-linearity and optimal levels of dietary Mn and type 2 diabetes.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity is inversely related to menopausal symptoms: a cross-sectional study among Iranian postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the association between dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and menopausal symptoms (MS) in postmenopausal middle-aged women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 postmenopausal women who referred to municipality health houses and health centers in south Tehran, Iran. Sociodemographic data and anthropometric measures such as body weight, height, and waist circumference were determined. Dietary intake was assessed using a 147-item validated food frequency questionnaire. Energy-adjusted DTAC was calculated using the US Department of Agriculture database. Individual MS was measured by the Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire.

RESULTS

Multivariable linear regression analyses indicated that DTAC was negatively associated with total Menopause Rating Scale score, somatic and psychological score, which was independent of confounding variables such as age, education, waist circumference, total physical activity, dietary intake of fiber, tea and coffee intake, total energy intake, and dietary supplement use (P < 0.001). Additionally, in logistic regression, a negative association between MS and DTAC was observed, which was independent of confounding variables (P_trend = 0.002). Logistic regression for each symptom indicated that higher DTAC was associated with reduction in hot flashes and sweating, sleep problems, anxiety, exhaustion, and difficulty concentrating. However, a significant positive association was observed between DTAC and sexual problems.

CONCLUSION

DTAC is inversely associated with MS, which could be of particular significance for somatic and psychological symptoms. These findings indicate that DTAC could be an important basis for developing an effective dietary measure for reducing MS.

Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

OBJECTIVE

Measurement of dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) is considered a new holistic dietary approach and assesses total antioxidants present in the overall diet. Our aim was to perform a comprehensive review of the literature on the association between DTAC and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were used to conduct a comprehensive search for articles published on this topic through September 2017. There was no limit on earliest year of publication. The search was based on the following keywords: dietary total antioxidant capacity, nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity, total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter, ferric reducing ability of plasma, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), waist circumference (WC), insulin resistance, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin, obesity, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), blood pressure (BP), and body mass index. In total, 16 papers were identified for inclusion in the present systematic review.

RESULTS

Most well-designed studies that evaluated associations between DTAC and CVD risk factors showed inverse associations for fasting blood glucose, CRP, BP, and WC and positive associations for HDL-C. However, there was no association between DTAC and LDL-C or TC in any of the studies. Results regarding the association of DTAC with insulin, HOMA-IR, high-sensitivity CRP, and TG in the published literature were inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicated a substantial association between high DTAC and most CVD-related risk factors.

Interaction between a variant of chromosome 9p21.3 locus and diet antioxidant capacity on metabolic syndrome in Tehrani adults

BACKGROUND

Genome-wide association studies have shown that risk alleles on chromosome 9p21.3 locus, are associated with increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Several epidemiological studies have found that metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with CVDs. Dietary antioxidants also have shown to have potential favorable effects on MetS prevention. This study examined the interactions between rs1333048 genotypes on 9p21 genetic region and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) on odds of MetS.

METHODS

263 Tehrani adults were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The MetS was defined according to the ATPIII. Dietary intake was assessed daily using a FFQ with 147 items. Dietary TAC was assessed according to United States Department of Agriculture database for oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Bioelectrical impedance analysis method was used for body analysis and rs1333048 were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Participants were categorized into three groups based on rs1333048 genotypes.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate that, prevalence of C allele was 52.85% and A allele was 47.15%. After adjustment for confunder variable, this study demonstrated an interaction between AA genotype and high Lyophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (L-ORAC) and high Hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (H-ORAC) intake on low odds of MetS (OR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.06-0.94, P for interaction = 0.04, OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.06-0.99, P for interaction = 0.04). Also, our result indicated, there was no interaction between AA genotype and high total oxygen radical absorbance capacity (T-ORAC) and total phenolic intakes on reduce odds of MetS (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.07-1.10, P for interaction = 0.07, OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.16-2.07, P for interaction = 0.40) respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that high L-ORAC and high H-ORAC intake may modify the elevated odds of MetS in AA genotype of rs1333048 on the 9p21 genetic locus.

Higher dietary total antioxidant capacity is inversely related to prediabetes: A case-control study

OBJECTIVES

Dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) has been proposed as a tool for assessing the intake of antioxidants. The relationship between DTAC and blood glucose levels has been investigated mostly in healthy people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between DTAC and prediabetes morbidity in a case-control study.

METHODS

We examined 300 individuals with and without prediabetes (n = 150/group) who attended a Diabetes Screening Center in Shahreza, Iran. The anthropometric measures, physical activity, and blood glucose levels of all participants were measured. Food intake over the previous year was determined using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, and sex-specific, energy-adjusted DTAC was calculated using the U.S. Department of Agriculture's database. Logistic reg/ression was used to model the relationship between DTAC and prediabetes morbidity.

RESULTS

The mean DTAC was significantly lower in individuals with prediabetes than in the control group (P < 0.001). Across increasing DTAC quartiles, the participants had lower fasting blood glucose and 2-h postchallenge plasma glucose (P_trend < 0.02). After adjustment for body mass index; physical activity; education; dietary intake of fiber, fat, energy, and coffee; participants in the fourth quartile of DTAC were less likely to experience prediabetes compared with those in the first quartile (odds ratio, 0.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.49).

CONCLUSION

The DTAC score appears useful when assessing the antioxidant capacity of diet and to better understand the relationship between diet and prediabetes morbidity. Future studies are needed to confirm the findings from the present study in other populations.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity is inversely associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease death of US adults

PURPOSE

Although evidence strongly supports that antioxidant-rich diets reduce risk of chronic disease and mortality, findings from the previous studies on the effect of individual antioxidants on mortality have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and all-cause and disease-specific mortality in a representative sample of the US population.

METHODS

A total of 23,595 US adults aged 30 years and older in NHANES 1988-1994 and 1999-2004 were selected for this study. Dietary TAC was calculated from 1-day 24-h diet recall data at baseline and all-cause, cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality was assessed through December 31, 2011.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 13 years, deaths from all-cause, cancer and CVD were 7157, 1578, and 2155, respectively. Using cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models, inverse associations and linear trends were observed between dietary TAC and all-cause mortality [highest quartile (Q4) versus Q1 ref. HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.71-0.86], cancer mortality (Q4 versus Q1 ref. HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.60-0.93), and CVD mortality (Q4 versus Q1 ref. HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.69-0.99), respectively, after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and total energy intake. The inverse association and linear trend still remained between dietary TAC and all-cause mortality (Q4 versus Q1 ref. HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.71-0.87) and CVD mortality (Q4 versus Q1 ref. HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.61-0.89) when further adjusted for relevant covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support that antioxidant-rich diets are beneficial to reducing risk of death from all-cause and CVD.

Association of diet quality with dietary inflammatory potential in youth

Background: Diet plays a crucial role in the regulation of chronic inflammation. The sparse evidence available in adult populations indicates that diet quality is linked to the dietary inflammatory potential; however, this association has not been established in youth. Design: Data were obtained from a representative national sample of 2889 children and young people in Spain, aged 6-24 years. The dietary inflammatory potential was measured by the dietary inflammatory index (DII), and diet quality by three conceptually different measures: the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED), energy density, and total dietary antioxidants capacity. Results: The mean DII was 1.96 ± 0.76 units Scoring for the KIDMED index and the total dietary antioxidant capacity significantly decreased (p < 0.001 and p = 0.030, respectively) across quintiles of the DII, whereas the opposite was true for energy density (p < 0.001). The effect size of these associations was strongest for energy density, followed by the KIDMED index and total dietary antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: A healthy diet characterized by high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, high total dietary antioxidant capacity, or low energy density was linked to greater anti-inflammatory potential of the diet, as measured by the DII.

Estimation of dietary total antioxidant capacity of Korean adults

PURPOSE

Dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) has been reported to be inversely associated with the risk of chronic diseases. However, little is known about dietary TAC among the Korean population. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the dietary TAC of Korean adults and to document the major food sources.

METHODS

We studied 33,581 Korean adults aged ≥19 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012. Dietary TAC was estimated from 1-day 24-h dietary recall data using a TAC database comprising antioxidant capacities of 42 dietary antioxidants, developed for common Korean foods.

RESULTS

The average dietary TAC of Korean adults was 384.7 mg VCE/d, and the major contributors were flavonoids, followed by vitamin C and E. The energy-adjusted daily TAC level was higher in women, middle-aged adults, non-regular alcohol consumers, current non-smokers, supplement users, and in those with a higher income and education level than in their counterparts (P < 0.001). Fruits (47.3%), vegetables (28.4%), beverages and alcohols (11.2%), and legumes and legume products (5.5%), in particular, grapes, persimmons, mandarins, apples, and green tea, were major food sources of dietary TAC. In addition, the consumption of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits and vegetables, increased, whereas the intake of energy and fat decreased across quartiles of energy-adjusted dietary TAC.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study documented the baseline dietary TAC of Korean adults and the major food sources thereof using nationally representative data. Further research on the health effects of dietary TAC among Korean adults is warranted.

Dietary Antioxidant Capacity and Its Association with Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the major disorders in pregnancy leading to many adverse maternal outcomes. Although the etiology of PE is not fully understood, resent studies suggest that an imbalance between free radicals production and the antioxidant defense system might have key role. Our aim of the current study was to evaluate the association between dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC), serum TAC and risk of PE in women with preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. This case-control study conducted on 55 women with preeclampsia and 93 with normal pregnancy. Dietary intakes were obtained by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 168 itmes. Dietary TAC was assessed according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Database for oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), Release 2. Serum TAC was measured by a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay (ELISA). After adjusting for energy, pre-pregnant body mass index (BMI) and history of PE, no relationship was found between intake of hydrophilic-ORAC (H-ORAC), lipophilic-ORAC (L-ORAC), total phenolics (TP), total-ORAC (T-ORAC), and PE risk. However, serum TAC had a significant positive relationship with the risk of PE after adjusting for energy (odds ratio [OR], 0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16-0.35), BMI and history of PE (OR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.32). Findings of this study indicate that serum TAC is positively associated with the risk of PE but no association was found between intake of antioxidant indices and PE risk.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity is associated with plasmatic antioxidant capacity, nutrient intake and lipid and DNA damage in healthy women

Dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) seems to be associated with reducing risk of diseases. However, data about the influence of the DTAC on oxidative stress parameters are scarce. The aim of this study was to estimate the DTAC and its influence on plasma total antioxidant capacity (PTAC), and damage to lipids, proteins and DNA in healthy women. It was found a positive correlation between DTAC and PTAC in young and healthy subjects, where presumably the endogenous defenses are fully functional. DTAC and PTAC were positively correlated with the intake of known antioxidants, including vitamin C and polyphenols. The DTAC exhibited a negative correlation with lipid oxidative damage, while PTAC showed a negative correlation with DNA damage. This data contributes to better understanding of the recommended dietary antioxidant intake for promoting health.

Greater Total Antioxidant Capacity from Diet and Supplements Is Associated with a Less Atherogenic Blood Profile in U.S. Adults

Evidence from epidemiologic studies has shown that total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the diet might be inversely associated with stroke, heart failure, and inflammatory biomarkers. However, studies on the association of TAC from both diet and supplements with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the U.S. population are lacking. This cross-sectional population-based study aimed to investigate the association of TAC with both diet and supplements with CVD risk factors among 4039 U.S. adults in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012. TAC from both food sources and dietary supplements was estimated from two 24-h dietary recalls using the NHANES supplement ingredient database, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) proanthocyanidin, flavonoid, and isoflavone databases. Top contributors to TAC were tea, antioxidant supplements, vegetable mixture, orange juice, berries, and wine. Antioxidant supplement users had 1.6 times higher TAC than non-users. Greater TAC was associated with reduced triglycerides (TG) (−1.39% change; 95% CI = −2.56 to −0.21), TG to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (−2.03% change; 95% CI = −3.45 to −0.60), HDL-C (0.65% change; 95% CI = 0.07 to 1.23), insulin (−1.37% change; 95% CI = −2.64 to −0.09), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (−1.57% change; 95% CI = −3.02 to −0.09) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (−0.83% change; 95% CI = −1.29 to −0.38) after adjusting for potential confounders. There was no significant association between TAC and waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and fasting glucose. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that an antioxidant-rich diet and intake of supplements are beneficial to reduce CVD risk.

Expression of inflammation-related miRNAs in white blood cells from subjects with metabolic syndrome after 8 wk of following a Mediterranean diet-based weight loss program

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a dietary strategy for weight loss (the RESMENA [reduction of metabolic syndrome in Navarra, Spain] diet) on the expression of inflammation-related microRNAS (miRNAs) and genes in white blood cells (WBC) from individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

The clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical characteristics of 40 individuals with MetS (20 men and 20 women; age: 48.84 ± 10.02 y; body mass index: 35.41 ± 4.42 kg/m(2)) were evaluated before and after an 8-wk hypocaloric diet based on the Mediterranean dietary pattern. Nutrient intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire and 48-h weighed food records. Total RNA was isolated from WBC and the expression of some inflammation-related miRNAs and mRNAs (IL-6, TNF-α, ICAM-1, IL-18, SERPINE1, VCAM-1, GAPDH) was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The RESMENA nutritional intervention improved most anthropometric and biochemical features. The expression of miR-155-3p was decreased in WBC, whereas Let-7b was strongly upregulated as a consequence of the dietary treatment. However, they were not correlated with the expression of the proinflammatory genes in the same cells. The changes in the expression of let-7b, miR-125b, miR-130a, miR-132-3p, and miR-422b were significantly associated with changes in diet quality when assessed by the Healthy Eating Index. Moreover, low consumption of lipids and saturated fat (g/d) were associated with higher expression of let-7b after the nutritional intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The Mediterranean-based nutritional intervention was able to induce changes in the expression of let-7b and miR-155-3p in WBC from patients with MetS after 8 wk. Moreover, the quality of the diet has an important effect on the miRNAs expression changes. These results should be highlighted because these miRNAs have been associated with inflammatory gene regulation and important human diseases.

Construct validation of the dietary inflammatory index among postmenopausal women

PURPOSE

Many dietary factors have either proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory properties. We previously developed a dietary inflammatory index (DII) to assess the inflammatory potential of diet. In this study, we conducted a construct validation of the DII based on data from a food frequency questionnaire and three inflammatory biomarkers in a subsample of 2567 postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study.

METHODS

We used multiple linear and logistic regression models, controlling for potential confounders, to test whether baseline DII predicted concentrations of interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 2, or an overall biomarker score combining all three inflammatory biomarkers.

RESULTS

The DII was associated with the four biomarkers with beta estimates (95% confidence interval) comparing the highest with lowest DII quintiles as follows: interleukin-6: 1.26 (1.15-1.38), Ptrend < .0001; tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 2: 81.43 (19.15-143.71), Ptrend = .004; dichotomized hs-CRP (odds ratio for higher vs. lower hs-CRP): 1.30 (0.97-1.67), Ptrend = .34; and the combined inflammatory biomarker score: 0.26 (0.12-0.40), Ptrend = .0001.

CONCLUSIONS

The DII was significantly associated with inflammatory biomarkers. Construct validity of the DII indicates its utility for assessing the inflammatory potential of diet and for expanding its use to include associations with common chronic diseases in future studies.

Obesity and asthma in children: current and future therapeutic options

With the childhood prevalence of obesity and asthma increasing, it is important for pediatric professionals to appreciate that obesity modifies the diagnosis and management of asthma. These disease modifications present challenges to clinical management, including decreased responsiveness to controller therapy and decreased quality of life compared with normal-weight asthmatic children. While consensus guidelines do not currently suggest specific changes in asthma management for obese patients, management of some patients may be improved with consideration of the latest evidence. This article briefly summarizes what is known regarding the complex relationship between obesity and asthma in children, and discusses practical issues associated with the diagnosis and effective clinical management of asthma in obese children. On average, obese patients with asthma do not respond as well to inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Management approaches including weight loss and routine exercise are safe, and may improve important asthma outcomes. Asthma providers should learn to facilitate weight loss for their obese patients. In addition, pharmacologic interventions for weight loss in obese asthma, though not currently recommended, may soon be considered.

Total antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress after a 10-week dietary intervention program in obese children

Dietary and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) are considered appropriate tools for investigating the potential health effects of dietary antioxidants consumed in mixed diets. The aim was to analyze the impact of a dietary intervention on macronutrient intakes and to evaluate the improvement on oxidative status after weight loss (WL) by measuring dietary and serum TAC, and urinary F2-isoprostane levels as markers of oxidative stress. Forty-four overweight/obese children (mean age 11.5 years) were enrolled to undergo a 10-week WL program. They were dichotomized at the median of body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) change, as high (HR) and low responders (LR) after intervention. Subjects were prescribed with a fixed full-day meal diet, calculated according to their basal metabolic rate and physical activity levels. A validated food-frequency questionnaire was used to retrospectively calculate TAC and daily nutrient intake. The HR subjects were able to reduce anthropometric indices and to improve lipid and glucose profile. They also significantly diminished fat intake (p = 0.013). Moreover, baseline serum TAC values did significantly predict the reduction in urinary F2 isoprostane (B = -0.236 (-0.393 to -0.078); p = 0.014) in the HR group after the WL program. Notably, changes in dietary TAC after the treatment were associated with a decrease in body weight after the 10-week intervention (B = -2.815 (-5.313 to -0.318), p = 0.029) in the HR group. The -ΔSerumTAC/ΔDietaryTAC and the -ΔF2Isoprostane/ΔDietaryTAC ratios revealed that the relationships between oxidative markers and antioxidants dietary intake were more favorable in the HR than in the LR group.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that a 10-week WL program was able to reduce adiposity indices in obese children. Moreover, after the intervention changes in dietary TAC and WL were significantly associated. Our result suggests that specific food with a high TAC content (such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes) could be recommended to improve WL.

Diet quality concept

The term diet quality has recently gained considerable attention in nutritional research. Despite widespread use, it is often poorly defined and remains difficult to measure. Confusion surrounds the term, as there is no consensus on how to define quality of the diet or to pin down a framework for producing a standard indicator. The composite and cut-off selection of most diet quality indices depend on investigator choices in line with research objectives. In addition to the frequently used dietary compliance-based approach, innovative approaches have emerged to construct diet quality indices based on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profiles of diet. Different viewpoints and overlapping interests may yield different interpretations. Most of the unresolved issues are related directly or indirectly to the multidimensional and open-textured nature of the concept. This review aims to elucidate several debated key points to understand the reasons behind this confusion and address the complexity of how to define and quantify this concept. A standardized and well-defined framework of diet quality is of great importance for both consumers and scientists from different disciplines.

Plasma and dietary antioxidant status as cardiovascular disease risk factors: a review of human studies

Extensive evidence has demonstrated that many antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and polyphenols have protective effects in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD), a chronic disease that is mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation. This review focuses on evidence from prospective cohort studies and clinical trials in regard to the associations between plasma/dietary antioxidants and cardiovascular events. Long-term, large-scale, population-based cohort studies have found that higher levels of serum albumin, bilirubin, glutathione, vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotenoids were associated with a lower risk of CVD. Evidence from the cohort studies in regard to dietary antioxidants also supported the protective effects of dietary vitamin E, vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols on CVD risk. However, results from large randomized controlled trials did not support long-term use of single antioxidant supplements for CVD prevention due to their null or even adverse effects on major cardiovascular events or cancer. Diet quality indexes that consider overall diet quality rather than single nutrients have been drawing increasing attention. Cohort studies and intervention studies that focused on diet patterns such as high total antioxidant capacity have documented protective effects on CVD risk. This review provides a perspective for future studies that investigate antioxidant intake and risk of CVD.

Short-term role of the dietary total antioxidant capacity in two hypocaloric regimes on obese with metabolic syndrome symptoms: the RESMENA randomized controlled trial

Background

Dietary strategies seem to be the most prescribed therapy in order to counteract obesity regarding not only calorie restriction, but also bioactive ingredients and the composition of the consumed foods. Dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is gaining importance in order to assess the quality of the diet.

Methods

Ninety-six obese adults presenting metabolic syndrome (MetS) symptoms completed an 8-week intervention trial to evaluate the effects of a novel dietary program with changes in the nutrient distribution and meal frequency and to compare it with a dietary pattern based on the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.

Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and at the endpoint of the study, in addition to 48-hours food dietary records.

Results

Both diets equally (p > 0.05) improved MetS manifestations. Dietary TAC was the component which showed the major influence on body weight (p = 0.034), body mass index (p = 0.026), waist circumference (p = 0.083) and fat mass (p = 0.015) reductions. Transaminases (ALT and AST) levels (p = 0.062 and p = 0.004, respectively) were associated with lower TAC values.

Conclusion

RESMENA diet was as effective as AHA pattern for reducing MetS features. Dietary TAC was the most contributing factor involved in body weight and obesity related markers reduction.

Trial registration

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01087086

Dietary antioxidant capacity is associated with improved serum antioxidant status and decreased serum C-reactive protein and plasma homocysteine concentrations

PURPOSE

To investigate the associations of dietary TAC from diet and supplements with serum antioxidant concentrations and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) in US adults.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. Food consumption data, serum antioxidant levels, and serum CRP and Plasma tHcy concentrations of 4,391 US adults aged ≥19 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2002 were analyzed. The USDA flavonoid and proanthocyanidin databases and dietary supplement data as well as antioxidant capacities of 43 antioxidants were also utilized.

RESULT

Serum CRP and plasma tHcy concentrations were higher in older adults, smokers, and those with lower non-leisure time physical activity levels (P < 0.05). Energy-adjusted daily total antioxidant capacity (TAC) from diet and supplements was positively associated with serum vitamin E and carotenoid concentrations (P < 0.05). Adjusted odds ratio (OR) for plasma tHcy >13 μmol/L significantly decreased across quartiles of TAC from diet and supplements (Q1 = 2.18 (1.56-2.77); Q2 = 1.30 (1.00-2.07); Q3 = 1.34 (0.84-2.28); Q4 = 1.00; P for linear trend <0.001). A negative trend across quartiles of TAC from diet and supplements was also observed in OR for serum CRP ≥3 mg/L (Q1 = 1.26 (0.97-1.70); Q2 = 1.21 (0.91-1.66); Q3 = 0.97 (0.80-1.24); Q4 = 1.00; P for linear trend <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that dietary TAC provided an integrated conceptual tool in assessing serum antioxidants and investigating the associations between antioxidant intake and CVD risk. The implicated applicability of dietary TAC needs further validation in prospective cohort studies.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity and the occurrence of metabolic syndrome and its components after a 3-year follow-up in adults: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Background

There is growing evidence that dietary antioxidants could have favorable effects on the attenuation and prevention of metabolic disorders. In the current study we investigated the association of dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and the occurrence of the MetS during a 3-year follow-up.

Methods

This longitudinal study was conducted in the framework of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, between 2006–2008 and 2009–2011, on 1983 adults, aged 19–70 y. The usual intakes of participant were measured using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and dietary TAC was estimated at baseline. The MetS components were assessed at baseline and 3 years later. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the occurrence of the MetS and its components according to dietary TAC quartile categories.

Results

The mean age of participants was 40.4 ± 13.0 y, and mean BMI was 27.03 ± 4.9 kg/m² at baseline. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, TAC was associated with MetS components at baseline. Participant with highest TAC score had lower weight and abdominal fat gain during the 3 year follow-up. The chance of having the MetS, abdominal obesity and hypertension after 3 years decreased across the increasing dietary TAC quartile (P for trend < 0.01). Dietary TAC more than 1080 μmolTE/100 g of food, resulted in a 38% decrease in the risk of central obesity (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.38-0.99).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that higher dietary antioxidant intakes have favorable effects on metabolic disorders and, more interestingly, prevent subsequent weight and abdominal fat gain during a 3-year follow-up.

Obesity, Nutrition, and Asthma in Children

Obesity rates have increased dramatically among children in many parts of the world, especially in North America and several other English-speaking countries. The impact of obesity on pediatric health has become a major prevention initiative by the Obama administration and several public health organizations. Children with obesity are at increased risk for developing asthma, which is already one of the most common chronic diseases among children. The cause underlying obesity's impact on asthma risk is unknown. Commonly cited potential etiologies include airway smooth muscle dysfunction from thoracic restriction, obesity-related circulating inflammation priming the lung, and obesity-related comorbidities mediating asthma symptom development. Each of these theories does not fit precisely with all of the data that have accumulated over the last decade. In this review, I will explore other possible causes including: (1) dietary characteristics common in Westernized countries that might lead to both obesity and asthma; (2) reductions in physical activity; and (3) genetic alterations that increase the propensity to both obesity and asthma together. Next, I will review the current data on how obesity affects common characteristics of asthma such as airway inflammation, lung function, risk of exacerbation, atopy, and response to treatment. Obesity in children with asthma appears to be associated with greater airflow obstruction and a mildly diminished response to inhaled corticosteroids. Little objective evidence in children suggests that obesity significantly heightens the risk of exacerbation or worsens disease stability in children. Lastly, I will discuss the current literature that suggests that obese children with asthma generally should receive the same guidelines-based management as lean children. However, interventions that encourage daily physical activity, weight-loss, normalization of nutrient levels, and monitoring of common obesity-related sequelae should be considered by healthcare providers managing obese children with difficult-to-control asthma.

Nutrigenomics and personalized diets: What will they mean for food?

The modern food system feeds six billion people with remarkable diversity, safety, and nutrition. Yet, the current rise in diet-related diseases is compromising health and devaluing many aspects of modern agriculture. Steps to increase the nutritional quality of individual foods will assist in personalizing health and in guiding individuals to achieve superior health. Nutrigenomics is the scientific field of the genetic basis for varying susceptibilities to disease and the diverse responses to foods. Although some of these genetic determinants will be simple and amenable to personal genotyping as the means to predict health, in practice most will not. As a result, genotyping will not be the secret to personalizing diet and health. Human assessment technologies from imaging to proteomics and metabolomics are providing tools to both understand and accurately assess the nutritional phenotype of individuals. The business models are also emerging to bring these assessment capabilities to industrial practice, in which consumers will know more about their personal health and seek personal solutions.

Frequent consumption of selenium-enriched chicken meat by adults causes weight loss and maintains their antioxidant status

To assess the effects of a moderately high-protein intake on the body composition, biochemical, and antioxidant status parameters in young adults depending on either selenium- (Se) or non-enriched chicken consumption. The volunteers (n = 24) that completed the 10-week nutritional intervention were distributed in two parallel groups and randomly assigned to follow an isocaloric diet with moderately high content in protein (30% energy), either with the consumption of four 200 g portions/week of Se- or non-enriched chicken breasts. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the study and body composition was monitored during the trial. There was a significant reduction in weight, accompanying a decrease on fat mass in both groups, while fat-free mass remained unchanged during the 10 weeks of intervention, without differences between both dietary groups. Selenium blood levels and plasma glutathione peroxidase activity, as well as lipid, glucose, and selected inflammation biomarkers remained stable during the intervention period in both dietary groups. Frequent chicken consumption, within a controlled diet with a moderately high content in protein, produced a slight but statistically significant weight reduction mainly due to the loss of fat mass. An extra Se supplementation (22 μg/day) in the Se-enriched chicken breast did not affect tachyphylactic antioxidant status of the participants neither inflammatory-related markers after weight loss.

Vitamin C and fibre consumption from fruits and vegetables improves oxidative stress markers in healthy young adults

The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to assess the potential relationships between fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and some oxidative stress markers in young adults, with particular emphasis on fibre and vitamin C intake. The study enrolled 246 healthy subjects (eighty-eight men and 158 women), with a mean age of 22 (sd 3) years and a mean BMI of 21·9 (sd 2·8) kg/m2. Dietary intake, anthropometry, blood pressure, lifestyle features and blood biochemical data were assessed with validated procedures. Those subjects in the highest tertile (T) of FV consumption ( ≥ 705 g/d) had statistically lower oxidised LDL (ox-LDL) concentrations as well as higher plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity (P for trend <0·05), after adjusting for sex, age, energy intake, physical activity, smoking, BMI, vitamin supplement use and other confounding factors. Moreover, plasma ox-LDL concentrations showed a decreasing trend and TAC an increasing trend across tertiles of fibre (T3: ≥14 g/d) and vitamin C (T3: ≥150 mg/d) from FV intake, while GPx activity was positively associated with vitamin C intake (P for trend < 0·05). In conclusion, greater FV consumption was independently associated with reduced ox-LDL as well as increased TAC and GPx activity in healthy young adults, with dietary fibre and vitamin C from FV clearly being implicated in this beneficial relationship.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity is inversely related to central adiposity as well as to metabolic and oxidative stress markers in healthy young adults

Background

Dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) has been assumed as a useful tool to assess the relationship between the cumulative antioxidant food capacity and several chronic disorders. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the potential relationships of dietary TAC with adiposity, metabolic and oxidative stress markers in healthy young adults.

Methods

This study enrolled 266 healthy subjects (105 men/ 161 women; 22 ± 3 years-old; 22.0 ± 2.7 kg/m²). Dietary intake, anthropometry, blood pressure, lifestyle features, and biochemical data were assessed with validated procedures.

Results

In linear regression analyses, dietary TAC values were inversely associated with glycemia, total cholesterol:HDL-c ratio, triglycerides and oxidized-LDL concentrations, and positively associated with HDL-c concentrations, independently of gender, age, smoking status, physical activity, vitamin use supplement, waist circumference, energy intake, fatty acid intake. In addition, plasma TAC was negatively correlated with ox-LDL concentrations (r= -0.20, P = 0.003), independently of the assessed confounding variables. Finally, dietary TAC values were inversely related to waist circumference values (r= -0.17, P = 0.005) as well as to lower mild central obesity occurrence (waist circumference ≥ 80/ 94 cm for women/ men, respectively).

Conclusion

Dietary TAC values are inversely associated with glucose and lipid biomarkers as well as with central adiposity measurements in healthy young adults, indicating dietary TAC as a useful tool to assess the health benefits of cumulative antioxidant capacity from food intake. In addition, the independent and inverse relationships of ox-LDL concentrations with dietary and plasma TAC respectively suggest a putative role of antioxidant rich-diet in the link between redox state and atherogenesis at early stage.

Diet quality scores and oxidative stress in Korean adults

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The purpose of diet-quality indices is to assess and guide individual dietary intake for the promotion of health and prevention of disease, and food based dietary-quality indices need to be applied by using each country's own unique diet. We assessed the relationships between relatively simple dietary quality scores modified for a Korean diet, such as the Recommended Food Score (RFS) and alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (aMDS), and oxidative stress biomarkers in Korean adults.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A total of 976 adults were recruited for the Biomarker Monitoring for Environmental Health Study between April and December 2005 in Seoul and Incheon, Korea. RFS and aMDS were calculated by using a food-frequency questionnaire. We used regression analyses to assess the associations between diet quality scores and urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).

RESULTS

RFS and aMDS were negatively associated with urinary MDA concentrations (P=0.032 for RFS, P=0.043 for aMDS), but not with 8-OHdG after adjusted for potential covariates. After stratified analyses by sex, negative associations between the both scores and urinary MDA concentrations were not significant in both men and women. There were no significant associations of RFS and aMDS with urinary 8-OHdG concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher RFS and aMDS scores were related to lower oxidative stress. Therefore, good quality of diet may be useful in reducing oxidative stress.

Relationships between eating habits and periodontal condition in university students

BACKGROUND

Being overweight is a risk factor for periodontitis. Unhealthy eating habits, which can induce overweight, may be involved in the development of periodontitis in young people. The present study aims to examine the relationships among overweight, eating habits, and the periodontal condition in Japanese university students.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 801 university students (413 males and 388 females; age range: 18 to 25 years). Patients were classified as underweight (body mass index [BMI] <18.5 kg/m(2)), normal weight (BMI of 18.5 to 22.9 kg/m²), and overweight (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m²). Students completed a questionnaire including items related to eating habits and underwent oral health examinations. Patients with a community periodontal index (CPI) of 0 to 2 were considered controls, and patients with a CPI >2 were considered to have periodontitis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of underweight, normal weight, and overweight patients was 21%, 62%, and 17%, respectively. In overweight patients, the periodontitis risk was increased by the frequent consumption of fatty foods (adjusted odds ratio: 2.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 5.2; P <0.05) and reduced by the frequent consumption of vegetables (adjusted odds ratio: 0.2; 95% confidence interval: 0.1 to 0.7; P <0.01). In underweight and normal-weight groups, eating habits did not differ significantly according to the presence of periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In overweight students, the frequent consumption of fatty foods and infrequent consumption of vegetables were associated with an increased risk of periodontitis. In underweight and normal-weight students, eating habits had little effect on the periodontal condition.