Variety in fruits and vegetables, diet quality and lifestyle in an older adult mediterranean population

Fruit and vegetable consumption among children in Saudi Arabia: Predictors and associations with dietary intake

BACKGROUND

Data exploring factors related to the consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) among children in Saudi Arabia are lacking. The present study aimed to evaluate F&V consumption among Saudi children. Predictors of F&V intake and associations with dietary intake were also explored.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data of 424 Saudi children (6-12 years) were collected from their mothers using an online survey. Phone interviews were conducted with mothers and children to provide data on dietary intake of children.

RESULTS

Most children included in the study (92.2%, n = 391) consumed less than five servings of F&V per day. Region of residency (B = -0.14, SE = 0.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.25 to -0.02, p = 0.019), paternal education level (B = 0.52, SE = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.24-0.79, p < 0.001) and family monthly income (B = 0.15, SE = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.29, p = 0.034) predicted the intake of F&V. Food neophobia and food pickiness also predicted the intake of F&V (B = -0.16, SE = 0.06, 95% CI = -0.27 to -0.05, p = 0.005 and B = -0.24, SE = 0.06, 95% CI = -0.36 to -0.12, p < 0.001, respectively). Children's intake of F&V positively predicted the intake of fibre, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iodine and vitamin C.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited intake of F&V was observed among Saudi children. F&V consumption was found to be associated with a number of sociodemographic factors, including region of residency, paternal education level and family income, as well as children's food neophobia and pickiness. Children's intake of F&V predicted higher intake of fibre, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iodine and vitamin C, suggesting that F&V consumption may contribute to improved intake of key nutrients in children.

Is variety more important than quantity of fruits and vegetables in relation to cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality? Results from a prospective cohort study

We aimed to prospectively assess the association between variety and quantity of fruits and vegetables (FV) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) incidence and mortality due to the limited evidence. Our analysis included 2,918 adults with a follow-up period of 29,559 person-years. An inverse association was detected between fruit intake and the risk of incidence and mortality from CVD. We found no association between diversity scores of fruits, vegetables, and FV with CVD risk. Subjects with high quantity-high variety, high quantity-low variety, and low quantity-high variety of fruits, vegetables, or FV exhibited no difference in CVD risk compared to the subjects with low quantity-low variety intake. Increasing the variety of FV was associated with increases in the intake of β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, vitamin C, selenium, fibre, fat, and protein after adjustment for the quantity and covariates. We detected an inverse association between fruit intake and the incidence and mortality rates of CVD.

Are organics more nutritious than conventional foods? A comprehensive systematic review

The growing consumer interest fueled by the belief in the superiority of organic foods raises questions about their actual nutritional superiority over conventional ones. This assumption remains a controversial issue. The present study addresses scientific evidence to clarify this controversy and provide relevant insights for informed decision-making regarding dietary choices. We collected 147 scientific articles containing 656 comparative analyses based on 1779 samples of 68 vegetable, fruit, and other (cereals, pulses, etc.) foods, 22 nutritional properties, and nine residues. Results show that in 191 (29.1%) comparisons, there were significant differences between organic and conventional foods. In a similar quantity of cases (190; 29.0%), there were divergences in the results since some studies reported significant differences while others did not. Finally, most of the comparative analyses (275; 41.9%) showed no significant difference between organic and conventional foods. Therefore, the results herein show no generalizable superiority of organic over conventional foods. Claims for nutritious advantages would eventually be applied to specific comparisons, depending on the food type and nutritional parameter.

Adult dietary patterns with increased bean consumption are associated with greater overall shortfall nutrient intakes, lower added sugar, improved weight-related outcomes and better diet quality

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence is available that focuses on beans within American dietary patterns and health. The purpose of this study was to identify commonly consumed adult dietary patterns that included beans and compare shortfall nutrient intakes and diet quality, relative to adults whose typical dietary pattern did not include beans.

METHODS

The analyses used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2018. Cluster analysis was used to identify bean patterns of consumption, while the USDA food coding system defined daily beans consumed. Five bean dietary patterns of consumption were identified, of which four patterns included both canned beans and dry beans, while one pattern had no bean consumption. Bean consumption was defined as those consuming kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, and/or pinto beans.

RESULTS

Adults consuming Bean Dietary Patterns 1, 2, 3 and 4 had significantly higher diet quality scores (as assessed by USDA's Healthy Eating Index-2015) compared to the no-bean pattern (61.2 ± 0.5, 58.9 ± 0.5, 55.2 ± 0.4 and 56.5 ± 0.8 vs 48.8 ± 0.2 p's < 0.0001). Bean consumers also had significantly higher intakes of several shortfall nutrients (choline, alpha-linolenic acid, folate, iron, magnesium and vitamin E) relative to non-consumers of beans. Similarly, intake of dietary fiber, potassium and calcium, all nutrients of public health concern were significantly higher in bean patterns compared to no-beans. Bean Dietary Pattern 1 (~ 13.5% of total daily kcal from beans or ~ 2 servings of beans/day) and 2 (~ 9.5% of total daily kcal from beans or ~ 1.7 servings of beans/day) were significantly associated with lower BMI, decreased body weight and improved waist circumference relative to no-beans.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary patterns that are rich in canned and dry beans were associated with significantly higher diet quality scores and greater intake of shortfall nutrients, including nutrients of public health concern. Bean dietary patterns were also associated with improved weight-related outcomes. Dietary guidance should consider the nutrient and health benefits associated with the promotion of increased canned and dry bean consumption in American dietary patterns.

Does digital technology make people healthier: the impact of digital use on the lifestyle of Chinese older adults

BACKGROUND

With the arrival of the era of large-scale production, sharing and application of data, digital use has gradually changed people's daily entertainment, consumption, social interaction, learning and other behaviors in its efficient form. This paper mainly discusses whether this fast and convenient behavior leads Chinese older adults to adopt healthier lifestyles.

METHODS

Using the most recent information from the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2020, this paper conducted a descriptive statistical analysis on the basic situation of digital use and lifestyles among Chinese older adults and used a structural equation model to analyse the influence of frequency and types of digital use in a variety of different aspects of the real life of Chinese older adults.

RESULTS

Research revealed that the quality of life of Chinese older adults improved significantly as a result of their use of digital technology. The frequency of digital use (FDU) significantly improved Chinese older adults' diet, sleep, exercise, smoking and drinking, and relieved their depression. The types of digital use (TDU) had a significant positive correlation with the lifestyle of Chinese older adults, especially in the influence of digital entertainment (DE), digital consumption (DC) and digital social interaction (DI) on the lifestyle of Chinese older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital use can improve the health of Chinese older adults by promoting a healthy lifestyle through various means. The findings of this study have a substantial positive impact on bridging the digital divide that Chinese older adults face, as well as fostering the integration of digital use into their healthy lifestyles.

Determinants of Consumption of Vegetables among the Spanish Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

The consumption of vegetables is one of the fundamentals of a healthy diet. The purposes of the present study were to describe the frequency of consumption of vegetables in the general Spanish population and to explore the relations between the consumption of vegetables and sex, age, cohabitation circumstances, educational level, and body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study was accomplished based on data from the European Health Survey in Spain (2020).

RESULTS

A total of 20,745 (52.1% women) subjects with a median age of 54 years old were included. Only 2.8% of them ate vegetables at least three times a day. The adjusted generalized linear model showed that being a woman increased the odds of consuming vegetables at least three times a day by 1.666 times (p < 0.001). Not cohabiting as a couple decreased the odds by 0.783 (p < 0.001). Having studied at a university increased the odds by 1.812 times (p < 0.001) and possessing a certificate of higher education by 1.408 (p = 0.030). Being overweight decreased the odds by 0.924 (p = 0.006). For every additional year of age, the odds of consuming vegetables at least three times a day increased by 1.3% (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The vast majority of the general Spanish population did not consume an optimal amount of vegetables. Women, people with higher levels of education, and older individuals reported having a more frequent intake of vegetables. Not cohabiting as a couple and being overweight were related to a less frequent intake of vegetables.

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.

Plant bioactive compounds from Mediterranean diet improve risk factors for metabolic syndrome

Mediterranean (Med) dietary pattern consists of moderate or high consumption of foods that are linked to reduced risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS). This comprehensive review evaluates studies on Med diet-representative foods and beverages, such as red wine and olive oil, to understand the inverse associations of Med diet and MetS. The intake of dietary fibre, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and polyphenols - including flavonoids and stilbenes - help to explain the benefits of Med diet on abdominal adiposity, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidaemia, and high blood pressure to some extent. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols as well as the effects of unsaturated fatty acids on lipid metabolism are part of the underlying mechanisms. Overall, this review shows that dietary interventions using Med diet components improve MetS health markers in humans and/or rodents.

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.

Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors Associated to Fruits and Vegetables Consumption in Elderly Europeans: A Systematic Review

Several epidemiological studies stress the association between a diet based on high fruits and vegetables intake and a better health condition. However, elderly Europeans cannot manage the recommended fruits and vegetables consumption. This systematic review aims to explore the main factors related to fruits and vegetables consumption in elderly Europeans. We conducted literature searches on Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to May 2022. Published articles including data related to certain fruits and vegetables consumption among elderly Europeans were selected. The New Castle-Ottawa Scale and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute tools were used for methodological quality assessment by two authors independently. A total of 60 articles were retrieved, and data from twenty-one high-quality cross-sectional studies and five moderate-to-high-quality cohort studies, including a total of 109,516 participants, were synthesized. Associated factors mostly analyzed were those relating to demographic and socioeconomic status, such as sex, age, marital status, educational level, and income. However, the findings show a high discrepancy. Some evidence suggests a possible positive association, while other evidence shows an inverse or no association at all. The relationship between demographic and socioeconomic factors with fruits and vegetables consumption is not at all clear. More epidemiological studies with an appropriate design and corresponding statistical methods are required.

Health associations of liver enzymes and inflammatory scores with urinary citrus flavonoid metabolites

Background: Dietary flavonoid intake is associated with a reduced risk of some cardiometabolic disorders, attributed in part to their claimed anti-inflammatory activity. Our aim was to investigate the potential association between specific urine flavonoid metabolites, liver enzymes, and inflammatory status in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, clinical and dietary data from 267 participants, aged 55 to 75 years, participating in the PREDIMED Plus study (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) were analyzed. At the baseline, spot urine samples were collected and seven urinary flavonoid metabolites were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-q-Q MS). Liver enzymes, inflammatory scores, and urinary flavonoid concentrations were inverse normally transformed. Results: Adjusted linear regression models showed an inverse association between urinary citrus flavanone concentrations and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (all p-values <0.05). Naringenin 7'-GlcUA was significantly associated with a lower aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) (B_{per 1SD} = -0.14; 95% CI: -0.27 to -0.02; p-value = 0.025) and systemic inflammation index (SII) (B_{per 1SD} = -0.14; 95% CI: -0.27 to -0.02; p-value = 0.028). To investigate the relationship between flavanone subclasses and GGT levels, we fitted a score of citrus-flavanones, and subjects were stratified into quartiles. The highest values of the citrus-flavanone score (per 1-SD increase) were associated with lower GGT levels (B_{per 1SD} = -0.41; 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.07), exhibiting a linear trend across quartiles (p-trend = 0.015). Conclusion: This cross-sectional study showed that higher urinary excretion of citrus-flavanone metabolites was associated with lower GGT levels in subjects diagnosed with MetS and obesity.

From the Ketogenic Diet to the Mediterranean Diet: The Potential Dietary Therapy in Patients with Obesity after CoVID-19 Infection (Post CoVID Syndrome)

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review primarily examines the evidence for areas of consensus and on-going uncertainty or controversy about diet and physical exercise approaches for in the post-CoVID. We propose an ideal dietary and physical activity approach that the patient with obesity should follow after CoVID-19 infection in order to reduce the clinical conditions associated with post-CoVID syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS

The CoVID-19 disease pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, has spread all over the globe, infecting hundreds of millions of individuals and causing millions of death. It is also known to be is associated with several medical and psychological complications, especially in patients with obesity and weight-related disorders who in general pose a significant global public health problem, and in specific affected individuals are on a greater risk of developing poorer CoVID-19 clinical outcomes and experience a higher rate of mortality. Little is still known about the best nutritional approach to be adopted in this disease especially in the patients post-CoVID syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, no specific nutritional recommendations exist to manage in the patients post-CoVID syndrome. We report a presentation of nutritional therapeutic approach based on a ketogenic diet protocol followed by a transition to the Mediterranean diet in patients post-infection by CoVID, combined to a physical activity program to address conditions associated with post-CoVID syndrome.

Positive effects of applying endophytic bacteria in eggplant-Sedum intercropping system on Cd phytoremediation and vegetable production in cadmium polluted greenhouse

The combination of intercropping and phytoremediation in the remediation of cadmium contaminated soil is an emerging model in recent years, but the results of previous studies are inconsistent. In the field experiment, eggplant was intercropped with hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii Hance (inoculated or not inoculated with endophytic bacteria) to study the effects of intercropping on vegetable safety production, phytoremediation efficiency of hyperaccumulator and variation of soil available nutrients. The results showed that the intercropping treatment had a negative effect on the growth of eggplant and Sedum, but endophyte SaMR12 alleviated the inhibition of intercropping on plant growth. Intercropping treatment increases the Cd concentration in edible part of eggplant to 1.34 mg/kg compared with eggplant monoculture (1.19 mg/kg). While the application of SaMR12 reduces the Cd concentration of eggplant fruit to 0.95 mg/kg and significantly promotes the Cd uptake by Sedum. What's more surprising is that compared with eggplant monocropping, the content of soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the treatment of intercropping with inoculated Sedum increased significantly. And according to the correlation analysis of various indexes of plants and soil, the Cd content of eggplant is negatively correlated with the available phosphorus and potassium in the soil, while the Cd content of Sedum is positively correlated with it, which suggested that the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in this experimental site was beneficial to reduce Cd content in eggplant and improve Cd phytoextraction of Sedum. Therefore, in the daily production of moderately Cd-contaminated soil, intercropping eggplant with Sedum inoculated with endophytic bacteria is an excellent Phytoextraction Coupled with Agro-safe-production (PCA) pattern.

Antioxidant Quercetin 3-O-Glycosylated Plant Flavonols Contribute to Transthyretin Stabilization

Plants are rich in secondary metabolites, which are often useful as a relevant source of nutraceuticals. Quercetin (QUE) is a flavonol aglycone able to bind Transthyretin (TTR), a plasma protein that under pathological conditions can lose its native structure leading to fibrils formation and amyloid diseases onset. Here, the dual nature of five quercetin 3-O-glycosylated flavonol derivatives, isolated from different plant species, such as possible binders of TTR and antioxidants, was investigated. The crystal structure of 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside in complex with TTR was solved, suggesting that not only quercetin but also its metabolites can contribute to stabilizing the TTR tetramer.

Diets with Higher Vegetable Intake and Lower Environmental Impact: Evidence from a Large Australian Population Health Survey

Increasing the consumption of vegetables is a public health nutrition priority in Australia. This must be achieved in the context of lowering dietary environmental impacts. In this study, a subgroup of 1700 Australian adult daily diets having a higher diet-quality score and a lower environmental impact score was isolated from Australian Health Survey data. These diets were primarily distinguished by their lower content of energy-dense/nutrient-poor discretionary foods. Among these diets, those with higher levels of vegetable intake were characterized by greater variety of vegetables eaten, lower intake of bread and cereal foods, and higher intake of red meat. These diets also had a greater likelihood of achieving recommended intakes for a range of vitamins and minerals. These findings highlighted the importance of considering the total diet in developing strategies to promote healthy and sustainable food consumption, as well as the need to understand the interrelationships between foods that exist in a local cultural context. As vegetables are usually eaten with other foods, higher vegetable consumption in Australia could be supported by encouraging more regular consumption of the types of meals that include larger quantities of vegetables. Our results showed that this was possible while also substantially lowering total dietary environmental impacts.

Associations between Avocado Consumption and Diet Quality, Dietary Intake, Measures of Obesity and Body Composition in Adolescents: The Teen Food and Development Study

Avocado is a nutrient-rich food that has been shown to benefit the health and diet quality of adults. In this paper, we examined if habitual intake of avocado among adolescents is associated with their diet quality, food and nutrient intake, and measures of obesity and body composition. Participants aged 12-18 years old (n = 534) from selected public and Adventist middle-high schools reported their dietary intake in a web-based food frequency questionnaire (FFQ); anthropometrics were measured during school visits. Diet quality (DQI-I) and avocado intake were calculated from the FFQ; BMI z-scores (BMIz), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and %body fat (%BF) were determined from the anthropometric data. Compared to non-consumers, avocado consumers had significantly higher covariate-adjusted mean scores on total DQI-I (68.3 vs. 64.6) and energy-adjusted mean scores on variety (18.8 vs. 18.0) and adequacy (36.4 vs. 33.4). Avocado consumption was significantly associated with DQI-I components adequacy (β [SE] = 0.11 [0.03]) and moderation (β [SE] = 0.06 [0.03]) but not with BMIz, WHtR, FM, FFM, and %BF. Mean intakes of fruits, vegetables, and plant protein foods, total and vegetable proteins, dietary fiber, retinol, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium were significantly higher for avocado consumers; saturated and trans fats intakes were significantly higher for non-consumers. In our adolescent population, avocado consumption was associated with higher diet quality and intake of plant-based foods and shortfall nutrients, but not with measures of obesity and body composition. Studies are needed to determine the optimal amount of avocado that would confer health benefits during adolescence.

Association between breakfast consumption frequency and the risk of irritable bowel syndrome among Chinese female college students: A cross-sectional study

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects specific groups of people. The relationship between breakfast consumption frequency and the risk of IBS is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between breakfast consumption frequency and the risk of IBS among Chinese female college students.In this cross-sectional study (n = 706) conducted in October 2018, the frequency of breakfast consumption was categorized as 0 to 3 times/week, 4 to 6 times/week, or daily. IBS was diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria and was based on the presence of abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 3 months during the previous 6 months, with at least 2 or more of the following conditions: changes in frequency or form of stool and/or decrease in pain after defecation. We adjusted for confounding factors, including age, only child (yes or no), parents' educational levels (senior high school or below, college, or postgraduate), parents' marital status (married, widowed, or divorced), smoking status (smoker or nonsmoker), drinking status (drinker or nondrinker), body mass index, and depressive symptoms. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between breakfast frequency and the risk of IBS.Among 706 participants, 23.7% were the only child in their family, and the proportion of parents divorced or widowed was 18.5%. The proportion of fathers and mothers with high school education or above was 93.3% and 96.3%, respectively. The prevalence of IBS among the participants was 17.3% (122/706). Multivariate logistic regressions analysis showed that breakfast consumption frequency is negatively associated with the risk of IBS after adjusting for confounding factors. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for IBS in the breakfast frequency category of 0 to 3 times/week, 4 to 6 times/week, and daily were 1.00 (reference), 0.96 (0.58, 1.60), and 0.45 (0.26, 0.78), respectively (P = .002).Our data revealed that regular breakfast consumption is associated with a lower risk of IBS among Chinese college students. Future cohort and/or interventional studies should be conducted to further explore the association between breakfast consumption frequency and IBS.

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines around the World: A Comparative Analysis to Update AESAN Scientific Committee Dietary Recommendations

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) include dietary recommendations based on food groups according to the general and accepted nutrition principles and current scientific evidence. Adoption of FBDG contributes to the prevention of malnutrition in all its forms, promotes human health, and reduces environmental impact. The present review aims to perform an international comparative analysis of the FBDG adopted in different countries from three different continents (America, Asia, and Europe), with particular reference to the Spanish Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (AESAN, Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición) Scientific Committee dietary recommendations. A total of twelve countries with the most updated FBDG and/or closest to the traditional and cultural preferences of Spain were finally selected. All the reviewed FBDG provided recommendations for fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, nuts, milk and dairy products, meat and derivatives, fish, eggs, water, and oil; however, remarkable differences regarding recommended amounts were found among countries.

Predicting Dementia With Prefrontal Electroencephalography and Event-Related Potential

Objective: To examine whether prefrontal electroencephalography (EEG) can be used for screening dementia.

Methods: We estimated the global cognitive decline using the results of Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), measurements of brain activity from resting-state EEG, responses elicited by auditory stimulation [sensory event-related potential (ERP)], and selective attention tasks (selective-attention ERP) from 122 elderly participants (dementia, 35; control, 87). We investigated that the association between MMSE and each EEG/ERP variable by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and performing univariate linear regression analysis. Kernel density estimation was used to examine the distribution of each EEG/ERP variable in the dementia and non-dementia groups. Both Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses with the estimated odds ratios were conducted to assess the associations between the EEG/ERP variables and dementia prevalence. To develop the predictive models, five-fold cross-validation was applied to multiple classification algorithms.

Results: Most prefrontal EEG/ERP variables, previously known to be associated with cognitive decline, show correlations with the MMSE score (strongest correlation has |r| = 0.68). Although variables such as the frontal asymmetry of the resting-state EEG are not well correlated with the MMSE score, they indicate risk factors for dementia. The selective-attention ERP and resting-state EEG variables outperform the MMSE scores in dementia prediction (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.891, 0.824, and 0.803, respectively). In addition, combining EEG/ERP variables and MMSE scores improves the model predictive performance, whereas adding demographic risk factors do not improve the prediction accuracy.

Conclusion: Prefrontal EEG markers outperform MMSE scores in predicting dementia, and additional prediction accuracy is expected when combining them with MMSE scores.

Significance: Prefrontal EEG is effective for screening dementia when used independently or in combination with MMSE.