Dairy consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome among young adults from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

Beverage Consumption Patterns and Nutrient Intake Are Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Urban Mexican Young Adults

Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been related to metabolic diseases. Our objective was to identify beverage consumption patterns, nutrient intake, and their possible association with the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Mexican young adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Beverage consumption patterns were obtained by principal components analysis. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between the beverage patterns and cardiovascular risk factors. Four beverage patterns were identified. Higher consumption of alcoholic beverages was associated with lower odds for high body fat percent (OR: 0.371; 95% CI: 0.173-0.798), high blood pressure (OR: 0.318; 95% CI: 0.116-0.871), and high glucose (OR: 0.232; 95% CI: 0.061-0.875). Higher consumption of yogurt was associated with lower odds for high glucose (OR: 0.110; 95% CI: 0.22-0.559). In contrast, highest consumption of juice had greater odds for high triglycerides (OR: 1.084; 95% CI: 1.011-4.656). Higher consumption of milk was associated with greater odds for high glucose (OR: 5.304; 95% CI: 1.292-21.773). Beverage consumption habits in Mexican young adults are associated with increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, intervening during young adulthood should be considered in order to improve current health and prevent cardiovascular mortality in later decades.

Dairy Consumption and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: Results from Korean Population and Meta-Analysis

Dairy consumption has been associated with decreased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in previous studies, but the association may be different according to each type of dairy products and its subgroups. Thus, we conducted an updated meta-analysis of observational studies to examine the association between various dairy products and risk of MetS. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for eligible studies published up to February 2021. In addition, we included unpublished results from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2018, including 23,319 Korean adults and the elderly. A total of 35 studies (12 cohort studies and 25 cross-sectional studies) with 398,877 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled relative risks (RR) of MetS for the highest versus lowest categories of dairy consumption was 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72-0.88]. For the type of dairy products, there were also significant inverse associations with milk (RR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.78-0.89) and yogurt consumption (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83-0.95). For cheese consumption, however, no significant association was found (RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.86-1.11). Our findings suggest that milk and yogurt consumption is inversely associated with the risk of MetS, but not cheese consumption.

Intake of Animal Source Foods in Relation to Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent disorder associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle and occupation can increase the risk of developing MetS. Since dietary pattern is a major component of lifestyle, this study aimed to determine the relationship between consumption of animal source foods (ASFs) and MetS among food suppliers. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 112 male food suppliers. We measured anthropometric indices, body composition, and blood pressure of the participants. Blood biochemistry was determined using 5 mL fasting blood samples. MetS was defined based on the guidelines described by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). ASF intake, including dairy products, eggs, red meat, poultry, and fish, was assessed using food frequency questionnaires. Overall, 46.4% of participants had MetS. Participants who consumed dairy 3∼5 times/d and more than 5 times/d had lower risk of MetS [odds ratios (OR): 0.18 (confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.05∼0.62) and OR: 0.20 (CI 95%: 0.06∼0.67), respectively] compared with participants in the lowest tertile. The risk of hypertension was significantly decreased in participants who consumed dairy products >5 times/d [OR: 0.22 (CI 95%: 0.07∼0.67)]. Other ASFs were not associated against the risk of MetS in crude and adjusted models. Our findings indicated that adhering to dairy products can decrease the risk of MetS. Higher adherence to dairy products was also protective against hypertension in these participants.

The association between milk consumption and the metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study of the residents of Suzhou, China and a meta-analysis

The association between milk consumption and the metabolic syndrome remains inconclusive, and data from Chinese populations are scarce. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the association between milk consumption and the metabolic syndrome and its components among the residents of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, China. A total of 5149 participants were included in the final analysis. A logistic regression model was applied to estimate the OR and 95 % CI for the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components according to milk consumption. In addition, the results of our study were further meta-analysed with other published observational studies to quantify the association between the highest v. lowest categories of milk consumption and the metabolic syndrome and its components. There was no significant difference in the odds of having the metabolic syndrome between milk consumers and non-milk consumers (OR 0·86, 95 % CI 0·73, 1·01). However, milk consumers had lower odds of having elevated waist circumference (OR 0·78, 95 % CI 0·67, 0·92), elevated TAG (OR 0·83, 95 % CI 0·70, 0·99) and elevated blood pressure (OR 0·85, 95 % CI 0·73, 0·99). When the results were pooled together with other published studies, higher milk consumption was inversely associated with the risk of the metabolic syndrome (relative risk 0·80, 95 % CI 0·72, 0·88) and its components (except elevated fasting blood glucose); however, these results should be treated with caution as high heterogeneity was observed. In summary, the currently available evidence from observational studies suggests that higher milk consumption may be inversely associated with the metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome Among Young Health Professionals in the Multicenter Latin America Metabolic Syndrome Study

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components increase the risk of a number of chronic diseases. Evidence regarding its prevalence among health professionals, particularly in Latin America, is limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the overall prevalence of MS and its components among health professionals and students from five Latin American countries.

Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter study entitled LATIN America METabolic Syndrome (LATINMETS) was conducted on five groups of apparently healthy volunteer subjects. Sociodemographic factors, lifestyle variables (smoking and physical activity), anthropometric measurements (weight, height, and waist circumference), standard biochemical analyses [triglycerides, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)], and blood pressure measurements were assessed. MS was diagnosed based on internationally harmonized criteria. Associations between MS components and sociodemographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric variables were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results: A total of 1,032 volunteers (n = 316-Mexico, n = 285-Colombia, n = 223-Brazil, n = 132-Paraguay, and n = 76-Argentina) were recruited. The majority of them were women (71.9%), students (55.4%), and younger than 28 years (67.2%). The overall prevalence of age-standardized MS was 15.5% (23.1% men and 12.2% women). The majority (59.3%) presented at least one MS component, mainly abdominal obesity (29.7%) and low HDL-C levels (27.5%). After adjusting for age and sex, MS and its components were positively associated with being overweight or obese.

Conclusions: MS prevalence in this study was similar to that generally found among young populations in Latin-American countries. More than half of the sample had at least one MS component, suggesting that preventive measures and treatments aimed at achieving low-risk health status are essential in this population.

The Step of Incorporation of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086 Into "requeijão cremoso" Processed Cheese Does Not Affect Metabolic Homeostasis of Rats

Dairy product consumption is a common habit in Brazil. These products present a good matrix for probiotic incorporation. Thus, in this study the feasibility of producing a probiotic “requeijão cremoso” incorporated with Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086 in three different steps and its metabolic effect in an animal model for 2 weeks has been evaluated. Wistar adult health rats were randomized into one to five groups (n = 8 for each group): Control (C); “requeijão cremoso” without probiotic (RC); probiotic inoculated in the milk before pasteurization at 65°C/30 min (RPP); “requeijão cremoso” inoculated before the fusion step and consequently exposed to 90°C/5 min (RPF); and “requeijão cremoso” inoculated after fusion step, i.e., once the product temperature reached 50°C (RPAF). At the end of treatment, analysis of molecular markers of proteins of stress and antioxidant system, HSP 25, 60, 70 and 90, SOD and catalase were performed in the animals’ muscles by Western Blot technique. The HSP25, HSP90 and catalase levels of C, RPP, RPF, and RPAF were similar, indicating that the homeostasis remained unchanged. The incorporation of B. coagulans GBI-30 6086 in the “requeijão cremoso” was shown to be stable and the microorganism remained viable in all steps tested. The incorporation of the probiotic strain in the fusion stage facilitated the technological process, since it allowed a better homogenization of the product and did not affect the maintenance of the metabolic homeostasis of rats.

Dairy product consumption and its association with metabolic disturbance in a prospective study of urban adults

The role of dairy foods and related nutrients in cardiometabolic health aetiology is poorly understood. We investigated longitudinal associations between the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components with key dairy product exposures. We used prospective data from a bi-racial cohort of urban adults (30-64 years at baseline (n 1371)), the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS), in Baltimore City, MD (2004-2013). The average of two 24-h dietary recalls measured 4-10 d apart was computed at baseline (V1) and follow-up (V2) waves. Annual rates of change (Δ) in dairy foods and key nutrients were estimated. Incident obesity, central obesity and the MetS were determined. Among key findings, in the overall urban adult population, both cheese and yogurt (V1 and Δ) were associated with an increased risk of central obesity (hazard ratio (HR) 1·13; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·23 per oz equivalent of cheese (V1); HR 1·21; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·44 per fl oz equivalent of yogurt (V1)]. Baseline fluid milk intake (V1 in cup equivalents) was inversely related to the MetS (HR 0·86; 95 % CI 0·78, 0·94), specifically to dyslipidaemia-TAG (HR 0·89; 95 % CI 0·81, 0·99), although it was directly associated with dyslipidaemia-HDL-cholesterol (HR 1·10; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·21). Furthermore, ΔCa and ΔP were inversely related to dyslipidaemia-HDL and MetS incidence, respectively, whereas Δdairy product fat was positively associated with incident TAG-dyslipidaemia and HDL-cholesterol-dyslipidaemia and the MetS. A few of those associations were sex and race specific. In sum, various dairy product exposures had differential associations with metabolic disturbances. Future intervention studies should uncover how changes in dairy product components over time may affect metabolic disorders.

Marcadores do consumo alimentar de pacientes diabéticos avaliados por meio de um aplicativo móvel

Resumo Este trabalho objetiva avaliar os marcadores do consumo alimentar de pacientes diabéticos por meio de um aplicativo móvel. Estudo transversal, realizado com 100 adultos e idosos portadores de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2, internados em um hospital do interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Para a coleta de dados utilizou-se o aplicativo móvel Diabetes FoodControl. Na associação da adequação dos marcadores do consumo com as variáveis investigadas, utilizou-se o teste do qui-quadrado ao nível 5% de significância. Identificou-se alto percentual de indivíduos com excesso de peso e adiposidade abdominal, além de inadequado controle glicêmico. A frequência de consumo alimentar adequado foi mais prevalente para os grupos alimentares: frituras (82%), leite ou iogurte (71%), frutas frescas (70%), feijão e bebidas açucaradas (68%, cada), biscoitos doces e guloseimas (57%) e salada crua (56%). A adequação do consumo de marcadores não saudáveis foi mais frequente em diabéticos com renda inferior a quatro salários mínimos e entre os que não tinham hipertensão arterial sistêmica associada, respectivamente. A frequência de consumo dos marcadores pode ser considerada adequada em sua maioria, entretanto faz-se necessário acompanhamento nutricional, a fim de corrigir as alterações do estado nutricional e do controle glicêmico.

Dairy food consumption is associated with a lower risk of the metabolic syndrome and its components: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and a meta-analysis of observational studies were performed to assess the dose–response relationship between specific types of dairy foods and the risk of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. Studies of dairy foods and the risk of the MetS and its components published up to June 2016 were searched using PubMed, EMBASE and a reference search. Random-effects models were used to estimate the pooled relative risks (RR) with 95 % CI. Finally, ten cross-sectional studies, two nested case–control studies and twenty-nine cohort studies were included for the analysis. In a dose–response analysis of cohort studies and cross-sectional studies, the pooled RR of the MetS for a one-serving/d increment of total dairy food (nine studies) and milk (six studies) consumption (200 g/d) were 0·91 (95 % CI 0·85, 0·96) and 0·87 (95 % CI 0·79, 0·95), respectively. The pooled RR of the MetS for yogurt (three studies) consumption (100 g/d) was 0·82 (95 % CI 0·73, 0·91). Total dairy food consumption was associated with lower risk of MetS components, such as hyperglycaemia, elevated blood pressure, hypertriacylglycerolaemia and low HDL- cholesterol. A one-serving/d increment of milk was related to a 12 % lower risk of abdominal obesity, and a one-serving/d increment of yogurt was associated with a 16 % lower risk of hyperglycaemia. These associations were not significantly different by study design, study location or adjustment factors. This meta-analysis showed that specific types of dairy food consumption such as milk and yogurt as well as total dairy food consumption were inversely related to risk of the MetS and its components.

Metabolic syndrome components and estimated glomerular filtration rate based on creatinine and/or cystatin C in young adults: A gender issue?

AIMS

This work aims to identify correlations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on creatinine and/or cystatin C (Cr, CysC) with metabolic syndrome (MS) components in young adults, according to gender.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a cross sectional study, where young adults aged between 18 and 30 were matched by gender, age and body mass index. All subjects underwent clinical evaluation and blood sampling for laboratory measurements. MS was determined according to the JIS criteria. The eGFR was estimated using CKD-EPI equations (eGFR_Cr; eGFR_CysC; eGFR_Cr-CysC).

RESULTS

We evaluated 78 subjects with a mean age of 24.5 years. 10.2% had MS, with higher incidence among males (15.4% ♂ vs. 5.1% ♀). Elevated waist circumference was the MS component most observed. Significant correlations (Pearson; p<0.05) between eGFR and metabolic markers were observed only in males. In addition, we observed a significant association between the increase of MS components and the decay of eGFR_Cr and eGFR_Cr-CysC (zero vs. two or more components, ANOVA, p<0.05) only among males.

CONCLUSION

eGFR decay associated with components of MS and insulin resistance in young male adults could represent a worrying specific risk and indicate that further studies are needed to better understand these findings.

Association between Milk Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome among Korean Adults: Results from the Health Examinees Study

It has been suggested that a greater dairy consumption, particularly of milk, may have contributed in lowering the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). A cross-sectional analysis was conducted to examine the association between milk consumption and MetS, and its components among Korean adults aged 40–69. A total of 130,420 subjects (43,682 men and 86,738 women) from the Health Examinees Study were selected for the final analysis. Milk consumption was estimated using a validated 106-item food frequency questionnaire. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP III). Logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between milk consumption and MetS after adjusting for potential confounders. In this study, the average milk consumption was 77.9 g/day, with the overall prevalence of MetS being 26.1% (29.1% in men and 24.6% in women). We found that the prevalence of the MetS was significantly lower in subjects with higher milk consumption (p < 0.0001). Adjusted OR for MetS was significantly lower in the highest milk consumption category (≥1 serving/day among men; ≥2 serving/day among women) than those in the lowest milk consumption category (OR: 0.92 95%CI: 0.86–0.99, p trend = 0.0160 in men; OR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.60–0.76, p trend < 0.0001 in women). Overall, higher milk consumption was inversely associated with the MetS components: elevated waist circumference, elevated triglyceride, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (all p trend < 0.05). This study concludes that higher milk consumption is associated with the lower odds of MetS in Korean adults.

Biomarkers of the metabolic syndrome: Influence of minerals, oligo- and trace elements

Influences of minerals, oligo- and trace elements on the concentration of biomarkers of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are reviewed. Since food is a complex mixture of caloric compounds and essential non-caloric food components with multiple interactions and varying bioavailability, it is hard to separate or identify the effect of one single component in a total meal or diet. Moreover the diet contains various non-nutritive biologically active components, which may add some beneficial characteristics. Therefore, conclusions on the effect of components on various biomarkers of MetS are sometimes quite contradictory. Reasons therefore are mentioned. Literature data should be studied in detail to conclude whether a component is related to a reduction of MetS-related symptoms or whether its influence is merely affecting a biomarker.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and metabolic syndrome components in young adults: A pooled analysis

Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) represents a clustering of different metabolic abnormalities. MetSyn prevalence is present in approximately 25% of all adults with increased prevalence in advanced ages. The presence of one component of MetSyn increases the risk of developing MetSyn later in life and likely represents a high lifetime burden of cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore we pooled data from multiple studies to establish the prevalence of MetSyn and MetSyn component prevalence across a broad range of ethnicities. PubMed, SCOPUS and Medline databases were searched to find papers presenting MetSyn and MetSyn component data for 18-30 year olds who were apparently healthy, free of disease, and MetSyn was assessed using either the harmonized, National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII), American Heart Association/National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute (AHA/NHBLI), or International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definitions of MetSyn. After reviewing returned articles, 26,609 participants' data from 34 studies were included in the analysis and the data were pooled. MetSyn was present in 4.8-7% of young adults. Atherogenic dyslipidaemia defined as low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was the most prevalent MetSyn component (26.9-41.2%), followed by elevated blood pressure (16.6-26.6%), abdominal obesity (6.8-23.6%), atherogenic dyslipidaemia defined as raised triglycerides (8.6-15.6%), and raised fasting glucose (2.8-15.4%). These findings highlight that MetSyn is prevalent in young adults. Establishing the reason why low HDL is the most prevalent component may represent an important step in promoting primary prevention of MetSyn and reducing the incidence of subsequent clinical disease.

Assessing the efficacy and external validity of interventions promoting calcium or dairy intake in young adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Calcium and dairy products have a role in the prevention of chronic diseases and attainment of peak bone mass, during adolescence to young adulthood. However, intakes are often suboptimal and interventions to improve consumption of food sources are needed. This systematic review aimed to investigate the efficacy and external validity of interventions promoting calcium or dairy foods among young adults. Eight databases were searched from inception to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria included those aged 18 to 35 years in an intervention promoting calcium or dairy food intake. The mean age of the participants was 19.9 ± 1.4 years. Of the 16 studies that met the selection criteria, five studies were included in the meta-analyses for calcium (pooled effect size 0.35, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.67) and three studies for dairy (pooled effect size 0.31, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.50). The quality of the body of evidence was determined using the GRADE system, and was of overall low quality with high risk of bias. Our review suggests young adults respond favorably to interventions but the effect size is small.

Dietary habits and sedentary behaviors among health science university students in Bahrain

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary patterns and sedentary behaviors among university students in Bahrain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out with students of the College of Health Sciences in Bahrain using a self-reported questionnaire. All the students enrolled in this college were included in this study (642 students; 90 males and 552 females). The mean age of the sample was 20.1±2.0 years. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information on the students' breakfast intake, snacking, food frequency intake, and sedentary habits.

RESULTS

More than 50% of the students did not consume breakfast on a daily basis. A statistically significant difference (p<0.003) was found between males (19%) and females (35%) in relation to the intake of an afternoon snack. There were no significant gender differences regarding frequency of food intake, except for carbonated beverages (p<0.001) and nuts (p<0.047) consumption. Females were more likely than males to spend time watching television, use the Internet, use a mobile phone and sleep; however, the only significant difference found was for Internet use (p<0.003). Being physically active on a daily basis was more prevalent among males (41.6%) than females (16%) (p<0.001). Females (42.9%) were more prone to sleep for less time (<7 h) than males (34.4%)(p<0.08).

CONCLUSION

The findings indicated that a high percentage of health science students in Bahrain had unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary behaviors. Thus, an intervention program to promote healthy dietary patterns and lifestyle habits among university students is highly recommended.

The Consumption of Dairy Products Is Associated with Reduced Risks of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Women but not in Men

We aimed to investigate the association between dairy product consumption and the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean adults. Data from 13,692 Korean adults aged ≥19 years from the KNHANES 2010–2013 were used. The study participants were divided into three groups according to the serving size of dairy products they consumed based on a single 24-h recall. About 58% of the Korean adults did not consume any dairy products in one day. In both the sexes, only those who adhered to the recommendation for dairy products (≥1 serving/day) achieved the daily requirement of calcium. Women who consumed ≥1 serving/day of dairy products had lower risks of obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m²) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66–0.89; p for trend < 0.01) and MetS (AOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.56–0.80; p for trend < 0.01) than women who did not consume dairy products. However, these significant associations were not observed in men. In conclusion, consuming ≥ 1 serving/day of dairy products could be an easy and efficient strategy for meeting daily calcium requirement as well as lowering risks of obesity and MetS among Korean women.

Association of dairy products consumption with risk of obesity in children and adults: a meta-analysis of mainly cross-sectional studies

PURPOSE

The association of dairy products consumption with risk of obesity remains controversial. Therefore, we reviewed and quantitatively synthesized the evidence from observational studies with a meta-analysis.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in relevant databases. Random-effects model was used to pool odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Dose-response relationship was assessed by restricted cubic spline model.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies for total dairy products and 16 studies for milk with risk of obesity were eligible. The pooled odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of obesity for the highest versus lowest category of total dairy products consumption were 0.54 (0.38-0.77) in children, 0.75 (0.69-0.81) in adults, and 0.74 (0.68-0.80) for both. Evidence of a nonlinear relationship was found (P_{for nonlinearity} = .009). Milk consumption was also associated with risk of obesity [0.81 (0.75-0.88)] both in children [0.87 (0.80-0.95)] and in adults [0.77 (0.68-0.87)], and a linear relationship (P_{for nonlinearity} = .598) suggested that risk of obesity decreased by 16% [0.84 (0.77-0.92)] for every 200 g/d increment of milk consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis indicates that dairy products consumption may be associated with a decreased risk of obesity. This association may be of public health significance.

Hypolactasia is associated with insulin resistance in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

AIM

To assess lactase gene (LCT)-13910C>T polymorphisms in Brazilian non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients in comparison with healthy controls.

METHODS

This was a transverse observational clinical study with NAFLD patients who were followed at the Hepatology Outpatient Unit of the Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo, Brazil. The polymorphism of lactase non-persistence/lactase persistence (LCT-13910C>T) was examined by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique in 102 liver biopsy-proven NAFLD patients (steatosis in 9 and NASH in 93) and compared to those of 501 unrelated healthy volunteers. Anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and liver histology data were analyzed. Continuous variables were compared using the t or Mann-Whitney tests, and categorical data were compared with the Fisher’s exact test. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression adjusted for gender and age were performed.

RESULTS

No differences in the LCT-13910 genotype frequencies were noted between the NAFLD patients (66.67% of the patients with steatosis were CC, 33.33% were CT, and none were TT; 55.91% of the patients with NASH were CC, 39.78% were CT, and 4.3% were TT; P = 0.941) and the healthy controls (59.12% were CC, 35.67% were CT, and 5.21% were TT) or between the steatosis and NASH patients. That is, the distribution of the lactase non-persistence/lactase persistence polymorphism (LCT-13910C>T) in the patients with NAFLD was equal to that in the general population. In the NASH patients, the univariate analysis revealed that the lactase non-persistence (low lactase activity or hypolactasia) phenotype was associated with higher insulin levels (23.47 ± 15.94 μU/mL vs 15.8 ± 8.33 μU/mL, P = 0.027) and a higher frequency of insulin resistance (91.84% vs 72.22%, P = 0.02) compared with the lactase persistence phenotype. There were no associations between the LCT genotypes and diabetes (P = 0.651), dyslipidaemia (P = 0.328), hypertension (P = 0.507) or liver histology in these patients. Moreover, in the NASH patients, hypolactasia was an independent risk factor for insulin resistance even after adjusting for gender and age [OR = 5.0 (95%CI: 1.35-20; P = 0.017)].

CONCLUSION

The LCT-13910 genotype distribution in Brazilian NAFLD patients was the same as that of the general population, but hypolactasia increased the risk of insulin resistance in the NASH patients.

Dairy consumption and risk of metabolic syndrome: a meta-analysis

AIMS

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies in order to assess quantitatively the effect of dairy consumption on risk of metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

We searched for eligible studies published up to March 2015 through the PubMed and Embase databases and reviewed the references of relevant articles. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled relative risks with 95% CIs after adjusting for several confounders.

RESULTS

We identified nine prospective cohort studies including a total of 35 379 subjects and 7322 incident cases of metabolic syndrome, and 12 cross-sectional studies including 37 706 subjects. In the meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies, the pooled relative risk of incidence of metabolic syndrome for the highest vs. the lowest category of dairy consumption was 0.85 (95% CI 0.73-0.98), and for a 1-serving/day increment of dairy consumption, the pooled relative risk was 0.88 (95% CI 0.82-0.95). In the meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies, the pooled relative risk of prevalence of metabolic syndrome for the highest vs. the lowest category of dairy consumption was 0.73 (95% CI 0.63-0.86). The association was not significantly different by geographical region, follow-up time and adjustment factors.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that dairy consumption is inversely associated with the incidence and prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Further well-designed cohort studies and randomized controlled trials are warranted to provide definitive evidence.

Obesity, unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary behaviors among university students in Sudan: growing risks for chronic diseases in a poor country

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to highlight nutritional status, dietary habits and sedentary patterns among university students in Khartoum state, Sudan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 400 university students (183 males and 217 females) from University of Khartoum, Sudan. A pre-validated self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data. Weight and height were measured and body mass index was used to determine obesity status.

RESULTS

Of the students, 20.5, 14.7, and 1.7 % were underweight, overweight and obese, respectively. The majority of students (85.5 %) consumed breakfast daily. About 45 and 21.8 % of students consumed vegetables and fruit, respectively, on more than 3 days a week. Fast food was consumed significantly more (p < 0.01) for more than 3 days per week by females (44.2 %) than males (27.3 %). Females (42.9 %) were more likely to watch television for 3 h and more per day than males (30.6 %) (p < 0.039). Males (33.9 %) were more prone to sleep for fewer than 7 h per day than females (23 %) (p < 0.016).

CONCLUSION

The health authority in Sudan should not only focus on prevention of malnutrition among children but also should organize programs to promote healthy eating and lifestyle among children and youths to prevent and control alarming risk factors for chronic diseases.