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Raine LB, Watrous JNH, McDonald K, Logan NE, Khan NA, Kramer AF, Hillman CH. Aerobic Fitness, B-Vitamins, and Weight Status Are Related to Selective Attention in Children. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010201. [PMID: 35011076 PMCID: PMC8747676 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing prevalence of poor health behaviors during childhood, particularly in terms of physical activity and nutrition. This trend has occurred alongside a growing body of evidence linking these behaviors to cognitive function. B-vitamins are thought to be particularly important in the neural development that occurs during pregnancy, as well as in healthy cognitive aging. However, much less is known regarding the role of B-vitamins during childhood. Given that preadolescent childhood is a critical period for cognitive development, this study investigated the relationship between specific aspects of nutrition, particularly B-vitamins, and related health factors (e.g., body mass, fitness) on selective attention in children. Children (n = 85; 8-11 years) completed a selective attention task to assess inhibition. Participant's dietary intake was collected using the Automated Self-Administered 24-h dietary assessment tool. Correlations between specific nutrients, BMI, fitness, and task performance were investigated. After accounting for demographic variables and total caloric intake, increased B-vitamin intake (i.e., thiamin and folic acid) was associated with shorter reaction times (p's < 0.05), fitness was associated with greater response accuracy (p < 0.05), and increased BMI was related to increased variability in reaction times (p < 0.05). Together, these findings suggest that aspects of health may have unique contributions on cognitive performance. Proper physical health and nutrition are imperative for effective cognitive functioning in preadolescent children. Targeted efforts aimed at health education amongst this population could ensure proper cognitive development during school-age years, providing a strong foundation throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren B. Raine
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Jennifer N. H. Watrous
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.N.H.W.); (K.M.); (N.E.L.); (A.F.K.)
| | - Katherine McDonald
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.N.H.W.); (K.M.); (N.E.L.); (A.F.K.)
| | - Nicole E. Logan
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.N.H.W.); (K.M.); (N.E.L.); (A.F.K.)
| | - Naiman A. Khan
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Arthur F. Kramer
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.N.H.W.); (K.M.); (N.E.L.); (A.F.K.)
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Charles H. Hillman
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.N.H.W.); (K.M.); (N.E.L.); (A.F.K.)
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2
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Gough EK, Edens TJ, Geum HM, Baharmand I, Gill SK, Robertson RC, Mutasa K, Ntozini R, Smith LE, Chasekwa B, Majo FD, Tavengwa NV, Mutasa B, Francis F, Carr L, Tome J, Stoltzfus RJ, Moulton LH, Prendergast AJ, Humphrey JH, Manges AR, Team SHINET. Maternal fecal microbiome predicts gestational age, birth weight and neonatal growth in rural Zimbabwe. EBioMedicine 2021; 68:103421. [PMID: 34139432 PMCID: PMC8217692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW) affect one in ten and one in seven livebirths, respectively, primarily in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) and are major predictors of poor child health outcomes. However, both have been recalcitrant to public health intervention. The maternal intestinal microbiome may undergo substantial changes during pregnancy and may influence fetal and neonatal health in LMIC populations. METHODS Within a subgroup of 207 mothers and infants enrolled in the SHINE trial in rural Zimbabwe, we performed shotgun metagenomics on 351 fecal specimens provided during pregnancy and at 1-month post-partum to investigate the relationship between the pregnancy gut microbiome and infant gestational age, birth weight, 1-month length-, and weight-for-age z-scores using extreme gradient boosting machines. FINDINGS Pregnancy gut microbiome taxa and metabolic functions predicted birth weight and WAZ at 1 month more accurately than gestational age and LAZ. Blastoscystis sp, Brachyspira sp and Treponeme carriage were high compared to Western populations. Resistant starch-degraders were important predictors of birth outcomes. Microbiome capacity for environmental sensing, vitamin B metabolism, and signalling predicted increased infant birth weight and neonatal growth; while functions involved in biofilm formation in response to nutrient starvation predicted reduced birth weight and growth. INTERPRETATION The pregnancy gut microbiome in rural Zimbabwe is characterized by resistant starch-degraders and may be an important metabolic target to improve birth weight. FUNDING Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UK Department for International Development, Wellcome Trust, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, US National Institutes of Health, and UNICEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan K. Gough
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thaddeus J. Edens
- Devil's Staircase Consulting, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hyun Min Geum
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Iman Baharmand
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sandeep K. Gill
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Kuda Mutasa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Robert Ntozini
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Laura E Smith
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Bernard Chasekwa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Florence D. Majo
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Naume V. Tavengwa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Batsirai Mutasa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Freddy Francis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynnea Carr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joice Tome
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Lawrence H. Moulton
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew J. Prendergast
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jean H. Humphrey
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Amee R. Manges
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - SHINE Trial Team
- Members of the SHINE Trial team who are not named authors are listed in https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/61/suppl_7/S685/358186
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Protudjer JLP, Mikkelsen A. Veganism and paediatric food allergy: two increasingly prevalent dietary issues that are challenging when co-occurring. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:341. [PMID: 32650748 PMCID: PMC7350184 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02236-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vegan diets - defined as the exclusion of all foods of animal origin from the diet- are becoming popular. In recent years, the prevalence of food allergy has also increased, and disproportionately affects children. When vegan diets and food allergy co-occur, this combination can be challenging and pose risks of nutritional deficiencies, particularly during childhood. In this paper, we aim to summarise the major concerns regarding vegan diets and food allergy, review the literature on this topic, and provide some suggestions for healthcare providers, particularly dietitians and nutritionists, who work with food allergic, vegan patients and their family. When working with this patient population, a regular and complete medical nutrition history, including screening for any possible nutritional deficiencies, is warranted. Likewise, the routine tracking of serum markers (especially iodine, iron, zinc, calcium, Vitamins B12, D, B2, and A, selected n-3 fatty acids and protein, which are more abundant in animal vs. plant foods) and symptoms of co-morbid diseases, including asthma, is important, as comorbid diseases may increase energy and nutrient requirements. For infants and children, anthropometry ought to be tracked longitudinally at regular intervals to identify any deviations from the child's previous growth pattern, and to accommodate any increased requirements for growth and development. Correct diagnoses, education and allergy management must be disseminated to the family in a clear and appropriate manner. Children with allergy may have increased nutritional needs due to comorbidity. This is complicated by coincident food allergy and vegan diet as both impose diet restrictions (limiting sources of important nutrients, need for dietary variety and/or increased consumption due to reduced bioavaliability).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L P Protudjer
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, Canada.
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
- Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Andrea Mikkelsen
- Paediatric Primary Health Care Clinics of Västra Götaland, Västra Götaland, Sweden
- Research and Development Primary Health Care, Gothenburg and Södra Bohuslän, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
- Institute of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Abstract
The vitamin status of a child depends on many factors and most of the clinical studies do not take into account the different access to adequate nutrition of children coming from different countries and the consequent major differences in micronutrients or vitamin deficits between low-income and high-income countries. Vitamin supplements are included in the general field of dietary supplements. There is a large amount of not always factual material concerning vitamin supplements, and this may sometimes create confusion in clinicians and patients. Inadequate information may lead to the risk of attributing beneficial properties leading to their over-use or misuse in the paediatric field. Vitamin supplementation is indicated in all those conditions in which a vitamin deficiency is found, either because of a reduced intake due to reduced availability of certain foods, restrictive diets or inadequate absorption. The lack of guidelines in these fields may lead paediatricians to an improper use of vitamins, both in terms of excessive use or inadequate use. This is due to the fact that vitamin supplementation is often intended as a therapy of support rather than an essential therapeutic tool able to modify disease prognosis. In fact, various vitamins and their derivatives have therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, especially in emerging conditions of paediatric age such as type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present article is to analyse the state of the art and consider new perspectives on the role of vitamin supplements in children.
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Ndiaye NF, Idohou-Dossou N, Diouf A, Guiro AT, Wade S. Folate Deficiency and Anemia Among Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 Years) in Senegal: Results of a National Cross-Sectional Survey. Food Nutr Bull 2017; 39:65-74. [DOI: 10.1177/0379572117739063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: Widely spread throughout the world, folate and iron deficiencies are risk factors for many diseases. However, contrary to iron deficiency and anemia, which have been documented in depth, the prevalence of folate deficiency among women has not been well-studied. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of folate deficiency and anemia and their association among Senegalese women of reproductive age. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey using a stratified 2-stage cluster sampling was conducted. Data were collected from 1012 women (aged 15-49 years). Plasma folate and hemoglobin (Hb), as well as protein markers of subclinical infections, were equally measured. Results: The mean folate concentration was 8.50 nmol/L (8.16-8.85 nmol/L), and 54.8% of the women were folate deficient (<10 nmol/L). Plasma folate concentration of rural women (7.27 nmol/L [6.89-7.68 nmol/L]) and urban women (10.45 nmol/L [9.88-11.05 nmol/L]) was significantly different ( P < .0001), the highest concentration being observed in women living in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. The breastfeeding women showed lower plasma folate concentration compared to nonbreastfeeding ones: 6.97 nmol/L (6.37-7.63 nmol/L) versus 9.03 nmol/L (8.61-9.46 nmol/L). Overall, 27% of the women were suffering from inflammation/infections. Mean Hb concentration was 116.86 (1.18) g/L, and 47.63% of the women involved in the study were anemic (pregnant women Hb <110 g/L; nonpregnant Hb <120 g/L). Also, a positive and significant correlation was found between plasma folate and Hb concentrations ( r = .07; P = .0167). Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of folate deficiency and anemia among Senegalese women (15-49 years), particularly those living in rural settings and breastfeeding women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndèye Fatou Ndiaye
- Laboratoire de Nutrition, Departement de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
- Division Nutrition, Institut de Technologie Alimentaire de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Nicole Idohou-Dossou
- Laboratoire de Nutrition, Departement de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Adama Diouf
- Laboratoire de Nutrition, Departement de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Amadou Tidiane Guiro
- Laboratoire de Nutrition, Departement de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Salimata Wade
- Laboratoire de Nutrition, Departement de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
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Pawlak R. To vegan or not to vegan when pregnant, lactating or feeding young children. Eur J Clin Nutr 2017; 71:1259-1262. [PMID: 28745335 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2017.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Pawlak
- Department of Nutrition Science, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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7
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Kalhan SC. One carbon metabolism in pregnancy: Impact on maternal, fetal and neonatal health. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 435:48-60. [PMID: 27267668 PMCID: PMC5014566 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
One carbon metabolism or methyl transfer, a crucial component of metabolism in all cells and tissues, supports the critical function of synthesis of purines, thymidylate and methylation via multiple methyl transferases driven by the ubiquitous methyl donor s-adenosylmethionine. Serine is the primary methyl donor to the one carbon pool. Intracellular folates and methionine metabolism are the critical components of one carbon transfer. Methionine metabolism requires vitamin B12, B6 as cofactors and is modulated by endocrine signals and is responsive to nutrient intake. Perturbations in one carbon transfer can have profound effects on cell proliferation, growth and function. Epidemiological studies in humans and experimental model have established a strong relationship between impaired fetal growth and the immediate and long term consequences to the health of the offspring. It is speculated that during development, maternal environmental and nutrient influences by their effects on one carbon transfer can impact the health of the mother, impair growth and reprogram metabolism of the fetus, and cause long term morbidity in the offspring. The potential for such effects is underscored by the unique responses in methionine metabolism in the human mother during pregnancy, the absence of transsulfuration activity in the fetus, ontogeny of methionine metabolism in the placenta and the unique metabolism of serine and glycine in the fetus. Dietary protein restriction in animals and marginal protein intake in humans causes characteristic changes in one carbon metabolism. The impact of perturbations in one carbon metabolism on the health of the mother during pregnancy, on fetal growth and the neonate are discussed and their possible mechanism explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish C Kalhan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute, NE-40, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Av, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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