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López-Gil JF, Victoria-Montesinos D, García-Hermoso A. Is higher adherence to the mediterranean diet associated with greater academic performance in children and adolescents? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:1702-1709. [PMID: 38896917 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to synthesize the available evidence from the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and academic performance in children and adolescents. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, which adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) were examined from inception to April 8th, 2024. RESULTS Eighteen studies were included in the current systematic review and sixteen in the meta-analysis. The relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and academic performance among children and adolescents was statistically significant (Pearson's correlation coefficient [r] = 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14 to 0.21, p < 0.001; inconsistency index [I2] = 56.7%). The influence analysis revealed that removing individual studies one at a time did not result in any changes to the overall results (p < 0.05 in all cases). CONCLUSIONS A higher adherence to the MedDiet could play a relevant role in academic performance among children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio García-Hermoso
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
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Wawrzyniak A, Traczyk I. Nutrition-Related Knowledge and Nutrition-Related Practice among Polish Adolescents-A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:1611. [PMID: 38892544 PMCID: PMC11175151 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the association between nutrition-related knowledge (NRK) and nutrition-related practice (NRP) among 1440 Polish students (aged 10-18 years) and identify the determining factors. Questions about NRK and NRP were thematically similar and referred to the recommendations of the Polish Pyramid of Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyle for Children and Adolescents (4-18 years). A cross-sectional study was conducted using the CAWI method. The respondents obtained an average of 51% of points in the NRK examination and 32% of points in the NRP examination. It was shown that NRP was positively associated with NRK (p < 0.001). The students' NRK was positively determined by the following factors: being female (p < 0.001), older age of students (p < 0.001), living in a larger town (p = 0.012) and a higher level of education of the mother/legal guardian (p < 0.001). NRP was positively associated with greater physical activity of the students (p < 0.001). NRK and NRP were negatively associated with the subjects' BMI (p = 0.029; p = 0.040, respectively). The analysis of NRK shows that the students' knowledge regarding the consumption of milk, milk products and fish should be increased (17-20% correct answers). The analysis of NRP reveals that only 4-14% of students declared appropriate eating habits regarding the consumption of sweet and salty snacks, fish, wholegrain products and milk. This study highlights the need for targeted educational strategies to increase both the understanding and application of dietary guidelines among Polish adolescents for the prevention of diet-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Wawrzyniak
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW-WULS), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Traczyk
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw (MUW), 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
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Pinar-Martí A, Fernández-Barrés S, Gignac F, Persavento C, Delgado A, Romaguera D, Lázaro I, Ros E, López-Vicente M, Salas-Salvadó J, Sala-Vila A, Júlvez J. Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acids and attention scores in healthy adolescents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2187-2195. [PMID: 35960396 PMCID: PMC10576734 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02064-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for brain function. Adolescence is increasingly believed to entail brain vulnerability to dietary intake. In contrast to the abundant research on the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cognition, research on DHA and attention in healthy adolescents is scarce. In addition, the role of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid, is unexplored. We examined associations between DHA and ALA and attention function among a healthy young population. In this cross-sectional study conducted in 372 adolescents (13.8 ± 0.9 years-old), we determined the red blood cell proportions of DHA and ALA by gas chromatography (objective biomarkers of their long-term dietary intake) and measured attention scores through the Attention Network Test. We constructed multivariable linear regression models to analyze associations, controlling for known confounders. Compared to participants at the lowest DHA tertile (reference), those at the highest DHA tertile showed significantly lower hit reaction time-standard error (higher attentiveness) (28.13 ms, 95% confidence interval [CI] = - 52.30; - 3.97), lower hit reaction time ( - 38.30 ms, 95% CI = - 73.28; - 3.33) and lower executive conflict response ( - 5.77 ms, 95% CI = - 11.44; - 0.09). In contrast, higher values were observed in those at the top tertile of ALA in hit reaction time compared to the lowest one (46.14 ms, 95% CI = 9.90; 82.34). However, a beneficial association was observed for ALA, with decreasing impulsivity index across tertiles. Overall, our results suggest that DHA (reflecting its dietary intake) is associated with attention performance in typically developing adolescents. The role of dietary ALA in attention is less clear, although higher blood levels of ALA appear to result in lower impulsivity. Future intervention studies are needed to determine the causality of these associations and to better shape dietary recommendations for brain health during the adolescence period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Pinar-Martí
- Unversitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Silvia Fernández-Barrés
- Unversitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología Y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Florence Gignac
- Unversitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Cecilia Persavento
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Delgado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Dora Romaguera
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de La Obesidad Y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iolanda Lázaro
- Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emilio Ros
- CIBER Fisiopatología de La Obesidad Y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Lipid Clinic, Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Hospital Clínic, Biomedical Research Institute August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica López-Vicente
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- CIBER Fisiopatología de La Obesidad Y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Reus (Tarragona), Catalonia, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Aleix Sala-Vila
- Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
- The Fatty Acid Research Institute, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jordi Júlvez
- Unversitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- CIBER Epidemiología Y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Reus (Tarragona), Catalonia, Spain.
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.
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Sherzai D, Moness R, Sherzai S, Sherzai A. A Systematic Review of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Consumption and Cognitive Outcomes in Neurodevelopment. Am J Lifestyle Med 2023; 17:649-685. [PMID: 37711355 PMCID: PMC10498982 DOI: 10.1177/15598276221116052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This systematic review addresses the effects of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids consumption on human neurodevelopment. It evaluates articles published between 2000 and 2022 investigating the cognitive outcomes during the period of neurodevelopment: from fetal development to adolescence. For the purpose of this review the terms LC PUFA and omega-3 fatty acid will be used interchangeably. METHOD Data were sourced from several major databases including PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, and ProQuest Central. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized controlled trials, prospective or retrospective cohort studies, and observational studies investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acid consumption from dietary supplements, multiple-nutrient supplement, or food questionnaire on neurodevelopment were considered. Study population was separated in three developmental phases: (1) in-utero, (2) lactation/infancy, and (3) childhood/adolescence. Each article was evaluated for several key factors such as study type, type/dosage of PUFAs, number of subjects, length of intervention, participant age range, population characteristics, outcome measure (both primary/cognitive and secondary/other), results, conclusion, and confounding variables/limitations. RESULTS A total of 88 articles were included in the review, 69 RCTs and 19 longitudinal or observational studies. The results indicate equivocal effect of intervention, with some short-term benefits observed in the areas of visual attention, working memory, executive function, and communication. Omega-3 supplement might have a short-term positive impact on neurodevelopment in all three phases. Supplementation is recommended throughout life, rather than only during the earliest developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Sherzai
- Dept of Neurology, Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA (AS, DS); Oak Ridge High School, El Dorado Hills, CA, USA (RM); California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (SS)
| | - Roman Moness
- Dept of Neurology, Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA (AS, DS); Oak Ridge High School, El Dorado Hills, CA, USA (RM); California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (SS)
| | - Sophia Sherzai
- Dept of Neurology, Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA (AS, DS); Oak Ridge High School, El Dorado Hills, CA, USA (RM); California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (SS)
| | - Ayesha Sherzai
- Dept of Neurology, Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA (AS, DS); Oak Ridge High School, El Dorado Hills, CA, USA (RM); California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (SS)
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Sherzai AZ, Sherzai AN, Sherzai D. A Systematic Review of Omega-3 Consumption and Neuroprotective Cognitive Outcomes. Am J Lifestyle Med 2023; 17:560-588. [PMID: 37426732 PMCID: PMC10328206 DOI: 10.1177/15598276221117102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Context While a great deal of interest has been accorded to the cognitive effects of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFAs), there is a need for systematic review data that assess this outcome across the lifespan, accounting for population differences and highlighting methodological limitations of extant studies. Objective This systematic review addresses the effects of n-3s on human cognition and provides an overview on the current state of research and recommendations for future efforts. Data Sources Based on a thorough review of highly powered articles from PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, and ProQuest Central, the authors evaluated articles published between 2000 and 2020 assessing LC PUFA status on cognition as a primary outcome measure. Using the PRISMA guidelines, the researchers' primary aim was to provide a comprehensive overview of the articles. Conclusions The results indicate inconsistent effects of intervention, with benefits for specific groups on specific outcomes. Although results were rarely definitive across cognitive domains, and the majority of studies indicated the presence of a possible threshold effect in which LC PUFA needs were already being met, and supplementation did not have an additional effect, there is evidence for trends towards benefit in cognitive functions, in those experiencing early cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Z. Sherzai
- Department of Neurology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA (DS, AZS); and California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (ANS)
| | - Alexander N. Sherzai
- Department of Neurology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA (DS, AZS); and California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (ANS)
| | - Dean Sherzai
- Department of Neurology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA (DS, AZS); and California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA (ANS)
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Drozdowska A, Sinningen K, Falkenstein M, Rudolf H, Libuda L, Buyken AE, Lücke T, Kersting M. Impact of lunch with carbohydrates differing in glycemic index on children's cognitive functioning in the late postprandial phase: a randomized crossover study. Eur J Nutr 2021; 61:1637-1647. [PMID: 34902050 PMCID: PMC8921027 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-021-02766-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Studies about effects of lunch dietary Glycemic Index (GI) on cognition of schoolchildren are scarce. Our previous CogniDo GI study found no changes of cognition in the early postprandial phase after consumption of two rice types with medium vs. high dietary GI for lunch (i.e., 45 min after starting lunch). This study investigated whether the dietary GI of lunch has an impact on cognition of schoolchildren in the late postprandial phase, 90 min after lunch. Methods A randomized, 2 × 2 crossover intervention study was conducted at a comprehensive school with 5th and 6th grade students. Participants (n = 212) were randomly assigned to either sequence 1 or 2. In the first period, participants of sequence 1 received a dish with high GI rice (GI: 79), those of sequence 2 with medium GI rice (GI: 64)—in the second period, 1 week later, vice versa. Computer-based cognitive testing was performed 90 min after lunch examining tonic alertness, visual search and task switching, and working memory. Treatment effects and treatment effects adjusted for estimated lunch glycemic load (GL) were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Results The selected cognitive parameters were not affected by the GI of lunch 90 min after lunch, neither after intention-to-treat nor in the per-protocol analysis. Adjustment for GL also did not change results. Conclusion The present study revealed no notable differences after the consumption of two rice types with medium vs. high dietary GI for lunch in children’s cognitive function in the late postprandial phase, 90 min after lunch. Clinical trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00013597); date of registration: 16/04/2018, retrospectively registered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00394-021-02766-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Drozdowska
- Research Department of Child Nutrition, University Hospital of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstraße 5, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sinningen
- Research Department of Child Nutrition, University Hospital of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstraße 5, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
| | | | - Henrik Rudolf
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Lars Libuda
- Paderborn University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health, Nutrition Sciences, 33098, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Anette E Buyken
- Paderborn University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health, Public Health Nutrition, 33098, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Thomas Lücke
- Research Department of Child Nutrition, University Hospital of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstraße 5, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mathilde Kersting
- Research Department of Child Nutrition, University Hospital of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstraße 5, 44791, Bochum, Germany
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Ahern MB, Thilsted SH, Kjellevold M, Overå R, Toppe J, Doura M, Kalaluka E, Wismen B, Vargas M, Franz N. Locally-Procured Fish Is Essential in School Feeding Programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Foods 2021; 10:foods10092080. [PMID: 34574190 PMCID: PMC8466277 DOI: 10.3390/foods10092080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish make an important contribution to micronutrient intake, long-chained polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAS), and animal protein, as well as ensuring food and nutrition security and livelihoods for fishing communities. Micronutrient deficiencies are persistent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), contributing to public health issues not only in the first 1000 days but throughout adolescence and into adulthood. School feeding programs (SFPs) and home-grown school feeding programs (HGSF), which source foods from local producers, particularly fisherfolk, offer an entry point for encouraging healthy diets and delivering essential macro- and micronutrients to schoolchildren, which are important for the continued cognitive development of children and adolescents and can contribute to the realization of sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, 5, and 14. The importance of HGSF for poverty alleviation (SDG1) and zero hunger (SDG 2) have been recognized by the United Nations Hunger Task Force and the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD), which formulated a strategy for HGSF to improve nutrition for the growing youth population across Africa. A scoping review was conducted to understand the lessons learned from SFPs, which included fish and fish products from small-scale producers, identifying the challenges and best practices for the inclusion of fish, opportunities for improvements across the supply chain, and gaps in nutritional requirements for schoolchildren which could be improved through the inclusion of fish. Challenges to the inclusion fish in SFPs include food safety, supply and access to raw materials, organizational capacity, and cost, while good practices include the engagement of various stakeholders in creating and testing fish products, and repurposing fisheries by-products or using underutilized species to ensure cost-effective solutions. This study builds evidence of the inclusion of nutritious fish and fish products in SFPs, highlighting the need to replicate and scale good practices to ensure sustainable, community-centred, and demand-driven solutions for alleviating poverty, malnutrition, and contributing to greater health and wellbeing in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly B. Ahern
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | - Ragnhild Overå
- Department of Geography, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Jogeir Toppe
- Sub-Regional Office for Mesoamerica, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Panama City 32408, Panama;
| | - Michele Doura
- School-Based Programmes Unit, World Food Programme, 00148 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (E.K.)
| | - Edna Kalaluka
- School-Based Programmes Unit, World Food Programme, 00148 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (E.K.)
| | | | - Melisa Vargas
- Nutrition Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nicole Franz
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy;
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Gignac F, Solé C, Barrera-Gómez J, Persavento C, Tena È, López-Vicente M, Júlvez J, Sunyer J, Couso D, Basagaña X. Identifying Factors Influencing Attention in Adolescents with a Co-Created Questionnaire: A Citizen Science Approach with Secondary Students in Barcelona, Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8221. [PMID: 34360520 PMCID: PMC8345951 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Studies on factors that can influence attention in healthy adolescents are recent and focus on recurrent topics. Students' contribution to public health research often revolves around collecting data but rarely around creating data collection instruments. The ATENC!Ó project reunited secondary students and scientists to create a questionnaire including factors that students thought could affect their attention. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess whether the factors included in this questionnaire had an effect on attention in adolescents. A total of 1667 students (13-16 years old) from 28 schools in Barcelona performed a validated attention test and answered the questionnaire. The response speed consistency (attentiveness), expressed as hit reaction time standard error (HRT-SE, in ms), was used as the primary outcome. Analyses were conducted using conditional linear regression with school as strata, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and further stratified by gender and maternal social class. Some factors showed a negative influence on attention, including taking medication and not reading regularly. We found a significant 14.3% (95% confidence interval: 3.4%, 25.3%) higher median of HRT-SE (increase inattentiveness) among students who reported not having a good relationship with classmates. Students' input into research is relevant for advancing the knowledge production in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Gignac
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (F.G.); (J.B.-G.); (C.P.); (J.S.)
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Caterina Solé
- Departament de Didactica de les Ciencies, Facultat d’Educacio, Edifici G5, Campus de la UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (C.S.); (È.T.); (D.C.)
| | - Jose Barrera-Gómez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (F.G.); (J.B.-G.); (C.P.); (J.S.)
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia Persavento
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (F.G.); (J.B.-G.); (C.P.); (J.S.)
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Èlia Tena
- Departament de Didactica de les Ciencies, Facultat d’Educacio, Edifici G5, Campus de la UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (C.S.); (È.T.); (D.C.)
| | - Mónica López-Vicente
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre-Sophia Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Jordi Júlvez
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, 43204 Reus, Spain;
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (F.G.); (J.B.-G.); (C.P.); (J.S.)
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Digna Couso
- Departament de Didactica de les Ciencies, Facultat d’Educacio, Edifici G5, Campus de la UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (C.S.); (È.T.); (D.C.)
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (F.G.); (J.B.-G.); (C.P.); (J.S.)
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, 28009 Madrid, Spain
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Martínez-Martínez MI, Alegre-Martínez A, Cauli O. Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Intake in Children: The Role of Family-Related Social Determinants. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3455. [PMID: 33187190 PMCID: PMC7697719 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids play a central role in neuronal growth and in the development of the human brain, since they are essential elements which depend on intake through diet to ensure an adequate amount. Fish and seafood are the main dietary sources of these fatty acids in Spain and in other countries. In order to assess the effect of the intake of common foods containing high amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a food frequency questionnaire was administered to parents of children and adolescents attending a primary school in Valencia (Spain), and the intake of dietary omega-3 such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was estimated based on their fish/seafood consumption. Low frequencies of intake were significantly (p < 0.05) lower for many types of fish/seafood in children compared to adolescents. 27.5% of children/adolescents did not eat lean fish or other types (19.8% of the sample did not eat fatty fish, and 71.8% did not eat smoked fish) and 20-60% of the sample consumed seafood only once-three times a month, leading to a reduced estimated intake of EPA+DHA below that recommended for both groups by public health agencies. Social aspects, such as the type of work done by mothers and their educational levels are significant factors (p < 0.05 in both cases) affecting children's/adolescents' intake of DHA+EPA. Dietary interventions to increase the consumption of fish and seafood are strongly advised, and health promotion strategies should be aimed at the family level and fight against gender disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Martínez-Martínez
- Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46013 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antoni Alegre-Martínez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cardenal Herrera University CEU, Avenida Seminario, s/n, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain;
| | - Omar Cauli
- Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46013 Valencia, Spain
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Dissatisfaction with Body Weight among Polish Adolescents Is Related to Unhealthy Dietary Behaviors. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092658. [PMID: 32878216 PMCID: PMC7551787 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of the study were to determine the socio-demographic factors that may affect body weight dissatisfaction and to analyze the relationship between eating habits and dissatisfaction with body weight among a national random sample of Polish adolescents aged 13–19 years. Data on gender, age, level of education, body weight status, screen time, body weight satisfaction and selected nutritional behaviors were collected using a questionnaire. Body mass status was assessed based on weight and height measurements. A total of 14,044 students from 207 schools participated in the study. A significant effect of gender, age, level of education, body weight status and screen time status on the participants’ dissatisfaction with the body weight was observed. The greater prevalence of body weight satisfaction was observed among boys, younger subjects, secondary school students, adolescents with normal body weight status and those with screen time up to 2 h. Whereas girls, older study participants (17–19 years old), overweight/obese adolescents and subjects with screen time over 4 h were more often dissatisfied with body weight. Furthermore, it has been shown that participants dissatisfied with their body weight less often met dietary recommendations. These findings can help dietitians, nutritionists and healthcare professionals to provide age-specific and gender-specific nutrition strategies to promote healthy lifestyle among school-going adolescents.
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Dietary Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Versus Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Effects on Cognition and Inflammation. Curr Nutr Rep 2020; 9:264-277. [DOI: 10.1007/s13668-020-00329-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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12
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Teisen MN, Vuholm S, Niclasen J, Aristizabal-Henao JJ, Stark KD, Geertsen SS, Damsgaard CT, Lauritzen L. Effects of oily fish intake on cognitive and socioemotional function in healthy 8-9-year-old children: the FiSK Junior randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 112:74-83. [PMID: 32529206 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-chain n-3 PUFAs (n-3 LCPUFAs) accrete in the brain during childhood and affect brain development. Randomized trials in children show inconsistent effects of n-3 LCPUFAs on cognitive and socioemotional function, and few have investigated effects of fish per se. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the effects of oily fish consumption on overall and domain-specific cognitive and socioemotional scores and explore sex differences. METHODS Healthy 8-9-y-old children (n = 199) were randomly allocated to receive ∼300 g/wk oily fish or poultry (control) for 12 ± 2 wk. At baseline and endpoint, we assessed attention, processing speed, executive functions, memory, emotions, and behavior with a large battery of tests and questionnaires and analyzed erythrocyte fatty acid composition. RESULTS One hundred and ninety-seven (99%) children completed the trial. Children in the fish group consumed 375 (25th-75th percentile: 325-426) g/wk oily fish resulting in 2.3 (95% CI: 1.9, 2.6) fatty acid percentage points higher erythrocyte n-3 LCPUFA than in the poultry group. The overall cognitive performance score tended to improve by 0.17 (95% CI: -0.01, 0.35) points in children who received fish compared with poultry, supported by n-3 LCPUFA dose dependency. This was driven mainly by fewer errors [-1.9 (95% CI: -3.4, -0.3)] in an attention task and improved cognitive flexibility measured as faster reaction time [-51 ms (95% CI: -94, -7 ms)] in a complex relative to a simple task ("mixing cost"). The fish intervention furthermore reduced parent-rated Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire total difficulties by -0.89 (95% CI: -1.60, -0.18) points mainly due to a -0.63 (95% CI: -1.11, -0.16) points reduction in internalizing problems that was reflected in tendency to a decrease in the overall socioemotional problems score of -0.13 (95% CI: -0.26, 0.01) points. The overall effects were similar in boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS Oily fish dose-dependently improved cognitive function, especially attention and cognitive flexibility, and reduced socioemotional problems. The results support the importance of n-3 LCPUFAs for optimal brain function and fish intake recommendations in children.The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02809508.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie N Teisen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Vuholm
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Janni Niclasen
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ken D Stark
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Svend S Geertsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camilla T Damsgaard
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lotte Lauritzen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Omega-3 and its domain-specific effects on cognitive test performance in youths: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 112:420-436. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Jirout J, LoCasale-Crouch J, Turnbull K, Gu Y, Cubides M, Garzione S, Evans TM, Weltman AL, Kranz S. How Lifestyle Factors Affect Cognitive and Executive Function and the Ability to Learn in Children. Nutrients 2019; 11:E1953. [PMID: 31434251 PMCID: PMC6723730 DOI: 10.3390/nu11081953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In today's research environment, children's diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors are commonly studied in the context of health, independent of their effect on cognition and learning. Moreover, there is little overlap between the two literatures, although it is reasonable to expect that the lifestyle factors explored in the health-focused research are intertwined with cognition and learning processes. This thematic review provides an overview of knowledge connecting the selected lifestyle factors of diet, physical activity, and sleep hygiene to children's cognition and learning. Research from studies of diet and nutrition, physical activity and fitness, sleep, and broader influences of cultural and socioeconomic factors related to health and learning, were summarized to offer examples of research that integrate lifestyle factors and cognition with learning. The literature review demonstrates that the associations and causal relationships between these factors are vastly understudied. As a result, current knowledge on predictors of optimal cognition and learning is incomplete, and likely lacks understanding of many critical facts and relationships, their interactions, and the nature of their relationships, such as there being mediating or confounding factors that could provide important knowledge to increase the efficacy of learning-focused interventions. This review provides information focused on studies in children. Although basic research in cells or animal studies are available and indicate a number of possible physiological pathways, inclusion of those data would distract from the fact that there is a significant gap in knowledge on lifestyle factors and optimal learning in children. In a climate where childcare and school feeding policies are continuously discussed, this thematic review aims to provide an impulse for discussion and a call for more holistic approaches to support child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Jirout
- Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | | | - Khara Turnbull
- Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Yin Gu
- Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Mayaris Cubides
- Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Sarah Garzione
- Department of Kinesiology, Curry School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Tanya M Evans
- Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Arthur L Weltman
- Department of Kinesiology, Curry School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Sibylle Kranz
- Department of Kinesiology, Curry School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
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Myszkowska-Ryciak J, Harton A, Lange E, Laskowski W, Gajewska D. Nutritional Behaviors of Polish Adolescents: Results of the Wise Nutrition-Healthy Generation Project. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11071592. [PMID: 31337092 PMCID: PMC6682866 DOI: 10.3390/nu11071592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognition of the dominant dietary behaviors with respect to gender and specific age groups can be helpful in the development of targeted and effective nutritional education. The purpose of the study was to analyze the prevalence of the selected eating behaviors (favorable: Consuming breakfasts, fruit, vegetables, milk and milk beverages, whole grain bread and fish; adverse: Regular consumption of sweets, sugared soft drinks and fast-foods) among Polish adolescents. METHODS Data on the nutritional behaviors were collected using a questionnaire. Body mass status was assessed based on weight and height measurements. RESULTS 14,044 students aged 13-19 years old from 207 schools participated in the study. Significant differences were found in the nutritional behaviors depending on age, gender and nutritional status. Favorable nutritional behaviors corresponded with each other, the same relationship was observed for adverse behaviors. The frequency of the majority of healthy eating behaviors decreased with age, whereas the incidence of adverse dietary behaviors increased with age. Underweight adolescents more often consumed sugared soft drinks, sweets and fast food compared to their peers with normal and excessive body mass. CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of adolescents showed unhealthy nutritional behaviors. Showing changes in the incidence of nutritional behaviors depending on age, gender and body weight status, we provide data that can inform the development of dietary interventions tailored to promote specific food groups among adolescents on different stages of development to improve their diet quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Myszkowska-Ryciak
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 159C Nowoursynowska Str, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Harton
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 159C Nowoursynowska Str, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Lange
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 159C Nowoursynowska Str, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wacław Laskowski
- Department of Organization and Consumption Economics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 159C Nowoursynowska Str, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Danuta Gajewska
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 159C Nowoursynowska Str, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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Teisen MN, Niclasen J, Vuholm S, Lundbye-Jensen J, Stark KD, Damsgaard CT, Geertsen SS, Lauritzen L. Exploring correlations between neuropsychological measures and domain-specific consistency in associations with n-3 LCPUFA status in 8-9 year-old boys and girls. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216696. [PMID: 31116782 PMCID: PMC6530844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) have in some studies been associated with cognitive and socioemotional outcomes in children, but results are inconsistent possibly due to the use of different tests and potential gender-specific effects. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to explore overall patterns in neuropsychological scores as well as correlations between scores within specific domains, and to examine potential gender differences and consistency in associations with n-3 LCPUFA status. In 199 Danish 8–9 year-old children, we performed a large battery of tests and questionnaires on attention, processing speed, executive functions, memory, and socioemotional traits, and measured erythrocyte fatty acid composition. Principal component analyses (PCA) showed that most of the variation in both cognitive performance and socioemotional traits was explained by overall performance, followed by speed-accuracy trade off and externalizing vs. internalizing problems, respectively. Boys had higher speed, lower attention and higher externalizing problem scores than girls. Measures of performance within both processing speed and attention domains correlated moderately, whereas no correlations were found for measures of executive functions apart from some weak correlations for impulsivity. Parent-rated scores for both externalizing and internalizing problems correlated strongly, whereas correlations with child-rated scores were weak. Scores within specific domains did not consistently associate with n-3 LCPUFA, except for processing speed measures which all pointed to faster processing with increased n-3 LCPUFA status. Gender differences in the associations were observed for attention and impulsivity. Child- but not parent-rated internalizing and social problems tended to associate directly with n-3 LCPUFA, supported by increased internalizing problems measured by the PCA component. In conclusion, measures of speed and attention seem to represent these domains in general, whereas single measures of more complex cognitive functions should be interpreted with caution. One approach could be to use multiple tests and create multivariate scores to guide interpretations. Furthermore, the results indicate a need to consider both parent- and child-rated socioemotional scores and gender differences in neuropsychological functions e.g. in investigations of n-3 LCPUFA effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie N. Teisen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Janni Niclasen
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Health Promotion, Diabetes Prevention Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Frederikshøj Dagbehandlingsskole, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Vuholm
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Lundbye-Jensen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ken D. Stark
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camilla T. Damsgaard
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Svend S. Geertsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lotte Lauritzen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bernstein AS, Oken E, de Ferranti S. Fish, Shellfish, and Children's Health: An Assessment of Benefits, Risks, and Sustainability. Pediatrics 2019; 143:e20190999. [PMID: 31110165 PMCID: PMC6864235 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
American children eat relatively little fish and shellfish in comparison with other sources of animal protein, despite the health benefits that eating fish and shellfish may confer. At the same time, fish and shellfish may be sources of toxicants. This report serves to inform pediatricians about available research that elucidates health risks and benefits associated with fish and shellfish consumption in childhood as well as the sustainability of fish and shellfish harvests.
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The effect of Atlantic salmon consumption on the cognitive performance of preschool children - A randomized controlled trial. Clin Nutr 2018; 38:2558-2568. [PMID: 30598384 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Long chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are of functional and structural importance for brain development. Observational studies have shown positive relations between fatty fish consumption and cognitive performance in children, but Results from intervention studies using supplementary n-3 LC-PUFA are conflicting. Salmon is a good source of n-3 LC-PUFA, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We tested the hypothesis that an increased dietary salmon intake results in better cognitive outcomes than a meat based diet. METHODS Children (n = 205, age 4-6 years) in this trial were individually randomized to eating meals containing farmed Atlantic salmon or meat three times weekly for 16 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention a cognitive test (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 3rd edition, WPPSI-III) and a fine-motor coordination test (Nine Hole Peg Test, 9-HPT) were performed. Biochemical analyses included glycerophospholipid fatty acid profiles in plasma and cheek cells, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and urinary iodine concentration. Dietary intake before and during the study were determined using food frequency questionnaires. RESULTS Intakes of EPA, DHA, vitamin D and iodine were higher in the salmon than the meat group, but on biomarker level only EPA and DHA increased significantly in the salmon group compared to the meat group (p < 0.001). In general linear models no significant differences between the intervention groups were found in the scale scores of the WPPSI-III tests and the 9-HPT. In analyses of the raw scores, the salmon group showed significantly better improvement in two of the eight raw scores compared to the meat group (symbol search p = 0.038, picture concepts p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS Intake of farmed Atlantic salmon led to a greater increase of the raw scores of the picture concept and symbol search subtests, while in the six other subtests raw scores were not different between the groups. This might indicate a modest positive association of salmon intake with the performance of preschool children in some subtests evaluating fluid intelligence but does not suggest an influence on global IQ development. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER AND WEBSITE ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT01951937.
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Handeland K, Skotheim S, Baste V, Graff IE, Frøyland L, Lie Ø, Kjellevold M, Markhus MW, Stormark KM, Øyen J, Dahl L. The effects of fatty fish intake on adolescents' nutritional status and associations with attention performance: results from the FINS-TEENS randomized controlled trial. Nutr J 2018; 17:30. [PMID: 29475446 PMCID: PMC5824444 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-018-0328-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescence involves changes in dietary habits that may induce imbalances in the intake of different nutrients. Fish is an important dietary source of omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), vitamin D, several minerals and high-quality protein. By using secondary outcomes and exploratory analyses, the aims of this paper were to evaluate if nutritional biomarkers (red blood cell fatty acids, serum (s)-25(OH)D, s-ferritin and urinary iodine concentration (UIC)) were altered during a dietary intervention, and if they mediated previously reported changes in attention performance. In addition, to examine the status of the biomarkers and explore associations between dietary pattern, biomarkers and attention performance cross-sectionally at baseline. Methods The Fish Intervention Studies-TEENS (FINS-TEENS) was a three-armed intervention trial, including adolescents from eight secondary schools (n = 415; age: 14–15y) in Bergen, Norway. Participants were individually randomized to receive either fish meals, meat meals or n-3 LCPUFA supplements, three times a week for a total of 12 weeks. Blood and urine samples were collected pre and post intervention and attention performance was assessed with the d2 test of attention. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) assessed differences between groups in changes of biomarkers and linear mixed models were applied in analyses of attention performance and biomarkers. The trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02350322). Results At baseline, the mean omega-3 index was 5.8 ± 1.3% and deficient status were identified for s-25(OH)D (54%), s-ferritin (10%) and UIC (40%). The intervention resulted in an increase in DHA and the omega-3 index which was larger in the supplement group compared to the fish and meat group (P < 0.01), and in the fish group compared to the meat group (P < 0.01). No differences between the groups were observed for changes in 25(OH)D, s-ferritin or UIC. None of the biomarkers mediated performance in the d2 test. The intake of fatty fish and a healthy dietary pattern was associated with scores in processing speed at baseline. Conclusions These results show that Norwegian adolescents have insufficient status of important nutrients, which may be improved with fatty fish consumption or n-3 LCPUFA supplements. However, nutritional status was not associated with scores in the d2 test of attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katina Handeland
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7800, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Siv Skotheim
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health, Uni Research Health, P.O. Box 7810, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Valborg Baste
- Present Address: Uni Research Health, P.O. Box 7810, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingvild E Graff
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway.,Present Address: Uni Research Health, P.O. Box 7810, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Livar Frøyland
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øyvind Lie
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway.,Present Address: Directorate of Fisheries, P.O. Box 185 Sentrum, 5804, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marian Kjellevold
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria W Markhus
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell M Stormark
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health, Uni Research Health, P.O. Box 7810, 5020, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7807, N-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jannike Øyen
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Dahl
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817, Bergen, Norway
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Skotheim S, Handeland K, Kjellevold M, Øyen J, Frøyland L, Lie Ø, Eide Graff I, Baste V, Stormark KM, Dahl L. The effect of school meals with fatty fish on adolescents' self-reported symptoms for mental health: FINS-TEENS - a randomized controlled intervention trial. Food Nutr Res 2017; 61:1383818. [PMID: 29056893 PMCID: PMC5642191 DOI: 10.1080/16546628.2017.1383818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence linking fish consumption and n-3 LCPUFAs to mental health. Still, the results from randomized trials with n-3 LCPUFAs show conflicting results, and it is possible that the combined effect of several nutrients in fish may explain the observed associations. To aim of the present study was to investigate if school meals with fatty fish three times per week for 12 weeks could alter mental health in a sample of typically developing adolescents. In the Fish Intervention Studies-TEENS (FINS-TEENS), adolescents from eight secondary schools (n=425) in Norway, were randomized to receive school meals with fatty fish, meat or n-3 LCPUFA supplements. Mental health was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the differences between the groups were assessed with linear mixed effect models, unadjusted and adjusted for baseline and dietary compliance. The results showed no effects of school meals with fatty fish compared to similar meals with meat or n-3 LCPUFAs on the adolescents' self-reported symptom scores for mental health. Among adolescents scoring above the SDQ cut-offs (high-scorers), the fish- improved less than the meat group in the self-reported symptom scores for total difficulties- and emotional problems. However, the findings should be regarded as preliminary, as the analyses for the high-scorer group were underpowered. In conclusion, serving school meals with fatty fish did not alter mental health in a typically developing sample of adolescents. It is possible that serving healthy school meals with meat is more beneficial than similar meals with fatty fish in adolescents scoring high on mental health problems. However, the results should be seen as preliminary, as the dietary compliance in the fish group was low and the analyses in the high score group underpowered. Thus, further studies should investigate the associations between fish consumption and adolescents' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siv Skotheim
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Uni Research Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Katina Handeland
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marian Kjellevold
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), Bergen, Norway
| | - Jannike Øyen
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), Bergen, Norway
| | - Livar Frøyland
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), Bergen, Norway
| | - Øyvind Lie
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingvild Eide Graff
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Kjell Morten Stormark
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Uni Research Health, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Dahl
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), Bergen, Norway
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