Dietary pattern and nutrient intakes in association with non-communicable disease risk factors among Filipino adults: a cross-sectional study

Filipino Immigrants in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain: Health and Access to Services

The Philippines is a source of labor for many countries. Roughly 10 million overseas Filipinos are working and living outside of the Philippines. This paper examines the association between sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, educational level, and income) and self-rated physical and mental health, access to healthcare, and health habits among immigrant Filipinos living in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Through convenience sampling, Filipino migrants (n = 103) aged 18 years and above participated in the online survey between October 2022 and March 2023. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square. Almost all respondents self-rated their health as excellent and very good. Female respondents are more affected by mental health. Most are enrolled in the Universal Health System of Spain (public insurance). There is more utilization of private health insurance among respondents aged 60 years and above and high-wage earners. Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking are associated with males. More than half of the respondents perform weekly exercise occasionally or never. These findings suggest a potential need for targeted interventions with an emphasis on the practice of preventive health and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, especially among financially disadvantaged migrants with lesser health access.

Investigating the role of the built environment, socio-economic status, and lifestyle factors in the prevalence of chronic diseases in Mashhad: PLS-SEM model

Background

Chronic diseases remain a significant contributor to both mortality and disability in our modern world. Physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet are recognized as significant behavioral risk factors for chronic diseases, which can be influenced by the built environment and socio-economic status (SES). This study aims to investigate the relationship between the built environment, SES, and lifestyle factors with chronic diseases.

Methods

The current study was conducted in Mashhad's Persian cohort, which included employees from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS). In the study, 5,357 participants from the cohort were included. To assess the state of the built environment in Mashhad, a Geographic Information System (GIS) map was created for the city and participants in the Persian Mashhad study. Food intake and physical exercise were used to assess lifestyle. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess food intake. To assess food intake, the diet quality index was computed. To assess the link between variables, the structural model was created in accordance with the study's objectives, and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized.

Results

The chronic diseases were positively associated with male sex (p < 0.001), married (p < 0.001), and higher age (p < 0.001). The chronic diseases were negatively associated with larger family size (p < 0.05), higher SES (p < 0.001), and higher diet quality index (DQI) (p < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between chronic disease and physical activity.

Conclusion

Food intake and socioeconomic status have a direct impact on the prevalence of chronic diseases. It seems that in order to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing economic access, reducing the class gap and increasing literacy and awareness should be emphasized, and in the next step, emphasis should be placed on the built environment.

Current status of hypertension care and management in the Philippines

AIMS

In this paper, we discuss the existing data on the burden of hypertension in the Philippines and present the status of management, prevention, and control of hypertension in the country.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted to synthesize the status of hypertension care in the Philippines.

RESULTS

Hypertension continues to contribute to the country's leading causes of death. Similar to the global trend, almost half of hypertensive Filipinos are still not aware of their condition, and only 27 % have it under control. The prevalence of hypertension has steadily increased from 22 % in 1993 to 25.15 % in 2013. The 2020 Philippine Society for Hypertension clinical practice guideline defines hypertension as an office BP of 140/90 mm Hg or above following the proper standard BP measurement. During the past decade, monotherapy has been the mode of treatment in more than 80 % of Filipino patients. This could also explain why the BP control rates have been low. The most prevalent complications of hypertension in the Philippines were stroke (11.6 %), ischemic heart disease (7.7 %), chronic kidney disease (6.30 %), and hypertensive retinopathy (2.30 %). Hypertension causes economic tolls on patients, from the cost of drugs to hospitalization and complications. Hospitalization from hypertensive complications can easily wipe out the savings of middle-class families and is catastrophic for lower-income Filipinos.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we summarize the existing data on the burden of hypertension among Filipinos and the risk factors associated with the disease. We present the current screening tools, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention strategies for hypertension in the Philippines. Lastly, we propose solutions to meet the global targets of hypertension management and help relieve the growing burden of this disease.

Current status of diabetes mellitus care and management in the Philippines

AIMS

In this paper, we discuss the existing data on the burden of diabetes in the Philippines and present the status of management, prevention, and control of diabetes in the country.

METHODS

A review of literature was conducted to synthesize the status of diabetes mellitus in the Philippines.

RESULTS

An estimated 4.3 million Filipinos were diagnosed with diabetes, while 2.8 million remained undiagnosed in 2021. Diabetic retinopathy is a top cause of preventable blindness in Region 3, Philippines. Diabetic nephropathy contributes to 38% of renal disease cases in the Philippines. The 2021 Philippine Guidelines on Periodic Health Examination (PhEX) advocate for the utilization of fasting blood sugar (FBS) as a screening measure for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in healthy adults aged 40 years and older or in those with specified risk factors. The alternative option of hemoglobin A1c is (HbA1c) deemed appropriate but comes with a conditional recommendation due to its uneven accessibility across different regions of the country. Treatment guidelines align between the Philippines and the US. Initial medical nutrition therapy involves healthy habits, progressing to pharmacologic treatment if necessary. Financial constraints, seen in limited insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket costs, impede care, amplifying disease impact. The complex diabetes care, encompassing pharmacotherapy, nutrition, exercise, and monitoring, faced challenges during COVID-19 quarantines.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the paper outlines diabetes care principles-screening, diagnostics, and multidisciplinary care-alongside economic implications. Local and national initiatives are discussed to mitigate diabetes trends and reduce its burden in the Philippines.

Assessing Dietary Salt Intake and Pilot-Testing a Home-Based Intervention to Lower Salt Intake Among Filipino College Students

PURPOSE

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors related to dietary salt intake and develop a home-based intervention that helps lower salt intake among Filipino college students.

DESIGN

Two-phase program development study utilizing descriptive and quasi-experimental design.

METHODS

Phase 1 determined the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors alongside the frequency of dietary salt intake of a consecutive sample (n = 118). Phase 2 involved the development and pilot-testing of a home-based intervention wherein a random sample (n = 35) selected from Phase 1 joined for pilot-testing. The study was conducted from October - November 2021 and utilized valid and reliable measures to test the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of the participants.

FINDINGS

Initial assessment showed knowledge regarding health risks of high salt intake and positive attitude toward health-promoting behaviors. Post-intervention showed improvement in attitude (p = 0.0004) and behavior (p = 0.001) related to dietary salt intake alongside health literacy (p = 0.036). There was no significant change in knowledge (p = 0.054).

CONCLUSION

The home-based intervention involving the use of health education materials is successful in improving dietary salt intake patterns.

CLINICAL EVIDENCE

Community health nurses may utilize home-based interventions to help develop health-promoting behaviors among young adults.

Dietary patterns and associations with metabolic risk factors for non-communicable disease

Unhealthy dietary habit is a major contributor to the burden of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension, especially the increased burden in low- and middle-income countries. Evidence of the association between specific dietary patterns and health outcomes is scarce in sub-Saharan African countries. This study aimed to identify principal dietary patterns and evaluate associations with metabolic risk factors including hypertension, overweight/obesity, and abdominal obesity in Northwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, from 10 May 2021 to 20 June 2021. Dietary intake was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric (weight, height, hip/waist circumference) and blood pressure measurements were performed using standardized tools. Principal component analysis was conducted to derive dietary patterns. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between dietary patterns and metabolic risk factors and with sociodemographic and individual risk factors. This study derives two types of dietary patterns: 'westernized' dietary pattern, which is positively correlated with consumption of meat, dairy, fast foods, alcohol, fish, sweet/sugary foods, and fruits, and 'traditional' dietary pattern, which is positively correlated with intake of cereals, vegetables, legumes, roots/tubers, coffee, and oils. The prevalence of hypertension was significantly lower in adults with higher quantiles of westernized dietary pattern (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.60; p < 0.01; quantile three); and (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.17, 0.75; p < 0.01; quantile four). Younger, married, and middle-income adults were associated with the highest quantile of the westernized pattern. Being females and having middle income associated with the highest quantile of traditional dietary patterns (p < 0.05). This study suggested two types of dietary patterns, westernized and traditional, among adults in Northwest Ethiopia and revealed a significant association with metabolic risk factors like hypertension. Identifying the main dietary patterns in the population could be informative to consider local-based dietary recommendations and interventions to reduce metabolic risk factors.

An overview of fermentation in the food industry - looking back from a new perspective

Fermentation is thought to be born in the Fertile Crescent, and since then, almost every culture has integrated fermented foods into their dietary habits. Originally used to preserve foods, fermentation is now applied to improve their physicochemical, sensory, nutritional, and safety attributes. Fermented dairy, alcoholic beverages like wine and beer, fermented vegetables, fruits, and meats are all highly valuable due to their increased storage stability, reduced risk of food poisoning, and enhanced flavor. Over the years, scientific research has associated the consumption of fermented products with improved health status. The fermentation process helps to break down compounds into more easily digestible forms. It also helps to reduce the amount of toxins and pathogens in food. Additionally, fermented foods contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help the body to digest food and absorb nutrients. In today's world, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and allergies have increased. In this regard, scientific investigations have demonstrated that shifting to a diet that contains fermented foods can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. Moreover, in the last decade, there has been a growing interest in fermentation technology to valorize food waste into valuable by-products. Fermentation of various food wastes has resulted in the successful production of valuable by-products, including enzymes, pigments, and biofuels.

High diet quality indices associated with lower risk of lipid profile abnormalities in Taiwanese kidney transplant recipients

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors seem to be linked with deteriorated graft function and persists as the major cause of mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Diet quality is associated with CVD prevention in the healthy population, however, less study focuses on KTRs. The study aimed to determine the association between diet quality indices and lipid profile abnormalities as risk factors for CVD in KTRs. This prospective study enrolled 106 KTRs who had functioning allografts from September 2016. Lipid profiles included low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) and were based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III recommendations. Three-day dietary data were collected by a well-trained registered dietitian. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index-Taiwan (AHEI-Taiwan), Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores were calculated and divided into quartiles and compared accordingly. KTRs' mean LDL-C, HDL-C, TC, and TG levels were 119.8 ± 36.6 mg/dL, 52.0 ± 17.9 mg/dL, 205.8 ± 43.9 mg/dL, and 160.2 ± 121.6 mg/dL, respectively. Compared with the lowest quartile, only the highest quartile of AHEI-Taiwan had lower TC and LDL-C levels. After adjustment for age, gender, energy, Charlson comorbidity index, transplant duration, and dialysis duration, logistic regression analysis revealed that the highest quartile of AHEI-Taiwan had 82% (odds ratio [OR], 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.72, p < 0.05) lower odds of high TC and 88% (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.03-0.58, p < 0.05) lower odds of high LDL-C, and the highest quartile of HEI-2015 had 77% (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.05-0.95, p < 0.05) lower odds of high LDL-C. Higher adherence to a healthy diet as per AHEI-Taiwan and HEI-2015 guidelines associated with lower risk of lipid profile abnormalities in KTRs.

Evaluating the impact of a child sponsorship programme on paediatric health and development in Calauan, Philippines: A retrospective audit

AIM

International child sponsorship programmes comprise a considerable proportion of global aid accessible to the general population. Team Philippines (TP), a health care and welfare initiative run in association with the University of Notre Dame Sydney since 2013, leads a holistic sponsorship programme for 30 children from Calauan, Philippines. To date, empirical research has not been performed into the overall success and impact of the TP child sponsorship programme. As such, this study aims to evaluate its effectiveness in improving paediatric outcomes.

METHODS

Study cohorts comprised 30 sponsored and 29 age- and gender-matched non-sponsored children. Data were extracted from the TP Medical Director database and life-style questionnaires for July-November 2019. Outcome measures included anthropometry, markers of medical health, dental health, exercise, and diet. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS.

RESULTS

Sponsorship resulted in fewer medical diagnoses and prescription medications, superior dental health, and improved diet. Further, sponsored children may show a clinically significant trend towards improved physical health. Sponsorship did not affect growth and development metrics, or levels of physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The TP child sponsorship programme significantly impacts positive paediatric health outcomes in the Calauan community. The strength of the programme lies in its holistic, sustainable, and community-based model, which is enabled by effective international child sponsorship. This study further supports the relationship between supporting early livelihood and improved health in the paediatric population.

Factors associated with eating behaviors in older adults from a socioecological model perspective

BACKGROUND

The eating behaviors of older adults are associated with multiple factors. To promote older adults' healthy diets, it is imperative to comprehensively study the factors associated with the eating behaviors of the aging population group. This study aimed to probe the associated factors of older adults' eating behaviors from a socioecological model (SEM) perspective.

METHODS

In 2021, a cross-sectional survey was performed to recruit participants in China. The survey data were analyzed using a multivariate generalized linear model to identify the factors associated with eating behaviors in older adults. Standardized regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a multivariate generalized linear model.

RESULTS

The survey contained 1147 valid older adult participants. Multivariate generalized linear model results showed that older adults with older age [aged 71-80 (β = -0.61), ≥ 81 (β = -1.12)], conscientiousness personality trait (β = -0.27), and higher family health levels (β = -0.23) were inclined to have better eating behaviors. The older adults with higher education levels [junior high school and high school (β = 1.03), junior college and above (β = 1.71)], higher general self-efficacy (β = 0.09), more severe depression symptoms (β = 0.24), and employment (β = 0.82) tended to have poorer eating behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified factors that are specifically associated with older adults' eating behaviors from an SEM perspective. The comprehensive multiple-angle perspective consideration may be a valuable idea for studying healthy eating behaviors in older adults.

Epidemiological Trends in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Attributable to Modifiable Risk Factors and Its Association with Sociodemographic Transitions across BRICS-Plus Countries

BRICS-Plus countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and 30 other countries) is a group of 35 countries with emerging economies making up more than half of the world's population. We explored epidemiological trends of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality attributable to modifiable risk factors and its association with period and birth cohort effects and sociodemographic index (SDI) across BRICS-Plus countries by using joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort modeling from 1990 to 2019. Between 1990 and 2019, the all-ages CVD deaths increased by 85.2% (6.1 million to 11.3 million) across BRICS-Plus countries. The CVD age-standardized mortality rate attributable to dietary risks and smoking significantly decreased across BRICS-Plus countries, with some exceptions. However, four-fifths of BRICS-Plus countries observed a remarkable increasing trend of high body mass-index (BMI)-related CVD deaths, in particular, among younger adults (25-49 years). Early birth cohorts and individuals aged greater than 50 years showed a higher risk of CVD mortality. Both the China-ASEAN FTA and Mercosur regions stand out for their successful sociodemographic transition, with a significant reduction in CVD mortality over the study period. Singapore and Brazil achieved great progress in CVD mortality reduction and the other BRICS-Plus countries should follow their lead in adopting public health policies and initiatives into practice.

Diabetes-Related Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Asian American Subgroups

Background

Asian Americans experience heterogeneity in cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease, with a particularly high burden of diabetes in several Asian subgroups.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to quantify diabetes-related mortality in Asian American subgroups and compare this with Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White individuals.

Methods

Using national-level vital statistics data and concurrent population estimates, age-standardized mortality rates and proportional mortality from diabetes-related mortality were calculated for non-Hispanic Asian (and subgroups: Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese), Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White populations in the United States, 2018-2021.

Results

Diabetes-related deaths numbered 45,249 in non-Hispanic Asian, 159,279 in Hispanic, 209,281 in non-Hispanic Black, and 904,067 in non-Hispanic White individuals. Among Asian Americans, age-standardized mortality rates of diabetes-related mortality with cardiovascular disease as underlying cause ranged from 10.8 (95% CI: 9.9-11.6) per 100,000 in Japanese females to 19.9 (95% CI: 18.9-20.9) per 100,000 in Filipina females, and from 15.3 (95% CI: 13.9-16.8) per 100,000 in Korean males to 37.8 (95% CI: 36.1-39.5) per 100,000 in Filipino males. The proportion of all deaths related to diabetes was higher in all Asian subgroups (9.7%-16.4% for females; 11.8%-19.2% for males) compared with non-Hispanic Whites (8.5% for females; 10.7% for males). The highest proportion of diabetes-related deaths occurred in Filipino adults.

Conclusions

There was an approximately 2-fold variation in diabetes-related mortality among Asian American subgroups, with Filipino adults experiencing the greatest burden. All Asian subgroups experienced higher proportional mortality for diabetes-related mortality compared with non-Hispanic White individuals.

Prevalence and Determinants of Multiple Forms of Malnutrition among Adults with Different Body Mass Index: A Population-Based Survey in the Philippines

Background

The multiple forms of malnutrition, including overnutrition, undernutrition, and diet-related noncommunicable diseases, are emerging crises in Asian countries. Past studies have focused more on malnutrition among overweight/obese individuals; however, limited research has examined chronic energy-deficient adults. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the prevalence and determinants of different forms of malnutrition among adults with different body mass index, using the Philippines as an example. Findings from this study will guide the development and implementation of public health nutrition programs and policies.

Methods

A representative dataset from the 2013 Philippine National Nutrition Survey was used in the study. Adults aged ≥20 years (n = 16,826) were included in the analysis after excluding those with missing values. Six phenotypes of malnutrition were assessed, including three in overweight/obese adults (overweight/obese with metabolic syndrome; those with micronutrient deficiency-anemia, vitamin A deficiency, and iodine insufficiency; and those with both metabolic syndrome and micronutrient deficiency) and three in chronic energy-deficient (CED) adults (CED with either metabolic syndrome or micronutrient deficiency and with both metabolic syndrome and micronutrient deficiency). Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were examined as the determinants of different forms of malnutrition, and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

The prevalence of the six phenotypes of malnutrition ranged from 0.4% to 10.2%, where overweight/obese with metabolic syndrome was the most predominant type. The multinomial logistic regression models indicated that older age was the major risk factor across all phenotypes. Sex was associated with the outcomes in the overweight/obesity group, whereas employment status was correlated with CED adults. Furthermore, higher educational levels, being married, living in affluent households, and not smoking were protective factors for conditions related to CED but not overweight/obese individuals.

Conclusion

Malnutrition in all its forms is a significant public health concern that must be understood and addressed. Policymakers should implement appropriate intervention programs to control these nutritional problems considering the specific risk factors for the adult population.

Shaping the Physicochemical, Functional, Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Yoghurts Using Plant Additives

Nowadays, consumers pay particular attention to the quality of the products they buy. They also expect a high level of innovation. Hence, the offer from the dairy sector is increasingly focusing on the use of various additives with proven health benefits. Many scientific teams from various regions of the world are engaged in research, and their aim is to identify plant additives that have beneficial effects on the human body. The aim of this article was to summarize the latest literature pertaining to the effects of plant additives used in the production of yoghurts on their physicochemical, functional, microbiological and sensory properties. It was found that a wide range of additives in a variety of forms are used in the production of yoghurts. The most common include fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts, seeds, oils, plant or herbal extracts, fruit or vegetable fibre, and waste from fruit processing. The additives very often significantly affected the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics as well as the texture and sensory properties of yoghurt. As follows from the analysed reports, yoghurts enriched with additives are more valuable, especially in terms of the content of health-promoting compounds, including fibre, phenolic compounds, vitamins, fatty acids and minerals. A properly selected, high quality plant supplement can contribute to the improvement in the generally health-promoting as well as antioxidant properties of the product. For sensory reasons, however, a new product may not always be tolerated, and its acceptance depends mainly on the amount of the additive used. In conclusion, “superfood” yoghurt is one of the products increasingly recommended both preventively and as a way of reducing existing dysfunctions caused by civilization diseases, i.e., diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The studies conducted in recent years have not shown any negative impact of fortified yoghurts on the human body.

Sex Differences in Dietary Patterns of Adults and Their Associations with the Double Burden of Malnutrition: A Population-Based National Survey in the Philippines

A dietary pattern transition is a risk factor for the double burden of malnutrition (DBM), but related information is limited. This study aimed to identify sex differences in dietary patterns of adults in a low–middle income country and to examine their association with DBM. A total of 8957 adults (4465 men and 4492 non-pregnant and non-lactating women) who participated in the 2013 Philippine National Nutrition Survey were included in the analysis. Logistic regression models were formulated to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and DBM. The factor analysis derived seven dietary patterns for males and six patterns for females. Results showed that approximately 30% of Filipino adults suffered from DBM. The rice pattern was associated with lower odds of DBM for males only. The meat and sugar pattern in males and the protein-rich foods, cereal, and sugar pattern in females decreased DBM likelihood. An inverse relationship was observed for the vegetables and corn patterns, wherein females had an increased risk for DBM. Our findings suggest that rice-based and meat-containing patterns could play protective roles in DBM development among adults in the Philippines. Understanding sex-specific dietary patterns can be utilized to guide public health nutrition interventions in the prevention of malnutrition in all its forms.

Docosahexaenoic Acid as the Bidirectional Biomarker of Dietary and Metabolic Risk Patterns in Chinese Children: A Comparison with Plasma and Erythrocyte

Objective: The present study aims to measure docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in both the plasma and erythrocyte of a child population and compares them with respect to their associations with dietary and metabolic risk patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and a total of 435 children ages 5−7 years old were recruited. Diet information was collected using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The physical indicators, blood pressure, and glycolipid metabolic indicators were determined. The plasma and erythrocyte DHA were analyzed using a gas chromatography mass spectrometer. Principal component analysis was used to identify dietary and metabolic risk patterns. Multivariate regression analyses were used to investigate the associations of DHA status with dietary and metabolic risk patterns. Results: A significant correlation between plasma and the erythrocyte DHA concentration was found (r = 0.232, p < 0.001). A diversified dietary pattern characterized that a high intake of diversified foods had a positive association with the plasma DHA level (β = 0.145, 95% CI: 0.045~0.244, p = 0.004). Children of obesity risk patterns with a high weight, pelvis breadth, BMI, upper arm circumference, and chest circumference had lower plasma DHA concentrations (OR = 0.873, 95% CI: 0.786~0.969, p = 0.011). Children with higher plasma and erythrocyte DHA concentrations were adhered to blood lipid risk patterns with high CHOL and LDL-C levels. The plasma DHA (OR = 1.271, 95% CI: 1.142~1.415, p < 0.001) had a stronger association with a blood lipid risk pattern than erythrocyte (OR = 1.043, 95% CI: 1.002~1.086, p = 0.040). Conclusions: The diversified dietary pattern had a higher plasma DHA concentration. Lower levels of plasma DHA were positively associated with obesity in children. DHA in plasma appears to be more strongly associated with blood lipid metabolism than erythrocyte. Plasma DHA may be a more sensitive bidirectional biomarker to evaluate the recently comprehensive diet intake and metabolic risk of children.

Dietary Patterns and Their Association with Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors in Filipino Adults

Recent studies have investigated dietary patterns to assess the overall dietary habits of specific populations. However, limited epidemiological research has been conducted to explore the unique dietary intakes in low and middle-income countries. This study aims to examine the dietary patterns of Filipino adults and their association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. A total of 10,025 adults (≥20 years old) who participated in the 2013 Philippine National Nutrition Survey were included in the analysis. Dietary patterns were derived using factor analysis of 18 food groups from the dietary survey component. Six dietary patterns were identified, namely (1) rice; (2) cereal, milk, sugar, and oil; (3) fruits and miscellaneous food; (4) fish; (5) vegetables and corn; and (6) meat and beverage. Generalized ordered logistic regression analysis indicated that the dietary patterns were associated with different factors, specifically sex, age, educational attainment, marital status, employment status, household size, wealth quintile, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Our findings showed distinct dietary patterns among Filipino adults that were influenced by various sociodemographic and lifestyle parameters. The results of this study have valuable public health implications and the dietary patterns generated can further be used to analyze the link between diet and health outcomes.

The effects of dietary supplements and natural products targeting glucose levels: an overview

Identifying effective dietary supplements and medicinal herbs has attracted the attention of clinicians and researchers to complement the standard treatment in controlling diabetes mellitus. In the present overview, we aimed to collect studies with the highest level of evidence to shed light on detecting the most effective dietary supplements and medicinal herbs for controlling glycemic status. For the current overview, four electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, were systematically searched from inception to 31 December 2020 and then updated until 1 October 2021 to obtain eligible meta-analyses on either dietary supplements or medicinal herbs and their effects on glycemic status. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) were considered as primary outcomes. Finally, ninety-one meta-analyses on dietary supplements (n = 55) and herbs (n = 36) were included. Evidence showed positive effects of chromium, zinc, propolis, aloe vera, milk thistle, fenugreek, cinnamon, ginger, and nettle on FBS and/or HbA1C. However, mostly the heterogeneity (I2) was high. Other supplements and herbs also showed no reduction in glucose levels or their effects were small. Although some dietary supplements and medicinal herbs showed a significant reduction in FBS and/or HbA1C, mostly their effects from the clinical point of view were not remarkable. In addition, due to high heterogeneity, publication bias, and a limited number of included studies in most cases further clinical trials are needed for making decision on anti-diabetic supplement efficacy.

Dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors of a federal public institution staff in the northern region of Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective To identify dietary patterns in an adult population and assess those patterns association with cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted with 130 workers of a university in Tocantins, Brazil, aged 20-59 years. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis based on a food frequency questionnaire. Body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glycemia, triacylglycerols, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors. Results Three dietary patterns were identified that together explained 78.74% of total variance: healthy, western and fit dietary patterns. In the adjusted model, greater adherence to the healthy pattern was associated with lower fasting glucose values (OR: 0.89; 95%IC: 0.82-0.97; p=0.009) and with higher concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR: 1.02; 95%IC: 1.00-1.04; p=0.024); the western dietary pattern was associated with higher fasting glucose values (OR: 1.06; 95%IC: 1.00-1.13; p=0.05) and the fit pattern was associated with lower concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR: 0.98; 95%IC: 0.97-0.99; p=0.048). Conclusion Food was an important risk and protective factor for cardiometabolic changes.

Dietary Intake Quality Is Affected by Knowledge and Dietary Intake Frequency among Pregnant Women in Muntinlupa, Philippines: A Cross-Sectional Study

Improving the nutrition of pregnant women is essential in reducing maternal and child mortality, which is one of the global nutritional goals of 2025. This study evaluated the factors related to the quality of dietary intake among pregnant women in Muntinlupa, Philippines. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 280 pregnant women at a hospital in Muntinlupa from March 2019 to August 2019 using questionnaires. After the primary aggregation, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the quality of dietary intake in pregnant women. Approximately half of the women (46.4%, n = 130) had a low dietary diversity during pregnancy. Less than 30% of the respondents consumed beans, soybean products, and nuts. In the logistic regression analysis, poor maternal knowledge of nutritional sources to prevent anemia (odds ratio (OR) 4.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47-12.32, p = 0.01) and less frequent meal consumption (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.08-4.29, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with poor dietary diversity. Our findings are crucial because they suggest that increasing the knowledge of pregnant women about good nutrition and ensuring that dietary intake is frequent and adequate through antenatal care can improve the nutrition of pregnant women.

The Search for the Elixir of Life: On the Therapeutic Potential of Alkaline Reduced Water in Metabolic Syndromes

Our body composition is enormously influenced by our lifestyle choices, which affect our health and longevity. Nutrition and physical activities both impact overall metabolic condition, thus, a positive energy balance causes oxidative stress and inflammation, hastening the development of metabolic syndrome. With this knowledge, boosting endogenous and exogenous antioxidants has emerged as a therapeutic strategy for combating metabolic disorders. One of the promising therapeutic inventions is the use of alkaline reduced water (ARW). Aside from its hydrating and non-caloric properties, ARW has demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help stabilize physiologic turmoil caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. This review article is a synthesis of studies where we elaborate on the intra- and extracellular effects of drinking ARW, and relate these to the pathophysiology of common metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and some cancers. Highlighting the health-promoting benefits of ARW, we also emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by incorporating exercise and practicing a balanced diet as forms of habit.

Fruits and Vegetables in the Management of Underlying Conditions for COVID-19 High-Risk Groups

SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus, which is the cause of the current pandemic with 107,411,561 infections and 2,351,195 death worldwide so far. There are multiple symptoms that are linked with the infection of COVID-19 such as coughing, shortness of breath, congestion together with fatigue, fever, loss of taste or smell, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The lack of or early stage of development of a cure for COVID-19 illness, there is need for insuring the best possible position of health to be able to fight the virus naturally through a robust immune system to limit severe complication. In this article, we have discussed the role of fruits and vegetables consumption to boost the immune system and major emphasis has been given to high risk group. We have taken into consideration a number of underlying conditions such as people with cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, hemoglobin disorder such as sickle cell disease, weakened immune system due to organ transplant. Furthermore, factors to improve the immune system, risks associated with quarantine and lifestyle and food handling during COVID-19 has been discussed.