Micronutrient Dietary Intake in Latina Pregnant Adolescents and Its Association with Level of Depression, Stress, and Social Support

Total Gestational Weight Gain Is Explained by Leptin and Body Fat, Regardless of Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Other Adipokines, in Mexican Adolescents

Pre-pregnancy body mass index (pBMI) is a predictor of gestational weight gain (GWG). However, other factors, such as adipokines and inflammation markers, may also be associated with GWG. The aim of the study was to determine the association of leptin, adiponectin, irisin, and C-reactive protein, with GWG in adolescents. A longitudinal study was conducted from 2018 to 2023 in adolescents with a clinically healthy pregnancy. The assessments included sociodemographic and clinical data, pBMI, percent of body fat, serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, irisin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and total GWG adequacy. Cox regression models were performed, the outcome variables were inadequate and excessive GWG. In 198 participants, being overweight/obesity was marginally associated with a protective effect against inadequate GWG (HR = 0.44, 95%CI = 0.18-1.06), regardless of maternal characteristics and adipokines. Leptin (HR = 1.014, 95%CI = 1.008-1.021), and body fat percent (HR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.05-1.17) were associated with a higher risk of excessive GWG, independent of other maternal variables such as pBMI, while adiponectin was associated with a lower risk. These findings suggest that, in Mexican adolescents, adipose tissue and its adipokines during pregnancy may play a more significant role in the final GWG than body weight.

Serum Folate, Red Blood Cell Folate, and Zinc Serum Levels Are Related with Gestational Weight Gain and Offspring's Birth-Weight of Adolescent Mothers

BACKGROUND

Gestational weight gain below or above the Institute of Medicine recommendations has been associated with adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes. Very few studies have evaluated the association between serum and red blood cell folate concentrations and gestational weight gain in adolescents. Additionally, zinc deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with impaired immunity, prolonged labor, preterm and post-term birth, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study is to evaluate the association between serum concentrations of zinc, serum folate, and red blood cell folate, with the increase in gestational weight and the weight and length of the newborn in a group of adolescent mothers from Mexico City.

RESULTS

In our study, 406 adolescent-neonate dyads participated. The adolescents' median age was 15.8 years old. The predominant socioeconomic level was middle-low (57.8%), single (57%), 89.9% were engaged in home activities, and 41.3% completed secondary education. Excessive gestational weight gain was observed in 36.7% of cases, while insufficient gestational weight gain was noted in 38.4%. Small for gestational age infants were observed in 20.9% of the sample. Low serum folate (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.3), decreased red blood cell folate (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.6), and reduced serum zinc concentrations (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.1-5.2) were associated with insufficient gestational weight gain. Decreased serum zinc levels (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.2-3.4) were linked to an increased probability of delivering a baby who is small for their gestational age.

CONCLUSIONS

Low serum folate, red blood cell folate, and serum zinc concentrations were associated with gestational weight gain and having a small gestational age baby. Both excessive and insufficient gestational weight gain, as well as having a small gestational age baby, are frequent among adolescent mothers.

PsyNBIOsis: Investigating the Association between Maternal Gestational Diabetes, Mental Health, Diet and Childhood Obesity Risk: Protocol for a Prospective, Longitudinal, Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with poorer maternal mental health (depression and anxiety). Maternal mental health and GDM are likely to influence diet, which in turn impacts the course of GDM. Maternal diet may also be directly or indirectly associated with changes in infant anthropometry. The aims of this study are to (1) examine the associations between maternal GDM, mental health and diet, and (2) evaluate the associations between these maternal factors, breastmilk composition and infant anthropometry.

METHODS

This prospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study compares a cohort of women with and without GDM. Maternal mental health and diet are assessed using validated questionnaires. Breastmilk composition is measured with the Human Milk Analyzer, and infant body composition is measured with air displacement plethysmography.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT

Once data have been collected, PsyNBIOsis will provide evidence for the associations between maternal mental health, GDM status and diet, and their impact on breastmilk composition and early infant growth. The results may inform the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease framework and provide data on which to build cost-effective interventions to prevent both the development of mental health issues in mothers and adverse growth patterns in infants.

Diagnostic value of niacin skin blunting response in adolescent patients with depression

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the differences in the niacin skin flushing response of adolescent depressed patients and healthy adolescents and its diagnostic value in adolescent depression.

METHODS

Thirty-eight cases of acute episodes of depression in unmedicated adolescents and 47 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included as study subjects, and sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, all of which were stimulated with six concentration gradients (up to 60 mmol/L, followed by sequential 3-fold gradient dilution to a minimum of 0.25 mmol/L) of niacin solution on the forearm skin, and the skin flushing area was applied as an assessment index.

RESULTS

The total area of redness of the skin in response to niacin was significantly lower in the adolescent depression group than in the healthy adolescent group (Z=-3.36, p = 0.001) and was able to distinguish the adolescent depression group from the healthy adolescent group (area under curve = 0.713, sensitivity 51.1%, specificity 83.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Niacin sensitivity is reduced in adolescent depressed patients, and the niacin skin flush response has potential clinical value as a diagnostic biomarker for adolescent depression.

Barriers to adequate nutrition in pregnant adolescent Colombian females

Pregnant adolescent females face nutritional challenges. The nutritional demands of a growing fetus, when added to the requirements for growing adolescent bodies, are risk factors for undernutrition. An adolescent expectant mother's nutritional status therefore affects both the mother's and the child's future growth, development, and potential development of diseases later in life. In Colombia, the rate of female adolescent pregnancies is higher than neighboring countries and the global average. The most recent data suggest that approximately 21 % of all pregnant adolescent females in Colombia are underweight, 27 % suffer from anemia, 20 % suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and 19 % suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. Contributing factors to these nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy may be the region in which the female lives, the female's ethnicity, and the female's socioeconomic and educational status. In rural parts of Colombia, limitations regarding access to prenatal care and food choices that include animal source proteins may also contribute to nutritional deficiencies. To help remedy this, recommendations include encouraging nutrient dense food sources with higher protein content, eating one additional meal per day, and taking a prenatal vitamin throughout the pregnancy. Making healthy eating choices can be difficult for adolescent females with limited resources and education; therefore, it is recommended that discussions about nutrition begin at the first prenatal visit for optimum benefits. These factors should be considered for the development of future health policies and interventions in Colombia and other low-income and middle-income countries where pregnant adolescent females may be experiencing similar nutritional deficiencies.

Maternal Diet Quality and Prenatal Depressive Symptoms: The Moderating Role of Economic Well-Being

Prenatal depression is prevalent and adversely impacts maternal and infant health. This study addresses a critical literature gap and investigates the association between maternal diet quality and prenatal depressive symptoms, as well as the moderating effect of economic well-being on this link. A cross-sectional design was used, including 43 healthy pregnant women in the second trimester aggregated from two research projects. Prenatal depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Dietary quality was evaluated using two non-consecutive 24 h dietary recalls, from which the Adapted Dietary Inflammatory Index (ADII) and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 were derived. Economic well-being was indicated by the income-to-poverty ratio. A higher HEI-2015 (adherence to dietary guidelines; β = -0.53, p = 0.01) and negative ADII (anti-inflammatory diet; β = 0.40, p = 0.06) were associated with fewer prenatal depressive symp-toms. Among pregnant women with worse economic well-being, a pro-inflammatory diet was as-sociated with more prenatal depressive symptoms (b = 1.69, p = 0.004), but among those with better economic well-being, the association was not significant (b = 0.51, p = 0.09). Dietary interventions aimed at reducing dietary inflammation might hold some promise for improving mental health among pregnant women who are economically vulnerable.

Inflammation and Vitamin C in Women with Prenatal Depression and Anxiety: Effect of Multinutrient Supplementation

Elevated inflammation has been associated with adverse mood states, such as depression and anxiety, and antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin C, have been associated with decreased inflammation and improved mood. In the current study comprising a cohort of pregnant women with depression and anxiety, we hypothesised that elevated inflammation would be associated with adverse mood states and inversely associated with vitamin C status and that multinutrient supplementation would optimise vitamin concentrations and attenuate inflammation. Sixty-one participants from the NUTRIMUM trial had blood samples collected between 12 and 24 weeks gestation (baseline) and following 12 weeks of daily supplementation with a multinutrient formula containing 600 mg of vitamin C or active placebo. The samples were analysed for inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokines) and vitamin C content and were related to scales of depression and anxiety. Positive correlations were observed between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and all of the mood scales administered (p < 0.05), including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity Scale, the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). CRP correlated weakly with GAD-7 (p = 0.05). There was an inverse correlation between CRP and the vitamin C status of the cohort (p = 0.045), although there was no association of the latter with the mood scales (p > 0.05). Supplementation with the multinutrient formula resulted in a significant increase in the vitamin C status of the cohort (p = 0.007) but did not affect the inflammatory biomarker concentrations (p > 0.05). In conclusion, greater systemic inflammation was associated with worse mood states; however, 12-week multinutrient supplementation did not alter inflammatory biomarker concentrations. Nevertheless, the vitamin C status of the cohort was improved with supplementation, which may aid pregnancy and infant outcomes.

Individual, Family, and Social Factors Associated with Gestational Weight Gain in Adolescents: A Scoping Review

About 56% to 84% of pregnant adolescents have inappropriate (insufficient or excessive) gestational weight gain (GWG); however, the factors associated with GWG in this age group have not been systematically identified. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the available scientific evidence on the association of individual, family, and social factors with inappropriate gestational weight gain in pregnant adolescents. To carry out this review, the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles from recent years. The evidence was organized according to individual, family, and social factors. The analyzed studies included 1571 adolescents from six retrospective cohorts, 568 from three prospective cohorts, 165 from a case-control study, 395 from a cross-sectional study, and 78,001 from two national representative samples in the USA. At the individual level, in approximately half of the studies, the pre-pregnancy body mass index (pBMI) was positively associated with the GWG recommended by the Institute of Medicine of the USA (IOM). The evidence was insufficient for the other factors (maternal age, number of deliveries, and family support) to determine an association. According to the review, we concluded that pBMI was positively associated with the GWG. More quality studies are needed to assess the association between GWG and individual, family, and social factors.

Associations between dietary intake, diet quality and depressive symptoms in youth: A systematic review of observational studies

Background: Depression is the third leading cause of worldwide disease burden among youth, and nutrition- and diet-related behaviors have been considered as an effective strategy for reducing the risk of depressive symptoms. This systematic review aims to examine associations between dietary intake and diet quality with depressive symptoms among youth. Methods: In this systematic review, a search of scientific articles published between 2000 and 2021 was performed in four databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, and PubMed) according to the PRISMA checklist. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, observational studies that focused on associations between micronutrient, macronutrient, food group intake, and diet quality and depressive symptoms among youth, ages 3 to 18, were selected for review. Results: Thirty-two articles met the review criteria. Dietary intake of magnesium, vitamin B12, fiber, fruits, vegetables, and fish were consistently inversely related to depressive symptoms. However, the evidence of associations between intake of vitamins B6, C, D, and E, iron, copper, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrate, and dietary fat and depressive symptoms was mixed. Dietary effects on decreased depressive symptoms were more pronounced in children than adolescents. Additionally, most studies failed to adjust for potential confounding variables. Conclusion: This review provides preliminary and comprehensive evidence for a relationship between dietary intake, diet quality, and depressive symptoms in youth. Although the results are heterogeneous and more research is needed, our findings indicate the importance of nutrition interventions for youth for decreasing depressive symptoms or for preventing further symptom exacerbation.

Association of energy adjusts nutrient-rich foods on mental health among obese and overweight women: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Mental health and obesity have a bilateral relationship with each other. No study has been done on the association between mental health and the ENRF9.3 index so far. Therefore, for the first time, the present study investigated the relationship between the ENRF9.3 index and mental health in overweight and obese women.

METHODS

In the current cross-sectional study, 124 overweight and obese women were selected. Food intakes in the last year were collected with 147 items semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Then, the ENRF9.3 index score was calculated for all individuals. Mental health was assessed with 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) questionnaire.

RESULTS

In the present study, the total DASS score was marginally significant (P = 0.05), however, after the adjustment, it became insignificant (P > 0.05). After adjusting confounders stress also became significant (P = 0.04). No significant relationship was observed between depression and anxiety, even after adjustment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that a nutritious diet is not associated with overall mental health score, among subgroups of the DASS total score. The relationship was seen only for the stress subgroup.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Dietary Diversity, Micronutrient Adequacy and Bone Status during Pregnancy: A Study in Urban China from 2019 to 2020

Diet quality during reproduction is crucial to maternal and infant health. However, the association between dietary diversity and bone health of pregnant women remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the dietary quality of Chinese urban gravidas using the dietary diversity score (DDS), and to explore the relationship of the DDS with micronutrient adequacy and bone health. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 775 pregnant women aged 18 years or older in urban China. Dietary diversity was assessed using the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) indicator. A 24-h dietary recall was used to collect diet data and to calculate the MDD-W and the nutrient intake. Bone health was measured using quantitative ultrasound and assessed by the speed of sound (SOS). Pearson's correlation coefficients between the DDS and the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) were calculated. A multivariable linear regression model was used to estimate the effect size of the DDS on the SOS. The mean DDS was 6.61 ± 1.53 points and 91.0% of participants reported the consumption of five or more food groups. Women in the diverse diet subgroup (DDS ≥ 7 points) were more likely to consume all kinds of food except starchy staples and had higher NARs. Pearson's correlation coefficients between the DDS and the NAR ranged from 0.161 to 0.484. For participants in the second trimester, those with a diverse diet had a higher SOS. A multivariable linear regression analysis showed that the DDS was positively and significantly associated with the SOS (β = 17.18, 95% CI = 5.97-28.39, p = 0.003), but this was not the case for women in the first and third trimesters. Urban Chinese women had good dietary diversity during pregnancy. A higher dietary diversity was associated with a higher NAR. From the point of view of bone, a diverse diet was positively correlated with better bone status, suggesting the importance of improving diet diversity for pregnant women, especially from mid-pregnancy.

Dietary Vitamin B Complex: Orchestration in Human Nutrition throughout Life with Sex Differences

The importance of B complex vitamins starts early in the human life cycle and continues across its different stages. At the same time, numerous reports have emphasized the critical role of adequate B complex intake. Most studies examined such issues concerning a specific vitamin B or life stage, with the majority reporting the effect of either excess or deficiency. Deep insight into the orchestration of the eight different B vitamins requirements is reviewed across the human life cycle, beginning from fertility and pregnancy and reaching adulthood and senility, emphasizing interactions among them and underlying action mechanisms. The effect of sex is also reviewed for each vitamin at each life stage to highlight the different daily requirements and/or outcomes. Thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, and folic acid are crucial for maternal and fetal health. During infancy and childhood, B vitamins are integrated with physical and psychological development that have a pivotal impact on one’s overall health in adolescence and adulthood. A higher intake of B vitamins in the elderly is also associated with preventing some aging problems, especially those related to inflammation. All supplementation should be carefully monitored to avoid toxicity and hypervitaminosis. More research should be invested in studying each vitamin individually concerning nutritional disparities in each life stage, with extensive attention paid to cultural differences and lifestyles.

Grocery Delivery to Support Healthy Weight Gain Among Pregnant Young Women With Low Income: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with complications for both the mother and her infant including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, operative delivery, and long-term obesity. A healthy diet during pregnancy promotes healthy gestational weight gain and determines fetal epigenetic programming in infants that impacts risk for future chronic disease.

OBJECTIVE

This project will examine the impact of grocery delivery during pregnancy on the weight, diet, and health outcomes of young pregnant women and their infants.

METHODS

A three-arm randomized controlled trial design will be performed. A total of 855 young pregnant women, aged 14-24 years, from across the state of Michigan will be enrolled and randomized equally into the three study arms. Participants in arm one (control) will receive usual care from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); arm two will receive WIC plus biweekly grocery delivery; and arm three will receive WIC plus biweekly grocery and unsweetened beverage delivery. Weight will be assessed weekly during pregnancy, and total pregnancy weight gain will be categorized as above, below, or within guidelines. Additionally, dietary intake will be assessed at three time points (baseline, second trimester, and third trimester), and pregnancy outcomes will be extracted from medical records. The appropriateness of pregnancy weight gain, diet quality, and occurrence of poor outcomes will be compared between groups using standard practices for multinomial regression and confounder adjustment.

RESULTS

This study was funded in April 2021, data collection started in December 2021, and data collection is expected to be concluded in 2026.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will test whether grocery delivery of healthy foods improves weight, diet, and pregnancy outcomes of young moms with low income. The findings will inform policies and practices that promote a healthy diet during pregnancy, which has multigenerational impacts on health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05000645; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05000645.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/40568.

Immune System and Psychological State of Pregnant Women during COVID-19 Pandemic: Are Micronutrients Able to Support Pregnancy?

The immune system is highly dynamic and susceptible to many alterations throughout pregnancy. Since December 2019, a pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has swept the globe. To contain the spread of COVID-19, immediate measures such as quarantine and isolation were implemented. These containment measures have contributed to exacerbate situations of anxiety and stress, especially in pregnant women, who are already particularly anxious about their condition. Alterations in the psychological state of pregnant women are related to alterations in the immune system, which is more vulnerable under stress. COVID-19 could therefore find fertile soil in these individuals and risk more severe forms. Normally a controlled dietary regimen is followed during pregnancy, but the use of particular vitamins and micronutrients can help counteract depressive-anxiety states and stress, can improve the immune system, and provide an additional weapon in the defense against COVID-19 to bring the pregnancy to fruition. This review aims to gather data on the impact of COVID-19 on the immune system and psychological condition of pregnant women and to assess whether some micronutrients can improve their psychophysical symptoms.

The role of selenium in depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human observational and interventional studies

The results of human studies are inconsistent regarding selenium and depressive disorders. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational and interventional studies and provided an overview of the role of selenium in depression. Three databases including Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched on June 30, 2020 and updated on April 12, 2021. Also, we searched in electronical databases of WHO Global Index Medicus and ClinicalTrials.gov. No time or language restrictions were used for the search. A random effects model was used to pool effect sizes. In total, 20 studies were included in the systematic review, and 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in serum selenium levels between patients with depression and healthy subjects (WMD: 2.12 mg/L; 95% CI: - 0.11, 4.36; I2 = 98.0%, P < 0.001). Also, no significant correlation was found between serum levels of selenium and depression scores (r: - 0.12; 95% CI: - 0.33, 0.08; I2 = 73.5%, P = 0.010). Nevertheless, there was a significant negative association between high selenium intake and the risk of postpartum depression (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95, 0.99; I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.507). In addition, selenium supplementation significantly reduced depressive symptoms (WMD: - 0.37; 95% CI: - 0.56, - 0.18; I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.959). Taken these results together, selenium seems to have a protective role against postpartum depression and can be considered as a beneficial adjuvant therapy in patients with depression. Further studies are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

Stress-Induced Eating Among Racial/Ethnic Groups in the United States: a Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Racial/ethnic disparities in obesity may be due, in part, to minority groups consuming more energy-rich diets in response to greater stress exposure. The present study systematically reviewed the literature describing the effects of stress on food consumption among various racial/ethnic groups in the US.

METHODS

PubMed and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies reporting associations between stress and food consumption by different racial/ethnic groups, conducted between January 1, 1999 to November 25, 2019. The search included terms related to food consumption, stress, and race/ethnicity. After screening 3660 records, 30 studies were included for review.

RESULTS

The selected studies assessed diverse stressors and eating constructs; African-American and Hispanic/Latinx were the most commonly studied minority groups. Studies generally supported that diverse forms of stress exposure are associated with reduced healthy eating patterns and increased obesogenic eating patterns across racial/ethnic groups. However, studies that directly compared stress-eating associations among multiple racial/ethnic groups showed mixed results.

CONCLUSION

Members of diverse racial/ethnic groups are susceptible to stress-induced unhealthy eating patterns, though evidence is insufficient to conclude whether the degree of susceptibility differs among groups. Additional studies utilizing observational measures of food intake and culturally sensitive measures of stress are needed to identify the most influential stressors on dietary behaviors, to assess whether some stressors are more salient for given racial/ethnic groups, and to examine the extent to which stress-induced eating contributes to racial/ethnic disparities in obesity and obesity-related diseases.

Nutritional Factors Associated With Maternal Depression Among Pregnant Women in Urban Low-Income Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

BACKGROUND

Nutritional deficiencies are common during pregnancy and a year after childbirth. At the same time, maternal depression affects many women during pregnancy up to 1 year after childbirth. The objectives of this study were to determine the associations between nutrition status, dietary intake, and maternal depression among pregnant women.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study that included 262 pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years attending the antenatal clinic in 2 public health facilities in urban low-income settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. Maternal depression was assessed using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was used to determine nutritional status. Dietary intake was assessed using the 24-hour recall, and brain essential nutrients were assessed through a questionnaire. Odds ratio was used to test the associations. All maternal characteristics with P < .001 in the univariable analysis were considered in the multivariable logistic regression, variables with P < .05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Of the 262 pregnant women, 33.6% (95% CI: 27.9-40.7) had depressive illness as indicated by EPDS >13. About 9.9% of pregnant women had MUAC < 23 cm. The study established statistically significant association between poor nutrition by MUAC and maternal depression (P < .001). Maternal depression was statistically significantly associated with inadequate intake of brain food essential (P = .002). Maternal depression was statistically significantly associated with lower income (P < .001). In multivariable regression analysis, the main predictor of maternal depression was poor nutrition (P < .004).

CONCLUSION

These findings reveal an association between poor nutrition and maternal depression. These results suggest that nutritional deficiencies could be a contributing factor for maternal depression. Study recommends dietary interventions as cost-effective way to reduce deficiencies and improve mental health problems for pregnant women. Assessment of maternal depression and dietary intake be integrated as fundamental components of antenatal care.

Association between dietary energy density with mental health and sleep quality in women with overweight/obesity

Objective

Mental health, sleep quality, and dietary intake are interlinked. Impairment of mental health and low sleep quality may contribute to obesity through the consumption of diets high in energy density. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether dietary energy density (DED) influences mental health. This study aimed to examine the association of DED with mental health indices, including depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality in women with overweight/obesity.

Results

There was a decreasing trajectory in serum triglyceride across quartiles of DED (from Q1 to Q4) in the crude analysis and also after adjustment for age, BMI, and physical activity After adjustment for age, BMI, and physical activity, subjects in the highest quartile of DED had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. DED was significantly associated with increased odds of stress in the crude (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.01–4.56, p = 0.04) and adjusted model for age, BMI, and physical activity (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.13–5.79, p = 0.02). No significant relationship was observed between DED and depression, anxiety and sleep quality. In conclusion, current study shows preliminary evidence of an association between DED and stress.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity as a preventive factor against depression in climacteric women

Depression is characterized by physical or psychological distress and in many cases can lead to suicide.

Conceptualization, measurement, and effects of pregnancy-specific stress: review of research using the original and revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire

Pregnancy-specific stress (PSS) arises from the numerous changes that women experience during pregnancy and from their concerns about childbirth and the health of their offspring. Prolonged or elevated maternal stress heightens risk for poor fetal, infant, and child outcomes. The Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PDQ) and its expanded successor, the revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (NuPDQ), were developed to assess PSS, but their psychometric properties and findings are not well-documented. We reviewed research using the PDQ (n = 45) or NuPDQ (n = 37). Results establish that PSS as measured by these instruments is common in pregnancy; PSS is associated with sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, perceptions of pregnancy, health behaviors, maternal health, and birth outcomes. The NuPDQ is an especially appropriate tool to assess PSS, with demonstrated reliability and convergent, concurrent, and predictive validity. The ability to assess PSS in a reliable and valid manner is critical to advance research and improve maternal and child health.

Prenatal Developmental Origins of Future Psychopathology: Mechanisms and Pathways

The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis applied to neurodevelopmental outcomes asserts that the fetal origins of future development are relevant to mental health. There is a third pathway for the familial inheritance of risk for psychiatric illness beyond shared genes and the quality of parental care: the impact of pregnant women's distress-defined broadly to include perceived stress, life events, depression, and anxiety-on fetal and infant brain-behavior development. We discuss epidemiological and observational clinical data demonstrating that maternal distress is associated with children's increased risk for psychopathology: For example, high maternal anxiety is associated with a twofold increase in the risk of probable mental disorder in children. We review several biological systems hypothesized to be mechanisms by which maternal distress affects fetal and child brain and behavior development, as well as the clinical implications of studies of the developmental origins of health and disease that focus on maternal distress. Development and parenting begin before birth.

Association between Lower Intake of Minerals and Depressive Symptoms among Elderly Japanese Women but Not Men: Findings from Shika Study

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship of mineral intake, including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper and manganese, with depressive symptoms in both genders in the Japanese elderly population. A total of 1423 participants who were older than 65 years old were recruited in this study. Mineral intake was analyzed using a validated and brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed with a short version of the Geriatric Depression Scale. A logistic regression model was applied to determine the relationship between mineral intake and depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 20%. Except for sodium and manganese, mineral intake was significantly lower in the depressive symptoms group. There was no difference of mineral intake between male participants with depressive symptoms and those without such symptoms. However, in female participants, mineral intake was significantly lower in participants with depressive symptoms compared to those without such symptoms. Potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and copper were significantly and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms among female participants, but not male participants. Our results suggest that the deficiencies in mineral intake may be related to depressive symptoms, especially in women.

Exposure of cadmium via smoking and drinking water on zinc levels of biological samples of malnutrition pregnant women: A prospective cohort study

In present study, the interaction of a toxic (cadmium) and essential element (zinc) was determined in scalp hair of pregnant and non-pregnant women resident in a rural area of Thraparkar, Pakistan, where malnutrition is prevalent. In the malnourished group (pregnant and nonpregnant women), deficiency of the essential element (zinc) due to malnutrition and exposure of toxic metal (cadmium) via non-branded cigarette smoking and drinking groundwater were carried out. For comparative purposes, scalp hair samples were also collected from pregnant and non-pregnant women, residing in Hyderabad city, consuming municipal treated drinking water and smoking branded cigarette, termed as the reference group. The domestic treated and ground water, as well as the branded and non-branding cigarettes were analysed for cadmium (Cd). Whereas Zinc (Zn) and Cd were determined in scalp hair samples of malnutrioned and reference women. The groundwater indicated 5 to 12 fold higher levels of Cd than the WHO recommended value in drinking water. Whereas the content of Cd in locally made non-branded cigarettes was found to be two fold higher than branded cigarettes. These data indicate that the malnourished pregnant and non-pregnant smokers women group had three to four times higher levels of Cd in their scalp hair samples than those values obtained for reference non smokers. Whereas, the content of Zn in scalp hair samples of the reference women was ∼20% higher than the malnourished group.

In situ riboflavin fortification of different kefir-like cereal-based beverages using selected Andean LAB strains

Cereal-based functional beverages represent social, economic, and environmental sustainable opportunities to cope with emerging trends in food consumption and global nutrition. Here we report, for the first time, the polyphasic characterization of three cereal-based kefir-like riboflavin-enriched beverages, obtained from oat, maize and barley flours, and their comparison with classical milk-based kefir. The four matrices were successfully fermented with commercial starters: i) milk-kefir and ii) water-kefir, proving the potential of cereal ingredients in the formulation of dairy-like fermented beverages with milk-kefir starter behavior better in these matrices. In the light of their potentiality, seven riboflavin-producing Andean Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) were tested for tolerance to food stresses commonly encountered during food fermentation. Moreover, the LAB strains investigated were screened for spontaneous riboflavin overproducing derivatives. Lactobacillus plantarum M5MA1-B2 with outstanding response to stress, was selected to improve riboflavin content in an in situ fortification approach. The combination of L. plantarum M5MA1-B2 riboflavin overproducing strain with milk kefir starter in oat, lead to cover, for one serving of 100 g, 11.4% of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Besides, addition of L. plantarum M5MA1-B2 improved performance of water kefir in oat and maize matrices. Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) analysis provided the on-line Volatile Organic Compounds profiles supporting the best combination of starter, LAB and cereal matrix for novel functional foods development.

Nutritional Status and Psychological Impairment in Rural Adolescent Girls: Pilot Data From "KOKAN" Region of Western India

Background: Adolescence is a period during which psychological foundations are laid down as well as consolidated. Not much information is available on rural Indian adolescent girls and their psychological health.

Methods: We did a pilot survey of psychological health of 80 adolescent girls residing at KOKAN region of western India. Psychological health was evaluated using Youth Paediatric Symptom Checklist (Y-PSC) consisting of 35 items with maximum score of 70. Girls with a score >30 were classified as psychologically impaired. In addition we also collected random blood sample and measured the micronutrients. Macronutrient intake was estimated by 24 h recall.

Results: The mean age of the girls was 14 years with a standard deviation of 1.5. In all 35/76 (46.1%) could be classified as psychologically impaired. There was a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies with varying degrees. More than 65% were deficient in calcium, zinc and folic acid. About 22% were anemic and 36% were vitamin B₁ deficient. More than 75% had a low recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of macronutrients. Those with poor serum calcium concentration had higher psychological score (p < 0.05). Fat and calcium intakes were inversely associated with psychological score (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively). Odds ratios for psychological impairment were significant for those with low calcium levels [1.47 (95% CI 1.21, 4.31)], and for those with low calcium intake 1.43 (1.08, 3.19) and low iron intake 3.04 (1.02, 9.26).

Conclusion: Our pilot data has shown the urgent need to improve the nutrition of adolescent girls, which could improve their psychological health.

The Association between Total Folate Intakes and Depression amongst Three Racial/Ethnic Groups

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Low dietary folate intake has been associated with depression outcomes, but few studies have been reported on the association in diverse populations. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we examined the relationship between depression and folate intake from diet and supplementation in non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics and African Americans.

METHODS

3,687 adult respondents from the 2009-2010 NHANES cycle were included. Statistical methods for analyzing data from complex survey sample designs were used to assess differences by race/ethnicity in demographic, behavioral, dietary and depression variables and to assess the relationship between depression and folate, adjusting for confounding variables using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

We observed significant (p < 0.01) differences by race/ethnicity for all demographic, behavioral, dietary and depression variables, except for physical activity. The relationship between dietary folate and depression significantly differed by race/ethnicity (p = 0.03), with an inverse and significant association in Hispanics only (OR= 0.25; 95% CI= 0.09 - 0.70.; p for trend = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that a diet high in folate, such as from dark green leafy vegetables, may be associated with a reduced odds for depression, and specifically, Hispanics may benefit from nutrition education to potentially reduce depression in the population.