Of interest from the journals.

Adolescent nutrition

Packard P, Krogstrand KS. Half of rural girls aged 8 to 17 years report weight concerns and dietary changes, with both more prevalent with increased age. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:672-7

A survey of 333 girls living in rural America revealed that more than half had weight concerns and used dietary behaviours. This increased with age.

Von Post-Skagegard M, Samuelson G, Karlstrom B, Mohsen R, Berglund L, Bratteby L-E. Changes in food habits in healthy Swedish adolescents during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:532-8

This study alerts public health nutritionists to the important lifestyle changes and food habits during adolescence.

Antioxidants and cancer

Malila N, Virtamo J, Virtanen M, Pietinen P, Albanes D, Teppo L. Dietary and serum [alpha]-tocopherol, 3-carotene and retinol, and risk for colorectal cancer in male smokers. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:615-21

This cohort from the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention study indicates that intake of dietary antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids are not associated with colorectal cancer.

Body mass index in Asians and disease risk

Ishikawa-Takata K, Ohta T, Moritaki K, Gotou T, Inoue S. Obesity, weight change and risks of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia in Japanese men. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:601-7

A cohort of 4737 Japanese males were followed for up to four years to assess changes in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol concentrations and diabetes status. The BMI associated with risks is lower than in Caucasians and risks are strongly related to weight gain.

Body mass index in Indians and disease risk

Khongsdier R. Body mass index and morbidity in adult males of the War Khasi in Northeast India. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:484-89

Body mass index relates more closely to socio-economic status with low BMI predicting morbidity.

Body composition

Kyle UG, Under P, Dupertuis YM, Karsegard VL, Genton L, Pichard C. Body composition in 995 acutely ill or chronically ill patients at hospital admission: A controlled population study. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;l02:953-5

Bioelectrical impedance was used to analyse fat-free and fat mass in 995 patients admitted to hospital. While BMI was similar to healthy controls, patients' body composition differed with a loss of fat-free mass and increase in fat mass.

Cardiovascular nutrition

de Roos NM, Siebelink E, Bots ML, van Tol A, Schouten EG, Katan MB. Trans monounsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids have similar effects on postprandial flow-mediated vasodilation. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:674-9

Administration of a meal rich in trans fatty acids compared with one rich in saturated fatty acids produced no acute effects on the vascular wall of healthy men.

Dixon JB, Dixon ME, O'Brien PE. Reduced plasma homocysteine in obese red wine consumers: a potential contributor to reduced cardiovascular risk status. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:608-14

A Melbourne-based study of the alcohol intake of 350 obese males and their homocysteine concentrations revealed red wine intake is associated with lower plasma homocysteine.

Ness AR, Hughes J, Elwood PC, Whitely E, Smith GD, Burr ML. The long-term effect of dietary advice in men with coronary disease: follow-up of the Diet and Reinfarction trial (DART). Eur J Chin Nutr 2002;56:512-8

A follow-up of the DART trial after ten years demonstrated no long-term benefits.

Osler M, Helms Andreasen A, Deitmann B, Hoidrup S, Gerdes U, Morch Jorgensen L, et al. Food intake patterns and risk of coronary heart disease: a prospective cohort study examining the use of traditional scoring techniques. Eur J Chin Nutr 2002;56:568-74

A random sample of 7316 Danish adults had their food patterns classified as healthy, prudent or western. The relationship between food pattern and coronary events was studied. No association was found but BMI appeared to modify the relationship.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 

Walda IC, Tabak C, Smit HA, Rasanen L, Fidanza F, Menotti A, et al. Diet and 20-year chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mortality in middle-aged men from three European countries. Eur J Chin Nutr 2002;56:638-43

A prospective study indicates that fruit intake and possibly vitamin E intake are associated with a lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Copper

Schumann K, Classen HG, Dieter HH, Konig J, Multhaup G, Rukgauer M, et al. Hohenheim Consensus Workshop: Copper. Eur J Chin Nutr 2002;56:469-83

An extensive review of the dietary requirements for copper is provided.

Diet and cancer

Thomson CA, Flatt SW, Rock CL, Ritenbaugh C, Newman V, Pierce JP. Increased fruit, vegetable and fiber intake and lower fat intake reported among women previously treated for invasive breast cancer. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:801-8

A study of 3084 women treated for early-stage breast cancer reveals the adoption of more healthful diets after diagnosis.

Dietary fibre

Position of the American Dietetic Association: Health implications of dietary fiber. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:993-1000

This is a position paper recommending adequate amounts of dietary fibre and discussing the benefits.

Dietary methodology

Carbone ET, Campbell MK, Honess-Morreale L. Use of cognitive interview techniques in the development of nutrition surveys and interactive nutrition messages for low-income populations. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:690-6

This article describes the use of cognitive interviews to inform the development of survey questions and computer messages.

Johnson F, Wardle J, Griffith J. The Adolescent Food Habits Checklist: reliability and validity of a measure of healthy eating behaviour in adolescents. Eur J Chin Nutr 2002;56:644-9

This paper describes the development of a checklist for use in those aged 13-16 years.

Lowik MRH, Brussaard JH editors. EFCOSUM: European Food Consumption Survey Method. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56(Suppl):S1-S96

This supplement reports on the methods employed for this survey. A consortium of 23 countries participated.

Mennen LI, Bertais S, Galan P, Arnault N, Potier de Couray G, Hercberg S. The use of computerised 24 h dietary recalls in the French SUI.VI.MAX Study: number of recalls required. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:659-65

The French study has indicated that five 24-hour recalls were necessary to determine carbohydrate intake and up to 16 for [beta]-carotene.

Dietetic education

Wilson MA. Dietetic preceptors perceive their role to include a variety of elements. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:968-74

This article describes the role of the 'preceptor' that is a practitioner trainer in the training of dietetic interns.

Dietetic training

Yoon J-Y, Messersmith AM. Foodservice systems management competencies of Korean dietitians: usage, perceived importance, and educational preparation. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:710-5

This study examined the training received in food service in Korean dietetics education programs. It will inform further research.

Dietetic workforce

Meyer R, Gilroy R, Williams P. Dietitians in New South Wales: workforce trends 1984-2000. Australian Health Review 2002;25:122-30

Following on from surveys of the dietetic workforce in 1984 and 1991 the 2000 survey demonstrates important trends. The workforce grew by 48% with the numbers employed outside hospitals and in non-clinical areas rising. Ratios of hospital dietitians per 100 beds increased but not in rural areas.

Energy expenditure

Yao M, McCrory MA, Ma G, Li Y, Dolnikowski GG, Roberts SB. Energy requirements of urban Chinese adults with manual or sedentary occupations, determined using the doubly labelled water method. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:575-84

Seventy-three middle-aged Chinese adults resident in Beijing had their total energy expenditures measured. Occupational activity was more important in predicting energy requirements than leisure activity.

Ethics

Position of the American Dietetic Association: Ethical and legal issues in nutrition, hydration and feeding. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:716-26

This is a position paper examining the role of the dietitian and the ethical and legal issues around artificial feeding and hydration.

Food composition

Li D, Mansor M, Zhuo SR, Woon T, Anthony MA, Sinclair AJ. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid contents of canned meats available in Australia. Food Australia 2002;54:311-5

Twenty types of canned meats available in Australia were analysed for their fatty acid content. The paper includes composition tables.

Noble R, Rayner C, Kerr M, Sinclair AT. Survey of synthetic amino acids in supplemented sports food and compliance with Food Standards Code. Food Australia 2002;54:359-65

One hundred and forty-two sports foods were analysed for free amino acids to test compliance with standard R10. Seventy-two percent failed to comply with label claims and 27% exceeded maximum permitted concentrations.

Food guides

Williams P, Gibson B, Smith N. Serve sizes of grain based food in Australia. Food Australia 2002;54:214-20

This survey compares serving sizes of cereal and grain-based foods recommended by manufacturers on their labels and includes comparisons to those on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.

Food habits

Papadaki A, Scott JA. The impact on eating habits of temporary translocation from a Mediterranean to a Northern European environment. Eur J Chin Nutr 2002;56:455-61

A questionnaire was used to assess the eating habits of eight post-graduate students from Greece now resident in Glasgow. A number of barriers such as cost and availability Contributed to decreased consumption of fruit, and vegetables including legumes.

Food safety

Gross SM, Harris JE. DPD directors' attitudes are more favourable toward food-safety education than certification. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:930-6

Two hundred and thirty directors of dietetic programs were surveyed about food-safety education and certification. Just under 40% had students complete food safety certification exams but all considered food safety education important.

Food science

Ball P, Woodard D, Beard T, Shoobridge A, Ferrier M. Calcium diglutamate improves taste characteristics of lower-salt soup. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:519-23

A Tasmanian study that indicates calcium diglutamate can be used to maintain taste after decreasing the sodium content.

Food security

Kaiser LL, Melgar-Quinonez HR, Lamp CL, Johns MC, Sutherlin JM, Harwood JO. Food security and nutritional outcomes of preschool-age Mexican-American children. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:924-9

The relationships of food insecurity and nutrition in preschoolers from low income families was examined, Food insecurity was not related to weight and height status.

McCullum C, Pelletier D, Barr D, Wilkins J. Use of participatory planning process as a way to build community food security. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:962-7

A search conference was held to determine ways in which stakeholders could find common ground to assess the problem of food security.

Fruit and vegetable consumption

Stables GJ, Subar AF, Patterson BH, Dodd K, Heimendinger J, Van Duyn MAS, et al. Changes in vegetable and fruit consumption and awareness among US adults: Results of the 1991 and 1997 5 A Day for Better Health Program surveys. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:809-17

A significant increase in fruit and vegetable intake was found but after adjustment for shifts in demography remained significant only for Hispanics and non-smokers. The study indicates the need for interventions targeted at specific subgroups.

Infant nutrition

Bennett F, Watson-Brown C, Thame M, Wilks R, Osmond C, Hales N, et al. Shortness at birth is associated with insulin resistance in pre-pubertal Jamaican children. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:506-11

A study of 400 mother/child pairs indicated that short stature at birth related to insulin resistance but was also associated with heavier children.

National Nutrition Survey

Mishra G, Ball K, Arbuckle J, Crawford D. Dietary patterns of Australian adults and their association with socio-economic status: results from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:687-93

Fifteen factors were found to account for 50% of the variance in adults dietary patterns. Certain dietary patterns differ by socioeconomic status. The study has implications for planning public health interventions.

Nutrition in HIV 

Villamor E, Msamanga G, Spiegelman D, Coley J, Hunter DJ, Peterson KE, et al. HIV status and sociodemographic correlates of maternal body size and wasting during pregnancy. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:415-24.

A study of 13 760 pregnant women in Tanzania has found HIV to be a strong indicator of wasting. Socioeconomic status is strongly correlated with maternal height and BMI independent of HIV.

Obesity

Miyawaki T, Masuzaki H, Ogawa Y, Hosoda K, Nishimura H, Azuma N, et al. Clinical implications of leptin and its potential humoral regulators in long-term low-calorie diet therapy for obese humans. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:593-600

A longitudinal study of 20 obese adults with allocation to an 800 kcal per day or 1400 kcal per day diet indicated leptin increases more rapidly on very low calorie diets and suggests the usefulness of leptin in the management of obesity.

St Jeor ST, Perumean-Chaney S, Sigman-Grant M, Wilhams C, Foreyt J. Family-based interventions for the treatment of childhood obesity. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:640-4

This is a commentary on the role of family-based interventions for treating obesity in childhood.

Raynor HA, Kilanowski CK, Esterlis I, Epstein LH. A cost-analysis of adopting a healthful diet in a family-based obesity treatment program. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:645-50

Twenty families with an obese child aged eight to 12 years provided complete dietary intake data for a 20-week intervention. If was found that a nutrient-dense diet did not increase the cost of food and had decreased it within one year.

Public health nutrition

Cook C, Sladden K, Simmons G. Promoting nutrition and healthy lifestyle to New Zealand working men--programme description and evaluation. J N Z Diet Assoc 2002;56:30-5

A workplace program to improve intake of fruit and vegetables and decrease fat intake was conducted over a 12-month period. Comparison of the intervention workplace to a control showed some success.

Recommended dietary intakes

Barr SI, Murphy SP, Poos MI. Interpreting and using the Dietary References Intakes in dietary assessment of individual and groups. J Am Diet Assoc 2002;102:780-8

This is a useful commentary on the use of reference intakes in assessing diets of individuals and groups.

Resting metabolic rate in infants

Reichmann CA, Shepherd RW, Rock 0, Cleghom GJ, Davies PSW. Comparison of measured sleeping metabolic rate and predicted basal metabolic rate during the first year of life: evidence of a bias changing with increasing metabolic rate. Eur J Chin Nutr 2002;56:650-5

Serial measurements in 43 infants during the first year of life indicates wide variation in measured and predicted energy expenditure.

Soya beans

Kumar V, Rani A, Prakash Tiwari S. Comparative activity of trypsin inhibitor among released soybean varieties/strains in India. Ind J Nutr Diet 2002;38:437-40

The activity of trypsin inhibitor in 45 varieties of soybean are tabled in this paper.

Tea

Temme EHM, Van Hoydonck PGA. Tea consumption and iron status. Eur J Chin Nutr 2002;56:379-86

A comprehensive review of association between tea intake and iron status indicates effects are minimal for western populations.

Vitamin A

Alwin Jayakumar U, Sivan YS, Arumughan C, Sundaresan A, Jayalekshmi A, Soban Kumar DR, et al. Consumption profile of preschool children supplemented with different dosages of red palm oil, retinol palmitate and groundnut oil. Ind J Nutr Diet 2001;38:384-93

This comparison of red palm oil with retinol palmitate and a control of groundnut oil revealed red palm oil is the most acceptable and has the most benefit in preventing vitamin A deficiency and improving growth.

Vitamin A deficiency

Schmidt MK, Muslimatun S, Schultink W, West C, Hautvast JGAJ. Randomised double-blind trial of the effect of vitamin A supplementation of Indonesian pregnant women on morbidity and growth of their infants during the first year of life. Eur J Chin Nutr 2002;56:338-46

Vitamin A supplementation in conjunction with iron supplementation of pregnant Indonesian women had no appreciable positive outcomes on their infants during the first year of life.

Semba RD, Bloem MW. The anemia of vitamin A deficiency: epidemiology and pathogenesis. Eur J Chin Nutr 2002;56:271-81

A very interesting review of vitamin A deficiency as a cause of anaemia.

Vitamin B-6

Huang Y-C, Lan P-H, Cheng C-H, Lee B-J, Kan M-N. Vitamin B6 intakes and status of mechanically ventilated critically ill patients in Taiwan. Eur J Chin Nutr 2002;56:387-92

This study of 46 patients in the intensive care unit of a Taiwanese hospital showed depletion of plasma pyridoxal phosphate despite adequate vitamin B-6 intake.